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Upcoming China-Arab states cooperation forum highlights solidarity, leading relations to new stage

09:28, May 28, 2024 By Chen Qingqing ( Global Times

From Tuesday to Saturday, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Tunisia's President Kais Saied, and the United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will pay state visits to China and attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

The ministry also announced on Sunday that President Xi will attend the opening ceremony of the conference and deliver a keynote speech.

The attendance of four heads of state of Arab countries to the opening ceremony of the conference fully reflects the solidarity and cooperation between China and Arab countries, underscoring the willingness to push China-Arab relations to a new stage, a Chinese diplomat said.

Some Chinese experts said such a high-level conference would set a clear direction and enhance robust China-Arab relations, marking the forum's 20th anniversary this year as a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation. The China-Arab cooperation has been expanding to more comprehensive areas and is expected to play an active role in regional and global governance with a key focus on the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict, they noted.

Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and Mauritania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk will co-chair the conference. Foreign Ministers or representatives of the Arab states and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States will attend the conference.

The focus will be on implementing the consensus of the leaders, expanding cooperation between China and Arab countries in various fields, while accelerating the construction of a China-Arab community with a shared future, Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li told a press briefing about the conference on Monday.

Foreign Minister Wang will hold a joint press conference with the chairman of the Arab side and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and conduct bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of Arab countries and the Arab League Secretary-General, Deng said.

In past sessions of the China-Arab states cooperation forum, both sides have supported each other on their core interests, and amid intensified strategic competition among major powers, Arab countries have consistently supported China on key issues such as Taiwan question, the South China Sea, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong, Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday.

The Arab world and the Middle East also have their own concerns, including the Palestinian issue and security in the Gulf region. "These issues have started to be included within the framework of the China-Arab cooperation forum. Therefore, in the context of mutual support for each other's core interests, there is a need to strengthen cooperation in global governance, especially with the prominence of the Global South," Liu said.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have become new members of the BRICS mechanism. This development has created more opportunities for cooperation between China and the Arab world in the field of global governance, Liu noted.

The meeting plans to adopt outcome documents such as the "Beijing Declaration" and the "Forum's Action Plan for 2024-2026." These documents will further consolidate the China-Arab consensus, plan the next phase of cooperation, and jointly voice the China-Arab stance on the Palestinian issue.

"The cooperation between Arab countries and China has expanded from the past economic and trade and energy cooperation to a comprehensive cooperation, especially in the context of the fourth industrial revolution, both Arab countries and China are exploring their own paths to modernization," Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Monday.

"I believe there is a lot of room for expansion in China-Arab cooperation including in green energy, digitalization, big data, artificial intelligence and 5G," Sun said.

China and Arab countries are also partners in implementing the China-proposed Global Security Initiative, as China emphasizes partnership without alliance and mutual dependence, and those new security concepts can also play a positive role in the governance of security in the Middle East, the expert added.

At the ministerial meeting of this forum, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang and Arab foreign ministers will continue to conduct in-depth discussions on the Palestinian issue, forming a common voice between China and the Arab countries, Deng further introduced.

The goal is to end the conflict in Gaza as soon as possible, achieve peace, and urge the international community to implement the "two-state solution" with greater determination and more specific actions, ultimately achieving long-term stability in the Middle East, the senior Chinese official said.

"Regarding the Gaza conflict, there are three short-term and long-term goals that China has always insisted on," Deng said.

In the short term, we demand an immediate cease-fire and the implementation of the cease-fire resolution passed by the UN Security Council. Secondly, we must focus on alleviating the humanitarian crisis, including ensuring humanitarian aid, opposing the forced displacement of the Palestinian people, and collective punishment of the people of Gaza. Thirdly, we must prevent the spillover effect of this conflict and maintain peace and stability in the entire region, which are our short-term goals, he noted.

In the long term, the Middle East issue has not been resolved, fundamentally because the independence and statehood of Palestine have not been achieved. This historical injustice that has lasted for decades has not been corrected. The true implementation of the "two-state solution" and the resolution of the concerns of all parties through political means to achieve the goal of Palestinian independence and statehood is the fundamental solution to the Middle East issue and achieving peace and security in the region, Deng further stressed.

Only by achieving the "two-state solution" and fulfilling the historical aspirations of the Palestinian people can the region truly achieve peace. And only by achieving this goal can the security of Israel be fundamentally guaranteed, he said.

In response to whether the US has left an increasingly large vacuum in the Middle East or whether China views the region more strategically important, Deng told the press briefing that China has always believed that there is no vacuum in the Middle East, and that the people of the Middle East are the masters of the Middle East.

The issues in the Middle East should be resolved by the countries and people of the Middle East through consultation, Deng noted. "You may have noticed that China's recent diplomatic efforts in the Middle East have become more active, but our efforts to promote peace in the Middle East have never been absent."

With the recent outbreak of the Gaza conflict, the potential risks of conflict in the Middle East are rising. As a responsible major country, China believes that we have a duty to contribute to promoting peace in the Middle East and to take on the responsibility we should bear to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, Deng noted.

At this moment, the international community should all act from a standpoint of public interest and justice to do something for peace in the Middle East, he said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
KAMPALA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The UN World Food Program (WFP) on Tuesday said it is seeking about 109 million U.S. dollars to support refugee operations in Uganda through 2024.

Michael Dunford, the WFP regional director for Eastern Africa who is currently on a tour in Uganda, said the crisis in Sudan had resulted in more than 33,000 refugees crossing border into Uganda.

"Many of these refugees have lost everything. Among them are former humanitarian workers who once provided assistance to the displaced but are now in need of support themselves," Dunford said in a statement sent to the media.

"We urgently call on the humanitarian community to support WFP to respond to the Sudan crisis. New contributions are essential to ensure that we can keep providing vital assistance to those in need," the official added.

According to WFP, Uganda is already hosting 1.6 million refugees from neighboring countries, with more expected to arrive from Sudan.

"The World Food Program is providing 100 percent rations to all of the Sudanese refugees for the first three months only. But unless we get regular levels of funding, it will be very difficult to maintain that level," Dunford said after visiting a refugee settlement in western Uganda. 
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Count of green recovery Interventions in cities by CDP geographic region. Count of cities reporting each recovery intervention type (total n = 793 cities). Credit: Nature Cities (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44284-024-00052-6

Cities around the world were more likely to maintain climate action and enact "green recovery" long-term plans after the pandemic if local decision-makers were more alert to the health risks of climate change, a new global study has shown.

The health benefits of tackling climate change, such as cleaner air and more access to green spaces, were key drivers in city officials' decisions to continue with climate plans despite funding shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

Overall, the study showed that enduring and ambitious climate action during the pandemic was more common in cities in the Global South than in Europe or North America, despite greater funding challenges.

Officials in these cities were also more likely to employ successful practices such as partnering with other cities to strengthen climate action plans, or with businesses to bolster sustainability initiatives.

Study first author Dr. Tanya O'Garra, from the Center for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, and Middlesex University, said, "Nearly 60% of people live in cities worldwide, which can be economically beneficial for them, but city-dwellers are increasingly vulnerable to multiple crises caused by pandemics, conflict and climate change itself.

"City leaders often pave the way with ambitious climate action until calls to tackle these other threats can draw funds away from their climate goals. Because these major challenges are so intertwined, this leaves their populations more vulnerable to all risks.

"If we find out how city officials can maintain action in the face of such challenges, we can help large populations, especially the poorest and most vulnerable to these interconnected risks, avoid the most serious consequences of climate change."

The research, conducted by researchers in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States and the U.K., is published in the journal Nature Cities.

Driving climate action

The team analyzed survey data provided by city officials on the Carbon Disclosure Platform (CDP) from 2021, and other sources, to assess how 793 cities globally responded to the COVID-19 crisis in terms of their climate actions, funding and green recovery efforts.

While they found that in the short term, the majority of city decision-makers kept up their climate commitments, green recovery plans were set up in only 43% of cities, suggesting the remainder of the cities are not investing in longer-term climate plans.

Many previous studies of local city-based climate plans have focused on North America and Europe, but in this study 48% of the cities assessed were in the Global South. The results show that, in general, decision-makers for Global South cities have higher ambition in climate action and promoted more green recovery efforts despite facing greater funding shortfalls than cities in Europe and North America.

The team identified two broad reasons underlying city officials' commitments to climate action. The first is exposure to environmental stress: in cities where citizens experience more climate-related issues (for example, climate hazards like floods or droughts, or persistent issues like air pollution) officials are more motivated to pursue sustained climate action.

The second was early engagement with climate and sustainability: the more that city officials had already engaged in addressing climate and sustainability issues (for example, by joining climate networks, or by aligning economic development with sustainability), the more likely these issues had become embedded in city policies, processes and interactions, making them more likely to continue even under a crisis scenario.

Measuring motivations

The team are now conducting in-depth interviews with city planning and administration officials in a selection of the cities. Preliminary interviews with officials in Kochi, India, confirmed the credit for their resilience was due to many of the factors the team had identified in the data.

For example, interviewees identified the benefits of existing coordination between state and local bodies and engagement with different stakeholders in planning, including academics, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations and the public.

They noted that the pandemic also led to an increased focus on climate action in the city, which has also occurred after other natural disasters.

More information: Tanya O'Garra et al, Early engagement and co-benefits strengthen cities' climate commitments, Nature Cities (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44284-024-00052-6 Journal information: Nature Cities
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The grey squirrel from North America is currently spreading in Europe and displacing the Eurasian red squirrel. Credit: Tim M. Blackburn

The introduction of animal and plant species into new regions by humans is increasing rapidly worldwide. Some of these alien species, such as the gray squirrel, have a far-reaching impact on nature as they displace native species.

An international research team led by Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) and SenckenbergLeibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research, Germany, has now discovered that there are significantly fewer alien species in areas of Indigenous Peoples than in other comparable natural areas. The study was published in the journal Nature Sustainability.

Thousands of plant and animal species are now resident in regions outside their native range because they have been introduced by humans.

"Some alien species become a problem for native speciesas predators, competitors for food and habitat or carriers of diseases," explains biodiversity researcher and lead author of the study Dr. Hanno Seebens from University of Giessen, Germany.

The researchers investigated whether fewer alien species are found in areas managed by Indigenous Peoples compared to other regions. Indigenous Peoples represent ethnic groups, which settled in these regions long before the arrival of Europeansfor example, the Native Americans, the Aborigines of Australia or the Sami in Scandinavia.

Worldwide, 28% of the land surface is inhabited by Indigenous Peoples, with the majority of these areas located in remote regions of the world. Many of these areas are of enormous importance for the conservation of biodiversity, as they are often located in biodiversity hotspots such as the Amazon basin or wilderness areas in the Arctic.

"In areas managed by Indigenous populations, the loss of biodiversity is significantly lower, as these natural areas are used more sustainably," says Dr. Aidin Niamir, co-author of the study from the SenckenbergLeibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research in Frankfurt.

The researchers analyzed millions of data points on the distribution of alien plant and animal species. "The results were very clear," says Niamir. "In areas of Indigenous Peoples, we found a third fewer alien species than in comparable areas." The researchers attribute this enormous difference primarily to more sustainable land use, a higher proportion of forests and a lower accessibility for humans.

"The results show that sustainable land use makes a huge contribution to preventing the spread of alien species," says Seebens.

"Indigenous Peoples usually use their lands traditionally and sustainably. Our study makes it clear that protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples is also essential for the protection of biodiversityfor example, in areas such as the Amazon region or in Southeast Asia, where the overexploitation of forests is a massive problem."

More information: Hanno Seebens et al, Biological invasions on Indigenous peoples' lands, Nature Sustainability (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01361-3 Journal information: Nature Sustainability
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Flooded land in Bangaldesh near Patuakhali. Cyclone Remal, which made landfall in low-lying Bangladesh and neighbouring India on Sunday evening, killed at least 38 people in both nations -- and impacted millions more.

Bangladesh forest experts warned Tuesday a key tiger habitat hit by a deadly cyclone had been submerged by seawater deeper and longer than ever before, raising fears for endangered wildlife.

Cyclone Remal, which made landfall in low-lying Bangladesh and neighboring India on Sunday evening, killed at least 38 people in both nations and affected millions more.

More than a million people fled inland to concrete storm shelters before the cyclone hit.

But it was the vast Sundarbans mangrove forest straddling Bangladesh and Indiawhere the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers meet the seathat took the brunt of the force.

The forest, which hosts one of the world's largest populations of Bengal tigers, was swamped, said Mihir Kumar Doe, the head of Bangladesh's southern forest department.

"The entire Sundarbans was under water for more than 36 hours during the cyclone," Doe told AFP.

"All its freshwater ponds, numbering more than 100, were washed away by saline tidal water."

At least 114 Bengal tigers live in Bangladesh's portion of the Sundarbans, according to official figures.

Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain, Bangladesh's senior forest official for the Sundarbans, had said he feared for the wildlife if the freshwater lakes were tainted.

"We are worried," said Hossain. "These ponds were the source of fresh water for the entire wildlife in the mangrovesincluding the endangered Bengal tigers."

Map showing the path of Cyclone Remal.

'Tigers can climb trees'

The Sundarbans, the world's biggest mangrove forest, is regularly battered by intense monsoon storms.

But Azizur Rahman, director of the state-run Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said the cyclone was "one of longest in the country's history", blaming climate change for the shift.

Doe said his teams had recovered dozens of dead spotted deer, as well as boars, the tigers' main prey.

"We are very concerned over the wild animals including tigers," Doe said.

"The Sundarbans is such a dynamic ecosystem, it is tough to know whether any tigers or wild animals were washed away or died."

Mangroves grow mainly in seawater or brackish water but Doe said the flooding was on a scale he had not witnessed before.

"This 36-hour inundation is very unusual," he said, noting that it was three times longer than during Cyclone Sidr in 2007.

During the latest cyclone, areas nearer the sea were three meters (10 feet) underwater, while areas further upstream were under 1.2-1.5 meters (4-5 feet) of water.

"Even during low tide, the water did not recede," Doe said. "This is very unusual."

Tiger expert Monirul Khan, zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University, said he feared smaller animals such as deer would be hardest hit.

"I fear for the animals who are less strong such as spotted deer," he said.

"Spotted deer are helpless to strong tides during cyclones or longer inundation of the forest. But Bengal tigers can climb trees."

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Women in leadership are often told to "Lean In," designed to be motivational messaging demonstrating that they are more confident, strategic and resilient to setback. However, new research indicates that such "lean in" messaging can hinder women's motivation to protest gender equality.

Popularized in a book by American technology executive Sherly Sandberg, the "Lean In" solution to gender inequality advises women that demonstrating personal resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks is key to career advancement.

Now, a new study led by the University of Exeter, Bath Spa University and the Australian National University has found that while such messages may provide inspiration for some, they can also reduce women's likelihood to protest gender discrimination. This effect could actually be hindering gender equality progress.

Published in Psychology of Women Quarterly, the study involved four experiments, Researchers examined women's motivation to protest gender inequality after exposure to "Lean In" messages promoting individual resilience.

All the experiments were in the UK and involved more than 1,100 women who were either undergraduate students or employed women with university degrees. Women read about gender inequality, and then either read about resilience as key to promoting advancement (in line with "lean in" messaging), or participated in activities to build their own resilience by learning how to set flexible goals and maintain confidence.

The research found:

In three of four experiments, women in "Lean In" conditions were less willing to be part of protest action over gender inequality compared to those in a control condition who were not exposed to "Lean In" messages.

In two of the experiments, this effect occurred because women in "Lean In" conditions were less likely to believe that gender discrimination would affect their career prospects.

In one, this effect occurred because women in "Lean In" conditions also felt less angry about ongoing gender inequality.

Authors say the findings of this research highlight an unintended consequence of "Lean In" messages and related individual resilience training for women that is offered as a remedy for gender inequality in the workplacethat it can undermine women's recognition of, and willingness to protest about, the root causes of gender inequality: discrimination.

Lead author, Dr. Renata Bongiorno, who conducted the studies while at the University of Exeter and is now Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Bath Spa University, said, "The popularity of the 'Lean In' movement speaks to the challenges women continue to face due to gender discrimination in the workplace.

"Women are understandably looking for ways to advance their careers despite the disproportionate setbacks they continue to experience compared to men.

"While the 'Lean In' solution offered by Sheryl Sandberg can feel empowering, a lack of individual resilience or perseverance is not the cause of women's poorer career progress.

"The messages lead to women assuming that gender discrimination will be less of a barrier to their career advancement. This false belief is concerning for progress because it is reducing women's willingness to protest the real causes of gender inequality.

"Progress and gains for women have historically been achieved through collective protest over gender discriminatory practices and policies, including pregnancy discrimination, a lack of affordable childcare, and workplace sexual harassment.

"Finding ways to effectively challenge these ongoing barriers should be a focus for feminism because they are the real causes of gender inequality in career outcomes."

More information: Renata Bongiorno et al, Neoliberal Feminism and Women's Protest Motivation, Psychology of Women Quarterly (2024). DOI: 10.1177/03616843241238176 Journal information: Psychology of Women Quarterly
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have updated their guidelines on when to neuter 40 popular dog varieties by breed and sex. Their recent paper in Frontiers in Veterinary Science adds five breeds to a line of research that began in 2013 with a study that suggested that early neutering of golden retrievers puts them at increased risk of joint diseases and certain cancers.

That initial study set off a flurry of debate about the best age to neuter other popular breeds. Professors Lynette and Benjamin Hart of the School of Veterinary Medicine, the study's lead authors, set out to add more breed studies by examining more than a decade of data from thousands of dogs treated at the UC Davis veterinary hospital. Their goal was to provide owners with more information to make the best decision for their animals.

They specifically looked at the correlation between neutering or spaying a dog before 1 year of age and a dog's risk of developing certain cancers. These include cancers of the lymph nodes, bones, blood vessels or mast cell tumors for some breeds; and joint disorders such as hip or elbow dysplasia, or cranial cruciate ligament tears.

Joint disorders and cancers are of particular interest because neutering removes male and female sex hormones that play key roles in important body processes such as closure of bone growth plates.

For the most recent study, they focused on German short/wirehaired pointer, mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian ridgeback and Siberian husky. Data was collected from the UC Davis veterinary hospital's records that included more than 200 cases for each of these five breeds weighing more than 20 kg (or 44 pounds), spanning January 2000 through December 2020.

The Harts said their updated guidelines emphasize the importance of personalized decisions regarding the neutering of dogs, considering the dog's breed, sex and context. A table representing guidelines reflecting the research findings for all 40 breeds that have been studied, including the five new breeds, can be found here.

Health risks different among breeds

"It's always complicated to consider an alternate paradigm," said Professor Lynette Hart. "This is a shift from a long-standing model of early spay/neuter practices in the U.S. and much of Europe to neuter by 6 months of age, but important to consider as we see the connections between gonadal hormone withdrawal from early spay/neuter and potential health concerns."

The study found major differences among these breeds for developing joint disorders and cancers when neutered early. Male and female pointer breeds had elevated joint disorders and increased cancers; male mastiff breeds had increased cranial cruciate ligament tears and lymphoma; female Newfoundland breeds had heightened risks for joint disorders; female Ridgeback breeds had heightened risks for mast cell tumors with very early neutering; and Siberian huskies showed no significant effects on joint disorders or cancers.

"We're invested in making contributions to people's relationship with their animals," said Benjamin Hart, distinguished professor emeritus. "This guidance provides information and options for veterinarians to give pet owners, who should have the final decision-making role for the health and well-being of their animal."

Other researchers on this UC Davis study include: Abigail Thigpen, Maya Lee, Miya Babchuk, Jenna Lee, Megan Ho, Sara Clarkson and Juliann Chou with the School of Veterinary Medicine; and Neil Willits with the Department of Statistics.

More information: Lynette Arnason Hart et al, Assisting decision-making on age of neutering for German Short/Wirehaired Pointer, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Siberian Husky: associated joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence, Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1322276
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Spix's macaws soar over a breeding facility project in their native habitat in a rural area of Curaca, Bahia state, Brazil, Tuesday, March 12, 2024. There are approximately 360 critically endangered Spix's macaws in captivity worldwide and very few are living in the wild in Brazil. Credit: AP Photo/Andre Penner

All Spix's macaws are majestically blue in the blazing sun of Brazil's Northeast, but each bird is distinct to Candice and Cromwell Purchase. As the parrots soar squawking past their home, the couple can readily identify bird No. 17 by its smooth feathers and can tell No. 16 from No. 22, which has two beads attached to its radio collar.

This familiarity offers a glimpse of the South African couple's commitment to saving one of the world's most critically endangered species. The parrotendemic to a small fraction of the Sao Francisco River basin and already rare in the 19th centurywas declared extinct in the wild in 2000, when a lonely surviving male disappeared following decades of poaching and habitat destruction from livestock overgrazing. The few remaining birds were scattered in private collections around the world.

For the Spix's macaws, immortalized in the popular animated "Rio" films, the road back from the edge of extinction has been a long, winding and bumpy one.

Threats that had devastated the Spix's macaws still loom, and the birds now face another menace: climate change. The species' original territory overlaps what has recently been officially designated Brazil's first arid climate region.

The drier conditions worry Cromwell Purchase because of their potential impact on habitat for the few surviving Spix's macaws.

"A dry area only gets rain for a very short period of the year. A drought in that period might go an entire year before you're going to get your next rain," said Purchase, a tall and slim 46-year-old. "The animals are adapted to harsh environments, but they are on the edge. Any small increment of change will decimate populations."

Spix's macaws perform their mating rituals on tree branches in a breeding facility project in their native habitat in a rural area of Curaca, Bahia state, Brazil, Monday, March 11, 2024. A South African couple is reintroducing the Spixs macaw to nature through breeding and reintroduction efforts. Despite challenges such as habitat loss, climate change and government disagreements, they are working with local communities to return the bird to its native habitat. Credit: AP Photo/Andre Penner

In November, two federal research institutes released a study of rainfall water loss in plants and soil between 1960 and 2020. It showed that northern Bahia state, including Curaca, where the Spix's macaws are trying to survive, is now consistent with a desert area. It also identified the expansion of semi-arid climate in the Northeast, where nearly 55 million people live.

"If the planet is warmer, there will be much greater evaporation. So, the water leaves the environment and generates aridity," the director of Brazil's anti-desertification efforts, Alexandre Pires, told The Associated Press.

Since 2005, semi-arid area in Brazil has expanded by 300,00 square kilometers (116,000 square miles) and is now roughly the size of three Californias. The government is set to announce measures to avoid desertification by promoting better management of soil and other natural resources in the region.

In the face of the changing climate and numerous challenges, at every turn the Purchases have dedicated the better part of their adult lives to breeding Spix's macaws and reintroducing them into nature. The journey first took the biologists to work with a private collection on an oasis in Qatar. When the birds were transferred to a nonprofit organization, the couple moved with them to Germany.

Over the past four years, their efforts have been centered in the rural area of Curaca, a nondescript town of 34,000 people.

Spix's macaws soar over a breeding facility project in their native habitat in a rural area of Curaca, Bahia state, Brazil, Tuesday, March 12, 2024. A South African couple is reintroducing the Spixs macaw to nature through breeding and reintroduction efforts. Despite challenges such as habitat loss, climate change and government disagreements, they are working with local communities to return the bird to its native habitat. Credit: AP Photo/Andre Penner

Under an agreement between the Brazilian government and the German nonprofit Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots, 52 Spix's macaws were sent in 2020 to Brazil on two charter flights. Federal police escorted them to breeding and reintroduction facilities accessible by a 1-hour drive on a rough dirt road, where the Purchases live and work for the nonprofit.

Two years later, 20 Spix's macaws were released in the wild, along with 15 wild-sourced Blue-Winged macaws, whose purpose was to "teach" them how to fly, avoid risks and forage. Last year, two Spix's macaw chicks were born in freedomthe first ones in decades but they didn't survive.

All released birds were equipped with radio collars designed to resist macaws' strong bills. Each collar has an antenna. The Purchases and their assistant check the birds' locations three times a day.

Half of the Spix's macaws have died, mostly from predation, or disappeared. Now, the remaining ones live within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of the facilities, a compound that includes the couple's house and a U-shaped flight-and-release cage that's 47 meters (51 yards) long.

In March, three more of the light pale blue chicks were born in the wild. Not only did they survive, but one of them also flew for the first time last week, a major breakthrough.

The Spix's macaws breeding facility is visible in a rural area of Curaca, Bahia state, Brazil, Tuesday, March 12, 2024. A South African couple is reintroducing the Spixs macaw to nature through breeding and reintroduction efforts. Despite challenges such as habitat loss, climate change and government disagreements, they are working with local communities to return the bird to its native habitat. Credit: AP Photo/Andre Penner

"This event is so important as it shows how comfortable the parents are in their wild environment," Candice Purchase said in a text message. "A remarkable achievement for the birds and an incredible success for the release."

To mitigate the impacts of desertification, the German parrot nonprofit partnered with a private company, Blue Sky Caatinga, to promote reforestation of 24,000 hectares (59,300 acres) in the territory of Spix's macaw. This initiative involves engaging small farmers who heavily depend on goat raising.

Unlike depictions in the animated films "Rio" and "Rio 2," which brought attention to the Spix's macaw extinction threat, the parrot's natural habitat is far from Brazil's most famous city, Rio de Janeiro, and the Amazon rainforest. It lives among the sparse, thorny, low caatinga vegetation that often loses greenery during dry periods. And the bird uses the Caraibeira, a towering evergreen tree that grows near small intermittent creeks, for nesting and food. During breeding season, the trees allow the pairs to conserve energy and avoid flying long distances to feed.

When the macaws first arrived from Germany, they were offered various foods from the wild. "We found that it took a while for the birds to recognize them as food," Purchase said. "But the Caraibeira tree produces a seed pod, almost like helicopter seeds. The Spix's had never seen anything like it before. We put those in the cages and some picked them up and immediately knew how to open them and eat the kernel inside, which was totally remarkable and took us by surprise."

The project also faces challenges outside the natural world. On May 15, the federal government informed the nonprofit that it would terminate the agreement, which expires on June 5. In a statement to the AP, Brazil's federal environmental agency said it discovered that, in 2023, the nonprofit transferred Spix's macaws from its center in Germany to other countries without its consent. The agreement will not be renewed until the situation is clarified, but the government said the nonprofit can continue its reintroduction work. The project's funding comes from international donors.

A 21-day-old Spix's macaw chick is carried in a basket into its incubator at a breeding facility project in its native habitat in a rural area of Curaca, Bahia state, Brazil, Monday, March 11, 2024. A South African couple is reintroducing the Spixs macaw to nature through breeding and reintroduction efforts. Credit: AP Photo/Andre Penner

The strained relations have put a pause on plans to release 20 parrots per year over 20 years. "No release in 2023 and now looking like a 2024 release is unlikely. It would be a shame for the project to fail because of government politics," Purchase said.

There are approximately 360 Spix's macaws in captivity worldwide, with 46 in Curaca.

Despite the hurdles, many residents of Curaca, even if they never have never seen a Spix's macaw, expect them to soon return to flying over the region and not just be seen in countless paintings that made the parrot part of the city's identity.

"The project is already a success. They are free," said Maria de Lourdes Oliveira, whose family leased part of their land for reforestation. "The most difficult thing was to arrive in Brazil. I cried when I saw them going to freedom and flapping their wings."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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A study published in Contemporary Economic Policy reveals significant benefits gained from the first implementation of the state-run retirement savings program in Oregon, known as OregonSaves, in 2017.

OregonSaves is available to Oregon workers whose employers do not offer a workplace retirement plan, self-employed individuals, and others. Businesses that do not offer retirement plans are required to automatically enroll employees, but workers can opt out at any time.

The analysis found that the program substantially boosted retirement savings among previously uncovered private workers. Investigators also found a 12% increase in Individual Retirement Account ownership among Oregon workers after the program's roll-out.

Of particular note, there were considerable gains for lower-income, single, older workers, as well as workers of very small-size firms who previously lacked retirement savings plans.

"State-mandated retirement savings policies are an effective tool to narrow savings gaps, especially among low-income workers," said corresponding author Ngoc Dao, Ph.D., of Kean University. "The Oregon model proves significant public policy gain in boosting savings for retirement among workers who lack access to workplace retirement savings plans."

More information: Ngoc Dao, Does a requirement to offer retirement plans help lowincome workers save for retirement? Early evidence from the OregonSaves program, Contemporary Economic Policy (2024). DOI: 10.1111/coep.12648 Journal information: Contemporary Economic Policy

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As the planet has warmed, scientists have long been concerned about the potential for harmful greenhouse gases to seep out of thawing Arctic permafrost. Recent estimates suggest that by 2100 the amount of carbon dioxide and methane released from these perpetually frozen lands could be on par with emissions from large industrial countries. However, new research led by a team of Colorado State University microbiome scientists suggests those estimates might be too low.

Microorganisms are responsible for the process that will generate greenhouse gases from thawing northern peatlands, which contain about 50% of the world's soil carbon. For now, many of the microbes in this environment are frozen and inactive.

But as the land thaws, the microbes will "wake up" and begin to churn through carbon in the ground. This natural process, known as microbial respiration, is what produces the carbon dioxide and methane emissions forecasted by climate modelers.

Currently, these models assume that this community of microorganismsknown as a microbiomewill break down some types of carbon but not others. But the CSU-led work published this week in the journal Nature Microbiology provides new insight into how these microbes will behave once activated. The research demonstrates that the soil microbes embedded in the permafrost will go after a class of compounds previously thought to be untouchable under certain conditions: polyphenols.

"There were these pools of carbonsay, donuts, pizza and chipsand we were comfortable with the idea that microbes were going to use this stuff," said Bridget McGivern, a CSU postdoctoral researcher and the paper's first author.

"But then there was this other stuff, spicy food; we didn't think the organisms liked spicy food. But what our work is showing is that actually there are organisms that are eating it, and so it's not going to just stay as carbon, it's going to be broken down."

More carbon being broken down by microbial respiration will produce additional greenhouse gas emissions. But this new finding has other implications, too. Some scientists had previously theorized that adding polyphenols to the thawing Arctic permafrost could potentially "turn off" these microorganisms altogether, effectively trapping a massive cache of potentially problematic carbon in the ground. The concept is known as the enzyme latch theory.

That no longer appears to be a viable option, said Kelly Wrighton, associate professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences' Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, whose lab led the work.

"Not only did we think these microbes didn't eat polyphenols," Wrighton said, "we thought that if the polyphenols were there it was like they were toxic and would lock the microbes into inactivity."

The soil microbiome has often been considered something of a black box due to its complexity. Wrighton hopes this new information about the role of polyphenols in permafrost helps shift that perception.

"I'd like to move past these black box assumptions," she said. "We can't engineer solutions if we don't understand the underlying wiring and plumbing of a system."

Probing the permafrost in Sweden

Unlocking the relationship between soil microbes and polyphenols has been years in the making for McGivern, who began examining this topic while working on her doctoral degree in Wrighton's lab in 2017.

McGivern started with a simple question. Scientists presumed that without oxygen, soil microbes could not break down polyphenols. Gut microbes, however, don't need oxygen to churn up the compoundthat's how humans extract healthy antioxidant benefits from polyphenol-rich substances such as chocolate and red wine.

McGivern wondered why the process would be different in soils, a question that is particularly relevant to permafrost or waterlogged lands that contain little or no oxygen.

"The motivation for a lot of my Ph.D. was how could these two things exist?" McGivern said. "Organisms in our gut can breakdown polyphenols but organisms in the soil can't? The reality was that nobody in soils had really ever looked at it."

McGivern and Wrighton successfully tested the theory in a lab experiment and published a proof of concept study in 2021. The next step was testing it in the field. The team gained access to core samples from a research site in northern Sweden, a place that scientists have used for years to examine questions related to permafrost and the soil microbiome.

But before McGivern could look for evidence of polyphenol degradation in the core samples, she first had to create a database of gene sequences that corresponded to polyphenol metabolism. McGivern mined thousands of pages of existing scientific literature, cataloging the enzymes in cattle, the human gut, and some soils that were known to be responsible for the process.

Once she built the database, McGivern compared the results to the gene sequences expressed by the microbes in the core samples. Sure enough, she said, polyphenol metabolism was happening.

"What we found was that genes across 58 different polyphenol pathways were expressed," McGivern said. "So, we're saying not only can the microorganisms potentially do it, but they actually are, in the field, expressing the genes for this metabolism."

Still, more work is needed, McGivern said. They don't know what might constrain the process or the rates at which the metabolism is happeningboth important factors for eventually quantifying the amount of additional greenhouse gas emissions that could be released from permafrost.

"The whole point of this is to build a better predictive understanding so that we have a framework we can actually manipulate," Wrighton said. "The climate crisis we're facing is so fast. But can we model it? Can we predict it? The only way we're going to get there is to actually understand how something works."

More information: Bridget McGivern et al, A cache of polyphenol metabolisms discovered in peatland microbiomes, Nature Microbiology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01691-0 Journal information: Nature Microbiology
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(a) A series of 15-THz beam profiles captured at various positions along the propagation when focused by a concave metallic mirror. The spot size is as small as 43 micrometers in a full width at half maximum at the focus. (b) Plasma florescence emitted from a solid target, irradiated by an intense terahertz pulse, and captured by a camera. (c) Microscope image of a semiconductor surface damaged by an ionizing terahertz pulse. Credit: Hyeongmun Kim et al

Terahertz waves, known as non-ionizing radiation, can turn into ionization radiation when sufficiently many terahertz photons are focused in space and time. A team led by scientists in Korea and the U.S. has created the world's most intense terahertz pulses that can instantaneously ionize atoms and molecules and convert them into plasma.

The study, published in Light: Science & Applications, discusses terahertz-driven tunneling ionization, which will pave the way to extreme nonlinear and relativistic terahertz physics in plasmas.

Lying between the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, the terahertz (1 THz = 10 Hz) gap is being rapidly closed by development of new terahertz sources and detectors, with promising applications in spectroscopy, imaging, sensing, and communication.

These applications greatly benefit from terahertz sources delivering high-energy or high-average-power radiation. On the other hand, high-intensity or strong-field terahertz sources are essential to observe or exploit novel nonlinear terahertz-matter interactions, where the electric and/or magnetic field strengths play a key role.

The team of scientists, led by Dr. Chul Kang from Advanced Photonics Research Institute, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Korea, and Professor Ki-Yong Kim from Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, U.S., has created the world's strongest terahertz fields of 260 megavolts per centimeter (MV/cm) or equivalent peak intensity of 9 x 10 watts per square centimeter (W/cm).

This peak field strength or intensity is the highest value achieved so far at terahertz frequencies (0.1~20 THz), including all types of terahertz sources utilizing lasers, free electron lasers, accelerators, and vacuum electronics.

To produce high-energy terahertz pulses, the scientists used a 150-terawatt-class Ti:sapphire laser to convert optical energy into terahertz radiation (so-called optical rectification) in lithium niobate (LiNbO), a crystal that exhibits strong nonlinearities and high damage thresholds. In particular, they used a large-diameter (75 mm) lithium niobate wafer, also doped with 5% magnesium oxide (MgO), to produce energy-up-scalable terahertz radiation.

For efficient conversion from optical to terahertz radiation, another important factor must be considered: phase (or velocity) matching. The scientists explained, "If the optical laser pulse that generates terahertz radiation propagates at the same velocity with the generated terahertz waves in lithium niobate, then the output terahertz energy can continuously grow with the propagation distance.

"Conventionally, a tilted pulse front method is used to satisfy phase matching in a prism-shaped lithium niobate. This method, however, produces mostly low-frequency terahertz radiation, typically peaked at less than 1 THz, which naturally leads to relatively large focal spot sizes (~mm), consequently limiting the peak terahertz field strength at the focus."

The team previously found a new phase matching condition in lithium niobate, which does not require any pulse front tilting. They noted, "The velocity of terahertz waves is generally frequency-dependent and varies so large between two phonon resonance frequencies that there exists a frequency at which both terahertz and laser pulses propagate at the same velocity.

"This occurs at approximately 15 THz for Ti:sapphire laser pulses having a central wavelength of 800 nm. This phase matching made it possible to produce millijoule-level terahertz waves. Moreover, the resulting 15-THz radiation can be tightly focused, potentially producing strong electromagnetic fields at the focus."

The scientists have carefully determined the peak electric and magnetic field strengths, 260  20 MV/cm and 87  7 T at the focus, by separately measuring the terahertz energy, focal spot size, and pulse duration.

"Such an intense terahertz pulse, when focused into a gaseous or solid medium, can tunnel ionize the constituent atoms or molecules, and convert the medium into a plasma. As proof of principle, we have demonstrated terahertz-driven ionization of various solid targets including metals, semiconductors, and polymers," they emphasized.

"Our terahertz source uses a planar lithium niobate crystal and is promising for scaling up the output energy and field strength even further. This can generate super-strong (~GV/cm) terahertz fields," they added.

The scientists believe that their research will open up new opportunities to not only study nonlinear effects in terahertz-produced plasmas but also utilize terahertz-driven ponderomotive forces for various applications including multi-keV terahertz harmonic generation and even studying relativistic effects by terahertz-accelerated electrons.

More information: Hyeongmun Kim et al, Ionizing terahertz waves with 260 MV/cm from scalable optical rectification, Light: Science & Applications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41377-024-01462-w Journal information: Light: Science & Applications
A high-level delegation of Korean mission leaders spoke at the European Leadership Forum (ELF) 2024 in Wisla, Poland held from May 25-30, about their desire to see dialogue and collaboration between Korean missionaries and the local churches in Europe.

Leading a session titled How Can the European Church and the Korean Church Work Together?, three Korean leaders shared about principles and some initial recommendations how the 2,000 Korean missionaries serving in Europe and the European Church could better cooperate for the renewal of the church and evangelization of Europe.

The delegation included Dr. Dae heaung (Jonas) Kang, General Secretary of the Korea World Missions Association (KWMA) and Head Chair of the Asia Missions Association, Rev. Choong-hee Hahn, Executive Director of TIM (Tyrannus International Mission) and Associate Pastor in Onnuri Church in Korea, and Rev. Sung Choon Lee who has served as a missionary and pastor in Frankfurt, Germany for over 23 years. Lindsay Brown, who served with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) for many years and formerly led the Lausanne Movement as International Director, facilitated the session on behalf of the ELF.

Dr. Kang first introduced the work of KWMA, an association that brings together a wide range of more than one hundred mission organizations and agencies, conducts mission research and provides resources and training to Korean missionaries overseas. As the second-largest missionary sending force today after the United States, there are currently an estimated 22,000-35,000 missionaries sent out by Korean churches who are serving in every region of the world.

While the vast majority of Korean missionaries serve in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, there are approximately two thousand missionaries that have been dispatched to countries across Europe, a continent where Christianity has seen significant decline in numbers in recent decades.

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Dr. Kang expressed the desire of KWMA to engage in dialogue with European church leaders to strengthen the collaboration between Korean missionaries and European denominations and churches, seeking to foster the integration of missionaries into existing local church contexts.

He recommended to explore several potential areas of collaboration, such as prayer initiatives, sharing of resources, serving diaspora communities and refugees, among several others. He gave examples from the United States and the United Kingdom where Korean missionaries would lead prayer initiatives together with native churches to rekindle the fire for the gospel.

He pointed to an article titled Reverse missionaries: how the migrant Church is shaping European Christianity by the Evangelical Alliance of the United Kingdom (EAUK) that reported about one such prayer initiative at that time.

This Prayer Mission has created a very powerful prophetic picture of the global Church uniting with the British Church for the reviving of Christianity across these isles. This is not the end for what God wants to do, but the start as the legacy of the Korean visitors is being lived out in the 30 towns and regions they have visited, the EAUK quoted Pastor Jonathan Oloyede, convenor of the UK National Day of Prayer, as saying.

Following Dr. Kangs address, Rev. Hahn spoke about the gratitude of the Korean believers to the churches in the West for bringing the gospel to their nation many years ago. He shared that the Korean Church was built on the foundation of sacrifice of Western missionaries from the United States and European countries who came to Korea. They laid down their lives to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a nation far away from their homes. In the early 20th century, the country experienced unprecedented revival centered around Pyongyang, todays capital of North Korea, which was then called the Jerusalem of the East.

Nowadays, the global Church landscape has changed significantly, however, with missions no longer led by the Western countries to the rest of the world. Instead, the Global South has increasingly started to dispatch missionaries, which led to a new era of polycentric mission with missions going from everywhere to everywhere. The large number of Korean missionaries today is an example of this shift that has taken place over the last century.

Regarding the relationship of Korean missionaries and European churches, Rev. Hahn echoed the recommendations by Dr. Kang and expressed that he hopes the upcoming Lausanne Movement's Global Gathering in Seoul, Korea in September would offer an opportunity for further dialogue. He also shared that Korean churches would welcome joint prayer for the reunification of Korea, as Christians continue to suffer under oppression in the North.

The third Korean speaker was Rev. Lee who talked about his personal experience in Europe, sharing his testimony of serving in Germany for more than two decades. He expressed the Korean missionaries deep desire to serve the country they are dispatched to.

While many first-generation missionaries struggle with language and cultural adaptation, he said he has great hope for the second generation that grows up in the local context and can serve as pastors who are fully fluent in the national language bringing strength to the local churches and communities.

Lindsay Brown concluded the session with prayer and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Korean delegation for coming all the way from Korea to begin these important conversations. As a next step, he emphasized the need to convene a group of key European leaders who could engage in strategic dialogue with the Korean leaders.

A potential outcome of these follow up discussions could be a joint statement that outlines principles of collaboration between Korean missionaries and European churches, which could then serve as the basis for practical recommendations.
The attorney representing Atlantic City High School Principal Constance Days-Chapman on charges of official misconduct believes the case will eventually be thrown out due to a lack of evidence.

I dont believe this is official misconduct, attorney Lee Vartan said. Even assuming everything happened that they say happened, our position in this is why might they then not be able to prosecute every Board of Education rule violation under an official misconduct theory? It allows for the Prosecutors Office to choose who they want to prosecute in order to leverage that person to go up the chain. Its very clear to me she is colleterial damage in all of this because if it wasnt for her relationship with the mayor and superintendent, she wouldnt be in this position.

Days-Chapman appeared in front of Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury on Tuesday for a pre-indictment conference. This was her first court hearing since she was charged March 28 with official misconduct, hindering apprehension of another, obstruction of justice and failure to report child abuse.

The purpose of the hearing was to see whether the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office could resolve the case without going to a grand jury. A plea deal was not offered during the hearing, and Vartan said he and his client are not interested in one.

Were not taking any plea deal and have no intention to enter a plea, Vartan said.

DeLury scheduled another hearing for July 11, but Vartan described the date as a placeholder and said Days-Chapman will likely not appear for it, claiming the Prosecutors Office has sent them little information and it wouldnt be worth it to come back.

Its a second bite at the apple if we want it, Vartan said. We dont have any pre-indictment discovery from the Prosecutors Office, and it doesnt appear they are going to provide it to us. Right now, were operating on a quarter of information. If there is more information provided by the Prosecutors Office within the next month, maybe it will be worth coming down here. If not, I think were going to be in the same position were in now and it will go to a grand jury at some point.

Earlier this year, the teenage daughter of Mayor Marty Small Sr. and Superintendent LaQuetta Small told school officials she was being physically and mentally abused at home, according to a court document.

Atlantic City principal's pre-indictment conference rescheduled for May 28 The pre-indictment conference for the Atlantic City High School principal accused of failing to report child abuse has been rescheduled to May 28.

The claim set off an investigation that saw Days-Chapman charged with failing to report the alleged abuse and the Smalls charged with endangering the welfare of a child over allegations they assaulted their teenage daughter.

According to prosecutors, a staff member informed Days-Chapman about the daughters abuse claim. Days-Chapman said she would report the issue to the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

Days-Chapman then allegedly met with the girls parents at their home and informed them the student had told staff about the abuse, authorities have said.

But it was later determined that Days-Chapman failed to report the abuse, as required by law and school district policy, according to the Prosecutors Office.

Court documents allege Days-Chapman didnt report the incident to protect the girls parents from being investigated.

Days-Chapman has since been replaced as principal by the districts secondary education director, Donald Harris. Vartan said he may look at options to have his client reinstated ahead of the next school year.

She is on leave with pay, and that is something we might challenge, Vartan said. We havent made a decision about that right now. At this point, its the end of the school year, so there isnt really much to challenge. If were still in the same position in September, well look at getting her back to her school.

Days-Chapman also headed up Mayor Smalls reelection campaign in 2021 and is the president of the citys Democratic Committee, but she was asked to take a leave of absence from that position pending the outcome of her case.

Atlantic City Education Association president praises Superintendent La'Quetta Small amid child abuse allegations While the city's Board of Education continued to remain quiet about the charges against schools Superintendent La'Quetta Small, the president of the city's education association praised her Tuesday for the job shes been doing more than a month after she was accused of abusing her teenage daughter.

She faces five to 10 years in prison if convicted, Vartan said.

The Smalls waived their first appearance May 15 and are due back in court June 17 for a pre-indictment conference.
OCEAN CITY  Air Force Capt. Ralph Galati served with the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron when he had to eject over North Vietnam in February 1972. He spent the next 406 days in captivity.

He gave his captors everything he was obligated to give them, Mike Morrisey, commander of VFW Post 6650, said Monday morning when introducing Galati as the keynote speaker at the citys Memorial Day observance at Veterans Park.

He gave them his name, rank and serial number, and nothing else, Morrisey said, describing Galati as a great American hero.

I have some relatives here who would dispute everything he just told you, Galati said. He said it was a solemn occasion, but he began with some levity, including some good-natured teasing for the other branches of the service, promising to speak slowly for the Navy vets and not to use any big words for the Marines.

Unruly weekend brings new concerns to Ocean City, Wildwood and other shore towns Despite serious problems with juveniles in beach communities, businesses and local officials say the turnout for Memorial Day weekend marks a solid start for the summer of 2024.

Hundreds of veterans, visitors and residents turned out for the event, which took place at the outdoor memorial after heavy morning rain let up. Those gathered filled the seats and bleachers, spilling out onto Wesley Avenue, where police had blocked traffic for the event, and where firefighters and police officers stood at attention during the service, one of multiple events marking the day.

It is not Veterans Day or Armed Forces Day, Galati told the crowd, not a day to honor those who served and came home, but rather to remember those who did not make it back. In his remarks, he said his heroism pales against those who had been POWs longer, and honored the Gold Star families in attendance, referring to those who have lost a family member who died in action in the American armed forces, describing their sacrifice as immeasurable.

The event also included the reading of the names of all Ocean City residents who died in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts. At several points, participants honored those missing in action and those who have been prisoners of war.

John Kocher with American Legion Post 524 and Ron Williams with the VFW placed a wreath at the citys war memorial. Boy Scout Troop 32 also participated, and Natalie Ragazzo sang The Star-Spangled Banner.
Tom Loewy, a fellow reporter and Quad-Cities food lover in the newsroom, has been talking about Luebbe's Bar and Grill for as long as I've known him.

On Friday, with the summer weather rolling in and the wild storms rolling out, I wanted to venture into the rural outskirts of the Quad-Cities for lunch. I hadn't got out of the city for a meal in a minute, so it felt overdue.

As I often do, I asked around the newsroom for advice and potential lunch partners. As he often does, Loewy said yes. And he brought up Luebbe's, the Andalusia roadside diner.

I obliged, and I'm glad I did.

Once we got there, it was everything that Loewy's mythologizing led me to believe it would be. An affordable and simple menu, a quaint interior and a spot right off Highway 92.

When we walked in, servers knew Loewy by name and backstory. There's something special about being in a place like that, but I was a fish out of water who didn't know what to order.

I knew one thing for sure. I had my heart set on a burger. The signage in the restaurant even painted it out cleanly for me: "Just get the burger," the menu read in boxed, bold font at the top.

But choosing a burger at Luebbe's is no easy task. Loewy had praise for the Hawaiian teriyaki burger and he'd heard good things about the cheese curd burger. I was torn between the kicking bourbon burger and the mac burger.

The dish: Garlic Burger

I phoned a friend  it was actually our server, who knew Loewy by name, so it's fair to call her a friend of a friend, at minimum. She said her favorite was the garlic burger, a simple burger without all the hoopla of some of the more elaborate menu options.

Sold.

The garlic burger doesn't come with any veggies or typical burger toppings (though you can add those), but instead has simply cheddar cheese and garlic sauce. While it was missing the crunch of lettuce and pickles that I'm used to with a diner burger, it was packed with probably twice the flavor.

The garlic sauce itself was extremely potent. If you're a fan of garlic at all, this is a must-try. The cheese and garlic sauce melted together into a gooey mess lathered so generously on the burger that the two ingredients were hard to discern.

I was also satisfied with the bun, which was soft and tasted extremely fresh. Sometimes, it's just the little things.

The price: $11.99

At Luebbe's, one of those little things is the price. All of their burger meals come with two sides and go for just $11.99.

This is the most full you can be for $11.99, short of maybe a fast food joint. And even then, nowadays, who knows?

For my sides, I went with french fries and mac and cheese. The former came in a heaping pile, cut into almost shoestring shapes with a texture similar to the fries at McDonald's, the far-and-away king of fast food fries. I grabbed a side of in-house ranch to pair the fries with, which I'd very highly recommend.

The mac and cheese came in a side bowl, with a white cheddar sauce and a sprinkle of bacon bits on top. My review for the mac is incomplete, because by the time I got to it, I was so full of fries and garlic sauce that it was hard to truly take it in.

With absurd deals throughout the week  bottomless fried catfish on Fridays, cheap burger baskets on Thursdays and $2 Long Island Iced Teas during happy hour  this is one of the great bang-for-your-buck bars in the Quad-Cities area.

The location: Andalusia

As mentioned previously, Luebbe's is just off Highway 92, located at 101 6th Ave W in Andalusia.

If you're ever on your way from Rock Island to Muscatine, or vis-a-versa, you'll certainly pass by it on your route, and I'd say it's worth stopping by for lunch.

The ambience: Where everybody knows your name

Behind the restaurant's bar, which is the first thing you'll see upon entering, bright LEDs backlight the selection of liquors. On the wall, a large chalkboard offers the specials of the week.

On the way out, you'll probably even be offered one of their special in-house desserts, like a brownie or a cinnamon roll. I was almost sold on one, until my stomach reminded me that I was one bite away from hemorrhaging.

Maybe next time, Luebbe's. And it seemed from my visit that "next time" is a guarantee for most of the restaurant's diners.

I've had the "Cheers" theme song  "Where everybody knows your name! And they're always glad you came!"  stuck in my head while writing this whole column. But that's, truly, the energy at Luebbe's.

It was relatively quiet on our Friday afternoon visit, not surprising given the storms earlier that morning. But the people who were in the dining room seemed like they'd certainly been there before. I knew Loewy had been.

And having a go-to place where you know that you can have rapport with your server and camaraderie with your fellow diners? That's a special experience.

Loewy is pretty lucky. I suppose I am now, too.
Next month, Muscatine families will be invited to enjoy music-filled events featuring a two-time Grammy award winner.

Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, a New Orleans funk-reggae-world-blues-American roots fusion band, will be hosting two events on Friday, June 7.

The first of the events, Creole for Kidz, will be held at the Musser Public Library at 1:30 p.m. This will be a free event with no registration required.

During this event, Simien and his bandmembers will use their music to teach families and young guests about Creole and zydeco. It is a music genre that was created in rural Southwest Louisiana by Afro-Americans of Creole heritage.

Children may recognize Simiens style of music from the Disney movie, The Princess and the Frog, and its song, Gonna Take You There.

After the Creole for Kidz program has concluded, there will be a free public concert at the Old Barn/Discovery Park at 7:00 p.m. It is recommended that concertgoers bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to make the most of the experience.

Free shuttle transportation to the event from the MPW parking lot will be provided by MuscaBus starting at 6:15 p.m. Food Truck Emporium also will be at the event to serve food for purchase through its food truck.

The events were organized through the collaboration of the Muscatine County Arts Council, Friends of the Muscatine Art Center, Muscatine Symphony Orchestra and Friends of the Old Barn.

When the opportunity to host Simien was presented, we felt this unique event would be something truly special to bring to Muscatine, Ed Chamberlin, president of the Muscatine County Arts Council said. "Their music just makes you want to move. The infectious rhythms, the sounds of the accordion and the blend of washboard, electric guitar, bass, keyboard and drums make it hard not to have a great time.

Performers of Simiens caliber only pass through Muscatine every so often, and we hope the area residents will take full advantage of this exceptional performance, Art Center Director Melanie Alexander added.

For Friends of the Old Barn, they also felt the evening concert was the perfect opportunity to invite residents to get up close to the former Muscatine County Farm Dairy Barn, which will soon be open for tours.

In case of inclement weather, the Friday evening performance will be moved to an indoor location.

Plans to move indoors, as well as location details, will be announced by June 5 on the Muscatine Art Centers website, muscatineartcenter.org, and on the social media accounts of the Muscatine County Arts Council and the Muscatine Art Center.

Prior to the event, families are invited to a free movie screening of Disneys The Princess and the Frog at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 30 at Musser Public Library. Reservations are not needed and light snacks will be provided.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has postponed the plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. Speaking during a campaign rally, Sunak said that the flights to Rwanda will commence immediately after the July 4 elections, if his Conservative Party wins the snap elections. Sunak had vowed that the flights will commence in July come what may even as the Labour Party pledges to reverse the policy if it takes over the government.

The plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda had split the lower and upper chambers of parliament for months over its legality and its effectiveness to curb illegal immigration. The Rwanda bill, which sailed through on April 23 after several concessions between the two houses, was drafted to address the legal issues identified by the UK's Supreme Court.

The countrys highest court had ruled in November 2023 that Rwanda is not a safe country for asylum seekers and refugees based on its poor human rights records which would put at risk asylum seekers being forcefully returned to their home country. The Apex Court found that the plan by the U.K. government was a breach of its national and international legal obligations based on the possibility of affected persons finding themselves in the same circumstances they were escaping from.

Sunaks government moved to parliament to amend laws that would guarantee the safety of persons relocated from the U.K. to Rwanda. With the passing of the bill, any asylum seeker who arrives in the U.K. illegally will be sent to Rwanda.

Church leaders in the United Kingdom had collectively condemned the passing of the controversial bill. In a joint statement in April, the leaders of the Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic and United Reformed Churches maintained their stance on the plan, saying churches and charities offering kindness to people fleeing war and persecution were unjustly maligned for political reasons.

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We retain deep misgivings about the Safety of Rwanda Billfor the precedent it sets at home and for other countries in how we respond to the most vulnerable. This includes victims of modern slavery and children wrongly assessed as adults, whom we have a duty to protect, read the statement.

The Church leaders maintained that they were in support of a system that displayed compassion, justice and transparency in handling asylum seekers and refugees.

As leaders in Christian churches, we wish to express our profound gratitude to those who live out Jesuss call to feed and clothe the poor, and to welcome the stranger, through their work with asylum seekers and refugees, at times in the face of opposition and prejudice, noted the leaders.

They referred to an incident in February this year where an asylum seeker from Afghanistan carried out a chemical attack on a mother and her child in the Clapham area in London leaving them with life-changing injuries. The church had been blamed by political leaders for not doing sufficient background checks when the attacker converted to Christianity.

In their response to the tragic attack in Clapham earlier this year, some former Home Office ministers, MPs and other commentators sought to portray churches and clergy as deliberately facilitating false asylum claims. It was for this reason, at the request of Anglican leaders, that representatives of our churches met the Home Secretary in February. When asked, neither he nor officials could provide evidence to support the allegations of widespread abuse, said the leaders in the statement signed by seven U.K. church leaders.

The statement was co-signed by Anglican Church leaders Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell and Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun. Other signatories included Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales, Paul McAleenan who is the Bishop for Migrants and Refugees, Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary, The Baptist Union of Great Britain, Revd Dr. Tess Henry-Robinson, United Reformed Church General Assembly Moderator and Revd Gill Newton, President of the Methodist Conference.

In April 2023, 1,450 Methodist, Baptist and United Reformed church leaders under the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) expressed their dissatisfaction with the Illegal Migration Bill, terming the governments proposal as incompatible with our Christian conviction that all human beings are made in the image of God.

Methodist Public Issues Team Leader Rev. David Hardman said that the proposals lacked compassion and basic respect for peoples dignity.

On a practical level, they fail to see that punishing people who cross the channel in small boats without offering alternative safe routes will only cause pain and increase the backlog of people who are stuck in unfit accommodation here in the UK. Even whilst some MPs are pushing for further tightening of this cruel approach, we know that we can and must do better than this. Today we call on the government to lead the way to change by creating and implementing new safe routes by which people can come to the UK to seek sanctuary, said Revd Hardaman in the joint statement by JPIT.

According to the UKs Refugee Council, there were 67,337 asylum applications in 2023, a 17 percent decrease compared to the previous year. The top five countries of origin for asylum seekers were Afghanistan, Iran, India, Pakistan and Turkey.

In Africa, about 25 percent of immigrants head to Europe with an overwhelming majority moving to other African countries, states a UN report on immigration trends in Africa.

Speaking to Christian Daily International, Tom Albinson, the Founder and President of International Association For Refugees (IAFR), said international conventions protect people crossing borders due to conflict, persecution or adverse conditions.

When an asylum seeker crosses the border and asks for asylum, they havent broken any law, they are exercising a human right at this point, said Albinson.




Israel faced a wave of international condemnation Monday over a strike that Gaza officials said killed 45 people when it set off a fire that ripped through a tent city for displaced Palestinians.





Israel said it was looking into the "tragic accident" and its impact on civilians after the latest mass casualty event in the Gaza war, which has raged since October 7.





Adding to already heightened tensions since Israel launched a ground operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah in early May, the Israeli and Egyptian militaries reported a "shooting incident" Monday that killed one Egyptian guard in the border area between Egypt and the southern Gaza Strip.





Both forces said they were investigating.





Israel's military said Sunday evening's attack in the southern Rafah area had targeted and killed two senior Hamas operatives -- but it also sparked a fire that Palestinians and many Arab countries condemned as a "massacre".





A US National Security Council spokesperson said Israel "must take every precaution possible to protect civilians".





The Israeli military said it was launching a probe.





"There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres posted on social media, as diplomats said the UN Security Council will convene Tuesday in an emergency session to discuss the attack.





Displaced Gazan Khalil al-Bahtini was preparing to leave the impacted area, telling AFP Monday that "last night, the tent opposite to ours was targeted."





"We have loaded all our belongings, but we don't know where to go."





Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government was investigating the "tragic accident" which he told parliament occurred "despite our best efforts" to protect civilians.





Relatives of captives held in Gaza, who have increased pressure on Netanyahu's government demanding action to secure a hostage release deal, heckled him from the public gallery as he was speaking, and raised posters of their loved ones.





Israel launched the attack on Rafah late Sunday, hours after Hamas unleashed a barrage of rockets at the Tel Aviv area, most of which were intercepted.





Israel's army said its aircraft "struck a Hamas compound in Rafah" and killed Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, senior officials for the militant group in the occupied West Bank.





Gaza's civil defence agency said the strike ignited a fire that tore through a displacement centre in northwestern Rafah near a facility of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.





"We saw charred bodies and dismembered limbs ... We also saw cases of amputations, wounded children, women and the elderly," said civil defence agency official Mohammad al-Mughayyir.





One survivor, a woman who declined to be named, said: "We heard a loud sound and there was fire all around us. The children were screaming."





- 'Dangerous violation' -





Footage from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society showed chaotic nighttime scenes of paramedics racing to the attack site and evacuating the wounded.





Mughayyir said the rescue efforts were hampered by war damage and the impacts of Israel's siege, which has led to severe shortages of fuel and "water to extinguish fires".





The Israeli attack sparked strong protests from mediators Egypt and Qatar, as well as from other regional governments.





Egypt deplored the "targeting of defenceless civilians", calling it part of "a systematic policy aimed at widening the scope of death and destruction in the Gaza Strip to make it uninhabitable".





Jordan accused Israel of "ongoing war crimes", Saudi Arabia condemned "the continued massacres", and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed "to hold these barbarians and murderers accountable".





Qatar condemned a "dangerous violation of international law" and voiced "concern that the bombing will complicate ongoing mediation efforts" towards a truce.





The African Union chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said on X that "Israel continues to violate international law... in contempt of an ICJ ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah."





The top world court, the International Court of Justice, on Friday ordered Israel to halt any offensive in Rafah and elsewhere that could bring about "the physical destruction" of the Palestinians.





- 'Hell on Earth' -





The war started after the October 7 attack on southern Israel 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 36,050 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.





Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA which has been central to aid operations in the besieged territory during the war, said on X that "with every day passing, providing assistance & protection becomes nearly impossible".





"The images from last night are testament to how Rafah has turned into hell on Earth," he said, citing "heavy movement restrictions", Israeli strikes and Hamas rocket launches, and other "challenges ... that do not allow us to distribute aid".





Dr Suhaib al-Hams, acting director at Rafah's Kuwait Speciality Hospital, said Monday it was now out of service and being evacuated after Israeli shelling hit the gate and "killed two medics".





On Tuesday, Spain, Ireland and Norway are due to formally recognise a Palestinian state -- a step so far taken by more than 140 UN members, but few western powers.




Richmond police on Tuesday said detectives were investigating after four people were shot and two were killed late Monday night in Richmonds East End.

Police said officers responded to the 1900 block of Raven Street at around 11:10 p.m. Monday night for reports of a shooting. At the scene, officers found four people who had been struck by gunfire.

One of the victims, identified by police as a 15-year-old boy, was pronounced dead at VCU Medical Center on Monday night, police said. A second victim, identified by police as an adult male, died on Tuesday.

The medical examiner will determine the case and manner of death.

Two additional victims  a 14-year-old boy and an adult male  were treated for wounds that were not considered life-threatening, police said.

Investigators have determined that the shooting broke out following an altercation involving a large gathering in the outdoor area of Raven Street.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Richmond police Detective C. Tovar at (804) 646-6739 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

Your guide to 10 upcoming Richmond fall festivals this season State Fair of Virginia Richmond Folk Festival Festival of India 2nd Street Festival Armenian Food Festival Richmond Veg Fest Powhatan Festival of the Grape Oystoberfest Hog on the Hill Scott's Addition Pumpkin Festival
After receiving numerous polarized comments about his official portrait of King Charles III, artist Jonathan Yeo revealed that the King has expressed approval of the work.

Speaking on Hello magazine's Right Royal podcast, Yeo shared that the King had seen a mostly finished version of the painting in November last year and smiled approvingly. "If he'd been appalled, I think, I might have rethought it and toned it down a bit. But he didn't seem that way," said Yeo.

Queen Camilla was even more enthusiastic. Yeo told the Boston Globe: "When she looked at it and smiled straight away, I thought, 'OK, phew! That's the important one.'"

Yeo had previously painted the late Prince Philip in 2008, and Queen Camilla in 2014, as well as Tony Blair, Sir David Attenborough, and Malala Yousafzai. His official portrait of King Charles III-the first since the king's coronation in May last year-was unveiled on May 14. It has since sparked a flurry of comments due to Yeo's extensive use of red, and has been described as "horrifying," and has led to numerous conspiracy theories such as alleged links to Satanism and the Illuminati.

Yeo explains that the reason for the red background was that he wanted to "tone down" the bright red of the King's Welsh Guard uniform. He told Hello: "The red was inspired by the Welsh Guards, but I wanted the painting to be a little more contemporary and not get in the way of seeing the face and the personality. The color was an early experiment and then I sketched it out and worked on the face, and the face and background worked so well."

Yeo says he is unfazed by the criticism since the King has already approved of the work. He also claims to enjoy the resulting conspiracy theories: "It's strangely reassuring to know a painted portrait can still spark so many conversations in an image-saturated age."
Former President Donald Trump has delivered a punishing blow to the reelection campaign of Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, by endorsing state Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland, his opponent in a Republican primary race that has focused from the beginning on loyalty to the former president.

A day after endorsing Republican U.S. Senate candidate Hung Cao, Trump didnt just endorse McGuire. On Truth Social he issued a scathing denunciation of Good, who initially had supported Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP presidential primary and then endorsed the former president after DeSantis ended his candidacy.

Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA, Trump said. He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and loving Endorsement.

But really, it was too late. The damage had been done! he added, before endorsing McGuire, a former Navy SEAL, as a true American Hero who will ALWAYS PUT AMERICA FIRST.

Thank you President Trump for endorsing my campaign for Congress! 



Together we will fight for We the People and Save America.



We can do better than Good.



Join my and President Trumps team at https://t.co/quHDdjVGoQ and VOTE in the June 18 primary! pic.twitter.com/f3ojS0bYFD  John McGuire (@JohnMcGuire4VA) May 28, 2024

Good responded to the Trump endorsement on Tuesday with a list of two dozen current and former elected officials who support him, including former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and members of the House Freedom Caucus, which Good chairs. (Meadows is a former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus.)

Good also said that McGuires campaign is financed by allies of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., whom he helped oust last fall.

I have never been the choice of political power brokers in Washington, Good said in a statement. The people of Virginias 5th District know me better than anyone, and I trust them. I believe they will renominate me on June 18, because they understand and appreciate that I have fought for them during my 3 years in Washington.

Good said his supporters all know I am the true conservative in this race who is committed to reversing the Biden agenda and putting America back on track to be great again as it was in President Trumps first term.

My opponent does not have an America-first conservative record in the General Assembly, he added. That is why he is supported by the (Republican in Name Only) moderate establishment wing of the Republican Party. And it is why he is funded by allies of the former Speaker who is directing the dark super PAC money in support of his campaign.

The people of Virginias 5th District will not let this seat be bought by the DC and CA swamp, Good said.

Larry Sabato, president of The Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said Trumps endorsement of McGuire was no surprise, coming a few months after Chris LaCivita, a longtime Virginia Republican operative who is co-managing the former presidents campaign, told Cardinal News: Bob Good wont be electable when we get done with him.

People are tuning in. This is exactly the time to do it, Sabato said.

This is a low-turnout Republican primary in the age of Trump, he said. Trumps endorsement will influence a substantial number of Republican voters. It really matters.

McGuire, a three-term member of the House of Delegates who declared his candidacy for Goods congressional seat less than two weeks after his election to the state Senate, doubled down on Good after the Trump endorsement.

Trump is exactly right about Bob Good, he said. Our country is in dire peril under Biden and we need Trump to Save America. We cannot trust Bob Good.

Good, a two-term congressman, is counting on support from members of the House Freedom Caucus and other conservative Republicans, such as Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

During recent campaign stops Good has displayed signs that include his name and Trumps. McGuire and Good both attended Trumps March 2 rally at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. McGuire had a speaking slot and led the pledge of allegiance before Trump took the stage.

Both Good and McGuire recently traveled to New York to show support for Trump during his hush-money trial.

The GOP nominating contest likely is tantamount to victory in a sprawling, conservative district that includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. The district extends from Albemarle County south to Halifax County and Danville. In the Richmond area, the district includes western Hanover County and all of Louisa, Goochland and Powhatan counties. In 2022, Good beat Democrat Joshua Throneburg by 15 percentage points.

Three candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination on June 18  business executive Gloria Witt of Amherst County; Gary Terry, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Danville area; and Paul Riley of Albemarle, an Army veteran who works with a defense contractor.

The district has not elected a Democrat to Congress since 2008.

Trumps Cao endorsement

Trumps endorsement of Cao could become a double-edged sword in the race against U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., in the fall.

It could hurt him, Sabato said.

Virginia Democratic Party Chair Susan Swecker wasted no time in tying Cao, considered the front-runner in the five-way primary race, to Trump, who is running for the presidency again in a rematch with President Joe Biden, who beat him in Virginia by 10 percentage points in 2020.

As Donald Trump continues his attempt to destroy our democracy, Cao will carry the political baggage of tying himself to Trumps dangerous agenda from now until election day, Swecker said in a statement. Trumps toxic endorsement is further proof that he and Hung Cao share the same extreme MAGA agenda of banning abortion, cutting taxes for the wealthy, and spiking health care costs to pad the profits of Big Pharma and insurance companies.

This endorsement will only escalate the infighting in the GOP Senate primary and push the candidates further to the MAGA right so that no matter what candidate emerges will be out-of-touch with Virginia families, she added.

In the endorsement, Trump praised the retired U.S. Navy captain but never mentioned Kaine.

Hung Cao has my Complete and Total Endorsement  HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN, AND WE WILL, AT THE SAME TIME, GET RID OF THE WORST PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY, CROOKED JOE BIDEN.

On November 5th, were going to make America great again. President Trump is going to beat Joe Biden, and Im going to put an end to Tim Kaines gravy train. Im so honored to receive President Trumps endorsement ahead of Virginias primary on June 18th. Get out and vote! pic.twitter.com/mrGnlIZ5ze  Hung Cao (@HungCao_VA) May 28, 2024

Cao already had a fundraising advantage of more than two-to-one over the four other candidates in the Republican primary field  Mark Parkinson, Jonathan Emord, Chuck Smith and Eddie Garcia. He lost to Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-10th, in the congressional midterm elections in 2022.

He welcomed Trumps endorsement and said the former president would make the world safer than it has been in four years under Biden.

In 2016 when I reported to the Pentagon, I was counting every bomb, every missile and every torpedo for an imminent war with North Korea, Cao said in a statement on Tuesday. Then Donald Trump was elected, and the world was stable. With the Abraham Accords we had peace in the Middle East for the first time in my life. Today, under Joe Biden the world is on fire.

Since Joe Biden took office, the Biden-Kaine administration has destroyed our country and sent the world into chaos, Cao said.

Kaines campaign had no comment on Tuesday.

Photos: Election Day 2022 in Central Virginia
American traveler detained inside Cozumel International for possession of cartridges

Cozumel, Q.R.  An American man who landed at the Cozumel International Airport Sunday evening was arrested and transferred to Cancun. The unnamed man was taken into custody by Mexican National Guard from inside the Cozumel airport after a luggage scan revealed gun ammunition.

Nearly 100 unused cartridges were found inside a suitcase of the American traveler as he passed through an airport inspection area.

Information surrounding the incident has been limited, however, what is known is that the man arrived with two suitcases, one of which contained the cartridges and nothing else illegal, meaning no accompanying weapon.

Authorities have not said which airline the man arrived on or which U.S. state he is from, only that he is around 55 years old. Once airport security realized what he was carrying, protocols were activated.

He was detained by National Guard and informed about the procedure since the introduction of weapons and explosives war material, including shell casings, are prohibited in Mexico and is considered a federal offense.

After his Cozumel arrest, he was transferred to Playa del Carmen by ferry then onward to Cancun from where he will be presented before a judge.
Cancun police arrest six suspects for five recent city murders

Cancun, Q.R.  Six people have been arrested for the murders of five Cancun residents that took place in May of this year. The arrests were made by the State Attorney Generals Office in collaboration with the State Police.

Carlos Roberto N, Reyes N, Yair Alfredo N, Demy N and Juan Carlos N and Carlos Francisco N are all being investigated for murders that took place between May 11 and 25 of this year in Cancun.

According to the State Attorney General (FGE), five of those arrested claim to be members of a criminal group that operates in the area.

While Carlos Roberto N, Reyes N and Carlos Francisco N were initially arrested on murder charges, Yair Alfredo N, Demy N and Juan Carlos N were picked up on drug charges.

However since there arrests, they have been investigated for city murders.

Field and office investigations by the Special Prosecutors Office have linked these last three with crimes of qualified homicide that occurred in the irregular neighborhoods Valle Verde and Avante in Cancun. Likewise, Investigative Police arrested another subject identified as Carlos Francisco N for the same crime, the FGE reported in a statement.

The events attributed to them began on May 11 of this year, with the homicide of a male person in the Valle Verde irregular settlement. The second event took place in the Valle Verde area where a woman was found dead on May 23. The third event occurred on May 23, when a subject was deprived of his life in Avante.

Only photos of three suspects were provided to the public. Photos: FGE May 27, 2024.

Likewise, on May 24, another male person lost his life as a result of the dispute between members of the same group over control of drug sales, and the last homicide occurred on May 25 of this year in the Valle Verde neighborhood where a man was killed by gunshot wounds.

After the corresponding procedures, the detainees were placed at the disposal of the Public Ministry.
Cozumel to be first ferry terminal in Mexico with cutting edge facial biometric cameras

Cozumel, Q.R.  Cozumel will be the first ferry terminal in the country to have cutting-edge technology. New cameras being installed will have facial biometric comparison technology, similar to that used in the main ports of the United States and Europe.

In order for the maritime and ferry terminals of Quintana Roo to be the most safe in the country, the state government, through the Comprehensive Port Administration (APIQROO), developed three actions to guarantee the protection of travelers.

One of those actions was to strengthen coordination with federal, state, municipal authorities, concessionaires, service providers, ferry companies and the Navy, Governor Mara Lezama said.

Accompanied by the General Director of APIQROO, Vagner Elbiorn Vega, Governor Lezama explained likewise, technological equipment and video surveillance will be reinforced so the terminals are equipped with security arches and state-of-the-art closed circuit television, monitored all year round, 24 hours a day.

Thirdly, she reported, the staff in charge of ensuring a smooth and safe operation has been increased.

We will have more cameras with facial biometric comparison technology. Cozumel will be the first port in Mexico with this type of cutting-edge technology.

A video surveillance and cybersecurity system that is used in the main ports of the United States effectively on cruise ships in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, California, Washington, Louisiana, Alabama, Puerto Rico, Maryland and Europe, in ports in Spain, Barcelona, Valencia, Mallorca, Bilbao, she said.

At the moment, the Cozumel ferry terminal has metal detector arches with X-ray machines for security. Photo: CGC May 27, 2024.

The Governor said that at the San Miguel dock, there are currently security filters equipped with metal detectors and X-ray machines and military personnel. Lezama did not say when the new cutting-edge cameras will be installed at the Cozumel ferry terminal.
Residents in Chetumal and Cancun share CFE failure frustrations in midst of heat wave

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Residents in Chetumal and Cancun shared their frustrations Tuesday after being left without electricity Monday night. Residents in urban areas of both cities complained about the on-going, sporadic power outages late Monday.

Residents in the states capital city of Chetumal experienced a series of power interruptions that ranged from brief cuts of a few seconds to several minutes. A majority of the interruptions were reported in north Chetumal where as many as 12 power failures were reported in a few hours.

Citizens turned to social media and messaging services where they shared their frustration at the problem which some pointed out, has been going on for three days.

A Chetumal resident shares their CFE frustration on social media Monday night. Photo: May 27, 2024.

A group of fed up residents in Cancun hit the streets Monday night after they too, were left without power. Residents in Vista Real and its surrounding blocks in regions 253, 252 and 254 who found themselve without electricity took to the streets in protest.

The group created vehicle chaos since both the traffic and street lights were also out.

Hours after making CFE reports, personnel from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) finally arrived to resolve the issue.

A group of neighbors in Cancun protested on the street after also being left without electricity. Photo: May 27, 2024.

As of Tuesday afternoon, neither the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) or local authorities had issued an official statement on the cause of the power outages.

At a recent morning press conference, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Mexico is supporting Belize again in terms of electricity after curtailing the supply sent across the border earlier this month after 18 Mexican states were left without power due to high demand.
Suspect in Washington state murder extradited from Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico  The suspect in the stabbing death of a Washington man has been extradited to the U.S. The Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) extradited Raul P to face charges of homicide and injuries.

The Government Mexico handed over the fugitive of Mexican nationality who was wanted by the King County Superior Court of the State of Washington for the crimes of homicide and injuries.

Raul P deprived a man of his life with a knife in the aforementioned country, for which reason he was arrested in Guadalajara, Jalisco in October 2022. After efforts by the FGR, the Government of Mexico granted his extradition to the U.S. Government.

He was handed over to U.S. marshals at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) for his transfer.
A man shot outside a gas station in Pulaski Friday has died, police report.

Howard Laron Love, 40, of Pulaski and formerly of Detroit, Michigan, succumbed to his injuries at about 5 p.m. Saturday, according to a news release from the police department.

The department previously reported that Love was shot in the parking lot of the Speedway station at about 2:45 a.m. Friday. By the time police arrived, the shooting suspect had fled.

But in its release late Saturday, the department said that a person of interest has been determined and an investigation of the shooting incident is ongoing. The agency has not identified the suspect by name.

Call 540-944-8660 to talk to Captain S. Grim, or call 540-944-2586 to leave an anonymous tip with any information about the incident.
Hong Kong's premier arts district has been warned that if the government does not resolve its funding crisis, it will be forced to close its museums two days a week or reduce the days its Cantonese opera center remains open.

West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) is home to M+, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and the Xiqu Centre for Chinese Opera.

On Saturday, May 25, Henry Tang Ying-yen, chairman of the board at the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, gave the government until August to decide on the site's remaining funding, which would only last a year.

In a televised interview, he said that if the government is late in announcing a plan to resolve the funding crisis, they have an urgent need to take relatively large action to reduce expenses.

"For example, our museums may not be open for six days. They will have to open two days less every week," he explained. "Or our Xiqu Centre will open for fewer days each week."

Furthermore, Tang said cutting the opening days would lessen the authority's financial losses. However, he questioned if this would be fair for the locals, given that the district was intended for public use rather than as a commercial project.

He noted that Beijing's plans for Hong Kong to become a hub for international cultural exchanges under the 14th five-year plan would also be hampered by this action.

Lawmaker Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, a member of the legislature's panel on Home Affairs, Culture, and Sports, said he hoped the arts district would not need to close any of its facilities.

Cheng also mentioned that the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority had been working hard to save costs while boosting events at their venues.

He recommended that the arts hub explore more ways to reduce expenses and boost revenue by changing its entrance fees, rents, and mix of souvenir products.

Furthermore, the lawmakers advised that the government should give the arts hub more exposure and improve transport connectivity in addition to funding and increasing revenue.
SIOUX CITY  Two Republicans are vying for the Woodbury County Auditor seat held for the last 28 years by Democrat Pat Gill.

Deputy Auditor Michelle Skaff and Woodbury County Supervisor Keith Radig will square off in the June 4 primary. The winner will earn the GOP nomination to face Gill in the Nov. 5 election.

Both Republican candidates have expressed a desire for a new face in the role, offering new ideas and perspectives.

Skaff has been deputy auditor for eight years. She has worked in Woodbury County for 28 years, serving in a variety of roles including a 911 operator at two agencies, director of a law enforcement intelligence network and county Emergency Management Coordinator.

This is the first time Skaff has run for an elected office. Skaff said she has talked to every city council in the county, except Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff, to introduced herself, as well as visiting voters door-to-door, placing more than 600 signs throughout the county.

"It's just been so rewarding going out and meeting them in person," she said. "I've been behind the desk for so long, it's just nice to get out there and talk to everyone."

Skaff always thought she would like to run for auditor after becoming deputy auditor. After hearing Radig was interested in running and speaking with him, as well as hearing from the community who are looking for a new face in the office, she decided this was her opportunity.

"I'm qualified and I'm experienced," she said. "I think I'm the best choice to run on the Republican ticket."

Skaff said she has spoken with Gill regarding her candidacy. She said they are professional individuals who respect each other and she has no desire to run a negative campaign against any other candidates. If elected, Skaff would be the first female auditor in Woodbury County and the fourth female elected in all elected county positions.

Radig began his aim for elective office in 2002, running unsuccessfully for an Iowa House seat. Later, he won four-year terms on the City Council in 2009 and 2013. He stepped down with a year left on his second term after he was elected to the board of supervisors in 2016. He was reelected to the county board in 2020.

Radig has also been going door-to-door throughout the community, introducing himself. He said 70 percent to 80 percent of the people he's spoken to already know him.

"I've always worked hard to try to meet people where they're at and just be in touch with real people because that's what matters," he said. "The taxpayer, the person that pays the bill, the voter, those are the people that work hard in Sioux City and Woodbury County to make it their home. And the government should be there to make if the best place for them to do that."

Radig said he believes in term limits. He has served two terms on both the city council and board of supervisors. He said with the election issues he has seen in the auditor's office, he was encouraged to run for the position.

"Knowing we would need somebody with name recognition to run against somebody that's been there for 28 years," he said. "I just really feel like the auditor's office is in the biggest need of a change of leadership."

When asked about qualifications, Radig said he has a consistent track record of doing what he promises as well as a variety of experience from the city council and board of supervisors.

The Woodbury County Auditor is also the county recorder and commissioner of elections. The auditor oversees budgets for all governmental entities, insurance policies and surety bonds, alcohol and tobacco licenses, and payroll. The auditor is also the clerk for the board of supervisors. The recorder oversees vital records, land and records management and real estate departments.

Both Skaff and Radig expressed a desire to focus on elections.

As the deputy auditor, Skaff said she is on the financial side of the office. During the 2016 election, she said there was a clerical error during the precinct tallying, which skewed the results. She said the same mistake happened in the following election.

"I was really uneasy about that whole concept of one person entering them and the clerical errors that I've seen twice in a row," she said. "What if that happened where it skewed the results where the loser actually predicted as the winner the night of the election? We have such mistrust in elections right now the way it is."

Skaff said she suggested a change where one person would enter the votes into the system, and a second person would independently enter the voters, if the two don't match, the results would be reviewed. She said that the change was implemented.

If elected, Skaff said she would like to focus on absentee voting. She also said she would like to create social media accounts for the auditor's office that would share information on elections and changes to election laws.

"I think that if we were able to get information out there to the public, more transparency ... it may help people understand the process and what the reasoning is for some of the elections because there's a lot of different types of elections," she said.

Raidg also mentioned absentee ballots as a concern, specifically the prefilling of absentee ballots. He also said people in the community are concerned with the closing of polling locations throughout the community.

"Some rural people especially were upset at the prospect of how far they might have to drive to vote," he said.

When asked about dedicating time to the role, Radig said he would need to make sacrifices to his work in the private sector. He also said he would only plan on serving two terms in the role and using that time to develop leaders that would be ready to run for the role after.

If not elected, Skaff said she would desire to stay as deputy auditor, but it is a position appointed by the auditor.

"I have respect from the department heads and the other elected officials. I do love my job where I'm at, but I think I can give the public a lot more if I were the auditor," she said.
Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here.

Dear Care and Feeding,

I am writing this as a long-time reader who never imagined writing in myself, ever. I am a married, young mom (26) with a 6-year-old daughter, Andi. She is my world. My husband, Brad, and I have been together for 10 years. We have faced a year of financial hardship and moving three times, and I have recently had to cut off my parents and younger sister; my birth father has been physically and emotionally abusive to me for years and its very bad for me to be around him and his sympathizers. The point is, things have been hard. We recently moved to an area in Tennessee unfamiliar to us, fleeing to the state after eviction in Oklahoma.

The neighborhood was fine at first. But now there are children who are harassing us and they are unsupervised a lot of the time. They are 6 through 15, and the younger boys like Andi. They want to play with her, but I dont like what Ive seen. They play violently and have little manners. I invited two little boys in that Andi wanted to come over and play; they took over my house in a way Ive never seen in my life, ate me out of house and home, and would not leave until my husband got home from work and was harsher than I wanted to be. I feel like they like being here in our house because its clean and Im present; I have met their mother and guardian, respectively, and see thats not the case in their home lives.

Ive let Andi know that having these kids around doesnt work for any of us, especially her. Shes going to get hurt around them. I dont trust her to play outside with them without me watching the entire time. One has a fishing knife he always carries and is physically large for a 6-year-old. When he was here, I felt threatened in my own house.

He was sneaking food out of the fridge while I was cleaning other things up. I told the boys after this that Andi would not be able to play with them and that I was sorry. That would have been enough for me as a child. But these kids have nerve, if not issues.

Laying low since hasnt worked. They bang on the front door and knock on Andis window repeatedly; they also throw rocks and sticks at our doors. Its gotten out of control. I put a note on the front door asking that it stop immediately, and it got better for a bit, but this Saturday morning, they began again. Ive debated calling the police, but friends have told me that maybe that would be overboard. The kids parents have told me, and I quote, Well, thats kids. They love to knock. We cant just move, but this has reached a level of harassment. I am a nervous wreck when they dont have school. My daughter doesnt understand it fully, and it becomes an argument every time the kids come by: Mom, David is at my window. Can I go play? I say no, which starts this awful, nonstop back and forth. I would sure love it if I could play with my daughter outside without these obstacles. It would be such a relief if they would stop knocking and peeking into our windows. What would you do here? They are literally knocking right now at 3:30 p.m., having done it since 10 a.m., even though I told them Andi was sick. I am losing patience and on the verge of tears, to be honest. If they were adults, theyd be in jail.

Trampled in Tennessee

Dear Trampled,

In most instances, I am generally the last person to suggest getting law enforcement involved, because they are known to make bad situations worse and they are violent, particularly to people of color and low-income people. However, I dont see any other solution to your problem. You have let these children know they are no longer allowed to play with your child. You have informed their parents that they are harassing you, only to have your concerns dismissed. Short of getting a scary dog to keep in your yard, there really isnt anything left for you to do but to call the police. You are being harassed in your own home and you dont deserve it. The next time these kids come by, call the cops and let them know whats been going on. Hopefully, the embarrassment of being confronted by the police will prevent them from bothering you any further. Be sure to let the cops know about the young man carrying a fishing knife.

If youre hesitant to call law enforcement, give the parents one more chance to get their kids in order. Let them know that the next time they come by, you will be dialing the police.

Hopefully, the threat of something that serious will be enough for them to curb their children.

Want Advice on Parenting, Kids, or Family Life?

Submit your questions to Care and Feeding here. Its anonymous! (Questions may be edited for publication.)

Dear Care and Feeding,

Like most tweens these days, my daughter Ally (11F) spends a lot of time on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. I dont mind it at all; shes a sweet, personable kid who balances screen time, friends, schoolwork, and hobbies well. But recently, Ally has been bitten by the materialism bug. She watches content creators who make videos about dropping $3,000 on shopping hauls, buying expensive skincare/makeup, and purchasing items simply because they are brand name or popular. Ally has now been asking me to buy her all sorts of things that she doesnt needskincare, clothing from online boutiques, name-brand makeup when dupes are much cheapersimply because she sees them on social media and thinks that everyone has these items.

Ive tried explaining to her that social media creators sell a lifestyle and that doesnt mean that they can actually afford it since most creators get sponsored by these brands, but it isnt making an impact. Whenever I buy her new clothes or items for school, she complains that it isnt this-and-this that she saw on social media. I have made it clear that I will be willing to buy her these items for special occasions, and she can use her allowance to save up, but I literally cannot afford to buy these kinds of things for everyday use! I just feel bad for my kid. Shes being fed an unrealistic standard of consummation that is being shoved down her throat every time she opens an app. What can I do to help Ally understand? Is this just a maturity issue? Should I just wait it out?

Everyone Else Is Richer

Dear Everyone Else,

Its not uncommon for young people to believe that everyone has so much more than they do, or that they need to have an unlimited budget for name-brand items to be cool, or even just sufficient. Continue reminding her that most folks do not live like social media influencers, and many of her online faves are misrepresenting their lifestyles to sell their brands. Encourage her to follow accounts that post about acquiring quality goods at low prices; there are many content creators who dedicate themselves to highlighting dupes and bargains.

Start talking to your daughter about the value of a dollar. Consider letting her sit with you while you pay your monthly bills and explain to her how many hours of work are required for say, a new pair of shoes or a makeup haul. Many banks will give kids checking accounts, and you can also look into getting her a debit card for kids, such as Greenlight. This will help her track her savings and learn to work towards purchasing special items. If you can afford it, you may give her the chance to earn additional funds by doing extra chores around the house. Shes also around the age where young people start babysitting for neighbors and relatives; perhaps that can be a way for her to increase her budget. Unless she attends a school where most of her classmates are more well off than your family (which is something you would need to discuss with her), she will come to realize that, no, the other kids dont have endless funds for skin care and clothing, and its likely that this phase will pass.

Catch Up on Care and Feeding

 Missed earlier columns this week? Read them here.

 Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group!

Dear Care and Feeding,

I am in a relationship that my mother does not approve of. Her reasons for not approving are valid, but I firmly believe that my partner can change for the better and has shown signs of doing just that. My mother strongly opposes the relationship to the point where, unfortunately, I have to keep it under wraps. Im not sure how long I can go along with hiding this relationship because its starting to feel like Im betraying both parties. I do care about my mothers opinion on things because she is almost never wrong, but I do have a strong feeling that this relationship might be good.

Tired in Thailand

Dear Tired,

I wish I had a little more information here. For example, just what are these reasons your mother has for not approving of this romance? You say that they are valid concerns; if they are, why do you think the relationship can continue? Is the way your partner treats you an issue? If so, your mother is correct to disapprove. You should never wait for someone to improve their behavior towards you; if they cant treat you well from day one, they dont deserve a place in your life. Your partner has shown signs that they can change, but it seems the issues your mother is bothered by are still at hand. Her opposition to this relationship is so strong that you are keeping it from her. Could it be that she is correct? Youve basically said that she is. What is leading you to believe that this relationship might be good? Is it not good now? Are you counting on it getting better in the future? What measurable steps has your partner taken to make that happen? Are they aware of your concerns and actively acting on them, or are you just satisfied by brief glimmers of progress? Sometimes, we just want something to work out so badly that were willing to sacrifice the things we know we deserve in the hope of change that may never come.

What will happen if your mother finds out you are still in this relationship? Will she cut you off? Are you still reliant upon her in some significant way, such as living in her home? Or do you simply want to spare yourself from hearing her feedback? I think you should give this partnering an honest assessment. If your mothers reasons for disapproving are legitimate, take into consideration what they mean for your future with this person. Your mom has your best interests at heart and will be there for you long after this romance has come and gone. Consider being honest with her about your relationship; it isnt good for your loved ones not to know who you are seeing, particularly if you are hiding them because of fair concerns. Create a timeline for your partner, with regard to these changes you need to see, and hold them to it. If things do not improve, move on. And thank your mother for being honest with you.

Jamilah
When the New York Times reported last week that Samuel Alito, an associate justice of the Supreme Court, had been flying an Appeal to Heaven flag at his vacation home on the New Jersey shore last summer, the legal world was confronted with yet another classic case of how to deal with the current warring textual methodologies for interpreting the law. One could either read this obscure-to-some pine-tree flag in the way the New York Times and its experts didas a signifier of insurgent Christian nationalism. Or you could read it as a kind of benign 18th-century foam finger: Gooooo George Washington!

In the week since, most defenders of the flag have doubled down on the foam-finger defense. In much the same way they claim that the right to bear arms is codified in the Second Amendment and has not acquired any new popular understanding since ratification, they urge that the Appeal to Heaven flag means only what it meant to the founders, because history ended on that day. Welcome to the world of flag originalism, in which the only winning answer is  1775!

Most commentators understand that flags, like words, have changing meanings over time. Until about a decade ago, notes the Times, the Appeal to Heaven flag was mostly a historical relic. That meaning shifted fairly recently, when it was revived to represent a theological vision of what the United States should be and how it should be governed, according to Matthew Taylor, a religion scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies.

Per the Times, Dutch Sheets, a right-wing Christian author and speaker, and a leader in the New Apostolic Reformation, rediscovered the almost forgotten flag in 2013 and made it the symbol of his ambitions to steep the country and the government in Christianity. As Sheets laid it out in his 2015 book: Rally to the flag  God has resurrected it for such a time as this. Wave it outwardly: wear it inwardly. Sheets has since made it his business to present the flag to people like Donald Trump, Sarah Palin, and others. When Trump lost in 2020, Sheets and a team of others formed an instant, ad hoc religious arm of the Stop the Steal campaign, blitzing swing state megachurches, broadcasting the services at each stop and drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers. At that moment, one might contend, were one being truthful, the flag took on a new, lets call it evolving meaning. And of course on Jan. 6, the Appeal to Heaven flags were everywhere. We know this because the Times has photos. As do others.

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This suggests that a clear look at rather recent history reflects precisely what this flag means. But that assumes recent history holds value to you. The problem is that there is a second interpretive methodology being deployed to read the Appeal to Heaven flag. And, surprise! Its originalism. Mike Johnson, for instance, hung it at his office last fall shortly after becoming speaker of the House. A spokesman for Johnson explained, amid the outcry, that Johnson has long appreciated the rich history of the flag, as it was first used by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Johnson himself told The Associated Press that he did not know the flag had come to represent the Stop the Steal movement. Never heard that before, he said, because mumble, mumble, George-Washington-and-the-Sound-of-History roaring in his ears. Instead, as Johnson then explained, I have always used that flag for as long as I can remember, because I was so enamored with the fact that Washington used it. Originalism Translator: Lets all agree to ignore the contemporary meaning of this flag in favor of broad, outlandish claims that the centuries-old meaning is the only reasonable one.

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In 2023, when Arizona Sen. Janae Shamp flew the Appeal to Heaven flag, she used the same justification. After she roundly rejected the notion that her use of the flag supported Christian Dominionism or incitement to violence, she insisted it reflected her fervent need to protect our liberty and freedoms from the too many wanna be kings who inhabit elected office and (government) bureaucracies. In an email she sent to the Arizona Mirror at the time, Shamp further explained: Something that has had a particular meaning for 250 years retains its original meaning, no matter which fringe group might seek to co-opt it. And then she landed, of course, on the old foam-finger defense: I hope and pray that my fight enjoys a similarly favorable outcome as (George) Washingtons original struggle, and that I will succeed in restoring at least some small measure of liberty before Im done.

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In her own apparently poker-faced defense of poor, beleaguered Justice Alito, the Wall Street Journals Kimberly Strassel similarly offers the following critique of the Times effort to explain current publicly shared understanding of the flag:

The Times somehow fails to let readers know that the flag is a longtime symbol of independence; that it was designed by George Washingtons secretary; was flown on ships commissioned by Washington; has been honored, commemorated, and flown over state capitols; and is the official maritime flag of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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Oh. Its a symbol of independence. Well then, bygones. No need to think about the fact that it also hangs at Leonard Leos house.

Related From Slate What These Stories About Samuel Alitos Absurd Provocative Flags Are Really About Read More

It would seem, then, that as long as you root the symbology of this flag in what George Washington thought the flag meant in 1775, youre gold, Ponyboy. The original public meaning of the statement was set in stone by George Washingtons secretary of the Navy. And, hand on heart, if you opt to stop time on that very day, you can arrive at the conclusion proffered by Speaker Johnson, and Arizona state Sen. Shamp, and the WSJs Kimberly Strassel. The flag means merely I <3 George Washington. Yall who think otherwise are just the fantasists and haters.

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Flag Originalism has many uses. For example, the swastika can be merely a benign ancient Hindu symbol. Pepe the Frog is a cuddly cartoon character. The Appeal to Heaven flag has nothing to do with Dutch Sheets, or the Proud Boys, or the Jan. 6 insurrection, or this chilling and violent flirtation with Christofascism. George Washingtons secretary of the Navy was the last word on public meaning.

This analysis is of course stupid for all the same reasons originalism itself is stupid. Its a feeble attempt to pick the moment in time in which linguistic meaning stops, and to disregard the many moments in time in which meaning changed and grew and morphed into something else. Its a sorry effort to impose certainty and predictability by pretending to be objective, even though it is completely malleable and outcome driven. But perhaps most importantly, the originalist reading of the Appeal to Heaven flag ignores all the ordinary ways in which humans make and understand shared political meaning: Through centuries of movements, public statements, shifting collective understanding, technological innovations, and a broader sense of whose voices matter.

Its indeed a strange and wondrous coincidence that Justice Alito and Speaker Johnson and Leonard Leo and Dutch Sheets all hoist the same flag; a flag thats been used for a decade to signal support for the notion that the United States is a Christian nation and that mans justice is always subordinate to Gods. Its an enduring political mystery that they want to keep that claim a big wink-wink secret and also fly it from a flagpole as if it means nothing at all.
On March 5, in the election for Texas 23rd Congressional District, the incumbent Rep. Tony Gonzales was forced into a runoff. Gonzales, whose majority-Hispanic district includes Uvalde, where 19 children and two adults died in a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, ceded nearly 25 percent of the vote to an influencer known as the AK Guy.

The 28-year-old, Brandon Herrera, celebrated by posting a video on his YouTube channel.

Ladies and gentlemen, we got em, he said.

Herrera, a man who makes his living from YouTube, now stands a chance of winning the Republican nomination for the states geographically largest district.

Herrera may be at a disadvantageGonzales received 45 percent of the vote in the primary, has the support of the Texas governor and the Republican congressional leadership in D.C., and has raised significantly more in fundraisingbut he does have the backing of pro-gun figures in an extremely pro-gun state. Rep. Matt Gaetz backs Herrera, as does the Republican Party of Texas, which censured Gonzales over some aisle-crossing votes, including one in favor of expanded background checks and a measure closing the boyfriend loophole for gun purchaseschoices he made after the Uvalde shooting occurred in his district. And the YouTuber, who boasts 3.4 million subscribers as of this writing and who also sells firearms, has some apparently very committed fans.

It seems that Herreras backers hope that the specific kind of edgy comedy that has made him popular with explosives-obsessed young internet users on YouTube will translate into a kind of populist charisma, like a youthful, internet-native version of Trump with a Texas twist. (Despite his everything-is-bigger swagger, Herrera was neither born nor bred in Texas; he moved to the state from North Carolina in 2021 to escape COVID regulations, as he told the publication the Texan.)

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The 23rd Congressional District includes most of the states Mexican border and leans comfortably but not dramatically Republican. Herrera, as one might expect, is running on a gun-rights platform, with a secondary emphasis on hard-line immigration policies. But this matchup is more one of personalities: a Republican making appeals for moderate and reasonable leadership, and a swearing, offensive figure who memed his way through the campaign. On Tuesday, voters will decide if the internet bombast holds real-world appeal.

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Herreras campaign, to be clear, is not 100 percent online: The candidate claims to have held more than 60 in-person campaign events with voters. He ran TV ads and put out mailers, accusing his opponent of being a RINO. (Gonzales has rejected being characterized as a moderate, asserting that he is solidly conservative.)

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And Herrera is not presenting two different personalities: His campaign persona stays true to his internet persona. He shows Vivek Ramaswamy guns. He holds events with Kyle Rittenhouse, who at 17 killed two men at a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was acquitted on charges of homicide in 2021, and has since become a celebrity among very online right-wingers. (If you believe Kyle did nothing wrong, hit that button and subscribe, Herrera says in one video.) He wears shirts that read Make America Texas Again and has auctioned off a gun for donations. His campaign slogan is Lets Go Brandon. And he has rallied his supporters to boost his campaign by trolling his rival.

We are actively bullying a sitting congressman, he proclaims with delight in one YouTube video.

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Herrera presents himself, above all, as a voice for his YouTube community, the kind of young men who think of drinking beer and firing guns as not only an ideal afternoon but also the cure for Americas cultural ills. These are the young men of GunTube, as some call it. But in that large ecosystem, built primarily around men shooting different guns at different things, Herrera stands apart from much of the restedgier, funnier, meaner.

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With his tight military-coded T-shirts, trimmed beard, and long and well-groomed hair, Herrera aims to look like an action star. His build and facial hair lend him the appearance of being older than he is, allowing him to credibly convey military experience with the background of someone whos been making YouTube videos since the sixth grade. (Herrera has not served.) He addresses his viewers from a gaming chair, and his videos are slickly producedone, celebrating his apparently long-awaited development of an AK-47 scale[d] up to the insanely large .50 BMG, was introduced with studio-quality opening credits (Music by my buddys sister; Made possible by autism). He signs on to every video by greeting his sexy Youtube mother lovers. And he possesses the kind of comedic timing and delivery common among millennial social media stars.

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Mostly, Herrera, like every other GunTuber, shoots things. Sometimes he tests antique guns or particularly powerful military weapons or tries to re-create famous shootings. (This he calls demonetized MythBusters.) He has an affinity for firing at White Claws, his drink of choice. (Sometimes he even uses the cans of hard seltzer as ammo.)

Theres a Jackass element to his content, but without the same levels of personal endangerment. Herrera may not produce PSA-like safety warnings, as many other GunTubers do (Theres nothing more serious than gun safety, a septuagenarian, kid-friendly YouTuber with more than double Herreras subscribers says in one video), but he does take reasonable precautions in executing his stunts. He also regularly mocks people who are reckless with their firearm handling. The edginess comes instead from his commentary.

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In one video, in which six of his giggling crew watch him fire a Soviet rocket launcher, he quips he was testing it on a dummy, as homeless people are frowned upon and, as it turns out, illegal to shoot at. He tells sex jokes; someone makes a crack about the Challenger space shuttle. In another video, after Herrera shoots a water jug as a way of testing Joe Rogans JFK bullet theory, he crows delightedly that he absolutely butt-fed this water jug. Its pure millennial edgelord material.

Herrera doesnt just blow things up, though. He compiles videos of the worst internet gun fails. (Homeboy was about 30 degrees from making a serious fucky-wucky and having to get in the forever box.) He shares gun memesmemes are a staple of all his content. He walks his viewers through the latest gun-world controversy. He explains the weapons being used in current wars, discusses gun laws, and describes firearm mechanics. He has a whole series of short clips joking that men who like AR-style (as opposed to AK-style) rifles are effeminate and overly fastidious. He even does movie reviews. (He liked Civil War and has speculated that some of the characters in it were inspired by him and his fellow GunTubers.) He is, in other words, an absolute pro at churning out content.

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Other popular GunTube figures, some of whom have significantly larger followings than Herreras, dont typically exhibit the same showmanship. Some have their own themes, such as one popular account that focuses on analyzing shootings involving law enforcement. Other channels have more of an emphasis on survivalism and home protection or produce dry educational videos. Herreras is mostly just about having fun.

There is a cohort of San Antoniobased GunTubers who share Herreras sensibilities. Matt Carriker, the man behind the DemolitionRanch YouTube channel, has 11.5 million subscribers. His channel is more varied than Herrerashe sometimes microwaves random things, for exampleand hes a bit more family-oriented than Herrera, but the two share a joy of blowing things up in gimmicky ways. These GunTubers seem to largely support one another, and even though Carrikers account boasts far more subscribers than Herreras does, he puts out content backing Herreras campaign.

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But Herrera, with his focus on internet culture, also stands apart from his peers for his political aspirations. And that comes through in his videos. In one, titled I Crashed an Anti-Gun Protest, he tries to make protesters look dumb and ill-informed, with gotcha questions about background checks. In We Got Kicked Out of a Gun Buyback, he tries to buy the guns from people waiting in line to sell theirs to the state. As he waits for sellers, he educates his viewers on the futility of buybacks, mournfully noting, It feels like this is a giant line to euthanize kittens.

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The thing about being an edgelord, though, is that outside the context of whatever internet subcommunity in which the person resides, the content is off-putting. Herreras opponent knows this. In April, Gonzales pointed to a video Herrera had made that featured Nazi imagery and jokes. In the video, in which he and a friend test out a submachine gun developed in Nazi Germany, Herrera goose-steps to a German marching song in a playful black-and-white montage. He jokes, If youre one of the few people out there that realizes theres absolutely nothing wrong with the song we just used and its a bunch of soldiers singing about a pretty girl they miss at home, go ahead and hit that subscribe button. At another point, his friend asks him, in a German accent, if hes hiding any White Claws under his floorboards. The best way I know how to make you guys learn about history is to make really fucked-up jokes about it, Herrera says in explanation.

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In an interview on CNN, Gonzales referred to Herrera as a known neo-Nazi, a description based, it seems, solely on the content of this video. Gonzales, who is a veteran, has also run ads targeting Herreras other jokes, including one clip in which Herrera quipped, I often think about putting a gun in my mouth, so Im basically an honorary veteran.

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The criticism backfired for Gonzalesduring his CNN appearance, he also called other members of the far-right flank of the party scumbags and accused them of being like the KKK, a characterization that earned him serious backlash from conservative media. But that didnt dissuade his big donors: In the aftermath of the interview, a group associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, in response to the Nazi jokes, launched ads against Herrera. And even as Matt Gaetz, whom Gonzales singled out in his rant, chastised him for his unhinged outbursts, House Speaker Mike Johnson traveled to Texas in April to campaign on Gonzales behalf.

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This is ground zero of a Republican Party civil war, where the speaker of the House is flying down to campaign for my opponent because hes worried about his job, Herrera says in an April 27 video. Thats a huge impact for one lowly random gunsmith.

But according to Mark P. Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, the national-level attention is not just a matter of establishment Republicans protecting their own. Jones says that congressional Republicans have realized that Herrera would be a huge liability should he win the runoff, in large part because of the Uvalde massacre.

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Voters from the city of Uvalde may not make the difference in this election. But images and coverage of the massacre flooded the entire region and proved highly affecting, particularly among women. The Uvalde gunman used an assault rifle; Herrera is known as the AK Guy. Herrera wants to block all efforts at gun control; gun control measures, which are popular even in Texas, could have averted the disaster. (According to Jones, polling shows the Texas GOP to be out of step with the majority of Texans on gun control.)

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So, should Herrera win, a district that ought to be a lock for Republicans would suddenly come into play for Democrats. And that would be a problem during an election cycle in which Republicans are trying to hold on to a slim majority in the House.

Even someone as extreme and flawed as Herrera would still likely have a good chance of victory in November, Jones said. But the Uvalde issue would transform Herrera into a significant liability.

This is why, even though Gonzales is, in Jones words, arguably the least conservative member of the Texas GOP delegation in the U.S. House, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, two men who could never be mistaken for moderates, have campaigned on the ground for him.

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According to Jones, Gonzales is in a good spot going into the runoff. Abbotts and Patricks support likely makes a difference, as does the significant spending by the national GOP. But theres a wild-card factor: A runoff election like Tuesdays has no other big races on the ballot to drive turnout.

If turnout drops precipitously and skews toward the most conservative activists, Gonzales could find himself in trouble, Jones said.

If Herrera were to win, the Republican Party will be forced to pitch a candidate in November who makes Holocaust jokes, trolls his fellow Republicans, and vows to make life difficult for his partys leadership. Its no wonder leading Republicans have come out for his rival.

They already have Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert, Jones said. Do they really need another?
On Monday, May 27, Madrid's Prado Museum unveiled a lost painting by Italian baroque master Caravaggio. It is described as one of the greatest discoveries in art history. The painting will be in public display for the first time this week.

'Ecce Homo' (Behold the Man) has been lost since the 19th century. The painting shows Roman governor Pontius Pilate presenting Christ to the people.

The Spanish government ordered the painting's withdrawal from sale in 2021, only hours before it was scheduled for auction, with an opening bid of $1,600.

The painting is being exhibited for the first time since its true status was verified three years after that decisive intervention.

Earlier this month, Prado said the painting was "without a doubt, a Caravaggio masterpiece."

Caravaggio, who passed away in 1610 at age 38, was well known for his dramatic use of light and shadow to give his typically violent scenes a profound psychological realism.

According to art historians, his work marks the birth of contemporary painting.

Before 'Ecce Homo' was shown in the quarters of his son Charles II, it is believed to have been a part of Spain's King Philip IV's private collection.

When it reappeared in Madrid in April 2021, it was identified as the creation of an artist belonging to Jose de Ribera, a Spanish painter from the 17th century.

However, the Spanish culture ministry stopped the painting's sale after Prado experts doubted the painting's true authorship.

The painting will be on display until October in a special one-off exhibition after an arrangement with its new owner, who is believed to be a British national who lives in Spain.

After that, the canvas will move to the Prado's permanent collection for another four months.

Reports from Spanish media claimed that the painting was sold for $39 million.

Jorge Coll, the lead of the London art gallery Colnaghi, which handled the sale, told El Pais newspaper that the painting would remain on loan to public collections rather than ending up in the owner's home.
Hannah Kamke wanted medical careshe wanted to confirm whether she was pregnant, and if so, she wanted to terminate. Instead, she stumbled onto a crisis pregnancy center that she claims lied to her about her pregnancy status and later slapped her with a lawsuit accusing her of domestic terrorism.

Today, CompassCare, an anti-abortion crisis pregnancy center, is trying to weaponize a pro-choice law known as the FACE Act against Kamke in federal court while publicly disparaging her as a violent and dangerous extremist. Kamke is fighting back, accusing the clinic of misconduct and demanding damages of her own.

The high-stakes battle points toward a new stage in the effort to hold fraudulent anti-abortion clinics accountable, and in the clinics own attempts to evade liability through smear tactics and legal hardballagainst their own patients when necessary.

Kamkes story, as relayed to me in an interview and documented in legal filings, is sadly familiar. She sought assistance because she popped positive on multiple pregnancy tests but also had her period; due to a medical condition, she believed she could not conceive but wanted a medical professionals confirmation.

Googling abortion clinics, Kamke came across CompassCare, which purported to offer health care services to women with unplanned pregnancies. When she called, the woman on the phone refused to say whether the clinic offered abortions but encouraged her to come in for a pregnancy test and an ultrasound. What happened next still haunts her.

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Upon arrival, the staff instructed her to urinate in a cup then wait in an exam room. A nurse entered, and Kamke told her that if she was pregnant, she intended to have an abortion. The nurse allegedly responded that God needs every child to be born, adding that Kamke was put on this earth to become a mother. According to Kamke, the nurse also stated that individuals who obtained abortions were more likely to be sexually promiscuous and, therefore, more likely to get STIs.

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After the nurse got the result of the pregnancy test, which appeared to be the same type of regular stick you could get from the drugstore, she allegedly told Kamke that it came back negative. But according to Kamke, the nurse asked about her sexual history. She encouraged Kamke to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound, and CompassCare gave her paperwork promising that a physician would oversee the procedure. Kamkeconfused and distraught by this pointagreed. But a physician was not involved in the ultrasound; instead, the nurse conducted it. CompassCare would later produce Kamkes medical records to her criminal attorneysbut the records did not make any mention of the performance of this ultrasound.

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The nurse declared that the ultrasound showed no proof of pregnancy. But just before Kamke intended to leave, a staff member allegedly rushed in and excitedly announced, falsely, that a miracle had occurred: The test had changed and now showed that Kamke was pregnant. (Medical records from the visit show that she was clearly never pregnant.) It is unclear whether this misdiagnosis might have been the product of sheer negligence or a fraudulent excuse to further evangelize Kamke against abortion. Either way, recognizing that she was not receiving legitimate care, Kamke said she walked out, violated and betrayed by her mistreatment.

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Fifteen months later, Kamke was still angry. As she told me, I was mad at CompassCare and felt like they had set me into a trajectory of anger that didnt need to exist. I was mad that these people are able to do what they do under the guise of health care when they provided no health care. So, one night, she spray-painted the word LIARS on CompassCares sign. The clinic removed the graffiti within hoursand immediately pressed criminal charges, falsely accusing her of an affiliation with the radical pro-choice group Janes Revenge. Local police obtained a search warrant and raided her home. Kamke confessed to the act and eventually pleaded guilty in Amherst Town Court to a single charge of disorderly conduct, paying CompassCare $2,580 in restitution. She thought that would be the end of it.

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It was not. In October 2023, CompassCare brought a federal lawsuit against Kamke, falsely tying to her to an extremist group and accusing her of participating in a wave of violence against pro-life pregnancy centers. The clinic alleged that, by graffitiing its sign, Kamke had violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act. Congress enacted this law in 1994 to protect abortion clinics from escalating violence, including the assassination of doctors and blockade of patients seeking care. Local authorities, especially in conservative areas, could not always be relied upon to prosecute these cases. The statute applies to anyone who, by force or threat of force, intentionally intimidates or interferes with a facility providing reproductive health services, as well as anyone who intentionally damages or destroys the property of such a facility, because it provides those services. Though typically invoked in criminal charges, the FACE Act also imposes civil liability on offenders. CompassCare accuses Kamke of a civil violation and demands monetary damages.

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In response, Kamke argues that CompassCare has no right to invoke the FACE Act because it does not provide reproductive health services but rather attempts to trick women out of receiving such services. She also asserts that she did not graffiti the clinics sign because it provides reproductive health services, as the FACE Act requires, but because it doesnt. Kamkenow represented by the law firm Davis Wright Tremainevolleyed her own allegations at CompassCare in a counterclaim. She accused the clinic of violating New York law by engaging in malpractice and negligence. The clinic, she alleged, refuses to tell patients whether it performs abortions until they have already been ensnared in its careat which point it subjects them to evangelical coercion and pseudoscientific malpractice. She said it fails to provide informed consent for invasive services like the transvaginal ultrasound and lies about who will perform them. This blizzard of malpractice and misinformation, Kamke alleges, amounts to serious fraud against patients, subjecting them to harm and trauma.

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CompassCare has responded by furiously maligning Kamke in public, an unusual way to treat a former patient. Rather than denying her allegations outright, the clinic has asserted a First Amendment right to lie to patients by falsely telling them a pregnancy test turned positive because of a miracle. (CompassCare and its attorney did not respond to Slates requests for comment.) But Kamkes counterclaim is not the only legal trouble the organization faces: New York Attorney Tish James recently filed a lawsuit against CompassCare, along with other crisis pregnancy centers, accusing them of illegal and deceptive business practices for advertising abortion pill reversal, or the ability to halt a medication abortion after it has begun. Legitimate medical groups deem this practice to be dangerous, unethical, and ineffective; James charges CompassCare with unlawfully advertising and performing it as an experimental medical treatment on vulnerable women. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a similar suit against Heartbeat International, which runs a sprawling network of crisis pregnancy centers.

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James, Bonta, and Kamkes lawsuits are part of a new approach to holding crisis pregnancy centers to account for misleading and mistreating women. For a while, blue states like California tried to limit the centers deceptive practices by mandating disclosureslike informing patients that they lack a license to provide medical services. But the Supreme Court blocked this approach in 2018, holding, in effect, that anti-abortion groups have a First Amendment right to mislead potential patients. Four conservative justices accused California of borrowing a tactic from authoritarian regimes.

Since then, both victims and pro-choice advocates have shifted toward the civil justice system for solutions. Suing specific crisis pregnancy centers for mistreating patients is not a swift or perfect solution; a statewide law like Californias would curb the clinics deception more efficiently. Litigation, though, has its own benefits: It shows courts the precise harms inflicted by the clinics lies and allows a jurydrawn from the very community targeted by the clinicsto hear the facts and impose civil liability if theyre proved. A woman in Massachusetts, for instance, is currently suing the crisis pregnancy center Clearway Clinic. The plaintiff alleges that the clinic failed to identify her ectopic pregnancy during an ultrasound, then encouraged her to continue the pregnancy; this oversight could have literally killed her. Shes certainly not the first person whose life has been endangered in this exact way: Although crisis pregnancy centers rarely admit it, the ultrasounds they offer are almost always nondiagnostic, designed to thwart abortions rather than identify potential complications. Any patient with an ectopic pregnancy risks death by amateur misdiagnosis.

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Anti-abortion organizations accuse all these plaintiffs of a vindictive political agenda. And the CEO of CompassCare, the Rev. James Harden, has relentlessly vilified Kamke, humiliating and denigrating her, in her lawyers words; Harden even announced on TV that he intended to hit her in the pocketbook. But Kamke isnt chasing money, or retributionjust an end to this legal saga, and maybe some measure of closure. In conversation with Slate, she said she wanted some semblance of justice, however small, and a confirmation that she suffered a genuine wrong. Three years after her appointment at CompassCare, she remains rattled by the experience. What do I really want? I want my life back, she told me. I want these people to no longer have control of my brain.
The end of the Supreme Court term is already careening off the rails, with a backlog of major cases the justices are madly scrambling to finish before their self-imposed deadline at the end of June. The final weeks of the term have always been crazy, but thanks to a pileup of politically charged blockbusters, this year theyre poised to be absolute mayhem. On last weeks episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern spoke with Stephen Vladeck, a Georgetown Law professor and author of The Shadow Docket. Their conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

To listen to the full episode of Amicus, join Slate Plus.

Dahlia Lithwick: What makes this term different, Steve? And one thing, as you point out, is that we have a whole ton of merits decisions that are coming and theyre all going to be really important. A bunch are nationally significant. This is not like those terms where theres four blockbusters in the last two weeks of June. This is an entirely different animal.

Steve Vladeck: Its different in two ways that are going to sound like theyre inconsistent, although I think theyre coming from the same place. The first way is: The courts actually doing less. Were on track for maybe 58 or 59 merits decisions by the time we go home for the summer and go start crying again. Which will be the fifth term in a row that the court doesnt get to 60 cases. And it hadnt been below 60, before that, since 1864. And so theres a whole universe of cases that has completely disappeared from the Supreme Courts docket.

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Yet a remarkably high percentage of whats left are major cases. Youve got these major administrative law cases, abortion cases, and social media cases. Youve got two major gun cases. Oh, by the way, there are those two small Jan. 6 cases, including one about whether former President Trump can be criminally prosecuted. So depending on how you count, thats about 20 major decisions that the court has to get through between now and the end of June. And theyre doing three or four a week right now.

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Were going to get slammed the last couple of weeks of June with major, controversial decisions. And thats going to pose an especially difficult challenge to the Supreme Court press corps, who has to try to explain all of this to everybody in a way thats going to keep their attention.

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Mark Joseph Stern: Im curious why you think this is happeningthe slowdown of grants combined with the increase in really major grants. I am puzzled because I feel like different justices have different philosophies about grants; theres not one unified theory for why this is happening.

Vladeck: So I think two things are going on, and I actually think they are related. First, I think the court is getting a lot of pressure from below, from my dear friends on the 5th Circuit. Some of this is because the 5th Circuit has just gone completely off the deep end on some of these cases, and the court has to reverse them. Thats the CFPB case. Thats almost certainly going to be the case with the mifepristone case, with Rahimi, a big gun case, and probably with NetChoice, the social media content-moderation case. So part of it is that the court has the sort of docket where its hand is being forced, and then part of that is the court taking cases it wants to take to mess with the administrative state.

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Whats remarkable is that the justices are all talking about working harder than they ever have and saying that theyre all crazy busy. So its not like the shrinkage of the docket has freed up time. What theyre doing is investing their time in these high-profile cases that take more of their time, more of their energy, when theyre going back and forth about these concurrences and dissents. They have so many of these high-profile cases that they just dont have room for the lower-profile stuff.

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And the problem will continue into next term. We got to Memorial Day with eight cert grants for next year. Thats insane.

Lithwick: By Memorial Day, how many cert grants do we usually have, just for point of comparison?

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Vladeck: More than 20! And the larger point is that whatever you think of what the courts actually doing in these cases, this rather seismic shift in the nature of its docket is a big deal. Its something we ought to be talking about. Maybe if there were a Congress, or, like, a Senate Judiciary Committee that actually cared about the Supreme Court, they might even think to hold hearings about these shifts in the docket.

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Stern: Can I just add one gloss that I think is implicit in your critique, Steve? When they are slammed with all these super high-profile cases under a time limit, the work product suffers. And I think the best example of that so far is Trump v. Anderson, the Colorado ballot removal case. That came down in a month because the court actually can act quickly when it wants to, and they wanted to get it out before the Colorado primary.

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But after we all read it a couple times, I think it became clear there was this misalignment between the majority and the concurrence. The concurrence was criticizing things that werent in the majority opinion. The majority opinion was saying things that didnt reflect the concurrences critique. Then, as we at Slate discovered, the concurrence was in fact originally labeled a dissent before being changed at the last minute! It was all very hinky, and I feel like thats going to be way worse in the next month as theyre trying to push out all these major cases. Theyre going to get sloppy. And the result will be a mess in the law.

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Vladeck: Two other things tend to be true when the court rushes: They tend to be more honest, because theres less time to sanitize what theyre doing. And they tend to sound mad at each other. And I think this is the problem, because the court has this completely arbitrary obsession with clearing its decks before the summer recesswhich, by the way, is just something they impose on themselves. Theres no statute or rule that requires them to do that. So were in for a shitstorm. And its not just because of what the courts going to do in these cases, which is going to be really problematic politically, but just from a matter of the stability of law, its gonna be ugly.

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Related From Slate Elena Kagan Sees Exactly What Samuel Alito Is Doing Read More

Lithwick: You made the point, Steve, that July 1 has become the magic day for at least some justices to jet off to give partisan speeches on someone elses dime. How thats an unforced error and, if it wanted, the court could just decide cases through August. But there are so many other unknowable things, like how the court waits to tell us what the decision days will be, and doesnt tell us in advance which opinions are coming down. So much of this performance of We cant tell you anything, so just come sit in the room and count boxes with us is gratuitous and silly.

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Vladeck: Its like The Crown, right? Its pomp and circumstance because thats how its always been. Its in those weird, mystical traditions that we believe theres something higher than us and different than us.

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Stern: And a lot of it, too, is an arrogant rejection of transparency at even the most basic levels. A refusal to tell the public whats going to happen, so they can maintain maximal latitude for themselves behind the scenes. I think they fear that if they told the public which case is coming out tomorrow, and then theres a sudden switch behind the scenes and it doesnt come out, everyone would know that something happened; the public would know something about deliberations, and for some reason, thats bad. This is a branch that is committed to operating in absolute secrecy.

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Lithwick: Can I ask you both a final question? Because its the one that I now wake up asking myself pretty much every day. Say youre John Roberts; youre the institutionalist guy. You wanted to be John Marshall. You wanted to be remembered as having held this institution together and steered it through the rocky shoals. And now your people are crazy and its past the tipping point. So what in the world of conceivable interventions could John Roberts, the institutionalist, take?

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Stern: I feel like John Roberts, the institutionalist, is missing in action and has been for some time. The chiefs questions from the bench in some of these high-profile cases have been really trollish and hacky. In the Fisher case about the Jan. 6 prosecutions, he sounded like Thomas and Alito. In the homelessness case, he sounded so horribly cruel and insensitive.

I worry that the moderate John Roberts who appeared intermittently from 2012 through maybe 2023 is gone. I feel like hes just done trying to police his colleagues and hes doing this YOLO court thing that we had previously assumed he was embarrassed by.

Vladeck: I have often found John Roberts to be an enigma, and thats even more so the case this term. Part of me wants to reserve judgment a bit because I think were going to have a lot of big decisions where maybe hell restore some of our faith that he actually does care about the institution in ways that are divorced from his ideological goals.

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Yet the Colorado ballot removal case is a huge problem, because those are the cases by which chief justices are measured, and theres just no universe in which thats anything but a failure on his part. He was unable to keep the court together. Justice Barrett had to write a separate opinion saying we could have done this on narrow terms, and you people didnt.

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I also think its not the Roberts Court anymore, and it hasnt been since the day Justice Ginsburg died. And the reality is that, probably by this time in July, youre going to see lots of pieces about how this is Amy Coney Barretts courthow Barretts going to be the real decisive vote in the cases that matter, because she picks up either Roberts or Kavanaugh.

Ive said this before and Ill say it again: If Roberts really believed that the institution were on the brink and that some grand gesture was needed, theres exactly one thing he can do that none of the other justices can stop him from doing, and thats resign. Resign in a Democratic presidency with a Democratic-controlled Senate and give the seat to a Democrat. And hes never going to do that.
Keeping up with Donald Trumps court schedule is a dizzying task, since he faces two federal trials, a criminal trial in Georgia, and two separate civil and criminal trials in New York. (Oh, and hes running for president.) To make it easier to follow along, were rounding up all the Trump trialrelated developments you might have missed the previous week.

This week, as Donald Trumps hush money trial begins winding down in New York, newly unsealed court documents are adding a new wrinkle to the former presidents stalled classified documents case: He was even keeping classified documents in his bedroom. Plus: Jack Smith tried seeking a gag order after Trump made some truly unhinged claims, but Judge Aileen Cannon wasnt having it; an appeals court battle is brewing in Georgia; and E. Jean Carroll considers whether to file yet another defamation lawsuit.

Classified Documents Were Found in Trumps bedroom

A newly unsealed court opinion revealed that Trump didnt just keep court documents next to his toiletthere were four documents labeled as classified in his bedroom, too.

When the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago in 2022, they found boxes brimming with classified documents inside a public restroom, on a ballroom stage, and inside a storage room. Last week, an opinion issued in 2023 by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, who presided over the grand jury proceedings that fueled special counsel Jack Smiths eventual indictment, said an additional four documents were found in Trumps bedroom, months after the FBI searched the property. Notably, no excuse is provided as to how the former president could miss the classified-marked documents found in his own bedroom, wrote Howell.

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Howell also said the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago multiple times in 2022 after Trump intentionally failed to provide all of the classified documents in his possession to the government. In January 2023, Trumps office handed over the four classified documents from his bedroom to the FBI. However, Howell also noted that a Trump adviser scanned the four classified documents from Trumps bedroom and saved them to a personal laptop provided by the Save America PAC. (Thats a Trump-controlled super PAC thats been footing his legal bills.)

Howells opinion is one of several newly unsealed documents related to a secret grand jury that eventually ruled Trump should be indicted for mishandling classified documents. Judge Aileen Cannon authorized the release of these documents, though she recently yanked the classified documents trial off the calendar, all but guaranteeing Trump will not face a trial on this case before the November election.

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The Hush Money Trial Is Winding Down

Its been six weeks since Trumps hush money trial began, and prosecutors for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg have been making the case for why they believe Trump is guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. The trial will soon be in the hands of the jury, which has a lot to consider. Heres what you can expect from the trials final days.

Jack Smiths Gag Order Request Denied

Trump has been making some truly wild statements lately. Last week, for instance, he took to Truth Social to falsely claim that Crooked Joe Bidens DOJ, in their Illegal and UnConstitutional Raid of Mar-a-Lago, AUTHORIZED THE FBI TO USE DEADLY (LETHAL) FORCE. A separate fundraising email from the Trump campaign also said that President Joe Biden was locked & loaded to take me out during the FBIs raid of Mar-a-Lago.

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So special counsel Jack Smith sought a gag order, arguing that Trumps statements could create a significant, imminent and foreseeable danger to law enforcement agents working on the prosecution of the classified documents case.

But Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon denied Smiths request because the special counsel only notified Trumps attorneys of the request at 5:30 p.m., right before the Memorial Day weekend. The Court finds the Special Counsels pro forma conferral to be wholly lacking in substance and professional courtesy, Cannon wrote.

Trump Could Face Another Defamation Suit

Over Memorial Day weekend, Trump was busy attacking his perceived enemies on Truth Socialand his tirade included some choice words about writer E. Jean Carroll. Roberta Kaplan, Carrolls attorney, was closely monitoring Trumps comments, and she suggested that the former president could face further legal action.

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Caroll has successfully sued the former president twice now and he owes her over $80 million. Last year, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation and awarded Carroll $5 million in damages. Then, in January, over a separate defamation lawsuit, a jury found Trump guilty of defaming Carroll and reached an $83 million verdict. Over the weekend, Trump described Carroll as a woman, who I never met before (a quick handshake at a celebrity event, 25 years ago, doesnt count!) and criticized her for not filing a police report after Trump attacked her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the mid-90s. Carrolls attorney indicated her client is potentially ready to sue again.

We have said several times since the last jury verdict in January that all options were on the table. And that remains true todayall options are on the table, Kaplan said in a statement to Forbes.

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Fani Willis Wants Trumps Dropped Charges Reinstated

Embattled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is defending her criminal indictment of Trump and 14 others, filing a new appeal that seeks to reinstate six charges that were dismissed two months ago.

Back in March, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled that six of Willis charges in her 41-count election interference indictment were too generic and didnt specify what sections of the Georgia Constitution and the U.S. Constitution were violated. McAfee ended up dismissing charges for Trump, Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, and others.

Now Willis has filed an appeal to McAfees ruling, just a few weeks after Trumps defense team filed an appeal of their own to remove Willis from her case. Back in February, Willis was entangled in a messy misconduct hearing after she admitted to dating special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she hired to work on her investigation into Trump. McAfee ruled that Willis could remain on the case, so long as Wade resigned, which he did.

The Georgia election interference case has yet to be assigned a trial date.
Read our ongoing coverage of Donald Trumps first criminal trial here.

Every week for the past several months, Ive been writing about Donald Trumps legal troubles, and Ive gotten to see, time and time again, how he has fought tooth and nail to delay and derail his criminal hush money case. Last week, I finally got to see Trump in the flesh as he strode into the Manhattan courtroom, a scowl on his face, frowning at just about every person there, including the 12 jurors who are about to decide his fate.

Trump sat sandwiched between his attorneys and flanked by his son Don Jr. and adviser Boris Epshteyn. As his defense team rested its case, each member of the jury sat upright and watched the days proceedings intently. Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday, and the jury is expected to begin its deliberations the following day. Its members have a lot to consider.

Over the past six weeks, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has presented his case for why Trump should be convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, bringing in witnesses who described how badly Trump wanted to protect his image ahead of the 2016 election: David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc., and Michael Cohen, Trumps former attorney and personal fixer. Pecker confirmed he used his tabloid empire to kill negative stories about Trump, while Cohen, the prosecutions star witness, testified that Trump instructed him to pay off porn actor Stormy Daniels weeks before the 2016 election to protect his presidential campaign and prevent Daniels from going public about her affair with Trump.

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In order to find Trump guilty of felony record-keeping fraud, the jury must unanimously agree that the prosecution has proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Trump falsified records when making payments to Cohen and that he did so with the intent to conceal another crime, like the violation of election laws. Trumps attorneys have argued that the payments to Cohen were simply legal fees, while the prosecutors have spent the entire trial trying to prove they were actually reimbursements for the payment Cohen made to Daniels to preserve Trumps standing with the voting public before Election Day. Even one defection will lead to a hung jurymeaning no verdict is reached and Trump is neither convicted nor acquitted.

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If theyre responsible jurors, theyre going to take some time, regardless of whether they have strong feelings about the case, to go through the instructions and walk through what the different witnesses proved in their minds and debate with each other, Rebecca Lonergan, a professor at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law and a former federal prosecutor, told Slate.

Lonergan expects jury members to take at least a few days, if not a couple of weeks, to come to a decision. And if they ask New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan for readbackstranscripts of trial testimony to refresh their memory about what certain witnesses said on the standthat will only add time to the deliberation process.

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A major factor in the jurys deliberations will be how reliable the group believes Cohen to be. He has been convicted of lying to Congress once beforeeven serving prison timeand has admitted to having a vendetta against Trump. However, during the hush money trial, he has maintained to the jury that he told his past lies in order to protect his former boss.

Currently, the jury is being asked to decide whether to convict Trump on felony charges alone. However, Merchan could introduce lesser included offenses, allowing the jury to convict Trump on misdemeanor charges instead. This would require the defense to waive its statute of limitations, since misdemeanor charges can be pursued only within a two-year window of the crime, according to New York law. However, if Trumps attorneys want to limit a more damaging verdict, it might be in their favor to offer the jury lesser charges to consider.

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A misdemeanor charge just requires proof that the former president intentionally falsified business records, but to convict on a felony, the jury would have to believe that the former president did so with the intent to conceal another crime, Lauren-Brooke Eisen, senior director at the Brennan Centers Justice Program, explained to Slate.

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Related From Slate The One Way Trump Could Still Surprise Us Read More

Its not yet clear whether misdemeanor charges will be thrown into the mix. Nonetheless, the type of white-collar felony that Trump faces typically brings a prison sentence of one to four years. All the experts Slate spoke to believe that Trump wont actually spend time behind bars. First-time offender in New York City? Zero prison time, said Adam Pollock, a former New York assistant attorney general. He thinks Trump, if convicted, will likely have to serve just probation, since his case deals with a nonviolent crime and a relatively small amount of moneyDaniels was paid $130,000 in her hush money deal.

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Probation allows a defendant to remain out of prison with some restrictions on their liberty. In Trumps case, the exact terms of his probation would be determined by Merchan, and they could include having to wear an ankle monitor, attending regular check-ins with an assigned probation officer, and completing community service. He might also be required to get permission anytime he travels, and his probation officer would have the legal right to make unannounced visits to his home.

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If the jury cannot come to a unanimous decision, then Merchan would be forced to declare a mistrial, and though not acquitted of the charges, Trump would be free to walk. Bragg would need to decide whether he wants to retry Trump all over again. An important piece of that calculus will be finding out why the jury couldnt reach a verdict. Was it one holdout? Were there lots of jurors who didnt think there could be a conviction? said Eisen. Was there an extended deliberation? There will be a lot of things that the office will want to consider before retrying.

And if the jury finds Trump guilty, he will most likely appeal the verdict. Similar to Trumps civil fraud case, he would need to pay a bond while the appeal plays out, which would take months, at a minimum.
Your Slovak ancestors may surprise you, as they were a surprise for a young Briton.

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You can read this newsletter thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm, which assists American people with Slovak roots in obtaining Slovak citizenship and reconnecting them with the land of their ancestors.

Welcome, Slovak rooters!

You are reading the first edition of The Slovak Spectator's monthly newsletter, Slovak Roots, hopefully the first of many to come.

Here, our team will bring you a selection of stories, from travel features taking you on a journey to eastern Slovakia to profile interviews with the descendants of Slovaks who decided to leave their homeland many years ago, in hopes that we can create yet another space for the community united by love for Slovakia.

So as not to miss an edition of the newsletter, you can sign up right here.

Off to the New World

Now, as you may know, emigration has been a significant part of Slovak history.

Up to 650,000 Slovaks are estimated to have emigrated just to America before the First World War. Thousands more went to other places. Historic regions in eastern Slovakia such as Spis and Zemplin, but also Orava in the northern part of the country, were hit by emigration the most in the late 19th and early 20th century.

"The streets of American cities are lined with golden coins. The Emperor of America welcomes everyone and wants them to help him collect that gold."

It was embellished stories like the aforementioned that spurred the impoverished and uneducated population of late 19th century Slovakia to leave their homeland in search of a better life, and work. They had no idea where America was; maybe somewhere over the next mountain ridge. When they eventually arrived in the New World, the reality was far from what recruiters had fed them. There were no golden streets; far from it.

Experiencing Slovakia

Today, the descendants of emigrated Slovaks often set out to Slovak regions to see where and how their ancestors once lived. That is why historian Martin Javor came up with the idea of establishing Kasigarda - The Museum of Emigration in the village of Tahyna near the town of Michalovce, eastern Slovakia. The museum is based in an old house built by a Slovak returnee from the USA.

However, the regions of Michalovce, Trebisov and Sobrance, which all share a border with Ukraine, have much more to offer to visitors from around the world. A famous bird-watching area and great wine are just some of the things to experience while visiting the regions.

For those who have not been to Slovakia yet, we sent our colleague, Jozef Rynik, to the aforementioned regions. Here's what he learned about present-day life in Slovakia's 'Far East' or the Slovak gateway to the European Union, depending on how you look at the region.

He even came across an American living there!

A lookout platform above the former quarry near Benatina, Sobrance District. (Source: TASR - Roman Hanc)

Briton's forgotten Slovak great-grandpa

As promised, The Slovak Spectator also talked to a foreigner who has rediscovered his Slovak roots, and is now trying to obtain Slovak citizenship. Robbie Harris comes from Great Britain, and his nearly forgotten relative is Slovak Pavel Pukancik. In the wartime period, he served as airman in the Royal Air Force. Who would not wish to have a hero as their ancestor, right?

Harris is absolutely amazed at who his great-grandfather is, and I cannot thank him enough for spending some time with The Slovak Spectator.

By the way, my colleague, Jana Liptakova, spoke with genealogist Michal Razus, a well-known Slovak in the community of those foreigners who have embarked on a journey of rediscovering their Slovak roots. She asked him for some tips on how and where to start a search for ancestors, among other things.

That is nearly it! But before I wrap up the first edition of this newsletter, I would like to share a few interesting stories with you below and ask you to forward this newsletter to your friends, if you have enjoyed reading it. They can sign up here.

A selection of feature stories published by The Slovak Spectator that we recommend reading:

Slovakia is a hiking paradise. Here's a recommendation for a hiking trip to the Tatras.

Here's a recommendation for a hiking trip to the Tatras. The Slovak Spectator supports Slovak science. Therefore, we introduce physicist and science communicator Juraj Tekel. He told us why people are attracted to hoaxes and conspiracies.

Therefore, we introduce physicist and science communicator Juraj Tekel. He told us why people are attracted to hoaxes and conspiracies. We looked at 10 projects that are changing the face of Bratislava. See the photos.

Roofs in Bratislava. (Source: Pixabay)

In the town of Revuca, southeastern Slovakia, the biathlon mainly survives thanks to the enthusiasm of two siblings. Dusan Chrapan and Milan Chrapan have been involved in the sport for decades.

mainly survives thanks to the enthusiasm of two siblings. Dusan Chrapan and Milan Chrapan have been involved in the sport for decades. Peter Getting explains why the once culturally rich Spis region , eastern Slovakia, is now underdeveloped.

, eastern Slovakia, is now underdeveloped. You can also dive into some of the most popular sections on our website: Slovak Matters and History Talks. Moreover, my colleague, Radka Minarechova, prepares a weekly roundup of good stories from Slovakia, and it is definitely worth a read.

Would you like to share your story with us? Did you enjoy the newsletter? I would love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: matus.beno@spectator.sk or spectator@spectator.sk.
28. May 2024 at 20:33 I Modified at 30. May 2024 at 21:56 I

To Lam has been suspected of involvement in a 2017 abduction case.

The new Vietnamese President To Lam and NAKA's list of charged Vietnamese citizens. (Source: TASR/AP/SME)

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The new president of Vietnam, To Lam, is no longer facing charges in Slovakia for the abduction of Vietnamese entrepreneur and former politician Trinh Xuan Thanh, which dates back to 2017.

The prosecutor cancelled the charges on April 29 due to serious formal and procedural errors made by a National Crime Agency (NAKA) investigator, the Regional Prosecutors Office in Bratislava told the TASR news agency on May 30.

At the same time, the prosecutor ordered that an investigator of the Interior Ministrys police inspectorate should act on the matter, due to the fact that proceedings for the same act are already being conducted there, said the Office.

Lam, who assumed office last week, on May 22, might still face a prison sentence of up to 15 years if charges are brought against him again and is convicted in the future.

With To Lams ascent to the presidency, Vietnam is now a literal police state, writes the Associated Press agency in its story.

Because of Lams diplomatic immunity, his prosecution, unlike the investigation of the case, was expected to be suspended.

According to international law, the president of a state has immunity during the performance of his office, which provides them with protection from criminal prosecution in other states during the entire term of office, lawyer Tomas Stremy of Comenius University in Bratislava told the Sme daily last week.

Seven other Vietnamese citizens had faced charges in the abduction case before the prosecutor decided to cancel them. They had been brought against them by Slovakias National Crime Agency, including PM Robert Ficos ex-adviser, Quang Le Hong, on March 27 of this year.
The biggest story last weekor at least the story that stuck with us, like a glob of phlegm lodged in the gulletwas the news that former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani had started his own coffee brand, the eponymously named Rudys Coffee. It was a weird story, even amongst the pantheon of celebrity-associated coffee brands popping up.

Of all the many, and there were many, unanswered questions about Rudys Coffee, there was one that lingered: who roasts for Rudy? We snooped and came up with bupkis. We emailed and only got bounce backs. So on Friday, dejected but undeterred, we put a call out to all the internet sleuths out there to see if anyone had any leads on that most burning of question. And within an hour of posting in on the Gram, we had what appeared to be our answer, thanks to the investigative and eagle-eyed lawyering of longtime Sprudge reader (and proud Vermonter) Liz Turner.

Poring over the Rudys Coffee websites privacy policy, Turner found a physical mailing address: 521 Northeast 189th Street, Miami FL 33179, United States. That address is shared with another coffee entity, Burke Brands, the umbrella company for coffee outfits Don Pablo Coffee, Subtle Earth Coffee, and Pablos Pride. The brands are sold globally to Costco, Sams Club, Walmart, and Amazon.

The connection between Rudys Coffee and Burke Brands was further corroborated when the latter was subpoenaed to produce all documents relating to Rudys Coffee as part of debt hearings.

But who is behind Burke Brands, who roasts for Rudy? According to LinkedIn, that would be Darron Don Pablo Burke, who is the companys owner. (Whether or not he is actually handling the trier, who can say.) We have emailed Burke Brands and Don Pablo Coffee for more information and have yet to hear back, but in the mean time, here is what is known about Burke, as gleaned from the information publicly available on his brands websites.

Per Don Pablo Coffee, Burke moved to South Florida in 1989, where he met Eliana, the woman who would become his wife.

While visiting Elianas family in Colombia, Darron fell in love with Latin culture and the countrys delicious coffee. The couple quickly recognized an opportunity and began to learn everything they could about coffee growing and roasting in Colombia and traveled the rest of Latin America to further their education and forge relationships with other coffee growers.

The name Don Pablo was given to Burke by Elianas grandmother, who had difficulty pronouncing the name Darron. It stuck.

Burke Brands has their own coffee farm in Colombia but also works with other producers across Latin America.

We grow our own coffee in Colombia, S.A. and purchase only the highest quality Arabica specialty coffee beans from all over the world. Our partnership with the largest private coffee milling and exporting company in Latin America allows us select the top 1% of Arabica coffee beans available.

Elsewhere on the site, they select the top 2% of Arabica coffee available. They also mention they have a Q-Grader on staff, but the person who holds this position is not publicly named. This means yes, Rudys Coffee has a Q anon.

Along with roasting, Don Pablo has a few multimedia interests, including Don Pablo Studios, which produces videos about the company and producers they work with as well as Funny Videos by Don Pablo, which are less serious. There is also The Coffee Fix, a sort of erstwhile Dangerous Grounds documentary series following Burke as he travels the world to grow his coffee company, [where] he discovers budding small businesses in each destination to lend his experience, expertise and resources to in an effort to help them succeed.

The Coffee Fix is an hour-long, self-contained, docu-leaning hybrid reality show that offers a unique glimpse inside the exotic and colorful world of coffee growing and roasting. It follows Don Pablo, often accompanied by his niece Jessenia and wife Eliana, on coffee-related ventures around the globe, showcasing the cultures and personalities surrounding the industry. However, the true focus of The Coffee Fix is entrepreneurship as Don Pablo, a small business entrepreneur himself and former teacher of the subject, offers his help to intriguing small businesses in each of the locales that he visits.

The whole thing is pretty Carmichaelvellian. Per the website, The Coffee Fix is still in production and the first episode takes place in Antigua, Guatemala, though the copyright on the website is listed as 2020, so that status may be a few years old.

So there you have it, Burke Brands and Darron Don Pablo Burke appear to be who roasts for Rudy. And not to get all the signs were there all along, but in that awful AI/photoshop of Giuliani holding a cup of coffee like no human has ever once held one, in the background there is a woman wearing a white Panama-style hat strikingly similar to the one Don Pablo wears pretty much all the time.

And to the last question you are surely mulling over, the answer is: Yes, he always wears it. In every photo, video, and logo, there isnt one without it. Always.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/america-breaks-global-rules-it-imposes-on-others-admits-financial-times-1118656301.html

America Breaks Global Rules It Imposes on Others, Admits UK Newspaper

America Breaks Global Rules It Imposes on Others, Admits UK Newspaper

Sputnik International

A columnist for the British newspaper suggests the US should abandon all talk of the rules-based order entirely, instead adopting a reductionist Cold War rhetoric focused on defense of freedom and democracy.

2024-05-28T03:55+0000

2024-05-28T03:55+0000

2024-05-28T16:35+0000

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gideon rachman

antony blinken

joe biden

china

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financial times

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cold war

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Our administration is committed to leading with diplomacy to advance the interests of the United States and to strengthen the rules-based international order, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a 2021 summit with Chinese leaders noted for the White Houses acrimonious and condescending tone towards the Asian power.The US diplomat went on to criticize Chinas aggressive behavior, accusing it of economic coercion and alleged disregard for democracy. Each of these actions threaten the rules-based order that maintains global stability, Blinken chided.The term rules-based international order has drawn scrutiny as a favored talking point of the Biden administration. Which rules are being referred to, it is often asked, and who created them? If the expression is simply another name for international law, why not use that term?The problem, as some observers have pointed out, is that international law and the international rules-based order are not, in fact, synonymous. The former is something concrete  a series of codes and conventions upheld by nominally-independent global bodies. The latter is, frequently, whatever the White House wants it to be: the substitution of international law with the prerogatives of American hegemony.Financial Times foreign affairs columnist Gideon Rachman acknowledges as much in an editorial on the subject, writing, Americas own actions are undermining vital parts of the rules-based order. Whats more, Rachman observes that the rules-based international order is a deeply uninspiring concept, a phrase that means nothing to a normal person.As a substitute slogan he proposes something even more subjective, cliche and nebulous. America should abandon any pretense of rules or outside authority entirely, he writes, and return to the Cold War rallying cry of defending the free world.The issue with citing rules is that the United States frequently breaks them. The 100 percent tariffs that the Biden administration has imposed on Chinese electric vehicles are virtually impossible to reconcile with [World Trade Organization] rules on trade, Rachman notes.The International Criminal Courts recent announcement it would pursue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also placed the White House in a bind. The prospect of a junior partner of US imperialism being held accountable led Blinken to mull sanctions on the ICC, an important arbiter of the rules he claims to defend.The saga was perfectly illustrative for those who argue both major parties share a common foreign policy, with Blinken suddenly difficult to tell apart from a conservative hawk like John Bolton who muses openly about abolishing the UN. Democrats typically at least pay lip service to the notion the US cares about global opinion, until push comes to shove.Rachmans Cold War framing dispenses with such need to keep up appearances. All that is necessary is to claim the United States is defending freedom and democracy, and America is good at claiming such things. No international court can rule against them if a vague notion of freedom is the only constraint.But that notion is appearing more vague than ever.A recent survey asked people worldwide whether they view their country as being democratic. In what must come as a shock to many Westerners, China was among the top performers in the study, with 79% of its citizens believing their country is highly democratic. Only about half of Americans surveyed said the same of the United States.People's perception of whether they live in a democracy or not is not at all aligned with procedural democracy: whether people vote for their country's leaders or not, and whether a country has the procedural attributes of liberal democracy, explained French analyst Arnaud Bertrand.This is after all quite important for democracy: the whole point is that it's supposed to be for the people, isn't it?Indicators of economic equality and class mobility in the United States were at their highest during the Cold War period, when the US fought a global ideological battle with the Soviet Union over which system offered its citizens a better quality of life. Those figures are now in decline as lawmakers pursue a bipartisan neoliberal vision: the share of people who go on to earn more than their parents has been steadily declining, reveals one study on the matter.Rachman rejects the notion that the US and its global adversaries are on the same moral level.The claim presumes the United States has ever apologized for anything, and that the Americans doing the defending share his belief in their own freedom and democracy. But that notion now seems more uncertain than ever.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240329/does-rules-based-order-apply-to-law-of-the-sea-1117623882.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240522/will-icc-step-out-of-us-shadow-as-its-ag-requests-arrest-warrant-for-netanyahu-hamas-leaders-1118574813.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240527/america-prepares-for-war-with-china-amid-latest-provocation-from-us-congress-1118643923.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240428/peak-boomer-us-faces-growing-crisis-as-older-americans-lack-savings-to-retire-1118153027.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/borrell-admits-escalation-risk-if-ukraine-strikes-targets-in-russia-with-western-weapons-1118662307.html

Borrell Admits 'Escalation Risk' If Ukraine Strikes Targets in Russia With Western Weapons

Borrell Admits 'Escalation Risk' If Ukraine Strikes Targets in Russia With Western Weapons

Sputnik International

EU defense ministers will discuss on Tuesday Kiev's strikes on the Russian territory with the use of Western weapons, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday, saying that there is "risk of escalation."

2024-05-28T10:18+0000

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On Monday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Ukraines right to self-defense includes the right to strike legitimate military targets outside the country. Stoltenberg also confirmed that he favors lifting restrictions on the use of Western weapons on "legitimate targets" on the territory of Russia. "Do we allow our arms to be used further in Russia directly  another important thing to discuss today," Borrell said ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on defense, adding that "according with the law of war ... there is no contradiction  you have to balance your risk of escalation and the need for Ukrainians to defend."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240527/natos-useless-drone-wall-just-another-step-towards-large-scale-confrontation-with-russia-1118653963.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/china-urges-us-to-respect-sovereignty-of-neighboring-nations-amid-tensions-1118662520.html

China Urges US to Respect Sovereignty of Neighboring Nations Amid Tensions

China Urges US to Respect Sovereignty of Neighboring Nations Amid Tensions

Sputnik International

Beijing has urged the United States to avoid interfering in maritime disputes between China and its neighboring countries and creating regional blocks aimed at deterring China at sea, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

2024-05-28T10:53+0000

2024-05-28T10:53+0000

2024-05-28T10:53+0000

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On May 24, China and the United States held the second round of bilateral consultations on maritime issues via a videoconference. The consultations were attended by Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hong Liang and US State Department China Coordinator Mark Lambert. China has also expressed serious concern about US "provocations" in the waters surrounding China, and called on Washington to respect China's territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, the statement read. Moreover, Beijing called on Washington to stop pandering to those advocating alleged "Taiwan independence," and pointed to the One China principle that is the political basis of China-US relations, the statement added. China has been engaged in decades-long disputes with several Asia-Pacific countries, including the Philippines, over the territorial affiliation of a number of islands and reefs in the South China Sea. Significant oil and gas reserves have been discovered on the continental shelf of those islands, including the Paracel Islands, Thitu Island, Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands, with the Whitson Reef being part.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240516/kissingers-nightmare-us-bid-to-crush-russia--china-economically-only-drives-them-closer-1118474909.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/eu-states-discuss-sanctions-against-israel-over-non-compliance-with-icj-ruling-1118658398.html

EU States Discuss Sanctions Against Israel Over Non-Compliance With ICJ Ruling

EU States Discuss Sanctions Against Israel Over Non-Compliance With ICJ Ruling

Sputnik International

EU foreign ministers have for the first time seriously discussed the possibility of imposing sanctions against Israel if the Jewish state does not comply with the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to stop the military operation in Rafah, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said.

2024-05-28T05:10+0000

2024-05-28T05:10+0000

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On Friday, the ICJ ordered Israel to halt its military operation in Rafah. ICJ President Nawaf Salam said that Israel must ensure unimpeded access to the enclave for the missions that are investigating the allegations of genocide, as well as humanitarian aid. He added that there is no consensus on the issue, but people are voicing the need for a sanctions-based approach if Israel does not comply with ICJs rulings. Israel struck the camp northeast of Rafah on Sunday. The Palestinian civil defense service said that at least 40 people died and dozens were injured as a result. Earlier on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the airstrike on the refugee camp a "tragic incident," adding that an investigation is underway.UN Slams Israeli Attack on Rafah Camp for DisplacedUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel's attack on a camp for displaced persons in the Gazan city of Rafah. He added that "there is no safe place in Gaza," calling for an end to "this horror."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240511/the-zionist-project-doomed-itself-by-rejecting-peace-advocates-1118381341.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/ex-mossad-chief-threatened-ex-icc-prosecutor-over-probe-against-israel---reports-1118666187.html

Ex-Mossad Chief Threatened Ex-ICC Prosecutor Over Probe Against Israel - Reports

Ex-Mossad Chief Threatened Ex-ICC Prosecutor Over Probe Against Israel - Reports

Sputnik International

Yossi Cohen, during his capacity as the director of Israel's Mossad, has allegedly tried to pressure the International Criminal Court's prosecutor at the time, Fatou Bensouda, into dropping a war crimes investigation in occupied Palestinian territories, The Guardian reported on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

2024-05-28T14:22+0000

2024-05-28T14:22+0000

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Cohen was at the helm of Mossad (Israel's foreign intelligence agency) from 2016 to 2021. The Gambia's Bensouda served as ICC prosecutor from 2012 to 2021. In 2021, she launched the formal probe into war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by Israel in occupied Palestinian territories. Cohen reportedly was involved in a plot, authorized by the Israeli government, where he was supposed to hold multiple secret meetings with Bensouda and dissuade her from launching the official probe against Israel. Joseph Kabila, a former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, purportedly had a supporting role and setting up Cohen's meeting with Bensouda in New York in 2018. The ex-prosecutor informed a small group of ICC officials that the former Mossad head attempted to influence and intimidate her, four sources were cited as saying. Cohen's tactics allegedly evolved from attempts to charm Bensouda to "threats and manipulation," including addressed against members of her family. Two sources were cited as saying that the Mossad chief showed Bensouda photos and transcripts of secret recordings of her husband, apparently meant as a tool for discrediting the ICC official. Israeli authorities rejected the information as false, while Bensouda declined to comment, the newspaper said. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan's announcement last week that he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials is widely seen as the culmination of his predecessor Bensouda's probe.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240522/will-icc-step-out-of-us-shadow-as-its-ag-requests-arrest-warrant-for-netanyahu-hamas-leaders-1118574813.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/ex-pentagon-officer-applauds-russias-unmatched-ew-success-against-western-weapons-in-ukraine-1118659820.html

Ex-Pentagon Officer Applauds Russia's Unmatched EW Success Against Western Weapons in Ukraine

Ex-Pentagon Officer Applauds Russia's Unmatched EW Success Against Western Weapons in Ukraine

Sputnik International

Russia's unmatched capabilities in electronic warfare were earlier cited by Western experts as one of the key factors contributing to the failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive last summer.

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"Russia has the most capable electronic warfare systems in the world with the longest range and most powerful GPS and radio frequency jammers of any nation," David T. Pyne, an EMP task force scholar and former US Department of Defense officer, told Sputnik.Pyne said he had been impressed by "the speed at which Russian long-range jammers have been able to adapt to jamming new US and NATO weapon systems that have been introduced into the [Ukraine] conflict."He suggested that Russian GPS jammers "will likely prove increasingly effective against the recently supplied extended range US ATACMS [Army Tactical Missile System] missiles as well."Earlier this month, the Washington Post, citing Ukrainian commanders and a Ukrainian military research project, reported that the Russian army's jamming systems had disrupted the accuracy of some of Ukraine's US-supplied precision-guided weapons, prompting Ukrainian forces to stop using them on the battlefield.The US and its NATO allies stepped up arms deliveries to the Kiev regime shortly after the Russian special military operation began. Moscow has repeatedly warned that such deliveries would only exacerbate the conflict in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, for his part, said that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russian forces.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/second-to-none-how-russia-masters-its-electronic-warfare-1117947049.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/houthis-attack-3-us-israeli-ships-in-red-sea-indian-ocean---spokesperson-1118656556.html

Houthis Attack 3 US, Israeli Ships in Red Sea, Indian Ocean - Spokesperson

Houthis Attack 3 US, Israeli Ships in Red Sea, Indian Ocean - Spokesperson

Sputnik International

Yemen's rebel Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, attacked three US and Israeli merchant ships, as well as two US destroyers, in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said.

2024-05-28T03:09+0000

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"The naval and missile forces of the Yemeni armed forces conducted three joint operations. The first was against US ship Larego Desert in the Indian Ocean, the second against Israeli ship MSC MECHELA in the Indian Ocean, and the third against MINERVA LISA in the Red Sea for violating the ban on entering the ports of occupied Palestine," Saree told the Almasirah broadcaster. He added that the movement used drones to "successfully attack" US destroyers in the Red Sea. Houthis vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. The attacks prompted the US to form a multinational coalition, which includes the United Kingdom among others, to protect shipping in the area of the Red Sea, as well as to strike Houthi targets on the ground.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/houthis-go-hypersonic-how-ansar-allahs-advance-in-missile-tech-could-trigger-us-defeat-in-mideast-1117334551.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/israel-tells-us-that-precision-munition-was-used-in-strike-on-gazas-rafah---reports-1118662165.html

Israel Tells US That Precision Munition Was Used in Strike on Gaza's Rafah - Reports

Israel Tells US That Precision Munition Was Used in Strike on Gaza's Rafah - Reports

Sputnik International

Israel informed US President Joe Biden's administration that it had used a precision munition to hit a target in Rafah in the strike that caused deaths in a camp for displaced Palestinians, but the explosion from the strike ignited a fuel tank and caused fire in the camp

2024-05-28T10:12+0000

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Israel struck a camp for displaced Palestinians northeast of Rafah on Sunday. The Palestinian civil defense service said that at least 40 people died and dozens were injured as a result.The official also said that "we assume we will learn more once Israel completes its investigation." On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the airstrike on the refugee camp a "tragic mishap," adding that an investigation is underway. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it used "precise munitions." On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel and breached the border, attacking both civilian neighborhoods and military bases. Nearly 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted during the attack. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 36,000 people have been killed so far by Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, according to local authorities. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240511/the-zionist-project-doomed-itself-by-rejecting-peace-advocates-1118381341.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/macrons-call-to-double-eu-budget-is-last-ditch-attempt-to-save-blocs-relevance-1118669917.html

Macron's Call to Double EU Budget is Last Ditch Attempt to Save Bloc's Relevance

Macron's Call to Double EU Budget is Last Ditch Attempt to Save Bloc's Relevance

Sputnik International

French President Emmanuel Macron has called to double the EU's public spending during his speech at a youth festival in the eastern German city of Dresden. What's behind Macron's initiative?

2024-05-28T18:30+0000

2024-05-28T18:30+0000

2024-05-29T06:08+0000

emmanuel macron

opinion

jacques sapir

germany

france

dresden

european union (eu)

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european unions multiannual financial framework (mff) for 2014-2020

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French President Emmanuel Macron told a crowd in Dresden on May 27 that Europe faces an existential threat, adding that the EU needs to increase its budget by at least twice to meet green transition, artificial intelligence and defense challenges."It is indeed difficult to build a federal European Union as long as the budget is this low. In federal states today (Germany, Brazil, India, United States, Russia, etc.) federal spending represents at least 50% of total spending, and sometimes goes up to 65-70%. But we still need to achieve unanimity."Sapir assumed that while some "small" EU states might agree with Macron's grand design, one can expect significant reluctance not only from Poland, Hungary and Slovakia, but also from Germany and Italy.Politico reported that Germany and the so-called Frugal Four  a group of fiscally conservative EU countries encompassing Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden  are reluctant to follow France's lead.The EU long-term budget (2021-2027) includes 1.2 trillion ($1.3 trillion) under the multiannual financial framework (MFF) and 807 billion ($877 billion) under the extraordinary recovery instrument, Next Generation EU. In addition, the 2021-2027 MFF was increased by 64.6 billion ($70.24 billion) to address the Ukraine conflict, migration and external action issues. In general, the EU budget remained largely constant at around 1 percent of the bloc's Gross National Income (GNI) since the end of the 1980s.It is not the first time that the French president has called to double the bloc's budget. Speaking at Sorbonne University on April 25, he insisted on the necessity to increase EU spending to revitalize the Old Continent's economy.Sapir explained that the only possible instrument to implement Macron's plan is through a loan with the European Central Bank (ECB) as a guarantee.According to Sapir, Macron pursues three goals in his recent call:Macron has been floating the idea of a "grand Europe" since at least 2017. However, the French leader's ruling coalition (Renaissance, MoDem, Horizons and UDI) got just 15.5% of the vote last week marking the lowest level since the beginning of the European election campaign, according to Elabe poll. In contrast, the hard right Rassemblement National (RN) list, led by French MEP Jordan Bardella, enjoys 32% of public support. The French press has already dubbed the French president's call for increased EU spending part of his European Parliament (EP) campaign. Elections for the EP will take place on June 6-9.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/frances-macron-on-first-visit-to-berlin-in-24-years-to-mend-cracks-in-franco-german-unity-1118643358.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/poland-not-excluding-sending-troops-to-ukraine-in-future---foreign-ministry-1118662023.html

Poland Not Excluding Sending Troops to Ukraine in Future - Foreign Ministry

Poland Not Excluding Sending Troops to Ukraine in Future - Foreign Ministry

Sputnik International

Poland did not send troops to Ukraine, but does not rule out such an option in the future, Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski said on Tuesday.

2024-05-28T09:56+0000

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"Poland has repeated many times that we are not sending troops to Ukraine, but at the same time it is impossible to exclude such a situation in the future, because we do not know how this situation will unfold. There is currently no sending of troops to Ukraine," Wronski told reporters.Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron made several hawkish statements about the possibility of sending French troops to Ukraine. Vladimir Putin suggested in an interview that there was an element of resentment from Macron, answering a question whether the French president took an anti-Russian stance in order to take revenge for loosing influence in Africa to Moscow. However, Putin underscored that Russia did not squeeze France out of Africa and that African people simply preferred to work with Russian economic operators instead of French ones.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240527/natos-useless-drone-wall-just-another-step-towards-large-scale-confrontation-with-russia-1118653963.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/putin-on-zelenskys-illegitimacy-ukraines-constitution-extends-power-for-parliament-not-president-1118665329.html

Putin on Zelensky's Illegitimacy: Ukraine's Constitution Extends Power for Parliament, Not President

Putin on Zelensky's Illegitimacy: Ukraine's Constitution Extends Power for Parliament, Not President

Sputnik International

"As for the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government: indeed, such a serious, thorough analysis is necessary," Putin said at a press conference following his visit to Uzbekistan.

2024-05-28T13:25+0000

2024-05-28T13:25+0000

2024-05-28T14:15+0000

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volodymyr zelensky

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Russian President Vladimir Putin called for reflection regarding the expired mandate of the current Ukrainian government during his trip to Uzbekistan."As for the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government: indeed, such a serious, thorough analysis is necessary," Putin said at a press conference following his visit."The law of Ukraine... on the legal status of the martial law, states that presidential elections are not held during the period of martial law. But that doesn't mean they are extended. They are not held. But who said they should be extended? There is nothing about this in the Constitution," he added.The president noted that the Ukrainian Constitution only provides for the extension of powers for the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament), with no mention of extending the president's powers.He suggested that the intent of Ukraine's owners may be to shift the burden of unpopular decisions onto the current Kiev authorities.He noted that among such decisions is the further lowering of the conscription age.The president also remarked that Russia and Ukraine would have reached an agreement long ago if those who lead Ukraine were guided by national interests rather than the interests of their masters.Putin emphasized that the interests of the Ukrainian people are not being protected; the rulers of Ukraine do not care about their own people. "Today's rulers of Ukraine do not care about these people; they do not consider them their own. That is the problem with Ukraine's tragedy today. They do not regard these people as their own; they do not protect the interests of the Ukrainian people today. And I hope that people will eventually feel this," Putin said.On Foreign Mercs in UkraineSimilarly, Putin stated that Russia is aware of the presence of Western mercenaries in Ukraine, under whose guise military instructors are also present.He emphasized that military instructors are also present there under the guise of mercenaries.However, Western mercenaries are suffering losses in Ukraine, and the West finds it increasingly difficult to conceal this. Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that "Ukraine has the right" to attack "military targets on Russian territory." Stoltenberg also said that "some allies" have lifted corresponding restrictions on strikes, and he believes that "it is time to lift other restrictions" as well.On Strikes Inside RussiaPutin went on to say that Russia is closely monitoring statements about strikes deep into its territory.Earlier, Latvian President Egils Levits stated that he saw no reason to prevent Kiev from striking Russian territory with Western weapons.The head of state recalled that six months ago, he publicly stated that if they continued to strike residential areas, Russia would be forced to create a buffer zone."We have moved to this," Putin concluded.On Peace TalksThe Russian president once again highlighted that it was not Russia that stopped negotiating on the situation in Ukraine.Russia is ready to continue the negotiation process on Ukraine, but it is not known what will be on the table, the president added."We have never refused and are ready to continue the negotiation process, but we do not know what and who, bearing in mind here and the legitimacy of the representative of the Ukrainian government, will be offered to us at some other stages," Putin said.On Relations With AfghanistanPutin admitted to the press that problems in Afghanistan exist and they are well known to everyone, but it is necessary to build relations with the current government in the country.It is necessary to proceed from the realities and build relations accordingly, Putin added.On Relations With UzbekistanPresident Putin said that the Central Asian nations accession to the five-state Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) would be a win-win for all.Putin said the Russian and Uzbekistani economies were growing closer together. As objectives for bilateral cooperation become clearer, so will outlooks for Uzbekistans integration with regional organizations, the Russian president said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/expired-why-is-zelensky-no-longer-ukraines-legitimate-president-1118642457.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240525/us-should-quit-sending-money-to-ukraine-try-to-negotiate-peace--congressman-massie-1118621187.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/russian-forces-rescue-chadian-soldiers-from-militant-captivity-in-joint-operation-1118667644.html

Russian Forces Rescue Chadian Soldiers From Militant Captivity in Joint Operation

Russian Forces Rescue Chadian Soldiers From Militant Captivity in Joint Operation

Sputnik International

The Chadian Defense Minister thanked Russia for its role, emphasizing its reliability as an African partner unlike France, the UK, and the US, which he claimed solely sought to exploit African nations.

2024-05-28T17:00+0000

2024-05-28T17:00+0000

2024-05-28T17:08+0000

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Russian soldiers successfully liberated 21 Chadian soldiers who had been held captive by illegal armed groups for nine months in a joint operation with colleagues from the Republic of Chad, the Russian Defense Ministery said."In Central Africa, Russian military personnel conducted a joint operation with colleagues of the Republic of Chad to liberate Chadian soldiers from captivity of militants of illegal armed groups," the statement said.The soldiers had been captured by Islamic militants during a mine-clearing operation at an airport in the Tibesti region. They were held in inhumane conditions and tortured while held at the camp.Following the rescue operation, all of the prisoners were first brought to a temporary base where they received medical care from Russian medics and underwent surgery to remove shrapnel. Subsequently, under the supervision and escort of Russian soldiers, the liberated soldiers were evacuated back to their homeland.Chad's defense minister expressed gratitude to Russia for its role in the operation, highlighting Russia's reliability as a partner to African states unlike France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which, according to him, only sought to benefit from African nations.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240314/macrons-anti-russia-war-rhetoric-spawned-by-anger-over-losing-french-clout-in-africa-1117317372.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/spain-norway-ireland-formally-recognize-palestinian-statehood-1118666812.html

Spain, Norway, Ireland Formally Recognize Palestinian Statehood

Spain, Norway, Ireland Formally Recognize Palestinian Statehood

Sputnik International

Spain, Norway and Ireland officially recognized Palestinian statehood on Tuesday, formalizing the decision they announced last week in a bid to pressure Israel into ending its Gaza onslaught.

2024-05-28T14:47+0000

2024-05-28T14:47+0000

2024-05-28T14:47+0000

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Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed at a press conference that the Spanish government had approved the decision at a meeting held in Madrid earlier in the day. "The Council of Ministers has agreed to recognize the State of Palestine. This day will go down in the history of Spain. It is the day when our country says that it is impossible to stay indifferent in the face of suffering," he said. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez praised the decision as a step toward achieving historical justice for Palestinians and enabling Palestine to coexist peacefully with Israel. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide confirmed that the Nordic nation had recognized Palestine as an independent state after advocating for the decision for decades. "Todays official recognition of Palestine as a state by Norway marks a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine," he said in a statement. The Irish cabinet soon followed suit. Irish public broadcaster RTE published a photo of the Palestinian national flag flown outside the Irish parliaments building in Dublin. Harris said ahead of the cabinet meeting that "Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more and Europe needs to do a lot more" in relation to Israeli crimes against civilians in Gaza. Ireland will now appoint an ambassador to Palestine and open a full Embassy of Ireland in Ramallah, in the Israel-occupied West Bank, the Irish cabinet said in a statement. The Palestinian assistant minister for the United Nations, Omar Awadallah, told Sputnik that Palestines recognition by the three European nations was a "step of immense importance, especially during this genocidal war." Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz lashed out at Spain, the first of the three to announce the plans to recognize Palestine's statehood on Tuesday, accusing Madrid of complicity in crimes against the Jewish people.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240522/european-trios-recognition-of-palestine-constitutes-big-failure-for-us-israeli-diplomacy-1118588511.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/ukraines-use-of-chemical-weapons-became-systematic-with-us-silent-consent---russian-mod-1118663254.html

Ukraine's Use of Chemical Weapons Became Systematic With US' Silent Consent - Russian MoD

Ukraine's Use of Chemical Weapons Became Systematic With US' Silent Consent - Russian MoD

Sputnik International

The use by Ukrainian forces of poisonous substances and chemical riot control agents has acquired a systematic nature with the silent consent of Washington, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of the radiation, chemical and biological defense troops of the Russian armed forces, said on Tuesday.

2024-05-28T12:09+0000

2024-05-28T12:09+0000

2024-05-28T13:19+0000

ukraine

ukrainian armed forces

donetsk

pentagon

organization for the prohibition of chemical weapons (opcw)

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chemical weapons

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"With Washington's tacit approval, the use of poisonous substances and chemical riot control agents by Ukrainian militants during their special operations has become systematic," Kirillov said at a briefing."Numerous cases of the Ukrainian side using the irritant substance chloropicrin, often mixed with chloroacetophenone, have been recorded in the Donetsk region, in the settlements of Bogdanovka, Gorlovka, Kremenovka, and Artyomovsk (Bakhmut)," he added. Kirillov recalled that Ukrainian neo-Nazis first used the dangerous substance chloropicrin against Euromaidan opponents during the siege of the Trade Union House in Odessa on May 2, 2014. He noted that Russian law enforcement agencies conducted an investigation that identified the perpetrators of the terrorist act.According to Kirillov, the use of this toxic substance was indicated by the militants' possession of pre-prepared filtering gas masks, the appearance of characteristic yellow-green smokefire broke out at the Trade Union House , and attempts to mask the use of toxic chemicals with the aftermath of the fire.Recently, Kiev used gas grenades containing the irritant substance CS against Russian servicemen. "Hand grenades with chemical irritants, labeled Teren-6, were dropped from Ukrainian UAVs onto positions of Russian troops, and a stash containing these munitions was discovered in the territory of Donetsk. According to testimony from Ukrainian prisoners of war, assault groups of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are equipped with such grenades," the official added.The Ukrainian armed forces also used the chemical agent BZ against Russian servicemen.Kirillov noted that Ukrainian Armed Forces also use other other listed chemicals."We are referring to instances of using the combat chemical agent BZ against Russian servicemen in August 2022 and silyl acid in February 2023," he explained."The statements from Ukrainian military representatives about their possession of phosphorus organic compounds, including analogs of the combat chemical agent Tabun (GA), raise particular concern," Kirillov added.He added that Ukraine is requesting antidotes and gas masks in excessive quantities, indicating plans for the use of toxic substances.In addition, Ukrainian nationalists continue in their attempts to destroy chemically hazardous facilities in the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics."The attempts by Ukrainian nationalists to destroy chemically hazardous facilities in the territories of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics persist, thereby creating a threat of chemical contamination to the civilian population of the regions," Kirillov said. He recalled that industrial facilities such as Zarya in the city of Rubezhnoye, Azot in Severodonetsk, and the Koksokhim plant in Avdeyevka have repeatedly been subjected to massive rocket attacks.US Continue to Develop New Chemical WeaponsThe Pentagon continues to develop new and upgrade existing non-lethal chemical munitions and other chemical weapons delivery systems."According to available information, the Pentagon continues to develop new and upgrade existing non-lethal chemical munitions and other chemical weapons delivery systems, such as 120mm mortar rounds, 155mm artillery shells, and 120mm tank rounds," Kirillov said at the briefing.OPCW turns a blind eye to the fact that the US is still storing highly toxic reactive masses in chemical weapons destruction facilities. "I would like to draw your attention once again to the fact that according to the deadlines set by the OPCW, the United States should have completed the destruction of its declared chemical weapons stockpiles by 2007. However, despite the economic potential, they did not achieve this until 2023, twice postponing the deadline, citing financial, organizational, and technical difficulties. The United States still retains highly toxic reactive masses at chemical weapons destruction facilities. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons does not seem to notice this fact," he said.The US has also developed a legal framework that regulates a wide range of scenarios for the use of chemical agents by the US armed forces, Kirillov added."Washington has not only not renounced the use of chemical agents, but has also enshrined the possibility of their use at the legislative level. Thus, the United States has adopted a combined arms manual on the use of non-lethal weapons," Kirillov told reporters, adding that it defines the procedure for the use of non-lethal chemical weapons by military units during special, humanitarian, anti-terrorist and peacekeeping operations.If previously the US talked about using such weapons only in response to the enemy chemical aggression, an important aspect of the new rules is the ability to use toxic chemicals unilaterally," the official said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240219/how-euromaidan-triggered-ukraines-nine-year-war-on-donbass-1116864693.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230209/from-sarin-to-bz-what-are-chemical-weapons-and-how-deadly-are-they-1107109577.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240507/after-positioning-military-biolabs-around-the-globe-us-officials-urge-biodefense-buildup-1118314833.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240528/why-time-is-ripe-to-delist-taliban-as-banned-entity-1118667255.html

Why Time is Ripe to Delist Taliban as Banned Entity

Why Time is Ripe to Delist Taliban as Banned Entity

Sputnik International

Moscow has signaled it is considering delisting the Taliban* as a terrorist organization, thus paving the way for the recognition of the new Afghan government and deepening economic, political and security ties with the country.

2024-05-28T16:27+0000

2024-05-28T16:27+0000

2024-05-29T05:28+0000

sergey lavrov

haibatullah akhundzada

afghanistan

moscow

al-qaeda

taliban

central asia

isis-k

isis

russia

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The Russian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Justice sent a note to President Vladimir Putin recommending that the Afghan Taliban* be excluded from the list of organizations banned in the country.The Taliban was designated a terrorist entity by the decision of the Russian Supreme Court on February 14, 2003.The movement maintains "real power" in Afghanistan, hence the initiative to delist it as a banned organization reflects the reality on the ground, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated earlier this week."[Russia] has an embassy in Afghanistan. There are also representatives of the Taliban at the Afghan Embassy in Moscow. Therefore, in order to remove obstacles in the way of cooperation with Afghanistan, including in the economic and political spheres, excluding the Taliban from the terrorist list seems logical."Russia's neighbor, Kazakhstan, removed the Taliban from its list of prohibited organizations at the end of 2023. The expert believes that other countries of Central Asia, as well as, China are likely to do the same."This process is underway," Semenov said. "I believe it is irreversible. And countries will gradually normalize relations with Afghanistan, because the country exists and works; this territory cannot be seen as a gray zone. And vice versa, the more countries maintain ties with the Taliban, the more the movement would act in line with the norms of the world system."Taliban: National Liberation MovementEven though the Taliban has been portrayed by the West as extremists similar to Al-Qaeda** and ISIS**, since its inception the movement has been a local Afghan group different from the international jihadist organizations.The Taliban, also known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is an Islamic political movement and a military organization that maintained power over most of the country between 1996 and 2001. In the wake of the US-led military invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the Taliban continued to control a number of provinces in the country over the decades, and set a goal of national liberation while refusing to recognize the Kabul government. The movement established a separate set of Islamic laws and regulations for residents living within territory it controlled.Having returned to power in August 2021 after the US botched and hasty withdrawal, the Taliban established an interim government and a cabinet of ministers to rule the country. The Taliban's emir, Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada, reasserted his status as a supreme leader of Afghanistan, while Mohammad Hasan Akhund was tapped as the acting prime minister of the state.The expert also drew attention to the Taliban's progress in thwarting international Islamist organizations, including al-Qaeda and the Islamic State  Khorasan Province (ISIS-K)** on Afghanistan territory."The activity of [ISIS-K] was reduced thanks to the efforts of the Taliban," he said. "The number of attacks and terrorist attacks has been diminished by eight or five times, for sure. In addition, ISIS-K has lost all the territories that they tried to seize, taking advantage of a pause amid the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Therefore, the Taliban has managed to keep the situation under control."*under UN sanctions for terrorism.**terrorist organizations banned in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231105/afghan-opium-cultivation-down-95-after-taliban-ban--un-1114743012.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240517/russia-and-afghanistan-plan-to-build-logistics-center-for-oil-transit-to-south-asia-1118491002.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240513/iran-discussing-use-of-rial-in-trade-with-russia-iraq-afghanistan-1118409444.html

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taliban, afghanistan, russia may exclude taliban from its banned organizations list, taliban rule in afghanistan, sergey lavrov, us occupation of afghanistan, taliban thwarted isis-k, taliban's state building efforts, russo-afghan economic relations
Avenging his traffic-burdened third-place finish in the $136,986 Kentucky Sire Stakes final, Admiral Hill left nothing to fate and muscled home a 1:51.1 winner in the $68,493 opening preliminary of another Kentucky Sire Stakes series on Monday, May 27 at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.

Leaving from post two, driver Yannick Gingras floated forward with Admiral Hill as Tip Top Cat (Todd McCarty) and Blue Lou (Brandon Bates) forged towards the front into a :27.2 first quarter. Once Tip Top Cat made his brush for the lead, Gingras pulled Admiral Hill and circled to the helm through a :56 half to force his competition into his court.

A Cool Moment (Tony Hall) pulled first over moving for the backside with El Rey (David Miller) in tow and made steady gains after Admiral Hill, who stayed chilly on the point past three-quarters in 1:24. Through the final turn, A Cool Moment intensified pressure on Admiral Hill, but once Gingras shook up the 1-5 favourite to enter the next gear for the straightaway. Admiral Hill turned away A Cool Moment and strode in a 1-3/4-length winner with El Rey rallying off cover for third and Tip Top Cat taking fourth.

Winning his 13th race from 31 starts, Admiral Hill has now banked $420,825. Per Engblom trains the four-year-old Sweet Lou gelding for owner Morrison Racing Stables. Admiral Hill paid $2.64 to win.

French Wine took top honours from the three $68,493 KYSS splits for four-year-old horses and geldings with the fastest clocking of the divisions, a 1:53.3 stroll pillar to post as the 2-5 choice.

Dan Dube protected position from the pylon post with French Wine to pocket Prince Of Honor (Todd McCarthy) moving to a :27.2 first quarter. From there, no challengers loomed, leaving French Wine to coast to a :57 half and then hit the accelerator to three-quarter in 1:25.2. Prince Of Honor started creeping out of the pocket through the final turn but levelled off on the spin for home while French Wine cruised under wraps to a 1-1/4-length win. Morning Edition (David Miller) gave chase in third, beaten another five lengths, with Drink Up Drink Up (Brandon Bates) fourth.

Julie Miller trains French Wine, a stallion by Bar Hopping, for owners Andy Miller Stable Inc., Daniel Plouffe, Jean Plouffe and One Legend Stable Inc. He won his 10th race from 32 starts and has now earned $1,116,960. French Wine paid $2.84 to win.

Ari Ferrari J rebounded from a break in stride as the 1-5 choice in his last KYSS showing to snatch the opening leg with a 1:54.1 front-stepping effort in the second division.

Yannick Gingras asserted Ari Ferrari J for the front and cleared command after a :27.1 skirmish for control. Once planted on top, Ari Ferrari J settled to a :56.4 half and braced for the challenge of 3-5 favourite Once In A Lifetime (Todd McCarthy) as he emerged from third to lay aim on the leader. Ari Ferrari J stayed resolute on the lead as Once In A Lifetime inched closer through three-quarters in 1:25.2 to then match strides with the leader in the final turn. But Once In A Lifetime folded in the straightaway while Ari Ferrari J fought forward and edged to a length win. Sparks Fly (David Miller) gave chase off a pocket ride to take third and Country Dagger (Andy McCarthy) survived a wide trip for fourth.

A stallion by Walner, Ari Ferrari J won his seventh race from 33 starts and has now earned $836,072 for owner Kenneth Jacobs. Tony Alagna trains the $10.26 winner.

Djimon similarly rebounded off a break in stride when competing in the $136,986 KYSS final to chock the winning punch in the final division for trotting males.

David Miller pushed Djimon into third as 2-5 favourite The Hazelton (Yannick Gingras) powered to take over the lead past a :27.1 first quarter from Full Strength (Andy McCarthy), who yielded for the pocket. The Hazelton did not slow once in command, clocking a heated half in :55.3 before trying to grab a breather into the third quarter. But while The Hazelton tried to catch his breath through three-quarters in 1:25.2, Miller came charging with Djimon and motored to the lead off the final turn. Djimon reached with ease for the line to stop the clock in 1:54.4 and a length better than Brodeur (Tony Hall) closing for second. The Hazelton faded to third and Full Strength settled for fourth.

Mark Steacy trains Djimon, a gelded son of Tactical Landing, for owners Hudson Standardbred Stable Inc., Dale Larson and Stephen Downey. He won his eighth race from 29 starts and has earned $200,649. Djimon paid $12.34 to win.

Following her KYSS sweep, Mambacita opened the newest series seeking yet another sweep following a 1:53.2 brute-force effort in the lone division for trotting mares.

Dan Dube pushed Mambacita for the front but faced a first-turn challenge from Muscling Vegas (David Miller), who crossed to the lead after a :27 first quarter. Once Muscling Vegas reached the pylons, Dube lunged Mambacita outside and charged her for the lead, which she cleared after a :55.2 half. Dube continued to keep Mambacita on task up the backside as Railee Something (Andy McCarthy) circled into second and perched onto the leader's helmet coming to three-quarters in 1:24.1. Railee Something swelled from the pocket through the final turn until McCarthy made the move to strike coming out of the turn, but Mambacita reached for the reserves and turned away the pocket pop by 1-1/2 lengths to deliver as the odds-on choice. Picaboo Lady (Yannick Gingras) snagged third, beaten another eight lengths, with Canterbury Hanover (Tony Hall) fourth.

Mambacita, undefeated from four starts this season, competes for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Alagna Racing LLC and Pryde Stables Inc. Tony Alagna trains the daughter of Tactical Landing who won her 15th race from 35 starts and has now earned $982,822. She paid $3.66 to win.

On the undercard, a $50,685 Open Pace and $50,685 Fillies & Mares Open Pace played the co-feature to Monday's stakes action. Both Odds On Blockchain (David Miller; 1:51.1, $14.28) and Ainthesamewithoutu (Tony Hall; 1:53, $7) went brave speed miles to land top prize in their respective events. Odds On Blockchain scored back-to-back Open wins for trainer Erv Miller and owner Douglas Overhiser while Ainthesamewithoutu scored vindication in the Fillies & Mares Open Pace for owner-trainer Anette Lorentzon.

The United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) complimented Oak Grove's stakes-laden program and the classy 12-year-old gelding Sprinter N sprinted home a handy winner in a $17,808 pace for Peter Kleinhans, stopping the timer in 1:56.4. The win stretched two streaks on Monday, the first being Sprinter Ns third straight win since his arrival at Oak Grove earlier this month with the second streak belonging to Kleinhans, who has won his last trio of starts in USHDC competition, after guiding Paperback Thriller and Jim Strikesitrich to the winners circle the previous two weeks. Trained by Randy Crisler for owner Theri Hensley, Sprinter N paid $3.54 to his multitude of faithful.

Live harness racing resumes at Oak Grove on Tuesday, May 28 at 3 p.m. (CDT) and the card features a $987.79 carryover in the Late Pick 4, which starts in Race 9, as well as a $379.77 carryover in the last-race $.20 Super High 5.

(Oak Grove Racing and USHDC)
Elista Hanover continued her run as the horse to beat among the Pennsylvania-sired three-year-old trotting fillies, winning for the fifth straight time in one of four $41,096 divisions of a Pennsylvania All-Stars contest in 1:54.3 over sloppy going on Monday, May 27 at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

Jeff Gregory reserved the daughter of International Moni off the early pace of :28.2 and :57.3, then asked her to get into high gear, and Elista Hanover complied quickly, challenging for command by the 1:26.1 three-quarters and taking over late on the far bend. The filly won by 2-3/4 lengths over the closer Fannie Lipkowitz, and she now has won a Weiss Series final, a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and now an All-Stars event in her last three trips to the gate for trainer Annie Stoebe, co-owner with R. Lynn and Philomena Curry.

Two of the All-Stars contests went to horses driven by Matt Kakaley for trainer Ake Svanstedt. The Father Patrick miss Slip Sliding Away showed no ill effects from being away from the races for nearly seven months, getting stronger as she went nearer to her destination of the wire to win over Loveyoubunches in 1:55 for Marvin and Lynn Katz and Al Libfeld. Kakaley/Svanstedt also clicked with the Southwind Frank sophomore She Shaq, three-wide from late backstretch through most of the far turn and still winning by a neck over Cheval Rapide in 1:56 for Ake Svanstedt Inc., Little E LLC and Matt Franklin.

The other All-Stars winner was the richest of the successful stakes quartet, the Bar Hopping filly Sambuca Hanover, who went to the lead for driver George Napolitano Jr. in front of the stands and won handily over The Moment in 1:55.2 to raise her earnings to $313,499 for trainer Nifty Norman and owners David McDuffee, Paul Bordogna and Melvin Hartman.

Poconos leading driver, Matt Kakaley, had three winners, two of them as mentioned for Svanstedt, and he was joined at that number by the leading driver at the other Eastern Pennsylvania track, Tim Tetrick, as the top man at Harrahs Philly got two home first for trainer Noel Daley.

Poconos 1 p.m. card on Tuesday, May 28 is topped by a $16,000 USD pace for developing horses, and those wagering into the tracks High-5 bet in the last race will find a carryover of more than $2,800 waiting in the pool.

(PHHA / Pocono)
R Liza used the pocket ride to victory in Monday evening's $140,000 first Gold Series leg of the Ontario Sires Stakes for sophomore trotting fillies at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

As O'Brien Award winner Willys Home Run (James MacDonald) and Kinnder Hotblood (Chris Christoforou) battled through the opening turn, R Liza (Jody Jamieson) got away third. Kinnder Hotblood went off stride, leaving R Liza to fill in the pocket spot behind the favoured Willys Home Run. The top two maintained position unchallenged through panels in :27, :56.1 and 1:25.4. Halfway down the stretch, R Liza turned on the accelerators to pass Willys Home Run, handing that filly her first OSS defeat and winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.3. P L Rainbow Dash (Bob McClure) completed the top three.

R Liza (Muscle Mass-Wishimaywishimight) is trained by Susie Kerwood and owned by M And L Of Delaware LLC and Alabama Harness Associate. The filly is a perfect three-for-three in her young sophomore season with a lifetime record of 6-1-0 and $262,357 banked in 11 starts. Coming off a sweep of her SBOA Stakes elimination and the final, she returned $4.40 to win.

Post seven was no problem for Logan Park as the Kyle Fellows student went gate-to-wire to win the $36,000 Preferred Handicap Trot by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:52.4.

Maintaining a 1-1/2-length lead, Logan Park and Doug McNair controlled the tempo through panels In :27.2, :55.4 and 1:24.3 before crossing the wire victorious over Mrmayor Hanover (Jody Jamieson) and Looks Like Moni (James MacDonald).

Outofthepark Stable, Reg Higgs and Arpad Szabo co-own the six-year-old Archangel-Rite Outa The Park gelding, who recorded his second win of the year in three starts. In 67 career starts, the O'Brien Award-winning trotter has posted a record of 26-9-4 to go along with $1,114,192 earned. As the bettors' choice, Logan Park returned $2.70 to win.

Carmen Auciello posted a training hat trick on the Monday card with Thatll Be Tiger (Sylvain Filion, $6.10) in 1:50.1, Points North (Jonathan Drury, $13.30) in 1:51 and Rock And Twist (Louis-Philippe Roy, $4.70).

To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)
With the date for the 2024 Pepsi North America Cup eliminations just over a week away, many of the three-year-old pacers aiming for Canadian harness racing's biggest prize have made on-track appearances and statements as they stake their claim for divisional dominance.

This year's edition of the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup will be contested on Saturday, June 15 at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Campbellville, Ont., with eliminations the preceding Saturday, June 8.

Here are the horses that are still eligible to the Cup as of the May 15 sustaining payment and have raced or are in-to-go as of May 28.

A Class Yankee - qualified on May 24 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, winning in 1:52.3 with broken equipment.

Always A Thrill - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished seventh in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, individually timed in 1:50.4.

At Ease Hanover - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished fifth with broken equipment, individually timed in 1:52.2.

Better Is Nice - raced on May 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack and finished second in the New Jersey Sire Stakes final, individually timed in 1:49.1.

Booming Economy - raced on May 26 at Harrah's Philadelphia and finished fourth in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:50.2.

Calicojack Hanover - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished sixth, individually timed in 1:52.3.

Captain Albano - raced on May 26 at Harrah's Philadelphia, winning a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes in 1:49.4.

Captain Fear Not - raced on May 18 at Pocono Downs and finished fifth in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:52.

Captain Luke - raced on May 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack, winning in 1:49.3.

Captains Quarters - raced on May 18 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, winning in 1:50.1.

Century Komodo - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished seventh in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, individually timed in 1:51.4.

Chesterman - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series and finished eighth, individually timed in 1:51.

Clever Cody - raced on May 18 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished eighth with broken equipment, individually timed in 1:51.3.

Courtship - raced on May 26 at Harrah's Philadelphia and finished third in the Pennsylvania Stallion Series, individually timed in 1:50.2.

Crush Kill Destroy - raced on May 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack and finished fourth, individually timed in 1:51.1.

Cupid Shuffle - raced on May 18 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished fifth, individually timed in 1:52.

Do Better - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished third in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, individually timed in 1:50.4.

Funtime Bayama - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished second in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, individually timed in 1:49.4.

Gem Quality - raced on May 26 at Harrah's Philadelphia and finished second in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:50.

Honolulu Vacation - raced on May 15 at The Raceway at Western Fair District in the Prospect Series, winning in 1:57.4.

Hugh Heston - raced on May 18 at Pocono Downs and finished seventh in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:52.

Hundred Dollar Man - raced on May 20 at Harrington Raceway, winning in 1:55.1.

Its Saturday Night - raced on May 26 at Harrah's Philadelphia and finished third in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:50.2..

Ivy Park - raced on May 26 at Harrah's Philadelphia and finished second in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:50.

Janelle Granny - qualified on May 23 at Northfield Park, winning in 1:56.3.

Legendary Hanover - raced on May 18 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, winning in 1:48.3.

Like A Glove - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished fourth in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, individually timed in 1:51.1.

Lous World - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished fourth, individually timed in 1:52.1.

Lyons Benjamin - raced on May 26 at Harrah's Philadelphia and finished third in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:50.3.

Miki Ray - raced on May 26 at Harrah's Philadelphia and finished fourth in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:50.3.

Maxim Hanover - raced on May 26 at Harrah's Philadelphia and finished fifth in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:50.2.

Mirage Hanover - raced on May 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack and finished second, individually timed in 1:48.4.

Newsroom - qualified on May 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack, winning in 1:51.

Nijinsky - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, winning in 1:49.4.

Number Cruncher - raced on May 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack and finished third, individually timed in 1:50.4.

Remember The Alamo - raced on May 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack and finished second, individually timed in 1:50.

Rose Run Zeke - raced on May 24 at The Meadows and finished ninth, individually timed in 1:58.4.

Special Menu - raced on May 26 at Harrah's Philadelphia and finished fourth in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:50.3.

Stat That - raced on May 27 at Hoosier Park and finished second in an Indiana Sires Stakes, individually timed in 1:50.3.

Storm Shadow - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished second in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, individually timed in 1:50.

Sudden Impact - qualified on May 7 at Harrah's Philadelphia and finished second, individually timed in 1:54.1.

Supplemental Fee - raced on May 26 at Saratoga Raceway and finished seventh in a New York Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:58.2.

The Dragon Reborn - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished 10th in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, individually timed in 1:52.

T H Mcmurry - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished ninth in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, individually timed in 1:52.3.

Total Stranger - raced on May 19 at Harrah's Philadelphia, winning in 1:49.

Unrivaled Hanover - raced on May 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished third in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, individually timed in 1:50.2.

Vandiemen Bluechip - raced on May 26 at Saratoga Raceway and finished fourth in a New York Sire Stakes, individually timed in 1:52.

Wallace Hartley - raced on May 24 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, winning in 1:52.3.

Wishyouwell - raced on May 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack and finished fifth in the New Jersey Sire Stakes final, individually timed in 1:50.1.

The following Cup eligible has not started in a qualifier or race in 2024: Zeppole Hanover.

(Photos clockwise from top left: Nijinsky [New Image Media], Captain Albano [Grace Zimmers], Wallace Hartley [New Image Media] and Captain Luke [Lisa Photo, pictured winning last year])

(Standardbred Canada)
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Dell Technologies expands the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA to include new server, edge, workstation, solutions and services advancements that speed AI adoption and innovation.

Organizations are moving quickly to capture the AI opportunity, which is why our collaboration with NVIDIA is so important, said Michael Dell, founder and CEO, Dell Technologies. Our expansion of the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA continues our joint mission  were making it easy for organizations to implement AI so they can move boldly into this next technological revolution.

Generative AI requires a new type of computing infrastructure  an AI factory that produces intelligence, said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO, NVIDIA. Together, NVIDIA and Dell are providing the worlds industries with a full-stack offering  including computing, networking and software  that drives the copilots, coding assistants, virtual customer service agents and industrial digital twins of the digital enterprise.

Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA transforms data into insights and outcomes

The Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA integrates Dells leading AI portfolio with NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, underpinned by NVIDIA Tensor Core GPUs, NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking fabric and NVIDIA Bluefield DPUs. Customers can purchase integrated capabilities tailored to their needs or pre-validated, full stack

solutions to get them started on AI use cases that require accelerated performance like RAG, model training and inferencing. Advancements to the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA allow organizations to:

Use advanced compute power to handle large scale AI deployments

The new Dell PowerEdge XE9680L delivers high performance with support for eight NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs in a smaller 4U form factor. The server provides the highest possible rack-scale density for NVIDIA GPUs in an industry standard x86 rack, offering 33% more GPU density per node.1 The platform offers 20% more PCIe Gen. 5 slots and double the North/South network expansion capacity.

Direct liquid cooling (DLC) improves overall efficiency with greater cooling capacity for CPUs and GPUs. The PowerEdge XE9680L is designed for easy serviceability and will be available fully configured with advanced factory integration for rack-scale deployments and onsite installation.

Dell is also announcing industry leading density and highly energy efficient turnkey rack-scale solutions that speed time to value for large GPU-accelerated deployments. Multiple variants will be available including an air-cooled design supporting 64 GPUs in a single rack, or a liquid cooled format featuring 72 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs in a single rack.

Accelerate edge AI application deployment with Dell NativeEdge and NVIDIA

Dell NativeEdge is the first edge orchestration platform that automates the delivery of NVIDIA AI Enterprise software,3 helping developers and IT operators easily deploy AI applications and solutions at the edge. Businesses from manufacturers to retailers can quickly and accurately analyze their edge data with new Dell NativeEdge deployment blueprints which include NVIDIA Metropolis video analytics, NVIDIA Riva speech and translation capabilities and NVIDIA NIM inference microservices.

Simplify AI application development and deployment for faster time to value

The new Dell Generative AI Solution for Digital Assistants helps speed deployment of digital assistants that deliver a personalized self-service experience for end users on a full-stack Dell and NVIDIA solution. Implementation Services for Digital Assistants help organizations design, plan, implement, test and scale the solution.

Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA solutions help organizations quickly stand-up AI environments for a variety of use cases with full stack deployment automation engineered in collaboration with NVIDIA. Full stack automation reduces the time to value by up to 86% compared to doing it yourself.4 When combined with NVIDIA NIM inference microservices, the overall time from delivery to running inferencing jobs is even further reduced. NIM microservices provide enterprise developers production-ready, optimized inference engines for popular AI models available from NVIDIA and its partner ecosystem.

New Dell Accelerator Services for RAG on Precision AI Workstations help shorten the AI development cycle and quickly yield better performing AI applications through a tailored large language model using RAG on a Dell Precision workstation with NVIDIA AI Workbench, a development platform to experiment, test, and prototype AI and ML projects in a more secure environment.

Our research shows that organizations seek IT simplification, but are challenged to achieve it. AI, while promising simplification, brings its own set of complexities including choice, data quality, consistency and security. Having a proven, one-stop shop to help stand up the infrastructure, software and services needed to realize value from AI can reduce risk and lower costs, said Dave Vellante, chief analyst, theCUBE Research. Dells end-to-end capabilities are a core differentiator that we believe will translate to AI. The Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA is a leading example of an AI solution designed to simplify adoption for emerging AI workloads.

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Argonne scientists are leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to transform energy grid asset maintenance, helping U.S. power companies identify and address problems before they even occur.

America's need for power has never been greater, and it continues to growrecent filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission show grid planners expect demand to grow nearly 5% in the next five years. To meet the energy needs of the future, energy companies need to bring new plants online while maintaining their existing infrastructure.

Renewable energy sourcessuch as wind, solar and hydropowerwill play an increasing role. The U.S. aims to generate 44% of its power from renewable resources in 2050, more than doubling the power currently generated by these new technologies.

Solar is expected to provide 22% of our power, with another 14% coming from wind. Integrating these new power sources into the grid will involve the installation of hundreds of millions of inverters, all of which will need to be maintained.

Meanwhile, parts of the existing grid are old and starting to fail. The average age of hydropower facilities in the U.S. is more than 70 years. Many are nearing the end of their operational lifespans and require extensive inspections and maintenance. The state of America's power lines, delivery networks and gas pipelines is even more concerning. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave these systems a grade of C- in 2021.

Monitoring and maintaining the health of this diverse suite of energy assets of different ages is crucial to ensure the reliability and security of our electric grid. However, power companies may not know there is a problem with their equipment until something breaks.

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory are stepping in to address this need. Working closely with power companies across the energy sector, from aging hydropower plants to massive solar installations, they are reshaping the way companies approach maintenance of the nation's energy infrastructure and clean energy assets.

Using the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Argonne researchers developed AI-enabled software that could predict when grid components would fail. The system analyzes vast amounts of information energy companies collect from sensors installed throughout the grid, creating a predictive model that forecasts wear and tear over time. Ultimately, the software could recommend when to repair or replace parts before any problems occur.

"Companies want to know the health of their assets," said Feng Qiu, head of the Advanced Grid Modeling group at Argonne, who led this research. "Our prognostic models that leverage condition-monitoring information can tell them the useful remaining time of their equipmenthow many years, months and weeks it has left."

Shijia Zhao, an energy systems scientist at Argonne who played a crucial role in the research, explains that their approach goes beyond traditional reactive maintenance strategies. "Instead of waiting for equipment to break down, we use AI to proactively identify potential issues and schedule maintenance just-in-time, saving both time and money for energy companies."

At the heart of this innovative approach is the ability to estimate infrastructure and asset health, predict failure risks and adapt maintenance decisions based on current real-world data. By transitioning from lab models to data collected from the field, Argonne researchers have shown how useful this technology can be to energy providers.

In one project on solar inverters, the team showed that it could potentially reduce total maintenance costs by 43%56%, unnecessary crew visits by 60%66% and increase profit by 3%4%.

"Our goal is to equip energy providers with the tools they need to ensure a reliable and resilient grid for years to come," said Qiu. "With this technology, companies can make informed decisions about when and how to repair or replace equipment, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency, security and reliability of America's energy infrastructure."

The benefits of this research extend far beyond cost savings and efficiency gains. By minimizing downtime and addressing maintenance issues before they escalate, energy providers can enhance grid reliability and resilience, crucial factors in an era of increasing energy demand and an evolving energy landscape.

The power and scale of the AI-enabled prediction and optimization models means they can optimize maintenance at a grid level. "This is critical to keep your lights on," said Qiu.

By looking holistically at the electric gridfrom power plants to power linesthe models can predict failures in the entire network that produces and transports electricity from where it is generated to where it is consumed.

In the U.S., there are more than 240,000 high-voltage transmission lines and 50 million transformers. Most of the large and expensive transformers are near the end of their lifespan. About 70% have been in service for 25 years or more. Increasing load and volatile renewable energy integration are pushing an aging power grid to the limit.

That is why Argonne is providing this asset health management tool to operators. This will help ensure the future reliability and security of our electric grid. But it will also level the playing field, providing small energy companies with the same cutting-edge technology as the major corporations.

Qiu's team is quick to note that this research would not have been possible without close collaboration with their partners in the energy industry. Their long list of partners includes power companies as well as representatives from the areas of hydropower, solar power, and wave energy, and academia such as Wayne State University and Iowa State University.

"Our research represents a collaborative effort between scientists, engineers and industry partners," Zhao noted. "Together, we're driving positive change and shaping the future of energy grid maintenance."
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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman participates in a discussion during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit, Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. The Giving Pledge announced Tuesday, May 28, 2024 that Altman has joined its list of wealthy philanthropists committed to donating over half their fortunes. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File

The Giving Pledge announced Tuesday that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has joined its list of wealthy philanthropists committed to donating over half their fortunes.

The move comes after a tumultuous six months for Altman, the co-founder of the San Francisco-based company behind ChatGPT and a venture capitalist who Forbes says amassed much of his $1 billion through investments. His removal and subsequent reinstatement as CEO last November stunned the rapidly commercializing industry as internal conflicts threatened to sink one of the most sought-after voices on artificial intelligence.

Now Altman, who initially founded his company as a nonprofit research lab dedicated to safely building AI for humanity's benefit, says he wants to focus his philanthropic giving on "technology that helps create abundance for people."

"We would not be making this pledge if it weren't for the hard work, brilliance, generosity, and dedication to improve the world of many people that built the scaffolding of society that let us get here," Altman wrote alongside husband and technology investor Oliver Mulherin in a May 18 Giving Pledge letter.

"There is nothing we can do except feel immense gratitude and commit to pay it forward, and do what we can to build the scaffolding up a little higher."

The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement that allows OpenAI access to part of the AP's text archives.

Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett founded the Giving Pledge in 2010 to foster a culture of philanthropy among the world's wealthiest people to tackle urgent problems. More than 240 signatories from 30 countries have committed to giving the majority of their wealth to charity, though critics argue there is little oversight to ensure that community members follow through on their vows.

The latest additions also include Mercuria CEO Marco Dunand and entrepreneur Suzan Craig Dunand, who co-founded a Swiss foundation that seeks to accelerate the transition to net zero carbon emissions; Robert D. Goldfarb, a retired value investor who plans to give 90% of his wealth during his lifetime; Investor Jahm Najafi and entrepreneur Cheryl Najafi, who have recently focused their giving on racial equity; and technology investment capital firm head Hemant Taneja and real estate developer Jessica Schantz Taneja.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Donia Kaddah looks over her certificate of citizenship and naturalization during a naturalization ceremony at the San Antonio City Council Chambers on March 8. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News People walk out of the Migrant Resource Center located on San Pedro Avenue on March 20 in San Antonio. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News 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 Alba Barboza embraces her daughter Nahima Urena after Barbozas naturalization ceremony at the City Council Chambers on Friday, March 8, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News District 1 San Antonio City Council Member Sukh Kaur takes a selfie with fellow Council Members Adriana Rocha Garcia and Melissa Cabello Havrda and women who took the oath of citizenship on March 8 in the City Council Chambers. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News 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

WASHINGTON  From citrus farms in South Texas to tech offices in Austin and construction sites in San Antonio, much of the Texas economy runs on immigrant labor.

Immigrants make up 11% of the overall Texas 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.

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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.

This month, U.S. 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 (million) 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 United States a nation of immigrants and said immigrants are just what theyve always been: people willing to risk everything for the dream of freedom.

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The change comes amid a populist shift in the Republican Party, led by former President Donald Trump, who has drawn controversy 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.

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 number recorded three years earlier. And while numbers have moderated slightly this year, to less than 180,000 encounters in April, they 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 about the states need for immigrant workers. Neither of the states Republican U.S. senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, or a single Congress member from the Houston area agreed to be interviewed for this story.

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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 that while immigration reform was needed, Partisan politics have gotten in the way.

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.

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In the meantime, states and cities are taking their own approach to immigration, in ways that do not always comport with party politics.

Texas and Florida are focused on cracking down on illegal immigration, with the Texas Legislature passing SB4 this year, which authorizes state and local police to arrest migrants that have crossed the border illegally  typically the purview of federal authorities.

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 pools and find workers for undermanned industries such as 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 effect on the debate in Washington.

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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.

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 that they say doesnt make sense for the majority of farms.
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Liz Nigro, a doctoral student at the School of Education and Human Development, sits in the wood chamber and the drywall chamber, wearing an electrode headset to monitor her reactions to the environments. Credit: Katie MacDonald

If one room makes you anxious and the other makes you chill, you could be a data point proving the benefit of natural building materials.

A team of University of Virginia architecture, environmental psychology and neuroscience professors, graduate students and researchers recently wrapped up just such a study. Now they are scouring data to see if natural (biophilic) building materials have a soothing effect on people and may be more conducive to mental health than other modern materials.

The study involved more than 30 student participants; a short, stress-inducing math quiz; and downtime in two small chambers built to the same specifications, but out of different materials.

One room was made of drywall, a material seen in nearly every home, office and classroom. The other was made of wood, cut from waste logs collected by UVA Sawmilling from the Emmet-Ivy Corridor construction sites. Both were designed to minimize distractions from the outside world.

If the researchers' theory is correct, spending time in the natural chamber should show greater positive change in both self-reported well-being and alpha brain wave patterns.

"What we're trying for is the isolation of material as a factor," said lead researcher Katie MacDonald, assistant professor of architecture and co-director of the school's Before Building Laboratory. "Because of the need for control in the study, the geometry of the testing chambers needed to be the exact same."

"We were looking at eliminating views to the outside world and distractions, so there's no window in the space except for a skylight, and the inclusion of a bench over a desk surface was important to preference repose over work," Kyle Schumann, assistant professor of architecture and co-director of the Before Building Laboratory, said.

"There's a framework of biophilic design that it is assumed to bring those benefits into interior space, but there's not a ton of evidence really looking at that," said Julianna Mollica, a doctoral student in the School of Architecture's constructed environment program, who served as project manager for the study protocol.

The study was conducted in the University of Virginia's Gilmer Hall about a week before Final Exercises, with volunteer student subjects fitted with sensors, measuring and recording brain wave patterns. The subjects were given a short mathematical exercise to induce mild stress and then led to one of the chambers to recover for 10 minutes. The procedure was then repeated with time spent in the other chamber.

Julie Mollica, Analia Mazoratti, Margaret Saunders and Gabby Snetkov attach sensors to participants in the study. The sensors helped measure participants reactions to the different chambers. Credit: Katie MacDonald

"Just walking into the chambersespecially the wooden onecreated a unique experience of privacy and ease against the communal space of the atrium at Gilmer Hall," architecture graduate student Margaret Saunders, who worked on the project, said. "It is small enough that you feel nestled by the surrounding walls, but large and open enough that you do not feel cramped."

"I preferred the natural setting for the smells and sights. I would love if there were also greenery incorporated and think we could benefit from more connection to nature in our everyday spaces," said Liz Nigro, a doctoral student at the School of Education and Human Development who participated in the experiment.

Nigro's experience is in line with the study's underlying theory.

"We hypothesized that biophilic forms would foster a stronger connection to nature and would really manifest in people's mental health and we would see positive changes in both self-reported mental health and well-being and in alpha brain wave activity associated with relaxation," said Jenny Roe, the Mary Irene DeShong Professor of Design and Health/Urban Planning and director of the Center for Design and Health.

Study participant Daniel Langford found both chambers worth visiting.

"In pod 1, I found myself wanting my laptop or iPad to do work. The pod seemed like an ideal space for productivity and isolation," he said. "In pod 2, I felt a desire to slow down and simply relax. I found myself appreciating the natural wood textures and the scent of freshly cut wood."

Other researchers on the study team include Kevin Pelphrey, Harrison-Wood Jefferson Scholars Foundation Professor of Neurology; Tanya Evans, assistant professor, School of Education and Human Development; Stefen Beeler-Duden, research associate, Early Social Development Lab; and Analia Marzoratti, doctoral student, School of Education and Human Development.

Preliminary results of the study should be available in early fall.

"If what we hypothesize is actually found, that the natural environment actually does help foster some management of stress, I think implications on groundsfor UVA Health, the hospital and the cancer centerand beyond is how these types of immersive structures could be used in high-stress settings," said Roe.

"A lot of students, staff and faculty experience high levels of stress at certain times of the year," she said. "Maybe spending 10 minutes in a compact structure that didn't cost a huge amount to build could make a difference."
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Credit: Artem Podrez from Pexels

In a new study from the University of Skovde, researchers found that many auto workshops do not know enough about how to keep our cars safe from cyberattacks. "A large proportion of the vehicle fleet could practically be entirely open to attacks or already breached," says Marcus Nohlberg, docent in cybersecurity at the University of Skovde.

Modern cars can be described as connected advanced computers on wheels, and these computers handle everything from anti-skid systems to adaptive cruise control.

Recently, car computer systems have also started communicating with each other. This communication occurs outside the car. The intention is to avoid collisions, but it also opens up risks, and cars can become targets for cyberattacks. In 2015, two security researchers demonstrated how they could take control of a Jeep Cherokee's brakes and steering.

However, the new study from the University of Skovde, published in Information & Computer Security, shows that security awareness and knowledge among auto workshops are still low when it comes to cybersecurity. So, what happens if auto workshops do not have the necessary knowledge or awareness to handle car software correctly?

"A large proportion of the vehicle fleet could practically be entirely accessible to attacks or already breached," says Nohlberg, who, together with Martin Lundgren, senior lecturer in informatics, and David Hedberg, a former student at the University of Skovde, is behind the study.

But the extent is difficult to assess. This is due to a lack of transparency in how car manufacturers operate. One issue highlighted in the study is that car manufacturers have devised a solution for managing software exclusively accessible to authorized workshops. This exclusivity fosters significant uncertainty regarding the proper handling of the software, consequently leading to unaddressed security concerns.

"This is particularly true for workshops that are not authorized. They are often forced to use unofficial methods to manage the cars. For most people, the car is the most advanced computer they have, but they currently have no way to influence updates and information security," says Lundgren.

The researchers behind the study believe that both the public and professionals need greater insight into the systems. If more than just authorized workshops were allowed to use official software to update cars and had insight into the car's security, it would benefit safety. The current situation makes sense from the manufacturers' perspective, but the consequences for owners and society at large could be enormous.

"A large portion of the vehicle fleet may have significant vulnerabilities without us having any opportunity to control or protect ourselves against them at all. For us, it has been an eye-opener that there are such significant previously unknown risks in the automotive industry that are not being addressed," says Nohlberg.

More information: David Hedberg et al, Cybersecurity in modern cars: awareness and readiness of auto workshops, Information & Computer Security (2024). DOI: 10.1108/ICS-11-2023-0211
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Researchers have collected and analyzed an unprecedented amount of data on SMS phishing attacks, shedding light on both the scope and nature of SMS phishing operations. The work also outlines techniques that can be used to collect additional data on phishing activities, and identifies avenues that law enforcement officials can use to address phishing operations.

At issue is SMS phishing, which refers to attacks where scammers use text messages to try to trick people into sharing private informationsuch as credit card numbers or passwordsby impersonating a trusted party, such as a bank or government agency.

"In 2023 the world saw more phishing attacks than ever before, according to data from the Anti-Phishing Working Group," says Alex Nahapetyan, first author of a paper on the study and a Ph.D. student at North Carolina State University.

"These attacks affect online security and privacy for consumers and can be extremely costly, but we have very little data on them," Nahapetyan says. "That's because telecommunications companies are concerned about customer privacy and are reluctant to comb through the private data shared via text messages."

To get around this limitation, the researchers made use of SMS gateways, which are online websites that allow users to obtain disposable phone numbers. The researchers used SMS gateways to obtain a large number of disposable phone numbers. Because SMS phishing is now so widespread, they were able to simply wait for those disposable phone numbers to begin receiving phishing attacks.

Using this technique, the researchers monitored 2,011 phone numbers and identified 67,991 phishing messages over the course of 396 days.

Using text analysis, the researchers determined that those phishing messages could be divided into 35,128 unique campaignsmeaning that they were using virtually identical content. Further analysis found that those campaigns were associated with 600 distinct SMS phishing operations.

"For example, if we saw multiple campaigns that were directing targets to click on the same URL, those campaigns were part of the same operation," Nahapetyan says. "By the same token, if we saw a single campaign that used multiple URLs, we were able to determine that those URLs were part of the same operation."

Some of the findings were surprising. For example, the researchers found that SMS phishers are using mainstream servers, URL-shortening apps and web infrastructure to support their operations.

"Most people associate cybercrime with some sort of shady infrastructure," Nahapetyan says. "But these phishing scam operations are being run using the same infrastructure as everyone else."

The researchers also found that some phishers are also setting up their own domains, which they are using to host their own URL-shorteners.

"This raises the possibility that the private URL-shortening services provide some additional protection to phishers, or that this is a service being sold to phishers as part of the phishing ecosystem," says Nahapetyan. "That's an area for future research."

The researchers also tested the defenses of telecom services by sending their own (harmless) phishing messages to 10 phone numbers. They did this directly from a privately-owned phone, and again from a bulk messaging service. All of the phishing messages were delivered successfully. However, the bulk messaging service then banned the researcher's account.

The researchers also looked for bulk messaging services that phishers would be able to use repeatedlyand they found them. The services that enabled phishing attacks were not hiding in shadowy corners of the internet, but advertising openly on public social media platforms, such as LinkedIn.

"Altogether, the findings underscore two things," says Nahapetyan. "First, we already knew that there was an entire email phishing economy, and this work makes clear that this is true for SMS phishing as well. Someone can come in and buy an entire operation ready to gothe code, the URL, the bulk messaging, everything. And if their site gets shut down, or their messaging service gets banned, they don't carethey'll just move on to the next one.

"Second, we found that messages from many phishing operations include what appear to be notes to themselves. For example, a text may end with the words 'route 7' or 'route 9' or whatever. This suggests that phishers are using SMS gateways to test different routes for delivering phishing messages, in order to determine which routes are most likely to let their message through."

In at least four instances, the researchers identified these "test messages"including the URL the phishers were usingbefore the phishers had fully deployed their web infrastructure at the URL.

"This tells us that the messages were sent before the phishing attacks were launched in earnest," says Nahapetyan. "That's important because it suggests that, by monitoring SMS gateways, we may be able to identify some phishing URLs before their attacks roll out on a large scale. That would make those phishing campaigns easier to identify and block before any users share private data."

The paper, "On SMS Phishing Tactics and Infrastructure," was presented May 20 at the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy, which was held in San Francisco, Calif.

Corresponding author of the paper is Brad Reaves, an associate professor of computer science at NC State. The paper was co-authored by Sathvik Prasad, a Ph.D. student at NC State; Kevin Childs, a former undergraduate at NC State; Alexandros Kapravelos, an associate professor of computer science at NC State ; and Adam Oest and Yeganeh Ladwig of PayPal.

More information: Aleksandr Nahapetyan et al. On SMS Phishing Tactics and Infrastructure. IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy October 2023, https://robocall.science/publication/sp24/
China-Japan-South Korea business summit pledges efforts to promote cooperation

Xinhua) 09:37, May 28, 2024

SEOUL, May 27 (Xinhua) -- More than 200 participants of the 8th China-Japan-South Korea Business Summit here on Monday hailed the resumption of trilateral economic and trade cooperation with fresh impetus injected after a hiatus of more than four years, pledging efforts to promote the cooperation between business communities.

The business figures from China, Japan and South Korea gathered on the sidelines of the 9th trilateral leaders' meeting held here on Sunday and Monday after a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last leaders' meeting was held in December 2019 in China's southwestern city of Chengdu.

Business communities in the three neighboring countries hailed the convening of the trilateral leaders' meeting and its outcomes, voiced support for trilateral economic cooperation, and pledged efforts towards closer cooperation in facilitating digital transition, stimulating trade, stabilizing supply chains, green transition, responses to population ageing, and healthcare, among other areas.

Guest speakers from China, Japan and South Korea at the summit shared their insight into economic revitalization and sustainable development amid the changes in regional and international situations, highlighting population ageing as a common socioeconomic challenge for the three nations demanding cooperation of the business communities in a proactive response.

As the three countries are all manufacturing powerhouses, some speakers called for collaboration in seeking solutions to the many common problems related to reducing carbon emissions, expecting cooperation in various fields including developing low-carbon technology to yield greater result.

Noting growing uncertainties in the global economic environment, a joint statement signed at the summit announced the establishment of a working group for a joint trilateral response and preemptive coordination on trade issues, in hopes that the business summit and the working group will serve as both catalyst and platform for cooperation.

The business summit is jointly sponsored by Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and Japan Business Federation, better known as Keidanren.

In his opening address, KCCI Chairman Chey Tae-won called for concerted efforts and joint responses to the increasing common challenges facing the business communities in the three countries, as well as a gradual approach to cooperation built on the experience of smaller projects.

Keidanren Chairman Masakazu Tokura in his address stressed the need to increase personnel exchanges to enable closer communication and better mutual understanding in the interests of promoting cooperation between the business communities.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Ren Hongbin, head of the CCPIT, urged the business communities to expand cooperation in the fields ranging from digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI) to green energy and healthcare, increase investment, and build mutually beneficial industrial and supply chains with win-win results.

He, meanwhile, invited Japanese and South Korean businesses to participate in the second China International Supply Chain Expo scheduled to be held in November in Beijing.

The world's three major economies of China, Japan and South Korea launched their trilateral cooperation 25 years ago after the Asian financial crisis. The trilateral business summit was inaugurated in 2009 during the second leaders' meeting in Beijing.

On Monday, business community representatives from the three countries welcomed the return to cooperation under the trilateral framework. Choi Jun-ho, vice chairman of South Korea's fashion group Hyungji, which runs business in both China and Japan, said, "An economic ecosystem for the three countries would facilitate our business operation, in particular in terms of customs and taxation."

"Despite the disharmonious voices due to some political reasons, I believe that the three countries will be able to be united for cooperation to achieve greater growth," he said.

Meanwhile, Choi voiced his confidence in China's economic outlook, adding Hyungji, with school uniforms export business in Shanghai, will further invest in and focus efforts on expanding the Chinese market.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Mary Ann Estrella sits in her apartment in Midland on April 20. She is among many Texans who have fallen behind on paying their electricity bills. Reilly Strand for The Texas Tribune

MIDLAND  Mary Ann Estrella sat on a rented couch last November and ate, by candlelight, her Thanksgiving dinner: a bologna sandwich.

The candles were not for ambiance. They were, for the time being, her only source of light.

She was four months behind on her electricity bill, owing $450. With little money left over from her income  a combined $2,000 from Social Security, medical and disability benefits  the 65-year-old veteran had to choose between paying for groceries and the electric bill.

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I just didnt have the money to pay for it, Estrella said.

This has been Estrellas reality since moving to Midland, the capital of the oil-rich Permian Basin, three years ago to help her son, Frankie Estrella, raise his newborn.

Its also the reality for thousands of Texans who cannot keep up with the costs of their electric bills.

The San Antonio angle As of March 31, 189,494, or about 20%, of CPS Energys customers had past due bills totaling a combined $154.2 million. San Antonios city-owned utility said 76,000 of those were on installment plans to repay a total of $88 million in past-due bills. The other 113,494 customers were facing possible disconnection. CPS will not cut off service during extreme weather, however.  Sara DiNatale

A survey of Texans by Payless Power, a Dallas-based utility, found one-third of Texans paid their electric bills late at least once during the year. And 7% self-reported that their accounts had been referred to a collections agency.

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Texans also self-reported that months of extreme weather made it more difficult to pay power bills.

Its not a surprise, said Doug Hairgrove, director of energy programs at the Community Action Corp. of South Texas, an organization providing social, health and financial services to 8,000 households across 16 counties in South Texas, including Hidalgo, Cameron, Nueces and Starr.

On average, the partnership helps 1,000 people a year with their electric bills. Households on average have owed $1,400, Hairgrove said.

The partnership has already received 52,000 phone calls this year seeking some form of financial relief.

Mary Ann Estrella prepares homemade dog food in her apartment in Midland on April 20. A whiteboard tracking monthly expenses can be seen in her kitchen. At the time, Estrella estimated that $138.97 would be left over in her budget at the end of April. Reilly Strand for The Texas Tribune

Its ironic because Texas is supposed to be an energy state. But I do think we kind of get the short end of the stick, Hairgrove said.

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Texas is one of about two dozen states that have a so-called deregulated energy market. It was, at the time when Texas lawmakers established it, pitched as a way to lower electricity bills.

Today, Texas homes are powered by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, a board-governed nonprofit with two functions.

The first is overseeing the grid, which manages 90% of the states electricity and serves about 26 million Texans. The grid obtains power from many sources, including oil and natural gas, coal, wind and solar. Recently, the grid has introduced batteries.

ERCOT also buys power from producers and resells it to companies that then sell it as a utility to consumers. Transmission and distribution companies, like Oncor and CenterPoint Energy, deliver that electricity, for which Texas customers also pay a fee. ERCOT relies on generator operators and a computer algorithm to determine prices.

ERCOT is the one buyer in the wholesale market and the one seller, said Ed Hirs, an energy fellow at the University of Houston. Hirs said that the power plants feeding ERCOTs grid only make money when they generate electricity.

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ERCOTs system attempts to provide incentives for power companies to produce more energy during peak demand times in the summer and winter by paying a premium. Those price increases are passed on to utility companies and their customers.

For example, Texans felt the brunt of the rate hikes during the winter storm in February 2021, when the wholesale price of a kilowatt-hour rose a staggering 7,400% to $9 from the normal 12 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Air conditioning units sit outside Mary Ann Estrellas apartment in Midland. Reilly Strand for The Texas Tribune

In 2023, Texas paid more for wholesale electricity than anywhere else in the country, Forbes reported using data from the Energy Information Administration.

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A spokesperson for the statewide grid operator said it is not responsible for how much electric retailers charge their customers. When demand on the grid outweighs the amount of electricity that sources of power can generate, the wholesale cost of energy could increase as more expensive generation would be required to keep up, ERCOT said.

ERCOT does not design the market or set pricing for retail consumers, the spokesperson said.

Hirs said existing generators cannot produce enough electricity to match the states growing population and keep costs low.

The fact of the matter is we dont have enough batteries, and we dont have enough nuclear, coal and natural gas fleets to serve Texans on peak demand days, he said.

Hirs said he thinks renewable energy could ease that burden at some point, but the existing plants will not be capable of meeting demand, he said. Meanwhile, lawmakers have attempted to encourage natural gas development.

And last fall, lawmakers passed a bill allowing transmission and distribution companies to request changes in how much they charge for electricity to recover the cost of providing it. The Public Utilities Commission would approve or deny those requests.

State Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, sponsored the bill, enacted in September. The commission has received nine requests from companies delivering electricity to raise prices to cover distribution costs. It approved six: AEP Texas, Southwestern Electric Power Co., Oncor Electric Delivery Co. and CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric  the only regulated companies in Texas energy market  requested the increase in costs.

When families find themselves in a precarious financial position, they often wait until they are at a breaking point, said Sara Aguilar, executive director of Odessa Catholic Charities.

People are ashamed and embarrassed to ask for help, she said.

Thats how Judy Ann Marquez felt when financial instability arrived at her doorstep. Last year in October, the 62-year-old took custody of her nieces child. Marquez said she quit her job as a cashier when her employer reduced her hours. She scraped her savings while looking for another job, she said.

Her power wasn't shut off, but it came close. The bill soared to $500, an amount she couldnt afford. It was then that Marquez sought out the charity for help. The charity paid the bill in full.

I hate asking, but I dont have a choice, Marquez, a lifelong Odessan, said.

Mary Ann Estrella stirs a pot of homemade dog food in her kitchen. Estrella makes her own dog food to save money as living costs increase. Reilly Strand for The Texas Tribune

Aguilar said the charity provides monetary assistance for up to three months and pairs a caseworker with each person. The caseworker equips every person with financial literacy skills tailored to their hardship.

If those seeking assistance can afford part of the expense, the organization asks every person to contribute. After the three-month period expires, the person can again request assistance in 18 months.

It just helps them be part of the solution, she said.

Texans who cannot pay their bills can also apply to the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, which helps low-income households by covering up to eight months of the highest energy bills. To qualify, families must fall below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. A household of one, for example, must earn no more than $22,590 annually.

In Midland, Estrella is counting the days until she can buy a home. Its a sunny afternoon in mid-April, and shes out of cash until the end of the month when her benefits kick in. She would work more, she said, but has to limit her hours to avoid being disqualified from her benefits.
A rendering from 2022 depicts the proposed Artista hotel downtown on a site along the San Antonio River Walk that is now slated for foreclosure auction. CREO

Plans for a boutique hotel at a site overlooking the San Antonio River Walk may be abandoned  again.

A company affiliated with real estate investor Harris Bay defaulted on a loan for the 0.2-acre site at 151 E. Travis St. scheduled to be sold at a foreclosure auction in June, according to real estate records.

The private equity firm had proposed building a 121-room hotel called Artista, with more than 2,500 square feet of meeting and event space, along with restaurant and bar components. It was redesigned several times, and Harris Bay co-founder Jake Harris said in 2021 that it was slated to open in 2023, but the site remains vacant.

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The firm formed an opportunity zone fund in 2019 to buy the property from Florida-based Seaside Hospitality Corp., which nixed its plans in 2018 to build a 100-room hotel there.

Opportunity zones were created by President Donald Trumps $1.5 trillion tax bill in 2017, and investors who park their money in projects in the federally designated areas can get tax breaks on capital gains.

Next to the Artista site, a separate company affiliated with Harris Bay converted the Travis Building from offices to 63 apartments and ground-floor commercial space, and the building reopened last summer. Its unclear whether Harris Bay is still involved in ownership and management of the property. Harris did not respond to inquiries.

A rendering depicts an earlier iteration of designs for the Artista hotel, left, and the Travis Building, right, an office building that has been converted to apartments. The proposed Artistas site along the San Antonio River Walk that is slated for foreclosure auction. Courtesy of CREO

Other delayed developments

Aside from the hotel, other local projects proposed by Harris Bay have run into problems.

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Last month, homeowners in the Sunglo Townhomes project in Southtown filed six lawsuits against a group of defendants that includes Harris Bay Sunglo Urban Homes LLC; its general partners, Jacob Jake Harris and Anton Bayer; Varga Endeavor LLC; and principal Efraim Varga, a local developer. The plaintiffs said inexperienced people were used to build the townhouses, which have construction defects.

In the Denver Heights neighborhood east of downtown, Varga approached Harris in 2015 about building a mixed-use development at Essex and Cherry streets. The $150 million development dubbed Essex Modern City was to have apartments, condominiums, townhomes, offices, retail, a food hall, a rock climbing wall, murals and vertical farms with vegetables for restaurants.

Construction was supposed to begin in 2017 but never did. Varga ended his involvement in Essex Modern City in 2019, and Harris Bay put the property up for sale in 2022. Harris previously attributed the lack of progress to difficulties having the area designated as a quiet zone, as it is bordered by railroad tracks.

A company linked to Harris Bay bought a pair of buildings along St. Marys Street across from Brackenridge High School in 2020. The firm renovated the buildings for apartments and retail space before putting them up for sale in March. Ten residential units are ready for occupancy while the retail space is vacant, according to a listing.

In 2022, Harris Bay laid out plans to build 1,000 apartments and about 70,000 square feet of commercial space near Pearl and the St. Marys Strip.

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The development would stretch across multiple properties along West Josephine Street between West Grayson Street and East Ashby Place that include small buildings with businesses, warehouses, single-family homes and empty lots. Harris Bay had the properties under contract, and the sales were contingent on rezoning to allow for the development.

After the City Council approved the request, RS Josephine Development LLC acquired the parcels last summer. The company is affiliated with Houston-based real estate investment firm Rockspring, and its unclear whether Harris Bay is involved. Construction on the development has not started.

Last year, Harris Bay sold the Commerce Building downtown to local firm Weinritter Realty. Harris Bay bought the office building in 2017 and renovated it, according to a leasing brochure by CBRE.

A rendering from 2022 depicts the proposed Artista hotel downtown on a site along the San Antonio River Walk that is now slated for foreclosure auction. CREO

Downtown hotel market

Even as the future of the Artista hotel is unclear, multiple new hotels are in the works downtown, a sign of investors bullishness as the hospitality industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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White Lodgings 347-room Kimpton Hotel on South Alamo Street is scheduled to open late this year, and Zachry Hospitalitys 200-room hotel, dubbed the Monarch Hotel, at Hemisfair is expected to open in 2026. Trailbreak Partners and Scarlett Hotel Group, owners of the InterContinental Hotel along East Pecan Street, recently delayed the 390-room hotels opening from this summer to fall.

The average occupancy rate was 66.3% year to date through April, down from 74% during the same four-month period in 2019, according to real estate data company CoStar. Revenue per available room  a measure of hotels performance that reflects occupancy and average daily room rates  was $127.69, compared with $118.29 in 2019.

El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel at 110 Lexington Ave., which has been closed since the pandemic, is under new ownership.

Trestle Studio, Sopris Capital and the Town Lake Co. bought the 308-room hotel last year and are planning a full rehabilitation and restoration of the property, including renovating the rooftop pool deck, and adding food and beverage options, as well as meeting and event space. The $46 million project is expected to begin in August and conclude in early 2026, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

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The South Park Mall food court has many dining options from regional and locally owned businesses. Paul Stephen/Staff

For us Gen X brats  I was born in 1977  life happened at the mall.

Walking past Foot Locker when "My Adidas" pops into your head upon the glimpse of a sweet pair of kicks. Back-to-school shopping with mom at JCPenney and begging for the Levi's instead of the Wranglers. Moving in obnoxious packs of fellow middle schoolers from one store to the next, every employee wondering what, exactly, we'd try to shoplift next.

And I know I'm not the only one who tried to sneak an Orange Julius, concealed in my oversized denim trench coat, into the mall's movie theater.

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Hey, it was the 90s.

At some point, everything wound up in the food court. That was the place to show off hauls, complain about mom and dad, gossip about who kissed who. And, of course, grab a bite to eat.

There remains plenty of peak mall-era nostalgia in those food courts today. Great American Cookies and their gigantic cookie cakes still hold down kiosks in most San Antonio-area malls. If youre craving that vintage pretzel experience, Auntie Annes is there for you.

But the heyday of Orange Julius and Sbarro  once anchors of mall food courts  is long gone. Youll have to settle for bubble tea or a smoothie to satisfy your Orange Julius cravings in 2024. If you want Dippin Dots, plan on a trek to San Marcos to find the nearest outpost.

The South Park Mall food court has many dining options from regional and locally owned businesses. Paul Stephen/Staff

But finding a slice of pizza? Easy as pie.

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Blue Star Brewing Co. has an outpost at North Star Mall. Paul Stephen/Staff The South Park Mall food court has many dining options from regional and locally owned businesses. Paul Stephen/Staff Opah Greek Flavor serves gyros, dolmades and more at North Star Mall. Paul Stephen/Staff Rolling Oaks Mall has a small second-floor food court. Paul Stephen/Staff The Shops at Rivercenter food court on the Riverwalk Level includes Indian, Southern and Mexican fare. Paul Stephen/Staff Shops at Rivercenter has multiple food courts and restaurant options. Paul Stephen/Staff Shops at Rivercenter lies along the tourist boat route through downtown San Antonio. Paul Stephen/Staff Shops at Rivercenter has multiple food courts and restaurant options. Paul Stephen/Staff The food court at Wonderland of the Americas has options for any appetite. Paul Stephen/Staff Ingram Park Mall has a large second-floor food court. Paul Stephen/Staff The UFO Taco Burger from Rico's Diner at Wonderland of the Americas features a hamburger and toppings wrapped in a tortilla. Paul Stephen/Staff Poke-Yi serves ramen and fresh seafood bowls at Ingram Park Mall. Paul Stephen/Staff Poke-Yi serves ramen and fresh seafood bowls at Ingram Park Mall. Paul Stephen/Staff Ingram Park Mall has a large second-floor food court. Paul Stephen/Staff The food court at Wonderland of the Americas has options for any appetite. Paul Stephen/Staff

Siblings Lucio Centofanti and Gennaro Centofanti know the mall dining game better than most. They opened their first restaurant, Cento and Fanti, in a Pennsylvania shopping mall ages ago. After relocating to San Antonio, the brothers launched Luciano Ristorante Italiano and its quick-serve offshoot Luciano Express Pizzeria, which has a home in four San Antonio malls.

Luciano Express Pizzeria is primarily a slice joint, with pies sporting a distinctive twisted rim on the crust and a dense heft guaranteeing one slice will do the trick for a quick nosh. These arent the greasy, foldable slices of Sbarro lore. Instead, you get a San Antonio-raised pizza with an identity of its own.

National restaurant chains still dominate much of the mall food court experience today, with staples such as Subway, Chick-fil-A, Charleys Philly Steaks and Marble Slab Creamery maintaining a strong presence. That doesnt mean local restaurateurs have been completely muscled out, though.

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Southern Grit To-Go is located in Shops at Rivercenter. Paul Stephen/Staff

San Antonio native Drea Prevo has spent the past 14 years working in just about every corner of the culinary world after training at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin. She launched the food truck Southern Grit in 2020 and followed that with Southern Grit To-Go in 2023 inside a former pizza stall at Shops at Rivercenter that had been vacant since 2018.

While she wasn't planning on working out of a shopping mall, she wanted some sort of brick-and-mortar home for her soul food concept, which had garnered a loyal following as a food truck. She has no shortage of customers at the new operation but said the clientele isn't quite the same.

"Its so crazy. It's very different from the truck. Those were mostly locals. In the mall, that's tourists. It was like starting all over with total strangers," Prevo said. "For total strangers, people who have never had a grit in their life, it gives me an opportunity to explain that to them. It imparts great memories, whether youve had grits before or not. It gives you a little piece of memory back of your mom, grandma, aunts. They love it."

With less than a year in the mall under her belt  Southern Grit To-Go celebrates its first birthday July 1  she's also started seeing some familiar faces.

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"Im seeing my regulars more often. People that knew me before, and even before the truck, I'm definitely grateful for my local clientele to come downtown. Its a commitment, you know. You have to drive through traffic, pay to park," Prevo said. "I believe Ive been blessed with a gift to bring people back downtown. For me, personally, it's just a breath of fresh air being able to connect with all walks of life who come through San Antonio and offer them a piece of my heart."

I've spent the past few weeks reliving my (arguably delinquent) youth by visiting shopping malls around San Antonio. These days, I couldn't care less about the latest fashions at American Eagle, novelty gifts at Spencer's or whiz-bang gadgets from RadioShack. But I'm always down for a bite.

Here's what I found happening in six area mall food courts.

EAT UP: Get to know The Creamery District and its neighboring restaurants and bars

Ingram Park Mall has a large second-floor food court. Paul Stephen/Staff

Ingram Park Mall: You'll have to take a few extra steps here. The second floor plays host to a food court that includes what may be the first bite of teriyaki chicken much of America had, at Sarku Japan. If you need a taste of nostalgia, by all means, indulge. But for the best of what this mall has to offer, stroll down a narrow corridor just off the food court toward Poke-Yi. This one-off, local business will serve a bowl of spicy salmon, savory tuna and a dozen other concoctions over rice with a bounty of vegetables. It also offers bowls of bouncy pork tonkotsu ramen noodles, boba tea and more. If this style of food is your thing, Poke-Yi is the only choice worth considering when taking a break from shopping. 6301 NW Loop 410, 210-523-1228, ingram-park-mall.com

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The North Star Mall food court features a mix of national chains and locally owned restaurants. Paul Stephen/Staff

North Star Mall: If you know any shopping mall in San Antonio, it's probably this one, thanks to the distinctive pair of mile-high boots planted outside. The food court is on the second floor, and you'll mostly find familiar faces such as Charleys and Subway. But look close, and you'll see a Luciano outpost and Opah Greek Flavor. The latter is the one to hit here. The lamb gyro with a side of stuffed grape leaves (dolmades) can compete with any you'll find in town. The spanakopita is an ideal snack  a quick hit of veggies, cheese and herbs swaddled in a flaky pastry. Bonus: If you're a beer fan, San Antonio's own Blue Star Brewing Co. has a small stall just outside the food court area where you can grab some local suds. 7400 San Pedro Ave., 210-342-2325, northstarmall.com

Grill 'N Shout BBQ serves brisket, sausage and more at the Rolling Oaks Mall. Paul Stephen/Staff

Rolling Oaks Mall: This mall's food court rests under a towering ceiling of glass with plenty of daylight shining through. The usual suspects  Charleys, Chick-fil-A and the like  are all there. But for a taste of Texas, walk past all of that to the Grill 'N Shout BBQ counter. There are plenty of fantastic places to find Central Texas-style barbecue joints in San Antonio. But if you have to combine a bite of brisket and sausage with picking up some khakis, funky soaps and a new pair of J's, this is the spot to hit. 6909 N. Loop 1604 E., 210-307-4950, rollingoaksmall.com

The Shops at Rivercenter food court on the Riverwalk Level includes Indian, Southern and Mexican fare. Paul Stephen/Staff

Shops at Rivercenter: San Antonio's premier shopping mall is the only one you can catch a glimpse of while aboard a boat cruising the River Walk district. On the main level just off Alamo Plaza, you'll find a restaurant row occupied by national brands, including pizza purveyors Urban Bricks Kitchen and sandwich spot Which Wich. Put in some effort and get yourself to the river-level floor. Here, the real food court, with local operators, resides. Southern Grit To-Go owner Drea Prevo will be more than happy to fill your belly with a bowl of shrimp and grits. A few stalls down, you can find the best burger on the River Walk at Mark's Outing, an East Side establishment on Commerce Street that launched a Rivercenter outpost in 2022. 849 E. Commerce St., 210-225-0000, shoprivercenter.com

Incredible Burger at South Park Mall is a solid choice for a quick burger. Paul Stephen/Staff

South Park Mall: On a busy weekend, this food court feels like a flashback to the glory days of malls, with customers of all ages buzzing from stalls to tables while loaded down with shopping bags. And the dining options are solid. You can find classic fare such as Chinese American takeout at Side Wok Cafe and a slice of pizza at Lucianos. Incredible Burger, a small chain with multiple mall locations in San Antonio, is absolutely worth a visit. The Barbecue Bacon burger stands out with big beefy flavor, a heap of grilled onions, several strips of crispy bacon and a punchy barbecue sauce, along with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and cheese. 2310 SW Military Drive, 210-921-0534, visitsouthpark.com

Rico's Diner anchors the food court at Wonderland of the Americas. Paul Stephen/Staff
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EUTAWVILLE -- A mother/daughter-owned and operated store specializing in locally made products and goods has opened in Eutawville.

Holly Hill's Alicia Cantey Bilton and her mother, Debra Altman Cantey, have opened The Local at 305 Porcher Ave. The store is located in the former Eutaw Outfitters.

The Local is an artisan market and boutique that sells gifts, apparel, art and handcrafted items made in South Carolina. The store celebrated its grand opening Saturday, May 4.

"My mom Debra and I had this vision to create a store front that would allow the local artisan community to come together in a space to sell their work and inspire collaboration and partnerships amongst community vendors," Bilton said.

The Local "The Local," an artisan market and boutique store that sells gifts, apparel, art and handcrafted items made locally, celebrated its grand open

"Our storefront concept is one that we are very proud of, because we feel it is both advantageous to the vendor as well as the shopper," Bilton said. "The vendors get the additional exposure to their products and the shoppers get to partake in a one-of-a-kind shopping experience featuring small batch, locally made products that they cant find anywhere else."

The store has partnered with over 15 hand-selected South Carolina vendors to serve as a one-stop shop for products produced locally or within the state.

"We were very intentional in crafting a store that was different," Bilton continued. "We hand selected vendors, we were mindful in choosing products and vendors that were affordable for most shoppers, but most of all we wanted to execute the store layout to feel more elevated than your ordinary crafters market or vendor fair."

"When you walk into our store you will not find any plywood vendor booths or large displays of one product," Bilton said. "We really prioritize the customers shopping experience and work with our vendors to create collections and collaborations using products of like kind throughout the store.

"We also encourage vendors to do small batch items so that if a customer comes to shop the store two times in a matter of six weeks, their experience is different every time they step in the door. Shoppers have really loved this about our space."

The store is currently open Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Beginning May 30, the business will also be opening Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Bilton says currently business hours are structured on a weekly basis based on traffic and shopping times and will be so for the next few weeks.

In addition to the shopping space, the store also has a workshop area, which is a small classroom space where the business will host workshops and classes for kids and adults. Starting in June, the business will begin to host art classes, paint and sips, charcuterie classes, candle making and many other workshops.

Individuals are asked to visit the store's Facebook page for more information on specific events.

Bilton says that as a small business owner in Eutawville, she is trying to help bring back some of the vibrancy she remembers as a child and wants to pass along to the next generation.

"One of my fondest memories growing up here was the excitement and life that was always on display in the '90s and early 2000s," Bilton said. "So as a 37-year-old mother of four, I desperately want my boys to have those childhood memories like I did."

The Local The store is located at 305 Porcher Ave. in Eutawville.

"The small town memories of running into neighbors at the Alpine during dinner, reminisce about buying bait with their Dad from Nick at Reel Outfitters before heading out on the lake, and have long conversations with their wives about how her friend pork chops will never compare to the ones at Tricias Cafe."

"I have always thought there was a richness of community and friendships amongst the residence and business owners of Eutawville," Bilton continued. "Eutawville is a special place, people from all walks of life, different cultures, race, and age that somehow always manage to intertwine in such a beautiful way. It is honestly what I love most about this town. So above all else we really wanted this place and location to showcase that, so that is why we named it 'The Local.'"

The Bilton family is no stranger to small business.

Bilton's grandfather, Bobby Altman, owned and ran Bobbys Bicycle Shop off Remount Road in Charleston for decades. Bilton and her mother grew up working in the store.

Currently, the business is entirely run by family with Bilton's husband, parents, kids and brothers chipping in.

She said there are plans to make possibly two part-time hires by the fall.

Small business continues to run in the family.

Bilton's brother, Alan Cantey owns and runs Old State Custom Carts also in Eutawville.

"I guess we are turning Main Street into a family project," Bilton said. "It has been fun and convenient to being doing this practically side by side and I know he shares the same vision and dreams that we do."

Bilton and her mom have been living in the Eutawville area for decades and see in Eutawville opportunities.

"We have so much potential here in town, and I believe with a little TLC, many of these storefronts and buildings can be made into something new and exciting for the generations to come," Bilton said. "Mine and my moms hope is that we can inspire other small businesses to take the leap of faith and open their doors and encourage local property owners with sitting real estate to take pride in their property, clean it up, plant some flowers and get it ready to rent to some of these small businesses out here so that when people ride pass through they know people actually live here."

For more information about "The Local," visit the store's Facebook page by searching for The Local Eutawville or following this link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556345797735

The business can also be reached by email at thelocal305@gmail.com.

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An inmate folds and clean uniforms at the Bexar County Detention Center in May 2019. Bob Owen, Staff Photographer / Staff photographer Francisco Javier Salinas, 41, was found unresponsive in his Bexar County jail cell by a deputy on April 19. He was later pronounced dead from an apparent medical episode. Bexar County Sheriff's Office Duane Ventimiglia, 40, was found dead in his cell at the Bexar County jail on April 18. Bexar County Sheriff's Office

Bexar County officials are searching for solutions after two jail inmates died within 24 hours of one another.

Duane Ventimiglia, 40, was pronounced dead on April 18 when he was found unresponsive in his cell. The sheriffs office released a statement shortly after saying it appeared Ventimiglia had succumbed to medical complications associated with a history of substance abuse.

About 24 hours later, Francisco Javier Salinas, 41, was found unresponsive in his cell by a deputy who was conducting face-to-face observation checks. In this case, the sheriffs office said it appeared Salinas had a medical episode compounded by withdrawal symptoms.

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As of Monday afternoon, both of their causes of death had yet to be determined by the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office. It can take the medical examiner three months or longer to complete an investigation.

READ MORE: San Antonio woman sentenced to 18 years for death of toddler in her care

The recent deaths led county jail officials to initiate a new policy requiring all incoming inmates who are diabetic and insulin-dependent to undergo a medical evaluation and receive clearance from a medical physician before being accepted into the jail. Those experiencing withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or benzodiazepine, a class of drugs used to treat depression, also will need clearance.

Ventimiglia and Salinas had been experiencing withdrawal symptoms from substance abuse and had preexisting chronic health conditions, according to Sheriff Javier Salazar.

I think it was a case in which one of these gentlemen should not have been in a jail setting for a nonviolent misdemeanor.  The second gentleman would have been better suited at the hospital, Salazar said.

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Salinas was insulin dependent when he arrived at the jail on a domestic violence charge. He had a pump attached to his side that delivered insulin to his body at specific times, but the pump was out of insulin, Salazar said. Salinas was taken to the jails infirmary, where he received insulin, but it wasnt long before he was found dead in his cell.

Ventimiglia was booked on a criminal trespass charge, a nonviolent misdemeanor, and had his bond lowered from $1,000 to $25. But Salazar said he was homeless and could not afford to bond out.

James Roberts, a Dallas-based civil rights lawyer, said this is the case for many inmates who arrive at the jail.

A lot of people who go into jail are unable to bond out. They oftentimes have financial issues, theyre homeless, things of that nature, where they dont have the best medical care before they get to the jail, Roberts said.

The number of inmate deaths in Bexar County is down so far this year  Ventimiglia and Salinas were the first inmates to die at the Bexar County jail in 2024  but the back-to-back deaths raised questions about medical care in the facility and how it can be improved.

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The jail has seen an increase of inmates arriving with serious health conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, Salazar said. These issues are then compounded by drug and alcohol addiction, he said.

When you put all of those things together, and you put someone in a jail environment, bad things are bound to happen, Salazar said.

He is working with University Health, the public health and hospital system for Bexar County. It is responsible for the jails infirmary and provides health screenings for inmates when they are being processed.

Among the states largest counties, Harris is the only one to top Bexar in terms of overall inmate deaths over the last five years, according to data collected by the Texas Justice Initiative, a nonprofit that tracks the numbers. Harris County had an average of 18 deaths each year, while Bexar County averaged 15. Dallas County is the next highest, with an average of nine deaths, followed by Travis County, which averages four.

Inmate deaths in the Bexar County jail have increased in the last decade, from five in 2013 to 18 in 2023.

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Eleven of the deaths last year were classified as natural, according to Bexar Countys numbers. The jail defines a natural death as a death resulting from illness, disease and its complications or natural processes.

Of the inmate deaths reported this year across the state in county jails, seven died of natural causes or illness.

Roberts, the civil rights attorney, believes most jail deaths are preventable if the proper training and proper monitoring is taking place.

The issue is thats not always the case, he said.

While the Bexar County Sheriffs Office has struggled to keep its positions filled at the Bexar County Detention Center, Salazar said recent deaths had nothing to do with staffing.

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Last fall, the county jail introduced Operation Lifeguard, an initiative the sheriff pushed to provide better health care to inmates. The plan involved increasing medical training for jail staff and providing them with life-saving medical equipment.

One of the more frustrating things about my job is that I dont get to control whos here. Im just responsible for them while they are here, Salazar said. Thats all good and well as long as a person doesnt have deadly illnesses that could kill them and it happens on our watch.

The jails health conditions reflect those in the rest of Bexar County, according to Ed Banos, the executive vice president and chief operating officer for University Health.

Were seeing much more chronic conditions in Bexar County as a whole, the prevalence of diabetes, people who have heart failure, Banos said. You would just naturally think those illnesses would also be prevalent in the jail.

The new policy requiring clearance from a medical physician materialized after a meeting between University Health CEO George Hernandez and Salazar. The two discussed medically rejecting inmates at the jail and sending them to a hospital to receive better care than at the jails infirmary.

They also discussed increasing the size of the controlled access unit at University Hospital in the Medical Center to hold more inmates. Still, Salazar said those plans will take a year or two to become a reality.

Banos doesnt anticipate the increased number of patients being a burden on hospital resources. He said University Health is still determining how many more patients it expects to treat with the new policy.

The care provided at the jails infirmary is similar to an outpatient clinic, Banos said. Staff can complete X-rays and do lab work, but an inmate would need to be sent to a hospital for advanced care, such as an ailment that requires them to be in a hospital bed overnight, Banos said.

Banos said there is a finite number of beds in University Hospitals controlled access unit, and there is demand for more inpatient stays from the Bexar County jail.

Deaths at the Bexar County jail have led to lawsuits in previous years with varying outcomes.

The family of Janice Dotson-Stephens sued the county and University Health when Dotson-Stephens died after losing weight while in jail.

Dotson-Stephens, who had a history of mental illness, was arrested in July 2018 on a misdemeanor trespassing charge and held in the jail on $300 bail. A jury later found Bexar County and University Health not liable for her death.

In a similar case, the family of 61-year-old Fernando Macias sued after he lost 104 pounds and died at the Bexar County jail. His death occurred only two days after Dotson-Stephens. A judge approved a summary judgment dismissing the case on March 18. Macias family has asked the judge to reconsider; the request is still pending.

And in 2021, Bexar County and the University Health System settled a lawsuit with the family of a mentally ill inmate who died at the Bexar County jail two weeks after he was arrested for a misdemeanor trespassing charge.

The family of Jack Ule, 63, alleged he died after the hospital failed to provide him with proper medical care at the jail and in the hospital.
New Delhi-based TBO Tek Limited, a leading travel distribution platform in the global travel and tourism industry, recently completed the public listing of its equity shares in India via the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE).

The company raised approximately $186 million (Rs 1,550 crore) from this initial public offer.

The issue received an overwhelming response across all categories of investors, being oversubscribed 86.70 times overall.

The qualified institutional buyers (QIB) portion was subscribed 125.51 times, while the non-institutional investors (NII) portion received a subscription of 50.60 times.

The retail individual investors portion received 25.74 times, while the portion reserved for employees received 17.82 times subscription.

The company was listed on May 15, 2024 on the aforementioned Indian stock exchanges with a premium of 50% plus over the issue price.

Gaurav Bhatnagar, Co-Founder and Joint MD, TBO Tek Limited, said: Ankush Nijhawan (Co-Founder, Joint MD, TBO Tek) and myself are delighted to announce the successful listing of our company on the stock exchanges.

TBOs listing on the Indian stock exchanges marks a significant milestone in our companys journey. This accomplishment paves the way for new opportunities, enabling us to drive innovation, expand our reach, and enhance value for our shareholders and customers. We are poised for a future of sustained growth and success.

In the Middle East, TBO is known for its pathbreaking B2A strategy  an acronym for Business to Travel Agents  in the tourism industry. B2A is a first-of-its-kind strategy in the region aimed at empowering agents to maximise earnings by meaningfully catering to travellers seeking customised, hassle-free, and convenience-oriented tourism services.

Sameh Fouad, VP Sales, Middle East, TBO Tek Limited suggested that the investments would be used to continue fuelling their innovative endeavours in the region.

We at TBO are very excited about this development, Fouad said. The investments will be used to further enhance our technology and services, as well as expand into new markets in the region."

The TBO platform has a significant presence in the Middle East and connects over 159,000 buyers across more than 100 countries with over a million suppliers. Their global impact was exemplified by the anchors attracted before the IPO, which included the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and institutional investors from countries like Norway, Japan and India. - TradeArabia News Service
Visa has announced the Bahrain finalists that will compete at the Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman edition of the 2024 Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI), a global open innovation programme and competition. The competition will see fintech startups pitch their solutions to solve tomorrows payment and commerce challenges.

This years Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman edition of VEI will see an in-person competition for finalists from all three countries in June in Riyadh.

The finalists are:

Saudi Arabia: LazyWait, provides POS solutions that enable businesses through SMS Payments, LitePOS, integration with accounting systems, and more MoneyLoop, a digital rotating savings and credit association that employs KYC and a pool of vetted users to ensure low-risk to users

Bahrain: Flooss, a digital consumer microfinance app that provides instant cash loans to consumers within minutes

Cnpsecure, turnkey solutions provider for issuers to adopt dynamic CVV and virtual cards

Ryalize, a liquidity solution provider that provides easy access to financial products to individuals with predictable income

Oman: HAL Capital, a Sharia-compliant embedded direct financing FinTech platform, committed to redefining access to finance for the underbanked Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals

Mamun, a Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) lending via crowd funding & embedded lending.

This year's prizes

This years prizes for the Saudi, Bahrain and Oman edition of VEI are:

Bahrain VEI Winner: BD15,000 ($40,000)

Saudi Arabia VEI Winner: BD15,000

Oman VEI Winner: BD15,000

This years edition of VEI brings back the Impact Prize (BD3,700), which goes to a competitor who has innovated a solution that has a positive social impact on the communities it operates in. Examples include initiatives that boost financial inclusion, promote sustainability, or safeguard the environment. Last year, Saudi-based fintech Lamaa won the Impact Prize for providing SMBs with technological, financially inclusive embedded finance and payment solutions.

In addition to equity-free funding, VEI winners gain access and exposure to Visas vast networks of partners in the banking, merchant, venture capital, and government sectors. The winners also benefit from receiving recognition from one of the worlds most trusted and valuable brands.

Expert panel

The finalists will present their solutions to an expert panel of judges which will include:

Godfrey Sullivan, SVP and Head of Strategy for CEMEA  Visa

Thereshini Peter, VP, Chief Financial Officer  Mena, Visa

Malak AlSaffar, Country Manager for Bahrain - Visa

Yousif AlNefaiei, Deputy CEO, Benefit

Nezar Alhaidar, Director, Fintech Saudi

Majid AlAmri, CEO, Thawani Pay

"We have been impressed with the creativity and innovative solutions our fintech finalists in Bahrain have brought to the table to address real commerce challenges. The level of innovation displayed instills immense confidence in the current and future state of Bahrain's fintech ecosystem. I look forward to the final competition, and to working with our winners in helping shape the fintech landscape, said Malak AlSaffar, Visas Country Manager for Bahrain.

AlSaffar added: Fintechs have the potential to offer broad social benefits to the markets they operate in  particularly when it comes to providing financial services to those who have traditionally been underserved. At Visa, we believe access to the digital economy drives equitable, inclusive growth, and VEI is an important means of supporting the growth journey of fintechs in Bahrain  helping them take small but significant steps towards making an impact.

The winner of the Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman edition of VEI will progress to a virtual Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA) competition on July 23.

Global finale

The startup that wins at the CEMEA finale will participate in the global finale  competing against winners from Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and North America  at the TechCrunch Disrupt event in San Francisco on October 29, 2024. The regional and global level prizes are:

VEI CEMEA Regionals 1st place: BD7,500

VEI CEMEA Regionals Audience Favourites: BD3,700

VEI Global Finals 1st Place: BD37,500

VEI Global Finals Audience Favourite: BD7,500

The programme first launched in the US in 2015 and quickly expanded into a global programme. To date, nearly 15,000 startups have participated, and have collectively raised over BD18 billion ($48 billion) in funding. VEI 2023 saw Nigerias Drugstock take home the VEI global grand prize of BD18,800, as well as the Audience Favourite prize of BD3,700.--TradeArabia News Service
Leading UAE developer Arada has welcomed an influx of dining outlets and retail brands at East Boulevard, the shopping and lifestyle destination at the centre of the AED35 billion ($9.52 billion) Aljada megaproject in Sharjah.

In total, 87 new shops, cafes and restaurants are now open at the popular 2.2-km-long avenue, making it one of the hottest new social spots in the UAE, said a statement from the Sharjah developer.

Recent completions to the East Village and Nest residential communities adjacent to East Boulevard mean that open leasable space has grown by 80% to 130,000 sq ft, providing a wide, walkable street lined with trees for an enhanced customer experience.

Newly opened outlets include Berenjak, the hit Persian home-cooked cuisine concept that has taken Londons Soho by storm, and Sharjahs first edition of Home Bakery, the popular cafe and dining concept, it stated.

La Brioche, the French patisserie, has also made its Sharjah debut in Aljada, as has TBK, which has opened its second location following the Italian-American restaurants first outlet in Dubai, while trendy fast-food joint Pickl has brought its famous burgers to East Boulevard.

Upcoming outlets include colourful Indian restaurant Rang, which is opening its second location after Dubai Mall; Chef Eyad, which specialises in delicious smoked meats, the Late Lounge coffee shop and Mara Lounge, the popular world-cuisine concept that has a number of branches across the UAE.

These new outlets join a large range of existing F&B brands at East Boulevard, including Bosporus, Five Guys, Starbucks, Hoof Cafe, Moon Slice Pizza and Origami.

These are complemented by a wide range of shops and services, including Spinneys, Carrefour, Maple Bear Nursery, Mumuso, First Abu Dhabi Bank and the Artal fashion outlet, as well as pharmacies, salons, florists and cleaners.

On the new openings Group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said: "The expansion of East Boulevard not only cements Aljadas position as Sharjahs most vibrant community, it also underscores Aradas commitment to enhancing the Emirates lifestyle offerings, contributing to its ongoing growth and economic development."

Im pleased to say that commercial demand for our retail space has been extremely high, allowing us to curate the perfect blend of outlets for our residents and visitors, he added.

According to Arada, East Boulevard welcomed 2.4 million visitors in 2023, with that number set to increase substantially following the raft of new openings in the first half of this year, and the recent completion of homes at Aljada.

In total, over 7,500 homes have now been finished at the megaproject, alongside a host of amenities that includes the SABIS International School-Aljada, a Wellfit flagship gym, the Zad food truck park and the Aljada Skate Park, all of which are complemented by extensive green landscaping.-
UAE-based Azizi Developments has signed an agreement with Gulf Duct Industries (GDI) for the design, supply and installation of chute systems across the fourth phase of its mega waterfront lifestyle destination, Riviera, in MBR City, Dubai.

Founded in 2006, GDI, a homegrown enterprise, is into manufacturing of ductwork solutions within the HVAC sector.

As a part of a multinational group with over two decades of expertise, it offers a comprehensive range of products including fire-rated ducts, pre-fabricated ducts, and ducts made from galvanized iron, stainless steel, and mild steel.

Announcing the partnership deal, CEO Farhad Azizi said: "Ensuring top-tier quality is integral to our mission of enhancing the experiences and lives of our valued investors and end-users, with this latest collaboration with GDI serving as yet another exemplary move demonstrating our dedication to excellence."

Riviera is part of Azizi Developments award-winning portfolio. It is a stylish waterfront lifestyle destination that comprises 75 mid- and high-rise buildings with approximately 16,000 residences, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi-based Basic Electronics Company has joined hands with leading Chinese electric appliances group Gree to break ground on its new smart factory in Dammam that will be manufacturing HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) products.

This comes in light of the industrial renaissance witnessed by Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, and Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 and pave the way toward zero neutrality by 2060, said the company in a statement.

Spanning a 70,000 sq m in the first stage, the new Al Asasyah Advanced Industry HVAC Smart Factory will be manufacturing smart air conditioners with VRF (variable refrigerant flow) technology, integrated with photovoltaic energy production technology. More than 2,000 employees will work at this factory.

A specialist in the manufacture of sustainable air conditioners, the Al Asasyah unit will be implemented in two phases, said senior officials at the groundbreaking ceremony held in the presence of Gree Electric Appliances Chairman and CEO Dong Meng Zhu and other senior officials.

In the first phase, smart and innovative laboratories will be set up within the industrial complex for testing devices in addition to research and development centres as well as a training unit, while Phase Two will include the production of all technologies of AC solutions using the latest industrial technologies such as artificial intelligence and digitisation systems produced by strategic partner Gree, which holds many patents.

Since its establishment in 1961, Basic Electronics Company has been engaged in the manufacture and sales of household appliances, commercial electronic appliances, air conditioners, monitoring and control as well as medical devices.

In a bid to support the localisation of industry, the companys management had set up a factory for manufacturing smart meters in the kingdoms Eastern Province with a production capacity of more than 300,000 m per year, it added.
EarthCam, a leading provider of construction camera solutions, has collaborated with WakeCap, a leader in smart solutions for construction site management, in a move aimed at integrating its visual data and WakeCaps connected worker solutions in building sites across Saudi Arabia.

This initiative is part of EarthCams expanding presence in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, leading the industry with fast-to-deploy solutions for project monitoring and time-lapse documentation.

EarthCams visual data from job sites has helped keep generations of construction workers safe while providing the most highly regarded construction time-lapse videos worldwide.

Its new edge computer vision and AI object-detection software continue to improve worker efficiency and risk mitigation for stakeholders.

Both companies, each technology leader in their respective fields, are excited to join forces to enhance their offering for the construction industry in the kingdom, said a top company official.

"Our visual data combined with WakeCaps telematics solutions will deliver powerful new insights for construction project management teams," remarked Brian Cury, the CEO and founder of EarthCam.

"EarthCam continues to innovate to improve safety and efficiency on job sites. This alignment with WakeCap will provide new capabilities for our shared clients in the KSA and beyond," he added.

The collaboration between WakeCap and EarthCam, Inc. was facilitated by Monsha'at, the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority established in Saudi Arabia in 2016 to regulate, support, and develop the SME sector in the Kingdom.

It operates independently under the Ministry of Commerce and aims to increase the productivity of SMEs and raise their contribution to the GDP from 20% to 35% by 2030.

"WakeCaps technology solution, with its easy-to-implement software and hardware, has demonstrated significant improvements for our construction clients," remarked its CEO and Co-founder Dr Hassan Albalawi.

"WakeCap digitizes data collection, allowing site owners to understand exactly whats happening on complex, large-scale projects, harnessing real-time insights to streamline operations," noted Albalawi.

"Uniting with EarthCam, a world leader in live streaming video, timelapse cameras and AI analytics, will allow both companies to further enhance their contech offering," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (Asry) has signed a co-operation agreement with Bahrain Polytechnic for launching an apprenticeship programme aimed at equipping national cadres with in-demand skills for the job market by combining practical training in various mechanical and electrical fields.

Supported by the Labour Fund Tamkeen, the programme will help boost employment opportunities for the students and also help develop their careers, said Asry officials at the signing ceremony held in the company headquarters in the Hidd in the presence of the executive management of both parties.

The programme is also distinguished by its focus on the practical aspect, as 30% of registered students time is allocated to academic education, while 70% of their time is allocated to on-the-job training, for a period of 3 years, they added.

Lauding the key initiative, Asry Acting CEO Shaikh Mohamed bin Rashed Al Khalifa said: "Our extensive experience, high-quality work, and strong reputation in the regional maritime industry makes us a perfect fit for this programme. Initiatives like this align perfectly with Asry's vision: to invest in young Bahrainis and develop their skills to become future leaders in the maritime and industrial sectors."

"By empowering these young minds, we contribute directly to a stronger national economy," he noted.

Bahrain Polytechnic CEO Professor Ciaran O Cathain said: "As a Bahraini government educational institution, we are closely aligned with the esteemed government's vision for 2050, which aims to enrich educational outcomes and cultivate specialised and exceptional talents in the job market."

"Therefore, the Polytechnic believes in the role of training in the development and enhancement of human resources skills, contributing to the supply of capable and qualified personnel to fill positions in the labour market," he stated.

"The training is considered a strategic choice for entities aspiring to build a workforce capable of meeting the needs of work, developments, and rapid changes occurring in various fields," he added.

Prof O Cathain pointed out that its professional apprenticeship programmes enhance the principle of national partnership and unite joint efforts to invest in human capital, through the qualification and development of national cadres.

This contributes to achieving the strategic goals of the Polytechnic within Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, he stated.

Shaikh Duaij bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the General Manager of Support Services and Senior Manager of the Human Resources Department, at Asry echoed this sentiment, stating that since its establishment, the company had consistently provided training opportunities for university students and graduates as part of its social responsibility, with the aim of refining their skills, expanding their capabilities, and qualifying them to enter the job market.

This programme will provide an exceptional opportunity to 20 students, opening doors to a bright future after graduation, he added.
Three people were shot after a shooting erupted at a home on the Northwest Side, police said kali9/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Three people were injured Monday during a shooting at a house party on the Northwest Side, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

The shooting happened around 8:20 p.m. in the 9400 block of Braun Falcon. Police said a 20-year-old man was attending a party at a home with a woman when an argument erupted between him and another man.

The 20-year-old was asked to leave the home, and the argument escalated outside while he and the woman were sitting inside a vehicle, police said.

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He then pulled out a weapon that was in his vehicle, and another man also pulled out a gun, police said. Both fired rounds at each other.

The 20-year-old drove away but crashed into another vehicle before fleeing on foot with the woman, police said. Officers were able to catch up to them and detain both.

Police said the 20-year-old man was shot in his upper body. The woman and another man were shot in their lower body. All three were taken to a hospital in stable condition, police said.

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PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, has recorded AED1 billion ($270 million) on local procurement to support the National ICV Programme since the first quarter of 2023.

The programme is one of the cornerstones of the UAEs national industrial strategy, which aims to raise the industrial sectors contribution to the GDP to reach AED300 billion by 2031.

PureHealth unveiled its progress towards its AED13 billion target in local procurement by 2032 during the Make it in the Emirates Forum, being held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre from May 27 to 28. The milestone confirms that PureHealth is on track to achieving its target and highlights its central role in driving the UAEs economic diversity. Aligned with the nations vision for an economically self-sufficient and health secure future, PureHealth is shaping a resilient and sustainable healthcare environment.

Major national player

PureHealth remains a major national player and contributor to the UAEs economic and social development, providing offtakes to support local healthcare manufacturing capabilities while creating local employment opportunities and delivering world-class health services.

Following an agreement with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) to join the National ICV Programme in 2022, PureHealth has made significant strides. Initially committing AED10 billion to local procurement by 2032, the group, in 2023 increased this commitment by 30% to AED13 billion.

In addition, PureHealth has effectively implemented ICV strategies across its operations, extending this effort in 2023 to include its subsidiaries, such as Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Rafed and Daman, thereby strengthening its ICV framework efforts.

In August 2023, SEHA achieved an ICV score of 79.1%, the highest among UAE healthcare companies, demonstrating PureHealth's leadership in the sector. Daman, another PureHealth entity, also attained an impressive ICV score of 71.83%, giving it a competitive edge in the government procurement process.

Strategic investments

These results underscore PureHealth's dedication to enhancing the industrial sector through strategic investments and partnerships with UAE-based suppliers.

Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT said: "The Ministry is proceeding, in light of the directives of the wise leadership and the strategic vision of the UAE, to promote the ICV Programme as part of the Projects of the 50 of the UAE. This initiative plays a vital role in enhancing and empowering the growth and competitiveness of the industrial and advanced technology sectors, and supporting investors in the country, in line with the Ministrys objectives to create an attractive environment for both local and international investment."

Omar added: The ICV Programme has witnessed significant growth in terms of size and impact since its launch, redirecting AED67 billion into the national economy in 2023. Purchasing opportunities were also expanded to include 1,400 products, and the total value of announced purchase agreements reached AED120 billion.

The third edition of the Make in the Emirates Forum, held on May 27 and 28, saw further announcements and new purchasing opportunities. By directing additional resources from the government and private sector to the national economy, the ICV programme stimulates economic growth, thus enhancing investment attractiveness in the industrial sector, especially in priority industries such as health care.

Strong progress

Shaista Asif, Group CEO of PureHealth, said: As the countrys most prominent healthcare group and one of the UAEs largest national enterprises, PureHealth is proud to be a leading participant in the Make it in the Emirates Forum. This year, we are building on the previous two events by announcing strong progress on our target to spend AED13 billion with local suppliers over the next decade.

This commitment to local value chains marks a significant expansion in our support for UAE-based manufacturers and signals our integral role not only in national health security, but also in driving industrial and economic growth. PureHealth is a committed member of the National ICV Programme in line with our support for the objectives of Operation 300bn as well as the UAEs efforts to create a world-leading healthcare system. We remain laser-focused on elevating the UAEs healthcare sector, supporting local manufacturing and jobs, and future-proofing our systems in line with the goals of our nations leadership.

PureHealth is committed to maintaining its ICV certification process across all assets, with ongoing reporting and collaboration with MoIAT to explore potential offtake opportunities.

The company is dedicated to obtaining ICV certifications for all PureHealth assets and implementing the programme across its entire operations. Furthermore, PureHealth will oversee the integration of ICV as a vendor registration prerequisite, ensuring that its procurement practices consistently contribute to local economic development.

Organised by MoIAT, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Adnoc under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, the Make it in the Emirates Forum aims to showcase enablers and investment opportunities across the UAEs industrial sector, supporting the growth of UAEs industries and enhancing its competitiveness.--TradeArabia News Service
Gulf Islamic Investments (GII) and Logipoint, a subsidiary of SISCO, have signed an agreement to create a joint venture for a logistics platform providing Grade A warehousing solutions across in a deal worth SR1 billion ($300 million).

LogiPoint is a leading industrial and logistics real estate developer of Saudi Arabia, which invests, manages and operates bonded and non-bonded logistics parks and zones. The GII-Logipoint joint venture will create new logistic infrastructure in key Saudi cities, starting in Riyadh and Jeddah, providing warehousing and handling facilities as the backbone of a multi-asset logistical network serving companies across the kingdom.

This partnership is the second logistics deal in quick succession for GII, a leading Shariah-compliant global alternative investment company with over $4.5 billion of assets under management (AUM). Earlier this month, Brookfield Asset Management acquired a majority stake in GIIs logistics business providing high-end, long-term clients with bespoke warehousing solutions in the UAE.

Logistics story

GIIs logistics story began in December 2017 with the acquisition of a logistics fulfilment centre in Dortmund (Germany) with German logistics specialist GARBE Industrial, comprising one million square feet of space.

The partnership subsequently sold the centre to an Asian investor in 2020, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 18%. GIIs investment in GCC logistics assets has focused on acquiring, aggregating, repurposing and developing facilities for leading companies, including facilities in Dubai for Hellman, CEVA, Sinotrans, Noon and other clients, often involving local partners.

Pankaj Gupta, GIIs co-founder and co-CEO, commented: GIIs partnership with Logipoint extends GIIs logistic operations across Saudi Arabia to facilitate rapid expansion of the kingdoms infrastructure, supporting its booming economy. It is a natural progression for GII after our recent transaction in which Brookfield acquired a majority stake in GIIs logistics assets in the UAE.

Growth strategy

Mohammed Alhassan, GIIs other co-founder and co-CEO, continued: Our logistics joint-venture with Logipoint is the latest element of GIIs growth strategy within the kingdom, which already includes a CMA banking licence for GII Saudi Arabia and the acquisition of Emad Bakeries in Jeddah within the last two months.

Farooq Shaikh, CEO of LogiPoint, added: "This partnership with GII has opened up a new world of investment opportunities. We are committed to leveraging our expertise in developing logistics zones and parks to drive our expansion strategy. Our collaboration with GII reinforces our position as leaders in the logistics industry. LogiPoint is proud to be aligned with the Vision 2030 goals, playing a pivotal role in transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub.--TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) to promote innovation and deepen bilateral trade and business ties in the region.

SBA serves as the Seoul Metropolitan Governments economic promotion agency and is dedicated to fostering economic growth in Seoul. It provides crucial support to SMEs, from incubating global startups to enhancing technological competitiveness.

The strategic partnership between DMCC and SBA will include a range of measures to boost support and assistance to startups and entrepreneurs, including facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise and resources.

Expansion of South Korean startups

The partnership will boost the expansion of South Korean startups in the UAE market through dedicated acceleration programmes for exceptional South Korean startups run by AGCC, in partnership with DMCC.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: DMCC is home to half of the Korean business presence in the UAE with almost 100 South Korean companies. Through dedicated acceleration programmes and the pooling of knowledge and other resources, our strategic partnership with SBA will provide vital support for startups and entrepreneurs from South Korea looking to grow from Dubai. This adds to a growing list of agreements made in recent years between DMCC and South Korean business entities as we aim to deepen the vibrant trade corridor between our two regions.

This agreement reflects the rapidly expanding relations between DMCC and South Korea, highlighting its significance as a key player in the Web3 sector. In recent years, DMCC has intensified its outreach to South Korea by hosting three Made for Trade Live roadshows across the cities of Seoul, Gyeonggi and Busan. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to forge deeper connections with South Korea's Web3 industry and build partnerships with prominent Korean entities such as the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), the Korea Blockchain Industry Promotion Association (KBIPA), and Seongnam City.

Increase in South Korean businesses

Accompanying these efforts, DMCC has witnessed a significant increase of over 20% in the number of South Korean businesses setting up within the district. This surge also coincides with the historic South Korea-GCC Free Trade Agreement signed in late 2023.

Hyunwoo Kim, CEO, SBA, added: Having visited in person, I could truly appreciate why DMCC has been selected as the best free economic zone for nine consecutive years. As the interest in Seouls innovative companies entering the GCC region and expanding their business grows day by day, I am confident that DMCC will serve as an excellent bridgehead between Seoul and Dubai. I look forward to this MoU leading to concrete collaborative projects soon, resulting in mutually beneficial outcomes.--TradeArabia News Service
Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, is embarking on a trade mission to Senegal and Morocco from June 3 to 7. The African roadshow comes as part of the New Horizons initiative, which supports the expansion of Dubai-based businesses into priority global markets.

The chamber hosted a special briefing session today at its headquarters for members of the trade missions delegation, which includes representatives from companies operating in Dubai across diverse industries.

Sectors represented include agriculture and food; beauty and cosmetics; construction, real estate and retail; construction materials; electronics; energy; environmental solutions; fashion e-commerce; food and beverages; general trading; healthcare and medical supplies; information technology; oil and gas; and supply chain and logistics.

Mission's programme

Participants were introduced to the missions programme, which includes bilateral business meetings between Dubai-based companies and their counterparts in Senegal and Morocco. These meetings will create a platform to explore opportunities for cooperation, expansion, and new trade and investment agreements.

The delegation was briefed on the details of the mission and provided with comprehensive market intelligence and economic data for both countries.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: We are keen to enhance the competitiveness of the local private sector in global markets and unlock access to rewarding opportunities for companies operating in Dubai at the regional and international levels. Participants in the Dubai International Chamber delegation will be able to explore expansion prospects and cooperation agreements with new business partners in Senegal and Morocco through face-to-face meetings with members of the local business communities in both countries.

The 'New Horizons' initiative comes as part of Dubai International Chambers efforts to promote the global expansion of Dubai-based companies and enable them to capitalise on rewarding opportunities in new international markets. The initiative aims to help companies explore business opportunities across 30 priority markets and is set to play a key role in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).--TradeArabia News Service
Edge Group, one of the worlds leading advanced technology and defence groups, has agreed to provide advanced, end-to-end industrial production solutions and related services to Thales, a French multinational.

Announced at the Make It in the Emirates Forum 2024, Thales formalised their commitment by signing Letters of Intent with Edge entities EPI, the cornerstone of precision engineering in the UAEs aerospace, oil & gas, and defence industries, and Halcon, a regional leader in the design and production of guided weapons systems and beyond.

Under the agreements, EPI and Halcon will provide various recurring business activities for the Go-To-UAE initiative, supported by Tawazun and MoIAT. These activities include design, prototyping, manufacturing, and assembly of various export components.--TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Industrial City, the regions leading industrial and logistics hub and a part of Tecom Group, has announced that it has officially launched 13.9 million sq.ft. of additional land capacity within its ecosystem to help boost UAE's manufacturing sector.

The additional land capacity at Dubai Industrial City was acquired through a AED410 million ( ) transaction that aims to champion and strengthen local supply chains, stimulating homegrown manufacturing in the UAE and Dubai.

The announcement was made in the presence of Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Malek Al Malek, the Chairman of Tecom Group, Abdulla Belhoul, the CEO of Tecom Group and Saud Abu Alshawareb, the Executive Vice President of Industrial at Tecom Group on the opening day of the 'Make it in the Emirates Forum' yesterday (May 27) in Abu Dhabi.

The strategically located, well-connected land plots enhance the manufacturing destinations land bank and have been launched following exceptional performance witnessed by Dubai Industrial City in the past 18 months as pro-growth visions including Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, and Dubai Economic Agenda D33 lead to increased demand for high-quality industrial spaces in the region, said a statement from Dubai Industrial City.

"The manufacturing sector is essential to accelerate the development of smart solutions that can pre-emptively solve tomorrows challenges, and nurturing its growth is essential to safeguard socioeconomic growth that endures for generations," remarked Alshawareb.

Land occupancy at the manufacturing destination grew by 12% year-on-year (YoY) to reach 97% in the first quarter of this year. It followed a period of sustained growth in 2023, when Dubai Industrial Citys ecosystem of customers grew by 17% to reach more than 1,000 local, regional, and international heavyweights.

"As we stand at the cusp of a transformative era led by technology and environmental efficiencies, an ecosystem centred on robust, integrated infrastructure is crucial to embed resilience and reliability into the manufacturing sector," he noted.

According to him, Dubai Industrial Citys ecosystem has grown in the past 18 months with the addition of international customers such as Indian pharmaceuticals giant Himalaya Wellness, which broke ground on an AED200 million factory supported by a financing package from Emirates Development Bank and vertical farming specialist Sokovo, which opened an indoor farm on a plot spanning over 100,000 sq.ft. at the district.

Last week, the leading Zambian company Neelkanth Cables Manufacturing opened a 503,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility to manufacture 20,000 MT of power cables per year through an investment of AED130 million at Dubai Industrial City.

The customers join international industry heavyweights that have an address at Dubai Industrial City, including Unilever, which operates a fully automated Dubai Personal Care facility at the district, a part of World Economic Forums Global Lighthouse Network, and the Standard Turf factory inaugurated by Standard Carpets Industries in October at Dubai Industrial City, along with the companys plans to expand its operations with an investment of AED 600 million.

"Dubai Industrial Citys expansion is an embodiment of our commitment to enabling the industrial and logistics sectors not just in Dubai, but indeed the UAE and globally," said Alshawareb.

"Guided by the vision of Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, and Dubai Economic Agenda D33, we are well-attuned to the needs of our community and look forward to enabling further industrial brilliance and excellence through Dubai Industrial Citys expanded ecosystem for years to come," he added.
UAEs Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has launched a new initiative under Operation 300bn called Transform 4.0, which aims to fast-track technology transformation across factories in the UAE.

Launched in line with MoIATs Technology Transformation Programme (TTP) at the Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) Forum, Transform 4.0 aims to support 100 high-potential manufacturers in digitalisation, creating a group of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) lighthouses over the next three to five years.

Transform 4.0 aims to position UAE-based manufacturers as global leaders in adopting technology and digital transformation initiatives. It will directly support manufacturers in scaling up their digital transformation journey and adopting sustainable manufacturing practices.

MoU signed

As part of this initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between MoIAT, Emirates Development Bank (EDB) and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du) to drive digital transformation in manufacturing.

The MoU signing was witnessed by Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, and His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.

EDB will play a critical role in the programme by financing these manufacturers to upscale their digitalisation, while du will be one of the technology partners supporting manufacturers is developing digitalisation roadmap and implementation of the roadmap.

First onboarder

The first manufacturer to be onboarded onto Transform 4.0 was ACME, a company that develops automation solutions for different sectors.The company signed an agreement with du and EDB during the forum to start its digital transformation journey under the programme.

An MoU was also signed between MoIAT and Industry Apps, a newly established company in the UAE that supports companies to raise their digital maturity through an innovative digital platform.

Under the agreement, companies enrolled in the Transform 4.0 programme will have access to Industry Apps dynamic range of apps to help smoothly scale their digital transformation, alongside the provision of free services worth AED5.5 million ($1.5 million) from the company. These apps empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt the kind of cutting-edge technology and architecture utilised by global industry leaders.

In addition to ACME, other manufacturers were onboarded onto the programme, including Hotpack Global, Mercatus MEA, Modern Plastics Industries, Hempel Paints, Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM), HIRA Industries, Star Paper Mill, Abu Dhabi Precast, Emirates Float Glass, HIRA Industries, Lipton, IPM, Al Gharbia Pipeline, Aquachemie, iPlast, Aswan Engineering, Agthia Group, Masafi and Union Copper Rod.

MoIATs technology partners including Maxbyte, Precast, and du have contributed AED10 million worth of services to support the Transform 4.0 programme.

Technology and industry

Commenting on Transform 4.0, Al Amiri said: The UAE is at the forefront of fusing the digital and physical worlds of manufacturing. Launching the ambitious Transform 4.0 will not only support manufacturers, including SMEs, to adopt state-of-the-art digital tools, but also help propel UAE industry towards heightened productivity, efficiency and competitiveness, in line with Operation 300bn. In close collaboration with our national partners, we are investing in a future where technology and industry seamlessly merge, driving decarbonisation and economic prosperity across the Emirates.

The MIITE Forum takes place from May 27 to 28 under Operation 300bn. Under the theme Invest. Innovate. Grow, the annual platform showcases enablers and investment opportunities within the UAEs industrial sector, highlighting flagship initiatives including Make it in the Emirates, the National ICV Programme, and the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI).

The forum is a platform for major announcements and investment opportunities in the industrial sector, building on the AED120 billion of investment opportunities created by the two previous forums.--TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has announced that one of its key units, SAMI Advanced Electronics Company (SAMI-AEC) has signed a co-operation agreement with the National Unified Purchasing Company (Nupco), a unit of Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF.

As per the deal, solutions will be provided for tracking medication, and IT infrastructure, and local content will increase through medical device manufacturing and maintenance.

The partnership demonstrates SAMI-AECs unremitting efforts to build a harmonious healthcare system applicable in Saudi Arabia, based on digital technologies, said its top official.

"We are pleased and honoured to collaborate with Nupco, as this agreement underscores the unwavering commitment of both entities to bolstering efforts aimed at enhancing the healthcare ecosystem in Saudi Arabia," remarked its CEO Engineer Ziad Al Musallam.

"At SAMI-AEC, we firmly believe in the significance of augmenting public health services through digital solutions and delivering e-health services. This involves integrating effective, fast technologies to empower the healthcare sector, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030," noted Al Musallam.

Nupco CEO Fahd Al Shibl said the agreement will play an important role in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and facilitating access to the integrated technology offered by SAMI-Advanced Electronics Company.-TradeArabia News Service
MBC Group, one of the largest and leading media companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has announced the release of Moftaraq Toroq, the Arabic adaptation of the critically acclaimed series, The Good Wife, on June 2.

Licensed by Paramount Global Content Distribution, and produced by Charisma Group, this Shahid Premiere, marks a ground-breaking milestone as the inaugural Egyptian long-form adaptation series.

Recognised as one of the top 100 series produced in the 21st century, with a distinguished legacy comprising 14 Golden Globe Award nominations and 43 Emmy Awards nominations, The Good Wife has undeniably etched its indelible mark upon the world of television.

Arab audiences have now been presented the opportunity to partake in the viewership experience of Moftaraq Toroq, transitioned into the Egyptian milieu.

Moftaraq Toroq brings forward a new multithreaded genre of legal procedural drama to the region. The series delves into the journey of Amira, a woman who, despite dedicating 15 years of her life to being a wife and a mother, is abruptly confronted with unforeseen challenges when her husbands life is hit with a scandalous upheaval, jeopardising his public position.

Amiras unwavering resilience unfurls as she shoulders the arduous responsibilities thrust upon her family, embarking upon a profound journey of self-discovery.

Written by Sherif Badreddine and Wael Hamdy, and directed by Ahmad Khaled Moussa and Mohamad Yehya, Moftaraq Toroq assembles a stellar cast bringing together Hend Sabri and Iyad Nassar as well as Majed Al Masri, Joumana Murad, Noha Abdeen, Huda Al Mufti, Ali Al Tayyeb, Laila Ezz-Alarab and Mahmoud Al Tayeb.

The series is produced by Charisma Group, which acquired the format rights from Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Tareq Al Ibrahim, Director of MBC1, MBC Drama and SVOD Content at MBC Group said: Were proud to be announcing the upcoming release of Moftaraq Toroq, a ground-breaking Arabic adaptation of The Good Wife, that will no doubt set a new standard for Egyptian long-form series.

This monumental project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Arab television, brought to life by a stellar cast and visionary creators. We cannot wait to bring it to our viewers.

Aiman Al-Ziyoud, CEO and President of Charisma Group, said: In the landscape of Egyptian TV series, Moftaraq Toroq stands as a departure from the conventional.

While audiences may be familiar with the trials of soapy series, mainly Turkish adaptation to Arabic, Moftaraq Toroq introduces a novel genre altogether. This series innovatively blends the gripping narrative of a womans fight for her life and the protection of her home with the intricate dynamics of procedural drama.

Roxanne Pompa, Vice President, International Formats at Paramount Global Content Distribution, said: We are very excited to partner with MBC Group on The Good Wife format for the Egyptian market. It is incredible to see how the storyline and these characters in the adaptation have been transformed to fit into the local landscape and culture so effortlessly.

Through its adaptation in an Egyptian setting, Moftaraq Toroq aims to present a storyline that deeply connects with audiences, catalysing crucial discussions about the significance of self-reliance and womens empowerment.

Robert and Michelle King served as creators, showrunners and executive producers of The Good Wife.

Ridley Scott, David Zucker and Brooke Kennedy also served as executive producers.

The Good Wife is produced by CBS Studios, in association with Scott Free Productions and King Size Productions. The format rights are licensed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.  TradeArabia News service
Airport International Group announced that Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) welcomed 669,158 passengers (PAX) in April 2024, indicating a 6.2% decline against 2023 figures.

During the same month, QAIA recorded 5,783 aircraft movements (ACM) and handled 6,504 tonnes of cargo, registering a 6.3% decrease and a notable 27.5% increase, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

Year-to-date statistics revealed a 5.0% drop in QAIA passenger figures as opposed to the same period in 2023, totalling 2,638,151 PAX. Additionally, QAIA reported 22,422 ACM and 25,843 tonnes of cargo, depicting a 5.7% decline and an impressive 29.6% surge, respectively, against the same period the previous year.

Our April passenger figures have undoubtedly been influenced by the ongoing situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the subsequent suspension of select flights to and from QAIA, said Airport International Group CEO, Nicolas Deviller.

Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our goal to expand our airline and destination networks alongside our industry partners, while continuing to deliver excellent services.

We will continue to strive to foster an airport environment that feels like home at Jordans prime gateway to the world.  TradeArabia News Service
Water passes through the San Antonio Water System's Steven Clouse Water Recycling Plant. The Environmental Protection Agency recently warned water utilities that cyberattacks, which can disable treatment systems and distribution, are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. Sam Owens, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer

Water utilities are beefing up security as federal officials warn that cyberattacks on the industry are becoming more frequent and severe.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an enforcement alert last week warning water systems to improve cyber hygiene practices and take other steps to reduce vulnerability.

Based on actual incidents, we know that a cyberattack on a vulnerable water system may allow an adversary to manipulate operational technology, the agency said. That could disrupt treatment, distribution and storage of water; damage pumps and valves; and alter chemical levels.

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Officials with San Antonio-area utilities declined to discuss specifics about how they are responding to the warning, but say they have been shoring up their defenses against an attack.

Were not going to tell everybody what were doing, Boerne Utilities Director Mike Mann said. Everything on the EPAs list is being done by the city of Boerne.

Three small towns in the Texas Panhandle have been targeted with cyberattacks this year. Hackers caused the water system in Muleshoe, which has about 5,000 residents, to overflow before the city was able to shut it down, the Associated Press reported. Two other towns, Hale Center and Lockney, also reported attempted cyberattacks.

In November, the North Texas Municipal Water District was hit with a ransomware attack, the Dallas Morning News reported. While water service was not interrupted, a group that claimed responsibility for the attack said it obtained names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers from the water district, and threatened to release that information. The attack took down the phone system for the district, which serves the Dallas suburbs.

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Foreign governments have disrupted some water systems with cyberattacks and may have embedded the capability to disable them in the future, the EPA said. Federal agencies have issued advisories for cyberattacks by state-sponsored cyber actors from Russia and China and the Iranian Government Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

More than 70% of systems inspected by the EPA since last September are in violation of those requirements, and inspectors have identified alarming cybersecurity vulnerabilities across the country. Those include failures to change default passwords, using single logins for all staff and failing to cut off former employees access. Other shortfalls include insufficient risk and resilience assessments and emergency response plans, which are required by the EPA and must be reviewed every five years.

The agency plans to increase the number of compliance inspections, given the vulnerabilities and attacks on systems. Since 2020, the EPA has taken more than 100 enforcement actions for violations, and it intends to use enforcement authorities to address problems quickly, the alert said, including emergency powers and criminal sanctions.

Michael Kampstra, the San Antonio Water Systems chief information security officer, called cyberattacks one of the most significant business challenges organizations face today.

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Speaking to the utilitys board of trustees in March, Kampstra said SAWS has worked over the past year to bolster its protections and reorganized its information security team.

SAWS officials declined an interview request on the topic, saying the city-owned utility needs to keep its cybersecurity efforts confidential.

Kampstra told trustees that the utility conducts annual assessments and exercises. Last years focused on recovering control of the water production system, he said.

The SAWS legal department also worked with an outside firm to create a simulated ransomware exercise to practice how departments throughout the utility would respond, he said.

Recent improvements include changes to how employees are granted permission to access parts of the system, enhancing backup protections and adding a new system to continuously monitor vendors security, to assess any risk to SAWS from third parties it works with.

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Mann said Boerne Utilities also conducts drills and said the staff members are assessed on how they react. System users also are given tests, he said.

Thats part of our local government responsibility, he said. Anybody that uses a city computer is supposed to do those things.

Boernes water system is primarily manual and not internet-based, he said, which also protects it from a cyberattack.

Most of our manipulations for treatment and production are all manual, he said. We can still operate it the good old-fashioned way.

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He said the utility has had protections in place for years, but as attacks occur, it certainly reminds people that they need to take things seriously.
French Polynesias destination expert, Paul Gauguin Cruises, has opened reservations for its 2026 voyages offering six unique itineraries exploring the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, and Cook Islands more than any other luxury line in the region.

On journeys of seven to 14 nights, the award-winning M/S Paul Gauguin will sail year-round from Papeete, Tahiti.

For Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant, French Polynesia represents a rich tapestry of experiences, unveilings the cultural depth and natural wonders of each archipelago through extensive itinerary options.

The m.s. Paul Gauguin was designed to sail in the South Pacific archipelagos: her shallow draft enables close access to lagoons and remote islands. reduced draft allows the ship to get much closer to shallower lagoons and remote islands.

Totally renovated in 2019, there reigns on board a unique Polynesian atmosphere, thanks mainly to the Gauguines and their legendary hospitality. On board and ashore, musicians and dancers showcase Polynesian culture, while the cuisine, service, and design of the 165 lagoon-view cabins and suites are inspired by the island way of life.

Of the 38 voyages on offer in 2026, nearly 50% are seven-night journeys giving travellers plenty of convenient options to visit this bucket-list destination. The balance of 10-, 11- and 14-night voyages explore the atolls of the Tuamotus, the mystique of the Marquesas, and the unspoiled, tropical beauty of the Cook Islands.  TradeArabia News Service
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced that it has given approval to flag-carrier Italian Airlines (ITA) to start regular passenger flights to the kingdom from his hub in Rome.

Following the GACA go-ahead, ITA will operate five flights a week from Rome to Saudi capital Riyadh starting from June 2 during the summer season.

This initiative is part of GACA's efforts to improve air connectivity and link the kingdom to the global network, which aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, it stated.

The goal is not just to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub but also to open up a world of travel opportunities, expanding horizons in alignment with the National Aviation Strategy, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has announced that it has issued the first maritime tourism licence for cruise ships to Jeddah-based company Cruise Saudi.

This step marks a significant milestone in the development of a promising coastal tourism sector, and it falls under SRSAs enablement roles, reported SPA.

Cruise Saudi is a fully-owned business of Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund).

Engineer Mohammed Bukhari, the Vice President of Coastal Tourism Operations at SRSA presented the licence to Barbara Buczek, the Chief Destination Experiences Officer at the Cruise Saudi's headquarters in Jeddah.

A key Saudi entity, SRSA was mainly set up to enhance integration between the relevant entities by issuing licences and permits, developing the necessary policies and strategies, determining infrastructure requirements, preserving the marine environment, enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and promoting navigational and marine tourism activities, which will reflect as an added value to the national economy.

Licensing and permitting will help in regulating coastal tourism activities within the geographical scope, enabling and encouraging practitioners and investors in the coastal tourism sector, stated the SPA report.

While the maritime tourism agents role includes providing services for marine watercraft -- such as yachts and cruise ships  to practice safe and sustainable marine navigational tourism activities, SRSA will ensure that the licensed maritime tourism agents facilitate marine watercraft movements within the Kingdom's waters and their adherence to best sustainable standards and practices, it added.
COMPETITIVE BIDDING: Energy Minister Stuart Young, third from the left, smiles as he poses for a photograph alongside EOGs Denesh Ramnarace and George Vieira, bpTTs David Campbell, and Shells Ronnie Ameerali and Adam Lowmass. The photo was taken following the announcement of bids at the closing ceremony of the 2023/2024 Shallow Water Competitive Bidding Round, held at the Ministry of Energy, Tower C, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain. Photo: ISHMAEL SALANDY
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A San Antonio woman wants her dog Beau back after turning him over to be euthanized last year. The shelter saved him and has a policy against returning animals to people who surrender them. Crispin la valiente/Getty Images

A San Antonio woman wants her dog back after she had him put down in Maryland.

Turns out the dog was not euthanized, but placed for adoption at the same place she got him from, according to the Associated Press.

Kristie Pereira adopted her dog Beau last year at Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation in Maryland but made the decision to euthanize him after veterinarians told her he had untreatable health problems.

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Pereira said she was told Beau was sick because of a neurological issue and liver problems and that euthanization might be the best option, since it would cost $12,000 to test for the neurological problem.

Pereira said she also consulted with the rescue organization, which helped her make the difficult decision.

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 told the AP. They really gave me that support and that encouragement that, although its hard, sometimes thats the best thing to do.

READ MORE: Texas native Jesse Plemons wins best actor at Cannes Festival

She paid to have Beau euthanized at Montgomery County Animal Services in Derwood, Md., in March 2023 but shelter police didn't allow her to be present, according to the AP.

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After moving to San Antonio, Pereira stumbled across an image of Beau while looking at the rescues website. She said the dog had all the same markings and the same rescue-given name, Amos Hart.

Pereira called the shelter, which confirmed the dog was not euthanized after veterinarians there determined the dog was healthy, according to AP.

In a detailed timeline published on their website, Rescue said they were unable to find any neurological problems, only an issue with the dogs liver that would require surgery.

The rescue started a GoFundMe account that paid the $7,000 for the operation. Pereira told AP she was never made aware of it and when asked if she could have her dog back, the answer was no.

In a statement, the rescue organization said it does not re-home an owner-surrendered dog with its former adopter/owner, and that its mission is to save adoptable and safe-to-the-community dogs from euthanasia.

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Lost Dog & Cat also said it advised (Pereira) to be with Amos through his euthanasia and if she could not be, then the rescue would take Amos back. They didn't hear from Pereira about the dog afterwards, it said.
Its sad. Its hurts me. Although she was not born in Arima, or from Arima, her heart was f
Looking back at the first season of The Simpsons, its hard to believe that it would go on to be one of the most important shows in TV history. The voices sound off, the animation is uneven and the stories are much quieter than those that would go on to define the golden age of the show.

But theyre also not without their charm  and solid laughs. Theres also a lot of interesting, behind-the-scenes trivia associated with them. To that end, heres one such tidbit for every episode from that first season

1 Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire According to Neil Arsenty of On This Day in Simpsons History on Twitter, The show was originally intended to debut earlier in 1989 with Some Enchanted Evening, but due to animation problems, the show debuted with this episode on December 17th instead. It was the eighth episode produced, but the first one aired.

2 Bart the Genius Given the terrible animation problems with Some Enchanted Evening, producer James L. Brooks has said this episode determined if The Simpsons went any further. If it had experienced the same issues, the show would have stopped production right then and there. Fortunately, the animation was satisfactory enough, and The Simpsons has continued for the next 35 years.

3 Homers Odyssey Smithers is Black in this episode, though the reason why is unclear. Creator Matt Groening has claimed it was a simple animation mistake, but producer Jay Kogen has explained, Originally (Smithers) was gay and Black. We thought it was too much, though, so we just kept him gay. Meanwhile, director David Silverman has said that Smithers was made white because they wanted him to be Mr. Burns white sycophant.

4 Theres No Disgrace Like Home This was the first episode to feature Itchy & Scratchy. As Crackeds Keegan Kelly has written, The original idea for The Itchy & Scratchy Show came from the 1940s-1950s series of animated shorts called Herman and Katnip, which (producer/writer Mike) Reiss calls a cheap, ultra-violent knockoff of Tom & Jerry. Advertisement Advertisement

5 Bart the General Along with the Seinfeld episode The Tape, Bart the General was used in a study at Dartmouth College about the effect humorous content has on the human brain.

6 Moaning Lisa Per Arsenty, This was the first episode of the series to focus on Lisa. The idea for it was suggested by James L. Brooks, who wanted to do an episode where Lisa was sad but she didnt know why. Years later, Reiss, would refer to it as one of the four seminal episodes of The Simpsons, telling NPR, When it was done, I think nobody had much faith in it. We put it on the air, and the public went nuts. Editorials were written about it, and everybody realized, Oh, The Simpsons isnt just this slapstick show. Oh, its not just this naughty show for boys. Its got genuine heart, it can tackle complex emotional issues, it can look into the emotional lives of small children. Advertisement Advertisement

7 The Call of the Simpsons Brooks suggested a plot twist for this episode that involved Homer being carried away to an eagle nest and being raised as a baby eagle, but they ended up going with Maggie being raised by bears instead, explains Arsenty.

8 The Telltale Head This is the final episode featuring Chris Collins as Mr. Burns, as Harry Shearer replaced hereafter. According to Matt Groening, Collins was difficult to work with so he was fired and other cast members were given his characters. Advertisement Advertisement

9 Life on the Fast Lane Albert Brooks improvised most of his dialogue as Jacques, which resulted in the episode running long and required a shortened introduction with no chalkboard gag or couch gag.

10 Homers Night Out Homers weight is revealed to be 239 pounds in this episode. Advertisement Advertisement

11 The Crepes of Wrath The writers were trying to figure out which country the foreign-exchange student should come from when they decided on Albania, says Arsenty. They hadnt seen many uses of the country on television before and decided to make the episode a tribute to John Belushi, who has Albanian roots.

12 Krusty Gets Busted This episode marks the first appearance of Kelsey Grammer as Sideshow Bob. He based the characters voice on a theater director named Ellis Rabb, whose house Grammer had painted as a teen. Advertisement Advertisement
Spreading Threads Clothing Bank: Spreading Threads Clothing Bank has been selected as the Big Give recipient for the second quarter of 2024 by 100+ Guys Who Give Tucson, a local giving circle that supports nonprofits in Southern Arizona.

Spreading Threads Clothing Bank, which serves foster children and the families who support them in Tucson and Southern Arizona, will receive $10,200.

Nonprofits selected for the Big Give each quarter are nominated to be placed into a drawing. Three are selected from the drawing to pitch their charity for a chance at becoming the Big Give recipient. The winner is voted on by 100+ Guys Who Give Tucson members.

Spreading Threads will use the funds to purchase items to replenish the clothing bank, as well as for some operating costs.

To learn more, visit 100guyswhogivetucson.org.

Petco Love: Petco Love awarded a two-year, $300,000 grant to Pima Animal Care Center.

PACC will use the funds to help pet owners keep their pets, or if lost, reunite them. In particular, PACC plans to expand its marketing efforts regarding lost and found pets with an emphasis on promoting Petco Love Lost, which PACC began using as its lost-and-found reporting system in 2023.

PACC also will use the grant to build a community lost-and-found team that will educate pet owners and provide necessary supplies like microchips, collars and tags in targeted ZIP codes that see high numbers of pets without homes. This team also will provide transportation to take lost pets back to their owners, as PACC data has shown that lack of transportation can present a barrier in getting pets reunited with their families.

Sundt Foundation: The Sundt Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Sundt Construction, is inviting nonprofit organizations to apply for a special grant cycle to celebrate the foundations 25th anniversary. Later this summer, the Foundation will award 12 organizations across its giving areas with $25,000 each, totaling $300,000.

Through June 7, this special grant cycle will be open to nonprofit organizations that meet the Sundt Foundations giving guidelines. Visit tucne.ws/1q37 to learn more or apply for a grant.
Why are we criminalizing sleep?

On April 22, I flew out to D.C. with the Fuerte Arts Movement to rally for the Johnson v. Grants Pass case. The case could criminalize people for sleeping on the streets, a decision that would erect more barriers for people struggling to get back on their feet.

The people who spoke in front of SCOTUS that day were echoing the cries of thousands of Americans living on the streets. Their request was simple: housing.

When I was in middle school, my family and I were kicked out of the house we had been living in with a relative. It took six months for us to find an affordable place to live; during that time my parents burned through their savings trying to keep us housed.

As a youth voter, I am asking you to use your voice, and vote in local, state, and federal elections. Not only does your voice matter, but it could be the difference between a person sleeping with a roof over their head or in a jail cell.

Aurora Dunn

East side

Guns, guns, guns

In the span of a few minutes on May 2, I read one article about a Tucson man allegedly shooting an unarmed physician in the back during a traffic dispute, another article about a 17-year-old arrested for bringing a gun to school and a third about the aftermath of a multiple shooting during a party and the resulting death of a wonderful young woman. When will this country, this state, and this city come to their collective senses about guns? How many articles do we need to read about arguments between young men ending in gunfire and death? What possible reason did the man accused of shooting the doctor have for carrying a gun in his vehicle at 11 in the morning? Oh, I get it: Because everyone else in town has one. This is a deep national sickness that needs to be at the top of any politician's agenda. Unfortunately, the gun lobby will continue to corrupt our elected officials, and every one of us is a potential victim.

Steve Robinson

Oro Valley

Ruben Gallego, the senator we need

I just finished an excellent article in the current edition of Mother Jones; "Ruben Gallego's Battle Against Kari Lake Could Decide the Fate of the Senate and Our Democracy." Those words are not hyperbole. Ruben Gallego was a combat Marine who defended our country in Iraq and here at home during the attempted hostile takeover of the U.S. Congress. As the attack on the capital was underway, Ruben Gallego instructed fellow house members how to stay calm and don gas masks if they were needed. He also thought he would use his pen on an insurrectionist to get a more lethal weapon. He is no one's toady or sycophant. He is right for our state and will continue to serve our country, as John McCain and Mark Kelly did. Ruben stands for freedom, doing the right thing, civil rights, voting rights, and women's rights. Voting for his election-denying, insurrectionist-supporting opponent would be a disaster for our state.

James Robinett

Southwest side

Postal pennies spent again

Whatever happened to the Penny postcard and the three-cent First-class stamp? Some mailers still use old, cheaper. (Before FOREVER) stamps on letters, but one needs a pile of them (stamps) to make up the necessary amount to require delivery.

Now, soon, the post office will be punishing Americans because technology has made a better and faster way to communicate with someone. The almost-annual postal rate-hike, look for it, is coming to your/our city, this coming summer. The Postal Regulatory Commission may approve, you know they WILL, a five-cent increase to a first-class FOREVER stamp! Really? The only thing that is forever is that postal rate increases will be happening now and forever. They are calling it Delivering for America: Ten Year Plan And some postal desk jockey, probably a manager or overpaid supervisor thought up that lame slogan. Maybe they need more Pony Express horses?

Kenneth Unwin

East side

Did you know?

I believe that most folks in Tucson do not know that much about the University of Arizona.

Did you know that the Daily Wildcat  newspaper is rated No. 2, after Yale?

It has two independently accredited medical schools.

It has been designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

It ranks in the top 20 in research expenditures.

It is worth $824 million in annual research expenditures.

It has an economic impact of $4.1 billion.

It has 53,187 total students, 42,075 undergraduate and 11,112 graduate.

Its three top majors are: Business Administration, Engineering and Medicine Psychology.

It employs 16,699 employees.

It helped map the moon so that the Eagle could land in 1969.

It's a test-optional school (No SAT required).

Its student body is made up of: White: 48.3% Hispanic or Latino: 25.8%, Black or African American: 3.9% Asian: 5.42%.

In the Fall 2022, it had a total of 5,808 international students.

It is rated as the 18th-best party school.

Now you know.

Tom McGorray

Northwest side

Re: article 'Arizona Sues Amazon'

Re: the May 16 article "Arizona sues Amazon."

Good grief, Charlie Brown! Kris Mayes, don't you have anything better to do than to pursue these ridiculous lawsuits? Do you really think that people are so stupid and helpless that they dont know how to scroll down to find better deals? On Amazon pages, there is a notice saying that the article may be available from other Amazon dealers, possibly at a lower price, possibly with or without free shipping. That should be more than sufficient notice to protect anyone from the big bad wolf. FYI  its Buy Now,. not Buy Box. And canceling Prime is fairly easy; just ask Google Gemini.

We all have the freedom to make choices for ourselves. Please stop trying to micromanage our lives, and for heavens sake, stop wasting taxpayers money on lawsuits that are totally unnecessary. Go after the people trying to destroy our democracy instead.

Klara Cserny

Southwest side

Any apologies?

In 1984, several friends told me that by voting to reelect Ronald Reagan I was voting for nuclear war. I countered that projecting strength and defiance toward the Soviets would deter, not encourage, war. We emerged from the Reagan years farther from nuclear war than any time since 1945. I was right, they were wrong, but no one ever apologized for their insults. Donald Trump said he will be a dictator for one day. The context made it clear he meant nothing more than issuing executive orders. Nevertheless, Im called a fascist for supporting Trump. Here is my question: If Trump is elected and does not appoint himself dictator for life, does not tear up the Constitution, does not reinstate slavery, and departs the White House peacefully after four years, will any of you apologize? I didnt think so.

Richard Taylor

Vail

Water from the Colorado River

Re: the May 16 letter "Precipitation vs. Aridity."

The alarmist letter stated, "The effect of temperature on snowpack, the main source of Colorado River water, is concerning. Less precipitation will fall as snow, and snow that does fall will melt sooner." Unfortunately, reality hit this speculation the exact same day and blew up the letter.

"It's not every year the Colorado has such a stunning snowpack to tout, summer of 2024 is shaping up to be a wet one thanks to the significant amount of frozen water stashed away in our mountains. Well above normal in the Colorado River basin at 155%," said Nathan Elder, manager of water supply at Denver Water." CBS News Denver, May 16.

Stop speculating, warmers. Mother Nature is not cooperating, and she didn't in the year before, 2022/2023. Your over-the-top alarmist climate change letters are never backed up by actual events. Or your fake science, which depends on computer modeling.

Steve Sollenberger

Foothills

What is really old

The letter writer wants to find "something good that Trump actually did and not made up stuff about COVID." Let us review the "good" that he did in his last year in office. In February 2020, he claimed that the COVID virus would "Disappear, like the flu." When he left office, there were 24,255,934 cases, and 402,269 people died in America because of his complete disregard for science, his mocking of people who wore masks and his lack of response were directly responsible for those deaths. Is that the "good" that he did? Here are a few more examples of the "good": "I'm gonna build the wall; I'm gonna get rid of Obamacare: I'm gonna ban Muslims; and I'm gonna gut Social Security and Medicare." The fact that people will not see what a disaster he is to humanity is what is really old.

Jean Getek

Foothills

Presidential candidates

Vote for the lesser of the two evils, NOT the evil of two lessers.

Susan Vonkersburg

Foothills

Politics

Decked out with blue blazers and red ties, GOP senators and representatives abandoned their Constitutional duties to fly, at taxpayer expense, to New York City to show support for EX-president Trump at his trial for hush money. They read from Trump's edited script, maybe(?) avoiding Judge Merchan's gag order, belittling the Judge and his daughter. Later, additional GOP Congressional representatives joined them, likewise abandoning their Constitutional duties, also flying at taxpayer expense. If EX-president Trump can demand such fealty as an EX-president can you imagine if he is re-elected? GOP Senators and Representatives will get their marching orders from him on a regular basis. So much for any hope of bipartisanship in the Congress!

Jerry Lujan

Oro Valley

Funding Social Security & Medicare

I once had the pleasure of birding in Floral with a congenial Pediatrician. He said he made it a habit to ask various colleagues if they got pretty excited when they they had reached the maximum earnings for the year that were subject to FICA withholding. Nearly all reported they had little or no awareness of reaching that annual earnings threshold. No parties, no new boats or special trips funded by the tax decrease. Makes me think it will not be too painful for our prosperous fellow citizens to contribute more to help sustain these so-called entitlements that are so vital for so much of our aging society.

Michael Judd

East side

White-collar crime

This is in response to the letter about white-collar crimes. I agree white-collar crimes are a problem and they should be cracked down on. White-collar crimes can result in serious financial losses for individuals, corporations, and economies alike. It is crucial that offenders do not evade justice, especially over extended period of time, and when they are caught they should be punished swiftly in hopes that it will set an example and other people would be less likely to offend.

Jennifer Montgomery
Gov. Greg Abbott speaks in support of former state Rep. Alan Schoolcraft, left, at a campaign event for Schoolcraft on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in New Braunfels. Schoolcraft bested incumbent John Kuempel, R-Seguin, in Tuesday's runoff according to unofficial results. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday finally broke the decadeslong blockade of rural Republicans opposing private school vouchers  although his ability to coax a contentious bill through a closely divided Texas House remains in question.

In Tuesdays GOP primary runoff, Abbott needed at least two of his favored candidates to win to be on track to shift a majority of the Texas House in favor of a voucher bill with the potential to reshape Texas public education system.

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Former Donald Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pierson and former Glen Rose Mayor Helen Kerwin won their races over anti-voucher lawmakers in solidly red districts, according to the Associated Press. Huntsville ISD trustee Trey Wharton also claimed victory, while former state Rep. Alan Schoolcraft bested incumbent John Kuempel, R-Seguin, according to unofficial results.

The Texas Legislature now has enough votes to pass school choice, Abbott wrote in a statement late Tuesday evening. While we did not win every race we fought in, the overall message from this years primaries is clear: Texans want school choice. Opponents of school choice can no longer ignore the will of the people.

While campaign season rhetoric about school choice is simple, the specifics of a voucher program to provide public dollars for private and religious school tuition are much thornier, and any seats Democrats pick up in November could eat away at Abbotts pro-voucher margins in the House.

But Tuesday was the capstone for Abbott, who spent millions and crisscrossed the state trying to oust a group of nearly two dozen House Republicans who voted to block his voucher plan.

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Following a wave of retirements and election shake-ups, just seven are likely to return to office next year. And the stunning losses may push some to think twice before defying the governor going forward.

Abbotts candidates lost just two of the six key runoff races Tuesday. Incumbent Rep. Gary VanDeaver defeated his challenger Chris Spencer, while Jeff Barry bested Abbott-backed Alex Kamkar in a race for the seat left open by Rep. Ed Thompsons retirement, according to the Associated Press.

In a statement, VanDeaver, R-New Boston, accused big city politicians and D.C. Super PACs of pouring millions of dollars into false advertising to fool us into believing their lies.

Unfortunately, in many parts of Texas tonight, they succeeded. But here in Northeast Texas, we rejected their gutter politics for what it is, he said.

Last year, Abbott called multiple special sessions and pushed hard for a plan that would provide all Texas children with state-funded vouchers to spend on private school tuition, tutoring or other education expenses.

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While the GOP-led Senate approved a private school voucher several times, the proposal was struck from a broader bill in the Republican-led House last November, where rural Republicans have blocked voucher bills for decades because public schools stand to lose state funds when children leave for private or home schools.

Ahead of the March primaries, the pro-public education Charles Butt Foundation PAC spent millions supporting candidates whod pledged to oppose private school vouchers, but their spending was ultimately dwarfed by Abbott, who boasted a record-breaking $6 million donation from a Pennsylvania billionaire TikTok investor. Other groups funded by major conservative donors poured additional funds into supporting candidates who say vouchers are a way to give families more choice in their childrens education.

Ultimately, seven anti-voucher Republicans lost their races to Abbott-backed challengers in the March election and six more were pushed into runoffs. Even proponents of traditional public schools who had lobbied hard against the proposal struck a tone of tempered resignation.

Between the primary and the runoff, Abbott spent about $1.4 million to support six candidates running against House Republicans who opposed vouchers. The Charles Butt Foundation PAC, however, spent just $156,000.

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Kevin Canfield Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Kevin Canfield 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the year Holly purchased Sinclair. The story has been updated.

About 25 members of the public showed up for a meeting hosted by HF Sinclair last week. The gathering at Chandler Park Community Center was the fifth update the company has provided over the last two years on the work it is doing to address historical contamination at its refinery along the banks of the Arkansas River.

Sinclair has been working with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that petroleum byproducts no longer make their way into the river and the new Zink Lake, which is scheduled to open to the public on Labor Day weekend.

Its part of a larger rapid corrective action being undertaken by the company to address contamination at the site that was present before it was purchased by then HollyFrontier in 2009. Holly purchased Sinclair in 2022, creating HF Sinclair.

The refinery includes a facility on the east side of the property along the west bank of the Arkansas River and one upstream of Zink Lake between 21st Street and the river. Together, they produce up to 125,000 gallons of crude oil a day.

On Wednesday night, Arsin Sahba, corporate environmental specialist at HF Sinclair, shared the news that the company has completed two containment caps  one south of Zink Dam and one north of Zink Dam. The south cap is 250 to 300 feet long, and the north cap is more than 800 feet long.

There are multiple layers under here that you cant see (that prevent) hydrocarbon sheen and oil getting in the river, Sahba said. Thats the specific goal, but it also provides an aesthetic stabilization of the west bank (of the river).

Sahba said that as part of the companys permitting process, the caps are inspected quarterly.

And weve inspected the south cap maybe eight or 10 times now, and weve inspected this one three or four times now, the north cap, and they are working as designed, he said.

During the question-and-answer portion of the meeting, Tulsan Kelsey Royce, founding member of the Arkansas River Rights Coalition, brought up what she described as the elephant in the room.

We as members of the public are being encouraged to recreate in a space that has this hydrocarbon seepage, among other contaminants, she said. So again, at what point does  groundwater contamination become surface water contamination that we are at risk of within the footprint of Zink Lake?

Sahba said preliminary modeling at the east refinery site has determined that the groundwater concentrations over here do not pose a risk to human health in the river.

From the groundwater from the refinery, specifically, thats all we can test, Sahba said. Thats what we have control of. And weve done that preliminary modeling; it will more thoroughly come out in the risk assessment report.

Sahba painted a similar picture of the groundwater conditions at the west facility, saying the same applies there because  its a very large body of water thats dynamic, flowing and moving.

Royce also had a question for DEQ staff present at the meeting, asking what the agency was doing to mitigate or rather to stop the encouragement of people recreating in this urban river with refinery seepage?

Hillary Young, chief engineer of the Land Protection Division at DEQ, said there are issues with elemental and groundwater contamination that Sinclair has addressed on the east side of its property and is working to address on the west side.

What were working to make sure is that they get those issues addressed, Young said. And my understanding is the city is doing sampling and they have a dashboard that citizens can go to.

All of Hollys reports are in a repository thats available to the public , and you can look at the information that is there, and then you have to decide for yourself how comfortable you feel with doing any kind of recreating.

Sinclair was also questioned about the sustainability of the containment caps, which Sahba explained were designed to withstand a flood of slightly more than 300,000 cubic feet of water per second.

And the 2019 flood was a little bit under 300,000, if I remember correctly,  Sahba said. But typically, like an expiration date on foodm  you set a number at the low end. But typically, you can handle, from an engineering perspective, one and a half to two times the safety factor above that.

I would also add with that concern, our permit very clearly has contingency plans, maintenance requirements.

The city has invested approximately $80 million to activate the Arkansas River and its shorelines. The project includes the reconstruction of Zink Dam, the construction of an accompanying whitewater flume south of the dam, Zink Lake and a new pedestrian bridge called Williams Crossing.

The city is working with the Tulsa Regional Chamber to host a four-day Big Dam Party over Labor Day weekend to celebrate the joint opening of the new amenities.

Brooke Caviness, the city engineer overseing the Zink Dam project, reiterated that Sinclair has met the requirements of its permit with DEQ with its containment caps along the west bank of Zink Lake.

The city of Tulsa began testing the Arkansas River in January 2024 for bacteria, cadmium and total petroleum hydrocarbons, Caviness said. The city of Tulsa has developed a Zink Lake water quality dashboard to disseminate this information.

We encourage citizens to visit the Zink Lake dashboard (at cityoftulsa.org/zink) to view test results and educational information.

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Two years after the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, some states have moved to limit abortions while others become sanctuaries. The figures tell the story: In 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, patients traveling across state lines accounted for 41% of abortions in Illinois, 69% in Kansas and 71% in New Mexico. Each of those states borders tighter jurisdictions.

The political fallout still isnt clear, but a legal question now percolating is whether restrictive states can make it a crime to help a woman obtain an abortion elsewhere. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has argued yes, but the answer from a federal court is no. The attorney general cannot constitutionally prosecute people for acts taken within the state meant to facilitate lawful out of state conduct, including obtaining an abortion, writes Judge Myron Thompson.

Alabama has a law punishing any conspiracy formed in this state to do an act beyond the state, which, if done in this state, would be a criminal offense. The state was sued by the nonprofit Yellowhammer Fund, the Alabama Womens Center and others. Collectively, the judge says, they receive as many as 95 weekly inquiries from clients about the availability of out-of-state abortions. Before responding, they want a declaratory judgment that they cant be prosecuted.

In a motion to dismiss, Marshall argued Alabamas law does not forbid a woman from leaving the state to obtain an abortion, but instead merely regulates certain assistance, and in any case its supported by strong, legitimate interests including preserving unborn life. So far Judge Thompson has merely denied the motion to dismiss, though in a way that suggests his view of the law and the Constitution.

The core of his ruling is on the right to travel. The judge says it goes back at least to the Magna Carta in 1215, which promised all merchants may enter or leave England unharmed and without fear.

After U.S. independence, the Articles of Confederation guaranteed citizens free ingress and regress to and from any other state, with all the privileges of trade and commerce. This was the backdrop for the Constitution, which entitles Americans today to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh went a similar route in a concurrence to Dobbs, the ruling overturning Roe. As I see it, he said, some of the other abortion-related legal questions raised by todays decision are not especially difficult as a constitutional matter. For example, may a state bar a resident of that state from traveling to another state to obtain an abortion? In my view, the answer is no based on the constitutional right to interstate travel.

Judge Thompsons small extension is to say that if a state cant directly stop women from leaving for abortions, it cannot accomplish the same end indirectly by prosecuting those who assist them. If Alabama held such power, its hard to see the limiting principle. Other states could try to enforce their values by punishing anyone who helps their citizens fly to Las Vegas to gamble, to Colorado to smoke marijuana or to Alaska to hunt majestic grizzly bears.
Traffic police in Ho Chi Minh City have booked a man for driving a vehicle fitted with flashing lights that may dazzle other road users.

After a video had gone viral on social media, showing a vehicle equipped with flashing headlights traveling on a local street and affecting commuters, traffic police officers started to track the vehicle and its driver to impose sanctions on the offender, an officer said on Tuesday.

The video displays a car running on National Highway 22 in Trung Chanh Commune under Hoc Mon District, featuring the glare of its headlights.

A still image taken from a video shows the glare of a cars headlights.

The vehicle was identified as a pickup truck, owned by D.V.H., a 37-year-old resident of Cu Chi District.

H. admitted to traffic police that he had bought a light system and fitted it onto the front end of his vehicle to decorate it.

He explained that he did not intend to turn on the lights when driving on the street.

However, H. handed over his vehicle to N.M.V., 30, who resides in Hoc Mon District, at 4:00 pm on May 15. V. returned the vehicle to H. at 7:00 pm the same day, H. confessed.

After being summoned to the police station, V. admitted that he borrowed the vehicle from H., and turned on the lights while driving it.

He quickly switched it off due to its glare, he said, adding that he unintentionally turned on the lights.

V. was booked for driving a vehicle illegally fitted with extra headlights.

As per the current traffic law, V. shall be fined VND1 - 2 million (US$39.3 - $78.6) and have his driver's license revoked for up to three months.

H. said that he had detached the light system from his vehicle after the video surfaced on social media and he realized that attaching extra lights to a car is unlawful.

A vehicle equipped with extra headlights. Photo: Supplied

Traffic police in Ho Chi Minh City book a driver of a vehicle fitted with flashing lights. Photo: Supplied

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The Tinh Bien - An Giang International Fair 2024 opened in An Giang Province, located in Vietnams Mekong Delta region, on Monday, boasting hundreds of stalls run by 120 businesses from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

The event is being held at Xuan To Industrial Park in Tinh Bien Town, organized by the An Giang Trade and Investment Promotion Center in collaboration with the towns administration and the Ho Chi Minh City-based International Advertising and Trade Promotion Joint Stock Company.

This annual fair will last until Sunday, featuring more than 300 booths of about 120 enterprises from the three countries.

Vietnamese businesses taking part in the fair come from more than 10 provinces and cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Ben Tre, Can Tho, Long An, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Vinh Long, and An Giang, among others.

They are joined by enterprises hailing from Laos Champasak Province and the two Cambodian provinces of Takeo and Kandal.

The week-long fair boasts a wide range of commodities including agricultural and aquatic products, cultivars, consumer goods, food products, household appliances, footwear, garments, technology products, machinery and equipment, electronic goods, wooden furniture and interior decorations, construction materials, agricultural chemicals, and others.

Particularly, Vietnamese businesses provide fairgoers with unique items belonging to the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) program, initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2008 to promote production of typical and high-quality products of each commune, thus boosting rural economic development in Vietnam.

Addressing the fair-opening ceremony on Monday evening, Le Van Phuoc, deputy chairman of the An Giang administration, said that the fair opens opportunities for domestic enterprises to introduce new and highly competitive products, promote images and brands, and seek more business partners to expand markets and boost exports.

He added that the annual fair, held for the past 16 years, has generally contributed to promoting diplomatic ties and trade relations between the province and Cambodia, Laos, and other ASEAN countries.

Yong Sovathana, deputy governor of Takeo Province, extended his deep thanks to the An Giang administration for inviting Cambodian businesses to display 10 booths at the fair to introduce their diverse products to Vietnamese consumers, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

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Police in Lam Dong Province, located in Vietnams Central Highlands, on Monday announced the dismantling of a drug network operating in Da Lat City, leading to the apprehension of four related individuals.

Investigations revealed that Lo Thi Tinh, 45, from Me Linh Commune in Lam Dongs Lam Ha District, was involved in suspicious activities connected to an illicit narcotics network operating across multiple provinces and cities.

Tinh posed as an employer hiring male workers for plant care and flower sales to facilitate drug transactions.

On May 22, Truong Thi Hieu, 45, from Ward 5, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, was caught transporting drugs to Lam Dong for Tinh.

At 7:45 am on May 23, at a hotel in Da Lat, police caught Tinh in possession of one brick of heroin and one package of ketamine disguised in a cake box, along with nearly VND500 million (US$19,648) in cash and related evidence.

Further searches at Tinhs Da Lat residence led to the arrest of Vu Dinh Phuong, 32, from Phu Cu District in northern Hung Yen Province, and the seizure of seven packages of synthetic drugs, seven packages of heroin, and 26 pills of ecstasy hidden for sale.

Expanding their investigation, another police team apprehended Vu Tien Dai, 34, from My Duc District, Hanoi, red-handed engaging in illegal drug trading at Slope No. 7 in Trai Mat area, Ward 11, Da Lat, around 1:00 pm on the same day, confiscating 30 packs of heroin.

Dai served as Tinhs intermediary for drug procurement and distribution.

The Lam Dong drug crime investigation department has temporarily detained Tinh, Hieu, Phuong, and Dai, as they continue their investigation into the case.

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Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan and other Republicans will try to fend off far-right challenges in runoff elections today. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News Congressman Tony Gonzales speaks to the media at a detention area for Migrants in Eagle Pass in 2023. Jessica Phelps Florida Congressman, Matt Gaetz raises Brandon Herraras hand after both speak at a rally for Herrara at the Angry Elephant. Herrara was campaigning with Matt Gaetz ahead of his runoff against U.S. Rep Tony Gonzales. Jessica Phelps/San Antonio Express News Brandon Herrera introduces himself to the audience attending the Uvalde County Republican Party primary debate at Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Herrera is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 23rd Congressional District, which stretches across the southwestern portion of the state. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 01: Co-chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC) Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on February 1, 2023 in Washington, DC. The CHC held a news conference to introduce its members and their agenda for the 118th Congress. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) Alex Wong/Getty Images

Voters in San Antonio and other parts of Texas are heading to the polls today to decide a handful of key primary runoffs.

Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runoff elections typically see low turnout, and fewer than 15,000 of the 1.2 million registered voters in Bexar County had cast ballots in person during early voting, which ended Friday, according to the countys unofficial totals. That means a relatively small number of votes could decide several races.

VOTER GUIDE: Texas primary election runoffs

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In Beaumont, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan is fighting for his political career in a contentious race against oil and gas consultant David Covey. Coveys supporters, including Attorney General Ken Paxton and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, have derided the speaker as a fake conservative who has handed too much power to Democrats.

The past two legislative sessions  under Phelans watch  have been widely considered the most conservative in the states history, with House members getting behind abortion bans, new LGBTQ restrictions, a crackdown on diversity initiatives at universities and an attempt to begin deporting people suspected to have entered the country illegally.

Phelan isnt the only Republican fending off a rightward challenge.

In San Antonio, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales is hoping to best Brandon Herrera, a right-wing social media personality known as the AK Guy. Gonzales, first elected to Congress in 2020, is the only Republican congressional candidate in Texas facing a runoff after Herrera and three other GOP challengers pulled enough support in the March 5 primaries to keep him from claiming the nomination outright.

Republican critics have called out Gonzales party line-crossing votes to codify same-sex marriage rights and tighten gun-buyer background checks for young adults after the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, which is in his district. But Gonzales has the backing of Gov. Greg Abbott and in recent days has been sending out a robocall from actor and Uvalde native Matthew McConaughey.

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Voters in rural Texas also will decide six Republican runoffs in which Abbott is trying to unseat incumbents who opposed his school voucher vision, which would provide public taxpayer dollars for private school tuition and expenses.

One of those races features state Rep. John Kuempel of Seguin, who is facing Alan Schoolcraft. In March, Kuempel won 45% of the vote to Schoolcrafts 48%.

Schoolcraft has credited Abbott with helping him push the race into overtime, noting that Abbott has visited the district several times and also has a team of aides knocking on doors.

In Bexar County, Democrats will be asked to decide between Elizabeth Martinez and Ana Laura Ramirez for judge of the 73rd Civil District Court. The winner of the primary runoff will be elected to the seat in the November general election since no Republicans are seeking it.

Voters in Precinct 1, which extends from the Southeast Side to Alamo Ranch on the Northwest Side, will decide between incumbent County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores and challenger Amanda Gonzalez. Clay-Flores has held the seat since 2021.

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Bexar County Commissioners Court, made up of the county judge and four commissioners, adopts the countys annual budget, which this year is nearly $3 billion. The court sets the property tax rate for the county and University Health, and it oversees the building and maintenance of county roads, drainage projects, parks and county facilities.

The primary runoff winner will go up against Republican Lina Prado in November.

Voters who did not cast a ballot in the March primary election are eligible to vote in the runoff. Those who did vote in March must vote in the same partys runoff.
The administration in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam has proposed building a new bridge to replace the deteriorating Dakrong Bridge, which is on the verge of collapse, to be able to import up to 30 million metric tons of coal a year from Laos.

The Dakrong Bridge connects Vietnam with Laos and Thailand.

Vice-chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Le Duc Tien had submitted to the Ministry of Transport and the Department for Roads of Vietnam a plan to build a reinforced concrete bridge on the Western Ho Chi Minh Road, the office of the provincial administration said on Monday.

Over the past few months, the number of vehicles transporting goods, especially coal, from Laos to Vietnam through La Lay International Border Gate in Dakrong District has surged, up to 400 vehicles daily on average, according to the provincial administration.

These vehicles travel along National Highway 15D, the Western Ho Chi Minh Road and on the bridge, and continue on National Highway 9 to access local seaports.

However, the Dakrong Bridge, which was put into service in 2002 and is part of the backbone Ho Chi Minh Road, is at risk of collapse, leading to a restriction on vehicles payload.

The restriction is expected to hamper the transport of goods, while the deteriorating bridge could pose potential danger for drivers and assets, Tien underscored.

Meanwhile, two coal mines in Laos Sekong and Salavan Provinces sharing borderlines with Quang Tri Province boast an output of some one billion metric tons of coal.

Due to its close proximity to seaports, Laos needs Quang Tri to export coal, at an estimated 20 - 30 million metric tons per year.

In 2023, some 2.3 million metric tons of coal was shipped to Quang Tri from Laos, contributing over VND500 billion (US$19.6 million) to the state budget.

To boost coal imports into Vietnam and improve the contribution to the state budget, Quang Tri proposed the ministry and the department weigh on its plan to repair and upgrade the Dakrong Bridge and to build a new bridge to serve long-term transport activities.

An expected increase in coal imports following the construction of the new bridge is aimed at spurring the provinces socio-economic growth.

On May 10, the Road Management Area II, the operator of the Dakrong Bridge, erected warning signs at the two sides of the bridge, requiring vehicles to pass through it at a maximum speed of five kilometers per hour as the bridge has deteriorated.

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The sixth edition of the Andros The Race Lakes charity running program, held in the urban area of the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday, saw approximately 3,000 participants, including nearly 600 orphans.

Andros The Race Lakes, aimed at raising funds for orphans, attracted participants of various age groups and nationalities.

The run included distances of 25, 15, and five kilometers for adults, and two kilometers and 600 meters for children.

Children participate in the two-kilometer distance. Photo: Dieu Linh / Tuoi Tre

Orphans taking part in the event were provided with T-shirts, shoes, socks, and BIB boards at no charge.

The organizer awarded the ticket revenue from the running event to orphanages after deducting costs.

Nguyen Quynh Trang, a representative of the organizer, stated that their goal is to provide opportunities for orphans to engage in social activities, enhancing their confidence and independence, and ultimately transforming their lives.

Trang added that the organizer also selected children with good results to support them in further developing their abilities.

Minh Kiet (R) and more than 100 other orphans from the Maison Chance center in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City join the charity run. Photo: Dieu Linh / Tuoi Tre

Pham Minh Kiet, 13, a resident of the Maison Chance center in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City, expressed his happiness at meeting many new friends.

He shared that he ran four to five kilometers during each practice session to prepare for the run, noting that it was a valuable opportunity to improve his health, become more active, and connect with others.

Runners warm up before running. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

Runners have to pass through many rough sections. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

Children excitedly participate in the charity run. Photo: Dieu Linh / Tuoi Tre

The event attracts many families. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

The mother and her daughter are happy after completing their distances. Photo: Tri Duc / Tuoi Tre

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ABC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the national public broadcaster, the Television of the Republic of Indonesia (TVRI).

The shared agreement was signed in Jakarta by ABC Head International Services Claire M. Gorman and President Director of TVRI Iman Brotoseno, alongside senior leadership from ABC International Development (ABCID) and TVRI.

The MOU jointly recognises the role of the ABC and TVRI as national broadcasters in their respective countries and serves as an expression of the ABCs commitment to collaboration and cooperation with TVRI.

Both broadcasters will collaborate across content exchange in news and current affairs, sports, music, culture, lifestyle and general interest stories. The MOU also supports the sharing of key learnings from each broadcasters audience research and feedback, in addition to technical information assistance and capacity building under international development activities.

ABC Head International Services Claire M. Gorman said: The signing of this MOU formally recognises our ongoing relationship with TVRI. We are delighted that as national broadcasters we can work together on opportunities for content and information sharing as we look to best serve our respective audiences.

President Director of TVRI Iman Brotoseno said: I welcome and am grateful that the broadcasting collaboration between TVRI and ABC is being realized. We are sure that the cooperation in exchanging programs, news, and training development contained in this MOU will provide benefits for both parties. Especially for TVRI, we welcome the realization of varied and educational TV broadcast programs for viewers in Indonesia. We hope that this collaboration will bring closer relations between the two countries through showing cultural, social, and other human-interest documentaries.

ABC has recently signed Memorandum of Understandings with broadcasters in Vanuatu, Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands.
In the final episode of Alone Australia, three will become one, with the last participant standing winning $250k.

Andreas, Suzan and Krzysztof push through physical and mental barriers with the hope of being the last one standing.

This episode will be followed by the Alone Australia: Reunion hosted by Hamish Blake.

Holiday mode is over for Krzysztof as his lack of sleep continues and his physical state deteriorates further. In order to win he employs a new strategy, but after 54 days of no protein procurement is it too late to turn things around? Meanwhile, Suzan relies once again on her foraging to buy her more time in the competition, but with thoughts of home intensifying, her goods may not be enough to quieten an unsettled mind. And Andreass competitive streak reaches a tipping point as he once again pushes his body in his search for food and success.

7:30pm Wednesday on SBS / Reunion at 8:30pm.
Dame Judi Dench, 89, appears to have casually announced her retirement.

Approached by a journalist while attending the Chelsea Flower Show in London, she revealed she had no further projects on the go.

No, no, I cant even see! she replied.

Publications approaching Denchs agent for comment were told that there was nothing further to add.

Dench suffers from age-related macular degeneration of her eyes.

She last appeared in the 2022 movie Spirited, starring as herself in Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds Christmas musical comedy film.

She spoke about her struggles with her sight with Louis Theroux in 2022, telling him: I dont want to retire. Im not doing much at the moment because I cant see. Its bad.

She added: I have a photographic memory so a person saying to me, This is your line I can do that.

More than 1.9 million Australians have signs of macular disease, but many may not know it.

Macular Disease Foundation.

Source: Independent
Tonight on Dateline a rise in bear attacks in Japan has locals hunting for answers. One town has an innovative solution.

Japan is experiencing an unprecedented surge in bear attacks, with the highest number reported in more than a century. Last year alone, 212 people were attacked by Japanese black or brown bears, resulting in six deaths. The Akita prefecture has been particularly hard-hit, with 70 attacks recorded last year, more than anywhere else in the country.

The alarming rate of attacks has authorities scrambling to find solutions to keep communities safe.

In Karuizawa, a town 150km west of Tokyo, Picchio Wildlife Research Center has introduced an innovative bear dog program that allows bears and humans to coexist in their respective territories.

First developed at the Wind Bear Institute in the United States, the bear dog program aims to make bears afraid of humans by tracking bear movements and when they get close to human dwellings use the dogs to chase the bear away by barking.

9:30pm Tuesday on SBS.
ABC Head of ABC Children and Family Libbie Doherty will depart the broadcaster in June after 5 years in the role.

She has overseen both in-house productions and commissioned a raft of independent programs including Bluey, Crazy Fun Park, First Day, My Year 12 Life, The Unlisted, Mustangs FC, Hardball, Beep and Mort, Ginger & The Vegesaurs, Tomorrow When the War Began, Little J and Big Cuz, collectively winning five International Emmys, five AACTAs and four Logies.

She joined ABC as a Commissioning Editor in 2015, after working as a producer in the independent production sector. After three years as Commissioning Editor, she was appointed Head of Children and Family.

I am so proud of what we have achieved together as the Children and Family team. I am grateful to the exceptional community of creators, producers, writers and directors who have collaborated with us on shows that have resonated all over the world. Our global partners have supported our vision and together we have put Australia on the map as a creative powerhouse, she said.

I am incredibly passionate about public service media, the ABC and am excited to see what this dream team will do for the most important audience  our kids.

Head of Screen Jennifer Collins said: On behalf of the ABC Id like to thank Libbie for the significant contribution she has made to delivering an outstanding slate of high-quality childrens programming not only for Australian audiences but for global audiences. Libbie leaves the ABC after an impressive nine years and we wish her the very best in her continued creative endeavours in the industry.

Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor said: Libbie is passionate about childrens content, and shes been an exceptional, creative leader for many, many years, respected not just in Australia but internationally. Were very sorry to see her go and we wish her well in the future where no doubt shell continue her incredible success.

In 2021, Doherty was voted by the global childrens industry as their favourite broadcast or streaming platform partner in the inaugural Kidscreen Industry Awards and Outstanding Ally by the ABC Pride Group.

ABC Childrens and Family Commissioning Editor Mary-Ellen Mullane will undertake the role in an acting capacity from mid-June.
L-R: Karen Miller, Joe DAmbrosia, Suzanne Ryan, Lauren Kisilevsky, Matt Berkowitz and Bob Higgins

The Australian Childrens Content Summit has announced further guests for its second annual event, to be held in August at Coffs Harbour.

Hosted by Emma Watkins (The Wiggles, Emma Memma), this years summit is a 3 day event attended by producers, creators, writers, directors, buyers, distributors, investors, screen agencies, policy makers, and industry influencers.

New featured guests confirmed include Screen Australias CEO  Deirdre Brennan, and representatives from ABC with Head of Screen  Jen Collins and ABCs Children and Family Department including Commissioning Editor  Mary-Ellen Mullane, Commissioning Editor, ABC Originals  Nicole Cheek, Commissioning Editor, Animation  Jo Boag, Development Producer  Amanda Isdale, Development Producer  Mary Walsh, Production Executive  Megan Young, Executive Producer, ABC Originals  Lyndal Mebberson, Acquisitions Manager  Maria-Nicole Miriklis and Senior Channel Manager, Catherine Collins as well as executives from Disney Branded Television.

Screen Australias CEO Deirdre Brennan said, The Australian Childrens Content Summit is an important event for our industry and were delighted to partner with SLR Productions for a second year. Ensuring children can see and hear their own voices, values, country and culture on screen is vital  we look forward to the conversations, insights and opportunities this years summit will no doubt deliver.

ABC Head of Screen Content, Jen Collins said, Im thrilled to be attending the Australian Childrens Content Summit alongside our incredible Children and Family team. As the National broadcaster, I feel so proud of the ABCs continued commitment to producing quality content for Australian kids and their families.

Screenwest CEO Rikki Lea Bestall said, Were thrilled to be partnering with the Australian Childrens Content Summit in 2024. Childrens television has always been such a big part of the Western Australian screen industry. We currently have Tales From Outer Suburbia and Kangaroo Beach Season 3 underway in Perth and we look forward to seeing some great new collaborations, business relationships and content come to life.

They join previously announced international guests  Jane Gould  Co-Founder Wonderworks Insights, Kate Morton  Head of Commissioning & Acquisitions 0-6 BBC, Katharina Pietzch  VP Sales Kids & Family BBC Studios, Adriano Schmid  VP of Content PBS KIDS and Mellany Welsh  VP, Head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press ; and Australian guests  Jenny Buckland  CEO Australian Childrens Television Foundation, Grainne Brunsdon  COO Screen Australia, Geoff Cooper  Production and Programming Manager  Queensland Nine Network Australia, Libbie Doherty  Head of ABC Children and Family, Kyas Hepworth  Head of Screen NSW, Marissa McDowell  Head of Commissions NITV and Bernadette OMahony  Head of Content / Acting CEO Australian Childrens Television Foundation as well as executives from Screenwest.

The 2024 Australian Childrens Content Summit is Presented by SLR Productions with Principal Partner, the Australian Childrens Television Foundation. The Major Government Partners are Screen Australia and Screen NSW.

Tuesday 27 August to Thursday 29 August 2024

Pacific Bay Resort, Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour

australianchildrenscontentsummit.com
On Saturday Nines My Way screns a special road trip to Outback Queensland, showcasing stories from the states north-west region.

Nine meets an Indigenous rodeo legend and a mining veteran, checks out a new species of dinosaur, and meets Mt Isas biggest fan.

On the first stop in the rodeo capital of Australia, we meet Shilo Gosbee, a rodeo veteran. When not competing he is ushering in the next generation of Indigenous stockmen, teaching them how to rope and ride. Shilo is a rodeo champion, but this year he has set his sights on his son and protege, Cordell, taking home a buckle. Passionate about his love for rodeo, Shilo is dedicated to its future, demonstrating why it is a sport for celebration, community and fun.

No one loves Mt Isa quite like Kylie Rixon, who dropped in one day and is still there 25 years later. Being such a fan, she channelled her love of the Isa into the Sunset Tourist Park. Here Kylie is on a mission to make her guests fall in love with the town like she did. Her local knowledge and lust for life has turned Sunset Tourist Park into a community hub, offering haircuts, health checks and a top-notch smoko. She can turn your one night layover into a week-long stay.

A trip to Mt Isa is not complete without a visit to the Hard Times Mine with longtime Mt Isa local Alan Rackham. Alan has spent a lifetime working in the Mt Isa mines, but with the foreclosure next year, he had to pivot pathways. With his vast knowledge, experience, humour and charm, he now takes tour groups through the Hard Times Mine to experience a day in the life of a miner. There is no one better to learn from than this loveable larrikin, an Aussie classic who loves every minute of his job.

The final stop is Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond. Here youll find museum curator Kevin Peterson, who made a historic discovery: The Crash Site, the most complete and significant pterosaur collection in Australia. His love for the thrill of the chase turned an ordinary day digging into a historic find. Along with palaeontologist Adele Pentland, Kevin is preserving some of the most exciting fossil discoveries in the country. Kronosaurus Korner is open for anyone who wants to put on their palaeontologist hat for a day of digging. Who knows what you might find?

Saturday at 7.30pm on Nine Brisbane. (Jeopardy! Australia screens 8pm).
Anthony Franze is a native Texan and very passionate about covering any weather that is thrown at him. He can be reached at anthony.franze@express-news.net.

Anthony earned a degree in Meteorology from Valparaiso University in 2017. He has worked as a broadcast meteorologist for six years, one at NBC Montana and the next five at NewsWest 9 in Midland before joining the Express-News in July 2023.

In his free time, Anthony enjoys watching sports, checking out local restaurants and breweries, and getting outside whenever the heat allows for it. If you have any story ideas, questions about the weather or restaurant suggestions, drop him a line.
By Felix Light

TBILISI (Reuters) - For more than a decade, Sara Kemecseis animal shelter has cared for the stray dogs of the Georgian capital.

By soliciting small donations of $5 or $10 apiece, mostly from abroad, she offers shelter and finds new homes for some of an estimated 500,000 neglected animals that wander the streets of the South Caucasus country of 3.7 million.

But under a contentious bill passed by the countrys parliament on Tuesday, her small shelter on Tbilisis outskirts, which cares for up to 50 canines at a time, could be designated an agent of foreign influence.

The only interest that we pursue is the interest of these dogs, and I challenge anyone to tell me which one of them is actually a foreign power, said Kemecsei.

The bill on foreign agents has sparked a major political crisis in Georgia since the ruling party said in April that it would reintroduce the draft law, which it previously shelved last year after protests.

On Tuesday, Georgias parliament voted to override a presidential veto of the bill, setting the stage for it to be signed into law by parliament's speaker in the coming days.

Thousands have taken to the streets in some of the biggest protests Georgia has seen since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Opposition groups have dubbed the bill the Russian law, comparing it to similar legislation that Russia has used against critics of Vladimir Putins Kremlin.

Western countries have criticised the bill, with the United States threatening to sanction Georgian officials unless it is withdrawn. The European Union, which gave Georgia candidate status in December, has said it will be an obstacle to talks on Tbilisi joining the bloc.

The Georgian government, which maintains that it wants to join the EU, says that the bill is necessary to protect Georgian sovereignty and promote transparency. It says Western countries are using the countrys NGOs to drag Georgia into confrontation with Russia.

But on the ground, many NGO workers fear that the law will stop them from providing services that the state fails to offer.

Kemecsei said that the draft law will force her shelter to shoulder large new administrative expenses, while also leaving them vulnerable to fines of 10,000 lari ($3,690) for mistakes made in paperwork, which she said would likely force the shelter to close down outright.

It will add massive additional administrative costs. So on one hand, we will be having more costs. On the other hand, we will have much less income, she said.

I find it immoral and unethical that we are doing the government's work for well over a decade now and we are being called foreign agents.

Vazha Kasaraishvili, program manager at Tanadgoma, an NGO that provides support to drug addicts and HIV patients, says that the law puts his groups work at risk.

Tanadgoma, which means support in Georgian, runs a residential rehabilitation clinic in a village outside Tbilisi that offers help and rehabilitation to those struggling with drug addiction.

He estimates that there are more than 5,000 intravenous drug users in Georgia, with limited state support provided for them.

Kasaraishvili fears that the foreign agent designation, which many say is reminiscent of Soviet-era denunciations of spies, will put off the foreign donors who make up the bulk of his financing.

We don't know what will happen after this law goes through. We dont know what will happen with our international donors. Maybe they will stop supporting Georgia at all, said Kasaraishvili.

Some NGO workers are open in their opposition to the law, taking to the street in the near-daily protests against the legislation.

Nino Evgenidze, head of the Economic Policy Research Center think tank, has been a regular attendee at protests against the law which she fears could shut down her organisation.

Evgenidze told Reuters she saw the bill as redolent of Soviet era repressions, and opposition to it as a generational fight.

All our parents, grandpas and their parents, they were killed, exiled or jailed under these accusations that they were the agents of foreign influence, she said.

(Reporting by Felix Light, Editing by William Maclean)
Foreign Ministers from Spain, Norway and Ireland meet with the PM of the Palestinian Authority Mohammad Mustafa, in Brussels

LONDON (Reuters) - Ireland officially recognised a Palestinian state on Tuesday, the government said in a statement, defying Israel which had condemned the plan.

The government approved the recognition in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning.

"The Government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah," the statement said.

"An Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine will be appointed along with a full Embassy of Ireland in Ramallah."

Irish prime minister Simon Harris the move was about keeping hope for peace alive.

"This decision of Ireland is about keeping hope alive. It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security," he said in the statement.

"I again call on Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza."

(Reporting by Muvija M and Conor Humphries; editing by William James)
By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel's military denied striking a tent camp west of Rafah on Tuesday after Gaza health authorities said Israeli tank shelling had killed at least 21 people there, in an area Israel has designated a civilian evacuation zone.

Earlier, defying an appeal from the International Court of Justice, Israeli tanks advanced to the heart of Rafah for the first time after a night of heavy bombardment, while Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised a Palestinian state, a move that further deepened Israel's international isolation.

The United States, Israel's closest ally, reiterated its opposition to a major Israeli ground offensive in Rafah but said it did not believe such an operation was under way.

Describing the U.S. view of what would constitute a major offensive in Rafah, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that it would involve "large numbers of troops in columns and formations in some sort of coordinated maneuver against multiple targets on the ground."

"That is a major ground operation," Kirby said. "We have not seen that."

Two days after an Israeli airstrike on another camp stirred global condemnation, Gaza emergency services said four tank shells on Tuesday hit a cluster of tents in Al-Mawasi, a coastal strip Israel designated as an expanded humanitarian zone where it advised civilians in Rafah to go for safety.

At least 12 of the dead on Tuesday were women, according to medical officials in the Hamas militant-run Palestinian enclave.

But Israel's military later said in a statement: "Contrary to the reports from the last few hours, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) did not strike in the Humanitarian Area in Al-Mawasi."

Israel told around one million Palestinian civilians displaced by the almost eight-month-old war to evacuate to Al-Mawasi when it launched its incursion in Rafah in early May. Around that many have fled Rafah since then, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA reported on Tuesday.

In central Rafah, tanks and armoured vehicles mounted with machine guns were spotted near Al-Awda mosque, a city landmark, witnesses told Reuters on Tuesday. The Israeli military said its forces continued to operate in the Rafah area, without commenting on reported advances into the city centre.

OUTRAGE

International unease over Israel's three-week-old Rafah offensive has turned to outrage after an attack on Sunday set off a blaze in a tent camp in a western district of the city, killing at least 45 people.

Israel said it had targeted two senior Hamas operatives and had not intended to cause civilian casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the harm to civilians occurred when "something unfortunately went tragically wrong."

Global leaders voiced horror at the fire in a designated humanitarian zone of Rafah where families uprooted by fighting elsewhere had sought shelter, and they urged the implementation of a World Court order last week for a halt to Israel's assault.

After a meeting of the U.N. Security Council closed doors on Tuesday over the latest developments in Rafah, Algeria's U.N. Ambassador Amar Bendjama said the country would propose a draft council resolution to "stop the killing in Rafah."

The Israeli military said it was investigating the possibility that munitions stored near a compound targeted by Sunday's airstrike may have ignited and touched off the blaze.

The Biden administration said on Tuesday it was closely monitoring the probe into Sunday's air strike. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said: "The word tragic doesn't even begin to describe" what happened on Sunday.

But Kirby said there was nothing in the incidents on Sunday or on Tuesday that would prompt the United States to halt its military aid to Israel.

In a further blow to aid efforts, part of the U.S. military's pier off Gaza's coast broke off, probably due to bad weather, putting it out of operation temporarily, two U.S. officials said.

Saudi Arabia - which had been in talks to normalise relations with Israel before the war in Gaza erupted - on Tuesday accused Israel of committing "genocide massacres" by targeting Palestinian tents in Rafah, saying it held Israel accountable for its actions.

Egypt is again trying in tandem with Qatar and the U.S. to revive talks on a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, but efforts have been hampered by Israel's assault on Rafah, Cairo's state-affiliated Al-Qahera News TV channel said on Tuesday, citing a senior official.

A person familiar with the issue said that Israel delivered its latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal to Qatar, and Qatar was to provide it to Hamas on Tuesday.

Hamas has said talks are pointless unless Israel ends its offensive in Rafah.

More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, Gaza's health ministry says. Israel launched its air and ground war 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.

Israel says it wants to root out the last major intact formations of Hamas fighters hunkered down in Rafah and rescue hostages it says are being held in the area.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams; Writing by Ros Russell, Gareth Jones and Deepa Babington; Editing by Mark Heinrich, Gareth Jones, Deepa Babington and Cynthia Osterman)
Outgoing Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat waves to supporters after his final speech at the party's Congress before the election of a new party leader at the Corradino Sports Pavilion in Paola

VALLETTA (Reuters) - Maltese prosecutors on Tuesday formally charged former prime minister Joseph Muscat with corruption over a 2015 public health contract as hundreds of supporters cheered for him outside a courthouse in Valletta.

The 50-year-old former Labour leader, in office from 2013 to 2020, pleaded "absolutely not guilty" to a list of charges including money laundering, soliciting bribes and criminal association.

His former chief of staff Keith Schembri and former health minister Konrad Mizzi faced the same charges and also pleaded not guilty.

Former deputy prime minister Chris Fearne and Central Bank Governor Edward Scicluna, who was finance minister in 2015, are set to face lesser charges including fraud and misappropriation at another hearing on Wednesday. They too have denied any wrongdoing.

Muscat's arraignment came weeks after a four-year inquiry, instigated by rule-of-law activist group Repubblika, said it had uncovered foul play in how his government had handled a four billion euro ($4.35 billion) contract for the management of three hospitals.

The contract was awarded to the previously unknown Vitals Global Healthcare group, which had no prior experience in the health sector. The group later handed the contract to U.S.-based Steward Healthcare group, but a Maltese court nullified the deal on account of fraud.

Muscat arrived at the hearing accompanied by his wife, waving to his supporters before entering the courthouse, across the road from a makeshift monument to anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Caruana Galizia had investigated the hospitals deal and was killed in a car bomb explosion in 2017. Her death and subsequent investigations shocked Europe, raising questions about the rule of law in Malta, the smallest EU member state.

Muscat resigned as prime minister in January 2019 after media revealed that he and Schembri had ties with Yorgen Fenech, a businessman who is awaiting trial for complicity in the murder of Galizia.

Muscat and Schembri have not been linked to the murder case.

($1 = 0.9191 euros)

(Reporting by Christopher Scicluna, editing by Alvise Armellini and Gareth Jones)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday Ukraine should hold a presidential election following the expiry of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's five-year term.

Zelenskiy has not faced an election despite the expiry of his term, something he and Kyiv's allies deem the right decision in wartime. Putin said the only legitimate authority in Ukraine now was parliament, and that its head should be given power.

(Reporting by Reuters, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
By Inti Landauro, Conor Humphries and Gwladys Fouche

MADRID/DUBLIN/OSLO (Reuters) -Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised a Palestinian state on Tuesday, prompting an angry reaction from Israel, which has found itself increasingly isolated after more than seven months of conflict in Gaza.

Madrid, Dublin and Oslo said they sought to accelerate efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza. The three countries say they hope their decision will spur other European Union countries to follow suit.

"It's the only way of advancing toward what everyone recognises as the only possible solution to achieve a peaceful future, one of a Palestinian state that lives side by side with the Israeli state in peace and security," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised address.

Spain is recognising a unified Palestinian state, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, under the Palestinian National Authority with East Jerusalem as its capital, he said.

The move means 146 of the 193 member states of the United Nations now recognise a Palestinian state, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said.

The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank under Israeli military occupation, has welcomed the decision.

Sanchez said Madrid would not recognise any changes to pre-1967 borders unless agreed to by both parties.

Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs said last week it would upgrade its representative office in Ramallah in the West Bank to an embassy, appoint an ambassador there and upgrade the status of the Palestinian mission in Ireland to an embassy.

"We had wanted to recognise Palestine at the end of a peace process. However we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive," Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement on Tuesday.

Israel has repeatedly condemned the decision, saying it bolsters Hamas, the militant Islamist group that led the deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war in the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip.

"Sanchez, when you... recognize a Palestinian state, you are complicit in incitement to genocide against the Jewish people and in war crimes," Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz wrote on X on Tuesday.

DIVIDED OPINION

Of the 27 members of the European Union, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria have already recognised a Palestinian state. Slovenia is expected to approve recognition on Thursday and Malta has said it could follow.

Britain and Australia have said they are also considering recognition, but EU member France has said now is not the time, while Germany joined Israel's staunchest ally, the United States, in rejecting a unilateral approach, insisting that a two-state solution can only be achieved through dialogue.

Denmark's parliament on Tuesday voted down a bill to recognise a Palestinian state.

Norway, which chairs the international donor group to the Palestinians, had until recently followed the U.S. position but has lost confidence that this strategy will work.

Spaniards have traditionally leaned toward the Palestinians. Since Israel began its offensive on Gaza in response to the Oct. 7 attack, the number of Spaniards supporting a two-state solution has risen to 60% in April from 40% in 2021, according to a poll by the Real Instituto Elcano.

The move is part of a wider effort by countries to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza, said Kushtrim Istrefi, a law professor at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

"We may see in the future another wave of recognition," Istrefi said. "The more recognitions Palestine achieves, the more we move towards a reality where a two-state solution from an international law standpoint becomes a reality."

The conflict has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. Israel says the Oct. 7 attack, the worst in its 75-year history, killed 1,200 people, with more than 250 hostages taken.

"We are happy with the three countries that are standing with us and that have recognised us, (recognised) the Palestinian State," said Falastin Al-Mansi, a displaced Palestinian in Deir al-Balah in Gaza. "We hope that you will put more pressure on Israel because we have had enough."

Israel has responded to the recognition move by recalling its ambassadors from Madrid, Oslo and Dublin and summoning the three countries ambassadors to watch videos of Israelis being taken hostage by Hamas gunmen.

Sanchez sought on Tuesday to ease tensions by condemning Hamas and calling for the release of hostages.

"It is not a decision we take against anyone, certainly not against Israel," Sanchez said. "We want to have the best possible relationship."

(Additional reporting by Henriette Chacar in Jerusalem, Belen Carreno in Madrid and Doaa Rouqa in Deir al-Balah; writing by Charlie Devereux; editing by Sharon Singleton, Philippa Fletcher, Timothy Heritage and Gareth Jones)
Acer unpacks Premium Chromebook Plus gaming laptops with Google AI built-in

Hardware giant Acer Tuesday May 28, 2024 debuted two new premium Chromebook Plus laptops  the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 and Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE  that combine versatile designs with a 2x faster Intel Core processor and up to double the memory and storage, giving people the power to do even more all at once

Tuesday May 28, 2024 11:26 PM , ummid.com News Network

Taipei: Hardware giant Acer Tuesday May 28, 2024 debuted two new premium Chromebook Plus laptops  the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 and Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE  that combine versatile designs with a 2x faster Intel Core processor and up to double the memory and storage, giving people the power to do even more all at once.

Features

As Chromebook Plus devices, the two new models support enhanced Generative AI features for connectivity, creativity, and collaboration, such as a "help me write" feature available with just a right click, Google Photos' Magic Editor, Gemini, and more.

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a slim convertible optimized for on-the-go productivity and connectivity with a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be used in myriad ways and places, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a Next-Generation cloud-gaming Chromebook with the latest game-centric hardware to stream and play AAA games with NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Boosteroid, Amazon Luna and more.

"Our two new Acer Chromebook Plus laptops masterfully take advantage of new Google AI capabilities that are now part of ChromeOS to deliver even more cutting-edge experiences to Chromebook users," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc.

"The fact that these two new Acer Chromebook Plus laptops could not be more different yet both deliver an elevated Chromebook Plus experience points directly to the power and flexibility of the ChromeOS ecosystem and the importance of user-centric Chromebook Plus laptop design", Lin said.

'Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714'

The new convertible Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (CP714-1H) is the ideal on-the-go Chromebook delivering a sought-after combination of responsive mobile performance and efficient multitasking for collaboration at work, school, or for passion projects.

Powered by up to Intel Core Ultra 7 processors, the Acer Chromebook is ready to help users enjoy AI-powered Google and Adobe apps.

Google AI helps users write with ease and design unique backgrounds, while the Adobe Photoshop and LumaFusion apps make editing photos and videos a breeze.

Gemini in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Gmail helps to generate and summarize notes and personalize emails for greater productivity and organization.

In addition to this, all-day productivity with the new Chromebook will be the standard with 2x the speed, memory and storage, its durable aluminum chassis design is MIL-STD 810 certified and the fast-charging battery provides long battery life of up to 10 hours.

360-degree convertible laptop

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714's 2-in-1 convertible design features 360-degree hinges that enable it to be used in various scenarios, including as a traditional laptop or a tablet for note-taking and sketching with an optional dockable USI active stylus.

The Chromebook's 14-inch touchscreen display vibrantly showcases images in WUXGA (1920x1200) clarity and vivid 100% sRGB color range. This means AI-powered features such as creating generative wallpapers and Google Photos Magic Editor help users re-imagine their photos and will be even more immersive and enjoyable on the Chromebook's thin-bezel display.

Moreover, its Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass protects it from scratches while resisting stains and odor-causing bacteria.

'Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE'

The new Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (CBG516-2H) brings a whole new way to game with NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud gaming service plus the latest technology with a first-rate gaming-centric design.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE users can indulge in the latest AAA games with millions of other players without any downloads via NVIDIA GeForce NOW, at up to 1600p resolution and 120 fps with an Ultimate membership, streaming from next-gen GeForce RTX 4080 servers in the cloud.

The device's performance-minded 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processors and high-resolution display ensure fast streaming at 120 Hz resulting in cutting-edge graphics and impressively smooth visuals.

The gaming experience on the Chromebook's high-resolution WQXGA (2560x1600) IPS display is stunning due to the fast 120 Hz refresh rate that results in realistic and smooth high frame-per-second gaming.

Moreover, the display's 100% sRGB color gamut delivers vibrant and accurate images. High-quality DTS audio complements the lifelike visuals with two upward-firing speakers and two downward-firing speakers that utilize force-canceling woofers to project sound in opposite directions and eliminate unwanted vibrations.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE features an RJ-45 2.5G Gigabit Ethernet LAN port to ensure a fast and reliable connection for uninterrupted cloud gaming. Additionally, when gamers take their durable Chromebook with them for cloud gaming on-the-go, they can rely on the device's fast and secure Wi-Fi 6E.

The Chromebook Plus 516 GE features a gaming keyboard with vibrantly colored 4-zone preset backlight color modes and anti-ghosting technology that registers fast and accurate keyboard inputs and key combinations.

Cloud gamers will also appreciate the Chromebook Plus 516 GE's premium combination of features that boost productivity for work and school by utilizing new generative AI creation and collaboration features in ChromeOS and Adobe apps.





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DTE Maharashtra to start Post SSC Polytechnic Admission 2024 soon

The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) Maharashtra is set to start soon the online registration for Polytechnic or Post SSC Diploma admissions in various courses for the year 2024-25

Tuesday May 28, 2024 11:42 AM , ummid.com News Network

DTE Maharashtra Post SSC Diploma Admission 2024: The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) Maharashtra is set to start soon the online registration for Polytechnic or Post SSC Diploma admissions in various courses for the year 2024-25.

The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) Maharashtra conducts online admission for various diploma courses including Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Production Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering and others.

The entire admission process is done online and involves various CAP Rounds.

DTE Maharashtra Post SSC Diploma 2024 Admission Schedule

The admission process for the DTE Post SSC Diploma courses start after the announcement of the Class 10 or SSC result.

Since the Maharashtra board has already announced the Class 10 result 2024, the online admission process and registration for Post SSC Diploma and Polytechnic admission 2024 should start in the next couple of days.

Students participating in the DTE Maharashtra Post SSC Diploma Admission 2024 Counselling should note that online registration will be done through the official website dte.maharashtra.gov.in.

The Directorate has launched the admission website and will now soon publish detailed counselling schedule and CAP round dates.

Maharashtra Polytechnic Admission 2024 - Steps

Candidates should also note that once the admission process starts, the first step is to register online. For registration, a link will be made available using which the students should register themselves. While filling the registration form, students will be required to pay the counselling fees and submit the documents necessary for the admission in the Polytechnic courses. Students should note that the documents can be submitted offline at FCs or online using the link of the DTE Maharashtra admission website. List of the documents can be found on the website. Once registration is done, candidates will now need to wait for the release of the Merit List. The DTE Maharashtra will first release Provisional Merit List. It will then ask the candidates to check their name and other details are registered correctly and all their documents uploaded properly. Two to three days after the release of the provisional merit list, Final Merit List. The next step after the release of the final merit list is Option Form submission. Candidates will be required to submit their options and college choice using the online form. Based on the candidates ranking in the final merit list and the options submitted, DTE Maharashtra will then publish the DTE Maharashtra Polytechnic Admission 2024 CAP Round 1 allotment status. If the students are satisfied with the allotted colleges, they can confirm their admission and pay the fees. If not satisfied, they can opt out of Round 1 and participate in CAP Round 2.

Post SSC Diploma admission in Maharashtra is conducted for First Year Engineering in Civil, Mechanical, Information Technology (IT), Computer Engineering group, Electronics and Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering group and other streams.

To help students in filling the option form and know the available seats - actual and vacant, in various colleges, DTE Maharashtra also provides Seat Matrix which can be accessed from the DTE Maharashtra website.

For more details, candidates are also advised to carefully read the Information Bulletin and Admission Guidelines available on the website.





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'Manufacturing Consent for Zionism': Atlantic slammed for 'legally killed Gaza child' article

A huge outrage has erupted after US English daily Atlantic in an opinion piece while justifying the brutal Israeli war against the Palestinians went on to justify the killing of children in Gaza at the hands of the Occupation forces

Tuesday May 28, 2024 3:06 PM , ummid.com News Desk

A huge outrage has erupted after US English daily Atlantic in an opinion piece while justifying the brutal Israeli war against the Palestinians went on to justify the killing of children in Gaza at the hands of the Occupation forces.

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IoF) have massacred over 35,000 and wounded more than 90,000 Palestinians since Oct 7, 2023. Close to 12,000 Palestinians are missing and believed to be dead. More than 70% of those killed and missing are women and children.

Close to 50% basic structure - including hospitals, schools, colleges, universities and relief camps in the besieged Gaza Strip has been razed to ground, leaving around 1.5 million Palestinians without shelter.

Atlantic Edit Piece

The Atlantic in its edit piece however not ready to believe these figures and the scale of damages that are also confirmed by the United Nations.

Zionists want you to believe that there isnt a genocide in Gaza and at the same time that Palestinians deserve to be genocided. pic.twitter.com/Bv5Gwt1Vci  Syrian Girl  (@Partisangirl) May 27, 2024

In the op-ed piece titled The UNs Gaza Statistics Make No Sense, the Atlantic staff writer Graeme Wood outrageously and without any counter evidence questioned the accuracy of the UNs civilian death toll figures in Gaza.

Wood, known for his skeptical stance toward Hamas and Palestine, controversially suggested that in certain scenarios, the killing of children can be legally justifiable.

It is possible to kill children legally, if for example one is being attacked by an enemy who hides behind them. But the sight of a legally killed child is no less disturbing than the sight of a murdered one, he wrote.

Huge Backlash

The article sparked a huge backlash, with the campaign group Writers Against the War on Gaza (WAWOG) calling it an attempt to "manufacture consent for Zionism".

Eight months into the genocide and western media is still manufacturing consent for Zionism, the group wrote in a post on X on Sunday. Defending child murder is egregious; but @TheAtlantic has historically defended imperial bloodshed, WAWOG added.

'Call to cancel Atlantic subscriptions'

Lebanese political activist and musician Peter Daou and others slammed the Atlantic questioning the legality of Woods claim and calling his choice of words disgusting.

A legally killed child is a phrase I never imagined I would read in my lifetime", he wrote on social media platform X.

A number of social media users have also called for canceling their subscriptions to The Atlantic.

The Atlantic published the outrageous article after Israel refused to oblige the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order calling the Zionist far right regime to end its military offensive in Rafah, described by the UNRWA as horrifying.

Continuing its brutal military offensive in Gza, the Israeli forces Sunday killed at least 45 people, hitting tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, with reports that people were burning alive.







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China, Arab countries to seek end of Gaza conflict

09:41, May 28, 2024 By Mo Jingxi ( China Daily

A child walks past debris in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, May 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China and Arab nations are expected to issue a joint call for bringing an end to the Gaza conflict as soon as possible and urging the international community to implement the two-state solution, at a key China-Arab meeting that will be convened on Thursday in Beijing.

Noting that the raging conflict in the Gaza Strip has killed or wounded more than 100,000 civilians, Vice-Foreign Minister Deng Li said on Monday that the Chinese and Arab foreign ministers will have an in-depth discussion on the Palestinian issue to form a common voice during the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

"As a responsible major country, China believes that it is necessary for us to do our part in promoting peace in the Middle East and to shoulder our responsibilities in alleviating the humanitarian crisis," Deng said at a news briefing in Beijing ahead of the conference.

"At this moment, the international community should act with fairness and justice for peace in the Middle East," Deng added.

Meanwhile, he dismissed the claim that China is filling the so-called power vacuum in the region left by the United States, saying that the Middle East is a land of its own people and its issues should be resolved by regional countries and their peoples through negotiations.

"You noticed recently that China's diplomatic activities in the Middle East are more active. In fact, our efforts in promoting peace in the region have never been absent," Deng told reporters, noting that China has been firmly supporting the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring its legitimate rights and supporting the two-state solution since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Thursday's meeting, with the participation of President Xi Jinping and a number of Arab leaders at its opening ceremony, will point the way forward for relations as well as cooperation between China and Arab states, experts said.

According to the Foreign Ministry, King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Tunisian President Kais Saied and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, are scheduled to attend the opening ceremony at Xi's invitation. They will also make state visits to China from Tuesday to Saturday.

"The attendance of the four Arab heads of state at the opening ceremony fully demonstrates the solidarity and cooperation between China and Arab countries, as well as their shared desire to continuously elevate ties to new heights," Deng said.

Deng said that the ministerial conference, co-chaired by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Mauritanian counterpart Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk, will study the specific measures to implement the consensuses reached by leaders, expand China-Arab cooperation in various fields and promote the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future.

"The conference will be a new milestone for China-Arab relations as well as for China's bilateral ties with all Arab countries," he said.

Tang Zhichao, a researcher on Middle East studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the ministerial conference will play a pivotal role as a platform in guiding the future of China-Arab cooperation based on its past achievements.

"It is hoped that China will announce at the meeting a series of moves that point out key priorities for future China-Arab cooperation," he said, adding that China and Arab countries are expected to reach a consensus on promoting modernization, among other issues.

Tang also said that as more countries are recognizing a Palestinian state, an appeal for justice on the Palestinian issue is what the international community urgently needs.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
The Libertarian Party's candidate for president this year is an activist from Atlanta who would become the nation's youngest commander in chief if he wins his longshot bid for the White House.

Chase Oliver is 38 years old, born on Aug. 16, 1985, according to the Vote Smart website run by the nonprofit Center for National Independence in Politics.

Chase Oliver was nominated Sunday night following seven rounds of voting during a lengthy, contentious day of proceedings at the final day of the Libertarian National Convention in Washington D.C., the Washington Post reported.

He beat "none of the above" with the support of 60% of less than 900 delegates who voted after former New York University professor Michael Rectenwald was eliminated, according to the Post.

That means he would be 39 on Election Day, Nov. 5, and Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2025.

Why did Libertarians pick Chase Oliver over RFK Jr.?

On Friday, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered a convention speech that drew cheers when he promised to pardon government surveillance whistleblower Edward Snowden and drop espionage charges against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, CBS News reported.

But Kennedy was eliminated in the first round of voting when he got just 2% of the vote, the Post said.

Many delegates reportedly argued that much of his platform  which includes raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, prosecuting "union-busting corporations" and providing free childcare  didn't align with Libertarian values.

In its official Statement of Principles, the Libertarian Party says that it opposes "all interference by government in the areas of voluntary and contractual relations among individuals" and that people "should not be forced to sacrifice their lives and property for the benefit of others."

How old was the youngest president in U.S. history?

Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest person to become president, taking office at 42 when he was elevated from vice president following the 1901 assassination of President William McKinley.

Kennedy's uncle, John F. Kennedy, was the youngest person ever elected president, winning the 1960 race and being inaugurated at 45 before he was assassinated in Dallas in 1963.

Is there an age requirement for being elected president?

Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution mandates that candidates must be at least 35 to run for president.

Candidates must also be "natural born" citizens and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

How old are Joe Biden and Donald Trump?

President Joe Biden, the presumptive 2024 Democratic nominee, is 81 and the oldest person elected president, having won the 2020 race weeks before before his 77th birthday.

Former President Donald Trump, Biden's presumptive Republican challenger, is 77 and was the oldest person elected president, at 70, until Biden assumed that title in 2020.

Previously, former President Ronald Reagan held that distinction when he was elected in 1990 at 69.
Pioneering green transformation solutions for businesses

Sharing at the Forum, from the perspective of green transformation implemented by Singaporean companies, Lim Boon Heng, former cabinet minister in the Prime Ministers Office of Singapore, chairman of Temasek Holdings, and a member of the VSBF Advisory Board, said: "Singapore has embarked on the Singapore Green Plan 2030. It is an ambitious and comprehensive initiative to transform the nation into a green, sustainable, and eco-friendly urban city.

"In Viet Nam, the Government has issued the National Green Growth Strategy for the 2021-30 period, with a vision towards 2050. The sustainable development goals are transformative, requiring bold and innovative solutions. Therefore, this is the time for leaders in Viet Nam, Singapore, and around the world to work together to leverage resources and capabilities for a green environment and sustainable business opportunities to achieve net-zero by 2050."

Providing the perspective of "Strategic Implications from COP28: Drivers, Challenges, and Future Aspects: Why Businesses Must Be Part of the Solution", Ho Sy Hung, vice chairman of Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises (CMSC), pointed out: Businesses, especially in areas such as energy, manufacturing, transportation and agriculture, are the main agents causing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts. Therefore, Viet Nam's active participation and co-operation with the international community will be very important in addressing this global challenge, and that is also the reason for our presence together at VSBF 2024

Seizing opportunities from green transformation

On "Exploiting ESG-Related Opportunities: A Strategic Approach", Shai Ganu, a member of the World Economic Forum's Climate Governance community of experts; managing director and global leader at Willis Towers Watson, affirmed: "ESG oversight is an issue for the entire board of directors, with a strong focus from the Sustainability Committees. Effective risk management will lead to higher and more stable profits for shareholders and more sustainable business operations in the long run."

Regarding green finance issues, Hao Liang, co-director of the Singapore Green Finance Centre, shared: "There are increasingly more channels providing loans to businesses today, from banks, investors, and investment funds in Singapore. Therefore, there is a need for a green classification system for these entities to have a basis for specific assessments of each customer and business during the lending appraisal process, and then develop green credit packages tailored to their business characteristics and technology transformation, for example."

Within the framework of the forum, under the oversight of the VSBF advisory board, the VSBF speaker council, and representatives of major corporations from Singapore, Viet Nam, and the world, VIETSTAR Consulting and Training JSC and Singapore Management University (SMU) signed a Memorandum of Agreement to jointly develop The Global Mini MBA for Sustainability in the Energy Sector (SES).

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wong Kim Yin, group president & CEO of Sembcorp Industries Ltd, vice chairman of the World Energy Council for Asia, and a member of the VSBF speaker council, said: The Global Mini MBA is a great example of a concrete act of collaboration between Viet Nam and Singapore institutions. VSBF brings together leaders from both sides, and provides the platform for leaders to engage, to bring about action to progress our collaboration. The programme will provide leaders in the energy industry the opportunity to enhance their sustainable management and leadership capabilities, equipping them with the skills to make strategic decisions.

Since its first season in 2021, the Viet Nam-Singapore Board Forum (VSBF) has positioned itself as a pioneering forum in the region on promoting sustainable development.

Pham Thi Thu Hang, director of the VSBF and CEO of VIETSTAR, concluded: "With a potential of US$12 trillion in annual sales from high-potential green offerings by 2030, many promising opportunities will open up. Pioneering businesses that seize and implement green transformation solutions will unlock significant growth opportunities. The areas of expertise and focus of VSBF include: energy transition; sustainable growth in the digital era; green finance; green technologies and innovation; gradually integrating sustainability into the core of business strategy; and implementing strategic decisions. We will strive to contribute to the region's sustainable development by maintaining the annual VSBF and training ASEAN leaders as pioneers in sustainable transformation initiatives."
HA NOI  The market opened the new week on a positive note with many stocks witnessing gains, while liquidity decreased sharply.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the benchmark VN-Index increased by 5.75 points, or 0.46 per cent, to 1,267.68 points. This marked a day of growth following a strong decline on Friday.

The market's breadth was also positive as the number of gainers surpassed that of losers by 200 to 124. Liquidity on the southern bourse fell by 50 per cent to nearly VN17.6 trillion (US$689 million), equivalent to a trading volume of 726.7 million shares.

The 30 biggest stocks tracker, the VN30-Index, climbed 1.42 points, or 0.11 per cent, to 1,284.88 points. Fourteen ticker symbols in the VN30 basket edged up, while seven inched down, and nine stocks ended flat.

Data compiled by the financial website vietstock.vn showed that PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (GAS) was the biggest gainer on the market and led the market's trend in terms of capitalisation. Shares of the natural gas distributor rose by 2.53 per cent, contributing more than one point to the VN-Index score.

It was followed by Vietnam Rubber Group - Joint Stock Company (GVR); shares of the rubber maker rose by 2.92 per cent, also contributing more than one point to the VN-Index score. Notably, this is the third consecutive bullish trading session for this company.

Electricity industry stocks also flourished on Monday. PetroVietnam Power Corporation (POW) and Power Generation Joint Stock Corporation 3 (PGV) were the most notable; both stocks hit the ceiling, rising 6.61 per cent and 6.95 per cent, respectively.

Limiting the rallies, some big stocks still faced strong sell-offs. The Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BID) posted a decrease of 0.61 per cent, Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDB) was down 1.65 per cent, and Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG) lost 0.83 per cent.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index finished higher at 242.83 points, up 1.11 points, or 0.46 per cent. Investors poured nearly VN1.4 trillion into the northern exchange, equivalent to a trading volume of 75.3 million shares.

Foreign investors increased their net selling to more than VN531.8 billion on the HoSE. The vast majority of the day's net selling was concentrated in blue-chip stocks, with the VN30 basket being net sold up to VN510 billion.  VNS
HA NOI  The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has halted its gold bullion auctions and will introduce a new strategy to stabilise gold prices as early as June 3.

From April 19, the SBV held nine auctions to sell gold bars to the market. Six of them were successful, releasing a total of 48,500 taels of gold. However, the remaining auctions were cancelled due to a lack of participating members placing deposits and bids. All auctions involved SJC-branded gold bars.

The central bank also announced plans to conduct inspections of gold trading activities in commercial banks such as TPBank and Eximbank, and gold traders like SJC, Doji, Phu Nhuan and Bao Tin Minh Chau. The focus will be on transactions made between January 1, 2020, and May 15, 2024, with the possibility of extending the investigation beyond this timeframe if deemed necessary.  VNS
HA NOI  PVI Holdings has set dual targets for 2024, boosting scale and revenue, to sustain its number one position in the market in terms of both charter capital and revenue.

The companys consolidated revenue in 2024 is projected to be nearly VN17.4 trillion (US$682 million), an increase of more than 8 per cent compared to 2023, with insurance revenue accounting for 92.5 per cent and financial revenue for 5.8 per cent.

The profit before tax is targeted at VN1.08 trillion.

On May 15, PVI Holdings reported that consolidated revenue in the first quarter, including sales revenue, financial revenue and other revenue, reached nearly VN6.5 trillion. This marked a 50 per cent increase over the same period last year, achieving 37 per cent of the annual plan.

Consolidated pre-tax profit rose to VN444 billion, an increase of over 40 per cent year-on-year, with financial investment activities comprising 49.5 per cent of the profit structure.

PVI's total assets increased significantly by nearly 14 per cent year-on-year, reaching more than VN30.7 trillion. Outstanding loans account for less than 3 per cent of total assets, with negligible borrowing costs. Cash flow from business activities exceeded VN366 billion, nearly 1.5 times higher than the same period last year.

PVI has maintained its leading position in the non-life insurance industry for two consecutive years, holding 15.5 per cent market share in 2023, outsizing Bao Viet Holdings at 14.3 per cent.

In 2024, PVIs insurance segment continues to uphold its A- (excellent) ranking rated by AM Best with stable propect. In the reinsurance segment, AM Best upgraded Hanoi Reinsurance Corporations long-term credit outlook from stable to positive, adjusting its issuance rating to bbb level. AM Best also affirmed Hanoi Res financial streng at B++ (good) with stable prospect.

At PVIs Investor Meeting held late last week, General Director of PVI Insurance Corporation, Pham Anh uc, emphasised that to sustain its ratings, the company must uphold its effective operations, maintain robust financial capabilities and bolster its risk management framework.

PVI Insurance has consistently hiked its charter capital in recent years, from VN3.1 trillion in 2021 to VN3.3 trillion in 2022 and VN3.5 trillion in 2023, becoming the largest insurer in the market.

uc said the company has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Finance to raise its charter capital by VN400 billion to VN3.9 trillion, expressing hope that this plan will be finalised next month.

PVI plans to distribute dividends in cash of at least 28.5 per cent in 2024. It agreed to pay a dividend rate of 32 per cent for 2023. Over recent years, PVI has sustained high dividend rates ranging from 20 per cent to over 30 per cent annually.

Highlighting the potential for market expansion, uc underscored the industry's low market penetration rate, which currently stands at nearly 0.7 per cent  significantly lower than the regional average rate of 2.1 percent. With the projected market capacity expected to reach $4 billion by 2027, substantial opportunities await industry players.

Macroeconomic factors such as legal frameworks, increasing household purchasing power, and digital transformation are expected to further fuel industry growth.

PVI Insurance will concentrate on niche markets to bolster its market share in the foreseeable future, uc said.

Divestment from Petrovietnam

Also at the meeting, Nguyen Xuan Hoa, General Director of PVI Holdings, announced that the National Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) will divest from PVI before the end of 2025 following the plan approved by the Government.

Currently, PVN owns 35 per cent of capital in PVI, and the initial steps for the divestment roadmap have been prepared. However, the divestment process depends on various factors and requires careful preparation and advice. Additionally, it will be influenced by favourable market conditions, Hoa said.  VNS
HA NOI  The market climbed strongly on Tuesday with many large-cap stocks witnessing big gains and liquidity also soaring above VN22 trillion.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the benchmark VN-Index increased 14.05 points, or 1.11 per cent, to 1,281.73 points, in a second day of rises.

The market's breadth was positive as the number of gainers surpassed that of losers by 247 to 76. Liquidity on the southern bourse rose over VN22 trillion (US$864.1 million), equivalent to a trading volume of 868.5 million shares.

The 30 biggest stocks tracker, the VN30-Index, climbed 14.87 points, or 1.16 per cent, to end the trading day at 1.299,75 points. In the VN30 basket, 27 stocks ticked up, one inched down and two ended flat.

Rallies in large-cap stocks provided support for the market's upbeat sentiment.

Data compiled by the financial website vietstock.vn showed that FPT Corporation (FPT) was the biggest gainer on the market and led the market in terms of capitalisation. Shares of the software producer rose over 3.1 per cent, contributing more than 1.3 points to the VN-Index.

It was followed by Lien Viet Post Joint Stock Commercial Bank (LPB) and Vietnam Airlines JSC (HVN), both ticker symbols hit the ceiling on Tuesdays session, up 6.82 and 6.96 per cent, respectively.

Other large-cap stocks that increased were Saigon Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Corporation (SAB), Masan Group Corporation (MSN), Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG) and the PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (GAS).

Meantime, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (CTG), CII Bridges & Roads Investment JSC (LGC) and Vinacafe Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company (VCF) were the stocks with the most negative impact on the market's sentiment, but the declines were not significant.

The HNX-Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) rose 2.75 points or 1.13 per cent to 245.58 points. More than 84 million shares were traded on the northern exchange, worth more than VN1.8 trillion.

Foreign investors increased their net selling to more than VN1.1 trillion on the HoSE. The vast majority of the day's net selling was concentrated in blue-chip stocks, with the VN30 basket being net sold up to VN845 billion.

Although foreign investors have withdrawn a lot of capital, domestic cash flow still dominates. Foreign investors are no longer a significant obstacle, even for blue-chips. VN-Index increased more than 14 points on Tuesday and returned to above 1,280 points, equivalent to the peak in March 2024 and back to the other peak nearly two weeks ago.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam has put digital and green transformation as strategic choices, the Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung said at the opening of the Viet Nam - Asia Digital Transformation (DX) Summit 2024 on Tuesday.

The 2024 summit, opened in Ha Noi, is an annual event organised by the Viet Nam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC).

Speaking at the opening of the summit, the minister cited that the green economy contributed about 2 per cent of Viet Nam's GDP with a growth rate of over 10 per cent in 2020. The country's digital economy also contributed 12 per cent of GDP in the year.

However, the digital economy, according to MIC calculations, contributed 16.5 per cent of GDP and with a growth rate of over 20 per cent last year.

Specifically the two fields of digital transformation and green transition have growth rates at least twice or up to four times higher than the country's GDP growth rate.

Also at the forum, the minister emphasised that digital and green transformation would be the two most important transformations of the early 21st century.

"These two transformations will fundamentally change the lives of all of us. Digital and green transformation are twins, they go together and support each other. If we want a rapid development, you must do digital transformation and if we want a sustainable development, we must also do green transition. So these two transformations will ensure a fast and sustainable development for the country," he said.

Minister Hung also said: "We will focus on developing the digital economy with four pillars: information technology and communications industry, digital economy development in all sectors, digital management and digital data," he said.

Truong Gia Binh, chairman of the Founding Council of VINASA, said that the country was witnessing a remarkable increase in the demand for digital transformation in Viet Nam and Asia.

"The whole world is entering a period of intelligent development with two trends: digital and green transformation, which are both a driving force, an opportunity, but also a huge challenge. To exploit the potential of digital - green transformation, creating dual development in both digital and green economy, Viet Nam needs to pioneer in developing the fields of artificial intelligence, semiconductor chips, and smart electric vehicles. It is necessary to focus human and financial resources on the technology fields in this area," said Binh.

He cited the World Bank's 2023 report on the dual transformation trend and pointed out that Viet Nam held 15 per cent of the total 493 green patents in emerging markets, only behind Malaysia (51 per cent) and Thailand (20 per cent).

Meanwhile, in terms of digital transformation technologies, the country accounts for 8 per cent of the total 537 patents of developing economies, behind Malaysia (58 per cent), Philippines (16 per cent) and Thailand (11 per cent).

In addition to seven seminar and conference sessions, the Viet Nam - Asia DX Summit 2024 will host exhibitions showing off digital transformation solutions from technology businesses, and offer trade connections between domestic and international businesses.

The two-day forum has attracted the participation of more than 2,000 delegates who are leaders and experts from 17 economies in the region and 35 provinces and cities across the country.  VNS
HA NOI  Sustainable finance, ESG integration, digital transformation in the financial industry and regulatory developments were the main topics of discussion at the ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue held by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in Ha Noi on May 28.

The event gathered policymakers, industry experts, and high-profile speakers to engage in critical discussions shaping the future of finance and business in the Asia Pacific region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Executive of ACCA Helen Brand OBE highlighted the Asia Pacific region as a dynamic, strategically vital hub  a bridge and a link between established powers and rapidly emerging players.

I know we will hear much more discussion on these agendas across the ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue 2024. This landmark event gives us a unique and powerful platform to exchange knowledge and foster regional collaboration. By uniting leaders from across the region, this event aims to spark thought-provoking conversations and cultivate valuable networking opportunities that will help to shape the future of economic growth and the accounting and finance profession across Asia Pacific, said Brand.

Deputy Minister of Finance Vo Thanh Hung emphasised that in recent years, along with the process of innovation and international integration, the Vietnamese economy has developed strongly and is currently in the world's 40 leading economies, in the worlds top 20 countries attracting foreign investment and the worlds top 20 leading countries in terms of import-export turnover.

"We understand that building a solid foundation for economic co-operation and sustainable development requires consensus and common efforts from countries in the region. In the current context, co-operation in research and development of innovative financial solutions will help solve common challenges that countries in the region face and promote sustainable economic development, said Hung.

Therefore, I believe that promoting co-operation between countries in the fields of finance, accounting and auditing not only improves financial management efficiency, shares resources and promotes high quality human resource training but also creates favourable conditions for sustainable economic development," said Hung.

Hung also suggested to complete the legal framework and improve human resource capacity in accounting and auditing on the basis of international practices is an essential requirement in the economic integration and development process of each country.

It is necessary to develop training programmes that meet international standards and practical needs of the labour market, ensuring that practising accountants and auditors are equipped with the necessary professional knowledge and practical skills. At the same time, it is necessary to encourage co-operation between training institutions, businesses and international organizations to share experiences and learn advanced training methods, added the MoF vice minister.

During the two-day event, participants will focus discussion on various topics, including sustainable finance, ESG integration, digital transformation in finance, regulatory trends and compliance; and the future of work in finance.

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing significant shifts driven by economic growth, technological innovation, and sustainability initiatives. The ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue will delve into these trends, offering a comprehensive understanding of how they impact the finance sector and beyond.

Discussions will cover the rise of green finance, the impact of AI and automation, and the importance of ethical leadership in fostering a resilient and inclusive economy.

The forum also is an opportunity for speakers to address key issues and opportunities, providing invaluable perspectives on navigating the evolving business landscape.

The ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue aims to foster a platform for innovative thinking and strategic dialogue among key stakeholders in the accounting and finance sector.

Pulkit Abrol, ACCA Asia Pacific Director, said: "The ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue provides an unparalleled opportunity for the business and finance community in our region to come together, share knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. By facilitating these crucial discussions, we aim to empower professionals to drive positive change, enhance sustainability, and embrace digital transformation, ultimately contributing to the growth of the Asia Pacific economy."  VNS
A Ukrainian drone reportedly traveled more than 1,100 miles to attack a military radar station deep inside Russia, according to a report Monday.

The Sunday trip set a "new record for the range of destruction for kamikaze drones," an unidentified Ukrainian military intelligence official told the Ukrainska Pravda news website.

It's unclear if the drone inflicted any damage.

Russian media reported that a drone went down in the Orenburg region on Sunday and that no civilian infrastructure was hit, Reuters reported Monday.

The attack reportedly took place in Orsk, a city about 810 miles west of Ukraine's easternmost border, which is now controlled by Russia.

Orsk is about 90 miles farther west than the Russian city of Salavat, which was previously the most distant site reached by a Ukrainian drone, Ukrainska Pravda said.

Sunday's target was a reportedly a Voronezh M early-warning radar station with over-the-horizon technology that can spot ballistic and cruise missiles and also track objects in space.

The attack marked the second against a Russian radar state since last week, when Ukraine sent a drone against a Voronezh DM radar station in the southern Krasnodar region, according to Reuters.

Satellite imagery showed significant damage from the Thursday attack against the Armavir radar station, the U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty website reported Saturday.

A Ukrainian intelligence source told Reuters that the radar stations were being targeted because they're used to "monitor the actions of the Ukrainian security and defense forces in the south of Ukraine."
HCM CITY  HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Ltd. (HSBC Vietnam) and Gemadept Joint Stock Company (Gemadept) signed a Sustainable Linked Loan agreement yesterday as part of a strategy to access green capital for sustainable development.

This is the next step in logistics company Gemadept's development plans, also serving to reaffirm HSBC Vietnams role and efforts in supporting Vietnamese businesses to become more sustainable.

Port exploitation and logistics - Gemadept's specialty - are also key for sustainable development, acting as an important bridge in domestic and global trade.

The potential of the industry is highlighted by the continuous growth of imports and exports in recent weeks, demonstrated by a 15.5 per cent increase of total import and export turnover in the first quarter of 2024.

This deal marked the first sustainable linked loan that HSBC successfully arranged for a Vietnamese enterprise in ports and logistics. To achieve this facility, Gemadept has gone through HSBC's credit management and approval process on sustainable finance, as well as building KPIs in its green and sustainable development strategy.

Gemadept will complete measurements of its ports and report on Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions, certified by Vinamarine Green Port Standards and set by the Vietnam Marine Division.

This sustainable linked loan marks a new chapter for both organisations strategic cooperation.  VNS
HA NOI  Two Hungarian students, Szabo Zeteny and Sebok Lilla, have won the first prizes of the painting contest themed Viet Nam in childrens eyes held for students at more than 50 schools across Hungary.

The contest, running from March to the end of April, received 346 entries, while its Facebook fanpage saw 87,867 posts by contestants.

According to President of the Vietnamese Womens Union in Hungary Dr. Phan Bich Thien, the contest aims to promote the image of Viet Nam to Hungarian friends, especially youngsters. Particularly, along with Vietnamese and Hungarian students, those from many other countries such as China, Denmark, and Sweden also actively responded to the contest, for which the jury included representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy, the union, and professional Hungarian painters.

Addressing the awarding ceremony on May 25, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Nguyen Thi Bich Thao hailed the Vietnamese Womens Union in Hungarys idea to organise the contest, which not only introduces Viet Nam to Hungarian friends but also inspires them to explore the land, people, tradition, landscapes, and the development of Viet Nam.

Graphic artist Molnar Peter said that entries in the contest highlight the image of Viet Nam with thousands of years of history vividly blended with a modern Viet Nam with international integration.

Along with famous landscapes of Viet Nam, the paintings also feature the costumes of ethnic minority groups of Viet Nam, natural masterpieces, and buildings of Viet Nam, providing an insight into a modern and bustling nation with peaceful spaces, he said.

The message that the paintings carry is Viet Nam is amazing and worth a visit, said Peter.

Szabo Zeteny, 10, one of the winners of the contest, said that inspired with modern and traditional Viet Nam, he made his painting in eight days.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Thaopresented the certificate of merits to six winning students and the organising board. VNA/VNS
HA NOI -- Chinese-French filmmaker and author Dai Sijie will be the jury chair of the a Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) in the most important category - the Asian Film Awards.

In 1984, Dai Sijie went to France to study on a scholarship at the Institut des hautes etudes cinematographiques - France's oldest film school.

In 1989, Dai Sijie directed his debut film China, My Sorrow, set against the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution in 1966.

His most prominent film is based on his first book, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, which was made into a film in 2002, which he himself adapted and directed. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, competing in the Un Certain Regard category.

The film also received numerous nominations, such as Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globe Awards, Best Adapted Screenplay at the Hong Kong Film Awards 2003 and Best Asian Film at the Hong Kong Film Awards 2004.

In 2006, he directed The Chinese Botanist's Daughters with many scenes shot in Viet Nam, including locations in Ha Noi, Ninh Binh and Lao Cai Province.

He also published four highly acclaimed novels, including Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, The Di Complex, Once on a Moonless Night and The Gospel According to Yong Sheng. Among them, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress was translated into 32 languages, became a bestseller and won five literary awards.

In 2022, he was awarded the Legion of Honour in Literature and the Arts by the French Ministry of Culture, named Chevalier de L'ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres.

With the theme 'Asian Bridges', DANAFF will take place from July 2 to July 6 and is expected to attract thousands of cinema fans.

DANAFF is managed by the a Nang People's Committee and co-organised by the a Nang Department of Culture and Sports, the Viet Nam Film Development Association (VFDA), and other foreign partners.

Ngo Phuong Lan, VFDA chairwoman said the festival would celebrate the finest films in Asian and Vietnamese cinema, as well as provide a forum to build relationships in the film industry between Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region.

The festival also aims to support emerging talent in Vietnamese and Asian cinema and to provide the public with new high-calibre cinematographic works from Asian and Vietnamese films, as well as some international releases.

Last year, the festival attracted artists including renowned arthouse Korean actress Moon So Ri, Korean director Jang Joon Hwan, Kazakhstan director Adilkhan Yerzhanov and the Vice President of communications of the Asia-Pacific Region for the Motion Picture Association International, Stephen Jenner.

The best Asian film was judged to be the documentary Nhung ua Tre Trong Suong (Children of the Mist) from Vietnamese director Ha Le Diem. VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam's journey to develop the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations into a peacekeeping training centre with regional and international prominence is taking shape and yielding positive results over the past ten years.

This progress is demonstrated by the creation of courses with international participation, where Viet Nam shares its experiences on a global stage.

Colonel Mac uc Trong, Deputy Director of the Ministry of National Defences Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations spoke with Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the countrys first participation in UN peacekeeping operations (May 27, 2014 - 2024).

On May 27, 2014, the Ministry of National Defence held a ceremony to establish the Viet Nam Peacekeeping Centre, chaired by the late General Phung Quang Thanh, then Minister of National Defence. In June of the same year, the first two military officers were sent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan.

To meet the increasingly demanding requirements of its mission, in November 2017, the Viet Nam Peacekeeping Centre was reorganised into the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

In January 2018, the Inter-Agency Task Force was transferred from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of National Defence to ensure focused and unified leadership in carrying out its assigned tasks.

Over the past ten years, more than 800 Vietnamese peacekeepers have been deployed in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, the Abyei Area and the Department of Peace Operations at the UN Headquarters in New York.

There are three key milestones in the past ten years: the deployment of the first two individual officers in 2014, the deployment of the first Level-2 field hospital in 2018 and the deployment of the first Engineering Unit in 2022.

For individual commissions, Viet Nam has achieved the highest level of outstanding officers performance of over 30 per cent, a high rate compared to the average of other countries participating in peacekeeping missions.

In terms of unit types, the country has successfully deployed a Level-2 field hospital in very challenging areas with insufficient infrastructure, while meeting the international standards required for professional and technical competence.

Four years after that deployment, Viet Nam made another big step by deploying the Engineering Unit with a force of 184 officers and personnel, along with bringing in a large amount of equipment, over 2,200 tonnes, including nearly 150 vehicles.

Deploying such a number of personnel and equipment is very challenging. In the Abyei mission, many countries didnt complete the deployment of a unit even after two years of operation, with their equipment yet to arrive. In contrast, we completed our entire deployment within a month, he said.

With the field hospital, despite the difficult conditions in South Sudan, Viet Nam's work meant that between 1,200 and 2,000 patients a year, instead of the previous 200-300 patients, could get treatment.

"For the Engineering Unit in Abyei, the UNISFA Mission Commander, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, and other officials have all praised the unit for exceeding the UN's expectations during their visits," he said.

"Not only did we complete our tasks very well and quickly, meeting all the UN's requirements in challenging situations and conditions, but we also conducted humanitarian work, built drainage systems, constructed schools and supported the local population. These efforts went beyond the UN's expectations, leaving a significant impact and earning recognition for transforming the mission area and benefiting the local community."

Trong recalled his time in 2022 when he was the leader of Viet Nams Engineering Unit No1 participating in the United Nations peacekeeping mission at UNISFA in the Abyei area.

During more than 15 months of duty, Engineering Unit No1 upgraded and repaired the main transportation routes of the mission, covering a total length of nearly 70 km, transported over 90,000 cubic metres of soil and repaired and resolved 15 flooding and muddy spots.

They also built a new field airstrip for MI26 heavy aircraft in Diffra and maintained two crucial helicopter airstrips for the mission.

Additionally, the unit successfully recovered over 150 United Nations vehicles, mainly fuel, food trucks and armoured vehicles and also rescued over 500 local civilian vehicles. The mission entrusted Engineering Unit No1 with opening 15 new patrol routes to ensure security through forests, spanning a total length of 303 km.

We brought a fresh perspective to the local people. Until now, no one has helped them, but whenever they ask for help, we, the Vietnamese peacekeeping force, are always ready to assist within our capacity. Even small actions mean a lot to them, he said.

Regarding the goal of developing the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations into one of the leading peacekeeping training centres in the region, Trong said that Viet Nam has successfully held training courses using personnel returning from their missions. These individuals are then able to train their successors according to the specific roles they had performed.

The country has also implemented pre-deployment training at the unit level, which is challenging due to the comprehensive UN curriculum and training requirements. Viet Nam has conducted this training methodically and seriously, maintaining excellent records and meeting all UN training requirements. Achieving self-sufficiency in unit-level training is a crucial milestone for Viet Nam, he said.

In terms of international training, over the past ten years, Viet Nam has progressed from having no experience and relying on foreign instructors, to co-teaching with international and domestic instructors and now organising high-level specialised training courses. Viet Nam has successfully organised numerous such courses over the years.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, a member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of National Defence, added that since its establishment, the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations has excelled in its role, functions and tasks, contributing to the implementation of the foreign policy of the Party and the State, especially in defence diplomacy, thereby enhancing the status of Viet Nam and the Viet Nam People's Army.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly deputies on Monday suggested that the assembly should not pass the amended Law on Social Insurance at the seventh session of the 15th National Assembly.

Speaking at the session, NA deputy Nguyen Lam Thanh, from the northern province of Thai Nguyen said that the National Assembly (NA) was advised to consider passing the amended law at the eighth session, not now, because it was a challenging draft law, impacting various social groups.

He also said that many issues had been raised in the verification report on the amended law and required careful consideration.

He added that considering the existing issues, it was prudent to continue studying and passing the law at the eighth session, rather than rushing through it in the seventh session.

Regarding the withdrawal of social insurance benefits in a lump sum, he pointed out that both of the two proposed options had their pros and cons.

And it was uncertain whether the options will cause social repercussions when implemented, he said.

Therefore, he proposed an option that ensures the rights of workers (allowing a one-time withdrawal of social insurance benefits) while still safeguarding the State's policy (limiting withdrawals) to ensure social welfare in the long run.

Specifically, under Group 1, comprising the destitute and those going abroad (to reside or work long term), were allowed a one-time withdrawal of social insurance benefits.

Group 2, comprising the remaining individuals, were only allowed to withdraw their actual contributions, which was 8 per cent, while the remaining 14 per cent was considered the responsibility of the State and enterprises, the employers, to ensure long-term social welfare.

He said if such regulations were issued, it would be clear, ensuring economic principles, contributions, sharing and social welfare objectives. The design would be more persuasive and ensure the achievement of the set goals.

The programme of the seventh session of the 15th National Assembly, held on Monday at the NA's House in Ha Noi, was chaired by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The plenary session discussed issues regarding the draft amended Law on Social Insurance.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Khac inh presided over the session.

Previously, NA deputy Ma Thi Thuy, from the northern mountainous province of Tuyen Quang, said that it needed a careful consideration and extensive feedback from the affected groups regarding the amendment of the law.

Thuy said that the law significantly impacted the lives of millions of workers, including those already deceased and their families.

Therefore, studying and considering the provisions of the draft amended law were particularly important for the NA, which was attracting attention from the people nationwide.

Through studying the draft amended law and reviewing reports, explanations, she generally agreed with many contents related to the law, raised by the NAs Standing Committee.

She also suggested postponing the consideration and passing of the law to the eighth session to ensure cautiousness and a comprehensive evaluation of the new wage policy's impact on the laws regulations and to gather feedback from the affected workers.

"We cannot decide on labour-related policies based solely on the contributions of labourers and employers without their participation in decision-making, she said.

The NA and its Standing Committee should direct the Government to fully consult workers' opinions to ensure that the enacted policies were feasible and more effective, with better and progressive policies than those in the 2014, she added.

Also at the session, NA deputy Tran Thi Hong Thanh, from the northern province of Ninh Binh Province proposed allowing foreign citizens meeting the residency criteria in Viet Nam to participate in voluntary social insurance.

Thanh said that the Article 3, Clause 4 of the draft amended law specified that Vietnamese citizens aged 15 and above were eligible for voluntary social insurance. So, according to the provision, only Vietnamese citizens can participate in voluntary social insurance.

While mandatory social insurance only allowed foreign workers with work permits, professional certificates or occupational licenses issued by Vietnamese authorities to participate. This leads to many cases of foreign residents in Viet Nam not being covered by social insurance, she said.

Thus she said the drafting agencies needed to add in that foreign citizens, meeting residency criteria in Viet Nam, but not being subject to mandatory social insurance, should be allowed to participate in voluntary social insurance. VNS
A NANG  Mori Takero, the newly appointed as Consul General of the Japanese consulate in a Nang, aims to foster a closer relationship between Japan and Viet Nam as well as connecting businesses and forming local partnerships.

Takero received a warm welcome from the citys party secretary, Nguyen Van Quang, at a reception last week, and paid visits to a Nang University, a Nang Citys Union of Friendship Organisations, the Japan-a Nang Friendship Association and the Japanese Exchange Centre in the ancient town of Hoi An.

Takero joined Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1988 before taking charge at the Japanese Embassies in Thailand in 2003 and Egypt in 2006.

He was appointed as deputy director of Emergency and Humanitarian Assistance Division, International Co-operation Bureau in 2009 and Deputy Director, Press Division in 2012.

Takero acted as Deputy Chief of Mission at the embassy in Greece in 2014 before taking charge as a Counsellor at the Mission to the UN in New York in 2016.

He was assigned as the Director of the Development Assistance Policy Planning Division in the International Cooperation Bureau in 2020.

Over the past few years, a Nang has become more important to Japans diplomatic and economic policy due to its location at the entrance to the East Sea and its excellent connection to the East-West Economic Corridors that link Viet Nam, Laos and Myanmar as well as the southern economic corridor.

Japan promoted its Consular Office to a General Consulate after two years, following its establishment in 2022.

The Consulate General in a Nang will officially offer Japanese entrance visas for all people living in the provinces of Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh inh, Kon Tum, Gia Lai and a Nang City starting June 1.

The central city was seen as the first city in central Viet Nam to promote cooperation with Japanese partners in high-quality workforce training.

Japanese investors have poured US$1.04 billion into 228 projects in a Nang, ranking first in the list of 40 foreign direct investment (FDI) countries in the city, a report from the citys investment promotion agency revealed.

Sumitomo Corporation Viet Nam and local partner BRG Group have been implementing surveys on infrastructure development of seaports, airport and industrial parks in a Nang.

Aeon Mall Viet Nam has built six trading centres in HCM City, Binh Duong, Hai Phong, Ha Noi, Thua Thien-Hue and a Nang.

Mikazuki Hotel Group of Japan was seen as one of the most successful investors in a Nang when it officially opened its $168.16 million a Nang Mikazuki Resort & Spa.

a Nang has inked deals with Kisarazu, Kawasaki, Sakai and Yokohama, and the city has hosted an annual Viet Nam-Japan Cultural Exchange Day since 2014. - VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has asked the Long Thanh International Airport Project Management Board to push ahead with the work on site, specifically driving up investor selection, which is key to ensuring the progress of the whole project.

Chairing an on-line and in-person conference, he praised the efforts of the airport planning team for their work so far in ong Nai Province, with the site now cleared and committing to a specific deadline for handing over the remaining areas.

The Viet Nam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) has been proactive and creative in implementing bidding packages for the first three stages of the project.

Related to phase one, which included the construction of the headquarters of State management agencies, Deputy PM Ha requested the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to work with other ministries, integrate their work and report to the Government detailed and specific plans on commencement and completion times.

The MoT is responsible for the overall design of cargo terminal items, aviation logistics areas, aircraft maintenance areas, airline staff accommodation and catering areas to meet international aviation standards, offering the best and most modern services.

For bidding packages, international investors must be selected with full capacity, experience, reputation, professional and technical qualifications, operating at the world's leading airports and with effective business plans.

The bidding must not exclude the participation of Vietnamese businesses.

He emphasised that the time for completion and organisation of bidding is extremely important. By the middle of next month, the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam must announce the bidding documents.

Confirming that the work on a large construction site must assign clear responsibilities, the Deputy PM requested the MoT to be in overall charge of monitoring progress and connecting the entire project with component projects.

Progress of transport infrastructure construction packages connecting Long Thanh Airport with provinces and cities must also be ensured, in compatible with the progress of other component projects.

Deputy PM Ha also gave the MoT the responsibility of conducting an overall review and assessment of the projects phase one.

The review should clarify problems, causes, responsibilities and solutions, along with specific completion deadlines, investment policies to build resettlement areas to serve the project, research and propose adjustments to prepare for phase two.

Work results

Speaking at the conference, Acting Chairman of the ong Nai Province's People's Committee Vo Tan uc said that for the T1 construction route, all of the site had been basically handed over, while 4,500sq.m left will be handed over to the construction contractor by the beginning of next month.

Regarding the electrical technical infrastructure relocation, Long Thanh District worked with the contractor to cut off power at five out of 10 places that need to be moved, while paperwork and procedures for the medium-low voltage system has been completed and is under appraisal for implementation.

The province has completed 21 out of 21 technical infrastructure packages for resettlement areas and seven out of 11 social infrastructure projects.

Phase two of the project is the air traffic control, radar and radio transmitter stations, and bids for those parts, said the spokesperson from VATM, were already underway.

Phase three concerns the passenger terminal, general airport construction and building the cargo terminal.

Vu The Phiet, general director of the Airports Corporation of Viet Nam (ACV), said the passenger terminal package was up to 20 days ahead of schedule.

Phase four covers the freight terminal, the aviation logistics section, aircraft maintenance, the catering service and the operational centres of air carriers.

As much as 90 per cent of the steel volume has already arrived on site and is expected to be installed from August.

The runway, taxiway and aircraft apron bidding package aims to be completed on April 30 next year, which is three months earlier than schedule.

The traffic routes connecting the passenger terminal with the National Highway 51 and the HCM City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway are being implemented according to the set schedule.

The ACV directed the project management board to review the progress and construction time of the remaining packages to meet the deadline and avoid any potential conflicts.  VNS
The Asia Pacific region is witnessing significant shifts driven by economic growth, technological innovation, and sustainability initiatives.

The ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue will delve into these trends, offering a comprehensive understanding of how they impact the finance sector and beyond. Discussions will cover the rise of green finance, the impact of AI and automation, and the importance of ethical leadership in fostering a resilient and inclusive economy.

Helen Brand OBE, chief executive of ACCA speech at the event

At the ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue 2024 on May 28 morning, Helen Brand OBE, chief executive of ACCA stated that This significant event provides us with a unique and powerful platform to exchange knowledge and foster regional cooperation, bringing together colleagues and partners from ministries, sectors, businesses, and educational institutions to address important topics that affect us all. ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue 2024 sparks thought-provoking conversations and develops valuable networking opportunities that will help shape the future of economic growth and the accounting and finance profession across Asia-Pacific.

The dialogue features several panel discussions and interactive sessions shared by an exceptional line-up of speakers.

Vo Thanh Hung, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Finance

Asia-Pacific continues to emerge as a dynamic hub with over 350 free trade agreements signed among countries in the region and with partners outside the region but also a focal point of geopolitical strategic competition, posing numerous risks of conflict outbreaks that threaten regional peace and stable development. The ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue 2024 brings important and practical topics closely aligned with the developmental orientation of the regional economy in general and Vietnam in particular, said Vo Thanh Hung, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Finance, at the event.

As sustainability becomes a critical priority, a Sustainable Finance and ESG Integration session will explore how businesses can effectively integrate ESG principles into their operations and reporting practices.

With rapid technological advancements, Digital Transformation in Finance discussion will focus on the digital tools and strategies that are revolutionising the finance industry, enhancing efficiency, and driving innovation.

Regulatory Trends and Compliance panel provides insights into the latest regulatory developments across the Asia Pacific region, highlighting best practices for compliance and risk management.

Addressing the evolving workforce dynamics, Future of Work in Finance session will discuss the skills and competencies needed for future finance professionals, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.

Pulkit Abrol, ACCA Asia Pacific director, commented on the significance of the conference, "The ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue provides an unparalleled opportunity for the business and finance community in our region to come together, share knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. By facilitating these crucial discussions, we aim to empower professionals to drive positive change, enhance sustainability, and embrace digital transformation, ultimately contributing to the growth of the Asia Pacific economy."

ACCA APAC Dialogue 2024 set for Hanoi The ACCA APAC Dialogue 2024 event (ACCA Asia-Pacific Forum 2024) organised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will officially take place on May 2829 at JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi.

ACCA partners with VINASME to empower businesses in Nghe An province The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) joined forces with the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME) on January 13 to organise comprehensive workshops in Vinh city, Nghe An province, a locality near the northernmost part of Vietnams north central coastal region.

ACCA report outlines SME agendas for ESG In 2024, the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises is both promising and challenging. In the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam stands at the forefront of economic growth, and has set ambitious growth targets for 2024.
During a panel discussion themed "Policy Innovation for a Green and Digital Asia Pacific" held by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) on May 28, leaders and top industry experts discussed the goals of sustainable development in the context of digital technology application.

Every country's sustainable development policy is built on strategy, skills, systems, and standards. Among these, standards are the first step.

"In accounting and finance, we already have global standards. In sustainable development, at COP26, we saw new progress with the requirement for global sustainability reporting. Currently, each country and region has its own standards. However, these economic regions account for up to 60 per cent of the global economy, so they can be considered the most important initial standards. We regard these as best practices, focusing on specific elements such as risk management and ESG practices," said Julia Tay, Asia-Pacific public policy leader, Ernst & Young.

In June 2023, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) issued its first set of standards, IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, ushering in a new era of sustainability-related disclosures in global capital markets, added Julia.

With the digitalisation and greening of the economy, the keyword is balance. Each country must balance between different goals: greening the economy on one hand and economic development on the other.

Hu Jie, director of the Southeast Asia Centre, Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance

Hu Jie, professor of practice, director of the FinTech Innovation Centre, Nanjing, and director of the Southeast Asia Centre, Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance, emphasised, "Countries aim for the highest goal of becoming greener, but the approaches vary. If 10 years ago, we discussed environmental pollution and resource depletion, now many businesses have started to regret trading off the environment for growth. This is why balancing development factors requires focusing on short-term goals and adopting methods suitable for long-term growth."

"Each country has different conditions and considerations, and they must choose different approaches and pathways to achieve the balance point. However, we all currently have the desire to define and apply standards consistently and fully. At the same time, countries are striving to further improve their standards," added Hu Jie.

Emphasising the lack of a unified standard system, experts believe that considerable efforts are needed to form a standard framework and jointly implement it for sustainable goals. Hu Jie argued that for the community of nations to share a vision and harmonise standards, the first element is mutual understanding.

"We need to understand each other clearly to harmonise standards. In this, expanding trade also acts as a support. When engaging in cross-border investment and business, enterprises need to understand the requirements and contexts of different countries. Once understood, harmonisation follows, and so it is with government authorities. Besides, transparency in supervision and management is necessary to ensure transparency of information," said Hu Jie.

Referring to the digital economy and sustainable growth, Julia noted that there is an intersection between sustainability and technology.

"Two to three years ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, countries increased their protection of sovereignty, which somewhat affected how we exchange and connect with each other. At this forum, there are many leaders and management units. I hope policymakers will closely follow the steps in the sustainability strategy," she said.

ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue raises conversations on a sustainable future The ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue 2024 held in Hanoi on May 28-29 aims to foster a platform for innovative thinking and strategic dialogue among key stakeholders in the accounting and finance sector, focusing on sustainable finance, digital transformation, and regulatory developments, reflecting the most pressing trends and challenges in the region.

ACCA APAC Dialogue 2024 set for Hanoi The ACCA APAC Dialogue 2024 event (ACCA Asia-Pacific Forum 2024) organised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will officially take place on May 2829 at JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi.
The 100 bars of heroin seized by border guards. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  The Ministry of National Defence held a ceremony in Hanoi on May 27 to honour border guards for their exceptional achievements in combating drug-related crimes and smuggling.

A report presented at the event highlighted the role of the Drug and Crime Prevention and Control Department under the Border Guard High Command in spearheading operations against drug trafficking rings operating through Vietnam's land border checkpoints with Laos.

It detailed a successful collaboration in May between the department and border guards in the central provinces of Quang Tri and Ha Tinh. This joint effort led to the dismantlement of three drug trafficking rings, the arrest of 13 individuals, and the seizure of illegal narcotics. Confiscated items included 100 heroin bars, 121 kg of meth, 69.5kg of other drugs, and three cars with Lao licence plates.

Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Vo Minh Luong emphasised the importance of continuing public awareness raising campaigns, particularly in border areas, regarding these anti-crime efforts.

Additionally, he urged further investigations into covert operations and proactive measures to prevent transnational crime networks from operating both within and beyond Vietnam's borders.

Vietnam Airlines pilot to face dismissal for positive drug test The Vietnam Airlines pilot who was found to be positive for a banned substance in late April is facing a dismissal, according to the airline.
More details are coming out about the man arrested for allegedly stabbing four girls at a Boston-area movie theater and two other adults in a separate attack.

Jared Ravizza, 26, allegedly stabbed the girls as they watched the movie "IF" at a Braintree AMC theater and two people at a McDonalds. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday morning after Massachusetts police arrested him on Saturday evening.

Neighbors described him as a "weirdo" who likes to work out.

Ravizza was "standoffish" and "was never friendly," neighbors told the New York Post.

"Jared was always tanning," another neighbor told the paper. "He looked like a Californian surfer. He was a bit orange. He was obviously using something to tan himself."

They said he had started dressing more feminine and may have been undergoing an identity change.

The girls, between the ages of nine and 17, were stabbed in the theatre without any apparent warning or provocation. All survived. They were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The attacker 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.

He 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 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 of 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.

Ravizza is also being investigated for his possible connection to a murder in Connecticut. Police found a body in Deep River on Saturday, WFTX-TV reported. He has not been charged in connection with that case.
The latest draft direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) mechanism, set to be submitted to the government this week, outlines the two models of using private transmission lines or using the national grid.

Implementation has been slow thus far of the creation of a competitive electricity market, photo Le Toan

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is pushing rooftop solar for self-consumption. Specifically, the draft on the DPPA mechanism stipulates that organisations and individuals using electricity produced from the 22kV voltage level, with an average monthly consumption of 500,000kWh, can participate.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has asked for clarity on the appropriateness of regulations on customers with average monthly consumption of 500,000kWh. At the same time, there must be consideration on having a capacity limit between manufacturers and commercial services to ensure the rights and obligations of parties participating in the mechanism; and policies to encourage businesses to consume renewable energy to receive green credits.

A Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) report published last week suggested that with direct electricity trading through private lines, the impact on the national electricity system is negligible, and so it should be expanded to all customers.

The draft stipulates that customers who buy electricity directly must invest in grid infrastructure and have a team to manage and operate the grid. It should be left to the two parties to negotiate, the report said.

Ngo Duc Lam, former deputy director of the Institute of Energy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), said that there are two details related to the application subjects that need attention.

We should expand the subjects allowed to buy and sell electricity directly by lowering customers monthly electricity consumption, and we should not give specific figures on electricity consumption output to apply to this mechanism, Lam said.

To encourage businesses to use more renewable electricity and to reach the goal of reducing net emissions, there needs to be a longer-term electricity trading mechanism, he added.

Because in general, to have a truly competitive electricity market, it must still be open to those participating in direct electricity trading, regardless of whether customers are large or small, he said.

DPM Ha stated in a meeting on May 14 that although the National Power Development Plan, the Law on Electricity, and other relevant documents all call for the creation of a competitive electricity market, the implementation has been far too sluggish because of the technical issues raised in the draft mechanism.

Conditions are more flexible now that certain previous requirements have been removed and specific criteria for choosing parties to take part in the pilot programme have been provided in the MoITs draft, Ha said.

Many investors, international organisations, and electricity customers have expressed interest in participating in the DPPA mechanism and hope that the government will soon issue the mechanism to help achieve sustainable development goals.

Samsung, Apple, Heineken, and Meta have all sent letters to the prime minister and the MoIT to show support for the DPPA mechanism, the ministry said.

The MoIT also said in its impact assessment report of the DPPA mechanism that 24 renewable energy projects with an installed capacity of more than 1,770MW want to participate. Some 17 projects with capacity at 2,835MW are considering participation conditions, and 26 projects responded that they did not want to participate.

DPM Ha also requested that it be necessary to clearly define the responsibilities of the MoIT, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Vietnam Electricity on certification procedures and publicising information about businesses consuming clean and green electric energy to be granted credit.

Industrial park investors are also major customers, and the customer base must be expanded to include service providers and not simply manufacturers, Ha added.

Commerce chamber advocates power purchasing agreement, bypassing state utility EVN The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has recommended allowing all businesses and individuals to purchase renewable energy directly, rather than through state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN).
In its report on Vietnams socioeconomic situation read out at the National Assembly (NA) last week, the government stated that it will continue effectively implementing schemes on restructuring the investment, business, and production strategies of state-owned groups and corporations, while actively engaging in and carrying out large-scale projects with spillover effects.

Not enough state-owned groups have either been equitised or divested in recent times, Photo: Le Toan

The government will also focus on dealing with enterprises and projects which poorly perform with long-lasting losses, the report said.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), since last year, state-owned enterprise (SOE) equitisation remains very slow.

Divestment of many SOEs has faced many difficulties due to procedural obstructions. A number of SOEs and projects that have been heavily funded by the state have suffered from losses with ineffective operations, the MPI stated in a report sent to the NA Economic Committee two weeks ago.

For example, member companies of Vietnam Cement Industry Corporation has suffered from a loss of nearly $12.5 million, with below-zero profit of $6 million. Meanwhile, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical has been facing the danger of stopped operations due to failure in restructuring plans.

In addition, the project of developing the Hanoi Science and Technology University financed by the Asian Development Bank has been delayed for 12 years, the MPI stated.

According to the Ministry of Finances Agency for Corporate Finance, as of late April, 85 SOEs had their restructuring schemes approved by authorised agencies since 2022. These 85 enterprises include 22 centrally managed enterprises and 63 locally managed businesses.

The 22 enterprises include many big names such as Petrolimex, Vietnam Maritime Corporation, Vinacomin, PetroVietnam, Vinachem, MobiFone, and Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation.

In 2023, 76 enterprises had their restructuring schemes approved, and the figure was nine in the first four months of this year.

Meanwhile, no SOE was equitised, and only four SOEs were divested, with $6.2 million collected  including more than $5.8 million from Song Hong Corporation, managed by the Ministry of Construction.

Previously in November 2022, the prime minister enacted Decision No.1479/QD-TTg on reshuffling SOEs and those with state capital in the 20222025 period.

Under a decision made late in 2022, Vietnam must see the equitisation of 19 SOEs before the end of 2025, including some big ones such as Housing and Urban Development Corporation and Agribank. The government also required the divestment of over 140 enterprises, including names such as Construction Machinery Corporation, Song Hong Corporation, LILAMA Corporation, and VTVcab.

Due to slow-paced divestment and equitisation, the 2021-2022 period saw the collection from this process of $200 million, reaching only 8 per cent of the prime ministers assigned plan worth $2.5 billion.

Last November, the government admitted at the NA that Vietnams efforts to restructure SOEs were quite slow, failing to meet expectations, meaning plans to attract private investment and ameliorate the economys competitiveness were being thwarted.

The speed of SOE equitisation and divestment has continued to be slower than planned. The number of enterprises slated for equitisation and divestment remains humble, and the number of those enterprises having their restructuring schemes approved also remains minimal, stated a government report on the issue submitted to the NA at that time.

NA deputy Tran Hoang Ngan representing Ho Chi Minh City strongly urged the government to clarify and quicken the reform of SOEs as soon as possible.

The restructuring, arrangement, and renewal of SOEs and state-owned units have failed to meet the requirements. It is necessary to promote strong restructuring of state-run groups, corporations, and SOEs, quickly handling inefficient enterprises, and further promoting the role of groups, corporations, and SOEs in implementing major national projects, Ngan said.

More capital must also be invested into the economys key industries related to materials, metallurgy, and mechanics.

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung underlined that despite advantages, the process of restructuring SOEs in Vietnam still has many limitations, not ensuring both quality and quantity.

Corporate governance innovation in production and business operations remains slow, not really oriented towards good international principles and practices, and not in line with a modern market economy, he said.

The remuneration regime and handling responsibility for state employees fail to create motivation associated with responsibility under the market mechanism.

According to Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc, the inadequate policies for managing SOEs remain a major cause behind their slow innovation and confusion in formulating business and investment strategies and plans.

Besides that, policies on salary and remuneration remain unattractive for SOEs to attract high-quality human resources. The legal framework for management and usage of state capital at SOEs should be reviewed and improved in line with the amendments to the Law on Bidding and the Law on Land to ensure efficiency, Phoc said.

How to get ahead with SOE equitisation in Vietnam In recent years, the Vietnamese government has made great efforts to promote state-owned enterprise (SOE) equitisation as the obvious solution for the development of the economy, but the process has not been completed as scheduled. Nevertheless, the circumstances create opportunities on both legal and practical aspects.

Japanese players keen on state-owned equitisations With strong financial potential, technological advantages, and cultural similarities, Japanese investors are keen on participating in the restructuring and equitisation of state-owned enterprises in Vietnam.
Indonesia probes Shopee, Lazada units for alleged competition rule breaches, Illustrative image (Photo: Antara)

Hanoi - Indonesia's anti-trust agency said on May 27 that it is investigating the local units of e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada for suspected violations of anti-competition rules.

The agency said it was closely watching PT Shopee Internasional Indonesia and PT Ecart Webportal Indonesia, the domestic units of Shopee and Lazada, respectively.

There are indications that Lazada has engaged in discriminatory actions that potentially hinder competition and harm customers, the agency's chairman M. Fanshurullah Asa said in a statement.

He did not disclose details of the indications, nor specify Shopee's breaches, but called both companies' violations "similar".

If the violations are proven, Lazada could face fines of up to 50% of its net profit or 10% of its total sales, earned within the relevant market during the period of infringement, he continued.

Asa also said the agency was expected to begin the preliminary hearing of Shopee's case on May 28.

Shopee, owned by Southeast Asian technology firm Sea Limited, and Lazada, a subsidiary of China's Alibaba Group, are key players in the region's e-commerce landscape.

10 million Indonesian Gen Zs unemployed The increasing unemployment rate of Generation Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) in Indonesia is causing economic pressure and wasting human resources.
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Try our home page: https://vir.com.vn/ - Vietnam Investment Review - VIR
Novavax/Nuvaxovid vaccine (Photo: Reuters/VNA)

Singapore  The updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is now available under Singapore's national vaccination programme, the Singaporean Ministry of Health (MOH) said on May 28.

Eligible individuals can receive the vaccination for free at any participating general practitioner clinic.

The Novavax/Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine was recommended by the Expert Committee on Immunisation for use in Singapore following approval by the Health Sciences Authority.

According to the MOH, it is an option for those aged 12 years and above, under prevailing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.

The previous formulation of the Novavax/Nuvaxovid vaccine, which was based on the original COVID-19 strain, has been discontinued from the national vaccination programme since January 1.

Singapore private homes most expensive in Asia-Pacific Private residential homes in Singapore continue to be the most expensive in the Asia-Pacific for the second year in a row, according to a report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) released on May 21.
The plan aims to achieve balanced development of power sources across the regions, ensuring supply-demand parameters. It also focuses on maintaining feasibility, synchronisation, and flexibility among various power sources and grid development.

Vaibhav Saxena, lawyer, Vilaf

The plan is committed to tracking progress and resources for implementing priority schemes and projects on refining policies and strengthening the scientific and technological capacity of the entire power industry, with a forecasted land requirement for 90,300 hectares by 2030. It outlines a diverse mix of power sources by 2030, including domestic gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, co-generation, hydropower, and renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro, biomass, and solar.

The total capacity of these sources is expected to reach significant figures, with coal and hydropower leading the way. From this, it is evident that the government has ambitious plans for the primary period of PDP8 towards 2030, to be revisited on a five-year interval as per the planning laws to be in conformity with the socioeconomic development during each period.

However, targets seem quite challenging when looking to the remaining period, which leaves just over six years for investors to get projects moving, while struggling for financing streams and further expecting policy clarity on certain upcoming policies such as the direct power purchase agreement regime, guidance of rooftop solar, more technically and financing pro sound regulation refinements to support the planned development for wind offshore and LNG-to-power, gas pipelines, pilot projects, and more.

This is including, but not limited to, implementation of the Vietnam wholesale electricity market and auction mechanism to smooth out investor selection. On the sidelines, it appears that the carbon credit market to implement nationally determined contributions and the trading and exchange of renewable energy certificates are stressed by government leaders, whereas, foreign-invested enterprises are under global pressure for green production and environmental, social, and governance compliance by the origin/importing countries.

The PDP8 implementation plan also includes the development of two inter-regional renewable energy industrial and service centres by 2030. This signals that Vietnam is poised to have a significant impact with the integration of renewable energy into its energy mix.

These centres will be located up and down the country, and will also set up equipment manufacturing facilities for renewable energy development, seaport services, logistics for construction, installation, and more. Strategic placement of the centres indicates further energy security boost for the domestic consumption as well as exports, when in parallel running through the coastlines to support territorial limits.

Current investment estimates look appealing, but will need an apt policy plinth to realise the planned potential. Vietnam has already adopted the global minimum tax regime covering both qualified domestic minimum top-up tax and the income inclusion rule, and to compensate for that, the Ministry of Planning and Investment is tasked to formulate support policies in order to keep the investment climate competitive while aligning with macroeconomic spheres.

With the plan, Vietnam does remain optimistic to maintain its power momentum, offering enormous economic and investment prospects. It invites participation from economic stakeholders for energy industry development, promising a bright future for the investors, lenders and the entire industry eyeing for Vietnam to be the new economic hub of Southeast Asia.

On one hand, speedy actions have been taken on a theoretical basis from the policy front. On the other hand, practical implementation is to a greater extent is expected to be explored to achieve the set targets with the teaming up of the relevant stakeholders.

Vietnam prioritises solar energy development in the north The nation is introducing a revised pricing structure to boost solar energy projects in its northern regions, reflecting the area's lower solar radiation intensity compared to its central and southern counterparts.

EVN proposes accelerated electricity imports from Laos Amidst a looming power deficit, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) is fostering strategic partnerships with Laotian electricity suppliers to ensure the country's energy security. By leveraging competitive pricing structures, EVN proposes accelerating the imports from Laos.

New PDP8 implementation plan brings investment opportunities On April 1, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha approved the implementation updates for Vietnam's Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), which aims to help build strategic objectives, ensure national energy security, and foster investment across all economic sectors. Senior associate Nguyen Thi Cuc Vi and trainee associate Trinh Linh Chi of Dentons LuatViet explain further.
The La Vega Pirates Education Foundation recently awarded $66,981 in grant funds to support educators in the district.

Representatives of the foundation visited La Vega campuses May 16 to unveil novelty checks for 11 educators whose grant applications were funded.

Steve Randolph received $1,306.76 for five portable keyboards and one larger keyboard for special needs students at La Vega High School to help them learn about musical notes and explore the sounds of different instruments.

Rachel Stolle received $4,003 for new flexible classroom options at La Vega High School including dry-erase sit-to-stand tables, seating and interactive materials which will allow for innovative assignments.

Ginger Murnahan received $10,000 for a customized book vending machine at La Vega Junior High School George Dixon Campus, which includes funds to fill it with books.

Gina Matus received $7,608 to help offer a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) LEGO Pirates-themed elective course at La Vega Intermediate School H.P. Miles Campus next year.

Susan Warrick received $2,792 for four mobile standing desks at the intermediate campus, giving students options to move and learn.

Jeannie Stafford received $9,643.43 for four pedaling desks at the intermediate campus, helping active students stay engaged while learning.

Avery Eberspacher received $9.995.58 to create a makerspace at La Vega Elementary School, including LEGO Education Spike sets for hands-on work.

Pamela Moreno received $4,097.81 for a gaga ball pit and equipment on the playground at the elementary campus.

Kristin Baker received $8,368.73 to fund a 19-foot inflatable planetarium dome at the elementary campus, where students can examine and observe celestial phenomena.

Jennifer Cartwright received $4,741.44 for class sets of six novels for third graders, helping the class improve reading skills together, grow student vocabulary and boost reading comprehension.

Sage Cavazos received $4,425 for 15 Pocketalk Plus voice translators at the elementary campus, which will help teachers better communicate with parents and families across different languages.
A Massachusetts theater has issued an apology after actor Richard Dreyfuss went on a homophobic rant at a chat held in conjunction with a screening of his classic movie 'Jaws.'

Dreyfuss came on stage dancing in a dress for the appearance at the Cabot in Beverley, Massachusetts.

In his comments, he complained about the #MeToo movement, transgender children and even his former 'Nuts' co-star, Barbra Streisand.

He attacked children who questioned their sexuality.

Society "shouldn't be listening to some 10-year-old who says they want to be a boy instead of a girl," one audience member said Dreyfuss said, the Daily Mail reported.

He complained about Streisand and said 'Nuts' "sucked" and blamed "passive women."

In a video posted on YouTube, Dreyfuss was heard telling the crowd, "We have to make sure that your kids are not the last generation of Americans, and you know exactly what I'm talking about."

People started booing Dreyfuss and some left before the movie started.

Kyle Fiske said he was at the event and didn't understand why people left.

"It's a sad state of affairs where people are so emotional and sanctimonious that they can't even stay in the same room with someone they disagree with," he posted on The Cabot's Facebook page.

Others too issue with that comment.

Beth Carroll responded, "Kyle Fiske not sanctimonious. i chose to leave because i choose not to support people who think i shouldn't have equal rights or that my friends should not exist."

The Cabot sent an apology letter to attendees according to Deadline.

It said, "We are aware of, and share serious concerns, following the recent event with Richard Dreyfuss prior to a screening of the film Jaws at The Cabot. The views expressed by Mr. Dreyfuss do not reflect the values of inclusivity and respect that we uphold as an organization. We deeply regret the distress that this has caused to many of our patrons."

Dreyfuss's son reacted to the controversy in a post on X.

Re: my father: well, now you know why I refused to give him the password to his own twitter account for a decade lol  Ben Dreyfuss (@bendreyfuss) May 28, 2024

"Wow, just looked at my phone and learned about the disgusting outrageous behavior of one of my relatives," Ben Dreyfuss posted.

He went on to say "Re: My father, well, now you know why I refused to give him the password to his own Twitter account for a decade lol."

Ben 'Dreyfuss ended with, "This will be my only statement on the matter."
LUBBOCK  Spring rains have revived much of the green grass covering stretches of plains in the Texas Panhandle  the same land that, just three months ago, was black from fire and ash after wildfires burned more than 1 million acres across the region.

The land is slowly healing from its scars. And yet, the devastation still haunts those who call the Panhandle home.

The lands recover faster than the people, said Janet Guthrie, a Canadian resident who raises cattle in Hemphill County.

Guthrie is one case of survivors guilt that echoes through the northern Panhandle as residents in the rural region continue to rebuild their lives after several fires raged in late February and early March. Her pasture burned, along with part of her yard, while many of her neighbors lost more, she said.

In total, two people were killed, as well as more than 10,000 cattle. Scores of homes, ranches and other personal property were destroyed. The losses may exceed $1 billion, a figure that includes $123 million in agricultural losses and $35 million worth of lost homes in Hemphill County.

As summer nears, the mentality among residents is largely one of self-mitigation  keeping the grass mowed, running the sprinklers, watching for overgrown weeds.

The preventive measures are in lieu of action by state government. Official measures are still in the works between lawmakers, state offices, and the companies that put their equipment in vulnerable, isolated areas of Texas.

A solution to the deadly wildfires  and the collective fear among residents  cant come soon enough. The next legislative session begins in late January, when the Panhandle is nearing wildfire season, a time when warm temperatures, strong winds and a dry climate can turn an idle spark into a roaring fire.

A state House investigative committee determined the causes of the five fires were either unmaintained power lines coming in contact with dry, grassy land or old, neglected oilfield sites.

The committee called for more monitoring of oil and gas operators and utility services, who are entrusted to maintain and inspect the miles of lines strung throughout the northern tip of the state.

State Rep. Ken King, a Canadian Republican who led the committee, said on-site operators have a responsibility to maintain those properties and are failing to do so. He said lawmakers are working with several state agencies, including the Railroad Commission and State Fire Marshal, to remedy what they can do before the legislative session next January.

It is on the state to enforce the law, King said. What we cant fix, thats where the bills will be drafted from.

Data shows that climate change is driving wildfires to be more intense and longer wildfire seasons in the Panhandle. Five of the largest wildfires in Texas history collectively burned nearly 2.6 million acres since 2006, according to data from Texas A&M Forest Service. This includes this years Smokehouse Creek fire, which grew into the largest in state history. With the region becoming more vulnerable to wildfires and the legislative session being months away, Panhandle residents find themselves doing what they can do to stave off the danger.

The morning the fires started, Guthries husband turned on the sprinklers to water their lawn.

The winds were picking up. He hoped the wet ground would keep the fire at bay.

By the end of the day, their pasture and part of their yard burned, except for a corner that was hit by the sprinklers. One of the horses they couldnt rein in chose that spot as sanctuary from the flames.

We thought we would have lost him, the barn, the house, Guthrie said. By the efforts of firefighters and the grace of preventive measures, we did not.

Guthrie concedes it doesnt always work  homes with well-maintained lawns were completely lost.

For the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority, similar action stopped the fires from reaching the water supply for thousands in the region. Flames were creeping up on the headquarters near Lake Meredith, forcing an evacuation.

The fire stopped short of the building. Drew Satterwhite, general manager for the water authority, credits preventive measures and other on-site resources for halting the fire from reaching the headquarters and saving critical infrastructure, such as electric wiring to pump water and power control room operations.

Weve got to do what we can to keep the vegetation at a minimum around all our key sites, Satterwhite said.

The water supplier has high-capacity water wells in a 50-square mile well field in Roberts County, nearly 80 miles northeast of Amarillo. Approximately 500,000 acres burned in the county. Satterwhite said the authority has 795 power poles in the field, and they routinely cut weeds around the poles and check them.

The water authoritys headquarters were spared, but other critical water infrastructure was damaged by the wildfires. According to the committees report, hundreds of water wells were destroyed or rendered unusable.

Andy Holloway, AgriLife Extension Service agent for Hemphill County, said the fires melted electric wiring and control panels near water well sites, affecting pumps and power sources for some wells. Holloway said it has to be repaired by an electrician when they can.

Its a big job, Holloway said. When theres a lot of them to do, it takes a lot of supplies, time, and people.

John Julian with Canadian Water Well was busy for weeks after the fires because of damanged water wells at homes and ranches. His company has seen wells that were a total loss, which costs about $30,000 to redo. But, theyve seen more wells that can be repaired, which can be as little as $3,000 and as much as $9,000, depending on the needs.Even as relief funds continue to trickle in for victims of the wildfires, recovery looks different for everyone.

Some ranchers found new land to lease for their cattle, even if they arent getting more just yet. Displaced families purchased homes on the market in Canadian. Others are rebuilding their homes altogether, while some residents have relocated.

The memories of wildfires engulfing their homes and communities are far from distant for residents, but they are trying to move forward. Roberts County Judge Mitchell Locke said the summers heat isnt a concern for most people in the region. Rain has kept fires to a minimum during this time of year.

And yet Locke knows it can be an issue at a moments notice, again.

It depends on the weather moving forward, Locke said. Fire season in Texas is always four weeks away, no matter what time of year it is.
James Cox

Here, we have a look at the topics likely to dominate Dail debate in the week to come.

Israeli tensions

Ireland's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood has been a hugely popular move here, and other European countries are set to follow suit after Spain and Norway both took the decision too.

However, it has ramped up tensions with Israel. The country recalled its ambassaodr to Ireland, Dana Erlich, following the move.

Plenty of opposition TDs had criticised Government for not expressing Ms Erlich before this.

Speaking Jerusalem on Tuesday, she warned Ireland's plan to recognise a Palestinian state sends the wrong message about Ireland as a tech hub.

She said it could lead to a crisis in bilateral ties as the plan is worrying Israeli investors in the IT services sector here.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said Ms Erlich is trying to distract after an Israeli airstrike in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah.

"I think rather than anybody seeking to distract, I think what should concern the entire world today are the barbaric, horrific scenes that we saw last night in Rafah... where a displaced person centre was attacked.

"Imagine this, a place where parents bring their children for safety and security, a place that is meant to be some degree of refuge and safety at this most horrific time was attacked, was bombed, 45 people are dead."

Ms Erlich's comments are likely to be a topic of Dail discussion this week.

Local and European elections

The local and European elections are just around the corner and immigration has become the key issue.

The Government is attempting to move beyond an "emergency response" to immigration.

Last week, the Government announced plans to means-test asylum seekers.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys is currently looking at means-test plans to be introduced next month, following a recommendation from the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Under the plans, international protection applicants will have their welfare payments cut if they are employed and earning more than 125 a week.

The Government has already reduced the social welfare payments for Ukrainian refugees who arrived after March from the job seekers rate of 232 to 38.80 per week.

Last week, it announced Ukrainians who fled to Ireland between 2022 and early 2024 and are living in state-provided accommodation will also have their allowances cut in the next three months.

The changes will not affect Ukrainians living in pledged accommodation and the private rental sector who arrived in Ireland before March this year.

There are fears that far-right candidates could use fears over immigration to make gains in the June 7th elections.

Meanwhile, they are likely to be a big indicator of how the general election will go as Sinn Fein's support continues to slump in the polls.

For more information on the local and European elections, click here.

Abroad

After British prime minister Rishi Sunak called a surprise July 4th UK general election, campaigning is well underway in Britain.

Mr Sunak's Conservative Party is way behind Labour in the polls, with Keir Starmer's party set for a huge win barring a big surprise.

In the US, all focus is on the November presidential election and Joe Biden and Donald Trump have surprisingly agreed to two debates.
Russian Defence Ministrys briefing on military-chemical activities of the United States and Ukraine

May 28, 2024

https://telegra.ph/Russian-Defence-Ministrys-briefing-on-military-chemical-activities-of-the-United-States-and-Ukraine-05-28

The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation continues to record violations by the United States and Ukraine of fundamental international instruments, such as the 1925 Geneva Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases and the Chemical Weapons Convention.

As we have noted before, not only has Washington not renounced the use of chemical weapons, but it has also strengthened the possibility of their use at the legislative level. In the United States, for example, a common military regulation on the use of non-lethal weapons was adopted, and the Chiefs of Staff Committee approved the Manual for National Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The documents regulate the use of non-lethal chemical weapons by military units in special, humanitarian, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping missions. While Americans used to talk about using such weapons only in response to the enemys chemical aggression, an important aspect of the new rules is the ability to use toxic chemicals unilaterally.

The U.S. thus has a legal framework that regulates a wide range of scenarios of the use of chemical weapons by the Armed Forces.

I would like to draw your attention once again to the fact that, in accordance with the deadlines set by the OPCW, the United States was due to complete the destruction of declared stockpiles of chemical weapons in 2007, but, despite its economic potential, it did so only in 2023, twice delaying the deadline under the pretext of financial, organisational, and technical difficulties. The United States continues to store the remaining, highly toxic, chemically reactive materials in facilities designed to destroy chemical weapons. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ignores this fact.

In addition, abandoned U.S. ammunition, filled with toxic substances, was detected in Panama and Cambodia. In 2012, for example, 58 ammunition containing CN and CS were discovered in Cambodias Mondulkiri Province, as well as 12 aircraft gas sprayers to transport them.

The OPCW Special Commission has identified them as belonging to the United States.

Another indication of Washingtons breach of its obligations under the Convention is the transfer to third countries (Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine) of non-lethal chemical weapons.

The Pentagon reportedly continues to develop new and modernise existing non-lethal chemical munitions and other systems for the use of chemical weapons, such as 120-mm mines, 155-mm artillery shells, and 120-mm tank rounds.

Every year, at least $10 million is allocated to purchase them for use in combat zones.

It should be noted that the United States has long possessed one of the worlds most significant stockpiles of chemical weapons stored within and outside the United States. The use of chemicals in armed conflicts was explicitly envisaged by U.S. doctrinal documents, despite Washingtons signing the 1925 Geneva Protocol.

The document was ratified by the U.S. Congress with numerous caveats only in 1975 amid the international communitys condemnation of the Vietnam War and the widespread use of toxic chemicals by the U.S. Armed Forces during the conflict. It has been established that the use of herbicides during the Vietnam War resulted in the destruction of more than 1 million hectares of tropical forest in the south of the country. Some 5 million people have been affected by the dioxin damage, and so far the effects have been felt.

Along with herbicides, American troops used non-lethal chemicals, including Adamsite, chloropicrin, and the BZ. In some cases, high concentrations of chemicals were used, resulting in lethal outcomes.

During the war on the Korean Peninsula, the use of toxic substances by the U.S. military was carried out with single chemical projectiles and bombs. From February 1952 to June 1953, more than 100 cases of chemical munitions were reported, resulting in 145 deaths and more than 1,000 poisonings. Symptoms of defeat (suffocation, tearing, loss of consciousness) suggest that ammunition was armed with prussic acid, nitrogen oxides, and arsenic compounds.

At the time of the American troops entry into Iraq in April 2003, the non-lethal chemical munitions were in the service with the U.S. Army deployed in the region. During the fighting, the weapons were used by the military police to suppress anti-government attacks by the civilian population and to mop up urban areas with dense development. At the same time, the United States has taken deliberate measures to cover up these facts in order to rule out a resonant international response. The basic principle is that they are allowed. Everything was done allegedly to reduce losses among the civilian population and members of the coalition group.

With Washingtons acquiescence, the use of toxic substances and riot control agents by Ukrainian militants during the special military operation has become systematic.

Numerous cases of use of chloropicrin irritant by the Ukrainian side, often in mixture with chloroacetophenone, have been recorded. Similar incidents have been recorded near Donetsk, Bogdanovka, Gorlovka, Kremennaya, Artyomovsk.

If chloroacetophenone is classified as a chemical riot control device, chloropicrin is listed in Schedule 3 of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

It will be recalled that chloropicrin was first used by Ukrainian neo-Nazis during the siege of the Labour Union Building in Odessa on 2 May 2014 against the opponents of the coup detat organised by U.S. and its allies.

The use of this toxic agent was indicated by the presence of pre-filtered gas masks worn by militants, the appearance of specific yellow-green smoke after the fire broke out at the Labour Union House, and the attempt to conceal the use of toxic chemicals by setting a fire.

There is reason to believe that the campaign in Odessa was planned, designed to take into account the specifics of the toxic substances used, and aimed at defeating as many people as possible.

In connection with the terrorist attack, Russian law enforcement agencies conducted an investigation that identified the perpetrators.

The Russian side has recorded and confirmed the use of ammunition by the AFU not only with chloropicrin, but also with other chemical irritant agents. For example, U.S.-made gas grenades containing CS were used against Russian servicemen in Krasny Liman and Boguslav tactical directions.

Hand grenades with irritant agents marked Teren-6 were dropped from Ukrainian UAVs on Russianpositions, and an ammunition cache was detected in Donetsk. According to Ukrainian prisoners of war, assault groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are equipped with such grenades.

I would like to point out that Ukrainian armed formations use other scheduled chemicals as well. These are cases of Russian servicemen using the BZ chemical warfare agent in August 2022 and prussic acid in February 2023.

Criminal proceedings under Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, entitled Terrorism, and Article 355 of the Criminal Code, entitled Development, production, storage, acquisition or sale of weapons of mass destruction, have been initiated by the investigative bodies against three Ukrainian citizens arrested for preparation of a terrorist attack using analogues of the BZ agent.

Of particular concern are the statements by AFU representatives about the availability of organophosphorous compounds, including analogues of the Tabun (GA) warfare agent, which is included in Schedule 1 of the Convention.

Plans for the large-scale use of toxic substances are reflected in Ukraines requests for the supply of antidotes, gas masks, and other personal protective equipment in quantities that are clearly excessive.

Attempts by Ukrainian nationalists to destroy chemically dangerous sites in the territories of Donetsk and Lugansk peoples republics continue unabated, thus threatening to inflict chemical damage on the civilian population of the regions. Massive missile strikes have repeatedly targeted the following industrial plants: Zarya in Rubezhnoye, Azot in Severodonetsk, and KoksoKhim factory in Avdeyevka.

In the run-up to the regular session of the OPCW Executive Council, I would like to recall that Russia has been removed from the Executive Council, and Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania were included instead.

One can imagine how it would go without voting rights for the Russian Federation considering the fact that, at the last session, representatives of Romania, Estonia, Germany, and other EU countries launched an aggressive campaign with false accusations against Russia.

The actions of the collective West follow a well-established pattern of discrediting aimed at depriving the Russian Federation of the right to vote in the Organization, as well as the possibility of electing and holding office in its executive bodies, as was done in the past with respect to Syria.

The practice of the OPCWs investigations of chemical accidents in Syria in 2018, when the main evidence was the testimony of West-sponsored White Helmets, suggests that such investigations will not be transparent and impartial in the future.

With regard to the OPCWs double standard policy, I would like to recall the confirmed use of toxic substances (like Tabun, BZ, prussic acid) and non-lethal chemicals (CS, chloropicrin, chloroacetophenone) by the Kiev regime. All the necessary evidence has been submitted to the OPCW Technical Secretariat, but we have not received a meaningful response.

Moreover, with funding from the Organizations budget, several courses have been held specially for Ukraine on the investigation of chemical accidents. Slovakia has organised special exercises on substance management and real-world sampling, with the participation of Ukrainian representatives.

This once again convinces us that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, in its current form, is controlled by the West and used by it to settle political accounts.

Despite severe Western censorship, the information we publish about the use of chemical weapons by Ukrainian armed forces has been heard by foreign media and the expert community.

Leading foreign editions have published material on the most resonant issues: the U.S. delay in destroying toxic chemical weapons left in Panama and Cambodia, and the use of U.S.-made chemical munitions in Ukraine.

The relevant reports were posted by the CGTN television and radio company, Blitz and la Repubblica, Defense Mirror, as well as by the Middle East media.

Several editions have drawn attention to the active use of UAVs to deliver toxic chemicals. For example, Al-Mayadeens report says that the diversity of UAVs has become one of the hallmarks of the current military conflict. Ukraines use of this type of weapon, including in combination with prohibited ammunition, has reached its maximum

A lively debate involving European and American experts has been launched on media platforms and social media.

The Australian journalist and founder of the information edition, Jamie Mcintyre, has confirmed that Ukrainian armed forces use toxic chemicals. As evidence, he cited the fact that in August 2022, the AFU used a BZ-type toxic agent, and in 2024, similar samples were detected in abandoned Ukrainian positions. His page also shows that, for purposes of intimidation, representatives of the AFU have declared that they have analogues of the Tabun substance.

We believe it crucially important that the disclosure of U.S. transfers of chemical weapons to Ukraine and the use of toxic chemicals by the AFU has prompted the expert community, including in the West, to consider fulfiling Kiev and Washingtons obligations under the Convention.

The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation will continue to work in this direction and will keep you informed.

WtR
A string of recent bitings and sightings across the U.S. have prompted officials to issue several beach closures and advisories warning swimmers to stay out of the shark-infested waters.

Just as researchers named Florida the 2023 shark attack capital of the world, a surfer's encounter with an aggressive shark on the opposite coast forced southern California authorities to shut down a popular beach Memorial Day. At the same time and as water temperatures warm, a pair of great white sharks were spotted hunting off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, following the migration of their preferred prey  seals.

The uptick in sightings and attacks carried out by the apex predators coincides with the unofficial kickoff to summer, as families flock to the beaches for some R&R.



SurferToday provided a map of shark attacks in the U.S. in 2024, categorizied by sighting, bite, and lethality.



The Florida Museum also tracks shark attack data, keeping records on unprovoked shark attacks from as far back as 1900 all the way to 2023.

How Many Shark Attacks Were in 2023?

According to the International Shark Attack File, 120 shark-human interactions were investigated in 2023. Sixty-nine shark bites were unprovoked, while 22 bites were provoked. Scientists classify provoked attacks as preceded by human interaction, including instances of attempted touching and feeding, according to the report.

Nine boats were bitten by sharks, and 16 cases were classified as "unconfirmed," meaning injuries could not be attributed to a shark with absolute certainty.

Which U.S. State Has the Most Shark Attacks

Once again, Florida nabbed the top spot for the most shark attacks in the U.S., with 16 of 36 bites occurring in its waters in 2023, according to researchers. None of the attacks in Florida were fatal. The number is slightly lower than its five-year annual average of 19 attacks, the report stated. Hawaii came in second with eight bites last year, and New York trailed with four. The rest of the attacks were spread across the Carolinas, California, and New Jersey. One attack each in Hawaii and California were fatal.

"This is within the range of the normal number of bites, though the fatalities are a bit unnerving this year," Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History's shark research program said in a statement.

What Kind of Sharks Swim Near U.S. Beaches

Hammerhead, bull, nurse and great white sharks commonly swim near U.S. beaches, as do tiger sharks, but there are over 400 species, research shows.

Because of their strength and size, white, bull and tiger sharks caused the most amount of fatal attacks, worldwide.

Increased human activity in a shark's natural habitat directly correlates to an increase in attacks, with most occurring while people are surfing, swimming or wading in the water.
Closing arguments in Donald Trump 's historic hush money trial began Tuesday morning in a Manhattan courtroom, giving prosecutors and defense attorneys one final opportunity to convince the jury of their respective cases before deliberations begin.

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche spoke for about 2 1/2 hours in the morning while prosecutor Joshua Steinglass was expected to go as long as 4 hours.

Jurors will undertake the unprecedented task of deciding whether to convict the former U.S. president of felony criminal charges stemming from hush money payments tied to an alleged scheme to buy and bury stories that might wreck Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

At the heart of the charges are reimbursements paid to Michael Cohen for a $130,000 hush money payment that was given to porn actor Stormy Daniels in exchange for not going public with her claim about a 2006 sexual encounter with Trump.

Prosecutors say the payments to Cohen, Trump's then-lawyer, were falsely logged as legal expenses to hide the true nature of the transactions.

Trump has denied all wrongdoing.

He pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records, charges which are punishable by up to four years in prison.

Closing arguments are expected to last all day Tuesday, with jury deliberations beginning as soon as Wednesday.

The case is the first of Trump's four indictments to go to trial as he seeks to reclaim the White House from Democrat Joe Biden.

The other cases center on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents at his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Its unclear whether any of them will reach trial before the November election.

STEINGLASS SAYS STORMY DANIELS IS THE MOTIVE

The prosecution on Tuesday homed in on Stormy Daniels' sometimes cringeworthy testimony about a 2006 sexual encounter she says she had with Donald Trump, saying it was vital because it only reinforces his incentive to buy her silence.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass added that Daniels account of meeting up with Trump in his Lake Tahoe hotel suite  replete with details of the decor and what she saw when she snooped in Trumps toiletry kit  was full of touchstones that kind of ring true.

Her story is messy. It makes people uncomfortable to hear. It probably makes some of you uncomfortable to hear. But thats kind of the point, Steinglass said.

He told jurors: In the simplest terms, Stormy Daniels is the motive.

We dont have to prove that sex actually took place, but the defendant knew what happened in that hotel room and the extent that you credit her testimony, that only reinforces his incentive to buy her silence, Steinglass argued.

PROSECUTION TRIES TO COUNTER DEFENSE'S EFFORTS TO DISCREDIT COHEN

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass on Tuesday afternoon tried in his summation to counter the defenses efforts to discredit Michael Cohens testimony.

He said that the jury should take Cohens past dishonesty into account.

How could you not? he asked.

But he says that Cohens anger is understandable given that, To date, hes the only one thats paid the price for his role in this conspiracy.

Cohen, Steinglass argued, did Trumps bidding for years, was his right-hand man, and when things went bad, was cut loose and thrown under the bus.

Anyone in Cohens shoes would want the defendant to be held accountable, he argued.

ALLEGATIONS OF EXTORTION ARE NOT A DEFENSE TO ELECTION FRAUD, PROSECUTOR SAYS

At the outset of its summation in Donald Trump's hush money trial, the prosecution sought to rebut the defense's claim that porn actor Stormy Daniels was trying to extort the then-presidential candidate.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass noted that Daniels' representatives initially sought to sell the story of a sexual encounter between the porn actor and Trump to media outlets  not to Trump. Steinglass also cited Daniels' testimony that she came to believe that going public was the best way to protect herself and her family from pressure to stay silent.

Regardless, allegations of extortion are not a defense to election fraud, the prosecutor said.

You dont get to commit election fraud or falsify business records because you believe youve been victimized, he told jurors.

JURORS INSTRUCTED TO DISREGARD IMPROPER DEFENSE COMMENT ABOUT SENDING TRUMP TO PRISON

The judge in Donald Trumps hush money trial told jurors after a lunch break that they must disregard an improper comment from defense lawyer Todd Blanche urging them not to send the former president to prison.

Judge Juan M. Merchan gave the instructions after scolding Blanche before the break over the remark made near the end of the defenses summation.

PROSECUTION BEGINS ITS CLOSING ARGUMENTS

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass has begun delivering his closing arguments in Donald Trump's hush money trial. He speaks from the same podium that Blanche used, looking directly at jurors from a position between the prosecution and defense tables.

This case, at its core, is about a conspiracy and a cover-up, Steinglass said as he began.

Prosecutors have presented powerful evidence of the defendants guilt, he said.

As he continued, Trump sat at the defense table with his body angled toward Steinglass, listening as Steinglass spoke.

TRUMP'S KIDS HOLD NEWS CONFERENCE

Donald Trumps children held a news conference outside the courthouse during a lunch break in his hush money trial, with Donald Trump Jr. echoing defense lawyer Todd Blanche and calling Michael Cohen the GOAT (greatest of all time) of liars.

He said the Biden campaign holding a news conference at the trial showed the case was a political persecution and in using one of his fathers frequent terms, called it a witch hunt.

This is a sham. This is insane. It needs to stop, he said.

His brother Eric Trump decried political warfare and said his father is the toughest man Ive ever seen and he endures this nonsense every single day.

I want to say sorry to the jury thats in there. This has been the greatest colossal waste of time, he said.

Lara Trump, Eric Trump's wife and the Republican National Committee co-chair, said that Alvin Bragg, the top law enforcement officer in New York, was focusing on her father-in-law instead of crime in New York.

If they can profit off it on the other side, so can we, she said, and plugged Trumps campaign website where donations can be accepted.

STEINGLASS FLAGS RIDICULOUS COMMENT FROM DEFENSE

Before an afternoon lunch break, the judge in Donald Trump's hush money trial scolded defense lawyer Todd Blanche for imploring jurors not to send Trump to prison on the words of Michael Cohen and said he would instruct the jury to disregard the comment.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass had taken issue with what he cast as a ridiculous comment and asked the judge to intervene.

I think that saying that was outrageous, Judge Juan M. Merchan scolded Blanche. Someone whos been a prosecutor as long as you have and a defense attorney as long as you have, you know that making a comment like that is highly inappropriate. Its simply not allowed. Period.

If Trump is convicted, sentencing will be up to the judge, not the jury.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, charges punishable by up to four years in prison. Its unclear whether prosecutors would seek imprisonment in the event of a conviction, or if the judge would impose that punishment.

DEFENSE IMPLORES JURY TO RETURN A NOT GUILTY VERDICT

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche finished his summation Tuesday by telling jurors the hush money case isnt a referendum on your views of President Trump.

This is not a referendum on the ballot box -- who you voted for in 2016 or 2020, who you plan on voting for in 2024. That is not what this is about, the attorney told jurors. The verdict you have to reach has to do with the evidence you heard in this courtroom, and nothing else, he reminds them.

He implored the jury to return a quick not guilty verdict.

BLANCHE CALLS COHEN AN MVP OF LIARS

As he neared the end of his summation on Tuesday, defense lawyer Todd Blanche reminded jurors of Michael Cohens admitted fixation on Donald Trump  and his desire to see him behind bars.

Blanche played short clips of Cohens podcast in which he commended District Attorney Alvin Bragg and said that the idea of seeing the former president booked on criminal charges fills me with delight.

The case against Trump is built around testimony from a witness that outright hates the defendant, wants him in jail, is actively making money off that hatred, Blanche said.

While Cohen has testified that he lied to protect Trump, his family and others, Blanche asserted that the ex-lawyer is lying simply to protect Michael Cohen and nobody else. Period.

Blanches voice grew to a roar  the loudest he had been all morning  as he also declared that Cohen had lied about speaking to Trump by phone about the Stormy Daniels arrangement on Oct. 24, 2016.

It was a lie, Blanche said. That was a lie and he got caught red-handed.

Blanche called Cohen literally like an MVP of liars.

He lied to Congress. He lied to prosecutors. He lied to his family and business associates, he said.

DEFENSE TRIES TO DOWNPLAY ACCESS HOLLYWOOD TAPE

Lawyer Todd Blanche tried on Tuesday to downplay the fallout from the Access Hollywood tape that sent Donald Trumps 2016 campaign into a tailspin, telling the jury: It was not a doomsday event.

Blanche conceded in his summation that Trump was bothered by the story. Nobody wants their family to be subjected to that type of thing, he said. It doesnt matter if youre running for office, if youre running The Apprentice ... Nobody wants their family exposed to that type of story.

Nonetheless, he argued characterizations of the tape as devastating were an exaggeration. He pointed to testimony from Trumps former assistant Madeleine Westerhout, whom he said cast the fallout as a couple of days of frustration and consternation.

Westerhout, who was then working for the Republican National Committee in close coordination with the Trump campaign, had testified that the tape rattled the RNC leadership but that Trump wasnt thrown by it.

Reince Priebus, then-chair of the Republican National Committee, had told Trump after the tape was released that he had two choices: drop out of the race or lose by the largest margin in history, Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon has recounted.

BLANCHE ARGUES PEOPLE ALREADY KNEW ABOUT DANIELS' CLAIMS

Turning to Stormy Daniels story, defense lawyer Todd Blanche noted in his summation that her allegations of a 2006 sexual encounter with Donald Trump were aired on a gossip site in 2011  four years before Trump announced his presidential candidacy. Trump has denied having sex with Daniels.

So how could this issue have influenced the election? Blanche argued. People already knew about the allegations.

At the behest of Daniels and Michael Cohen, the story was taken off the site.

Blanche asserted that the real impetus behind Daniels interest in making a deal in 2016 was that some people wanted to use the election as pressure to extort Trump.

Following a brief morning break, Blanche singled out that Daniels issued two statements in 2018 denying that shed ever had a sexual encounter with Trump. She testified earlier in the hush money trial that she signed off on them at her lawyers urging.

DEFENSE DENIES RECORDED CONVERSATION WAS ABOUT PAYOFF OF FORMER MODEL

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche spotlighted a key piece of prosecution evidence during his summation: the secret recording Michael Cohen says he made of himself briefing Donald Trump on a plan to buy the rights to former Playboy model Karen McDougals story from the National Enquirer.

Blanche said the September 2016 recording, which cuts off before the conversation finishes, is unreliable and was actually about a plan to buy a collection of material on Trump that the National Enquirer had been hoarding  not McDougal. Cohen has said the audio cut off because the iPhone he was using to make the recording was receiving a phone call.

There is no doubt that this recording discussed AMI and discussed Mr. Pecker, Blanche said, referring to the National Enquirers parent company and then-publisher. There is a lot of doubt that it discussed Karen McDougal.

After playing parts of the recording, Blanche urged jurors to trust their ears when deciphering a specific part  whether Trump mentioned a dollar figure that he might have to spend, as Cohen and prosecutors contend, or whether he said something else.

What do we got to pay for this? One-fifty? Trump said, according to Cohen and prosecutors, as in $150,000.

Listen to the recording. See if you hear one-fifty, Blanche told jurors.

TRUMP CAMPAIGN HOLDS ITS OWN NEWS CONFERENCE

Donald Trumps campaign staffers held their own news conference outside the courthouse Tuesday morning in the exact same spot where actor Robert De Niro and Jan. 6 officers had just spoken on behalf of Joe Biden's campaign.

Jason Miller, Trumps senior campaign advisor, called De Niro a washed-up actor, and said the news conference showed that the hush money trial was political.

After months of saying politics had nothing to do with this trial, they showed up and made a campaign event out of a lower Manhattan trial day for President Trump, Miller said.

Karoline Leavitt, the campaign press secretary, called the Biden campaign desperate and failing and pathetic and said their event outside the trial was a full-blown concession that this trial is a witch hunt that comes from the top.

BLANCHE: THIS WASN'T A CATCH AND KILL

The defense in Donald Trump's hush money trial took issue on Tuesday with the notion that there was a conspiracy to suppress negative stories to help Trumps 2016 presidential campaign.

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche pointed to American Media Inc.'s $30,000 payment to Dino Sajudin, a former Trump Tower doorman who falsely alleged the former president had fathered a child out of wedlock. It was one of three potentially damaging stories about Trump the tabloid did not run.

Blanche then pointed to former National Enquirer publisher David Peckers testimony that he saw the doorman story as a potential blockbuster and would gladly have published it if it had been true.

This isnt a catch and kill. This is an opportunity, Blanche said. It was worth too much to catch and kill, full stop.

He also noted Pecker had testified that the tabloid only published about half the stories they purchased.

Thats meaningful. That matters, Blanche told the jury.

He later targeted prosecutors' portrayal of Karen McDougal's deal with AMI as part of the purported hush money conspiracy, emphasizing testimony from her lawyer and others that she didnt want her claim published.

Rather, Blanche said, the former Playboy model wanted to reenergize her career by getting into magazines, according to the testimony  though McDougal herself didnt testify.

This was not a catch-and-kill, Blanche said.

BLANCHE URGES JURORS TO DISREGARD CONSPIRACY CONCERNS

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche implored the jury in Donald Trump's criminal trial to reject the prosecutions contention that he engaged in a conspiracy to influence the 2016 election by involving himself in efforts to bury negative stories about him  and to reject the allegation that, after the fact, he falsified records of Michael Cohens payments to hide that conspiracy.

The government wants you to believe that President Trump did these things with his records to conceal efforts to promote his successful candidacy in 2016, the year before, Blanche said.

Even that, even if you find that is true, that is not enough ... it doesnt matter if theres a conspiracy to win an election. Every campaign in this country is a conspiracy to promote a candidate, a group of people who are working together to help somebody win.

DEFENSE SAYS TRUMP WATCHES HIS FINANCES CAREFULLY

After arguing earlier Tuesday that Donald Trump may not have been fully aware of all his invoices, defense lawyer Todd Blanche stressed to jurors that the former president was a stickler about watching his finances.

Michael Cohen received $420,000 in all from Trump in 2017, a sum that the ex-lawyer and prosecutors in the former president's hush money case have said included the $130,000 reimbursement related to Stormy Daniels, a $50,000 repayment for an unrelated expense and a $60,000 bonus. On top of that, prosecutors have said, there was extra money to cover taxes that would be due on the $130,000 as income  taxes that wouldnt apply if it had simply been paid as a business expense reimbursement.

That is absurd, Blanche told jurors, pointing to all the other evidence you heard about how carefully President Trump watches his finances.

ACTOR ROBERT DE NIRO AND JAN. 6 FIRST RESPONDERS SPEAK NEAR TRUMP'S TRIAL

Biden campaign deploys actor Robert De Niro, Jan. 6 first responders near Trumps trial

Joe Biden's campaign sent actor Robert De Niro and two law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 to an area in lower Manhattan not far from the criminal court where Donald Trumps hush money trial is happening.

Speaking while the former president was stuck in court, De Niro said Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country and eventually he could destroy the world.

As he spoke, Trump protesters screamed anti-Biden chants.

TRUMP WAS EXTREMELY BUSY WHEN SIGNING CHECKS, BLANCHE SAYS

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche stressed during his summation on Tuesday that Donald Trump was busy during the time when he signed the checks at the heart of the hush money case.

It matters where President Trump was, Blanche said.

He noted Trump assistant Madeleine Westerhout had testified that the then-president would sometimes sign checks while meeting with people or while on the phone, not knowing what they were.

Blanche argued it was unreasonable to suggest Trump was aware of the details of every invoice just because he knew of some. That is a stretch and that is reasonable doubt, ladies and gentlemen, he said.

BLANCHE CRITICIZES PROSECUTIONS USE OF TRUMP'S BOOKS AND MORE

About an hour into the defense's closing arguments in Donald Trump's hush money case, defense lawyer Todd Blanche took aim at the prosecutions use of excerpts from Trumps books to attempt to portray him as a detail-oriented micromanager who would be fully aware of any money his company was spending.

The books were from a decade ago, if not older, and were written with the help of ghostwriters, Blanche told the jury.

You should be suspicious. Thats a red flag, Blanche said in an effort to pre-empt the prosecutions closing.

Blanche then started digging into the details of how payments to Michael Cohen were made, first through a trust set up to hold Trumps assets while he was in the White House, then through Trumps personal bank account with checks signed by the then-president.

This was a very confusing time for the Trump Organization, Blanche said. There were a lot of adjustments being made as Trumps assets were put under the trusts control and it was the first time in decades that Trump wasnt in charge, he added.

At one point, early in the repayment process in 2017, the then-Trump Organization finance chief emailed a subordinate that it was OK to pay Cohen out of the trust per an agreement with Trumps sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr., who were running the Trump Organizations day-to-day operations at the time. Both were in court on Tuesday.

Blanche questioned why, if prosecutors allege Trump was involved in a conspiracy to conceal the nature of the payments, the sons he put in charge of his company werent called to the witness stand.

COHEN WAS TRUMP'S PERSONAL ATTORNEY, BLANCHE REITERATES

A key part of prosecutors claims in Donald Trump's hush money case is that his former lawyer Michael Cohen wasnt being paid for legal work in 2017, but rather was being reimbursed in a veiled way for the Stormy Daniels payment.

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche pointed to emails and testimony Tuesday showing that Cohen did indeed work on some legal matters for Trump that year.

While Cohen characterized that work as very minimal, Blanche argued otherwise.

Cohen lied to you. Cohen lied to you, Blanche said, his voice getting more emphatic.

Blanche noted that Cohen went on TV to discuss his role as Trumps personal lawyer and put the title in the signature block of every email he sent.

This was not a secret. Michael Cohen was President Trumps personal attorney. Period, he said.

BIDEN AND TRUMP CAMPAIGNS HOLD DUELING NEWS CONFERENCES OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE

Joe Bidens campaign announced on Tuesday that it would hold an event with special guests as closing arguments in Donald Trump's hush money trial are underway.

Trump spokesman Jason Miller said the former presidents allies will respond with their own event immediately following Bidens.

He posted on the social platform X that Bidens allies arent in PA, MI, WI, NV, AZ or GA  theyre outside the Biden Trial against President Trump, adding: Its always been about politics.

POWERPOINT CLOSING

The defense in Donald Trump's criminal trial is using a PowerPoint presentation as it begins its summation and tries to convince the jury that the former president is not guilty, instead shifting blame to former lawyer Michael Cohen and the Trump Organization.

Todd Blanche showed jurors copies of the invoices, vouchers and checks that are at the heart of the hush money case  vouchers and checks he says were entered and prepared by the Trump Organizations accounting department.

The PowerPoint also notes Cohen sent the invoices for his services. None of the invoices were sent directly to Trump, Blanche said.

BLANCHE TAKES AIM AT COHEN'S TESTIMONY

Insisting that prosecutors havent proven their case, defense lawyer Todd Blanche told jurors during closing arguments Tuesday morning that they should want and expect more than key prosecution witness Michael Cohens testimony, or that of a Trump Organization employee accounts payable staffer talking about how she processed invoices, or the testimony given by Stormy Daniels former lawyer Keith Davidson.

Blanche argued that Davidson was really just trying to extort money from President Trump in the lead-up to the 2016 election.

The consequences of the lack of proof that you all heard over the past five weeks is simple: is a not guilty verdict, period, Blanche said.

Blanche further laid into Cohen and his testimony, telling jurors hell come up repeatedly throughout the defense's summation.

Youre going to hear me talk a lot about Michael Cohen, and for good reason. You can not convict President Trump, you can not convict President Trump of any crime beyond a reasonable doubt on the word of Michael Cohen, Blanche said. Cohen told you a number of things that were lies, pure and simple, the lawyer added.

(Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)
The Israeli military says an initial investigation into a strike that sparked a deadly weekend fire in a tent camp in the southern Gaza city of Rafah has found the blaze was caused by a secondary explosion.

A military official, speaking on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement, said Tuesday that the military fired two 17-kilogram (37-pound) munitions that targeted two senior Hamas militants. The official said the munitions would have been too small to ignite a fire on their own and the military is looking into the possibility that weapons were stored in the area.

Palestinian health officials say at least 45 people, around half of them women and children, were killed in Sundays strike. The fire also could have ignited fuel, cooking gas canisters or other materials in the densely populated camp housing displaced people.

The strike caused widespread outrage, including from some of Israels closest allies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was the result of a tragic mishap.

New strikes in the same western Tel al-Sultan district of Rafah that was hit Sunday killed at least 16 Palestinians, the Palestinian Civil Defense and the Palestinian Red Crescent said Tuesday. Residents reported an escalation of fighting in the southern Gaza city once seen as the territory's last refuge.

An Israeli incursion launched in early May has caused nearly 1 million to flee from Rafah, most of whom had already been displaced in the war between Israel and Hamas. They now seek refuge in squalid tent camps and other war-ravaged areas.

The United States and other allies of Israel have warned against a full-fledged offensive in the city, with the Biden administration saying that would cross a red line and refusing to provide offensive arms for such an undertaking. On Friday, the International Court of Justice called on Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, an order it has no power to enforce.

Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead, saying Israeli forces must enter Rafah to dismantle Hamas and return hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

Israel says it is carrying out limited operations in eastern Rafah along the Gaza-Egypt border. But residents reported heavy bombardment overnight in Tel al-Sultan.

It was a night of horror, said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Tel al-Sultan since December. He said he heard constant sounds of explosions overnight and into Tuesday, with fighter jets and drones flying over the area.

He said it reminded him of the Israeli invasion of his neighborhood of Shijaiyah in Gaza City, where Israel launched a heavy bombing campaign before sending in ground forces in late 2023. We saw this before, he said.

Sayed al-Masri, a Rafah resident, said many families have been forced to flee their homes and shelters, with most heading for the crowded Muwasi area, where giant tent camps have been set up on a barren coastline, or to Khan Younis, a southern city that suffered heavy damage during months of fighting.

The situation is worsening in Rafah, al-Masri said.

Gazas Health Ministry said two medical facilities in Tel al-Sultan are out of service because of intense bombing nearby. Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charity operating throughout the territory, said the Tel al-Sultan medical center and the Indonesian Field Hospital were under lockdown, with medics, patients and displaced people trapped inside.

Most of Gaza's hospitals are no longer functioning. The Kuwait Hospital in Rafah shut down Monday after a strike near its entrance killed two health workers.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organization said the casualties from Sundays strike and fire absolutely overwhelmed field hospitals in the area, which were already running short on supplies to treat severe burns.

That requires intensive care, that requires electricity, that requires high-level medical services, Dr. Margaret Harris told reporters in Geneva. Increasingly, we are struggling to even have the high-level skilled doctors and nurses because theyve been displaced.

The war began when Hamas and other militants burst into southern Israel in a surprise attack on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 civilians and abducting around 250. More than 100 were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel responded to the attack with a massive air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 36,096 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. Around 80% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million has been displaced and United Nations officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.

The fighting in Rafah has made it nearly impossible for humanitarian groups to import and distribute aid to southern Gaza.

The Israeli military says it has allowed hundreds of trucks to enter through the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing since the start of its operation, but aid groups say its extremely difficult to access that aid on the Gaza side because of the fighting.

The U.N. says it has only been able to collect aid from around 170 trucks over the past three weeks via Kerem Shalom. Smaller amounts of aid are entering through two crossings in the north and by sea through a U.S.-built floating pier, but its nowhere near the 600 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed.

(Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)
The Washoe County District Attorney's Office has determined that a July 2020 police shooting was accidental "and therefore lacking the willful mental state required for criminal liability."

Prosecutors say Reno Police officers were called to South Virginia Street for a traffic stop on July 26, 2020. When they arrived, officers say the suspect, Christopher Sheahan was not compliant.

Body camera video shows officers repeatedly telling Sheahan to get on the ground. When he did not comply with the officer's commands, that is when authorities say a deputy deployed his TASER.

Police say the deputy missed hitting the suspect and struck a Reno officer in the knee. They say the officer then unintentionally discharged his gun, shooting the suspect in the right shoulder.

Officers say the 43-year-old suspect was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Sparks Police took over the investigation as part of the regional protocol.

The report ends, "Based upon a review of the entire investigation presented by the SPD and the application of relevant Nevada statutory and decisional authorities to the known facts and circumstances surrounding the shooting on July 26, 2020, of Christopher Sheahan, the actions of Reno Police Officer Richard Jager were accidental and therefore lacking the willful mental state required for criminal liability. Unless new circumstances come to light which contradict the factual foundation upon which this decision is made, this case is officially closed."

You can read the district attorney's report below -

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Reno Police Department has released body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting on Jul. 26, 2020.

Reno Police officers were called out to the 6900 block of South Virginia Street for a traffic stop. When they arrived, officers say the suspect was not compliant.

Reno Police officers called the Washoe County Sheriff's Office for assistance.

The released video shows officers repeatedly telling the suspect to get on the ground. When the suspect did not comply with the officer's commands, that is when authorities say a deputy deployed his TASER.

Police say the deputy missed hitting the suspect and struck a Reno officer in the knee. They say the officer then unintentionally discharged his gun, shooting the suspect in the right shoulder.

According to the video, deputies and officers handcuffed the suspect and placed a tourniquet on his shoulder and continued to care for the suspect until emergency crews arrived on scene.

Officers say the 43-year-old unidentified Reno suspect was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Sparks Police Department has taken over the investigation and has since issued the suspect a citation for reckless driving and obstructing and resisting an officer.

To watch the entire report, including body camera footage from the incident click here.

The Reno Police Department says any additional footage from the officer-involved shooting will be released at the conclusion of the formal investigation.

WARNING: The below content may be graphic to viewers and there are some profanities.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reno traffic stop turns into officer involved shooting after a deputy unintentionally strikes officer with taser.

Reno Police says an officer was struck by a taser after a deputy missed the suspect, causing the officer to discharge their weapon the morning of July 26, 2020. The shot fired hit the suspect in the shoulder.

Authorities say a Washoe County Sheriff's Deputy responded to a report of a reckless driver and began a routine traffic stop around 8:30 a.m. However, the driver did not cooperate leading the deputy to call for help.

"One of our Reno police officers was in the area and responded to assist. When the officer arrived on scene, an officer-involved shooting did occur. The suspect in this case was injured and was transported to an area hospital for treatment and was listed as stable condition," says Reno Police Department PIO Travis Warren.

Reno Police say responding officers arrived to see deputies pointing tasers at the suspect, a 43-year-old Reno resident, who was not complying with the deputy's commands.

Officers attempted to assist in the arrest of the suspect, but at one point when the deputy was telling the suspect what to do the suspect stepped toward the deputies.

Body camera footage shows the suspect explaining an intent run from the officers, stepping toward the officers offering his belongings.

Reno Police say that is when a deputy moved around the suspect, deploying a taser and missing the suspect, but striking one of the officers in the knee.

The officer who was struck by a taser then unintentionally discharged a shot from their gun, which struck the suspect in the right shoulder.

Officers and deputies on scene then took the suspect into custody and immediately began giving first aid to the suspect's gunshot wound until emergency transport arrived. The suspect was then taken to the hospital where he later recovered from his injuries, and has since been released.

The suspect was issued a citation for reckless driving and obstructing and resisting an officer by the Sparks Police Department.

RPD says regional OIS protocol has been enacted, so in the coming month there will be more information released from the investigation such as the tactics the officers used as well as use of force.

To watch the entire report, including body camera footage from the incident click here. A warning to viewers, this content may be graphic and there are some profanities.

Reno Police says any additional footage from the officer involved shooting will be released at the conclusion of the formal investigation.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.
Storm rolls through Houston on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

As a strong storm moves through the region, school districts issued shelter-in-place orders and canceled after school activities.

Houston ISD canceled after school activities, but held dismissal as usual. The district also postponed its first public meeting at Forest Brook Middle School Tuesday night on an upcoming multi-billion dollar bond until June 10. All other public meetings will take place as scheduled, a district spokesperson said, with the next one scheduled for Cornelius Elementary School on Thursday.

Spring Branch ISD lifted its shelter in place at 2:15 p.m., during which it held all buses and dismissals. All transportation and dismissals will proceed as scheduled, the district said in a 2:24 p.m. post on X.

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Some Spring ISD campuses are without power, according to a 1:51 p.m. post on X. All students and staff are safe, the district said. Spring ISD expects buses to run behind schedule.

University of Houston Downtown issued an all-clear at 2:19 p.m. on X, after asking people to shelter indoors due to a downtown hailstorm 40 minutes prior. The school noted the National Weather Service issued a severe storm warning about a half an hour ago, the school's social media posts show.
Christian Deshayes, left, and Kevin Aguilar of Cleveland, TX, upright a memorial bench near Aguilars cousin, Christopher Aguilars, grave in Historic Hollywood Cemetery Saturday May 25, 2024 in Houston, TX. Regional cemeteries are dealing with downed trees and other damage after recent storms. Jill Karnicki/Staff photographer Workers continue to clean up debris at the storm-damaged Beth Yeshurun Cemetery at Post Oak Road Monday, May 27, 2024 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Gravestones surrounded by tree debris after the May 16 storm at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, at 1101 Antoine Drive on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer A large tree is split in Historic Hollywood Cemetery Saturday May 25, 2024 in Houston, TX. Regional cemeteries are dealing with downed trees and other damage after recent storms. Jill Karnicki/Staff photographer A headstone is still decorated despite being covered by debris in Historic Hollywood Cemetery Saturday May 25, 2024 in Houston, TX. Regional cemeteries are dealing with downed trees and other damage after recent storms. Jill Karnicki/Staff photographer Gravestones surrounded by tree debris after the May 16 storm at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, at 1101 Antoine Drive on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Graves are still decorated despite being covered by debris in Historic Hollywood Cemetery Saturday May 25, 2024 in Houston, TX. Regional cemeteries are dealing with downed trees and other damage after recent storms. Jill Karnicki/Staff photographer Workers continue to clean up debris at the storm-damaged Beth Yeshurun Cemetery at Post Oak Road Monday, May 27, 2024 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Denise Puentes and her family drove Sunday to Historic Hollywood Cemetery to pay a visit to her grandmother. But when they arrived at her final resting place, they were surprised to see the destruction that surrounded it.

While the headstone and other monuments surrounding it were not broken, the area was bestrewn by a fallen tree and broken branches.

They left, returning one day later on Memorial Day with a chainsaw to remove tree limbs and clean the area.

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It didnt even really cross my mind that the trees could have fallen here as well, Puentes said. I dont know why I didnt connect the two at the time. Yesterday as we drove in, and we saw all the branches and trees falling down, it was definitely a quick eye-opener.

A tree lies on a tombstone in Historic Hollywood Cemetery Saturday May 25, 2024 in Houston, TX. Regional cemeteries are dealing with downed trees and other damage after recent storms. Jill Karnicki/Staff photographer

DAY TO HONOR: Houston National Cemetery sees hundreds turn out to honor veterans on Memorial Day

The May 16 derecho caught the Houston area by surprise as 100-plus mph winds were felt in the area. Eight people died as a result of the storms, which also caused significant property damage across the region.

That included local cemeteries. Seeing that damage wasnt just surprising to Puentes.

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Andrew St. Laurent, the general manager of Historic Hollywood Cemetery, said it was pretty eye-opening, to say the least when he first drove through the cemetery after the derecho two weeks ago.

The situation isnt one that can be immediately remedied for cemetery workers across the Houston area. The storms unexpected damage to multiple cemeteries, mostly from fallen and broken trees, wont have quick fixes.

This one stacks right up with Harvey, St. Laurent said. Harvey, we had the wind. We had the water. But this one stacks right up with it with the damage.

Sean Randall, the outreach coordinator and marketing director of Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, said Woodlawn was thankful the funeral home wasnt hit by the storm, which hopped, skipped and jumped over the building.

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The cemetery grounds werent so lucky.

Delcia Pineda cleans up branches and broken decorations on her sisters grave site at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, at 1101 Antoine Drive on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Houston. Her sister, Trudys Pineda died in January. Storms on May 16, upended and broke multiple trees on the property. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Randall estimated at least 20 trees were knocked down by the storm with many of their old oak trees suffering significant damage. The entire layout of the cemetery is different now.

The devastation was a little overwhelming, Randall said. The cemetery has been here since 1931 so theres a lot of old trees here, lot of regal-looking trees, but theyre gone now.

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Randall and St. Laurent both said the main devastation on the grounds was from trees, whether it was broken branches and knocked-down monuments.

Larry Caulfield said it was a similar story at Congregation Beth Yeshuruns cemetery at 1037 Post Oak Road. Caulfield, the cemetery manager for Congregation Beth Yeshurun, noted about half of the 15 or so completely damaged trees were split in two with the others being toppled over.

I was surprised at the level of devastation, Caulfield said. Weve got obviously older trees, and I expected to pull in and see limbs down. I was not expecting to find whole trees completely uprooted. We havent seen that ever.

Nathan Meltzers loved ones have placed American flags next to his headstone at Beth Yeshurun Cemetery at Post Oak Road on Memorial Day Monday, May 27, 2024 in Houston. The cemetery suffer damages from the storms two weeks ago. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

The congregations groundskeeper has been caring for the cemetery for 40 years, Caulfield said, and told Caulfield he had never seen such damage before on the property.

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Recovery for the cemeteries started the day after the storms but it will take time to get all the trees chopped and removed. Randall said the work to get Woodlawn back in shape will likely last throughout the summer. Caulfield said cleaning up at the Post Oak cemetery will hopefully be done by June with the replanting process probably taking about a year.
Houston Astros fans react to Houston Astros center fielder Jake Meyers (6) connecting for a home run in the bottom of the second inning against New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on Thursday, March 28, 2024 in Houston. (Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle) Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

The countdown to Father's Day has begun as families and loved ones prepare to honor the special man in their lives with gadgets, tools or an outpouring of love.

Heres what to know about Father's Day and some ideas for celebrating in Houston.

When is Father's Day 2024?

This year, Father's Day will land on June 16.

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What is there to do for Father's Day in Houston?

Fathers who love the Houston Astros, can spend the afternoon at Minute Maid Park. The Astros will take on the Detroit Tigers starting at 7:10 p.m. June 14. The two teams will go head-to-head in a series of games through Sunday. Between Friday and Sunday, 30,000 fans will receive various gifts including a Jose Altuve first-hit bobblehead, a Hawaiian T-shirt and a Jose Altuve travel tumbler. To purchase tickets, visit the Houston Astros' website.

Brennan's of Houston will host a Father's Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Creole restaurant will continue honoring fathers with a special dinner between 5 and 8 p.m. To make a reservation call 713-522-9711.

The Riverhouse Houston will host Coffee, Cars and Cigars from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 16. Attendees can spend the day checking out classic cars and enjoying brunch bites and premium cigars. Car enthusiasts can register their vehicles here for the Show n' Shine event.

Casa Do Brasil will host Feliz Dia Dos Pais on June 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The special menu for Father's Day will include unlimited cuts of fire-roasted USDA prime aged beef, chicken, lamb, pork and grilled shrimp. Caso Do Brasil plans to gift every dad who dines at the restaurant that day a $25 bonus card to use on their next visit.

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What is the origin of Father's Day?

The history of Father's Day dates back to July 5, 1908, when a church in West Virginia hosted the first-ever event honoring fathers. According to History.com, the pastor dedicated his sermon to the 362 men who lost their lives during an explosion at the Fairmont Coal Company mines in Monongah that December.

It wasn't until the following year that Sonora Smart Dodd organized the equivalent of Mother's Day for dads. Dodd, a Spokane resident, traveled to shops, local churches and events to garner support for the holiday. On June 19, 1910, those in Washington celebrated the nation's first Father's Day.

Years later in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge encouraged state governments to observe Father's Day, per History.com.

Is Father's Day always on the same day in the United States?

Similar to Mother's Day, Father's Day does not fall on the same day every year. It's celebrated on the third Sunday of June.

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Do other countries celebrate Father's Day on different dates?

In Brazil, families recognize the holiday on the second Sunday of August. It's celebrated in honor of St. Joachim  the father of Mary.
For decades, the magic formula for advertising success relied on a potent mix of human ingenuity, creativity and consumer insights. But with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), a new ingredient is stirring the pot  and some brands arent so sure they like the taste. Were diving into the growing trend of No AI, no how clauses in advertising contracts, exploring the specific worries brands have about AI integration, and examining how these concerns can be addressed to ensure a future where AI enhances, rather than replaces, human ingenuity in the world of advertising.

The integration of AI has become both a boon and a bane for brands and ad agencies. While AI promises unprecedented efficiency and precision in targeting and personalizing advertisements, it also brings a host of concerns that have led some companies to push back. In an era where trust and authenticity are paramount, brands are increasingly wary of the implications of AI in their advertising strategies, prompting a trend towards No AI, no how clauses in contracts with agencies. These clauses reflect deep-seated worries about issues such as transparency, data privacy, and the potential loss of human creativity.

Also read:

The battle between bots and creativity - Part 1: Can AI ads be original enough?

Brands often express various concerns regarding the integration of AI in advertising, which can prompt them to include No AI, no how clauses in contracts with agencies, says Raj Swaminathan, Senior Director - New Initiatives and Revenue, Globale Media.

According to him, data privacy stands out as a primary worry, with brands apprehensive about potential data misuse or mishandling by AI systems, risking breaches of privacy regulations and brand reputation damage. Additionally, he adds, theres concern over algorithmic bias, as AI algorithms may unintentionally perpetuate biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes in advertising campaigns. Another significant concern is the potential loss of brand control, with brands fearing that AI-driven advertising could result in messaging or decisions that diverge from their values or objectives.

Transparency issues also weigh heavily on brands, as the opacity of AI algorithms may breed uncertainty and consumer distrust. Finally, legal and regulatory risks loom large, with brands wary of potential liabilities stemming from algorithmic errors or violations of data protection laws. To address these worries, agencies can adopt various strategies. Transparent AI practices involve documenting data sources, algorithmic processes, and decision-making criteria, fostering trust with consumers by providing insights into AIs role in advertising campaigns. Adherence to ethical AI guidelines, such as fairness and transparency, helps mitigate algorithmic bias risks and ensures responsible AI deployment. Robust data protection measures, including encryption and access controls, safeguard consumer data and uphold privacy regulations. Human oversight mechanisms can be integrated into AI-driven campaigns, ensuring human judgment is applied where needed, especially in sensitive scenarios. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of AI systems allow agencies to identify and rectify biases, errors, or compliance issues promptly. By implementing these strategies, brands and agencies can instil confidence in AI-driven advertising, leveraging its potential for personalized, effective, and ethical marketing experiences, Swaminathan explains.

Kosal Malladi, Vice President, Madison Loop, points out that in the near future, there will be a realization that AI will play a larger role in non-glamorous tasks rather than in flashy innovations. For example, AI will significantly impact areas such as image creation, animation, and voice-overs. This shift will lead to substantial savings in time, money, and effort, as AI streamlines these more routine aspects of advertising.

As an agency, we understand the power of AI in advertising. However, we also recognize the anxieties some brands have about its integration, says Kunal Ajmera, Director, Trivoli Digital.

Creative Control and Brand Identity:

Concern: Brands worry AI-generated ads might lack the human touch and originality needed to resonate with their audience. Moreover, the instinctive insight that comes from a marketers experience can also be compromised with AI involvement.

Approach: Agencies should see AI as a creative amplifier, not a replacement. The team collaborates with AI to generate concepts and personalize messaging, but the human touch remains paramount. Agencies must ensure final creative decisions align perfectly with brand identity.

Transparency and Black Box Algorithms:

Concern: Brands might be apprehensive about AI algorithms making targeting decisions without understanding the why behind them.

Approach: Agencies should believe in transparency. The AI tools used must provide clear insights into audience demographics, interests, and performance. That being said, agencies should always keep brand in the loop, with the ability to adjust targeting parameters as needed.

Data Privacy and Security:

Concern: Brands might be cautious about AI systems utilizing vast amounts of consumer data, raising privacy and security questions.

Approach: Agencies should prioritize data security. The AI tools used by the agency should strictly adhere to all data privacy regulations. They must have complete control over what data is used and how it's utilized in advertising campaigns.

According to Vinay Venkatesh, CCO, Asymmetrique, brands are hesitant about integrating AI in advertising, leading to the inclusion of No AI clauses in contracts. Here are the key reasons:

Loss of the Human Touch or Loss of Brand Soul: Brands worry AI-generated ads might lack the emotional connection and brand voice that resonates with consumers.

Brands worry AI-generated ads might lack the emotional connection and brand voice that resonates with consumers. Creative Control Erosion: The idea of AI churning out entire ad campaigns feels like a surrender of creative control. Brands fear a disconnect between their vision and the AIs output.

The idea of AI churning out entire ad campaigns feels like a surrender of creative control. Brands fear a disconnect between their vision and the AIs output. Transparency Concerns: AIs black box nature raises questions about how it arrives at creative decisions. Brands want clear explanations behind campaign strategies.

AIs black box nature raises questions about how it arrives at creative decisions. Brands want clear explanations behind campaign strategies. Unforeseen Bias:AI algorithms can perpetuate hidden biases, leading to ads that offend or miss the target audience.

Venkatesh suggests that the industry stakeholders can address these concerns through:

Human-AI Collaboration: We see AI as a powerful tool to automate tasks and generate creative ideas, but the human touch remains crucial for strategic direction, emotional intelligence, and cultural nuance.

We see AI as a powerful tool to automate tasks and generate creative ideas, but the human touch remains crucial for strategic direction, emotional intelligence, and cultural nuance. Explainable AI: Agencies can invest in AI that provides transparency into its decision-making process, allowing brands to understand the why behind creative suggestions.

Agencies can invest in AI that provides transparency into its decision-making process, allowing brands to understand the why behind creative suggestions. Diversity in AI Training Data: By using diverse datasets to train AI models, we can mitigate bias and ensure ads are inclusive and representative.

By using diverse datasets to train AI models, we can mitigate bias and ensure ads are inclusive and representative. Focus on Brand Storytelling:AI cant replicate the human touch in crafting compelling narratives. Brands should leverage agencies that excel at storytelling, using AI to amplify, not replace, this core strength.

By embracing AI as a collaborative partner, not a replacement, we can create more effective and impactful advertising that resonates with consumers, says Venkatesh.

Common ground

While brands demand stricter AI safeguards, ad agencies are increasingly embracing AI technologies for production tasks. It is crucial for brands and agencies to reconcile their differing perspectives on AI usage and find common ground. This collaboration is essential to harness the benefits of AI while addressing concerns about transparency, privacy, and creativity, ensuring that advertising strategies remain effective and aligned with brand values.

Kunal Ajmera says that brand reputation is paramount, and concerns about transparency, bias, and ethical implementation are valid. However, we believe theres a path forward where brands can leverage the power of AI while maintaining control and safeguards. Heres how:

Transparency First: We advocate for complete transparency in the AI tools used. Brands deserve to understand how AI generates recommendations or personalizes content. This empowers them to ensure alignment with brand values.

We advocate for complete transparency in the AI tools used. Brands deserve to understand how AI generates recommendations or personalizes content. This empowers them to ensure alignment with brand values. Human-in-the-Loop Approach: We champion a collaborative approach where AI acts as a powerful assistant, not a replacement. Our human expertise remains crucial for creative direction, strategic decision-making, and ethical oversight.

We champion a collaborative approach where AI acts as a powerful assistant, not a replacement. Our human expertise remains crucial for creative direction, strategic decision-making, and ethical oversight. Data Governance & Explainability: We prioritize robust data governance practices to ensure responsible AI use. Explainable AI tools help brands understand the "why" behind AI-generated outputs, fostering trust and control.

We prioritize robust data governance practices to ensure responsible AI use. Explainable AI tools help brands understand the "why" behind AI-generated outputs, fostering trust and control. Building Brand Confidence:Through successful AI implementation in areas like content optimization or audience targeting, we demonstrate the positive impact AI can have on brand goals. This builds confidence for future AI exploration.

The way forward, according to Kunal Ajmera, lies in collaboration and education. By working closely with brands, agencies can bridge the knowledge gap surrounding AI. We can showcase the potential of AI while addressing concerns and implementing safeguards. This fosters a future where brands confidently leverage AI to enhance their marketing efforts while maintaining brand integrity, says Ajmera.

Raj Swaminathan reckons that brands and advertising agencies often diverge on AI adoption in marketing. Brands demand stringent safeguards and transparency in AI usage, prioritizing ethical practices, human oversight, and data protection to ensure responsible deployment in advertising campaigns. Meanwhile, agencies are embracing AI for production tasks, recognizing its potential to streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and enhance creative outputs. They leverage AI for content generation, ad targeting, and performance optimization to deliver more personalized marketing experiences. To reconcile these perspectives, brands and agencies must communicate openly and collaborate. Brands should express concerns and expectations, emphasizing ethical practices and transparency, while agencies demonstrate commitment through robust AI governance, ethical guidelines, and data protection measures. Transparent AI processes, providing visibility into data sources and decision-making are crucial. Additionally, establishing shared values and industry standards can promote responsible AI deployment while fostering innovation and trust. By aligning objectives and fostering collaboration, brands and agencies can effectively navigate AI complexities, delivering value to businesses and consumers. Additionally, industry organisations can develop standard guidelines to ensure that agencies comprehend and address the challenges posed by AI while also providing them with flexibility to utilize AI for enhancing productivity, optimizing costs, and improving efficiencies, Swaminathan concludes.
Authored by Amandeep Kaur, Founder & CEO, Phoenix TalentX Branding

In our hyper-connected world, social media has become indispensable for businesses seeking to attract top talent while shaping their employer brand. From authentic storytelling to data-driven recruitment strategies, companies are leveraging social media platforms to not only showcase their culture but also measure the effectiveness of their hiring efforts. Let's explore the multifaceted role of social media in employer branding, talent acquisition, and metrics-driven recruitment, with examples and innovative trends shaping the landscape.

Authentic Storytelling and Engagement: Authenticity is the cornerstone of effective employer branding on social media. Companies are moving beyond traditional recruitment methods to share compelling narratives that resonate with potential candidates. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter are ideal for showcasing behind-the-scenes glimpses into workplace culture, employee testimonials, and day-in-the-life content. For example, Adobe regularly posts employee spotlights on Instagram, highlighting their diverse workforce and vibrant company culture, fostering authenticity and connection with prospective hires.

Interactive Content and Community Engagement: Engagement is key on social media platforms. Companies are embracing interactive content formats such as polls, Q&A sessions, and live streams to foster meaningful interactions with potential candidates. Deloitte's #AskDeloitte Twitter campaign is a prime example, allowing candidates to ask questions directly to recruiters in real-time, enhancing transparency and engagement. Interactive content not only boosts brand visibility but also encourages two-way communication, nurturing a sense of community and belonging among candidates.

Employee Advocacy and Amplification: Employees are invaluable advocates for shaping employer brand perception on social media. Companies are empowering their workforce to share company updates, job openings, and insights, amplifying their reach and credibility. Salesforce's #SalesforceOhana hashtag on Twitter exemplifies this approach, showcasing a strong sense of community and belonging among employees while attracting talent. Employee advocacy not only expands the reach of employer branding efforts but also adds authenticity and trust to the recruitment process.

Video Dominance and Visual Storytelling: Video content continues to dominate social media platforms, offering immersive storytelling opportunities for employer branding. Companies are leveraging platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels to showcase workplace culture, employee testimonials, and recruitment processes in a visually compelling manner. Starbucks' #ToBeAPartner campaign on TikTok invites users to create videos showcasing why they want to work for the company, fostering engagement and connection with potential hires.

Micro-Influencer Partnerships and Niche Engagement: Collaborating with micro-influencers within relevant industries or niche communities can significantly amplify employer branding efforts. These partnerships add credibility and authenticity to employer branding initiatives, tapping into niche talent pools. IBM's partnership with tech influencers on LinkedIn, for example, helped showcase the company's commitment to innovation and diversity, attracting tech-savvy talent.

Embracing Emerging Platforms and Innovation: As social media landscapes evolve, companies are exploring emerging platforms to stay ahead of the curve. Platforms like Clubhouse offer opportunities for real-time audio conversations and networking, enabling companies to engage with potential candidates in innovative ways. Hosting industry-specific discussions or virtual career fairs demonstrates adaptability and a forward-thinking approach to talent acquisition.

Metrics-Driven Recruitment and Optimization: In addition to brand building and engagement, social media platforms provide valuable data insights for metrics-driven recruitment. Key performance indicators such as engagement rate, click-through rate (CTR), conversion rate, follower growth, candidate quality, and time to hire offer actionable insights into the effectiveness of recruitment strategies. By analyzing these metrics, companies can refine targeting and messaging strategies, optimize recruitment funnels, and measure the return on investment (ROI) of their social media efforts.

Stay agile:

social media has transformed the recruitment landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for employer branding, talent acquisition, and metrics-driven recruitment. By embracing authenticity, engagement, employee advocacy, visual storytelling, influencer partnerships, emerging platforms, and data-driven optimization, companies can attract top talent and stay ahead in today's competitive job market. As social media continues to evolve, staying agile and innovative will be essential for leveraging platforms effectively in recruitment strategies.

Technology Industry:

The technology sector continues to lead in social media hiring, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and GitHub to attract top talent in a highly competitive landscape. With the demand for tech professionals at an all-time high, companies are actively engaging with candidates through targeted campaigns, interactive content, and employee advocacy programs. For example, tech giants like Google and Microsoft maintain a strong presence on social media, regularly sharing job openings, company updates, and employee stories to showcase their innovative culture and attract tech-savvy talent.

Retail Industry:

In the retail sector, social media has become integral to talent acquisition strategies, particularly for attracting candidates in sales, marketing, and customer service roles. Retail brands are leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to showcase their products, engage with customers, and recruit new talent. With the rise of e-commerce and omnichannel retailing, companies are also using social media to promote career opportunities in areas such as digital marketing, e-commerce operations, and supply chain management. Retail giants like Walmart and Amazon are among the top employers leveraging social media to reach a wide audience of potential candidates and reinforce their employer brand.

Emerging Trends and Opportunities:

While these industries are leading in social media hiring, there are also emerging trends and opportunities across other sectors. For example, the hospitality and tourism industry is increasingly using platforms like Instagram and YouTube to showcase hotel amenities, travel destinations, and career opportunities in hospitality management, culinary arts, and event planning. Similarly, the finance and banking sector is leveraging LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with finance professionals and promote job openings in areas such as banking, investment, and financial services.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.
Robin Hood Army, a volunteer-led organisation committed to addressing food insecurity, collaborated with pioneering content marketing company Dot Media to put together a successful initiative which is focused on hunger relief and social change across India.

The 100 Creators Challenge has brought up a new initiative where Robin Hood Army (RHA) has leveraged the power of influencers to create awareness. This collaborative effort by Dot Media and RHA is a project that aims to create tangible impact for underprivileged populations by connecting influencers and creators to humanitarian action. Every weekend, Dot Media sends its creators to Robin Hood Army's drives across India, where content creators serve food to those who need it most like rickshaw pullers, construction workers and children. These creators aim to reinforce the campaign message by participating in hands-on activities and strategically using social media to reach a larger audience and inspire others to get involved.

Shubham Singhal, co-founder of Dot Media expressed his excitement about the collaboration and said, "We are honoured to join Robin Hood Army in their mission to end hunger. Our alliance aims to use digital influence to achieve meaningful change in communities throughout India."

Aarushi Batra, co-founder of the Robin Hood Army emphasised the importance of joint action in solving social problems. "Our work with Dot Media demonstrates the power of unity in the fight against hunger. We want citizens to feel the responsibility to serve their communities. I am sure together, we can help make a big difference in the lives of those in need."

This initiative not only invites individuals and organisations to unite in their mission to combat hunger and inequality. By joining forces, they aim to contribute to creating a more equitable and compassionate future for everyone around us together.
London-based branding and design consultancy, Start Design Group, has appointed The PR Stop. as its PR agency in India. Cognizant of the value and impact that stakeholder engagement and reputation management hold, Start Design Group has appointed The PR Stop. to build upon and create recognition for Start Design Groups brand purpose and identity in India. With innovative thinking and insight-led engagement, The PR Stop. will enhance Start Design Groups market presence in India through strategic media relations, focused messaging, and thought leadership.

Speaking on the appointment, Rohini Saldanha, Founder, The PR Stop., said, I am happy to be partnering with a global agency like Start Design Group and appreciate the trust they have reposed in me to help drive growth. My focus will be to build on Start Design Groups globally strong and differentiated positioning and create brand salience and affinity for it in India and South Asia. I will leverage my expertise to formulate and execute communication strategies that perfectly align with Start Design Groups vision of driving innovation at the intersection of design and brand solutions.

Specialising in content development, media relations, crisis management, brand positioning, and strategic counsel, The PR Stop. is a one-stop brand communications company that recognises the transformative power of strategic communication in shaping brand perception and driving organizational success. The company's current portfolio includes clients from various sectors including creative, branding, recruitment, and DE&I.
Did the Center Strangle BSNL/MTNL's 4G/5G Launch? 2

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant has claimed the central government did not allow the MTNL and BSNL to launch 4G/5G services, causing a huge loss of customers.

In a post on X, he tagged a letter dated May 21, 2024, of Neeraj Mittal, secretary, Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications, to secretaries of all central government departments and chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, on monetising the surplus land and building assets of both the PSUs.

The Union Cabinet in 2019 approved the revival plan of BSNL/MTNL which also includes monetization of its surplus land/building assets. BSNL has assets spread across the country and MTNL has properties located in Mumbai and Delhi. Most of the properties are at prime locations. The properties are offered through out-right sale to government departments, PSUs, and government organisations, the letter said.

BSNL/MTNL properties up for sale.



Oh ! What a timing of this letter !

When Code Of Conduct is still existing how can a Secretary issue such letter ?

Why he should not be questioned what he was doing since 2019 and he must answer it.

It's nothing but strangulation of BSNL & pic.twitter.com/77cL47i5gk  Arvind Sawant (@AGSawant) May 27, 2024

Sawant, the MP from Mumbai South, questioned the timing of the letter when the model code of conduct is still in force, in view of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls in the country.

Why should he (the secretary) not be questioned on what was he doing since 2019. It is nothing but strangulation of BSNL and MTNL and sabotage too, the Sena (UBT) leader claimed.

Under the pretext of Atmanirbhar, they did not allow BSNL/MTNL to launch 4G/5G services causing loss of customers & incur huge losses, he charged.
In recent years, Jaws star Richard Dreyfuss has come under fire for speaking out on subjects such as Oscar diversity requirements and the use of Blackface.

At a Jaws retrospective screening in Beverly, Mass. on Saturday evening, he appeared to take his inflammatory remarks even further as he ranted about subjects reported to include trans people, Barbra Streisand, the MeToo movement and women in general. As attendee Diane Wolfe described it to the Boston Globe, [Dreyfuss] said that the parents of trans youth, allowing them to transition, was bad parenting and that someday those kids might change their minds.

In a statement, Cabot executive director J. Casey Soward apologized for not anticipating that Dreyfuss might say provocative things on stage.

We regret that an event that was meant to be a conversation to celebrate an iconic movie instead became a platform for political views. We take full responsibility for the oversight in not anticipating the direction of the conversation and for the discomfort it caused to many patrons, Soward said. We are in active dialogue with our patrons about their experience and are committed to learning from this event how to better enact our mission of entertaining, educating and inspiring our community.

The Cabot also sent an email to those who purchased tickets to the event according to New Bedford, Mass. radio station WBSM, and apologized for comments it characterized as offensive and distressing. According to WBSM, which obtained the email from a patron, it read:

Dear Cabot Patrons,

I am writing to address an important matter concerning last nights event with Richard Dreyfuss at The Cabot.

We deeply regret that Mr. Dreyfusss comments during the event were not in line with the values of inclusivity and respect that we uphold at The Cabot. We understand that his remarks were distressing and offensive to many of our community members, and for that, we sincerely apologize.

At The Cabot, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community. The views expressed by Mr. Dreyfuss do not reflect our beliefs, and we do not endorse them in any way.

We take full responsibility for the oversight in not anticipating the direction of the conversation and for any discomfort it caused.

We are taking immediate steps to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. This includes more rigorous vetting of our event participants and more proactive communication strategies to keep our audience informed.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of The Cabot.

We value your feedback and are dedicated to learning from this experience to better serve our community.

In a video an attendee posted to YouTube, Dreyfuss comes onstage to applause while a Taylor Swift song plays, wearing a dress over his clothes, which stagehands then remove before he sits down.

Facebook commenters expressed anger over his comments, characterizing them as vile, dehumanizing, abhorrent things about trans youth, LGBTQ+ people, women and survivors of sexual violence.

A young family with a 10 year old daughter had to leave, recounted another commenter. Dozens of patrons reportedly walked out of the venue.

After the screening, another video posted to YouTube. shows him talking about a book he published in 2022. Why dont you tell us about your new book? the moderator says. Its called One Thought Scares Me, Dreyfuss answers, And its about how 50 years ago, without telling anyone, they took civics out of the curriculum. Which means we have no knowledge of who the hell we are. His remarks are met with applause from the remaining moviegoers.

Dreyfuss could not immediately be reached for comment during the holiday weekend. Representatives for the Cabot did not respond to a request for comment on Monday.

 2024 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Two people were injured in separate dog attacks Sunday in one east Alabama city.

Valley Police Chief Mike Reynolds said the city is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the apprehension of the dogs and the identity of the animals owners.

Both attacks happened in the Fairfax community.

The first happened at 4:35 a.m. Sunday in the 200 block of U.S. Highway 29, injuring Alesha Michelle Dawson.

Reynolds said a passing motorist saw the attack happening, was able to scare off the dogs and take Dawson to the hospital.

Dawson was admitted to the hospital, but the severity of her injuries was not immediately known.

The second attack was reported at 9:52 a.m. in on River Road.

Dustin Jerrold Hobbs was walking on the Rails to Trails when he was attacked.

Again, a passing motorist scared away the dogs and Hobbs was taking to the hospital. He was treated and released.

Reynolds said the dogs in both cases were described as a brindle Pitbull and a Rottweiler.

It is unknown if these are feral animals or if they belong to someone in the area, Reynolds said

Officers have increased patrols in the area and Animal Control has set out several traps.

The chief is asking residents of the Fairfax community to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings if they need to be outside.

Anyone who spots the dogs is asked to immediately call 911. Anyone with information on who may own the animals is asked to call the Valley Police Department at 334-756-5200 or Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP,1-833-AL1-STOP, or email at www.215stop.com.
A fifth person has been charged in an alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy in Alabama that left a 46-year-old man dead in Sylacauga.

Tahila Myicole Lomax, 31, is charged with capital murder/murder-for-hire in the 2021 killing of Bradford Franklin Isbell.

Previously indicted on the same charges are Montrell Towns, 30, Markkeis Antwain Towns, 31, Kiera Monthelia Turner, 28 and Allana Amani Reid, 30.

U.S. Marshals took Lomax into custody Friday at Lakeshore Ridge apartments. She was booked into the Jefferson County Jail Friday morning and remains held without bond.

Isbell was killed about 10 p.m. on June 23, 2021, on Harper Springs Road in Sylacauga. Police found Isbell dead outside the home.

Officers also found Rachel Elizabeth Hayes, 32, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham and survived.

Investigators at the time said they didnt believe the shooting was random, but no arrests were made.

The Jefferson County District Attorneys Office led the investigation into the murder-for-hire case but officials there have not elaborated on what launched the probe and the reason for their involvement in the case.

A motive has not been disclosed.

Markkeis Towns remains in prison for a 2023 guilty plea in a manslaughter case.

Reid was released from the Jefferson County Jail in April on $60,000 bond, and Turner remains held without bond.

Montrell Towns is already serving a 20-year prison sentence for a conviction of shooting into an occupied vehicle  which was a Birmingham Police Department cruiser.

He was brought from prison to the Jefferson County Jail so that his capital murder warrant could be served on him and remains held there without bond.

The indictment states Montrell Towns hired Markkeis Towns to cause the death of Isbell pursuant to a contract or for hire.

It was not immediately clear how, or if, Montrell Towns and Markkeis Towns are related.
When a tornado hit Selma last January, Tamicka Newberry and her husband didnt just lose their home, she said. They also lost the strong sense of community they shared with their neighbors.

To relocate, it wasnt just like we lost our apartment, Newberry told AL.com. We lost our family too. I still keep in contact with some of them, but some went here and some went there, so you know, its been a journey.

In a city already short on housing and losing population each year, an estimated 1,800 families were displaced by the tornado, according to city officials, many of them left to live in hotels while they searched for permanent accommodations. About 535 of those families received rental assistance from FEMA to be rehoused, but we can reasonably assume that was assistance to go live elsewhere, said Danielle Wooten, the planning and development director for the city of Selma.

But Newberry dreamed of owning a house she could pass down to her family  one with a front porch and a yard where her grandchildren could play. Last month, her dream came true. She won a free home in a raffle from a new initiative to revitalize her hometown.

It was awesome, Newberry said. It took me a minute to realize it was my name and then I jumped for joy.

The new, innovative effort to build more affordable homes in Selma, the iconic civil rights city of just under 17,000 west of Montgomery, has the potential to not only be a foundation for economic and social growth, but also a model for the nation struggling with an affordable housing crisis, said Wooten.

This project definitely is serving as a model. A model for communities of all sizes, honestly, but definitely as a model for rural, disadvantaged small communities, Wooten said.

Wooten said the city is not keeping data on whether families are returning to Selma after being displaced. But according to recent census data, Selma lost another 341 residents from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023, a decline of 2% in a single year.

A major obstacle to returning, and a factor in the population decline, has been a housing shortage that plagued the city long before the tornado.

It creates a situation where people cannot live and work in Selmaand the tornado has just exacerbated that crisis, Wooten said.

Growth and revitalization

Newberry struggled to feel at home last year after the tornado tore the roof off their rental apartment and flooded the interior, forcing her and her husband to live with relatives across town.

With winds over 100 mph, more than 600 structures and roughly half of the residential neighborhoods in Selma were destroyed, Mayor James Perkins told AL.com last year.

A sign advertising a new housing initiative in Selma goes up on Washington Street, one of the neighborhoods most impacted by the 2023 tornado.Savannah Tryens-Fernandes

It was just a different atmosphere, Newberry said. There was a roof over our head but it didnt feel like home. It didnt feel like a fit for me.

Newberry began attending meetings of the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, a national nonprofit that helps people access affordable housing, to learn about the steps to becoming a homeowner.

The housing organization first approached officials in Selma a few months before the tornado about holding workshops to help more people become homeowners. They were scheduled to hold their first workshop on the day the storm hit.

Now, amid the continuing recovery efforts and for the first time ever, NACA is playing the role of developer  building 100 new affordable homes in the city, houses that are energy-efficient and climate resistant to help Selma be more resilient in the face of future natural disasters.

The modular homes were built according to international housing code, tested to withstand high-wind speeds that mimic hurricanes and tornadoes.

NACA also will provide financial counseling to help people sustain homeownership.

Brian Rodriguez, a mortgage counselor for NACA, said he hopes housing is the starting point for growth in the city.

When people feel that they have a safe place, a comfortable place where they can lay their head, commune with their families, its uphill from thereyou can then look at other avenues like employment and social and economic stability, he said.

Look what happened after the storm. The rental market couldnt support the amount of people that needed a place to gobut if you have stability in homeownership and insurance, I dont think we would have seen such an exodus in Selma.

In a public-private partnership with the city, Selma Housing Authority and the Black Belt Community Foundation, NACA has built the first five homes, which are now available for sale. The housing authority purchased the land while NACA purchased the houses with $700,000 in funding coming from the community foundation, according to leaders of the initiative.

Bank of America has had a long relationship with NACA and is subsidizing the project with an additional $2 million, Rodriguez told AL.com.

The homes are three bedroom, two bathroom and sell for around $169,500.

For the first time, the Selma Housing Authority will also allow people to use Section 8 vouchers toward home ownership. The subsidies from the housing authority vouchers can go toward paying a mortgage every month instead of rent.

Our goal is to see how we can use our vouchers to create homeownership opportunities, said Kennard Randolph, CEO of the Selma Housing Authority.

According to Randolph, the housing authority has also bought homes in the community to rehabilitate.

We want to create those opportunities, not only for our residents, but for school teachers, for firefighters, for people that work at the hospital, anybody who wants to live and work in Selma, he said. This could significantly help with our citys growth and revitalization.

New houses built as part of an effort to provide more affordable housing in Selma.Savannah Tryens-Fernandes

I can see Selma coming back

During one of the NACA workshops, Newberry put her name in a lottery to win one of the newly built houses.

On April 18, a crowd gathered outside a new home in a neighborhood near downtown Selma, on one of the streets hit hardest by the tornado. Newberry jumped for joy and nearly collapsed when her name was announced as the winner of the brand new house.

Randolph also informed Newberry that the partnership would furnish the house and pay for insurance the first year.

That will give me and my husband time to save money and everything, she said. Its a blessing and we are very grateful to everyone involved.

According to Wooten, this collaboration could be a model for how the nation tackles the affordable housing crisis.

NACA knows that if they can do it here in Selma in these conditions, they should be able to replicate it in other areas as well, Wooten said.

Selma has been the fastest-shrinking city in Alabama for the past several years. The population decline, hastened by white flight and the Craig Air Force Base closure in 1977, has caused many businesses and community centers, such as the Brown YMCA, to permanently shutter.

Since Selma won the nation the right to vote in the 1960s, the population has gone down by 37% and by 13% in the last decade alone.

I do think theres a correlation with the housing shortage and population decline, especially with quality housing access, said Wooten, noting that its been 20 years since the citys last subdivision was built.

Many of the affordable multi-family and single-family homes in Selma were designated for low-income residents or senior living, leaving middle class families and individuals few options. Some buildings were left abandoned as residents moved away or died.

The Selma and Dallas County Economic Development Authority recently reported that the area has thousands of jobs available, namely in the manufacturing and distribution industries. This year, Selma ranked in the top 50 of micropolitan areas nationwide  cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000  for corporate expansion.

But about 5,000 people drive into the county every day for work, largely because of the housing shortage.

Housing absolutely impacts the economic status of the community as well as quality of life, Wooten said.

At her new home, Newberry immediately began to envision where she would put the dining room table so she and her family can have meals together again. She can see the backyard from the kitchen where she can watch her grandkids play, just a few blocks from her stepdaughters home.

Newberry recently got a new job at Reflections, a new coffee shop on Water Street that she can walk to. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell and the Small Business Administration recently recognized the shops owner among business leaders who contribute to rebuilding their communities after natural disasters.

Selma still isnt the same since the tornado, Newberry said, but its getting back, I can see Selma coming back.

She still wants to see more businesses and more houses, people coming back together like a family should be.

For Wooten, homeownership is the cornerstone for all of those objectives.

Research has proven that individuals who own their homes are more prone to have pride and to take care of their homes and, you know, their neighborhoods and their communities, she said. Home ownership has to be a foundation for long-term stability. By owning your homes, families create a legacy for the future generations and secure family success.

Newberry is eager to create that legacy for her family. Her daughter recently got married and she hopes she will soon come home when she finishes her military duties.

This is a dream come true and now its a dream I can pass down to my kids and my grandchildren, she said.
A Citronelle woman is facing a long road to recovery after she lost most of one leg and suffered severe damage to the other when she was struck by a propeller during a freak boating accident earlier this month.

Nikki Goodman suffered the injuries May 15, according to her husband, Tommy Goodman Jr., when the couple were traveling from a boat launch in Chickasaw to Gravine Island in Baldwin County.

Tommy Goodman told WALA in Mobile the hydraulic cable tied to the boats steering broke, causing the boat to begin spinning violently, throwing both Goodmans into the water.

Nikki Goodman was struck by the boat propeller, which cut off her left leg above the knee and caused a deep cut into her right leg. Tommy Goodman managed to pull himself back onto the boat and heard his wife calling for help.

Tommy pulled Nikki back on the boat and used bungee cords and other items as makeshift tourniquets to stop the bleeding. Fortunately, another boat was passing by and stopped to assist in caring for Nikki and calling 911.

It was a man and woman and I would love to find them and thank them because they helped save my life, Nikki Goodman told the TV station. They were already on the phone with 911. He immediately got on the boat with my husband and started helping him. I dont want to shake his hand. I want to hug his neck and I just want to say thank you.

The Goodmans were married in February 2016. Tommy Goodman is a construction foreman. He wrote on GoFundMe that funds raised will be used for medical expenses and the cost of fitting Nikki with a prosthetic leg.

Im gonna be missing a lot of work to take care of her and running her back and forth to therapy and doctors appointments, he wrote. We have a long recovery ahead of her.

As of Tuesday morning, $3,850 had been raised, with a goal of $15,000.
A Bessemer man has been sentenced to prison following his conviction in the 2019 fatal shooting of a UAB student outside the Riverchase Galleria.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Alaric May on Tuesday morning sentenced 25-year-old Xavier Marqise Thompson to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

A jury in March convicted Thompson of felony murder in the killing of 20-year-old Zachariah Taylor Music.

Initially three people were arrested by Hoover police in Musics slaying. A grand jury later indicted Thompson in the case.

Last year, Michael Jaran Brown pleaded guilty to felony murder. He was to 20 years in prison with five years to serve.

Also charged and indicted in Musics death are Dannarious De Shon Washington, 25, and Michael Jabari Akamune, 25. Washington is charged with capital murder, and Akamune is charged with murder.

Trial dates for Washington and Akamune have not been announced.

The case against Thompson was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Jessica Hebson and Warren Brooks. Thompson was represented by attorney Bret Gray.

According to court records in the case against Washington, Music was killed during the course of a theft of cash and THC vape cartridges.

Hoover police are on the scene of a fatal shooting in the North Parking Deck at the Riverchase Galleria.

Hoover police and firefighters responded about 1:30 p.m. that Wednesday, June 26, 2019, to the fifth floor of the North Parking Deck. When they arrived, they found Music inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 1:39 p.m.

This was not a random shooting, and we were aware of that within the first 10 minutes of arriving on the scene, now-retired Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector said following Akamunes arrest. We have several individuals who were engaged in high-risk activities and sometimes those activities turn tragic.

There were lots of terrible decisions made (that) Wednesday, Rector said, and all of those individuals are now going to be held accountable for their actions.

I think by now, Rector said, everyone knows this situation involved drugs and an armed robbery attempt.
Welcome back. Its a short work week, so wed better get started. If you didnt read yesterday, note that the answers and results from Fridays quiz are there.

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Dangerous storms

The storms that blew through the state early yesterday knocked out power for some 137,000 Alabama Power customers and likely led to one death.

According to authorities, a woman in her late 70s in Mountain Brook was killed when a tree fell on her apartment. She was alone at the time, and no other injuries were reported. The woman was pronounced dead on the scene.

Several thousand remained without power as of this recording, according to the Alabama Power outage map.

Attention pot enthusiasts

We may soon see the federal government reclassify marijuana. But, as Savannah Tryens-Fernandes reports, that would not affect state drug laws.

See, the FDA recently recommended that marijuana move from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. That move would reflect the FDAs stated belief that the vast majority of weed users are not doing something that is dangerous to themselves or others.

So last month, the DEA proposed to reclassify marijuana to reflect a view of the drug as less dangerous that its currently treated. There are still a few steps left on the federal level before that happens. If it does, itll probably give those in the marijuana business some tax advantages, but it doesnt legalize or decriminalize it in Alabama.

Here, possession can be a misdemeanor if law enforcement believes the marijuana is just for you, and a felony if not. Selling it can get you up to 20 years in prison, and selling it to a minor can get you up to 99.

A life saver

If youre someone whos been sitting out your colorectal cancer screenings or youre wondering whether having a colonoscopy is worth the time, here are some numbers that came up in a story that might interest you.

AL.coms Sarah-Whites Koditschek reported on free screenings for low-income and underinsured Jefferson County residents that are being given at UAB through a state grant.

UAB says that in the first year of the program, 100 colonoscopies were performed, mostly for low-income minority patients. Half of them resulted in removed polyps from the colon, and three of them resulted in the detection and treatment of early-stage cancer.

All three cancer cases were successfully treated.

In a state full of people whod love a chance to play the lottery, 3% is a relatively sizeable portion, so make sure you start getting screened as you get into middle age.

The free screenings at UAB for patients of federally qualified health centers will be available through September.

Quoting

Were just a gritty group of girls that are gonna scratch and claw their way to a world series. And we did it.

Alabama softball catcher Riley Valentine, in an ESPN interview after the Tide upset Tennessee in a super regional to reach the Womens College World Series for the second straight year.

More Alabama News

Born on this date

In 1916, writer Walker Percy of Birmingham.

The podcast
Labor Department filings show Mercedes-Benz contracted with three consulting firms to help win this months union election at its Vance auto plant.

The consultants brought in at least 11 people for anti-union meetings with employees ahead of the election, according to the Huffington Post.

Workers this month at Vance and the companys Bibb County electric battery plant voted 2,045 to 2,642 against UAW representation -- a margin of 597 votes.

Last week, the United Auto Workers petitioned the National Labor Relations Board to reject the results and order a new election.

According to forms with the Labor Departments Office of Labor Management Standards, the company hired firms from California, Oklahoma and Florida. The consultants were hired to speak to production and maintenance employees, factory technicians and all facility team members.

The forms do not disclose how much the company spent on the firms.

The consultants were likely hired for what are known as captive audience meetings, where employees are required to attend to hear anti-union messaging. Consultants can earn around $3,200 a day, according to the report.

The meetings were one of six points raised by the union during an unfair labor practices filing against Mercedes. Union organizers also raised captive audience meetings in challenges to elections at Amazon in Bessemer.
The Mobile City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $200,000 on a Birmingham-based law firm to handle a third-party investigation into an array of concerns raised by former Police Chief Paul Prine.

But hours after the council vote, Councilman Ben Reynolds -- who along with Councilman Josh Woods was tasked with finding a law firm to handle the investigation -- told AL.com that Rob Lasky, the citys executive director of public safety among those who butted heads with Prine, disclosed that he was familiar with representatives within the law firm handling the case.

Reynolds said he does not believe there was any prior professional relationship between Lasky and Birmingham-based Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings LLP that would affect the investigation, which is expected to kick off soon and last until mid-July.

I dont think it affects anything, said Reynolds, who was informed by a representative in the city that Lasky disclosed that he knows of the investigator handling the probe.

Reynolds, who has urged there be a independent investigation into Prines claims, said he was unaware of any substantive meeting or relationship between the law firm or Lasky, who has a prior 20-year career with the FBI including a stint as a special agent in charge of the Mobile division.

Agreement

Bill Athanas with Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings LLP will oversee the 45-day probe into the concerns raised by Prine before he was fired on April 30. Those concerns include, among other things, allegations about improper contracting, the handling of a policy cyber intelligence unit, and the disintegration of the relationship between Prine and Mayor Sandy Stimpsons staff.

Athanas, in a letter Tuesday to the council, disclosed neither he nor anyone else within the law firm has had a prior substantive interaction with Lasky.

Prine, in January, filed an emailed grievance about Lasky and alleged he undermined his authority as police chief.

The councils hiring of Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings LLP comes amid heightened scrutiny over the handling of Prines firing last month, and the allegations that he has raised. Stimpson has since said Prines efforts have been motivated by politics and the 2025 city elections.

Prines criticism directed at Stimpsons administration erupted in early April, shortly before the release of a controversial report conducted by former U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown over the policies and procedures on the use of force within the police department. That report was particularly damning toward the police department and with its handling of several tragic altercations with Black residents.

Athanas, in a May 21 letter, said he has no professional relationships with anyone in the Stimpson administration including Lasky. The law firm did disclose it had prior representation with several Mobile-based boards, all of which have since ended. The most recent relationship between the firm and Mobile-based public body was with the Mobile Housing Authority in 2008, more than five years before Stimpson was elected as mayor.

Athanas, during a video interview during a council meeting earlier Tuesday, said his firms work is motivated at re-establishing public trust in Mobile amid the aftermath of the Brown report and a fallout that continues to animate council meetings.

The primary motivator behind this engagement is to restore the public trust in the processes on decisions made regarding former Chief Prine and city officials in Mobile, that it be very thorough but very transparent Athanas said.

Athanas said he was aware of the background in the very public drama involving Prine and his dispute with his former bosses. Prine was the police chief from 2021 until his firing on April 30.

This is an unfortunate situation, and we stand ready to assist as needed, Athanas said.

The agreement with Athanas calls for him to be paid at a rate of $575 per hour. Any partners within his firm who work on the project will be compensated at $490 per hour, and associate attorneys at $390 per hour.

The $200,000 budget is a doubling of the $100,000 original estimate that council members originally assessed for the investigation.

Reynolds, during the morning meeting, confirmed that Athanas firm would not be able to get its work done for under $100,000.

Woods said he felt it was a better option to increase the budget amount and authorize the contract without stalling on the commencement of the 45-day investigation. The resolution doesnt say whether its to be completed within 45 working days, which means the project could be wrapped up by mid-July.

We know things boomerang around this place, Woods said. Lets get out there and do this.

Investigations

Mobile City Councilman Ben Reynolds speaks to council attorney Michael Linder during the committee of the whole meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala.John Sharp

Reynolds and other council members said there will be people who wont be satisfied in what the city is doing. The council voted 6-1 last month to authorize the investigation on the same day it voted unanimously to fire Prine as police chief.

The firing occurred a few weeks after a very public dispute erupted between Prine and the Stimpson administration over the handling Browns work that, within a 100-page report released in April, illustrated a host of damaging claims of illegal behavior and aggressive and demeaning tactics by Mobile police in handling arrests with Black residents.

Prine, hired as the citys police chief in 2021, has blasted the Brown investigation for several months claiming it was one-sided and a very poor investigation.

Related content: Six cases were reviewed, four of which resulted in fatal encounters with an officer.

Prine has generated a following on social media, and some of his supporters have shown up at council meetings chastising the council for firing the chief before completing an investigation.

Councilman Woods and I were tasked with putting someone forward who is capable of doing the job, Reynolds said about the discovering and hiring of Athanas to oversee the probe. Weve done the best we could. We got advised by the council attorney to make it as transparent as possible.

He added, Its not going to satisfy everyone. There are people who wont be satisfied by whatever the outcome is. Were trying to do everything we can to get it to the bottom of it. Our city needs to move on.

The investigation comes after the revelation earlier this month that the Brown probe cost taxpayers $297,791. Also asked to investigate Prines many claims is Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshalls Office.

Prine did not respond to a request for comment after Tuesdays vote.

The councils investigation is limited to four specifics:
Boarded up windows on the Enterprise Plaza buildings blown out windows downtown on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Houston, after a strong thunderstorm moved through last Thursday evening. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Making lemonade

Regarding Downtown Houston skyscraper windows keep cracking as towers face months-long repairs, (May 22): When served a bunch of lemons, lets make the best lemonade ever.

Looking at the photos of broken glass downtown from the point of view of an architect with 40 years of experience repairing iconic buildings, my thought is: Lets have some fun! A few might be worth restoring, but most have become bland background. We can wait for many months and still have a difficult and very expensive time trying to exactly match the aged and weathered glass. In modernist buildings a close match is likely worse than no match at all.

The current views are festive like confetti. Who knows when the next derecho or hurricane will happen? Get some artists involved, get inventive, make Houston a festive destination that people will come to see. Get the insurance companies and patrons to support a new look for Houston.

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Charles Phillips, Nacogdoches

Keeping companies accountable

Regarding TPC agrees to $30 million penalty for Port Neches explosion, (May 21): Since when does a regulated corporation agree to a penalty? The whole point of a penalty is to punish wrongdoing. My mother never allowed me to agree to disciplinary action and neither do the police.

I guess this is why polluters dont take laws or rules seriously. If the regulators are so willing to negotiate, why should they?

Joyce Levine, Sugar Land

Regarding Attorney who prompted a controversial West Texas no-fly zone now finds herself in a new legal battle, (May 21): Thanks to oil and gas attorney Sarah Stogner for continuing coverage of oil companies disregard of water problems from abandoned wells. Her use of a drone should not be prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration or any other regulatory agency. Establishing a no-fly zone is ridiculous. That would prohibit much needed confirmation.

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Tip Smith, Nacogdoches

Wouldnt it be nice?

Regarding New Interstate 69 bridges to take freeway away from eroded Brazos banks in Sugar Land, (May 20): Population has increased in that area on both sides of the river. Wouldnt it be nice if TxDOT considered adding pedestrian and bike lanes to the new bridges? Based on their past car-centric performance, Im afraid its quite unlikely.

Bill Wilson, Houston

Shameful priorities

Regarding Gov. Greg Abbott pardons Daniel Perry, convicted for murder of Black Lives Matter protester, (May 16): Gov. Greg Abbott wont lift a finger to increase funding for struggling school districts all across the state. Careers are being destroyed, teachers will be even more overburdened and kids will suffer the consequences. He says that schools missed funding opportunities when his specious school voucher plan, a plan that obviously does not have the will of the majority, got shut down. Again.

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He will, however, go out of his way to pardon a shooter who took an armed protesters life  with strong hints of malice aforethought. A shooter, by the way, who was convicted in a court of law by a jury of his peers. If this shooter was truly standing his ground, wouldnt that be made known in a court proceeding? It turns out that it doesnt matter because Abbott will do whatever his politics require of him.

And then Abbott appeared at a National Rifle Association convention  the organization that helps put guns in the hands of both the killer and the deceased. Some would call this a vicious cycle. Abbott likely calls it business as usual.

When will this state rid itself of this shameful partisan politician who seems to allow state-sanctioned killing, yet cares not for the educational advancement of all of the states youth?

Brenden McBride, Katy

Regarding U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia demands Department of Education audit of HISD funding during COVID pandemic, (May 16): My heart aches for the sad situation our school system is going through.

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Both of my children attended Houston public schools in the 60s and 70s, and they both continued their studies to obtain advanced degrees. Now, parents are very unhappy because some of their childrens favorite teachers and librarians are losing their jobs with little understanding as to why. Thankfully, ever-vigilant U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia called for a federal audit into pandemic funding sent to the state of Texas for Houston ISD as the district grapples with an estimated $450 million funding gap. She also asked that the Department of Education audit Ector ISD, following reporting from Spectrum News that suggested the district sent state funds to Third Future Schools in Colorado, a charter school operator founded by state-appointed HISD Superintendent Mike Miles.

This gives me hope that circumstances will turn around for our public education.
A Prattville man was killed Memorial Day when his motorcycle was struck by a tractor-trailer truck.

Alabama State Troopers identified the fatality victim as David R. Carr. He was 62.

The crash happened at 1:13 p.m. Monday on Alabama 14, about two miles west of Prattville in Autauga County.

Senior Trooper Joshua Thompson said Carr was driving a Honda FCS600A Silver Wing motorcycle that was struck by a Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by 24-year-old Cameron J. Jarman of Crenshaw County.

Carr was pronounced dead on the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by troopers.
Authorities have released the name of a woman who was killed when a tree fell on her Mountain Brook apartment.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the woman as Suzanne Michael Wilson. She was 79.

She was the mother of Mike Wilson, the legendary Alabama pitmaster and founder of the Saws BBQ empire who died unexpectedly in 2020.

Wilson was inside her home at the small building on the corner of Petticoat Lane and Montevallo Road, in the heart of Mountain Brook Village, when the morning storms rolled through the Birmingham area.

The massive tree fell about 6:18 a.m. Monday.

An elderly Mountain Brook woman was killed Memorial Day when storms sent a massive tree crashing through her apartment.(Carol Robinson)

Mountain Brook and Homewood firefighters responded and worked to stabilize the building.

Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said Wilson was pronounced dead on the scene at 8:18 a.m.

Multiple friends and family members were outside the apartment, hugging and crying.

At least one other apartment was damaged, but no other injuries were reported.
Pope Francis apologized Tuesday after he was quoted using a vulgar and derogatory term about gay men to reaffirm the Catholic Churchs ban on gay priests.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a statement acknowledging the media storm that erupted about Francis comments, which were delivered behind closed doors to Italian bishops on May 20.

Italian media on Monday had quoted unnamed Italian bishops in reporting that Francis jokingly used the term faggotness while speaking in Italian during the encounter. He had used the term in reaffirming the Vaticans ban on allowing gay men to enter seminaries and be ordained priests.

Bruni said Francis was aware of the reports and recalled that the Argentine pope, who has made outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy, has long insisted there was room for everyone in the Catholic Church.

The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term that was reported by others, Bruni said.

With the statement, Bruni carefully avoided an outright confirmation that the pope had indeed used the term, in keeping with the Vaticans tradition of not revealing what the pope says behind closed doors. But Bruni also didnt deny that Francis had used the term and acknowledged that some people had been offended by it.

Francis was addressing an assembly of the Italian bishops conference, which recently approved a new document outlining training for Italian seminarians. The document, which hasnt been published pending review by the Holy See, reportedly sought to open some wiggle room in the Vaticans absolute ban on gay priests by introducing the issue of celibacy as the primary requirement for priests, gay or straight.

The Vatican ban was articulated in a 2005 document from the Congregation for Catholic Education, and later repeated in a subsequent document in 2016, which said the church cannot admit to seminaries or ordain men who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture.

The position has long been criticized as homophobic and hypocritical for an institution that certainly counts gay priests in its ranks. The late psychotherapist Richard Sipe, a onetime Benedictine monk who taught in U.S. seminaries, estimated in the early 2000s that as many as 30% of the U.S. clergy was homosexually oriented.

The late Rev. Donald Cozzens, a seminary rector, said the percentage was even higher, and asserted in his book The Changing Face of The Priesthood that the U.S. priesthood was increasingly becoming a gay profession since so many heterosexual men had left the priesthood to marry and have families.

Priests in the Latin rite Catholic Church cannot marry, while those in eastern rite churches may.

Francis strongly reaffirmed the Vatican ban on gay priests in his May 20 meeting with the Italian bishops, joking that there is already an air of faggotness in seminaries, the Italian media reported, after initial reporting from gossip site Dagospia.

Italian is not Francis mother tongue language, and the Argentine pope has made linguistic gaffes in the past that raised eyebrows. The 87-year-old Argentine pope often speaks informally, jokes using slang and even curses in private.

He has been known for his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, however, starting from his famous Who am I to judge " comment in 2013 about a priest who purportedly had a gay lover in his past. He has ministered to transgender Catholics, allowed priests to bless same-sex couples and called for an end to anti-gay legislation, saying in a 2023 interview with The Associated Press that " Being homosexual is not a crime. "

However, he has occasionally offended LGBTQ+ people and their advocates, including in that same interview where he implied that while homosexuality wasnt a crime, it was a sin. He later clarified that he was referring to sexual activity, and that any sex outside marriage between a man and a woman was sinful in the eyes of the church.

And most recently, he signed off on a Vatican document asserting that gender-affirming surgery was a grave violation of human dignity.

New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics, welcomed Francis apology Tuesday and said it confirmed that the use of the slur was a careless colloquialism. But the groups director Francis DeBernardo questioned the underlying content of the popes comments and the overall ban on gays in the priesthood.

Without a clarification, his words will be interpreted as a blanket ban on accepting any gay man to a seminary, DeBernardo said in a release, asking for a clearer statement on Francis views about gay priests so many of whom faithfully serve the people of God each day.
Lawmakers gave educators, parents and students plenty of new tasks as a result of the laws passed in this years legislative session.

They made an assortment of policy and curriculum changes, including dramatically broadening school choice, changing math and science graduation requirements, making it easier for students to work a job and adding due process rights for students - while at the same time making it easier for teachers to send disruptive kids out of the classroom.

The biggest news of the session was the creation of a $100 million education savings account program, which is very similar to a voucher program. Families of eligible students can use the vouchers to pay for private school tuition or other eligible educational expenses.

The first batch of $7,000 vouchers will be available in the 2025-26 school year for low-income students. In 2027, all students will be eligible for vouchers.

Families of eligible homeschooled students could receive $2,000 for each student, up to $4,000 total per school year.

The state Department of Revenue is still working out mechanics of how families and schools will access the funding.

While universal vouchers are still somewhat new, news reports show that the biggest group of families who access the vouchers have children already attending private schools.

Lowering high school graduation requirements in math and science

High school students dont have to take as much formal math and science anymore. Lawmakers, with endorsement from state superintendent Eric Mackey, passed the Workforce Pathways diploma as part of a seven-bill package aimed at supporting economic development.

Supporters wanted to give students more flexibility in which math and science courses - college prep or career prep - they can take. Lawmakers said the current structure expected all students to go to college, but data shows 48% of the class of 2021 went to college following graduation.

The class of 2024 was required to take four math courses and four science courses to earn an Alabama high school diploma. Starting in 2024-25, the number of total credits needed to graduate (24, or six credits per year) wont change, but students will now have to take only two math classes and two science classes. The student can substitute career technical classes for those credits.

High school students already have some flexibility around the type of math and science courses they take.

Shortened science requirements are already in place; Alabama requires only two mandatory science courses: biology and one of three physical sciences. Students can choose from career tech, advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment or other approved courses to earn their additional credits in science.

There are currently three required math courses - Geometry, Algebra I and Algebra II - so the new diploma requires only two. Students can choose from career tech, advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment or other approved math courses for their final math credit.

Its unclear whether students who have already registered for their high school classes will have a chance to change their current math or science courses for the 2024-25 school year.

First grade readiness

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, children who have not attended a formal kindergarten program - public or private - will be assessed to make sure theyre developmentally ready to enroll in first grade. The idea is to make sure that students will have a meaningful first grade experience and be able to learn alongside their first-grade peers.

In 2025-26, even if a childs test shows they may not be ready for first grade, the student will still be able to enroll in that grade. But beginning in 2026-27, children who arent ready, as measured by the assessment, will be placed in kindergarten.

Currently, local schools are required to assess students who want to enroll in first grade but havent been to a formal kindergarten program, but it is up to each school district to determine how thats done. This law standardizes the enrollment process, and the state department will develop a test for school officials to use.

Updates to parental rights, access to curriculum

Two new laws broaden parents ability to see what materials teachers use in the classroom.

Starting this school year, parents will have increased access to the curricular materials - books, textbooks, other information - teachers use in their classrooms. The Parents Right to Know Act requires schools to post materials teachers plan to use at any point during the school year at the start of the school year.

Parents and guardians can request additional information and lodge complaints if the teacher does not respond. The complaint process is laid out in the law, instructing parents to file a complaint first with the local superintendent, and if theres no resolution within 10 days, to take the complaint to the state superintendent.

Along the same line, lawmakers added periodicals like magazines and newspapers to the list of materials that must be approved by a state textbook committee.

Parents are now the sole determining authority as to whether their 14- or 15-year-old child can work a job outside of school hours. Lawmakers removed the requirement for school officials to have to sign off on the eligibility to work form.

Classroom discipline changes

Lawmakers made big changes to out-of-school suspension, expulsion and alternative school placement processes. The law, which goes into effect Oct. 1 of 2024, standardizes steps and says all students must be given due process. That means access to evidence, a full description of the alleged violation, a speedy hearing and a right to question witnesses at a minimum, when one or more of those three disciplinary actions is on the table. Students will also have a right to appeal the boards decision.

The Teachers Bill of Rights could mean another big change in classrooms this year. The law creates a process for removing a child from the classroom when that child is disrupting class - five actions described in the law - and what must happen for the child to come back to the classroom.

These are the five behaviors specified in the law that allow teachers to exclude students from classrooms:

Engage in disorderly conduct,

Behave in a manner that obstructs the teaching or learning process of others in the classroom,

Threatens, abuses, intimidates or attempts to intimidate an education employee or another student,

Willfully disobeys an education employee, or

Uses abusive or profane language directed at an education employee.

If a student is excluded from the classroom two times in one semester, principals are required to hold a conference with the students parents.

The state board of education will develop a model policy that local school boards can adopt to ensure the law is implemented properly.

While schools previously had flexibility about which incidents were documented, all out-of-class referrals now must be documented and a school administrator must certify the child is ready to return to the classroom before the teacher is required to let the child return to class.

Testing

Two laws were passed that change current rules around testing. The first allows students learning virtually full-time to take the state standardized tests remotely beginning with the 2025-26 school year.

The second law excludes test results of students who have transferred into public school from a nonpublic school from the schools state report card for the first three years the student is enrolled in public school.

Teacher benefits

Nearly all of the previously mentioned laws impact teachers, but there are a couple of new laws directly aimed at teachers.

First is a 2% pay raise - and thats for all education employees, not just teachers.

The starting salary for a teacher went up way more than 2%, to $47,600, from $44,226 for a teacher with a bachelors degree. In her state of the state speech in February, Gov. Kay Ivey said she wants Alabamas starting teacher salary to be the highest of our neighboring states.

According to AL.coms research, surrounding states starting salaries for teachers are:

So for now, Ivey gets her wish. But she needs to keep a watch on Tennessee. Tennessees governor just signed into law a bill that will raise starting teacher salaries to $50,000 by 2026.

Paraprofessional educators who become certified teachers will now get one year of credit for every two years they worked as paraprofessionals in schools. So if a person worked as a paraprofessional for 10 years and then became a certified teacher, their starting pay would be based on a teacher with five years of experience.

Lawmakers failed to pass a bill giving teachers paid parental leave. Currently teachers have to build up sick leave or take unpaid leave. If a teacher takes unpaid leave, the teacher has to cover the full cost of their health insurance premium until they return to work.

School administrators

There could be more assistant principals this next school year, as a law more clearly defining the role of an assistant principal also requires every school to have an assistant principal (if funding is available).

Ban on state-funded DEI programs

Its still unclear about what kind of impact a law banning diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in K-12 schools will have.

The state board of education three years ago passed a resolution preserving intellectual freedom and non-discrimination in public schools, and while worded differently from the state boards resolution, identifies and prohibits similar divisive concepts.

This law goes farther than the resolution, banning schools from requiring students to attend any classes based on their race or requiring students, employees or contractors to attend or participate in DEI programs.

This law includes K-12 and higher education. Jacksonville State University just dissolved its DEI office.

School safety updates

A law requiring comprehensive school safety plans becomes effective Oct. 1. That law, called the School Security Act, creates a full range of safety requirements including having a designated district safety coordinator who does everything from attending multiple trainings to stay on top of current trends and concerns to coordinating an annual meeting of local public safety officials.

Maps of each school building will be created and updated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and those maps will be standardized and shareable with appropriate law enforcement and safety personnel.

School districts will be inspected at least once every five years, and the inspectors will help officials identify weaknesses and how to make their buildings safer. Some of these activities and requirements are already in place due to the recommendations of Iveys SAFE Council in 2018.

Lawmakers passed two laws aimed at student safety.

The first law requires public schools to conduct fentanyl prevention and drug awareness programs to students in grades six through 12. That begins with the 2024-25 school year.

The second law, effective beginning in the 2025-26 school year pertains to public and nonpublic schools and requires officials to create an emergency response plan if an individual has a cardiac emergency on school grounds. Schools must have an emergency response team and must stay trained in how to use Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Lawmakers provided $5 million in funding for schools to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot early Saturday when he came upon three men trying to steal the catalytic converter from his car, according to a law enforcement source with knowledge of the case.

The killing occurred around 3:25 a.m. when the owner of a vehicle encountered three people near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street attempting to steal the car part, said Officer Jader Chaves, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department. The man was shot by one of the thieves before all three fled in a vehicle, said Chaves. The officer did not identify the victim but said he was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A source on Sunday confirmed to The Times that the victim was Wactor, who played Brando Corbin on General Hospital from 2020 to 2022. He also had roles on other shows, including Westworld, Criminal Minds and Station 19.

Wactor, who had been working as a bartender in downtown L.A. on Saturday evening, was walking a co-worker to her car after their shift, Wactors brother, Grant Wactor, told The Times on Sunday. On the way, he noticed a group of men crowded around his car, and he confronted them because he thought he was being towed.

That was when he was shot.

The thieves were after Wactors catalytic converter, police said. The exhaust emission control device is typically found in the undercarriage of a vehicle and contains precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum. Thieves can make hundreds of dollars selling them to auto parts suppliers or scrapyards, where they can be melted down and the valuable metals extracted.

My mother is tough as nails, but shes broken down to the bone, said Grant Wactor, Johnnys younger brother. We have to get him back to Charleston (S.C.). Its just a shame. It seems like it was just the wrong place, wrong time.

Wactor, 37, left General Hospital in 2022 when his popular character was written out of the show. At the time, he told Soap Opera Digest he enjoyed the shows large and loyal fan base.

It was all new to me, and it was a blessing, he said. It made it fun to go to work and then be excited about seeing people react to the storylines you were in. That they actually cared was really cool.

Grant Wactor said his brother was drawn to acting from an early age. Growing up in Summerville, S.C., Johnny participated in every play he could in his elementary and middle schools. Not long after graduating from the College of Charleston in 2009, he packed up his Honda Civic and made the cross-country drive to Los Angeles to begin his acting career.

I cant emphasize how hard of a worker he was, Grant Wactor said. He would flip the Scrabble board at home because he was so competitive. But he was also one of the most charismatic people I knew. Because when he talked or listened, you could tell it was genuine.

Johnny Wactor had recently been exploring opportunities in screenwriting while working temporarily as a bartender.

He lived life his way, Grant Wactor said. He did exactly what he wanted, even to his last day. Thats who he was day in, day out. He walked the walk.

Former colleagues took to social media to mourn Wactors death on Sunday.

Johnny Wactor was a beautiful, beautiful soul, former General Hospital actor Parry Shen said on X. We all were cheated of many years with him.

Jon Lindstrom, a longtime cast member on the ABC soap, posted: I am literally sick to my stomach at this news. He called Wactor one of those rare young men in this business who was kind, unassuming, humble.

General Hospital issued a statement saying the soap opera family was heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactors untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.

His co-star and love interest on the show, Sofia Mattsson, added: So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard working and humble. With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy. He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved. I admire the man he was so much and Im a better person for having known him.

Thefts of catalytic converters skyrocketed in California during the COVID-19 pandemic, which some attributed to an increase in economic distress. The trend prompted new state laws that make it illegal for recyclers to buy the part from anyone other than the legal owner or a licensed dealer and increase penalties for buyers who fail to certify that a catalytic converter wasnt stolen.

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(Los Angeles Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth contributed to this report.)

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2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A suspect has been charged in a Birmingham shooting that left a 12-year-old boy paralyzed.

Joshua Allen Brown, 18, is charged with attempted murder in the March 22 shooting of Brandon BJ Roller, who has since celebrated his 13th birthday.

Charging documents against Brown were made public Tuesday, and Birmingham police later announced the arrest.

Brown, of Center Point, was taken into custody May 22, according to court records made public Tuesday.

He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 9:04 a.m. and released at 12:09 p.m. the same day after posting $60,000 bond.

In a Facebook Live video earlier Tuesday, Brandons mother, Courtney Chestner,said shes disappointed that more suspects werent arrested and that Brown was already out on bond before police notified her that hed been arrested.

She said while Brandon remains positive, the shooting stole his childhood and the aftermath has been a struggle for the family.

This was just traumatizing for us,' Chestner said. And I relive it every day.

The shooting happened about 3:15 p.m. that Friday at a small apartment complex in the 1800 block of Carson Road.

A 12-year-old boy was shot Friday, March 22, 2024, while playing outside of his apartment on Carson Road.(Carol Robinson)

Chestner, said he asked her if he could go outside to play that day.

I told him he could, she said in a previous interview with AL.com. Im always telling him no, but for some reason this time I told him he could.

Chestner was upstairs in her bathroom and her other three sons, all younger than Brandon, were in their room watching television. It was then that Chester heard a commotion.

I thought maybe one of the younger boys had stuck something in the socket because it was a popping noise, like fireworks, she said.

She went downstairs and saw a boy run into her home. He came in the back door and was running out the front door.

I turned towards the back door, and thats when I saw my son laying on the floor, Chestner said. He said he was shot.

I dragged him from the back door to the kitchen because I didnt know if they were still shooting, she said. I called 911 and put some towels on his back.

When Brandon was able to talk to her, he told her some teens approached him and the others and asked if they knew somebody. Brandon told them they didnt, and they said something to the effect of thats good because if yall did, yall were going to die today.

Another boy asked the teens, Yall straight? and thats when gunfire erupted.

Brandon Roller, 12, was paralyzed when he was shot in the back on March 22, 2024, while playing with friends outside his east Birmingham apartment.(Special to AL.com)

Brandon ran and made it just inside his apartment when he was struck. The bullets went through the back door and into his back, his mother said.

Pictures of the apartment shown by Chestner on Facebook showed multiple bullet holes inside the familys apartment. She has since moved.

Chestner said the bullet hit Brandons spinal cavity, went through one of the bones, traveled through his right lung and fractured his rib.

They say there is a zero percent chance of him ever walking again but our faith is so strong that we know that its going to take a lot of hard work and dedication, she said. He is so strong, so strong.

Though doctors say Brandon, a Smith Middle School seventh grader who played the baritone horn in the school band, will never walk again, the family is praying their faith will yield a different outcome.

Brandon has remained strong and positive since the shooting.

Dont be sad, because Im alive, Brandon said in an earlier phone interview from his bed at Childrens of Alabama. I made it. I pulled through it. Im OK.

A GoFundMe to help the family remains in place. Donations can be made here.

Browns first court is set for June.
A Tennessee man is charged with murder and other crimes following a two-county police chase that ended in the crash death of the 77-year-old mother of a Morgan County sheriffs sergeant.

Michael Neal Ivy, 39, of Middleton, is charged with murder, first-degree assault, felony attempting to elude, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment and multiple traffic offenses, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry and District Attorney Champ Crocker announced Tuesday.

Ivy is charged in the Friday death of Ellarea Dickson. Dickson was the mother of Morgan County sheriffs Sgt. John Dickson.

At the time of the crash, Ellarea Dickson and granddaughter Alyssa Dickson were on their way to work at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.

The chase began Friday morning in Hartselle when police saw a vehicle driving erratically and tried to stop it.

The driver refused and the pursuit was on.

The chase continued into Cullman County where it ended in a crash on U.S. 31 in the city of Cullman near the South Cullman Shopping Center.

A woman was killed when she was struck by a motorist fleeing law enforcement during a May 24, 2024, pursuit that began in Morgan County and ended in Cullman County.(Contributed)

Multiple agencies were involved in the pursuit including Hartselle, Cullman, and Falkville police as well as the Alabama State Troopers.

The 77-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene. The granddaughter sustained two broken arms, a broken pelvis, a broken leg, a brain bleed and a small tear in an artery.

She is in Huntsville Hospital in critical but stable condition.

Ivy will be transported to the Cullman County Detention Center upon his discharge from the hospital. He is currently being held with no bond.

One of the hardest things about law enforcement is having to deal with other peoples bad decisions. These actions often put us in no win situations, Gentry said. We do everything in our power to keep the citizens safe, but sometimes tragedy still strikes. "

Mrs. Dickson was a wonderful, sweet lady that I had an opportunity to get to know over the years. I had spoken with her on several occasions at community meetings, as well as at KFC, the sheriff said. Losing her is an absolute tragedy. We will be with her family every step of the way to ensure that prosecution is carried out to the fullest extent of the law.

A GoFundMe for the Dickson family has raised more than $4,000. Donations can be made here.
Closing arguments in Donald Trump s historic hush money trial are set to begin Tuesday morning, giving prosecutors and defense attorneys one final opportunity to convince the jury of their respective cases before deliberations begin.

Jurors will undertake the unprecedented task of deciding whether to convict the former U.S. president of felony criminal charges stemming from hush money payments tied to an alleged scheme to buy and bury stories that might wreck Trumps 2016 presidential campaign.

At the heart of the charges are reimbursements paid to Michael Cohen for a $130,000 hush money payment that was paid to porn actor Stormy Daniels in exchange for not going public with her claim about a 2006 sexual encounter with Trump.

Prosecutors say the payments to Cohen, Trumps then-lawyer, were falsely logged as legal expenses to hide the true nature of the transactions.

Trump has denied all wrongdoing.

He pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records, charges which are punishable by up to four years in prison.

Closing arguments are expected to last all day Tuesday, with jury deliberations beginning as soon as Wednesday.

The case is the first of Trumps four indictments to go to trial as he seeks to reclaim the White House from Democrat Joe Biden.

The other cases center on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents at his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Its unclear whether any of them will reach trial before the November election.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING CLOSING ARGUMENTS?

Prosecutors and defense lawyers will have their final opportunity to address the jury in closing arguments.

The arguments dont count as evidence in the case charging Donald Trump with falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments during the 2016 presidential election. Theyll instead function as hourslong recaps of the key points the lawyers want to leave jurors with before the panel disappears behind closed doors for deliberations.

Jurors over the course of a month have heard testimony about sex and bookkeeping, tabloid journalism and presidential politics. Their task ahead will be to decide whether prosecutors who have charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records have proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

WHAT MUST BE PROVED FOR A CONVICTION?

With closing arguments in Donald Trumps hush money trial expected to get underway Tuesday morning, jurors have a weighty task ahead of them  deciding whether to convict the former U.S. president of some, all or none of the 34 felony counts hes charged with.

To convict Trump of felony falsifying business records, prosecutors must convince jurors beyond a reasonable doubt that he not only falsified or caused business records to be entered falsely but also did so with intent to commit or conceal another crime. Any verdict must be unanimous.

To prevent a conviction, the defense simply needs to convince at least one juror that prosecutors havent proved Trumps guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard for criminal cases.

New York also has a misdemeanor falsifying business records charge, which requires proving only that a defendant made or caused the false entries, but it is not part of Trumps case and will not be considered by jurors.

A SEAT IN COURT DURING CLOSING ARGUMENTS PROVES ALLURING FOR SOME

For many Americans, Memorial Day weekend was a moment to remember the sacrifices of U.S. military personnel and to unplug from the bustle of daily life.

For others, it was a chance to snag a prime spot in line for entry into Donald Trumps hush money trial ahead of Tuesdays closing arguments. Last Friday afternoon saw several people camped out  including professional line sitters with pup tents  for a chance to see the tail end of the historic proceedings up close and personal.

Though most of the seats inside the courtroom are reserved for lawyers, members of Trumps entourage, security personnel and journalists, a few are open to the general public.

The former presidents Manhattan trial has drawn visitors from all over, including students from local schools and plenty of out-of-towners.

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WEEK

Closing arguments in Donald Trumps hush money trial are expected to begin on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the end of the historic proceedings that kicked off in April.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers will make their final pitch to jurors, hoping to sway them in one direction or another after more than four weeks of witness testimony.

Following the conclusion of closing arguments, which are expected to last all day, Judge Juan M. Merchan will spend about an hour instructing the jury on the law governing the case, providing a roadmap for what it can and cannot take into account as it evaluates the Republican former presidents guilt or innocence.

Jurors could begin deliberations as early as Wednesday.
Storms that swept Alabama late Sunday night into early Monday morning left more than 137,000 Alabama Power customers in the dark.

As of about 1 p.m. Tuesday, about 5,000 people remain without power, according to the Alabama Power outage map.

The outage map states that for many of those no clear timeline is available for when power might be restored. Some people have said on social media they were notified their power will not be restored until Wednesday.

In a statement on its website, Alabama Power said severe weather has impacted parts of our state. Alabama Power crews are assessing the damage and responding to outages. Due to the severe weather impact, your restoration time may change. Please stay weather aware and safe.

It is often difficult to determine the source of the outage, said Alabama Power spokesman Anthony Cook. You have to go into wooded areas that arent easily accessible, Cook said.

Cook suggested people continue to monitor the outage map, which allows people to search by home address, to find the latest information when service might be restored. You can find the map here.

Here are some tips for what to do if your power is out

After the overnight intense storms, the Storm Prediction Center is not forecasting severe weather for the rest of the week.

The storms are blamed for one death in Alabama -- an elderly woman was killed when a tree crashed into her Mountain Brook apartment early Monday.
Each time Adrian Peterson Fields visits her hometown of Birmingham, theres one agenda item thats non-negotiable.

She must visit east Birmingham and the neighborhoods of Oak Ridge Park and the Gate City community.

I do it to connect with who I am. I am still just Shae, Fields said, referencing her childhood nickname. I also spend some time sharing, for those who are open, ways to advance so we can get beyond what we see. There is a path for you, your children and your grandchildren.

The 47-year-old Birmingham native was recently named the southeast regional director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Office of Community Planning and Development.

The HUD leadership position is the first of its kind in more than 30 years, reviving the former federal role. Fields is based at the Region 4 headquarters in Atlanta, overseeing federal initiatives in eight southern states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Fields grew up around public housing in east Birmingham. And she ended up spending most of her career focusing on housing and housing policy  from her years at the HUD office in Birmingham, to serving as deputy director of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District and to community planning and development at HUDs Atlanta office. She was appointed May 5.

Ive always had my hand in affordable housing of some sort, she said in a phone interview during an airport layover as she traveled from state to state. I fell into it. It wasnt a career choice, it chose me. Seeing how we grew up and having community resources and how our schools were impacted by federal programs gave me a different lens.

Fields spent her early childhood in the Marks Village public housing community where her grandmother, Mary E. Johnson, lived for about 10 years.

Fields can still point out her grandmothers old apartment and recognizes the few elderly women from her childhood who still live in the area.

Just blocks away, her great-grandmother, Laura Connor, was one the first Black homeowners in Birminghams eastern area in Oak Ridge Park. Between the two houses, Fields said she found discipline and encouragement to think far beyond the boundaries of the neighborhood.

She always believed that I would be different, and my life would be a testimony for someone else, Fields said of her great-grandmother. She always saw something in me, and I want to give that back to others. I had a lot of mentors who invested in me, and I want to be that same person to other people.

While her HUD position is new, Fields said her personal beginnings in Birmingham gives her an intimate understanding of the challenges facing the hundreds of thousands of people her office is designed to serve.

Im from Birmingham and my core is also in Region 4. I understand the challenges we face because I was that person, she said. If I can make a difference in someones life like somebody did for me, then Ive accomplished everything I need to accomplish.

Her territory includes urban and rural, spanning Appalachia to the Delta and through the Caribbean.

We get lost in the challenges that we dont tend to elevate the amazing work that people are doing in those localities, she said. Every state has a unique quality and a unique strength which are important to elevate.

Fields called former longtime HUD executive Pat Hoban-Moore a professional mentor. Hoban-Moore said she has an equal amount of respect for her protege, saying Fields personifies the best in public service.

Hoban-Moore said Fields is anchored in her personal history, competent in her official mission, and committed to enhancing the lives of the people her office is charged to serve.

I always love that she has a sense of humor and shes not all puffed up and full of herself, said Hoban-Moore, now retired from HUD and current executive director of the Community Development Corporation at Miles College. She knows who she is, and she never gets too puffed up that she forgets why she is there.

Hoban-Moore said Fields has both the head and the heart for her roles.

She has the ability to apply it toward the best possible outcome, Hoban-Moore said. For people who have that gift and use it for that good, thats the best that you could possibly have. I am thrilled that there are people like her.

Fields said the needs of her region are as diverse and the people she serves. That includes infrastructure problems created by climate change, the need for stable utilities, long-term and transitional housing.

We have more needs than we have beds and units, and we have to rethink the way we look at affordable housing, Fields said. We must think about adaptive reuse of schools and hospitals and how we can turn those into housing. The government cannot legislate us out of this issue. It is going to take lots of hands and innovation to get us there.
China among countries with lowest rate of crime, gun-related cases: MPS

Global Times) 09:44, May 28, 2024

File photo shows the police escorting a telecom fraud suspect to the Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, June 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)

China is one of the countries with the lowest rates of homicide, criminal offenses, and gun-related incidents globally, as the public security situation has remained stable and improved over the past five years, according to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on Monday.

In 2023, the total number of criminal cases filed by public security organs nationwide decreased by 12.9 percent, and the number of public security cases handled decreased by 9.7 percent, compared with 2019. Among them, the number of serious violent criminal cases such as explosions and murders decreased by 10.7 percent. The homicide rate in China was 0.46 per 100,000 people, said Li Guozhong, a MPS spokesperson, at a press briefing.

The public security authorities have deepened special operations to crack down on violent terrorism, with no reported terrorist incidents for over seven years, Li said.

China has effectively curbed the threat of terrorism through comprehensive governance and international cooperation, demonstrating significant achievements in counter-terrorism and maintaining social security, Li Wei, a researcher and security expert from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Monday.

Another major social security threat is organized crime, including human trafficking, smuggling and drug crimes. In recent years, laws and regulations have been implemented in China to strengthen the crackdown on organized crimes, leading to a continuous decline in such criminal activities, Li, the security expert said. "As society develops and living standards improve, the overall crime rate, particularly common criminal offenses, is decreasing as well," he added.

Since 2019, the national public security organs have cracked down on 1.945 million cases of telecommunications network fraud. The number of cases filed monthly has decreased for eight consecutive months, and the upward trend of telecommunications network fraud has been effectively curbed, said Li, the spokesperson.

Since July 2023, a total of 49,000 suspected telecommunications fraud criminals have been handed over to China, and the notorious "four families" of telecom fraud in northern Myanmar have received a devastating blow. Major suspects such as Bai Suocheng, Bai Yingcang, Ming Zhenzhen, Wei Huairen, Liu Zhengxiang, and Liu Zhengmao have all been arrested, according to the spokesperson.

The relevant authorities have strengthened international collaborations such as cooperation with Myanmar which have helped decrease telecom fraud crimes. However, telecom fraud still poses a serious threat to national security and social stability, said Li.

China has recently carried out a series of policies to foster people-to-people exchanges, including the extension of visa-free policies for 12 countries until the end of 2025.

In the first quarter of 2024, the immigration management agencies nationwide processed more than 141 million traveler trips, a year-on-year increase of 117.8 percent, according to the National Immigration Administration.

After traveling to different cities across the nation, some foreigners took to social media to express their satisfaction that China is one of the safest countries in the world. A woman vlogger with 44,500 subscribers, posted a video about two months ago on YouTube. When asked whether China is a safe place, she replied in the video that "China is one of the only countries in the world where you can feel safe as a woman alone."

Over the past five years, police departments have successfully dismantled over 5,200 criminal gang organizations engaged in illicit activities and apprehended more than 1,600 fugitives involved in criminal activities, from home and abroad. The homicide clearance rate across the nation has risen to 99.94 percent, marking a new historical record, Li said.

Speaking of international law enforcement cooperation, Li, the spokesperson said that China's public security organs have been actively participating in the Global Security Initiative during recent years. These efforts have not only safeguarded China's sovereignty, security, and development interests but have also shared valuable Chinese perspectives and solutions to global security management.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
A Houston voter on Election Day at West Gray Multi-Service Center on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in Houston, TX. Sharon Steinmann A voter leaves after voting Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at West Gray Multiservice Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer A voter goes to vote Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at West Gray Multiservice Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer A voter leaves after voting Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at West Gray Multiservice Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Voters come to vote or leave after voting Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at West Gray Multiservice Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer A voter is greeted by campaign workers when they got to vote Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at West Gray Multiservice Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Voters leave after voting Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at West Gray Multiservice Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer A voter leaves after voting Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at West Gray Multiservice Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer A voter is greeted by campaign workers when they got to vote Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at West Gray Multiservice Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Fort Bend voters on March 5, 2024, wait to choose their party's candidate in the Texas primary election. Juhi Varma

Voters in Houston and across Texas are heading to the polls today to decide a handful of key primary runoffs.

Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runoff elections typically see low turnout, and less than 1% of 2.5 million registered voters in Harris County had cast early ballots through Thursday, according to the countys unofficial totals. That means a relatively small number of votes could decide several races.

TEXAS VOTER GUIDE: 2024 Texas Primary Runoff Voter Guide

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In Beaumont, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan is fighting for his political career in a contentious race against oil and gas consultant David Covey. Coveys supporters, including Attorney General Ken Paxton and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, have derided the speaker as a fake conservative who has handed too much power to Democrats.

The past two legislative sessions  under Phelans watch  have been widely considered the most conservative in the states history, with House members getting behind abortion bans, new LGBTQ restrictions, a crackdown on diversity initiatives at universities and an attempt to begin deporting people suspected to have entered the country illegally.

Phelan isnt the only Republican fending off a rightward challenge. In San Antonio, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales is hoping to best Brandon Herrera, a right-wing social media personality known as the AK Guy. Gonzales, first elected to Congress in 2020, is the only Republican congressional candidate in Texas facing a runoff after Herrera and three other GOP challengers pulled enough support in the March 5 primaries to keep him from claiming the nomination outright.

Republican critics have called out Gonzaless party line-crossing votes to codify same-sex marriage rights and tighten gun-buyer background checks for young adults after the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, which is in his district. But Gonzales has the backing of Gov. Greg Abbott and in recent days has been sending out a robocall from the actor and Uvalde native Matthew McConaughey.

Voters in rural Texas will also decide six Republican runoffs in which Abbott is trying to unseat incumbents who opposed his school voucher vision, which would provide public taxpayer dollars for private school tuition and expenses.

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In Houston, State Rep. Jarvis Johnson and state Sen. Molly Cook are running to be the Democratic nominee for District 15s state Senate seat. After winning a special election earlier this month, Cook will serve out the remainder of John Whitmires term. Whitmire left the seat vacant when he took over duties as Houston mayor in January. At stake now is who will be the Democratic Partys nominee to hold the seat after this year.

Johnsons former partner, Houston Community College Board member Charlene Ward Johnson, will face off against affordable housing consultant Angeanette Thibodeaux in a race to fill the House seat in northwest Houston that Jarvis Johnson is vacating to run for the Senate.

Democratic voters in state House District 146 will choose between incumbent state Rep. Shawn Thierry and union organizer Lauren Ashley Simmons in a race partly centered on Thierrys controversial choice last year to vote with Republicans to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Thierry is vying for a fifth term serving the majority-minority district in south and southwest Houston, which stretches from Westwood to the historically Black neighborhood of Sunnyside. The district leans heavily Democratic; it was one that President Joe Biden won by nearly 80 percentage points.

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Vivian King and Gemayel Haynes are competing to be Democrats judicial nominee for the newly created 486th District Court bench. King serves as one of District Attorney Kim Oggs top staffers, while Haynes represents indigent defendants for the Harris County Public Defenders Office.
What would you say if I told you that there is a Republican House candidate who can topple Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), one of the most powerful people in American politics? Just two years ago, Duke Buckner, with a paltry $200,000 in funding, got 37.8% of the vote in his first campaign against Clyburn. Clyburn is beatable, and Duke has the intelligence, charisma, life experience, guts, values, and energy to do it. All he needs now is the money. For that, he needs your help.

Rep. Jim Clyburn has been in the House of Representatives for 31 years and is one of the Democrat partys most powerful figures. He is the man who saved Joe Bidens flailing campaign in 2020. With that kind of power, youd think that the voters from South Carolinas Sixth District would be rolling in pork...but theyre not. In fact, the Sixth District is one of the poorest regions in America. Thats because Clyburn represents Washington, D.C., not his constituents.

Duke Buckner aims to change life for the people in the Sixth District, not by sending pork their way but by returning America to first principles: The free market, hard work, self-reliance, and a strong moral foundation grounded in the Bible, not the Communist Manifesto.

I had lunch the other day with Duke and came away incredibly impressed. Hes charming and handsome, which is always an asset in politics, but he offers so much more than those superficial qualities. Duke is highly intelligent. He has an excellent fund of knowledge, strong analytic abilities, and an amazing memory, all of which come through when speaking with him.

Duke has two other attributes that intelligent people often lack and that Republicans especially seem to lack: Hes an organized thinker, so his ideas flow logically, which makes his arguments more compelling. In addition, like Thomas Sowell, Duke can present complex issues in simple ways without dumbing them down. He wont just promise voters in the Sixth District that his policies will improve their lives. Hell explain why those policies matter...and voters will understand.

Dukes clarity is helped by the fact that his principles arent theoretical. They all flow from his life experiences.

Duke started working in high school because, even then, he believed in self-sufficiency. He wanted to have his own money rather than be dependent on his father. His first jobs were as a dishwasher at McDonalds and Pizza Hut before working at both Kmart and Walmart. After college, he was an English teacher, and then he and his wife founded a weekly newspaper to serve their local community. From there, Duke went to law school and, after a stint as a public defender, moved into private practice.

It was Dukes newspaper experience that truly shaped his political attitudes. Being a small business with deadlines, rent, insurance, and payroll demands made him realize how onerous the governments burdens are on working Americans. Reporting on local events taught him to listen carefully to both sides of any debate. And attending town council meetings piqued his interest in the political process.

Dukes political views are also informed by his profound religious convictions. He was a Sunday Christian, having been raised in the Church. However, a profound life experience made him a true believer whose guiding moral principles come from the Bible.

The foundation for Dukes campaign is Genesis 26:22. Chapter 26 recounts how Isaac moved to the Valley of Gerar, where Abraham had once lived. When he discovered that the Philistines had filled in his fathers wells, he had his servants dig a new well, only to have surrounding herders insist that the water was theirs. A second effort to dig a well had the same result. However, Isaac was undeterred. He moved his well-digging to a new location, and this time, he was successful:

And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

For Duke, that is lifes profound lesson and one he hopes the Sixth District voters will understand: Do not give up. Keep on digging that well, and eventually, you shall be fruitful.

As for Dukes being a Republican, that wasnt always the case either. Like me, he started life as a Democrat, only to realize that the Democrat partys values werent his values. Duke knew hed found his political home when he walked into the South Carolina Republican Party and first heard its creed, which Duke recites from memory with real passion.

I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon. If I can seek opportunity, not security, I want to take the calculated risk to dream and build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for dole. I prefer the challenges of life to guaranteed security, the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence, nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master, save my God. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid. To think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations; to face the whole world boldly and say, I am a free American.

When it comes to Dukes policies, they are solidly conservative. Check out his website for details, but the overview is smaller government for a better economy; strong borders and a strong military; pro-life; academic, not ideological education; and support for Israel. The last isnt on Dukes website. I know this because when Duke saw the Star of David I wear, he immediately assured me of his support for Israel.

I genuinely think Duke has what it takes to beat Jim Clyburn. Clyburn may have grown up in the Sixth District, but he is a Democrat party animal whose life and loyalties are in D.C. By contrast, Duke has deep roots in the District for he not only grew up there, but its also where he ran his newspaper and now has his law practice.

In the 2022 election, which was Dukes first time running for House, he got 37.8% of the vote. Thats a huge percentage for a neophyte against an incumbent, especially when the neophyte has only $200,000 in his war chest.

This time around, Dukes chances are improved because there will be three third-party candidates on the ballot, two of whomone running on the United Citizens Party platform and the other on the Alliance Party platformwill take votes from Clyburn from the left. The third is a libertarian, but the events of the last few days (i.e., Trump going to the libertarian convention and the libertarians selecting a gay, pro-trans, pro-masks and vax, pro-women in sports, and open borders presidential candidate) may make the party a hard sell.

If Duke has a larger war chest, theres every reason to believe that he can push his way over the 50% mark in the upcoming election. Unfortunately, given the Sixth Districts poverty, the money isnt going to come from people there. It must come from others who want to see a good man win and who recognize that it would be a cataclysmic loss for the Democrat party were Jim Clyburn to get voted out of office.

No matter where you live, I urge you to donate whatever you can to Dukes campaign. He needs the money, and America needs Duke Buckner.

Image from Duke Buckners campaign site.
At last, we can see Alvin Bragg's underlying criminal theory: he doesn't have one. Bragg and Judge Merchan are running the real trial in the court of public opinion, not to deliver justice but to hurt Trump's presidential campaign by branding him a convicted felon during the election. They seek to do this by lying to the jury -- for example, by pretending to have a criminal theory.

The prosecution rested their case without specifying the second crime, nor giving a shred of evidence for the first: even if we took Michael Cohen's testimony at face value, ignoring that he's a serial perjurer who confessed to six different felonies on Monday morning alone, his claim that Trump himself ordered the monthly payments that were calculated from Cohen's loan reimbursement demand and deemed them legal fees would not constitute a crime.

That case is dead in the water on appeal, but Merchan's parallel trial, which has little to do with established law and instead runs on innuendo and vagaries, aims for a temporary conviction. In it, Cohen and David Pecker explain election law to a rigged jury while Merchan allows the prosecution to dazzle them with inadmissible evidence and irrelevant, noncriminal details couched in nefarious-sounding terms like hush money and catch and kill, all the while keeping crucial information like Cohen's SDNY charges and Brad Smith's expert testimony on actual election law from reaching the jury.

Merchan reneged on his promise to release the jury instructions by Thursday night, apparently to prevent lawyers from picking apart his instructions so jury members don't find out how preposterous they are, because they're going to read the news and talk to friends, family, and co-workers in the week Merchan gave them off.

That's why he gave them the week off.

Merchan and Bragg are attempting to fool the jurors into a guilty verdict by feeding their bias and denying them the information to make an informed decision. The second, underlying crime has not been named, and Merchan just told the jurors it can be whatever they want it to be and turned them loose for a week, during which they will undoubtedly hear of and read news reports charging Trump with all manner of fake crimes, any one of which they're now free to consider Trump's underlying crime.

If they convict him, Harry Litman thinks (13 min.) it will take a few months to move Trump's case from bail pending appeal to the appeals process, which would land Trump in the middle of the summer before the appeal is filed, after months of wall-to-wall media coverage drilling Trump's Convicted Felon status into the public's brains.

The underlying charge, then, on which the validity of the case relies, is literally anything, and Bragg's charges only exist in the mind of the juror.

In the pretend trial, which is to say, the one that's based on the law, the prosecution's arguments start to take shape if you look at things as they are. It's a scoundrels' court and an organized crime racket. The first sign of that is Merchan: if N.Y. cases are assigned randomly, as they're supposed to be, how was the same judge picked for Donald Trump, Allen Weisselberg, and Steve Bannon's trials?

It harkens back to 2017, when Judge Emmet Sullivan was assigned to General Flynn's case six months after being assigned to Blumenthal v. Trump. General Flynn was prosecuted by Robert Mueller during the Russia Hoax after taking the National Security Advisor position under Trump. He pleaded guilty and the judge accepted it, only to mysteriously recuse himself and reassign the case to Sullivan, who repeatedly postponed sentencing until the DoJ ordered the case dismissed altogether, at which point Sullivan refused to. He was as bad as Judge Merchan, and it seemed he was assigned to the case for that reason.

It just so happens that Trump's NDA Trial was also set into motion by Mueller during the Russia Hoax, who referred Michael Cohen to the SDNY, ostensibly for his dealings with Russians (which were completely made up). They raided his hotel and caught him in a perjury trap, supposedly, over a Trump Hotel project in Moscow.

But Cohen committed bank fraud and tax evasion to the tune of over $4 Million, faced 4-5 years in prison and they had him dead to rights. That's why he told the SDNY in front of Bob Costello he'd do anything to stay out of jail. The purpose, of course, as Costello said was to get him to roll on Trump, but he didn't have anything on Trump, and you won't get a plea deal if you have nothing to offer. The charges were serious, as the SDNY stressed in his case file, and Cohen was desperate to stay out of jail. Costello advised him, the SDNY wanted dirt on Trump.

So Cohen pleaded guilty to a campaign finance violation, an insignificant charge next to his others. Andrew McCarthy, the former SDNY prosecutor who wrote the book on this, doubts they would have charged it at all otherwise. He was trying to help them Get Trump in exchange for leniency.

In the end they declined to press charges, probably because putting Cohen on the stand themselves was too risky, and he got a three-year sentence but served most it under home arrest. He says they double-crossed him, but this looks to me like a ploy to make his testimony look sincere, not purchased by letting him stay out of jail.

Cohen's guilty plea, McCarthy stresses, does not actually mean he is guilty, as neither judge nor jury looked at his case. The plea is only admissible in court to impeach Cohen as a witness; it certainly can't be used to imply Trump's guilt in the same crime by association. But that's exactly what N.Y. did and Merchan allowed.

To convict Trump, in theory, they must prove he ordered the bookkeeping, knew the rules, and intended to defraud, and a target of the fraud was harmed; that the legal fees truly were loan reimbursements and weren't for legal matters; and that he did it to conceal unreported campaign finance payments.

Bragg hasn't done any of that and the finance charge is impossible, which voids everything. Trump met Cohen and Weisselberg in January, when the election was over and the campaign finance reports for that period weren't due yet. He could have simply repaid Cohen and reported it, which would make no difference to the election anyway, as it would be over.

Further, Cohen was his lawyer: you don't need a written retainer to establish that, nor must a lawyer be currently working to be on retainer. Cohen agreed to be Trump's personal attorney, told people he was, and sent invoices that said he was on retainer. He says he wasn't Trump's lawyer, but he perjured himself saying the same thing about Costello.

It's all a big fat lie and the DA's office knew Cohen would tell it. Mark Levin calls that, suborning perjury.

I'm not sure that goes far enough. Perhaps the most important thing in Costello's testimony is that he showed Cohen's record to Bragg before the indictment, which never should have been. I'd call that, evidence of RICO.

Image: IowaPolitics.com via Flickr
Are all those Chinese nationals crossing our open border and being let out on Joe Biden's catch-and-release friendly to the U.S.?

Not if you hear this sort of thing from the Maritime Executive's report, citing Fox News:

The U.S. Navy's base security personnel are catching and evicting a steadily increasing number of foreign nationals - particularly Chinese citizens - who are attempting to glean national security secrets, a top U.S. admiral said in an interview over the weekend. Many of them have proper papers allowing them to visit the United States as tourists or students, but their presence on a military base is not authorized - and in many cases, may constitute a criminal offense. "Usually the cover story is 'I'm a student, I'm an enthusiast I want to see the ships,' that type of thing," U.S. Fleet Forces Commander Adm. Daryl Caudle told Fox and Friends. "We have to turn them around, and typically we will get the [Naval Criminal Investigative Service] involved. We will get biometrics if possible." Chinese visitors have been arrested for accessing or spying on U.S. naval installations multiple times in recent years, and two U.S. Navy servicemembers who were born in China were recently arrested on espionage charges. The more insidious, high-volume, low-effort Chinese attempts at naval base espionage have been gathering pace, Caudle said. "This thing of our military bases getting penetrated by foreign nationals is happening more and more. . . . It's really hard for us to tell the underlying motive in these types of cases," Caudle told Fox News. "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."

When Caudle mentions "high volume, low effort," he is referring to the Chinese intelligence gathering method known as "grain of sand." The Chicoms dispatch ordinary Chinese citizens, sometimes under threats to their families, to penetrate U.S. military or Naval bases, walk around, take pictures of military personnel for photo analysis back home, get names, gather certain kinds of information they ask for all of which is seemingly innocuous, and which is unlikely to draw full espionage charges if they are caught, given the difficulty of proving such matters.

But we know they are spying, their balloon activity was also in this category, and the admiral noted that drones are being stepped up, too, and now its two or three a week. It's not all Chinese, by the way, the Russians and Iranians can see what's going on and are doing their worst, too. While the admiral says that many have papers as tourists, which is obviously a safety measure by the Chinese to protect their agents from jailtime, you can bet that there are a lot of them who crossed into the U.S. illegally for such missions, too and we don't know what they are doing.

We do know they've sent balloons. We know they have sent drones. We know that they have recruited spies from among Chinese nationals serving in the U.S. Navy, cynically congratulating them on their moves to obtain U.S. citizenship, the better to serve China. We know they have sent people to bust through military installations, as they did recently at a desert Marine base in California. Now the admiral warns us they are coming at us fast and thick, all of these penetration efforts stepped up and apparently nothing being done about it on the policy side.

And sure enough, San Diego, where some of the most critical Naval and Marine bases are, is seeing an unprecedented surge of Chinese foreign nationals, more than 30,000 since October, all being admitted as valid asylum cases and released free and clear into the country on the honor system:

Something is very wrong with that picture, given what the admiral has said now.

Here is an additional description of what's happening now:

Are you aware of what's happening in San Diego at The Iris Transit Center?? Many in #lawenforcement believe it's part of an existential threat that America is facing.



This reporter was brave enough to expose it



Reporter: I felt uncomfortable at the Iris Transit Center. So pic.twitter.com/OsVXzaN6nu  Mike Netter (@nettermike) May 28, 2024

Chinese chauffeur service for illegal border crossers who are from China, taken to some place nobody knows, and for purposes unknown.

The admiral can see that something's wrong here. But Joe Biden and his minions cannot. It's as if they want something bad to happen, which if it does, they can blame on President Trump. But a lot of people aren't fooled by this great gaslight, from phony asylum claims to Biden's refusal to admit that our military bases are being invaded and attacks. What kind of tragedy is going to have to happen before this terrible political gang is thrown out of office?

Image: Screen shot from Fox News video, via YouTube.
I do have to give credit for consistency, because as anti-woman as abortion is, so is using the government to deny women financial help from their baby daddies as they go through the demands of pregnancy and delivery.

Wouldnt want anything, even legislation that would compel a man to financially contribute to the wellbeing of a child he helped create, to get in the way of the pro-abortion agendaright?

We hear feminist lunacy all the time from the progressive Democrat left. They denigrate men as pigs and dogs who only want one thing from women and its disgusting. They tell us that men are abusers, and women are constantly victims of their sexual exploitation. They say we live in an oppressive patriarchy and it must be toppled. They accuse Republicans and conservatives of being a bunch of woman-hating sadists who want to relegate women to the bottom of the socioeconomic totem pole. Then, they go and do stuff like thisfrom a report by Matt Lamb today at The Washington Examiner:

Gov. Laura Kelly (D-KS) vetoed legislation this month to require child support payments to begin at the start of a pregnancy. The idea behind the bill is that mothers need money throughout pregnancy, not just after childbirth, and fathers should contribute.

What a concept huh? Being a wham-bam-thank-you-maam kind of guy shouldnt be an accountability-free escapade, and any pregnancy that results between casual and unmarried partners should be a responsibility borne by both parties, not just the woman carrying the child by virtue of her having the ability to bear children. I mean, they basically have a conniption fit over Harrison Butkers Benedictine College address, and go on and on about how misogynistic it is that everyone just assumes that women do the child-rearing, but then they use political authority and delegated power to uphold an anti-woman system. From Rachel Mipro at Kansas Reflector:

Republican House leadership said women need more immediate financial support. House Speaker Dan Hawkins, Majority Leader Chris Croft, and Speaker Pro Tempore Blake Carpenter issued a joint statement about Kellys veto. Women facing an unexpected pregnancy need support long before the baby is born, the statement read. Between doctors appointment copays, sonograms, and other costs, prenatal expenses can get very pricey for women to handle simply on their own. The governors veto of this bill has failed Kansas women by dismissing financial accountability for the father.

How in the world can Kelly justify vetoing a bill that would force men to help women pay for prenatal expenses when hes the father?

Oh thats right, because requiring a man to pay child support while that child is still in the womb would be quite an inconvenient consideration for the radically pro-abortion governor; we cant have anything suggesting personhood and life now can we! Also from Mipro:

This divisive legislation has broad and sweeping implications that undermine the will of the majority of Kansans who voted overwhelmingly in 2022 to protect the constitutional rights of women to make decisions about pregnancy, Kelly said Friday. This is another blatant attempt by extreme politicians in the Legislature to take more control over women and their families personal, private medical decisions.

I mean who is this Laura Kelly? A long-lost relative of Hunter Biden? Kelly just got a boost in the polls from the deadbeat dads.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
My wife was on the phone with her sister in Mexico City and the conversation turned to water, yes "agua." Everyone down in Mexico City is singing that old tune by the Temptations:

I know to you it might sound strange. But I wish it would rain. (How I wish that it would rain) Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Of course, it's no romantic tale in a metropolitan area of some 20 million people. It's more like living normally. They apparently get water at intervals. It messes up your routine, to say the least. So people are running to their relatives for a quick shower!

Here is the story:

Experts say that Mexico City could run out of drinking water by the end of June, an event locals call "Day Zero." Mexico City has long struggled to bring water to its millions of residents, but three consecutive years of low rainfall and high temperatures have created a serious emergency. The Cutzamala water system -- a series of treatment plants, reservoirs, and canals that provide water to tens of millions of people -- is running dry. Conditions are so bad that the North American Drought Monitor classified the federal district containing Mexico City as "severe" on April 30. Locals expect "Day Zero" could come as soon as June 26, according to Mexico Business News.

What's going on, or "que paso" as they say in Mexico. The left is blaming climate change. Who saw that coming? The right is blaming the Lopez-Obrador government for not investing more in water infrastructure. Nobody is blaming Trump yet, but that may be coming soon as both sides run out of excuses.

To make matters worse, the article above references sources that "...about 40% of Mexico City's water is lost due to leaky pipes and other issues."

Leaky pipes? There is nothing like putting government in charge of anything.

Wonder if some entrepreneurial Mexicans are getting water for free and selling it to thirsty Mexico City residents? Remember when criminal elements were stealing gasoline from pipelines and selling it in the black market.

Fixing all those "leaky pipes" would cost money and nobody outside of Mexico City wants to pay for it. These are probably the same Mexicans who are sick and tired of subsidizing "el metro," the subway system.

So water has become a massive campaign issue. Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions and the water crisis isn't going away for a while.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: RawPixel.com
Liberte, egalite, fraternite is the motto of France, and in 1958, it was written into the French constitution. Yet its early use was nothing to be proud of: It began among the rallying cries of the French Revolutions frenzy of terror, with its guillotine punishments of some 15,000 to 17,000 people, based on quick opinions and no due process.

But these days, that ugly backdrop seems to be forgotten and hypocrisy has taken its place.

France's president Macron, Emmanuel Macron, says he's outraged at Israel for a mistake in a war not of Israels making.

If France had to be at war now because they were invaded how would Macron fight? Really. How?

Israel is not to be blamed for mistakes in the heat of battle.

For years, thousands of missiles have been fired upon Israel, so many that the worlds internet encyclopedia, Wikipedia, even has an entry just for missiles rained down on Israel year by year.

Macron likes to make declarations, though.

Immediately following the October 7 attacks, he called the invasion of Israel by Hamas the largest antisemitic massacre of our century.

Which isn't the tune he's singing now.

If Macron were overseeing the liberation of France in World War II, would he not have landed at Normandy for fear of killing innocent French civilians and the various nationalities of Nazi conscripted laborers?

In World War I, U.S. doughboys once chanted, Lafayette we are here in a reference to the great assistance the Marquis de Lafayette gave the U.S. during its own revolutionary war.

But it's also worth remembering that Lafayette then returned to France, and within a few years had to flee because he would not align his thinking with the murderous frenzy of mob rule in revolutionary France and had been threatened with arrest by this mob, with many of his political allies sent to the guillotine.

Our own State Department has written that anti-semitism may be the most long-running prejudice in all of world history.

The nations that recognized the State of Israel after WWII likely made their decisions influenced by the horror of the Nazis' industrial scale genocide of the Jewish people as well as other non-approved peoples, but the world is ever a complex place and politicians too often justify Jonathan Swift lamenting that whoever could make two ears of corn or two blades of grass to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together.

Maybe Macron can learn this lesson instead of telling Israel what to do.

Image: www.kremlin.ru / -    (cropped) // CC BY 4.0 DEED
From Nick Penzenstadlers exclusive article at USA Today:

Hacked data reveals which US gun sellers are behind Mexican cartel violence A massive leak of Mexican military intelligence has exposed for the first time in two decades U.S. gun shops and smugglers tied to 78,000 firearms recovered south of the border  and which types of guns are being trafficked. The nuggets of information are among roughly 10 million records hacked by an anonymous collective known as Guacamaya and shared with news outlets by the transparency organization Distributed Denial of Secrets, or DDoSecrets. The Mexican Defense Ministry leak previously made headlines for exposing military corruption and surveillance abuse, and now reveals the trace data on American-sold firearms recovered since 2018. Despite efforts to stem the flow, these American firearms are smuggled south as part of the cycle of Latin-American narcotics headed north. The violence in Central America fueled, in part, by guns also has contributed to the migration crisis at the U.S. border.

Its a cycle he says? Well, then why dont both nations secure the border and end the cycle? Seems like an obvious solution to me, but what do I know?

But I digressanyway, as Penzenstadler reports, firearms that were originally sold in the U.S. have somehow made their way south of the border to criminal factions in Mexico and the lower Americas, which is ostensibly fueling the violence that this part of the world is known for, which is in part to blame for the the migration crisis plaguing the U.S. todayyeah, okayand all of this is the fault of the small-time gun stores and American gun makers because if it werent for their products and store policies, then there wouldnt be so many bodies on the streets in Mexico and beyond.

YetPenzenstadler accidentally said the quiet part out loud:

As part of the leak, emails relaying U.S. government data between Mexican military leaders and PowerPoint presentations by Mexicos attorney general show which American straw buyers were tied to the most weapons as of 2022.  Of the other six top purchasers, half are linked to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives scandal known as Fast and Furious.  Hundreds of Fast and Furious firearms have previously been traced to other shootings in Mexico. The new leak indicates hundreds more are still being found.

Penzenstadler honed in on the top seven straw purchasers by number of recovered guns (2020-2022) which found a total of 476 guns tied to arms traffickingand three of those seven individuals were involved in the Fast and Furious (FAF) gunwalking scandal:

The top purchaser identified by Mexico in the documents is Uriel Patino, who served a 70-month prison sentence after taking a plea deal in 2014. Patino was notorious for being the top straw purchaser in the Fast and Furious debacle, purchasing 700 guns under ATFs watch. CBS reported that two AK-style Romanian-made, U.S.-sold WASR-10 rifles purchased by Patino ended up at a crime scene in Culiacan in 2013. Two other purchasers, Sean Christopher Steward and Carlos Armando Celaya  both prosecuted in the Fast and Furious operation  also appear in the data.

The three top purchaser men provided more than half of the firearms to the trafficking trade; that number was 288 out of 476, which equals about 61% of the firearms. So less than half of the people named as top buyers contributed more than half of the guns, and this minority was known by a purported law enforcement agency. The government did more damage than anything? Imagine that.

The validity of the information contained in the leak was reportedly corroborated by Alejandro Celorio; Celorio is a lawyer who serves as a legal adviser to Mexicos Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is heading up a Mexican lawsuit against American gun manufacturers and five Arizona gun shops for their alleged role in the cartel and gang violence seen across Mexico and the lower Latin nationsbut we know who the real culprit is, and that is the federal government and all their illegal federal agencies full of stupid bureaucrats.

Yet, if you read the entirety of Penzenstadlers piece, you can rightfully infer that the implied solution is to ramp up gun control initiatives, target these small-time shops and manufacturers, and use the law to pressure them into leaving the firearms industry; Penzenstadler refers to the Tiahrt Amendment as legislation that shields gun-dealing businesses from scrutiny (the clause simply prohibits the ATF from demanding inventories from gun sellers and releasing trace data to the public), but he also basically sounds the alarm on allowing the use of cash at gun stores, saying cash is an indicator of gun-running.

Heres some leftist (il)logic though, just put up a sign at the border that says No Gunrunning or This is a Gunrunning-Free Zone Shouldnt that do the trick? Furthermore, Mexico has some of the strictest gun control laws in the world, so how is it possible that so many firearms still wind up being used in criminal activity? Weird.

One of the ATFs biggest scandals just got a whole lot more scandalous.

Image: Public domain.
A team of University of Michigan researchers recently discovered that the amount of copper needed to keep up with the manufactured demand created by the globalist E.V. agenda is essentially impossible to generate. On May 16th, Engineering and Technology published an article by Tanya Weaver which covered the results of the new study:

Copper cannot be mined quickly enough to keep up with current policies requiring the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), according to a University of Michigan study.  The study found that renewable energys copper needs would outstrip what copper mines can produce at the current rate. Between 2018 and 2050, the world will need to mine 115% more copper than has been mined in all of human history up until 2018 just to meet current copper needs without considering the green energy transition. To meet the copper needs of electrifying the global vehicle fleet, as many as six new large copper mines must be brought online annually over the next several decades. About 40% of the production from new mines will be required for EV-related grid upgrades.

So what exactly do these numbers look like, in context? Well heres this, also from Weaver:

[A]n EV requires three to five times more copper than petrol or diesel cars, not to mention the copper required for upgrades to the electricity grid. A normal Honda Accord needs about 40 pounds of copper. The same battery electric Honda Accord needs almost 200 pounds of copper, said Adam Simon, professor of earth and environmental studies at the University of Michigan. We show in the paper that the amount of copper needed is essentially impossible for mining companies to produce.

Now, copper mining is largely open pit mining (as opposed to underground mining) which is extremely destructive to the environment and a landscapethis certainly isnt an argument against copper mining as its a necessary product for conducting electricity as we currently know it, Im just simply stating the realityand the implications are widespread. You have to consider water and soil contamination and what that means for crops and people, reduced (or eliminated) biodiversity of flora and fauna, air quality, etc. In fact, some scholars believe that the Timna Mines (also known as King Solomons mines), which were one of the most important sources of copper in biblical times, came to a grinding halt because of the associated environmental devastation, rather than the traditional belief of political events:

Although earlier theories as to the halt of copper production focused mainly on outside external factors, such as the ninth-century campaign of Hazael into Canaan, a new study by a Tel Aviv University team posits a different ideathat the over-exploitation of the already poor Timna ecosystem led to extreme environmental degradation, which in turn made continued mining financially unviable. The ecological effects of this event can still be seen in the area around Timna, where acacia trees and other desert flora are all but absent.

And of course, to top it all off, all this modern mining must be done by? Heres this, from Copper.org:

In each of these mining methods [open pit and underground], various earth-moving equipment including shovels, dozers, hauling trucks, and loaders are used to remove and transport the ore. However, the first step is to loosen the rock in the ore body so that it can be moved and processed. Blasting and grinding equipment are used to accomplish this task.

Well duh! What else but crude oil? Heavy diesel machinery, oil-based lubricants, gasoline, etc.

Meanwhile, the hole for fracking is between one and two feet in diameter, with most of the drilling infrastructure hidden underground. This doesnt mean that drilling for oil doesnt yield any adverse consequences, but when done properly and responsibly, far fewer than the impact of copper mining. And, when that E.V. plugs into the grid, from where does the charge come? Hint: coal, natural gas, and oil.

When all the real costs are considered, E.V.s are obviously a net negative for the environment, human rights (slavery used for cobalt mining), and energy reliability.

The researchers conclude their study by offering a more feasible option, which is pushing hybrid vehicles instead of electric cars:

We know, for example, that a Toyota Prius actually has a slightly better impact on climate than a Tesla. Instead of producing 20 million EVs in the US and, globally, 100 million battery EVs each year, would it be more feasible to focus on building 20 million hybrid vehicles?

It goes without saying that governments mandating any kind of vehicle, or pushing a hybrid agenda is just as unacceptable as the E.V. policies, but I have to wonder if the above conclusion suggests that we may be at an inflection point.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
AI-fueled election disruptions are forcing authorities around the world to resort to "pre-bunking" disinformation online to keep up with its surge, The Washington Post reported.

According to the report, election officials are adopting similar strategies during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic where they roll out public alerts and infographics ahead of the disinformation.

At the current stage of AI-powered disinformation online, the method is seen as the most effective approach to combat hoaxes, conspiracy theories, deepfakes, and rumors.

The change in attitude towards disinformation follows earlier warnings that AI may "supercharge" upcoming elections as disinformation and violence incitement may become more common.

Many experts are worried that the same level of disinformation surge as the 2016 Elections may occur again this year with the power of AI.

While tech giants like Google and Meta are partnering with other countries to curb disinformation in their regions, the same situation cannot be said in the US.

Also Read : How AI Technology Shapes US Election Campaign Strategies, Explained

US Gov't is Having a Hard Time Combating AI Disinformation

With the candidates themselves known to spread election misinformation campaigns, the fight against AI is looking much bleaker in the US.

According to The Post, independent fact-check bodies employed on social media are already not enough to combat all AI-powered disinformation at this stage of election season.

It did not help that there have been reports of state-backed threat actors utilizing AI tools to disrupt the election through the rampant spread of disinformation online.

Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center pointed to China, Russia, and Iran allegedly launching political disinformation campaigns in the US since last summer.

Most of the noted disinformation campaigns target English- and Spanish-speaking communities through an "elaborate network of forged media outlets" both on social media and on the web.

Related Article : Microsoft Warns of Foreign State-Backed Online Disinformation Ahead of Elections

US AI Regulation Still a Faraway Goal

Despite growing dangers, a standardized AI regulation law to curb risks posed by the technology remains a far goal for many lawmakers.

Aside from the executive order President Joe Biden signed last October, many departments have been alone in implementing their separate approaches towards mitigating AI impact.
Do parents have yet another reason to keep their kids out of public schools?

It would seem so, given what was discovered going on in Lemon Grove, California, a small city right outside San Diego.

Amy Reichert posted this from her Twitter account:

In @GavinNewsom California child molesters are emboldened by his weak on Pedos laws to post 100s of advertisements near schools on utility polls.

Because of the eagle eye & persistentance of Lemon_Grove_Volunteers on Instagram & repeated calls to the San Diego Human Trafficking pic.twitter.com/TiUICrU2VM  Amy Reichert (@amyforsandiego) May 27, 2024

A group called Lemon Grove Volunteers posted their discoveries about this pedo grooming tactic on Instagram and collected enough evidence that it was some pervert hoping to lure teenage girls into his lair for filthy acts and threats -- for 'females wanted' who must like to 'cuddle,' and 'women's wear' -- that they were able to get the cops involved. The cops sent in an undercover officer posing as a 16-year-old to scoop the creep up. But there are a lot of posters he's put up around these educational institutions, and Reichert said it was happening because the cost of pedo perversion has gone down under Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has inexplicably weakened laws against pedophila.

The most likely one he signed off on, in fact was in 2020, but smaller measures making a pedophile's lot a happier one have gone through since.

According to Reform California:

Across the country, politicians have passed laws to protect children from sex offenders  but in California, the tide is turning in the wrong direction. Recent laws passed by liberal California politicians eliminate oversight of sex offenders and their placement in residential communities  often with vulnerable children and elderly living there, says Carl DeMaio, chairman of Reform California, which has a campaign dedicated to fighting this relocation of sex offenders. In 2020, Democrats in the California Legislature approved Senate Bill (SB) 145, which allows an adult who molests a child as young as 14 years old to avoid being listed on a sex offender registry. The reason that we have sex offender registry laws is because, as a community, we need to monitor criminals, said DeMaio. The evidence is overwhelming that you only find one out of a hundred sex offenders that are caught in these types of crimes and thats why when they offend the first time we put them on a registry so we can watch them carefully, DeMaio explained. While California Democrats claim the bill is designed to protect the LGBT community from discrimination, DeMaio, an openly gay Republican, says the excuse is false and disgusting.

DeMaio also said that California's leftist-stacked courts are another problem, with California court rulings weakening laws against sex offenders in communities and around schools.

In the California Supreme Courts 2015 decision in IN RE: William TAYLOR et al. on Habeas Corpus, the court ruled that San Diego Countys restrictions preventing a sex offenders placement within 2,000 feet of a school or park were unconstitutional. The law in question was a key component of Proposition 83 (Jessicas Law), which was passed by California voters in 2006 with over 70% of the vote. DeMaio says that state politicians are also increasingly siding with sex offenders and passing laws to make it easier for them to not only escape listing on Sex Offender Registries, but live in residential communities and near schools and playgrounds.

So now we have telephone flyers like that creep has placed, looking for women who like to 'cuddle' or who are interested in 'women's wear' -- see how many signs he put up here -- because pedos have fewer restrictions on what they've always called 'jailbait' and 'barely legal' otherwise, and know very well they need to stay away from or it's back to the can.

In other words, there's almost no protection at all from these freaks, and worse still, the authorities aren't terribly proactive about this even as children are very much in the line of danger, exposed to ads like this in their places of safety. The freaks sit around these places and place their bait on the telephone poles, waiting for one, just one, to take them up on their offerings. We know the freak fell for an undercover officer. We don't know how many young women they forced to pose for dirty pictures, raped, shamed, or threatened unless they kept quiet they got to earlier.

That's the state of affairs now, one more reason to avoid California's public schools until they get proactive about this and rip every last pervy flyer down and burn them.

Image: Instagram

The pedo put these types of sleazy ads up on telephone poles all around high schools, and even at San Diego State University which is not far from Lemon Grove.
Heres Senator Rand Paul being interviewed on Fox News in May 2021:

Dr. Shi the bat scientist -- thats the most famous one from the Wuhan Institute -- when she published her papers, which scientists across the board are saying are gain of function, they were juicing up viruses -- she gave credit to Dr. Fauci. She said the funding came from -- we have this in black and white from a peer-reviewed journal: She said the funding came from Dr. Faucis National Institute, NIAID. This is Dr. Faucis baby for 40 years. She lists him in the credits. He cant escape this. He did the funding.

Note Senator Pauls reference to a peer-reviewed journal, the implication being that, unlike from a non-peer-reviewed source, where anything can be made up, claims were checked and presumably accurate. But is this so? A very interesting article appearing on May 17, 2024 in Country Squire magazine, and copied here, gives the historical origins of peer review, which is where the editor of a journal forwards an article for review by independent researchers, with the feedback returned to the editor who has final say.

Peer review has evolved into a system where a science paper -- no matter how solid and impeccable -- not following the narrative or consensus is likely to get rejected. We witnessed this during COVID-19, where papers on therapeutic drug efficacy, vaccine side effects, deleterious effects of lockdown, etc., were rejected by the more prominent journals (including the most prestigious ones such as the Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine) simply for not following the narrative, while junk papers following the narrative were accepted in record time. Weve seen the same thing with climate change, which allowed Barack Obama to cite a fake figure of a 97% consensus in the field. Weve seen it with journals covering transgender issues, where papers about how social media influence affects the transgender population rate or the harms of gender-affirming surgery are likely to get rejected by journals or even pulled after publication due to woke pressure. It has also come to light that Anthony Fauci at NIH/NIAID was in control of much of the nations health care research funding. So even if a prominent epidemiologist or virologist not following the narrative gets published, he/she might be deprived of funding -- a death sentence for most.

Peer review is not infallible -- I can tell you this from my own experience with published journal articles. The reviewers, who are usually university professors or those working in professional labs, have a day job with higher priority, and unlike our impression of them analyzing and verifying every line, may not catch every mistake. The authors still bear most of the responsibility to get it right. In what may be a Catch-22 of sorts, only after you get published does it get easier to get published again since youre now established. And reviewers have their biases.

These flaws may not change the fact that peer review is better than anything else. The problem is when peer review, and/or political bias by or pressure on the journal editor, is used to control the narrative. This has become a major problem. It has made Follow the Science a dark joke.

So what can be done? Maybe the current journals which have damaged their reputations will need to widen their horizons and accept papers contrary to the narrative, as well as seek true independent peer review. Or maybe, as with media, the mainstream of which cant be fixed, perhaps what is needed is new, conservative journals, with conservative peer review, which will gain prominence over time. Or maybe we need alternative journals offering a venue to publish papers with controversial results, but somehow avoiding the fate of Peter Duesberg who, writing in 2009 in the Elsevier publication Medical Hypotheses, contested the narrative of an HIV basis of AIDS. The NIH (not Republicans!) pounced, threatening to remove all Elsevier articles from the National Library of Medicine unless the paper was withdrawn and the usual peer review instituted, and the publisher caved (including firing the editor). Maybe the key is that politicians (like Donald Trump?) need to change the way NIH does business. Lets acknowledge the problem, then work on a fix.

W.A. Eliot is a pseudonym

Image: Sarahmirk
Hirsh Apfelbaum (1883-1936) is the mirror image of a Jewish protestor today in sympathy with Hamas terrorists.

He was an ardent communist who couldnt say enough kind things about his political intimate and personal hero, Joseph Stalin. Things did not end well for Apfelbaum. (His preferred pronoun was the more comrade-sounding name Grigory Zinoviev.)

As his executioners dragged him from his prison cell, he implored them to contact comrade Stalin. The guards were amused by his name dropping and informed Apfelbaum/Zinoviev that hes about to be shot on Stalins orders.

Reality can be a tough taskmaster, and no one will ever know whether it penetrated the idealistic skull of comrade Apfelbaum/Zinoviev. It turned out that a Jew was a Jew, and comrade Stalin routinely targeted them.

Not to pick on any one rabbi today, but Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg is the spitting image -- an exact political doppelganger -- of the deluded but passionate Zinoviev.

Admittedly she suffers from gender confusion (formerly a man), but this does not diminish her passionate support for an enemy who hates her. She regards herself as loud and proud as a leader in the imaginative sounding group named, IfNotNow. They are not to be outdone in their political commitment by other Jewish groups useful to Hamas because they are made up of Jewish supporters, including Rabbis for a Ceasefire and Jewish Voice for Peace.

The absurdity of Rabbi Rosenberg taking her cause to Gaza is nearly as mind-numbingly stupid as Apfelbaum begging his executioners to clear up matters by contacting his dear friend Stalin.

One can only guess at the treatment Hamas thugs would reward a Jewish supporter who happened to be a transgender rabbi. She doesnt try to conceal her former self, and appears to advertise her crossover look by sporting an elaborate up-do, bright red lipstick, and confusing juxtaposition of a nicely coiffed beard. She would be lucky to have a quick end with a bullet to the brain, rather than the usual treatment given LBGTQIA+ community in Hamas-controlled territory.

This is not where the similarities end between Rabbi Rosenberg and Apfelbaum/Zinoviev.

It is sad but true that Zinoviev, a powerful communist, even recommended Stalin for the job the dictator would hold for life. Whereas Rosenberg, no less delusional, continues to champion the military aims of Muslim extremists by calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. She, too (like Zinoviev), must wear blinders to mass murder and the butchery of innocent civilians. Although Stalin stands apart in terms of sheer horrific number of murders, estimated at nine million and up.

Zinoviev, an unwitting stooge, appeared to remain loyal to the end. He wrote an impassioned letter to comrade Stalin from his prison cell professing his loyalty to the party. I stare at your portrait in the newspapers, Zinoviev wrote in his hopeful manner, Thinking my dear ones, look into my heart I am yours, body and soul. Living the fantasists dream has rewards for fascist regimes.

Rabbi Rosenberg, following closely in Zinovievs footsteps, refuses to waver in her loyalty to the IfNotNow cause. She exhibited her loud and proud persona by making a public spectacle of herself and interrupting President Biden at a recent event in Minnesota. Her words were no less deluded than Zinovievs assurance to Stalin of being his in body and soul.

If you care about the Jewish people, as a rabbi, Rosenberg asserted, I need you to call for a ceasefire right now.

Her fellow Jews in Israel, who endure horrific assaults by Hamas, must have been aghast at the perverse assertion of her statement. Tragically. Rabbi Rosenbergs proclamation fails to factor in aiding the cause of an enemy eager to kidnap, rape, or torture Jews while keeping them as hostages.

In this, Rabbi Rosenberg might actually have surpassed the deliberate blindness and mind-numbing delusion of Comrade Zinoviev. It is worth noting that Rosenberg, and her merry band of fantasists, are set apart from Jewish communists of yesteryear owing to one distinct advantage in history.

They dont have to worry about professing their loyalty to Hamas while imprisoned and awaiting their fate in one of the groups terror tunnels (stretching more than 300 miles). Championing the cause of Muslim extremists is one thing, but they dont want to risk actually going to Gaza and risking abduction, rape, or being paraded in the streets among jeering crowds.

That would place Rosenberg, and her well-meaning demonstrators, on the receiving end of Hamas, and enduring the catastrophic fallout from their actions.

Image: National Archives
Its always frustrating to see a case surrounding a man whos clearly innocent  in this particular matter, simply acting on self-defense.

Daniel Scott Perry was a former U.S. Army sergeant working as an Uber driver back in July 2020. As he was working the streets of Austin, a Black Lives Matter mob surrounded him suddenly, rushing to obstruct, strike, pound, smash and kick his vehicle, according to reports.

Then Garret Foster reportedly approached within 18 inches of Daniel Scott Perrys car, confronted him, and brandished a Kalashnikov-style rifle in the low-ready firing position.

Perry acted quickly, drawing his handgun and firing on Foster in self-defense. Foster died from his wounds, and Perry escaped unharmed after an unidentified shooter fired from the crowd. He later discussed the matter with police.

Unfortunately, due to a district attorney who was backed at the time by police-hating billionaire George Soros, Perry was found guilty of murder and spent the past few years in prison  all over a self-defense matter surrounding a hateful mob that would stop at nothing to hurt those who disagreed with them.

Its absolutely frustrating when justice isnt served. But, thankfully, this particular case does have a happy ending.

Texas governor Greg Abbott issued a full pardon for Perry, making him a free man. In a statement he later posted on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles conducted an exhaustive review of U.S. Army Sergeant Daniel Perrys personal history and the facts surrounding the July 2020 incident and recommended a Full Pardon and Restoration of Full Civil Rights of Citizenship.

Among the voluminous files reviewed by the Board, they considered information provided by the Travis County District Attorney, the full investigative report on Daniel Perry, plus a review of all the testimony provided at trial. Texas has one of the strongest Stand Your Ground laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney. I thank the Board for its thorough investigation, and I approve their pardon recommendation.

What this means is that the board was fully aware that Perry was wrongfully convicted, when he was simply defending himself against a hateful mob. That didnt stop Travis County district attorney Jose Garza from slavering after a murder conviction, believing that it was more of a hate crime than a self-defense matter  which is clearly far from the truth.

Abbott, alongside the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole, noted that rather than upholding the self-defense rights of citizens, [Garza] has prioritized reducing access to guns that citizens may use to lawfully defend themselves.

Whats more, Garza directed the lead detective investigating Daniel Scott Perry to withhold exculpatory evidence from the Grand Jury considering whether to report an indictment and has not sought to see that justice is done, but has instead demonstrated unethical and biased misuse of his office.

Im thrilled to see that justice has finally been served. Why stop here? This matter should easily pave the way for an investigation to take place surrounding Garzas actions and how he manipulated a lead detective. For that matter, it probably wouldnt hurt to see what kind of financial support he received from Soros on the matter.

Will it get anywhere? Whos to say? But Abbotts on a roll when it comes to getting justice done properly in the Lone Star State. So if anyone can look into these corrupt actions  and giving Perry some peace of mind surrounding what happened  its he.

Ill conclude with a statement from Texas attorney general Ken Paxton: Americans across the country have been watching this case in Texas and praying for justice after BLM riots terrorized the nation in 2020. Our right to self-defense is enshrined in the Constitution. Soros-backed prosecutors like Jose Garza do not get to pick and choose the rights we have as Americans, and I am relieved that justice has prevailed.

Ill say it has.

Michael Letts is the Founder, president, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.

Image: Greg Abbott. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
At the German Armed Forces Museum of Military History in Dresden, there is a big fat iron submarine on display. Built in 1850, this pioneering vessel, named the Brandtaucher, holds the distinction of being the first German submarine ever constructed and the oldest surviving in the world. Despite sinking on its very public trial, the Brandtaucher offers a fascinating glimpse into the early innovations of underwater navigation and military technology.

The Brandtaucher, which means "Fire-diver" in German, was designed by Wilhelm Bauer, a German engineer born in Dillingen in the Kingdom of Bavaria. Initially trained as a wood turner, Bauer eventually followed in his fathers footstepsa sergeant in a Bavarian cavalry regimentand joined the army. As an artillery engineer during the German-Danish War (18481852), Bauer witnessed the ease with which the Danish navy blockaded the Prussian coast. This experience inspired him to develop a submersible ship capable of breaking such blockades.

Photo credit: Jan Rehschuh/Wikimedia Commons

Submarines were not a new idea. Among the first successful submarines was the one designed by the Dutchman Cornelius Drebbel for King James I of England in 1620. Drebbels submarine, built of wood and propelled by oars, could stay underwater for several hours. In 1776, David Bushnell built the "Turtle," a hand-powered, egg-shaped device that could move underwater independently using screws for propulsion. During the American War of Independence, the Turtle was used unsuccessfully against an English ship. Even Napoleon became interested in the "Nautilus," built by the American Robert Fulton in 1801.

How much Wilhelm Bauer was inspired by these predecessors is unclear. In any case, he began studying hydraulics and ship construction. It is said that while stationed in Jutland, Bauer observed the natural movements of seals, which he took as a model to further his design. In fact, the shape of his boat resembled a fattened seal, leading to the submarine being nicknamed the "iron seal."

Bauer returned to Bavaria in 1849 and presented his invention to a military commission, but they dismissed the project. Undeterred, he went to Northern Germany and joined the Army of Schleswig-Holstein, which showed interest in the project and asked him to develop it further and build a model. Bauer built a working model of his submarine, but the military was still not willing to pay for its realization, forcing Bauer to seek private funding. He managed to raise some money and, together with engineer August Howaldt, started construction.

However, the lack of sufficient funds forced Bauer and Howaldt to make several significant compromises to the original design, such as reducing the thickness of the walls and eliminating ballast tanks. Instead, water was allowed to pool inside the bottom of the hull, below the main floor, and moved relatively unobstructed within this area when the ship changed orientation. This design flaw resulted in significant instability, which likely contributed to the vessel's eventual loss.

Wilhelm Bauer

The Brandtaucher was 28 feet long and weighed about 70,000 pounds. It was powered by two sailors turning a large tread wheel with their hands and feet. The third crew member, positioned at the stern of the submarine, operated the rudders and other controls. The Brandtaucher was designed to attack enemy ships. It would maneuver under the hull of the target ship, where the captain would reach out through a pair of rubber gloves fixed to an opening in the hull, grab a mine located within reach on the submarine, and attach it to the target.

More like this: This Wooden Barrel Was The Worlds First Military Submarine

On February 1, 1851, a demonstration was organized at Kiel harbor. Inside the submarine were Bauer, the carpenter Friedrich Witt, and the blacksmith Wilhelm Thomsen. The first few minutes went well, but when Bauer headed for the deepest part of the harbor basin to dive, the hull began to leak, unable to withstand the water pressure. As the submarine began to flood, it slowly sank to the bottom of the harbor. Bauer and his companions kept their nerve and waited for six hours, until enough water had seeped in to equalize the pressure inside the sunken craft. This allowed the hatch to be opened, and the three sailors escaped to the surface.

The wreck of the Brandtaucher was salvaged in 1887 and is now on display at the Museum of Military History of the Bundeswehr in Dresden.

A model of the Brandtaucher at the Bundeswehr Museum Dresden. Photo credit: Jan Rehschuh/Wikimedia Commons

Internal mechanism of the Brandtaucher submarine in Dresden. Photo credit: Stephencdickson/Wikimedia Commons

Bauer went on to build a second submarine, called the Seeteufel (Sea Devil), for Tsar Alexander II of Russia. Learning from his previous experience with the Brandtaucher, Bauer rectified the issues that had plagued his first design. The Seeteufel was much larger and more advanced, allowing it to make 133 successful diving runs within four months. However, during the 134th dive, the submarine became stuck in the sand on the seafloor. By emptying the water cylinders with the pumps, the crew managed to raise the submarine high enough so that the hatchway was above the waterline. The entire crew, including Bauer, was saved, but unfortunately, the submarine sank back to the bottom of the sea.

A scale model of the Sea Devil is displayed at the Deutsches Museum in Munich. Today, visitors to the German Armed Forces Museum of Military History in Dresden and the Deutsches Museum in Munich can appreciate Bauer's pioneering work. These exhibits not only honor Bauer's legacy but also provide insight into the early days of submarine development, illustrating how far technology has come since the mid-19th century.

Photo credit: Marcin Szala/Wikimedia Commons

References:

# 170 years ago: Patent for the first German submarine, DPMA

# Experimental submarine Brandtaucher, Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg
(Image source from: Deccanherald.com)

Telangana's ex-DGP's sensational allegations on KCR:- In the ongoing phone-tapping case, former DCP P. Radha Kishan Rao has confessed that K. Chandrashekar Rao, the ex-chief minister, played a personal role in planning and overseeing the Moinabad farmhouse MLA poaching incident. The confession also states that Chandrashekar Rao wanted to use this case as leverage with the BJP to ensure that his daughter, MLC K. Kavitha, was removed from the Delhi liquor scam case. Radha Kishan Rao claimed that Chandrashekar Rao instructed the State Intelligence Bureau to conduct surveillance based on a tip-off from Pilot Rohith Reddy, who claimed that senior BJP leaders had approached him with an offer to join their party. Chandrashekar Rao allegedly hoped to use the poaching case to pressure the BJP into making a compromise. To strengthen the case, he even wanted to have BJP national leader B.L. Santosh arrested.

According to Radha Kishan Rao, the Moinabad farm house plan was executed successfully, resulting in the arrest of a local BJP leader and two "swamijis". A special investigation team was formed by the government, but due to the inefficiency of some Cyberabad police officials, an important person was able to escape the police in Kerala. Despite a special team led by superintendent of police Rema Rajeshwari being flown to Kerala on a chartered aircraft, the arrest could not be made, resulting in KCR's anger for not meeting his expectations. In his confession statement, Rao also revealed that while working in the city task force, he attended to important confidential work of CM KCR, his family members, and close associates of the party. These works included settling civil disputes, suppressing dissent or protest against the TRS party and its government, and arm-twisting certain individuals causing trouble for the party and CM KCR.

Former Deputy Superintendent of Police N. Bhujanga Rao has made a confession statement that implicates former minister T. Harish Rao, who is the nephew of Chandrashekar Rao, with another accused named A. Sravan Kumar Rao. Bhujanga Rao claims that during October and November of 2023, Sravan Kumar of INews was in direct communication with Prabhakar Rao, the former intelligence chief and leader of the tapping operation, at the request of T. Harish Rao, who was serving as a minister at the time. Bhojanga Rao said prominent people under surveillance included MLC Shambipur Raju (known for his proximity to current BRS president K.T. Rama Rao) and former minister T. Rajaiah. This list includes Kadiam Srihari from Warangal. Patnam Mahender Reddy and his wife from Tandur, MLA Rohith Reddy, former IPS officer R.S. ABN's Praveen Kumar, media personalities Narendra Chaudhary and V Radhakrishna were unhappy. The scrutiny also covered several opposition candidates, including K. Raghuveer Reddy, son of K. Jana Reddy from Nagarjunasagar. Sarita Tirupasia by Gadwal. Javadi Narsiga Rao of Koltola and Vamsi Krishna of Achampet.

(Video Source: ETV Andhra Pradesh)
Google may have developed or is working on a groundbreaking technology that can transform how we diagnose and manage skin conditions, including skin cancer. A newly spotted patent application from the tech titan describes a skin condition diagnostics system using advanced AI. This system analyzes skin images to determine skin conditions and provides insights and potential diagnoses.

Google patent describes an AI system for determining skin cancer

Titled Early skin condition diagnostics using sonic sensors, Googles patent revolves around an AI system designed to analyze images of the skin and diagnose various skin cancer conditions. It uses a smartphone camera to capture the image of the skin. Additionally, the system can employ three-dimensional (3D) sonic sensors to gather volumetric data about skin lesions, including the depth of the cancer.

The obtained data is analyzed using advanced AI and machine learning to determine the skin condition. The system is trained on a vast dataset of skin images and volumetric data. It examines the available information and identifies the potential condition based on factors such as texture, color, shape, and patterns of the skin lesions. It then provides a detailed report for further clinical evaluation.

The report includes the confidence levels of the determined condition as well as likely diagnosis, severity, and suggested next steps. Instead of relying on surface imaging, this system analyzes the depth of skin lesions, giving you more accurate results. Google has designed it all to be transparent, so clinicians can review and evaluate the data for informed decision-making for further diagnosis and treatment.

This system can revolutionize dermatology

This innovative AI solution from Google has the potential to revolutionize dermatology. It can make skin condition assessments more accessible, efficient, and affordable. People can monitor and manage their skin health from the comfort of their homes, just with the help of a smartphone. The system can serve as an early detection tool for skin cancer, so people can visit a dermatologist and seek better treatment.

That said, there is no way to verify if Google is actively working on this AI toolpatent applications do not always indicate ongoing product developments. It originally filed the patent in July 2021. The USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) granted the patent in March 2024. If the company plans to introduce this system anytime soon, we may hear more about it in the coming months. It could be part of Googles AI suite for Pixel phones.
Imagine being the main benefactor of an industry and ultimately being its downfall. Well, Meta and Google dont have to strain themselves to imagine this. Both companies are driving a knife into the news industrys heart. Meta recently stopped showing news links, and its now summarizing news articles.

If this sounds familiar, Google recently pulled a move like this with its AI Overviews. When you do a Google search, rather than seeing a succession of links to websites, youll see a summary of what you searched for. So, rather than navigating to websites and contributing to their ad revenue, you have a fast track to getting the information.

Meta summarizes news articles

While Meta claims to not be a primary source of news, many companies that rely on it for traffic would beg to differ. In fact, the companys platforms are a notable source of news, and a ton of publications owe much of their ad revenue to them. Back in 2023, when Meta pulled out of Canada, 36 news organizations shuttered.

So, this is why the companys latest move is a pretty shady one. Recently, Meta stopped showing links to news websites. Thats bad enough, but what makes things worse is the fact that Metas AI will actually summarize those very same news articles that its not linking to. When you use Meta AI to ask for the latest news headlines, youll see an AI-generated summary of the top news headlines. So, you wont be led directly to the news sites themselves.

Meta, you can copy my homework, but dont make it too obvious

The situation gets even worse! Not only is this tool swiping data from news organizations, but its not great at varying the results. The Washington Post did some tests of this tool and the company found that it would reproduce sentences similar to those in the articles. In some cases, it would directly reproduce sentences word-for-word. So, the news articles arent good enough to navigate people to them, but theyre good enough for Meta to scrape and regurgitate.

We cant say that Meta completely does away with the news article links, however. Theres a View sources button below the results. So, lets give Meta a hand for doing the bare minimum.

However, the question remains, after having the crucial information served to them on a silver platter, how likely are people to go to the full article? Take 100 people and have them search for a news story. Then, take the number of people who dont opt to go to the website and you get a rough estimate of the percentage of how much these sites ad revenue will drop.

Does Meta care? Well, does Google care about what its doing to the news industry? The answer to both is not in the slightest! Right now, all we can do is hope for some sort of divine intervention because theres nothing to stop these companies from doing what they want.
The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra will become the fastest charging clamshell foldable, it has been confirmed. This confirmation comes from the phones 3C certification in China, as its charging speed was mentioned.

The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra will become the fastest-charging clamshell foldable

The device will support 68W fast wired charging, and the device is rumored to include a 4,000mAh battery. Needless to say, 68W charging should be able to recharge that battery very quickly.

The upcoming Xiaomi MIX Flip is expected to offer similar fast charging speeds. Still, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is expected to have faster charging, on paper, with 68W vs 67W. The difference is negligible, but its there.

Both of those phones are expected to land in the near future, actually. We still dont know their launch dates, however. The Motorola Razr 50 and Razr 50 Ultra are also expected to launch globally, while were still not sure about the Xiaomi MIX Flip.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is said to fuel the device

The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra will likely be fueled by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. Some previous rumors mentioned the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but based on what weve heard about the phone recently, the s variant is the more likely choice.

The phone is also expected to include a 6.9-inch main, foldable pOLED display, and a 4-inch cover panel. The rest of the phones specs should also be quite compelling. Two cameras are expected to be included, in addition to the one in the main display.

The phone actually surfaced in live images not long ago, and its sibling also appeared in a ton of pictures, just in case youre wondering what the two devices will look like. Motorola is expected to announce the Razr 50 series launch date in the near future. The Razr 40 arrived in early June, so the timing fits.
Samsung has launched a new M series mid-range smartphone, the Galaxy M35. It is a 5G-ready device with a decent set of specs, including a 6,000mAh battery and a 50MP OIS camera. The phone is already available for purchase in some markets. The company may release it widely in the coming weeks.

Galaxy M35 arrives with a big battery & Samsung Knox Vault

The Galaxy M35 is a slightly bulkier variant of the Galaxy A35 Samsung launched in March. It is bulkier because it packs a bigger battera 6,000mAh unit instead of 5,000mAh. The new phone has a dimension of 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm, while the A series handset measures 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm. They also differ in weight, with the former weighing 222 grams and the latter 209 grams.

A bigger battery isnt accompanied by faster charging, though. The Galaxy M35 still only charges at 25W. Meanwhile, Samsung has replaced the under-display fingerprint scanner with a side-mounted one. The companys press release mentions an under-display solution, but thats incorrect. The Galaxy M35 is also missing an official IP rating for dust and water resistance (the Galaxy A35 has an IP67 rating).

The rest of the specs carry over unchanged. You get a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) resolution, and 1000 nits of HBM brightness. The phone is powered by Samsungs Exynos 1380 chipset, a 5nm solution running at a maximum frequency of 2.4GHz. The company offers the device with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage capacity.

The Galaxy M35 doesnt come in any other configuration, though it supports microSD cards for expandable storage (uses a shared SIM slot). The device features a 50MP primary rear camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), PDAF (phase-detection autofocus), and 4K video recording. It is flanked by an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro camera. There is a 13MP selfie camera capable of recording 4K videos.

Samsung offers Wi-Fi 6 and NFC support on this phone. A 3.5mm headphone jack is missing but you get stereo speakers. The device ships with Android 14 out of the box and is eligible for updates up to Android 18. It will also get security patches for five years from the launch date. The Galaxy M35 boasts EAL5+ certification and Samsung Knox Vault to protect your sensitive data from attacks.

Price & availability

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy M35 in Brazil. The phone is already available for purchase in the Latin American country in Dark Blue, Light Blue, and Gray colors. It costs R$2,699 (approx. $522, though smartphone prices in Brazil tend to be higher than in the US). You can purchase it through Samsungs online store and third-party retailers. The company hasnt announced its price and availability details for other markets.
Elon Musk is being called out for his attempts to recruit employees for xAI as feuds between AI firms wage high.

In response to Musk calling for people who "believe in our mission of understanding the universe," Meta's AI chief Yann LeCun poked fun at the xAI CEO for various vague promises around AI's future.

The comment came amidst Musk's wild statements that AI may soon destroy humanity, take people's jobs entirely, or that artificial general intelligence could be developed as soon as next year.

Join xAI if you can stand a boss who:

- claims that what you are working on will be solved next year (no pressure).

- claims that what you are working on will kill everyone and must be stopped or paused (yay, vacation for 6 months!).

- claims to want a "maximally rigorous pursuit  Yann LeCun (@ylecun) May 27, 2024

LeCuna did not forget to mention Musk spreading conspiracy theories on his platform, an attitude that seems prevalent in the AI firm's goal to develop technology "without regard to popularity or political correctness."

This was not the first time LeCuna feuded with the xAI CEO for his exaggerated claims about a fully autonomous and reliable AI system.

AI Development Concerns Grow Amid Hype Trend

LeCuna, who was considered the "godfather of AI," was not the only one who expressed concerns about the growing trends in AI development that could endanger many people.

Similar concerns came to light as several notable AI experts left startup OpenAI over safety concerns about the company's approach to the technology's development.

Former "Superalignment" team head Jan Leike earlier pointed out how the company's "safety culture and processes have taken a backseat to shiny products" as issues become more evident in its latest products.

But over the past years, safety culture and processes have taken a backseat to shiny products.  Jan Leike (@janleike) May 17, 2024

Leike's statements echo similar concerns raised by his co-leader and OpenAI's chief scientist Ilya Sutskever when he voted to oust CEO Sam Altman last year.

Sutskever left along with Leike as OpenAI's "Superalignment" safety team was dissolved into other development divisions.

Even Sutskever's teacher, Geoffrey Hilton, has previously told The New York Times the same concerns with Google's recent moves as it catches up with competitors in the AI race.

Also Read : How is AI Hype Hurting Tech Industry Innovations?

AI Hallucinations, Safety Issues Surge Amid AI Race

So far, these AI experts' concerns can be seen with the recent rollouts of AI being more prone to hallucinations and security issues.

Google Search's recent AI Overviews were recently criticized for generating inaccurate and sometimes dangerous summaries.

The technology behind the search feature, Gemini, was caught a few months ago also generating racially inaccurate historical figures.

Before Gemini, OpenAI's ChatGPT was reported to be "having a stroke" after giving incomprehensible responses.
Samsung has released the May 2024 update for the Galaxy S20 series, which is enjoying a fifth year of updates. The latest security patch is also rolling out to the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy A54, and Galaxy A53 in international markets. The Galaxy Xcover 7, Galaxy A52s, Galaxy A52, and Galaxy M34 are getting One UI 6.1.

Samsung pushes the May 2024 update to the Galaxy S20 series

Launched in early 2020, the Galaxy S20 series was supposed to get three major Android OS updates and four years of security updates. Samsung fulfilled both promises, updating the devices from Android 10 to Android 13 and pushing monthly security patches for four years. We expected the company to drop official update support for the phones in early 2024, but it didnt.

Into their fifth year now, the phones continue to get security updates. Samsung has just rolled out the May 2024 SMR (Security Maintenance Release) for the Galaxy S20 trio. The update is currently available for 5G models in Europe with the firmware build number G98*BXXSKHXEA. The company may expand the coverage to more markets in the coming days.

Samsungs latest security patch contains fixes for more than 50 vulnerabilities. The company has already pushed these fixes to dozens of Galaxy devices. Some have received the update globally, while others are slowly picking it up in more markets. Following a US release last week, Samsung is now rolling out the May SMR to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 in other regions.

Additionally, the new security update is available for the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy A54, and Galaxy A53 in various parts of the world. Except for the Galaxy A53, all other devices have received the May SMR in the US. Samsung will gradually update more units globally. You can always check for updates from the Settings app on your phone.

One UI 6.1 is available for more Galaxy devices

Along with expanding the May SMR, Samsung is pushing One UI 6.1 to more eligible Galaxy devices. The Galaxy Xcover 7, Galaxy A52s, Galaxy A52, and Galaxy M34 are among the devices that recently started picking the new One UI version. The Galaxy A52 5G received it last week. None of these devices have AI features, but One UI 6.1 brings other features and improvements. Some of these devices are also picking up the latest security patch with this update.
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner will face no further action following a police investigation into her living arrangements.

She had faced allegations she may have broken electoral law following a complaint from Tory deputy chairman James Daly.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: Following allegations about Angela Rayner MP, Greater Manchester Police has completed a thorough, carefully considered and proportionate investigation.

We have concluded that no further police action will be taken.

Questions about Ms Rayners living arrangements surfaced following suggestions in a book by former Tory deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft that she failed to properly declare her main home.

The unauthorised biography alleges that the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne bought her former council house, in Vicarage Road in Stockport, Greater Manchester in 2007 under the right-to-buy scheme.

Her then husband was listed at another address in Lowndes Lane, about a mile away, which had also been bought under the right-to-buy scheme.

In the same year as her wedding, Ms Rayner is said to have re-registered the births of her two youngest children, giving her address as where her husband resided.

Ms Rayner has insisted that Vicarage Road was her principal property despite her husband living elsewhere at the time.

She has faced questions about whether she should have paid capital gains tax when her home was sold and if she paid the correct amount of council tax.

Tory deputy chairman James Daly pushed for the police investigation (Danny Lawson/PA)

Mr Daly had alleged she may have made a false declaration about where she was living on the electoral register.

While the police are taking no further action on that claim, they said matters involving tax did not fall within their jurisdiction.

GMP has liaised with Stockport Council and information about our investigation has been shared with them, the police spokesman said.

Details of our investigation have also been shared with His Majestys Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

It is understood HMRC looked into the matter at Ms Rayners request and concluded there was no capital gains tax liability.

A Labour spokesman said: The police have now completed their investigation into claims made by the Conservative Party deputy chairman and have concluded that no further action will be taken.

Angela cooperated fully with the police investigation throughout.

Angela has always been clear that she was not liable for capital gains tax on the sale of the home she owned before she was an MP, that she was properly registered to vote, and paid the appropriate council tax. She took expert tax and legal advice which confirms this.

This draws a line under the matter.
The US would need over 1 million electric vehicle charging ports, six times more than the number of fuel gas stations in the country, to reach its zero-carbon emission goal, the Wired estimated.

As of writing, the country only has 188,600 public and private charging ports, less than one-fifth of the required charging ports for the country to shift towards EVs by 2040.

Charging stations are far fewer at 67,900 in select areas and states than the more accessible 145,000 gas fueling stations.

Wired data collaborator Coltura projected that 90% of housing units would need an EV charging station to meet at least 70% of the demand.

These hurdles, along with the huge funding needed to accomplish the monumental task, made several lawmakers double-take on the administration's push to start the transition in 2026.

Why More EV Charging Stations Needed Than Fuel Stations?

The reason for the high number of charging ports needed stems from the difference between EVs and gas-fueled cars' energy consumption.

Traditional car drivers can simply store more fuel in their cars by carrying extra gallons they can refill anytime.

This is the opposite of EV cars, which can only carry the maximum energy limit their battery can contain. Once the energy is depleted, EV drivers would need to charge again.

This unsustainability in long-distance drives can only be solved through more accessible EV charging ports on every major highway, metropolis, and traffic area.

Related Article : Biden Admin to Ease EV Transition Rules on Tailpipe Emissions

EV Transition Receives Pushback from Car Dealers, Law Makers

With many issues prevalent with the transition, the US government's push to fasten the country's shift towards zero-carbon emission remains at a deadlock as car dealers and lawmakers push back against its bills.

Several car dealers have earlier opposed the White House's plan to tighten rules on tailpipe emissions, a trend also highlighted by lawmakers hesitant on the transition.

So far, the administration has lightened policies around its current efforts for the transition as it looks for alternatives that would not impact major businesses in the US.
A wind farm off the Scottish coast is to pay out over 33 million to the energy regulator after breaching part of its licence conditions.

Watchdog Ofgem said on Tuesday that Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (Bowl) had agreed to make the redress payment in response.

Beatrice is one of Scotlands largest offshore windfarms, with 84 turbines located around 13km off the Caithness coast. Its turbines are capable of producing energy for up to 450,000 homes.

Ofgem said the operator breached one of its licence rules by charging excessive prices to reduce its generation output when it was required to do so in order to keep the electricity grid balanced.

The regulator said this pushed up costs for consumers as a result.

Bowl admitted to the breach, describing the issue as wholly unintentional.

Ofgem said the firm agreed to make the 33.14 million payment to its redress fund, where supports projects and schemes for energy users, particularly those in vulnerable situations.

Ofgem added: Bowl has co-operated fully with Ofgem in its enquiries to resolve the issue quickly and fairly.

A spokesman for Bowl said: Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited accepts that it breached one of its electricity generation licence conditions.

The breach was in Bowls view wholly unintentional.

Bowl will make a payment to the Ofgem consumer redress fund, has reviewed its bid pricing policy and fully cooperated with Ofgem throughout to conclude this process.

With other industry participants, Bowl is engaging on proposed modifications to the relevant industry code and Ofgems ongoing consultation on its approach to interpreting and enforcing the transmission constraint licence condition.
Diane Abbott has had the Labour whip restored, the PA news agency understands.

It comes after pressure on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer intensified after reports that an investigation into her racism comments was completed five months ago.

Labour withdrew the whip from the long-standing MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington in April 2023, after she suggested Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experienced prejudice, but not racism.

BBC Newsnight reported that Labours National Executive Committee (NEC) had written to Ms Abbott in December 2023 to say it had concluded an inquiry into her comments.

Ms Abbott was given back the Labour whip earlier on Tuesday, PA understands.

But it is unclear whether she will stand as a Labour candidate in the General Election.

Sir Keir earlier declined to say whether she would seek election under his partys banner on July 4.

Asked about the investigation finishing in December, the Labour leader told broadcasters: The process overall is obviously a little longer than the fact-finding exercise.

But in the end, this is a matter that will have to be resolved by the National Executive Committee and theyll do that in due course.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a campaign visit to Rolls-Royces educational training facility in Derby (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Sir Keir has previously said he could not get involved in the case, which would be resolved by June 4, when Labours final list of candidates is decided.

The Times reported that Ms Abbott, Britains first black woman MP, will be banned from standing as a Labour candidate, with suggestions the lifting of her suspension would allow her to leave politics with dignity.

Campaign group Momentum said restoring the whip to Ms Abbott only to block her would be outrageous.

Following a farcical, factional process, she has had the whip restored. Her local party reselected her unanimously. That should be the end of the matter.

Anything less is a slap in the face to Diane, her constituents and the millions inspired by her example as Britains first black woman MP.

Jeremy Corbyn, under whose leadership Ms Abbott served as shadow home secretary, posted a video in which he said Ms Abbott has been disgracefully treated by the Labour Party and left in limbo.

I stand with Diane. pic.twitter.com/1iabWgrRRi  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 28, 2024

Ms Abbott was reported to have been issued with a formal warning by the NEC for engaging in conduct that was, in the opinion of the NEC, prejudicial and grossly detrimental to the Labour Party.

She was told to take part in an online e-learning module, which she completed in February, something that Labours chief whip allegedly acknowledged by email.

Ms Abbott was an independent MP when Parliament was prorogued on Friday, May 24, ahead of the July 4 election.

The veteran MP was suspended after she responded to an Observer article headlined: Racism in Britain is not a black and white issue. Its far more complicated.

She wrote in a letter to the title: It is true that many types of white people with points of difference, such as redheads, can experience this prejudice. But they are not all their lives subject to racism. In pre-civil rights America, Irish people, Jewish people and Travellers were not required to sit at the back of the bus.

Ms Abbott later said she wished to wholly and unreservedly withdraw my remarks and disassociate myself from them.

Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden said: On Friday Sir Keir Starmer said that the investigation into Diane Abbotts conduct was ongoing and not resolved.

Now it has been confirmed the Labour investigation into Diane Abbott concluded five months ago and she has already been given a formal warning. Its inconceivable that Starmer, the Labour leader, wasnt told the process had finished and a warning issued.

No ifs, no buts, this isnt another flip-flop or yet another policy U-turn. Sir Keir Starmer has blatantly lied to the British people and has serious questions to answer.
A loss at the General Election could put an end to the SNPs push for independence, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has said as he prepares to launch his partys campaign in the seat held by John Swinney.

Leader Douglas Ross will join activists and candidates in Perth on Tuesday  part of the First Ministers Perthshire North constituency at the Scottish Parliament  with the outgoing Moray MP saying he wants to put (Mr Swinney) on notice that his party are coming for the seat and others held by the SNP.

At the partys conference last year, SNP activists voted to back former leader Humza Yousafs plans to seek democratic effect from the UK Government if the party wins a majority of seats in Scotland.

Speaking ahead of the launch, which is expected to focus on key Tory messages, Mr Ross said: Were here in John Swinneys back yard to put him on notice that the Scottish Conservatives are coming for SNP seats like this one.

The Tories will take their campaigning to the Perthshire seat held by John Swinney (Lesley Martin/PA)

Like so many seats across Scotland, this one is a straight contest between the Scottish Conservatives and the SNP.

In this election, the opportunity is there to finally end their independence demands for good.

For more than a decade, ever since that once-in-a-generation referendum, the SNP have focused only on independence at the expense of everything else.

Voters have a once-in-a-generation chance to beat the SNP by voting Scottish Conservative in key seats up and down the country.

By beating the SNP, we can get all of the focus over the next five years onto creating good jobs, reducing NHS waiting lists and investing to improve our public services.

Scotland has had enough of the SNPs non-stop demands for independence and the way they overlook the issues that really matter.

Lets get out there and fight for the neglected patients, pupils, parents, workers who have been let down by the SNP.

Lets get out there and win in key seats right across Scotland. Lets get out there and beat the SNP.

SNP MP and candidate for Perth and Kinross-Shire Pete Wishart said: We need to get rid of the Tory Government. The way to do that in Scotland is to vote SNP, because we are the main challengers in every Tory-held seat.

Westminster has inflicted austerity, Brexit and a cost-of-living crisis on Scotland  these decisions have pushed up household costs, hit the economy hard and cut the money available to spend on the NHS.

The SNP in government has shown how the best decisions are those made in Scotland, for Scotland  we have delivered the best performing A&E units in the UK for nine years, helped households struggling with Westminsters cost-of-living crisis, and we are keeping 100,000 children out of poverty through the Scottish Child Payment.

At the General Election, vote for the SNP and unite Scotland for a future where all of the decisions about Scotland are made in Scotland, for Scotland.
Irelands historic recognition of a Palestinian state could be a catalyst for other EU nations, the Irish Government said.

Irelands ministers met on Tuesday and officially agreed to recognise a Palestinian state, in a joint move with Spain and Norway.

A Palestinian flag was raised at the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, alongside the EU and Ukrainian flags.

The Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, was seated in the distinguished visitors gallery to hear four hours of statements.

Irish premier Simon Harris said the move was historic and important and that the EU could be doing a hell of a lot more on the Middle East conflict.

Speaking in the Parliament, Mr Harris said that Palestine was very much something that the (Irish) people have led on, while Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said that he hoped Palestine could follow a similar path to Irelands pursuit of self-determination.

At a meeting of government today Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine. The Government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah. Full statement: https://t.co/YpvxXsuKCI pic.twitter.com/ebAyNTVtMD  MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) May 28, 2024

Irish parliamentarians said it was a proud day for Ireland while also calling on the Irish Government to implement sanctions on Israel over the rising numbers of deaths and injuries in Gaza.

The leader of Irelands main opposition party, Sinn Fein, said Irelands recognition of a Palestinian state had taken too long, because there was cross-party support for the decision for 10 years.

It shouldnt have taken us this long to get here but of course it is never too late to do the right thing  and this is the right and the just thing, Mary Lou McDonald said.

So today we say again to the Palestinian people: You are not alone, Ireland recognises you.

During the Dail statements on Palestine, a small group of protesters in the public gallery forced the Parliament to be suspended for several minutes as they chanted sanctions now.

Mr Harris told the Parliament earlier that Irelands action will have a positive effect beyond our own recognition.

Is it possible that you get to a point during the course of this year where the majority of member states of the European Union now recognise the State of Palestine, where a majority of prime ministers and presidents of the European Council recognise the existence of the State of Palestine?

Ireland has formally recognised a Palestinian state in a joint move with Norway and Spain (Niall Carson/PA)

What does that do in terms of positive momentum and change in policy and approach?

Ireland will recognise a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, the culmination of months of diplomatic work that began in December.

The Palestinian Mission in Ireland and Irelands Representative Office in Ramallah will be upgraded to embassies, with ambassadors appointed to both.

Mr Harris said that the move sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to put an emphasis on a two-state solution.

I am conscious though, as we take this historic and important decision today, of the ongoing human catastrophe unfolding in the Middle East, in Gaza, in Rafah. I am conscious of the devastation being caused by people being deprived of food, starvation, and hunger being used as a weapon of war.

Unfortunately we now have a new despicable and disgusting trend emerging where, every now and again, in particular when absolute horror seems to take place, the Prime Minister of Israel (Benjamin Netanyahu) comes out and describes it as a tragic mistake.

Aprils tragic mistake was the bombing to death of aid workers trying to provide food to starving mouths, Mays tragic mistake, yesterday, was children being blown to death while seeking protection in a displaced centre.

What will Junes tragic mistake be? And more importantly what does the world now intend to (do to) stop it happening?

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said the recognition did not represent the end of a process; it is the beginning, and said it could be a catalyst for other nations.

I believe you will see more member states of the European Union recognising the State of Palestine in the coming while. I think the decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain is a catalyst for others to consider their position.

This morning, Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine. It is an occasion of deep significance to the people of Ireland. And many Palestinians have told me that Irelands decision has provided hope at what is a very dark time in Palestine. pic.twitter.com/kmt0YSjW02  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 28, 2024

He added: We are deeply committed to the pursuit of peace and support for Palestinian state-building.

Ireland has reaffirmed this commitment over many decades, through intensive diplomacy and our long-standing development co-operation programme.

He added: It is vital that the Palestinian Authority is given the full backing of the international community in its reform and service delivery efforts and we will redouble our energies to this end.

In recent days, I have held substantive discussions on the path ahead with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and engaged with European and Arab partners on the Arab Peace Vision as a meaningful way forward in achieving peace.

Ireland will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority, and our EU and international partners, in creating a political path that can stop this horrific conflict and humanitarian disaster, ensure the release of all hostages, and realise the vision of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state existing alongside the state of Israel in peace and security.
Home Alone actor Daniel Stern has said he and members of the crew racked up a 7,000 dollar (5,480) bar bill for Donald Trump after filming a cameo with the former US president.

Stern is best known for his role as hapless criminal Marv in Home Alone and sequel Home Alone 2: Lost In New York.

The second film was shot at the Plaza Hotel in New York, which was owned by Trump at the time, and the mogul has a brief cameo in one scene.

Discussing his night with The Apprentice star, he told ITVs Good Morning Britain: I had met him that day on the shoot and that night, me and the stunt guys and some crew guys were at the hotel bar and Mr Trump walked through.

It might be May but we're living our Christmas dreams  One-half of Home Alone's 'Wet Bandits', Daniel Stern AKA 'Marv' talks about starring in the iconic movie. pic.twitter.com/Tk3MxJZmdb  Good Morning Britain (@GMB) May 28, 2024

He pointed and was very appreciative and said drinks are on me and so we bought drinks for the entire bar, for the entire night. We hit him pretty good on the bill.

Liam, my stunt guy, we figured it was about 7,000 bucks which is a drop in the bucket to the man and he felt good about it, we felt good about it so that was a win win.

Stern has since appeared in shows such as Manhattan and For All Mankind but is still best known for his role as one half of the Wet Bandits, alongside Joe Pesci, in the classic Christmas comedies.

Despite the fact the films are festive staples, Stern, who has written an autobiography called Home And Alone, said he has only ever seen the film once.

He said: It was funny because when I wrote the book, and I was writing about the tarantula scene, I wrote out how I remembered it, what happened and what was funny and then my daughter read the book for me and said thats not what happens in the movie and I went oh and I had to go back and watch the scene again to see how it actually went.

Since the movie came out, I go through my life with people saying we love you, we watch you, youre a big part of my holiday and its so overwhelming sometimes. I dont know why its happened but its a blessing of a lifetime.

Recalling working with star Macaulay Culkin, who played central character Kevin McCallister, Stern said he was more like an adult than a child.

He said: He was a professional actor. Thats what you give up a lot of times when youre working as a kid and living in New York.

I love him, I loved him then  he was the same age as one of my kids and I was very protective of him. We all went to the park to play but he was under the microscope. A kid actor is a dangerous situation.
Sir Keir Starmer has said the row over Diane Abbotts suspension will be resolved in due course, as he faced questions over a report that an investigation into her racism comments was completed five months ago.

Labour withdrew the whip from the long-standing MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington in April 2023, after she suggested Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experienced prejudice, but not racism.

BBC Newsnight reported that Labours National Executive Committee (NEC) had written to Ms Abbott in December 2023 to say it had concluded an inquiry into her comments.

Sir Keir on Tuesday again refused to say whether Ms Abbott, Britains first black woman MP, would be able to stand for the party in the General Election.

The Times shortly afterwards reported that the leadership had concluded she will not be allowed to stand under the Labour banner on July 4, although the party declined to confirm this.

Asked about the investigation finishing in December, the Labour leader told broadcasters: The process overall is obviously a little longer than the fact-finding exercise.

But in the end, this is a matter that will have to be resolved by the National Executive Committee and theyll do that in due course.

He added that the NEC will come to a decision in due course.

Sir Keir has previously said he could not get involved in the case, which would be resolved by June 4, when Labours final list of candidates is decided.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a campaign visit to Rolls-Royces educational training facility in Derby (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

BBC Newsnight said the NEC issued her with a formal warning for engaging in conduct that was, in the opinion of the NEC, prejudicial and grossly detrimental to the Labour Party.

Ms Abbott was expected to take part in an online e-learning module, which she completed in February, something that Labours chief whip allegedly acknowledged by email.

Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden said: On Friday Sir Keir Starmer said that the investigation into Diane Abbotts conduct was ongoing and not resolved.

Now it has been confirmed the Labour investigation into Diane Abbott concluded five months ago and she has already been given a formal warning. Its inconceivable that Starmer, the Labour Leader, wasnt told the process had finished and a warning issued.

No ifs, no buts, this isnt another flip-flop or yet another policy U-turn. Sir Keir Starmer has blatantly lied to the British people and has serious questions to answer.

Campaign group Momentum has said the Labour whip should already have been restored.

Ms Abbott was an independent MP when Parliament was prorogued on Friday, May 24, ahead of the General Election on July 4.

A Momentum spokesman said: This is outrageous news which confirms that the (Keir) Starmer leadership is trying to force Britains first black woman MP out of Parliament.

For months, we have been told by Keir Starmer that the process is independent and its nothing to do with him.

Todays revelation confirms this is another brazen lie from Keir Starmer  the investigation was concluded months ago, Diane remains a Labour member and the whip should already have been restored as a result.

Starmers conduct has already been insulting and demeaning to a woman he rightly called a trailblazer  the first step to making amends is to restore the whip and let Diane run as the Labour candidate, as local members wish.

Just heard @Keir_Starmer on @BBCr4today claiming that the decision about whether to let @HackneyAbbott back into @UKLabour has nothing to with him It has EVERYTHING to do with him pic.twitter.com/Vgsc6P5aWf  Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott) May 24, 2024

Ms Abbott, who has been an MP since 1987, has said the process has EVERYTHING to do with Sir Keir.

The veteran MP was suspended after she responded to an Observer article headlined: Racism in Britain is not a black and white issue. Its far more complicated.

She wrote in a letter to the title: It is true that many types of white people with points of difference, such as redheads, can experience this prejudice. But they are not all their lives subject to racism. In pre-civil rights America, Irish people, Jewish people and Travellers were not required to sit at the back of the bus.

Ms Abbott later said she wished to wholly and unreservedly withdraw my remarks and disassociate myself from them.
Laura Kuenssberg and Clive Myrie will lead the BBCs TV coverage on the night of the General Election.

Mastermind host Myrie and Sunday morning political show presenter Kuenssberg will be joined by BBC political editor Chris Mason and Reeta Chakrabarti.

Huw Edwards hosted the election coverage in 2019 (Matt Crossick/PA)

At the last election in 2019, the corporations coverage was anchored by Huw Edwards, but he resigned from the BBC earlier this year following allegations that he paid a young person for sexually explicit photos.

The election night was previously only presented by one anchor  with Edwards taking over from veteran host David Dimbleby in 2019.

BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness said: In this election, we have one thing on our minds above all else  the voters.

Throughout the campaign well be giving them the facts and information they need to make up their own minds.

We know the way people are consuming news is changing; well have the most comprehensive ever offer across every platform, so we can be where people are.

And once the ballots are cast, a truly fantastic line-up of journalistic talent, headed by Laura and Clive, will bring voters the results and help make sense of them.

Weve assembled a fresh, dynamic team to bring insight, experience  and perhaps a little wit  to audiences for the whole election night and beyond.

Its incredible to have such breadth and depth of expertise to call upon, up and down the country, when it matters most.

Jeremy Vine will broadcast from Cardiff with his election swingometer, while Kirsty Wark will be in Glasgow and Andrea Catherwood in Belfast.

The BBCs radio coverage will be led by Nick Robinson and Rachel Burden.
Labour will not announce any additional tax rises during the election campaign, Rachel Reeves has said.

The shadow chancellor also ruled out holding an emergency budget if Labour wins the election, saying she would not hold a fiscal event without a forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility  a process that would take 10 weeks.

Her statement means that a Labour government would be unlikely to bring forward a budget until at least September, given the timings of parliamentary recesses.

Standing in front of two jet engines at Rolls-Royces plant in Derby on Tuesday, Ms Reeves said her partys proposals mean there are no additional tax rises needed beyond the ones I have set out.

The increases already proposed include closing loopholes in the windfall tax on oil and gas companies and the Governments plans to tax non-doms, and making private schools subject to VAT.

Ms Reeves also hinted that she would like to cut income tax and national insurance, but would not do so without being able to say how she would fund those cuts.

In her speech, the shadow chancellor said Labour is now the natural party of British business and promised to lead the most pro-growth, pro-business Treasury in the UKs history, adding that corporation tax would be capped at its current level under a Labour government.

Rachel Reeves gave her speech to business leaders at Rolls-Royces facility in Derby (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Ms Reeves said: I know there is no policy that I can announce, no plan that can be drawn up in Whitehall, that will not be improved from engagement with business, and our manifesto will bear the imprint of that engagement.

She also sought to emphasise Labours dividing lines with the Conservatives, saying her party will fight the election on the economy and blaming Tory instability for Britains economic situation.

Ms Reeves urged voters to pass judgment on the Conservatives, saying they have failed on the economy.

Scores of business leaders have already backed Labour, with 121 executives writing to The Times on Tuesday to declare their support for the party.

One of the signatories, Iceland founder Sir Malcolm Walker, publicly backed the Conservatives in 2015 when they were led by then-prime minister David Cameron.

The executives said the General Election is a chance to change the country, adding: The UK has the potential to be one of the strongest economies in the world. A lack of political stability and the absence of consistent economic strategy have held it back.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted Labour is both pro-worker and pro-business (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

But the boss of Labours biggest union backer hit out at the inclusion of former Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye on the list of business supporters.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said that, under Mr Holland-Kaye, Heathrow was responsible for one of, if not the most brutal example of fire and rehire during the Covid pandemic and Labour must immediately distance itself from him.

Asked whether her backing for business comes at the expense of supporting workers, Ms Reeves insisted that Labour is both pro-worker and pro-business, recognising that you cant be one without the other.

She added: You cant be pro-working people unless youre pro the businesses that create the jobs and the prosperity to ensure that good jobs are available all across our country.

And you cant be pro-business unless youre pro-skilling up and supporting working people to fulfil their potential.
Musicians and artists from all around the world will flock to Glasgow this September for an unmissable highlight in the citys cultural calendar.

Sonica 2024 launches on September 19 and runs for a total of 11 days, with various venues across the city hosting a range of talent from Scotland as well as acts from countries including Australia, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

The event launches with with Alessandro Cortini, touring member of American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, who will perform the Scottish premiere of his Nati Infiniti project.

Other live highlights across the 11 days includ3e the RSNO performing the Scottish premiere of John Luther Adamss Pulitzer Prize-winning Become Ocean with kaleidoscopic live visuals from legendary coder Alba G Corral  a pay-what-you-can live concert at the Burrell Collection.

The first ever UK performances from Myanmars cosmic electronic artist and genre film aficionado Heft and Dutch queer warped classical-pop duo No Plexus will also perform at the festival.

There will also be a triple bill of Quebec artists from Montreals renowned MUTEK Festival, and a cyborg pop concert of the future from Danish music ensemble NEKO3 and German multimedia composer Alexander Schubert.

Organisers say the festival is a celebration of 30 years of Cryptic  a Glasgow-based creative company known for audiovisual art.

Cryptics founding artistic director Cathie Boyd said: Sonica 2024 will be the culmination of our celebration of an incredible 30 years of Cryptic, which began life in Glasgow in 1994.

It showcases everything that Cryptic has gone on to become known for: bringing cutting-edge, internationally-renowned artists to Scottish audiences and giving an ambitious platform for Scottish artists to stand alongside them.

She added: With all festival installations completely free to experience and some live events pay-what-you-can, I urge everyone to come and experience Sonica 2024  and celebrate 30 years of Glasgows very own Cryptic for themselves.

Whether its a virtual reality tour that will make you see Glasgows history in a whole new light, a sideways grand piano that plays itself using passing traffic or a mind-expanding visual trip on Scotlands biggest screen, this is a unique chance to see some of the worlds most inventive artists right on your doorstep.

Glasgow Life senior projects and programmes manager Katie Duffy, said: The Sonica 2024 programme features an exciting, eclectic showcase of works by an incredible line-up of outstanding homegrown talent and some of the worlds most innovative music and audio-visual producers.

Offering a wealth of unique multimedia experiences, stand-out performances, premieres, and international collaborations, the festival is set to be an unmissable highlight of Glasgows cultural calendar this year.

All installations are free and unticketed, with other live events either being pay-what-you-can or within the price range of 8-30.

Book online at sonic-a.co.uk, in person at City Halls, Glasgow Royal Concert Halls and Tramway or by phone on 0845 330 3501.

Full listings are available at sonic-a.co.uk
Nearly seven out of 10 of the most powerful jobs in UK business are still going to men and there remains much more to do to boost female representation in Britains boardrooms, the former boss of the FTSE Women Leaders Review has warned.

Denise Wilson, who stepped down at the end of March after 13 years leading the government-sponsored review, said while great strides have been made in increasing gender parity in UK boardrooms, women are still finding barriers to many of the top jobs.

When she first became chief executive of the then-Davies Review in 2011, only 9% of boardroom positions were held by women.

That had jumped to 42% when she released her final report as chief executive of the review earlier this year.

But she said theres still a long, long way to go.

She told PA news agency that at the start of her career, when I looked up, I could only ever see a sea of senior white men.

Now theres more women in leadership positions, although not enough.

In the equalities space, the work is never done and will never be done, she said.

Theres always more to do.

The latest report from the taskforce showed that women still make up less than a third (30%) of executive committees in FTSE 100 listed companies  with just 21 female chief executives in the wider FTSE 350.

And of the appointments made last year across 26,000 board and leadership roles, around 65% went to men, the review found.

Theyre the most powerful jobs in UK business, she said.

With six to seven out of 10 (of these) roles going to men, theres much more to do, she added.

In her new role as chairwoman of the Girlguiding board of trustees, Ms Wilson is keen to show how the organisation can give girls the confidence and life skills they need early on to boost their chances of taking on leadership positions in their careers.

Having been a brownie and girl guide herself, she said it gave her invaluable experiences that also boosted her confidence.

She said her first camping trip was a liberating experience and showed that with enough hard work, determination and the right support, I could do anything  and that girls can do anything.

That was a revelation to me.

I do think thats what helped to form some of my confidence in the workplace, she said.

She was one of the first women to take on senior roles in her sector, having worked at British Gas and then in BG Group and Transco after they demerged, and later at National Grid.

She headed up the investor relations and global audit divisions at National Grid and was also global transformation director during her tenure at the firm.

She said her time in Girlguiding helped give her the confidence to go for roles previously only held by men.

It was those early experiences that gave me that confidence, she said.

But there are still barriers that girls and women face in climbing up the ranks, she said, with the lack of affordable childcare among other factors holding some back.

Recent high profile sexual harassment scandals in the business sector could also threaten to hinder progress, she cautioned.

She said these scandals have ensured those previously deemed as untouchables are now held to account.

But she said it may make some firms worried to appoint women.

It would be a shame if that makes too many people fearful of being alone with women, or of appointing women if it introduces a level of nervousness, she said.

Ms Wilson, who was made an OBE in 2016 for services to women and equality, said Gen Z workers in particular are pushing for change.

They dont want to work in an unequal workplace, she said.

But despite this push, she said that gender stereotyping is still a big issue.

She hopes that being part of Girlguiding can give girls the resilience needed to combat this in their careers, while also having fun and being outdoors, which is key to learning and mental and physical health.

You need to build confidence in girls from a very early age.

They need that resilience when they go into the workplace.
Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda are joining together to build new engines as the car makers move to ramp up efforts towards "electrification," Reuters reported.

In a group statement to the press on Monday, the three automakers touted the commitment as a way to "optimize integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units."

The planned EV engines are expected to be compatible with both electric and biofuels, as well as compliant with the European Union's stricter emission standards.

The press statement did not indicate a timeline for when the product will roll out but several new details can be expected by next year as Toyota pushes more EVs in the international market.

Also Read : Toyota Will Begin EV Battery Production in North Carolina by Next Year

Toyota Increases Efforts to Launch EV Production in the US

The engine-building commitment is only the latest part of Toyota's move to begin mass production to rival EV businesses in the US.

Automotive News reported earlier in May that Toyota has begun opening more positions for its upcoming $13.9 billion EV battery giga-complex in North Carolina.

Once completed, the 1,800-acre complex is expected to generate 5,100 jobs in the state and nearby regions, further establishing the US's position as a top market for electric vehicles.

The factory is projected to begin production by next year to supply EV batteries for Toyota and Lexus hybrids.

EV Market Uncertainties in the US Dissuade Foreign Ventures

While Toyota has already established its presence in the US, Subaru and Mazda may have a harder time turning a profit amid market uncertainties and steep competition.

Subaru has only started efforts to bring more EVs into the US last year as other brands have already transitioned towards zero-carbon emission goals, while Mazda's earlier attempts were met with delays and hiccups.

So far, other Asian-based carmakers like Honda, Nissan, and Suzuki were among the few foreign companies that have started plans for its North American market for more EV-centric highways.
Market stalls in the overcrowded Al Baqa'a camp in Jordan - Musab Subuh

On the dusty streets of Al-Baqaa, the worlds largest Palestinian refugee camp, children run through a maze of market stalls.

They weave past caged chickens and peddlers of second-hand goods selling anything from belts to books.

The youngsters are one of several generations of Palestinians to have been born in the camp, which is around 12 miles north of Jordans capital, Amman.

On Tuesday, Norway, Spain and Ireland formally recognised a Palestinian state, established on the boundaries as they were prior to the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

That war looms large in Baqaa, which was set up by the United Nations as an emergency shelter for refugees from the conflict.

Laith Al Houdary, a 24-year-old whose grandfather was a refugee from the West Bank, cherishes hope of returning to Nablus - Musab Subuh

And conversation in the camp, which houses at least 131,600 people in just under one square mile, often turns to the desire to return home.

Of course I have a belief that Palestine will be free, that it will come back to us, says Muhammed al-Qteshat, 52, who was born in Baqaa.

This is what we raise our children on, he adds, from inside the shop where he sells womens cosmetics and creams.

The slogan on his shirt  seek the positive  reflects Mr al-Qteshats unyielding optimism on the possibility of returning to Palestine.

Muhammed al-Qteshat says he would rather live 'in trash' in his father's village of al Dawaimeh, in the West Bank, than in a palace elsewhere - Musab Subuh

His father, Abdel Halim, now 78, passed on his memories of life there before the establishment of Israel in 1948.

Palestine before the nakba was a flourishing civilisation, says Abdel Halim, using the Arabic word for catastrophe, which is how Palestinians remember that fateful year.

We showed generosity to everybody despite their religion; we found love and peace.

When he was still a toddler, Abdel Halim left Palestine with his family as war forced the displacement of thousands of people.

As they left, a truck accident killed most of his immediate family  but two heavy bags of flour landed in such a way as to create a pyramid over his head, sparing the boy.

Abdel Halim lost most of his family as they fled Palestine in 1948 - Musab Subuh

Today, with more than 35,000 people killed in Gaza since Oct 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, international support for recognising a state of Palestine is at its highest in recent memory.

Several more European states have hinted they may recognise a Palestinian state in the future. Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, has said the UK is considering the move, although it could not happen while Hamas remains in Gaza.

Some 140 of the 190 countries represented in the UN have already recognised a Palestinian state.

To a certain extent, the global diplomatic push is the closest someone like Mr al-Qteshat has come to the dream of returning home.

The reality remains a long way off. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has refused to endorse the idea of a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.

Even if he  or his successor  were to be won over, hard questions would still need to be answered.

On a practical front, Gaza will need to be rebuilt before residents can return, as so much of the territory has been levelled in the ravages of war.

Then, there is the complex question of who would run the territory.

There needs to be a leadership that has legitimacy and is representative if you want to bring Palestinians into a political process that has broad-based buy-in, said Hugh Lovatt, a senior fellow with the Middle East and North Africa programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

The options in terms of Palestinian leadership are limited.

This week, Norway called to strengthen the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, another Palestinian territory, and which led Gaza until Hamass 2006 takeover.

The goal is to achieve a Palestinian state that is politically cohesive, and that derives from the Palestinian Authority, said Espen Barth Eide, Norways minister of foreign affairs.

But many people are disillusioned with the PA and consider it to have failed to respond in any meaningful way to the current war in Gaza, and the overall plight of the Palestinians.

Leadership is really the problem here, said Dahlia Scheindlin, a political strategist at the Century Foundation, a think tank in Tel Aviv.

An effort to reach resolution will first mean completely different leadership, frankly, for both sides: Palestine would need to create different leadership, and Israel will need to choose a new leadership.

Still, to get to a point where such deep discussions can occur, there needs to be a ceasefire in Gaza. That will require the US  Israels staunchest ally  to put greater political pressure for an end to war, said Mr Lovatt.

We want what is ours

Then Palestinians themselves will have to grapple with the question of what theyre willing to accept.

In Baqaa  where temporary tents have been replaced by concrete structures  the idea of a two-state solution is not a popular option; instead, most simply want back what they say is rightfully theirs.

Razan Sa'adeh shows the pendant she wears to remind her of the homeland she has never seen - Musab Subuh

I feel that its my home, and I love it, said Razan Saadeh, 19, who wears a necklace with a silver pendant in the shape of Palestine around her neck  despite never having visited her ancestral homeland.

It is my grandfathers and fathers land; whatever happens, you cannot give up your home, she said, vowing to return once the state of Palestine is re-established.

She, like Mr al-Qteshat and his father, refuse to entertain the idea that anyone not indigenous to the land can remain  something that, in practice, would mean the departure of many Israelis.

The Palestinian Authority  they didnt do anything for us; instead they have blocked the resistance for us to take our occupied land back, said Mr al-Qteshat.

I dont believe in a two-state solution; this land is our land, from the river to the sea. It was ours, and it should remain ours.
The pro-Palestine encampment at the Australian National University in Canberra was moved 50 metres ahead of a noon deadline to disband. Photograph: Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock

Student protesters in Canberra have moved their pro-Palestine encampment to a new location after police demanded they pack up by noon on Tuesday.

Protesters at the Australian National University voted on Monday night to relocate their camp 50 metres down the road, saying they had engaged in good faith. But they condemned what they called reckless and unjustifiable intimidation tactics from the university.

The ANU dramatically escalated its response to the on-campus occupation on Monday, demanding protesters vacate their site at Kambri, in the centre of campus.

Police attended campus at the ANUs request on Monday and warned students that failure to comply with university directions to leave the site by midday on Tuesday may result in further action by ACT Policing.

An ANU spokesperson said the university had ensured that protests were safe, appropriate and lawful.

Related: Pro-Palestine student protesters claim major win as first Australian university agrees to meet some demands

ANU has provided options for the protestors to continue their protests in ways that are respectful and safe for the entire university community, the spokesperson said. The university will continue to discuss these options with protestors.

ACT police said officers remained in regular contact with ANU security and were monitoring developments with protesters. No arrests had been made in relation to the encampment.

ANU initially directed the encampment to move on Monday morning when the director of facilities and services, Jeremy Matthew, said the camp was in a fire evacuation zone, creating an unacceptable risk to staff and students.

Were committed to the safety of this campus, the encampment spokesperson and ANU student Al, who preferred not to share their surname, said.

We want to engage in good faith, on the fire evacuation or on our demands as a whole.

Protesters called on supporters to rally on campus on Tuesday morning in support of the camp and said they planned to continue their campaign.

In response, ANU shut down businesses in the Kambri precinct, and blocked off public access to a number of buildings adjacent to the Kambri Lawns, including the Marie Reay teaching centre and Chifley library.

The ANU students association president, Phoenix ONeill, told the rally the protest had been disruptive, but peaceful.

The encampment has moved but the goal of making the university divest has absolutely not, they said.

Students and a number of staff then marched down University Avenue past their new camp site before arriving at management offices.

Earlier on Monday ANU security ordered the remaining students entering their fourth week occupying the site to immediately disband.

Students rejected the demands, instead issuing a call-out for supporters and legal observers to reinforce numbers. In a video posted to social media, an organiser said a vote had been taken and the remaining protesters had decided to stay on at the Kambri site.

The police have come and told us that we need to leave but we as a collective have decided were going to say, they said. We will not be moved, we will be staying in Kambri.

From 8am to 3pm on Monday, police officers joined about two dozen members of campus security as protesters drummed on upturned buckets, chanting: We are the students. We wont be silenced. Cut the ties now, now, now, now.

Related: ANU asks pro-Palestinian encampments to disband as students claim witch-hunt taking place

The ANU spokesperson said: No one has been told not to protest.

The direction follows meetings with a small group of students who were advised to disband or risk breaching the universitys code of conduct.

Students refused, vowing they would not move until ANU disclosed and divested its ties to weapons manufacturers. Both the University of Melbourne and Curtin University have agreed, in part, to protesters demands while negotiating an end to encampments.

Camps at La Trobe and Deakin University have also been disbandedas university managements warn of disciplinary action.

On Monday afternoon, student protesters at Adelaide University and RMIT announced they would voluntarily pack up after four weeks, while adding they would continue to fight for the Palestinian cause.

Asked whether ANU would change its position, the spokesperson said all university investments were governed by its socially responsible investment policy.

The university thanks our student body for drawing our attention to areas that we may need to now consider in 2024, they said. This includes expanding companies for review, along with emerging areas of research including artificial intelligence.

The university has listened to this important feedback from its students and thanks them for it.
MSF has called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent more civilian deaths in Gaza. Photograph: Hatem Khaled/Reuters

The global president of Medecins Sans Frontieres has urged Australia to impose sanctions on the Israeli government, saying he has run out of words to describe the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the collapse of the health system.

Dr Christos Christou is due to meet the Australian foreign minister, Penny Wong, on Wednesday to request immediate, concrete actions to hold Israel to account for its conduct during the war.

Australia must apply appropriate sanctions on Israel, as it would to any other global state that refuses to comply with UN security council resolutions, Christou told the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday.

Related: Global shock after Israeli airstrike kills dozens in Rafah tent camp

Christou said Israel was conducting an indiscriminate and disproportionate military campaign and pursuing a policy of deliberate deprivation, only allowing a trickle of food and water to enter Gaza.

The Israeli government has repeatedly rejected those allegations and has said it is seeking to minimise impacts on innocent Palestinians, in a context where Hamas embeds itself among civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Israel is facing an outcry from global leaders after an airstrike caused a huge blaze at a tented area for displaced people in Rafah, with medics putting the death toll at 45.

Israeli forces said they were targeting senior Hamas militants but the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said that something unfortunately went tragically wrong.

Wong told a Senate committee on Tuesday that the incident reinforces why we and the international community had urged the Netanyahu government not to proceed with an offensive in Rafah.

The death and destruction in Rafah is horrific. This human suffering is unacceptable, Wong said.

We reiterate to the government of Israel: this cannot continue.

Christou described the incident at the area for displaced people as unimaginable, saying those affected had followed evacuation orders to leave northern Gaza, only to be bombed in the south.

He asked: What could more clearly show that there is nowhere safe in Gaza?

Christou said MSF  which is also known as Doctors Without Borders  was doing what it could to care for 180 people injured in the attack.

But he said MSF was working from a very small clinic in a shed in an environment where Gazas health system had been dismantled and overwhelmed.

Christou said MSF was horrified by Israels assault on Gaza and by Hamass 7 October attack.

He called for an immediate and sustained ceasefire to prevent further civilian deaths and allow aid in, saying he was appalled by the continued and complete disregard for life we are witnessing in Gaza.

Honestly, I have run out of words, he said.

I wish I could find the words to express the smell of infected wounds, the cries of mothers whove lost their children, the constant sound of drones, the level of desperation of my colleagues.

Related: The ICC will consider arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. How has Australia responded?

Asked whether he could understand Israels intent to pursue Hamas and rescue hostages, Christou said: Yes, of course, we do understand that. What we ask is for everyone to respect the laws of war.

Jennifer Tierney, the executive director of MSF Australia, said Israelis and Palestinians were traumatised and hurting.

From a human level you can understand the rage and the hurt and the pain, but the civilian casualties that we are seeing are so outside the bounds of acceptability of any law of war that there is no way to contextualise it, to excuse it away, she said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Wong said Israels strikes had caused horrific and unacceptable consequences.

The Australian foreign minister said the fatal incident in the Rafah camp showed why we must see a humanitarian ceasefire now so that civilians can be protected. She also called on Hamas to release all hostages and lay down its arms.

The Greens leader, Adam Bandt, asked the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, in parliament to reaffirm Australias full commitment to the international criminal court after its prosecutor applied for warrants for the arrest of Netanyahu and the Israeli defence minister and three Hamas leaders.

Bandt also pressed Albanese to condemn calls from the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, for Australia to consider cutting ties with the ICC if the courts pre-trial chamber agrees to issue the warrants.

Albanese did not answer directly, but said the government had been very clear from the beginning in condemning the Hamas attacks and calling for the protection of civilian lives and the observance of international law in Israels response.

Every innocent life matters, whether it is Israeli or Palestinian, Albanese said.

Comment has been sought from the Israeli embassy in Canberra.
Students in Brussels at a demonstration calling for action on the climate crisis. If first time voters in Junes EU elections were a bloc, they would be larger than most EU countries. Photograph: Alexandros Michailidis/Alamy

The town has a farm, a university and a factory, but nobody agrees on where to put the police station. Around a large table in a stuffy room in a museum basement next to the Royal Palace of Brussels, a group of teenagers are haggling over the construction of a fictional town that has run out of budget.

The group of 21 sixth formers from the south Belgian city of Mons have already divided into four political parties and fixed their priorities. Health, jobs and equality were high on everyones list. Now they have to find consensus on building a town, trading views over where to place brightly coloured blocks  standing for amenities  on the gleaming white table.

You are in the same town, there is no point having four hospitals, suggests Elisabeth Goes dHuart, the moderator of Democracity, a citizenship workshop at the Belvue, the Brussels history museum hosting the event. You are 21 [people] and its already complicated to come to an agreement even in your own parties, she says at the end of the session. To come to an agreement is super complicated.

Next month the sixth formers will be called upon to cast their ballot for the first time. Voting is compulsory in Belgium and, for the first time, 16-year-olds are getting the vote. On 9 June they will have to vote not only in Belgiums national and regional parliaments but also in elections to the European parliament.

As she emerges from a mock polling booth at the Belvue, Ketsia Djoho Nena, 18, says she is looking forward to voting. She is thinking hard and hasnt made up her mind. There is a really lot of choice  I have to make a good choice because my vote could change something, so I cannot take it lightly, she says.

Across the continent, millions more young people will vote for the first time: 5.1 million in Germany, 4 million in France and 2.8 million in Italy, according to the EU statistics agency Eurostat. While no one can give a precise total of youth voters, if first-time voters were a bloc they would be larger than most EU countries. And that is not to be sniffed at.

In 2019 an increase in voting among young people helped drive overall turnout to a 25-year high of 50.6%. Despite EU satisfaction with the 2019 turnout, younger voters were still less likely to vote than their parents and grandparents: only 42% of voters up to the age 24 reported voting in 2019, versus 54% of the 55+ group, according to a European parliament survey.

EU officials are hoping for a strong turnout, knowing that people who go to the polls in early adulthood are more likely to develop a lifelong voting habit. The European parliaments campaign video  a heart-wrenching montage of older people sharing memories of the second world war and the Holocaust, the crushing of the Prague spring and the fall of the Berlin Wall with their grandchildren  is intended to mobilise young voters.

Take good care of democracy when Im not here any more, one grandmother urges her grandchild. Always remember that freedom and democracy werent always here and we can lose them very quickly, says another.

As in any country, young voters cannot be summed up as a bloc. Education is absolutely a dividing line, says Catherine De Vries, a professor of political science at Bocconi University in Milan. She sees the largest polarisation and greatest difference in attitudes between lower-educated men and higher-educated women.

Higher youth turnout does not translate into support for the European project or flagship policies such as the Green deal, she notes. That misses the long-term development, where we see inroads of far-right parties into certain groups of young voters that are less formally educated, that have more precarious job situations, that might be struggling in the housing market.

Youth support for far-right and nationalist parties has been evident in the Netherlands, France, Germany and some central and eastern European countries where governments have unpicked democratic standards. In Bulgaria, more than half (51%) of 18- to 24-year-olds polled last year said having a strong leader who does not have to bother with parliament and elections was good for the country.

Rumena Filipova, of the Institute for Global Analytics thinktank in Sofia, said: What we see in Bulgaria is that young people between the ages of 18 to 34, those between 18 to 24 in particular, are not as pro-democratic or pro-western as we might have expected. They also seem to continue to have a pro-Russian attitude. So the youngest generation seems to hold more positive views towards far-right groups.

She sees similar patterns in Hungary and non-EU Serbia, countries that have experienced a degree of autocratic rule.

One of the antidotes to democracy scepticism advocated for by Filipova are politics classes in schools, which she says have been only fitfully introduced in Bulgaria and are not considered a key part of the curriculum. She also wants to see history education, as well as government leadership and policies to speak to young peoples concerns that make them feel included in the political process.

In Belgium, the organiser of Democracity, the King Baudouin Foundation, reaches 20,000 young people a year through 800 workshops and a travelling exhibition on democracy. The foundation began citizenship programmes as a response to the rise of the extreme right in Flanders in the 1990s.

When it started running workshops in 2004 there was no such thing as political education, says An Lavens, the foundations director of democracy programmes. She says the workshops lessen the risk of polarisation and open the consensus possibilities.

One aim is to make students realise that something that might seem really boring to them matters to their lives. Even the most reluctant students soon become interested, she says. Little by little you can see that they understand that it is about them and that its important to make their voice heard.

Over the last two decades Lavens has seen how young peoples priorities have changed. The aftermath of the Paris and Brussels terror attacks led students to focus on security; Covid switched attention to health; migration is much more a priority now than it was 10 to 15 years ago. It is like having a finger at the pulse of society, Lavens says.

Anthony Porco, the philosophy and citizenship teacher of the Mons students, wants to make sure his class is well informed about next months votes. And while he has observed the runaway popularity of the rising star of the French far right, Jordan Bardella, among French young people, he has not see the same trend in francophone Belgium.

We are lucky because we have the cordon sanitaire and the traditional parties refuse to debate the extreme right. So the extreme right is not very popular thanks to that, he says. By contrast, he notes, the extreme right are popular in Dutch-speaking Flanders, while in francophone Wallonia it is the extreme left Parti du Travail that is making inroads among young voters.

But the goal of the workshop is not to inoculate students against the extreme right, he says. Thats not the direct aim, but indirectly yes, as the extreme right is by definition anti-democratic  [The goal] is the promotion of democracy and how to live together.
Generally, turbulence is expected over high mountains, oceans, the equator and when entering jet streams. Photograph: KuntalSaha/Getty Images/iStockphoto

A Qatar Airways flight has encountered turbulence above Turkey, injuring 12 passengers and crew. The flight from Doha to Dublin landed safely after the episode, which caused people to hit the roof of the plane.

The news comes just five days after the death of a British passenger and injuries to 104 others after a Singapore Airlines flight hit sudden turbulence above Myanmar, causing it to dramatically lose altitude.

We know turbulence is a common part of flying  but are some routes more prone? And where is it the worst?

What is turbulence?

Turbulence is felt when a plane flies through relatively disturbed air, which is responsible for abrupt sideways and vertical jolts, according to Australias Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Turbulence is the leading cause of in-flight injuries to crew and passengers.

The agency defines eight types of turbulence, including thunderstorm, thermal, frontal and mountain wave, which fall into six categories of severity.

Where is turbulence most common?

Generally, turbulence is expected over high mountains, oceans, the equator and when entering jet streams, according to Dr Guido Carim Jr, head of Griffith Aviation at Griffith University. But, clear air turbulence  normally caused by a very sudden change in the wind direction  can occur anywhere and at any time.

Magnificently complex factors interact to create turbulence, the former pilot says adding that bushfires can cause it. Radar technology to detect turbulence is improving but, despite all the instruments onboard, we cannot accurately predict where and when turbulence will be.

He has flown international routes over the Andes where it is mandatory to turn on the seatbelt sign when approaching the mountains.

The Bay of Bengal during monsoon season is notoriously turbulent, as is flying over the Alps  but, sometimes you dont even notice, he said.

High humidity and temperatures tend to make turbulence stronger, so flying from London to New York City in the summer months is likely to be bumpier than flying the same route in December, he says.

What are the worlds most turbulent flight routes?

The Swedish turbulence forecasting site Turbli uses data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the UK Met Office.

Its most turbulent routes in 2023 were: Santiago, Chile to Santa Cruz, Bolivia; Almaty, Kazakhstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Lanzhou to Chengdu, China; Centrair to Sendai, Japan; and Milan, Italy to Geneva, Switzerland. Milan to Zurich, Switzerland was in 10th place.

The most turbulent countries to fly above in April, according to the site, were French Polynesia, Fiji, Pakistan, Namibia and Uruguay. The South Pacific ranked as the most turbulent ocean to fly over.

None registered above a light turbulence eddy dissipation rate (edr) of 20. Extreme turbulence occurs above 80edr.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau figures show that globally in 2023, there were 3,047 commercial aircraft incidents. Of those, 236 were caused by weather.

So far in 202, there have been 790 commercial aircraft incidents, of which 52 were caused by weather.

Is there a link between the Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines incidents?

If two planes are in the same area when encountering turbulence, they may be influenced by the same meteorology, says Milton Speer, a meteorologist and fellow with the University of Technology Sydney. But QF17 and SQ321 were thousands of kilometres apart when struck by severe turbulence.

Carim said he had seen no obvious atmospheric or meteorological occurrences linking the weeks two instances of turbulence. He has spoken with pilots who have flown in both regions in recent days and was told they saw nothing out of the ordinary.

We do, however, know that incidents of severe turbulence are on the rise  increasing by 55% between 1979 and 2020  and that the climate crisis is thought to be a responsible factor.

How many incidents of turbulence has Australia recorded?

Turbulence events need only be reported to the ATSB if they affect aircraft performance. In the 10 years from 2014 to 2023, no incidents involving serious injuries to passengers were reported to the ATSB, a spokesperson confirmed.

An Australian Federation of Air Pilots spokesperson said passengers would be well advised to wear a seatbelt throughout the duration of their flight, regardless of seatbelt signs. Under civil aviation regulations, seatbelts must be worn by all crew members and passengers in various circumstances, including when the aircraft is flying at less than 1,000 feet.
Four days ago, Exercise Joint Sword finished, an annual exercise by the Chinese armed forces that sees increasing numbers of Chinese ships and aircraft encircle Taiwan. This year China described it as strong punishment in response to the inauguration of Taiwans newly elected President Lai  the candidate Beijing did not want to win. Forty-six Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships encircled the island and 82 of the 111 aircraft detected violated the Taiwanese Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), the highest count on record.

Meanwhile the PLAN has just produced the first of a new class of corvette, taking less than a year to build it.

Whether improved global influence, economic growth, countering US hegemony or increasing national security and sovereignty is President Xi Jinpings priority, the protection and expansion of trade is a golden thread that runs through all these themes. Recent events, in different ways, all support this objective.

Putins war in Ukraine, although existential to Ukrainians, will be seen through Xis lens as a useful drain on Western resources. The encircling of Taiwan shows ever-improving military cohesion which in turn increases the demand signal to the US and others to consider what if?

On the back of this, Chinas military build-up continues at a remarkable pace. China is currently building the equivalent of the entire Royal Navy every two years. It was recently reported in these pages that they have built the first of a new class of stealth corvette in under a year. The US Navys equivalent, the Littoral Combat Ship, took four years (and is so useless that some are being paid off after only five years at sea). Americas new frigate, although bigger and more complex (assumption), will take seven years from laying down to sea trials. The Royal Navys equivalent, the Type 26 Frigate, about five (that is from keel being laid to trials. The timeline from concept to operational is much longer). Our industrial capacity to build ships is being outstripped by a factor of five.

Corvettes are interesting in their own right. They generally sit somewhere between offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and frigates in terms of size and armament (although the Thaon di Revel class Italian OPV, which is as big as a British frigate and more heavily armed, proves that there is no universal convention when it comes to classifying warships). Normal, small corvettes are not limited by their ability to carry weapons, its more that they cant fight as well in bad weather (though they can usually cross oceans), they dont have the crew numbers to be able to multi-task and they lack the power generation, connectivity and bandwidth to contribute to the wider picture in the way destroyers and above can. Because they are small, they are also less flexible and adaptable over their lifespan.

Start putting expensive weapons and sensors in corvettes and you quickly have a ship inherently limited by these factors but that costs nearly as much as a frigate or destroyer. This is why the Royal Navy has never considered them. In fact, for the duration of my service, the word was forbidden for fear that it could be seized upon by the Treasury as a cheap alternative to proper warfighting ships. The French have come to the same conclusion.

But the Chinese got into the corvette game in 2012, building 79 of their Type 056 of which 50 went to the PLAN, 22 to their coastguard and seven were exported. Then in 2021 they stopped. Maybe they thought that these ships were too small to project power globally but not survivable in a conflict closer to home  the classic corvette trap.

That they have started building ships in this space again suggests theyve realised two things. First, there is a huge swathe of global maritime activity between coastal peacetime operations and high-intensity warfighting in which a corvette has utility. This is the zone in which 99 per cent of naval operations take place. Posturing around Taiwan, operations in the South China Sea and further afield off, say, Africa are all viable in a smaller hull leaving your larger ships to prepare for the 1 per cent. You wouldnt want corvettes near the Taiwan Strait if the missiles are flying but then when that happens, you wouldnt want any kind of surface ship there either.

A US Arleigh Burke class destroyer launches a Tomahawk cruise missile. It costs $420m to fully load a US destroyer with missiles - Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carlos M Vazquez II/US Navy via Reuters

Second, China is building corvettes because it can. If you want your fleet to have balance and mass, as any ambitious navy does, eventually you are going to cross a threshold where quantity starts to deliver a quality all of its own. You can add these hulls to the coastguard fleet and Chinas thousands of non-fishing fishing vessels around the world and you have a considerable global maritime network to help assure your global trade network  some of which now has teeth.

It will be interesting to see how the new corvettes are armed. One thing is certain: being in the ship-borne missile game is eye-wateringly expensive. Tyler Rogoway of the War Zone did some analysis on this recently showing that even a smaller missile in the US inventory, the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile, costs $950,000 a round. Tomahawk land attack missiles are $1,890,000 per shot whilst the highest end SM-3 Block IIA used to engage ballistic missile warheads in space is $28,700,000 each. It costs no less than $420m to fully load up an Arleigh Burke class destroyers vertical launch cells with a sensible mix of the above and others I havent listed. Thats more than it cost to build a British Type 23 Frigate.

Its clear why so much money is being diverted into developing cheaper methods of knocking out multiple drones and slower missiles but these cheaper methods will forever remain close-in systems. If you want range, missiles (and a large ammo bill) are still the answer.

My bet is that this emerging class of Chinese warship will be fast, have a mix of highly capable missiles, guns and emerging technology. The corvettes will be perfect for trialling new equipment and as an added bonus will provide operational experience to the big ship commanding officers of the future, something that current Chinese destroyer and frigate captains reportedly lack.

Back to the top. Chinese engagements of the last few days are a continuum of the norm: meetings with Putin to see how their invasion of Ukraine can be sustained; Exercise Joint Sword to impose themselves locally and regionally; a tri-lateral diplomacy meeting with Japan and South Korea to discuss trade options. Whether its draining western resources, bullying at sea and maritime trade assurance (or denial), then corvettes can contribute very handily  and long before the shooting starts.

If I was head of the PLAN Id be lobbying hard for 50 of the new stealth corvettes. Id be delighted that I could get them five times faster than anyone in Nato, and I wouldnt be worrying too much about the bill either.
electric car

In California, you may soon have to pay for every mile you drive. Texas has already brought in an extra registration fee. New South Wales is planning a form of road pricing, while tariffs imposed in the US and soon the EU as well are expected to massively increase the sticker price of every car.

Add it all up, and one point is clear. Electric vehicles are about to get a lot more expensive. But hold on. Even by the standards of industrial policy, this is taking things too far.

The same governments which have been heavily subsidising battery-powered cars as part of the drive towards a net zero economy are now imposing punitive taxes on them. Surely it is time they made their minds up  or just left it to the market to decide.

Across the developed world, the tax raid on electric vehicles has already begun. California, which has been known to lead the rest of the world on such matters, has already fired the starting gun. As the state with the highest number of electric vehicles in the US, it has started a pilot programme to charge motorists for every mile they cover.

Drivers will have the option of hooking up their car to a tracking device, or sending over evidence of the mileage driven, with rates varying from $0.02 to $0.04 per mile covered. It is not mandatory yet, but given more drivers are ditching the pump to go all electric, the state will be desperate to find ways of recouping lost petrol tax revenue.

And New South Wales in Australia is planning a road charge specifically for EV users for 2027, even though it is currently held up in the courts as challengers question its legality. Texas is taking a slightly different route, with an extra registration fee of $400 a year for anyone who owns an electric vehicle.

But these schemes may all be overshadowed by the huge tariffs the US and the EU impose on imported EVs, with President Biden slapping a 100pc levy on Chinese made vehicles. Yet, as economists warn, tariffs are a tax on the consumption of a product: all this will mean is that anyone buying a battery-powered car will have to pay more for it regardless of where it is manufactured.

Nor is it just taxes. Evidence is mounting that EVs are more expensive to run. There are reports that the extra weight of the battery means that tyres are wearing out after less than 10,000 miles, a far lower figure than for petrol equivalents, while insurance and maintenance costs are soaring because the repair bills are so much higher (a small dent that could be easily fixed for most petrol cars may cause great damage to an expensive battery).

Sure, we can all understand why electric cars are getting more pricey. Road taxes and fuel duties may have originally been introduced to cover the cost of building and managing the road network, but over the last few decades they became a crucial part of overall government revenues.

In the UK, for example, fuel duty raises close to 25 billion annually, while in 2022/23, 4.5 billion was spent on road maintenance. The figures are similar across major developed economies.

Yet it doesnt seem to have occurred to the masterminds who decided to encourage everyone to switch to electric cars that it would knock a huge hole in state budgets. Unless governments want to raise income or sales taxes, or start imposing huge levies on electricity, then road charges, registration fees, and tariffs may be the only way to try and make up for lost tax revenues.

The trouble is, there are serious problems with every alternative on offer. First, and most obviously, every additional charge is going to discourage drivers from making the switch. If people are required to pay an extra registration fee, or some form of pay-per-mile charge, then more drivers will stick with an old petrol or diesel model. The same is true of tariffs that push up the cost of buying the car in the first place.

Next, many of the schemes are open to fraud and manipulation. In California, there is already widespread opposition to tracking devices that log every journey made, and it is hard to believe that some people wont turn them off occasionally  even if by accident.

Even on a modern software-packed car it may not be hard to hack a mileage counter, and avoid paying any significant charges. Unless there are cameras everywhere, as in Sadiq Khans London, it will be impossible to enforce charges.

In reality, the whole drive towards EVs is rapidly descending into a farce, even by the often comical standards of state-driven net zero policy.

Governments have spent the last ten years massively subsidising electric cars, and are still pouring billions every year into grants and tax credits for manufacturers to build new battery plants and manufacturing hubs. And at the same time, taxes on EVs are being imposed, often at ever-increasing levels. It is a mess.

So heres a radical idea. Perhaps governments should make up their minds whether they want to switch to EVs or not, and if they do, they should at least create a coherent plan. And if they cannot decide whether they are a good thing or not, perhaps they should just leave it to consumers and manufacturers to work out whether they want them or not.
Protesters demonstrate outside Georgias parliament as it votes to overrule President Salome Zourabichvilis veto. Photograph: Vano Shlamov/AFP/Getty Images

Georgias parliament has voted to override a presidential veto on the controversial foreign influence law, a move that is poised to derail the EU aspirations of many Georgians in favour of closer ties with Moscow.

The divisive bill, which requires civil society organisations and media that receive more than 20% of their revenues from abroad to register as organisations serving the interests of a foreign power, was approved by the parliament earlier this month.

Related: Why has Georgias foreign agents bill caused so much protest and anger?

The president, Salome Zourabichvili, later vetoed the law, which she and other critics argue is modelled on a 2012 Russian bill used to suppress pro-western groups.

But on Tuesday the Georgian parliament, controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party, voted to overrule her veto, setting the stage for the speaker to sign the bill into law in the coming days.

Thousands of opponents of the bill rallied outside the parliament building on Tuesday evening, waving Georgian and EU flags.

Zourabichvili addressed the crowd by video link, asking: Do we want a European future or Russian slavery?

She called on the protesters to mobilise in the run-up to elections in October, saying: You are angry today, arent you? Get angry, but lets get to work. The work is that we have to prepare, first of all, for a true referendum.

The EU has said that the law will be an obstacle to the countrys accession to the bloc, a goal supported by up to 80% of the electorate. In a statement on Tuesday evening the EU said it deeply regrets the vote to override the veto and was considering all its options.

The EU has stressed repeatedly that the law adopted by the Georgian parliament goes against EU core principles and values, it said.

The EU offered Georgia candidate status last December, while noting that Tbilisi needed to implement key policy recommendations for its membership submission to progress.

In response to the vote on Tuesday, Gabrielius Landsbergis, the Lithuanian foreign minister, said: A very sad day for Georgia and the rest of Europe. The passing of this law effectively puts Georgias accession to the EU on hold, with no benefit for anybody. Almost anybody.

The legislation has brought hundreds of thousands of people out on to the streets of the capital, Tbilisi, in recent months. They accuse the ruling Georgian Dream party of trying to smear dissenting voices as traitors and block the countrys EU membership aspirations.

Critics of the law also worry it will be used by the government to restrict debate in the run-up to parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

On Tuesday one protester, Giorgi Amzashvili, told Reuters that the lawmakers who had voted to override the presidents veto were the most treacherous people in our history. A disastrous day in our lives, in Georgian history. I struggle to remember anything like this, he said.

The EU foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, had earlier on Tuesday repeated warnings that the foreign agent law would hinder the countrys future EU accession. If the law is enacted, it will impact Georgias EU path, he said.

The US has also has warned that the legislation and the governments anti-western rhetoric is turning Georgia into an adversary and that Washington could pull billions in economic and military aid.

Last week, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, announced that travel sanctions would be imposed on Georgian officials who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.

Members of the Georgian Dream party have defended the law, saying it is needed to stem what it deems to be harmful foreign actors trying to destabilise the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million people.

What continues frustrating us is the stigmatisation of this law by internal and external actors as well as their tendency for jumping to quick conclusions, Shalva Papuashvili, the speaker of the Georgian parliament from the ruling Georgian Dream party, wrote in a letter to his European counterparts last week.

The debate over the newly enacted law is seen as a litmus test of whether Georgia, once one of the most pro-western former Soviet states, will now drift towards Russia.

Kornely Kakachia, the head of the Tbilisi-based thinktank the Georgian Institute of Politics, said the law highlighted the growing authoritarianism and shrinking space for debate under the Georgian Dream party.

Russia is unpopular among ordinary Georgians, having supported armed separatists in the Moscow-backed breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the 1990s and again in 2008.

Opposition parties have long accused the ruling Georgian Dream party, and its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia in the 1990s, of loyalties to Moscow.

Many Georgians have also rallied to support Ukraine after Russias invasion of the country and criticised their government for generally avoiding direct condemnation of Moscow and refusing to impose sanctions on Russia.
Jan Latham-Koenig pleaded guilty to three charges, and will serve all sentences concurrently - EDDIE MULHOLLAND

A world-renowned classical conductor who pleaded guilty to child sexual offences has been humiliated in the public eye a judge said as he was spared jail.

Jan Latham-Koenig admitted to arranging sexual acts with someone he thought was a teenager, but was in fact an undercover police officer, Londons Southwark Crown Court heard.

On Tuesday, the 70-year-old was given a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, by Judge Alexander Milne, who told him he had been humiliated in the public eye.

The judge also told him his successful career meant that, unlike other defendants who might be unknown before and unknown after, that is not the case for Mr Latham-Koenig.

Latham-Koenig, from Belsize Park, north-west London, had previously pleaded guilty to three charges.

He was sentenced to 14 months for attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and another 14 months for arranging or facilitating the commission of a sexual offence with a child between Dec 9 2023 and Jan 11 this year.

He was also given 10 months imprisonment for engaging in sexual communication with a child.

All sentences are to run concurrently.

The end of a career

Latham-Koenig was made an OBE in 2020 for services to music and UK-Russian cultural relations.

He has conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and made guest appearances with the Royal Opera House orchestra and English National Opera.

The judge, who described Latham-Koenigs actions as deeply worrying behaviour, told the court: This is a gentleman of 70 years of age who has a long and distinguished cultural career behind him.

I would give credit for the pleas and at an early stage. I accept that there is clear remorse on the part of the defendant and that he has suffered  effectively this would have brought his career to an end.

He is humiliated in the public eye.

Latham-Koenig had used a dating app to make contact with someone he knew as Jacob.

He believed Jacob was a 14-year-old boy, who was in fact an undercover police officer.

Their conversations became sexual and Latham-Koenig gave him a train ticket to Victoria station in London so they could meet but instead the conductor was arrested.

No child was physically put at risk at any stage, the court heard.

The judge said: What is clear is that, from the latter part of last year, he entered conversations on a dating app, accepted to be frequently used by bisexual and homosexual men, to strike up conversations with a person whom he believed was Jacob, a 14-year-old boy.

Jacob did not exist. He was an undercover police officer.

The conversations were of a sexual nature on a number of occasions. At one stage the defendant sent Jacob a photograph of a naked penis.

The judge noted there were discussions about keeping their conversations secret.

Latham-Koenig was particularly concerned that Jacobs mother should not know about it.

Dying to meet Jacob

The judge added: He believed Jacob was gay. He gave Jacob a train ticket to Victoria for travel where they were to meet.

It is clear that the defendant in these conversations  the defendant, who is 70  had lied about his own age.

He said he was 49.

The judge said that fondling between them was discussed and there was discussion of them going further than merely talking.

Jacob was encouraged to delete the electronic messages and any electronic trail between them.

Bill McGivern, for the prosecution, said the contact began on a dating app before moving on to WhatsApp messages.

Mr McGivern said that at one point during the conversations: The defendant said he was a conductor in classical music and was dying to meet someone like Jacob.

Eleanor Laws, counsel for the defence, said the case had a devastating effect on Latham-Koenig, who has suffered a loss of his career, which was something he worked very hard at and was his great passion.

He is also dealing with the feelings of distress and upset he has caused to his family and has not shown self-pity or a lack of understanding as to what needs to be addressed, according to Ms Laws.

She added that Latham-Koenigs friends, who say he is kind, humble and generous with his time, are sticking by him and he has taken considerable steps to address his offending behaviour, including undergoing intensive therapy.
Penny Mordaunt met with Jeremy Hunt before the Spring Budget

Penny Mordaunt branded current VAT thresholds a barrier to growth as she suggested Jeremy Hunt had not yet gone far enough to support small businesses.

In a leaked recording, the Leader of the Commons said increasing the rate at which firms started paying the tax was top of my list, warning the current system risked deterring them from hiring new staff and opening longer hours.

Mr Hunt increased the VAT threshold from 85,000 to 90,000 in Marchs Budget in a move he said would help tens of thousands of companies.

But at a gathering of Tory activists in Enfield the following month, in a recording of which was passed to The Telegraph, Ms Mordaunt appears to dismiss the scale of the Chancellors tax cut.

Her remarks are likely to be interpreted by some as a criticism of Rishi Sunak and Mr Hunts policymaking as speculation swirls about her potential leadership ambitions if the Tories lose the general election.

The MP for Portsmouth North ran for the top job in the summer and October 2022 Conservative Party leadership contests.

Speaking at a fundraising dinner and drinks event at the Enfield Conservative Association in north London, Ms Mordaunt was asked what more the Conservatives could do to help small businesses.

She replied: So if you ask all of my colleagues, theyll all have different lists. My list, top of it, is VAT thresholds for small businesses.

If weve got businesses that are ceasing to trade because theyre coming up against those thresholds and they have to do so much more in order for it to be worthwhile in doing that, or taking the risk or employing another person. That cant be right.

So we did this a little bit in the Budget, Jeremy Hunt was moving in the right direction, but it was only by about 5,000. Its these things that are a barrier to growth that we need to address. So that would be top of my list, but there are many other things.

Ms Mordaunt added: If weve got any money going, that we can do a bit more for people, I think it needs to go into supporting business as opposed to anything else.

Id like more backing for business

The Commons Leader doubled down on her calls for Mr Hunt to raise thresholds at future fiscal events when approached for comment.

The biggest ask I have made in recent budgets is to increase and taper VAT thresholds, she told The Telegraph.

Why? Because that is what my small businesses say would help them most. We have started to do that as the recovery has allowed.

Id like more backing for business which is why Ill be voting Conservative. Labour would saddle business with more burdens and destroy jobs.

The Telegraph revealed in March that Ms Mordaunt had made 40 trips to Tory association events across the UK since Mr Sunak became Prime Minister.

The following day, she wrote a letter to this publication to clarify the real figure was actually more than 70 before going on to defend the trips, arguing they helped see off the electoral threat posed by Labour.

In a meeting with Mr Hunt before the Budget, she told him the Governments first duty was to protect Britain amid a backlash over the lack of extra funding for the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Sunak subsequently committed to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade to meet the challenge of an increasingly dangerous world.

Support for national service

Ms Mordaunt also broke ranks to back the idea of a British national service last year following the publication of a report by Onward, a centre-Right think tank.

The proposal has since been adopted as part of the Tory manifesto, with Mr Sunak mooting a flagship policy under which every 18-year-old would either spend a year in the military or volunteering in their community.

Sir Edward Troup, a former top civil servant who is advising Labour on tax, has previously suggested that the threshold for VAT registration should be halved, meaning that hundreds of thousands of small businesses would be affected by the levy.

Sources close to Ms Mordaunt noted the comments were not an election intervention and were made more than a month ago at a local party fundraiser.

They added that while all Conservatives wanted to reduce the tax burden on business, Ms Mordaunt understood the need to work within the boundaries of current economic conditions.
(Photo : Unsplash/Rich Smith)

Big tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and OpenAI joined forces in a significant global agreement on A.I. safety at the Seoul A.I. Safety Summit last week.

Tech Companies Collectively Committing A.I. Safety

Following the agreement, companies from different countries, such as the U.S., China, Canada, the U.K., France, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, will voluntarily commit to ensuring the safe development of their most advanced A.I. models.

The commitments made on Tuesday only apply to frontier models, which are the technology behind generative A.I. systems like OpenAI's GPT series of large language models, including the popular ChatGPT AI chatbot.

A.I. model makers agreed to publish safety frameworks outlining how they will address challenges with their advanced models, like preventing misuse by malicious actors. These frameworks will establish red lines for tech firms, defining intolerable risks such as automated cyberattacks and bio-weapon threats. To address such extreme situations, companies plan to incorporate a "kill switch" to halt the development of A.I. models if they cannot mitigate these risks.

Rishi Sunak, the U.K.'s Prime Minister, stated on Tuesday that it is unprecedented to have numerous top A.I. companies worldwide agreeing to the same A.I. safety commitments, emphasizing that these commitments will ensure transparency and accountability in the development of safe A.I. by the world's leading A.I. companies.

Controversies Surrounding OpenAI Leadership

Departures from OpenAI are attributed to more than just immediate A.I. safety concerns. Insiders indicate that the main issue is a lack of confidence in Altman's leadership regarding safety commitments. Critics argue that Altman prioritizes fast A.I. advancement over safety, which has raised additional worries within the safety team. Moreover, his fundraising efforts, including seeking investments from regimes with questionable human rights records, have further unsettled employees committed to ethical A.I. use.

READ ALSO: OpenAI Disbands Superalignment Team Responsible for Controlling A.I. Risks Amid Leadership Friction

The super-alignment team, led by co-founder John Schulman, primarily focuses on maintaining the safety of current products, limiting their capacity for proactive safety measures. This shift in attention and resources poses a risk to the team's ability to adequately address future A.I. risks, echoing concerns raised by Leike about the need for better preparation and resources to manage forthcoming A.I. models and their societal consequences.

The company's alleged practice of mandating departing employees to sign off-boarding agreements with non-disparagement clauses, sometimes at the expense of their equity in the company, has intensified this sentiment. This policy could result in employees forfeiting substantial financial assets if they decline to comply, which has also deepened the mistrust.

Will The A.I. Safety Pledge Be Enough?

The A.I. pledge signed at the Seoul A.I. Safety Summit 2024 encompasses additional safety measures, like watermarking AI-generated content to counter misinformation and subjecting A.I. tools to security testing by independent experts before public release. These voluntary commitments seek to establish a precedent for global A.I. safety standards and encourage collaboration between tech firms and governments to address the risks linked with A.I.

The effectiveness of the kill switch pledge for A.I. safety hinges on its implementation and OpenAI's ability to retain and utilize the necessary expertise to ensure these safety measures are effective.

RELATED ARTICLE: Ex-OpenAI Board Members Casting Doubt on Altman's Leadership, Cite Profit-Driven Pressures Necessitate External Oversight

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Darien Harris was 12 years into a 76-year prison sentence when he was freed in December 2023 - Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times

A man who spent 12 years in prison for murder is suing Chicago police after being convicted on an eyewitness account from a blind person.

Darien Harris was serving a 76-year sentence when he was freed in December after The Exoneration Project, an Chicago-based organisation fighting for the rights of the wrongly convicted, showed that the eyewitness had advanced glaucoma and had lied about his eyesight issues.

Despite being declared legally blind by his doctor nine years before the incident, the eyewitness picked Mr Harris out of a lineup and identified him in court.

The witness testified that he saw Mr Harris riding a motorised scooter near the gas station when he heard gunshots and saw a person aiming a handgun. He also claimed the shooter bumped into him.

The judge convicted Mr Harris, then an 18-year-old student, in connection with the fatal shooting at a gas station in 2011 in South Side Chicago.

When asked by Mr Harriss lawyer whether his diabetes affected his vision, the witness said yes but denied that he had vision problems.

However, court records show that the man had been declared legally blind almost a decade before the start of the trial. A petrol station attendant also testified that Mr Harris was not the shooter.

Ive been so lost

Mr Harris filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in April alleging that police fabricated evidence and coerced witnesses into making false statements.

Now 30 years old, he told the Chicago Tribune he is still struggling to put his life back together.

I dont have any financial help. Im still [treated like] a felon, so I cant get a good job. Its hard for me to get into school, he said.

Ive been so lost. I feel like they took a piece of me that is hard for me to get back.

The Exoneration Project has helped clear the names of more than 200 people since 2009, including a dozen in Chicagos Cook County in 2023 alone.
Douglas Ross, the Scottish Tory leader, said it is 'very concerning that any elected politician should try to interfere with an ongoing police inquiry' - Andrew Milligan/PA

Nationalists should stop trying to interfere with the police investigation into the SNPs finances, Douglas Ross has said.

His remarks came following suggestions that the investigation should be suspended during the general election campaign.

The Scottish Tory leader said it was very concerning that a former SNP MP had announced he was writing to the Crown Office to request clarity over Operation Branchform.

Angus MacNeil, the Western Isles MP, said last weekend he wanted clarity on whether investigators will hold off until after the election on bringing any further charges.

Mr MacNeil, who is standing in the general election as an independent, warned any action before July 4 had huge potential to change the narrative of this campaign and he was doing SNP MPs a favour as they could not be seen to ask the Crown Office for the information.

Although he was expelled from the SNP last year, Mr MacNeil said he was concerned for his former colleagues that their campaigns could get blown off course if any more charges - or indeed any prosecutions - are brought during the election period.

Angus MacNeil, the former SNP MP, warned that any action by police before the general election has 'huge potential to change the narrative of this campaign' - Richard Gardner/Shutterstock

His intervention came after Police Scotland announced last Friday, on the second day of campaigning, that a report in relation to Peter Murrell had been handed to the Crown Office.

Mr Murrell, who is Ms Sturgeons husband and the SNPs former chief executive, has been charged in connection with embezzling funds from the party.

The Crown Office also said that investigations into Ms Sturgeon and Colin Beattie, the SNPs former treasurer, remain ongoing.

In a statement, it said that any decisions on what happens next are not influenced by political events, suggesting that they would not be specially postponed until after the election campaign.

Peter Murrell, who is Nicola Sturgeon's husband and former chief executive of the SNP, has been charged in connection with embezzling funds from the party - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Europe

Mr Ross said: I think its very concerning that any elected politician should try to interfere with an ongoing police inquiry.

We know that the report has been submitted into one of the individuals whos under investigation and, as I understand it, two further individuals are still under investigation with Operation Branchform.

The police and Crown Office should be able to do their job. Its clearly a complex and lengthy investigation, which has been going on now for well over a year.

He said he wanted to see a resolution to the inquiry whenever it is suitable with no political influence over the timetable.

Mr MacNeil was one of the SNPs longest-serving MPs, serving 18 years on the partys benches in the Commons, before being expelled last year following a row with the chief whip. He is standing in his seat as an independent in the election.
A retail display including shark fillets bought during research showing widespread mislabelling of flake sold in Australian markets and takeaway shops. Photograph: Teagan Parker Kielniacz

One in 10 fillets of shark meat bought by Australians at fish and chip shops and markets  often labelled as flake  is from a threatened species, according to a study that has uncovered widespread mislabelling of shark sold to the public.

Nine of 91 fillets were found to be either scalloped hammerhead, greeneye spurdog or school shark  all considered threatened in Australia  after scientists at Macquarie University used DNA analysis to check what they were sold.

Related: Sydneys 90m-year-old climbing galaxias fish may have been wiped out by school building works

Marine conservationists said Australians would be appalled that threatened species were allowed to be caught and sold.

The study calls into question the usefulness of the voluntary Australian Fish Names Standard after finding that 40 of the 59 fillets labelled as flake  which the standard says should either be gummy shark or rig  were a different species altogether.

Prof Adam Stow, head of the conservation genetics laboratory at the university and a co-author of the study, said: Its shocking and disappointing. Something needs to be done.

I hope this puts on some pressure to make the labelling standards mandatory. Most people want to know what theyre eating.

Stow said the mislabelling of flake was concerning because many consumers looking for more sustainably managed fish species would opt for fillets with that label.

Researchers visited markets and takeaways in Canberra, Sydney, the New South Wales south coast, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth to buy uncooked fillets.

Genetic testing revealed an array of sharks and fish being sold as flake, including the threatened scalloped hammerhead and greeneye spurdog, as well as mullet, barramundi, wobbegong shark and bull shark.

At 19 outlets researchers asked the retailer for more information about the fillets. Some 16 responses did not match the label, according to the study, which was published in the journal Marine and Freshwater Research.

When retailers identified the species they were selling, only two of those descriptions actually matched the fillet after genetic testing.

Teagan Parker Kielniacz, who led the research while at Macquarie University, said: I asked [the retailer] if they knew what species of shark it was or if it was locally caught. More often than not, they didnt know.

Related: DNA tests suggest more than 10% of seafood sold in Australia not whats on the label

Having unreliable labels takes choice away from consumers. If you want to make a sustainable choice, you cant, because you cannot trust the labels.

As shark species around the world start to plummet, we need to be more careful about what we purchase.

Dr Leonardo Guida, a shark scientist at the Australian Marine Conservation Society, said: Australians would be appalled to know that our governments allow endangered species to be caught and sold for Aussies to eat. They would also be appalled to know that the fish they buy may not be what was written on the label.

AMCS advised consumers not to buy flake because while gummy shark numbers were thought to be stable, fishing for them puts threatened school shark at risk, Guida said.

The two fillets of greeneye spurdog  a deepwater species unique to Australia  were bought in Victoria. Guida said NSW was the only jurisdiction in Australia where the species was allowed to be kept when caught.

He said NSW fishing records showed only 69kg of greeneye spurdog was caught in 2019, the year the samples were collected, compared with about 2,100 tonnes of shark caught and sold annually in south-east Australia.

If fishing rules are being followed, the chance of finding endangered greeneye spurdog in a fish retailer are minuscule, Guida said. Finding greeneye spurdog in the 91 samples collected across the country is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Related: Governments accused of not doing enough as 17 species added to Australias threatened wildlife list

The study suggests greeneye spurdog is being caught in NSW and shipped to Victoria or, even worse, illegal fishing is happening in Australia.

AMCS and Humane Society International have released a report listing a range of changes to fishing rules they say would better protect Australias native sharks.

The two conservation groups have nominated greeneye spurdog for protection under Australian environmental law.

A university-led study last year found widespread mislabelling of shark at seafood outlets in South Australia.

A spokesperson for the fisheries minister, Murray Watt, said it was always concerning when Australian consumers think theyre buying flake but instead are unwittingly eating an endangered species.

The statement added: It is also concerning when products are being mislabelled, either intentionally or otherwise. The Australian government is progressing two important initiatives relating to labelling and supply chains.

Country-of-origin labelling would help retailers to label seafood as either Australian, imported or mixed and was expected to come into force in 2025.

The government is also close to finalising work on the election commitment to consider a framework to prevent imports of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishery products.

This may provide for greater transparency and understanding of supply chains, the spokesperson added.
Robert De Niro points to a supporter of Donald Trump as he departs following a news conference outside Manhattan criminal court in New York - Bloomberg

Robert De Niro has branded Donald Trump a clown who will become a dictator for life if he is re-elected, in a speech outside the court where the former president is standing trial.

De Niro, a longtime political activist and critic of Mr Trump, said when he ran in 2016 it was like a joke.

We have a second chance, and no one is laughing now, De Niro said. This is the time to stop him.

The surprise press conference outside the Manhattan Criminal Court represented the most direct attempt by Mr Bidens campaign to wade into his opponents legal cases, having studiously avoided the subject for months.

De Niro is a longtime political activist and critic of Trump - UPI / Alamy Live News

Critics of the move suggested it would provide fodder for Mr Trump and his allies, who have routinely claimed the trial, over hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels, is politically motivated.

Karoline Leavitt, a Trump campaign spokesman, later said Mr Bidens decision to send his campaign to the courthouse was a full-blown concession that this trial is a witch hunt that comes from the top.

Michael Tyler, the Biden campaigns communications director, defended the decision to stage a political event at the courthouse steps on Tuesday, describing the media coverage of the trial as incessant and telling reporters since you all are here, were here.

De Niro held an unexpected press conference against a noisy backdrop of pro-Trump protesters and car alarms - AP

Along with De Niro, Mr Tyler was joined by two police officers who were attacked while defending the US Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters on Jan 6 2021.

De Niro has taken a growing role in the Biden re-election campaign, including narrating a new TV advert warning Mr Trump wants revenge and would stop at nothing to get it.

Speaking outside court on Tuesday, the 80-year-old actor said: If he gets in. I can tell you right now, he will never leave.

Is that the country we want to live in? Do we want him running this country and saying Im not leaving. Im a dictator for life?

The only way to preserve our freedoms and hold on to our humanity is to vote for Joe Biden for president, the actor added, against a noisy backdrop of pro-Trump protesters and car alarms.
Lionel Shriver says she has lost friends by voicing her political opinions - Jamie Lorriman

Lionel Shriver has appealed for an alternative to the word woke, saying that even she is sick of the term.

The author is an outspoken critic of what she has called woke ideology. But she admitted: It has become horribly overused.

We needed a word for it and we found one, and Im as tired of it as you are. There have been other people trying to coin something else, which wed also get tired of, but they usually have more than one syllable so they dont catch on, she said during an appearance at the Hay Festival.

Shrivers latest book, Mania, is about a society in which the woke fight against cognitive discrimination, decreeing that every person has the same level of intelligence. This means that qualifications and grades have been abolished, anyone can get into medical school, and airline pilots no longer have to take tests.

Im interested in the larger phenomenon of our vulnerability to being taken over - possessed - by a certain way of looking at things, a myopic obsession with a particular topic, she said.

Explaining that she had lost friends by voicing her political opinions, Shriver decried the political Left, who flounce out of the room when faced with views that they find disagreeable.

They believe it is not just a matter of disagreement, but a matter of good and evil.

However, she added: One of the things that is starting to happen during the woke and anti-woke debate is that the Right is starting to do the same thing - regarding the Left as fundamentally evil.

Shriver said she was pleased that the fad for transgenderism is starting to fall apart.

She also voiced support for the right to protest over Gaza, but said: I personally would not be out there in support of Palestinians, much less Hamas. I believe we are subjecting Israel to far more moral scrutiny than any other country in the world.

Shriver, who won the 2005 Orange Prize for We Need To Talk About Kevin, is now better known for her provocative opinions than her novels. Mania is her 17th book.

She said: I have ended up being dangerously prominent in this political period because it is a time when I am constantly being told what I can write about, what I can say, what words I can use.

And if you tell me I cant use a word, then Im going to use it.

She said: I have been asked many times, Why havent you been cancelled yet? And Im a little worried that maybe Im not sufficiently important.
The Popes reported use of derogatory language about gay people has been branded disappointing by a London-based LGBT+ Catholic group.

Italian media reported that Pope Francis used the term frociaggine when answering no to a question on whether gay men should be admitted to seminaries to train for the priesthood.

The Vatican has not commented on the remark  believed to translate to an offensive slur  reported to have been made in a meeting behind closed doors earlier this month.

Martin Pendergast, secretary of LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council, told the PA news agency: If it is as it has been reported it is offensive. I think it is disappointing. He should be more careful about how he phrases things, particularly in these kind of off-the-cuff remarks.

I think he tends to use these slang words without understanding the ramifications they can have.

But, asked whether he feels the remark will be a step back for relations for the church and its gay members, Mr Pendergast replied certainly not and questioned the way in which the comment had emerged from the private meeting.

He said: I just wonder what the rationale was for whoever released this to the media  was it used to weaponise against the Popes more consistent LGBT+ welcoming approach?

It would have been better to have challenged the comment within the meeting (rather than leaking it).

Asked about the comment, a spokesman from the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW) said: Echoing the consistent message of the Synod and this papacy, the Catholic Church is a place of welcome for all.

In 2013, Pope Francis was reported to have indicated he would not judge priests for their sexual orientation, saying: If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?

In December last year he formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, as long as such blessings do not give the impression of a marriage ceremony, reversing a 2021 policy by the Vaticans doctrine office, which barred such blessings on the grounds that God does not and cannot bless sin.

 "Making the impossible, possible""25 years ago we changed the world, slightly."These were the words that we heard at our 25th anniversary conference, marking 25 years from the date of the first masses welcoming LGBT+ Catholics in a little convent church in Islington. pic.twitter.com/39iJnE2Q70  LGBT+ Catholics Westminster (@LGBTCathWestmin) May 27, 2024

The Popes most recent reported comment came as LGBT+ Catholics Westminster marked its 25th anniversary, with a celebratory Mass on Sunday.

Bishop Paul McAleenan, who is Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and was representing Cardinal Vincent Nichols at the service, told those gathered that the church must never be closed, it must always be a church that includes and makes room for all.

He thanked the LGBT+ group for its value and contribution to the life of the church.
Recognising Palestine as a country would help bring stability to the Middle East, Scotlands First Minister has said.

John Swinney has pushed both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer to back the move, following Ireland, Spain and Norway as the latest countries to do so.

The SNP has frequently called for a ceasefire in Gaza since Israel began bombing the territory in retaliation for the October 7 attacks.

The First Minister visited the Scottish Poetry Library on Tuesday to see an exhibition called Moon Tell Me Truth, which features poetry written by Palestinian children.

John Swinney was campaigning in Edinburgh on Tuesday (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Speaking to the PA news agency, he said he hoped UK leaders would consider the proposals, adding: Weve got to take steps to establish stability in the Middle East and this is one of the steps that has got to be taken.

Its a step thats been taken by the Government in Ireland and its a step that has been taken by the government in Spain and its important the UK follows suit.

There is a humanitarian catastrophe going on in Gaza, the First Minister said, adding: Weve got to take decisive steps to end that.

One of them is to implement an immediate ceasefire, another is to ensure we have an end to arms sales to Israel, another is that the hostages are returned  and its long overdue that theyre returned.

But weve also got to recognise that we have to take significant steps to ensure stability in the Middle East and recognising the Palestinian state is one of them.

His letter to the Prime Minister and Labour leader Sir Keir said: I urge you both to belatedly do the right thing and pledge to immediately recognise Palestine as a state in its own right.

If you will not immediately commit to doing so, I can confirm that SNP MPs will bring forward a binding vote in the House of Commons at the first possible opportunity after the General Election.

It comes as SNP MSP John Mason said the International Criminal Court (ICC) was biased against Israel after it stated it would seek the arrest of senior Hamas leaders and Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes.

In an email to Show Israel the Red Card, a group urging politicians to sever sporting links with the country, he said the ICC was not neutral and are biased against Israel.

Responding to the First Ministers letter, a Labour Party spokesman said: The Labour Party will work alongside international partners to recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel, as part of efforts to contribute to securing a negotiated two-state solution.
Rishi Sunak painted a plate and was asked about his offer for a new generation of veterans who complete his proposed national service scheme as he visited a ceramics factory.

The Prime Minister toured Churchill China in Stoke-on-Trent during a campaign visit to the Midlands.

Mr Sunak was handed a paintbrush during a stop on the factory floor, and witnessed a spinning matte white plate in front of him turn a glossy light blue colour at his touch, which workers described as cornflower.

He then daubed the rim of the plate with a brown shade and flecked it with similar brown speckles before sending it down a conveyor belt.

Jonathan Gullis, a deputy chairman of the Conservative Party and MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, joined the Prime Minister for the walk around the building.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with works manager Mark Meaney and Conservative parliamentary candidate Jonathan Gullis (right) during a visit to a ceramics factory in Stoke-on-Trent (Aaron Chown/PA)

Later, Mr Sunak faced questions from the companys staff at an event attended by Mr Gullis and other local Tory MPs, Aaron Bell (Newcastle under Lyme), and Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands).

There he was asked for more detail about his plans for a new national service scheme, under which 18-year-olds would be asked to serve in the military for 12 months or take part in monthly volunteer activities.

One employee, Dawn, said her sons, who are more brawn than brain, would benefit from the scheme,

Meanwhile, Jade Burden, who works in HR at the company, asked if Mr Sunak has a plan to look after people in the future when they have then left the forces following the scheme.

He replied that he wants the UK to be the best country in the world to be a veteran, and pointed to veterans minister Johnny Mercers place at the Cabinet table.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak takes part in a Q and A session with employees during a visit to a pottery factory in Stoke-on-Trent (Aaron Chown/PA)

Speaking to reporters following the Q&A, Ms Burden said: I understand what he is saying about looking after veterans; however, it is not always that plain sailing.

The experience he has described is a lot different to what I experienced and what a lot of my friends experienced when they were part of the forces.

She said some veterans she knows have experienced problems with employment and housing on returning to civilian life.

Asked if she thinks the scheme could lead to a larger number of veterans facing these issues, she said: Potentially, yes. I went in at 16 and I came out at 22 due to my asthma.

Yeah, that could be potentially an issue, but it depends whether or not they look at producing something to get people ready for that when they come out.

The staff member would not reveal how she might vote, but suggested Mr Sunaks speech has not changed her mind.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak played a game of bowls during a visit to Market Bosworth Bowling Club (Aaron Chown/PA)

In his second campaign visit of the day, Mr Sunak played lawn bowls in Market Bosworth.

The Prime Minister met members of the bowls club in the Leicestershire market town as he promoted his election offer of a tax break for pensioners.

Club coach Richard Newby gave Mr Sunak some tips on the game, before he played a round alongside club president Brenda Gilbert and Conservative MP for Bosworth Dr Luke Evans.

The Prime Minister appeared to win the game after Dr Evans final bowl knocked an earlier one played by Mrs Gilbert away from the jack, the small ball at which bowls are aimed.

Thats one vote youre not getting, a club member joked from the sidelines after Dr Evans throw.

The club coach could also be encouraging Mr Sunak to take up the game once the election campaign is complete.

The two MPs played with blue balls in a nod to the Conservative Partys colours.
Public trust in politics and politicians is on the line in Holyrood on Wednesday, the Scottish Tories have said, as the party pushes for Michael Matheson to resign.

The former health secretary has been under pressure to stand down as an MSP after a Scottish Parliament committee recommended he should be suspended for 27 days and have his salary stripped for 54 days.

Mr Matheson attempted to use expenses to cover a near-11,000 data roaming bill racked up on his parliamentary iPad during a family holiday to Morocco.

He later admitted the costs were incurred by his children, who were using the device as a hotspot to watch football.

Douglas Ross said trust in politics was at stake (Andrew Milligan/PA)

On Wednesday, the Scottish Tories will force a vote on his future, calling for him to resign.

It is unlikely the motion will pass, however, with the Scottish Greens not expected to support it and party MSP Ross Greer describing it as cynical.

On the same day, it is understood Mr Matheson will face a vote of MSPs on the recommended sanctions.

Speaking ahead of the Holyrood debate, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said: Public trust in MSPs is on the line in todays vote  and it will be destroyed if SNP and Greens MSPs do a dodgy deal to save Michael Mathesons skin.

Michael Matheson outrageously billed the taxpayer 11,000 for roaming charges he racked up while on holiday. He then repeatedly misled the public and Parliament to cover his tracks and only paid back the money when he was rumbled.

Michael Matheson would have been sacked in any other walk of life for what he did. That is why opinion polls show the vast majority believe he has to go.

The public will be incandescent with rage with every MSP who fails to back this motion because those politicians will effectively be saying, normal rules dont apply to us  were better than you.

MSPs must vote for our motion to tell Michael Matheson he must finally do the decent thing and quit.

John Swinney described the process as prejudiced (Michael Boyd/PA)

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused the SNP of putting their party interests before the good of the country.

John Swinney and the SNP are using the Boris Johnson and Conservative Party playbook  putting personal relationships before the integrity of Parliament, he added.

John Swinney is trying to defend the indefensible by backing Matheson who was found to have attempted to misuse 11,000 of public money.

Its completely and utterly unacceptable.

His party, Mr Sarwar added, was dedicated to cleaning up politics, including by introducing a Bill that would include a recall process to sack suspended MSPs.

Following the announcement of the sanctions, First Minister John Swinney described the findings of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee as prejudiced.

Tory MSP Annie Wells, he said, had tainted the process through comments she made last year, describing Mr Mathesons explanation as being riddled with lies.

Speaking to journalists on Monday as he campaigned in Dumfries ahead of the General Election, the First Minister said he had deep concerns about the process.

I just feel I have got to point out something I think is wrong with the Parliamentary process, he said.

I dont think it would say very much about me if I just turned a blind eye to something that in any other walk of life people would be raising deep concerns about.

In any other field, if somebody prejudiced a process there would be enormous concern being raised and I dont think it would say very much about me if I ignored that.

A spokesman for the SNP Holyrood group said: The procedures of the Parliament must be beyond reproach  not open to bias, prejudice and political motivation.

There is a need for a review of the complaints process to restore integrity and confidence in the Parliament and its procedures to ensure we are never again in a position where politics is put before process and prejudice is put before Parliament.
The SNP could face a nightmare at the hands of the Conservatives, Douglas Ross has said, as he launched his partys Scottish General Election campaign.

Mr Ross said the Tories could bring the curtain down on the SNPs domination of Scottish politics and make July 4 the day Scotland is free of the SNP.

He kicked off his partys campaign in Perth, where former MP Luke Graham is looking to unseat Pete Wishart  the SNPs longest-serving MP. Boundary changes mean Perth is in a new constituency called Perth and Kinross-shire.

It is also the city represented by SNP leader John Swinney at Holyrood.

The Tory leader said John Swinney, pictured, was a dishonest broker (Lesley Martin/PA)

The Tories won six seats north of the border at the last general election and an SNP MP, Dr Lisa Cameron, defected to join their party last year.

Mr Ross addressed activists and candidates at a hotel in the city, spending much of his speech attacking the SNPs record at Holyrood and saying Mr Swinney was a dishonest broker for his support of former health secretary Michael Matheson.

He said: Lets seize on this one in a generation chance to deliver a fatal blow to the SNP.

Let grab the chance to kick out their candidates in every part of Scotland, lets bring the curtain down on the SNPs domination of Scottish politics.

Pete Wishart said it is time to kick out the Tory Government (Chris McAndrew)

Now is the time to give them the election nightmare that is long overdue.

He said Tory victories could put an end to the SNPs push for independence, saying: On July 4, voters in Scotland have a huge opportunity to move the country forward.

The SNP say it will be their independence day  and for once they may be right.

Because I think July 4 will be the day Scotland finally votes to be free of the SNP.

The day we end the era of Salmond, Sturgeon and Swinney.

The day we finish the job and get the nationalists out for good.

The day we hammer the nail all the way in to the independence campaign.

Ahead of the Tories launch, SNP MP and candidate for Perth and Kinross-Shire, Mr Wishart, said: We need to get rid of the Tory Government. The way to do that in Scotland is to vote SNP, because we are the main challengers in every Tory-held seat.

Westminster has inflicted austerity, Brexit and a cost-of-living crisis on Scotland  these decisions have pushed up household costs, hit the economy hard and cut the money available to spend on the NHS.

The SNP in government has shown how the best decisions are those made in Scotland, for Scotland  we have delivered the best performing A&E units in the UK for nine years, helped households struggling with Westminsters cost-of-living crisis, and we are keeping 100,000 children out of poverty through the Scottish Child Payment.

At the General Election, vote for the SNP and unite Scotland for a future where all of the decisions about Scotland are made in Scotland, for Scotland.
A manhunt for two young men who broke out of a Louisiana jail is ongoing after two other escapees were found hiding in a dumpster behind a Dollar General store, authorities said.

The four inmates, all held in connection with violent crimes, escaped from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail north of New Orleans, according to a Facebook post from Sheriff Daniel Edwards. Two were taken into custody Monday morning.

The sheriffs office identified the two inmates still at large as Omarion Hookfin, 19, and Jamarcus Cyprian, 20.

We feel that theyre no longer in Tangipahoa Parish, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office Chief of Operations Jimmy Travis said Monday. He added anyone who assisted the escapees in leaving the area would also face charges.

Authorities believe two inmates left the facility in southeastern Louisianas Amite City Saturday afternoon and the other two left Sunday afternoon, Travis said at a news conference.

From top left, Jamarcus Cyprian and Avery Guidry. From Bottom left, Omarion Hookfin and Travon Johnson - Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff

The sheriffs office did not learn the inmates had escaped until Sunday afternoon, when a concerned citizen contacted the warden and reported two of the escapees had come to a relatives house looking for a place to stay,

Jail administrators then realized a total of four inmates were missing.

The four inmates were able to escape the perimeter fence of the Parish Jail while participating in their recreation time on the yard, the sheriff said.

A section of the fence was found in an inspection to be vulnerable and easily maneuvered as to allow a small statured body to slide through, the Facebook post said.

The two captured inmates, Avery Guidry, 19, and Travon Johnson, 21, were found hiding in the dumpster Monday morning, the sheriffs office reported. They were unarmed when found, Travis said.

Hookfin, Guidry and Johnson were charged in connection to a 2022 home invasion that left a man dead and his 12-year-old daughter injured, CNN affiliate WDSU reported. They were awaiting trial.

Cyprian was serving time for armed robbery and weapon charges, the sheriff said.

It is very concerning authorities did not realize the inmates were missing until someone reached out, Travis said. If the proper headcounts had been conducted, we would have known about it immediately.

Travis said lack of correctional supervision as well as corroded wire in a perimeter fence made the escapes possible. Were short-staffed  its no excuse  but were short-staffed, he added. Its a failure. We had a failure within.

The Louisiana State Police told CNN in an email the agency is in contact with Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office and assisting where needed.

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Another American who was arrested in the Turks and Caicos Islands for possessing ammunition was sentenced to time served and a $9,000 fine on Tuesday, officials said. Tyler Wenrich was facing a potential mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years in prison for ammunition charges in the British territory.

Wenrich was given a sentence of three weeks in jail, which was covered by the time he served before he was released on bail, the Turks and Caicos government said in a statement. He will be free to leave the islands after he pays the fine, which he has to do by Sunday, local media reported.

The Virginia EMT and father was arrested in April after two 9 mm rounds were found in his backpack as he was trying to board a cruise ship. He pleaded guilty last week. Wenrich left court with his wife Jeriann Wenrich and said he was relieved his ordeal was coming to an end.

"A weight has been lifted off my shoulders and my wife's, and I'm glad that I get to go home and be with my son again," Wenrich told Magnetic Media.

He said his imprisonment was terrible.

"The conditions were rough," Wenrich said. "... I don't know how other prisons are, but it was emotional not knowing where this was going to go, you know, just trying to get through each day."

He said he was emotional during Tuesday morning's hearing as the judge handed down the sentence. Justice Davidson Baptiste found exceptional circumstances in the case justified not imposing the mandatory minimum sentence, according to the government's statement.

"It's up and down cause he goes through everything," Wenrich said. "You don't know if it's going one way or the other as he's reading through everything, so tearing up every time I heard '18-month-old son,' and now I'm just relieved at the outcome."

He's planning to fly back to Virginia on Thursday.

Tyler Wenrich / Credit: CBS News

Several American tourists have been arrested in recent months over ammunition found in their luggage. The arrests caught the attention of members of Congress, who sought lenient sentences for the Americans.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said he was pleased with Tuesday's sentence.

"Tyler never sought to break the law, so I'm deeply relieved that the justice system chose fairness and leniency over a 12-year prison sentence," the Democrat said in a statement.

Wenrich is the second American to be sentenced this month. Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvania received a yearlong suspended sentence and was fined $6,700 on Friday over 20 rifle rounds found in his checked bag in February.

Hagerich was out on bail most of the time as his case moved through the court system, but he wasn't allowed to return home while on bail. Hours after he and his wife left his sentencing hearing on the islands, he was back in Pennsylvania hugging his two children.

"It's the hardest time of my life," Hagerich told CBS News Pittsburgh on Friday. "You know, just being separated from your family, as a father, as a provider and to not be that figure in your family's life, it's a very tough pill to swallow, but to have these guys here right now, this is everything."

Hagerich became roommates with a third American facing similar charges. Ryan Watson, a father of two from Oklahoma, was arrested in April as he and his wife were trying to leave the islands when four rounds of hunting ammunition were found in his carry-on bag.

Watson pleaded guilty Tuesday and was expected to be sentenced next month, his wife Valerie Watson told CBS News. Before Wenrich's sentencing, she said she was hopeful for her husband after seeing how Hagerich's case was resolved.

"It is really hard with him being there," Valerie Watson told CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave. "The kids are doing OK. They really struggle at times."

Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who was part of a congressional delegation that went to the islands to meet with officials about the Americans, called Tuesday's sentence "another step in the right direction."

"I again encourage TCI to address the unintended consequences of their law to prevent this from happening again," the Republican said on social media.

Meanwhile, Sharitta Grier, a grandmother from Florida, has a court date scheduled for July after she allegedly had two bullets in her carry-on bag when she was going home from a surprise Mother's Day vacation.

A fifth American who was also recently charged was allowed to return home for medical reasons.

Eye Opener: President Biden to hold rare news conference to answer questions about 2024 race

Sneak peek: Unmasking the Zombie Hunter

House minority leader acknowledges Biden concerns, says conversations are ongoing
Prostock-Studio/ iStock

Americans hate these food the most

Ah, the age-old question of whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza. And don't even get us started on grits. From coast to coast, Americans have a love/hate relationship with their food. But what about those foods that just can't catch a break? The ones that are universally despised?

Career experts Zippia narrowed down a list of the 40 most hated foods in America to our top 10 dislikes. They used Google Search Trends data, such as online orders and least-used foods in recipes. By separating this data by state, and removing highly regional delicacies like grits, they were able to find the most hated food in every state.

Here are 10 foods rated dead last:

DepositPhotos.com

10. Carrots

Only one state has declared war on carrots  so far, anyway. Montana has a hatred for the orange vegetable, but theyre all alone on this one. Carrots didn't make the list from any other state.

rlat/istockphoto

9. Well-done steak

Two states need their steaks cooked just right: Connecticut and Massachusetts. Be careful if youre the one behind the grill in these states. A well-done steak just wont cut it.

Depositphotos.com

8. Pickles

If youre in Hawaii, dont count on finding a lot of dishes with pickles. The only other place where pickles inspire such hatred isnt technically a state: The District of Columbia.

Liudmila Chernetska/iStock

7. Beets

It seems like beets are not very popular in the south. The four states that would rather say "beat it" to the rooty vegetables are Alabama, Arizona, Florida, and Louisiana.

BWFolsom / istockphoto

6. Turkey Bacon

Bacon may be a popular food just about everywhere, but if youre looking for turkey bacon, you better hope you arent in Alaska or Colorado. Turkey bacon is also hated in Rhode Island and Wyoming.

500 / iStock

5. Sushi

While sushi is a trendy favorite in many parts of the country, not everyone is rolling with the raw fish craze. In fact, four statesMaine, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginiaare turning up their noses at sushi.

bhofack2/iStock

4. Bologna

The humble sandwich meat isnt welcome in four states. Oregon, Washington and Utah on the west coast will say no thanks to the bologna. New Hampshire joins them in their hatred of the lunch meat.

TanyaLovus / iStock

3. Eggplant

Eggplant earns five haters across the country. Both North and South Dakota rate eggplant as their most hated food. Joining them is Kentucky, Minnesota and Nevada.

Depositphotos.com

2. Anchovies

Anchovies have definitely been voted off the flavor island, with twelve states dubbing them the most vile of the vile. And these states are scattered all over, from Texas in the South to Wisconsin and Ohio in the mid-west. They are joined by Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina and Oklahoma. This long list makes anchovies infamous among hated foods. But there is still one food that beats it for the ignoble title of the most hated food in America.

Depositphotos.com

1. Olives

Olives are one of those love-them-or-hate-them foods. While a decent 62% of Americans might give them a thumbs up, the remaining 38% are not shy about their disdain. In fact, they despise the pitted fruit so much that it ranks as the most hated food in 13 states. Youll find olive-haters everywhere from New Jersey and New York to California. And dont forget all the places in between. Olives also rank last in Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.

Afrumgartz / iStock

More from MediaFeed
The D.C. Appellate court ruled Tuesday that the political leanings of the district are not enough to throw out a conviction, rejecting an appeal from a former New York City police officer charged for participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots.

The unanimous ruling from two Trump appointees and an Obama appointee sinks a popular defense among supporters of former President Trump.

The political inclinations of a populace writ large say nothing about an individuals ability to serve impartially in adjudicating the criminal conduct of an individual, Circuit Judge Patricia Millett wrote for the court.

Thomas Webster was convicted of five felonies and a misdemeanor for his participation in the Capitol riots, including assaulting a police officer. He was sentenced to ten years in prison, which the court upheld Tuesday.

Webster argued before his trial that the jury pool was tainted because of the citys heavily Democratic political leanings, though was unsuccessful. The appeal of his conviction continues that argument, with the same result.

Nothing in the record suggests that the Districts jury pool had any preconceived notions about Webster or his guilt or innocence, or even knew who he was, Millett wrote. The record lacks any evidence of pervasive (or much of any) media coverage aimed at Webster and his conduct.

Trump himself has made similar arguments in the media regarding his own legal troubles. He has repeatedly claimed that the New York City jury in his criminal hush money trial is biased because of the citys left-leaning bent. That case is expected to be decided by a jury this week.

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Pictured is a Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service vehicle at the Potomac River during the discovery of a body on May 27.

A body recovered from the Potomac River is presumed to be a young person who went missing Friday after trying to swim from Virginia to Maryland, authorities said.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue crews used sonar to locate the body underwater among some rocks before dragging it out Monday, Pete Piringer, the agency's public information officer, said in an X post. A local kayaker reported the body after noticing it floating in the water, Piringer added.

Authorities initially received a report of a "couple of swimmers" attempting to swim between the Mid-Atlantic states, Piringer said in a video posted on X. At some point, one of the swimmers became "distressed," went underwater and had not been seen since, according to the spokesperson.

The swimmer was presumed to have drowned, Piringer said in the video posted Monday, adding how crews had been searching for the individual for "the last couple of days."

"Montgomery County police are conducting the death investigation," according to Piringer. "We believe (the body) to be the swimmer that was presumed drowned and missing since Friday."

'Unusual number of young people' reported swimming in Potomac River

Montgomery Fire and Rescue has been "pretty busy" over the last couple of weeks as far as responses to the Potomac River, Piringer said during a video interview with WTOP-FM.

"There have been an unusual number of young people in groups that have been swimming," Piringer said.

Piringer told the radio station how Purple Horse Beach and Sandy Landing have become "very popular spots" near the river among young people who like to jump off rocks into the water.

"Not only is swimming prohibited for good reason, it's dangerous," the spokesperson said. "Water levels change every day, the currents are very strong (and) the water is different this year."

Pictured is a sign advising the public not to swim or wade in the Potomac River.

The water is higher due to the currents being "much stronger," Piringer said during the interview.

"The water levels are about four feet, which is relatively high," according to the spokesperson. "The currents are treacherous, dangerous and to that point, swimming is prohibited in the area of Great Falls, (Maryland)."

The only constant is the water's temperature, which the Piringer said is "typically cold all year round" at about 67 degrees.

Potomac River is 'very deceptive'

The Potomac River is "very deceptive," Capt. Andy Bell said in a Montgomery County Fire and Rescue news release.

"(The Potomac River) has some spots that look very calm, very tranquil, look very easy to swim in. But, because the river is a very high-volume flowing river there is a very strong undercurrent with lots of rocks, lots of unseen obstacles and the water is never clear, so you can never see what youre getting into," Bell said.

Pictured is a sign telling the public its dangerous to swim or wade in the Potomac River.

Bell called one of the most turbulent and pronounced zones in the river the "Potomac Gorge."

"This stutter-step in the earths crust makes Great Falls a beautiful spot, it also makes it dangerous," according to the captain. "The falls are only a piece of a complicated section of river spanning about seven miles. Uprooted trees, debris, hidden boulders, and other hazards create a situation so dangerous for swimming that wading and swimming are illegal in many places."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Presumed drowning on Potomac River: Body found amid search for swimmer
President Joe Biden speaks about investing in clean energy manufacturing at CS Wind in Pueblo, Colorado. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

A new poll shows Trump's polling gains have been powered by voters who didn't cast a ballot in 2020.

The Times says these voters could stay home or return to Biden.

Many of these voters actually lean Democratic, but they've drifted away from Biden over the economy.

President Joe Biden's reelection chances could rest on the support of irregular and disengaged voters  a segment of the population who sat out the hotly-contested 2020 presidential race.

But Biden would have to convince these voters that his vision for the economy would ultimately work for them, as their lagging support for his campaign has given former President Donald Trump a major opening ahead of November.

A New York Times/Siena College poll released last month shows Trump's polling gains have been powered by registered voters who didn't vote in 2020. Among these so-called irregular voters, Trump had a seven-point advantage over Biden (43% to 36%) for the 2024 contest in the latest poll. And Trump held an overall one-point lead (46% to 45%) among registered voters, while Biden had a one-point lead over Trump among voters aged 18 to 29.

However, there's no guarantee these voters will remain in Trump's corner in November, the Times wrote. With many irregular voters splitting their tickets  which is already being seen as Democratic Senate candidates in swing states including Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are running ahead of Biden  Trump's support among these disengaged voters could falter as partisan leanings sharpen closer to the election. Many of these less engaged voters could eventually support Biden or stay at home, said the Times.

A big issue for irregular voters appears to be the economy, the poll showed. Democratic-leaning irregular voters said they view the economy as either "poor" or "fair," while Democratic voters who vote more regularly, described the economy as "good" or "excellent," the report said.

This presents a challenge for Biden as he aims to bolster his economic message  especially among young voters and minorities who would generally be inclined to back him based on prior voting trends. In the 2020 election, Biden dominated among young voters aged 18 to 29, winning this group by 24 points over Trump, according to Pew Research.

But as recent data has showed, the 2024 race will be fought on much different terrain than the 2020 contest.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Maryland Senate candidate Larry Hogan (R) released a 30-second ad Tuesday in which he said Republicans could not rely on his vote if he is elected to the Senate.

In the ad  Hogans second in the general election cycle so far  the moderate Republican reaffirmed his commitment to being an independent voter.

I want to say this upfront: In the Senate, Republicans cant count on my vote, said Hogan, the former governor of the Old Line State. But then again, neither can Democrats.

If they want my vote, they will have to do what is right for Maryland, not one political party, he continued. Thats exactly what I did as your governor, and its exactly the kind of Senator Ill be.

The ad, titled, Right for Maryland, will run across the Baltimore and Washington regions on broadcast, cable and digital platforms. It is part of the more than $1 million ad buy launched last week with the first ad, which saw Hogan pledge to support legislation that would codify Roe v. Wade into federal law.

The advertisement also comes as Hogan seeks to quash concerns that, if elected to represent the blue state in the U.S. Senate, he would fall in line with the mainstream Republican platform and boost the partys national agenda.

Hogan  who was popular as governor of Maryland  rose to national prominence as a moderate Republican who became a rare frequent critic of former President Trumps.

He won the GOP primary after making a surprise entry into the Senate race earlier this year, fueling Republican hopes for a victory in the blue-leaning state. Cook Political Report moved the race to likely Democrat from solid Democrat when Hogan announced his run.

Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) defeated incumbent Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) for the Democratic partys nomination, and she will face off against Hogan in November, as they vie to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin (Md.).

Hogan had briefly been seen as a possible third-party presidential race contender with No Labels, the bipartisan political group that aimed to form a unity bid for 2024  of which he was a former chair.

The Maryland Republican said earlier this year he would not vote for Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, in November, but would seek a third-party alternative instead.

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.
As the Israel-Hamas war crosses the seven-month mark, negotiations are apparently stalled to secure the release of hostages taken by the terrorist organization, and Israeli forces continue to launch incursions in the southern Gazan town of Rafah ahead of a possible large-scale invasion.





Latest Developments





May 28, 5:17 PM

Newly released video shows Israeli hostage in captivity

A video showing Israeli hostage Alexsander Trufanov, who was captured by Hamas on Oct. 7, was publicly released by the Hostage Families Forum on Tuesday.

"The proof of life from Alexsander (Sasha) Trufanov is additional evidence that the Israeli government must give a significant mandate to the negotiating team, which will be able to lead to a deal for the return of all the hostages - the living to rehabilitation and the murdered to burial," the Hostage Families Forum said in the release with the video.





PHOTO: In this still from a video originally released by Hamas, Alexsander Trufanov is shown. Hostage Families Forum subsequently released the video and the family wanted the image released. (Hostage Families Forum)

Israel submitted a new cease-fire proposal to negotiators in Egypt on Monday. They are now awaiting a response from Hamas, according to an Egyptian security source who spoke with ABC News.





-ABC News' Dorit Long and Marwa Mouaki





May 28, 5:07 PM

21 killed as explosions continue in Rafah following Sunday's deadly strike

At least 21 people were killed in an attack near the International Medical Corps American hospital as explosions continue in Rafah on Monday night and Tuesday, according to Palestinians on the ground and local authorities.

Of the 21 people killed, 14 of them were female, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health said Tuesday. Their ages have not yet been released.

These bombings were not in the exact same location as the strike on May 26 that killed 50 people and injured at least 249 others.

-ABC News' Diaa Ostaz





May 28, 4:53 PM

Nikki Haley signs artillery shells in Israel: 'Finish them! America loves Israel!'

Former U.S. presidential candidate and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley visited the northern Israeli border on Tuesday, meeting with Israeli soldiers and Israelis.

During her visit, Haley visited an Israel Defense Forces post with soldiers serving on the northern border.





PHOTO: Former U.S. presidential candidate Nikki Haley signs artillery shells near the northern border of Israel on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (Courtesy Nikki Haley)

Haley stopped and signed artillery shells, writing, "Finish them! America loves Israel!" on some of them.





-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman





May 28, 5:15 PM

1 million Palestinians have now fled Rafah: UNRWA

One million Palestinians have been forced to flee Rafah over the last three weeks in search of safety, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Heavy bombardment continued in Gaza overnight, including in Tal Al Sultan, where the U.N. main offices in Gaza are located, according to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.





PHOTO: Palestinians flee the area of Tal al-Sultan in Rafah with their belongings following renewed Israeli strikes in the city in the southern Gaza Strip, May 28, 2024. (Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images)

Most of the UNRWA staff could not make it to work as they are packing up and moving. The UNRWA is also running out of medical supplies and basic human medicines, according to Lazzarini.

Just over 200 trucks with humanitarian supplies were picked up in southern Gaza in the last three weeks as needs continue to increase exponentially, Lazzarini said.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky





May 28, 4:48 PM

UN secretary-general condemns Rafah strike, says ICJ ruling is 'binding'

The United Nations secretary-general has condemned the deadly strike on Rafah "in the strongest terms," saying Antonio Guterres is "heartbroken by the images of the killed and injured," his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement Tuesday.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his demand for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. He recalls the recent orders of the International Court of Justice, which are binding and must be complied with," Dujarric said.

"The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is now compounded by the unconscionable prospect of a man-made famine," Dujarric said.

-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman





May 28, 4:49 PM

Sunday's Rafah strike 'shouldn't have happened,' IDF says

Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani admitted to a "mishap" in Sunday's Rafah strike that killed 50 Palestinians and injured at least 249 others, saying it was a "tragic incident that shouldn't have happened."

"The outcome is not the outcome we had in mind when this operation started. That's why we're investigating it. It's a tragic event and it's not the way we operate. We are fighting with Hamas terrorists. We are trying to kill them specifically in a very precise way, intelligence based. And that's why we look at this as a tragic incident that shouldn't have happened," Shoshani said.

Over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the strike a "tragic mishap" on Monday.

"The mishap was the fire that carried out after the targeted attack, and we are looking into why this fire caught on," Shoshani said. "The attack, per se, was according to procedure, with surveillance before the attack, a very precise attack based on intelligence."

-ABC News' Britt Clennett





May 28, 4:50 PM

Barely any medical facilities functioning, Palestinian Ministry of Health says

There are barely any functioning medical facilities in Rafah as the Israel Defense Forces continue its operations, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said Tuesday.



Both the Indonesian field hospital and the Tal Al-Sultan Clinic in Rafah Governorate have ceased service, leaving only the Tal Al-Sultan Maternity Hospital struggling to survive and continue providing service to patients in Rafah, according to the ministry.



PHOTO: Palestinians mourn relatives killed in an overnight Israeli strike on a camp for internally displaced people in Rafah, at the city's Tal al-Sultan clinic morgue on May 27, 2024, amid ongoing battles between Israel and Hamas. (Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images)



-ABC News Will Gretsky





May 28, 4:51 PM

Israel makes new cease-fire proposal, now awaiting Hamas response

Israel put forward a new cease-fire proposal and hostage release deal on Monday, which has now been passed on to Hamas, an Egyptian security source told ABC News.

Mediators are awaiting a response from Hamas within 24 hours, the source said.

This is the first time Israel has taken the first move to submit a draft proposal since the war began, according to the source. Previous proposals have been initiated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

The source said talks could resume soon, without providing an exact timeline.

-ABC News' Ayat Al-Tawy





May 28, 4:52 PM

'Tragic doesn't even begin to describe it,' Harris says of IDF strike in Rafah

Vice President Kamala Harris weighed in on the IDF strike in Rafah that killed 50 civilians and injured 249 more, saying, "The word 'tragic' doesn't even begin to describe it."

She did not comment when asked if this crosses a red line for the administration. President Joe Biden has yet to weigh in.





May 28, 4:52 PM

Aid for Gaza through pier paused after weather causes parts of port to detach: US official

The flow of humanitarian aid for Gaza over the U.S. Armys temporary Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) system has paused after rough seas caused parts of the pier to detach, a U.S. official told ABC News on Tuesday.



PHOTO: A truck carries humanitarian aid across Trident Pier, a temporary pier to deliver aid, off the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near the Gaza coast, May 19, 2024. (U.S. Army Central/Handout via Reuters)



Due to high sea states in the North African weather system earlier today, a portion of the Trident pier separated from the pier that is currently anchored into the coast of Gaza. As a result, the Trident pier was damaged, and sections of the pier need rebuilding and repairing, she said.



The pier will be removed from its place near the Gazan coast and towed back to Ashdod over the next 48 hours, where U.S. Central Command will make repairs, according to Singh.



The rebuilding and repairing of the pier will take at least over a week, Singh said, adding that after repairs, it will need to be re-anchored to the Gazan shore.



-ABC News Matt Seyler

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

General Hospital star Johnny Wactor was protecting a coworker from armed car thieves when he was fatally shot, according to his brother.

The actor, best known for playing Brando Corbin in the ABC soap opera, died on Saturday, May 25, following a suspected car theft in downtown Los Angeles. He was 37.

TMZ was the first to report that Wactor was shot in the early hours of Saturday morning after allegedly spotting three men attempting to steal his catalytic converter.

Wactors younger brother, Grant Wactor, told the Daily Mail on Monday, May 27, that the actor had just finished a bartending shift and was walking with a female coworker when he saw the men surrounding his car.

Celebrity Deaths of 2024: Stars We Lost This Year

Were Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself, said Grant. He came across them and he thought his truck was being towed. So he said something to the guys, like, Hey, are you towing?

When Wactor realized what was happening, he tried to shield his coworker from the assailants, Grant said.

And then once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his coworker behind him. And thats when they shot him, the actors brother told the Mail.

The Los Angeles Police Department told local news outlets that the shooting took place near the intersection of Hope Street and Pico Boulevard at around 3 a.m. Saturday morning.

I just dont understand what a senseless coward act by that person, Scarlett Wactor, Wactors mother, told NBC4 Los Angeles.

General Hospital producers issued a statement regarding Wactors death on Monday.

The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactors untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time, said the statement shared via X.

The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactors untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/2wlIM1TpAB  General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) May 27, 2024

Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being. Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude, Wactors agent, David Shaul, said in a statement to Variety on Sunday, May 26. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession, he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be. Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.
Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on severe weather for Monday, May 27. For the latest news on weather, view our file on for Tuesday, May 28.

The wave of severe storms that caused at least 22 deaths in four states over the holiday weekend reached the mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Monday evening but is expected to taper off and give way to sunny skies and highs in the low 80s by midday Tuesday.

If only the southern part of the country were that fortunate.

The midsummer-like temperatures that baked the large swath from south Texas all the way through Florida on Memorial Day are expected to linger a few more days, the National Weather Service said.

An upper-level high is expected to "create a dangerous early-season heat wave over south Texas, Central Gulf Coast, and southern Florida,'' the weather service said. "High temperatures will be at or near record highs, and heat index readings over 115 degrees over the regions will also be possible.''

Parts of Texas and the mid-South are still reeling from the devastating weekend. At least eight people died in Arkansas, seven in Texas, five in Kentucky and two in Oklahoma amid twisters and storms that demolished hundreds of homes, authorities said. Meanwhile, a rancher in Colorado and 34 of his cattle died in a lightning strike.

More than 280,000 homes and businesses were out of power as of 9:30 p.m. ET on Monday, most in a swath from Missouri and Arkansas to the west stretching to Virginia and Georgia to the east. Kentucky had by far the most outages, topping 98,000.

At least four people were killed in Kentucky after a tornado ripped through Louisville on Sunday.

Developments:

 Parts of Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina were placed under a tornado warning until 11 p.m. on Monday, the National Weather Service announced via X.

 The weather service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for New York City, northeastern New Jersey, and the lower Hudson Valley through 9 p.m. on Monday as thunderstorms and showers moved in from the southwest.

 Storms swept across New York on Monday triggered hours-long air travel delays as nearly 44 million people were projected to travel during the holiday. At LaGuardia Airport, planes were delayed for an average of one hour and 40 minutes Monday afternoon, while traffic to Newark Airport was delayed by 3 hours and 27 minutes on average, according to the FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center.

Seven reported dead in Texas, including two children

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed Sunday that seven people were killed in the state and at least 100 were injured after tornadoes and other severe weather battered northern Texas, around 70 miles north of Fort Worth.

Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington said the fatalities included two children, ages 2 and 5.

A tornado plowed through southern Cooke County and parts of Denton County on Saturday night, Sappington told local news station WFAA. He said between 60 and 80 people were seeking shelter from the storm at a travel center.

"It took some time to get back in there because of all the damage with the power lines, and trees were down," he said.

At least 200 homes and buildings were destroyed and 120 were damaged amid tornado activity that traversed around 50 square miles in Texas, Abbott said. He said he would be "shocked" if the numbers did not increase as damage assessment continues.

The damage came days after another round of tornadoes wreaked havoc in central Texas, downing power lines and crushing roofs. "The hopes and dreams of Texas families and small businesses have literally been crushed by storm after storm," Abbott said. A disaster declaration Abbott issued earlier this month now includes 106 counties.

Search and rescue missions were underway, Abbott said. In addition, multiple disaster relief organizations sent volunteers to aid those affected.

Arkansas reports eight fatalities; two dead in Oklahoma

At least eight people died in Arkansas after a tornado plowed through the northwestern part of the state. The weather service confirmed Sunday night that it had found EF-3 tornado damage near the city of Decatur, about 10 miles east of the Oklahoma border.

A preliminary EF-2 tornado was later confirmed in Paragould near the state's northeast border, the weather service posted on X on Monday.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an emergency order on Sunday allocating $250,000 for disaster relief.

"I think people are just going to have to become very patient and understand that we are not going to recover from this thing overnight," Arkansas Rep. Steve Womack said.

In Oklahoma, the severe storms left two people dead in the town of Pryor, around 50 miles east of Tulsa, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management confirmed. The storms left around 8,400 people without power.

A tornado in Claremore, in the northeastern part of the state, "caused substantial widespread damage," including "downed trees, power lines, and essential damage to homes," city manager John Feary said. The storms left 23 people injured in the town, including three with life-threatening injuries, Feary said.

The Red Cross also opened two shelters in the area in the wake of the storm.

Five dead in Kentucky

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency early Monday after at least five people were killed after severe storms ripped through Louisville on Sunday afternoon. One person was "fighting for their life," Beshear said at a news conference.

After an initial storm death toll of four, the governor told CNN a fifth person perished during the cleanup after getting overheated and having a heart attack. "This has certainly been a devastating set of storms for Kentucky," Beshear said.

Those killed included a 67-year-old woman from 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 National Weather Service confirmed at least one tornado in Mayfield, near the southwest corner of the state. In a news conference, Beshear said the tornado traveled for about 40 miles. Some twisters "spun down then spun back up," he added.

The severe weather hit the western part of the state hardest, including damaging state highways and roads, Kentucky Secretary of Transportation Jim Gray said.

One of the "most significant impacts" of the storm was a fuel spill caused when a dock on Dale Hollow Lake, a reservoir on the border with Tennessee, broke away. Beshear said the Energy and Environment Cabinet had deployed a hazmat team to assess the situation.

Colorado rancher killed in lightning strike

Severe thunderstorms swept through the central U.S. over the weekend, and a lightning strike in Rand, Colorado, around 80 miles northwest of Denver, killed a rancher and 34 of his cattle Saturday, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

Mike Morgan, 51, was struck while feeding his cattle, authorities said in a news release. Morgan, of Walden, Colorado, was declared dead at the scene, "despite lifesaving efforts performed by bystanders and first responders," according to the release.

"On a personal note, Mike Morgan was an outstanding member of the community and will be extremely missed," Meghan Rickels, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, said in an email to USA TODAY.

What to do during a tornado warning: How to stay safe at home, outside, in a car

Storm expected to move east on Memorial Day

The storm is forecast to weaken as it moves over the eastern seaboard and the Southeast on Monday. Still, some damaging wind gusts are expected, and there's a risk of isolated tornadoes.

Parts of Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina were placed under a tornado watch until Monday evening. Early Monday, a coastal flood advisory was issued for the District of Columbia.

In New York, up to 2 inches of rain and "localized flash flooding" were possible as some severe thunderstorms are expected to move through the New York metro area through Monday evening, according to the weather service.

Stormy weather, including isolated severe thunderstorms, is expected to return to central Texas and some parts of Oklahoma on Monday afternoon and continue overnight, according to the National Weather Service.

A severe thunderstorm watch was also issued through Monday afternoon for parts of Georgia and South Carolina  the area could see hail of up to 1 inch and one or two tornadoes, the weather service said.

According to AccuWeather, southern Arkansas, northern Louisiana, and parts of Mississippi and Alabama could see winds of up to 75 mph.

Contributing: Olivia Evans, Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal; Reuters

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Memorial Day weather: Severe storms and tornadoes devastate US states
A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

They booed former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate who currently leads in polling in some swing states. They rejected Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent candidate who is polling at 15% in some polls.

Instead, at its convention over the weekend, the Libertarian Party selected a little-known former congressional candidate, Chase Oliver, who is hoping they can get to 2% of the popular vote on Election Day.

Turns out that Libertarians are motivated by the ultrasmall-government mindset that leads them to be Libertarians as opposed to an uncomfortable alliance to benefit Trump or help Kennedy get on a debate stage.

A match with Kennedy made some sense, at least on paper. Libertarians currently have ballot access in 38 states. Kennedy is currently on the ballot in six, although he promises to be on more by Election Day.

But the idea of simply placing Kennedy atop the Libertarian Party ticket to marry his momentum with their organization left Kennedy with an embarrassing loss at the Libertarian Party convention in Washington. Kennedy did not even advance out of the first round of voting.

Neither did Trump, who could arguably appeal to some Libertarians with his anti-government rhetoric. After his address, Trump was barred from taking part in the nominating process because his campaign failed to fill out the proper paperwork.

Where does Kennedys support come from?

Kennedys politics are unique, melding his history as an environmental crusader, his deeply held belief in conspiracy theories and his notable vaccine skepticism. These views are not necessarily very Libertarian.

He is at odds with his own running mate, Nicole Shanahan, the ex-wife of a Google co-founder and a top benefactor of the campaign. Kennedy and Shanahan disagree on both abortion policy and Middle East policy.

Among those who didnt vote for Biden or Trump in 2020  including both those who supported another candidate and those who didnt vote at all  Kennedy got the support of 37% in CNNs poll conducted by SSRS in April. Trump got the backing of 30% of these voters who either opted for a major party alternative or simply didnt vote. Biden got just 12%.

Kennedy may well take more support from Trump than from Biden, but not by a lot, according to a recent analysis by CNNs Harry Enten (watch it below). As evidence, Enten pointed to Quinnipiac University polling that asked Kennedy supporters who they would support in a two-way matchup. About half  51%  said they would support Trump in a two-way matchup, compared with 37% who said they would pick Biden.

In a written analysis, Enten points to polling that suggests many of Kennedys current supporters are not yet familiar with many of his most notable positions, including on vaccines. Support for third-party candidates has a tendency to flag closer to Election Day.

The recent high-water mark is Ross Perot, who got 19% of the vote in 1992.

The last third-party candidate to win a state and get Electoral Votes was George Wallace, who won Southern states in 1968. The only third-party candidate to outperform a major party candidate was former President Teddy Roosevelt, who outpolled Republicans after he failed to get their nomination in 1912 and then ran as a third-party candidate. Woodrow Wilson, a Democrat, won that election.

What are Libertarians aiming for?

While Kennedy is polling better than recent third-party or independent candidates, most of them barely register. If Oliver can reach 2% in the popular vote, that would be better than the Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen in 2020 but still far short of Gary Johnsons 3.28% of the popular vote in 2016.

CNNs Aaron Pellish was at the Libertarian convention. When I asked him why there was so much opposition to Kennedy and Trump, Pellish sent me these distinct thoughts:

First and foremost, Libertarian opposition to Trump and Kennedy starts with fundamental disagreements on policy. Despite both candidates calling for the US to reduce its involvement in foreign conflicts, many Libertarians feel Trump and Kennedy dont go far enough to prevent wars globally. Many Libertarians also support eliminating the Federal Reserve and oppose the government taxing citizens, extreme measures neither Trump nor Kennedy endorsed in their remarks at the convention.

Several Libertarians I spoke to were frustrated by what they viewed as attempts by both candidates to pander to party members for votes in November.

A few convention attendees linked Kennedy and Trump to Bob Barr, the former GOP congressman who ran as the Libertarian presidential nominee in 2008, and to Bill Weld, the former Republican Massachusetts gov. who ran alongside Gary Johnson as the Libertarian Partys vice presidential nominee. Both Barr and Weld left the Libertarian Party after losing their respective elections.

But the memory of past politicians who used the party for their own gain without fully committing to Libertarian values appeared to undergird the resentment some Libertarians held for the two interlopers.

The inverse comparison is Ron Paul, who ran for president as a Libertarian in the 1980s but found greater success when he ran as a Libertarian-leaning Republican. Paul did not  and never was going to  get the Republican nomination, but he made a calculated decision that he could more effectively influence the policy conversation from within a major party.

Now Kennedys campaign, and the super PAC that supports it, will have to continue the slog of getting on ballots in enough states to make a mark on the election.

The Green Party is the only third party that is consistently on the ballot in all 50 states. It will not officially select a nominee until July. Jill Stein, the Green Party nominee in 2012 and 2016, is seen as a likely bet. The best recent election for the Green Party came in 2000, when Ralph Nader won more than 2% of the vote and arguably kept Al Gore, the Democrat, from winning Florida and the presidency.

Less than 2% can sway an election

The Republican consultant who orchestrated George W. Bushs campaigns, Karl Rove, notes in The Wall Street Journal that the Green Party candidate in 2016, Stein, got more votes than Trumps margin of victory in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. He concludes Stein arguably cost the Democratic ticket, led by Hillary Clinton, the election.

The same thing may have happened in 2020, Rove argues, when the Libertarians Jorgensen got less than 2% of the national vote but exceeded Bidens margin of victory in Arizona, Georgia and Wisconsin.

Those stats are true, but Roves assessment may be flawed. Johnson, the Libertarian candidate in 2016, outperformed Stein in each of those states Rove mentioned. Trump won anyway. The election reform advocacy group FairVote has compiled data on recent third-party candidates here.

But rather than focus on the relatively few people who turn out for a third-party candidate, why not look at the large number of people who dont take part in elections at all?

The 2020 presidential election won by Biden had the highest turnout of any presidential election since 1900. But only about two-thirds  66%  of eligible voters turned out to vote, according to an analysis by Pew Research Center, although turnout was higher in some states than others.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A bolt of lightning strikes a field.

A Colorado cattle rancher and 34 of his cattle have been killed after lightning struck over the weekend, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

Mike Morgan, 51, was feeding some of his herd with hay from a trailer on Sunday when the lightning hit near the town of Rand, about 80 miles northwest of Denver, the sheriff's office told news media outlets. Morgan died despite life-saving efforts.

George Crocket, a country coroner in the town of Rand, close to Denver where the farmland is located, told ABC News that Morgan's father-in-law and wife were nearby and survived. The strike also bowled over dozens more cattle gathered around the trailer waiting to eat, Crocket said.

The sheriff's office and Crocket didn't immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

Georgie Campbell: Equestrian star dies after fall during Bicton International Horse Trials

Where does lightning strike the most?

According to the National Weather Service, the most common time for lightning strikes is during the summer months, though strikes peak in June, USA TODAY previously reported.

Five of the top 10 lightning days in 2023 happened from June 14 to June 21 when the Northern Hemisphere experienced its highest temperatures. The most intense lightning storms ranged from the edge of the Rockies, through the Middle Plains and to the Southeast. Large thunderstorms in the Northern Plains and eastern states also contributed.

See our U.S. map of lightning hot zones.

How to protect yourself from lightning strikes if living in a hot zone

About 25 million ground strikes occur each year, the National Weather Service reports, and over the past 30 years, there have been 51 known fatalities. About 90% of those struck survive.

If living in a lightning hot zone of the U.S., here's what the National Weather Service suggests you do:

When you hear lightning rolling in, seek out a place of shelter , preferably somewhere indoors.

Don't use corded phones . Using a corded phone during a thunderstorm is one of the leading causes of indoor lightning injuries.

Stay away from windows, doors and porches . It is best to be in an interior room during a thunderstorm.

Don't touch electrical equipment or cords . Any device that uses electricity is susceptible to a lightning strike. If you hear a storm rolling in, consider unplugging devices, but not if lightning can be heard.

Avoid plumbing. Metal plumbing and the water inside are both very good conductors of electricity. Do not wash your hands or dishes, take a shower or bath, do laundry, etc. during a thunderstorm.

Refrain from touching concrete surfaces. Lightning can travel through the metal wires or bars in concrete walls and flooring, such as in the basement or garage.

If inside a vehicle: Roll the windows up and avoid contact with any conducting paths leading to the outside of the vehicle (e.g. metal surfaces, ignition, portable electronic devices plugged in for charging, etc.).

Contributing: Janet Loehrke

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lightning strike kills Colorado cattle rancher, 34 of his herd
Alex Lundberg holds the mastodon tusk he found on the ocean floor.

A Florida man discovered a 4-foot mastodon tusk at the bottom of the ocean while searching for fossils near the coast of Venice.

Alex Lundberg, 29, works in research at a cancer hospital in Tampa on weekdays, but come the weekend, he is a scuba diver and amateur fossil hunter who drives an hour south to Venice Beach to stay at his parents' house and search for prehistoric objects in the waters nearby.

"I'm kind of a weekend warrior," Lundberg told USA TODAY.

He discovered the tusk in April when he went diving with his friend, and only recently unveiled his find to the world.

"I look over, and I see what looks like a 6-inch piece of wood uncovered in the sand, and I swim over to it, and I started fanning it, trying to get the sand off of it," said Lundberg. "It just kept getting bigger and bigger."

He uncovered the cross-section and realized it was a tusk that was a foot wide, four feet long and weighed about 60 pounds.

"It was absolutely crazy," said Lundberg.

A rare discovery

According to Lundberg, it isn't uncommon to find broken pieces or small sections of mammoth tusks (slightly different from mastodons) off of Venice.

"We call it mammoth bark because it just looks like a piece of tree bark," said the fossil hunter.

But to find a whole tusk is "super rare."

"Only a handful of ever come out of Venice," said Lundberg.

The fossil hunter added that his friend found an eight-foot tusk in the same area three years ago.

Previous fossil discoveries

Lundberg said this is definitely one of the coolest fossils he's found, but a runner-up is the jaguar femur he found in the same area a few months before.

"So that was my highlight up until the tusk," said Lundberg.

The amateur fossil hunter got into the hobby when he was a kid, when his dad would take him to construction sites and let him loose to rifle through the dirt the construction crew had just dug through.

Fossil hunting "kind of just stuck with me ever since," said Lundberg.

Today, years after he explored those construction sites, Lundberg said he dreams of finding a saber tooth tiger skull one day.

"That's like the king of Florida fossil hunting," said Lundberg.

Next step

Now, Lundberg will have to report his findings to the Florida Museum of Natural History. From there, the museum will decide if it's scientifically significant. If it isn't, the museum will allow him to keep the tusk.

Lundberg believes he will be able to keep it.

"It's just been kind of rolling around on the ocean floor for at least the last 10 million years," said Lundberg. "Its scientific value is limited, it's just more of a cool display piece at this point."

And that's exactly what he plans to do with it if he does get to keep it.

Lundberg estimates its value to be around $5,000, but that doesn't matter to him.

"I'm never gonna sell it," said Lundberg. "It's gonna stay with me ... As far as I'm concerned, it's priceless"

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida man finds mastodon tusk off Venice, Florida: See the discovery
Actor Robert De Niro lends his voice to a new President Joe Biden re-election campaign ad called Snapped.

In the 30-second video, De Niro calls out Donald Trump, referring to him as out of control and claiming the former U.S. President will stop at nothing to attain revenge.

The Academy-award winning Hollywood actor has spoken out many times against the former President, most recently calling Trump stupid on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

The video begins with De Niro discussing Trumps run as President, making references to various controversies. From midnight tweets to drinking bleach, to tear gassing citizens and staging a photo op, we knew Trump was out of control as President, the actor remarks.

This narration is paired with pictures of Trump during his presidency, including his notorious photo op with a Bible in front of the Church of the Presidents after deploying federal forces to clear out protests in the wake of George Floyds death and subsequent fight against racial injustice.

De Niro then states that once Trump lost the 2020 election, he snapped, the words overlaying pictures of billowing Trump 2020 flags on Jan. 6, 2021, when supporters of Trump stormed the Capitol building as Bidens presidential victory was certified.

The ad switches towards the current election: Now, hes running again, this time threatening to be a dictator,' to terminate the constitution.

The dictator comment references an incident in a Fox News town hall with broadcaster Sean Hannity in Dec. 2023, when Trump said he would not be a dictatorexcept for day one, he added. Day one, the border gets closed. Day one and a half we drilldrill, baby, drill.

Read More: How Biden Is Reviving His Midterm Playbook for 2024

The new Biden ad also features footage of Trump on his own campaign trail. He warns: If I dont get elected, its going to be a bloodbath.

As De Niros last words ring in the ad, more images of Trump supporters flash across the screen, including a pro-Trump crowd clashing with police and holding Stop the Steal flags.

Trump wants revenge, and hell stop at nothing to get it, De Niro finishes.

The final image is Biden, saluting United States troops. He says in a voiceover: Im Joe Biden, and I approve this message.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Ex-Trump White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci on Tuesday said former President Trumps recent attacks against the judge in his New York hush money trial suggest he is super nervous about the verdict.

He is super nervous about this, Scaramucci said Tuesday in an interview on CNN. Those bombs that he launched last night at the judge and all the suggestions that he was making, all the spurious suggestions are out of Trumps playbook. So he knows the facts of the case, he knows exactly what happened, and hes super worried about it, and that was a tell from him, so hes show[ed] his cards last night.

Scaramuccis comments came as closing arguments for Trumps hush money trial kicked off Tuesday in Manhattan. Upon conclusion, the case will be handed to a 12-person jury to decide whether to convict Trump on 34 criminal counts of falsifying business records.

The charges center on reimbursements Trump made to then-fixer Michael Cohen after he paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 in October 2016 to keep quiet about an alleged affair. He pleaded not guilty and has repeatedly denied the affair with Daniels.

Over the holiday weekend, Trump took to Truth Social to call out Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case, describing him as radical and highly conflicted, ahead of Tuesdays return to court.

Merchan imposed a gag order in the case earlier this year that prohibits the former president from publicly commenting on witnesses, prosecutors, court staff or the judges family, but does not bar him from attacking Merchan or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Scaramucci, who served on Trumps campaign team and in the White House for 11 days before being dismissed by the then-president, said that while the defense team did a good job, it will not be enough.

The evidence is overwhelming, that the law was broken. And so whats at issue here: Are there 12 jurors that believe that? he said Tuesday.

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.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday that if U.S. President Joe Biden missed a peace summit organised by Kyiv in Switzerland next month, Russian President Vladimir Putin would applaud his absence.

Ukraine hopes to host as many countries as possible in an attempt to unite opinion on how to halt the war and pile pressure on Russia, which has seized almost a fifth of Ukraine's territory. Washington has signalled support but has not said whether Biden will attend.

"I know that the U.S. supports the summit but we don't know at what level," the Ukrainian president said in Brussels on Tuesday at a joint press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

"(The) peace summit needs President Biden and so do the other leaders who look at the reaction of the United States. Putin will only applaud his absence, personally applaud it - and standing, at that."

Zelenskiy on Sunday urged both Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin's close ally and a leading beneficiary of his rift with the West, to attend the summit.Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has said it sees no point in the conference.

(This story has been corrected to fix the day of conference to Tuesday in paragraph 3, and to clarify that Zelenskiy meant to say that Putin would applaud Biden's absence, not that his absence would be like applauding Putin, in the headline and paragraphs 1 and 4)

(Reporting by Phil Blenkinsop in Brussels and Anastasiia Malenko and Dan Peleschuk in Kyiv; Editing by Kevin Liffey)


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YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the Republic Day.

The message reads as follows:

"Dear people, dear citizens of the Republic of Armenia,

Today we celebrate the Republic Day, which is one of the most important days of our state calendar. Firstly, it symbolizes the restoration of Armenian statehood, which, having been interrupted for 400 years, was restored on May 28, 1918 after the battles of Sardarapat, Bash Aparan and Gharakilisa with the establishment of the first Republic of Armenia.

This day also symbolizes the establishment of people's power in Armenia, because on May 28, 1918, we had a state system where the legislative and executive power is formed by the people's choice, where the people are the source and bearer of power, the founder and sovereign of the state. This is the ideology of the republic, which was established in our reality for the first time in 1918.

The establishment of the people as the supreme bearer of power is a turning point in our history, and this deep concept concerns the possibility of building ones own freedom, security, and prosperity with ones own hands. A republic is a people's claim to the right to control their own destiny, set their own rules of life, and pass on that sovereignty from generation to generation.

This is an extremely ambitious and responsible mission that cannot be realized if new concepts are not formed to ensure the longevity of the state.

The First Republic had neither the time nor the opportunity to solve such conceptual problems. Today we have the time and the opportunity. After the 44-day war of 2020, the Republic of Armenia survived because of the formation of new thinking models that allowed us to gain a new understanding of reality and our ability to influence it.

These new ways of thinking and new perspectives make it obvious that in a constantly changing world, the ability to constantly change and develop, to make decisions in accordance with challenges and goals, is the formula for ensuring the longevity of the state, the key to its viability.

Our government governs the Republic of Armenia using precisely this method, understanding that to be viable means to be able to preserve and develop statehood, identity, values, and to be able to build freedom, security, and prosperity.

This is exactly what the Real Armenia strategy is about. But also that freedom is not enoughyou need justice, security is not enough you need peace, prosperity is not enough you need happiness, vitality is not enough you need cheerfulness.

Careful, difficult, but we are going exactly in this way. According to many, we are moving slowly. Actually and reasonably fast is slow but without interruptions. We are moving forward without interruption and see our cherished goal on the horizon.

I congratulate all of us on the occasion of the Republic Day.

Glory to the martyrs and long live the Republic of Armenia.

And long live our children who will live in a Free and Happy Armenia.
YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. Chairman of the National Assembly of Armenia AlenSimonyan sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of Republic Day.

The message reads as follows:

Dear compatriots,

Today we celebrate one of the most important events in our history - the founding day of the first Republic of Armenia.

On May 28, 1918, after the heroic battles of Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan and Gharakilisa, the Armenian statehood, which had been destroyed for centuries, was restored. Having survived one of the most difficult periods ahead of them, the Armenian people not only managed to preserve their identity, language and culture, but also built an independent republic that is the basis of today's free and sovereign Armenia. Although the life of the first Republic of Armenia lasted only 2 years, it became a turning point in our national thinking.

The unbreakable awareness of having an independent and sovereign state today is the most important force in overcoming the challenges facing Armenia, in building and maintaining a strong, sovereign and democratic state, based on the right to vote and equality of citizens.

Yes, today, in 2024, we are building a state again. The Republic of Armenia is and will be independent, it will have internationally recognized borders, which will guarantee the sovereign, democratic and peaceful future of the third Republic of Armenia.

Congratulations on the day of the declaration of the first republic of Armenia and the revival of our statehood. Happy May 28."
YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan issues a congratulatory message on the occasion of Republic Day.

The message reads as follows:

Dear compatriots, today we celebrate Republic Day, the anniversary of the founding of the first Republic of Armenia and the heroic battles of Sardarapat, Bash Aparan and Gharakilisa. Strengthening Armenia as a sovereign, free and democratic state is the mission of each of us.

Tigran Avinyan also said that according to tradition, he spent this important day for homeland in Aparan.
YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus issued a statement regarding the floods that occurred in Tavush and Lori regions of Armenia.

The message reads as follows:

"Our sincere condolences to the families of the victims from the heavy floods that hit the Tavush and Lori regions of Armenia.

Wishing a swift recovery to those injured and strength to everyone affected by this tragic event."
YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. The People's Republic of China is ready to help Armenia overcome the consequences of the flood that happened a few days ago, announced Mao Ning, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"In northern Armenia has resulted in multiple fatalities, injuries and loss of property. China expresses sympathies to Armenia. We believe the Armenian people will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes. China is, as always, ready to do everything we can to help," said in the speaker's statement.
Identity security specialist Okta has hired Craig McGregor as its new director of partners and alliances for Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ).

He steps into the role vacated by Todd Parsons earlier this year.

McGregor will lead the partner team across Australia and New Zealand and drive the transition to a partner-first model.

With more than 20 years of experience leading channel businesses and teams, McGregor is well-positioned to grow and support the Okta partner ecosystem, which includes channel partners, systems integrators, cloud service providers, distributors, technology partners and hyperscalers.

He will work with Ajay Advani, who became vice president of Asia Pacific and Japan channel and strategic alliances last year, to further develop and execute its partner strategy in the market.
Nextgen Group has signed its first Australian distribution agreement with data streaming platform Confluent.

The agreement between the two parties will initially see more than 30 partners able to access Confluents product and services offerings. Additionally, partners will be able to utilise Confluents and Nextgens technical expertise and product capabilities to provide customer support.

In addition to Australia, the agreement is also planned to be expanded to New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Confluent senior VP Kamal Brar said the agreement will help the vendor rapidly expand its channel partner ecosystem, claiming it to be a step that opens new opportunities for partners and new service offerings for their customers.
Mumbai: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said that the BJP will contest the highest number of Assembly seats as part of the Mahayuti because it is the biggest party in the alliance. But, we will give due respect to the other two alliance partners  Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, he said.

With the Vidhan Sabha elections in Maharashtra likely to be held later this year, talks about seat sharing in the Mahayuti have started doing the rounds. Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has said that the Ajit Pawar-led faction should get 80 to 90 seats to contest in the assembly polls.

However, Fadnavis on Monday asserted that the BJP will get the maximum number of seats as part of the seat-sharing formula for the assembly elections in Maharashtra.

Leaders of all the three parties of Mahayuti will sit together to decide a proper seat-sharing formula for assembly polls and seats will be allotted accordingly. Obviously, BJP will get the maximum number of seats as it is the biggest party. However, our allies will be given due respect in the seat allotment, he added.

Fadnavis remarks have come on the backdrop of Bhujbal saying that the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction might contest at least 80 to 90 seats.

We have to make sure that we get at least 80-90 seats for Vidhan Sabha as promised to us. If we get 80-90, then only we have the chance to get 50 plus MLAs, Bhujbal said.

Ajit Pawar also confirmed that the BJP has promised that everyone will be respected in the Assembly elections. He was supported by the NCP Working President Praful Patel, who said that the seat-sharing agreement during the Assembly elections will not be the same as it was in the Lok Sabha elections. There will definitely be an increase in the number of seats for NCP in the Assembly elections. All of us will be involved in the seat allocation discussions, Praful Patel said.

The BJP shares power with Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meditate at the Rock Memorial, a monument built in tribute to Swami Vivekananda at Kanyakumari, where the seer had a vision of Bharat Mata, following the culmination of his election campaign on May 30.

Sources said, Prime Minister Modi will visit Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1. In Kanyakumari, the Prime Minister will visit the Rock Memorial and meditate day and night at the same place where Swami Vivekanand did meditation, at the Dhyan Mandapam from May 30 evening to June 1 evening.

The Prime Minister is known to undertake spiritual journeys at the end of election campaigns in 2019, he visited Kedarnath and in 2014 he visited Shivajis Pratapgarh, they said.

This rock, where the Prime Minister will meditate, had a major impact on Swami Vivekanands life and people believe that like Sarnath holds a special place in the life of Gautam Buddha, this rock holds a similar place in the life of Swami Vivekananda.

It was here that Swami Vivekananda arrived after wandering across the country and mediated for three days and had a vision for a developed India. Meditating at the same place shows the Prime Ministers commitment to bringing Swamijis vision of a Viksit Bharat to life. Goddess Parvati also meditated at the same place on one foot as she waited for Lord Shiva, sources said.

Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of mainland India. Further, this is the place where Indias eastern and western coastlines meet. It is also the meeting point of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, the sources pointed out.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Tuesday demanded CBI investigation into the Pune Porsche car accident case. He alleged that the state police are trying to cover up the incident because a son of an MLA was present in the car at the time of the accident. The MLA called the doctors, who destroyed the blood samples of the minor accused, he claimed.

According to the FIR in the case, the minor accused allegedly killed Ashwini Kostha and Anish Awadhiya  two IT professionals working in Pune, in the wee hours on May 19. Their motorcycle was hit by a speeding Porsche car allegedly driven by the minor, who belongs to a prominent realtors family in Pune. After the incident, his father and grandfather allegedly tried to influence the police investigation, judicial process as well as medical tests.

The instances of common people being crushed under vehicles by people driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is on the rise. Such incidents have been reported from Nagpur, Jalgaon and Pune, but the most infuriating thing is that efforts were made through the government system to ensure that the rich accused get immediate bail. Therefore the Pune accident case should be investigated by the CBI as there seems to be political interference to save the rich accused, Mr. Patole said.

The Congress leader also targeted deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and claimed that the senior BJP leader used his law degree to protect the accused in the Pune case. Illegal pubs are rampant in Pune and Nagpur too. After the car accident case, 36 illegal pubs in Pune had to be demolished. BJP has committed the sin of ruining the youth by bringing large quantities of drugs from Gujarat to Maharashtra, he said.

Demanding resignation of Mr. Fadnavis, Mr. Patole said, Even in Nagpur, home minister's city, two girls crushed two youths to death under a car, but they got bail within 10 hours. In Jalgaon too a similar case was reported and an attempt was made to save the accused. Dr. Taware from Sassoon Hospital, Pune. changed the accused's blood samples.

Mr. Patole was referring to the arrest of two doctors from the government-run Sasoon hospital  Dr Ajay Taware and Dr Shrihari Harnol  for allegedly manipulating the blood samples of the minor accused in the Pune case. The two doctors have been remanded in police custody till May 30. According to the police, the doctors threw away the blood samples of the juvenile and sent another persons samples to the forensic lab.

Meanwhile, a Pune court has extended the custody of the minor accused persons father and grandfather, who have been arrested in the case. The two allegedly gave money and presents to their family driver in exchange for accepting responsibility for the accident.
New Delhi/Ranchi: Claiming that the tribal population has been decreasing in the Santhal Parganas because of infiltration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the JMM-led ruling alliance in Jharkhand of "patronising" infiltrators, who, he said, were grabbing land and putting women at risk.

Addressing a public rally in Jharkhands Dumka, the Prime Minister said that he had heard that the term "love jihad" was coined by the people of Jharkhand and that efforts were made in one district of the state to change the weekly holiday from Sunday, which was connected to the Christian community, to Friday.

"A big infiltration crisis looms over Jharkhand. The Santhal Parganas is facing the challenge of infiltration. In many areas, the population of tribals is declining fast and the number of infiltrators is on the rise. The infiltrators are grabbing tribal lands. Tribal daughters are the target of infiltrators. Their security and safety are at risk. Their lives are also at risk," he said.

Referring to two incidents from 2022, the Prime Minister said, "Tribal daughters are being chopped into 50 pieces... being burnt alive... someone's tongue was pulled out. Who are these people who are targeting tribal daughters? Why is the JMM government patronising them?"

On the issue of love jihad, Mr Modi said, "A friend was telling me that the term love jihad emanated from Jharkhand. The people of Jharkhand have coined this term."

Accusing the JMM of indulging in communal and appeasement politics, Mr Modi said that despite Sunday being a holiday since the British era, in one Jharkhand district, it was changed to Friday.

"Sunday is not linked to Hindus but to the Christian community. It has been a holiday for 200-300 years. In one district, they changed the holiday from Sunday to Friday. First, they fought with Hindus, now they are fighting with Christians. What is going on?" Mr Modi asked.

"The INDIA bloc's politics is based on the formula of communal appeasement, patronising separatists and protecting terrorists... Those who oppose it face the allegation of dividing Hindus and Muslims," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the Opposition INDIA bloc is providing reservations on the basis of religion. "It will not be tolerated. Till Modi is alive, reservations cannot be provided for vote jihad," he said.

Mr Modi claimed that when he unmasked the communal and anti-tribal veil of the Opposition, he was accused of dividing Hindus and Muslims.

"They think they can frighten Modi by throwing dirt at him, but they do not know that the more they throw dirt, the more lotuses will bloom... Modi is bound to foil their propaganda of hatred," he said.

Alleging that the JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand has been looting the state's resources, Mr Modi claimed that the state is now known for "mountains of cash".

"There are scenic mountains in Jharkhand, but now Jharkhand is known for the mountains of cash being unearthed. I had been a chief minister for 13 years but never witnessed such huge amounts of cash. The JMM and the Congress indulged in several scams like the liquor scam, the tender scam and the mining and mineral scam, among others. The Sahibganj scam was alone worth over '1,000 crores," he said.

Mr Modi said that the Opposition leaders are such that they don't even hesitate to change the names of their parents to grab land. They have not even spared Army land.

He also accused the JMM-led alliance of looting the foodgrains sent from the Centre for the Poor and selling them in the black market.

Vowing that action against corruption will intensify in the country after June 4, Mr Modi said scams were routine in the country before 2014 as "the Congress indulged in looting 24x7", but after he came to power at the Centra a decade ago, he stopped it.

The Prime Minister said that the country will see more development work in the next five years than it has witnessed in the last 10 years.

At the rally, Mr Modi also accused the INDIA bloc leaders of being anti-tribal and claimed that they tried hard to defeat Droupadi Murmu, who is a tribal, in the 2022 presidential polls.

The Prime Minister was campaigning for BJP's Dumka candidate Sita Soren, Rajmahal nominee Tala Marandi and Godda MP Nishikant Dubey. Voting in these constituencies will be held on June 1.
Chinese language proficiency competition held in Romania

Xinhua) 09:48, May 28, 2024

Romanian student Ioana Mihai, the winner of the grand prize of Romania Finals of the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for non-Chinese college students, demonstrates her talent in Bucharest, Romania, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

BUCHAREST, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition, an annual competition for non-Chinese college students, was held at the University of Bucharest here on Sunday.

Eighteen contestants from Romanian universities competed under the theme "One World, One Family," showcasing their love and understanding of the Chinese language and culture through speeches, Q&A and talent shows.

Ioana Mihai, a 22-year-old sophomore majoring in Chinese at the university, won the grand prize with her insights into building a "community of shared future for mankind," and the use of traditional Chinese cultural elements in her spirited presentation.

Chinese Ambassador to Romania Han Chunlin noted that the event coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of a comprehensive friendly and cooperative partnership between China and Romania.

Sorin Costreie, president of UNICA, a network of universities from the capitals of Europe, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and language learning and expressed hope for future cultural and educational cooperation between China and Romania.

NBai Luomi, co-director of the Confucius Institute at the university, expected that the competition would continue to inspire students to study the Chinese language and its culture and ultimately pursue careers related to these fields.

The competition was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Romania and organized by the Confucius Institute of the University of Bucharest.

A contestant demonstrates his talent during Romania Finals of the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for non-Chinese college students, in Bucharest, Romania, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
by Vladimir Rozanskij

After the clashes of the past few days many students are leaving the Kyrgyz capital to return home, with a series of charter flights organised directly from Islamabad. The rector of the diplomatic academy, Kurmanov, is harshly critical: We risk becoming a rogue country, where everything is shared out among the local clans.

Bishkek (AsiaNews) - The recent night of mob madness in Bishkek, with clashes in the streets between locals and foreign immigrants, has left a heavy atmosphere of inability to welcome and absence of a real civil society in Kyrgyzstan. Many students from Pakistan are leaving the Kyrgyz capital to return home, with a series of charter flights organised directly from Islamabad. The consequences of these dramatic events may be very difficult for Kyrgyz society and its relations with its neighbours, as the rector of the diplomatic academy of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zajnidin Kurmanov comments on Azattyk.

In his opinion, we are in danger of becoming a rogue country, incapable of welcoming foreigners and with a government without authority, made up of uncivilised people who are not worth investing in and where no tourists come, people of inferior rank in the international arena, and this has never happened to the Kyrgyz. The outbreak of intolerance threatens to completely undermine Kyrgyzstan's image, demonstrating a general failure in education and civil formation, and reforms are urgently needed not partial or half-hearted, but carried through to the end. The reforms must not only be political and economic, but deeply social, dealing with culture and education, because the state is a very complex institution, a mechanism with very different factors.

The risk, according to the dean of diplomats, is to get caught up in the eagerness for economic and market reforms, forgetting everything else. The current conflict creates great tension with Pakistan, a regional superpower with nuclear potential, a country of 300 million people compared to Kyrgyzstan's little more than 7. The Pakistanis who come to study in Bishkek are mostly from the less affluent sections of the population, and they generally behave very quietly and reservedly, traditionally being anything but turbulent people, whereas we behave like racists, Kurmanov complains, noting that even the police stood by and watched while our people created problems not only for foreigners, but also for our own citizens.

The foreigners involved in the riots were repatriated, while the Kyrgyz who went unpunished. The foreign executive calls for an awareness of the drift of social behaviour in Kyrgyzstan, where, for example, there is a serious increase in domestic violence while everyone is silent, including ministers of religion, deputies and the police, the sporadic interventions of the security chief Kamcybek Tashiev are not enough. Kurmanov recalls that I am a history teacher and I often write about our great history, how we are a people of ancient and noble traditions, but only as long as we lived in villages and tried to build our civilisation.

Today, however, we are administered by cold bureaucrats, the oligarchs have even divided up the seats in parliament and change the laws to prevent anyone other than them from gaining access to positions of power, without any protests even in the press. According to Kurmanov, speaking as a political scientist, the transformation of democracy into oligarchy is underway, and Kyrgyzstan risks being reduced to a political prison. It is dominated by what is called the kirghizcylyk, a partition of local clans that imposes the difference between superior and inferior in social life where the institutions that regulate the lives of citizens, both political and law enforcement, do not function, everything is in the hands of the corrupt and bandits.

Kurmanov also recalls that this year marks the centenary of some of the fathers of the Kyrgyz homeland such as Abdykerim Sydykov, Imanaly Ajdarbekov and others who gave their lives for the country at the time of the revolutions, when the Bolsheviks had no intention of identifying the Kyrgyz republic within the Soviet Union, dividing it among the other Central Asian territories. Today the Kyrgyz state exists, the historian concludes, but we lack civilisation, we are 7 million people, but we are not real citizens and we are degrading more and more, we must regain a sense of responsibility towards our land.
by Dario Salvi

Donor countries meet to discuss Syria, but the country's forgotten war continues to provoke suffering and the flight of its population (about 500 a day). Speaking to AsiaNews, the apostolic nuncio in Damascus describes a stagnant political process while the only progress is in terms of poverty. The exodus of Christians another great wound that bleeds.

Milan (AsiaNews) - This eighth conference in Brussels has two faces, like a coin: on the one hand it is very positive and satisfying because it is a sign of international solidarity that represents a sip of water in the desert. On the other, however, it appears disappointing because in all this time, and it has been years, the situation has changed little, unfortunately, poverty is increasing, the political stalemate persists.

Thiese are the considerations of the apostolic nuncio to Damascus, Card. Mario Zenari, speaking just a few hours after the donor countries met yesterday in the Belgian capital. The prelate wonders how many conferences we still need for the situation to change for the better and for the country to emerge from the crisis.

The political process is stagnant, the cardinal continued, while what is walking and progressing is poverty: according to the latest UN statistics, there are 16.7 million people in Syria in need of humanitarian assistance, about three quarters of the population, an increase of 9% compared to last year. Because of the war, 90 per cent are forced to live below the poverty line.

Brussels Conference: a failure?

The war in Syria, which has killed nearly half a million people and internally displaced about half of the 23 million pre-conflict inhabitants, has long been at a standstill, as have global efforts to add a lasting solution. Meanwhile, millions of Syrians have fallen into poverty and struggle for food, water or medicine. The UN hopes to raise over four billion dollars in life-saving aid to support the 16.7 million needy internally displaced persons or refugees in neighbouring countries, particularly Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.

Last year, participants pledged .3 billion within months of the devastating earthquake that ravaged Turkey and Syria, only part of which was allocated. Moreover, the tensions between Iran and the West and the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in response to the 7 October attack, with the involvement of other actors (Houthi in the Red Sea and the consequences on trade) have increasingly made Syria a forgotten crisis.

Then there is the issue of refugees, the majority between Lebanon and Turkey - in addition to the millions of internally displaced persons - who are increasingly seeing their prospects of returning home shrink due to the lack of stability, both politically and socially.

Moreover, the conference itself has changed with a decline in participation starting with the Russian delegation, a key ally of Bashar al-Assad, which has been missing since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, and the Gulf Arab states themselves, formerly major donors, are investing less and less time and resources.

Card. Zenari, who for years has been following Syrian affairs from the nunciature in Damascus, denouncing first the horrors of the conflict and then the poverty bomb that claims more victims than weapons, asks not to look at the nation as a beggar.

On the contrary, it must be helped to stand and walk with its own legs which is also more dignified. And to do this, we need to talk about reconstruction, about restarting the economy, industry, restarting or creating new factories: I remember what Pope Paul VI said in 1967, that the new name for peace is development. It is the same here in Syria, where there can be no peace without development; where there is misery, the conditions for peace cannot be created. We are grateful for this international solidarity,' he emphasises, referring to Brussels, but a sip of water in the desert does not solve the problem of poverty. We have to start with a political solution, because although we are grateful to the various conferences, they alone are not enough. That is why I hope this eighth will also be the last one.

Poverty and refugees

Last March Syria, the cardinal recalls, entered its 14th anniversary of war, ignored by the media and by the international community itself with 90% of the population below the poverty line: everyone agrees that the situation has become harsher than during the war years. There is a lack of electricity in much of Syria, many people have an average of two hours of electricity a day; healthcare and schools are a disaster; necessary infrastructure is needed; the economy is collapsing and people are finding alternative solutions. Those who can," Card. Zenari says "try to escape, the only way out of this tunnel, especially for the highly qualified young people looking for a way to cross the borders and go abroad.

Another emergency factor is that of refugees: "The war is said to have caused about half a million deaths, including 29,000 children and minors," says the apostolic nuncio, "and about 12 million, just over half the pre-conflict population, forced to flee their homes, neighbourhoods and villages. According to UN statistics, there are seven million internally displaced persons and about five million in neighbouring countries."

This exodus has led to a new emergency, particularly in Lebanon, which is a small country with a small population and a disproportionate number of refugees, notes the Vatican diplomat.

"This is also a serious and urgent issue, he continues, but we do not know how to solve it. The UN refugee agency says that there are still no conditions for a voluntary, dignified and safe return, meanwhile people are beginning to lose hope: after the many victims, we are witnessing the very death of hope, people no longer have faith in the future so much so that, according to the latest estimates, it is estimated that about 500 people a day attempt to leave Syria by any means, usually young and qualified.

Syrian Christians

Similar to the majority of Syrians, and perhaps even more so because they represent a small minority, Christians are also suffering the consequences of the conflict and of the poverty that is now widespread in the country and that has affected several layers of the population.

A community that has paid the price in terms of human lives, exodus, forced disappearances - among the more than 100,000 people who have disappeared into thin air are the Italian Jesuit Fr. Paolo Dall'Oglio and the two bishops, Syrian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox, of Aleppo to name but a few - and voluntary flight across the border. This is another great wound bleeding in the heart of Syria."

This is why, for Christians, it is a breath of hope the announcement by Pope Francis that the martyrs of Damascus, Franciscans and three Maronites, will be proclaimed saints: their testimony, the cardinal says, is current in the way they remember and represent those who have suffered in various ways in this conflict and for the faith."

Syria is "also very important from the point of view of Christianity, because in addition to having given the name of Christians to Antioch, now Turkish territory, it is the land to which Saint Paul is linked and of the apparitions of the risen Christ. And again, in the first seven centuries it gave six popes to the Church and four emperors, confirming its importance both from the Christian point of view and from the cultural and political standpoint, underlines Card. Zenari.

Lastly, there is the aspect linked to tourism which was on the increase before the conflict, thanks also to "archaeological finds that date back four or five thousand years and which also supported the Christian community, while today it is a tragedy to see them leave."

Moreover, he recalls, "in conflicts, minority groups are always the weakest link in the chain and this is a further detriment when they represent an open window on the world. Just think," he concludes, "of their contribution in the cultural field, in education with schools, in health care with hospitals, and also in the political field. This too is a very deep wound for the Churches, which have seen more than half of their faithful leave, and for Syrian society itself."

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by Joseph Masilamany

The event brought together people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds in Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysias easternmost states. Christian communities, formerly animist, combine traditional dances and rituals with parish celebrations. This is an opportunity for families to gather and give thanks to farmers.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews)  Between the end of May and the start of June, the Malaysian states of Borneo of Sarawak and Sabah celebrate the annual rice harvest festival.

In Sarawak, indigenous Dayak people call it Gawai  celebrated on 1 and 2 June  while in Sabah, indigenous Kadazandusun call it Kaamatan  celebrated on 30 and 31 May.

In both places, the festivals showcase similar practices that consist of brightly coloured clothes, ceremonial rites and rituals, music, songs, and dances.

Despite the ethnic and religious diversity of the two states, the two share distinctive traits that are easily recognisable, such as this festival dedicated to the bounty of the earth, which is an important event in their respective calendar.

Formerly animist, the local populations are now staunchly Christian, Catholics, Anglicans, Seventh-day Adventists, and a strong community of Evangelicals led by the Sidang Injil Borneo (Borneo Evangelical Assembly).

However, the annual rice harvest festival unites them into a single community. Each ethnic group celebrates this event at home and in churches, with special liturgical services celebrated in local parishes.

On 24 May, an indigenous dance group led the entrance procession at St Anne's Church, Diocese of Kuching, followed by altar servers and readers, as well as communion ministers and lay leaders.

Members of the congregation came dressed in colourful native clothing, turning the pews into a sea of colours. The dance expressed their gratitude for God's bountiful harvest during the previous year.

The parish choir and the ministers of the Word also participated in the festivities. Everyone, whether Iban, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu, attended the Mass wearing the colours, designs and stripes of their own tribe and clan.

In his homily, Father Ramirez invited the faithful to stand up and celebrate the harvest feast.

This Gawai is historic. We must thank God, that the full brunt of the historic global pandemic has eased, Fr Don Don Ramirez said.

Indeed, we can now celebrate the annual festival with the rich blessings of the new grain once again, just as we had celebrated in the years before.

In another Eucharistic celebration on 14 May, before the rice harvest festival, parishioners showed up at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Diocese of Sibu, in their traditional costumes and indigenous headgear.

Fr Raphael Samosir celebrated the Mass in Iban, the local language. During the entrance procession, a group of indigenous women, walking ahead of the celebrant, danced the ngajat, a slow traditional Iban dance, while a gong-and-drum ensemble called taboh accompanied them.

Before the end of the service, Fr Samosir blessed the bottles of Ai Pengayu brought by parishioners, containing tuak, the traditional bitter-tasting rice wine that serves as a ceremonial drink, usually consumed during harvest festival and other important indigenous events.

The celebration of Gawai highlights the coming together' where Dayaks try to get home for the auspicious day from near and far, said a parishioner, Trinny Nakai, speaking to AsiaNews.

Whether one works on a farm, or in town, apart from the festivities, Gawai is a family occasion, said Stanly Michael, another parishioner.

Even in modern times like the present, the Gawai harvest festival reminds us that we have a lot of reasons to be grateful to our farmers, he added. In fact, a farmers success is the success for the entire nation and that is another reason to celebrate.
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

Connectivity is the key word in relations between Delhi and Colombo, in different areas: maritime, air, energy, trade, economic and people-to-people. Projects examined include the so-called "Land Connectivity Corridor", a bridge over the sea  for road and rail  connecting Talaimannar to Rameswaram. India contributed to the island's economy at the worst of its crisis.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  Connectivity is the key word for the future development of relations between Colombo and India, Indias High Commissioner Santos Jha indicated during a discussion with a select group of correspondents in the capital, Colombo, looking at the current state of bilateral relations.

The two countries are trying to boost their economic partnership through a potentially high-impact project, namely the India-Sri Lanka Land Connectivity Corridor.

Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayake visited India last March to discuss how to realise this project, which would see the construction of a 23-kilometre highway between India and Sri Lanka, linking Tamil Nadu and to the island nation.

The mega-structure would run from Talaimannar to Rameswaram over the Palk Strait, and would include a railway line and a vehicular road.

The new highway system would facilitate direct travel from Talaimannar to Trincomalee in eastern Sri Lanka and Colombo in the South. However, the first road to be constructed would run from Talaimannar to the Port of Trincomalee.

Efforts are also underway to foster Sri Lankas energy security, by bringing down energy costs, connecting Sri Lanka to emerging regional and global grids, with India as a major transit point.

This can help bring investments to build Sri Lankas vast clean energy potential and generate additional revenue. The goal is to promote Sri Lanka as a major energy exporter.

Power grid interconnection, a multi-product pipeline, and a virtual LNG pipeline connecting India and Sri Lanka are included as well as future projects between the two countries.

India has helped Sri Lanka complete over 60 major projects in 25 districts in all domains; meanwhile, the bilateral relationship is evolving as people needs and priorities change.

During the economic crisis, the worst experienced during the post-independence period, India provided approximately US$ 4 billion in food and financial assistance to Sri Lanka.

During his visit to India in July 2023, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders conducted productive talks to forge a closer bilateral economic partnership between the two countries while enhancing growth in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Vision Document adopted by the two leaders is a long-term roadmap to prosperity, with connectivity in five spheres as key enablers, namely maritime connectivity; air connectivity; energy and power connectivity; trade, economic and financial connectivity; and people-to-people connectivity.

Political analysts Ramesh Kahawita and Sonali Thrimawithana told Asia News that President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented the Indo-Lanka land connectivity project, while delivering a speech at the seventh Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Perth, Australia, in February this year.

The goal is to establish Sri Lanka as a regional logistics hub facilitating trade with South India because existing facilities are not sufficient.

The president also highlighted the vital need for enhanced connectivity infrastructure to accommodate the projected eight-fold increase in the GDP of countries such as India by 2050.

According to economic analysts Shirantha Gamage and Dilusha Hewapathirana, the key objective of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) is Sri Lankas access to vast Indian markets in merchandise goods and in services.

This is essential to promote Indian investments, as India is a rapidly growing engine for global growth and Sri Lanka must be ready to take advantage of this as the preferred partner and a close neighbour.
Societal discrimination is pushing single mothers to give their children up for adoption, starting with their family. South Korean single parents are the poorest among OECD countries. International adoptions have been a lucrative business for years; only recently is the situation changing.

Seoul (AsiaNews)  In 2023, 229 South Korean children were adopted, 150 domestically and 79 through international adoption, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This is a significant drop over the past; for example, 2,464 children were given up for adoption in 2011 alone.

Most children entrusted to other families are children of unwed mothers, who face a lot of discrimination in South Korea.

Almost 73 per cent of the children adopted last year were placed in foster care by single mothers, a figure that, although high, is an improvement compared previous years; in 2018, it was 99.7 per cent, in 2019 100 per cent, in 2020 99.6 per cent, and in 2021 99.5 per cent.

This is despite the fact that South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world.

In recent years, the government has proposed a wide range of policies to counter the decline in births, from matchmaking events for young people to entice them to get married, to baby bonuses.

Some commentators argue that it might be more useful to support single-parent households.

Single parents in South Korea are the poorest among member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In a 2019 survey of 1,247 single mothers, 42 per cent of respondents said financial hardship was the hardest thing to deal with during pregnancy.

A 2022 study shows that, despite an increase in births out of wedlock, single mothers suffer mainly from the (negative) image of the unwed mother that is imposed on them by society.

Several women pointed out that government support is crucial (such as community homes for single mothers who cannot raise children with their parents or afford to live on their own) but it is often inadequate.

The marginalisation of single mothers usually begins in their own family. According to 2017-18 data, 93 per cent of unwed pregnant women said that they had been pressured to have an abortion or give their child up for adoption right after birth.

Others conceal from colleagues or their employer that they have a child and so give up financial benefits to which they are entitled.

In 2020, for example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government introduced a 10-day paid leave for single parents, but many women did not take advantage of it.

Similarly, younger girls, in case of pregnancy, feel forced to abandon their studies, sometimes pushed by the school itself, despite a recent law guaranteeing the right of pregnant students to study.

Its becoming less stigmatized, but its something that creates a lot of challenges for both the mom and the child  societal attitudes, said Paul Kim, programme director at the nonprofit Holt International in Korea and Mongolia.

You can change laws tomorrow, but attitudes in society may take decades to change, he explained. This is why some children and some moms will not disclose to other people that they are a single parent or they are the child of a single parent  because of the discrimination that can occur.

In the case of infanticide, the main motivation in most cases between 2013 and 2020 was the fear of getting pregnant outside of marriage and of making this fact known to family, friends, and acquaintances.

South Korean society attaches great importance to blood ties and, therefore, frowns upon adoption.

The situation has only recently begun to change, but after the Korean War, which had created so many orphans, thousands of South Korean children were adopted internationally, and this for decades.

Between 2004 and 2021, more than 16,000 South Korean children were adopted, yielding very high profits for the four agencies in South Korea that deal with international foster care.

Between 2018 and 2022 alone, they earned 22.1 billion won (US$ 16.3 million) in commissions for more than 1,180 children, an average of 18.7 million won (US$ 14,000) per child. To which must be added funds allocated by the government.

A new law bans commissions, but it will take effect only next year and apply to domestic adoptions.
Today's news: Closed-door meeting at the UN Security Council on the massacre in the Rafah tent city; An impending motion of no confidence in Premier Marape overshadows news of the giant landslide in Papua New Guinea; Hong Kong renounces plan to contain waste; In Chechnya Kadyrov chooses Daudov as the new premier.

NORTH KOREA

Pyongyang's announced rocket launch that was supposed to put a military satellite into orbit exploded in the air minutes after its launch. The launch took place last night from the Sohae base on the north-west coast of the country. The failure was attributed by the North Korean authorities to problems with the propellant. The launch came just hours after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang held a trilateral summit in Seoul, reaffirming their commitment to promoting peace on the Korean peninsula.

GAZA-ISRAEL

At the request of Algeria, the UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting behind closed doors this afternoon on the situation in Rafah after the massacre caused by a tent city fire triggered by an Israeli air raid last night, in which at least 45 civilians died. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deadly attack a tragic incident that his government is investigating. UN Under-Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths replied that calling it a mistake is a message that means nothing to those who were killed, to those who are grieving and to those trying to save lives.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape is set to face a no-confidence motion in parliament after the opposition party appointed Rainbo Paita, a former finance minister who quit the government along with a group of MPs, as alternative premier. Newspapers in Port Moresby are dominated by this political clash, which overshadows the devastating landslide that buried an estimated 2,000 people in remote villages in Enga province on 24 May.

INDIA

At least 14 people died in the Indian state of Mizoram in the collapse of a quarry caused this morning by heavy rains caused by Cyclone Remal, which has been battering large parts of Bangladesh and India since Sunday with showers and wind gusts of 110 kilometres per hour. Nearly one million people have been evacuated from their homes.

HONG KONG

The Hong Kong government decided to postpone the entry into force of a new taxation system that was supposed to optimise waste collection. The plan (which has been discussed for 20 years) has failed in the trial phase and will therefore not come into effect in August as planned. According to the Environmental Protection Department, the municipal solid waste disposal rate in Hong Kong in 2022 was 1.51 kilograms per person per day. About 30% was food waste.

RUSSIA

In the rebalancing of the leadership in Chechnya, President Ramzan Kadyrov proposed his trusted Magomed Daudov, who had resigned as speaker of the Groznyj parliament, as the new head of the local government, in place of the less close Muslim Khuciev, without explaining the reasons for the changes. The premier by law replaces the president in the event of his sudden death, which is feared to happen to Kadyrov due to illness.

ARMENIA

After the tragedy of Iranian President Raisi, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pasinyan also risked crashing his state helicopter with which he was flying over the disputed border areas with Azerbaijan, but managed to make an emergency landing in the city of Vanadzor, and Pasinyan himself reassured everyone by saying that everything is fine.
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On 17-19 May, 110 communists from all over Mexico (and abroad) met to found the Revolutionary Communist Organisation (RCO), which will be the Mexican section of the Revolutionary Communist International.

[Originally published in Spanish at marxismo.mx]

At the Alianza de Tranviarios de Mexico, one of the longest-running trade unions in the country, we opened the Congress with a discussion of the Manifesto of the Revolutionary Communist International, introduced by Jorge Martin, leading member of the soon-to-be Revolutionary Communist International. In this discussion, the central point was clear: the crisis of the capitalist system urgently demands not only the formation of communist parties, but of a new International. This must be built on the best traditions of the 1st and 2nd Internationals founded by Marx and Engels, the first four congresses of the 3rd International founded by Lenin, and the ideas that gave rise to the 4th International founded by Trotsky.

This task demands not only a practical struggle, but also a struggle of ideas. Ideas alien to the struggle of the proletariat abound today more than ever. It is necessary to conduct an unrelenting struggle against these ideas under the banner of Marxism and dialectical materialism. The Manifesto of the Revolutionary Communist International was unanimously approved by the whole congress, as a step towards the construction of the new International, in Mexico!

We also pointed out the great role of women and youth in these tasks, where they take on a leading role.

During the weekend, the Congress continued at the Independent Workers' Union of the Autonomous Metropolitan University (SITUAM). We continued with a discussion of national perspectives which was introduced by comrade Ubaldo Oropeza, focussing particularly on the upcoming national elections. There was a clear discussion not only of the limitations of reformism, but also of the crisis of violence, militarisation and the acute dependence of the country on US imperialism. Above all, the discussion emphasised the deep crisis of all the bourgeois parties, with the electoral left in decline and the right wing in chaos. All this shows us that the objective conditions for a communist movement of the working class are more than ripe. Only the subjective factor remains to be built, the vanguard party that will lead the Mexican proletariat to the seizure of power and call for international revolution.

For the creation of this party we explained that the founding of our organisation is key, as is having a clear programme. Carlos Marquez introduced the discussion on the programme which was keenly discussed. The programme seeks to call the working class to a concrete struggle for the reduction of the working day to 35 hours a week, for a guaranteed right to housing, for guaranteed education for the whole population ages 0 to 25, against violence against women, against the criminalisation of migrants passing through Mexico, for the immediate expropriation of the industries and banks of all tax-evading tycoons, as well as of the fundamental levers of the economy, for the destruction of the present repressive state and its replacement by a democratically planned workers' state, etc. This is the programme of the RCO.

We then had a vote on our principles and statutes, introduced by comrade Saul Haro. These statutes set out the fundamentals of a communist organisation. We do not fight for dreams but to change reality; the reality of a world on the brink of a collapse caused by capitalism, the reality of an increasingly chaotic world full of wars, murder and genocide, and where only the proletarian class is capable of the successful overthrow of capitalism and transforming the entire system.

Also, and for this very reason, as Leninists, we must understand the role of the leadership, the vanguard of the proletariat that has the objective of ending this system once and for all. We are also internationalists, and therefore we see it as a necessity that the revolution should not remain isolated in a single country. Thus, our method of democratic centralism, like in the Bolshevik party, allows us to fight for a common goal, and leave behind isolated struggles.

Finally, our statutes explain the role of the national bourgeoisie in backward capitalist countries dominated by imperialism. Capitalism in Mexico is completely dependent and servile. Therefore, as Trotskys theory of permanent revolution explains, we cannot rely on the capitalists to play a progressive role. Only an organised working class is capable of breaking the chains of imperialist oppression and spreading the revolution internationally.

Comrades then discussed our political and organisational achievements since the last Congress, with comrade Karen Campos introducing the discussion.

At the time of the Congress we were 194 communists nationally (we have now exceeded 200!). We have a presence spanning the entire country, from Tamaulipas to Quintana Roo, with communists in Sonora, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Puebla, Queretaro, Mexico City, Edomex, Yucatan, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Michoacan, Campeche and Quintana Roo; as well as at a number of universities.

Several comrades spoke about our new newspaper Revolucion Comunista, which has already reached its second issue and aims to bring revolutionary ideas to more areas of the country and serve as a collective organiser.

Additionally, our publishing house, Centro de Estudios Socialistas Carlos Marx, allows us to print a wide range of books, from classics and contemporary Marxist books to political education pamphlets on various topics.

Our work is sustained primarily by our ideas, but also by the financial strength of the organisation, which is primarily founded on the regular contributions of our comrades. Ultimately, it is our financial autonomy that makes our political autonomy possible.

We are very proud to mention that during our congress we managed to raise MXN$91,255.50 from the contributions of all our comrades, which will be used to support the work of the organisation over the next year. The target was 80,000 Mexican pesos, which was highly ambitious, but was surpassed thanks to the comrades determination and confidence in our ideas.

Comrade Rafael Zavala then introduced a discussion on our work in the class struggle within the workers', women's and students' movement; followed by a series of breakout rooms where these areas of our work were focused on individually.

During the Congress we were accompanied by a number of organisations, it is worth mentioning the greetings received from the Frente de Escuelas Democraticas Febrero 25 and the Grupo 19 de Noviembre from San Juan Ixhuatepec.

The Congress was full of lively and thorough discussion of the tasks and perspectives of our new organisation, involving comrades at all levels. As Jorge Martin explained at the closing of the Congress, the comrades are united on all fundamental principles. What marked our Congress was the great confidence in the communist future reflected in comrades enormous enthusiasm.

We ended with a unanimous vote for the official founding of the Revolutionary Communist Organisation and a rousing rendition of the Internationale.
Millions of people around the globe collectively reeled in horror on Sunday after an IDF airstrike laid waste to a tent camp for displaced civilians in Rafah, killing at least 45 people. Social media is filled with images of charred and dismembered men, women and children, murdered while they slept. Lenin once wrote that capitalism is horror without end: in Gaza, those words are being spelt out in the language of fire and blood for all the world to see.

As we have reported in previous weeks, the southern city of Rafah was supposed to be a refuge for Palestinians displaced by Israels relentless war on the Gaza Strip, which has already reduced Gaza City to rubble, as well as killing and maiming at least 100,000 people. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long threatened an invasion of the southern city, claiming this is necessary to achieve Israels war aim of destroying Hamas.

Despite prevaricating for weeks, and coming under pressure from Israels allies in the West not to proceed with the operation (not, we should add, out of concern for the Palestinians but for fear of the situation spiralling out of control), it commenced three weeks ago, with Israel seizing the crossing point with Egypt. The city has since been subject to heavy aerial bombing, and tanks have now rolled into its centre.

A million Palestinians have fled Rafah in the past three weeks, having already been forced from pillar to post multiple times over the last seven months. And where are these desperate people now supposed to go? All that awaits them further north is bombed-out wreckage, unexploded ordinance, and a total absence of basic infrastructure like sanitation, water and medical facilities. Aid has been reduced to a trickle, and starvation is rampant.

Those who remain in Rafah cannot flee into Egypt, since Israel controls the crossing. And as we saw in Sunday's tragic events, even in the safe areas of the city, they stand to be torn to shreds or burned alive by 2000-pound bombs dropped on their heads in the dead of night. In other words: their options are to stay put, and risk death; or to flee, and risk death.

The IDF released a statement about the bombing, claiming that it conducted an intelligence-based strike targeting two Hamas commanders. According to Israeli government spokesman Avi Hyman, somehow a fire broke out amongst tents for displaced people near a UN facility in the Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood.

Despite eyewitness accounts to the contrary, Israel denies that the strike occurred in the humanitarian area in al-Mawasi, to which civilians had been encouraged to evacuate. The IDF statement claims that measures had been taken to avoid collateral damage and it was assessed that there would be no expected harm to uninvolved civilians, adding that it regrets any harm to uninvolved civilians during combat.

These sickening lies fly in the face of Israels conduct throughout the war. How many times have refugee camps, hospitals, civilian apartment blocks, mosques and UN facilities been bombed in Gaza to kill this or that individual Hamas commander? The events on Sunday are par for the course. As a UNRWA based in Rafah representative told the BBC: No place is safe in Gaza. No-one is safe, including aid workers. Social media was full of messages of solidarity and anger in the face of this horrendous crime, with "Rafah on fire" and "Rafah is burning" both trending.

As usual, the IDF combined its mealy-mouthed display of regret with a promise to conduct an investigation. We have heard this song before: every single time a war crime is committed, the IDF kicks the promised inquiry into the long grass, before concluding there was no wrongdoing. Such it was after the murder of popular Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by an IDF sniper, for instance; and the shooting of 15 civilians heading towards a checkpoint in northern Gaza in April. There are many examples of this routine and no reason to imagine anything different now.

Netanyahu trading lives for a political lifeline

Netanyahu has issued a personal statement to Israels parliament, in which he called the bombing a tragic mistake / Image: own work

In a rarer move, Netanyahu has issued a personal statement to Israels parliament, in which he called the bombing a tragic mistake, echoing the Armys promise to investigate the incident. This stance from Netanyahu, who is typically unrepentant about Palestinian deaths, reflects the pressure of public opinion. It is a testament to the utter fury this latest atrocity has provoked, at a time when Israels crimes are ramping up pressure at home and abroad.

As we wrote at the start of IDF operations in Rafah, Netanyahus considerations are primarily driven by domestic politics. He is facing growing frustration with the progress of the war, which has manifestly failed to destroy Hamas; and with the lack of any progress towards returning the Israeli hostages held by the organisation. Considering his position in the polls, and with the main opposition bloc around Benny Gantz threatening to move for an early election as soon as the war ends, Netanyahu knows that his future depends on dragging out the conflict.

At the same time, his coalition government depends on the support of far-right ultra-Zionist thugs like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who have made their intentions abundantly clear. They want a new Nakba, with the total liquidation and/or expulsion of the Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories. These extreme reactionaries have threatened to bring down Netanyahus administration and force new elections should any progress be made towards a lasting ceasefire.

Moreover, Netanyahu is at the centre of several legal cases for corruption, which he can forestall as long as he remains in office. Therefore, he is adamant about prosecuting a full invasion of Rafah, and keeping the war going for as long as possible, with all the death and destruction this will entail. In other words, Netanyahu is purchasing a lifeline for his political career and personal freedom with the blood of thousands of innocent Palestinians.

The consequences of this intransigence reach far beyond Israels borders. The Arab masses throughout the Middle East feel a deep sense of sympathy and solidarity towards the Palestinians. Every new horror unleashed by the IDF in Gaza ratchets up the rage bubbling under the feet of the despotic regimes of Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and so on.

The capitalist dictators leading these countries have all been exposed by the Gaza War. While they pay lip service to the plight of their Muslim brothers, all of them were undergoing a process of normalisation of relations with Israel before the conflict. Subsequently, they have at best done nothing to help the Palestinians, and at worst directly assisted the Zionist regime. In the case of the military junta in Egypt and Jordanian royal family, by serving as their border guards to hem the Palestinians in; or in the case of the Saudis, helping to protect Israel from rockets fired by Houthi forces in retaliation to the massacre of the Palestinians.

Where protests have broken out in these countries demanding action to protect the Palestinians, state forces have been sent in to crush them, contributing to the rising resentment. If Netanyahu keeps upping the ante, the pressure within society will become more and more difficult for these regimes to contain. There is the danger of an eruption, which could see the war spill out of Gaza, or provoke a new revolutionary wave like the one that swept the Middle East after 2011, but on an even higher level.

Imperialists anxious at spiralling situation

All of this has only deepened the indignant fury of workers and youth worldwide / Image: fair use

This possibility has not escaped the notice of the imperialists in the West, who are increasingly alarmed at the impact of Israelis ruthless conduct in this war. The last thing they want is a wider war or revolutionary explosion that could threaten their interests in the region, or push the fragile world economy into a full-blown slump.

They are also concerned about their domestic situations. In one country after another, there have been continuous protests and marches in solidarity with Gaza for a period of seven months. This movement was given a further boost by a powerful wave of student encampments, established at over 100 university campuses worldwide. This struggle has endured vicious police repression, press slander, and baseless legal attacks, while Israel makes a mockery of every tenet of international law.

All of this has only deepened the indignant fury of workers and youth worldwide, and exposed the sham of so-called capitalist democracy, under which free speech and protest are permitted until the interests of the imperialists and their allies are threatened.

The hellish scenes coming out of Rafah risk throwing petrol on the flames. They have sent the ruling classes in the West into a panic, with politicians who have backed Israel to the hilt thus far (including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron) issuing hurried statements criticising the IDF and calling for a ceasefire. This all follows the International Criminal Court allowing prosecutors to seek arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes, and ordering Israel to cease its operations in Rafah.

Israeli leaders replied with typical disdain, accusing the worlds highest court of being driven by antisemitism. Decisions by the governments of Ireland and Spain to recognise Palestinian statehood were similarly met with howls from Tel Aviv that this was tantamount to rewarding terrorism.

While US President Joe Biden rallied to Israels defence, condemning the ICC and echoing complaints about Spain and Ireland, the fact is that US imperialism is becoming increasingly exasperated with its main ally in the Middle East. No number of stern words are dissuading Netanyahu from his present course. The trouble is, stern words are all the Americans are prepared to use against Israel. Indeed, despite the crocodile tears now being shed over the scorched bodies in Rafah, all of the Western governments  including Ireland and Spain  continue to arm and fund Israels war in Gaza. They have hitched themselves to Netenyahus murderous Zionist regime, and none are prepared to take any serious measures to protect the Palestinians.

The sorrowful statements we have seen in recent days are a sop to the masses at home. Gaza is a factor in several elections, including Britain and the USA, where the main parties are being forced to at least pay lip service to the idea that Palestinian lives have worth.

Biden is looking at losing key swing states as the youth and Muslim vote turns against him. In Britain, both the Tories and Labour (who have stood full square behind Israel since the beginning of the war) have expressed their concern with the situation in Gaza. Several MPs for the Labour Party, which barring a miracle seems certain to win the 4 July general election by a landslide, issued identical statements on social media expressing sorrow for the deaths in Rafah; calling for a ceasefire, a two-state solution, and a secure Israel.

Nobody takes this seriously after Labour leader Keir Starmer stated that Israel had the right to besiege Gaza, and at every turn has affirmed Israels right to defend itself, while the latter conducts a genocide.

Bring down these disgusting hypocrites!

Millions of people see before their eyes the double standards of a system that claims to uphold democracy and the rules-based order, but jettisons both where its interests are concerned / Image: The White House, Twitter

The bourgeois press has similarly begun to change its tune, with such reactionary pundits as Piers Morgan suddenly discovering that slaughtering so many innocent people as they cower in a refugee camp is indefensible. We wonder why Morgan lacked such moral clarity when Israel bombed the Nuseirat Refugee Camp, or the al-Maghazi refugee camp, or any other time it obliterated a civilian target.

Behind all this disgusting hypocrisy lies the fact that the question of Palestine has become a factor in the class struggle in every country in the world. Amidst a general crisis of capitalism, it has become a lightning rod for all the anger and discontent at endless war, poverty, instability and injustice.

Moreover, millions of people see before their eyes the double standards of a system that claims to uphold democracy and the rules-based order, but jettisons both where its interests are concerned. Had the bombing in Rafah happened to a refugee camp, or a school, or a hospital in Ukraine, there would be no question in the Western press and political establishment of condemning another Russian war crime, and quickly calling for sanctions. Yet all Israel need do is issue a half-hearted apology, and continue as normal: rewarded for its trouble with an unbroken stream of money and munitions.

The events of 7 October, in which hundreds of civilians were killed, were exploited by the Western press, who then went into overdrive whipping up hysteria with lurid details about Hamas atrocities, some of which have never been proved, and some of which have actually since been disproved. The purpose of this was to preemptively justify Israels resultant retaliation and collective punishment of the Palestinian people, by depicting the whole of the population of Gaza as barbaric human animals. One of the fabricated claims, plastered over dozens of newspapers, was that Hamas beheaded babies on 7 October. Now, undeniable images of Palestinian babies beheaded by IDF bombs are evident for all to see.

And while there has been some lamentation in the press, we have seen nothing on the scale of the torrent of propaganda after 7 October. Nor will there be any significant consequences, as Israel quietly seeks to brush this unfortunate incident under the carpet. One thing the events of the past seven months should teach us is that no amount of innocent Palestinian blood spilt will spur our ruling classes to take serious action. There are no depths of moral depravity to which the Zionist regime can sink that will compel the imperialists to break ties with their key ally in the Middle East.

This means that the only way to assist the Palestinians is for workers and young people to take the fight to their imperialist ruling classes in every country on earth. A coordinated campaign of strike action targeting key industries, building to a general political strike against the warmongers, could isolate the Israeli war machine. A revolutionary struggle is necessary, in the Middle East and throughout the world, to free the Palestinians from their nightmare, and put an end to the capitalist system that is the ultimate cause of their hardship. There is no time to lose.
27 May 2024 23:16 (UTC+04:00)

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States on themed Charting the course toward resilient prosperity, Azernews reports.

"Ladies and gentlemen,

Azerbaijan has always been in solidarity with the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and promoted their legitimate interests and concerns.

During the 4-year-long Azerbaijani Chairmanship to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), we spared no effort to advance the Movements agenda. Special emphasis was placed on the institutional development of the NAM, strengthening the unity of the Movement and increasing its visibility.

Leading the NAM gave Azerbaijan an opportunity to better understand the needs and concerns of all its Member States, including SIDS.

As the NAM Chair, Azerbaijan led global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and initiated the UN Special Session on this matter. Azerbaijan spoke against vaccine nationalism advocating for fair and universal access to vaccines for all countries.

During the pandemic Azerbaijan also provided more than 80 countries, including around 20 SIDS, with financial and humanitarian support.

Last March, in my capacity of the NAM Chair, I made a Global call to action on supporting post-pandemic recovery in SIDS. With that call I invited the international community to render financial assistance and direct economic support to SIDS to address socio-economic consequences of the pandemic. Azerbaijan was the first country to allocate funds to this call.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year, Azerbaijan has the honor to host the COP29. The unanimous support to Azerbaijans COP29 bid reflects the international communitys respect and trust in Azerbaijan.

Climate change affects all countries across every continent. Azerbaijan is also negatively impacted by climate change. Our rivers are losing water, the Caspian Sea is shrinking.

Yet, SIDS are the most vulnerable nations to climate change. Despite no contribution to climate change these nations face its worst effects and even existential threat. Climate change also impedes their progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

During our COP29 Presidency addressing the challenges posed by climate change to SIDS will be among our priorities. We are planning to hold SIDS Summit during the Baku COP.

We will do our best to ensure that the voices of small island developing nations are heard loud and clear.

I call on all countries to exert maximum effort to make a deal during the COP29 that meets the needs and priorities of SIDS.

From our side, Azerbaijan has already been rendering its support to eliminating the consequences caused by the hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters in a number of SIDS. We will continue to take practical steps to further assist these countries. Azerbaijan will allocate funds for the technical assistance programs through the Commonwealth where 33 SIDS are represented, and other international institutions.

We will also extend scholarship opportunities for SIDS nationals to study at the universities of Azerbaijan. So far, more than 10 SIDS have benefited from the Educational Grant Programs provided by Azerbaijan for the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the NAM.

Azerbaijan will also facilitate the participation of SIDS at the COP29.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The slogan we have chosen for the Baku COP  In solidarity for a Green World reflects the spirit of our COP29 mission. As we are all facing this situation together, I call on all countries to act in solidarity to save our planet. To achieve this goal, we need political will and multilateralism which Azerbaijan has always been advocating for.

I am looking forward to the valuable participation of SIDS heads of States and Governments at the Baku COP29 this November, and wish success to the 4th International Conference on SIDS.

Thank you.

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 21 May 2024"

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28 May 2024 11:47 (UTC+04:00)

William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, has sent a letter of congratulation to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of May 28-Azerbaijan's Independence Day.

According to Azernews, the letter reads:

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya and on my own behalf, I convey to Your Excellency and, through you to the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan, heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of your National Day. This significant day marks a proud moment in your nation's history.

As Kenya and Azerbaijan commemorate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, I laud the friendly ties and cooperation that exist between our two countries. ln the past two decades, our partnership has flourished underpinned by mutual respect, cooperation and shared values.

I note the immense potential and shared commitment to enhance our engagements and expand our partnership in new areas, including climate action, energy transition, trade and investments, and tourism, among others. As you mark this memorable day, I wish Your Excellency good health and prosperity for the great people of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem.

William Samoei Ruto

President of the Republic of Kenya

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28 May 2024 13:39 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Israel organized an event dedicated to May 28 - Independence Day, Azernews reports.

At the event held in Tel Aviv, Azerbaijan's ambassador to Israel, Mukhtar Mammadov, spoke about the achievements of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was founded in 1918, and the multicultural environment in our country, which was considered unparalleled for that time. The Ambassador also informed about the work done by the leadership of the country for the independence and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the waving of the Azerbaijani flag in every part of the country, and the visionary policy implemented by President Ilham Aliyev in the political, economic, military, social and humanitarian fields. gave

At the event, the "Sevgi" musical ensemble operating in Israel and the soloist of the Jerusalem Lyric Opera, Kamelia Yoffe, presented a concert program consisting of Azerbaijani classical works and folk songs, and videos dedicated to Azerbaijan by Azerbaijan Television and Baku Media Center were shown to the guests.

A special competition was also held for the participants of the event, and with the support of "Azerbaijan Airlines" CJSC, the winners were given 2 flight tickets in the direction of Tel Aviv - Baku.

Representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Israel took part in the ceremony.

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28 May 2024 12:23 (UTC+04:00)

Altai Efendiev, GUAM Secretary General has sent a letter of congratulation to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of May 28-Azerbaijan's Independence Day.

Azernews presents the letter:

"His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the International Secretariat of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM and me personally, I would like to extend our most sincere congratulations to you and, in your person, to the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Independence Day.

From year to year, the Republic of Azerbaijan strengthens its independence and sovereignty, enhances its place and role in the region, and plays a more active role in the international arena. Nowadays, Azerbaijan is among the most dynamic and thriving economies, being the engine behind national revival, regional development, and international cooperation. It also champions peace, security, stability, as well as mutual understanding and tolerance around the world.

This year, for the first time in decades, the holiday is being celebrated across the whole territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, restored after a glorious victory of the armed forces under your leadership. The nation has embarked on an unprecedented in scale and pace program of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the liberated lands, improvement of a vast region, and return of IDPs to their native lands.

In parallel, the country is firmly committed to and pursuing the establishment of just and lasting peace in the region based on the norms and principles of international law and mutually beneficial cooperation. We genuinely believe peace will open a new era in the region, unlocking its enormous potential for cooperation and prosperity!

Azerbaijan spares no effort in implementing ongoing and developing new regional projects, endorsing the country and the region as a critical integral part of new connectivity architecture linking East with West and South with North.

The active policy and growing role of Azerbaijan in global affairs are also widely acknowledged. As a leading NAM member, the country advances an agenda reflecting the interests of many nations striving for a just and better world. Azerbaijan is among the leading nations promoting and implementing the green agenda for sustainable development and will host the Global COP29 Summit this year. Based on its rich traditions, Azerbaijan is also leading important global initiatives aimed at fostering intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, tolerance, and cultural diversity.

We highly appreciate Azerbaijan's role as a founding member of the ODED-GUAM in forging cooperation among our friendly nations. We strongly believe the ODED-GUAM is a unique and effective regional platform to promote peace, security, and cooperation. We look forward to further strengthening our cooperation in our region of ever-growing strategic importance.

Excellency,

On this festive occasion, we wish you every success in your activities aimed at further developing the country and strengthening its independence and sovereignty! We wish the people of Azerbaijan peace, well-being, and progress!

Sincerely yours,

Altai Efendiev

GUAM Secretary General"

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28 May 2024 12:31 (UTC+04:00)

President of Hungary, Tamas Sulyok has sent a letter of congratulation to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of May 28-Azerbaijan's Independence Day.

Azernews presents the letter:

"His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Esteemed Mr. President,

Please allow me to express my congratulations on the occasion of Azerbaijan's national holiday, Independence Day.

I am pleased that, in recent years, our countries have developed a multifaceted cooperation based on mutual respect and appreciation. Hungary attaches great importance to deepening the friendly relations with Azerbaijan, for which our enhanced strategic partnership provides an excellent basis.

I can assure you that I remain committed to further strengthening our multifaceted political, economic and cultural relations. I hope that in future we will have the opportunity to exchange views in person on our common issues.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Tamas Sulyok

President of Hungary"

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28 May 2024 15:52 (UTC+04:00)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan (MFA) congratulated Azerbaijan on the occasion of Independence Day, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by Ministry on its official "X" account.

"We sincerely congratulate our strategic partner Azerbaijan with the Independence Day!" the post reads.

We sincerely congratulate our strategic partner #Azerbaijan with the Independence Day!



@AzerbaijanMFA pic.twitter.com/yGDRuXa7ey  Uzbekistan MFA (@uzbekmfa) May 28, 2024

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28 May 2024 17:30 (UTC+04:00)

Canada looks forward to working with Azerbaijan on the most pressing global issue of our generation when, later this year, Baku plays host to COP29 and intn'l efforts to confront climate change, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by Canada's ambassador to Azerbvaijan, on his official "X" account.

"Congratulations to the people of Azerbaijan, as your nation celebrates its Independence Day! We also underscore our optimism that 2024 will usher in a new era of prosperity, peace & stability across the South Caucasus," Kevin Hamilton added.

Congratulations to the people of Azerbaijan, as your nation celebrates its Independence Day! Canada looks forward to working with  on the most pressing global issue of our generation when, later this year, Baku plays host to #COP29 and intn'l efforts to confront climate change. pic.twitter.com/zf5yWB9WAX  Kevin Hamilton  (@KHamiltonTR) May 28, 2024

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28 May 2024 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

The Embassy of Israel in Baku congratulated Azerbaijan on May 28 - Independence Day, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by embassy on its official "X" account.

"Happy Independence Day to the people of Azerbaijan! May the friendship between our nations grow stronger each year. The people of Israel celebrate with you today. Mazel tov!" the post reads.

 Happy Independence Day to the people of Azerbaijan!

May the friendship between our nations grow stronger each year.

The people of Israel celebrate with you today.

Mazel tov! pic.twitter.com/jDc654HGGv  Israel in Azerbaijan (@IsraelinAZ) May 28, 2024

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28 May 2024 23:23 (UTC+04:00)

The EU Delegation in Baku congratulated Azerbaijan on May 28 - Independence Day, Azernews reports.

"The EU Delegation congratulates the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Independence Day! The EU values its partnership with Azerbaijan which seeks to foster stability, prosperity, and mutual cooperation, and to address challenges that we face for the benefit of all our citizens. COP29 to be held in Baku under Azerbaijans presidency provides a favourable opportunity for cooperation in climate action and the green transition. We wish Azerbaijan and all its people peace, prosperity, and progress," the EU Delegation said on Facebook.

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28 May 2024 23:11 (UTC+04:00)

In Doha, the capital city of Qatar, three-color lighting reflecting the Azerbaijani flag on the buildings on the occasion of the Independence Day of Azerbaijan has attracted attention in the city.

According to Azernews, Doha expressed its congratulations to Azerbaijan on the occasion of its Independence Day.

Recall that the diplomatic relations between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the State of Qatar were established on September 14, 1994. The Embassy of The Republic of Azerbaijan to the State of Qatar and the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Azerbaijan was opened in 2007.

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28 May 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

China has set up its third planned state-backed investment fund to boost its semiconductor industry, with a registered capital of 344 billion yuan ($47.5 billion), according to a filing with a government-run companies registry, Azernews reports citing Reuters.

The hundreds of billions of yuan invested in the sector puts into perspective President Xi Jinping's drive to achieve self-sufficiency for China in semiconductors.

That commitment has taken on renewed urgency after the U.S. imposed a series of export control measures over the last couple of years, citing fears Beijing could use advanced chips to boost its military capabilities.

Chinese chip shares rose, with the CES CN Semiconductor Index rallying more than 3% and set to log the biggest one-day gain in more than a month.

The third phase of the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund was officially established on May 24 and registered under the Beijing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation, according to the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System, a government-run credit information agency.

The third phase will be the largest of the three funds launched by the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, known as the "Big Fund."

China's finance ministry is the biggest shareholder with a 17% stake and paid-in capital of 60 billion yuan, according to Tianyancha, a Chinese companies information database company. China Development Bank Capital is the second-largest shareholder with a 10.5% stake.

Seventeen other entities are listed as investors, including five major Chinese banks: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, and Bank of Communications, with each contributing around 6% of the total capital.

The first phase of the fund was established in 2014 with registered capital of 138.7 billion yuan, and the second phase followed in 2019 with 204 billion yuan.

The Big Fund has provided financing to China's two biggest chip foundries, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, and Hua Hong Semiconductor as well as to Yangtze Memory Technologies, a maker of flash memory and a number of smaller companies and funds.

One of the major areas the third phase of the fund will focus on is equipment for chip manufacturing, Reuters reported in September. Also, the Big Fund is considering hiring at least two institutions to invest the capital from the third phase.

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28 May 2024 18:48 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

A delegation led by Deputy Minister of Health of Uzbekistan Farkhodjon Tashpulatov visited Turkiye, Azernews reports.

According to the information, during the visit, the delegation members held several meetings with the leadership of leading companies and organizations in Turkiye to study their experience and achievements.

It is reported that investment projects, public-private partnerships and grant programs aimed at creating new medical institutions in Uzbekistan, improving the material and technical base, developing emergency medical care and the pharmaceutical industry were discussed at the meetings.

Special attention was paid to the current state of the project to create a multidisciplinary modern clinic on the territory of the Tashkent Medical Academy in cooperation with the Turkish company Ronesans International.

An agreement was reached on the establishment of a multidisciplinary medical center with 800 beds in the city of Nurafshon, Tashkent region, based on a public-private partnership with Ronesans International and Sojitz.

The delegation also got acquainted with the activities of the Sancak Ecza Deposu branch in Ankara, which is engaged in the storage and sale of pharmaceutical products.

An important agreement was signed with Oncosem Onkolojik Sistemler Sanayi ve Ticaret on the provision of oncological and hemodialysis services in the Samarkand and Bukhara regions, as well as on the creation of a medical center worth $30 million.

The delegation held a meeting with the leadership of the TIKA organization, at which an agreement was reached on the provision of a grant in the amount of $ 6 million for the purchase of 100 modern vehicles for the ambulance service of Uzbekistan.

An agreement was also signed with Tek Grup to start the production of medicines in Uzbekistan at local factories with the support of In Bulk by investing $5 million.

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28 May 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Saudi Arabia is planning to sell shares of the energy giant Aramco for several billion dollars, Azernews reports.

"One of the largest share deals in the region will take place in June. The placement could raise about $10 billion. Preparations are ongoing, and details may still change," the agency said.

According to him, the shares will be registered in Riyadh, and it will be a fully market placement, not an accelerated sale within a few days. It is assumed that the deal will be prepared by banks Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and HSBC.

Recall that Saudi Arabia conducted the Aramco IPO in 2019, placing shares worth about $ 30 billion at that time.

The Saudi government directly owns about 90% of Aramco shares, and another 8% of the company's shares are managed by the sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF).

In 2023, Saudi Aramco shares rose to a record 38.64 riyals ($10.3 at the current exchange rate). This is almost 21% higher than the IPO price (32 riyals). At the auction on Monday, May 27, the share price reached 29.7 riyals  0.8% more than it was at the closing of the exchange on May 24.

In the first quarter of 2024, Saudi Aramco's net profit, despite the rise in oil prices and lower taxes, decreased by 14% yearon-year to $27.77 billion. This is less than the consensus forecast of analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha, MarketWatch wrote. Cash flow from operating activities also fell by 15%, failing to meet market expectations.

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28 May 2024 22:15 (UTC+04:00)

Ukraine and Belgium on Tuesday struck a bilateral security agreement including the delivery of 30 F-16 fighter jets, signed during a Brussels meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Azernews reports.

"The document includes at least 977 million euros in Belgian military aid to Ukraine this year, as well as Belgium's commitment to providing support over the course of the agreement's ten-year term", Zelenskyy said in a social media post.

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The effort by World Health Organization Director General Tedros, a former Marxist leader and Ethiopian Foreign Minister with no medical training, to get countries to agree on a totalitarian new "pandemic treaty" has failed. WHO officials announced that agreement could not be reached and the measure would not be brought forward in next week's conference. This was a personal project of Tedros, who was installed as leader of the W.H.O. by the Chinese Communists politicking countries to vote for him. He is the first person without medical training to head the W.H.O.

Tedros' draft treaty, which was supported by the Biden regime, called for W.H.O. to have super-national authority if it declared a pandemic or other medical emergency that would supercede national laws.. WHO could order vaccine mandates, lockdowns, travel restrictions, and indeed suspend any civil liberties in the nations of the world if W.H.O. declared a health emergency. There were suggestions that WHO could even do this for a "climate emergency".

Many conservatives, sovereigntists, and civil libertarians around the world stood up against this power grab, but not Joe Biden who supported it. Brexit leader Nigel Farage of the UK recently announced an international campaign to stop it. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was badly wounded in a recent assassination attempt, declared his country would never submit to it. Twenty four Republican governors in the US wrote Biden demanding that he not agree to it.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/05/w-h-o-global-pandemic-treaty-fails-after/

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/whos-pandemic-treaty-dead-in-the-water-for-now/

Tedros, however, says he will try again. President Trump took us out of the WHO before, and when he returns to office, he needs to do so again.
Running an ASC is not without its costs. Facilities are forced to make investments every day to add new technologies, new staff members and level up care for their patients.

Twenty-three healthcare leaders told Becker's the largest investments they have made to better their centers so far in 2024. The executives featured in this article are all speaking at Becker's 2024 ASC conferences, including our 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, which is set for Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.

If you work at an ASC and would like to join as a speaker, contact Claire Wallace at cwallace@beckershealthcare.com.

As part of an ongoing series, Becker's is talking to healthcare leaders who will speak at our roundtable. The following are answers from our speakers at the event.

Question: What is the biggest investment you will make this year?

Adam Shurtz. Administrator and CEO at Riverwoods Surgery Center, Timpview Surgery Center and Riverwoods Spine and Pain Clinic (Provo, Utah): Robotics!

Alfonso del Granado. Administrator and CEO at Covenant High Plains Surgery Center (Lubbock, Texas): The two biggest investments we are making this year are:

1. We are buying outright our leased Intuitive daVinci X robot. While we remain concerned about the higher case costs, there are three factors we have considered: Even with a break-even robotic surgery program, the additional cases contribute to margin and allow us to keep staff productively employed and available for when higher-margin cases are booked. The key here is to have regular open communication with your surgeons to minimize console time for cases that could be as easily performed with traditional laparoscopic instrumentation. Having the robot available draws in area surgeons who may also bring additional non-robotic cases to our centers. Looking to the future, more residents are graduating with a strong preference, or even a basic need for, a robotic platform.

2. We are midway through completion of an additional OR at one of our centers where we have been blessed with utilization rates of more than 100% for the last couple of years. Although the space was originally shelled for an OR, it's still a significant investment that carries some risk of underperforming, and I have not been able to shake off the persistent unease that took root as a result of the COVID pandemic. Nevertheless, we are reasonably confident of continued growth.

Andrew Lovewell. CEO of Columbia (Mo.) Orthopaedic Group: The biggest investment we are making this year is patient focused. We are going to improve patient access and patient experience and add services that complement what we do today. We recently opened a walk-in urgent injury clinic called OUCH (Orthopaedic Urgent Care Hub). We took time to create a strong strategic plan for this and executed it quite well. It has been so successful early on that we are looking to expand hours and add possible additional locations already. Next, we have several strategic locations where we plan to open outreach clinics and partner with local health systems to expand access to high-quality orthopedic care. As the trusted provider in MSK and Orthopedic care for almost 60 years, we want to make coming to see us easier and more accessible. Our outcomes, cost and value are a draw for any market that we enter. We're also looking to add several physicians and other providers to our organization to increase our service offerings. More pain management, total joint replacement and podiatry physicians are coming to our practice this year. Additionally, we will add other adjacent services to our practice such as rheumatology, nerve studies and others.

Andrew Oh, MD. Interventional Pain Management Specialist and Anesthesiologist at Pain Care Specialists of Oregon (Salem): The biggest investment this year will likely be bulk purchasing of implantable medical devices. Bulk purchasing can significantly decrease overhead and improve margins but also has tax benefits as well.

Ananya Das, MD. Gastroenterologist at Covenant Physician Partners (Gilbert, Ariz.): I will be investing in an AI life sciences company that is interested in developing reinforcement machine-learning processes for semi-automated clinical care algorithms for chronic care management.

Benjamin Levy III, MD. Gastroenterologist at University of Chicago Medicine: There are several new technologies that gastroenterology ASCs and hospital gastroenterology programs could be looking to acquire this year. My favorite new technology is GI Genius, a computer-aided polyp detection system powered by artificial intelligence that can be hooked up to a colonoscope to help gastroenterologists and surgeons more easily identify hard-to-see polyps during screening and diagnostic colonoscopies. The computer flashes a green box on the endoscopy screen (kind of like you would see in airplane action movies like "Top Gun") that identifies a polyp. It's like having an extra pair of eyes in the ASC endoscopy suite that can help identify flat polyps and difficult to see polyps. I'm also very excited that Medtronic just received FDA approval for their next-generation PillCam Genius SB capsule endoscopy. This updated platform will help gastroenterologists more easily evaluate for angioectasias, enteritis and small bowel lesions without the traditional data recorder and sensor belt. With this next-generation technology, the PillCam Genius SB kit can record the capsule endoscopy study with a slick adhesive patch, which is a lot more comfortable for patients. Now, gastroenterologists won't be limited by the number of data recorders in the endoscopy suite. In addition, many inflammatory bowel disease specialists are starting to use intestinal ultrasound in clinics to monitor disease activity, assess response to medication, and check for disease recurrence after surgery. Intestinal ultrasound can provide helpful information in clinic without a colonoscopy prep and does not involve any radiation. Intestinal ultrasound is a really cool non-invasive technology that can help gastroenterologists provide quicker medical management for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients.

Bruce Feldman (New York City): The biggest investment we will be making this year is in staffing, specifically the hiring of seasoned CNRAs and OR nurses. We're looking to add additional procedures that are of a higher complexity and as such require highly trained/skilled clinical staff. We are facing greater competition for these individuals from hospitals and large healthcare systems that can offer higher salaries and richer benefit packages along with large sign-on bonuses.

Caleb Ashmore. Orthopedic Rehab Services Supervisor at Harris Health System (Bellaire, Texas): This year, I'm investing in my leadership potential. I started an executive MBA with an emphasis on healthcare organization leadership at the UTD Naveen Jindal School of Management. This program is a collaborative cohort with Harris Health, Baylor College of Medicine and UTHealth, and offers invaluable cross-organizational networking opportunities. The unique cohort approach fosters connections with fellow Houston healthcare leaders and leads to gaining valuable and diverse perspectives.

Catherine Llavanes. CEO of Sante Health Partners (Los Angeles): My team and I recently revisited Surglogs' digital platform, and I'm very excited to learn about their recent collaboration with AAAHC and other accreditation bodies. This partnership will help streamline compliance and develop more efficient workflows for surgery centers like ours. With staffing shortages, this platform can help allocate tasks for logs, making weekly and monthly tracking easy to manage. They offer customizable pricing and creative payment terms, considering the pricing and cost-effectiveness, this might be the right direction for our organization.

Daniel Mulconrey, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedic Center (Peoria, Ill.): The "biggest" professional investment I will make this year will be focusing on the delivery of patient care. Improving access to care and the patient experience are two key factors for 2024. These goals have become more challenging in our current healthcare environment. Difficulties with staffing, insurance authorization and limited resources are barriers to improving the patient experience. However, I plan to invest time and resources to optimize patient access and experience at my office and surgical center.

Fawn Esser-Lipp, BSN, RN. Executive Director at the Surgery Center (Franklin, Wis.): We are looking at increasing our total joint volume, so we need to invest in expanding our sterile processing department. That includes hiring and training staff, as well as reconfiguring the decontam and clean rooms. Our center will be purchasing new washers and sterilizers. This will be a big process as we need to include construction and infection control while trying to continue with normal day-to-day operations.

Gary Haynes, MD, PhD. Professor of Anesthesiology at Tulane University School of Medicine (New Orleans): Unquestionably, the biggest investment this year is in recruiting and retaining anesthesiologists and CRNAs. If we fail at that, we will have an even bigger expense in retaining locums anesthesiologists and CRNAs.

Geri Eaves, BSN, RN. Administrator at Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee Surgery Center (Franklin): Identifying the specific area where my center needs the most investment will depend on operational gaps, patient needs and strategic goals for growth. This is an ongoing assessment of current state and future needs. As we grow and build volume, one of the biggest current investments that we see the center needing is equipment. Our total joint replacement program is growing, and new equipment will be necessary.

Jacob Rodman. CEO of Raleigh (N.C.) Neurosurgical Clinic: The biggest investment we will make this year was on upgrading our physical plant. We moved offices this year to a new, updated space that includes our office based angiography suite, our pain suite and our ASC on the second floor. It was not a cheap venture, but the feedback from our team and patients has been tremendous. It also cuts down on the commute for our surgeons.

Jami Osterlund, MSN. Perianesthesia Manager at Houston Physicians' Hospital (Webster, Texas): The biggest investment that we are making this year is opening two more ASCs in the Houston market to better serve our patients by providing more convenient locations for their surgical needs. We are also expanding the service lines we offer at our main campus, so that location is also under construction to include a new OR that will be used for robotic surgery.

Janet Carlson, MSN, RN. Executive Director for Ambulatory Surgery Centers of Commonwealth Pain & Spine (Louisville, Ky.): The biggest investment I will be making this year is recruiting and onboarding top-tier clinical nursing leadership for my new ASCs. Talented and knowledgeable human capital is the most important investment a business can make. Once that leadership team is assembled, we can execute on our ambulatory surgical strategic vision and provide outstanding care to our patients in all of the communities we serve.

Jeff Dottl. Principal at Physicians Surgery Centers (Ventura, Calif.): The largest single investment we are making this year at Rancho Mirage Surgery Center is two Mako surgical robots. This is a major investment in the outpatient robotic joint replacement program. It is made possible by our affiliation with Eisenhower Medical Center and the physicians at Eisenhower Desert Orthopedic Center. We are so excited as we move our long-standing total joint program to the next level with the addition of these two Makos. Robotically assisted surgery is now available for inpatient and outpatient joint replacement patients. We performed our first robotic TJA just after New Year's and we will soon have performed over 100 robotically assisted total joints.

Johnny Russell. Director of Area Operations at Sutter Health (Sacramento, Calif.): We're investing in our employees' well-being. One of the ways we're doing this is by offering flexible work schedules--including part-time or reduced hours. When staff feel valued, we see improved employee satisfaction, greater stability in employee tenure and a positive impact on patient care.

Kayla Schneeweiss-Keene, BSN, RN. ASC Administrator of Mann Cataract Surgery Center (Houston): We just opened our third ASC in Sugar Land, Texas, and received our Medicare number in April. As well as bringing on retina and facial plastics into our Houston center.

Ken Rich, MD. President at Raleigh (N.C.) Neurosurgical Clinic: We are fortunate to have all the expensive equipment we need such as microscopes, Image Guidance and so forth. What we plan on doing this year is attacking the debt it took to get our two-and-a-half-year-old clinic up and running and profitable. To get to a debt-free situation makes a huge difference in economics.

Randal Reynolds. Senior Vice President of Field Operations at HealthCrest Surgical Partners (Edmond, Okla.): The biggest investment that our company will make this year involves automating various processes. This includes the preparation of various operational and financial reports as well as functional activities, including the installation of operating systems with integrated electronic medical records. Within this data accumulation process, we are also evaluating best methods for distributing the related information obtained to end users in an efficient and effective manner. With increasing labor and benefit costs, it is critical that all activities be assessed periodically to see how automation might be used to perform them in the most cost-effective means possible.

Ronald Bullen. Executive Director at ProHealth Aligned (Waukesha, Wis.): Our biggest investment is in renovating our existing space to accommodate growth, increase efficiency, and improve patient, physician and employee satisfaction. Optimizing our facility space is a critical part of selling "surgery center efficiency" to physicians and patients to support our strategic plan.

Todd Currier. Administrator of Bend (Ore.) Surgery Center: In 2023, we made major modifications to our staffing structures and pay scales. Investing in our staff was and continues to be an ongoing priority for our business. In 2024, we have added an intense review of our software platforms. We are reviewing all of our software to ensure we are utilizing them to their fullest extent, and creating greater efficiencies in our processes.
There could be hope for the reopening of Williamston, N.C.-based Martin General Hospital as a rural emergency hospital after the facility closed last August and filed for bankruptcy.

Ascendient, a healthcare consulting services company, has been working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation and CMS to develop a sustainable healthcare plan for Martin County (N.C.) residents following the hospital's closure, according to a Martin County update on the hospital.

Over the last few months, more than 12 potential partners have expressed interest in running healthcare services in the county, with many interested in operating Martin General as a rural emergency hospital, according to the update.

Both the county and Ascendient plan to hold a request for proposal and state-required public bid process, during which the potential partners can submit proposals for providing healthcare access in the county.

While the existing interested parties are under NDAs, they must answer three questions regarding their plans for the hospital, including: how the Martin General can be reopened as an REH under state and federal regulations; what needs to be done to the hospital prior to reopening; and what kind of capital the hospital would require to reopen and what the funding options are.

"As previously noted, Ascendient and the County believe an REH is one viable model that could ensure access to healthcare services in Martin County," the county update said. "The rural emergency hospital model is brand new, and no other hospital in North Carolina has converted to an REH yetcertainly not one that has previously closed. Therefore, the state and federal governments are still figuring out how this can and should be done."

The county and Ascendient hope to provide an RFP to the interested parties and others who would like to submit a healthcare access proposal for Martin County once the three questions have been answered. There is no existing timeline for when the process will begin or when the questions will be answered, the update said.

"Reopening Martin General Hospital as a rural emergency hospital is important to the health and well-being of the residents of Williamston and the broader community," a spokesperson for NCDHHS said in a May 28 statement shared with Becker's. "NCDHHS is participating in a preliminary walk-through of the hospital to determine if any repairs or renovations might be needed to reopen this facility."






Eastern Niagara Hospital in Lockport, N.Y. will go up for auction a second time after it closed June 17.

Tranzon, a real estate auction franchise, will feature Eastern Niagara in an online auction from May 30 to June 6.

The hospital initially went up for auction in mid-April and sits on 5.83 acres and is 203,829 square feet.

Eastern Niagara closed after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and signed an operating agreement with Catholic Health in 2019. Catholic Health opened a replacement hospital, Catholic Health Lockport (N.Y.) Memorial Health, in October.






Novo Nordisk is contesting Sen. Bernie Sanders' calls to reduce the list prices of Ozempic and Wegovy in the U.S., Bloomberg reports.

In late April, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, chaired by Mr. Sanders, launched an investigation into Novo Nordisk's list pricing for GLP-1 drugs. This followed research showing that Ozempic could be manufactured for less than $5 per month, significantly lower than the U.S. list price of nearly $1,000 for a monthly supply.

Mr. Sanders requested information from Denmark-based Novo Nordisk by May 8, but the drugmaker requested an extension to submit its responses.

In a letter issued to Mr. Sanders May 24, Novo Nordisk said it is prepared to work with lawmakers to address "systemic issues so that everyone who can benefit from its medicines is able to get them," but argued that focus on its list prices for the drugs is misplaced since it retains about 60% of the list price of Ozempic and Wegovy in the U.S. after rebates and fees are paid to middlemen, Bloomberg reports.

Novo Nordisk also said that focusing on the cost disparity is unfair because the development of the GLP-1 drugs required billions in upfront investment. The drugmaker said it spent over $10 billion to develop the GLP-1 medicines and that, "under current market conditions, the company expects that net prices will continue to decline for both Ozempic and Wegovy," Bloomberg reports.

In early May, Mr. Sanders' HELP committee released a report quantifying the financial threat GLP-1 drugs pose to the U.S. healthcare system under the current pricing structure. The report estimated that if half of Americans with obesity used weight loss drugs, the annual cost would be $411 billion; if half of all Medicare and Medicaid enrollees with obesity did the same, it would cost the government $166 billion each year.

"Today, Novo Nordisk charges Americans with type 2 diabetes $969 a month for Ozempic, while this same exact drug can be purchased for just $155 in Canada, $122 in Italy, $71 in France, and $59 in Germany," the HELP committee said in its May 15 report. "Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk lists Wegovy for $1,349 a month in the U.S. while this same exact product can be purchased for just $186 in Denmark, $137 in Germany and $92 in the United Kingdom."

Payers, employers and health systems are feeling the increase in spending on GLP-1s. Medicare total spending hit $5.7 billion in 2022 for GLP-1s, up from $57 million in 2018, according to a March analysis from KFF.

Novo Nordisk also saw its findings on effects of Ozempic and Wegovy published in the New England Journal of Medicine the same day it submitted its letter to Mr. Sanders. The drugmaker reported that in a study of 3,500 participants, Ozempic and Wegovy slowed the progression of chronic kidney disease and reduced the risk of heart attack, kidney failure, stroke and death.
Larry Cohen, the former CEO of Ocean Beach Hospital in Ilwaco, Wash., has come out of retirement to helm the organization in an interim capacity, according to the Chinook Observer.

The OBH Board of Commissions selected Mr. Cohen as CEO of the public hospital during an April 19 special meeting. He will succeed Scott Attridge, who stepped down from the role due to a health issue.

Mr. Cohen spent more than six years as CEO of Ocean Beach Hospital before retiring in August 2022. Prior to this role, he owned LJC Consulting, a firm offering consulting services for hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging joint ventures and healthcare facilities in development, according to the report.

He officially stepped into the interim CEO role April 22.

Editor's note: This article was updated May 29 at 9:45 a.m. CT.
Newport News (Va.) police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide that took place at Riverside Regional Medical Center on May 26.

Officers were called to respond to a shooting on the morning of May 26, police said in a news release. Upon arrival to a patient room at the hospital, police found two adults  a husband and wife in their late 70s  who were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the incident "appears to be a murder-suicide," and that they are not looking for any suspects.

The husband was a patient at the hospital and was apparently shot by his wife, who then shot herself, Steve Drew, chief of the Newport News Police Department, told CBS affiliate WTKR. Authorities are investigating how she was able to bring a gun inside the medical center.

"Everything we know at this point is there was no act of anger or violence toward staff or anyone else," he told the news outlet. "It was very isolated."

Riverside Regional Medical Center was placed on a brief lockdown following the incident, which has since been lifted.

"We're deeply saddened by yesterday's events. Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted," a spokesperson for Riverside Health, said in a statement to Becker's.

"The health and safety of our team members, Riverside patients, and their loved ones is our primary focus. We regularly review our safety protocols and procedures to ensure Riverside Health and its care facilities are safe places to heal and work. We will continue to review our safety protocols and make improvements to ensure the safety of those who work and choose Riverside for their care."
The American Health Care Association, Texas Health Care Association and multiple long-term nursing home facilities in Texas filed a lawsuit May 23 against CMS over its recently finalized staffing rules.

The rules, which all long-term care facilities must meet to continue receiving federal funding, are not set to go into effect until 2026 for facilities in urban areas and 2027 for nursing facilities in rural regions.

The new policy will require these facilities to have 3.48 hours of staffed care per resident per day and a registered nurse to work a minimum of 0.55 hours per resident day at each facility and 2.45 hours for nurse aides. To meet these more specific staffing requirements regarding RNs and nurse aides, facilities in urban areas have until 2027, and those in rural regions have until 2029.

"To be clear, all agree that nursing homes need an adequate supply of well-trained staff," the lawsuit states. "But imposing a nationwide, multi-billion-dollar, unfunded mandate at a time when nursing homes are already struggling with staffing shortages and financial constraints will only make the situation worse."

A cost analysis measurement by the AHCA found that the new requirement could cost around $6.5 billion annually.

"[F]ederal officials rushed this flawed policy through, ignoring the credible concerns of stakeholders and showing little regard for the negative impact it will have on our nursing home residents, staff, and the larger health care system," Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA, stated in a May 24 news release detailing the lawsuit.

The nursing homes that joined the lawsuit include Arbrook Plaza, a facility located in Arlington, Texas; Booker Hospital District, which operates Twin Oaks Manor; a facility in Booker, Texas; and Harbor Lakes Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Granbury, Texas.
Indianapolis-based Roudebush VA Medical Center has suspended operations in its sterile processing department as it investigates issues related to the proper sterilization of surgical instruments. In the meantime, the facility is relying on other VA hospitals in the region to sterilize equipment, which has limited the number or procedures performed at Roudebush, according to a May 23 report from NBC affiliate WTHR.

Nurses and surgeons first identified issues with sterilized issues last month, officials with the VA told the news outlet.

"There were water spots that seemed to have a little bit of a white ring around them and then they also noticed a few brown spots," said Christie Artuso, EdD, RN, associate director of patient care at Roudebush VAMC. "We started to see several of these in a single day, and so then at that point in time  we immediately stopped processing instruments here."

More than 200 surgeries have been rescheduled or transferred since problems with the sterilization process were first identified, as processing instruments at other facilities has been a time-consuming process. The instruments are often sent to other facilities for sterilization late at night when they are not in use by other VA hospitals.

"We're trying to coordinate [surgeries at Roudebush] based on the availability of our instrumentation," Dr. Artuso said.

The VA has emphasized that there have been no negative patient outcomes related to improperly sterilized surgical instruments.

The hospital mobilzed an incident response team to investigate and address the root cause of the problem. Officials anticipate sterile processing services will be fully operational again by early June, citing a number of steps it has taken  such as installing four new sterilizers and cleaning all sterilizer chambers  to ensure services are back online as soon as possible.
The roles will have average salary of 50,000, with the company eyeing future expansion in city

New York-headquartered technology company Symphony is creating 17 jobs at a new hub in Belfast with an average salary of almost 50,000.

The investment has been supported by Invest NI.

It said it began engaging with the firm in 2021 and invited Ben Chrnelich, president and chief financial officer, to attend the NI Investment Summit in September 2023.

Mr Chrnelich said: The NI Investment Summit was by far the best investment event Ive ever been to, and I was keen to explore the potential of Northern Ireland for Symphony.

After speaking to other investors and to the local universities, we were convinced that Northern Ireland offered a great fit for us.

The new hub will help Symphony to achieve its growth plans by providing the capacity required to support our rapidly growing business. We are excited about the availability of talent and will be partnering with the universities to offer placement and employment opportunities in the future.

Our intention is to grow beyond the initial 17 roles and establish a much larger operation in Belfast.

The new jobs will cover engineering, finance, legal and compliance roles and, while the companys office will be in Belfast, hybrid working options will create employment opportunities for people across Northern Ireland.

Steve Harper, Invest NIs executive director of international business, said: This investment comes as a direct result of the investment summit, and I believe it will be the first of many.

The new jobs created by Symphony will all pay well above the Northern Ireland private sector median and will contribute 845,000 in additional annual salaries to the local economy.

Symphony has indicated that Northern Irelands highly skilled talent supply across a number of functions as well as strong business links to academia were important factors in its decision to locate here.

The companys presence here will further strengthen Northern Irelands reputation as a centre of excellence for tech and financial services.
Almac Group is a global leader in providing a range of expert services and support across the drug development lifecycle

(From left) Drew Nesbitt of law firm Wilson Nesbitt presents the Best Large Company of the Year award to Richie Shannon and Laura Montgomery of Almac at the 2024 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards

Pharmaceutical firm Almac Group, which is based in Craigavon, has recorded another year of growth which has seen revenue rise to almost one billion pounds.

Its now close to joining a set of other NI firms with 10-figure sales such as construction firm John Graham Holdings, poultry giant Moy Park Holdings, energy company LCC Group, commodities business W&R Barnett and wholesale and retail firm Henderson Group.

Almac Group revenue has increased by 14% on 2022's figure of 840m, with the pharma giant posting revenue of 958m in the year to September 2023.

The financial results also reveal a rise in operating profit, with final pre-tax profits recorded at 93.8m, down 3.3% on the previous year's figure of 97m due to a significant exchange rate adjustment.

Almac Group revealed details of its financial performance ahead of publication of its results at Companies House.

These numbers cover the second year of 400m plans for global expansion which were announced by Almac Group in November 2021.

Part of this included the creation of 1,800 new roles, with 1,200 of these having already been filled to take the current employee headcount beyond 7,300 across 18 sites.

Working with major biopharma companies across the world to develop vital treatments, Almac Group has become a trusted expert in drug research and development and diagnostic services.

During this financial year, it was involved in the manufacture of hundreds of drugs spanning medical fields including oncology, cardiology, immunology, gene therapy and neurology.

Alan Armstrong, Almac Group chairman and CEO said: We are a privately-owned and independent company, committed to re-investing all our profit back into the business.

"We continuously innovate and expand our business offerings, enabling us to support our clients while advancing human health.

Todays announcement is a welcome continuation of growth for the Almac Group, and I would like to thank everyone within the organisation for playing their part.

"Our valued global workforce is Almacs greatest asset providing the foundation for our success.

Almac is dedicated to ensuring we remain a global leader in our industry, giving our clients and ultimately patients across the world the best possible offering.

"We continue to play our part as a valued and trusted member of the communities in which we operate.

Almac Group was also recognised at the 2024 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank, picking up two major accolades in the ceremony which was held at Belfast Crowne Plaza Hotel on May 2.

The panel, led by Belfast Chamber chief executive Clare Guinness, commended the firm as it was named Outstanding Business of the Year.

They said: Almacs turnover has grown significantly year-on-year, but it stands out for its ethos, values and its commitment to Northern Ireland.

It has also adopted science-based climate targets, including transitioning to renewable energy and zero waste to landfill, and has a significant corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, including generous donations to charity.

The panel was also impressed by Almac Groups expanding footprint in Northern Ireland, with the recent completion of two new purpose-built facilities in Craigavon to grow its manufacturing, packing and peptide production capabilities. It has also announced a proposed new centre of excellence for drug discovery with Queens University Belfast.

Richard Shannon, vice president of business development at Almac Group, said: It is a massive achievement to receive this award and we are extremely grateful to be recognised for our work.

Almac is an organisation based in Northern Ireland and that is where our heart lies.

To be recognised at home, within our own part of the world, is fantastic and we are delighted to receive it.

It takes a lot of hard work, teamwork and dedication to pick up award like this. Without the leadership and employees at Almac, achieving an award of this prestige wouldnt be possible.

Almac Group also won the Best Large Company of the Year Award, sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt, which was collected by marketing director Laura Montgomery.

She said: We are delighted to have been named as Best Large Company of the Year. Almac is deserving of this recognition, but we were up against a lot of other big companies, so we are delighted to have picked it up.

The best thing about this company for me is the culture it fosters.

It has been running for over so many decades now, and weve witnessed a lot of growth over the years.

Although we are now a large company, over the years we have put the effort in to maintain a good and strong company culture. I think most of our colleagues would agree that is the best thing about working here.

From an Almac perspective, I think there is a perception that we are solely a pharmaceutical company, but we offer many roles within the business such as HR, marketing, legal and so on.

As we have grown into such a large company, we have a lot of other roles that maybe not everyone would expect. If you are interested in working for Almac and you are under the impression that you couldnt do a job because you arent qualified in pharmaceutics, I encourage you to have a look.

News Catch Up: Monday 27th May 2024
Rick McLarnon of Brookland Property in August 2021, following his company's purchase of Flagship Centre in Bangor

A receiver has been appointed to a vacant shopping centre in Co Down three years after a new owner pledged to revitalise it.

The Flagship Centre in Bangor had already been vacant for two years when it was bought by Brookland Property in Belfast, led by Rick McLarnon.

Speaking at the time of the purchase in August 2021, Mr McLarnon said the location had been crying out for regeneration investment.

But earlier this month, real estate management company Standard & General appointed administrative receivers from RPG Recovery to Flagship Bangor Ltd, the company behind the centre.

RPG Recovery, which is based in Manchester, has been asked for comment. The receivership process means it will now have control of the asset.

Bangor By The Sea, which monitors development in the seaside town, said it was deeply saddened by the appointment of administrative receivers.

It praised Mr McLarnon for his efforts to secure the centres future. Having met the current owner several times, I know that this situation did not arise from a lack of effort. If drive, energy, enthusiasm, and passion were all it took to succeed, the Flagship would be thriving by now.

"However, massive undertakings like this always require a bit of luck, favourable circumstances, and significant investment from others.

Regardless of the reasons please be kind and respectful to the owner who invested so much personal effort and resources to advance Bangor.

Following his purchase of the 157,000sq ft centre and its 430 space car park, Mr McLarnon said: As someone who was brought up in Bangor, I remember the Flagship Centre as a vibrant part of the town centre and it is our plan that with the right investment and vision, that that economic and social contribution to Bangor will return.

Brookland Property has been asked for comment.

General views of the Flagship Centre in Bangor

The Flagship Centre had been a thriving retail centre during the 1990s, with Dunnes its main tenant. It was also known for its successful food court.

But as far back as 2016, it was only partly occupied, with just eight tenants within a total of 30 units.

In financial statements for the year to April 2023, filed in February, Flagship Bangor reported net liabilities of 160,255.

The centre was formerly owned by Flagship Centre Ltd, a company controlled by Michael Herbert. The centre was bought by Northhold Group in England in 2016.

Last month, Mr Herbert and his wife Lesley promised the biggest investment in Bangor for a generation after snapping up Bangors Bloomfield Shopping Centre and Retail Park for around 22m.

They pledged to add 300 new jobs to the town in the process of doubling the size of their new acquisition, including the addition of a cinema and even residential property.

Commercial property agents Osborne King said the purchase by Herbert Property Group of Bloomfield had taken place recently, following its deal to buy Forestside in south Belfast last year.

Both shopping centres have now been rebranded Lesley Forestside and Lesley Bloomfield.

News Catch Up: Tuesday 28th May 2024
UK

If you want your new puppy to get along with your cat, introduce them gradually
NI couple on their adoption journey: 'You have to be 100% committed or its not going to work'
The court heard the incident was part of a feud. Stock image

A man was attacked with acid in east Belfast as part of a suspected dispute among members of the Polish community, a court heard today.

Corrosive liquid was thrown over the victim after five men got out of a car and chased him towards a house at Sunwich Street.
Seven new-build primary schools are progressing to the procurement and construction phase after an additional 80m of education capital funding was announced.

Projects at Bangor Central Integrated Primary School, Crawfordsburn Primary School, Edendork Primary School, Glenwood Primary School, Mary Queen of Peace Primary School, Millennium Integrated Primary and Scoil an Droichid will progress to the next stage.

Meanwhile, eight primary and post-primary schools will also receive investment through major extension and refurbishment and new-build construction projects  Abbey Community College, Carniny Primary School, Kilronan Special School, Lurgan Model Integrated Primary School, St Johns Primary School (Kingsisland), St Malachys College, St Marys Primary School (Barr) and St Kevins College.

The funding announced by Education Minister Paul Givan will also see the launch of a new programme of curriculum-led investment.

Earlier this year, it was announced that 150m of funding promised for new buildings in 2015's Fresh Start Agreement was no longer available, a move which jeopardised some new school projects.

On a visit to Bangor Central Integrated Primary School, one of the schools which will now proceed to tender and construction, Mr Givan said he moved the school to his conventional major works programme, which allowed the 10m project to proceed.

Mr Givan said: Todays significant announcement will see 15 schools benefiting from new state-of-the-art facilities for young people from Belfast to Ballymena to Enniskillen and beyond. The investment will also provide a welcome boost to the construction industry over the next number of years.

He added: I also plan over coming weeks to launch a series of targeted smaller scale investment programmes to support and enhance the delivery of the curriculum in our schools. Potential schemes in this area will include specialist curriculum accommodation at post-primary; outdoor play and PE in the primary phase and curriculum resources and equipment more widely.

It is my priority to ensure the educational experiences of as many children and young people as possible across Northern Ireland are impacted positively by capital investment.

The opening capital budget for education in 2024-25 is 254 million. In part, this will allow continued investment in ten major school build projects currently in contract or on site and digital infrastructure across the schools estate, the Department of Education said.
A collie puppy whose owner told police he left it bloody and severely injured at the side of the road after he ran it over has been found alive and seemingly well, a court heard today.

A previous court heard how police found what they believed to be fur and blood on the front bumper of Sean Norris car but today, defence solicitor Kevin MacAllister said the dog has been found alive and seemingly well.

Losing a Bring Forward Application at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, he submitted what amounted to a significant change in circumstances and justified a fresh application for bail.

Norris (23), from Larkspur Rise in Belfast, is in custody facing three charges arising from incidents on May 19, this year, including two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs and making a threat to kill his brother.

When Norris was first charged last week, the court heard claims the defendant had allegedly repeatedly run over his puppy before leaving it bloody and severely injured at the side of the road, that he threatened to kill his brother and admitted to slapping and kicking his mothers dog.

A police officer giving evidence told the court that on May 19, police were alerted to a concern for safety relating to the defendant after he had a verbal argument with his family after they raised concern that he was neglecting his collie puppy.

He left the property with his puppy, said the officer adding that police later found his car abandoned on the hard shoulder of the M2 near Antrim Area Hospital.

Officers who found it examined the car and they saw what they believed to be fur and blood on the front bumper, she told the court.

Meanwhile, Norris family told police they had received text messages from the defendant which raised further concerns in that he told them if I cant have her, no one can regarding the puppy.

He also sent a text confessing that he had beaten the f*** out of his mothers dog, a Bichon Frise and also that he had thoughts of killing his brother by stabbing him with a knife.

Norris was eventually arrested near the Dunsilly car park and during police interviews, he admitted causing suffering to his mothers dog, telling police I hate it  I gave it a few good slaps and boots to shut it up.

He also admitted he had driven to the Glenshane Pass, put the collie puppy in the road where he drove over it, reversed and drove over it several more times.

Norris told police that having gotten out and checked on the puppy which was bleeding and severely injured, he drove off.

Despite Norris claims, Mr MacAllister told the court today the dog has been found alive and seemingly well so he was applying for the case to be brought forward for a bail application.

He said while a report from the vet remains outstanding, he hoped to have that in the next few days and that will confirm whether the dog did in fact sustain any injury.

Granting the bring forward application, District Judge Nigel Broderick listed the case for a bail application this Thursday, May 30.

News Catch Up: Tuesday 28th May 2024
Conor Murphy is returning to his role as Northern Irelands Economy Minister (Liam McBurney/PA)

Sinn Feins Conor Murphy has returned to his role as Economy Minister following a sickness absence.

First Minister Michelle ONeill thanked Deirdre Hargey, who had stepped into the position for three weeks while Mr Murphy was absent.

It was announced earlier this month that Mr Murphy was to step down temporarily on medical grounds.

First Minister Michelle ONeill said Mr Murphy was looking forward to getting back to work (Liam McBurney/PA)

He was unable to give evidence in person to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry as he had been advised by doctors to rest.

Ms ONeill said Mr Murphy was now looking forward to getting back to his desk.

She said: Conor is one of the most experienced ministers in the Executive and its great to have him back after a break on the advice of his doctors.

He is focused on getting back to creating jobs and promoting the benefits of our all-island economy and our unique dual market access to the European and British economies.

Conor set out his economic vision for the department when he took up office in February.

He will continue the work of reforming Invest NI, the expansion of Magee, and the promotion of news skills initiatives and the Tourism Action Plan.

Deirdre Hargey stepped up to the position while Mr Murphy was absent (Brian Lawless/PA)

The First Minister added I also want to say a huge thank you to Deirdre Hargey who stepped up without a moments hesitation into the role of Economy Minister when Conor was forced to step aside.

Deirdre once again proved to be an able minister who did a great job and Im really grateful for the work she has done for all over the last number of weeks.

There is much work to do, and I wish Conor all the very best as he gets down to working with others to deliver on the Executives economic priorities to build a better future for all.
Two men and a woman arrested in probe into organised crime

Two men and a woman have been arrested as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering activities and the supply of controlled drugs in Belfast.

In recent weeks police have conducted five searches in south Belfast and seized in total 125,000 in cash and over 75,000 worth of drugs.

The searches were conducted as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering activities and the supply of controlled drugs by persons believed to be involved in organised criminality in the greater Belfast area.

During a search in the Stranmillis area of south Belfast, two men and a woman were arrested after Class B controlled drugs with a potential street value of around 75,000 were seized.

At a second search in Belfast, 17,000 in cash was also recovered. It follows a previous search at a property in Belfast in April where a sum of approximately 108,000 was recovered and two people were also arrested.

Both have since been released on police bail pending ongoing enquiries.

Detective Inspector Kelly added: We are committed to tackling the supply of controlled drugs within our community and as part of that process we are targeting the finances of those involved in, or assisting these criminals.

Drug suppliers primary aim is to make money to fund their lifestyle and they should be under no illusion, we will not only take their drugs, we will seize cash and any assets that are deemed proceeds of this criminality.

Its crucial that any suspected illicit activity is flagged to police so that action can be taken, and Im appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101.
Beware the ghost of politics past. Those in the DUP will still be haunted by the spectre of Naomi the Robinson slayer, and those bearing the Robinson name will be more wary than most.
The Irish Parliament was suspended briefly after several protesters interrupted statements on Palestine to call for sanctions to be imposed on Israel.

The protesters in the public gallery chanted sanctions now, stop arming Israel and close Shannon to the US military.

One man held up a sign that said divest, while another person carried a large Palestinian flag.

After being ushered out of the public gallery and out of the grounds of Leinster House, the protesters told the PA news agency that while they welcomed the recognition, they wanted Ireland to implement sanctions on Israel.

They also called for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill and the Settlements Divestment Bill.

We are eight months on and the bombs are still dropping, said Anne Conway, who is involved in the Donnycarney Palestine Solidarity campaign.

The women and children of Gaza are still being slaughtered, weve seen it yesterday in Rafah, and the international community have done nothing.

We feel were making the voices of the Irish people heard when we did that.

We do welcome the fact that theyve recognised Palestinian statehood, it is a welcome thing.

But it really wont make any difference because Israel will not be brought to the negotiating table unless theres massive sanctions introduced against them. Ireland has the standing to do that in the international community.

Michelle Hayes of the Teachers For Palestine group said it was really shameful that the Irish premier Simon Harris and Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin got up and left the Dail chamber immediately after delivering their speeches.

There are parallels between our struggle, and to see people who we have voted into government, who are representing us, to stand up, make a speech and then walk out in front of a packed gallery of Palestinians, it was shameful. Im really, really, really so, so disappointed in the Government.

Kate Scanlan of Mothers Against Genocide said: We refuse to be silent when Palestinian mothers are trying to identify their children in mass graves from scraps of their clothing.

Theyre trying to find their children buried under rubble. We just cant sit here and do nothing.

While were happy with the state being recognised today, thats not enough. It needs to go further. We need immediate sanctions against Israel, and we are going to continue to push our Government and thats why were here today.

A number of Palestinians were watching from the public gallery who were not involved in the brief demonstration.

Palestinian ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid listened to the statements from the distinguished visitors gallery and was applauded by TDs when they ended.

During the debate in the Irish Parliaments lower house, some politicians called for an EU trade agreement with Israel to be suspended.

Labours Aodhan O Riordain said US President Joe Biden has to do better, while Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould said he hopes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu burns in hell.

Opposition politicians called on Irish premier Simon Harriss Fine Gael party not to support Ursula von der Leyen for another term as European Commission president.

Ursula von der Leyen (Chris Jackson/PA)

She is leader of the EPP, which is Fine Gaels political group in the European Parliament.

Shes someone who gave Israel her unqualified support for their war crimes, and yet youre happy to recommend the re-election of this person as the European Commission president, Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns said during Leaders Questions.

Do you really think that Fine Gael MEPs and candidates in the European election are representing their voters on this issue?

Independent TD Catherine Connelly said that although it was a proud day for Ireland, there was very little left of a Palestinian state to recognise.

It is time for us to act, and the most basic thing is not to support von der Leyen, who from day one said she would stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, Ms Connelly said.

Mr Harris responded: It is the clear position of von der Leyen that she wants to see an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. We need to see an immediate ceasefire.

Earlier, Mr Harris said there is an onus on every country and on the European Union to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.

I welcome the decision of the Belgian presidency to convene a meeting on the EU-Israel Association Agreement, he said.

The human rights clauses in that agreement are and must be meaningful and when theyre not being adhered to, that too must have consequences.

He added: Formal recognition of the State of Palestine here today is an act of powerful, political and symbolic value. I hope it sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that in this, their darkest hour, Ireland stands with them.

Deputy premier Mr Martin said he is confident other European countries will join Ireland, Norway and Spain in their recognition of the state of Palestine.

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It has long been my view that recognising Palestine would be most impactful if done in a co-ordinated manner with other partners, Mr Martin told the Dail.

That we have taken the decision to recognise the state of Palestine together with Norway and Spain  and in the wider context of a regional peace initiative  is important.

I am confident that there is a growing consensus among like-minded partners that Palestinian statehood can no longer wait until the end of a process of final settlement negotiations between the parties.

I anticipate that other European partners may decide to recognise Palestine in the coming weeks and months.

Mr Martin and Mr Harris also praised Irelands ambassador to Israel, Sonya McGuinness, who was summoned to the Israeli foreign affairs ministry and reprimanded over Irelands decision.

As proceedings started, Ms McGuinness was shown footage of Hamas that Israel claimed was filmed on October 7 which Mr Martin said fell far short of what we would expect from any country, irrespective of our political differences.

I have and will continue to treat Israels ambassador to Ireland with professional courtesy and respect. I expect the same in return. We wish to maintain functional diplomatic engagement and dialogue with Israel, he added.

Irelands transport minister Eamon Ryan said he prays that Palestine could, in time, follow a similar path to Irelands journey to autonomy.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said that the British establishment made similar warnings years ago that the Irish were not fit to govern themselves, that anarchy would surely follow if they were given the chance.

He also addressed the Jewish community in Ireland and said he shared their frustration over the one-sided approach that some people are taking to the conflict on the Middle East.

Our dearest wish is that establishment of a Palestinian state solidifies your (Israels) existence and allows you to prosper and flourish in peace and harmony with your neighbours.

I particularly want to offer reassurance to Jewish friends living here in Ireland, the last seven months have not been easy, and many may feel that there is a change in attitude towards them or people of their religion.

We need to assure them they are welcome here, they belong here, they are as Irish as all of us.

Long may Ireland be a home to Jewish people so they can continue their outstanding contribution to our nation in art, in science, in business and in politics. This house has benefited so much from people from our Jewish community.

I share their frustration at the one-sided approach that some people take to the conflict. That some would appear to think that Israels governments appalling actions mean they can be silent on Hamass atrocities  I do not.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horror on an unimaginable scale and that world leaders continue to draw a false equivalence between the impoverished occupied and the oppressive occupier.

She accused Israel of brazenly, repeatedly breaking international law, adding: Palestine is a nation threatened by annihilation.

The Dublin TD added: The world was always going to face a moment of reckoning on Palestine, and as Israel continues its brutal onslaught on the refugee population of Gaza and launch horrific madness and attacks on Rafah, I believe the moment of reckoning is now.

Recognition of the Palestinian state cant be the end, it has to be just the beginning: a new departure in pursuing freedom and justice for the Palestinians.
Irelands social protection minister has said she is not considering implementing a form of compulsory national service as has been promised by the Tories in the UK.

Heather Humphreys ruled out the move at the launch of an employment and youth engagement charter in Dublin city which aims to reduce the number of people under 30 who are unemployed.

The unemployment rate in Ireland is around 4.4%, but rises to around 8% for young people.

Under the Conservative Partys plan, which would be implemented in 2029-30 if they are returned to government after the UKs July 4 election, all 18-year-olds would be legally required to complete either a 12-month placement in the armed forces or cyber defence or give up the equivalent of one weekend a month to volunteer in their communities.

Asked if Ireland was considering a similar move, Ms Humphreys said: Thats something that UK Government are talking about, Im not thinking about that.

She said the charter with businesses and employers aims to help people back into work through engaging with them.

The youth unemployment rate is at 8.8%, which is down from 12% pre-Covid, she said on Tuesday.

What we want to do is help people back into work, and there are barriers there that some people face, and we want to work with them, and we want to help them, and today were signing a charter with the businesses and employers and were asking them to take on young people.

There are incentives: you can have a grant of up to 10,000 euros for taking somebody off the live register, that is a young person or otherwise, anybody at all, actually.

So its about helping people and Im firmly of the belief that when you give somebody a job, you really give them an opportunity in life.

There have been several reports that social welfare payments would be cut for those who do not engage with welfare authorities.

Ms Humphreys said she wants to match jobseekers with people who are looking for workers, and asked young people to engage with the support available.

Theres never been a better time to look for a job. Well either help you upskill, well retrain you, well introduce you to apprenticeship schemes, well give you the back to work help extra pay when you engage.

If you dont engage there has to be some penalties. But what were saying is engage with us.

And if you engage and re-engage, well restore your payments immediately if you have a reduced payment.

The Government said the charter is a result of consultation with various stakeholders, including Ibec, the Labour Market Advisory Council Employer Sub-Group, the National Youth Council of Ireland and the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed.

The charter also aims to cater for jobseekers who find it hard to get an interview or experience, such as people with disabilities, older workers who lost their job later in their career, people who have spent time out of the workplace because of caring or childcare, and minority groups such as members of the Traveller or Roma communities.

Employers across multiple sectors and representatives of Ibec attended the launch of the charter in Accentures Dublin office.
The Foreign Secretary has called for a swift investigation into Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza city of Rafah at the weekend.

Lord Cameron was speaking after the deadly strikes that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said were a tragic mishap and the countrys military said it was investigating.

Lord Cameron said on X, formerly Twitter: Deeply distressing scenes following the airstrikes in Rafah this weekend.

The IDFs investigation must be swift, comprehensive & transparent.

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We urgently need a deal to get hostages out & aid in, with a pause in fighting to allow work towards a long-term sustainable ceasefire.

A Downing Street spokesman referred to Lord Camerons statement and the Prime Ministers previous stance on the conflict.

As weve said previously, the UK would not support a major military operation in Rafah unless we see a plan to protect the hundreds of thousands of civilians who remain there, the spokesman said, adding that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made this point to Mr Netanyahu.

Our focus is on finding the fastest way to end this conflict, which is to secure a deal which gets the hostages out and allows for a pause in the fighting.

And so our focus is working with international partners to get that pause in the fighting and then turn that pause into a long-term sustainable ceasefire.

On the campaign trail at Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described the scenes in Rafah as just horrifying.

He said: This is our message: that ceasefire needs to be in place, it needs to be in place straight away, and it needs to provide the space for hostages to come out. There are hostages who have been held for a very, very long time. I cant even imagine the state that they will be in.

I know the state their families are in, or some of them, because Ive met their families and it is horrendous. But also aid needs to get in  desperately needed aid.

Sir Keir added: In the end, this is only going to be resolved through a political process. That is going to require leadership from countries, including from ours if we are privileged enough to come in to serve, to create that space and dialogue as we go forward.

It will require the recognition of Palestine as a viable state as part of the process, alongside a safe and secure Israel.

He added: We would see it as our solemn duty for the UK to play its full part in that if we are privileged enough to come in to serve, because I think too many political leaders in the last 10 years have looked away from this problem, even though theyve known its there, not wanting to pull their weight.

Some of Israels closest allies, including the United States, have criticised the country over its war with Hamas.

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has said he will apply for arrest warrants for Mr Netanyahu, defence minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leaders Yehya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh.

Amnesty International said the Foreign Secretary should get behind the ICC and International Court of Justices efforts to examine Israeli actions in Gaza.

Youd have to be totally detached from reality to expect that the IDF will adequately investigate Sundays attack, Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UKs chief executive, said.

He said Lord Cameron should drop the pretence that Israeli authorities can undertake an impartial investigation of whether they have breached international law.

He added: There is an alarming sense that the UK government is  by being disingenuous at best  supporting a wall of impunity protecting Israeli forces when they carry out human rights violations.
Labours investigation into Diane Abbott was completed in December 2023, according to Newsnight (Rebecca Speare-Cole/PA)

A probe into comments which Diane Abbott made about racism affecting Jewish and Traveller communities was completed five months ago, according to BBC Newsnight.

Labour suspended Britains first black woman MP, who represents the Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency in London, in April 2023 while an investigation took place.

The programme found Labours National Executive Committee (NEC) had written to Ms Abbott in December 2023, to say it had concluded an inquiry into her comments.

Diane Abbott was suspended from the Labour Party over comments she made about racism affecting Jewish and Traveller communities (Ian West/PA)

It issued her with a formal warning for engaging in conduct that was, in the opinion of the NEC, prejudicial and grossly detrimental to the Labour Party.

Ms Abbott was expected to take part in an online e-learning module, which she completed in February  something that Labours chief whip allegedly acknowledged by email.

Campaign group Momentum has said the Labour whip should already have been restored.

Ms Abbott was an independent MP when Parliament was prorogued on Friday, May 24, ahead of the General Election on Thursday, July 4.

A Momentum spokesperson said: This is outrageous news which confirms that the (Keir) Starmer leadership is trying to force Britains first black woman MP out of Parliament.

For months, we have been told by Keir Starmer that the process is independent and its nothing to do with him.

Todays revelation confirms this is another brazen lie from Keir Starmer  the investigation was concluded months ago, Diane remains a Labour member and the whip should already have been restored as a result.

Starmers conduct has already been insulting and demeaning to a woman he rightly called a trailblazer  the first step to making amends is to restore the whip and let Diane run as the Labour candidate, as local members wish.

Speaking last Friday, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told Sky News: The final decisions on candidates is coming up in a few days time, I think June 4, it may be a little earlier, a little later, I cant quite remember.

But within a relatively short period of time, the final list of candidates will be decided, and that will be a matter for the Labour Partys National Executive Committee.

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Ms Abbott, who has been an MP since 1987, responded in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that the process has EVERYTHING to do with Sir Keir.

The veteran MP was suspended after she responded to an Observer article headlined: Racism in Britain is not a black and white issue. Its far more complicated.

She wrote in a letter to the title: It is true that many types of white people with points of difference, such as redheads, can experience this prejudice. But they are not all their lives subject to racism. In pre-civil rights America, Irish people, Jewish people and Travellers were not required to sit at the back of the bus.

Ms Abbott later said she wished to wholly and unreservedly withdraw my remarks and disassociate myself from them.

Labour has been approached for comment.
A Labour government would reset the relationship with the European Union, Scottish leader Anas Sarwar has said, as he pledged to promote Brand Scotland internationally.

Mr Sarwar said the party would look at where alignment with the EU could work in the national interest and that improving relations could be transformational.

Speaking on a campaign visit to East Renfrewshire, he also said a Labour government would use UK embassies to tout Scottish produce and boost exports, and that a Scotland Office under the control of Ian Murray, currently shadow Scottish secretary, would be Scotlands window onto the world.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer previously made clear that returning to the EUs single market or customs union is a line Labour does not want to cross.

However, Mr Sarwar said that there needs to be a change in the relationship with the EU in the wake of Brexit.

He said: We have to fix the mess of Brexit that has been created by the Conservative party, we have to reset the relationship with our partners and friends in the European union.

When Im talking to sister Labour parties across the UK, when Im talking to ambassadors for individual countries across the European union or Im talking to EU representatives  they arent actually asking Labour to commit to rejoin the European Union at this election campaign.

What theyre asking for is to commit to change the relationship, to reset the relationship and thats exactly what were going to do.

Mr Sarwar said one thing Labour would do would be to work to reset the relationship and build trust with European colleagues.

He said: Secondly, were going to look at where alignment works for us and is in our national interest and we can look to build on those alignments.

Third, were going to act in the national interest rather than party interest.

I think the opportunities are absolutely huge and I think EU partners will look at an incoming Labour government and recognise that these are people we can work with, people who are going to act in good faith, people who want positive outcomes, rather than people who are coming into this room or trying to build a relationship purely for a different political purpose.

I think the opportunities from that could be transformational.

Mr Sarwar was speaking on a visit to the Aldomak confectionary company with Labour candidate  and former Better Together chief  Blair McDougall in Giffnock on Tuesday.

Mr McDougall, who was head strategist to the No campaign during the 2014 referendum, is the partys candidate in East Renfrewshire.

The Scottish Labour leader said that a UK Labour government will promote more high-quality Scottish products abroad.

Anas Sarwar said Labour would build on the reputation of Scottish products such as whisky (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Mr Sarwar said: Its no coincidence that the UKs biggest food and drink exports both come from Scotland.

Brand Scotland  our amazing food and drink, creative industries, and tourism and hospitality  has an immense soft power abroad, while creating jobs at home.

But the chaotic Tory Government currently squatting in Westminster has failed to capitalise on our homegrown success.

A Labour government with Scottish Labour MPs at the cabinet table will build on the reputation of smoked salmon and whisky to promote other high-quality products abroad.

The SNPs economy spokesperson and candidate for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire, Drew Hendry, said: The Labour Party sold out promoting Brand Scotland and our world-leading businesses the minute they started backing Brexit  its essential to vote SNP to reject Brexit and put the interests of Scotland first.

Brexit has been disastrous for Scotlands businesses, but here the SNP Government has been working tirelessly to counteract its impact by building up a network of successful international offices around the world dedicated to promoting Scottish goods and services.

Time and time again, Westminster have tried to silence Scotlands voice on the international stage and each time the Labour Party have sat by and watched on  only a vote for the SNP on July 4 will ensure that the interests of Scotland are put first.
Two men have been found guilty of the murder of a father-of-three, who was shot eight times as he left a birthday party in a carefully co-ordinated execution.

Robert Powell, 50, was gunned down in Roydon, near Harlow, Essex, in the early hours of June 13 2020, Essex Police said.

He had left the party in Water Lane at about 4.45am and died later in hospital.

One of the shots went through Mr Powell and hit two nearby women, injuring them.

Essex Police said Nana Oppong, 43, and Israar Shah, 39, organised and carried out the killing.

Nana Oppong (Essex Police/PA)

Both men fled the country in the days after the shooting but were tracked down and extradited to the UK last year  Oppong from Morocco and Shah from Spain.

The force said that on Tuesday both men were found guilty at Woolwich Crown Court of Mr Powells murder and possession of a firearm, after a trial.

Oppong was also found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm and possessing a prohibited weapon, and he admitted to conspiring to supply Class A drugs, police said.

Oppong and Shah will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, May 31.

Essex Police said it is likely other people were involved in the murder, and officers are continuing their work to identify and prosecute them.

Investigators found that a Ford Kuga car, later found to have cloned number plates, stopped near Mr Powell in the seconds before the shooting.

A person stepped out of the vehicle and gunned him down, the force said, and the car then left the scene.

It was later traced to an industrial estate in Epping, where it was dumped before being collected hours later.

Israar Shah (Essex Police/PA)

The police investigation was assisted by the National Crime Agencys successful cracking of EncroChat, an encrypted messaging service largely used by organised criminals, which established Oppong had likely been out to get Mr Powell.

It is believed that days before the shooting, on June 5, the suspects had planned an aborted attack on Mr Powell.

Other encrypted messages included a discussion about a specific type of 9mm ammunition, the same type used to kill Mr Powell.

In the hours after the shooting, Oppongs EncroChat handle deleted a significant amount of data, suggesting he was trying to hide incriminating evidence tying him to the murder.

The EncroChat conversations further implicated Oppong in a conspiracy to supply cocaine and transfer criminal profits.

Shah was linked to a Toyota Prius recovered from his home address in the days after the shooting, and he is believed to have acted as a spotter.

This Prius was seen travelling in convoy with a Vauxhall Zafira, thought to have been a support vehicle, to the location of the murder, and away from the scene in the moments after the shooting.

The Prius is seen to drive past the party repeatedly in the hour before the murder,

Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings, of Essex Polices Serious Crime Directorate, said: This murder was unusual in its level of sophistication, organisation and brutality.

It was not a spontaneous act of violence, but rather a planned and carefully co-ordinated execution.

While we may never know why the defendants carried out this murder, it is clear Oppong held a grievance against Robert Powell and was committed to seeing him killed.

Samantha Woolley, a specialist prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service in the east of England, said: Robert Powell was ambushed and shot eight times as he left a birthday party in a meticulously planned murder.

Bystanders were left terrified and Mr Powells sons had to witness their father being treated at the scene before going to hospital where he died.

Oppong was the mastermind and Israar Shah acted as a lookout.

Both men were at the scene and then quickly fled the country.

I worked with our extradition lawyers to get them back to the UK so they could be put on trial.

I hope their murder convictions provide Mr Powells family with a sense of justice.
A once-in-a-lifetime collection of Bernard Leach pottery which had been destined for a charity shop after being found gathering dust in a cupboard has sold for 13,000 at auction.

Born in Hong Kong, Leach founded Leach Pottery in Cornwall in 1920 after spending a decade in Japan developing his interest in ceramics.

Potters from all over the world were apprenticed at Leach Pottery and learned from his utilitarian style and belief in functional forms.

Ten of his vases and pots were found covered in dust in a cupboard after being collected by one family during 50 years.

Amanda Butler, director of operations at auction house Hanson Ross, said: There was a huge amount of interest in this lot as its rare to see so many of Leachs pieces in one auction.

The owners intention was to gift them to a charity shop or sell them at a car boot sale, but they thought theyd just check with us before letting them go. Its a good job they did!

This is life-changing money for the owner and Im so glad that they have gone to new homes where they can be displayed.

The collection was sold at Hanson Ross in Hertfordshire, with one unsigned piece selling for 2,000 to a US collector, while a vase by Shoji Hamada, Leachs partner at the St Ives pottery, sold for 1,700.

The auction house said additional pieces by Hamada will be auctioned on July 12.
The Israeli military has said an initial investigation into a strike that sparked a deadly weekend fire in a tent camp in the southern Gaza city of Rafah found the blaze was caused by a secondary explosion.

A military official said the military fired two 17-kilogram munitions that targeted two senior Hamas militants.

The official said the munitions would have been too small to ignite a fire on their own and the military is looking into the possibility that weapons were stored in the area.

Palestinian health officials say at least 45 people, around half of them women and children, were killed in Sundays strike. The fire also could have ignited fuel, cooking gas canisters or other materials in the densely populated tent camp housing displaced people.

Benjamin Netanyahu said there was a tragic mishap on Sunday (Gil Cohen-Magen/pool photo via AP)

The strike caused widespread outrage, including from some of Israels closest allies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was the result of a tragic mishap.

New Israeli strikes on Rafah on Tuesday killed at least 16 Palestinians, first responders said, as residents reported an escalation of fighting in the city once seen as the territorys last refuge.

An Israeli incursion launched in early May has caused nearly one million to flee from Rafah, most of whom had already been displaced in the war between Israel and Hamas. They now seek refuge in squalid tent camps and other war-ravaged areas.

The US and other close allies of Israel have warned against a full-fledged offensive in the city, with the Biden administration saying that would cross a red line and refusing to provide offensive arms for such an undertaking.

On Friday, the International Court of Justice called on Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, an order it has no power to enforce.

Mr Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead, saying Israeli forces must enter Rafah to dismantle Hamas and return hostages taken in the October 7 attack that triggered the war.

Smoke from an explosion in the Gaza Strip (Leo Correa/AP)

The latest strikes occurred in the same area where Israel targeted what it said was a Hamas compound on Sunday night. The new strikes killed a total of 16 people in the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood in north-west Rafah, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Israel says it is carrying out limited operations in eastern Rafah along the Gaza-Egypt border. But residents reported heavy bombardment overnight in western parts of Rafah as well.

It was a night of horror, said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Tel al-Sultan since December. He said he heard constant sounds of explosions overnight and into Tuesday, with fighter jets and drones flying over the area.

He said it reminded him of the Israeli invasion of his neighbourhood of Shijaiyah in Gaza City, where Israel launched a heavy bombing campaign before sending in ground forces in late 2023.

We saw this before, he said.

Sayed al-Masri, a Rafah resident, said many families have been forced to flee their homes and shelters, with most heading for the crowded area of Muwasi, where giant tent camps have been set up on a barren coastline, or to Khan Younis, a southern city that suffered heavy damage during months of fighting.

Palestinians inspect tents destroyed by Israels bombardment (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Gazas Health Ministry said two medical facilities in Tel al-Sultan are out of service because of intense bombing nearby.

Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charity operating throughout the territory, said the Tel al-Sultan medical centre and the Indonesian Field Hospital were under lockdown, with medics, patients and displaced people trapped inside.

Most of Gazas hospitals are no longer functioning. The Kuwait Hospital in Rafah shut down on Monday after a strike near its entrance killed two health workers.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organisation said the casualties from Sundays strike and fire absolutely overwhelmed field hospitals in the area, which were already running short on supplies to treat severe burns.

That requires intensive care, that requires electricity, that requires high-level medical services, Dr Margaret Harris told reporters in Geneva. Increasingly, we are struggling to even have the high-level skilled doctors and nurses because theyve been displaced.

The war began when Hamas and other militants burst into southern Israel in a surprise attack on October 7, killing some 1,200 civilians and abducting around 250 others. More than 100 were released during a ceasefire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

A tent camp in Rafah housing Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive (Hatem Ali/AP)

Israel responded to the attack with a massive air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 36,096 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count.

Around 80% of Gazas population of 2.3 million has been displaced and United Nations officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.

The fighting in Rafah has made it nearly impossible for humanitarian groups to import and distribute aid to southern Gaza.

The Israeli military says it has allowed hundreds of trucks to enter through the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing since the start of its operation, but aid groups say it is extremely difficult to access that aid on the Gaza side because of the fighting.

The UN says it has only been able to collect aid from around 170 trucks over the past three weeks via Kerem Shalom. Smaller amounts of aid are entering through two crossings in the north and by sea through a US-built floating pier, but it is nowhere near the 600 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed.
Smoke billows after an explosion in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (Leo Correa/AP)

Renewed Israeli shelling and strikes have killed at least 37 people, most of them sheltering in tents, outside the southern Gaza city of Rafah, according to witnesses, first responders and hospital officials.

The strikes overnight and on Tuesday pummelled the same area where strikes had triggered a deadly fire that swept through a camp for displaced Palestinian, they said.

The tent camp inferno has drawn widespread international outrage, including from some of Israels closest allies, over the militarys expanding offensive into Rafah.

And in a sign of Israels growing isolation on the world stage, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised a Palestinian state on Tuesday.

Palestinians fleeing from the southern Gaza city of Rafah during an Israeli ground and air offensive in the city (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

The Israeli military suggested Sundays blaze in the tent camp may have been caused by secondary explosions, possibly from Palestinian militants weapons.

The results of Israels initial probe into the fire were issued on Tuesday, with military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari saying the cause of the fire was still under investigation but that the munitions used  targeting what the army said was a position with two senior Hamas militants  were too small to be the source.

The strike or the subsequent fire could also have ignited fuel, cooking gas canisters or other materials in the camp.

The blaze killed 45 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials count.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the fire was the result of a tragic mishap.

Israels assault on Rafah, launched on May 6, has caused more than one million people to flee the city, the UN agency helping Palestinian refugees said on Tuesday.

Most had already been displaced multiple times in the nearly eight-month war between Israel and Hamas.

Families are now scattered across makeshift tent camps and other war-ravaged areas.

The strikes over the past few days have hit areas west of Rafah, which had not been ordered by the military to evacuate.

Israeli ground troops and tanks have been operating in eastern Rafah, in central parts of the city, and along the Gaza-Egypt border.

Shelling late on Monday and early on Tuesday hit Rafahs western Tel al-Sultan district, killing at least 16 people, the Palestinian Civil Defence and the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

Seven of the dead were in tents next to a UN facility about 200 metres from the site of Sunday nights strike and fire.

It was a night of horror, said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Tel al-Sultan since December.

He said he heard constant sounds of explosions overnight and into Tuesday, with fighter jets and drones flying over the area.

He said it reminded him of the Israeli invasion of his neighbourhood of Shijaiyah in Gaza City, where Israel launched a heavy bombing campaign before sending in ground forces in late 2023.

Palestinians fleeing from the southern Gaza city of Rafah during an Israeli ground and air offensive in the city (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

We saw this before, he said.

The United States and other allies of Israel have warned against a full-fledged offensive in the city, with the Biden administration saying that would cross a red line and refusing to provide offensive arms for such an undertaking.

On Friday, the International Court of Justice called on Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, an order it has no power to enforce.

On Tuesday afternoon, an Israeli drone strike hit tents near a field hospital by the Mediterranean coast west of Rafah, killing at least 21 people, including 13 women, the Gaza Health Ministry said.

A witness, Ahmed Nassar, said his four cousins and some of their husbands and children were killed in the strike and that a number of tents were destroyed or damaged.

Most of those living there had fled from the same neighbourhood in Gaza City earlier in the war.

They have nothing to do with anything, he said.

Mr Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead, saying Israeli forces must enter Rafah to dismantle Hamas and return hostages taken in the October 7 attack that triggered the war.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

In its investigation of Sundays deadly strike and fire, the Israeli military released satellite photos of what it said was a Hamas rocket launch position about 40 metres from an area of sheds that was targeted.

In the photo, the alleged launcher itself did not appear to have been struck.

Rear Admiral Hagari said Israeli warplanes used the smallest munition possible  two munitions with 17-kilogram warheads.

Our munition alone could not have ignited a fire of this size, he said.

Rear Admiral Hagari said that the fire was a devastating incident which we did not expect and said it ignited due to unforeseen circumstances.

Still, the strikes have triggered a flight of people from areas west of Rafah.

Sayed al-Masri, a Rafah resident, said many families were heading to the crowded Muwasi area or to Khan Younis, a southern city that suffered heavy damage during months of fighting.

The situation is worsening in Rafah, al-Masri said.

Israeli soldiers move on the top of a tank near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel (Leo Correa/AP)

Gazas Health Ministry said two medical facilities in Tel al-Sultan are out of service because of intense bombing nearby.

Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charity operating throughout the territory, said the Tel al-Sultan medical centre and the Indonesian Field Hospital were under lockdown, with medics, patients and displaced people trapped inside.

Most of Gazas hospitals are no longer functioning.

Rafahs Kuwait Hospital shut down on Monday after a strike near its entrance killed two health workers.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organisation said the casualties from Sundays strike and fire absolutely overwhelmed field hospitals in the area, which were already running short on supplies to treat severe burns.

That requires intensive care, that requires electricity, that requires high-level medical services, Dr Margaret Harris told reporters in Geneva.

Increasingly, we are struggling to even have the high-level skilled doctors and nurses because theyve been displaced.

(PA Graphics)

The war began when Hamas and other militants burst into southern Israel in a surprise attack on October 7, killing some 1,200 civilians and abducting around 250.

More than 100 were released during a week-long ceasefire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel responded to the attack with a massive air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 36,096 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count.

Around 80% of Gazas population of 2.3 million has been displaced and United Nations officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.

The fighting in Rafah has made it nearly impossible for humanitarian groups to import and distribute aid to southern Gaza.

The Israeli military says it has allowed hundreds of trucks to enter through the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing since the start of its operation, but aid groups say it is extremely difficult to access that aid on the Gaza side because of the fighting.

The UN says it has only been able to collect aid from around 170 trucks over the past three weeks via Kerem Shalom.
Supporters of the ruling and opposition parties demonstrate at the legislative chamber building in Taipei, Taiwan (Chiang Ying-ying/AP)

Taiwans opposition-controlled legislature has passed changes that are seen as favouring China and diminishing the power of the islands president.

The changes introduced by the opposition Nationalist Party and its allies give the body greater power to control budgets, including defence spending that the party has blocked in what many see as a concession to China.

The Nationalists officially back unification with China, from which Taiwan separated during a civil war in 1949.

They took control of the legislature with a single-seat majority after elections in January, while the presidency went to Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which favours Taiwans de facto independence from China.

Supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party gather in Taipei (Chiang Ying-ying/AP)

Thousands of people gathered outside the legislature to protest against the changes.

The legislative chamber was covered with banners promoting both sides in the dispute, while arguments on the floor broke into shouting and pushing matches.

DPP legislators accused deputies from the KMT and the minority Taiwan Peoples Party of undermining Taiwans democracy by expanding the legislatures oversight of the executive branch.

China sends planes and ships near Taiwan on a daily basis in a campaign aimed at wearing down Taiwanese opposition to unification and at deteriorating its defences, which are strongly backed by the US, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.
US Army soldiers assigned to the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), US Navy sailors assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, and Israel Defence Forces placing the Trident Pier on the coast of Gaza Strip on May 16 (US Central Command/AP)

The US-built temporary pier taking humanitarian aid to starving Palestinians will be removed from the coast of Gaza to be repaired after getting damaged in rough seas and weather, the Pentagon said.

Over the next two days, the pier will be pulled out and sent to the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, where US Central Command will repair it, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters.

She said the fixes will take at least over a week and then the pier will need to be anchored back into the beach in Gaza.

Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid cross the Trident Pier before arriving on the beach on the Gaza Strip on May 17 (Staff Sgt Malcolm Cohens-Ashley/US Army via AP)

The pier, used to carry in humanitarian aid arriving by sea, is one of the few ways that food, water and other supplies are getting to Palestinians who the UN says are on the brink of famine amid the nearly eight-month-old war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The setback is the latest for the 320 million dollar (250 million) pier, which only began operations in the past two weeks and has already had three US service members injured and had four of its vessels beached due to heavy seas.

Deliveries were also halted for two days last week after crowds rushed aid trucks coming from the pier and one Palestinian man was shot dead.

After that, the US military worked with the UN and Israeli officials to select safer alternate routes for trucks, the Pentagon said on Friday.

The pier was fully functional as late as Saturday when heavy seas unmoored four of the army boats that were being used to ferry pallets of aid from commercial vessels to the pier.

The system is anchored into the beach and provided a long causeway for trucks to drive that aid on to the shore.

Two of the vessels were beached on Gaza and two others on the coast of Israel near Ashkelon.

Before the weather damage and suspension, the pier had begun to pick up steam and as of Friday more than 820 metric tons of food aid had been delivered from the sea on to the Gaza beach via the pier.

(PA Graphics)

US officials have repeatedly emphasised that the pier cannot provide the amount of aid that starving Gazans need and said that more checkpoints for humanitarian trucks need to be opened.

At maximum capacity, the pier would bring in enough food for 500,000 of Gazas people.

US officials stressed the need for open land crossings for the remaining 1.8 million.

The US has also planned to continue to provide airdrops of food, which likewise cannot meet all the needs.

A deepening Israeli offensive in the southern city of Rafah has made it impossible for aid shipments to get through the crossing there, which is a key source for fuel and food coming into Gaza.

Israel says it is bringing aid in through another border crossing, Kerem Shalom, but humanitarian organisations say Israeli military operations make it difficult for them to retrieve the aid there for distribution.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is on a whirlwind two-day tour of Spain, Belgium and Portugal (Paul White/AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has received a second one billion dollar promise of military aid in as many days during a whirlwind tour of three European Union countries.

It comes as President Vladimir Putin warned that hitting Russian soil with Western-supplied weapons could set the war on a dangerous new path.

The aid pledge for 2024 came from Belgium, which topped up the money with a commitment to give Ukraine 30 F-16 fighter jets in the next four years.

Volodymyr Zelensky, left, shakes hands with Belgiums Alexander De Croo (Kenzo Tribouillard/pool photo via AP)

Our task is to use the first F-16 on the battlefield this year and in such way fortify our positions, Mr Zelensky said.

He later travelled to Portugal, where he said it was important that Ukraines supporters do not allow themselves to be misled by Russia and that we dont grow tired of the war.

The onslaught by the Kremlins better-equipped forces that is unfolding in eastern and north-eastern Ukraine as summer approaches has brought Ukraine its biggest military test since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Slow deliveries of support by its Western partners, especially a lengthy delay in US military aid, have left Ukraine at the mercy of Russias bigger army and air force.

European countries have been discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine in support roles, while talk of giving seized Russian assets to Ukraine has further angered Moscow.

Mr Putin has repeatedly warned the West against deeper involvement in the fighting, holding out the spectre of a nuclear conflict.

The use of Western-supplied long-range weapons by Ukraine to strike Russian territory could bring a dangerous escalation, Mr Putin said on Tuesday, speaking to reporters while on a trip to Uzbekistan.

The use of such weapons would rely on Western intelligence data and imply the involvement of Nato military personnel, Mr Putin said, warning the alliance that it should be aware of the possible consequences.

Representatives of countries that are Nato members, particularly in Europe, should be aware of what they are playing with, he said, adding that countries with small territory and dense populations should be particularly careful.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

The Netherlands promised to quickly assemble with key EU partners a Patriot air defence system, which Mr Zelensky sees as key in stopping Russia from hitting Ukraines power grid and civilian areas, as well as military targets, with devastating glide bombs.

Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the move but insisted much more work was needed.

We have seen some progress, but more progress and more air defence systems are urgently needed in Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg said as he headed into a meeting of EU defence ministers.

Before returning to Ukraine, Mr Zelensky visited Portugal and signed another bilateral agreement.

Portugal is one of Western Europes poorest countries and has a small military compared with its bigger EU partners.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Portugal is sending a further 126 million euros in military and financial aid to Kyiv as part of a broad co-operation plan.

On Monday, Mr Zelensky signed a security agreement with Spain that allocates one billion euros of military aid to Ukraine in 2024, and five billion euros by 2027.

The bilateral aid is essential since the 27-nation bloc is again struggling to overcome Hungarys objections to the EU itself providing billions of euros in military aid to Kyiv.

An estimated 6.5 billion euros are stalled by the Hungarian government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, considered Russias staunchest ally in the EU.

Volodymyr Zelensky, left, is welcomed by Spains Pedro Sanchez in Madrid (Paul White/AP)

Single member states have wide veto powers, and Hungary has long held up funds aimed at boosting Ukraines defences.

Thats the sad thing that we have the cash, we have the capacity, but we are still pending decisions to implement aid decisions for Ukraine, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Mr Zelensky met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and as well as the immediate money, he obtained a security agreement aimed at providing guarantees of military help until Ukraine joins Nato.

Since Russia launched a spring offensive in the north-eastern Kharkiv region, Mr Zelensky has insisted Ukraine urgently needs seven more US-made Patriot air defence systems.

Mr Putin says the Kremlins forces are seeking to establish a buffer zone in Kharkiv to prevent Ukraine launching attacks across the border there.

Dutch defence minister Kajsa Ollongren, meeting with her EU colleagues, said a Patriot system will be built in a short time frame.

The Netherlands has the core components for a Patriot system and other EU nations will contribute other key parts and munitions.

Ukraine is also fighting Europes fight, she said.

Ukrainian troops on the front line near the city of Bakhmut (Iryna Rybakova via AP)

Mr Zelensky was to visit Belgium and Spain earlier this month but postponed all his foreign trips after Russia launched its Kharkiv offensive and left Ukrainian forces reeling.

In other developments, the UNs atomic agencys chief was in Russias westernmost territory of Kaliningrad to talk about safety issues involving the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

The plant has been occupied by the Russian forces since early in the war, and all of its reactors have been in a cold shutdown.

Frequent shelling around Europes largest nuclear plant has raised global concerns over nuclear security.

International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi met with Alexei Likhachyov, head of Russias state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom.

The Russian state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Mr Grossi as saying that common understanding has been reached on the steps that are necessary to enhance the plants security, but restarting it seems impossible at the moment.

Mr Likhachyov echoed his sentiment on restarting the plant, but also vowed its current state is absolutely safe.
Sinn Fein was placated and pampered during the peace process and allowed to abuse the democratic process. And, after all, what did London care if a few surly Irish republicans took the dosh and didnt bother to turn up? They would have created a bigger fuss back then if they had entered the chamber and asserted their political vision and raised questions about the quality of governance over the whole UK.
Times running out for Ted, Jesus, Mary and Joseph  and the wee donkey will shortly be put out to pasture too.

Its been three years since Superintendent Ted Hastings, played by Adrian Dunbar, was last called up for Line of Duty, fighting the good fight against police corruption with his AC-12 colleagues over six series that captured viewers imagination.

And most still havent bought the fact that the bungling Ian Buckles was the mastermind behind it all.

For the creators of the hit police procedural, Belfast is still here and waiting to provide the backdrop as the gang go into action one more time.

But as Dunbar says himself, no one wants to see Ted Hastings with a Zimmer frame.

Though the Enniskillen actor is almost pension age himself, he is still raring to go, keen for one last crack at bringing down the corruption from within.

Dunbar says all the Line of Duty stars want it to return for a final shoot-out. No doubt the 13m viewers it pulled in during series six want it too.

Surely thats too good of an opportunity for the BBC to pass up?
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks to attendees at the Semicon Southeast Asia 2024 conference during the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center in Kuala Lumpur, May 28, 2024.

Malaysia will allocate 25 billion ringgit (U.S. $5.3 billion) to train 60,000 local engineers and expand the domestic semiconductor industry, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Tuesday, as the country seeks to become a neutral, global chip-making hub amid U.S.-China tensions.

The Southeast Asian nation is also looking to capitalize on chip companies diversifying their supply chains with a China Plus One strategy, where companies complement production in China with investment in other countries, to avoid a repeat of the demand shock caused during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a speech at a trade show in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar lobbied for Malaysia as a non-partisan hub for top chipmakers amid rising concerns that U.S.-China tech battles would disrupt supply chains for a range of products, from smartphones to electric vehicles.

I offer our nation as the most neutral and non-aligned location for semiconductor production, to help build a more secure and resilient global semiconductor supply chain, Anwar said at Semicon Southeast Asia 2024.

Geopolitical dynamics aside, a robust multinational semiconductor production remains vital for humankinds survival, particularly as we are running out of time in our climate action and risk mitigation.

Anwar said his administration planned to create 10 local companies for semiconductor design and packaging, with projected revenues of 1 billion to 4.7 billion ringgit ($210 million to $1 billion). Nurturing an additional 100 semiconductor-related companies with revenue close to 1 billion ringgit ($210 million) would also create higher wages for Malaysian workers, he said.

We have a strong capacity to diversify and move higher in the value chain towards even more high-end manufacturing, semiconductor design and advanced packaging, he said.

We will court at least 500 billion ringgit [$106.5 billion] of investments with domestic direct investment focusing on integrated circuit design, advanced packaging and foreign direct investment focusing on wafer fabs and manufacturing equipment, he said referring to the production of semiconductor fabrication.

Anwar did not provide a timeline for these targets, but Tengku Zafrul Aziz, minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia, has set targets to achieve its semiconductor ambitions over the next five to 10 years.

In April, Anwar announced a plan to build Southeast Asias largest integrated circuit design park to shift focus from chip assembly to high-value work and attract global tech companies and investors.

Malaysia controls about 13% of global chip packaging, assembly and testing services, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, making it the worlds sixth-largest exporter of semiconductors.

Major investments in Malaysias semiconductor sector recently include expansions by the U.S.-based Intel and Germanys Infineon, and AI infrastructure development by Nvidia and Microsoft, according to the authorities.

In August 2023, Infineon Technologies announced an investment of up to 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) over the next five years to build the worlds largest 200-mm silicon carbide power fabrication facility in Malaysia.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivers a speech at the Semicon Southeast Asia 2024 conference in Kuala Lumpur, May 28, 2024. [S. Mahfuz/BenarNews]

Zafrul, the investment minister, said Malaysias stance on geopolitical neutrality, coupled with its adept investment diplomacy strengthened its global position.

In August 2022, U.S. lawmakers passed the CHIPS and Science Act, authorizing incentives such as subsidies and tax breaks to boost advanced semiconductor production.

Two months later, Washington imposed broad export restrictions on chips and chip-making technology to limit Chinas ability to both purchase and manufacture certain high-end chips used in military applications and build on prior policies, company-specific actions, and less public regulatory, legal, and enforcement actions 

The U.S.-China tech war and the China Plus One strategy has presented a golden opportunity for Malaysias economy, said Wong Siew Hai, president of Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association.

In 2021, Malaysia grew 18% in semiconductor export value and in 2022 we grew 30%. The export value was 595 billion ringgit ($126.8 billion) in 2022, he told BenarNews.

In 2022, the global semiconductor market grew 3.3% but Malaysia grew 30%, so what that means is that the China Plus One strategy is actually working.  Malaysia is one of the biggest beneficiaries of that shift, he told BenarNews.

Additionally, said Samuel Tan, a property consultant, Malaysias friendly relations with China and the West were key factors in making it an attractive investment hub for companies relocating their manufacturing facilities.

Malaysia offers a conducive environment for companies due to factors such as a skilled talent pool, robust legal frameworks, political stability, investment-friendly policies, and a supportive ecosystem of small and midsize enterprises, the executive director of KGV International Property Consultants told BenarNews.

The countrys multilingual capabilities, low currency rate for competitive exports, and ability to diversify risks further enhance its attractiveness for establishing production hubs.

Chinas approach

Meanwhile, even Chinese firms are applying the China Plus One strategy, according to analyst Collins Chong Yew Keat of the University of Malaya.

While U.S. and European firms are keen to diversify out of China, Chinese firms are doing the same  to avoid the aftermath of U.S. sanctions  and locating facilities outside of the mainland as part of the China Plus One, he told BenarNews.

Concerns on the long-term durability of Taiwans prowess in the semiconductor sector with increasing geopolitical and security volatilities have also fueled further focus on Malaysia.

Collins said Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and India stand to be the potential front-runners or popular destinations for companies implementing the plus-one strategy.

Still, Malaysia has the right ingredients and advantages to be the top pick of these countries for chipmakers firms, he said.
Meanwhile, a new Chinese order threatening arrest of trespassers into its waters takes effect on June 15.

Philippine Coast Guard personnel aboard BRP Bagacay observe a China Coast Guard ship during the distribution of fuel and food to fishers by a civilian-led mission in the disputed South China Sea, May 16, 2024.

The Philippine military on Tuesday vowed it would protect Filipino fishermen during the four-month fishing ban China has imposed in contested South China Sea waters, including in areas within Manilas exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Manila had a day earlier summoned Chinas envoy to protest the annual moratorium, as it does every year, saying the practice violates its sovereign rights. Beijing claims the ban promotes sustainable fishing and conserves marine ecology in the waterway.

Commodore Ray Vincent Trinidad, a Philippine Navy spokesman, said on Tuesday that the force had deployed additional vessels to protect Filipino fishermen.

The Philippine Navy does not recognize this provocative statement nor will we be deterred in performing our mandate of securing the welfare of Filipinos wherever he or she is - on land or on sea, said Trinidad, spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, referring to Chinas fishing moratorium.

Overall, patrols have been increased in the entire [West Philippine Sea].

Manila calls areas in the South China Sea that are within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) the West Philippine Sea.

Philippine fishermen and volunteers from a civilian-led mission aboard fishing boats arrive at a meeting point in the South China Sea, May 15, 2024. [Ted Aljibe/AFP]

Chinas fishing moratorium this year, which began on May 1 and is scheduled to last until Sept. 16, will take place as a new China Coast Guard order is scheduled to go into force June 15.

The Chinese coast guard had on May 15 issued an order authorizing its personnel to detain foreign boats and nationals suspected of trespassing into Beijing-claimed waters in the South China Sea for up to 30 days  and as many as 60, in some cases. Manila has called this order illegal, warning against repercussions if it is implemented.

Meanwhile, Filipino fishermen said they would continue to fish in the waters that Manila claims despite threats of arrest by Chinese authorities.

We will not follow this baseless ban by China in our waters, Joey Marabe, provincial coordinator of the Filipino fishermens group Pamalakaya in Zambales, told BenarNews on Tuesday.

He called the ban an unacceptable insult, alleging that China had been known for destructive fishing practices.

Marabe said the ban would directly affect the livelihood of Filipino fishermen and vowed they would ignore it.

No foreigner has the right to stop us from fishing in our own territory, he said.

China in 2012 seized the Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing ground in another part of Manilas EEZ, after a two-month standoff with the Philippine Navy.

Manila subsequently took China to an international arbitral court, and in 2016 won a landmark ruling in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which threw out Chinas expansive claims in the South China Sea.

Beijing, however, has ignored the ruling and refuses to leave Scarborough Shoal, which Manila calls Bajo de Masinloc. Recently, the China Coast Guard shadowed a Filipino civilian mission to Scarborough, though there was no major incident.

Constructive multilateralism

On Monday, Manila filed its 25th diplomatic protest against China this year, and the 158th since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was elected in 2022.

The unilateral imposition of the fishing moratorium raises tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, Manilas Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement after summoning the Chinese envoy.

Through a diplomatic note, the Philippines protested the ban insofar as it includes the [Philippines] maritime zones over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

The statement added that the ban had undermined an understanding between Marcos and Chinese leader Xi Jinping that both countries would manage differences through diplomacy and dialogue, and reduce tensions at sea.

Chinas embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a BenarNews request for comment.

Manilas protest came days before Marcos is expected to discuss the South China Sea dispute in his keynote speech at an international security forum in Singapore.

Top political and security leaders from dozens of countries are most likely to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue this weekend. The annual inter-governmental security forum is organized by the Singaporean think-tank International Institute for Strategic Studies.

I think it is extremely timely that I attend [the Shangri-La Dialogue] and put forward and articulate the Philippines perspectives and outlook on defense and diplomacy while we continue to highlight the Philippines commitment to a rules-based international order and constructive multilateralism amidst the current geopolitical challenges that we face in our region, Marcos said on Tuesday, before he departed for a state visit to Brunei en route to Singapore.
'So cute!' Yunnan golden monkeys queue for water

People's Daily Online) 09:58, May 28, 2024

Staff from the Yunling Nature Reserve in Lanping county, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, southwest Chinas Yunnan Province, recently captured precious footage of Yunnan golden monkeys queuing up to drink from a small waterhole.

During a patrol, workers from the local forestry and grassland administration also encountered several Yunnan golden monkeys on the same tree.

The Yunnan golden monkey, also known as the black snub-nosed monkey, is a rare and endangered primate unique to China and is under Class I state protection.

According to reports, there are three populations of Yunnan golden monkeys in the Yunling Nature Reserve.

Long-term monitoring has revealed that the monkeys' activities in the reserve primarily focus on foraging, with water drinking mainly concentrated during midday hours. The monkeys line up to drink in small family units.

A Yunnan golden monkey. (Photo provided by the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture Forestry and Grassland Administration)

A Yunnan golden monkey holding a baby. (Photo provided by the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture Forestry and Grassland Administration)

Yunnan golden monkeys leap and move through the forest. (Photo provided by the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture Forestry and Grassland Administration)

(Intern Jiang Yinghan contributed to this story.)

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Du Mingming)
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

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HANCOCK  As the school year wraps up, a Hancock Elementary School sixth grader who lives in Cheshire might be looking forward to the next chapter in his academic journey: Mount Greylock Regional School.

It will cost $17,254 to send the school choice student to the Williamstown middle and high school. And $5,000 of that will be covered by Cheshire taxpayers. Who pays the rest?

According to a 30-year-old subsection of state law, Hancock taxpayers will. However, it's apparently never been followed  until now.

Because of that, school districts that rely on school choice students to bolster enrollment now can't afford to accept them.

Why choose a rural school in Massachusetts? Small class sizes and personalized attention among factors that make them appealing What is it like attending a rural school in Massachusetts? Data from the state and insight from an expert reveal what makes them so appealing to parents. For instance, class sizes at rural schools tend to be small, guaranteeing more personalized attention, and student-to-teacher ratios tend to be low. At Hancock, for example, the student to teacher ratio is about 8:1. The state average is about 11:1. Classes sometimes include multiple grades, as at Savoy and Hancock. To achieve efficiencies, rural schools share staff, even across districts, and often rely on part-timers who travel from one school to another. Jake Eberwein, project director at Berk12, points out that rural schools often have a hard time getting specialists, that it may be difficult for teachers to reach out to peers for support, and that students can sometimes get stuck in a cohort that doesnt fit them. But the students know each other, and their teachers know them. It's hard to slip through the cracks in a small school. At Savoys town meeting, parent Samantha Krutiak spoke passionately about the experience of her child at its Emma Miller Elementary School. He spent his first year there this year as a fourth-grader in a mixed-grade classroom. Rural schools also operate as community centers. For example, Hancock Elementary School provides an annual Thanksgiving meal to elderly residents.

The rule  obligating towns to pay a tuition gap for out-of-district school choice students in upper grades  applies to 10 school districts that have tuition agreements for middle and high school education.

Typically, school choice tuition, taken from a students home district, is just $5,000. The gap that Hancock taxpayers will pay is $12,254 per student per year  or at least $73,524 over the six years a single student attends Mount Greylock.

Right now, Hancock has three out-of-district school choice sixth graders. In response to their understanding of this obligation, the Hancock School Committee has decided to not accept any new school choice students in the coming year.

Enrollment at Hancock Elementary is expected to drop from 59 to 54 students in the fall. But a home-rule bill filed in February might change this outlook, which makes Hancock the first in the state to seek an exemption from their obligation to pay the tuition gap for seventh through 12th grade school choice students.

Cahill LeBarron, who lives in Hancock and teaches at Hancock Elementary School, has some concerns.

I think what were running the risk of is having an influx of students that come to [Hancock in order to] go to [Mount] Greylock, LeBarron said. Mount Greylock is a great school. Theres a high demand for kids to go there.

At the same time, as a teacher and parent, she understands Hancocks need to accept school choice students to bolster class sizes at the school, which this year includes mixed-grade classrooms.

AN UNEXPECTED REMINDER

An email from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education arrived at Hancock Superintendent Rebecca Phillips inbox on Sept. 11, 2023.

In it, DESE Senior Fiscal Analyst Cheryl A. Loiselle detailed Subsection K of Section 12B of Chapter 76B of Massachusetts General Laws: Each school choice student shall be permitted to remain in that school system until his high school graduation 

We want to remind all districts that have tuition agreements with other districts of their obligations when it comes to their school choice students, Loiselle wrote. Please inform your school choice families of their right to progress to the district where you tuition your students if they do not already reside in that district.

It was a bombshell.

It came to a complete surprise to all of us, said Beth Choquette, who is principal and superintendent of Richmond Consolidated School, which also relies on school choice students. I think everybody went into panic mode.

An email chain immediately started among the 10 superintendents whose districts are affected. They felt like they had been strong-armed to regionalize.

We all feel that this is DESEs underlying message: Small schools, you need to regionalize, Choquette said. Theyll never say that thats their underlying message, but I personally I feel like that is the message theyre trying to send us.

Superintendents of rural school districts in the Berkshires concur with Choquette's appraisal, including John Franzoni at Northern Berkshire School Union and Timothy Lee at Farmington River Regional School District.

THE STATE RESPONDS

DESE Chief Financial Officer Bill Bell and Director of School Business Services Rob ODonnell said on Thursday, Hancock was not alone in its concerns about the email.

However, O'Donnell said that Phillips expressed the most concerns. Bell attributed the surprise to superintendent turnover and denied that the correspondence was designed to spur regionalization.

Elsewhere, DESE does encourage regionalization, namely guidance issued by it on the use of rural education aid in fiscal 2024 that says "with priority given to efforts to increase regional collaboration, consolidation, or other strategies to improve long-term operational efficiency and effectiveness."

HOME-RULE BILL

Phillips initially hoped to band with others on Beacon Hill to win a blanket exemption. But the only immediate remedies available are to regionalize, pay the tuition gap or file home-rule legislation.

I dont believe Hancock has an appetite for a regionalization discussion, Phillips said. As a result, were taking the legislative route to overturn our obligations.

Hancocks home-rule bill would allow it to continue taking in out-of-district school choice students it has relied upon for its elementary school, while exempting it from the tuition gap obligation when they graduate and return to their home districts. It would restore the way the school has been operating since school choice began in 1994.

At Hancocks annual town meeting in May, voters endorsed the home-rule bill unanimously, and it is now in the state Legislatures joint committee on education.

State Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams, said hes uncertain whether it will reach the floor prior to the end of the legislative session on July 22.

Were kind of all watching to see what happens with that, said Choquette. Theres so much value in our small schools. I wish people from the state or from out east would come out and visit these small, hometown schools, so they could see the value.

Meanwhile, Phillips is planning to use money banked from school choice tuition to pay the tuition gap for next year's seventh graders. The revolving fund has about $550,000 in it.

Were in a good position to be able to pay for these students if need be, Phillips said, and that source will be used until those funds run out.

If the home-rule bill fails, though, That would put us in a position where we would not look at opening up for school choice again, Phillips said. And if that were the case, you start to have some pretty difficult discussions.

WARWICK WAS FIRST

Hancock might not be alone in filing a home-rule petition to exempt it from paying the tuition gaps for out-of-district students.

Warwick Community School, which reopened in the fall, is looking to do the same.

Like Hancock, the law doesn't make school choice students viable for Warwick because of the costs it puts them on the hook for after they graduate from elementary school. This year, the school had just 27 students, including a class with just one girl.

"I wish that I could advise the school committee to open choice seats," said Warwick Superintendent Carole Learned-Miller. "However, it would be financially irresponsible to do so."

While Warwick was the first in recent memory to be given new guidance of the tuition obligation, Learned-Miller said it is behind Hancock in filing its home-rule legislation.

After Warwick joined the Pioneer Valley Regional School District, the regional school district opted to close the school in the summer of 2020.

Students there were sent to Northfield Elementary School, but the Warwick community rallied. Some students were spending two hours on the school bus on a road that has no cellular phone reception in certain parts.

The community decided to reopen its newly renovated school and form a new K-12 school district.

The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved those plans in early 2022.

In January 2023  about nine months before Hancock was informed  Warwick was made aware that it would be obligated to pay the tuition gap for out-of-district school choice students for their seventh- through 12th-grade education, which it is looking to get out of.

"Were just starting the process of legislative action," Learned-Miller said.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the end of the day during his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 21 in New York City.
The book of Revelation vividly underscores the importance of worship, presenting it as a central theme in the heavenly realm and a critical aspect of our life.

In Revelation 4, Johns vision of heaven reveals the throne room of God, surrounded by twenty-four elders and four living creatures. These beings continually worship God, proclaiming, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come (Revelation 4:8). Their ceaseless worship highlights Gods eternal holiness and sovereignty.

Revelation 5 further emphasizes worship when the Lamb, Jesus, takes the scroll. The four living creatures and twenty-four elders fall before the Lamb, singing a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation (Revelation 5:9). This scene portrays Jesus redemptive work as the foundation for worship, acknowledging His sacrifice and worthiness.

Another powerful example occurs in Revelation 7, where a great multitude from every nation stands before the throne and the Lamb, crying out, Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb (Revelation 7:10). This collective worship underscores the universal nature of Gods salvation and the unity of believers in our praise.

When we praise God, individually or corporately, we enter a heavenly activity already happening, answering the prayer for it to be on earth as it is in heaven.

Photo credit: Getty Images/James Coleman
Brazil, France, Germany, Norway, and Qatar declare support for the fit-for-future financing strategy

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its first-ever Investment Round, as part of a broader plan to transform the way the Organization is funded heading into an era of climate change, mass migration, pandemic threats, an ageing world population, and turbulent geopolitics.

The launch marks the start of a year-long series of engagements and events, co-hosted by countries, where Member States and other donors will be invited to contribute funds to WHOs strategy for 2025 through 2028 and show high-level political commitment to WHO and global health.

The Investment Round will culminate in November with a major pledging event to be hosted by Brazil around the G20 Leaders Summit.

The Government of Brazil announced that as part of its G20 presidency, the country will host high-level events including at the Leaders Summit in November to support the Investment Round and rally countries to join the initiative.

Qatar Minister of Health Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari announced a contribution of $ 4 million in fully flexible funds to the Investment Round, and an intention to contribute further.

France, Germany, and Norway announced that they would serve as co-hosts for the Investment Round.

Further statements of support for the Investment Round came from Dr Gabriel Leung representing the Institute of Philanthropy, and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is WHOs Ambassador for Global Health Financing.

Holding an Investment Round was one of the key recommendations put forward by the Member State-led WHO Working Group on Sustainable Financing and approved by Member States to make WHO a predictably, sustainably, flexibly funded organization. Member States have also approved an increase in their assessed contributions, on the pathway to providing 50% of WHOs base budget by 2030.

With the Investment Round, WHO is seeking to expand its donor base by mobilising new contributions from the WHO Member States that have not yet provided voluntary contributions and by tapping into new private sector donors through the WHO Foundation.
To play a crucial role in monitoring and regulating industrial emissions

US-based Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced the commencement of manufacturing of Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS) analysers in India. The analysers will be engineered, manufactured and validated at Thermo Fishers facility at Nasik, Maharashtra.

Thermo Fisher has been supporting leading players in cement, metals, mining, oil and gas, power, chemicals and other industries in India with these analysers, manufactured at its facilities in the USA and China. The analysers are then assembled into Make in India Class 1 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) at its Pune facility.

By now manufacturing these analysers in India, Thermo Fisher has further fortified its commitment to Indias localisation and environmental stewardship efforts.

Designed to provide accurate data on air pollutants and gases, the AQMS analysers play a crucial role in monitoring and regulating industrial emissions, contributing to the governments efforts in curbing air pollution.

According to Jatinder Singh Kamyotra, former Member Secretary and Director of Central Pollution Control Board, The localisation will minimise downtime for the availability of these analysers and enable stakeholders to provide better quality data to formulate policies to positively impact the environment.

Dr Nihar Sahoo, Chief Environmental Engineer, State Pollution Control Board and Head of the National Clean Air Programme, Odisha, further added, The National Clean Air Programme aims at reducing air pollution by 20-40% with a focus on reduction of Pollutants PM10 and PM2.5. To ensure that we achieve these ambitious targets, there is a need for high-quality equipment that provides accurate and consistent baseline data on the particulate and gas pollutants."

Srinath Venkatesh, Managing Director, India & South Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific, said Air pollution remains a major challenge in India, impacting the health and well-being of millions. By investing in localised capabilities, we strive to strengthen our partnership with government and regulatory stakeholders for action-oriented measures for a healthier, cleaner and safer India.
To help accelerate research at IIT Bombay

Wadhwani Research Center for Bioengineering (WRCB), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has joined hands with Mumbai-based MP Biomedicals in a first-of-its-kind Industry-Academia collaboration model.



Under this agreement, MP Biomedicals will provide free consumable credit and instruments (on loan) for IIT Bombay faculty and researchers.

This will help accelerate research at IIT Bombay by providing easy access to important and frequently used consumables, kits, reagents, and equipment to our faculty and researchers.

This is a unique model in Indian academia sector that typically faces more barriers to timely project completion due to lower funding availability and slower turnaround times for research instruments and consumables compared to their global peers.

MP Biomedicals offers a diverse portfolio of life science products, fine chemicals, and diagnostics used in industries ranging from basic research to clinical diagnostics and pharmaceuticals.
Union Health Secretary meets Googles Chief Health Officer on the sidelines of World Health Assembly at Geneva

Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary who is leading the India delegation, met with Dr Karen DeSalvo, Chief Health Officer, Google at a side-event of the 77th World Health Assembly of WHO in Geneva.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ongoing engagement between Google Research and the Union Health Ministry in making digital health tools more accessible to people.

At the outset, the Union Health Secretary appreciated the ongoing engagement between the two organisations. He expressed the need for exploring possible collaboration in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sought Googles support to the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), building more digital health tools like Automated Retinal Disease Assessment (ARDA) and make them ABDM enabled, and in spreading awareness about ABDM among the student community as well as startup community.

The google team highlighted the existing engagement of Google Research with Indias National Health Authority (NHA). Google Research has been engaged with NHA since 2022, when Googles AI model for diabetic retinopathy screening (ARDA) was listed on ABDMs website under the Open Call for Expression of Interest (EoI) for creating digital health ecosystem for India. Google Research and NHA have also been working on development of an open-sourced ABDM wrapper to simplify ABDM sandbox integration process.


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The Government has formally recognised the state of Palestine following a meeting of the Cabinet.

The historic decision was taken in a joint move with Spain and Norway, who will also recognise the Palestinian state from today.

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A statement released following the Cabinet meeting read: "The Government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.

"An Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine will be appointed along with a full Embassy of Ireland in Ramallah."

At a meeting of government today Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine.

The Government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.

Full statement: https://t.co/YpvxXsuKCI pic.twitter.com/ebAyNTVtMD  MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) May 28, 2024 Advertisement

The Government reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken by Hamas from Israel on October 7th, as well as unhindered access for humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said the decision "is about keeping hope alive", adding: "It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security.

Israel-Hamas War Israeli strikes kill 16 in Rafah, medics say, as r... Read More

"We had wanted to recognise Palestine at the end of a peace process, however, we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive."

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Mr Harris again called on Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu "to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza".

Tanaiste Micheal Martin added the move to recognise the state of Palestine represents Ireland's conviction that a political path is the only way to "break the cycle of dispossession, subjugation, dehumanisation, terrorism and death that has blighted the lives of Israelis and Palestinians for decades".

He added: "Prospects for a lasting peace have never been more in peril and it is imperative we act now, alongside our likeminded partners, to protect the viability of a two-State solution and the equal rights of Palestinians and Israelis to self-determination, peace, security and dignity."
The Dail was suspended after protesters inside the chamber interrupted statements on Palestine to call for sanctions to be imposed on Israel.

The group of demonstrators, who were sitting in the public gallery, got to their feet and chanted pro-Palestinian messages.

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It came as politicians were making statements in the Dail following Irelands formal recognition of the Palestinian state.

One man held up a sign that said divest, while another person carried a Palestinian flag.

This morning, Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine.



It is an occasion of deep significance to the people of Ireland. And many Palestinians have told me that Irelands decision has provided hope at what is a very dark time in Palestine. pic.twitter.com/kmt0YSjW02 Advertisement  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 28, 2024

The protesters chanted stop arming Israel, sanctions now and close Shannon (airport) to the US military.

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Security staff in Leinster House removed around nine demonstrators who waved the Palestinian flag and called for immediate sanctions against Israel.

The demonstrators spent some minutes chanting at the politicians who had gathered in the Dail to make statements in support of Palestine and to condemn the ongoing attacks in Gaza.

A number of Palestinian people were also watching from the public gallery, including Palestines ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid. They were not involved in the brief demonstration.

Earlier, Taoiseach Simon Harris said there is an onus on every country and on the European Union to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.

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In a statement to the parliament as Ireland formally recognises the state of Palestine, Mr Harris said: I welcome the decision of the Belgian presidency to convene a meeting on the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The human rights clauses in that agreement are and must be meaningful and when theyre not being adhered to, that too must have consequences.

We need to look at all the levers at our disposal to bring about a cessation of violence before Netanyahus next tragic mistake.

Formal recognition of the State of Palestine here today is an act of powerful, political and symbolic value. I hope it sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that in this, their darkest hour, Ireland stands with them.

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Members of the public take photographs as the flag of Palestine flies outside Leinster House in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

It is an expression of our view that Palestine holds and should be able to vindicate the full rights of the state, including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security, as well as recognising Palestines own obligations under international law.

Mr Harris said that generations of Palestinians have endured occupation, dehumanisation and humiliation.

In todays West Bank we see an extreme form of Zionism fuel settler violence and appropriation of land, illegal actions that largely go unchecked, he added.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is confident other European countries will join Ireland, Norway and Spain in their recognition of the state of Palestine.

It has long been my view that recognising Palestine would be most impactful if done in a co-ordinated manner with other partners, Mr Martin told the Dail.

That we have taken the decision to recognise the state of Palestine together with Norway and Spain  and in the wider context of a regional peace initiative  is important.

I am confident that there is a growing consensus among like-minded partners that Palestinian statehood can no longer wait until the end of a process of final settlement negotiations between the parties.

I anticipate that other European partners may decide to recognise Palestine in the coming weeks and months.

The challenge now is to maintain this momentum. We need a fundamental paradigm shift in the way all of us in the international community view the solution to this conflict. We need urgency and we need concrete steps.

We have said many times that an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access are essential. That remains essential and we will not rest until we have achieved this.

Mr Martin was also critical of the Israeli government reaction to Irelands decision to recognise the Palestinian state.

Last week, ambassador Sonya McGuinness was summoned to the Israeli foreign affairs ministry and reprimanded over Irelands decision.

As proceedings started, Ms McGuinness was shown footage of Hamas that Israel claimed was filmed on October 7th.

 Today must be Ireland's first step in pushing for an end to the occupation, to apartheid, to the generations of human rights violations.



Palestinians cry out for freedom, for justice, for human dignity. They cry out for life.



Ireland and the world must see that they have pic.twitter.com/Jq8qleb1CY  Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) May 28, 2024

Mr Martin said the treatment of Ms McGuinness fell far short of what we would expect from any country, irrespective of our political differences.

I have and will continue to treat Israels ambassador to Ireland with professional courtesy and respect. I expect the same in return. We wish to maintain functional diplomatic engagement and dialogue with Israel, he added.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said he shares the frustration of the Jewish community of the one-sided approach that some people are taking to the conflict on the Middle East.

Let me also reiterate to Israel: the Irish people recognise your rights to exist as a nation, recognising Palestine does not in any way diminish your rights as a state, in fact it is the opposite, he said.

Our dearest wish is that establishment of a Palestinian state solidifies your existence and allows you to prosper and flourish in peace and harmony with your neighbours.

I particularly want to offer reassurance to Jewish friends living here in Ireland, the last seven months have not been easy, and many may feel that there is a change in attitude towards them or people of their religion.

We need to assure them they are welcome here, they belong here, they are as Irish as all of us.

Long may Ireland be a home to Jewish people so they can continue their outstanding contribution to our nation in art, in science, in business and in politics. This house has benefited so much from people from our Jewish community.

I share their frustration at the one-sided approach that some people take to the conflict. That some would appear to think that Israels governments appalling actions mean they can be silent on Hamass atrocities  I do not.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horror on an unimaginable scale.

Ms McDonald told Irelands parliament that world leaders continue to draw a false equivalence between the impoverished occupied and the oppressive occupier.

She accused Israel of brazenly, repeatedly breaking international law, adding: Palestine is a nation threatened by annihilation.

The Dublin TD added: The world was always going to face a moment of reckoning on Palestine, and as Israel continues its brutal onslaught on the refugee population of Gaza and launch horrific madness and attacks on Rafah, I believe the moment of reckoning is now.

Recognition of the Palestinian state cant be the end, it has to be just the beginning: a new departure in pursuing freedom and justice for the Palestinians.

Labours Aodhan O Riordain said that the EU can and must act further by suspending its trade agreement with Israel.

He said: The EU is Israels largest trading partner with 32% of Israels imports coming from the EU and the Irish government can send a further message of solidarity by passing the Occupied Territories Bill to ban any goods and services produced in Israeli-occupied settlements in the West Bank.

However, the reality is that there is one man with unparalleled influence to bring the disaster in Gaza to an end. His name is Joe Biden and he has to do better.

We know things about peace processes in this country. We know that if there is to be peace it has to be premised in the absence of violence.

We know that if there has to be peace, there has to be compromise. We know that if there is to be peace then one side cannot win absolutely.
Israeli strikes on Rafah have killed at least 16 Palestinians, first responders said on Tuesday, as residents reported an escalation of fighting in the southern Gaza city.

An Israeli incursion launched in early May has caused nearly one million to flee from Rafah, most of whom have already been displaced in the war between Israel and Hamas, and who are now seeking refuge in squalid tent camps and war-ravaged areas.

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The latest strikes occurred in the same area where Israel targeted what it said was a Hamas compound on Sunday night.

That strike ignited a fire in a camp for displaced Palestinians and killed at least 45 people, according to local health officials, sparking worldwide outrage.

Binyamin Netanyahu said there was a tragic mishap on Sunday (Gil Cohen-Magen/pool photo via AP)

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Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu said there was a tragic mishap on Sunday and the military said it was investigating.

Strikes overnight killed a total of 16 people in the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood in north-west Rafah, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Israel says it is carrying out limited operations in eastern Rafah along the Gaza-Egypt border. But residents reported heavy bombardment overnight in western parts of Rafah as well.

It was a night of horror, said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Tel al-Sultan since December.

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He said he heard constant sounds of explosions overnight and into Tuesday morning, with fighter jets and drones flying over the area.

He said it reminded him of the Israeli invasion of of his neighbourhood of Shijaiyah in Gaza City, where Israel launched a heavy bombing campaign before sending in ground forces in late 2023.

Smoke from an explosion in the Gaza Strip (Leo Correa/AP)

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We saw this before, he said.

Sayed al-Masri, a Rafah resident, said many families have been forced to flee their homes and shelters, with most heading for the crowded area of Mawasi, where giant tent camps have been set up on a barren coastline, or to Khan Younis, a southern city that suffered heavy damage during months of fighting.

The situation is worsening in Rafah, Mr al-Masri said.

Gazas Health Ministry said two medical facilities in Tel al-Sultan have been taken out of service because of intense bombing nearby.

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Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charity operating throughout the territory, said the Tel al-Sultan medical centre and the Indonesian Field Hospital were under lockdown, with medics, patients and displaced people trapped inside.

Most of Gazas hospitals are no longer functioning. The Kuwait Hospital in Rafah shut down on Monday after a strike near its entrance killed two health workers.

Palestinians inspect tents destroyed by Israels bombardment (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

A spokeswoman for the World Health Organisation said the casualties from Sundays strike and fire absolutely overwhelmed field hospitals in the area, which were already running short on supplies to treat severe burns.

That requires intensive care, that requires electricity, that requires high-level medical services, Dr Margaret Harris told reporters in Geneva.

Increasingly, we are struggling to even have the high-level skilled doctors and nurses because theyve been displaced.

The war began when Hamas and other militants burst into southern Israel in a surprise attack on October 7th, killing some 1,200 civilians and abducting around 250 others. More than 100 were released during a ceasefire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel responded to the October 7th attack with a massive air, land and sea offensive that has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count.

Around 80 per cent of Gazas population of 2.3 million has been displaced and parts of the territory are experiencing famine.

Mr Netanyahu says Israel must destroy what he says are Hamass last remaining battalions in Rafah. The US and other close allies have warned Israel against carrying out a full-fledged ground offensive in the city, saying it could cause a humanitarian catastrophe.

On Friday, the International Court of Justice called on Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, an order it has no power to enforce.
Hundreds of birdwatching enthusiasts from Ireland, the UK and Europe are expected to descend upon Belcarra village, near Castlebar, in the coming days following the sighting of a rare North American bird.

Nestled in the trees above the Belcarra riverside walk is a yellow-crowned night heron, which has stirred great excitement among villagers and birdwatchers, and already there have been lots of visitors to the village armed with cameras and long lenses.

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As the Western People report, the heron, which is typically only found in North America, was first spotted in Belcarra by local woman Lorraine Ryan Jennings.

Sightings of the bird in mainland Europe have been rare, with the only previous sighting recorded in Madeira in Portugal a number of years ago. Remarkably, this is the first time it has been spotted in the UK or Ireland.

A group of around 50 birdwatchers from the UK arrived in Belcarra on Sunday morning and visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the bird have been coming and going consistently since.

Aaron Long and Ian Young drove to Belcarra from Belfast early on Monday morning to see the heron.

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What you have here is a bird that is a first for the UK and Ireland, it is hugely significant, said Aaron.

Ian said he was intrigued to hear the news of the heron's arrival.

You never know what could turn up where, but we couldnt have expected this, he said.

It's expected that a large group of birdwatchers from England will fly into Ireland West Airport this evening.

Chairperson of the Belcarra Community Council Fionnan Nestor said it was wonderful to see so many visitors flocking to the village to see the heron.

We are so pleased to see so many people coming into the village to see the bird. This beautiful bird lives right above our riverside walk, and we are delighted to be able to showcase this part of our village to all the visitors coming in.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has received a second one billion dollar promise of military aid in as many days during a whirlwind tour of three European Union countries.

It comes as President Vladimir Putin warned that hitting Russian soil with Western-supplied weapons could set the war on a dangerous new path.

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The aid pledge for 2024 came from Belgium, which topped up the money with a commitment to give Ukraine 30 F-16 fighter jets in the next four years.



Volodymyr Zelensky, left, shakes hands with Belgiums Alexander De Croo (Kenzo Tribouillard/pool photo via AP)

Our task is to use the first F-16 on the battlefield this year and in such way fortify our positions, Mr Zelensky said.

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He later travelled to Portugal, where he said it was important that Ukraines supporters do not allow themselves to be misled by Russia and that we dont grow tired of the war.

The onslaught by the Kremlins better-equipped forces that is unfolding in eastern and north-eastern Ukraine as summer approaches has brought Ukraine its biggest military test since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Slow deliveries of support by its Western partners, especially a lengthy delay in US military aid, have left Ukraine at the mercy of Russias bigger army and air force.

European countries have been discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine in support roles, while talk of giving seized Russian assets to Ukraine has further angered Moscow.

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Mr Putin has repeatedly warned the West against deeper involvement in the fighting, holding out the spectre of a nuclear conflict.

The use of Western-supplied long-range weapons by Ukraine to strike Russian territory could bring a dangerous escalation, Mr Putin said on Tuesday, speaking to reporters while on a trip to Uzbekistan.

The use of such weapons would rely on Western intelligence data and imply the involvement of Nato military personnel, Mr Putin said, warning the alliance that it should be aware of the possible consequences.

Representatives of countries that are Nato members, particularly in Europe, should be aware of what they are playing with, he said, adding that countries with small territory and dense populations should be particularly careful.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

The Netherlands promised to quickly assemble with key EU partners a Patriot air defence system, which Mr Zelensky sees as key in stopping Russia from hitting Ukraines power grid and civilian areas, as well as military targets, with devastating glide bombs.

Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the move but insisted much more work was needed.

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We have seen some progress, but more progress and more air defence systems are urgently needed in Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg said as he headed into a meeting of EU defence ministers.

Before returning to Ukraine, Mr Zelensky visited Portugal and signed another bilateral agreement.

Portugal is one of Western Europes poorest countries and has a small military compared with its bigger EU partners.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Portugal is sending a further 126 million euros in military and financial aid to Kyiv as part of a broad co-operation plan.

On Monday, Mr Zelensky signed a security agreement with Spain that allocates one billion euros of military aid to Ukraine in 2024, and five billion euros by 2027.

The bilateral aid is essential since the 27-nation bloc is again struggling to overcome Hungarys objections to the EU itself providing billions of euros in military aid to Kyiv.

An estimated 6.5 billion euros are stalled by the Hungarian government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, considered Russias staunchest ally in the EU.



Volodymyr Zelensky, left, is welcomed by Spains Pedro Sanchez in Madrid (Paul White/AP)

Single member states have wide veto powers, and Hungary has long held up funds aimed at boosting Ukraines defences.

Thats the sad thing that we have the cash, we have the capacity, but we are still pending decisions to implement aid decisions for Ukraine, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Mr Zelensky met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and as well as the immediate money, he obtained a security agreement aimed at providing guarantees of military help until Ukraine joins Nato.

Since Russia launched a spring offensive in the north-eastern Kharkiv region, Mr Zelensky has insisted Ukraine urgently needs seven more US-made Patriot air defence systems.

Mr Putin says the Kremlins forces are seeking to establish a buffer zone in Kharkiv to prevent Ukraine launching attacks across the border there.

Dutch defence minister Kajsa Ollongren, meeting with her EU colleagues, said a Patriot system will be built in a short time frame.

The Netherlands has the core components for a Patriot system and other EU nations will contribute other key parts and munitions.

Ukraine is also fighting Europes fight, she said.



Ukrainian troops on the front line near the city of Bakhmut (Iryna Rybakova via AP)

Mr Zelensky was to visit Belgium and Spain earlier this month but postponed all his foreign trips after Russia launched its Kharkiv offensive and left Ukrainian forces reeling.

In other developments, the UNs atomic agencys chief was in Russias westernmost territory of Kaliningrad to talk about safety issues involving the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

The plant has been occupied by the Russian forces since early in the war, and all of its reactors have been in a cold shutdown.

Frequent shelling around Europes largest nuclear plant has raised global concerns over nuclear security.

International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi met with Alexei Likhachyov, head of Russias state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom.

The Russian state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Mr Grossi as saying that common understanding has been reached on the steps that are necessary to enhance the plants security, but restarting it seems impossible at the moment.

Mr Likhachyov echoed his sentiment on restarting the plant, but also vowed its current state is absolutely safe.
A series of powerful storms swept over central and southern parts of the US during the countrys Memorial Day holiday weekend, killing at least 22 people and leaving a wide trail of destruction and power outages.

The destructive storms caused deaths in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kentucky and were just north of an oppressive, early season heatwave setting records from south Texas to Florida.

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A tornado watch was issued from North Carolina to Maryland.

Kentucky governor Andy Beshear, who earlier declared a state of emergency, said at a press conference on Monday that five people had died in his state. The fifth death was a 54-year-old man who had a heart attack while cutting fallen trees in Caldwell County in western Kentucky, the governors office said.

The damage caused by a tornado in Valley View, Texas (Julio Cortez/AP)

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The death toll of 22 also included seven deaths in Cooke County, Texas, from a tornado on Saturday that tore through a mobile home park, officials said, and eight deaths across Arkansas.

Two people died in Mayes County, Oklahoma, which is east of Tulsa, authorities said. The injured included guests at an outdoor wedding.

The tiny Kentucky town of Charleston took a direct hit on Sunday night from a tornado that the governor said appeared to be on the ground for 40 miles.

Its a big mess, said Rob Linton, who lives in Charleston and is the fire chief of nearby Dawson Springs, hit by a tornado in 2021. Trees down everywhere. Houses moved. Power lines are down. No utilities whatsoever  no water, no power.

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Further east, some rural areas of Hopkins County hit by the 2021 tornado around the community of Barnsley were damaged again on Sunday night, said county emergency management director Nick Bailey.

There were a lot of people that were just getting their lives put back together and then this, Mr Bailey said. Almost the same spot, the same houses and everything.

Destroyed homes in Valley View, Texas (Julio Cortez/AP)

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More than 400,000 customers across the eastern US were without power on Monday afternoon, including about 125,000 in Kentucky. Twelve states reported at least 10,000 outages earlier in the day, according to PowerOutage.us.

US president Joe Biden sent condolences to the families of people who died. 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..

It has been a grim month of tornadoes and severe weather in the nations midsection.

Tornadoes in Iowa last week left at least five people dead and dozens injured. Storms killed eight people in Houston earlier this month.

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The severe thunderstorms and deadly twisters have spawned during a historically bad season for tornadoes, at a time when climate change contributes to the severity of storms around the world. April had the second highest number of tornadoes on record in the country.

Harold Brooks, a senior scientist at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, said a persistent pattern of warm, moist air is to blame for the string of tornadoes over the past two months.

That warm moist air is at the northern edge of a heat dome bringing temperatures typically seen at the height of summer to late May.
Deputy UK Labour leader Angela Rayner will face no further action following a police investigation into her living arrangements.

She had faced allegations she may have broken electoral law following a complaint from Tory deputy chairman James Daly.

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A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: Following allegations about Angela Rayner MP, Greater Manchester Police has completed a thorough, carefully considered and proportionate investigation.

We have concluded that no further police action will be taken.

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Questions about Ms Rayners living arrangements surfaced following suggestions in a book by former Tory deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft that she failed to properly declare her main home.

The unauthorised biography alleges that the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne bought her former council house, in Vicarage Road in Stockport, Greater Manchester in 2007 under the right-to-buy scheme.

Her then husband was listed at another address in Lowndes Lane, about a mile away, which had also been bought under the right-to-buy scheme.

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In the same year as her wedding, Ms Rayner is said to have re-registered the births of her two youngest children, giving her address as where her husband resided.

Ms Rayner has insisted that Vicarage Road was her principal property despite her husband living elsewhere at the time.

She has faced questions about whether she should have paid capital gains tax when her home was sold and if she paid the correct amount of council tax.

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Tory deputy chairman James Daly pushed for the police investigation (Danny Lawson/PA)

Mr Daly had alleged she may have made a false declaration about where she was living on the electoral register.

While the police are taking no further action on that claim, they said matters involving tax did not fall within their jurisdiction.

GMP has liaised with Stockport Council and information about our investigation has been shared with them, the police spokesman said.

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Details of our investigation have also been shared with His Majestys Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

It is understood HMRC looked into the matter at Ms Rayners request and concluded there was no capital gains tax liability.

A Labour spokesman said: The police have now completed their investigation into claims made by the Conservative Party deputy chairman and have concluded that no further action will be taken.

Angela cooperated fully with the police investigation throughout.

Angela has always been clear that she was not liable for capital gains tax on the sale of the home she owned before she was an MP, that she was properly registered to vote, and paid the appropriate council tax. She took expert tax and legal advice which confirms this.

This draws a line under the matter.
Five Labour MPs, including shadow ministers, have announced that they will stand down from parliament at the UK General Election.

Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party John Cryer joined Kevin Brennan, Barbara Keeley, John Spellar and Virendra Sharma in announcing on Monday that he would not be contesting his seat.

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Mr Cryer said he wanted to spend more time with his young children and that the next parliament was likely to be extremely busy.

The MP for Leyton and Wanstead added that the next government would inherit a very tough situation.

A Statement from me about Standing in this General Election. pic.twitter.com/PjJrld19g3 Advertisement  John Cryer (@JohnCryerMP) May 27, 2024

In a letter to his constituents, posted on social media, Mr Cryer said: This has been an extremely difficult decision, perhaps the most difficult I have ever had to make.

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It has been an immense privilege to have served as your MP for the past 14 years. As you may know, I have two young children and I feel I should try to spend more time with them.

Mr Cryer, who was MP for Hornchurch from 1997 to 2005, is married to Labours deputy national campaign co-ordinator and MP for Lewisham West and Penge Ellie Reeves.

Labours shadow minister for victims and sentencing, Mr Brennan said he had initially intended to stand again, but decided to step down after discussing it with my family over the bank holiday weekend.

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Im announcing my decision to stand down as Cardiff West MP after 23 years - thank you to local Labour members and constituents for your friendship and support pic.twitter.com/7hLQslViD1  Kevin Brennan MP (@KevinBrennanMP) May 27, 2024

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The Cardiff West MP said in a statement: The job of a Member of Parliament is immensely rewarding but hugely demanding for the individual and their loved ones.

I have always enjoyed its intensity and challenge, but after surgery for prostate cancer a small seed of doubt was sown as to whether I should continue in such a full-on role.

Standing again would mean making a commitment to perform the demanding duties of an MP close to my 70th birthday. This has led me to conclude that this is the right moment to stand down.

Labours shadow minister for music and tourism Ms Keeley said it had been an honour to serve as a government whip and deputy leader of the House of Commons during the last Labour government.

A personal update from me: pic.twitter.com/sixGRslb4q  Barbara Keeley   (@KeeleyMP) May 27, 2024

The MP for Worsley and Eccles South said in a statement posted on social media: Recently, I have had treatment in hospital in London after which I was meant to have a six-week recovery period.

I was back at work in Parliament within two weeks but then the General Election was called unexpectedly early.

Thinking about the demands of the campaign, including supporting Labour colleagues in battleground seats, has made me realise that now is the time to step aside for a new Labour candidate for the constituency.

Warley MP Mr Spellar said it had been an honour and pleasure to represent the people of Smethwick and Oldbury for over 30 years.

Mr Spellar served in various ministerial roles during Tony Blairs government, with his briefs including the armed forces, transport, and Northern Ireland.

Outgoing Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma said Labour had gone from our worst result in a century, to the edge of government.

In a letter to his local party, he said: As a British-Indian and as a Hindu, as a Labour member, councillor and MP I have never struggled to reconcile those different, but complimentary, identities.

Over nearly 50 years, I have served the party in one form or another. Now I believe the time has come for another chapter to begin.
A US-built temporary pier that had been used to deliver additional humanitarian aid into Gaza was damaged by rough seas and has temporarily suspended operations, three US officials told The Associated Press (AP).

The pier will be repaired, but it was not immediately clear how long that will take, a fourth US official told the AP.

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The Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS) pier only began operations in the past two weeks and had provided an additional way to get critically needed food to Gaza.

Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid cross the Trident Pier before arriving on the beach on the Gaza Strip on May 17 (Staff Sgt Malcolm Cohens-Ashley/US Army via AP)

The setback is the latest for the $320 million pier, which has already had three US service member injuries and had four of its vessels beached due to heavy seas.

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Deliveries were also halted for two days last week after crowds rushed aid trucks coming from the pier and one Palestinian man was shot dead.

The US military worked with the UN and Israeli officials to select safer alternate routes for trucks, the Pentagon said on Friday.

The pier was fully functional as late as Saturday when heavy sea states unmoored four of the army boats that were being used to ferry pallets of aid from commercial vessels to the pier, which was anchored into the beach and provided a long causeway to then drive that aid on to the shore.

Two of the vessels were beached on Gaza and two others on the coast of Israel near Ashkelon.

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Before the weather damage and suspension, the pier had begun to pick up steam and as of Friday more than 820 metric tons of food aid had been delivered from the sea on to the Gaza beach via the pier.

US officials have repeatedly emphasised that the pier cannot provide the amount of aid that starving Gazans need and said that more checkpoints for humanitarian trucks need to be opened.

At maximum capacity, the pier would bring in enough food for 500,000 of Gazas people.

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(PA Graphics)

US officials stressed the need for open land crossings for the remaining 1.8 million.

The US has also planned to continue to provide airdrops of food, which likewise cannot meet all the needs.

A deepening Israeli offensive in the southern city of Rafah has made it impossible for aid shipments to get through the crossing there, which is a key source for fuel and food coming into Gaza.

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Israel says it is bringing aid in through another border crossing, Kerem Shalom, but humanitarian organisations say Israeli military operations make it difficult for them to retrieve the aid there for distribution.
The Israeli military has said an initial investigation into a strike that sparked a deadly weekend fire in a tent camp in the southern Gaza city of Rafah found the blaze was caused by a secondary explosion.

A military official said the military fired two 17-kilogram munitions that targeted two senior Hamas militants.

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The official said the munitions would have been too small to ignite a fire on their own and the military is looking into the possibility that weapons were stored in the area.

Palestinian health officials say at least 45 people, around half of them women and children, were killed in Sundays strike. The fire also could have ignited fuel, cooking gas canisters or other materials in the densely populated tent camp housing displaced people.



Benjamin Netanyahu said there was a tragic mishap on Sunday (Gil Cohen-Magen/pool photo via AP)

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The strike caused widespread outrage, including from some of Israels closest allies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was the result of a tragic mishap.

New Israeli strikes on Rafah on Tuesday killed at least 16 Palestinians, first responders said, as residents reported an escalation of fighting in the city once seen as the territorys last refuge.

An Israeli incursion launched in early May has caused nearly one million to flee from Rafah, most of whom had already been displaced in the war between Israel and Hamas. They now seek refuge in squalid tent camps and other war-ravaged areas.

The US and other close allies of Israel have warned against a full-fledged offensive in the city, with the Biden administration saying that would cross a red line and refusing to provide offensive arms for such an undertaking.

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On Friday, the International Court of Justice called on Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, an order it has no power to enforce.

Mr Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead, saying Israeli forces must enter Rafah to dismantle Hamas and return hostages taken in the October 7 attack that triggered the war.



Smoke from an explosion in the Gaza Strip (Leo Correa/AP)

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The latest strikes occurred in the same area where Israel targeted what it said was a Hamas compound on Sunday night. The new strikes killed a total of 16 people in the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood in north-west Rafah, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Israel says it is carrying out limited operations in eastern Rafah along the Gaza-Egypt border. But residents reported heavy bombardment overnight in western parts of Rafah as well.

It was a night of horror, said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Tel al-Sultan since December. He said he heard constant sounds of explosions overnight and into Tuesday, with fighter jets and drones flying over the area.

He said it reminded him of the Israeli invasion of his neighbourhood of Shijaiyah in Gaza City, where Israel launched a heavy bombing campaign before sending in ground forces in late 2023.

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We saw this before, he said.

Sayed al-Masri, a Rafah resident, said many families have been forced to flee their homes and shelters, with most heading for the crowded area of Muwasi, where giant tent camps have been set up on a barren coastline, or to Khan Younis, a southern city that suffered heavy damage during months of fighting.



Palestinians inspect tents destroyed by Israels bombardment (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Gazas Health Ministry said two medical facilities in Tel al-Sultan are out of service because of intense bombing nearby.

Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charity operating throughout the territory, said the Tel al-Sultan medical centre and the Indonesian Field Hospital were under lockdown, with medics, patients and displaced people trapped inside.

Most of Gazas hospitals are no longer functioning. The Kuwait Hospital in Rafah shut down on Monday after a strike near its entrance killed two health workers.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organisation said the casualties from Sundays strike and fire absolutely overwhelmed field hospitals in the area, which were already running short on supplies to treat severe burns.

That requires intensive care, that requires electricity, that requires high-level medical services, Dr Margaret Harris told reporters in Geneva. Increasingly, we are struggling to even have the high-level skilled doctors and nurses because theyve been displaced.

The war began when Hamas and other militants burst into southern Israel in a surprise attack on October 7, killing some 1,200 civilians and abducting around 250 others. More than 100 were released during a ceasefire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.



A tent camp in Rafah housing Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive (Hatem Ali/AP)

Israel responded to the attack with a massive air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 36,096 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count.

Around 80% of Gazas population of 2.3 million has been displaced and United Nations officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.

The fighting in Rafah has made it nearly impossible for humanitarian groups to import and distribute aid to southern Gaza.

The Israeli military says it has allowed hundreds of trucks to enter through the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing since the start of its operation, but aid groups say it is extremely difficult to access that aid on the Gaza side because of the fighting.

The UN says it has only been able to collect aid from around 170 trucks over the past three weeks via Kerem Shalom. Smaller amounts of aid are entering through two crossings in the north and by sea through a US-built floating pier, but it is nowhere near the 600 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed.
UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said he spoke to Boris Johnson just the other day, amid speculation about what role the former prime minister could play in the election campaign.

Mr Sunak said they had discussed the risk Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer poses to the UK, as he declined to say whether his Downing Street predecessor-but-one would hit the campaign trail for him.

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There has been speculation that Mr Johnson, still seen by many Conservatives as a strong campaigner, might help drum up support for the Tories as they languish behind Labour in the polls ahead of the July 4th UK general election.

Rishi Sunak was Boris Johnsons chancellor for two years (Aaron Chown/PA)

The UK prime minister told The Daily T podcast: Weve been in touch. We were in touch just the other day actually talking about the risk that Starmer would pose to our countrys security and the damage he would do.

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Asked whether Mr Johnson would campaign for him, Mr Sunak said: Thats a question for him. Hes a busy guy as well.

The relationship between the men has been tense since Mr Sunaks resignation as chancellor under Mr Johnsons premiership in July 2022, triggering a mass exodus of MPs from government and party roles.

Mr Sunak said he was very proud of the things that we did together before he became one of the first in a series of ministerial departures which ended in the former Tory leaders downfall.

A rivalry between Mr Sunak and his former boss then emerged as he embarked on a campaign for Mr Johnsons job, with both vying to take back control of the Tory Party after Liz Truss short-lived tenure as prime minister.

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Mr Johnson entered the election fray on Friday, using his first Daily Mail column since the vote was called to attack Mr Starmer.

In a sign he will not remain silent in the campaign period, Mr Johnson claimed the Labour leader would be the most dangerous and left-wing prime minister since the 1970s and that the Opposition would not maintain its hefty poll lead as election day approached.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Sarah Brightman, one of the worlds most successful sopranos, is worried about the Australian wildlife. I love being here, she says. I love Melbourne. But I am terrified of the huntsman. Its in my DNA or its primeval, but they are so scary. Brightman, who has sold 30 million records, topped more than 1 billion streams of her music, and recently toured the world performing arena concerts, is in Australia for a new production of her former husband Andrew Lloyd Webbers Sunset Boulevard for Opera Australia. Perhaps best known for originating and inspiring the lead role of Christine Daae in the hit musical The Phantom of the Opera, written by Lloyd Webber, and for her 1996 duet Time To Say Goodbye with Andrea Bocelli, Brightman has spent 34 years away from musical theatre. Brightman as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Credit: Ben King She has returned to play Norma Desmond, the forgotten star of the silent film era, who, as the talkies evolve and the years pass, creates a world in which she ignores the fact that she is fading into obscurity. Immortalised by Gloria Swanson in the 1950 Billy Wilder film on which the musical is based, the role of Norma attracted Brightman for its complexity and its resonance with modern times. Ive had my own career going. Ive done many recordings, all these wonderful concerts all over the world. Its been an interesting, creative time to run my own career, she says. But this role, it feels, first of all, age-appropriate, which is important for me. Also, the role is about an international star, she was a movie star of the time, and I have sort of had an international stardom. She says she understands the trials and tribulations of a woman having to navigate that area. The power it takes to get up and do things, the courage required, the falls and the highs. I felt I could understand a role like this because Ive lived through some of it.

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When Brightman spoke to Lloyd Webber about doing Sunset Boulevard, he told her a lot of the music was written for her voice. When we were together as a couple, he was continually writing at that time, and probably a lot of those pieces. He was writing Phantom  probably there were various pieces that he had in mind with my voice in it. Of Sunset Boulevard, she says, its an amazing role. Norma was living through a time of change in her world where technology was moving on, and, unfortunately, it moved on without her, Brightman says. That is very true of many music artists of this day and age after downloading happened and other aspects of music production. Brightman with her former husband Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1983. Credit: Daily Mirror Theres an exoticness to the crumbling world Norma is trying to maintain, but its a bygone era. Its an incredibly sad story. And shes very human and I think that a lot of people could kind of really relate to her. After three decades away from musical theatre, Brightman relishes the challenge of the role and treading the boards each week. Something is always learned by being challenged, especially as an artist, she says. Otherwise your life as an artist, it can become too easy and you start repeating and then sort of the joy goes out of it.

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Few artists, however, have challenged themselves to train for life in outer space. In 2015, Brightman was scheduled to depart on the three-person Russian Soyuz spacecraft for a self-funded 10-day space tourism mission to the International Space Station. She spent months, and an estimated $US52 million, training to be a cosmonaut, immersed in physics, robotics, microgravity, psychological testing and intense survival skills. Set to be the second British woman in space, and planning to sing onboard the ISS, she also endured extreme G-forces in a rapidly rotating centrifuge, and spent 72 hours in a below-zero Russian forest with prune rations on a quest to build a shelter from a parachute and branches. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO SARAH BRIGHTMAN Worst habit? I dont really have any worst habits. I was asking my brother about this and he said, Youre a bit of a workaholic, but thats not really a worst thing. I see things fairly positively. Greatest fear? Spiders. The line that stayed with you? I cant think of just one. There are absolutely plenty. Biggest regret? I really feel we do everything for a reason at that particular time and moment. We may look back and go Oh God, what was I doing? But there is a real reason why. Favourite room? All of my bedrooms. I always make sure theyre perfect for me. The rest of the house, or apartment or wherever I am, could be a real mess. But the bedroom has to be a really safe space you feel happy. The artwork/song you wish was yours? Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack. It was an American folk-rock song originally. It evokes something lovely in me. I have a good, wonderful feeling when I listen to it. If I could solve one thing I wish everybody in the world owned a roof over their head, had access to medical care and all animals and creatures were really respected. I know thats three things but thats what I would want to solve. But three months before the launch, she announced she would no longer be flying due to personal family reasons. Space, she says, has intrigued her since she was a child, particularly when Apollo 11 landed on the moon in 1969. Id always been fascinated by light, by skies, by the sun, moon, all the folklore youre read to as a child, she says. But when the first man went on the moon, seeing that happen on a black-and-white TV screen when I was eight, it did actually change things for me. When I saw that, my understanding as a child was, Gosh, everything is possible here.

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Nearly 50 years later  decades after her chart-topping, award-winning soprano career was jumpstarted when she joinedArlene Phillips dance group Hot Gossip at the age of 16, singing I Lost My Heart to a Starship Trooper in a sparkling leotard  the same philosophy compelled her to become a cosmonaut. Brightman in her Hot Gossip Dancers days, in 1986. Credit: Express Newspapers I left school, and I left maths, at age 14, she says. And I suddenly realised I could do all of these things. First of all, you cant get your head around it, then suddenly youre using parts of your brain we dont normally need on Earth. A whole part of your brain thats open suddenly goes into gear. Ive never, ever been as challenged as that, and I started to understand how strong I was. It was an amazing thing to have done, a magical thing, and I feel very lucky. Brightmans last musical theatre season was Aspects of Love, which she performed in seasons in London and New York in 1990. After decades of global touring, album releases and film work (including the romcom First Night with Richard E. Grant), and performances at the 1992 and 2008 Olympics, appearing in a musical has stirred memories and creativity. Brightman on the set of Sunset Boulevard with co-star Tim Draxl. Credit: Justin McManus I knew it would be challenging to come back into it, she says. But its something that I know and I do understand. Its really just with the muscle memory of an older person coming back into it. You just have to navigate your way around this  its been quite interesting in rehearsals.

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A woman has been charged over the alleged domestic violence murder of a man stabbed to death at Matraville in Sydneys eastern suburbs.

Residents of Murrabin Avenue were on Tuesday night confronted by the 31-year-old woman running up and down the dead-end street after the alleged attack on the 37-year-old man, who died at the scene despite attempts from paramedics to save him.

Forensic officers at the scene on Wednesday morning. Credit: Kate Geraghty

Police believe the pair were previously in a relationship, sources not authorised to speak publicly confirmed.

The woman was arrested nearby and taken to hospital, before she was charged with murder and refused bail to appear at Waverley Local Court on Thursday.
The state government will water down its key housing density policy with significant concessions to local councils that have alarmed housing advocates ahead of the release of a new five-year plan for Sydney and surrounds.

A policy refinement paper seen by the Herald reveals several types of land will be excluded from the imminent low- and mid-rise housing reforms, which aim to increase the supply of duplexes, terraces and small apartment buildings within 800 metres of train stations and town centres.

The policy refinement paper was not released by the government but was circulated to councils and uploaded to the internet by Ku-ring-gai Council.

The government says the changes will not cut the housing outcome, but it has agreed to reduce the policys impact in R1 general residential areas common in the City of Sydney and the inner west. Councils feared allowing four- to six-storey buildings would clash with terrace or single-storey homes in these zones. A quarter of R1 lots in NSW are under heritage protection.

The paper proposes to limit new dwellings in these areas to low-rise, such as manor houses, or to only allow mid-rise apartments where existing controls permit heights above 10 metres. This will avoid jarring transitions in heights, it says, and maintain a more compatible level of density for the local context. The original plan resulted in larger than intended increases in height.
A north Queensland mayor has been referred to the states corruption watchdog over claims about his military service.

Troy Thompson spoke about his time in the Australian Defence Force while campaigning to be Townsville mayor in the March local government elections.

Townsville mayor Troy Thompson says he didnt spend enough time in the reserves to get a military medal. Credit: Facebook/Troy Thompson

When challenged by a NewsCorp newspaper about his military history on Anzac Day, Thompson said he could not remember his service number.

Asked by the Department of Local Government to investigate Thompson, the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) referred the Townsville mayors claims to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
Home Affairs head Stephanie Foster has admitted her department breached protocol by failing to warn Immigration Minister Andrew Giles about dozens of legal decisions to allow foreign-born criminals to stay in Australia and free a detainee who allegedly went on to commit murder.

The departmental secretary made the sensational admission before a parliamentary committee hours after the embattled minister revealed he was reviewing the controversial tribunal decisions and said he had called on his department to explain why he was kept in the dark about the legal challenges.

Home Affairs secretary Stephanie Foster says the department failed to warn Immigration Minister Andrew Giles about a slew of legal decisions allowing hardcore criminals to stay in Australia. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Foster told the Senate hearing on Tuesday night she knew of five Administrative Appeal Tribunal cases where the department had failed to inform Giles, before another official said the caseload kept from the minister was more like 30 after Coalition senator James Paterson recited a litany of reported cases.

The department did fail him, we did not meet our agreed protocol and in particular we did not put advice before him in any way, Foster said of several cases that have received significant media coverage, including the reinstatement of visas for several child sex offenders.
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump says he will seriously consider pardoning Julian Assange for espionage charges if he wins the November presidential election.

Trumps comments show a growing bipartisan willingness in the US to let Assange walk free after President Joe Biden said he was considering the Australian governments request to drop the pursuit of Assange.

The WikiLeaks founder is fighting extradition to the US, where he faces espionage charges carrying a maximum 175-year sentence for obtaining and publishing classified information under an indictment issued by the Trump administration in 2019.

Former President Donald Trump said he would give serious consideration to pardoning Assange. Credit: POOL EPA

Asked in an interview with American conservative podcaster Timothy Pool whether he would grant Assange a pardon if he came to office, Trump said: Well Im going to talk about that today, and were going to give it very serious consideration.
The Minns government will tie hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for key local infrastructure including schools and hospitals to councils that build more houses, as it dangles new incentives for areas which meet and beat new five-year housing targets.

Premier Chris Minns will on Wednesday unveil the NSW governments long-awaited housing targets meant to spur new development across 43 local government areas spanning Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Hunter and the Illawarra over the next five years.

The government will reward councils that take on more development. Pictured is the riverside suburb of Rhodes at sunset. Credit: Brook Mitchell

Seen as crucial to meeting the governments commitments under the National Housing Accord, the premier will reveal the targets during a speech in Sydney in which he will also dangle hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure funding to councils that meet and exceed them.

Minns will reveal the government has set aside $200 million in the budget in grants funding for councils to spend on local infrastructure such as green space, sporting fields and fixing potholes if they meet their targets.
Underlying retail spending continues to be weak with a small rise in turnover in April not enough to make up for a fall in March, said Ben Dorber (pictured), head of retail statistics at the ABS. Since the start of 2024, trend retail turnover has been flat as cautious consumers reduce their discretionary spending.
Papua New Guinea's Catastrophic Landslide Buries Over 2,000, Urgent Global Assistance Sought (Photo: Orange Tuesday at en.wikipedia Public domain)

A catastrophic landslide in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has buried more than 2,000 people, according to a government official, far exceeding initial estimates of the disaster's toll. This calamity has prompted the government to formally seek international aid as rescue efforts continue under extremely challenging conditions.

The disaster occurred last Friday in the remote village of Yambali, situated in the mountainous Enga province. In a letter to the United Nations, Luseta Laso Mana, the acting director of PNG's National Disaster Center, described the landslide as having caused "major destruction," with more than 2,000 people buried alive.

The United Nations' earlier estimate of 670 casualties now seems drastically underestimated. The PNG government's figure, although not immediately verified, has raised the urgency for international support. Serhan Aktoprak, chief of the UN migration agency's mission in PNG, acknowledged the fluidity of casualty numbers in such massive undertakings but did not dispute the government's higher toll.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the victims and affirmed the U.N.'s readiness to support PNG's response efforts. "The United Nations stands ready to offer additional assistance at this challenging time," said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

The landslide has created a dire situation, exacerbated by the region's remoteness and the difficult terrain. Tribal warfare in Enga province further complicates the deployment of international relief workers and aid convoys, necessitating military escorts. The disaster has also buried a significant stretch of the main highway under debris, hampering rescue and relief operations.

The landslide's immediate aftermath has seen local villagers resorting to basic tools to dig through the unstable and shifting debris in search of survivors and bodies. An excavator, donated by a local builder, marked the first piece of heavy machinery to assist in the efforts, but the work remains hazardous.

"The situation remains unstable due to the shifting ground, posing ongoing danger to both the rescue teams and survivors alike," Mana detailed in her letter to the United Nations.

Prime Minister James Marape's office has promised more information on the disaster's scale when it becomes available. However, the national government's lack of reliable census data complicates efforts to determine the exact number of casualties. Estimates of PNG's population vary widely, with the government citing around 10 million people and a U.N. study suggesting it could be as high as 17 million.

The international response is beginning to mobilize. Australia has pledged A$2.5 million in humanitarian assistance, including the deployment of technical experts to aid in incident management and geohazard assessments, as well as emergency relief supplies like shelter and hygiene kits. "Australia stands by the people and Government of Papua New Guinea at this tragic time," the Australian government stated.

Tribal violence in the region poses an additional risk, with the U.N. reporting that at least 26 tribal warriors were killed in a February battle, and eight people were killed in recent violence. These security concerns necessitate military escorts for aid convoys.

Residents of the affected areas have been digging with shovels and bare hands, attempting to locate survivors amid the unstable ground. Social media footage has captured the desperate scenes, with villagers scaling rocks and digging through the rubble while women weep in the background.

One resident, Miok Ala, highlighted the ongoing danger: "The hazards represented by potential rock slides are becoming more of a pressing issue. The ground is still unstable and the risk is high."

Despite the dire circumstances, there have been moments of hope. Local media reported that a couple was rescued from under the rubble after being trapped for nearly eight hours. "We thank God for saving our lives at that moment. We were certain that we were going to die but the big rocks didn't crush us," said Jacklyn Yandam.
Experts gather from around the world for labor and accounting conference at UB

Bringing together distinguished scholars and emerging researchers from around the world enriches our academic communities. It also fosters innovative solutions to pressing challenges in the field.

BUFFALO, N.Y.  The University at Buffalo School of Management hosted the fourth annual Labor and Accounting Group Conference April 18-20, bringing together leading academic researchers to discuss topics at the intersection of labor economics and accounting.

Organizers welcomed 60 attendees from around the globe, including Singapore, the United Kingdom, Canada and across the U.S., to share current research from a quickly growing field.

Topics included how technological investments in accounting are shaping the demand for accountants; how the current shortage in accountants is impairing efficient resource allocation; the effect of gender diversity in boards of directors on womens employment outcomes; and the roles of expertise and teamwork on firm performance.

Presenters and participants ranged from established leaders in accounting research at such prestigious institutions as MIT, Stanford, Cornell and University of Pennsylvania to doctoral students, giving attendees the opportunity to network and share knowledge across experience levels.

Participants from outside the area got a taste of what the Buffalo Niagara region has to offer, including the citys famous wings, dinner in Silo City and a trip to Niagara Falls.

Michael Dambra, associate professor, and Brandon Szerwo, assistant professor, organized the event. Szerwo and Joshua Khavis, assistant professor, served on the program committee to select the conferences content. All three are in the School of Managements Accounting and Law Department.

Previously, the conference has been hosted by Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Texas at Dallas.

Bringing together distinguished scholars and emerging researchers from around the world enriches our academic communities, says Ananth Iyer, dean of the School of Management. It also fosters innovative solutions to pressing challenges in the field.
Tuttle named vice president, chief information officer

A strategic leader with extensive experience in higher education IT, Heath has a demonstrated record of aligning diverse technology objectives into a cohesive vision focused on digital transformation, operational excellence, collaboration and accessibility. 

Heath V. Tuttle, associate vice president for information technology for the University of Nebraska system and chief information officer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been appointed vice president and chief information officer at UB.

President Satish K. Tripathi made the announcement today (May 28) following an extensive national search launched in January. The appointment is effective Aug. 1.

A strategic leader with extensive experience in higher education IT, Heath has a demonstrated record of aligning diverse technology objectives into a cohesive vision focused on digital transformation, operational excellence, collaboration and accessibility. I am confident that he will provide exemplary leadership that builds upon our robust technology environment, elevates our IT practices and advances our university priorities and goals, Tripathi said.

Tuttle succeeds J. Brice Bible, who stepped down to take on the same role at the University of South Carolina in February. Since that time, E. Bruce Pitman, professor in the Department of Materials Design and Innovation, has been serving in the position on an interim basis.

The vice president and CIO position plays a critical role in advancing UBs research and education mission and its global prominence as a forward-leaning university that delivers a well-aligned, innovative and robust technology environment.

I am thrilled to join the University at Buffalo as the new vice president and chief information officer, Tuttle said. I look forward to collaborating with UBs talented senior leadership team, IT teams, students, faculty, and staff.

Together, we will drive innovation and elevate our technology infrastructure, ensuring it is accessible and inclusive for all. By leveraging strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technologies, we will advance the universitys mission and foster a dynamic, transformational technology ecosystem that empowers every member of our community.

Tuttle is an alumnus of the University of Nebraska system who joined UNL professionally in 2003. In his current role, which he began in 2019, Tuttle provides strategic leadership for campus and system-wide IT processes, and manages a $54 million budget.

He led the University of Nebraska systems Digital Transformation initiative, which resulted in more effective and efficient teaching and learning technologies, processes and support, and improved business and operational processes. He has also led initiatives on improving diversity, equity and inclusion in IT at UNL.

Tuttle has also been involved with developing UNLs use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, leading AI initiatives in collaboration with students, faculty and staff.

In his previous role from 2016-19 as UNLs assistant vice chancellor for information technology, Tuttle led the universitys transition of cloud-based learning systems, implemented a campus-wide student email system and guided the remodeling and technology upgrades in 150 general purpose classrooms.

His other UNL roles have included interim director of institutional effectiveness and analytics, director and assistant director of academic technologies, coordinator of the Technology Transforming Teaching initiative and instructional technology specialist. He started his career as a teacher in both high school and college before transitioning into IT.

Tuttle is also a courtesy assistant professor of practice in UNLs College of Education and Human Sciences, teaching higher education leadership and strategic planning courses.

Tuttle received a doctorate in instructional technology and online learning from UNL in 2012. He received a masters degree in organizational communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2000 and a bachelors degree in secondary education from Chadron State College in 1995.

He is board president-elect of the Unizin Corporation and a board member of the Great Plains Network. He is a member of the National Communication Association, the Central States Communication Association and EDUCAUSE. He served as a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance Learning Technology Leaders from 2012-19, including two years as chair.
Dawex and CEA today announced that they have signed a partnership agreement to create a joint Research & Development Laboratory. Aiming at conceiving and developing technological solutions to catalyze truly impactful innovations in the field of data ecosystem, the collaboration between the CEA and Dawex will feed responses to global industry challenges to shape a more sustainable & resilient future.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528953935/en/

The creation of secure, trusted and interoperable data ecosystems and data spaces has become crucial in fostering trusted artificial intelligence and realizing a sustainable and digital society. Data exchange and data circulation are at the forefront in boosting transformative solutions such as Generative AI, while pushing the boundaries of innovation thanks to Privacy Enhancing Technologies integration ultimately making such disruptive technologies accessible to customers.

Since its inception, Dawex has been investing in Research & Development, in order to bring the perfect conditions for secure, trustworthy, sovereign and compliant data exchange. Dawex will bring to this collaboration its extensive and proven expertise in secure data exchange, data governance, interoperability, standards & norms. Through active engagements in developing the most advanced data exchange solutions and contributing to regulations, norms & de facto standards, Dawex has been demonstrating its leadership as a strategic market player, notably by powering the largest number of European data spaces.

The CEA participates in accelerating industry transformation with programs on the factory of the future, digital twins, artificial intelligence, and digital trust. It ultimately contributes to building a powerful innovation ecosystem guided by the values of social and environmental responsibility.

Innovation and Research have been in Dawex DNA since Day-1. We are committed to advancing data exchange matters and address forward looking data challenges, delivering the most sophisticated data exchange technology said Fabrice Tocco, co-CEO at Dawex. We are extremely happy to collaborate with the CEA and co-innovate to bring the next-generation innovations that will transform data exchange, concluded Mr Tocco.

Data exchange plays a major role in the industry transformation that France and Europe are facing today. This leads CEA to partner with Dawex as a leading company in the field of data exchange and data ecosystems, declared Alexandre Bounouh, CEO of CEA List institute. Creating together a common R&D laboratory will enable us to bring thorough and trusted digital solutions to the industry with one objective in mind: to accelerate transitions and among them energy & climate ones. We are delighted to pursue this ambition with Dawex.

About Dawex

Dawex is the leader in Data Exchange solutions to distribute or share data products, with trust, for any business case, in compliance with data regulations. With Dawex Data Exchange technology, organizations create data ecosystems and data spaces such as Corporate Data Hubs, Industry Data Hubs and Data Marketplaces to address economic, environmental and decarbonation challenges. At the invitation of the United Nations, Dawex joins the Data expert group of the United Nations Environment Program. Awarded Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, Dawex is also the initiator of an international standardization program on Trusted Data Transaction. Created in 2015, Dawex is headquartered in France, expanding business operations to Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.

About CEA

The CEA is a major research organisation working in the best interests of the French State, its economy and citizens. Thanks to its strong roots in fundamental research, it is able to provide tangible solutions to meet their needs in four key fields: low-carbon energy, digital technologies, technologies for medicine of the future, defence and national security.

As the world's leading innovator among public research organisations (Clarivate 2024), the CEA acts as a catalyst and accelerator of innovation for French industry. It helps businesses in all sectors be more competitive, creating high-performance products that stand out from the crowd and developing trail-blazing solutions that lead to changes in society. The CEA deploys this dynamic in all regions of France aiding local partners to innovate themselves, thus helping to create sustainable value and jobs nationwide, tailored to meet actual industry needs. At the same time, it supports the development of its 250 start-ups, agile vectors for transferring the disruptive technology and knowledge developed at CEA laboratories to industry. More information: https://www.cea.fr/english

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528953935/en/
MultiBank Group, a leading forex broker, has achieved a significant milestone by clinching the prestigious Best Global Forex Broker award at the highly acclaimed Forex Traders Summit Dubai 2024. This achievement solidifies MultiBank Groups position as a trailblazer in the global financial markets.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528666363/en/

MultiBank Group Receives Best Global Forex Broker Award at Forex Traders Summit Dubai 2024 (Graphic: Business Wire)

A Legacy of Excellence

MultiBank Groups impressive track record includes over 65 prestigious awards. The recent accolade as the Best Global Forex Broker at the Forex Traders Summit Dubai 2024 underscores the Groups unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled trading conditions. This recognition reinforces MultiBank Groups dedication to excellence in the global financial services industry.

Serving a Diverse Client Base

Since its establishment in 2005, MultiBank Group has garnered a dedicated following, exceeding one million traders across 90+ countries. With 25 offices strategically positioned in major financial centers worldwide, the Group delivers exceptional service to its diverse clientele. The Groups multilingual support team, fluent in 12 languages, ensures continuous assistance around the clock.

A Comprehensive Product Portfolio

MultiBank Group caters to both novice and seasoned investors, offering a comprehensive portfolio of over 20,000 instruments across six asset classes. These include:

Forex: Access to major and exotic currency pairs. Metals: Precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. Indices: Trade on global stock market indices. Shares: Diversify portfolios with equities from various sectors. Commodities: Harness the price movements in oil, natural gas, among others. Cryptocurrencies: Participate in the digital currency market.

Stringent Global Regulation

Client security and transparency are paramount at MultiBank Group. The Group adheres to rigorous regulations across five continents and operates under the supervision of 15 financial regulators, including ASIC, BaFin, ESCA, CySEC, and MAS, among others. This robust regulatory framework ensures the safety and transparency of client funds, allowing traders worldwide to execute transactions with confidence.

About MultiBank Group

Founded in California, USA, in 2005, MultiBank Group has grown to command a daily trading volume exceeding $12.1 billion, serving over 1 million customers. MultiBank Group has matured into one of the largest online financial derivatives providers globally, offering an array of brokerage services and asset management solutions. The groups award-winning trading platforms offers a diverse range of products, including Forex, Metals, Shares, Commodities, Indices, and Digital Assets. For more information, visit https://multibankfx.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528666363/en/
 Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence , Indias leading multidisciplinary research university, celebrated its tenth convocation ceremony. The event was attended by over 3000 esteemed guests, faculty members, parents, and graduates. During the convocation, honorary doctorates were conferred to Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, sarod maestro and Padma Vibhushan awardee; Mr. Krishen Khanna, renowned artist and Padma Bhushan awardee; Ms. Sukla Mistry, first woman director of refineries in IndianOil Corporation; and Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retd.), Ashoka Chakra awardee and the first Indian in space. The honorary doctorate degrees were awarded in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions to the country in their respective fields. Gracing the occasion as the chief guest, Mr. Abhinav Bindra, Indian Olympic gold medallist and Padma Bhushan awardee , said, All success is about learning how to fail well and keeping your unique super-power sharp. To the graduating class of 2024, the world is your canvas, fill it with joy, camaraderie, empathy, and dreams. At the event, Mr. Shiv Nadar, Founder of HCL and Shiv Nadar Foundation , said, Today, I am filled with immense pride and joy to witness this pivotal moment in the lives of our students that marks the culmination of their years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. I urge our students to stay committed to their long-term vision. In an inspiring speech, Mr. Shikhar Malhotra, Chancellor, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence , said, Congratulations to the class of 2024, as you step beyond the confines of this campus into the expanse of the world, let compassion be your guiding light and imagination your compass. Let us continue to strive for excellence and embrace the challenges that lie ahead with resilience and determination. It is my unwavering belief that together we can truly make a difference in India and the world. The tenth convocation ceremony conferred 687 undergraduate degrees, 104 graduate degrees, 43 doctorate degrees from the School of Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and School of Management and Entrepreneurship, and recognised best performances with special awards and distinctions.

About the Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence



Shiv Nadar University is a multidisciplinary, student-centric research university established in 2011 by Shiv Mr. Nadar, one of Indias foremost philanthropists and a pioneer of the technological revolution in India. It has four Schools: Engineering; Natural Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Management & Entrepreneurship. It is the youngest university recognized as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India, a distinct category of higher education institutions that strive to become a top hundred Institutions in the world over time. The Institution offers 17 undergraduate degree programs, 10 Masters programs, and 16 Ph.D. programs. The university currently has 3515 students. The diverse student body comes from 27 states and Union Territories in the country and from over 12 countries other than India.



About Shiv Nadar Foundation



Established in 1994, by Shiv Nadar, Founder, HCL - a US$13.3 billion leading global technology enterprise, the Foundation is committed to the creation of a more equitable, merit-based society by empowering individuals through transformational education, and to bridge the socio-economic divide. Over the last 30 years the Foundation has directly touched the lives of over 39,000 alumni and students through its marquee institutions in literacy, K12 and higher education. Today, the Foundation has a community of over 100,000 constituents, which includes not only globally dispersed alumni and students but also faculty members, corporate executives, and extended families.



The Foundation has invested over US$1.2 billion in its seven landmark institutions and initiatives across education and art. Currently, over 15,000 students and over 2,300 faculty and staff are part of the Foundation along with more than 24,000 strong globally dispersed alumni community.



The Foundations students have gone to study at some of the best institutions globally including the Ivy League in the US and top universities in other countries including Australia, Singapore, China, and UK. Students are also working in major corporations, including Goldman Sachs, Honda, HP, Schindler, and several others both in India and across other geographies. Faculty across the Foundation institutions are drawn from the best Indian and international universities, with a strong focus on research and innovation.



The Shiv Nadar Foundation pursues the philosophy of 'Creative Philanthropy'. It is a powerful model that envisages the creation of institutions that are built to last and continue to impact future generations. It is an approach that allows sustained institutionalized philanthropy for long-term, high-impact, socio-economic transformation.
RHI wins consultancy contract for Sri Lankan grinding plant

Peter Bell By 28 May 2024

Reliance Heavy Industries of Egypt has been awarded a consultancy contract for the construction of a greenfield grinding plant with a cement capacity of 100tph. The clinker grinding facility will be situated in Sri Lanka and the contract was awarded by Exim Finance Group of the UAE.





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The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation helped the City of Chattanooga receive a $3.5 million supplemental Revolving Loan Fund grant to assist with the cleanup of brownfields throughout the city.The funds are among three federal grants for brownfield remediation announced for communities in Tennessee by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The grants include $632,807 for the City of Dunlap and $1.5 million for the South Central Tennessee Development District and its partners, bringing the total in the state to $5,632,807.TDEC worked with the grantees in support of their applications for the federal funds and will continue to assist them, providing technical oversight throughout the life of the grants.We congratulate these communities on their success in obtaining the grants, and we are pleased to have provided assistance in the process, said Greg Young, deputy commissioner for Environment at TDEC.Brownfields can not only be cleaned up but can become community assets, and these federal grants will go a long way in making that happen in Tennessee.The EPA announced over $300 million in grants from the Investing in America initiative to help states, tribal nations, local governments and non-profit organizations clean up polluted brownfield sites throughout the country.In addition to $5,8 million in EPA funds already awarded to Chattanooga, the citys Revolving Loan Fund has been selected to receive the $3.5 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because it has a high-performing RLF program with significantly depleted funds.Officials said, "The RLF program has successfully made loans or subgrants leading to nine cleanup projects that are either completed or in progress. Potential projects highlighted for use of the BIL funding include 2701 Chestnut St., the site of a former foundry, and multiple sites on South Broad Street. The BIL funding will extend the capacity of the program to provide funds for more cleanups in the most underserved areas in the city. In revolving loan funds, proceeds from loan repayments flow back into the fund for future loans."The grant for the City of Dunlap is to remediate the former Victory Automotive property. The grant for the South Central Tennessee Development District and its partners is to assist with the assessment of brownfields in 13 counties  Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Perry and Wayne.A brownfield is a property that is vacant or underutilized due to contamination. Remediation minimizes threats to public health, safety, and the environment. Brownfield sites vary in size, location, age and past use.
Erlanger will host a Summer Outreach Safety Fest on Saturday from 3-6 p.m. at the Washington Hills Community Center.

S.O.S. Fest is a free event providing a fun and safe environment where community members can learn health and safety tips from local health experts and first responders. The goal of this event is to ensure that families are equipped with the knowledge they need to stay safe while enjoying the summer months. Safety topics include firearm safety, fire prevention, driving safety, water safety, elderly care and more.

The event will include free food, food trucks, 50+ exhibitors, speakers and more.

Erlanger Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator, Regena Young said, S.O.S. Fest is an excellent opportunity for individuals of all ages to come out and have loads of fun while finding resources to kick off an exciting and safe summer! Our community partners are working together to give back to our neighbors and share education while having a blast with music, games, activities, food, and door prizes. We would love to see as many participants as possible at this event and encourage whole families to come out.

The public health and safety event is organized by members of Erlanger, Chattanooga Fire Department, Chattanooga Police Department, city of Chattanooga Office of Community Health, Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors, and the city of Chattanooga Department of Community Development.

The S.O.S. Fest is a great community event that brings safety initiatives straight to the heart of the community. This event brings information that is important for all age groups and also allows families to enjoy time together as well as with their community and leaders, said Captain Damien Vinson, Chattanooga Fire Departments Community Outreach coordinator.

The Washington Hills Community Center is at 4628 Oakwood Dr.

For more information, visit erlanger.org/trauma and click on the SOS Fest Button.


State Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, R-Signal Mountain, has secured $200,000 in state funding to support the McNabb Center.

The investment will allow the nonprofit to expand into Chattanooga and provide outpatient mental health services for military service members, veterans and their families in southeast Tennessee.

The McNabb Center provides vital mental health resources to those who have bravely served and sacrificed for our nation, Rep. Hazlewood said. This funding will ensure these potentially life-saving services are available to these heroes in Hamilton County. I appreciate my colleagues in the General Assembly for their unwavering support of the entire military community in Tennessee.

The budget appropriation request was co-sponsored in the House by State Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison.

The McNabb Center launched its Military Services behavioral health outpatient treatment program in 2016. Since that time, the program has served more than 1,000 individuals and provided approximately 13,000 therapy sessions for those with mental illness and/or a substance use disorder.

The appropriated funds are part of a $52.8 billion balanced budget that was passed by the General Assembly in April. Republican priorities included making significant investments in education, public safety and health care while also providing $400 million in additional tax cuts to support Tennessees economy.
After a three year old child jumped into a frigid swimming pool last March, two current and one former Dalton Police Department employees came to the rescue. On Tuesday, all three were honored for their off-duty actions at the monthly meeting of Dalton's Public Safety Commission.

The incident happened on March 24 at an Easter egg hunt at a private home. During the celebration, a three-year-old child from a neighboring home wandered into a gated swimming pool on the property without being noticed. The child took off his shoes and clothes and jumped into the pool to try to swim, but was unable. Bruce Franks, a former DPD officer who is now a police officer at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, saw the boy in distress and immediately jumped into the pool to pull him out. Once the boy was out, DPD Detective Matthew Kumnick began to administer CPR with a nurse who was also at the party. The boy did not have a pulse and was not breathing. While this was going on, Bernice Kumnick, a property and evidence technician at the police department, worked to gather the children and remove them from the scene to allow the first responders space to work and to try to shield other children from seeing the incident. After a few minutes of providing chest compressions, the boy began to respond and started to cry. Detective Kumnick kept working until medical help arrived. The boy eventually made a full recovery.

"Its such a blessing for these folks to be nearby, and that theres a good outcome of all of this," Assistant Chief Chris Crossen said Tuesday. "The young man was able to recover and is doing well."

For their actions, Detective Kumnick and Officer Franks were both presented the Dalton Police Department's Life-Saving Award, which is presented to employees or community members for taking actions which directly resulted in the preservation of human life. Bernice Kumnick was given a letter of commendation from Chief Cliff Cason praising her for her actions to keep the scene clear and calm and to help other children who were at the scene.

"(I thank) them for their actions and their willingness to step into a situation that was life-threatening not only for that child, but if you think about jumping into a cold pool in March, that sort of thing could be bad for everybody," said Chief Crossen.
Meningococci (Neisseria meningitidis) are disease-causing bacteria that cause life-threatening meningitis, or blood poisoning (septicaemia). There are a number of meningococcal variants worldwide, known as serogroups, and in Germany the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends immunisation against serogroups B and C in children. A team from the University of Munster (led by Prof. Dr Ryan Gilmour) and the Max Planck Institute (MPI) of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam (led by Prof. Dr Peter H. Seeberger) has now developed a combined vaccine lead from synthetic fluorinated sugar molecules that is effective against both strains simultaneously. The vaccine lead is the component of the vaccine that triggers the desired immune response. The study has been published in the "Journal of the American Chemical Society".

Chemists from the University of Munster and the Max Planck Institute (MPI) of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam have now developed a combined vaccine lead from synthetic fluorinated sugar molecules that is effective against meningococci B and C simultaneously.  AK Gilmour

The introduction of fluorine into the natural structure brings many advantages, which begin with assisting in the synthesis and analysis, and enhancing metabolic stability. In this proof of concept study, the scientists demonstrated the efficacy of the lead compound in cell culture tests and in mice.

To produce the vaccine lead, the team mimicked the molecular fingerprint of the bacterial capsular polysaccharide (CPS) epitope. These polysaccharides form a shell around the bacteria, and their unique structures means that they function as antigens and can be specifically targeted by the immune response. This highly specific form of molecular recognition is the basis of a vaccine. The team synthesised a molecular structure that is closely similar to the epitope on the surface of the natural polysaccharide capsule and combined it with a carrier protein. Further investigations showed that this epitope analogue can trigger an immune response against serogroups B and C in mice.

The synthesis of the target molecule - a difluorinated analogue of the naturally occurring -(2,9)-sialic acid epitope - required 16 steps and was carried out by Dr. Christina Jordan and PhD student Kathrin Siebold at the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the University of Munster. "There are many advantages to generating the key molecule through precision synthesis rather than isolating it from biological sources. The most obvious is that synthesis can be scaled up, and one can be sure that only the desired molecular structure is present in the vaccine lead", says Ryan Gilmour. "The exact composition is known and fully validated analytically, and the method is faster and cheaper than the isolation of native capsular polysaccharide. We are really excited that these fluorinated molecules are such effective mimics and that we have reached this translational point in our research. I think it underscores the societal impact of interdisciplinary research at the chemistry  biology interface."
KfW IPEX-Bank as Mandated Lead Arranger is contributing 64 Mio. EUR to a green financing for Verkor within an international consortium of 19 banks. The funds of 1.3 billion EUR will be directly allocated to the construction and financing of Verkor's first Gigafactory located in Dunkirk, with an initial production capacity of 16 GWh/year.

Verkor has chosen to bring together a wide range of banking partners to meet the financing needs of its first Gigafactory and build a robust financial ecosystem to support the company's growth. The aim is to provide low-carbon, high-performance batteries to the European automotive industry and thereby fully contribute to Europes industrial sovereignty in electric mobility and energy storage.

Located in the Dunkirk area, the Gigafactory will be operational in 2025 and will create around 1,200 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs over the next 2 years. This facility makes Verkor a major partner for players in the mobility and stationary storage sectors.

Verkor will produce low-carbon batteries with one of the smallest environmental footprints in the world. As proof of the environmental quality of its project, Verkor has received the "Dark Green" rating from the independent rating agency Standard & Poor's, the highest possible for a green loan.

Benoit Lemaignan, CEO of Verkor, comments: "We are proud to secure 1.3 billion euros to further develop our ambitions. This debt financing will enable us to finalize the construction of our Gigafactory, which will produce its first low-carbon battery cells in 2025. We are also delighted that this financing takes the form of an unprecedented 'green loan'."
World Health Assembly once again rejects Taiwan-related proposal

Xinhua) 10:23, May 28, 2024

GENEVA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), decided on Monday not to include in its agenda a proposal on Taiwan's participation in the annual assembly as an observer.

Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said in his statement that China's position on the Taiwan region's participation in the WHA is consistent and clear. The issue must be handled under the one-China principle, which is also a fundamental principle endorsed in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1.

The Democratic Progressive Party authorities have stubbornly stuck to the separatist position of "Taiwan independence," so that the political basis for the Taiwan region's participation in the assembly no longer exists, he said.

Chen pointed out that the Chinese central government has made proper arrangements for the Taiwan region's participation in global health affairs under the one-China principle.

There is an International Health Regulations Contact Point in the Taiwan region for it to smoothly access health information from the WHO, and health experts from the Taiwan region can also participate in WHO technical activities in their personal capacities. The past year saw the participation of 21 batches of health experts from the Taiwan region, according to Chen.

Chen emphasized that a vast majority of countries in the international community have reaffirmed their commitment to UNGA Resolution 2758, firmly supporting the one-China principle and opposing Taiwan's participation in the WHA.

The theme of the 77th WHA, convened in Geneva on Monday, is "All for Health, Health for All."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
In the mid-1980s, Crazy Eddie became entangled in one of the largest fraud scandals in United States history.

The scheme persisted for 18 years. If youve never heard of Crazy Eddie, also known as Eddie Antar, he was the face and founder of the company Crazy Eddie Inc., a chain of consumer electronics stores with locations throughout the northeastern U.S.

The company gained notoriety in the 1970s and 80s due to flashy and aggressive advertising campaigns.

Eddie was featured in these commercials, where he portrayed a wild and eccentric persona, drawing customers in with promises of insane deals and discounts on electronics. Back then, business was booming.

But behind their apparent success, something darker was lurking in the shadows. In the mid-1980s, Eddie Antar and several of his family members were accused of running a massive financial scam.

Since day one, skimming cash sales had been part of the business plan. Managers were given low salaries and were compensated by under-the-table cash payments. Additionally, they inflated the companys earnings and manipulated the share price.

Furthermore, Eddie and his family members came up with a plan they called the Panama Pump. It involved taping bundles of cash to their bodies and flying to Israel to deposit the money into a bank account there.

The money was transferred to bank accounts in Panama and then to the U.S. They laundered the money back into the company, which helped make Crazy Eddies revenues and profits look like they were growing.

Eventually, Eddie was no longer able to keep up with his fraudulent business practices. In December 1986, he cashed in millions of dollars worth of stock and resigned.

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Thousands of years ago, a now-submerged landscape once stood above sea level. The discovery of this prehistoric landscape was made after a team of scientists conducted a series of underwater scans in the Adriatic Sea, which is located off the coast of Croatia.

The project, called Life on the Edge, was led by the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom and the University of Split in Croatia.

Over the span of five years, researchers hope to map out parts of the Adriatic Sea, as well as the North Sea.

Their goal is to create a better picture of what these submerged landscapes looked like between 24,000 and 10,000 years ago during the Upper Paleolithic period. At that time, sea levels were hundreds of feet lower than todays sea levels.

The researchers used three-dimensional seismic sensors to scan the sea floor. Then, they analyzed the results from the sensors to put together a model of the prehistoric landscape.

Their investigations revealed a network of rivers, streams, and other features that used to be above the water.

The results provided way more detail than we were expecting, Simon Fitch, the lead researcher at the University of Bradford, said. Its a more diverse landscape, and its better preserved than we expectedThere are beautifully preserved rivers and estuaries buried beneath what is now the sea floor.

Previous models indicated that there might have been a river on the seabed, but their advanced high-resolution sensors found much more than that.

It is believed that more people were living in the region during the Upper Paleolithic period than what was thought in the past. Ancient humans typically lived along lakes and rivers for natural resources.

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When you see a cute, chubby baby or an adorable, fluffy animal, do you just get the sudden urge to squeeze them? It turns out that this response is perfectly normal. In fact, theres even a scientific name for it. Its called cute aggression.

In 2015, researchers from Yale University found that when humans are faced with cuteness, our reactions are often dimorphous, meaning they can be both positive and negative. The study was published in the journal Psychological Science.

People can have a range of reactions to cute stimuli, including smiles, tears, and aggression. The researchers concluded that these responses are caused by intense positive emotions, not an observation of the actual cute stimuli.

Later on, a psychologist from the University of California, Riverside, named Katherine Stavropoulos, coined the term cute aggression.

Stavropoulos decided to try to see if brain activity was able to record the phenomenon. So, she conducted a study along with a doctoral student, and their findings were published in 2018.

The researchers measured the brain activity of 54 people between the ages of 18 and 40. They showed each person 32 photographs from four different categories.

The images were of adult animals, baby animals, and two sets of human baby pictures. The first group of human baby photos were edited to make them have bigger eyes and chubbier cheeks.

The other portraits were either left untouched or altered to make them appear less cute. After looking at the images, the participants had to fill out a questionnaire about how cute they found each picture and the level of cute aggression they experienced.

The photos of baby animals produced the strongest response. The participants felt more overwhelmed with emotion when viewing the baby animals. They thought the baby animals were cuter than the adult ones. They also found both sets of human baby pictures equally cute.

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Home News 5-year-old boy released from hospital after parents, brothers killed in crash leaving church

A 5-year-old boy named Noah Mason has been discharged from the hospital after a catastrophic accident that claimed the lives of his parents and siblings in Georgia. The crash occurred as the family was leaving a church event.

Noah was traveling with his parents, 43-year-old Dakarai Mason and 35-year-old Erin Mason, along with his brothers, 14-year-old Brandon Crawford and 6-year-old Titus Mason, as reported by Fox5 Atlanta.

Erin was the assistant to the police chief at the Holly Springs Police Department.

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The family, from New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Cartersville, Georgia, was in a Kia van driven by Dakarai when it veered off its northbound course, crossing into the southbound lanes and colliding with a Chevy Tahoe and a Toyota 4Runner.

The sequence of collisions on Interstate 75 near Red Top Mountain Road last Sunday did not end there; a commercial vehicle subsequently struck the Kia and Toyota, and a Hyundai SUV impacted the rear of the Chevy.

Tragically, Dakarai, Erin and Brandon were pronounced dead at the scene. Titus succumbed to his injuries and was taken off life support, dying four days later. In the midst of this overwhelming grief, the Mason familys youngest member, Noah, survived and was released from the hospital on Sunday.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover medical and future expenses for Noah.

According to updates on the GoFundMe page, the young boy is now residing with family members who are committed to providing a loving environment despite the immense loss.

He still has a ways to go. But the outlook is great. We shall never completely heal from the loss of his family and ours. But God blessed us with a 5-year-old that will never allow us to slow down or wallow in our sadness, wrote Noahs grandmother on the fundraising site.

The community has rallied around the Mason family, extending their support through messages, prayers and contributions to the GoFundMe page. As of early Tuesday, the page had raised $65,567.

The impact of the tragedy has also been felt by the family and friends of Aimee Odom, a 21-year-old from Cartersville, who was fatally injured while driving the Toyota 4Runner. Odom was en route to a graduation party when the accident occurred. Her life was celebrated in a service held last Friday, where attendees were asked to wear pink in her honor.

The crash also resulted in hospitalizations for the driver of the Chevy Tahoe and two occupants of the Hyundai, though their names and current medical statuses have not been disclosed.

Reflecting on the communitys response, the Mason family and their extended network have expressed deep gratitude toward healthcare professionals and all who provided support during this harrowing time. We couldnt have gotten through this without all of you. We all came to love each and every one. We will forever be grateful. God Bless you all, stated Noahs grandmother.

Brandons funeral service was conducted at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on Monday, with his interment following in Cassville Cemetery.

Plans for Dakarai, Erin and Tituss memorials had not been announced.
Home News Alabama pastor charged with rape, sodomy may have used church to contact victims

Authorities in Alabama arrested a local pastor as part of a sexual assault investigation, believing he may have contacted some of the victims through a church in Mobile.

The Mobile Police Department Special Victims Unit arrested 35-year-old Bradrick Vail Sr. on Sunday. Multiple victims had come forward and helped the police identify the suspect.

As WPMI-TV reported Sunday, authorities located and charged Vail with three counts of first-degree rape, one count of first-degree sodomy and three counts of sexual abuse. After conducting a preliminary investigation, the authorities suspected that Vail used a church in Mobile to contact his victims.

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Investigators believe that there may still be more victims. The Mobile Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward to help further the investigation.

Mobile Police confirmed that Vail is a pastor at a church in Mobile and that the alleged crimes occurred in Mobile and Prichard, according to Fox 10.

According to his Facebook account, Vail was the pastor of Tree of Life Deliverance Ministries and studied at Heart Bible International University. The church was established in August 2020 in Theodore, according to information posted on a state government database.

"Well, when I seen it on the news it broke my heart," local Pastor Nathaniel Wilder, who lives near the church, told Fox 10. "Because I'm a pastor also, and things like this really give the Church a bad name. You can't take one incident and blame all pastors for it and I just pray the best for him."

"The Church has been taking a beating here lately, not just here in Mobile, but all across this country," Wilder added. "Because of the things that some of these pastors are doing. And we don't know if it's true or not, you're innocent until found guilty. I'm not accusing him of anything. I just pray that these pastors will get their acts together."

The news of police arresting an Alabama pastor suspected of sex crimes comes not long after the arraignment of 71-year-old associate pastor Randy Saylor in Michigan. The pastor was the second clergyman and the third leader from the Michigan-based Living Word International Church arrested following accusations of criminal sexual conduct.

Saylor was arraigned earlier this month on charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person younger than 13 and second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The associate pastor allegedly committed these crimes in 2013.

In a statement at the time to Midland Daily News, Living Word Church Administrator William Bailey said that the congregation was "deeply saddened and concerned" about the situation.

"It has come to our attention that Randy Saylor, a member of our pastoral team, is under investigation for allegations of sexual abuse," Bailey stated.

"There are no allegations that the abuse took place at the church or involved the church in any way. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities in their investigation. Randy has been suspended from all duties pending the outcome of the investigation."

Last November, the Rev. James Randolph, a minister at Living Word Church, was charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct, including one that allegedly involved a minor younger than 13. Randolph's crimes are believed to have taken place in 2011.

In a statement to The Christian Post last year, Josh Barclay, Mark Barclay's son, said Randolph was placed on administrative leave "pending the results of the criminal justice process."

Brandon Saylor, the 44-year-old son of Randy Saylor, was also arrested last July and sentenced last month to serve up to 15 years in prison on three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child younger than 13, WNEM reported. The 44-year-old served as a church volunteer and leader.

Earlier this month, Brandon Saylor was resentenced and required to maintain electronic monitoring for the Sex Offender's Registration Act for the rest of his life, according to WNEM.

Televangelist Mark Barclay is the founder of Living Word International Church, a minister known as the self-styled "Preacher of Righteousness" who presents his ministry as family-themed. In 2013, the televangelist asked his followers for $79,000 to repaint a luxury jet, which he said "actually belongs" to the Lord.
Home News Church, school reflect on faith of 5 young adults killed in car crash: 'We praised God, said our last goodbyes'

The tremendous faith of the five young adults killed in a car accident on their way home from a Bible college was highlighted by their classmates and peers at vigils held at their church and school last week.

According to KARK, students and teachers at Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, Arkansas, joined together on Thursday for a balloon release to honor the lives of the young adults who lost their lives in a fatal car crash in Wyoming on their way back from visiting Jackson Hole Bible College.

The deceased included Sylvan Hills High School seniors Susana "Suzy" Prime and Ava Luplow, Salomon Correa, 21, Maggie Franco, 20, and 23-year-old Andrea Prime, Suzy's sister.

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Juan Silva, a student at Jackson Hole Bible College in Wyoming, revealed the students were visiting him and died on their way home. He described his friends as good representatives of Christ and living like Christ.

We went to go eat and we were talking about the Lord  how good and wonderful His plans are, he said. We praised God and said our last goodbyes, but I didnt know it was going to be our last goodbyes.

Whats comforted me a lot is Psalm 46:1 and it says that God is our refuge and strength  very present help in trouble, Silva added.

Isaac Riley, who was close friends with the students, said his hope is in God in the midst of the heartbreak.

Although Im mourning, Im also rejoicing, he said.

At a Monday night memorial service held at Faith Bible Fellowship in Little Rock, the church the young adults attended, Elizabeth Conway, an admissions officer at Central Baptist College, revealed that Luplow had just sent her a testimony for a scholarship to attend the college and Suzy Prime was working on hers as well.

"They both just had those leader personalities, that's just how they were, every single one of them," she said, according to Arkansas Online. "It's just a blessing  we've all been talking about how they all had some unsaved family members and they were always, each and every one of them, were praying for someone that was unsaved in their family consistently at church."

The five young adults were driving on Interstate 80 two Sundays ago when a Dodge Ram was reported heading east in the westbound lanes.

The pickup truck collided with a passenger car and commercial truck, forcing another truck to swerve into the other side of the road where the driver collided head-on with the students' Ford F-150. The truck and the students' vehicle were engulfed in flames, killing the five young adults and leaving others with critical injuries.



According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, 57-year-old Arthur Nelson was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired. He was charged with 11 crimes, five of which are for aggravated homicide by vehicle.

Conway said the grieving community is clinging to their faith and taking comfort in the fact that the young people knew the Lord.

"There's a different kind of peace that comes from ... we know for sure that every single one of them knew the Lord and that's just a blessing to know that they are probably dancing on streets of gold right now. It's definitely hard. We grieve with one another that they're not here, on Earth, they're not here for us to hug their necks and tell them how much they mean to us, she said.

"Every single one of them just radiated the love of Christ so well," she said. "They were all examples to people wherever they went, people were looking up to them. They were an example of what it looks like to follow Christ faithfully."

Elizabeth Dilts, a member of the church for two years, revealed her daughter was in Andrea Prime's Sunday school class. She said that despite her grief, she knows that the Prime sisters, Luplow, Correa and Franco, are all where they need to be, "with the Lord."

"We're very thankful for people giving because it helps, I know to be able to do something helps yourself, like you feel like you can take part in the grief if you can help the family," she said.

"Prayer is definitely the thing we want the most though. I know people will say that, but it really is true because you get to the end of yourself where you're like, I can't even pray anymore, I hope somebody's praying for me. That's kind of how a lot of us feel is like, you just get so tired and you need someone to take that burden."

In a statement, the Bible college revealed the young adults had spent the week before the accident sitting in on classes and getting to know this year's student body, as well as catching up with staff who were previous classmates to three of them.

All five attended Faith Bible Fellowship, a church of beloved brothers and sisters in Christ who we have come to love beyond words, the statement said. It is with inexpressible joy that we tell you that our friends had placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As a result, we know they are currently with Him, a reality we are quite envious of.

Faith Bible Fellowship has set up a Cash App account for donations to the families of the deceased.
Home News Gather25 seeks to unite 2.5 billion Christians to spark global revival

A 25-hour revival event planned for next year is already drawing support from thousands of individuals and Christian ministries in the United States and abroad.

Known as Gather25, the event will be a 25-hour worship event that starts on March 1, 2025, and will take place at different locations worldwide for the purpose of Christian outreach.

Jennie Allen, a Bible teacher and author who has helped organize revival events in the United States in recent years, is the founder and leader of the Gather25 initiative.

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Allen told The Christian Post that her decision to organize the worldwide event began recently when she asked herself, What if Jesus came back in 10 years?

The idea that He might return soon made me feel urgent, like there was so much left to do. Wrestling with this question led me to the thought that maybe we should just have a really large church meeting, like the whole Church, she said.

Doors began to open, conversations began to be had and we realized that, thanks to technology, for the first time in history, the entire global church is actually able to gather. So, we are inviting all 2.5 billion people who love Jesus to come together to pray, to confess sin, and to commission them to become missionaries in their places to reach the ends of the Earth.

March 1, 2025, was selected as the date because, according to Allen, she and other organizers of the global observance took into consideration the climate around the world.

That led us to narrow in on spring and fall to ensure a more mild climate throughout the globe, Allen told CP. March 1st just started to emerge as a date that seemed widely available at the venues and partners we were meeting with.

Gather25 has already partnered with more than 25 organizations for the event, including YouVersion, the Bible Project, Illuminations, Right Now Media, as well as many organizations outside of the U.S., including Africa New Life, Arise Asia and Global 2033.

We knew from the beginning we could not do this alone, said Allen. We've had over 30,000 people show interest in hosting a Gather Group in their community, and over 350 ministries reach out to do the same.

We have been amazed because as we began assembling the team, it became so clear that this is a shared vision of so many Jesus followers across organizations and ministries. God is speaking to leaders across different streams about the next 10 years of the Church.

Allen told CP that she believes Gather25 is the greatest group project we may ever be a part of. Her team will be meeting with leaders across every continent over the next few months to see how we can best partner with them in their contexts.

As we have been speaking to church leaders in other countries, we hear them all saying the same thing: that God is doing something new, she added. The world wants to label this generation as distracted, apathetic, cynical and divided, but we see a generation who wants to make their life count for something bigger than themselves.

Our hope is that every believer walks away from this event knowing that they have a unique role to play in God's story. He has not called them to watch on the sidelines but to play an active role in sharing the hope of Jesus with the 5.5 billion people on Earth who don't yet know him.
Home News Louisiana bans coerced criminal abortion, mandates prescription for abortion drugs

Louisiana has passed a law that punishes anyone who forces a pregnant woman to take an abortion-inducing drug without her consent or via fraud, while also requiring a prescription to possess such drugs.

Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 276, also known as the Abortion by Fraud Criminalization Act, into law last Friday.

Coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud is committed when a person knowingly and intentionally engages in the use or attempted use of an abortion-inducing drug on a pregnant woman, without her knowledge or consent, to cause an abortion, SB 276 states.  whoever commits the crime of coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five years" and no more than 10 years, or fined between $10,000 to $75,000, or face both prison and a fine.

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Landry said in a statement released last Friday that he believes the new law protects women across Louisiana and he was proud to sign the legislation.

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 added.

Sarah Zagorski, communications director for Louisiana Right to Life, applauded the legislation, saying in a statement last week that she believes the new law will deter bad actors from obtaining these medications.

We also want to thank [state] Sen. [Thomas] Pressly for his courageous persistence with SB 276 despite numerous attacks from abortion proponents who mischaracterized his legislation, she stated.

SB 276 will not stop physicians from prescribing these medications for legitimate health purposes nor will it criminalize a pregnant woman taking the abortion pill.

Introduced in March, SB 276 passed the Louisiana House of Representatives in a vote of 65 to 31, then approved with amendments by the Senate in a vote of 29 to 7.

The legislation was reportedly inspired by Pressleys sister being poisoned by her former husband with abortion-inducing drugs while she was pregnant, which had been given to her via multiple spiked drinks.

Critics of the proposed legislation included Vice President Kamala Harris, who took to her X account to claim that the bill banned abortion medication in general.

Absolutely unconscionable. The Louisiana House just passed a bill that would criminalize the possession of medication abortion, with penalties of up to several years of jail time. Lets be clear: Donald Trump did this, Harris wrote.
Home News Liberal Democrats accused of deselecting candidate over his Christian faith

The Liberal Democrat Party has been reported to the equalities watchdog over accusations that Christian members are being treated unfairly.

The complaint to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) alleges that David Campanale, a practicing Anglican and former BBC journalist, was deselected by the party "based on his Christian faith," The Telegraph reports.

Campanale is set to be replaced as the party's prospective MP candidate for Sutton and Cheam after an alleged two-year campaign by local party members and LGBT activists. They allege that he did not sufficiently disclose his Christian faith during the selection process, which he denies. They also take aim at his links with the Christian People's Alliance.

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The complaint to the EHRC alleges that the Lib Dems have tolerated a "hostile environment" for people of faith and "emboldened those who believe Christians should be driven out of public life." The party is also accused of failing to investigate serious allegations of discrimination and harassment.

The Telegraph reports that one official allegedly told Campanale, "We had no idea we were selecting another Tim Farron," a reference to the former Lib Dem leader who stepped down after being pressured over his Christian beliefs.

According to The Telegraph, Nasser Butt, the founder and chairman of Lib Dem Muslim Forum, was alerted to concerns by some party members that Campanales past activities and beliefs with the CPA was questionable and made him unsuitable.

Butt replied, I dont believe that a persons faith should be a deciding point to join Liberal Democrats or that a party member with faith or no faith should be targeted in a discriminatory way.

The EHRC is being asked to launch an investigation into the claims concerning Campanale.

"This evidence depicts a supposedly liberal organization allowing clear religious discrimination and hostility to thrive within its ranks," the complaint states, according to The Telegraph.

"It suggests that Campanale was driven out from his democratically elected position not because of any objective failings or wrongdoing but because a vocal group within SBLD [Sutton Borough Liberal Democrats] refused to tolerate his Christian worldview."

It added: "Although Campanale has submitted evidence of religious discrimination, harassment and victimization perpetrated against him to party authorities at all levels over a two-year period, no appropriate action has been taken. We believe that only an external investigation by the EHRC can now secure justice."

A spokesperson for the Lib Dems denied the allegations, "The Liberal Democrats are home to people of all faiths and none, including many Christians.

"Three Liberal Democrat MPs in neighboring seats to Sutton and Cheam are practicing Christians, including party leader Ed Davey, and the party's candidate selection process is overseen by the Reverend Margaret Jane Joachim."

Originally published at Christian Today
Home News Pope defends Vatican guidance on same-sex couples: Bless 'the people,' 'not the union'

Pope Francis is seeking to clarify that the Catholic Church is not changing its teachings about homosexual practices and same-sex relationships as the Vatican faces criticism for approving a document allowing priests to bless same-sex couples.

Delivering remarks at the plenary session of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith Friday, the pontiff addressed the Fiducia Supplicans declaration handed down by the Vatican office last month. The declaration, published on Dec. 18, allows priests to bless same-sex couples while stressing that one should neither provide for nor promote a ritual for the blessings of couples in an irregular situation.

As Francis told the cardinals gathered at the Vaticans Clementine Hall Friday, The task of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is to help the Roman Pontiff and the Bishops to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world by promoting and safeguarding the integrity of Catholic teaching on faith and morals."

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"It does this by drawing upon the deposit of faith and seeking an ever deeper understanding of it in the face of new questions," Pope Francis said.

The pontiff elaborated on the reasoning behind the declaration, which received backlash from conservative Catholics who viewed the document as contradictory to church teaching on sexuality. It also received praise from LGBT-affirming Catholics who view it as a "step forward."

The intention of pastoral and spontaneous blessings is to tangibly demonstrate the closeness of the Lord and of the Church to all those who, finding themselves in various situations, ask for help to continue  sometimes to begin  a journey of faith," said Francis.

I would like briefly to underline two things, he added. The first is that these blessings, outside of any liturgical context and form, do not demand moral perfection in order to be received; the second, that when a couple approaches spontaneously to ask for them, one does not bless the union, but simply the people who have required it together. Not the union, but the people, naturally taking into account the context, the sensibilities, and the places where one lives and the most appropriate ways to do it.

Francis remarks are not the first time the Vatican has sought to clarify the implications of Fiducia Supplicans.

Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, the prefect for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith who authored the declaration, released a five-page statement earlier this month insisting that the document is clear and definitive about marriage and sexuality.

Fernandez stated that a non-ritualized form of blessing offered to same-sex couples would last no more than 15 seconds and does not intend to justify anything that is not morally acceptable. He defined blessings of same-sex couples as merely a response of a pastor towards two persons who ask for Gods help.

Following the publication of Fiducia Supplicans, some Catholic bishops have explicitly prohibited the blessings of same-sex couples within the dioceses they oversee, including the leader of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana in Kazakhstan.

Reacting to such actions in his clarification, Fernandez asserted that there is no room to distance ourselves doctrinally from this declaration or to consider it heretical, contrary to the Tradition of the Church, or blasphemous.

Three days after the declaration was published, Francis criticized what he called "rigid ideological positions" during an annual Christmas gathering at the Vatican.

Let us remain vigilant against rigid ideological positions that often, under the guise of good intentions, separate us from reality and prevent us from moving forward, he said.

Fear, rigidity and monotony make for an immobility that has the apparent advantage of not creating problems  but lead us to wander aimlessly within our labyrinths, to the detriment of the service we are called to offer the Church and the whole world, the pontiff added. It is important to keep faring forward, to keep searching and growing in our understanding of the truth, overcoming the temptation to stand still and never leave the labyrinth of our fears.
Home News Pope says gay men should be barred from seminary, accused of using derogatory word

Pope Francis reportedly told a group of bishops that homosexual men should not be allowed to enter seminary to train for the priesthood and is accused of using a vulgar Italian phrase to describe the queer community in his remarks.

Francis endorsed the ban during a 90-minute, closed-door meeting with over 200 members of the Italian bishops' conference on May 20 at Vatican City, according to reports. The restriction is based on a 2005 document crafted under the administration of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.

The Jesuit publication America reported the news on Monday, citing Italian media and an "informed source, who did not want to be identified."

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La Repubblica quoted Francis as saying that "it is necessary to put down markers, and prevent the risk that the gay person who chooses the priesthood could later end up living a double-life, continuing to practice homosexuality, while at the same time suffering from this dissimulation."

Although there is no official transcript of the speech, Francis reportedly used the Italian word "frociaggine," a derogatory term for "queerness" that loosely translates in English to "faggot."

He was quoted as saying, "There is too much 'frociaggine' in seminaries." However, some believe Francis, whose native language is Spanish, may have mistakenly used the term. The Catholic News Service confirmed with unnamed Italian bishops that Francis used the term.

The Italian news outlet Corriere reported that the pope "sometimes stumbles over somewhat creative Italian without being aware of the nuances," according to CNS.

In 2013, shortly after being made pope, Francis garnered international headlines when he appeared to endorse the idea that someone could be openly homosexual and a devout Christian.

In an interview he gave at the time following the Catholic event known as World Youth Day, a journalist asked Pope Francis if there was a gay lobby at the Vatican.

Francis responded, "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" His comment was hailed by LGBT organizations and many news media outlets as a sign that the Catholic Church was evolving on LGBT issues.

However, many at the time neglected to note that in the same interview, Francis declared that it was important to "distinguish between a person who is gay and someone who makes a gay lobby," adding that "a gay lobby isn't good."

Last year, as part of an interview with the Argentine newspaper La Nacion to celebrate 10 years since he became head of the Roman Catholic Church, Francis denounced "gender ideology," which is often defined as a set of views that considers gender a social construct and not based on biological sex.

"I always distinguish between what pastoral care is for people who have a different sexual orientation and what gender ideology is," he said at the time. "They are two different things. Gender ideology, at this time, is one of the most dangerous ideological colonizations."

In December, with Francis' approval, the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a document allowing priests to provide blessings to same-sex couples. The document drew criticism, and the Vatican clarified that it would enable priests to "bless couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church's perennial teaching on marriage."
Home News Prestonwood Baptist Church sustains damage after storms hit North Texas

Prestonwood Baptist Church has suffered damage and flooding as a result of storms that hit North Texas early Tuesday morning. The storms came days after a deadly series of tornados in the region left seven people dead, including children, over Memorial Day weekend.

In a video posted on his social media accounts on Tuesday morning, Prestonwood Senior Pastor Jack Graham explained that our church has already been reaching out to the community all over North Texas following the tornadoes that hit Cooke, Collin Denton counties on Saturday night.

Graham added that our ministry partners have been helping people who have lost everything, noting that he was so grateful for the heart of this church.

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The lead pastor went on to explain that the church building in Plano was actually hit this morning, very hard, adding that weve lost a side of the building, and we have flooding within the building.

It could have been much, much worse, Graham continued. But due to the fast, quick action of our incredible facilities teams, security, our staff, we are minimizing the damage early this morning. Were confident that we can get this terrible mess cleaned up in good order.

While noting that there were still storms nearby and more to arrive this week, Graham said he was most grateful for how much his congregation cares for Prestonwood, noting that weve had call after call after call from people offering assistance.

"We pray for people who have lost lives, their families. We are praying for people who've lost everything, obliterated by these storms. As far as the church goes, this can all be repaired, he said. You can blow down this wall, you can blow down the church, but the witness and the light of the Gospel continues.

Well be up and running before Sunday, God willing. And everything will be under repair. But thank you for praying, thank you for understanding, and being part of the answer, the solution to this problem.

He added, "When storms come, I always think of the scripture Psalms 57:1, 'Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trust in you: in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities,' these storms, be overcome."

Over the weekend, a series of tornadoes and stormy weather hit Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, leaving at least 19 dead, hundreds injured, and tens of thousands without electricity.

The worst of the damage was located in North Texas, according to The Associated Press, with seven confirmed deaths in Cooke County, which is near the Oklahoma border.

At a press conference held Sunday, Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott explained that there were approximately 100 people injured, over 200 buildings destroyed, and more than 220 additional buildings that were damaged.

It has been a harrowing week with lives lost, property reduced to rubble, and crushed hopes and dreams of those that owned homes or small businesses, but in true Texas fashion, Texans are responding to this great tragedy with love, care, and generosity, Abbott said.

We have seen heroism from first responders, volunteer fire departments, law enforcement, and those that may never be known. Amidst the wreckage surrounding us here today, I am moved by the sight of the American flag that remains flapping in the wind. I am proud of our country and our state for coming together during difficult times like these.
Home Opinion Abortion drugs: Requiring prescription is not a ban

The left is acting as if the reclassification of mifepristone and misoprostol  commonly used abortion medications  to Schedule IV controlled dangerous substances is banning them. It simply makes them a prescription medication that needs to be administered by a doctor.



Yes, it does make the medication harder to obtain, but if a woman is going to end the life of her unborn child, it should be a decision that is made with careful consideration and under the supervision of a doctor.



Even the federal government acknowledges this. Last year, the appropriations bill for Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration contained a provision prohibiting the mailing of the chemical abortion drug Mifepristone because of its dangers not only to an unborn child but also to the mother. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court last August ordered that it only be dispensed in person by a physician.

Making abortion drugs a controlled dangerous substance does not ban it. Controlled substances are classified by schedules I to V. A Schedule IV substance is not severely restricted because it has a low risk of misuse, although the potential exists. According to the National Center for Biotechnological Information, Drugs in this class may be utilized for pain control as long as the provider deems the drug medically necessary and the patient would benefit. They can be prescribed over the phone and refillable up to five times in a six-month period.

Schedule IV substances include some narcotics; medications within the category of depressants, such as Xanax and Valium; muscle relaxants; sleep aids; and stimulants that can be used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and weight loss, NBC News reported.

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So, abortion drugs arent banned; not even severely restricted, especially considering that abortion drugs end a life.

The legislation makes possession of these medications without valid prescriptions or orders from medical professionals punishable by up to five years in prison. Pregnant women who obtain the medications for their own consumption would not be subject to prosecution.

Even NBC News had to admit, Abortion  both medical and surgical  is illegal in Louisiana, so it is already illegal to prescribe the medications to terminate pregnancies, except in very limited circumstances.



So, why is the left upset? Because the legislation, if it becomes law, makes it a little bit harder to get an abortion. It slows the process and requires doctors to put their reputations on the line if they facilitate abortions. It makes a mother think twice about taking an irreversible action.



This is why the left is trying to stoke anger without information. The NBC story tries to scare women into believing that they are being stripped of a right. NBC pointed out that more than 250 doctors signed a letter saying that reclassifying the medications would create the false perception that these are dangerous drugs that require additional regulation.

If they want to talk about false perceptions, then why not talk about the dangers these drugs can pose and the mental and physical problems that women experience from abortions?

While the Supreme Court said it is the purview of the states to restrict abortion, it remains the purview of all government (including the federal government) and all the citizenry, to protect all people without qualification, says Rev. Jim Harden, CEO of CompassCare Pregnancy Services.
Home Opinion United Nations betrays Israel once again

The United Nations has a long-term history of injustice and hatred for Israel.

The U.N. has recently passed a resolution demanding that Israel halt its defensive military operations against Hamas. This move has triggered derisive comments from Israelis, who have mockingly labeled the UN as "The United Nothing." The sentiment behind this scorn is deeply rooted in the UN's bias and ineffectiveness, particularly in its dealings with Israel. The headline on Fox News, May 26 2023, proclaimed: President of the U.Ns TOP COURT has a long- standing history of anti-Israel bias.

The UN has no legitimate right to dictate Israel's actions when it comes to defending its citizens from terrorist threats.

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Israel is the only true friend of America in that part of the world. It makes you ask the question, what is the current U.S. administrations secret strategy?

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rightly opposed the UN's interference, refusing to let an international body control the fate of the Jewish nation. The UN's actions are seen as placing a thumb on the scales of justice, skewing it against Israel and the Jewish people. This stance is a betrayal of the very principles upon which the U.N. was founded.

Historically, the United Nations and the United States played a pivotal role in the establishment of the State of Israel. In 1947, in the aftermath of the Holocaust, the U.N. passed Resolution 181, which called for the partition of Palestine and the creation of a Jewish state. This decision was seen as a divine intervention, fulfilling biblical prophecies and granting the Jewish people a homeland after centuries of persecution. President Truman went against his own State Department in recognizing Israel. In fact, he was the first president to congratulate Israel on its formation.

Truman made the telephone call on May 14, 1948, following the declaration of the new state by David Ben-Gurion, Israels first prime minister.

Why?

Truman was raised by a Baptist Bible-believing mother, that taught him to love the Jewish people and Israel! I believe President Truman heard the Esther prophecy in his spirit. Meditate on this and put your name in place of President Truman.

Esther 4:14(TSB): For if you remain silent at this time [President Truman], protection and deliverance for the Jews will be ordained from some other place, but you and your fathers house shall be destroyed. And who knows if you may have attained royal position for such a time as this?

God is brilliant. Both the modern rebirth of Israel and the United Nations emerged around the same time, with intertwined destinies. By turning its back on Israel, the UN is risking its own existence.

This same prognosis applies to The United States! Both the U.N. and the USA must tread carefully. The Bible clearly states in Genesis 12:3, "I [God] will bless those who bless you [Israel and the Jewish people], and whoever curses you [Israel and the Jewish people] I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you [Israel and the Jewish people]." This promise was made to Abraham and his descendants, the people of Israel. Any nation that seeks to undermine Israel's right to self-defense and sovereignty is positioning itself against God and risking divine judgment.

Netanyahu's resolve to stand firm against UN directives is not just a matter of national security; it is a stand for justice and righteousness. The UN's demand for Israel to cease its operations against Hamas, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, is ludicrous. Hamas has repeatedly targeted Israeli civilians, using its own population and prisoners as human shields, and perpetuating violence. Expecting Israel to back down in the face of such aggression is not just unreasonable  it is immoral.

Moreover, the UN's credibility is severely undermined by its disproportionate focus on Israel. Remember, the entire nation of Israel is about the size of New Jersey, with about the same population. Time and time again, the U.N. has passed resolutions condemning Israel while ignoring or downplaying egregious human rights abuses in other parts of the world. This selective outrage reveals an inherent bias that delegitimizes the U.N.'s position as a fair and impartial arbiter of international conflicts.

The Palestinian people overwhelmingly voted Hamas into power with 80% of the vote, yet Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the United States and Europe. This fact underscores the complex and precarious situation Israel faces, having to defend itself against a group that is both a governing entity and a terrorist organization!

But there is a self-replicating complication to any peace plan, and it is the elephant in the room, or more accurately in the hearts of the Palestinian people. Since birth, they have been taught to hate the Jewish people and such teachings are embedded in school curriculums in Gaza.

Some suggest that Gaza be governed by Fatah, but they too are a terror organization, so the only viable solution is for Israel to wipe out Hamas and then govern Gaza with Israeli military forces. Theres also plenty of land in Jordan and in the Sinai of Egypt but we dont see leaders waiting in line to take in Palestinians. Most leaders of Arab nations would rather kick out the Jews from their ancestral homeland and give it to Palestinian squatters than take them into their countries. Think about it. Who in their right mind would want to roll out the welcome mat to take terrorists into their country?

The United Nations, by succumbing to political pressures and failing to uphold its founding principles, is endangering its own future. Its repeated failures to address global injustices impartially and its undue criticism of Israel are symptoms of a deeper malaise within the institution. If the UN continues down this path, it risks becoming irrelevant, a shadow of its intended purpose.

As followers of Messiah Jesus, we are called to stand with Israel, to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), and to advocate for justice. It is our duty to support Israel's right to defend itself against those who seek its destruction. In doing so, we align ourselves with God's plan, promises and purposes.

If a man has life-threatening cancer and has days to live, and the doctors say, He can live if he cuts the disease out by its roots. And the United Nations says, No, let the cancer grow! Is there not a cause?
Employment tribunal hears case of theology lecturer dismissed over homosexuality comments

A theology lecturer who lost his job over comments he made about homosexuality on social media is having his case heard by an employment tribunal today.

Dr Aaron Edwards is claiming harassment, discrimination and unfair dismissal, and seeking damages and reinstatement by Cliff College.

He was dismissed in 2023 after seven years with the college following a tweet relating to the Church of England General Synod's debate on same-sex blessings.

He tweeted, "Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this b/c they're busy apologising for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it's true. This is a 'Gospel issue,' by the way. If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour."

After a backlash, he defended his comments in another tweet that said: "That is the conservative view. The acceptance of homosexuality as 'not sinful' is an invasion upon the Church, doctrinally. This is not controversial. The acceptance is controversial. Most of the global Church would agree. It is not homophobic to declare homosexuality sinful."

Dr Edwards was dismissed by the Methodist-run Cliff College after refusing to retract his comments.

At the hearing in Sheffield today, his lawyers from the Christian Legal Centre (CLC) will argue that the college violated his rights under Article 9 and Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

Speaking ahead of the hearing, Edwards said, "It feels like everything I worked for at the college (and for the college) over the last seven years has gone up in smoke.

"Anyone concerned about academic freedom, Christian freedoms and free speech should be deeply concerned by what has happened to me.

"The tweet was not defamatory; it was not an attack on any colleague or individual; it was not abusive; and it was not an extremist religious view. It was addressed to evangelicals as a point of doctrine, and it has been misunderstood by many who wish to cause personal and institutional trouble for those who express that view.

"The impact on me and my family has been very significant. I have lost many friends as a result, and been slandered by people who do not know all of the details but who now see me as an unkind or hateful person.

"The career that I had built over the course of a decade has been severely damaged to the extent that I no longer have a career. I have no choice but to fight for justice."

CLC CEO Andrea Williams said Edwards had been sacked "because he challenged the church to uphold God's teaching on human sexuality."

"Contending for that truth publicly meant that he lost the job that he was so good at, as well as his family's home," she said.

"It is deeply saddening to see a once renowned Bible college losing its way by no longer upholding the truth about marriage. What message does Aaron's sacking send to the next generation of leaders and pastors, and the future of Christian witness?"

She continued, "Our churches, and our society, desperately need courageous leaders. Aaron was committed to raising faithful preachers and pastors for the church. We need more lecturers and trainers like Aaron, not less, to build-up the next generation of Christian leaders to be unashamed of the gospel."

Cliff College has defended its actions, saying that the language used in the tweet was "inappropriate and unacceptable and does not represent either the views or the ethos of Cliff College".

"Cliff College, with the Methodist Church in Britain, is committed to being a safe and hospitable place, where those with differing convictions are welcomed and challenged to live together as faithful disciples of Christ," it said.

"We aim to do this with mutual respect and a generosity of spirit that springs from our biblical and evangelical conviction of God's love for each and for all."
Free Church of Scotland expresses sorrow over historical slavery links

The Free Church of Scotland has expressed "sorrow" over the "historical sins" of members of the denomination in relation to slavery.

In a statement, it expressed particular "regret" over the receipt of funds linked to slavery as a result of a visit by a Free Church delegation to the US in 1844.

"The Free Church recognises and freely admits the historical sins of members of the denomination in relation to slavery," it said.

"In particular we express regret over the interaction between members of a Free Church delegation that visited the USA in 1844 and some of their US associates. We grieve that the Free Church decided to receive funds as a result of the delegation.

"Even though we, as the Free Church today, are unlikely to be the beneficiaries of these funds due to the various transfers of property to other denominations, yet as their successors we acknowledge with sorrow the actions of our forebears who held the name of Free Church office holders."

The Church said that it was "firmly opposed to all forms of racism and slavery" and that many of today's Free Church congregations and individual members are "financially, prayerfully, and actively engaged with organisations working to release and protect people from modern-day slavery and trafficking".

"The Bible teaches that everyone is made in the image of God and worthy of inherent dignity and respect. We are all equal in the eyes of God and the Bible urges us to love one another without partiality," the Church said.
Somali convert attacked by Muslim relatives over his Christian faith

A Somali Christian convert faced a brutal attack from his Muslim relatives, leading to severe injuries and separation from his wife and five children.

Mohammad Abdul, 40, was attacked on 5 May on the outskirts of Kismayo, a port city in Somalia's Lower Juba region, after converting to Christianity on 20 March, Morning Star News reports. According to an anonymous source, who withheld their name for security reasons, Abdul's relatives took his wife and children while he was recovering from the attack at a medical clinic.

"While Abdul was nursing injuries, the Muslims went back to his house and started destroying his house, and the wife and the five children went back with their people," said the source. "His wife has told him that the Muslims are looking for him, and that therefore he should not go back to them."

According to the Morning Star News service, Abdul sustained a "deep cut on his head" and a "fractured hand" in the assault. For his safety, he relocated to another city in Somalia.

Abdul converted to Christianity after a Somali pastor living abroad visited him with the gospel in March of this year. He began praying and studying the Bible with his family and the visiting Christian leader every evening.

Trouble began when Abdul's youngest child, five, mentioned these meetings to a neighbour, prompting Abdul's wife to suggest that the visiting pastor leave for his own safety.

After departing on 11 April, the pastor received updates from Abdul about threatening text messages he had received from his Muslim relatives. "We are now aware that every evening you are praying in the name of Issa [Jesus] as well as reading a corrupted book and not reading the Quran, the holy book sent to Muhammad from Allah," read one message. "If you do not stop this bad way of conducting religious activities, then you risk your life."

As his wife distanced herself from Christian prayers due to fear, Abdul continued to develop his faith in the gospel alone.

"Two of my children continued sharing with other children the kind of prayers I was making," Abdul explained. "On 2nd May, my younger son arrived crying that he was beaten by some boys after telling them about my reading the Bible and praying."

The situation escalated on 5 May around 7.30pm when Abdul's Muslim relatives stormed his house. "They were shouting and yelling that they were looking for my head," Abdul recounted. "The attackers forcibly entered the house and started questioning me for forsaking Islam and joining a bad religion. My wife and children looked shaken."

Abdul was struck with a sharp knife by one of his relatives. "The children began wailing and crying in a very loud voice, which confused the attackers," he said. "I then managed to escape through the rear door, bleeding, and slept at one of my relative's home about 5 kilometers away."

He has appealed for prayers for his family, with whom he remains in contact.

Somalia's constitution declares Islam as the state religion and bans the propagation of any other faith, mandating that laws align with sharia (Islamic law) principles. Apostasy is punishable by death according to mainstream Islamic jurisprudence. The extremist group Al Shabaab, affiliated with Al Qaeda, strictly enforces these laws and has killed numerous non-local people in northern Kenya since 2011.

Somalia ranks 2nd on Christian support group Open Doors' 2024 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most challenging to be a Christian.
Sudan's Christians fear the world has abandoned them

With the world's focus on ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East, the victims of a conflict in Africa fear that they are at risk of being forgotten and are calling on the West to remember their plight.

Sudan, one of the largest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, descended into civil war just over a year ago, with fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces putting millions at risk of displacement and death.

"The situation is deteriorating every day and there is no response from the world. There is a strong feeling of abandonment," Illia Djadi, Open Doors' Senior Analyst for Freedom of Religion or Belief in Sub-Saharan Africa, said.

"Sudan is home to the world's largest mass displacement with nearly 9 million people on the run, and is facing the world's largest hunger crisis, but it is not getting the attention and the response it should compared to other crises."

Illia visited the war-torn region earlier this month, and said that there is a real fear amongst Sudan's Christian community that the world's eyes are turned elsewhere. Bishop Anthony Poggo, the Secretary General of the Anglican, echoed these fears, using a statement to the Anglican Communion News Service to call on the international community "not to abandon the people of Sudan, despite the focus on conflicts elsewhere".

"While there are many positive grassroots efforts to support, including peacebuilding initiatives by religious and traditional leaders and financial provision flowing from the Sudanese diaspora, we appeal urgently for much greater international humanitarian support to mitigate the enormity of the suffering of the people," he said.

Sudan's two million Christians have particular reason to fear a continuation of the conflict. The majority Muslim country was already ranked number eight on the Open Doors World Watch List, which ranks the nations around the globe where Christians face the worst persecution and discrimination. Observers fear that the ongoing violence may be used as a pretext for greater persecution of believers, making an already fraught existence harder for Christians. Already, more than 150 churches have been damaged or destroyed over the course of the war, whether as a result of collateral damage or through being deliberately targeted.

"There is no security, no protection," said Illia. "Not from the warring parties or from opportunists who will use this situation to further their own agendas. Christians and their churches have been attacked with impunity."

Many displaced persons have sought refuge in other areas in Sudan, but fleeing the areas most affected by the conflict areas brings its own risks, especially for Christians. Many face discrimination due to their faith when they do find shelter, and are often neglected or overlooked during aid distribution.

Rachel Morley, an Open Doors researcher, says that for these internally displaced people (IDPs) the risk remains high.

"While refugees move away from the immediate danger and find refuge in places where they receive a level of (international) protection, IDPs do not have that. They are less protected and still at a higher risk because they remain in a similar environment."

Before the latest conflict, Sudan's Christians had felt a degree of hope that things were improving for the country's believers after the civil-military government, put in place after the ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, abolished some of the laws that regulated religious belief and practice. But, now, church leaders fear the former ruling Islamists might take advantage of the ongoing insecurity to return to power, allowing them to re-impose hardline Islamic 'Sharia' laws such as the blasphemy law.

"The international community must act and see an end to this war. There is a real danger of Sudan becoming another Libya where the fall of Colonel Muammar Gadaffi in 2011 left a power vacuum," Illia said.

"This has had great consequences for the region, including trafficking of arms and drugs, and has fueled conflict in other parts of the continent; particularly in the Sahel where it has caused a dramatic humanitarian disaster."
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If there is a single theme circulating among Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) right now, it is the question of how to get stakeholders on board with more robust cybersecurity training protocols.

There are key points debated about why you should provide cybersecurity training to your IT professionals, like the alarming increase in cyberattacks (an increase of 72% over the all-time high in 2021, according to the Identity Theft Research Centers 2023 Data Breach Report), or the rapid evolution in technology, creating a constant game of catch-up.

But it isnt a question of if an organization will be targeted, but when. CISOs are increasingly anxious because while they realize the ax will fall on them when the inevitable breach occurs, securing boardroom support for heavy investment in preventative measures, like training, is challenging in a world where revenue is demanded for each dollar spent.

The path to securing the boardrooms buy-in is more complex than simply having the right statistics and studies on paper, says Dara Warn, the CEO of INE Security, a global cybersecurity training and certification provider. To bridge the gap between CISOs and stakeholders, CISOs must adopt a strategic approach that combines financial impact data, relevant case studies, and compelling narratives. Framing cybersecurity training as an essential investment rather than an optional expense is critical.

The Human Factor in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is not just about technology; its about people. Human error remains one of the leading causes of security breaches. A study by Verizon in their 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 68% of breaches involved a human element, such as social engineering, misuse of privileges, or simple mistakes. This highlights the importance of equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to potential threats.

Case Study: Capital One Data Breach

In 2019, Capital One experienced a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 100 million customers. The breach was caused by a misconfigured web application firewall, which allowed an attacker to access sensitive data stored on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This incident underscores the importance of training employees on cloud security practices and the proper configuration of security tools. In response, Capital One enhanced its cybersecurity training programs to include cloud security, emphasizing the need for regular audits and configuration checks. This case illustrates how specialized training can prevent costly breaches and protect sensitive data.

The ROI of Cybersecurity Training

Investing in cybersecurity training is not just a defensive measure; its a strategic investment that can yield significant returns. A well-trained workforce, not just security awareness but the SOC and networking teams, can serve as the first line of defence against cyber threats, reducing the likelihood of breaches and minimizing potential damages. According to the Ponemon Institutes 2023 Cost of Data Breach Report, organizations with extensive incident response planning and testing programs saved $1.49 million compared to those with lower levels.

Case Study: Maersk NotPetya Attack

In 2017, shipping giant Maersk was hit by the NotPetya malware, which spread rapidly through its global network, causing a complete shutdown of its IT systems. The attack was initiated by a compromised software update, exploiting poor cybersecurity hygiene and a lack of employee training on identifying malicious software. The incident cost Maersk over $300 million in losses. In response, Maersk implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity training program focusing on recognizing malicious software, securing software updates, and responding to cyber incidents. This case highlights the necessity of training employees on the latest cyber threats and best practices.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative for the Boardroom

The companys financial data and case studies are important to secure, but communicating that to the boardroom remains a challenge for CISOs. To get the message across, CISOs must also craft a compelling narrative that resonates with the board members. Here are some key strategies:

1. Speak the Boards Language

Board members are often more attuned to financial metrics and business outcomes than technical jargon. CISOs should frame cybersecurity training as a business enabler that protects the organizations bottom line. Highlighting the potential financial losses from breaches and the ROI of training programs can make a compelling case.

2. Use Real-World Examples

Real-world case studies, like the attacks on Maersk NotPetya and Capital One, can illustrate the tangible impact of cybersecurity training. These examples provide relatable scenarios that underscore the importance of investing in employee education.

3. Leverage Data and Statistics

Presenting data from reputable sources can lend credibility to the argument. Statistics that demonstrate the prevalence of human error in breaches and the financial benefits of training can be powerful tools in persuading the board.

4. Emphasize Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory requirements, such as GDPR and CCPA, mandate stringent data protection measures. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and reputational damage. Emphasizing how cybersecurity training can help meet these regulatory requirements can be an effective angle to secure board buy-in.

5. Highlight Competitive Advantage

In an increasingly competitive market, robust cybersecurity measures can be a differentiator. Companies known for their strong security posture are more likely to attract and retain customers. CISOs can highlight how a comprehensive training program can enhance the organizations reputation and competitive edge.

Overcoming Common Objections

Board members may raise objections regarding the cost and time required for cybersecurity training. CISOs should be prepared to address these concerns with data-driven arguments and strategic insights.

Cost Concerns

While the initial investment in training programs may seem significant, CISOs can emphasize the long-term cost savings from preventing breaches. According to the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million. Investing in training can mitigate these costs by reducing the likelihood and severity of breaches.

Time Constraints

Board members may worry about the time employees will spend on training. CISOs can advocate for flexible, modular training programs that allow employees to learn at their own pace without disrupting productivity. Additionally, emphasizing the efficiency of targeted training programs can alleviate concerns about time investment.

CISOs are key players in protecting their organizations from cyber threats. Getting the boardroom to buy into an investment in cybersecurity training is no easy task, but utilizing some of these strategies can make it more successful. Including these steps in the process of communicating your needs to stakeholders will help secure the support and resources needed to roll out effective training programs and ultimately better safeguard the organizations digital and physical assets. The stakes are high, and having all stakeholders on the same team is critical to the long-term success and security of an organization.

About INE Security

INE Security is the premier provider of online technical training and cybersecurity certifications. Harnessing the worlds most powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide, and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INEs suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and data science. INE is committed to delivering advanced technical training, while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.
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By Elroi/Adobe

The charity sector has responded to the Conservative Partys plan to require 18-year-olds take part in a form of national service if the party wins the general election on 4 July.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said the scheme would mean 18-year-olds can choose to take part in community volunteering or military training.

Community volunteering would include one weekend every month, 25 days over a 12-month period, with organisations such as the NHS, fire service, ambulance, search and rescue, and critical local infrastructure.

The proposals have raised concerns from those in the charity sector and outside, with Labour leader Keir Starmer dubbing the policy a sort of teenage Dads Army.

NCVO chief executive Sarah Vibert said the organisation would have valued the opportunity to feed into this proposal while UK Youth CEO Ndidi Okezie said investment would be key.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund closure

The Conservative Party said the national service plans would see 1.5bn diverted from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) from 2028. It currently has funding until 2025.

A further 1bn would come from plans to crack down on tax avoidance and evasion, it said.

The proposal reads: We will extend the UKSPF for three years. During this time, it will be allocated across the union on the same basis as before.

From 2028-29 onwards, the UKSPF will be diverted into national service and the royal commission will be tasked with ensuring an equitable spread of spending across the UK.

Charity sector reaction

Vibert said: As the National Council of Voluntary Organisations we would have valued the opportunity to feed into this proposal to ensure the needs of charities and volunteers were reflected.

We will continue to review the outline plans and offer more detailed thoughts in the coming days.

While wed welcome a scheme that enabled greater access for more young people to volunteer, we think mandating participation could prevent some from building a lifelong love of community action.

Social inequality is preventing many children across the country from achieving their full potential.

We must build an environment where young people from all backgrounds thrive and are encouraged, not forced, to support communities and causes that matter to them.

Okezie said: Many countries have successful national service programmes, but they have built infrastructure around the experience, ensuring it is an integrated stage in a young persons life.

The core issue we face is the lack of sustained investment to supporting youth development.

As a society, we should ensure all young people have access to quality developmental experiences and professional support to help them navigate each stage of life.

This is where youth work plays a crucial role, but millions of young people still lack access to the quality youth work support they need.

Regardless of the specific programmes we may create, let us not get distracted by the discussion of them.

What is more crucial is that we address the systemic gap in youth support, if we are to truly set up all young people to thrive.

By focusing on providing consistent, high-quality youth development provision, we can create a society that nurtures its young people and helps them reach their full potential.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
Nuffield Health announces CEO change

Healthcare charity Nuffield Health has announced that its chief executive Steve Gray has decided to retire after nine years leading the charity and that Bupa UK Insurance CEO Alex Perry will succeed him later this year.

Gray was listed as the highest paid CEO at the largest 100 charities in the country in the latest Charity Chief Executives Survey but his pay halved to between 620,0000 and 630,000 in 2022.

Gray said: After nine years leading Nuffield Health and over 20 years working in the healthcare sector, I have decided the time is right for me to retire.

Its been a tough decision as Nuffield Health is an incredibly special place to work and thats down to the 17,000 talented, passionate and dedicated people who are the driving force behind Nuffield Health.

My priority will be to ensure a smooth transition so that the charity is in the strongest position when I hand over the baton to Alex to continue to drive forward our mission to build a healthier nation.

Perry said: Im excited and look forward to working with the whole team at Nuffield Health to build a great future for the charity and its beneficiaries.

National Centre for Social Research appoints CEO

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has appointed Michael Davis as its next chief executive, joining in late August 2024.

Davis is currently the chief business performance officer at marketing data and analytics business Kantar, where he has worked since 2017.

He was previously UK managing director of research consultancy Ecorys and chief executive of non-departmental public body the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.

NatCens current CEO Guy Goodwin announced his semi-retirement in September 2023, and will step down at the end of May 2024.

In the interim period, deputy chief executive Gillian Prior will lead the charity over the next few months.

NatCen chair Stuart Etherington said: We are delighted that Michael is joining the National Centre for Social Research.

He brings both experience and enthusiasm to the role of CEO as the organisation moves into its next stage of development.

Social inclusion charity hires CEO

Scottish social inclusion charity Aberdeen Cyrenians has appointed Donna Hutchison as its chief executive.

Hutchison joined the charity, founded in 1968 by a group of volunteers and students from the University of Aberdeen, in 2022 as head of corporate and business services and previously led a consultancy business in the energy industry.

I joined Aberdeen Cyrenians after 20 years in the energy industry and can honestly say that every day I spring out of bed, she said.

I love seeing the positive impact that Aberdeen Cyrenians has on the city and, if I can play even a small part in that, then Im delighted and humbled.

LGBT+ charity appoints interim CEO

Trustees at LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop have appointed former Leap Confronting Conflict chief executive Ben Kernighan as its interim CEO.

Kernighan began his career at the Terrence Higgins Trust and was previously group chief executive of the National Union of Students and deputy CEO of NCVO.

He said: Im excited to work in partnership with the Galop team and colleagues across the sector, keeping the best interests of LGBT+ victims and survivors at the heart of Galop's work.

Child poverty charity announces leadership change

London-based charity the Childhood Trust has announced that its long-standing chief executive Laurence Guinness will be stepping down from his role on 20 June.

The charitys trustees have appointed former director of education at capacity building charity Impetus Neha Mahendru as interim chief executive from 1 July and will immediately begin a search for a permanent CEO.

Guinness will join national childrens charity Variety as CEO on 1 August.

It has been an honour to serve the children and young people of London during my time leading the trust, he said.

I leave with mixed emotions, saying goodbye to valued supporters, colleagues and our wonderful charity partners who have helped make our work so impactful. They are all true champions for children.

Young Womens Trust appoints chair

Young Womens Trust, a charity which campaigns for workplace equality for young women, has appointed deputy director of the Institute for Government Emma Norris as its chair.

Norris previously worked at the Institute for Public Policy Research, the Royal Society for Arts and at the Institute for Policy Analysis and Research in Rwanda.

She will take over from Jo-Ann Robertson, CEO of Global Markets at Ketchum, who has been the charitys chair for the past six years.

Norris said: I am excited to work with the brilliant team on their next steps in delivering social change - building on the charitys rich feminist history, delivering fantastic services to young women, and making the most of the opportunity the coming general election provides to deliver the policy changes young women desperately need.

Moorfields Eye Charity hires chair

Moorfields Eye Charity has appointed Louise Wood as its next chair, succeeding Mervyn Walker when he steps down from the role in July 2024.

Wood has worked for over 30 years at research and innovation organisations including as director of science, research and evidence at the Department of Health and Social Care.

Since December 2022, Wood has been chair of the Association of Medical Research Charities, of which Moorfields Eye Charity is a member.

Wood said: Im passionate about the delivery of groundbreaking research, innovations in health care and implementation of evidence-informed public policy to improve peoples health and address inequalities, growing the UK's reputation as a leading international centre for eye health.

NSPCC appoints director of communications

Childrens charity NSPCC has appointed Devia Gurjar, formerly chief charity and external affairs officer at learning disability charity Hft, as its executive director of marketing and communications.

Prior to joining Hft, Devia held director level and senior strategic marketing and communications roles at Barnados, Girlguiding and RNIB.

Gurjar will step into the role following David Hamiltons departure for a new role at the British Film Institute.

She will begin the role on 1 August, with the position being filled in the meantime by acting director of marketing and communications James Barker.

Gurjar said: I am looking forward to joining my colleagues to work with children and young people, dedicated volunteers and supporters to expand the charity's impact in the future.

Sight loss charity recruits co-ordinator

A Scottish sight loss charity has appointed a co-ordinator to oversee its efforts to recruit more volunteers.

Retired police officer Graham Ross has joined Seescape, formerly Fife Society for the Blind, as its volunteer co-ordinator.

Ross said: Our big priority is to recruit people for our befriending service.

We have a waiting list of people who would like to have a befriender to help and encourage them, but, at the moment, we have more people waiting than volunteers.

MND Association appoints two executive directors

The Motor Neurone Disease Association has appointed Jo Coker as its director of income generation and Richard Evans as director of engagement.

Cokers most recent position as director of fundraising and commercial at the RSPB saw her responsible for an annual income of over 100m, overseeing individual giving, legacies, high value, membership, commercial and income operations teams.

Evans has worked across communications, media and public affairs for 20 years at charities including Diabetes UK, the Kings Fund and Blood Cancer UK.

MND Association chief executive Tanya Curry said: The two roles are so connected and as such, it will be a fantastic opportunity for Jo and Richard to work together and bring new ideas and fresh perspective to our engagement and income generation functions to help us further our support for people with MND.

Disability arts charity hires five trustees

Liverpool-based disability arts charity DaDa has added five trustees to its trustee board.

Its board now includes stand-up comedian and writer Laurence Clarke, senior lecturer in disability studies at Liverpool Hope University Erin Pritchard, artist and community engagement development manager Christine Bithell, BSL Celebrations chair Barry Avison, and returning trustee Mandy Redvers-Rowe.

Redvers-Rowe said: As a blind writer I am keen to place characters with a different lived experience at the heart of her dramas.

I am delighted to be invited onto the DaDa board and hope that my experience and knowledge can be useful in shaping the future of this strong disabled-led organisation.

Royal Society for Blind Children appoints trustee

The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) has appointed technology entrepreneur Simon Ward as a trustee.

Ward, who founded global marketing technology company Inspired Thinking Group, will work with CEO Julie Davis and the board to further expand the services that the RSBC offers, as well as provide strategic guidance on its expansion.

Davis said: As an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and global pioneer in marketing technology, he brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, and were honoured that he has chosen to dedicate his time to us as a trustee.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
Barely noticed outside marijuana industry groups, the Biden Administration has been moving to change the classification of marijuana as a less dangerous drug. That follows a recommendation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the Drug Enforcement Agency last year to reclassify the substance from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. The move by the DEA will portend change in how marijuana is used to treat workers compensation and auto injury claimants.

On April 30, sources in the DEA revealed the agency is taking steps to officially reclassify marijuana, and that news is getting noticed. Moving marijuana to Schedule III would not legalize it federally for recreational use, but it would for medicinal use. The DEA website defines Schedule III drugs as those with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Some examples of Schedule III drugs are products containing less than 90 mg of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone.

For workers comp and auto personal injury claims, the current status of marijuana as a Schedule I drug is creating challenges for employers and insurers. As more states legalize marijuana for medicinal use, carriers and employers find themselves potentially at odds with federal law as physicians recommend marijuana to treat claimant injuries.

State and federal courts have issued conflicting rulings on whether insurers or employers are required to reimburse for medical marijuana. The U.S. Supreme Court had an opportunity in 2022 to hear two cases out of Minnesota but decided the issue wasnt ripe for their consideration.

The change in status of marijuana will clear up any questions on the legality of reimbursing claimants for medical marijuana. Classifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug will also create an environment in which marijuana will be subjected to more rigorous clinical trials and FDA standards for prescription drug use. Better clinical data will help employers and insurers gain greater confidence around medical marijuana use and provide researchers with information needed to weave the clinical use into treatment guidelines

However, reclassification could take some time. The DEA took the next step toward that process on May 16 by releasing a formal ruling for rescheduling. This action kicks off a 60-day public comment period. After that time, the ruling will undergo a judicial review prior to approval. After the rulemaking process and judicial review, the DEA could publish a final rule.

Moving marijuana to Schedule III would allow the FDA to regulate it like any other prescription medication. It would also make it easier for researchers to gain access to marijuana for study purposes. Over time, medical marijuana will likely move from the corner dispensaries you see today to local pharmacies and would be distributed like other prescription drugs. It would also make it easier for providers to prescribe medical marijuana.

Once the FDA starts approving prescription medical marijuana, it will become more common as part of the drug regimen for a claimant. Marijuana would still need to be medically necessary for a particular injury, and FDA approval would indicate approved clinical uses for the drug. Medical marijuana would have to meet the same criteria for use as any other medication.

Still, the federal rulemaking process can take months to years, and drug manufacturers will need time to develop, test and clinically try any proposed drug before it is ready to market to consumers. So, it will be quite some time before an approved marijuana-based medication is ready to join the mainstream of medications.

Allen is vice president of government affairs for Enlytes Pharmacy Solutions team. In this role, Allen provides clients with insight into new legislation and regulations in pharmacy solutions and workers comp. He is a nationally recognized policy expert for workers compensation and insurance issues.
ABN Amro Bank NV became the latest European lender to suffer a data breach through one of its suppliers as criminals seek to exploit weaker links adjacent to banking.

The Dutch bank said in a statement Friday unauthorized parties may have obtained access to data of some of its clients after AddComm was the victim of a ransom-ware attack this month.

Banks are a prime target for cyber criminals given the sensitive financial data they hold and the potential for turmoil from disrupting financial services. While European lenders and their regulators focus intently on guarding against such hacks, the defenses of their myriad number of suppliers have proved less resilient.

Banco Santander SA said this month that data managed by an external party was accessed without authorization, affecting information of clients and staff. Deutsche Bank AG, Commerzbank AG and ING Groep NV were among dozens of companies to see client data compromised last year when hackers exploited a security flaw in a file transfer tool.

ABN Amro said it has no indication that the unauthorized parties have used the data of its clients and that the lenders systems were not affected. It has reported the breach to the Dutch Data Protection Authority and regulators, while AddComm has prepared a report for the police.

AddComm said in statement on its website that the hackers no longer have access to its systems, which are back up and running. The company, which distributes documents and tokens to clients and employees for ABN Amro, said it doesnt know which data was misappropriated.

The European Central Bank, which oversees lenders in the region, is currently holding a stress test to examine how banks respond to and recover from a cyber attack.

Top photo: Cyclists pass an ABN Amro Group NV bank branch in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. ABN Amro, which hit a 52-week high on Feb. 2, is scheduled to release earnings on Feb. 9.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- Within the next year, the Brunswick Division of Fire (BDF) will move into a brand-new home at the Brunswick Fire Station Headquarters, 1094 Hadcock Road.

BDF staff joined city officials and representatives from project construction manager-at-risk RFC Contracting and APP Architecture May 23 in turning the first shovelfuls of dirt at the site as part of the new stations official groundbreaking ceremony.
SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- After saluting fallen military heroes at a Memorial Day service outside City Hall Monday (May 27), hundreds marched down Van Aken Boulevard in the annual parade commemorating their valor.

Memorial Day is of course the unofficial start of summer here in Northeast Ohio, Mayor David Weiss said.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media amid his trial on charges of covering up hush money payments linked to alleged extramarital affairs, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, on May 16, 2024.

Kaplan presided over the case in which a jury in May 2023 found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. Kaplan later ruled in the civil defamation case in January that as president Trump defamed Carroll after she accused him in 2019 of rape. Carroll was awarded $83.3 million in damages, which Trump is appealing .

In a post on Truth Social , the former president began with "Happy Memorial Day to All" and quickly derailed into a tirade against Manhattan federal court Judge Lewis Kaplan and Carroll's claims: "TWO separate trials that awarded a woman, who I never met before (a quick handshake at a celebrity event, 25 years ago, doesn't count!), 91 MILLION DOLLARS for 'DEFAMATION.'"

Donald Trump on Monday again denied rape and defamation claims against him by writer E. Jean Carroll , getting the attention of her lawyer.

E. Jean Carroll exits Manhattan Federal Court, in the second civil trial after she accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of raping her decades ago, in New York City, U.S., January 18, 2024.

Carroll's lawyer Roberta Kaplan, who is not related to the judge, swiftly responded to Trump's post. "We have said several times since the last jury verdict in January that all options were on the table. And that remains true todayall options are on the table," the lawyer said.

The Biden campaign also responded to Trump's post. "Trump posts Memorial Day message with zero mention of fallen American service members, instead calling those who don't support him 'Human Scum,'" the campaign posted on social media platform X.

Roberta Kaplan on March 11 suggested that another defamation lawsuit could be in store after comments Trump made in an interview with CNBC's "Squawk Box."

"The statute of limitations for defamation in most jurisdictions is between one and three years," Kaplan said in a statement after the Trump interview aired. "As we said after the last jury verdict, we continue to monitor every statement that Donald Trump makes about our client, E. Jean Carroll."

Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Kaplan's response to his Memorial Day post.
(This is CNBC Pro's live coverage of Tuesday's analyst calls and Wall Street chatter. Please refresh every 20-30 minutes to view the latest posts.) A major cruise line operator and a bank in the Midwest were among the stocks being talked about by analysts on Tuesday. Mizuho raised its rating on Norwegian Cruise Line to buy from neutral. Meanwhile, JPMorgan upgraded Huntington Bancshares to overweight from neutral, with a price target that implies upside of 31%. Check out the latest calls and chatter below. All times ET. 8:17 a.m.: Bank of America initiates Viking Holdings with a buy rating Bank of America said Viking Holdings' "superior returns" can help the stock find nearly 18% upside ahead. The firm initiated coverage of the luxury cruise operator with a buy rating and a $35 per share price target. That forecast implies 18% upside from Friday's close. "VIK generates superior returns and unit economics and, in our view, is well-positioned in the industry given its growth profile, customer segment, and balance sheet," analyst Andrew Didora wrote. The analyst added that the company's strong forward visibility, thanks to customers booking trips on average 11 months in advance, allows Viking to operate against a more stable backdrop with limited volatility. "These attributes allow the company to generate superior financial metrics than its peer group while growing at a faster rate than the industry," Didora said.  Brian Evans 7:31 a.m.: Truist upgrades On Holding to buy, sees upside from Olympics and wholesale Shares of On Holding still have significant upside after a hot start to the year, according to Truist. Analyst Joseph Civello upgraded the shoe stock to buy from hold, saying in a note to clients that the company still appears to be growing despite some weakness in the direct-to-consumer data. "While a recent deceleration in Truist Card Data for ONON's US DTC trends has previously made us more cautious on the name, we believe a more modest early-quarter marketing push has been a key driver. Further, the Olympics should be a meaningful opportunity to expand (still-limited) awareness globally," the note said. Wholesale success is another reason to be less concerned about the direct-to-consumer metrics, Civello wrote. "Several ONON shoes remain fixtures of top sellers in Buy-rated DKS and in the specialty run channel. With products that are resonating very well, we believe that many new customers who are introduced to ONON in the wholesale channel will eventually shop its DTC channel later on as well," the note said. Truist hiked its price target for On Holding to $46 per share from $34. The new target is 14% above where the stock closed Friday. Shares of On Holdings are up nearly 50% year to date.  Jesse Pound 7:25 a.m.: Truist upgrades Deckers back to buy rating 1 month after downgrading stock to hold Deckers is set to rise even more on top of its stunning year-to-date performance, according to Truist. Analyst Joseph Civello upgraded the footwear company back to buy, reversing his April downgrade to a hold rating. He also lifted his price target to $1,200 from $1,011, with the new price forecast corresponding to a 16% potential upside for the stock. The analyst pointed to a slew of upside opportunities ahead, specifically in Deckers' Hoka and Ugg shoe brands. "In our view, a slate of innovative new products that will be launching through FY25, should continue to propel demand higher and expect HOKA will continue outpacing expectations," Civello wrote. As for Ugg, the analyst said the brand could gain international momentum, providing further opportunities for outperformance. "Over the past few years the brand has been able to consistently launch new products that are resonating very well and its brand heat has remained robust (with persistent sell-out trends and strong full priced selling momentum)," he said. Shares of Deckers are currently up nearly 55% for the year. While the valuation is elevated, further outperformance could come from the company's "top-tier" execution and growth, Civello added.  Lisa Kailai Han 7:23 a.m.: Airbnb's recent underperformance has opened up an attractive entry point, Wedbush says Investors shouldn't discount Airbnb's long-term growth prospects based on its recent underperformance, according to Wedbush. Analyst Scott Devitt upgraded the short-term rental company to an outperform rating, accompanying the move by lifting his 12-month price target to $165 from $160. Shares of Airbnb are up 6% for the year but have slipped 8.5% since the company reported its first-quarter earnings on May 8, Devitt noted. The analyst thinks that this recent underperformance has provided an attractive entry point for investors, especially combined with strong near-term demand for travel. "We think investors should take advantage of this period of relative weakness and see potential upside to near-term estimates following disappointing 2Q guidance that we view as conservative given positive travel data points thus far in 2Q," he wrote. In the longer term, the analyst believes that Airbnb's growth opportunity remains attractive as the company expands beyond its core offerings. Devitt also cited Airbnb's leading position amongst its peers as an additional catalyst. "Airbnb is expanding its international playbook to more markets and should continue to benefit from the global shift towards alternative stays," the analyst wrote.  Lisa Kailai Han 7:14 a.m.: RBC downgrades Sarepta Therapeutics to sector perform Investors eyeing Sarepta Therapeutics should sit on the sidelines for now, according to RBC Capital Markets. The bank downgraded shares of the biopharma stock to a sector perform rating from outperform, simultaneously decreasing its price target to $142 from $157. The updated forecast points to a 15% increase from Friday's close. Shares of Sarepta Therapeutics are up 28% on the year. As a reason for the downgrade, analyst Brian Abrahams cited growing expectations which have made the stock's setup look "less compelling." "While we would still expect significant share upside on the broadest label with substantial $2.6B peak annual U.S. sales potential, with shares having appreciated ~+50% in the last six months, many investors appearing to already expect label expansion and regulatory flexibility, and what we sense as slightly more tempered messaging from FDA (and the company), we see somewhat less marked upside to our blended scenarios," the analyst wrote. Abrahams clarified that while he remains a holder of the stock, he would consider waiting for a more attractive entry point before adding to any positions ahead of Sarepta's June 21 approval date for its Elevidys gene therapy, which treats muscular dystrophy.  Lisa Kailai Han 6:50 a.m.: RBC initiates Civitas Resources at an outperform rating The future looks bright for Civitas Resources , according to RBC Capital Markets. The bank initiated coverage of the oil and gas stock at an outperform rating. Analyst Scott Hanold's $90 price target implies that shares of Civitas could rise 25% from here. Civitas has risen 5% in 2024, lagging the broader market and the S & P 500 energy sector. "The stock trades at discounted valuation points relative to peers for several reasons, but we think the quality of the company's assets, operations, reduced regulatory concerns, and execution should bridge that gap," Hanold wrote. For instance, the analyst noted that the company is set to provide strong shareholder returns through opportunistic stock buybacks and variable dividends. Civitas has also positioned itself as a leader across ESG pillars, with a special focus on carbon neutrality versus its peers.  Lisa Kailai Han 6:30 a.m.: Wells Fargo downgrades Zscaler Wells Fargo believes that mounting pressures and executive turnover could finally take their toll on Zscaler . The bank downgraded the cybersecurity stock to an equal weight rating from overweight. Analyst Andrew Nowinski cited mounting competitive pressures as a reason for the change. "We believe competition is increasing, which could pressure billings growth over the next 12+ months," he wrote. On top of that, a slew of sales executive departures could disrupt sales and renewal cycles in the near term. "While all employees are replaceable, the company is heading into a period of tough comparisons, which leaves little room for disruption from the departures, particularly as the company heads into the seasonally important fiscal yearend F4Q24 (Jul)," Nowinski added. These two headwinds combined together could create near-term pressures for the stock by limiting Zscaler's billings growth, the analyst wrote. This would put the company below its peer group, which is consistently growing revenue, profitability and free cash flow. Shares of Zscaler have plunged nearly 23% this year. Nowinski's price target of $182, down from $275, implies the stock could rise 6% from here.  Lisa Kailai Han 6:28 a.m.: Citi upgrades DuPont DuPont looks poised to rise on the back of its big announcement to separate its businesses, according to Citi. Analyst Patrick Cunningham upgraded the chemicals stock to a buy from its previous neutral rating. He accompanied the move by lifting its price target to $95 from $85. Shares of DuPont have risen 5% this year. Cunningham's forecast implies that there could be nearly 15% further upside for the stock. Last week, the company announced plans to separate its business by spinning off its water and electronics verticals. Cunningham noted that the stock has already risen post the announcement, and that the business separation could provide even more catalysts for further upside this year. "The separated Electronics business will be well positioned to benefit from long-term growth in semiconductors & electronics  all with the emerging driver of AI," he wrote. On the other hand, the analyst believes that DuPont's water business is poised for gains on the back of secular growth. "Water has a strong portfolio of filtration components and membranes with ~70% of the business having a recurring revenue profile," he said. "The business has key customer relationships across a variety of end-markets and positioned to focus on new technologies (hydrogen, DLE)."  Lisa Kailai Han 5:50 a.m.: JMP upgrades Duolingo to outperform Duolingo's growth potential could give it a leg up against its peers, according to JMP. Analyst Andrew Boone upgraded shares of the e-learning platform to market outperform from market perform. The analyst also set a $260 price target, which corresponds to a 46% upside from here. Boone cited the rollout of Duolingo Max, a new subscription tier, as a major catalyst for the company, alongside the optimization of its existing services. "After rolling out Max to 5%-10% of DAU in April, Duolingo plans to expand Max to more users in the coming months," he wrote. "Additionally, Duolingo now has a dedicated team focused on improving Family Plan, which can be a meaningful driver of retention." The analyst added that Duolingo plans to release a "conversational experience" as another reason for users to upgrade to the Max tier. Boone added that the company could find itself a beneficiary of artificial intelligence in the e-learning space. "With Duolingo's differentiated language teaching also fun and engaging (making people 'eat their broccoli' of taking their daily language lessons and likely the hardest thing for competitors to replicate), we think Duolingo likely benefits from AI enabling conversational experiences as it creates upsell opportunities and improves teaching efficacy," he wrote. Shares of Duolingo have slipped 21% this year. DUOL YTD mountain DUOL year to date  Lisa Kailai Han 5:40 a.m.: Mizuho upgrades Norwegian Cruise Line, cites inflection point for performance It's time for investors to take a chance on Norwegian Cruise Line , according to Mizuho. The bank upgraded shares of the cruise operator to buy from neutral and lifted its price target to $24 from $21. This updated forecast implies that shares of Norwegian could rise 50% from their closing price. With the stock down 20% this year, analyst Ben Chaiken thinks sentiment is finally shifting as valuations become more attractive. "After ~2 years of significant relative underperformance (~ -160% vs RCL since Jan '23) NCLH is streamlining its business (e.g., cost cuts), which should drive upside to near-term/medium-term estimates," he wrote. The analyst also cited Norwegian's cost reductions as another catalyst for the change. The company has pledged to target $300 million in expense cuts by 2026, with $100 million reached this year. Norwegian has also made efforts to provide higher yields for its investors, Chaiken noted. "In the context of a very favorable industry backdrop (i.e., limited industry supply, and healthy demand), we see upside to yields from NCLH optimizing its fleet itineraries (i.e., simplifying), with a longer-term yield tailwind from further build-out of its private island portfolio," he wrote.  Lisa Kailai Han 5:40 a.m.: JPMorgan upgrades Huntington Bancshares This year's strong gains in Huntington Bancshares are only the beginning, according to JPMorgan. Analyst Steven Alexopoulos upgraded the Columbus, Ohio-based bank to overweight from neutral. His price target of $18, up from $16, implies upside of 31% from Friday's close. Alexopoulos noted he became more upbeat on the stock after meeting with its CEO and chief financial officer. "What we learned from our meetings ... is that (1) the onshoring benefits to the company's primary markets appears to not only be much more of a needle-mover than we expected, but the timing of these benefits is also coming sooner than expected and (2) with the company having followed a plan since the 2022 investor day to add new verticals as well as expand into new markets, the potential incremental organic growth from these initiatives is much more than we had anticipated," the analyst wrote. Huntington shares have climbed 8% year to date. They are also up 26% over the past six months. The stock rose more than 1% in the premarket following the upgrade. HBAN YTD mountain HBAN year to date  Fred Imbert
This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here .

Friday recap

Wall Street was closed for Memorial Day on Monday, so here's a recap of what happened on Friday. The Nasdaq Composite reached a new record high, fueled by Nvidia's exceptional earnings report. Nvidia's stock rose 2.6% on Friday, contributing to a 15% surge for the week, while the Nasdaq led major indexes with a 1.41% weekly gain. The S&P 500 closed 0.7% higher to end the week up 0.03%. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average clocked its first weekly decline in five weeks even as it rose marginally on Friday. Treasury yields were little changed and oil prices bounced back from three-month lows.

Nvidia CEO's net worth soars

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's net worth soared to over $90 billion as better-than-expected earnings sent the company's stock soaring to a record high. Last Thursday, the stock rose more than 9% to close at nearly $1,038 per share. Huang owns about 86.76 million shares of Nvidia, or more than 3.5% of the company's outstanding shares. Five years ago, Huang's stake in Nvidia was worth roughly $3 billion.

Investors told to reject Musk deal

Glass Lewis, a proxy advisory firm, has suggested Tesla shareholders to reject a $56 billion pay package for CEO Elon Musk, citing its excessive size, potential for stock dilution, and Musk's involvement in multiple time-consuming projects. The package, voided by a judge in January, is tied to Tesla's market value reaching certain targets. The firm also criticized a proposed move to incorporate Tesla in Texas. Tesla's board defends the package, citing Musk's role in the company's growth.

Google AI Overview misfires

Google's "AI Overview" feature in search is facing criticism for producing incorrect or controversial responses. Users shared examples of errors, such as stating Obama was a Muslim president and suggesting adding glue to pizza. While these issues highlight the challenges of AI-generated content, Google asserted most information was of high quality and the company was addressing the problems. Google's Gemini image-generation tool had faced also faced issues, with users pointing out historical inaccuracies and questionable responses.

$5.3 billion weight-loss plant

Eli Lilly is investing $5.3 billion to expand a manufacturing plant in Indiana due to high demand for its weight loss and diabetes drugs. This brings Eli Lilly's total investment in the site to $9 billion, the largest in the company's history. The plant, which will manufacture the active ingredient in both the drugs, is expected to be fully operational by 2028. The company is also investing in other manufacturing sites to meet the growing demand for these drugs.

[PRO] Overinvested in Nvidia?

While Wall Street is pretty bullish on Nvidia, with many analysts raising their price targets following last week's blockbuster earnings, some investors may feel they are overexposed to the artificial intelligence chipmaker. CNBC's Weizhen Tan looks at some stocks that may help diversify your portfolio.
CNBC Pro Talks is live right now. As the hype surrounding artificial intelligence shows no signs of abating, one tech fund manager is set to reveal her top ways to play the AI theme. Join CNBC's Arabile Gumede as he quizzes Clare Pleydell-Bouverie of Liontrust Asset Management on AI, Big Tech and more. On Wednesday's Pro Talks, Pleydell-Bouverie  who co-manages Lionstrust's global tech, innovation and dividend funds  will name companies that are "selling the picks and shovels for AI" and are "already making money." "This isn't a hype cycle," she says. The fund manager will also discuss "underappreciated" Big Tech names and investment opportunities beyond the Magnificent Seven, telling investors to prepare for "big disruption alongside new opportunities." Pleydell-Bouverie manages the Liontrust Global Innovation, Liontrust Global Dividend and Liontrust Global Technology funds. Over the year to the end of March, all three funds have beaten their benchmark indexes, with the Liontrust Global Technology Fund rising 51.9%, compared to the MSCI World Information Technology Index's 39.1%. To hear Pleydell-Bouverie's top tech themes and how to play them, click here to join CNBC Pro Talks on Wednesday, May 29, at 12 p.m. London / 7 p.m. Singapore / 7 a.m. ET. Learn more from our previous Pro Talks: Should investors buy the dip in Lululemon? Here's what this fund manager says Feeling FOMO over Reddit or Truth Social? Here's another way to cash in on meme stocks This payments firm has Nvidia-like profit margins  and it's even more sustainable, investor says Related coverage from Pro: When Nvidia beats estimates, these 6 AI stocks tend to rise These are Goldman's favorite stocks with 50% or more upside BofA names 'Asia's most important stocks'  and analysts give one over 40% upside

CNBC's Arabile Gumede and Liontrust Asset Management's Clare Pleydell-Bouverie
U.S. crude oil gained nearly 3% on Tuesday after booking a loss last week as the market focuses on an upcoming key OPEC+ meeting.

OPEC+ will hold a virtual meeting on Sunday to review its production policy. Several OPEC+ members are voluntarily holding 2.2 million barrels per day off the market to support prices.

Deutsche Bank analyst Michael Hsueh said OPEC+ countries are unlikely to raise production given that the current price of Brent is closer to $80 per barrel than $90 per barrel.

Tamas Varga, analyst with oil broker PVM, said he expects "no changes in production will be forthcoming" because the meeting is virtual.

Here are Tuesday's closing energy prices:

Deutsche Bank has maintained its current Brent forecast of $83 per barrel for the second quarter and $88 in the second half of the year, assuming OPEC+ will maintain its production policy on Sunday.

But pressure will grow on the group after the June meeting to raise output, which could push Brent prices below $80 a barrel, according to Hsueh.

Saudi Arabia understands that maintaining a target price for oil significantly above a breakeven price of $75 per barrel for the broad U.S. oil sector is unsustainable in the long term, Hsueh said. And the stabilization of U.S. production since September has given OPEC some room to maneuver, he said.
Within hours of Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022, the country's financial system began to show signs of strain. As banks swiftly shut down, the Ukrainian economy quickly spiraled into wartime mode and civilians fled en masse.

Against this backdrop, Mary Ellen Iskenderian of Women's World Banking decided to jump in to help.

"We've gotten to know quite a bit about financial services, financial usage, financial literacy, as it pertains to refugees and immigrant populations," said Iskenderian, president and CEO of the global nonprofit which has partnered with more than 70 organizations around the world to reach over 185 million women.

Women's World Banking has focused much of its research on Ukrainian refugees, in particular, since they have overwhelmingly been women and their dependents, given the country's conscription requirements.

"There's a tremendous opportunity with blockchain, finance, and digital ID," Iskenderian said. "There's some really interesting work that's being done with refugees and the migrant community on the blockchain."

The World Bank estimates that 850 million people globally don't have proof of legal identity  that is, no birth certificate, passport, driver's license, or national ID. Without the ability to prove who you are, many have been deprived of the right to access services, or open a bank account.

"People with an ID are more likely to own bank accounts and mobile phones, and financial and mobile services are among the most frequently reported uses of one's ID," it reported.

Iskenderian tells CNBC that the vast majority of the world's disenfranchised are women and that there are still seven countries where a woman is not permitted to have her own identification document in her own name.

World Bank survey data has found that in low-income countries, 44% of women do not have an ID, versus 28% of men.
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Ryan Salame, a former top lieutenant of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, has been sentenced to 90 months, or seven and a half years, in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Salame has also been ordered to pay more than $6 million in forfeiture and more than $5 million in restitution. The sentence is a heavier penalty than the five to seven years that prosecutors had suggested and well beyond the 18 months that Salame's defense team had requested. In September, Salame pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make unlawful political contributions, defraud the Federal Election Commission, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business. Judge Lewis Kaplan sentenced Sam Bankman-Fried to 25 years in prison in March.

Ryan Salame, former co-chief executive officer of FTX Digital Markets Ltd., exits federal court in New York, US, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Yuki Iwamura | Bloomberg | Getty Images

In 2021, Salame transitioned from a high-ranking post at Bankman-Fried's crypto hedge fund, Alameda Research, to co-CEO of FTX's Bahamian subsidiary, FTX Digital Markets. Salame spent millions on real estate and campaign donations during his tenure. One estimate by Bahamian lawyers claims that Bankman-Fried and Salame spent $256.3 million to buy and maintain 35 properties across New Providence  real estate that Bahamian regulators wanted to retrieve in FTX's U.S. bankruptcy protection proceedings. Meanwhile, data from the Federal Election Commission shows that Salame gave more than $24 million to Republican candidates and causes in the 2022 election cycle. Days before FTX filed for bankruptcy in 2022, Salame went to Bahamian authorities to tell them that the Bankman-Fried may have committed fraud by sending customer money from the crypto exchange to his other firm, Alameda Research. According to a criminal filing, Salame disclosed "possible mishandling of clients' assets" by Bankman-Fried. It was one of the first public acknowledgments of an insider turning on Bankman-Fried, who was found guilty of stealing more than $8 billion worth of customer cash they believed was being safely stored on the exchange.

Ryan Salame, the former co-chief executive of FTX Digital Markets, exits the Federal Court after he pleaded guilty to two charges including conspiring to make unlawful U.S. political contributions, in New York City, Sept. 7, 2023. Brendan McDermid | Reuters
Demonstrators protesting the "foreign influence" law crowd outside the parliament building in central Tbilisi on May 28, 2024.

Georgian lawmakers on Tuesday voted to override a presidential veto on a Russia-style "foreign agents" law, pushing forward with legislation that has triggered international condemnation and large-scale protests in the South Caucasus nation.

The U.S., European Union, NATO and the United Nations have all expressed concern about the bill, which critics say could jeopardize Georgia's chances of joining the EU and push the country back into Russia's orbit.

The foreign agents law calls for media outlets, nonprofits and other nongovernmental organizations in the country to declare that they are "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from sources abroad.

Russia, which occupies about 20% of Georgia's internationally recognized territory, has used similar legislation to crack down on independent news media and activists critical of the Kremlin.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed the controversial legislation on May 18, saying on social media platform X that the "fundamentally Russian" law represents "an obstacle to our European path."

Zourabichvili, a critic of the ruling Georgian Dream government, has called for a repeal of the law.

The Georgian Dream party has insisted that the legislation is necessary, despite the law triggering some of the largest demonstrations the country has seen since declaring independence from the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said the bill will create "strong guarantees" to help ensure long-lasting peace in the country.
Gold and silver bars of various sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metals dealer Pro Aurum.

Gold prices have been rallying to record highs, with spot gold notching a new top of $2,449.89 per ounce on Monday. Silver too hit multi-year highs earlier last week, as did industrial metal copper.

While all three are off their perch currently, they are still trading hovering near record highs, with analysts expecting prices to strengthen over the next 12 months.

What will drive the rally in precious as well as industrial metals?

Spot gold is currently trading at $2,351.3. Prices of the yellow metal have sustained their upward momentum amid a renewed weakness in the U.S. dollar and retreating U.S. Treasury yields, ANZ said in a recent note. But that's not all.

"While geopolitical risks continued to bolster haven demand, an impressive rise in China's gold demand in Q1 2024 has largely fueled the price rally," ANZ's strategists wrote.

China is currently the leading consumer demand for bullion, after the country overtook India in 2023 to become the world's largest buyer of gold jewelry.

Chinese consumers have also been at the forefront of gold purchases, buying 603 tons of gold jewelry last year, a 10% jump from 2022, data from the World Gold Council showed. The WGC expects Chinese jewelry demand to stay at elevated rates this year, or even higher compared to 2023.

UBS strategists in a note last week raised their forecasts for gold to $2,500 per ounce by the end of September, and $2,600 by year-end. The bank's bullish outlook is owed to stronger Chinese demand, on top of a series of soft U.S. data in April, which has driven some repricing of expectations for U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts.

Higher rates tend to pressure gold as they make Treasuries  also a safe-haven asset  a more attractive option for investors.

"We think gold can continue to make new highs," UBS's Precious Metals Strategist Joni Teves told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia" on Monday.
EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp area housing internally displaced people in Rafah on May 27, 2024, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group. Eyad Baba | Afp | Getty Images

Global leaders expressed shock and outrage over an Israeli military attack on the southern Gaza city of Rafah that killed more than 45 people, including children, on Sunday night in a tent camp for displaced Palestinian refugees. The Israel Defense Forces initially said it used "precise munitions" and "intelligence" to target two senior Hamas leaders in the area. It added that it is now investigating the event, after news emerged that the strike started a fire that engulfed the camp, leaving destroyed shelters and charred bodily remains whose images flooded social media. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his anger in a post on the social media site X, saying he was "outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah." "These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians," Macron's post read, adding, "I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire."

Palestinians mourn by the bodies of relatives killed after an Israeli strike on a camp for internally displaced people in Rafah on May 27, 2024, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group. Eyad Baba | Afp | Getty Images

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said, "The Palestinian people are being squeezed without regard for the rights of innocent men, women and children who have nothing to do with Hamas." He further stressed that "this can no longer be justified." The U.S., meanwhile, called the images coming out of the attack "devastating" and "heartbreaking," but refrained from demanding a stop to the Rafah operation. "Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians," a National Security Council spokesperson said, according to Reuters. "But as we've been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians."

Netanyahu: A 'tragic incident'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attack as a "tragic incident." "In Rafah, we have already evacuated about a million uninvolved residents. And despite our utmost effort not to harm uninvolved residents, a tragic incident occurred yesterday. We are investigating the case, we will draw conclusions because this is our policy," he said in remarks to the Israeli parliament, amid angry shouting by opposition lawmakers, according to an NBC translation.

A Palestinian child plays with the rubble after Israel bombs Palestinians' tents and shelters in Rafah, Gaza, on May 27, 2024. Hani Alshaer | Anadolu | Getty Images

One day prior, Hamas claimed responsibility for what it said was a "big" rocket attack in the Tel Aviv area, the first time the Palestinian militant group has attacked central Israel in nearly four months. The barrage comprised up to eight rockets, several of which were intercepted by air defenses, Israel's military said. There were no reported injuries. The IDF said the rockets were launched from Rafah. In a statement, the IDF said Sunday night's strike was on "a Hamas compound in Rafah," where "significant Hamas terrorists were operating."

Pressure from International Court of Justice decision

The IDF attack on Rafah comes two days after the International Court of Justice, the United Nations' top court, asked Israel to "immediately halt" its military offensive in Rafah, citing the "disastrous" humanitarian situation.

Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp for internally displaced people in Rafah on May 27, 2024. Eyad Baba | Afp | Getty Images
Fund managers' love for artificial intelligence-related stocks has grown as many of these tech companies have become their essential holdings in the portfolio, according to Bank of America's analysis. The Wall Street firm looked at the holdings of U.S. large-cap equity mutual funds that are actively managed. It screened the S & P 500 for stocks that saw the largest increase in ownership breadth over the past 12 months, measured by the percent of funds owning each name. Bank of America found that 9 of 10 stocks on its list are tied to the AI boom. The exception is Eli Lilly , which has been benefiting from the rise of weight loss drugs. "What are your neighbors doing? Buying AI," Bank of America strategists led by Savita Subramanian said in a note. "AI stocks are now core holdings." Broadcom saw the biggest increase in fund ownership over the past year, with 45% of active managers holding the stock as of April. The chipmaker issued a rosy guidance in March, saying it expects $10 billion in revenue from AI chips this year. Other chipmakers that made the list are Arista Networks , Applied Materials and Nvidia. Nvidia has been a clear winner in the AI space with shares doubling again in 2024. In the past year, Nvidia sales have skyrocketed as companies such as OpenAI and Microsoft buy billions of dollars of its graphics processing units. Meta Platforms , Uber Technologies , Netflix and ServiceNow also experienced a rise in popularity among active fund managers, according to Bank of America. The Wall Street firm said the change in fund managers' ownership has been positively correlated with the number of "AI" mentions on earnings calls.
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The purple coloring of CosMc's Tropical Spiceade comes from the mix of lemonade, pineapple flavoring and dragonfruit. Amelia Lucas | CNBC

Nearly six months since McDonald's opened its first CosMc's location, the hours-long drive-thru lines have died down, but the chain is just getting started. The burger giant created the spinoff using one of its lesser-known McDonaldland mascots, CosMc, an alien who loves McDonald's cheeseburgers. While unveiling CosMc's at an investor event in December, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said the company set out to create a brand that could sell customizable drinks and coffee popular in the afternoon segment to attract younger consumers. The new brand rollout comes as beverages are increasingly "looked at now as part of that snack area  more affordable, indulgent and perhaps even a healthier treat," said Katie Belflower, an editor at restaurant research firm Technomic. "It's a good profit margin for restaurants. With beverages, you can get really creative, without necessarily having the product lines that you would have to invest in with food." Since opening the initial location in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook, McDonald's has opened three more CosMc's restaurants, all in Texas. For now, the chain is planning to open 10 locations by the end of this year for a test run, with all but one located in the Lone Star State. In another sign of the new brand's expansion, it will launch its own mobile app and loyalty program, called CosMc's Club, on Tuesday. Customers can use the app to place orders that they pick up either inside the restaurant or in the drive-thru lane. And loyalty program members earn 10 points for every dollar they spend; once they rack up 400 points, they can redeem them for $2 rewards. While the long-term fate of CosMc's is still too soon to tell, the gamble could pay off for McDonald's even if the spinoff never makes it past the 10-location test phase. The app and loyalty program will give the chain even more consumer insight. "The cost of doing this, to McDonald's, is a rounding error. Even if they shut them all down six months from now, they still learn some things. Sometimes the learnings can be more valuable than you might imagine they would be," Mark Kalinowski, restaurant industry analyst and chief executive of Kalinowski Equity Research, told CNBC.

CosMc's buzz dies down

A full menu is seen at the first CosMc's drive-thru only restaurant on December 9, 2023, in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Kamil Krzaczynski | AFP | Getty Images

At McDonald's December investor presentation, Kempczinski downplayed the short-term effect of CosMc's. "Let me emphasize again, we're talking about 10 stores," he said at the event. "The big story isn't about CosMc's, per se. The big story is what it says about McDonald's and our potential." But for many consumers, CosMc's was the headline. When the first location opened days later in Illinois, eager customers waited for hours in drive-thru lines that dragged around the shopping center for the chance to buy McPops and Churro Frappes. Weeks later, the buzz had started dying. According to Intouch Insight, the average wait time from entering the CosMc's drive-thru line to reaching the speaker to order was 11 minutes and 13 seconds, based on visits from mystery shoppers in January and February. But the average service time, after ordering, was just four minutes and one second, trailing the industry benchmark by just six seconds. On a Monday afternoon in May, there was no line for this CNBC reporter to reach one of the four drive-thru intercoms to place an order. Investors' interest has also cooled as other parts of McDonald's business draw more attention. "Six months ago, there was a lot of curiosity, but now that you've seen McDonald's same-store sales decelerate, that's where my clients' focus is," Kalinowski said. In the first quarter, McDonald's reported U.S. same-store sales growth of 2.5%, a slowdown as price increases fade and diners pull back their restaurant spending.

The CosMc's experience

The digital menu board tells customers to hang tight while their orders are prepared. Amelia Lucas / CNBC
Jan Leike, one of the lead safety researchers at OpenAI who resigned from the artificial intelligence company earlier this month, said on Tuesday that he has joined rival AI startup Anthropic.

Leike announced his resignation from OpenAI early on May 15, days before the company dissolved the superalignment group that he co-led. That team, formed in 2023, focused on long-term AI risks. OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever announced his departure in a post on X on May 14.

"I'm excited to join @AnthropicAI to continue the superalignment mission," Leike wrote on X on Tuesday. "My new team will work on scalable oversight, weak-to-strong generalization, and automated alignment research."

Anthropic is backed by Amazon , which has committed up to $4 billion in funding for a minority stake in the company.

In a post following his departure from OpenAI, Leike wrote, "Stepping away from this job has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, because we urgently need to figure out how to steer and control AI systems much smarter than us."

AI safety has gained rapid importance across the tech sector since OpenAI introduced ChatGPT in late 2022, ushering in a boom in generative AI products and investments. Some in the industry have expressed concern that companies are moving too quickly in releasing powerful AI products to the public without adequately considering potential societal harm.

Microsoft -backed Open AI said Tuesday that it created a new safety and security committee led by senior executives, including CEO Sam Altman. The committee will recommend "safety and security decisions for OpenAI projects and operations" to the company's board.

Anthropic, founded in 2021 by siblings Dario Amodei and Daniela Amodei and other ex-OpenAI executives, launched its ChatGPT rival Claude 3 in March. The company has received funding from Google , Salesforce and Zoom , in addition to funding from Amazon.

WATCH: Anthropic co-founder on AI adoption
Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, arrives for a closed-door deposition before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and House Judiciary Committee in the O'Neill House Office Building on February 28, 2024 in Washington, DC. The meeting is part of the Republicans' impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

The co-chairman of a super PAC supporting Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s presidential campaign announced plans Tuesday to publish a tell-all memoir this summer by an Arkansas woman who had a child with Hunter Biden, the youngest son of President Joe Biden.

"Out of the Shadows: My Life Inside the Wild World of Hunter Biden" is written by Lunden Roberts, who gave birth to Hunter Biden's daughter in 2018.

Biden  who has a long history of drug and alcohol addiction  wrote in his own 2021 memoir that he "had no recollection" of his encounter with Roberts. After initially contesting Roberts' paternity lawsuit, Biden in 2020 agreed to pay child support for his daughter with Roberts, after a DNA test confirmed the child was his.

Roberts' memoir will be published by Skyhorse Publishing, a company whose president, Tony Lyons, is a co-founder of the pro-Kennedy super PAC American Values 2024. The group, known as AV24, is the top super PAC backing the independent presidential candidate's White House bid.

So far this cycle, AV24 has raised $49.6 million and spent $29.2 million, according to data from the nonpartisan OpenSecrets. Skyhorse Publishing has donated $154,920 to the PAC during the same period.

Lyons said a press release that Roberts' memoir contains "revelations that could well impact the outcome of the 2024 election."

An attorney for Biden did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the book.

Skyhorse has also published several books by Kennedy which have promoted conspiracy theories about public health, vaccines and more recently, Covid-19. Additionally, Skyhorse has published works by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and former President Donald Trump.

In a statement to CNBC, Lyons said he and Skyhorse Publishing "take the strongest possible stance against all forms of censorship," and he noted that the imprint has published a book by the daughter of former Democratic House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Calif., and a book on Iraq War burn pits that featured a blurb by Joe Biden.

Kennedy is running for president on an independent ticket, facing Biden and likely Republican nominee Donald Trump. Recent NBC News polls show Kennedy garnering between 10% and 15% of the popular vote nationally.
US actor Robert De Niro speaks in support of US President Joe Biden outside of Manhattan Criminal Court as former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends his criminal trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments in New York City, on May 28, 2024.

Legendary actor Robert De Niro on Tuesday slammed Donald Trump as a "loser" and a "clown," standing just feet away from the Manhattan courtroom where the former president was listening to closing arguments in his criminal trial.

"He doesn't belong in my city," De Niro, a native New Yorker, said of Trump during a press conference hosted by President Joe Biden's reelection campaign outside Manhattan Supreme Court.

"We New Yorkers used to tolerate him when he was just another grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot. A two-bit playboy lying his way into the tabloids, pretending to be a spokesman  a spokesperson for himself," De Niro said.

The "Taxi Driver" and "The Godfather Part II" movie star described Trump as a threat to the United States, and said that Trump fomented violence and destruction during the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6, 2021, by a mob of his supporters.

De Niro said he decided to lend his talents to a Biden-Harris campaign ad "because it shows the violence of Trump."

"But it's a coward's violence," said De Niro. "You think Trump ever threw a punch himself, or took one? This guy who ran and hid in the White House bunker when there were protesters outside? No way."

De Niro was joined at the event by former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, one of the thousands of law enforcement officers who fought to protect the Capitol from the pro-Trump mob on Jan. 6.

On Tuesday, Trump's supporters, including two of his adult children, quickly held up the Biden campaign's press conference outside the trial as evidence that the case itself was politically motivated.

The campaign's move "tells us exactly what we knew all along: that it is a political persecution," Donald Trump Jr. told reporters at the courthouse.

Earlier, Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller in the same press area accused Biden of employing a "washed-up actor" to campaign for him in a Hail Mary attempt to reverse Trump's narrow lead in 2024 election polls.

The De Niro event marked the first time the Biden campaign has appeared outside Trump's trial, which began more than five weeks ago.

As the criminal trial winds down, the president's reelection campaign is planning to crank up its attacks on Trump, NBC News reported Friday.

The shift comes ahead of the scheduled June 27 presidential debate between Trump and Biden, the first of two planned debates. While the presidential race is still very close nationally, Trump's lead in several battleground state polls is increasingly worrying Biden's Democratic allies.

Trump stands accused of falsifying business records related to his reimbursement of a $130,000 hush money payment his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleges those records were falsified with the intent to conceal an illegal effort to violate election laws.

Defense attorney Todd Blanche in Tuesday's closing arguments declared, "President Trump is innocent."

"He did not commit any crimes, and the district attorney has not met their burden of proof," Blanche said.

Blanche's arguments lasted nearly three hours. He will be followed by Joshua Steinglass, a prosecutor for Bragg, who said his final arguments could last more than four hours.
President of the ruling African National Congress and South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, at a rally in Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 25, 2024.

Some 30 years on from the peaceful transition from apartheid rule to democracy, South Africa could once again be on the cusp of change.

Since coming to power in South Africa's first democratic election in 1994, the African National Congress has focused on making inclusivity a core pillar of the country's economy.

But its efforts to raise the living standards of the disadvantaged have not always been successful, and in Wednesday's election, the dominance of the party is expected to wane.

Current polling suggests that the ANC, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, could see its share of the vote fall below 50% for the first time.

While the party of Nelson Mandela had 57.5% support in the last national election, it was already edging close to losing its stronghold in key areas such as the economic hub of the country, Gauteng.

Of the 62-million-strong population, more than 27.6 million South Africans are registered to vote. Turnout may be a worry as voter apathy rises.

At the last national assembly election in 2019, turnout was 66%, already 7 percentage points lower than the previous vote. Even with the highest possible voter turnout, the ANC's result is expected to drop below 50%.
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When Starbucks and its baristas union resume contract bargaining this week, workers may have renewed momentum at their backs  courtesy of the company's own CEO. The coffee giant last month found itself reporting an objectively challenging quarter. U.S. same-store sales fell 3% and traffic dropped 7%. As a result, the company cut its 2024 forecast. CEO Laxman Narasimhan admitted Starbucks was seeing a more cautious consumer when it came to spending, but also mentioned the need to make improvements to stores as the company saw troubling trends. Starbucks reported rates of incomplete mobile app orders in the mid-teens and said occasional customers came in less. Narasimhan, in prepared remarks to Wall Street analysts, cited some of the challenges that union workers have been highlighting in their bid for better working conditions. "Specifically in our U.S. stores, we're focused on creating a more stable environment for partners through investments in equipment innovation, process improvements, staffing, scheduling and waste reduction, all things our partners value and prioritize creating a more satisfying work environment in our stores while de-risking our business," Narasimhan said on a call with analysts. He added in an interview with CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" that throughput has improved, and said the company's action plan will continue to build on that momentum with improvements to stores and better communication of value. "We have improved speed of service quarter over quarter. If you look at the processes that we are rolling out, particularly around peak, what we are finding is that we have opportunities to improve that even further with changes in processes and tools that we provide to partners at peak," Narasimhan said. For Workers United, the union behind the Starbucks organizing, his admission that more could be done was promising.

Staffing challenges

The organizing efforts began nearly three years ago in Buffalo, New York, under then-CEO Kevin Johnson. At the time, Starbucks was a company long known for progressive benefits for workers. But baristas, emboldened by the experience they had during the Covid-19 pandemic, pushed for changes in the company's cafes. More than 430 unionized stores and two chief executives later, the two sides have made "significant progress" in contract bargaining, striking a more optimistic tone after a successful two-day session last month. Starbucks and the union are meeting to continue working on the framework that will inform every single-store contract moving ahead. "I do believe that we are seeing the company at this point acknowledge that there are issues, significant issues," Michelle Eisen, a Workers United delegate and original member of the company's first organized union in Buffalo, told CNBC ahead of negotiations.

People picket outside of a Starbucks store in New York's East Village on Nov. 16, 2023. Spencer Platt | Getty Images

"We heard Narasimhan make that statement after the earnings call that they're aware that stores have experienced staffing issues," said Eisen, who has been with the company for more than a decade and is among 150 delegates attending in-person bargaining sessions with Starbucks on behalf of the union. "I think this is a new world right now to be able to say that the CEO has stepped up and said, 'Look, we've got some problems, we know we've got some problems, we want to work towards fixing those problems,'" Eisen said. "And as a worker at a unionized location, with proposals on the table to help solve these issues, that's exactly what I want to hear." In internal surveys and in bargaining committee meetings, union-represented partners consistently rank "staffing and scheduling" as their highest priority issue. The vast majority of represented partners report frequently working short-staffed, and a simple majority of partners report that they are getting scheduled for fewer hours than they want or need. The union has also pushed for better pay and benefits. Starbucks says it has made significant progress over the past two years on staffing and scheduling. An advanced staffing model is able to take into account both historical trends of allocated hours per store, but also current trends, available product types and upcoming promotions, the company said. Starbucks says its data affirms partners now get more hours and that partner retention and sentiment have both increased across the U.S. as schedules become more stable and consistent.

Orders up

Staffing improvements are likely to be even more important as Starbucks projects an increase in traffic and orders. In July, Starbucks plans to open up its mobile order and pay app to nonrewards members in a bid to win back its occasional customer base. This will create the ability to target all customers with new products and promotions in an effort to grow traffic. It is also due to introduce what it is calling the Siren System: new equipment and protocol to address customer ticket times. The Siren System includes a custom ice dispenser, milk-dispensing system and faster blenders to reduce steps for baristas and get drinks to customers faster. It will reach 1,000 stores in July. "It's a terrible feeling to be on that floor and to pull a sticker and to look at the time and then look up at the clock on the wall and realize, you're already 8 minutes behind," Eisen said of mobile orders. "Eight minutes doesn't sound like a lot. But when you're producing 100 transactions per half hour  and you realize you're probably backed up 20 drinks, it's a bad feeling," she said. There has been another call for change at Starbucks stores that may carry weight at the negotiating table. Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz in a LinkedIn post after the company's earnings report said management needs to spend more time with workers to understand ongoing challenges. It was the third time he has publicly weighed in on Starbucks and its operations since leaving the company and its board last year. It was a notable shift in tone from when Schultz returned to the company in 2022 to respond to the union challenge, with a far more combative attitude. Narasimhan was mentored by Schultz for six months before taking the helm at the company, and he spent time in stores with baristas, even earning his barista certification before becoming CEO in 2023. "I have emphasized that the company's fix needs to begin at home: U.S. operations are the primary reason for the company's fall from grace," Schultz said. "The stores require a maniacal focus on the customer experience, through the eyes of a merchant. The answer does not lie in data, but in the stores." At the time, the coffee giant said in response, "We always appreciate Howard's perspective. The challenges and opportunities he highlights are ones we are focused on. And like Howard, we are confident in Starbucks' long-term success."
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell. GameStop  Shares surged nearly 27% following the company's announcement Friday that it had made around $933.4 million from a stock sale. The company sold 45 million common shares. Nvidia  The chipmaker jumped 3% premarket, continuing its post-earnings rally after its quarterly earnings report Wednesday. Shares soared 15% last week, breaking above $1,000 for the first time. Norwegian Cruise Line Holding  The cruise stock rose 3% following an upgrade to buy from neutral at Mizuho. The investment firm said Norwegian could benefit from a shift in opinion after being a target of short sellers in recent years. Viking  Shares gained 1.1% after a slew of Wall Street firms initiated coverage of the newly public cruise line operator, which made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange on May 1. Bank of America initiated coverage of Viking with a buy rating, citing its "singular brand and clear niche." UBS also gave it a buy rating, saying it's a "pure play in luxury travel." JPMorgan issued an overweight rating on the stock. Airbnb  Shares of the short-term rental company added 1.5% following an upgrade by Wedbush to outperform. The firm said there has been strong travel demand and Airbnb's recent underperformance provides an attractive entry point. DuPont  Shares gained 1.4% after Citi upgraded the chemicals company to buy from neutral. The bank said DuPont's planned spinoff of its water and electronics business could provide an upside catalyst. Duolingo  The e-learning platform rose 1% following an upgrade by JMP to market outperform from market perform. Analyst Andrew Boone said Duolingo Max, the company's new subscription tier, could drive shares higher. Boone also highlighted tailwinds from AI. Huntington Bancshares  The regional bank advanced more than 1% on Tuesday morning after JPMorgan upgraded shares to overweight from neutral. JPMorgan is bullish on onshoring benefits and organic growth potential. U.S. Cellular  Shares popped more than 9% after the company announced T-Mobile will acquire U.S. Cellular's wireless operations and 30% of spectrum assets for $4.4 billion. The deal is expected to close midway through 2025. T-Mobile shares were flat. Telephone & Data Systems , which owns 84% of U.S. Cellular, jumped 12%. Elanco Animal Health  The animal health care company, formerly a part of Eli Lilly, rose more than 1% after the Food and Drug Administration said its Bovaer methane-reducing feed ingredient met safety and efficacy requirements.  CNBC's Jesse Pound, Sarah Min, Michelle Fox and Scott Schnipper contributed reporting.
The T-Mobile logo is displayed on a laptop screen and a smartphone, seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland, Feb. 22, 2024.

Shares of U.S. Cellular popped more than 12% Tuesday after T-Mobile announced that it plans to acquire most of the company, including the wireless operator's stores, some of its spectrum assets and its customers in a deal worth $4.4 billion.

The deal includes cash and up to $2 billion of debt, according to a press release from T-Mobile. Up to $100 million of the deal's cash portion depends on certain financial and operating metrics being met between its signing and closing, according to a separate press release from U.S. Cellular.

Shares of T-Mobile closed up around 1% for the session after hitting a new high of $168.71 during intraday trading.

T-Mobile will acquire about 30% of U.S. Cellular's wireless spectrum as part of the deal, according to the U.S. Cellular release. It plans to use that to improve coverage in rural areas while offering better connectivity to U.S. Cellular customers around the United States, the two companies announced. The company said it will allow U.S. Cellular customers to keep their current plans or switch to a T-Mobile plan.

Both companies said that U.S. Cellular will retain 70% of its wireless spectrum and towers and will lease space on at least 2,100 additional towers to T-Mobile. The deal will also allow T-Mobile to sign new long-term leases on at least 2,015 U.S. Cellular-owned towers and extend existing leases on about 600 others, U.S. Cellular said in its release.

This will give U.S. Cellular customers a "strong anchor tenant" for at least 15 years after the deal's close, the company said.

The news follows T-Mobile's $1.35 billion acquisition of Ka'ena, the parent company of Mint Mobile. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved that deal in April. T-Mobile merged with Sprint in 2020 in a deal worth $26 billion.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier in May that T-Mobile and Verizon were in talks to "carve up" U.S. Cellular's wireless spectrum but said a deal with Verizon on a separate transaction could take longer or fall through.

The companies expect the deal to close in mid-2025.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the timing of an earlier Wall Street Journal report. A previous version misstated the month.
Ukrainian soldier carries mortar shells in the direction of Chasiv Yar as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on May 7, 2024.

The "most critical need" for Ukraine is still ammunition, Estonia's Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said Tuesday.

"The urgency is very, very acute," Pevkur told journalists at the Foreign affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

The Russian-occupied eastern Ukrainian territory of Luhansk came under attack overnight, Russian officials said, causing a fire and drawing emergency services to the scene.

A senior Russian diplomat said he suspected the attack was followed by a second shelling of the area by Ukrainian forces. CNBC could not verify the details on the ground.
Weapons that Taiwan has ordered from the U.S. are coming, a senior U.S. lawmaker said Monday, as a bipartisan House delegation met with the Beijing-claimed island's new president.

Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy that rejects China's sovereignty claims, has complained of delays in the delivery of U.S. weapons seen as crucial in defending it against potential invasion by Beijing, which has not ruled out using force in achieving its aims.

"We are moving forward on those weapons systems," Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said at a news conference in Taipei after he and other lawmakers met with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. "I'd like to see them faster, but they are forthcoming."

McCaul said the weapons' importance was underscored by the "armada" of Chinese ships and planes that engaged in "punishment" drills around Taiwan last week in response to Lai's inauguration speech. In that speech, Lai, the former vice president, called on China to cease its threats and "face the reality" of Taiwan's existence.

In translated remarks before his closed-door meeting with the lawmakers, Lai said the delegation's visit "demonstrates your firm support for the new government as well as the people of Taiwan."
The UN Security Council has convened an emergency meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, following Israeli strike on a displaced persons camp in Rafah, Gaza, news agency AFP reported, citing diplomats.Algeria requested the closed door meeting, the diplomats added. Algeria is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council."There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop," said UN Security General Antonio Guterres, following Israel's strike on a displaced persons camp in Rafah, Gaza, the news agency reported.Israel faced international condemnation following its strike that killed 45 people in Rafah . Calling the strike a "tragic accident", Israel said it was looking into it and its impact on civilians.Meanwhile, the Egyptian and Israel militaries on Monday reported a "shooting incident", killing an Egyptian guard on the border area between the southern Gaza Strip and Egypt. Both militaries said they were probing the matter.The Israeli military said its Sunday evening attack in Rafah was targeting two senior Hamas operatives, who were killed. However, it also sparked a fire, which the Palestinians and Arab countries condemned as a "masacre", AFP reported.The UN Security Council told Israel that it has to take precautions to protect the civilians on ground, to which the latter said it was investigating the case.Israel is also voicing concern that the International Criminal Court can prepare to issue arrest warrants for the country's government officials on charges regarding the conduct of the Gaza War.The ICC, which can charge individuals with war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, is probing the cross border October 7 attacks by Hamas and Israel's devastating military assault on Gaza.In response to Israeli media reports that the ICC might soon issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli government and military officials, Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Sunday warned Israeli embassies to bolster their security because of the risk of a "wave of severe antisemitism"."We expect the court (ICC) to refrain from issuing arrest warrants against senior Israeli political and security officials," Katz said. "We will not bow our heads or be deterred and will continue to fight."Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that any ICC decisions would not affect Israel's actions but would set a dangerous precedent.Israeli officials are worried that the court could issue arrest warrants against Netanyahu and other top officials for alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, Israeli media have reported.They said the ICC is also considering arrest warrants for leaders from Hamas.The ICC, based in The Hague, and Hamas, Gaza's ruling group, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Israel is not a member of the court and does not recognise its jurisdiction, but the Palestinian territories were admitted with the status of a member state in 2015.In October, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said the court had jurisdiction over any potential war crimes committed by Hamas fighters in Israel and by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.Khan has said his team is actively investigating any crimes allegedly committed in Gaza and that those who are in breach of the law will be held accountable."The ICC is an independent organization and their efforts are being undertaken without any contact or interference by the U.S.," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters on Monday.The U.S. - Israel's ally - is also not a member of the court. A White House spokesperson said later on Monday: "The ICC has no jurisdiction in this situation, and we do not support its investigation."Matthew Gillett, a lecturer in international law at the University of Essex in England, said anyone issued with an arrest warrant would be unable to travel to the more than 120 countries that are members of the ICC, including most European countries, Japan and Australia, or they could be detained.Gillet said if arrest warrants were issued against Israeli officials, some allied countries could take action such as reducing weapons transfers or scaling back diplomatic visits, increasing Israel's international isolation.It would make "it more difficult for Western liberal democracies to engage with Israel," he said.
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Australian tourist experiences Chinese visa application process in Sydney

People's Daily Online) 10:51, May 28, 2024

Max Silk, a Sydney resident, recently planned a business trip to China and shared his experience of applying for a visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Sydney through a short video. He highlighted the center's priority lane for UnionPay cardholders, which allows them to expedite their visa applications.

UnionPay credit cards are accepted in China and over 180 countries and regions worldwide, offering services such as cross-border settlement, ATM cash withdrawals, online shopping, and other transactions. In March, China UnionPay launched the "Operation Splendid 2024" promotion, aimed at providing comprehensive services to foreigners visiting China. This initiative includes pre-travel, on-the-go, and entry services, with ongoing improvements to networks, products, and services to enhance the convenience and security of payment experiences for international visitors to China.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
China has established a massive new state-backed semiconductor fund worth 344 billion yuan or $47 billion aiming to ramp up its chip industry, according to the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System, a government-run credit information agency.

This aggressive move is seen as a countermeasure against US efforts to limit Chinas access to advanced chip technology.

Christened the China Integrated Circuit Investment Fund Phase III, the investment in this phase is the largest yet and was registered on May 24. This phase dwarfed its previous two phases registered in 2014 and 2019 with investments of 138.7 billion yuan and 204 billion yuan respectively.
In a recent study conducted by the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, researchers have shed light on the detrimental effects of stress bragging in the workplace.

Lead author Jessica Rodell, a professor of management at UGA's Terry College of Business, emphasized the widespread nature of this behavior and its potential consequences.

"This is a behavior we've all seen, and we all might be guilty of at some point," Rodell noted, as per Phys.org. "When I was wondering about why people do this, I thought maybe we are talking about our stress because we want to prove we're good enough. We found out that often backfires."

The study, published in the journal Personnel Psychology, surveyed 360 participants who evaluated statements from hypothetical co-workers returning from a conference. Participants rated the likability, competence, and willingness to help of these imaginary colleagues.

Those who engaged in stress-bragging, describing their overwhelming stress levels, were consistently rated as less likable and competent compared to their counterparts who discussed stress in a more neutral manner.

"People are harming themselves by doing this thing they think is going to make them look better to their colleagues," Rodell said.

Furthermore, an additional survey of 218 real-life employees corroborated these findings, revealing that individuals with co-workers who frequently stress bragged reported higher levels of personal stress and burnout. Rodell highlighted the dangerous precedent set by stress bragging, perpetuating the notion that chronic high-stress levels are normal and even desirable in the workplace.

"When somebody is constantly talking about and bragging about their stress, it makes it seem like it is a good thing to be stressed," Rodell explained.

"It just spills over onto the co-worker next to them. They wind up feeling more stressed, which leads to higher burnout or withdrawal from their work. Think of it as this spiraling contagious effect from one person to the next."

Rodell emphasized the importance of distinguishing between discussing stress in passing versus boasting about it. While acknowledging stress can be a legitimate concern, she cautioned against treating it as a badge of honor. Instead, she advocated for employees to seek appropriate channels for discussing stress, such as confiding in a trusted confidant.

"If you genuinely feel stressed, it's OK to find the right confidant to share with and talk about it," she said. "But be mindful that it is not a badge of honor to be bragged about-that will backfire.

Rodell also pointed out the role of managers in recognizing and addressing stress bragging behavior. Stress bragging not only harms the individual engaging in it but also contributes to a toxic work environment, leading to potential repercussions for the entire workplace.
Konstantin Pats was the president of Estonia when the Soviets invaded in 1940. For a while, he remained in office as their puppet, but they grew tired of him and forced him out. They put him under house arrest, then moved him to a prison, then put him in a series of Russian psychiatric hospitals. He ultimately died in one of these.

While he was in the asylum, Pats protested his confinement, saying he was president of Estonia. You are insane, said the doctors. You are insane because you say youre the president of Estonia. After all, if you were the president of Estonia, you wouldnt be in an insane asylum.

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Beware the men in white coats. When they toss you in a padded room, you may never get out. Historically, people have been locked away for such invalid reasons as...

4 Speaking Ukrainian We were talking a few seconds ago about Soviet Russia, but this next story isnt about Russians locking away Ukrainians. This story (and all the next ones well be talking about today) happened in the United States. And this Ukrainian speaker was committed, not thanks to discrimination but because of a misunderstanding. Katerina Yasinschuk arrived in the U.S. as a teen during World War I. She spoke only Ukrainian, and this wasnt a problem initially. She fell in love with a man (who we assume understood Ukrainian). Then she left him in 1921, and police in Philadelphia found her outside looking lost. When they questioned her, she appeared to reply with gibberish. She was babbling, they concluded, a sign of madness. Pieter Brueghel the Elder Pictured: The Tower of Babble, a famous lunatic asylum. They dropped her off at the Philadelphia State Hospital. She failed to prove her sanity at a psychiatric evaluation because she was unable to answer in English, or in any other language the doctors understood. They committed her, and during the six years that followed, she continued to speak Ukrainian, in the hopes that someone would understand her. No one did, so she gave up and remained silent  for the next 40 years. Then the hospital got a new director, who sought to release some inmates who he believed didnt belong there. After reading Yasinschuks file, he got a bunch of people who knew different languages to speak to her, including a hospital employee named Olga Mychajluk, who spoke Ukrainian. Hearing her language for the first time in many decades, Yasinschuk started speaking again and related her story. She was sane, of course, and she now was allowed to leave, at the age of 71. She wound up at another institution, but this wasnt a mental hospital. It was an old folks home run by Ukrainian nuns. Advertisement

3 Applying to a White College In 1957, Clennon Washington King Jr. was teaching history at whats now Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Things got kind of weird that year. King declared publicly that the NAACP was bad for race relations, and this drew the attention of the press, who published photos of his students. These students now boycotted his class, and soon all 561 students at this Black college were threatening to leave the school unless King left first. It got so messy that the university fired their president for not handling it properly, and either they fired King or he resigned  records are a little foggy about that. Mississippi Department of Archives and History The students also hanged him in effigy. Kind of a charged move, particularly at the time. King decided that for the next stage of his life, hed go back to college, this time as a student again. Hed get his second masters degree. Rather than go back to Tuskegee University, where hed studied before, he applied to the University of Mississippi. A few years into the future, a court would order Ole Miss to integrate, sparking a riot where people died. For now, the university was strictly all-white. Advertisement Advertisement When King showed up at the place, the governor of the state was there to greet him. As were several police officers. They dragged him out of the building and off to jail where doctors were on-hand to declare him insane. They committed him to an asylum. As it happened, his brother was a lawyer, and he had a couple famous people who could put in a good word for him, so he was stuck in there for only a fortnight. Having been officially declared crazy, albeit briefly, King made this label a part of his persona going forward. He ran for political office several times, including for president, and when he ran in 1993, he handed out the following message: You've been fucked by all the smart-asses. So, now, on Tues., March 16, 1993, vote for a crazy nr. Advertisement He was by this point a minister and was 73 years old.

2 Having Sex With Grover Cleveland Grover Cleveland had a big sex scandal when he was running for president, and the way its commonly told, it makes for a pretty funny historical story. However, the most common version of the tale sticks to the part that people at the time found scandalous, rather than the actual bad part. The famous part of the story is that Republicans tried to derail Clevelands campaign by revealing he had an illegitimate child. Mama, wheres my pa? read printed smear ads. Cleveland supporters would respond with, Gone to the White House, hahaha! and when Cleveland admitted to paying child support for the boy (who may not have been his), voters seemed to appreciate his candor. They elected him. Advertisement Advertisement Frank Beard All elections are won through memes. But the boys mother wasnt merely accusing him of having a kid out of wedlock. Maria Halpin said hed had sex with her by use of force and violence and without my consent. When she came forward with these accusations during his campaign, his opponents didnt emphasize the rape part only because voters presumably wouldnt care much about that compared to the general scandal of fathering a bastard. She said she had wanted to report him to the police even at the time, but hed intimidated her into keeping quiet. Cleveland had earlier been sheriff and district attorney, and she had little chance of getting anyone to prosecute him. When Halpin gave birth, Cleveland sent authorities to the hospital to take the child from her and put it in the Buffalo Orphan Asylum. He named the boy Oscar Folsom Cleveland, Oscar Folsom being a friend of his (and possibly the boys true father, according to one theory). He then had authorities put Halpin in an asylum as well  the Providence Lunatic Asylum. Advertisement F.W. Beers & Co. Located in Buffalo. Cleveland lived in Buffalo, by the way, not in Cleveland. Some sources merely say the circumstances surrounding Halpins entry to the asylum were murky  we dont know for certain Cleveland was behind it. But we know someone moved her there unjustly, because doctors released her in a few days, saying she was sane. At some point during all this, she signed a contract saying shed give up all claims on the boy Oscar and would never contact Grover Cleveland again. Cleveland went on to marry and have several legitimate children. He married the daughter of that friend of his, Oscar Folsom. Cleveland was the girls guardian from the time her father died, which was two days after her 12th birthday. When she became an adult, he married her and made her First Lady. Advertisement Advertisement
Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg head to the U.S. Senate sounds like the premise of a wacky comedy, but its a thing that actually happened back in 1990.

Williams and Goldberg testified before the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee (chaired by Ted Kennedy) in an effort to voice their support for the Homelessness Prevention and Community Revitalization Act of 1990, which called for more affordable housing, among other measures.

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At the time, the comedy superstars were some of the best-known advocates for the unhoused community, thanks mostly to Comic Relief, the series of televised charity shows, which originated in the U.K., and was adapted by comedy writer (and former Andy Kaufman co-conspirator) Bob Zmuda for American audiences. The trip to Capitol Hill occurred just days before Comic Relief 90, which also featured comedians like Bob Saget, Bobcat Goldthwait and Steven Wright.

Unfortunately, the third comic staple of Comic Relief, Billy Crystal, was unable to appear before the committee. So instead, Williams read his pre-prepared statement and had Goldberg hold up a glossy 8x10 photo of the comedian. We have Billys picture here, so itd be somewhat like the real thing, Williams told the politicians before instructing Goldberg to move it around once and a while and make the lips go.

Then Goldberg read a passionate statement underscoring the gravity of the legislation, and even threatening those who would oppose it: You have no right to keep this money from this bill. Without us you have no jobs. And then you may find yourself homeless. She also asserted that the stars of Comic Relief will go on until were dead. It would be nice if we didnt have to.

The problem cannot be denied anymore, Williams told those senators who bothered to show up. We cannot be a kinder, blinder nation. Some of Williams most memorable moments came, not in his written statement, but in his off-the-cuff musings. You cant keep picking people up, you have to stop them from falling. Thats what I hope, he declared, while also blasting the failure of the trickle down theory that came from Uncle Ron. He likened the America of 1990 to The Grapes of Wrath. A family of five living in a Chevette? Nay. I say not. That is not good.

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The future Mrs. Doubtfire star couldnt help but throw in a few jokes, though. I know its a little scary when you have a comic in front of you. Its a little like having a porcupine in a hemophiliac ward, he quipped. At another point, he conceded that the U.S. was in rough financial shape: Were a trillion dollars in debt, and we dont owe this money to someone named Vinny. No ones gonna come and go, I want the money by tomorrow, or Im gonna break your nuclear arms.

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Williams also noted that if the problem wasnt addressed it will basically become much much much worse. Itll increase more than diminish. Unfortunately, it seems as though he was right.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
Theres unequal pay, and then theres the Patricia Richardson/Tim Allen situation on the hit 90s sitcom Home Improvement. In the shows eighth season, ABC offered Richardson a cool million bucks per episode to return. Pretty damn good  until you realize Allen would get two million, double Richardsons offer. When she demanded equal pay, the show was as good as done.

The half-price salary didnt jibe with what the shows producers told Richardson from the start. When I took the job, they said it wasnt meant to be the Tim Allen show. It was meant to be our show, she told The Los Angeles Times. Ive always said, I dont want to play the thankless wife.

As the show became a hit, Richardson looked out for her own interests, negotiating at least four Jill-centric episodes every season into her contract. She also bargained for a share of the shows back-end profits, knowing that residuals dwindle over time. I felt that I am going to end up being a huge part of whatever this show is, she said. Its going to work because of me almost as much as because of Tim.

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She also asked for a producer credit, which she felt was deserved because she was key to guiding the shows male-centric writers room on how to incorporate a real moms point-of-view. But producers denied her the credit, claiming it would set a precedent for the other actors. Of course, Allen got an executive producer title by the sixth season anyway.

Richardson says she and Allen were on the same page after the shows eighth season, agreeing that Home Improvement had run its course. But when Allen was offered $2 million an episode to return, he quickly reversed course. Richardson, who wanted to spend more time with her kids, also agreed to come back  provided she got the same $2 million and executive producer credit that Allen enjoyed. I knew that Disney would in no way pay me that much. That was my way to say no and was a little bit of a flip-off to Disney, Richardson explained. Id been there all this time, and they never even paid me a third of what Tim was making, and I was working my ass off. I was a big reason why women were watching.

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That left Home Improvement with few choices. Given the shows family dynamic, producers werent interested in killing off Richardsons character. Without her, it just didnt make any sense, reasoned Elliott Shoenman, one of the shows producers. And Disney wasnt about to give Richardson equal pay.

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So that was that  Home Improvement ended and not on the best of terms. I was mad at Tim because he was leaving me alone being the only person saying no, which made me feel terrible and like the bad guy and he was upset with me for leaving, Richardson said. Although the two reunited years later on Allens Last Man Standing, Richardson confirms that the two arent in close contact.

While Home Improvement was a huge ratings success, it isnt as fondly remembered as other 90s hits like Friends and Seinfeld. Richardsons theory? Hollywood hates our show, she argued. I think its about Tim, and its about his politics.
Thought Jerry Seinfeld was done with the most bonkers press tour of 2024?

Hold on to your Pop-Tarts because hes still out there throwing red meat to conservative news outlets looking for something juicy to bite into. Now hes trying to convince America to watch Unfrosted by singing the virtues of its manly men. Lets bring back the testosterone of Jim Gaffigan and Jack McBrayer!

He didnt say that exactly. But one reason the nostalgic Seinfeld wanted to direct the film is because hes obsessed with that Mad Men era, at least per an interview with the Honestly with Bari Weiss podcast. As a man, he began before catching himself in the act of an imaginary thought crime. Can I say that?

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Well, I didnt ask your pronouns, half-joked Weiss.

Ive always wanted to be a real man. I never made it, confessed Seinfeld. In that era, it was JFK, it was Muhammad Ali, it was Sean Connery, Howard Cosell, you can go all the way down the line. Thats a real man. I want to be like that someday. I never really grew up. You dont want to as a comedian because its a childish pursuit, but I miss a dominant masculinity.

Anticipating the blowback, Seinfeld heaved a weary sigh. Yeah, I get the toxic, I get it, I get it, he said, waving off the expected blowback (not from Weiss, of course). Despite the toxic whatever, Seinfeld declared, I like a real man.

Like Seinfelds Tony the Tiger. That's why I love Hugh Grant because he felt like one of those guys I wanted to be, explained the comic. He knows how to dress. He knows how to talk. Hes charming. He has stories. Hes comfortable at dinner parties, knows how to get a drink. You know what I mean? That stuff.

Well, sure, who doesnt like a guy who knows how to dress? But then why didnt Seinfeld say he likes a stylish masculinity or a confident masculinity? As things stand, you know a slew of angry male bloggers are engraving that dominant masculinity line on a bronze desk plate. Men should be dominant! theyre typing as we speak. Jerry Seinfeld says so!

Give Seinfeld credit for this  Weiss was intent on getting the comedian to denounce cancel culture, even going so far as to put the words in his mouth. You would agree, I think, that there are certain places or subcultures, lets say campuses, where it wouldnt be that fun to play as a comic, she offered.

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But Seinfeld didnt agree, citing a Nate Bargatze bit hed seen recently. It was about a man fighting an orangutan that was a thing in the 50s, he marvels. It was fantastic. Everyone was roaring. Youre looking at culture on a textbook page. This guys looking at orangutans in the 50s.

And so, Weiss tried again. But you could imagine, pick your person, Louis C.K. or Shane Gillis or whoever. Its that because of their personal behavior or even their material happening at the wrong time for the gatekeepers of the culture, they were punished for it.

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Seinfeld still wasnt having it, though. What youre talking about is so irrelevant. Totally irrelevant. A lot of whining and excuse-making for Its just not funny.

Really? asked the relentless Weiss, intent on getting her intended reaction. You dont think that theres been a wave of people getting the shit end of the stick over the past few years?

If youre funny, genuinely funny, Seinfeld responded, none of these things are difficult to overcome.
Frank and Pam Eighmeys house next to what neighbors have taken to calling the Shady Dump. Photo: Paul Rubin

New York generates some 18 million tons of construction debris every year, a lot of it coming from New York City as old towers come down, new ones go up, and wealthy residents perfect their townhouses. All of that waste  bulky concrete, chunks of wall and ceiling that may be contaminated with lead and asbestos  has to go somewhere. If things are working as they are supposed to, most of this ends up in a licensed facility that can properly process it. But in December 2019, a pile reaching more than ten feet high ended up next to Frank Eighmeys front steps.

Eighmey has lived in Ulster County almost his whole life, most of it in a little hamlet inside Woodstock called Shady. In 1986, he bought his grandmothers bare-bones campsite, converted it into a two-bedroom red farmhouse, and stayed put: His wife Pam moved in shortly after, and the couple raised their kids there. We knew everybodys name on the whole road, Frank, a bus inspector, said. The couple now dote on their granddaughter in the same house where Franks grandmother doted on him. Life was peaceful.

Then Vincent Conigliaro moved in next door. Frank and Pam didnt know Vincent all that well but had been friendly with his parents, Sal and Louise. They were on the call list for my kids, Pam said. If they got home from school and I wasnt here, they were to go up there. So the Eighmeys didnt think much about it when Vincent and his wife Gina took over the house after Sal passed, and they didnt make a fuss when the couple brought in a contractor around the end of 2019 to relevel their lawn, even though they lost a bit of their view in the process and had to deal with the noise of the dump trucks coming and going. It was only when Frank and Pam noticed that the material being used to fill the slope of the lawn wasnt dirt or sand  the kind of thing youd see in a project like this  that things started to feel off. The trucks coming and going looked like they were carting remnants of a wrecked building: bricks, asphalt, pieces of plastic, even ceramic pipes. It started to pile up. The wall of debris grew every day, Frank told me.

The view from the Eighmeys' property of Vincent Conilgiaros house before and after the dumping. Photo: Pam Eighmey. The view from the Eighmeys' property of Vincent Conilgiaros house before and after the dumping. Photo: Pam Eighmey.

But this also seemed like an easy enough thing to remedy: There are laws regulating where you can put this sort of waste, and those laws are particularly strong in Woodstock, which has a history as a mecca for hippies. According to town code, its illegal to dump any kind of construction materials in Woodstock, period. Further simplifying things was the fact that Woodstocks town supervisor, Bill McKenna  exactly the guy to talk to about this kind of thing  happened to live just down the road. If 200 loads of what seemed to be actual construction junk could be trucked into the Conigliaros lawn, then 200 loads of debris had to be trucked out. We had our trust in our town government, Frank said. They were going to take care of us.

But more than four years later, the debris is mostly still there, and locals have taken to calling the land next to Frank and Pams house the Shady Dump. The fight over this once-bucolic stretch of road has managed to suck in the entire town of Woodstock, with small-time politicians, multiple hydrogeologists, and neighbors all caught up in the drama. They had chosen life in a small town because it was supposed to make things simple. But there was apparently nothing simple about trying to clear a small mountains worth of trash off your lawn.

The source of the debris wasnt a mystery. The Hudson Valley is familiar with illicit construction dumping, and it turned out the Eighmeys already knew of the person behind the dump trucks moving around 10 Church Road at all hours of the day: J. Karolys & Son. Joe Karolys, a contractor, had been all over the local news that year after being charged by the nearby town of Saugerties for operating three illegal dump sites. (He would soon be sued again, this time by the state attorney general, for his dumping practices.) As one local contractor told me, Karolys was notorious in the area. Dark-haired and jowly, his response to the raids by the state Department of Environmental Conservation was to moon a reporter, a photo of which was published in the local news. (Attempts to reach Karolys through his lawyers were unsuccessful.)

Frank and Pam Eighmey surveying their property line. Photo: Courtesy of the Eighmeys

The Eighmeys, and a growing number of their neighbors, suspected that the recent press and legal scrutiny had left Karolys looking for places to disperse his dump sites, but McKenna said he told them the government couldnt do anything until they had actual evidence of what was going into the Conigliaros property  a long and bureaucratic process that involved dispatching the building inspector from the town. But in August 2020, the proof the Eighmeys needed tumbled onto their lawn. Heavy rains washed part of the dump onto their property, just a couple dozen feet away from their well. The Eighmeys brought in a hydrogeologist named Paul Rubin to assess the situation, and he quickly wrote up a report noting that the dump, which contained concrete slabs and bedrock that originated from New York City, was a risk to the Eighmeys well and six neighbors wells farther downhill. He told us, You should not be drinking this water, Frank said. Rubin also pointed out that the aquifer that provides water to the whole town ran underneath the Conigliaros house, making the potential risk to the water supply that much more urgent. It all seemed kind of audacious, Rubin told me: Its unbelievable that someone would pile this up full of waste right on your property line.

Soon enough, the Woodstock Environmental Commission (WEC), a volunteer group appointed by the town board, was on the scene, too. It did not take a Ph.D. in environmental engineering to understand that what was going on there was very wrong, according to Alex Bolotow, a member at the time. A small coalition was forming  lifers like the Eighmeys were arguing alongside classic Woodstock performance-artist types and relative newcomers like Bolotow. The town board and the Conigliaros, they all agreed, needed to take care of business.

The town charged the Conigliaros and Karolys with 200 counts of illegal dumping each, one for each truckload, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. In a surprise twist, Vincent threw in with the Eighmeys and the town, agreeing to testify against his wife Gina and Karolys in exchange for getting his charges dropped. He wasnt the bad guy, Vincent claimed. He had also been victimized. As Vincent told it, he had paid Karolys up to $200,000 to landscape his lawn, only to have him fill the property with trash and, allegedly, steal his wife. My wife and Mr. Karolys engaged in a little affair that I didnt know anything about til later on, Vincent testified. The dirt got out of hand. (Gina did not respond to phone calls.) Vincents daughter, Francesca, gave a witness statement to the same effect: She claimed she had heard her mother talking with Karolys about dumping contaminated material. How was Vincent to know a thing like that? You could be sleeping at night and some truck comes by and dumps radioactive material on your property; it now is your problem, Vincent said in a more recent call. I didnt do research on the guy, unfortunately.

The case was settled at the beginning of 2022. The charges against Gina Conigliaro and Karolys were dropped from 200 counts of illegal dumping to one, for a fine of just $1,500 each. In the courthouse parking lot, McKenna told the Eighmeys that this was exactly what they needed to get it cleaned up. While the Shady neighbors, Bolotow, and even Vincent questioned the reduced charges, they were cautiously optimistic that things would now move forward. When we walked out of the court, we were assured that that was a really good thing, Frank said. It was not.

Responsibility for removing the dump was ultimately left to Vincent, who opted to do the removal himself rather than get charged by the town for it. He sued his wife and Karolys, claiming the work would cost him $800,000. That fall, he submitted a one-page document to the town describing his plans. He said he would make a stockpile of the waste in the backyard. From there, he would separate out the big pieces of construction debris and remove them. Once the rest of the fill was tested to be good, Vincents plan read, it would go into the ground.

A second hydrogeologist hired by the Eighmeys described Vincents plan as a cartoony document and sent a letter to the town warning that, with most of the fill still in the ground, the water remained at risk. The town, and specifically Bill McKenna, was unmoved. McKenna called the water concerns scare tactics and said he had been in touch with the DEC, which hadnt seen any problems with the plan or even the dump itself. From my perspective, I went to the state agency in charge of dealing with this, and they were extremely confident that there was no issue here, McKenna said.

A view of the dump from the Eighmeys porch. Photo: Courtesy of the Eighmeys

The DEC later released a letter asserting that a visual inspection of 10 Church Road, along with a review of the results Vincent sent in, presented no evidence that hazardous waste is present at the site or that any pollutant is present at a level considered hazardous to the environment. It also stipulated that the site itself sat outside of its authority. Still, the agencys conclusions differed from the scientists. Asked for comment, the DEC distanced itself from the case, explaining that it has very specific guidelines for what kind of construction debris falls under its jurisdiction  it has to be pulverized and unrecognizable  and it didnt find anything like that at the site. They basically said its up to town, and we cant do anything about it, Rubin, the hydrogeologist, said. Theres no scientific basis. (That letter is a jurisdictional analysis by DEC as to whether it had authority to regulate the site, the Eighmeys lawyer said. Thats all that letter was.) The town signed off in April 2023, and Vincent started removing truckloads of debris, returned the slope in his yard to its original state, moved the rest of the debris to a new pile, and called it a day. For Vincent and McKenna, the saga of the Shady Dump was settled. Theres a statement that came out that theres no scientific proof that the dirt in Woodstock is causing any problems, Vincent said, noting that he had complied with what the Town of Woodstock had asked him to do.

But none of it made sense to the Eighmeys and their neighbors. It was illegal to dump construction debris in Woodstock, and yet most of it was still there, buried in Vincents yard. This was how they were going to clean up, just move stuff to the other part of the property? one former WEC member told me. You gotta be kidding me. Rubin, the Eighmeys original hydrogeologist, believed that Vincents sampling of the debris had been far too limited to conclude no further action was needed. (Vincent claims his testing met what was asked.) Even the four samples he pulled had shown the presence of substances like lead, pesticides, and PFOS, which the DEC had found in Karolyss other dump sites. The towns wells were potentially at stake; didnt it seem worth it to go to the extra trouble of being thorough? Rubin also felt the DECs letter was missing something critical: Something might only rise to the regulatory standard of hazardous waste if it has specific concentrations of contaminants. But hazardous substances  like the kinds present in the Shady Dump  are still a problem even if they dont meet a specific legal level, Rubin said. He sees the dump as something of a ticking time bomb. Whether or not it officially meets their hazardous-waste criteria, once contaminants are present, theyll leach downward every time it rains, Rubin said. Theres no question about it.

The Eighmeys ended up filing two lawsuits against the Town of Woodstock and Vincent. One suit claimed that since January 2023, they have tested their well three times, and the results show slow but measurable changes: increasing levels of arsenic and zinc and the detection of fluorene and nitrite for the first time. Now the Eighmeys and other neighbors drink only bottled water. (Vincent believes the Eighmeys well issues are from a septic-tank leak.)

At this point, the fight around the dump centered squarely on McKenna. A contractor by trade, he had served as town supervisor for four two-year terms and on the town board for even longer. During that tenure, he had garnered a reputation as a bit of a hothead: He called one political foe an asshole and, during at least one radio interview, compared his opponents in the town to January 6 rioters. His critics say he runs an old boys club and prefers backroom deals to public meetings. I have a lot of great qualities, and I have some bad ones, McKenna said of his managerial style. We all do.

Other neighbors in Shady whose wells are potentially affected protesting. Photo: Julie Szabo

Bolotow, then-chair of the WEC and one of the initial people in the group who had come to check out the Shady Dump scene, became one of McKennas primary enemies. Bolotow moved to Woodstock with her now-estranged husband, the disgraced photographer Terry Richardson. She ran a local environmental-reuse store in town and had become involved in local politics. She could dish it right back to McKenna when meetings got tense. When you say nothing more can be done, what you really are saying is that you are refusing to do anything more, Bolotow said during one such exchange with the town supervisor. (Thank you, McKenna replied.)

Their tensions came to a head last spring, which also seemed to be when most of the town, and almost everything related to the dump, started going off the rails. That April, McKenna called Bolotow into his office and, in Bolotows telling, proceeded to yell at her for continuing to pursue the issue. He then declined to renew her status as chair of the WEC, allegedly on the grounds that she had sexually harassed a town-board member by sending an email that contained the word boobs in it. (The email in question read, We are not looking for vague assurances that the owner is expected to clean it up sometime in the spring. I expected to get boobs in the summer after 8th grade and, yet, I am still waiting  McKenna says that Bolotow mischaracterized the whole event.)

Things started to take a dark turn. Vincents daughter Francesca called out Bolotow on Facebook for being married to Richardson (theyre currently divorcing), writing, It is a shame to have two people accused of sexual harassment living in Woodstock. That is far worse than any amount of C&D [construction and demolition debris] anywhere. Meanwhile, Karolys had been arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter when a man was found beaten to death on the side of the road after hitching a ride with Karolys and his son. (As he was awaiting trial, Karolys told the Times-Union that he was actually a victim of a public vendetta against him because of this whole illegal-dumping thing.)

But everybody seems to agree that things got craziest during the election for supervisor last summer. Some of the Shady neighbors figured that maybe if they couldnt get rid of the dump, they could get rid of the man in charge of getting rid of the dump. McKenna had not had a serious challenger in years, but the neighbors threw their support behind his opponent Bennet Ratcliff, a fellow town-board member, who blasted McKenna over his handling of the case. McKennas supporters claimed his opponents were spreading misinformation  McKennas campaign slogan read, Facts Matter! In a local paper, one McKenna supporter even branded Ratcliff as an outside professional politico for his ties to the Clintons and work in Honduras. At one town-hall meeting, McKenna called the assembled crowd babies for speaking out of turn and threatened to call the police. Still, McKenna beat out Ratcliff in the primary by a small margin and ended up easily winning reelection, as is so often the case with small-town incumbents.

Now the fate of the dump is in limbo. The scientific advice that the neighbors have gotten is that their water  and the town aquifer  will be contaminated eventually. The state recently won a judgment to get Karolys to clean up his three Saugerties dump sites but has said it has no jurisdiction over this particular dispute. In the Eighmeys first lawsuit, the judge found that the town had violated its own fill-and-grading law  one that McKenna himself passed after the initial dumping to prevent future problems  in issuing Vincent the cleanup permit. The judge voided the permit but didnt order the town to remove the dump, saying that its up to the town to enforce its own laws. The town has said its already done its job. Vincent is hoping everyone will move on. I just have a hard time because they wont let it go. Its like they have no other things to do in life.

Frank Eighmey had planned to retire this year, but he kept working to pay for all the legal fees. Some weeks, he works up to 20 hours of overtime. The couple even started a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of their lawsuits. (On Facebook, McKenna called the fundraiser a scam, though said he later apologized.) This wasnt the quiet, neighborly life they had planned. The bureaucratic contortions, the absurdity of it all  it was all beginning to feel like a bad dream. I want to wake up and not have to worry about anything, Pam said.
If, on July 5, Britain wakes up to Labour's brave new world, one thing we can be sure of is that the party will immediately impose 20 per cent VAT on school fees.

At every opportunity, Sir Keir Starmer and his Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves reiterate that they will fund an extra 6,500 teachers in state schools from the 1.7billion they hope to raise from this tax raid on 'the super-rich'.

This exercise in the politics of envy plays well with some sections of the public. One Ipsos poll showed that four out of five of those who voted Labour in 2019 support charging VAT on private education.

The policy was wisely rejected by Tony Blair as extreme, but eagerly espoused by Jeremy Corbyn and the hard Left. Now it has become Sir Keir's signature policy.

Yet his claim that penalising parents whose children attend private schools would deliver a financial boost to the state sector is blown out of the water by today's story in the Mail.

If, on July 5, Britain wakes up to Labour 's brave new world, one thing we can be sure of is that Sir Keir Starmer will immediately impose 20 per cent VAT on school fees

At every opportunity, Sir Keir Starmer and his Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) reiterate that they will fund an extra 6,500 teachers in state schools from the 1.7billion they hope to raise from this tax raid on 'the super-rich'

Eton College is one of Britain's most famous private schools

The new survey by Baines Cutler suggests that Labour's plan would drive some 42 per cent of private school pupils into the state sector over the next five years. This influx would not only overwhelm an already overcrowded system, but would wipe out any potential windfall for the Treasury.

In fact, the bill for educating more than 200,000 extra children in state schools would require a big increase in taxation. As chancellor, Ms Reeves would have to pour billions into an ever-widening hole in the public finances.

The moral fallacy that underlies this mean-spirited policy consists in assuming that the only purpose of private education is to gain an unfair advantage over others.

Not only is this unjust to parents, most of whom make huge sacrifices to pay fees, but the existence of independent schools raises standards across the board. Private and state schools cooperate in countless ways, demonstrating that education isn't a zero-sum game.

Squeezing the private sector will impoverish the whole system. But the far-Left's loathing of excellence, competition and variety doesn't stop there. Envy also motivates Labour's long-standing hostility towards grammar schools, faith schools and top academies.

Blair understood parental aspirations should be respected, not thwarted. He himself went to Fettes, 'the Eton of Scotland', and sent his own children to Catholic voluntary-aided schools. Nothing is more powerful than the desire to do whatever you can for your children.

The policy was wisely rejected by Tony Blair as extreme, but eagerly espoused by Jeremy Corbyn (pictured with Starmer on December 2019) and the hard Left. Now it has become Sir Keir's signature policy

Sir Keir Starmer, former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace in September 10, 2022

Blair himself went to Fettes (pictured), 'the Eton of Scotland', and sent his own children to Catholic voluntary-aided schools

Tony Blair at school in Fettes in spring 1971 with school friends

Yet Sir Keir is in denial about that basic human instinct. He himself benefited from a selective education at Reigate Grammar and even a bursary after his school went private. Without this so-called elitist schooling, would the young Keir Starmer have aspired to become a barrister, let alone prime minister?

As it happens, my own experience is not dissimilar to his. My parents were fortunate to live near Langley Grammar School in Berkshire, which gave me a first-class education.

However, I was the only person in my year to sit the old Oxford Entrance Examination. At my teachers' request, I was allowed to sit in on Oxbridge evening classes at nearby Eton College.

This preparation, plus a glimpse of the competition I was up against, was intimidating but also stimulating. Though I was never a pupil at Eton, I'm grateful to the school for broadening my horizons.

By the time my wife and I came to have our own four children in the 1990s, there was no question of going private. Luckily our children benefited from excellent faith schools.

Yet Sir Keir is in denial about that basic human instinct. He himself benefited from a selective education at Reigate Grammar (pictured) and even a bursary after his school went private

And, thanks to generous grandparents, we were able to send one child who had not thrived at school to a tutorial college for the two sixth form years. Any higher, and the fees would have been prohibitive.

A one-size-fits-all education system would be inferior to the richly varied one we have now. Yet Sir Keir would have us believe that forcing tens of thousands of families to uproot their children is cost free.

Ultimately, the main victims will not be the 'super-rich', or even those less affluent families who work hard to send their children to private school.

The cost will fall on us all, as education standards suffer and Sir Keir's claims of funding 6,500 extra teachers in the state sector crumble to dust.
When asked 'what is a socialist', Keir Starmer has a ready reply: 'I am!' When asked 'what is a woman?' he's not so sure. A week into the election campaign, and we're still none the wiser as to whether he thinks a woman can have a penis. Come on, Sir Keir, yes or no? We need to know.

In truth though, Starmer doesn't need to proclaim his socialism. It's abundantly clear. Only a dyed-in-the-wool socialist would put forward a policy as divisive and as short-sighted as whacking VAT on public school fees.

It's pure dog-whistle stuff, designed to appeal to the donkey-jacketed, badge-wearing, eat-the-rich core of the Labour Party  in other words all those Corbynites feeling left out as Sir Keir attempts to woo Waitrose Woman by ruling out mean things like hikes in income tax and National Insurance.

Or, as we saw yesterday, getting groups of gushing, 'fan boy' business leaders to back him. One can't help wondering what the incentive there is, given that ruling out income tax and NI raises will almost certainly mean a raid on capital gains and corporation tax to fund new spending. Perhaps Labour's New Year's honours list will make for enlightening reading.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson during a visit to a school in Harlow, Essex

But I digress. Back to VAT on public schools, which Labour claims will raise money for more teachers in the state sector and improve standards overall.

You've heard of 'girl maths'  that tongue-in-cheek social media trend where women find increasingly outlandish excuses to rationalise unjustified spending decisions?

Well, this is the political equivalent: Labour maths. A load of self-indulgent nonsense that may fuel the politics of envy, but which makes no financial  or social  sense at all. And here's why.

Firstly, the policy will actually benefit the wealthy. For rich parents, the 20 per cent VAT will be an annoyance and an inconvenience, but it won't be a deal-breaker.

Mama will just have to buy one less Chanel handbag, or rein in the Pilates instructor; Papa might have to forgo that shooting weekend with his old university friends, or maybe book Cornwall instead of Antigua for the Christmas holidays this year.

Not only will they be able to keep their children at public school, it will be easier to get them in, since all those annoyingly bright bursary students will be out of the picture.

Thus, places like Eton, Winchester, Wycombe Abbey, Harrow and other top schools will become even more elitist. And because they will now be paying VAT, they will be exempt from their duties as charities, which currently oblige them to meet certain criteria, such as offering opportunities to disadvantaged students.

Brilliant socialist logic, I'm sure you will agree. Lock poor kids out of the system while making sure that rich ones have even more choices open to them. Karl Marx must be doing a veritable jig in his grave.

Let's not forget that a fee-paying student is one the state sector doesn't have to fund  and yet one whose parents still contribute to the overall education budget (via the tax system) for a service they don't use. Far from being elitist parasites, these parents actually free up resources, just as a patient who pays to go private is saving the NHS money by not requiring treatment.

Under Starmer's plan, thousands of those pupils will go straight back on the taxpayers' books. He hasn't even got the keys to No 10 yet, and already parents are pulling their children out of the private sector.

So far, the exodus of approximately 3,000 children has cost the taxpayer 22million in additional school places. Scale up those numbers and it's easy to see how extra costs could balloon.

According to the latest estimates, almost a quarter of a million pupils could leave the private sector because of this policy in the next five years  42 per cent of the total. Labour claims the scheme will generate 1.7billion in tax, but the Adam Smith Institute calculates that if even just a quarter of private pupils are forced to join the state sector  let alone the almost half predicted to  it could cost taxpayers 1.6billion. See? Labour maths.

And that's before we've considered capacity. State schools are already oversubscribed, and cash is not always the barrier to expansion. Many are in overpopulated areas where extra space is simply not available, or where local planning restrictions make it impossible.

As for outstanding state schools  well, they already generate their own economic ecosystems, pushing up rents and house prices in surrounding catchment areas. Once again, by increasing competition for state school places, Labour is going to create a housing bubble in the immediate vicinity of those schools, which will inevitably result in poorer pupils being priced out of the market.

But it doesn't end there. Here's another way this policy will benefit the private sector: the booming market in private tuition. The internet is already awash with sites offering paid one-to-one help, usually via Zoom, for pupils struggling or aiming for the top grades.

The market exploded during lockdown, and it shows no signs of abating as more and more parents try to boost their children's chances in a grade-inflated market. Prices range from 30 an hour to 150 for the top-scoring tutors. Oh, and fun fact: the sites are full of state school teachers moonlighting. How will they feel about having to give up their nice little side hustles?

The problem with socialism, as we have seen time and time again, is that it is an abstract ideology, not a way of life. It fails to understand the fundamentals of human behaviour, which is that we are essentially pack animals, highly competitive and aspirational in nature.

Labour claims VAT on school fees will raise money for more teachers in the state sector

According to the latest estimates, almost a quarter of a million pupils could leave the private sector because of the policy

For the record, I'm no big fan of the independent sector. But I do believe in choice. I did not educate my two privately, but that was partly because their father was at one time education secretary, and I'm a firm believer in practising what you preach.

In an ideal world, children from all socio-economic backgrounds should study together, not least because education is about expanding the mind, and it's important to see how other people live.

My two learned a lot from their environment that they might not have experienced had they been in the independent sector, and they have friends from all walks of life. My hope has always been that this will make them more rounded adults  but it was not a cost-neutral exercise. Both experienced some very unpleasant and intense bullying because of their specific family circumstances, and both in their own ways have been deeply affected by it.

I think it was a price just about worth paying. But if I sometimes question that choice, at least I had one. I could have at any point pulled my child out of a difficult situation and placed them in a different environment.

And that's my last and final point about why this policy is so pernicious. It assumes that the reason people choose to educate their children in the independent sector is because they're all wannabe toffs. That is emphatically not the case.

Just ask Diane Abbott, Labour firebrand and former flame of Jeremy Corbyn, who in 2003 was roundly criticised for sending her son to the then-10,000-a-year City of London School.

At the time, she acknowledged the inconsistency but added: 'I had to choose between my reputation as a politician and my son.' And for all her hypocrisy, I respected that. She did what was right for her child.

There are countless children out there for whom the local state school just isn't the right option. Currently, their parents have a choice. Under this policy, in many cases, they will not. Private education will truly become the preserve of the very rich, and the rest will just have to fight over the scraps government throws them.

But then that's socialism for you.
A woman who fell in love with a charming and attractive man online has opened up about the horrifying secret that blew their relationship apart - and led her to uncover a sinister web of lies that connected a group of victims across the country.

Back in 2011, Anna Akbari, a sociologist who now lives in California but was residing in New York City at the time, connected with a man named Ethan Schuman on a dating site, and immediately, it felt like love at first sight.

Sparks flew right away, with the two messaging back and fourth for hours on end; but when it came time for them to meet in person, Ethan would make a slew of excuses and always cancel.

He would suddenly have to travel for work, or the bad weather made it impossible for him to get into Manhattan from New Jersey where he claimed to live.

But when Anna started to suspect something was up, Ethan then told her that he was secretly suffering from cancer and that he had really been avoiding getting together didn't want her to see him until his treatment was over.

A woman who found out that the man she was head over heels with was actually a lady the entire time has revealed how she and the other victims exposed the elaborate catfish

Anna Akbari, a sociologist from California, spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about how she uncovered the truth, and what happened in the aftermath of the shocking revelation

But she wasn't convinced and started to do some digging - and what she eventually uncovered would turn her whole world upside down.

It turns out, Ethan was not a 35-year-old male mathematician from New Jersey like she thought he was.

In reality, he was a woman named Emily who had spent years tricking over 10 different females into believing they were talking to the man of their dreams.

Now, Anna has recapped the entire ordeal in a new book, entitled There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Caught America's Biggest Catfish, which is set to hit stands next month.

Ahead of its release, she spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about how she uncovered the truth, and what happened in the aftermath of the shocking revelation.

Anna explained that when she matched with Ethan on the dating site OK! Cupid back in 2011, she was immediately drawn to his 'approachably handsome' looks.

'He was very cute, but not in a "this guy's not real" kind of way,' she explained. 'He was incredibly articulate and very chatty.

'When you have an attractive, chatty, articulate guy, and you are an educated woman living in New York, you think, "All right, this seems promising."'

Anna said she connected with a man named Ethan Schuman on a dating site back in 2011, and immediately, it felt like love at first sight

But when it came time for them to meet in person, Ethan would make a slew of excuses and always cancel

They hit off right away, as Anna recalled, 'We were typing as fast as we could think. Minutes turned into hours, which turned into several days.'

Ethan told her he had a PhD from MIT and was a mathematician working part time for Morgan Stanley and also for the government.

'Every single thing that he said was spot on in terms of, it made sense. It was happening in the world,' she continued.

'It was spoken with a level of fluency that I don't think many people could invoke in any context, let alone in an online dating exchange.'

Anna explained that he said he lived in New Jersey, but just 'far enough' that he couldn't easily get to Manhattan where she lived due to inclement weather.

He also said he had to travel to Washington, D.C., a lot for his job, which made it difficult for them to find time to meet in person.

'But he was keeping in regular contact with me. He was keeping me incredibly up to date and sharing a very high level of detail on everything that he was doing to try and get out [to the city to see me],' she continued.

Every single thing that he said was spot on in terms of, it made sense... I was just thrilled to explore our connection

'Keep in mind that this was before the term catfish even became part of our cultural vernacular, and so honestly, nothing about our exchanges seemed fishy.

'Ethan was really masterful in making me second guess myself. If I didn't just take him at his word for everything, [I'd think], "Was I being too pushy? Was I expecting too much? Why should I be a priority? We haven't even met."

'It's a very delicate line that you end up toeing where you want to be sure that no one's pulling a fast one on you, but you also don't want to try and demand too much too soon from someone that you have don't have an in-person relationship with yet.'

Despite never having met in person, Anna said Ethan 'made it very clear that he was not pursuing anyone else' and that he 'was very interested' in her.

'I really took him at his word ... because we clicked. We've all had that feeling where things are flowing, and it's just so seamless,' she added.

'And you think, "Well, even if I don't want to rip their clothes off when I see them there's an electricity here, there's a chemistry." So I was just thrilled to explore this connection.

'I think it's really important to emphasize that this was another era of online dating, where it was quite normal to exchange very extensive conversation before you ever met up.

'And so we knew each other really, really well in many ways at this point - or so I thought.'

After 'several failed attempts to meet up' and many weeks after they first started talking, Anna said she and Ethan 'finally' set up what she thought would be a concrete first date.

But suddenly, when it came time for them to meet up he 'became hard to communicate with.'

Anna started to do some digging - and what she eventually uncovered would turn her whole world upside down

It turns out, Ethan was not a 35-year-old male mathematician from New Jersey like she thought he was. In reality, he was a woman named Emily

'He just sort of disappeared. That night [when we were supposed to have our date] the communication stopped, and I was not pleased with that,' she revealed.

Things then took a shocking turn - as Ethan told her that he had been diagnosed with cancer and that's why he had bailed on their date.

'He ended up writing me this very long explanation. He said he didn't want to meet me before he got his surgery and his chemo and asked if we could just meet after that,' she explained.

'Because then he said he could show up as the man that he wanted to be, and that I would most likely desire.

'Do you abandon someone that you have seemingly come to know so intimately over the course of a month? I had shared so much of myself with him.

'I just felt like, I can help. I can be here for him. If he won't meet me right now, fine, I can wait a few weeks. If this ends up working out, what's a few weeks?'

Anna said Ethan gave her 'a lot of play by plays,' sharing intimate details about his treatment and cancer battle.

But as time went on, he also started to become extremely 'toxic,' exhibiting 'incredible anger' and even 'abusive behavior.'

'He would lure you in and really get to know your vulnerabilities and say the right thing in a really emotionally intelligent and astute way that made you feel like it was safe to be vulnerable with this person,' she recalled.

Anna has recapped the entire ordeal in a new book, entitled There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Caught America's Biggest Catfish, which is set to hit stands next month

'He would put you in a position where you were completely trusting, only to then take advantage of that, and exhibit incredible anger and abusive behavior.'

At one point, Ethan spoke about the high school he had attended and Anna realized she had a friend that went to the same one at the same time as him.

She decided to ask her pal if she knew Ethan, but when the friend said she had no idea who he was, Anna found it a little odd.

'I decided I was going to sort of split myself into [two] - on one hand, I would start thinking really critically about this situation and investigating and trying to understand the fuller picture of, who is Ethan Schuman?' she said.

'And, on the other hand, I would still continue the connection, because I still believed that there could really be something there.'

Anna joked that she became a 'master Googler,' and started trying to find any information about him that she could online - but when very little came up she became more suspicious.

During her 'investigation,' Anna also began contacting many people that she thought may know Ethan in the hopes that they could potentially give her more information on him - people who went to the same college or worked at the same company.

Then, one person told her that another woman had also reached out to them because she was suspicious of Ethan.

Anna got in contact with the woman, named Gina Dallago, who explained that she too had connected with Ethan through OKCupid.

Her story was eerily similar to Anna's - they would text nonstop but had yet to meet in person because he kept canceling their plans or making excuses when he wouldn't show up.

They immediately started comparing what Ethan had told them, and his lies began to unravel.

'We knew something was off about Ethan, but we still couldn't figure out what was fact and what was fiction,' she continued.

'So what we ended up doing was compiling all the details that all of us had, and we really looked at, what was consistent and what was inconsistent.

'We knew some things had to be accurate because again, the level of fluency that this person was speaking with, you just can't fake that.

'This was not some guy that was like, "Hey, you're hot. Wanna meet up?" We weren't having superficial conversations.

'This felt like someone who was a serious person, who definitely was educated, who definitely knew a lot about a lot of things.'

Over the course of their investigation, they found a third woman who was also in the same boat as them.

Eventually, the three became convinced that Ethan was not who he said he was, and that someone was pretending to be him.

In a previous essay for the Observer, Anna explained that they 'combed through their old correspondences for clues as to Ethans real identity.'

One of them remembered Ethan mentioning an old roommate he had named Emily, and after doing more research, they were able to find her online.

Anna told DailyMail.com that one thing that still bothers her to this day is that they never really got an explanation regarding why Emily did it. Anna is seen around the time that it happened

Now, Anna has turned her harrowing story into a book, and she hopes that being so open about what she went through will spark a 'conversation' about internet safety

And when they noticed a lot of similarities between what Ethan had said about himself and what they could see about her on the web, they believed they found the culprit.

'Gina called Emilys parents and said that she was an old college friend. The parents ... gave Gina her number - [and it was] the same number from which we received regular text messages,' Anna wrote on the Observer.

While chatting with DailyMail.com, Anna said it was a 'relief' to finally 'know the truth,' but also extremely upsetting.

'It was a mix of emotions. On one level, we were relieved to know the truth. But we were also really pissed,' she recalled.

'We all felt very manipulated and lied to. This felt like an unforgivable, unethical violation of all of us.'

She wrote on the Observer that one of the other women confronted Emily about it, who confessed that she had been posing as Ethan since high school, using one of her old classmate's photos.

Anna told DailyMail.com that one thing that still bothers her to this day is that they never really got an explanation regarding why she did it.

She pointed out that Emily didn't ask for money or sex, leaving her wondering, 'Why would you do this to people?'

'It wasn't for financial gain and it wasn't for any kind of immediate sexual gratification,' she added.

'Ethan told us that it was basically out of boredom. But we don't really believe that that's the full story.'

While she did not take any legal action against the woman who posed as Ethan, who according to Anna, is a doctor living in New Jersey, she said they 'notified her place of employment because they felt it was the ethical thing to do.'

'Cyber issues are in this very confusing gray area,' she said of why they never got the police involved.

'What we have is kind of a lawless digital space in many respects. And we see people like this who get away with things for years as a result of no one really knowing how to prosecute it, even though there are very real damages.'

Now, Anna has turned her harrowing story into a book, and she hopes that being so open about what she went through will spark a 'conversation' about internet safety.

'I think there's something valuable in showing how any person can find themselves in one of these situations and still find a way to triumph,' she added of her decision to write the tome.

'I think my hope honestly is that it will start some really important conversations.'

Make sure to read Anna's memoir, There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Caught America's Biggest Catfish after it drops on June 4 to uncover the full story of how she and the other women teamed up to unravel Ethan's - or should we say Emily's - web of lies.
A cyclist appeared to ruffle a goose's feathers while he was riding along a river canal - after the bird flew at his head and sent him toppling off his bike.

The dicey moment was captioned by a Go-Pro the cyclist was wearing on his head, with the 30-second video then shared on Reddit.

Alongside the clip, which the cyclist shared in the r/CasualUK subreddit, was a caption which read: 'Goose chose violence.'

It continued: 'Riding to work along my usual route this morning and this bl**** goose decides today is the day it's having me off. And it did.'

In the footage, the cyclist, from Stoke-on-Trent, can be seen peacefully riding to work along an eight-mile route on a pathway next to a river canal.

A cyclist appeared to ruffle a goose's (pictured) feathers while he was riding along a river canal - after the bird flew at his head and sent him toppling off his bike

The cyclist wrote on Reddit: 'Riding to work along my usual route this morning and this bl***y goose decides today is the day it's having me off. And it did'

The man appeared to slow down as he was approaching a single duck and a pair of geese, which had emerged from the riverbank

The man appeared to slow down as he was approaching a single duck and a pair of geese, which had emerged from the riverbank.

As he attempted to pass the birds, one of the geese threw itself at the man's head, sending the cyclist tumbling off his bike and onto the ground.

The confused commuter appeared to lie on the ground for a moment, with the riled bird still in view flapping its wings.

After cautiously getting back onto his bike, the man swiftly cycled away to safety along the river canal.

The video has amassed more than 280 likes and 56 comments from bemused viewers, who teased the cyclist over the unexpected attack.

One wrote: 'B***** h**l was genuinely not expecting that, I thought you were going to swerve to avoid that first duck.'

Another joked: 'You didn't assert you dominance or defend yourself. You just ran away,' while a third added: 'At least it didn't have you straight into the canal!'

Meanwhile another Reddit user added: 'To be fair to the honker some unknown entity was barrelling towards them haha - they are proper b******* though, and normally you can walk slowly past them with nothing more than a warning hiss.'

One of the geese (pictured) threw itself at the man's head, sending the cyclist tumbling off his bike onto the ground

The confused commuter appeared to lie on the ground for a moment, with the riled bird still in view flapping its wings

After cautiously getting back onto his bike, the man swiftly cycled away to safety along the river canal

The cyclist responded: 'I can normally ride past with little more than a hiss which is usually replied to with a f*** off from me. I've been riding 8 miles along the canal for work on & off for 8 years and this is the first time ones decided to hurl itself at me.'

Sharing their own friend's experience of an unwarranted goose attack, one person wrote: 'My friend, a huge muscly man got cornered in a shed my a goose and only managed to get out with a dustbin lid and a broom.

'Anything that attacks with its face is a force to be reckoned with.'

Meanwhile, runners in Scotland have been told to wear helmets for protection after a furious buzzard attacked a 47-year-old man, leaving him caked in blood and with 'six holes in the head.'

Ewan Cameron was running near his home in Friockheim, Angus, last year in May when a buzzard swooped on him. He described the attack as like someone 'punching you in the back of the head'.
A British influencer has hit back at a man who told her she needed to 'stay off junk food' if she wants to be beautiful while she was holidaying in Amsterdam.

The TikTok user, Trewley-Precious Sunshine, filmed the moment she was approached by a stranger who tried to dissuade her from eating her take-away by telling her that she wouldn't stay beautiful.

'To stay a maintain this level of beauty, you need to stay off junk food and eat healthy right?' said the man who was not known to to the woman before.

Pausing for a moment of contemplation, the user then hit back with 'you know what I'm going to go and do? I'm going to eat that and still be beautiful.'

She then signed off sarcastically, saying 'have a good night darling' to the man who confronted her, before going to finish her 'junk food'.

Influencer Trewley-Precious (pictured) was on holiday in Amsterdam when a man told her not to eat 'junk food' if she wants to be beautiful

However, the 23-year-old was not put off her food by the unsolicited advice, and said she would eat it and still stay beautiful

The TikTok influencer, who boasts almost 700k followers on the social media app, is also known for starring on the Channel 4 game show, Tempting Fortune, where contestants avoid temptations in the hopes of winning 300k.

Trewley appeared in the first season of the the Channel 4 show which is hosted by Paddy McGuiness, and forces contestants to endure 18 days of hiking in South Africa as they test their willpower while eschewing basic privileges.

Trewley-Precious is a successful YouTuber alongside her other social media work.

The Essex based influencer previously went viral after she took to TikTok to share how comfortable she feels dressing casually on her council estate.

The British TikTok influencer, who boasts almost 700k followers on the social media app, is also known for starring on the Channel 4 game show, Tempting Fortune

Explaining to viewers that not one cares what you look like on the estate, Trewley-Precious (pronounced Truly) walked to the shops in her dressing gown with no shoes on, while she had hair rollers and eyebrow tint on.

Viewers flocked to the comment section to show support, and one considered the judgement-free aspect of council estates to be a reason why they 'love being British'.

It comes after Trewley-Precious revealed her family members' unusual names - much to the amusement of her followers.

While Trewley-Precious might seem unique enough, her siblings also share equally uncommon names as she revealed she has one sister named 'Honey Peaches Amba'.

Another two sisters are named 'Ruby Anne Ysobella' and 'Pearly Girl'.
She complained about others 'pushing' them around and 'not being VIP'

An American Taylor Swift fan and her friends have been slammed online for their behavior at a Lisbon concert after moaning about being 'pushed around.'

In a video posted to X, TikToker Jenny Berger, complained that she and her friends paid a 'sh** ton' for their VIP tickets just to be 'pushed around' by fans who bought general admission.

In the clip, Berger showed her view from the floor level at the Estadio da Luz stadium in Portugal as she held a drink in her hand and said that the fans around her 'are not VIP.'

The Blank Space hitmaker, 34, kicked off the European leg of her Eras Tour on May 9 in Paris before heading to Portugal this past weekend.

Berger has since deleted her video after she said she was 'dragged on Twitter' for being the 'international Swifie's public enemy number one.'

Tiktoker Jenny Berger (left), whose username is bergerboo, was blasted on social media for her now deleted video of her complaining about her experience at night one of Taylor Swift's Lisbon, Portugal concert

The Blank Space hitmaker, 34, kicked off the European leg of her Eras Tour on May 9 in Paris before heading to Portugal this past weekend

The video of her complaining starts with Berger, dressed in a hot pink shirt with matching pink glitter on her face and hair, standing in the stadium with her friends.

'Update - we're pretty pissed. Again, VIP one, and we paid a sh** ton for our ticket and general admin is pushing us around,' Berger said.

'They're all around us, getting to the front and pushing us back. We're trying to be aggressive, but like, I'm sorry, I did not expect this and I paid way to much.

'Why are we not roped off? I just don't get it,' she added.

Berger then shows a clip of her view of the stage as a large group of fans stand in front of her and her friends.

The camera then shows the frustrated Swifie as her friend, dressed in black with rhinestones around her eye, says: 'There's no Nashville magic here.'

Berger shakes her head and turns the camera to the people behind her as she says: 'They're not VIP, they are not VIP. They paid $300 less for their ticket and they're walking in front of us.'

In another video that has also been deleted, Berger showed herself sitting on the ground with her friends as she called the experience 'chaos.'

nada mas placentero que ver a gringas teniendo malas experiencias en el eras de europa jajsjajsjsjsjajs q vayan a sus fechas en gringolandia y nos dejen en paz pic.twitter.com/z1PgWUCEJO  irene (@heartsdaylight) May 24, 2024

Berger showed her view from the floor level of the concert at the Estadio da Luz stadium in Portugal as she held a drink in her hand and said that the fans around her 'are not VIP'

'We got her at 2:15 thinking like we have a roped off section or whatever, no, we were like midway through "VIP one", you're gonna have to stand in a long line, you're gonna be standing in the sun, get there early, get in,' Berger said.

She then called general admission fans 'vultures' who were trying to 'get in their space.'

'Thankfully, we're not having it. But, if you're 'VIP one", don't think that makes you too special,' she added, admitting that her and her friends had 'decent spots.'

Viewers were quick to bash the complaining fan on social media as one said: 'Has she never gone to a general admission show? I'm American and I've both queued for hours to be at the front and shown up at doors planning to be in the back.'

Another said: 'The audacity they have to go to countries in like Europe and Asia where Taylor never went (while they have more than 50 dates) and on top of that complain and criticize.

'I'm hating them so much... They're everywhere, they're rude, they think they're the only ones in the world and on top of that they won't keep quiet,' a commenter wrote.

The angry Swiftie said that general admission fans 'vultures' who were trying to 'get in their space at the concert on Friday

After deleting the original video, Berger posted a response on Monday to all of the hate she received

After deleting the original video, Berger posted a response on Monday to all of the hate she received.

'My friends and I tried to get Eras Tour tickets in the United States, could not get Eras Tour tickets in the United States, so we got some in Portugal,' Berger explained.

The Swiftie added that because she got her ticket before her friends, she emailed customer service to ask if the VIP section was 'going to be seated like America or be like general admission type tickets.'

She said that customer service told her that it would be general admission, but she had to have VIP one tickets to get into the standing floor area for the concert.

'So I was very much under the impression that this was going to a roped off area,' Berger said.

Once she got there she said that when general admission ticket holders were let into the area, they started to stand in front of her.

'Everybody around me was like really unhappy about that, myself included.

'This is one thing that makes me so sad, because at this point it's taken like it's me against Portuguese people, that I'm accusing of being some sort of way, when really in my mind, like everyone around me is international, myself included,' Berger said.

'So, at no point was I trying to call out one specific type of person, but I think it's really taken off like that on the internet, and just know that was never my intention in my heart.'

She ended the video by admitting that she was 'sassy' and 'rude' and that she 'understands' that she has been looked at as an 'entitled American.'

'I can promise you that I will think about being in a foreign country and how I talk to those people in their space, and how my speech comes across to them.'

On Friday, the same day that Berger attended the concert, the event descended into chaos as furious fans tore down a fence after waiting for hours in the blistering heat

'I will be more thoughtful - my speech can run away from me sometimes,' Berger said.

On Friday, the same day that Berger attended the concert, the event descended into chaos as furious fans tore down a fence after waiting for hours in the blistering heat.

Eager fans were left waiting outside for 45 minutes to enter the stadium as one fan who traveled to the Estadio da Luz stadium to see Taylor said: 'I'm just sad, I've spent thousands and thousands of dollars to see Taylor. Please. I just want to be inside.'

Another fan who lives in Amsterdam and came to the concert with three of her friends claimed they waited in line for an hour and a half before getting sent outside.

Temperatures in the stadium were also very high at 66 degrees when Taylor finally took to the stage at 8pm

It was reported that 200 fans broke through security gates and forced their way into the stadium, terrifying the security staff.

Before the concert, massive queues of fans were seen starting to form outside the arena due to the delay as frustrated people proceeded to yell at staff: 'Let us in!'

Gates were due to open to those with standard tickets at 4pm, however, it was reported that the fans weren't allowed in until 4.45pm.

Temperatures in the stadium were also very high at 66 degrees when Taylor finally took to the stage at 8pm.

Before the concert, security had a strict rule of no water bottles being allowed into the arena.
The Spanish Royal Family has been rocked by claims King Felipe was left 'crushed and destroyed' by Queen Letizia's alleged infidelity.

Journalist Jaime Penafiel, 91, has launched a fresh attack on the European Queen with his new book 'Letizia's Silences', which was was published in Spain today.

In January, the veteran royal reporter was sacked by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo after 20 years following a series of damaging allegations made in his first book 'Letizia & I'.

His best-selling book alleged that Queen Letizia had an affair with her ex-brother-in-law Jamie del Burgo. The Spanish Royal Household refused to comment on the claims at the time.

In his latest work, Jamie claims that Felipe was 'aware that Letizia was cheating on him in real time' as her bodyguards have an obligation to report on her whereabouts.

Pictured: King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain's official portrait marking their 20th wedding anniversary

The author alleges that bodyguards joined Queen Letizia on a trip she took to New York in 2011 with her 'lover' Jaime del Burgo, whom she had dated before meeting Felipe.

The author wrote: 'That day [in New York], she was accompanied by her faithful escorts, who, without a doubt, any, they would pass a report to the Ministry of the Interior or [the Palace of] Zarzuela.'

Following this, Jaime claims that Felipe has been left 'crushed and destroyed' by his wife's alleged cheating.

The royal reporter - who worked for Hola! magazine for 20 years - claims that Felipe has been 'plunged into hell' by his wife's supposed 'betrayal' and 'wants to get out'.

Elsewhere in the book, Jamie labels Queen Letizia 'cold, emotionally immature and passive aggressive' and claims she is 'hated' by King Felipe's family.

Jaime Penafiel, 91, was sacked by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo after 20 years earlier this year following the publication of first book on the Queen called 'Letizia & I'.

The book sent shockwaves through the Spanish Royal Family after the author alleged that the Queen had a romantic relationship with her ex-brother-in-law Jaime del Burgo. The Spanish Royal Household refused to comment on the claims at the time.

Following his dismissal, the veteran journalist has now written another book - called 'Letizia's Silences' - which begins by delving into her early romance with King Felipe.

Pictured: Queen Letizia of Spain when she was a Television Espanola newsreader. Jaime Penafiel alleges in his new book that Felipe fell in love with his future wife while watching her present the news

In the opening chapter, the author sensationally claims that 'everything in Letizia's world has been broken' as a result of alleged 'deceit, adultery and betrayals'.

The author goes on to say Queen Letizia has a 'cold, indestructible and determined' aura about her and that the royal's silence on the recent allegations signify her 'emotional immaturity'.

Jaime claims the royal 'resorts to silence as a way of controlling and punishing other people'.

He then goes on to claim that Letizia's 'passive aggressive' behaviour towards King Felipe is the reason her 'mother-in-law [Queen Sofia] and sisters-in-laws [Infanta Cristina and the Duchess of Lugo] hate her so much'.

In the following chapter, Jaime alleges that King Felipe fell in love with his future wife while watching her present the news.

Reports on how the royal couple got together have varied over the years - with some claiming they were introduced at dinner party while others allege they first met when Felipe visited an oil spillage site in Northern Spain.

When they began dating, Jaime claims Letizia would 'test' Felipe's feelings for her by travelling frequently.

In 2002, the future Queen flew to Santo Domingo to report on the annual Ibero-American Summit - which Jaime describes as Letizia putting Felipe's intentions 'to the test'.

Weeks later, the author claims Letizia flew to Costa Rica as a 'strategy' to secure the future King of Spain.

Following his dismissal from Spanish newspaper El Mundo, the veteran journalist has now written another book - called 'Letizia's Silences' - which begins by delving into her early romance with King Felipe

He explained: 'It was a strategy, because that absence was a real torment for the very much in love Felipe, who conceived distance as the worst of evils, coming to understand [Spanish poet] Lope de Vega when he said that "the beginning of absence is like the end of life."'

Following this, Jaime says Letizia was certain of the strength of Felipe's 'total love' for her and returned to Spain 'bossy and manipulative'.

What's more, the author claims that Felipe assured Letizia that he could 'cut short' any news outlet reporting on their romance.

During one of Felipe's visits to Letizia's Valdebernardo apartment, Jamie alleges that the journalist confided in royal about how she used to work as a cigarette stewardess while living in Mexico.

He also predicted the couple, who have maintained what the mainstream Spanish press have described as a dignified silence in the face of ongoing infidelity claims by Jaime del Burgo, would follow in the footsteps of Felipes parents Juan Carlos and Sofia.

Pictured: King Felipe and Queen Letizia attend the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling in Stockholm in 2010

Spains former king is now living in exile in Abu Dhabi after corruption investigations he was caught up in left his reputation in tatters although he returns to his homeland from time to time.

Later in the book, Jaime alleges that Felipe and Letizia are living separate lives and 'just keeping up appearances in public'.

Following its publication today, Spanish publication El Nacional Cat published a review claiming that Jaime Penafiel is 'determined to end the Queen's career' and described him as 'one of Letizia's biggest enemies.

In 'Letizia & I', the Queen's former brother-in-law Jaime del Burgo makes the unlikely claim that he was planning to propose to Letizia - who was a newsreader at the time - on the night that she told him that she was dating a high-profile man in Spain.

Pictured: King Felipe and Queen Letizia and their parents on the couple's wedding day in May 2004

King Felipe's sister Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo (left) and Infanta Cristina pictured attending the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George's Chapel

Letizia reportedly told him that she had 'met someone who would oblige her to quit her profession', which Jaime said led him to deduce her mystery partner was Felipe.

What's more, the royal's ex-brother-in-law also made the far-fetched claim that he 'dealt' with Letizia's pre-nuptial agreement and helped to front the cost of the Queen's family's wedding outfits.

He is quoted as saying: 'When the wedding with Felipe came round, I dealt with the pre-nuptial agreement as you know, amongst other things.

'I also had to pay Letizia's family's expenses because [former King] Juan Carlos refused to pay or even go halves with me. So with the help of my friend Felipe Varela, I dressed her mum, grandmother and her sisters. And with the help of Jaime Jason, her father, grandparents and a cousin.'

Jaime also makes the incredible claim that the Queen asked to see him the night before the wedding at the exclusive El Latigazo restaurant in Madrid - where she asked him to 'never leave' her.

Pictured: Veteran journalist Jaime Penafiel, 91, attends event in Madrid in December 2018. The author has confirmed he is no longer employed by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo

Pictured: Queen Letizia's ex-brother-in-law Jaime del Burgo with his ex-wife Telma when they were still married

He sensationally claimed: 'When we met, she took hold of my hand and asked me why I had never asked her to marry me. Obviously I didn't reply. I encouraged her as best I could. The last thing she said to me before we said goodbye to each other in that restaurant was a request: 'Never leave me.''

Jaime - who says the Queen nicknamed him her 'yogi pal' - claims he still had a romantic relationship with Letizia even after the wedding in 2004. He also claims he has kept 'photographs, videos, mobile phones' and text messages as evidence.

In the book, Jaime sensationally claims that Letizia whispered that she loved him when they were lying in a hammock by a pool at her home following Princess Leonor's birth.

Following this, Jaime alleges they 'took steps forward with the goal of being free' - which involved seeking legal advice and looking at properties in the US.

One of the most damaging claims Jaime reportedly makes is that Queen Letizia suggested they have a child together using a surrogate in Los Angeles.

Around this time, Jaime claims that he confronted Letizia after photos of her kissing Felipe appeared on the covers of Spanish magazines.

He claims the Queen told him: 'I had to do it to protect us.'

He says in the book Jaime del Burgo told him Felipe and Letizia had a 'difficult relationship' and told him: 'Felipe uses me as a good man because he felt incapable of calming her down.'

After Letizia allegedly ended the 'relationship' in August 2011, Jaime claims that a female friend told him to get in touch with the Queen's sister Telma.

The following year, the pair got engaged after just two months of dating. However, the couple divorced 2014 following two years of marriage.
TV's 'golden couple' are said to be discussing who will get their beloved dog

TV's 'golden couple', Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, are reportedly undergoing difficult conversations about who will get custody of their dog after their divorce.

After 14 years of marriage, the pair declared they would officially part ways after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions', but what does this mean for their beloved pooch Maggie?

Ruth and Eamonn are said to be avoiding bringing in lawyers, unlike Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong, who fought for custody of their chocolate Labrador, Hurley, during their bitter divorce.

According to legal experts, firms across the UK have seen a rise in the number of people seeking legal advice over what happens to their pet's following a break-up and research from Direct Line Insurance showed that 27 per cent of splits in 2021 involved custody of a pet.

Meanwhile, the Blue Cross animal charity reported that 10 per cent of people said they had lost a pet during a breakup with a partner.

Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have publicly declared their divorce after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions', but who will get their beloved pooch Maggie?

Celebrities too are not immune. In addition to Eamonn and Ruth's struggles, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, as well as Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, have also fought over their pets.

So, what is the UK law and who can claim ownership of the dog? Here, FEMAIL brings you everything you need to know if you split up with pets involved....

How pet ownership is decided?

Although pets are often much-loved members of a family, under UK law, pets are considered a person's property, like a piece of furniture or a car.

Therefore, legal ownership is decided on the basis of proof of ownership - basically, the person who bought the dog owns the dog.

If a couple buys a dog jointly, they both own it and would more than likely need to share the dog following a split. However a court does not have the power to order a legal owner to give access to the non-legal owner.

If a dog is bought as a gift, there must be evidence of this.

Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong also fought over who got custody of their adorable Labrador Hurley (pictured)

When Johnny Depp split from Amber Heard, the pair also went through the same of issue of deciding who got custody of their beloved Yorkshire Terriers

What else counts as proof of ownership?

Although proof of ownership is the key factor in determining pet custody, there are other issues that can be taken into account. These include who looks after the dog, whose name is registered on the dog's microchip and insurance, and who is registered with the vet.

Things can become tricky if - for instance - the richer party buys the dog, but the poorer party stays at home and looks after the dog and takes it to the vets. In this case, the dog still legally belongs to the one who bought it.

What if the non-legal owner takes the dog?

If a couple splits and the person who is not the legal owner takes the dog and refuses to give it back, the rightful owner can then take them to civil court.

There, the judge will likely order the person who took the dog to hand it back. This process can cost several thousand pounds however.

Who gets custody when there are two pets?

If you have two pets, you can split them, but you should also think of the relationship they have together. If they are attached to each other, it may be best to keep them together.

Ruth (pictured with her dog Maggie) has split from Eamonn after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together

ITV presenter Ant Mcpartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong took it to the lawyers to assess Hurley's (pictured) custody

Can a pre-existing agreement help with negotiations?

Pet-nups - essentially pre-nuptial arrangements involving pets - are on the rise. In the past three years, there has been a 20 per cent rise in demand for them. In 2022, the Blue Cross animal charity also introduced its own pet-nup agreement form. The charity is currently taking in four pets a week following relationship breakdowns.

Will the UK law change?

In UK law, the animal's welfare is not taken into account  but in France, Portugal and Spain, courts consider pets as sentient beings rather than objects owned by one or other partner. Judges therefore will consider a pet's welfare when couples separate, which often strengthens the case for shared custody.

In the UK next year, there will be a Family Law commission review, which some campaigners are saying should also consider the issue of pets.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SHARING CUSTODY OF A PET

Put the pet first

Although in UK law, a pet is considered a possession, people should treat their pets as sentient beings and put their welfare first. The pet should be with a carer who has time and money to look after them. Dogs can move back and forth between homes if their routines and food are respected. But cats are far more difficult and get used to one environment.

Keep the rules consistent...

If you plan on sharing a pet, typically a dog, then make sure training and rules remain consistent. If your pet is allowed on the sofa in one house and not in the other's they will soon become confused about what they are allowed to do.

Rover.com's canine behaviourist, Adem Fehmi, said: 'When set up right, joint ownership of a dog can work well, even between exes. However, this does require both owners to be on the same page in terms of pet care and the dog's individual routine, as it can be helpful if a similar routine is followed across the board.

'If the dog's needs are being met in each home  emotionally, physically, and mentally  this can help a dog to adapt to their changing environment. It's also important that owners be careful not to unintentionally promote behaviour issues such as separation anxiety and, if these do arise, seek professional help to work through such issues together - as a team.

During their divorce battle, Ant is said to have told lawyers: 'She can have anything she wants  except the dog'

The chocolate Labrador called Hurley was adopted by the couple in 2013 when they struggled to conceive a child

How will my pet cope with a change in circumstance?

It's important to remember that a pet can easily sense changes and may become unsettled. This means they can pick up on tension or arguments at home.

If possible, try and keep arguments away from pets. Also, be sure to look out for any behaviour changes. These may include a dog cowering or not wanting to eat. Both of these may be signs that your pet is anxious.

If your dog has to move home....

According to the Blue Cross, moving can be very stressful for both people and animals. If your pet does need to move into a new home, it may be best to keep them away removal vans, boxes and packing. Instead, it may be best to move your animal to a stress-free environment until they can properly move in.

If you have to say goodbye to a dog

It can be very hard for people to be separated from pets they have grown to love. If you are suffering, you can contact the Blue Cross pet bereavement service.
Queen Maxima ofthe Netherlands ditched her usually opulent style for a sleek blue suit today as she headed to a charity visit in Wieringerwerf, northern Holland.

Despite opting for a suits, the monarch, 53, added her typical flair by opting for a bright blue colour.

The summery look was paired with a white T-shirt and towering nude heels.

Perfectly complementing the summery linen suit was a nude clutch bag.

The mother-of-three accessorised with oversized colourful earrings and tucked he blonde locks back behind her ears.

She then framed her face with a lick of black mascara and dark pink lipstick, while showing off her tan from her recent visit to the Philippines.

Queen Maxima or the Netherlands ditched her usually opulent style for a sleek blue suit today as she headed to a charity visit in Wieringerwerf, northern Holla

Despite opting for a suits, the monarch, 53, added her typical flair by opting for a bright blue colour

The mother-of-three accessorised with oversized colourful earrings and tucked he blonde locks back behind her ears

Maxima's visit today was part of the Leading Locals program of MIND Us in the Cultuurschuur in Wieringerwerf.

The Queen is honorary chairman of the group which helps young people with mental health problems.

It comes after she looked angelic in a white peplum top and cream skirt for a roundtable discussion at the UN in the Philippines, as part of three day visit in the southeastern Asian country.

The Dutch royal, who was involved in talks with development partners to help improve financial inclusion in the country, looked her usual glamorous self for the visit in the floral pattern top.

The mother-of-three paired her the summery look with a knee-length beige skirt and subtle make up including warm flushed cheeks and a nude lip.

The summery look was paired with a white T-shirt and towering nude heels. Perfectly complementing the summery linen suit was a nude clutch bag

Maxima's visit today was part of the Leading Locals program of MIND Us in the Cultuurschuur in Wieringerwerf

The Queen is honorary chairman of the group which helps young people with mental health problems

She accessorised with a brooch featuring a glowing pearl which matched perfectly with her shimmering white pearl earrings.

A trained economist who had a career in international finance and emerging markets, Maxima was appointed as the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate (UNSGSA) for Inclusive Finance for Development in 2009.

The queen first visited the South-East Asian country in 2015 where she began working to help improve 'financial inclusion' for 'all types of people'.

Since then, progress has been made in the Philippines where now the number of adults with one bank account has risen to from 26.6 per cent 51.4 per cent in 2021.

It's been a busy few weeks for the royal.

Her trip to the Philippines comes after a busy week of engagements in the Netherlands.

Queen Maxima during a visit as part of the Leading Locals program of MIND Us

Queen Maxima shakes hands during a visit as part of the Leading Locals program of MIND Us in the Cultuurschuur in Wieringerwerf

Maxima met with volunteers and charity workers

Last Thursday evening, Maxima wowed in a statement one-shoulder jumpsuit on Thursday evening as she attended a ceremony celebrating the very best of Dutch business.

Featuring a diamond broach on the left shoulder, the royal's cream satin outfit was nothing short of a showstopper.

As such, it was the perfect choice for 'Oscars of the Dutch Business Community', the King Willem I Prize, which was presented in the northeastern city of Zwolle.

Maxima's striking wide-leg jumpsuit, which showed off her toned physique, featured a slim waist belt in the same cream satin with a rectangular buckle.
Kate and William stayed at the luxury pad for one night in April last year

The 850 a night Airbnb where the Prince and Princess of Wales stayed during their trip to Wales last year has shared an unseen image of the royal couple.

Taking to Facebook , Duffryn Mawr Country House, marked the one year anniversary of their royal couple's stay with a photograph of William, 41, and Kate, 42, smiling with staff.

The post praised Kate and William as 'so kind and friendly', adding that it was a 'pleasure' to have them stay for the night.

The staycation hotspot, which sleeps 16 people, doubles as a wedding venue and borders the Brecon Beacons National Park, where Kate and William travelled to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Central Beacons Mountain Rescue.

It is open to members of the public on Airbnb for 850 per night with a three night stay minimum and boasts panoramic mountain views.

Staff at Duffryn Mawr Country House shared an unseen image of the Prince and Princess of Wales one year on from their stay

After their stay, Kate and William smiled with staff for a photograph and signed the guestbook.

The Facebook page read: 'It's been one year since we welcomed William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, to Duffryn Mawr.

'We were delighted to welcome William and Kate for a night here when they visited The Brecon Beacons. So kind and friendly, it was a pleasure to have them stay here.'

In addition to the seven bedrooms, the country home boasts 74 amenities, including a gym, a spa kitted out with a steam room and hot tub, and a children's den.

Kate and William enjoyed one night at the luxury home, before cracking on with activities around south Wales, including meeting the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team as part of William's role of patron of Mountain Rescue England and Wales.

At the time of their stay Kimberley Fry, who owns Duffryn Mawr and the Bluebell, said: 'They walked in just like locals.

'They had a reservation and we kept it quiet, but the locals in the pub were very surprised to see them. We felt very privileged to have them here. We charged the going rate, as we do for everyone.'

It comes after Buckingham Palace revealed it has been inundated with 'tens of thousands' of get well soon cards and gifts for the Princess of Wales, following her brave admission that she is undergoing cancer treatment.

After their stay at the country home, Kate and William signed the Duffryn Mawr Country House guestbook

Taking to Facebook, staff at the Wales home praised Kate and William for being 'so kind' and 'friendly'

Located on the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park, the country home is priced at 850 per night on Airbnb

Duffryn Mawr Country House can comfortably sleep 16 people and has panoramic views of the nearby mountains

It is understood that the correspondence team at the palace have been 'so touched' by the love and affection shown to Kate, 42, who recorded an emotional video message revealing she had embarked on a course of preventative chemotherapy.

The princess has withdrawn from public life to concentrate on her treatment and recovery, as well as protecting her young family.

But the outpouring of support for the princess continues- and palace staff have received thousands and thousands of cards, letters and gifts from members of the public offering their support and good-wishes.

The sheer volume of correspondence has at times been difficult for the team to cope with. But staff do aim to reply to all the writers, eventually.

Although the Prince and Princess of Wales have their own private office at Kensington Palace, all letters to members of the Royal Family are dealt with by the Court Post Office.

In a normal week the palace would expect to receive up to 1,000 letters each week from members of the public with various queries or messages of good wishes for individual royals.

But what they have experienced since the disclosure of the princess's health issues has significantly superseded that.

Kate was unexpectedly taken into hospital at the start of the year for major abdominal surgery. She remained in The London Clinic for two weeks before going home to recuperate.

In March, following a period of intense global speculation about her health, the princess herself confirmed that while her condition had not been thought to be cancerous at the time, doctors had subsequently discovered evidence of the disease.

In total, the luxury country home in south Wales boasts 72 amenities, including a pool table

During their trip to Wales in April last year, Kate and William visited the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue team

Kate appeared in high spirits as she celebrated the 60th anniversary of Central Beacons Mountain Rescue

She made it clear that she needed to focus on both her recovery but also supporting her young children at a difficult time, asking for her family to be given time and space while she completed her treatment.

Although there has been no official update on her health since, The Mail understands that the princess has been seen out and about more with her family in recent weeks, which will be taken as a positive sign by many.

However earlier this week Kensington Palace stressed that she very much still needs time and space to recover.

Speaking at the launch of a landmark report by her early years 'business taskforce', a Kensington Palace spokesman stressed that the news should not be viewed as her returning to work.

A senior royal aide added: 'The Princess of Wales was the driving force behind the business task force. She has been kept up to date since the inception of the task force and she has read the report and been briefed on it.

'This is a clear commitment she has made that throughout her life of public service that this will be focus. That will continue when she returns to work.

'But we have been really clear that she needs the space and the privacy to recover right now. She will return to work when she has had the green light from doctors.'
Queen Letizia of Spain has stepped out solo at an awards ceremony in Madrid this evening - amid claims her husband King Felipe was left 'crushed and destroyed' by her alleged infidelity.

The mother-of-two, 51, dressed in a chic white blouse and matching trousers combo, appeared to put on a brave face as she attended the Solo de Ciencia Awards in the Spanish capital.

Honouring scientific excellence and innovation, the annual event celebrates the achievements of leading scientists and researchers.

But the occasion - which Letizia also attended last year without her husband - comes after journalist Jaime Penafiel, 91, launched a fresh attack on the European Queen with his new book 'Letizia's Silences', which was was published in Spain today.

In January, the veteran royal reporter was sacked by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo after 20 years following a series of damaging allegations made in his first book 'Letizia & I'.

His best-selling book alleged that Queen Letizia had an affair with her ex-brother-in-law Jamie del Burgo. The Spanish Royal Household refused to comment on the claims at the time.

Queen Letizia of Spain has stepped out solo at an awards ceremony Madrid this evening - amid claims her husband King Felipe was left 'crushed and destroyed' by her alleged infidelity

In his latest work, Jamie claims that Felipe was 'aware that Letizia was cheating on him in real time' as her bodyguards have an obligation to report on her whereabouts.

The author alleges that bodyguards joined Queen Letizia on a trip she took to New York in 2011 with her 'lover' Jaime del Burgo, whom she had dated before meeting Felipe.

The author wrote: 'That day [in New York], she was accompanied by her faithful escorts, who, without a doubt, any, they would pass a report to the Ministry of the Interior or [the Palace of] Zarzuela.'

Following this, Jaime claims that Felipe has been left 'crushed and destroyed' by his wife's alleged cheating.

The royal reporter - who worked for Hola! magazine for 20 years - claims that Felipe has been 'plunged into hell' by his wife's supposed 'betrayal' and 'wants to get out'.

Elsewhere in the book, Jamie labels Queen Letizia 'cold, emotionally immature and passive aggressive' and claims she is 'hated' by King Felipe's family.

Jaime Penafiel, 91, was sacked by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo after 20 years earlier this year following the publication of first book on the Queen called 'Letizia & I'.

The book sent shockwaves through the Spanish Royal Family after the author alleged that the Queen had a romantic relationship with her ex-brother-in-law Jaime del Burgo. The Spanish Royal Household refused to comment on the claims at the time.

Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI pictured in July 2023 at the ABC Journalism Awards gala in Madrid

The mother-of-two, 51, dressed in a chic white blouse and matching trousers combo, appeared to put on a brave face as she attended the Solo de Ciencia Awards in the Spanish capital

Honouring scientific excellence and innovation, the annual event celebrates the achievements of leading scientists and researchers. Pictured, Letizia at the event

But the occasion - which Letizia (pictured today) also attended last year without her husband - comes after journalist Jaime Penafiel, 91, launched a fresh attack on the European Queen with his new book 'Letizia's Silences', which was was published in Spain today

Letizia looked effortlessly elegant as she attended today's occasion in Madrid

There to present the awards (pictured, right), Letizia, a former journalist, could be seen clapping the winners

The smiling Spanish queen embraced one of the winners of the Solo de Ciencia awards

Looking typically polished in an elegant white outfit, Letizia beamed as she handed over the award to one of the winners

Wearing a sleeveless statement top featuring a woven design in white and cream, Letizia looked delighted as she clapped the winner

Completely absorbed in the event, the queen leaned forward to hear the participants giving their presentations at the contest

Letizia wore her brown hair loose and brushed back to reveal a pair of dainty hoop earrings

Letizia kept her make-up simple with bronze eyeshadow and a slick of nude coloured lipstick

Following his dismissal, the veteran journalist has now written another book - called 'Letizia's Silences' - which begins by delving into her early romance with King Felipe.

In the opening chapter, the author sensationally claims that 'everything in Letizia's world has been broken' as a result of alleged 'deceit, adultery and betrayals'.

The author goes on to say Queen Letizia has a 'cold, indestructible and determined' aura about her and that the royal's silence on the recent allegations signify her 'emotional immaturity'.

TIMELINE OF DEL BURGO'S CLAIMS ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SPAIN'S ROYAL FAMILY Pre-2000 - Letizia Ortiz, who was a newsreader at the time, meets Jaime del Burgo - the son of a politician - and the pair start dating

- Letizia Ortiz, who was a newsreader at the time, meets Jaime del Burgo - the son of a politician - and the pair start dating 2001 - Letizia and King Felipe meet on the site of a oil spillage. Jaime claims he was planning to propose when she told him about her new royal romance

- Letizia and King Felipe meet on the site of a oil spillage. Jaime claims he was planning to propose when she told him about her new royal romance 2003 - Letizia and Felipe announce engagement.

- Letizia and Felipe announce engagement. 2004 - The couple marry at Almudena Cathedral in Madrid. Jaime claims he was asked to be a witness during the ceremony

- The couple marry at Almudena Cathedral in Madrid. Jaime claims he was asked to be a witness during the ceremony 2005 - The couple welcome Princess Leonor

February 2007 - Letizia's sister Erika suddenly passes away

- Letizia's sister Erika suddenly passes away April 2007 - Princess Sofia is born. During one of her pregnancies, Jaime claims Letizia sends him a selfie confessing her love.

- Princess Sofia is born. During one of her pregnancies, Jaime claims Letizia sends him a selfie confessing her love. 2 010 - The couple reportedly profess their love for one another and allegedly meet with lawyers. Jaime claims they looked at properties in the US to move to. He also claims Letizia suggested they use a surrogate in LA to have a baby

- The couple reportedly profess their love for one another and allegedly meet with lawyers. Jaime claims they looked at properties in the US to move to. He also claims Letizia suggested they use a surrogate in LA to have a baby 2011 - Jaime claims Letizia ends their relationship over the phone

- Jaime claims Letizia ends their relationship over the phone 2 012 - Jaime marries Letizia's sister Telma. The couple relocate to New York

- Jaime marries Letizia's sister Telma. The couple relocate to New York 2014 - Telma and Jaime announce their separation Advertisement

Jaime claims the royal 'resorts to silence as a way of controlling and punishing other people'.

He then goes on to claim that Letizia's 'passive aggressive' behaviour towards King Felipe is the reason her 'mother-in-law [Queen Sofia] and sisters-in-laws [Infanta Cristina and the Duchess of Lugo] hate her so much'.

In the following chapter, Jaime alleges that King Felipe fell in love with his future wife while watching her present the news.

Reports on how the royal couple got together have varied over the years - with some claiming they were introduced at dinner party while others allege they first met when Felipe visited an oil spillage site in Northern Spain.

When they began dating, Jaime claims Letizia would 'test' Felipe's feelings for her by travelling frequently.

In 2002, the future Queen flew to Santo Domingo to report on the annual Ibero-American Summit - which Jaime describes as Letizia putting Felipe's intentions 'to the test'.

Weeks later, the author claims Letizia flew to Costa Rica as a 'strategy' to secure the future King of Spain.

He explained: 'It was a strategy, because that absence was a real torment for the very much in love Felipe, who conceived distance as the worst of evils, coming to understand [Spanish poet] Lope de Vega when he said that "the beginning of absence is like the end of life."'

Following this, Jaime says Letizia was certain of the strength of Felipe's 'total love' for her and returned to Spain 'bossy and manipulative'.

What's more, the author claims that Felipe assured Letizia that he could 'cut short' any news outlet reporting on their romance.

During one of Felipe's visits to Letizia's Valdebernardo apartment, Jamie alleges that the journalist confided in royal about how she used to work as a cigarette stewardess while living in Mexico.

He also predicted the couple, who have maintained what the mainstream Spanish press have described as a dignified silence in the face of ongoing infidelity claims by Jaime del Burgo, would follow in the footsteps of Felipes parents Juan Carlos and Sofia.

Spains former king is now living in exile in Abu Dhabi after corruption investigations he was caught up in left his reputation in tatters although he returns to his homeland from time to time.

Later in the book, Jaime alleges that Felipe and Letizia are living separate lives and 'just keeping up appearances in public'.

Following its publication today, Spanish publication El Nacional Cat published a review claiming that Jaime Penafiel is 'determined to end the Queen's career' and described him as 'one of Letizia's biggest enemies.

In 'Letizia & I', the Queen's former brother-in-law Jaime del Burgo makes the unlikely claim that he was planning to propose to Letizia - who was a newsreader at the time - on the night that she told him that she was dating a high-profile man in Spain.

Pictured: King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain's official portrait marking their 20th wedding anniversary

King Felipe and Queen Letizia attend the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling in Stockholm in 2010

King Felipe and Queen Letizia and their parents on the couple's wedding day in May 2004

King Felipe's sister Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo (left) and Infanta Cristina pictured attending the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George's Chapel

Letizia reportedly told him that she had 'met someone who would oblige her to quit her profession', which Jaime said led him to deduce her mystery partner was Felipe.

What's more, the royal's ex-brother-in-law also made the far-fetched claim that he 'dealt' with Letizia's pre-nuptial agreement and helped to front the cost of the Queen's family's wedding outfits.

He is quoted as saying: 'When the wedding with Felipe came round, I dealt with the pre-nuptial agreement as you know, amongst other things.

'I also had to pay Letizia's family's expenses because [former King] Juan Carlos refused to pay or even go halves with me. So with the help of my friend Felipe Varela, I dressed her mum, grandmother and her sisters. And with the help of Jaime Jason, her father, grandparents and a cousin.'

Jaime also makes the incredible claim that the Queen asked to see him the night before the wedding at the exclusive El Latigazo restaurant in Madrid - where she asked him to 'never leave' her.

Veteran journalist Jaime Penafiel, 91, attends event in Madrid in December 2018. The author has confirmed he is no longer employed by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo

Pictured: Queen Letizia's ex-brother-in-law Jaime del Burgo with his ex-wife Telma when they were still married

He sensationally claimed: 'When we met, she took hold of my hand and asked me why I had never asked her to marry me. Obviously I didn't reply. I encouraged her as best I could. The last thing she said to me before we said goodbye to each other in that restaurant was a request: 'Never leave me.''

Jaime - who says the Queen nicknamed him her 'yogi pal' - claims he still had a romantic relationship with Letizia even after the wedding in 2004. He also claims he has kept 'photographs, videos, mobile phones' and text messages as evidence.

In the book, Jaime sensationally claims that Letizia whispered that she loved him when they were lying in a hammock by a pool at her home following Princess Leonor's birth.

Following his dismissal from Spanish newspaper El Mundo, the veteran journalist has now written another book - called 'Letizia's Silences' - which begins by delving into her early romance with King Felipe

Following this, Jaime alleges they 'took steps forward with the goal of being free' - which involved seeking legal advice and looking at properties in the US.

One of the most damaging claims Jaime reportedly makes is that Queen Letizia suggested they have a child together using a surrogate in Los Angeles.

Around this time, Jaime claims that he confronted Letizia after photos of her kissing Felipe appeared on the covers of Spanish magazines.

He claims the Queen told him: 'I had to do it to protect us.'

He says in the book Jaime del Burgo told him Felipe and Letizia had a 'difficult relationship' and told him: 'Felipe uses me as a good man because he felt incapable of calming her down.'

After Letizia allegedly ended the 'relationship' in August 2011, Jaime claims that a female friend told him to get in touch with the Queen's sister Telma.

The following year, the pair got engaged after just two months of dating. However, the couple divorced 2014 following two years of marriage.
Aussies have also been hit with fees for 'sustainability' and the use of wet wipes

A cafe owner has slammed 'rogue vigilantes' for sending death threats and trying to destroy their business after a man was charged $1 to have his raspberry and white chocolate muffin heated up.

A diner took to Facebook to complain about the extra fee on his $7 muffin at a Melbourne cafe and claimed the first he knew of it was when he saw it on his receipt.

His post went viral with hundreds of people slamming cafe etiquette and urging him to go to the ACCC.

But the cafe owners have slammed the customer for choosing to vent on Facebook, and made the surprise claim that the $1 fee was a 'mistake' despite Heat Standard $1.00 being on the receipt. They also said the customer could have simply solved the issue in person.

'We do not nor have we ever charged for any heating of our wonderful baked treats,' the cafe spokesperson told FEMAIL.

A young man has been left hot under the collar after he was charged a 'heating fee' for accepting a waitresses kind offer to warm up his muffin

'Unfortunately this has become a mountain of an issue that could have easily been resolved without a lynch mob caused by negligence at the hands of an influential keyboard warrior who ironically sells the idea of spiritual life practices and being grounded yet flipped out over a muffin.'

'A f***ing dollar to heat my muffin? It's cr*p like this that just makes you shake your head and question where it is all going,' the customer wrote in his original post.

'The waitress came over and asked if I would like a second coffee. I said yes, but also said I wouldnt mind a muffin as they looked delicious. With some friendly banter we agreed the guilty pleasure of the white chocolate muffin would be worth it. Then I was asked if I would like it heated. Cold Melbourne morning, sure why not.'

The cafe claimed that they have 'never charged' a heating fee and the whole ordeal had been overstated - encouraging people to take aim at the small business (pictured, the muffins)

He included the receipt which showed his $4.50 long black, the $7 muffin and a 'Heat Standard' fee of $1.

'The food and service was great, but never forget how you leave people for its the last experience or in the case the last taste you will leave in their mouth,' he fumed.

His post had more than 870 comments before it was deleted, and more than 1,000 reactions.

Some of those who saw it went on to slam the cafe, sending them messages, commenting on posts on Instagram and calling their business phone.

'It's a sad world when a local cafe that aims for nothing more then customer satisfaction and community values to be upheld gets threatening messages from rogue vigilantes about wanting to see us go out of business over a muffin being prepared and served to quality standards,' the cafe owners said.

The cafe responded to the growing backlash online by announcing their muffins would be free on Tuesday.

The man said the waitress never mentioned anything about a heating fee (stock image)

'We are treating you to a mindful muffin today while they last,' they captioned a photo of the baked goods on Instagram.

They also made a post calling for everyone to 'be kind' which featured the hotly debated raspberry and white chocolate muffins.

'We start each day at [redacted] with kind hearts and happy faces and the enticing perfume of freshly baked treats that make our mornings all the more sweeter. Then YOU walk through the door and the magic begins,' the post reads.

'Tomorrow is a new day, Tomorrow is for YOU day! A new day to make you feel special, A new chance to be mindful and lead with kindness,' they continued.

'Come in and get a complimentary muffin on Tuesday 28/5 to enjoy with your morning brew!'

The man claimed his main problem with the $1 fee was that he didn't know about it.

'They just add it to the bill without telling you,' he said.

While he understands margins are tight with the cost-of-living crisis and expenses 'going up', he says customers should get a heads-up about extra charges.

Others debated the cost of the muffin itself.

'For $7 it must have been the best muffin ever - I would never pay more than $5 and even then it would have to be loaded,' one woman said.

'I would go red there and then. I would be furious,' said another.

Others advised the man to go to the ACCC because charges should be made apparent to customers.

'They are supposed to say "that will be an extra $1 is that ok?",' they advised.

The man said he would be looking at his receipts more closely from now on - adding most people don't pay attention when they are at cafes.

After hearing the story people revealed their own experiences with 'hidden' fees.

'Went to a seafood restaurant in Melbourne and after a meal but before dessert we were offered 'wet ones' moisture wipes to wipe our hands,' one woman said.

'I was impressed until we got charged $1 each for the wipes.'

Another cranky customer revealed a waitress once brought them a lovely shortbread cookie as they finished their breakfast at a Melbourne cafe.

'I got to the till and she had added $12 to the bill,' they said, aghast.

Another claimed they were charged '$3 for sustainability' at a hair salon.

'They don't tell you, they just put it on the bill at the end,' she said.
Aged just 17, I got sick. The kind of sick doctors can't diagnose using a blood test or a scan; the kind of illness that's talked about in whispers, behind closed doors, if it were even talked about at all.

It started on my first morning back to school after a blissful summer. I clearly remember walking through the school hall and everything suddenly seeming grey and bleak.

Today, I know this was my first experience of the terrible weight of depression.

At the time, though, I didn't recognise the darkness for what it truly was, which wasn't helped by the rapid onslaught of ailments seemingly contained in my body, not my mind.

Headaches, stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia and panic attacks: all these physical symptoms crept into my life one at a time. I couldn't get on buses or trains or go into any other place where I felt confined, because my panic revolved around my intense nausea and a fear of vomiting.

'Headaches, stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia and panic attacks: all these physical symptoms crept into my life one at a time,' says Misty Pratt

I visited specialists who pressed on my abdomen and stuck a scope down my oesophagus, on the hunt for a physical cause of my tummy troubles. All tests came back negative for serious illness.

'You need to reduce stress,' one doctor said, and I nodded in agreement, unsure how to do that. My body's internal smoke alarm was beeping, but I couldn't find the source of the fire.

I took to popping Zantac, a medication used to reduce stomach acid, every time I felt the familiar stab in my abdomen.

Soon it was a daily habit. My weight dropped rapidly and I began to isolate myself. Schoolwork was the only thing tying me to some sense of normality.

My depression lasted for years. Eventually I ended up taking antidepressants.

At first, the drugs helped  but the positive effects soon wore off, leaving me with side-effects like an involuntary twitch and a diminished libido, which thankfully resolved after I painstakingly weaned myself off the medication.

By the age of 35, I had received five different diagnoses from five different doctors.

What started as 'panic', became 'generalised anxiety', then morphed into an eating disorder, was revised as 'cyclothymia'  a condition that shares many similarities with bipolar disorder  and culminated in a bout of 'postpartum mood disorder'.

Indeed, my mental illness lasted through my two pregnancies  my first at 29, my second three years later  and beyond, as my children grew into beautiful young girls.

And the cause of all this?

At first I presumed it was, as the phrase puts it, 'all in my head', some kind of genetic legacy gifted to me by my paternal grandmother, who suffered from manic episodes.

I had witnessed them from the age of five. She would have grandiose ideas, like falling in love with someone she barely knew, or make epic shopping sprees that tallied in the thousands. On other occasions, she experienced complete breakdowns and lost the ability to speak.

Later, I learned the curse of mental illness had touched the lives of at least two other women in my family tree, both following childbirth. My paternal great-grandmother stayed in a so-called 'nursing home' after the birth of her third child.

Even more tragic was the story of my grandmother's sister, who died by suicide shortly after the birth of twins.

I suppose I also thought it was a 'woman thing', or some sort of chemical imbalance in my brain that just needed 'righting'.

But today I know, thanks to years of research  both in my job as a health researcher and also by speaking to mental health experts and other sufferers  that women's mental illness is far more complex than these two often-cited explanations would make you think.

Indeed, many scientists believe the minute intricacies of our female bodies, the complex ebb and flow of our hormones  not to mention the pressurised, multi-tasking world in which women live and work  are absolutely vital to unpick if we are ever truly to tackle female 'problems of the mind'.

Yet as one professor of psychiatry  Jayashri Kulkarni, a specialist in women's mental health at Monash University, Australia  told me wearily, 'psychiatry remains primitive' in how it diagnoses and treats problems like mine.

You might wonder why I am writing so specifically just about women here. It's because I'm far from alone. As one of the first doctors I saw as a teenager said, while sighing and shaking his head: 'Why are so many girls dealing with things like this?'

The reality is that women make up the bulk of mental health patients. Today, women are three times more likely than men to experience common mental health problems.

In England in 2014, one in six adults had a common mental health problem; about one in five women and one in eight men.

While rates of severe mental illness have remained steady over time, and don't differ much by gender, more common disorders, including depression and anxiety, certainly reflect a gender difference.

Women are approximately twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression, according to data published in 2011.

Adapted from All In Her Head: How Gender Bias Harms Women's Mental Health, by Misty Pratt, to be published by Greystone on June 6

It's also notable that half of all serious mental illness begins in adolescence  and girls far outweigh boys among the diagnosed.

Between the ages of 12 and 17, more than 36 per cent of girls develop depression, compared with less than 14 per cent of boys. And once mental illness begins in adolescence, it often persists throughout a person's adult life.

Add to this the fact that statistics show when a woman presents at her doctor's office with complaints of anxiety or a depressive mood, she is also almost twice as likely, compared with men, to be prescribed psychotropic medication, such as antidepressants  and you can see we have a problem.

Finally, once a woman is on medication, research seems to indicate that it's hard to stop taking them. In a study in 2017, researchers in Sweden found it was twice as common for women as for men to use antidepressants when they were not currently depressed.

These findings suggest women are being overtreated with these drugs.

Surely, given all the amazing medical advances that are possible in our technologically proficient age, we can do better than our current method of treatment  doling out antidepressants, and crossing our fingers that they do the trick?

Part of the problem, sadly, is that we often still treat women, medically, on the same basis as we do men, ignoring glaringly important differences between us.

One 2016 report in The Lancet Psychiatry cited some of these differences as including: women's diminished stress response (we are more likely to release less cortisol during stressful events, which is associated with a higher risk of subsequent depression even after the event has passed); the fact that women are more likely to have lower self-esteem and higher risk for rumination (meaning being stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts) and body-related shame  and also that women suffer higher rates of traumatic childhood experiences, such as physical and sexual abuse.

Yet the thresholds and treatment of mental health issues are not gender specific.

And aside from diagnosis, clinical research to study the effectiveness of antidepressants and their potential harms has, historically, mostly been in male animals and adult male humans  which means that much of what we know about their side-effects relates to the male body.

Little wonder, perhaps, that one 2020 report in the journal Biology of Sex Differences found worrying implications for how women process standard prescribed doses of antidepressants.

'Among patients administered a standard drug dose,' the report said, 'females are exposed to higher blood drug concentrations and longer drug elimination times than males.

'This likely contributes to the near doubling of adverse drug reactions in female patients, raising the possibility that women are routinely overmedicated.'

Dr Liisa Galea, a world-renowned neuroscientist, now at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada, found that only five per cent of studies from neuroscience and psychiatry journals in 2019 used an appropriate analysis for the discovery of possible sex differences in the outcomes.

When women are included in trials, variables such as hormonal contraceptives, menstrual cycles (which means differing responses to medication at different points in our cycles), pregnancy, childbirth and menopause have been found to affect treatment outcomes.

But these variables sometimes lead researchers to exclude women from participating in research altogether, in the belief that it's just too difficult to incorporate them in their findings.

This is despite the fact that, as Dr Galea tells me: 'Pregnancy and postpartum do create a perfect storm for mental health disorders, because we see the same kind of biomarkers occurring during those stages that we see in mental health problems.'

In depression, there is a reduction in volume of the hippocampus, a part of the brain that's involved in memory, for instance.

As Dr Galea points out, the same reduction occurs in pregnancy and postpartum.

Other major changes in this same timeframe affect our immune system, stress hormones and metabolism  all in ways similar to what we see during an episode of major depression.

This gender bias in the diagnosis and treatment of women's mental illness just further medicalises natural processes in our bodies and pathologises our emotions.

Those pesky wombs and changing hormones affect our moods  of course they do!  but that shouldn't automatically lead doctors to focus on women's emotions and dole out antidepressants and ignore other serious health issues that may be going on.

Part of the answer, surely, must be in precision medicine, rather like that we are seeing in cancer care and cardiology.

'We need the ECG for the mind,' says Kulkarni, referring to the test that checks heart function by measuring its electrical activity. Indeed, it seems there are in fact ways emerging to define what type of mental health disorder women have.

Professor Kulkarni identifies different types of depression based on factors such as hormonal changes or a history of trauma, which would impact the stress response system and thereby change brain chemistry over the long-term.

Other researchers have studied blood tests that could identify whether a person was experiencing a depression associated with inflammation in the body. Meanwhile, research suggests that more than 50 per cent of the variance of antidepressant response and tolerability is genetically controlled.

New genetic tests  embryonic though they are  show some early promise in predicting antidepressant treatment response and remission rates.

Taken together, these advancements provide hope for those women who have found antidepressants have not been the 'happy pills' we were promised.

But the missing piece of the puzzle, as I can testify, is that women desperately require holistic care, as well as sound biologically based medical care  particularly at moments of hormonal change, such as adolescence, pregnancy and menopause.

It's at times like these that overburdened women can feel TATT  'tired all the time'. But this feeling of being worn out is all-too-often diagnosed as anxiety or depression.

When this happens, treatment solutions may prove ineffective, leading to worsening symp- toms or an abandonment of treatment altogether.

That's because treatment for mental illness generally centres on therapy and medication, while treatment for burnout needs more practical solutions  such as time off work to rest; negotiating different working hours with an employer or encouraging basic self-care, such as getting a good night's sleep and taking exercise.

There is even evidence that women should try to see that some bumps in the road could, in the end, be positive for our mental health.

According to Dr Galea, the structural changes we see in the brain during puberty, pregnancy and menopause 'might even be better for you', she says.

For instance, research on brain changes that occur during adolescence shows that grey matter in the prefrontal cortex begins to thin.

This is an important process of pruning unwanted neural connections in the brain, while the connections that remain are strengthened.

In pregnancy, brain volume changes may help us to feel more bonded to our babies.

And images of our brains during menopause have shown changes in its structure, neural connectivity and energy metabolism which have the potential to make women more vulnerable to mental health issues  or, instead, make us more resilient to change and better able to adapt.

All these changes are likely serving a functional purpose, helping us transition into the next stage of life.

For me, making peace with my moods and coming to the realisation that there's nothing I need to 'fix' about myself helped me to recover.

But long term, it's only with more research dedicated specifically to women's bodies and minds  in all their complex glory  that we may ever fully tackle the idea that our mental health woes really are just 'all in our heads'.

Adapted from All In Her Head: How Gender Bias Harms Women's Mental Health, by Misty Pratt, to be published by Greystone on June 6, 18.99.  Misty Pratt 2024. To order a copy for 17.09 (offer valid to June 8, 2024; UK P&P free on orders over 25), go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.
Cases of cryptosporidium, a parasite that primarily infects people through faeces contaminated drinking water, has now reached 77.

Most of the infections are in Devon but outbreaks have also been reported in Oxfordshire and Worcestershire over the past two months.

The most serious outbreak relates to faecal-contaminated drinking water in Brixham, Devon, which started earlier this month.

However, dozens more Brits, including children, have fallen severely ill since the end of March after outbreaks at petting farms.

And those seeking to seeking to escape the risk of catching the parasite this half-term by going overseas are warned swimming pools may not be safe either.

Cryptosporidium parasites are protected by a thick shell that allows them to even survive in chlorinated swimming pool water

Whole streets in Brixham have been infected with victims forced to endure days of diarrhoea and agonising stomach cramps, with one sufferer even comparing them to 'childbirth'.

Residents have been forced to boil water for over a week to make it safe to drink, with some shops running out of bottled supplies due to panic-buying.

The source of the outbreak appears to be damaged air valve in the water supply line which 'may have allowed animal waste or contaminated groundwater to enter the local supply'.

While faecal contaminated water is the classic way people get infected with cryptosporidium there are other ways you could be struck down with the bug.

One of these is direct contact with infected animals, a fate that potentially seems to have befallen dozens of Brits in recent months.

At least two petting farms, which invite families to cuddle barnyard animals like lambs, have been hit by suspected cryptosporidium outbreaks in the last two months.

Over 80 people are reported to be seeking legal advice after parents and children fell ill at Gannow Farm, in Worcestershire over Easter.

Victims of the infection suffered severe gastric illnesses with some even needing hospital treatment.

Sophie Enright, 14, from Hollywood, near Birmingham is one of those who reported symptoms after he farm visit.

She became ill on April 9 coming down with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting six days after she visited the farm.

Sophie was eventually diagnosed with cryptosporidium and lost a stone over the course of her illness.

Her mother Emma Cleverley, 38, said she was worried her daughter's exam results would suffer as she missed so much school.

Another child, five-year-old Eli, had to be hospitalised after becoming ill with cryptosporidium, with his mother Kelly Roberts saying, 'it could have killed him'.

'We came for a nice family day out and left with a bug that could have killed him,' she told the Sun.

She added: 'Seeing my son hooked to an IV drip, having blood taken from his arms and not able to drink any water was just horrifying.'

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating the farm which has remained closed since the outbreak.

Sophie Enright, 14, (pictured) visited a farm with her mum Emma Cleverley, 38, on April 3 and became ill with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting by April 9

Sophie was prescribed anti-sickness medication and medication to ease her stomach cramps but four days later her symptoms had not improved

Writing on Facebook , the farm itself said it took the welfare of its visitors 'very seriously' and that it was working with investigators

Writing on Facebook, the farm itself said it took the welfare of its visitors 'very seriously' and that it was working with investigators.

It added: 'We would like to wish anyone that is poorly a speedy recovery.'

Amy Chappell, from Banbury in Oxfordshire, is another parent whose child fell ill with cryptosporidium, and said her daughter Poppy had to spend four days in hospital following a day out to a farm during lambing season.

Ms Chappell said of her daughter's cryptosporidium infection: 'She was constantly being sick every few minutes and this went on for days.

'After seeing the out of hours GP I took her to A&E and she was admitted straight away and put on a drip as she'd lost so much fluid and was given anti-sickness drugs regularly.

'She was so drained and withdrawn she couldn't even get out of bed for the toilet, it was really worrying for all of us.'

Poppy's mother added: 'It has really affected her psychologically.

Amy Chappell, from Banbury, Oxfordshire, said her daughter Poppy fell seriously ill and spent four days in hospital following a day out to a farm during lambing season

Tom Bayliss, six, and his sister Grace, two, at Hadsham Farm in Horley, Oxfordshire. It's believed they caught cryptosporidiosis from the lambs

Hadsham Farm's lambs were found to be negative for cryptosporidiosis, but they closed the lambing event as a precaution

'She was sick so much that she is now really anxious about eating as she thinks it will make her sick and she has problems with her digestive system.

'This has had a huge impact on the whole family - we had no idea how serious this bug could be.

'We made sure we washed our hands after touching the animals and before we ate, and Poppy even wore gloves, but must have picked it up after that.'

Fellow parent Rebecca Bayliss suspects a similar fate befell her and her six-year-old son Jake after they became ill after visiting Hadsham Farm in Horley.

Her daughter Grace, two, and her husband Tom, 36  who didn't even go to the lambing event  also started having symptoms later at home.

'It was awful. We were all really ill. My son lost loads of weight and was very close to going into hospital because he was so dehydrated. The only way I could get him to drink was to give him flat lemonade,' she told MailOnline.

UKHSA issued a warning about the risk of cryptosporidium infection from farm visits earlier this month.

UKHSA issued a warning about the risk of cryptosporidium infection from farm visits earlier this month

Locals in Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland and north-east Paignton in Devon were all told to boil water as a precaution

Cryptosporidium is chlorine-resistant so even swimming in pools isn't a guarantee against infection (stock image)

In a twist on the classic children's rhyme the agency wrote on social media: 'Mary had a little lamb, its fleece was white as snow.

'But wash your hands and dry them too in case it has crypto.'

People can get infected with cryptosporidium farm animals via contact with infected faeces which they then accidentally ingest by not washing hands thoroughly.

This can be direct contact from the animal itself or from faecal contaminated surfaces like farm gates or the bottom of shoes.

But in a warning Brits going aboard this half-term swimming pools are no sure-fire way to avoid the parasite.

Cryptosporidium is chlorine resistant and can survive in swimming pools for up to a week.

People recovering from infection are urged to avoid swimming for two weeks after their symptoms have cleared as they can still be infectious.

Such infections occur after traces of dried poo wash off an infected person's anus entering the water before being swallowed by an unfortunate swimmer.

Infections linked to swimming pool use are believed to have been the cause of unseasonal cryptosporidium outbreak in Britain late last year.

At the time, officials investigating the unusual cluster of cases found the only connection between the cases was that dozens of affected Brits had recently travelled to Spain and other Mediterranean countries.

Other possible infection routes for cryptosporidium include the sharing of towels, using swimming pools both in the UK and abroad, and food preparation.
Just when you thought it was safe to start drinking the water again, Brits are warned they could get cryptosporidium from having sex.

As total of 77 cases of the parasite, which normally infects people through the ingestion of tainted faeces, have been recorded in recent weeks.

And while drinking water, as is the case in the major outbreak in Devon, and interaction with infected animals are the biggest sources of infection, further cases could be spread by sexual activity.

Sexual contact is one of the more unusual routes that cryptosporidium can transmit from person to person.

Cryptosporidium infection causes victims to suffer days of diarrhoea, vomiting and agonising stomach cramps, with one sufferer even comparing them to 'childbirth'.

UK officials have not issued any specific advice regarding avoiding cryptosporidium infection through sexual activity but acknowledge its a risk

Locals in Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland and north-east Paignton in Devon were all told to boil water as a precaution

While the outbreaks in Devon and from animal experience farms in England are believed to be linked to animal faeces it is also possible for people to transmit to each other.

This normally occurs thorough not washing hands thoroughly when caring for someone, like a parent caring and cleaning a child infected with cryptosporidium, or food preparation by an infected person.

However, as bizarre as it may sound, sex is also a risk, even weeks after a person stops showing any symptoms.

Part of the danger is that people who've had the bug can remain infectious for up to two weeks after their symptoms disappear.

Such is the threat that in some parts of the word, like the US, people infected with cryptosporidium are asked to abstain from all sexual activity for at least 14-days after their last symptoms.

Cryptosporidium is typically passed this via amorous activities that combine penetrative oral and anal sex, or specific sex acts involving the anus such as anal fingering or rimming.

Rimming, also known as anilingus, is a term for oral stimulation of the anus using the tongue or the lips.

Advice from US health authorities urges people to avoid sexual activity with those who have been experienced with cryptosporidium symptoms like diarrhoea for at least two weeks.

Other similar advice says the potentially infected should ensure they wash both their anus, penis and any sex toy involved in such sexual activity thoroughly with soap and water, both before and after.

International advice notes men who have sex with men have an increased risk of becoming infected by cryptosporidium via sexual activity.

Similar advice exists for people who've had cryptosporidium infections and swimming pools.

Cryptosporidium is chlorine-resistant so even swimming in pools isn't a guarantee against infection (stock image)

This is because traces do the chlorine-resistant parasite can persist in dried traces of poo that then wash off when the previously infected person enters the pool, potentially infecting others who have the water enter their mouths.

UK health officials told MailOnline they have not issued any specific advice regarding avoiding sexual activity for anyone affected by the current outbreak.

But the UK Health Security Agency does acknowledge exposure to human faces through sexual contact as a potential infection route.
A new 'zombie' street drug that is more deadly than xylazine is causing overdoses across America.

Medetomidine - a powerful animal tranquilizer used on dogs and cats - is thought to be behind a spate of drug overdose deaths in Chicago this month and appearing in drug supplies in eight other states.

The sedative is being mixed with fentanyl and other street drugs to create deadly cocktails, similar to another drug known as xylazine which began cropping up in illicit supplies during the Covid pandemic.

But officials say it's estimated to be 200 times more powerful than xylazine and could lead to many of the same shocking side effects - including leaving users in a zombified state.

The green states show where medetomidine has emerged, including California, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Florida and North Carolina. The yellow circles represent where overdose outbreaks have occurred, such as Chicago

The DEA says xylazine has now been detected in 48 out of 50 states in the US. A study published in December and involving 60,000 US adult drug tests showed xylazine was detected in samples from most states (pictured above)

Five milligrams of medetomidine costs around $43, which was developed by Orion Pharmacy and is distributed by Pfizer.

Medetomidine is often cut with other drugs like fentanyl because when mixed with opioids and other substances, it greatly increases the sedative effects of each drug, which drug users and dealers may perceive as a better or stronger product.

Medetomidine has most frequently been observed in samples containing fentanyl and xylazine, but the drug has also been identified together with heroin and cocaine, the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education said.

Animal studies of the drug have shown that it initially lowers blood pressure and slows heart rate, which raises the risk of an abnormality in the heartbeat.

In some cases where the dosage is high, it can slow the heart rate so much that it becomes unable to pump enough blood, resulting in heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest or sudden death.

Because medetomidine is not an opioid, it does not respond to naloxone or Narcan, the most common brand of opioid reversal medication.

However, officials advise using naloxone if someone is suspected to have overdosed because medetomidine is almost always used alongside opioids.

A homeless man is seen on streets of the Kensington neighborhood as homelessness and drug addiction hit Philadelphia in Pennsylvania in 2021

Medetomidine can also cause serious effects such as hallucinations and sedation.

The drug also slows neurological functions in the body, resulting in confusion and lethargy, as well as symptoms of opioid overdose like shallow breathing and small pupils.

Medetomidine - a powerful animal tranquilizer used on a dogs and cats - is thought to be behind a spate of drug overdose deaths in Chicago

The drug is man-made and its effects are thought to last longer than xylazine.

Another form of the drug, with brand names Dexdor or Precedex, is used in human medicine for sedation and muscle relaxation.

Medetomidine was detected in several seized drug samples across Maryland in July 2022, meaning in could be coming in from abroad. It later resurfaced in Toronto in December 2023.

It has been detected in overdoses in St Louis, Missouri, and appeared in the illegal US drug supply in Philadelphia in April and in Pittsburgh earlier this month.

The substance has also been found in secret laboratory seizures in Ohio, Florida and Canada.

In Indianapolis, Indiana, health officials warned the drug is now being found in local supplies.

Bertha Madras, a drug researchers at Harvard Medical School in McLean Hospital, told NPR she is worried that Mexican cartels and drug gangs inside the US are making new combinations of powerful synthetic drugs.

Until the overdoses between May 11 and May 14, when drug samples tested positive for high levels of medetomidine, Chicago health officials said medetomidine has not been previously detected in the state.

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In Chicago, officials said the drugs tested contained other opioid and non-opioid sedatives, including fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, alprazolam, and netizens.

The effects of medetomidine can be intensified when taken with other sedatives.

Back in March 2023, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sounded the alarm over xylazine, another animal sedative which is also not approved for humans use.

Commonly known as 'tranq', the drug is used by dealers as a cheap cutting agent that boosts the effects of fentanyl and other street drugs, giving the impression the drugs are stronger than they are.

But its powerful sedative effects turn users into zombies and cause them to erupt in painful sores as the drug ravages blood vessels, requiring amputation in extreme cases.

Recent CDC data showed that the number of US fatal overdoses fell last year.

There were around 107,500 fatalities in the year to December 2023, the agency estimates, down three percent from 2022, when there were about 111,000.

Explanations could be the expansion of overdose prevention and addiction treatment and the grim possibility that the epidemic has killed so many that now there are basically fewer people to kill.
Dr Mikkeal A Sekeres, chief of the division of hematology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, shared what to do first after receiving a cancer diagnosis

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

Dr Mikkeal A Sekeres, chief of the division of hematology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, learned this firsthand when his 74-year-old mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017.

He wrote for the Washington Post that despite his expertise, 'when my mom called to tell me about her lung cancer diagnosis in 2017, my brain struggled to keep up with what my ears were hearing.'

'Suddenly, I was cast in the cancer drama, playing an unfamiliar role: Rather than oncologist calmly providing information, contextualizing a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan, I was the son of a patient, trying to get answers.'

As a record number two million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, Dr Sekeres shared his top advice for navigating the disease  including how to make sure you're getting the best, and most timely, care.

Among Dr Sekeres' tips were getting a formal diagnosis and seeking a second opinion

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Dr Sekeres first advised patients to get a formal diagnosis as quickly as possible. He noted that while this may seem obvious, 'most people learn of a possible cancer diagnosis from someone who doesn't specialize in cancer.'

This includes a primary care physician finding a lump, abnormal blood test results, and a radiologist finding a mass on a scan.

Dr Sekeres cautioned that while these findings may look like cancer, a specialist needs to perform a biopsy to confirm there are cancer cells. 'Try to stay calm until you get a formal diagnosis through additional testing. Its possible that lump is not cancer,' he wrote.

He pointed toward an early study in the British Journal of Cancer, which found that of the patients with swollen lymph nodes whose doctors suspected cancer, only 17 percent actually had the disease.

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Additionally, he suggested immediately figuring out how severe the cancer is. 'Before assuming the worst, seek advice from an expert about the seriousness of the cancer,' he wrote.

Determining the cancer's stage, or how much it has spread, takes several other tests, including scans and biopsies.

And while it's okay to go online and do some research, be careful with your sources. He pointed to a 2018 study in the Journal of Cancer Education, which found that only 67 percent of cancer information shared on social media is accurate.

'Nonprofit (such as established patient advocacy groups), government and academic websites tended to be the most reliable sources,' Dr Sekeres wrote.

When it comes time for that first appointment with an oncologist, come with a list of questions and take notes throughout the meeting.

Because this can be overwhelming, Dr Sekeres recommends bringing a friend or family member to help with this. In his family's case, he went with his mother to her appointment and took notes on his computer.

In one study, he noted that when older adults with cancer were asked to remember information about their treatment and side effects, only 23 percent recalled the correct answers.

That being said, it's also okay to consult another oncologist for a second opinion. Dr Sekeres suggested seeking out a large academic cancer center if you have one nearby, as these facilities often have more resources and the most up-to-date technology.

It's around this time that Dr Sekeres recommends having the biopsy and other results reviewed by a pathologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing conditions and interpreting tests.

Dr Sekeres and his colleagues published a study in October of more than 900 patients with suspected bone marrow cancer. The team found that pathologists with expertise in the condition disagreed with the diagnosis given by pathologists who were less familiar 20 percent of the time.

Additionally, seven percent of patients who received the wrong diagnosis also received the incorrect treatment.

'That is why it is just as important to seek a second opinion from a pathologist, to confirm the diagnosis, as it is from an oncologist to verify the best treatment plan,' Dr Sekeres wrote.
The negotiations go on, but as the deadline for Aussie miner BHP to unveil its formal 39billion bid for London-listed natural resources group Anglo American arrives later today, a distance between the two sides remains.

The bid cliff-edge coincides with todays South African elections so an extension may be a wise course.

If radical elements  galvanised by former president Jacob Zuma  were to hold the balance of power in an ANC coalition, it might be to Anglos advantage. As a group with deep historical roots in the country, it will find life easier in Pretoria.

BHP will not easily be dissuaded from its pursuit. It could even be considering shifting the primary listing of the combined BHP-Anglo group back to London from Sydney if that could propel a deal forward.

A number of radical ideas seem to be on the table although political uncertainty, in South Africa and now in Britain, are key factors.

Takeover tussle: Anglo American's Kumba iron ore operations in South Africa. The bid deadline for suitor BHP coincides with todays South African elections

Anglos board, headed by serial corporate seller Stuart Chambers, shows no public sign of weakening in spite of pressure to extend the talks and forge a deal from 9.6 per cent shareholder BlackRock and others.

Instead, Anglo continues to promote its own plan, which involves divestment of quoted South African platinum operations and iron ore interests, disposal of De Beers and slowing down the Woodsmith polyhalite fertiliser development near Whitby in Yorkshire.

It argues that its divestment plan for quoted South African offshoots avoids the execution risk of BHP ownership.

The Aussie miner will have to navigate its way through a maze of regulation, tax and competition issues before any transaction can be done.

Among other things, China might not welcome BHPs hold over a vibrant and ever more valuable copper industry.

City panjandrum Chambers and Anglo chief executive Duncan Wanblad deserve credit for keeping BHP at arms length.

They have so far resisted the temptation to roll over. They are aided in their defence by indications that UK asset managers, such as Nick Train of Finsbury Growth, are becoming more enthusiastic about UK stocks.

BHP believes that the all-paper premium it offers of around 45 per cent is generous.

Rocketing copper prices make Anglos extensive mining operations and rights in Chile and Peru look ever more attractive.

There are good reasons to think that this time, the lure of the reddish metal is based on sound manufacturing reasons around conductivity and climate change, and is not a speculative bubble.

BHP believes it can enhance value using its superior investment capacity. Whatever the blandishments, Anglo-American should stand firm.

Return to sender

Today also is the deadline for the 3.5billion offer by Czech sphinx Daniel Kretinsky for International Distribution Services (IDS), owner of the Royal Mail.

The IDS board has all but surrendered and is doing little to discourage the marauder. Kretinsky and his advisers believe they have made progress in persuading the belligerent Communications Workers Union (CWU) that he could be a good owner.

My advice to the CWU and others is dont be deceived. This is a debt-laden deal which will require huge cost cuts and a shrunken workforce if the Royal Mail is to remain profitable.

The deal for IDS could be the first big test for the next government.

So far, Tory reservations have been subdued and Kretinsky is not averse to doing some public schmoozing.

If Labour were true to its patriotic claims and support for the workers, it would make clear that the Kings Head is not for sale.

Highly leveraged takeovers of valuable UK assets should not be countenanced.

Dead letter

Rachel Reeves must be delighted. Much of the media bought into the idea that a letter signed by discredited fat-cat boss of Heathrow John Holland-Kaye, among others, is being taken as a sure-fire sign that Labour has won the hearts and minds of business.

My own informal inquiries among advisers to FTSE 100 titans produced a different response.

The list, in their view, is dominated by has-beens and Labour luvvies.

As, interestingly, they describe Keir Starmers mumblings on the economy as vacuous and Rishi Sunaks words as more insightful.

Hope springs eternal!
In September last year, I ordered a blonde curly wig from website Wigsell for 66 plus postage as I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and following treatment my hair was starting to fall out.

Things went wrong from the start as the company initially put my delivery address as Aberdeen and I had to contact them to correct it to my home in Enfield.

Eventually the wig arrived but it was not blonde - it was ginger. I contacted them and sent a photo. I was told I would have to return the wig to China and pay 50. I refused and they offered me just 10pc of the original cost instead, which I also rejected.

I returned the wig to a UK address I found on the original packaging only to be told when I chased that it was not the correct address and they had not received the parcel. I sent dozens of emails trying to resolve this. Please help.

R.B., Enfield.

Sally Hamilton replies: You have been trying to soldier on as best you can after a series of operations failed to eradicate your cancer, which has sadly spread.

Purchasing a wig was designed to help you restore some self-confidence after such a terrible blow  but I can only imagine your dismay on unwrapping a ginger wig when you had ordered blonde and the unwanted stress you faced in trying to return it.

When I read about the large sum you would have to pay to return the wig to China  or the alternative of keeping it and receiving a refund of just 6  well, that just made my own hair curl.

I did some online research on Wigsell and didnt like what I saw. Almost all the reviews on customer feedback website Trustpilot offered a damning one star. There were comments such as: Substandard merchandise; arrived after eight weeks wrong colour, wrong style, ordered short blonde got long red; It looked like a court judge wig; My mother who is undergoing chemotherapy paid 160 for a human hair wig and was sent an absolutely disgusting cheap nylon wig.

Getting Wigsell customer service to resolve their issues appeared to be fruitless in most cases. This goes counter to what Wigsell boasts on its website, where it states: We want to ensure that you are 100pc happy with your purchase and when customers are not satisfied we want to make things right.

With this in mind, I tried to contact the firm to discuss your case and its customer service. I am still waiting to hear back.

Meanwhile, I took a separate tack, that others who have had the misfortune to receive similarly dodgy wigs that do not match their order, should also consider. Since you had paid with a credit card, this afforded you protection via the chargeback process. This is where customers who do not get satisfaction over a disputed purchase can have the transaction reversed by their bank, which then demands the money from the retailers bank.

I asked your card provider M&S to apply this in your case. It did this swiftly and I am happy to say within a short time refunded you a total of 68.80  and sent you a bunch of flowers.

An M&S Bank spokesman said: We were very sorry to hear about the challenges the customer faced trying to obtain a refund from the retailer, particularly at this difficult time. We were pleased that, on this occasion, we were able to quickly arrange for a refund to be applied to their account and we wish her all the best. I also wish you well.

Last December, the mobile phone number that I have had for 20 years stopped working. I got in touch with my phone provider O2.

It turned out that my number had been moved over to the Vodafone network, which is why I could no longer use it. But O2 did not know why this had happened and at first could not help me get it back.

Happily, the number was transferred back to O2 a few days later, so I can make calls using it, but the number is still not recognised when friends and family call me on it. What can I do?

R.T., Redhill, Surrey.

Sally Hamilton replies: Not being able to make or receive calls on your own phone is bad enough. But you also told me it meant you were unable to access your emails.

This is because you suffer from memory problems, and from time to time you forget your email password and need to reset it. Your email provider requires you to use your mobile phone number to reset the password.

This also meant you had to write to me using your friends email to ask for my help when you got nowhere with O2.

I contacted O2 on your behalf. Within a few days it managed to contact you (via your friends number) and have its tech experts arrange the reconnection of your phone number. It apologised for the inconvenience and sent you 150 as a goodwill gesture.

I suspected there was something more sinister behind these events and asked O2 to investigate whether you had been a victim of a SIM swap fraud.

This is when crooks trick a mobile provider into activating a SIM card in their own device using another persons number. The scam means they are able to use a phone account for free (with the bills sent to the victim). They can also potentially gain access to the persons bank accounts. That is because banks often send one-time passcodes to customers by text message as part of the online banking login process. By intercepting texts, the scammers have access to these all important one-time passcodes.

O2 delved further into your case and the conclusion was that you had indeed been a victim of a SIM swap scam. Fortunately, you had not suffered any financial losses as a result.

Can Sally Sorts It help you? Do you have a consumer problem you need help with? Email Sally Hamilton at sally@dailymail.co.uk include phone number, address and a note addressed to the offending organisation giving them permission to talk to Sally Hamilton. Please do not send original documents as we cannot take responsibility for them. No legal responsibility can be accepted by the Daily Mail or This Is Money for answers given.

O2 told me a scammer had somehow been able to pass security on your O2 account, and then asked for the Porting Authorisation Code (PAC). This is the code customers need to request from their current network if they want to switch to another network but want to keep their mobile number.

Using the PAC the scammer was able to transfer your number over to Vodafone. It is not clear how the scammer managed to breach the first level of security to access your email or O2 account but it is probable your personal information had been gleaned by other means, perhaps via phishing emails or while completing forms on websites, or maybe your data was purchased on the dark web following a data breach. We cant know for sure.

To avoid falling for a SIM swap fraud, phone users should look out for the warning signs. The most obvious is when the mobile owner is suddenly unable to call or text with their phone, as happened to you.

But other clues include receiving notifications that the number has been activated on other devices, or suddenly that sign-in details arent recognised when logging on to a bank or other account online.

O2 has since contacted you to recommend you change your online passwords and click log out of all devices on your various accounts.

An O2 spokesman said: Unfortunately R.T. was the victim of fraud, with a scammer able to access her email account or MyO2 account to request and access a PAC code. We have restored her number and she is happy this is now resolved. We always advise customers to contact us as soon as possible if they receive any communications from us that they dont immediately recognise, and to choose strong and unique passwords to help guard against this type of fraud.
We have all daydreamed about landing a windfall  perhaps from a lottery win, Premium Bond prize or a large inheritance from a distant relative.

But one source most of us never consider is finding a long-lost pension pot  even though the odds are thousands or even millions of times more likely.

Savers have lost track of close to three million hard-earned pensions worth a staggering 27 billion in the UK. It equates to just under 9,500, on average, waiting to be claimed.

Pensions are alarmingly easy to lose track of, especially if you have changed jobs, name or moved home and failed to alert all your old pension providers. And once lost, pensions can be difficult to find again.

Today, Money Mail is teaming up with former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb to help readers boost their retirement wealth by locating old pensions.

Lost fortunes: Savers have lost track of close to three million hard-earned pensions worth a staggering 27bn in the UK

We will select five lucky readers who suspect they may have pots they have lost track of - and will use expert techniques to hunt them down.

We invite you to write in with any scraps of information you have regarding your lost pension  even if it is just the name of an old employer or a pension statement from decades ago. And we will do the rest.

Sir Steve says: You might have tried the obvious things and hit a brick wall. We will do our best to find pensions even if all you have is a fragment of information.

As we know the pension industry, its possible that we can spot clues hidden in the pension jargon.

Sir Steve, who is now a partner at consultancy LCP and is one of the most knowledgeable pension experts in the country, has also written an exhaustive guide to finding old pension pots, which he shares today with Money Mail.

You can also do your own detective work to track down long-lost pensions using his five key steps.

What has happened to my missing pension?

It can be hard to keep track of all your pensions. Workers have 12 jobs during their lives on average, many of which will have a different pension.

Your pension is considered dormant if your pension provider sends letters to you that are returned with an explanation that you no longer live at that address and if you do not touch any of your funds for between one and five years.

Once dormant, eventually your money is moved to a central fund, which is put towards good causes through the Big Lottery Fund.

However, it is still possible for you to claim your pension.

1. Get in touch with your old employer

It may be easy to track down an old pension if you have some details about it.

For example, if you know the name of the company your pension was invested with, contact it with your plan number, date of birth, your National Insurance number and the date your pension was set up.

Most people will find they dont have enough details to go down this route.

Sir Steve says: In a perfect world, the firm you were working for when you built up the pension will still be trading, will still have the same name, and may even have a pensions department or HR manager. But things are rarely that simple.

In reality, the company you worked for may have merged with others, or been taken over or renamed, making it difficult to know which company to contact now.

Multiple pensions: It can be hard to keep track of all your pensions. Workers have 12 jobs during their lives on average, each one with a different pension

Companies House, a free online database of all UK-registered businesses run by the Government, can be a good place to find out what happened to your old employer and if it is still trading.

Once you know if the company is still in business and what name it operates under, you can then write to it requesting information about past pension schemes. Go to gov.uk/companies-house

If you cant find information about your employer this way, Sir Steve recommends using the Governments Pensions Tracing Service, which can be found at gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details.

Its a free service that can provide contact details for thousands of pension schemes, trustees or administrators. You will need to know the name of the company that you worked for to use it.

However, if the Pension Tracing Service does not have information on your pension, it doesnt mean it does not exist.

Your employer may have changed name, gone bust or you may have saved into a type of pension that the service does not track.

Sir Steve says: The quality of the information provided is somewhat variable. In some cases, the site will acknowledge that the information held is very old and the contact details may no longer be live.

Pension guru: Sir Steve Webb will help five readers track down missing retirement pots

If your former employer has since closed and no longer exists, the whereabouts of your pot will depend on what kind of pension you had.

Most workers today have modern money purchase pensions called defined contribution, in which they have built up a personal pot of money.

These pension schemes are managed by a pension provider, not your employer, so your pension should be safe if your employer goes bust. To track it down, you can bypass your former employer and go straight to the pension provider if you know it.

Those with an older defined benefit pension, which pays a guaranteed income for life based on the employees former salary, should look to a lifeboat scheme called the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) if their former employer has gone bust.

The PPF takes on defined benefit pension schemes for employers that go into liquidation and do not have sufficient funds to honour all their pension commitments.

Over the past two decades, more than 1,000 pension schemes have gone into the PPF, and nearly 300,000 members have their money in the fund.

You can check to see if your pension has fallen into the PPF by using the A to Z list of schemes it covers on its website at ppf.co.uk/schemes.

If your old pension scheme is covered by the lifeboat fund, you should contact the PPF directly.

The fund is also responsible for administering a separate compensation scheme called the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), which covers certain insolvencies that took place between 1997 and 2005.

In some complex situations, where an insolvent employer had enough assets to match the PPFs compensation, your pension may be in the hands of an insurance company.

In this case, contact the insurance company to try to track down any missing pension.

If you cannot remember the name of a former employer, another option is to work it out with information from HM Revenue and Customs.

HMRC will generally have records of who you worked for through its tax database. You can apply for the information via the gov.uk website.

Records: HMRC should also be also to tell you how much you were earning at any point in time

Another way to check that you had an old pension is to look for signs on your National Insurance record that you are one of the millions of workers who saved into what is called a contracted out pension scheme.

This is when your employer paid reduced National Insurance contributions on your behalf and put the money into its company pension instead. Employees who were contracted out will receive a smaller state pension, but a larger sum from their workplace one.

HMRC should hold a scheme reference number and scheme name for any period you paid into one of these pensions. That should be enough for you to hand over to a pension provider to claim your pot.

Contracting out started in 1978 and ended in 2016. As a rule of thumb, most salary-related workplace pensions, including public service pensions, operated on a contracted-out basis, Sir Steve says.

Once you are sure you were contracted out, you can write to HMRC for details at: PT Operations, North East England, HMRC, NIC&EO, Benton Park View, Newcastle Upon Tyne, BX9 1AN, or you can call the contracted out pensions helpline on 0300 200 3500.

2. Locate any former colleagues

One simple way to gather information is leaning on people who you used to work with.

Sir Steve says: Even if you dont have information about the company pension scheme, someone you worked with may do.

If enough time has elapsed, it is likely that a former colleagues is now in receipt of a pension from the very scheme that you are trying to locate.

If you are no longer in touch with anyone you used to work with, you may be able to track them down on business and social media websites, such as LinkedIn.

3. Find out where your money is held

Pension funds are generally held and managed separately to your employer. The money is usually entrusted by your employer to a specialist pension provider or insurance company.

For example, if your company has a group personal pension, the money is likely to be overseen by a household name insurance company such as Legal & General, Aviva, Standard Life, Royal London and Aegon, which invest savings for you. Your money remains with them even after you have left that employer.

This means you may be able to track down a pension pot even if you have no information about your previous employer or if your previous employer no longer exists, Sir Steve says.

Modern defined contribution pensions can be trickier to keep track of because pension companies can rebrand and change their name (such as Norwich Union becoming Aviva), or sets of policies are bought and sold.

Sir Steve says: This means that if you happen to have old paperwork which bears the name of an old insurance company but cannot track it down, it is possible that your policy has been sold on to another company.

Companies House, a free database of all UK-registered businesses, can be a good place to find out what happened to your old employer and if it is still trading

A handful of insurers are responsible for millions of legacy pension policies because they have bought the right to manage them.

For example, the website of Phoenix Group indicates that brands for which it is now responsible include Standard Life, Reassure, Sun Life, Guardian Financial Services, Barclays Life, Alico, National Mutual and Skandia.

Royal London operates pensions which were sold under brands such as Scottish Life, United Assurance, Refuge Assurance, Royal Liver and Co-op Pensions.

If you have an old policy which seems to have been provided by an insurance company which no longer exists, you should be able to search online and find a new provider which has taken on that business, Sir Steve says.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has a helpful A-Z list of different insurance companies and the changes of name they have gone through over the years, which can be found at abi.org.uk/data-and-resources/tools- and-resources/find-lost-pension/

4. Track down the administrators

Those who administer pension schemes may also be able to help track pensions, Sir Steve says. The administrator is separate from your employer, pension provider or insurance company and is responsible for the nuts and bolts of running a pension.

This includes keeping records of everyone who has saved into the pension, how much, updating records and paying money in peoples pension accounts.

You should be able to find the name of your pension administrator on old paperwork or letters you have received about your pension. If you havent been receiving letters it might be because you changed address and didnt notify your old pension provider.

Sir Steve says: In principle, those who hold the records for a pension scheme may be best placed to help you track down your pension.

However, as with pension providers, your pensions administrator can change. If you have any old documents, you may find the name of the administrator on your paperwork or the one shown on the Pension Tracing Service site no longer matches the company which holds the records today.

Some online searching should help you see who a historic firm of administrators was taken over by and then try contacting it about your pension, Sir Steve says.

5. Check out how much you are owed

HMRC should also be able to tell you how much you were earning at any point in time.

Sir Steve says: This could be useful if you could demonstrate to a pension scheme that you were a member, but it has no way of working out how much pension you built up because records for that period were incomplete.

To get hold of the information, you can make a subject access request to HMRC for history of how much you earned in each year. Go to gov.uk/guidance/hmrc- subject-access-request

Read Sir Steve Webbs full guide at go.lcp.com/lost-pensions

j.beard@dailymail.co.uk
(PA) - A lack of progress on insulating British homes is costing bill payers 3.2billion a year, according to research, despite recent drops in energy prices.

Analysis by think tank the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) found that upgrading the average UK home to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of 'C' would have saved the bill payer 200 a year.

The research classified an average home as having an EPC rating of 'D'. For the 4.4 million homes that have a worse rating, the savings would have been almost 400 for EPC 'E' and 550 for EPC 'F'.

Last year, the government scrapped its target that all privately rented homes should be rated EPC 'C' or above by 2025, in an overhaul of its net zero pledges.

Upgrading these homes alone would save those households 1.4billion a year under the new prices, the ECIU said.
Victorian Plumbing saw a slight dip in revenues over the interim period despite an increase in profits in what it described as a 'robust first half performance'.

Britain's leading bathroom retailer told investors on Tuesday that revenue fell 1 per cent year-to-year to 144.6million in the six months to 31 March.

However the Lancashire-based firm added that it saw an 8 per cent increase in gross profit to 72.3million over the same period.

Britain's leading bathroom retailer told investors on Tuesday that revenue fell 1 per cent year-to-year to 144.6million in the six months to 31 March

In a statement, the group said its gross margins improved due to 'lower shipping costs and a shift to own brand products'.

It also added that total orders increased by 2 per cent to 494,000, which reflected continued market share gains in a 'subdued trading environment'.

Mark Radcliffe, founder and chief executive officer of Victorian Plumbing, said: 'This robust first half performance, our unchanged momentum into the rest of the year and the exciting developments scheduled for H2 2024, gives the board confidence in our profitable growth strategy as we continue to deliver long-term value for all stakeholders.'

Earlier this month, Victorian Plumbing revealed the acquisition of rival Victoria Plum in a deal worth 22.5million.

The move came less than seven months after Doncaster-based Victoria Plum fell into administration.

It also revealed that 'a cost reduction programme is in progress' at Victoria Plum, which will include job cuts.

Victorian Plumbing employs 600 staff across nine sites in Lancashire, Manchester and Birmingham.

Victorian Plumbing shares were up 0.41 per cent to 98p in Tuesday afternoon trading.
Frustrated investors who lost out in the collapse of Neil Woodfords firm have called on the Government to strip the disgraced investment guru of his CBE.

The campaign group, called Transparency Task Force, works with around 700 people who were left nursing losses in the collapse of the stock pickers Woodford Investment Fund five years ago.

Woodford, 64, was appointed a CBE for services to the economy in June 2013. He was once described as Britains answer to Warren Buffet.

But he had a spectacular fall from grace when his eponymous fund, which managed 3.7billion, collapsed in 2019 after he decided to invest in small, unlisted growth companies.

Thousands of investors were left out of pocket following the collapse. In February, a High Court judge approved a 230million redress scheme for investors trapped by the collapse of the fund.

Disgraced: Neil Woodford, 64, was appointed a CBE for services to the economy in June 2013. He was once described as Britains answer to Warren Buffet

Andy Agathangelou, founder of the Transparency Task Force, said: Regardless of the qualities that led to Neil Woodfords inclusion in the 2013 New Years Honours List, many would argue that his behaviour leading up to the closure of his flagship investment fund in 2019, and since, would surely not attract similar approbation.

He added that Woodford seems to have accepted no formal responsibility, showed very little genuine remorse or made any meaningful effort to remedy the situation.

He added: His continuing to profit personally as the seriousness of the situation unfolded make him unworthy to continue holding the CBE.

Last month, Woodford broke his silence with the launch of a new investment blog.

In his maiden post, he addressed head-on his collapsed business. He said he is neither hero nor villain and claimed he was treated harshly by the financial establishment and media.

Ian Duffield, 70, who lost hundreds of thousands of pounds alongside his wife, Linda, told The Mail he felt betrayed by Woodford after the nightmare scandal.

He said: A CBE is supposed to be given to people on the understanding that they will continue to be an example going forward to people.

It can only be right that this CBE is forfeited because of the distress caused and financial damage he has done to hundreds of thousands of ordinary people like Linda and I, who trusted him with their money.

Although individuals can state they would like their title to be returned, it is the King and his Honours Forfeiture Committee who ultimately have this power.

Earlier this year, former Post Office boss Paula Vennells said she wanted to hand back her CBE amid an outcry over the Horizon IT scandal.
Star stock picker Nick Train apologised yesterday for the poor performance at his Finsbury Growth & Income investment trust  but said he was betting on a pick-up for the UK market.

Train expressed frustration about the malaise gripping undervalued London-listed shares.

However, he said that over the past year the fund has been deliberately reducing the size of overseas holdings.

This is because the opportunity we see in the valuation of world-class, London-listed businesses is so great, after a long period of sub-market returns, that we feel we have to take advantage, he said.

Apology: Nick Train (pictured) expressed frustration about the 'malaise' gripping undervalued London-listed shares

The comments reflect a growing sense in the City that while UK stocks have been suffering a dismal past year or two, sentiment has turned  with the FTSE 100 recently advancing to record highs and a series of possible stock market floats in the pipeline.

Finsbury Growth & Income Trust returned just 2.7 per cent to shareholders for the six months to the end of March, according to results published yesterday.

That compared with a 6.9 per cent rise in the wider FTSE All-Share Index over the same period. Train admitted it was a poor performance.

We really should be able to do better than this and if we cant, then I absolutely share shareholders growing impatience, he said. We do acknowledge and apologise for it.

The fund managers Lindsell Train group runs a series of funds including Finsbury, which has 1.7billion in assets.

Train said he remained optimistic about the companys investment portfolio despite three years and more of underperformance.

Finsburys results showed that it was boosted by the performance of holdings in publisher RELX, credit scoring firm Experian and software business Sage.

The main detractors were fashion group Burberry, drinks maker Remy Cointreau and asset manager Schroders.

Train admitted that over a longer period, Finsbury had suffered by not owning UK-listed oil and mining shares since the world economy emerged from Covid lockdowns and that it also did not have enough exposure to tech firms.

But he remained upbeat: Contrary to popular perception and despite its dismal recent performance, the UK stock market is in fact home to several world-class companies.

Train said it was the opportunity offered by UK-listed shares that had led him to reduce the size of Finsburys three non-UK holdings, Heineken, Mondelez and Remy Cointreau.

Shares in the fund, however, fell 0.25 per cent, or 2 per cent, to 811p.

But Trains comments come amid growing signs that the City is starting to shake off the pessimism that has seen UK firms fall prey to a rash of foreign takeover attempts.
Bid barrage: Anglo American last week rebuffed BHP's third offer of 39bn but agreed to engage in takeover talks

Takeover talks between BHP and Anglo American will be extended again amid wrangling over the new companys listing.

Following discussions over the weekend, an offer deadline set for 5pm today could be pushed back. The Mail understands that should a deal be given the green light, BHP is considering moving the merged companys listing from Australia to London in a boost for the City.

It comes amid fears that Anglo American  one of the biggest firms on Londons stock market would leave the embattled exchange following a takeover.

And it follows BHPs decision to quit the Square Mile just three years ago to list in Sydney.

Anglo last week rebuffed its larger rivals third offer of 39billion but agreed to engage in takeover talks. It came after Anglo rejected two earlier bids of 31billion and 34billion.

If it goes ahead, the tie-up would be one of the largest mining deals on record.

A major hurdle to a deal has been the requirement for Anglo to sell two of its South African businesses.

Todays deadline coincides with South Africas national election, adding an extra layer of political complexity.

South African politicians, notably mining minister Gwede Mantashe, have expressed opposition to the deal.

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky also has until 5pm today to make a formal offer for Royal Mail owner International Distribution Service (IDS).

He is set to make a bid valuing the postal service at 3.5billion. IDS said earlier this month that it was minded to recommend the proposal, if a firm offer was made.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Labour has refused to commit to the NatWest share sale, saying it will review the details if the party wins the General Election.

In a blow to the bank and ordinary investors, the sale that was planned for later this summer has been put on ice until after the vote on July 4.

It would have been the largest sell-off to the public since Royal Mail listed on the stock exchange in 2013.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had lined up M&C Saatchi to launch a 1980s-style Tell Sid advertising campaign to boost investment in Londons stock market.

But it will now be for the next Government to decide whether to revive the sale.

Delayed: The sale of the Government's remaining stake in Nat West has been put on ice until after the vote on July 4

A Labour Party spokesman said: Labour will review the details if we form the next government after the General Election.

Any decisions we take will be about ensuring value for money for the taxpayer and investors.

The Government still owns a 27 per cent stake in NatWest after bailing out the lender during the 2008 financial crisis. At its peak, taxpayers owned 84 per cent of the bank.

Hunt unveiled plans to sell the Governments stake to retail investors in the Spring Budget.

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, said: Schemes like this have the power to encourage new investors, so its hoped this will be revisited by whoever wins the election.

Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at broker AJ Bell, said that it is vital that Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves push ahead with the plan.

Abandoning the sale is a missed opportunity to encourage more people to develop a long-term saving and investment habit, he added.

Meanwhile, Will Howlett, financials analyst at wealth manager Quilter Cheviot, said that although Labour has a history of public ownership, it is likely to want to get the shares off the public books at some point soon.

Indeed, it would be symbolic for a new Labour government to sell the shares, given NatWest was effectively put under government control by the previous Labour administration, he said.

However, he added: It could be that Labour simply just continues the existing trading plan in the short-term and thus keep all its options open until it has fully assessed the holding and is in position to make actual decisions.

NatWest shares yesterday rose 0.6 per cent, or 1.9p, to 309.4p.
More and more young women lured by cash, designer clothes and luxury holidays are becoming Griselda-like 'Queenpins' responsible for flooding the streets of Britain with drugs.

Others are taking prominent roles in international money laundering and smuggling networks, with one 31-year-old Kim Kardashian lookalike caught flying to Dubai with 2million worth of cash stashed in suitcases.

Saleha Saed, who was jailed earlier this month, was just 18 when she wrenched control of a country lines drug smuggling operation from her former boyfriend, telling him: 'You're deluding yourself that the line is yours when it is truly mine.'

The gangster, now 21, caused misery and fear by recruiting youngsters to the gang that oversaw the Fat Boy line, which brought 3kg of heroin and crack from London to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

Another female drugs boss to be recently locked up is Danielle Stafford, a qualified engineer who ran a lucrative drug empire that began in 2017 when she started dealing cannabis.

The rise in Queenpins like Griselda Blanco, the Colombian cartel leader who inspired the hit Netflix series, fits in with a broader increase in the number of women becoming involved in serious crime.

Saleha Saed was just 18 when she took over the Fat Boy line, which brought huge amounts of heroin and crack cocaine into Great Yarmouth in Norfolk

Danielle Stafford, from Cottingham in Yorkshire, made so much money by selling drugs that she bought a second home and lived without touching any of her job salary

Tara Hanlon, 31, was jailed for nearly three years in July after being caught taking around 2million from the UK to Dubai

Netflix series Griselda tells the story of Griselda Blanco's blood-soaked rise to becoming the world's first female criminal billionaire. Sofia Vergara plays her

Jaq in Top Boy, who plays a prominent role in a London drugs gang and is played by Jasmine Jobson

Female offenders have occupied prominent roles in a series of criminal conspiracies busted by British police in recent months - mirroring a wider trend that has seen the global female prison population surge by more than half.

While male offenders remain far more common - especially when it comes to violent offences - criminologists say societal changes that have given women more agency in many areas of life have also made them more likely to obtain senior roles in gangs.

The 29-year-old, from Cottingham in Yorkshire, splashed her drugs cash on a second home, nine watches and three expensive Louis Vuitton handbags without even touching the salary she got from her job.

The number of women becoming involved in crime has been rising globally over previous decades.

Researchers at the University of London found the global female prison population surged by more than half from 2000 to 2017, while the male population went up by just a fifth.

There are now 3,651 women in prison in England and Wales - a 10 per cent increase on the previous year and there are more than twice the number 30 years ago.

While the majority have been jailed for non-violent offences, others are responsible for more serious offending.

This was reflected by Europol's controversial 2019 Crime Has No Gender campaign, which sought to increase awareness of the number of female fugitives on its Most Wanted list.

Rani (second from left), a character in Stephen Merchant's comedy outlaws, is seen getting caught up in the Bristol drugs trade. The third series airs later this month

A leading criminologist consulted by MailOnline said dramatic changes in the role of women in society had given them more agency in many areas of life, including making them more likely to assume leadership positions in criminal networks.

Meanwhile, Linda Sage - a criminal psychologist with decades of experience working with serious offenders in prisons - said the motivations for female criminals were similar to those for men.

'The role of women has changed and women think of themselves differently,' she told MailOnline.

'I don't think the motivations of serious female offenders differ greatly from men. For crimes like dealing, that includes the need to make money in a way that's seen as quick and easy.'

Tara Hanlon, 31, was jailed in 2023 for nearly three years after being caught taking around 2million from the UK to Dubai as part of the crime ring that involved former boxer Joe Calzaghe's ex.

Tara Hanlon lived a luxury lifestyle in the Middle East (she's pictured here in social media snaps)

Footage shows Hanlon appearing in two videos where she shows off the luxury hotel she's staying in

Some of the money found in Hanlon's possession when she was stopped at Heathrow Airport

Bales of cash tied up with cable ties in a video filmed by the National Crime Agency

Bragging videos show her parading through the 500-a-night Five Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai and gushing 'look at that view'.

Videos she took showing the spoils of her smuggling could only be published after co-conspirators including Jo-Emma Larvin, 44, and Beatrice Auty, 26, were convicted last April.

Another eye-catching case last year saw a coke-dealing granny handed a suspended sentence after she was found with 8,500 of the Class A drug hidden in her semi-detached home following a police raid.

Julie Cobley, 62, lived an enviable middle-class lifestyle in the village of Deanshanger in Northamptonshire, funded by the little wraps of white powder she would dispense from the doorstep of her 400,000 home.

It then emerged that Ms Cobley had been leaving packages of drugs by her bins and in small bags taped just inside her letter box for her clients to collect, dropping off notes of cash in exchange.

A court heard how neighbours in the quiet, leafy street initially took Ms Cobley at face value but, eventually, at least one grew suspicious at the constant stream of visitors who would turn up at any time of night and approach her house - but never rang the bell or went in.

Danielle Stafford, who enjoyed a life of luxury with Louis Vuitton handbags and lavish foreign holidays by running a cannabis and cocaine-dealing operation

The qualified engineer tried to pretend that she was merely the victim of a shadowy Liverpool drug dealer but she could give no evidence of that

The drug dealer enjoyed expensive treats including luxury holidays and meals out

Coleen Campbell, 38, was convicted of manslaughter after plotting to have her former partner Thomas Campbell robbed of cash and drugs in his own home

Georgia Burns, 22, who was involved in her boyfriend's county lines dealing racket that used three 16-year-old schoolboys as 'slaves'

Other women play an active role in criminal conspiracies headed by their husbands.

These include 38-year-old Coleen Campbell, who helped thugs torture her ex-husband to death; and Georgia Burns, 22, who was involved in her boyfriend's county lines dealing racket that used three 16-year-old schoolboys as 'slaves'.

Campbell was was found guilty of manslaughter with conspiracy to rob and was jailed for 13 years in 2023, while Burns received a suspended sentence.

Recruitment specialist Pavandeep Nijjar, 29, was also spared jail for peddling cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine for her gangster boyfriend.

In February she was handed a two year jail sentence suspended for 23 months.

Netflix series Griselda tells the story of Griselda Blanco's blood-soaked rise to becoming the world's first female criminal billionaire.

Having been plunged into the cocaine industry by her second husband, who she later killed, Griselda built a thriving drugs empire that saw her earning more than a staggering $80million every month.

She was eventually found guilty of drugs charges in 1985 and incarcerated, but was able to continue running her empire from behind bars.

However, the conviction spurred authorities to attempt to press additional charges against the career criminal - including more than 200 murders.

Recruitment specialist Pavandeep Nijjar, 29, was also spared jail for peddling cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine for her gangster boyfriend

Another eye-catching case last year saw drug-dealing granny Julie Cobley handed a suspended sentence after she was found with 8,500 of cocaine

Kayleeanne Sweeney was the girlfriend of Liverpool gangster Thomas Cashman, who murdered nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel

By 1994, one of her former hitmen - Jorge Ayala - agreed to testify against her and Griselda was charged with three murders.

One of them was that of a two-year-old boy who was fatally shot during a failed assassination attempt of his father - who was one of Griselda's former enforcers.

The investigation stalled but the drug baron decided to plead guilty in 1998 in a bid to reduce her sentence.

Following her release after 10 years in prison, she was deported to Colombia where she is said to have 'retired' from her life of crime.

But it appeared her past caught up with her and, in 2012, Griselda was shot and killed as she stepped out of a butcher shop in Medellin aged 69.
A shock poll today lays bare the scale of the electoral mountain Rishi Sunak must climb on July 4 - with Labour more trusted on all the Tories' traditional core issues.

Brits have stronger faith in Keir Starmer's party to deal with legal immigration by 27 per cent to just 20 per cent, according to research for MailOnline.

Alarmingly for Rishi Sunak the gap is even bigger on the topic of Channel boats and illegal arrivals, with Redfield & Wilton Strategies finding the gap is 29 per cent to 19 per cent.

That is despite the PM vowing to force through the Rwanda deportations plan that Sir Keir wants to ditch.

Far from being the party of tough borders, the public now associates the Conservatives with increasing inflows by 32 per cent to 23 per cent. Only Reform is linked to lowering immigration, with 37 per cent perceiving that as its stance.

More than half say they do not trust the Tories 'at all' to handle immigration.

Nigel Farage has twisted the knife by challenging Mr Sunak to a TV debate on the issue.

But Mr Sunak's problems do not stop there. The poll found people have more confidence in Labour to run the economy, by 32 per cent to 24 per cent, and tackle the cost of living crisis - by the same gap.

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A shock poll today lays bare the scale of the electoral mountain Rishi Sunak must climb on July 4 - with Labour more trusted on all the Tories' traditional core issues

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Brits have stronger faith in Keir Starmer's party to deal with legal immigration by 27 per cent to just 20 per cent, according to research for MailOnline

Some 48 per cent do not trust the Tories 'at all' on taxation, with the equivalent figure for Labour much lower on 36 per cent.

Labour is more trusted on the NHS, the environment and housing. It even holds narrow leads on the war in Gaza - by 24 per cent to 19 per cent - and Ukraine - by 24 per cent to 22 per cent.

Mr Sunak has trumpeted his commitment to hike defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, which has not been fully matched by Sir Keir.

The research suggests the public has a tough view on immigration, after the latest figures last week showed net long-term migration running at 685,000 in 2023.

When asked how many people should be allowed to come to the UK long-term per year, 18 per cent indicated it should be fewer than 1,000.

Another 13 per cent said 1,000 to 5,000, 11 per cent said up to 10,000, and 13 per cent below 50,000.

Just 8 per cent supported numbers above 100,000, although 29 per cent said they did not know.

Nearly half of Brits thought the current level of immigration was meeting a 'real need'.

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Nigel Farage has twisted the knife by challenging Mr Sunak to a TV debate on the issue of immigration

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People believed inflows were making the country worse off by a margin of 47 per cent to 18 per cent who viewed it as positive.

In one small crumb of comfort for Mr Sunak, the research conducted on Friday found 40 per cent either support or strongly support the Rwanda scheme, with 27 per cent opposed.

But 26 per cent said they were less likely to vote Tory because the premier has admitted the first flights will not take off before July 4.

And while 35 per cent said they wanted the next government to make the Rwanda plan work after the election, 38 per cent backed replacing it with a 'more workable scheme'.
Almost 30 years have passed since my mother, Phyllis, died from cancer of the brain, and it still hurts my heart to remember how she suffered so bravely through two gruelling but unsuccessful operations to remove her tumour and months of chemotherapy.

Yet my saddest memory is that of a woman who yearned for spiritual comfort and the reassurance of an afterlife, but feared what might become of her because  many years earlier  she had felt compelled to relinquish her Jewish faith.

During her final days, she would ask me to take her to Christian churches dotted around Morecambe, in Lancashire, and sit with her as she tried to pray for salvation, only to give up after a few minutes and say  with a wistful smile  that it was just no good: she must be talking to the wrong God.

Almost 30 years have passed since my mother, Phyllis, died from cancer of the brain, and it still hurts my heart to remember how she suffered so bravely

The denouement to this painful story came after she died. Though mother had asked for a religious funeral, she hadnt attended a synagogue  nor any place of worship  for decades and hadnt specified where she wished to be buried, so my sister Karen and I didnt know who might conduct the service.

As Phyllis had given English lessons to a young Polish Orthodox priest during her illness, he eventually agreed to lead the prayers  but only after receiving a special dispensation from his bishop in London, who insisted he must wear secular clothes rather than his robe and collar.

As her forbears had migrated to Britain from Eastern Europe, she now lies in the Polish section of a Lancashire cemetery, where her headstone is the only one to bear an English surname among row upon row of -owskis.

Poignant memories. They are never far from the surface, and they came rushing back last week, when I read Michael Goves landmark speech about the frightening explosion of anti-Semitism now gripping Britain. (Before he announced that he was stepping down as an MP.)

With hate crimes against Jews at a record high, having risen by 147 per cent in 2023, the Communities Secretary described the ever-mounting threat to the safety of Britains 275,000 Jews as the canary in the mine.

He used this metaphor  a reference to the days when coalminers carried caged birds down the pits to detect the presence of poisonous gas  to stress that our entire democratic system would be imperilled if we failed to safeguard the nations Jewish population.

When Jewish people are under threat, all our freedoms are threatened, Gove said. Reminding us how anti-Semitism has morphed down the ages, from the crude religious prejudice of medieval times to the warped doctrine of ethnic purity promulgated by the Nazis, he urged us all to learn the lessons of history.

It was a bold cri de coeur. In truth, however, anti-Semitism has never been far from the surface in Britain, even in the countrys seemingly welcoming and harmonious corners.

That much I know from the shameful saga that prompted my mother to deny not only her inherited religion but her entire Jewish heritage  and in so doing deprived me of the choice of celebrating mine.

Today, as Gove said, the hate-mongers are drawn together from all points of the extremist compass, from Islamist to far-Right and far-Left, often disseminating their poison via encrypted internet platforms.

'That much I know from the shameful saga that prompted my mother to deny not only her inherited religion but her entire Jewish heritage  and in so doing deprived me of the choice of celebrating mine,' says David Jones

Astonishingly, however, the vile anti-Semitic diatribe that condemned my mother to a lifetime of secrecy was written by a respected local newspaper proprietor and editor who had founded his towns Sea Cadets Corps and chaired the hospital board.

And it was published amid trifling stories about parking offences and planning applications in the usually benign columns of the Morecambe & Heysham Visitor.

More extraordinarily still, the editor, James Caunt, saw fit to print his inflammatory rhetorical attack on the Jews just two years after the British public had been awakened to the full horrors of the Nazi death camps.

Before I tell you what he said, I should briefly relate my familys history. The ancestors of my maternal grandfather, Marky Wood (a shortened and anglicised version of the name Scheinholz) fled to Britain in the mid-1800s to escape the pogroms in Russian-occupied Poland.

Decanted at Grimsby docks, they established a thriving tailoring business and the rabbi among them helped found the towns synagogue, where there is still a plaque in his honour.

The enterprising Marky bought a decommissioned Royal Navy frigate, converted it into a trawler, and started a wholesale fish company that supplied high-end West End restaurants and fed the penguins at London Zoo. Along with three brothers, during World War I he also served with distinction in the Household Cavalry.

My grandmother, Leonora Bresler was born and raised in the Polish city of Kalisz and came to this country in her teens, along with several brothers and sisters, at the turn of the 20th century, also to escape purges against the Jews.

Had she remained, she would doubtless have been murdered by the Nazis, for when World War II started there were some 18,000 Jews in Kalisz. By 1945, just a few dozen survived.

Granny Leo had arrived in Grimsby speaking only Yiddish and carrying just a bagful of clothes, but she, too, worked ferociously hard and reaped the rewards. By the late 1930s, the dressmaking business she and her sisters started in a back-room had gained a foothold in London.

She moved into the elegant Marylebone apartment where pre-Raphaelite artist Dante Gabriel Rosetti was raised, holidayed on the French Riviera, and sent my mother to a Jewish finishing school in Switzerland.

My mother joined the Womens Royal Naval Service, pictured centre, rose to officer rank, and was co-opted into the fabled team that cracked German codes at Bletchley Park

Then the War came, and they were evacuated to Lancashire, acquiring a cottage near Morecambe. My mother joined the Womens Royal Naval Service, rose to officer rank, and was co-opted into the fabled team that cracked German codes at Bletchley Park. After she was demobbed, she and my granny (by then divorced from Marky) opened a thriving fashion shop in Morecambe.

Down the years, they had frequently encountered bigotry and discrimination. In a memoir my mother left for me, she describes the discomfort of being the only Jewish girl at her secondary school, where classmates tricked her into eating rabbit droppings by pretending they were chocolate and the parents of her best friend banned her from visiting their house.

All this had led them to stay under the radar. Though they observed many aspects of their Ashkenazi culture  particularly when it came to food  they were cautious in revealing their Jewish background. Indeed, having remarried to the owner of a local hunting and fishing store, my grandmother lived like an English country gentlewoman  though she never managed to hide her accent.

When she returned home, I had trouble recognising her, for her nose had been reduced in size and reshaped by plastic surgery and her naturally black hair dyed blonde. Pictured: Phyllis with David at the beach in the 1960s before altering her appearance

My mother, for her part, had come to regret allowing the religious aspect of her heritage slide, and periodically considered a committed return to the synagogue.

All such thoughts were expunged on Wednesday, August 6, 1947, when she and my mother read their copy of the Visitor newspaper.

James Caunt was a man of trenchant views and considerable civic clout who modelled himself on Winston Churchill, right down to the outsized cigar. Ordinarily, he used his opinion column to pronounce on parochial matters, such as the town councils unholy decision to open parks for bowls on Sundays.

Yet on this day, Morecambes self-appointed moral guardian put local concerns aside to unleash a vicious attack on the Jewish race.

Then, as now, Palestine was in ferment. With the birth of the Israeli state still several months away, and thousands of displaced European Jews pouring into the British protectorate, our war-weary troops were struggling to keep the peace between Jews and Arabs.

But they were coming under attack from ruthless Zionist extremists determined to force independence through hastily, on their terms.

The vile anti-Semitic diatribe that condemned my mother to a lifetime of secrecy was written by a respected local newspaper proprietor and editor who had founded his towns Sea Cadets Corps and chaired the hospital board

Their terror campaign reached its nadir in late July 1947, when they assassinated a soldier from Blackpool, just along the coast from Morecambe, and hanged two corporals from eucalyptus trees in retaliation for the execution of three of their captured fighters.

The leaders of Britains Jewish community were appalled by these atrocities and laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in memory of the murdered soldiers.

However, after a photograph of the dangling bodies appeared on the front of a British newspaper there was a ferocious nationwide backlash stretching from Plymouth to Glasgow. Synagogues were torched and daubed with vile slogans, and the windows of hundreds of Jewish businesses and homes were smashed.

The fires had barely stopped smouldering when the Visitors editor poured oil on them. The first few words of his editorial column, which I keep in an archive, quite simply take the breath away.

On the morn of the announcement of another catalogue of pains and penalties, Caunt began (referring to a new raft of post-War austerity measures announced that same day) there is little about which to rejoice greatly except the pleasant fact that only a handful of Jews bespoil the population of our Borough.

Unapologetically declaring that this was an outburst of anti-Semitism, he continued: The time has come for plain speaking. The Visitor therefore expresses the hope that Morecambe and Heysham will be spared the residence of any more of the Jewish community!

In the next few paragraphs, he decried the howls of horror from British Jews over the Palestine murders as hypocritical and false.

But then Caunts invective sank still lower  moving one national newspaper to later juxtapose his jowly, owlishly bespectacled face with that of Julius Streicher, the propagandist Nazi newspaper publisher sentenced to hang at the Nuremberg trials.

He claimed Britain was in the grip of Jews and characterised them as spivs who dodged hard physical work in factories and mines, and hawked food and clothes, still subject to rationing two years after the War, on the black market.

Branding the Jewish community a plague on Britain, he urged readers to ostracize them, adding chillingly: Violence may be the only way to bring them to their sense of responsibility to the country in which they live.

Whether or not Caunt dropped his bombshell with the self-promoting intentions, the fall-out was immediate and far-reaching.

The ancestors of my maternal grandfather, Marky Wood (a shortened and anglicised version of the name Scheinholz) fled to Britain in the mid-1800s

Though the Visitor then sold just 17,800 copies in a pocket of North-West Lancashire, Fleet Street soon latched on to the story of the small-town editor who seemed to be advocating physical reprisals against the Jews. Outraged MPs raised the matter in the House.

Leading the outcry was Left-wing Labour MP Tom Driberg  something of an irony given that insidious anti-Semitism has tarnished the party in recent years, causing Keir Starmer to ban his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn from standing for Labour at the coming General Election. (Corbyn on Friday created fresh ructions by announcing he would run in Islington North as an independent).

Days after Caunts article was published, Attorney General Sir Hartley Shawcross referred it to the DPP, and the editor was served with a writ for seditious libel  a charge seldom brought since Georgian times that alleges the incitement to cause a violent conflict between the Kings subjects.

The penalty ranges from a heavy fine to imprisonment. However, this didnt appear to concern the editor, who quaffed champagne and chomped a cigar when briefly detained in a police cell.

His trial was staged that November at Liverpool assizes  an inappropriate setting, perhaps, given that the city had seen the worst of that summers anti-Jewish riots.

The prosecutor, Denis Gerard KC, said Caunt had overstepped the bounds of free speech, but the jury of seven men thought otherwise.

Accepting his claim  that he had never intended to provoke violence, but simply to warn Jews that it might come if they failed to mend their ways  it took them just 13 minutes to digest the arcane legal argument and return a not guilty verdict.

Outside Morecambe, this extraordinary case was quickly forgotten. And by the following year the bigots were homing in on a new target  the Windrush West Indians shipped to Britain to ease the labour shortage.

For my family, however, the repercussions were just beginning, and continue to this day.

In court, Caunt had been asked whether he knew how many Jews lived  or as he preferred bespoiled  the towns 42,000 population.

Why, yes, he replied, we made unofficial investigations the other week and we found that there were six Jews resident in our borough. He estimated that a further few  less than 10  lived in surrounding districts where his newspaper circulated.

Did this handful of unwanted residents include Granny Leo and her sister Sally, who also lived in the area? Did it include my mother?

My family never did find out whether Caunts intrepid Jew-hunters had discovered their ethnicity, but with many Visitor readers expressing support for his views, they werent about to take any chances.

From then they vowed never again to reveal their Jewishness to outsiders. Every small clue to their roots was expunged.

Incredible though it may seem, my mother would not even dare to admit her ethnicity to my own father  the scion of a prominent building firm that constructed many of Morecambes landmarks, and the nephew of a former town mayor. Whenever the conversation turned to her early life, she would simply say she was of Polish stock and change the subject.

But the fear of being found out was always there, and one day, when she was in her mid-forties, mum slipped away from home for a minor operation. When she returned home, I had trouble recognising her, for her nose had been reduced in size and reshaped by plastic surgery and her naturally black hair dyed blonde. Her denial was now complete.

I was 14 when she took me aside and told me in whispering tones of my birthright.

She was terrified about how I might react. After the shock wore off, however, I felt rather proud and excited, for in that post-hippy era, idealistic students were spending gap-years working on kibbutzim rather than staging pro-Palestinian campus sit-ins, and being Jewish carried a certain cachet.

For a time, I considered reclaiming my lost culture and taking religious instruction  though nominally Christian, I would not need to be converted because the Jewish status is matrilineal. But in the end, the hurdles seemed too overwhelming. So, that poisonous editorial altered the course of my life, too.

This is just one small family story. Insignificant, I know, amid the terrible suffering we see today, among Jews and Arabs alike.

Yet with anti-Semitic incidents in Britain at a record high and hate-filled slogans ringing around university campuses and town hall chambers, perhaps it might serve as a reminder of the misery that can ensue from a few malevolent words.

Misery that haunts me whenever I picture my treasured mother sitting in an alien church and reaching out in vain to the wrong God.
Will a former president be convicted by a jury of his 'peers' for the first time in history?

It's only a matter of days until a verdict is reached in Donald Trump's historic criminal hush money trial.

Closing arguments will kick off Tuesday morning as the case comes to a close nearly six grueling weeks later.

Prosecutors have a high bar to reach in order to convince the 12-person New York jury that Trump conspired to help his 2016 election campaign by paying pornstar Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about their alleged sexual encounters.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's team will wrap up all the evidence and witness testimony they claim is sufficient enough to nail Trump on 34 felony counts of 'falsifying business records.'

It's only a matter of days until a verdict is reached in in Donald Trump 's historic criminal hush money trial

The jury has heard bombshell testimony from Trump's former 'fixer' turned foe Michael Cohen, National Enquirer publisher David Pecker and pornstar Stormy Daniels herself who graphically detailed her sexual experiences with the ex-president.

After testimony by 22 witnesses, some salacious and some dull, and pages of documents and evidence - it all comes down to whether the prosecution or defense has better laid out their case.

DailyMail.com breaks down what to expect this week as the case comes to a close:

Trump's defense will make its case first

The defense will deliver its closing arguments first on Tuesday - in the opposite order from the trial.

Trump's attorney team is expected to lay out a strong defense of the former president, distancing him from Cohen's payments to Stormy Daniels.

They will also reiterate several of their strongest points, that hush money payments are not illegal and Trump solely wanted to spare his family humiliation from Stormy's alleged affair claims.

Perhaps the strongest strategy that will be employed by Trump's team is attacking the credibility of the prosecution's 'star witness' Michael Cohen.

The defense only needs to convince one juror out of the 12 total that there isn't sufficient evidence 'beyond a reasonable doubt' to prove Trump is guilty to hand the ex-president a victory in the case.

After over five weeks of jury selection, testimony by 22 witnesses and pages of documents and evidence, it all comes down to who has better laid out their case

If there is at least one holdout on convicting Trump, a 'hung jury' would be declared by the judge sparking a mistrial.

'He's cloaked in innocence,' Trump attorney Todd Blanche previously insisted about the ex-president during opening statements.

'And that cloak of innocence does not leave President Trump today. It doesn't leave him at any day during this trial. And it won't leave him when you all deliberate. You will find that he is not guilty.'

Trump has pleaded not guilty on all 34 charges.

The prosecution will run through evidence and testimony again

The prosecution will follow the defense during arguments, which are expected to go on for several hours.

Bragg's team is expected to run through all the evidence they presented during the 19 days they made their case.

That includes 11 checks, 11 invoices and 12 vouches that prosecutors say are proof of how Trump 'falsified' records to reimburse Cohen for the Stormy Daniels payments.

They will also have to push back on the defense's argument that Cohen is a 'liar' who cannot be trusted.

Last week, Judge Juan Merchan warned that closing arguments could bleed into a second day.

Trump's team will attack the credibility of the prosecution's 'star witness' Michael Cohen

'In a case like this, which is a rather long case, summations will not be quick,' he stated.

The court is usually off on Wednesdays, but the judge has indicated that proceedings will continue then so as not to further drag out deliberations.

Jury will be instructed by the judge on how to deliberate

Once the closing arguments are complete, the jury will be instructed by Merchan for about an hour on how to deliberate behind closed doors.

Last week, Merchan considered the instructions that will be read to the 12 jury members who will decide Trump's fate during a 'charging conference.'

In a win for Trump, the judge said that he would tell the panel to treat Trump fairly during their deliberations.

Donald Trump shook his head in disapproval as the hush money trial judge ripped his lawyer for being 'disingenuous' during a crucial session on instructions that will be given to the jury

The instruction was outside of the normal language used to charge the jury in a concession to the defense.

The wording plays a key part in how the jury deliberate and experts believe it can win or lose a case.

Over more than an hour, Trump's lawyers and attorneys from the Manhattan District Attorney's office sparred over the minutiae of the text, in some cases down to single words.

Jury deliberations kick off and a verdict will be reached

Once jurors are dismissed by the judge to work on coming to an agreement in the case, which is expected Wednesday, they could be huddled for days.

If they have questions, they could come back and ask the judge for an explanation or to read back certain points of the testimony.

Trump ripped into the trial and the judge on Tuesday as the jury was sent home for a week

Judicial experts say that the longer the jury deliberates, the better it is for Trump.

The outcome of the case could be resolved in one of three manners: an acquittal, a conviction or a mistrial.

If Trump is convicted, his team will likely start the appeals process, which could take years.

It is unlikely that Trump, if found guilty, would be sentenced before the 2024 election in November.
Buckingham Palace has been inundated with tens of thousands of get well soon cards and gifts for the Princess of Wales, following her brave admission that she is undergoing cancer treatment.

It is understood that the correspondence team at the palace have been so touched by the love and affection shown to Kate, 42, who recorded an emotional video message revealing she had embarked on a course of preventative chemotherapy.

The princess has withdrawn from public life to concentrate on her treatment and recovery, as well as protecting her young family.

But the outpouring of support for the princess continues- and palace staff have received thousands and thousands of cards, letters and gifts from members of the public offering their support and good-wishes.

The sheer volume of correspondence has at times been difficult for the team to cope with. But staff do aim to reply to all the writers, eventually.

Buckingham Palace has been inundated with 'tens of thousands' of get-well-soon cards and gifts for the Princess of Wales

In a normal week the Palace can expect up to 1,000 letters, but what they have experienced since March has significantly surpassed that

Although the Prince and Princess of Wales have their own private office at Kensington Palace, all letters to members of the Royal Family are dealt with by the Court Post Office.

In a normal week the palace would expect to receive up to 1,000 letters each week from members of the public with various queries or messages of good wishes for individual royals.

But what they have experienced since the disclosure of the princesss health issues has significantly superseded that.

Kate was unexpectedly taken into hospital at the start of the year for major abdominal surgery. She remained in The London Clinic for two weeks before going home to recuperate.

In March, following a period of intense global speculation about her health, the princess herself confirmed that while her condition had not been thought to be cancerous at the time, doctors had subsequently discovered evidence of the disease.

Kate was recently revealed as the 'driving force' behind a new report calling on businesses to introduce more family-friendly working practices. Pictured with her family on Christmas day 2023

Kate with Louis and Charlotte in May 2023 as they helped renovate and improve the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough

She made clear that she needed to focus on both her recovery but also supporting her young children at a difficult time, asking for her family to be given time and space while she completed her treatment.

Although there has been no official update on her health since, The Mail understands that the princess has been seen out and about more with her family in recent weeks, which will be taken as a positive sign by many.

However earlier this week Kensington Palace stressed that she very much still needs time and space to recover.

Speaking at the launch of a landmark report by her early years business taskforce, a Kensington Palace spokesman stressed that the news should not be viewed as her returning to work.

A senior royal aide added: The Princess of Wales was the driving force behind the business task force. She has been kept up to date since the inception of the task force and she has read the report and been briefed on it.

This is a clear commitment she has made that throughout her life of public service that this will be focus. That will continue when she returns to work.

But we have been really clear that she needs the space and the privacy to recover right now. She will return to work when she has had the green light from doctors.
A Michigan mother heroically saved her two-year-old daughter's life before she was killed by an out-of-control Jeep at a drag racing event.

The crash happened Sunday at Silver Lake State Park Sand Dunes in western Oceana County, about 270 miles northwest of Detroit.

Kadie Price, 33, was in the crowd at a drag-racing event taking place at the dunes with her family.

The driver of a modified 1980 Jeep CJ lost control, veered off the racing strip toward the crowd and hit another vehicle, police said.

The other vehicle, which had been stationary when it was hit, then struck Price but not before she pushed her daughter to safety.

Kadie Price (pictured center) heroically saved her two-year-old daughter's (pictured right) life before she was killed by an out-of-control Jeep at a drag racing event.

The crash happened Sunday at Silver Lake State Park Sand Dunes in western Oceana County, about 270 miles northwest of Detroit. Pictured: A race at the dunes in 2019

Several people looking on immediately attempted to come to Price's assistance.

Silver Lake State Park rangers and staff came to her side and tried to provide first aid but it was unsuccessful.

The crash took place at around 11:37am. Price was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Her daughter, however, was able to avoid serious injury or worse, according to police.

'Please keep the Price family in your prayers,' the Oceana County Sheriff's Office said in a release.

The driver of the Jeep that began the crash, a 64-year-old man, has been identified.

His name, however, is being withheld, as an investigation is ongoing.

The 3,000-acre state park runs along the shorelines of Lake Michigan and contains about 2,000 acres of sand dunes.

The crash took place at around 11:37am. Price was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Her daughter, however, was able to avoid serious injury or worse, according to police

Her husband, Kent County Sheriff's Deputy Charlie Price, posted a photo of them together on his Facebook page Monday with only a heart emoji as a caption

Silver Lake State Park rangers and staff came to her side and tried to provide first aid but it was unsuccessful. The 3,000-acre state park runs along the shorelines of Lake Michigan and contains about 2,000 acres of sand dunes

The dunes also feature significant space for those wishing to drive off-road recreational vehicles.

Two off-roaders who were drag racing on Sunday described the horror of the crash and the stunned silence of those watching.

'I've been coming out here a long time,' Bryce Straubel told WOOD. 'That was probably one of them most brutal accidents I've ever seen.'

'It breaks me,' he added. 'People are coming out here to have a good time and this mother just lost her life.  She pushed her daughter out of the way to save her  it's just rough to hear. It really is.'

Off-roaders Bryce Straubel and Paul Stanczak were out drag racing Sunday and saw the aftermath of the accident. They said people watched in silence as first responders handled the scene.

Things had gone back to normal at the dunes on Monday, as a smaller than expected crowd raced vehicles and motorcycles.

Price worked as an automotive financial sales representative for Huntington National Bank.

Her husband, Kent County Sheriff's Deputy Charlie Price, posted a photo of them together on his Facebook page Monday with only a heart emoji as a caption.
Two teenage boys have been hailed as heroes after jumping onto rail tracks as a train hurtled towards them to stop a man from killing himself.

Freddie Corbett, 15, and Harley Hollingworth, 16, pulled the man to safety after he leapt onto the tracks at Bolton-upon-Dearne station in South Yorkshire.

The friends had been waiting for the last train home on Saturday night when they spotted the man in a sleeping bag on the platform.

He then got up and went onto the tracks saying 'I'm going to kill myself tonight', to which Freddie responded: 'You're not doing that mate'.

Despite the risk to their own lives as they saw the train approach, the boys both got onto the tracks and saved the man, with Freddie describing the act of bravery as 'just natural instinct'.

Freddie Corbett, 15, and Harley Hollingworth, 16, pulled the man to safety on Saturday night

'My grandma said later: "You stupid idiot, you could have got squashed"', Freddie told The Mirror. 'But my parents are proud. I hope he gets some help now.'

Harley said: 'I wasn't worried about the train, I just wanted to make sure Freddie got him off the tracks.'

The boys said the train's headlights were visible and Freddie estimated that it pulled into the station just 45 seconds after they got off the tracks.

Both boys' parents said they were proud of their bravery and quick-thinking.

Harley's dad Dale Hollingworth, 39, said: 'He's just a typical grumpy teenager but clearly you can see he has a heart of gold... I'm still overwhelmed to be honest.'

Gary Robinson of Network Rail said the pair undoubtedly saved the man's life, and paid tribute to them on social media.

'Called out tonight to a male with intent to self-harm on the railway these two lads were his angels.

The boys said the train's headlights were visible and Freddie estimated that it pulled into the station just 45 seconds after they got off the tracks (file image)

'Dragged him off the railway sat with him talking till I got there and make no mistakes... saved his life!

'Kids get a bad press but with humanity like those lads [have] shown tonight we are in safe hands!

'These two lads are a credit to their parents and I can't speak highly enough about them. If you see them buy them a J20 (not old enough for pints yet).'

He went on to point to the Samaritans helpline: 'Anyone feeling like things are getting too much please call 116 123 where someone will listen without judgement. Small Talk saves lives.'

For help, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
A 10-year-old boy has beaten all the odds by making a miracle recovery after being hit by a four-wheel-drive travelling at 90km/h.

Sebastian Gobbett had to learn to walk and talk again after he was struck by the vehicle then dragged underneath it while riding his bike in the town of Toodyay, 85km northeast of Perth, in August 2021.

Although Sebastian was wearing a helmet, he suffered massive injuries including a traumatic brain injury, a ruptured lung and fractures in his neck and spine.

Sebastian's mum Olivia was first on the scene and the former emergency nurse immediately knew how critical time was.

He was flown to Perth by emergency helicopter and his heart stopped during the flight.

Sebastian suffered massive injuries including a traumatic brain injury, a ruptured lung and fractures in his neck and spine

His parents never gave up hope and his mum knew he would recover quicker at home with his family

Mrs Gobbett formulated a care plan, including playing his favourite song and focusing on the senses of touch and taste

His family feared the worst, his mother Olivia told 7NEWS: 'I was already planning his funeral. I did already know where I was going to have him buried.'

Sebastian spent four months in hospital including three weeks on life support.

The prognosis was not good, with doctors doubting if he would be able to swallow or eat unaided, or even walk and talk again.

His parents never gave up hope and his mum knew he would recover quicker at home with his family.

'He needed hospital and he got the best care that he could possibly get there but I knew that we needed to get home and we needed to do (the recovery) our way to get him better,' Mrs Gobbett said.

Sebastian was discharged and was home for Christmas.

Mrs Gobbett formulated a care plan, including playing his favourite song and focusing on the senses of touch and taste.

She said Sebastian saw the other children eating watermelon and his eyes lit up, so she gave him some through his feeding tube.

Then the miracle occurred - Sebastian's toes moved. 'Just the slightest movement', Mrs Gobbett said.

Sebastian's father Simon said, 'That was a huge celebration in the family we were all cheering and laughing and clapping and he noticed, he knew.'

Though his progress was slow, Sebastian, now 12, has made a stunning recovery and has learned to walk and talk and even ride his bike again.

Sebastian has no memory of his horrific accident, and says the hardest thing about his recovery was learning to walk.

He said the best thing is, 'Im alive so I could meet my annoying brothers and sisters.'
A traveller has copped a huge fine for making the mistake of trying to bring a tasty treat into another country - a move which resulted in an extremely expensive meal.

An Indonesian visitor flew from Hong Kong to Taiwan on April 30 with a 'roast chicken and pork combo' lunch box in their luggage.

But they didn't get the chance to enjoy it in Taipei after it was sniffed out by quarantine dogs, according to Taiwan's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency.

The hungry tourist was fined 200,000 New Taiwan (NT) dollars (A$9,369) for the attempted illegal food import.

But the visitor could not afford the massive fine so not only did they lose their lunch, they were also swiftly deported from the country.

An Indonesian visitor flew from Hong Kong to Taiwan on April 30 with a 'roast chicken and pork combo' lunch box in their luggage - it ended up being a very costly meal

Taiwan brought in fines of NT$200,000 for bringing pork products to the island from countries affected by African swine fever (ASF) after an outbreak in China in 2018.

If the same person is caught a second or subsequent time, the fine increases to NT$1million.

ASF is a highly infectious disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs, and kills about 80 per cent of those affected.

Taiwan is one of the very few Asian countries not yet affected by it.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said ASF has caused massive losses in pig numbers, at a huge financial cost.

'It is not a danger to human health, but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy,' the WOAH said.

'The virus is highly resistant in the environment, meaning that it can survive on clothes, boots, wheels and other materials.

'It can also survive in various pork products, such as ham, sausages or bacon.'

Australia, which is free from ASF, fines travellers who do not declare high-risk goods such as pork and other meat products or provide false or misleading information up to $6,260.
Britain is bracing itself for one of the wettest summers on record - with forecasters predicting there could be at least 50 days of rain in just three months.

The Government has reportedly been prepped by the Met Office to expect extremely soggy conditions between the start of June and the end of August, with wet weather 50 per cent more likely than average.

The bleak forecast threatens to interrupt a number of summer events, including Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix, the Trooping of the Colour, Royal Ascot, Henley and music festivals such as Glastonbury.

If forecasters are correct, it could be the dampest summer since 1912 - when rain fell on 55 days across the summer season, The Sun reports.

The Met Office long-range forecast said: 'The chances of a wetter-than-average period are higher than a drier-than-average one.

People are seen wadding back to their homes in Wynyard, County Durham, on Bank Holiday Monday

Members of the public shelter under umbrellas the RHS Chelsea Flower Show at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London last week

People under umbrellas as the go for a punt on the River Cam in Cambridge in the downpours on Sunday

'Rainfall at this time of year has a greater risk of localised heavy downpours and thunderstorms.'

Low pressure systems have been blamed by forecasters as the reason for the wet summer.

It comes after the Met Office revealed April was the sixth wettest since records dating to 1836.

In all, there was 55 per cent more rainfall than the long term average, the forecasting body said.

Last year was also a summer washout, with showers striking on 40 days.

There has to be 2.5mm of rain within 24 hours for it to be classed as a rainy day.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Brits were hit with unsettled weather as sunny spells were interrupted by showers.

Some areas saw extremely heavy rain, including Wynyard, County Durham, which experienced flooding.

The unsettled weather is set to last all week, with the south west of the UK set for patchy rain on Monday night.

Roads in the Romford area in the London Borough of Havering were flooded last week

Weather Commuters attempt to shelter from the rain as they cross London Bridge during rainy weather last week

Motorists navigate through wet conditions on the M5 northbound last week

Commuters stand in the pouring rain as they wait for trains in Greenwich, south east London, last week

A dog wrapped up in a full length coat as protection from the pouring rain last week

A flooded field in Warwickshire last week. Britain is set to face yet another miserable summer of rain

On Tuesday, Brits living in the north and east are set for a bright start, though cloud and rain across the south west could move northwards during the day.

For the rest of the week, there will be a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers - some of which will be heavy, with hail and thunder, according to the Met Office.

Despite the rain threatening to ruin the Bank Holiday weekends, the sunny spells allowed families to flock to beauty spots including Durdle Door on Monday.

Families and groups of friends packed out the popular spot on the Jurassic Coast, basking in the sunshine and going for a dip in the sea.

Others made the most of the intermittent spells of sun by flocking to Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside, while the annual cheese rolling festival in Gloucester attracted hundreds of dairy-loving thrill-seekers.

Families also faced having their Bank Holiday plans ruined after trains were suspended, ferry passengers faced two-hour waits and more than three million drivers hit the roads.
Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has received the full brief of evidence in his case with NT WorkSafe after he was charged following a helicopter crash that killed his best mate.

Wright and his company Helibrook have been charged with failing to comply with their health and safety duties and reckless conduct risking death or injury.

The charges relate to the chopper crash that killed fellow reality television star Chris Wilson, 34, on February 28, 2022.

Mr Wilson was hanging from a helicopter on a crocodile egg collecting mission in the NT's West Arnhem Land when it crashed and killed him on impact.

Wright's case with NT Worksafe was mentioned at Darwin Local Court on Monday, where it was heard he'd received the brief of allegations against him.

Matt Wright and his company Helibrook have been charged with failing to comply with their health and safety duties and reckless conduct risking death or injury

Wright and Helibrook were hit with the charges by NT WorkSafe back in February morning 'over their failures to maintain safe aircraft and allowing the aircraft to be operated when unsafe'.

A NT WorkSafe spokesperson said at the time an investigation 'found sufficient evidence to allege Helibrook Pty Ltd and Wright engaged in conduct intended to falsify the actual number of flight hours accrued by the aircraft in the Helibrook fleet over an extended period of time'.

'This ... impacted the regular inspection and replacement of the aircraft's life-limited components ... therefore it is allegedplacing at risk the health and safety of the pilots and passengers,' the spokesperson said.

Wright's company owned the helicopter that was being used in the egg collecting mission when Mr Wilson was killed.

The charges relate to the chopper crash that killed fellow reality television star Chris Wilson, (pictured with wife Danielle) 34, on February 28, 2022

Wright is seen with his wife Kaia. He is also facing a civil case filed by the widow of Chris Wilson

Mr Wilson had been dangling from a sling 30m under the chopper to collect the eggs and was killed in the crash while pilot Seb Robinson was left with life-changing spinal injuries.

Wright immediately flew to the scene. He will separately go to trial in the NT Supreme Court on one count of perverting the course of justice later this year.

Wright is meanwhile also facing a civil case, filed by Mr Wilson's widow Danielle Wilson.

Ms Wilson is suing Wright and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for alleged 'wrongful acts or omissions' that caused or contributed to her husband's death.

Judge Tanya Fong Lim adjourned Wright's case with NT WorkSafe for a hearing on July 15.

Wright faces a maximum of five years behind bars and $1.2million in fines if found guilty while Helibrook could be slapped with a $6million fine.
Bosses at the Environment Agency have handed out a record amount in bonuses  despite criticism that they are failing to keep the country's rivers and beaches clean.

A total of 8.7million was given to employees in extra payments last year  a 67 per cent increase on the 5.2million doled out four years ago.

Nearly all the agency's 11,000 staff were handed bonuses, which were an average of 850.

It comes amid anger over revelations that water firms have pumped sewage into rivers and the sea at the same time as paying huge dividends to shareholders.

Last week, the Office for Environmental Protection watchdog accused the Environment Agency (EA) of failing to enforce laws to ensure that 77 per cent of England's waterways reach good condition by 2027. At the moment, just 16 per cent are rated as good.

Bosses at the Environment Agency have handed out a record amount in bonuses  despite criticism that they are failing to keep the country's rivers and beaches clean (Stock Photo)

A total of 8.7million was given to employees in extra payments last year  a 67 per cent increase on the 5.2million doled out four years ago (Stock Photo)

Environmental campaigner Feargal Sharkey has said issues with sewage showed the water industry was in an 'extraordinary state of chaos'.

He pointed the finger at the EA, saying the problems were the result of decades of regulatory failure, underinvestment and profiteering.

Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Tim Farron said: 'The public will question the appropriateness of these bonuses, but they are short change compared to the multi-billion-pound profits water firms have been allowed to make under this Conservative government's watch.'

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the EA's chairman Alan Lovell had accepted a 96 meal from industry body Water UK, a 200 dinner-and-hotel stay from Yorkshire Water and a 60 dinner from Severn Trent Water.

It comes amid anger over revelations that water firms have pumped sewage into rivers and the sea at the same time as paying huge dividends to shareholders (pictured: sewage pouring into the North Sea)

Lib Dem environment spokesman Tim Farron said: 'The public will question the appropriateness of these bonuses, but they are short change compared to the multi-billion-pound profits water firms have been allowed to make under this Conservative government's watch'

An Environment Agency spokesman said: 'Our staff work around the clock to protect the environment and public from harm.

'The increase in bonus figures reflects an increase in our overall workforce. All bonuses are fully scrutinised and awarded in line with clear Cabinet Office pay guidelines.'
Court heard he had grabbed her throat just moments before

A mother-of-two received a suspended jail sentence after a court heard she poured boiling water over her husband when he grabbed her by the neck and tried to stop her from leaving.

Anmatyerr woman Bernadine Dixon, 39, pleaded guilty to one charge of recklessly endangering serious harm in Alice Springs Supreme Court.

Dixon was charged over an incident with her long-term partner Morgan Abbott - who she shares two children with - that occurred on January 20, 2023.

The couple got into a heated argument during a two-hour drive from Alice Springs to Ti Tree the day before.

The court heard Abbott began 'badgering' his partner to drop a domestic violence complaint against him for physically abusing her.

Justice Judith Kelly said at Dixon's sentencing hearing on May 16 that Abbott had punched her in the chest after she covered his mouth with her hand.

Anmatyerr woman Bernadine Dixon, 39, pleaded guilty to one charge of recklessly endangering serious harm in Alice Springs Supreme Court

After the car stopped, Abbott grabbed his partner by the chest and punched her in the face with Dixon slapping him back and telling him not to hurt her.

The couple got back in the car but quickly began arguing again with Abbott throwing himself out of the vehicle, NT News reported.

Dixon continued the journey to Ti Tree with Abbott's brother collecting him from the roadside and dropping him to the couple's home.

The heated argument continued the following morning, with Abbott throwing a thong and then a cup of tea at Dixon.

When Abbott grabbed her neck and blocked her exit, Dixon emptied a billy of boiling water over his head causing the skin on his neck and shoulders to blister.

The burns were officially judged to be 'confined and superficial'.

Justice Judith Kelly told the court at Dixon's sentencing hearing on May 16 that Abbott had punched her in the chest after she covered his mouth with her hand

In his victim impact statement, Abbott accused Dixon of being violent towards him and blamed him for the breakdown of their family.

Justice Kelly noted that Dixon had no convictions for violence despite there being a domestic violence order in place protecting Abbott.

Abbott pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and contravening a domestic violence order on March 23, 2023.

He was fined $150 and sentenced to a 12-month good behaviour bond.

Justice Kelly said Dixon had acted in 'excessive self-defence' and sentenced her to nine months imprisonment, wholly suspended on condition the 39-year-old complies with a 12-month good behaviour bond.

She noted Dixon had a minimal criminal history, had complied with her bail conditions, had a stable upbringing and was looking for a job.
The family of a Texas high school senior who was stripped of her valedictorian title over a 'miscalculation' has held their own ceremony where she was honored with the achievement.

Maya Veliz was chosen as Blue Ridge High School's 2024 valedictorian in March, but was devastated when the school principal revoked her title in April because some of her credits did not transfer when she changed schools.

Her family, including members traveling from Guatemala and Switzerland, decided not to attend the schools commencement and held their own on Thursday where Maya was recognized as the top student.

Wearing a white dress and blue cap and gown, Maya delivered the speech she wrote when she was first awarded valedictorian status on a stage decked out with balloons.

'It was great. She gave her speech,' her father Jorge Veliz told The New York Post.

Maya Veliz delivered her valedictorian speech in a private ceremony after she was stripped of the title over a 'miscalculation'

Her family, including members traveling from Guatemala and Switzerland, decided not to attend the schools commencement and held their own

'An anonymous viewer of our local news [who also featured Maya's story] paid for her first year at University of Texas.'

Maya had already written her valedictorian speech and accepted an offer at the University of Texas with the understanding that her first year would be covered by a scholarship.

A draft copy of Maya's speech viewed by The Post revealed how 'honored' she was to be named valedictorian.

'I stand here before you tonight, Honored as the valedictorian for the class of 2024,' the draft of Maya's speech said.

'Failure has made me who I am today and to have found success and persevere regardless of the outcome.'

Maya delivered the speech she wrote when she was first awarded valedictorian status

Her father described the private ceremony as 'great' and said an anonymous donor has paid for her first year of college

Maya said that she has dreamed of becoming valedictorian and even set a goal to do so four years ago.

She was originally told her GPA over the last year drove her to the top of her class, but that was later corrected to number three.

'To hear those words, not even 30 days before graduation was gut-wrenching,' Maya told WFAA.

'It's almost the end of the year and I kind of saw this going a different way.'

According to her father, after Maya transferred as a junior from another school in Frisco, Texas, in 2022, he and his wife made sure to stay in contact with her new school counselor and make sure her credits and grades were in order.

'[The counselor] had told us, "Oh, don't worry. Maya's on the good road. The only way that I can foresee Maya not being valedictorian is if Maya fails her course completely",' Jorge told People.

The cheerleader was originally told her GPA over the last year drove her to the top of her class, but that was later corrected to number three

Her father added that Maya 'hasn't failed anything', was enrolled in AP honors classes and was taking dual credit courses.

'We even asked if it was necessary for her to take any extra courses, and [the counselor] told her, "No, everything is good,"' Jorge said.

He then discovered that under a policy established in 2017 by the Blue Ridge Independent School District, Maya wasn't able to obtain credit for the courses she took at her previous school.

Jorge said that credit is not given for classes from another school if they aren't offered at the Blue Ridge school district.

'Well, some of those courses are in the catalog, but they're saying that they don't have any teachers to teach [them],' he said. 'So they kind of contradicted themselves on the policy.'

Under a policy established in 2017 by the Blue Ridge Independent School District, Maya wasn't able to obtain credit for the courses she took at her previous school which alerted her rank

'She said she feels like the school keeps saying that they respect her and she's a big part of the community, but it makes her feel like she's not.'

The school district told WFAA that they have 'investigated' the 'private student matter and communicated with the parents.'

'The district reviews academic achievement, grade calculations, and class rank during this time period each year in accordance with applicable state law and board policies EIC and EIC Local,' the district added.

'Miscalculations were originally made when finalizing GPA and Class Rank; then corrected to ensure compliance with both of those board policies. All students affected have been notified.'

The district added that they have created plans to make sure that 'a mistake like this' does not happen again.

Maya said that she has dreamed of becoming valedictorian and even set a goal to do so four years ago

It is unclear who the new valedictorian is. DailyMail.com contacted the school district for comment.

Jorge has expressed his disappointment with the situation and feels for his daughter.

'This is something I wouldn't want any kid to deal with or any parent,' Jorge said.

He said that he would 'understand' if the policy was in effect for 'a year or two,' but it was in place before Maya transferred to the school.

'She's worked her butt off,' he said. 'She used to be a dancer, and she put that dream to the side to dedicate her time to school because she knew it was going to be a hard task managing both.'
Flight was forced to turn back after take-off

A male passenger on a Virgin Airways flight has ended up in handcuffs after he allegedly ran naked through the plane and attempted to bash down the cockpit door mid-flight.

The incident occurred on VA696 between Perth and Melbourne on Monday, forcing the flight to turn back to Perth Airport just an hour after take-off.

'A male passenger suddenly went bananas running up and down the aisle and bashing on the cockpit door,' a caller told Melbourne radio station 3AW.

A male passenger on a Virgin Airways flight ended up in handcuffs, after he allegedly attempted to smash the cockpit door an hour after the plane had left Perth Airport (stock image of a Virgin plane)

The incident occurred on VA696 flight between Perth and Melbourne on Monday, forced the the aircraft to return back to Perth Airport an hour into the journey (pictured, flight route)

'Two air marshals had to restrain and handcuff the individual until the [flight] landed'.

The flight had already been delayed on take-off for around 90 minutes.

The caller explained that some passengers who were on board the plane got on another flight which arrived in Melbourne six hours later.

Some passengers are understood to have been left stranded in Perth.

A Virgin Australia spokesperson confirmed that the incident took place.

'On Monday, 27 May, VA696 Perth to Melbourne, returned to Perth due to a disruptive passenger on board,' the spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

Some passengers who were on board the plane got on another flight which arrived in Melbourne six hours later but other passengers are understood to have been left stranded in Perth (stock image)

'On arrival in Perth, the aircraft was met by the Australian Federal Police and the disruptive guest was offloaded.

'The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority and we sincerely apologise to guests impacted.'

The spokesperson confirmed that the crew on board the aircraft took appropriate measures to minimise disruptions and ensure the plane could land safely after it was diverted back to Perth airport.

Officers from the Australian Federal Police were called to the airport before the plane landed and it is now understood to be investigating the matter.

An AFP spokesman told Daily Mail Australia officers arrested the man after he allegedly ran naked through the aircraft and knocked a crew member to the floor.

'The man was transferred to hospital for assessment, where he remains,' the spokesman said.

The man is set to front Perth Magistrates Court on June 14, however the charges he faces are yet to be determined.

A flight tracking website showed the flight arrived back in Perth at 11:45pm after the plane left at 7:34pm yesterday evening, according to arrival and departure records.

More to come.
Andrew Giles faced a sustained and coordinated attack from the Opposition over his handling of Australia's immigration detention saga - amid calls for him to resign or be sacked.

The Immigration Minister was the target of seven of the Coalition's questions during Question Time on Tuesday.

He was asked repeatedly about foreign-born criminals who received leniency in the courts as a result of a directive issued by Mr Giles' office.

Mr Giles issued Directive 99 back in January 2023, which calls on the courts to consider a foreign-born national's ties to Australia during deportation proceedings.

As a result, criminals who have no legal connection to Australia have been allowed to stay in the country after committing crimes.

The Coalition has condemned this as another scandal in the immigration portfolio since Labor came to office, following a High Court decision which allowed 153 detainees to be released onto the streets as part of the NZYQ cohort.

On Tuesday, Mr Giles - who has been a soft target during Question Time for months - argued that his directive has not made it easier for criminals to remain in Australia.

He said it was the decision of the 'independent tribunal to overturn the cancellation of the visa', in spite of his personal belief that it should remain cancelled.

'Our thoughts are of course with the victims. In saying that of course, community safety remains our highest priority is a government,' Mr Giles said twice.

The revelation has sparked renewed calls for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to sack the minister responsible for immigration, Andrew Giles

'Direction 99 did not decrease the importance placed on considerations such as the expectations of the Australian community and the protection of the community from crime. That is a very important point here.'

In the case of Emmanuel Saki - a 29-year-old from Sudan who arrived with his family aged 12 and was charged with murder weeks after being released from immigration detention - Mr Giles revealed he has since cancelled his visa again.

Saki's visa had been cancelled in the past but reinstated on the back of direction 99 due to his family ties to Australia. He remains in custody amid the alleged murder investigation.

On the fifth question aimed at Mr Giles, he was told to 'speak up' after maverick MP Bob Katter interrupted to tell the chamber he 'couldn't hear the minister', adding 'it's probably a good thing'.

The Immigration Minister maintains he and his department are looking at many cases 'as a priority' and they are 'all under cancellation consideration'.

It comes as new data revealed one in five detainees released as part of the NZYQ cohort back in November following the High Court ruling have gone on to reoffend.

Mr Giles survived a motion by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in February calling for him to be axed, and was riding high after a second High Court ruling in the ASF17 case, which kept a new cohort of detainees behind bars.

March figures released to the Senate following an estimates hearing now reveal at least 28 of the 153 people released following the NZYQ decision have gone on to reoffend.

The cohort - which included rapists and murderers - were released into the community after the High Court ruled their indefinite detention was unconstitutional.

These people are considered stateless, therefore cannot be deported.

Opposition Home Affairs spokesperson James Paterson and commentator Joe Hildebrand both urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take decisive action against Mr Giles this week.

Mr Paterson said Mr Giles ministerial position is 'untenable'.

'The minister should have been sacked weeks, if not months ago. But he should be sacked this week.'

He argued that both Mr Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil have powers available to them to 'get these people off the streets' using preventative detention orders which passed through parliament after the High Court decision.

'This government is too weak to protect them,' he said.

'There is no barrier except the weakness of the Albanese government to getting rid of these people.

'Under the previous Liberal government, we got rid of people like this. Under the next liberal government, whenever it's next elected, we will get rid of people like this.'

March figures released to Senate following an estimates hearing now reveal at least 28 of the 153 people released following the NZYQ decision have gone on to reoffend

Opposition Home Affairs spokesperson James Paterson and commentator Joe Hildebrand both urged Mr Albanese to take decisive action against Mr Giles this week

Hildebrand shared a similar thought, arguing that Mr Giles should be given the opportunity first to resign this week.

'If he doesn't, Anthony Albanese should sack him,' he said.

'It's no secret that I'm a bit soft on Albo and I love him very dearly, but this is just indefensible. It's absolutely appalling.

'This guy is a clown.'

The government introduced a suite of measures in an effort to combat the potential risks, including introducing ankle monitors.

However figures suggest as few as half of the detainees are subjected to the ankle monitors as part of their visa conditions.

'At least 28 members of the NZYQ cohort have reoffended after being released into the community,' Opposition Home Affairs spokesperson James Paterson said.

'How bad does the detainee crime spree need to get before they act?'
A family from Michigan are finally breathing a sigh of relief after squatters who moved in next door to them, disrupting the neighborhood for four years, have finally been removed.

Demarko Smith of Dowagiac, near South Bend, says his family lived in fear for their safety including that of his wife and child after one of their neighbors allowed a man, his dilapidated campers, and his friends to occupy her backyard.

The issues arose after the homeowner passed away. Despite the descendants family's attempting to reclaim the home and return it to the bank, lenient Michigan state squatter laws allowed the occupants to take over the property completely.

It saw Smith erected a six-foot fence around his yard to protect his own property from the constant disturbances next door - although at one point some men attempted to tear down the fence, leaving it partially damaged.

Demarko Smith of Dowagiac, near South Bend, Michigan says his family lived in fear for their safety including that of his wife and child after one of their neighbors allowed a man, his dilapidated campers, and his friends to occupy her backyard

Squatters living next door were finally removed from the home following years of illegal activity

Smith shared his delight the squatters had finally been removed in a posting to his personal Facebook page.

'Our nightmare, squatter neighbors is coming to an end as of today. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy it's been hell the last 4 years. Having to be on guard 24/7 at your own home is horrible,' he began.

'I can't believe the city/bank let this go on that long. They demolished the house, plumbing, electric furnace hole in the roof.

'From the 6 hour police stand off to the suspicious people walking around every night with flashlights in the backyard up to no good. Chemical smoke rolling out the wood burner. No electric, no running water. Lots of other things I don't even want to talk about.

'We have had to deal with the worst of the worst,' Smith explained before outlining the extensive security measures he had to implement.

'We spent thousands of dollars to upgrade security all the way around the house to keep my family safe. ADT Security. Motion detectors around the house. 120 dB outside siren. Fingerprint scan door knobs, 14 cameras with night vision motion detection. Seven day backup battery just in case power is cut,' Smith listed.

Smith posted a summary of everything he had to endure over the last few years in a Facebook posting

The home next door became a dumping ground for camper vans and waste

One of Smith's 14 cameras would capture the strange comings and goings to the home

'I am so glad this is finally over and I also want to thank the neighborhood for sticking together and Dowagiac Police for everything they did to help.'

Smith, who works as a DJ, described how he and his wife would spend at least four hours a day reviewing footage for anything untoward, even while he was working.

Yet despite numerous arrests and police interventions, the squatters continued to cause chaos.

Smith criticized the city for failing to address the problem adequately. 'You can write people a citation for their grass, and then you have people doing stuff like this and nothing happens,' he said.

Finally, after years of turmoil, the bank evicted the squatters.

'When they pulled out of there, we were on the front porch crying because we were so happy they left,' Smith said. Unfortunately, the squatters relocated to another street in the area, which happened to be the same street as Smith's mother-in-law.

'Now, they're mad over there,' he said.

Smith explained how the situation started off innocuously.

Night vision cameras captures unsettling behavior at all hours of the night

The house next door became a dumping ground for all kind of garbage

'When he moved in, he would just start bringing in trash, old washers, dryers. We hang out in our backyard. We have a movie theater and a bar, and there were just always random people back there,' he told Fox News.

'They had no running water, no electricity for about three years. He scrapped most of the electrical. He took the copper plumbing out and sold the furnace.

'We've got 14 cameras around our property,' Smith said. 'They did drugs over there, I already know that. I have people on camera walking in the house with backpacks and walking out of the house counting money. Some days, we couldn't go outside because it smelled like chemicals through the wood burner. The fire department went eight times. They caught the shed on fire in the backyard,' he went on.

Smith said that things were so bad that his little girl was unable to play outside because of the chemical burning.

The Smith's felt captive in their own home as they continually had to monitor cameras

Smith said he was not able to enjoy his outdoor hot tub or home cinema because there would be a smell of chemical burning floating across the fence from next door

'My wife and my daughter did not feel safe here  when I was gone, they felt terrified.We felt like we were backed into a corner,' he said.

Friends urged Smith and his wife to leave but after spending 16 years building their dream home that included a bar and hot tube, they refused to be driven out.

'To feel like that in your own home, it's really sad,' he said.

'We'd go on vacation, and sometimes we would cancel because I had a bad feeling. We stayed home countless summers. We couldn't enjoy ourselves because we had to worry about our house. I don't wish this on my worst enemy.'
Questions have been raised over why police did not confiscate guns from a man before he shot and killed a mother and her daughter while looking for his ex-wife.

Mark Bombara, 63, shot Jennifer Petelczyc, 53, and her 18-year-old daughter Gretl dead inside their Floreat home, in Perth's western suburbs, at about 4.30pm on Friday before turning the gun on himself.

Bombara, who is the registered owner of 13 guns including 11 longarm firearms and two handguns, was looking for his ex-wife and mother of their four adult children, Rowena.

Ms Bombara had been staying at her friend's Berkeley Crescent home on and off since separating from her husband on April 1.

Police seized Bombara's weapons during a search of his Mosman Park on Saturday, following the horrific double-murder suicide.

Mark Bombara (left) shot and killed a mother and her 18-year-old daughter before turning the gun on himself after he was unable to locate his ex-wife Rowena (right)

Jennifer Petelczyc, 53, (left) and her 18-year-old daughter Gretl (right) were killed inside their home

Questions have been raised whether cops should have seized Bombara's weapons sooner with the authority given to them under Section 24 of The 1973 Firearms Act.

'A member of the Police Force may seize and take possession of any firearm . . . if, in the opinion of the member of the Police Force, possession of it by that person may result in harm being suffered by any person,' section 24 of the Act states.

Shooters Union official and former police officer Steve Harrison said Section 24 allows police broad discretion to confiscate weapons if they believe the owner poses a threat.

'Section 24 reads succinctly and lends itself to being an effective, immediate action where any concern is held for either the firearm owner or others determined to be within the context of the risk for potential harm being done against them,' Mr Harrison told The West Australian.

'It requires a police officer to consider and decide if the powers are to be exercised. This is an on-the-spot tool, and there is no requirement for decision referral or a need for warrants.'

Under the clause, police do not need evidence of criminality or a lodged violence restraining order to confiscate the weapons.

It's understood police were aware of Bombara's cache of weapons when his ex-wife sought protection while moving out of their home on April 1.

However, police close to the investigation explained taking Bombara's guns might not have prevented the tragedy.

Bombara was the registered owner of 13 guns including 11 longarm and two collector's handguns. It's understood he used one of the handguns in the double-murder suicide

Bombara had no prior convictions or any record of violence restraining order against him, which means he would likely win a State Administrative Tribunal appeal and his weapons would have been returned.

Mr Papalia said Bombara became known to police after his ex-wife asked for officers to be present at the home while she packed her belongings due to 'Family Domestic Violence [FDV] related matters'.

'But none of those had been reported to police and he was not known to the police in any other way other than her approaching them at that time,' Mr Papalia said.

'Under the current laws, [Bombara] was still deemed a fit and proper person (to hold a firearm) . . . police act lawfully.

'[Bombara], sadly, was a fit and proper person right up until the time he committed that act.'

Under both current gun laws and proposed reforms, officers would still not have had the power to strip Bombara of his weapons when the FDV matters were first raised to police eight weeks ago.

Had Bombara been the subject of a violence restraining order or one had been lodged, police would have seized his weapons immediately.

Shadow Police Minister Paul Papalia (pictured) said the horror shooting demonstrated the need for tougher laws around gun ownership and regulations around the seizure of firearms

Mr Papalia said police would have been informed about the couple's history of domestic violence when Rowena requested police presence at her home.

He added police did not use the information for further investigation as it 'wouldn't have met the threshold for being an offence or something to charge'.

Bombara had 11 firearms under a recreational shooter's licence and two handguns under a collector licence.

It is understood the weapon used on Friday was one of the handguns.

The Western Australian government announced new gun laws on Monday, set to be put to parliament in the coming days.

In October, the WA government revealed proposed firearm law reforms that would limit the number of guns someone can own.

Under the Firearm Act review, recreational shooters would only be allowed five guns, while farmers and competitive shooters would be restricted to 10.

Gun owners would also have to undergo mental health checks and could lose their firearm licence automatically if a violence or family violence order is taken out on them.

If the bill passes through parliament, Western Australia will have the strictest gun legislation in the country.

Mr Papalia explained under the proposed gun reforms, Bombara would not be eligible to hold the two collector's handguns without a membership to a historical organisation.

Police could have seized Bombara's weapons eight weeks prior to the tragedy when Ms Bombara requested their presence to collect her things from their home (pictured, police removing a body from the murder scene)

Two young women lay a floral tribute at the murder scene

The new gun laws would have also restricted the number of weapons Bombara was allowed to own to just five.

Mr Papalia said the state's current gun laws as 'inadequate', claiming the violent attack demonstrated a need for tougher regulations.

'What it demonstrates is how our current laws are inadequate, and we need to address every part of the law to make them tougher, but particularly around this seizure of firearms at what point that seizure is made with respect to incidents of this nature,' Mr Papalia said.

'What we've asked the police to do is assess the circumstances and the nature of the contact between his ex-wife and the police and then this event and determine whether there are things we can do to toughen up laws.

'I think there is  I think we will be acting earlier to remove firearms from premises where there's potential for harm to be done.'

Premier Roger Cook said the Floreat tragedy highlighted the need for tougher laws surrounding gun ownership.

'There is no reason a person living in Mosman Park should be able to legally own 13 guns,' Premier Roger Cook said.

'It's hard to fathom. One man, 13 guns, legally owned, right in the suburbs of Perth.'

Bombara's ex-wife was not staying with Ms Petelczyc on Friday.

Mark and Rowena's adult children are (left to right) Isaac, Eden, Candice and Ariel Bombara

It's understood Bombara's ex-wife was not staying with Ms Petelczyc on Friday as she had left the property days before following a successful rental property application.

Daily Mail Australia understands Bombara shot each woman in separate rooms of the house before taking his own life, with police officers hearing the final shots as they raced up the road towards the scene.

The tragedy leaves eldest daughter Leisl Petelczyc, 23, who was not home at the time, as the only surviving member of the family after her father Jon died from pancreatic cancer in August 2019.

The Bombara children, Candice, Ariel, Isaac and Eden, have remained out of the public eye since the tragedy.

However, Candice and Isaac were spotted outside her East Freemantle home on Monday as they ventured out to run errands.

Returning to the property clutching a Woolworths shopping bag, Isaac respectfully declined to comment, saying he 'didn't care' to talk about what happened.

For confidential 24/7 support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800 RESPECT.
Her ex, Andrew Cormier, 37, said he has full custody of their two children

She previously posted a video of her crying as she baked a cake without her kids

The mom who went viral for sobbing as she baked a birthday cake has slammed her ex-husband for sharing her dark past.

Elizabeth Teckenbrock, 29, from Tampa, Florida, went viral after sharing a clip on TikTok showing the difficulty of being a single parent which has amassed more than 53million views.

In response, her ex-husband, Andrew Cormier, 37, made a series of bombshell claims and said he is in full custody of their two children that she barely sees because she 'goes out all the time.'

On Monday Teckenbrock uploaded a video and said: 'I will proudly say, without a doubt, I know who I am. I know that I'm a good mother, that I love my children.

'I've made mistakes in my life, yes, I did get arrested, that's not something that I've even remotely denied. I've actually touched base on that before on my page.'

Elizabeth Teckenbrock, 29, from Tampa, Florida, posted a video on Monday in response to her ex-husband, Andrew Cormier, 37, sharing her dark past

Cormier alleged that his ex-wife was previously arrested for fraud. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed Teckenbrock was taken into custody in August 2023 on third degree grand theft and cash or deposit item with intent to defraud.

'I went through some pretty bad mental things as I was about a year out from getting divorced. And then when I left, even worse, I was going out all the time, I made a bunch of mistakes,' she added, revealing that she was arrested for 'writing a bad check.'

Since her mistakes, the single mother said that she has tried to 'rebuild her life' while struggling with mental illness.

'It's really hard to come out of anything like that, especially when you're being torn down at the same time.'

Teckenbrock added that 'regardless of her mistakes,' she 'devotes' her time to her children.

'No hate to his father whatsoever, but I was a single mom at the age of 16 years old. I have struggled since being emotionally distraught, I guess you would say,' she said as she teared up.

Teckenbrock said that she didn't make the video to 'bash' Cormier, but wanted to make it clear that her mistakes don't define her as a mother.

On Friday, Cormier made a series of bombshell claims and said he is in full custody of their two young girls that she barely sees because she 'goes out all the time'

'I got on here to defend myself,' she said.

'My whole page has never been discussing him whatsoever. I never cared to, I never wanted to bring him down no matter the amount of pain I was feeling, but I also got to the point this past week where I did not have a choice to defend myself.'

She admitted that during her divorce she 'lost herself' but has fought to be 'the best mom since then.'

On Friday, her ex-husband made a series of bombshell allegations in response to her crying as she made a birthday cake for herself.

'Being a single mom is making your own birthday cake on your birthday so that your babies can feel happy they are singing to you,' Teckenbrock said in her dramatic TikTok.

Cormier said: 'Right now I have full custody of our kids,' he said. 'This is our parent agreement. As you can see, I have all weekdays and weekends, time sharing with the kids on holiday academic breaks.

'People that follow her are giving her praise and showing them telling her how strong and how you know amazing, she's doing well, she's really not a full time mom. She barely has her kids. She goes out all the time.'

eckenbrock was taken into custody in August 2023 on third degree grand theft and cash or deposit item with intent to defraud

She responded to Cormier's claims and accused him of being 'extremely abusive' before admitting she does not have custody of their kids but that she does see them

The following day, Teckenbrock accused him of being 'extremely abusive' before admitting she does not have custody of their kids but that she does see them.

'Andrew is extremely, extremely abusive and has always been extremely abusive,' she claimed.

'First I'll start by the custody, okay, because that's what we're all talking about. I see my children, I see all my children.

'I'm the one who hosts their birthday parties. I'm the one who puts them to bed. I'm the one who does everything until he pulls them away.'

Cormier denied her claims and said he has never abused Teckenbrock.

Teckenbrock insisted the incident began after she went for a birthday dinner with her friends after her daughter's recital.

She said: 'It was a late dinner at nine o'clock and I said to him after the dance recital, I'm going to go to the dinner but I'm still free for the rest of the weekend for the girls.

'He said "No, you made the decision to go to dinner, you will not see them on your birthday".'

The emotional mother told Newsweek that it was her first time spending her birthday alone.

Teckenbrock's Linkedin shows that she is the founder of 'Fear to Fierce,' a domestic violence non-profit that helps women

'Typically I would have family... but all of my family is far this year, and it is just me living in Tampa,' she said.

'But as I was making the cake, I was emotional and started crying which I was not expecting. It was an emotional day. I was so upset at the time. Truth be told I don't love cake. It was all for them.'

Teckenbrock's Linkedin shows that she is the founder of 'Fear to Fierce,' which is a non-profit organization 'committed to assist survivors of domestic violence through support services and advocacy, empowering women to stand against fear and embrace their inherent fierceness.'

She attended Purdue University where she earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, according to her Linkedin. She now lives in Tampa, Florida.
Robotic porpoise takes to the water in Chinas Shenyang

People's Daily Online) 11:00, May 28, 2024

Shenyang Aerospace Xinguang Group has spent over a decade developing robotic replicas of Yangtze finless porpoises, whale sharks, rays and other marine animals. The company even produced the world's first intelligent robotic whale shark. These products can be equipped with various sensors to monitor water quality, survey underwater terrain, and serve other special purposes.

(Intern Jiang Yinghan contributed to this story.)

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Du Mingming)
Visitors to the Welsh coast were greeted with a spectacle during the bank holiday weekend when a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins put on a display.

Boat trippers in New Quay Bay, Ceredigion watched in awe as the mammals jumped out of the sea in extraordinary scenes on Saturday.

The dolphins took turns showing off their best moves, jumping out of the water in full sight of the tourists.

Sarah Michelle Wyer, a marine zoologist and wildlife guide for Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips, told the Mail: We dont see them (Bottlenose Dolphins) on every trip we do but when we see them performing, it never gets old.

They are frustrating as their so unpredictable, but visibility is better when the sea is better like on Saturday.

Bottlenose dolphins put on a show at the weekend, jumping out of the sea at New Quay Bay in West Wales on Saturday afternoon, entertaining people on a boat trip

Sarah Michelle Wyer, a marine zoologist and wildlife guide for Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips, told the Mail: We dont see them (Bottlenose Dolphins) on every trip we do but when we see them performing, it never gets old

Bottlenose Dolphins are commonly found along the west coast of Wales but are found across the UK

Ms Wyer, 30, described how the pod of around eight Bottlenose Dolphins were visible to those on the beach and to onlookers from the pier.

On the boat, the Ermol VI, Ms Wyer was giving a tour of the bay when the dolphins began to go crazy.

As a zoologist, she described the Bottlenose as playful creatures who love to interact with boatloads of tourists.

She added: One guest said it crossed off a dream from her bucket list- its really special to be part of the experience.

Across Britain, the bank holiday weekend saw a typical mix of sunshine, showers and some longer spells of rain.

Saturday was the best day of the weekend, with dry conditions and temperatures reaching the low 20s.

However, thundery downpours on Sunday brought the sunny spell to an end.

The dolphins took turns showing off their best moves, jumping out of the water in full sight of the tourists

Marine zoologist Sarah Michelle Wyer took the photos while working as a wildlife guide for Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips

While conditions in the South were drier on Monday, the north of England and Scotland saw heavy showers.

Bottlenose Dolphins are commonly found along the west coast of Wales but are found across the UK.

Cardigan Bay in the west of Wales is home to Bottlenose Dolphins all year round and the summer months offer the best chance to spot them.

Estimates from the UKs Marine and Monitoring Assessment Strategy suggest there are 700 coastal bottlenose dolphins in the UK, with four separate pods in the Wales, Southwest England and the East and West coasts of Scotland.

Identified by their short beaks and large sickle-shaped dorsal fins, Bottlenose Dolphins are known for their boisterous behaviour, often splashing and breaching to show off in front of the boats of tourists flocking to see them.
As Donald Trump's hush money trial heads toward conclusion, many have noted that the Trump Organization's longtime Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg never testified.

Closing arguments are coming as early as Tuesday in the case. Trump posted an angry missive to Judge Juan Merchan on Truth Social Monday.

Weisselberg, 76 - currently serving a five-month prison sentence at Rikers' Island in New York after pleading guilty to perjury in a separate civil case - was alleged to have been in the room when Trump plotted a $420,000 payout to fixer Michael Cohen.

However, the very perjury conviction that sees Weisselberg spending his second stint behind bars is why the prosecution didn't call him to the stand at any point during the trial.

The loyal Trump executive, who worked for the family for 50 years, was last month convicted of lying under oath. He had told the court he didn't know how Trump's Manhattan penthouse ended up being listed as three times its actual size in the company's financial statements.

As Donald Trump's hush money trial heads toward conclusion, many have noted that the Trump Organization's longtime Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg never testified

Trump's lawyers are expected to make Weisselberg's absence a key part of their closing statement.

The New York Times reports that their argument that he would be the only person who could confirm the meeting between Trump and Cohen in 2017, with Cohen an unreliable narrator with a grudge against Trump.

Prosecutors have attempted to get Weisselberg to flip on Trump for years but he is apparently so loyal, prosecution didn't even bother contacting his legal team ahead of the trial.

They doubted, given Weisselberg's convictions for perjury and loyalty to Trump, he would tell the truth on the stand and that the jury would believe him even if he did.

Judge Merchan even, at one point in the case, asked both sides if they'd tried to get him to testify, with both saying they hadn't.

'The reason Mr. Weisselberg is not a witness to either side is because the district attorney's office initiated a perjury prosecution in the lead-up to this case,' said Trump lawyer Emil Bove at the time.

Weisselberg came up multiple times during the trial, however, with Cohen saying he was a part of the decision to pay Daniels.

'He stated to me that he had spoken to some friends, some individuals, very smart people, and that its $130,000. Youre like a billionaire. Just pay it. There is no reason to keep this thing out there. So do it,' Cohen said.

Weisselberg, 76 - currently serving a five-month prison sentence at Rikers' Island in New York after pleading guilty to perjury in a separate civil case - was alleged to have been in the room when Trump plotted a $420,000 payout to fixer Michael Cohen

The loyal Trump executive, who worked for the family for 50 years, was last month convicted of lying under oath. He had told the court he didn't know how Trump's Manhattan penthouse ended up being listed as three times its actual size in the company's financial statements

'And he expressed to me: Just do it. Go meet up with Allen Weisselberg and figure this whole thing out,' he added.

Jeffrey McConney, the Trump Organizations former controller, could not verify Weisselberg being in the room for the payout agreement but testified about working with Weisselberg to set up payments to Cohen, including reimbursement for the $130,000 payment to Daniels, a bonus and money for taxes.

Deborah Tarasoff, the Trump Organizations accounts payable supervisor, testified about processing the payments to Cohen, including receiving checks that Trump had signed at the White House.

Under defense questioning, she acknowledged permission to cut Cohens checks came not from Trump himself, but from Weisselberg and McConney.

Meanwhile, Trump spent a piece of his Memorial Day posting to Truth Social, asking why Judge Merchan didn't allow Mark Pomerantz to testify.

Pomerantz, a former senior prosecutor in the Manhattan DA's office who investigated of Trump's business dealings, has said the former president ran 'an empire built on lies.'

'Could somebody please ask Judge Merchan, whatever happened to MARK POMERANTZ, the man Alvin Bragg was furious at for the things he did on this contrived and unconstitutional case, and why wasnt he allowed to testify?'

Trump also wanted to know why election expert Brad Smith and Bob Costello were 'shut down' by Merchan.

Trump spent a piece of his Memorial Day posting to Truth Social, asking why Judge Merchan didn't allow Mark Pomerantz to testify

'And then, of course, theres the BIGGEST EVENT OF THEM ALL, but Im not allowed to talk about it because Im under an illegal and unconstitutional GAG ORDER. This is the Biden White House at work. ELECTION INTERFERENCE!'

Closing arguments will kick off Tuesday morning as the case comes to a close nearly six grueling weeks later.

Prosecutors have a high bar to reach in order to convince the 12-person New York jury that Trump conspired to help his 2016 election campaign by paying pornstar Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about their alleged sexual encounters.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's team will wrap up all the evidence and witness testimony they claim is sufficient enough to nail Trump on 34 felony counts of 'falsifying business records.'

After testimony by 22 witnesses, some salacious and some dull, and pages of documents and evidence - it all comes down to whether the prosecution or defense has better laid out their case.

Trump's attorney team is expected to lay out a strong defense of the former president, distancing him from Cohen's payments to Stormy Daniels.

They will also reiterate several of their strongest points, that hush money payments are not illegal and Trump solely wanted to spare his family humiliation from Stormy's alleged affair claims.

Closing arguments will kick off Tuesday morning as the case comes to a close nearly six grueling weeks later

Trump's attorney team is expected to lay out a strong defense of the former president, distancing him from Cohen's payments to Stormy Daniels

Perhaps the strongest strategy that will be employed by Trump's team is attacking the credibility of the prosecution's 'star witness' Michael Cohen.

The defense only needs to convince one juror out of the 12 total that there isn't sufficient evidence 'beyond a reasonable doubt' to prove Trump is guilty to hand the ex-president a victory in the case.

If there is at least one holdout on convicting Trump, a 'hung jury' would be declared by the judge sparking a mistrial.

The outcome of the case could be resolved in one of three manners: an acquittal, a conviction or a mistrial.

If Trump is convicted, his team will likely start the appeals process, which could take years.

It is unlikely that Trump, if found guilty, would be sentenced before the 2024 election in November.
France has warned that 'civil unrest' could follow the implementation of strict new EU border controls requiring British holidaymakers to have their photograph and fingerprints taken before entering the bloc.

'It is a challenge and we must not get this wrong,' French transport minister Patrice Vergriete told aviation executives, warning 'serious operational problems' could create queues of tourists at airports and lead to the 'disruption' of public order.

Mr Vergriete said last week preparations for the summer Olympics in Paris were still taking priority, despite alerting the interior minister to concerns.

'We have little visibility and are doubtful about police numbers and technology,' he lamented.

From October, British and non-EU passport holders will have to go through fingerprint checks and face scans under the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). The system will check each passenger's name and biometric data when they enter an EU country.

It will replace the stamping of passports, which began after Brexit when the UK became a 'third country' to the bloc  meaning it is not a member state and does not have the right to free movement within the EU.

French transport minister Patrice Vergriete (pictured) said he was 'worried' about the new automated border measures which are set to come into force from October

British and non-EU passport holders will have to go through fingerprint checks and face scans under the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). (File photo)

'I cannot say that we are not working hard to ensure that we are as operational as possible,' he told the French National Federation of Aviation and its Trades (FNAM) conference.

'I cannot say that collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior is going badly, that would be lying but I fear problems.'

The transport minister said he had asked the EU for a delay to the new system being rolled out but he fears this is unlikely.

It had been scheduled to come into force before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but this has since been delayed.

'I'm even going to ask for a further postponement, but it seems difficult to me to get it from the European authorities,' Mr Vergriete added.

'We will do our utmost to be on time, and we are all aware that things are not going to run totally smoothly'.

Mr Vergriete is not the first minister to raise concerns over the new e-gate system.

Lord Cameron, James Cleverly and Mark Harper have all raised concerns about the new system with French ministers, noting that the changes could lead to travel chaos, the Telegraph previously reported.

Queues at the Port of Dover - one of the locations where the new border checks will be in place

People queue for Eurostar train services at St Pancras International station as they make their Easter getaway in London, Britain, 29 March 2024

Each time visitors try to cross into the continent, they will have to show a facial image and provide four fingerprints

One senior Government source familiar with the discussions on the new checks told the newspaper: 'The main risk is that we are in the hands of the French in those places where there is going to be disruption on UK soil.'

Lord Cameron previously said he was 'really worried' about delays and said the technology 'still needs testing and improving' as he pointed to 'choke points' at Dover and St Pancras.

Airlines are set to be concerned that tourists will face severe delays in both departures and arrivals.

Meanwhile Eurotunnel estimate that the average time of processing a car at Dover will rise from less than a minute to up to seven minutes - partially because visitors will not be able to have their passports checked at windows and will instead need to exit vehicles and use the e-gates.
READ MORE: Why it is so rainy on Australia's east coast even though the country is in 'El Nino'

Most of Australia will be hit with wet weather this week as a cold front sweeps across the country.

Bureau of Meteorology's Mirian Bradbury said the front would hit the WA coast on Tuesday before reaching South Australia and the Northern Territory on Wednesday and moving into the eastern states on Thursday.

As the rain front moves to the WA border, it will likely tap into tropical moisture from the Indian Ocean, Ms Bradbury said.

'That's going to give fuel to any showers or possible showers that develop along this front line.

Weatherzone has reported up to 80 per cent of Australia could be hit with a downpour, due in part to a potential second rain system hitting Western Australia over the weekend.

The rain front will hit the eastern states from Thursday. Picture: BOM

Across Perth, 15mm to possibly 50mm of rain is expected to fall from Tuesday to Thursday.

Adelaide could receive between 8mm and 25mm across Thursday and Friday.

Melbourne could see between 2mm and 18mm on Thursday and Friday while Sydney could receive up to 55mm from Friday to Sunday.

But the rain won't end there, with Weatherzone and BOM both predicting a second rain-bearing system to bring more rain to WA from Saturday or Sunday.

The rainfall front will deliver wet weather to parts of Australia that have so far suffered a rainfall 'deficit' this year, Ms Bradbury said, including Perth and Adelaide.
A fraudster has been jailed for three years after scamming a former EastEnders actress by pretending she was making a documentary about Hillary Clinton.

Anne Mulloy, 63, told her friend Helena Breck she needed money for expenses for more than five years despite never starting with the film.

Mulloy  who is also known as Anne Leuser  claimed she knew Mrs Clinton and would be getting behind-the-scenes access to her 2016 presidential campaign.

But her plot was rumbled and yesterday at Peterhead Sheriff Court she was jailed by Sheriff Craig Findlater for three years.

Ms Breck, who played Albert Square's Elizabeth Willmott-Brown, said: 'She has shown no remorse for the trust that she has abused, the pain she has caused, or the crimes that she commits.

A fraudster has been jailed for three years after scamming a former EastEnders actress by pretending she was making a documentary about Hillary Clinton (pictured in 2004)

But her plot was rumbled and yesterday at Peterhead Sheriff Court (pictured) she was jailed by Sheriff Craig Findlater for three years

Ms Breck, who played Albert Square's (pictured) Elizabeth Willmott-Brown, said: 'She has shown no remorse for the trust that she has abused, the pain she has caused, or the crimes that she commits'

'I'll never recover financially from the damage that she has caused.'

Earlier this year Mulloy was found guilty of fraud between October 2011 and April 2017 by asking Ms Breck for loans for expenses she didn't intend to repay.

The Fraserburgh woman had been repeatedly sent money by her one-time friend as she continued with the scam. One spreadsheet created by Ms Breck and revealed to the court had shown a figure dated on April 1, 2016, as being around 114,000.

Mulloy said she had been making a documentary on Mrs Clinton. But this was not true, with the fantasist's lies having been exposed in 2017 when she was jailed in London for trying to dupe filmmakers out of 120,000 for a documentary on the leading Democrat.
An Australian dad allegedly caught with meth in Bali is 'suffering withdrawals' from the drug in a rehab facility where he is unable to leave his room for the first week of his stay, staff have claimed.

Troy Smith (pictured with wife Tracy) has been charged with drug trafficking

Troy Smith, from Port Lincoln in South Australia, was allegedly caught with 3.19g of methamphetamine at Champlung Mas Hotel in Legian, Bali, on April 30.

Police allegedly found a further 0.4g of the drug that had been brought into the Indonesian country, along with a bong and a lighter.

The 49-year-old was initially charged with drug possession, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years, but was later charged with drug trafficking which could see him locked up for life.

He was initially being held in a shared prison cell with a dozen other inmates and only had a bucket to use as a toilet.

However, on Wednesday, Smith was transferred to the Anargya Sober House Bali rehabilitation facility where he will remain while facing his charges.

Riska Andari, Smith's clinical case manager, said a pre-assessment report had shown the father-of-two had tried to take his own life on three occasions, and had battled with drug and alcohol abuse for years.

'[The initial report] shows he used meth almost every day, which is one sign of high-risk addiction and that he needed immediate help through rehab,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

Ms Andari said Smith had been using meth since 2019 and first went to rehab for alcohol in 2013.

It's understood Smith has been to rehab for alcohol four times.

Smith was transferred to the Anargya Sober House Bali rehabilitation facility where he will remain while facing his charges

Yarianto Telaumbanua, the Recovery Unit Director of the facility, said Smith was still experiencing withdrawals and they wouldn't be able to assess him for another week.

'Physically he's good, but we can't do an assessment right now because he's still [going through] withdrawal,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Mr Telaumbanua said he had spoken to the Australian on Friday but he 'was not focused' and had difficulty speaking.

Smith is also experiencing headaches and will stay inside his room for the first week.

'In about a week we can talk to him,' Mr Telaumbanua said.

'What I see when people get withdrawals is they're not conscious when you talk to them.'

Recovery Unit Director of the facility, Yarianto Telaumbanua, is seen in the common area of the rehab facility

The daily routine of patients at the sober house is pictured

Mr Telaumbanua said the treatment centre uses the 12-step program for helping addicts, including counselling and educating them on addiction.

Staff are at the clinic 24 hours a day.

He added it was a better alternative to jail because it can 'make them a better life for when they come out of here'.

Some patients are allowed to go on excursions to the beach as part of the treatment centre's wellness programs to help 'clear' their minds.

Mr Telaumbanua said Smith was 'different to other clients' because he was facing a criminal case in Indonesia.

Daily Mail Australia was not granted access to the patients' rooms but was able to see a common area where lectures and meetings are sometimes held.

A timetable with patients' daily routines was also seen in the communal area.

Patients, or 'clients' as the centre refers to them, wake up at 8am then carry out chores and wash up before breakfast at 9am.

Workshops and lectures, including group work, are held for patients before dinner at 7pm, with bedtime listed between 10pm and 10.30pm.

Those staying at the treatment centre can have visitors on weekends and some free time during the week.

The rehab facility also offers exclusive retreats ranging from three to 30 days.

Troy Smith, 49, has been moved from a crowded prison cell to a rehabilitation centre, in what could be seen as a positive move for the Australian father

Smith's new wife Tracy Ijusa will be able to visit him in rehab.

The pair, who met on Tinder, wed in her hometown of Nairobi, Kenya, in December.

'Troy is coming to terms with his addiction and has begun the difficult journey to recovery,' said John McLeod, the director of the consultancy firm Mr Smith's family hired following his arrest.

'He is now clean from drugs and alcohol, and the sobering reflection of the pain and suffering he has caused his loved ones over the years is real and confronting.

'Tracy will be able to visit Troy under the policies of the rehabilitation facility; no special arrangements have been made.'

Mr McLeod, a high-profile fixer who runs Tora Solutions, helped free Schapelle Corby from the notorious Kerobokan Prison in 2014 after she was charged with drug trafficking.

Smith had recently been travelling around the world with his wife Tracy. They are seen at a wildlife conservation park in Nairobi

It had been reported that Mr Smith was struggling in the crowded concrete cell at police headquarters in Denpasar with only a bucket to use as a toilet.

Mr Smith's lawyer, Edward Pangkahila, said Mr Smith had been crying in jail and was very stressed following the charges.

Mr Smith's lawyers said the drug package was allegedly sent to him by a friend as thanks for helping with the purchase of a car, and Mr Smith did not know what it contained.

At a press conference, one of Mr Smith's lawyers, Sienny Karmana, claimed his client had tried to evade arrest 'because he was scared', with police firing two warning shots into the air before he was detained.

'Police said he tried to run away, but police got him back. They fired shots into the air, he was surprised and then he fell down and then police got him,' she said.

Mr Smith's alcoholism resulted in his children cutting off contact with him and his marriage breaking down.

Mr Smith's wife Tracy Ijusa (pictured) is seen being turned away from seeing her husband on May 13

Just weeks ago, he was enjoying a globetrotting life as a newlywed, having tied the knot with his wife.

'I've had an interesting last twelve years,' Mr Smith said in a video.

'Chronic alcoholic, absolutely hit rock bottom. You couldn't have drunk any more than me.

'I didn't see any way out and I probably should be dead to be honest. Kids don't speak to me anymore.

'But then in the most bizarre of circumstances, in a Tinder meeting I met this girl in Nairobi and I've since been to Bali.

'Now I'm loving life. This girl gives me motivation to do everything. She's my life now.'

Smith will face court next month.
Criminal who self-identifies to be allowed to stay in Australia

A criminal Sudanese migrant who self-identifies as an Aboriginal man will be allowed to stay in Australia.

The man, also known as RCWV, was born in Khartoum and spent the first 20 years of his life in Africa before moving to Australia on a protection visa.

The visa was revoked after a series of convictions for knife crime, car theft and serious driving offences that left one victim with life-threatening injuries.

RCWV was also found guilty of breaching apprehended violence orders, stalking, and attacking an Aboriginal woman, The Australian reported.

His protection visa was then revoked meaning RCWV faced deportation.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal reversed a decision to cancel his visa under Direction 99 - an edict issued by Immigration Minister Andrew Giles in January 2023.

A Sudanese man who self-identifies as Aboriginal and has a long criminal history will be allowed to stay in Australia under Direction 99 (pictured, Villawood Detention Centre)

The direction asks the tribunal to take into consideration whether a non-citizen who commits a crime has spent their formative years in Australia.

In his submission to the tribunal, RCWV wrote that he had become a cherished member of his local community during his 15 years in Australia.

He said he was in a 10-year partnership with an Aboriginal woman, the same woman he was found guilty of attacking, and that they had three children together.

'I self-identify as an Aboriginal person and consider Australia to be my country,' he wrote in his submission.

'I have been accepted by the Indigenous people of this country through its customs and tradition in a smoking ceremony.

'I also learnt a lot about Aboriginal culture, was taught how to paint Aboriginal art and have also played digeridoo (sic) in the past.'

The AAT ultimately ruled the man should be allowed to remain in Australia.

It comes as a man who raped his 14-year-old stepdaughter while her mother gave birth to her sibling in hospital also had his visa reinstated under Direction 99.

The 37-year-old New Zealand man, known as CHCY, was found guilty in 2022 of nine counts of 'indecent treatment' including rape against the teenager.

Direction 99, issued by Mr Giles (pictured) in January 2023, asks that the AAT to make 'ties to Australia' a primary concern during visa determinations

On two occasions after he had raped his stepdaughter, the man went into her room, climbed into her bed and rubbed her body.

At his sentencing, the judge told CHCY that he would lose his Australian visa and that he 'may well be deported'.

Given the offender had first moved to Australia when he was 17-years-old, AAT ruled the New Zealand man had spent his formative years overseas.

It comes after a man who walked free from immigration detention following a successful appeal to AAT allegedly murdered a man just weeks later.

Emmanuel Saki, 29, who arrived from Sudan with his family aged 12, was charged with murder after the death of Bosco Minyurano, 22, on May 12.

Given Saki arrived in Australia as a child, the tribunal determined he had 'considerable' ties to Australia and reversed the cancellation of his visa.

'The Minister accepted that considerable weight should be given to the fact that the Applicant has been ordinarily resident in Australia during and since his formative years and accepted that this primary consideration weighs in the Applicant's favour,' AAT deputy president Stephen Boyle wrote.

'I agree that that is the case.'

Direction 99, issued by Mr Giles in January 2023, asks the AAT to make 'ties to Australia' a primary concern during visa determinations.

Since then, 35 offenders - including CHCY - have had their AAT findings overturned and have been allowed to remain in Australia.
The Denver Police Department has launched a new program that will include the use of drones as a tool to help officers respond to 911 calls.

The law enforcement agency that was recently defunded by millions to pay for migrants is now launching its own drone program, along with other Colorado police departments.

Robert White, the former chief of The Denver Police Department originally disagreed with the use of drones in 2013 and in 2018, and the agency's only drone was shelved.

Now, the department is planning on using a $100,000 grant from the Denver Police Foundation to start the program. Denver police plan to buy several drones with that money, and begin their drone program within six to 12 months.

'We would never simply replace calls-for-service response by police officers,' Phil Gonshak, director of the departments Strategic Initiatives Bureau told The Denver Post.

The Denver Police Department has launched a new program that will see the use of drones introduced to help officers respond to calls. In some instances, a drone may be deployed to verify reports made to 911 or assess their severity

'The DPD would respond to any call for service where someone is physically requesting a police officer on scene. But if there was a fight at Colfax and Cherokee and we put a drone in the air and there is no fight and nothing causing traffic issues, then we would reroute our police officers to other emergent calls.'

'Its beginning to lift off,' Gonshak said.

'The long-term scope of what we are trying to do is drones as first responders,' he added.

'Basically, having stations on top of each one of our districts so we can respond with drones to critical needs or emergencies that arise throughout the city.'

The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office, based in Centennial, Colorado, has been using the robotic flying devices since 2017.

'This really is the future of law enforcement at some point, whether we like it or not,' Sgt. Jeremiah Gates, who leads the drone unit at the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office, said.

Robert White, the former of The Denver Police Department originally disagreed with the use of drones in 2013 and in 2018, the agency's only drone was shelved

The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office has 14 pilots that have used 20 drones to conduct tasks, including tracking fleeing suspects, searching for missing people, providing overhead surveillance during SWAT operations, and mapping crash or crime scenes.

Gates said that the department is now considering using its drones to respond ahead of officers and in some rare instances, instead of them attending at all.

If a drone is deployed before an officer responds to a call, it could map out the area and send live streamed video footage back to the cop before they arrive.

In the case that a drone is flown to the scene of a 911 call, the device will be able to determine the severity of the call to inform officers if they need to respond.

'I could fly the drone over (a reported suspicious vehicle) and say, "Hey, that vehicle is not out of place," and I never had to send an officer over to bother them and I can clear it with that,' Gates said. 'Its saving resources.'

The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office, based in Centennial, Colorado, has been using the robotic flying devices since 2017. (pictured: officers testing out a drone)

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office is still in the 'very early stages' as they have to consider the cost, public opinion, and determine what kind of equipment will be needed to operate the drones for emergency calls.

Gates said that the flying devices could also be used to respond to traffic light outages by sending a live video to officers.

He added that the remote devices would get to emergency scenes faster than a cop would as they won't have to deal with traffic congestion in the area.

Gates told The Denver Post: 'What if we get a call about someone with a gun, and the drone is able to get overhead and see its not a gun before law enforcement ever contacts them?'

The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office has 14 pilots that have used 20 drones to conduct tasks, including tracking fleeing suspects, searching for missing people and providing overhead surveillance during SWAT operations

While Gates is for the use of drones, American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado staff attorney Laura Moraff, is worried that law enforcement agencies using drones could impact people's rights.

'Were worried about what it would mean if drones were really just all over the skies in Colorado,' Moraff said.

'We are worried about what that would mean for First Amendment activities, for speech and organizing and protesting  because being surveilled by law enforcement, including by drones, can change the way people speak and protest.'

Moraff also expressed concern that the deployment of drones could result in 'more over-policing'.

'We know there is a problem with people reporting Black people doing normal everyday things as if there is something suspicious going on,' she said.

'So sending out a drone for any time there is a 911 call, it could be dangerous and lead to more over-policing of communities of color.

'There is also just the risk that the more that we normalize having drones in the skies, the more it can really affect behavior on a massive scale, if we are just looking up and seeing drones all over the place, knowing that police are watching us.'

Sgt. Jeremiah Gates said that the remote devices would get to emergency scenes faster than a cop would as they won't have to deal with congested traffic in the area

Meanwhile, Littleton Police Department only uses drones 'proactively during large public events to monitor certain areas,' spokeswoman Sheera Poelman said.

The Loveland Police Department used a drone to deliver a defibrillator to a patient before paramedics and authorities were able to respond, Sgt. Bryan Bartnes said.

'One drawback to it is, obviously, it requires the citizen on scene to apply it and put it on,' Bartnes said. 'Drones don't do that yet.'

The largest drone that the Loveland Police Department has can carry up to 16lbs, Bartnes explained.

Ben Birdsell, the Commerce Police Department's community service officer supervisor said that the agency plans to launch drones for 911 calls within the next year.

'What we see out of it is, its a lot cheaper than an officer, basically,' he said.

Drones have to be flown at a limited range as they have to operate in the line of sight to the pilot, and have to follow the Federal Aviation Administration regulations around flights.

Drones have be flown at a limited range as they have to operate in the line of site to the pilot, and have to follow the Federal Aviation Administration regulations around flights. (pictured: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office tests out using a drone in law enforcement)

White said that kickstarting a drone program for the Denver Police Department would cost about $1.5million to $2million.

The department has already drafted up a 'Drones as a First Responder Program' policy and have several trained pilots on the force.

Denver Police spokesman Doug Schepman said that the agency's SWAT team uses a single drone for limited indoor searches and can use it for emergency response upon approval.

'So there is no question about what we are doing, because I know there is concern about us flying drones and peering through windows without search warrants,' Gonshak said.

In April, the Denver City Councils Finance and Governance Committee approved plans to defund the police as the ongoing migrant crisis has cost city about $89.9million

'We want to be very public-conscientious in our efforts.'

In April, the Denver City Councils Finance and Governance Committee approved plans to defund the police as the ongoing migrant crisis has cost the democrat-led city about $89.9million.

The finance committee determined that $41 million in cuts from multiple city departments is needed to house migrants, KDVR reported.

Following the decision, the department experienced $8.4million budget cuts, including the sheriffs office which lost $3.8million, and the fire department that lost $2.4million.

The sanctuary city's progressive Mayor Mike Johnston unveiled the budget proposal, allocating $89.9million to assist incoming undocumented migrants, who he referred to as 'newcomers.'
A popular Las Vegas restaurant chain was issued a cease and desist after it hosted a calamitous Bluey themed event for families.

Dirt Dog put on a free event on May 11 that advertised games, treats, face painting, and the chance to meet Bluey - a popular Australian children's cartoon dog.

However, the operation went downhill when hundreds of parents and children lined up down the block to meet Bluey, only to be greeted by 'a guy in a onesie,' as described by one off-put customer.

The restaurant offered to host a redo event, but will no longer be able to because the shows exclusive licensee BBC Studios order a cease and desist of the event.

They said the unauthorized event is 'likely to cause confusion and harm BBC Studios, Ludo Studio, and the BLUEY franchise,' according a copy of the letter obtained by FOX5.

Popular Las Vegas restaurant chain Dirt Dog was issued a cease and desist by BBC Studios after it hosted a disastrous Bluey themed event

The restaurant offered to host a makeup event after hundreds of parents and children lined up down the block to meet Bluey, only to be greeted by 'a guy in a onesie'

'BBC Studios has learned from press reports that you held a prior BLUEY DAY event that "descended into chaos" with crying children and disappointed parents,' the legal document said.

'To prevent all further harm, BBC Studios demands that you cancel all planned BLUEY DAY events and that you immediately and permanently cease offering any services or products in connection with or that use in any way the BLUEY mark, any confusingly similar variations thereof, and/or any images of characters that are the exclusive intellectual property of Ludo Studio.'

Outraged customers had previously flooded the restaurant's Facebook page with negative reviews of the event.

Patrons said the face painting was done poorly by the untrained staff of the dining establishment, and the treats for the kids were gone before everyone made it inside.

Some parents also complained about the cleanliness of the restaurant and the guy inside the Bluey costume's apparent disinterest in the kids.

The cease and desist said the unauthorized event is 'likely to cause confusion and harm BBC Studios, Ludo Studio, and the BLUEY franchise'

Patrons said the face painting was done poorly by the untrained staff of the dining establishment, and the treats for the kids were gone before everyone made it inside

'I get it needed to be quick designs, but whiskers and a paw print? The promised "treats" were cupcakes you needed to pay for. We saw no games and no activities,' wrote one parent.

'Temu Bluey costume and decorations from Dollar Tree featured at Dirt Dog Las Vegas Rainbow! Thanks for ruining my 3-year-old's day!' wrote another scorned mother.

'My son was heartbroken & I already drove 45min. We love dirt dog... but this time my friends you messed up. Bad Marketing, bad thinking, you really let my son down,' wrote a third.

Dirt Dog responded to the news of the cease and desist saying they only had good intentions and plan on hosting other non-Bluey themed community events.

'With a heavy heart, we have to announce that we can no longer host a Bluey event for our community, the staff from Las Vegas to Los Angeles are completely disappointed with this news,' the restaurant said.

'We only had the purest intentions to give back to those around us. We sincerely hope the Vegas community will forgive us and continue to support us as we are still pushing forward in our community involvement.

'We will continue to host more family events to give back to the families that continue to support us. We will be hosting our Farmers Market for our local entrepreneurs on June 29, 2024, including a coloring station for kids, carnival games, free slushies and so much more.'

'We hope everyone affected by the previous event will come out and support small businesses in our community.'
A blood-detection dog has joined the desperate search for a mother who gave birth to a baby by a riverbank as police reveal a new area of interest.

Emergency services were called to the banks of the Cooks River in Earlwood, southwest Sydney, at about 4.30pm on Monday after a passerby walking a dog spotted a placenta and an umbilical cord.

Search teams, boats and divers returned to the river at first light on Tuesday after a large-scale search of the river and surrounding areas was conducted overnight.

Police divers are currently scouring the mangroves and the waters edge of the Cooks River as a blood-detection dog joins the search.

'We have located an area that we need to do further forensic examination and I will have more to say about that once we know what this is,' Detective Chief Superintendent Christine McDonald told a press conference on Tuesday.

'The site is right near the river, there's mangroves, it's particularly muddy down there and so we just need to work through that.'

She said childbirth could be a distressing and traumatic time.

'I am deeply concerned for the safety and the mental health of the mother and also for the safety of her baby,' Superintendent McDonald said.

'I ask that she comes forward to health services, to police, to anyone that can offer her a form of support during this very difficult time.

'I need to know she is safe and she is receiving the support that she needs right now.'

A blood-detection dog has joined the search for a mother and newborn baby (pictured, detectives and officers at the scene on Tuesday morning)

Police say an area of interest at the Cooks River will receive further forensic testing

Sniffer dogs are seen at the Cooks River in Sydney's southwest on Tuesday night

Superintendent McDonald said there was a possibility that the new mother doesn't want anyone to know about the birth.

'There is no judgement. They need to know that we are concerned for them, that we are wanting to know that they are safe,' she said.

'As we know childbirth presents a number of health concerns, hence why we are requesting that that mother goes straight to hospital and speaks to professionals.'

Superintendent McDonald said the possibility that the newborn baby had been disposed of in the river would form part of police's lines of inquiry.

How the umbilical cord became detached is also being investigated with the placenta and the umbilical cord sent to a pathologist for priority testing.

How long the organs were on the riverbank before being found is still unknown.

Superintendent McDonald said police were still probing whether the baby was born on the riverbank or elsewhere.

She asked anyone who may have witnessed pregnant person or a distressed woman in the areas surrounding the Cooks River to come forward.

Police are seeking CCTV footage from Lang Road, Wardell Road, Ewen Park or Tennent Parade in Earlwood, about 10km southwest of Sydney's CBD.

As inquiries continue police are urging anyone with CCTV vision or information about the incident to contact Burwood Police or Crime Stoppers.
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An Italian travel blogger has pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of a woman and her elderly parents in a car crash while on his honeymoon in South Australia.

Gabriele Cairo, 28, faced Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he admitted to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving in Everard Central, in the state's mid north region on October 31 last year.

Cairo was behind the wheel of a van when it collided with a Honda Civic that was carrying Cynthia Clark, 84, her husband John, 86, and their 54-year-old daughter Jacquie.

Mrs Clark and her daughter died at the scene of the crash while Mr Clarke, who was in the rear of the Honda, suffered critical injuries and was flown to hospital for treatment.

He died a few days later.

Gabriele Cairo, 28, faced Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he admitted to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving in Everard Central, in the state's mid north region on October 31 last year

Cairo also pleaded guilty to causing serious harm to his wife Elena Perrone, who was also in the van and taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Ms Perrone wept in court while her husband admitted to the charges.

The couple, from Italy, had been celebrating their recent marriage during a trip to South Australia at the time of the crash.

Cairo is seen with his wife Elena Perrone and his lawyer

The couple, from Italy, had been celebrating their recent marriage during a trip to South Australia at the time of the crash

A charge of aggravated driving without due car was withdrawn during court on Tuesday, with Cairo's lawyer asking for sentencing to be as soon as possible.

His lawyer said Cairo was 'devastated' by the events.

Cairo and members of the Clark family declined to speak outside of court.

The 28-year-old will remain on bail until his next appearance in July.

Cairo was behind the wheel of a van when it collided with a Honda Civic that was carrying Cynthia Clark, 84, her husband John, 86, (pictured together) and their 54-year-old daughter Jacquie
Steven Wayne Bonilla, who has been incarcerated on California's Death Row for the last 29 years, has become one of the most active litigants in the United States.

Even at the age of 77, Bonilla shows no signs of slowing down his relentless legal pursuits, filing lawsuit after lawsuit.

His primary goal remains overturning his conviction for orchestrating the 1987 murder of Jerry Lee Harris, his former business partner in a Cupertino, California nightclub.

Bonilla has launched numerous lawsuits, petitions, and other legal actions against district attorneys, judges, clerks, the state of California, and all of its counties.

Yet despite his efforts, all his cases have ended in rejection, prompting further litigation.

Steven Wayne Bonilla, 77, has been an inmate on California's Death Row for 29 years and 4 months since his 1995 sentencing for a 1987 murder

A search of a federal legal database reveals more than 2,500 cases with Bonilla as the plaintiff, while county superior court searches reveal hundreds more.

With time on his hands, from his cell at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, Bonilla has been known to submit petitions to 74 different courts in a single day.

'I do not have an exact count of how many lawsuits that I have filed,' he said during an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.

Despite not knowing the exact number, he continues to file.

'I have been filing constantly, two or more petitions a week,' he said. 'I hate all of the denials I get. They are very depressing. But when I file a motion citing the law, I know that I am right.

'I repeatedly tell them even if I was a vexatious litigant, I still have a right to my petition being filed.'

With time on his hands, from his cell at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, Bonilla has been known to submit petitions to 74 different courts in a single day

So prolific are Bonilla's filings that court officials have difficulty keeping track.

Federal judges will now on occasion simply throw out his cases en-masse, eliminating dozens at once.

Bonilla's persistent legal actions highlight a longstanding issue for courts: managing 'vexatious' or 'serial' litigants who file numerous lawsuits, which are often seen as an abuse of the legal system.

While courts can impose restrictions on such litigants to prevent frivolous cases, they must also ensure that legitimate claims are not overlooked.

Bonilla is not alone, however, Jonathan Lee Riches is the name of another infamous serial litigator who is believed to have filed more than 4,000 lawsuits.

His suits targeted everything from individuals and entities, from celebrities to historical figures.

Litigation by Bonilla, in contrast, focuses only on overturning his conviction.

Prosecutors alleged how in 1987, Bonilla, who was looking to recover over $1 million from his business partner, hired two men to kill Jerry Lee Harris

Bonilla' was sentenced to death following a financial dispute with Harris.

Prosecutors alleged that Bonilla, who was looking to recover over $1 million, hired two men to kill Harris.

According to testimony, Harris was lured to a meeting, attacked, and suffocated with duct tape before being buried in the Nevada Desert.

After a jury deadlocked on his sentence, a second jury sentenced Bonilla to death.

Throughout his legal battles, Bonilla has denied responsibility for Harris' death.

His former attorney, David Nickerson, described Bonilla as intense and educated, with a credible claim for a new trial.

Nickerson noted that Bonilla's numerous lawsuits, including those against his own attorney, are part of his persistent effort to seek justice.

A prison guard escorts a prisoner down a hallway at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, California (file photo)

In 2013, Bonilla was placed on a list of 'vexatious litigants' by Marin County Superior Court, requiring him to obtain judicial approval for any new lawsuits.

Despite this, he continues to file motions and claims, particularly in Alameda County relating to his criminal case.

The Judicial Council of California tracks vexatious litigants, identifying those who repeatedly file meritless lawsuits.

Court officials in Alameda County and elsewhere have implemented systems to flag and manage these cases, although they still review each submission thoroughly.

Bonilla's legal battles are supported by the prison system, which provides him with the necessary resources to file his numerous lawsuits.

He estimates that the cost of his litigation efforts, if not covered by the prison, would be substantial.

A look inside the walls of the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, California, a state prison where many of the state's sickest inmates are sent for medical treatment

Courts are often particularly harsh towards people who continue to file one habeas corpus petition after another alleging wrongful detention - and they certainly don't like to keep receiving the same document being filed against and again.

'From the defendant's side  especially in these habeas petitions  the evidence might seem very compelling,' said Jonathan Abel, an associate professor at UC Law San Francisco.

'But from the court's perspective, it's, "You've had your chance, we don't really believe you, enough is enough."'

Responding to a journalist's inquiry, Bonilla provided detailed letters and copies of legal documents, insisting on his right to challenge what he views as wrongful prosecution.

Bonilla told SFChronicle.com that he believes his petitions are all based on valid legal grounds, despite being repeatedly denied.

Bonilla's unceasing litigation efforts have served to highlight the complexities courts face in balancing the prevention of the legal system from abuse while also looking at potentially valid claims.
His family set up a fundraiser to pay for his funeral

He was doing maintenance work in a driveway

A teenager who was crushed to death when a vehicle collapsed on him has been remembered as 'the brightest young man' - as his death sparks an urgent warning to motorists.

Axle Young, 17, was performing maintenance on the car in the driveway of his family home in Mittagong, in the NSW Southern Highlands, at about 1.15pm on Sunday when the accident happened.

Emergency services tried to save his life but he died on the scene.

It can now be revealed the teenager, who had a girlfriend and seven siblings, was only two years into an apprenticeship with Southern Highlands Carpet Court.

On Tuesday, his sister Cheyenne Young told Daily Mail Australia she would do everything possible to 'honour him and make him proud'.

Pictured: Axle Young, circled, with his parents and siblings on Christmas Day. Cheyenne is pictured, centre, in a purple coat

'My family and I were so beyond proud of how far he had come. He was the brightest young man and nobody will ever forget him,' she said.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, she wrote: 'I can't say goodbye to you. It hurts and it just keeps hurting. I will never be the same without you, my baby brother. I love you more than life itself.'

Another sibling took to social media on Monday to tell loved ones Axle had 'suffered a terrible accident'.

'Your messages of love and support have not gone unnoticed and are all greatly appreciated,' he said.

'I love you little brother, with all my heart.'

His employer also wrote a tribute, remembering Axle for his 'patience, commitment and his beautiful nature [that] would always put a smile on everyone's face'.

Axle Young (pictured at work) was two years into his carpet laying apprenticeship when he died

'At the young age of 17 you showed us how determined and passionate you are about your career and future,' the tribute read.

'The growth on this young man definitely did not go unnoticed and we will cherish that forever.'

Police established crime scene at the home where Axle died but there were no suspicious circumstances.

The incident has prompted warnings from the motoring community for people doing home maintenance.

'Always be safe when working on your ride,' the Mighty Car Mods Group wrote on Facebook, in response to Axle's death.

Pictured: Axle Young, who died at the age of 17 on Sunday when a car fell on him in a driveway

One person commented: 'Twenty years working on cars I do not go under them without jack stands plus a spare wheel under there just in case.'

Another asked: 'Anyone still get paranoid of getting under a car even with four jack stands and jack supporting the car?'

A number of people agreed, with one saying: 'One hundred per cent.

'I've been doing it forever and still question if there isn't a better way. The more jack stands, the merrier.'

A third person added: 'My high school auto shop teacher drilled it into my head that you never trust only hydraulics to hold up a vehicle.

'When using a floor jack or bottle jack, I always use a jack stand, or stands.

'When using a hoist, I always make sure the safety locks are engaged, and lower the weight of the vehicle onto them to make sure everything is holding when I reach the correct height.'

They suggested Axle's death may have been preventable, but did not blame the teen or anyone else.

'My condolences to the young man's family and friends,' they added.

'I'm not bashing him, but incidents like these occur too often, and are preventable.'

His family set up a fundraiser to pay for his funeral.

'This GoFundMe has been created in the hopes of raising enough money for Axle Young's family to plan a beautiful funeral and send-off,' it read.

'We are hoping to raise $5,000 to cover expenses for Axle and his family in this time of great sadness.'

A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The daughter of a man who murdered a mother and her teenager in Perth before turning the gun on himself tried to warn police about him on three separate occasions.

Mark James Bombara, 63, gunned down Jennifer Petelczyc, 59, and her daughter Gretl, 18, after turning up at their Floreat home, in the city's west, on Friday afternoon.

He had been searching for his ex-wife, a good friend of Ms Petelczyc, who had left him weeks ago and had been staying at her home.

When Bombara was unable to find his ex, he cable-tied Ms Petelczyc and her daughter and made several threatening phone calls, The West Australian reported.

He then fatally shot them both before taking his own life.

Ariel Bombara (right) has revealed that she contacted police on three separate occasions to warn them of the threat her father, Mark, posed

Ariel Bombara's statement

Mark Bombara, 63, murdered Jennifer Petelczyc, 59, and her daughter Gretl, 18, (together above) before turning the gun on himself

Bombara had been hunting his former partner, Rowena (pictured together)

Bombara was known to police but did not have a history of violence and was not being monitored.

Ms Petelczyc and Bombara both died at the Berkeley Crescent residence while Gretl was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital where she died on Saturday morning.

His daughter, Ariel Bombara, has since shared a devastating statement, detailing her desperate efforts to warn police about her father.

She said she spoke with police three times between March 30 and April 2, after she and her mother fled the family home on March 28 'in fear of our lives'.

'On each occasion I alerted officers to my father's guns, and told them my mother and I felt there was a real and imminent threat to our lives,' she wrote.

'I specifically mentioned that there was a Glock handgun which was unaccounted for. My understanding is this ultimately would be one of the weapons my father used to take the lives of two innocent women.'

Ariel also asked police for a 72-hour temporary protective order which was denied.

'We were told no and that there was nothing police could do about the situation at that time,' she continued.

Bombara owned 11 guns under a recreational shooter's permit and two pistols under a collector's licence, one of which was used to kill Ms Petelczyc and her daughter.

Police Minister Paul Papalia said Bombara had no prior convictions or any record of a violence restraining order against him.

Mr Papalia said Bombara became known to police after his ex-wife asked for officers to be present at the home while she packed her belongings due to 'Family Domestic Violence [FDV] related matters'.

'But none of those had been reported to police and he was not known to the police in any other way other than her approaching them at that time,' Mr Papalia said.

On April 2, when police officers accompanied Ariel and her mother to retrieve belongings from their family home, Ariel once again voiced her concerns about the presence of guns.

Bombara owned 11 guns under a recreational shooter's permit and two pistols under a collector's licence, one of which was used to kill Ms Petelczyc and her daughter

'One officer said, ''oh don't worry, we know all about the guns'', and when he called for backup, he warned his fellow officers to wear bulletproof vests,' she said.

'We were ignored by five different male officers across three occasions of reporting.

'By that point we felt completely helpless and I had to focus on getting mum to safety. I did everything I could to protect my mother, and when my father couldn't find us he murdered her best friend and her best friend's daughter.

'What my father did was an act of domestic violence. My mother and I made clear that lives were at risk, and we were repeatedly ignored. Repeatedly failed. Those failures have cost the lives of two incredible women.

'My father should always be considered accountable for his actions. They were his and his alone; however, there are authorities who should have helped us to stop him, and they failed. I want answers.'

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

Killer's handgun would have been illegal under new laws

Bombara would not have had access to the murder weapon under Australia's toughest gun laws, being debated in the WA parliament.

Mr Papalia said WA's proposed laws would be the toughest in the country; that they would have prevented Bombara from obtaining the collector's licence; and that he would have been limited to owning five weapons.

'This individual, sadly, was a fit and proper person, right up until the time he committed that act and he was a law-abiding firearms owner right up until he wasn't,' he said on Monday.

'Under the current law that's what happens and that's why we want to make the laws tougher.'

Bombara would also have been forced to undergo a health check with a mental health component.

The government will now consider further measures to strengthen the legislation, including giving police the power to seize weapons following family and domestic violence incidents.

Gun control expert Charles Watson said WA's proposed gun laws were extraordinary and advanced.

'In global terms, it'll be easily the best set of gun legislation in the world that's much better than the other states here - I think other states will be forced to look at what WA has done,' Professor Watson told AAP.
A top Aussie food critic was been left cold by a photo of fish and chips that was used in a campaign to promote an Australian state's fresh produce.

John Lethlean, who has written restaurant and food reviews for major Australian newspapers and magazines for more than two decades, slammed the campaign in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

Mr Lethlean spotted the advertisement created for 'Plating Up WA', an initiative run by the Western Australian government and Buy West Eat Best designed to celebrate local produce.

The ad, which appeared to be printed as a large pamphlet, showed a small serving of fish and chips along with two slices of lemon on newsprint wrapper inside a cardboard box.

Renowned food critic John Lethlean (pictured) slammed an advertisement by the 'Plating Up WA' campaign, which used basic fish and chips (pictured) to promote the local food industry in Western Australia

The popular dish was pictured next to salt and pepper shakers and a plate, which featured a drawing of a fishing boat on the water.

'Do you think Plating Up WA could have managed something slightly more imaginative to represent the state's produce than fish and chips?' Mr Lethlean asked in his post.

His observation received dozens of likes by social media users, while others commented with disappointment at the mediocre attempt to promote the state's renowned fresh produce.

'They're [fish and chips] not even on a plate,' one person said.

'Very sad that this is all they can produce. How many tourists would come all this way for fish and chips in cardboard?' another person wrote.

'We could do so much better! So much produce in WA.' a third added.

Others said they didn't mind the simple attempt at portraying foods that locals enjoy.

'Looks tasty though,' one person said.

'Plated up on quality newsprint at least.'

John Lethlean (pictured) said the campaign could have come up with a more creative way to display the quality fresh produce WA is known for

Mr Lethlean is known for his 'neither fear nor favour' approach to reviews.

Last year he wrote a controversial review of Perth restaurant Shui for popular food magazine Delicious that soon became better known for his comment about a female waitress.

'And the maitre d'/meet and greeter wears an outfit that threatens to expose more than just her inexperience when she bends over to set a table,' he wrote.

The comment caused hostile reaction on social media before it was later taken off the Delicious website.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Lethlean for comment.

Melissa Worthington, program manager of Buy West Eat Best told Daily Mail Australia, the Plate Up WA campaign features various types of locally sourced produce in their advertisements.

'It is fantastic that John is so passionate about WA produce, and if he looks a little further than the one advert he saw, he will soon discover there are 48 venues across the state involved with a wide range of dishes, and that we have used a variety of imagery to showcase them,' she said.

Several social media users agreed with the criticism made by Mr Lethlean about the campaign (pictured) and said the advertisement, could have featured a more diverse range of food items

'The Plating Up WA campaign is promoted across print, digital, radio and social media channels - pitching to various audiences with different dining options.'

WA is home to some of the best fresh food produce in Australia including sea food, fruits and vegetables.

Farmers usually yield the best crops during the winter months making June, July, and August an important time of the year for many primary producers.

From next month, more than 40 cafes, restaurants, and bars across WA will feature food and beverages made from at least one ingredient produced exclusively across regions in Western Australia.

The campaign first introduced in 2017 aims to celebrate homegrown food and drink in an effort to promote the local food industry.
A one-time Miss Australia and former Labor politician verbally abused her husband, punched him, threatened him with violence weekly and hit him with a shoe, a court has been told.

Kathryn Isobel Hay, 48, has pleaded not guilty to the emotional abuse or intimidation of then-partner Troy Shane Richardson from January 2014 to November 2022.

Mr Richardson said Hay also pressured him to apply for the lifting of a family violence order against her and made him send an email to her siblings saying 'everything was his fault'.

Kathryn Hay, the 48-year-old former Member for Bass and beauty pageant winner, appeared in Launceston Magistrates Court on Tuesday

Ms Hay (left) won Miss Tasmania and Miss Australia in 1999

Hay was crowned Miss Tasmania and Miss Australia in 1999 and served in Tasmania's parliament as a Labor member from 2002 to 2006.

She appeared in Launceston Magistrates Court on Tuesday for the opening of a hearing expected to run for several days.

Mr Richardson said the pair met in 2009 at a dog show and were married in 2012.

He described their relationship as 'all rosy' but said things deteriorated around 2013 after the birth of their second child.

On a holiday in Melbourne in 2014, he said Hay hit him in the face with a shoe several times while he was driving because he 'just didn't do something right'.

She threw a bowl of cereal at him on the return trip to Tasmania and called him useless, pathetic and a c***, he said.

Mr Richardson told the court there were threats of violence at least weekly and Hay would give him lists of things that needed to be done.

'If it wasn't done properly I'd get abuse. If it was done, she'd give me another list,' he said.

'She would often make a point of having an argument in public just to make me feel low.'

Former Miss Australia Kathryn Hay has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence-related charges

Ms Hay represented the community of Bass in Tasmanian parliament from 2002 to 2006, after winning Miss Tasmania and Miss Australia in 1999

One of several messages allegedly showed Hay telling Mr Richardson to 'fix his f***- up'.

Mr Richardson said he was left with a black eye after Hay punched him in 2020.

In December 2021, Hay was taken into police custody for allegedly slapping Mr Richardson for driving around a corner too fast leading to a family violence order against her.

Mr Richardson said Hay later demanded he have the order revoked and spent 79 minutes on the phone with him telling him what to write.

Hay allegedly accused Mr Richardson of having an affair with a woman he had never met.

She also accused him of hacking her phone and computer, and bugging her car. Mr Richardson said he was spoken to by police but never charged.

He said the accusations left him 'broken and depressed'.

Under cross-examination from Hay's lawyer Dermot Connors, Mr Richardson agreed the end of the marriage was acrimonious.

He denied having control of the couple's finances and access to Hay's Facebook account and sending messages to himself.

Mr Richardson also denied allegations payments he received to care for Hay were obtained against her will by falsely claiming she had major depression.

He disagreed with the claim Hay only called him a c*** in 2021 and early 2022 when their relationship was 'very bad'.

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Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue waging war on Hamas in Gaza even as he admitted his forces made a 'tragic mistake' after an Israeli strike in Rafah reportedly killed some 45 people on Sunday.

Israel's Defence Forces (IDF) declared they had launched a 'precise strike' on a Hamas compound and killed two high-ranking Hamas officials.

But the strike whipped up a ferocious blaze that tore through a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood in the city's northwest.

Dozens of people were trapped as the flames tore through the makeshift housing and flimsy tents, condemning them to a horrific death.

Shocking videos circulating on social media appeared to show the charred remains of adults and children being pulled out of the rubble overnight.

The brutal strike only added to the surging international criticism Israel has faced over its war with Hamas, with even its closest allies expressing outrage at civilian casualties as the reported Palestinian death toll crossed 36,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The UN Security Council is set to convene for an emergency meeting later today to discuss the strike as the UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed his 'horror at the further loss of civilian life in Gaza'.

Yet the Israeli Prime Minister's resolve appears unwavering, as he declared in parliament: 'I don't intend to end the war before every goal has been achieved.'

The strike whipped up a ferocious blaze that tore through a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood in the city's northwest

Palestinians observe the destruction caused by the attacks of Israeli army on tents of displaced Palestinians

Fire rages following an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced Palestinians

A video shared to social media showed the flames tearing through the camp. Children can be heard screaming and crying as others rush to try and evacuate friends and family members

A Palestinian boy is seen crying as he watches the fire tear through the displacement camp

The message on the left reads 'he was waiting for his father to come out'. The message on the right reads 'my father is gone - I want to go'

Palestinians observe the destruction caused by the attacks of Israeli army on tents of displaced Palestinians living near the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warehouses in Rafah, Gaza on May 27, 2024

Palestinians view the destruction after Israel bombs their tents and shelters in Rafah, Gaza on May 27, 2024

Palestinians observe the destruction caused by the attacks of Israeli army on tents of displaced Palestinians

Palestinians search for food among burnt debris in the aftermath of an Israeli strike

The Palestinian Red Crescent said its ambulance crews transported 'a large number' of people killed and injured in the strikes on Sunday night as dark footage showed badly burned bodies being piled up out of reach of the flames.

The Palestinian Authority presidency in the West Bank called it a 'heinous massacre', accusing Israeli forces of 'deliberately targeting' the tents of displaced people.

'We pulled out people who were in an unbearable state,' said Mohammed Abuassa, who rushed to the scene in the north-western neighbourhood of Tel al-Sultan.

'We pulled out children who were in pieces. We pulled out young and elderly people. The fire in the camp was unreal.'

The Gaza Health Ministry said around half of the dead were women, children and older adults. On Monday, barefoot children poked at the blackened debris as searches continued.

The Israeli military's top legal official said authorities were examining the strikes and that the military regrets the loss of civilian life.

Military Advocate General Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi said such incidents occur 'in a war of such scope and intensity'.

Speaking to an Israeli lawyers' conference, Tomer-Yerushalmi said Israel has launched 70 criminal investigations into incidents that aroused suspicions of international law violations, including the deaths of civilians, the conditions at a detention facility holding suspected Palestinian militants and the deaths of some inmates in Israeli custody.

She said incidents of 'violence, property crimes and looting' were also being examined.

Israel has long maintained it has an independent judiciary capable of investigating and prosecuting abuses.

But rights groups say Israeli authorities routinely fail to fully investigate violence against Palestinians and that even when soldiers are held accountable the punishment is usually light.

Sunday's deadly 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.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Monday, May 27, 2024

Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted 'tragic mistake' after an Israeli strike in Rafah has allegedly killed 45 people including displaced people who burned alive in tents

Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp for internally displaced people in Rafah on May 27, 2024

The attack, caught on tape by refugees on the ground, resulted in heavy destruction and flames last night

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah

The attack, caught on tape by refugees on the ground, resulted in heavy destruction and flames last night.

It left civilians reeling this morning, with photos showing Palestinians searching through burned out tents and makeshift camps for food.

Israel's allies further condemned its methods of warfare in the region, with France saying it was 'outraged' by the violence.

'These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire,' French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said that bombings like the one in Rafah will have long-standing repercussions for Israel.

'Israel with this choice is spreading hatred, rooting hatred that will involve their children and grandchildren. I would have preferred another decision,' he told SKY TG24.

Qatar, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas in attempts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, said the strikes could 'complicate' talks.

Negotiations, which appear to be restarting, have faltered repeatedly over Hamas's demand for a lasting truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, terms Israeli leaders have publicly rejected.

Neighbouring Egypt and Jordan, which made peace with Israel decades ago, also condemned the Rafah strikes.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry described the strike on Tel al-Sultan as a 'new and blatant violation of the rules of humanitarian international law'. Jordan's Foreign Ministry called it a 'war crime'.

The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said this morning as EU ministers met their Arab counterparts that a ruling made by a UN court for Israel to stop its invasion of Gaza immediately must be implemented.

Borrell said today: 'We have to express not only respect, but to ask for the implementation of the decision of the court. This is really a dilemma how the international community can... force implementation of the decision.'

He added that EU ministers were also set to discuss relaunching a mission suspended back in 2007 to monitor the crossing after calls for it to do so from regional players including Israel.

Palestinian health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 35 people in the area

Israel's army confirmed Sunday's strike and claimed it hit a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants

The EU's top diplomat said he expected to get a preliminary mandate from ministers to press ahead with planning for the mission.

'But it's not only us who have to decide - the Egyptians, Palestinian Israelis,' he said.

'We need to increase the number of staff and we need to have an agreement with everybody involved.'

Washington has also taken a tougher line with its close ally as outrage over the war and US support for Israel has become a major issue for President Joe Biden, seeking re-election in a battle against Donald Trump.

The United Nations has warned of looming famine in besieged Gaza, where most hospitals are no longer functioning.

Last Monday, the prosecutor at the ICC said he was seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his defence minister as well as for three top Hamas figures.

And on Friday, the UN's International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt any operation in Rafah that could bring about 'the physical destruction' of the Palestinians.

Hamas's armed wing said Sunday that it targeted Tel Aviv 'with a large rocket barrage in response to the Zionist massacres against civilians'.

'Hamas launched these rockets from near two mosques in Rafah,' Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.

The salvo sent people scrambling for shelter but there were no reports of injuries.

Israel's army said Sunday at least eight rockets were fired towards central areas of the country from Rafah, with strikes targeting the commercial hub of Tel Aviv for the first time in months.

Fighting has recently centred on Rafah, where Israel's military launched a ground operation in early May despite widespread opposition over concerns for civilians sheltering there.

Netanyahu vowed to pursue Israel's offensive ahead of a war cabinet meeting amid intense diplomacy to forge a truce and a hostage-release deal.

The October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people

Palestinians inspect the damage after an Israeli army raid on a camp at an area designated for displaced people in Rafah

Hamas militants took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead, from Israel

He has long rejected Hamas's demand for a permanent end to the conflict triggered by the Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack.

A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the war cabinet would 'discuss a hostage release deal' on Sunday.

Before the meeting, Netanyahu's office said Hamas's chief in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, 'continues to demand the end of the war, the withdrawal of the IDF from the Gaza Strip and leaving Hamas in place, so that it will be able to carry out the atrocities of October 7 again and again'.

'Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly opposes this,' a statement said.

EU members Ireland and Spain, and also Norway, have said they will recognise a Palestinian state from Tuesday, drawing furious Israeli condemnation.

'In order to make peace, we need a strong Palestinian Authority, not a weaker one,' said the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who met in Brussels with Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Mustafa.

Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp area housing internally displaced people in Rafah

Around 80 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes

As the war grinds on, the families of hostages still held by militants have piled pressure on Netanyahu to secure a deal to free them

Mustafa, whose government is based in the occupied West Bank, said the 'first priority' was to support the people in Gaza, especially through a ceasefire, and then 'rebuilding the institutions of the Palestinian Authority' in the territory after Hamas seized it from the PA in 2007.

The Israeli official had said Saturday that 'there is an intention to renew these talks this week' after negotiations involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators stalled in early May.

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.

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 35,984 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

As the war grinds on, the families of hostages still held by militants have piled pressure on Netanyahu to secure a deal to free them.

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.
A watch dealer has been found dead 24 hours after two robbers were captured on camera raiding his London jewellery store.

Two unarmed thieves entered a dealership in the affluent area of Richmond in south-west London on Saturday afternoon and assaulted a member of staff before stealing a number of high value watches.

Police have now confirmed that the victim, from Surrey, has died and his next of kin have been informed.

A Met Police spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the death of a man in Surrey on Sunday, 26 May. This is being investigated by officers from Surrey Police and is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

'The man who died was the victim of a robbery at a jewellers in Richmond on Saturday, 25 May.

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 on Saturday, sees the pair run off with a large loot of watches

'We ask that the privacy of his family is respected at this difficult time and moving CCTV footage of the incident involving the victim is not shared on social media.'

The incident, which took place at around 2.50pm on Saturday, sees the pair run off with a large loot of watches.

In the attack, the two men can be seen 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 victim 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.

This comes after it was revealed that a machete-wielding thug who threatened to chop off singer Aled Jones's arm in front of his teenage son unless he 'f***ing* handed over his 17,000 Rolex watch was handed a two-year training and detention order.

It forms part of a wider rise of luxury watch muggings in London, which is putting wealthy owners off flaunting their expensive purchases - and may be contributing to collapsing demand for high-end timepieces.

High-profile businessman Devin Narang recently used a summit with Labour's shadow foreign secretary David Lammy to warn Indian executives were putting off visiting London due to their fears about falling victim to muggers.

The renewable energy entrepreneur raised concerns about watch thefts in upmarket areas.

He said in February: 'People are being mugged in the heart of London, in Mayfair - all CEOs in India have had an experience of physical mugging and the police not responding.'

London's street crime epidemic last year saw 'theft from a person' offences - which includes stealing watches, handbags and mobile phones - soar by 27 per cent compared to the previous 12 months.

Metropolitan Police figures show there were 72,756 of those crimes reported in the year to 2023, up from 57,468 in 2022.

And London's Westminster district - which includes well-heeled Mayfair - saw such crimes leap by an above-average 40 per cent, with 25,650 rather than 18,310.

There were more than 300 watches stolen in the West End alone worth a total of nearly 4million in the six months to October 2022.

In April that year former British boxing champion Amir Khan was accosted by a gunman who made off with his custom-made 72,000 watch as he left a restaurant in east London.

Moped and e-bike gangs have been identified as prolific culprits - while not only watches but also mobile phones are increasingly being seized, including in a brazen raid from a woman near London's Regent's Park last month.

Worldwide, the number of watches recorded as lost or stolen has more than tripled over the last 12 months, the Watch Register database revealed last week.

New figures from the business showed the value of registered stolen and lost luxury watches has risen to 1.5billion - up by 236 per cent compared to a year ago.

The Met Police has appealed for anyone who recognises the two men involved in the latest Richmond robbery 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.

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.'
Holidaymakers have been warned not to climb Bali's tallest mountain without a guide after recent deaths on difficult hiking trails.

While the Indonesian island's highest peak Mount Agung - more than 3km above sea level - is modest compared to many other mountain ranges, a local guide is required to accompany those venturing to the top.

But some tourists instead skirt the requirement, underestimating the difficulty of the climb, which has led to two deaths in the past two months.

A Dutch woman, 29, died in hospital on Thursday after falling about 15m from a trail while trekking up the mountain and into a deep ravine.

The body of another tourist, a 60-year-old Indonesian man, was found by a group of hikers near the mountain's peak in March. Neither hired a local guide for their climbs.

Holidaymakers in Bali have been urged to hire a local guide before attempting to hike up the Indonesian Island's mountains after two tourists died on Mount Agung (pictured)

The Dutch woman, identified by her initials FB, set off on the about six hour return hike to Mount Agung's peak with her Danish Partner about 3am local time.

Head of Public Relations for the Karangasem Police, Iptu I Gede Sukadana, said they intended to hike 'independently without using the services of a local guide', Bali Sun reports.

Her partner ran back down the mountain to find help from a member of the Social Forestry Business Group and dozens of locals.

They were able to transport FB back down the mountain on a stretcher and she was rushed to the Selat Health Center.

Mr Sukadana said she suffered extensive injuries including a broken jaw, left arm and front teeth.

Despite being conscious upon arrival, her condition rapidly deteriorated and she died shortly after.

According to local authorities, about six tourists die on Balinese mountainsides every year without the help of local guides.

The rescue effort for the Indonesian man who perished on Mount Agung in March was more intensive for Search and Assistance Officers who took about 28 hours to bring him back to the base.

A 29-year-old dutch woman and a 60-year-old Indonesian tourist have died since in the past two months (pictured, Balinese rescue officers on Mount Agung)

Mount Batur hike on the Indonesian island of Bali, with Mount Agung in the background

The man had attempted to climb to the top without a guide during rough weather conditions and while a restriction on hiking was enacted for the Betara Turun Kabeh religious ceremony.

Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, said officials are 'very concerned' about the safety of tourists hiking without guides.

'We give a firm appeal ... for tourists to be guided and ensure they follow the rules,' Mr Une said in April, also pleading tourists to 'prioritise safety'.

Holidaymakers have also been urged to not spent too long at the peak of Mount Agung or Batur as they are active volcanoes.

Local guides can be hired through their hotels, travel agents or online.
North Korea's latest satellite launch ended in dramatic failure with footage purporting to show the rocket exploding in flight just minutes after launch.

Video shared by South Korea today claimed to show the moment the satellite, attached to a pointed white rocket, exploded shortly after takeoff on Monday.

North Korea admitted the launch had exploded in a fireball before dropping into the Yellow Sea just minutes after lifting off.

The launch, pegged by analysts as a significant step in the nuclear-armed country's race for space nonetheless, was the latest attempt since North Korea placed its first spy satellite in orbit in November.

North Korean progress in the sector comes after Russian experts visited North Korea to help with both satellite and space rocket programmes, offering guidance, according to the South's Yonhap news agency.

Locals in South Korea watch a news broadcast showing the launch of a North Korean carrying its 'Malligyong-1-1' reconnaissance satellite on Monday, May 28, 2024

A small white dot appears in the video shared by South Korea before suddenly exploding

South Korea shared video they claimed showed the disastrous launch on Monday

Video purported to show the dramatic moment of takeoff from North Korea on Monday

Video shared by South Korea, ostensibly filmed by an observation device on a South Korean patrol vessel, showed a grainy dot suddenly erupting into a large white cloud.

The South Korean military said the one-minute black-and-white video showed the moment of explosion, tracking an explosion in the sky followed by flashes.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK showed video of what appeared to be an orange dot flying into the night sky and then bursting into flames in an area close to the border between China and North Korea.

North Korea said its latest attempt to launch a new military reconnaissance satellite failed on Monday during the flight of the rocket's first stage.

South Korea and U.S. authorities believe the projectile exploded after flying for a few minutes, according to South Korea's presidential office.

The country claimed to have tried a new 'liquid oxygen and petroleum engine' in its latest space race gambit - which was initially blamed for the failed launch.

State media KCNA later reported that other possible causes were also being investigated.

A petroleum fuel and liquid oxygen engine may suggest that Russia, which vowed last year to help North Korea's satellite programme, may have provided assistance, said Lee Choon-geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea's Science and Technology Policy Institute.

'Even if it failed, it is a huge leap,' he said, noting that some of South Korea's space rockets were initially developed with Russia decades ago and use similar technology.

'Russia is the strongest country for liquid oxygen-kerosene fuel, and our Naro and Nuri rockets have adopted it through technical cooperation with Russia.'

Some analysts questioned why North Korea would switch engine types, but Lee said it could allow Pyongyang to separate its civilian space program from the ballistic missiles banned by the United Nations Security Council.

The United States condemned the launch, 'which incorporated technologies that are directly related to the DPRK's [North Korea] ballistic missile program and took place in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions,' a State Department spokesperson said.

The object fired by North Korea disappeared over the Yellow Sea, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters.

He also accused North Korea of violating U.N. Security Council resolutions with the launch.

Locals were told to shelter after the missile was launched on Monday night.

North Korea fired the projectile on a southern path off its west coast at around 10:44 p.m. (1344 GMT) on Monday, the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

The JCS said it detected a large amount of debris from the rocket in the sea just two minutes after launch.

Although North Korean state media did not name the rocket or release photos, analysts said it was most likely different from the Chollima-1 rocket used in the successful satellite launch in November 2023.

North Korea claimed in November to have successfully launched a 'Malligyong-1-1' satellite

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gives a speech at a school in Pyongyang on May 21, 2024

A tactical ballistic missile is launched at an undisclosed location in North Korea on May 17

A soldier walks past a television showing footage during a news report in Seoul on May 28, 2024. The south claimed the footage showed the moment the rocket failed spectacularly

The Chollima-1, which also suffered several explosive test failures, uses hypergolic fuels, substances that can be stored at room temperature but ignite on contact each other, requiring careful handling.

The successful November launch was the first after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare trip abroad in September and toured Russia's most modern space launch centre, where President Vladimir Putin promised to help Pyongyang build satellites.

Neither country has elaborated on the extent of that future aid, which could violate UN Security Council resolutions against North Korea.

Russian experts have visited North Korea to help with the satellite and space rocket programme, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing an unnamed South Korean senior defence official.

Pyongyang has said it needs a military reconnaissance satellite to boost monitoring of U.S. and South Korean military activities.
Some Americans have been left gobsmacked by the way many houses are sold in Australia - but Aussies are unsure what all the fuss is about.

A clip of an auction in Melbourne went viral after a bemused New Yorker told his 50,000 followers on X, formerly Twitter, about the 'crazy' way Australians sold houses - and jokingly suggested they were keeping it from the world.

'Think about all the Australians you've known,' Stephen Smith wrote.

'Maybe they're your friends or coworkers. Maybe they're serving you brunch....

'But you know what they're not serving you? The truth about how they sell homes.'

The clip, which has since amassed over 2.5 million views, prompted a deluge of similarly baffled responses.

'This is real?', one asked.

'So a man stands in the literal street outside the house being sold and takes bids from anyone? Do the homeowners sit inside and listen? I have so many questions,' another wrote.

Someone else quipped that the 'American mind boggles at having an auction run by someone other than an unintelligible Texan and to sell something other than livestock'.

But the vast majority of responses were instead from Australians confused about the fact that people did not know this is how houses were sold in the country.

'I'm Australian and I don't understand what's supposed to be secret about this,' one said.

A clip of an auction in Melbourne went viral after a bemused New Yorker told his 50,000 followers on X, formerly Twitter, about the 'crazy' way Australians sold houses - and jokingly suggested they were keeping it from the world (stock image)

The clip, which has since amassed over 2.5 million views, prompted a deluge of similarly baffled responses (stock image)

'Wait.. doesn't every other country sell houses through auction?? Surely this isn't unique to Australia?', another said.

Others said it often served as a great social occasion for neighbours.

'Not only are most Australian homes sold this way, it's often a big, impromptu street event too,' they said.

'Last house on my road that sold at auction in Sydney had about 100 people attend, and all my neighbours had a drink together. It's great!'

Another said that 'going to auctions is like a Saturday sport here in Sydney'.

Meanwhile, others defended the auction process, arguing that it allowed every bid to be above board and reduced the stress of making a bid only to have it rejected.

'It may be theatrical, but it's transparent. None of this American undercover lying about who bid what,' they wrote.

'No gazumping, contract signed, deposit paid, cooling off period for finance approval, both sides move to settlement - the auctioneers are clowns but the process is a much better way of maintaining certainty for both vendor and purchaser and very few sales fall over as a result,' another said.

Others, however, were more critical of the auction system.

'This is the one instance of ''Americans being baffled and appalled by Australian behaviours'' where they are 100 per cent correct,' one said.

Over 13 per cent of houses and units sold in Australia this year have been by auction, according to PropTrack data

Another added: 'I've bought two houses in my life and probably paid 300 per cent over market value to avoid attending these perverted little auctions.'

Isa Hafalir, University of Technology Sydney economics professor , has lived in both Australia and the US and has first-hand experience of buying properties in each.

He said auctions were 'very rarely' used in the US but were popular in Australia because of the competitive real estate market

'In Australia, real estate agents and auctioneers want the neighbours to come and a big group of people, even if they are not serious buyers, because it has this kind of psychological effect that this is hot property and many people are interested in it, Professor Hafalir told news.com.au.

He said it was also a more transparent process for buyers because they could see who bid what - unlike in the US where parties can offer above or below the asking price.

Over 13 per cent of houses and units sold in Australia this year have been by auction, according to PropTrack data.

It is most popular in the ACT at 27 per cent, 22 per cent in Victoria and 20 per cent in NSW.

The figures for other states and territories were far lower - a fact reflected in some of the responses to the viral video.

'Very few houses in Western Australia are sold by auction. It's very much a Sydney and Melbourne thing,' one person said.
The newly built terrace of a Majorca beach club that collapsed and tragically killed four people last week was illegally built, it was revealed.

The 'chill-out terrace' extension to the Medusa Beach Club in Playa de Palma, on the Balearic island of Majorca, was illegally built, according to court documents obtained by Ultima Hora.

The terrace of the two-storey building overlooking the beach, located on Cartago Street, collapsed in on itself with no warning last Thursday night, killing four people and leaving 16 injured.

Local media reported that investigators are sending their reports to judicial authorities, as well as homicide cops in Spain's National Police Corps, with the aim of arresting and criminally charging the owners of the club on reckless homicide and endangerment charges.

The report comes after it was reported that the club's owners unveiled the extension just days before the collapse.

A photo of the renovation was posted last Wednesday to Instagram with the caption: 'Totally different, New rooftop.'

The 'chill-out terrace' extension to the Medusa Beach Club in Playa de Palma, on the Balearic island of Majorca, was illegally built, according to court documents

The terrace of the two-storey building overlooking the beach, located on Cartago Street, collapsed in on itself with no warning last Thursday night

The collapse

Abdoulaye Diop was a nightclub bouncer for Black Magic, a club just a three-minute walk away from Medusa. He sadly passed away in the collapse

The snap, along with all other pictures, was taken down from the club's Instagram page following the collapse and replaced with a single statement that read in Spanish, English and German:

'We are in a state of shock. From Medusa Beach we want to express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. We will do everything possible and collaborate with the authorities to understand what happened.

'We would like to deeply thank the emergency teams for their quick action.'

The bar is understood to be popular with British and German tourists, although details on the identities of those affected remain scarce. The Foreign Office said on Thursday there are no reports that British nationals were involved in the incident.

A spokesperson said: 'We are aware of an incident in Palma, and there are currently no reports of British nationals having been involved. We remain in contact with the Spanish authorities.'

Just one day ago, the beach hut posted on Instagram: 'Totally different, New rooftop'

The bar is understood to be popular with British and German tourists

Chaos has consumed Majorca, after four people died and 16 were injured when a nightclub and restaurant in Playa de Palma

Residents previously told MailOnline about the sudden collapse.

One resident told MailOnline: 'It's terrible, two storeys collapsed and took everyone down with it.

'There were local people and tourists there. God help them.'

Tourists watched in horror from the beach in darkness as rescue workers from the Spanish fire brigade sifted through the rubble.

Rescue teams lifted huge pieces of masonry and concrete from the ruins.

Of the four people who have so far died following the collapse, only one has been named.

Senegalese man Abdoulaye Diop was a nightclub bouncer for Black Magic, a club just a three-minute walk away from Medusa.

The others, made up of a Spanish man and two German women, have not yet been named by authorities.

Playa de Palma is the beach area lying to the east of the Majorcan capital. It is especially popular with British and German holidaymakers. Around 3.2 million Brits travel to Majorca each year.
A British father allegedly killed a paedophile Russian with a single punch for propositioning his underage daughter in Thailand this weekend.

The 34-year-old Brit was attending a pool villa party with his daughter, 15, when Igor Yasilyev, 36, reportedly began flirting with her in Pattaya in the early hours of May 27.

The drunk Russian was said to have whispered to the teenager that he wanted to have sex with her, infuriating the British father who smashed him in the face and sent him falling headfirst onto the ground.

Police Captain Parnsarn Krongsit of the Pattaya City Police Station said cops received a report at 3:16am and went to the scene with medics where they found four male and two female foreigners, including the unconscious Russian who was lying on the floor with blood pooling around his head.

He was rushed to a branch of the Bangkok Hospital in Pattaya but died of his injuries soon after.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Nawin Thirawit, superintendent of the Pattaya City Police Station, said: 'An arrest warrant has been issued for the British man by the Pattaya Provincial Court. He is wanted for assaulting another person resulting in death.'

Paramedics attempt to revive the Russian man who hit his head on the tile floor

The Brit is pictured in custody with Thai police

An ambulance is pictured waiting outside the scene of the attack

The father, reportedly from Wales, was arrested on Monday afternoon at his home in the Sattahip district, around 10 miles from the pool villa.

He told police: 'I did not think my punch would lead to the man's death. I regret my actions.'

Meanwhile, his Thai wife, 28, said she had also attended the party but left early to go to work.

At around 3am, she claimed she received a text from her husband saying he wanted to go home.

She said: 'I returned to the villa and found him walking along the street, so I took him back inside.

'When I asked him what happened, he told me that while they were drinking, the Russian man started to sexually harass our daughter, even though his own wife was also there at the party.

'The harassment escalated until the man finally propositioned our daughter. This angered my husband so he punched him once and knocked him out.'

Thai police are seen at the scene of the attack

Pattaya emerged as a nightlife destination in the 1960s when Thailand fought alongside the United States and provided them with land for eight military bases

An acquaintance of Yasilyev said both men met each other for the first time at the party.

She said: 'They were drinking together normally until a row broke out. I didn't know what nationality the man was, but he punched Mr Igor, who hit his head on the ground.

'I was so shocked because there was a lot of blood.'

Police detained the British attack and brought him to the Pattaya Police Station to face legal charges.

The shocking incident comes just days after two British tourists were brutally beaten by a trio of furious bouncers outside a bar in Pattaya last week after a disagreement over the bill saw tensions spill over and lead to a brawl in the street.

The Brits had been drinking alongside several escorts at the notorious Soi 6 road in red-light city Pattaya on Friday evening when they allegedly began arguing over the bill with staff.

They claimed that the bar had tried to scam them by inflating the receipt, and three security guards intervened when the tourists began directing their anger at the barmaid.

After a few minutes of pushing and shoving a savage fistfight broke out when the guards snapped and attacked two of the men - one in a grey shirt and one in a white shirt - dragging them into the street and knocking them both to the ground.

The guards were seen kicking at the legs and chest of the man in white - before another bouncer came running in from the side and blasted him in the head with a full-force kick, immediately knocking him unconscious.

He was seen lying motionless for minutes after the vicious blow, with onlookers unable to revive him.

The tourists claimed that the bar had tried to scam them by inflating the receipt, and three security guards intervened when the man in the white t-shirt began jawing at the barmaid

After a few minutes of pushing and shoving a brutal scrap broke out and spilled into the street

The man in white was shoved to the ground where bouncers began pounding on him

A bouncer aims a roundhouse kick at the tourist sitting on the concrete

The guards ran in to kick at the man in white, booting him in the legs and stomach before one guard delivered the final blow

Moments later the man is seen lying motionless on the ground after being punted in the side of the head

The victim's condition is not known and police yesterday refused to give any details of the alleged victim as they scrambled to protect the image of the city, which relies on tourism.

Footage from another angle showed how his compatriot in the grey shirt was also briefly knocked unconscious by another bouncer, who kicked him in the jaw as he tried to stand up after being tackled to the ground.

That bouncer can be seen walking away with a bloody nose.

Speaking today, Sergeant Major Arthon from the Pattaya City police station, said that the three security guards have since been warned about their conduct but they have not been arrested or charged.

He said: 'The tourist in the video who was attacked has not filed a police report, so we cannot assign an investigating officer. There's no case open until they complain. We've had a look around but can't find them.

'Yes, we're still checking CCTV to see what happened to them. There are rumours that he is in intensive care but we haven't heard anything from hospitals.'

One of the sex workers from the bar where the incident unfolded said that the group of three men disputed their drinks bill, which came to around 2,8000 Baht (60).

Bar hostess Samorn, 38, said that the three men had paid for two escorts to drink with them.

She said: 'Two of the tourists had paid their bills, but another had not and changed his seat several times.

'I asked them to pay the bill, but the tourist in the white shirt argued that he had already paid. I explained that the money I was asking for was the payment of someone who had not paid and not his own bill.

'They insulted me and said the bar was trying to scam them, so I called the security over and told them the tourist would not pay his bill.'

CCTV shows how the bills were settled but the tourist in a white t-shirt then pushed a security guard and the fight escalated.

Two of the men - one in a grey shirt and one in a white shirt - were knocked to the ground

The other man in the grey shirt was held down and smashed in the head several times

One lady from the bar tries to intervene and calm the security guard intent on attacking the man in grey

Footage from another angle showed how his compatriot in the grey shirt was also briefly knocked unconscious by another bouncer, who kicked him in the jaw as he tried to stand up after being tackled to the ground

The second tourist is seen coming to after being attacked

Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, said today that the bouncers' actions had tarnished the image of Pattaya.

They were invited to the police station and apologised for 'damaging the image of the country'.

The policeman said: 'The security guards should have prevented the incident and reported it to the police.

'Anyone who works in this industry must keep their emotions in check and focus on preventing incidents rather than attacking people.

'Cases like this can damage the reputation of the city and deter tourists from visiting.'

Helicopter Bar, which is understood to have British owners, did not respond to requests for comment. Several other bars on the same street are also owned and managed by the company Nightwish Group.

Pattaya emerged as a nightlife destination in the 1960s when Thailand fought alongside the United States and provided them with land for eight military bases.

It has since grown into a sprawling red-light city that attracts holidaymakers and hedonists from across the world, but it is particularly popular with Brits.
Nigel Farage clashed with Richard Madeley today as he defended his comments about Muslims.

The Reform UK honorary president used an interview on Sunday to warn of the 'growing number of young people in this country who do not subscribe to British values' and 'loathe much of what we stand for'.

Good Morning Britain host Mr Madeley challenged the former UKIP leader on his comments this morning by quoting the findings of a review of the existing polling carried out in 2018 by IPSOS Mori.

'They found absolutely conclusively that Muslims in the UK attach more importance on being British than the general population,' he said.

'85% feel they truly belong to Britain, 55% feel that their national identity as British is very important to them and that compares to 44% of the general population. So I'm bound to ask, what on earth were you talking about there?'

Nigel Farage appearing on Good Morning Britain, where he defended his comments about Muslims

Richard Madeley a review of the existing polling carried out in 2018 by IPSOS Mori which found 85% of British Muslims feel they truly belong to Britain

But in response, Mr Farage said he wanted to provide 'context' about what he said on Sunday in an interview with Trevor Phillips on Sky News.

He said: 'What I said is that a growing number of young people do not subscribe to British values. In fact, despise them in many ways.

'And all of your viewers would have seen the local elections where in parts of our inner cities we saw sectarian politics - people voting purely on religious lines, councillors getting elected and screaming Allahu Akbar...'

He then quoted recent polling by JL Partners commissioned by the Henry Jackson Society.

'It showed that 23% of 18 to 24-year-old young Muslims living in Britain think that jihad is a good thing,' Mr Farage said.

'Now that of course is not a British value in any way at all and it's a very disturbing trend that's particularly prevalent among the young.'

Mr Madeley replied: 'The poll that you just quoted from has been very heavily criticised as self-selecting - people were basically drawn in through a series of clicks and by the time they were asked to register their opinion they had already made their minds up.

'You also said in the interview that you could take someone to a particular street in Oldham and there would be nobody there who speaks English.

'Well again that's just not true - the Office of National Statistics say that only 0.7% of people in Oldham don't speak English - that's less than one in a hundred.'

Mr Farage said it was possible to 'argue about numbers and statistics' but it was 'undoubtedly true' that there is an increasing number of young people in Britain who 'don't only not subscribe to our values - they openly support Hamas'.

Mr Farage doubled down on his comments in a speech he delivered this morning

Steve Baker became the latest Tory minister to challenge Mr Farage's comments as 'ignorant and offensive'.

Mr Baker said in a social media post this morning: 'It is not right that good British people should be slandered like this and I will defend them.'

The Wycombe MP praised the contribution of British Muslims in his Buckinghamshire constituency, where he is seeking to defend a 4,000-vote majority at the general election.

'I am proud that in Wycombe, British Muslims are councillors, mayors, council chairs and parliamentary candidates, justices of the peace and the present High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire,' Mr Baker added.

'They are teachers and headteachers, doctors and pillars of our society. These are my colleagues, friends and supporters and I am glad.

'They deserve much better than to be the object of this clear and intolerable bigotry. This is why I have always fought Islamophobia and why I will continue to do so, supporting the creation of a practical definition.'

Mr Farage, who has decided not to stand in the general election for his Reform party, mentioned Muslims while commenting on Rishi Sunak's plans to revive national service for 18-year-olds, which he called 'a joke'.

Mr Farage added: 'It's 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.'

Challenged over who he was referring to, Mr Farage replied: 'Oh, I think we see them on the streets of London every Saturday.'

Pressed on whether he was referring to Muslims, he added: 'We are.'

Your browser does not support iframes.

Mr Farage doubled down on his comments during a speech this morning by claiming the UK is moving into 'sectarian politics with women completely excluded'.

Speaking in Dover, he said: 'I think what we ought to be doing with this situation here is declaring a national security emergency and this is an emergency.

'I talked over the course of the weekend to Trevor Phillips, about the small but worryingly growing number of young men, predominantly young men in this country, adopting radical views, views that aren't just un-British, but views that frankly are extremely anti-British.'

He added: 'You might have noticed that Angela Rayner yesterday was campaigning in her constituency, begging, begging a group of Muslim leaders to please vote Labour, you will have noticed not a single woman in the room.

'So we're moving into an age in our inner cities and towns, I'm afraid, I'm worried to say, of sectarian politics with women completely excluded.'

The campaigner also accused Mr Sunak of calling an early general election because flights to Rwanda will not take off.

He said: 'I am absolutely convinced that the overriding reason for calling a snap early general election is because he knows those planes in July, as he promised, would not be going to Rwanda. They weren't going to go. Rishi can't stop the boats.'
Six newborn babies have died after a fire tore through a children's hospital in the Indian capital, with people charging into the flames to rescue the infants, police said on Sunday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the fire and deaths 'heart-rending' in a post on social media.

The fire brigade was called after flames tore through the hospital in Delhi late Saturday evening.

But in the crucial first minutes, it was bystanders who spotted the fire and braved the blaze to rescue the newborns.

'All the 12 newborn babies were rescued from the hospital with the help of other people,' senior police officer Surendra Choudhary said in a statement, but added that by the time they reached medical attention, six were dead.

Indian police inspect the site of a fire which broke out at a children's hopsital in Delhi on Sunday.

A vew of the damaged children's hospital, in which a massive fire broke out, leaving six newborns dead. Six other babies were rescued.

A police officer stands next to the children's hospital, which caught on fire on Sunday.

Pictured: A medical ward of the children's hospital a day after a fire blazed through it in Delhi, killing six. People were seen charging into the flames to rescue infants, police said.

Burnt documents lie at the accident site.

Some of the babies killed in the fire were so young that they had not been named yet, The Independent reported.

The fire was likely caused by an electrical short-circut, and spread rapidly due to an oxygen cylinder exploding.

'Legal action is being taken against the owner of the hospital,' Choudhary said, but did not give further details on how the children died.

In addition to the six reported killed, another baby among the 12 brought out of the ward was dead before the fire began, Choudhary said.

The fire broke out in the New Born Baby Care hospital in Delhi's Vivek Vihar area, before 14 fire trucks were sent to battle the blaze, the Press Trust of India reported.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called the situation 'heartbreaking'.

Relatives gather outside a mortuary a day after the fire broke out at a Delhi children's hospital.

A relative of an infant victim cries as she waits to identify them outside a mortuary a day after the fire.

Relatives of infant victims wait to identify the missing children.

'We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident,' he said on social media.

'The causes of the incident are being investigated, and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared.'

Modi also offered his condolences to those who lost their babies.

'My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time,' he wrote on social media. 'I pray that those injured recover at the earliest.'

The blaze in the hospital broke out hours after a separate fire at an amusement park in India's western state of Gujarat left 27 dead, including four children, which were all under the age of 12.

In that fire - which ripped through a centre with a bowling alley and other games crowded with children - police warned that many of the corpses were so badly burned it was difficult to identify them.

Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava had said an investigation was underway to establish the cause of the fire, and added that police would file a case of negligence against the park owner.

The blaze, which happened on Saturday in Rajkot, Gujarat, in western India, claimed the lives of 27 people including the four children, who were all under the age of 12

The park is usually packed with families with children enjoying the school summer vacation over the weekend

The park is usually packed with families with children enjoying the school summer vacation over the weekend.

Footage showed firefighters clearing debris around collapsed tin roof structures that media reports said were used for bowling, go-karting and trampoline attractions.

The amusement park was privately owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki.

Modi wrote on X that he was 'extremely distressed by the fire in Rajkot'.

He added: 'My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured.'

The two fires came as northern India was gripped by intense heat, with temperatures in Delhi hitting 46.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Fires are common in India due to poor building practices, overcrowding and a lack of adherence to safety regulations.
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

A Tory minister on holiday in Greece during the election battle could be busy 'designing campaign literature', the Work and Pension Secretary said today.

Mel Stride made the suggestion in interviews this morning after Steve Baker defended his absence since Rishi Sunak called the snap ballot for July 4.

The Northern Ireland minister complained that the PM had 'told everyone we could go on holiday' before making the announcement, saying he was on a 'much-needed break'.

The row has fuelled Tory nerves about the bumpy start to the campaign, with senior MPs warning that disaffected colleagues they need to 'zip it'.

'Some just know they will lose and won't forgive that they have lost another six months as MP,' one veteran backbencher told MailOnline.

Mel Stride made the suggestion in interviews this morning after Steve Baker defended his absence since Rishi Sunak called the snap ballot for July 4

Mr Baker complained that the PM had 'told everyone we could go on holiday' before making the announcement, saying he was on a 'much-needed break'

Asked last night about the bumpy start to the campaign, the Prime Minister told ITV News: 'Of course this is my responsibility, and I actually enjoyed the last few days.'

Asked about Mr Baker - who is defending a majority of just 1,500 in his Wycombe constituency after boundary changes - Mr Stride said: 'What I know is that there are hundreds of Conservative candidates up and down the country pounding pavements...'

Pressed that Mr Baker was not pounding pavements, Mr Stride replied: 'I can't comment on what Steve is doing or where he is... maybe he's designing his literature or making telephone calls, I've no idea.'

Mr Baker was among those rebuked for a 'lack of co-operation' in a leaked memo from CCHQ.

But in a defiant statement last night he told the Mirror: 'The Prime Minister told everyone we could go on holiday and then called a snap election.

'So I've chosen to do my campaign work in Greece.'

The Wycombe MP added: 'I've been campaigning for months and my wife deserves to have her husband go away for a much needed break. It's the only holiday we've got planned for the summer.'

Asked last night about the bumpy start to the campaign, the Prime Minister told ITV News: 'Of course this is my responsibility, and I actually enjoyed the last few days.

'A few days into this and I've been in the East Midlands and West Midlands, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland here in the South East.'

Asked why CCHQ was blaming MPs, Mr Sunak dodged the question: 'What I'm doing is talking to people everywhere, about the choice of this election, and I was very clear that I've got a clear plan that I'm working through and you can see that that is happening with the economy.'

Ousted West Mids mayor Andy Street delivered another blow to Mr Sunak by announcing he will not seek to become an MP

Tory MP Lucy Allan quit the party last night in order to support a Reform UK candidate to replace her in her Telford constituency.

Ms Allan, who is standing down at the general election, endorsed Reform's Alan Adams to succeed her in the Shropshire seat.

Following her public declaration of support for Mr Adams, the Conservatives took immediate action and suspended Ms Allan from the party.

Meanwhile, ousted West Mids mayor Andy Street delivered another blow to Mr Sunak by announcing he will not seek to become an MP.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched an investigation after the suicide of a soldier.

Sapper Kim Mawa, a 23-year-old from the Royal Engineers, was found dead at Swinton Barracks in Wiltshire, on May 7.

His colleagues had raised concerns for the young man's welfare before he was found dead by paramedics at 10.22am.

An inquest at Salisbury Coroners Court heard that he died by hanging.

Kim Mawa was found dead at Swinton Barracks on May 7 after fellow soldiers raised concerns for his welfare

A photograph posted by Kim Mawa on social media back in 2019

A picture of the army barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire

Tributes poured in for Kim Mawa, 23, who was described as having an 'infectious smile'

One tribute said: 'Spr Mawa, your passing has touched the entire regiment; your loss is deeply felt. 22 Engr Regt will not forget your smile and infectious smile. I hope you are at peace.'

Another tribute read: Youll be missed Kimmy! Ill hold our memories in my heart forever, youll never be forgotten, I hope you finally find peace!

'You deserved more than what this world gave you! Rip strongest soldier.'

The MoD said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and that it 'would be inappropriate to comment further'.

Wiltshire Police have stressed that 'there are no suspicious circumstances'.

This is the second suicide to hit the barracks in the last few years. On February 25, 2023, 19-year-old Ebrima Nyabally was found dead in his room at the barracks in Tidworth.

The pair belonged to different units, with Spr Mawa in the Royal Engineers and Sig Nyabally in the Royal Signals.

Ebrima Nyabally, who joined the Army when he was 17, was found dead in his room at barracks in Tidworth on February 25, 2023

Mr Nyabally, who was just five days into joining a new squadron, took his life just 24 hours after he had been arrested by the Royal Military Police for unknown reasons and released as there was 'nothing to suggest any risk of suicide of self harm'.

A sergeant found him dead in his room during a routine check put in place to ensure his safety.

His father, Malang Nyabally, said at the time: 'I am absolutely heartbroken. He did not die in the war, he died in the barracks. My family legacy is broken.'

The barracks has been met with a series of tragedies in recent years, with 23-year-old Fusilier Jake Llewellyn Plumb also found dead in his room after a friend alerted colleagues that they'd received a message warning he was going to kill himself.

The young soldier, from Pembrokeshire, hanged himself in his barracks two days after his girlfriend broke up with him, a previous inquest heard.

An Army Spokesperson said: 'It is with great sadness that we can confirm the death of Sapper Kim Mawa at Swinton Barracks, Perham Down on 7 May 2024.

'Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time, and we ask that their privacy is respected.

'The circumstances surrounding this tragic death are being investigated and it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.'

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Spain is set to welcome a record number of visitors for the second year in a row, despite a massive surge in anti-tourism protestors across the country.

Travel agency Destina reported that it already has 54% more bookings for Spain this year than in 2023's summer months.

Tourists from Portugal, Germany and Italy are heading to Spain in droves, with each nation seeing an increase of 70%, 48% and 36% respectively.

But the agency's data shows Brits have largely eschewed Spain, with bookings from the UK specifically falling by 15%.

Data from the UN's tourism agency showed the country welcomes 85million visitors, double the native population, last year. This number is 13million more than the previous year.

British tourists watch the coronation of Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla on TV screens in a pub, in Benidorm

Protesters hold a banner reading 'Mallorca is not for sale' during a demonstration

A demonstrator holds a sign that reads 'rebels with out a house'

While tourism makes up around 13% of Spain's GDP, furious locals in travel hotspots have been protesting tourism in their regions, leaving holidaymakers feeling intimidated.

An estimated 15,000 locals joined the protest that snaked through the capital Palma and headed for Weyler Square on Saturday, where holidaymakers were out in force for dinner and drinks.

Polly Taylor, who was dining with three friends, said that she initially had no idea what the crowd were doing until they started to come closer to the restaurant as armed police began to show up on the scene.

'It was like a storm was coming but we didn't know what the storm was about....then the noise from the protestors just got louder and louder and we were swamped with them', Taylor said.

Eventually, as the small group with whistles and drums began to get louder and louder, a Majorcan who was dining nearby attempted to engage with the agitators.

The group responded by blowing whistles in his face and taunting him, Taylor said.

Demonstrators take part in a performance depicting a tourist and a Mallorcan in traditional costume during a demonstration to protest against the massification of tourism and housing prices

Protesters hold signs reading 'For rent and I can't pay' during a demonstration to protest against the massification of tourism

The intimidating atmosphere continued as Taylor said the noticed signs reading: 'Go home tourists'.

'At that point, between the sea of people and..., it felt very intimidating to the point we discussed trying to leave and get out in case it turned nasty. We eventually managed to move into the restaurant to get off the street before any trouble could start'.

One protestor walked through the dining area on the street while 'clapping and shouting'.

The Londoner said that she asked her waiter what the protest was about but he said that he didn't know. 'Clearly he did, but he seemed embarrassed,' she added.

Now, Taylor said that she won't be visiting Majorca again.

'I will take my money elsewhere until they sort this all out. I understand their cause, being priced out of their own country owing to tourism, but they were targeting the wrong people.'

People take part in a protest against mass tourism and gentrification in the island ahead of summer season in Palma de Mallorca,

Bilbao locals were shocked after seeing a large-handwritten anti-tourist sign over a bus-stop billboard offering cheap flights to the Balearic Islands

'They never to target their government and the huge holiday companies. We were simply contributing to their economy by holidaying for a few days,' Taylor said.

Anti-tourist sentiment is spreading across Spain, with Palma-based Laura Barcelo, who describes herself as a birth photographer, shocking some and winning the support of others by plastering a bus stop with a 'no tourism' message after leaving Majorca for a weekend away.

She shocked locals in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao by putting up a large-handwritten sign over a bus-stop billboard offering cheap flights to the Balearic Islands from just 19 Euros (16) to enjoy the region's 'rhythm and waves' which read: 'The Balearic Islands are very overcrowded.

'If you want to help us don't come for the time being. We will welcome you back again if we manage to reverse this situation of unsustainable tourism.'

She added referencing the price of accommodation on islands like Majorca and Ibiza which protestors against the current tourism model have linked to Airbnb-style holiday rentals: 'Flights at 19 euros, rents at 1,900 euros' before signing off her message as 'Una Mallorquina' - English for 'A Majorcan woman.'

She wrote on X, formerly Twitter, where she posted the photo of her protest: 'I couldn't leave Bilbaowithout complaining and thanking a city that wishes us the best in this cause.'
A Oxford University student has resigned from a college committee after experiencing 'blatant antisemitism' when other students 'laughed' as she brought up anti-Jewish prejudice on campus.

In an open letter announcing her decision to quit as Junior Common Room (JCR) Vice-President at St Hughs College, Madeline Bryant, wrote that she would not work for a committee that had 'treated me so cruelly.'

She said that 'as a Jewish student, I aimed to explain my own experiences of antisemitism', but that the meeting descended into an 'insult to social justice and a win for antisemites everywhere'.

'Last night, the JCR refused to live up to the values and the community it ought to serve.

'It is a stain on this colleges history and it should be a stain on your consciences. St. Hughs College has an antisemitism problem', the letter, reproduced by student newspaper Cherwell, said.

Madeline Bryant (pictured) wrote her resignation letter after a 'three-hour' college meeting that she claims saw other members disregard her experiences as a Jewish student

Ms Bryant quit her JCR position at St Hughs College (pictured) over allegations of 'anti-semitism'

Pro-Palestine protesters at a recent encampment protest in Oxford. Pictured: May 23

A protester walks during a demonstration in support of Palestinians at Oxford University

Protesters stand in front of a university building during one campus demonstration at Oxford University

JCRs represent the undergraduates in Oxford colleges, and as well as organising social events, often also engage in thorny political issues.

According to her account of the meeting, a motion 'asking for the basic principle of equal treatment and peace' was 'effectively thrown out' by the student body, while a motion favoured by radical pro-Gaza protesters at the university was allowed to proceed to a full vote.

This motion 'defames and delegitimises the Jewish people. It denies our ties to our ancestral homeland, dehumanises Israeli academics and students, and neglects to call out the actions of terrorists', Miss Bryant wrote.

Explaining her wider experiences, she wrote about seeing 'my peers at this university chant to "Globalise the Intifada"  a call for violence against Jews' and also highlighted how she had warned at the stormy meeting that the college's Hebrew language program would be at risk if the university cuts ties with Israel, as is being urged by Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P).

She said that 'the response I received was "So what?" with a smile'.

The row follows swastika graffiti being found in another Oxford college, which was also linked by some to JCR politics, soon after pro-Gaza protesters at the elite university clashed with police.

Sir Malcolm Evans, who leads Regents Park College, told students 'appropriate action will be taken should we become aware of the identity of those responsible'.

The Nazi symbols were found on the walls of two toilet cubicles next to the college's Hall - its dining room - leaving Jewish students 'deeply upset'.

Her proposal for 'equal treatment and peace' was 'effectively thrown out' by other students

Students said they were 'punched in the face' as the protest was broken up

Protesters outside waving flags during the attempted occupation of an Oxford admin office

Police arrested Oxford students trying to occupy a university building

In recent days, Oxford students tried and failed to occupy a building in their latest demonstration against Israel's war in Gaza, leading to 16 being arrested.

Oxford Action for Palestine, which is behind tent encampments attempting to mimic the radical pro-Palestine protests seen on US campuses, said the university had 'enabled an unprecedented level of violence against students' following the clash.

Furious members of the group posted a video on social media on Saturday, accusing a security guard of 'slamming the door on the heads of students protesting the university's complicity in genocide'.

In fact, the video showed the member of staff weakly prodding them with his foot as he tries to access a door that they are obstructing.

University chiefs were already summoned to Downing Street earlier this month to discuss the 'unacceptable' rise of antisemitism at universities and the need for campuses to be 'safe' for Jewish students.

St Hugh's College said in a statement: 'The College has not received any report of alleged anti-Semitism by any St Hughs student. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment or intimidation and take such issues very seriously. We have urged any student who experiences or witnesses any unacceptable conduct to report it as a matter of urgency so that the College can investigate. Our welfare team are available to help any student that is affected by such issues.

'St Hughs College is a diverse and inclusive community that promotes free inquiry and freedom of speech, as well as courtesy, toleration and respect for the humanity and emotions of those with whom we live and study.'
The British Library has been forced to call in police over amorous couples having sex in its toilets.

It comes after an advert was posted on a 'cruisers' website which named the institution as a meeting spot for casual sex, with a 'vast amount of toilets on site'.

According to The Sun, one visitor has complained to the library about the issue, describing the behaviour as 'totally unacceptable'.

Security chiefs are apparently aware of students and local workers who have been fooling around in the toilets after arranging hookups online, the newspaper claimed.

The library has condemned 'inappropriate behaviour' of any kind and has issued a warning to customers that regular patrols are carried out in the toilets by on-site security staff.

The British Library has been forced to call in police over amorous couples having sex in its toilets (stock image)

An advert was posted on a 'cruisers' website which named the institution as a meeting spot for casual sex, with a 'vast amount of toilets on site' (stock image of people studying at the library)

The British Library has condemned 'inappropriate behaviour' of any kind (general view image)

A spokesperson told MailOnline: 'The British Library is a public institution and our site at St Pancras is visited by more than one million people every year.

'All of the Library's public areas and facilities, including the toilets, are regularly patrolled by on-site security staff to ensure that they are being used appropriately.

'Inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated and the Library works closely with the police to ensure the safety and security of the Library's buildings and users.'
Some of Britain's armed forces heroes are quitting over the state of their military housing, as new figures reveal thousands are living in homes riddled with pest infestations and mould.

Damp, mouldy homes, plagued with pests and by shoddy gas and electrical fittings are among the persistent woes troops and their families face in service accommodation, a recent landmark review from the Kerslake Commission found.

According to Ministry of Defence (MoD) figures, of the 47,863 service properties listed as of January this year, a staggering 62 per cent (29,886) had been treated for electrical faults since April 2022.

In the same period, half experienced heating and water issues, including frozen pipes, faulty radiators, and a lack of hot water.

Meanwhile, 5,123 had to be treated for pest infestations while 1,679 were treated for damp and mould from February 2023, according to the figures obtained by the Labour Party.

While a government survey released last week revealed 31 percent said accommodation provision was the reason behind them quitting the military.

Are YOU a forces family living in a shocking military home? Please email matt.strudwick@mailonline.co.uk to tell your story

New figures have revealed the state of Britain's shameful military housing with thousands armed forces heroes and their families living in homes riddled with pest infestations and mould (pictured is a toilet riddled with mould at one military base)

The state of the room was unveiled in a post on social media and sparked uproar. It appeared to show brick work collapsing into the bedroom of the soldier's home

Other forces families claim they have had their homes flooded due to shoddy pipe work

Matthew Savill, director of military services at defence thinktank RUSI, told the i the state of the homes is 'definitely cropping up as an issue for staff retention'. said that the army must consider housing as much as equipment.

'Future investment needs to look as hard at military support and accommodation as aircraft carriers,' he said.

An MoD spokesperson said: 'While military accommodation, like civilian housing, can be affected by issues with heating and electrics, improving accommodation for those who serve is an absolute priority.

'That's why, as part of increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, we are investing 4bn into military accommodation over the next decade.

'While over 95 per cent of military houses meet the required accommodation standards, we are improving military housing, including making damp and mould improvements to around 5,000 properties.'

MailOnline has contacted the MoD for further comment.

In Kerslake Commission's Homes Unfit For Military Heroes review, the body accused the Government of failing to make up for years of underfunding within the Ministry of Defence, which has left huge swathes of forces housing in a scandalous state.

And the report also warned that the pitiful state of service housing was causing personnel to leave the armed forces, as the nation's military continues to grapple with a recruitment crisis.

In a scathing critique, Britain's former head of Joint Forces Command General Sir Richard Barrons branded the situation 'unacceptable' and called for an urgent overhaul to avoid driving more troops away.

'Decent and affordable accommodation is crucial for the wellbeing of our armed forces personnel and is essential for maintaining the operational effectiveness of our national defence,' said General Sir Richard, who is a commission member.

'Yet for many years the accommodation for many service personnel and their families has been poor, and in many cases unacceptable.

'Substandard accommodation has effectively become a tax on the goodwill of highly prized people that directly undermines operational effectiveness and retention of our armed forces.'

An Army family was forced to leave their crumbling home after a wall in the bedroom of their military accommodation collapsed

Dozens of troops at Clive Barracks near Tern Hill, Shropshire, have been moved into the metal containers due to the condition of the service accommodation

Row after row of the huts have reportedly been installed at the base, as revealed by MailOnline in November 2023

Posts on social media have shown mould growing in Army homes, with this image showing the state of one roof inside the military property home of a pregnant mother

Families are also forced to contend with flooded toilets and claim repairs have taken months

While on military home, the pipes were so bad, it caused a leak in the roof, with water seen dripping out from light fittings in the property

Hundreds of families have been forced to endure months in crumbling, leaking properties riddled with mould, with some being left in sub-zero temperatures without heating and hot water during the winter.

The commission is calling for immediate action to improve woeful state of military housing.

And in its conclusion, the body said its findings 'must be a loud wake-up call' to the MoD and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

The report pointed to poor management and maintenance and said a backlog of repairs is 'at a tipping point' - amid fears it could cost more than 4billion to bring Britain's military housing stock up to scratch.

As well as lambasting the sorry state of homes, the report also slammed the DIO, which oversees military housing.

Contributed to the 56-page document, were a number of armed forces personnel and their families, who were enraged at the shocking state of their accommodation and the time it took for repairs to be carried out.

One serviceman said the service was 'shoddy' and that repairs took months, adding: 'We were without a boiler for the weeks over the Christmas period. My family had to live in and out of a hotel due to their incompetence.'

The Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing was launched in February 2023, with the late Lord Bob Kerslake, former head of the civil service, as its chairman.

The review covers Army, RAF and Royal Navy housing.

The MoD provides around 48,000 properties for families and some 154,000 for single service members.

Summing up their findings, the report concluded: 'The poor ratings that service personnel give accommodation in the MoD's satisfaction surveys... would be red flags for any registered social landlord.

'The evidence presented in this report (and in other past reports) shows that MoD accommodation has been in effect a 'sinking ship' for some time.'

Labour's shadow defence secretary John Healey, who commissioned the study, said: 'This damning report highlights the shoddy state of armed forces housing and the damage it's doing to service morale. Ministers have seriously broken something that is so important to a good life in the forces.'

The review came weeks after the UK was accused of shameful 'double standards' over its military housing scandal, which has seen armed forces heroes left to live in squalid homes while billions are spent on putting illegal migrants in plush hotels.

One frustrated military family had what appeared to be part of a tree growing through a crack in the wall which they say housing bosses haven't dealt with for months

General Sir Richard Barrons lashed out at the 'unacceptable' state of forces housing and called for urgent action to tackle the problem

The UK has been shelling out 8million a day on housing migrants in hotels while soldiers are left in rotting barracks or shifted into shipping containers.

In February, one Army family revealed they were forced to leave their crumbling home after a wall in the bedroom of their military property caved in, with their complaints about it allegedly being ignored 'for three years'.

Former Tory Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois raged: 'We are operating double standards; some brave military personnel and their loved ones are constantly let down by hapless contractors, while illegal migrants are put up in hotels.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently apologised for the woeful standard of military accommodation, which he admitted was not 'fit for standard'.

Last year the MoD bought more than 420 modern homes for forces families as part of a 173 million deal.

Alongside the investment in new homes, DIO also invested 185million in improving existing Service Family Accommodation, with around 20 per cent of homes receiving an upgrade.
A painting by Italian Renaissance master Caravaggio, once mistakenly thought to be by an unknown artist and nearly auctioned off, was unveiled at Madrid's Prado Museum on Monday.

Painted between 1605-1609, 'Ecce Homo' depicts a bloodied Jesus wearing a crown of thorns, his hands tied, as he is presented to the crowd by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate just before his crucifixion.

It is said to be one of around only 60 works by the Renaissance artist.

Three years ago, a Madrid auction house had been due to put the canvas under the hammer with an opening price of 1,500 euros ($1,800 at the time), mistakenly attributing it to an artist from the circle of 17th-century Spanish painter Jose de Ribera.

But just hours before the auction, the culture ministry blocked the sale as it believed it was actually painted by Italian aritst Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, whose works are worth millions.

The last-minute intervention came after the Prado said it had 'sufficient documentary and stylistic evidence' to suggest the canvas was a Caravaggio.

The artist, known to be arrogant and rebellious pioneered the Baroque painting technique known as chiaroscuro, in which light and shadow are sharply contrasted.

Earlier this month, the museum said experts confirmed the painting was 'without doubt, a Caravaggio masterpiece', calling it 'one of the greatest discoveries in the history of art'.

A painting by Italian master Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, known as Caravaggio, once mistakenly thought to be by an unknown artist and almost auctioned off with an opening price of 1,500 euros, has been unveiled at the Prado museum.

Entitled 'Ecce Homo', the dark canvas depicting a bloodied Jesus wearing a crown of thorns just before his crucifixion, is one of around only 60 known works by the Renaissance artist.

Now restored, the old master artwork went on display to the public for the first time on Monday in the Spanish capital in a one-piece exhibition called 'The Lost Caravaggio'. It will remain on display for nine months.

The exhibition was made possible by the 'generosity' of its new owner, who agreed to temporarily lend the work, the museum's director Miguel Falomir said in a news conference on Monday, without revealing who it was.

The painting's emergence is 'extremely important for the history of art because there has been no new work by Caravaggio had been identified for more than 45 years', explained David Garcia Cueto, who is responsible for Italian paintings at the Prado.

Experts say the oil on canvas painting became part of the private collection of Spain's King Felipe IV in the mid-17th century before being put on display at the residence of his son, Charles II.

It was then bequeathed to the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts near Madrid's central Puerta del Sol before being passed on to Spanish diplomat and later premier Evaristo Perez de Castro in 1823.

When he died, it was passed on to his descendants, but disappeared from view for nearly two centuries before resurfacing in April 2021.

Now restored, the painting went on display to the public for the first time on Monday in Madrid's Prado museum in a one-piece exhibition called 'The Lost Caravaggio'.

The painting will be on display for nine months.

Its reappearance stunned Caravaggio experts who were 'absolutely unanimous' in their recognition of the painting's provenance, Cueto said.

'All the Caravaggio specialists are in agreement which means we are certain that this is a painting by the great master of this period,' he said.

Art historians use various methods to determine the legitimacy of an artwork, including forensic examination of the canvas and paint to determine its age, the technology and styles of the era it was created in, and the techniques of the artist.

Spanish media reports said the owner was a British national living in Spain who had paid 36 million euros ($39 million) for the 400-year-old canvas.

But Prado director Falomir said its future was in the hands of its owner.

'It is a privately-owned artwork so the owner will have the last word,' he said.
Nissim Louk said the family had hired a man in Gaza to help find his daughter

The family of Shani Louk knew for certain their daughter had died in Gaza when Israeli police handed them an envelope containing the charred jewellery taken from her remains, it has been revealed.

The brutal abduction of the 22-year-old German-Israeli tattoo artist from the Nova music festival by Hamas terrorists on October 7 became one of the enduring symbols of the atrocities.

Images of her half-naked body being paraded through the streets of Gaza on the back of a pickup truck were ubiquitous in the weeks following Hamas' attacks on Israel, but her father Nissim Louk held out hope she had survived the ordeal.

For months Nissim and the family tried to get information out of Gaza, leveraging all their contacts to find a man in the Palestinian enclave to search for Shani and deliver details of her whereabouts and condition.

But their hopes were dashed when IDF soldiers discovered human remains that they believed were those of Shani in a nighttime raid on a location in Gaza two weeks ago.

Nissim said that a few days later, he knew Shani had been lost for sure when an Israeli police officer delivered the envelope containing his daughter's necklace, earrings, nose and lip piercings, along with documents confirming her death.

The brutal abduction of Shani Louk, a 22-year-old German-Israeli tattoo artist, from the Nova music festival by Hamas terrorists on October 7 became one of the enduring symbols of the atrocities

Nissim and Ricarda Louk, the parents of Shani Louk, 22

Nissim Louk (L) and Ricarda Louk attend the funeral service for their daughter Shani Louk during her funeral service on May 19, 2024 in Srigim-Li On, Israel

Palestinian militants drive back to the Gaza Strip with the body of Shani Louk, a German-Israeli dual citizen, on October 7

Shocking footage shared on social media showed Palestinian fighters parading Shani's naked body on the back of a pick-up truck

Nissim and Ricarda Louk, the parents of Shani Louk, 22, who was taken hostage by Hamas after being seized from the Nova festival, following a deadly infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip into Israel, and who was later confirmed dead by Israel's government, are photographed in their home in Srigim-Li On, Israel

Nissim told The Telegraph how he immediately recognised Shani's dreadlocks and tattoos from the images of her on the back of a Hamas pickup truck.

'We didn't see any blood on that white truck so we thought, maybe she's OK,' he said.

But with Hamas providing no confirmation of his daughter's condition, Nissim turned to desperate measures.

Contacting relatives in Germany who were able to connect with Palestinian acquaintances, Nissim managed to get in touch with an elderly Gazan who agreed to work for the family and help dig for information on Shani's whereabouts.

The man provided scant details, but claimed to have seen WhatsApp messages between Gazan medics allegedly describing their care for a 'German girl' - a description Nissim believed was likely in reference to his daughter.

Earlier this month, Nissim said the family had 'hoped, planned, prayed' for Shani's safety and were 'looking for clues to prove she was alive.'

But their prayers went unanswered.

Nissim recounted how IDF officers came to the house and explained how troops conducting a raid in Gaza had come across human remains.

The officer said skull fragments retrieved at the scene appeared to match Shani's DNA, suggesting she had suffered a fatal injury.

Inside, along with some paperwork, lay a blackened chain necklace, a couple of gold earrings and studs from Shani's nose and lips.

Shani's body was in the forest near their home on May 19 in a touching ceremony attended by dozens of mourners.

Nissim Louk reacts during a funeral service for his daughter Shani Louk on May 19, 2024 in Srigim-Li On, Israel

A drone view shows mourners during the funeral of German-Israeli Shani Louk, who was killed in the October 7 attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Srigim, Israel, May 19, 2024

Atim Louk (L) was among the pall bearers carrying the casket of his sister Shani Louk on May 19, 2024 in Srigim-Li On, Israel

Shani Louk is pictured with Oryon Hernandez Radoux, who was also abducted and later found dead in Gaza

Shani Louk and Oryon Hernandez Radoux

It was revealed by IDF officials that Shani's remains were found alongside the bodies of two other hostages - Itzhak Gelerenter, 57 and Amit Buskila, 28.

All three attended the Supernova festival near kibbutz Re'im on October 7, one of the first sites to be attacked by Hamas on its deadly incursion into Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deaths of the three revellers 'heartbreaking,' adding: 'We will return all of our hostages, both the living and the dead.'

Late last week, IDF troops working with members of Israel's Shin Bet security service launched a similar raid and retrieved the remains of three more hostages.

Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nisenbaum and Oryon Hernandez-Radoux were abducted from the Supernova music festival and the Mefalsim intersection just one mile away from the Gaza border on October 7, and were subsequently murdered by Hamas, Israeli officials said.

Hernandez-Radoux, 30, was Shani's boyfriend. Both had shared pictures together on social media in the days and weeks prior to their abduction.

Shani was seen dancing at the Nova Festival near kibbutz Re'im hours before Hamas gunmen flooded across the border on October 7, 2023.

Earlier this month, Nissim spoke out in defence of the award given to an AP photographer who captured the chilling moment the half-naked body of his 22-year-old daughter was paraded across Gaza by Hamas.

His remarks come after friends said they were shocked that the photograph had won the prestigious award and were in tears.

Shani was one of the roughly 1,200 people killed on October 7 by Hamas

Shani with her mother Ricarda (pictured, left)

Shani Louk and Oryon Hernandez Radoux

The decision to award AP photographer Ali Mahmud the oldest photojournalism gong by Reynolds Journalism Institute after he placed first in 'Team Picture Story of the Year,' sparked outrage.

The photo depicts five armed Hamas members in a pickup truck, one of whom is resting his feet on Louk's limp body.

Further footage shows the terrorists parading her body in Gaza amidst cheering crowds with one spitting on her remains.

But Nissim said: 'It's good that the photo won the prize'.

'This is one of the most important photos in the last 50 years,' he told Ynet.

He expressed a firm belief that his daughter's photograph will leave a mark on human history, considering it a symbol of the current era and hopefully serving as documentation for generations to come.

'These are some of the photos that shape human memory, the Jew raising his hands, the paratroopers at the Western Wall, photos that symbolise an era,' he continued.

'This documentation of Shani, and of Noa Argamani on the motorcycle, they symbolise this era. I think it's a good thing to use it to inform the future.'

'If I start crying, what will come of it? This is history. In 100 years they will look and know what happened here. I travel the world and everyone knows who Shani is,' he told Ynet.

But Shani's mother Ricarda said she was horrified by the picture, saying it forced her and her family to relive the trauma of losing their loved one.
Moving portraits of blind and vision-impaired D-Day veterans are going on show to mark 80 years since they stormed the beaches of Normandy during the biggest amphibious invasion in history.

The portraits - commissioned by the charity Blind Veterans - have been overlaid onto photographs, taken on D-Day or during the Second World War, to provide a 'glimpse of what they would have experienced' on that momentous day in June 1944.

One of the veterans is Harry Howorth, who landed on Sword Beach during the first wave of D-Day, aged 22. He nearly drowned when his landing craft's ramp dug into the seabed, pulling him underwater until someone rescued him.

His battalion of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry destroyed a German gun battery, which helped secure the beach.

In a brochure produced by the charity for the anniversary, he said: 'You never forget. You can even see some of the faces of your comrades who didn't make it.'

Harry Howorth, who died aged 102 on April 17, 2024, overlaid on an image of Allied troops landing on Sword beach at around 8:45am on D-Day

Harry, 22, served with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry and landed on Sword Beach during the first wave of D-Day

A portrait of Raymond Grose, 100, overlaid on an image of the wreckage of one of the Mulberry harbours in Arromanches after a storm

Raymond served with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and specialised in disarming bombs, and landed in Arromanches a few days after D-Day

Thomas Cuthbert, 98, overlaid on an aerial photograph of Allied naval craft off Dog and Easy beaches, Omaha assault area, on June 16, 1944

Thomas served on a Landing Barge Oiler, converting it into an oil tanker for D-Day. He sailed to Utah Beach with the Americans, supplying oil to various ships that needed it

The background of Mr Howorth's portrait shows Allied troops landing on Sword beach at about 8.45am on D-Day.

He died on April 17 this year, aged 102.

Ken Hobbs, who died on April 16 aged 101, was a mechanic with the Royal Army Service Corps and waterproofed the lorries that drove on to Sword Beach at 7.30am.

Amid heavy fire he drove ashore and encountered a welcoming Frenchman at the top of the beach. Mr Hobbs was awarded the Legion d'Honneur, the highest French order of merit.

His portrait features a background showing lorries disembarking from a tank landing ship off the Normandy beaches in the evening of June 6 1944.

Mr Hobbs had said: 'At 7.30am I drove on to Sword beach. It was very noisy. You had to do it and we just did it, that was it.

'It was horrible because the Germans were waiting for us, of course. I was one of the lucky ones that got through, but we lost a lot of people, a lot of men.'

Alec Penstone, who served on the aircraft carrier HMS Campania, sweeping mines and detecting U-boats during the D-Day invasion, overlaid on an image taken on the top deck of Alec's ship in July 1944, off the Isle of Arran, Scotland, showing a Fairey Fulmar fighter aircraft which had crashed when landing

Mr Penstone served with the Royal Navy as a submarine detector, protecting vital cargo ships crossing the Arctic and North Sea

A photo released by Blind Veterans UK of 101-year-old D-Day veteran Kenn Hobbs, who passed away on April 16 this year, overlaid on lorries disembarking from a tank landing ship off the Normandy beaches in the evening of June 6, 1944

Ken was a 21-year-old mechanic with the Royal Army Service Corps, and played a crucial role in waterproofing the lorries they drove onto Sword Beach at 7.30am on D-Day

Richard Aldred, 99, overlaid on an image of Cromwell Mk V tank leading a column of armour and soft-skin vehicles inland from the beaches

Richard was 19-year-old tank driver in the Royal Armoured Corps when he landed on Sword Beach via one of the Mulberry harbours

John McOwan, 103, overlaid on an image of tanks and equipment being unloaded on the invasion beaches in Normandy with barrage balloons hanging above

John was 23 and serving with the Desert Rats 7th Armoured Division during the Normandy landings. His unit anchored off the beaches overnight before disembarking under sniper and artillery fire, navigating their vehicles through mine-cleared lanes onto Gold Beach

Penny Harding, 102, overlaid on an image of Wrens at work in a corner of the wireless/telegraphs Room, in Rosyth, in 1944. Peggy was a 22-year-old linguist with the Women's Royal Naval Service, intercepting and translating German radio traffic. Her contributions were recognised only decades later, and her parents never knew the importance of her wartime role

John McOwan and and Harry Garthwaite, both 103, are the oldest men to be featured, while Peggy Harding, 102, is the sole woman.

Ms Harding, who at the time was a linguist for the Women's Royal Naval Service, intercepting and translating German radio traffic, said: 'Like hundreds of thousands of others, I played a minor part.

'At the time we thought we were doing something important, but of course nobody knew about this until the mid to late 70s.'

Seven of the portraits are featured in a special exhibition at the National Army Museum in London until June 9.

Six of the portraits will also be displayed at the new Winston Churchill Centre in Normandy, which will open on Thursday June 6, the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

John Haddock, 103, who served as a Bristol Beaufighter navigator with the Royal Air Force's 143 Squadron, overlaid on an image taken from John's Mosquito in January 1945, as they attacked a German iron ore carrier off the coast of Norway

John was 21 in the lead up to D-Day, when his squadron patrolled the English Channel, targeting German E-boats with bombs, to protect the Allied troops that were amassing on the south coast in preparation for the invasion

Bill Gann, 101, overlaid on an image of Allied troops making their way inland with their equipment including a motorcycle and handcarts at Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer on D-Day

Bill was a driver in the Royal Army Service Corps attached to the 11th Armoured Division

Harry Garthwaite, 103, was a pilot with the Second Tactical Air Force 84 Group, overlaid on an image taken from an airplane on D-Day of the Gold assault area, during the landing of the 50th Infantry Division

On D-Day, 24-year-old Harry transported senior army officers to Normandy and brought back the walking wounded to Tangmere where ambulances were waiting

George Simpson, 100, overlaid on Allied forces coming ashore on D-Day from landing craft assault on Jig Green beach

George served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and landed in the second flotilla on Jig Beach

Joe Turpin, 98, overlaid on an image of one of the Mulberry harbours, with rough sea on the outside but calm water on the inside, showing the effectiveness of the outer breakwater

Joe, 19, served on HMS Ryde, protecting on of the Mulberry harbours from enemy aircraft off Omaha Beach

The photographer who teamed up with Blind Veterans UK to create the portraits, Richard Cannon, said: 'I wanted to find a way to photograph these veterans that not only encapsulated their time during D-Day but also showed that they have lived long and full lives.

'So I started to think of a way to transport who they are now to the history of what happened 80 years ago.

'I'm extremely proud to have created strong, engaging portraits of these men and women who defended our country with such courage.'

Chief executive of Blind Veterans UK, Adrian Bell, said: 'When talking to our veterans about their experience of D-Day, many often dismiss or trivialise as unimportant the part they played. Many say that they were no more than a small cog in a huge enterprise.

'However, when we take a step back and consider the scale and ultimate success of the operation, it could not have succeeded without such commitment from so many people playing their part.

'Here at Blind Veterans UK we salute them all and are proud to be here to give them the support they need to live independent and fulfilling lives after sight loss.'

George Chandler, 99, was a torpedo boat gunner in the 59th Flotilla, overlaid on an image taken from George's boat at around 7.00am on D-Day as they crossed the English Channel

George, 19, was part of the crew on the Motor gunboat (MGB) small high speed British military vessel tasked with escorting American forces to Omaha and Utah beaches

Bob Gravells, 99, was a gunner in the Royal Navy. This portrait is overlaid on an image of British and US forces manning 20mm gun positions on board USS LST-25 watching landing craft head towards Gold assault area on D-Day

Bob (seen during the war) is one of the 16 beneficiaries of Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-servicemen and women
A production chief has warned that there is going to be 'more commercialisation' at the BBC amid a row over the broadcaster's plans to run adverts on its podcasts.

The commercial arm of the corporation is looking to generate sales in the UK by introducing ads to their podcasts on third-party websites such as Apple and Spotify.

And earlier this month a coalition of more than 20 media companies fiercely criticised the corporation's proposals to monetise its podcasts - saying the move risks having a 'significant adverse impact on fair and effective competition'.

Now the Head of Content for Salford-based creative audio company Audio Always has warned that it could be rolled out 'over the next couple of years'.

But Dave Masterman chided 5Live's Elis James and John Robins for eagerly requesting Staedtler highlighter pens and 'elite running trainers' - saying that there is 'still a reputation to uphold' despite the new plans.

Speaking on the Elis James and John Robins show, he said: 'There is more commercialisation popping into the BBC over the next couple of years.'

Dave Masterman (left) chided 5Live's Elis James and John Robins (pictured together right) for eagerly requesting Staedtler highlighter pens and 'elite running trainers' - saying that there is 'still a reputation to uphold' despite the new plans

The BBC's plan is to have ads phased in, starting in late 2024 or early 2025, for its small factual, drama and comedy shows

Responding, Taskmaster star Robins said: 'Tell me more about the commercial opportunities and partnerships the BBC is considering for the future, please Dave.'

The producer continued: 'Well, there could be a world where podcasts that are distributed on the likes of, lets say, Spotify have adverts in them.'

And - reacting to a request for Mr Masterman to let them choose who they are sponsored by - he continued: 'That doesn't change, there is still a reputation to uphold - you can't be on the blag like we might have been on previous commercial radio stations.'

The BBC's plan is to have ads phased in, starting in late 2024 or early 2025, for its small factual, drama and comedy shows.

It is understood that hits such as The Archers, Baron Melvyn Bragg's academic discussion programme In Our Time and interview series Desert Island Discs will follow suit if the first phase is deemed a success.

However, news and current affairs programming will be excluded.

Earlier this year, Elis James and John Robins' award-winning show started a new format, airing on BBC Sounds first, with one show being broadcast on 5 Live every Friday.

The comedians have been presenting together since 2014, where they hosted a show on Radio X, before moving to 5 Live in 2019.

Earlier this year, Elis James and John Robins' award-winning show started a new format, airing on BBC Sounds first, with one show being broadcast on 5 Live every Friday

Earlier this month, they won 'radio moment of the year' at the Aria Awards after Robins revealed his struggles with alcohol addiction on their sister podcast How Do You Cope?

A BBC spokeswoman said: 'The BBC is exploring the opportunity to introduce some adverts on selected non-News podcasts on commercial platforms with the aim of delivering increased value to licence fee payers, our suppliers and our rightsholders.

'There are no plans to introduce adverts on the BBC's own audio platforms. The proposals are subject to an ongoing regulatory assessment and nothing has been confirmed. We will continue to engage with the industry as we shape our plans.'

Critics have raised concerns about the plans for the corporation to top its income from the licence fee by 'distorting competition'.

News Media Association chief executive Owen Meredith said: 'The news that the BBC is apparently set to muscle into the UK advertising marketplace by competing with commercial players for advertising around audio output is very alarming.

'Such an intervention will profoundly distort competition, wreaking havoc on commercial players right across the media and advertising sector.

'The BBC must not be allowed to use the might of its licence fee-powered services in the advertising marketplace, otherwise the consequences for our media could be catastrophic.

'This would set an extremely dangerous precedent and these plans must be stopped immediately.'

Critics have raised concerns about the plans for the corporation to top its income from the licence fee by 'distorting competition'

Mans Ulvestam, who co-founded podcast platform Acast, claims that it will make it more difficult for other providers of audio content.

The businessman, who has gone on to co-found the content monetisation company Sesamy, added: 'So, the impact will be that less ads will be sold on commercial podcasts, since more people sharing will mean smaller percentages of what is available of ad revenue.

'This means that many UK podcasters' ad revenue is very likely to go down, and media will be more likely to turn to other sources of revenue - for example, premium, that the end users pay for it.'

Matt Payton, chief executive of the commercial radio body Radiocentre, told The Times: 'The BBC's services are funded to the tune of 3.8 billion a year.

'It is surprising that the BBC now considers it necessary to sell advertising for its podcasts in the UK on top of that, potentially damaging commercial competitors and further distorting the market in the process.'

Meanwhile, a senior podcasting figure who wished to remain anonymous, said they were sceptical whether the move would help the BBC grow the market overall, saying it will probably send smaller independent companies 'bust'.

It comes after newspaper bosses have slammed the corporation as the 'neighbour from hell' over its plans to expand local news coverage.

The BBC is 'strengthening' its local websites in 43 areas using money redistributed from local radio, where 45 presenter roles are being axed.

Editors at major regional news publishers said the 'state-funded juggernaut' was 'on course to suffocate independent journalism' across the UK.

In a co-signed letter, published by an array of local titles, they told director-general Tim Davie he faces a 'shameful legacy' if he does not change his approach.

It said: 'If the BBC was a family and lived in the house next door it would be the neighbour from hell.

'Unlike Google, Meta and co, the BBC's funding is guaranteed by the licence fee, meaning the British public is underwriting the biggest threat local journalism has ever faced.'

The BBC said 'there is no evidence' it is 'crowding out other digital publishers'.

BBC Studios already sells audiobooks and puts adverts on the corporation's podcasts outside the UK.

In 2022/23, it recorded a profit of 240 million, a rise of 6 per cent compared to the previous financial year.

BBC Studios said in July 2023 that 75 per cent of the global content studio's revenues are from streaming platforms such as Amazon's Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Netflix.

The commercial subsidiary credited crime series Happy Valley and documentary show Prehistoric Planet are among the recent successes.

Audio Always has been contacted for comment.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing fury after it emerged a race row probe into Diane Abbott ended months ago - but she still hasn't been told if she can be a Labour candidate.

Ms Abbott, who has been MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987, has had the Labour whip withdrawn for more than a year.

She was suspended amid an investigation into her comments about Jewish people in a letter to the Observer newspaper in April last year.

According to BBC Newsnight, that investigation was completed in December last year with Ms Abbott given a formal warning over her conduct.

She was also reportedly required to complete an 'antisemitism awareness course'.

But a source close to Ms Abbott said she is still yet to be told whether she can stand as a Labour candidate in her north London constituency at the general election.

Supporters of the veteran MP on Labour's left-wing hit out at the 'outrageous' treatment of Ms Abbott by Sir Keir and party bosses.

It also came amid a row over claims Sir Keir is lining up key allies to a string of safe seats after six current Labour MPs announced last-minute retirements.

Last week, ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - an ally of Ms Abbott - confirmed he will run as an independent candidate after being barred from standing for the party.

Sir Keir Starmer is facing fury after it emerged a race row probe into Diane Abbott ended months ago - but she still hasn't been told if she can be a Labour candidate

Supporters of the veteran MP on Labour's left-wing hit out at the 'outrageous' treatment of Ms Abbott by Sir Keir and party bosses

Ms Abbott issued a swift apology for her remarks in April last year, after she suggested Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience 'prejudice' but are not 'subject to racism'.

She was forced to sit as an independent MP in the House of Commons while a probe was launched into her remarks.

The BBC reported that Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) wrote to Ms Abbott in December 2023 saying it had concluded its eight-month inquiry.

It issued her with a 'formal warning' for 'engaging in conduct that was in the opinion of the NEC, prejudicial and grossly detrimental to the Labour Party', it was claimed.

The NEC also reportedly said it expected Ms Abbott to undertake an 'online, e-learning module', which she is said to have completed in February.

Sir Keir last week refused to be drawn on on whether Ms Abbott would be allowed to stand as a Labour candidate in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

'The NEC will be coming to decisions on the final list of candidates in due course, so you'll see that when the decisions are taken,' the Labour leader said on Saturday.

Labour told BBC Newsnight that it does not comment on disciplinary cases.

Sir Keir told reporters on a general election campaign visit to Stevenage this afternoon: 'Well, the process overall is obviously a little longer than the fact finding exercise.

'But in the end, this is a matter that will have to be resolved by the National Executive Committee, and they will do that in due course.'

The revelation sparked intense anger on Labour's left-wing, with a spokesperson for the Momentum group saying: 'This is outrageous news which confirms the Starmer leadership is trying to force Britain's first black woman MP out of Parliament.

'For months we have been told by Keir Starmer that the process is independent and it's nothing to do with him.

'Today's revelation confirms this is another brazen lie from Keir Starmer - the investigation was concluded months ago, Diane remains a Labour member and the whip should already have been restored as a result.

'Starmer's conduct has already been insulting and demeaning to a woman he rightly called a 'trailblazer' - the first step to making amends is to restore the whip and let Diane run as the Labour candidate, as local members wish.'

Meanwhile, the Guardian reported that key allies of Sir Keir are expected to be lined up as candidates in a string of safe seats.

There has been a last-minute spate of Labour MPs announcing they will stand down from the Commons ahead of the 4 July general election.

They include Barbara Keeley, John Cryer, John Spellar, Virendra Sharma, Kevin Brennan and Julie Elliott.

Senior Labour figures close to Sir Keir - including NEC members - are tipped to chosen as candidates in the now-vacant seats.
Sir Ed Davey went overboard today as he tried to put pressure on the Tories over the UK's sewage crisis.

The Lib Dem leader's love of a stunt saw him embark - and then rapidly disembark in an uncontrolled manner - from a paddleboard on Windermere, the scene of a highly controversial effluent spillage in February.

He will be hoping the situation has been rectified after he fell off the board into the chilly waters of England's largest lake.

Earlier this month it was claimed million of litres of raw sewage were 'illegally pumped' into the Lake District beauty spot by United Utilities after a fault was not corrected for hours.

According to the Environment Agency, sewage spills into England's rivers and seas more than doubled in 2023 with 3.6 million hours of spills last year - equal to about 400 years - compared with 1.75 million hours in 2022.

The Lib Dems are campaigning for local environment experts to get seats on water company boards as non-executive directors to 'improve public accountability and transparency'.

The Lib Dem leader's love of a stunt saw him embark - and then rapidly disembark in an uncontrolled manner - from a paddleboard on Windermere, the scene of a highly controversial effluent spillage in February.

He will be hoping the situation has been rectified after he fell off the board into the chilly waters of England's largest lake.

Earlier this month it was revealed million of litres of raw sewage were 'illegally pumped' into the Lake District beauty spot by United Utilities after a fault was not corrected for hours.

Sir Ed accused Tory ministers of 'sitting on their hands' and allowing firms to get away with pumping poo into waterways.

'These disgraced firms are destroying our treasured lakes and rivers with their filthy sewage dumping - hitting human health, harming our precious environment and damaging the local tourism economy all at the same time,' he said.

'Enough is enough. It's time to get tough on the water industry and a key part of that change must be new ways to hold these firms to account, putting power in the hands of the local communities suffering from this scandal.

'Local environmental experts on company boards could hold water bosses' feet to the fire and local people would finally have a say in how their water company is run.'

In the run-up to the General Election, the Lib Dems have unveiled plans to abolish Ofwat and introduce a new water regulator to tackle the sewage crisis, in addition to banning water CEO bonuses.

Sir Ed is visiting the Lake District, where protests have taken place outside the office of water company United Utilities, after it was accused of pumping sewage into Unesco protected lakes.

According to Liberal Democrat analysis of Companies House records, United Utilities has made 2.3 billion in operating profits since 2019 and paid their top executives over 2 million in bonuses.

In April, Steve Coogan joined protestors in demanding that the firm stop dumping sewage in Windermere.

Speaking to Good Morning Britain, Coogan called the situation a 'timebomb' and said: 'United Utilities have a big fancy PR machine and they put nice fancy offices up like this to say 'we're working together with the people of Windermere'.

'But it's all a smokescreen to distract attention from what they've been doing over the last 30 years, which is putting treated and untreated sewage into Lake Windermere.

'It's to such an extent that there are toxic levels of algae, there are algae blooms that show the nitrate levels are like through the roof.

'They've been doing this year on year. They're doing it legally and we have evidence they're legally putting sewage into the lake. They've been paying record dividends to shareholders, there's no excuse for this.

'We're telling them to stop putting sewage in the lake and take out what they've put in. It is possible. They've said they'll pass the bill for that operation onto the bill payers.

'They shouldn't be able to do that, they should take it from the huge profits they've made and just deny their shareholders a dividend for a few years and put that money into infrastructure to clean up the lake.'

A United Utilities spokeswoman said: 'This incident was caused by an unexpected fault on the third party telecoms cable network in the area, which United Utilities was not notified about and which affected both the primary system and United Utilities' backup.

'As soon as we discovered this fault was affecting the Glebe Road pumping station, our engineers took urgent steps to resolve the situation and we informed the Environment Agency within an hour of the pollution being confirmed.'
Angela Rayner vowed a Labour government would recognise the state of Palestine as she urged Muslim voters to back her and the party at the next election.

Video circulating online shows the party's deputy leader speaking to voters in her Ashton-under-Lyne seat and thanking them for getting her 'over the line' at the 2019 election.

She then admits 'people are angry' about the growing humanitarian disaster in Gaza following the Israeli invasion triggers by the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack.

In the footage, believed to have been shot at an event on Sunday Mr Rayner tells the audience that Labour 'supports' the International Criminal Court, which last week said it would seek the arrest of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu - and senior Hamas leaders - over claims of war crimes in Gaza.

She then warns them a Labour government would have 'limited' influence to change the situation, adding: 'Qatar, Saudi Arabia, all of these people, we are all working to stop what's happening at the moment, we want to see that.

'I promise you that's what we want to see. If Labour get into power we will recognise Palestine.'

Labour faces a major backlash from its Muslim voters over the party's stance on Gaza. Sir Keir Starmer initially refused to back calls for a permanent ceasefire saying Israel had a right to defend itself.

The stance was blamed in part for Labour losing the Rochdale by-election to George Galloway earlier this year.

Meanwhile Ms Rayner faced pushback from television presenter and Reform UK president Nigel Farage, as he sounded the alarm about inner cities and towns moving into an era of 'sectarian politics with women completely excluded'.

Video circulating online shows the party's deputy leader speaking to voters in her Ashton-under-Lyne seat and thanking them for getting her 'over the line' at the 2019 election.

She also lashed out at comments made by Reform UK president Nigel Farage on Sunday morning, in which he attacked the British Muslim population. She accused him of 'stirring up division', a stance echoed by Tories including minister Steve Baker.

Ms Rayner posted pictures of herself campaigning on Sunday in the same outfit.

Mr Farage was launching the Howard Cox as the party's Dover candidate this morning - having refused to stand for a seat himself.

In a tough speech, he claimed Rishi Sunak called an early election on July 4 because he knew his plan to deport Channel migrants to Rwanda would not work.

He also doubled down on his attack on British Muslims, despite criticism from the Tories and other politicians over using the term 'invasion' to describe the situation facing Britain.

Complaining that Channel migrants had access to services like housing and dentistry before locals, Mr Farage said: 'Frankly, I think this is very dangerous. You only have to look at what has happened in Sweden, in cities like Malmo, to see that a large influx of young males coming from an entirely different culture - and certainly coming from a culture in which woman are not even regarded as second-class citizens - has had frankly disastrous social effects.'

Ms Rayner's majority in her Manchester seat is a vulnerable 4,263. And her comments on Palestine appear to go further than Sir Keir.

Earlier this week he said he wanted to recognise a Palestinian state if he won power, but caveated that such a move would need to come at the right time in a peace process.

Ireland, Spain and Norway will formally recognise a Palestinian today, a move that prompted an angry response from Israel. It said the move amounted to a 'reward for terrorism' and recalled its ambassadors from the three capitals.

In the video clip Ms Rayner also says she will commit UK aid to rebuilding Gaza.

'That takes more than just recognising it. It takes resources, it takes infrastructure. it takes expertise - we need teachers, civil servants, we need all of the infrastructure,' she said.

'That's a big job and I will push Labour to do our part in that with the international community. I've already spoken to ambassadors and people but that's what Labour will do. I promise you I'll do everything we can but I won't say things that i can't do.

She also lashed out at comments made by Reform UK president Nigel Farage on Sunday morning, in which he attacked the British Muslim population.

She accused him of 'stirring up division', a stance echoed by Tories including minister Steve Baker.

He hit back at her in a speech in Dover today, saying: 'You might have noticed that Angela Rayner yesterday was campaigning in her constituency, begging, begging a group of Muslim leaders to please vote Labour, you will have noticed not a single [other] woman in the room.'

His latest outburst came after he clashed with Richard Madeley today as the Good Morning Britain host challenged his controversial comments on Muslims by asking, 'What on earth were you talking about?'

The Reform UK honorary president provoked a backlash on Sunday when he warned of the 'growing number of young people in this country who do not subscribe to British values' and 'loathe much of what we stand for'.

He later clarified he was talking about Muslims.

Mr Madeley challenged the former UKIP leader on his comments this morning by quoting the findings of a major review of the existing polling carried out in 2018 by IPSOS Mori.

'They found absolutely conclusively that Muslims in the UK attach more importance on being British than the general population,' he said.

'85 per cent feel they truly belong to Britain, 55 per cent feel that their national identity as British is very important to them and that compares to 44 per cent of the general population. So I'm bound to ask, what on earth were you talking about there?'

In response, Mr Farage said he wanted to provide 'context' about what he said on Sunday in an interview with Trevor Phillips on Sky News.

He said: 'What I said is that a growing number of young people do not subscribe to British values. In fact, despise them in many ways.

'And all of your viewers would have seen the local elections where in parts of our inner cities we saw sectarian politics - people voting purely on religious lines, councillors getting elected and screaming Allahu Akbar...'

He then quoted recent polling by JL Partners commissioned by the Henry Jackson Society.

'It showed that 23% of 18 to 24-year-old of young Muslims living in Britain think that jihad is a good thing,' Mr Farage said.

'Now that of course is not a British value in any way at all and its a very disturbing trend that's particularly prevalent among the young.'

Mr Madeley replied: 'The poll that you just quoted from has been very heavily criticised as self-selecting - people were basically drawn in through a series of clicks and by the time they were asked to register their opinion they had already made their minds up.

'You also said in the interview that you could take someone to a particular street in Oldham and there would be nobody there who speaks English.

'Well again that's just not true - the Office of National Statistics say that only 0.7% of people in Oldham don't speak English - that's less than one in a hundred.'

Mr Farage said it was possible to 'argue about numbers and statistics' but it was 'undoubtedly true' that there is an increasing number of young people in Britain who 'don't only not subscribe to our values - they openly support Hamas'.
The world's rarest album which only a few people around the world have ever listened to is going on display at a gallery in Australia.

Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, which was recorded in secret over a period of six years by Wu-Tang Clan, will be played to the public for the first time ever at The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, Tasmania.

For 10 days in June, the museum will be holding small 30-minute-long listening parties where fans can hear a curated sample of the loaned creation.

Housed in its own silver box, the seventh studio album by the pioneering American hip-hop group only has one physical copy and is the most expensive ever to be sold.

The album which was intended to be a fine piece of art, was once bought by the disgraced pharmaceutical entrepreneur Martin Shkreli for $2 million.

Housed in its own silver box, the seventh studio album by the pioneering American hip-hop group only has one physical copy and is the most expensive ever to be sold

Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was recorded in secret over a period of six years by Wu-Tang Clan

The sought-after event is taking place on Saturday 15 and Monday 24 June at 1pm and 4pm.

Tickets are free if you are lucky enough to secure one when they go on sale at 10am on Thursday 30 May.

It comes as part of MONA's Namedropping exhibition, taking place between 15 June 2024 and 21 April 2025, which has the aim of examining status, notoriety and 'the human pursuit'.

The exhibition of some 200 artworks and objects assembled in MONA's subterranean galleries will pose questions: What makes the big names big: Porsche, Picasso or Pompidou? What is the nature of status and why is it useful?

Speaking about the album, MONA's director of current affairs, Jarod Rawlins said: 'Every once in a while, an object on this planet possesses mystical properties that transcend its material circumstances.

'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is more than just an album, so when I was thinking about status, and what a transcendent namedrop could be, I knew I had to get it into this exhibition.'

The album is bound by a legal agreement that prevents its commercial release until the year 2103 - however, it can be played at listening parties.

Upon its creation, it was pressed onto a two-CD copy with the digital master files deleted.

Tickets are free if you are lucky enough to secure one when they go on sale at 10am on Thursday 30 May

Formed in 1992 in New York City, Wu-Tang Clan are often praised for changing how the world viewed hip-hop and revolutionising the genre

After its original sale at auction back in 2015, it went on to be owned by the digital art collective Pleasr.

The album's appearance at MONA is the first time it has been loaned to a museum since the original sale.

It was recorded in New York City and includes the voices of the nine surviving members of the group, as well as Cher and Game of Thrones star Carice Van Houten.

In a statement reported by The Guardian Pleasr said it was 'honoured to partner with Mona to support RZAs vision for Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.'

Adding: 'Ten years ago, the Wu-Tang Clan had a bold vision to make a single copy album as a work of fine art. To put it in an art gallery, make music become a living piece like a Mona Lisa or a sceptre from Egypt.

'With this single work of art, the Wu-Tang Clans intention was to redefine the meaning of music ownership and value in a world of digital streaming and commodification of music.'

Formed in 1992 in New York City, Wu-Tang Clan are often praised for changing how the world viewed hip-hop and revolutionising the genre - they went on to become one of the most legendary rap groups.

The Grammy-nominated music collective have released eight studio albums, with their second release Wu-Tang Forever topping the UK chart.
The Vatican continues to stay silent on allegations the Pope used a derogatory homophobic slur while claiming homosexual men should not be allowed into colleges to train for the priesthood.

Pope Francis, 87, was claimed to have said 'there is too much of an air of f*****ry' in the church, translated from Italian, in comments made last week and first circulated by Italian tabloid news website Dasgopia on Monday.

Bishops at the meeting were reportedly taken aback by the language the pontiff used to make the statement - the derogatory word 'frociaggine', which roughly translates to f*****ry.

Italian news agency Adnkronos, citing sources, reported that the Pope said in the speech: 'Look: there is already an air of f*****ry around that is not good. There is today's culture of homosexuality with respect to those who have a homosexual orientation [who] are better off not being accepted [into the seminary].'

The remark was met with 'incredulous laughter', bishops told newspaper Corriere della Sera, but represents a huge step back for campaigners after prolonged efforts to reform the church's position on LGBTQ+ rights.

Pope Francis is pictured during a meeting with the Italian Bishops' Conference at the Vatican

The comments were allegedly made in a closed-door meeting ahead of the conference. Pictured: The opening session of the 79th general assembly of the Italian Bishops Conference

Pope Francis attends a Mass in St Peter's Square for the first World Children's Day on May 26

Remaining silent on the matter, the Pope has not posted on Twitter/X since Monday.

The Vatican's Press Bulletin also has not been updated since yesterday, referencing a meeting with a delegation of Buddhist Monks in Thailand in which the Pope called for the building of a 'more inclusive world'.

As of Tuesday morning, Vatican News - set up by order of Pope Francis in 2015 with the Secretariat for Communication - reported this morning that the Pope today met with World Children's Day artists and volunteers in Rome.

Italian media has quoted the Pope as having said: 'Look, there is already an air of f*****ry going around that isn't good.

'There is a culture today of homosexuality, because of which those with a homosexual orientation are better off not being welcomed [into the seminary].

'It is very difficult for a boy who has this tendency not to fall [into sin] because they come [to the seminary] thinking that the life of the priest can support them, but then they fall during the work of the ministry.'

Some suggested the comments were an honest translation mistake for the Pope, for whom Italian is a second language, and that he 'did not know' how offensive the word was.

But the allegations could spell a significant step back for the church after years spent shifting its position on LGBTQ+ matters.

When asked about his views on homosexuality in 2013, he famously said: 'If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?'

Last year, he described laws that criminalise homosexuality as a 'sin' and an 'injustice', and allowed Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples in a significant advance for LGBT rights in the church.

However, the Pope delivered a similar message on gay seminarians - minus the reported swear word - when he met Italian bishops in 2018, telling them to carefully vet priesthood applicants and reject anyone suspected of being homosexual.

Political gossip website Dagospia was the first to report on the alleged incident, said to have happened on May 20, when the Italian Bishops Conference opened a four-day assembly with a non-public meeting with the pontiff.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis's native language is Spanish, and though he is fluent in Italian he has made a number of linguistic faux pas in the past.

He has previously said that if a boy is unsure about his sexuality and is facing mental health challenges he might need 'psychiatric' support.

It widely believed he instead meant 'psychological' help, words he has also confused on other occasions.

Francesco Lepore, a former priest who is now a gay rights activist, said he was 'stunned' by the comments allegedly made by Francis, who is also known by his birth name Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

'Despite being accustomed by now to the type of direct language on the part of Bergoglio, speaking of 'f*****ry' in the seminaries seems more like a bar and a tavern than a Pontiff,' he told la Repubblica.

'This expression would never have appeared on the lips of Paul VI, John Paul II or Benedict XVI, who also took damning positions towards homosexuality.

He added: 'The Pope is right that the number of homosexual seminarians and clerics is very high. But the simplicity of language has nothing to do with vulgarity.'

Reports about the pontiff's remarks at the meeting come after bishops approved a document regulating admission to Italian seminaries, according to Corriere.

The Pope was pictured today (right) at a World Children's Day event in Rome

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis' first language is Spanish, and though he is fluent in Italian he has made a number of linguistic faux pas in the past

The paper reported that members 'approved by majority vote an amendment that recognized the distinction between simple homosexual orientation and 'deeply rooted tendencies.'

This, it suggests, means 'in substance, that a homosexual person could be admitted to the seminary if, like the heterosexual, he gave the guarantee that he knows how to live the discipline of celibacy.'

However, it reportedly implies 'that it is more difficult for homosexuals because they will be living in an all-male community for many years.'

Francis's latest remarks seemingly suggest he is taking 'a more radical' view on the issue, by preventing gay men from being allowed to join altogether.

The Holy See has not approved the document, according to reports, and the issue is still under discussion.

The 2005 Vatican document, released under Pope Benedict XVI and endorsed by Francis in 2016, states that the Church 'cannot admit to the seminary or to holy orders those who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called 'gay culture.''

There is so far no official record of the Pope's latest comments on the issue and the Vatican has not commented.
A man has been charged with murder after being accused of forcing his way into a north Queensland unit and repeatedly stabbing someone.

Lar Sue, 31, has been remanded in custody after his matter appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Sue is accused of forcing entry into the Kirwan unit attached to the Joy Thai restaurant after 4.30pm on Monday before allegedly stabbing a 26-year-old man he knew repeatedly, leaving a 'violent scene'.

The man was treated by emergency services but died at the property.

Police on the scene outside Joy Thai restaurant on Monday where a 26-year-old man died following a stabbing

He suffered multiple wounds to the torso, with police seizing an 'edged' weapon at the unit.

'It's certainly a violent scene to walk in to,' Detective Acting Inspector Chris Caswell told reporters on Tuesday.

'We have seized an item we suspect is the item involved.'

Police said a woman was in the unit at the time and witnessed the attack.

She was not injured and was not a suspect, Det Insp Caswell said.

'She's with detectives today going through the investigative process but as you can imagine it's obviously a confronting ... thing to witness,' he said.

Sue has also been charged with entering a dwelling to commit an offence.

A duty lawyer appeared on Sue's behalf when the case was mentioned in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

It was adjourned for committal mention on August 2 and Sue was remanded in custody.
Two major beauty companies have been accused of being complicit in child labour, after an investigation found children were being used to pick ingredients for luxury perfumes.

Suppliers of jasmine for Lancome and Aerin Beauty allegedly hired young children in Egypt for as little as 1.18 a day to pick the flowers for use in three luxury products - Lancome Idole L'Intense and Ikat Jasmine and Limone Di Sicilia for Aerin Beauty - according to the BBC.

A 100ml vial of Lancome Idole L'Intense sells for 125, while Ikat Jasmine goes for 150, and Limone Di Sicilia for 160.

BBC reporters went undercover in jasmine farms across Egypt, which produces around half of the world's jasmine, to film children undertaking gruelling work to pick the precious flower.

One woman, from Gharbia in the heart of Egypt's jasmine region, told the BBC that she is forced to wake her family up at 3am every day to begin picking jasmine flowers before the sun damages them.

BBC reporters went undercover in jasmine farms across Egypt, which produces around half of the world's jasmine, to film children undertaking gruelling work to pick the precious flower

Suppliers of jasmine for Lancome and Aerin Beauty allegedly hired young children in Egypt for as little as 1.18 a day to pick the flowers for use in three luxury products

Heba said she needed her four children, aged between five and 15, to help as they earn more money if they pick more flowers.

She said she works on land owned by someone else, and so owes a third of her wages to the landowner.

BBC reporters said they witnessed children under the age of 15 picking jasmine in at least four different locations across the region.

Independent perfumer Christophe Laudamiel said that the onus was on major beauty houses, also known as 'the masters', as they strictly control the industry surrounding ingredients used in perfumes.

'The masters' interest is to have the cheapest oil possible to put in the fragrance bottle,' and then to sell it at the highest possible price, Laudamiel, who spent years working inside one of the fragrance houses, said.

'They actually don't govern the salary or the wages of the harvesters, nor the actual price of jasmine, because they are beyond that.

But the budgets the beauty houses set piled on pressure to massively lower the wages of pickers.

BBC reporters said they witnessed children under the age of 15 picking jasmine in at least four different locations across the region

One woman, from Gharbia in the heart of Egypt's jasmine region, told the BBC that she is forced to wake her family up at 3am every day to begin picking jasmine flowers before the sun damages them

'There's a big disconnect between the preciousness that is talked about in the marketing talk, and what is actually given to the harvesters,' he added.

The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokata, told the BBC following its investigation.

'On paper, they [the industry] are promising so many good things, like supply chain transparency and the fight against child labour. Looking at this footage, they are not actually doing things that they promised to do.'

A spokesperson for Estee Lauder, Aerin Beauty's parent company, told MailOnline:

'We believe the rights of all children should be protected and have contacted our suppliers to investigate this very serious matter.

'We recognize the complex socioeconomic environment surrounding the local jasmine supply chain and we are taking action to gain better transparency and work toward improving the livelihoods of sourcing communities.'

A spokesperson for L'Oreal, Lancome's parent company, told MailOnline: 'LOreal is deeply committed to respecting and protecting Human Rights  and believe that child labour is completely unacceptable.

'We regularly audit our suppliers and always act immediately if a problem is identified.

'This is what we are doing in Egypt, where we indirectly source a small percentage of the jasmine used in our products and where we identified the problem last fall after the last harvest and before the BBC reached out to us.

'Since then, we have been putting concrete actions in place ahead of the upcoming June harvest. To drive systemic change in support of local communities, we are working in partnership with the Government of Egypt, the Fair Labor Association, the International Labour Organisation and other industry players.

'We are very disappointed that the BBC chose not to include the concrete actions in Egypt which we started to implement prior to them contacting us and which we have actively shared with them'.
Spanish police on Monday dismantled a Chinese mafia responsible for trafficking migrants from Cadiz to the UK, which were said to have crammed people into a small house for weeks until their transfer.

14 people have been reportedly arrested for the illicit trafficking of more than 250 migrants, falsifying documents and smuggling drugs.

According to Spanish news outlet El Mundo, the criminal organisation facilitated the illegal entry into Spain of Chinese nationals by both air and land with forged documents.

Police began investigating when it noticed continuous flow of Chinese migrants was detected in La Linea de la Concepcion, a municipality of Cadiz, Spain.

The migrants were reportedly heading to Gibraltar with the intention of reaching the UK.

A video released by Spanish police shows small, cramped, dark rooms in a house in Cadiz where the trafficking gang is believed to have housed migrants

Multiple suitcases and personal belongings can be seen in the clip, indicating that several people have been living in the house

As they passed through Cadiz in southern Spain, migrants were 'hidden in tiny spaces, like a dungeon' for weeks before being transferred to the UK under 'terrible unsanitary conditions.'

They were also forbidden from leaving the overcrowded building where they were being housed.

A video released by Spanish police during a raid of the property where the migrants lodged shows a small, dark, cramped room with just a bed. When lifted by one of the officers, they find countless pieces of rubbish and hair trimmings underneath.

More bedrooms are discovered, with the video showing multiple suitcases and personal belongings, indicating several people have been staying there.

Those involved in the illicit smuggling, who are also said to be of Chinese nationality, are said to have falsified documents including passports, visas and stamps from Schengen countries.

Police discover pieces of rubbish and hair trimmings under a bed, showing that migrants have been exposed to unsanitary living conditions

According to Spanish police, the Chinese trafficking gang forged documents to facilitate the smuggling of migrants into Europe

The organised crime network was also found to sell and distribute synthetic drugs, such as ketamine and MDMA, with the mafia operations bringing them a total of around one million euros.

This is not the first time Spanish police have arrested Chinese-led human trafficking gangs.

Back in 2018, police in Spain arrested 155 people and smashed an international Chinese human trafficking gang that smuggled people into Britain and Ireland.

Officers said gang chief charged migrants a flat fee of 20,000 euros each for getting them to their final destination with fake passports.

They were hudden in flats near Barcelona after reaching Europe before being put on flights leaving mostly from the city's El Prat airport.
This is the shocking moment Love Island's Sam Taylor has a near death experience when a car smashes into the front of his salon and showers him in glass.

The heavily tattooed hunky hairdresser was in the middle of blow drying a client's hair at the front of Salon Sixty, in Sheffield, when the silver vehicle ploughed into the store's glass front.

Sam, 23, can be seen in the Ring footage happily chatting to the young woman, who was getting ready for prom, only to cower away when the 4x4 hits the salon.

Shattered glass rains down on him with a small piece getting lodged into his leg.

The automatic vehicle is captured in the footage slowly driving around a row of parked cars outside.

Love Island's Sam Taylor can be seen blow drying a client's hair before a 4x4 crashes into Salon Sixty, in Sheffield

Sam, 23, (circled) can be seen in the Ring footage happily chatting to the young woman, who was getting ready for prom, only to cower away when the silver vehicle hits the salon

The driver then suddenly accelerates the vehicle, knocking over a wooden planter and then crashing into the front and shattering the glass.

One client, who is sitting underneath an illuminated sign which reads 'Nailed It', stands up to inspect the carnage with the door's frame bowing and tiny pieces of glass all over the floor.

Shocked staff were said to be left in floods of tears following the crash in June last year.

Senior stylist Sam had only been working at the salon for three weeks.

He told the BBC at the time: 'It was a shock to be doing a blow dry and have a car suddenly next to you.

'My client was getting ready for prom and was shaken up, but luckily no-one was hurt.

'I had a small piece of glass stuck in my leg and both police and fire attended. This is the second time. The salon needs protecting by bollards. It was lucky it didn't come any further in.'

The salon had only just been renovated with the damage costing an estimated 8,000 to fix.

Ruth Loades, the salon owner, told The Star the crash was an accident and that luckily no one was badly injured.

Sam will enter the Love Island villa in the coming days with the new series launching on June 3 (Pictured in Australia last month)

Sam has posted pictures of himself working out at the gym and says he hopes he can find a connection with someone on Love Island

He recently took to Instagram to share a picture of himself basking in the warm sunshine on Miami Beach, Florida

His bio reads: 'You wouldn't look at me as a tall guy covered in tattoos and think that I make girls' hair look pretty for a living'

Megan Loades, was working in the salon at the time of the incident, along with five other members of staff.

She said they were all reduced to tears at the shock of the crash.

Megan told the newspaper: 'On our road there's planters full of flowers in front of the shops. So she went into the planter first, that probably took a lot of the impact, and then she turned the wheel. If she didn't turn the wheel she would have gone straight through the shop.

'One of our stylists, Sam, he's only been with us for about three weeks. He was sat in the window seat, and he was doing a young girl's hair for her prom. They were probably missed by about a metre.'

MailOnline has contacted South Yorkshire police for comment.

Sam will enter the Love Island villa in the coming days with the new series launching on June 3 - almost a year after his near death experience.

He recently took to Instagram to share a picture of himself basking in the warm sunshine on Miami Beach, Florida.

Sam hopes he can find a connection with someone on Love Island and his bio reads: 'I'd say not to judge a book by its cover because how I look compared to what I do for work might not necessarily add up. You wouldn't look at me as a tall guy covered in tattoos and think that I make girls' hair look pretty for a living.'
The Carter family, whose brothers Nick and Aaron were mainstays of 1990s and early 2000s pop music, have been beset by drug problems, heartache and allegations, since their heyday.

In the wake of the airing of the Investigation Discovery documentary Fallen Idols, which saw numerous women make allegations against Nick, the various tragedies that have beset the Carter family are coming back under the spotlight.

Nick and Aaron were two of five children born to Bob Carter and the pair's 'momager' Jane Schneck. Nick is the oldest, followed by sister Bobbie Jean, then sister Leslie, Aaron, and his twin sister, Angel.

Having began their family in upstate New York, where they ran a bar named Yankee Rebel in the community of Westfield, when their children were young they decided to relocate to the Tampa-area in Florida to run an old folks home.

Nick Carter soared to superstardom as a member of the Backstreet Boys in the 1990s, while Aaron's career skyrocketed with the 2000 chart-topper I Want Candy.

The Carter family has been riddled by tragedy since brothers Nick and Aaron's success in music in the 1990s and 2000s

Jane and Bob Carter, the parents of the five Carter children, pictured here in 2001. The couple split in 2004. Bob passed away in 2017

Bobbie Jean, like her brother Aaron and sister Leslie struggled with substance abuse. Leslie died of a drug overdose at age 25 in 2012. Leslie, (center) died of an drug overdose in 2012 at 25. Aaron passed away from an accidental drowning to his drug use in November 2022 (Pictured in 2006)

Their parents split in 2004 and a year later Jane was arrested for attacking her estranged husband's new girlfriend and future wife, Ginger Elrod. No charges were filed but a restraining order was put in place.

As both of the brother's music careers fizzled, the family became stars in the reality show, House of Carter, which launched in 2006.

The siblings' upbringing and fractious dynamic was documented in E! show, House of Carters, which showed physical fights between Nick and Aaron, BJ's problem with alcohol and the family going to therapy to heal their wounds as they lived together for two months in LA.

In 2012, Leslie Carter, star of the family's reality show slipped and fell in the shower. Shortly after the accident, she went to take a nap and tragically would never wake up. She was 25 years old.

A note written on her hospital chart indicated that drugs had been a factor in her death. A subsequent report found that she had Xanax, Zyprexa and a muscle relaxer in her system at the time of her death.

Her funeral made headlines, especially when it was discovered that Nick was absent. During an interview with Dr. Phil, Nick said that when he was told about her death, he felt that his family immediately were trying to blame him for the tragedy.

In 2017, Bob Carter died at the age of 65 of a suspect heart attack.

In 2012, Leslie Carter, star of the family's reality show slipped and fell in the shower. Shortly after the accident, she went to take a nap and tragically would never wake up

The most recent tragedy to strike the family occurred in December 2023 when Bobbie Jean, shown here in 2006, 41, was found dead in the bathroom of her Tampa home

'Theres certainly a generational dysfunction issue here that comes along with it,' Angel, Aaron's twin, shown here, said of her sibling's deaths

Ten years later, Aaron Carter was found dead in eerily similar circumstances to his sister as he was found lifeless in a bathtub in his home after consuming the generic form of brand-name Xanax.

His death was listed as accidental drowning. He was 34 years old.

Aaron's battles with drugs were public knowledge and around the time of his death. He spoken openly about his struggles in an interview with People Magazine in 2018.

'I'm happy that I came out on the other side. I was a very happy baby growing up. [Now] I just want to have fun, be healthy - mind, body, soul, emotions ... all of those things, and really be responsible for my own actions too,' the one-time teen idol said.

However just a year later, Nick filed a restraining order against Aaron, alleging he threatened to kill his pregnant wife and unborn child.

'After careful consideration, my sister Angel and I regret that we were required to seek a restraining order against our brother Aaron today,' Nick wrote at the time. 'We were left with no choice, but to take every measure possible to protect ourselves and our family.'

He added that he still loved Aaron and hope he would get 'the proper treatment he needs before any harm comes to himself or anyone else.'

Aaron responded to the restraining order at the time by tweeting: 'So my brother just got a restraining order against me. And I was just served lol.'

'Take care. @NickCarter we're done for life,' he continued. 'I haven't seen him in four years. And I don't intend to... I am astounded at the accusations being made against me, and I do not wish harm to anyone, especially my family.'

BJ died from a fentanyl and methamphetamine overdose aged 41 in December 2023 - following the heartbreaking losses of Leslie aged 25 in 2012 and Aaron in 2022 aged 34 (BJ, Leslie and Aaron are pictured 2006)

In the aftermath of Aaron's death, a family friend told Page Six that he felt as though Nick could have done more to help his younger brother navigate the world of celebrity.

'I wish [Nick] could have done a little more as a blood relative to Aaron. Im not judging him. Im not saying anything bad because I respect him. Hes a talented artist. I love him, but Aaron had an obsession with his brother,' said Gary Madatyan.

The most recent tragedy to strike the family occurred in December 2023 when Bobbie Jean, 41, was found dead in the bathroom of her Tampa home.

Her cause of death was listed as 'intoxication by the combined effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine,' according to the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner Department. She is survived by her daughter, Bella.

Bobbie Jean was not really in the public eye but did work as her younger brother, Aaron's, stylist in the 2000s.

The family matriarch Jane Carter issued a statement around the time of Bobbie Jean asking for time to grieve in private.

At the time of her death, Bobbie Jean was on probation for cocaine possession when she died according to law enforcement - but her roommates had told them that she had not used any narcotics since her prison release.

Just a few weeks after the tragedy, Nick posted on Instagram: 'It may take a lifetime to fully process the loss my family has endured over the years  most recently, with the sudden passing of our sister Bobbie Jean.'

In the wake of Aaron's death, a family friend said that he felt as though Nick could have done more to help his brother navigate showbusiness

Alongside the statement, he posted a picture of the pair playing together as children.

Aaron's twin sister, Angel, gave an emotional interview to CBS Morning's Gayle King in April in which she spoke about the family's tragedies.

'Theres certainly a generational dysfunction issue here that comes along with it,' Angel said of her sibling's deaths. 'But as far as growing up, there was a time where we were a really close family... there was a lot of love.'

'But there was a lot of chaos going on at the same time,' she added.

'Just fighting, she continued. 'My parents were just fighting all the time. Just dysfunction in the home. No boundaries. No stability. No one to talk to. It just felt like, if I had an issue going on I really couldn't have my parents to lean on to.'

When asked if fame aggravated the family issues, Angel replied, 'I do.'

In Fallen Idols, further demons are revealed as three women interviews accuse Nic of sexual misconduct - Melissa Schuman, Ashley Repp and Shay Ruth.

Carter denies all of the allegations against him, claiming his sexual assault accusers were 'orchestrated' to extort him and his attorney Dale Hayes Jr. told People that the claims are 'outrageous.'

The star's countersuit of his accusers for defamation is still pending in court, with his lawyer adding in a statement: 'Those cases are working their way through the legal system now, and, based on both the initial court rulings and the overwhelming evidence, we have every belief that we will prevail and hold them accountable for spreading these falsehoods.'
A Mercedes driver who ran over and killed the daughter of an Ecuadorian politician has appeared in court today ahead of his trial.

Octavian Cadar, 39, hit Vanessa Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida with his car as she crossed London's Wandsworth Bridge just before 10pm on March 16, 2022.

An air ambulance flew to the scene on Bridgend Road, in Wandsworth, but nothing could be done to save the 27-year-old, who was the daughter of Ecuadorian politician Carlos Sagnay de la Bastida.

Cadar denies causing death by dangerous driving but admits the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving.

He appeared at the Old Bailey today for a brief hearing ahead of his trial on July 29, with members of Charlotte's family also in attendance.

Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida, who was the daughter of Ecuadorian politician Carlos Sagnay de la Bastida (pictured together), died after being hit by a car in 2022

The 27-year-old was hit by a Mercedes while crossing the road just before 10pm on March 16 2022. She later died at the scene

Octavian Cadar, 39, denies causing the death of Charlotte by dangerous driving but admits the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving

Charlotte, who was engaged to her partner Michael Williams, studied psychology at the University of St Andrews and graduated with a master's degree from King's College London.

She was employed by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust as a research assistant within their Department of Psychology.

Following the tragedy, Charlotte's closest friend Kristina Smirnoffa wrote: 'It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida at the young age of twenty-seven.

'Charlotte was everything, a loving fiance to Michael, a caring friend, a kind daughter, a hard worker, a fantastic cheerleader.

'Charlotte was the main character in most of our lives. Charlotte lit up every room she walked into.

'She was a true princess and a fighter.

'She was beautiful inside and outfor the way she thoughtfor the way her eyes sparkledfor the way she lifted others up around her.

Charlotte (pictured) studied psychology at the University of St Andrews and graduated with a master's degree from King's College London

Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida is pictured with her fiance Michael Williams

Octavian Cadar, who denies a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, is seen leaving Wimbledon Magistrates' Court

'She was taken from us so soon, so suddenly, without a goodbye. Charlotte will be missed dearly.'

At the time Detective Constable Jenny Burr, who led the initial investigation, said: 'Wandsworth Bridge is a popular and busy route across the Thames and it is likely that people either witnessed the collision, or may have dash-cam footage that could assist our investigation.

'I am appealing to those people to get in touch. Our thoughts are with her family.'

Cadar, of Clydesdale Way, Belvedere, southeast London, remains on unconditional bail. He will next appear for a hearing on 17 July.
One voter sparked hilarity when she told the Prime Minister her sons are 'more brawn than brains' at a campaigning event in Staffordshire today.

Rishi Sunak was answering questions from local people at a Q&A where he was introduced by Stoke-on-Trent MP Jonathan Gullis.

The woman, introduced as Dawn from Stoke, made the joke as she pressed the Conservative leader on his recently announced plans to introduce mandatory national service for all 18-year-olds.

Telling Mr Sunak her two sons are aged 20 and 29 - 'nearly 30' - she added: 'Without sounding disrespectful to them they're more brawn than brains.'

Her bold statement received raucous laughter at the event, with the Prime Minister telling her: 'Let's hope they're not watching!'

Dawn from Stoke (pictured holding the microphone) made attendees laugh after saying her sons have 'more brawn than brains'

The Prime Minister was welcomed to Staffordshire by MP Jonathan Gullis, who represents Stoke-on-Trent

It comes as Labour's Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave a speech this morning and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey fell off a paddleboard.

Speaking to the Prime Minister, Dawn said: 'I've got two sons who would definitely have benefitted from this, but I wanted to know if that could be broadened to cover ex-convicts from prison perhaps.

'I think that some would benefit from the structure and the guidance, the rules that National Service provides.

Responding to Dawn, Mr Sunak said he is 'really excited' about the policy, which came to many as a shock announcement last weekend.

He said: 'I've been talking to a lot of people since the time I've had this job about what can we do to really transform out country for the better. For young people as you've said, doing something that really provides skills and opportunities is going to be really transformational for their lives.

'I believe service gives you purpose and I think it will be really brilliant for young people to have this rite of passage that they go through with everything that it teaches them and just keeps them out of trouble.'

Military roles in the proposed national service scheme will be 'very competitive and selective', he added.

Speaking at a Q&A during a visit in Staffordshire, he said: 'I think all of us have felt that our society could do with being more cohesive, right, reminding us we're all on the same side, bringing us together, and this will do that. It will foster that culture of service and make our society more cohesive.

Military roles in the proposed national service scheme will be 'very competitive and selective', Mr Sunak told the crowd

Responding to Dawn, Mr Sunak said he is 'really excited' about his national service pledge

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves was also on the campaign trail this morning (pictured: May 22)

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits a ceramic manufacturing plant during a Conservative general election campaign event in Staffordshire

'But it also, in a very uncertain time, will make our country more safe, so in years to come, and we have thousands and thousands of people who have been trained and things that are practically helpful for our country's resilience or our security.

'And remember, there's a choice, so if people want to they can do the military component of this, but it will be very competitive and selective.

'And for everyone else, there'll be civic roles, search and rescue, first aid, lifeboats, helping elderly people, but all of these things will just contribute to our country's resilience and our security.

'So I think it's going to be fantastic. It will become a rite of passage and important part of who we are as a nation.'

Rishi Sunak also claimed Labour's plan will 'halve the number of apprenticeships'.

Asked what he was going to do about the 'skills gap' the Prime Minister replied: 'We are a party that believes in increasing the quality and quantity of apprenticeships, great route for young people to get into work.

'Not everyone has to go to university, and that's a clear choice at this election, because the Labour Party are still clinging to this idea that the only way to succeed in life is to go to university, that's simply not right.

'So we want to make sure that there's a high quality apprenticeship in every career, that's what we're doing, more money behind them. Their plans will halve the number of apprenticeships.'

Elsewhere on Tuesday morning, Rachel Reeves said Labour will not announce any additional tax rises during the election campaign.

The shadow chancellor also ruled out holding an emergency budget if Labour won the election, saying she would not hold a fiscal event without a forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility - a process that would take 10 weeks.

Her statement means that a Labour government would be unlikely to bring forward a budget until at least September, given the timings of parliamentary recesses.

A day to forget? Lib Dem leader Ed Davey topples off a paddleboard on Lake Windermere while campaigning this morning

Sir Ed (pictured) was on a campaign trip with former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron

Sir Ed also seemed to have some trouble staying on the board close to the lake's edge

Standing in front of two jet engines at Rolls Royce's plant in Derby on Tuesday, Ms Reeves said her party's proposals meant there were 'no additional tax rises needed beyond the ones I have set out'.

The increases already proposed include closing 'loopholes' in the windfall tax on oil and gas companies and the Government's plans to tax non-doms, and making private schools subject to VAT.

Ms Reeves also hinted that she would like to cut income tax and national insurance, but would not do so without being able to say how she would fund those cuts.

In her speech, the shadow chancellor said Labour was now 'the natural party of British business' and promised to lead 'the most pro-growth, pro-business Treasury' in the UK's history, adding that corporation tax would be capped at its current level under a Labour government.

Ms Reeves said: 'I know there is no policy that I can announce, no plan that can be drawn up in Whitehall, that will not be improved from engagement with business, and our manifesto will bear the imprint of that engagement.'

She also sought to emphasise Labour's dividing lines with the Conservatives, saying her party would fight the election on the economy and blaming 'Tory instability' for Britain's economic situation.

Ms Reeves urged voters to 'pass judgement' on the Conservatives, saying they had 'failed on the economy'.

Scores of business leaders have already backed Labour, with 121 executives writing to The Times on Tuesday to declare their support for the party.

One of the signatories, Iceland founder Sir Malcolm Walker, publicly backed the Conservatives in 2015 when they were led by then-prime minister David Cameron.

Asked whether her support for business came at the expense of supporting workers, Ms Reeves insisted that Labour was both pro-worker and pro-business, 'recognising that you can't be one without the other'.

She added: 'You can't be pro-working people unless you're pro the businesses that create the jobs and the prosperity to ensure that good jobs are available all across our country.

'And you can't be pro-business unless you're pro-skilling up and supporting working people to fulfil their potential.'

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey was also out and about this morning, campaigning in the Lake District with Tim Farron.

Unfortunately he got into a spot of trouble whilst showing off his paddleboarding skills on Lake Windermere, toppling into the water in front of a multitude of cameras.

It is not the only sticky moment of the election campaign so far for the major parties: last night outgoing Conservative MP Lucy Allan was suspended by the party after she publicly endorsed Reform's candidate to take over her seat.
Passengers aboard a Spirit Airlines flight from Jamaica to Florida were told to prepare for an emergency water landing in the latest terror in the skies.

Flight NK270 was forced to return to Montego Bay shortly after take off on Sunday following a 'suspected mechanical issue'.

Video from inside the cabin shows some of the more than 200 passengers wearing life vests amid the chaos.

But the Airbus A321 landed safely back in Jamaica's Sangster International Airport and guests were able to deplane normally, according to CBS News.

Spirit added the 'mechanical issue did not affect flight safety' and the emergency landing instructions were given 'out of an abundance of caution.'

Flight NK270 was forced to return to its original destination, Montego Bay, shortly after take off on Saturday following a 'suspected mechanical issue'

Spirit added that the 'mechanical issue did not affect flight safety' and the emergency landing instructions were given 'out of an abundance of caution'

Passenger Bettina Rogers captured the pilot's announcement on a video recorded on her phone.

She said the pilot initially said there was 'nothing to be alarmed about' but five minutes later announced the plane was returning to Jamaica.

Passengers were given a $50 credit and out on a new flight to Fort Lauderdale, where they arrived just 45 minutes behind schedule.

Andrene Gordon spoke about the terrifying ordeal with the Jamaican outlet the Gleaner, calling it a 'near-death experience' that began with a 'beeping sound.'

'At first I was like, maybe it's because it's a new plane,' Gordon shared.

TikTok user Bettina Rogers shared footage from inside the plane's cabin on Saturday

'We were there for like 25 minutes but the plane never ascended high . The pilot said there was a slight issue, nothing major, 'so we are just gonna turn back and go to the airport.''

'We never know we would actually make it to the ground because all we were seeing was literal water it was total chaos,' Gordon added.

'The flight attendants, I know they are trained, but they are human. They got scared, everybody was scared.'

Gordon also said the $50 credit felt like 'a slap on the face.'

'After that near-death experience and emotional distress, Spirit wants to offer US$50 credit to use by August of this year,' Gordon told the Gleaner.

'I feel like that is a slap in the face because they put us through such a traumatic experience with an incompetent crew. That is just so unacceptable.'

Spirit has apologized to guests 'for any inconvenience.'

Passengers were given a $50 credit and out on a new flight to Fort Lauderdale, where they arrived just 45 minutes behind schedule

Just a day after the Spirit scare, a United Airlines flight aborted takeoff after the plane engine caught fire while on the taxiway at Chicago's O'Hare airport.

The Seattle bound United Flight 2091 with 148 passengers and five crew members on board was halted around 2pm Monday, according to the FAA.

Video showed clouds of black smoke pluming out of the Airbus A320 wing.

Ground crews and emergency responders 'immediately addressed' the issued and the plane was towed to the gate where passengers deplaned, reported NBC Chicago.

Meanwhile all flights were grounded at New York's JFK on Monday - an occurrence attributed to ongoing thunderstorms seen across much of the US, the FAA said.

The travel chaos comes as citizens in Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee were all hit over Memorial Day Weekend by a bevy of twisters, heavy winds and flooding, which, so far, have killed at least 21 people.

At least 6,837 within, into, or out of the United States have been delayed and 516 cancelled, according to FlightAware.

Memorial Day weekend kicked off the started of what is forecasted to be a busy summer travel season

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said it screened 2.95 million airline passengers on Friday, the highest number ever on a single day.
READ MORE: Accused knifeman charged with murder after stabbing at unit

A woman has been arrested and is assisting police

A woman has been arrested after a man was stabbed to death during an incident at a home on a quiet suburban street.

Emergency services were called to the home on Murrabin Avenue in Matraville, in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, about 6:15pm on Tuesday.

A man was found critically injured and died at the scene, despite the best efforts of paramedics.

NSW Police said a woman was arrested nearby and is assisting with inquiries.

A resident on the street told Daily Mail Australia that police were still at the scene at 11pm and appeared to be 'looking for something'.

A woman has been arrested after a man was fatally stabbed at a home in Matraville, Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, on Tuesday night (pictured, police at the scene)

Footage taken by the local shows the moment police arrested the woman and can be heard saying 'put your hands up'.

A dog from the K9 Unit can also be seen being held back by its handler as it barked at her.

A life-long resident of Murrabin Avenue told Daily Mail Australia that they have never known of 'any problems on the street' until Tuesday.

Images from the scene show about half a dozen officers surrounding a woman wearing ripped leggings, dirty socks and a grey hoodie.

Officers and Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the incident and have established a crime scene at the home.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police.
A man is to appear in court after the corpses of ten rare tortoises worth up to 10,000 each were found dumped in the woods.

The first two Aldabra giant tortoise bodies were found in Ashclyst Forest, Devon on January 8 and a further five were recovered nearby on January 12. A further two were found in the same area in February.

Gary Priddle, 56, has been summonsed to appear before Exeter Magistrates Court on Thursday May 30.

He has been accused of two counts - one for dropping litter and a second of failing to care for the animals.

He will face charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

One charge states: 'Between 29 December 2023 and 2 January 2024 at Exeter in the county of Devon threw down, dropped or otherwise deposited litter, namely ten deceased Aldabra tortoises and left it in East Devon, a place to which section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applied. Contrary to section 87(1) and (5) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.'

The first two Aldabra giant tortoise bodies were found in Ashclyst Forest, Devon on January 8 and a further five were recovered nearby on January 12. A further two were found in the same area in February. Pictured: One of the latest tortoise bodies found in Ashclyst Forest in Devon

Gary Priddle, 56, has been accused of two counts - one for dropping litter and a second of failing to care for the animals. Pictured: Three of the dead tortoises

This picture from 2021 shows another Aldabra giant tortoise found dead in the same forest

The National Trust, which owns the Killerton Estate that encompasses Ashclyst Forest, confirmed that its officers had been called to the scene where the tortoises had been found. The Trust said its team were 'horrified' by the discovery

The second charge states: 'Between 23 and 29 December 2023 at Exeter in the county of Devon did not take such steps as were reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the needs of an animal for which you were responsible, namely ten Aldabra tortoises, were met to the extent required by good practice in that due to not checking on the daily welfare and heating system relating to their care which failed and led to the animals' death. Contrary to section 9 and 32(2) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.'

Devon and Cornwall Police has been working with the National Wildlife Crime Unit and the RSPCA on the investigation.

The RSPCA revealed that the tortoises were found with their legs spread back against their shells and their heads outstretched and limp.

Although there are an estimated 400,000 pet tortoises of all species in the UK, the Aldabra is rare, with only some 400 thought to live in Europe.

Along with the more famous Galapagos, it is one of just two giant tortoise species left in the world. Male Aldabras grow up to 1.2m in length, weigh a quarter of a ton and can live to the age of 200.

Unesco estimates that about 150,000 Aldabras still roam wild in their natural habitat  the Aldabra atoll, part of the Seychelles, north of Madagascar. But due to their tiny geographical range and the difficulty breeding them (never achieved in Europe), the Aldabra is classified as 'vulnerable'.

Keepers should typically have an inside pen kept at a constant 32c, complete with UV lighting  both mercury lamps and UVB fluorescent tubes  which provide Vitamin D, as well as a 'fogging system' to keep humidity at roughly 60 per cent.

But Aldabras also need plenty of outdoor space, ideally with a pool of water  they are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to half an hour.

Devon and Cornwall Police has been working with the National Wildlife Crime Unit and the RSPCA on the investigation. Pictured: Two of the tortoises

Although there are an estimated 400,000 pet tortoises of all species in the UK, the Aldabra is rare, with only some 400 thought to live in Europe. Pictured: One of the victims

The RSPCA revealed that the tortoises were found with their legs spread back against their shells and their heads outstretched and limp

Anya Honey, a professional dog-walker who frequently takes her canine charges to the forest, described the discovery as 'deeply disturbing and upsetting'. Pictured: Ashclyst Forest

What are Aldabra giant tortoises? Aldabra tortoises are the largest species of tortoise in the world - together with their distantly-related cousins, the Galapagos giant tortoise

They can live for more than 150 years and reach sizes of up to 550 pounds

Some shells of the tortoise can reach over 3.2ft in length

The species is classed as vulnerable by the global authority on endangered animals - the International Union for Conservation of Nature

They are native to Aldabra Island, one of the Seychelles northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean

They are kept at several wildlife parks in the UK but also in some private collections Advertisement

It is the exotic nature of these majestic creatures that has captured the imagination of the local community.

Hayley Belworthy owns an equestrian centre at Newhall Farm, bordering the forest to the west. She first heard about the gruesome discovery on a community Facebook group.

'People are shocked and devastated,' she said in February. 'We're a close-knit community so when something like this happens, it's just horrific.'

One of Ms Belworthy's grooms, Tess, who keeps two horses at the centre and commutes the short drive from Exeter, is equally affected.

'I've had horses here for the past 20 years. Everyone is friendly and happy. Everybody helps each other out. It's like a village here, so we're all upset.

'And because we don't know what's happened, it makes it worse. I think it will make people wary to go into the woods.

'But we'll carry on: we don't have a choice. We'll all be keeping an eye open, though.'

Anya Honey, a professional dog-walker who frequently takes her canine charges to the forest, described the discovery as 'deeply disturbing and upsetting'.

She added: 'I only wish I had been here at the time: perhaps I could have saved these beautiful creatures.'

Many in the community  which stretches from Cullompton to the north down to Exeter in the south  echo a strong sense that things like this simply don't happen here.

Henry Massey, chairman of Broadclyst Parish Council, told the Mail: 'This is an area of very little crime. The worst we usually get is dogs off leads attacking sheep. It's clearly upsetting that this happened in what is otherwise a happy, quiet parish. But that might be exactly why it was used.'
Torrential rain, thunderstorms, hail, lightning and strong winds will bring flooding and travel disruption to the UK this afternoon and tonight, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for parts of North West England, Yorkshire, the East Midlands and East Anglia between 2pm and 7pm today.

A second warning for Northumberland, Cumbria and southern Scotland will run from 3pm until midnight, and a third covering Northern Ireland between noon and 9pm.

Forecasters are expecting up to 1.2in (30mm) of rain could fall in just a few hours in places - while lightning, hail and high winds could cause damage to buildings.

Delays and cancellations to train and bus services are possible along with spray on roads, as the final days of meteorological spring are blighted by miserable weather.

Tourists shelter under umbrellas as they go for a punt on the River Cam in Cambridge today

People shelter under an umbrella in the Paddington area of London in the rain this morning

A woman wears a poncho on a wet Tuesday in Cambridge today as the bad weather continues

A misty view at Lake Windermere in Cumbria this morning as thunderstorms continue

People wear rain ponchos in the Paddington area of London today amid the miserable weather

Speaking about today's weather warnings, Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said: 'The UK is in the midst of some unsettled weather at the moment.

'It will be a little bit hit and miss within warning areas, some lightning strikes and travel disruptions lend an unsettled feel for today.'

Particularly heavy downpours in some areas could see roads cut off.

Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 20C (68F) in central England today, with a low of 5C (41F) expected in rural Scotland.

It covers cities including Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, with forecasters warning of up to 0.8in (20mm) of rain in less than an hour.

On Wednesday, highs of 21C (70F) are expected in the South East of England.

A further yellow warning for thunderstorms comes into force in Scotland at 10am tomorrow and is in place until 7pm.

People are caught in the rain on London Bridge this morning as the capital is hit by downpours

Tourists shelter under umbrellas as they go for a punt on the River Cam in Cambridge today

People out on a dull and damp morning in the Oxfordshire countryside at Dunsden today

A woman shelters under her coat in the Paddington area of London in the rain this morning

A woman walks a dog next to the River Thames on a wet morning in Windsor today

The Steam Dreams train Britannia leaves Windsor and Eton Riverside rail station this morning

Mr Dixon said: 'The thundery risk spreads further north on Wednesday, with a warning in force for much of Scotland. Further south will see a continued mix of sunshine and showers for many.

'That showery theme, with the potential for some heavier bursts, continues for much of the country on Thursday, though there is also likely to be some sunny spells at times, which could feel quite pleasant away from the rain.

'There is a change signalled for the weekend, with a ridge of high pressure likely to reduce rainfall totals and bring some warm, dry weather for many, though details will become clearer in the coming days.'

It comes after The Sun reported that the Met Office had warned the Government and transport chiefs of at least 50 days of rain over three months this summer.

The newspaper also claimed that forecasters estimated rain is 50 per cent more likely than average between the start of June and the end of August.

But the Met Office told MailOnline today that it was not possible to forecast a specific number of days of rain for a season - while the chance of a wet summer is also near-average, and therefore not 50 per cent more likely than average.

The Met Office also said today that current signals show the chances of a wet or dry summer are 'fairly balanced', adding: 'Whilst rainfall signals are limited, some spells of unsettled weather can be expected.

'As is typical for the time of year, these spells are likely to see heavy downpours and thunderstorms for some regions.'

And the Met Office's official long-range forecast states: 'It is probable that a continuation of variable, slow moving weather patterns are likely through much of June, similar to that which has been experienced through May.

'However with potentially slow moving weather systems there is still a chance that longer-lived drier, or even wetter, spells are entirely possible too. Temperatures are most likely to be around or above normal.'
A mother and her two adorable daughters died in a horrific car crash involving a tractor-trailer that caused their truck to burst into flames.

Michelle C. Yaeger, 45, and her two daughters Kenzi and Natalie, 8 and 10, had been traveling in their GMC Yukon when it crashed on Friday morning in Missouri.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol, a truck hauling lumber had pulled on to the inside shoulder of the ramp between Interstate 55 and Interstate 270.

The driver had thought there was an issue keeping their load secure and after stopped, the rear of the truck was struck by the family car.

Yaeger and Kenzi died in the wreck that caught flames, while Natalie was taken by ambulance to a nearby children's hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Kenzi and Natalie, 8 and 10, both died following the horrific car crash on Friday

The driver had thought there was an issue keeping their load secure and after stopped, the rear of the truck was struck by the family car

Images captured at the scene show the burnt out Yukon at the side of the highway, with the large tractor trailer also in ruins in the middle of the road.

Authorities said that the driver of the truck had jumped out to help the three but their car had already caught fire, managing to rescue just one of the children.

David D. Frazier, 41, of St Mary, Missouri, who was driving the truck was not injured in the crash according to reports.

Cpl. Dallas Thompson from Missouri State Highway Patrol said: 'He was able to get out and he helped to remove the one juvenile from the vehicle but was unable to get to the other two to do any kind of life saving measures to them.

Yaeger and Kenzi died in the wreck that caught flames, while Natalie was taken by ambulance to a nearby children's hospital where she was pronounced dead

'Young lives that are lostit is very tragic for everyone. Especially the family and their friends.'

Officials had to close the road for over an hour, with Thompson adding: 'That vehicle crossed onto the left shoulder where that truck was stopped.

'It wasn't part of the area where you're supposed to be driving into, but it is an area we do see often people will cut across there.'

Michelle had been driving her daughters to her sister's house to watch them while she went to work as a dental assistant, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Ken Brooks, the girls' father, described his daughters as being loving and full of life to KMOV.

Images captured at the scene show the burnt out Yukon at the side of the highway, with the large tractor trailer also in ruins in the middle of the road

Ken Brooks, the girls' father, described his daughters as being loving and full of life

He told the outlet: 'They were just taken from us too soon. I've already cried a river, along with everybody else in my family and everybody else who knew Michelle and knew the girls.'

Brooks continued: '[Michelle] had a smile that could light up a room and she passed that down to my babies.

'I drove straight to the crash site, I knew, I hoped and I prayed, I asked god. [Natalie] was young and strong, independent, sassy and loved everybody.

'[Kenzi] had the biggest heart I've ever seen, she loved animals, she loved most people.'

Michelle and Ken's son Brendan also told the outlet: 'I still tried to call her today. I don't know. No pick up and then it just hit me.

'It's just rough. It's really rough. Can't really put it into words how I'm feeling right now.

'I loved my little sisters. They loved me. It was just always full of love and I just loved being around them.'

Natalie died just days after her tenth birthday, with a post made to social by Michelle just a few days earlier describing her as 'smart beautiful, intelligent, gorgeous, vivacious'.

Michelle's place of work, Mercy South, said in a statement: 'Mercy is saddened to learn of the passing of one of our Mercy South co-workers, Michelle Yaeger, along with her daughters.

'Our condolences and prayers go out to Michelle's family and friends as well as our co-workers who have been touched by her in her time with us.'

Hancock School District, where the two girls had attended, said: 'We are saddened by the loss to our school community.'
Jeremy Clarkson has called for teenagers to be sent to work on farms rather than being forced to carry out 'idiotic' national service.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled radical plans in an article for The Mail on Sunday at the weekend to bring back national service for 18-year-olds.

The premier said the policy, which will see teenagers forced to either sign up to the military or cyber defence force, or undertake unpaid community work, would make society 'more cohesive' and strengthen the UK's defence.

Former Top Gear presenter-turned-passionate-farming campaigner Clarkson, 64, branded Mr Sunak's plan as 'idiotic'.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'Here's an idea. Instead of national service, which is obviously idiotic, how about kids working on farms.'

Jeremy Clarkson has called for teenagers to be sent to work on farms rather than carry out 'idiotic' national service (Pictured here with Kaleb Cooper)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled radical plans in an article for The Mail on Sunday at the weekend to bring back national service for 18-year-olds

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Clarkson said: 'Here's an idea. Instead of national service, which is obviously idiotic, how about kids working on farms'

Clarkson has been an unlikely high-profile campaigner for farming ever since his show Clarkson's Farm launched on Amazon Prime.

He said he would pay for teens to carry out the labour at his Diddly Squat Farm in West Oxfordshire.

Poll Should teenagers be made to work on farms rather than carry out national service? Yes No Should teenagers be made to work on farms rather than carry out national service? Yes 303 votes

No 110 votes Now share your opinion





One social media user said they would happily come work on his farm, to which Clarkson replied: 'If you would work f***ing hard and be prepared to put your whole arm in a cow, and never moan, we'd take you.'

He also said those who want to work at his Diddly Squat Farm Shop just need to be 'bright, chatty, and fun' as 'we don't care about qualifications'.

Mr Sunak's bombshell plans blindsided many, including those in his own party, but they have been ridiculed by Labour as a 'gimmick'.

The Prime Minister 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.'

Mr Sunak said the 'reinvented' scheme would 'provide life-changing opportunities for our young people'

Dawn from Stoke (pictured holding the microphone) made attendees laugh after saying her sons have 'more brawn than brains'

Military roles in the proposed national service scheme will be 'very competitive and selective', Mr Sunak told the crowd

Mr Sunak said: 'This modern form of national service will mean that young people get the skills and the opportunities that they need which is going to serve them very well in life.

'It's going to foster a culture of service which is going to be incredibly powerful for making our society more cohesive and in a more uncertain and dangerous world it's going to strengthen our country's security and resilience.'

The 2.5billion manifesto pledge, which could see parents fined if their adult children fail to take part and members of the Royal Family told to sign up, prompted criticism as well as support from within Tory ranks.

Some party members questioned the logic of landing the Armed Forces with 'a bunch of yobbos' and 'unfit reluctant teenagers'.

And others threatened to move their support at the election to Reform UK because of the effect the policy could have on their own teenage children.

The remarks were made in a Conservative Party Facebook group that includes several serving MPs, though they were not among the critics speaking out.

Meanwhile Steve Baker, the Northern Ireland Minister, broke ranks today to suggest the policy unveiled at the weekend was 'sprung' on candidates with little or no warning.

Some former military chiefs have also criticised it, while Labour has branded it the 'teenage Dad's Army'.

But other ministers have spoken up in support of the measure.

Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, a former soldier, said: 'Predictable reaction to the National Service policy from the usual quarters.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer branded it a 'teenage Dad's Army' in a speech

Steve Baker, the Northern Ireland Minister, broke ranks today to suggest the policy unveiled at the weekend was 'sprung' on candidates with little or no warning.

But other ministers have spoken up in support of the measure today. Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, a former soldier, said: 'Anything that unites communities with a sense of service and awareness of what the other organisations do is great.'

'Anything that unites communities with a sense of service and awareness of what the other organisations do is great. And it gives pride and purpose and challenge to those that often feel most left behind.'

Today, one voter sparked hilarity when she told the Prime Minister her sons are 'more brawn than brains'.

The woman, introduced as Dawn from Stoke, made the joke as she pressed the Conservative leader on his recently announced plans to introduce mandatory national service.

Telling Mr Sunak her two sons are aged 20 and 29 - 'nearly 30' - she added: 'Without sounding disrespectful to them they're more brawn than brains.'

Her bold statement received raucous laughter at the event, with the Prime Minister telling her: 'Let's hope they're not watching!'

Dawn said: 'I've got two sons who would definitely have benefitted from this, but I wanted to know if that could be broadened to cover ex-convicts from prison perhaps.

'I think that some would benefit from the structure and the guidance, the rules that National Service provides.

Responding to Dawn, Mr Sunak said he is 'really excited' about the policy, which came to many as a shock announcement last weekend.

He said: 'I've been talking to a lot of people since the time I've had this job about what can we do to really transform out country for the better. For young people as you've said, doing something that really provides skills and opportunities is going to be really transformational for their lives.

'I believe service gives you purpose and I think it will be really brilliant for young people to have this rite of passage that they go through with everything that it teaches them and just keeps them out of trouble.'

Military roles in the proposed national service scheme will be 'very competitive and selective', he added.
Some 100 people were snubbed at the Cheyenne National Cemetery on Memorial Day by the US Veterans Administration, which had scheduled an observance to commemorate those who paid the ultimate price for America.

Some families drove from hundreds of miles away to the five-acre cemetery in Cheyenne, where they were told an official service would commence at 11am on Monday.

But, as late morning came and went, no one arrived to lead a service. The honor guard didn't show, no prayers were read, and taps - the bugle song played at military funerals and memorial services - did not ring out over the cemetery.

According to Cowboy State Daily, visitors were left surprised and disheartened by the lack of a service on a day dedicated to memorializing the country's fallen men and women.

The Cheyenne National Cemetery was officially dedicated in October of 2020. A man looks on over several headstones with flags planted beside them of veterans buried at the cemetery

The five-acre burial site in Wyoming was visited Monday by some 100 people expecting a Memorial Day service to occur

Keith Jobes, a veteran with friends buried in the Cheyenne cemetery, told the outlet: 'Im kind of amazed that there isnt a (memorial) service happening.'

'I ended up watching the laying of the wreath on TV at Arlington (National Cemetery) earlier today.'

Dozens and dozens of people showed up at the cemetery at 11am because that was the time posted on the VA website, despite, according to officials, no service ever being scheduled for that time.

William Washington, the manager of the cemetery, told CSD that he was put in a tough position because he presently lacks institutional support.

'This basically was all so last minute, with me just trying to get some support,' he said.

He said that last week he'd run into a friend, Justin Tripp, who commands VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) post 11453 in Cheyenne. Tripp said he would sent some veterans from his post to the cemetery on Monday at 3pm to say a prayer and conduct a moment of silence.

But for some reason, the website of the national organization reported the service would be held at 11am, and was never amended to reflect the actual scheduled time.

Tripp said he was frustrated with how last-minute the organization, which he said was the case because 'we didn't get approval to do something until Friday.'

'This frustrates me. I'm a veteran. This isn't about picnics, but about people who died and never came home.'

The snafu was the result of an error posted to the official VA website, which clearly stated that the service would be taking place at 11am Monday morning

After arriving promptly for the 11am service, families were left waiting for hours

Signage at Cheyenne National taken by an individual who showed up Monday to commemorate the dead servicemembers

American flags and bouquets were laid beside the graves of deceased servicemembers at Cheyenne National Cemetery on Monday

The flag was flown at half-mast on Monday, to honor the fallen

United States President Joe Biden, US Vice President Kamala Harris and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin participate in the wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday

A man walks among the rolling hills of headstones that mark the final resting place of service men and women at Arlington National Cemetery on May 27, 2024

The small Cheyenne cemetery is, like other relatively nearby ones, a satellite to Fort Logan National Cemetery, which oversees a handful of smaller ones.

Reactions online to the VA's organizational failure were swift and angry.

'THIS SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED AND IS ABSOLUTELY DISCRACEFUL!!,' wrote Don Johnsonally, sharing CSD's article to his Facebook page.

Adam Stanfill, a resident of Laramie, Wyoming, wrote: 'What an absolute embarrassment and disgrace in Cheyenne this morning. Infuriating.'

A family member of his responded to his post: 'Shameful and disrespectful to the veterans and their families.'

Despite the disappointment experienced by those who made the trek to Cheyenne Monday, most opted to commemorate the veterans laid to rest there anyway.

Many arrived with flags and flowers to plant on the ground beside their loved ones, or beside the graves of soldiers they didn't know.

Richard Tygret, 58, stopped by the cemetery on Monday to place an American flag next to the headstone of a Naval officer he didn't know, who was buried in the cemetery last July.

He told CDS that he'd been driving back from a camping weekend Monday, when he felt compelled to stop by the cemetery.

Fort Logan National Cemetery - which Cheyenne National and several other small cemeteries are satellites of

Despite the Cheyenne service being advertised as an 11am program, local VA directors said it was never scheduled for that time and the mix up occurred due to internal disorganization

People walk amongst the rolling hills of headstones that mark the final resting place of service men and women at Arlington National on Memorial Day

Lynda Drum, a local resident, was at the cemetery Monday visiting her father's grave.

Harvey Frisbee served in the Marines during the Vietnam and Korea wars.

She said that when she visits, she talks with him 'about his new great-grandchildren,' and seeks 'his advice on things.'

Carole Anne and Dale Hopkins drove some 300 miles from Riverton, Wyoming for the scheduled Monday service, but, Carole said that even if they 'had known this wasn't going to happen,' she still 'would have done this today.'
European leaders have roundly condemned Israel's airstrike on Rafah overnight on Sunday which saw some 45 people killed as an encampment for displaced Palestinians burned to ashes.

Israel's Defence Forces (IDF) yesterday declared they had launched a 'precise strike' on a Hamas compound and killed two high-ranking Hamas officials.

But the bombs whipped up a ferocious blaze that tore through tents in the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood, leaving dozens with no escape.

'These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire,' French President Emmanuel Macron said, adding he was 'outraged' by the strike.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said bombings like the one in Rafah will only serve to compound hatred in the region for the Jewish state.

'Israel with this choice is spreading hatred, rooting hatred that will involve their children and grandchildren. I would have preferred another decision,' he told SKY TG24. 'This can no longer be justified,' he added.

And the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was 'horrified' at Israel's actions in Rafah, which the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) today said had turned the city into 'hell on Earth'.

But Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue waging war on Hamas in Gaza even as he admitted the devastating airstrike on Tel al-Sultan was a 'mishap' and a 'tragic mistake'.

As if to prove his point, a contingent of Israeli tanks and troops were spotted in the centre of Rafah for the first time this morning after a three-week-long ground offensive.

Exclusive footage from Al Jazeera shows Israeli occupation tanks advancing further into the west of Rafah city.



The Israeli occupation intends to fully occupy the Philadelphi Axis with Egypt, effectively encircling the Strip and implementing disastrous restrictions. pic.twitter.com/6rgaIOJ8XK  Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 28, 2024

Fire rages following an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced Palestinians

The strike whipped up a ferocious blaze that tore through a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood in the city's northwest

Palestinians observe the destruction caused by the attacks of Israeli army on tents of displaced Palestinians

European leaders called on Israel to stop its bombardment of Rafah and Gaza (pictured: Palestinians react with horror upon seeing the devastating in Tel al-Sultan)

A woman reacts as Palestinians inspect their tents after an Israeli army operation on an area previously designated by the Israeli army as safe for displaced Palestinians, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 28 May 2024

Palestinians inspect their tents after an Israeli army operation on an area previously designated by the Israeli army as safe for displaced Palestinians, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 28 May 2024

Tanks manoeuvre near the Israel-Gaza border, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Israel, May 27, 2024

Israeli tanks and armoured vehicles mounted with machineguns were spotted near Al-Awda mosque, a central Rafah landmark, according to accounts from several witnesses and a Palestinian security source who spoke to AFP.

The Israeli military said its forces continued to operate in the Rafah area, but did not comment on the reported advances into the city centre.

It comes as Ireland, Norway and Spain drew the ire of Israeli officials after formally declaring their recognition of a Palestinian state today.

The three European countries believe their initiative has strong symbolic impact, which is likely to encourage others to follow in their footsteps, and is a key step toward achieving eventual peace.

But Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed rage at the decision this morning, accusing Sanchez of being a 'partner to incitement' to Jewish 'genocide'.

Meanwhile, Israel's brutal strike on Rafah on Sunday night only added to the surging international criticism Israel has faced over its war with Hamas, with even its closest allies expressing outrage at civilian casualties as the reported Palestinian death toll crossed 36,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Dozens of people were trapped as the flames tore through the makeshift housing and flimsy tents, condemning them to a horrific death.

Shocking videos circulating on social media appeared to show the charred remains of adults and children being pulled out of the rubble overnight.

'This happened with nowhere safe to go & amidst bombardments, lack of food & water, piles of waste & unsuitable living conditions,' the UNRWA posted on X.

'Day after day, providing assistance & protection becomes nearly impossible.'

'These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire,' French President Emmanuel Macron said, adding he was 'outraged' by the strike

A Palestinian boy is seen crying as he watches the fire tear through the displacement camp

A video shared to social media showed the flames tearing through the camp. Children can be heard screaming and crying as others rush to try and evacuate friends and family members

The message on the left reads 'he was waiting for his father to come out'. The message on the right reads 'my father is gone - I want to go'

Palestinians inspect their tents after an Israeli army operation on an area previously designated by the Israeli army as safe for displaced Palestinians, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 28 May 2024

Palestinians observe the destruction caused by the attacks of Israeli army on tents of displaced Palestinians living near the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warehouses in Rafah, Gaza on May 27, 2024

The UN Security Council is set to convene for an emergency meeting today to discuss the strike as the UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed his 'horror at the further loss of civilian life in Gaza'.

Yet the Israeli Prime Minister's resolve appears unwavering, as he declared in parliament: 'I don't intend to end the war before every goal has been achieved.'

The Palestinian Red Crescent said its ambulance crews transported 'a large number' of people killed and injured in the strikes on Sunday night as dark footage showed badly burned bodies being piled up out of reach of the flames.

The Palestinian Authority presidency in the West Bank called it a 'heinous massacre', accusing Israeli forces of 'deliberately targeting' the tents of displaced people.

'We pulled out people who were in an unbearable state,' said Mohammed Abuassa, who rushed to the scene in the north-western neighbourhood of Tel al-Sultan.

'We pulled out children who were in pieces. We pulled out young and elderly people. The fire in the camp was unreal.'

The Gaza Health Ministry said around half of the dead were women, children and older adults. On Monday, barefoot children poked at the blackened debris as searches continued.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron took a more measured stance than European colleagues, calling for a swift investigation into Sunday's strike.

Lord Cameron said on X: 'Deeply distressing scenes following the airstrikes in Rafah this weekend.

'The IDF's investigation must be swift, comprehensive & transparent.

'We urgently need a deal to get hostages out & aid in, with a pause in fighting to allow work towards a long-term sustainable ceasefire.'

Palestinians view the destruction after Israel bombs their tents and shelters in Rafah, Gaza on May 27, 2024

Palestinians observe the destruction caused by the attacks of Israeli army on tents of displaced Palestinians

Palestinians search for food among burnt debris in the aftermath of an Israeli strike

The Israeli military's top legal official said authorities were examining the strikes and that the military regrets the loss of civilian life.

Military Advocate General Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi said such incidents occur 'in a war of such scope and intensity'.

Speaking to an Israeli lawyers' conference, Tomer-Yerushalmi said Israel has launched 70 criminal investigations into incidents that aroused suspicions of international law violations, including the deaths of civilians, the conditions at a detention facility holding suspected Palestinian militants and the deaths of some inmates in Israeli custody.

She said incidents of 'violence, property crimes and looting' were also being examined.

Israel has long maintained it has an independent judiciary capable of investigating and prosecuting abuses.

But rights groups say Israeli authorities routinely fail to fully investigate violence against Palestinians and that even when soldiers are held accountable the punishment is usually light.

Sunday's deadly 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.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Monday, May 27, 2024

Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted 'tragic mistake' after an Israeli strike in Rafah has allegedly killed 45 people including displaced people who burned alive in tents

Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp for internally displaced people in Rafah on May 27, 2024

The attack, caught on tape by refugees on the ground, resulted in heavy destruction and flames last night

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah

The attack, caught on tape by refugees on the ground, resulted in heavy destruction and flames last night.

It left civilians reeling this morning, with photos showing Palestinians searching through burned out tents and makeshift camps for food.

Qatar, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas in attempts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, said the strikes could 'complicate' talks.

Negotiations, which appear to be restarting, have faltered repeatedly over Hamas's demand for a lasting truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, terms Israeli leaders have publicly rejected.

Neighbouring Egypt and Jordan, which made peace with Israel decades ago, also condemned the Rafah strikes.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry described the strike on Tel al-Sultan as a 'new and blatant violation of the rules of humanitarian international law'. Jordan's Foreign Ministry called it a 'war crime'.

The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said this morning as EU ministers met their Arab counterparts that a ruling made by a UN court for Israel to stop its invasion of Gaza immediately must be implemented.

Borrell said today: 'We have to express not only respect, but to ask for the implementation of the decision of the court. This is really a dilemma how the international community can... force implementation of the decision.'

He added that EU ministers were also set to discuss relaunching a mission suspended back in 2007 to monitor the crossing after calls for it to do so from regional players including Israel.

Palestinian health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 35 people in the area

Israel's army confirmed Sunday's strike and claimed it hit a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants

The EU's top diplomat said he expected to get a preliminary mandate from ministers to press ahead with planning for the mission.

'But it's not only us who have to decide - the Egyptians, Palestinian Israelis,' he said.

'We need to increase the number of staff and we need to have an agreement with everybody involved.'

Washington has also taken a tougher line with its close ally as outrage over the war and US support for Israel has become a major issue for President Joe Biden, seeking re-election in a battle against Donald Trump.

The United Nations has warned of looming famine in besieged Gaza, where most hospitals are no longer functioning.

Last Monday, the prosecutor at the ICC said he was seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his defence minister as well as for three top Hamas figures.

And on Friday, the UN's International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt any operation in Rafah that could bring about 'the physical destruction' of the Palestinians.

Hamas's armed wing said Sunday that it targeted Tel Aviv 'with a large rocket barrage in response to the Zionist massacres against civilians'.

'Hamas launched these rockets from near two mosques in Rafah,' Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.

The salvo sent people scrambling for shelter but there were no reports of injuries.

Israel's army said Sunday at least eight rockets were fired towards central areas of the country from Rafah, with strikes targeting the commercial hub of Tel Aviv for the first time in months.

Fighting has recently centred on Rafah, where Israel's military launched a ground operation in early May despite widespread opposition over concerns for civilians sheltering there.

Netanyahu vowed to pursue Israel's offensive ahead of a war cabinet meeting amid intense diplomacy to forge a truce and a hostage-release deal.

The October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people

Palestinians inspect the damage after an Israeli army raid on a camp at an area designated for displaced people in Rafah

Hamas militants took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead, from Israel

He has long rejected Hamas's demand for a permanent end to the conflict triggered by the Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack.

A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the war cabinet would 'discuss a hostage release deal' on Sunday.

Before the meeting, Netanyahu's office said Hamas's chief in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, 'continues to demand the end of the war, the withdrawal of the IDF from the Gaza Strip and leaving Hamas in place, so that it will be able to carry out the atrocities of October 7 again and again'.

'Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly opposes this,' a statement said.

EU members Ireland and Spain, and also Norway, have said they will recognise a Palestinian state from Tuesday, drawing furious Israeli condemnation.

'In order to make peace, we need a strong Palestinian Authority, not a weaker one,' said the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who met in Brussels with Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Mustafa.

Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp area housing internally displaced people in Rafah

Around 80 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes

As the war grinds on, the families of hostages still held by militants have piled pressure on Netanyahu to secure a deal to free them

Mustafa, whose government is based in the occupied West Bank, said the 'first priority' was to support the people in Gaza, especially through a ceasefire, and then 'rebuilding the institutions of the Palestinian Authority' in the territory after Hamas seized it from the PA in 2007.

The Israeli official had said Saturday that 'there is an intention to renew these talks this week' after negotiations involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators stalled in early May.

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.

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 35,984 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

As the war grinds on, the families of hostages still held by militants have piled pressure on Netanyahu to secure a deal to free them.

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.
A fugitive murder suspect cried when she was captured after she illegally crossed the Mexican border into Texas while on the run from the law.

Leo Acosta Sanchez was taken in at a traffic stop on May 24 by the Splendora Police Department.

The accused - who was on Interpol's wanted list - was identified by cops while she was driving a car and subsequently pulled over.

Officials said Sanchez had been illegally residing in Splendora, Texas and would travel to her residence in Terrenos.

A crying Leo Acosta Sanchez, a fugitive murder suspect who had been illegally crossing the Mexican border, was arrested at a traffic stop on May 24

She is now facing charges related to the alleged crimes committed, according to police.

The Department released a statement about Sanchez's arrest and said they worked with Homeland Security to arrest her.

'Splendora Police, in coordination with Federal Law Enforcement Partners, successfully apprehended a fugitive murder suspect wanted by Interpol. The suspect, who had been illegally residing in our state and country, was known to travel between the City and her residence in Terrenos.

During a routine patrol, vigilant Splendora Police officers identified the wanted individual behind the wheel of a vehicle and promptly called for backup.

Officials said Sanchez had been illegally residing in Splendora, Texas and would travel to her residence in Terrenos

She is now facing charges related to the crimes she is suspected of committing, according to police

'Following the arrival of additional units, a traffic stop was conducted, leading to the immediate arrest of the driver, identified as Leo Acosta Sanchez.

In a joint effort with the Department of Homeland Security, Mrs. Sanchez was taken into custody to face charges related to the alleged crimes committed.

'Splendora Police commends the swift and effective collaboration with our Federal partners in ensuring the apprehension of this dangerous individual.'

The department also posted photos of Sanchez handcuffed and sitting in the back of a police car.

Officials have not yet clarified what crimes Sanchez has allegedly committed or what charges she is facing as of now.
Sky-gazers in NYC will be able to watch incredible sunsets along the Manhattan skyline that will perfectly align with the city's grid - a phenomenon called the Manhattanhenge - for two nights this week.

This month's astronomical celebration will begin with a half sun on the grid - a feat where half of the sun rests above the horizon with half below - tonight at 8:13 pm.

It will be followed by a full son on the grid tomorrow at 8:12 pm.

The American Museum of Natural History confirmed that New Yorkers can easily witness (and Instagram!) the Manhattanhenge from the main east and west thoroughfares: 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street.

But the rare effect can also be viewed from some of the city's other boroughs and other areas of Manhattan.

Manhattanhenge, an annual phenomenon that takes place every year in May and July, will appear in NYC streets tonight and tomorrow

The sunsets, which occur when the sun perfectly aligns with Manhattans city grid, will likely draw in hundreds of sky-gazers

People can catch a glimpse of the Manhattanhenge from the Tudor City Overpass in Manhattan and Hunter's Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens.

The AMNH explained on its website that the phenomenon occurs when the 'setting Sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid.'

This setting creates a glowing light across 'Manhattan's brick and steel canyons,' which simultaneously lights up Manhattan's north and south sides.

Since the city's inception, locals have been able to witness Manhattanhenge along the city's streets that lie on a 29-degree clockwise tilt from true east-west.

Despite its early origins, the term Manhattanhenge itself was coined in recent years by Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2001.

In addition to May's viewings, New Yorkers will only have to wait a little more than a month before it happens again.

Everyone can witness the Manhattanhenge from the main east and west thoroughfares: 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street

On July 12, full sun on the grid will be visible at 8:20pm.

And the very next day, a half sun on the grid will be able to be seen at 8:21 pm for the final time of the year.

The AMNH also suggested on their website that anyone interested in watching the event should find a spot as far east as possible where they can also see New Jersey across the Hudson River.

Dr. Jackie Faherty recommended to New York Times readers that everyone who is planning to view the sunset find a wide road in the city.

'You have to be in the middle of the street to fully appreciate it,' said the astronomer.
The leader of a group of Oregonians who are determined to leave the state has revealed why they want to escape its liberal policies by joining Idaho.

Matt McCaw is the executive director of the movement to shift the border of Oregon 200 miles to the left, which is called The Greater Idaho Movement.

The proposal seeks to move the Oregon border so that 14 counties and several partial counties would fall under Idaho state lines.

McCaw said the movement was created to bridge the growing 'tug of war' in the Pacific Northwestern state.

'The state of Oregon is divided geographically by the Cascade Mountain Range and that geographic divide is also a huge cultural divide,' McCaw told Fox News.

Matt McCaw is the Executive Director of the movement to shift the border of Oregon 200 miles to the left, which is called The Greater Idaho Movement.

The proposal, pictured, seeks to move the Oregon border 200 miles to the west, meaning that 14 counties and several partial counties would fall under Idaho state lines

'So, on the west side of Oregon you have a different climate, it's a different economy, it's a different culture and more urban. It's a very different place than the east side, where there are agricultural people who are very conservative and traditional.'

He continued, 'You have these two very different groups of people in Oregon that try to play tug of war over state government.'

McCaw explains that the movement's plan is to prevent the conflict that has arisen from two distinctly and fundamentally different groups of people.

He suggests that whichever party is in power, currently the Democrats, forces its values and policies on other people - who live hundreds of miles away

Organizers behind the Greater Idaho movement say east Oregonians are being alienated by the state's progressive policies, which they blame for high crime rates.

They claim a move to Idaho would allow residents to take advantage of lower taxation and provide better representation and governance.

McCaw used the example of the COVID-19 pandemic - during which, he said, policies were being forced on unwilling residents of Oregon who didn't want to abide by quarantine regulations or mask mandates.

'During COVID, the state of Oregon was one of the most extreme. They closed businesses across the state, they closed churches across the state, they closed schools, they imposed mask mandates and later vaccine mandates,' McCaw said.

'This was all state policy handed down through the government institutions like the Oregon Health Authority, which made these policies for the entire state.'

Crook County became the latest to approve the 'Greater Idaho Measure' following a vote last Tuesday.

Crook County became the latest to approve the 'Greater Idaho Measure' following a vote last Tuesday

Measure 7-86, as it was known, passed by 53 percent in Crook County in the latest boost to the Greater Idaho campaign.

However, the vote is not legislatively binding and just means residents are in favor of informing state and federal representatives that they support negotiations to annex part of Oregon.

'The voters of eastern Oregon have spoken loudly and clearly about their desire to see border talks move forward,' McCaw previously said.

'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.

'We call on the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President to sit down with us and discuss 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.'

'For the last three years we've been going directly to voters and asking them what they want for their state government,' President Mike McCarter added.

This map outlines the counties that would be incorporated into the state of Idaho if the movement is approved

According to the group's leader, Matt McCaw, the movement was created to bridge the growing 'tug of war' in the Pacific Northwestern state

'What they're telling us through these votes is that they want their leaders to move the border.

'In our system, the people are the ones in charge, and it's time for the leaders representing them to follow through.'

Oregon was plunged into chaos after lawmakers brought in a controversial 2021 law known as Measure 110 which scrapped criminal penalties for drug possession.

Under Measure 110, police handed addicts a ticket imposing a $100 fine that is cancelled if they called a treatment referral hotline and agreed to participate in a health assessment.

The system proved useless  more than 95 per cent of tickets went ignored.

Of 4,000 drug-use citations issued during the first two years of Measure 110, only 40 people phoned the hotline asking about treatment. As a result, it was calculated that each call cost taxpayers $7,000.

The measure was finally reversed by Oregon governor Tina Kotek last month in an embarrassing U-turn.
Terrified Texans woke to the sound of tornado sirens last night as the latest in a series of brutal storms battered the Lone Star State, leaving a trail of destruction and damage.

The storms are the latest in a series to have tortured several states in recent weeks, with 24 people now dead as a result.

In Texas, 'extreme' hail rained down in some cities while others were under a constant barrage of rain - threatening to disrupt the primary runoff election which decides which Democrats and Republicans will run for various seats in November.

Many Texans took to social media to share their fears, likening it to the 'end of the world' while cowering under tables and saying prayers.

The death toll of 22 also included seven deaths in Cooke County, Texas, from a tornado on Saturday that tore through a mobile home park, officials said, and eight deaths across Arkansas.

A gas station was seen torn to shreds and vehicles overturned after a deadly tornado struck Valley View, Texas

Astonishing footage also showed an American Airlines Boeing-737 being rotated by severe gusts of wind at Dallas Fort Worth Airport. Luckily no-one was injured.

Meanwhile, HGTV stars Jenny and Dave Marrs described hiding in a 'small closet' from the barrage with their five kids and four pets as their holiday getaway in Arkansas turned into a nightmare.

The Fixer to Fabulous hosts were vacationing at a cabin in Rogers, which was the epicenter for one of the tornadoes, and Jenny revealed they felt grateful to have survived.

'A tornado went through our town last night. A tree is on our neighbors house and our power is out,' she wrote on Instagram.

Pictured: HGTV star David Marr's car crushed by a tree amid the storm in Arkansas

'We are barricaded in by trees in the road. But we are safe. The Memorial Weekend getaway we planned as a family didnt quite turn out the way we had hoped but, again, we are safe. Nothing else matters.'

The TV star described sitting in a 'tiny closet' with seven people, two dogs, a bearded dragon and a lamb as they 'prayed aloud while the storm passed through', while their five-year-old son Luke vomited twice out of fear.

After weathering the storm through the night, they woke to find a tree had fallen on their truck and power lines had been struck down all around them.

'We are all a little shaken up this morning and sections of our beloved area are destroyed,' Jenny wrote.

In Valley View, TX, a tornado tore down the walls of a gas station while ripping much of the interior to shreds. Drone footage shows the extent of the carnage, as surrounding cars were also destroyed.

Texans described the storm as 'crazy' on social media, with one person saying they 'witnessed water going horizontal with a jet engine noise'.

Another resident admitted they were 'crouched' under furniture in their kitchen while the storm raged around their home.

A tornado tore down the walls of this gas station in Valley View, Texas, as dozens of people sheltered inside. Thankfully, everyone inside survived. pic.twitter.com/uiyMoD8m6u  AccuWeather (@accuweather) May 28, 2024

Astonishing footage also showed an American Airlines Boeing-737 being rotated by severe gusts of wind at Dallas Fort Worth Airport. Luckily no-one was injured

Terrified Texans woke to the sound of tornado sirens last night as the latest in a series of brutal storms battered the Lone Star State, leaving a trail of destruction and damage

Motorists in Dallas captured torrents of floodwater turning roads into rivers as rain lashed at their vehicles

The storms are only the latest in a series to have tortured several states in recent weeks, with 24 people now dead as a result

Two people died in Mayes County, Oklahoma, which is east of Tulsa, authorities said. The injured included guests at an outdoor wedding.

The tiny Kentucky town of Charleston took a direct hit on Sunday night from a tornado that the governor said appeared to be on the ground for 40 miles.

'It's a big mess,' said Rob Linton, who lives in Charleston and is the fire chief of nearby Dawson Springs, hit by a tornado in 2021.

'Trees down everywhere. Houses moved. Power lines are down. No utilities whatsoever  no water, no power.'

More than 744,000 households suffered power cuts in Texas on Tuesday, according to Poweroutage.us, including 600,000 in Dallas Fort-Worth, as power lines were blown down and some were hit by trees.

More than 100 polling stations in Dallas were without power as of midday Tuesday, and officials are advising anyone whose local station is out to try the next nearest station.

In Kentucky, 81,000 have lost connection, 41,000 in Arkansas, 22,000 in West Virginia and 21,000 in Missouri. Twelve states also reported at least 10,000 outages earlier in the day.

In Dallas, county officials have issued a disaster declaration over the power outage situation. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins posted on X Tuesday that he anticipates a 'multi day power outage for a significant number of Oncor customers.

Further east, some rural areas of Hopkins County hit by the 2021 tornado around the community of Barnsley were damaged again on Sunday night, said county emergency management director Nick Bailey.

'There were a lot of people that were just getting their lives put back together and then this,' Bailey said. 'Almost the same spot, the same houses and everything.'

Texans on social media shared videos of their hometowns being hit by constant lightning strikes as tornado sirens rang out.

Videos of violent flashes punctuating surreal purple skies flooded social media as people said they had 'never seen anything like this'.

Meanwhile, motorists in Dallas captured torrents of floodwater turning roads into rivers as rain lashed at their vehicles.

Further north in Carrollton, residents shared videos of torrential rain being blown in all directions across their balcony as gale-force winds whipped it into terrifying motion.

Others shared videos of what looked like fire raining down as tornadoes whipped lampposts and tore electricity lines down.

Fallen trees have caused widespread power outages across several states hit by the storms

A hail storm in Grand Prairie pelted vehicles and homes, causing widespread damage

The eye-watering damage caused by a tornado in Valley View, Texas

Homes were obliterated in Valley View, Texas, by the storm which ripped through the Lone Star State over Memorial Day weekend

A trail of destruction was left when a deadly tornado tore through Valley View, Texas, damaging homes and structures, drone footage shows

President Joe Biden sent condolences to the families of people who died.

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..

It has been a grim month of tornadoes and severe weather in the nation's midsection.

April had the second highest number of tornadoes on record in the country.

Harold Brooks, a senior scientist at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, said a persistent pattern of warm, moist air is to blame for the string of tornadoes over the past two months.

That warm moist air is at the northern edge of a heat dome bringing temperatures typically seen at the height of summer to late May.
A Royal Caribbean passenger has died after jumping from the world's largest cruise ship.

The unidentified man jumped over 80ft from the enormous Icon of the Seas soon after it departed from Florida on Sunday.

He had been on the first night of a week-long trip to Honduras.

'The ships crew immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard and launched a search and rescue operation,' Royal Caribbean told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'Our Care Team is actively providing support and assistance to the guests loved ones during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.'

The man was in critical condition when brought back to the ship where he was declared dead

The vessel was stopped for about two hours while crew helped with the search and rescue mission

The ship was about 300 miles from PortMiami when the man jumped, according to CruiseHive.

The vessel was stopped for about two hours while crew helped with the search and rescue mission.

'The cruise ship deployed one of their rescue boats, located the man and brought him back aboard,' the Coast Guard told the NY Post.

'He was pronounced deceased. Beyond assisting in the search, the US Coast Guard did not have much involvement in this incident.'

Passengers shared images of the rescue on social media as the search continued, with some saying he had been found alive.

The man was in critical condition when brought back to the ship but was later declared dead.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Royal Caribbean for more information on this story.

The unidentified man jumped over 80 feet from the enormous Icon of the Seas soon after it took off from Florida on Sunday

The ship was about 300 miles from PortMiami when the man jumped

A friend of mine just shared this video of Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas. A man went overboard this morning about 300 miles from Miami in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico Captain ordered a search & rescue. After two hours it seems the man has been rescued and is alive. pic.twitter.com/XXdqoscWAK  David Canter (@davidcanter) May 26, 2024

The $2 billion ship runs nearly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern and has 20 decks, 2,350 crew, 2,805 staterooms along with room for 7,600 passengers

The ship is powered by 'eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas'

The 1,200-foot-long Icon of the Seas took its first voyage in January.

It holds 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.

A passenger who shared footage of the rescue crew said on X: 'On Icon of the Seas right now.

'Someone jumped/fell overboard and now a Search & Rescue is taking place. Low chance they'll be found. Hold your loved ones close, guys.'

The $2 billion ship runs nearly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern and has 20 decks, 2,350 crew, 2,805 staterooms along with room for 7,600 passengers.

The 1,200-foot-long Icon of the Seas took its first voyage in January

Levion Parker, 20, was a high school footballer and popular sportsman from North Port, Florida

Apart from this, the ship also boasts a 55ft artificial waterfall, 40 dining venues and bars, seven swimming pools including a 40,000-gallon 'lake', 50 musicians and comedians as well as a 16-piece orchestra.

In April, 20-year-old Levion Parker jumped overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in front of his horrified family.

The 18-story Liberty of the Seas was traveling between Cuba and the Bahamas' Grand Inagua Island when the shocking incident happened.
Rishi Sunak has focused his efforts on Tory-held seats in the early stages of the General Election campaign in a sign of an initially defensive strategy by the PM.

A MailOnline analysis of Mr Sunak's campaign visits revealed how he has predominantly made trips to constituencies the Conservatives won in 2019.

These include Erewash, Vale of Glamorgan, Cannock Chase, Wimbledon, Harrow East, South West Hertfordshire, and Bosworth.

Since calling the election last week, the PM has also campaigned in his own Richmond seat in Yorkshire, as well as Chesham and Amersham in Buckinghamshire.

Chesham and Amersham was won by the Tories in 2019, before the Conservatives lost the constituency to the Liberal Democrats at a by-election in June 2021.

By contrast, Sir Keir Starmer formally launched Labour's campaign in the Tory-held seat of Gillingham and Rainham.

He has also been campaigning in the Conservative-held constituencies of South Ribble, Stafford, East Worthing and Shoreham, and Chipping Barnet.

At the weekend, Sir Keir met with voters in Brighton Pavilion, a seat Labour is hoping to win off the Green Party on 4 July.

It has emerged how the Tories are using the start of the election campaign to engage in a two-week blitz to shore up their right flank and neutralise the threat of Reform UK.

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Rishi Sunak today spoke to employees of a ceramic manufacturing plant on a visit to Stoke-on-Trent

Sir Keir Starmer was campaigning in Lancing, West Sussex, on Monday in a Tory-held constituency

Where has Rishi Sunak been campaigning so far? 22 May Excel Centre, London 23 May Ilkeston, Derbyshire

Barry, Wales

Inverness, Scotland 24 May Belfast, Northern Ireland

Cannock, Staffordshire 25 May Northallerton, Yorkshire 26 May Wimbledon, London

Stanmore, London 27 May Chesham, Buckinghamshire

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Amersham, Buckinghamshire 28 May Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Market Bosworth, Leicestershire Advertisement

Mr Sunak began the general election with a promise to begin deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda in the days after 4 July, if he remains as PM.

He has also unveiled plans to revive a form of national service for 18-year-olds, and promised pensioners a tax cut if the Tories stay in power.

As reported by Bloomberg, Conservative campaign chief Isaac Levido hopes to spend the first fortnight of the election battle repeating a message that Reform are not a serious force in British politics without Nigel Farage as a candidate.

Tory bosses are said to be hopeful this will win back voters lost to Reform, eat into Labour's poll lead and build momentum behind their campaign up to polling day.

Katie Hile, who worked under Mr Sunak at the Treasury, claimed the PM's strategy would likely be similar to the Tory leadership contest in 2022, when he lost out to Liz Truss but narrowed her lead as the campaign went on.

The analysis of Mr Sunak and Sir Keir's visits appears to show a much more ambitious initial strategy from the Labour leader.

Stafford was won by the Conservatives in 2019 with a 14,000-vote majority but has historically proved to be a bellwether seat and could be within Labour's reach this time round.

Similarly, Gillingham and Rainham was held by Tory former minister Rehman Chishti with a 15,000-vote majority in 2019 but was won by Labour during Sir Tony Blair's three general election victories.

As well as campaigning in Tory-held seats, Sir Keir last week helped launch Labour's Scottish campaign in Glasgow, where the SNP is currently dominant.

The only non-Tory seats where Mr Sunak has so far campaigned are West Ham and Beckton - where he launched the Conservative campaign with a rally at London's Excel Centre - Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire in Scotland, and Belfast East in Northern Ireland.
Maurice Scott, a reality TV star best known for his role in 'Love and Marriage: Huntsville' was arrested for driving under the influence, marking the third time a cast member has been arrested this year.

The 45-year-old was arrested on Saturday, May 25 and taken into custody into the Madison County Jail just after 12 p.m. He was released on a $5000 bond early in the morning on Sunday, May 26, 2024.

A public statement has not been made about Scott's arrest by his lawyer or his spouse, Kimmy Grant-Scott, who has starred in the reality show since 2019.

Scott's arrest comes after his LAMH castmates, Destiny Payton and Martell Holt, were also detained in recent months.

Payton was arrested in October after she willingly surrendered for putting a utility bill in her ex-husband's name without him knowing by forging his signature.

Maurice Scott, a reality TV star best known for his role in 'Love and Marriage: Huntsville' was arrested Saturday for driving under the influence

The 45-year-old's arrest comes after his two other LAMH castmates were also detained within moths of each other (Pictured: Maurice Scott with his wife Kimmy Grant-Scott on LAMH)

She documented the incident on social media, posting video of herself getting out of the car before officially surrendering to the police.

In another incident this month, Williams was detained on fraud-related charges, but it has not been confirmed whether or not it was related to her first offense.

Holt was arrested for third-degree domestic violence and harassment charges against his ex-wife, Melody Shari this past January.

A statement to TMZ from his publicist reads: 'We would like to issue an official statement regarding the recent allegations against Martell Holt concerning harassment text messages to his accuser dating back to August 2022.

'It is with great concern that we address these accusations. Martell Holt adamantly denies any intentional harm or harassment towards the Accuser.

'We believe that these allegations are the result of a misunderstanding, and we are confident that the legal process will ultimately vindicate Mr. Holt.

'Martell remains committed to being a devoted father and maintaining a positive and healthy co-parenting relationship with Ms. Rodgers and Ms. Curry for the well-being of their children.

Scott's arrest comes after Martell Holt (left) and Destiny Payton (right) were also detained within the last couple of months

Payton (left) was arrested in October after she willingly surrendered for putting a utility bill in her ex-husband's name without him knowing by forging his signature. Holt (right) was arrested for third-degree domestic violence and harassment charges against his ex-wife, Melody Shari this past January.

'Despite the challenges presented, Martell will continue to focus on his role as a responsible parent and contribute positively to his community.'

LAMH, which can be streamed on Oprah Winfrey's platform OWN, follows three successful African-American couples navigate the complexities of love, life, and business.

These longtime friends and socialites join forces to revitalize their booming city of Huntsville through their real estate venture, The Comeback Group.
PETA is trying to tempt Stormy Daniels into being the face of their new anti-horse racing campaign with a mock-up ad targeting Donald Trump.

The animal rights organization wrote to the former adult film star this week asking her to be the face of a PSA to 'protect horses from the cruelties of horse racing'.

They included a 'rough mock-up' of what the campaign would look like and promised it would take a jab at the former president.

In the ad, Stormy stands with her back to a racetrack with the caption 'Nobody likes a two-minute ride. Turn your back on horse racing cruelty.'

The slogan is a reference to her past claims that Trump only lasted two minutes in bed during the sexual encounter that has been at the center of his ongoing hush money trial.

PETA included a 'rough mock-up' of what the campaign would look like and promised it would take a jab at the former president

Stormy is a key witness in Trump's ongoing trial, where the former president is accused of falsifying business records in an effort to hide the hush money payment made to Stormy after their 2006 affair.

Stormy has testified about the $130,000 non-disclosure agreement she signed with Trump's then-attorney Michael Cohen in 2016.

PETA applauded Stormy for taking a stand against Trump in their letter, saying 'we are inspired by your strength and courage' and urged her to use her platform for good.

They said: 'Every week, an average of 24 horses shatter bones and die at racetracks across the country, and the distressing number of deaths continue to mount.

'Last year alone, 16 horses died at Churchill Downs in the weeks leading to the Kentucky Derby. As documented by PETA in this heartbreaking video, Lost in Limbo was one of them.

'While Churchill Downs did listen to our pleas and suspended racing, it has yet to make any meaningful changes to protect horses.'

They attached an example of what the advert could look like, poking fun at the former president with the tagline: 'Nobody likes a two-minute ride. Turn your back on horse racing cruelty.'

PETA applauded Stormy for taking a stand against Trump in their letter, saying 'we are inspired by your strength and courage' and urged her to use her platform for good.

Stormy Daniels with lawyer Clark Brewster before testifying at the trial in May

Stormy is a key witness in Trump's ongoing trial, where the former president is accused of falsifying business records in an effort to hide the hush money payment made to Stormy after their 2006 affair

The slogan is a reference to comments Stormy made about Trump in a 2018 interview with Vogue.

When asked about her encounter with Trump she said: 'How many details can you really give about two minutes? Maybe. I'm being generous.'

PETA said the ad was just a 'rough mock-up' and added: 'We work with wonderful celebrity photographers, groomers, and stylists, and will tailor a concept specifically for you.'

They promised: 'Your voice could make a significant difference in protecting these magnificent animals. Thank you for your time and consideration.'

Closing arguments in Trump's ongoing trial started on Tuesday morning after nearly six weeks of testimony.

Stormy has testified about the $130,000 non-disclosure agreement she signed with Trump's then-attorney Michael Cohen in 2016

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's team will wrap up all the evidence and witness testimony they claim is sufficient enough to nail Trump on 34 felony counts of 'falsifying business records.'

Trump's attorney team is expected to lay out a strong defense of the former president, distancing him from Cohen's payments to Stormy Daniels.

They will also reiterate several of their points, that hush money payments are not illegal and Trump solely wanted to spare his family humiliation from Stormy's alleged affair claims.

The outcome of the case could be resolved in one of three manners: an acquittal, a conviction or a mistrial.

If Trump is convicted, his team will likely start the appeals process, which could take years.
A BBC News presenter was forced to issue a grovelling apology today after she accused Nigel Farage of using 'customary inflammatory language'.

Geeta Guru-Murthy made the comment after a clip of Mr Farage speaking at a Reform UK event in Dover was shown on BBC News, before later apologising and saying this 'didn't meet the BBC's editorial standards on impartiality'.

Mr Farage, Reform's honorary president, said he was quoting the Polish prime minister Donald Tusk when he said 'aggressive young males' were coming into Poland.

Live on air, Ms Guru-Murthy said: 'Earlier today we heard live from Nigel Farage, speaking at that election event we just saw.

'When we came away from his live speech, I used language to describe it which didn't meet the BBC's editorial standards on impartiality. I'd like to apologise to Mr Farage and viewers for this.'

Geeta Guru-Murthy made the comment after a clip of Mr Farage speaking at a Reform UK event in Dover was shown on BBC News

Mr Farage, Reform's honorary president, said he was quoting the Polish prime minister Donald Tusk when he said 'aggressive young males' were coming into Poland

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Farage tagged Ms Guru-Murthy - the sister of Channel 4 News host Krishnan Guru-Murthy and asked: 'What happened to impartiality?'

Former Conservative, now Reform MP, Lee Anderson said the licence fee should be scrapped and called for the presenter to be sacked.

In response to this, Mr Anderson said: 'Shocking stuff here from the BBC. Time to scrap the licence and sack the lot of 'em.'

Mr Anderson had the Tory whip removed over his refusal to apologise for claiming 'Islamists' had control of London mayor Sadiq Khan.

Mr Farage has declined to stand as an MP but will be involved in campaigning.

Today's row comes on the back of an independent review of the BBC which found its coverage of migration contained 'risks to impartiality'.

The independent report, ordered by the BBC board, revealed that its journalists were 'anxious' about tackling topics that 'could appear hostile to migrants'.

The report, which focused particularly on news and current affairs, was undertaken by policy specialist Madeleine Sumption, who spoke to more than 100 people inside and outside of the company.

It concluded that while the corporation provides 'a lot of excellent content on migration' there are 'risks to impartiality that point in multiple directions', despite there being 'no consistent bias towards one point of view'.

External experts were interviewed for the review and while some argued that coverage implicitly promoted a pro-government agenda on migration, others argued it had a consistent liberal bias.

Ms Sumption said she did not try to add up these criticisms to identify which way coverage may lean as this 'might miss the point'.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Farage tagged Ms Guru-Murthy - the sister of Channel 4 News host Krishnan Guru-Murthy and asked: 'What happened to impartiality?'

Former Conservative, now Reform MP, Lee Anderson said the licence fee should be scrapped and called for the presenter to be sacked

Mr Tusk, the Polish prime minister, speaking at his office in Warsaw on May 21

Immigration is a major focus for Reform, which launched its campaign today at a yacht club on the Devon seafront.

Speaking to press and supporters, its honorary president Mr Farage said the Tories have 'wrecked it for themselves' and rejected the Conservative argument that a vote for Reform is a vote for Labour.

The former Ukip leader said: 'This election is a foregone conclusion. Labour are going to win and they're going to win quite big.

'And therefore you could argue, actually, that a vote for the Conservative Party is a wasted vote.

'And given that, you know, Labour are going to win, why not vote for something that you actually believe in?'

He said he changed the party's name from Brexit to Reform because the party is not after a 'quick hit' but seeking to 'build a base' and 'launch a serious assault' in the next election of 2028 or 2029.

Mr Farage, who has unsuccessfully stood as a Ukip candidate at five general elections and two by-elections, described illegal immigration to the UK as a 'national security emergency'.

He said: 'I think what we ought to be doing with this situation here is declaring a national security emergency and this is an emergency.

'I talked over the course of the weekend to Trevor Phillips about the small but worryingly growing number of young men, predominantly young men in this country, adopting radical views, views that aren't just un-British, but views that frankly are extremely anti-British.'

After his interview on Sky's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Mr Farage was accused of 'incendiary rhetoric'.

Asked about his comments in Dover, he said: 'I've always been prepared to put my head up and talk about things that other people would rather brushed under the carpet.'

On integration he said he was proud of the UK having the 'best levels' of integration in Europe in the post-war period, but added about net migration: 'The thing is out of control.'

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Mr Farage took pictures with supporters with a pint of beer in hand following the campaign speech.

The launch, also announcing Howard Cox as Reform's Dover candidate, comes as Dover MP Natalie Elphicke defected from the Conservatives to Labour and will not be standing at the next election.

Dover and Deal Conservative Association chairman Keith Single has said 'don't write us off' as the process of selecting a new Tory candidate takes place.

Labour has said its existing candidate, Mike Tapp, will stand in Dover.

Ms Elphicke increased the Conservatives' majority to 12,278 in the 2019 election.
The language in his closing statement on Tuesday included multiple Trumpisms

Donald Trump said nothing in the courtroom as his lead defense attorney delivered his closing argument that the former president should be found not guilty of falsifying business records.

He didn't need to.

Todd Blanche's two-and-half-hour statement was shot through with the words and fingerprints of the defendant himself, making it part legal argument, part campaign address.

There was a belittling nickname for a key witness'Michael Cohen is the GLOAT. The Greatest Liar of All Time'frequent references to prosecutors as the 'government' (when in New York State court it is 'the people' who bring prosecutions) and a final incendiary reference to his client facing prison.

'You cannot send someone to prison ... you cannot convict somebody based upon the words of Michael Cohen,' said Blanche, raising an immediate objection from the prosecution.

Donald Trump's words echoed around court on Tuesday. Not from his own mouth, but in the form of his lawyer Todd Blanche (seen here on the left) as he delivered his closing argument

Sentencing is the judge's domain. And no one really believes Trump faces a prison term, other than the writers of Trump campaign press releases.

It meant Tuesday morning had something of the rhetoric of a Trump rally, much to the fury of Judge Juan Merchan. He rounded on Blanche, pointing out that as a former prosecutor he should know better than to use such language.

'You know that making a comment like that is highly inappropriate. It's simply not allowed. Period,' he said.

'Its hard for me to imagine that was accidental in any way.'

After lunch, the judge instructed the jury to put all thoughts of prison and sentences out of their heads when they begin their deliberations on Wednesday.

Trump denies 34 counts of falsifying business records.

The trial is in its finishing stages, with both defense and prosecution on Tuesday getting the chance to tie together the threads of evidence from 22 witnesses in their closing statements.

The court has heard from witnesses and from words in his own books that Trump has a tendency to micromanage, casting a keen eye over invoices, balance sheets and checks.

In the same way, those who know him well say it is unthinkable that he did not have a say in the way the closing argument was written.

Blanche delivered his closing arguments for about two-and-a-half hours on Tuesday

Much of the defense's closing argument was aimed at discrediting Michael Cohen's testimony

Some aspects were highly Trumpy. Others were more subtle.

Nowhere was it more evident than when Blanche repeated again and again that Cohen, a disbarred lawyer with a conviction for lying who is the prosecution's star witness, was less than reliable.

He was the M.V.P. of liars, he said, before reaching for that most Trumpian of rhetorical devices: The nickname.

'Michael Cohen is the GLOAT: The Greatest Liar of All Time,' he said, pausing for effect.

The structure of his argument was also similar to his client's 'deny everything' approach: Trump did not sleep with Stormy Daniels; there was no catch-and-kill agreement for damaging stories; Trump had nothing to do with the documents in question, which were invoices written by Cohen, or vouchers drawn up by accounting staff, or auto-generated checks; and don't believe anything Cohen said.

Cohen, after all, was the only witness to direct link Trump to the plan to reimburse Cohen for the $130,000 hush money he gave to Daniels.

Much of the prosecution case, argued Blanche, was the normal work of a candidate running for election.

Tiffany Trump took a seat in courtroom 1530 for the first time on Tuesday, joining other members of her family and friends of Trump as the trial reaches its conclusion

From left to right: Donald Trump Jr., Tiffany Trump, Eric Trump, Lara Trump arriving in court

Trump returned to court Tuesday after the long holiday weekend

'Any campaign in this country is a conspiracy to promote a candidate, a group of people who are working together to help somebody win,' he said.

Likewise, there is nothing illegal about non-disclosure agreements, he added, using the Trump line that anything drawn up by lawyers is by definition legal.

Throughout it all, the jury listened intently. On Wednesday, they will likely begin their deliberations, charged with deciding for the first time in history whether a former president is guilty of criminal charges.

They looked as if they knew their responsibilities. They followed Blanche's arguments and his PowerPoint sliders, looking down at their monitors closely.

It was friends and family day for the defendant. Daughter Tiffany appeared in court for the first time, taking a seat in the front row, beside sister-in-law Lara, and brothers Eric and Don Jr.

For his part, Trump focused on the arguments more closely than previous days. He twisted around to his right to better watch Blanche deliver what he hopes will be knockout lines.

Blanche more than anyone knows that his job throughout has been to balance the audience of 12 that will decide his client's guilt or innocence, and the audience of one sitting beside him.

It was family and friends day for Trump with (from left to right) Don Jr., Eric Trump, Lara Trump and Tiffany Trump sitting behind him in the courtroom

Trump's lawyers language has mimicked Trump's, referring to prosecutors as 'the government' rather than 'the people' for example

And the client-in-chief would have heard his lawyer refer repeatedly to the prosecution as 'the government.' Forty times, in fact.

'So, I'm going to talk a little bit now about what I expect the government will talk about, which is a conspiracy to influence the 2016 election,' he said at one point.

Blanche is a former federal prosecutor, In that role, he did indeed represent the government.

But in New York Supreme Court, prosecutors represent 'the people of the state of New York.'

Some observers suggested the slip was a hangover from Blanche's past in a different type of court. But it also fits better with Trump's rhetoric of witch hunts and persecution.

'Why is the corrupt government allowed to make the final argument in the case against me? he asked on Truth Social a day earlier, apparently unaware that the prosecution always goes last.

'Why can't the defense go last? Big advantage, very unfair. Witch hunt!'

It is all a reminder of how the defense began, and how Blanche laid out a linguistic benchmark in his opening statement

'We will call him "President Trump" out of respect for the office that he held from 2017 to 2021,' he told the jury. 'And as everybody knows, it's the office hes running for right now. Hes the Republican nominee.'

Throughout, Trump has frowned and glowered from his seat at the defense table. And his words have reverberated around the courtroom from audio recordings, or read his books, or even in messages dripping with pastiche sent by others.

In one text message displayed to the jury, the Aussie-born editor of the National Enquirer jokes the plans to 'Make Australia Great Again.'

'Trump is looming behind everything they're doing,' prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said drily.
A man has appeared in court after allegedly going on a rampage across Massachusetts and stabbing six people, including four young girls.

Jared Ravizza, 26, is accused of stabbing four girls, aged 9 to 17, at an AMC multiplex in Braintree, Massachusetts on Saturday.

A 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were stabbed roughly an hour later at a McDonald's where they worked in Plymouth, about 30 miles away from the cinema.

On Tuesday, Ravizza was spotted leaving State Police Bourne Barracks before his appearance later today at Plymouth District Court and Quincy District Court.

He faces multiple charges including assault with the intent to murder after the spree on Saturday night.

Ravizza first appeared in Plymouth District Court this morning after allegedly stabbing the two workers.

He was arraigned on counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault with intent to murder, according to WCVB.

Ravizza stands during his arraignment at Plymouth District Court as his defense attorney Sean O'Neill looks on

During his arraignment, prosecutors said he drove his Porsche to the McDonald's and publicly urinated before stabbing the two employees.

According to CBS Boston, his defense attorney Sean O'Neill has requested a competency evaluation.

Ravizza, of Chilmark, a town on Martha's Vineyard, was arrested in Sandwich, Massachusetts on Saturday night after his alleged spree across the South Shore.

As he was led to an awaiting police cruiser, Ravizza was seen in a green jumpsuit and barefoot.

The suspect entered the AMC Braintree 10 south of Boston around 6pm Saturday without a movie ticket and attacked the girls unprovoked.

Ravizza was spotted leaving State Police Bourne Barracks before his appearance later today at Plymouth District Court and Quincy District Court

Ravizza, of Chilmark, a town on Martha's Vineyard, was arrested in Sandwich, Massachusetts on Saturday night after his alleged spree

The girls, ages 9 to 17, were inside the theater when the individual suddenly attacked them 'without saying anything and without any warning' before running out.

Lisa Dembowski said that her three daughters and their friend were the only people inside the theater when he attacked them.

'My oldest was leaning over to get something, he got her in the back, and then my other daughter in the top chest, and then, my last daughter across her arm, laughing the whole time and then got their friend, and then ran off,' Dembowski told NBC Boston.

The four suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospitals.

After fleeing the theater, Ravizza allegedly went to a Route 3 rest area in Plymouth where he allegedly stabbed two McDonald's employees around 7pm.

Surveillance video appears to show Ravizza allegedly reaching through the drive-through window and stabbing the man, 29, with a large knife, according to the district attorney's office.

He reportedly parked his black Porsche in the parking lot and ran inside where he stabbed a 21-year-old woman before fleeing that scene.

The man was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess-Plymouth Hospital and the woman was taken to South Shore Hospital. Both suffered non-life threatening injuries.

After reviewing surveillance footage police released a description of the suspect's car.

He was arraigned on counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault with intent to murder

Ravizza, pictured during his arrest, was taken into custody Saturday night in Sandwich, Massachusetts after a police pursuit

Authorities located Ravizza in Sandwich, Massachusetts, but after he failed to pull over, he led police on a car chase that ended in a car crash

They located him in Sandwich, but after he failed to pull over, Ravizza led police on a car chase that ended in a car crash.

Soon after his court appearance, Connecticut State Police said they were investigating Ravizza in the death of 70-year-old Bruce Feldman.

Police were called to a residence in Deep River, a small town in Middlesex County, just after 3.30pm following reports of a disturbance.

When they arrived on scene, troopers discovered Feldman who had visible injuries outside and he was later pronounced dead.

Police said that items belonging to Ravizza had been found inside the home, and his appearance was consistent with witness descriptions.

Neighbors told Boston 25 that the suspect had both been short-term renters at the Deep River property.

They allege the pair had been 'living together for 2.5 weeks, 'had a few dogs' and were heard arguing a few days prior.

The investigation into the incident in Deep River is still active and ongoing with charges in the case still pending.

Ravizza was previously arrested in April and charged with assault and battery as well as vandalism after allegedly attacking his father Jason.

Jason, a psychologist, told officers that Ravizza had 'just had a mental break and attacked him' inside his home.

Ravizza, seen here next to a black Porsche, is being investigated over the death of Bruce Feldman

He reportedly parked his black Porsche in the parking lot of a McDonald's and ran inside where he stabbed a 21-year-old woman before fleeing

Ravizza was previously arrested in April and charged with assault and battery, as well as vandalism, after he allegedly attacked his father Jason, the two are pictured here

Ravizza boasts of 'leading global digital marketing and social media management agency' with offices in Manhattan, Beverly Hills, Paris and Naples

Ravizza has amassed 218,000 followers on his Instagram page which uses the pronoun 'she'

The 26-year-old's neighbors allege that Ravizza is a 'weirdo' and was 'very close' with his father.

The former UMass student claimed to run a 'leading global digital marketing and social media management agency' with offices around the world.

But friends from his former college lacrosse team told Dailymail.com they remembered him simply as 'odd'.

'He only went to school with us for a semester and then disappeared off the face of the earth,' said Jay Gallipo.

'He was a social media influencer person back then it was kind of a joke with us.

'Only person he was close to was his sister Kate, he was perfectly nice but kind of weird.'

He describes himself as an 'artist, professional model, skier, and social entrepreneur'

Instagram shots from six years ago show a relaxed young man in his comfortable surroundings

Ravizza describes himself as an 'artist' on his Instagram page which has amassed 218,000 followers and where he uses the pronoun 'she'.

Posts from six years ago show a conventional looking young man who attracted the occasional comment from friends.

Four years later he returned to the site with a musclebound new look, posing on beaches and with his artwork, driving a series of Porsche cars and showing off drug paraphernalia.

He is wearing lipstick and make-up in later posts, the most recent of which was uploaded just hours before the knife attacks.
As Americans battle the crippling cost of living crisis, some families have considered relocating to more affordable states.

An estimated 8.2million people moved from state-to-state in 2022, according to US Census data published last year, with many citing affordability and the ability to work remotely as driving factors in their relocation decisions.

Experts have now identified the states where natives are most likely to stay forever and those where residents are eager to flee as soon as they can.

Texas natives are the likeliest to stay put, analysts at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas have revealed, followed by residents from North Carolina, Georgia, California and Utah.

But data shows that states like Wyoming, North Dakota and Alaska have the highest level of outbound migration with less than half of their native populations remaining on the state. Rhode Island and South Dakota have retained only 55.2 and 54.2 per cent of their native populations, respectively.

Experts have now identified the states where natives are most likely to stay forever and those where residents are eager to flee as soon as they can

Although state-to-state migration has trended downwards over the past decade, the number of people who relocated domestically rose from 7.9 to 8.2million in 2022, data from the US Census Bureau showed.

Thirty-two states had inbound moving rates higher than 50 per cent, with Texas and Florida recording the highest migration gains that year.

Most Americans who relocated said they chose to relocate to a state where they could afford to purchase a home, even if that state had fewer employment opportunities.

Researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas last year analyzed data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey to further determine which states were retaining residents and why.

According to the analysts, 82 per cent of Texas-born residents have continued to live in the state, making it the state with the largest population of natives.

Texas has the largest population of native residents with 82 per cent of people born in the state choosing to stay put, analysis of US Census data revealed. Pictured: An aerial view of Austin, the capital city of Texas

Wyoming has the lowest population of natives, with only 45.2 per cent remaining in the state, according to analysts. Pictured: Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the largest reservoir in Wyoming

North Carolina, Georgia, California and Utah have retained 75.5 per cent, 74.2 per cent, 73 per cent and 72.9 per cent of their native populations, respectively.

These five states have recorded above-average job growth between 2010 and 2019, and altogether have 15 metropolitan areas with populations exceeding 1million people.

Four of the aforementioned states also have below average state and local tax burdens, which analysts say appeals to residents.

Wyoming has the lowest population of natives, with only 45.2 per cent remaining in the state. This is followed by North Dakota, Alaska, Rhode Island and South Dakota at 48.6 per cent, 48.7 per cent, 55.2 per cent and 54.2 per cent, respectively.

These states also have the highest levels of outmigration of all residents, not just natives.

Industry experts allege that most native residents who decided to relocate often do so because of affordability, an echo of what state-to-state migrants told the Census Bureau.

'Native residents who decide to leave typically do so because of the lack of affordable housing. Another top reason would be a slow job market, weak local economy. Other reasons could be high taxes, inadequate public transportation, traffic, stress, bad weather and high cost-of-living,' Dottie Herman, Vice Chair and former CEO for Douglas Elliman Real Estate, told DailyMail.com.

'By contrast, states gaining the most new residents offer affordable housing options, a better quality of life, robust job market, tax-friendly policies, diverse and safe cities, and lower cost of doing business. They also tend to have warmer climates making them particularly attractive for retirees and the elderly.'

North Carolina has retained 75.5 per cent of its native population. Experts allege that like in Texas, residents from North Carolina have a 'strong sense of community and pride in where they're from'. Pictured: An aerial view of Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina

Herman added, that 'most importantly' people tend to relocate to states with lower property taxes and no estate taxes.

In addition to economic benefits, experts say that there are 'emotional factors', such as the location of one's family, that contribute to a person's decision on whether or not to leave their home state.

'Places like Texas and North Carolina see lots of locals putting down roots long-term. I think a big part of that is the strong sense of community and pride in where they're from,' travel expert Elaine Warren told DailyMail.com.

She added: 'These states also balance jobs with traditions, family values - things that make people feel invested.'

'On the other hand, states with higher departure maybe need to focus on making the place more liveable. Sure, tough weather or fewer activities play a role, but building communities where people imagine their future is key.'

Warren, the founder and CEO of The Family Cruise Companion, says she often sees 'similarities between trips and permanent moves'.

She claims that people tend to 'gravitate to spots that mix adventure, comfort and making memories'.

She believes that while offering 'practical benefits', such as affordable housing, city planners and policymakers should have a 'goal' of 'building communities where people feel at home both now and long term'.
University said it was 'deeply disappointing' and posed health and safety risks

They want university to cut ties with institutions in Israel as well as BAE Systems

Hundreds of Manchester students have had their end-of-year exams disrupted after pro-Gaza protesters occupied a 129-year-old University building.

Several dozen activists, who had set up a solidarity camp at the University of Manchester, have now barricaded themselves inside the historic Whitworth Hall.

A spokesperson for the occupiers said they launched the sit-in protest on Friday night after leaders at the institution refused to negotiate with their demands.

These include a requirement for the university to end its partnership with weapons manufacturer BAE Systems and to cut ties with higher education centres in Israel.

Students have barricaded themselves inside the historic Whitworth Hall, disrupting exams

A huge Palestinian flag was seen hanging from the hall's balcony, which dates back to 1895

One occupier said that they 'have plenty of supplies and food and water' so can remain in place

A barricade at the protest site just days after world leaders condemned an Israeli missile strike

There will now be extra marshals to help students find their way to different exam locations

'We gave them a warning...there would be an escalation', one student claimed from inside

And protesters say they have enough food and water to go on for the 'foreseeable future', which meant 'multiple days' of exams would be disrupted.

The action comes just days after world leaders condemned an Israeli missile strike that killed 45 people in the city of Rafah including women and children.

Sue, 22, a final year politics student and spokesperson for Manchester Left Action, which organised the occupation, said the university had 'failed' its students.

She said: 'The university had every chance to de-escalate this and not create this situation.

'We gave them a warning if they did not open negotiations, there would be an escalation... they continued not to make the choice to act and not to open negotiations.

'The university has made this situation. So they failed their students on that.

'We have plenty of supplies and food and water, so the occupation will continue for the foreseeable future.

'It now means that multiple days of exams will be disrupted. It's a significant number.'

She added: 'From communication we had with the students, it's understood that the university has created this situation.'

Sue, who declined to give her surname, said some protesters had been injured in 'violent' clashes with police beside Whitworth Hall on Monday evening.

And she said they had now firmed up a series of defences placed around doors at the building in case officers attempted to gain entry.

Sue said: 'We had a very violent clash with the police last night who came to the entrance of Whitworth Hall and were very, very violent against protesters.

'We had a police officer pull out their baton. There were injuries of some people.'

A huge Palestinian flag was seen hanging from the hall's balcony this morning, which dates back to 1895.

A University of Manchester spokesperson said no action by staff or the police had been taken so far to evict students.

They said: 'On the evening of Monday 27 May 2024, a large demonstration occurred on campus, which included members of the public, as well as some of our students.

'Greater Manchester Police were in attendance, as is standard procedure for large protests.

'Despite claims made on social media, no action has been taken to remove those occupying Whitworth Hall, by either our Campus Support and Security staff or Greater Manchester Police.'

'We have written to the individuals occupying the Whitworth Hall complex, requesting that they vacate the premises to allow student exams to proceed as planned. Unfortunately, they have refused.

'As a result, we are now activating our well-established exam contingency plans, but it is deeply disappointing that their actions are directly impacting on what is already, for all those undertaking assessments at present, one of the most intense periods in the academic year.'

The university, which has delivered a formal notice to the occupiers, said it has had to activate its exam contingency plans as the group has 'refused' its request to vacate the premises to allow student exams to proceed as planned.

There will now be extra marshals to direct students to different exam locations and the start of exams affected will be delayed to factor in the disruption.

The university said it has to activate its exam contingency plans as the group would not move

Thee group 'refused' request to vacate the premises to allow student exams to proceed

Entrances and access points have been unlawfully barricaded and the balcony broken onto

The protest poses significant health and safety risks to the occupiers and others, the uni said

The protesters draped inflammatory banners from the windows of the historic building

Other encampments have sprung up at universities including Oxford and Cambridge

Security guards on the scene of the Manchester protest site, alongside demonstrators

'Deliberately disrupting exams' is against university behaviour rules, the institution warned

Students scuffled with police on Saturday during a protest at the University of Manchester

'Various entrances and access points have been unlawfully barricaded, and occupiers have broken onto a balcony, which poses significant health and safety risks to the occupiers and others.

In a later statement, a University of Manchester spokesman added: 'As the university has been clear in the formal notice delivered to them today and in previous formal notices issued to occupiers, the university firmly support students' rights to freedom of speech, freedom of expression and peaceful protest. These are fundamental rights that allow for a healthy exchange of ideas.

'However, deliberately disrupting exams clearly violates the standards of behaviour and conduct from students, as outlined in our Student Charter and student disciplinary regulations.'

Greater Manchester Police has been approached for comment.
Former President Donald Trump tore into Rep. Bob Good and endorsed his primary challenger on Tuesday morning, days after the Freedom Caucus leader went to New York to support him at trial.



'Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA. He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and 'loving' Endorsement - But really, it was too late,' Trump wrote on Truth Social just before the closing arguments of his hush money trial began.

Good originally endorsed Ron DeSantis for president before endorsing Trump when the Florida governor dropped out of the running. But last week Trump endorsed another DeSantis supporter in Congress: Georgia Rep. Rich McCormick.

Trump went on: 'I just want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that can most help me do that is Navy Seal and highly respected State Legislator, John McGuire, a true American Hero.'

Good pictured with Donald Trump in an old photo

'John, who fought the Cartels on the Front Line, and then came home and fought the drug dealers in Virginia, will ALWAYS PUT AMERICA FIRST.'

Good will face off against McGuire in a June 18 primary.

Good was one of a handful of right wing lawmakers who traveled to Manhattan on May 16 to support Trump in his criminal trial. McGuire went to New York to court Trump's support that same day.

Good leads the roughly 50-member hard right Freedom Caucus, which is comprised of some of Speaker Mike Johnson's biggest Republican antagonists.

His race has divided the House GOP conference. Reps. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., and Chip Roy, R-Texas, have come out in support of Good, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has supported his challenger.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden traveled to the district to support McGuire - as did Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers. Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows supports Good.

'Bob Good didn't come here to govern. He came here to be famous,' Van Orden, a Wisconsin Republican, told CNN. 'Bob Good's wearing our jersey, and he's not on the team.'

Trump tore into Rep. Bob Good and endorsed his primary challenger John McGuire on Tuesday morning, days after the Freedom Caucus leader went to New York to support him at trial

Good was one of a handful of right wing lawmakers who traveled to Manhattan on May 16 to support Trump in his criminal trial. McGuire went to New York to court Trump's support that same day

Good has local backing in the district's GOP committee.

Rick Buchanan, the chairman of the district's GOP committee, told Cardinal News last month that a Trump endorsement 'wouldn't move the needle that much.'

'If you listen to McGuire's campaign, then yes, [Trump] is the issue, because McGuire has nothing else,' Buchanan said. 'I'm not seeing where he takes a stance on any real issue, except Bob Good's no good, and Bob Good is not a Trump supporter, which is a lie. That's why he's got the name McLiar.'

Buchanan said Good is trying to run to the right of Good, but 'there is no position to the right of Bob.'

'McGuire has no place to run, he has no issues that he can stand on that Bob hasn't already taken a stand on.'
This is the moment three American minors were struck by lightning on a beach in Puerto Rico on Monday.

The children - ages 7, 10 and 12 - can be see standing next to each other on the sands of Montones de Isabela beach in the northern coastal city of Isabela.

In the cell phone video, the boys are hit by the electrical discharge and drop to the sand on their back.

Separate video showed a woman performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on one of the children while another woman and a man did chest compressions on the other two.

Three children (pictured) were struck by lightning on a beach in Isabela, Puerto Rico on Monday. The youngest of the three, a seven-year-old boy lost feeling in his feet, while his older brother, 12, is in critical condition, according to authorities

Adults were seen performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions on the three children who were struck by lightning at Montones de Isabela beach in Isabela, Puerto Rico on Monday

Carlos Cruz, who oversees the Isabela Municipal Emergency Management, told Primer Hora newspaper that one of the parents went to retrieve a bottle of water from a cooler when their children were struck.

'When they heard the lightning, they heard the child screaming,' Cruz said.

The children were rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital in Aguadilla.

The seven-year-old did reported not having a lot of feeling in his feet but was in stable condition, Cruz, told WAPA TV. The 12-year-old is in critical condition.

The incident comes three weeks after a family was narrowly struck by lightning in the northeastern Argentine city of Resistencia.

One of the bolts fractured a tree in half and caused additional damage to property nearby.

One of the parents told authorities that they were getting water from a cooler when they heard one of their children screaming after they were struck by lighting

A woman can be seen running to seek emergency assistance after three U.S.-born children were struck by lightning at Montones de Isabela beach in the northern Puerto Rico coastal city of Isabela

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an average of 20 to 30 people people are killed and hundreds more are injured by lightning each year in the United States.

However, only 13 people were killed by lightning strikes in the United States in 2023. It was the second lowest total since 2021 when only 11 deaths were registered.

A 51-year-old man reportedly became the first casualty of 2024 when he was struck while working with cattle when a storm passed through his his ranch in Jackson County, Colorado, on Saturday.

Multiple cows were also killed on the ranch during the storm.

The previous casualties caused by lightning in Puerto Rico took place in 2022 when a man and a woman were struck by a bolt while riding jet skis in the southern coastal municipality of Salinas.
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A top Republican Senate candidate vowed in an ad to not always vote with his GOP colleagues should he be elected, which could rankle his party's leadership.

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan - who was widely popular during his two terms in the now solidly blue state - claimed in a TV ad that 'In the Senate, Republicans can't count on my vote, but then again, neither can Democrats.'

'If they want my vote, they will have to do what is right for Maryland, not one political party. That's exactly what I did as your governor, and it's exactly the kind of Senator I'll be,' Hogan said.

The blatant declaration that he would be thinking for himself and his constituents over the wishes of the Senate GOP could set up a showdown with the Republican leadership team if he wins.

But for now, leadership is backing his bid as they work to capture the majority back - including his promise to be a 'different' kind of politician.

Former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan vowed he would not always vote with Republicans if he is elected to the Senate in a recent TV ad

'Governor Hogan is a different kind of politician, and his independent brand is what earned him historic job approvals among Marylanders,' National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson Tate Mitchell told DailyMail.com.

'He has made clear he will do what he thinks is right to serve the people of Maryland.'

Hogan's team also believes they are singing the right tune to court Maryland voters.

'The message in this ad shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone,' campaign spokesperson Blake Kernen told DailyMail.com.

'For eight years, Governor Hogan put Maryland first and prioritized the issues that are important to Maryland over party politics or partisan talking points.'

'He will be the same independent leader in the United States Senate.'

In the ad, the Marylander appears to be taking a page out of outgoing West Virginia Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin's playbook by separating himself from the GOP establishment.

The West Virginian repeatedly split with his Democratic party during his tenure in the upper chamber, siding with Republicans on expanding U.S. energy production and lessening environmental protections, which are popular positions in his state.

Though despite the tough words against Hogan, the conference still sees him as one of the best ways to regain control of the Senate chamber, where the GOP needs to add at least two seats to take power.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., (center) flanked by fellow GOP leadership (from left to right) Sens. Steve Daines, R-Mont., John Thune, R-N.D., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., have repeatedly claimed they are working to secure a Republican Senate majority come November

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., split with his liberal colleagues frequently to support the interests of West Virginians, something Hogan is promising to do for Maryland voters

Currently, there are more Republicans in the chamber than Democrats - 49 to 48 - but there are three independent lawmakers that nearly always side with the liberals.

And the GOP hopes to shepherd Hogan in to bolster their desired 'red-wave' in November as the former governor is still massively popular in Maryland.

Hogan first won his seat as Maryland's governor in 2014, running as a moderate.

He was the first GOP governor of the state in decades and left office with a staggering 77 percent approval rating, according to local polls.

After being termed out, Democrat Wes Moore won the governorship.

Now, Hogan is facing a tough fight against Democrat Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks, an influential Prince George's County executive, who has become a mainstay in the liberal county bordering Washington, D.C.

That showdown could wash away Republican's hopes to regain control of the Senate as recent polls indicate Alsobrooks holds a commanding lead in the polls six months out from the November election.

A May 9 poll from The Hill/Emerson found that Alsobrooks is leading Hogan by 10 points, 48 to 38.

Former President Donald Trump has not minced his words when attacking Hogan. The two have had a public feud since Trump was last in office

Further complicating the matter, Hogan proudly proclaimed in 2020 that he did not vote for former President Donald Trump and instead wrote in a vote for former president Ronald Reagan.

Hogan's moderate approach earned him the scorn of the former president, who has called the moderate a RINO - Republican in name only - which has soured some of conservative Maryland voters on the Senate candidate.

Additionally, Hogan has claimed he would again avoid voting for Trump in 2024, furthering his feud with the GOP's top dog.

But this will be the first time that Hogan and Trump are on the same ballot - and how that will complicate the popular former governor's Senate bid remains to be seen.
Telecom giant Optus has been ordered to hand over a secret report into exactly how millions of customers had their private information stolen by hackers.

Optus brought on professional services network, Deloitte, to conduct a review into the company shortly after the massive data breach between September 17 and 20, 2022.

Close to 10 million customers had their personal information such as passports, drivers licences and telephone numbers, stolen during the hack.

The company was in Federal Court on Monday appealing a prior decision by judge Jonathan Beach requiring them to pony up the document.

A full court of Federal Court judges - Bernard Murphy, Stewart Anderson and Penelope Neskovicin - on Monday unanimously upheld the order.

Optus has now twice failed to prove the report was primarily for legal purposes and must now tender the document into evidence in a class action brought forward by customers affected by the hack.

Telecom giant Optus has been ordered by the Federal Court to tender a top secret report by Deloitte into a massive data breach in September 2022 (stock image)

The Federal Court found Optus' appeal also hadn't proven the report was for other reasons.

The court citied a media release from then-CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin.

Ms Bayer Rosmarin said in October, 2022, that the report 'would play a crucial role in the response to the incident for Optus, as it works to support customers'.

'While our overwhelming focus remains on protecting our customers and minimising the harm that might come from the theft of their information, we are determined to find out what went wrong.

'This review will help ensure we understand how it occurred and how we can prevent it from occurring again.

It will help inform the response to the incident for Optus.'

She added Deloitte's report was an 'important process' to 'rebuilding trust with our customers'.

Optus suffered dual catastrophes - the cyberattack and then a 14-hour network outage months later in November - that forced Ms Bayer Rosmarin into resigning from her role last year.

Optus barrister Steven Finch, SC, told the court during a hearing in May that it would be hard to find a media release flagging a legal purpose for a report of its kind.

Mr Finch argued that the releases' point 'is to calm', the Australian Business Network reports.

The Federal Court instead ruled the release was 'significant to the primary judges' findings' which they found to have been correct.

The breach saw the personal information such as passport, drivers licence and telephone numbers, of about 10million customers stolen during the hack

The cyberattack and a 14-hour network outage in November forced then-CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin (pictured) into resigning from her role last year

Optus general counsel Nicholes Kusalic's evidence before judge Beach as to why the company was 'vague' about its reasoning behind the report was also shot down by the court.

'Not only did Optus not put on direct evidence from Ms Bayer Rosmarin or any Board member,Mr Kusalic's evidence did not even provide hearsay evidence, on the basis of information and belief, as to Ms Bayer Rosmarin's state of mind, or as to the state of mind of the Board members to the extent that he talked to them,' the judgement read.

'In our opinion, the primary judge was correct to find on the evidence that there were multiple purposes for which the Deloitte Report was commissioned.

'The evidence did not establish that the Deloitte Report was procured for the dominant purpose of Optus obtaining legal advice or for use in litigation or regulatory proceedings.'

The judgement found that the Deloitte report was also procured to identify the cause of the cyberattack and review Optus' management and response to the breach.

Optus is also facing two probes into the breach by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
Embattled Immigration Minister Andrew Giles was warned by bureaucrats in his own department that a controversial ministerial direction he issued risked overturning a quarter of visa cancellations for non-citizen criminals.

In a late night sitting of Senate estimates on Tuesday evening, it was revealed officials at the Department of Home Affairs modelled the implications of Mr Giles Direction 99 changes, finding that two of the eight individual cases analysed were likely to be overturned.

The direction, which was issued by Mr Giles in early 2023, requires the immigration minister or a body, including the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, to consider an individual's community ties when considering to revoke the cancellation of a convicted criminal's visa.

Under a barrage of Coalition queries during question time on Tuesday, Mr Giles refused to apologise, sought to put further distance between himself and his department, claiming he had not been informed about the AAT's decisions.

Speaking before Senate estimates on Tuesday evening, Home Affairs secretary Stephanie Foster said the department had breached protocol by not alerting Mr Giles to a number of the AAT's decision to overturn the cancellations.

'The department did fail him, we did not meet every protocol,' Ms Foster said.

Ms Foster said she knew of five cases where the department had not alerted Mr Giles, before being corrected by another official who said the number of cases was closer to 30.

Senate estimates heard on Tuesday night Andrew Giles was warned by bureaucrats in his own department his direction on non-citizens risked allowing criminals to stay in Australia

Under questioning from the Coalition's home affairs spokesman James Paterson, who labelled the revelation as 'extraordinary', Ms Foster apologised for the incidents.

'I regret very much that this has happened,' Ms Foster said, adding that she was ultimately responsible, and Home Affairs had since devoted further resources to addressing the issue.

British-born rapist and masseur Charles William Davidson had his visa cancellation revoked in February - even as he was convicted of 48 counts of sexual assault, eight counts of rape and three counts of indecent treatment of children under 16 - according to The Australian.

Ms Foster said the case was not among those that had been investigated by the department.

'We are working through all of the cases as quickly as we can,' Ms Foster admitted, before another departmental official revealed there was not an upper limit to the number of cases that could have been overturned via the ministerial direction.

Of those whose visa cancellations were overturned are Sudanese national Emmanuel Saki, who was charged with stabbing a 22-year-old in Queensland just weeks after the AAT revoked the cancellation of his visa, and Lebanese-born Abdul Wahab Trad, who was found to have strong ties to Australia despite raping a 13-year-old girl in 2020.

The Coalition put five examples to Mr Giles during question time, demanding whether he would apologise for his 'catastrophic mistake, and reverse direction 99?'

During the questioning Mr Giles was at pains to argue that the decisions to overturn the visa were made by an 'independent tribunal' in the AAT.

'I remind the house that the direction places a serious emphasis on family violence. These need to be considered in all matters by the tribunal,' he said.

'I have cancelled the individual's visa.'

He said he had tasked his department with looking at the AAT cases 'as a priority'.

The Coalition also hurled questions over an Afghan national, known as ZJFQ, who had his visa cancelled after he raped a 16-year-old girl and a disabled 14-year-old child, but was allowed to stay in Australia.

'I say again that Direction 99 did not and does not decrease the importance placed on the considerations such as the expectations of the Australian community and the protection of the community from crime,' Mr Giles said.
Pope Francis has apologised over any offence caused after he was widely quoted as having used homophobic language at a meeting last week.

The pontiff, 87, did not intend to use homophobic language, the Vatican said on Tuesday after Italian media quoted him as having said there was 'an air of f*****ry' in the church.

'The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologises to those who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others,' Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in an emailed statement.

Italian media on Monday had quoted unnamed Italian bishops in reporting that Francis jokingly used the term 'f*****ry' while speaking in Italian during the encounter.

He had used the term in reaffirming the Vatican's ban on allowing gay men to enter seminaries and be ordained priests.

Some suggested the comments were an honest translation mistake for the Argentina-born Pope, for whom Italian is a second language, and that he 'did not know' how offensive the word was.

Pope Francis is pictured during a meeting with the Italian Bishops' Conference at the Vatican

The comments were allegedly made in a closed-door meeting ahead of the conference. Pictured: The opening session of the 79th general assembly of the Italian Bishops Conference

Pope Francis attends a Mass in St Peter's Square for the first World Children's Day on May 26

Italian political gossip website Dagospia was the first to report the alleged incident, said to have happened on May 20 when the pontiff met Italian bishops behind closed doors.

Bruni said Francis was 'aware' of the reports.

The Vatican spokesman reiterated that the pope remained committed to a welcoming Church for all, where 'nobody is useless, nobody is superfluous, (where) there is room for everyone.'

Bishops at the meeting last Monday were reportedly taken aback by the language the pontiff used to make the statement - the derogatory word 'frociaggine', which roughly translates to f*****ry.

Italian news agency Adnkronos, citing sources, reported that the Pope said in the speech: 'Look: there is already an air of f*****ry around that is not good.

'There is today's culture of homosexuality with respect to those who have a homosexual orientation [who] are better off not being accepted [into the seminary].

'It is very difficult for a boy who has this tendency not to fall [into sin] because they come [to the seminary] thinking that the life of the priest can support them, but then they fall during the work of the ministry.'

The remark was met with 'incredulous laughter', bishops told newspaper Corriere della Sera, but to some represented a step back after prolonged efforts to reform the church's position on LGBTQ+ rights.

Francis has been credited with making substantial overtures towards the LGBT community during his 11-year papacy, but his reported comments caused shock and consternation, even among his supporters.

In 2013, at the start of his papacy, he famously said: 'If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?'

And last year, he described laws that criminalise homosexuality as a 'sin' and an 'injustice', and allowed Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples in a significant advance for LGBT rights in the church.

However, the Pope delivered a similar message on gay seminarians - minus the reported swear word - when he met Italian bishops in 2018, telling them to carefully vet priesthood applicants and reject anyone suspected of being homosexual.

Political gossip website Dagospia was the first to report on the alleged incident, said to have happened on May 20, when the Italian Bishops Conference opened a four-day assembly with a non-public meeting with the pontiff.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis's native language is Spanish, and though he is fluent in Italian he has made a number of linguistic faux pas in the past.

He has previously said that if a boy is unsure about his sexuality and is facing mental health challenges he might need 'psychiatric' support.

It widely believed he instead meant 'psychological' help, words he has also confused on other occasions.

The 87-year-old Argentine pope often speaks informally, jokes using slang and even curses in private.

Francesco Lepore, a former priest who is now a gay rights activist, said he was 'stunned' by the comments allegedly made by Francis, who is also known by his birth name Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

'Despite being accustomed by now to the type of direct language on the part of Bergoglio, speaking of 'f*****ry' in the seminaries seems more like a bar and a tavern than a Pontiff,' he told la Repubblica.

'This expression would never have appeared on the lips of Paul VI, John Paul II or Benedict XVI, who also took damning positions towards homosexuality.

He added: 'The Pope is right that the number of homosexual seminarians and clerics is very high. But the simplicity of language has nothing to do with vulgarity.'

The Pope was pictured today (right) at a World Children's Day event in Rome

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis' first language is Spanish, and though he is fluent in Italian he has made a number of linguistic faux pas in the past

Reports about the pontiff's remarks at the meeting come after bishops approved a document regulating admission to Italian seminaries, according to Corriere.

The document, which hasn't been published pending review by the Holy See, reportedly sought to open some wiggle room in the Vatican's absolute ban on gay priests.

The Vatican ban was articulated in a 2005 document from the Congregation for Catholic Education, issued by his predecessor Benedict XVI, and later repeated in a subsequent document in 2016.

It said the church cannot admit to seminaries or ordain men who 'practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture.'

The paper reported that members 'approved by majority vote an amendment that recognized the distinction between simple homosexual orientation and 'deeply rooted tendencies.'

This, it suggests, means 'in substance, that a homosexual person could be admitted to the seminary if, like the heterosexual, he gave the guarantee that he knows how to live the discipline of celibacy.'

However, it reportedly implies 'that it is more difficult for homosexuals because they will be living in an all-male community for many years.'

Francis's latest remarks seemingly suggest he is taking 'a more radical' view on the issue, by preventing gay men from being allowed to join altogether.

The Holy See has not approved the document, according to reports, and the issue is still under discussion.
Country Road Group has launched an internal investigation after staff reported their complaints of sexual harassment, racism and bullying were mishandled by management.

The group's parent company has ordered an investigation into the handling of staff complaints after feedback was received from staff about how they were treated.

A spokesman for the company said they took complaints of harassment, including sexual harassment, very seriously and they had a zero-tolerance policy for matters of this nature.

'It is critically important to us that our workplace is one where all team members feel safe, valued and included,' the spokesman said.

'We sincerely thank team members for speaking up and raising their concerns.'

Iconic fashion retailer Country Road has said it will investigate staff claims that complaints about sexual harassment and bullying were mishandled

The company's chief executive Roy Bagattini has since sent an email to staff after the investigation was reported in the media.

'You are no doubt aware that some of our team members have pre-emptively engaged with the media and this has resulted in various speculative news reports,' he said to staff.

'The external attention on our company, through these news articles, can be unsettling and comes at a difficult time for yourselves but also for us as a company.'

The investigation is expected to wrap up in June.
Some 85 per cent of MailOnline readers believe Royal Family members should have to carry out National Service after Rishi Sunak revealed plans to revive the scheme.

Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte could be forced to undertake the scheme when they turn 18 amid claims that the royals will not be exempt.

The plan would make it compulsory for the vast majority of 18-year-olds including the royals to either sign up for a 12-month placement with the armed forces or cyber defence, or commit to volunteering for one weekend a month in their community.

George, 10, would be the first young royal to be involved when he turns 18 in July 2031, followed a year later by Charlotte, nine, and three years later by Louis, six.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also have young children who would be eligible to take part once they reach the age of 18, as well as Prince Edward's son James, 16.

Now, MailOnline has carried out a survey asking readers: Should the Royal Family be made to do National Service? More than 10,000 votes had been cast in the poll by 3pm this afternoon, with 85 per cent in favour and 15 per cent against the idea.

(From left) Prince George, Kate, Prince Louis, Prince William and Princess Charlotte on the Buckingham Palace balcony to view a flypast following the Trooping the Colour on June 17

George, Kate Louis, William and Charlotte at Lambrook School in Berkshire on September 7

It comes after Foreign Office minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan suggested that George, Charlotte and Louis would be expected to do National Service alongside regular teenagers when they turn 18.

When would young royals do National Service? Prince George: July 2031 Princess Charlotte: May 2032 Prince Louis: April 2036 James, Earl of Wessex: December 2025 Sienna Mozzi: September 2039 August Brooksbank: August 2039 Ernest Brooksbank: May 2041 Advertisement

The Conservative MP said 'the vast majority of our young people' would be expected to turn out for the mandatory programme under Mr Sunak's election proposal.

Writing for MailOnline, Ms Trevelyan said that those volunteering for the military would not be sent to fight, and that the scheme would teach practical and soft skills 'which cannot be taught in the classroom or the lecture theatre'.

But critics from across the political divide have dismissed the plans as unserious while leading military figures expressed scepticism about how they would work and suggested the money would be better spent on Armed Forces investment.

Asked about whether young royals would be made to take part, or teenagers with caring responsibilities, Ms Trevelyan also told Sky News it would be down to a Royal Commission to decide the scope.

But she added: 'Fundamentally the Prime Minister has been clear this would be for the vast majority of our young people, our 18-year-olds, this would be a mandatory part of both their continued education and journey to adulthood.'

Mr Sunak made the first major policy announcement of the general election campaign on Sunday, vowing to bring back National Service for 18-year-olds - a scheme that has not been seen in the UK since 1960.

MailOnline has carried out a survey asking readers: Should the Royal Family be made to do National Service? More than 10,000 votes had been cast in the poll by 3pm today (above)

The Prince and Princess of Wales with George, Charlotte and Louis at RAF Fairford last July

Asked about whether young royals would be made to take part, or teenagers with caring responsibilities, Ms Trevelyan told Sky News it would be down to a Royal Commission to decide the scope.

The Prime Minister received backlash after launching the proposal but said he wanted the change to instil a 'shared sense of purpose' in today's youth.

Where National Service is imposed in countries around the world 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 18 years old, 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. 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. In Sweden, all citizens must complete a military enlistment form the year they turn 18 and, if selected, are obliged to enrol in basic military training. Advertisement

The Royal Family has a long history of serving in the military with Prince William a Sandhurst graduate before he spent seven-and-a-half years in full-time military service.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said that the service would be compulsory, adding: 'We will look at what the appropriate response will be.

'There's not going to be a criminal sanction for this, the same way people are compelled to be in education or training between 16 and 18.

He clarified details of the scheme saying the military part will be paid, but the voluntary section would not be.

The Tories also revealed plans on how they would encourage teenagers to apply for the military scheme, including participants being potentially favoured over other applicants when applying for jobs.

One of the options is the introduction of fast-tracked routes into graduate schemes and the civil service for those who have served.

Another is that employers are encouraged to consider Armed Forces recruits during the hiring process and that participants are given the opportunity to highlight their military experience on their UCAS applications for university and apprenticeships.

However, the Armed Forces option would be selective  with only around 30,000 placements for 'the brightest and best'.

But some ex-top brass questioned its usefulness. Lord West, the former head of the Royal Navy who is a Labour peer, told the Guardian: 'I'm delighted if more young people become aware of defence and are involved  but this idea is basically bonkers.

'We need to spend more on defence, and  by doing what he's suggesting  money will be sucked out of defence.'

And General Richard Dannatt, the former head of the General Staff, branded it 'electoral opportunism', adding: 'The costs of this would be considerable in terms of trainers and infrastructure. This task cannot just be imposed on the Armed Forces as an extra thing to do.'

A family portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II with some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including (back row, left to right) Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, (middle row, left to right) Lena Tindall, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Isla Phillips, Prince Louis, and (front row, left to right) Mia Tindall holding Lucas Tindall and Savannah Phillips taken at Balmoral Palace. The young royals will not be exempt from national service

The Royal family has a long history of serving in the military

On Sunday, Mr Sunak said: '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.

'Only the Conservatives will take the bold action required to deliver a secure future for the next generation.'

Mr Cleverly said the plans show the Tories are investing in young people and trying to address some of the challenges that today's youth face.

'In other countries that we've looked at that do this, this is a very, very popular scheme, parents particularly very, very keen for their children to be involved in this kind of stuff,' he said.

But a Labour Party spokesperson said the announcement was 'another desperate 2.5billion unfunded commitment from a Tory Party which already crashed the economy, sending mortgages rocketing, and now they're spoiling for more.

'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,' the spokesperson said.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway recently began her 12-month military placement with the Engineer Battalion

The Liberal Democrats have also slammed the announcement with leader Sir Ed Davey describing it as a 'desperate' and 'pathetic' attempt.

In European nations with national service, members of the Royal Family are expected to take part.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway recently began her 12-month military placement with the Engineer Battalion.

Spain's Crown Princess Leonor is undergoing three years of military training, although the country no longer has national service.

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.

Spain's Crown Princess Leonor is undergoing three years of military training, although the country no longer has national service

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.

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.

National service was abolished in 1960 with 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.
The former head of Israel's national intelligence agency allegedly tried to intimidate the International Criminal Court's former chief prosecutor into abandoning a war crimes investigation over a period of several years, it has been revealed.

Yossi Cohen, who until 2021 was the chief of the Mossad and a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly embarked on a years-long campaign of threat-making and 'stalker' behaviour toward Fatou Bensouda.

The Gambian-born prosecutor in 2015 launched a preliminary examination of crimes in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem by Israeli military and settlers.

But Cohen is said to have told Bensouda shortly after the investigations began: 'You should help us and let us take care of you. You don't want to be getting into things that could compromise your security or that of your family.'

Sources who spoke to The Guardian went on to describe 'despicable tactics' employed by Cohen - who was said to be working as Netanyahu's 'unofficial messenger' - in his underhand efforts to influence the prosecutor.

One described compared his behaviour to that of a stalker, while another said Cohen arranged to have spies obtain secret recordings of Bensouda's husband and take photographs of the pair on a trip to London, which he later used to insinuate her family could be in danger.

Yossi Cohen, who until 2021 was the chief of the Mossad, reportedly embarked on a years-long campaign of threat-making and 'stalker' behaviour toward Fatou Bensouda

Former ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in 2015 launched a preliminary examination of crimes in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem and opened a formal investigation in 2021

This combination of pictures shows (L/R): Ismail Haniyeh, Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar, the three leaders of Hamas

Bensouda was not dissuaded from her investigation and opened a formal probe shortly before stepping down in June 2021 - in spite of Cohen's alleged attempts to change her mind.

That move came to fruition last week when current ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan accused Israel of 'collectively punishing' Palestinians in Gaza and applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, alongside Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwa, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh.

Khan's application for an arrest warrant for Netanyahu marks the first time a sitting western-backed leader has been targeted by the court.

The shocking revelations of Cohen's alleged intimidation of Bensouda were made in a joint investigation by The Guardian, Israeli-Palestinian publication +972 Magazine and the Hebrew-language outlet Local Call, which accuses Cohen and Israel's intelligence agencies of waging a 'covert war' against the ICC and its former prosecutor spanning almost a decade.

Israeli intelligence was reported to have 'intercepted' the communications of numerous ICC officials, including chief prosecutor Karim Khan and his predecessor Bensouda, picking up phone calls, messages, emails and other documents.

This was reported to have taken place over a nine-year 'campaign'.

Cohen is said to have personally embarked on his purported campaign of intimidation after Bensouda opened the preliminary investigation into crimes committed in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The former spy chief reportedly feared that her findings could implicate key members of Israel's military and Israeli citizens in the killings of Palestinians as well as other crimes.

It is said he set out with a pair of goals in mind: to enlist Bensouda as an asset in the Hague-based court who would be deferential to Israeli operations and demands, or to compromise her and prevent her from pursuing the case.

Prior to Bensouda's decision to step down in June 2021, the former prosecutor, who went on to obtain a diplomatic role as Gambia's High Commissioner to the UK, is believed to have informed senior ICC officials about Cohen's attempts to sway her, the Guardian reported, citing four sources.

Three of the sources were 'familiar' with Bensouda's formal disclosures on the alleged attempts to sway her, the outlet reported.

Sources said Bensouda spoke out following Cohen's increased 'persistence' and the 'threatening nature of his behaviour'.

Surveillance was still ongoing 'in recent months', according to the The Guardian, which claimed Khan also faced 'tremendous pressure' from the United States over plans to issue arrest warrants against Israelis.

The ICC told the outlet none of the 'recent attacks against it by national intelligence agencies' had managed to get through to its core evidence holdings.

A spokesperson for Netanyahu's office denied the allegations, telling The Guardian: 'The questions forwarded to us are replete with many false and unfounded allegations meant to hurt the state of Israel.'

MailOnline approached the office for comment. MailOnline was unable to reach Mossad for comment.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has applied for arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu and Yossi Cohen are pictured clinking glasses in 2016

King Charles III during an audience with Fatou Bensouda who presented the Letters of Recall of her predecessor, and her own Letters of Commission as High Commissioner for the Republic of the Gambia at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Thursday November 3, 2022

Meanwhile, Netanyahu last week blasted current ICC prosecutor Khan for his pursuit of arrest warrants, launching a personal attack on the British lawyer and labelling him a 'great anti-Semite'.

In the Israeli Prime Minister's view, Khan's application for arrest warrants was 'a moral outrage of historic proportions' because Israel is simply 'waging a just war against Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organisation that perpetrated the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust'.

Netanyahu said Khan was one of the 'great anti-Semites in modern times', likening him to judges in Nazi Germany who were complicit in the Holocaust by denying Jewish citizens basic rights.

But if arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant are ultimately granted by the court, the Israeli officials would face considerable consequences.

Matthew Gillett, a lecturer in international law at the University of Essex in England, said anyone issued with an arrest warrant would be unable to travel to the more than 120 countries that are members of the ICC, including most European countries, Japan and Australia, or they could be detained.

Gillet also said that some allied countries could take action such as reducing weapons transfers or scaling back diplomatic visits, further increasing Israel's isolation on the world stage.

It would make 'it more difficult for Western liberal democracies to engage with Israel,' he said.

Israel continues to face pressure from its international allies over the prolonged war in Gaza.

Some 36,000 people have been killed amid an ongoing offensive by land and air in response to Hamas' October 7 incursion into southern Israel, killing some 1,170.

Israel has pledged to continue until all of the hostages taken into Gaza are returned to Israel, and has vowed to decisively defeat Hamas.

Concern over the deaths of civilians and allegations of war crimes have seen many Western nations urge greater restraint in Israel, and push for a lasting peace process.

Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognised Palestinian statehood today in a coordinated decision that has infuriated Israel.

Their move brings to 145 out of the 193 UN member states that have recognised a Palestinian state.

Still, no member of the Group of Seven industrial powers - including France, the United Kingdom and the United States - have done so.
The frantic search for peacocks, which are primarily known as peafowl, in New York City continues after seven of the birds managed to escape from the Bronx Zoo.

A total of seven peafowl from escaped the park on Memorial Day, and two of them still missing, NBC New York reported.

Zoo officials told the news outlet that its peafowl occasionally stray from their park enclosure but usually return on their own.

One of the two missing peafowl was spotted high up in a tree just before 3 pm yesterday on 2385 Barker Avenue in the Bronx.

Warning have since been issued urging citizens not to approach the birds as they can aggressively attack humans if they feel threatened.

Seven peafowl escaped from the Bronx Zoo on Memorial Day and they were spotted by witnesses at Morris Park train station later that day

Two of the peafowl that escaped their habitat in the Bronx Zoo are still missing despite one of them being spotted in a tree yesterday afternoon

Multiple individuals took pictures and videos of the peafowl after they spotted them in Morris Park on Memorial Day.

'I've never seen anything like this the entire time I've lived in the Bronx,' eyewitness Harry Phillips told ABC 7.

All seven peafowl were first spotted at the Morris Park subway station on Monday morning on Paulding Avenue at 9:30 am.

Phillips, who noticed the peafowl while he was driving, pulled over to help guide the birds to the sidewalk before calling the authorities.

Officers responded to the morning phone call, and officials at the Bronx Zoo also arrived at the scene sometime afterward.

'It was the zoo, the city, the NYPD, our neighbors who let the NYPD into their yards and, you know, everybody trying to keep an eye on them and make sure they're safe,' said Phillips.

The adventure for five of the seven peafowl ended in Dany Martinez's backyard despite one of them putting up a fight.

'There's one that like really gave them a lot of trouble like going from rooftop to rooftop,' Martinez told ABC 7.

At least one witness called the authorities after they discovered one of the peafowl around 2385 Barker Avenue in the Bronx

Five of the peafowl were caught in Dany Martinez's backyard and one of them put up a fight in front of Bronx Zoo officials and the NYPD

This incident comes one year after another rogue peafowl named Raul escaped the Bronx Zoo and allegedly attacked a man known only as Mike.

'I said there go a peacock, that's when we all started filming it. Then it started running up the hill towards traffic,' Mike said.

Mike then claimed that Raul attacked him and flew into a tree after he attempted to guide him away from traffic.

The NYPD and FDNY attempted to catch Raul in the 14 hours he was gone, but the peacock flew back to the Bronx Zoo before they could do so.

There are currently more than 100 peafowl that roam around the Bronx Zoo, and park officials request that its guests do not touch or chase after the birds

According to PBS, female peafowl, known as peahen,' are 35 to 43 inches long with a wing span of 31 to 51 inches.

Males, also known as peacocks, are usually 70 to 98 inches long, with a train length of about 55 to 63 inches.

These colorful birds are omnivores, and they eat insects, plants and other small creatures.

Their usual habitats are lowland forests, farms and agricultural fields in tropical and dry habitats.

However, the peafowl in the Bronx Zoo roam around the grounds, and park officials request on their website that guests not feed, touch or chase any of the animals, which are also occasionally found in cities and parks searching for food, that do so.

Daily Mail has reached out to the Bronx Zoo for comment.
Stormy Daniels has revealed that Donald Trump told her she 'reminded him of his daughter Ivanka' - as she opens up about her hush money trial in a documentary airing on Channel 5 tonight.

In a candid interview which mirrors her testimony against the former US president, the adult film star recounts how she was initially at ease with Trump, before she alleges they had sex in a hotel room in 2006.

She says the pair discussed his daughter Ivanka, who had a prominent role on NBC's The Apprentice, and suggests she bonded with the real estate tycoon over the comparison.

'He told me I reminded him of his daughter. I feel like he was being sympathetic to me. Ivanka's beautiful and she's blonde and I'm sure she's had people assume she's an idiot.

'But I felt like as this father figure who has watched his daughter be treated a certain way [he] could identify with me. I thought we had this mutual respect.'

In a candid interview which mirrors her testimony against the former US president, the adult film star recounts how she was initially at ease with Trump

Former US President Donald Trump sits at the defendant's table during his criminal trial at the New York State Supreme Court in New York, New York, USA, 28 May 2024

Daniels says she and Trump discussed his daughter Ivanka, who had a prominent role on NBC's The Apprentice

She went on to say that this 'mutual respect' was 'why it was so crazy when having no red flags whatsoever in a conversation I came out of the bathroom to find myself cornered.

'I don't remember how I got on the bed. It was awful. But I didn't say no.

She later said she wishes she had said 'no'. 'I told very few people that we had actually had sex,' she testified. 'I felt ashamed that I didnt stop it, that I didnt say no.'

Daniels said again during the trial that Trump told her in his hotel suite: 'You remind me of my daughter, she is smart, people underestimate her as well.'

During their meeting, Daniels said that Trump also dangled a potential cameo for the porn star in The Apprentice after she got introduced to him as a film 'director.'

That was one reason she said she kept in touch with Trump even after the encounter she said rattled her, the court was told.

In the documentary, which is airing on Channel 5 tonight, Daniels tells the interviewer that their initial encounter had been pleasant.

'Did I get any bad vibes or sexual innuendos? Nothing. He said: "You're actually really smart".

Trump raises his fist as he walks back into the courtroom after a break during closing arguments in his hush money trial at Manhattan criminal court in New York

'Somehow the conversation about Celebrity Apprentice came up, and his argument was "I will get a lot of attention for putting this blonde adult actress on TV".

'And I was like "NBC will never let me on television!" And he's like 'every season I get to pick one person that they can't overrule, it's my wild card.

'So he spun it to me as 'You want to be a mainstream director... well this is a chance for you to be on TV and show people that you're not just what you look like.'

The documentary - titled Stormy - is directed by Sarah Gibson, and poses the question: 'What happens when you take on the most powerful man in the world?'

It is airing to UK audiences at the same time as closing arguments are taking place across the pond in Manhattan.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys have one final opportunity to convince the jury of their respective cases before deliberations begin.

Jurors will undertake the unprecedented task of deciding whether to convict the former US president of felony criminal charges stemming from hush money payments tied to an alleged scheme to buy and bury stories that may have wrecked his 2016 presidential campaign.

At the heart of the charges are reimbursements paid to Michael Cohen for a $130,000 hush money payment that was given to Daniels in exchange for not going public with her claim about a 2006 sexual encounter with Trump.

Trump listens as defense lawyer Todd Blanche presents closing arguments during a criminal trial on charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels

Prosecutors say the payments to Cohen, Trump's then-lawyer, were falsely logged as 'legal expenses' to hide the true nature of the transactions. Trump has denied all wrongdoing.

He pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records, charges which are punishable by up to four years in prison.

Closing arguments are expected to last all day Tuesday, with jury deliberations beginning as soon as Wednesday.

The case is the first of Trump's four indictments to go to trial as he seeks to reclaim the White House from Democrat Joe Biden.

The other cases center on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents at his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election. It's unclear whether any of them will reach trial before the November election.
The grieving family of slain General Hospital star Johnny Wactor is asking the public for help in bringing his body back to his native South Carolina.

The actors godmother, Michaelle Kinard, set up a GoFundMe to elicit the funds to do so, raising $50,246 of a $100,000 goal so far.

This will help the 37-year-old's mother, Scarlett, and brothers, Lance and Grant, to travel the distance of 2000 miles from Charleston to settle the family's affairs - a trip she said they will have to take several times to ensure everything is taken care of.

Wactor, who starred as Brando Corbin in the long-running soap, was killed Saturday in LA when he confronted thieves breaking into his car. He was just 37.

The incident has spurred renewed scrutiny into the city's rampant crime, which worsened during the pandemic and continues to persist. He appeared in 164 episodes from 2020 to 2022, and at least three suspects remain at large.

The grieving family of slain General Hospital star Johnny Wactor is asking the public for help in bringing his body back to his native South Carolina. Pictured, the 37-year-old who played Brando Corbin in 164 episodes of General hospital, his mother, and two brothers

Wactor is pictured with his mother Scarlett, who has said that her son didn't attempt to fight the thieves. The family said they are heartbroken, and are hoping to bury their son in his native South Carolina

Kinard, speaking on behalf of the family, wrote: 'I'm Michaelle, Johnnys Godmother.

'On May 25, my dearest and best friends son was murdered. He was the victim of the most senseless crime!

'[Johnny], (known to many as Brandon Corbin on General Hospital), was living his dream in LA

'He was fatally shot early Saturday morning when he came upon a crime.

'Johnny was the kindest soul,' she continued, penning the post on Monday.

'My heart is utterly broken and somehow we NEED justice for Johnny!

'I want to raise money for his mother, Scarlett, and his brothers, Lance and Grant to be able to travel the distance of 2000 miles (the many times it may take) to take care of this heartbreaking business which they have been sentenced.

'With Gods will, the killer will be arrested and the family will see him face to face,' she concluded.

'This may help bring closure to this tragedy. Any excess donations will be donated to the charities the family chooses in memory of Johnny.'

The shooting occurred at around 3am on Saturday when Wactor approached three men, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Officers are pictured at the scene

Wactor had been leaving a bar he worked with a female co-worker, walking her to her around 3am Saturday in the city's famously crime-ridden Downtown district

There, the Soap star saw someone at his car. Believing it was being towed, we was shot by a masked suspect as he approached, sending emergency personnel to the scene. He died at a nearby hospital shortly thereafter

As of writing, the family is well on their way to their desired figure of $100,000, just three days after the actor's death.

He had left work at a rooftop bar with a co-worker around 3am when he interrupted three men stealing the catalytic converter from his car, his family previously told DailyMail.com - revealing how he approached them believing he was being towed.

He was shot by a masked suspect as he approached, and the three suspects drove away from the scene, witnesses said.

He was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he later died.

As of Tuesday, there were no arrests. Cops in the famously overrun city said they are investigating, but have yet to air any substantial leads.

Once set to be married, his former fiancee, Teresa Farrell, launched an appeal Monday night to help 'find [Wactor's] killers', asking members of the community for help in doing so.

She said she met Wactor back in 2013 soon after she moved to LA, when he was working his way into the business.

'If the person who did this, if you're watching, I'm sorry, but you shot the wrong guy,' she said in a post to Instagram through a steady stream of tears.

Wactor, seen here with costar Laura Wright, starred on the long-running soap from 2020 to 2022, and was a star in the making

'You can get a real job,' she went on. 'I know the job market's hard but we're all in it together. You don't have to steal - especially take a life over it.'

She went on to assert that 'human life is disregarded too easy,' while insisting it is time as a community to 'make changes.'

'Maybe that's what Johnny's gift is for us,' she said, urging politicians to take notice.

Officer Jader Chaves, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department, confirmed the killing occurred around 3:25 am, at an intersection in the city's notoriously crime-ridden Downtown district.

There, Wactor came into contact with the three people attempting to steal the car part, he said - not identifying the victim, but saying the suspects were after his catalytic converter.

The automotive device regulates exhaust emission, and is typically found in the undercarriage of a vehicle.

It contains precious metals that can be sold piecemeal for a profit, particularly to auto part suppliers or scrapyards, where they are melted down for their valuables.

Cops have yet to state their strategy in tracking down the killers, who were masked and able to escape unseen.

His former fiancee Teresa Farrell launched an appeal Monday night to help 'find [the actor's] killers', asking members of the community for help

Officers have yet to produce any surveillance footage to go off of, just saying the crime occurred near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street.

An ambulance was photographed arriving there late that night, after Wactor, who had been working as a bartender at a nearby establishment, had left work with a coworker shortly before.

The masked suspects remain at large and have yet to be identified or described.

His death was confirmed to KTLA by Johnny's younger brother, Grant.

Scarlett Wactor, the budding star'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 brother Grant confirmed to DailyMail.com Johnny was shot in the chest as he came upon the suspects, explaining how he nd his co-worker had to park about two blocks from the restaurant.

The pair were merely walking to their cars after they finished their shift, he said.

He went on to recall their upbringing in Charleston, where he said they and their other brother were brought up as 'Southern gentlemen.'

He was thus not surprised his older brother was walking his co-worker, a woman, to her car.

'We're Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself.'

His brother this week recalled his and Wactor's upbringing in Charleston, where he said they and their other brother were brought up as 'Southern gentlemen.'

Wactor's murder comes just weeks after California was ranked among the top 10 most dangerous states in America.

Violent crime in Los Angeles has been on the rise, with the LAPD recording a 2.9 per cent increase at the end of March 2024, compared to the same time last year.

The LAPD reported last week 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 per cent above the number of murders reported at this time in 2023.

The last time the force updated robbery statistics, at the end of March 2024, thefts were up 9.5 per cent, 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.

As laid out recently by the New York Times, stolen catalytic converters are passed through 'middlemen, smelters and refineries in the United States and overseas', and can commonly be stolen in under a minute. They cost around $1,000 to replace.
BARTs future remains uncertain, as a plan to prevent a fiscal cliff for this transit agency and others in the Bay Area has been met with opposition. Michael Short/Special to the Chronicle

BART is placing all its hopes for financial survival on the public approval of a sweeping 2026 tax measure to save the regional rail system, but the high-stakes proposal may not even reach Bay Area voters ballots.

Legislation to allow the regions nine counties to place a measure raising up to $1.5 billion for transit operations passed the California Senate on Friday. The bills future, however, remains uncertain amid vocal criticism from transit agencies and local officials on the Peninsula and in the South Bay.

Transit agencies in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties oppose SB1031 by San Francisco state Sen. Scott Wiener and Hayward state Sen. Aisha Wahab. South Bay leaders vowed to campaign against the measure, as its outlined in the bills most recent version, if it reaches the ballot. Meanwhile, the regional transportation agency sponsoring the legislation could pull its support of SB1031 following substantial amendments to the bill.

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Wiener said on the floor of the state Senate on Friday that SB1031 remains a work in progress and that he and Wahab will continue to work intensively with all stakeholders, including Santa Clara County.

Still, the political rifts among Bay Area transit agencies and local leaders appear to have widened since the bill was introduced in March. That the legislation is in doubt underscores the difficulty in gaining political consensus on a regional level  even on a bill intended to rescue the Bay Areas largest transit agencies from financial collapse.

SB1031 is as complicated as it is divisive.

One component of the bill would allow Bay Area transit agencies to place a 30-year sales tax, payroll tax, parcel tax or regional vehicle surcharge on the 2026 ballot to subsidize transit service.

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A regional tax measure is BARTs sole plan to avert annual operating deficits approaching $400 million starting in 2027. The regional taxes, if approved by voters, would essentially replace the fare revenue BART has lost due to a steep, pandemic-induced decline in paying riders, who supported 70% of BARTs operating costs in 2019.

Another aspect of SB1031 requires the state to complete a consolidation study of the Bay Areas 27 transit agencies by the end of 2025, with recommendations for potential mergers or enhanced coordination measures due by the end of 2026.

SB1031 would also make the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, a bill sponsor, responsible for delivering reforms meant to lure more riders onto the regions trains, buses and ferries.

The legislation calls for the creation of a universal regional transit pass valid on all Bay Area transit agencies, uniform wayfinding to improve how people navigate transit, a simplified fare structure and transfer policy, real-time schedule information and better schedule coordination across the regions transit network. Some of the voter-approved funds are contingent on transit agencies meeting a set of goals determined by the MTC.

Agencies such as Caltrain oppose the bill, in part, because of the consolidation study requirement, though much of SB1031s divisiveness stems from how the regional tax funds would be doled out.

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The latest version of SB1031 would require that counties keep 70% of the money they raise through the measure to benefit their own transit agencies, with the threshold rising to 90% in the sixth year.

That latter distribution would blunt the regional tax funding that would go to BART and the regions most financially distressed agencies. Officials in Santa Clara County, though, say the tax measure could end up hurting its local transit operator, the Valley Transportation Authority.

One of the regional tax measures biggest impacts would be to essentially transform BARTs financial model closer to the VTAs. The South Bay operator is one of the handful of agencies not facing a so-called fiscal cliff because its operations are already heavily subsidized by local taxpayers.

Three of the four sales taxes in Santa Clara County, which generate about $800 million annually, will be up for renewal in the coming years, and county officials fear a regional tax measure would jeopardize those reauthorizations.

San Jose state Sen. Dave Cortese, who voted against SB1031, described the bill as an existential threat to the South Bay countys transit system.

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Cortese, a former MTC chair, said Santa Clara County elected officials are preparing to campaign against the regional measure if it makes the ballot, adding that they could attempt to leave the MTC and join another metropolitan planning organization. He said the MTC is ill-equipped to oversee the distribution of funds and likened its proposed oversight role as a power grab.

This is literally an existential threat to Santa Clara County, which has passed sales taxes in self-help to support its own systems because there was never help from the federal government, Cortese said. There was never help from the regional government. We pioneered in the Bay Area in the notion of promoting your own sales tax.

Andrew Fremier, the MTCs executive director, said at a commission meeting last Wednesday that the revised bill brought its own set of serious concerns for the agency.

For starters, it adds a bunch of provisions that undermine the commissions authority over regional planning and future transportation investment decisions, Fremier said. It also sets up a long-term funding framework that would leave a significant transit operating funding shortfall for some operators.

Even if Bay Area voters pass a funding measure in November 2026, it would not arrive in time to help plug massive deficits for the regions largest transit agencies. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency projects a $214 million shortfall in fiscal 2027, and BART anticipates a $385 million deficit that fiscal year, as well.

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Bay Area transit agencies would still have another shot next year to get the Legislatures permission to place a measure on the ballot.

But, if SB1031 fails to become law this year, SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin said the agency will likely need to start making significant Muni service cuts in 2025 to avoid massive layoffs the following year.

If I have a likely chance of getting the resources that I need in 2026 then we can continue holding on to our reserves and maintain existing service and feel confident that we are not putting our workforce at risk of mass layoffs, Tumlin said.

State lawmakers have until the end of August to pass SB1031. The bill will almost certainly get amended in the state Assembly.

If the bill passes the Assembly, it must pass the Senate Transportation Committee, chaired by Cortese, and the Revenue and Taxation Committee, chaired by Orinda state Sen. Steve Glazer, before another Senate floor vote.

If the effort for a regional measure fizzles, it could leave transit agencies with fiscal cliffs to fend for themselves at the ballot box. A BART-specific tax measure could be more difficult to pass than a regional measure, which aims to include reforms for transit riders and funding for street repairs that polled well with voters.
Rodeo star Spencer Wright has asked fans to help donate to the young boy that is in the hospital room next to his son Levi.

Three-year-old Taysen Baum has a rare form of meningitis which caused a blood infection known as sepsis.

Doctors said the infection has affected the three-year-old boy's brain, resulting in blood clots, strokes and brain injury.

Taysen's parents, like Levi's, are praying for a miracle their boy will survive. Both are being cared for at Primary Children's Hospital Intensive Care Unit in Salt Lake City.

Last Tuesday, Levi nearly lost his life, and sustained a traumatic brain injury when his toy tractor he was driving landed into a raging river near his Utah home.

Three-year-old Taysen Baum has a rare form of meningitis which caused a blood infection known as sepsis . Doctors said the infection has affected the youngster's brain, resulting in blood clots, strokes and brain injury

Levi pictured in his dad's arms, rodeo star Spencer Wright, holding a plastic dinosaur with his mother, Kallie and older sister in the beautiful family photo

He was unresponsive when first responders arrived. He woke from a coma, but continues to cling to life.

Levi's mother, Kallie Wright asked the community to 'wrap their arms around Taysen' as they have for their son to 'help lighten the financial burden his parents are also facing.'

'Taysens room was across from Levi's when we first got here,' Kallie wrote. 'We've been able to talk to his parents and share our stories, something about going through this together makes you like family.'

Kallie posted a flyer on her Facebook page asking members of the community to 'join in the fight for courageous 3-year-old Tysen Baum.'

'What started as an ear infection on May 10th, has turned into a parent's worst nightmare,' she wrote in part.

'The road ahead is still very unknown for this little boy. Please continue sharing this amazing family's story amd semd as many prayers as you can to bring or sweet boy home.'

Levi Wright, 3, nearly lost his life, and sustained a traumatic brain injury when his toy tractor he was driving landed into a raging river near his Utah home. He was unresponsive when first responders arrived. He woke from a coma, but continues to cling to life

Taysen's aunt, Candise Callister asked for prayers as her nephew continues to fight, and posted that 'the love and support mean so much!'

A GoFundMe has been created to help with Taysen's recovery. As of Tuesday, more than $9,800 has been raised towards their goal of $12,000.

Levi was initially considered brain-dead but miraculously woke up from a coma. His devastated parents, Kallie and Spencer have been at their son's bedside praying for a miracle.

Many in the community have been organizing fundraisers for their son. On Saturday, the Junior Roughstock World Finals, Desert Region Rodeo, posted that each of the kids 'rode a little extra strong for Levi Wright.'

Heartbreaking pictures showed the young riders on one knee, bowing their heads with cowboy hats in hand for a moments silence for little Levi.

T-Rex Strong Like Levi - the precious illustration was made by a family friend

'Each of the kids wore blue rode for Levi,' the post read. 'They say this is the first rodeo of the entire season that each and everyone of the kids young roughstock riders had a little extra grit and try.'

On the day of the ordeal, Kallie was outside watching her son playing on his tractor trailer, and ran into the house to check on her 9-month-old.

Within that split second Levi had disappeared from sight. The frantic mother dove into the creek to look for her son in the raging river.

Levi's devastated parents were preparing for the worst and said they planned to 'stop care and hold him close until his last breath on earth.'

But, miraculously Levi woke from the coma on Thursday night, two days after he was initially expected not to survive.

'LEVI WOKE UP! I am shook, we don't know much but the doctor said it was okay for me to get excited about that and I AM! My baby is so tough!' she said.

'He got a little wild so we had to settle him down again but my heart!'

On Friday, they received the devastating news that an MRI gave a poor prognosis for the youngster.

At the advice of a new doctor, the parents were told to give their son some time.

'We have time for a miracle!' the family wrote on their Facebook after their son woke up.

'Levi's heart is beating on its own, he has a will to breathe but his sweet little brain was without oxygen too long and there is no coming back from that,' an earlier update read.

The young cowboys are pictured holding their hat and kneeling on the dirt in prayer for Levi

Young cowboys are seen placing a plastic dinosaur on a barrel at the fundraiser for Levi

Photos on social media show Kallie in her son's hospital bed cradling him in her arms, as his father stands nearby.

On Sunday she wrote: 'This is an experience, I pray deep in my soul you never have to know the way I am beginning to.

'This is a roller coaster that you go on unwillingly & blindfolded, you do not know what's coming next. You just get to wait & ride it out. We are taking it day by day.'

She shared the type of brain injury her son may sustain, and the unknowns that are ahead.

'The term 'Brain Injury' is very broad, there are ranges and different severities. No two brain injuries are alike, even if the accident is similar. No two brains recover or don't recover the same.

'There is a lot Medical Professionals don't know, but what they do tell you is based off legitimate medical literature and history.'

Kallie expressed how grateful she is for the guidance from her doctor, she said 'has provided us the most precious gift of time. Something we almost did not have.'

'Our doctor is nothing short of outstanding and I believe with all of me that her heart is invested into him.

'Whether that is time to see if God provides a miracle to us or whether it's time for us to research, learn and process this all in order to make the most informed decisions.

In the heartbreaking post, she continued to ask for prayers and 'for years to come.' She said, as 'I fear we haven't even reached the hardest part of this.'

'Every decision that Levi's Dad and I will make will be made based on what, we the two people who know him best believe he would want. In all this, he comes first.

'We are exploring the therapies that have been mentioned, engaging with those we feel can be of support for us & getting as many professional eyes on this as possible.'

Taysen's family has created a GoFundMe to help
Technology giant LG will launch an urgent year-long advertising campaign after it emerged more than 4,000 Australian homes were still using solar batteries that could overheat and catch fire without warning.

However, the company's battery recall could affect thousands more households in future after it emerged one battery that had been 'remedied' with a software update had also caught fire.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released details of LG's latest recall commitments on Monday, revealing the company had signed a court-enforceable undertaking to increase the reach and number of its warnings.

LG Energy Solution has agreed to do more to alert and protect consumers from faulty LG solar storage batteries which can overheat and catch fire without warning, in a court-enforceable undertaking accepted by the ACCC. Technology giant LG will launch an urgent year-long advertising campaign after it emerged more than 4,000 Australian homes were still using solar batteries that could overheat and catch fire without warning

However, the company's battery recall could affect thousands more households in future after it emerged one battery that had been 'remedied' with a software update had also caught fire

LG Energy Solution has recalled 18,000 solar storage batteries sold in Australia, with voluntary recall notices starting in August 2020.

The faulty batteries, sold by LG and SolaX, were produced between January 2016 and June 2019 and have the potential to overheat, go into thermal runaway, and catch fire.

Fifteen incidents of property damage have been attributed to the faulty batteries so far, including a house fire in Victoria that destroyed the residence.

About 4,400 faulty batteries have yet to be located by the company.

The faulty batteries, sold by LG and SolaX (pictured), were produced between January 2016 and June 2019 and have the potential to overheat, go into thermal runaway, and catch fire

LG's latest recall commitment includes an advertising campaign to alert consumers to the fire risk, stressing the urgency of the recall, using simple language, and highlighting words including 'fire' and 'death'.

The company has also committed to paying consumers for the cost of their batteries and installation, and paying compensation for higher energy bills incurred while the solar batteries are switched off.

ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said the moves were necessary to ensure all dangerous batteries could be recalled within 12 months.

'We are warning consumer who have a solar energy storage system to check if their battery is affected by these recalls,' she said.

'If you have an affected battery, including one that has already received a software update, switch it off and contact LG urgently.'

Ms Lowe said the commission was also investigating whether software installed to address the problem in some batteries was an adequate solution.

Questions about the remedy were raised after an LG solar battery that had the diagnostic software installed caught fire in a Townsville home in March.

Pictured: affected batteries and systems

'The ACCC is extremely concerned by this development and we are keeping a close watch,' Ms Lowe said.

'We urge all consumers who previously had a software update installed to immediately switch off their battery, pending the outcome of these investigations.'

LG's new undertakings come three months after federal Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones issued a proposed recall notice to the company over its faulty batteries.

The ACCC has now recommended against a compulsory recall.

Solar battery owners can check if their products are affected by the recall by visiting the LG website or phoning 1300 677 273.
A watch dealer feared he would be held financially responsible for a robbery in which 2.8million worth of luxury watches were stolen shortly before he was found dead, MailOnline can reveal.

Oliver White died at the family home in Shepperton, Middlesex, just a day after two unarmed thieves entered the 247 Kettles store in affluent Richmond in south-west London last Saturday and stole dozens of high value watches.

Horrifying video footage shows one of the robbers restraining Oliver with a chokehold and grabbing his hands as he whispers into his ear.

His accomplice is seen sweeping up large numbers of watches and putting them into the backpack of the man assaulting the young sales manager.

A close friend of Oliver, who was known as Olli, told MailOnline: 'He was very depressed after the robbery and was filled with a lot of worry especially after it was established that around 2.8million worth of watches had been stolen.

'Olli was petrified that he could lose all that he owns and that they might even take his mother's house.

'He was also traumatised by what happened and became very fearful about the impact this robbery could have on his and his family's financial future. He just didn't know what was going to happen.'

Another friend claimed that Olli's fears were heightened over concerns about how much insurance cover was in place.

Oliver White with his girlfriend, Alana Dredge. She described it as their 'last photo together' taken two weeks ago

Two unarmed thieves (pictured) entered the 247 Kettles store in affluent Richmond in south-west London last Saturday and stole dozens of high value watches

A CCTV image of one of the robbers who stole a number of high-value watches from the shop in Kew Road, Richmond

Video footage showed the robbers sitting opposite Oliver before they lean over his desk

One of them suddenly grabs the dealer by both arms and violently pushes him across the room on his chair into a corner

He said: 'He wasn't sure if the insurance would have covered the theft or if there was any insurance at all. The robbery left him broken and combined with the financial uncertainty over who would be responsible he couldn't see another way out.

'Olli took it very personally and really believed that he would get all the blame and that it would ruin him.'

Olli, who was reported to be in his mid 20s, lived in Shepperton with his mother Amy and stepfather Mark.

The devastated couple were consoling his heartbroken girlfriend Alana Dredge at the family home today.

A family friend told MailOnline: 'They are going through an incredible amount of pain and it's going to take them a long time to get over this. Olli was a wonderful son and partner to Alana, and they had dreams about building a life together but tragically, this robbery has taken this all away.'

A spokesman for 247 Kettles refused to comment when contacted by MailOnline.

Ms Dredge shared on Instagram a picture of herself and her partner on holiday - saying it was 'our last photo together', taken just a fortnight ago.

She wrote: 'My darling boy I can't believe you're gone. This was our last photo together. This was only 2 weeks ago and now I'll never see you again.

'The last thing you said to me was I love you. I will cherish you forever, being with you was the best 6 years of my life. I hope you are reading this from up there, I will continue to make you proud.'

Ms Dredge has posted online tributes to Oli after he was found dead on Sunday evening after police were called to Shepperton in Surrey

Oliver died at the family home in Shepperton, Middlesex just a day after two unarmed thieves entered the 247 Kettles store in affluent Richmond in south-west London last Saturday

She described how the pair were saving to buy their first home together as she vowed to 'buy the house you exactly wanted and it'll be your home'.

Ms Dredge, whose account describes her as a hair extension specialist, revealed she was still sending WhatsApp messages to Mr White's phone - saying she was 'hoping this is all a nightmare and you'll reply'.

She went on to say: 'I don't know how I'll do life without you, my whole world has ended.

'My life will never be the same again I can't explain how much I love you. I will never stop loving you - I'm so numb I can't cry anymore.

'I have never felt pain like this, you were the only person that could give me comfort like no other and make all my pain go away.

'Now you're not here I don't know what I'm going to do. I love you Oliver more than I can put into words.'

Surrey Police today said they were called to a property in Shepperton on Sunday shortly after 8.15pm, 'following a report of a concern for safety'.

She wrote of loving him 'more than I can put into words', following the tragic news which came a day after he was the victim of a robbery in Richmond, south-west London

The force added: 'A man in his 20s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware and are being supported.

'Enquiries are still ongoing, but his death is not thought to be suspicious.'

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson has said: 'We are aware of the death of a man in Surrey on Sunday, 26 May. This is being investigated by officers from Surrey Police and is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

'The man who died was the victim of a robbery at a jewellers in Richmond on Saturday, 25 May.

'We ask that the privacy of his family is respected at this difficult time.'
Police are hunting for a Bo Peep bandit who stole 11 sheep from a field in Yorkshire - in what insurers say is an epidemic of livestock theft with a view to selling meat and animal products on the black market.

A gang of rustlers is believed to have stolen 11 sheep from a field in Hutton Mulgrave, Whitby, sometime between 7pm on May 15 and 5am on May 17.

Police say livestock theft is a national rural crime priority that insurers estimate cost farmers around 2.7million last year - making it one of the costliest forms of agricultural crime behind that of machinery and equipment theft.

And those who have lost animals to thieves, like animal carer Laura Windle, believe they are being swiped for their meat - and sent to slaughterhouses who turn a blind eye to where the animals are coming from.

Ms Windle, 38, had four sheep stolen on May 1 from her animal shelter, My Pets Palace near Derby, by people she suspects will have taken them to a slaughterhouse.

Laura Windle, 38, had some of her sheep stolen at the start of May - and believes they may have been taken to a slaughterhouse

Two of the four sheep Laura Windle had stolen from her animal shelter near Derby at the start of May

She said the theft of the sheep was 'disgusting and dispiriting', adding that the sheep had been her pets

Two of the four sheep Laura Windle had stolen from her animal shelter near Derby at the start of May

Farming insurer NFU Mutual says livestock theft cost farmers an estimated 2.7million last year - and has previously warned of a black market trade in illicit meat

The carer, who shares videos of her looking after a variety of animals on TikTok as @swearingshepherdess, told MailOnline: 'The price has gone up dramatically for lamb - it's been high for quite a while.

'It's so easily done by someone that knows how and they would've gotten a good price for them, for the animals.

'There are dodgy people in the farming industry that know how to slit an animal's throat, who are trying to make a bit of change on the side.

'They know what they're doing - they know how to steal a sheep, how to get them and how to get rid of them.

'But these weren't sheep to be sent off to slaughter. They were my pets. They were like my kids. I bottle-fed them.

'It's disgusting and dispiriting.'

The theft in Whitby in the middle of May involved 11 Texel Cross hoggs with a mixture of white and brown faces, North Yorkshire Police said.

Some may have orange spray marks on their shoulder - and all were tagged in both ears with UK flock numbers.

PC Jack Donaldson, from the service's rural task force, said: 'Livestock theft causes a significant financial loss to farmers, totalling 2.7m in 2022 according to NFU Mutual figures.

'The emotional and mental health impacts on farmers can be devastating.

'Farmers often raise their stock from the day they are born, and for them to disappear overnight into criminal hands causes great anxiety and stress, as animals are often mistreated by the criminals.'

Farming insurance body NFU Mutual says it 'regularly' receives claims from customers of more than 50 sheep being taken in a single raid - and that it costs farmers 2.7million every year in lost income.

More than 70 sheep were stolen from a farm in the Merthyr Cynog area of Powys, Wales between December and February.

And West Mercia Police has been probing a spate of sheep thefts after a pregnant ewe and lambs were stolen over the course of several days in March.

Sarah Sceats, North Worcestershire's rural and business crime officer, said it was likely the thefts were linked to the black market.

'We would further warn potential thieves that stealing lambs at this time of year is not only a criminal offence but that in any case they would also not be getting much meat on the bones,' she said in April.

But thieves are going after domesticated sheep too: in February, a Swindon woman had her pet sheep, named Sheila, stolen. Mandie Read believes the animal was stolen for its meat.

Rural crime is believed to largely be down to organised crime gangs deliberately targeting agricultural businesses (file picture)

Police say black market-traded meat will be of poor quality and could carry health risks

It is feared that slaughterhouses could be turning a blind eye to the trade in illicit meat (stock picture)

She told BBC News: 'What they don't realise is it's not just an animal, it's a family member.

'It broke our hearts. They might as well have taken my dog, my heart wouldn't be broken any less. She's a real big loss.

'It just makes me angry. I live on my own, my animals are my life. What gives them the right?'

Organised crime gangs are thought to have moved into livestock theft in order to make money from selling meat on the black market, and to have stolen rams prized for their use in breeding.

They are also believed to be stealing sheep and buying and selling them at auction in order to launder money.

But it is farms that are left counting the cost, having to build up their flock from scratch if their herds are stolen from under them.

And there are risks to the public from buying dodgy meat too - with no guarantee of food safety standards being adhered to by black market traders.

A recent report from the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) - made up of police forces and agricultural bodies across the country - concluded there was an 'unequivocal' link between organised gangs and rural crime.

The issue of livestock theft is one it is taking seriously. NFU Mutual is funding the creation of a new livestock theft officer role at the NRCU which has been filled by Martin Beck, a former rural police officer in Devon and Cornwall.

Mr Beck, who is spearheading a new intelligence-gathering operation called Operation Foldyard that aims to stamp out livestock theft, says the crime 'needs to be exposed for the harm it is causing'.

Hannah Binns, rural affairs spokesperson at NFU Mutual, told MailOnline: 'Livestock theft is consistently one of the costliest crimes affecting our farmers, and its impact is felt keenly across the industry.

'As well as the economic cost, livestock theft can cause huge worry to farmers about the welfare of the stolen animals.

'It can also impact directly on consumers, as stolen livestock may be sold on without proper documentation or butchered without the necessary safety and hygiene requirements.

'It is a serious problem across the country.'
Spain's Civil Guard have arrested a man in Mallorca after rescuing a 12-year old girl who had been reportedly kept as a sex slave since 2019.

The man, 49, had allegedly held his stepdaughter hostage for five years and would keep her locked in a cellar hole under his desk.

According to Spanish news outlet Antena3, the man first traveled to an African country in 2015 posing as a philanthropist, where he met and 'lured' the young girl's mother with the promise of a better life on the Spanish island.

After some time, the girl's mother is said to have accepted his offer, and the two married and moved to Mallorca, bringing one of her daughters with them.

As reported by TeleMadrid, the man provided the girl's mother with a flat, while he lived separately with the young child, claiming that the set up would make it easier for them to bring over the rest of her daughters from Africa.

A man, 49, is arrested in Majorca after keeping his stepdaughter locked in a cellar and sexually exploiting her.

As a result, he was able to take advantage of his stepdaughter and sexually abuse her.

To keep her quiet, he would threaten to send her and her mother back to Africa, which resulted in the minor obeying for fear of disappointing her family and not being able to give her sisters a better future in Spain, the Civil Guard said.

But when the girl found out her stepfather was in the process of bringing her sisters to Mallorca, she reported her case to the Hermanas Oblatas, a group of nuns known for their work helping vulnerable women.

The sisters alerted the Civil Guard, leading to the man's arrest on Friday.

Upon a search of his home, officers discovered evidence of child pornography.

Spain's civil guard shared a video of a search of the man's home, which led to his arrest.

Footage shows how the man kept security cameras on his ceiling

Civil Guard footage shows the moment officers discovered a crawl space under a desk, with a ladder leading to a cellar, where it is thought the man hid his stepdaughter.

A video shared by the Civil Guard shows the inside of the man's home, where they find security cameras on the ceiling, as well as a collection of discs.

Footage also shows a dark and crammed crawl space hidden under a desk with a ladder leading to a dingy basement, which is suggested to be where the young girl was kept by her stepfather.

The video ends on the man being escorted into a Civil Guard vehicle.

This case is eerily reminiscent of Natascha Kampusch's kidnapping in Austria in 1998, who at age 10, was held in a cellar by her abductor Wolfgang Priklopil for more than eight years.

During her captivity, Kampusch said she was beaten, starved and turned into his sex slave.

The case resonates with the kidnapping of Natascha Kampusch, who was held in captivity and sexually exploited for eight years after being abducted in Austria in 1998.

Kampusch finally escaped in 2006 while her kidnapper was distracted and managed to catch the attention of a woman in a nearby house who called the police.

On that day Kampusch recalled in an interview with Germany's Bild newspaper: 'I was told to clean his car.

'He wanted to sell it and had told me to clean it really thoroughly and completely. I remember that I felt like I could eat a horse because I had to make him jam sandwiches for breakfast but got nothing myself.'

Priklopil then took a call on his mobile phone and was momentarily distracted.

'Previously he has observed me all the time. But because of the vacuum cleaner whirring in my hand he had to walk a few steps away to better understand his caller,' Kampusch went on.

She was then able to open the gate and ran to freedom, bringing an end to the ordeal that had begun in March 1998 when Priklopil snatched her as she walked to school.

Priklopil's decapitated body was found on a rail line in Vienna hours after Kampusch had escaped from his clutches.
A schoolgirl's organs started to 'shut down' within hours of her being bitten by an adder at a nature reserve.

The venomous snake sunk its fangs into Lil Lythgo's hand when she was on an adder trail with her family at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, Colchester, in Essex, on Sunday.

The trail involved searching for pictures of Britain's only venomous snake to win a prize, but the family were surprised to spot one of them slithering around during their walk.

Little Lil, 11, crouched down to take a look at the reptile and it was then that the snake launched itself at her, causing the girl to burst into tears.

Her hand started to swell and her panicked mother, Sam Lythgo, 41, rushed her daughter to Colchester General hospital.

An adder sunk its fangs into Lil Lythgo's hand when she was on an adder trail with her family at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, Colchester, in Essex

By the time they arrived at A&E her chest had started to swell and the venom - which could be seen tracking down her arm - was causing Lil to be violently sick

By the time they arrived at A&E her chest had started to swell and the venom - which could be seen tracking down her arm - was causing Lil to be violently sick.

Within 20 minutes, Ms Lythgo said her daughter's organs started to shut down and she only started to feel better when doctors administered the last anti-venom dosage it had available.

Essex Wildlife Trust's website tells visitors to wear suitable footwear and to stick to the path because of the presence of adders.

While an information page about the reptile on the site says: '... its venom is generally of little danger to humans: an adder bite can be painful and cause a inflammation, but is really only dangerous to the very young, ill or old. If bitten, medical attention should be sought immediately, however.'

There is also signage at the entrance of the nature reserve warning adders will bite if they are disturbed and to call an ambulance immediately if you are attacked.

Ms Lythgo described the ordeal as 'horrific' to The Mirror and said: 'Within 20 minutes her organs were shutting down and you could see the venom tracking up her arm. They couldn't find her pulse at one point and they gave her adrenaline.

'They got her some anti-venom and 20 minutes later she said "I feel better". It was only an hour from when she was bitten, it was insane.'

Lil, who wants to be a vet, had always wanted a snake as a pet, but her mother says she now has been put off by the idea.

She was able to go home a couple of days after being admitted to hospital.

Ms Lythgo said she now wants to raise awareness about the dangers of the reptile.

Within 20 minutes, mother Sam Lythgo said her daughter's organs started to shut down and Lil only started to feel better when doctors administered the last anti-venom dosage it had available

A sign placed at the entrance of the nature reserve warns visitors about adders at the site and what to do if they are bitten

Adders are Britain's only venomous snake. Essex Wildlife Trust said there is a sign at the entrance of the nature reserve which warns people about the dangers of the reptile

'If I had taken her home I don't know if she would be here now,' she said. 'I dont want another parent to go through what we have.'

A spokesperson from Essex Wildlife Trust said they had spoken regularly with the family since the incident.

They told MailOnline: 'Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Centre has a clear sign at the entrance to our centre and on our website about adders, including information about taking caution and what to do if bitten.

'In this instance, the family also spoke to staff ahead of their walk where they stated they were looking for adders and were advised to remain on the path and to keep their distance from adders.'
Gen Z have taken the internet by storm with their hilarious memes in response to Rishi Sunak's national service announcement, as MailOnline can reveal 66 percent of our readers are in favour of the policy.

Writing in The Mail On Sunday, Mr Sunak unveiled plans which would see all school-leavers either serve in the Armed Forces for one year or spend 12 weekends a year volunteering with organisations such as the NHS or police.

The shock announcement has sparked a fierce debate across the political spectrum, but the Prime Minister said he believes it will help unite the country.

But Labour has called the plan 'desperate' and blasted the 2.5 billion expected cost of the project.

Today it can be revealed that in a poll of our readers, two thirds said they are in favour of the return of some form of national service.

Online Gen Z seem far from convinced, with many pointing out the significant sacrifices made to their education and university experiences during the pandemic.

Taking to TikTok and X, formally Twitter, they shared hilarious memes mocking the plans.

One user posted a short clip of Jack Grealish appearing confused as to how to make a confetti cannon go off.

Pointing it towards his body, he eventually does get the confetti out, but in the wrong direction. The poster wrote: 'Me when they give me my gun at national service.'

The Prime Minister today claimed 'people are really excited' about his plan to bring in national service for all 18-year-olds.

Speaking from Churchill China, a ceramics company in Stoke-on-Trent, Mr Sunak told reporters: 'People are really excited about national service, because that is an example of the bold action that we're prepared to take and people can see that that's going to be transformational for our country.

'And as I've said all the MPs that I've been spending time with over the last four days are working their socks off for their communities.'

Rishi Sunak insisted he has not given up on young people as he described his national service plan as 'transformational' and 'incredibly positive for young people'.

He told reporters: 'I think providing young people, regardless of their background, where they're from, where they live, with the opportunities that national service will provide, the skills that it will give them later in life, will be hugely positive for them.

'And at the same time, foster a culture of service in our country that will make our societies more cohesive, and strengthen our security and resilience as a country.'

He added: 'I think service is a really wonderful thing and it gives people purpose. So I view national service as something that's really positive and beneficial for people.

'Giving them the opportunity to do that and contribute to their communities in this way, be part of something that's bigger than any individual, that I think will become a rite of passage and something very meaningful for our entire country will be over time, people will look back on it and look back on their time doing it with enormous fondness and pride.'

But his political opponents have branded the plan a sign of his 'desperation'.

Military roles in the proposed national service scheme will be 'very competitive and selective', Mr Sunak told the crowd

The Prime Minister was welcomed to Staffordshire by MP Jonathan Gullis, who represents Stoke-on-Trent

Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan said the plan, which is expected to cost 2.5 billion if ever implemented, is 'desperate'.

Ms Morgan said: 'What's wrong in places like North Shropshire, is that we don't have enough young people to work in those skilled jobs that we already have, and dragging them away to do national service will make the economy much worse.

'We want to see people trained in apprenticeships to do the jobs that we need filling.'

A spokesperson for Labour responded to the announcement, made over the weekend, and said: 'This is another desperate, 2.5bn unfunded commitment from a Tory party which already crashed the economy, sending mortgages rocketing, and now they're spoiling for more.

'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.'
The Loudoun County School Board is meeting tonight to discuss the plan

The Loudoun County School Board committee voted unanimously last week to proceed with the process of renaming 10 schools named after people, places, or ideas linked in some way to slavery.

The decision comes as School Board Member Deana Griffiths estimates the cost of the renaming project will cost the taxpayers $25million 'with all said and done.'

Money, she told ABC7, might otherwise have been used to pay teachers, buy school supplies, and fund in-classroom instruction across the northern Virginia county.

The list of schools was established by the Black History Committee of the Friends of the Thomas Balch Library after the previously elected School Board began looking into school names and mascots that could be problematic.

A member of the Loudoun County School Board describes why she favors proceeding with the effort to change the names of at least nine schools in the northern Virginia area

A list of the 10 schools the Loudoun County School Board is considering renaming because of their namesakes' historic affiliation with racial inequity in America

Deana Griffiths asked the recommending committee to postpone sending its views to the full board until cost estimates for the project had come in, but she was shot down.

The group History Matters was hired in 2020 to search for school named after Confederate leaders, any part of the Confederacy, and any American who was involved in any way with the economic system that depended upon slavery, and later on, segregation.

The group initially identified ten schools that they believe may require renaming.

They are: Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School, Mercer Middle School, and Emerick Elementary School, all of which were named for people with direct involvement in the confederate cause, and/or held positions of power during Jim Crow.

John Champe High School was named for a Revolutionary War veteran. The organization is investigating if he had any affiliation with slavery or being an enslaver.

The second batch of schools were named after places affiliated with slavery - most were plantations - they are: Belmont Ridge Middle School, Belmont Station Elementary School, Seldens Landing Elementary School, Sully Elementary School, and Hutchison Farm Elementary School.

In a recent meeting, one Loudoun County School Board member, said she came to the realization that naming a school after a plantation would be similar to naming one after Auschwitz - widely regarded to have been the most brutal of the Nazi concentration camps.

The school board member read from a letter that said: 'Sully was a plantation ... you wouldn't name a place Auschwitz.'

'And I was like, that's really right. We wouldn't do that,' said the board member in response.

Deana Griffiths, a member of the Loudoun School Board has some doubts about the renaming project. She estimates that the endeavor could cost taxpayers as much as $25million - money that might otherwise be spent on students, teachers, and in-classroom instruction

Sully Elementary School was named after a plantation that used slaves

Hutchinson Farm Elementary school was named for a family who owned slave, supported secession, and fought for the Confederate Army

Ball's Bluff Elementary School in Leesburg, Virginia, was named for a battle won by the Confederate Army in 1861

Belmont Station Elementary School, named for a plantation that sold slaves, and was owned by a family who were part of the American Colonization Society

The final school on the list, Ball's Bluff Elementary, was named after a Civil War battle won by the Confederate Army.

Collectively, the Loudoun County School Board has been working on renaming some of its schools four about four years,

No names have yet been changed, though the mascot at Loudoun County High School was changed from the the Raiders - named for Confederate John Mosby's cavalry unit - to the Captains.

That change alone cost the division some $1.5million, which the School Board committee was told at its meeting on May 7.

Griffiths is still hoping for answers as to how a multi-million dollar project to change the names of various schools with 'affect achievement' of students, or how it will 'help retain teachers.'

The board's next meeting is scheduled for this evening - Tuesday, May 28.
A 'Walter Mitty' police chief who wore a Falklands War medal even though he was only 15 at the time of the conflict 'exaggerated his rank, length of service and general Royal Naval achievements', prior to becoming a police officer, a misconduct hearing was told today.

Northamptonshire chief constable Nick Adderley was accused of 'stolen valour' last September for pinning the 1982 campaign medal to his chest  after it emerged he had only joined the Royal Navy two-and-a-half years after the ten-week Falklands conflict.

But a misconduct panel heard the South Atlantic medal he later claimed had been gifted by his brother, Richard, 'appears to have been a false medal', and suggested Richard had only applied for it in October last year, the month the chief constable was suspended.

In his opening statement, John Beggs KC, counsel for the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (NPFCC) Danielle Stone, said Adderley 'has been photographed on many occasions since about 2009 or 2010 wearing military medals' or their ribbons.

These were 'false legends', he said, which gave 'the impression that he had served (in the Falklands War)'.

Northamptonshire chief constable Nick Adderley, (pictured, centre, leaving the misconduct hearing in Northampton today) who wore a Falklands War medal even though he was only 15 at the time of the conflict 'exaggerated his rank, length of service and general Royal Naval achievements', a police misconduct hearing was told today

Adderley was accused of 'stolen valour' last September after pinning the 1982 campaign medal to his chest  after it emerged he had only joined the Royal Navy two years after the ten-week Falklands conflict

The hearing was told that matters came to light last July when an ex-wife of Adderley's contacted the office of the NPFC over media coverage suggesting Adderley had served in the Royal Navy for ten years and was a Falklands veteran

Mr Beggs said the 'provenance' of his brother's South Atlantic medal was in question, something which is due to be explored when the hearing resumes tomorrow.

The panel was told of a string of 'untrue' statements made by Adderley or published with his apparent blessing in documents ranging from his application form to become Chief Constable in 2018, his curriculum vitae from the same period, press releases and even internal police video blogs.

Mr Beggs said Adderley, 57, had referred to himself variously as a 'Lieutenant and Commander who had been commended, when neither were true'.

Mr Beggs said in reality, the 165,000-a-year chief constable was still an Able-Seaman - the lowest enlisted rank in the Royal Navy - when he was discharged in December 1986, just over two years after enlisting.

The hearing at Northampton Saints RFC heard Adderley also claimed to have attended the Britannia Royal Navy College in Dartmouth for four years when in fact he applied and was rejected.

'He described himself as having seen active service,' Mr Beggs said. 'He didn't see active service.

'He described himself as a military negotiator in Haiti.' (during anti-government protests that led to the overthrow of President Jean-Claude Duvalier, dubbed Baby Doc, in February 1986).

Mr Beggs said Adderley was 'never in Haiti and was not a negotiator...as he was subsequently to admit.'

Northamptonshire Chief Constable Nick Adderley (pictured) arriving at the Northampton Saints ground on May 28 for a gross misconduct disciplinary hearing

Chief Constable Nick Adderley has been accused of exaggerating his achievements during his military career

The hearing was told that matters came to light last July when an ex-wife of Adderley's contacted the office of the NPFCC over media coverage suggesting Adderley had served in the Royal Navy for ten years and was a Falklands veteran. 'She said this was not the case,' Mr Beggs said, 'Not least because Mr Adderley was only 15 years old during the Falklands War.'

An investigator carried out a 'scoping' exercise into the complaint, in which Adderley initially doubled down on many of the false claims. The investigator concluded that it was a misconduct matter.

In an interview with the police watchdog, Adderley later explained his ten year naval service by 'lumping in his years' in the sea cadets from the age of ten, which Mr Beggs said was 'an embarrassing explanation'.

When asked why he claimed on his CV that he had leadership experience in the military as well as police, Adderley claimed his 'leadership journey' started as leader cadet at the age of 15.

Mr Beggs said Adderley was later to suggest that by 'commended', he 'meant he had been told he had done a good job'.

The barrister said Adderley sought to explain the 'falsehoods' in his CV 'by (him) being lazy and sloppy'.

He also suggested that during this 'unhappy case', Adderley may seek to blame reporting of his supposed military service, including in Haiti, as being 'misreporting' by parts of the media.

'We will invite the panel to conclude it is risible to conclude he didn't notice the misreporting,' Mr Beggs said.

He said the case was about whether Adderley had over a period of years 'deliberately advanced a false narrative' to exaggerate his service and achievements.

Chief Constable Nick Adderley arriving at Northampton Saints Stadium today, for his three-day misconduct hearing

In an opening statement the hearing heard how Adderley had referred to himself as a lieutenant and Commander who had been commended, when neither were true

He said Adderley's false claims around the Falklands War in particular had caused 'deep offence' to those who truly did serve in the ten-week conflict, where 255 met their deaths. Mr Beggs said: 'To claim you served your country when in fact you were 15 years old is an egregious thing to have done by any person, let alone a senior police officer.'

At the start of the hearing, Matthew Holdcroft, counsel for Adderley, said he denies gross misconduct and acting without integrity, but admits a breach of standards in terms of duties and responsibilities.

The three-day hearing continues tomorrow.
The California zip code with the highest average income has been revealed - and residents may be surprised to discover it isn't 90210.

The 94104 zip code came out on top as the most affluent places to live in the Golden State, which covers the majority of San Francisco's Financial District.

According to recently released IRS tax data from 2022, residents made an average household income of around $5.5 million in 2021.

The staggering average sum came in second across the entire nation, with the SF Chronicle reporting that only 33109 - Fisher Island in Florida - had richer residents at an average income of $6 million.

San Francisco's Financial District boasts the highest average income of any Californian zip code

The Financial District's staggering average sum came in second across the entire nation, with only Fisher Island in Florida (pictured) owning richer residents at an average income of $6 million.

The IRS data used to compile the rankings was notably only an aggregate of residents' earnings, meaning a small number of very wealthy individuals may bring a postcode soaring up the ranks.

This may explain why San Francisco's Financial District had such a high average salary, because some tax filers register their work addresses on their returns.

According to the SF Chronicle, this saw 1,500 people listed on filings from the 94104 zip code despite it only having a population of less than 600.

Just 39 percent of the total income reported from the Financial District came from earnings, while a huge 39 percent was reported from capital gains.

In San Francisco, the rise of homelessness and decline in living standards in recent years meant there was a huge disparity in earnings - with the lowest earning Treasure Island coming in with average household earnings of $55,000.

The highest-earning zip code is not the only one in the Bay Area with affluent residents, as Silicon Valley owning several other high-value zip codes.

In particular, the city of Atherton - home of Golden Gate Warriors star Steph Curry - has an average income of $3.5 million.

Two other zip codes in Palo Alto, 94304 and 94301, also boasted average incomes well over $2 million.

Across the state, seven zip codes had incomes over $1 million, six of which were found in the Bay Area.

And overall, just two of the top 10 didn't come from the Bay area - Century City's 90067 and the Pacific Palisades' 90272.

San Francisco's place as the wealthiest enclave in California notably comes due to wealthy residents registering their workplaces on tax filings

Across California, seven zip codes had incomes over $1 million, six of which were found in the Bay Area

The huge divides between have's and have not's in San Francisco were even more pronounced compared to the rest of California, as those zip codes with earnings of at least $400,000 were predominantly found around major cities Los Angeles and San Deigo.

However, the apparent wealth concentrated in the Bay Area only comes from the most recently published IRS data in 2021, meaning it does not include recent trends.

This would mean that it does not include the loss of population during the pandemic as wealthy residents flocked to Texas and Florida.

The huge number of tech layoffs last year also saw tens of thousands of people lose their jobs at firms such as Meta and Google, which sent unemployment rates soaring.
Retired Capt. Brett Crozier speaks at the 66th annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day Observance in Sonoma on Monday. The Sonoma County native was relieved of command of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt in 2020 after pleading for help for a COVID-19 breakout on the ship. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Josephine Grant, center, looks for her husbands name on a list of veterans killed in action as her niece, Julie Gardin, helps her. Kathy Ostram, right, looks for her husband and fathers names as well at the Memorial Day event in Sonoma on Monday. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle The color guard brings in the flags to start the Memorial Day event in Sonoma on Monday. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars conduct a 21-gun salute at the Memorial Day event in Sonoma on Monday. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle The cap of a Sonoma County veteran at the Memorial Day event. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle A portrait of Cpl. Timothy Shea, placed by his family, stands near his gravestone during the Memorial Day event in Sonoma. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle John Guaraglia, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, holds the flag before raising it to start the Memorial Day event in Sonoma. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

The flutter of white doves broke the silence as a hushed throng gathered in Sonoma on Monday to commemorate fallen soldiers with a moment of silence.

Organized by local veterans groups, the 66th annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day Observance at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park featured military flyovers, a rifle salute and a bugler playing taps.

We come together to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.  Today we remember the freedoms they fought and died for, retired Capt. Brett Crozier told the crowd of about 1,000. Memorial Day is not just about looking back.  Its about teaching future generations the true cost of freedom.

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Crozier drew international attention in March 2020 after the Chronicle published his email in which he pleaded with top Navy officials to send additional help as COVID-19 spread among the nearly 5,000 sailors on the nuclear aircraft carrier he commanded at the outset of the pandemic.

The move cost Crozier  and, in turn, Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, who fired him  their jobs. But on Monday, Crozier kept the focus on fallen soldiers and the military.

Guests watch the proceedings near a walkway lined with flags at the Memorial Day event in Sonoma on Monday. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

We must carry their legacy every day with us, Crozier said. We must teach our children the sacrifices that have been made for them.

A native of Santa Rosa, Crozier worked other jobs in the Navy after being relieved of his command and retired in 2022. He serves as a nonprofit adviser on veterans and active-duty issues and as an executive with a financial software startup in the Bay Area.

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The ceremony opened with a military flyover by the 47th Fighter Squadron, 924 Fighter Group, Air Force Reserve Command, based at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. Officials placed wreaths in honor of Sonoma Valley veterans who had died or been wounded in war. Officials also honored Blue Star Families  those whose family members are serving in the military  with a banner.

The Molina family of Sonoma pays their respects at the Memorial Day event in Sonoma. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Descendants of the Revolutionary War stood as the crowd applauded.

We should remember the fallen not just today but every day, said Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena.

Looking on was Sonoma resident Larry Houghton, a former flight radioman in the U.S. Navy who served in Vietnam from 1963 through 1966.

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Angela Rayner will face no further action from police over her two homes, it was announced today.

The deputy Labour leader has been under investigation by Greater Manchester Police amid questions about her living arrangements a decade ago.

The Ashton-under-Lyne MP had faced claims she may have broken electoral law and dodged capital gains tax and council tax by declaring the wrong home.

In a statement this afternoon, the force said it was dropping the probe. However, it added that 'council tax and personal tax do not fall into the jurisdiction of policing' and findings had been passed on to Stockport Council and HMRC.

Labour said that the decision 'draws a line' under the controversy, while the council said it was also taking no further action.

Ms Rayner welcomed the police decision and hit out at the Tories over 'desperate tactics' to 'distract from their dire record'.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was pleased Ms Rayner 'has been vindicated'.

HMRC would not comment on an individual's tax affairs, although there are claims they had already looked into the matter at Ms Rayner's request and concluded there was no capital gains tax liability.

Angela Rayner will face no further action from police over her two homes, it was announced today

The Ashton-under-Lyne MP had faced claims she may have broken electoral law and dodged capital gains tax and council tax by declaring the wrong home. Pictured: Ms Rayner's house on Vicarage Road when it was for sale

Ms Rayner's kitchen, featured a range of wooden units, a tiled floor, built in oven, and black granite worktops with black tile mosaic splashbacks

Pictures revealed that Ms Rayner's garden looked rather less impressive with an overgrown lawn, weeds sprouting on the paving slab patio and unstable looking fences

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: 'Following allegations about Angela Rayner MP, Greater Manchester Police has completed a thorough, carefully considered and proportionate investigation.

'We have concluded that no further police action will be taken. The investigation originated from complaints made by Mr James Daly MP directly to GMP.

'Subsequent further contact with GMP by members of the public, and claims made by individuals featured in media reporting, indicated a strong public interest in the need for allegations to be investigated.

'Matters involving council tax and personal tax do not fall into the jurisdiction of policing.

'GMP has liaised with Stockport Council and information about our investigation has been shared with them.

'Details of our investigation have also been shared with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).'

Responding to the police decision, Ms Rayner said: 'I welcome the conclusion of the police investigation, and confirmation that no further action will be taken.

'We have seen the Conservative Party use this playbook before  reporting political opponents to the police during election campaigns to distract from their dire record.

'The public have had enough of these desperate tactics from a Tory government with nothing else to say after 14 years of failure.

'I am grateful to all those who have stood by and supported me and my family. My focus now is squarely on securing the change Britain needs, with the election of a Labour government.'

Sir Keir told reporters during a general election campaign visit to Stevenage: 'I'm obviously pleased that they've come to a conclusion.

'I never doubted that Angela hadn't done anything wrong and now she's been cleared by the police.

'And that means that Angela can be campaigning with us. This is an important moment for the country.

'This is an election that is all about change, turning our back on 14 years of chaos and division, turning the page and rebuilding our country with Labour.

'So I'm really pleased that Angela has been vindicated. I always had confidence in her.

'And now even more than ever, we are out there on the campaign trail, enjoying taking our argument to the country.'

A Labour Party spokesman said: 'The police have now completed their investigation into claims made by the Conservative Party deputy chairman and have concluded that no further action will be taken. Angela co-operated fully with the police investigation throughout.

'Angela has always been clear that she was not liable for capital gains tax on the sale of the home she owned before she was an MP, that she was properly registered to vote, and paid the appropriate council tax. She took expert tax and legal advice which confirms this.

'This draws a line under the matter.'

Stockport Council said: 'Stockport Council has reviewed and responded to all correspondence relating to this matter, including information received from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) who have concluded that no further police action will be taken.

'We have also concluded that no further action will be taken on behalf of the council.'

An HMRC spokesman said: 'We cannot comment on individuals due to taxpayer confidentiality law.'

Cabinet minister Mel Stride denied the Tories owed Ms Rayner an apology following the complaints lodged by Mr Daly, the party's deputy chairman.

He told Channel 4 News: 'My understanding is what the police have said is they are passing some information over to the local authority - that might be to issues around council tax - and over to HMRC which, of course, might be for issues around taxation.'

A spokesperson for the Conservative Party said: 'Greater Manchester Police have said they've passed the findings of their investigation into Angela Rayner to HMRC who do not comment on their tax probes.

'As the tax expert and Labour Party member Dan Neidle has said, Rayner still hasn't provided an explanation.

'Sir Keir Starmer could easily clear this up by simply reading and then publishing the tax advice Labour claims will exonerate his under-fire deputy.'

Ms Rayner has been strongly backed by Keir Starmer (pictured today with shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves), and the pair have been appearing together on the campaign trail

Labour had been increasingly confident Ms Rayner would be cleared by GMP, after a probe lasting around six weeks.

She has been strongly backed by Sir Keir, and the pair have been appearing together on the campaign trail.

Ms Rayner is believed to have spoken to officers about claims over where she was living in the 2010s and the sale of her council home.

Officers began investigating after the Mail on Sunday raised questions about where she lived around the time she sold her former council house in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

They were probing whether the MP gave false information on the electoral register after she was accused of potential breaches of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

But the police were seen as unlikely to send a file to the Crown Prosecution Service because charges must be brought within 12 months of an alleged offence.

Officers are also investigating other allegations, beyond electoral offences, and have seemingly passed some of their findings to the council and HMRC.

Ms Rayner has insisted she lived primarily in her own home, in Vicarage Road, while her then husband, and father to two of her three children, lived a mile away.

This has been contradicted by former neighbours, who said she lived with her husband and children, and a political aide who gave a statement to police.

It has prompted questions over whether she failed to pay capital gains tax on the sale of the house she owned, and also about her council tax arrangements.

Neighbours have claimed her brother lived there and Ms Rayner had described herself as the 'landlord'.

Her spokesman previously said she 'looks forward to sitting down with the appropriate authorities, including the police and HMRC, to set out the facts and draw a line under this matter'.
Melinda revealed she would get $12.5 billion as part of the deal with her ex

Melinda Gates has written a scorching essay explaining her reasons for stepping down from the Bill Gates Foundation to start her own charity.

The philanthropist, 59, announced her departure from the Bill Gates Foundation earlier this month, revealing she would get $12.5 billion as part of the deal with her Microsoft founder ex-husband.

In a New York Times opinion piece, Melinda said that she's leaving the foundation she co-founded in order to focus on her own agenda, which has gender equality as a top priority.

'In nearly 20 years as an advocate for women and girls, I have learned that there will always be people who say its not the right time to talk about gender equality,' she wrote.

'Not if you want to be relevant. Not if you want to be effective with world leaders (most of them men). The second the global agenda gets crowded, women and girls fall off.

Melinda Gates has written a scorching essay explaining her reasons for stepping down from the Bill Gates Foundation to start her own charity

In a New York Times opinion piece, Melinda said that she's leaving the foundation she co-founded in order to focus on her own agenda, which has gender equality as a top priority

'Its frustrating and shortsighted... For too long, a lack of money has forced organizations fighting for women's rights into a defensive posture while the enemies of progress play offense. I want to help even the match.'

Melinda goes on to say that women and girls across the world and in the US face more threats to their freedoms than they have in a generation, citing the end of Roe V Wade, which protected abortion rights federally.

'As shocking as it is to contemplate, my 1-year-old granddaughter may grow up with fewer rights than I had,' the mother-of-three said.

The philanthropist said her new charity will be giving $1billion to the National Womens Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Melinda has also offered 12 people their own $20million grant0making fund to do as they wish. The grantees include former prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern and Afghan champion of girls education, Shabana Basij-Rasikh.

The couple are pictured with their three kids in a 2019 family photo. The kids - Jennifer (center), Rory (right) and Phoebe (left) are now aged 25, 21 and 18

With a joint fortune of $130 billion at their peak, the Gates were among the world's richest couples until they divorced in August 2021

'Im eager to see the landscape of funding opportunities through their eyes, and the results their approaches unlock,' Melinda wrote.

With a joint fortune of $130 billion at their peak, the Gates were among the world's richest couples until they divorced in August 2021 after Melinda said their marriage had been 'irretrievably broken.'

The Gates' foundation is the world's largest private charitable foundation, with an endowment of $75.2 billion as of December 2023 according to its website.

Bill and Melinda met in 1987 - the same year he became the world's youngest billionaire at the age of 31.

They went on to marry in Hawaii in 1994, and have three children together: Jennifer, 28, Rory, 24, and Phoebe, 21.

Bill and Melinda met in 1987 - the same year he became the world's youngest billionaire at the age of 31. They are pictured in 1995

Their divorce came amid rumors about Gates' checkered love life after it emerged he had an affair with a Russian bridge player, and that Jeffrey Epstein had tried to 'extort' him over the relationship.

Their divorce came amid rumors about Gates' checkered love life after it emerged he had an affair with a Russian bridge player, and that Jeffrey Epstein had tried to 'extort' him over the relationship.

The Microsoft founder claims he never had any business relationship or friendship with Epstein, and their meetings were solely to discuss philanthropic ventures.

He is dating philanthropist Paula Hurd, 60. They were last seen together at the Academy Museum for Motion Pictures in Los Angeles for a black tie event celebrating major scientific achievements of the year.

Melinda's op-ed comes after she fueled romance rumors when she stepped out donning a blinding diamond ring, prompting many to question whether she was planning to walk down the aisle with her former Fox News anchor boyfriend Jon Du Pre, who she was first linked with back in 2022.

Melinda's op-ed comes after she fueled romance rumors when she stepped out donning a blinding diamond ring

The 59-year-old billionaire was seen wearing the large bauble during an outing in New York on Sunday - hours after she debuted it for the first time

Many were shocked when news hit the web that Melinda, 59, and former Fox News anchor Jon, 65, were dating back in 2022 - since he had an extremely controversial past

But the billionaire philanthropist quickly shut down any suggestion that she and Jon, 65, are headed for the altar when she addressed the speculation in a statement via her rep confirming that the pair have broken up - and insisting that she is not currently engaged to anyone.

Many were shocked when news hit the web that Melinda and Jon were dating back in 2022 - particularly because the former Fox News anchor appeared to be the complete opposite of her ex-husband, Bill, and also had an extremely controversial past that saw him admitting to abusing his wife while still living with the Mormon religion.

Ex-Mormon Jon once admitted to verbally abusing his previous wife, writing in his memoir about how he would erupt in fits of 'explosive rage' that left her 'cowering' in fear.

He recalled calling his ex as a 'spoon-fed, spoiled-rotten b***h' in the book, and openly admitted to 'embarrassing her in front of their friends' and 'blaming her' for any 'little thing that went wrong' during the relationship.

Melinda first revealed back in March 2022 that she was officially 'dipping her toes' into the dating world again during an appearance on CBS Mornings (seen)

One month later, she and Jon were spotted attending a Brooklyn Nets basketball game together (seen). They also spent time in November at the lavish five-star hotel Pelican Hill

While the exact details surrounding the start of their romance are still unclear, Melinda first revealed back in March 2022 that she was officially 'dipping her toes' into the dating world again following her divorce from Bill.

At the time, she told CBS Mornings host Gayle King that she was 'definitely' open to finding love again - and even revealed that she had already met some suitors.

'It's interesting at this point,' she said with a giggle. 'You know, I'm dipping my toe in that water a little bit.

'I feel like, I'm in a really good place. And I'm really, really excited about my life and about the world - the work ahead.'

One month later, she and Jon were spotted attending a Brooklyn Nets basketball game together.

And in November 2022, TMZ reported that the philanthropist and her new boyfriend were spending some intimate time at the lavish five-star hotel Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California.

They haven't been photographed together since then.
A senior heart surgeon has been charged with 14 counts of sexual assault against female members of staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Amal Bose, 54, of Thurnham, near Lancaster, was arrested after staff at the hospital lodged complaints relating his conduct over a five year period from 2017 to 2022.

The doctor - who lives in a 1.2million five-bed property - was previously head of the cardiovascular surgery department before he was suspended from his post last year.

He will appear at Lancaster Magistrates Court on June 7 over 14 charges of sexual assault relating to six female victims - all of whom were staff at the hospital.

It comes after a 15-month investigation by police into numerous accusations of sexual assault.

Amal Bose, 54, has been charged with 14 counts of sexual assault against female members of staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: 'A former surgeon has been charged as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual assault at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

'On Tuesday 14th of March last year, we were contacted by the hospital who reported to us a number of allegations of sexual assault on employees at the Trust.

'Following an investigation and after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service we have now charged a man.

'Amal Bose has been charged with 14 counts of Sexual Assault Contrary to Section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003 relating to six female victims.

'The alleged offending occurred between 2017 and 2022. Some of the counts encompass more than one incident. The alleged victims were all members of staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.'

Bose already has conditions on his practice following a private interim tribunal in July last year when the investigation was referred to the General Medical Council.

According to his LinkedIn page, he left his job at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in May this year.

The senior heart surgeon has been bailed to attend Lancaster Magistrates Court on June 7

Detective Inspector Kirsty Wyatt said: 'These are complex and sensitive allegations which we are committed to investigating professionally and thoroughly.

'We are offering support to those involved and they are being updated throughout the process by trained officers.'

Bose studied medicine at St Georges Hospital Medical School London, completing his general surgical training in Brisbane, Australia before gaining a research MD at The Hatter Institute, part of University College London.

In 2019 he was appointed as treasurer to the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery In Great Britain and Ireland.

A spokesman for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: 'The Trust can confirm that a former member of staff has been charged with offences of sexual assault.

'The Trust has been working with Lancashire Constabulary and co-operating fully with their investigation.

'I want to reassure patients and their families that the hospital remains a safe and caring environment and the provision of services continues as normal.'

Bose has been bailed to attend Lancaster Magistrates Court on June 7.
A controversial Idaho bear park is duping visitors into thinking it is a conservation charity and is only pretending to keep its animals for life, campaigners have claimed.

Yellowstone Bear World is the only facility in the US where visitors are allowed to bottle-feed bear cubs.

But guests who pay $75 for the privilege are being tricked into thinking they are contributing to a 'fundraiser' for a non-profit 'wildlife sanctuary' that is actually an exploitative commercial operation, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The campaign group has filed a complaint to the state's attorney general demanding he investigate it for breaches of consumer protection law.

'An animal sanctuary is a facility that provides safe haven to animals in need,' PETA director Michelle Sinnott wrote.

'A business that breeds animals to exploit them for commercial exhibition and then sell them to other facilities is the exact opposite of a sanctuary.'

Yellowstone Bear World owner Courtney Ferguson keeps dozens of Grizzly and Black bears on the 112-acre site five miles south of Rexburg

Peta has long campaigned against the animal park and managed to get an undercover investigator employed there in 2022

The dozens of Grizzly and Black bears on the 112-acre site five miles south of Rexburg make it one of the most popular attractions for the millions of tourists visiting Yellowstone National Park each year.

More than 30,000 people follow it on Facebook enchanted by pictures of playful bears and the elk, bison, moose and deer it also plays host to.

Peta claims the park routinely misleads customers into thinking the animals are there for life and has accused it of lying when former visitors ask for an update on the bears they have seen.

One commenter was reassured that a bear called Tucker was still at the facility when it had been sold six years earlier, the complaint alleges.

Another asked whether a 2020 photo of three bears playing in the snow were the cubs they had seen the previous year cubs.

'Yep!' Bear World responded. 'These are the 2019 cubs, but in a few weeks it will be their birthday and they'll be yearlings! Then they'll move down to the yearling enclosure in the main area of our park so they have lots of room to run and play as they grow.'

But the complaint claims that Bear World had posted the same photograph in 2018 and that most of the 2019 cubs had already been sold.

The group cites US Department of Agriculture records which record the transfer of more than 100 bears to other facilities since 2012.

PETA director Michelle Sinnott has written to the Idaho Attorney General demanding action

The site is the only facility in the US where visitors are allowed to bottle-feed bear cubs

More than 30,000 people follow it on Facebook enchanted by pictures of playful bears and the elk, bison, moose and deer it also plays host to

Many have gone to a menagerie in Illinois and from there onto slaughterhouses, it states.

'The inconsistencies between YBW's claim to provide life-long care for all cubs and the reality at the facility have not gone unnoticed by consumers,' Sinnott wrote in her complaint.

'For example, one customer noted in a review, 'They claim all of their cubs grow up in the park but if you look at the number of cubs they have each year vs the number of bears they state they have in the park this does NOT line up'.

'Consumers have relied on these statements when deciding to patronize Yellowstone Bear Park and some have later expressed confusion and anger at having been misled by its deceptive marketing.'

Peta has long campaigned against the animal park and managed to get an undercover investigator employed there in 2022.

It also organized a protest at the site last month against allowing visitors to feed the young bear cubs.

'In nature, bear cubs spend their time playing, exploring, and socializing with one another and their mothers,' it wrote.

'But at Yellowstone Bear World, these curious and unweaned babies are taken away from their mothers prematurely and forced into close proximity with humans  whom they would naturally avoid.'

Idaho agreed to abolish state oversight of private zoos and drive-through animal parks last year in response to a campaign led by the park.

And its lobbyist Charlotte Cunnington told a senate committee that the bill was directly in response to PETA's legal actions against it.

Peta group cites US Department of Agriculture records which record the transfer of more than 100 bears to other facilities since 2012

'They utilize the agency complaint process to try to shut businesses like ours down, and we know that they will not stop,' she told the Senate Resources and Environment Committee.

'This bill will allow Yellowstone Bear World to run its business without constantly looking over its shoulder.'

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador has yet to respond to the complaint.

Dailymail.com has reached out to him and to Yellowstone Bear World for comment.
This is the moment Conservative MP Johnny Mercer was accused of 'pouring s*** in the rivers' by a member of the public who launched a tirade of abuse at him while he was out on the election trail.

Mr Mercer, who has been the Tory MP for Plymouth, Moor View, since 2015, was out trying to convince voters to stick with him for the July 4 general election when a passerby started shouting at him.

In the expletive-filled video, which Mr Mercer posted on his X account, the man shouts: 'Wow. You're a c***, your entire party are c***s. You've killed millions. You pour s*** in rivers.'

It comes just a week after hundreds of sewage activists staged a protest at Plymouth Hoe to 'highlight the urgent need for action against sewage pollution in UK waters, particularly in the Southwest.'

Mr Mercer thanked the Surfers Against Sewage group for 'raising public awareness about sewage discharges' and said people in Plymouth 'should not have to worry about clear water'.

This is the moment a Plymouth resident started shouting abuse at Johnny Mercer while he was on his election trail

Mr Mercer (pictured), who has been the Tory MP for Plymouth since 2015, was out trying to convince voters to stick with him for the July 4 general election when a passerby started shouting at him

It comes amid wider anger at the Conservative Party after water companies released record spills of raw sewage into England's seas and rivers last year.

The Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey today accused the Tories of 'sitting on their hands'.

He said he would put environmental experts on water company boards to make sure spills are taken seriously and that companies are 'held to account', the BBC reports.

Mr Mercer posted the video of him being abused with the caption: 'Case in point.'

He was referring to a post earlier in the day in which he wrote: 'Busy day on the doors - whilst managing half term..!

'Lots of online abuse floating round in this election.

'Remember, most of us in all parties are just mums and dads, normal people, doing their best for their community, looking to serve.'

The video comes less than a week after Downing Street rebuked Mr Mercer after he was snapped with bare feet on a train while penning a bombshell memo about Rishi Sunak.

He accused the Tories of 'pouring s*** in the rivers' in an expletive-filled tirade of abuse

The veterans' affairs minister was photographed by a fellow passenger without shoes or socks as he travelled from London to Exeter earlier this month.

Images showed the Plymouth Moor View MP working on his laptop, while close-ups of his screen revealed Mr Mercer's scathing words about the PM's team in No10.

In an extraordinary missive, Mr Mercer blasted aides for allowing Mr Sunak to hog the limelight and acting as if he is still as popular as he was when he first took office.

The minister demanded that more popular Cabinet colleagues like Penny Mordaunt and Kemi Badenoch are instead given more media appearances.

But, despite the cutting nature of Mr Mercer's comments, much focus was also put on the minister's decision not to cover his feet while sitting among fellow train passengers.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer (right) during a Q&A event in north west London, last month

Asked whether Mr Sunak thinks it is appropriate to take your socks off on public transport, the PM's press secretary told reporters: 'Absolutely not.'

She added: 'I think the PM will probably talk to him about the feet thing.'

Mr Mercer attempted to explain his decision to go bare foot in a social media post, writing: 'So some little weirdo has gone round snapping my laptop reading private messages from a private email account.

'My shoes and socks were off because Id just cycled across Dartmoor in the rain. Shoot me now. Or grow up.'

Hours later, Mr Sunak called the general election for July 4, which has seen Tory MPs - including Mr Mercer - launch their election trail.
Vladimir Putin warned there will be 'grave consequences' if western countries give approval to Ukraine to use their weapons in strikes on Russian territory today.

'In Europe, especially in small countries, they should be aware what they are playing with,' the Russian president said during a visit to Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

'They should remember that, as countries with small, densely populated territories... They should keep this in mind before talking about striking Russia.'

It comes just weeks after British Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron faced backlash from the Kremlin over lifting restrictions on Ukraine using British-supplied weapons to fire into Russia.

With Moscow reopening its front in Kharkiv, allies to Kyiv have presented stark warnings to Putin, Poland among those refusing to rule out sending troops to face down its historic foe as it plans to field the biggest army in Europe by 2035.

The Kremlin has responded with threats of nuclear annihilation should Russia feel cornered, stressing repeatedly that its arsenal remains at 'full combat readiness'.

Ukrainian soldiers fire with mortar during a military training with French servicemen on April 4

Russian T-90M and T-14 Armata tanks parade through Red Square during the general rehearsal of the Victory Day military parade on May 7, 2022

Polish Army soldiers take part in a Lithuanian-Polish Brave Griffin 24/II military exercise near the Suwalki Gap on April 26

Vladimir Putin meets with Russian media in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on May 28

With tensions ratcheting up in the east, Poland's foreign minister said today the country should not exclude the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine and should keep Putin in suspense over whether such a decision would ever be made.

'We should not exclude any option. Let Putin be guessing as to what we will do,' Sikorski said in an interview with the Gazeta Wyborcza daily when asked whether he would send Polish troops to Ukraine.

But a spokesperson for Poland's Defense Ministry, Janusz Sejmej, told Polish media on Tuesday he had 'no knowledge of that' when asked about a report in Germany's Der Spiegel magazine suggesting Poland might send troops to Ukraine.

The idea of sending foreign soldiers to Ukraine, which is battling Russian military aggression, was floated earlier this year in France, but no country, including Poland, has publicly embraced it.

France, a historic ally of Poland and fellow NATO member, has taken one of the strongest positions on directly intervening in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Earlier this month, President Emmanuel Macron echoed Sikorski's sentiment, suggesting he would not be 'ruling anything out' - comments that experts said reflected a will to play Putin at his own game of 'strategic ambiguity'.

'Putin doesn't take anything off the table; neither should we. And that includes sending troops, in whichever capacity that is feasible,' Vlad Sutea, founder and lead analyst at early warning and threatcasting group T-Intelligence, told MailOnline.

'Macron is one of the few Western European leaders to understand the value of strategic ambiguity,' he said.

Putin said today he believed Western military instructors were already operating in Ukraine, operating undercover as mercenary fighters, when asked about comments by Ukraine's top commander that discussions were being held on sending French military instructors to the country.

But increased rhetoric on the looming possibility of war has sparked fears of the invasion of Ukraine overspilling further West.

Under Article 5 of NATO's constitutions, all members would have to respond in 'collective defence' if Putin were to attack any member.

Were one member to engage in direct conflict with Russia, there would be no obligation for other members to intervene, however.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today urged Western leaders to pressure Russia into peace by 'all means' necessary amid fears Kyiv lacks the weaponry needed to repel the invaders.

Speaking in Spain today, Zelenskyy said there needed to be a 'tangible coercion' of Moscow to ensure peace terms.

Claiming Russia was dropping 3,200 guided bombs on Ukraine each month, with the war now in its third year, he asked reporters: 'How do you fight that?'

Zelenskyy has long maintained that he will not negotiate with Russia directly, while Russia claims to be open to talks.

These would likely involve the loss of recognised Ukrainian land.

Russian sources told Reuters last week that the Russian President was indeed willing and ready to halt the war in Ukraine with a negotiated ceasefire that recognises the current battlefield lines - or fight on if the West does not respond.

'Of course, we are aware that the legitimacy of the current head of state has ended,' said Mr Putin, who has repeatedly stated that Russia is ready for talks with Ukraine.

'We must be completely sure that we are dealing with legitimate authorities.'

Putin claimed Zelenskyy's presidential term was supposed to end on May 20, seizing the opportunity to undermine his adversary.

Ukrainian legislation bans elections during martial law that has been in place since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.

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A Ukrainian serviceman drives a quadbike towards the town of Chasiv Yar, March 30

Ukrainian servicemen in gloomy scenes on a road to Chasiv Yar on March 25

An evacuee arrives by bus at an evacuation point in the Kharkiv region, on May 12

A Soviet era T-34 tank rolls on Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 9

So far, Ukraine's allies have stopped short of sending troops to intervene int he conflict Ukraine, although British Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron invoked Russia's ire by arguing Kyiv had the 'right' to use missiles from London as it saw fit.

'In terms of what the Ukrainians do, in our view, it is their decision about how to use these weapons, they're defending their country, they were illegally invaded by Putin and they must take those steps,' he said on May 2, appearing to back away from previous restrictions on only striking targets within Ukraine.

'We don't discuss any caveats that we put on on those things. But let's be absolutely clear, Russia has launched an attack into Ukraine and Ukraine absolutely has the right to strike back at Russia,' he said.

Russia responded by accusing Lord Cameron of 'threatening European security' with comments they judged a 'direct escalation'.

France, too, has urged a greater response from allies in the West as Ukraine struggles to turn the tide on Russia's meatgrinder tactics, now expanding back into Kharkiv.

'The fact that war has returned to European soil, and that it is being waged by a nuclear-armed power, changes everything,' Macron declared late last month at the Sorbonne University in Paris.

'The very fact that Iran is on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons changes everything.'

Europe is 'not armed against the risks we face' abroad, he insisted. 'The days of Europe... relying on the US security are over'.

Macron's pledges cover all of Europe - not just France - and reflect an intention to uncouple from American military hegemony through a planned 'European defence initiative'.

Only days later, Putin declared his nuclear forces were at full combat readiness in preparation for a global war in an unsettling speech during his Red Square Victory Day parade.

There, the Russian president hailed the troops fighting in Ukraine for their courage and also blasted what Russia calls the 'collective West', accusing it of 'fuelling regional conflicts, inter-ethnic and inter-religious strife and trying to contain sovereign and independent centers of global development'.

'Russia will do everything to prevent global confrontation, but will not allow anyone to threaten us,' he assured. 'Our strategic forces are in combat readiness.'

Ukrainian servicemen of the 92nd Assault Brigade fire BM-21 'Grad' multiple rocket launcher toward Russian positions, in the Kharkiv region, on May 15

Firefighters work near a collapsed building in Belgorod, Russia, on May 12, 2024

A Ukrainian infantry soldier of the 23rd Mechanized Brigade waits to head toward the frontline in the Avdiivka direction, in the Donetsk region, on April 3

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during an interview with AFP at the Presidential Office in Kyiv, on May 17

Only in February, Putin warned that the perceived Western aggressors in 'NATO and America' were 'preparing to strike Russia' and made a direct threat to use nuclear weapons if pressed.

'They have to understand that we also have weapons, weapons that can defeat them on their own territory,' he said.

'Of course all this is very dangerous, because it could actually trigger the use of nuclear weapons. Do they not understand that?'

Again, Putin warned that 'strategic nuclear forces are in a state of full readiness for guaranteed use', but warned the use of nuclear weapons would equal the 'destruction of civilisation'.

Since February 24, 2022, the day Putin commenced his full invasion of Ukraine, Putin has warned onlookers that Russia remains a leading nuclear power with 'certain advantages in some of the newest types of weaponry'.

'In this regard, no one should have any doubts that a direct attack on our country will lead to defeat and horrible consequences for any potential aggressor.'
It's the first public message he has shared since his apology statement

Pope Francis has shared his first public message following his apology statement after he was widely quoted as having used homophobic language at a meeting last week.

The pontiff, 87, posted a two-minute long prayer video to his X (formerly Twitter) account at 3pm on Tuesday, coinciding with his apology.

Taking on a different topic, he penned: 'Let us #PrayTogether that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys fraught with danger and violence, may find welcome and new living opportunities in the countries that host them. #PrayerIntention #ClickToPray.'

In the clip, he tells his followers: 'Dear brothers and sisters, this month I would like us to pray for people fleeing their own countries.

'The feeling of uprootedness or not knowing where they belong often accompanies the trauma experienced by people who are forced to flee their homeland because of war or poverty...'

Pope Francis has shared his first public message following his apology statement after he was widely quoted as having used homophobic language at a meeting last week

Let us #PrayTogether that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys fraught with danger and violence, may find welcome and new living opportunities in the countries that host them. #PrayerIntention #ClickToPray pic.twitter.com/pJjXKTeUhH  Pope Francis (@Pontifex) May 28, 2024

Pope Francis is pictured during a meeting with the Italian Bishops' Conference at the Vatican

The comments were allegedly made in a closed-door meeting ahead of the conference. Pictured: The opening session of the 79th general assembly of the Italian Bishops Conference

Pope Francis did not intend to use homophobic language, the Vatican said on Tuesday after Italian media quoted him as having said there was 'an air of f*****ry' in the church.

'The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologises to those who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others,' Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in an emailed statement.

Italian media on Monday had quoted unnamed Italian bishops in reporting that Francis jokingly used the term 'f*****ry' while speaking in Italian during the encounter.

He had used the term in reaffirming the Vatican's ban on allowing gay men to enter seminaries and be ordained priests.

Some suggested the comments were an honest translation mistake for the Argentina-born Pope, for whom Italian is a second language, and that he 'did not know' how offensive the word was.

Italian political gossip website Dagospia was the first to report the alleged incident, said to have happened on May 20 when the pontiff met Italian bishops behind closed doors.

Bruni said Francis was 'aware' of the reports.

The Vatican spokesman reiterated that the pope remained committed to a welcoming Church for all, where 'nobody is useless, nobody is superfluous, (where) there is room for everyone.'

Some suggested the comments were an honest translation mistake for the Argentina-born Pope, for whom Italian is a second language, and that he 'did not know' how offensive the word was

Bishops at the meeting last Monday were reportedly taken aback by the language the pontiff used to make the statement - the derogatory word 'frociaggine', which roughly translates to f*****ry.

Italian news agency Adnkronos, citing sources, reported that the Pope said in the speech: 'Look: there is already an air of f*****ry around that is not good.

'There is today's culture of homosexuality with respect to those who have a homosexual orientation [who] are better off not being accepted [into the seminary].

'It is very difficult for a boy who has this tendency not to fall [into sin] because they come [to the seminary] thinking that the life of the priest can support them, but then they fall during the work of the ministry.'

The remark was met with 'incredulous laughter', bishops told newspaper Corriere della Sera, but to some represented a step back after prolonged efforts to reform the church's position on LGBTQ+ rights.

When asked about his views on homosexuality in 2013, he famously said: 'If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?'

Last year, he described laws that criminalise homosexuality as a 'sin' and an 'injustice', and allowed Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples in a significant advance for LGBT rights in the church.

However, the Pope delivered a similar message on gay seminarians - minus the reported swear word - when he met Italian bishops in 2018, telling them to carefully vet priesthood applicants and reject anyone suspected of being homosexual.
Rishi Sunak's decision to call a surprise election in July has yet to pay off as fresh opinion polls tonight revealed Labour has extended its lead since his announcement.

Sir Keir Starmer's party is ahead by 23 points in the first two major surveys of the campaign.

Redfield & Wilton Strategies and Survation have Labour increasing its lead by one and two percentage points respectively tonight.

They dropped as Mr Sunak faced questions over the effort being put in to the campaign by some senior Tories, with a leaked party email questioning some candidates' work ethic on the trail.

But he defended his operation today. Speaking in Stoke he insisted Tory candidates were 'working their socks off'.

'I've been out every day of this campaign, spending time with them, they're working really hard,' he said.

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Mr Sunak defended his operation today, insisting his Tory candidates were 'working their socks off'

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron this afternoon said Rishi Sunak's national service plan had 'fired up this election campaign'.

'And what they're talking to everyone about is the choice of this election and it's very clear that we live in uncertain times, and those uncertain times call for a government that is prepared to take bold action, that's got a clear plan, because that's how you deliver a secure future for everyone in our country.

He added: 'People are really excited about national service, because that is an example of the bold action that we're prepared to take and people can see that that's going to be transformational for our country.

'And as I've said all the MPs that I've been spending time with over the last four days are working their socks off for their communities.'

Redfield carried out a poll of 12,000 people over the weekend - after last Wednesday's announcement.

It also showed Reform UK gaining on the Tories, despite a campaign launch that has focused heavily on policies designed to win back support on the right of the party.

The poll found that only 46 per cent of those who voted Conservative in 2019 planned to do so this time around. Almost a fifth (19 per cent) plan to vote for Labour and a similar proportion (18 per cent) plan to back Reform UK.

It came as a separate shock poll for MailOnline laid bare the scale of the electoral mountain Rishi Sunak must climb on July 4 - with Labour more trusted on all the Tories' traditional core issues.

Brits have stronger faith in Keir Starmer's party to deal with legal immigration by 27 per cent to just 20 per cent, according to research by Redfield & Wilton.

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Alarmingly for Rishi Sunak the gap is even bigger on the topic of Channel boats and illegal arrivals, with Redfield & Wilton Strategies finding the gap is 29 per cent to 19 per cent.

That is despite the PM vowing to force through the Rwanda deportations plan that Sir Keir wants to ditch.

Far from being the party of tough borders, the public now associates the Conservatives with increasing inflows by 32 per cent to 23 per cent. Only Reform is linked to lowering immigration, with 37 per cent perceiving that as its stance.

More than half say they do not trust the Tories 'at all' to handle immigration.

Nigel Farage has twisted the knife by challenging Mr Sunak to a TV debate on the issue.

But Mr Sunak's problems do not stop there. The poll found people have more confidence in Labour to run the economy, by 32 per cent to 24 per cent, and tackle the cost of living crisis - by the same gap.

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron this afternoon said Rishi Sunak's national service plan had 'fired up this election campaign'.

The former prime minister told the BBC: 'People can see a choice. You've got Rishi Sunak with a clear plan, capable of making bold decisions to secure our future.

'And you've got Keir Starmer with absolutely no plan at all.'

Asked about the criticism Mr Sunak had faced, Lord Cameron said: 'When you come up with new plans, obviously you create a debate, but what you can see in this election is the Conservatives, with a very clear plan and prepared to announce bold policies.

'Today talking about how we're going to keep the basic pension out of tax, yesterday talking about the importance of national service. These are bold, exciting, clear plans from a Prime Minister who's got energy and vision to deliver for the future.'

He added: 'I know that, as ever, people will spend most of the time talking about the opinion polls, but there's only one that matters and that is going to be on July 4 and I'm very confident that with a clear plan, a bold Prime Minister and exciting announcements being made we've got every opportunity.'
A star of Martin Scorsese-directed GoodFellas has slammed AMC for slapping a 'trigger warning' ahead of the iconic mobster flick.

'This film includes language and/or cultural stereotypes that are inconsistent with today's standards of inclusion and tolerance and may offend some viewers,' a message warns when screened on the network.

The disclaimer earned the attention of not only the greater American public, but actor Frank Sivero, who played mobster Frankie Carbone in the 1990 film.

He called the message 'an insult to [him] and De Niro' - who starred alongside heavy hitters like Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta in the decorated drama - and filmmaking in general.

'I'm kind of a little bit perturbed in a way, that AMC - that even AMC - cuts the movie,' the 72-year-old native Italian said, framing the move as a tell-tale sign of cancel culture.

Scroll down for video:

Italian-born actor Frank Sivero slammed AMC Monday for slapping a 'trigger warning' ahead of it on TV screenings

A message ahead of the film warns viewers: 'This film includes language and/or cultural stereotypes that are inconsistent with today's standards of inclusion and tolerance and may offend some'

'You don't hear the language, they delete the language, so why are they so upset?' he told TMZ Monday of edits already made to the network TV version of the film.

'I'm a little perturbed, because - thank God - I was able to do my job by improvisation,' he went on, referring to a particular scene where he came up with some lines on the cuff, offering some of the fellow movie mobster some coffee.

'I created that,' he said, referring to the exceedingly natural exchange with Pesci, now 81, that eventually made the final cut for theaters and TV.

'I made those moments real, to take the tension away from those gruesome moments.'

He went to insist there is nothing stereotypical about either the film nor his character, not to mention those of the main cast - who helped propel the movie to greatness.

They did this largely through improvisation, he said - 'by bringing some dark humor into these people's lives.

'Not just make a violent scene, like a horror movie,' he explained further of the intricacies that go into filmmaking that he said are being hindered by edits after the fact.

'A horror movie you will have dreams off of it, you know? You're not going to have dreams of just that [with Goodfellas].

He starred as mobster Frankie Carbone in Martin Scorsese-directed flick, which after more than 30 years, is still one of the most beloved films of all time - despite its adult themes

He called the message 'an insult to [him] and De Niro' - who starred alongside heavy hitters like Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta in the decorated drama - and filmmaking in general

Sivero is seen here in a scene he said he improvised - a facet of filmmaking he says is being hindered by disclaimers, nixings, and additions

'You're going to remember the coffee pot scene. You're going to remember me warming up the car,' he continues, as streaming services continue to get flak for removing potentially offensive scenes or themes from their titles.

'Instead of thinking, what's the scene, what's-his-name getting shot and getting killed, I'm thinking about the card game,' he said.

'"I got a full house, I just lost,"' he recalled of another classic, organic scene. 'So, I'm making humor. "I just lost, with a full house, a big pot of money."'

He went on to conclude that people already know what they are getting into when gearing up for GoodFellas, citing how its been out for decades and is widely accepted as one of the most seminal films of the past century.

Not only that, the film is considered by some to be among the very best ever made, inducted into the National Film Registry for perpetual preservation in 2000.

That saw it join classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane, both of which were made more than a century ago, but still endure today.

Such films serve as a sort of time capsule that hark back to a different age, critics like Sivero, who was born in Sicily, have said, and don't need to be changed.

He said he and the other actors improvised a lot of the film - and said such choices were made tactfully and in good taste, not in need of a trigger warning. Stars Ray Liotta, Robert de Niro, Paul Sorvino and Joe Pesci are seen on the 1990 film's set

Actors also improv a lot of moments in such films, Sivero on Monday explained - insisting such choices were made tactfully and in good taste, and thus are not in need of a trigger warning.

'Why are they so upset about a movie that's known throughout planet Earth in every language you can think, and all the leaders of the world have seen that movie?' he said.

He concluded that improvised, and at-times risky exchanges are what make characters, particularly in the mob film, more real and 'likable'.

He called it an insult to write them off as offensive stereotypes.
Vladimir Putin has scored a major victory after Georgia forced through a foreign agents bill that brings the fiercely pro-Western country closer to Moscow.

Despite over 80 per cent of the Black Sea nation demanding to join NATO and the EU the countrys government tonight passed legislation inspired by Russia.

Tens of thousands of protestors descended on the capital, Tbilisi, as the ruling Georgian Dream party passed the bill that will torpedo those European hopes.

It follows weeks of violence as pro-government thugs brutally beat mainly young demonstrators and opposition figures in a campaign of domestic terrorism.

The legislation requires all NGOs and media organisations that receive over 20 per cent of funding from abroad to register as foreign agents  literally spies in Georgian.

Georgia is the most pro-Western country in the region, long seen as a beacon of democracy, and dragging it back into Putins sphere would mark a huge victory over the West

Demonstrator with a placard with the words 'NO TO RUSSIAN LAW' protests in front of the Georgian Parliament Building

The Georgian parliament on Tuesday overrode a presidential veto of the 'foreign agents' legislation that has fueled Western concerns and sparked massive protests for weeks

Demonstrators protesting the "foreign influence" law crowd outside the parliament building in central Tbilisi on May 28, 2024

Protesters, staging protest, clash with police officers as they endeavor to breach the security perimeter of the Georgian Parliament building

It is aimed to stifle dissent ahead of elections in October that could see the increasingly pro-Russian government seize total control of the country.

Georgia is the most pro-Western country in the region, long seen as a beacon of democracy, and dragging it back into Putins sphere would mark a huge victory over the West.

We stood up first and we were consistently pro-Western for the last 30 years, Georgias former President, Giorgi Margvelashvilia, tells the Daily Mail.

Putin's message to Ukraine is ok, fight. You die, we die, but the end is where Georgia is. It is extremely important ideologically for Putins propaganda.

Crowds started gathering in the blistering sun as politicians entered at midday, with masked government thugs standing guard inside.

Zviad Kharazishvili, Georgias Director of the Interior Ministrys Special Tasks Department accused of masterminding beatings of the mainly Gen Z protesters, then delivered a Mafioso warning.

Georgian lawmakers geared up on May 28, 2024 to overturn a presidential veto and push through a controversial 'foreign influence' bill that opponents say will place onerous restrictions on foreign-funded NGOs and derail the country's path to the European Union

Protesters were seen waving Georgian flags through the crowds

The move came despite ongoing street protests and warnings from Brussels and the US that the measure undermines Georgia's European Union membership bid

Stopped by a camera crew in his car and asked why he was beating up children, he wound down the window and told them: I don't beat up young people, I beat up scum.

Before pulling away, he added: Here we have a list, I will show you in a little while.

The bill was debated for seven hours with opposition leader Giorgi Vashadze doused in water by a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party before it was finally passed.

As cars pulled up to parliament to escort the 84 government members away crowds waving EU and Georgian flags descended on them screaming Russian slaves.

Balaclava clad police then cleared the road to allow them safe passage out as the mood soured on the streets of Tbilisi.

As night fell furious Georgians continued to pile into the streets surrounding the parliament while loud speakers blared out the national and EU anthems.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, a fierce opponent of the government, then delivered a speech on the steps announcing a referendum on the law - a symbolic stance.

She said: Are you angry today? Get angry, but let's get down to business.

The point is that, first of all, we need to prepare a real referendum, that is, this energy that is in you should be used to collect signatures and bring them to me and I will sign the referendum.

Do we want a European future or do we want Russian slavery? 84 people cannot decide it, we will decide it, all of us together.

The protestors rallied to the call and vowed to take to the streets to oppose the legislation, putting the Black Sea nation on a collision course ahead of the October elections.

Giorgi Maesuradze, 27, told the Mail: I am deeply outraged. This is not what our country deserves, and this is not the government our country deserves.

We will remain on the streets. Our fight is far from over. We will not let these vile crooks sell our country to Putin.

A demonstrator gesticulates to a police officer as the police forces protect the Georgian Parliament Building as the parliament overrides the veto on the Foreign Influence Law

Georgian law enforcement officers are seen deployed on streets as protesters rally against the controversial "foreign influence" bill in Tbilisi on May 14, 2024

Keti Kapanadze, 31, said: This is disgusting. We held onto the last semblances of hope that they would come to their senses and not pass this.

But it seems we have 84 slaves in Georgia that would rather live as Russians than Georgians.'

The shocking geopolitical U-turn is a major wake up call to the West to step up its support to Ukraine and defeat Russia.

The future of the world order, including for Georgia, is being decided in Ukraine, says Ghia Khukhashvili, Ivanisvhilis former advisor.

The best way to defeat Bidzina is to properly support Ukraine. This is not just a territorial war, it is a war of world views. Whoever wins this war, their world view will be the dominant one.

The dramatic shift follows huge unrest in Slovakia following the attempted assassination of Prime Minster Robert Fico amid major Russian gains in Ukraine.

Sandro Kevkishvili, project manager at NGO Transparency International, says: The lesson for the West from Georgia is do everything possible so that Ukraine wins.

Then you will not have these problems in Georgia, in Slovakia, across Eastern Europe - that is for sure the case.

The bill has been widely criticised by the European Union, United Nations, NATO, and the US with Washington having announced travel sanctions over the measure.

rotests after Georgian Parliament passes bill on 'transparency of foreign influence' continued in Tbilisi, Georgia on May 24, 2024

Russia-Georgia relations have often been rocky since Georgia became independent after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union

Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the travel sanctions would be imposed on Georgian officials 'who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.'

He noted that 'it remains our hope that Georgia's leaders will reconsider the draft law and take steps to move forward with their nation's democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.'

The bill is nearly identical to one that the ruling party was pressured to withdraw last year after massive street protests.

Renewed demonstrations again gripped Georgia as the bill made its way through parliament, with demonstrators seen scuffling with police, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.

Earlier this month, violence broke out both inside and outside parliament as footage captured the moment demonstrators attempted to break through the barriers outside the government building as hundreds of police officers stormed out and roughly dragged people wrapped in Georgian flags away from the barriers.

A violent brawl also erupted inside the parliament building while lawmakers debated the bill before approving it on May 14.

But it wasn't just demonstrators wrapped up in the chaos as MPs also became embroiled in the drama.

In one piece of footage, Georgian Dream MP Dimitry Samkharadze was seen charging toward Levan Khabeishvili, the chairman of main opposition party United National Movement, after Khabeishvili accused him of organising mobs to beat up opposition supporters.

A woman reacts in front of police during an opposition protest against the foreign influence bill at the Parliamentary building in Tbilisi, Georgia

Demonstrators shout at police during an opposition protest against the foreign influence bill at the Parliamentary building

A demonstrator, center, gestures as he argues with police officers during an opposition protest against the foreign influence bill

The Georgian parliament has overridden a presidential veto of the 'foreign agents' legislation that has fueled Western concerns and sparked massive protests for weeks

Police officers block a street during a protest against the 'foreign agents' draft bill, in downtown Tbilisi

A woman waves Georgian national flag as she protests the "foreign influence" law crowd outside the parliament building

Zuka Elbakidze, a student who was among protesters rallying in Tbilisi ahead of Tuesday's vote, said 'this day will determine the fate of our country,' adding that 'we are making a choice between Europe and Russia, and all the people gathered here, except the policemen, want Europe and the West.'

'We are physically witnessing, literally witnessing, how Georgian citizens, how members of the Georgian Parliament are selling out our country,' said another protester, Mariam Geguchadze.

In the past month, several protesters and opposition members have been beaten up.

Opposition MP Dimitiri Chikovani returned to the protests on May 14 after his cheeks and nose were broken by a dozen masked thugs who pounced on him outside his house a week prior.

He told MailOnline: 'It's a standard KGB guideline to establish the fear, but whatever works in Belarus or Russia is not working with the Georgian people.

'We love our freedom, we love our independence, and our decision is to be part of Western civilisation.'

Tina Bokuchava, parliamentary leader of the Georgian opposition party UNM, accused Georgian Dream of 'state sponsored terrorism against its own citizens'.

She said there have been 'unprecedented' peaceful rallies numbering over 200,000 in recent days despite activists 'being beaten in the streets or arrested'.

Ms Bokuchava told MailOnline: 'Right now is a very scary time because nobody's physical security can be taken for granted, but on the other hand it's a very hopeful time.

'Georgians are proving to the world that our place is really with Western civilised nations. We are not afraid.'

Russia-Georgia relations have often been rocky since Georgia became independent after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

In 2008, Russia fought a brief war with Georgia, which had made a botched attempt to regain control over the breakaway province of South Ossetia.

Moscow then recognized South Ossetia and another separatist province, Abkhazia, as independent states and strengthened its military presence there.

Most of the world considers both regions to be parts of Georgia.

Tbilisi cut diplomatic ties with Moscow, and the regions' status remains a key irritant even as Russia-Georgia relations have improved in recent years.
Full Text: Joint Statement on Future Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response

Xinhua) 11:02, May 28, 2024

SEOUL, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of the Joint Statement on Future Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) released on Monday.

Joint Statement on Future Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response

We, the leaders of the Republic of Korea, Japan and the People's Republic of China, convened in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on May 27, 2024, on the occasion of the Ninth Trilateral Summit, and decided as follows:

Reaffirming our commitment to prevention of, preparedness for and response to future pandemics through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), International Health Regulations (IHR) and General Programme of Work (GPW) of the World Health Organization (WHO);

Recalling that WHA resolution 74.7 (2021) on the global strategy and action plan for infectious disease prevention and control highlights the importance of national roles in leading efforts to address infectious disease outbreaks;

Acknowledging the achievements made with collaboration and exchanges for a collective response to infectious disease outbreaks, and the commitment to the Joint Action Plan on Preparedness and Response against Infectious Diseases with Pandemic or High Consequence Potential of Common Concern, which was based on the original Joint Action Plan adopted in 2008 and revised in 2016, and adopted at the Fourteenth Tripartite Health Ministers' Meeting in December 2021;

Acknowledging the efforts for establishing an international cooperation system to respond to the global pandemic through the special ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit on COVID-19, the ROK-Japan-China Foreign Ministers' special video conference on COVID-19, and the Special Video Conference of the Tripartite Health Ministers' Meeting on COVID-19 Response held in 2020;

Acknowledging the benefits arising from sharing national policies, strategies, experiences, best practices and lessons through the platform established by the three countries with a view to promoting the effective prevention of, preparedness for and response to future pandemics;

Noting the need for an effective response to the adverse impacts of new health emergencies on economic and social development such as the outbreak of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, as COVID-19 remains a persistent threat including the possibility of the emergence of a new variant of concern, despite the official announcement of the end of the COVID-19 PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern) in May 2023;

Emphasizing that the Republic of Korea, Japan and the People's Republic of China need to actively address future pandemics and public health emergencies through the implementation of relevant national strategies and activities to enhance international cooperation;

1. We will prioritize future pandemic prevention, preparedness and response as part of our national strategies with the commitment that achieving universal health coverage (UHC) is essential in our efforts to strengthen the global health architecture, and encourage and support related government policies and action plans - such as on mid- and long-term national economic development, public health, healthcare service delivery system and healthcare reform - to incorporate future pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

2. We reaffirm the importance of equitable access to essential healthcare resources with a view to enhancing global health security, and we will improve equity in access to medical countermeasures (MCM) against infectious diseases including vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics based on public health risks and needs. In this regard, we will also acknowledge the importance of end-to-end approach to MCM from priority settings, R&D, regulatory approval and manufacturing to last-mile deliveries and global collaboration, and endeavor to strengthen health workforce capabilities to reduce the capacity gap in infectious disease response among and within countries. Also, we will join global efforts through international organizations and related funding, thereby contributing to making the world safer from infectious diseases.

3. We emphasize the need to clarify the goals and responsibilities of each sector when implementing measures related to pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and stress the importance of enhancing multi-sectoral approach in dealing with infectious disease outbreaks.

4. We note that the One-Health approach, an integrated and unified approach that aims to balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems, is an important concept in preventing, preparing for and responding to future pandemics and public health emergencies, such as emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases caused by pathogens including the emergence of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, as well as antimicrobial resistance. We encourage active multisectoral participation, through the One-Health approach to enhance national, regional and global health security.

5. We will pursue strategic cooperation in the area of health security to promote peace and prosperity in the region. To this end, we will work together to strengthen regional health security through bilateral and multilateral initiatives and partnerships with international organizations of which the three countries are members; encourage relevant joint research, policy dialogue and sharing of experiences; and seek to build long-term cooperation mechanisms, including by strengthening cooperation among the national public health institutes for disease control in the three countries, such as through the Korea-Japan-China Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Forum and Joint Symposium. We will also work together to build a successful model to collectively tackle health emergencies, and foster international and regional cooperation through various activities including the sharing of best practices.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A North Pacific right whale swims in the Bering Sea in August 2017. One of the extremely rare marine mammals was spotted on Friday off the California coast. NOAA Fisheries

An extremely rare, endangered whale was seen off the California coast on Friday, generating excitement among scientists.

The North Pacific right whale was snorkeling along the surface of the water in the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary off the Sonoma-Marin coast when it was spotted by scientists aboard the Bell M. Shimada, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessel.

Only a few hundred of the whales are believed to exist, after commercial whaling  which ended several decades ago  decimated their population. The creatures are most commonly seen in the southeastern Bering Sea, where they feed in the summertime, scientists say. More live in Russian waters and in the deeper waters of the Pacific Ocean.

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It would blow, sink, blow again, about 2-3 times, then sink down for a few minutes, then a similar pattern, Jan Roletto, who works for NOAA as a research coordinator and saw the whale about 200 meters ahead of the ship, said by email. Since the currents were strong and the ship was moving about 1 knot, I asked the bridge to turn to avoid moving closer to it and avoid hitting it. It did not seem to be aware of the ship, at least it did not react when the ship changed course.

The whale, Roletto said, was darker than a humpback and not the shape of a humpback, fin, sei, blue or grey. It had a v-shaped blow, no dorsal fin, all black, very broad.

The ship came back to the area later but did not see the whale, according to Roletto, who noted that the ship has seen between one and six blue whales per day during its outing.

Right whale expert Jessica Crance, a research biologist at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, confirmed the sighting after reviewing photographs taken Friday.

North Pacific right whales are a kind of baleen whale, which feed by gulping large amounts of ocean water to filter out copepods and zooplankton.

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The researchers were out observing ocean health, including water temperature, ocean acidity and marine life populations on behalf of the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries and Point Blue Conservation Science.

The last reported sighting of a right whale off the California coast was in March 2023.

Kate Galbraith contributed to this report.
Libertarian-minded Rep. Thomas Massie reminded Sen. Elizabeth Warren she voted for a foreign aid bill that sent arms to Israel as the Massachusetts Democrat called the IDF's offensive in Rafah 'horrific.'

'The Israeli bombing of a refugee camp inside a designated safe zone is horrific. Israel has a duty to protect innocent civilians and Palestinians seeking shelter in Rafah have nowhere safe to go,' Warren wrote on X.

'Netanyahu's assault of Rafah must stop. We need an immediate cease-fire.'

Massie, R-Ky., shot back: 'Ma'am, you voted to send those bombs to Israel.'

Warren voted to pass a $95 billion foreign aid package that included $26 billion for Israel and Gaza. Some $9 billion was for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and over $9 billion went to Israel's defenses.

Massie opposed the package and signed on to an unsuccessful effort to try to oust Speaker Mike Johnson over it.

Libertarian-minded Rep. Thomas Massie reminded Sen. Elizabeth Warren she voted for a foreign aid bill that sent arms to Israel as the Massachusetts Democrat called the IDF's offensive in Rafah 'horrific'

Israel expressed regret that its bombing had killed civilians in a refugee camp in Rafah - but said their missiles had killed two senior Hamas leaders.

At least 45 people were killed by the blast and subsequent fires, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, including 23 women, children and older people. The ministry said that 249 people were wounded.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the civilian deaths were a 'tragic accident.'

Netanyahu said the Israeli Defense Forces tried to minimize civilian deaths by asking Gazans to evacuate, but 'despite our supreme effort not to harm uninvolved civilians, a tragic accident occurred to our regret last night.'

He accused Hamas of hiding among the general population, saying: 'For us, every uninvolved civilian who is hurt is a tragedy. For Hamas it's a strategy. That's the whole difference.'

The strike caused a fire that blazed through the camp in the Rafah governorate's Tal Al-Sultan area, reducing tents and shelters to ashes.

Footage released by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society showed chaotic nighttime scenes of ambulances racing to the attack site and evacuating the wounded, including children.

As Palestinians cleared the site on Monday, only blackened metal sheeting and charred planks remained, the tent shelters having been all but obliterated.

The strike came after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately halt its offensive of Rafah and officials are trying to restart ceasefire negotiations.

It caused caused international outrage.

'The word tragic doesn't even begin to describe it,' Vice President Kamala Harris said of the strike.

'The devastating images following an IDF strike in Rafah last night that killed dozens of innocent Palestinians are heartbreaking,' a spokesperson for President Biden's National Security Council said.

A person reacts at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp for displaced people in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, May 27, 2024

Child is seen at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp for displaced people in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, May 27, 2024

Child looks on at the rubble after Israel's bombing of tents in Rafah

'Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians. But as we've been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians. We are actively engaging the IDF and partners on the ground to assess what happened, and understand that the IDF is conducting an investigation.'

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was 'outraged' over Israel's latest attacks. 'These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians,' he said on X.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the attack 'an indefensible atrocity', adding in a social media post that 'it is long past time for the President to live up to his word and suspend military aid.'

'Horrific and gut wrenching images coming out of Rafah last night,' Representative Ayanna Pressley. 'How much longer will the U.S. stand by while the Israeli military slaughters and mutilates Palestinian babies?'

Additionally, Israeli forces exchanged gunfire with Egyptian troops along their shared border that resulted in the death of at least one Egyptian soldier.

The IDF this afternoon reported a 'shooting incident' at the border close to the crossing into Gaza, adding that it was discussing the issue with the Egyptian authorities but revealed no further information.

'A few hours ago, a shooting incident occurred on the Egyptian border. The incident is under review and discussions are being held with the Egyptians,' the military said this afternoon in a statement.

Cairo quickly confirmed the shooting as a military spokesman said authorities had opened an investigation into the incident.

'In Rafah, we already evacuated about 1 million non-combatant residents and despite our utmost effort not to harm non-combatants, something unfortunately went tragically wrong,' Netanyahu said in a speech in parliament after the Rafah bombing over the din of opposition lawmakers shouting.

But the IDF is unlikely to back down from its Rafah offensive in southern Gaza, where millions of Palestinians fled when war broke out in the north.

Over the weekend Hamas launched rocket attacks on Tel Aviv from Rafah for the first time in four months, signaling the militant group is still capable of threatening Israel. All of the rockets were intercepted by air defenses.
A gang of Bulgarian fraudsters who raked in 54m from Britain's biggest ever benefit fraud churned out bogus tenancy agreements, counterfeit payslips and forged landlord letters to trick DWP officials, a court heard.

The Eastern European gang hijacked 6,000 identities to make claims for Universal Credit and even used the names of children living in Bulgaria as part of the five year scam.

They set up three 'benefit factories' across London churning out bogus tenancy agreements, counterfeit payslips and forged letters from landlords, employers, and GPs to trick the DWP.

Galina Nikolova, 38, and her boyfriend Stoyan Stoyanov, 27, along with Tsvetka Todorova, 52, Gyunesh Ali, 33, and Patritsia Paneva, 26, were arrested on May 5, 2021.

Stoyanov had a tattoo of Nikolava on his right arm and posted a photo of it along with a red rose on social media.

Two of the criminals - Galina Nikolova, 38, and Stoyan Stoyanov, 27 - pictured together in 2020 while on holiday in Turkey

Nikolova seen standing behind the counter of Antonia's Foods in Wood Green, pouting at the camera alongside an unknown man

Huge stacks of cash found during the investigation

The gang raked in 54m from Britain's biggest ever benefit fraud

DWP investigators searched their homes and found shopping bags crammed with designer goods, Rolex watches, jackets and wads of cash.

One of the hubs was behind a functioning corner shop selling groceries.

The group appeared to be hiding in plain sight - posting photos on social media smiling and posing behind the counter of Antonia's Foods supermarket in Wood Green.

The enormous haul of money gained from their 'complex financial web' of claims was laundered through a number of accounts, then withdrawn in cash - with 750,000 in bank notes found stuffed in suitcases at one of their homes.

The vast sums made in the fraud were laundered through a network of bank accounts, Wood Green Crown Court heard.

Tom Little KC, prosecuting, told the start of a three day sentencing hearing: 'The offending in this case was well organised and was committed on an extraordinarily large scale over a number of years by these defendants and by others. This is the biggest fraud ever detected upon the DWP.'

Mr Little told the court how gang members forged letters from local primary and secondary schools as part of the swindle.

Gyunesh Ali, 33, was also part of the gang and was arrested

Patritsia Paneva, 26, (left) and Tsvetka Todorova, 52, (right) were also arrested

The couple cuddle up together in an earlier snap taken in Palmers Green, north London

The enormous haul of money gained from the claims was laundered through a number of accounts, then withdrawn in cash

'Forged letters from schools would be used if it was said that there were children part of the claim because that potentially boosted the value of the claim.

'Children as I've indicated who either did not exist or lived in Bulgaria were involved in some of the claims that allowed the value to be increased.'

He said people who had never even been to the UK benefited from the scam: 'They may have travelled here for a short period of time to support the claim before returning to Bulgaria with the claim remaining ongoing.

'Some were already here, made the claim and then departed.

'Some never even travelled here at all.'

Gang members used their Photoshop skills to create fake photos of ineligible claimants stood in front of doors to imaginary houses, the court heard.

'Stoyanov refers to having someone who works with Photoshop who does 'magic tricks', said Mr Little.

'Todorova advises taking photographs in front of the house for which the false claim is being made and stated: 'They need to take three pictures in different poses and in Photoshop they will put him in front of the door and they will open it'.'

Mr Little referred to messages and photos shared between the defendants mocking the 'naivety' of the DWP.

'Images are exchanged on the Deluxe WhatsApp Group that poke fun at the naivety of the DWP in relation to the fraudulent claims,' Mr Little said.

Ali, Nikolova, Stoyanov, Todorova, and Paneva, all admitted fraud and money laundering offences dating from between October 2016 and May 2021.

While under investigation Ali fled the country to Bulgaria. But he was extradited back to the UK on 25 February 2023.

The sentencing is due to last three days.

Ben Reid, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, earlier said: 'This case is the largest benefit fraud prosecution ever brought to the courts in England and Wales.

'For a number of years, these defendants conspired to commit industrial-scale fraud against the Universal Credit system, costing the taxpayer more than 50 million.

'Submitting thousands of false claims, the organised criminals enriched themselves from government funds designed to protect and help the most vulnerable people in our society.

'This was a complex and challenging case which required close and effective working between CPS prosecutors, the Department for Work and Pensions and our international partners in both Bulgaria and through the UK desk at Eurojust, to dismantle and successfully prosecute the organised crime group.

'The guilty pleas entered by all five defendants, reflects the strength of the evidence against them.

'The CPS Proceeds of Crime Division and DWP will now pursue confiscation proceedings against the defendants, to remove from them any available criminal benefit from this enterprise.'

Mel Stride MP, Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions, said: 'I am immensely proud of DWP investigators' work, in collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service, to take down this organised crime group.

'The convictions underline our commitment to protecting taxpayers' money and it is only right and fair that we bring to justice those stealing from the public purse. My message is simple - if you are committing benefit fraud, you are cheating the taxpayer, and we will catch you.'

The sentencing hearing continues.
West Mason Fire Chief said 'it's not a trail,' and the boy was 'incredibly lucky'

A 19-year-old teenager narrowly escaped death when he fell 400 feet down a canyon while illegally hiking on a washed out river bed.

The boy, whose name was not disclosed, was hiking under High Steel Bridge in Mason County, Washington State, on Saturday.

He 'was walking down a washout that a lot of people use, and has kind of become a trail, West Mason Fire Chief Matthew Welander said.

But he warned 'it is not a trail, it's a washout, it's too steep, and ended up all the way down at the river, sliding.'

A rescuer hooked the man up to a harness and lifted him to safety

Once special operations rescue was alerted to the teen's location, a member of the team hooked the boy up to a harness, and used a rope to scale the bridge.

Welander said the boy came out with only a few minor injuries, and was 'incredibly lucky,' King5 News reported.

Welander explained that the area is known for its steep terrain that looks deceiving, and sadly many have lost their lives unaware of the dangers.

'This is extremely dangerous,' the fire chief said.

He 'was walking down a washout that a lot of people use, and has kind of become a trail, West Mason Fire Chief Matthew Welander said

The High Steel Bridge runs 695 feet long and has a deck that is 375 feet above the river water. It spans south fork of the Skokomish River, on National Forest Servce road, located in the city of Shelton in Macon County

He explain that there are 'warning' signs that says near the bridge that reads: 'Warning: The areas around the high steel bridge are slippery, steep, and unsafe for exploring.'

Officials said that a 'lack of respect for nature is part of the problem.' 'People come up here to just be stupid,' Welander said explaining that it puts a strain on their resources, as per the news outlet.

He said that Saturday's rescue went so well because they have 'alot of practice hauling out dead bodies,' out of the area where the teen was saved.

He said the ratio is about 20 to one,'twenty dead to every one person they find alive at the bottom.'

The rescuers occassionally respond to suicides, but he said the majority, 'is people monkeying around underneath the bridge where they think it's safe, they lose their footing, they slide and then they fall,' Welander said.

Five to seven people fall off the bridge every year, and the majority die, officials said

The special operations teams go down to where the teen was saved about three to five times a year.

In August 2020, Cpl. Tim Ripp with the Mason County Sheriff's Office, shared that he and a coworker nearly lost their life during a recovery mission while trying to recover bodies at the bottom of the canyon, King5 News reported.

'There are more recoveries than there are rescues and they have to go down there,' Ripp said.

His advice to others: 'Don't go off trail.'

The Mason County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude to the team who helped in the rescue - West Mason Fire - WA, The Mighty Mason 6, and Mason County Sheriff's Office

'The team worked diligently to ensure a safe and successful operation. We are grateful for their swift and professional response,' the post said.

The High Steel Bridge runs 695 feet long and has a deck that is 375 feet above the river water. It span south fork of the Skokomish River, on National Forest Servce road, located in the city of Shelton.
A world-renowned classical music conductor, who admitted three child sex offences after trying to arrange sex acts with an underage boy, walked free from court today.

Jan Latham-Koenig, 70, was arrested as part of an undercover sting operation in January after he travelled to London Victoria station to see a 'child' he had met on a dating app.

When he arrived, he discovered that the teenage boy he thought was waiting for him was instead an officer in the Met's Specialist Crime Command.

The now-convicted paedophile pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child, attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, and intentionally arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence at earlier hearings.

He was handed a 14-month sentence suspended for two years today at Southwark Crown Court and Latham-Koenig was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register.

Jan Latham-Koenig, pictured, sent explicit images to an undercover police officer who he believed was a teenage boy.

In Queen Elizabeth II's 2020 birthday honours, the now-convicted paedophile Jan Latham-Koenig was awarded an OBE for services to music and UK/Russia cultural relations.

The court heard the musician started conversing with the undercover police officer, posing as a child called Jacob, in December 2023 via a dating app called ROMEO.

Latham-Koenig had earlier admitted arranging or facilitating the commission of a sexual offence with a child, between 9 December 2023 and 11 January 2024.

He also admitted sexual communication with a minor.

ROMEO is a dating app used by members of the gay, bi, and trans community.

The app has an age restriction of 18+, meaning it was not clear at first how old Jacob was, it was said.

However, the hearing was told Jacob disclosed his age  14  weeks later, and the conversation continued.

Prosecutor Bill McGivern said: 'Communication between the defendant and Jacob began on 9 December 2023 on a mobile phone application called ROMEO.

'Almost immediately after the conversation started, the defendant sent Jacob a photograph of his penis.

'The official age for users on Romeo is 18, meaning it was not then obvious that the defendant was talking to a child.

'In a conversation on 21 December, the defendant asked Jacob how old he was  and Jacob said he was 14.

'But rather than desist further communication, the defendant  aged 70  said he was 49 and continued conversation.'

The court also heard that Latham-Koenig said his name was 'John'.

Jan Latham-Koenig, 70, admitted three child sex offences including arranging or facilitating the commission of a sexual offence with a child.

Mr McGivern explained that throughout the communication, Latham-Koenig repeatedly asked Jacob if they could meet  and stressed that 'discretion' was important.

'He asked if Jacob was in contact with other users on the site and asked if others knew about their conversations,' the prosecutor said.

Eventually they started conversing on WhatsApp rather than on Romeo and Latham-Koenig shared explicit images.

'When he encouraged Jacob to move the conversation to WhatsApp, he asked if his mother checked his phone and asked him to delete their messages. They then arranged to speak over the phone.'

During this call, the pair discussed Jacob's family, his school, his sexuality, and the sexual acts they would commit if they met.

'The Crown submits that discussions about coming to terms with one's sexuality with a 14-year-old is grooming,' Mr McGivern said.

'The defendant and Jacob also discussed Jacob's past sexual experiences.

'Jacob said he had 'fondled' - and the defendant agreed that they would do 'stuff like that'.

'The defendant then asked Jacob if he got excited talking about gay stuff on the phone.

'Jacob asked if he meant down there, he said yes, and when he said he did, the defendant said that was wonderful.'

Mr McGivern also revealed that Latham-Koenig had paid for 'Jacob's' train ticket to London Victoria.

'When the defendant asked Jacob again if he would like to meet, Jacob said he had no money,' the prosecutor explained.

'The defendant said he would buy him a ticket from Horsham to Victoria  and give him a return ticket when he saw him.

'On the day they met, the defendant asked again what Jacob had said to his mother.'

While the details of his case were read out, Latham-Koenig, wearing a navy-blue suit, pale pink shirt, and navy-blue tie, stared at the ground and repeatedly tapped his left ear.

In mitigation, Latham-Koenig's barrister Eleanor Laws KC said that her client had expressed 'doubts' about Jacob's age.

She told the court: 'On the day they would meet, there was a long conversation in which the defendant talked about backing out  expressing his doubts about his age.

'It is also worth mentioning that messaging started between the two of them on an adult gay, bi, trans dating app.

'And it is the officer who starts the conversations between them each and every time.'

She also said Latham-Koenig had 'expressed considerable remorse' to several family members and close friends.

'The fact that the defendant is still supported by his family and friends, who know what happened, should go far to assure the court that rehabilitation is possible and there is a low risk of reoffending,' Ms Laws said.

Addressing Latham-Koenig as he handed down his sentence, Judge Alexander Milne KC said: 'Mr Latham-Koenig, it seems to me in these circumstances I may suspend these sentences, and so I sentence you to 14 months in prison suspended for two years.

'You must undertake rehabilitation requirements for up to 40 days. You will do 100 hours of unpaid work for the community.

'And I will impose a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will apply for a period of 10 years.

'You will also be required to pay 1,000 in contribution to the prosecution's costs.

'This sentence means you do not go to prison today, and, provided you comply with the terms and commit no further offences, you may never go to prison.'

In the past, Latham-Koenig worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC's Symphony Orchestra.

In Queen Elizabeth II's 2020 birthday honours, he was awarded an OBE for services to music and UK/Russia cultural relations.
A Brazilian doctor and influencer is ruing the day she took Ozempic to shed a couple of pounds off her already lean frame after learning that she could not get an butt implant.

Dayanne Bezerra broke down in tears on Monday after she visited a clinic and was told by the surgeon that she was not a candidate for the butt lift because the muscles had lost tone and strength.

'Guys, I just went to the doctor because I wanted to get implants in my butt, right, and get a reconstruction because I've lost a lot of weight,' she told her 4 million followers via Instagram Stories on Monday.

'The doctor said that my butt atrophied. Can you believe it? And the doctor already knows me. He knows my body. He asked what was happening to me.

'I am so sad in the world that my butt atrophied. And he didn't even put in implants to fix it. He's not going to reconstruct it, he's not going to do anything. That's it for me.'

Dayanne Bezerra, a doctor with 4 million followers on Instagram, revealed she is unable to get a butt implant due to the amount of weight that she has lost since last year when she began to take Ozempic

Brazilian influencer Dayanne Bezerra revealed Monday she regrets using Ozempic to lose weight after a surgeon informed her that her 'butt atrophied'

Dayanne Bezerra, who has more than 4 million followers on Instagram, started taking Ozempic in May 2023 after it was prescribed by her nutritionist

In a second video, Bezerra can be seen crying over her appearance.

'You guys, I am so sad, you have no idea. How can a person lose weight to look pretty, and look ugly?' she said as she paced the hallway of a local mall. 'I am ugly.'

Bezerra appeared to have gotten over her sorrows with a shopping trip with friends to Louis Vuitton.

She drew criticism in May 2023 when she was filmed at an airport injecting herself with Ozempic, the prescription medicine that treats type 2 diabetes.

The video went viral on social media, causing her to issue a public statement and clearing any confuses it may have generated.

'Guys, there's a page posting that I'm taking my Ozempic at the airport. Yes, guys, I took my Ozempic at the airport,' she said. 'My life is busy, I had forgotten mine at home and bought another one at the pharmacy, but I don't take Ozempic on my advice.

'I have a prescription from my nutritionist, where he prescribes Ozempic for weight loss. And so, as far as I know, the medicine is not prohibited for weight loss. It is used for other treatments.'

Brazilian doctor and influencer Dayanne Bezerra says she fees 'ugly' she lost mass on her butt after taking Ozempic to lose weight

Brazilian influencer and doctor Dayanne Bezerra pictured in April 2023, a month before she began to take Ozempic

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Semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have been hailed as a key breakthrough in the battle against obesity.

The pens, taken once a day, mimics a hormone called GLP-1 and tricks the brain and body into thinking it is full, curbing appetite.

Trials show semaglutide, manufactured by Danish firm Novo Nordisk, helps users lose up to 33 pounds on average in around a year.

Side effects of the jabs including bloating, nausea and acid reflux have long been noted by the government's drugs watchdog National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Increasing numbers of Ozempic users on social media have also complained of being left with gaunt facial features, sagging 'melted candle' skin, 'empty' breasts and hair loss  which are not thought to be a direct side effect of the medication but a consequence of dramatic slimming.

Some patients have bizarrely claimed that jabs of Ozempic has turned them to act 'out of character,' engaging in risky sex, compulsive gambling or even making rash major life decisions such as filing for divorce.

They believe changes levels of the brain chemical dopamine, possibly linked to the jabs, may be behind the issue, contributing to the ever-growing list of downsides.

The researchers, from London, say patients should be warned about the potential of these bizarre reactions, known collectively as impulse-control disorder, before starting on the drugs.
A party-goer thought that his friend who was stabbed to death at an end-of-term party had spilled a Kopparberg on himself 'because his T-shirt was covered in red', a court heard today.

Wiktor Mlynarski told jurors how he found teenager Charlie Cosser sitting on a pallet after he was stabbed in a brawl on the grounds of a 1.5million country mansion on July 23 last year.

Charlie, 17, died in hospital three days after being stabbed several times at the summer event at Balmohano Farmhouse, in Warnham, West Sussex. Another teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denies murder.

Mr Mlynarski, who was 22 at the time, said he discovered his friend following a fight on the dance floor which he claimed had erupted after a young girl complained about being touched by another party guest.

He told Lewes Crown Court in Brighton that the defendant threw the first punch after they asked him and his friend to leave for the second time. At least four people were involved in the brawl which followed.

Charlie Cosser died aged 17 after being stabbed to death at a summer party in West Sussex last year

The incident happened at party in the grounds of a 1.5million farmhouse (pictured)

After he was dragged away, Mr Mlynarski said he heard an announcement from the DJ saying his friend was in trouble.

'Someone was shouting my name, saying Wiktor, Wiktor your mate is f***ed. I found Charlie sitting at the back on a pallet. It probably took me 10, 20 mins to find him. He was there by himself.

'I think it was only the person serving the drinks who was making sure he was OK.

'He said to me; 'My chest and my back really hurts'. When I approached him, I knew he was wearing a grey T-shirt. I thought he had spilled a Kopparberg on him because his T-shirt was covered in red.'

Kopparberg is a popular fruity cider from Sweden and the mixed fruity flabour is a clear light red colour.

Mr Mlynarski continued: 'I asked people around why his T-shirt was red and people said he had been hit by a hammer. I asked him to stay there and lift his T-shirt, so I could see what was going on.

'After we saw the injuries I said get an ambulance immediately because I could see it was clear cuts.

He told the court in Brighton when he took his hand away from the T-shirt it was covered in blood.

'I tried to help him. I stayed with him and applied pressure on his wounds.

'My first thought was lay down, don't move and apply pressure on his chest.

'I stayed with him for about half an hour.'

The court heard Charlie - known as Cheeks - was stabbed during an eruption of violence on the dance floor.

Other guests described a brawl involving between four and five boys, seconds before midnight.

Charlie died three days later in hospital at Brighton.

Witnesses told a jury in Brighton guests were aware of rumours the defendant had been inappropriate with a young girl at the party.

The teenage defendant gave no comment interview and the court heard the knife used to stab Charlie has never been found.

Charlie, from Milford in Surrey, was described as caring and loving by his devastated parents.

The trial at Lewes Crown Court in Brighton continues.
Furious locals in a picturesque Essex village have revealed their fury as blocked road drains and constant potholes have been causing damage to their cars and homes.

People living on Grove Hill, in Stansted Mountfitchet, are fighting a battle with Affinity Water, Thames Water and Essex Highways to fix the mysterious water leakage.

The homeowners are facing an 'uphill battle' to address the constant flow of running water, which since July 2023 has caused the lifting of tarmac, along with ever-emerging potholes and blocked road drains.

The problem is so severe it is causing constant damage to properties and cars. The nonstop splashing of water from overflowing potholes causes dampness and is affecting both local businesses and private homes.

It has not been confirmed where the water is coming from, but some locals claim it is likely coming from a leaking Affinity pipe.

Grove Hill residents in Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex battle to get the road fixed as it continues to deteriorate

The homeowners are facing an 'uphill battle' to address the constant flow of running water

Owner of The Cork House tapas and wine bar, Paul Devere, 58, points out the temporary repair to his outside wall

Although there is a strict 7.5 ton weight limit in force on Grove Hill, it was temporarily removed in the summer of 2023, so heavy goods vehicles could take a short-cut to deliver building materials to a housing estate being built in the nearby village of Elsenham.

Residents claim trucks taking the short-cut have seriously affected their lives, both through the constant noise and daily damage to the road surface.

One resident, Diane Macfarlane, 51, a civil servant who works from home and has lived in Grove Hill for more than 20 years, said: 'This nightmare has been going on since last July and it's getting worse every week.

'Water is constantly flowing down the hill and it causes the tarmac to lift, and although potholes in the road occasionally get repaired, they open up again within a week.

'I believe the problem starts when water loosens the tarmac and gravel is washed into the drains, making it ten times worse, especially as the drains have never been cleared.'

Further along Grove Hill, Monica Rusinova, 37, a firefighter, has lived in her cottage for four years. 'Two weeks ago a large pothole was fixed by Essex Highways, but it didn't last long,' she explained.

Potholes in the road filled with water in the picturesque village

Turkish barber Coma Cewrash is fed up with all the water flowing constantly outside his shop because drivers splash water all over the wall, doors and windows

Monica Rusinova, 37, is pictured measuring one of the potholes constantly filled with water in Grove Hill

I saw a car get stuck in the pothole and really damage its wheels. I've been measuring the hole, and it's now grown to four inches deep, two feet wide and is always full of water. It's diabolical.

'I'm worried one day there could be a nasty traffic accident as drivers swerve to avoid the potholes.'

The lane has many quaint homes, some of which are Grade II listed.

Near the bottom of the hill is a weather-boarded cottage, owned by Claire Rivers, 51, a financial administrator and her partner, Andrew McDonnell, 54, who also works in finance. They have lived there for six years.

The constant running water has splashed mud and grime against their white-panelled walls, which they claim is due to the traffic hitting potholes full of dirty water.

Andrew said: 'Worse than all of that is the lorries using the lane are causing terrible damage to the road surface and on one occasion a truck crashed into our house and caused 70,000 of damage.'

All the residents of Grove Hill are affected by the damaged road, including Grade II listed tapas and wine bar, The Cork House. The bar is on the corner of the lane and is situated below the road surface level, and as such, it takes a continual pounding from the constantly pouring water and heavy traffic thundering past.

Landlord, Paul Devere, 58, claims thousands of gallons of water cascades down the road every day and soaks into the the walls, causing serious damage to the brickwork, both outside and inside, and seeps under the floorboards.

Water can be seen bubbling up from the stopcock outside the building. 'I have contacted Affinity Water, my provider, on numerous occasions,' he said.

'The company says it's due to blocked drains in the road, and therefore not their responsibility. However, I have used water testing kits to prove the water is coming from a broken pipe owned by Affinity, or a leaking main somewhere.'

Paul Devere, 58, points out where the water running down Grove Hill is running under his building

Coma Cewrash is fed up with all the water flowing constantly outside his shop

Cars going through the potholes and splashing water everywhere

Monica Rusinova, 37, is pictured measuring one of the potholes constantly filled with water in Grove Hill

Despite numerous pleas to Affinity from residents, to date the issue has not been fixed.

Paul Devere continued: 'I'm now considering suing Affinity as water has clearly damaged the ancient brickwork outside and inside. Now I'm concerned, if and when the building ever dries out, there's a real risk of subsidence and even sinkholes appearing on Grove Hill.'

Opposite The Cork House is a relatively new business: trading for just five months is Stansted Turkish Barbers, run by two stylists, Tevik Iscer, 27, and Coma Cewrash, 26.

'We had no idea, when we took on the shop, what a problem we'd have from the water running down the street,' said Coma. 'If we open the shop door, water pours in along with loose gravel from the road, making the floors filthy and dangerous.'

His colleague, Tavik, added: 'I need to clean the windows and sills at least six times every day. It's a real nuisance and I don't understand why nothing is being done to put it right.'

One resident, Matt, an IT technician who declined to be photographed, has lived on Grove Hill for eight years, he said: 'I believe damaged drains is the key issue here, and until that's fixed, no amount of road repairs will improve the situation.'

The residents regularly meet outside the winebar to support each other in an attempt to get Affinity Water and Essex Highways to address their issues; water leakage, blocked drains and crumbling road surface. But as of today, all to no avail.

A letter from the parish council to MP Kemi Badenoch said: 'The water leak on Grove Hill is causing serious problems to residents living along the road as well as to drivers who have to use this route.

In brief, there has been a water leak for around 10 months and the residents say that this started following some remedial works undertaken to the surfacing by Essex Highway.

At least two properties have reported damp to us and the lady who lives in the closest house has suffered damage to her vehicle also.'

A letter from Affinity Water to local Essex county councillor Ray Gooding agreed with this view, saying that blocked gullies due to roadworks were the 'significant contributor' in causing the problem.

In the letter, the water company said: 'Our observations, corroborated by local feedback, suggest that blocked gulleys downhill by the traffic lights, filled with debris such as tarmac, are a significant contributor to the reported water surfacing.

Despite our efforts in reporting these blockages, the necessary cleaning has not been effectively carried out.

However, Essex Highways said they believe the problem is a 'utility issue' given the water continues running even when weather conditions are dry.

They said that the gullies in Stansted Road and Grove Hill were last cleaned on January 8 and reported to be working, although there was some concrete in a gully pot which is scheduled to be removed.

Highways says it will be closing the road to investigate the problem further but this would not take place until July 15 at the earliest.

The parish council says that Councillor Gooding visited the road at the end of April with an Essex Highways officer, but Affinity Water has not engaged with them to get a multi-agency meeting set up to sort the issue.
The actor's comments upset many in the crowd at the Massachusetts screening

Richard Dreyfuss's son Ben has defended his father after an unhinged rant at a $300-a-head screening of his legendary movie Jaws.

The 76-year-old actor showed up at a Jaws-themed event in Beverly, Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ+ people and diversity.

'My dad and I disagree about lots of stuff. But its a free country. People are allowed to have different opinions about stuff,' journalist Ben Dreyfuss, 37, wrote on X on Tuesday.

Dreyfuss, who played a marine biologist in the movie, walked onstage wearing a blue, floral-patterned dress that stage workers helped him remove before he put on a sport coat.

During what was supposed to be a lighthearted question-and-answer session, some people in the audience walked out over his remarks about women in film and the #MeToo movement, transgender youths and LGBTQ+ rights, and the Academy Awards efforts to foster inclusivity.

Richard Dreyfuss, who played a marine biologist in the movie Jaws, walked onstage wearing a blue, floral-patterned dress

His son Ben son Ben defended him after a his rant at a $300-a-head screening of his legendary movie Jaws

His son Ben, one of the co-founders of progressive magazine Mother Jones, had previously laughed off the controversy.

'Wow, just looked at my phone and learned about the disgusting outrageous behavior of one of my relatives,' he said on X, adding a screenshot of a relative telling him they had an Android instead of an iPhone.

He followed up: 'Re: My father, well, now you know why I refused to give him the password to his own Twitter account for a decade lol.'

Ben went even further to clarify his comments on his father's statements, saying the tabloids had lied about how he really felt.

He wrote: 'I really cant say if I agree with him or not. Im very supportive of trans people getting whatever medical procedures they decide to get in consultation with their doctors past a certain age.

'But I dont really know what that age should be. I dont have a young child and Im not an expert. These two truths about me are also truths about my dad. His opinion about pre-adolescent gender reassignment therapy, like my opinion, means nothing. It has no consequence.

Dreyfuss was appearing at The Cabot in Beverly, Massachusetts, for a question and answer session followed by a screening of Jaws, the mega hit which launched his career in 1975

'I want trans people to enjoy the best medical science available and to live full and dignified lives. I also dont want teens making permanent life-altering decisions they come to regret. How to find the right line between these two goals is something I am perfectly happy, indeed eager, to leave up to people who know more about this than me or my father.

'Whether my dad shares my exact opinion about these issues is meaningless to me. Lots of people disagree with me about stuff. This is America. Everyone is allowed to disagree about everything.'

Ben added: 'My dad is not a perfect guy. I know that better than anyone reading this. But I love him profoundly. Do not ask me to denounce him. I will not do it. I especially will not do it over thought crimes!'

An attendee at the question and answer session in Massachusetts over Memorial Day weekend told DailyMail.Com the Oscar-winner 'kept going' with homophobic and racist comments during his appearance.

'He started the night coming out with a dress on dancing to Taylor Swift saying that this was LGBTQ moment. I assumed he was horsing around, later a staff member told me he was walking around town for a couple of hours picking one out,' Kerry said.

Kerry said that the show then got back on the rails with Dreyfuss discussing his role in another Steven Spielberg classic, 1978's Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

From there, however, Kerry said Dreyfuss went off, targeting his Nuts co-star Barbra Streisand. 'He began to say a lot of sexist things about her, about all women. Their stupid, they shouldn't have any power etc,' she continued.

Other accounts say that Dreyfuss accused women of being 'passive' which is why the 1987 film Nuts 'sucked.'

Another member of the crowd said Dreyfuss said that society, 'Shouldn't be listening to some 10-year-old who says they want to be a boy instead of a girl.'

Kerry said that the atmosphere in the theater quickly soured with many booing the star and some walking out. 'Now, now, don't turn into an angry mob,' Dreyfuss told the crowd, according to Kerry.

Despite the walkouts, Dreyfuss received applause when he ended the discussion by referencing his book, 'One Thought Scares Me...' and his opinion that civics is no longer being taught in classrooms, to the countrys detriment.

Dreyfuss pictured alongside his now-deceased Jaws co-stars Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw

According to some audience members, Dreyfuss made disparaging remarks about Barbra Streisand, his co-star in the 1987 movie Nuts

The Cabot Cinema's management issued a full apology to customers who attended Dreyfuss's appearance

The lack of a foundation in civics means 'we have no knowledge of who the hell we are,' he said.

'If we dont get it back soon, were all going to die.'

The Cabot sent an email apology in which it said it didnt endorse the opinions of the actor, who also starred in Close Encounters of The Third Kind, American Graffiti and The Goodbye Girl, a performance for which he received an Oscar.

The venues executive director didnt respond immediately to emails Tuesday, and a representative for Dreyfuss could not be reached.

'We deeply regret that Mr. Dreyfusss comments during the event were not in line with the values of inclusivity and respect that we uphold at The Cabot. We understand that his remarks were distressing and offensive to many of our community members, and for that, we sincerely apologize,' The Cabots statement said.

Ben Dreyfuss has previously also found himself in scandal, including last year after he claimed he would never have sex 'with a fat person' or let a partner put-on weight.
A vengeful factory worker texted his sister in Romania 'w****s must die' before stabbing his pregnant ex-partner on the streets of Aberfan after their relationship broke down, a court has heard.

Daniel Mihai Popescu, 29, has been jailed at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court for 17 years and four months for the attempted murder of Andreea Pintili in Aberfan, South Wales, on December 5 last year.

Popescu was already on bail for stalking Miss Pintili when he lay in wait behind a parked car, armed with an eight-inch kitchen knife.

The bloodcurdling screams of 37 week pregnant Miss Pintili were heard on a video played to the court where Popescu admitted attempted murder and stalking.

Mother-of-two Miss Pintili was pregnant with Popescu's baby but the couple had split up and he had started following her to work, banging on her windows and taking photos of her.

Daniel Mihai Popescu, 29, has been jailed at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court for 17 years and four months

Home Bargains shop assistant Andreea had moved to a new house in the former pit village along with her two children a month before the attack on December 5

Carwash worker Popescu, a Romanian with permission to stay in the UK until 2028, told a friend he planned to kill Miss Pintili's formed boyfriend who she had started seeing again.

But on the morning of December 5 last year he took an eight-inch kitchen knife to Miss Pintili's home and lay in wait.

When she returned from taking her children to school Popescu pounced, stabbing her twice in the back and causing injuries to her hands where she tried to defend herself.

Supermarket worker Miss Pintili and her baby both survived the attack in Aberfan, South Wales, last year and her son was born unharmed at Christmas.

Popescu had been told that the child would not be raised as his, that he would have no contact with the child ever and he would not be named on the birth certificate.

Mr Hipkin added that Popescu had pre planned the attack, noting that a man he was staying with said that the chocolate factory worker had been 'agitated and annoyed over a period of time'.

He also said Popescu revealed plans to 'stab his ex-girlfriend's new partner' and 'was leaving the house everyday between 4am-5am to go to Aberfan to look for the new partner.'

At one point, Popescu left two bags of his clothing outside her home and left her a voicemail, saying: 'Don't touch my clothes, I'm not going from the street until you get back together with me' - and repeatedly knocked her window.

As a result of this, Popescu was arrested and released on bail with a condition not to contact her.

Despite this, Mr Hipkin told the court that Popescu continued to stalk her and even texted his sister in Romania saying that he had been 'following them [her ex-partner] everyday' and discovered that she had gotten back with him.

He sent another messages to his sister which said: 'Yes, w***** must die.'

Andreea was 37 weeks pregnant when she was allegedly stabbed on her way to dropping her children at school

Home Bargains shop assistant Andreea had only moved to a new house in the former pit village along with her two children a month before the incident on December 5.

Two video clips were played to the court which showed Andreea walking along the street near her home before Popescu emerged hiding behind a red car and attacking her.

The footage show Andreea try and break free - after Popescu grabbed her arm - before she fell to the floor and screamed as Popescu stabbed her with a knife with a 7 to 8 inch blade multiple times.

Fortunately, a woman nearby saw the attack and 'screamed and ran to try and help' which caused Popescu to run off.

Andreea had suffered three superficial defensive wounds to her hand - two penetrating wounds 3-5cm long and 1cm wide, to the right side and left of her back.

She also suffered a wound to the superficial tissues of her back just to the right if the midline.

She was taken to the UHW and fortunately her unborn child was not harmed - and she was discharged the following day.

Popescu, of no fixed address, admitted the first two charges and the court heard prosecutors will not pursue the accusation of witness intimidation

In a victim personal statement read out to the court by the prosecution, Andreea Pintili said she felt 'lucky to be alive after this harrowing experience.'

She said that she feared for her life as Popescu came at her with a knife and tried to get her into her home.

'I have no doubt that if he had got me into the house he would have killed him. This was clearly his intention that day, to kill me and my unborn child,' she said in her statement.

The court heard how the incident has impacted her confidence when leaving the house and socialising with friends - and now she constantly has to lock her windows and doors to feel safe in her home.

She said that she's 'happy' he pleaded guilty but will 'never be safe from this man.'

She added: 'I feel very scared and anxious of the thought of him being released. He did not abide to any bail condition set to him, and I feel he'll also ignore any restraining orders placed upon him.'

David Aubrey KC, defending, said that Popescu and Andreea were due to have a child together - who was born after the attack.

He told the court that after they separated, Popescu was informed by the former partner that when the child was born, the child was 'not to be raised as his' and 'that he would have no contact with the child' or named as the father on the birth certificate.

The court heard that Popescu was also sleeping rough, with concerns he was sleeping on a park bench and further concerns about him committing suicide.

Mr Aubrey stressed that this was 'no suggestion that there is any justification' for Popescu's actions.

Popescu, of no fixed address, admitted the first two charges and the court heard prosecutors will not pursue the accusation of witness intimidation.

The judge, Recorder of Cardiff, Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told Popescu: 'Only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate in this case'.

She told Popescu that she took into consideration that he had no previous convictions, cautions or reprimands and had a difficult background, but added: 'You feel very little true remorse.'

She agreed that Popescu is at 'high risk of serious harm to current victim and future partners.'

Popescu was sentenced to 17 years, four months and an extended licence period of three years - making an extended sentence of 20 years and four months.

'You will serve two-thirds of the custodial period in prison before the Parole Board will consider whether it is safe to release you, and if so on what terms, she added.

He was also ordered not to contact Andreea or the children indirectly or directly again - or enter the area of Mythyr Tydfil.

The stabbing happened just yards from where 144 people died when colliery spoil tip collapsed and covered a school in 1966.
Speculation is mounting that Naomi Biden is expecting her first child and could make President Joe Biden a great-grandfather at a time when age is under the microscope.

The eldest Biden grandchild and husband Peter Neal have not formally announced a pregnancy but it was the talk of the state dinner last week, according to sources in the room. Naomi, 30, is said to be due before the November election.

The East Wing did not deny the speculation in mulitple inquiries from DailyMail.com made over the past two days.

Kathleen Buhle, Naomis mother, didnt deny the speculation when contacted by DailyMail.com. She responded: 'I dont talk to the press, thank you.'

It would be the first great-grandchild for Joe and Jill Biden, who have seven grandchildren.

Naomi, who is known for wearing fitted clothes to her slim figure, has donned loose fitting gowns to the last two formal occasions at the White House.

As she and Neal entered the state dinner for Kenya last week, Neal appeared to be gesturing at his wifes stomach as they posed for photos.

As she leaned into him, what appeared to be a baby bump was seen in her long, roomy pleated metallic cape and dress set from Diana Ayad

The speculation is that Naomi Biden - seen with husband Peter Neal at last week's state dinner - is pregnant

Online speculation about her condition began last month when Naomi wore a loose-fitting gown covered in cherry blossoms to a state dinner for Japan.

It has only ramped up since then.

Naomi has been coy about the matter.

She posed for photos with her handbag placed strategically over her stomach at the Japanese state dinner. She repeated the pose when she attended the White House Correspondents Association dinner a week later.

The baby would be the first Biden great-grandchild, giving President Biden the moniker of great-grandpa as he heads into the November election. The grandkids call him Pops.

The news comes as voters have expressed concern about Biden's age as he seeks a second term.

An NBC poll last month found that the idea that Biden 'may not have the necessary mental and physical health to be president for a second term' was a top concern for voters.

Speculation began at the April state dinner for Japan (left) and Naomi and Peter at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner (right)

Peter Neal and Naomi Biden have been married two years

President Biden turns 82 in November. He is the oldest American ever elected president.

The White House has tried to turn questions about Biden's age into an argument that he is the most experienced person to hold the office.

But voters continue to fret in a way about Biden that they don't about Trump, who is 77. If Biden wins a second term, he would be 86 at its completion.

While many presidents have also been grandfathers - such as George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan - it's unclear the last time a great-grandfather sat in the Oval Office.

Naomi Biden is the eldest daughter of Hunter Biden and his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle.

She and Peter Neal married in an opulent ceremony on the White House lawn on November 19, 2022. She was the first presidential grandchild to be married at the White House.

Naomi Biden, seen above in July 2023, is Joe and Jill Biden's oldest grandchild

Naomi Biden and Peter Neal with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at their November 2022 wedding at the White House

Naomi's sisters Finnegan and Maisey were part of the ceremony as was her half-brother Beau, who is the son of her father's second wife Melissa Cohen.

Naomi and her sisters are often seen holding Beau at family events and at the White House.

She works as a lawyer in Washington D.C.

She and Neal lived in the White House ahead of their wedding. They now live in Georgetown.
Two campuses  UC Davis and UCLA  have joined UC Santa Cruz in a growing student worker strike that challenges UCs handling of pro-Palestinian protests. Pictured is a 2016 view of the UC Davis campus from the RMI North building. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle Two campuses  UC Davis and UCLA  have joined UC Santa Cruz in a growing student workers strike that challenges UCs handling of pro-Palestinian protests. Pictured is a 2020 view of Royce Hall at UCLA. Robyn Beck/Getty Images

The University of Californias powerful legion of student workers expanded their strike Monday to three of UCs 10 campuses, as thousands of UCLA and UC Davis employees joined those at UC Santa Cruz who walked off the job last week.

The students are stopping work, campus by campus, to protest UCs handling of pro-Palestinian protests, in which many of them took part.

Three more campuses could join the strikes by Friday if UC does not make sufficient progress towards resolving its unfair labor practices, according to the United Auto Workers Local 4811, which represents 48,000 student workers across all UC campuses.

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Student staff does most of the essential teaching, research and grading, and UC officials warn that disruptions on the campuses are inevitable.

The walkout echoes a massive strike by the same workers in 2022 that brought UC campuses largely to a halt ahead of midterms. Now, with finals at the three campuses set for the first half of June, the new strike appears timed to do the same at schools that are still in session.

The strikers accuse UC of creating an unsafe work environment because of violence this month at UCLA, UC Irvine and UC San Diego. Police have arrested hundreds of student protesters. On May 1, UCLA officials waited hours to intervene after an outside group attacked a peaceful encampment with heavy objects and fireworks. (UCs Office of the President is investigating that incident.)

The union, which has filed unfair labor practice charges against UC with the California Public Employment Relations Board, says that ongoing disciplinary actions against student workers who participated in protests also violate their contract and jeopardize housing benefits and even their status as students.

This is a crisis of the universitys own making, Anny Viloria Winnett, a union worker at UCLA, said in a statement.

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Emily Weintraut, a union worker at UC Davis, said UC is also violating workers right to free speech.

We are asking UC to drop the charges against everyone who has been unfairly arrested or disciplined, she said in the statement.

UCs Office of the President has countered by filing its own unfair labor charge against the union, saying its unlawful strikes violate the contracts no-strike clause.

We are working with campus administrators to minimize disruption as much as possible, but it is inevitable and unfortunate, especially amidst an already stressful quarter and educational experience for students, university officials said in a statement posted on the university systems website.

The states Public Employment Relations Board said it could take nine months to conclude the cases.

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At UCLA, our talented students are getting ready for finals, and UCLAs focus is doing whatever we can to support them, said Mary Osako, a UCLA spokesperson. Theyre paying tuition and fees to learn, and were dismayed by deliberate outside disruptions that may get in the way of that.

UC Davis is committed to maintaining campus operations safely, said spokesperson Bill Kisliuk.

The pressure from the student workforce  teaching assistants, paid researchers, tutors, graders and others  comes as House Republicans are pushing university leaders from the other side. They are demanding that campuses crack down harder on pro-Palestinian protesters to halt what they call antisemitic college chaos.

Conservative members of Congress have been grilling university presidents for months, including UCLA Chancellor Gene Block last week, in tense hearings meant to expose their complaints of a liberal bias in academia. They have often cut off the presidents attempts to respond to their questions in order to continue criticizing the universities.

The presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, who were among the first to be grilled, felt the brunt of the accusations when they tried to push back and give nuanced, lawyerly answers instead of falling in line. Both then resigned under pressure.

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Landowners are blocking public access to a renowned river known for its fishing - because of anglers they say are trespassing on their property by standing in the river to cast.

The controversy surrounds a stretch of the Lower Provo River in Utah, some 50 miles from Salt Lake City.

There, fishermen have operated undeterred for years, due to a 2010 statute that allowed them to float on rivers but forbade them from setting foot on the riverbeds.

But law enforcement in Wasatch County rarely enforce that stipulation - spurring people like Steve Ault, a relative of a former governor who owns 3,000 acres along the river, to formally request a shift in the county line so his property sits elsewhere.

In interviews administered both this and last week, the 70-year-old complained about fishermen repeatedly accessing his land, and a lack of law enforcement he said is to blame.

Scroll down for video:

The controversy surrounds a stretch of the Lower Provo River in Utah , some 50 miles from Salt Lake City. There, fishermen have operated undeterred for years, due to a 2010 statute that allowed them to float on rivers but forbade them from setting foot on the riverbeds.

But law enforcement in Wasatch County rarely enforce that stipulation - spurring people like Steve Ault, a relative of a former governor who owns 3,000 acres along the river, to formally request a shift in the county line so his property sits elsewhere

He's trying to shift the county line such that his property resides in Utah County  not Wasatch  with hopes that county's Sheriff's Office will do something about it.

Speaking to both The Salt Lake Tribune and Fox 13, he said he does not necessarily mind people fishing on his land - he just wants to charge them an access fee.

'If you take [a state coalition that won a legal battle for public access to the river in 2017], and apply this to any other private property owner, you wouldn't want people in your backyard and have a right to be there,' Ault told the Tribune.

'You would never allow someone to walk through your yard to get to a gate that goes to a park, right?' he said, slamming the Utah Stream Access Coalition as 'the Utah Socialist Access Coalition.

'But that's a very similar situation here.'

'We can own property here, and we can have businesses, and we can do things that they cant in other parts of the world, and yet,' he continued,

'[But] theres groups and individuals that would take that away.'

Ault is the brother-in-law to former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, who served as the 17th governor of the red state from 2009 to 2021.

Speaking to both The Salt Lake Tribune and Fox 13 , he said he does not necessarily mind people fishing on his land - he just wants to charge them an access fee

During his tenure, the Utah Stream Access Coalition won a suit against the state - one that found that this particular stretch of river was 'navigable' and thus public, due to local laws.

By the states definition, 'navigable' means a waterway that is large enough to be used to transport goods and people, which the coalition believes it is.

The Utah divisions of Forestry, Fire and State Lands and Wildlife Resources, however, has yet to confirm their belief - a hindrance compounded by the fact the state last year passed a law that would punish anglers who access rivers that run through private land.

But that's only if local officials actually enforce the law - something Ault says is not happening.

Instead, he said he's been force to post 'no trespassing' signs about his sprawling property, despite living in a home dozens of miles away.

To ensure no one is getting the best of him, he has hired a security guard - one he said finds his signs trashed just about every week, tattered and in need of a replacement.

He further claimed to the Tribune that the guard also routinely finds trash left behind by people they suspect are anglers, due to the the abundance of trout in the area, and the fact that the route that straddles the river is somewhat less traveled.

Ault is the brother-in-law to former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, who served as the 17th governor of the red state from 2009 to 2021

To ensure no one is getting the best of him, Ault said he has hired a security guard - one he said finds his signs trashed just about every week, tattered and in need of a replacement. Pictured, a fisherman standing in the river to cast, which is technically illegal

It's even more empty now, after a Utah Department of Transportation contractor razed hundreds of trees last year to make room for a state-sanctioned trail that has yet to be built.

In an interview with the local Fox affiliate this past Wednesday, Ault said he has taken issue with this as well - claiming to own portions of the property that were dug up.

'Its the worst, in my opinion, one of the worst environmental disasters this state has ever seen,' Ault told the outlet.

Recalling how he was 'in shock' after stumbling across the demolition, he said it had been his for almost forty years.

'We own the land underneath the railroad tracks up to the edge of the highway,' he said, pointing across the river. 'We own 1,4000 acres that way.'

The land in question, however, is the state's property, right outside his purview.

That said, a 3.5 mile-gap between two trail networks it was meant to link remains, as construction has been called off due to the a litany of suits over who decides access to certain areas of the river, including a contested 'fishermans easement'.

The easement applies to one side of the waterway, while another questions the railroad route on the other.

Both are being contested, with the latter seeing the trail project temporarily called off.

Complicating matters, though, is a successful suit from the Utah Stream Access Coalition against the state, which found that this particular stretch of river was 'navigable' and thus public, due to local laws

Ault told the Salt Lake Tribune that his hired guard also routinely finds trash left behind by people they suspect are anglers, due to the the abundance of trout in the area, and the fact the area is relatively less traveled

The gap won't be filled unless the court rules in UDOT's favor, but Ault views it as a victory.

Gesturing to now naked section of the river where 'spectacular pines and quaking aspen and just big, big old trees' once grew, he said he is considering a lawsuit, but the damage is already done.

'It will take ten generations before it is ever even close to looking the same,' he told Fox 13.

Now, he's turned his attention to the controversy surrounding public river access, hoping to protect the land from further desecration.

He said the uncertainty stems largely from the Wasatch County attorneys office, which prosecutes cases in the area.

They issued a statement this week saying the courts havent decided whether anglers accessing the land is technically trespassing, pointing to the multiple ongoing lawsuits.

The county office still looks at cases individually on their own merits, the statement noted, saying that if cops and officials produce sufficient evidence, they would charge trespassers.

It's even more empty now, after a Utah Department of Transportation contractor razed hundreds of trees last year to make room for a state-sanctioned trail that has yet to be built, which was called off when people like Ault questioned its legality

Ault's request to redraw the county lines, meanwhile, has yet to be heard, as the state project remains in limbo

'Wasatch County takes its responsibility to uphold the law very seriously,' the office told The Tribune.

'However,' they added, 'we also take our ethical responsibility to not prosecute persons who may not be violating the law very seriously.'

Meanwhile, the state Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands hired a river analyst tasked with settling such disputes six years ago, but the Tribune reported that person has since been relieved.

In the meantime, now such determinations have been made, and the shores lining the stretch of the Lower Provo river remain marred either by unfinished construction or trash from visitors, Ault said.

Layne Edwards, who owns Park City Fly Fishing Guides, said this has left people from both sides frustrated, with no swift solution in sight.

We have folks that are paying us to take them on a guided trip, and we have a responsibility to provide them with a positive experience, Edwards told the Tribune, noting how his agency has not had any clients seek a tour along the river in more than a year.

'And the last thing that I would want our guests to experience would be a bunch of negative energy.

He blamed the 'no trespassing' signs put up by property owners like Ault, and the ensuing conflicts it created between anglers and property owners.

Ault's request to redraw the county lines, meanwhile, has yet to be heard, as the state project - like local fishermen's rights - remains in limbo.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Wasatch County Attorney for comment and further clarification on the current situation.
A monster who killed his baby son must serve extra jail time for possessing indecent images of children aged as young as four or five.

Last year Reece Kelly was convicted of murdering his four-month-old baby son Dallas, and of child neglect.

A jury at Carlisle Crown Court had found the 31-year-old unanimously guilty after hearing that Dallas had been shaken violently while Kelly was alone with the baby and his mother was at work.

Dallas sustained catastrophic injuries, was in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived at the family's home in Workington, Cumbria, on October 15, 2021. He tragically died in hospital four days later.

A senior crown prosecutor later said: 'This is a case that will stay with me.'

Reece Kelly, 31 (pictured) was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 18 years for the murder of his baby son Dallas Kelly at Carlisle Crown Court on Tuesday

Mother Georgia Wright, 23, (pictured) from Hunday Court, Workington was also jailed for three years for child cruelty

Kelly previously of Hunday Court, Workington, admitted manslaughter but denied he intended to cause his young son really serious harm.

However, jurors dismissed his denial after hearing that Dallas's injuries were consistent with a multi-storey building fall or a fatal road crash.

He died from a traumatic brain injury and had also sustained eye and spinal bleeds, along with fingertip bruising behind his chest.

During Kelly's crown court trial, he was dubbed a 'monster' by the baby's mother, who learned only on day one of the trial that her former partner was admitting responsibility for their son's death.

Kelly was handed a mandatory life sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years behind bars before being eligible for parole.

But he was swiftly brought back to court after it emerged he had committed other, separate offences.

'His phone was seized on his arrest,' Tim Evans, prosecuting, told the crown court today. 'Examination and analysis of that phone featured in detail in the murder trial.

'There were numerous messages to do with the organisation and delivery of non-prescription class C drugs. These were the basis of child cruelty matters and, indeed, some of the difficulties withdrawing from the drugs leading to the offences of violence he committed against his child.'

But analysis of Kelly's handset also revealed the presence of deeply disturbing illegal images of young girls, some aged just four or five, being sexually abused.

Drugs found in the parents home. Mr Justice Dove said the murder occurred against an 'extremely disturbing' background of family life in which both defendants were 'pre-occupied' with obtaining and consuming drugs

Drugs recovered from the home of Reece Kelly and Georgia Wright. Later on 29 illegal still pictures were classed in category A, the most serious bracket, showing penetrative sexual activity between adults and young females were discovered on Kelly's phone

Twenty-nine illegal still pictures were classed in category A, the most serious bracket, showing penetrative sexual activity between adults and young females. There were four images classed in category B and 136 in category C.

When initially brought to court, Kelly pleaded not guilty to wrongdoing and claimed someone else had been using the handset. His trial had been due to take place this week.

But this morning, appearing remotely over a prison video link from HMP Frankland, Kelly admitted three counts of making indecent photographs of children between 16th September and 22nd October, 2021.

An expert's report had been produced following scrutiny of the phone, and Mr Evans said: 'It was in his possession throughout the period of time covered by the murder indictment (charge sheet), the cruelty indictment and this offending; these images.'

He had also told the court: 'They (the images) were inaccessible at the time of examination of the phone. 'Data showed they had been accessed and it was plain it was this defendant who was accessing them.'

Defence solicitor Tariq Khawam said the mitigation available to Kelly was 'limited'. 'He has pleaded guilty,' said Mr Khawam. 'Other phones were seized from the defendant. Nothing of this nature was located on those phones.'

Judge Nicholas Barker concluded that the High Court judge who had originally sentenced Kelly for murder and cruelty would have treated the indecent image offences as an aggravated feature.

Judge Barker imposed a 10-month prison term for the latest offences. 'That sentence will be served consecutively to the minimum term which was passed in your life sentence,' he told Kelly.

Judge Barker also ordered that Kelly should be permanently deprived of the phone on which illegal images were found.
He was arrested after two 9mm bullets were found in his bag

An American dad is being released on time served after he was jailed in Turks and Caicos for having ammunition in his luggage.

Tyler Wenrich, 31, was charged on April 23 after two 9mm bullets were discovered at a security checkpoint as he tried to get back on a cruise ship following a beach day.

He was arrested by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and was expected to be sentenced for over a decade.

But a Turks and Caicos judge instead ordered Wenrich to pay $9,000 and serve three weeks of prison time, which has already been covered by the time he served before he was released on bail today.

He will be free to leave the islands after the fine is paid, for which the deadline is this Sunday.

Wenrich, a paramedic from Virginia with a wife and year-and-a-half-old son is the second American to be released recently on a weapons charges.

Tyler Wenrich, 31, has been released and fined $9,000 after he was arrested for possessing two bullets in his bag in Turks and Caicos

After the decision was announced, Wenrich said: 'A weight has been lifted off my shoulders and my wife, and I'm glad that I get to go home and be with my son again.'

Republican Virginia representative Bob Good later said in a statement that he was 'pleased.'

'This is the result we were seeking on my trip with congressional colleagues last week to the Turks & Caicos.

'We met with government officials to advocate for the release of all the American detainees who were facing a 12 year prison sentences for accidental and non-threatening offenses.

'In Tyler's case, it was two stray rounds of ammunition that had fallen into the liner of his backpack. We are thankful to all who worked and prayed on Tyler's behalf.

While in jail, Werich had described the experience as a 'nightmare' and said that the entire ordeal was an 'honest mistake'.

Wenrich, a paramedic from Virginia with a wife and year-and-a-half-old son is the second American to be released on a weapons charges

While in jail, Werich had described the experience as a 'nightmare' and said that the entire ordeal was an 'honest mistake'

'I can almost not wrap my head around it still, and I'm living in it. You know, it's hard to. It's hard to believe that it's happening. And it's definitely a nightmare.

'I've used that bag to go to the shooting range with friends and to carry my firearm in the past,' Wenrich told NBC Boston.

'So it was, you know, I checked it before I left, and it was just a complete oversight on me, TSA, and the port security, you know. Three groups missed that ammunition,' he added.

He had posted bail in the first week of May after being turned over to authorities in Turks and Caicos.

Wenrich then spent three nights in jail before being moved to a prison for nine more.

'It was extremely difficult. The conditions were difficult but the people were more phenomenal, which helped.

'It was still a very it was a very hard situation to be in. It's definitely the hardest thing I've ever had to go through,' Wenrich said.

The paramedic is the one of the five people who were arrested for possessing ammunition. The fate of the remaining three is not yet known.
A German toddler has become an international artistic sensation after selling his horse, cat, and duck paintings for thousands.

Dubbed a 'pint-sized Picasso', Laurent Schwarz, two, from Bavaria, is raking in up to 6,500 on the international market thanks to his colourful works.

Far from stick figures, three-wheeled cars, and misshaped farm animals, Laurent's paintings have an air of professionalism about them, making them appear gallery-worthy thanks to their abstract quality.

His proud mother, Lisa Schwarz, 32, realised little Laurent had a special talent while on a family holiday in South Tyrol, Italy, last September.

'There was a painting room in the hotel and we couldn't get him out of it,' she told The Times.

Laurent Schwarz, two, from Bavaria, is raking in up to 6,500 on the international market thanks to his colourful works

A New York art gallery has also reached out to the tot's mum with an offer to put Laurent's work on display with the two-year-old's first vernissage set to take place in his Alpine home village of Neubeuern in August

When they arrived back home, Lisa decided to set up a studio for her paint-loving son which he stayed in all the time.

The artworks began coming in thick and fast as Laurent created painting after painting in his dedicated room.

Lisa was so proud of his pieces that she set up an Instagram channel solely for sharing her son's art on.

One of the first paintings she uploaded was of a piece called 'The Fingers' - a mixture of reds, yellows, and blues, that would blend in perfectly on a wall at the Tate Modern.

After the first post was shared with the world, Lisa revealed it 'triggered a real hype' and the likes and follows came quickly pouring in.

Laurent's page has attracted over a staggering 28,500 followers with the comments sections of his posts raking in up to more than 400 comments praising him on his talent.

The quick rise to social media fame sparked Lisa to start selling some of her son's work on a website called laurents.art.

His acrylic on canvas paintings even gained interest at Munich's biggest art fair ART MUC, in April, and sold to buyers from Britain to the Bahamas.

A New York art gallery has also reached out to the tot's mum with an offer to put Laurent's work on display with the two-year-old's first vernissage set to take place in his Alpine home village of Neubeuern in August.

His proud mother, Lisa Schwarz, 32, realised little Laurent had a special talent while on a family holiday in South Tyrol, Italy , last September

Footage and photos posted on Laurent's social media channels of him producing his pieces show him using tools including brushes, rollers, spatulas, and his fingers to bring his work to life.

'They're abstracts and what's unusual is how he integrates discernible figures into them, which people often mention to us and which makes them so popular,' said Lisa, who owns an interior design firm with her husband, Philipp.

The mother also pointed out that in many pieces, his love for animals - particularly elephants, dinosaurs, and horses - is shown, as well as his passion for using vibrant colours.

Lisa framed and hung up several of Laurent's works around the family home, but revealed most have now been sold.

The paintings that have made their way into the homes of lucky buyers include The Blue Horse, a 31.5in by 39.4in work featuring a horse amid a burst of colour.

Another which has been sold is titled The Cat, and is a swirl of blues and hints of pink from which a cat stares out with a large, bulbous eye.

The proceeds from the painting sales are being transferred straight into an account for Laurent, which he will have access to when he turns 18, Lisa said.

'It's totally up to him when and what he paints,' Lisa added.

'Sometimes he doesn't feel like painting and doesn't set foot in his studio for three or four weeks but then suddenly it grabs him and he says, 'Mama, painting.'
Diane Abbott has had the Labour whip restored but might yet be blocked from standing as a party candidate at the general election, it emerged tonight.

The veteran left-winger, who has been MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987, was suspended from Labour's parliamentary party for more than a year.

The action was taken against Ms Abbott amid an investigation into her comments about Jewish people in a letter to the Observer newspaper in April last year.

Sir Keir Starmer faced fury from Labour's left-wing after it was earlier revealed the race row probe ended months ago - but still with no clarity on Ms Abbott's future.

It is now understood Ms Abbott was given back the Labour whip today, although it is unclear whether she will stand as a party candidate at the general election.

The Times reported Labour sources were adamant the 70-year-old would not be endorsed as a candidate by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee.

Such a move could bring to an end Ms Abbott's 37-year spell as an MP

There is anger at Sir Keir from even among the party leader's allies at Labour's treatment of Ms Abbott, who was the first female black MP in the House of Commons.

John McTernan, who was Tony Blair's political secretary, said: 'It's not for the Labour Party to ban a woman with Diane Abbott's record from standing for the Labour Party if that's what she wishes to do.'

He added: 'This kind of briefing is aimed at humiliating her and that is disgraceful, utterly disgraceful.

'Whoever is responsible for this should hand their head in shame.'

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who himself was banned for standing for the party at the general election and is now running as an independent candidate, claimed Ms Abbott had been 'disgracefully treated' by Labour bosses.

Ms Abbott recently 'liked' a social media post by Mr Corbyn's wife Laura Alvarez praising his decision to stand against Labour in his Islington North constituency.

Endorsing anyone other than a Labour candidate in an election risks being a breach of party membership rules.

Diane Abbott has had the Labour whip restored but might yet be blocked from standing as a party candidate at the general election

Sir Keir Starmer faced fury from Labour's left-wing after it was earlier revealed the race row probe ended months ago - but still with no clarity on Ms Abbott's future

Mr Corbyn told the PoliticsJoe website: 'Diane has been disgracefully treated by the Labour Party and by, particularly, the individual national officials of the party - all of them.'

He added: 'If she's reinstated, good. If not she's got a choice of her own to make. But whatever she does, I'll support her.'

Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson said: 'Solidarity with Diane, undeniably a trailblazer & a hero of our movement.

'At a time when all our energy should be focussed on throwing the Tories out, this process looks nakedly factional.

'Diane should have the whip restored now so she can stand as Labour's candidate in the GE.'

Senior aides to Sir Keir were earlier said to be discussing returning the Labour whip to Ms Abbott before the election, if she does not run as a party candidate, to allow her to leave politics 'with dignity'.

The possibility of a ban on Ms Abbott standing for Labour at the general election has sparked a fresh war between Sir Keir's team and the party's left-wing.

It also came amid a row over claims Sir Keir is lining up key allies to a string of safe seats after six current Labour MPs announced last-minute retirements.

A spokesman for the Momentum group said: 'Restoring the whip only to block Diane would be outrageous.

'Following a farcical, factional process, she has had the whip restored. Her local party reselected her unanimously. That should be the end of the matter.

'Anything less is a slap in the face to Diane, her constituents and the millions inspired by her example as Britain's first black woman MP.'

Ms Abbott, who has been MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987, has been suspended from the party since April last year

Ms Abbott issued a public apology to 'wholly and unreservedly withdraw my remarks and disassociate myself from them' in April last year

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn , who himself was banned for standing for the party at the general election, claimed Ms Abbott had been 'disgracefully treated' by Labour bosses

Ms Abbott issued a swift apology for her remarks in April last year, after she suggested Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience 'prejudice' but are not 'subject to racism'.

She was forced to sit as an independent MP in the House of Commons while a probe was launched into her remarks.

The BBC reported that Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) wrote to Ms Abbott in December 2023 saying it had concluded its eight-month inquiry.

It issued her with a 'formal warning' for 'engaging in conduct that was in the opinion of the NEC, prejudicial and grossly detrimental to the Labour Party', it was claimed.

The NEC also reportedly said it expected Ms Abbott to undertake an 'online, e-learning module', described as an 'antisemitism awareness course', which she is said to have completed in February.

Sir Keir last week refused to be drawn on whether Ms Abbott would be allowed to stand as a Labour candidate in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

'The NEC will be coming to decisions on the final list of candidates in due course, so you'll see that when the decisions are taken,' the Labour leader said on Saturday.

Labour told BBC Newsnight that it does not comment on disciplinary cases.

Sir Keir told reporters on a general election campaign visit to Stevenage this afternoon: 'Well, the process overall is obviously a little longer than the fact finding exercise.

'But in the end, this is a matter that will have to be resolved by the National Executive Committee, and they will do that in due course.'

The revelation that the probe into Ms Abbott had actually concluded months ago sparked intense anger on Labour's left-wing.

A Momentum spokesman said: 'This is outrageous news which confirms the Starmer leadership is trying to force Britain's first black woman MP out of Parliament.

'For months we have been told by Keir Starmer that the process is independent and it's nothing to do with him.

'Today's revelation confirms this is another brazen lie from Keir Starmer - the investigation was concluded months ago, Diane remains a Labour member and the whip should already have been restored as a result.

'Starmer's conduct has already been insulting and demeaning to a woman he rightly called a 'trailblazer' - the first step to making amends is to restore the whip and let Diane run as the Labour candidate, as local members wish.'

Meanwhile, the Guardian reported that key allies of Sir Keir are expected to be lined up as candidates in a string of safe seats.

There has been a last-minute spate of Labour MPs announcing they will stand down from the Commons ahead of the 4 July general election.

They include Barbara Keeley, John Cryer, John Spellar, Virendra Sharma, Kevin Brennan and Julie Elliott.

Senior Labour figures close to Sir Keir - including NEC members - are tipped to chosen as candidates in the now-vacant seats.
A content creator appeared head over heels for her Hinge date who asked her to marry him while they were walking in Madison Square Park.

Annika Osterlund, 21, posted a viral TikTok video on May 27 of her saying yes to a proposal made by a man during their first date.

Osterlund's date, whom she did not identify in the video, got down on one knee and popped the question while the emotional TikToker smiled.

The newly engaged couple happily walked away, but Osterlund revealed in a follow-up TikTok video that she and her Hinge date were not getting married.

'I should probably preface this by saying we were both in on this; we decided to do it together,' she wrote in the comment section of her proposal video.

Content creator Annika Osterland, 21, posted multiple TikTok videos yesterday that centered around a fake proposal that she and her Hinge date did at Madison Square Park

Osterlund has regularly posted videos on her YouTube (@AnnikaOsterlund) and TikTok (@bigfishenergy) accounts for nearly 10 years.

The Massachusetts native currently lives in New York, which is where her Hinge date jokingly asked her to marry him.

The two of them were casually walking in Madison Square Park while Osterlund was holding a small flower bouquet before her date got down on one knee.

Many park goers surrounding the two of them began to cheer and clap for them both after they heard her say yes to his fake marriage proposal.

Osterlund's date then raised one fist in the air right after they shared what she revealed in another TikTok video was their first kiss.

'If you saw me get engaged in Madison Square Park yesterday, know that was a first Hinge date, and when we kissed after I said yes, that was the first time we had ever kissed,' she wrote in the video.

The unidentified man in Osterlund's video had a smile just as big as Osterlund's, and a park-goer on a bench even high-fived him after the proposal.

Osterlund and her date appeared to be getting along great in the video, but their possible love story may already be over.

Osterlund admitted in the comment section of one of her videos that the proposal was her idea, but he bought the ring himself

Osterlund actively engaged with the comments left by TikTokers on the videos she posted yesterday, particularly those wrote about her and her Hinge date's joke.

According to the TikTok user, her Hinge date lives on the other side of the country.

'My man actually lives in San Diego, so I may never see him again, which makes it even more insane,' she wrote yesterday in a comment section.

One person who commented on the proposal video even asked Osterlund how many times her date has done this, to which she said 'probably never.'

Osterlund also revealed that he had bought the ring himself, but she was unsure where he had gotten it.

Several TikTokers who commented on the videos congratulated her on what they assumed was a real engagement.

A few TikTokers were hoping that Osterlund and her unidentified date were still going out. However, she confirmed that he lives in California and will probably not see him again

'That's such a cure first kiss. You have the mental prep and it's also silly and goofy,' a commenter wrote in her proposal video.

TikTokers hardly wrote about the fact he was a Hinge date, but one person wanted to find a successful relationship on the dating app.

'This makes me want to get back on Hinge so that I can find someone to do this with,' the commenter wrote.

Other users praised the proposal on her three TikTok videos she posted yesterday, and one person even wished Osterlund and her fake fiance have 'a long thriving relationship.'
Skiboky Stora, 40, allegedly struck the social media star in the face in NYC

The man accused of punching TikToker Halley Kate will represent himself at trial

The failed mayoral candidate accused of punching TikToker Halley Kate on the streets of New York City will represent himself at trial after he pleaded not guilty.

Skiboky Stora, 40, allegedly struck the social media star in the face as she walked around the Chelsea neighborhood on March 25.

He appeared in New York Supreme Court on Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty to third degree assault as a hate crime and asked to be allowed to represent himself.

Justice Althea Drysdale warned him he may not be able to prepare a good defense as he lacks the skills of a trained lawyer, but he said he understood the risks.

Prosecutors claimed Stora had a six-month pattern of hate crimes between September 2023 and March this year and the victims also included a 17-year-old boy walking to school, an assistant principal and a Jewish couple.

Failed mayoral candidate Skiboky Stora, 40, accused of punching TikToker Halley Kate on the streets of New York City, will represent himself at trial after he pleaded not guilty

They asked the judge to increase his bail from $10,000 to $25,000, but this was denied and a restraining order was issued on behalf of the four alleged victims.

TikTok star Kate, 23, recorded herself moments after being punched in the face and pointed to the large 'devil horn' sized bump on the left side of her forehead in a video viewed more than 50 million times.

Stora was arrested two days after the incident and linked to a string of other attacks in the city.

He asked to represent himself in the latest hearing and told the court, 'I don't want you to violate my rights. A white judge was saying I don't have the right as a black person to represent myself.'

Justice Drysdale told him he risks conviction as he may not be able to put up an adequate defense, but he said he understood and she ruled he could represent himself.

He appeared in New York Supreme Court on Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty to third degree assault as a hate crime and asked to be allowed to represent himself

Stora allegedly struck social media star Kate in the face as she walked around the Chelsea neighborhood on March 25

Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Edward Smith asked for Storas bail to be increased to $25,000 as he faces a longer sentence due to the harsher charges.

The defendant is charged with a six month pattern of hate crimes between September 2023 and March 2024, he said.

One of the victims is a white 17-year-old boy who was walking to school and crossed paths with the defendant.

He elbowed him in the neck and said you people think you can do whatever the f*** you want.

October 26, 2023, the defendant attacked a second victim who was the assistant principal at the school of the first, a fair skinned Hispanic woman.

The defendant completely unprovoked, elbowed her in the left shoulder causing bruising.

The influencer, who has over one million followers on TikTok, said she lost consciousness and fell to the floor after the assault

The prosecutor added that Stora was allegedly tearing down posters of kidnapped Israeli hostages at East 15th Street and Fifth Avenue when a Jewish couple caught him on camera.

The wife, a white blonde Jewish woman, took a photo and continued to watch as he tore down more posters, Smith said.

He noticed them looking and became enraged, following and yelling at them. He zig zagged back and forth, continuing to follow them and shouted f*** you white boy, do you want to fight.

As the couple hurried into a lobby, the defendant pursued them inside. He said Die Jews die.

He added, March 25, 2024, the last victim, a young white woman, was looking at her phone when the defendant struck her in the head and knocked her down to the ground.

Stora allegedly shouted watch where youre going during the incident involving TikTok star Kate.

Each time the defendant struck he was out on a walk with his black and white dog. He was wearing the same jacket and using the same leash, the prosecutor said.

Routinely harassing women he does not know and while accosting clearly uncomfortable women, he makes racist and misogynist comments.

Justice Althea Drysdale warned him he may not be able to prepare a good defense as he lacks the skills of a trained lawyer but he said he understood the risks

Prosecutors claimed Stora had a six-month pattern of hate crimes between September 2023 and March and the victims also included a 17-year-old boy walking to school, an assistant principal and a Jewish couple

Along with regularly running unsuccessfully for public office, the 40-year-old also performs as a rapper under the moniker Designer Attitude

But Stora denied the accusations as lies and said: Judge, I think the prosecution is using this bail as a weapon to violate my rights and due process.

I have a $10,000 bail, I have nothing to hide. I am just an American citizen who loves my country that came as a refugee.

He claimed he ripped up the hostage posters because he was cleaning up his community and has never met Kate in his life.

Justice Drysdale denied the request to alter his bail but granted a full order of protection and told Stora to return to court on August 6.

Stora has run for office several times in New York City - including tries for mayor, governor and city council member over the past three years.

Along with regularly running unsuccessfully for public office, he also performs as a rapper under the moniker Designer Attitude.

A slew of other women claimed they have been victims of random violence on Manhattan's streets.

TikTok personality Mikayla Toninato says she got punched in the face when she was walking home from class, in a video that has gained 7.4 million views.

Toninato said she was looking at her phone and texting as a man came out of nowhere and hit her in the face.

'I don't know if this is a thing that's going around,' Toninato said - referencing Halley Kate's similar story.

She warned her followers to not walk around on their phones and be 'super aware' of their surroundings.

Mallik Miah, 30, was arrested in March and charged with allegedly assaulting 27-year-old Toninato in Greenwich Village in a broad daylight attack.
Authorities recovered 81 bales of the drug, marking the seventh bust of 2024

French authorities have announced the seizure of nearly 2.65 tons of cocaine from a fishing boat off the coast of the West Indies.

The operation began when the Caribbean Armed Services received a tip from the customs department and flagged a Venezuelan fishing vessel 932 miles northeast of Martinique on May 15.

A helicopter from the surveillance frigate Ventose landed a team on the boat, where they discovered and seized 81 bales of cocaine weighing roughly 2.65 tons. Photos show the stash bound tightly in black plastic.

The crew and their cargo were turned over to Venezuelan authorities, according to the military department.

This marked the seventh drug bust of the year, with a total of over 13 tons of narcotics seized across all operations.

French authorities seized nearly 2.65 tons of cocaine from a fishing boat (pictured) off the coast of the West Indies on May 15

A team from the Caribbean Armed Services landed on the vessel and discovered 81 bales of cocaine (pictured)

Also this month, French authorities conducted two maritime operations off the coast of Martinique, where they coincidentally seized a total of 2.65 tons of cocaine destined for Europe.

On May 2, sailors from Ventose decided to inspect a sailboat sporting a Polish flag, according to a press release. It is unclear if and why they were tipped off.

The boat was intercepted 'in an area widely used by criminal organizations to transfer drugs between vessels,' according to the release.

The French soldiers noticed 'numerous suspicious bundles' that turned out to be filled with around 1,200 kilograms of cocaine. The boat, crew and cargo were taken to Martinique and handed over to the French judicial authorities.

Seven days later, soldiers from the French Navy boarded a flagless service vessel and seized roughly 1,236 kilograms of the drug, which were later destroyed.

French customs officials most recently seized 406 kilograms of cocaine from yet another vessel flying a Polish flag on May 23.

In a wild turn of events, the two crew members attempted to destroy the ship and its cargo by setting it on fire.

Both they and the 19 bales of cocaine were rescued and passed off to investigators.

The development marked the seventh drug bust of the year, with over 13 tons of narcotics seized across all operations

Earlier this month, authorities seized a total 2.65 tons of cocaine in two separate operations

On May 23, French customs officials seized 406 kilograms of the drug from a vessel whose crew members set it on fire in an attempt to destroy the evidence

Authorities have only intensified drug interdiction efforts in the region over the past decade. A whopping 22.7 tons of cocaine were intercepted in the West Indies in 2022, more than five times the amount seized in 2012.

A 2014 press release from the U.S. Department of State identified Martinique and the islands of the French Caribbean as significant transshipment points for drug trafficking.

'The broad expanse of the Caribbean Sea and the proximity to other nations with relatively lax law enforcement and endemic corruption facilitate drug trafficking in the area,' the release noted.

Martinique has long served as a popular shipment hub for substances like cocaine, cannabis products and ecstasy.

While much of the cargo originates in South and Central America and passes through the West Indies to Europe, the State Department also identified syndicates with members from the French Caribbean that were attempting to smuggle drugs to France and neighboring countries.

French Guyana, the islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, the French side of Saint Martin, and St. Barthelemy are all overseas departments of France, meaning they are subject to French law.
A former left-wing environmental activist, who now works for independent media company The Free Press, recently reflected on her time covering the Dakota Access Pipeline protests for progressive social media company NowThis News.

Lucy Biggers, 34, wrote for the outlet that she regrets fueling the intensely emotional flames of the DAPL protest with manipulative, single-sided videos that it was her job to create and promote.

'I called myself a journalist but really I was an early social media influencer, pushing a very specific point of view,' she wrote.

Now, she says she regrets helping an underdeveloped, leftist, view of the issue go viral.

The Dakota Access Pipeline protest lasted for nine months at the end of President Obama's second term. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and thousands of activists gathered in North Dakota to protest against the construction of a crude oil pipeline

Former NowThis News social media journalist/influencer Lucy Biggers wrote for the Free Press about the regret she feels for helping the one-sided protest go viral

In late 2016, with mere weeks to go before the election that saw Hilary Clinton face off against Donald Trump, Biggers wrote that she took a video of actress Shailene Woodley speaking passionately about protest, edited together the most impactful lines of her speech, and set the whole thing to 'heartfelt' and 'somber' music.

The video collected millions of views in the subsequent weeks, bringing increased attention to the North Dakota protest site, which became known as Standing Rock.

'I'm calling out to everyone in this room tonight, show up. Don't just tweet about it. Don't just feed off of me being arrested. Go to Standing Rock. Go to Standing Rock,' said a glammed up and visually emotional Woodley.

She was flanked on either side by Standing Rock Sioux Tribe members as she spoke as the Environmental Media Association award reception.

As the clip went viral, and then even more viral, Biggers said she began to feel a 'small pit of anxiety' in her stomach that 'maybe this issue wasn't as black and white as I framed it for our audience.'

The thought, she said, was largely quelled at the time by the belief that her 'side' was fueled by moral conviction, while the other side was fueled only by corporate greed.

'Thinking back on it, I can see now that the story played on the sense of white guilt that I had developed while working in such a left-leaning news environment,' wrote Biggers.

'By highlighting the marginalized voices of these Native American activists, I could make up for my privilege,' she added, further noting that she did not wish to alienate her progressive-minded viewers and followers, or her friends and colleagues by presenting any sort of opposing argument.

Biggers, now a wife and mother with a more 'realistic' perspective, says she felt a little bit of anxiety at the time presenting what she knew was a single-sided argument about the protestors and their cause

EXCLUSIVE: President Obama on Dakota Access Pipeline protests: There's an obligation for authorities to show restraint" pic.twitter.com/UMOklVpldw  NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact) November 2, 2016

The DAPL protests went on for months, culminating in an announcement from the outgoing Obama administration that work on the pipeline would be halted

Actress Shailene Woodley became a celebrity face of the Standing Rock protest after spending many months involved in the issue and even getting arrested at one point

In December of 2016, outgoing President Barack Obama ordered that construction of the DAPL be stopped. which the protestors clocked as an obvious victory for their team.

Though, Donald Trump would soon be sworn into office and almost immediately order pipeline construction to start back up again.

But the protestors had already abandoned their camp by then, and left behind forty-eight million pounds of garbage that would cost North Dakotan taxpayers $1million to clean up, wrote Biggers.

She said that, at the time, she chose not to highlight the cleanup effort because she didn't wish to 'crush the illusion' of the protest that had 'inspired the world.'

Only after the young social-media journalist departed from her job at NowThis News and began consuming different sorts of news outlets and books about climate change did she come to realize that 'the environmental causes I had so breathlessly championed were much more complicated than good versus evil.'

The Dakota Access Pipeline has now been operating for years and has done significant good for its state of origin, and the rest of the country.

It carries more than half-a-million barrels of crude oil per day from North Dakota to an oil tank farm Illinois, where it can be stores and further distributed.

Furthermore, wrote Biggers, 'the chances of the pipeline despoiling Lake Oahe are exceedingly slim.'

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe initially took issue with the construction of the pipeline because it was slated to be routed under Lake Oahe, which the tribe considers to be sacred water.

Now, points out Biggers, several Native American tribes in North Dakota even rely upon the pipeline to transport oil that is drilled on their land.

Woodley rallied her fans and followers to join her at the protest site in North Dakota

By the time protestors left in February of 2017, they had abandoned 48 million pounds of garbage, which the taxpayers of North Dakota had to pay to clean up

Finally, Biggers says that now, as a wife and mother, she has come into a more 'realistic' understanding of 'the world we all share.'

'Ive been hesitant to talk about my new, more complex views on energy, climate, and sustainability because Ive been too afraid to face the inevitable backlash.

'Ive watched these past few years as the climate movement has become increasingly radical, defacing famous pieces of art, blocking traffic and even ambulances, and cementing their hands to roads,' she wrote, adding too that climate activists have become focused on issues like 'freeing Palestine,' and 'tearing down capitalism,' which hardly seem related to conservation and the reduction of carbon emissions.

She closed her piece by saying that she has been reluctant to speak publicly about her newly-ish developed centrist views, but feels she cannot wait any longer, for fear, especially, that people 'with fewer radical ideas' may be having trouble countering the 'irrational, destructive goals' of noisy activists.
Lunden Roberts, the woman who had an out-of-wedlock child with Hunter Biden, will release a tell-all book about their relationship amid this summer's Democratic National Convention.

On Tuesday, Skyhorse Publishing announced Out of the Shadows: My Life Inside the Wild World of Hunter Biden, which will be released on August 20.

The book teases a 'rollercoaster ride of a relationship' between Hunter and Roberts, who gave birth to five-year-old Navy Joan in August 2018.

'He was sitting there wearing nothing but parrot boxer briefs, organizing his pipes on his Rosemont Seneca desk,' Roberts wrote, in a brief excerpt shared. 'I was sitting in Barack Obama's actual chair from the Senate floor.'

'I took another look at Hunter - this kind, intense, and startlingly transparent man - and thought, "this is definitely a guy I want to get to know better,"' Roberts recalled.

Lunden Roberts, the woman who had an out-of-wedlock child with Hunter Biden, has written a tell-all book about her relationship with the current first son, which will be released amid the Democratic National Convention in August

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden didn't acknowledge that they had a seventh grandchild until last summer. Lunden Roberts (right) and Navy Joan (left) pose for a picture

The publishing house teased that Roberts' book will touch on 'the drug cook working in Rosemont Seneca's kitchen' and 'strip clubs where Hunter might try to the pole himself.'

Roberts was reportedly working at the Mpire strip club in Washington, D.C. during her brief fling with the current first son.

It teases that Roberts protected Hunter 'from would-be terrorists in New York City' and described an altercation between the baby mama and a 'crazed MMA fighter' involving two guns.

The book will reveal 'dozens of other stories that make the laptop debacle seem routine.'

The relationship between Hunter and Roberts happened in late 2017 amid a particularly tumultuous in the younger Biden's life, as he became addicted to crack cocaine after his brother Beau's 2015 death.

He had also been dating Beau Biden's widow Hallie.

In his own memoir, Beautiful Things, Hunter admits that besides Hallie the 'other women I'd been with during rampages since my divorce were hardly the dating type.'

Hunter Biden, seen heading into a Wilminton, Delaware court appearance last week, wrote in his 2021 memoir that he did not recall his tryst with Lunden Roberts, which resulted in their five-year-old daughter Navy Joan

Lunden Roberts poses for a picture while out in Georgetown, close to where Hunter Biden had an office

Lunden Roberts (right) gives an air kiss to Navy Joan (left), who the Bidens recognized for the first time publicly last July

He wrote, 'We would satisfy our immediate needs and little else. I'm not proud of it.'

'It's why I would later challenge in court the woman in Arkansas who had a baby in 2018 and claimed the child was mine - I had no recollection of our encounter,' the first son admitted. 'That's how little connection I had with anyone. I was a mess, but a mess I've taken responsibility for.'

Once paternity was established President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden acknowledged their seventh grandchild publicly in July 2023.

'Our son Hunter and Navy's mother, Lunden, are working together to foster a relationship that is in the best interests of their daughter, preserving her privacy as much as possible going forward,' the Bidens said in a statement to People magazine.

'This is not a political issue, it's a family matter,' the statement continues. 'Jill and I only want what is best for all of our grandchildren, including Navy.'

During Tuesday's White House press briefing, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about Roberts' forthcoming book and if the president had met Navy Joan.

'I don't have anything to share,' Jean-Pierre told reporters.
David DePape, is seated on the left, in a courtroom sketch during trial proceedings in San Francisco. DePape, who was convicted in federal court in an attack on Paul Pelosi with a hammer, offered a tearful apology in a sentencing hearing. Vicki Behringer/Special to the Chronicle

David DePape cried and apologized for his break-in at former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis home, telling a federal judge during a hearing on Tuesday that he felt horrible about the attack on her husband.

DePape was sentenced to 30 years in prison this month for breaking into the Pelosis home last year and bludgeoning her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer. The judge ordered a redo of the sentencing because DePape wasnt given an opportunity to speak during the sentencing hearing, an oversight U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley called an error in court filings.

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On Tuesday morning, DePape broke down in tears and was comforted by his attorneys as he addressed the courtroom, saying he should have left the Pelosi family home before committing the act of violence. He also said he had reconnected with his mother since the Oct. 28, 2022, attack.

The statement did not alter his prison sentence and the judge again sentenced him to 30 years with credit for time served.

He was convicted in November of attempting to kidnap a federal official and assaulting a federal officials family member following a four-day trial.

DePapes attorneys declined to comment following the hearing.

Prior to the attack, DePape boarded a BART train from Richmond and evaded the Pelosis 24-hour security team, breaking through the glass of a window and climbing into the home, where he crept up to the bed where Paul Pelosi was sleeping.

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Paul Pelosi managed to surreptitiously call 911. When police officers arrived at the house, DePape smashed Pelosi over the head with the hammer. He later told officers he had been there on a suicide mission.
A 29-year-old woman has been sentenced to four years in prison after burning a defenceless nine-month old baby with a hairdryer and fracturing the infant's skull.

Lindsay Lawrence of Camron near Falkirk, received her sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh today in connection with child protection offences.

She was found guilty of the assault to severe injury and danger to life, and of willfully exposing a person under 16 years in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering or injury.

The offences were committed in the Falkirk area in December, 2020 when she was looking after the nine-month-old baby boy.

Whilst in her care the child suffered serious injuries including a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain and significant burns to his bottom.

Lyndsay Lawrence will serve four years in prison for her offences against a vulnerable baby whilst it was in her care.

A judge at the High Court, Judge Lord Tyre said it was 'a rather distressing and unpleasant case'.

Lawrence had previously been charged with attempted murder of the baby and acquitted in a trial by jury.

She was also acquitted of an allegation that she fed the baby boy drugs including cocaine and amphetamine.

However she was found guilty of assaulting the child to his severe injury and to the danger of his life.

Lawrence was convicted of inflicting trauma to the head of the baby and by shaking him on Friday 19 April before her sentencing today.

A judge at the High Court, Judge Lord Tyre said: 'Blows to a baby's head and shaking are obviously intentional injuries.

'There can be no excuse whatever for the infliction of such injuries on a small and vulnerable child entrusted to your care.

'To make matters worse, they were committed while you were in a position of trust in relation to the child.'

Lawrence told the court that the child suddenly became unwell and made 'a weird noise'.

'His full body went tense and then it was like he went weak,' she said.

'There was a high pitch shriek, a grunt or a noise. His eyes went back. He was rigid and then he was floppy. He wasn't normal at that point,' Lawrence told the court.

After Lawrence reached her mother and told a neighbour, who worked as a nurse, the emergency services were called.

Under cross examination, prosecutor Lynsey Rodger said: 'The only thing you can do now is to say you don't know what happened because the alternative is to admit you hurt him.'

Lawrence denied causing the child any injuries.

The prosecutor added: '(The baby) had been normal and then all of a sudden, for no reason the accused can explain, there was a change in his demeanour.

'There is only one person that knows what happened to the baby on December 4. That person is the person who caused the injuries.

'The evidence, when you put it together, tells you that the person who caused the injuries is the accused.

'We know the injuries were non-accidental. They were deliberate. They were an assault upon him.'

During the trial, Lord Tyre told jurors that it was 'a rather distressing and unpleasant case'.

The judge shared findings from a report by a consultant pediatrician who saw the baby months after he suffered the injuries.

The report stated that the child had made a good recovery and was a 'happy and alert child'.

Detective Constable Jonathan McRitchie said: 'Lawrence's actions resulted in serious injuries to a defenceless child and she will now face the consequences.

'This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and her conviction should send out a clear message that Police Scotland is committed to bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.

Please report any offences to us. We work closely with our partner agencies who assist in providing the relevant support and assistance to victims of crime.'
This is the moment two drive-by shooters who fled to Morocco and Spain after brutally murdering a 50-year-old in Harlow in 2020 were finally arrested on UK soil as the pair were both convicted of their crimes.

Nana Oppong, 43, and Israar Shah, 39, organised and carried out the brutal killing of dad-of-three Robert Powell in Roydon, in the early hours of June 13, 2020.

Both stood trial at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday charged with murder and possession of a firearm - with Oppong further charged with causing grievous bodily harm and possessing a prohibited weapon.

The pair are set to be sentenced on May 31, after footage captured the moment they were arrested in the UK.

Shah, donning a black and white tracksuit kept a straight face while he was apprehended by cops in what appears to be a car park, and Oppong was seen handcuffed in the back of a vehicle while he nodded along wide-eyed as arrest details were given by an officer.

Israar Shah, 39, was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a firearm following the brutal killing of Robert Powell in June 2020

Nana Oppong was also charged with murder and possession of a firearm - as well as further charges of causing grievous bodily harm and possessing a prohibited weapon

Robert Powell, a 50-year-old dad-of-three, was shot eight times outside a party in 2020

Now, Essex Police Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintended Steve Jennings, revealing how the cold-blooded killers were caught.

Back in 2020, Mr Powell had left a party at an address in Water Lane at around 4.45am before he was fatally shot eight times.

A Ford Kuga, later found to be on cloned number plates, stopped near Mr Powell in the seconds before the shooting, before an individual stepped out of the vehicle and gunned him down.

A shot went through Mr Powell and hit two nearby women, causing them injury before the Ford Kuga dashed off from the scene.

Essex Police's investigation later traced the Kuga to an industrial estate in Epping, where it was dumped before being collected hours later.

It is believed that days before the shooting, on June 5, Oppong and Shah had planned an aborted attack on Powell.

Encrypted messages discovered by Essex Police between the killer pair revealed a discussion about a specific type of 9mm ammunition  the same type used to kill the victim.

In the hours following the fatal shooting, Oppong's EncroChat - an encrypted messaging service largely used by organised criminals - deleted several pieces of data, suggesting to cops that the criminal was attempting to erase evidence tying him to the murder.

Shah was then linked to a Toyota Prius recovered from his home address in the days following the shooting.

CCTV footage captured the Prius travelling along with a Vauxhall Zafira to the location of the murder and away from the scene in the moments after the shooting.

The Prius is seen to drive past the party repeatedly in the hour before the murder.

Essex Police's investigation found that Shah, in the Prius, acted as a spotter on the lookout for Mr Powell, while the Zafira was a support vehicle.

CCTV footage captured the Prius travelling along with a Vauxhall Zafira to the location of the murder and away from the scene in the moments after the shooting

Essex Police's investigation found that Shah, in the Prius, acted as a spotter on the lookout for Mr Powell, while the Zafira was a support vehicle

A Ford Kuga, later found to be on cloned number plates, stopped near Mr Powell in the seconds before the shooting, before an individual stepped out of the vehicle and gunned him down

Both vehicles were there to assist the gunman in the Kuga in carrying out the deadly hit.

Both Oppong and Shah fled the country in the days following the killing and were eventually apprehended.

Oppong was located in Morocco in September 2022 after trying to enter the country using false documents. He was extradited back to the UK in June 2023.

He was among 13 fugitives named in a National Crime Agency (NCA) most wanted campaign in 2022.

Shah was located in Spain in December 2022 and extradited back to the UK in March 2023.

Following the long-awaited arrests and convictions, Jennings said: 'This murder was unusual in its level of sophistication, organisation and brutality.

'It was not a spontaneous act of violence, but rather a planned and carefully co-ordinated execution.

'While we may never know why the defendants carried out this murder, it is clear Oppong held a grievance against Robert Powell and was committed to seeing him killed.

'Robert's murder has left his family utterly devastated and they have displayed dignity throughout a years-long investigation and now, a difficult trial.

'We have dedicated countless hours to this investigation, trawling through thousands of hours of CCTV and analysing hundreds of phones.

'Oppong is a committed and high-level criminal, and thought he could use his knowledge of law enforcement tactics and encrypted messaging to evade justice.

Oppong (pictured) was among 13 fugitives named in a National Crime Agency (NCA) most wanted campaign in 2022

'He enlisted the help of Israar Shah to act as a spotter, striking the moment Robert was seen to emerge from a party he had been attending.

'We quickly focused our investigation on the movements of three key vehicles, seen travelling in convoy and clearly used solely to effectively carry out the murder.

'Our investigation then extended to working with partners, including the National Crime Agency, to locate and arrest our suspects.

'It quickly became clear they had fled the country, and thanks to partnership working with law enforcement agencies in the UK and abroad, the net soon closed in on Oppong and Shah.'

David Cater, National Crime Agency Regional Manager for North and West Africa added: 'Nana Oppong and Israar Shah fled the UK after carrying out a callous drive-by shooting that sadly cost Robert Powell his life.

'Both were traced, apprehended and returned to the UK to face the consequences of their crimes.

'In the case of Oppong, an NCA-led extensive campaign to track him down ended in his capture by Moroccan authorities as he tried to enter the country from Spain in the back of a lorry. From there he was swiftly brought back to the UK by officers from our Joint International Crime Centre.

'This is one of many examples that show there is nowhere for offenders to hide. Working with our partners in the UK and overseas, we are committed to capturing wanted fugitives and ensuring they have their day in court.

'We are pleased to have assisted Essex Police's investigation that has resulted in the convictions of these two murderers.'
Multiple people have been injured after an SUV ploughed into a Burger King in Georgia, police have said.

Lawrenceville PD shared dramatic photographs of the large four wheel drive after it smashed through the entrance into patrons.

The driver and several customers all suffered 'minor injuries', cops said.

'The driver will be charged with reckless driving and other traffic related charges,' Lawrenceville PD said, adding that he was taken to the hospital.

Photographs showing the dramatic aftermath of the crash suggest it could have been much worse.

Multiple people have been injured after an SUV ploughed into a Burger King in Georgia, police have said

Lawrenceville PD shared dramatic photographs of the large four wheel drive after it smashed through the entrance into patrons.

The SUV appears to have reversed over a curb into the Burger King joint in Lawrenceville, a north-eastern suburb of Atlanta.

Images show the truck smashed through the front wall and window of the restaurant, completely obliterating the frontage.

Debris was flung meters around from the impact, while metal pillars were smashed aside by the car.

The SUV was also left in a crumpled mess, with the front registration plate and lights missing amid the carnage.

A second image shows dozens of firefighters working to secure the scene after cordoning off the area to the general public. The Burger King outlet has been closed.
A floating pier assembled by the U.S. military meant to be bringing aid to desperate Palestinians in Gaza sustained damage in rough seas and will have to be towed away for repairs after a part broke off, the Biden administration said Tuesday.

Just two weeks after it opened, the pier's operations have been temporarily suspended and repairs could take more than a week. President Biden announced the project in March and White House touted it as a critical tool to get relief to the war-torn population.

The Biden administration had announced the pier as at least a temporary solution to reports of mass suffering and starvation in Gaza. With an estimated $320 million price tag, it provides a way to bring in relief from Cyprus even as Israel resists U.S. pressure to open more land routes for delivery of supplies.

Now, it is set to be towed to the southern Israeli city of Ashdod for repairs which could take 'at least over a week,' Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters Tuesday.

The Pentagon blames rough seas for the problems with the pier. U.S. Central Command said choppy conditions caused four U.S. vessels to break free of the pier. Two of them washed up on shore in Gaza.

A floating pier assembled by the U.S. military meant to be bringing aid to desperate Palestinians in Gaza sustained damage in rough seas and will have to be towed away for repairs after a part broke off, the Biden administration said Tuesday

Footage from land shows the rusted hull of a U.S. Army ship that had been beached amid efforts to free it. Two other vessels are anchored off the beach.

As Singh described it, the Trident pier, which has been anchored to the beach at Rafa, must be removed in order to be worked on.

'Think of that Trident pier as having like a large tee. That top part of the tee disconnected, so that has been recovered. But in order to reassemble everything it's going to to detach from the coastline move up to Ashdod to be reassembled and then reattached - re-anchored back,' she said.

Singh said the pier had handled about 1,000 metric tons (over 2,000 pounds) of aid had been delivered on the pier before it went offline.

Repairs on the U.S.-built floating pier could take more than a week, and relief aid deliveries using the pier to Gaza have been halted. The pier is pictured on May 16

A U.S. Army landing craft is seen beached in Ashdod on Sunday, May 26, 2024, after being swept by wind and current from the temporary humanitarian pier in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

'In order to reassemble everything it's going to to detach from the coastline move up to Ashdod to be reassembled and then reattached,' said Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh

The Pentagon said 1,000 metric tons of aid had been delivered during the two weeks the pier was functioning

The Pentagon blamed rough seas for the mishap

The setback comes after the administration touted the pier and negotiates with top Israeli officials about opening up more land routes for relief

The Pentagon says about 1,000 service members were involved in the project.

White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby, who marked the opening of the pier with a series of TV interviews earlier this month, has said there would be no U.S. boots on the ground in Israel but that U.S. forces would provide security for the pier.

Israeli journalist Caroline Glick posted an image Monday with commentary about the situation, writing that the pier was 'sinking' amid the rough seas.

'The Biden pier in Gaza is sinking into the sea.... ($320m sinking along with it...),' she wrote. The Jewish Press also reported that it was 'sinking.'

'It was never intended to supplant what you can do on the ground,' said Kirby at the White House on Tuesday.

'It's been tough wether - weather plays a role. Mother Nature has a say here and the eastern Med  even in the summertime  can be a pretty rough place,' he said.
There were at least 20 people harvesting mussels on Oregon's Short Beach this weekend who were seriously poisoned after eating them, prompting health officials to tell residents to immediately throw out any mollusks they might still have.

These 20 individuals were struck with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which is a sometimes-deadly foodborne illness that occurs when a person eats a certain naturally occurring marine biotoxin produced by algae.

Symptoms of PSP - which set in 30 to 60 minutes after consuming the contaminated shellfish - include numbness of the mouth and lips, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness, according to an announcement from the Oregon Health Authority.

In severe cases, sufferers can experience shortness of breath or an irregular heartbeat, and in those cases, those people could need a respirator until the toxin is flushed out from their system, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

Some of the 20 people who fell ill with PSP were hospitalized but no one has died.

Pictured: Short Beach in Tillamook County, Oregon, where at least 20 people came down with paralytic shellfish poisoning, a potentially deadly foodborne illness. This beach is roughly 80 miles west of Portland

Pictured: Seal Rock State Park in Oregon. This is the southernmost point of the beach closure initiated by state officials due to elevated PSP levels found in mussels

A spokesperson for the Oregon Health Authority told DailyMail.com that there may be more people infected than the initial 20 that were reported.

Pending additional investigation, the agency will update the case numbers later this week.

State officials initially detected high levels of PSP in the waters of Oregon on last Thursday. That same day, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Department of Agriculture jointly agreed to close a section of coastline stretching as far south as Seal Rock State Park and as north as Cape Lookout.

Unfortunately, the people who got sick were fishing for mussels on Saturday and Sunday off the coast of Short Beach, an area about 12 miles north of the closed zone.

On Sunday, officials responding to the rash of PSP cases by extending the closure up past the border of Washington state.

'The agencies have indicated they are planning additional testing to determine if the threat of PSP still exists,' the Oregon Health Authority said in a statement provided to DailyMail.com.

Emilio DeBess, epidemiologist at the Oregon Public Health Division, told Oregonians to immediately discard any mussels they may have taken home with them.

'If you have any mussels gathered since Saturday from beaches within the area of coastline that ODFW and ODA closed to harvesting  that you are preparing for a meal or keeping in the freezer for a later time  throw them out now and do not feed them to pets,' DeBess said.

This map depicts the exact area of shoreline closed to mussel harvesting. The closure extends past the border of Washington, but it isn't clear how far

Cape Lookout, pictured, was previously the northmost point of the PSP beach closure, but when mussel harvesters north of this point fell ill, state officials extended the closure all the way up into the state of Washington

This is because the toxin that causes PSP doesn't die after being cooked or frozen.

DeBess added that her recommendations don't extend to commercially caught mussels that are available in grocery stores, maintaining that those are safe to eat.

PSP is the most common form of foodborne illness found in shellfish and is also the mostly severe, officials said.

The disease can be found anywhere in the world but is most common off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, according to the press release.

While this outbreak occurred with mussels specifically, PSP can be present in scallops, clams, oysters and cockles, as well as some fish and crabs, according to the CDC.

Officials also emphasized that there is no antidote or cure for PSP, which only makes it all the more imperative that those who feel symptoms go to the doctor or call emergency services.
Speaker Mike Johnson quipped that he spends half of his time as a 'mental health counselor' trying to assuage the concerns of his notoriously free-wheeling and difficult-to-please Republican conference.

'I spend half my day as speaker of the House, the other half is as a mental health counselor,' Johnson told Louisiana radio station Mike and McCarty on Tuesday.

The speaker had been asked if he and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., had 'kissed and made up' after she launched a motion to vacate him from the speakership.

'Oh good grief,' Johnson quipped.

'I don't carry grudges. You know, I don't keep a record. I went up to her right after her ridiculous tirade, and said, "You know what? We're still gonna work together."'

Speaker Mike Johnson quipped that he spends half of his time as a 'mental health counselor' trying to assuage the concerns of his notoriously free-wheeling and difficult-to-please Republican conference

Johnson had spent hours offering Greene a private audience to air her grievances after she threatened to call a vote to oust him, but in the end it was all for nothing: the Republican filed her motion to vacate.

Johnson avoided meeting former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's fate - Democrats voted to table, or kill, the motion and his job was saved.

In an interview with DailyMail.com in November, McCarthy had a piece of advice for his successor: 'Bring in a psychiatrist for many of these members.'

And seven months into his speakership, Johnson also noted the difficulties of the job.

'I mean, the speaker the House in the modern era has an almost impossible scope of things to do. It takes 24 hours every single day. I haven't had a break since October 25 I haven't been alone since October 25 you know, it's a full time thing. I'm not complaining,' he said.

The speaker also accused Chuck Schumer of 'trying to play both sides' on Israel and tore into Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg over electric vehicles.

'I'm a big supporter of Israel, as everybody knows, because I think we have many reasons and obligations to do that, but Chuck Schumer has been trying to play both sides,' the speaker said, adding that Schumer had relented and agreed to invite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress.

'I called his bluff last week,' Johnson said of Schumer. 'I said I would invite Netanyahu myself and just skip over him.'

Johnson turned to Biden's green energy policy, which he said is 'fueling Vladimir Putin's war machine,' and said he didn't even believe Biden knew what he was doing.

'Every time you pause an export of liquefied natural gas off the coast of Louisiana and Texas, which Joe Biden has done by executive order you make Europe and all of our allies in the other parts of the world have to go to Vladimir Putin to get their natural gas. I mean, it's just absolute madness.'

'I looked at President Biden I said, 'Why would you do that?' He looked at me as if he didn't realize he had. I think they're giving him executive orders to sign and he doesn't even understand the implications of it.'

Johnson said Buttigieg 'got embarrassed' on CBS' Face the Nation over the weekend when he was questioned on why $7.5 billion in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill earmarked for EV charging programs had only produced 'seven or eight' charging stations so far.

'[Buttigieg] smiles and says "oh it's very complicated," I mean give me a break,' said Johnson.

The speaker had been asked if he and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene , R-Ga., had 'kissed and made up' after she launched a motion to vacate him from the speakership. 'Oh good grief,' Johnson quipped

'This boondoggle about this, you know, radical green energy agenda is madness,'the speaker went on.

Faced with the less-than-impressive number of charging stations, Buttigieg reiterated to CBS' Margaret Brennan that Biden wanted to build 500,000 stations by 2030.

'Now, in order to do a charger, it's more than just plugging a small device into the ground,' the secretary said. 'There's utility work, and this is also really a new category of federal investment. But we've been working with each of the 50 states.'

'Seven or eight, though?' host Margaret Brennan said with a laugh.

'Again, by 2030, 500,000 chargers,' Buttigieg said. 'And the very first handful of chargers are now already being physically built.'




A grandfather died at an NHS hospital due to misadventure contributed to by neglect after suffering an allergic reaction to a CT scan, a coroner has concluded.

David Horsman, 65, died on March 28, 2022, after he suffered a cardiac arrest in a mobile CT scanner unit located in a car park at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

An inquest heard that a miscommunication between the hospital's switchboard operator and a radiographer conducting the scan 'significantly contributed' to the retired engineer's death.

Bolton Coroners Court was told that the radiographer had made an emergency call to the switchboard operator after David suffered an anaphylactic reaction to the contrast dye with which he had been injected with prior to a routine check up.

But the operator sent the hospital's crash team to a children's ward instead of the mobile scanning van after they took down the call incorrectly and misunderstood a further two.

Coroner John Pollard said this miscommunication led to a 'critical delay' in David receiving the appropriate treatment, as he waited for at least 17 minutes after the first call was made.

David Horsman (pictured) died on March 28, 2022, after he suffered a cardiac arrest in a mobile CT scanner unit located in a car park at the Royal Bolton Hospital

An inquest heard that a miscommunication between the hospital's switchboard operator and a radiographer conducting the scan 'significantly contributed' to the retired engineer's death (file image of Royal Bolton Hospital)

Speaking at the conclusion of the inquest on Friday, the coroner said 'the levels, tone and effectiveness of these calls were far below what we would accept as a reasonable standard'.

After the first first call was made, two more calls were made to the call handler by the radiographer, but they continued to misunderstand the correct location of the cardiac arrest call, even though this would have been displayed on her screen.

In the coroner's view, had the correct location been communicated properly to the crash team, they would have been able to arrive to help David before his cardiac arrest, and on the balance of probabilities, he would have survived.

The scan was taking place as a routine check because David was a bowel cancer survivor. He had never previously experienced a reaction during his annual CT scans.

Following the conclusion of the inquest, David's widow Jane Horsman said: 'David went to the hospital for a routine scan and I stayed home because of covid restrictions still in place at Royal Bolton Hospital. We had no qualms about the procedure and spent the time preparing for a holiday we were about to take.

'I was horrified to receive the call that David had had a reaction to the CT scan procedure, and by the following day my world had been tipped upside down.

'After David was making a good recovery from the bowel cancer three years earlier, his death was completely unforeseen. To lose him when we were at the start of our retirement has been and continues to be devastating.

'To hear of the circumstances surrounding David's death, the failings at Royal Bolton Hospital, have sickened me.I expected that David would be safe and would have trusted the hospital staff to take good care of him if something went wrong. Something did go wrong, but the hospital let David and his family down. I am appalled.

The inquest in David Horsman's death is being held at Bolton coroner's court (pictured)

'I am grateful to the coroner for his careful consideration of what happened on the day before David died.

'I am also grateful for Leigh Day's Stephen Jones' work and support on my case in allowing me to achieve justice for what happened to David.'

Jane Horsman was represented at the inquest by Leigh Day clinical negligence partner Stephen Jones.

Stephen Jones said: 'Listening to the call recordings being played in court and hearing how things went so tragically and unnecessarily wrong was very upsetting.

The process for calling the crash team was quite straightforward but was simply not handled properly. The crash team were reduced to roaming the hospital to try to locate the emergency, and when they finally came across David it proved to be too late to save him. David's death should have been avoided.'
John Swinney was last night ridiculed for insisting only the SNP can protect the NHS  as waiting lists hit a record high of 840,000.

Bombshell figures yesterday revealed soaring numbers of sick people struggling to be seen for treatment, with an extra 16,000 stuck lists in the past three months.

The number of patients waiting more than a year for surgery also jumped by a quarter in the past 12 months to 37,000, as the crisis-hit health service struggles to recruit staff.

Yet the First Minister claimed he would unite Scotland to protect the NHS, despite his governments recovery plan for the service failing to make a dent in treatment times.

John Swinney has insisted only the SNP can protect the NHS  as waiting lists hit a record high

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said the NHS backlog was out of control. He added: It is almost laughable that John Swinney had the cheek to claim the SNP could be trusted to protect our NHS.

After 17 years of SNP failure, A&E waiting times are at record highs, GP practices are closing across the country, and it can take hours for critically ill patients to get an ambulance.

Scots know that the SNP have neglected our health service because of their independence obsession.

The number of people waiting for outpatient appointments, operations and vital tests rose to 840,300 at the end of March. This figure is almost 2 per cent higher than at the end of December and more than double what it was before the pandemic.

Key SNP pledges to eradicate long waits have not been met.

The number of people waiting more than a year stood at 37,761, up a quarter in the past 12 months. Of those, 1,369 have been on the list for more than three years.

In July 2022, then health secretary Humza Yousaf laid out plans to eradicate long waits for treatment, including ending two-year delays for inpatient treatment by September of that year, 18-month waits by September 2023 and waits of more than a year by September this year.

Public Health Scotland, which published the latest figures, said the targets have yet to be achieved, with more than 7,000 people still waiting more than two years. Figures for the eight key diagnostic tests  including colonoscopies, CT scans and MRI scans  showed 150,014 people were still waiting on March 31.

That is 4 per cent higher than the previous quarter, but a decrease of about 2,000 since last year.

Launching the SNPs General Election campaign last week, Mr Swinney tried to make a virtue of his partys management of the NHS. He said: You want a National Health Service you can rely on. Lets unite Scotland to protect our NHS.

Scottish Labours health spokesman Jackie Baillie said: Nearly one in six Scots are now languishing on a waiting list knowing that this SNP governments incompetence could be a matter of life and death.

Scottish taxpayers are spending more but not getting even the basic guarantee that they will be cared for in return.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the blame lies solely at the door of the SNP.

The Scottish Government said it was determined to ensure people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible, adding: We know there are still unacceptable waits in some specialities, but we are making progress.
Voters sick of a failing SNP government can make July 4 their own independence day from the shambolic party, Douglas Ross said yesterday.

The Scottish Conservative leader said his party could wipe the yellow off the map at the General Election and refocus the countrys priorities.

Launching his partys campaign, Mr Ross said it was time to end the battles over the constitution and instead fix the NHS and tackle crime.

Speaking at the Royal George Hotel in Perth, he said: By beating the SNP in key seats up and down the country, we can get the focus on two things that really matter to people.

I am looking forward to July 4. The SNP say it will be their independence day  and for once they may be right. Because I think 4th July will be the day Scotland finally votes to be free of the SNP.

Douglas Ross launches the Scottish Tory campaign in Perthshire on Tuesday

The day we end the era of Salmond, Sturgeon and Swinney. The day we finish the job and get the nationalists out for good. The day we hammer the nail all the way into the SNPs independence campaign.

Its the opportunity weve been waiting for  the chance to say no more to the Nationalists.

On July 4th, we can wipe the yellow off the map and put blue on the board in Scotland. The Scottish Conservative campaign is already firing on all cylinders.

Mr Ross said the SNPs continued obsession with breaking up the UK was to the detriment of the voting public. He said it was clear where the governments focus lay after First Minister John Swinney said all of his ministers are ministers for independence.

Speaking to the Scottish Daily Mail, Mr Ross added: Its going to the heart of his government, and its going to be page one, line one of the SNP manifesto.

Well, at the front of the Conservative manifesto here in Scotland, its going to be about upgrading key roads, its going to be about recruiting more doctors, its going to be about making our streets safer and tackling crime.

This is going to be a crucial election and we know in key seats the difference between a Nationalist being elected and obsessing about independence or a Scottish Conservative being elected and focusing on the real priorities will be very close.

So thats why we need voters to unite behind the Scottish Conservatives, not to stay at home. To turn out on July 4 to beat the SNP so we can end their obsession with independence. And we can get the discussion and the debate here in Scotland on improving our NHS, raising educational standards and investing in local communities.

One of those key seats was where the Tory campaign was launched  Perth and Kinross-shire, where former MP Luke Graham is looking to unseat Pete Wishart, the SNPs longest-serving MP. Mr Ross said his 2017 electoral success in Moray set a precedent for voters uniting behind his party to end Nationalist leadership.

The opposition leader, who will step down as an MP to concentrate on his job as an MSP, said: I come at this from personal experience. Up until 2017 the Moray seat that I currently represent had been represented by the SNP since 1987.

So it took voters of all parties coming behind me as a Scottish Conservative candidate, the best candidate to beat the SNP, and we did it.

Other key battlegrounds are West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, where incumbent Conservative MP Andrew Bowie holds a slim majority of 843.

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, the location of a recent campaign visit from Mr Swinney, will also be hotly contested as Tory MP David Mundell aims to hold on to his majority of more than 3,000.

Dr Sandesh Gulhane, a Tory MSP, has set his sights on East Renfrewshire, where he hopes to overturn the SNPs 5,000 majority. Voters there have elected a different party in the past three elections.

Mr Ross has highlighted the new SNP leaders record of failure as Alex Salmonds finance secretary, Nicola Sturgeons deputy and Humza Yousafs most prominent supporter  and condemned his copy-and-paste approach to forming a cabinet.

He said: Lets seize on this once in a generation chance to deliver a fatal blow to the SNP. Lets grab the chance to kick out their candidates in every part of Scotland, lets bring the curtain down on the SNPs domination of Scottish politics.

Now is the time to give them the election nightmare that is long overdue.

Mr Wishart, whose former Perth and North Perthshire seat has been renamed after its boundaries were redrawn, said: Theres only going to be one of two people who are going to win in this constituency and thats going to be either me or the Conservative.

This is where you have the opportunity to deliver your judgment on the Conservative Party that has led this Government for the last 14 years. The government of Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson. I hope that you will support me and our positive vision of a Scotland that can be so much better than this. So much better than we have just now.
A crew member who suffered life-altering injuries when a US Navy ship toppled over while in dry dock in Edinburgh has lodged a $10million (8million) claim for damages.

Magin Luis Caballero is suing the US government after research vessel RV Petrel tipped at a 45-degree angle in strong winds in Leith on March 22 last year.

More than 30 people were hurt, with some sustaining life-changing injuries.

The RV Petrel ended up at a 45-degree angle during strong winds

Mr Caballero, from Houston, Texas, worked as an assistant cook on the ship for US Navy contractor Oceaneering International.

He claims he was thrown across the kitchen, smashing into a table, when the ship became dislodged. His lawyers say he has been unable to return to work and needs serious, ongoing medical care.

They claim the US government failed to provide a safe working environment for him.

He is seeking $10million for mental anguish, pain and suffering, physical impairment and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, past and future medical expenses, maintenance and cure, attorneys fees and loss of earnings.

The ship tipped over in dry dock

RV Petrel had been moored at the Leith dockyard since September 2020.

A joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive and Police Scotland into the incident is continuing.
Sheriffs officials in San Benito County warned that a man escaped from jail after scaling a barbed-wire fence. Jacom Stephens/Getty Images

A man escaped San Benito County Jail in Hollister by hopping a barbed wire fence early Tuesday morning, according to representatives of the sheriffs office.

Hours later authorities were searching for Daniel Lopez Zavala, 38, who was last seen in orange jail-issued pants, a brown shirt and black shoes. They described him as 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing 190 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and distinctive tattoos.

Skulls and portraits of women snake along his arms and shoulders, while the names Alexia and Amaya are scrawled across his right and left abdomen, respectively, sheriffs spokespeople wrote in a social media post. The words San Benito County and Holis are inscribed on his chest.

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Zavala was arraigned early this month on misdemeanor charges of assault and battery, with his next hearing set for Thursday, court records show.

He often visits a home in Hollister and interacts with suspected gang members, the sheriffs post said. It listed his past charges for guns, drug possession, drug paraphernalia, child abuse and resisting or obstructing law enforcement. Over the past five years prosecutors in San Benito County have pursued 12 criminal cases against him. He was sentenced in four of them, records reveal, while the others are pending.

Officials from the sheriffs office have asked anyone who spots Zavala to call 911 or text 888777 with the message TIP SBCSO followed by any relevant information.
Donald Trump's hush-money trial in New York has always had something of the circus about it. So it was only fitting that, on the day prosecution and defense gave their closing statements before the jury begins its deliberations, it should turn into a full-scale Big Top.

Robert De Niro appeared as the Star Clown, haranguing Americans outside the Manhattan court for even daring to think about voting for Trump and claiming, in a rant that got ever more bizarre, that The Donald was going to 'destroy the world'.

Perhaps this is what passes for sophisticated political analysis in Hollywood. Or maybe it was just an embarrassing attempt at clown comedy.

Like all actors, De Niro had been given a script from which to read. But  only in New York  he had to contend with a car alarm and numerous hecklers, a combination which caused him to stumble over his words and lose his place.

It will have dawned on him that he's treated with rather more respect on the movie set  and that perhaps this politics stuff is harder than it looks.

Robert De Niro appeared as the Star Clown, haranguing Americans outside the Manhattan court for even daring to think about voting for Trump and claiming, in a rant that got ever more bizarre, that The Donald was going to'destroy the world'.

Inside the court the closing arguments were treated with respect and silence. We didn't learn anything new but we were reminded of how much of a circus it's all been.

The prosecution has depended on probably the most untrustworthy witness, Michael Cohen, in American legal history.

The defense has denied events, like Trump's one-night fling with Stormy Daniels, which were not germane to the defendant's innocence or guilt but which undermined the defense's credibility.

Throughout it all, it remained something of a mystery exactly what crime Trump had committed, even for those who were following proceedings closely. This was a circus without a cause. But it has had plenty of pyrotechnics.

The trial will be forever remembered for the testimonies of Daniels and Cohen.

Daniels provided plenty prurient details of her hotel room encounter with Trump, which the media naturally lapped up but which were irrelevant to the charges against the former president.

Her testimony should not have been allowed but, because Trump was denying anything nefarious ever happened, she was allowed to get away with it. Trump's lawyers suffered for that.

Even so, the titillating testimony not withstanding, Daniels knew nothing about the crux of the case: the alleged reimbursement of Cohen after he paid her the hush money, and the falsifying of business documents to cover up these repayments to him.

This is why Cohen was the most important prosecution witness  because he knows about all these things  which was bad news for the prosecution.

In this particular circus, the porn star was more credible than the lawyer. Only in a Trump trial!

Cohen, once Trump's trusted attorney, took to the witness stand having already done jail time for illegal campaign contributions, tax fraud and other felonies. He also brought with him a reputation for being a serial liar and perjurer  not exactly the ideal witness around which to build a case against Trump.

Cohen proceeded to confirm everything bad already thought about him.

The prosecution has depended on probably the most untrustworthy witness, Michael Cohen (pictured), in American legal history.

The defense has denied events, like Trump's one-night fling with Stormy Daniels, which were not germane to the defendant's innocence or guilt but which undermined the defense's credibility.

Daniels (pictured) provided plenty prurient details of her hotel room encounter with Trump, which the media naturally lapped up but which were irrelevant to the charges against the former president.

Perhaps the most emblematic moment came when he freely admitted stealing from Trump. Cohen had invoiced his boss's organization for $50,000 for a tech company. Cohen passed on $20,000 and pocketed the remaining $30,000.

Again, only in a Trump trial would the prosecution's star witness shamelessly admit to being a thief. You could almost hear the prosecution jaws hit the floor.

Understandably, the defense devoted most of its closing remarks to underline just what a shyster Cohen is.

That was the main reason federal prosecutors decided years ago not to proceed with this case. They didn't want to go into battle with Cohen as their main witness.

But Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg was elected on a 'get Trump' platform and doesn't really care who he has to rely on to convict him.

Amid the welter of words and commentary let's try to cut through to some simple truths:

I'm in little doubt Trump had his one-night stand with Stormy and that, when she threatened to go public on the eve of the 2016 election, he sanctioned Cohen to pay her off, then muddied the trail of repayments. I don't believe Trump's denials to the contrary and the evidence against him is strong.

But while much of this case is unsavory, none of it amounts to criminality.

It may be wrong but it is not illegal to have an extra-marital assignation and Trump would not be the first presidential candidate or president to have had one  not by a long chalk.

It is not illegal to pay hush-money, even if it is underhand.

It is not illegal to insist on a non-disclosure agreement in such circumstances. America is awash in NDAs.

It is illegal to falsify business documents but that is a misdemeanor under New York law, which usually results in a slap on the wrist and not jail time.

You can regard all this as conduct unbecoming for someone who wishes to sit in the Oval Office. You might even regard it as reason enough not to vote for him. But it does not amount to criminality.

And so, Bragg has had to argue that Trump falsified his business records with the intent to commit or conceal a crime. That's what would turn a misdemeanor into a felony (and potential jail time). But what exactly was the crime?

Even as the trial comes to an end, that is something the prosecution has failed to establish.

Bragg has suggested three possible underlying crimes: a violation of state election law; a violation of federal election law; and tax fraud/evasion.

The tax crime possibility seems especially weak. Cohen was reimbursed with far more than the $130,000 he was out for hushing Daniels because he would face income tax on the reimbursement. So he was repaid by enough to cover his tax bills too  grossed up in the jargon.

If anything, the taxman was a net gainer from the cover up.

Nor has a violation of election laws been established. Yes, it's reasonable to assume Trump wanted to bury the story to facilitate his election. Politicians try to bury bad news all the time.

The money didn't come from campaign contributions. It came from Trump's own resources. Yes, buying off the porn star might have helped Trump get elected. So might the state of the economy and Hilary Clinton's lackluster campaign.

I'm in little doubt Trump had his one-night stand with Stormy and that, when she threatened to go public on the eve of the 2016 election, he sanctioned Cohen to pay her off. But while much of this case is unsavory, none of it amounts to criminality.

And so, DA Bragg has had to argue that Trump falsified his business records with the intent to commit or conceal a crime. But what exactly was the crime? As the trial comes to an end, that is something the prosecution has failed to establish. (Pictured: Sketch of Daniels on the stand).

It's a weak basis for claiming criminality, the prosecution has not proved an underlying criminal intent and I can see why the feds passed on it.

The jury will begin its deliberations after Judge Juan Merchan gives it his final instructions.

His words will be closely scrutinized. He is widely seen to have fallen over backwards to accommodate the prosecution and, if his instructions are in the same vein, the grounds for an appeal  should Trump be convicted  will be all the stronger.

If we are struggling to identify the criminality so will some in the jury. But Trump's biggest danger is not that he's found guilty on the facts but simply because the whole episode is seedy, sleazy and unedifying.

Porn stars. Dodgy lawyers. Hush money. Trashy tabloids. Fiddled company accounts. The mood music surrounding the whole farrago is Trump's biggest danger.

Trump, of course, could be acquitted. But that is unlikely with a New York jury.

He could be found guilty on all or most of the 34 counts against him (the number is misleading since it merely reflects the repayment of Cohen in instalments), which is possible. But any jail time is likely to be stayed pending appeal, which could take forever. Trump will be free to campaign through to November and beyond.

Or there could be a hung jury: it only takes one holdout for the judge to be forced to declare a mistrial.

Bragg will then have to decide if he really wants to go through the whole rigmarole again, by which time Trump could be in the White House.

So, whatever the outcome, the attempt to use the law to derail Trump's attempt to be re-elected looks like failing. There is no prospect of any of the other legal cases against him making court before November.

The New York case was the Democrats one shot and it was always their weakest  a circus which should never have been allowed to come to town.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's first Native American curator has had her credentials challenged by indigenous campaigners, according to a report.

Patricia Marroquin Norby, 53, won praise in 2020 after being hired by the famed museum, with The Met saying she was chosen after a 'long and competitive search.'

She described herself as being proudly 'Apache' and the appointment was lauded by the museum.

But Native American groups tell The New York Post her roots are made-up.

'She is definitely not Native American,' one furious critic said.

Patricia Marroquin Norby, 53, won praise in 2020 after being hired by the famed museum, with The Met saying she was chosen after a 'long and competitive search'

The Met has weighed in on the row, insisting that she is telling the truth because she is a descendent of the 'Pureapacha peoples'.

But the tribe, rooted in Mexico and parts of Texas, is not among the 574 officially recognized as being Native American.

Norby took to social media this week to slam the allegations against her, claiming she is being targeted by a group of Native American women trying to 'cancel' her.

She denied the questioning of her roots, and said she is proud of her 'Purepacha and Nde family roots from Mexico, northern Mexico and Texas.'

'I am not going to hide my identity or family history in shame,' she added.

She has claimed in numerous interviews and promotional work for The Met that she is of Purepacha descent, which is not officially recognized by the US Department of the Interiors Indian Affairs division.

A spokesperson for The Met also insisted that 'Patricia Marroquin Norby is of Purepacha descent and also descends from Indigenous communities in what is now Texas' - but campaigners say that she does not have a legitimate claim to be a Native American.

Kathy Griffin, a member of the Cherokee Nation who compiled a genealogy of Marroquin Norbys family, told The Post: 'With all of the Native American scholars out there, we really wonder why the museum chose Patricia, who is definitely not Native American.'

Norby insists she is Native American and is being unfairly targeted by women 'trying to cancel her'

Griffin alleged that in her analysis of her genealogy, there was no evidence that any of her direct ancestors were enrolled members of an officially designated tribe.

'Its genocide again of Native Americans,' she said. 'Now (white people's) descendants are colonizing us again by claiming to be us.'

A member of the Purepacha tribe added to the outlet that The Met curator 'wants to be the only Indian in the room, and that doesn't serve the community.'

'Its the first time that someone claiming to be part of our community has behaved this way,' they said.

Jacqueline Keeler, a Native American activist and writer, also branded her a 'predendian' - a person who falsely claims to have indigenous roots.

'With pretendians, weve noticed a lot of red flags,' she said. 'One of those is shifting of Native identities.

'You can see that with [Marroquin] Norby and her shifting claims.'
America's first operational reparations scheme has been slapped with a lawsuit that calls $25,000 payouts to black Illinois residents 'unconstitutional.'

The class-action lawsuit led by Judicial Watch, a conservative group, casts doubt on the future of the watershed reparations program in Evanston, a Chicago suburb.

The scheme was launched in 2021 and offers $25,000 payments to black residents who suffered from racist housing policies in the 20th Century.

The suit, filed at the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, calls it unlawful because it awards handouts based on skin color.

It's the latest in a series of lawsuits by conservative activists seeking to upend racial justice initiatives.

A Black Lives Matter sign sits in front of a home in Evanston, Illinois, the first US city to launch a reparations scheme

Robin Sue Simmons chairs a committee that pays out reparations to Evanston's black residents. City officials say they will fight to defend the scheme

Critics say they stoke divisions between winners and losers and make race relations worse.

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, says Evanston's scheme was 'nothing more than a ploy to redistribute tax dollars to individuals based on race.'

It 'unconstitutionally discriminates against anyone who does not identify as black or African American,' he added.

The city says it will defend its reparations program.

Poll Do you support a federal reparation policy directed at the descendants of slaves? Yes No Not sure Do you support a federal reparation policy directed at the descendants of slaves? Yes 559 votes

No 17653 votes

Not sure 172 votes Now share your opinion





Evanston launched the scheme in March 2021, aimed at repairing the damage from racist housing policies against black people from 1919 to 1969.

Black residents could not get on the property ladder and were kept on the city's western fringe.

The reparations program is open to black adult residents of Evanston between 1919 and 1969, who are known as ancestors, and their descendants, who were hurt by the same policies since then.

The $25,000 payouts were initially reserved for housing costs, but now include cash payments.

More than 125 ancestors have received payouts, and about 80 direct descendants are getting the sums each year.

This month's nine-page complaint seeks to quash the scheme, which is funded by cannabis and property taxes.

It lists six plaintiffs  Margot Flinn, Carol Johnson, Stasys Neimanas, Barbara Regard, Henry Regard and Stephen Weiland  who say they've been hurt by Evanston's reparations program.

None of them is black and none currently live in Evanston, but their parents did.

They would qualify for the payments, were eligibility not limited to 20th Century black Evanston residents and their descendants, the suit says.

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, says the scheme in Illinois is 'unconstitutional'

The reparations committee has already greenlighted payouts to dozens of Evanston residents

The program violates the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees all Americans equal protection under the law, it argues.

The plaintiffs want the court to stop the city from using race to assess eligibility, and to award them damages and cover legal fees.

Evanston spokesperson Cynthia Vargas says the city won't comment on the case.

But it would 'vehemently defend any lawsuit brought against our city's reparations program,' she has said.

The city's website says the scheme was designed to remedy the problems of past policies that directly affect people living today.

'Reparations, and any process for restorative relief, must connect between the harm imposed and the city, it says.

The suit is the latest in a barrage of legal assaults on reparations and other racial justice initiatives since a landmark Supreme Court decision that effectively ended race-conscious admissions to US universities in June 2023.

Conservative groups have spearheaded lawsuits and civil rights complaints against schemes in public and private institutions that are designed to give a leg-up to minorities.

The Chicago suburb of Evanston made history in 2021 with America's first operating reparations program

Campaigners say it's time for America to repay its black residents for the injustices of the historic Transatlantic slave trade, Jim Crow segregation and inequalities that persist to this day.

The sums are eye-watering  black lawmakers in Washington seek at least $14 trillion for a federal scheme to 'eliminate the racial wealth gap' between black and white Americans.

Critics say payouts to selected black people will inevitably stoke divisions between winners and losers, and raise questions about why American Indians and others don't get their own handouts.

Reparations are popular among the black people who stand to benefit from them, but unpopular among the whites, Asians, and others who would foot the tax bill without themselves benefiting.

Fully 74 percent of blacks support the US government reparations for slavery and its legacy, compared with just 26 percent of whites, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey from last year.

Reparations are much more popular among Democrat voters than with Republicans.

From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped, forcibly transported by European ships and merchants and sold into slavery.

Those who survived the brutal voyage ended up toiling on plantations in the Americas, including in Brazil, the Caribbean, and the United States, while others profited from their labor.
Violent pro-Palestine mobs have clashed with police outside Downing Street as shocking footage shows Met Police officers donning riot gear attempting to gain control over the chaos.

Videos posted to social media on Tuesday night captured the moment swarms of Palestine supporters took over the streets around Parliament before banging on car windows and surrounding double-decker buses.

Swathes of cops donning hi-vis police jackets and helmets were seen scuffling with activists as footage taken by demonstrators showed masses of chanting crowds blocking roads and running riot in the streets.

Video taken at 10.30pm showed sprawling crowds of protesters yelling as they came face to face with Met Police officers - on the same that has also seen dramatic protests erupt across France and Italy.

In an earlier clip, taken outside Downing Street and shared on X, formerly Twitter, cops could be seen tussling with members of the public with one woman seen on the ground as officers worked their way through the crowd.

Videos posted to social media on Tuesday night have captured the moment swarms of Palestine supporters took over the streets around Parliament

Met Police officers were forced to don riot gear as they tackled the chaotic demonstrators

Footage from Tuesday night showed swarms of activists banging on car doors and blocking roads in London

Masses of protesters gathered around cars and buses outside Downing Street and Parliament

Palestine supporters swarm the streets around Parliament and begin banging on vehicles.



Met Police seem to have disappeared pic.twitter.com/jL9qLX2V8W  Turning Point UK  (@TPointUK) May 28, 2024

Have come the long way round and arrived the other side of the cordon to find officers have fonned NATO helmets pic.twitter.com/GueCWfg00f  Chris Hobbs (@obbsie) May 28, 2024

In an earlier clip, taken outside Downing Street and shared on X, formerly Twitter, cops could be seen tussling with members of the public with one woman seen on the ground as officers worked their way through the crowd

@metpoliceuk Hi Met - not sure if its very professional officers tussling with members of the public at a peaceful protest. My elderly aunt got punched on the arm but a psychotic angry officer #metpolice #palestine #downingstreet pic.twitter.com/jdrzxvar6W  madness (@callmezeitouna) May 28, 2024

Pro-Palestinian supporters wave Palestinian flags and held placards as they gather outside Downing Street, central London, on May 28, 2024, during a 'Hands off Rafah, End the genocide' rally calling for a ceasefire in Gaza

Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters gather outside Downing Street following the Israeli attacks on Rafah in Gaza

The poster claimed: 'My elderly aunt got punched on the arm by a psychotic angry officer'.

Police and protesters were filmed tackling and shoving one another as the chaotic scenes unravelled and spiralled into further violence.

The protests were hosted in response to Sunday's Israeli airstrike on a tent encampment in Rafah that left at least 45 people dead - an incident that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a 'tragic mishap'.

The mass demonstration was organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and saw tens of thousands of people displaying messages including: 'Stop bombing children', 'All eyes on Rafah', and 'Massacring over 14,000 children does not equal self defence'.

Chants of 'We are the people! We won't be silenced! Stop the bombing now, now, now' could also be heard ringing through the streets as demonstrators demanded an end to Israel's bombardment of Gaza.

The huge rally left usually-busy roads completely blocked off and unavailable for use as the large numbers of protesters took over the streets.

It comes just three weeks after Downing Street was surrounded by thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters following the Israeli seize of the Rafah border crossing.

Jeremy Corbyn and militant rail union chief Mick Lynch were among the speakers at the rally.

Around 5,000 protesters descended on Number 10 with placards from the Socialist Worker and the Palestinian Forum in Britain, which reportedly has links to Hamas.

Signs included those saying 'all eyes on Rafah' and others with the genocidal phrase 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'.

On Tuesday, huge demonstrations were also seen across France, Italy and Poland, as activists marched to voice their support for war-torn Palestine.

Yesterday evening, Paris, and Bologna saw demonstrators blocking roads and clambering up historic monuments as activists branded Israel 'assassins' after Sunday's deadly airstrike.

Thousands of French people stormed though cities including Paris, Lille, Lyon, and Strasbourg to show their solidarity.

Footage captured in France showed demonstrators brandishing the red, white, black, and green flags while donning keffiyehs and chanting 'We do not kill a child, whether Jewish or Palestinian: Stop bombings, free Palestine' and 'Rafah, Gaza we are with you'.

In Paris, thousands of people gathered at Place de la Republique to display their unwavering support.

People rally in Paris on May 28, 2024 to show support to Palestinians after Gaza's civil defence agency said an Israeli strike on a displacement camp west of Rafah on Sunday killed 45 people

People gather to stage demonstration as they hold flags and banners to show their solidarity with the Palestinians at the Republic Square in Paris

Thousands of French people stormed though cities including Paris, Lille, Lyon, and Strasbourg to show their solidarity

The protests in France began on Monday after the IDF strike targeting senior Hamas figures killed dozens of displaced Palestinians in Rafah

Footage captured in France showed demonstrators brandishing the red, white, black, and green flags while donning keffiyehs

In Paris, people we seen clambering up historic monuments while waving their banners and flags

A person holds a placard reading in French "This is not a war, it's genocide" as people gather at Republic square in Paris

The mass procession travelled towards the Israeli Embassy while shouting: 'Israel assassin, Macron complicit' and 'Israel get out of the way, Palestine is not yours'.

Francois Rippe, vice-president of the France Palestine Solidarity Association (AFPS) denounced the Israeli bombings on a refugee camp in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 45 people and left another 249 injured.

'Palestinians were burned alive by Israeli bombings. This is one massacre too many,' he said.

The protests in France began on Monday after the IDF strike targeting senior Hamas figures killed dozens of displaced Palestinians in Rafah.

One large banner at the rally showed presidents Emmanuel Macron of France Joe Biden of the United States and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the slogan 'it is humanity they are assassinating.'

Political figures were also spotted in the crowds, such as Marseille MP Manuel Bompard, who tweeted: 'Present at the rally in Paris, in support of the Palestinians bombed yesterday in Rafah'.

The protests today come as French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

'These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire,' Macron said, adding he was 'outraged' by the strike.

Protests were also held Monday in Madrid and Barcelona.

BREAKING:



HUGE protests erupt on Downing Street in support of Palestine and demanding an end to Israels genocide in Rafah!



Thank you London!



pic.twitter.com/66fb5uNwnK  sarah (@sahouraxo) May 28, 2024

Cops lined the streets as the masses of protesters blocked off roads in Central London

Demonstrators displayed messages including: 'Stop bombing children', 'All eyes on Rafah', and 'Massacring over 14,000 children does not equal self defence'

The protest was organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign

Chants of 'We are the people! We won't be silenced! Stop the bombing now, now, now' could also be heard ringing through the streets as demonstrators demanded an end to Israel's bombardment of Gaza

The huge rally left usually-busy roads completely blocked off and unavailable for use as the large numbers of protesters took over the streets

Bologna, Italy, also hosted a massive protest on Tuesday which saw demonstrators occupying train stations while demanding justice for Palestine.

Huge crowds of yelling people could be seen in footage climbing across railway tracks with Palestinian flags in hand - completely blocking the track from use.

The station's platforms were brimming with protesters, while other spilled dangerously onto the tracks as they chanted and condemned Israel's airstrike on Rafah.

Almost 700miles away in Warsaw, Poland, students gathered outside Warsaw University to announced negotiations with the university's head Alojzy Nowak on discontinuing cooperation with Israeli partners.

They could be seen in images holding flags and speaking through megaphones while displaying cards reading: 'Students for Palestine'.

The eruption of protests comes after Israel's Sunday attack on a Rafah refugee camp that killed at least 45.

Footage captured the moment pro-Palestine protesters stormed a railway track in Bologna, Italy

Large crowds of people could be seen gathering at the train station that could not be used due to the numbers of people taking over the platforms and tracks

A student holds a Palestinian flag during a demonstration outside Warsaw University

A group of activist students announced negotiations on Tuesday with the university's head Alojzy Nowak on discontinuing cooperation with Israeli partners

The health ministry in the Hamas-controlled area said about half of the dead were women, children and older adults.

Some people died from the impact of the bomb, while others 'reportedly burned to death', according to Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Barefoot children wandered around the charred wreckage on Monday as searches for the dead continued and mourning families prepared to bury their loved ones.

Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said in parliament that 'something unfortunately went tragically wrong' with the airstrike.

'We are investigating the incident and will reach conclusions, because this is our policy,' he added.

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.

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.

Earlier on Sunday, before the deadly airstrikes, 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.

MAY 26: The Israeli military launched an airstrike on Rafah, killing at least 45 people

The strike whipped up a ferocious blaze that tore through a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood in the city's northwest

Palestinians observe the destruction caused by the attacks of Israeli army on tents of displaced Palestinians

A woman reacts as Palestinians inspect their tents after an Israeli army operation on an area previously designated by the Israeli army as safe for displaced Palestinians, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 28 May 2024

Palestinians inspect their tents after an Israeli army operation on an area previously designated by the Israeli army as safe for displaced Palestinians, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 28 May 2024

A Palestinian man and his children sit in a destroyed room following the targeting or a residential building by an Israeli airstrike in Rafah in the southern Gaza

The strike came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah

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.

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.
Labour's lead over the Tories has slipped to just 12 points, according to a shock new poll - as Rishi Sunak makes a surprising recovery from his gaffe-ridden opening week.

Sir Keir Starmer's party is on 40 per cent, while the Tories are on 28 per cent - up two points since the start of May.

Labour's lead has slipped from 18 points in April and 15 points in early May, according to the polling by J.L. Partners carried out on Friday and Saturday.

The pollster said the main reason behind the tightening of the polls was a shift among over-65s, with the Conservatives going from a 10-point lead over Labour to a 20-point lead in the age group.

It comes as Diane Abbott might be blocked from being a party candidate at the upcoming General Election - with even Keir Starmer's allies branding him 'disgraceful' for 'humiliating' the veteran MP.

Ms Abbott was suspended from Labour's parliamentary party for more than a year amid an investigation into her comments about Jewish people in a letter to the Observer newspaper in April 2023.

Rishi Sunak celebrated after delivering a bowl up the green at a bowls club in Market Bosworth

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer (pictured at a campaign event at Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage today) has agreed to debate Rishi Sunak on ITV next week

Mr Sunak was mocked by Labour for his rain-sodden address from Downing Street on Wednesday afternoon, in which he announced the general election on July 4

Mr Sunak, soaked in rain, pauses as he delivers a speech to announce July 4

Rishi Sunak was facing Tory fury over his gaffe-laden start to the general election battle, with the PM told Conservative candidates 'deserve better'

Diane Abbott (pictured) might be blocked from being a party candidate at the upcoming general election

Fewer Tory voters - 23 per cent - also now say they would consider voting for Nigel Farage's Reform UK - down 10 points since early May.

While the poll's findings will be welcomed by the Tories, who have long hoped that Sir Keir's lead would narrow once the election was called, they still point to a decisive Labour victory.

It also found that six in 10 voters - 60 per cent - think that it is time for a change of government, and Sir Keir has a 12-point advantage when voters are asked who would make the best PM.

The poll suggested the top emotion in the event of a Rishi Sunak win would be 'disappointed' - while only nine per cent said they would be 'happy'.

Labour and the Tories declined to comment on the findings, but a Labour source pointed to Sir Keir's previous warnings against 'complacency'.

The polling was carried out by JL Partners for the Rest is Politics podcast, over May 24 and 25 - after the election was called.

James Johnson, of JL Partners, said of their findings that it was 'only one poll, so let's see if the trend continues.

He added that 'what is behind this tightening since April is the Tories going from a 8-point lead to a 20-point lead with over-65s, and said 'the pensioner squeeze is on.'

While the JL Partners poll will be a welcome glimmer of hope for the Tories, it comes as two opinion polls over the bank holiday weekend put Labour comfortably ahead.

Mr Sunak visited the Titanic Quarter in Belfast with Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, which prompted reporters to ask the PM if he was 'captaining a sinking ship'

Sir Keir Starmer faced fury from Labour's left-wing after it was earlier revealed the race row probe ended months ago - but still with no clarity on Ms Abbott's future

Rishi Sunak bowls a ball during a Conservative general election campaign event at the Market Bosworth Bowls Club in Market Bosworth on May 28

Keir Starmer speaks to members of staff during a Q&A session at the end of a visit of the Airbus Defence and Space facilities, as part the Labour general election campaign, in Stevenage on May 28

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron poured a dodgy pint during his visit to Flower Pot pub in Macclesfield - where punters greeted him with a rapturous round of applause

Suggesting a more dismal outlook for Sunak, pollsters Survation and Redfield & Wilton Strategies both found that Labour is 23 points ahead overall.

A survey by Deltapoll of 1,517 British adults online, carried out from May 23-25, put Labour on 45 per cent, the Conservatives on 23 per cent, Reform on 10 per cent, the Liberal Democrats on 9 per cent, and the Greens on 6 per cent, with the SNP on 3 per cent, Plaid Cymru on 1 per cent and other parties on 2 per cent.

The latest poll by Opinium, carried out on May 23 and 24 among 2,050 UK adults online, put Labour on 41 per cent, the Conservatives 27 per cent, Reform 10per cent, the Lib Dems 10 per cent and the Greens 7 per cent, with the SNP on 2 per cent, Plaid Cymru on 1 per cent and other parties on 1per cent.

A simple average of all polls carried out in the seven days to May 28 puts Labour on 45 per cent, 21 percentage points ahead of the Tories on 24 per cent, followed by Reform on 11 per cent, the Lib Dems on 9per cent and the Greens on 5per cent.

This is broadly unchanged on the averages for the previous seven days to May 21, where Labour was on 45 per cent, the Conservatives on 24 per cent, Reform on 11 per cent, the Lib Dems on 10per cent and the Greens on 6 per cent.

The averages are based on polls published by Deltapoll, Ipsos, More in Common, Opinium, Redfield Wilton, Savanta, Survation, TechneUK, WeThink and YouGov.

Labour MP Dawn Butler told BBC Newsnight it is important Ms Abbott received her 'due respect'.

'Fundamentally, Diane was the first elected black female MP in our country and that is something to be proud of,' she said.

'When I entered parliament in 2005, there were just two of us, just me and Diane. They couldn't tell us apart, but that's just another matter, but there were just two of us.

'I think it's important that the whip was returned to Diane. She went through the process, I think it was really important the whip was returned to her, and fundamentally in all that you've been speaking about today [...] is that we are a team, and I think the Labour party has to act as a team.'

Ms Butler added: 'I do feel that there are some people around Keir, not Keir himself, that maybe have watched a little bit too much Scandal [...] or the West Wing and think that's how politics is done. That isn't how politics is done.

'It is important that somebody like Diane gets her due respect.'
A priest has gone viral in Brazil after he was seen in a video pulling a one-year-old baby's head while baptizing him.

The bizarre scene took place at the Parish of Sao Sabestiao on Saturday while families gathered to celebrate the Christian rite.

In the video, Juliane, the mother, can see seen holding her daughter Jhullie, who was feeling ill, over the baptismal font as Father Ricardo Pinheiro attempted to pour holy water over the child's head while placing his hand on her neck.

However, Jhullie puts up a struggle and moves before Juliane placed her over the sink again.

Father Pinheiro subsequently pours the holy water over the Jhullie head before she let out a loud cry.

Brazilian priest Ricardo Pinheiro (left) upset a family when he was seen on a video grabbing a one-year-old girl's head to pour water over her head during a baptism ceremony on Saturday

Juliane told Brazilian news outlet G1 that her one-year-old daughter was crying throughout the Christian rite because she was not feeling well

Jhullie continues to cry and moves in the arms of Juliane, who is pulled away from the priest when he poured the holy water.

The priest appears to be bothered by the baby's reaction and the girl's head before the mother admonishes him.

Jhullie continues to cry as her mother brings her toward her in an attempt to get her to calm down.

Juliane and her family were angered by Father Pinheiro's behavior and called on the church to open an investigation, according to Brazilian news outlet G1.

'We are angry, we feel powerless,' she said. 'We don't understand how someone who was supposed to be the representative of the word can act like this towards such an innocent being. I want justice! This cannot go unpunished.'

Despite the incident, Juliane granted the priest's request for a photo.

Father Ricardo Pinheiro (left) apologized for pulling the head of Jhullie, a one-year-old girl, during a baptism on Saturday at the Parish of Sao Sabestiao in Sao Sabestiao, Brazil

Father Ricardo Pinheiro (left), one-year-old Jhullie and her mother Juliane after the baptism

Her sister and the baby's godmother, Symone, accused the priest of showing less compassion toward Jhullie in comparison with the other children who were baptized.

'At that moment we did not have the attitude to take measures and contain him right there because there were other children being baptized,' she said. 'Ant their baptisms were carried out with all the care and patience, totally different from baptism of our little Jhullie. If we can call it a baptism.'

Father Pinheiro apologized to the family in a statement posted on the church's social media.

'I want to ask forgiveness from all who felt saddened by my attitude yesterday,' he said. 'I recognize my lack of charity towards the family, the child and the guests. At the end of the baptism, the family contacted me in the sacristy.

'I was able to ask for forgiveness for what happened, even though it was not intentional... Life is a learning experience and at all times God wants to sanctify and purify us.'
The comedian sparked huge national interest this week when she emerged from a prolonged period out of the limelight to publicise her new book - which dramatically revealed that she had recently wed a mystery man. But apart from the fact that she had wed, the 51-year-old omitted any other details - aside from her emotional response when her new man proposed. But now MailOnline can reveal what happened at the secret wedding - and the amazing lengths she went to stop fans finding out about it. It's believed to have taken place at 4pm on July 6 at a 1,000-year-old church in the picturesque Hampshire village of Hambledon, attended only by a handful of family and close friends, all of whom were sworn to secrecy.
An 88-year-old Spanish grandmother faces eviction from the flat where she has lived for half a century because the owner wants to sell to a developer who will turn the building into apartments for tourists - leading to local fury at holidaymakers .

Maria Munoz cannot afford to buy the property in El Populo, an area in Cadiz, southern Spain, popular with British tourists, so could be forced to leave the place she has lived in for 57 years.

She could become the latest resident in this historic neighbourhood to be forced out because they cannot afford to buy their homes which have been converted into tourist flats.

'I feel really bad. I have lived here since 1967,' Mrs Munoz, who has six grandchildren, told MailOnline.

'I had my three children here and we have lived here for 57 years. Now I am going to lose the flat. It is the fault of tourists.'

Maria Munoz cannot afford to buy the property in El Populo so could be forced to leave. She is pictured with campaigner Antonio Gallardo and her daughter Eva Orihuela

The owners have offered her the chance to buy her flat for 147,000 (126,197), but with a pension of just 1,180 (1,013) per month, she cannot afford it.

Last year, 2,906,511 tourists visited Cadiz, according to the Spanish National Statistics Institute, beating the numbers who chose to visit the city in 2019, the last year before the pandemic.

El Populo is the oldest part of the Spanish port city and contains the Church of San Juan de Dios, which is popular with tourists visiting the city in Andalusia, a region beloved by Britons who visit Malaga, Seville and Granada.

Campaigners have started to plaster buildings like the one Mrs Munoz lives in with stickers saying: 'Yes to tourism, no to touristifaction' and 'stop tourist flats'.

They claim many of these apartments are not legal, since they have not been registered with Cadiz council.

The protest echoes similar demonstrations against over tourism in Malaga and Madrid, in which residents covered tourist flats in stickers saying 'we used to live there' and 'F**k Airbnb'.

Antonio Gallardo, spokesman for the Platform of Neighbours and Friends of El Populo, said Mrs Munoz was a direct victim of 'over tourism'.

El Populo is the oldest part of the Spanish port city, which is located in Andalusia, a region beloved by Britons who visit Malaga, Seville and Granada (file image)

'The people who own these properties do not have any heart or soul. They just want to sell these flats to developers who want to turn them into tourist flats,' he told Mailonline.

'This will kill Maria. We want less tourist flats and more accommodation for people from Andalusia.'

A court has said Mrs Munoz will be evicted on 26 June but Mr Gallardo is planning a large demonstration to stop her being forced out of her home.

A campaign has been launched called 'Adopt a Grandmother' to try to support Mrs Munoz.

So far, nearly 26,000 people have signed the petition.

Emilio Beltrami, the lawyer for the owners, told El Pais , a Spanish newspaper: 'We never wanted to turn these properties into tourist flats, it is the developers who bought them who have done that.'

Mailonline contacted Mr Beltrami but did not receive a reply.
A former law enforcement officer who served as the mayor of a small South Dakota town has been charged in the killings of three people.

Jay Ostrem, 64, was jailed on $1 million cash-only bond on three counts of first-degree murder, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said.

A probable cause affidavit identified the victims as two brothers Paul Frankus, 26, and his 21-year-old brother Zach and Timothy Richmond, 35.

Ostrem worked in law enforcement for more than two decades in Wyoming and South Dakota.

A former law enforcement officer and mayor of Centerville Jay Ostrem, 64, was jailed on $1 million cash-only bond on three counts of first-degree murder

Paul Frankus, 26, left, and his 21-year-old brother Zach, right, were both shot dead

He served as mayor of Centerville, a tiny town of less than 1,000 people, some 40 miles south of Sioux Falls, about a decade-and-a-half ago, but the exact dates weren't immediately available.

The probable cause document said a man in Centerville, identifying himself as Zach Frankus, called police at 9:44pm on Monday night to report that his brother had been shot by 'a guy from across the street' and that the shooter had gone back home.

Frankus was still on the phone with a dispatcher when he said that he had been shot, too. He was described as 'frantic'. Frankus then stopped talking, charging documents state.

Authorities raced to the scene, where a Game Fish and Parks officer saw Ostrem leaving the home identified as the scene of the shooting.

The home in Centerville, South Dakota where a triple homicide took place on Monday nght

The former Centerville mayor has been charged with the triple murder in the case

Authorities raced to the scene, where a Game Fish and Parks officer saw Ostrem leaving the home identified as the scene of the shooting, pictured above

Officers visited the home where the call originated, above, and found all three victims

Ostrem initially ignored commands to stop before laying down on the ground. He was arrested a short time later.

An AR-style rifle was on the ground near him, and he had a handgun in his pocket.

Police noted how Ostrem was bleeding from his left hand and that he smelled of alcohol.

Officers then went to the home where the call originated and found all three victims.

Ostrem's wife, who is British, told police that a neighbor, Paul Frankus had sexually assaulted her on Thursday, and she told Ostrem about the assault Monday night.

Jay Ostrem is pictured in 2009 when he worked as the Turner County Sheriff Investigator

The pair had been drinking together when he forcibly kissed her, exposed his genitals and pressed himself against her, reports the Argus Leader.

She said Ostrem 'got up and went raging out of the house,' according to the document.

She explained to officers how her husband did not tell her where he was going and that he didn't leave armed, although weapons were kept in the home and he likely had some in his car.

Ostrem was booked on Tuesday morning into the Minnehaha County Jail in connection with the Centerville shootings.

The Centerville, South Dakota home where a triple murder took place on Monday night is seen roped off

The home of the former mayor and law enforcement officer

'Jay Ostrem has been arrested and charged with three counts of first degree murder, and law enforcement has secured the scene,' Attorney General Jackley stated in a news release.

'There is no further threat to the public.'

Ostrem initial appearance is scheduled for 3pm on Wednesday.
Nat Barr has confronted the Home Affairs Minister over Andrew Giles' controversial decision that has seen several violent rapists on visas be allowed to stay in the country.

The Sunrise host was left stunned on Wednesday morning when Clare O'Neil defended the Immigration Minister despite calls mounting for him to be sacked.

Several criminal migrants, including a Sudanese man who self-identified as Aboriginal, have been allowed to stay in Australia under Mr Giles' Direction 99, which was issued early last year.

The direction requires the immigration minister or a body, including the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), to consider an individual's community ties when considering revoking the cancellation of a convicted criminal's visa.

The decision means that greater tolerance is shown to immigrants who have committed serious crimes and had their visas cancelled if they've 'lived in the Australian community for most of their life, or from a very young age'.

Nat Barr (pictured) has confronted the home affairs minister Clare O'Neil over Andrew Giles' latest ministerial decision that has allowed several violent rapists to remain in Australia

Ms O'Neil argued the decision was made by the AAT and that Mr Giles had 'stepped in at the right time' to try and resolve the issue and re-cancel the visas of violent offenders.

Barr was left visibly shocked by the statement and questioned how rapists could be allowed to stay in Australia in the first place.

'He "stepped in at the right moment". A lot of people would dispute that. He put in this direction, this ministerial direction last January. Then people raped children,' Barr said.

'They then used the laws, this direction that was put in by your government and argued that they had ties to this country, their families needed them and their families love them.

'They used that direction to stay in this country. So do you think it's maybe too late that Andrew Giles is acting now?'

Ms O'Neil said Mr Giles was seeking to consider if those visas can be cancelled again, adding he was a 'good minister'.

But Barr pointed out that it was Mr Giles who gave the AAT the directions to follow.

'He gave the direction to the tribunal, didn't he? So doesn't the buck stop with him?' she said.

Ms O'Neil again laid the blame onto the AAT, saying the decisions made were 'very disconcerting'.

'Minister Giles will now have the opportunity to review some of those decisions. As I understand it, some of those visas has been cancelled as a result of him stepping in and recalling those decisions,' she said.

Home Affairs minister Clare O'Neil repeatedly laid the blame of the visa debacle on the the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

But Barr wasn't satisfied with her answer and listed some of the abhorrent crimes of those who have been allowed to stay.

'One raped a 14-year-old stepdaughter while his wife gave birth. One raped the sister of the mother of his infant child. One raped a disabled 14-year-old and a 16-year-old,' she said.

'One raped a child between the age of 10 and 14 and one raped eight times, 48 counts of sexual assault on 25 women and a teen.

'The judge said he had no remorse. That's what we're dealing with and you're still arguing support for the minister. Do you think that washes?'

Ms O'Neil labelled the crimes 'absolutely horrendous' and said Mr Giles was reviewing about 30 visa cancellations.

Calls have been mounting for Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to be sacked over visa debacles

She again shifted the blame back to the AAT and said Mr Giles was now stepping in.

'I say to you again, the decisions made by the AAT here in my view, at first blush do not meet any community standards that I'm aware of,' Ms O'Neil said.

Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume, who was also on Sunrise, interrupted to say the tribunal was only acting off the direction they'd been given by the government.

'The urgent matter is to get a new Immigration Minister because quite frankly this one has failed the Australian people,' she said.

'Anthony Albanese needs to sack Minister Giles. He needs to do it today. He needs to repeal and revoke Direction 99 today.'

Direction 99, issued by Mr Giles in January 2023, asks the AAT to make 'ties to Australia' a primary concern during visa determinations.

Since then, 35 offenders have had their AAT findings overturned and have been allowed to remain in Australia.
Dead & Company added six shows in August to their residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Rich Fury Art of San Francisco scenes backdrops Dead & Companys shows at their residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Rich Fury

Deadheads who couldnt snag tickets to Dead & Companys initial 24-night residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas have another shot at catching the spectacle this summer.

The band, an offshoot of the Grateful Dead featuring guitarist and co-founder Bobby Weir and longtime drummer Mickey Hart alongside guitarist/vocalist John Mayer, bassist Oteil Burbridge, keyboardist Jeff Chimenti and drummer Jay Lane, plans additional shows in August as part of its Dead Forever run at the high-tech venue.

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The newly added shows are scheduled for Aug. 1-3 and Aug. 8-10. Each weekends performances promise a unique set list, according to the bands announcement Tuesday, May 28.

A presale for the August concerts, with registration, starts at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 30. Tickets will be available to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, May 31, via Ticketmaster.

Opening night of Dead & Companys residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas on May 16. Rich Fury

Dead & Companys residency follows U2s 40-night run at the $2.3 billion Las Vegas venue and a four-show run by Phish in April.

The visually immersive concerts mark a comeback for Dead & Company, which wrapped up what was promoted as its final tour at San Franciscos Oracle Park in July, drawing more than 840,000 fans and grossing a record-breaking $115 million.

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More Information Dead & Company: Dead Forever: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Through Aug. 10. $145-$395. Sphere, 255 Sands Ave., Las Vegas. www.thesphere.com
A Virginia tech company behind a 'whites only' job advert has revealed who was responsible for the post after a settlement with the Justice Department was reached.

Arthur Grand Technologies, an information technology services firm, was sued by the federal government over a discriminatory job advertisement that was posted in March 2023.

The listing restricted eligible candidates to 'only US Born Citizens [white] who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, TX [Don't share with candidates],' according to the Justice Department.

Arthur Grand reached a settlement agreement with the government on Thursday which they deny posting the advertisement and revealed who they believe is to blame.

'The posted advertisement was generated by a disgruntled recruiter in India and was intended to embarrass the company,' Arthur Grand said in the agreement.

Arthur Grand Technologies, an information technology services firm, was sued by the federal government over a discriminatory job advertisement that was posted in March 2023

An investigation found that Arthur Grand discriminated based on citizenship status and national origin after a recruiter working for a subsidiary in India posted the advertisement

In May 2023, the Civil Rights Division's Immigrant and Employee Rights Section opened an investigation into the posting.

The investigation determined that Arthur Grand discriminated based on citizenship status and national origin after a recruiter working for Arthur Grand's subsidiary in India posted the advertisement on the job website Indeed.

The advertisement was for a business analyst position with Arthur Grands sales and insurance claims team in Dallas.

The post includes a bolded note that read 'Only Born US Citizens [White] who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, TX [Don't share with candidates].'

The position, the announcement stated, would serve two clients, HTC Global an information technology company based in Troy, Michigan, and Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational holding company based in Omaha, Nebraska.

'It is shameful that in the 21st century, we continue to see employers using 'whites only' and 'only US born' job postings to lock out otherwise eligible job candidates of color,' said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.

'I share the public's outrage at Arthur Grand's appalling and discriminatory ban on job candidates based on citizenship status, national origin, color and race.

'The Justice Department, working with other government agencies, will continue to hold employers accountable when they violate our nation's federal civil rights laws.'

The job posting went viral and Arthur Grand was slammed on social media for using discriminatory hiring practices.

'Arthur Grand is a government contractor  federal, state, and local. Doesnt that add a whole extra layer of obligations not to discriminate,' said X user Stannie Holt.

LE Murphy said, 'Bravo to the "junior" staff member being blamed for this. They obviously blew the whistle on this company by posting the job req as-written.'

As part of the Justice Department settlement, Arthur Grand will pay a $7,500 fee to the United States Treasury

As part of the Justice Department settlement, Arthur Grand will pay a $7,500 fee to the United States Treasury.

In a separate agreement with the Labor Department, the technology company pay $31,000 to individuals who filed complaints with its Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

Arthur Grand has also committed to providing workplace specific training for all company employees involved in recruiting and hiring.

'Over the past 58 years, OFCCP has protected workers and job seekers from workplace discrimination,' said Acting Director Michele Hodge of the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

'We are committed to holding federal contractors accountable for outrageous discriminatory practices like this advertisement.

'Companies like Arthur Grand, that accept federal contracts cannot have a "whites only" hiring process.'
Cats with an unusual black and white coat nicknamed 'salty liquorice' have been revealed to possess a genetic mutation previously unknown to science.

Discovered in Finland, the cat's fur has a distinctive salt and pepper appearance.

The cause of the unusual look is that the cats' fur in the dappled areas is only coloured at the base, near the skin.

Their hairs get progressively whiter along the hair nearer to its tips.

Heidi Anderson, of Mars Petcare Science & Diagnostics in Helsinki and colleagues nicknamed the new coat 'salmiak' after a salty liquorice snack in Finland where the cats were discovered.

Cats with an unusual black and white coat nicknamed 'salty liquorice' have been revealed to possess a genetic mutation previously unknown to science

Discovered in Finland, the cat's fur has a distinctive salt and pepper appearance

The unusual fur patterns were first noticed in three cats in a feral population in central Finland in 2007.

The moggies were described as having a black and white 'tuxedo' colouration - but with 'an additional gradation of colour' on hairs on its coloured areas.

Researchers at the University of Helsinki sought cats with a similar pattern with the help of a national newspaper.

Four cats fitting the criteria then had their DNA sampled.

The researchers contacted Dr Anderson, a specialist in cat DNA testing, to see if there was anything unusual in the cats' genetics.

The unusual fur patterns were first noticed in three cats in a feral population in central Finland in 2007

Dr Anderson's DNA testing found the cats had a 'big chunk of DNA missing' and this is what is leading to the unusual colour effect.

Dr Anderson said: 'These coats have aroused a lot of admiration for years. It's really exciting that we now have some genetic explanation for it.'

Publishing the research in the journal Animal Genetics, Dr Anderson and colleagues wrote: 'This salmiak patterning of white hairs is most noticeable in solid black cats, but it can occur with different color backgrounds, including, for example, brown tabby, tortoiseshell and dilution (blue) and in both male and female cats.'

The researchers added that it had been thought salmiak-coloured cats were infertile solely because of the rarity of the fur type in the cat population.

However, the authors said 'a recent observation of a salmiak-colored cat giving birth to four kittens refuted this belief'.
Earth could be hit by another powerful solar storm this week that is predicted to trigger radio blackouts and incredible northern light displays.

Earlier this month, the sun unleashed the most powerful streams of plasma, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), in 20 years, causing communication disruptions worldwide.

The sunspot that caused the chaos has swung back around and released a powerful flare toward Earth's region on Monday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a 60 percent chance of radio blackouts on Tuesday and throughout the rest of the week.

The sun (pictured) emitted 17 small solar flares on Monday and one major X2.9 flare which is the largest class ranking

NOAA issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch on May 11 when the same sunspot was smashing our planet with dozens of energized streams of plasma.

A solar or geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere  the area around Earth controlled by the planet's magnetic field.

NOAA's alert was the first given since 2005 when Earth was hit with the highest dose of radiation in a half-century.

The unusual event earlier this month disrupted GPS, power grids, farming equipment and satellites in orbit - and experts are monitoring Monday's flare in preparation of the same issues.

The sunspot, labeled AR3664, has released 17 flares this week, but the strongest has captured attention worldwide.

'I have not seen an explosion like this in my 40 years of observing the sun,' Amateur astronomer Michael Karrer, from Austria told SpaceWeather.

'So fast, so far out into space! It was gigantic,' he said.

Sunspot AR3664 is currently not facing directly at Earth, but data shows it will move in view by the end of the week and could unleash solar storms toward out planet.

While the storms are not expected to reach levels seen earlier this month, they are expected to cause a level three (R3) radio blackout that may last from just minutes to hours and affect GPS systems and radio communication.

GPS systems are disrupted because the radiation emitted from the solar flare hits the magnetic sphere surrounding Earth, causing fluctuations in the ionosphere.

The ionosphere is a layer in the upper atmosphere that absorbs and reflects signals during geomagnetic storms, causing static and disruptions in the signals received by GPS systems.

Auroras are also expected to spread across northeast Canada tonight, although no official forecasts related to the solar storm have been released.

The US could be impacted by the loss of cell phone communication, GPS signals and hour-long blackouts as a result of the solar flares. Pictured: Filtered image of the sun's solar flare from Milano, Italy

The flare first came from the old sunspot region AR3664, the same location as the May 10th storm, marking the first of its kind in 21 years. Pictured: Active region of the sun emitting solar flares

The sunspot first ejected solar flares on May 10 before it rotated away, but its reemergence could mean a powerful geo-storm is heading toward earth.

Earlier this month, a powerful G5 solar storm hit earth, marking the largest outburst in 20 years that was expected to collapse US power grids and cause nationwide blackouts.

There weren't significant impacts caused by the storm, although some farmers reported they lost access to their GPS systems, forcing them to pause operations.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that there weren't more severe problems because they were prepared.

"Simply put, the power grid operators have been busy since yesterday working to keep proper, regulated current flowing without disruption," Shawn Dahl, a service coordinator for the NOAA told NPR at the time.

Other astronomers captured images of the sun emitting the solar flare across the world over the last two days ranging from Arizona, Virginia and countries as far away as Italy and Chile.

Scientists have warned that these extreme eruptions could only be the start of more powerful solar flares that could hit Earth next year, causing the worst geo-storm in 165 years.

In 2019, the sun had zero reported visible sunspots on its surface, but the US National Space Weather Prediction Center estimated there could be up to 115 by July 2025.

Astronomers worry that another extreme solar flare could mirror the 1859 Carrington Event that set telegraph wires on fire, disrupted ships' compasses and cut off communications worldwide.

If an event of that magnitude occurred today, it would have much more widespread implications because of the modern-day reliance on technology for every day operations.

This would mean home medical equipment that requires electricity to function would be rendered useless and without cell phones, there would be no way to call 911 in the case of an emergency.

Major geomagnetic storms can also destroy satellites by causing them to crash into other objects in space.

The 2022 geomagnetic storm was the last severe storm prior to early May, which destroyed up to 40 Starlink satellites worth more than $50 million.
Space experts believe they have identified the bizarre 'UFO' debris discovered by a North Carolina groundskeeper and his coworker at a luxury campsite.

Justin Clontz found the three-foot-wide panel, fuzzed with burnt and frayed carbon fibers, in the middle of a trail in the town of Canton last week.

And now an astronomer has told DailyMail.com that the mangled metal is likely pieces of a storage trunk from one of Elon Musk's SpaceX spacecraft.

'The debris matches the expected location of these reentries,' Smithsonian astrophysicist Dr Jonathan McDowell told DailyMail.com, adding that he was 'very confident' in this assessment.

Astronomer Dr Jonathan McDowell has told DailyMail.com that the bizarre 'UFO' crash debris discovered by a North Carolina groundskeeper at a luxury campsite has been determined to be pieces of a storage trunk from one of SpaceX 's reusable Cargo Dragon spacecraft (above)

Justin Clontz (above) was working grounds maintenance at Glamping Collective, a luxury campsite in Haywood County, North Carolina when he made the bewildering discovery. he had to tow the 'UFO' out of the area with a riding lawnmower because it was so massive and heavy

The charred black, metal object also resembles two pieces of debris found in Canada and Australia, which are now known to be from SpaceX Dragons.

'We have coincidence in time and place. They look similar to each other and to the Australia debris which is confirmed to come from a Dragon trunk,' Dr McDowell said.

Clontz was working on grounds maintenance at Glamping Collective, a luxury campsite in Haywood County, when he made the eerie discovery.

The career groundskeeper and landscaper told local news he was 'just shocked as to what it was,' adding: 'It's once in a lifetime, you know, it don't happen every day.'

The UFO-like debris' carbon fiber looked almost like some kind of weird fur, as initial reports described the now very likely identified mystery object.

'We don't know what it is,' Clontz told local news earlier this month. 'We just know that it's not from up here.'

Although this piece of SpaceX debris fell safely about a half-mile down a remote trail on Glamping's property, Dr McDowell noted that both governmental and private space programs have become dangerously lax with their space junk in recent years.

Although this piece of SpaceX debris fell safely about a half-mile down a remote forest trail, Dr McDowell noted that both governmental and private space programs have become notably lax with their space junk in recent years. Above, the open trunk of a SpaceX Cargo Dragon craft

SpaceX's Dragon 'trunk' has storage space of over 350 cubic-feet internally, with an extender option that expands its capacity to over 1200 cubic-feet of storage space. This cargo container comes with mounted radiators that help it regulate the temperature of sensitive items

'The risk to life and property is fairly small  because the Earth is a big target and is mostly not covered with people  but it's not tiny,' Dr McDowell wrote via email.

'We have seen some close shaves,' he said.

Dr McDowell's work, which involves collecting and analyzing data from NASA's Chandra X-ray telescope observatory and other space-based astronomy platforms, often includes paying some attention to space traffic in Earth's orbit.

'The government is also taking unwarranted risks,' noted Dr McDowell, who publishes a monthly newsletter on space launches, 'as shown by the incident in Florida earlier this year when a bit of ISS came through the roof of someone's house.'

That incident, this March, involved a 5,800-pound battery pallet plunging into a Florida home. The heavy metal object was later confirmed to have been discarded by the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021.

'The risk to life and property is fairly small - because the Earth is a big target and is mostly not covered with people - but it's not tiny,' Dr McDowell wrote via email about the SpaceX crash

Dr McDowell's work, which has involved NASA's Chandra X-ray telescope observatory and other space-based astronomy platforms, often includes paying some attention to the space traffic in Earth's orbit. Above, another close-up of the SpaceX debris in North Carolina

Naples homeowner Alejandro Otero was on vacation when he received a call from his son, saying he heard a 'tremendous sound' and there were gaping holes in the ceiling and floor. Otero's son reportedly told him that whatever fell almost hit him.

SpaceX has not yet confirmed whether the object found in Canada earlier this year, or the object found in North Carolina, were debris from their spacecraft.

But, ground tracking of the SpaceX Dragon 'trunk' that made its re-entry this February would indicate that both of these crash debris objects came from the trunk as it burned up in the hot friction of its descent back towards Earth.

Dr McDowell told Space.com that the most likely sites for debris from this descent could include US states from Tennessee through Virginia and West Virginia, but North Carolina was certainly within the realm of possibility.

Clontz had to improvise to tow this apparent hull panel from the SpaceX Dragon's trunk out of off the trail because it was so massive: 'I just tied a rope to it and drug it out with a lawn mower'

Above, more detail from the futuristic SpaceX trunk panel, fuzzed with burnt and frayed carbon fibers, bolted between heavy metal plates

SpaceX's Dragon 'trunk' has storage space of over 350 cubic-feet internally, with an extender option that expands its capacity to over 1200 cubic-feet.

This cargo container comes with mounted radiators  electrical and fluid connections that allow it to regulate its storage space's internal temperature to accommodate a variety of sensitive payloads, including small satellites that can be released in orbit.

Clontz had to improvise to tow this apparent cargo hull panel from the SpaceX Dragon's trunk out of his trail area, just because it was so massive.

'I just tied a rope to it and drug it out with a lawn mower,' as Clontz explained to WLOS.

He added that the 'UFO' had landed perfectly in the middle of the trail and that none of the trees or leaves looked like they had caught fire in the crash.

Nobody had even heard the object land, he told reporters, which surprised him, given its size and weight.

'It's a one in a million chance that it lands, especially if it landed somewhere off the trail in the woods you'd have never found it,' he told the local news team, 'but it just happened to land on the trail.'
Chinas top-secret spaceplane has released a mysterious object into Earths orbit just 372 miles above the surface.

The US Space Force is monitoring the situation, but the purpose of the object ejected on May 24 is unknown.

A Harvard astrophysicist first spotted the object, speculating it could be a subsatellite deployment, or a piece of hardware ejected before the spaceplane ends its mission and deorbits.

The craft - named Shenlong after a spirit dragon from Chinese mythology - launched last December and has since been found to release several objects into orbit with some sending strong signals over North America.

China s top-secret spaceplane has released a mysterious object into Earths orbit just 372 miles above the surface. The US Space Force is monitoring the situation, but the purpose of the object ejected on May 24 is unknown

China has been very secretive about the spaceplane, only describing the purpose as providing 'technical support for the peaceful use of space.

The craft launched one day after the US scrubbed the flight of its spy plane, which the US Space Force chief said was 'no coincidence.'

'It's probably no coincidence that they're trying to match us in timing and sequence of this,' General Chance Saltzman, Space Force's Chief of Space Operations, said.

And while Chinas spaceplane has since fallen under the radar, the mysterious object is raising concerns.

Jonathan McDowell, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, first spotted the object and shared his findings on X.

This object could be a subsatellite deployment, or it could be a piece of hardware ejected prior to end of the mission and deorbit (the spaceplane's first flight did something similar), McDowell shared.

Will be interesting to see if the plane maneuvers or lands soon.

Chinas spaceplane is currently on its third mission, and US officials have said that its capabilities are somewhat similar to America's X-37B (pictured) that launched on December 29, 2023

Amateur astronomer Scott Tilley was tracking Chinas spaceplane in December when it ejected six objects, which emitted signals over North America.

Tilley said he believed the signals targeted a ground station or boat near British Columbia, Canada, where he lives.

'When the spaceplane passes over me, it only emits on a certain trajectory of pass that appears to favor a location south to southwest of me.

'I.e., on higher elevation passes over me, there are no signals, but on ocean-hugging passes to my southwest, all of my observations of the object have occurred.'

Tilley has teamed up with a group in Switzerland that specializes in optical-band space surveillance, and the collaboration has been keeping a close eye on the plane since it launched on December 15.

Chinas spaceplane is currently on its third mission, and US officials have said that its capabilities are somewhat similar to America's X-37B that launched on December 29, 2023.

The launch followed more than two weeks of false starts and delays attributed to poor weather and unspecified technical issues, leading ground crews to roll the spacecraft back to its hangar.

It came two weeks after China's spaceplane launched on its third mission to orbit since 2020.

The US Boeing-built vehicle, roughly the size of a small bus and resembling a miniature space shuttle, is built to deploy various payloads and conduct technology experiments on years-long orbital flights.

The planned duration of the latest X-37B mission was not made public, but it will presumably run until June 2026 or later, given the prevailing pattern of successively longer flights.
The 80th anniversary of D-Day will draw world leaders and veterans back to the beaches of France

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Not since those ceramic poppies at the Tower of London have I seen a public artwork which makes such a powerful point in such an evocative setting: 1,475 life-size silhouettes, one for every British serviceman who died on D-Day, overlooking the scene of some of the fiercest action.

Free of charge, it is just one of so many stirring sights which will be receiving a great deal of attention in the coming days.

The 80th anniversary of D-Day will draw world leaders and veterans back to the beaches where the fate of Europe hung in the balance on the early hours of June 6, 1944. More than 150,000 British, American and Canadian servicemen were the spearhead of an assault which led to the liberation of France, followed by the liberation of Europe less than a year later.

Avoid visiting on the actual anniversary, given all the security. However, at any other time, Normandys D-Day trail makes for a magnificent trip - or even a stopover en route to the continent.

You wont see everything - the Normandy landings spanned 50 miles of coast and the three-month Battle of Normandy raged for miles inland. So here are some suggestions for a two-day itinerary.

Normandys D-Day trail makes for a magnificent trip. Here are some suggestions for a two-day itinerary

DAY ONE

Take a cabin on the overnight Brittany Ferries crossing from Portsmouth to Caen. That way, you arrive at dawn near the spot where so many British troops came ashore on D-Day - Sword Beach. Grab breakfast in a cafe in Ouistreham.

Hillman Fortress, Colleville-Montgomery

Before the museums open, take a short trip to see what lay in store for the troops before their feet were dry. On open land, this German bunker complex has not changed since 1944 when the Suffolk Regiment fought a fierce battle to seize control of an enemy vantage point between Sword Beach and the city of Caen. It was one of the toughest challenges on D-Day itself. There is no entry charge. In the summer months, local volunteers are on hand to unlock the hefty steel doors and offer guided tours.

See the 'Hillman Fortified Site' page at caenlamer-tourisme.com.

Memorial Pegasus, Ranville

Sacrifice: Pegasus Bridge, a lifting bridge over the Caen ship canal, which was liberated early on D-Day

A ten-minute drive brings you to one of the must-see landmarks. D-Day was not just about 'the beaches'. Before the first landing craft had come ashore, thousands of airborne troops were dropped inland to seize key positions.

The Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, led by Major John Howard, landed in gliders to capture two key bridges. The first, a lifting bridge over the Caen ship canal, became the first piece of France to be liberated, henceforth renamed Pegasus Bridge after the flying horse insignia of the 6th Airborne Division.

After it was replaced in 1994, the steel bridge was dumped in a field until it was rescued to form the majestic centrepiece of this wonderful museum (7.60 for adults and 4.70 for children). Honouring all Britains airborne forces, it has plenty of hardware (for adults and children alike).

There is a full-size replica of the famous Horsa glider plus vehicles, guns and - new this summer - a Bren gun carrier immaculately restored by a grateful Frenchman. Also spotless is an original Bailey bridge, newly repainted by a team of retired Royal Engineers who turned up with pots and brushes. A short walk across the canal takes you to the Cafe Gondree, still owned by Arlette, the little girl who welcomed Major Howard and his men that night in 1944.

Visit musee.memorial-pegasus.com

D-Day Wings Museum, Carpiquet

Just off the ring road around Caen, you will find an impressive collection of D-Day aircraft in a huge hangar next to the citys Carpiquet Airport (7.60/6). A hands-on venue, it allows visitors inside cockpits. Take a spin at the helm of a Bofors anti-aircraft gun, too.

Visit ddaywingsmuseum.com

Juno Beach Centre, Courseulles-sur-Mer

Liberated: British troops at Juno Beach on D-Day. Built into the sand is the gleaming Juno Beach Centre (7.25 entry), which tells the story of the troops that landed there

Head back to the coast at Courseulles, codenamed Juno Beach. This was the main sector for the gallant Canadians who, by the end of D-Day, had fought their way further inland than any other Allied division. All volunteers, there were 5,500 of them who never came home.

Built into the sand, the gleaming Juno Beach Centre (7.25 entry) tells their story with stirring audio-visual exhibits.

Take the guided tour of the well-preserved German bunker in the dunes and imagine what it must have been like waking up to see the full might of the Allied war machine coming up the beach.

Visit junobeach.org

The British Normandy Memorial, Ver sur Mer

Robert Hardman at the Standing With Giants memorial to British servicemen

If you only visit one place, then come to this beautiful 44-acre site overlooking the central sector which the British codenamed Gold Beach. It was only opened in 2021 following a long campaign by the veterans, with the support of the Daily Mail, and is now a permanent tribute to all 22,440 British servicemen - and two women - who gave their lives during the Normandy campaign.

It is a great spot from which to get your bearings since it is right in the middle of the Allied landing zones. Just off the coast, you see the remains of the mighty Mulberry harbour, the ingenious portable docks that kept the invasion forces resupplied.

Immediately below a herd of Normandy cows, you see the spot where Stan Hollis of the Green Howards landed, before winning the only Victoria Cross awarded on D-Day itself. Drive five minutes up the road to Crepon and see where it happened.

What makes a visit so special this year is the installation of 'Standing With Giants', the 1,475 life-size silhouettes. As of June 6, there will also be the brand new Winston Churchill visitor centre and cafe for a well-earned cup of tea. For a few pounds, you can sponsor a plaque in the name of a loved one.

Visit britishnormandymemorial.org

OVERNIGHT

The ancient cathedral city of Bayeux (which was spared bombardment) is a perfect stopover between the British and U.S. sectors.

DAY TWO

Bayeux Commonwealth Cemetery and Battle of Normandy Museum

The largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Normandy, with 4,648 men buried here and with a memorial opposite to a further 1,800 of the missing. The adjacent museum provides a good overview. If time permits the next day, go further back in time and visit the Bayeux Tapestry.

Explore at cwgc.org, bayeuxmuseum.com

Arromanches Museum

Arromanches is where the Allies built the huge Mulberry harbour, having towed giant concrete caissons across the Channel

Seven miles north of Bayeux, the seaside town of Arromanches has been adopted by British veterans as a home from home. Union flags fly everywhere and restaurants serve 'le fish and chips'.

This is where the Allies built the huge Mulberry harbour, having towed giant concrete caissons across the Channel. By July, it was landing up to 9,000 tons of supplies each day, along a ten-mile network of floating roads.

By November it had imported nearly 700,000 tons of kit while delivering the wounded and 11,000 prisoners in the opposite direction. It remains one of the most impressive feats of engineering in modern military history.

The seafront museum has been completely rebuilt in the past couple of years and offers an excellent overview of the entire Normandy campaign as well as the story of the Mulberry miracle.

Visit musee-arromanches.fr

US cemetery Colleville-sur-Mer

Continuing west of Arromanches brings you to the U.S. beaches. The highest casualty rates on D-Day were at 'bloody Omaha' and the scale of loss is reflected in the beautiful tree-lined American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, the final resting place of 9,388 servicemen overlooking Omaha Beach itself. The cemetery appears at the start and end of the film Saving Private Ryan. Each day, an hour before closing time, there is a poignant flag-lowering ceremony.

See more at abmc.gov/normandy

Overlord Museum and Omaha Beach Memorial Museum

For those who like an 'immersive experience', with plenty of sounds and machinery, the Overlord Museum (entry 8.15) does not disappoint. Featuring a hefty collection of tanks, guns, motorbikes and trucks collected by the late Michel Leloup, this exhibition is housed in a large industrial unit a short drive from the cemetery.

A five-minute drive away, next to the beach, is the more conventional Omaha Beach Memorial Museum (entry 6.60) with many more detailed exhibits and a 25-minute film. Among the displays is a tribute to the 'Bedford Boys', the 20 young men from one small Virginia town killed on D-Day itself.

Visit overlordmuseum.com, musee-memorial-omaha.com

Airborne Museum and Utah Beach Museum

The first town liberated by U.S. paratroopers, Sainte-Mere-Eglise still proudly maintains its disconcerting replica of Private John Steele dangling by his parachute from the church (he survived). The Airborne Museum (entry 9.80) has a simulator replicating the terrifying night flight through the flak in a C-47.

From here, it is a short drive to the western end of the D-Day landings on Utah Beach and its substantial museum overlooking the sea (entry 7.70).

See more at airborne-museum.org, utah-beach.com
Declan Donnelly poked fun at Ant McPartlin's new fatherhood status as the pair launched the first Britain's Got Talent semi-final on Monday night.

Ant, 48, and his wife Anne-Marie, 46, welcomed son Wilder - Ant's first child - on May 14, and he announced the happy news on Instagram the day after.

Kicking off the live episode, Ant and Dec were seen in a black cab and Ant said: 'It's finally here, the live semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent.'

Pulling out a red clipboard, Dec, also 48, said: 'Hey, we should check the old checklist, make sure we've got everything.'

Dec began: 'Nappies, baby wipes...' before turning to Ant and saying: 'Hang on - this is yours!'

Declan Donnelly, 48, poked fun at fellow 48-year-old Ant McPartlin's new fatherhood status as the pair launched the first Britain's Got Talent semi-final on Monday night.

Kicking off the live episode, Ant who became a father for the first time when his son Wilder was born on May 14, said: 'It's finally here, the live semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent'

Dec said: 'Hey, we should check the old checklist, make sure we've got everything.' He began: 'Nappies, baby wipes...' before hilariously turning to Ant and saying: 'Hang on - this is yours!'

Ant put on expression of mock anger before grabbing the clipboard and saying: 'That's my list. Give it here!'

The pair then revealed their real checklist which included themselves, a 'brilliant audience', dancers, and viewers at home.

When the show itself began, head judge Simon Cowell congratulated Ant on becoming a father.

Music mogul Simon, 64, said: 'I'd like to congratulate you on becoming a dad Ant, I'm really happy for you.'

The audience cheered as the Ant thanked Simon for his words and the gift he had sent him upon the arrival his baby boy.

BGT viewers were quick to comment on the sweet moment, hailing how happy the presenter appeared.

They wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Simon saying congrats to ant and him having the biggest smile my heart';

'Aww Simon sent Ant a gift bless'; 'Awwww Simon congratulating Ant!!!';

The pair then revealed their real checklist which included themselves, a 'brilliant audience', dancers, and viewers at home

When the show itself began, head judge Simon Cowell congratulated Ant on becoming a father

The audience cheered as Ant thanked Simon, 64, for his words and the gift he had sent him upon the arrival his baby boy

'Simon congratulating ant becoming a dad and the birth of his baby boy and he's happy for him'; 'Ant's first time on live TV since the birth of his child and he's happier than ever'.

Announcing the news of Wilder's birth on Instagram earlier in the month, Ant shared an Instagram snap sweetly cradling his baby boy.

He wrote: 'Born, 14/05/24 at 8.54am. Baby is beautiful, Mummy's a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad's a mess!'.

The baby is Ant's first while Anne-Marie has two children, Poppy, and Daisy, from her previous marriage.

Ant's ex-wife Lisa Armstrong has since returned to social media for the first time since the presenter welcomed Wilder.

The makeup artist shared a cryptic post on her Instagram Stories stating that 'behaviour never lies'.

Ant's baby news is said to have shattered Lisa, who remains childless at 47 following her acrimonious divorce from the presenter.

Since the split, Lisa has had one constant source of support by her side - loyal Labrador Hurley. She shares joint custody of the beloved canine with Ant but reports say she wants sole possession of him - something he is said to have resisted.

Ant shared a Instagram snap sweetly cradling his baby boy writing: 'Born, 14/05/24 at 8.54am. Baby is beautiful, Mummy's a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad's a mess!'

Ant and Anne-Marie pictured together in 2021

BGT viewers were quick to comment on the sweet moment, hailing how happy the presenter appeared

But she has reportedly vowed to fight on for sole custody of the chocolate Labrador, who regularly features in her Instagram posts, where she refers to him as 'Mama's baby boy'.

Ant and Lisa adopted Hurley in 2013 following struggles to have a child of their own.

Ant is said to have refused to surrender full custody of Hurley to his ex during their reported 31million divorce battle, reportedly telling lawyers: 'She can have anything she wants  except the dog.'

The arrangement led to the TV presenter's chauffeur ferrying the dog between the two of them so they did not have to see each other.

Anne-Marie was said to have expressed a wish to care for the Lab full-time in February - and friends close to the make-up artist say that desire is stronger than ever following the birth of Ant's firstborn.

'She felt very betrayed by both Ant and Anne-Marie and felt that none of this has been handled sensitively, especially the announcement of the baby,' sources have told The Sun.

'The one thing that has got her through it and been by her side constantly is Hurley  she doesn't know what she would do without him. He's more than just a dog to her and has been a lifeline at times.'

They added: 'Ant obviously loves Hurley as well but he now has a lot of other responsibilities and things going on in his life and Lisa can't see why she can't have full custody of him. She needs Hurley by her side.'

Ant's ex-wife Lisa Armstrong has returned to social media for the first time since the presenter welcomed Wilder

She also shared a snap of four labradors, including her beloved dog Hurley, along with the caption: 'Got the band back together'

The former couple reportedly agreed to take it in turns to look after Hurley, with the arrangement seeing Ant's chauffeur ferrying the dog between them so they did not have to see each other.

But the news of Wilder's birth is said to have hit Lisa hard - particularly after she spent years supporting Ant during a tumultuous period that saw him battle a prescription drug addiction and a drinking problem.

His struggles with alcohol only became public in March 2018 - two months after he and Lisa divorced - when he was involved in a car crash and charged with drink-driving, for which he was fined 86,000.

The Britains Got Talent live semi-finals will air nightly at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX until Friday May 31. The grand finale will take place on Sunday June 2 at 7:30pm.
They were once the most popular husband and wife presenting duo since the original hosts of ITVs This Morning, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.

But it appears that mixing work and marriage may have been the reason behind Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsfords separation, which they announced over the weekend.

The news came as a shock to fans, who believed the pair had one of the strongest marriages in showbusiness. But now it appears the writing was on the wall far earlier than anyone imagined.

The pair, who met back in 1997 while both working in television, shared a sofa on This Morning for 15 years, hosting the Friday show, before being axed in 2021.

It appears that mixing work and marriage may have been the reason behind Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsfords separation, which they announced over the weekend

But in an interview newly unearthed by the Mail, Holmes, speaking at an event last November, revealed that Langsford couldnt separate her private and professional lives. He also warned against marrying a colleague  a particularly pointed remark considering their long working relationship.

At the launch of networking company Global Man at The Savoy hotel in London six months ago, Holmes said: Here is Ruths problem: she cannot separate professional life from private life. Ruth is the boss of both.

Shes marvellous you know, I love her, I live with her. Shes amazing  but 

Find your partner at work! Have a romance. Do all the dirty things you are doing but stay apart.

During the interview, Holmes, 64, also accused ITV, his former employer, of spreading rumours of his marriage being in trouble.

He was furious when the channel axed him three years ago after a series of on-air gaffes, and lambasted it publicly, saying that the diversity drive is hypocritical, and claiming those who run the show are middle-aged white managers.

The pair, who met back in 1997 while both working in television, shared a sofa on This Morning for 15 years, hosting the Friday show, before being axed in 2021

Friends say the couples relationship has been tested by Holmes ongoing chronic back pain, following slipped discs and a fall at home in 2022

Now a presenter for GB news, Holmes is expected to address the split live on his breakfast show today.

The Mail revealed on Saturday that Holmes and Langsford, also 64, had split after 27 years, 14 of them as a married couple.

Their relationship began in 1997, three years after the end of Holmes marriage to first wife Gabrielle, with whom he has three children, Declan, 35, Rebecca, 33, and Niall, 31.

In June 2010, Langsford and Holmes were married in a lavish ceremony at 19th century hotel The Elvetham in Hampshire, in front of guests including Gloria Hunniford, Jeremy Kyle and Amanda Lamb.

On Saturday, they confirmed theyre in the process of divorcing but are trying to remain amicable. However, the pair were at odds over putting a statement out to announce their separation, which they have repeatedly denied for more than six months.

Ms Langsford broke her social media silence with a picture of the couples beloved dog, Maggie

Yesterday, a friend of Holmes said: This could all get very, very tricky. Youre dealing with Eamonn, who didnt really want to end things, and Ruth, who did. At the very heart of that is a disagreement.

How they manage to split their millions remains to be seen, but when it comes to money things are never easy. Theyve been together for a long time, but Eamonn was undeniably more famous when they got together.

The statement issued by the couple on Saturday revealed that they are to divorce after work commitments took their marriage in different directions.

Holmes and Langsford, who have a 22-year-old son, Jack, have been living together until recently at their 3.2 million home in Weybridge, Surrey. They say theyre determined to stay friends and keep things amicable.

However, it is understood that Eamonn is devastated about the split and that it has very much been orchestrated by Ruth.

He reportedly told friends he didnt want to get involved and that Ruth can do what she wants but keep me out of it.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: KATIE HIND: Strains that ended Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford's marriage Advertisement

It is understood that he was against making the news public, after spending months trying to save his marriage.

His wife, though, was determined to walk away.

Friends say the couples relationship has been tested by Holmes ongoing chronic back pain, following slipped discs and a fall at home in 2022.

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 HM Revenue and Customs.

Both Eamonn and Ruth had denied that there were any problems with their relationship when asked in recent months, although friends say that the marriage has been over for at least a year.

Neither has posted pictures of one another on their social media accounts for the past 12 months. Previously the pair would also mark their anniversary by sending each other a public message on Instagram.

Yesterday, Ms Langsford broke her social media silence with a picture of the couples beloved dog, Maggie.

She is also taking the week off from Loose Women, the ITV panel show which she anchors alongside the likes of Linda Robson, Christine Lampard and Stacey Solomon.

Additional reporting: Alexis Parr
Ryan Phillippe shared a throwback photo of himself with his ex-wife Reese Witherspoon on his Instagram Stories.

'We were hot and drenched in late 90's angst @reesewitherspoon. (such a cooler time than today),' the Cruel Intentions actor wrote below the image.

In the photo, the former couple have their arms wrapped around each other, with the Legally Blonde star, 48, in a black and white striped dress with a high neckline.

Ryan wore a sleeveless, collared, blue-and-white-striped shirt with black slacks and aviator-style sunglasses.

Reese's hair was cut in a chin-length bob while Ryan's was a mohawk hairstyle.

Ryan Phillippe shared a throwback photo of himself with his ex-wife Reese Witherspoon on his Instagram Stories; seen July 7, 2001 in New York City

'We were hot and drenched in late 90's angst @reesewitherspoon.(such a cooler time than today),' the Cruel Intentions actor wrote

The exes met at the Morning Show star's 21st birthday party in 1997. Two years later they starred in Cruel Intentions together with Selma Blair and got married, seen in 1998

The exes met at the Morning Show star's 21st birthday party in 1997. Two years later they starred in Cruel Intentions together with Selma Blair and got married.

The actors were wed for nine years and welcomed two children, daughter Ava, 24 and son Deacon, 20.

Phillippe and Witherspoon split in October 2006 and issued a joint statement at the time.

'We are saddened to announce that Reese and Ryan have decided to formally separate,' a rep for the couple said.

'They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time.'

Witherspoon went on to marry Jim Toth and welcome son Tennessee, 11. She and Toth announced their split in March 2023.

The Prey actor never got remarried, but shares daughter Kai, 12, with his ex-girlfriend Alexis Knapp.

Recently, fans called on the former couple's daughter Ava to be cast as young Elle Woods in the Legally Blonde prequel series for Amazon Prime.

The actors were wed for nine years and welcomed two children, daughter Ava, 24 and son Deacon, pictured in 2006

Phillippe and Witherspoon split in October 2006 and issued a joint statement at the time

They co-parents their two children Ava, 24, and Deacon, 20

'They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time,' their statement continued at the time

The prequel, titled Elle, will feature the character's origin story as the protagonist navigates her way through high school before becoming a Harvard Law student.

After the news emerged, social media users called on Ava to be cast in the role of young Elle, whose character made the 'bend and snap' famous.

Following the announcement, fans of the movie took to social media and begged Reese to include her daughter in the cast.

One person said: 'If her daughter doesn't play her, we are going to be very upset.''Is Ava playing Elle?' another user questioned.
Kyle Sandilands found himself on the back foot Tuesday morning when co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson mocked his multi-million dollar company's name.

The radio shock jock, 52, founded an investment company in 2012 and called it 'King Kyle' after the King of Radio nickname he received during his long career on air.

Now, just over a decade later, his colleague Jackie O, 49, offended Kyle when she was caught laughing at the name during their Kyle and Jackie O Show.

The Australian Idol judge was reminiscing on the early days of his career in the mid-nineties when he got a gig on Triple M radio in Brisbane.

He revealed he had referred to himself as King Kyle even way back then, leading to his KIIS FM co-host Jackie O letting out a derisive laugh.

Kyle Sandilands, 52, (left) found himself on the back foot Tuesday morning when co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson, 49, (right) mocked his multi-million dollar company's name

Kyle promptly took offense and reminded Jackie O that she was also mocking the name of his company, before taking aim at her own recent business venture.

'What if I said Besties was for fat lezzos?' he fired back at her, referring to the company the radio host started with close friend Gemma O'Neill.

Jackie O assured her colleague: 'I'm not referring to [your business], I'm referring to you being on air calling yourself King Kyle.'

The radio shock jock founded an investment company in 2012 and called it 'King Kyle' after the King of Radio nickname he received during his long career on air

'As opposed to you calling yourself "Jackie O"? It's the same thing right?' he responded.

'I guess it was a nickname back then which did apply because I was with someone who was O'Neil,' Jackie O said, referring to her past relationship with Ugly Phil O'Neil.

Ugly Phil, who is a radio announcer and DJ, tied the knot with Jackie O a year after they met in the early nineties, with the pair separating in 1999.

Kyle took offense and reminded Jackie O she was mocking the name of his company, before taking aim at her own business venture, Besties, which she founded with Gemma O'Neill (right)

Kyle went on to tell Jackie O that King Kyle was also a nickname before adding: 'We've always respected each other why change now just cause you're getting some young strange?

'You're getting some young strange, you think you can be a b***h to everyone. It ain't gonna work.'

Kyle founded King Kyle in 2012 as an investment company, but later expanded it into content creation and music production.

The business covers a massive variety of services from selling beverages such as H2Coco and Nueva Sangria, to producing the Amazon Prime hit Luxe Listings Sydney.
Shanan Liu, left, and Chibueze Crouch during rehearsals on the set of Towards Opulence, the Opera, which features songs and dances derived from their personal writings and stories in San Francisco, on May 20. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Maurice Hudson, right, and other cast members of Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera rehearse in San Francisco on May 20. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Joel Yates, left, and Chassity Gantt during rehearsals of Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera on May 20. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Melanie DeMore sings during a rehearsal of Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Dot Com sings during rehearsals of Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Skywatchers founder Anne Bluethenthal, center, during rehearsals for Towards Opulence, the Opera. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle The cast of Towards Opulence, the Opera rehearses on May 20. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle The cast of Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera rehearses. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Maya Nixon plays the harp during rehearsals of Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Joel Yates during rehearsals of Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Shannon Liu, left, and Chibueze Crouch rehearse Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera on May 20. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Lauren Swiger, left, and Lord Frederick rehearse Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera on May 20. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Chassity Gantt, left, sings during rehearsals of Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera, which features songs and dances derived from the casts personal writings and stories. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

News headlines tell one story of San Franciscos Tenderloin, painting a picture of a seedy enclave overrun with sidewalk tent encampments, crime and fentanyl where, on average, two people a day die from overdoses. But walk into Dance Mission Theater for a Skywatchers rehearsal and youd hear a very different story, delivered by the Tenderloins own residents.

We are a powerful people, the two-dozen Skywatchers cast members sang in rich unison during a recent rehearsal for the groups next production, Towards Opulence, the Opera, slated to open at Dance Mission on Friday, May 31.

When the chorus quieted on this Monday afternoon, lead artist Shakiri stepped in, rearranging the ensemble, whose members are Black, white and Asian, and dressed in everything from purple yoga pants to a pirate hat.

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Take space when youve got something to say, and give space when someone else has something to say, Shakiri said, as Skywatchers founder Anne Bluethenthal showed Lauren Swiger how to sweep up her castmate Lotus Miller and carry her lovingly across the stage.

Dot Com, center, and the cast of Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera rehearse on May 20. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

See it as a dance, Bluethenthal added, crouching and lifting Millers trusting body. This is part of the dance.

Theres a lot of embracing at a Skywatchers gathering, both in rehearsal and after, but theres ample fierce defiance too. Performers deliver lines like, I call bull,  calling out gaslighters who deny what the show calls the root system of our essential opulence.

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Were walking a line, not running away from what is difficult, but also not exploiting or pandering or presenting all the images of the Tenderloin people are used to seeing, Bluethenthal told the Chronicle after rehearsal. Without denying the conditions of life in the Tenderloin, Towards Opulence is an act of resistance because were imagining our richest lives.

As cast member Dorian Brockington put it, just before catching a bus back to his Tenderloin apartment: Theres a beautiful light in the Tenderloin if you open your eyes to see it.

Bluethenthal learned this firsthand by spending more than a dozen years immersed in the downtown neighborhood. She founded Skywatchers in 2011, driven by an existential crisis about her three decades of making dance on political themes.

Nazelah Jamison during a rehearsal of Skywatchers Towards Opulence, the Opera. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

The people who were most directly affected by the subjects I was passionate about  those people werent author to the work, they werent performing the work and they werent witnessing the work, Bluethenthal said.

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More Information Towards Opulence, the Opera: Skywatchers. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, May 31-June 1, and 5 p.m. Sunday, June 2. $20-$100, sliding scale. Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th St., S.F. www.dancemissiontheater.org

Searching for a sustainable combination of political art and community, Bluethenthal visited the Tenderloin National Forest, a former so-called crack alley on the 500 block of Ellis Street that was turned into a green space in 1989 and is anchored by a redwood now six-stories tall. As she began meeting neighborhood residents, the richness of their stories compelled her to keep returning. One such resident of the Senator Hotel told Bluethenthal, Im a skywatcher because I live on the top floor, I look out my window and I see the children. Thats how the budding theater community got its name.

The first Skywatchers performance used recorded interviews as a soundtrack, with residents of the SROs dancing alongside. After that show, weekly Skywatchers meetings spread from one SRO to another, with the groups circle now held at the Kelly Cullen Community Center.

Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Skywatchers has produced or collaborated on more than 20 works, including 2017s I Got a Truth to Tell and 2019s Came Here to Live: Resilience and Resistance in the Containment Zone.

In October 2019, Joel Yates walked into the circle, while recovering from renal failure. Staying sober was just really isolating, he recalled. His first entrance to the group was intimidating, but then they opened up with freewriting, and that was my comfort level. Eventually, Yates became one of the groups six lead artists, a paid position. (All cast members are also paid hourly for rehearsal and performance time.)

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Skywatchers founder Anne Bluethenthal, center, high-fives Chastity Gantt during a rehearsal of Towards Opulence, the Opera, which features songs and dances derived from personal writings and stories of the cast, who are Tenderloin residents, on May 20. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

A committed father and passionate poet, Yates styled himself as The Eternal Elegist for the series of self-portraits titled Towards Opulence that led to this opera, with his life-size photo adorning a Muni bus terminal. His voice rings clear and strong as he sings We are truth tellers, we are love warriors at the shows close.

Dennis McCauleys voice may be fainter, but his testimony to the groups power is no less striking. A resident of the Tenderloin for 10 years, he joined Skywatchers two years ago when a longtime member brought him in.

I wanted to be around positive people, positive energy, McCauley said, noting that he was homeless for three and a half years. I was on drugs, and now Im clean and sober because of Skywatchers.

Lead songwriter Melanie DeMore said she knows that Skywatchers is a lifeline for many of our members. An original member of Linda Tillerys legendary Cultural Heritage Choir, DeMore travels the country leading workshops at universities, but when shes home in the Bay Area, she spends Tuesdays in the Tenderloin.

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Paris Hilton's fans expressed concern over the way she put on her one-year-old son Phoenix's life jacket in her latest TikTok video.

The socialite, 43, took to social media over Memorial Day weekend to share a video of her and Phoenix enjoying the sunny weather while splashing together in the pool.

However, many fans took to her comments to advise the mom-of-two  who recently also addressed safety fears over her children's car seats  pointing out that her little one had his blue life jacket on backwards.

'Hey momma just a tip from another puddle jumper mom I think it's on backwards,' one person wrote.

Paris replied: 'Oops! Thank you! I never let him out of my arms. thought it was backwards too, I said that to the person who I bought it from & they said it was on right. But thank you so much for letting me know.'

Paris Hilton's fans expressed concern over the way she put on her one-year-old son Phoenix's life jacket in her latest TikTok video

A puddle jumper is a type of life jacket designed for young children. Puddle jumpers are buoyant vests with arm floats that help keep kids afloat.

The arm and middle float section is designed to be worn in the front, and closed with a strap in the back.

However, Phoenix had his put on backwards, with the strap in the front.

Many fans offered Paris  who's been enjoying a family vacation in Hawaii  advice on how to best close the jacket, while still giving her words of encouragement as a new mom.

'Double check the puddle jumper. I believe it's on backward,' another fan suggested.

'Swimming teacher here, see if you can swap the puddle jumper for a float jacket. Gives him the use of his arms to aide his swim journey,' someone else mentioned, to which Paris wrote back, 'Thank you' with a heart emoji.

Yet another fan chimed in, writing, 'So adorable. those floaties are the best just buckle it in the back instead of the front.'

'The little life jacket is backwards, but you are an amazing mother!!! Enjoy every moment, my youngest just graduated high school.'

The socialite, 43, took to social media over Memorial Day weekend to share a video of her and Phoenix enjoying the sunny weather while splashing together in the pool

However, many fans took to her comments to advise the mom-of-two, pointing out that her little one had his blue life jacket on backwards

Puddle jumpers are buoyant vests with arm floats that help keep kids afloat. The float section is designed to be worn in the front, and closed with a strap in the back. However, Phoenix had his put on backwards, with the strap in the front

After one fan pointed out the mistake, Paris replied: 'Oops! Thank you! I never let him out of my arms. thought it was backwards too, I said that to the person who I bought it from & they said it was on right. But thank you so much for letting me know'

'Double check the puddle jumper. I believe its on backward,' another fan suggested

Yet another fan chimed in, writing, 'So adorable. those floaties are the best just buckle it in the back instead of the front'

'The little life jacket is backwards, but you are an amazing mother!!! Enjoy every moment, my youngest just graduated high school'

'Swimming teacher here, see if you can swap the puddle jumper for a float jacket. Gives him the use of his arms to aide his swim journey,' someone else mentioned, to which Paris wrote back, 'Thank you' with a heart emoji

Throughout the clip Paris had Phoenix in her arms the entire time, while walking around the pool.

'Adventures with Baby P,' she captioned the video, adding a fish emoji.

She also shared another video of her carrying baby Phoenix on the beach, captioned 'Paradise with Baby P.'

The Hilton heiress looked incredible in a teal floral dress, with her blonde hair pinned up with a Dior headscarf.

She accessorized with white sunglasses and a white purse. Meanwhile her son matched her outfit in a colorful green shirt.

Earlier this month Paris 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 to post a clip of her infant daughter London, six months old, and son Phoenix 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.'

She also shared another video of her carrying baby Phoenix on the beach, captioned 'Paradise with Baby P'

The Hilton heiress looked incredible in a teal floral dress, with her blonde hair pinned up with a Dior headscarf

Earlier this month fans shared concerns that her daughter London, six months, and Phoenix were sat in front-facing car seats

Paris, who welcomed both Phoenix and London via surrogate, shares her kids with husband Carter Reum, 43; pictured in May in New York City

Please hire someone to install car seats,' one fan wrote while another added, 'Crazy unsafe. This is wild.'

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.'

Paris, who welcomed both Phoenix and London via surrogate, shares her kids with husband Carter Reum, 43. The entrepreneur began dating Reum in 2019.

The DJ and the businessman became engaged in February of 2021, and they tied the knot that November.
Home Alone star Daniel Stern has revealed the career blowback he received in Hollywood after being a whistleblower on a '90s sitcom.

In his new memoir Home And Alone, the 66-year-old shared a shocking story about being slapped with a $25million lawsuit by Columbia Tristar.

Stern said that he signed on to star in the CBS comedy Passengers in 1999, along with an all star cast and crew that included director Brett Ratner and actor Jeremy Piven.

'They offered me a boatload of money, made me an executive producer,' he wrote, according to Page Six.

He alleges that once filming on the pilot episode kicked off, a number of women on set confided to him that, 'Brett and Jeremy were sexually harassing them, and they were afraid'.

Daniel Stern has revealed the career blowback he received after being a whistleblower on a sitcom when he repeated allegations that two stars had sexually harassed women on set; seen in 2014

Stern alleges that women on set accused actor Jeremy Piven (left) and Brett Ratner (right) of sexual harassment. Both men have denied any sexual harassment allegations in the past

Stern claims that he told other executive producers about the women's concerns, but was allegedly told 'to just keep quiet about it' and that 'they would handle it'.

He says that he was later pulled into a meeting about it, where TV executives told him that they thought the show could get picked up for series and that they didn't want any controversy hurting it.

Stern also claims that one producer told him, 'Dont you say a fking word to anyone, or well sue you!'

He also says that he was told not to tell then-CEO of CBS Les Moonves about the sexual harassment claims.

Ironically, Moonves left the company in 2018 over allegations of sexual misconduct made against him.

Stern says he didn't tell Moonves about the situation on set, but was nevertheless accused of doing so by a furious producer.

When the show didn't get picked up, Colombia Tristar slapped Stern with a $25million lawsuit, alleging that he'd 'sabotaged the show'.

In his new memoir Home and Alone, the 66-year-old shared the shocking story about being slapped with a $25million lawsuit by Columbia Tristar

Stern is best known for starring alongside Joe Pesci in the Home Alone films

They eventually dropped the lawsuit after he agreed to pay back the money he'd been paid for the series.

Dailymail.com has contacted Piven and Ratner for comment.

Discussing the situation with Page Six, Stern described it as a 'terrifying experience' that ended up hurting his career.

Reflecting on it all in his book, Stern wrote, 'Thank God for the MeToo movement. And fk Brett Ratner, fk Jeremy Piven, fk Les Moonves, and fk that top-level executive at Columbia!'

Meanwhile Piven, 58, was dragged into the MeToo movement when multiple accusations of sexual abuse were leveled against him in 2017 and 2018.

He was fired by Moonves on the set of his drama Wisdom Of The Crowd. Moonves, who has since himself been fired over a series of allegations, felt he had no option as more accusers came forward to claim Piven has been sexually abusive.

Piven was accused on Twitter of sexual harassment and assault by 38-year-old actress Ariane Bellamar at the end of October 2017 who claimed the star groped her twice, once in his trailer on the Entourage set and the other at the Playboy mansion.

Piven was dragged into the MeToo movement when multiple accusations of sexual abuse were leveled against him in 2017 and 2018. He has denied them all

That was followed by actress Cassidy Freeman who said on her Instagram page that Piven engaged in 'predatory behavior' against her when she was 'far too young.'

And then two more women came forward accusing the Emmy winning actor of sexual assault and harassment.

Washington-based advertising executive Tiffany Bacon Scourby, 39, and Hawaii-based porn star Isis Taylor both say Piven attacked or harassed them.

Piven has denied all allegations of sexual assault saying they 'are absolutely false and completely fabricated.'

The actor played the acerbic Hollywood agent Ari Gold on the HBO series Entourage from 2004 to 2011 and in the widely panned 2015 movie.

Piven released a statement refuting Bellamar's claims at the time.

'I unequivocally deny the appalling allegations being peddled about me. It did not happen,' the statement said.

'It takes a great deal of courage for victims to come forward with their histories, and my hope is that the allegations about me that didn't happen, do not detract from stories that should be heard,' the statement added.

Former CBS CEO Les Moonves left the company in 2018 over allegations of sexual misconduct made against him. (Pictured with wife Julie Chen)

'Thank God for the MeToo movement. And fk Brett Ratner, fk Jeremy Piven, fk Les Moonves, and fk that top-level executive at Columbia!' Stern wrote. (Moonves is pictured)

Ratner was also hit with a wave of sexual harassment and assault allegations in 2017.

In November 2017, six woman came forward to expose Ratner in a Los Angeles Times article, including actresses Olivia Munn and Natasha Henstridge.

He was also accused of rape by Hawaii resident Melanie Kohler and Ratner launched a defamation case against her after she made the allegations public.

The law firm representing Ratner told DailyMail.com at the time: 'Mr. Ratner does not know Ms. Kohler and does not recall ever meeting her. From the beginning, Mr. Ratner has denied Ms. Kohlers allegations of sexual assault. In fact, after Ms. Kohler published her allegations in the media, Mr. Ratner sued her for defamation in federal court in Hawaii, where she resides. That lawsuit is still pending.'

He was accused of an array of acts, including harassment, inappropriate touching and forced oral sex.

Ratner denied all allegations.

'Brett Ratner vehemently denies the outrageous derogatory allegations that have been reported about him, and we are confident that his name will be cleared once the current media frenzy dies down and people can objectively evaluate the nature of these claims,' his attorney said.
North West earned support from an original Lion King star following brutal backlash for her performance as a Young Simba during The Lion King's 30th Anniversary concert.

Jason Weaver, who was the singing voice of Young Simba in the 1994 animated classic, took to his Instagram on Saturday to shower praise on the 10-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian.

'What an honor it is to share the same stage with this young superstar in the making,' Weaver wrote alongside an adorable photo of him and North. 'Im so PROUD you, North!! Youre doing a such PHENOMENAL job in this show!'

North had performed I Just Cant Wait to be King during Disneys live concert production of The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday and Saturday.

'Youre a true professional, and I wish you nothing but the best as you continue your journey towards GREATNESS!!' Weaver added.

North West earned support from an original Lion King star following brutal backlash for her performance as a Young Simba during The Lion King's 30th Anniversary concert

Jason Weaver, who was the singing voice of Young Simba in the 1994 animated classic, took to his Instagram on Saturday to shower praise on the 10-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian

He had joined a distinguished lineup of original Lion King cast members and performers on stage at the Hollywood Bowl.

The roster included Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Bradley Gibson, and Billy Eichner, alongside Heather Headley, who originated the role of Nala in the 1998 Broadway production, and Grammy winner Lebo M.

EGOT-winner Jennifer Hudson also wowed the audience with multiple stunning performances during the event.

North made her acting debut when she took to the stage at The Hollywood Bowl with her famous parents proudly watching on from the audience.

After belting out lyrics at the crowded venue, she received a standing ovation from the audience.

However, some social media users on X (formerly known as Twitter) shared their thoughts on Kim and Kanye's daughter snagging a coveted role in the musical concert.

One noted: 'Nepotism is literally the best thing to be born with,' while another added, 'The worst case of nepo I have witnessed.'

Another penned, 'Nepotism and the synonym next to it is KARDASHIANS,' followed by laughing face emojis.

'Nepotism is so crazy lol,' one wrote. 'Someone else's more talented, probably voice and dance trained kid didn't get it because his/her family isn't famous enough.'

One social media user penned, 'She looks great and it seems like she's having a lot of fun, but I'm definitely not gonna bypass the fact that we all know she wouldn't be there if it wasn't who her parents were. This is classism at its finest!'

'What an honor it is to share the same stage with this young superstar in the making,' Weaver wrote alongside an adorable photo of him and North. 'Im so PROUD you, North!! Youre doing a such PHENOMENAL job in this show!'

North has been the victim of brutal online trolling since her performance on Friday

Some naysayers said that the 10-year-old only got the gig because she's the daughter of Kim Kardashian (pictured) and Kanye West

Another chimed: 'Aw man...I feel bad for the kids there that are actually talented who could've nailed this.

'I'm sure her mom's influence (or money) is the only reason she got this leading/singing role.'

One also shared, 'I don't like that fact that she got this solely based on her mom or dad.

'There's a kid out there with real talent that should've been given this opportunity. And no I'm not a hater I actually like the "Kardashians."'

It's unclear if North went through a standard audition process. DailyMail.com has reached out to a Kardashian spokesperson for comment.

Earlier this month, it was announced that North was cast in the live-to-film concert event which ran for two nights on May 24 and May 25. The Hollywood Bowl can notably hold up to 17,500 people and tickets for the concert began at $60.

The eldest child of Kim and Kanye - who were also in attendance at the concert - took to the stage at The Hollywood Bowl to perform I Just Can't Wait To Be King

Another penned, 'Nepotism and the synonym next to it is KARDASHIANS,' followed by laughing face emojis

'Nepotism is so crazy lol,' one wrote. 'Someone else's more talented, probably voice and dance trained kid didn't get it because his/her family isn't famous enough'

One social media user penned, 'She looks great and it seems like she's having a lot of fun, but I'm definitely not gonna bypass the fact that we all know she wouldn't be there if it wasn't who her parents were. This is classism at its finest!'

One also shared, 'I don't like that fact that she got this solely based on her mom or dad. There's a kid out there with real talent that should've been given this opportunity. And no I'm not a hater I actually like the "Kardashians"'

Earlier this month, it was announced that North would join the cast for the live-to-film concert event which ran for two nights on May 24 and May 25

North joined other stars on the stage, such as Jennifer Hudson, Billy Eichner, Bradley Gibson, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, Jeremy Irons and also Nathan Lane.

Kanye was in attendance at the concert to support his daughter, as well as Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian and her husband Travis Barker.

Kim also cheered on North from backstage, sharing photos to her Instagram Stories from North's dressing room.

The proud mom posted snaps of their all-access passes on lanyards, along with some character-inspired cupcakes.

She also thanked Kris and grandmother Mary Jo 'MJ' Campbell for sending flowers, sharing video of the orange arrangements.

The SKIMS founder later uploaded a clip of herself watching the concert with daughter, Chicago, six, propped up on her lap.

The TV personality also shared a snap as North sweetly combed her younger sister's hair while spending time backstage.

She later posed with some of the other cast members during the concert, such as with the actor who played Zazu. North also flashed a cheerful smile as she stood next to Jason Weaver for a memorable photo.

The ten-year-old joined other stars on the stage, such as Jennifer Hudson, Billy Eichner, Bradley Gibson, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, Jeremy Irons and also Nathan Lane; seen with Hudson above

She also thanked Kris and grandmother Mary Jo 'MJ' Campbell for sending flowers, sharing video of the orange arrangements

The SKIMS founder later uploaded a clip of herself watching the concert with daughter, Chicago, propped up on her lap

The TV personality also shared a snap as North sweetly combed her younger sister's hair while spending time backstage

She later posed with some of the other cast members during the concert, such as with the actor who played Zazu

And on Sunday, the mother-of-four uploaded more behind-the-scenes snaps on her Instagram stories, including one where North was seen with Jennifer Hudson. 'The Queen @iamjhud,' was added towards the bottom of the image.

She shared a picture of a Lion King-inspired bouquet that contained small studded animals of the characters from the movie.

Kim also snapped a photo of North flashing an excited smile as she mingled backstage with some of the cast.

North earned a standing ovation as she took the stage to perform I Just Can't Wait to Be King from the 1994 Walt Disney animated movie.

The Elementary School Dropout artist donned a much more casual version of the usual Broadway costumes, sporting a yellow hoodie and matching shorts with a fuzzy hood and slippers.

North's acting debut came after she announced her first album Elementary School Dropout in March, a nod to her dad's 2004 debut The College Dropout.

The preteen was also featured on 'Talking / Once Again', from Vultures 1, Ye's collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign.

The track made North one of the youngest artists to ever chart on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 30 in February.

And on Sunday, the mother-of-four uploaded more behind-the-scenes snaps on her Instagram stories, including one where North was seen with Jennifer Hudson

She also shared a picture of a Lion King-inspired bouquet that contained small stuffed animals of the characters from the movie

Kim also snapped a photo of North flashing an excited smile as she mingled backstage with some of the cast

She repeatedly performed live with Kanye during various album release events for Vultures 1, including in Miami in December and Paris in February

Although she made her acting debut on Friday night at the Hollywood Bowl, North is no stranger to the stage, thanks to her collaborations with her father.

She repeatedly performed live with Kanye during various album release events for Vultures 1, including in Miami in December and Paris in February.

The rising musical artist - as well as her siblings Chicago, six, and Psalm, five - also joined their father onstage at the Rolling Loud Festival in California this March.

North opened up about her love of singing on the cover of i-D last October, explaining that 'performing is my favorite,' and the passion comes 'mostly from me... and then a little bit of my dad.'
Mick Molloy went missing from Triple M's Mick & MG in the Morning radio show on Tuesday.

The Australian comedian, 57, failed to arrive to the studio for his radio program and was replaced by fill-in host Merrick Watts.

Molloy's co-host Mark 'MG' Geyer told listeners they tried to contacted him but have had no success.

'No one knows [where he is]. We have tried his mobile and we are going to give him another call in a second but we've had someone step up to the plate,' he said.

Watts then asked: 'It's great to be here team. Where is he?'

Mick Molloy (pictured) went missing from Triple M's Mick & MG in the Morning radio show on Tuesday morning

'We don't know but he could be anywhere,' MG responded before joking Molloy may be at Penrith Beach.

At the end of the show, the Triple M radio Instagram page confirmed they still had no idea where Molloy was.

Despite his disappearance, fans praised Watts' hosting skills following the show, with one writing: 'Love Merrick his humour is brilliant, always have a laugh in the car.'

The Australian comedian, 57, failed to arrive to the studio for his radio show and was replaced by fill-in host Merrick Watts (pictured)

'@merrickwatts is always funny shame he's not on every day,' another person wrote.

Molloy launched his Triple M radio show alongside Geyer in 2023.

He previously hosted the network's national drive show with Jane Kennedy before he was replaced by Wil Anderson in 2017.

Molloy was also previously a permanent member of Triple M Melbourne's The Hot Breakfast.
The Roloff family's world just got a little bigger.

On Monday, Jeremy and Audrey Roloff announced the birth of their fourth child, introducing daughter Mirabella May with some photos on Instagram.

'She's here!!! Welcome to the world Mirabella May Roloff,' wrote Audrey, 32, in a post. '8lb 12oz and born peacefully at home on May 23rd at 4:29 am.

'It was my dream birth and so many things I had prayed for and envisioned for months leading up came to fruition I can't wait to tell you the story soon!'

The proud mom added, 'But for now we are soaking in all the cuddles and adjusting to newborn life as a family of six. These. Are. The. Days.'

On Monday, Jeremy and Audrey Roloff announced the birth of their fourth child, introducing daughter Mirabella May with some photos on Instagram

'She's here!!! Welcome to the world Mirabella May Roloff,' wrote Audrey, 32, in a post . '8lb 12oz and born peacefully at home on May 23rd at 4:29 am'

She shared the first photos of their family of six, as well as some images from the at-home waterbirth.

Jeremy, 34, also welcomed their baby girl in a post of his own. 'Please welcome Mirabella May Roloff to planet Earth!' he wrote in the caption.

'Audrey delivered her in our bedroom, and it was a profound experience being that intimate and close to the moment.

'Audrey is a superhero, and Mirabella is beautiful. Very grateful,' he added. 'Family of six Haha let's GOOO!'

The Little People, Big World stars also share daughter Ember Jean, 6, sons Bode James, 4, and 2-year-old Radley Knight.

They announced they were expecting baby no. 4 in November with a sweet family video featuring Audrey's baby bump.

'Secrets out Baby #4 is on the way!!! she wrote. 'We are so excited to be growing our family again and adding another little grommet to our crew!'

Jeremy added in his own post, 'Thank you everyone for the well wishes and prayers for baby number four. We're very excited. It is a lot right now but we are very excited!'

Jeremy, 34, also welcomed their baby girl in a post of his own. 'Please welcome Mirabella May Roloff to planet Earth!' he wrote in the caption

They announced they were expecting baby no. 4 in November with a sweet family video featuring Audrey's baby bump

The Little People, Big World stars also share daughter Ember Jean, 6, sons Bode James, 4, and 2-year-old Radley Knight

The couple tied the knot in October 2014 on his family's Helvetia, Oregon farm, and the wedding was featured on their TLC show's season eight finale.

Jeremy is the second-oldest child of Matt and Amy Roloff, both of whom have dwarfism, along with their oldest son Zachary Roloff.

The family of six  which also includes daughter Molly, 30, and son Jacob, 27  has been the subject of Little People, Big World for 25 seasons since its 2006 premiere.
Australian comedian Adam Hills has opened up about the Spicks and Specks question that destroyed his friendship with Men At Work frontman Colin Hay.

In 2007, the ABC host, 53, asked the show's contestants: 'what children's song is contained in the iconic song Down Under?' with the correct answer being Kookaburra, written in 1932 by Marion Sinclair.

Two years after the episode aired, Larrikin Music, who own the rights to the nursery rhyme, took legal action against Men at Work's Colin Hay, 70, and Ron Strykert, 66.

Larrikin Music claimed the main flute riff was reproduced in the Men at Work 1981 song Down Under.

Songwriters Hay and Strykert strongly denied the claims.

Australian comedian Adam Hills, 53, (pictured) has opened up about the Spicks and Specks question that destroyed his friendship with Men At Work frontman Colin Hay

The Federal Court copyright trial ruled in favour of Larrikin Music.

And now Hills has opened up about how the saga damaged his close friendship with Hay.

'I house-sat for him in LA for a month when I was over there in about 2005 and then I rented his apartment in Melbourne. I drove his car around for a while. We were actually quite close,' he told TV Tonight.

'It all got weird between us, because he knew it wasn't my fault that we asked a question about Down Under,' said Hills.

In 2007, the ABC host, 53, asked the shows contestants: 'what childrens song is contained in the iconic song Down Under?', the answer 'Kookaburra' resulted in Larrikin Music, who own the rights to the 1932 nursery rhyme, taking legal action against Men at Work's Colin Hay, 70, and Ron Strykert, 66

'I house-sat for him in LA for a month when I was over there in about 2005 and then I rented his apartment in Melbourne. I drove his car around for a while. We were actually quite close,' Hills told TV Tonight. Colin Hay pictured

Hills revealed the pair no longer speak after things turned 'sour' and 'weird'.

However he insists there are no hard feeling between the two.

'I haven't spoken to Colin for ages. I don't think there's hate there, but there's definitely weirdness.

'I think a lot of Men at Work fans hated me.

I got a lot of pretty abusive stuff on Facebook,' Hills claimed.

Adam returns alongside team leaders Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough for a new season of Spicks and Specks on June 9.
Just as General Hospital was celebrating its three-part wedding special with Brook Lynn and Chase tying the knot, the show's writers room was in turmoil.

Patrick Mulcahey, who was named as the new co-head-writer alongside Elizabeth Korte in January, has left the show, according to The Buzz.

That report claimed that Chris Van Etten - who along with Dan O'Connor was the head writer before his ouster in January - had returned to serve as co-head-writer with Korte.

However, a report from Deadline stated that Korte would be the sole head writer for the time being.

The news has many fans divided, with many taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to both praise and bash the move.

Just as General Hospital was celebrating its three-part wedding special with Brook Lynn and Chase tying the knot, the show's writers room was in turmoil

Patrick Mulcahey, who was named as the new co-head-writer alongside Elizabeth Korte in January, has left the show, according to The Buzz

Given that Mulcahey and Korte just started as head writers in January, some think that the show didn't give them enough time to make their mark.

'This is too bad. I think he could have injected some new ideas into this show,' said X user @bjtripp2.

@ChristianJKeyz addd, 'Wrong move entirely. How sad. What a mess,' along with a GIF of a character saying, 'You're fired.'

@JLMoonlight92 added, 'I'm confused. If the General Hospital head writers wanted the show to be good and win back lapsed viewers, why did they do everything that would ensure they wouldn't do that? Also why did they hir Patrick Mulcahey if he was not gonna do anything? Was he just their fall guy?'

Still, others welcomed the movie like @mikefehn, who simply stated,' Good riddance. Do better.'

@Ronanglojr added, 'If he's responsible for the Heather redemption tour that Laura's on then good riddance.'

Another X user - @376shannon thought the move was concocted by Korte and longtime GH executive producer Frank Valentini to 'kill' the show.

'How big of a bonus do Korte and Franky get for killing GH? It's only a matter of time before you're telling us it's canceled. The end is here.'

'This is too bad. I think he could have injected some new ideas into this show,' said X user @bjtripp2

@ChristianJKeyz addd, 'Wrong move entirely. How sad. What a mess,' along with a GIF of a character saying, 'You're fired'

@JLMoonlight92 added, 'I'm confused. If the General Hospital head writers wanted the show to be good and win back lapsed viewers, why did they do everything that would ensure they wouldn't do that? Also why did they hir Patrick Mulcahey if he was not gonna do anything? Was he just their fall guy?'

Still, others welcomed the movie like @mikefehn, who simply stated,' Good riddance. Do better.'

@Ronanglojr added, 'If he's responsible for the Heather redemption tour that Laura's on then good riddance.'

Another X user - @376shannon thought the move was concocted by Korte and longtime GH executive producer Frank Valentini to 'kill' the show.

@ellenzradio even suggested the writers aren't needed, adding, 'There's barely a script.. it's all fill.. stories are so limited. Actors barely have lines.'

@Ledmondson39 suggested, 'It doesn't matter who is writing this show, as long as Frank, Nathan & EK are still there. It is obvious they don't give a damn about the fans & what we want, they only care about what they want. They will try and lay the record low ratings on PM when they are the problem.'

@knixtixmemes suggested, 'The ones that should be OUTTA HERE are @ValentiFrank, (actor @MauriceBernard and @WatrosWatros (star Cynthia Watros)!!! They are responsible for the downward trajectory @GeneralHospital has been on for the last 3-4 yrs.'

@spfkeith added, 'This is not good news. Too many changes in head writers is never a good thing. That became the problem at Another World and contributed to that show's cancellation.'

@aem906 stated, 'I am absolutely heartbroken. He was who we needed! They are just rearranging the chairs on the Titanic at this point. He was our "breath of fresh air," that we needed. They need to CLEAN HOUSE, and not Patrick!'

@LadyBookworm117 stated, 'This is NOT good news! Korte doesn't care about history or what fans want to see and she plays favorites like Valenti and (ABC executive Nathan) Varni. Ratings for GH are way down... I'm guessing Patrick threw out ideas to do better and Korte threw Patrick under the bus to save herself.'

@Books_R_Better added, 'Not to mention Elizabeth, @RebeccaLHerbst completely disappeared. Not sure they can get me back at this point.

@bjpsgyal said, 'Very telling that all of the story lines are still Chris' (e.g. Heather hip redemption and breaking up all the couples), and yet they expect different results, but keep the same people around as writers. As I keep saying, this is a masterclass in failing up as the ratings bottom out.'

@ellenzradio even suggested the writers aren't needed, adding, 'There's barely a script.. it's all fill.. stories are so limited. Actors barely have lines.'

@Ledmondson39 suggested, 'It doesn't matter who is writing this show, as long as Frank, Nathan & EK are still there. It is obvious they don't give a damn about the fans & what we want, they only care about what they want. They will try and lay the record low ratings on PM when they are the problem.'

@knixtixmemes suggested, 'The ones that should be OUTTA HERE are @ValentiFrank, (actor @MauriceBernard and @WatrosWatros (star Cynthia Watros)!!! They are responsible for the downard trajectory @GeneralHospital has been on for the last 3-4 yrs.'

@spfkeith added, 'This is not good news. Too many changes in head writers is never a good thing. That became the problem at Another World and contributed to that show's cancellation.'

@aem906 stated, 'I am absolutely heartbroken. He was who we needed! They are just rearranging the chairs on the Titanic at this point. He was our "breath of fresh air," that we needed. They need to CLEAN HOUSE, and not Patrick!'

@LadyBookworm117 stated, 'This is NOT good news! Korte doesn't care about history or what fans want to see and she plays favorites like Valenti and (ABC executive Nathan) Varni. Ratings for GH are way down... I'm guessing Patrick threw out ideas to do better and Korte threw Patrick under the bus to save herself.'

@Books_R_Better added, 'Not to mention Elizabeth, @RebeccaLHerbst completely disappeared. Not sure they can get me back at this point.

@bjpsgyal said, 'Very telling that all of the story lines are still Chris' (e.g. Heather hip redemption and breaking up all the couples), and yet they expect different results, but keep the same people around as writers. As I keep saying, this is a masterclass in failing up as the ratings bottom out.'

Episodes crafted by the Mulcahey/Korte team will continue to air through mid-summer, a source told Soap Opera Digest.

The source adds, There will be more news to share at a later date as to the composition of the new writing team.'

They also confirmed that Van Etten is back on the GH writing staff, though working as a breakdown writer, not serving as co-head writer as once reported.

Mulcahey had been involved with General Hospital multiple times throughout his career, starting in 1996 as a script writer.
Farmer Wants A Wife star Daisy Lamb has hit back at naysayers who believe she and Farmer Todd Melbourne won't last off camera.

The happy couple found love on this year's season of the Channel Seven show, but they have since fought to dispel rumours they are heading for a split.

Daisy posted a very telling statement about the status of their relationship to Instagram on Saturday.

The real estate agent, 27, shared a sweet video of herself and Todd 33, cuddling up to each other and sharing a passionate kiss.

Over the top of the footage, she wrote: 'This next chapter is called: WE deserve this.'

Farmer Wants A Wife star Daisy Lamb has hit back at naysayers who believe she and Farmer Todd Melbourne won't last off camera

She continued: 'Life hasn't always been easy for either of us and we've made some mistakes, but we ended up together for a reason.

'We are learning how to love correctly and appreciate things we never got in the past. So when you see us happy, let us be happy. We deserve this.'

The message to their critics comes after Daisy and Todd revealed they want to start a family together sooner rather than later.

The happy couple found love on this year's season of the Channel Seven show , but they have since fought to dispel rumours they are heading for a split

They told New Idea on Monday they are only focusing on the next step in their romance, with the pair already picking out baby names.

'Things are going so well. I think I was pretty smitten with him from the very get-go. Hopefully in the next 12 to 18 months, we'll start to think about marriage,' Daisy said.

'There's definitely kids in the future. We actually sat down last week and went through kids' names - which ones we did and didn't like!'

Daisy posted a very telling statement about the status of their relationship to Instagram on Saturday

Todd agreed with his sweetheart, saying it 'makes my day' every time he gets home to find Daisy waiting for him with a smile.

'Waking up next to someone is nowhere near as lonely as what it has been. We both want to start a family. Definitely, marriage, kids, all of that's on the cards,' he said.

Todd went so far as to reveal on Sunday night's emotional FWAW reunion special he is planning to propose to Daisy soon.

The cattle farmer from New South Wales admitted he hasn't made it official, but he and Daisy are looking forward to a wedding and babies.
Gordon Ramsay risked pushing Italians over the edge as he proudly made a full English breakfast pizza complete with baked beans.

The celebrity chef, 57, shared a video of himself making the dish on his social media channels this month, causing controversy with many of his followers who couldn't quite get their minds around his choice of ingredients.

He topped the pie with egg, sausage, bacon and black pudding as made the meal from scratch out in the sun.

The sauce was made from baked beans, tomato and Bloody Mary cocktail ingredients vodka, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce.

But the idea didn't go down well with many subscribers to his YouTube channel, with one resident of Italy exclaiming: 'You f**king murderer. Never come to Italy any more,' while someone else stated: 'Gordon declares war on Italy.'

Gordon Ramsay risked pushing Italians over the edge as he proudly made a full English breakfast pizza complete with baked beans

The celebrity chef, 57, shared a video of himself making the dish this month, causing controversy with fans who couldn't quite get their minds around his choice of ingredients

A Brit wrote: 'On behalf of myself and the British people, I do apologise, this will not happen again.'

While someone else commented: 'As a fan of both Italian cuisine and British cuisine I am horrified.'

Another viewer wrote in the comments section: 'I've just heard that the International Criminal Court has issued Gordon Ramsay with a warrant for his arrest. His crime = BAKED BEANS ON PIZZA!!!'

While someone else shared: 'I am convinced he is intentionally antagonising the Italians at this point.'

'Beans, seaweed, eggs on a pizza? NO. That cheese is not even melted. The bottom is too burnt,' posted another subscriber.

And someone else questioned: 'I understand beans are part of an English Breakfast but beans on a pizza?!?!'

'If Gordon had been served that abomination in one of his kitchen contests, imagine his comments. And, it was burned black underneath,' noted another of his fans.

While someone else shared: 'Imagine if this was served to him on a show 10 years ago? You'd be able to power a small country for a year with the steam from his ears.'

The sauce was made from baked beans, tomato and Bloody Mary cocktail ingredients vodka, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce

He topped the pie with egg, sausage, bacon and black pudding as made the meal from scratch out in the sun

The idea didn't go down well with many subscribers to his YouTube channel, with one resident of Italy exclaiming: 'You f**king murderer. Never come to Italy any more'

Another person remarked: 'Gordon could come to my home to cook this for me and I wouldn't touch it. Baked beans mixed with pizza sauce? Disgusting. What in the world was he thinking?'

It comes after diners branded a Gordon Ramsay burger a 'f***ing mess' because it has cheese sprinkled on top of the bun, making it difficult to eat.

The dish - which according to the online menu costs 18 and comes with fries - is stuffed with a double beef patty, American cheese, onion and Sriracha mayonnaise.

The TV chef is selling the Next Level Burger at nine Street Burger restaurants across the UK, but social media foodies have slammed the meal online.

He promoted the dish in a social media post last month, sharing an Instagram reel with his 17.3 million followers.

In the clip, the burger is also topped with a spoonful of mac and cheese.

'Treat yourself to a tasty Next Level smash stack this weekend at @gordonramsaystreetburger!!' the cook wrote.

Commenters however appeared less than impressed with the offering.

It comes after diners branded a Gordon Ramsay burger a 'f***ing mess' because it has cheese sprinkled on top of the bun, making it difficult to eat

'Looks a right mess,' one wrote, hitting out at the sauce and toppings spilling out from the bun.

'Looked great until you put that white stuff on top,' another added.

Another penned: 'Making a burger that isn't easily picked up shows fundamental misunderstanding of a burger.'

Elsewhere, one person simply instructed that the chef 'start over'.

'Looks delicious but how are you supposed to eat that?' one commenter questioned.

'Way too messy to pick up and eat,' another remarked.

The dish - which according to the online menu costs 18 and comes with fries - is stuffed with a double beef patty, American cheese, onion and Sriracha mayonnaise

The TV chef is selling the Next Level Burger at nine Street Burger restaurants across the UK, but social media foodies have slammed the meal online

Others also took issue with the price, adding that it was pricey for Britons going through a cost-of-living-crisis.

'I'm sure it tastes nice but I don't think the wallet would agree."

Yet some fans were more convinced, and found the meal looked 'smashing' and 'incredible'.

MailOnline reached out to Gordon Ramsay Restaurants for comment.
Ben Cousins has sent pulses racing with a newly released photo, in which he stripped down to reveal his impressive six-pack abs.

The former West Coast Eagles star was challenged by Mix94.5's Pete & Kymba to recreate one of his iconic shirtless photos from the early 2000s, and he did not disappoint.

In the striking black-and-white image, the 45-year-old could be seen lying on a luxurious faux-fur rug, dressed in dark jeans.

With a broad smile on his face, Cousins' famous 'Such is Life' tattoo was prominently displayed across his abdomen, and his muscular arms were casually folded behind his head.

Cousins has been following an intense training regime as he gears up for his upcoming appearance on the Seven Network's Dancing with the Stars.

Ben Cousins has sent hearts racing with a newly released photo, where he strips down to reveal his impressive six-pack abs

The former West Coast Eagles star was challenged by Mix94.5's Pete & Kymba to recreate one of his iconic shirtless photos from the early 2000s, and he did not disappoint

The candid moment, captured during a radio segment, was shared on Instagram.

In the footage, the Brownlow medallist humorously admitted, 'I don't know how I got roped into this! It took days before I felt like I wasn't slipping around in baby oil. At least I'm smiling. It's not a bad shot.'

Radio host Kymba Cahill praised Cousins, saying, 'You look happy, healthy and well  and a bit dreamy!'

With a broad smile on his face, Cousins' famous 'Such is Life' tattoo is prominently displayed across his abdomen, and his muscular arms are casually folded behind his head

Her co-host, Pete Curulli, echoed the sentiment, adding, 'Ben! You are gorgeous! How do you look like that? No one should look like that!'

The photo sparked a flurry of reactions from Perth listeners, who commented underneath the post on Instagram.

'Still so humble. That is a great photo Ben! You should be nothing but proud, and we should be nothing but grateful,' one fan wrote alongside a winking emoji.

A second described Ben's shoot as 'happy, healthy and a lot dreamy'.
Crisp edges of a smashburger from pop-up Smish Smash. Cesar Hernandez / The Chronicle The spicy double at Maillards, a pop-up and stand at the Outer Sunset farmers' market in S.F. Cesar Hernandez / The Chronicle Amy Han sprinkles onion onto a burger during a Smish Smash pop-up event at Neptune's on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 in Alameda, Calif. Smish Smash has been slinging burgers since May and is inspired by the trend in Los Angeles and loads its shatteringly crispy patties with unusual toppings like uni. Josie Norris/Special to The Chronicle

The smashburger has proven its staying power in the Bay Area. Youve seen them, Im sure. They are burgers about the size of your palm, with beef thats pressed thin on hot plancha, forming lacy, caramelized edges that protrude out of buns like buzz saws. My theory as to why the trend has an extended lifetime lies in the dishs simplicity, a less-is-more ethos that makes it so attractive.

The only problem, my dear reader, is that there are simply too many dang smashburgers.

Recently, I scoured the Bay Area searching for the best burgers and I can say with confidence that the smashburger commands most of the scenes funding and attention. It has been the regions burger de jour for nearly half a decade  its choke hold reached a fever pitch in 2020. But that was four years ago, and I think weve reached a new spike  perhaps even peak smashburger.

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As with past trends, like the explosion of birria or hot chicken, many new players are hoping to siphon off some of the burgers momentum.

Surprisingly, I rarely encountered bad iterations. It seems like a mostly foolproof method for making a tasty burger. In fact, many were quite good, but only a few were extraordinary. I sampled at least 30 different spots, each configuration differing only in toppings.

I loved the emphasis on texture at Konjoe Burger in Los Altos. I dug the variant at Wurst Hall in San Mateo, which reaches for brioche buns and garlic mayo. The off-menu burger at Chismes, a pop-up at Low Bar in Oakland, ups the crunch by slotting a tostada in the middle. For Oklahoma-style smashed onion burgers, a version where beef is smushed into the sweet alliums, Im into the ones at Lovelys and Lanas, both in Oakland. A recent crop of voices are even making halal versions of the dish. There are smashburger tacos, smashburgers with birria, smashburgers sporting fancy wagyu beef.

Were mere moments away from smashburgers reaching consciousness, and enacting a plot for world domination. Before then, these are three best smashburgers in the Bay Area, ranked.

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Hatch chile burger from Fast Times Burgers, a stand at the West Oakland farmers market. Cesar Hernandez / The Chronicle

3. Fast Times Burgers

Mostly flying under the burger radar, Fast Times Burgers at the West Oakland farmers market excels at the dish. Balls of grass-fed beef patties are flattened into disks on a hot plancha, turning the edges a crispy lattice. If you want something straightforward, get the double cheeseburger ($11), an improvement on the McDouble from Mickey Ds, but the Oklahoma-style smash ($11), with dangling onion curlicues, is even better. If you like a little extra spice, add sliced jalapenos. Fast Times also has a rotating weekly special, past examples include a phenomenal concoction that featured smoky, piquant hatch chiles ($13). You can find these burgers in West Oakland on Sundays.

1809 Peralta St., Oakland. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. www.instagram.com/fasttimesburgers

The grill at Maillards, a pop-up and stand at the Outer Sunset farmers' market in S.F. Cesar Hernandez / The Chronicle

2. Maillards

The new kid on the smash block Maillards hit the ground running with a gorilla grip of the technique  the name is a play on the chemical reaction that occurs with seared beef. The paper-thin patties have a bright sheen with a seductive, delicate crunch. Instead of grilled onions, the burger luminary pivots to another allium: shallots, which bring pronounced savoriness. The standard double ($11) is moistened with Maillard sauce, which tastes of mustard and ketchup, while the spicy version reaches for smoky-spicy aioli. The latter burger doubles the flavor, thanks to the addition of roasted jalapenos and sliced Fresno chiles. Despite being one of the latest to join the fray, Maillards popularity suggests life still surges through the smashburger trend. The pop-up draws snaking lines to its outpost at the Outer Sunset farmers market. You can also find these burgers at Heritage Restaurant & Bar in S.F. every Tuesday.

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1994 37th Ave., San Francisco. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. www.instagram.com/maillards.sf

Dac Biet burger from pop-up Smish Smash. Cesar Hernandez / The Chronicle

1. Smish Smash

Pop-up Smish Smash is not only among the earliest to adopt the style, but it has created a high bar for the dish  one that has been replicated around the Bay Area, like at Lanas in Oakland, for example. If you pay close attention, you can find Smishs influence on the genre, but whats impossible to recreate is the creativity the pop-up brings to the equation. Surely, the signature, with a sherry wine-vinegar-infused secret sauce, is among the best you can try, however, the specials are what propels Smish to the top slot. Among those offerings are burgers that test the limits of imagination, like one with ponzu and uni ($28), another accompanied by birria from Richmonds El Garage and a third imbued ($16) with beef pho flavors  my personal favorite. A nest of sprouts, herbs and a crucial squirt of lime makes this burgers flavor pop like fireworks in the night sky. Its sublime.

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Check www.instagram.com/smishsmash__ for latest pop-up dates.
Jimmy Kimmel announced on Monday that his youngest son had successfully undergone open-heart surgery over the Memorial Day weekend at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

The 56-year-old comedian posted a sweet photo of his seven-year-old son Billy smiling gently while lying in a hospital bed as he shared the health news.

'This weekend, our boy Billy had his third (of three, we hope) open heart surgery,' Kimmel wrote in his lengthy caption.

'We went into this experience with a lot of optimism and nearly as much fear and came out with a new valve inside a happy, healthy kid,' he continued.

Kimmel first revealed in 2017 that his then-baby son had undergone his first heart surgery, which spurred him on to advocate for healthcare and insurance reform.

Jimmy Kimmel announced on Monday that his youngest son had successfully undergone open-heart surgery over the Memorial Day weekend at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)

The 56-year-old comedian posted a sweet photo of his seven-year-old son Billy smiling gently while lying in a hospital bed as he shared the health news

Kimmel included praise for 'Billy's doctors, led by the brilliant surgeon Vaughn Starnes, cardiologist Tim Casarez and the excellent, hard-working staff, doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners at CHLA, including, but certainly not limited to Misty, Ann, Sylvia, Dana, Caleigh, Nick, Bekah, Julie, Kenny, Caroline, Lisa, Stephanie, Ellize, Ivy, Pam and Carrie came through for us with immeasurable kindness and expertise.'

The late-night host called it a 'humbling experience' to meet other 'vulnerable' children and their parents, as well as the 'miracle workers' doing their best to 'save' the young patients.

Kimmel made sure to to praise his wife Molly 'for being stronger than is reasonable for any Mom to be,' and saluted young Billy as 'the toughest (and funniest) 7 year-old we know.'

'There are so many parents and children who aren't fortunate enough to go home after five days,' he added. 'Please share your love, hearts and prayers with them...'

The comedian tipped his hat to the late Senator John McCain, who was the key vote scuttling a bill that would have gutted the Affordable Care Act during the Trump administration.

He also noted that the healthcare law made it 'largely' possible for CHLA to accept young patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Kimmel has spoken about his young son's heart condition in the past, including in an emotional speech in 2017, shortly after Billy was born.

Just three days after Billy was born, Kimmel announced on his show that the little boy would need open-heart surgery for his congenital heart condition, tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia.

The congenital condition is believed to affect around 0.02 to 0.04 percent of the population, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

According to the Institute, tetralogy of Fallot is the most common complex congenital heart disorder.

Kimmel saluted his son Billy as 'the toughest (and funniest) 7 year-old we know'; they are pictured together in December 2022 in Los Angeles

Kimmel made sure to to praise his wife Molly McNeary 'for being stronger than is reasonable for any Mom to be,' and saluted young Billy as 'the toughest (and funniest) 7 year-old we know.'; pictured with McNeary, Billy and daughter Jane in 2018 in LA

The condition includes a constellation of heart defects, including a narrowing of the pulmonary artery, a defect in the ventricular septal, a misalignment of a blood vessel carrying oxygen-poor blood that sends the blood directly into the aorta instead of toward the lungs, where it can bind with oxygen again, and a thickened right ventricular wall.

The condition is much more severe in children who also have pulmonary atresia.

In those cases, the pulmonary valve, which opens and closes to move blood from the heart to the lungs, is blocked by tissue, though some blood can still get from the heart to the lungs other smaller pathways, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Babies suffering from the condition will often display visible symptoms including blue or grayish skin from a lack of oxygen. They may also have difficulty breathing or become exhausted easily, and feeding may be difficult.

When revealing his son's condition, Kimmel explained: 'Basically, the pulmonary valve was completely blocked and he has a hole in the wall between the left and right sides of his heart.'

During his impassioned speech, he added: 'If your baby is going to die, and it doesnt have to, it should not matter how much money you make.'

But he also spoke on a lighter note about Billy.

'Poor kid. Not only did he get a bad heart, he got my face,' he joked.

Kimmel advocated for reforms to lower the cost of health insurance and medical care just as the Republican-controlled congress was debating a bill to repeal the ACA in 2017. The effort was ultimately scuttled by three GOP senators, including McCain.

The late senator from Arizona had remained uncommitted in the days leading up to the vote, but his iconic thumbs down ended the attempt to repeal the ACA.

In May of 2017, after Billy's first open-heart surgery, Kimmel spoke on his show about how Billy's heart condition was discovered shortly after his birth.

'He appeared a normal healthy baby,' he began. 'My wife was in bed relaxing, a very attentive nurse at Cedars-Sinai heard a murmur in his heart and noticed he was a bit purple, which is not common.'

'(The doctors) determined he wasn't getting enough oxygen in his blood, either in his heart or lungs. They did an x-ray and his lungs were fine, which meant his heart wasn't. It's a terrifying thing,' he continued. 'They found that Billy was born with a heart disease.'

In addition to Billy they share a nine-year-old daughter Jane, and Kimmel has two adult children  Katie, 32, and Kevin, 30  from his first marriage to Gina Maddy from 1988 to 2003; seen in 2018 in LA with Billy, Jane, and wife Molly McNeary

Just three days after Billy was born, Kimmel announced on his show that the little boy would need open-heart surgery for his congenital heart condition, tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia; Billy pictured at seven months old in December 2017, after his second surgery

Billy's third surgery will hopefully be his last. When Kimmel announced his heart condition he advocated for healthcare and insurance reform amid GOP attempts to repeal the ACA

Kimmel's subsequent updates were positive, and in December 2017, he brought seven-month-old Billy on the show and announced that he had had his second open-heart surgery.

'Billy is doing great, by the way. He has one more surgery  this is amazing  he had an operation a week ago. They say he'll probably be on track to win at least a bronze medal at the Olympics in 2036,' he announced.

Kimmel has been married in 2013 to Molly McNeary, who is an executive producer and co-head writer on his show Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

In addition to Billy they share a nine-year-old daughter Jane, and Kimmel has two adult children  Katie, 32, and Kevin, 30  from his first marriage to Gina Maddy from 1988 to 2003.
It's no wonder fans are squealing over heartthrob Leo Woodall.

As the One Day star, 27, has been lifting weights before every single scene while filming the upcoming Bridget Jones movie, to maintain his Hollywood physique.

The actor, who has been spotted filming with Renee Zellweger, 55, in recent days, has a mini-gym in his movie trailer to make sure he works out.

Leo is said to be working on his toned frame because he 'really wants to look the part' in the hotly-anticipated movie.

A source told The Sun: 'Leo is already in great shape. But given the fact hes supposed to be someone who spends all day doing manual work, he really wants to look the part.

It's no wonder fans are squealing over heartthrob Leo Woodall as the One Day star, 27, has been lifting weights before every single scene while filming the upcoming Bridget Jones movie, to maintain his Hollywood physique

The actor, who has been spotted filming with Renee Zellweger, 55, in recent days, has a mini-gym in his movie trailer to make sure he works out (pictured with Ambika Mod in One Day)

'So, as the consummate acting pro that he is, Leo is said to be hitting the weights between takes so he can look his best for the cameras.

'And judging by some of the images that have been coming from the set of the film, the hard work certainly seems to be paying off.'

Shooting for the fourth instalment of Bridget Jones, Mad About The Boy, has officially begun in London.

In the upcoming film, Bridget enjoys a fling with a hunky younger lover named Rockstar, who is played by Leo.

Isla Fisher is also starring in the hotly-anticipated movie, starring as Bridget's friend.

In the new film, Bridget enjoys a fling with Rockstar and PE teacher Mr Walker, as played by 12 Years A Slave actor Chiwetel Ejiofor as well as reviving her on-off relationship with Hugh Grant's Daniel Cleaver.

Chiwetel, 46, was seen shooting scenes last week which means only Hugh and Colin Firth  who has a small role in the movie as the late Mark Darcy  are yet to be spotted in character.

Renee and Leo were spotted filming together on May 18 in hilarious scenes as Bridget got stuck up a tree in Hampstead Heath.

Leo is said to be working on his toned frame because he 'really wants to look the part' in the hotly-anticipated movie

In the upcoming film, Bridget enjoys a fling with a hunky younger lover named Rockstar, who is played by Leo

Shooting for the fourth instalment of Bridget Jones, Mad About The Boy, has officially begun in London

Rockstar, who works as a park warden, seemingly comes to her rescue dressed in an all green uniform.

One onlooker said: 'Leo and Renee looked like they were having a great time. There were lots of giggles, they seemed to get on really well.'

Bridget Jones filming comes on the heels of sheer delight from fans after the announcement of the beloved character's return to the big screen.

Renee first appeared as Bridget in 2001's Bridget Jones' Diary and returned in 2004's Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and 2016's Bridget Jones' Baby.

The movie was officially confirmed last month, with Renee and Hugh Grant's comebacks made official - after his love rat character Daniel Cleaver's death was falsified in 2016's third installment.

The fourth movie in the franchise - based on the books by Helen Fielding -

will be released by Universal film on US platform Peacock on Valentine's Day 2025 while internationally, the flick will be released in cinemas.

Emma Thompson - who played Doctor Rawlings in the last film, is also back, with Chiwetel Ejiofor and White Lotus star Leo Woodall also set to star.

Isla Fisher (pictured) is also starring in the hotly-anticipated movie, starring as Bridget's friend

Renee first appeared as Bridget in 2001's Bridget Jones' Diary and returned in 2004's Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and 2016's Bridget Jones' Baby

Bridget was stuck in a love triangle with her late husband Mark Darcy (left) and her boss Daniel Cleaver (right), who was presumed dead in the last film before being found very much alive

Renee has been busy since she arrived in London two weeks ago to reprise her role as the singleton for the fourth, and probably final, time.

She spent four days filming at ITV's studios in White City, West London, where programmes such as This Morning and Loose Women are made.

There she met presenters from both shows, including Cat Deeley who was said to have been 'super excited' at seeing her.

Many studio staff were 'overcome with excitement' and desperate to get selfies with the Hollywood star when they realised that the movie was being filmed at their workplace.

Scenes were recorded on the set used by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly for their now defunct show Saturday Night Takeaway, while audience members from Loose Women were also asked to stay for filming of some scenes.

One source at ITV said: 'It was chaos, imagine having Bridget come to your work. It was literally a dream come true. The place was absolutely buzzing. Word got round so fast, Cat was so excited.'

Bridget's creator Helen Fielding has also been spotted at the filming as she prepares to say goodbye to the much-loved character. The film is due out on Valentine's Day next year.

It was revealed last month that Bridget's obsession with losing weight will be 'played down' in the film amid fears they might be a bad influence.
Snezana Wood's 19-year-old daughter Eve Victoria has become a bonafide social media star after collaborating with some well-known brands.

The daughter of The Bachelor star, 43, looks to be taking after her business-savvy mother with a successful influencing career as she modelled for several brands online over the last few days.

Eve took to her Instagram on Monday, posting an enigmatic black and white photo of herself sitting on a kitchen bench in a long sleeved shirt while she sipped coffee.

The model, who has over 42,000 followers on the social media platform, smiled in the image and tagged fashion brand Zara in the picture, captioning it with a coffee cup emoji.

In another post on Tuesday, the budding influencer shared some long shots of herself in a field.

Snezana Wood 's 19-year-old daughter Eve Victoria has become a bonafide social media star after collaborating with some well-known brands. Both pictured

Eve took to her Instagram on Monday, posting an enigmatic black and white photo of herself sitting on a kitchen bench in a long sleeved shirt while she sipped coffee. The model tagged fashion brand Zara in the picture, captioning it with a coffee cup emoji

Wearing large brown boots, short shorts, and an unbuttoned shirt tied at her navel, she frolicked around the field, tagging Hunter Boots in the post.

The caption to this image was as cryptic as the last post, detailing a series of corn crop emoji.

The aspiring social media star looks to be taking a more subtle approach to her brand partnerships on Instagram, with followers calling the pictures 'artsy' in the comments.

In another post on Tuesday, the budding influencer shared some long shots of herself in a field. Wearing large brown boots, short shorts, and an unbuttoned shirt tied at her navel, she frolicked around the field, tagging Hunter Boots in the post

It comes as Eve and mother Snezana looked every inch the glamorous mother-daughter duo as they attended the F1 Grand Prix last week.

Despite her advancing years, Snez looked the same age as her teenage model daughter in a black blazer and mini pleated skirt, as seen in a series of photos shared to Instagram.

With her dark locks styled into a chic blunt bob, the scientific sales rep hid her eyes behind a pair of dark designer glasses as she posed with her eldest child.

The aspiring social media star looks to be taking a more subtle approach to her brand partnerships on Instagram, with followers calling the pictures 'artsy' in the comments

'Two beautiful women who happen to be mother and daughter,' Eve captioned the reel of images, which also featured her stepfather Sam Wood.

Snezana shares Eve with her first husband, but went on to have three more children - Willow, seven, Charlie, five, and Harper, two - with 44-year-old Sam.

Eve soft launched her modelling career in 2023 before she graduated from high school.

It comes as Eve and mother Snezana looked every inch the glamorous mother-daughter duo as they attended the F1 Grand Prix last week. 43-year-old Snez looked the same age as her teenage model daughter in a black blazer an mini pleated skirt, as seen in a series of photos shared to Instagram

At the time she tagged a popular bikini brand in one of her Instagram posts.

The talented teen looked every inch the professional model as she posed in the Vinca-Savoca bikini by the Aussie label Triangl.

In March 2022, Snezana revealed her daughter was working towards a career in fashion when the two attended Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Sharing a photo of the pair, Snezana wrote: 'Mother-daughter date night with @eve.vict who is working towards a career in fashion is absolutely killing it.'

The teenager's Instagram bio listed her as a 'model' at the time, but this has since been updated to 'digital creator'.
Clive Myrie's Caribbean Adventure (BBC2)

Rating:

One of the most ghastly blunders anyone can commit is to ask a black or Asian person in Britain, 'Where are you from?' The question is now deemed unforgivably racist.

Susan Hussey, a Lady of the Household to King Charles, learned this to her cost in 2022 when, at a reception hosted by Queen Camilla, she innocently asked the question of a guest, charity organiser Ngozi Fulani.

Baroness Susan was obliged to apologise and relinquish her royal duties, though she has since been quietly welcomed back into the palace fold.

Yet, as presenter Clive Myrie emphasises on his Caribbean Adventure, family roots are deeply important to most people. To ignore that seems, to me at least, equally insensitive.

As presenter Clive Myrie emphasises on his Caribbean Adventure (pictured), family roots are deeply important to most people, writes Christopher Stevens

On a coffee farm in the Blue Mountains north of the capital, Kingston, he joined his older sister Judith, who recently moved back to Jamaica from the UK

Clive was born in Bolton, Lancashire, to parents who had recently emigrated from Jamaica. One of the chief figureheads of BBC News, he's as British as it's possible to be. He also adores his heritage and loves his mum and dad's homeland, known to its population as 'the Rock'.

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That fondness, instilled during childhood family holidays, came across loudly. His enthusiasm seemed much less academic, much more visceral, than it was in his Italian travelogue last year.

On a coffee farm in the Blue Mountains north of the capital, Kingston, he joined his older sister Judith, who recently moved back to Jamaica from the UK.

Judith spent her first seven years on the island, she reminded Clive. Her return felt like 'coming home . . . I mean, look at it, the fresh air, the fresh food, the sunshine, the people, everything'.

Leaving the grandmother who brought her up and arriving in Britain as a small girl was 'traumatic on many levels', she said. 'The climate, the family . . . School was horrendous  and the food!'

But she knew what a sacrifice their parents had made to start a new life, she said, 'so we made the best of it'.

It was moving to hear such a heartfelt admission, and saddening to know that political correctness makes it difficult to address such natural emotions.

'Where are you from?' is not inherently a racist question, though it's obviously wrong to assume anyone is an immigrant based on their skin colour. The real racism is the assumption that life in Britain must automatically be better in every way than the world left behind.

One of the most ghastly blunders anyone can commit is to ask a black or Asian person in Britain, 'Where are you from?' Susan Hussey (pictured, at King Charles's coronation in 2023) learned this to her cost in 2022 when, at a reception hosted by Queen Camilla , she innocently asked the question of a guest, charity organiser Ngozi Fulani

The real racism is the assumption that life in Britain must automatically be better in every way than the world left behind

Clive's travels, which continue in Jamaica this evening, showcased the beauty and turbulent history of the island. In Boston Bay, where surfers sported in the turquoise water, he joined chef Tica Thompson to prepare jerk pork with a searing seasoning of scotch bonnet peppers.

He tried his luck at stilt-walking  'I will be getting high,' he quipped, alluding to the island's traditional relaxations.

And he stripped to his trunks for a dip in a cliff-top pool at an 'eco-tourism resort', with the Atlantic breakers crashing below. 'The closest place to paradise on Earth,' he called Jamaica, and with that view, it really did look like it.
Kyle Sandilands has revealed his wild theory about Matthew Newton's relationship with his mother Patti and late father Bert.

The KIIS FM radio host jokingly claimed on Tuesday's The Kyle and Jackie O show that Matthew is not the showbiz couple's 'real son'.

He told his co-host Jackie O Henderson there were bizarre claims he and Matthew were swapped in the hospital at birth, and Patti often joked about it with her late husband.

'[Patti] has told me she and Bert have had serious conversations about whether I'm the child of Bert and Patti Newton,' Kyle said.

'Just because you have a big moon face,' Jackie responded.

Kyle Sandilands has revealed his wild theory about Matthew Newton's relationship with his mother Patti and late father Bert

Kyle explained he was also 'a sweetie pie like Bert and Matt was doing what Matt was up to.'

Newsreader Brooklyn Ross then asked Kyle: 'Does he even have the same birthday as you?'

'Well, no he doesn't,' Jackie answered.

He told his co-host Jackie O Henderson there were bizarre claims he and Matthew were swapped in the hospital at birth, and Patti often joked about it with her late husband

'[Patti] has told me she and Bert have had serious conversations about whether I'm the child of Bert and Patti Newton,' Kyle said

Matthew hasn't been home to Australia in years and didn't return for his father Bert's funeral in 2021.

He has been enjoying a quiet and anonymous life in America since getting married six years ago following a series of scandals.

This includes domestic violence allegations from two former girlfriends: Australian actresses Brooke Satchwell, 40, and Rachael Taylor, 37.

Matthew was also charged in 2011 for assaulting a cab driver on the way to a children's party.

He was arrested twice in Miami, Florida, in 2012 - the first for trespassing and resisting officers, while a second incident saw him charged with battery and resisting arrest after he attacked a hotel receptionist.

Matthew hasn't been home to Australia in years and didn't return for his father Bert's funeral in 2021

Following the charges, Matthew checked into the Betty Ford Center in California for 90 days of alcohol and drug treatment.

Matthew, who suffers from bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and has a history of addiction, refrains from the spotlight.

He had starred in a range of successful Australian television shows before moving overseas.

Matthew now spends his days swimming and hiking with his wife Catherine Schneiderman and their two dogs.

Matthew and Catherine, who is the daughter of former New York attorney-general Eric Schneiderman, began dating in 2012 and got engaged in October 2016.

A family friend told New Idea in 2017 the couple had secretly married at the home of Catherine's mother in New York.
Rosamund Pike dazzled in suitably glittery jumpsuit for a night out at ABBA Voyage in London on Monday.

The actress, 45, donned the shimmering multi-coloured number to visit the hologram concert as it marked its second anniversary since it premiered the capital.

She struck a confident pose with her hand on her hips and looked delighted to be at the venue, just before the legendary pop band's avatars took to the stage to perform their classics like Waterloo and The Winner Takes It All.

Rosamund accessorised with pink hooped earrings and made sure that both her bag and her shoes matched.

The Saltburn star opted for a natural look makeup wise and kept her dark blonde locks down.

Rosamund Pike dazzled in suitably glittery jumpsuit for a night out at ABBA Voyage in London on Monday

The actress, 45, donned the shimmering multi-coloured number to visit the hologram concert that has been playing in the capital for over two years upon its anniversary

A host of other famous faces turned out for the special performance at the purpose-built arena, including the likes of Dame Joanna Lumley.

The Absolutely Fabulous star looked as effortlessly classy as ever in a sequined golden jacket and smart black trousers, as she clutched onto a glass of fizz in the spirit of her famed sitcom alter-ego Patsy Stone.

Rick Astley - famed for his 1980s track Never Gonna Give You Up - looked suave as usual in a dark brown suit jacket, complete with denim shirt underneath and smart trousers.

Claire Balding opted for an eye-catching floral themed shirt, whilst TV's Richard Arnoldj joined Good Morning Britain's Laura Tobin for a photograph before the proceedings. Little Britain comedian Matt Lucas looked absolutely thrilled to be at the concert and even donned an official sweater. BBC Sport presenter

The Absolutely Fabulous star looked as effortlessly classy as ever in a sequined golden jacket and smart black trousers, as she clutched onto a glass of fizz in the spirit of her famed alter-ego Patsy Stone.

Rick Astley - famed for his 1980s track Never Gonna Give You Up - looked suave as usual in a dark brown suit jacket, complete with denim shirt underneath and smart trousers.

Little Britain comedian Matt Lucas looked absolutely thrilled to be at the concert and even donned an official sweater.

BBC Sport presenter Claire Balding opted for an eye-catching floral themed shirt as she posed with the anniversary lanyard around her neck

Good Morning Britain's Laura Tobin opted for a shimmering purple dress as she cosied up to showbiz guru Richard Arnold for a photo

The show sees them take to the stage as holograms (pictured)

The iconic 70s pop group - made up of Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson (L-R) - attended the show's opening in 2022 (pictured)

The hologram show has pumped 322million into the British economy - with more than a million tickets bought at up to 181.50 each.

The gig five years in the making takes the audience back to Abba's 1970s and 1980s prime and allows fans to experience them in concert, despite their split back in December 1982.

Thanking fans for their continued support they added: 'Many of you were there from the very start and have followed us ever since  for over half a century!

'Music you discover and learn to love when you grow up or even later in life has a way of staying with you forever.
Shannen Doherty is reflecting on her iconic late co-star Michael Landon, who helped pass on her passion for acting at a very young age.

She had guest-starred on two different shows Michael Landon created - Voyagers and Father Murphy, which lead to her playing his TV daughter.

Doherty, 53, was just 11 years old when she landed the role of Jenny Wilder on the final season of Little House on the Prairie in the 1982-1983 TV season.

She opened up about her rapport with Landon on Monday's episode of her Let's Be Clear With Shannen Doherty podcast, where she recently opened up on not returning for the Charmed series finale.

'That show  Little House  shaped me in so many ways and it still is the best experience of my entire career,' she insisted.

Shannen Doherty is reflecting on her iconic late co-star Michael Landon, who helped pass on her passion for acting at a very young age.

She had guest-starred on two different shows Michael Landon created - Voyagers and Father Murphy, which lead to her playing his TV daughter

Doherty, 53, was just 11 years old when she landed the role of Jenny Wilder on the final season of Little House on the Prairie in the 1982-1983 TV season

She said of Landon, who played Charles Ingalls in the beloved series, that ran from 1974 to 1983, 'I adored him. He was a mentor. He taught me so much.'

While her role only lasted one season, she revealed the things he taught her stayed throughout her career.

'It's kind of amazing because, when I think about the long span of my career, but also how rough some jobs were  and unenjoyable to be a part of, a little bit toxic  it was really the experience on Little House that spurred that passion on for being an actor,' she said.

'And it was having a mentor like Michael Landon  and I don't care what anybody else's experience was like, I know the truth about that man, and he was just unbelievable,' she said.

She added that Landon was, 'so, so, so talented, so kind, so considerate, and it really helped shape me. And he was incredibly caring for my entire family.'

Landon was just 54 years of age when he passed away in 1991 from pancreatic cancer, just as Doherty's career was taking off with Beverly Hills 90210.

Little House of the Prairie ran nine seasons and was loosely based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, describing her childhood in the Midwest in the late 1800s.

She also praised Landon in a March episode of her podcast, where she said that his work as a writer and director on the show influenced her as well.

She said of Landon, who played Charles Ingalls in the beloved series, that ran from 1974 to 1983, 'I adored him. He was a mentor. He taught me so much'

'It's kind of amazing because, when I think about the long span of my career, but also how rough some jobs were  and unenjoyable to be a part of, a little bit toxic  it was really the experience on Little House that spurred that passion on for being an actor,' she said

She added that Landon was, 'so, so, so talented, so kind, so considerate, and it really helped shape me. And he was incredibly caring for my entire family'

When asked her favorite memories from the set, she said, 'Just the things I learned from him. He directed some of the episodes and wrote some of the episodes.'

'I just remember how he was as a director,' adding he made her, 'realize what kind of director I wanted to be.'

She also said he taught her to, 'be true to myself' and 'embrace my voice, to stand up for myself.'

Doherty would go on to direct episodes of Charmed, an episode of Suite 7 and two music videos for the group Radical Something.
Jordin Sparks and husband Dana Isaiah looked every inch in love while sharing a kiss during their recent vacation to Jamaica.

The No Air hitmaker, 34, and the fitness model, 32, packed on the PDA as they enjoyed the romantic getaway and soaked up the sun at the new Sandals Dunn's River resort in Ocho Rios.

The parents-of-one, who married in 2017, shared plenty of affectionate moments, with Dana playfully grabbing his wife's pert derriere at one point.

In another adorable exchange he embraced the star from behind while planting a kiss on her neck.

While at the resort, the duo enjoyed a butler suite with a private pool, tried out local Jamaican cuisine at one of the resort's restaurants, went bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River, and relaxed at the spa.

Jordin Sparks and husband Dana Isaiah looked every inch in love as they shared a sweet kiss during their recent vacation to Jamaica

The No Air hitmaker, 34, and the fitness model, 32, packed on the PDA during the romantic getaway, while soaking in the sun at the new Sandals Dunn's River resort in Ocho Rios

Jordin said of their stay, 'We felt welcomed and so well taken care of from the moment we landed.'

'Truly one of the best vacations we have ever had, from our beautiful suite with a private pool to our amazing butlers, Shawn and Tenneil.'

'The food was outstanding, the beaches were beautiful and our rafting trip on Martha Brae River was a highlight,' the Phoenix native added.

She showed off her summer style in a red and white zebra striped top and a matching maxi skirt.

The American Idol winner's curly tresses were pinned up into a casual ponytail.

The songstress completed her outfit with white sandals and a number of gold jewelry pieces.

Meanwhile Dana rocked a white crochet-style top, black pants and matching sandals.

The loved-up duo were seen strolling along the beach hand-in-hand and taking in the breathtaking views.

The pair seemingly enjoyed some time alone, without their 6-year-old Dana 'DJ' Isaiah Jr.

The pair, who married in 2017, shared plenty of affectionate moments

While at the resort, the duo enjoyed a butler suite with a private pool, tried out local Jamaican cuisine, went bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River, and relaxed at the spa

In another adorable moment he embraced her from behind while planting a kiss on her neck

The American Idol winner showed off her summer style in a red and white zebra striped top and a matching maxi skirt

The star's curly tresses were pinned up into a casual ponytail. The songstress completed her outfit with white sandals and a number of gold jewelry pieces

The beauty enjoyed the incredible weather during a walk on the beach

Jordin said of their stay, 'We felt welcomed and so well taken care of from the moment we landed. Truly one of the best vacations we have ever had, from our beautiful suite with a private pool to our amazing butlers, Shawn and Tenneil'

'The food was outstanding, the beaches were beautiful and our rafting trip on Martha Brae River was a highlight,' the Phoenix native added

The star beamed during the getaway

The pair seemingly enjoyed some time alone, without their 6-year-old Dana Isaiah Jr. Sparks and Isaiah have been married since 2017

Sparks and Isaiah have been married since 2017. The duo wed in Hawaii, before welcoming their son in May of 2018.

The couple have no desire for anymore children.

'DJ is everything and more, and I couldn't ask for anything else. We're good with just one kid,' Jordin told OK! Magazine last year.

'I have to balance my career and figuring out everything, in addition to spending time with my husband and DJ. I want to give DJ as much of my time and be able to present in all these different situations. If I had to split my time between more than one kid, that would be difficult.'

'There would be nothing left of me at the end of the day. If people call me selfish, that's okay, but I want DJ to have a fully present mom. I'm absolutely good with just one!'
Ben Affleck put on a very somber display amid the ongoing speculation about his relationship with Jennifer Lopez, as he made a solo appearance at his daughter Violet's graduation party.

The Academy Award winner, 51, donned a beige sportscoat on Monday as he stepped out to celebrate his daughter's milestone moment in Los Angeles.

He layered the jacket over a white dress shirt, which he wore untucked with a pair of jeans and dark leather boots, and he carried what appeared to be a beverage can in his hand.

Affleck's appearance at the party comes one week after his daughter's official graduation ceremony, from which is ex-wife Jennifer Garner posted several sobbing photos of herself as she cheered the teen on from the crowd.

It has been an emotional few weeks for Affleck, who has been under fierce scrutiny over the status of his marriage to Jennifer Lopez, with reports suggesting that the duo are living in separate homes two years after they tied the knot.

Ben Affleck donned a beige sportscoat on Monday as he stepped out to celebrate daughter Violet's graduation party in Los Angeles

He layered the jacket over a white dress shirt, which he wore untucked with a pair of jeans and dark leather boots

As Lopez stays in their $60 million Bel Air mansion, Affleck is said to be living in a $100,000 monthly rental home that's just a short drive from ex Garner's Brentwood house.

He and Garner, 52, were married from 2005 to 2018, and they share Violet, as well as Fin, 15, and 12-year-old Samuel.

The Justice League star was spotted without his wedding ring last week, but was wearing the band again as he stepped out on Friday.

Lopez was also wearing her wedding ring as she stepped out on Friday in Los Angeles.

Reports of Affleck and Lopez's marital woes began circulating last week after the pair hadn't been seen together since late March.

'Ben already moved out and they'll likely have to sell the dream house they spent two years searching for,' a source told In Touch.

'They'll never stop loving each other, but she can't control him, and he can't change her,' the insider added. 'There's no way it could have lasted.'

Although the pair was finally spotted reuniting last week at Fin's school recital, he skipped the premiere of her Netflix movie Atlas on Monday.

Violet is the eldest of Ben and ex Jennifer's three children - and bares an uncanny resemblance to her famous actress mother (seen earlier this month)

Last week, Affleck and ex-wife Jennifer Garner's oldest child, 18, graduated from high school

After the Golden Globe-nominated actress banned questions about their marriage on the sci-fi film's press tour, she shot down one very direct query.

The On The Floor hitmaker was hit with the hot question during a press conference for her new film in Mexico City last week.

In a now-viral video, a male reporter shocked the crowd when he asked Lopez to confirm if the 'Ben Affleck rumors' were 'real.'

Lopez  who was still wearing her wedding ring  looked tense as she tried to laugh the question off, before playfully scolding the man, saying: 'You know better than that.'

However the singer and actress did not attempt to deny rumors her fourth marriage is on the rocks.

He and Garner were married from 2005 to 2018, and they share Violet, as well as Fin, 15, and 12-year-old Samuel (Violet seen with her parents and younger brother Samuel in 2013)

Affleck's outing comes amid reports that he and wife Jennifer Lopez are living in separate homes two years into their marriage

The audience applauded J.Lo for how she handed the situation while one of the panelists - her co-star Simu Liu - warned other reporters to steer clear of that line of questioning.

'Dont come in here with that energy, please,' the 35-year-old Canadian actor said.

However rumors have continued to swirl about a rift between Jen and Ben, with multiple reports suggesting that the two have drifted apart.

A source told Page Six that Affleck has 'come to his senses' after tying the knot with Lopez in July 2022.

'If there was a way to divorce on grounds of temporary insanity, he would,' the insider said.

'He feels like the last two years was just a fever dream, and he's come to his senses now and understands there is just no way this is going to work,' they added.
Eric Bana plays a father trying to investigate a cult... which his daughter may be on the fringes of in the new trailer for Vertical's A Sacrifice.

The film is an adaptation of Nicholas Hogg's 2015 novel Tokyo, with Bana playing an American social psychologist named Ben Monroe.

He is in Berlin investigating the disturbing events connected to a local cult, unaware that his daughter Mazzy (Sadie SInk) is getting close to the son of the cult's leader.

The film was written and directed by Jordan Scott - the daughter of famed filmmaker Ridley Scott, who himself serves as a producer, with Bana - who was spotted in New York City with Deborra-Lee Furness earlier this month - executive producing.

Vertical has issued a June 28 release date, putting it up against Kevin Costner's Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 and John Krasinski's A Quiet Place: Day One.

Eric Bana plays a father trying to investigate a cult... which his daughter may be on the fringes of in the new trailer for Vertical's A Sacrifice

He is in Berlin investigating the disturbing events connected to a local cult, unaware that his daughter Mazzy (Sadie SInk) is getting close to the son of the cult's leader

The trailer begins with Ben arriving at the scene of a grisly crime, asking, 'What happened here?'

'It wasn't accidental. They killed themselves in shifts, and then there's this,' says the female coroner, adding, 'Then there's this,' opening one's mouth, revealing an object inside.

They also find a manifesto, which she reads, 'Sacrifice is redemption,' as Bana adds, 'The minute someone mentions sacrifice or redemption, I smell cult.'

Ben's daughter Mazzy is seen arriving in Berlin from the airport, making her way to Ben's apartment, but she's being watched by a young man (Jonas Dassler).

She asks him, 'what chapter are you on,' but he insists, 'It doesn't work like that. It's interesting, even you'd find it interesting.'

Ben is also apparently a teacher, telling a woman named Nina (Sylvia Hoeks), 'I'd like to break out of the theoretical side of life,' as she adds, 'We are desperate for your insight.'

He says that, 'Kids are totally isolated, there're just predators waiting for them,' as Mazzy talks to the young man seen following her earlier.

He prophetically tells her, 'Don't talk to strangers,' while later he invites her to his group, saying they, 'need people like you.'

They also find a manifesto, which she reads, 'Sacrifice is redemption,' as Bana adds, 'The minute someone mentions sacrifice or redemption, I smell cult'

She asks him, 'what chapter are you on,' but he insists, 'It doesn't work like that. It's interesting, even you'd find it interesting'

Ben is also apparently a teacher, telling a woman named Nina (Sylvia Hoeks), 'I'd like to break out of the theoretical side of life,' as she adds, 'We are desperate for your insight'

He says that, 'Kids are totally isolated, there're just predators waiting for them,' as Mazzy talks to the young man seen following her earlier

Mazzy is seen kissing him as he brings her to see the cult's leader (Sophie Rois), and later Mazzy complains to a friend that she came to Berlin to see him, 'and it's only ever about him'

Mazzy is seen kissing him as he brings her to see the cult's leader (Sophie Rois), and later Mazzy complains to a friend that she came to Berlin to see him, 'and it's only ever about him.'

Mazzy and Ben get in a fight as Mazzy blames him for the family breaking up, as she leaves his apartment and flees to the embrace of the cult, saying her dad lied to her.

'The sooner you stop relying on them the more powerful you will be. Purify and start again,' the cult leader tells Mazzy.

The trailer winds down with a number of dramatic shots revealing Mazzy has become fully entrenched into the cult.
Edwina Bartholomew has spent plenty of time in rural NSW renovating a dilapidated hotel over the past year.

So it was no surprise to the Sunrise presenter, 40, sporting a country-inspired outfit as she arrived at Sydney Airport with co-host Matt Shirvington, 45, on Friday.

Looking very farmyard chic, the mother-of-two wore a denim jacket layered over a black-and-white striped T-shirt and a brown maxi skirt with exposed seams.

She completed her earthy ensemble with a leather cross-body satchel, matching duffel bag and scuffed white sneakers.

Her colleague Matt meanwhile towered over the petite blonde as the pair chatted and joked while striding through the busy terminal.

Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew, 40, (rightt) sported a country-inspired outfit as she arrived at Sydney Airport with co-host Matt Shirvington, 45, (left)on Friday

Matt wore a blue button-down shirt layered over a grey T-shirt and camel trousers.

The former Olympic sprinter also wore a pair of white sneakers and slung a black duffel bag over one shoulder.

Edwina and Matt had spent last week reporting from Port Douglas alongside Sunrise co-stars Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta.

Looking very farmyard chic, the mother-of-two sported a denim jacket layered over a black-and-white striped T-shirt and a brown maxi skirt with exposed seams

Matt wore a blue button-down shirt layered over a grey T-shirt and camel trousers

The sighting came after Edwina revealed that her country hotel renovation had suffered a major setback due to NSW's wild weather.

She and her husband Neil Varcoe bought the heritage property in Carcoar, NSW last May and since then the restoration has been dogged by delays which has put the project behind six months.

Speaking to Realestate.com earlier this month, Edwina said recent heavy rains in the area had created havoc, damaging the building and creating a cost blowout.

The sighting came after Edwina revealed that her country hotel renovation had suffered a major setback due to NSW's wild weather. (Pictured at the property)

She and her husband Neil Varcoe (right) bought the heritage property in Carcoar, NSW last May and since then the restoration has been dogged by delays which has put the project behind six months

'We have had a lot of storms in the area which very quickly revealed serious leaks in the roof,' she said.

'We sustained damage to our floors through a big leak in one of the skylights, we lost of couple of windows during a hail storm, and the plaster in one room is literally crumbling off the wall.'

'As a result, we've had to up the pool of funds we allocated to cover anymore surprises!' she added.
Married At First Sight's Jade Pywell and Ridge Barredo have taken the next step in their relationship after meeting on the Channel Nine dating show.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Ridge, 27, has quit his job as a psychiatric nurse, packed up his belongings, and relocated to the Gold Coast to move in with Jade.

Barredo hosted a a farewell lunch in Sydney on Saturday, before officially driving to the Gold Coast with his TV bride.

Jade, 26, recently expressed her excitement about Ridge's move, telling Daily Mail Australia: '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.'

Married At First Sight's Jade Pywell and Ridge Barredo have taken the next step of their relationship after meeting on the Channel Nine dating show.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Ridge, 27, has quit his job as a psychiatric nurse, packed up his belongings, and relocated to the Gold Coast to move in with Jade

Jade explained that life post-MAFS has been has been a whirlwind.

'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.

Barredo hosted a a farewell lunch in Sydney on Saturday, before officially driving to the Gold Coast with his TV bride

The group were also joined by former MAFS groom Al Perkins, who was dressed in one of Ridge's custom printed t-shirts with his iconic catchphrase, 'Deece' - short for decent

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.

Jade hosted an Instagram Q&A with fans this week and revealed she and Ridge share a 'love language' which has helped them advance their physical intimacy.

Jade, 26, recently expressed her excitement about Ridge's move, telling Daily Mail Australia: 'I am looking forward to Ridge moving in, yes'

'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.
Reese Witherspoon beamed with pride as she congratulated her niece on her high school graduation over the weekend.

The 48-year-old Oscar winner  who recently announced a Legally Blonde spin-off series  took to her Instagram on Monday to share an adorable photo carousal from Abby James Witherspoon's milestone celebration.

In one pic, the star, adorned in a charming floral dress, draped her arm around Abby James, who proudly displayed her diploma.

She also posted snapshots of Abby James alongside her sister, Draper. The stunning siblings are the daughters of Reese's elder brother, John Witherspoon.

'Tears of joy for my incredible niece @abbyjameswitherspoon!' Reese began in the caption. 'Congratulations on all the hard work, long hours of studying , the endless hours of test taking and essay writing ... and biggest congrats on being the joyful, kind- hearted, energetic, funny girl we are all so proud of ! Such a proud aunt.'

Reese Witherspoon beamed with pride as she congratulated her niece Abby James Witherspoon on her high school graduation over the weekend

The 48-year-old Oscar winner took to her Instagram on Monday to share an adorable photo carousal from Abby James Witherspoon's milestone celebration

Abby James will be heading off to Loyola Marymount University in the fall, according to her Instagram, despite her burgeoning Hollywood career taking off.

The rising star has already secured roles in Boys of Summer (2024) and Secret Headquarters (2022).

Meanwhile, Reese's sweet shout-out comes after her ex Ryan Phillippe shared a throwback photo of the former It couple on his Instagram Stories.

'We were hot and drenched in late 90's angst @reesewitherspoon. (such a cooler time than today),' the Cruel Intentions actor captioned the image.

In the photo, the stars have their arms wrapped around each other, with Reese sporting a chin-length bob haircut, contrasting with Ryan's mohawk style.

The former couple first crossed paths at the Morning Show star's 21st birthday bash in 1997.

Just two years later, they shared the screen in Cruel Intentions alongside Selma Blair, and their on-screen chemistry led to marriage.

Their union lasted nine years, during which they welcomed two children: daughter Ava, now 24, and son Deacon, 20.

'Tears of joy for my incredible niece @abbyjameswitherspoon!' Reese began in the caption

Abby James will be heading off to Loyola Marymount University in the fall, according to her Instagram , despite her burgeoning Hollywood career taking off

She also posted snapshots of Abby James alongside her sister, Draper

Abby James and Drap are the daughters of Reese's elder brother, John Witherspoon (pictured)

Phillippe and Witherspoon announced their separation in October 2006, issuing a joint statement at the time.

'We are saddened to announce that Reese and Ryan have decided to formally separate,' a rep for the couple said.

'They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time.'

Witherspoon later married Jim Toth and together they welcomed their son Tennessee, now 11. However, the couple announced their split in March 2023.

As for the "Prey" actor, he never remarried, but he shares a daughter, Kai, now 12, with his former girlfriend Alexis Knapp.

Recently, fans have been advocating for the former couple's daughter Ava to portray a young Elle Woods in the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series for Amazon Prime.

Reese's sweet shout-out comes after her ex Ryan Phillippe shared a throwback photo of the former It couple on his Instagram Stories.

The actors were wed for nine years and welcomed two children, daughter Ava, 24 and son Deacon, pictured in 2006

The prequel, titled Elle, will feature the character's origin story as the protagonist navigates her way through high school before becoming a Harvard Law student.

After the news emerged, social media users called on Ava to be cast in the role of young Elle, whose character made the 'bend and snap' famous.

Following the announcement, fans of the movie took to social media and begged Reese to include her daughter in the cast.

One person said: 'If her daughter doesn't play her, we are going to be very upset.''Is Ava playing Elle?' another user questioned.
Keanu Reeves spent part of his long Memorial Day holiday weekend by having a date night with his longtime girlfriend Alexandra Grant.

The 59-year-old action star and his 51-year-old girlfriend Grant were spotted leaving Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica after a dinner date.

The outing comes just days after Reeves was spotted taking a cigarette break in Los Angeles while filming his new movie Outcome.

Reeves stepped out in a black shirt under a dark blue suit coat with a grey scarf tied around his neck.

He completed his look with matching dark blue pants and brown work boots for the dinner date outing.

Keanu Reeves spent part of his long Memorial Day holiday weekend by having a date night with his longtime girlfriend Alexandra Grant.

Grant opted for a shimmering black minidress, accessorizing with a large gold link necklace plus numerous diamond earrings

Grant opted for a shimmering black minidress, accessorizing with a large gold link necklace plus numerous diamond earrings.

She completed her look with black leggings and black flat shoes for her night out with Reeves, who she has been dating since 2018.

Reeves and Grant first met at a dinner party in 2009 before collaborating on two different books together.

While it's unclear when they started dating, they first went public with their relationship back in November 2019.

The film was first announced back in April 2023, when Apple Original Films picking up the project in a competitive bidding war.

Hill not only directs but will also star and produce, while co-writing the screenplay with Ezra Woods.

The story follows a Hollywood star named Reef (Reeves) who must atone for his troubled past when he is extorted with damaging video from his past.

Reeves and Hill star alongside a cast that also includes Matt Bomer, Kaia Gerber, Cameron Diaz, David Spade, Laverne Cox, Susan Lucci and Roy Wood Jr.

She completed her look with black leggings and black flat shoes for her night out with Reeves, who she has been dating since 2018.

Reeves and Grant first met at a dinner party in 2009 before collaborating on two different books together

While it's unclear when they started dating, they first went public with their relationship back in November 2019

Filming began in late March, just after Reeves wrapped the comedy Good Fortune, which Aziz Ansari is writing, directing and starring in.

Hill is producing alongside Matt Dines and Alison Goodwin for his second narrative feature film, after his 2018 debut Mid90s.

Reeves is coming off 2023's John Wick: Chapter 4, which took in over $440 million at the worldwide box office.

He will also return as John Wick in a small role in the franchise spin-off Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, which has a June 6, 2025 release date.

The actor is also set to star in an adaptation of the comic book he created entitled BRZRKR, which is in pre-production.

Reeves will also return as the title character in a long-awaited sequel to the 2005 ilm Constantine.
Hilarie Burton Morgan took to social media on Monday to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of her first date with husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

The 41-year-old actress posted a family photo on Instagram showing her and Jeffrey, 58, with their 14-year-old son Augustus and six-year-old daughter George Virginia having fun at the beach.

'Fifteen years ago, @jeffreydeanmorgan asked me to come out Memorial Day weekend and visit him in New Mexico so he could take me on a date before I left the States to live in the apartment Id rented in Paris,' Hilarie wrote in the caption for her roughly 1.8 million followers.

'Its been a very long date,' she added.

Jeffrey in the comments section posted: 'You forgot awesome. Long and real awesome. Xxx'.

Hilarie Burton Morgan took to social media on Monday to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of her first date with husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Hilarie and Jeffrey have been married since October 2019.

They were set up on a blind date through Jeffrey's Supernatural co-star Jensen Ackles, 46, and his wife Daneel, 45, who co-starred with Hilarie on One Tree Hill.

Jensen officiated their wedding.

Hilarie and Jeffrey cuddled up last month while promoting the AMC Networks in New York City.

They wore matching all-black outfits while on the carpet at the AMC Networks 2024 Upfront event.

Jeffrey has been starring in The Walking Dead franchise and Hilarie has become an AMC TV personality as the host of True Crime: It Couldn't Happen Here, a docuseries about small-town murders.

The Walking Dead: Dead City starring Jeffrey has been filming and he was seen earlier this month wielding his ionic barbed wire bat Lucille on set in Massachusetts.

Jeffrey put on his bad boy persona for the camera while suited up in character.

Jeffrey and Hilarie, shown in June 2023 in New York City, have been married since October 2019

Jeffrey in the comments section posted: 'You forgot awesome. Long and real awesome. Xxx'

Hilarie and Jeffrey, shown in April 2010 in Los Angeles, were set up on a blind date through Jeffrey's Supernatural co-star Jensen Ackles, 46, and his wife Daneel, 45, who co-starred with Hilarie on One Tree Hill

Jeffrey and Hilarie cuddled up last month while promoting the AMC Networks in New York City.

He was dressed in a black leather jacket and matching gloves while smirking mischievously off camera.

The actors black jeans and leather belt tied the dark ensemble together while posing up a storm for the series.

His dark locks were stylishly slicked back and his silver beard and mustache were perfectly trimmed.

The set look impressive picturing a battle scene as the undead attacked the living.

Actors were dressed up in gas masks, leather jackets and matching gloves while carrying tanks.

The fan favorite post-apocalyptic horror show is expected to make waves when the second season premieres, but a release date has yet to be set.

Morgan began starring as Negan in The Walking Dead during its seventh season. He portrayed the character up until the show's final season, which wrapped November 2022.
An athlete-turned-Instagram star has revealed why the Gold Coast is home to Australia's hottest fitness influencers.

Olivia May, a professional sprinter, recently documented her move from Melbourne to the Gold Coast after her influencing career took off during Covid lockdowns.

Speaking to The Courier Mail on Tuesday, the blonde said she was 'drawn' to the coastal city after finding online fame.

'The active lifestyle on the Gold Coast really draws influencers,' she said.

'There are so many opportunities and so many of the big brands that people would partner with are based [here].'

Fitness influencer Olivia May (pictured) has revealed the real reason stars like Kayla Itsines and Tammy Hembrow choose to live on the Gold Coast

Indeed, Australia's most influential and successful fitness gurus are based on the golden shores, including multi-millionaire influencers Tammy Hembrow and Kayla Itsines.

While Tammy grew up in the Sunshine State, Kayla only recently made the move up from Adelaide with her new husband Jae Woodroffe, their newborn son Jax and four-year-old daughter Arna, who she shares with ex Tobi Pearce.

Confirming the big news in January, Kayla took to Instagram with a post that read: 'Weve officially MOVED TO QUEENSLAND!!!'

Kayla was thrilled to reveal that she was joined by her family as they settled in, and that she'd be flying back to her hometown for regular visits.

'The active lifestyle on the Gold Coast really draws influencers - there are so many opportunities and so many of the big brands that people would partner with are based [here],' she told The Courier Mail on Tuesday

Indeed, Australia's most influential and successful fitness gurus are based on the golden shores, including multi-millionaire influencer Tammy Hembrow (pictured)

Fitness influencer and exercise clothing brand owner Rachel Dillon, who recently married Kayla's ex Tobi, is also based on the Gold Coast.

Her sister Emma, also an online gym guru, has joined her.

Other fitness influencers located in the area include Ashy Bines, Brendon Wharton, Annabelle Ronnfeldt and Skye Sutton.

Controversial bodybuilder and influencer Sophie Guidolin is also spending plenty of time on the Gold Coast thanks to her new romance with local personal trainer Nicholas White.

Fitness guru Kayla Itsines (pictured) only recently made the move up from Adelaide with her new husband Jae Woodroffe, their newborn son Jax and four-year-old daughter Arna, who she shares with ex Tobi Pearce
Two years after eloping, Sophie Monk and husband Joshua Gross are finally enjoying their honeymoon.

The Love Island Australia host, 44, and her beau, 43, exchanged vows at their Central Coast, NSW home in March of 2022, with no invited guests.

And the pair have finally travelled to Thailand to celebrate their nuptials.

Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Josh shared several videos of the couples honeymoon adventures.

'Let the Honeymoon begin. Better late than never,' Josh captioned one post.

Two years after eloping, Sophie Monk, 44, (right) and husband Joshua Gross, 43, (left) are enjoying their honeymoon

The couple were seen getting cosy as they boarded their overseas flights to Thailand.

The pair then took in the sights of the Asian country as they explored the Wat Pho temple, Bangkok rivers and local eateries.

In the weeks following their intimate 2022 wedding, the bride and groom appeared on the cover of Stellar Magazine and discussed the secret ceremony.

Sophie called the intimate wedding, 'so beautiful and relaxed.'

The Love Island Australia host, 44, and her beau, 43, exchanged vows at their Central Coast, NSW home in March of 2022, with no invited guests

And the pair have finally traveled to Thailand to celebrate the start of their marriage

Joshua agreed: 'We woke up together and it's been a dream. When I'm with her, it's just smooth. I couldn't be happier.'

Sophie says she chose to have a wedding at home to keep things 'stress-free' while Joshua calls their private home 'our sanctuary' and he was glad to make wedding memories that will last a lifetime there.

Another reason they chose to have a wedding on their own - Sophie was happy to keep the guest list to a bare minimum.

The couple were seen getting cosy as they boarded their flights to Thailand

The pair then took in the sights of Thailand as they explored the Wat Pho temple, Bangkok rivers and local eateries

'We figured, if you don't invite one person, then no-one could get upset,' she told Stellar.

The pair pulled the whole wedding together in 'two or three weeks'.

The couple first met on a flight from Europe to Australia in August 2018, and shared a kiss after enjoying 'three champagnes' in business class.
Corbin Bleu proved that his jump rope skills are still perfectly intact.

The 35-year-old actor shared a clip of himself playing double-dutch on TikTok on Monday, 17 years after he starred in Disney Channel's movie Jump In!.

In the video, Corbin  who's also known for starring in High School Musical  is seen out on the street sporting a grey t-shirt, navy shorts and white sneakers while jumping rope with the help of two pals.

'POV: It's been 17 years since you Jumped In,' he wrote on top of the clip, before adding in the caption, 'Still got it.'

His song 'Push It to the Limit' is heard playing in the background of the upbeat video.

Corbin Bleu, 35, shared a clip of himself playing double-dutch on TikTok, 17 years after starring in Disney Channel's film Jump In!; (L) seen on Monday, (R) pictured in a still from the film

Bleu also shared the same clip on Instagram, revealing that it was filmed between performances of his Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors.

'Double Dutch in between shows outside of our theatre! My @littleshopnyc family knows how to bring the community together! Can't believe it's been almost 20 years since I've done this,' he wrote in the caption.

Bleu played Izzy Daniels in the 2007 film. Daniels was a young boxer who discovered his love for jump rope after joining a tournament with Mary Thomas (played by Keke Palmer).

His fans and followers were thrilled with the clip, with Disney Channel's official account commenting, 'And you didn't miss a single step.'

'Legends say hes still jumping..' another added.

Others tagged his co-star Keke, commenting, 'You have 24 hours to respond!!'

Besides Jump In!, he's also known for his role as Chad Danforth in the original High School Musical movie, which debuted in 2006 and helped kickstart the careers of Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale.

He returned for the 2007 sequel High School Musical 2 and the final installment of the trilogy, 2008's High School Musical: Senior Year.

In the video, Corbin is seen out on the street sporting a grey t-shirt, navy shorts and white sneakers while jumping rope with the help of two pals

'POV: It's been 17 years since you Jumped In,' he wrote on top of the clip, before adding in the caption, 'Still got it'

Bleu also shared the same clip on Instagram, revealing that it was filmed between performances of his Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors

Bleu played Izzy Daniels in the 2007 film. Daniels was a young boxer who discovered his love for jump rope after joining a tournament with Mary Thomas (played by Keke Palmer)

Besides Jump In!, he's also known for his rule as Chad Danforth in the original High School Musical movie, which debuted in 2006 and helped kickstart the careers of Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale; seen in 2022

In Season 3 of High School Musical: The Musical - The Series, he played a 'heightened' version of himself as a celebrity guest at Camp Shallow Lake, East High's summer camp.

As for his personal life, Corbin wed Sasha Clements, 34, in 2016, following their engagement at Disney World two years prior.

Corbin gushed that he felt like the 'happiest man in the world' after tying the knot, People reported.

'Getting married to Sasha today was the best moment of my life,' Corbin confessed to the magazine.

The two actors  who are both Disney stars  began dating in 2011, after meeting in a grocery store in Toronto.
Nicole Kidman has revealed what always draws her back to Australia despite the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

The Hollywood star, 56, was born in the American state of Hawaii to Australian parents and was raised in Sydney, before finding global fame as an actress.

She has travelled far and wide over the course of her 40-year career and has a lavish global property portfolio but has shared what always brings her back to Australia.

In a resurfaced interview, Nicole admitted she longed to travel the world as a teenager before realising how much she wanted to be back Down Under.

'It's where I grew up, it's my childhood,' Nicole told the The Ray Martin Show in 2001.

Nicole Kidman has revealed what always draws her back to Australia despite the glitz and glamour of Hollywood

'It's the trees, it's the humour - I mean there's so much about Australia that's so unique.

'It's also this distance from the rest of the world which, when you're a teenager you go, "I want to see Europe, I want to see America, I want to get out there, I want to see it".

'Well now I'm saying, "I've seen it, I want to go home". There's just everything here that you need.'

Nicole and her husband Keith Urban have luxury properties in the likes of Sydney, Nashville and New York as they have set up a global empire.

In a resurfaced interview from 2001 (pictured), Nicole admitted she longed to travel the world as a teenager before realising how much she wanted to be back Down Under

Nicole and her husband Keith Urban (both pictured) have set up home all around the world and boast luxury properties in the likes of Sydney, Nashville and New York

The Aussie superstars have shelled out closed to $60million on properties that are now believed to be worth $282million, according to realestate.com.au.

Their acquisitions include six apartments in a single building in Sydney alone, where the pair host an annual New Year's Eve bash.

They also bought an idyllic farmhouse called Bunya Hill in the Southern Highlands village of Sutton Forrest in 2008 for $6.5million.

The couple also own properties in Nashville, Los Angeles and New York as they have set up homes for themselves all around the globe.
Have YOU seen British classics being disrespected?

Gordon Ramsay has been slammed for showing 'contempt' for both British and Italian cooking traditions after making an English breakfast pizza.

The TV chef, 57, proudly topped his dough with egg, sausage, bacon and black pudding in a horrifying display that has disgusted communities across Europe.

And he then continued to make a sauce from baked beans, tomato and the Bloody Mary cocktail ingredients vodka, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce.

While Ramsay said that he was creating 'something new, something exciting, something for breakfast', his plan backfired as he was branded a 'f**king murderer' by one Italian viewer.

The Kitchen Nightmares star has previously blasted his critics after coming under fire for flogging 19 fry-ups that included just two eggs, one sausage, one tomato, one mushroom and a small portion of bacon.

But speaking to MailOnline, chairman of the English Breakfast Society Guise Bule slammed Ramsay for showing a 'total lack of respect'.

Gordon Ramsay proudly topped his dough with egg, sausage, bacon and black pudding in a horrifying display that has disgusted communities across Europe

While Ramsay said that he was creating 'something new, something exciting, something for breakfast', his plan backfired as he was branded a 'f**king murderer' by one Italian viewer

He said: 'Gordon is one of the British celebrity chefs that consistently lets the tradition down when it comes to the English breakfast.

'The one he serves at the Savoy is constantly ridiculed and him making an English breakfast pizza only confirms his lack of respect for the tradition.

'Its evidence, evidence that he has contempt for the tradition and is no longer a chef, but an American businessman.'

Ramsay released a video of himself making the ill-fated dish on a visit to Portmeirion, North Wales, earlier this month.

But the idea didn't go down well with many subscribers to his YouTube channel, with one resident of Italy exclaiming: 'You f**king murderer. Never come to Italy any more,' while someone else stated: 'Gordon declares war on Italy.'

A Brit wrote: 'On behalf of myself and the British people, I do apologise, this will not happen again.'

While someone else commented: 'As a fan of both Italian cuisine and British cuisine I am horrified.'

Another viewer wrote in the comments section: 'I've just heard that the International Criminal Court has issued Gordon Ramsay with a warrant for his arrest. His crime = BAKED BEANS ON PIZZA!!!'

The sauce was made from baked beans, tomato and Bloody Mary cocktail ingredients vodka, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce

While someone else shared: 'I am convinced he is intentionally antagonising the Italians at this point.'

Ramsay even admitted his crimes in the video - noting 'Baked beans on a pizza? They're going to ban us from Italy!' - while an off-screen voice added: 'And Wales!'

He later added that he was unconvinced after taking it out of the oven, saying: 'I'm still not sure... baked beans on a pizza.'

While he was in Scotland, he also put a fry-up inside a sandwich, although that proved less controversial.

'Beans, seaweed, eggs on a pizza? NO. That cheese is not even melted. The bottom is too burnt,' another subscriber raged at his dish.

Another questioned: 'I understand beans are part of an English Breakfast but beans on a pizza?!?!'

'If Gordon had been served that abomination in one of his kitchen contests, imagine his comments. And, it was burned black underneath,' noted another of his fans.

And a third shared: 'Imagine if this was served to him on a show 10 years ago? You'd be able to power a small country for a year with the steam from his ears.'

He topped the pie with egg, sausage, bacon and black pudding as made the meal from scratch out in the sun

The idea didn't go down well with many subscribers to his YouTube channel, with one resident of Italy exclaiming: 'You f**king murderer. Never come to Italy any more'

Another person remarked: 'Gordon could come to my home to cook this for me and I wouldn't touch it. Baked beans mixed with pizza sauce? Disgusting. What in the world was he thinking?'

Ramsay has previously slammed critics who poked fun at the 19 breakfast served at his Savoy Grill - saying they were only angry because they 'can't afford it'.

The Michelin starred chef unveiled his British breakfast at at his central London restaurant the on social media in September 2020.

But it was greeted with a flood of negative commentary on Twitter - with many taking umbrage with the portion size, missing breakfast components and the 19 price tag.

The foul-mouthed star told Insider: 'I stand by it. I swear by it. And it is one meal that I would ever eat as a last supper.

'It has to be a full English breakfast with extra baked beans.'

Hitting out at the naysayers, he added: 'And you know what? If you're worried about the price, you can't f***ing afford it.'

It comes after diners branded a Gordon Ramsay burger a 'f***ing mess' because it has cheese sprinkled on top of the bun, making it difficult to eat.

Breakfast staple: The Michelin starred chef, 54, unveiled his British breakfast at at his central London restaurant the Savoy Grill on social media in September 2020

The dish - which according to the online menu costs 18 and comes with fries - is stuffed with a double beef patty, American cheese, onion and Sriracha mayonnaise.

The TV chef is selling the Next Level Burger at nine Street Burger restaurants across the UK, but social media foodies have slammed the meal online.

He promoted the dish in a social media post last month, sharing an Instagram reel with his 17.3 million followers.

In the clip, the burger is also topped with a spoonful of mac and cheese.

'Treat yourself to a tasty Next Level smash stack this weekend at @gordonramsaystreetburger!!' the cook wrote.

Commenters however appeared less than impressed with the offering.

'Looks a right mess,' one wrote, hitting out at the sauce and toppings spilling out from the bun.

'Looked great until you put that white stuff on top,' another added.

It comes after diners branded a Gordon Ramsay burger a 'f***ing mess' because it has cheese sprinkled on top of the bun, making it difficult to eat

The dish - which according to the online menu costs 18 and comes with fries - is stuffed with a double beef patty, American cheese, onion and Sriracha mayonnaise

The TV chef is selling the Next Level Burger at nine Street Burger restaurants across the UK, but social media foodies have slammed the meal online

Another penned: 'Making a burger that isn't easily picked up shows fundamental misunderstanding of a burger.'

Elsewhere, one person simply instructed that the chef 'start over'.

'Looks delicious but how are you supposed to eat that?' one commenter questioned.

'Way too messy to pick up and eat,' another remarked.

Others also took issue with the price, adding that it was pricey for Britons going through a cost-of-living-crisis.

'I'm sure it tastes nice but I don't think the wallet would agree."

Yet some fans were more convinced, and found the meal looked 'smashing' and 'incredible'.

MailOnline reached out to Gordon Ramsay Restaurants for comment.
Sundale Vineyards in Tulare has an array of solar panels on its property. Decisions by the California Public Utilities Commission arent encouraging the expansion of solar power generation in the state. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle 2021

You would think, given Californias ambitious clean-energy goals, that the state would be eager to incentivize solar projects of all shapes and sizes.

Think again.

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In 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission drastically slashed the rate that utilities pay homeowners with new solar panels for excess energy sold to the grid  cratering demand for residential solar and sparking thousands of layoffs of solar workers. In 2023, the commission significantly reduced incentives for schools, businesses and apartment buildings to install solar panels.

On Thursday, the commission is scheduled to vote on a proposed decision that could effectively doom community solar projects, smaller-scale facilities often paired with battery storage intended to be located relatively close to the communities they serve. Renters, low-income residents and others who cant afford or access home rooftop solar panels can subscribe to the clean energy produced by these facilities and receive bill credits for the environmental value and energy provided to the grid.

Community solar is a win-win: more clean energy available to a wider range of people. These projects can reduce the need for larger facilities and expensive long-distance transmission infrastructure, limiting some of the uglier adverse impacts of the transition to green energy. And they represent a cost-effective way for builders to comply with state regulations requiring most new construction to be connected to solar power.

But community solar has been slow to get off the ground in California, largely due to complex and stringent regulations, low to nonexistent returns on investment for developers and volatility for customers.

Assembly Member Chris Ward, D-San Diego, wanted to change that with AB2316. The 2022 law directed the Public Utilities Commission to establish a community renewable energy program that would ensure at least 51% of its electricity went to low-income customers, prohibit costs from being covered by people who arent subscribed to the program and pay prevailing wages  which are essentially union wages  to facility construction workers.

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These provisions help explain why a highly unusual coalition of interest groups that often fight each other tooth and nail  including solar developers, ratepayer advocates, climate activists and labor unions  joined forces and urged the Public Utilities Commission to support the same community solar plan.

Central to that plan is a new compensation structure they say will make it easier for community solar projects to pencil out and stabilize customer credits  incentivizing both developers and ratepayers to participate.

But Californias private utilities, including Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison, dont like the idea. They argue this payment structure is illegal under federal law. The utilities put forth alternative proposals to tweak, rather than overhaul, current programs  which they admit have resulted in few projects.

Nevertheless, the Public Utilities Commission sided with the utilities and issued a proposed decision that closely resembled Southern California Edisons ineffective blueprint.

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This horrified pretty much everyone  other than the private utilities.

Neil Chatterjee, who led the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under former President Donald Trump, warned California Public Utilities Commission President Alice Reynolds in an April letter that the proposed decision would unsettle markets across the country and undermine other states community solar programs by questioning their legality. John Podesta, President Joe Bidens clean energy adviser, and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul reportedly raised similar concerns. A bipartisan group of California lawmakers also urged the commission to reject the proposed decision.

Experts arent persuaded by the commissions argument that the coalition proposal violates federal law. In his letter, Chatterjee noted that the federal government has historically declined to intervene in state regulations for community and home solar programs.

The proposed decision would absolutely eviscerate the incentives and the opportunities for community solar, Ward told the editorial board. We need to make a program viable rather than tweaking an unworkable program.

We agree.

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The commission should get behind a more reasonable plan. The coalition framework is a good place to start. Some details merit further discussion  such as facility size and distance from customers  but the commission needs to move quickly.

Given the uncertain outcome of the November presidential election, a delayed decision could hamper Californias ability to use or maximize federal funding, such as the $250 million it was recently awarded to develop community solar programs that enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from residential solar.

The Biden administration has made community solar a priority. They want to get to 20 gigawatts of community solar by 2025, enough to power 5 million homes, Derek Chernow, Western regional director at the Coalition for Community Solar Access, which developed the coalition framework, told the editorial board.

We cant get to our national numbers without California. Its that simple.

Nor will California be able to reach its own climate goals without an aggressive, all-of-the-above approach that encourages solar projects of all sizes  from rooftop panels to community facilities to utility-scale developments.

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Instead, the state is going out of its way to ensure that the green energy transition remains the exclusive domain of private utilities and their chosen partners.

In a world increasingly ravaged by climate change, utility-scale developments shouldnt be the default. Just as we need more infill housing, we need more infill power.

About Opinion The editorial positions of The Chronicle, including election recommendations, represent the consensus of the editorial board, consisting of the publisher, the editorial page editor and staff members of the opinion pages. Its judgments are made independent of the news operation, which covers the news without consideration of our editorial positions.
Cannes Film Festival has long been regarded as a highly prestigious Hollywood affair, hosting a carefully chosen selection of films for hotly-anticipated premieres.

However, in recent years the annual event has come under fire for its less than VIP guest list as social media influencers have descended on the resort town.

Though usually reserved for the Hollywood elite, an array of influencers, wannabe TV stars, reality TV personalities and models have increasingly scored tickets to the previously exclusive festival.

This year saw Hollywood stars including Cate Blanchett, Anya Taylor-Joy, Demi Moore, Emma Stone and Sienna Miller all grace the red carpet.

But joining them this year were also Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague, Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Zara McDermott, presenter Rochelle Humes, socialites Nicky Hilton, Victoria Hervey and Emma Weymouth, reality TV host Maya Jama, Made In Chelsea's Kimberley Garner and Married At First Sight star Evelyn Ellis.

In recent years Cannes Film Festival has come under fire for its less than VIP guest list as social media influencers have descended on the resort town (pictured Molly-Mae Hague)

Though usually reserved for the Hollywood elite, an array of influencers, wannabe TV stars, reality TV personalities and models have increasingly scored tickets to the previously exclusive festival (pictured Rochelle Humes)

This year saw Hollywood stars including Cate Blanchett , Anya Taylor-Joy (pictured), Demi Moore , Emma Stone and Sienna Miller all grace the red carpet

A whole host of models also descended on Cannes, including Heidi Klum and her daughter Leni, Bella Hadid, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Alessandra Ambrosio and Candice Swanepoel, despite it being a Film Festival.

And it has now been alleged that the esteemed actors, directors and producers are becoming rather disgruntled about sharing their spotlight with social media personalities.

While some are questioning whether the crux of Cannes has been lost as well as its exclusive charm, with the focus no longer on the celebration of films and instead on brands, social media traction and outfits.

According to The Sun, other attendees have become furious about the change and said the film festival was now a 'free-for-all' and 'depressing'.

One film insider told the publication: 'Cannes has become a circus. You look in one direction and its Ekin-Su from Love Island, turn the other way and you see Molly-Mae.

'Its not that these celebs arent welcome in Cannes, its just the Film Festival has lost that Hollywood appeal. Everywhere you turn there is an influencer taking photos. Nothing is exclusive in Cannes any more, its a free-for-all.'

And beyond the red carpets were also a slew of star-studded afterparties hosted by big names like Dior, Chopard, Saint Laurent, Roberto Cavalli and Magnum, which were once the hottest tickets in town.

However, the source fumed: 'Campari was chaos not class. They hosted what was billed as an exclusive party in a beach suite but they ended up giving out hundreds of wrist bands.

But joining them this year were also Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague, Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Zara McDermott, presenter Rochelle Humes, socialites Nicky Hilton, Victoria Hervey and Emma Weymouth, reality TV host Maya Jama, Made In Chelsea's Kimberley Garner and Married At First Sight star Evelyn Ellis (Maya pictured)

A whole host of models also descended on Cannes, including Heidi Klum and her daughter Leni, Bella Hadid (pictured), Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Alessandra Ambrosio and Candice Swanepoel , despite it being a Film Festival

And it has now been alleged that the esteemed actors, directors and producers are becoming rather disgruntled about sharing their spotlight with social media personalities (Zara pictured)

'People were barging around on Boulevard de la Croisette (the main drag) and jostling to get in. Theres no glamour when someones got a selfie stick out.'

They also alleged that two-time Oscar winning star Kevin Costner had been caught up in the crowd of influencers snapping selfies outside the five-star hotel he was staying in.

They added: 'Before there would be awe at the sight of Hollywood stars like him. Now guests are more interested in how many likes they get. Its truly depressing that Cannes has come to this.'

Cannes has spent decades building up a prestigious reputation for launching the careers of directors including Quentin Tarantino and carefully selecting films to premiere each year - many of which have gone on to secure Oscars glory.

But director Shaunak Sen, whose film All That Breathes won the coveted Golden Eye Award in 2022, has said he believes the influx of social media stars has caused people to forget what the film festival is about.

In an interview with The Quint last week, he said: 'I have no grudge or issue at all towards anybody going there, whether it be content creators or influencers.

'The main thing is to try to not displace attention from the central core of the festival, which is cinema. The makers of cinema need to be respected.'

Molly-Mae caused a stir with her unlikely appearance at the premiere of La Plus Precieuse Des Marchandises, walking the red carpet behind the likes of Helen Mirren and Andie MacDowell.

While some are questioning whether the crux of Cannes has been lost as well as its exclusive charm, with the focus no longer on the celebration of films and instead on brands, social media traction and outfits (Evelyn Ellis pictured)

And beyond the red carpets were also a slew of star-studded afterparties hosted by big names like Dior, Chopard, Saint Laurent, Roberto Cavalli and Magnum, which were once the hottest tickets in town (Ekin-Su pictured)

They also alleged that two-time Oscar winning star Kevin Costner had been caught up in the crowd of influencers snapping selfies outside the five-star hotel he was staying in (pictured)

And fellow influencers who shot to fame on reality shows like MIC's Kimberley (pictured) and MAFS star Evelyn, also surprised onlookers as they rubbed shoulders with acting royalty at the Kinds Of Kindness premiere and the premiere of Marcello Mio respectively

While aristocrats like the Marchioness of Bath and Lady Victoria (pictured) have ensured they have regular places at Cannes over the past few years

And fellow influencers who shot to fame on reality shows like MIC's Kimberley and MAFS star Evelyn, also surprised onlookers as they rubbed shoulders with acting royalty at the Kinds Of Kindness premiere and the premiere of Marcello Mio respectively.

While aristocrats like the Marchioness of Bath and Lady Victoria have ensured they have regular places at Cannes over the past few years.

The 77th Cannes Film Festival came to a close on Saturday, with the talented winners finally announced.

Sean Baker was quite the star of the night as he lifted the festival's top award, the Palme D'Or for directing Anora, and accepted the coveted prize at the iconic Grand Theatre Lumiere.

Also conquering the podium was Selena Gomez, who earned the Best Actress gong for her role in Jacques Audiard's Emilia Perez, sharing it with an ensemble including Karla Sofia Gascon, Zoe Saldana, and Adriana Paz - although Selena was not in attendance.

Although many odds pointed in the direction of Demi Moore - acclaimed for her competition debut The Substance - it was Emilia Perez who dominated, a Spanish-language musical about a Mexican drug lord who transitions to a woman.

Madrid-born actress Karla Sofia, 52, who accepted the award, is the first trans actor to win a major prize at Cannes.

Further proving the success of the musical crime comedy, Emilia Perez also won Cannes' jury prize.

Jury president Greta Gerwig, second from left, poses with jury members Omar Sy, from left, Lily Gladstone, Nadine Labaki, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Ebru Ceylan, J.A. Bayona, Eva Green, and Pierfrancesco Favino at the opening festival

It marked an unprecedentedly rare moment earning not one, but two awards, whereas prizes are usually spread around.

And Jesse Plemons won Best Actor for his 'standout' performance in Yorgos Lanthimos' Kinds of Kindness, but the actor was also not present at the closing ceremony.

Elsewhere, The Seed of the Sacred Fig earned an emotional standing ovation and bagged Special Prize.

And although Demi didn't earn Best Actress, the Coralie Fargeat's body horror film The Substance - who sees the actress going to gory extremes to remain youthful - won for best screenplay.
Katya Jones showed off her unique sense of fashion a denim co-ord as she enjoyed a day out with her dad over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 35, displayed her toned figure in a kooky patchwork corset and matching flares as she posed for a series of stylish snaps.

The professional dancer explained the gorgeous ensemble was a present from her beloved dad, who posed with her in the sunshine.

The father and daughter duo posed by a train platform as the star captioned her post: 'Double Denim with dad. Yay or Nay?

'This denim duo was a Birthday present from my dad!! I mean, how cool is that? And, he specifically chose it because its up cycled from the denim scraps! Mum wasnt sure , but Im obsessed! Is it YAY or NAY?'

Katya Jones showed off her unique sense of fashion a denim co-ord as she enjoyed a day out with her dad over the Bank Holiday weekend

The Strictly star, 35, displayed her toned figure in a kooky patchwork corset and matching flares as she posed for a series of stylish snaps

Katya looked incredible in the ensemble and teamed her look with white studded platform shoes.

The Russian choreographer accessorised with a flashy watch and a gold necklace while enjoying her fashion shoot on a train platform.

Katya's fellow Strictly star Johannes Radebe approved the outfit choice as he commented below the carousel: 'A big YAY.'

The television personality recently revealed she has now ditched dating apps, because men always ask her for dancing lessons.

Katya has been single since she split from fellow ballroom dancer and Strictly professional Neil Jones, 42, in 2019 after six years of marriage.

She was famously caught kissing her partner from the show, Seann Walsh, in an alleyway in 2018.

Still single, the pro dancer is now looking into freezing her eggs as she struggles to find Mr Right.

She told the Mail On Sunday: 'I'm on Hinge, I've been on Raya, it's all rubbish. 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.'

The professional dancer explained the ensemble was a present from her beloved dad

The father and daughter duo posed by a train platform as the star captioned her post: 'Double Denim with dad. Yay or Nay?'

The Russian choreographer accessorised with a flashy watch and a gold necklace.

Katya looked incredible in the ensemble and teamed her look with white studded platform shoes while enjoying a fashion shoot on a train platform

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.'

Katya, who danced with actor Nigel Harman last year, is expected to return to Strictly this year, alongside her ex-husband, who wasn't given a celebrity partner in 2023.

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, the Russian beauty 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.'
Jackie 'O' Henderson showed off her incredible figure as she enjoyed a night out at Vivid in Sydney with her new best friend Pip Edwards on Tuesday.

The radio host, 49, took to her Instagram Stories to give an insight into the fun-filled night out as she shared an array of snaps from the annual light and arts festival.

For the outing, Jackie put on a fashionable display in a figure-hugging black long-sleeved top and skinny jeans.

She added to her frame with a pair of knee-high black boots and toted her essentials in a grey shoulder bag while posing under an archway of twinkling lights.

Jackie posed with her arm around fashion designer and PE Nation co-founder Pip, who cut a sporty figure in a navy tracksuit and white trainers.

Jackie 'O' Henderson showed off her incredible figure as she enjoyed a night out at Vivid in Sydney with her new best friend Pip Edwards on Tuesday

They were also joined by Pip's best friend Milly Gattegno and Jackie posed up a storm with her as the trio enjoyed a girls' night out at Vivid.

Milly looked equally stylish in black leggings and a T-shirt, which she styled with a smart jacket and comfortable trainers.

The trio then went out for a lavish meal and drinks at Mediterranean grill Le Foote on the Rocks.

Jackie and Pip have become close friends over the past few months, being spotted on an array of evenings out together.

Jackie recently showed her support for Pip by attending her PE Nation show at Australian Fashion Week alongside her daughter Kitty, 13.

The radio host, 49, took to her Instagram Stories to give an insight into the fun-filled night out as she shared snaps with Pip and her best friend Milly Gattegno (pictured)

The trio went out for a lavish meal and drinks at Mediterranean grill Le Foote on the Rocks after enjoying the lights at Vivid

The pals' friendship first emerged in September last year, when Jackie announced the socialite would join her on a Fiji trip.

The tropical holiday was organised by Besties, the business venture Jackie runs with her best friend Gemma O'Neill.

It comes after Jackie broke her silence on a report she 'stole' Ada Nicodemou's job after her own mother asked her about the rumours.

Jackie, 49, revealed her mother Julie sent her an article from New Idea claiming she had pinched Ada's Stranded on Honeymoon Island job and asked her if it was true.

'I'm completely unaware of that story,' Jackie claimed on the Kyle and Jackie O show, adding: 'I actually don't even know if they've got that story right, to be honest.'

Jackie recently showed her support for her new friend Pip by attending her PE Nation show at Australian Fashion Week alongside her daughter Kitty, 13

It comes after Jackie broke her silence on a report she 'stole' Ada Nicodemou's job (pictured) after her own mother asked her about the rumours

Ada had presented the show at last year's Seven Upfronts, leading many to believe that she would be providing the voiceover for the show, rather than Jackie.

'And because she presented that, I mean, she's a Seven personality, they assumed that she would then be hosting that show or narrating that show,' Jackie said, while maintaining that wasn't the case.

Jackie insisted she didn't think the assumption was 'right at all', with her co-host Kylie Sandilands agreeing that Ada 'was never even in the running for [the job]'.

Channel Seven's decision to choose Jackie as narrator of its new dating series Stranded on Honeymoon Island recently sparked controversy.

Dubbed 'Married At First Sight on the beach', the show was widely expected to be fronted by Home and Away star Ada, who introduced a first-look at the program during Channel Seven's 2024 content unveiling last October.

Jackie insisted she didn't think the assumption that Ada was in the running for the voiceover job on Honeymoon Island was 'right at all'

Ada, 47, gave an enthusiastic speech at the unveiling, which many believed signalled her involvement.

'If you're bad at relationships and you can't even get to the second date, let alone find the love of your life, what do you do? Well, I have a show for you  Stranded on Honeymoon Island,' Ada told the audience excitedly.

According to New Idea, industry sources were surprised by the decision to choose Jackie for the role.

Daily Mail Australia reached out to Channel Seven for comment at the time.
Bryce Ruthven has posed completely naked in a poolside snap but fans were left distracted by one very awkward detail.

The Married At First Sight star took to Instagram on Tuesday to give an insight into his recent Thailand honeymoon with his wife Melissa Rawson.

He shared an array of snaps of himself showing off his muscular frame as he posed in his colourful Budgy Smugglers by the beach.

Bryce also posted a very cheeky naked snap of himself as he stood on the edge of the pool and looked out on to the beach views.

However, his followers were left distracted by one very awkward detail as they took to the comments section to share their amusement.

Bryce Ruthven posed completely naked in a poolside snap but fans were left distracted by one very awkward detail

The Married At First Sight star took to Instagram on Tuesday to give an insight into his Thailand honeymoon with his new wife Melissa Rawson

They lightheartedly commented on his obvious tan lines from his swimming trunks as well as an awkward X-rated shadow which left fans in stitches.

They wrote: 'Remember there is always a shadow on the ground haha'; '*looks at comments *goes back to look at said shadow..';

'Not sure what's making me giggle more....the VERY white bum cheeks or shadow'; 'Omg look at the shadow'; 'Nice shadow too';

'Have you painted your bum white, mate?'; 'White swimming trunks.'

As well as the naked picture, Bryce also shared an array of beach snaps in his swimming trunks alongside his wife Melissa.

His followers were left distracted by one very awkward detail as they took to the comments section to share their amusement about the X-rated shadow on the ground

His followers lightheartedly commented on his obvious tan lines from his swimming trunks as well as an awkward X-rated shadow which left fans in stitches

He shared an array of snaps of himself showing off his muscular frame as he posed in swimming trunks by the beach

Bryce was seen lounging in the pool in his Budgy Smugglers as he gazed out at the beach views and made the most of the honeymoon

Melissa was seen snapping some selfies of them both as they enjoyed a sun-soaked day out at the beach

Melissa was seen grinning for the camera as she took a selfie, while Bryce posed shirtless in the background.

The couple recently returned from their sun-soaked honeymoon in Thailand, where they relaxed by the pool and enjoyed some quality time together.

They were excited to finally go on their honeymoon 15 months after tying the knot, but their overseas trip got off to a nightmare start at first.

Melissa, 33, took to Instagram after they set off to document the ordeal after their flight got caught in an electrical storm.

She explained how their plane had to change course twice and refuel before it could land in Bangkok, which doubled their travel time.

Their honeymoon didn't get off to the smoothest start as they were hit by travel chaos as their flight was caught up in an electrical storm

'We had to divert twice because we flew into an electrical storm. For the first time ever on a flight I've been terrified,' she said, still sitting on the plane.

'We have to wait for this electrical storm to pass before we make this third attempt... third time lucky,' she went on.

Hours later, Melissa revealed to her followers that 'it took four hours' for the plane to refuel at a secondary airport before they could land at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

'Six hours later, what a f**king s**t show, my god. We were told it would take 10 minutes to refuel  it took four hours,' she said.

'Every plane that came in after us took off before us. We couldn't get off the plane. No communication, food or water the entire time.'

Melissa documented the ordeal on Instagram as she gave fans regular updates on their trip, which saw their travel time doubled

The mother-of-two, who shares her twin boys Levi and Tate with Bryce, said her heart went out to the babies who were stuck on the plane.

Despite having a less than desirable start to their honeymoon, Melissa and Bryce went on to have a better week in Koh Samui, Thailand.

The couple first met on MAFS in 2021 and were considered the most controversial couple during the explosive eighth season.

They welcomed their two boys to the world in October 2021 and tied the knot for real in February last year at a beachside wedding in Sorrento, Victoria.
Katie Price is finally moving out of her 2million Mucky Mansion amid her double bankruptcy woes.

She previously said that she 'can't wait to get out' of her home - which she bought in 2014 from Tory peer Francis Maude for 2million - as she revealed vandals 'threw acid on her Pink Range Rover' on Saturday night.

Removal vans arrived at the sprawling estate in Sussex on Tuesday, as Katie and her five kids prepare to move out.

Three large removal trucks were pictured on the driveway, while workers started loading them with furniture.

Explaining the situation, the former glamour model, 46, shared on Instagram: 'Due to acid attack on my car at my house I've now been advised by authorities not to stay at Mucky Mansion anymore'

Katie Price FINALLY moves out of 2m Mucky Mansion amid double bankruptcy woes as removal vans park up outside - but she insists she's been told to leave for her own safety

She previously said that she 'can't wait to get out' of her home as she revealed vandals 'threw acid on her Pink Range Rover' on Saturday night

Explaining the situation, the former glamour model, 46, shared on Instagram: 'Due to acid attack on my car at my house I've now been advised by authorities not to stay at Mucky Mansion anymore'

An insider told The Sun: 'Katie has been dreading this day for so long but now it is here, she can't wait to leave.

'The house has caused her so much grief and was too much to handle on her own. With work and the kids it all became too much in recent years. And she's convinced it's haunted.'

Katie 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.'

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.

Explaining the situation, the former glamour model, 46, shared on Instagram: 'Due to acid attack on my car at my house I've now been advised by authorities not to stay at Mucky Mansion anymore'

Reed Removals workers were seen lifting furniture into the back of the van

Katie bought the property in 2014 from Tory peer Francis Maude for 2million

After the vans arrives, Katie was seen leaving the property and heading to Bristol for her podcast show

Vans were also spotted leaving, indicating Katie's belongings were being taken to her new house

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

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

Katie shares two children, Jett, 10, and Bunny, nine, with ex Kieran. She is also mum to Junior, 18, and Princess, 16, from her marriage to Peter Andre, and Harvey, 21, whose dad is Dwight Yorke

Katie is now dating Married At First Sight star JJ Slater and the pair say they are 'in love'

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 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

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Katie shared a clip showing a huge pile of things in her living room that she was set to sell

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.'
Gavin & Stacey star Mathew Horne was seen for the first time with his son over the weekend - after it was revealed that he secretly welcoming his first child with wife Celina Bassili.

The actor, who is set to reprise his best known role in a forthcoming Christmas special, is said to have welcomed the child with set designer Bassili shortly after their wedding in September 2021.

Mathew, 45, pushed an empty buggy while his wife cradled the infant as they made the most of the bank holiday weekend weather in London.

Mathew dressed low-key in a black T-shirt and cap while Celina wore a khaki sun dress.

Close friends, among them Gavin & Stacey co-stars James Corden and Joanna Page, are understood to be aware of the birth - which was not made public by the couple at the time.

Gavin & Stacey star Mathew Horne was seen for the first time with his son over the weekend - after it was revealed that he secretly welcoming his first child with wife Celina Bassili

The actor, who is set to reprise his best known role in a forthcoming Christmas special, is said to have welcomed the child with set designer Bassili shortly after their wedding in September 2021

A source told The Sun: 'Mathew is a brilliant dad and he and Celina love being parents.

'Celina's brother has a son who is a similar age and they loved spending time together.

'Mathew also kept the news quiet because he prefers to live his life out of the spotlight, even though he's a household name thanks to Gavin & Stacey.

'All his Gavin & Stacey co-stars know about him being a dad, including James Corden and Joanna Page.

'They all have kids so you can imagine the talk on set for the Christmas special is going to centre a lot on their kids.'

Horne travelled to Bassili's native Norway for their wedding ceremony in 2021, with the couple tying the knot in the 15-acre grounds of a 1930s mansion.

The actor was first seen kissing the set designer during a night out in Wales two years earlier, while they were busy filming the last Gavin & Stacey Christmas special.

Bassili, who graduated from University Of Arts London with a first class degree in set design, lists the Gavin & Stacey special on her online CV.

With the kiss, he appeared to confirm his relationship was over with Casualty actress Evelyn Hoskins, who he proposed to in October.

A spokesperson later told MailOnline: 'Mathew and Evelyn separated amicably in October 2018.'

The BBC is reportedly set to treat Gavin & Stacey fans with a double helping of the show this Christmas.

Mathew, 45, pushed an empty buggy while his wife cradled the infant as they made the most of the bank holiday weekend weather in London

Mathew dressed low-key in a black T-shirt, jeans and a casual cap while Celina wore a khaki sun dress

Close friends, among them Gavin & Stacey co-stars James Corden and Joanna Page, are understood to be aware of the birth

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'Mathew is a brilliant dad and he and Celina love being parents'

Horne travelled to Bassili's native Norway for their wedding ceremony in 2021, with the couple tying the knot in the 15-acre grounds of a 1930s mansion

The actor was first seen kissing the set designer during a night out in Wales two years earlier, while they were busy filming the last Gavin & Stacey Christmas special

Bassili, who graduated from University Of Arts London with a first class degree in set design, lists the Gavin & Stacey special on her online CV

They looked to be enjoying their family outing as they stepped out in the sunshine together

Mathew will soon be back filming for the Christmas special and was enjoying family time ahead of an impending manic schedule

Earlier this month, the sitcom's stars Corden, 45, and Ruth Jones, 57, announced that it was returning for one last episode.

And in addition to the grand finale, BBC bosses have commissioned a special behind-the-scenes documentary which will look at the programme's 17-year history.

Cameras have been following the cast, including titular stars Horne and Page as they film scenes for the last ever instalment.

A TV insider told The Sun: 'The Beeb view this as a momentous occasion and wanted to give Gavin & Stacey a suitably auspicious send-off.

'The fact that the documentary will be made by Fulwell 73, which is co-owned by James and is a co-producer of the sitcom, means they'll enjoy full access on set and get all the biggest chats.

'It is likely to be made in tandem with the show itself, filming the creative process of delivering the finale from the first to the last day.'

MailOnline has contacted a representative for further comment.

Mathew pushed the pram while Celina held her little one

They walked along a busy street packed with alfresco diners

They were making the most of the sunny London weather over the bank holiday as they all stepped out together

The couple are pictured here on May 7 2024

Mathew was first seen kissing set designer Celina in a Burger King in 2019, which confirmed the end of his nine-month engagement to actress Evelyn Hoskins (pictured)

James Corden and Ruth Jones have written the last ever episode of Gavin And Stacey, set to air on Christmas Day

The BBC is reportedly set to treat Gavin & Stacey fans with a double helping of the show this Christmas
Race Across The World fans will be treated to an exciting twist as the series' final looms.

Four remaining couples will be battling it all out to win the 20,000 prize on Wednesday's episode, after racing across eastern Asia.

Four pairs now remain, including friends Alfie and Owen, siblings Betty and James, Eugenie and her daughter Isabel, and couple Stephen and Viv.

And viewers of the series have been raving when, just mere hours from the final, it was announced that they will be given a look behind-the-scenes look of the show.

The special episode will be available after the final, and it was teased it could also be a reunion for the contestants.

Race Across The World fans will be treated to an exciting twist as the series' final looms (finalists pictured on This Morning on Tuesday)

Four pairs now remain, including friends Alfie and Owen, siblings Betty and James (pictured) Eugenie and her daughter Isabel, and couple Stephen and Viv

The show's official Instagram page wrote alongside a teaser clip: 'For the first time ever, we're showing you how the race comes to life!

'See what happens behind the scenes in the #RaceAcrossTheWorld reunion, Wednesday at 10pm on BBC iPlayer, straight after the grand finale!'

Viewers couldn't contain their excitement and flooded the recent post with thrilling comments ahead of the eagerly-anticipated final.

'I love this show and have always wanted to know what happens in the background with cameras, producers etc.

'For example, do participants have to account for the crew when they're booking bus tickets, boats and taxis? Do the crew see that bags/maps have been left behind but can't say anything? It's such a well made show. Can't wait to watch it,' said one person.

'I genuinely love this show, however all the participants should be able to complete the race and no one should leave'; 'Favourite programme and fabulous to see behind the scenes'; 'Brilliant!! Interested to see it'.

Creators of hit BBC series Race Across The World have told how producers and contestants alike face ever-present danger from civil war, natural disasters and local unrest as they travel through some of the globe's remotest regions.

The show may have inspired wanderlust among millions of viewers, but for those behind the camera, it is one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in TV.

Its fourth series, which has seen contestants travel from Sapporo, Japan to Lombok, Indonesia, is set to climax this week as the pairs compete to win a life-changing 20,000.

Four remaining couples will be battling it all out to win the 20,000 prize on Wednesday's episode, after racing across eastern Asia

And viewers of the series have been raving when, just mere hours from the final, it was announced that they will be given a look behind-the-scenes look of the show

But the eight episodes and 9,300-mile journey has been beset with problems from the start - with dry runs of the route by producers being impeded by geopolitical issues, the threat of volcanoes and protesters.

Previous series have even seen repeated thefts of camera equipment and producers left stranded at sea for days on end.

For its fourth series, all contestants had to be flown from South Korea to Vietnam during the route due to travel through China being deemed too risky.

Previous series proved that producers cannot be too careful: the second series saw civil unrest break out in Chile, forcing the evacuation of one pair to Argentina.

During filming for series two, the contestants had to race to travel through Bolivia within three days in order to avoid becoming trapped in the country during tense elections.

And in Ecuador, an advance production crew landed to find an approaching uprising, with protesters surrounding the airport, forcing another hasty evacuation.

For this series, the threats were more natural with volcanic activity in both Japan and Indonesia.

Executive producer Stephen Day described how teams are sent out to test the routes beforehand.

He said: 'People sign up to the recce thinking that it's going to be one of the most fun jobs in telly but I think it falls a little short of that.'

The teams have to survive on the same amount of money and navigational information as the contestants - and often come across problems.

One such incidence saw a producer stranded at sea for three days on a dry run, and then a further five days during the actual show.

The show's bosses have to carefully consider which producer to pair with each team due to the stress of the experience, and the fact they will be spending around 50 days together by the end of the series.

Staff accompanying each time - usually a producer and camera operator - also have the added responsibility of ensuring all their equipment is charged, operational and protected, meaning they often get less sleep than the racers themselves.

As well as the time pressure of the journey, and struggle to live frugally, emotions can often run high.
Mamie Laverock is on life support after she suffered a tragic fall.

The When Calls the Heart actress has serious injuries after falling from a balcony walkway located on the fifth floor of a building.

Her parents said: 'She sustained life-threatening injuries, has undergone multiple extensive surgeries, and is currently on life support. We are all devastated, in shock, at this intensely difficult time.'

The 19-year-old first had a 'medical emergency' on May 11 and was taken by her mother Nicole Compton to the hospital in Winnipeg.

It was stated on a GoFundMe account that Nicole had 'saved her daughter's life' by doing so.

Then Mamie was taken to a Vancouver hospital. 'We are trying to go every day to support her. Any contributions would help us be by her side,' it was shared.

But at some point she fell five stories off a walkway, it was then claimed, causing the intense injuries.

'We are deeply saddened to report that on May 26th, Mamie, who has been in intensive treatment for the past two weeks, was escorted out of a secure unit of the hospital and taken up to a balcony walkway from which she fell five stories. She sustained life threatening injuries, has undergone multiple extensive surgeries, and is currently on life support,' it was written on a GoFundMe campaign created by her family.

Mamie Laverock is on life support after she suffered a fall that took place on May 11. The When Calls the Heart actress suffered serious injuries when she fell from a balcony walkway located on the fifth floor of a building

Laverock with Erin Krakow on When Calls the Heart in 2014

She played nursing student Rosaleen Sullivan for the first two seasons on When Calls The Heart.

And she was also on season 10.

As recently as March 26, Laverock was on a Zoom interview on the Heart to Hearties podcast.

When Calls the Heart costar Erin Krakow donated to the family's fund which asked for $10,000.

'I just donated. If you have the means to do so, I hope you will too,' wrote Erin.

Johannah Newmarch, who plays Laverock's on-screen mother Molly Sullivan, also shared her support in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

'I love this family, my heart is broken. A devastating time for all who care for Mamie. Please help if you can,' Newmarch, 52, wrote on May 27.

'They need all the support they can get to make it through this.'

Her parents said: 'She sustained life-threatening injuries, has undergone multiple extensive surgeries, and is currently on life support. We are all devastated, in shock, at this intensely difficult time'

After the incident happened, her mother Nicole Compton took her to the hospital in Winnipeg then the teen was taken to a Vancouver hospital. She could be there 'upwards of a month or more,' the mother shared

Laverock got her start in 2012's This Means War starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy.

She later reprised her role in 2023 for the show's 10th season.

Her role was cut, however.

She also appeared in 2018s Wedding Of Dreams with Debbie Gibson, Robert Gant, and Pascale Hutton.

And she was in the 2017 horror The Hollow Child, Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events in 2019 and the 2020 Lifetime movie Spotlight on Christmas.
It could be that Eamonn Holmes' wish to move back to Northern Ireland contributed to his split from his wife Ruth Langsford.

After 14 years of marriage it was revealed over the weekend that TV's golden couple are heading for a shock divorce.

The pair, both 64, declared they would officially part ways after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions' - with sources since claiming the separation could get 'very, very tricky'.

And now his words in an unearthed interview from last year have hinted at the cause of his marriage breakdown - as he told how he 'pined' to go back to Belfast but Ruth 'wouldn't go'.

Speaking to Kaye Adams for her How to be 60 podcast, Eamonn admitted last year: 'I've always pined to go back to Belfast, because that's what I associate with company and friendship and craic.

It could be that Eamonn Holmes's wish to move back to Northern Ireland contributed to his split from his wife Ruth Langsford

It comes as questions have been raised over whether his marriage to Ruth ended due to the same reasons he split from his first wife Gabrielle Holmes (seen) who he shares three children with

'I'd love to have a house  nowadays probably a bungalow  with a sea view. I'd love to breathe in sea air and I always associate that with Ireland.

'I think that would make me happy. Trouble is, Ruth wouldn't go. That's a little snag. She wouldn't go. I do like the idea. I do like the idea of being there.'

He added: 'I've never taken to London life; it's never been for me. It's not what I would call home.

'I go back to Ireland all the time and everybody I know is there  my four other brothers, two of my children and my grandchild is there as well. So, it's always had a call for me to be back in Northern Ireland. That stretch of water is a big divide. I find London can be very lonely.

'I don't have the same friendships or camaraderie with people that I know in London, because it's all so disparate and far apart. I've never felt it to be home or somewhere that I would call home. You need mates. In the London area you're miles away from everyone.'

It comes as questions have been raised over whether his marriage to Ruth ended due to the same reasons he split from his first wife Gabrielle Holmes who he shares three children with.

In his 2008 book, This Is My Life: The Autobiography, Eamonn claimed his job was a major factor contributing to their split - which has also been claimed as a reason he split from Ruth too.

While he had no issue in not being around for work during the week, it soon became clear that Gabrielle did.

After 14 years of marriage it was revealed over the weekend that TV's golden couple are heading for a shock divorce

And now his words in an unearthed interview from last year have hinted at the cause of his marriage breakdown - as he told how he 'pined' to go back to Belfast but Ruth 'wouldn't go'

Speaking to Kaye Adams for her How to be 60 podcast, Eamonn admitted last year: 'I've always pined to go back to Belfast, because that's what I associate with company and friendship and craic'

He said: 'That was the first time I realised there wasn't that emotional support there for me, though I probably had suspected it.'

Eamonn added: 'By that stage we 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.'

Earlier this week a statement issued by the couple 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.

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 Monday's statement  far from being a joint effort  was in fact arranged by Ruth, with Eamonn 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.'

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'

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 Loose Women presenter admitted his injuries had been 'testing' as they tried to 'manage as a family'.
Millie Bobby Brown looked every inch the beaming newlywed as she stepped out with her husband Jake Bongiovi for a spot of shopping in The Hamptons on Sunday.

The Stranger Things actress, 20, looked radiant and glowing in summery pink trousers as she embraced the first week as a wife.

Just days after secretly tying the knot, Millie and Jake appeared to be enjoying a mini honeymoon in the lavish Hamptons.

Jake couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he reached out for wife Millie's hand, who flashed her dazzling wedding band, as they took a stroll into a shopping centre.

A source informed DailyMail.com last week that the couple 'quietly said their vows in America last weekend' and will throw a larger wedding 'later this year.'

Millie Bobby Brown, 20, looked every inch the beaming newlywed as she stepped out with her husband Jake Bongiovi, 22, for a spot of shopping in The Hamptons on Sunday

The Stranger Things actress looked radiant and glowing in summery pink trousers as she embraced the first week as a wife

DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Millie and Jake.

Millie's parents and Jon attended the secret ceremony, which 'was a very low-key, romantic affair with their closest family with them as they said their vows.'

The source added: 'They are planning a bigger ceremony in the US later this year but now they have legally married and done all the paperwork.'

Last Friday, the glowing newlyweds were seen enjoying a drive in their convertible in the Hamptons, where Jake's famous father keeps a home.

Jake dramatically proposed to Millie underwater while they were scuba diving, and wanted to pop the question with her mother's engagement ring.

However Millie's mother refused to let him use her bauble, fearing that he would lose it in the ocean, Millie revealed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Jake then proposed with another ring, and later offered Millie her mother's engagement ring, which is why she now has two.

Millie posted a gushing Instagram tribute to Jake for his 22nd birthday this month - less than two weeks before their wedding.

Just days after secretly tying the knot, Millie and Jake appear to be enjoying a mini honeymoon in the lavish Hamptons

Jake couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he reached out for wife Millie's hand, who flashed her dazzling wedding band, as they took a stroll into a shopping centre

A source informed DailyMail.com last week that the couple 'quietly said their vows in America last weekend' and will throw a larger wedding 'later this year'

She looked effortlessly chic in pinstripe linen trousers, a white T-shirt and Hermes sandals

Millie showcased her dazzling diamond engagement ring and wedding band

Millie's parents and Jon attended the secret ceremony, which 'was a very low-key, romantic affair with their closest family with them as they said their vows'

Sharing two heartwarming photos of them together, the Damsel actress wrote glowingly in the caption: 'the day u were born is my favorite day i love you.'

Late last year, while being honored at the 2024 MusiCares Person Of The Year gala, Jon confirmed to DailyMail.com that he would sing at Jake and Millie's wedding.

The pair were first linked in 2021 and dated for over a year before Jake proposed last April - underwater while they were diving in the ocean together.

Millie explained a few months ago that she prefers to preserve a certain degree of privacy when it comes to the details of her wedding to Jake.

'I think probably drawing the curtains, just because there are only so many moments in life that you get only once. And to have everyones opinions and eyes looking at that just feels unnatural to me,' she told WWD.

'So I feel its important to keep those things, those small precious moments in life, really close to your chest. I can say that the planning is going - its so fun and its such an exciting time in my life,' Millie added.

However she did reveal that wedding planning had 'not been stressful at all for me' because her fiance was 'very involved' in the tasks at hand.

'He's very helpful during the whole process. I've never felt alone in it, which I think is really nice,' she said on the Today show in September.

Millie posted a gushing Instagram tribute to Jake for his 22nd birthday this month - less than two weeks before their wedding

Sharing two heartwarming photos of them together, the Damsel actress wrote glowingly in the caption: 'the day u were born is my favorite day i love you'

'I'm always like: "Is this a good idea? Is this a good idea?" But ultimately, it's just a very intimate day for the both of us and we're really both very excited.'

Jon has spoken glowingly of Millie, saying: 'Ive gotten to know her in the last year, she works really hard, and she and Jake will grow together in their own way.'

The rock star, who got married when he was 27, described Jake and Millie's romance to the Sunday Times as 'an accelerated version of what I went through 40 years ago and I think, with the support of family around them, theyre gonna be great together.'

Jon shares his four children - Stephanie, 30, Jesse, 29, Jake and Romeo, 20 - with his wife Dorothea Hurley, whom he has been married to since 1989.

The longtime couple are preparing for three weddings in the family - in addition to Jake, Stephanie and Jesse are also engaged.

Jon's next album Forever includes a song called Kiss The Bride that he wrote especially for Stephanie's upcoming nuptials.
The building at 650 Townsend St. in San Francisco had been a home base for Airbnb, and could become the new headquarters for one of the citys artificial intelligence companies. Michelle Gachet/The Chronicle

Artificial intelligence firm Scale AI is scaling up in San Francisco. The company, which is based at 155 Fifth St., has signed a new lease thats more than three times the size of its current 50,000-square-foot downtown office.

Multiple real estate market participants have confirmed to the Chronicle that Scale AI will be taking a chunk of sublease space  between 170,000 and 180,000 square feet  at 650 Townsend St., which was part of Airbnbs once sprawling Showplace Square headquarters campus.

S.F. Bay Area property map: Heres who owns every building in the region

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Scale AI did not immediately respond to inquiries about the deal on Tuesday, and Airbnb declined comment. The deal was facilitated by brokerage CBRE, which did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

One individual with insight into the deal said that the term of Airbnbs sublease was renegotiated to include an extension for a total of 7 years. Its not known if Scale AI will give up its current space and relocate to Showplace Square.

The companys founder, Alexandr Wang, earlier this month regained the title of youngest self-made billionaire on Forbes billionaires list, after announcing that Scale AI had raised $1 billion at a $13.8 billion valuation. According to Forbes estimates, Wang is worth $2 billion as a result of his approximately 14% stake in the company.

Airbnb once had a five-building campus in San Francisco, which it reduced to just one building after it fully adopted a remote workplace model post-pandemic. It occupies about 280,000 square feet at 888 Brannan St., where it faces an expiring lease in 2026.

The company confirmed previously that it is working with CBRE to find a new space elsewhere, and is reportedly searching for about 250,000 square feet. It is unclear where that effort stands.

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The Scale AI deal comes amid rapid growth in San Franciscos artificial intelligence sector. Last year, ChatGPT creator OpenAI took over more 486,000 square feet of sublease space from tech giant Uber in Mission Bay, and is reportedly looking to gobble up even more space in the neighborhood.

Around the same time, AI company Anthropic agreed to lease the entire former Slack headquarters building in San Francisco at 500 Howard St. The sublease deal was for more than 230,000 square feet.

San Francisco, without a doubt, rules the generative AI field and it has been responsible for some of the largest recent leasing deals, said Robert Sammons, senior research director for brokerage Cushman & Wakefield. It has grabbed all the attention and given the city a big positive shot in the arm. And there are other tech and non-tech tenants out and about searching for space in the city.

However, Sammons cautioned that it will take much more activity to right the commercial real estate ship in San Francisco.

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Elsa Pataky was enjoying some time on her own in her native Spain this week.

The Fast Five actress, 47, looked summery in a white tank dress and unstructured, oversized white blazer while at the Biotherm Skincare Brand event in Madrid.

Her blonde hair was slicked back and her makeup was dewy making her skin glow.

Pataky had just wrapped the global promotion for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which she is in with her husband Chris Hemsworth, 40, and Anya Taylor-Joy, 28.

Hemsworth headed home to Australia with daughter India Rose, 12, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, 10, while Elsa got glammed up to attend the event in Madrid.

Elsa Pataky was enjoying some time on her own in her native Spain this week

Elsa kept her accessories classic and minimal with a stack of mixed metal bangles on one arm.

Chris was spotted arriving at Sydney Airport with the couple's three children on Monday. He was also accompanied by his personal assistant Jenna Mac.

Chris, Elsa and their kids were all in Los Angeles last week to attend the Thor star's Hollywood Walk Of Fame star unveiling ceremony.

Elsa took to Instagram to congratulate her husband of 14 years on his star.

'We are so proud of you my love @chrishemsworth. And your words meant the world to me,' she wrote, referring to his speech where he gushed over his wife and family.

'Congratulations on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star,' she continued.

It's unclear when Elsa will return to Australia but Chris looked relieved to be home following his whirlwind international media tour.

Chris and Elsa tied the knot during the Christmas holidays in 2010.

The Fast Five actress, 47, looked summery in a white tank dress and unstructured, oversized white blazer while at the Biotherm Skincare Brand event in Madrid

Her blonde hair was slicked back and her makeup was dewy making her skin glow

Pataky had just wrapped the global promotion for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which she is in with her husband Chris Hemsworth , 40, and Anya Taylor-Joy, 28

The couple live in a $30million mansion in Broken Head near Byron Bay after relocating from Los Angeles to Australia nine years ago.

In 2021, Elsa revealed that she and Chris have a very simple trick for keeping their marriage happy and healthy  laughter.

Speaking to Hola! magazine, she said said that the Avengers actor has a knack for diffusing arguments with a joke.

'We enjoy doing the same stuff and Chris has a great sense of humor and knows how to take the sting out of things,' she said.
Coronation Street star Alex Bain is set to leave the ITV soap next week after 16 years of playing Simon Barlow.

The character will exit the soap in emotional scenes, with viewers expected to see Simon be waved off as he departs Weatherfield for good.

His departure, which was first announced in December 2023, will join his on-screen father Peter Barlow - who also left the soap - on his boat.

After a troublesome few months for Simon, he will be sent on his way for a new start in the soap.

In a first look ahead of his departure, spoilers show the moment Simon says his goodbyes in emotional scenes.

Coronation Street star Alex Bain (left) is set to leave the ITV soap next week after 16 years of playing Simon Barlow (pictured with onscreen father Peter Barlow)

The character will exit the soap in emotional scenes, with viewers expected to see Simon be waved off as he departs Weatherfield for good

Alex is said to be 'very excited' to move on from the ITV soap opera, when it was revealed last year.

A source told The Sun last year: 'Alex is sad to be leaving Coronation Street because it really is like a family  but he realises that the time is right to move on.

'He's very excited about the future and other opportunities.'

Alex has been involved in a number of controversial storylines while on the Cobbles and won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2011 and scooped up another gong in 2014 at the Inside Soap Awards.

In real life, the actor became a dad at the age of 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at 16 years old.

At the time, a source said: 'They were over the moon at the birth of their baby girl and were really happy together. But they've been through a lot together and they're both still so young.'

Their relationship ended the following May, and the soap star met dancer Mollie Lockwood, 22, in 2019.

Alex then revealed in December 2022 that he had popped the question to Mollie two months earlier.

His departure, which was first announced in December 2023, will join his on-screen father Peter Barlow - who also left the soap - on his boat

After a troublesome few months for Simon, he will be sent on his way for a new start in the soap

In a first look ahead of his departure, spoilers show the moment Simon says his goodbyes in emotional scenes

The actor has played Simon Barlow since he was seven years old and is set to depart in an explosive storyline in the summer (pictured 2019)

It comes after Alex reportedly split from his fiancee Mollie Lockwood, 21, just six months after getting engaged

Alex became a dad at 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby (pictured) gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at just 16 years old. The couple split in 2019

Speaking to OK! magazine, Alex gushed: 'I can't spend my life with anyone else.'

Mollie explained why the couple kept the news secret for so long, saying: 'We wanted to enjoy that special time together, just the two of us, for a while.'

Alex spoke of his nerves, saying: 'I thought, 'If I don't do it now, I'll keep getting more and more nervous!' I was pretty certain she'd say yes, but I was still bricking it.'

However, early 2023 it was reported that Alex had sadly split from his aspiring actress fiancee Mollie.

The pair were said to have called it quits six months after getting engaged, and Alex wiped all trace of Mollie from his Instagram account at the time.

An insider told The Sun: 'They're gutted the relationship didn't work out, but they're both so young it's hard to make such a big commitment early on in their lives

'Their mates have rallied around to support them and keep them busy. Simon is focused on the soap and getting stuck into storylines and his role.'
Kim Kardashian is not letting the backlash over of her daughter North West's acting debut during The Lion King's 30th Anniversary concert at The Hollywood Bowl get to her.

Despite online trolls lashing out at the ten-year-old's casting as Young Simba, the 43-year-old continued to share behind-the-scenes pictures of her little girl in costume from the show.

The latest images, uploaded on Tuesday morning, showed North, dressed as a lion cub in front of a grey backdrop.

The oversized yellow hoodie, slippers and robe, designed by ERL, that North wore during the performance were confirmed to have been provided by her team 'not by the production' to People.

Despite receiving a standing ovation from the audience after singing I Just Can't Wait To Be King, the eldest child of Kardashian and her ex-husband Kanye West was accused of getting the part due to her 'nepo-baby advantage.'

Kim Kardashian is not letting the backlash over of her daughter North West's acting debut during The Lion King's 30th Anniversary concert at The Hollywood Bowl get to her

Her post comes just hours after insiders familiar with the project have revealed the truth about North's casting to DailyMail.com.

According to sources, the young star didn't have to 'compete against anyone else' for the part, which came as a result of her family's ties with the production company behind the event, which was held at the Hollywood Bowl last Friday.

A source has since told DailyMail.com that the Kardashian family's close connection to the producers of the event played a large part in North's appearance.

'The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl and The Kardashians are both produced by the same production company, Fulwell 73 Productions,' the insider dished.

'Gabe Turner, who is a partner in Fulwell, is also the creative showrunner for The Lion King.'

The source continued: 'This was a shoe in for North and she was told that if she can carry a note the gig is hers.'

Fulwell 73 is the production company behind shows including The Kardashians and The Late Late Show With James Corden.

Turner is a partner alongside James Corden, while the former worked alongside Sally Wood as the creative showrunner for The Lion King concert.

Despite online trolls lashing out at the ten-year-old's casting as Young Simba, the 43-year-old continued to share behind-the-scenes pictures of her little girl in costume from the show

The latest images, uploaded on Tuesday morning, showed North, dressed as a lion cub in front of a grey backdrop

The latest images, uploaded on Tuesday morning, showed North, dressed as a lion cub in front of a grey backdrop

Despite receiving a standing ovation from the audience after singing I Just Can't Wait To Be King, the eldest child of Kardashian and her ex-husband Kanye West was accused of getting the part due to her 'nepo-baby advantage'

The insider added that North's ability to make headlines for her performances was a key factor behind the decision to cast her for the role.

'They were hoping to draw publicity for this, which they did,' the source continued. 'But North didn't have to compete against anyone else and anyone else who would have auditioned would have not gotten it anyways.'

The source stated: 'This is 100 per cent the result of her family's relationship with Disney and with Fulwell.'

Another insider dished that the family planned to feature the moment in upcoming episode of their reality show, seemingly making the performance a win for everyone involved.

'The promise of the moment being shown on the show and to go and be seen everywhere was also a major selling point for having North a part of the festivities,' the source stated.

'Like everything the Kardashians do, this was well documented and planned. They have to keep the brand somehow.'

Her post comes just hours after insiders familiar with the project have revealed the truth about North's casting to DailyMail.com (North seen on stage last week)

According to sources, the young star didn't have to 'compete against anyone else' for the part, which came as a result of her family's ties with the production company behind the event, which was held at the Hollywood Bowl last Friday

'The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl and The Kardashians are both produced by the same production company, Fulwell 73 Productions,' the insider dished

Following North's performance, a number of social media users on X shared their thoughts on the rising star snagging a coveted role in the musical concert.

One noted: 'Nepotism is literally the best thing to be born with,' while another added, 'The worst case of nepo I have witnessed.'

Another penned, 'Nepotism and the synonym next to it is KARDASHIANS,' followed by laughing face emojis.

'Nepotism is so crazy lol,' one wrote. 'Someone else's more talented, probably voice and dance trained kid didn't get it because his/her family isn't famous enough.'

One social media user penned, 'She looks great and it seems like she's having a lot of fun, but I'm definitely not gonna bypass the fact that we all know she wouldn't be there if it wasn't who her parents were. This is classism at its finest!'

Kardashian also shared photos of her little girl with Jennifer Hudson, who was also in the show

Additionally, the proud mom shared behind-the-scenes snaps of North before going out on stage

'Proudest moment ever,' the mother-of-four captioned a shot of North's performer pass

Another chimed: 'Aw man...I feel bad for the kids there that are actually talented who could've nailed this.

'I'm sure her mom's influence (or money) is the only reason she got this leading/singing role.'

One also shared, 'I don't like that fact that she got this solely based on her mom or dad.

'There's a kid out there with real talent that should've been given this opportunity. And no I'm not a hater I actually like the "Kardashians."'

It's unclear if North went through a standard audition process. DailyMail.com has reached out to a Kardashian spokesperson for comment.

Earlier this month, it was announced that North was cast in the live-to-film concert event which ran for two nights on May 24 and May 25. The Hollywood Bowl can notably hold up to 17,500 people and tickets for the concert began at $60.

North joined other stars on the stage, such as Jennifer Hudson, Billy Eichner, Bradley Gibson, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, Jeremy Irons and also Nathan Lane.

Kanye West was in attendance at the concert to support his daughter, as well as Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian and her husband Travis Barker.

Kim cheered on North from backstage, sharing photos to her Instagram Stories from North's dressing room.
The Oscar-winning The Godfather producer Al Ruddy has died at the age of 94 after a brief illness, it was shared on Tuesday.

His work had recently come to light in the smash hit series The Offer, where Miles Teller played Ruddy as he put together the epic Francis Ford Coppola gangster movie The Godfather from 1972.

Ruddy also worked on the Clint Eastwood-directed movie Million Dollar Baby starring Hilary Swank in 2004.

And long before his success in movies, Al co-created the TV classic, Hogan's Heroes, which ran for six seasons.

Ruddy passed away on May 25 at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Los Angeles after a brief illness, a family spokesman said.

Ruddy earned two Best Picture Oscars for producing The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby.

Clint Eastwood, Al Pacino, Miles Teller and Hilary Swank have shared tributes.

The Oscar-winning The Godfather producer Al Ruddy has died after a brief illness at the age of 94, it was shared on Tuesday. Seen in 1979

Ruddy (left) and actor Marlon Brando on the set of The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, in Little Italy, New York City, 1972

From left, James Caan, Brando, Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino and John Cazale in The Godfather

Al Pacino reflected: 'Al Ruddy was absolutely beautiful to me the whole time on The Godfather; even when they didn't want me, he wanted me. He gave me the gift of encouragement when I needed it most and I'll never forget it.'

'He was a great friend of mine and I will deeply miss him,' Eastwood said in a statement Tuesday.

Added Swank: 'It was the best of times working with [Al]. He will always be a legend in my and everyone's book.'

Ruddy's life story was explored in The Offer.

'Al was truly one of the great Hollywood mavericks,' The Offer director Dexter Fletcher said in a statement.

'One of the last Mohicans who created great movies which still influence and inspire to this day. From humble beginnings to the highest of Hollywood accolades. His was an incredible journey. Achieved through the sheer power of his determination, strong will, irrepressible energy and charm and a rarely matched love for the art of film.'

Teller said in a statement: 'It was an honor and a privilege to portray Al in The Offer. Al lived a life most could only dream of and all would envy.'

'He was a great friend of mine and I will deeply miss him,' Eastwood said in a statement Tuesday. Seen in 2005

Clint, far left, being held on to by Barbra Streisand after he won for Million Dollar Baby along with his producer Al, far right

Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Hilary Swank on Million Dollar Baby in 2004

Arnold Schwarzenegger said, 'Al Ruddy was a Hollywood legend. He was an absolute icon and a visionary who made some of the best movies of all time. That's the Al Ruddy everyone knows.

'I want to talk about the Al Ruddy I know. I met him more than 40 years ago, when he was already an icon and I was just starting my film career. He became a dear friend and a mentor,' added The Terminator star.

'He was always there to give me advice and lead me in the right direction. People like Al are why I refuse to be called a self-made man. Where would I be without him? My life wouldn't be what it is without fantastic people like him who have been there every step of the way. I was inspired by how he worked his ass off while always being there for his family. Al showed you really can have everything.

'He loved his family, and they loved him. He also might have been one of the world's greatest storytellers. Whether he was talking about being threatened by real mafia heavy hitters while he was making the Godfather or telling a story about his kids, it didn't matter. When Al talked, everyone listened.'

As the sole producer of The Godfather, Ruddy took home the Oscar for Best Picture at the 45th Academy Awards.

Clint Eastwood presented him with the prize.

Three decades later Ruddy and Eastwood won Best Picture together for producing Million Dollar Baby.

Ruddy was also good friends with Burt Reynolds. Together they made The Longest Yard and The Cannonball Run films.

Ruddy was married for 43 years to Giorgio Armani fashion executive Wanda McDaniel. Along with his wife, Ruddy is survived by his son, John; daughter, Alexandra; and son-in-law Abdullah Saeed, a screenwriter.

Respecting Ruddy's wishes, no public funeral service will take place. Memorial services are pending, according to Deadline.

Miles Teller, who played Al in the series The Offer, said in a statement: 'It was an honor and a privilege to portray Al in The Offer. Al lived a life most could only dream of and all would envy'

Arnold Schwarzenegger said, 'Al Ruddy was a Hollywood legend. He was an absolute icon and a visionary who made some of the best movies of all time'

The producer seen with Adam Sandler at the premiere of the film The Longest Yard in 2005 in Los Angeles

And here Ruddy put his arm around Terry Crewes at The Longest Yard premiere

Ruddy was married for 43 years to Giorgio Armani fashion executive Wanda McDaniel. Along with his wife, Al Ruddy is survived by his son, John; daughter, Alexandra; and son-in-law Abdullah Saeed, a screenwriter

This comes after Oscar-winning producer and casting director Fred Roos died at age 89, just four days shy of his 90th birthday.

Francis Ford Coppola who worked with Roos on The Godfather films led tributes, as well as actress Aubrey Plaza who stars in Coppola's latest film Megalopolis.

'Fred Roos possessed a casting instinct that was near infallible: so beautifully demonstrated in AMERICAN GRAFFITTI and THE OUTSIDERS,' Coppola, 85, wrote in his tribute, alongside a picture of the pair together.

He added: 'He was a great lifelong friend and collaborator with above all a true love for movies.

'I remember once telling him that we needed to find more women directors but that we should look for them among kids playing with 8mm movie-making equipment rather than dolls  and he came up with kids named Martha Coolidge and Susan Seidelman.

Oscar-winning producer Fred Roos has died at age 89, just four days shy of his 90th birthday

Francis Ford Coppola who worked with Fred Roos (right) on The Godfather Part II led tributes Tuesday to the producer

'He was a unique talent and will certainly be missed,' added Coppola.

Plaza, 39, shared a photo of Roos to her Instagram Story. 'Thank you Fred,' she wrote. 'It was an honor to know you...'

Shia LaBeouf, who also stars in Megalopolis, wrote on X (formerly Twitter, 'The nights flame with fire. As you ride life straight to perfect laughter. Fred Roos - I loved you alot.'

Author SE Hinton paid tribute to Roos after he and Coppola worked on the 1983 screen adaptation of her book The Outsiders.

'Just lost a good friend & supporter of mine, Fred Roos, the legendary casting director,' she wrote in a post. 'Would have been 90 today. Working til the very end. I will miss him.'

Rob Lowe, who played Sodapop Curtis in The Outsiders, also thanked Roos for providing the actor with his big break.

'Saddened to hear of the passing of Fred Roos. Every movie lover should know his name,' he wrote on X.

'He was a casting genius and responsible for the careers of: Harrison Ford, Al Pacino, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Laurence Fishburne, Tom Cruise and the rest of The Outsiders cast (including me), and many others,' added Lowe, 60. 'Thank you, Fred and godspeed.'

Roos was born May 22, 1934 in Santa Monica, California, where he majored in theater arts and motion pictures at UCLA.
The new Love Island villa for 2024 has been revealed and this year producers are hoping revamped rules for the Hideaway will make the series the sexiest yet.

MailOnline can reveal the private quarters complete with hot tub and swing can be accessed by the Islanders at any time instead of being locked, with a new 'No Invite Needed' order.

And there will be no distractions for stars looking to get intimate under the covers, as bosses have scrapped the kinky cupboard full of body chocolate and sexy lingerie, to eliminate contestants falling into old habits of past Islanders.

When they're not fighting over the Hideaway, the only area in the villa they can be totally alone with their partner, this year's cast will be basking in the Spanish sunshine on the brand-new outdoor day beds, which are Miami inspired.

The girls have been treated to a new pamper suite stocked full of designer beauty products, this time on the ground floor of the villa, in a move producers hope will give them even more time to gossip about who is their type on paper.

The new Love Island villa for 2024 has been revealed and this year producers are hoping revamped rules for the Hideaway will make the series the sexiest yet

The girls have been treated to a new pamper suite stocked full of beauty products, this time on the ground floor of the villa, in a move producers hope will give them even more time to gossip

When they're not fighting over the Hideaway this year's cast will be basking in the Spanish sunshine on the brand-new outdoor day beds, which are Miami inspired

The colourful Love Island bedroom is ready and waiting for six couples to make their home when the show begins on Monday

Pink, yellow, and blue hearts shape the pathway to the villa entrance in sunny Mallorca

Contestants on the new series include Patsy Field (pictured) Mimii Ngulube, Ronnie Vint, and Sam Taylor, who are all hoping to find love this summer

Executive producer Mike Spencer, said: 'We're back at the same villa but it's had a massive glow up. We have tried to create these new zones, so everyone has a place, and everything has a place.

'There's a Miami area here, which is really cool and quirky. We wanted to create a very Instagram worthy villa, because it felt right to do so.'

Introducing the new rules of the Hideaway, Mike continued, 'The Hideaway has a new neon 'No Invite Needed' sign So, it could be the sexiest series of Love Island ever.

'There is no invite needed to go in The Hideaway. I think this series is really sexy anyway but we will always take more.'

Contestants on the new series include Patsy Field, 29, Mimii Ngulube, 24, Ronnie Vint, 27, and Sam Taylor, 23, who are all hoping to find love in Mallorca this summer.

But they won't be expecting a shock twist during the first episode, with a new 'game play' teased by producers, which could see one Islander dumped just hours after arriving.

Mike said: 'The audience want to be entertained all series and it's good to keep things fresh and keep everyone on their toes and remind them they're here to find love.

'We have changed the day one format too and there will be something very new, it's not a public vote but there will be a new way to couple up our Islanders. I hope it will shock the Islanders, I don't want to say too much but there will be an element of a new game play that will lead to their couples without them knowing it.'

The Love Island kitchen this year is sky blue and comes equipped with everything the Islanders need to prepare breakfast for their partners

Colourful beds line the bedroom but the absence of cupboards gives the Islanders more space than in previous years

There is a yellow seating area drenched in Spanish sunlight where contestants can get to know each other and work on their tans

The dramatic fire pit has returned, where pairs couple up, Islanders are dumped, and Maya reveals the outcome of public votes

Islanders often host dates in the kitchen, cooking for potential new love interests

Inside the Hideaway is a swing covered in fluffy pink pillows, providing another intimate space for the cast to bond

To ensure viewers don't miss any of the action, the villa comes equipped with 74 cameras, the most amount the show has ever seen.

And MailOnline can confirm the series will be eight weeks long, giving Islanders maximum time to explore their romantic connections.

The show's host, Maya Jama, 29, is hoping this season will be packed full of drama, as she reflects on only presenting the franchise for the past year but already completing four series.

She said: 'I'm definitely here for the drama it can't just be smooth sailing all the time, can it? You need something to ruff it up a bit.

'Since I've joined, this is my second year but it feels like I have been here for 10 it's my second time doing the summer, all four seasons I have worked on have been absolutely dramatic.'

Maya, who was a Love Island fan before presenting the show, confirmed she doesn't contribute ideas to the format, cheekily saying it isn't in her job title, yet...

She said: 'Do I have an impact? No, because then I'd get producer credits, wouldn't I?

'If I could, I would but no, that's not my job title yet. I'm a fan of the show and have grown up on reality TV as a fan so maybe one day, never say never.'

Where the upstairs beauty room used to be, the cast have access to two hidden beds for when they're in the doghouse

Even the bathroom has had a makeover, painted a new moss shade of green and decorated with plants

The Hideaway includes a private hot tub, where former Islanders Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury once met

Flamingos frolic in new water features at the villa while the decking is painted bright blue to create the illusion of an infinity pool

As well as bright yellow sun loungers, a sky-blue kitchen, and the return of the dramatic fire pit, Islanders can keep fit in the gym, and escape from any unwanted tension by sleeping in new beds.

Where the upstairs beauty room used to be, the cast have access to two hidden beds for when they're in the doghouse.

The 11th series of Love Island begins on Monday June 3 with 12 new singletons hoping to find love in the villa.

But producer Mike has teased that the best Islanders are yet to be announced and viewers need to be prepared for the bombshell arrivals.

He said: 'As we have showcased over the last 10 series, we will always strive to have the most representative and diverse cast across the board and in terms of regionality as well.

'Job roles, people, we do, and we will continue to do that, we have some amazing bombshells coming. We will continue to do what we do, and we are excited to see who is coming in.'

Love Island returns on Monday 3rd June at 9pm on ITV1, ITV2, ITVX & STV
Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead got candid with Variety about their on screen reunion seven years after their alleged affair scandal which rocked both of their marriages.

The 53-year-old Obi-Wan star and 39-year-old Scott Pilgrim Vs The World actress put on a sweet display as they were featured on the cover of the latest edition of the American weekly.

In the accompanying article the two talked about their latest critically-acclaimed project - titled A Gentleman In Moscow - and how parenthood has not only changed their careers but also themselves as people.

The two can soon be seen on the Paramount+ on Showtime series based on Amor Towles' 2016 novel as they revealed that it was McGregor's idea for them to work together on screen again.

Winstead said: 'Ewan was reading the novel and he started slyly mentioning to me, in very subtle ways, that there was a great female character in the book.

Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead got candid with Variety about their on screen reunion seven years after their alleged affair scandal which rocked both of their marriages

In the accompanying article the two talked about their l atest critically-acclaimed project - titled A Gentleman In Moscow - and how parenthood has not only changed their careers but also themselves as people; they are pictured with co-star Alexa Goodall

'He was definitely hinting to me that it could be a good opportunity for us to work together.'

Ewan portrayed Count Alexander Rostov while Mary starred as his onscreen wife Mary Urbanova.

The series will mark the third on-screen collaboration between Mary and her husband, following 2017's Fargo and 2020's Birds of Prey.

The two originally met on set of the FX series in 2016 and though the two have since married in 2022 and share a two-year-old son named Laurie together, their public relationship began under very controversial circumstances.

Ewan was married to Eva Mavrakis for 22 years until their split in May 2017 - they shares daughters Clara, Jamyan, Esther and Anouk.

The actor met Mary when they were both working on Fargo in late 2016 when Ewan was still married to Eva and Mary was still with her ex-husband Riley Stearns.

They were pictured kissing London cafe in October 2017 and later announced he had been separated Eva since May.

In the ensuing couple of years, Clara infamously denounced Mary as 'a piece of trash' and fumed that her father was an 'a**hole.'

The 53-year-old Obi-Wan star and 39-year-old Scott Pilgrim Vs The World actress put on a sweet display as they were featured on the cover of the latest edition of the American weekly

The two can soon be seen on the Paramount+ on Showtime series based on Amor Towles' 2016 novel as they revealed that it was McGregor's idea for them to work together on screen again. Winstead said: 'Ewan was reading the novel and he started slyly mentioning to me, in very subtle ways, that there was a great female character in the book. He was definitely hinting to me that it could be a good opportunity for us to work together.'

The two originally met on set of the FX series in 2016 (pictured)

Clara later expressed regret over her unfiltered remarks about Mary, and the blended family has evidently arrived at a rapprochement.

In December, 28-year-old Clara shared a gallery of snaps from Christmas which featured mom Eve, dad Ewan, and stepmom Mary Elizabeth.

As his character in A Gentleman In Moscow becomes a caretaker for a young girl, Ewan told Variety about how parenthood not only shaped the way he approached this role but also how it changed his life completely.

He said: 'I have five children and one of my daughters is adopted. I realized while we were shooting, like, "Oh, this is an adoption story." I like that part of it because I love that part of my life.

Ewan was married to Eva Mavrakis for 22 years until their split in May 2017 - they shares daughters Clara, Jamyan, Esther and Anouk; pictured 2005

In the ensuing couple of years, Clara infamously denounced Mary as 'a piece of trash' and fumed that her father was an 'a**hole'; they are seen together Christmas 2023

In December, 28-year-old Clara shared a gallery of snaps from Christmas which featured mom Eve, dad Ewan, and stepmom Mary Elizabeth

'I think its true that we are two different people before we have children and after we have children  you dont have this responsibility to another human life, you dont ever experience it until somebody calls you Dad.'

Winstead also got candid about juggling motherhood and long days on set as she explained: 'Everythings so frantic having a baby at home.

'When youre off set, youre just a parent. You dont really have time to think about how you feel about the character right now. Youre just thrown into bath [time] and dinner.

'I dont analyze things nearly as much as I did. You dont have the time to sit and overanalyze and stew and worry and all of those things. You just have to show up and kick yourself into gear.'

A Gentleman In Moscow can be streamed on Paramount+.
Fans of Take That armed with tents, airbeds and sleeping bags began queueing for the band's concert nearly two days before it was due to begin.

Around 30,000 music lovers are set to attended Carrow Road stadium in Norwich, Norfolk this evening, with some dedicated fans arriving outside as early as 5am yesterday.

Take That is in the middle of playing 40 stadium shows as part of the 90s pop band's This Life tour.

Debra Legg, 59, was the first fan to enter the queue at 5am yesterday, and explained she enjoys the 'atmosphere' that comes with camping outside.

'It's just amazing. It's a fantastic atmosphere, lots of us are friends,' she told the BBC.

Take That fans Clare Pullen, Gemma Clark, Debra Legg and Ciara Oakes queuing outside Carrow Road in Norwich

Fans of Take That armed with tents, airbeds and sleeping bags began queueing for the band's concert nearly two days before it began

Ms Legg, from Swindon, said she had seen the band 'probably about 100' times.

Ciara Oakes, 26, was one of the first to arrive in the queue on Monday morning and claimed the furthest she has ever travelled to see Take That was Dubai.

The devoted fan brought a tent, airbeds and sleeping bags to camp outside the stadium before the concert.

'It's been really good, it's always a good atmosphere and everybody gets on really well. You know people who've done it before with you,' she said.

Sue Norton and Sandra Shand, in the queue for the Take That concert at Carrow Road

Take That has been revelling in the success of its latest album, This Life, which shot straight to number one

Take That fans in the queue - Kelly Artley, Rebecca Hunter, Natalie Lewis and Rachel Gadie

The band's This Life tour is the 12th concert tour by the English pop band, which consists of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen.

The first leg of the tour started at the Utilita Arena Sheffield on April 13 and will finish at Co-op Live in Manchester on June 12.

The band has been revelling in the success of its latest album, This Life, which shot straight to number one.

In April, it was reported that Take That have a film project about its upcoming tour in the works.
Katie Price is set to move into a new house in Sussex after she was forced to leave her Mucky Mansion amid her double bankruptcy woes.

It was revealed on Tuesday that the former glamour model, 46, would finally leave her 2million Mucky Mansion, with removal vans arriving at the sprawling home.

And later that day, pictures showed her new Tudor-style home in Sussex as the vans dropped off boxes of her belongings at the three-bedroom property.

The removal team were seen carrying Katie's things into the garage of her new home - which the reality star will move into with her five kids.

Katie said that she couldn't 'wait to get out' of her Mucky Mansion - which she bought in 2014 from Tory peer Francis Maude - as she revealed vandals 'threw acid on her Pink Range Rover' on Saturday night.

Katie Price is set to move into a new house in Sussex after she was forced to leave her Mucky Mansion amid her double bankruptcy woes, pictures revealed on Tuesday

It was revealed on Tuesday that the former glamour model, 46, that Katie would finally leave her 2million Mucky Mansion, with removal vans arriving at the sprawling home

Removal vans arrived at the sprawling estate in Sussex on Tuesday, as Katie and her five kids prepare to move out.

Three large removal trucks were pictured on the driveway, while workers started loading them with furniture.

Explaining the situation, the former glamour model, 46, shared on Instagram: 'Due to acid attack on my car at my house I've now been advised by authorities not to stay at Mucky Mansion anymore'.

An insider told The Sun: 'Katie has been dreading this day for so long but now it is here, she can't wait to leave.

'The house has caused her so much grief and was too much to handle on her own. With work and the kids it all became too much in recent years. And she's convinced it's haunted.'

Katie 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.'

Later that day, pictures showed her new Tudor-style home as the vans dropped off boxes of her belongings at the three-bedroom property

The removal team were seen carrying Katie's things into the garage of her new home - which the reality star will move into with her five kids

Katie Price FINALLY moves out of 2m Mucky Mansion amid double bankruptcy woes as removal vans park up outside - but she insists she's been told to leave for her own safety

Explaining the situation, the former glamour model, 46, shared on Instagram: 'Due to acid attack on my car at my house I've now been advised by authorities not to stay at Mucky Mansion anymore'

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.'

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.

Explaining the situation, the former glamour model, 46, shared on Instagram: 'Due to acid attack on my car at my house I've now been advised by authorities not to stay at Mucky Mansion anymore'

Reed Removals workers were seen lifting furniture into the back of the van

Katie bought the property in 2014 from Tory peer Francis Maude for 2million

After the vans arrives, Katie was seen leaving the property and heading to Bristol for her podcast show

Vans were also spotted leaving, indicating Katie's belongings were being taken to her new house

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

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

Katie shares two children, Jett, 10, and Bunny, nine, with ex Kieran. She is also mum to Junior, 18, and Princess, 16, from her marriage to Peter Andre, and Harvey, 21, whose dad is Dwight Yorke

Katie is now dating Married At First Sight star JJ Slater and the pair say they are 'in love'

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 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

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Katie shared a clip showing a huge pile of things in her living room that she was set to sell

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.'
Paris Hilton has responded to fan concerns that her son Phoenix, one, had his life jacket on backwards in her new TikTok.

The socialite, 43, shared a video over Memorial Day weekend of her and Phoenix enjoying the sunny weather while splashing together in the pool.

However, many viewers sprang into the comments to advise Paris - who recently also addressed safety fears over her children's car seats - that Phoenix' life vest was on the wrong way around.

'Hey momma just a tip from another puddle jumper mom I think it's on backwards,' one social media user wrote.

The mother-of-two replied: 'Oops! Thank you! I never let him out of my arms. thought it was backwards too, I said that to the person who I bought it from & they said it was on right. But thank you so much for letting me know.'

Paris Hilton has responded to fan concerns that her son Phoenix, one, had his life jacket on backwards in her new TikTok

'Hey momma just a tip from another puddle jumper mom I think it's on backwards,' one social media user wrote, only for Paris to maintain that 'it was on right'

A puddle jumper is a type of life jacket designed for young children. Puddle jumpers are buoyant vests with arm floats that help keep kids afloat.

The arm and middle float section is designed to be worn in the front, and closed with a strap in the back.

However, Phoenix had his put on with the strap in the front.

Many fans offered Paris  who has been enjoying a family vacation in Hawaii  advice on how to best close the jacket, while still giving her words of encouragement as a new mom.

'Double check the puddle jumper. I believe it's on backward,' another fan suggested.

'Swimming teacher here, see if you can swap the puddle jumper for a float jacket. Gives him the use of his arms to aide his swim journey,' someone else mentioned, to which Paris wrote back, 'Thank you' with a heart emoji.

Yet another fan chimed in, writing, 'So adorable. those floaties are the best just buckle it in the back instead of the front.'

'The little life jacket is backwards, but you are an amazing mother!!! Enjoy every moment, my youngest just graduated high school.'

The socialite, 43, took to TikTok over Memorial Day weekend to share a video of her and Phoenix enjoying the sunny weather while splashing together

However, many fans took to her comments to advise the mom-of-two that her little one had his blue life jacket on backwards

Puddle jumpers are buoyant vests with arm floats that help keep kids afloat. The float section is designed to be worn in the front, and closed with a strap in the back. However, Phoenix had his put on backwards, with the strap in the front

'Double check the puddle jumper. I believe its on backward,' another fan suggested

Yet another fan chimed in, writing, 'So adorable. those floaties are the best just buckle it in the back instead of the front'

'The little life jacket is backwards, but you are an amazing mother!!! Enjoy every moment, my youngest just graduated high school'

'Swimming teacher here, see if you can swap the puddle jumper for a float jacket. Gives him the use of his arms to aide his swim journey,' someone else mentioned, to which Paris wrote back, 'Thank you' with a heart emoji

Throughout the clip Paris had Phoenix in her arms the entire time, while walking around the pool.

'Adventures with Baby P,' she captioned the video, adding a fish emoji.

She also shared another video of her carrying baby Phoenix on the beach, captioned 'Paradise with Baby P.'

The Hilton heiress looked incredible in a teal floral dress, with her blonde hair pinned up with a Dior headscarf.

She accessorized with white sunglasses and a white purse. Meanwhile her son matched her outfit in a colorful green shirt.

Earlier this month Paris 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 to post a clip of her infant daughter London, six months old, and son Phoenix 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.'

She also shared another video of her carrying baby Phoenix on the beach, captioned 'Paradise with Baby P'

The Hilton heiress looked incredible in a teal floral dress, with her blonde hair pinned up with a Dior headscarf

Earlier this month fans shared concerns that her daughter London, six months, and Phoenix were sat in front-facing car seats

Paris, who welcomed both Phoenix and London via surrogate, shares her kids with husband Carter Reum, 43; pictured in May in New York City

Please hire someone to install car seats,' one fan wrote while another added, 'Crazy unsafe. This is wild.'

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.'

Paris, who welcomed both Phoenix and London via surrogate, shares her kids with husband Carter Reum, 43. The entrepreneur began dating Reum in 2019.

The DJ and the businessman became engaged in February of 2021, and they tied the knot that November.
Jeremy Renner has revealed the real reason he decided to exit the Mission: Impossible franchise nine years ago - and why he would now be willing to return.

The 53-year-old played agent William Brandt in the 2011 film Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and the 2015 release Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation.

Although he still feels 'love' for his character and affection for the movies' leading man Tom Cruise, he felt he had to withdraw from the series.

In 2013 he welcomed his daughter Ava, 11, with model Sonni Pacheco, whom he married in 2014 only for them to separate 10 months later, resulting in split custody.

His duties as a father did not allow him to jet off to the UK for the amount of time needed to make more Mission: Impossible films, he told Collider.

Jeremy Renner has revealed the real reason he decided to exit the Mission: Impossible franchise nine years ago - and why he would now be willing to return; pictured last week

The 53-year-old played agent William Brandt in the 2011 film Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (pictured) and the 2015 release Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

'I had to leave that,' he said of the movie series. 'I was supposed to do more with them. I love those guys. I love Tom so much.'

He shared: 'We had so much fun, and I love that character a lot. It requires a lot of time away. Its all in London. I had to go be a dad. It just wasn't gonna work out then.'

Sonni filed for divorce from Jeremy in December 2014 just months before his latest Mission: Impossible movie came out, triggering a bitter custody battle over Ava.

They ultimately settled the dispute in April 2015 - three months before the release of Rogue Nation - and agreed on joint physical and legal custody.

In the intervening time, two more Mission: Impossible movies have been released, and a third is slated to bow in theaters next year.

Jeremy has now divulged that he would be open to the prospect of returning to the franchise because of Ava's age.

'Maybe now that my daughter is older that could happen. I'd always jump into a Mission: Impossible anytime and back into Brandt. Its great,' he said.

Jeremy is currently mounting a comeback to acting after he survived a life-threatening accident on New Year's Day 2023.

He ultimately felt he had to withdraw from the series after Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, which he is pictured in with Ving Rhames

In 2013 he welcomed his daughter Ava, 11, with model Sonni Pacheco, whom he then married in 2014 only for them to split 10 months later; the trio are pictured post-divorce in 2016

Jeremy has said he 'maybe' could return to the franchise 'now that my daughter is older; he and Ava are pictured in April 2023 in Los Angeles

In the aftermath of his divorce, however, he 'had to go be a dad' and could not jet off to the UK for the amount of time required to make more Mission: Impossible films

The Hurt Locker star was crushed by a 14,330 pound snowplow while trying to prevent it from running over his nephew in rural Nevada.

He suffered a wide array of serious injuries, including over 30 broken bones - and he later disclosed that one of his eyes even popped out.

Jeremy embarked on a grueling months-long recovery process, which he documented on social media to the awe of his fanbase.

'The body is miraculous,' he wrote in the caption of a workout video. 'Even though I feel like the Tin Man, needing oil for all my new joints (hips, knees, ankles, tibia etc). Encouraged after this warm up to press on (dont tell my PT).'
Int'l commitment to one-China principle unshakable: mainland spokesperson

Xinhua) 08:04, May 28, 2024

BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Assembly (WHA) rejecting a so-called proposal concerning Taiwan once again proved that the international community's commitment to the one-China principle is unshakable, said a Chinese mainland spokesperson on Monday.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks regarding the General Committee and the Plenary Session of the 77th WHA's decision not to include the so-called proposal of "inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer" submitted by certain countries into its agenda on Monday. This has been the eighth year in a row that the WHA has rejected such a proposal.

There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is a part of China, Chen said. The rejection also proves that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' attempt of relying on external forces to participate in the WHA without recognizing the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle is doomed to fail.

"We have kinship with Taiwan compatriots, and we are always concerned about their health and wellbeing," said the spokesperson.

The mainland will continue taking concrete measures, including arranging medical technical experts from Taiwan to take part in the technical activities of the World Health Organization (WHO) and informing Taiwan of public health emergencies released by the WHO in a timely manner, to safeguard Taiwan compatriots' health, Chen said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Full Text: Joint Statement on a 10 Year Vision for Trilateral IP Cooperation

Xinhua) 11:03, May 28, 2024

SEOUL, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of a joint statement on a 10 year vision for trilateral Intellectual Property (IP) cooperation among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) released on Monday.

Joint Statement on a 10 Year Vision for Trilateral IP Cooperation

We, the leaders of the Republic of Korea, Japan and the People's Republic of China, convened in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on May 27, 2024, on the occasion of the Ninth Trilateral Summit.

Recalling that on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the trilateral cooperation among the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the three offices"), the heads of the three offices held the trilateral meeting on November 30, 2023, in Busan, Republic of Korea, to review the course of the trilateral cooperation and charted a new direction in response to the needs of a new era;

Recalling that the three offices launched the trilateral Intellectual Property (IP) cooperation back in 2001 with the goal of facilitating exchanges and utilization of patent examination information, harmonizing patent examination practices, and establishing international norms;

Acknowledging that over the past twenty-three years, based on geographical proximity and cultural similarities, the three offices have continuously enhanced mutual trust, deepened cooperation in six areas-IP automation, patents, designs, human resources development, trials and appeals, and trademarks-and strengthened patent protection to ensure patentees fully enjoy the exclusive rights in return for their invention and disclosure;

Recognizing that the volume of patent applications handled by the three offices has increased from 40 percent of the world total to over 60 percent while the trademark filing activities of the three offices have increased from 20 percent of the world total to more than 50 percent over the last two decades, which represents the significant role the three offices have played in promoting technological advances and economic growth not just in Northeast Asia but also around the world;

Sharing the view that the next decade will witness more intensive convergence between different industries and technologies and rapid advances in science and technology;

Acknowledging that technological progress and innovation are key to overcoming global crises such as COVID-19, and IP is a catalyzing factor for achieving them, we need to continue to cooperate with each other to promote the creation and utilization of IP by innovators in the three countries, and actively protect IP rights;

Reaffirming that this is the time for us to make concerted efforts to share our accumulated IP experience with more countries to narrow the global IP disparity;

We instructed that over the next decade:

1. The three offices establish an IP system that can accommodate and embrace fast-changing technologies. With the expectation that universities, enterprises and research institutions in the three countries will develop and release innovative goods, services and solutions in the sector of fourth industrial revolution technologies such as AI and IoT, the three offices will work together to improve relevant rules, examination practices and systems to ensure that an appropriate type of IP right is issued to those creations in a timely manner and they are properly protected by law.

2. The three offices make joint efforts to enhance public accessibility and encourage utilization of patent information by the private sector. The three offices recognize that an analysis of patent information may provide an excellent guidance to academia, research groups and industry in setting the direction for their R&D and investment activities as well as developing market entry strategies. In this spirit, the three offices are committed to exchanging patent information with each other, disclosing shared information to the public gratis and supporting the private sector in making the most of the disclosed patent information, thereby supporting other countries' endeavors to achieve technological development and innovation-driven growth.

3. The three offices strive to expand IP cooperation beyond the three countries to include other countries or regions in order to share the valuable achievements which the three offices have made together in pursuit of "Trilateral+X IP Cooperation." As the three offices wish to find partners for IP cooperation, the three offices will primarily consider countries or regional organizations (e.g. ASEAN) with which there is a need for collaboration or scope to generate a synergy. The three offices believe this will mark the first step toward balanced growth in the world by narrowing the global IP disparity.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Kiwi Property is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Kenrick to its board of directors, effective immediately.

Kevin brings a wealth of strategic transformation experience from the retail, telecommunications, travel, and media industry sectors, which will be invaluable as Kiwi Property continues its evolution into a creator of mixed-use communities.

"We are pleased to welcome a director of Kevins calibre to the board," said Kiwi Property Chair, Simon Shakesheff.

"His proven track record and commercial acumen will be an asset to the organisation as we strive to create greater value for our shareholders and the communities where we operate. Kevin has enjoyed an impressive career as a CEO and director, and we look forward to benefitting from his vision and expertise.

Kevin said he was looking forward to helping guide Kiwi Property through the next phase of its transformation journey.

"I am excited to join Kiwi Property's board at this important time in its history. The companys dedication to developing world-class mixed-use assets aligns with my passion for innovation, strategic leadership and sustainable growth.

In accordance with NZX Listing Rule 2.6.1, the Board has determined Kevin is an independent director, having had regard to the non-exhaustive factors described in the NZX Corporate Governance Code that may impact director independence.

ENDS

Contact us for further information:

Simon Shakesheff

Chair

simon.shakesheff@gmail.com

Campbell Hodgetts

Head of Communications and Investor Relations

campbell.hodgetts@kp.co.nz

+64 27 563 4985

About us:

Kiwi Property (NZX: KPG ) is one of the largest listed property companies on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and is a member of the S&P/NZX 20 Index. We have been around for over 25 years and proudly own and manage a significant real estate portfolio comprising some of New Zealands best mixed-use, retail and office buildings. Our objective is to provide investors with a reliable investment in New Zealand property through the ownership and active management of a diversified, high-quality portfolio.

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Fans online are coming to Pete Davidson's defense after the comedian lost his cool and was forced to walk off stage in Omaha, Nebraska due to heckling.

The 30-year-old former Saturday Night Live regular was hounded by rowdy fans during his Prehab Tour stop on Friday night and ended the show early as a result.

Following the debacle, a fan named Kate Stivers took to YouTube to speak out in support of the actor, with others also coming to his defense.

'Where the f**k did decorum go at events because he shouldnt have had to walk off stage because you guys dont understand that because you see crowd work on TikTok that you think every comedian needs to be heckled to the point that they leave stage with one joke left,' the influencer said in part.

The show took place at the venue Steelhouse Omaha.

Fans online are coming to Pete Davidson's defense after the comedian was forced to walk off stage in Omaha, Nebraska due to heckling; pictured on SNL last October

The 30-year-old former Saturday Night Live regular was hounded by rowdy fans during his Prehab Tour stop on Friday night and ended the show early as a result; pictured in October 2023

Stivers went on to add, 'Its just absolutely absurd. Youre ruining it for the whole show.'

She noted that attendees were required to hand over their phones ahead of the performance, stating that she agrees with the policy.

'There should be no tolerance. You need to immediately be kicked the f**k out,' the YouTuber proclaimed in her spirited rant.

Other users on the platform echoed her sentiments.

'I was at this show, and unfortunately ended up sitting by one of the women being a problem. It was embarrassing to say the least.

'Disappointed Nebraska didnt allow him to feel respected enough to finish his set. Definitely embarrassing for Omaha, and sad that has to be his last taste of our city,' one person lamented.

Another added, 'Ive been to so many comedy shows in Omaha and dont understand why people feel like they need to be part of the show.'

The person continued, 'Im here to see the comedian, not hear your comments that are so funny to your garage beer drinking buddies. That made me so sad for Pete and all the people who paid the money and waited in line to see that second show.'

Following the debacle, a fan named Kate Stivers took to YouTube to speak out in support of the actor, with others also coming to his defense

Other users on YouTube echoed Stivers' sentiments

Per Page Six, a Pete supporter on Reddit also contributed to the conversation: 'I was there and it was so s****y.

'He was so close to being done and we lost out on a great ending to a great show because people suck.'

Davidson is scheduled to next take the stage on Saturday, June 8 in Niagara Falls at OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino.

The tour will then head to Wisconsin, where he has two shows scheduled on June 12 and June 13.
Kathie Lee Gifford revealed how her years-long feud with Howard Stern ended with a 'surprise' voicemail.

The television personality, 70, opened up about the rift between her and the disc jockey, 70, in her new memoir, I Want to Matter: Your Life Is Too Short and Too Precious to Waste.

She recalled how their beef previously started in 1995 when she sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXIX and heard boos from the audience.

The Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee alum  who revealed why she forgave her late husband Frank Gifford for his extramarital affair with a flight attendant  later learned was encouraged by Stern to his fans.

Nearly two decades later, the former Today host felt compelled to make a kind gesture towards Stern, which recalled led to their reconciliation as described in her book, which was released on April 30, according to Fox News Digital.

Kathie Lee Gifford revealed how her years-long feud with Howard Stern ended with a 'surprise' voicemail; seen on April 15

The television personality, 70, opened up about the rift between her and the disc jockey, 70, in her new memoir, I Want to Matter: Your Life Is Too Short and Too Precious to Waste; seen in November 2015

Gifford recalled in 2011, she wanted to wish him well ahead of his appearance on the Today show in 2011 when he learned he was casted as a judge for the seventh season of America's Got Talent.

Despite others discouraging her from talking to the radio host, she decided to 'say hello to Howard.'

'I said, "Hey, it's Kathie Lee,"' she recalled. 'I thought it was about time. I said, "I want to wish you all the best with the new show."

'I got up, went back, sat down in the makeup room,' she said before recounting how her hairstylists and makeup artists asked her why she talked to him.

'They'd said, "Why'd you do that?" I said, "God told me to."'

Later, she recalled how she was boarding a flight when she received a call from an unknown number with no caller ID, which she didn't pick up.

When she listened to the voicemail, she said it was a 'surprise' to learn that it was from Stern.

'He was saying, "I can't believe how nice you were to me. I've been so rude to you and you were so nice. I just need to apologize to you. Please call me,' she recalled.

Nearly two decades after their rift began, the former Today host felt compelled to make a kind gesture towards Stern, which recalled led to their reconciliation; seen on March 28

'Once I listened to it, I said to my kids at the table, "Well, pigs have now officially flown." [But] I just always believe God can touch anybody's heart,' she told the outlet.

'I'm not allowed to hate anybody that hates me. Once you start praying for people, you can't hate them. Love cannot live where hate does, and it's a very simple thing.'

However, Gifford said her late husband Frank and son Cody Gifford tried to tell her to not call him back because Stern had been 'horrible' to her and her family.

However, she decided to ring Stern back up, and she said they had a productive conversation.

During their phone call, she recalled the radio host asking her to forgive him.

Gifford said she told him: '"I just want you to know that I forgave you 30 years ago."

'I said, "I'm really happy for you that you're asking for forgiveness, because anytime we hurt somebody in life, it's important to ask for forgiveness,' she recalled.

She recounted Stern seeming confused at her kindness.

However, she decided to ring Stern back up, and she said they had a productive conversation. During their phone call, she recalled the radio host asking her to forgive him

She said that afterwards, she invited Stern, who she described as an 'odd duck,' to her home for dinner. In her memoir, she said that she 'pissed him off' because she was 'everything he wasn't'; seen in November 2023

'He goes, "What?" I said, "I forgave you 30 years ago, and I've been praying for you every day since. And that's the truth."'

She said that afterwards, she invited Stern, who she described as an 'odd duck,' to her home for dinner.

In her memoir, she said that she 'pissed him off' because she was 'everything he wasn't.'

'I saw him a couple of times over at Sirius, and we were fine,' she said. 'I can get along with a rock. I can find something good in anybody. That's what my faith teaches me.'
Brittany Cartwright fiercely defended her son, Cruz, from online trolls questioning his well-being amid her separation from her estranged husband Jax Taylor.

In a new post, uploaded to her Instagram Story on Tuesday, the Vanderpump Rules star, 35, told her 1.8 million Instagram followers that they were free to judge her, but not her little boy.

'You guys can reel in the drama of my life I don't care but leave my innocent son's name out of it!!!' she wrote on her Instagram Story. 'Don't act like you know anything about him watching 30 mins of a show recorded last summer.'

She went on to write that she does 'everything' she 'possibly can for' her toddler, who she emphasized was a 'perfect and innocent child.'

'I will not have strangers acting like they know what's going on in his life,' the mother-of-one concluded. 'Talk about me, talk about his father, I don't care, but enough is enough!!!!!'

Brittany Cartwright fiercely defended her son, Cruz, from online trolls questioning his well-being amid her separation from her estranged husband Jax Taylor

The TV personality reportedly posted the statement after feeling hurt by some 'comments about her son's well-being.'

'It hurts Brittany to read comments about her son's well-being,' a source told People. 'She is highly protective over her son as any caring mother would be. Despite what she is going through personally in her marriage, her and Jax have always and continue to put their son first.'

The insider added that Cruz 'remains their number one priority and they have done a great job co-parenting during this rather turbulent time.'

'They are both incredibly attentive and loving parents and give Cruz absolutely everything he needs. He is a happy child and that's all that really matters,' they concluded.

On an episode of her and Taylor's reality series, The Valley, Cartwright voiced concern over her little one's 'developing verbal skills.'

'Cruz has done everything on time when it comes to crawling, walking, sitting up,' she said. 'He was saying "dada, mama, doggie," things like that. And then he just seemed to regress one day. Like, he stopped talking almost all together.'

She proceeded to tell the audience they were going to take their son to 'speech therapy just to make sure that he has all the help that he needs.'

'I think everything's great except for that. He's a smart kid,' Taylor added while Cartwright explained they were just making sure Cruz was getting 'the right tools and everything that he needs.'

'You guys can reel in the drama of my life I don't care but leave my innocent son's name out of it!!!' she wrote on her Instagram Story. 'Don't act like you know anything about him watching 30 mins of a show recorded last summer'

She went on to write that she does 'everything' she 'possibly can for' her toddler, who she emphasized was a 'perfect and innocent child' (seen in April 2024)

Taylor went on to say that he was 'researching everything' and 'doing everything' he's 'supposed to be doing' as a dad.

In February, Taylor and Cartwright announced they were 'taking time apart' after four years of marriage.'

The former couple revealed the news on their joint podcast When Reality Hits, confirming.

'Jax and I are taking time apart and I made the decision to move into another home to take some space for the sake of my mental health,' Cartwright told listeners.

'I will not have strangers acting like they know what's going on in his life,' the mother-of-one concluded. 'Talk about me, talk about his father, I don't care, but enough is enough!!!!!'

The mother-of-one also later hinted that the 'split' could be temporary, as she asked fans to 'pray for us,' and added that she believes 'everything will be just fine.'

The beloved Bravo stars tied the knot in a fairy-tale themed wedding ceremony on June 2019 in Kentucky after a year-long engagement.

Going on to suggest they've now temporarily split, she said: 'Jax and I are taking time apart and I made the decision to move into another home to take some space for the sake of my mental health.'

Admitting that the split is 'still very hard to talk about' she added that she is just 'taking one day at a time.'

'I don't know what the future holds, but right now my focus is on being the best mom to Cruz,' Brittany added.
Rose Byrne looked effortlessly chic on Tuesday as she left The View's studio in New York City after an appearance on the show with her partner Bobby Cannavale.

The Australian actress, 44, put on a stylish display in a long brown leather skirt and a buttoned shirt as she posed at the front of the studio after an interview on the show to promote her new movie Ezra - which also stars Bobby.

The Bridesmaids star completed her look with strappy yellow heels and wore silver hoop earrings.

She had her dark brown tresses styled in waves and shoulder-length with a part in the middle.

As for makeup, Rose rocked a nude lip and blush paired with a luminous complexion.

Rose Byrne looked effortlessly chic on Tuesday as she left The View 's studio in New York City after an appearance on the show with her partner Bobby Cannavale

She was also joined by her partner Bobby, 54, who looked stylish in a tight green T-shirt, brown pants and black shoes.

During their appearance on the show, Rose and Bobby gave fans a glimpse of what their life is really like at home raising two young sons and revealed how they try to 'resolve conflict' between their boys, Rocco and Rafael.

Bobby admitted that it can be a 'juggle' because their kids were born just '20 months apart,' and despite rarely speaking about his personal life, he did divulge that he and Rose are trying their best to help their sons 'regulate' their emotions.

'I mean, like any parent you're always navigating every day with your kids and trying to understand where they're at and help them regulate and find out what inspires them,' Rose said.

The Australian actress put on a stylish display in a long brown leather skirt and a buttoned shirt as she posed at the front of the studio after an interview on the show to promote her new movie Ezra - which also stars Bobby

Bobby then added: 'I have three sons. Rose and I have two sons together and I have an almost 30-year-old son, so I have a lot of experience looking into these guys' eyes. It's funny, Rose just used the word "regulate" because that's a popular word right now in our house, trying to figure out how to get them to regulate... it's a lot of, "eyes here, eyes here please."'

'It's just a juggle. Our kids are 20 months apart, so it's constantly dealing with competition and one will take one for a walk and the other one takes the other one to the other room and tries to conflict resolve that way.'

'We just try to stay on the same page as much as you can and then talk about it, like probably most people do at the end of the night,' Bobby continued.

'You're sitting there and putting your cream on your elbows, "hey, what about that thing that happened"... that's me by the way!' he laughed as he imitated moisturising his elbows before adding: 'And you do the recap at the end of the night.'

She was also joined by her partner Bobby, 54, who looked stylish in a tight green T-shirt, brown pants and black shoes

Rose and Bobby, who welcomed their sons in February 2016 and November 2017, are notoriously private about their family life but they did reference their boys in a December 2019 interview with Vanity Fair when they spoke about why they work together so often.

The duo, who already refer to each other as 'husband' and 'wife' play a divorced couple in the new movie Ezra, which also stars Robert De Niro, Whoopi Goldberg, and William A. Fitzgerald.

The couple, who have been in a relationship since 2012 and share two sons, have worked together on several occasions on films such as Adult Beginners, Spy, and Seriously Red.

During their appearance on the show, Rose and Bobby gave fans a glimpse of what their life is really like at home raising two young sons and revealed how they try to 'resolve conflict' between their boys, Rocco and Rafael

Prior to meeting Bobby, Rose was in a relationship with Australian actor Brendan Cowell for over six years, but they parted ways in January 2010.

Meanwhile, Bobby was married to actress/screenwriter Jenny Lumet from 1994 to 2003 and the couple had a son named Jake, who is now 30 and works as an actor.

Bobby and Rose welcomed their first son Rocco in 2016, and their second son Rafael the following year.
READ MORE: Who is Eamonn Holmes' first wife and why did they break up after 10 years of marriage?

Eamonn Holmes has suffered through three years of hell that has seen him lose his mother, job, his beloved Belfast home, and now his wife Ruth Langsford.

The former This Morning hosts, both 64, revealed they are headed for divorce on Saturday after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions'.

The couple tied the knot in 2010 after dating for 13 years - and say that despite their separation, they are 'determined to stay friends'.

In the wake of the shocking news, Eamonn returned to work at GB News and broke his silence on the divorce.

Prior to his shock split, Eamonn has had a tough few years as he lost family members, his home and struggled with crippling health conditions.

Eamonn Holmes has suffered through three years of hell that has seen him lose his mother, job, his beloved Belfast home, and now his wife Ruth Langsford

Eamonn announced that his beloved mother Josie had sadly died at the age of 93 in November 2022.

He took to Instagram to announce the difficult news as he shared a sweet snap of her stood at her front door.

He penned a loving caption with his post in which he said that she was 'reunited with daddy now'.

He said in full: 'My 4 amazing brothers and I said Goodbye for the last time to our beautiful Mum Josie this afternoon. She's at last reunited with Daddy now. That is our only consolation.

'We loved and will miss her so much. Every time I visited her she came to the door to bless me with Holy Water and Wave goodbye. Now sadly it is Goodbye Mummy.'

Her funeral was held at St Patrick's Church in Belfast and was attended by her friends and family, however Eamonn was unable to attend her funeral due to 'health reasons'.

Eamonn's father Leonard died following a heart attack over 30 years ago.

Over the years, Eamonn has been incredibly open about his own crippling health conditions.

In 2016, Eamonn underwent a double-hip replacement operation lasting three-and-a-quarter hours after living with acute pain for many years.

Eamonn announced that his beloved mother Josie had sadly died at the age of 93 in November 2022

Eamonn broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his late father, 31 years after his untimely death

Eamonn with his father Leonard and mother Josephine and two of his brothers in an old family picture

Speaking about his operation at the time, Eamonn said: ' Was I nervous? No! It was just like being on television. In the build-up I was stressed  can I do this? Will I handle it?'

Two years later, Eamonn detailed his battle with shingles and how he was struck with the virus on his son Declan's wedding day.

During an appearance on Loose Women in September 2021, he spoke about his health battle which left him unable to work on This Morning three years ago.

He also shared images of his puffy face covered in marks and scabs during his battle.

Shingles is a viral rash caused by varicella zoster virus, the virus which causes chickenpox, being reactivated. In the UK, 90 per cent of adults have had chickenpox, so will have this virus lying dormant in their nervous systems.

His years of chronic back pain started in spring 2021 - which came completely out of nowhere.

The pain become so severe that it left Eamonn reliant on a walking stick, but soon found out the root cause.

He eventually discovered it was three slipped discs that affected the movement of his right leg.

In September 2022, Eamonn was forced to step away from his GB news show as he underwent vital back surgery to aid his chronic back pain.

His battle with chronic back pain started after a dislocated pelvis led to three slipped discs.

Following his surgery, he revealed that despite physiotherapy, he continues to find his lack of mobility stops him from doing simple things and is forced to rely on others, which he described as 'soul destroying'.

His spinal surgery left him with a weakened left leg, too, and just over two weeks into his recovery from the operation, Eamonn fell backwards down 18 stairs at the Weybridge home, hitting the stone floor at the bottom.

Over the years, Eamonn has been incredibly open about his own crippling health conditions

He underwent spinal surgery in 2022 following years of chronic back pain and previously had a double-hip replacement in 2016

He eventually discovered it was three slipped discs that affected the movement of his right leg

The horrific accident could easily have killed him. Instead, he emerged with a broken shoulder, and his legs further weakened.

The former This Morning host admitted at the time that fracturing his shoulder in a fall is a 'massive setback'.

A year after his spinal surgery, Eamonn underwent a spine and neck stretching procedure in September 2023 after admitting he 'couldn't walk'.

Eamonn admitted he 'hadn't recovered' from his back surgery, confessing: 'I can't run, I can't walk, I can't do anything except watch TV and eat.'

He explained: 'I just got problems last year in my back, which I haven't recovered from. It's not good, it's not a good recipe I have to say.'

Now, Eamonn is focusing on his recovery following years of different health woes and operations.

Ruth recently revealed she fears Eamonn 'might never be 100 per cent right'.

He is having daily physio sessions and either uses a cane or wheelchair to get about, with the support of his wife Ruth.

The Loose Women presenter said she 'lives in hope' that his mobility will improve.

Speaking to Woman's Weekly, Ruth said: '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% right. With any care situation - and there are millions of carers in this country - it isn't always easy. It's testing but we manage as a family.'

Ruth added: 'I look at Eamonn, who's had his health and back problems, and it makes you realise how important your health is.'

The former This Morning host admitted at the time that fracturing his shoulder in a fall is a 'massive setback'

A year after his spinal surgery, Eamonn underwent a spine and neck stretching procedure in September 2023 after admitting he 'couldn't walk'

He has ongoing daily physio sessions and either uses a cane or wheelchair to get about, with the support of his wife Ruth

Earlier this year, Eamonn revealed he had to sell his beloved house in east Belfast to pay off a huge bill after a 250,000 tax battle with HMRC .

The TV presenter admitted he feels 'bitter' about having to sell his house after losing two appeals against HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) which set him back 'hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal fees'.

Speaking in an interview with his former UTV colleague Gerry Kelly, due to be screened next month, Eamonn claimed tax officials ruled he was a staff member with broadcasters rather than freelance.

They allegedly asked for 10 years of retrospective tax and national insurance payments from him.

He claims he never received holiday or sick pay, though he said he wasn't looking for sympathy. 'It's like they have taken away everything I ever worked for,' he tells the show on NVTV.

In response Eamonn's tax battle, a HMRC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We take the wellbeing of all taxpayers seriously and do everything we can for those who engage with us to get their tax affairs in order, including by offering affordable payment plans.'

And now, after losing his mother, jobs and his home, Eamonn has lost his supportive wife Ruth.

The TV power couple, both 64, announced their split on Saturday after work commitments had taken their lives 'in different directions'.

It brings to an end one of Britain's best known TV power couples after 27 years together, 14 of which were spent in wedlock.

They are parents to son Jack, 22, while Eamonn also has sons Declan, 35, Niall, 31, and daughter Rebecca, 33, from his previous marriage.

Eamonn used his presenting slot on GB News's breakfast programme to break his silence over his divorce from wife Ruth on Tuesday.

Eamonn had posted on Instagram about the FA Cup over the weekend following the issuing of the statement - but his comments on GB News' breakfast programme on Tuesday are his first words issued publicly on the split since.

Accompanied by co-host Isabel Webster, who smiled and nodded supportively as he spoke, the TV veteran thanked viewers for the 'support' they had shown him since the weekend.

He said: 'Just before we move on we'd just like to thank people for your support for Ruth and I over the last few days as to the news of our separation.

'Your support for both of us is very much appreciated.'

Eamonn and Ruth 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)

The couple tied the knot in 2010 after dating for 13 years - and say that despite their separation, they are 'determined to stay friends' (pictured together in 2022)

Eamonn and Ruth said in Saturday's statement they were 'determined to stay friends' after spending most of their professional lives together.

However, sources say Ruth 'orchestrated' the statement, which Eamonn refused to sign off on prior to its release.

Sources told Mail+ that Eamonn is devastated about the split and that the break-up has 'very much been orchestrated by Ruth'.

Eamonn reportedly told friends that he 'didn't want to get involved' and that 'Ruth can do what she wants but keep me out of it'.

Fans of the pair - a familiar sight on This Morning for 15 years - have been poring over past remarks they have made on relationships, including on couples who stay friends after breaking up.

During an interview on TalkTV during the Covid-19 lockdown, Eamonn explained he and Ruth were struggling with not having their own space.

He said: 'Although we live together, we're not really together, we don't watch the same TV, Ruth likes her own space. When we do This Morning it's a rare time we actually interrelate.'

Ruth added: 'That's why we've been together 24 years, because we aren't actually together a lot.'

Elsewhere in another resurfaced clip, Eamonn and Ruth discussed staying friends with an ex.

The former This Morning hosts discussed whether they could stay friends with a former partner in a discussion on the popular ITV daytime show back in a clip from 2018.

They were joined by Anthea Turner and journalist Nilufer Atik.

Eamonn said on the topic: 'It is easier to stay friends.'

While Ruth had a different opinion, saying: 'Why would you need to stay friends, you aren't with them anymore, you don't need to be friends.

'My thing is you weren't just friends, you were married or had a relationship.'

The TV couple, who friends say were 'as close to Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan as you could get', had sparked rumours of a split after not appearing on each other's Instagram accounts for months.

They first met in through a mutual friend, GMTV star Sally Meen, while Eamonn was also on the show in 1997.

Two years later, he had split from his first wife Gabrielle Holmes, the mother of his three eldest children.

And despite the pair feeling an instant connection, he ensured it was the nation's best-kept secret, as he did not publicly confess his love for Ruth for two years.

Eamonn (pictured with GB News co-host Isabel Webster) broke his silence on his separation from Ruth on Tuesday

A spokesperson for the couple said: 'Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing'

Eamonn even refused to hold her hand in public or attend events together for the first few years of their relationship in a bid to stay respectful to his ex of nearly 20 years.

They eventually tied the knot in 2010 after 13 years together, in a lavish ceremony at the grand 19th century Hampshire hotel, The Elvetham.

Among those on the guestlist were TV presenters Gloria Hunniford and Jeremy Kyle, EastEnders actress Zoe Lucker and former champion boxer Barry McGuigan.

And while they had shared a lavish 3.2million mansion in Surrey, Eamonn is believed to have moved out before the break-up was announced.

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.

Eamonn and Ruth left the programme in 2021 after their contract lapsed and were replaced by Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond.

The duo have also presented a number of other shows together including How The Other Half Lives, Do The Right Thing With Eamonn And Ruth and Eamonn And Ruth's 7 Year Itch.

Holmes, who has also fronted coverage on GMTV and Sky News' Sunrise, launched Breakfast With Eamonn and Isabel on GB News in January 2022.

Langsford regularly presents Loose Women, having begun on the show in the 1990s.
For the first time in six years of activist life, Mabinta Djiba dares to openly say that his leaders are on the wrong track. The trained teacher, loyal to Pastef (African Patriots of Senegal for work, ethics and fraternity), the party founded by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, is alarmed at the little space made to women by the new Senegalese executive. Among the 25 ministers appointed on April 5, there are only four.

As if we dont have women as capable as men! , laments this elected representative from Pastef in Bignona (south), imprisoned twice in the last years of Macky Salls mandate; a first time in Dakar, in 2021, with 17 other activists, and the second in March 2023, after defending Ousmane Sonkos children, banned from school due to their fathers imprisonment.

Barely 18% of the positions of senior civil servants and heads of state companies announced during three waves of appointments are occupied by women. There is an imbalance that is growing, laments a leader of Mojip, the Pastef womens movement. The words are measured, but the anger expressed marks a rupture in a party known to be united around its leaders.

Opacity

Pastef reflects society and other Senegalese parties. He complied with the law on parity for local elections without further pushing for the feminization of positions internally. There are very few women at the top of the movement, underlines Alassane Ndao, political science researcher at Gaston-Berger University in Saint-Louis. Faced with this beginning of rebellion, a list of womens names was sent to the executive duo with a view to the next appointments, according to several sources within Pastef.

But the criticisms that emerge internally do not only relate to parity: the opacity which surrounded certain appointments is surprising, while Pastef has made transparency one of its hobbyhorses. What about tenders? , calls out a party activist, in reference to repeated promises to open public service positions to applications. The Diomaye President program, which served as the basis for the Pastef campaign, in fact promoted a reform of the recruitment method in the administration, which would notably involve a systematic call for applications.

Although a draft decree and a draft law on access to the civil service, to jobs and functions in the administration were discussed on April 17 in the Council of Ministers, no timetable has been set. For the moment, this is not the priority, says a close friend of the president, even if we want to move towards transparency and the end of nepotism. A practice associated, among Pastef supporters, with former president Macky Sall. In a book published in 2017, Ousmane Sonko, then a land inspector and trade unionist, notably accused the brother of the former president, Aliou Sall, of being responsible for embezzlement and tax fraud.

For the supporters of the new power, there is an urgent need to stifle the denial trials. We cannot put the country on hold to launch calls for applications, explains Ibrahima Diallo, communications manager at Pastef. We place men in whom we trust to manage emergencies and we must ensure the continuity of the State. 

Loved ones and allies

While the formation of a government built on skills had been welcomed, the latest batch of appointments at the head of public companies, Wednesday May 15, left more than one editorialist speechless. A doctor, an executive from Pastef, was thus appointed to manage the National Lottery, and it was a teaching unionist who was appointed to manage the company managing the infrastructure of the new town of Diamniadio. They are caught between two fires: on one side citizen control, which calls for respect for campaign promises, on the other the aspirations of their supporters and allies, who wish to be associated with the exercise of power, notes Elimane Haby Kane, public policy analyst.

With the exception of the secretary general of the presidency, who retained his title after the transfer of power between Macky Sall and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, it is relatives and political allies of the executive tandem who now occupy the key positions at the top of the presidency. State. Men like Ousmane Sonkos head of security, Waly Diouf Bodian, appointed head of the Autonomous Port of Dakar, or Habib Sy, candidate in the last presidential election and supporter of Pastef, appointed director of Senelec, the national electricity company.

It remains to fill the strategic functions of the customs directorates, the Treasury and, above all, the General Directorate of Taxes and Lands (DGID), the original body of the president, the Prime Minister and their opponent in the presidential election, the former -head of government Amadou Ba.
Italy has applied from today the obligation to present the sanitary pass to be able to enter the workplace, which consists of anticovid vaccination or a negative test, something that most companies have accepted while in some sectors, such as carriers or the

Stepadores, have announced strikes and protests.

The date of October 15, today, for the application of this measure had been announced for a long time, but the tensions have been accumulated in recent days, especially before the refusal of the Mario Draghi Government of Sean Tests Anticovid

For workers who have decided not to vaccinate.

The figure of people vaccinated and recovered from the infection exceeds 90% and more than 80% of Italians have been vaccinated, but close to 10% of workers have not been vaccinated and many protest for having to pay for the test, which costs

15 euros, every 48 hours.

There are tensions especially in some ports such as Trieste, where the stevedores have announced mobilizations that could cause a stop in the logistics sector since the percentage of unvaccinated employees is about 40%.

There are no blockages, who wants to work does it, said Stefano Puzzer, leader of the protest against the Sanitary Pass in the port of Trieste, reducing the tensions that had been announced.

However, Triestes stevedores, one of the main ports of the Northeast, threatened before the Protest Conference with blocking activity, while interruptions in road transport are possible.

Ivano Russo, Director General of Confector, the Italian General Confederation of Transport and Logistics, an Association of Employers, told France Presse than a total of 900,000 truck drivers, messengers and warehouse workers, between 25 and 30

% do not have a health card.

The Government has offered free trials to Trieste stevedores, while some terminal operators from the Port of Genoa are offered to pay them themselves.

The true problem of the Green Pass for the Port of Genoa, and in general for all ports, it will be road transport, said Roberto Gulli, of the UIL union, which was predicted that today could there be chaos.

Anyone who has not been vaccinated or recently cured of Covid-19 must show his employer a negative test he has paid, or risks to be declared absent from work and to which the salary is removed.

Today will also pay attention to how companies will manage absences derived from employees who do not access the workplace.

The public sector workers will be sanctioned without salary on the fifth day of absence for not presenting the sanitary pass, while private ones from the first day.

Several demonstrations and concentrations against the health certificate have also been organized.

The most important will be in Rome, where more than 1,000 agents have been mobilized after altercations last weekend due to the infiltration of neo-fascists that assaulted the headquarters of the CGIL union.

In Spain, the unions CCOO and UGT will concentrate this Friday in all the provincial capitals to show their solidarity with the CGIL Italian union after the attack on its headquarters in Rome perpetrated by fascist groups last Saturday.

The Government of Prime Minister Mario Draghi has defended the Sanitary Pass as a way to avoid new closures in Italy, one of the European countries most affected by the pandemic of Coronavirus, who has killed more than 130,000 people and has dropped his GDP a

8.9% in 2020.

The vaccination program has kept low infection rates and it is expected that Italy grows 5.8% this year, according to the latest FMI forecasts.
The United States decision to increase military support to Israel after attacks by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas will not affect Washingtons ability to continue arming Ukraine, its ambassador to NATO assured this Tuesday.

On whether or not US support for Israel could come at the expense of support for Ukraine, we do not anticipate any major stumbling blocks in that regard, the US representative to the Atlantic Alliance, Julianne Smith, told reporters.

I think the United States will be able to remain focused on our partnership and commitment to Israels security, while at the same time honoring our commitments and promising to continue supporting Ukraine, he said.

The president of the United States, Joe Biden, on Sunday ordered ships and combat vessels to approach Israel, in a show of support, and sent new military aid.

This new crisis comes as the White House seeks a way to keep weapons supplies flowing to Ukraine.

Ukraines allies will meet in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss arms deliveries, focusing on the Ukrainian counteroffensive and ways to provide air defenses.

I anticipate that the emphasis will be primarily on air defense and munitions, although no doubt the Ukrainians will come with a variety of other requests, Smith said.

Since the start of the Russian offensive in February last year, the aid provided by the United States to Ukraine is equivalent to that of all the European members of NATO and Canada combined.

Diplomats at NATO insist there is no danger of arms supplies to Ukraine drying up in the near future.

However, the EUs head of diplomacy has already warned that the bloc would not be able to cover any funding gap left by the United States.
Jared Harris, known for his roles in Mad Men and Foundation, has made it clear that he will not be taking on the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series reboot. The show has stirred up quite a buzz as it plans to feature new actors in the familiar roles of Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.

While some actors, like Gary Oldman, have expressed interest in joining the project, Harris has firmly declined the opportunity. In a recent interview, he stated, No, thank you. Also, I mean, why do it? I dont understand. The films were fantastic  leave them alone. Despite his decision, Harris did acknowledge that the TV series could delve into aspects of the story that were not explored in the films.

Reflecting on his father, Richard Harris, who originally portrayed Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, Jared Harris shared insights into the late actors life. He mentioned a documentary he worked on, titled The Ghost of Richard Harris, which aimed to capture the essence of his fathers personality and experiences. Harris revealed that his father had started writing his autobiography while in the hospital, but unfortunately, his notes were thrown out by a nurse.

Currently, Jared Harris can be seen in the film Reawakening, where he stars alongside Juliet Stevenson and Erin Doherty. The movie, directed by Virginia Gilbert, follows a couple as they navigate old tensions resurfacing when their daughter returns after disappearing as a teenager.

As the Harry Potter franchise continues to captivate audiences, the decision of actors to participate in the upcoming TV series reboot is garnering attention. While some are eager to take on familiar roles, others, like Jared Harris, prefer to cherish the original films and let them stand on their own. The legacy of Richard Harris as Dumbledore remains untouched, preserving the essence of the beloved character for fans around the world.
Manchester Restaurant Maya Earns Spot in Michelin Guide Just Two Months After Opening

One of Manchesters newest dining establishments, Maya restaurant and bar, has made a significant mark in the culinary world by being mentioned in the prestigious Michelin Guide just two months after its grand opening. Located inside the iconic former Mash&Air building at Canal Street and Chorlton Street in the city center, Maya offers a unique dining experience across three floors  a canalside bar and brasserie on the ground floor, a luxurious restaurant on the first basement level, and a subterranean nightclub below.

Maya made a splash in the dining scene with a series of glamorous opening events in March, and now it has garnered its first foodie accolade with a nod from the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland. The guide commended the beautifully appointed interiors and the skillful, classically based cooking at Maya, showcasing a diverse range of dining styles in British and Irish cuisine.

Headed by talented chef Gabe Lea, whose previous experience includes Michelin-starred establishments like Le Manoir and The French, Maya promises a menu that rotates with the seasons and features the best local and seasonal ingredients. Diners can savor dishes such as turbot with bonne femme, roasted dry-aged duck breast, shorthorn ribeye with sauce bordelaise, and poached lobster with vanilla bisque.

The mind behind Mayas concept is Scottie Bhattarai, CEO of Isabel Mayfair and its sister brands. With a background in leading Michelin-starred restaurant brands, Bhattarai envisioned Maya as a dinner plus destination, offering a unique experience that combines great food, drinks, and entertainment all under one roof.

In addition to Maya, the Michelin Guides May new entries also include Chester restaurant Boheme, known for its smart brasserie-style dining areas that transition from a cafe and bakery in the mornings to a full-blown restaurant for dinner. Both establishments have captured the attention of food enthusiasts and critics alike, solidifying their places in the culinary world.
Tower Limited

Half Year 2024 Results for Announcement to Market

In accordance with NZX Listing Rule 3.5.1 we enclose the following for release to the market in relation to Tower Limiteds (NZX/ASX: TWR) Half Year 2024 Year Results:

1 Media Release

2 Results Announcement

3 Interim Financial Statements (including Independent Auditors Review Report)

4 Results Announcement Presentation

5 Results Announcement Call Script

6. NZX Distribution Notice

Towers Chairman, Michael Stiassny, Chief Executive Officer, Blair Turnbull, and Chief Financial Officer, Paul Johnston, will discuss the half year results at 10:00am New Zealand time today.

Towers Board confirms for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 1.15.3 that Tower continues to comply with the NZX Main Board Listing Rules.

ENDS

This announcement has been authorised by:

Blair Turnbull

Chief Executive Officer

Tower Limited

For media enquiries, please contact in the first instance:

Emily Davies

Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability

+64 21 815 149

emily.davies@tower.co.nz

For investor queries, please contact in the first instance:

James Silcock

Head of Strategy, Planning and Investor Relations

+64 22 395 9327

james.silcock@tower.co.nz

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Automaker Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) on Monday announced the inauguration of its fast electric-powered vehicles (EV) charging station here, and said this was first of the companys target of installing 100 such facilities across Tamil Nadu.

The 180 kW DC fast charging station, comprising of 150 kW and 30 kW connectors, has been set at Spencer Plaza here, and would cater to compatible four-wheelers irrespective of brand and model, a company release said.

As we celebrate 28 years of HMIL in India, we are delighted to inaugurate our first ever 180 kW fast public charging station in Chennai. In line with Hyundais vision of Progress for Humanity, we aim to enhance convenience of all EV users, and hence our charging stations can be utilised by any four-wheeler EV user. HMIL envisages to install 100 charging stations across Tamil Nadu, to enhance the EV ecosystem and motivate more customers towards EV adoption across the state, Jae Wan Ryu, Executive Director  Corporate Planning, HMIL, was quoted as saying in the release.
The India-US CEO Forums Working Group 7 (WG7) on entrepreneurship, inclusive growth, and promoting small businesses, in partnership with United Services Institute (USI) and CyberPeace Foundation, has launched the bilateral knowledge-sharing platform between the two nations, during the dialogue on inclusive growth, unlocking trade, empowering Startups and MSMEs in the Digital Age at USI.

The discussion also saw the launch of Prakshepan, an innovation Hackathon, and Cybersecurity and AI Capacity Building and Skilling Workshops for MSMEs and startups. The workshops will focus on protecting MSMEs and startups from online threats, and provide these businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to build resilient security structures.

Dr Subi Chaturvedi, Chief Corporate Affairs and Public Policy Officer, Global Senior Vice President (SVP), InMobi, and Sherpa WG7, said, The dialogue and the knowledge-sharing platform will enhance the bilateral relationship and unlock trade between India and the US, promoting inclusive growth by empowering startups and integrating MSMEs in the global supply chain and fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive economy.
The BJPs defence manifesto, dubbed Modi ki guarantee, pledges robust security measures but faces criticism for overlooking persistent threats and insufficient defence spending

Indias Twin Challenges Warrant Active Deterrence: Achievable through Investment in Defence BJPs defence and national security manifesto is Modi ki guarantee for Surakshit Bharat. It launched a massive 15-day campaign to invite suggestions through face-to-face meetings and the NaMo app from around 10 mn supporters. The election manifesto is immersed in Modi pictures and a surfeit of Modi ki guarantees. There is plenty the BJP is taking credit for. Eliminating terrorism though attacks occurred only last week in J&K. Cross Border Terrorism has a tragic history: attack on Parliament in December 2001 (under BJP rule) and Mumbai 2008 under United Progressive Alliance (UPA) dispensation. In 2001 BJP applied coercive diplomacy -Operation Parakaram- which was partially successful. In 2008 UPA exercised strategic restraint  doing nothing. Its zero tolerance for terrorism was demonstrated by Uri and Myanmar surgical strikes in 2016 and Balakot air strikes in 2019. These created deterrence against spectacular terrorism. BJPs claim of no attack in the last decade is wrong: terrorists struck at Pathankot, Pulwama and Uri Brigade Headquarters and 2950 civilians and security forces were killed in terrorist-related incidents between 2014 and 2023. BJPs inventory of achievements is impressive: revocation of Article 370, 52 per cent reduction in Left Wing Terrorism, with Home Minister Amit Shah declaring it will be crushed within three years. There is an overall decline of 73 per cent in the insurgency in the northeast but no mention of Manipur where violence has continued for one year and repolling ordered twice. Manipur, a serious embarrassment for the Government will reignite insurgency. Given the violent situation on the India-Myanmar border, with the Junta fighting a losing battle with rebels, Myanmar will present a major threat to the North East. Hailing CDS as an achievement, the BJP emphasised the completion of theorisation soonest. Further infrastructure development in the northern borders is matched by a thrust towards the security of the Indian Ocean Region. Defence manufacturing and Atmanirbharta figure prominently under Making India a Global Manufacturing Hub. There is no mention of China or Pakistan and dealing with the twin threats they pose even as the opposition has attacked the Government for loss of territory in east Ladakh which the Government has denied emphatically. Clean chit to China will resolve the border dispute on Indias terms difficult if not impossible. Restoration of status quo ante (April 20, 2020), demanded by successive Army Chiefs, is also not realizable. The lack of political guidance to the Armed Forces is a major deficiency. The first indication in four years that agreement on theorisation is nearing came from RM Rajnath Singh this month.

Leaving it to the CDS whose operational role is unclear to obtain consensus on the allocation of resources, the job profile of service Chiefs when theatre commanders are in place and operational command and control of theatres is unworkable without inputs from RM and NSA to CDS. Equally, NSA Ajit Doval and the National Security Council Secretariate have to update the National Security Strategy submitted by Integrated Defence Staff in 2021. Surprisingly, the Government has not taken these two interlinked issues  Theatrisation and NSS seriously enough. Speculation is rife these will happen within one year of BJP 3.0. During the UPA rule, NSS was prepared thrice.The issue most befuddling is the static of defence spending on which the 2024 BJP manifesto is silent.

The Congress on the other hand has Stated in its current manifesto that it will arrest the decline in defence spending and allocate sufficient funds. Sufficiency of funds is a challenge no Government has addressed.

Defence allocation has plummeted from a high of 3.5 per cent in Congress rule in the late 1980s when I was a member of the Defence Planning Staff to less than 2 per cent today even when the GDP has risen exponentially. The latest SIPRI report shows Indias defence budget is USD 84bn compared to Chinas USD 296 bn. In defence allocation, for 2024-25, defence outlay was increased by 4.7 per cent which is the lowest in ten years (except in 2020-21) when it was 1.45 per cent of the GDP. As a percentage of GDP defence spending has not reached even 2 per cent at a time when two full-fledged wars are being fought along with several skirmishes. The capital budget for modernisation best illustrates the parsimony: the gap between the amount demanded and the amount allocated in 2015-16 was Rs 16,646 crore while in 2022-23 it rose to Rs 63,328 crore. Government officials offer the perennial excuse that defence forces cant spend the money. Amit Cowshish who was financial advisor (Acquisition) a decade ago says the 1.9 per cent of GDP in the current fiscal is 13 per cent of Government expenditure. A defence spending budget which is 3 per cent of GDP alone can begin to catch up with China in military capability.

The rest of the world is investing hugely in defence with 31 Nato nations committed to reaching 2 per cent of GDP with the UK pledging to reach 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027. Even pacifist Japan has decided to put aside the 1 per cent spending on defence constitutional limitation and will spend 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027 and invest USD 315 bn to augment capabilities and deterrence. The capital cost of catheterisation and attendant reforms have to be factored in. Modi has to bite the bullet to deter China and with Jaishankar try to make the twin threat challenge one-front. Modis This is not the era of war is day-dreaming!

(The writer, a retired Major General, was Commander, IPKF South, Sri Lanka, and founder member of the Defence Planning Staff, currently the Integrated Defence Staff. The views expressed are personal)
The Ghatkopar tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter safety measures and accountability to prevent future incidents driven by commercial greed

In a massive human tragedy, involving human negligence, 16 innocent lives were lost and almost 75 people were injured when a hoarding fell on a petrol pump in Ghatkopar, a suburb in Mumbai on May 13. It is guessed that the hoarding had a weak foundation and probably fell due to the heavy winds that were blowing that day and struck several people who were present at a nearby petrol pump. It is learnt that the hoarding was three times the size sanctioned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and stood on the land owned by the Government Railway Polic (GRP). The advertising panel that held the hoarding in question was put by Ego Media whose owner Bhavesh Bhinde was arrested in this connection on Thursday.

This incident would not have occurred if care had been taken by those who are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring observance of legal norms. Any damage or harm caused to persons, naturally, raises concerns of some kind of negligence or human carelessness. It is apparent that some negligence was involved and legal norms were violated. There was negligence on the part of the people who put up such a dangerous advertising panel as well as the local authorities.

The natural question here is why was the company allowed to put an advertising panel, that posed danger to human lives, in violation of the relevant norms and why some action to remove such a dangerous panel was not taken in time by the concerned authorities. There is clear negligence of the owners and workers of the company that put this panel on the public road as they could reasonably foresee that such a panel may cause harm or injury if care is not taken. But there is also apparent negligence of the local authorities whose accountability is required to be fixed as their responsibility is to keep watch on city roads and, wherever necessary, take quick action to prevent accidents and damage. In this particular matter also, there is an obvious indifference towards the breach of duty and negligence as is apparent in the general attitude of apathy and lackadaisical approach in the Government functionaries as well as among the common people in India. This incident has posed many questions involving faulty urban governance in Indian cities as well as highlighting the general apathy towards human life in our country.

There is no doubt that the Ghatkopar incident was an accident and accidents do occur despite precautions and they happen even in the most developed nations. But incidents and accidents causing deaths, injuries and damages are rampant in India, perhaps, much more than in any other country.

The national newspapers are full of news of deaths, injuries and damages caused either due to road accidents, dog attacks, fire incidents, drowning in rivers, lakes and swimming pools or due to negligence in many other situations including while doing medical procedures. What is surprising is that such news does not invite or attract much public reaction and only some hue and cry is raised in bigger matters for some time which is gradually forgotten. The Government officials also do not seem much bothered by such incidents and they also respond momentarily to assuage the public outcry for the time being.

The thought that perplexes one here is how unfortunately so many innocent and precious lives were lost and what impact it would have had on their family members. Many of those who died must have been the sole breadwinners in the family on whose income the family may have been dependent. The unexpected deaths of near ones and injuries to those who survived must have caused huge shock and left indelible marks on the psyches of relatives and injured that will remain a constant source of pain for them for the rest of their lives. The loss of relatives as well as the source of income will turn this tragedy into a double jeopardy for the shattered and grieving family members.

Anyone, with an awakened mind and a sensitive heart, who is witnessing rampant human tragedies regularly happening in India, naturally shudders to think about whether there is any guarantee of security or value of, human life in this country.

Ghatkopar tragedy among other such incidents again compels one to think that whether every individual, in this country, is so insecure and vulnerable that anything can happen to them anytime and anywhere and there is always a possibility of an accident occurring with them due to negligence and callous apathy of others towards human life.

This dismal atmosphere makes the author recall a Statement from a friends son who had long back gone to study in England. When asked about the difference in life between India and England, he sadly quipped that in England people do not let even their animals die and go to every extent to save their lives, but in India, we see people regularly dying like animals, without much compassion being felt by Government or people. Hope that the Ghatkopar incident will raise concerns and make the Government and people more careful and responsible and a general atmosphere of care and value for human life shall prevail to save precious human lives in our nation.

(The author is a Sr Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, the University of Delhi; views are personal)
Riding high on speculations that the Opposition parties led by Congress under the INDIA Bloc may tally better that incumbent BJP-led NDA in this years general elections, top leaders of the Bloc are likely to meet on June 1 to assess their performance in the Lok Sabha elections and chalk out strategy ahead of the results. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has convened the meeting in Delhi when the last phase of polling will be underway.

Sources said Opposition leaders will discuss their strategy ahead of the June 4 results and assess their performance in the seven-phase elections. The ruling alliance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also claimed that it would form the Government at the Centre for the third successive time.

Among those invited for the meeting is Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who is also convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and is currently on interim bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise policy case. He has to surrender on June 2.

Others invited are Sharad Pawar of NCP, Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena, Tejashwi Yadav of RJD, Akhilesh Yadav from Samajwadi Party, Kalpana Soren (Hemants Sorens wife) from JMM, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin who have contested the ensuing Lok Sabha polls under an alliance with the Congress in several States.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah are also part of the meeting scheduled for which the coordination command has been tasked to top Congress leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Ashok Gehlot, sources said.

Twenty-eight Opposition parties came together to form the INDIA Bloc then initiated by JD(U) supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar followed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee last June. Later in Nitish, and subsequently Jayant Chaudhary-led RLD switched over to the NDA and Sharad Pawar-led NCP too broke away.

Mamata, who too walked out of the INDIA Bloc days before the elections, has already sent feelers that her party would be supporting the Congress Bloc post the poll results in case the coalition is in position to form the Government.

My analysis of the last six phases is that the BJP will not cross the 200-seat mark, while the INDIA Bloc will come to power in Delhi, in which West Bengal and TMC will play a pivotal part, Mamata said.

I will support the INDIA Bloc but will ensure that CAA and NRC are scrapped and the Uniform Civil Code is not implemented. Every bonafide Indian citizen of any community has the right to live without fear, she asserted.

As a constituent of the alliance, the AAP had seat-sharing agreements with Congress in Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, and Haryana. However, the two are in direct fight against each other in Punjab.

TMC, however, is unlikely to attend the meeting on June 1, sources said, as it coincides with the last phase of voting in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls as Mamata and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee too will be voting on the day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives and damage wreaked by a devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea, and said India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance. An immediate financial aid of USD 1 million to provide relief and assistance to people there was announced by the Indian Government.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage caused by the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea. Our heartfelt condolences to the affected families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured. India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance," the Prime Minister posted on X.

According to the Papua New Guinea Government, more than 2,000 people are believed to have been buried alive in a landslide in the South Pacific island nation.

This happened after the side of a mountain came down in the early hours of Friday morning when the village of Yambali was asleep.

The settlement is located in a restive and remote area in the interior of the poor, rural nation off the northern coast of Australia, making search and rescue efforts complicated and hazardous.

The MEA said Prime Minister Modi expressed deep condolences and conveyed India's readiness to extend all possible support and assistance to the Pacific island country in its time of difficulty.

"As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, the Government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of USD 1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts," it said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday India stands in solidarity with people of Papua New Guinea in this difficult time.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Papua New Guinea following the recent landslide," Jaishankar said on X.

"Our thoughts are with the Government and the people. India stands in solidarity with our friends at this difficult time," he said.

The MEA said India has firmly stood by Papua New Guinea during times of difficulty and devastation caused by natural disasters, as in the wake of the earthquake in 2018 and volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023.

"An important pillar of India's Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative (IPOI), announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019, is disaster risk reduction and management," it said in a statement.

It said India is committed to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and continues to be a responsible and steadfast responder.
Entering last legs of the over one and a half months criss-cross hectic campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he had heard that the term "love jihad" was coined by the people of Jharkhand and that efforts were made in one district of the State to change the weekly holiday from Sunday, which was connected to the Christian community, to Friday. In neighbouring West Bengal in Barasat, Modi flayed the TMC Government for "snatching the rights of OBC youths" to facilitate its appeasement politics and "vote jihad".

Addressing a rally at Dumka, Modi claimed that the tribal population was decreasing in the Santhal Parganas because of infiltration and accused the JMM-led ruling alliance in Jharkhand of "patronising" infiltrators, who he said were grabbing land and putting women at risk.

"A friend was telling me that the term 'love jihad' emanated from Jharkhand. The people of Jharkhand have coined this term," he said. Accusing the JMM of indulging in "communal and appeasement politics", he said that despite Sunday being a holiday since the British era, in one Jharkhand district, it was changed to Friday.

"Sunday is not linked to Hindus but to the Christian community. It has been a holiday since 200-300 years. In one district, they changed the holiday from Sunday to Tuesday. First, they fought with Hindus, now they are fighting with Christians. What is going on?" Modi asked. "INDI Alliance's politics is based on the formula of communal appeasement, patronising separatists and protecting terrorists... Those who oppose it face the allegation of dividing Hindus and Muslims," he said.

The PM said the Opposition INDIA Bloc was providing reservations on the basis of religion. "It will not be tolerated. Till Modi is alive, reservations cannot be provided for 'vote jihad'," he said.

Modi claimed that when he "unmasked" the "communal and anti-tribal" veil of the Opposition, he was accused of dividing Hindus and Muslims. PM was campaigning for BJP's Dumka candidate Sita Soren, Rajmahal nominee Tala Marandi and Godda MP Nishikant Dubey. The elections in these constituencies will be held on June 1.

Addressing an election rally in Barasat, Modi, without naming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, criticised her for questioning the judges of the Calcutta High Court and wondered if the TMC would now "let loose its goons on judges" following unfavourable rulings.

"The court has exposed the treachery of the Trinamool Congress with the OBCs. The party snatched the rights of OBC youths to support its appeasement politics and 'vote jihad'. The TMC has betrayed the OBCs of West Bengal," he asserted.

The Calcutta High Court had last week struck down the OBC status of several classes in West Bengal granted since 2010, finding such reservations to vacancies in services and posts in the state illegal. Mamata has said she will "not accept" the ruling, dubbing it as a verdict passed under the influence of the BJP.

Reaffirming his commitment to combat corruption, the PM said after his resolve of "na khaunga, na khane dunga" (I will neither accept bribes nor allow others to do so), his new guarantee is "jisne khaya hain usey bahar nikalunga" (those who have taken bribes will be taken to task).

The Prime Minister also took umbrage at Mamata's recent comments against a few monks of the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha and alleged these socio-religious organisations were being threatened to appease the TMC's vote bank.

The PM also slammed the TMC for opposing the CAA in Bengal due to its vote bank politics. "Due to the politics of appeasement, the TMC is spreading canards against the CAA. But, today the whole country is witness to hundreds of refugees getting citizenship. Nothing has been taken away from anyone; rather, they have been respected as sons and daughters of mother India," he said.

Addressing another rally at Baruipur under the Jadavpur Lok Sabha constituency, Modi asserted that the TMC could never do any good for youths of the State. "The TMC and good governance have no relation. You won't find good governance in Bengal even under a microscope. The TMC works only for its vote bank and can never do anything good for youths of the State. The party has no vision," the PM said.
Amidst the looming threat of imminent collapse due to neglect and decay, the recently discovered 1300-1400-year-old historical Swapneswar Mahadev temple in Odisha's Puri district now stands poised for a remarkable restoration. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Union Culture Ministry has recently issued a draft notification inviting suggestions and objections to its plans to bring the monument dating back to the 6th-7th century CE and adorned with the unique Kalingan architectural style under its protection. Once the process is completed, the temple will be designated as a "monument of national importance".

Once the designation is finalised, the temple will receive the necessary resources and attention for its preservation, ensuring that the temple and its precinct are preserved for future generations.

Discovered three years ago by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in Birapurusottampur village in Puri, the temple had caught the attention of the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who urged Union Minister of Culture G Kishan Reddy to take action for its preservation on an urgent basis. In response to the temple's discovery, Odisha's Tourism and Culture Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi too had promised funds for its restoration.

It stands as a historical marvel showcasing the unique Kalingan architectural style. The temple was discovered by a four-member team led by Anil Dhir, Deepak Kumar Nayak, Subhashish Dash and Suman Swain of INTACH at Biropurusottampur village in Pipili tehsil of Puri district during the survey of Ratnachira Valley and its monuments. They were shocked to find the temple, which is crafted from unique square Khandolite stone blocks, embodying the architectural grandeur of the post-Gupta era, was covered in thick vegetation and was a site of negligence.

Talking about its historical value, Dhir said, as per reports, the stone blocks were placed one over the other in symmetry to make the temple wall and roof. "No evidence of iron clamps has been seen. The neatly chiseled blocks denote an era when Kalingan traditional temple architectural style was in its infancy. The temple is devoid of any external embellishments on both the inner and outer walls; even the parsadevata niches are empty," Dhir said.

The temple's intricate carvings and graceful proportions are a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of its creators. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple holds a special place in the hearts of locals and historians alike for its early Kalingan architectural style, added an ASI official.

The notification signed by ASI Director General YS Rawat states, "Whereas, the Central Government is of the opinion that the ancient monument, as specified in the site plan and schedule annexed hereto, is an ancient monument of national importance; now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (24 of 1958), the Central Government hereby gives notice of its intention to declare the said ancient monument to be of national importance."

Any objections or suggestions to the declaration of the temple as an ancient monument of national importance may be made within a period of two months from the date of issue of this notification by any interested person, says the notification which was issued on May 9.

The proposed national protection aims to mobilise comprehensive conservation efforts to ensure the preservation of this invaluable historical and spiritual monument for future generations, the official explained.
Senior AAP leader and Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Tuesday accused Haryana of not releasing Delhis share of water since May 1 amid many areas in the national capital grappling with water crisis. She said that the government will be implementing a slew of measures including rationalising supply of water in the city.

Addressing a press conference, she said that the Delhi government is constantly talking to Haryana about the issue and if it is not resolved in the next couple of days, it may approach the Supreme Court over the matter. Atishi said many areas in Delhi are grappling with water shortage and appealed to people to use water judiciously. She also warned that if people do not heed this appeal, the government may have to impose challan for excess use of water in coming days.

Alleging that the Haryana government is not releasing water, she claimed, Haryana has stopped release of Delhis share of water. The water level at Wazirabad was 674.5 feet on May 1. This is the average level that should be maintained. Last year in April, May, and June, the minimum level was maintained at 674.5 feet. Sharing data, the minister said till May 8, the water level at Wazirabad came down to 672 feet and by May 20 it was at 671 feet and on Tuesday, it declined further to 669.8 feet.

The borewells that were earlier working six to seven hours have been functional for 14 hours. We have also increased the number of water tankers. Starting today, we are reducing water supply in those areas where it is supplied twice a day to once a day. The rationalised water will be supplied to areas grappling with the water crisis, she added, appealing to people not to wash vehicles with water pipes. Further, she said, We may have to issue challans for excess use of water if people do not heed to this public appeal. Misuse of water is highly irresponsible.

The Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena in this regard a few days earlier shared that water level of Yamuna river depends upon many factors like weather conditions, temperature, state of precipitation in the catchment area, regeneration of river, etc. He stated, The water level of Yamuna river @ Wazirabad on a daily basis was far better than the levels measured in May, 2021 and May, 2022. Particularly, the data from 15th May onwards revealed that on each day, the water level @ Wazirabad was higher in May, 2024 as compared to the levels recorded in the years 2021 & 2022 for each day.

The BJP has called out Atishi on her statement and said that it is a blatant lie and deceit with the people of Delhi and an insult to the sentiments of the people of Haryana. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said that Delhis water crisis is now leaving behind even Chennai.
/



Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday addressed a at Dussehra Ground, while campaigning for BJP candidate from Sri Anandpur Sahib Subhash Sharma and targeted both the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party for betraying the people of Punjab.

Speaking at the rally, Rajnath Singh claimed that like other parts of the country, there is a strong Modi wave in Punjab too. He said that due to the highly competent, efficient and strong leadership of PM Modi, the borders of Punjab and the country are completely safe. Today, India is at a position in the world, where all countries look at us with respect and our enemy countries do not dare to look towards our nation, he asserted.



Pointing towards Pakistan, Singh said, Do not worry, very soon PoK will also be brought back. Now, the situation is that our brothers and sisters in PoK themselves have started demanding to come together with India. Taking a dig at Pakistan, Rajnath Singh said, If Pakistan cannot eliminate terror factories on its soil, then we are ready to provide help. Indian Army will not hesitate to take action against Indias enemies not only within its borders but also across the border if needed. He assured everyone that Indias strength, prestige and economy are growing rapidly.



Underlining the need for India to emerge as a world power, Rajnath Singh said, Indias defence exports were around Rs 600-800 crore in 2014 and today it has crossed Rs 31,000 crore. In the next five years, we expect it to take beyond Rs 50,000 crore. He also rejected the oppositions allegations of alleged Chinese infiltration and said, No country can occupy even an inch of our land. He further said that if China tries to indulge in any kind of mischief, the Indian army is fully capable of giving a befitting reply.
For the purposes of NZX Listing Rule 3.20.1, Napier Port (NZX: NPH ) announces today a change within its senior management team.

Viv Bull, General Manager People and Culture, has resigned to pursue new opportunities.

Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson said: On behalf of the Napier Port team, I thank Viv for her contribution over thirteen years to leading our human resources, employment relations, health and safety and culture. Viv excels in building meaningful and enduring relationships and she has been instrumental to implementing many of our strategic initiatives. I wish her all the best for the future.

The effective date of Ms Bulls resignation is expected to be 7 June 2024.

For more information:

Investors

Kristen Lie

Chief Financial Officer

DDI: +64 6 833 4405

E: kristenl@napierport.co.nz

Media

Jo-Ann Young

Corporate Affairs Manager

DDI: +64 6 833 4521

E: jo-anny@napierport.co.nz

About Napier Port

Napier Port is New Zealands fourth largest port by container volume. We are the gateway for Hawkes Bay and lower North Islands exports and operate a long-term regional infrastructure asset that supports the regional economy. Our strategic purpose is to collaborate with the people and organisations that have a stake in helping our region grow. View Napier Ports investor centre: www.napierport.co.nz/investor-centre/

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In view of crime prevention and security arrangements, a review meeting of all gazetted officers and police station in-charges held by Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra at the Commissioner's office.

During this, Additional Police Commissioner Awadhesh Goswami, Additional Police Commissioner Pankaj Srivastava and all DCP, ADDL. DCP, ACP and station in-charge were present.

Addressing the meeting, Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra reviewed the zone wise pending crimes and directed that for peace and security in the city.

All officers and police station in-charges should be very sensitive and curb the criminal elements. Continuously take preventive action against goons and miscreants and take legal action against drugs, gambling, betting and illegal arms smugglers. All police station in-charges along with the force should patrol crowded areas in the evening.

Visit markets and sensitive areas walking, as well as check suspicious vehicles and people at important places and intersections. Keep an eye on anti-social elements. Communicate with city defense committee and distinguished citizens. To prevent crimes against women and children, in slums. Organize awareness seminars.

To fix loudspeakers at religious places, get loudspeakers removed during meetings with religious gurus and distinguished citizens. Conduct vehicle checking campaigns to prevent incidents of vehicle theft and vandalism and keep an eye on social media.

Bhopal: In view of crime prevention and security arrangements, a review meeting of all gazetted officers and police station in-charges held by Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra at the Commissioner's office.

During this, Additional Police Commissioner Awadhesh Goswami, Additional Police Commissioner Pankaj Srivastava and all DCP, ADDL. DCP, ACP and station in-charge were present.

Addressing the meeting, Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra reviewed the zone wise pending crimes and directed that for peace and security in the city.

All officers and police station in-charges should be very sensitive and curb the criminal elements. Continuously take preventive action against goons and miscreants and take legal action against drugs, gambling, betting and illegal arms smugglers. All police station in-charges along with the force should patrol crowded areas in the evening.

Visit markets and sensitive areas walking, as well as check suspicious vehicles and people at important places and intersections. Keep an eye on anti-social elements. Communicate with city defense committee and distinguished citizens. To prevent crimes against women and children, in slums. Organize awareness seminars.

To fix loudspeakers at religious places, get loudspeakers removed during meetings with religious gurus and distinguished citizens. Conduct vehicle checking campaigns to prevent incidents of vehicle theft and vandalism and keep an eye on social media.
Before the World Environment Day, under the Environment Education Program of the Ministry of Environment, Government of India, various programs are being organized by the Environment Planning Coordination Organization (EPCO), Bhopal, from May 26 to June 5.

Under the World Environment Day program series, on 28th May, a bird watching and nature tour program was organized for the college students and public of Bhopal district at Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal, in which about 45 participants from different colleges participated.

During the program, subject expert Mohammad Khaliq and Dr. Sangeeta Rajgir of Bhopal Birds provided bird watching to the participants which included Red Vented Bulbul, Paradise Flycatcher, Black Drongon, Baya, Black Bittern, Gray Heron, Little Cormorant, Purple Moorhen, Common Moorhen, Information provided about White Breasted Kingfisher. The bird expert informed the participants about the migratory birds coming to Bhopal and the water pollution caused by single-use plastic in the wetland area.

Under the direction of Kamlesh Verma, EPCO, the participants made cuckoo, bulbul, duck from soil. Creations of birds like, Dudhraja were created. SK Sinha, Assistant Director, Van Vihar, present in the program, informed the participants about the efforts being made at the current level on Mission Life topics - water, energy, biodiversity conservation etc. Information was given.

After this, Patil administered the oath of Mission Life to all the participants and distributed certificates. On this occasion, environment lover Syed Zahid Mir, Faizan Rashid from EPCO, KS Rajput, Dilip Kushwaha, Abhishek Dixit, Silind, Vivek Singh etc. were present.

The program was conducted by Dilip Chakraborty, Environment Education Officer, EPCO and the participants were informed about the upcoming programs organized under the World Environment Day program series.
In a display of discontent, farmers in Punjab commenced protests outside the residences of BJP candidates and leaders across 16 locations on Tuesday. The demonstrations underscored mounting frustration among farmers, who confronted BJP candidates and leaders campaigning in villages, questioning the Modi government's policies, handling of farmers' protests, and alleged police actions during protests.

Reacting to the protests, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar issued a stern warning, cautioning the farmers and criticizing what he referred to as self-styled leaders of farmer unions. Jakhar condemned these leaders as extortionists, alleging collusion with the Bhagwant Mann-led government. They need to introspect. People will turn against them. They are defaming their own community. These self-styled leaders need to mend their ways, he said.

Addressing representatives of trade and industry in Ludhiana, Jakhar launched a scathing attack on the alleged disruptors of industrial operations, accusing them of causing massive losses and hindering Punjabs economic activities.

Punjabs arteries are blocked. They are not the genuine farmers who are protesting. Those resorting to these undemocratic ways are self-styled leaders who have their axe to grind. The AAP government under Bhagwant Mann is fanning their protest by patronizing it. The government is culpable of bringing disrepute to the real farmers, he said in the presence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Jakhar further lamented the distress faced by Punjab's industries due to the ongoing protests, blaming the government for exacerbating tensions between farmers and traders. He accused the administration of perpetuating a divide between the two sectors, jeopardizing Punjab's economic stability.
In Gorakhpur, the Gorakshpeeth has been the epicenter of political power for over three decades, drawing national attention to this Lok Sabha constituency. Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan, running for a second term, hopes to capitalise on the same influence that secured his initial victory.

Ravi Kishans campaign heavily relies on the support of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who previously served five terms as Gorakhpurs MP. His main rival, Samajwadi Party candidate Kajal Nishad from the India bloc, is banking on caste dynamics to gain votes. However, the temples influence remains a significant factor in the race.

This is Gorakhpur, where Yogis name prevails. The name of Maharaj ji (as Yogi is affectionately called) alone is enough. Whoever wins here does so because of Yogi ji, says Dinesh Pratap, a local resident.

The influence of Yogi Adityanath transcends religious boundaries within the constituency. The majority of shops around the Gorakshpeeth temple, selling memorabilia, are owned by Muslims. They benefit from the temples patronage and, out of respect for Maharaj ji, they vote for the BJP, explained Narendra Nath Srivastava, a retired government official.

This unique blend of religious and political loyalty underscores Yogi Adityanaths enduring impact on Gorakhpur, solidifying it as a stronghold for the BJP.

Historically, the Congress party dominated the Gorakhpur parliamentary constituency, winning six out of eight elections until 1984. However, the political landscape shifted with Mahant Digvijaynaths victory in 1967 and Harikesh Bahadurs win during the 1977 anti-Emergency wave.

After losing the seat in 1984, Congress has struggled to regain its position in Gorakhpur. From the late 1980s, Gorakshpeeth reasserted its dominance. Mahant Avaidyanath secured consecutive wins from 1989 to 1996, followed by Yogi Adityanaths five victories from 1998 to 2014. Mahant Digvijaynath had previously represented Gorakhpur in 1967, with Avaidyanath succeeding him after 1969.

The Ram Mandir movement saw Avaidyanath return to politics in 1989 under the Hindu Mahasabha, eventually aligning with the BJP. This partnership continued with Yogi Adityanath, solidifying Gorakshpeeths influence over the constituency.

In the last two Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won all nine seats in the Gorakhpur and Basti divisions, highlighting the influence of Nath Peeth. Since Yogi Adityanath became Chief Minister in 2017, Ravi Kishan has served as MP from Gorakhpur since 2019, emphasising his allegiance to Gorakshpeeth and Yogis guidance.

Conversely, the oppositions strategy appears entangled in the temples influence. After Samajwadi Party candidate Praveen Nishads 2018 by-election win, the BJP reclaimed the seat in the 2019 general elections. The SPs current candidate, Kajal Nishad, faces an uphill task in this Nath Peeth-dominated region.

The SPs efforts to mobilise the Nishad community have historically fallen short in general elections. Ravi Kishans decisive win over SPs Ram Bhual Nishad last time prompted the SP to field Kajal Nishad, yet the Nishad community remains aligned with BJP.

Ravi Kishan reiterates his campaigns core message: the Gorakhpur seat remains a temple seat. Both BJP and Ravi Kishan are acutely aware that Nath Peeths influence has historically outweighed caste considerations. Their strategy hinges on sustaining this faith-based loyalty to secure another term for Ravi Kishan.

The upcoming elections will test the resilience of Gorakshpeeths influence against the oppositions caste-based strategy. As political activities intensify, the entire nation watches closely, anticipating the outcome in this critical constituency.
The Jharkhand High Court on May 28 directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file a reply on the bail application moved by former Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Hearing on the bail plea of jailed Hemant Soren was held today in Jharkhand High Court. While hearing the case, the court asked the ED advocate to file the affidavit before June 10. Now the next hearing of this case will be on June 10. It is noteworthy that former Chief Minister Hemant Soren had filed a bail petition on Monday itself. And requested for hearing as soon as possible. Let us tell you that this hearing took place in the court of Justice Rangan Mukhopadhyay.

Hemant Soren has said in his petition that the allegation of land grabbing made against him by ED is completely baseless and baseless. 8.86 acres of Badgai land is land. Which cannot be transferred. He neither has ownership rights over the land nor is his name mentioned in any of the land documents. Despite this, ED has accused them of occupying that land.

Let us tell you that before this he had requested the civil court to grant him bail, but his petition was rejected. After this Hemant Soren reached Jharkhand High Court and said that the arrest made by ED is illegal. Jharkhand High Court had reserved the decision after hearing the case. Meanwhile, Hemant Soren reached the Supreme Court and requested for bail. After hearing the arguments of Hemant Soren's lawyer and ED's lawyer, the Supreme Court expressed displeasure that lawyer Kapil Sibal has hidden the facts related to the case. Therefore the judge said that he was going to dismiss the petition. On this, Kapil Sibal accepted his mistake and withdrew the petition.

In his petition, Soren pleaded before the court that his name does not figure in any of the documents about 8.5 acres of land in the Bargain circle and no offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act is made out against him.

He also claimed that the ED was relying only on statements of some people who had said that the land parcel belonged to him, but there was "no document to back such statements".

Soren had resigned as the chief minister before his arrest on January 31 and is now lodged in the Birsa Munda Jail at Hotwar in state capital Ranchi.

He was accused of being instrumental in tampering with land documents for a plot in Bargain in Ranchi.

Soren pleaded that the owner of the land was one Raj Kumar Pahan who had complained to the office of the Bargain Circle officer that his land was being encroached on by some persons.

Pahan had nowhere mentioned the name of Hemant Soren, yet the ED had brought about a case that the land was in the possession of Soren, the petition added.

Soren had on May 22 failed to get any relief from the Supreme Court which pulled him up for "suppressing material facts" in the plea against his arrest in the money laundering case linked to the alleged land scam.
Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday launched a scathing critique of the prevailing drug menace and deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, attributing these challenges as significant threats to the states future.

Kharge, speaking at a press conference in Amritsar, highlighted the profound disillusionment among Punjab's youth due to the pervasive issue of drug addiction. The rampant drug addiction gripping Punjab represents one of the gravest challenges for the states future, Kharge emphasized, drawing attention to the urgent need for effective intervention measures.

He further lamented the declining law and order standards under the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP Government, condemning the widespread deterioration across the State.

Kharge's remarks, laden with criticism of AAP's governance in Punjab, came shortly after AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indirectly blamed the Congress for the states woes during a public event in Ludhiana. Kejriwals statement, suggesting the need for change after decades of Congress and Akali Dal rule, added fuel to the political fire, exacerbating tensions between the rival parties.

The situation is deteriorating with each passing day, Kharge asserted, echoing concerns about the worsening conditions under AAPs tenure. He seized the opportunity to denounce the Central Government's policies, particularly targeting the adverse impact of demonetization and GST on Punjab's small and medium industries.

Kharge also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, rebuffing their predictions of his impending departure as party president on June 4, coinciding with the Lok Sabha election results announcement. Amit Shah and Modi are saying that I will lose my job on June 4th. I did not come into politics to work, I came to serve. Let me tell you, as much as Modi's age is, my experience in working in politics, becoming an MLA, and MP is till date, he said.

Rahaul Gandhi in Ludhiana today

On Wednesday morning, the political fervor in Ludhiana will reach its peak as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a rally in support of the partys candidates contesting from Ludhiana, Faridkot, and Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha constituencies. Rahul Gandhi will rally support for the formidable contenders representing their respective constituencies  Punjab Congress president and party candidate from Ludhiana Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Faridkot candidate Amarjit Kaur Sahoke, and Hoshiarpur candidate Yamini Gomar  during the rally scheduled to commence at 10:30 am at Dana Mandi Dakha in Ludhiana. The event is poised to energize supporters and galvanize momentum as the Congress reinforces its campaign efforts in these crucial constituencies for the June 1 polls.
Taking a serious note of the recent fire incident where infants were killed in a fire in a hospital, Delhi Lt Governor (LG) V K Saxena on Tuesday ordered a probe by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) into the registration of nursing homes in Delhi.

Pointing out that the incident had put a serious question mark on ministerial responsibility in a matter directly related to health and lives of residents of Delhi, the LG has said even after a tragedy of this magnitude, which should have stirred the conscience of political leadership, I am disappointed that the Chief Minister and Minister have paid only lip service and given sound bites, finding alibis and shirking responsibility. dministration cannot be run on social media, nor by brushing such serious matters under the carpet.

Citing the incident, he said there was sheer mismanagement, criminal neglect and connivance of government officials in granting / renewing registration of Nursing Homes. Moreover, there was total absence of ministerial oversight in regulatory management of private health facilities in the city, that the tragic incident has made apparent, he said.

In his note to the Chief Secretary, Saxena said, I have taken a very stern view in the matter. Though this is a transferred subject, in larger public interest, I am forced to step in, on account of the lack of seriousness on part of authorities entrusted with these responsibilities.

The ACB probe will assess as to how many nursing homes are functioning without valid registrations and whether those which have valid registration are complying with prescribed norms as provided under Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953 and the Rules made there under.

Pointing out that the incident had put a serious question mark on ministerial responsibility in a matter directly related to health and lives of residents of Delhi, the LG has said even after a tragedy of this magnitude, which should have stirred the conscience of political leadership, I am disappointed that the Chief Minister and Minister have paid only lip service and given sound bites, finding alibis and shirking responsibility. Administration cannot be run on social media, nor by brushing such serious matters under the carpet.

I am given to understand that there are 1,190 nursing homes, of which more than a quarter are operating without a valid registration. Also, there are many nursing homes in the city which have never applied for a registration but are still operating.

Even those nursing homes, which have a valid registration, may not be meeting the safety and regulatory standards as prescribed in The Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953 and the Rules made thereunder.

The very existence of such nursing homes that serve the poor and not so well off sections of the society, speaks volumes on the larger issue of severe lack of public health infrastructure in the National Capital as well. This is a larger issue which has been left neglected, contrary to the claims in public domain, the LG said.

He has further noted, In the matter at hand regarding the tragic fire in the nursing home, as detailed at para 116, the ACB is directed to undertake a comprehensive inquiry into the registration of nursing homes in the city to assess how many nursing homes are functioning without valid registrations and whether those which have valid registration are complying with prescribed norms as provided under Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953 and the Rules made thereunder.

The LG has directed that, It may be clearly ascertained during investigation whether the grant of registration or its renewal by the Health Department was done after 100 percent site inspection. Is there a proper check list to ensure whether the facility meets the requisite safety norms and has the medical infrastructure and professionals as provided under law?

The ACB may also determine the connivance and complicity of concerned public servants of the Health Department and bring out the criminal misconduct and negligence in this matter.

Apart from this, the Chief Secretary has been directed,to advice all District Magistrates to have a field verification done of their respective areas within two weeks to ascertain the actual number of functional nursing homes, which can then be compared with the list of the Health Department. This would give a sense of the magnitude of the problem and the extent of violations prevalent in the city.

It has also come to my notice that even in this day and age, the registration procedure for nursing homes in Delhi is conducted manually, which leaves a lot of room for discretion, ambiguity and corruption. Chief Secretary may accordingly ensure that an online portal is made operational with all data of compliances, registration and validity, which is open for public scrutiny, the LG has added.

Underlining the utter neglect of public health by the GNCTD and the Health Minister in the city despite the courts heavily coming down upon them, the LG has noted, I recall that the woeful state of affairs of public health infrastructure in Delhi had forced the Honble Delhi High Court in Contempt Case ( C) 17/2019 and WP (C ) 9283/2018, to seek personal appearance of Health Minister and Health Secretary and had upbraided them for non-implementation of Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010.

In its order dated April 4, 2024, a commitment was given by the minister himself in Court that while the state government is preparing its own legislation on the subject, in the interregnum, it would be adopting the Central law in GNCTD in no later than 4 weeks. It is shocking to note that inspite of giving a personal assurance in High Court, Health Minister has chosen not to act on a matter of such public importance, even after nearly two months, risking contempt of court.










MECON Limited along with SAIL , under the aegis of Ministry of Steel, Government of India is going to organize an International Conference on Steel (ICONS-2024): Focus on Capital goods (ICONS24) on May 30 and May 31 at Management Training Institute, Conference Hall in the State Capital



The conference will be inaugurated by Secretary, Ministry of Steel (MoS), Government of India and Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India. Other dignitaries for the function shall be Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, MoS, Joint Secretary, MoS, CMD, MECON, Chairman SAIL, CMD, MOIL and CMD, NMDC.



Manufacturers, Iron & Steel producers, representatives of academia, Equipment suppliers, engineering and consultancy companies, participants from prestigious academic institutions and Heads of various Secondary Steel Sector Companies shall also be present during the two day conference.



The Conference boasts of an unparalleled lineup of keynote speakers, expert panels and interactive sessions. Participants in the conference shall have insightful discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the global steel market landscape. The Conference is planned to be a dynamic forum facilitating critical dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaborations within the steel sector. The aim of the conference is to find way forward to reduce import content of about 25 billion US dollars with prevailing practices. Additionally, it also aims to find ways to reduce annual spare procurement of around 500 Million US Dollars.



Steel is crucial for the development of any modern economy and is considered to be the backbone of human civilization. Hence, tremendous onus lies on the steel producing fraternity in allowing preferences of a strong and large Capital Goods industry. On the other hand, capital goods Industry is of strategic importance for countrys economy as it contributes to the economy both by supporting national security programs and generating large scale of employment. In order to achieve the desired milestone and emphasize on technology absorption, development, creation, a healthy and regular interaction among all the contributing agencies and stakeholders is indispensible.



In addition to thought-provoking sessions, attendees will have ample opportunities for networking, forging partnerships, and showcasing innovative solutions. The International Conference on Steel 2024 promises to be a transformative experience for all participants, driving collaboration and fostering collective action towards a more resilient and sustainable steel sector.
Accusing the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress party in Jharkhand of having looted the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that action against the corrupt would be intensified after June 4 when the results of the ongoing general elections would be declared.

Modis remark comes at a time when former chief minister Hemant Soren is in jail and rural development minister and senior Congress leader Alamgir Alam is in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with alleged land and tender scam, respectively. Dumka is the family bastion of Sorens, from where Hemants sister-in-law, Sita Soren, is contesting on a BJP ticket.

Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s Mahavijay Sankalp Rally at Dumka in tribal-dominated Santhal Parganas division in the state, PM Modi accused the JMM government in Jharkhand of diverting resources sent by the Centre to the black market. "The JMM has snatched the food from your plate. Instead of the free ration from Delhi reaching you, it ends up in the black market without getting to you directly," he said. Accusing JMM of looting Jharkhand in every possible way, the prime minister said, JMM, Congress, RJD are openly and shamelessly threatening, saying Modi should be removed. Why? Because they once again want an opportunity to do scams. JMM and Congress are looting Jharkhand in every possible way."

Modi also alleged that the tribal population in the area was decreasing due to an influx of infiltrators from Bangladesh. Taking a swipe at the ruling JMM, the prime minister said, "Now, the problem of infiltrators has arisen as a big problem in Jharkhand. As a result, the number of tribals is rapidly decreasing in many areas and the number of infiltrators is increasing. The safety and lives of tribal daughters have come into danger. Who are these infiltrators who are a threat to our daughters? Why is the JMM shielding them?"

PM Modi counted his blessings and reiterated his commitment to a Viksit Bharat, vowing to prevent any opposition forces from derailing this vision, "You blessed Modi in 2014 when the whole country was fed up with Congress's misrule. Remember the daily scams? Congress looted money in the name of the poor. Modi came and stopped all that. Today, public money is used for public interest. Our mothers and sisters, neglected by previous governments, were uplifted by Modi. We changed their lives and solved their problems.

PM Modi outlined his future plans for a Viksit and prosperous Bharat, urging the people to continue their support for transformative progress, he remarked, "The work we've accomplished in the past 10 years must be taken further in the next 5 years. We will make 3 crore mothers and sisters 'Lakhpati Didis.' After forming the government, we will provide new and permanent houses to 3 crore more poor. To eliminate your electricity bills, I've launched the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, for installing solar panels on your homes. You will use the electricity generated at home and earn money by selling the surplus to the government."
In a landmark event today, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal, and the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bengaluru. This collaboration aims to foster cutting-edge research and innovation in the field of genetics and environmental health. The MoU was signed by Professor (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, and Dr. Rakesh Mishra, Director of TIGS. The ceremony was attended by senior officials and faculty members from both institutions.

On this occasion, Professor Singh emphasized the critical need to explore the intricate relationship between diseases and the environment. He highlighted the importance of understanding how environmental factors impact DNA and the potential mechanisms to mitigate these effects. Professor Singh posed a thought-provoking question, "Is the environment changing genetics?" He noted that there are numerous unsolved mysteries in this domain that require immediate attention. Professor Singh expressed optimism that this collaboration would greatly benefit the students and faculty members of AIIMS through an exchange program, enhancing their research capabilities and knowledge base.

Dr. Rakesh Mishra, Director of TIGS, outlined the mission of TIGS to promote health equity by developing science-based solutions to address challenges in human health and agriculture. He emphasized TIGS's commitment to preventing infectious diseases and providing affordable, high-quality diagnosis and treatment for rare genetic disorders. Dr. Mishra remarked, "By adopting cutting-edge science and technology, TIGS is striving to solve the social problems of the country."

This partnership between AIIMS Bhopal and TIGS Bengaluru is expected to pave the way for significant advancements in the field of genetics and environmental health, contributing to the development of innovative solutions for some of the most pressing health issues facing society today.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that only a Ram bhakt (devotee of Lord Ram) will rule Delhi and that people will dump the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, which follow the politics of appeasement, in obscurity in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Addressing an election rally in Pipiganj on Tuesday morning in support Gorakhpur MP and Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Ravi Kishan Shukla, he labeled the Congress and SP as Ram drohis, stating, The Lok Sabha elections 2024 is between Ram bhakts and Ram drohis.

The chief minister stated that during his election tours across the country, he observed widespread support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a common sentiment resonating from all areas: Jo Ram ko laye hain, hum unko layenge.

According to the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Ram drohis are those who deny existence of Lord Ram, attack his devotees, and undermine the significance of the Ram temple whereas Ram bhakts are the ones who have enshrined Lord Ram in his magnificent temple, ending devotees wait of 500 years. The Ram temple symbolises Indias enduring faith, he remarked.

Criticising the Congress and the SP for their views on the Ram temple, a symbol of pride and reverence for all Indians, Yogi mentioned, Congress says that the construction of the temple has sent a wrong message globally and should not have been built, whereas the SP dismisses the temple as useless. The leaders of both parties seem to have lost their minds.

The Ram bhakts have also built an international airport named after Maharishi Valmiki in Ayodhya, a waiting room named after Shri Rams friend Nishadraj, and a restaurant named after Mata Shabari. Furthermore, they have also installed a 56-foot statue in honour of Nishadraj in Prayagraj, he pointed out, stressing, no follower of Nishadraj could align with the traitors of Lord Ram.

He cautioned people against the mischievous designs of those who once ordered opening fire on Ram devotees.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted, Adversaries of Lord Ram have never found lasting peace. Regardless of their stature or power, they have always faced downfall.

He emphasised, Ram devotees, with the blessings of the Lord, are focused on progress and development. Today, Ram devotees are working towards the nations development, from expanding roads from two lanes to twelve lanes, building AIIMS, medical colleges, IITs, IIMs, and airports, to providing tap water to every household and promoting industrialisation.

He added, The Modi government, devoted to Ram, has constructed homes for four crore impoverished people, with more to come after the government is formed again on June 4. Initiatives like the Ayushman Yojana for healthcare and the Ujjwala Yojana for providing free LPG connections are a few contributions of this Ram bhakta government.

Yogi Adityanath announced that once the government of Ram devotees is re-elected on June 4, Ayushman cards will be made available to everyone over 70.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked, The Congress party had removed the late Veer Bahadur Singh from chief ministers post because of his devotion to Lord Ram and his role in opening the lock of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Yogi Adityanath contrasted the achievements of the Modi government with the misrule prevalent during the Congress and SP regimes. He stated, During the SPs rule in the state and Congress rule at the Centre, the poor suffered from hunger, farmers committed suicide, youth migrated for jobs, and daughters and businessmen were unsafe.

He added: There was a lack of housing and water provisions for the poor, and innocent children died from diseases like encephalitis. Terrorist incidents were rampant, with attacks on the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the Sankatmochan temple in Varanasi taking place during the SP government and bombings in Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad happening under Congress rule.

Yogi Adityanath said that the Congress government always blamed terrorists from across the border for terror activities within India whenever the issue was raised in Parliament. However, under Modis leadership, terrorism and Naxalism have been eradicated from the country, while Indias global respect has increased manifold, he remarked.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted, The Modi government is making the country safe and powerful whereas the Congress-SP alliance is conspiring against India. According to their manifesto, if they come to power, they will implement personal laws akin to Taliban rule, snatching the freedom of daughters to go to school, or market, and confine them within the four walls of their houses, wearing a veil.

Yogi Adityanath, however, emphasised, India will be governed by the Constitution drafted by Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, and not by Sharia law as proposed by the Congress and the SP. They will not be allowed to tamper with the Constitution under any circumstances.

He added, Congress and SP seek power to loot the nation and exploit the common people and also intend to take away reservation rights of the backwards and Scheduled Castes and give them away to Muslims, which will not be permitted.

He cited Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, who asserted that reservations cannot be based on religion.
In a bid to revive its historic panthic legacy, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is pulling out all the stops ahead of the Lok Sabha elections to regain support with an eye on the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls. Facing a critical juncture after a series of electoral setbacks, SAD is doubling down on its core identity, distancing itself from former ally BJP to pursue an uncompromising panthic agenda. With its rich history of championing Sikh and farmer rights, SAD aims to reestablish itself as the definitive voice of Punjab. This audacious move comes as the party grapples with its diminished influence, vowing to restore its stature and support base among the Sikh community and rural voters.

Historically, SAD has been a dominant force in Punjab politics, ruling the State for a decade across two consecutive terms  from 2007 to 2017. At that time, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal brought the party out from its panthic image, by projecting a new, young, and development-oriented Akali Dal.

However, in the wake of electoral defeats in 2017 and 2022, SAD has now been focusing on reinforcing its core support base among Sikhs and farmers by adhering to its traditional panthic agenda. After distancing itself from its decades-old ally  the BJP, SAD is prioritizing issues central to the Sikh community and agrarian concerns. The move comes as a response to the party's declining influence and the need to re-establish its identity as the primary protector of Sikh and Punjab interests.

Historical Context and Electoral Performance

The party's downfall began with a series of sacrilege incidents and related police firings that shook Punjab in 2015 during its regime, severely tarnishing its panthic image. Rivals seized the opportunity to accuse the Akali Dal of orchestrating the desecration of the holy birs (Sikh holy book) for political gain. The party also faced allegations of ordering police to open fire on the "peaceful" protests against the sacrilege. In response, two Commissions of Inquiry, led by former High Court judges, were established, yet the issue remains unresolved, with no clarity on the involvement of the Badals. But, the fallout from these events led to a dramatic decrease in its seat share, falling from 68 seats (out of 94 it contested in alliance with BJP) in the 2012 assembly polls to just 15 (out of 94) in 2017, and a mere three seats (out of 97) in 2022 when it contested in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The vote share also plummeted from 34.73 percent in 2012 to 25.2 percent in 2017, and a dismal 3.4 percent in 2022. SADs performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was also underwhelming, with only two seats won  by Sukhbir Badal in Ferozepur and Harsimrat Kaur Badal in Bathinda  garnering a vote share of 27.76 per cent. In 2014, SAD had won four seats, in alliance with BJP, with a vote share of 26.30 percent.

Efforts to Reclaim Panthic Identity

Making amends, SAD president Sukhbir Badal had, in 2023, publicly apologized for the party's failures during the 2015 sacrilege case. His father, five-time Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, had also done so. The partys separation from the BJP, which it accuses of interfering in Sikh religious affairs, is a key part of its strategy to revive its panthic credentials. SAD has accused the BJP of meddling in the affairs of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and changing the management structure of Takht Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra. Besides, it has also been accusing BJP of going back on its promise, it made on the eve of Guru Nanak Devs 550th anniversary, regarding releasing the Sikh prisoners, languishing in jails across the country. SAD has also been vocal about the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences. The party has also been demanding the transfer of radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, behind bars under the stringent national Security Act (NSA), from Assams Dibrugarh jail to Punjab. These were our very clear demands, and prerequisites for re-stitching the alliance with BJPbut they made no promise and we decided to go alone, said a senior Akali leader. Other than the panth-related issues, SAD was also demanding withdrawal of cases against the farmers from the 2020 agitation and assurances on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.

Challenges and Political Landscape

Despite its efforts, the road ahead for SAD is fraught with challenges. Political experts predict a divided Sikh electorate and a strong BJP presence in Hindu-dominated areas. The partys performance in the upcoming polls will be crucial, as it will set the tone for the 2027 Assembly elections. Success in these polls could bolster Sukhbirs leadership and help consolidate the party's support base.

Campaign Strategies and Rhetoric

SAD has been targeting the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on issues such as law and order, state finances, and unfulfilled promises. But while targeting the Congress, it is raking up the issues of in Operation Bluestar and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. In a master stroke against the Congress, Sukhbir has been appealing to the voters that Punjabis should teach Congress a lesson for attacking Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple-Sikhs holiest shrine) 40 years ago by voting for the panthic party. In most of the election rallies, Sukhbir, flashing a picture of the bullet-riddled Akal Takht Sahib, says: Every Punjabi and Sikh must remember that the date of polling in Punjab is June 1, which coincides with the 40th anniversary of the launch of the army assault  Operation Bluestar  on Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1984 by Congress Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Not even a single Congress leader has been punished in the cases related to anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, Kanpur, Nagpur and Kolkata. Every Punjabi and especially every Sikh must come out to teach the anti-Sikh Congress a lesson by voting for the Panthic party Shiromani Akali Dal and its candidates on June 1, he said, in one of the rally.

Electoral Alliances and Future Prospects

For the first time since 1996, SAD is contesting the Lok Sabha polls without an alliance with the BJP. This independent stance, being a regional party, is part of a broader strategy to emphasize its commitment to Punjab over political alliances. Sukhbir has emphasized that SAD's primary focus is on protecting Punjab's interests and upholding the principles of the Khalsa Panth. For us, whether we win a seat or not, we will continue fighting for the state. The Akali Dal is a 103-year-old party with a history of struggles and agitations against oppression and discrimination. The Khalsa Panth is our base, and we wont compromise on Punjabs prestige and interests, Sukhbir had said. As the SAD prepares for the June 1 Lok Sabha elections, with an eye on the 2027 state assembly polls, its efforts to revive its panthic image and address key Sikh and farmer issues will be crucial. This election marks a significant test for Sukhbir Badal's leadership and the party's ability to reclaim lost ground, especially as it is his first electoral challenge following the death of his father, the Akali patriarch Parkash Singh Badal. The results of these elections will set the stage for the 2027 Assembly elections, making the stakes especially high for the SAD.
Under attack of his rivals for not fulfilling its main pre-poll promise of giving Rs 1000 to all 18-plus women in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday made a big announcement that all the women in the state will get Rs 1,100 every month instead of the promised Rs 1000 per month soon.

Soon, instead of Rs 1000 per month, mothers and sisters of Punjab will get Rs 1100 per month, declared Mann, while campaigning for the AAP candidate Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer in his own constituency Dhuri.

Stating that household electricity is free in Punjab, Mann asserted, 90 percent of the households in Punjab get zero electricity bills. Farmers are also getting sufficient electricity in the daytime for the paddy season. Our government bought a private thermal power plant and named it after Guru Amardas jiEverything is possible with an honest government. Before the AAP Government, only 21 percent of fields were getting canal water. Now, more than 60 percent of the fields are getting canal waterMy aim is that every field in Punjab should get canal water for irrigation.

That way five to six lakh tubewells will be out of need in Punjab, and AAP Government will save Rs 6000-7000 crore from the electricity subsidy. With that money, we will fulfill the guarantee of Rs 1000 per month to women. We only need Rs 5500 crores for that, since we are saving more, the people of Punjab will get more, he said.

Mann also declared that he will not get tired or stop until he root out the Akali, Congress, and the BJP from Punjab for good. These people ruined our three generations. They robbed the rights of our children and ruined their future, they destroyed our youth and ruined the lives of our elders.

Making a vote appeal, Mann said that he was fighting against the dictatorship, the BJP, and the Centre; and he is fighting the Governor and every opponent in Punjab for the rights of our state and people. He urged the people to make him stronger by giving him 13 more arms and voices in the Parliament.

On the peoples demand, Chief Minister Mann recited his famous kikli-2. His quipped, Sukhbir Badal expelled his brother-in-law (referring to Adeish Partap Singh Kairon) from the party, now the news is that Bikram Majithia is ready to expel his brother-in-law (that is Sukhbir Badal). He added, these people can never compete with us or match our hard work.

Also taking on Congress, Mann said that it is a confused bunch in Punjab. Sukhpal Khaira abandoned Bholath and came to fight elections in Sangrur, last time he went to Bathinda but lost, this time again he will taste a defeatCongress brought Raja Warring from Bathinda and fielded him in Ludhiana and they sent Vijay Inder Singla to Anandpur Sahib to get defeated there.

Kejriwal Alleges BJP Threatens to Remove Punjab Govt, Urges People to Give AAP All 13 Seats

Ludhiana: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday accused the Union Home Minister Amit Shah of threatening to topple the Punjab Government after the Lok Sabha election results are declared on June 4. Kejriwal, in a fiery address during a Town Hall meeting in Ludhiana, alleged that Shahs motive behind this move is to halt the provision of free electricity in AAP-ruled states.

Kejriwals allegations came as he addressed a significant industrial hub in Punjab, where 13 Lok Sabha constituencies are at stake. He questioned the feasibility of toppling a government elected by three crore people, asserting that Punjab has 92 out of 117 assembly seats under AAP's control.

Challenging Shahs tactics, Kejriwal asked if the BJP would resort to using agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to intimidate Punjab residents. He warned that such actions would only embolden Punjabis, known for their resilience and large-heartedness.

Kejriwal shifted focus to the importance of AAP securing all 13 Lok Sabha seats from Punjab, emphasizing that a strong representation in the Central Government would enable the party to address issues beyond the state's jurisdiction. He highlighted the need for stronger bargaining power at the Center to secure Punjab's rights and interests.

Accusing the BJP-led Central Government of withholding Punjab's dues amounting to Rs 9,000 crore, Kejriwal emphasized the importance of electing AAP candidates to safeguard the state's interests.

Furthermore, Kejriwal condemned the BJP's alleged intention to halt free electricity provisions in AAP-ruled states, arguing that providing free electricity was a cornerstone of AAP's governance model, contrasting it with BJP-ruled states where power tariffs are exorbitant.

Appealing to the people of Punjab to support AAP's candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Kejriwal urged them to give all 13 seats to AAP to amplify the state's voice in the parliament.

In a separate engagement, campaigning for AAP candidate Ashok Parashar Pappi in Ludhiana, Kejriwal highlighted the economic turnaround witnessed in Punjab under the AAP-led government, citing a surge in investments and the establishment of major industrial projects in the state.
The seventh and final phase of the ongoing parliamentary elections is quite tough for the Bahujan Samaj Party, especially as one of its sitting MPs has switched his loyalty and the other has been suspended from the party.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the elephant had overpowered everyone in Ghosi and Ghazipur. Although the party has taken a lot of caution in the selection of candidates this time also, it will not be easy for the BSP to repeat its previous performance in the changed equations. The BSP had contested the last Lok Sabha election in alliance with the Samajwadi Party. The BSP had fielded its candidates from five constituencies while the SP had fielded its candidates on eight seats. The BSP had won the Ghazipur Lok Sabha seat with 51.2 per cent vote share and the Ghosi seat with 50.3 per cent vote share. The elephant was in second place in Deoria with 32.57 per cent vote share, in Bansgaon with 40.57 per cent and in Salempur with 38.52 per cent vote share. These figures show that the BSP had benefited from the alliance. This time, Afzal Ansari , the sitting BSP MP from Ghazipur is contesting the election on SP ticket while Ghosi MP Atul Kumar has been expelled from the party by the BSP supremo. This time the party has fielded its candidates on all 13 seats going to polls in the seventh phase of Lok Sabha elections. BSP supremo Mayawati has expressed confidence in Dr Umesh Kumar Singh from Ghazipur and former MP Balkrishna Chauhan from Ghosi.

The BSP has used its social engineering very well in the selection of candidates. The elephant may not be able to show wonders, but it will definitely increase the difficulties of the rivals. The party has fielded Athar Jamal Lari from Varanasi, who is trying to prevent the Muslim vote bank from going towards the SP-Congress alliance. Similarly, Muslims have been given tickets in Maharajganj and Gorakhpur. Not only this, Yadav candidates have been fielded from Deoria and Ballia constituencies. In the last election, the BSP had given a ticket to Vinod Kumar Jaiswal in Deoria, He was defeated by Bharatiya Janata Partys Ramapati Ram Tripathi by about 2.5 lakh votes. This time Shashank Mani Tripathi is contesting on BJP ticket.

The BSP has given tickets to its former state president Bhim Rajbhar in Salempur. In the last election, Ravinder was BSPs candidate from Salempur and he was defeated by BJPs Rajesh Kumar Mishra by about 1.13 lakh votes. Bhim Rajbhar seems to be increasing BJPs challenges. On the other hand, Dr Ram Samjhu has been given a chance in place of Sadal Prasad from Bansgaon reserved seat. Sadal Prasad is in the fray on Congress ticket, while BJP has again fielded its three-time MP Kamlesh Paswan. BJPs challenges will increase here too.
Union Public Service Commission (Civil Services) preliminary examination will be held on June 16 at 46 centers in Bhopal. A total of 16560 candidates will participate in this. There will be a ban on carrying any electronic device during the examination.

A meeting regarding the examination was held in the Commissioner's office on Monday, while on Tuesday also preparations were discussed.

Preparations for the examination have already started at the centers also. So, all necessary arrangements can be made. The examination will be held in two sessions on June 16. The first session will be held from 9.30 am to 11.30 am, while the candidates will solve the papers of the second session from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm.

Mobile, any type of electronic device including Blue Truth, Smart Watch, Smart Pen, Small Cameras, Calculator etc. Candidates have been asked not to bring any valuable or expensive items to the examination hall. Their security is not possible at the centres.
BJP State President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi addressed the Maha Vijay Sankalp Sabha organized in Dumka Lok Sabha on Tuesday. On this occasion he said that both Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress have been opponents of Jharkhand. They have also been against the people of Jharkhand. The Congress Party ruled independent India for 55 years. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha remained with them, but these people did not make Jharkhand a separate state.

Bharatiya Janata Party had promised that Jharkhand will be formed as a separate state if our government is formed at the Centre. Jharkhand became a separate state when the government was formed at the center under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Jharkhand became a separate state because of Bharatiya Janata Party and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. We have to vote for the same party which has made Jharkhand a separate state.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress are also against development. Earlier there were no roads till the village. There was not even a bridge across the river. There was no electricity even to the houses. When BJP government was formed at the Center and in Jharkhand, roads were built till the villages. Electricity reached every house. Due to no electricity, everyone ran here and there for kerosene and lanterns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought the light of development to the villages.

If Congress had wanted, the road would have reached the village. Electricity could have been delivered to every home, but it did not work. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving houses to the poor. Food grains are also being given to the poor for free. Insurance up to Rs 5 lakh has also been taken for treatment and medicines. We have to make the person who cares so much for us the Prime Minister again in 2024.

He said that Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and RJD are in power in Jharkhand for the last four and a half years. This government did not do any development work. Be it Hemant Soren or Alamgir Alam. Even today the government that is in place does not look any different. It is engaged in looting. These people looted river sand, coal and mountains, they looted the land by making fake documents. Today, the amber of looted money is visible everywhere.

Today Hemant Soren and Alamgir Alam are in jail. Two IAS officers are in jail. An engineer is in jail. Brokers and middlemen are also in jail. These people have looted this state. We have to save Jharkhand from being looted. Jharkhand has to be saved from brokers and middlemen, only then Jharkhand will develop.

On this occasion, Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri, Dumka candidate Sita Soren, Godda candidate Dr Nishikant Dubey, Rajmahal candidate Tala Marandi and many party officials were present.
To mark menstrual hygiene day, a meeting of social media influencers was organised by the Department of Women and Child Development and UNICEF at Bhopal.

Around 50 social media players had joined in the meeting. All of them took the Red Dot Pledge and committed to support the theme and pick up an issue to spread right information. Speaking at the meeting Principal Secretary, Woman and Child Development Department Sanjay Shukla said it is important that we have a resource pool which gives right information and also looks at sustainable solutions. Commissioner Women and Child Development Deparment Sufiya Faruqui Wali urged these instagrammers, you-tubers and Radio Jockeys to see how they can break taboos , encourage engagement of men and boys in the process and spread information on the choices on menstrual health.

Pragya Awasthi, Joint Director Women and Child Development spoke on the efforts of the department, Udita scheme of the State on menstrual health. Suresh Tomar, Joint Director Women and Child Development spoke on the role of social media influencers in breaking myths and taboos and also spoke on the gender aspect of the issue, and importance of engaging males. Anil Gulati, UNICEF Communication Specialist, shared information on Red Dot Challenge - an initiative of UNICEF and social media influencer Diipa Khosla and shared that it is reaching out to people. This time the hashtag used are #PeriodFriendlyWorld and #RedDotChallenge. UNICEF team consisting of Narendra Singh Chouhan, WASH Specialist, Pushpa Awasthy, Nutrition Specialist, Amit Dogra Health Officer, and Sujan Sarkar supported the meeting.

All participants took the Red Dot Challenge by standing by for the issue and also shared image of Red Dot on the palm of the hand.
Africa Day, observed on May 25, is a day symbolizing the African struggle for independence and unity. It commemorates the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now the African Union (AU), which heralded a new era of collective strength and development for the continent.





This photo taken on Feb. 14, 2024 shows the headquarters of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)





This year, celebrations of the day were held across the continent and around the globe. In African nations such as Uganda, people donned traditional attires and engaged in joyful festivities. Similar events were also held in cities like Beijing to demonstrate solidarity with Africa.





The continental event marks the celebration of our common legacy, unity and strength as Africans and it is a moment to contemplate our shared experiences and recommit ourselves to constructing a fairer, prosperous and united Africa, said the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.





The shared experiences of African nations are rooted in their long history of colonialism and economic exploitation by Western countries, which reduced Africa to a supplier of raw materials and a market for foreign goods.





The establishment of the OAU marked a pivotal moment for African nations, leading to significant resolutions against imperialism, colonialism, and hegemonism. It played a crucial role in defending national sovereignty, developing economies, supporting the independence of African colonies, strengthening unity among African countries, and contributing to global peace.





Beyond its original significance of commemorating the triumph over colonialism and the attainment of national liberation, Africa Day now also symbolizes the continents continuous pursuit of peace and development. Todays celebrations often emphasize goals such as development and prosperity, echoing Africas collective vision.





In his commemorative speech, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said the African continent has freed itself from the yoke of colonialism and the appalling system of apartheid. Its intellectual, scientific and cultural resources have been immensely developed, diversified and enriched.





The AU, embracing the OAUs legacy, is uniting and leading African nations to vigorously promote integration and the establishment of a free trade area, accelerating progress toward the vision outlined in the AUs Agenda 2063, and striving to build a peaceful, united, prosperous and self-reliant new Africa.





This, indeed, will not only benefit the African people but also create new opportunities for countries worldwide and provide new momentum for global economic recovery.





Africa is expected to account for one-quarter of the global population in 2050, with more than half under the age of 25. This youthful demographic, combined with abundant natural resources, offers immense potential for the continents development.





The accelerated rise of the Global South is becoming a new trend on the international stage, and a continuously developing Africa is becoming an important pole in global political, economic and cultural development. In September 2023, the AU was invited to join the Group of 20, further enhancing Africas representation and voice in global governance.





As Africa advances toward unity and self-reliance, China has always been by its side, providing strong support.





In 2023, the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue was successfully held in Johannesburg, where both sides decided to support each other in exploring modernization paths and jointly create a favorable environment for realizing their development visions.





This fall, the new session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be held in China. Over the past 24 years since the forums establishment, trade between China and Africa has increased more than 20 times, and Chinas investment in Africa has grown by over 100 times.





Chinas support for Africas independence and development has fostered a positive international environment and boosted Africas confidence in its external cooperation. During his visit to China earlier this month, Tanzanias Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation January Yusuf Makamba praised China as a trustworthy friend and expressed a shared commitment to promoting a fairer global economic order.





Over the past six decades, African countries have made remarkable progress in their journey toward independence, unity, and integration, demonstrating African strength in preserving multilateralism and safeguarding the common interests of developing countries. The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the steady advance of the AUs Agenda 2063 serve as testaments to this progress.





As Africa continues to strengthen internal solidarity and international cooperation, it will undoubtedly make a more significant contribution to global peace and development.





- Xinhua
May 27, 2024: Since the end of the Cold War in 1991, American military forces have been constantly involved with other conflicts. The most recent one was in April 2024 when an Iranian missile attack on Israel was defeated, with the help of American air defense weapons and U.S. Air Force aircraft and U.S. Navy warships off the Israeli coast shooting down some of the Iranian missiles. Currently American ground, air and naval forces are working with the Philippines military to block disruptive Chinese activities in Filipino waters. Despite international agreements China signed and an international court ruling against China, the Chinese continue to insist, often with military and paramilitary forces, that the Philippines no longer has jurisdiction over portions of the South China Sea that were never controlled by China. China protests the presence of Americans and those of local allies Japan and Australia.

At the same time the United States provides financial support to pro-American forces in Afghanistan, Cameroon, Egypt, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen.

Despite these continued successes, U.S. opinion polls indicate that 81 percent of Americans have confidence in their military. This is down from 90 percent twenty years earlier.

This decline might not seem like a big deal were it not for the fact that major U.S. allies have lower confidence ratings for local armed forces. The one exception is Britain where the confidence rating is 83 percent. In Japan, 80 percent of Japanese have confidence in their military. In Italy its 79 percent, Canada 78 percent, and Germany 58 percent.

The low German confidence rate is the result of two situations unique to Germany. First, there is Germany overestimating how long peace would last after the Cold War ended in 1991. The war in Ukraine caused Germany, and most Germans, to revise their defense policies. This is nothing new, the revisions began in 2016 when Germany announced that 25 years of budget and personnel reductions in the military had ended. The then current force was to be increased 7.5 percent to 199,000. Defense civilian workers increased 7.7 percent to 60,000. This was all about the growing threat of Islamic terrorism and the return of Russian aggression. All that was old was new again.

During the Cold War, the West German army was 400,000 strong, well equipped and trained to fight. There were another 250,000 troops in the communist East German armed forces. Then the Cold War ended in 1991, the two Germanys united and East German forces were disbanded with the West German military absorbing some of the East German troops and weapons. Then the united German forces began to shrink. With the Soviet Union gone, and the former Soviet allies in East Europe clamoring to join NATO, Germany no longer had any threatening neighbors. The Cold War German army of mechanized troops had lost its mission. During the next 25 years German armed forces were reduced over 70 percent from their combined 1991 strength of 650,000 to 185,000. Earlier in 2016 Germany announced it would increase its defense budget to $41 billion, which is what it was in 2011.

All this came after 2011 when major changes were implemented for the armed forces. The main change was that the armed forces went all- volunteer with the end of conscription. That caused the armed forces to shrink from 220,000 to 185,000 troops. In 2011 about 22 percent of the troops were conscripts, in service for only six months, although many could, and did, volunteer to stay in for up to 23 months. The number of civilians working for the armed forces also shrank from 75,000 to 56,000. The number of staff at the Defense ministry shrank from 3,500 to 2,000. This was a big change from what had been going on for half a century. With the end of conscription Germany managed to find enough effective troops for peacekeeping and special operations, but not much more. The generals had long asked for an all-volunteer force but for a long time the politicians, and public opinion, were opposed to this. The reality was not what everyone expected. The all-volunteer force had no shortage of volunteers for peacekeeping duty, even in dangerous areas, but it was soon discovered that with a purely volunteer force it was very difficult to obtain all the troops needed for tech jobs. This was mainly because there is high demand for these people outside the military where the money was better and the working environment safer.

There were other changes. In 2002 German troops saw combat again in Afghanistan, for the first time in nearly 60 years. German troops have been in Afghanistan since 2002. Over 5,000 have served there, mainly as peacekeepers. But one percent of the German troops serving in Afghanistan were killed there.

The 2011 plan was to create an army of peacekeepers. Well, only 5-10,000 of them were involved in peacekeeping at any one time. Not only was the army smaller, but it had older equipment, and less of it. Not much purchasing of new equipment after 1991 and much of what was bought was to support peacekeeping missions. The peacekeepers, particularly in Afghanistan, were given more modern gear and the expense of this was another reason for shrinking the size of armed forces. The reduced budget meant there was not enough for maintaining existing equipment or updating it. By 2022 it was embarrassing when warships could not go to sea, or combat aircraft fly, or for armored vehicles to move under their own power, all for lack of maintenance and spare parts, let alone updates.

The 2016 upgrades were made to deal with a return of Russian aggression. In early 2022 the Russian aggression returned with an invasion of Ukraine. That prompted Germany to allegedly plan to upgrade its army to combat status and be capable of winning in combat.

The German voters and population in general indicated they supported these changes. Opinion surveys in the years before the Ukraine invasion showed that nearly 70 percent of Germans wanted American nuclear weapons withdrawn from Germany. These were in Germany to discourage an aggressive Russia from making convincing nuclear threats against Germany. By 2020 the threat of Russian aggression was not convincing enough to change German attitudes towards American nukes, but it did permit claiming to sometime soon spend money to put their military back in shape to fight and win. German attitudes towards nuclear power were shutting down German nuclear power plants with the power now supplied by Russian natural gas imports. This approach failed when the gas was no longer available because Germany could not support the Russian military by purchasing Russian natural gas. That decision became final in September 2022 when someone destroyed the two natural gas pipelines from Russia. No one took credit for the attack and speculation continues about who it was and why they did it. German public opinion soon changed about keeping nuclear power plants operational, because without them there would be insufficient electricity to keep the entire economy going and heat homes and businesses during winter.

While Germans were divided about nuclear energy, 72 percent backed remaining a NATO member. This might bring back American nuclear weapons, which Germans supported when an aggressive Russia threatened to use theirs. Now, most Germans supported military readiness even if it meant a much larger defense budget.

In late 2022, when it became clear that the war in Ukraine might last for years, Germans accepted the fact that this war, the first since World War II when major powers armed with similar weapons fought each other, had changed the nature and degree of Russias threat to Germany. The Ukrainians were doing the fighting, but mainly with modern weapons provided by NATO countries. Russia invaded to stop Ukraine from joining NATO. The Ukrainians halted the Russians and within a year were on the offensive themselves, armed with NATO weapons. This effort assures Ukraine NATO membership once the war is over. Once in NATO, another Russian invasion would face soldiers from many NATO members fighting alongside troops from fellow NATO member Ukraine.

The Ukrainians had been improving their armed forces since 2012, two years before Russia seized Crimea and portions of two provinces in eastern Ukraine. East European NATO members agreed with the Ukrainian warning that a lot of Russian aggression was coming. After 2014 many NATO members agreed to support Ukrainian efforts to upgrade their armed forces. By late 2021 there were signs that Russia was planning on a larger war. Germany and the other original NATO members in Western Europe were dubious but the more recent East European NATO members agreed with the Ukrainians that Russian aggression was coming. Germany was sufficiently alarmed to repeat planning for acceleration the upgrading of their armed forces. Most Germans agreed with this alarming assessment and their fears became reality when the Russians invaded in February 2022.

While Germany pretended to accelerate upgrading its own military, most Germans agreed that the Russian invasion indicated a major change in attitudes towards military preparedness and the risks of another major war on the scale of the two World Wars. The Ukraine War provides useful practical advice on how such a war would be fought. It would be more violent and create more costs and casualties than most people believed likely. Many more people died in the World Wars than anyone expected, and Ukraine is demonstrating that that the situation has not changed and that losses are even higher because of the more effective modern weapons. Now it is easier for NATO militaries to ask for expensive new weapons, like F-35 aircraft and replacing unguided rockets and shells with more expensive guided ones.

As the Ukraine War has demonstrated, using more guided weapons wins battle more often and more quickly. While most Germans would prefer that the situation had revealed a need for more military spending and preparations for a war everyone hoped would never come, history reveals a less optimistic assessment. Throughout history, major wars have started when one side came to believe that they were better prepared than their potential opponent and could win a quick and inexpensive victory. It rarely, i.e. almost never, works out that way. The victims of such optimistic aggression turn out to be quite formidable themselves after the initial surprise. The problem is that these lessons, or reality checks, have a short shelf life. National leaders forget and eventually stumble into another war their wiser predecessors would have avoided. One thing Germany learned after a century of their own military catastrophes is that going to war is a bad thing, unless you have no choice because you were attacked.
May 27, 2024: The current unrest throughout the Middle East over Hamas violence, renewed Palestinian calls for the destruction of Israel, and replacement of Arab dictatorships and sham democracies with true democracies. An unending problem in the Middle East is that the only functioning democracy in the region is Israel. At the same time Israelis are frequently blamed for any problems that occur. The hostility to democracy in the Middle East has long been noted. For example, Britain and France did not intend to establish democracies in the Near East after WWI when the collapse of the Ottoman Empire left Europeans, rather than Turks, in charge of the region.

The unexpected Hamas offensive against Israel in October 2023 set off a chain of events that has made the situation worse. At the same time this unrest has once more made it clear that the Palestinians are the ones who created their problems. The Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. This started a century ago after World War I when the victorious allies had defeated Germany and its Turkish ally. Part of the post-war plan was to reorganize Palestine, the Levant (Syria and Lebanon) as British and French-controlled monarchies. That did not work and Arab nationalists in what is now Israel attacked Jewish settlers from Europe who were seeking to establish a Jewish state in the area. This movement was proposed in the 1890s but was not acted on until 1920, after World War I, with nominal British approval in the Balfour declaration. This led to increasing violence by local Arabs against Jews.

Then came World War II and the German effort to kill all the Jews in Europe. Six million Jews, and six million other Europeans the Germans considered unworthy, were killed during the war. This led many of the surviving Jews to declare Never Again, and the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. This coincided with British forces leaving the region, where the Jews living there promptly proclaimed the State of Israel. This triggered violence from the surrounding Arab states, who urged Arabs to flee Israel. At the same time the Israelis urged the Arabs among them to stay. Many did, and currently 20 percent of the Israeli population is Arab, most of them Moslem. The Israelis defeated forces from Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria who sought to destroy Israel and failed. That was followed by Arab Israeli wars in 1957, 1967, and 1973. Israel won every time and that led Egypt and Jordan to make peace with Israel, an arrangement that has persisted to the present.

The Palestinians refused to settle and that refusal has persisted to the present. This intransigence first occurred in 1949 when Israel offered to allow 300,000 Palestinians to return. As part of that deal the United States agreed to pay for the construction of homes for 200,000 people in Jordan and another 60,000 in Sinai and the east bank of the Suez Canal. Arab and Palestinian leaders ordered their followers to ignore these offers and continued blaming Israel for the dire situation of Palestinian refugees.

Palestinian radicals, Hamas being one of those groups, insists that Israel be destroyed and replaced by a Palestinian State. These Palestinians ignore the fact that Israel has the strongest military in the region, nuclear weapons, their own ballistic missiles to deliver nuclear warheads and the wealthiest, most advanced economy in the region. Despite that, Palestinian radicals continue to promote attacks on Israel. Radicals in other Arab states sympathize with the Palestinians but do little more than demonstrate against Israel in their own countries, and often get arrested. The Arab governments see Israel as a lucrative economic partner and in some cases a useful partner in counter-terrorism operations. Anti-Israel groups throughout the Arab world are often troublesome for the local Arab governments. Israel shares information about Islamic terrorists with Middle Eastern Arab states and earns a degree of cooperation from these governments. In the streets it is a different story, with radicals calling for attacks on Israel as well as local governments that are not willing to make war on Israel.
Key Points:

A bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers visited Taiwan this week, pledging to expedite arms sales and bolster the islands defenses in the face of growing Chinese pressure.

China condemned the visit as interference in its internal affairs, warning that it undermines Sino-US relations and escalates tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

The visit highlights Taiwans growing strategic importance and the delicate balance the US seeks to maintain between supporting the islands security and managing relations with China.

US Lawmakers Reaffirm Commitment to Taiwan

In a show of solidarity against mounting Chinese pressure, a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers visited Taiwan this week, vowing to expedite the delivery of defensive weapons and bolster the islands security. The visit, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, comes on the heels of Chinas largest military drills in over a year, a demonstration of force widely seen as a response to the inauguration of Taiwans new president, Lai Ching-te.

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China Condemns Visit as Interference

The Chinese government strongly disapproved of the visit of US lawmakers and issued a formal diplomatic protest to the United States. Through its spokesperson, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly asserted that the visit constituted an infringement upon Chinas sovereignty, emphasizing that Beijing considers any engagement between the US and Taiwan interference in its domestic matters.

The spokesperson reiterated the Chinese governments longstanding position, which maintains that Taiwan is an integral part of China and that any actions perceived as supporting Taiwanese independence are unacceptable. Furthermore, the Chinese government expressed concern that such interactions between the US and Taiwan harm the bilateral relationship between the two countries and increase the risk of instability in the Taiwan Strait.

US Lawmakers Reiterate Commitment to Taiwans Defense

Undeterred by Beijings reaction, the US delegation reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwans security. McCaul characterized Chinas recent military exercises as an attempt to punish democracy. He emphasized the bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress and pledged to expedite the delivery of weapons systems already approved for sale to the island.

We are moving forward on those weapons systems, McCaul stated. Id like to see them faster, but they are forthcoming.

The delegations visit underscored the growing concerns about delays in US arms deliveries to Taiwan, particularly in light of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Taiwan has repeatedly expressed the need for a robust defense posture to deter potential Chinese aggression.

Taiwan Welcomes US Delegation as a Gesture of Solidarity

Taiwanese officials welcomed the US delegation and expressed gratitude for their unwavering support. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung hailed the visit as a powerful display of the strong bipartisan support of Taiwan in the United States, emphasizing the importance of such gestures in the face of increasing pressure from China.

Taiwans new president, Lai Ching-te, thanked the delegation for their commitment to Taiwans security and vowed to strengthen its defenses. He echoed former US President Ronald Reagans peace through strength concept, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing Taiwans self-defense capabilities.

Visit Highlights Growing US-China Tensions

The US lawmakers visit to Taiwan is the latest flashpoint in the increasingly tense relationship between Washington and Beijing. China views any interaction between the US and Taiwan as challenging its sovereignty claims. At the same time, the US maintains its commitment to supporting Taiwans self-defense capabilities under the Taiwan Relations Act. The visit underscores the delicate balance the US seeks to maintain in the region, supporting Taiwan without provoking a direct conflict with China.
May 28, 2024: The Chinese Navy has 78 submarines but 90 percent of them are conventional diesel-electric designs. China has some nuclear powered attack and SLBM (Sea Launched Ballistic Missile) submarines. In contrast the U.S. Navy has 63 submarines in service, all nuclear powered and 18 of them are Ohio Class SSBNs (Ballistic Missile Carrying submarines). The rest are SSNs (Nuclear powered attack submarines). The United States is in the midst of building over sixty new Virginia class SSNs and preparing to build a new class of SSBNs. The U.S. Navy has established and maintains high standards for officers and sailors on its nuclear subs. Americans submarines remain at sea much longer than Chinese submarines. China is trying to catch up but is finding that serving on submarines is not a popular career choice for Chinese Naval officers. As a result the submarines officers are low quality and would rather not be serving on submarines.

Because of this China has had a lot of problems with its submarines. Their submarines are poorly designed and built. The crews are often poorly trained and supervised. Back in 2003 this led to an incident where 70 officers and sailors aboard a Chinese submarine suffocated and died. The sub did not sink, it just drifted for weeks until the Chinese Navy searchers found it and all the dead personnel on board. To remedy this situation the Chinese Navy has been ordered to improve crew training and demonstrate the success of that by keeping the subs at sea longer while operating as they would in wartime.

This means the U.S. Navy is encountering Chinese submarines in areas of the central Pacific where Chinese subs had rarely been seen. This has put a strain on Chinese submarines and their crews because neither has operated this far into the Pacific before. The Chinese government ordered its submarines to regularly patrol the central Pacific, and not just along the Chinese coast as they had in the past. The Chinese are new to operating on the high seas, otherwise known as far out in the open ocean. The Americans have long been out there because the United States has no local enemies on the north and south American continents.

The Americans and Chinese are both dependent on seaborne imports and exports. Thousands of ships regularly operate out of American and Chinese ports because these two countries are the largest importers and exporters in the world. Keeping those ocean sea routes safe is important for both countries. Enemy submarines are the major threat to those commercial transports and its been eighty years since there has been a threat to commercial sea lanes. The U.S. Navy exists to protect American seagoing trade and threaten that of its enemies. The only potential enemy now is China but the Chinese are also heavily dependent on trade by sea, both for imports to keep the Chinese population fed and supplied with all manner of goods. The U.S. is the largest exporter in the world and the American economy is dependent on that trade to maintain the high standards of living Americans have become accustomed to.

For both China and the United States, control of seaborne trade is essential in wartime. American submarines have operated off the Chinese coast since World War II when the Americans began mining the waters around Japan to block essential food imports from Japanese occupied northern China. In the 21st century China is dependent on imports of food and other goods. So are the Americans, but not to the extent the Chinese are. America can survive without seaborne trade but modern China cannot. Before the 20th century China used seaborne trade to bring in luxuries, not essentials. That has changed and China is scrambling to build a navy that can protect its trade routes. Currently the Americans are able to threaten those trade routes and China is having a difficult time coping. Chinese submarines in the central Pacific and even along the American West coast are a possible solution but one that is very difficult to achieve. At the moment China is trying to build submarines and train crews that can operate on the high seas and threaten U.S. Navy operations in the western Pacific and off the Chinese coast.
A Derry restaurant has won a prestigious award for a second time.

Mekong won the YesChef Ireland Awards 2024 World Food Restaurant of the Year award at this month celebration of the Irish hospitality industry, in Dundalk.

The process to receive the award involved initially being nominated before being adjudged by the YesChef judges, who visit the restaurant without declaring themselves.

The judges then nominate restaurants on merit for categories selected by the judges and decide which of those restaurants nominated are most deserving of an award.

Mekong, which serves a Thai/Vietnamese style menu, which has been adapted to suit the Derry taste buds.

The award, which covers foods from outside of Europe such as Asian, Indian, Latin American and American style food establishments had a winner from each province, with the Derry establishment being awarded the best overall in Ireland.

Head chef, Stephen Forbes, said: Were probably the only restaurant in the city that doesnt serve chips, but were still kept busy, which shows the appetite is there for this kind of food.

The ethos at the start was to keep it totally authentic, but there are a few flavour profiles that people just cant get their head around.

All the recipes are still authentic though, we make all our own curries and pastes in house, and we are cooking everything the traditional way, we just reduce a bit of heat to match the palette here.

I used to work in Pier 49, and whenever that was closing down, I decided to buy a food truck. Id been travelling back and forth to Thailand and Vietnam already and just kind of thought the town doesnt have anything like the food they make out there.

So that was seven years ago, when I started the truck, and I wasnt nine months into that when the Nerve Centre invited me in to fill their empty space, that used to be a cafe. So weve been going there for about five or six years now.

Pad Thai noodles and panang curry are our most popular dishes.

We get all our produce locally sourced as much as possible, there are certain things that we cant get locally because of the climate, like lemongrass. But everything else is local, like our fish is from Greencastle and all our meats are local.

Were all buzzing we got the award. Everyone has worked hard for this, from front of house to the chefs, everyone is important and puts their work in. This award has gone to everyone that works here, its a good accolade.

Its even better to win it now than the first time we won it five years ago. It means more to us now, because we feel like we have been getting better at what we do, so its good to win the award again and have that recognition.
A delegation from the North West Regional Development Group recently met with the Infrastructure Minister John ODowd to put forward the case for future investment in the road, rail and air network in the area to allow for balanced regional development.

Made up of councillors and senior executives from Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council, the group is tasked with delivering the social, economic and environmental regional development and regeneration of the North West City Region. 6m of funding from the North West Development Fund has already been committed to delivering a range of innovative projects including greenways, trade missions, climate action plans along with sports, arts and cultural programmes.

Chair of the group Cllr Gerry McMonagle, described the meeting as very beneficial. He said: The meeting was an opportunity to reinforce the need for investment to the North West region and for action to be taken to allow work on the A5 Western Transport Corridor to get underway, and for wider investment to improve the road, rail and air infrastructure across the North West.

"The meeting was an opportunity for us to showcase the work we are doing and to bid for further funding to allow us to continue with our positive work in facilitating cross border area planning, transport planning and active and sustainable travel for the area.

Among the items included on the meeting agenda was calls for the advancement of the A5 from Derry to Monaghan (and onto Dublin) and Phase 2 of the A6 Derry to Belfast dual carriageway to be completed, while the A2 Buncrana Road, the T-ENT (Trans-European Transport Network) Route and the NW Transport Plan were also identified as priority areas for improvement.

The group urged the Minister to work towards creating an All-Ireland Rail Network which would link Derry and Letterkenny with Belfast, Dublin and other key population areas across the island.

John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, said the meeting was very positive. He said: The DFI Minister is very supportive of the need for more investment in the infrastructure of the North West to facilitate regional balance, inwards investment in the area and to make it a better place for those who choose to live there. The meeting was an opportunity for us to showcase the partnership approach we take in relation to regeneration and development and our commitment to working with to deliver on projects to benefit the North West.

John G. McLaughlin, the Chief Executive of Donegal District Council said it was hugely important for the North West Regional Development Group to have this opportunity to meet the Infrastructure Minister. He explained: A fully functioning and sustainable infrastructure system will allow the area to capitalise on the emerging opportunities for international investment and to continue to support companies which have already committed to the area.

Speaking after the meeting Minister John ODowd said: Our discussions re-affirmed our commitment to ensuring the development of the North West region. For too long the North West region has been left behind, now is the time to change that through our shared commitment to work together. We all want to see transport linkages strengthened. We are fully supportive of increased cross-border collaboration. My Department will play its part in taking forward the many infrastructure projects that are planned for the region and in doing so we will contribute to the development of the region.
Fiona Simpson has always loved keeping busy. As a mother of 10 children, and grandmother of 11, who spent her career as a full-time primary school teacher while also being an active member of four local choirs, it is hard to imagine there would be room in her life for any other activities.

However, Fiona also worked tirelessly as a volunteer with no less than three of NSPCC Northern Irelands services due to her absolute commitment to protecting children and helping to keep them safe from abuse.

Fiona has recently retired from volunteering with the charity, and she reflects on her years of service and why she believes passionately that volunteering is one of the most rewarding activities anyone can ever do. The 72-year-old, who is originally from Belfast and has been married for over 50 years, moved to Limavady in 1980, where she still lives. She recalls how she became involved with NSPCC Northern Ireland.

Fiona said: I spent many happy years doing exactly what I loved  working with children. I was a teacher at St Anthonys Primary School in Magilligan, for 18 years, where I taught P1 and P2 classes and also had the huge pleasure of teaching music throughout the school.

"I took early retirement when I was 57 but there was no way that I wanted to stop working completely. For a while, I was a supply teacher in local schools and while that was very enjoyable, I decided I wanted to do something new. I knew it had to involve helping people  ideally children.

"So, I enrolled for a four-year Counselling degree at North West Regional College - It was a brilliant opportunity to learn new skills and it was really refreshing to be on the other side of the classroom for a change.

One day, as part of the degree course, we had a presentation from Cormac Nolan who worked for Childlines Foyle base. He told us about the service and the reasons children and young people got in touch  I was so saddened to hear about some of the calls the service received and clearly, there were many children with nowhere else to turn. When I heard there were opportunities for volunteer counsellors, I made up my mind straightaway that I wanted to be involved. I knew I could communicate well with children of all ages and my new qualification in counselling would help me too.

Fiona with her husband and children

"Saying that, when I started with Childline, I met many other volunteers who had limited formal experience with children and no experience of counselling and they were all brilliant! I would suggest to anyone thinking of volunteering with Childline to get in touch, find out more and not to be concerned about lack of experience with children and young people  the training is wonderful, really thorough, and even when youre up and running, theres always a staff member to support you.

Despite having left teaching, Fionas life continued to be very full  as well as her children, she welcomed grandchildren to the family, was a member of a several local choirs and made regular trips to Belfast to care for her elderly mother. However, she completed her degree and embarked on a 14-year stint of service with Childline as a volunteer counsellor.

Cormac Nolan, who originally inspired Fiona to join the service, still works for Childline as a Service Head. He commented: Fiona was an outstanding volunteer and is still a great friend of Childline. Because of her many other commitments, she often chose to work on our evening shifts, and this is the time when we frequently get contacts from children who are particularly distressed. Fiona is a sensitive and approachable person who is a wonderful communicator and was ideal for the role.

"She was extremely popular with all the staff and volunteers at the Foyle base and helped and reassured countless numbers of children over her years with us. Its been such a privilege to work with Fiona and Im so glad I went along to give that talk at the counselling course - all those years ago!

While Fiona was volunteering at the Foyle base, she spotted a poster about NSPCCs Young Witness Service, a free and independent service, funded by the Department of Justice NI and the only one of its kind in the UK.

The Service was created to support children who need to go to court as prosecution witnesses. It provides help and guidance to young people under 18 years of age and operates in every Crown, Magistrates and Youth Court in Northern Ireland. Last year, it provided support to 500 children and their families but, like Childline, The Young Witness Service could not survive without its amazing team of volunteers.

Fiona commented: Prior to being involved with the Young Witness Service, I hadnt really thought about what it was like for children to have to go to court. But I realised that it is difficult enough for an adult so just imagine what its like for a young person. I took the plunge and it was great to work directly with children and again, the service provided terrific training.

Childline Foyle's Amanda Doherty with Fiona

Volunteers for the service work in pairs and meet the young person on the day of the case or before it starts and then support them throughout it - its really important work because parents or guardians arent allowed to stay with their children when they give evidence and obviously this can be very upsetting for a young person.

"My role included explaining to them what to expect at court, who they will meet and how the system works. Although volunteers arent allowed to speak to the children once cross-examination starts, we are a much-needed supporting presence throughout the process.

Fiona volunteered with the Young Witness Service, in the North West, for two years, while continuing her work with Childline. She was soon eager to volunteer with a third service offered by the NSPCC  Speak out Stay safe (SOSS), which was just starting up in Northern Ireland, in 2012. Fiona was inspired to find out more about it and then proceeded to volunteer with the service for more than 12 years, helping keep thousands of children safe from abuse.

Through school assemblies and in-person workshops, delivered by trained volunteers, SOSS covers topics like bullying and abuse - without using any scary words or adult language. It is designed to help primary school aged children understand how to recognise abuse in all its forms. Using age-appropriate language, it helps them understand that abuse is never a childs fault, they have the right to be safe, and how to get help from safe adults and the NSPCCs Childline service. To date, NSPCC Northern Ireland has delivered this service to over 90% of primary schools in Northern Ireland.

Fiona commented: I was delighted to volunteer with the Speak out Stay safe service. It felt like being part of a family and it was lovely to be involved in delivering straightforward messages about such an important topic, to a huge number of children. The assemblies are fun, interactive and are a wonderful way to impart such vital information.

"I loved being back in schools again and it gave me the opportunity to work directly with children  which is such a privilege and joy for me.

72-year-old Fiona Simpson

"The volunteers work in pairs so it was also an excellent way to meet more new people of all ages and backgrounds. It was also a great pleasure to visit so many different schools across the North West  from Coleraine to Strabane and sometimes as far as Belfast if the need arose.

In 2016, Fionas incredible commitment to voluntary services was recognised officially: she received NSPCCs first Childhood Champion Award which was presented to her at a London ceremony by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, NSPCCs President. A local honour followed, in 2018, when Fiona received a Charity Champion Award at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards.

Reflecting on these awards, Fiona said: I was absolutely astonished and humbled to have these acknowledgements. I like to keep busy and am at my happiest, zooming about and doing what I can to help people in the best way I can.

"Saying that, I was hugely honoured and proud and it was wonderful to go to London and receive my award from the royal patron, along with Dame Esther Rantzen who founded Childline and is such a wonderful inspiration to me. It was another huge surprise and honour to receive the Spirit of Northern Ireland Award in Belfast where I had a truly memorable evening, meeting so many celebrities, including the cast of Derry Girls!

Fionas family is now scattered across the globe - from Holland to Dublin and Limavady to San Francisco. Her children are adults now, with only one still living at home. Her grandchildren are aged from 9 months to 24 years, and they all get together regularly - Christmas is a busy and happy time at the Simpson household with between 30 and 40 people enjoying the day together.

Fiona still sings in four choirs, including the Cancer Focus Sing for Life choir, which is based in Belfast. She also enjoys Irish lessons, and her life continues to be as busy and full as ever.

Karen Walker, NSPCC Northern Irelands School Service Manager, concluded: Fiona is such an inspiration to us all. She has literally gone the extra mile for NSPCC, travelling to schools in all weathers and all seasons  and always with enthusiasm and a big smile.

"Her strong commitment to childrens welfare shines through all that she does and she has encouraged and inspired many other volunteers during her time with us. Fiona has helped protect thousands of children from abuse and everyone at the NSPCC is so grateful for her many years of outstanding volunteering.

"I thank her wholeheartedly for all that she has done for NSPCC Northern Ireland, and we were all absolutely delighted when she became the first NSPCC Childhood Champion because the title of this award sums her up exactly.
There has been an 11.4% increase in the number of people registered with prediabetes in Northern Ireland.

Diabetes UK described the condition as where a persons blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for them to receive a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

The charity said the latest figures from the department of health also highlights an increase in the number of people registered with diabetes across the five health care trusts from just under 112,000 to almost 115,000 over the last 12 months.

Diabetes UK Northern Ireland Interim National Director, Roxanne Small, described the increase in prediabetes as considerable.

These new figures are significant in showing us that nearly 200,000 people are living with, or at risk of diabetes in Northern Ireland, she said.

In our work, we see first-hand how it is an incredibly tough and relentless condition that can have a huge impact on a persons life  therefore, it is vitally important that people are aware of the resources and support available to help manage their health and wellbeing.

Whilst the reporting of prediabetes cases is relatively new for Northern Ireland, the increase weve seen over the last year is considerable.

We strongly believe that greater awareness and reporting across the region have played a strong role in this rise.

Prediabetes has been a real topic of conversation when speaking with members of the public as they are keen to understand more about it and how they may be able to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

She added: We understand that for some people it may feel that a prediabetes diagnosis means that type 2 diabetes is certain, however, this is not always the case.

While you may be at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, many people can reduce their risk, and it may be possible to prevent or delay the condition from developing.

For anyone with concerns, we really encourage you to contact your healthcare team and reach out to our team for local support.

Our website also has a free Know Your Risk tool that can tell you more about your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes UK Northern Ireland also has a dedicated helpline team that can be reached Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on 0345 123 2399.
An international technology firm has announced plans for a multifunctional hub and 17 high-quality jobs in Belfast.

The New York-headquartered technology firm Symphony develops communications software for global finance with platforms for messaging, voice, directory and analytics, with some 625,000 financial services professionals from more than 1,000 institutions relying on Symphony.

Symphony president and chief executive officer Ben Chrnelich paid tribute to the Northern Ireland investment summit last September for bringing about the firms interest.

He said: The NI investment summit was by far the best investment event Ive ever been to and I was keen to explore the potential of Northern Ireland for Symphony.

After speaking to other investors and to the local universities, we were convinced that Northern Ireland offered a great fit for us.

The new hub will help Symphony to achieve its growth plans by providing the capacity required to support our rapidly-growing business.

We are excited about the availability of talent in Northern Ireland and will be partnering with the universities to offer placement and employment opportunities in the future.

Our intention is to grow beyond the initial 17 roles and establish a much larger operation in Belfast.

Invest NI said the new jobs will span engineering, finance, legal and compliance roles, and while the companys office space will be in Belfast, hybrid working options will create employment opportunities for people across Northern Ireland.

Steve Harper, Invest NIs executive director of international business, said he believes more investment announcements will follow after the summit.

The new jobs created by Symphony will all pay well above the Northern Ireland private sector median and will contribute 845,000 in additional annual salaries to the local economy, he said.

Symphony has indicated that Northern Irelands highly-skilled talent supply across a number of functions as well as strong business links to academia were important factors in its decision to locate here.

The companys presence here will further strengthen Northern Irelands reputation as a centre of excellence for tech and financial services.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said: This jobs boost thanks to the Northern Ireland investment summit is great news for the economy, as well as for Symphony, who will be able to take advantage of local expertise and the talent pathway.

The summit showcased Northern Irelands innovation and technological strengths, illustrating the benefits of doing business here and successfully attracting international investors.
Fifteen school building projects have been given the green light to proceed to construction.

Education Minister Paul Givan announced the new-build, extension and refurbishment schemes that will be funded from his capital budget.

The projects are being paid for from 80 million of additional capital funding allocated to the Department of Education for this financial year.

The departments overall capital budget is 254 million.

Seven new-build primary schools will now progress to procurement and construction.

Those are Bangor Central Integrated Primary School; Crawfordsburn Primary School; Edendork Primary School; Glenwood Primary School; Mary Queen of Peace Primary School in Ballymena; Millennium Integrated Primary near Saintfield and Scoil an Droichid in Belfast.

Eight primary and post-primary schools will also receive investment for major extension and refurbishment and new-build construction projects.

They are Abbey Community College; Carniny Primary School; Kilronan Special School; Lurgan Model Integrated Primary School; St Johns Primary School at Kingsisland, Coalisland; St Malachys College in Belfast; St Marys Primary School in Barr, Newry; and St Kevins College in Lisnaskea.

Mr Givan made the announcement on a visit to Bangor Central Integrated Primary School, which will receive 10 million for a planned new build.

The integrated school sector was previously set to benefit from ring-fenced capital funding from the UK government in the Fresh Start agreement.

However, that protection was removed when the Government re-profiled the funding as part of the financial package offered for the restoration of Stormont earlier this year.

Mr Givan said he was now advancing the projects at Bangor Central and Millennium integrated primary schools through his conventional major works programme.

Todays significant announcement will see 15 schools benefiting from new state-of-the-art facilities for young people from Belfast to Ballymena to Enniskillen and beyond, he added.

The investment will also provide a welcome boost to the construction industry over the next number of years.

The minister said he also planned over coming weeks to launch a series of targeted smaller scale investment programmes to support and enhance the delivery of the curriculum in schools.

Potential schemes in this area will include specialist curriculum accommodation at post-primary, outdoor play and PE in the primary phase and curriculum resources and equipment more widely, he said.

It is my priority to ensure the educational experiences of as many children and young people as possible across Northern Ireland are impacted positively by capital investment.

Mr Givan said his overall capital budget was also providing investment for 10 major school build projects that are currently in contract or on site, as well as funding for digital infrastructure across the schools estate.

He said more than 50 million had been earmarked to support special educational needs and highlighted that construction of the flagship Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh was also progressing.
Delaying the passage of the Assembly budget would risk departments running out of cash, Stormonts Finance Minister has warned.

Caoimhe Archibald was responding to calls from the Ulster Unionist Party, whose minister in the powersharing administration, Robin Swann, is to vote against the coalitions spending plan later on Tuesday.

The UUP has argued that the budget should be delayed to factor in further funds that will be available to Stormont in the June monitoring round  part of the in-year process of reallocating returned or new money to departments.

Health Minister Mr Swann has warned that the budget allocation for his department will inflict irreparable damage on Northern Irelands health service.

The health service has been allocated more than half of the Executives 14.5 billion resource budget.

Ministerial deliberations last month focused on 1 billion of uncommitted funds. Mr Swann had bid for all that money but ultimately received just over 500 million.

The minister is due to resign from this role on Tuesday evening in a move unrelated to the budget. His is stepping down to focus on running in the Westminster election.

He is to be replaced by former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt.

Ahead of the Assembly debate on the budget, Mr Swann warned fellow Executive ministers that no UUP minister would introduce the cost-saving measures required to balance the departments budget.

That raises the prospect of Mr Nesbitt overspending the departmental budget when he takes over the role.

Addressing the Assembly at the outset of the debate, Ms Archibald said the Executive was in line to receive significant extra funding from the Treasury in-year. But she said the timeline for receiving confirmation on the amount had been pushed back the General Election had been called.

I am aware that some believe that this budget should be delayed to allow these additional allocations to be included, she said.

However, Assembly approval of this budget cannot be delayed.

Not only is such an approach not permitted under Section 64 of the 1998 Act (Northern Ireland Act), it also carries real risks  risk of overspending, as departments would be delayed in taking decisions to live within allocations, and, worse still, perhaps leading to decisions being made later in the year and having harsher impact on citizens.

Ms Archibald said if she was unable to bring the formal Budget Bill to the Assembly before the summer recess then departments may reach the limit of the cash they have been authorised to spend pending the Bills passage.

I cannot contemplate a situation where departments could be unable to access cash to deliver services, she said.

Ms Archibald also warned that a Treasury pledge to write off a 559 million debt, on the condition that Stormont puts its finances on a more sustainable basis, could be withdrawn if the Executive overspent its budget.

If a balanced budget is not agreed, the write-off of 559 million provided in the financial package is potentially at risk, she said.

Repayment of such an amount would severely impact on our budget for 25/26. Therefore, we simply cannot delay Assembly approval.

UUP finance spokesperson Steve Aiken said the Department of Health was taking a 2.3% reduction in the budget under discussion.

He said: We have heard much about health being 50% of the budget, but that is the same as the rest of our nation  it has always been 50% of the budget.

It is just not enough and it is not sufficient.

Our health minister has made clear to both our constituents and our vital health workers the challenges that these substantive cuts will mean.

No minister could deliver on those unless there is appropriate prioritisation, which there hasnt been.

Mr Aiken said the Assemblys Finance Committee had been told that an additional 200 million, plus extra in Barnett readjustments, would be available to ministers in the June monitoring round.

He said this extra funding would enable many of healths challenges to be met.

He added: Sinn Fein, the DUP and Alliance would have you vote for a budget that could in all probability have an extra quarter of a million pounds to be allocated in less than 30 days.

How can any self-respecting MLA support this budget that is coming through?

SDLP MLA and leader of the Opposition Matthew OToole said his party would also vote against the budget.

He said the plan lacked any strategic planning or prioritisation.

The public didnt expect miracles, but they did expect a plan, he said.

This budget is not a plan. Its not enough simply to be here. Its not enough simply to allocate money granted by the Treasury, even if I acknowledge that the money coming isnt enough.

It isnt enough of a financial settlement. And austerity has had a pernicious effect on our public services.

Its not simply enough to pass on those allocations and expect to be patted on the back by the public. The public expect real prioritisation and real choices.
Jordanian PM inaugurates China-funded road project

Xinhua) 11:09, May 28, 2024

Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh (C) attends an inauguration ceremony of a China-funded road project in As-Salt, Jordan, on May 27, 2024. (Jordanian Ministry of Public Works and Housing/Handout via Xinhua)

AMMAN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Monday inaugurated a China-funded road project in the western region of the country.

The inauguration ceremony, which was held in As-Salt, a city about 30 km northwest of the Jordanian capital Amman, was also attended by Jordanian Minister of Public Works and Housing Maher Abu Al-Samen and Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Chen Chuandong.

In September 2018, China and Jordan signed an agreement to renovate and expand the 12.5-km mountainous road, connecting the Jordan Valley with As-Salt, the capital of the Balqa Governorate. While the majority of the project's funding came from China, Jordan also covered some of the project's expenses.

The Chinese ambassador said the project reflects the enduring friendship between the two countries. He expressed hope that the road would improve convenience for Jordanians, particularly those in the region, and serve as a pathway to security, development, and prosperity.

Abu Al-Samen underscored the road's importance for Jordan, stressing its role in connecting agricultural areas in the Jordan Valley to As-Salt and Amman, as well as its importance in bolstering both the tourism and agricultural sectors of the country.

Photo taken on May 27, 2024 shows part of a China-funded road project in As-Salt, Jordan. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

Vehicles pass a sign of a China-funded road project in As-Salt, Jordan, on May 27, 2024. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 27, 2024 shows part of a China-funded road project in As-Salt, Jordan. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
May 28, 2024: North Korea continues its economic decline and risk of political collapse. More North Koreans are malnourished and starvation deaths are increasing. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un faces multiple problems with his military forces. More than half North Korean military age men are avoiding conscription and most are getting away with it. Many potential recruits and their parents know that the situation for new recruits has gotten worse over the last few years with a growing number of new soldiers dying during their first year of service.

A major cause of the increased deaths is the adoption in the North Korean army of the Russian custom of Dedovshchina. This involves the beating of new soldiers by older soldiers with more time in service. Often described as hazing, it currently leaves some new soldiers severely injured or dead. Since Dedovshchina has been outlawed, victims are described as killed by accidents. Many parents know better because their son has written home about the bad treatment he was receiving. The growing problem with Dedovshchina is made worse when the new soldiers are older men in their mid-20s who delayed their military service until they completed their university studies. That means less educated but veteran younger soldiers have even more reason to use Dedovshchina on men who can look forward to a more prosperous post-military life. These younger but veteran soldiers also have a more difficult time training the older, better educated recruits.

These problems have led to a major increase in soldiers evading their mandatory military service. It wasnt just Dedovshchina, there were also growing food shortages for soldiers and civilians alike. Several poor harvests and no money for food imports has led to less available food for most North Koreans. Families of senior officials, the secret police and military commanders get enough food but thats not enough to halt the collapse of government control over the entire country. With fewer soldiers and low morale among troops that are in service, the government refuses to make needed changes. Currently about 30 percent of GDP is devoted to the military and other defense related matters, like the nuclear weapons program. More prosperous countries, like South Korea, spend 2.5 percent of GDP on defense while Japan spends one percent, China 1.6 percent, Russia 8.7 percent and the United States three percent. Russia and North Korea are spending too much on military matters and their economies are suffering as a result. The United States has the largest economy in the world and China is second. Russia and North Korea are near the bottom of the list when it comes to economic activity.

While North Korea is not officially at war, it has been preparing for an attack on South Korea since the 1960s. Russian subsidies helped, until the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and the subsidies ceased. In North Korea the 1990s were known as the decade of difficulties. Without the Soviet subsidies, there was widespread hunger and starvation. Over five percent of the population starved to death. Worse, it was in the 1990s that the more prosperous South Korea became a valuable trading partner with China. South Korea had become a world leader in the development and production of new technologies that China needed.

China regarded North Korea as a charity case, kept alive by Chinese aid because another ally, Russia, insisted on such support for the country Russia has been supporting since the Korean War of 1950-53. It was Russia that ordered North Korea to attack South Korea in 1950, telling the North Koreans that South Korea was weak and had no allies. The weakness was real, but the Russians misjudged the degree of foreign support South Korea would quickly receive from the United States and eventually most western nations. As a result, China sent three million soldiers and civilian workers to North Korea. This was to prevent North Korea from losing the war to the advancing South Korean and American troops, who were reinforced by soldiers from American allies. China lost nearly 200,000 soldiers during the war and the last Chinese soldiers did not leave North Korea until 1958. North Korea suffered heavier military and civilian losses and the North Korean economy was devastated. North Korea has never recovered from the damage suffered during the war.

South Korea has, largely due to its democratic form of government and market economy. North Korea long told its people that they were better off than the southerners, who were slaves to the Americans. It took several decades for North Koreans to realize that the South Koreans were much wealthier and not slaves to the Americans, but trading partners with the United States, Japan, China, and nations worldwide. On a per capita basis, South Koreans were twenty times wealthier than North Koreas. The discovery by North Korean civilians of South Koreas higher standard of living seems to have been precipitated by the invasion of North Korea by South Korean soap operas via ultra-cheap imported surplus Chinese CD players, made obsolete by DVDs, featuring pirated CD versions of South Korean soap opera episodes.

While China is still communist, it adopted a free market economy in the 1980s and has prospered. North Korea refused Chinese suggestions that they do the same. North Korean leaders feared that more prosperous North Koreans would be more difficult to rule. North Korea remains an impoverished communist monarchy with leaders that refuse to change. North Korea did develop nuclear weapons, and that bothers the Chinese because they tried and were unable to persuade North Korea to drop the nuclear weapons program and devote those resources to the North Korean economy. The result has been a lot of hungry, angry, and nuclear armed North Koreans.
Lenovo's AI PCs aim for global edge amid rising competition

As the spotlight on AI-powered PCs intensifies and market competition heats up, Lenovo Executive Vice President Luca Rossi reveals the company's strategic move to offer differentiated products tailored for both Chinese and international markets. Rossi claims this will secure Lenovo a "unique position" in the burgeoning global AI PC arena.

In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, Rossi, who also heads Lenovo's Intelligent Devices Group (IDG), underscored China's distinct market dynamics due to its regulatory landscape. He believes this positions Lenovo, a local PC manufacturing titan, to dominate domestically and globally, thanks to proprietary AI features like Smart Connect.

The AI PC market is set for a shake-up with Microsoft's recent launch of the "Copilot+PC" platform, in partnership with six major PC brands including Lenovo, Dell, Acer, Asus, HP, and Samsung Electronics.

Rossi highlighted Lenovo's plans to introduce various AI PC models featuring their bespoke AI systems specifically for the Chinese market, addressing the unique regulatory requirements and offering tailored user experiences. Data sovereignty, he noted, is a pivotal factor in creating independent products for China.

Lenovo has already rolled out nearly ten AI PC models in China equipped with its "Xiaotian" AI technology as of April, all internally developed with proprietary software. This move aligns with Lenovo's broader strategy, as the company indicates on its website that Copilot services are available in over 160 regions, excluding China.

Lenovo projects that by 2024, AI PCs will account for 15-20% of global PC shipments, based on a broader definition that includes PCs with at least 10 TOPS Neural Processing Units (NPU). However, under Lenovo's more stringent criteriawhich encompasses AI agents, personalized knowledge bases, privacy, and security featuresthe share of AI PCs is expected to be less than 10%.

Rossi pointed out that the higher price tag of AI PCs compared to traditional PCs, coupled with their potential to significantly boost productivity, will likely see faster adoption rates in the corporate sector before permeating the consumer market.

China remains Lenovo's largest manufacturing hub, yet the company is also expanding production lines in India, Hungary, Mexico, and the United States to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.
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Samsung eyes rolling out 1,000-layer 3D NAND by 2030 with new material

Samsung Electronics is keenly exploring "hafnia ferroelectrics" as a next-generation NAND flash material, with the hope that this new material will enable stacking over 1,000 layers of 3D NAND and achieving petabyte-level SSDs.

The hafnia ferroelectrics material is expected to replace the oxide-based thin films currently used in 3D NAND stacking technology, improving chip durability and stability. Samsung executives predict that its 3D NAND could stack over 1,000 layers by around 2030.

According to industry sources cited by South Korean media outlet The ChosunBiz, Samsung is intensifying the development of hafnia ferroelectrics-based 3D NAND technology in collaboration with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST). Their R&D achievements will be showcased at the 2024 IEEE Symposium on VLSI Technology & Circuits, to be held June 16-20 in Hawaii, the US.

The emergence of 3D NAND aimed to overcome the limitations of planar NAND. In 2013, Samsung was the first to commercialize 3D NAND, which offers faster speeds, larger capacity, and lower power consumption compared to 2D NAND. However, 3D NAND technology still faces challenges.

Firstly, 3D NAND requires using thin films made from materials such as oxide/nitride (ONON) or oxide/polysilicon (OPOP). As the number of stacked layers increases, deviations between these materials grow, leading to lower production yields, reduced performance, and diminished durability.

Moreover, 3D NAND faces formidable manufacturing challenges, particularly in the etching process. As the number of layers increases, precise etching becomes more difficult. Even in the current mainstream production of 100 to 200 layers, maintaining consistent hole diameter throughout the layers of 3D NAND is proving extremely difficult.

Many companies propose using ferroelectric materials to replace the current oxide 3D NAND thin film materials as a solution. Improved stability with ferroelectric materials could make the etching process relatively easier, which is beneficial for enhancing chip performance.
Samsung reportedly achieves technical breakthrough, stacking 3D DRAM to 16 layers

Samsung Electronics has successfully stacked the next-gen 3D DRAM to 16 layers, twice as many as its competitor Micron.

According to reports from TheElec and ZDNet Korea, citing industry sources, Samsung has successfully stacked 3D DRAM into 16 layers. In contrast, Micron has only achieved 8 layers. However, the 3D DRAM product is currently in the feasibility stage; the goal is to realize commercialization by 2030.

The 3D DRAM uses vertical stacking, which can increase the capacity per unit area by three times, thus enabling the rapid processing of large amounts of data. Samsung aims to widen the gap with competitors in 3D DRAM technology. Compared to existing DRAM structures, 3D DRAM can include more storage cells and reduce electrical interference.

Unlike traditional DRAM, the VS-CAT style 3D DRAM is expected to be manufactured by combining two wafers, a concept similar to YMTC's Xtacking. 3D DRAM stacking is also expected to utilize Wafer-to-Wafer (W2W) hybrid bonding, a technology already utilized in NAND and CMOS Image Sensors (CIS).

At the same time, Samsung is also researching vertical channel transistor (VCT) style 3D DRAM. The industry also refers to VCT-style 3D DRAM as 4F SQUARE, with its most notable characteristic being its vertically oriented transistor structure. If Samsung successfully develops this, the die area could shrink to around 30% of the original size.

Industry sources indicated that Samsung will unveil 4F SQUARE prototypes in 2025. In contrast, Samsung's two major competitors in the DRAM market, SK Hynix and Micron have elected to develop 3D technology with a stacked cell style.

In addition, Samsung mentioned the possibility of applying Backside Power Delivery Network (BSPDN) technology to DRAM for the first time. BSPDN is considered a highly difficult technology, and Samsung plans to introduce BSPDN technology into the 2nm process by 2025.
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Research indicates that 13-year-olds have better relationships with their parents than they did a decade ago, but also have fewer close friends.

A study carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (Esri) and produced with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth drew on data from the Growing Up in Ireland survey.

It compared 13-year-olds in 2011/12 and 2021/22, contrasting the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions, digitalisation and reform of the junior cycle.

It found that mothers and fathers reported much lower levels of conflict with their teenage children over time.

Conflict levels reduced across all social groups, with the greatest improvement among more disadvantaged groups  the exception was among families experiencing financial strain where conflict levels were stable over time.

Parents are more likely to explain what the young person has done wrong (63% always doing so compared with 49%) and much less likely to use punitive approaches like grounding (69% never doing so compared with 59%) or shouting at the young person (41% never doing so compared with 28%).

Young people also reported having smaller friendship groups than previously: the number with large peer groups fell from 55% to 38% and the number with a large group of close friends (more than six) fell from 26% to 14%.

The recent cohort of young people had experienced junior cycle reform as well as a change in approaches to teaching and learning at both primary and second-level, and there were increased levels of interest in English (44% to 51%), Maths (32% to 42%), and Science (60% to 68%).

There was also a decline in the proportion of girls who say they like school very much (from 35% to 24%), which the ESRI said was at least partly related to increased emotional difficulties over time among girls.

On digitalisation, there has been a shift away from traditional media, such as TV watching but also playing video/computer games, towards other screen time  on a phone or other device.

High levels of screen time are generally associated with less involvement in sport and cultural activities.

There has been an increase in the number of 13-year-olds involved weekly in organised sports, from 65% to 70%, and stable levels of engagement in cultural activities, such as drama and dance, with over a third of young people involved in these pursuits.

There is evidence that a significant number of young people rarely read for pleasure. Almost half of boys from working-class or jobless households say that they read less than once a week or never.

Dr Emer Smyth, author of the report said: There are very encouraging findings of better-quality relationships between teenagers and their parents, with less conflict and greater discussion.

However, financial pressures continue to be a source of friction in families.

In addition, young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to take part in the kinds of out-of-school activities (like hard exercise and cultural engagement) that enhance their development, highlighting the need for subsidised activities in communities and supports for schools to provide access to a range of extracurricular options.

Minister for Children Roderic OGorman welcomed the launch of the report.

He said: I hope that this report will inform policy making across Government on areas such as highlighting the importance of physical exercise in young people, the effects of the pandemic restrictions as well as the impact of screen time on their psycho-social development.
The Palestinian flag will fly over Leinster House on Tuesday as Ireland formally recognises the war-torn state, an act described by the Israeli ambassador to Ireland describes as "a prize for terrorism."

Tanaiste Micheal Martin is bringing proposals to the Cabinet table today to sign off on formal recognition of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state.

Ireland will set up full diplomatic relations with Palestine with the Palestinian Mission in Ireland being upgraded to an embassy following the move.

The Representative Office of Ireland in Ramallah will also be upgraded to an embassy. Ireland was the first EU member state to endorse the idea of Palestinian statehood in 1980. Spain and Norway also have plans to recognise the state of Palestine.

The move has been widely welcomed in Irish political circles but there has been some international criticism and from Israel itself.

Israeli foreign minister Yisrael Katz slammed the move last week and instructed the immediate recall of Israels ambassadors to Ireland.

He said: "Im sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security.

"Todays decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: Terrorism pays. After the Hamas terror organisation carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after committing heinous sexual crimes witnessed by the world, these countries chose to reward Hamas and Iran by recognising a Palestinian state.

"This distorted step by these countries is an injustice to the memory of the victims of 7/10, a blow to efforts to return the 128 hostages, and a boost to Hamas and Iran's jihadists, which undermines the chance for peace and questions Israels right to self-defense.

"Israel will not remain silent - there will be further severe consequences. If Spain follows through on its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, a similar step will be taken against it.

"The Irish-Norwegian folly does not deter us; we are determined to achieve our goals: restoring security to our citizens, dismantling Hamas, and bringing the hostages home. There are no more just causes than these."
I KNOW cocktails are fun all year round, but theres something just a little extra fantastic about Cocktail OClock in the summer sunshine.

I like my cocktails to be bold, punchy, original, and not shy with the liquor bottle! Its got to be a balanced ensemble, and if it can make good use of Corks brilliant larder of artisan drinks producers, all the better.

Columnist Kate Ryan. Picture Dan Linehan

But, where to go for a cheeky lil drink with your very best gal pal, work bestie, or other half? Ill tell you where

The Collector, Kinsale

Instagram @thecollector.ie

By day, The Collector is a purveyor of off-beat teas and coffees all created with the essence of mixology at its heart. Makes sense then that a plan would be hatched to extend that vein of creativity to a brand new NoLo menu that makes the most of summer evenings as a warmup gig for evening plans.

Shannon Healey, owner, at The Collector, Concept Store & Coffee(ish) Bar, Kinsale.

Launching Friday, May 31, this menu of No and Low alcohol crafted drinks will be available at the bijoux venue on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5-9pm.

Sip and shop among the curated lovely things at a pace thats easy for everyone, but you will need to book your spot.

Lets just say, if youre looking for a pre-event venue thats gorgeous, well-considered, with delicious beverages that will set you up for a great night without the slump, this is going to be the spot for you!

Monk Cocktail Bar, North Mall

Instagram @monkcocktailbar

Monk Cocktail Bar have revealed a stunning new interior in this hidden bar above the much-loved FranWell. Deep moody colours, high tables and stools, a rejigged bar area and subtle lighting... and this place is almost unrecognisable.

The cocktail menu has had a revamp too, with a mix of classic serves, such as Sazerac and French 76, alongside hilariously named signatures based on all your favourite Cork sayings.

Practice your local lingo by ordering up an Im Allergic with Rebel City Distillery Maharani Gin and Cork Rooftop Farm micro-coriander; Im In Bits with Boatyard Vodka and Terra Ignis Lemon Verbena Vinegar, or Your Wan milk punch with Hennessy, Disaronno, Lady Fingers and White Chocolate.

(Wondering if I can arrange the signature cocktails into a sentence?)

Paladar, Cork. Picture: Miki Barlok

Paladar, Bridge Street

Instagram @paladarcork

A hub of South American spirit in the heart of Cork, like, multi-award winning Paladar serves up cocktails, bites and beats all in perfect harmony. Its the perfect place to escape to and just enjoy the ride.

If you can nab a seat at the bar, youll be treated to a show along with your sips. Ease your way into the weekend with brilliant cocktail creations made with authentic spirits and flavours that sing of summer.

Im heading straight for the Mon Cherie with Pisco, Cherry, Muscat Wine and Dark Chocolate. Additions on the signature include a vegan take on a decadent-sounding pina colada, Days of Dunder, or go alco-free with El Santos bright hues of orange and turmeric.

Boulevardier from Cask.

Cask

Instagram @caskcork

What good fortune do we Corkonians have to say we have not one, but two, multi-award-winning cocktail bars in our city?

The original that started it all is Cask, and it continues to stick to its ethos of keeping the drinks seasonal and as Irish as possible.

The supporting role of wild and seasonal ingredients such as sea spaghetti seaweed, gorse, nettles, pea and lichen, add to the intrigue of a complex and sophisticated cocktail menu that changes with every season.

Right now, the Red Rover looks tempting indeed: Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Killahora Ice Wine, Geranium, and Shandon Sweets Apple Drop Distillate.

Rare 1784

Instagram @rarekinsale

The sign of a good restaurant is how much attention they pay to everything else as well as the food.

In the case of Rare, the cocktails are the entire reason for turning up to dinner early, or just sliding in for a glass of something good in an equally beautiful space.

These are unique creations you wont find anywhere else and are inspired by local ingredients on their doorstep  and that just happens to include Blacks of Kinsale just down the road.

It gives rise to my favourite cocktail on this menu, Fashion Is (Pea)Nuts. Blacks eight-year- old whiskey aged in maple syrup casks, washed with peanut butter and zhuzhed with a final flourish of bitters. Yes, it really is as good as it sounds. Unforgettable, even.

Arthur Maynes

Instagram @arthurmaynes

Its the speakeasy thats not really a speakeasy, but still Upstairs remains the best thing to happen to Arthur Maynes sincewell, Arthur Maynes!

A decor practically untouched to preserve the authentic feeling of this snug little hidey-hole, the cocktails here are always carefully thought through with cheeky names and changing seasonally.

Its open until the very wee hours, making it the best one-more-for-the-road spot!

Solstice at The River Club

Solstice at The River Club

Instagram @theriverclubcork

Continuing in its series of visually stunning seasonal transformations, Solstice at The River Club is the latest creative installation on the popular riverside terrace at The River Lee.

Created in partnership with innovative Cork florist, Fox Flowers, the new decor is inspired by the warm hues of a summer sunset.

Im excited about The River Clubs collaboration with Peroni this summer. Beer cocktails are hugely underappreciated, and this new season cocktail menu seeks to set the record straight on that!

The Sunset Sparkler (Aperol, pink grapefruit juice, prosecco and Peroni Nastro Azzurro) and refreshing Solstice Serenade (Campari, sweet Vermouth and Peroni Nastro Azzurro) sound perfect to me, plus theres also Peronis full range of gluten-free and 0.0% options to substitute with for a lighter experience.
A VIEWING gallery commanding a panoramic vista of the Cork city skyline will be one of the iconic features of the Crawford Gallery redevelopment which has been given the green light from Culture and Arts Minister Catherine Martin to proceed to invitation to tender stage.

The ambitious plan to redevelop the gallery is one of a number of projects to be included in the programme of investment under the National Development plan, a programme which aims to see many of the countrys national cultural institutions restored and completed.

The Crawford Gallery is unique in that it is the only arts body outside of Dublin to be designated national cultural institution operating entirely outside of the capital and the proposed design by Grafton Architects will address long-standing challenges with the buildings sustainability and provide it with fit for purpose storage spaces for its priceless collection of paintings and objets dart.

The new design will also provide new exhibition spaces, a learn and explore facility aimed at engaging new audiences and a viewing gallery.

The gallery will remain open as it is until August and work is scheduled to commence on the redevelopment a number of months later.

Arts and Culture Minister Catherine Martin described the project as an exciting development for the Crawford Gallery which would provide a beautiful new public building in Cork.

I am confident this reimagination of the building will support the development of the gallery long into the future and help it play an even more significant part of Irish cultural life, she said.

The Office of Public Works has been working with the Crawford Gallery and the design team led by Grafton Architects to bring the project to the latest milestone, according to OPW Minister for State, Kieran ODonnell.

The refurbishment works on this historic building will provide a space that is more accessible to the public through creating new universal access to the gallery, said Minister ODonnell.

The latest announcement was described as a significant milestone for the Crawford Gallery by its director, Mary McCarthy, who expressed delight following the confirmation of the news.

As well as providing significant new cultural space for the public, the capital redevelopment project will provide essential preservation and protection for over three centuries of existing built heritage, revitalising the life of Crawford Art Gallerys existing much-beloved gallery spaces for centuries to come, said Ms McCarthy.

The proposed redevelopment, which is funded through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and will be delivered by the OPW, aims to add approximately 1,700 square meters in new gallery space, courtyards and other facilities to the Crawford Gallery..
The Government has lacked urgency, ambition, and joined-up thinking in rolling out a connected transport network for Cork, the leader of the Labour Party has claimed.

Ivana Bacik was in the city for the launch of her partys Getting Cork Moving transport policy document and to canvass with Labours local election candidates.

Unveiling the policy to reporters at the bottom of Patricks Hill yesterday lunchtime, Ms Bacik, who spent part of her childhood in Crookstown and Sundays Well, said Labour had a clear commitment to building an accessible, sustainable and integrated transport strategy over the next five years.

Issue

Ever since I lived here, traffic in Cork has been an issue, and we havent seen that addressed sufficiently well, Ms Bacik told The Echo.

Were supportive in principle of BusConnects, albeit that we want to see adjustments made to ensure that communities are properly served; we want to see a Luas-style light rail transit rolled out; we want to start public consultation  and weve got that as an important pillar of our policy today, to ensure that the transit system will stretch from the eastern suburbs to the western suburbs.

Weve been through it in Dublin, we know that there is disruption associated with works, of course, but the result, the outcome, is well worthwhile.

Corks transport system is at a crossroads, and Labour has a clear plan to ensure the city moves forward. Labour candidates will be advocates in City Hall for public transport that works.

Peter Horgan, the Labour Partys candidate in the Cork City South East ward, said the lack of publication of the preferred route for Corks proposed Luas was a serious issue.

Projects

Mr Horgan added that the document released to him following a Freedom of Information request showed that the route would go down Skehard Rd and onto the Boreenmanna Rd, which is also a BusConnects corridor.

There are two major public transport projects ongoing, but they dont seem to be talking to each other, but money is being paid out to consultants and image designers, and the people of Cork  the commuters who want to leave their cars at home, who want to use public transport  are left in the dark, he said.

Asked when the preferred route for Corks light rail service would be published, a spokesperson for the National Transport Authority told The Echo: It will be this summer.
The location of a theft, namely the nurses station of the outpatients department of Mercy University Hospital, was an aggravating factor in the case of a man accused of many thefts around Cork city, the sentencing judge has said.

Judge Mary Dorgan, sitting at Cork District Court on Monday, imposed a total sentence of 13 months on John Campion, of St Vincents Hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, consisting of a sentence of eight months and a consecutive term of five months.

The theft at the nurses station consisted of stealing a backpack belonging to one of the nurses on October 10, 2023. That same day, he stole a bank card from a teachers office at the language college on Mary St, Cork.

The following day he stole a computer from St Johns College on Sawmill St.

Sergeant Dave Delea said that on August 24, 2023, the accused put a pair of runners on at Penneys on Patrick St and left without paying for them. Before that again, he stole beer from Aldi at The Elysian on July 30.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said the defendant was sentenced for other thefts earlier this month, and was serving a sentence of six months arising out of those crimes.

He said that the defendant was pleading guilty to all of the charges against him at the earliest possible time.

He had previous convictions for other thefts earlier this month.
A 27-year-old man accused of assault causing harm to three men at different locations in Cork City centre on the same date had the cases against him adjourned until June 6.

Ryan OMahoney, of 16 Carrig Court, Mahon, Cork, faces counts of assault causing harm to three men on the same night.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said that the defence was considering whether there would be a signed plea of guilty to the charges against him.

The charges consist of assault causing harm to a man at Margaret St and a similar crime against another man at Sullivans Quay and a third assault of a similar nature against another man, elsewhere in the city centre, on August 14, 2023.
ENQUIRIES are ongoing within the State and internationally in the case of an alleged conspiracy to import a huge consignment of drugs into Ireland, between late February and mid-March.

This emerged at Cork District Court today when one of the 10 arrested men appeared by video link from prison.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor for 41-year-old Anuar Rahui, asked the prosecution sergeant what progress had been made in the investigation as it was the only matter causing this defendants detention in custody.

He is a Spanish national and he has been refused bail by the High Court, Mr Buttimer said.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said: The file has not gone to the DPP as of yet.

Enquiries are ongoing within the State and internationally due to the nature of the alleged offence.

Mr Buttimer asked: When might those enquiries be completed?

Sgt Davis said that he would propose that a member of the investigation team would give an update on the position regarding the investigation on the adjourned date, or else there would be a detailed report on progress before the court.

Mr Buttimer said the accused was prepared to consent to a four-week remand in custody to facilitate progress, on the understanding that there would be evidence of progress on the next occasion.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused in custody until June 25.

Anuar Rahui, of Malaga, Spain  like the other defendants  is charged with conspiring with nine others to import drugs.

The charge in each case states: That you [defendants name] on dates between February 27 and March 14, both dates inclusive, within the state, did conspire with one or more persons, namely [nine other names] to do an act in the State that constitutes a serious offence, namely the other nine importation of controlled drugs in excess of 13,000, an offence contrary of Section 15B (1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as amended and contrary to Section 71 (1) (a) (4) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as amended by Section 4 (b) of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023.

A Spanish interpreter translated proceedings from Cork District Court for Mr Rahui on the video link.
A MISSIONARY priest and author who loved travelling around Irelands Gaeltacht regions and who worked in Nigeria and Tanzania on the missions is how many will recollect Fr. Fionnbarra O Cuilleanain of the Society of African Missions (SMA) whose funeral takes place in Cork on Wednesday.

Fr. O Cuilleanain, a fluent Irish speaker and a competent linguist in a number of languages, died on May 26 at the age of 83 in St. Theresas Nursing Unit on the Blackrock Road.

He was a frequent visitor to Gaeltacht areas such as Cuil Aodha in County Cork and Tory Island off the coast of Donegal and spent a period of his priesthood as the Parish Priest on the island of Arainn Mhor (Arranmore).

He worked as a missionary in the Archdiocese of Jos in Nigeria and in the Archdiocese of Shinyanga in Tanzania and also spent time doing missionary work in Rwanda and Burundi.

In 1990, his book An Bothar Fada go Tamanrasset/The Long Road to Tamanrasset was published and his articles were also frequently published in Irish language magazines.

His funeral is due to take place on Wednesday after Requiem Mass in St. Josephs Church in Wilton, a church associated with the Society of African Missions, and he will be buried afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more in bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza and on sanctioning Israel, Taoiseach Simon Harris has said.

He made the comments as Ireland is to formally recognise a Palestinian state on Tuesday, in a joint move with Norway and Spain.

The Palestinian flag has been flown over Leinster House, and four hours have been set aside in the Dail to hear TDs statements.

Speaking as he arrived for the Cabinet meeting where the Government will agree to the formal recognition, the Taoiseach said the European Union has the power to sanction Israel but that it needs to do more to bring an end to the violence.

Ireland is to formally recognise a Palestinian state in a joint move with Norway and Spain (Niall Carson/PA)

Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more and Europe needs to do a lot more in relation to this, the Fine Gael leader said.

It comes as EU foreign ministers engage in significant discussions this week on sanctioning Israel if it fails to comply with international humanitarian law.

We have an association agreement that is effectively a trade benefit agreement between Europe and Israel, and I am very confident that the overwhelming majority of people in this country would like to see that agreement reviewed from a human rights point of view, Mr Harris added.

He described the decision to recognise the Palestinian state as historic and important.

This is an important moment, and I think it sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope and destination of a two-state solution alive at a time when others are trying to sadly bomb it into oblivion, he said.

I am conscious though, as we take this historic and important decision today, of the ongoing human catastrophe unfolding in the Middle East, in Gaza, in Rafah. I am conscious of the devastation being caused by people being deprived of food, starvation, and hunger being used as a weapon of war.

Unfortunately, we now have a new despicable and disgusting trend emerging where, every now and again, in particular when absolute horror seems to take place, the prime minister of Israel (Binyamin Netanyahu) comes out and describes it as a tragic mistake.

Aprils tragic mistake was the bombing to death of aid workers trying to provide food to starving mouths, Mays tragic mistake, yesterday, was children being blown to death while seeking protection in a displaced centre.

What will Junes tragic mistake be? And more importantly, what does the world now intend to stop it happening?

For many weeks I have consistently been making the point at every meeting I have been at, including the European Council meeting, and my meeting with (European Commission president) Ursula von der Leyen, and in many conversations with European prime ministers, that we need to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire and to stop the violence.

Ireland will recognise a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, the culmination of months of diplomatic work that began in December.

The Palestinian Mission in Ireland is to be upgraded to an embassy and a Palestinian ambassador to Ireland will be appointed.

Ireland will 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.

Mr Harris said he hopes the move will encourage other EU member states to take the same step.

He said other European countries are considering recognising the Palestinian state.

I would really encourage them to do so, because we must now create momentum towards peace and cessation of violence, he added.

Earlier this week, Israeli Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich claimed Irelands move to recognise a Palestinian state is worrying Israeli investors in the Irish IT services sector.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the idea that recognising the state of Palestine is anti-Israel is absurd.

It doesnt make any sense to make that accusation or that assertion, he said on Tuesday.

The reason why more European Union states are coming to the recognition question is because of clear evidence that the Israeli government, led by Binyamin Netanyahu, has sought to undermine the concept of a two-state solution which everybody, a decade ago, had agreed with.

Binyamin Netanyahu has said he is against that, and people are running out of patience in that respect, and we are not going to allow the viability and prospect of a two-state solution to be ended just by the Israeli governments intransigence.

This decision has given a beacon of hope to the Palestinian people.



Taoiseach @SimonHarrisTD pic.twitter.com/fHqID22Gc7  Fine Gael (@FineGael) May 22, 2024

The current ambassador in Dublin, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, said the move gives hope and it is the right time to recognise a Palestinian state.

I am looking forward to seeing the flag flying on Leinster House. Its a big moment, she said.

Israels foreign affairs minister, Israel Katz, reacted to the planned recognition by issuing a severe demarche to the Irish, Spanish and Norwegian ambassadors to Israel.

Mr Harris previously criticised Israels treatment of Irelands ambassador, Sonya McGuinness, who was shown footage in front of Israeli media in a manner said to be outside the norm of how diplomats are treated.
The Ferrero Group announced today, with the publication of the 15th Sustainability Report, the latest progress made in the sustainability field. Guided by the Ferrero Group's long-term commitment to generating a positive impact along the entire value chain, the Report shows the significant progress made within the four fundamental pillars: environmental protection, responsible sourcing of materials prime, promotion of responsible consumption and valorisation of people.

The Ferrero Group recognizes the crucial role that the company plays in protecting the environment for future generations", declared Giovanni Ferrero , Executive Chairman of the Group. "We have reconfirmed with concrete commitments that sustainability is an integral part of the long-term strategy Ferrero's term. All four pillars of our sustainability framework guide every strategic decision we make. As the Group grows and diversifies its portfolio, we continue to enhance our long-term partnerships, particularly those dedicated to the communities in which we operate and where we source raw materials. We believe in the importance of these partnerships to make progress, advance the sector's social and environmental agenda and create value for society.

The latest Sustainability Report, relating to the 2022/23 financial year, highlights Ferrero's continued focus on promoting greater transparency along the supply chain of its key ingredients, in line with the Group's responsible sourcing approach . In the hazelnut supply chain, Ferrero has achieved 90% traceability, a notable increase from 79% in the 2021/22 financial year, thanks to continuous collaboration with farmers, suppliers, institutions, universities and research centers to promote sustainable agricultural practices. In collaboration with partners present in the area, Ferrero has also contributed to addressing complex challenges present along the value chain, such as deforestation, in the areas where the Group sources its ingredients. For example, adopting satellite mapping to help increase cocoa traceability at farm level, which reached 93% in 2022/23. In addition to operating across the board with cutting-edge technologies, Ferrero is a long-standing member of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI).

Collaboration plays a fundamentally important role in accelerating progress towards combating the causes of child labor and forced labor. Ferrero continues to collaborate with Save the Children, which operates in 65 communities in the Haut-Sassandra region of Ivory Coast, a major cocoa sourcing country, reaching over 18,000 people. Ferrero also works with the Earthworm Foundation and the International Labor Organization (ILO), along the palm oil and hazelnut supply chains respectively, to help support responsible labor practices.

Other notable advances contained within the Ferrero Group Sustainability Report include: - 90.7% of Ferrero's packaging is now designed to be recyclable, reusable or compostable, up from 88.5% compared to 2021/22 . - Water consumption at Ferrero factories was reduced by 20%, thanks to reduction and reuse initiatives, compared to the reference year 2017/18 and by -9.6% compared to 2021/2022. - The Kinder Joy of moving project has involved over 60 million children since its launch in 2005, including 3.4 million in 2022/23 alone.
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Apple's 10th-gen iPad has become a much better value after a permanent $100 price cut earlier this month, and now a new discount has made it even more affordable. The 10.9-inch tablet is on sale for $300 at Amazon, which is the lowest price we've seen to date. Just note that you'll need to clip an on-page coupon to see the full discount, and that the deal only applies to the blue and silver finishes as of this writing. For reference, Apple sells the slate for $349, though we previously saw it drop around $330 a couple weeks back.

Be aware that this deal is for models with 64GB of storage; if you need more space, 256GB versions are also $49 off and down to a low of $450. Again, just clip the on-page coupon to get the final price. All of these offers are available at Costco as well, but only for subscribers to that retailer's membership plan. (Amazon's deals are likely price matches.) Costco's listing says the sale will run through May 31.

We gave the 10th-gen iPad a review score of 85 back in October 2022, and it's now the budget pick in our iPad buying guide. The latter is somewhat by default, since this is the only iPad available for less than $350. Still, it's a great tablet for the money. It has a similar design as the more expensive iPad Air, with a crisp display, a clean aluminum frame, thin bezels, a Touch ID reader and a USB-C port. Its battery life is about the same at 10-ish hours, and its A14 Bionic chip remains plenty fast for the things most people do with an iPad, be it streaming Netflix, playing the occasional game or doing basic work. Like Apple's pricier tablets, its front camera is located on its long edge, which is a more natural location for group FaceTime calls.

To be clear, if you can afford one of the new iPad Airs, we think it's worth it. Those are available in 11- and 13-inch sizes and include a host of upgrades that add up to a more pleasing experience. Those include a faster and more futureproof M2 chip, double the RAM and default storage and a laminated display (which means there's no visible "gap" between the front glass and the display itself). The Air is also compatible with better accessories, such as the new Pencil Pro stylus. Here, you're limited to the cheaper USB-C Pencil, which lacks pressure sensitivity, or the old first-gen Pencil, which requires a mess of adapters to charge. If you can find a last-gen iPad Air for cheap before it goes fully out of stock, that should remain a better value as well. Still, if you just want a tablet for the essentials and are looking to spend as little as possible, the entry-level model gets you the core iPad experience at a good price. This deal only furthers that.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
Apple has just announced that its WWDC 2024 keynote is scheduled for 10AM PT/1PM ET on June 10 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The remaining festivities for the 35th edition of WWDC will run through to June 14, online and free for developers to attend.

What should we expect at this years keynote? WWDC is typically a software-centric event, so we might hear some details on the work Apple has been doing around AI over the last year or so. Other reports indicate that Apple will show off a suite of upcoming updates, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, tvOS 18, macOS 15 and watchOS 11, according to MacRumors. Its also likely the company will reveal the next operating system for the recently-released Apple Vision Pro headset, visionOS 2.

Its even possible well get some new hardware announcements. Though typically software-adjacent, last years WWDC was chock full of product announcements, from the aforementioned Vision Pro to the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air. The Mac Mini has been missing from recent product refreshes, so maybe the company will announce an M3-based update.

Mark your calendars for #WWDC24, June 10-14. Its going to be Absolutely Incredible! pic.twitter.com/YIln5972ZD  Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) March 26, 2024

As for the new software, there have been plenty of rumors regarding iOS 18. It has been reported that Apple might integrate Googles Gemini AI with Siri and various iPhone apps. Check the suspicious capitalization of "Absolutely Incredible" in the above post from Apple's VP of worldwide marketing Brad Joswiak for a winking acknowledgement of the move. Its also been suggested that the smartphone software will allow users to place apps anywhere on the home screen grid and will offer RCS support in the Messages app, along with the usual array of design changes.

The keynote event will be available on the Apple Developer app, the Apple website and YouTube. The company is also inviting 50 winners of its annual Swift Student Challenge to attend WWDC in person.

Update, May 28, 1:15PM: This story was updated after its original March 26 publishing to include the time of Apple's WWDC 2024 keynote.

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Less than a week after severe turbulence hit a Singapore Airlines flight, a Qatar Airways flight experienced the same plight last Sunday.

Twelve people -- six passengers and six crew members -- were injured when the airlines' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner hit turbulence while flying over Turkey on its way to Dublin from Doha, according to Dublin Airport's operator as reported by the BBC.

After the plane safely landed as scheduled at Dublin Airport before 1 p.m. local time, eight people of the 12 injured passengers were taken to a hospital.

RELATED : Jetstar Fine Print Allows Lawyer To Book 58 Flights For Free

15.00 update: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 pic.twitter.com/6rZjQg5vOb  Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) May 26, 2024

Emergency services including airport police, ambulance and fire officers also attended and supported the disembarkment of Qatar Airways flight QR017 passengers at the time.

"The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline staff," said a Dublin Airport Authority spokesperson.

It was really scary.

Passengers on a flight from Qatar to Ireland describe the moment they experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey during the food and drinks service. Six passengers and six cabin crew were injured during the turbulence | https://t.co/XkruwzQHZa pic.twitter.com/PfX3vKbCF9  RTE News (@rtenews) May 26, 2024

Some passengers on the flight were also interviewed about what happened during their flight to Dublin.

"Food all over the plane, on the ceiling, everywhere. This managed to happen," a passenger told RTE News, showing his torn shorts, before adding, "So yeah, it was just atrocious. Never again."

"Just going over Baghdad, we felt the plane dip for about five seconds. And the next thing we saw is the flight attendant just go up in the air and come straight back down," recalled another passenger.

"The plane fell. The poor flight attendant went into the air. Food went everywhere. And then, obviously, it was seatbelts on. There was panic, the look of panic everywhere. Some of the flight attendants I saw, they had scratches on their faces. They had ice [on] their faces. There was one girl that had a sling on her arm," shared someone else.

"I'm just so tired. I'm just so relieved that we made it home OK. That's all... It was very scary. It was the worst experience, honestly, on an airplane," a different passenger shared.

The Qatar Airways incident comes less than a week after a Singapore Airlines flight (SQ321) carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence on May 21.

The Boeing 777-300ER was midway through its meal service when it hit turbulence above Myanmar's Irrawaddy Basin, according to CNN. Because of the severe turbulence, the plane made an emergency landing in Bangkok at 3:45 p.m. local time.

A passenger has died, over 30 injured following severe turbulence on Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 flight from London to Singapore. pic.twitter.com/sO9lQDUlXW  DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) May 21, 2024

The incident resulted to one death and at least 71 injuries. The injured passengers included cituzens of Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, Ireland, the U.S. and the U.K.



The flight's casualty was a 73-year-old British man who reportedly died from a suspected heart condition. At the time of CNN's report, his autopsy was still ongoing.
4

La Xunta alega que la llegada de poblacion del exterior "influye directamente" en el aumento de castellanohablantes
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT - 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, medics said. Israel's military said Sunday's air attack had eliminated Hamas' chief of staff for the the West Bank, plus another official behind attacks on Israelis.
CHESTER, W.Va  Chuck and Cheryl Glenn are about two weeks out from the EF2-rated tornado that ripped through their houses and barns on May 8.

The sustained winds of 130 miles per hour knocked down barns and damaged houses on the 78-acre farm which has been in Chucks family since it was purchased in 1953. It was the first recorded tornado in Hancock County, West Virginia, according to the National Weather Service.

The memory of this violent tornado is still raw, but the couple prefers to focus on how grateful and blessed they feel.

It was incredible. The outpouring of people has been so wonderful, Cheryl said.

Impact

Glenn wipes some now-daily tears from his eyes as he describes the storm, and marvels at the aftermath.

It hit at about 1:30 in the morning, he said. My brother-in-law texted to ask if we were OK because he lost his entire roof. Within minutes, were hearing the roar of the wind and I decided to go check on my mom, who lived nearby in the original farmhouse.

Chuck wasnt prepared for the total darkness, where the only illumination was the frequent lightning. He saw that much of the house where Betty Glenn, his 93-year-old mother, was living had been destroyed.

I thought my mother was gone, he said through sobs that even now cannot help but escape him.

But she wasnt gone.

She alerted her son and the sheriff of her presence. Im right here, she said very matter-of-factly from a downstairs easy chair. A strong woman, she has a reputation for simply telling it like it is.

She had made her way downstairs when she heard the terrible creaking of structure as the wind strained the frame of the house. She crawled over debris and remembers being hit by some of it. She watched as a wall was picked up into the sky. Chuck said he was amazed that she was spared.

The matriarch of this farm would not be transported to the hospital to be checked without her dentures, glasses, phone and purse. Remarkably, these items were right where she said they would be, untouched by the horrific wind. She also requested two rolling pins, because she is known far and wide for feeding people and making pies.

Shes pretty well covered with bruises and had cuts from glass on her hands, but shes recovering and doing better, Chuck said. Betty is staying at a relatives home.

Cheryl walks over to Chuck, and looks lovingly at this man who has been her husband for nearly 47 years. They met when they were 16 years old and theyve never looked back. She comforts Chuck now in a side hug; she said that reliving the account of the storm is tough, because it was surreal and they lost quite a bit.

Help

On May 11, the first Saturday after the storm, more than 100 people came to help with cleanup. Debris that had carpeted the grazing fields was moved into large piles. If any memories were found, they were quickly saved for the family.

We appreciated everything they did so much, Chuck laughed. It was funny because theyd keep bringing us keys they found and Id just have to look at them and say, thank you  but Ive got no doors!

He said that the students from Oak Glen High School in Cumberland were just terrific workers. For hours, they worked to groom the pastures and pile the debris.

And the Red Cross, the three Hancock County commissioners, the Emergency Management people  all of them asking us how they might help, said Chuck. It is something to see and experience.

Cheryl said that the New Manchester Fire Department came for a number of days and kept everyone fed. Sometimes two or three meals a day, they were that dedicated, she added.

The morning after the tornado, the cows were just standing around, acting like nothing had happened, Chuck said. One had even given birth during the storm, and they named that heifer Tornado. Not one of the 47 cows had been injured in any way.

He said that the squirrels and cats on the property were apparently quite traumatized and are just now starting to show up again.

Chuck looks around, surveying the landscape as if to take it in for the first time. He said things feel like theyre in a fluid state. He doesnt know how he puts one foot in front of the other every morning, but acknowledges that Youve got to feed the cows.

At this point, he doesnt know if theyll rebuild, or when. The beef cattle that he had planned on as his main activity during his retirement years loom in front of him. He said he doesnt have kids interested in taking over the operation, and hes questioning how long he would be able to farm. He said one nephew helps out a bit, but is not in any way interested in making the farm his livelihood.

Hes waiting on insurance settlements and said theyre taking it day by day. Along with the tears, he said that theyve been praying frequently.

Wed just gotten things to where they were good, he said, showing a photo of a recent barn renovation that had just been completed prior to the tornados wrath. He wipes at his eyes with the back of his hand, his voice breaking,

More cleanup people keep arriving, and the sound of twisted metal and backhoes is a constant reminder of how far they have to go.

Cheryl said that she and her husband are extremely self-reliant and they are not delegators by nature. It is not easy for them to ask for and receive help.

But my daughter said, Mom, this is much bigger than you, and you need help, and I guess shes very right.
Production problems with the Russian wheat crop are continuing the current rally. Chicago wheat futures continue to lead the rallies in grain prices on the futures markets, currently. We are trading at the 10-month high, after watching prices decline for months until recently.

The change came in the middle of April, just when we started talking about how low prices could go. Chicago July wheat futures traded at $5.50 April 18, and the only good thing about that trade was that it was still higher than the $5.37 3/4 we traded in early March.

Since April 18, we have seen a rally of $1.70 to that 10-month high. The rally has represented a second chance for cleaning up old crop wheat, which many farmers had hesitated to sell and had lived to regret.

It is also a good opportunity to sell the new crop, since the production problems that are causing the rally will likely elevate the prices early and prove to be an overreaction.

Global production problems are the reason for wheat prices to rise. Leading the list of problems is the drought that has plagued Russian wheat regions, followed by recent frost damage. It remains to be seen just what the frost damage is, and the normal market reaction is to rally on fear and moderate prices when actual news develops.

The Russian production problems have a disproportionate effect on wheat prices, since Russia is the worlds largest exporter of wheat and flour.

Corn

Corn futures have not had the meteoric rise of wheat, but have gained 20 cents in seven trading sessions. Currently, on the overnight going into May 28, we were trading at $4.71 versus the $4.51 of May 17.

If you look back to the end of February, we had a low of $4.22 1/4. That was when we started speculating that we could get below $3. Corn prices have been helped by a rain pattern that has left southern Brazil too wet and is hurting the safrina (second) crop of corn there.

Soybeans

The soybeans have also made big gains in the last three months. The big change came between the harvest high of $14.21 in the middle of November until the low of $11.40 1/2 at the end of February. That was an ugly drop, but we have got back into the high 12s again.

We had a high of $12.56 1/2 May 7 and then a low of $12.03 1/2 May 14. Now we have traded back to $12.58 1/4 last Thursday, May 23.

I would feel better about the gains in corn and soybeans if I didnt know that, since the rallies, the managed money traders have started to short the market again after buying back grain for awhile. They have, in the last reporting period, shorted corn almost 50,000 contracts for a net short of 121,162 contracts. They have shorted soybeans another 16,239 contracts for a net now of 26,426 contract short.

These actions take some of the bullish heat out of the market, and they also indicate what some big players think about the market. They are happy to take profits out of the rally and to anticipate lower prices.

The same is not true for the Chicago wheat market. There the funds have cut their shorts by 3,158 contracts for a net short now of 21,593 contracts.

Exports

In export news, we only have a couple of weeks left in the wheat marketing year. It is hard to think of harvest already, but the wheat harvest normally starts in Dalhart, Texas, the first week of May.

We have sales contracts and shipments for 97% of the estimated wheat exports, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The corn and soybeans have until the end of August for the marketing year to end, but they also are making progress toward USDA export projections. The corn exports are at 90% of the estimate, but that is 7% off the normal pace. We have shipped or sold over 49 MMT of corn.

Soybeans for export now total 93% of the estimate for the marketing year. That is 6% off the average pace of export.

It is hard to compare year to year to find a normal price pattern for the grain crops, but it is normally true that we find a high in May or June.

Frequently, the corn high is the last few days of June, confirmed the first week of July. That is true when the price pattern is based on our production and on our planting date and weather. This year, we actually have a lot of price negatives, and the rallies we are seeing are based more on foreign production events.

I can make a case that we are seeing highs for corn and soybeans right now. We are working through the unknowns of production problems in Russia, Brazil and Argentina. The market goes up on fear and down on knowledge. We are not far from knowledge when it comes to those sketchy crops.
New legislation on hedgerow management has come into force, with many of the exemptions which were offered under cross compliance to continue.

Defra is opting for a continuation of two metre buffer strips and a no-cutting period, a reduction in red tape, and a cooperative approach to enforcement and sanctions.

The department has reported that more than 95% of respondents in its consultation, launched last year, supported plans to maintain a no-cutting period and hedgerow buffer strips.

The regulations include a two metre buffer strip from the centre of hedgerows, with no cultivation or application of pesticides or fertilisers in most cases, and a no-cutting period between 1 March and 31 August to protect nesting birds.

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will continue its role as regulator, with a default position of providing advice and guidance in the first instance, to help farmers comply with the regulations.

A consultation on new civil and criminal sanctions to enable the RPA to take appropriate and proportionate actions against anyone causing serious or repeated damage will be held in due course.

A key change is the new streamlined notification process for farmers needing an exemption to cut hedges in August if they are sowing oilseed rape or temporary grass, which replaces the previous two-week waiting period.

Farmers will be required to notify the RPA in writing of their intention to sow in specific fields before planting.

Responding to the new legislation, NFU vice president Rachel Hallos said it was 'encouraging' to see that the government had 'listened to farmers'.

Hedgerows are an important part of our farming heritage with farmers taking great pride in managing hundreds of thousands of kilometres of them in various forms and shapes, supporting biodiversity, she said.

Balancing the need to continue protecting hedgerows while producing food on farms is vital for our food security.

These new regulations will help support the proactive management of hedges in our farmed environment, allowing timely management via hedge laying, coppicing, nurturing and protecting of newly established hedges and maintaining earth banks where hedges are located on them.

Ms Hallow added that the NFU will work to continue to ensure that the simpler, fairer and more proportionate ways to enforce this new legislation works for all.
NFU Scotland has confirmed it will launch 'diversity discussions' to ensure the union is more inclusive to a wider range of people.

The project will involve a series of interviews, an online survey and a roadshow, which is due to commence on 8 July.

Encouraging an increase in union involvement from a wider cross-section of people is a board priority for 2024.

Caroline Millar, who has completed three years on NFU Scotlands board, is leading the project, with next generation policy advisor Lucy McGillivray working alongside.

The pair plan to undergo the roadshow together and present recommendations on how diversity and inclusion can be increased at NFU Scotland in the autumn.

Ms McGillivray said: "At NFUS we embrace diversity and inclusion, however we recognise that we could do more.

"That is why our board of directors have made diversity and inclusion a priority, to ensure NFUS is a welcoming place for all as we work to support our members.

"I am looking forward to supporting Caroline with the diversity discussion project, including getting out into the regions all over Scotland in July to hear your views."

For the review to be successful, NFU Scotland said that engagement from union members, other organisations and the public is required.

The first stage of the project was launched last week, and is open to members of the public, regardless of their farming background.

Following this, the public, members, farmers and crofters have been invited to attend 'diversity discussion's at either in-person meetings planned across all nine NFUS regions or online.

Ms Millar emphasised the importance of public engagement: It would be great to listen to the views about diversity from as many people as possible over the coming months.

"The views of NFU Scotland members will be a core element, but this project reaches wider than this.

"We are keen to speak to people who are not NFU Scotland members and people in the wider rural economy about this important topic.
A new forensic research project is working with farmers and the police to improve the collection of offending dog DNA from attacked livestock.

The Canine DNA Recovery Project aims to develop best practice methods for the collection and analysis of canine DNA from attacked livestock and wildlife.

Farm animals worth an estimated 2.4 million were severely injured and killed by dog attacks in 2022, NFU Mutual's latest figures show.

Not only do these attacks cause suffering to livestock, but they can traumatise farmers and their families as they deal with the aftermath.

While attacks are on the increase, obtaining suitable forensic samples from the scene is often difficult as attacks can occur in remote locations.

The new research project is being led by Dr Nick Dawnay from Liverpool John Moores University, forming part of the Canine DNA Recovery Project.

Dr Dawnay said: Our rural crime police cant always attend scenes in a timely manner so quite often no forensic sample is collected from the injured or deceased livestock.

"The timing of sample collection is important as the DNA of an offending dog will not last long on an animal exposed to the elements or on a dead carcass that has been disturbed or moved.

This led Dr Dawnay to develop early evidence kits so that, in the event of a livestock attack, a forensic sample can be collected at the crime scene by police, vets and farmers.

The kits will enable canine DNA to be collected in minutes at the scene of the attack, with samples then handed to the police.

They will be distributed across 10 regions in England and Wales this summer via participating police forces, NFU Mutual, the National Sheep Association, and NFU Cymru.

Dave Allen, who is North Wales Police Livestock Offence Working Group Secretary, welcomed the new project, calling it an 'exciting development'.

He said: New legislation is currently making its way through parliament and gives police the power to take a DNA sample from a suspected dog to compare to canine DNA left at an attack scene.

"These kits are an exciting development and can be utilised for an issue that causes major concern to our UK rural communities.
Scottish farmers and farm workers are being encouraged to get a free health check - and a haircut - as part of an initiative by charity RSABI.

Its 'Health Hut' will be set up NSA Scotsheep on 5 June at Aikengall Farm, near Dunbar, with it also offering farmers a free haircut.

RSABI's nurse Irene Scott will be taking blood pressures and other health tests, while also offering lifestyle advice.

And the Kilted Barber from Perth, Campbell Ewen, will be wielding his scissors during a trimathon taking place throughout the day.

RSABI's post-lambing 'MOT' for farmers follows a difficult spring and lambing season for many.

The initiative also aims to raise awareness of the wide range of support RSABI offers while encouraging farmers to take care of their wellbeing.

Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI, said: Our MOT has a very serious message about the importance of farmers looking after themselves.

"Farmers are fantastic at helping other people in rural communities around the country but can sometimes forget to look after themselves properly.

"We hope our offer of a Scotsheep MOT will help to remind them of how important it is to take a break."

She added: Time off the farm and away from work is vital for good mental health and a day like Scotsheep is also a great source of new ideas and were looking forward to seeing some great post-lambing haircuts too!

The Health Hut will be located at stand 39, outside main building 3, across from the VIP/Sponsors Marquee.

A Health Hut roadshow is also planned for the summer shows and the RSABI nurses will also be in action at marts around the country.
Lawmakers in Northern Ireland have passed a motion acknowledging the 'deep concern' around obtaining veterinary medicines after 2025.

A Brexit grace period for veterinary medicines is due to expire in Northern Ireland in December 2025, after which EU rules will apply in full unless an alternative solution is reached.

A third of veterinary medicines used in the province may no longer be available after this period, according to a recent House of Lords report.

MLAs in Northern Ireland's Assembly concluded that if permanent workable solutions were not brought forward, animal health and welfare, food production and public health would be damaged.

The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) have hailed the passing of the motion as a 'significant moment'.

UFU president William Irvine said: MLAs across all parties have recognised the concerns of farmers when the current grace period comes to an end.

"It is critical farmers have access to a full suite of veterinary medicines, with farming and food being key sectors of the local economy, nothing can risk the reputation of our produce throughout the world.

"We are now almost 18 months into a 36-month process and with elections in both the UK and EU, with very little progress, we are likely to see more time lost in political negotiations between both jurisdictions.

The UFU and veterinary groups have emphasised the importance of this issue not becoming a wider political issue, with access to the EUs single market set against accessing veterinary medicines from GB.

MLAs, farmers and vets have agreed that any solution must maintain full access to the EU single market whilst not disrupting long established veterinary medicine supply chains.

Disease knows no boundary and the implications of the current trajectory would be felt throughout the epidemiological unit of the Island of Ireland," Mr Irvine added.

"Pharmaceutical companies are taking decisions beyond the start of January 2026 based on the full implementation of what was originally agreed under the NI Protocol.

"This includes the discontinuation of product and reduction in pack size availability which will have bigger implications on small farms."

NIVA president Sharon Verner warned that the risks of harm to animal and human health and welfare were 'highly significant' if a solution was not found.

"In addition, no one wants to lose the hard-won ground in the field of tackling anti-microbial resistance," she added.

"There is an urgent need to find a permanent solution to this most critical issue.
Living near a busy road can put your health at risk.

People who live near busy roads are more likely to suffer from health problems

A new study has found that those who open their windows during the summer months are in increased danger of life-threatening conditions - including cardiovascular problems and dementia - as a result of the noise pollution they are exposed to.

Charlotte Clark, professor of epidemiology at St George's University of London, told The Sun newspaper: "Many of us don't think of noise as being damaging but it has a huge impact on the health of the population.

"In the UK, it is estimated that 9.5 million people are regularly exposed to harmful levels of road noise, 1.2 million for railways and one million for aircraft noise.

"This is estimated to cause 6,000 new cases of heart disease a year and 1,000 premature deaths. And it's likely these are underestimates as we are starting to see health affected at lower levels of noise."
Britain is running out of ghosts.

Ghosts are declining in the UK

Leading paranormal expert Dr. Paul Lee has warned that the UK's spectres are in decline as many spirits are passing over to the "other side".

Dr. Lee: "Since January 2020 I've been contacting all the reportedly haunted locations on my app, and asking if the residents, owners or staff have experienced any unexplained activity.

"So far I've had almost 800 replies and even some supposedly highly haunted places like Conisburgh Castle in South Yorkshire, the Ettington Park Hotel in Stratford said to be one of the most haunted hotels in the UK and Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly, say they haven't experienced anything in the last few years."

He added: "It could be that a spirit had a natural source of energy to begin with which has dwindled away over time, leaving them without the reserves to manifest anymore."
Johnny Wactor saved his co-worker's life when he was shot to death over the weekend.

Johnny Wactor died defending his female co-worker

The actor was best known for his role in US soap opera 'General Hospital' but died Saturday (25.05.24) after being fatally shot at the age of just 37 and now, in a description that matches that of an incident shared by the Los Angeles Police Department, his brother Grant explained that the whole incident came about as he shielded a colleague from gunfire.

Jonny's brother Grant told the MailOnline: "Were Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself. Were Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself.

" He came across them and he thought his truck was being towed. So he said something to the guys, like, 'Hey, are you towing?'. Once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his coworker behind him. That's when they shot him."

Johnny's mother Scarlett initially explained to TMZ that Johnny was with a colleague when they saw three men "messing with Johnny's car" and that the suspects "allegedly tried to steal a catalytic converter".

Scarlett noted that Johnny "did not try to stop" the alleged suspects in their actions, and that even though paramedics rushed to the scene shortly after the shooting, he was pronounced dead in hospital.

On Sunday evening, Johnny's agent David Shaul remembered his late client as being "a spectacular human being."

He told People: "Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession, he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be.

"Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever."

Johnny - who had also starred in 'Criminal Minds' and 'Siberia' - joined the cast of 'General Hospital' in early 2020 as the ex-con mechanic Brando Corbin and stayed with the show until 2022, when his character was stabbed and woke up in the hospital only to suffer a fatal seizure.
Tom Burke believes Hollywood's "understanding of beauty" has evolved.

Tom Burke has reflected on changing beauty standards

The 42-year-old actor - who stars alongside Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth in 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' - has suggested that the movie industry has become more open-minded about beauty standards in recent years.

He told The Independent: "I think even in America, theres a very much more diverse understanding of beauty than there was in, say, the 80s or even 90s."

Despite this, Tom still admires actors and actresses who fully commit to their on-screen roles.

He said: "I have enormous admiration for people who are in the gym at four oclock in the morning and then the cryochamber and egg whites for breakfast. And you know, Ill do some version of that when its required."

Meanwhile, Tom previously insisted that having dyslexia hasn't hindered his career.

The actor claimed that his learning difficulty is "not a big deal" in his professional life.

He told the Guardian newspaper: "In my teens, Id only read one book and that took me about two years. Suddenly at 17, I became a reader for the first time. It still takes me a few seconds to look at a clock face and work out what the time is. But its not a big deal for me.

"Im starting to wonder if I have a bit of ADHD, frankly, but thats a complete self-diagnosis. Im no good at sitting still or staring at screens. It felt very liberating to admit that to myself. I need to get out and move."

Tom has been tipped as a candidate to become James Bond one day.

Asked about the possibility of playing 007, Tom replied: "I have some weird, magical, superstition about that, that youre not supposed to talk about it or something."
Daniel Stern felt "very protective" of Macaulay Culkin on the set of 'Home Alone'.

Daniel Stern starred alongside Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone and very protective of the then-child star

The 66-year-old actor famously played burglar Marv in the 1990 Christmas classic opposite the then-child star but noticed that he had "given up" a lot of things that his own children didn't have to as they were out of the spotlight.

Speaking on ITV's 'Good Morning Britain', he explained: "He was a professional actor, [childhood] what you give up a lot of times when you're working as a kid. He also lived in New York. I love him, I loved him then. He was the same age as one of my kids and I felt very protective of him.

"We all went to the park to play. He did things my kids didn't do but he was under the microscope."

Following his rise to fame in 'Home Alone', Macaulay acted in films such as 'My Girl' and 'The Pagemaster' before returning for 'Home Alone 2: Lost In New York' and later retired from acting in pursuit of a "normal life" away from Hollywood but made a comeback to the film scene in the early 2000s.

Daniel - who has just published his memoir 'Home and Alone' - noted that being a child star can be a "dangerous situation" because either a kid is going to be rejected several times over or they have to deal with an enormous amount of public scrutiny during their teenage years.

He said: "Being a kid actor is a dangerous situation. It's a lose-lose to me. Either you're gonna have a kid go out and audition for things and get rejected or they're in the movie or the show and it's a big success and now they're having their adolescence while everyone is paying too much attention to them. It's a minefield for adults."
Molly Ringwald was "taken advantage of" in the early days of her career.

Molly Ringwald has claimed that she was taken advantage of during her early career

The 56-year-old actress became a household name through her performances in 1980s films such as 'Sixteen Candles' and 'The Breakfast Club' but insisted that she was "too young" for Hollywood fame and alleged that any young starlet on the film scene has to deal with having "predators" around them.

Speaking on the 'WTF with Marc Maron' podcast, she said: "I never really felt like I was part of a community when I was in Hollywood, just because I was so young, really. I wasn't into going out to clubs.

"I feel like I'm more social now than I was then. I was just too young. I was taken advantage of. You can't be a young actress in Hollywood and not have predators around."

The 'Pretty In Pink' star - who started out by starring in a national production of 'Annie' in the late 1970s but has now carved out a secondary career as a translator - revealed she had "definitely been in questionable situations" during the height of her fame and tried "so hard" to steer her daughter in any direction other than showbiz.

Molly - who has 20-year-old Mathilda with husband Panio Gianopoulos - explained: "I need incredible survival instinct and a pretty big superego to figure out a way to protect myself. But, yeah, it can be harrowing.

"And I have a 20-year-old daughter now who is going into the same profession, even though I did everything I could to convince her to do something else. And it's hard."

Earlier this year, Molly claimed that there were certain elements of 'The Breakfast Club' - which follows a group of five teenagers in detention - that "hadn't aged well" since its 1985 release.

She told The Times: "There is a lot that I really love about the movie but there are elements that havent aged well  like Judd Nelsons character, John Bender, who essentially sexually harasses my character. Im glad were able to look at that and say things are truly different now."
Dyeing your hair at home can often feel daunting, fraught with the potential for mismatched colors and uneven application. However, the task has become significantly more approachable with the advent of virtual hair color simulators. These advanced tools allow us to experiment with different hues on our digital avatars, narrowing the options to the perfect shade before we even touch a dye bottle. It's a seamless blend of technology and creativity that promises a professional-looking outcome without the salon price tag.

Hair dying DIY

It's essential to pair the right color with our unique hair type and texture. Not all hair colors work well with every hair type, and understanding these nuances is key to achieving a desired look. Once we've selected our ideal color through a simulator, we must turn our attention to the dyeing process. Tips on preparation, including the necessary supplies and protective measures, can ensure that our experience is smooth and our hair is kept healthy.

When we've successfully prepared, we proceed with the dye application, which demands precision and patience. Techniques vary depending on the hair dye type, and it's crucial to follow instructions meticulously to avoid common pitfalls like patchiness or color bleeding. Post-dye care is just as important to preserve the vibrancy of our new color and maintain hair health, necessitating a comprehensive routine to mitigate any potential damage from the dye.

Key Takeaways

Virtual simulators offer a no-risk approach to selecting a hair color that complements our personal style.

Understanding our hair's type and texture is fundamental to choosing the right dye and application technique.

Proper aftercare is essential to maintain hair health and color vibrancy after dyeing.

Understanding Hair Types and Textures





Before choosing a hair dye, it's crucial to understand your hair's unique characteristics.

Analyzing Hair Porosity

Hair porosity determines how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture.

Low Porosity: Cuticles are tightly bound; moisture is not easily absorbed. Use lightweight oils.

Medium Porosity: Cuticles are less tight; hair is balanced and holds styles well.

High Porosity: Cuticles are loose; hair absorbs moisture quickly but may become frizzy.

Identifying Hair Density

Hair density refers to the number of strands of hair per square inch on your scalp.

Fine Density : Scalp may be visible; choose dyes that don't weigh hair down.

: Scalp may be visible; choose dyes that don't weigh hair down. Medium Density : Offers a balanced look; most dyes work without special consideration.

: Offers a balanced look; most dyes work without special consideration. Thick Density: Scalp is hardly visible; require more dye and longer processing time.

Choosing the Right Hair Color

Selecting the perfect hair color involves pairing virtual technology with our unique features. We'll guide you through using virtual simulators, matching your skin tone, and factoring in your natural hair color for a harmonious result.

Using Virtual Color Simulators

Virtual color simulators such as Facetune.com are invaluable tools that allow us to test different hair colors in a risk-free environment. Heres how to use them effectively:

Visit reputable salon websites or download hair color apps that offer a virtual try-on feature.

Ensure you have a well-lit photo of yourself ready to upload or use a live try-on camera option.

Experiment with various shades and brands to find several potential matches.

Save your favorite options to compare and consider further.

Complementing Skin Tone

Skin tone greatly impacts how a hair color looks on us. Our goal is to choose a color that enhances our natural complexion.

Identify your skin's undertone: cool, warm, or neutral.

Cool : Silver jewelry suits you best; veins appear blue or purple.

: Silver jewelry suits you best; veins appear blue or purple. Warm : Gold jewelry looks best; veins are greenish.

: Gold jewelry looks best; veins are greenish. Neutral: Both silver and gold jewelry suit you, and veins are blue-green.

Select colors that complement your undertone:

Cool undertones : Ash blonde, cool brown, deep jewel tones.

: Ash blonde, cool brown, deep jewel tones. Warm undertones : Golden blonde, copper red, caramel brown.

: Golden blonde, copper red, caramel brown. Neutral undertones: Most colors work, but opt for neither overly ashy nor golden shades.

Considering Natural Hair Color

Our natural hair color lays the foundation for dye choices, as not all dyes may be compatible or may give the desired result.

Analyze the lightness or darkness of your natural hair.

Established levels range from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde).

Choose a dye that is:

No more than two levels lighter or darker for at-home dyeing.

Compatible with the underlying pigment of your natural hair color.

Preparation for Dyeing Your Hair

Before we begin the dyeing process, it's crucial to have everything in place. A well-prepared setup ensures a smooth dye application and protects against potential mishaps.

Assembling Your Tools and Equipment

To start, well need the right tools and equipment. Heres what should be on our checklist:

Hair dye kit

Gloves (usually provided in the kit)

Old towels or cape to protect clothing

Hair clips for sectioning

Comb

Timer

Mirror

Plastic or glass mixing bowl (if the dye requires mixing)

Application brush (if not included in the kit)

Petroleum jelly or lip balm to protect the hairline and ears from staining

Having all these items within reach can streamline our dyeing process.

Protecting Your Surroundings

Dye can be messy, so its important to cover our work area to avoid stains. Steps include:

Lay down newspapers or plastic sheets over the surfaces around us.

Keep extra paper towels or wet wipes handy for immediate spill clean-ups.

Wearing old clothes or a smock will protect our attire from possible splatters.

Sectioning Your Hair

Proper sectioning helps achieve an even dye application. Follow these steps:

Brush our hair thoroughly to remove any knots.

Part our hair into four equal sections, using hair clips to keep them separate:

Divide the hair down the middle from the forehead to the nape of the neck.

Then, part from ear to ear across the crown.

Well work with one section at a time, starting from the back and moving toward the front, which ensures thorough coverage.

Organizing our hair into manageable sections can make the entire dyeing process more efficient and result in a more even color.

Applying the Hair Dye

Once you have selected the perfect hair dye shade with the help of a virtual simulator, we move on to the meticulous application process to ensure optimal results.

Mixing the Dye

To begin, we need to prepare the dye mixture. Always wear gloves to protect your hands. Follow the instructions on the dye kit, which typically involve combining the colorant and developer in a non-metallic bowl. Mix until the solution is consistent in color and texture.

Techniques for Even Application

We recommend starting at the roots, as they require the most color processing time. Use a dye brush for precision, applying the dye in sections. Ensure each section is thoroughly saturated with product for an even finish. Smooth the dye down from the roots to the tips of your hair, working systematically around your head.

Section Hair: Divide your hair into four sectionsdown the middle and across from ear to ear. Clip each section. Apply Precisely: Start with one section at a time, further dividing it into smaller subsections. Ensure Coverage: After applying dye to a subsection, gently massage the dye into the hair to ensure every strand is covered.

Timing and Development

Time management is essential. Start timing as soon as the first section of hair is covered. Use the time recommended on the hair dye kit for development. After time is up, rinse the hair until the water runs clear. Following the manufacturer's instructions will often yield the best color and condition of your hair post-dye.

Aftercare and Maintenance

After dyeing your hair at home, it's crucial to follow proper aftercare and maintenance to ensure the longevity of your hair color. We're here to guide you through preserving the vibrancy and health of your hair.

Washing and Conditioning

When washing your dyed hair, always use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair. This will help prevent stripping away your hair's color and moisture.

First 72 Hours : Wait at least 72 hours before your first wash to allow the color to fully set in.

: Wait at least 72 hours before your first wash to allow the color to fully set in. Water Temperature : Use lukewarm water instead of hot, as high temperatures can cause the color to fade more quickly.

: Use lukewarm water instead of hot, as high temperatures can cause the color to fade more quickly. Frequency: Limit washing to 2-3 times a week to reduce color loss.

Reducing Color Fading

Minimizing color fade is essential to maintain the vibrancy of your hair color. Here's what you can do to achieve that:

Heat Styling : If you must use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant and use the lowest temperature setting.

: If you must use heat styling tools, always apply a and use the lowest temperature setting. Sun Exposure : Protect your hair from the sun with hats or hair products with UV protection.

: Protect your hair from the sun with hats or hair products with UV protection. Chlorine Protection: Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier against pool chemicals.

Regular Touch-Ups

Stay on top of your hair color by scheduling regular touch-ups. Here's how to keep your color looking fresh:

Roots Maintenance : Retouch your roots every 4-6 weeks, or as recommended by your dye kit.

: Retouch your roots every 4-6 weeks, or as recommended by your dye kit. Ends Refresh: If the ends of your hair start to fade, apply a semi-permanent color to the affected area.

By following these aftercare and maintenance tips, we can extend the life of our hair color and keep our hair looking its best.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

We understand that even with careful preparation, you can encounter unexpected results when dyeing your hair at home. Below are targeted solutions to common issues to help ensure your hair color looks even and vibrant.

Correcting Uneven Color

If you find that your hair color appears patchy or uneven after dyeing, there are a few steps we can take to correct it:

Identify the Cause: Is the color uneven due to application error, hair porosity, or a fading previous color? Clarifying Shampoo: Wash the darker areas with a clarifying shampoo which may lighten them slightly. Color Remover: Use a color remover on the darker sections before reapplying the dye evenly. Reapply Color: Mix a new batch of dye and apply it, focusing on the lighter areas to even out the overall hue.

Remember, when reapplying color, always follow the manufacturers instructions to prevent further damage to your hair.

Dealing With Color Bleeding

Color bleeding can be an issue, especially with vibrant or dark colors. To mitigate this, try the following:

Rinse with Cold Water : After dyeing, rinse your hair until the water runs clear and use cold water to seal in the color.

: After dyeing, rinse your hair until the water runs clear and use cold water to seal in the color. Avoid Harsh Shampoos : Use color-safe shampoos, as harsh chemicals can cause the color to bleed.

: Use color-safe shampoos, as harsh chemicals can cause the color to bleed. Section Hair: When applying dye, separate your hair into small sections to avoid the color seeping into unintended areas.

High-quality dye and a meticulous application process can minimize the chances of color bleeding.

Fixing Over-Processed Hair

Over-processing can lead to brittle, damaged hair. If your hair appears over-processed, our tips are:

Deep Conditioning : Use a deep conditioner or a hair mask regularly to restore moisture and repair damage.

: Use a deep conditioner or a hair mask regularly to restore moisture and repair damage. Protein Treatments : Incorporate protein treatments to strengthen your hairs keratin structure.

: Incorporate protein treatments to strengthen your hairs keratin structure. Trim Damaged Ends: Regular trims can prevent splitting and breakage from worsening.

Its essential not to over-process your hair in future dye applications; always wait the recommended time between treatments.

Advanced Techniques and Creative Styles

As we explore advanced hair coloring techniques, remember that precision and patience are key. These methods can create depth, dimension, and a personalized look for your hair.

Highlights and Lowlights

Highlights can add brightness and dimension to your hair, giving the illusion of volume. They are created by lightening sections of hair, usually no thicker than a spaghetti strand. Our strategy involves painting thin strands from root to tip, leaving equal sections untouched for a natural look. Lowlights work inversely, adding darker tones to the hair and creating a fuller appearance. They are best applied with a foiling technique, placing fine weaves of color alternately with highlights.

Highlights Technique:

Choose a shade 2-3 levels lighter than your base.

Use a fine-tooth comb for even sectioning.

Lowlights Technique:

Select a color 2-3 shades darker than the base.

Apply sparingly to avoid a muddy look.

Balayage and Ombre

Balayage is a freehand technique where color is swept onto select strands, giving a sun-kissed radiance. This method offers a softer, more natural growth pattern, reducing the appearance of regrowth lines. We ensure to blend seamlessly from dark to light for a flawless finish.

Ombre, from darker roots to lighter ends, presents a bolder transition. To achieve this, we section the hair horizontally and progressively lighten the tips ensuring the mid-lengths transition smoothly.

Balayage Key Points:

Work with vertical sections.

Blend colors for a natural gradation.

Ombre Key Points:

Isolate the lower section of hair for stronger lightening.

Gradually decrease the intensity as you move up the hair.

Vivid and Pastel Colors

Vivid hues are striking and require a high level of care to apply. We typically lighten hair to a pale blonde before applying vibrant shades to ensure true color payoff. Pastels, less saturated but equally impactful, follow a similar application process but with softer, lighter tones.

Vivid Colors Application:

Pre-lighten hair to the appropriate level.

Apply the vivid dye evenly and saturate each section thoroughly.

Pastel Colors Application:

Tone pre-lightened hair to neutralize yellows.

Mix pastel dye with conditioner for a more subtle effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we provide straightforward answers to common queries about home hair dyeing using virtual simulators and effective application techniques.

What are the steps to dyeing your hair at home to achieve professional results?

To achieve professional results at home, start by choosing the right dye with a virtual simulator. Then, perform a patch test, follow the exact timing on the dye instructions, and apply evenly. Its crucial to section hair properly for uniform coverage.

What are the best strategies to avoid missing spots when dyeing hair by yourself?

When dyeing your hair solo, use two mirrors to see all angles of your head. Divide your hair into small sections and apply dye meticulously to each section. Consistent and generous application helps prevent patchiness.

How can you naturally color your hair at home using ingredients found in your kitchen?

Ingredients such as coffee, tea, beetroot, and henna can impart natural hues to hair. For example, coffee can darken hair while beetroot can add a reddish tint. Use these ingredients in a mask form, leave on for an extended period, then rinse out.

What are some recommended virtual hair color try-on apps to use before dyeing your hair at home?

Popular virtual hair color try-on apps include the L'Oreal Paris Hair Color Genius, Garnier Color Match, and Clairol's Try It On Studio. These apps help envision how different colors will look on you before making a commitment.

What are some essential tips for someone dyeing their hair at home for the first time?

For first-timers, it's essential to read the instructions thoroughly, have all tools on hand, and start with a strand test. Wear old clothes, use gloves, and apply petroleum jelly to the hairline to prevent skin staining.

How can you dye your hair at home without using bleach and still get the desired color?

Achieving a desired color without bleach depends on the current hair color and the targeted shade. For lighter colors, select high-lift dyes or gradually color-treat hair over multiple sessions. Darker shades typically don't require bleach.

by Matt Shine for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aditi Rao Hydari

Preity Zinta

Sobhita Dhulipala

Kani Kusruti

Chhaya Kadam

Shahana Goswami

Ratna Pathak Shah

Avneet Kaur

Jacqueliene Fernandez

Anasuya Sengupta

The Cannes Film Festival is celebrated with utmost joy as world-renowned artists from the cinematic verse come together. Acknowledging and hyping each other for the incredible work done, films that far surpass the ordinary and create magic on the celluloid. The 77th Cannes Film Festival took place between 14th May - 25th May this year. Some exceptional wins this year from India. Payal Kapadia took home the Grand Prix - which is the second-highest honour in the prestigious film festival for her film All We Imagine As Light. Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know - a short film made by Chidananda S Nair from FTII, Pune was awarded the La Cinef Award for the same. Anasuya Sengupta made India proud as she became the first Indian to win the Best Actress Award for The Shameless - it's been a flourishing few days for Indian artists at the French Riviera.Just as how most of these International festivals go in this generation, fashion was indeed an intrinsic part of the whole shebang. Clad in couture wear or some new faces who made the moment all the more special by sporting a special attire from their wardrobe. The looks were much-discussed by fashion critics.Heres a look at some of the best-dressed Indians we saw at the Cannes 2024 Film Festival this year, the range was indeed commendable:You can hate her or troll her, but you definitely cant ignore Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as she graces the Cannes red carpet every year. She had two looks this year that grabbed eyeballs all over the world and was critiqued rather brusquely. Her first was an avant garde black and white gown with flounce sleeves and 3d golden applique work on the upper bodice. It came with a long white train with 3D golden flowers embellished on it. She kept her makeup look clean with winged liner and muted lips.Her second attire got severe backlash but that wasnt enough to dim her confidence. It was a dramatic silver and turquoise green fringe gown. The outfit featured a fishtail hemline, extravagant sleeves with sequins and the metallic fringe work cascading down in layers from the midriff to the ends of the long train. She went for an eye-catching eyeshadow, a wavy hairdo and nude lips for her finishing touches.Aditi too showcased two glorious looks at the Film Festival this year - while her day ensemble was more playful as she opted for a lovely floral dress printed in black, yellow and green hues. It featured a high-low silhouette along with a ruffled hemline. A chic black belt for a more cinched waistline. A messy bun, winged liner, dollops of mascara, pink lips and rosy cheeks were her glam picks. Cut to her elegant black and white gown for the red carpet. A black velvet fabric for the upper half and luxurious ivory satin drapes for the sleeves and lower half. The bodycon gown had a vintage vibe to it. She went for a dewy makeup base for this one, minimal jewellery and bare eyes completed her get-up.She went all dreamy in her third look, a lovely pastel pink gown with a one-shouldered silhouette. The outfit is simplicity at its best. A pinkish makeup base featuring pink lips, blushed cheek and a beachy ruffled hairdo to go with it.The actress made a comeback to Cannes after 11 years and she sure made the moment count. Her first appearance saw her look like a vision in white, a bodycon number with a tie-detailing on the shoulders and a plunging neckline. The silhouette featured a backless finish, a floor-touching hemline and glamorous crystals studded all across the fabric. A messy bun with a dainty lock falling over her forehead, pearl earrings, shimmery eyes, nude lipstick and a glowy finish were her beauty choices. She went desi in a pastel pink sequinned saree for her red carpet appearance. A pair of emerald and silver danglers,- wavy tresses kept loose and defined eyes were the glam picks for this traditional attire.Sobhita Dhulipala channelled her inner diva as she opted for a purple sequin jumpsuit for her first look. It had pleated detailing with intricate sequin work and a cut-out structure around the midriff. The cape sleeves and flared pants shape only added to the drama as did her voluminous curly mane, big golden hoops and a striking purple eyeshadow. Her second outfit was a golden gilded outfit in a bodycon silhouette. The shimmering golden sequin work looked glorious in the morning sun. It has a floor-sweeping hemline and a back slit. Playful eye makeup look, brown lips, and contoured face along with dusters for accessories rounded up her second get-up.Her third look was downtown desi as she opted for a white saree with pink floral detailing, she kept her look minimal and hair loose to make it effortlessly elegant.Kani Kusruti had more reasons than one to be the centre of attraction at Cannes 2024. Her film All We Imagine As Light where she plays one of the leads was considered for the Palme d'or and won the Grand Prix Award. What made heads turn on the red carpet was when she graced it and showed her solidarity towards the ongoing Palestine genocide.She wore a lovely ivory dress with puffy sleeves, for accessories she opted for a watermelon clutch to show her support. For those unaware, this fruit has been considered a strong symbol of support for Palestine due to its shades of green, red and black seeds that also represent the colours of the Palestinian flag. It created a positive stir on social media. Another day look of hers that was noteworthy was a lovely floral textured dress with a matching blazer. And statement pearl studs to go with it.Another talented actress, Chhaya Kadam who is also from the All We Imagine As Light cast had a sentimental attachment to her first look. She opted for a traditional Maharashtrian saree that belonged to her mother, in several interviews she mentioned how she wanted her mother to be there with her during such a momentous occasion. It was a beige and cream saree paired with a purple blouse. The nath and gajra were the traditional touches to it. Her winning outfit was an Indo-western style where she paired a white shirt with a golden and black printed skirt and a black blazer. She amped up her look with bold golden jewellery and did not let go of the nath. Her makeup was all about kohled eyes and matte lips.The talented actress had her film Santosh premiere at the Un Certain Regard Section at Cannes 2024. She had several looks showcased, each one better than the last one. The plethora of styles had her begin with a lovely ivory embellished saree, a black textured blazer and skirt, a red and pink colour block dress with a corset fit, a bodycon golden embellished gown and a three-piece vibrant printed suit.She had fun with all her beautiful looks from red lips to bronzed cheeks to winged liners, the short bob hairdo was a chefs kiss.The veteran actress was elegantly personified as she chose an outfit for the special screening of Manthan at Cannes 2024, from her wardrobe. She wore it with a lovely jacket and blouse that was plant-dyed and handcrafted from recycled cotton. She kept it chic with her salt-and-pepper bob haircut and statement jewels to complete her look. The Chanderi sari from her collection had the samandar leher technique incorporated in it which led to the multi-shaded outcome on the drapes. The lavender blouse was picked to complement her saree. In ways, it was an ode to Ratna Pathak Shahs love for handlooms.The young actress strutted in wearing a white bodycon jumpsuit for her first outfit at Cannes 2024. The entire outfit had feather detailing on it and came with a long train for added flair. Studded butterfly earrings, pointy heels, kohled eyes and muted lips were her glam touches. Her red carpet debut look was larger-than-life as she opted for a midnight blue dress. The shimmery number was accompanied by a matching floor-sweeping cape. Strappy gladiator heels, a chic hair bun and a glowy makeup look rounded it off perfectly.It started with a lovely white sheer dress. It featured floral embroidery on it and was spectacular for a daytime look. A high bun and a single-strand pearl necklace were all it took to add the finishing touches to it. For her red carpet appearance, she opted for a golden metallic bodycon gown, the monochrome outfit radiating that shimmery effect like no other. Statement diamond jewellery kept the entire get-up classy at its best.The third one was a black lace number with cut-out detailing around the midriff and a mesh skirt overlaying a shorter one on the lower bodice. A chic ponytail and subtle makeup were the beauty choices.The first Indian to bag the Best Actress award for the film The Shameless had an eclectic taste in style too. Her red carpet look was edgy and she wore a white and grey printed dress with golden cuff earrings and jewellery. Another look had her wear a multi-hued striped blouse with a lime green saree and a top bun and dainty golden jewellery to go with it. Minimal yet stylish was the memo for her, and she sure stuck to it.From overtly glamorous to comfortable and chic - the vibe portrayed by Indian stars this year at Cannes 2024 was refreshing and striking. Heres our take on who wore what and how the melange of contemporary with traditional and Western left a lasting impression.
Telugu superstar Jr NTR paid a heartfelt tribute to his late legendary grandfather, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), on the latter's 101st birth anniversary. He was accompanied by his half-brother Nandamuri Kalyan Ram as they together visited the NTR Ghat, a memorial dedicated to the iconic actor-turned-politician.





NTR was a celebrated personality. He served three terms as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and made a lasting impact on the film industry with over 300 films and three National Awards to his name. He died on January 18, 1996 in Hyderabad.





NTR was a celebrated personality. He served three terms as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and made a lasting impact on the film industry with over 300 films and three National Awards to his name. He died on January 18, 1996 in Hyderabad.
Interview: Spain, China have "great possibilities" in agri-food cooperation -- minister

Xinhua) 13:15, May 28, 2024

MADRID, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Spain and China have "great possibilities" to expand and deepen agri-food cooperation, Spanish Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Luis Planas said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

He said China's progress in all aspects in the past decades has been "spectacular." With greater spending power, the Asian country has been a "very attractive market from an export point of view," and "We have great possibilities in expanding our commercial presence in top-level, top-quality agri-food products," he said.

When it comes to promoting commercial exchanges, he considered "very important" the freight trains between the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu and the Spanish capital of Madrid.

Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China in 2013, the commercial railway route of the Yiwu-Madrid freight train travels 13,052 km along eight countries, making it the longest railway line in the world.

The BRI "is an excellent initiative from a logistical point of view," Planas said, praising it as friendly to the environment. "Rail transport is more advantageous than maritime transport or air transport in terms of emissions," he said.

The total number of China-Europe freight train trips surpassed 90,000 on Saturday. To date, they have transported more than 8.7 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers of goods, valued at 380 billion U.S. dollars, according to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The Spanish agri-food sector has "significantly" increased its presence in the Chinese market, in areas such as meat products, olive oil and wine, Planas said.

Besides the agri-food sector, "the best features" of bilateral ties, the investments that Chinese companies are making in Spain and vice versa also contribute to deepening Spain-China relations, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)


EQS Newswire / 28/05/2024 / 09:19 UTC+8



Renowned Hong Kong fashion brand Paprika announced that it has received strategic investments of $5 million each from Franklin Templeton's Asia Pacific Structured Equity Fund LPF and RaffAello Opportunity Fund Limited, totaling $10 million. This capital will be used to accelerate Paprika's business expansion in Hong Kong and overseas markets, as well as drive its digital transformation.

The fundraising was facilitated by RaffAello Securities, who served as Paprika's exclusive financial advisor and lead investor. RaffAello is a well-regarded investment management firm in the Asian market, focused on identifying high-quality investment targets with strong growth potential. Leveraging its industry insights and investment acumen, RaffAello has successfully supported the financing and expansion of many small and medium-sized enterprises.

RaffAello is delighted to become a strategic investor in the Paprika. Through their years of industry observation and investment experience, they deeply recognize Paprika's leading position in the Hong Kong fashion consumer market, as well as its outstanding brand management and product innovation capabilities. With this investment, they believe they can closely collaborate with Paprika's management team to provide comprehensive support in areas such as supply chain management, digital transformation, and overseas expansion, helping it become a fashion retail benchmark with significant regional influence. RaffAello's partnership with Franklin Templeton is expected to create valuable brand synergies and inject strong momentum into Paprika's business.

Founded in 1993, Paprika has established a solid foothold in the Hong Kong fashion consumer market, leveraging its trendy and youthful brand positioning and product design. In recent years, Paprika has actively expanded its online and offline channels, while steadily penetrating overseas markets, building a large consumer base in Greater China and Southeast Asia.

Leung Shi Wai, Samuel, Founder and CEO of Paprika, commented: "We are truly grateful for Franklin Templeton and RaffAello's recognition and trust. This influx of capital will open up new avenues for our development, allowing Paprika to further consolidate its position in the local market and accelerate our overseas expansion."

28/05/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


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EPIC Suisse AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results

EPIC Suisse releases high level Q1 2024 numbers in line with majority shareholder's reporting obligations



28-May-2024 / 06:45 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Media release - Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Zurich, 28 May 2024 EPIC Suisse releases high level Q1 2024 numbers in line with majority shareholder's reporting obligations EPIC Suisse AG (the "Company" and "EPIC", the consolidated group; SIX: EPIC), publishes today high-level figures1 for the period 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024 in parallel with its indirect majority shareholder, Alrov Properties & Lodgings Ltd (the "Alrov Group"): Fair value of the portfolio as at 31 March 2024 totals CHF 1.54 billion split into Investment properties in operation at CHF 1'443 million (31 Dec 2023: CHF 1'441 million) and Investment properties under development / construction at CHF 101 million (31 Dec 2023: CHF 94 million)

Total income (defined as rental income and other income) for Investment properties in operation for the 3-month period 2024 amounts to CHF 16.7 million (3-months 2023: CHF 16.8 million)

Total bank debt as at 31 March 2024 is CHF 619 million (31 Dec 2023: CHF 610 million)

The IFRS NAV stands at CHF 814 million as at 31 March 2024 (31 Dec 2023: CHF 805 million) Financial calendar Half-Year Report 2024: 21 August 2024 Selected high level numbers YTD 30 September 2024: 26 November 2024



______________________

1 In line with the Q1 / 3-month 2024 report published today by EPIC co-founder and indirect majority shareholder Alrov Group on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange.

Contact information Valerie Scholtes, CFO, EPIC Suisse AG, Phone: +41 44 388 81 00, E-mail: investors@epic.ch

About EPIC Suisse AG EPIC Suisse AG is a Swiss real estate company with a high-quality property portfolio of over CHF 1.5 billion in market value. It has a sizeable development pipeline and a strong track record in sourcing, acquiring, (re)developing and actively managing commercial properties in Switzerland. EPIC's investment properties are mainly located in Switzerland's major economic hubs, specifically the Lake Geneva Region and the Zurich Economic Area. Listed on SIX Swiss Exchange since May 2022 (SIX ticker symbol EPIC; Swiss Security Number (Valorennummer) 51613168; ISIN number CH0516131684). More information: www.epic.ch Disclaimer This publication may contain specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of EPIC Suisse AG and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. EPIC Suisse AG assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments.

Additional features:





File: Media release (PDF)

End of Inside Information
Oura Ring will be available in all 34 stores across the UK, marking OURA's first UK retail partnership

OURA, the company behind the smart ring that delivers personalised health data, insights, and daily guidance, announced its first UK retail partnership exclusively with John Lewis. Oura Ring is available online starting today at JohnLewis.com and is rolling out across all 34 John Lewis department stores nationwide.

"Although we haven't had a physical presence in the United Kingdom, it's organically become one of our best-performing geographies," said Doug Sweeny, chief marketing officer, OURA. "We're thrilled to be taking this step and officially launching in the UK with John Lewis, a beloved British brand. Both OURA and John Lewis value the power of technology to enrich lives, and this partnership allows us to bring the benefits of OURA to even more people across the UK."

Available in John Lewis stores from 28 May and rolling out across all stores in the coming weeks, John Lewis stores will carry the full range of Oura Ring colours and styles in select sizes for immediate purchase, and the complete assortment will be available on JohnLewis.com. The in-store experience offers:

In-store sizing: For the first time, UK shoppers can size themselves in person, before purchasing, to ensure the perfect fit. All 34 stores will carry the Oura Ring Sizing Kit for sale and have a free in-store sizer at the Oura Ring display.

For the first time, UK shoppers can size themselves in person, before purchasing, to ensure the perfect fit. All 34 stores will carry the Oura Ring Sizing Kit for sale and have a free in-store sizer at the Oura Ring display. Quick pickup: 34 John Lewis stores will have Oura Ring stock available to purchase and take away the same day. Oura Ring will also be available online with free standard UK mainland delivery or free Click Collect for orders over 50.

34 John Lewis stores will have Oura Ring stock available to purchase and take away the same day. Oura Ring will also be available online with free standard UK mainland delivery or free Click Collect for orders over 50. Dedicated store experience: OURA's dynamic in-store presence, coupled with the renowned customer experience at John Lewis, will bring the brand and product to life and educate customers on the features of Oura Ring and the value of Oura Membership.

Kathleen Mitchell, commercial director at John Lewis, said, "We are focused on bringing exciting and innovative new brands to our customers that we know they will love. As one of the most trusted retailers in the UK for technology, it is important that what we offer will make a real difference to our customer's lives. That is why we are so excited to partner with OURA, which is dedicated to its mission to improve the overall health of its users without compromising style."

This announcement coincides with the rollout of two new heart health features, Cardiovascular Age and Cardio Capacity. These features work together to combine information about estimated arterial stiffness and VO2Max to give OURA members an indication of their cardiovascular health and the potential implications on their long-term health. In partnership with board-certified cardiologists and scientists at research institutions like the Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine (KULTU) and the University of California, Los Angeles, along with OURA's medical advisory board, OURA rigorously developed its science and algorithms to ensure the features deliver accurate insights for OURA's wide-ranging and diverse member base.

For more information and to shop Oura Ring, visit JohnLewis.com/oura.

About OURA:

OURA is the company behind Oura Ring the smart ring that delivers personalized health data, insights, and daily guidance. With sleep as its foundation, Oura Membership fosters healthy habits to make wellness and recovery a mindful, daily practice. Validated against medical gold standards and driven by continuous monitoring of individual biometrics, the lightweight and comfortable Oura Ring is one of the most accurate wearables available. For organizations, Oura For Business connects individual well-being with collective outcomes by making performance measurable, actionable, and attainable. Founded in Finland with offices in Oulu, Helsinki, San Francisco, and San Diego, OURA has raised more than $350 million and is valued at $2.55 billion. For more information, please visit http://ouraring.com/.

The Oura Ring is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, monitor, or prevent medical conditions/illnesses.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240527182443/en/

Contacts:

Media Inquiries:

press@ouraring.com
Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus.

Korrektur als Einstiegschance

Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen.

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OSLO, Norway, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --

Highlights

Strong operating revenues of USD 147.5 million.

EBITDA was USD 96.1 million, compared to USD 141.4 million in Q1 2023. Adj. for non-recurring items, EBITDA was USD 96.3 million compared to USD 110.7 million in Q1 2023.

Profit for the period was USD 76.5 million. Adj. for non-recurring items, the profit for the period was USD 76.7 million compared to USD 88.9 million in Q1 2023.

Adj. EPS was USD 0.17 (Q1 2023: USD 0.20) and the Board has declared a quarterly recurring dividend of USD 0.13 per share.

Average TCE was USD 27,452 per day in Q1 2024, compared to USD 30,989 in Q1 2023.

Fleet utilization was 98.9%, up from 97.1% in Q1 2023.

Subject to certain assumptions, the financial guidance for 2024 has been increased to operating revenues in the range of 475-490 million (previous: USD 435-470 million) and EBITDA in the range of USD 280-305 million (previous: USD 240-280 million).

As at March 31, 2024, the Group's fleet consisted of 56 vessels, with an aggregate capacity of approximately 126,035 TEU.

Commenting on MPCC's results in the first quarter, Co-CEO and CFO Moritz Fuhrmann said:

"MPCC delivered robust operational and financial performance in the first quarter. Our revenues were bolstered by high utilization, driven by the rescheduling of several dry-docks to the latter half of the year. We maintained a strong balance sheet, operating with low leverage of 13.2% and with net debt of negative USD 22.4 million at the end of the quarter, reflecting our commitment to maintaining financial strength and strong liquidity.

We also remain committed to providing strong shareholder returns. The Board has declared a recurring dividend of USD 0.13 per share for the first quarter, amounting to USD 57.7 million, bringing the year-to-date dividend yield to approximately 20%. Additionally, we ended the quarter with a charter backlog of USD 0.9 billion and contract coverage for 84% of open days remaining for 2024 and 47% for 2025, ensuring continued good earnings visibility."

Reflecting on recent market trends and the future outlook, CEO Constantin Baack added:

"The shipping industry continues to be faced with geopolitical events, particularly the ongoing Red Sea Crisis and vessel attacks by the Houthi movement. These events have led carriers to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, disrupting supply-demand dynamics and resulting in significantly increased freight- and charter rates.

Over recent months, the market has firmed up considerably, with smaller vessels now being fixed on charters for 12 to 24 months or longer and increasingly on forward charter positions, driving an improved contract coverage and earnings visibility. Still, outlook remains uncertain due to the potential resolution of the Red Sea Crisis and the increased supply of new vessels in the larger segments, which could change the current supply-demand dynamics.

Our continued strong results highlight our resilience and agility amid a dynamic market landscape. We have maintained our financial strength and made further progress in our fleet renewal and optimization efforts. As we move forward, we remain committed to leveraging our strong financial foundation, operational excellence, and sustainable initiatives to seize emerging opportunities, drive growth, and maximize shareholder value."

The above information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Q1 2024 Earnings Call:

Constantin Baack, CEO, and Moritz Fuhrmann, Co-CEO and CFO, will present the results in an earnings call today at 15:00 CET / 09:00 ET, followed by a Q&A session. The earnings call can be accessed live via webcast and questions can be submitted in writing. A recording will be available on demand at the Company's website after the live event has concluded.

The Q1 2024 report and presentation materials are attached to this release and available on the Company's website: https://www.mpc-container.com/investors/

The webcast can be accessed through the following link: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20240528_1/

For more information, contact:

ir@mpc-container.com

About MPC Container Ships

MPC Container Ships ASA (ticker code "MPCC") is a leading container tonnage provider focusing on small to mid-size container ships. Its main activity is to own and operate a portfolio of container ships serving intra-regional trade lanes on fixed-rate charters. The Company is registered and has its business office in Oslo, Norway. For more information, please visit www.mpc-container.com.

Forward-looking statements:

This announcement includes forward-looking statements. Such statements are generally not historical in nature, and specifically include statements about the Company's plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in its business, the markets in which it operates and its restructuring efforts. These statements are made based upon management's current plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risks described from time to time in the Company's regulatory filings and periodical reporting. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of these factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/mpc-container-ships-asa/r/mpc-container-ships-reports-q1-2024-results,c3989127

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/17513/3989127/2825057.pdf MPCC Q1 2024 Financial Report https://mb.cision.com/Public/17513/3989127/b7ca9b8d0befe8e7.pdf MPCC Q1 2024 Earnings Call Presentation

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mpc-container-ships-reports-q1-2024-results-302156463.html
Increasing tattoo popularity, advancements in laser technology and professional and social factors drive the growth of the global tattoo removal market.

PORTLAND, Ore., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Tattoo Removal Market By Procedures (Laser Procedure, Surgical Procedure, Creams, Others) and End User (Hospitals, Dermatology Clinics, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2035 ". According to the report, the global tattoo removal market was valued at $0.5 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $4.0 billion by 2035, exhibiting a CAGR of 19.1% from 2024 to 2035.

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Prime determinants of growth

Growing advancements in tattoo removal technologies and presence of key players are the factors that drive the growth of the global tattoo removal market. However, high cost of tattoo removal procedures is anticipated to hinder market growth. On the contrary, a rise in healthcare expansion is expected to offer remunerative opportunities for the tattoo removal market during the forecast period.

Report coverage & details

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2024-2035 Base Year 2023 Market Size In 2023 $0.5 Billion Market Size In 2035 $4.0 Billion CAGR 19.10 % No. Of Pages in Report 275 Segments Covered Procedure, End User and Region Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, LAMEA Drivers Increasing Tattoo Popularity

Advancements In Laser Technology

Professional And Social Factors Opportunities Growth Opportunity in Emerging Markets Restraints High Cost of Tattoo Removal

Have a Question? Connect to our Analyst- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/3537

The laser procedure segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

Based on procedure, the laser procedure segment accounted for the largest share in 2023, accounting for almost two-thirds of the global tattoo removal market revenue and is projected to register highest CAGR of 19.4% during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to key factors such as increase in demand for laser technology, shift in preference of individuals toward laser tattoo removal rather than surgical removals, and various advantages offered by laser procedures which have made it a safer and reliable tattoo removal technique

The dermatology clinics segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

Based on end user, the dermatology clinics segment accounted for the largest share in 2023, accounting for four-fifths of the global tattoo removal market revenue and is projected to register highest CAGR of 19.2% during the forecast period. This is attributed to preference among individuals for clinics, owing to availability of advanced equipment for tattoo removal as compared to hospitals and other end users and rise in number of tattoo removal clinics across the globe. Moreover, tattoo removal procedures in clinics offer advantages such as presence of skilled professional ensuring minimal scarring, avoidance of wounds, and no loss of skin texture during or after the removal treatment.

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Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2035

Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2023, accounting for two-fifths of the global tattoo removal market revenue and is projected to register highest CAGR of 19.7% during the forecast period. This growth is fueled by increasing disposable income, rising awareness of aesthetic procedures, and the availability of advanced technologies. Additionally, cultural shifts and changing beauty standards in the region contribute to heightened demand for aesthetic treatments, including tattoo removal services.

Leading Market Players

Sisram Medical (Alma Lasers)

Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Soliton, Inc.

Cynosure

Candela Corporation.

Lumenis Ltd.

Fotona

Berry Global Group, Inc

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global tattoo removal market. These players have adopted different strategies such as procedure launch, procedure development, and procedure approval to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, procedure portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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Regulatory News:

CTP, Europe's largest listed developer, owner, and manager of industrial and logistics properties by gross lettable area (GLA), has acquired from Globalworth, the leading office investor in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), an industrial portfolio of 270,000 sqm GLA and 30ha landbank in six key locations in Romania.

The portfolio is comprised of six industrial parks providing an appropriate mixture of locations in the vicinity of CTP's parks (Bucharest, Arad) and complementary locations strengthening CTP's footprint in the area (Pitesti, Oradea, Timisoara).

Remon Vos, CEO of CTP Group, stated, "This acquisition significantly expands our Romanian portfolio by adding over 270,000 sqm and introduces 40 new names to our diverse tenant roster. We are proud to welcome each new tenant into our CTP family. Additionally, the acquisition includes 30 hectares of excess land, which enables us to further our commitment to organic development in Western Romania. This development will not only benefit our tenants but also contribute positively to the local communities."

"By divesting these non-core assets, Globalworth reaffirms its commitment to focusing on its main competencies in the office segment, where we hold competitive advantages. This sharpened focus will enable us to dedicate more resources to expanding our key operations, fostering innovation, and delivering enhanced value to our tenants and shareholders. It will also significantly increase our liquidity, providing the company with the capital necessary to seize strategic opportunities as they arise.", said Dennis Selinas, CEO of Globalworth.

"Our brokerage firm was honored to assist CTP in acquiring a part of Globalworth's wholly owned logistics portfolio in Romania, leveraging our deep market knowledge and strategic approach to facilitate this landmark transaction in the region's real estate landscape.", said Alessandro Gallinella, founder AGBC.

This acquisition represents a significant milestone for CTP's Romanian portfolio, as it reaches the 2.91 million sqm GLA milestone of Class-A sustainable modern warehouses. This expansion positions CTP for further growth and expansion.

ABOUT CTP

CTP is Europe's largest listed owner, developer, and manager of logistics and industrial real estate in terms of gross lettable area, with 12.0 million sqm GLA in 10 countries (as at 31 March 2024). The company certifies all new buildings under BREEAM at 'very good' or above and has achieved a low-risk ESG rating from Sustainalytics, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability. For more information, please visit: www.ctp.eu.

ABOUT GLOBALWORTH

Globalworth is a listed real estate company active in Central and Eastern Europe, quoted on the AIM-segment of the London Stock Exchange. It has become the pre-eminent office investor in the CEE real estate market through its market-leading positions both in Poland and Romania. Globalworth acquires, develops and directly manages high-quality office and industrial real estate assets in prime locations, generating rental income from high quality tenants from around the globe. Managed by 269 professionals across Cyprus, Guernsey, Poland and Romania the combined value of its portfolio is 3.0 billion, as of 31 December 2023. Approximately 96.8% of the portfolio is in income-producing assets, predominately in the office sector, and leased to a diversified array of over 715 national and multinational corporates. In Poland, Globalworth is present in Warsaw, Wroclaw, Lodz, Krakow, Gdansk and Katowice, while in Romania its assets span Bucharest, Timisoara, Constanta, Pitesti, Arad, Oradea, Targu Mures and Craiova.

ABOUT AG BUSINESS CATALYST

AG Business Catalyst is a boutique firm bridging the worlds of real estate, business connectivity, and lobbying expertise. Our unique approach combines personalized service with strategic networking and advocacy to maximize opportunities for our clients. With a dedicated team of professionals, we offer bespoke solutions tailored to each client's specific needs, whether navigating complex real estate transactions, fostering lucrative business connections, or influencing policy decisions. At AGBC, we leverage our extensive network and deep industry knowledge to empower our clients and drive success.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528451345/en/

Contacts:

CONTACT DETAILS FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Patryk Statkiewicz, Group Head of Marketing PR

Mobile: +31 (0) 629 596 119

Email: patryk.statkiewicz@ctp.eu



SEC Newgate

Sara Champness/ James Carnegie

Mobile: +44 (0) 7962 387 949

Email: CTP@secnewgate.co.uk



CONTACT DETAILS FOR ANALYST AND INVESTOR ENQUIRIES:

Maarten Otte, Head of Investor Relations

Mobile: +420 730 197 500

Email: maarten.otte@ctp.eu


EQS Newswire / 28/05/2024 / 16:44 UTC+8



?For Immediate Release? 27 May 2024

Karrie International Holdings Limited

??????????

(Stock Code: 1050.HK)

Increase in orders for both AI and General-purpose Servers;

Karrie International's Production Capacity Operating at High Levels

3 Years Orders Locked for Flagship Models from Major Customers with

AI Server Orders Growing Steadily

(27 May 2024 - Hong Kong) The leading global manufacturer of server chassis - Karrie International Holdings Limited ("Karrie International", and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group", stock code: 1050.HK) is pleased to announce that benefiting from the surge in artificial intelligence ("AI") development, the Group has seen robust demand for AI server orders from its major customers, including HP, Dell, and Lenovo, since the beginning of 2024. Additionally, the inventory of general-purpose servers in the market has been reduced, leading to a recovery in traditional server order demand. As a result, the Group's production capacity utilisation for the second quarter of 2024 remains at high levels. The management believes that the growth momentum of both general-purpose and AI server demand will continue this year, and is expected to drive the Group's server manufacturing business.

Karrie International has been a major server chassis supplier for leading server brands such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo. Over the past year, the Group has actively collaborated with its customers on their AI strategies. It successfully developed multiple AI server-related moulds and secured long-term orders for several flagship models from its major customers, laying a solid foundation for the Group's revenue in the next three years. Some AI servers, such as the H100 and H200 liquid-cooled servers, are expected to commence mass production in the second half of the year. In addition, the Group has initiated multiple new product introduction (NPI) projects for AI servers, with some already in the mould design and production stages.

Karrie International's product portfolio includes server chassis for AI servers equipped with NVIDIA GPU platforms with higher U-height configurations, offering 4U, 5U, 8U, and 13U specifications. This demonstrates the recognition in the Group's production quality of AI server chassis by leading brands.

Furthermore, the Group has acquired new NCT equipment to enhance its capability in handling high-mix, low-volume production.

- End -

About Karrie International Holdings Limited

Established in 1980, Karrie International (1050.HK) is a leading global manufacturer of server chassis. Providing one-stop solutions for global customers from mechanical engineering design, mold development, automated production, assembly, quality inspection and logistics, etc. The products cover server chassis, chassis rails, smart cash register and vending chassis, electric vehicle charging pile chassis and storage, etc. The Group occupies a leading position in the global server enclosure market, mainly serving global server suppliers and cloud service providers (CSPs).

1050_AI server_Press release_20240527_FINAL_ENG

28/05/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


LONDON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- STL [NSE: STLTECH], a leading optical and digital solutions company, today announced that it has been chosen by Connexin as a partner to deliver the Nottinghamshire sections of their UK government award. STL will provide its Smart Fibre Deployment Services to Connexin to bring fast and reliable broadband connectivity around Nottinghamshire in the UK. STL's Smart Fibre Deployment Services offer a technology-led, scalable approach to deploy FTTx, intra-city and inter-city optical networks.

The government has recently awarded Connexin a 58 million contract to connect ~34,300 hard-to-reach premises in rural communities of Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire with gigabit broadband. This is a part of Project Gigabit, the UK government's flagship 5 billion, bringing ultrafast gigabit connectivity to remote areas.

STL will connect ~12,000 rural premises in hard-to-reach areas such as Kirkby in Ashfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Annesley and Newark on Trent with Connexin's full fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) infrastructure. These areas will undergo a major digital upgrade with the introduction of Connexin's full fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) broadband infrastructure. Residents will be able to benefit from speeds of up to 1Gbps. STL will support Connexin in building, operating and maintaining this gigabit broadband network.

As part of the contract, STL has also committed to a community values programme to supplement and enhance the region by generating jobs for diverse candidates in these local communities and supporting community initiatives such as volunteering and undertaking charitable hours.

STL has been present in the UK for the past 15 years and has served top telecom service providers and Altnets in the region with its Optical cable and connectivity products and its Smart Fibre Deployment services.

Commenting on this partnership, Praveen Cherian, CEO, Global Services Business, STL said: "For more than 30 years, we have been building state-of-the-art network infrastructure and transforming billions of lives by connecting the world. Working with Connexin, we will bring Gigabit connectivity to rural communities in the UK, fostering equitable access for all and improving quality of life."

Ashley Achmed, Vice President of Infrastructure at Connexin, said: "Our collaboration with STL under Project Gigabit signifies more than just broadband deployment; it's about delivering progress and inclusivity to rural communities. Together, we look forward to bringing fast, reliable connectivity to the region and opening up more digital opportunities in rural areas."

About STL - Sterlite Technologies Ltd:

STL is a leading global optical and digital solutions company providing advanced offerings to build 5G, Rural, FTTx, Enterprise and Data Centre networks. Read more, Contact us, stl.tech | Twitter | LinkedIn| YouTube

For more information, contact:



Media Relations

Soumi Das

soumi.das1@stl.tech



Agency Contact

Ishita Kaushik

ishita.kaushik@2020msl.com



Investor Relations

Chetan Wani

investor@stl.tech

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LONDON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage UK (Vantage Markets), the leading multi-asset broker, proudly announces the release of the highly anticipated fourth episode of The Vantage View, a first-class video series offering sophisticated financial insights and analysis. Produced in collaboration with Bloomberg Media Studios, the latest instalment, "The Future of the Space Economy" invites viewers to explore the evolution and investment opportunities of the space economy.

Leading the discussion is Simon Gwozdz, CEO & Founder of Equatorial Space Systems, a prominent figure in the space industry. Simon provides insights into the economic landscape of space technology, highlighting the potential for significant returns despite longer maturity periods and the democratisation of space. He envisions a future of accessible space tourism and in-space resource prospecting, expanding exploration boundaries and offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of the sector's potential.

Additionally, the episode unveils compelling projections for the space economy, with the Satellite Data Services Market expected to reach 25.3 billion by 2030 and the Space Mining Market forecasted to hit 12.1 billion by 2037. These figures indicate immense growth potential and lucrative opportunities for investors and stakeholders.

"It is with great pleasure that we introduce the latest episode of The Vantage View, shedding light on the future of the space economy," comments David Shayer, CEO of Vantage UK. "Given the ever-evolving nature of the space industry, understanding its dynamics and emerging investment potentials is pivotal for our clients and stakeholders."

To explore the exciting developments and prospects in the space economy, visit The Vantage View .

About Vantage UK

Vantage UK (or Vantage Markets) is a multi-asset broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 13 years of market experience, Vantage UK transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities.

trade smarter @vantage

https://www.vantagemarkets.co.uk/

About Bloomberg Media

Bloomberg Media is the world's leading multi-platform media company for business and finance, which draws on the editorial resources of more than 2,700 editorial professionals globally in more than 120 countries. Bloomberg Media is the consumer-facing media organization of Bloomberg L.P

https://www.bloomberg.com/

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Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der

zweiten Reihe noch enormes Aufwartspotenzial.



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Trotz der jungsten Erfolge steht die Entwicklung der kunstlichen Intelligenz noch am Beginn eines neuen Superzyklus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Sektor bis 2032 global auf 1,3 Billionen US-Dollar explodieren wird, wobei ein groer Teil auf Hardware und Infrastruktur entfallen wird.



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Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

Arras Minerals Corp. (TSXV:ARK) ("Arras" or the "Company") announces today that due to strong demand, the previously announced non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") has been increased from up to C$2 million to up to C$4.5 million (the "Upsizing").

Darren Klinck, President of Arras, commented, " We are very pleased with the exceptional strong support from current shareholders in this financing. As we have commenced our third field season in Kazakhstan, it is clear that the progress we have made over the past two years on our project portfolio in the country has advanced a number of very exciting targets. This increased financing will allow us to broaden and expand the program at Elemes and provide flexibility to be opportunistic as our understanding at the Elemes and Tay projects continues to increase."

The Company announced on May 21, 2024 that it had arranged a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 7,692,308 units of the Company ("Units") at a price per Unit of C$0.26 (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$2 million. Following the Upsizing, the Offering will now comprise of up to 17,307,692 Units at the Offering Price for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$4.5 million. Under the Offering, each Unit shall be comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one (1/2) non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one (1) additional Common Share at a price of C$0.40 for a period of (3) years from the closing of the Offering (the "Expiry Date").

In the event the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") meets or exceeds C$0.60 for fifteen (15) consecutive trading days at any time after four months and one day following closing of the Offering, the Company shall have the option, but not the obligation, at any time thereafter to accelerate the Expiry Date to a date that is thirty (30) days following the date of issuance of a press release by the Company announcing the acceleration of the Expiry Date.

The Offering is scheduled to close on or about June 4, 2024 and is subject to the approval of the TSXV. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period in Canada and will be subject to U.S. resale restrictions under U.S. securities laws as applicable.

The securities to be sold in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("U.S. Securities Act"), or any state or other applicable jurisdiction's securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state or other jurisdictions' securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Qualified Person: The scientific and technical disclosure for this news release has been prepared under supervision of and approved by Matthew Booth, Vice President of Exploration, of Arras Minerals Corp., a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Booth has over 19 years of mineral exploration experience and is a Qualified Person member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (CPG 12044).

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Darren Klinck"

Darren Klinck

President and Director

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

+1 604 687 5800

info@arrasminerals.com

Further information can be found on:

the Company's website https://www.arrasminerals.com or

follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrasminerals or

follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/arrasminerals

About Arras Minerals Corp.

Arras is a Canadian exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in northeastern Kazakhstan, including the Option Agreement on the Beskauga copper and gold project. The Company has established the third-largest license package in the country prospective for copper and gold (behind Rio Tinto and Fortescue). In December 2023, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") in which Teck will sole fund a US$5 million generative exploration program over a portion of the Arras license package in 2024-2025 focusing on critical minerals. The Company's shares are listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "ARK".

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Offering, future events and Arras' future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act, and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the Offering, the participation in the Offering by Teck Resources Limited, the amount of securities that may be sold and proceeds raised by the Company from the Offering, timing of closing of the Offering, the terms to the securities offered under the Offering, the receipt of TSXV and other required regulatory and third party approvals in respect of the Offering, exercise of the Company's acceleration right in respect of the Warrants (or the satisfaction of the acceleration condition in respect thereof), and plans and expectations of the exploration program Arras is in the process of undertaking. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about Arras' exploration projects, the industry in which Arras operates and the beliefs and assumptions of Arras' management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continues," "may," variations of such words, and similar expressions and references to future periods, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management's control, including investor interest in the Offering and perception of the Company and its business and assets, regulatory approval of the Offering, changes to the market price for the Company's securities, changes to economic conditions, changes to metals and commodity prices, price of inputs, expected costs and timelines to achieve the Company's goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner, financing will be available when needed on economically reasonable terms, undertaking further exploration activities, the results of such exploration activities and that such results support continued exploration activities, unexpected variations in ore grade, types and metallurgy, volatility and level of commodity prices, the availability of sufficient future financing, and other matters discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Management Discussion and Analysis filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ on February 28, 2024 and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed on February 28, 2024 available on www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this release is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Arras Minerals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Consolidation on a unified Murex platform helps the bank accelerate its digital transformation journey by driving system efficiency and cost effectiveness

BENGALURU, India, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY), (BSE: INFY), (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it collaborated with Commerzbank, a leading German bank, and Murex, the global leader in trading, risk management and processing solutions for capital markets, on a successful go-live of a consolidated, unified trading platform that streamlines the bank's business processes and IT landscape. This joint project has enabled Commerzbank to consolidate FX, FX derivatives, equity, and commodities onto Murex's integrated MX.3 platform, thereby simplifying its operations, cutting costs, speeding up time to market, and preparing for future challenges.

Within the project, Infosys supported Commerzbank in optimizing utilization of Murex's comprehensive suite of solutions and services and carried out development, integration, testing & migration, alongside go-live and aftercare support. Through this collaboration, Commerzbank's trading operations saw substantial improvements. It also helped in the simplification of their technology landscape, while reducing the cost of managing multiple servers and platforms, ultimately laying the foundation for business growth and scale.

Sebastian Kauck, CIO Corporate Clients, Commerzbank, said, "The successful platform consolidation is a major achievement after three years of hard work. Throughout this project, the collaboration of our internal teams with Murex, Infosys and other external partners has always been an integral part to its success. The new setup enables Commerzbank to significantly enhance process efficiency and simultaneously reduce costs. Additionally, it lays the foundation for future business growth as adapting to market changes can be done more swiftly."

"Murex is proud to support Commerzbank in this model simplification journey," said Luc Testud, Murex Managing Director, Central Europe. "This creates the opportunity for future expansion through an integrated cross-asset platform, accelerating time to market to innovate and enabling further steps of digitalization."

Dennis Gada, Executive Vice President, and Global Head of Banking & Financial Services at Infosys, said, "We are delighted to collaborate with Commerzbank on their digital transformation journey towards a unified Murex platform for multiple asset classes. This consolidation has empowered Commerzbank to improve time to market, streamline operations, simplify the current technology landscape, promote standardization, and effectively manage regulatory changes while cultivating sustainable growth. This transformation has paved the way for future modernization and digitization of the bank."

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, our ability to attract and retain personnel, our transition to hybrid work model, economic uncertainties, technological innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

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IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) ("IHS Towers") group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has today published its 2023 Sustainability Report.

The report covers sustainability activities from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, and is the second report prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and maps the company's sustainability initiatives to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. IHS' approach to sustainability is guided by the UN Global Compact, to which it has been a signatory since 2020.

The 2023 Sustainability Report demonstrates IHS' continued commitment to its stakeholders including, but not limited to, its employees, communities, suppliers, customers, and investors. The communications infrastructure it provides is vital to enabling mobile connectivity, and through the company's four-pillar sustainability strategy, it seeks to further support long-term value creation.

Sam Darwish, Chairman CEO, IHS Towers, commented, "Since 2017, we have invested more than $29 million in community-focused initiatives as part of our comprehensive sustainability program. We are proud to help bring millions of people the power of mobile connectivity, promoting economic growth, social development, and access to critical public services."

He continued "As we entered the second year of Project Green, the current phase of our Carbon Reduction Roadmap, we directed considerable effort towards reducing our environmental footprint. This included a reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 kilowatt-hour emissions intensity by approximately 6% compared with 2022. Looking back on 2023, we are pleased with our progress and continue to reflect, refine, and enhance our sustainability strategy today for the benefit of all stakeholders."

2023 Sustainability Report Highlights

As of December 31, 2023, we reported the following environmental, social and governance (ESG) related progress:

Environment

Continued to execute on our Carbon Reduction Roadmap: Reduced our Scope 1 and Scope 2 kilowatt-hour emissions intensity by approximately 6% compared with 2022, with an 11% approximate reduction in emissions intensity since 2021.

Powered 48% of our sites with hybrid power systems that combine diesel generators with solar and/or battery systems.

Maintained responsible management of our waste streams, including: 20,044 batteries recycled or reused. 75% approximate reduction in hazardous lead-acid waste in Brazil. 25,640 kilograms of iron from dismantled towers recycled in Cote d'Ivoire.

Supported local biodiversity and reforestation projects by planting almost 30,000 trees across Brazil, Cameroon and Rwanda.

Social

Spent $7 million on community-focused sustainability initiatives.

Reduced our Road Traffic Accident Frequency (RTAF) rate by 7% and reported zero fatalities.

Increased female representation with females comprising 27% of employees and 28% of managers across the Group.

Strengthened our supplier due diligence to include screening new suppliers for environmental and social criteria.

Continued our commitment to education through several initiatives: Expanded our UNICEF Giga partnership to Brazil, to help Giga map and connect more schools to the internet. Advanced our Frontline Workers Initiative, which is currently supporting 50 students via scholarships to top-tier local and international universities. Announced a partnership with the Limitless Space Institute to help teachers in Brazil and Nigeria pursue new opportunities in space education. Provided 400 schools in Nigeria with free internet connectivity and donated 200 mini tablets in partnership with UNICEF Nigeria.



Governance

Achieved ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification 1 ; in addition, IHS Nigeria is ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System certified.

; in addition, IHS Nigeria is ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System certified. Received an updated ESG Risk Rating from Morningstar Sustainalytics. As of April 2024, our ESG Risk Rating places us in the top 16% of all companies assessed by Morningstar Sustainalytics in the Telecommunication Services Industry2

For more information, please visit www.ihstowers.com/sustainability

About IHS Towers: IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count and is solely focused on the emerging markets. The Company has over 40,000 towers across its 10 markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Kuwait, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia. For more information, please email: communications@ihstowers.com or visit: www.ihstowers.com

Cautionary statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by relevant safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements (or their equivalent) of any applicable jurisdiction, including those contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "forecast," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to statements regarding our business strategy, plans, market growth and our objectives, our sustainability program and Carbon Reduction Roadmap.

We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to general macroeconomic conditions in the countries in which we operate; our inability to successfully execute our business strategy and operating plans, including our ability to increase the number of Colocations and Lease Amendments on our Towers and construct New Sites or develop business related to adjacent telecommunications verticals (including, for example, relating to our fiber businesses in Latin America and elsewhere) or deliver on our sustainability or environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy and initiatives under anticipated costs, timelines, and complexity, such as our Carbon Reduction Roadmap (Project Green), including plans to reduce diesel consumption, integrate solar panel and battery storage solutions on tower sites and connect more sites to the electricity grid; environmental liability; and the important factors discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to us as of the date of this press release, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. You should read this press release and the documents that we reference in this press release with the understanding that our actual future results, performance and achievements may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. Additionally, we may provide information herein that is not necessarily "material" under the federal securities laws for SEC reporting purposes, but that is informed by various ESG standards and frameworks (including standards for the measurement of underlying data), and the interests of various stakeholders. Much of this information is subject to assumptions, estimates or third-party information that is still evolving and subject to change. For example, our disclosures based on any standards may change due to revisions in framework requirements, availability of information, changes in our business or applicable government policies, or other factors, some of which may be beyond our control. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, we do not assume, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the information included in our 2023 Sustainability Report, including highlights provided in this press release, are subject to certain important disclaimers that should be read and considered in concert with such information.

1 ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification has been achieved in UAE, UK and operating companies except South Africa and Egypt

2 Received February 2024. Copyright 2024 Morningstar Sustainalytics. All rights reserved. This presentation contains information developed by Sustainalytics (www.sustainalytics.com). Such information and data are proprietary of Sustainalytics and/or its third party suppliers (Third Party Data) and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement of any product or project, nor an investment advice and are not warranted to be complete, timely, accurate or suitable for a particular purpose. Their use is subject to conditions available at https://www.sustainalytics.com/legal-disclaimers

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528453353/en/

Contacts:

communications@ihstowers.com
Base Resources Limited - Notice of change of significant shareholder

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, May 28

AIM and Media Release

28 May 2024

Base Resources Limited

Notice of change of significant shareholder

Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources) advises that it has today received notification from First Sentier Investors Holdings Pty Limited and certain of its related bodies corporate and associates (First Sentier) that, as at 24 May 2024, First Sentier had voting power in 87,021,878 ordinary shares in Base Resources, representing 7.39% of the total Base Resources ordinary shares in issue. This constitutes a significant shareholding for the purposes of the AIM Rules for Companies.

First Sentier's interest in 87,021,878 ordinary shares was held as follows:

Holder of relevant interest Registered holder of shares Nature of relevant interest Number of ordinary shares First Sentier Investors RQI Pty Ltd Citibank N A Hong Kong Relevant interest under paragraph 608(1)(b) and/or 608(1)(c) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), being a relevant interest arising from having the power to control the exercise of the right to vote attached to securities and/or to control the exercise of the power to dispose of securities in its capacity as investment manager, as provided for under its investment mandates. In addition, if any OTC derivatives, warrants or other securities (other than ordinary shares or ordinary units (as applicable)) are referred to below in this row, the relevant interest in respect of those securities arises under subsection 608(8) being an accelerated relevant interest held in the same capacity. 37,742,305 First Sentier Investors RQI Pty Ltd JP MORGAN CHASE 2,956,406 First Sentier Investors RQI Pty Ltd National Australian bank 12,179,876 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. (MUFG) owns 100% of First Sentier Investors Holdings Pty Limited (indirectly) and has informed First Sentier Investors Holdings Pty Limited that it has a relevant interest in the shares noted in this column. Accordingly, First Sentier Investors Holdings Pty Limited has a relevant interest or voting power in those shares pursuant to section 608(3) or section 12(2)(a) of the Corporations Act (as relevant). MUFG has not provided any further details of that relevant interest - accordingly no transaction information is recorded in Appendix B or holder information is recorded in Section 4, in case in the full copy of notice available from the company's website (refer below for the address). Reference is made to any subsequent filing of MUFG which will reflect this interest. 34,143,291

Since 16 February 2024, First Sentier acquired 13,515,976 ordinary shares for an average price of A$0.236 per share. It did not dispose of any shares during this period.

A copy of the notice referred to in this release is available from the company's website: www.baseresources.com.au.

ENDS.

For further information contact:

Australian Media Relations UK Media Relations Morrow Sodali Tavistock Communications Cameron Gilenko and Michael Weir Jos Simson and Gareth Tredway Tel: +61 8 6160 4900 Tel: +44 207 920 3150

About Base Resources

Base Resources is an Australian based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer with a track record of project delivery and operational performance. The company operates the established Kwale Operations in Kenya and is developing the Toliara Project in Madagascar. Base Resources is an ASX and AIM listed company. Further details about Base Resources are available at www.baseresources.com.au.

PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE

Level 3, 46 Colin Street

West Perth, Western Australia, 6005

Email: info@baseresources.com.au

Phone: +61 8 9413 7400

Fax: +61 8 9322 8912

NOMINATED ADVISER & JOINT BROKER

Canaccord Genuity Limited

James Asensio / Raj Khatri / George Grainger

Phone: +44 20 7523 8000

JOINT BROKER

Berenberg

Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi

Phone: +44 20 3207 7800
Stevanato Group S.p.A. (NYSE: STVN), a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries, announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Franco Stevanato, a current director and the Executive Chairman of the Company, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Stevanato is succeeding as Chief Executive Officer Franco Moro, whose employment agreement will continue through June 30, 2024. Mr. Moro will remain on the Company's Board of Directors.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528385017/en/

Franco Stevanato, Chief Executive Officer of Stevanato Group (Photo: Business Wire)

Franco Stevanato commented, "On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Company, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Moro for his valuable contributions to Stevanato Group. Over the last five years, Franco has played a pivotal role in helping to guide the Company through the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, expand our global industrial footprint to meet rising customer demand, and drive global standardization of our manufacturing sites to improve operational efficiencies."

"I am honored to have served as Chief Executive Officer and grateful for having been part of the Company's evolution," said Franco Moro. "I believe the business fundamentals are strong and the Company will leverage on everything we have accomplished and started in recent times. I wish Franco Stevanato the best as he continues to lead the Company to further success, after years of hard work carried out together, while I will continue to serve the Company as director."

Mr. Stevanato has held the position of Executive Chairman since 2021 and he previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Stevanato Group from 1998 to 2021. He is the driving force behind the Group's long-term strategic vision and integrated value proposition. Mr. Stevanato is responsible for leading the Company's global expansion over the last two decades, expanding the Company's diversified product portfolio, establishing the Group's science-based technology excellence centers, enhancing its research and development capabilities, and leading the Company through its initial public offering.

Fabrizio Bonnani, Stevanato Group's lead independent director, commented, "We thank Franco Moro for his dedicated service to the Company as Chief Executive Officer. Looking ahead, Franco Stevanato is a strategic leader who has navigated the Company through periods of growth and investment. He embodies the core principles and values of Stevanato Group, and the Board is confident that Franco Stevanato is well positioned to advance the Company's strategic imperatives and drive long-term shareholder value."

About Stevanato Group

Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions as well as engineering solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries. Stevanato Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle from development to clinical and commercial stages. Stevanato Group's core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value added solutions to clients.

For more information, please visit www.stevanatogroup.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain statements contained in this press release, including statements regarding the appointment of Mr. Franco Stevanato as chief executive officer and the successful transition thereof, the accomplishment of the Company's future goals, expansions and manufacturing improvements, increase of shareholder value and potential customer demand, are forward-looking statements based on Stevanato Group's current assumptions, expectations and beliefs and involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause results, performance or achievement to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including market conditions and Stevanato Group's results of operations. As such, the reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurances that the plans, initiatives or expectations upon which they are based will occur. For a description of additional factors that could cause the Company's future results to differ from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements, refer to the risk factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on March 7, 2024. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information currently available to Stevanato Group and speak only as of the date of this press release, and Stevanato Group assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events, except as may be required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528385017/en/

Contacts:

Media

Stevanato Group

media@stevanatogroup.com

Investor Relations

Lisa Miles

lisa.miles@stevanatogroup.com
Synergistic collaboration to revolutionize age-related therapies worldwide





Deal valued at over $300 million USD for initial product

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Turn Biotechnologies, a developer of novel mRNA medicines and enabling technologies, today announced an exclusive global licensing agreement with pharmaceutical manufacturer HanAll Biopharma to develop groundbreaking medicines for the treatment of age-related eye and ear conditions.

The agreement, potentially exceeding $300 million in value for the first of multiple planned products, significantly expands the relationship between the companies. HanAll originally invested in Turn Bio in 2022.

A New Frontier in Age-Related Therapies

Products resulting from this collaboration will utilize Turn Bio's Epigenetic Reprogramming of Age (ERATM) technology and its novel eTurna delivery platform. These cutting-edge technologies aim to restore optimal gene expression, combatting the effects of aging at the cellular level to treat and potentially cure chronic conditions.

"This partnership is a milestone for Turn Bio," said company CEO Anja Krammer. "With HanAll's support, we are accelerating the development of transformative therapies for eye and ear indications, which can benefit patients around the world. The potential impact on patients' lives is enormous, and this is just the beginning."

HanAll has closely monitored Turn Bio's progress since its initial investment, recognizing the revolutionary potential of its epigenetic reprogramming technology.

"Turn Bio's innovative approach to epigenetic reprogramming aligns closely with HanAll's mission to explore innovative medicines to expand our therapeutic area," said Sean Jeong, M.D., MBA, CEO of HanAll Biopharma. "Together, we are poised to pioneer new treatments that address critical unmet needs, particularly in aging-related diseases."

Expanding Horizons in Regenerative Medicine

The partnership expands Turn Bio's development, which had primarily focused on dermatology and immunology, to two other organs most commonly affected by age-related conditions. This means Turn Bio is working on therapies to treat and potentially cure most diseases caused by aging.

"The power of ERA technology is that it can rejuvenate cells in virtually any organ in the body," said Turn Bio Co-founder Vittorio Sebastiano, the company's head of research. "This agreement enables us to accelerate our development on multiple fronts to reverse the damage caused by aging and improve the quality of life for older patients."

ABOUT TURN BIOTECHNOLOGIES

Turn Bio is a pre-clinical-stage company focused on repairing tissue at the cellular level and developing transformative drug delivery systems. The company's proprietary mRNA-based ERA reprogramming technology aims to restore optimal gene expression by combatting the effects of aging in the epigenome. This potentially restores cells' ability to prevent or treat disease and heal or regenerate tissue and helps to fight incurable chronic diseases. Its eTurna delivery platform uses unique formulations to precisely deliver cargo to specific organs, tissues, and cell types.

The company is completing pre-clinical research on tailored therapies targeting indications in dermatology and immunology, and developing therapies for ophthalmology, osteo-arthritis, and the muscular system. For more information, see www.turn.bio.

About HanAll Biopharma

HanAll Biopharma (KRX: 009420.KS) is a global biopharmaceutical company with presence in Korea, the USA, Japan, and Indonesia with the mission of making meaningful contributions to patients' lives by introducing innovative, impactful medicines to address severe unmet medical needs. HanAll has been operating a portfolio of pharmaceutical products in the therapeutic areas of endocrine, circulatory, and urologic diseases for over 50 years.

HanAll has also expanded its focus to immunology, oncology, neurology, and ophthalmology to discover and develop innovative medicines for patients with diseases for which there are no effective treatments. One of its lead pipeline asset, HL161 (INN: batoclimab), an anti-FcRn antibody, is being developed in Phase 3 and Phase 2 trials across the world for the treatment of autoimmune diseases including generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), thyroid eye disease (TED), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and Graves' disease (GD). Another lead asset, HL036 (INN: tanfanercept), a TNF inhibitor protein, is being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical studies in the US and is also being evaluated in China for the treatment of dry eye disease. HL161ANS, an anti-FcRn antibody targeting multiple indications, and HL192 (ATH-399A), a Nurr1 activator currently targeting Parkinson's Disease, are also being evaluated in Phase 1 clinical studies (healthy volunteers). For further information, visit our website and connect with us on LinkedIn. For any media inquiries, please contact HanAll PR/IR (pr@hanall.com, ir@hanall.com).

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Jim Martinez, rightstorygroup

jim@rightstorygroup.com or (312) 543-9026

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/turn-biotechnologies-signs-global-licensing-agreement-with-hanall-biopharma-to-develop-eye-and-ear-therapies-302156424.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2024) - Renegade Gold Inc. (TSXV: RAGE) (OTCQX: TGLDF) (FSE: 070) ("Renegade" or the "Company") announces that it proposes to undertake a non-brokered private placement of flow-through common shares ("FT Shares") at a price of $0.40 per FT Share for gross proceeds of up to $1.5 million and flow-through units ("FT Units") at a price of $0.525 per FT Unit for additional gross proceeds of up to $1.5 million (the "Placement"). Each FT Unit consists of one flow-through common share and one-half of one non-transferable share purchase warrant, each whole such warrant exercisable to acquire one non-flow-through common share for a period of two years from the date of issue at a price of $0.60 per share.

The Company intends to use the gross proceeds of the Placement to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" that are "flow-through mining expenditures" (as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) related to the Company's projects in Ontario.

The Company may pay finders' fees comprised of cash and non-transferable warrants in connection with the Placement, subject to compliance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities laws. The Company anticipates closing of the Placement (in one or more tranches) as soon as practicable subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Renegade Gold Inc.

Renegade Gold Inc. is a growth focused company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. As part of its regional-scale consolidation strategy, the Company has assembled one of the largest prospective land packages in and around the Red Lake mining district in proximity to major mines and deposits, as well as along the Confederation Lake and Birch-Uchi greenstone belts. The recent completion of the acquisition of Pacton Gold Inc. extends the Company's ownership in Red Lake to over 89,600 hectares of prospective and diversified exploration properties with significant potential for gold and critical minerals on trend with the major structures hosting known gold occurrences in the Red Lake mining district today. The Company also holds a portfolio of prospective projects in Western Australia.

For further information, please contact:

Renegade Gold Inc.

Nav Dhaliwal

President, CEO and Director

info@renegadegold.com

Tel: 604-678-5308

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated timing for completing the Placement, the potential payment of finders' fees and the intended use of proceeds therefrom. The words "anticipate," "significant," "expect," "may," "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the Forward-Looking Information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that all requisite approvals will be received, and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, risks related to unforeseen delays; general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes; timeliness of regulatory approvals, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this Forward-Looking Information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES

OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/210740

SOURCE: Renegade Gold Inc.
Infra.Market secures vote of confidence from MARS Growth Capital, doubling its total commitment from $50M to $100M USD

MUMBAI, India, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infra.Market, a construction material solutions company that leverages technology to provide an enhanced procurement experience for all players in the construction ecosystem, today announced that it has successfully closed additional financing from MARS Unicorn Fund, a joint venture from Liquidity Group, the world's largest AI-driven asset manager, and MUFG, Japan's largest financial group. This additional funding by MARS and Liquidity increases the total financing from $50 million in 2022 to $100 million USD. Infra.Market intends to use the proceeds of the latest raise to cater to newer global markets and increase its presence across product verticals.

Founded by Souvik Sengupta and Aaditya Sharda in 2016, Infra.Market is a construction solutions company with a vision of creating India's largest multi-product construction materials brand and transforming the entire supply chain globally.

The additional financing by MARS and Liquidity in Infra.Market, now totaling $100 million USD, is a testament to the strong relationships cultivated with the company and its founders, as well as an AI-driven analysis of the company's future financial integrity and execution - a proprietary technology developed by Liquidity Group. It also demonstrates the firm's strategy of partnering with late-stage technology companies on multiple large-scale financing solutions necessary to support high-growth opportunities.

Navas Ebin Muhammed, Managing Director & Head of APAC, Liquidity Group, added, "This upsize reflects our commitment to supporting exceptional companies not only in India but also across the entire APAC region. We are seeing a growing demand for scaled financing solutions in India and are pleased to have Mars Growth Capital help answer that need."

Infra.Market is targeting the $140 billion construction materials market, with a strong focus on the infrastructure sector. The announcement also comes on the heels of the ongoing increase in allocation for infrastructure projects under India's National Infrastructure Pipeline, which has planned projects worth $2 trillion USD to be deployed over the next few years.

Souvik Sengupta, Founder, Infra.Market, commented, "We continue to build on our vision of creating India's largest multi-product construction materials brand and transforming the construction materials supply chain, not only in India, but also globally. We are seeing growth opportunities as we are rapidly expanding our product portfolio and market presence, and the launch of new verticals will help us seed newer markets and create a best-in-class construction materials company out of India."

Infra.Market focuses on high-volume construction products under its own brands. On the customer side, it aims to solve existing issues such as a lack of price transparency, unreliable quality, a fragmented vendor base and inefficient logistics. On the supplier side, it ensures higher capacity utilization, a steady demand and better customer reach.

Infra.Market caters to both institutional customers (B2B) and retail outlets (D2R) in the construction materials sector. Over the last 12 months, it has grown supply to retail outlets steadily and follows a dual model of flagship stores (for catering to smaller stores) and dealership stores (for retail customers). It supplies across 20 states in India and exports to multiple global markets, such as Dubai, Singapore, Italy and more.

Commenting on the transaction, Ron Daniel, Co-Founder & CEO, Liquidity Group, notes, "Liquidity is using technology to transform capital credit markets with unrivaled speed and accuracy. At each step in the process, our evaluation of Infra.Market showed a company delivering on its promise to remake construction and infrastructure projects across India and beyond. We are thrilled to continue supporting the company, its management and its mission."

About MARS Growth Capital:

Founded in 2021 and with $1.5bn AUM, MARS Growth Capital is a joint venture between Japan's largest financial group, MUFG, and Liquidity Group, the largest AI-driven financial asset management firm in the world. Leveraging Liquidity Group's decision-science technology, MARS Growth Capital deploys both non-dilutive, as well as equity financing solutions in the range of $3-100mm to mid-market, late-stage, and pre-IPO technology companies in APAC, Japan, and Europe. For more information, visit: marsgrowth.com.

About Liquidity Group:

Liquidity Group is the largest AI-driven tech-enhanced financial asset management firm in the world. With $2.35B AUM across funds focused on North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, Liquidity Group operates globally with offices in London, New York, Singapore, Tel-Aviv, Abu Dhabi and San Francisco. The firm's patented machine learning and decision science technology enables it to deploy more capital through more deals faster than any firm in capital markets history, establishing it as the fastest-growing provider of non-dilutive and equity financing to mid-market and late-stage companies. Liquidity Group is backed by leading global financial institutions including Japan's largest bank, MUFG, Spark Capital, and Apollo Asset Management. For more information, visit www.liquiditygroup.com.

About Infra.Market:

Founded in 2016 and valued today at $2.5 billion, Infra.Market is a company rebuilding the future of construction in India. With innovative business planning and smart use of technology, it is the only company in the country to seamlessly supply over 15 different building material product categories including Concrete, AAC Blocks, Steel, Pipes & Fittings, MDF, Plywood, Laminates, Tiles, Bath Fittings & Sanitary, Fans, Lights, Kitchen and Electrical Appliances, Modular Kitchens & Wardrobes, Designer Hardware and Paints. For more information, visit www.infra.market.

For media queries, please contact:

Sukriti Kumar

sukriti.kumar@infra.market

+91 9833252547

Ruturaj Jejurkar

ruturaj@thegoodedge.com

+91 9730407304

Kaveer Ray

kaveer@thegoodedge.com

+91 9820219847

Prosek Partners for Liquidity Group

pro-liquiditygroup@prosek.com

646-818-9051

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/inframarket-secures-additional-50-million-usd-in-financing-from-mars-growth-capital-a-joint-venture-by-liquidity-group-and-mufg-302156418.html
Sterling Metals Corp. (TSXV:SAG)(OTCQB:SAGGF) ("Sterling" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Goodman as Chairman of the board of directors, effectively immediately. Mr. Goodman joins the Company as part of the recently completed transaction with Copper Road Resources Inc., as announced on May 10, 2024 (the "Transaction"). Mr. Goodman replaces Mr. Richard Patricio, who will remain as an advisor to the Company and continue to provide strategic guidance.

Mr. Goodman has over 25 years public and mining company experience. Most recently he was President of Dundee Corporation, a TSX listed public mining merchant bank, until December 2018. He has served on several public company boards and executive positions of both public and private companies.

Mark Goodman, Chairman of Sterling, commented, "With the successful acquisition of the Copper Road Project, joining as Chairman is an exciting step to drive the advancement of this and other projects in our portfolio. I look forward to working alongside Mat and his team to navigate the opportunities in Ontario and demonstrate value for our collective shareholders."

Mathew Wilson, CEO and Director of Sterling, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Mark as Chairman of Sterling. The Copper Road Project is poised to be a significant value driver for our company, with well-defined targets and substantial regional potential. Given Mark's extensive history with the project as Chairman of Copper Road and now our largest shareholder, we look forward to leveraging his expertise to advance the project. I also want to thank Richard for his years of dedicated service and look forward to his continued support as an advisor."

Corporate Update

Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction, 86,249,546 Consideration Shares have now been distributed on to shareholders of record of Copper Road Resources Inc. on a pro rata basis (the "Distribution").

Beneficial shareholders, being those holding their Copper Road Shares through brokerage accounts where their Copper Road Shares are held via CDS or other depositories should contact their brokers for further information regarding payment of the Distribution. Registered holders of Copper Road Shares entitled to the Distribution, being those holding Copper Road Shares in certified form or under the direct registration system (DRS), will receive Consideration Shares by way of DRS statements evidencing the Consideration Shares to which they are entitled under the Distribution.

Sterling is currently developing its inaugural work program for the Copper Road Project and expects to provide an update to shareholders in due course.

About Sterling Metals

Sterling Metals (TSXV: SAG and OTCQB: SAGGF) is a mineral exploration company focused on large scale and high-grade Canadian exploration opportunities. The Company is advancing the 24,000-hectare Copper Road Project in Ontario which has past production, and multiple breccia and porphyry targets strategically located near robust infrastructure and the 29,000-hectare Adeline Project in Labrador which covers an entire sediment-hosted copper belt with significant silver credits. Both opportunities have demonstrated potential for important new copper discoveries, underscoring Sterling's commitment to pioneering exploration in mineral rich Canada.

For more information, please contact:

Sterling Metals Corp.

Mathew Wilson, CEO and Director

Tel: (416) 643-3887

Email: info@sterlingmetals.ca

Website: www.sterlingmetals.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

SOURCE: Sterling Metals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
THOMPSON FALLS, MT / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / United States Antimony Corporation ("USAC"), (NYSE American:UAMY) is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Pagen, age 49, as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Governmental Relations. Ms. Pagen has previously done some consulting work for the Company last year.

Prior to joining USAC, Melissa Pagen built over twenty years of professional and executive experience in managerial and officer positions in several industries - both in the private and public sectors. With a demonstrated history in consumer goods, business development, investor relations, and industrial technologies within both the energy sector and water treatment sector, Melissa brings a unique and much needed combination of talents to the company.

From 2019 - 2024 Melissa worked as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development under the leadership of Gary C. Evans at Evergreen Sustainable Enterprises, Inc. where she managed all marketing and investor relations, developed data center projects across the U.S. through relationships with utilities and private landowners, and branded, trademarked, and launched two consumer goods product lines. From 2016 - 2019 while residing in Los Angeles, Melissa helped develop, launch, and reorganize companies in ecommerce, nutraceuticals, and medical practices through her advising company Root LLC/Root Endeavor LLC. This included working with founders and teams on branding, marketing, product development, packaging, operations, staff reorganization, and optimizing efficiencies.

In mid 2013 through 2015, Melissa began working under Gary C. Evans at GreenHunter Resources, Inc., a publicly traded company, where she began as Water Treatment Specialist/Account Executive, then moved into the position of Assistant Vice President, Investor Relations, and ultimately Vice President, Business Development, where she negotiated and secured multi-million-dollar contracts with large E&P companies for water treatment and handling. Ms. Pagen also presented to the West Virginia legislature and other industry groups on expanding methods of fluids handling for E&P. During her time in the energy sector, Melissa did several public speaking engagements for industry organizations, which helped earn her the honor of a WING Award (Women In Natural Gas) by Shale Media Group in 2014. Before beginning work with Mr. Evans, Melissa founded her own environmental remediation business in the Bakken Shale of North Dakota from 2012 - 2013. Ms. Pagen's work in industrial technology began as Vice President, Marketing and Sales for Sionix Corporation, a publicly traded company with patented and proprietary dissolved air flotation water treatment technology. Following the Tsunami in 2011, Melissa traveled to Japan to participate in discussions to address urgent water treatment issues and potential solutions in the wake of the Fukushima disaster.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (summa cum laude) from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

Commenting on Melissa Pagen's appointment today, Gary C. Evans, Chairman of the Board and Co-CEO, stated, "After having served on the Board of Directors at UAMY for over a year now, it has become very obvious that corporate development and marketing the Company's minerals and products has been lacking, and in most cases, non-existent. Middlemen and distributors have made a fortune on the backs of our Company when our shareholders took all the risk of finding and developing the Company's hard mineral reserves of both antimony and zeolite. With the hiring of Melissa Pagen, that prior business practice will begin changing. It is time we branded our own products and began a much more direct sales approach to both our existing and new customer base. I continue to be amazed at the vast uses of zeolite that appear to be growing all the time. We have not even scratched the surface of these new product possibilities. At the same time, there are many existing customers that want more of our high-quality product. We are fixing our historical supply constraint difficulties as reported in our first quarter results of operations and further improvements will be noted in future operational and financial reporting. Additionally, with our in-house antimony expertise, our government is seeking companies like U.S. Antimony to assist in our funding needs in order to have access to economic critical minerals. It is our goal to demonstrate our desire to meet our government's dire needs in this area, especially with the current announcements from China and the recent escalating price of antimony. Ms. Pagen is uniquely qualified to assist me, our management team, and the Board of Directors in this endeavor with news to come around these new efforts. Ms. Pagen is a known quantity and is one of the hardest working individuals I have had the pleasure of working with over my career. We are extremely fortunate to have her accept this new position within the Company."

About USAC:

United States Antimony Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Mexico ("USAC", the "Company", "Our", "Us", or "We") sell processed antimony, zeolite, and precious metals products in the U.S. and Canada. The Company processes antimony ore primarily into antimony oxide, antimony metal, and antimony trisulfide. Our antimony oxide is used to form a flame-retardant system for plastics, rubber, fiberglass, textile goods, paints, coatings and paper, as a color fastener in paint, and as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs. Our antimony metal is used in bearings, storage batteries, and ordnance. Our antimony trisulfide is used as a primer in ammunition. In its operations in Idaho, the Company mines and processes zeolite, a group of industrial minerals used in soil amendment and fertilizer, water filtration, sewage treatment, nuclear waste and other environmental cleanup, odor control, gas separation, animal nutrition, and other miscellaneous applications. We recover certain amounts of precious metals, primarily gold and silver, at our plant in Montana from antimony concentrates.?

Forward-Looking Statements:

Readers should note that, in addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and intended to be covered by, the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company including matters related to the Company's operations, pending contracts and future revenues, financial performance, and profitability, ability to execute on its increased production and installation schedules for planned capital expenditures, and the size of forecasted deposits. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties. In addition, other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed in the Company's most recent filings, including Form 10-K and Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "outlook," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "pro forma" and other similar words and expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance.

Contact:

United States Antimony Corp.

PO Box 64347 Cox Gulch Rd.

Thompson Falls, Montana 59873-0643

E-Mail: info@usantimony.com

Phone: (406) 606-4117

SOURCE: United States Antimony Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Safe and Tolerable : MyopiaX-1 proof-of-concept clinical trial (NCT04967287) supports MyopiaX's excellent safety and tolerability profile with no untoward safety events.

Novel Approach : Dopavision's approach to delivering targeted photobiomodulation to the eye shows signals of clinical effect on the rate of myopia progression.

New Alternative: The intervention delivered in an easy to use and accessible manner provides a child-friendly alternative to pharmaceuticals and optical approaches

Dopavision, a pioneering company dedicated to transforming pediatric eye care, today announced topline findings from its MyopiaX-1 proof-of-concept clinical trial (NCT04967287). The six-month outcomes of the randomized, controlled trial demonstrate the safety and tolerability of MyopiaX. MyopiaX delivers targeted photobiomodulation to the eye with the aim of managing the progression of myopia among children.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528147074/en/

Mark Wuttke, CEO of Dopavision (Photo: Business Wire)

Conducted across six European countries, the trial randomized 124 myopic children in a 2:1 fashion to MyopiaX or a control group. Over six months, treatment with MyopiaX shows signals of clinical effect on the rate of myopia progression. MyopiaX was safe and tolerable over the six-month trial period, with no ocular safety events reported, validating MyopiaX as a low-risk, non-invasive approach.

MyopiaX is a first-in-class, targeted intervention that non-invasively stimulates specific cells in the eye to regulate innate signaling pathways and slow the rate of myopia progression. MyopiaX offers an intuitive and child-friendly digital platform that seamlessly integrates myopia treatment into daily routines leveraging consumer electronics. This approach facilitates ease of use and broad accessibility worldwide, aiming to address the growing global public health challenge of myopia, with projections indicating nearly half of the world's population will be myopic by 2050.

The outcomes of the MyopiaX-1 trial add to the growing body of scientific evidence supporting MyopiaX's mechanism of action and its potential therapeutic application to slow myopia progression.

"The six-month outcomes represent a significant step in the clinical development of MyopiaX," said Prof. Ian Flitcroft, PhD, FRCOphth, Coordinating Investigator of the MyopiaX-1 trial. "The results are an important addition to the existing evidence supporting the mechanism of action of MyopiaX light stimulation."

Dr. Mark Wuttke, CEO of Dopavision added: "The six-month findings of the MyopiaX-1 trial mark a monumental achievement for Dopavision. With MyopiaX, our goal is to enrich myopia management for millions of children worldwide, providing a safe, non-invasive and engaging alternative that empowers young people to build a healthier, brighter future."

The ongoing MyopiaX-1 clinical trial is scheduled to complete in September 2024. Dopavision is engaged in discussions with regulatory authorities to outline the potential pathways for MyopiaX's development and approval.

About Dopavision

Dopavision is a pioneering company in the development of innovative and accessible solutions for myopia management. A multidisciplinary team of experts with backgrounds in biopharmaceuticals, neuroscience, ophthalmology and healthcare technology is driven by the mission to bring in a new perspective to the world of eye care. Dopavision is unique in developing products that combine targeted photobiomodulation and digital delivery methods to address the growing global problem of myopia.

Dopavision is backed by top-tier international investors including Seventure Partners, Novartis Pharma (dRx Capital), Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund and Ababax Health, and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

www.dopavision.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528147074/en/

Contacts:

Dopavision GmbH

Mark Wuttke

Chief Executive Officer

press@dopavision.com
The South Africa (SA) elections have finally arrived.

Tomorrow South Africans go to the polls to elect a new political party or, in this case, a political party coalition that will form a government. The African National Congress (ANC) is under unprecedented pressure to retain its parliamentary majority in Africas most advanced country. Having seen its popularity steadily decline over the past two decades, tomorrows elections could be a landmark moment when the party, once led by Nelson Mandela, drops below 50 per cent of the national vote for the first time, although its still widely expected to win the largest share.

Let us just imagine that the ANC does indeed fall drastically below the 50 per cent, say 30 per cent. Let us again imagine that they decide to bring all their lost children back home in the form of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party and Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party to form a coalition that will form the government. They would have the two-thirds majority needed to change the Constitution. Now note that there are only two things that have been stopping the ANC from becoming a single authoritarian party (I will explain what that is in a moment). The first thing is the Constitution and the second is simply the intent. Jacob Zuma, Julius Malema and the radical economic transformation faction within the ANC have been calling for the amendment of the Constitution, which will give them full power. With the Constitution out of the way, this coalition will become a very powerful single authoritarian party regime.

Single-party authoritarianism

Single-party regimes are led by a hegemonic group with a strong grip on power. Although only one leader is officially in charge, many political elites must work together to form and execute governmental policies. Classic examples of single-party rulers include the Chinese Communist Party, the Vietnamese Communist Party, and the Peoples Action Party of Singapore. Studies have noted that single-party systems tend to perform much better in terms of economic growth and development than personalistic or military-junta systems, as can be seen in China, Vietnam and Singapore. There is less opposition interference and more constitutional manipulation. The ANC is slowly renewing itself but not in the way its present President, Cyril Ramaposa, is promoting. Malema left the ANC, taking the youth wing, and formed the EFF after serious disagreements with the older generation. They have grown to be a formidable force outside the ANC, capturing the hearts of the youth who have no memory of the struggle days and heroes. The EFF has taken all the universities and other institutions of higher learning. Outside of the ANC they grew up and had to raise money on their own, organise campaigns and manage their affairs. They are now ready to govern. Their leader, Malema, is a charismatic individual who, unfortunately, has authoritarian tendencies.

Umkhonto Wesizwe

On the other hand, we have the newly-formed Umkhonto Wesizwe, which, in my opinion, is an old political party that was just waiting to be formed. That is the only way a political party formed five months ago can achieve what the polls are saying. What is happening is that inasmuch as Malema is pushing the youth agenda, Zuma is pushing the African traditional cultural ethos agenda, which seems to have fallen by the wayside within the ANC. Both talk of taking land without compensation but are different in their approach. Malema will simply nationalise the land and put it under government ownership before distributing it to citizens. It sounds more like the late Robert Mugabes style. On the other hand, Zuma will return that land to traditional leaders who will redistribute it the African way.

Roman-Dutch Law is another big issue for Zuma and his followers. The fact that African amakhosi and traditional leaders have no power in the Constitution is a big problem for them. Magistrates and councillors are more powerful than kings. It would appear that the Constitution favours LGBQ+ laws, including same-sex marriages (which are foreign to Africans), more than polygamy-related laws. The MK Partys faithful are appalled at the fact that a female child can be appointed as a king after the death of her father. While western political and human rights activists say its the best Constitution with gender equality, they contend that this is just not African. They believe it is destroying African culture and traditions. Die-hard ANC loyalists who were unhappy with many of the new policies and laws that were adopted by their political party simply decided to stay at home and not vote. The MK then represented the closest thing to their home, the ANC, and the belief is that they will come out in numbers tomorrow to vote for the MK.

What does all this mean for Eswatini?

SA is a Republic and traditionally republics and monarchies do not mix. The Kingdom of Eswatini can be called a form of Monarchical regime. Uniquely, only the Middle East remains monarchical as ours. Of course, our King has named it Monarchial Democracy, but it remains to a large extent a form of authoritarian regime. By definition, monarchies are led by a king or queen with a ruling family and operate in ways similar to those of a single-party regime, with many individuals participating in the discussion, consultation and decision-making processes. For this reason, the policy output of monarchies has tended to be predictable, making monarchies  like single-party regimes  one of the most durable forms of rule. Constitutional monarchies with constitutions that have the Bill of Rights and some form of elective representation have done even better, but without the election of the Executive by the people in whatever way, they remain authoritarian.

An ANC, EFF and MK coalition with a two-thirds majority is likely to push for the democratisation of Eswatini. If any of Malemas rhetoric is to go by, it will be vigorous. Sanctions and their restrictive measures will be imposed on us. The SACU receipts and agreements will be questioned. The only saving grace will be Zuma who remains a friend to Eswatini. With his age and the fact that the ANC and EFF will be against us, it is hard to imagine how Zuma would convince the two to leave Eswatini alone. Again the ANC faction led by President Ramaposa could emerge victorious and chose the Democratic Alliance (DA) as their coalition partner in which case we would be safe and the status quo will remain. Send comments to septembereswatini@gmail.com
Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus.



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LONDON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday 23 May a live performance of Opera Rara's Donizetti Song Project happened at London's Wigmore Hall. Artist Ambassador Ermonela Jaho and Artistic Director Carlo Rizzi performed rare Donizetti songs, as well assongs by Bellini, Verdi, Gounod and Viardot.

This recital continued the multi-year Donizetti Song Project, which will see the recording and performance of the composer's nearly 200 solo songs, discovered in a recent research by Roger Parker, Opera Rara's Repertoire Consultant and an internationally known expert on Donizetti; a great many of them completely unknown.

In the Donizetti Song Project, Opera Rara plans to create a new edition of the songs and then record them in eight individual albums. This ambitious programme will include live performances by the internationally renowned artists featured on each album, as well as a "salon" series for emerging artists. The Donizetti Song Project, one of the most ambitious in Opera Rara's 50-year history, aims to add a substantial body of work to the solo song repertoire through recordings and performances, making a claim that Donizetti is one of the genre's most significant composers in the nineteenth century.

This Opera Rara recital was generously supported by Elena Baturina who became a supporter of Opera Rara's Donizetti Song Project last year. For Elena Baturina, this project is a way to commemorate her beloved late husband, Mr Yury Luzhkov; one of the songs during the recital was specifically dedicated to his memory.

With support from Elena Baturina, Opera Rara has produced a double-disc Donizetti Songs recording and arranged their performing by Ermonela Jaho. The discs will be available worldwide in 2025.

Elena Baturina is an international philanthropist and business person whose international career has spanned a spectrum of industries, from manufacturing to hospitality. Elena is a self-made woman who has built her formidable business empire from scratch. For many years Elena Baturina has been involved in charities that prioritise people and their ideas.

Opera Rara is an opera company, recording label and a live operatic archaeologist that searches for neglected operatic masterpieces and restores them for contemporary audiences to enjoy. The company's projects have been recognised through major international opera awards.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2423310/Press_Office_for_Elena_Baturina.jpg

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WILLOW GROVE, PA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC is pleased to announce that it has acquired Voltyx, a leading provider of apparatus testing, engineering and design, repair, maintenance, commissioning, and equipment assembly services for investor-owned utilities, renewable energy providers, municipalities, data centers, and other commercial and industrial clients, pursuant to an agreement with Arcline Investment Management LP and Industrial Growth Partners V, L.P.

Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Voltyx employs more than 1,200 people at 35 locations across the United States and is a strategic addition to the Asplundh Infrastructure Group. Through its two leading power industry solution providers, Electric Power Systems (EPS) and North American Substation Services (NASS), Voltyx will expand Asplundh's infrastructure service offerings, geographical reach and customer base. Voltyx, in turn, will gain new opportunities to accelerate its growth in the utility market in partnership with Asplundh, a leading provider of vegetation management and infrastructure services for more than 95 years.

"We're excited to welcome Voltyx to the Asplundh family of companies," said Asplundh CEO Matt Asplundh. "Voltyx's expertise in the substation and transformer services market will help us expand the already excellent, safe and cost-effective services we provide to our current customers as One Asplundh. We look forward to working together with Voltyx's employees and customers toward continued growth and success."

Asplundh leadership is committed to continued investment in Voltyx's growth, development and safety training and expects the company and its employees to play a significant role in the Asplundh organization.

"Asplundh has identified tremendous growth opportunity in infrastructure related services - construction, engineering, and highway ITS and lighting," said Brent Asplundh, President of Asplundh Infrastructure Group. "Bringing Voltyx into the fold will help us achieve our growth objectives and meet the ever-changing demands of our new and existing customers. We're happy to welcome Voltyx to our team."

BofA Securities acted as financial advisor, and Davis Polk & Wardwell as legal advisor to Asplundh.

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC is a family-owned and managed company headquartered just outside of Philadelphia in Willow Grove, PA. Its One Asplundh approach provides a single point of contact to an extensive range of vegetation management, engineering and utility infrastructure services to utilities municipalities and other commercial and industrial customers. Asplundh employs approximately 36,000 throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Learn more at www.asplundh.com.

Contact Information:

Pete Mazzaccaro

Corporate Communications, Asplundh

pmazzaccaro@asplundh.com

215-784-4427

SOURCE: Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Investigators will present study highlighting a phosphoproteomic diagnostic for patient stratification of first line systemic hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

LONDON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinomica Ltd., a developer of KScan precision oncology diagnostics, today announced the company and collaborators from King's College London and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will be presenting at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, which will be held May 31 - June 4, in Chicago, IL.

Debashis Sarker MBChB FRCP PhD, Reader in Experimental Oncology, King's College London and Consultant Medical Oncologist at King's College Hospital, part of King's Health Partners, will present the results of the collaboration in a poster titled 'Identification of a predictive phosphoproteomic signature of response to atezolizumab and bevacizumab (AB) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC)'.

Details of the poster presentation are as follow:

Poster Session: Developmental Therapeutics-Immunotherapy

Session Date and Time: Saturday June 1, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Poster Board Number: 110

Abstract Presentation Number: 2631

"We look forward to sharing our important work that for the first time describes a promising biomarker signature with the potential to predict response to the immunotherapy atezolizumab and bevacizumab in patients with aHCC," said Dr Sarker. "An important characteristic of the study is that the biomarkers have been derived from real-world Tru-Cut biopsies taken at diagnosis providing confidence in their potential clinical utility."

"This collaborative effort, drawing on multidisciplinary expertise and rich clinical proteomic data demonstrates the predictive power of the KScan diagnostic platform," said Tim Fell PhD, Executive Chair of Kinomica. "We look forward to extending this collaborative research to determine predictive biomarkers to other approved aHCC therapies and the creation of a multi-drug diagnostic to aid therapy selection."

Kinomica will be attending ASCO. Please contact us to request a meeting.

About Kinomica

Kinomica is a developer of precision oncology diagnostics. The company has developed KScan, a phosphoproteomic diagnostic platform to help clinicians better realize the full potential of precision medicine by predicting which of the drugs currently approved to treat a disease a particular patient will respond best to, thereby aiding clinical decision making. Learn more at www.kinomica.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

About King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching hospitals. The Trust is recognised internationally for its work in liver disease and transplantation, neurosciences, cardiac, haemato-oncology, fetal medicine, stroke and major trauma.

Our hospitals include King's College Hospital (Denmark Hill), the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), and Orpington Hospital - we also provide some services at Beckenham Beacon and Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.

We provide care to 1.5 million patients in Southwark, Lambeth, Bromley, Bexley, Lewisham and elsewhere in south-east London and parts of Kent. In 2021, we launched our strategy, Strong Roots, Global Reach, with our new vision to be BOLD.

About King's Health Partners

King's Health Partners brings research, education and clinical practice together across three NHS Foundation Trusts, Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital, and South London and Maudsley, with a world-leading university, King's College London.

We are an Academic Health Science Centre, improving health and care services by translating early scientific research, discoveries and ideas to benefit patients and communities we serve in south London and beyond. We connect people and programmes across our partnership and train and develop future generations of healthcare professionals.

Collectively, we serve nearly 40,000 students from 190 countries. Our 45,000 staff conduct around 4.8 million patient visits and we have a turnover of nearly 5 billion.

Find out more at kingshealthpartners.org

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422786/Kinomica_Logo.jpg

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LungOI Is Among The First AI-based Tests To Receive a Medicare Payment Rate.

MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Imagene, a pioneer in AI-based precision oncology, is pleased to announce the culmination of key milestones in the commercialization of its AI-based NSCLC Biomarker Profiling Test, LungOITM. Earlier this year, Imagene secured a novel payment code and payment rate from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).





LungOI - AI-based NSCLC Biomarker Profiling Test

The LungOI test delivers predictive analysis of NSCLC genomic alterations from H&E slides within minutes.





This follows the release of the LDT product to the market in Q1 2024, after receiving CLIA certification in Q1 2023. Together with the test-specific code and Medicare payment rate, LungOI is well-positioned as a leading AI-based LDT product for detecting lung genomic alterations.

Through its CLIA lab, Imagene enables wide access to the LungOI test, delivering predictive analysis of NSCLC genomic alterations from H&E slides within minutes. LungOI provides same-day results to physicians and is expected to enhance patient care through the rapid and cost-effective triaging of patient samples to a primary diagnostic assay.

"This is a major milestone in our efforts to commercialize our flagship product, paving the way to integrate validated cutting-edge technology into clinical pipelines and advance cancer care," said Dean Bitan, Co-founder and CEO of Imagene. "It also showcases the strength of our core technology, a state-of-the-art Oncology Intelligence Foundation Model specifically designed to address oncology diagnostic and research challenges."

Dr. Ross Camidge, Professor of Medicine, Joyce Zeff Chair in Lung Cancer Research, Director of Thoracic Oncology at the University of Colorado, elaborated "Oncologists already use clinical features like race and smoking status to manage decision-making in terms of when treatment delays pending molecular results are likely to be appropriate. They also use them to influence when additional narrow but rapid tests might be helpful for optimizing time or tissue utilization. I would definitely use a science-forward, reliable, and ultra-rapid AI test to enhance this process in supporting an informed clinical decision."

Imagene is now driving the expansion of payer coverage for LungOI through early access programs to ensure evidence generation and demonstration of the benefits of Immediate Oncology Intelligence for both physicians and their patients.

Imagene's executive team will be showcasing its full product line at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference, May 31 - June 4, Booth #10064.

LungOI is clinically available through Imagen's CLIA-certified laboratory in Arizona and can be ordered online by a physician at Imagene-ai.com.

About Imagene

Imagene is an emerging leader in AI-based precision oncology, leveraging AI to profile a broad range of cancer biomarkers from digitized biopsy images within minutes. The company empowers physicians with immediate oncology intelligence to facilitate optimal treatment for more cancer patients. Imagene is the developer of LungOITM, the first AI-based NSCLC Biomarker Profiling Assay. Awarded the 2023 Digital Health Award for "Best Use of AI in HealthTech" and the Technology Leadership Best Practices Award by Frost & Sullivan, Imagene's success derives from its cutting-edge Oncology Intelligence (OI) technology and a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to advancing precision oncology and improving patient care.

For more information, please visit imagene-ai.com.





Contact Information

Avital Rabani

VP of Marketing

media@imagene-ai.com





SOURCE: Imagene

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2024) - Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE: PAPL) ("the Company" or "Pineapple"), a tech-focused mortgage brokerage with an integrated network of affiliate brokerages and agents across Canada" is pleased to announce it will be presenting at the Centurion One Capital 5th Annual LA Summit, which will be taking place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Wednesday, June 5th to Thursday, June 6th, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.

Shubha Dasgupta, CEO, is scheduled to present on Wednesday, June 5th at 2:10 PM PDT. Shubha Dasgupta will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings during the event. Christa Mitchell, Chief Strategy Officer at Pineapple Financial Inc., will be on a panel discussion called Scaling a Business in 2024 on Thursday, June 6th at 2:50 PM PT.

Centurion One Capital 5th Annual LA Summit will feature public and private companies across various industries that will be given the opportunity to present to some of the most prominent venture capital, family office, private equity firms, high net worth individuals and institutional investors in the growth space attending from Canada, the United States, and abroad. For registration details or to submit one-on-one investor meeting requests, please click here.

Summit Details:

Event: Centurion One Capital 5th Annual LA Summit

Format: Presentations, Q&A, Panel Discussions and 1 X 1 Investor Meetings

Date: Wednesday, June 5th and Thursday, June 6th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM PDT - 5:00 PM PDT

Venue: The Beverly Hills Hotel

About Centurion One Capital

Centurion One Capital ("Centurion One") is the premier independent investment banking firm dedicated to fueling the growth and success of growth companies in North America. With an unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive financial solutions and strategic guidance, Centurion One is a trusted strategic partner and catalyst to propel issuers to unlock their full potential. Our team comprises seasoned professionals who combine extensive financial expertise with deep knowledge of various sectors. We take a proactive and results-driven approach, working closely with our clients to develop tailored strategies and execute transactions that maximize value and drive long-term success.

Centurion One - Empowering Growth. Driving Innovation. Partnering for Success.

About Pineapple Financial Inc.

Pineapple is an award-winning fintech and leading Canadian mortgage brokerage network. It focuses on the long-term success of agents and brokerages and the overall experience of homeowners. With approximately 700 brokers within the network, Pineapple creates cutting-edge cloud-based technology and AI-driven systems to enable its brokers to help Canadians realize their dream of owning a home. Pineapple is active within the community and is proud to sponsor charities across Canada to improve the lives of fellow Canadians.

Learn more about Pineapple Financial Inc. at https://gopineapple.com/investor-relations

Contacts

Pineapple Financial Inc.

Dennis Welsh

Sr. Director of Marketing

416-456-2102

dennis@denniswelsh.ca

SOURCE: Centurion One Capital
NEW YORK, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard Motor Products (SMP) is pleased to announce that its STABIL facility in Germany has earned PACCAR's 2023 10 PPM Award. STABIL, a division of SMP's Engineered Solutions segment, is dedicated to high-quality design, engineering, manufacturing, product development, sales and distribution of components for automotive and heavy-duty applications.

Each year, PACCAR, a leading global manufacturer of light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF nameplates, recognizes suppliers who achieve its "10 PPM" quality standard, meaning that of every million supplier parts and components shipped to PACCAR, less than ten were defective. Additionally, in order to qualify for this award, suppliers must meet warranty support and continuous improvement criteria. The prestigious award was presented to SMP personnel at its engineering, sales and distribution facilities in Kirchheim, Germany, and its production facility in Pecel, Hungary for the second year in a row.

"We are once again proud to receive PACCAR's prestigious 10 PPM Award," said Dale Burks, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at SMP. "This award is a testament to our unyielding commitment to consistently providing our partners with the highest-quality components, and we are pleased to continue building our partnership with PACCAR."

About SMP Engineered Solutions

SMP Engineered Solutions offers a wide range of custom-designed vehicle control and thermal management products. Offering an extensive portfolio of adaptable products covering a range of applications, SMP Engineered Solutions is supported by a global resource network, strategically positioned to provide unique solutions to a wide-range customer base. The division serves vehicle and equipment manufacturers in diversified end markets for on- and off-highway applications. To learn more, visit SMPEngineeredSolutions.com.

About SMP

With over 100 years in business, Standard Motor Products, Inc. is a leading independent manufacturer and distributor of premium replacement parts in the automotive aftermarket and a custom-engineered solutions provider to vehicle and equipment manufacturers in diverse non-aftermarket end markets. SMP sells its products primarily to retailers, warehouse distributors, original equipment manufacturers and original equipment service part operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Mexico and other Latin America countries. For more information, download the SMP Parts App or visit SMPcorp.com.

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TOKYO, May 28, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - Celonis SE (Celonis) and NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) began a proof of concept in May this year to integrate NEC's high-performance Japanese language generative AI with Celonis market-leading process intelligence platform. This proof of concept is being conducted as part of a strategic partnership announced in 2023(*) and makes NEC the first Japanese company to work on the integration of generative AI and process intelligence.



Beginning last year, NEC started testing the combination of generative AI and process mining technology with native Japanese speakers. By utilizing generative AI, even individuals who did not have specialized knowledge of process mining could benefit from process intelligence in near real time and analyze business operations using natural Japanese. Moreover, it was confirmed that business operations were improved, such as a reduction in order management delays and delays in subsequent operations due to rework.



Building on the initial success, the companies are now further integrating NEC's generative AI with Celonis process mining technology, allowing users without process mining expertise to quickly visualize and analyze business processes through natural language conversations via NEC's generative AI, without the need to read large amounts of text.



"The strategic partnership between NEC and Celonis continues to deliver tremendous value for our customers in Japan. Combining NEC's generative AI and Celonis process intelligence will empower more people to identify process optimization opportunities and accelerate business transformation. Together, we continue to help our customers drive positive impact across the top, bottom and green lines," said Bastian Nominacher, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Celonis.



"In order to grow in a rapidly changing market, companies are accelerating their digital transformation efforts. The combination of Celonis process intelligence with the speed and high Japanese language performance of NEC's generative AI will enable the provision of advanced consulting services that accelerate decision-making and improve companies' access to analytical capabilities. We believe that this will contribute to the realization of high-quality digital transformation in a short time. We are already putting this into practice within NEC and are confident that the results and know-how can be passed on to our customers. NEC will work with Celonis to create speedy, data-driven and objective suggestions and improvements to support customers' business reforms and breakthroughs," said Toshifumi Yoshizaki, SEVP and CDO, NEC Corporation.



Looking ahead, NEC and Celonis will continue to strengthen their partnership and enable business process analysis and business transformation by utilizing Celonis' process intelligence and NEC's generative AI.



(*)Press release: Celonis and NEC form strategic partnership www.nec.com/en/press/202308/global_20230828_03.htmlShare



About Celonis



Since 2011, Celonis (Co-founder and Co-CEO Bastian Nominacher and Alexander Rinke) has helped thousands of the world's largest and most esteemed companies yield immediate cash impact, radically improve customer experience, and reduce carbon emissions. Its Process Intelligence platform uses industry-leading process mining technology and AI to present companies with a living digital twin of their end-to-end processes. For the first time, everyone in an organization has a common language for how the business runs, visibility into where value is hiding, and the ability to capture it. Celonis is headquartered in Munich, Germany and New York City, USA with more than 20 offices worldwide.For more information, visit www.celonis.com/.



About NEC Corporation



NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.For more information, visit NEC at www.nec.com.







Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.





 2024 JCN Newswire
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / CARE



CARE has supported 16.5 million women and girls to increase their empowerment & gender equality since 2015. What do we mean by this? More girls and women are speaking out about the issues that affect them, making decisions about their homes and family as equals with their partners, working together for change in their communities, accessing services which meet their needs, and so much more.

At CARE, gender equality isn't just another program. Gender is at the core of our Vision 2030 Strategy and embedded within everything that we do. But more than this, we see women and girls as the driving force able to create a fairer and better world for all. Our approach to Gender Equality programming focuses on reducing gender-based violence (GBV), promoting women's voice and leadership (WVL), and ensuring access to inclusive education. But beyond this, we intentionally address the root causes of gender inequality by centering gender equality in our programs across all sectors.

Our recently published Gender Equality Annual Report summarizes CARE's progress towards our goal, highlighting impact data reported in CARE's Project& Program Information and Impact Reporting System (PIIRS) in FY 2022 (July 2021 - June 2022) and drawing on insights from CARE's Vision 2030 learning review in 2023.

What we have achieved?

Women and girls are influencing decisions which affect their lives:

871,000 people were impacted by specific changes related to Women's Voice and Leadership, including 144,000 women and girls reporting confidence in their own negotiation and communication skills and 101,000 women and girls influencing public decision-making and structural changes in their communities.

871,000 people were impacted by specific changes related to Women's Voice and Leadership, including 144,000 women and girls reporting confidence in their own negotiation and communication skills and 101,000 women and girls influencing public decision-making and structural changes in their communities. Women and girls at risk of violence feel safer and can access services:

500,000 people have been impacted by specific changes related to gender-based violence. This includes people accessing GBV response services in development and humanitarian settings, and more people rejecting violence. In Bangladesh, the Prohori project worked with more than 44,000 people to shift social norms which normalize intimate partner violence. Women reported reduced intimate partner violence and an increased ability to speak up about their rights.

500,000 people have been impacted by specific changes related to gender-based violence. This includes people accessing GBV response services in development and humanitarian settings, and more people rejecting violence. In Bangladesh, the Prohori project worked with more than 44,000 people to shift social norms which normalize intimate partner violence. Women reported reduced intimate partner violence and an increased ability to speak up about their rights. Girls are overcoming barriers to accessing education and improving their prospects: 735,000 people were impacted by specific changes related to education such as schools addressing the specific needs of girls. In Somalia, more girls are enrolling in school and fewer are dropping out as a result of the Adolescent Girls' Education in Somalia project (AGES) project, despite the shocks of COVID and the worst drought in 40 years.

735,000 people were impacted by specific changes related to education such as schools addressing the specific needs of girls. In Somalia, more girls are enrolling in school and fewer are dropping out as a result of the Adolescent Girls' Education in Somalia project (AGES) project, despite the shocks of COVID and the worst drought in 40 years. Humanitarian aid is reaching the most vulnerable: 135,000 people in emergency contexts obtained access to lifesaving GBV prevention and response services, while 415,000 people were supported through gender-sensitive assistance in the form of cash or vouchers.

135,000 people in emergency contexts obtained access to lifesaving GBV prevention and response services, while 415,000 people were supported through gender-sensitive assistance in the form of cash or vouchers. Projects across all sectors are improving gender equality: Nearly 3/4 of CARE projects reporting impact in 2022 - across sectors including health, climate, agriculture, and livelihoods - were able to report at least one change related to gender equality. This includes 1.1 million more women able to meet family planning needs, 431,000 more women participating in decisions about agricultural production and household income, 102,000 more women with increased capability to participate equitably in economic activities and 23,000 more women actively participating in climate decision-making spaces.

How did we get there?

Considering GBV risks across any sector: CARE has made a concerted effort to amplify impact through new guidance addressing gender-based violence in both development and emergency settings. 65% of all CARE programs fully or partially addressed GBV .

CARE has made a concerted effort to amplify impact through new guidance addressing gender-based violence in both development and emergency settings. 65% of all CARE programs fully or partially addressed GBV Engaging men and boys for gender equality: We are strengthening our focus on the role of men and boys in promoting gender equality with new guidance to amplify our impact. 80% of all CARE programs fully or partially engaged men and boys.

We are strengthening our focus on the role of men and boys in promoting gender equality with new guidance to amplify our impact. 80% of all CARE programs fully or partially engaged men and boys. Challenging harmful social norms: CARE views the shifting of harmful social norms as key to promoting gender equality, and we are further examining how social norms approaches are improving the lives of women and girls across more sectors. 43% of all CARE programs worked to address social norms.

CARE views the shifting of harmful social norms as key to promoting gender equality, and we are further examining how social norms approaches are improving the lives of women and girls across more sectors. 43% of all CARE programs worked to address social norms. Embedding gender best practices in other programs : Our analysis showed that combining CARE's VSLA groups with gender equality programming

can create transformative change in social norms, women's household decision-making, and access to capital. We're working to expand this across all our savings groups and embed within other program areas.

: Our analysis showed that combining CARE's VSLA groups with gender equality programming can create transformative change in social norms, women's household decision-making, and access to capital. We're working to expand this across all our savings groups and embed within other program areas. Centering gender in our teams, strategies and processes : Our

GoDeeper Initiative is leading commitment to gender at the Country Office level by developing focused gender strategies, increasing opportunities for staff development, shifting internal ways of working and strengthening technical expertise on proven approaches for placing gender at the center of our programs and operations.

: Our GoDeeper Initiative is leading commitment to gender at the Country Office level by developing focused gender strategies, increasing opportunities for staff development, shifting internal ways of working and strengthening technical expertise on proven approaches for placing gender at the center of our programs and operations. Shifting power to feminist organizations: Programs like Feminists in Action

are finding new ways to support women's rights organizations to strengthen their actions.

How we are leading change?

We are devoted to being a leader in our approaches to Gender Equality. This is what we are focusing on in 2023 and beyond.

Increasing our focus on digital inclusion to bridge the gender digital divide.

to bridge the gender digital divide. Intensifying our support to women's rights organizations and networks of women leading change.

and of women leading change. Building understanding of social norms impact across sectors.

Strengthening our focus on gender in humanitarian response efforts.

efforts. Deepening the evidence for how gender equality leads to further impact.

for how gender equality leads to further impact. Looking ahead to the future trends we will need to respond to as we work towards our goal of greater gender equality for all.

Want to learn more?

Read the Full Report

Read a 2-page summary of the report in all four CARE languages:

Arabic, Spanish, French and English.

Special thanks to Maya Kuwahara and Carly Paul for their support drafting this review.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CARE on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: CARE

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/care

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: CARE

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Update on Business Activities Including Initiation of Project Work in Africa with Partner, Cybastion Institute of Technology

FAIRFAX, VA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Visium Technologies, Inc., ("Visium" or the "Company") (OTC PINK:VISM), a global cybersecurity and IT infrastructure professional services company, today released an investor update highlighting their recent progress and current status.

Dear Fellow Shareholders of Visium Technologies:

In an effort to keep our investors informed, I am providing this update on the Company's activities this year. 2024 has been off to a productive start for Visium Technologies as we continue to develop opportunities with our key partners, Cybastion Institute of Technology ("Cybastion"), and IREX.AI ("IREX"). These efforts will begin to generate revenue in the coming weeks.

This Spring Visium attended the Global Business Development Summit held in Washington, DC. There, I met with representatives from Cybastion and the Export Import Bank (EXIM) of the United States to discuss the infrastructure and cybersecurity projects in Cote D'Ivoire, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Leading US-based companies involved in these initiatives include Cisco Systems (CSCO), (DELL), Schneider Electric (SBGSY), George Mason University (GMU), Washington DC-based CWP Consulting, Lilium Group, and US based Cybersecurity Coalition Companies.

The long-awaited agreements related to the Cote D'Ivoire projects have been finalized and Visium is now poised to begin work under the already-awarded $20 million contract beginning in early June. We are extremely pleased to begin work on these projects.

In addition to these Cybastion-led opportunities we continue to pursue opportunities with our partner IREX. We recently announced a joint contract with the City of Miraflores in Peru to deliver our Ethical Layered Intelligence (ELI) video surveillance technology solution. This project is just beginning and Visium expects to see revenue from this partnership in the near future.

Altogether, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of execution as we look forward to engaging in multiple contracts across the African continent, South America, and the US.

As the CEO of Visium, I am personally appreciative of shareholders' patience and understanding of the unexpected delays in revenue recognition from these large projects. Both Cybastian and Visium see these projects starting soon and the resulting revenue flow to begin.

Regards,

Mark Lucky

CEO

About EXIM:

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation's official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Learn more at www.exim.gov.

About Cybastion Institute of Technology

Cybastion Institute of Technology, is a leading cybersecurity business providing state-of-the-art technology and solutions with a particular focus on emerging markets, especially in Africa. Cybastion is a one-stop shop for all cybersecurity needs, offering cybersecurity solutions, infrastructure, and digital technologies. The company has a large footprint in Africa, working in eight countries. Cybastion seeks to bridge the gap between Africa's cybersecurity and more developed countries with cybersecurity solutions, infrastructure, and digital technologies. For more information, please visit https://www.cybastiontech.com/.

About IREX AI, Inc.

IREX AI, Inc. is a provider of AI-powered video analytics operating in over 30 countries worldwide. IREX's mission is to mold cities of the future: safe, comfortable, and sustainable. The IREX Ethical AI and Big Data platform focuses on public safety and connects cameras and sensors to a secure private cloud, analyzing data in real-time and providing vital, proactive opportunities to prevent security and safety incidents. IREX allows cities to adapt to ever-changing threats, using Ethical AI technology to combat 21st-century problems such as pandemics, overcrowding, missing children, mass shootings, rising crime rates, and much more.

For more information, please visit www.IREX.AI

About Visium Technologies, Inc.

Visium Technologies (OTC PINK:VISM) is a cyber security solutions provider that uses graph database technology to deliver an analytics-driven, risk-based approach to cybersecurity that provides context to data so that users can make intelligent decisions in real time. Built for the US Army Cyber Command by MITRE Corporation (CyGraph), and then further developed by Visium, our world class TruContext technology provides visualization, advanced cyber monitoring intelligence, data modeling, analytics, and automation to help reduce risk, simplify cyber security, and deliver better security outcomes. TruContext plugs the gaps left by other security tools.

For more information please visit www.visiumtechnologies.com and our YouTube Channel.

Safe Harbor Statement: Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release includes forward-looking statements that reflect management's current views with respect to future events and performance. These forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and information currently available. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project" and similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. Investors should be cautious in relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, whether the reverse stock split will be beneficial to the Company and its shareholders, any inability to meet the NYSE American continued listing standards in the future for any reason, and those other factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any responsibility to update forward-looking statements is expressly disclaimed.

CONTACT:

Visium Technologies, Inc.

Corporate: Mark Lucky, Chief Executive Officer

mlucky@visiumtechnologies.com

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Twitter | Instagram

Corporate Office:

4094 Majestic Lane Suite 360

Fairfax, VA 22033

Phone: 703-273-0383

SOURCE: Visium Technologies, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
MBABANE  The influx of squatters on farms will always be a challenge unless chiefs are salaried and regulated by government.

These were sentiments shared by farm owners, following the unending disputes between them and squatters across the country. A squatter is a person who occupies a farm without permission from the owner. Other occupants of a farm are farm dwellers, who are people who are granted permission and enter into an agreement with the farm owners. The farm owners said the absence of salaries and regulation for chiefs had resulted in some of them encroaching on farms. Asked to expand on the salaries and regulations, the farm owners said chiefs, as busy people in communities, deserved car and fuel allowances, housing allowances and salaries of at least E15 000 per month.

Benefits

They said with the benefits and salaries, it would be easy for government to regulate chiefs. The farm owners said it would also be easy for government to set up an independent structure to deal with issues involving chiefs and the general public. Worth noting is that the desire for the regulations and salaries for chiefs was among the major concerns of the public during Sibaya. Those who made submissions at Sibaya felt that chiefs authority was unchallengeable, as they did as they pleased in the country. Some people accused the chiefs of land grabbing and harassment of widowed women and orphaned children. The public felt that paying salaries and regulating chiefs could be the solution.

Agriculture

We have heard on numerous occasions that chiefs report to the King. Most farm owners utilise their farms for agricultural purposes, which means we also have representation to the King. Chiefs must be regulated, because they hold public office just like government officials, said a farm owner, who is battling with farm dwellers on his farm. If you can make a survey, you will realise that some chiefs encroach farms, because they have commercialised and sold Eswatini National Land, which should be acquired through kukhonta. The sad thing is that as farm owners, we have no way to defend our properties, because authorities cannot be challenged, said one of the farm owners, who had not been able to utilise his farm since he purchased it in 2000. He said people had not established their homesteads on farms on their own accord, but were allocated land by those in authority, including chiefs and tindvuna across the country.

He said the sad thing was that there was no neutral structure to challenge chiefs once they infringed on their rights. He shared that he had been in and out of court and district tribunal, with the intent to evict squatters who were intentionally allocated land on his farm by a chief he called by name. The farm owners stated that some chiefs had no respect for the Farm Dwellers Control Act of 1982. They said the Act was clear that no person shall occupy a farm without an agreement with the owner. We understand that we should be lenient and find alternative land for farm dwellers on the farm during purchase. However, it becomes difficult when chiefs continue to allocate peoples land even after the purchase of the farm. It is clear that chiefs are slowly taking over farms in the country, said another farm owner, who is facing challenges with farm dwellers.

He said the sad thing was that farm owners purchased farms for investment through loans. They shared that when they applied for loans, they intend to use the proceeds of the project to repay the loans to the banks. If your farm is idle, it means you have to make means to service the loan. Another thing is that banks become reluctant to approve loans where your investment is threatened. We have a farm but squatters have stopped us from setting our foot there, just because we have requested them to leave, a farm owner said.
RONN Inc. signed an engagement agreement with Tobiqe First Nations Canada to build and manage a multi-purpose hydrogen production hub pilot program supplied with our hydrogen fuel cell trucks.

RONN, Inc. (OTC PINK:RONN) announces it has signed a strategic partnership engagement letter with Tobique First Nations Canada. to establish a hydrogen production facility, an exclusive hydrogen FCEV logistic truck dealership, and a distribution network. Mr. Ford, the company CEO, stated that this is the culmination of nine months of discussion since last September 2023 with First Nations Canada; Mr. Ford added that the engagement includes a $1,000,000 initial good faith investment for RONN Inc.

Julian Moulton, Tobique First Nations Leader, stated that partnering with RONN, Inc. to develop a hydrogen hub in Tobique First Nation presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on the growing clean energy market. This initiative promises economic benefits, environmental stewardship, and technological leadership, making it a compelling investment for sustainable future growth.

Mr. Moulton added some of his critical incentives for entering the clean energy sector:

Government Support and Incentives:

- Access to grants, subsidies, and tax incentives for green energy projects from federal and provincial governments.

- Participation in programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources. Growing Market Demand:

- Increasing global demand for hydrogen as a clean energy source, driven by commitments to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

- Expanding market for hydrogen vehicles, supported by advancements in technology and infrastructure development. Economic and Employment Benefits:

- Creation of new jobs in hydrogen production, vehicle sales, and distribution.

- Boost the local economy through increased business activity and investment. Environmental Impact:

- Significant reduction in carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen.

- Improvement in air quality and overall environmental health within the community

About: RONN is a Hydrogen company at the forefront of sustainable technology solutions. While working to manufacture high-performance, environmentally responsible hydrogen electric vehicles, the Company has now added hydrogen production hub development to contribute positively to the planet.

For Inquiries please contact:

John Morgan at jmorgan@ronnmotorgroup.com

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the success of RONN, Inc. initiatives in the hydrogen tax credit market. RONN, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE: RONN Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / For the 15th year in a row, Jacksonville's First Coast Worksite Wellness Council (FCWWC) has honored Regency Centers with the First Coast Healthiest Companies award. Regency reached the Platinum level - the highest level of the award - for its ninth consecutive year, and is one of just 20 companies to earn this achievement.

This award recognizes companies that are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of their employees. Platinum award winners have best-in-class wellness programs and facilitate a culture of health within their organizations, as demonstrated by robust programming that supports multiple pillars of well-being (e.g., physical, mental, social).

Prioritizing a Culture of Wellness

At Regency Centers, we prioritize our people's safety, health, and overall well-being. Our comprehensive benefits package addresses four main categories of wellness.

Physical health: Empowering employees to adopt positive habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle

Empowering employees to adopt positive habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle Financial security: Improving quality of life and alleviating stress associated with financial insecurity

Improving quality of life and alleviating stress associated with financial insecurity Emotional balance: Providing tools and resources to build resiliency and support mental wellness

Providing tools and resources to build resiliency and support mental wellness Connected community: Building a strong community and fostering positive social interactions

Among the programs that have earned Regency this honor are an annual Health Fair and a partnership that offers biometric screening and incentives for employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Virgin Pulse, a complimentary online platform, provides our employees with access to tools that focus on health and wellness education and awareness. We also offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) Fund and Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and provide access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health counseling.

It's a great honor to receive another Platinum award for being among Northeast Florida's healthiest companies," said Reese Dowell, Senior Manager of Compensation and Benefits. "This award underscores Regency's commitment to providing best-in-class programs that create a healthy and supportive workplace culture. We're proud to have a leadership team who supports investing in resources that help us design, implement, and measure programs to improve the overall health and well-being of our employees and this win demonstrates our ongoing dedication.

We evaluate our benefit offerings yearly and look for opportunities to align further with our employees' needs. In 2022, we expanded our dental benefits to three preventive care cleanings per year and periodontal implants as a 'Major' added coverage. Furthermore, short-term disability weekly payout and paid parental leave increased.

Learn more about Regency's commitment to health, wellness, and Corporate Responsibility here.

View original content here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Regency Centers on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Regency Centers

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/regency-centers

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Regency Centers

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Company to Provide Detailed Update at RMEC June 4

Highlights:

Video Summary of Latest Drill Results: Drill Summary

Program Ongoing, 20 Drillholes complete, over 2,200 meters Drilled to Date

Results Pending

RMEC Presentation on June 4th, 1:00 p.m. ET, sign up here:

RMEC SIGN UP

Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(FSE:TV3), is pleased to announce it will be presenting at the virtual Resource Mining & Exploration Conference ("RMEC") Tuesday, June 4, 2024, hosted by Sagacity Capital Media and Guerilla Capital.

CEO, Brodie Sutherland will provide an in-depth update on the Company at 1:00 p.m. ET, June 4, 2024. RMEC is an interactive experience for featured companies and investors. Companies will have 20 minutes to outline their investment opportunity before investors get the ability to engage in a real-time Q&A with management after the presentation. To register for RMEC, please click the link:

RMEC SIGN UP

About RMEC

RMEC (Resource Mining & Exploration Conference) is a unique virtual investor conference. The goal is to expose new investors, as well as our global network of retail and institutional investors, to vetted Exploration & Mining opportunities. The number of companies is limited, and the content is curated with investor time and interest being paramount. While not exhaustive by design, the REMC aims to present potential investments to new and seasoned resource investors by presenting highlights for further research.

Each participating company hosts a live presentation followed by a Q&A period within approximately a 40-minute slot. The goal is to help investors learn about the junior companies that are shaping the future of the Global Resource Sector within a responsive and pressure free environment.

RMEC will present up to six junior exploration and near-term producing companies, as they seek to discover the next world class mines. Investors can get more detail about RMEC at www.rmeconferences.com.

Pilar Drill Program Update and Summary

The Company is also pleased to update on the ongoing drill program at its road accessible Pilar Gold-Silver project in mine-friendly Sonora, Mexico. To date, over 2,200 meters have been completed in 20 drillholes. Results for nine drillholes have been release so far. Two holes returned the best results ever outside of the Main Zone trend, returning 56.4 meters of 1.0 g/t Au and 42.7 meters of 1.0 g/t Au from the 4-T and North Hill trends respectively. Both intersects were near surface and significant step outs (over 300 meter). Results for six drillholes are pending analysis and release. Samples for ongoing holes are dropped off at the local laboratory for analysis on a weekly basis.

Summary Video with CEO, Brodie Sutherland: Drill Summary

Figure 1. Summary map of latest drill and surface highlights.

Table 1. Summary of Top Ten Tocvan Drill Highlights, highlighted red are from 2024 program.

About the Pilar Property

The Pilar Gold-Silver property has returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Initially three primary zones of mineralization were identified on the original property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. The Company has now expanded its interest in the area by consolidating 22 square-kilometers of highly prospective ground where it has already made significant surface discoveries.

About Tocvan Ventures Corp.

Tocvan is a well-structured exploration and development company. Tocvan was created in order to take advantage of the prolonged downturn in the junior mining exploration sector, by identifying and negotiating interest in opportunities where management feels they can build upon previous success. Tocvan has approximately 51 million shares outstanding and is earning into two exciting opportunities in Sonora, Mexico. The Company has consolidated an attractive land position at its Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value.

Pilar Drill Highlights:

2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):

116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag

108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag

63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag

2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):

39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au

47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag

29m @ 0.7 g/t Au

35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au

2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):

94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag;

41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ;

24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag

15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include:

21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag

13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au

9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag

61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au

Pilar Bulk Sample Summary:

62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period

Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag

Extracted Grade Calculated at Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8")

of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach

Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time

Additional Metallurgical Studies:

Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned

95 to 99% Recovery of Gold

73 to 97% Recovery of Silver

Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

RC samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

For more information, please contact:

TOCVAN VENTURES CORP.

Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO

820-1130 West Pender St.

Vancouver, BC V6E 4A4

403-829-9877

bsutherland@tocvan.ca

The Howard Group

Jeff Walker

VP Howard Group Inc.

403-221-0915

jeff@howardgroupinc.com

SOURCE: Tocvan Ventures Corp

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Highlights:

Convenience: The Neural Net Store is a commercial portal offering access to AIML's suite of healthcare applications.

Flexibility: AIML's healthcare tools are accessible as both APIs and cloud-based services.

Unlock Value with Micropayments: Monetize each Neural Net use with a simple click.

AI/ML Innovations Inc. ("AIML" or the "Company") (CSE:AIML)(OTCQB:AIMLF)(FWB:42FB), a leading company committed to acquiring and advancing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technologies that address urgent societal needs, is proud to introduce its online commercial portal, The Neural Net Store (The NNStore).

The NNStore offers flexible, affordable, commercial access to AIML's proprietary, AI-driven healthcare solutions that include the Follow Your Heart product suite for Blood Pressure measurement, as well as the Company's recently acquired Long ECG Neural Network analytical tool.

Commercial transactions in The NNStore are completed in two ways:

A Downloadable API Product:

Developers can integrate AIML's healthcare solutions directly into their third-party applications via the licensing (or purchase) and downloading of our proprietary APIs from the NNStore.

Well-known examples of APIs include Google Fit, Google Maps, PayPal, and YouTube.

A Web Application Neural Net Service (NNaaS):

Users also enjoy the option of the ease and cost effectiveness of accessing AIML's healthcare tools online, via our neural network cloud solution - thereby eliminating the need of setting up their own web infrastructure. Our online customizable Admin Console allows licensed users to run our neural network web applications without the need for any technical knowledge or processing power, as the proprietary technology and processing power resides on our servers, not the user's computer or medical devices. For example, users simply upload an ECG file to our Long ECG NN, and retrieve a spreadsheet with all the heartbeats labeled - accurately and quickly.

Successful examples of this model include productivity portals such as Goole Docs and Microsoft Office, commercial portals such as eBay and Amazon, and AI-centric web portals such as ChatGPT.

These web-based transactions can be licensed either on a per-use basis by the infrequent/retail user, or by way of a subscription for frequent/commercial users.

Esmat Naikyar, CPO of AI/ML Innovations Inc, stated "With the launch of NNStore, we proudly introduce our Neural Network as a Service (NNaaS), a unique model for the development and delivery of neural network assets through cloud infrastructure.

NNStore empowers tech and developer teams in healthcare organizations to create cloud infrastructures that seamlessly integrate AI/ML's proprietary AI-driven health solutions. This service benefits a wide range of organizations, including device companies, hospitals, pharmaceuticals and many more. Additionally, healthcare teams, specialists, and researchers can directly access our solutions through the web portal, avoiding the need to develop their own integration applications.

The NNStore fundamentally eliminates barrier to adoption of AI and neural network solutions for healthcare organizations. By enabling easy implementation, it also allows organizations to leverage their anonymized historical data to uncover new insights, discover digital biomarkers, and drive faster and more efficient healthcare innovations."

###

About AI/ML Innovations Inc. https://aiml-innovations.com/

AI/ML Innovations Inc. has realigned its business operations to capitalize on the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), with an initial investment focus on emerging digital health and wellbeing companies that leverage AI, ML, cloud computing and digital platforms to drive transformative healthcare management solutions and precision support delivery across the health continuum. Through strategic partnerships with Health Gauge (95.2% owned by AIML), Tech2Heal (up to 22% ownership rights, with 12.44% currently owned by AIML), AI Rx Inc. (70% owned by AIML) and other planned accretive investments, the Company continues to capitalize on expanding growth areas, to the benefit of all the Company's stakeholders. AI/ML's shares are traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "AIML", the OTCQB Venture Market under "AIMLF", and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under "42FB".

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Tim Daniels, Executive Chairman

For more information about AI/ML Innovations :

For detailed information please see AI/ML's website or the Company's filed documents at www.sedarplus.ca

For further information, contact: Blake Fallis at (778) 405-0882 or info@aiml-innovations.com

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For AI/ML Innovations Investors

Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, AI/ML Innovations' expectations concerning management's plans, objectives, and strategies, including strategies for defending the Company's intellectual property. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. AI/ML Innovations Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or circumstances or otherwise except as expressly required by applicable securities law. Further information regarding the uncertainties and risks can be found in the disclosure documents filed by AI/ML with the securities regulatory authorities, available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE: AI/ML Innovations Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2024) - Kingsmen Resources Ltd. (TSXV: KNG) (OTCQB: KNGRF) ("Kingsmen" or the "Company") announces the discovery of two new zones of mineralization not previously recognized, the Silvia and La Plata zones (SLP) (Figure 1) on its 100% owned Las Coloradas project, located in the Central Mexican silver belt, Chihuahua Mexico.

The Silvia and La Plata (SLP) zones are located on the 2,500 meter-long, NE-trending zone of structures. This trend lies to the north of the old Soledad mine and cross cuts the NW-trending Soledad and Soledad II structures/vein systems.

Follow-up exploration has shown that the Silvia zone is located at the intersection of the SLP and Soledad structures/vein systems. This structurally complex area is highly prospective for mineralization. The La Plata zone contains NE, NW and N-trending structures/veins. N-trending structures/vein systems are unusual and may, in part, be reflecting buried quartz porphyry (QP) intrusives.

The Las Coloradas project area of mineralization is on the southeast flank of a prominent aeromagnetic high interpreted to be a buried felsic intrusive body. The felsic intrusives associated with the La Plata and Silvia zones, the Soledad and Soledad II structures and other structures are likely linked to this body.

Scott Emerson, President commented: "As we continue our exploration, it is apparent that the project is increasing in size and scope. These two new areas are highly prospective for silver, gold, and copper and successful work programs will add substantially to the potential of the project."

Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9640/210729_5ed5d3e6a41dbbdd_003full.jpg

About Las Coloradas

The 100% owned Las Coloradas Project (8.5 km2 -3.3 sq miles) represents a consolidation of a historic mining district which covers numerous silver-gold-lead-zinc-copper mines previously exploited by ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company), the U.S. based subsidiary of Grupo Mexico.

Las Coloradas is in the Parral mining district of the Central Mexican Silver Belt, and is located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the city of Hidalgo de Parral and 40 kilometers east of the San Francisco de Oro and Santa Barbara mining districts where several operating mines are located, such as La Prieta, Veta Colorada, Palmilla, Esmeralda, San Francisco del Oro and Santa Barbara. As well, new major mining projects are currently being explored in the district; Cordero (Discovery Silver Corp.), 35 kms north of Parral, and La Cigarra (Kootenay Silver Inc.), 35 kms northwest of Parral. Click here to see locator map, https:// www.kingsmenresources.com/area-history

Qualified Person

Kieran Downes, Ph.D., P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure set out in this news release.

About Kingsmen Resources

In line with Kingsmen's organic-growth strategy, the Company's focus is on exploration and development, and is currently focused on district-scale exploration for high -margin metallic mineral deposits in the prolific mining districts of Parral Mexico. In addition, the company has a 1% NSR on the Los Ricos North project in Mexico operated by GoGold Resources Inc. The Company's leaders have extensive experience in the mining and financial sectors. Kingsmen is a publicly-traded company (TSXV: KNG) (OTCQB: KNGRF) and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.

On behalf of the Board,

"Scott Emerson"

Scott Emerson,

President & CEO

Phone: 6046859316

Email: se@kingsmenresources.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement:

All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the acquisition of the Las Coloradas Project and receipt of regulatory approval, are forward-looking statements. Although Kingsmen believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since Kingsmen can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in Kingsmen's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators, and assumptions made with regard to: Kingsmen's ability to make the required payments under the definitive agreements; and Kingsmen's ability to secure the necessary regulatory approvals. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Kingsmen's expectations include risks associated with the business of Kingsmen; risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions to the closing of the acquisition of the Las Coloradas Project; non-completion of the acquisition of the Las Coloradas Project; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Las Coloradas Project; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in Kingsmen's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Kingsmen does not undertake any obligation to update forward looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/210729

SOURCE: Kingsmen Resources Ltd
The "Montenegro Insurance Industry Market, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Montenegro insurance industry. It provides values for key performance indicators such as gross written premium, penetration, premium accepted and ceded, profitability ratios, and premium by line of business, during the review period (2019-23) and forecast period (2024-2028).

The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Montenegro economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.

The report brings together the publisher's research, modeling, and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.

Key Highlights

Key insights and dynamics of the Montenegro insurance industry.

A comprehensive overview of the Montenegro economy, government initiatives, and investment opportunities.

The Montenegro insurance regulatory framework's evolution, key facts, taxation regime, licensing, and capital requirements.

The Montenegro insurance industry's market structure giving details of lines of business.

Montenegro's reinsurance business's market structure giving details of premium ceded along with cession rates.

Scope

It provides historical values for the Montenegro insurance industry for the report's 2019-23 review period, and projected figures for the 2024-28 forecast period.

It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Montenegro insurance industry and market forecasts to 2028.

It profiles the top life insurance companies in Montenegro and outlines the key regulations affecting them.

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

Economy Overview

Regulation and Compliance

Key Market Trends

Life Insurance: Trends and KPIs

Life Insurance: LOB

General Insurance: Trends and KPIs

General Insurance: LOB

Distribution Channel

Competitive Landscape

Reinsurance

Appendix

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

Lovcen

Sava Montenegro

UNIQA Nezivotno

Generali

Wiener

GRAWE Nezivotno

GRAWE Osiguranje

Lovcen Zivotna

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/18iby3

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Contacts:

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Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

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Jury of the renowned business award recognizes CDMO as Best in Class

Vetter defends Gold and Best in Class status

CDMO impresses in all four evaluation categories

Outstanding example for combining economic success and leadership in sustainability

Vetter, a globally leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has once again been awarded the Best Managed Companies Award, marking its fifth consecutive win. The jury made its selection based on Vetter's consistency and strength in driving corporate development and its dedication to implementing innovative initiatives across the company to support its growth. The renowned jury panel considered successes across the evaluation categories of strategy, productivity and innovation, culture and commitment, and governance and finance.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528409245/en/

 Vetter Pharma International GmbH: Senator h.c. Udo J. Vetter, Chairman of the Advisory Board and member of the owner family (second from left) along with Vetter Managing Director Peter Soelkner (second from right), Prof. Dr. Sandra Rothenberger, Director of Research Institute for strategy, governance, marketing and innovation at the Solvay Brussels School of Economics Management (first from left) and moderator Susanne Schoene, at the presentation of the Best Managed Companies Award.

Markus Seiz, Best Managed Companies Program Lead and Director at Deloitte Private, includes: "Above all, Vetter stands out in the scope of its tactical measures to drive growth. The global, family owned CDMO has accelerated its own strategic development by creating programs and processes that directly support the needs of its customers. Through this commitment, they consistently surpass expectations. The professionalism of the employees drives it forward, and therefore the CDMO undoubtedly deserves to be among our winners again this year."

Vetter Managing Director Peter Soelkner expresses his enthusiasm: "For us, participating in the Best Managed Companies Award is a fantastic opportunity to receive focused expert feedback from an outside perspective. Our 6,300 employees can take great pride that we are once again recognized and evaluated as Best in Class. We owe this, in large part, to our employees who work with commitment and passion to help us achieve our goals at all levels, every single day."

Ambitious goals successfully achieved

In 2023, Vetter achieved important milestones in its corporate development: the CDMO was able to report a turnover of more than one billion euros for the first time. The major expansion projects at its sites in Germany, which are associated with high financial investments, are on schedule or are already successfully operational. In addition, the company is working on important automation and digitalization projects that have already enhanced daily operations. For example, the Speed Bin Picker, which was adapted to Vetter's unique requirements, sorts prefilled syringes, which are loosely kept in sterile containers, into trays. This automation eliminates time spent on repetitive manual work.

Vetter prioritizes sustainability alongside its economic success, a primary consideration for the jury panel. For example, by joining the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), the pharmaceutical service provider has committed to their strict climate protection rules. In addition, the CDMO has invested over one million euros in the construction of a large photovoltaic system for sustainable power generation at the German Ravensburg West site.

Vetter Managing Director Thomas Otto adds, "We believe our fifth consecutive Best Managed Companies Award is a direct reflection of our success in reducing our environmental footprint while achieving record sales. Our strategic approach is to treat our sustainability goals as an integral part of our corporate strategy."

Deloitte Private, the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and the Federation of German Industries (BDI), together with the banking partner UBS, present the Best Managed Companies Award to outstandingly managed companies.

The Vetter press kit and additional background information are available in the press area.

About Vetter

Vetter is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with headquarters in Ravensburg and production sites in Germany, Austria and the USA. As a global player, the pharmaceutical service provider is close to its customers with its own sales offices in the Asia-Pacific markets of Japan, China, South Korea and Singapore. Small and large pharmaceutical and biotech companies around the world place their trust in the decades of experience, high quality, modern technologies, reliability and commitment of over 6,300 employees. In close partnership with its customers, Vetter supplies patients all over the world with medicines, some of which are essential to life. The CDMO provides support from process development through clinical and commercial filling to a wide range of assembly and packaging services for vials, syringes and cartridges. With innovative solutions, the pharmaceutical service provider develops pre-filled injection systems together with its clients to continuously improve patient safety, convenience and compliance. Vetter is a pioneer in the industry when it comes to sustainability and acts as a socially and ethically responsible corporate citizen. The pharmaceutical service provider is a member of the UN Global Compact, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and holds platinum status in the EcoVadis ranking. Multiple awards such as the CDMO Leadership Awards, the Frost Sullivan Customer Value Leadership Award and the Best Managed Company award underline the company's commitment to sustainable business practices. Founded in Ravensburg in 1950, the company is still family-owned today. For more information, visit www.vetter-pharma.com and follow Vetter on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528409245/en/

Contacts:

Vetter Pharma International GmbH

Markus Kirchner

Company Spokesperson Media Relations

Phone: +49 (0)751-3700-3729

E-Mail: PRnews@vetter-pharma.com
Kolmar BNH (KRX: 200130), a prominent Korean health functional food Original Development Manufacturing (ODM) firm, announced that it has unveiled its latest offering, HemoHIM G, in Taiwan. This introduction is part of the company's endeavor to expand its presence in global markets.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240527924165/en/

Manufactured by Kolmar BNH and distributed by Atomy, HemoHIM G, containing Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum chuanxiong, and Paeonia lactiflora, is now available in Taiwan. (Photo: Kolmar BNH)

HemoHIM G represents an enhanced iteration of HemoHIM, tailored to meet the distinctive tastes of consumers in Taiwan and Europe.

Kolmar BNH plans to expedite its market expansion in Asia by launching HemoHIM G in the Taiwan market on May 15. HemoHIM G, tailored for international export, has made meticulous adjustments in raw materials and ingredient proportions to comply with varying food regulations across different jurisdictions. Key ingredients such as Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum chuanxiong, and Paeonia lactiflora went through rigorous sourcing procedures, accompanied by stringent quality control measures. The taste and aroma profiles were tailored to suit the preferences of European consumers.

Furthermore, in April, Kolmar BNH's research findings on HemoHIM G were published in the esteemed academic journal 'Toxicological Research,' accredited at the SCIE level. These findings, which adhere to OECD guidelines, hold paramount significance as they not only validate the product's safety for regulatory compliance in diverse markets but also bolster intellectual property rights through reliable results.

HemoHIM, Kolmar BNH's flagship product, is distributed through its partner Atomy. The product has achieved remarkable milestones, surpassing KRW 2 trillion in cumulative sales at home and abroad since its launch. The product's success is attributed to Kolmar BNH's research and development capabilities, coupled with enduring consumer trust built over time.

The product name HemoHIM derives from the fusion of 'HEMO (hemoglobin)' and 'HIM (H: hematopoiesis, I: immunity, and M: modulation)'. It encompasses extracts sourced from natural medicinal herbs such as Angelica gigas, Cnidium officinale, and Paeonia japonica. This accomplishment is a result of the collaborative endeavors of Kolmar BNH, established jointly by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and Kolmar Korea, with a budget of KRW 5 billion over eight years.

Notably, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, an institution concerned with radiation, has reinforced trust in HemoHIM, as it initiated research for self-protection purposes. This collaboration, combined with Kolmar BNH's expertise in commercialization and production technology, culminated in the successful development of a blended substance that enhances immune function.

HemoHIM gained recognition from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2006 as the first individually recognized functional raw material in Korea for enhancing immune function. It marked a pioneering milestone in functional food development within Korea, particularly at a juncture when research and raw materials for improving immune function were scarce.

Kolmar BNH has been reinforcing reliability through sustained research and development endeavors since the launch of HemoHIM. Consistently allocating more than 2% of its annual sales to R&D initiatives for new developments, the company achieved a significant milestone by integrating fatigue improvement functionality into HemoHIM. This came six years after the 'HemoHIM sustainable technology development project' began in 2017.

Kolmar BNH has grown by leaps and bounds with HemoHIM. In 2015, when it was listed on Korea's key stock market KOSDAQ, the company posted sales of KRW 236.2 billion, and last year it surged 145% to KRW 579.6 billion.

An official from Kolmar BNH said, "The enduring appeal of HemoHIM among consumers underscores its proven functionality. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing research and development efforts to uphold HemoHIM's status as Korea's premier functional health food."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240527924165/en/

Contacts:

Kolmar BNH

Jang Woo Lee

Jay.lee@kolmar.co.kr
AXIA Investments emerges victorious as the "Most Innovative CFD Broker, GCC- 2024" at the distinguished Global Brand Awards.

LONDON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The esteemed Global Brand Awards, an annual event organized by Global Brands Magazine (GBM) headquartered in England, celebrates international brands that excel across various industries annually. GBM conducted a thorough evaluation, assessing numerous criteria such as Innovative trading technology, product range, client education and support, regulatory compliance, market reputation among others. Axia Investments demonstrated exceptional performance in this evaluation, highlighting its excellence and deserving recognition from Global Brands Magazine.

Commenting on winning the award, Jay Reddy, CEO, Global Brands Magazine said, "It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Axia Investments on being honoured with the prestigious Most Innovative CFD Broker, GCC award. This recognition is a testament to Axia's unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and client satisfaction in the dynamic world of CFD trading. We applaud Axia Investments for their relentless pursuit of innovation and their dedication to setting new standards of excellence in the industry."

Commenting on winning the award, Talal Al Hajiry, CEO of Axia Investments, stated, "We are beyond thrilled and humbled to have been recognized for our hard work and dedication. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our exceptional team. This recognition reaffirms our position as a leader in the financial world and validates the vision and strategies we have implemented. While this award is a moment of celebration, it also serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have to continue pushing boundaries and striving for even greater accomplishments."

ABOUT AXIA INVESTMENTS

Based in Seychelles and providing services worldwide, Axia Investments is a reputable brokerage house enabling a vast array of trading instruments such as commodities, stocks, indices, forex, crypto currencies, ETFs and more. The company is under full regulation of the Financial Services Authority and boasts competitive low spreads to all partner traders, regardless of their initial investments. Its 24/5 support policy, along with personalized support backed by an individual analyst team, are what makes the company stand out from the competition.

ABOUT GLOBAL BRANDS MAGAZINE (ENGLAND)

Global Brands Magazine (GBM) has been at the forefront, bringing news, views and opinions on brands shaping the future of their industry. The UK-based magazine provides its readers with the latest news and information on 'best-in-class brands across the globe. Each year, GBM develops awards for companies that stand out, have a unique vision, exceptional service, innovative solutions and consumer-centric products among their industry leaders. The Magazine has over 10 million visitors and 14 million page views per month, making it one of the best online magazines. The Magazine also maintains a strong presence on social media, with over 20k+ Facebook likes, 10k+ Instagram followers, 25k+ Twitter followers, and 3k+ LinkedIn followers.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL BRAND AWARDS

Global Brand Awards honours brands for their excellence in performance and rewards companies across different sectors for the quality of their services. The Brand Awards highlight the accomplishments of organisations that have performed remarkably well in finance, education, hospitality, automotive, lifestyle, education, real estate, technology, and others. Global Brand Awards recognise vital players who progress towards excellence by providing a platform to acknowledge their efforts. In addition, GBM strives to create awareness concerning the significance of such organisations and rewards them for their notable efforts with the ultimate global recognition. To learn more about the awards, please visit the Brand Awards Winners section on the GBM website.

To nominate your company or business leader for the Global Brand Awards 2024, please click on the following link:

https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/nomination-form/

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MANZINI  The Manzini Magistrates Court yesterday dealt with one of what is undoubtedly a high profile case linked to the political unrest.

The suspect was presented to the court at about 2pm and from thereon he was locked in the chambers of Principal Magistrate David Khumalo where he recorded a confession. The suspect was wearing a green beanie hat, a sweater, black jeans and sneakers. At regular intervals, between 2pm and 9pm, the suspect, who is estimated to be about 1.7 metres tall, was seen standing up from his chair to stretch himself while the principal magistrate recorded the statement.

Confession

While Khumalo and the suspect engaged in the recording of the confession, the Manzini Magistrates Court was littered with police officers in uniform and some from Lukhozi - Serious Crimes Unit. At about 9pm, the suspect was seen signing part of the statements which they had recorded in the seven hours. Thereon, he prepared to disguise himself from being identified. As journalists from this publication prepared to capture his exit from the chamber, plain clothed police officers claimed that they had received an order that journalists should not capture the suspect. As such, they escorted the scribes out of the public place from which, under normal circumstances they cover anything happening within it. According to sources, the suspect who recorded the confession brought to the country on Sunday and has been in police custody since.

Killed

It is worth noting that there are a number of suspects who are still under the police radar for partaking in the political unrest. Among them are former members of His Majestys Correctional Services (HMCS) Wandile Mpumelelo Gina, who killed his former colleague Bheki Mike Mtsetfwa of KaBhudla, who was stationed at the Sidwashini Correctional Services Facility. Subsequent to this, the local enforcers sought the intervention of the International Police (INTERPOL) through the issuance of a Red Notice alert. A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.

According to the notice, Gina is wanted in relation to murder and robbery charges. He was implicated in the kidnapping, assault and shooting to death of his then colleague, who was also robbed of his service rifle. Other officers from the HMCS who are wanted in relation to the political unrest are Bheka Brian Magagula of Nkambeni, who was based at the Piggs Peak Correctional Centre before he disappeared with a service riffle. He fled the country with his HMCS colleague, Phakamani Gravel Magagula, of Dvokolwako. They both disappeared on August 29, 2022. Meanwhile, events leading to Mtsetfwas killing, as related by Correctional officers, were that three men arrived at the Sidwashini Correctional Services Facility in the company of a uniformed warder, who was also stationed at the same institution, at around 11:55pm on Wednesday.

Warder

The uniformed warder, who was later identified as Gina, was off duty when he arrived with the three unknown men at the Sidwashini facility. It was gathered that Gina, who was driving a white single cab van with the trio, approached his colleague at the guardhouse and claimed that he was at the institution to deliver a parcel from the countrys authorities to one of the superiors. It is still not clear as to what happened after Gina approached Mtsetfwa, who later went missing from his post.
LIMA, Peru, May 28, 2024 -- Camposol Holding PLC (Camposol or the Company), a multinational company dedicated to providing fresh and healthy food globally, today announced its preliminary financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Camposol Shines in 1Q 2024, Continuing the Positive Trend

1) First Quarter Financial Overview:

Volume Sold: Reached 28,122 MT, an 11% decrease compared to 1Q 2023.

Sales: Totaled USD 152 million, a significant 29% increase from 1Q 2023.

EBITDA: Surged to USD 60.4 million, a remarkable 119.1% increase compared to 1Q 2023.

EBITDA Margin: Achieved an impressive 40%, up from 23% in 1Q 2023.

Net Profit: Achieved USD 36.0 million in 1Q 2023, marking a remarkable 76.5% increase compared to the entire year of 2023.

Net Debt/EBITDA ratio1: improved to 3.37x, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of enhancement since peaking at 8.92x at the end of 2022. In 1Q 2023, it stood at 8.27x.

2) First Quarter Highlights:

Throughout the period spanning from week 18 of 2023 to week 14 of 2024, Camposol has reinforced its position as the primary exporter of Peruvian fresh blueberries, commanding a substantial 16% market share.

Camposol has established itself as the foremost mango exporter in Peru for the 2023-2024 season.

The successful recertification under Global G.A.P. standards, achieved without any non-conformities, underscores Camposol's unwavering commitment to excellence.

Camposol's exceptional performance in the GRASP GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practices exemplifies our steadfast dedication to social responsibility.

ADEX has honored Camposol with the prestigious "La Chaquitaclla Agroexportadora" award, in recognition of its outstanding performance and unwavering dedication to quality and environmental responsibility.

Camposol proudly maintained its esteemed position within the top 100 of the Merco ESG Ranking 2023, securing the prestigious second place in the agricultural sector.

Phase 2 construction of the Water Reservoir of Agricultor Farm in Trujillo began in February 2024. This project will extend the backup irrigation capacity from 14 to 21 days, safeguarding a reliable water supply for crops during dry periods.

3) CEO Message:

Jose Antonio Gomez-Bazan, CEO of Camposol, expressed his excitement about the company's first-quarter performance:

"I'm thrilled to announce the exceptional results we've achieved. Our sales reached an impressive USD 152 million, reflecting a notable 29% increase from 1Q 2023. Equally noteworthy, our EBITDA surged to USD 60.4 million, marking a remarkable 119.1% increase over the same period. Furthermore, our net profit reached USD 36.0 million, showcasing a significant 76.5% increase compared to the entire year of 2023. These outstanding achievements were fueled by the exceptional performance of our mango and blueberry segments, where our team's coordination from the field to our distribution companies played a pivotal role in overcoming industry challenges.

Additionally, our disciplined financial management played a crucial role in enhancing our financial position by reducing both short and long-term debt. By continuing the efficiency initiatives identified in 2023 and prioritizing debt reduction, we've bolstered our financial stability and positioned ourselves for sustained success. I'm immensely proud of our team's unwavering commitment and optimistic about the bright future that lies ahead."

4) First Quarter Review:

In the blueberry segment, volume grew by 21.1% compared to 1Q 2023, with sales amounting to USD 117.5 million. The volume sold reached 16.1 million MT, while revenue increased by 35.5%, with a gross profit growth of 36.8%. Despite market dynamics leaning towards price normalization due to increased volumes from Peru and the ongoing Chilean campaign, our coordinated efforts between field operations and distribution companies, coupled with direct engagement with key retailers, resulted in a strategic allocation with a price higher than that of the first quarter in 2023.

In the mango segment, despite a 24.3% decrease in volume compared to 1Q 2023, sales amounted to USD 29.4 million. The volume sold reached 10.2 million MT, while revenue surged by 48.5%, with gross profit skyrocketing by 203.1%. Camposol demonstrated resilience amidst a notable decline in production levels across the Peruvian industry. Leveraging our harvested volume, which remained robust due to our meticulous management practices such as efficient irrigation systems ensuring consistent nutrient delivery to our trees during the whole season, we capitalized on opportune moments to secure favorable market prices.

Camposol demonstrated resilience amidst industry challenges, leveraging robust harvested volume and efficient management practices to secure favorable market prices.

Additionally, debt restructuring initiatives resulted in an improved financial position by a significant reduction of USD 43 million dollars between short-term and long-term debt, achieving a Net Debt / EBITDA ratio of 3.37x, an impressive improvement from the 8.27x at closing 1Q 2023.

To register and participate in the conference call please use the following link:

https://register.vevent.com/register/BIf823c18bd17a451f9db6353bf30a1b12

Participants are advised to log in to the conference call service and check their settings a few minutes before the conference call begins.

To access the webcast presentation associated with the conference call, please use the following link:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/xcv3cq9w

If you are unable to participate in the conference call, a playback of the conference will be available until May 28, 2025.

For further information, please contact:

Jossue Yesquen Lihim, IRO

Email: jyesquen@camposol.com

About CAMPOSOL

CAMPOSOL is a multinational company dedicated to providing fresh and healthy food to families worldwide. Our operations extend across Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile and Mexico, with distribution offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. We have stablished trusted relationships with major supermarkets worldwide and serve customers in over 40 countries.

We are involved in the harvest, processing, and marketing of high-quality agricultural products such as blueberries, avocados, mandarins, grapes and mangoes, among others.

CAMPOSOL is committed to supporting sustainable development through social and environmental responsibility policies and projects aimed at increasing the shared value for all stakeholders. It is also an active member of the United Nations Global Compact, issues annual GRI-aligned sustainability reports and holds various international certifications, including Global Gap, Rainforest Alliance, and BRC. Additionally, CAMPOSOL ensures compliance destination country legislation and is evaluated under social ethics standards such as SMETA and GRASP.

For more information about CAMPOSOL, please visit us at www.camposol.com







1In the discussion of operating results, CAMPOSOL refers to certain non-GAAP financial measures such as EBITDA. CAMPOSOL's management makes regular use of these measures to evaluate performance, both in absolute terms and comparatively from period to period. EBITDA, which CAMPOSOL defines as sales minus cost of goods sold, administrative and selling expenses plus depreciation and amortization, approximates cash flow from continuing operating activities before tax and net operating capital changes. Furthermore, for the calculation of the Net Debt/EBITDA ratio, we utilize the EBITDA from the last 12 months (LTM).

Attachment
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / KeyBank

KeyBank's new survey finds fraud to be a top concern for small business owners in 2024

Fraud prevention is an ongoing concern for small business owners, who continue to be vigilant of evolving fraud tactics and implement preventative measures to stop potential future attacks. KeyBank's 2024 Small Business Survey found that small business owners' biggest concern is payment fraud, such as unauthorized transactions or unauthorized electronic fund transfers (44%.) Closely following is identify theft (37%), malware and ransomware attacks (28%) and phishing and email scams (27%).

As technology evolves, small business owners must stay alert to protect their business from information theft and payment fraud. Falling for scams can have long-lasting effect on a business, impacting potential profit and relationships with customers. Learn more about advice KeyBank provides to business owners about business security and risk management.

"With the introduction of new technology over the last several years, small businesses are some of the many that have fallen victim to fraudulent activity," said Mike Walters, President of Business Banking at KeyBank. "It's important for owners to have a plan in place and KeyBank is proud to provide resources that can help their business run better."

Small businesses are the heart of many communities across the country. Their storefronts become part of neighborhood culture and contribute to the community by providing jobs to locals. KeyBank is dedicated to supporting low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities as well as providing community investments to bring access to capital to local businesses. In 2023, we provided $267.7 million in small business lending to LMI communities and, in 2020 and 2021, processed 69,000 loansthrough the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), providing more than $11.2 billion in critical funding to small and mid-size businesses.

KeyBank, a top SBA lender1, has provided more than $4.5 billion in small business loans and lines of credit. Most recently, KeyBank received their 11th consecutive "Outstanding" rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on its most recent Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) exam.

Learn more about KeyBank's opportunities and programs for your small business by visiting key.com/small-business. KeyBank offers a range of tools, including the KeyBank Small Business Check-In, KeyBank Small Business Financial Review and the Business Cash Flow Calculator. For resources on how to protect your small business from fraud, read the Protect Your Business Checklist and Protecting Your Organization against Payment Fraud.

Methodology

This survey was conducted online by Survey Monkey. 1,983 respondents, ages 18-99, located in the United States, who own or operate a small-to-medium size business with an annual gross revenue of less than $10 million, completed the survey in March 2024. Learn more about KeyBank's opportunities and programs for your small business by visiting key.com/small-business. KeyBank offers a range of tools, including the KeyBank Small Business Check-In, KeyBank Small Business Financial Review and the Business Cash Flow Calculator.

CFMA #240508-2592788

This material is presented for informational purposes only and should not be construed as individual tax or financial advice. KeyBank does not provide legal advice. All credit products and SBA Loans are subject to approval, terms, conditions, and availability and subject to change. Key.com is a federally registered service mark of KeyCorp. 2024 KeyCorp

1Source: Statistics released by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) October 2023 for total approved loans through the SBA's 7(a) lending program during the federal fiscal year ending 10/2023.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: KeyBank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Tapestry, Inc.:

Marking its 23rd year of publishing, Savoy Magazine proudly introduces the 2024 Most Influential Executives in Corporate America in its largest second edition. This special issue showcases a dynamic group of CEOs, COOs, and top executives who exemplify exceptional leadership and influence in the corporate world.

Tapestry is proud to share that David L. Casey is Chief Inclusion & Social Impact Officer for Tapestry, has been named to the list for the second year in a row. Tapestry and our brands are founded upon a creative and consumer-led view of luxury that stands for inclusivity and approachability.

In this role, Casey has global responsibility for Tapestry's Equity, Inclusion and Diversity strategy and oversees Tapestry's Social Impact programs through advocacy, philanthropy, impact investing and volunteerism.

The selection process for the Most Influential Executives in Corporate America involved meticulous review of accomplishments in corporate influence, scholastic achievement, career growth, community outreach, and recognition. This year's list features over 300 distinguished professionals across various industries, demonstrating breadth and depth of talent in leadership.

With more than twenty years of experience as a corporate chief diversity officer, Casey has served or currently serves as a board member or in an advisory role for several national organizations including Orion Talent, Disability: IN (co-chair of the Disability Equality Index), the American Lung Association, appointment to the U.S. Secretary of Labor's Advisory Council on Apprenticeship and the Indianapolis and Eastern Massachusetts affiliates of the National Urban League.

Casey is also an eight-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in Operation Desert Storm.

David L. Casey, Chief Inclusion & Social Impact Officer for Tapestry

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Tapestry, Inc. on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Tapestry, Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/tapestry-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Tapestry, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Tron DAO

TRON Network Officially Supported By LayerZero



28-May-2024 / 15:45 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





NEWS RELEASE BY TRON DAO

Geneva, Switzerland | May 28, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Geneva, Switzerland, May 28, 2024 - The TRON DAO has officially announced LayerZero support for the TRON blockchain, making TRON the second non-EVM chain to be integrated into LayerZero's cross-chain interoperability protocol. This significant development allows TRON ecosystem developers to seamlessly expand their applications to over 70 other networks supported by LayerZero.

LayerZero is a cutting-edge interoperability protocol designed to facilitate seamless interactions between different blockchain networks. With LayerZero's integration, TRON developers can now effortlessly deploy their decentralized applications (dApps) across multiple blockchain platforms, enhancing interoperability and accessibility. This capability also enables developers on other LayerZero-supported networks to bring their applications to the TRON mainnet.

TRON is a leading public blockchain with one of the most active user bases. Showcasing nearly 1.8 million daily active users and around a 50% market share of USDT, the most utilized stablecoin across the globe, according to DeFiLlama . With this new collaboration, the TRON DAO continues to advance blockchain interoperability, providing developers with the tools necessary to innovate and expand their reach, driving the adoption of decentralized technologies.

Dave Uhryniak, Ecosystem Development Leader at TRON DAO, expressed enthusiasm about the integration: "Integrating LayerZero into the TRON ecosystem marks a significant milestone in our mission to enhance blockchain interoperability. This integration provides our developers with unprecedented opportunities to expand their applications across multiple networks, fostering greater innovation and growth."

Simon Baksys, VP of Business Development at LayerZero added, "We are excited to support the TRON blockchain, broadening the horizons for developers across all LayerZero-supported networks. This integration will unlock new opportunities and facilitate seamless cross-chain interactions, driving the future of decentralized applications."

This collaboration between LayerZero and TRON not only underscores the importance of cross-chain interoperability but also paves the way for a more connected and versatile blockchain ecosystem. By enabling seamless communication and interaction between diverse blockchain networks, this integration is set to drive the next wave of decentralized innovation and adoption, creating a more inclusive and efficient digital economy.

About TRON DAO

TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps.

Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON network has continued to deliver impressive achievements since MainNet launch in May 2018. July 2018 also marked the ecosystem integration of BitTorrent, a pioneer in decentralized Web3 services boasting over 100 million monthly active users. The TRON network has gained incredible traction in recent years. As of May 2024, it has over 230.22 million total user accounts on the blockchain, more than 7.64 billion total transactions, and over $22.12 billion in total value locked (TVL), as reported on TRONSCAN.

In addition, TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin across the globe, overtaking USDT on Ethereum since April 2021. The TRON network completed full decentralization in December 2021 and is now a community-governed DAO. Most recently in October 2022, TRON was designated as the national blockchain for the Commonwealth of Dominica, which marks the first time a major public blockchain partnered with a sovereign nation to develop its national blockchain infrastructure. On top of the government's endorsement to issue Dominica Coin ("DMC"), a blockchain-based fan token to help promote Dominica's global fanfare, seven existing TRON-based tokens - TRX, BTT, NFT, JST, USDD, USDT, TUSD, have been granted statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange in the country.

TRONNetwork | TRONDAO | Twitter | YouTube | Telegram | Discord | Reddit | GitHub | Medium | Forum

Media Contact

Hayward Wong

press@tron.network

Company Website

https://trondao.org/

Dissemination of a CORPORATE NEWS, transmitted by EQS Group.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.




Northern Superior Resources Inc. (" Northern Superior " or the " Company ") (TSX-V:SUP)(OTCQX:NSUPF) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced bought deal financing (see press releases dated May 9 and May 10, 2024) by issuing (i) 5,050,600 common shares of the Company that qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Tax Act (as defined below) and section 359.1 of the Quebec Tax Act (as defined below) (the " FT Shares ") at a price of $0.99 per FT Share, for gross proceeds of $5,000,094; and (ii) 5,454,600 common shares of the Company (the " HD Shares ") at a price of $0.55 per HD Share, for gross proceeds of $3,000,030, for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $8,000,124 (collectively, the " Offering ").

Cormark Securities Inc. (the " Underwriter ") acted as sole underwriter and bookrunner of the Offering. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid to the Underwriter a cash commission equal to approximately 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering.

The net proceeds from the issuance of the HD Shares will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the FT Shares, pursuant to the provisions in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the " Tax Act "), to incur (or be deemed to incur) eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" (as both terms are defined in the Tax Act) (the " Qualifying Expenditures ") related to the Company's projects in Quebec, on or before December 31, 2025, and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Shares effective December 31, 2024. In addition, with respect to Quebec resident subscribers who are eligible individuals under the Taxation Act (Quebec) (the " Quebec Tax Act "), the Canadian exploration expenses will also qualify for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec exploration expenses" within the meaning of section 726.4.10 of the Quebec Tax Act and for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining expenses" within the meaning of section 726.4.17.2 of the Quebec Tax Act.

The Offering was made pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the " LIFE Exemption ") and other available exemptions pursuant to applicable securities laws. The securities issued to Canadian resident subscribers pursuant to the LIFE Exemption will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. A copy of the offering documents prepared by the Company in connection with the LIFE Exemption dated May 9, 2024 and May 10, 2024 is available electronically under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the " TSX-V ") of the Offering is subject to the completion of customary post-closing filings.

Insider Participation

Simon Marcotte, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Victor Cantore, Executive Chairman of the Company, and Michael Gentile, director of the Company, participated in the Offering and purchased an aggregate of 1,820,000 common shares of the Company. Participation of such insiders in the Offering constituted a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holdings in Special Transactions (" MI 61-101 "), but was exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 pursuant to the exemptions contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the insiders' participation in the Offering does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering as the details of the participation of the insiders of the Company had not been confirmed at that time. The Offering has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of the Company, with each of the participating insiders abstaining from voting on their respective participation in the Offering. The common shares issued to insiders of the Company are subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSX-V.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 , as amended (the " U.S. Securities Act ") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the meaning ascribed to them in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

About Northern Superior Resources Inc.

Northern Superior is a gold exploration company focused on the Chibougamau Camp in Quebec, Canada. The Company has consolidated the largest land package in the region, with total land holdings currently exceeding 62,000 hectares. The main properties include Philibert, Lac Surprise, Chevrier and Croteau. Northern Superior also owns significant exploration assets in Northern Ontario highlighted by the district scale TPK Project.

The Philibert Project is located 9 km from IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Gold project which was awarded the " Discovery of the Year " by the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) in 2019. Philibert hosts a new maiden 43-101 inferred resource of 1,708,800 ounces Au and an indicated resource of 278,900 ounces of Au [1] . Northern Superior holds a majority stake of 75% in the Philibert Project, with the remaining 25% owned by SOQUEM, and retains an option to acquire the full 100% ownership of the project. Chevrier hosts an inferred mineral resource of 652,000 ounces Au (underground and open pit) and an indicated mineral resource of 260,000 ounces Au. [2] Croteau hosts an inferred mineral resource of 640,000 ounces Au. [3] Lac Surprise hosts the Falcon Zone Discovery, interpreted to be the western strike extension of IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Gold project.

Northern Superior is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and trades on the TSX-V under the symbol SUP and the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol NSUPF. For further information, please refer to the Company's website at www.nsuperior.com or the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Qualified Person

The technical content and scientific aspects of this press release have been reviewed and approved by Ms. Adree DeLazzer, P. Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by the National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 "). Ms. DeLazzer is Vice-President Exploration of Northern Superior and is not considered independent.

Northern Superior Resources Inc. on Behalf of the Board of Directors

Simon Marcotte, CFA, President and Chief Executive Officer

Contact Information

Simon Marcotte, CFA

President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (647) 801-7273

info@nsuperior.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release include, but are not limited to, the receipt of the TSX-V approval, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the tax treatment of the FT Shares, the timing of the Qualifying Expenditures, the future performance of our business, its operations and its financial performance and condition, as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the future tax treatment of the FT Shares, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

[1] Northern Superior announces 1,708,809 gold ounces in inferred category and 278,921 gold ounces in indicated category at 1.10 g/t in maiden NI 43-101 pit constrained resource estimate at Philibert; Northern Superior's press release dated August 08, 2023.

[2] NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimation for the Chevrier Main Deposit, Chevrier Project Chibougamau, Quebec, Canada, October 20, 2021, Prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by Lions Gate Geological Consulting Inc. IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc. for Northern Superior.

[3] Chalice Gold Mines Limited and Northern Superior Resources Inc. Technical Report on the Croteau Est Gold Project, Quebec, September 2015, Prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by Optiro Pty Ltd ("Optiro") to Chalice Gold Mines Limited and Northern Superior.

SOURCE: Northern Superior Resources Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Recognized as North America's Most Successful Solution Provider Ranking 125

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / BCM One, a leading provider of NextGen Communications and Managed Services for IT leaders and resellers, announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has ranked BCM One on its 2024 Solution Provider 500 list.

CRN's annual Solution Provider 500 recognizes North America's largest solution providers by revenue and serves as a prominent benchmark of many of the channel's most successful companies. This year's list of companies represents a combined revenue of more than $501.2 billion, and the honorees are among the top influencers driving momentum in the IT industry and the global technology supply chain.

"BCM One is honored to be ranked 125th on this list," stated Geoff Bloss, CEO of BCM One. "Being named for the fourth year in a row, ranking in the top 25% for the past three, is a testament to our ability to deliver comprehensive, managed technology and enterprise voice solutions to help organizations streamline their business networks so they are free to innovate."

"Ranking on CRN's 2024 Solution Provider 500 recognizes the service innovations and market responsiveness of the list's leading technology integrators, managed service providers, and IT consulting firms," said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, The Channel Company. "These companies have shown an unflagging commitment to business agility, continued growth, and future success through a period of rapid IT channel change, including the expansion of Everything as a Service and GenAI disruption."

CRN's 2024 Solution Provider 500 list will be available online at www.CRN.com/SP500, and a sampling of the list will be featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine.

###

ABOUT BCM ONE

Founded in 1992, BCM One is the leading NextGen Communications and Managed Services provider. Serving over 20,000 customers worldwide and 5,000+ channel partners, BCM One offers telecom solutions supporting the critical network infrastructure of global businesses, including: Enterprise Voice for MS Teams, Cisco Webex and Zoom; Global Managed Connectivity; UCaaS; SIP Trunking; Managed SD-WAN; Security and Technology Expense Optimization. BCM One prides itself on its long-standing client relationships backed by their mission statement, "To Provide a World-Class Experience with Every Human Interaction." To learn more about BCM One, visit www.bcmone.com.

For Media Inquiries:;

Paula Como Kauth, Chief Marketing Officer, BCM One

Office: 212.906.7255 | pckauth@bcmone.com

ABOUT THE CHANNEL COMPANY

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers, and end users. Backed by more than 40 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com

 2024 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contact Information

Paula Como Kauth

Chief Marketing Officer

pckauth@bcmone.com

SOURCE: BCM One

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CHICAGO, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The market for cloud ITSM is expected to develop significantly in the future due to the growing use of multi-cloud and hybrid settings, as well as advances in automation, analytics, and artificial intelligence. The market will be shaped by an emphasis on security, edge computing, and user experience in conjunction with DevOps and remote and hybrid work patterns that will promote innovation and sustainability.

The Cloud ITSM Market size is expected to grow from USD 9.5 billion in 2024 to USD 17.8 billion by 2029 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.5% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. As the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and AI gain wider acceptance, numerous sectors are embracing this technology to harness real-time data for improved decision-making. While the influence of IoT and AI is widely acknowledged in fields like retail and healthcare, it is now significantly transforming industries requiring innovation, including manufacturing, transportation & logistics, energy & utilities, food and beverage, and waste management. In conjunction with IoT, Cloud ITSM offers organizations a resilient framework for instantaneously analyzing crucial data, ushering in a new era of efficiency and agility.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Cloud ITSM Market"

288 - Tables

63 - Figures

326 - Pages

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Scope of the Report

Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 2019-2029 Base year considered 2023 Forecast period 2024-2029 Forecast units Value (USD Billion) Segments Covered Offering, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, and Vertical Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America Companies covered ServiceNow (US), BMC Software (US), Broadcom (US), ManageEngine (US), Ivanti (US), Zendesk (US), Freshworks (US), SolarWinds (US), Atlassian (Australia), OpenText (US), Microsoft (US), IBM (US), GOTO (US), IFS (Sweden), SymphonyAI Summit (US), Efecte (Finland), EasyVista (US), ITarian (US), SysAid Technologies (Israel), InvGate (Argentina), Alemba (UK), Hornbill (UK), NinjaOne (US), HaloITSM (US), Aisera (US), 4ME (US), TOPdesk (Netherlands), TeamDynamix (US)

The Service Desk Software segment will record the highest CAGR under Offerings during the forecast period.

The service desk software solutions in the Cloud ITSM Market have revolutionized how organizations handle IT service requests and incidents. These cloud-based platforms provide a centralized and accessible interface for managing all service desk operations, ensuring that issues are logged, tracked, and resolved efficiently. The scalability of cloud technology allows businesses to adapt to changing demand without significant infrastructure investments. Service Desk Software often includes features such as automated ticketing systems, self-service portals, knowledge bases, and integrated communication tools, which streamline the support process and enhance user experience. Additionally, advanced analytics and reporting tools offer valuable insights into service desk performance, enabling continuous improvement in service delivery. Integrating AI and machine learning further enhances these solutions by enabling predictive analytics, automated responses, and intelligent routing of requests. As a result, Service Desk Software solutions in the Cloud ITSM Market empower organizations to provide prompt, effective and cost-efficient IT support, driving higher customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

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Based on Organization Size, Large Enterprises hold a larger share of the Cloud ITSM Market during the forecast period.

Large enterprises are set to lead the cloud IT Service Management (ITSM) market during the forecast period. Their dominance is attributed to the need to manage extensive and intricate IT infrastructures, which demand robust and scalable ITSM solutions. These companies heavily invest in advanced cloud ITSM platforms to optimize operations, improve service delivery, and comply with industry regulations. Cloud ITSM adoption offers significant flexibility, efficiency, and cost benefits, which are crucial for large-scale operations. Consequently, large enterprises utilize these comprehensive solutions to maintain a competitive edge and achieve operational excellence in an increasingly digital business landscape.

By region, Asia Pacific will record the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific Cloud ITSM Market is experiencing robust growth driven by regulatory reforms, Scalable resources, Cost reduction, Remote flexibility, Business agility, and technological innovation. Countries like China, Japan, Australia & New Zealand have progressive regulatory frameworks promoting competition and innovation. The affordability and ease of Cloud ITSM deployment would be the major driving factors for adopting cloud technologies. The Asia Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in the Cloud ITSM Market, driven by the increasing adoption of IoT devices, AI, and the expansion of 5G networks. Countries like China and Japan are at the forefront, leveraging Cloud ITSM to enhance BFSI services, innovative data migration, and retail and healthcare services. Additionally, the proliferation of cloud services and the rise of digital transformation initiatives in various industries further propel the demand for Cloud ITSM solutions. As a result, the Asia Pacific region is bound to experience significant investment and innovation in Cloud ITSM technologies over the coming years, facilitating efficient data processing and enabling real-time decision-making across diverse sectors in countries, especially China, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, and others.

Top Key Companies in Cloud ITSM Market:

Some of the key players operating in the Cloud ITSM Market are ServiceNow (US), BMC Software (US), Broadcom (US), ManageEngine (US), Ivanti (US), Zendesk (US), Freshworks (US), Solarwinds (US), Atlassian (Australia), OpenText (US) among others.

Recent Developments

In April 2024, At the Relate global conference, Zendesk unveiled a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Anthropic to enhance AI capabilities. By leveraging Amazon Bedrock and Anthropic's Claude 3 model family, Zendesk aims to provide faster, more accurate AI features. This partnership enables businesses to deliver personalized customer experiences, empower agents with AI tools, and improve customer satisfaction through intelligent, empathetic support.

In February 2024, ServiceNow and NVIDIA expanded their partnership to introduce telco-specific generative AI solutions, enhancing service experiences. Built on the Now Platform, Now Assist for Telecommunications Service Management leverages NVIDIA AI to boost productivity, speed up resolution times, and improve customer service. This collaboration aims to help telcos reduce costs, uncover new business opportunities, and drive industry-wide transformation.

In February 2024, Amdocs and BMC announced a strategic alliance to enhance digital operations in telecommunications and financial services. This partnership leverages Amdocs' IT and network expertise with BMC's automation solutions to drive growth and efficiency. Together, they will offer integrated services, including generative AI, to accelerate innovation and operational excellence for global customers.

In November 2023, ServiceNow introduced enhancements in its Now Assist generative AI portfolio with new capabilities to improve experiences and increase efficiency. With this, Now Assist in Virtual Agent, flow generation, and Now Assist for Field Service Management (FSM) will be the newest sophisticated Generative AI technologies to be embedded into the ServiceNow Platform.

In November 2023, BMC software introduced generative AI capabilities in the Helix Service Management solution, enhancing security measures and providing AI-driven insights. Recognized as a leader in enterprise service management and AIOps, BMC Helix offers resolution insights, unified workflows for security and operations teams, industry-specific templates, and broader low code/no code platform capabilities. These innovations underscore BMC's commitment to driving meaningful innovation and helping organizations achieve autonomy in the digital landscape.

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Cloud ITSM Market Advantages:

Pay-as-you-go cloud ITSM offers an alternative to large upfront investments in software and hardware, potentially reducing total IT costs. Because the service provider handles maintenance and upgrades, it also reduces costs.

Cloud ITSM solutions are easily scalable to meet the demands of the business. Because of this flexibility, companies can modify services and resources to meet their needs without investing too much or not enough.

ITSM solutions are accessible from any location with an internet connection because they are cloud-based. This guarantees that end users and IT teams may access services and assistance from anywhere in the world and facilitates remote work.

Software upgrades and maintenance are handled by cloud ITSM providers, guaranteeing that businesses always have access to the newest features, security updates, and enhancements without any manual labour or downtime.

Compared to conventional on-premises systems, cloud ITSM solutions can be implemented considerably faster. The time-to-value is accelerated by this quick deployment, which enables organisations to take advantage of the ITSM capabilities sooner.

Cloud ITSM products frequently come with features that make it easier for IT teams and end users to collaborate. Real-time updates, shared dashboards, and integrated communication tools all contribute to increased efficiency and cooperation.

Robust incident management features, including as automatic ticketing, real-time monitoring, and analytics, are provided by cloud ITSM platforms. By assisting IT staff in swiftly locating, ranking, and resolving problems, these features enhance user happiness and service quality.

Report Objectives

To define, describe, and forecast the global Cloud ITSM Market based on offering, deployment mode, organization size, vertical, and region.

To forecast the market size of the five major regional segments: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America

To strategically analyze the market subsegments concerning individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the total market

To provide detailed information related to the major factors influencing the growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges)

To strategically analyze macro and micro markets for growth trends, prospects, and their contributions to the overall market

To analyze industry trends, patents and innovations, and pricing data related to the Cloud ITSM Market.

To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape for major players.

To profile key players in the market and comprehensively analyze their market share/ranking and core competencies.

To track and analyze competitive developments, such as mergers & acquisitions, product developments, and partnerships & collaborations in the market.

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The referral service will equip accountants with a Smart ESG solution, leveraging innovative AI software, best practices and tech-enabled double materiality identification

LONDON, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Datamaran, a market leader in Smart ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) software, today announced a referral offering to equip CPAs, management accountants and finance professionals with AI-powered ESG software.

Talking about the new offering, Jeremy Osborn, global head of ESG for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, comprised of CIMA and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, said: "Identification of material sustainability risks, opportunities and impacts is the starting point of the new sustainability reporting standards in the European Union and amongst jurisdictions around the world which are adopting the IFRS sustainability-related financial disclosure standards. There is now an urgency for listed companies to understand how they will report against them. Datamaran's AI-powered ESG platform provides companies with a sprint start in how to do so."

Marjella Lecourt-Alma, CEO and co-founder of Datamaran, said: "This collaboration between Datamaran and CIMA underpins the growing need for finance professionals to be prepared with the most up-to-date developments in ESG standards. CFOs often collaborate with Legal and ESG teams on business strategy. As such, it's imperative that finance and accounting professionals have the knowledge, skills and technology they need to reach their ESG goals. We're pleased to see CIMA supporting their members on their professional ESG journey, and we're excited to help enable them with tools to do so."

Accountants and finance professionals are playing an increasingly pivotal role in ensuring that businesses actively manage their sustainability-related risks, opportunities and impacts. The new referral offering addresses the need for finance teams to have data-driven solutions for identifying material sustainability issues so they can better support stakeholders, especially those implementing the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRSs), IFRS S1 and S2, the US SEC Climate Disclosure Rules and the State of California's climate reporting laws. Datamaran offers a data-driven, auditable, and scalable approach backed by practical ESG knowledge.

Using Datamaran's ESG governance workflow, companies can redesign and improve internal controls over ESG. The software empowers accountants and finance professionals to build a streamlined business process, with an evidence-based and auditable materiality assessment and matrix.

Datamaran provides a consistent methodology and rationale for identifying and monitoring a company's material issues. This approach is fully auditable as every step of every stage is documented and evidenced, with all raw data traceable to the source - resulting in a smoother audit experience. Through this collaboration, CIMA will refer businesses that need assistance identifying their material sustainability issues and determining the impacts, risks, and opportunities needed for robust disclosure and audit preparation to Datamaran.

Datamaran has recently launched a new Targets feature , as well as enhancements to its double materiality module , providing market-leading, data-driven Smart ESG capabilities. Smart ESG software empowers companies with evidence-based intelligence and tools to prioritize ESG issues, bring expertise in-house, and monitor real-time issues to strengthen governance and inform C-Suite decision-making.

About Datamaran

Datamaran empowers business leaders to confidently navigate the ever-changing ESG landscape with evidence-backed and AI-powered governance and workflow tools that enable them to focus on what matters most.

As the market leader in Smart ESG software, the world's most trusted brands, such as Bridgestone, Dell, Kraft Heinz, and PepsiCo, use Datamaran to identify and prioritize issues material to their operations, deepen their teams' ESG knowledge, monitor risks and opportunities in real-time, and own their ESG strategy in-house.

About AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), advance the global accounting and finance profession through our work on behalf of 597,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates and registrants in 188 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license, the CGMA designation and specialized credentials, professional education and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members, candidates and registrants with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.

Media Contact: Datamaran@tiltonconsultancy.com
Emerald Strategy Group, a full-service strategic advisory and investment firm, is announcing its launch to enable the global transition to sustainable energy and industrial decarbonization.

Formed through the consolidation of three specialized entities: Emerald Strategy Partners (formerly Emerald Operating Partners), Energy Transition Finance, and Emerald Capital Partners, Emerald Strategy Group helps businesses from startups to the world's largest companies and private equity funds adapt to meet the challenge of the multi-trillion-dollar energy transition.

Grouping these entities creates a singular platform offering investment, business transformation and non-dilutive financing advisory services, and equity capital for businesses making energy and industry more sustainable.

In 2023, Emerald Strategy Partners advised on over $6 billion of M&A, with $4.2 billion of these activities resulting in a successful transaction for its clients. The group's strategic advisory activities additionally added ~$9 billion in organic and inorganic revenue to its customers' P&Ls.

The International Energy Agency estimates that $4.5 trillion will need to be invested annually to meet the challenges of the new climate economy. Emerald Strategy Group exists to help companies access and deploy that capital through acquisitions and growth advisory services to meet the challenges of climate change and the opportunities to transform their businesses.

From offices in London, Philadelphia, and Chattanooga, Emerald Strategy Partners is already a leading advisor in industrial decarbonization to Fortune 500 manufacturing conglomerates and some of the world's largest private equity firms.

Meanwhile, the recently launched Energy Transition Finance advisory helps businesses access the billions of dollars in non-dilutive financing available from federal, state and local governments to meet their emissions reductions targets. Its team has advised on the successful $550 million U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office award and the successful $18 million Defense Production Act grant. The firm is currently working with companies on loan applications worth several billion dollars.

With a portfolio spanning biofuels, hydrogen, energy storage, and renewable energy project development, and $150 million in assets under management, Emerald Capital Partners invests in the innovations powering the next wave of industrial transformation.

Emerald Strategy Group is led by Lawrence Quinn, who serves as the co-founder and managing director of the firm, and previously worked as the President and CEO of Alstom Power North America and Chief Executive Officer of Severn Trent Water International Business.

Ulf Hoof, a senior advisor to the group who retired as the SVP of ABB Group M&A after a 22-year career, states, "Emerald Strategy Partner's exceptional offering is built around its mastery of all aspects of the energy transition as well as the world class business leaders that run their projects. It is a group made up of business practitioners, not traditional consultants, and they understand the on the ground reality of what it takes to drive change into a business. They are the only strategic advisory firm I would ever be associated with."

"We are at a critical juncture in our global environmental narrative, where the decisions we make today will shape the future of our planet," says Quinn. "The formation of Emerald Strategy Group is a testament to our unwavering commitment to not only witness but actively shape a sustainable future. By harnessing the collective expertise and resources of our foundational entities, we aim to empower our clients to lead the charge towards a carbon-neutral world."

For more information about Emerald Strategy Group and its services, please visit https://www.emerald-sg.com.

About Emerald Strategy Group

Emerald Strategy Group is a leading full-service energy transition and industrial growth investment advisory firm. Formed from the union of Emerald Strategy Partners, Energy Transition Finance, and Emerald Capital Partners, the firm offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to facilitate the global transition to sustainable energy and industrial processes. Emerald Strategy Group is committed to driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, paving the way for a carbon-neutral future.

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Aberforth Geared Value & Income Trust Plc - Initial Public Offering, Publication of Prospectus, Launch of Placing and Offer for Subscription

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, May 28

NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM PART OF ANY OFFER TO ISSUE OR SELL, OR ANY SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO SUBSCRIBE OR PURCHASE, ANY INVESTMENTS IN ANY JURISDICTION.

This announcement is an advertisement for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") and is not a prospectus. This announcement does not constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, an offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or to acquire, any ordinary shares in Aberforth Geared Value & Income Trust plc in any jurisdiction, including in or into the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, or the Republic of South Africa. Neither this announcement nor any part of it shall form the basis of or be relied on in connection with or act as an inducement to enter into any contract or commitment whatsoever. Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any ordinary shares referred to in this announcement except on the basis of information in the prospectus (the "Prospectus") in its final form, to be published by Aberforth Geared Value & Income Trust plc in connection with the proposed admission of its ordinary shares to the premium segment and its ZDP shares to the standard segment of the Official List of the FCA and to trading on London Stock Exchange plc's main market for listed securities. A copy of the Prospectus will, following publication, be available for inspection from the Company's registered office, for viewing at the National Storage Mechanism at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism and on the Company's website ( https://www.aberforth.co.uk/trusts-and-funds/aberforth-geared-value-income-trust-plc ).

Aberforth Geared Value & Income Trust plc(the "Company")

Initial Public Offering, Publication of Prospectus, Launch of Placing and Offer for Subscription

Date 28 May 2024

LEI: 2138006A8FCYYWSJKE32

Introduction

Aberforth Geared Value & Income Trust plc (the "Company" or "AGVIT") has today published a prospectus in relation to the issue of ordinary shares of one penny each (the "Ordinary Shares") and zero dividend preference shares of one penny each (the "ZDP Shares", and together with the Ordinary Shares, the "Shares") in the capital of the Company, in connection with: (i) a scheme of reconstruction and members' voluntary winding up of Aberforth Split Level Income Trust plc ("ASLIT") under the Insolvency Act (the "Scheme"); and (ii) the Placing and Offer for Subscription (the Placing and Offer for Subscription together with the Scheme being herein referred to as the "Issues").

In considering the investment highlights and reasons for the Issues, the Placing and Offer for Subscription is also being launched to give investors who are not current shareholders of ASLIT the opportunity to become shareholders in AGVIT.

Overview of the Company

The Company is a newly incorporated investment trust, with a fixed life of seven years, which aims to provide Ordinary Shareholders with high total returns, incorporating an attractive level of income, and to provide ZDP Shareholders with a pre-determined Final Capital Entitlement of 160.58 pence on the Planned Winding Up Date of 30 June 2031.

The Company aims to achieve its investment objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities issued by small UK quoted companies, cash and other assets in accordance with the Company's investment policy.

It is intended that the Company will act as the rollover option for existing shareholders in ASLIT in connection with the recommended proposals for the ASLIT Scheme. The Company is also proposing to issue Ordinary Shares and ZDP Shares each at the Issue Price of 100 pence per Share pursuant to the Placing and Offer for Subscription.

The Company's capital structure is such that the underlying value of assets attributable to the Ordinary Shares is geared by the rising capital entitlements of the ZDP Shares. The Ordinary Shares will be therefore geared by the ZDP Shares in a ratio of 8:3. The Company does not intend to utilise any bank borrowings other than short term overdraft and/or working capital facilities. The Directors expect that, in normal market conditions, bank borrowings will not exceed 2.5 per cent. of Total Assets.

The Fixed Final Capital Entitlement per ZDP Share on the Planned Winding Up Date of 160.58 pence implies a Gross Redemption Yield of 7.0 per cent. at the Issue Price of 100 pence.

The Company's policy is to distribute a significant proportion of its net revenue (after payment of expenses and taxation) in the form of dividends paid in Sterling to Ordinary Shareholders. Ordinary Shareholders are entitled to receive all such dividends. The holders of the ZDP Shares are not entitled to receive dividend payments. The Directors anticipate that, on the basis of the Assumptions set out in the Prospectus and in the absence of unforeseen circumstances, the Company will target total dividends in the range of 4.0 and 5.0 pence per Ordinary Share, in respect of the period from Admission to 30 June 2025.[1] Dividends on the Ordinary Shares are expected to be paid half-yearly, normally in March and August in respect of each financial year.

The Company has an independent board of non-executive directors and has engaged Aberforth Partners LLP (the "Investment Manager") as the Company's alternative investment fund manager to provide overall portfolio and risk management services to the Company. The Investment Manager was formed in 1990 and specialises in investing in small UK quoted companies. Aberforth Partners LLP will receive a management fee, calculated and payable quarterly in advance, equal to 0.1875 per cent. of the Company's Total Assets (excluding VAT) at the end of the quarter preceding that to which the fee relates. Assuming a constant level of Total Assets, this would be equivalent to 0.75 per cent. of Total Assets over the course of a year.

Investment Highlights

Specialist small cap investment managers with proven long-term track record of outperformance

Aberforth Partners has a 33 year record of strong investment performance in the small UK quoted companies asset class. Since its inception in December 1990 to 30 April 2024, Aberforth's longest-standing client, Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust plc, has delivered a NAV total return compound of 11.9 per cent.

Aberforth Partners has a successful investment record in managing split capital limited life investment trusts. The three predecessor split capital trusts that have been managed by Aberforth prior to the launch of ASLIT in July 2017 delivered total returns of between 13 per cent. and 19 per cent[2]. per annum over the period of each of their fixed terms.

Aberforth Partners' experience helps deliver strong investment performance through a value investment philosophy, in-depth bottom-up analysis and purposeful engagement with portfolio companies.

A differentiated investment vehicle - geared, limited life and closed-ended

AGVIT will offer a geared exposure to small UK quoted companies.

AGVIT's life is limited to seven years, with a planned winding up date of 30 June 2031, ensuring shareholders have an opportunity for liquidity at close to NAV within a defined time period.

The closed-ended structure enables AGVIT to take advantage of gearing, potentially enhancing returns.

Significant alignment between the Investment Manager and shareholders

The partners of Aberforth Partners will be significant investors in AGVIT, ensuring material alignment with shareholders.

Aberforth Partners will also make a cost contribution of 450,000 toward the cost of the Issues in order to defray costs for other Shareholders.

Opportunity from the resilience of small UK quoted companies

The profits of small UK quoted companies continue to be depressed by the recession in the second half of 2023 and by the lingering effects of the Pandemic. There is therefore scope for a profit recovery as economic conditions improve.

Notwithstanding this currently depressed profitability, the balance sheets of small UK quoted companies as a whole are in a robust state. Additionally, for some companies, the opportunity to de-risk defined benefit pension schemes should enhance free cash flow.

Projected recovery in valuations from historically low levels

The portfolios managed by Aberforth Partners currently have unusually low valuations, which the Investment Managers believe are the basis of good future investment returns.

The portfolios managed by Aberforth Partners currently have a "triple discount", which stems from apathy towards UK economy, sentiment towards UK small caps and value bias of the Investment Managers' investment approach. The Investment Managers believe that Shareholders can benefit as these discounts narrow over time.

There is historical evidence that the chance of achieving superior medium term investment returns is higher when starting valuations are low.

Continued M&A activity in the UK

Low stock market valuations are attracting M&A interest from other companies and from private equity. This is a route through which value opportunities can be realised.

Average EV/EBITDA multiples paid in recent transactions are higher than the average multiples of portfolios managed by the Investment Managers.

When proposed takeover terms are inadequate, Aberforth Partners engages with the aim of improving the outcome for shareholders.

The Investment Managers' value investment style

Aberforth Partners has consistently followed a value investment philosophy, which sets it apart from most other managers of small company investment trusts.

There is evidence that the value investment style has contributed to superior investment returns over the long term.

Income differentiation of small UK quoted companies

Most UK equity income funds rely on dividends from large companies.

Dividends from small UK quoted companies are better diversified and have grown more quickly over time when compared to large UK companies.

The income outlook is supported by good dividend cover and strong balance sheets.

Reasons for the Issues

The reason for the Issues is to enable the Company to act as the rollover option for existing shareholders in ASLIT and, in exchange it will acquire ASLIT's rollover portfolio comprising the assets (mostly small UK quoted companies as well as cash and other assets) which represent the entitlements of those shareholders in ASLIT who have elected or are deemed to have elected to rollover their investment in ASLIT into AGVIT pursuant to the Scheme. The Company is also proposing to issue up to 161.5 million Ordinary Shares (less such number of Ordinary Shares as are issued under the Scheme) and up to 60.5 million ZDP Shares (less such number of ZDP Shares as are issued under the Scheme) under the Placing and Offer for Subscription to finance the acquisition of all or part of ASLIT's remaining portfolio.

Further details of the Placing and Offer for Subscription

Pursuant to the Placing and Offer for Subscription, the Issue Price of the Ordinary Shares and the ZDP Shares is 100 pence per Share.

The Company is not seeking to raise new capital under the Placing and Offer for Subscription in excess of the amount which when taken with the Scheme Issue would result in the Company being larger than ASLIT as at 30 April 2024 when its total assets were 222 million.

Scaling back

The Board shall have an overriding discretion (after consultation with the ASLIT Directors, the Investment Manager and J.P. Morgan Cazenove) to scale back elections under the Scheme and/or applications under the Placing and Offer for Subscription to ensure that the Company: (i) will not be larger than ASLIT as at 30 April 2024 when it had total assets of 222 million; and (ii) will have a ratio of Ordinary Shares to ZDP Shares of 8:3. In exercising its discretion, the Board intends to seek to ensure a fair allocation between those shareholders in ASLIT who elect for the Rollover Options and in allocating Ordinary Shares give preference, so far as is practicable, to those existing ASLIT Ordinary Shareholders who have elected (or are deemed to elect) for the Ordinary Rollover Option and, in allocating ZDP Shares, the Board in particular intends to give preference, so far as is practicable, to those investors who have elected for the ZDP Rollover Zero Option and/or the ZDP Rollover Ordinary Option.

The results of the Issues (including any scaling back) will be announced through a Regulatory Information Service on 28 June 2024.

Issue Statistics[3]

The Company Minimum Share Subscription Amount from the Scheme Issue and the Offer Issue 75 million Maximum share subscription from Scheme Issue and Offer Issue 222 million The ratio, on Admission, of Ordinary Shares to ZDP Shares 8:3 Ordinary Shares Issue Price per Ordinary Share 100 pence Anticipated range for total dividend per Ordinary Share for the period to 30 June 2025[4] 4.0 - 5.0 pence Hurdle rate to return Issue Price of 100 pence per Ordinary Share at the Planned Winding Up Date[5] 3.0 per cent. per annum Hurdle rate at or below which the Ordinary Shares will not have any capital value on the Planned Winding Up Date [5] -10.3 per cent. per annum Maximum number of Ordinary Shares available under the Issues 161.5 million ZDP Shares Issue Price per ZDP Share 100 pence Fixed Final Capital Entitlement per ZDP Share on the Planned Winding Up Date 160.58 pence Gross Redemption Yield at Issue Price[6] 7.0 per cent. Illustrative Cover of the ZDP Shares upon Admission 2.0 times Hurdle rate at or above which the ZDP Shares will receive final capital entitlement of 160.58 pence on the Planned Winding Up Date[5] -10.3 per cent. per annum Hurdle rate at or below which ZDP Shares will not be entitled to any final capital entitlement on the Planned Winding Up Date[5] -50.2 per cent. per annum Maximum number of ZDP Shares to be issued pursuant to the Issues 60.5 million

Timetable

Placing and Offer for Subscription Publication of the Prospectus 28 May Placing and Offer for Subscription open 28 May Latest time and date for receipt of Application Forms under the Offer for Subscription 11.00 a.m. on 21 June Latest time and date for receipt of applications under the Placing 4.00 p.m. on 21 June Regulatory Information Service announcement of the results of the Placing and Offer for Subscription and the number of Ordinary Shares and ZDP Shares to be issued pursuant to the ASLIT Scheme 28 June ASLIT Scheme First ASLIT General Meeting 10.00 a.m. on 20 June Calculation Date 5.00 p.m. on 21 June Record Date for entitlement under the ASLIT Scheme 6.00 p.m. on 21 June ASLIT Shares disabled for settlement in CREST 6.00 p.m. on 21 June Suspension of trading in ASLIT Shares 7.30 a.m. on 24 June Announcement of the results of the Elections and reclassification of the ASLIT Shares 26 June Reclassification of ASLIT Shares (and commencement of dealings in Reclassified ASLIT Shares) 8.00 a.m. on 27 June Suspension of listing of Reclassified ASLIT Shares and ASLIT Register closes 7.30 a.m. on 28 June Second ASLIT General Meeting 10.00 a.m. on 28 June Effective Date for implementation of the ASLIT Scheme and commencement of the liquidation of ASLIT 28 June Admission to the listing and commencement of dealings in the Ordinary Shares and ZDP Shares issued pursuant to the Issues 8.00 a.m. on 1 July Crediting of CREST accounts in respect of the Ordinary Shares and the ZDP Shares issued under the Issues as soon as is reasonably practicable on 1 July Share certificates in respect of the Ordinary Shares and the ZDP Shares despatched (if applicable) as soon as practicable

after 1 July Cancellation of listing of Reclassified ASLIT Shares as soon as practicable

after the Effective Date Notes: 1. The times and dates set out in the above may be adjusted by the Company, in which event details of the new times and/or dates will be notified, as required, to the FCA and the London Stock Exchange and, where appropriate, to Shareholders and an announcement will be made through a Regulatory Information Service. 2. All references to times are to London time, unless otherwise stated.

Admission and Dealings

Applications will be made to: (i) the FCA for the Ordinary Shares to be admitted to the premium listing segment of the Official List and for the ZDP Shares to be admitted to the standard listing segment of the Official List; and (ii) the London Stock Exchange for such Shares to be admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market. It is expected that Admission will become effective, and dealings in the Ordinary Shares and ZDP Shares will commence, at 8.00 a.m. on 1 July 2024.

Defined terms used in this announcement shall, unless the context requires otherwise, have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.

The Prospectus has been submitted to the Financial Conduct Authority and will shortly be available for inspection at the National Storage Mechanism which is located at https://data.fca.org.uk/a/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism and on the Company's website at https://www.aberforth.co.uk/trusts-and-funds/aberforth-geared-value-income-trust-plc .

For further information, please contact:

Investment Managers

AberforthPartnersLLP +44 (0) 131 220 0733

Euan Macdonald

Peter Shaw

Sponsor and Placing Agent J.P. Morgan Cazenove(JPMC) +44(0) 203 493 8000 William Simmonds Rupert Budge SolicitorstotheCompany Dickson Minto LLP +44(0)207 649 6823 Douglas Armstrong

INFORMATION TO DISTRIBUTORS

Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within PROD 3 of the PROD Sourcebook (the "Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Ordinary Shares and the ZDP Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Ordinary Shares and the ZDP Shares to be issued pursuant to the Issue are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in COBS 3.5 and 3.6 of the FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by the Product Governance Requirements (the "Target Market Assessment").

Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Ordinary Shares and the ZDP Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; neither the Ordinary Shares nor the ZDP Shares offer any guaranteed income nor capital protection; and an investment in the Ordinary Shares and the ZDP Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Issue. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, JP Morgan will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of the FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Ordinary Shares or the ZDP Shares.

Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Ordinary Shares and the ZDP Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

PRIIPS (as defined below)

ln accordance with the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 November 2014 on key information documents for packaged retail and insurance-based investment products ("PRIIPs") and its implementing and delegated acts which are part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended and supplemented from time to time (the "UKPRIIPs Laws"), the AIFM will prepare a key information document (the "KID") in respect of each of the Ordinary Shares and the ZDP Shares. The KID will be made available by the AIFM to "retail investors" at the same time as the publication of the Prospectus and prior to them making an investment decision in respect of the Ordinary Shares and/or at https://www.aberforth.co.uk/trusts-and-funds/aberforth-geared-value-income-trust-plc

If you are distributing Ordinary Shares and/or the ZDP Shares, it is your responsibility to ensure that the KID is provided to any clients that are "retail clients".

The AIFM is the only manufacturer of the Ordinary Shares and the ZDP Shares for the purposes of the UK PRIIPs Laws and neither the Company nor the Sponsor is a manufacturer for these purposes. Neither the Company nor the Sponsor makes any representations, express or implied, or accepts any responsibility whatsoever for the contents of the KID prepared by the AIFM nor accepts any responsibility to update the contents of the KID in accordance with the UK PRIIPs Laws, to undertake any review processes in relation thereto or to provide the KID to future distributors of Ordinary Shares and/or ZDP shares . Each of the Company and the Sponsor and their respective affiliates accordingly disclaims all and any liability whether arising in tort or contract or otherwise which it or they might have in respect of any key information documents prepared by the AIFM from time to time.

Prospective Investors should note that the content of a key information document is highly prescriptive, both in terms of the calculations underlying the numbers and the narrative, with limited ability to add further context or explanation. As such, the key information document should be read in conjunction with other material produced by the Company, including the Prospectus and, in future, the annual reports which will be available on the Company's website. The figures in the KIDs may not reflect actual returns for the Ordinary Shares or the ZDP Shares and anticipated performance returns cannot be guaranteed.

This is a financial promotion and is not intended to be investment advice. The content of this announcement (the "Announcement"), which has been prepared by and is the sole responsibility of Aberforth Geared Value & Income Trust plc ("AGVIT"), has been approved by Aberforth Partners LLP ("Aberforth") solely for the purposes of section 21(2)(b) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) ("FSMA").

This Announcement is not for release, publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia, collectively, the "United States"), Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa, Japan or any other jurisdiction where such distribution is unlawful, or to US persons, as defined in Regulation S ("Regulation S") under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The distribution of this Announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This Announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America. This Announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities of AGVIT have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States.

This Announcement does not constitute, and may not be construed as, an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to acquire or subscribe for, securities of AGVIT in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is unlawful or would impose any unfulfilled registration, qualification, publication or approval requirements on AGVIT, Aberforth or JP Morgan. The offer and sale of securities of AGVIT has not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa or Japan. Subject to certain exemptions, the securities of AGVIT may not be offered to or sold within Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or to any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa or Japan.

In addition, AGVIT has not been and will not be registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the recipient of this Announcement will not be entitled to the benefit of that act.

This Announcement is for information purposes only and does not contain or constitute an offer for sale of, or the solicitation of an offer or an invitation to buy or subscribe for, securities to any person in the Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or in any other jurisdiction.

This Announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus. Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any transferable securities referred to in this Announcement except on the basis of information in the prospectus published by AGVIT in connection with the proposed initial public offering (the "IPO") (the "Prospectus"). In particular, prospective investors will be required to read and understand the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Prospectus, once available.

The information in this Announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this Announcement or its accuracy or completeness. This Announcement does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any securities of AGVIT or any other securities nor shall it (or any part of it) or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefor. The material contained in this announcement is given as at the date of its publication (unless otherwise marked) and is subject to updating, revision and amendment. In particular, any proposals referred to herein are subject to revision and amendment.

This Announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the IPO. The price and value of securities and any income from them can go down as well as up. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and prospective investors may not receive any return from AGVIT. Before purchasing any securities of AGVIT, persons viewing this Announcement should ensure that they fully understand and accept the risks that will be set out in the Prospectus, if and when published. Information in this Announcement or any of the documents relating to the IPO cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. Potential investors should consult a professional adviser as to the suitability of the IPO for the entity concerned.

This Announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding the Company's financial position, strategy, plans, proposed acquisitions and objectives, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and, accordingly, the Company's actual future financial results and operational performance may differ materially from the results and performance expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These factors include but are not limited to those described in the Prospectus. These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this Announcement and cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. The Company, Aberforth and JPM Morgan expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect actual results or any change in the assumptions, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based unless required to do so by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the Prospectus Regulation Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, the UK version of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596) which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended and supplemented from time to time including by the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 or other applicable laws, regulations or rules.

JP Morgan is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. JP Morgan is acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with this Announcement or any future transaction in connection with it. JP Morgan will not regard any other person as its client in relation to the subject matter of this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone for providing the protections afforded to its clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the contents of this Announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

None of JP Morgan, AGVIT or Aberforth, or any of their respective parents or subsidiary undertakings, or the subsidiary undertakings of any such parent undertakings, or any of such person's respective directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or advisers or any other person ("their respective affiliates") accepts (save where required by law) any responsibility or liability whatsoever for/or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to this Announcement, including the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this Announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the Announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this Announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

[1] This statement of intention relates to dividends only, is not a profit forecast and is based on the Assumptions. In the event the Assumptions are not met, this may affect the ability of the Company to meet its intended level of dividend distribution.

[2] The capital structures varied. Total Equity Total Return - return to providers of equity capital (ordinary shares or capital and income share units, as applicable). Past performance is no guarantee of future results. There can be no assurance that the investment examples and strategies described herein will meet their objectives generally or avoid losses.

[3] The returns and certain of the issue statistics set out above are projected and illustrative and do not represent profit forecasts. There is no guarantee these returns will be achieved. They are described in more detail in Part 2 of the Prospectus. The returns and issue statistics should be read in conjunction with the Assumptions (set out in Part 5 of the Prospectus). Potential investors are reminded to read the section headed 'Risk factors' (pages 13 to 25) and the section headed 'Forward looking statements' (page 35). Capital entitlements at the Planned Winding Up Date are dependent on there being sufficient capital growth in the Company's assets.

[4] The Directors anticipate that, on the basis of the Assumptions and in the absence of unforeseen circumstances, the Company will target total dividends in the range of 4.0-5.0 pence per Ordinary Share, in respect of the period from Admission to 30 June 2025. This statement of intention relates to dividends only, is not a profit forecast and is based on the Assumptions. In the event the Assumptions are not met, this may affect the ability of the Company to meet its intended level of dividend distribution.

[5] Hurdle rates refer to the rate of annual capital growth in the Company's portfolio required for the Net Asset Value of a Share to equal a stated amount on the Planned Winding Up Date and are based on the Assumptions.

[6] The Gross Redemption Yield of 7.0 per cent. is based on the Final Capital Entitlement of 160.58 pence on 30 June 2031 and the Issue Price of 100 pence.
New alliance aims to enable digital access for 100 million individuals and businesses in Africa over next decade

Mastercard

PURCHASE, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Mastercard and the African Development Bank Group today launched the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance: Africa to extend digital access to critical services to 100 million individuals and businesses in Africa over the next 10 years. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the U.S.-Africa Business Forum hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Alliance will initially focus on supporting the agricultural sector and women. Among the first efforts will be a pilot program launching this year to support three million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria by working with local banks to provide digital identities and access to high-quality seeds and agricultural inputs. The Alliance intends to expand to Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana and the rest of the continent.

"Mastercard's work leading the new MADE Alliance: Africa aims to provide 100 million people greater digital access to critical services," said Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard. "Across Africa, people are driving new growth and opportunity, and Mastercard wants to support their success. This Alliance builds on the innovations and investments we are already making with partners in 45 countries to enhance Africa's digital infrastructure and accelerate inclusive growth."

As co-chairs, the African Development Bank Group will invest $300 million to support Alliance programs, providing funding for digital infrastructure and incentivizing ecosystem actors to enhance digital access, and Mastercard will register 15 million users in Africa onto its Community Pass platform within five years, with interoperable digital infrastructure to facilitate involvement from a range of ecosystem participants. Launched in 2020, Community Pass is a social enterprise at Mastercard that digitizes and connects remote, underserved communities to governments, NGOs and the private sector for access to critical services.

"The African Development Bank Group believes that digitalization via Mastercard Community Pass can play a vital role in increasing the adoption of agricultural technologies to help feed Africa, as well as improve incomes of millions of African smallholder farmers. Joining the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy Alliance: Africa will amplify and multiply the impact of the Bank's investments to build sustainable, climate-smart food systems across the continent. We applaud U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris' commitment to financial and digital inclusion in Africa," said African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina.

To enable more people to join the digital economy, an ecosystem of public and private sector partners is critical. The Alliance matches partners' complementary strengths in key geographies to promote sustainable digital access. Together, the partners will deliver connectivity, skilling, employment and digital access to financial and other critical services.

More than half a dozen organizations have committed to participate in the MADE Alliance: Africa at launch, including Equity Bank, Microsoft, Heifer International, Unconnected.org and Syngenta Foundation. The African Development Bank Group and Mastercard will serve as initial co-chairs of the effort.

The efforts of the MADE Alliance: Africa will support the U.S. Digital Transformation with Africa Initiative (DTA) and the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (DTS). It also ties into other business objectives announced this year focused on Africa, including:

A memorandum of agreement with the International Trade Administration , a bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce, to advance digital access and inclusion in Africa based on a mutual interest to support the aims of the U.S. Government's Digital Transformation with Africa initiative and MADE Alliance: Africa. This collaboration builds on Mastercard hosting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo during AmCham in Nairobi in April for a "Digital Showcase" on best practices and lessons learned for building and scaling digital solutions across the continent of Africa.

, a bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce, to advance digital access and inclusion in Africa based on a mutual interest to support the aims of the U.S. Government's Digital Transformation with Africa initiative and MADE Alliance: Africa. This collaboration builds on Mastercard hosting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo during AmCham in Nairobi in April for a "Digital Showcase" on best practices and lessons learned for building and scaling digital solutions across the continent of Africa. EdTech Africa , a new partnership between the Government of Kenya, Kenyan President Ruto and the U.S., which builds on Mastercard's existing multi-million-dollar investments with the Atlanta University Consortium (AUC) Data Science Initiative and Howard University's Center for Applied Data Science & Analytics Initiative. This effort cultivates educational exchanges between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African scholars in the ever-evolving landscape of emerging technology and is an example of innovation, talent empowerment and cross-cultural connectivity across the African diaspora, poised to drive forward education and technology for young leaders of Africa and America.

, a new partnership between the Government of Kenya, Kenyan President Ruto and the U.S., which builds on Mastercard's existing multi-million-dollar investments with the Atlanta University Consortium (AUC) Data Science Initiative and Howard University's Center for Applied Data Science & Analytics Initiative. This effort cultivates educational exchanges between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African scholars in the ever-evolving landscape of emerging technology and is an example of innovation, talent empowerment and cross-cultural connectivity across the African diaspora, poised to drive forward education and technology for young leaders of Africa and America. A new partnership involving Mastercard Community Pass, the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, the Shell Foundation, and the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office that gives smallholder farmers access to a digital marketplace and enables affordable credit to buy clean energy tools that support farmers' incomes, such as solar-powered irrigation pumps. First announced in January, the effort aligns to Mastercard's involvement with two USAID initiatives: the President's Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE) and the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF).

Bringing together public and private sector leaders will create and enhance accessible, affordable and trusted technology and digital tools that are scalable, enabling more people to join the digital economy.

Media Contacts

Jessica Jeng-Mitchell, Mastercard

Jessica.Jeng-Mitchell@mastercard.com

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

www.mastercard.com

Originally published by Mastercard

Follow along Mastercard's journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mastercard on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Mastercard

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mastercard

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Mastercard

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Originally published on Built From Scratch

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Morris Brown College, a historically Black college in Atlanta, Georgia, has experienced its share of setbacks and challenges over the years. From almost closing in 2012 to graduating its largest class in 20 years this month, the institution has proven to be resilient.

In support of this historic comeback, The Home Depot's Retool Your School program is helping to transform spaces on campus. President Kevin James shares how their story of growth and resurgence wouldn't be possible without the community's support.

Established in 2009, Retool Your School has invested more than $12 million in financial support, providing HBCUs with needs-based grants for campus renovations. For a look at this year's Retool Your School winners, visit RetoolYourSchool.com.

Keep up with all the latest Home Depot news! Subscribe to our bi-weekly news update and get the top Built from Scratch stories delivered straight to your inbox.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Home Depot on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: The Home Depot

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/home-depot

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: The Home Depot

View the original press release on accesswire.com
REDDING, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report titled, 'Healthcare IT Market by Product (EHR, CDSS, CPOE, Telehealth, Financial Analytics, Claims Management Services, mhealth, RCM, Analytics, CRM, Population Health, LIS, PACS, VNA) Deployment Mode (On-Premise, Cloud) Component & End User - Global Forecast to 2031,' published by Meticulous Research, the healthcare IT market is projected to reach $907.18 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period.

Download Sample Report Now- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5084

Health information technology (HCIT) comprises various technologies that gather, store, analyze, and represent information for various areas in the healthcare sector. Over the years, the global healthcare IT industry has transitioned from the application of IT solutions from basic administrative functions to core clinical tasks. The increased amount of data gathered through patient records has now led to the deployment of advanced IT solutions in the healthcare sector. This includes the deployment of advanced analytics solutions, population health management solutions, and AI solutions for a variety of clinical and non-clinical applications.

Today, the rising cost of healthcare is prompting healthcare providers & payers to adopt HCIT solutions that can reduce costs of care delivery and efficiently transform the clinical and non-clinical workflows to manage increasing patient flow. These healthcare IT solutions help increase patient engagement, facilitate better quality care, and improve operational and clinical efficiencies.

The transition to value-based care is also one of the key factors driving stakeholders to adopt various healthcare IT solutions. Government regulations and initiatives aimed at digitizing the workflows of the healthcare industry are also prompting healthcare providers and payers to adopt various healthcare IT solutions, which in turn is contributing to the growth of the global healthcare IT market.

The growth of the healthcare IT market is driven by rising awareness regarding digital health, government mandates and incentives for healthcare IT and infrastructure development, the shift toward value-based care, the growing utilization of big data in the healthcare sector, the high returns on IT investments in the healthcare industry, and the increasing number of patient visits. However, the high costs of implementing and maintaining healthcare IT infrastructure, financial constraints in developing countries, and restricted budgets of small and medium-sized healthcare facilities restrain the growth of this market.

Get a Glimpse Inside: Request Sample Pages- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-sample-report/cp_id=5084

Additionally, the growing focus on cloud-based solutions, the rising adoption of AI & IoT technologies in healthcare, and emerging economies such as India and China with increasing per capita healthcare expenditures are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for the stakeholders in this market. However, interoperability issues, data security & privacy concerns, and the shortage of trained IT professionals are major challenges impacting the market's growth.

Moreover, the increasing use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) for physical and surgical procedures, the increasing demand for healthcare IT solutions in the field of genomics and personalized medicine, increasing access to virtual hospitals, and the rising demand for remote patient monitoring and telemedicine solutions are prominent trends in the healthcare IT market.

Increasing Awareness about Digital Health is Driving the Market's Growth

Healthcare IT solutions facilitate the transition to a paperless environment, allowing physicians seamless access to patient's medical records as needed. This accessibility enables physicians to make informed decisions and minimizes medical errors. Similarly, hospitals benefit from improved efficiency and streamlined health information transfer, enhancing overall workflow management and reducing operational costs.

Healthcare software enables high-quality and error-free care delivery. Electronic health records provide safer transmission of patient information and access to more reliable prescriptions for physicians. They also help with legible and complete documentation of patients' medical history. With connected infrastructure, HCIT solutions enable easier tracking of unforeseen drug interactions and also help to improve decision support. Healthcare institutions across the globe are focusing on automating their systems and operational workflows with the incorporation of a variety of HCIT tools and solutions.

Have Specific Research Needs? Request a Customized Report- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-customization/cp_id=5084

The benefits of healthcare IT solutions in reducing the cost of care delivery and improving the efficiency of healthcare systems to accommodate the expanding patient populations have prompted numerous government and multilateral institutions and agencies to actively promote the adoption of digital health solutions. As a result, they are undertaking various initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting the utilization of such technologies. For instance, in August 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) and G20 India Presidency jointly announced the Global Initiative on Digital Health to bolster the implementation of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025. As part of this initiative, the WHO will act as the Secretariat for strategy implementation, facilitating the aggregation of global standards, resources, and best practices aimed at expediting the transformation of digital health systems worldwide.

Additionally, in December 2021, the French President inaugurated the Council of the European Union (PFUE), with digital health being part of the project. The inauguration includes the draft for the European Health Data Space (EHDS), which will govern digital health for all EU Member States and serve as a guide to transform the way digital health is implemented across the European Union. Similar initiatives aimed at promoting digital health are also underway across many countries across the globe. Thus, the increasing awareness about digital health is enhancing the adoption of health IT solutions and related infrastructure across the globe, driving the growth of the healthcare IT market.

The report also includes an extensive assessment of the key growth strategies adopted by leading market players over the past three to four years. Some of the key players operating in the Healthcare IT market are International Business Machine Corporation (IBM) (U.S.), GE Healthcare (U.S.), Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (U.S.), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Infor, Inc. (A Subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc. (U.S.), Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (U.S.), Oracle Corporation (U.S.), athenahealth, Inc. (A Subsidiary of Veritas Capital) (U.S.), Dell Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), Unitedhealth Group (Optum, Inc.) (U.S.), Nuance Communications, Inc. (U.S.), 3M Company (U.S.), Conifer Health Solutions, LLC. (A subsidiary of Tenet Healthcare Corporation (U.S.)), NextGen Healthcare, Inc. (A subsidiary of Thoma Cressey Bravo, Inc. (U.S.)), PointClickCare Technologies Inc. (U.S.), and eClinicalWorks (U.S.).

Among the products covered in this report, in 2024, the healthcare IT provider solutions segment is expected to account for the larger share of the healthcare IT market. Healthcare IT providers include hospitals, ambulatory centers, home healthcare & assisted living centers, diagnostic centers, and pharmacies. These providers utilize HCIT solutions in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services, support individual & public health while increasing the accuracy of diagnoses, and reduce costs & medical errors while improving the efficiency of clinical processes. The rising adoption of HCIT solutions among these providers contributes to the significant market share of this segment.

Among the deployment modes covered in this report, in 2024, the web & cloud-based segment is expected to account for the larger share of the healthcare IT market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the benefits offered by web & cloud-based deployment, including on-demand self-service, minimal maintenance costs, lower upfront and storage costs, and storage flexibility. Moreover, the enhanced security features in private clouds and automated update capabilities offered by web and cloud solutions are anticipated to drive the growth of this segment.

Among the components covered in this report, in 2024, the services segment is expected to account for the largest share of the healthcare IT market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the increasing need to reduce healthcare costs, the growing need to minimize paperwork, and the rising demand for easy access to affordable care. Moreover, the shift to cloud services is further expected to increase funding to develop cost-effective services, which, in turn, is expected to boost the growth of the healthcare IT services market.

Among the end users covered in this report, in 2024, the healthcare providers segment is expected to account for the larger share of the healthcare IT 'market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to improvements in healthcare infrastructure, the proliferation of tertiary/specialty care hospitals, the surge in chronic diseases, the growing demand for high-quality healthcare services, and the increasing initiatives aimed at promoting the adoption of eHealth solutions. Furthermore, initiatives like the Affordable Care Act in the U.S. and the increasing need for managing extensive patient data drive the adoption of HCIT solutions in hospitals worldwide.

Based on geography, the global healthcare IT market is segmented into North America (U.S., Canada), Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America) and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the global healthcare IT market. North America's significant market share can be attributed to factors such as the high adoption of various healthcare IT solutions by healthcare providers to ensure compliance with stringent regulatory requirements for patient care and safety, a large population with insurance coverage, government regulations and mandates promoting the adoption of HCIT solutions, the transition towards value-based care, the need to mitigate rising healthcare costs, the presence of prominent HCIT vendors in the region, and the growing emphasis on enhancing healthcare quality while optimizing the operational efficiency of healthcare organizations. However, the market in Asia-Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

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Scope of the Report:

Healthcare IT Market Size & Trend Analysis-by Product

Healthcare IT Provider Solutions

Clinical Healthcare IT Solutions



Electronic Health Records (EHR)





PACS & VNA





Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) Solutions





Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)





E-Prescribing Systems





Patient Engagement Solutions





RIS (Radiology Information Systems)





RDM (Radiation Dose Management) Solutions





Specialty Information Systems





Medical Image Analysis





Population Health Management Solutions





Care Management Solutions





Patient Registry Software





Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)





mhealth Solutions





Telehealth





Healthcare Integration Solutions





Infection Surveillance Solutions





Practice Management Software



Non-Clinical Provider Healthcare IT Solutions



Pharmacy Information Systems





Healthcare Asset Management Solutions





Healthcare Workforce Management Solutions





Revenue Cycle Management Solutions





Front-end RCM







Mid-end RCM







Back-end RCM





Medical Document Management Solutions





Healthcare Information Exchanges





Supply Chain Management Solutions





Healthcare Analytics





Clinical Analytics







Financial Analytics







Operational & Administrative Analytics





Customer Relationship Management Solutions





Medication Management Systems





Electronic Medication Administration Systems







Barcode Medication Administration Systems







Medication Inventory Management Systems







Medication Assurance Systems





Healthcare Quality Management Solutions





Healthcare Interoperability Solutions





Financial Management Solutions (Accounting & Billing)

Healthcare Payer Solutions

Claims Management Solutions



Customer Relationship Management



Fraud Analytics Solutions



Provider Network Management



Pharmacy Audit & Analysis Solutions



Member Eligibility Management Solutions



Population Health Management Solutions



Payment Management Solutions

Healthcare IT Outsourcing Services

Provider HCIT Outsourcing Services



Revenue Cycle Management Services





EMR/Medical Document Management Services





Laboratory Information Management Services





Other Provider HCIT Outsourcing Services



Payer HCIT Outsourcing Services



Claims Management Services





Provider Network Management Services





Billing & Accounts Management Services





Fraud Analytics Services





Other Payer HCIT Outsourcing Services



Operational HCIT Outsourcing Services



Business Process Management Services





Supply Chain Management Services





Other Operational IT Outsourcing Services



IT Infrastructure Management Services

Note: Other provider HCIT outsourcing services include PACS data management, CPOE data management, care management solutions and analytics, and pharmacy information management practices.

Note: Other payer HCIT outsourcing services include HR activities and workforce analytics, among others.

Note: Other operational IT outsourcing services include the development and implementation of custom applications, financial data management outsourcing, and maintenance of applications or systems.

Healthcare IT Market Size & Trend Analysis-by Deployment Mode

Web & Cloud-based

On-premise

Healthcare IT Market Size & Trend Analysis-by Component

Services

Software

Hardware

Healthcare IT Market Size & Trend Analysis-by End User

Healthcare Providers

Hospitals



Ambulatory Centers



Home Healthcare & Assisted Living Centers



Diagnostic Centers



Pharmacies

Healthcare Payers

Private Payers



Public Payers

Healthcare IT Market Size & Trend Analysis-by Geography

North America U.S. Canada

Europe Germany France Italy U.K. Spain Switzerland Netherlands Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

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Related Reports:

Healthcare Quality Management Market by Software (BI, Analytics, Reporting, Performance Improvements), Mode of Delivery (Cloud, Web, On-Premise), Application (Data, Risk Management) and End User (Hospital, Ambulatory Care, Payors) - Global Forecast to 2023

Ambulatory EHR Market by Delivery Mode (Cloud-based, On-premise), Type, Practice Size (Large, Small-to-Medium, Solo), Application (Patient Portals, Practice Management, CDS, Computerized Physician Order Entry, PHM), and End User - Global Forecast to 2028

Telehealth Market by Component [Hardware (Peripheral Devices, Monitor), Software (Cloud, On-premise), Services (Real-time, Remote Monitoring)], Application (Radiology, Cardiology, Psychiatry), End User (Provider, Payer, Patient) - Global Forecast to 2029

Medical Image Management Market by Product {PACS [Departmental (Radiology, Cardiology), Enterprise], VNA [(On-Premise, Hybrid, Cloud), (Independent, PACS Vendor)], AICA, Universal Viewer}, End User (Hospital, Diagnostic Center) - Global Forecast to 2030

Medical Image Analysis Software Market by Software Type (Integrated, Standalone), Image (2D, 3D, 4D), Modality (X-ray, CT, Ultrasound, MRI), Application (Cardiology, Orthopedic, Neurology), End User (Hospital, Diagnostic Center)-Global Forecast to 2029

Laboratory Informatics Market by Solution Type (LIMS, ELN, EDC, CDMS, LES, ECM, SDMS), Delivery Mode (Web, Cloud, On-Premise), Component (Service, Software), End User (Pharma & Biotech, CROs, CMOs, Food & Beverage, Chemical) - Global Forecast to 2030

VNA and PACS Market by Procurement (Departmental and Enterprise), Delivery (On-premise, Hybrid, Cloud-based), Vendor (PACS, Independent Software, Infrastructure), and End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers) - Global Forecast to 2027

Related Blogs:

Top 10 Companies in Healthcare IT Market

About Meticulous Research

Meticulous Research was founded in 2010 and incorporated as Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. Since its incorporation, the company has become the leading provider of premium market intelligence in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The name of our company defines our services, strengths, and values. Since the inception, we have only thrived to research, analyze, and present the critical market data with great attention to details. With the meticulous primary and secondary research techniques, we have built strong capabilities in data collection, interpretation, and analysis of data including qualitative and quantitative research with the finest team of analysts. We design our meticulously analyzed intelligent and value-driven syndicate market research reports, custom studies, quick turnaround research, and consulting solutions to address business challenges of sustainable growth.

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Tulsa, Oklahoma--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2024) - Iron Storage, a leading self-storage business with facilities across the United States, proudly announces the launch of its state-of-the-art management software. This cutting-edge technology enables Iron Storage to remotely manage its facilities with unprecedented efficiency and precision, solidifying the company's position as a pioneer in the self-storage industry.

The new software streamlines facility management, ensuring that Iron Storage can maintain its high standards of cleanliness, security, and customer service across all locations. Whether managing storage units in Tulsa, OK, Tupelo, MS, Monroe, LA, Oxford, MS, Baldwyn, MS, or Bacliff, TX, Iron Storage's innovative platform enhances operational effectiveness, benefiting customers indirectly through improved service quality.





Iron Storage provides secure and affordable storage units in Tulsa, OK

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Enhancing Facility Management with Advanced Features

Iron Storage's new software addresses several key aspects crucial for optimal facility management:

Clean and Secure Facilities: All Iron Storage locations are meticulously maintained with regular pest control measures to ensure a clean environment. The facilities are equipped with 24-hour video surveillance, offering customers peace of mind knowing their belongings are safe and secure.

Efficient Online Management: The software enables Iron Storage to manage bookings, payments, and customer service inquiries more efficiently. This streamlined process allows for quicker response times and better overall customer service.

Flexible Rental Options: Flexible opening hours from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. allow customers to access their units at convenient times.

Dedicated Customer Service: With customer service available seven days a week, Iron Storage ensures that assistance is always within reach.

Target Audience and Use Cases

Iron Storage caters to a diverse clientele, including individuals and businesses in various situations:

Home Movers: People relocating to new homes find Iron Storage an invaluable resource for storing their belongings during the transition.

Students: Those on summer break who need to vacate their dorms can securely store their items until the new semester begins.

Couples Combining Households: Couples getting married and needing to merge two homes into one appreciate the flexibility and convenience Iron Storage offers.

Small Business Owners: Entrepreneurs needing extra space for inventory can rely on Iron Storage for secure and accessible storage solutions.

Individuals Managing Estates: Those who have lost a family member and need a temporary place to store their belongings find solace in Iron Storage's compassionate and professional services.

A Leader in the Self-Storage Industry

Iron Storage has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing, privately-owned self-storage companies in America. The implementation of their new management software exemplifies their commitment to leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency. This pioneering approach ensures that Iron Storage remains at the forefront of the industry, continually setting new standards for convenience, security, and customer satisfaction.

"Technology plays a crucial role in our operations," said Faraz Hemani, CEO at Iron Storage. "With our new management software, we can provide our customers with an unmatched level of service quality. Our goal is to make the storage process as simple and stress-free as possible, and this innovative solution is a significant step towards achieving that."

Join the Iron Storage Community

Customers looking to take advantage of Iron Storage's cutting-edge solutions can visit ironstorage.com to explore their options, book a unit, and experience the improved service quality firsthand. With facilities in locations such as Tulsa, Tupelo, Monroe, Oxford, Baldwyn, and Bacliff, Iron Storage is ready to meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses nationwide.

About Iron Storage

Iron Storage is a premier self-storage provider with facilities across the United States. Dedicated to maintaining clean, secure, and accessible storage units, Iron Storage offers flexible rental options, exceptional customer service, and innovative management tools. As one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, Iron Storage continually strives to meet and exceed customer expectations.

For more information, please contact:

Faraz Hemani

CEO

Iron Storage

(832) 451-2686

faraz@ironstorage.com

ironstorage.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/210761

SOURCE: Release Media Inc.
A Combination of Real Estate Development and Construction Management Expertise

A Fresh New Full-Cycle Approach to Urban Real Estate Development

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2024) - Clifton Blake, a Toronto-based, fully integrated real estate asset development and management firm, and Wilkinson Construction, a Toronto-based, second-generation leader in construction management, are pleased to announce they have joined to form a new real estate development and management company called CB Wilkinson.

The new entity, CB Wilkinson, will bring a full-cycle, vertically integrated and turnkey development and construction solution to the urban real estate development market in the greater Toronto metropolitan area, with a focus on integrity, quality and transparency in the development of community-focused projects.

Clifton Blake brings to the unison its strategic vision for high-quality, mixed-use developments that enhance urban living, supported by a track record of consistent investor returns and innovative, community-focused projects. Wilkinson Construction brings its hands-on, ethical approach and deep understanding of urban infill construction, ensuring that every project is not only built to the highest standards but also embodies sustainability and technological innovation.

"Our collaboration with Wilkinson marks a defining moment in urban real estate development," stated stated Wes Myles, President of Clifton Blake. "Enhancing our asset management capabilities to include integrated construction management services not only provides better control and closer oversight over the entire development process, but also brings an opportunity to create additional value for our communities, residential and retail tenants, and our investors."

"We are extremely excited to be teaming up with Clifton Blake to form CB Wilkinson," said Jeff Wilkinson, President of Wilkinson Construction. "This collaboration enhances our role in the project lifecycle, from initial planning to final construction, ensuring that we have a direct influence on the quality and execution of developments. By aligning with Clifton Blake, we not only expand our capabilities but also solidify our commitment to providing greater control and alignment of interests across all projects."

Pictured: CB Wilkinson Executive Team - Jeff Wilkinson, Wes Myles, Rob Romeo Sr.

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CB Wilkinson Leadership Team

Wes Myles - Chief Executive Officer

Wes Myles has over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, operating in local, foreign, and emerging markets. He has held senior positions at KPMG Real Estate, Slate Asset Management (The Blackstone Group), and GE Capital. Wes earned an MBA in International Finance, Economics, and Strategic Management, as well as a Post-MBA in Advanced Management, Real Estate, and Infrastructure Investment, both from the Schulich School of Business. Wes is responsible for executing strategic plans at both the project level and the firm's overall strategic vision. His extensive skills in valuations, financing, acquisitions, dispositions, and asset management are key to CB Wilkinson's operations. At CB Wilkinson, Wes will bring together the acquisition, funding, and timely delivery of institutional-grade, mixed-use assets, leveraging his extensive experience in development, construction, and private equity.

Jeff Wilkinson - President

Jeff Wilkinson holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Waterloo and a master's degree in construction management. Under his leadership over the past 12 years, Wilkinson Construction has focused on establishing itself in the mid-rise residential segment of the construction industry. The company's impressive portfolio demonstrates a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and efficiency, utilizing cutting-edge architectural, structural, and mechanical systems. Jeff believes that each project is unique and that building systems must be tailored to suit the project, design, and client goals. At CB Wilkinson, he will oversee all construction operations, ensuring best practices and the integration of emerging building technologies.

Rob Romeo Sr. - Executive Vice President, Construction Operations

Robert Romeo brings 39 years of construction industry experience, managing approximately 7 million square feet of commercial, industrial, and residential projects. His career began as an estimator and site superintendent, progressing through project management to his current role. Robert has completed numerous automotive dealerships and mid-rise residential projects, such as 102 Bloor Street West and 1700 Avenue Rd. At CB Wilkinson, he will leverage his extensive hands-on experience to build a proficient team that meets and exceeds the expectations of partners, clients, and investors.

John Wyman - Executive Vice President, Development and Operations

John Wyman is an experienced industry professional with a diverse background in trades, property management, and construction. He has held senior roles at several major Ontario firms and has successfully delivered significant projects for clients such as Bell, Rogers, and RBC. Prior to joining Clifton Blake, he served as Director of Construction at Core Development Group, where he launched nearly 400 residential units. At CB Wilkinson, John will ensure the realization of the company's vision in both physical assets and operational excellence, with a focus on the identification and implementation of emerging technologies to enhance sustainability and efficiency.

The coming together of Clifton Blake and Wilkinson Construction is not only a strategic alliance but a natural alignment of shared values. Clifton Blake's commitment to crafting livable, sustainable communities integrates seamlessly with Wilkinson Construction's dedication to integrity, transparency, and quality in every project. The combined expertise will focus on urban infills, mid-rise, and multi-family mixed-use properties in up-and-coming, high-growth, transit-oriented communities where buildings are constructed with intent and purpose.

CB Wilkinson aims to address the widening gap between developers and constructors, which often leads to longer times to market and higher costs. By better aligning development and construction priorities, CB Wilkinson seeks to reduce these inefficiencies, resulting in faster project delivery and lower development costs. The primary goal is to execute projects more effectively for the benefit of all stakeholders, including investors and end-users, ensuring that new housing supply meets market demands while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.

With this strategic alignment and focus on innovation, CB Wilkinson is set to transform the urban landscape of Toronto. The unison is dedicated to delivering exceptional real estate developments that benefit investors, residents, and businesses alike. By combining development and management expertise under one roof, CB Wilkinson will drive innovation and excellence in the real estate sector, meeting and anticipating the evolving needs of urban environments.

About Clifton Blake

Clifton Blake is a Toronto-based, fully integrated real estate asset manager redefining the urban landscape with its unique approach to mixed-use properties. The company's projects blend high-quality, infill mixed-use developments with a multifamily focus and are strategically transit-oriented for unparalleled accessibility. By prioritizing both residential and commercial spaces, Clifton Blake creates cohesive environments that enhance urban living. Clifton Blake offers a range of investment products and financing solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients, focusing on execution to deliver consistent returns to investors. For more information, visit: www.cliftonblake.com.

About Wilkinson Construction

Wilkinson Construction is a second-generation, family-run construction management firm based in Toronto. Committed to integrity, transparency, and quality, Wilkinson Construction employs a hands-on approach that ensures principals are involved in every project. Specializing in urban infill and mid-rise developments, the company leads the industry in sustainability and technology, meeting the highest standards for each project. Wilkinson Construction's strategic downtown location places it at the heart of the mid-rise movement, keeping it at the forefront of sector developments. Known for its reliability and ethical practices, Wilkinson Construction builds not just structures but lasting relationships. For more information, visit: www.wilkinsonconstruction.ca.

Contact

Lorol Nielsen

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

lnielsen@cliftonblake.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/210731

SOURCE: Clifton Blake
Global technology provider Arrow Electronics and SiMa.ai, the software centric, embedded edge machine learning system-on-chip company, have entered into a strategic collaboration, enabling Arrow to distribute SiMa.ai products in the EMEA region.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528873376/en/

SiMa.ai's Machine Learning System-on-Chip MLSoC (Photo: Business Wire)

SiMa.ai delivers one platform for all edge AI that scales with customers as their AI/ML projects evolve, from computer vision, to transformers to multimodal generative AI. The SiMa.ai MLSoC (Machine Learning System on Chip) enables full pipeline deployment of complete real-world workloads as a standalone edge-based system, with high performance and power efficiency.

SiMa.ai's MLSoC works seamlessly with Palette Software to support customers across multiple verticals such as industrial manufacturing, retail, aerospace, defense, agriculture, and healthcare, with increased compute capabilities, while maximizing efficiency by delivering the highest frames per second per watt (FPS/W) performance in the edge AI/ML market.

With this agreement, Arrow and SiMa.ai will jointly market SiMa.ai's offerings and Arrow will serve as the region's exclusive distributor for the SiMa.ai MLSoC, SiMa.ai Palette Software and SiMa.ai Development Kits.

Margit Tischler, vice president of engineering in EMEA for Arrow, said, "At Arrow, we recognise the importance of artificial intelligence at the edge. SiMa.ai extends our AI line card, allowing us to offer our customers a solution tailored to their specific AI needs."

"We are pleased to enter this distribution agreement with Arrow, which will speed access for customers throughout Europe and the Middle East to SiMa.ai's one platform for all edge AI and will support customers as their AI/ML journeys evolve from computer vision to transformers to multimodal generative AI," said Elizabeth Samara-Rubio, chief business officer, SiMa.ai. "This agreement with Arrow will help SiMa.ai scale further to meet rising customer demand as organizations increasingly need a partner to help them deploy and scale AI/ML workloads at the edge."

Arrow will showcase SiMa.ai in its booth (at Stand J1) at Hardware Pioneers Max in London from 28 to 29 May, 2024. In addition, SiMa.ai will be participating in a talk with Arrow at Hardware Pioneers Max titled, "Accelerate the Entire Vision Pipeline," which will explore the practical roadmap of machine learning and AI in key end applications on 29.5.24 in Conference Room 1, from 10:40 11:10.

For more information on how SiMa.ai can help accelerate edge ML projects, prospective customers can register for the Arrow webinar featuring SiMa.ai on 10th June, 2024 by clicking here or book an AI Consultation with Arrow Experts.

About Arrow Electronics:

Arrow Electronics guides innovation forward for thousands of leading technology manufacturers and service providers. With 2023 sales of $33 billion, Arrow develops technology solutions that help improve business and daily life. Learn more at arrow.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528873376/en/

Contacts:

Thorsten Hecking

thorsten.hecking@arrow.com
TAIPEI, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As COMPUTEX 2024 approaches, top chip suppliers and PC manufacturers are gearing up to unveil their latest AI innovations. The world's leading computer brand, GIGABYTE is no exception. Following its "AI Strategy' aimed at the consumer PC market, GIGABYTE continues collaborating with Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD to maximize AI chip performance. This year, GIGABYTE solidifies its leadership in the AI PC market with exclusive AI Nexus technology and deep partnerships with NVIDIA and Microsoft. With Microsoft's release of the next-generation Copilot and Copilot+ PCs, GIGABYTE has proactively integrated AI services and technologies into its platforms. Over 40% of its laptops feature dedicated Copilot keys, offering a seamless AI experience and showcasing GIGABYTE's market leadership.

GIGABYTE's new gaming laptops introduce the groundbreaking AI Nexus technology, enhancing user experience with three key functions. Gamers demand high performance, and AI Boost leverages AI for higher performance through overclocking during intense gaming sessions. However, increased power may reduce battery life. AI Power Gear intelligently extends battery life by automatically shutting off the dGPU when the laptop is unplugged, ensuring longer on-the-go usage. Additionally, AI Generator offers on-device generative AI utilities, enabling quick startups and seamless transitions between applications. With these features, GIGABYTE redefines the gaming experience, providing the ultimate edge in performance and convenience.

GIGABYTE's close collaboration with NVIDIA ensures all AI gaming laptops feature NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series Laptop GPUs, supporting high-demand software like Stable Diffusion and Adobe Firefly. Some models, powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, integrate Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to reduce CPU load, resulting in energy-efficient operation, accelerated AI processing, and significantly improved battery life. GIGABYTE's strategic partnership with Microsoft ensures seamless Copilot technology integration into its AI laptops. With dedicated Copilot keys featured in over 40% of GIGABYTE AI laptops, users effortlessly access Microsoft services, underscoring GIGABYTE's forward-thinking approach and close collaboration with Microsoft in the AI PC domain.

GIGABYTE continues to drive AI technology applications, delivering exceptional user experiences. Ahead of COMPUTEX 2024, GIGABYTE will unveil new AI devices and solutions, showcasing several AI PCs and presenting a comprehensive blueprint for its AI advancements. This reaffirms GIGABYTE's leadership in the AI PC market and its commitment to building a robust AI ecosystem with industry leaders. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/GIGABYTE_COMPUTEX__2024

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Wistar's Lieberman lab stopped inflammatory signaling and immune response in lab samples

PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 28, 2024., and lab team led by senior staff scientist and first author, Samantha Soldan, Ph.D., have demonstrated how B cells infected with the Epstein-Barr virus

EBV - a usually inactive, or latent, herpesvirus - affects most of the human population; more than 90% of people carry the virus as a passive, typically symptomless infection. However, EBV infection has been linked to several diseases, including MS: an incurable, chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune system to attack the myelin sheath of neurons in the brain and nervous system. Because myelin sheathing facilitates fast nervous system signaling (the fatty insulation of myelin along a neuron's axon allows electrical impulses to travel through neuronal networks faster), its degradation can cause a wide variety of symptoms in both type and severity that may include motor control disruption, sensory issues, and speech difficulties.

Though researchers know that EBV can contribute to the development of MS, the exact mechanisms by which it does so aren't completely understood. The Lieberman lab, in seeking to understand how EBV contributes to the development of MS, collaborated with Steven Jacobson, Ph.D., of the Neuroimmunology Branch at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, who contributed cell line samples from patients. The research team analyzed spontaneous lymphoblastoid cell line (SLCL) cell samples from a healthy control group; a group of patients with active MS (as opposed to so-called stable MS; the disease is characterized by unpredictable periods of flare-ups and eased symptoms); and a group of patients with stable MS.

B cells are crucial cells of the immune system that help regulate the body's immune responses; they have also been implicated in autoimmune conditions due to their role as mediators of which biological signals warrant immune response. And B cells, when infected with EBV, become immortalized - that is, the cells are no longer constrained by senescence, so they can continue to divide an indefinite number of times - as "lymphoblastoid cell lines," or LCLs. This immortalized B cell state can occur spontaneously within the body as a result of EBV infection, which is how the Lieberman lab was able to extract immortalized SLCL samples for study from the different patient groups.

Having obtained the matched samples, Dr. Lieberman and his team conducted genetic analyses of the SLCLs and confirmed that the MS-positive sample groups showed greater expression of genes associated with lytic EBV ("lytic" describes when latent viruses like EBV become active); they also saw increased inflammatory signaling and expression of the FOXP1 protein, the latter of which was shown to promote lytic EBV gene expression. As a whole, the group's findings suggested a mechanism of lytic EBV in MS that promoted inflammation and disease.

Diving further, Lieberman's group tested several antiviral compounds on all SLCL groups and found that one, TAF, reduced lytic EBV gene expression without killing the cells. TAF also significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 in the SLCLs from the patients with active MS. Finally, when cultured SLCLs from active MS, stable MS, and controls were administered TAF in the presence of antiviral T cells, the T cell response (a major factor in the autoimmune dysfunction of MS) was reduced in SLCLs from patients with MS but not reduced in the control SLCLs - an indication that TAF treatment has potential as a selectively cytotoxic anti-lytic treatment for MS.

"Our work with these SLCLs shows that the problematic inflammation signaling from lytic EBV can be selectively targeted in a way that demonstrably reduces damaging immune responses," said Dr. Lieberman. "We're excited about expanding this concept further; we have the potential to see whether TAF or other inhibitors of EBV might be a viable treatment for multiple sclerosis that can stop the autoimmune damage without causing wide-ranging and dangerous cell death."

Co-authors: Samantha S. Soldan, Chenhe Su, Leena Yoon, Toshitha Kannan, Urvi Zankharia, Rishi J. Patel, Jayaraju Dheekollu, Olga Vladimirova, Jack Dowling, Natalie Brown, Andrew Kossenkov, Daniel E. Schaffer, Noam Auslander, and Paul M. Lieberman of The Wistar Institute; Maria Chiara Monaco and Steven Jacobson of the Neuroimmunology Branch at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Jack Dowling and Simon Thebault of the Perelman School of Medicine; Annaliese Clauze, Frances Andrada, and Joan Ohayon of the Neuroimmunology Clinic at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; and Andries Feder and Paul J. Planet of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Work supported by: This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (R01 CA093606, R01 AI153508, R01DE017336 to PML, the Wistar Cancer Center Core Grant P30 CA010815), and the Department of Defense (HT9425-23-1-1049 LogMS220073). The funders had no role in study design; data collection and analysis; decision to publish; or preparation of the manuscript.

Publication information:"Multiple sclerosis patient derived spontaneous B cells have distinct EBV and host gene expression profiles in active disease,"from Nature Microbiology
MANZINI  There are allegations that the failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a week ago was planned in Eswatini.

South African weekend publication  City Press, reported that the failed coup attempt in the DRC was allegedly concocted, armed and rehearsed in Eswatini. During the coup, a Congolese-American leader of the group, Christian Malanga, was shot dead along with several others, after they stormed the presidential palace in Kinshasa with heavy assault weapons. The publication reported that Malanga was close friends with Prince Sicalo and a picture of the prince in the company of Malanga and Jewish American Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun was published.

Photos

It was alleged that Malangas flamboyant lifestyle, photos with voluptuous girls in camouflage and a penchant for automatic weapons reportedly impressed Prince Sicalo. Subsequent to these allegations, Prince Sicalo was sought for comment regarding the allegations made. The Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Defence referred this publication to a statement issued by government last Monday. In the press statement, government noted what was termed wild and false allegations perpetuated by a well-known social media entity that specialised in reporting defamatory information and other propaganda about the country, purporting that there is a liSwati or prince associated in one way or the other with an individual among those who were involved in the attempted coup detat.

The statement disputed this and clarified that it was further from the truth, as there was no such prince associated with the attempt to overthrow a legitimate and constitutional government in the DRC. Following the reports by the City Press on Sunday, yesterday, government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said: City Press got over - excited flaunting and displaying the princes social media pictures as some kind of proof of a certain particular position. That is done irrespective of the fact that the prince had advised (Mr) Malanga on a number of occasions to pull down the social media post due to its inflammatory taste and projection of distorted facts (sic). Nxumalo said government was appalled at the pursued misinformation by certain media houses, to the effect that the thwarted and aborted coup detat in the DRC was cooked or planned in Eswatini.

He said this was despite the fact that government had made a clear and firm statement of truth concerning this matter. Nxumalo said it was becoming clearer by the day that some media houses were thriving in peddling lies and misinformation as a way of doing business in their respective newsrooms. EmaSwati and other interested parties are hereby, duly advised to reject the attempts to be fed misinformation and fiction disguised as news by these media platforms based on the other side of the border, Nxumalo said.

Diplomatic

The government spokesperson said the Kingdom of Eswatini remained in good diplomatic standing with the DRC and the rest of the States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Africa as a whole. He said in all the total history of the kingdom under the monarchy; the country had never supported or planned a coup detat against neighbouring or distant countries; let alone to stand with amateur armed bandits on a self-destruction political adventurism. He said even in the worst case scenario of some of those bandits, who may have passed through the soil of Eswatini posing as refugees; the Kingdom of Eswatini as a State, cannot be said to have known or assisted in the planning and clumsy execution of the armed bandits, diabolical agenda against the DRC. He said: It shouldnt be forgotten soon by some media houses that not so long ago, some armed bandits who boarded a plane from South Africa, were arrested in Zimbabwe while confessing to be en route to commit a coup detat in Equatorial Guinea.

Claims were made to the effect that they had trained in South Africa for over a period of three months for that particular mission. In this case, was the Republic of South Africa Government involved? The answer is a big NO! Nxumalo said in the other cases, wherein, some Rwandan generals were assassinated inside the Republic of South Africa; the Government of the Republic of South Africa was not party to the collaborators of such evil machinations. The government spokesperson said the notion that something occurred inside a particular country; did not mean that the State authorities knew, approved or collaborated with such.

Insinuations

Again, in our situation, the Kingdom of Eswatini categorically rejects all insinuations to the effect that the thwarted coup detat in the Democratic Republic of Congo was knowingly planned in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Nxumalo concluded by stating that government wished to warn those involved in the project of disseminating misinformation, that there was no amount of deception that would ever succeed at tarnishing and compromising the good and warm diplomatic relations which happily exist between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the DRC.

It is worth noting that various media reports said among those detained were Malangas 21-year-old son, Marcel, Zalman-Polun, and a friend of Marcel, American Tyler Thompson. It was reported that Malanga, who called himself the president of the United Congolese Party, shuttled between the DRC and Eswatini to serve his interests in both countries.

On the day of the attempted coup, shortly before his death, Malanga released his takeover of power live on social media while in camouflage fatigues with a swinging assault rifle in his US accent, precisely recounting what they were busy with. A few hours later, the City Press reported that a photo of him on his back with several bullet wounds in his body was also released on social media after he was shot dead by soldiers of the DRC Republican Guard. Marcel and, presumably, Thompson pleaded for mercy with bloodied faces before they were taken away forcefully. Thompsons family said he went to South Africa and Eswatini for a vacation in April. They had no idea how he ended up in the middle of a coup.
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, May 28

For immediate release

28 May 2024

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announce that it has today purchased 131,727 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 842.20 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company.

The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 23 January 2024.

Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 42,675,312; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 182,315,991.

The figure of 182,315,991 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

For and on behalf of

Frostrow Capital LLP

Company Secretary

For further information, please contact:

Victoria Hale

Frostrow Capital LLP

Tel: 020 3 170 8732
DETROIT, MI / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Grasshopper Farms, a leading national premium sun-grown cannabis company, is excited to announce its partnership with Lucky Yates, a Detroit native renowned for his role as Dr. Krieger on the hit animated adult TV series, Archer. Together, we are proud to introduce GHF/Dr. K's two exclusive strains: Jazz Hands & Smoke Bomb. Grasshopper Farms has also partnered with House of Dank , ensuring that these strains will be available exclusively at their select retail locations.

As part of this groundbreaking collaboration, Grasshopper Farms and Lucky Yates will embark on a special tour of Detroit, visiting House of Dank's esteemed retailers on Thursday, June 13 through Saturday, June 15. Lucky will be available for meet and greets with fans, signing autographs, and sharing his passion for Cannabis, Grasshopper Farms, House of Dank and his hometown.

During this exclusive three-day promotion, each selected House of Dank location will be stocked with both Dr. K strains, Jazz Hands and Smoke Bomb, for exclusive sale. Additionally, customers purchasing either Jazz Hands or Smoke Bomb will receive a complimentary single infused pre-roll, courtesy of Grasshopper Farms.

To commemorate the occasion, Grasshopper Farms has designed special edition Dr. K.'s Strain giveaway posters for Lucky to autograph at each store location. These posters will also serve as the inspiration for limited-edition giveaway T-shirts, available exclusively during the store appearances.

Lucky Yates, a proud Detroit native, captivated audiences with his portrayal of the eccentric Dr. Krieger on Archer, the beloved animated series that aired for 14 seasons on FX. With a penchant for humor and a passion for cannabis, Lucky has become a prominent advocate for the industry. Beyond his role on Archer, Lucky was also a recurring actor on the Food Network series Good Eats.

We hope you will consider sharing this exciting news and joining Grasshopper Farms, House of Dank and Lucky Yates at these locations as we celebrate the launch of GHF/Dr. K's exclusive strains and embrace the vibrant culture of Detroit. Lucky's meet and greet schedule is below:

Thursday 6/13

3pm -5pm House of Dank Monroe

14750 Laplaisance Road H 160

Monroe, MI 48161

Friday, 6/14

12pm -2pm House of Dank 8 Mile

3340 E 8 Mile Road

Detroit, MI 48234

3pm -5pm House of Dank Center Line

26829 Lawrence Ave.

Center Line, MI 48015

Saturday, 6/15

12pm -2pm House of Dank Ypsilanti

80 Ecorse Road

Ypsilanti, MI 48198

3pm -5pm House of Dank Fort Street

3394 S. Fort Street

Detroit, MI 48217

About Grasshopper Farms

Grasshopper Farms is proud to employ 100% former Michigan caregiver farmers on 160+ acres and ~5,000 outdoor plants. With more than 60 years of combined growing expertise on our 85-person Michigan team, we pledge to deliver the best plants, products, and experience. Offering 30+ strains of premium, sun-grown cannabis, come visit us at the farm in Paw Paw, Michigan, and see for yourself. Currently sold in more than 40 retail locations in Michigan. For more information, visit https://www.grasshopperfarms.com

About House of Dank

House of Dank Recreational Cannabis is dedicated to providing world-class cannabis products. As a leading cannabis retailer in Michigan, House of Dank features a wide selection of medical and recreational flower, vaporizers, concentrates, edibles, CBD, tinctures, topicals, merch, and more. The talented in-house team has vast knowledge of the aspects of cannabis and work to ensure every consumer is receiving the perfect product. When you choose House of Dank you can expect industry-leading care, expertly crafted products, and unmatched guest servicing. For more information, visit shophod.com or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Samantha Waranch

E-mail: samantha@c-360.agency

SOURCE: Grasshopper Farms

View the original press release on accesswire.com
SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / TPT Global Tech, Inc. ("TPT" or "the Company") (OTC PINK:TPTW), headquartered in San Diego and a leader in technological innovations, is pleased to announce that it has file its 10Q to regain its compliance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Markets.

"We are pleased to file our 10K and 10Q filings successfully so that we are now in compliance with the SEC for 2024 and now we can get on with our core business activities and the launch of our VuMe Platform," said Stephen Thomas, CEO of TPT Global Tech.

About TPT Global Tech

TPT Global Tech, Inc. is a technology holding company based in San Diego, California. It was formed as the successor of two U.S. corporations, Ally Pharma US and TPT Global, Inc. The Company operates in various sectors including media, telecommunications, Smart City Real Estate Development, and the launch of the first super App, VuMe Live technology platform.

As a media content delivery hub, TPT Global Tech utilizes its own proprietary global digital media TV and telecommunications infrastructure platform. They offer software as a service (SaaS), technology platform as a service (PAAS), and cloud-based unified communication as a service (UCaaS) solutions to businesses worldwide. Their UCaaS services enable businesses of all sizes to access the latest voice, data, media, and collaboration features.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of various provisions of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, commonly identified by such terms as "believes," "looking ahead," "anticipates," "estimates" and other terms with similar meaning. Specifically, statements about the Company's plans for accelerated growth, improved profitability, future business partners, M&A activity, new service offerings, and pursuit of new markets are forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements should not be construed as fact. The information contained in such statements is beyond the ability of the Company to control, and in many cases, the Company cannot predict what factors would cause results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. All forward-looking statements in the press release are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

For more information about TPT Global Tech and its subsidiaries, please visit www.tptglobaltech.com.

For media or Investment inquiries, please contact: Rick@tptglobaltech.com

SOURCE: TPT Global Tech, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Regulatory News:

Maurel Prom (Paris:MAU):

The Ordinary shareholders' general meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Mr. John Anis.

Resolutions

The General Shareholders' meeting approved all the resolutions put to the vote. The Shareholders' Meeting approved notably the parent company and consolidated financial statements for the 2023 fiscal year.

The General Shareholders' Meeting approved the payment of a dividend of 0.30 per share. The dividend will be paid out on 5 July 2024; the ex-dividend date is 3 July 2024 and the record date is 4 July 2024.

Composition of the Board of Directors and its Committees

The General Shareholders' meeting renewed Mrs. Carole Delorme d'Armaille, Mrs. Ria Noveria and Mr. Daniel Syahputra Purba as directors.

The Board of Directors of Maurel Prom remains composed of 8 members, including 3 independent directors and 4 women, i.e. 50% of the members of the Board.

All information on the composition of the Board of Directors and its Committees is available on the Company's website, under Governance:

https://www.maureletprom.fr/en/groupe/gouvernance/conseil-d-administration

The Board of Directors meeting at the end of the Meeting renewed the mandate of Mr Olivier de Langavant as Chief Executive Officer for a new period of one financial year.

New visual identity for the Group

A new visual identity was presented to shareholders at the close of the Annual General Meeting, the official launch of which is scheduled for 3 June 2024.

For more information, please visit www.maureletprom.fr/en/

_________________________________________________

This document may contain forecasts regarding the financial position, results, business and industrial strategy of Maurel Prom. By nature, forecasts contain risks and uncertainties to the extent that they are based on events or circumstances that may or may not happen in the future. These forecasts are based on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which may prove to be incorrect and which depend on a number of risk factors, such as fluctuations in crude oil prices, changes in exchange rates, uncertainties related to the valuation of our oil reserves, actual rates of oil production and the related costs, operational problems, political stability, legislative or regulatory reforms, or even wars, terrorism and sabotage.

_________________________________________________

Maurel Prom is listed for trading on Euronext Paris

SBF 120 CAC Mid 60 CAC Mid Small CAC All-Tradable Eligible PEA-PME and SRD

Isin FR0000051070 Bloomberg MAU.FP Reuters MAUP.PA

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528013394/en/

Contacts:

Maurel Prom

Press, shareholder and investor relations

Tel: +33 (0)1 53 83 16 45

ir@maureletprom.fr

NewCap

Financial communications and investor relations/Media relations

Louis-Victor Delouvrier/Nicolas Merigeau

Tel: +33 (0)1 44 71 98 53/+33 (0)1 44 71 94 98

maureletprom@newcap.eu
At American, our purpose is to care for people on life's journey, which includes celebrating the tapestry of diversity that makes up our AATeam members and the communities in which our customers live and work. In this edition of Around American, see how our team champions diversity, celebrates our customers and communities and prioritizes service at every step of life's journey.

AATeam

LinkedIn Employee Perspective

A transformative journey from Taiwan to the United States started with an unexpected trip to Walt Disney World that marked the beginning of a new life abroad.

AATeam member Yuan Chen Annabelle Chen shares navigating independence and defying stereotypes by forging her own academic and career path. From a degree in dance to a role in the aviation industry at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) as a Premium Guest Service Mandarin speaker and later transitioning to a corporate role, each step was marked by a determination and a passion for travel.

"Every day brought a new adventure, with group assignments adding an extra layer of dynamism and rapport," said Annabelle. "It was a challenge, driven by teamwork and the gratification of ensuring our travelers reached their destinations."

Despite challenges, including COVID-19, Annabelle found success and fulfillment at American Airlines, where she now serves as a revenue management analyst and president of the Asian Pacific Islander Employee Business Resource Group. Through it all, Annabelle celebrated American's commitment to diversity and inclusion, finding resonance with her own journey of self-discovery and growth.

Be inspired by Annabelle's journey and see where a career in aviation can take you.

Flowers take flight on Mother's Day

After a remarkable journey spanning 12 years and blooming with over 4,000 roses, Capt. Russ Wayant hosted his final Cabin of Roses on Mother's Day. He plans to retire later this year.

Capt. Wayant bought and gifted a total of 400 roses to passengers traveling from Chicago to New York, and then on the return leg back to Chicago. For more than a decade, he set out to make Mother's Day travel special by providing roses to female passengers in honor of the holiday.

Celebrating diversity

Against the Grain: Choreographing your own path

As we celebrate AAPI Month, we honor the rich diversity and vibrant cultures that enrich our global community. At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), our AATeam members and their families shared their talents, cuisines and culture with over 500 participants and a special welcome kickoff by SVP of DFW Hub Operations, Jim Moses.

Let Good Take Flight

Championing youth in our hometown community

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, our dedicated AATeam members LetGoodTakeFlight and joined forces with Carter's Kids, Inc and The Dallas Stars Foundation to create something truly magical: a brand-new playground at the Ryan Family Ymca in Fort Worth, Texas.

More than 50 AATeam members came together to contribute their skills and time to help enhance the well-being of youth in the greater Fort Worth community and serve as a fun and safe space for children to enjoy for years to come. Inspired to donate to initiatives like this? See how you can continue to make an impact.

Eyes on Operations

American is ready for summer 2024 travel

Summer travel season is here and American and its more than 130,000 AATeam members are ready to care for customers during the peak travel period. As we gear up to welcome over 72 million customers between May 17 and Sept. 3, rest assured that we've been hard at work preparing our aircraft, facilities and technology to welcome customers who are traveling to see friends and loved ones or take a long-awaited vacation this summer.

Get all the tips on making summer travel easier and know what to expect this season in our Newsroom.

Elevate your career

Be a part of sourcing top-quality products and services to ensure smooth operations and deliver for customers globally as part of our Procurement department. With exciting projects and endless opportunities for growth, your journey starts here. Apply now.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from American Airlines on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: American Airlines

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/american-airlines

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: American Airlines

View the original press release on accesswire.com
ZIGUP plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, May 28

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

28 May 2024

ZIGUP PLC

("ZIGUP" or the "Group" or the "Company")

Transaction in Own Shares

ZIGUP plc (LSE:ZIG) announces that on 28 May 2024 it purchased the following number of its own shares to be held in treasury:

Class of shares : Ordinary shares of 50p ("shares") Number of shares purchased : 50,000 Weighted average purchase price paid 433.625 pence per share Highest purchase price paid 435 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid 432.25 pence per share

Following the above transaction, the Company's issued share capital consists of 246,091,423 ordinary shares of 50p each, of which 19,814,362 ordinary shares are held in treasury, and 1,000,000 preference shares of 50p each which do not carry any rights to vote. Therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 226,277,061 which may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as incorporated into UK domestic law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the Company's buyback programme.

Schedule of Purchases - Individual Transactions (as at 28 May 2024)

Number of shares

purchased Transaction price

(GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 25,000 25,000 435.00 432.25 09:43:27 15:27:52 00070078381TRLO0 00070088286TRLO0 LSE LSE

Notes

This announcement is made in accordance with the requirements of Listing Rule 12.4.6.

For further information contact:

Buchanan

David Rydell/Jamie Hooper/Hannah Ratcliff +44 (0) 207 466 5000

Notes to Editors:

ZIGUP (formerly Redde Northgate plc) is the leading integrated mobility solutions provider, with a platform providing services across the vehicle lifecycle to help people keep on the move, smarter. The Company offers mobility solutions to businesses, fleet operators, insurers, OEMs and other customers across a broad range of areas from vehicle rental and fleet management to accident management, vehicle repairs, service and maintenance.

The mobility landscape is changing, becoming ever more connected and ZIGUP uses its knowledge and expertise to guide customers through the transformation, whether that is more digitally connected solutions or supporting the transition to lower carbon mobility through providing EVs, charging solutions and consultancy.

The Company's core purpose is to keep its customers mobile, smarter - through meeting their regular mobility needs or by servicing and supporting them when unforeseen events occur. With our considerable scale and reach, ZIGUP's mission is to offer an imaginative, market-leading customer proposition and drive enhanced returns for shareholders by creating value through sustainable compounding growth. The Group seeks to achieve this through the delivery of its new strategic framework of Enable, Deliver and Grow.

ZIGUP supports its customers through a network and diversified fleet of approx. 130,000 owned and leased vehicles, supporting over 700,000 managed vehicles, with over 175 branches across the UK, Ireland and Spain and a specialist team of over 7,500 employees. We are a trusted partner to many of the leading insurance and leasing companies, blue chip corporates and a broad range of businesses across a diverse range of sectors. Our strength comes not only from our breadth of our award-winning solutions, but from our extensive network reach, our wealth of experience and continual focus on delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Further information regarding ZIGUP plc can be found on the Company's website: www.zigup.com
MUNICH, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- When you think about Munich, surfing is probably not what comes to mind. However, the city known for its Oktoberfest celebrations is completely surf-crazed, thanks to a natural river wave and now, a first-of-its-kind artificial surf lagoon that is pumping out ocean-like waves on command.

Endless Surf , the wave technology featured at O2 SURFTOWN MUC, recently debuted its first waves to the world, showcasing immense power and customizability. From high-performance to beginner waves, the technology is capable of crafting waves to suit all surf levels, offering training potential for athletes while also making the dream of surfing attainable for those living far away from surf-producing coastlines.

"This is a game-changer for the future of surfing" says Leon Glatzer, professional surfer, Olympian, and Red Bull athlete who was among the lucky few to experience first waves in his hometown. "It was incredible to experience the power that Endless Surf holds while working alongside their engineers to customize waves. They've already created insane wave settings and have barely scratched the surface in terms of possibilities with this wave generating technology."

First Waves: Just the Beginning

Endless Surf President, Paul Chutter reiterates how transformative these waves are in saying "Witnessing the flexibility of our technology in action is a special moment. Not only for the dedicated teams behind this project, but for numerous destinations worldwide set to showcase our technology. The vision we've had from the start is proving itself and we're only just getting started."

This project is the first of over a dozen in development worldwide for the Vancouver-based company that is a brand under WhiteWater, the world's largest supplier of aquatic attractions. With first waves now in operation, Endless Surf is setting out to transform the future of the growing surf park industry, stating that its goal is to 'help create world-class surf destinations that are both viable and sustainable businesses.'

With finishing touches being put on Germany's first surf park, the grand opening of O2 SURFTOWN MUC is slated for this summer when public surf sessions will be available. Outside of Munich, Endless Surf continues to progress on projects taking shape across the Middle East, North and South America, and Asia.

For more information, visit: EndlessSurf.com

VIDEO: First waves surfed here

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2423094/First_Waves_01.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2423186/Leon_Air_2.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/endless-surf-unveils-next-generation-wave-technology-firing-off-first-waves-in-munich-surf-park-302156606.html
Powering Digital Freedom

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Gen



Gen Blog | Community

WRITTEN BY Kim Allman Head of Corporate Responsibility and Public Policy

We released our 2024 Social Impact Report, our latest record of the ways we bring together our team, passions and technology to support people and communities all over the world.

Year in and year out, we see the real, positive impacts that our efforts make possible: our education and training programs provide Cyber Safety skills and tools to the people who need them most, our work with key partners makes the cybersecurity field more equitable and inclusive, and our team members consistently devote their time, energy and expertise to the causes that matter to them.

A core belief in our ability to make the world a better, safer place is at the heart of everything we do at Gen. In that spirit, we're excited to share just a few highlights from our social impact programs, which we discuss in-depth in the report.

Cyber Safety education and training

In 2024, we reached more than 5.3 million people with Cyber Safety awareness and training, equipping youth, educators, families and vulnerable people with the skills they need to navigate their digital lives safely and with more confidence. For example, our work with Discovery Education provides educators in grades 3-8 with lesson plans that build safe and healthy digital habits.

We also donated Cyber Safety products to more than 9,750 nonprofits, protecting data for institutions that serve critical community functions. We worked with TechSoup and the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) to pilot a product donation program that provides survivors of domestic violence with free Norton products that help prevent technology-facilitated abuse.

Our culture of giving

55% of Gen team members participated in our Giving@Gen programs in 2024. That's 30% higher than the Benevity industry benchmark, and it surpasses our internal goal of 40% participation. Our first Global Volunteer Week gathered more than 500 Gen team members for 1,300 hours of service.

Diversifying the tech workforce

Women are chronically underrepresented in technology and cybersecurity fields. That's why we work with organizations like Czechitas, Women4Cyber (W4C) and nasscom foundation to provide women across Europe and India with skills training and career mentorship, setting them up for sustained success as they progress in these industries. In 2024, we posted nearly 200 job openings through Czechitas, W4C and other partners.

Doing our part to protect the planet

In 2024, we are proud to have achieved a 22% decrease in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions through the consolidation of facilities and data centers, internal efficiencies and continued environmental initiatives. We deliver 98% of our products digitally, and less than 0.5% of the materials used in our global physical products contain plastic. Additionally, our Sustainable Home Improvement Program helped Gen team members complete 1,000 projects that made their homes more environmentally friendly.

At Gen, our social impact efforts are embedded into what we offer as a company and help us make the digital world a safer place for everyone. Our teams are driving real impact around the world, and we invite you to read more in our 2024 Social Impact Report.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Gen on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Gen

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/gen

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Gen

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Eaton, the intelligent power management company, has opened a new state-of-the-art campus in Helsinki to boost its capacity to manufacture and supply Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, including its latest product, the Eaton 9395X.

Eaton is one of the world's largest manufacturers of three-phase UPS systems and the company's investment in its new Helsinki campus is driven by strong growth in its business. UPS systems are in high demand, particularly in the data centre sector where the heavy processing requirements of AI applications and digital data management make continuous power supply vital, and the need for expansion likely. UPS systems are also used extensively in commercial and industrial buildings and within the healthcare sector to protect against supply interruptions or voltage fluctuations.

The new Eaton 9395X occupies a footprint up to 30% smaller than similar UPS models, which is clearly a benefit in a data center expansion scenario. The 9395X which is based on silicon carbide converters is also more energy efficient, and equipped with Eaton's proprietary EnergyAware technology, which prioritises system continuity yet supports the provision of demand response services to national grids.

Dr Karina Rigby, president, Critical Systems, Electrical Sector, EMEA, Eaton, said: "EnergyAware makes it possible for businesses, especially data centres, to sell flexibility services to the grid - an attractive revenue source which also delivers considerable sustainability benefit. This is because flexibility helps grid operators to bring more renewable energy on to the grid, thus offsetting the carbon impact of the flexibility provider. Supporting the energy transition in this way helps bridge the flexibility gap between the amount of variable renewable energy needed, and the corresponding flexibility required to balance it."

Philippe Perrot, business unit general manager, Critical Power Solutions, Electrical Sector, EMEA, Eaton, further explained the rationale for the new campus: "Our business is growing so fast that we had outgrown our existing factory in the Helsinki region. Our new site is much bigger and designed to support outstanding customer experience. It will supply UPS systems primarily for data centres, but also for healthcare, commercial and marine sector applications, and introduce customers to the benefits of our associated low voltage product portfolio. In fact, we are already working toward expanding in Helsinki. We will grow the existing 390-strong workforce with the addition of at least 100 new employees."

Petri Koskinen, plant manager, Helsinki, Finland, will oversee much of the continuing growth: "This is an exciting place to work for professionals in the critical power arena." he said: "We have a rich knowledge base in Helsinki, having manufactured UPS and power conversion technology here since 1962, and we will build on that heritage. The sustainability credentials of our campus are notable, with the energy efficiency features of the building and its operation designed to be leading edge and ISO 50001 compliant."

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power - today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we're accelerating the planet's transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world's most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Eaton was founded in 1911 and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a century. We reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023 and serve customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Angela Swann

+44 (0)7773 198113

angelaswann@eaton.com

###

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Spokesperson: Eaton

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Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Eaton

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Originally published on 3M News Center

On Dec. 10, 2023, Dr. Moungi Bawendi stood on stage in Stockholm and was awarded - along with Professor Louis E. Brus and Dr. Aleksey Yekimov - the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. Surrounded by grandeur and in the presence of the King and Queen of Sweden, Dr. Bawendi gave a speech and first acknowledged the students, postdoctoral fellows and collaborators who contributed to their work.

This group includes two current 3Mers: Manoj Nirmal and Catherine Leatherdale. Manoj is a product developer in the Consumer Business Group Lab, and Catherine is a lead data scientist specialist in the Transportation and Electronics Business Group Lab.

Although Manoj and Catherine worked with Dr. Bawendi at different points in his career, the esteemed scientist's caring nature and respect for scientific integrity made a lasting impression on both of them.

The early years

Manoj was one of Dr. Bawendi's first students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1990. As a first-year, non-tenured assistant professor, Dr. Bawendi had a lot to prove.

"He was [at the lab] seven days a week," Manoj said. "We could look and see Sunday at 7 p.m., his light was on."

Dr. Bawendi came to MIT with an ambitious proposal, building on his previous work at Bell Labs and the work of other scientists. Quantum dots - tiny semiconductor particles that emit different colors based on their size - had already been discovered. However, the methods to synthesize the particles were limited in the size and quality of particles. Well defined, different size particles were critical in the search to understand how properties like color change with size.

Manoj and the two other students worked alongside Dr. Bawendi, who provided hands-on training in all aspects. And his care and compassion for others went beyond his students. Manoj recalled a time Dr. Bawendi paused their conversation after spotting a child walking past the lab. With helium on hand - which the lab used to cool quantum dot samples down to cryogenic temperatures - he quickly found a balloon and filled it for the child.

Among many similar moments of levity, the team worked incredibly hard. Within two years, they made a breakthrough: hot-injection synthesis, a method for making quantum dots that are high quality and a consistent, defined size.

"Once we had the material, we could work with our theoretician collaborator and study all those properties," Manoj explained. "It was this beautiful demonstration of agreement between theory and experiment."

Lessons learned

In 1995, after the synthesis of quantum dots, Catherine chose Dr. Bawendi as her Ph.D. advisor when she attended MIT. At this point, researchers could create quantum dots very uniformly, assemble them like artificial atoms and make new materials from those atoms (called a quantum solid). Catherine studied the electrical properties of quantum solids.

Further along in his research, Dr. Bawendi was more hands-off with his students, but his encouragement was palpable. While he wasn't going to solve a problem for a student, he was there to help when needed.

"I remember one particular instance, there was a very temperamental laser in the spectroscopy lab, and I had spent two solid weeks trying to make this thing lase. I was at the end of my rope and I think he could see as much," Catherine recalled. "He came down that afternoon and in about 30 minutes he had the thing going again."

In addition to teaching his students to "stand on their own two feet," as Catherine put it, Dr. Bawendi emphasized scientific integrity. After synthesizing quantum dots, the students were eager to publish - a common impulse in the characteristically competitive scientific community. But Dr. Bawendi insisted the team continue working to ensure they got it right and didn't compromise on standards.

"It's more important to be high quality and get it right than to be first," Manoj remembered Dr. Bawendi saying. "And that's something that I'm sure both Catherine and I bring with us even to this day."

Catherine agreed: "He taught you to follow your intuition, too, and your gut can be right, but you've got to fill in all the steps."

Advancing nanotechnology

On the morning of Oct. 4, 2023, Catherine was reading the Minnesota Public Radio News app and Manoj was reading The New York Times when they learned Dr. Bawendi won a share of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Both insisted it was only a matter of time.

After hearing the news, Manoj called Dr. Bawendi's admin at MIT and left a message congratulating his former teacher. To his surprise, Dr. Bawendi returned the call later that day, thanking Manoj for taking a chance on a young, first-time professor at MIT. A few months later, Manoj traveled to Stockholm and attended Dr. Bawendi's Nobel Prize lecture.

Today, quantum dots are used in biomedicine, photovoltaics (solar panels), computer screens and TVs, among many other commercial products.

"Any time you walk into a Best Buy or a Costco and you see a Samsung TV and a good one, there's a pretty good chance that - if it says QLED - it's these materials," Manoj pointed out. "[Quantum dots have] enabled a multi-billion-dollar industry."





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from 3M on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: 3M

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/3m

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: 3M

View the original press release on accesswire.com
MBABANE  The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, says the demolition of homes at the controversial Mbondzela Farm was erroneous and not sanctioned by any court order.

He was also of the view that the manner in which the demolition was executed, was inhumane in that families of the evictees were in the houses, in the still of the night. The minister said this after hearing both sides of the farm squabble that has been polarised by sporadic acts of violence and political tension at the farm situated near the Gege Border Post, in the Shiselweni Region.

Injured

One person has died and two were seriously injured as the tension escalated over the past three weeks. He issued an order stopping all demolition of houses forthwith, pending a resolution of the impasse. Prince Lonkhokhela toured the violence-stricken farm in the company of the Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, regional administration officers, regional tribunal council, regional police chiefs, the affected families and the farm owners lawyer. He said his observations were merely based on what he had seen and heard during the tour and should not be construed as a final verdict in the eviction and demolition fiasco.

Faulted

The prince further said information he gathered on the ground also proved that the families that settled on the farm could also be faulted for their part in instigating the violence. He then said an independent committee had been sanctioned by Cabinet to investigate the eviction and demolition after hearing contentions from all involved. His intervention in the matter follows that of his predecessor, the late Peter Bhembe, who tried to intervene to resolve the squabble. Prince Lonkhokhela said the intervention by Cabinet was inspired by His Majesty King Mswati IIIs calls for peaceful resolutions and the need to apply speed Nkwe when responding to all situations touching on national development. The minister explained that the committee would report to Cabinet once it had made a verdict on the matter. I may not have recommended any name into that committee, but my interest is on ensuring that the matter is resolved.

The minister said all rights must be respected in the issue. During our fact-finding mission, we found that the damage was extensive on both sides. The truth is that all rights warranted by the Constitution must be respected. Every case must be judged on its merits. When we listened to all those who incurred damages, we were appalled.The Constitution of the country spells out clearly how a farm dweller should be removed from the land he occupies. The farm owner has also humbly opened dialogue with the farm dwellers on how they could resolve the dispute. He said the farm owner had gone to the extent of offering to buy building material for the farm dwellers, as they settled on land that would be appropriated officially to them.

As I followed the discussions, I gathered that the dispute is not complex, but can be resolved amicably. Such violence was not necessary at all. The minister said the former minister had recommended that all affected parties must go to the negotiations table. Negotiations mean one party may make an offer and the other may evaluate such an offer. He said such negotiations must never be an imposition. The minister said the farm dwellers said they were not standing in the way of development, but wanted to cooperate for a peaceful resolution.





Nginesikhalo - farm owners lawyer

MBABANE  Lawyer Nkosingivile Dlamini, who represents the Mbondzela farm owner, says his client reported 39 cases of violence and ill-treatment to the police. He said the farm dwellers burnt a rondavel belonging to the owner as well as a truck and warehouse worth E3 million. Dlamini said so far, the amount of destruction and suffering that the farm owner endured had not been fairly reported. The lawyer was speaking in an interview after yesterdays meeting at Mbondzela farm.

Compensated

He said the sentiments that the people should be compensated by the farm owner were not true. For 14 years, there have been moves to compensate them, despite that the tribunal ruled that they were settling there illegally. Lapha besekungumbuso wamadla ngengwenya (what was happening at the farm was survival of the fittest). He said he had some misgivings about yesterdays fact-finding mission. Dlamini said the farm owner was not informed that the tour would start at the affected farm, but that he must go to Mashobeni. He said he went to Mashobeni and waited there, while the tour continued without the farm owner being represented. Dlamini said had he been there, he would have shown the minister the extensive damage that the farm dwellers caused on the property belonging to the farm owner. They burnt his house and a truck, among many damages. The damage that the farm owner incurred is into millions of Emalangeni, he said. But I think the farm owner also acted in self-defence, because of the violence that was happening there, he said. He said the farm owner had been harassed for a long time but instead of running away, he consistently ran to the law.

Negotiations

On the issue of negotiations, he said the farm owner was willing to negotiate for compensation, but the farm dwellers were persistently violent. He had offered to build a two-room house and rondavel for each and every one of them, on land to be allocated by a chief. They rejected the offer. He said the matter was taken to the courts, which made the offer an order of the court. But when their lawyer (Ben J Simelane) went to explain to the farm dwellers, they still rejected the offer. He said last year, the farm owner prohibited the rearing of cattle on the farm, because the people who were harassing him were pretending to be looking after their cattle.




US Copper has Commenced Discussions with Potential Strategic Partners to Advance its 100% Owned Moonlight-Superior Copper Project.

US Copper's Moonlight - Superior Copper Project is a historically operating project with potential to restart and become a domestic supply of copper to the US market.

Copper Prices broke $10,000/t (i.e. US$4.53/lb) in recent weeks as Copper undergoes an unprecedented structural change driven by global energy transition.

The project's US location positions it as a preferred supplier to the US domestic industry and a candidate for possible US Government funding support.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2024) - US Copper Corp., (TSXV: USCU) (OTCQB: USCUF) (FSE: C730) ("US Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced discussions with strategic partners to facilitate the Company's ongoing efforts to advance its large, advanced Moonlight-Superior Project, a historically operated copper mine in California, back into production. Steve Dunn, CEO, noted:

"There is strong interest by strategic partners in Moonlight-Superior driven by the recent move of copper prices above US$10,000/t (US$4.53/lb) as well as the project's U.S. location which dovetails nicely with the push by the U.S. Government to stimulate new domestic sources of critical metals, including copper, via various incentive and financial support programs. With the recently announced drilling results, timing is ideal and we are excited to commence discussions with potential strategic partners to advance the project through Definitive Feasibility Study and development of the mine. We look forward to updating shareholders as discussions progress."

US Copper is developing the Moonlight-Superior Project, a historically operated copper mine in California, located approximately 125 miles from Tesla's Gigafactory outside Reno, Nevada. President Biden's Defense Act Order highlights the important role that the Company can play in ensuring the United States has a secure supply of one of the key metals to achieve its transition to a low carbon economy. Copper is a critical material for everything from renewable power generation to electric vehicles. As such, it will be vital that the U.S. has a strong and viable domestic source of copper supply.

US Copper is focused on advancing its Moonlight-Superior Project towards the production stage. The Company hopes to support the United States' shift to a green future by providing copper to the myriad of industries involved in the green energy transition.

CEO Steve Dunn further commented, "The Company is working hard to advance its project back into production and is excited about the opportunity to be an integral supplier of copper metal to the U.S. domestic market."

About US Copper Corp.

US Copper controls approximately 13 square miles of patented and unpatented federal mining claims in the Lights Creek Copper District in Plumas County, NE California; essentially, the entire District. The District contains substantial copper (silver) sulfide and copper oxide resources in three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels, as well as several partially tested and untested exploration targets.

The Superior and Engels Mines operated from about 1915 to 1930 producing over 161 million pounds of copper from over 4 million tons of rock containing 2.2% copper with silver and gold credits.

The Moonlight Deposit was discovered and drilled by Placer-Amex during the 1960s. The Moonlight sulfide deposit hosts a current National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") indicated resource of approximately 252 million tons (154 million tonnes) averaging 0.25% copper and 0.07 oz/silver per ton, and an inferred resource of 109 million tons (62 million tonnes) averaging 0.24% copper and 0.08 oz/silver per ton, both above a US$6.25 net smelter return cut-off. Contained indicated resources are 1.272 billion pounds of copper and 18 million ounces of silver, and inferred resources of 534 million pounds of copper and 9 million ounces of silver. The Moonlight sulfide deposit remains open to the south and at depth. There are also current NI 43-101 resources at the Superior and Engels deposits. Details of the resources on US Copper's property and the parameters used to calculate them can be found in the "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Moonlight Deposit, Moonlight-Superior Copper Project, California, USA" dated April 12, 2018 on both the company's website at www.uscoppercorp.com or on www.sedar.com under the US Copper Corp profile.

Mr. George Cole is the Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101 responsible for the technical information contained in this news release, and he has reviewed and approved this news release.

For Further Information Contact:

Mr. Stephen Dunn, President, CEO and Director, US Copper Corp. (416) 361-2827 or email info@uscoppercorp.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "hopes", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/210849

SOURCE: US Copper Corp.
BOCA RATON, Fla., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Tower International ("PTI"), a leading global wireless communications infrastructure provider, today announced the conversion of 1.2 billion credit facilities into a Sustainability-Linked Loan ("SLL"). The facilities will support PTI's future growth in providing critical and energy conscious tower infrastructure to new and existing markets around the world.

ING acted as joint mandated lead arranger, bookrunner and sole sustainability coordinator for this deal. The SLL was structured in alignment with the Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles as governed by the Loan Market Association, Asia Pacific Loan Market Association, and Loan Syndications and Trading Association.

Following the close of the landmark 1.2 billion European credit facilities in September 2023, PTI successfully amended the financing into a SLL, maturing in September 2030. This SLL marks a significant milestone in PTI's sustainability journey and features three key performance indicators (KPIs):

Decrease in Scope 1 and 2 GHG intensity per site, together with Scope 3 GHG disclosure; Enhancement in the GRESB score following the GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment methodology; Expansion in the number of lit sites converted to LED or entirely solar lighting.

"As we continue to grow our business, we are focused on creating a more sustainable path to providing wireless tower infrastructure to communities and countries in need of greater connectivity in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possibly," said Dagan Kasavana, Chief Executive Officer of PTI. "As long-term owners of wireless infrastructure, we have an opportunity to lead on this important topic and we know that's important to our clients, the communities we do business in and the industry as a whole. That's why we set high standards for ourselves and why we've committed to this Sustainability-Linked Loan."

"ING supports clients to be a step ahead in Digital Connectivity, and are proud to witness PTI expand its leadership also in sustainability," said Ana Carolina Oliveira, ING head of Technology, Media & Telecom / Healthcare Americas. "This deal is a testimony to PTI's commitment in advancing its sustainability initiatives by linking its financing to a comprehensive set of material KPIs," further added Suleyman Kilci, Vice President Sustainable Finance at ING Americas.

"We have set a new standard in the tower infrastructure sector with this Sustainability-Linked Loan, and in the process, reinforce our commitment to environmental sustainability," said Michael Bremer, Chief Financial Officer of PTI.

About Phoenix Tower International

PTI, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates over 25,000 telecom towers throughout Europe, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. In Europe, PTI is present in several countries including France, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Malta and Cyprus.

PTI was founded in 2013 with a mission to be a premier site provider to wireless operators across the world in high-growth markets. PTI's investors include funds managed by Blackstone, Grain Management, BlackRock, WrenHouse and USS and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. For more information, please visit www.phoenixintnl.com

About ING Americas

ING Americas is the brand name of ING's wholesale business in the Americas region, and a part of ING Group N.V. ("ING"), a global financial services company of Dutch origin with a network spanning 40 countries. ING has more than 58,000 employees and offers financial services to customers in over 40 countries.

ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam, Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange.

Sustainability is an integral part of ING's strategy, evidenced by ING's leading position in sector benchmarks. ING's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating by MSCI was affirmed 'AA' in September 2022. As of August 2022, Sustainalytics considers ING's management of ESG material risk to be 'strong', and in June 2022 ING received an ESG rating of 'strong' from S&P Global Ratings. ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell. ING Americas offers a full array of wholesale financial products, such as commercial lending, corporate finance as well as financial markets, products, and services.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phoenix-tower-international-successfully-converts-financing-into-a-sustainability-linked-loan-302157173.html
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2024) - It's Bigger Than Us (IBTU), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health, proudly announces a Community Health and Resource event in collaboration with Aetna, a CVS Health Company. This transformative event is scheduled for June 23, 2024, at Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Church, aiming to uplift the Miami community by providing essential health resources and support.

The event will feature a variety of free health resources, engaging activities, fun games, and delicious food. Notably, there will be significant giveaways including 50,000 diapers, 1,000 toothbrushes, and 300 wipes. Attendees will also have access to various health screenings and educational resources to promote well-being.

Aetna, a CVS Health Company, will be on-site with a mobile unit called Project Health that is dedicated to bringing health everywhere, where they will offer additional resources and health screenings including cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, body mass index, depression (PHQ-2) assessments and osteoporosis bone density screenings. Backpacks will be distributed alongside them loaded with contributions from Baby2Baby and Miami Diaper Bank. The University of Miami Clinical and Translational Science Institute will offer valuable health information and promote participation in research studies. Liberty Dental Plan will provide dental education and hygiene items to ensure comprehensive care.

Event Schedule:

9:00 am: Event kick-off with opening remarks

Event kick-off with opening remarks 9:00 am - 1:00 pm: Activities, screenings, and giveaways

IBTU founders and supporting partners shared their thoughts on the significance of this event and the collaborative efforts involved:

Tyrone Nance, Founder and CEO of IBTU, emphasized the organization's commitment to community building and bridging the gap in access to health equity. "Through community activations centered on health equity, we not only address urgent health needs but also foster enduring relationships. Our goal is to create environments where every member has the support they need to thrive, which is fundamental to sustaining healthy communities."

Molly Morrow, Chief Operating Officer of IBTU, highlighted the importance of meticulous logistics and creative direction in making each event meaningful. "My role is to bring each event to life through precise logistics and creative direction. By focusing on impactful events, we can truly make a difference, helping to improve health outcomes and strengthen community bonds."

Aetna Better Health of Florida CEO Jennifer Sweet, stated the following, "We are honored to partner with, "It's Bigger Than Us" and stand alongside them as they champion the important issues of academic excellence for children, food insecurity, and community support. We're committed to helping people in under-resourced communities achieve their best health and know that improving health starts with good nutrition, access to quality education and the tools and resources needed to have a successful school year."

Kenasha Paul, J.D., Founder and CEO of Black Professionals Network (BPN), underscored the collaborative spirit of the event. "This initiative, led by Tyrone, who also serves as the Vice President of our LA chapter, speaks to BPN's core values - collaboration and service. This event showcases the collaborative efforts of BPN Miami and BPN LA to serve and uplift our communities."

Bob Zangrillo of the Zangrillo Family Foundation, expressed the importance of supporting the community. "Our partnership with IBTU is just one example of how supporting our community is imperative to our mission. By empowering the new leaders of the world through distributing backpacks and supporting mentorship classes, we contribute to the broader goal of community enrichment and development."

This Community Health and Resource event exemplifies It's Bigger Than Us's dedication to fostering health equity and community well-being. By collaborating with esteemed partners and providing essential resources, IBTU continues to make a profound impact on the lives of Miami and Los Angeles residents. Join us in this vital initiative to support and uplift our community, paving the way for a healthier and more connected future.

Call to Action:

IBTU invites brands to sponsor this impactful event and encourages individuals to volunteer. Various sponsorship packages offer meaningful engagement opportunities and brand exposure. Volunteers can support various event activities and ensure smooth operations, making a tangible difference in the community.

About It's Bigger Than Us:

It's Bigger Than Us is dedicated to empowering and uplifting communities by addressing fundamental human needs and fostering sustainable growth. Grounded in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, IBTU ensures access to nutritious food, quality education, and community support, creating a solid foundation for individuals and communities to reach their full potential.

For more information on the event, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities, visit IBTU Community Event Sign-Up and IBTU Website.

Media Contact:

Company Name: It's Bigger Than Us

Contact Person: Tyrone Nance, Founder and CEO, Molly Morrow, Chief Operating Officer

Email: info@itsbiggerthanusla.org

Phone: 323-207-0221

Website: https://www.itsbiggerthanusla.org/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/210402

SOURCE: NewWay Software
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2024) - Today, Ocean Wise is pleased to announce new recommendations for British Columbian wild-caught salmon under its sustainable seafood label. The 14 new recommendations are the result of a unique new assessment process combining the best of scientific data and real-world knowledge.

Nearly 90% of Canadians eat seafood on a regular basis, with Salmon being one of the most popular choices. Given its popularity, it's not surprising that the decline of salmon fisheries in Canada is a pressing issue.

The decimation of the East Coast's once flourishing Atlantic Salmon fisheries is a stark reminder of the consequences of overfishing. Meanwhile, On the Pacific Coast, there has historically been gaps in conclusive guidelines on what constitutes sustainable B.C. Salmon.

With 75% of conscious consumers relying on eco-labels to make sustainable food purchases, these gaps are problematic for both seafood lovers, as well as fishers who rely on the stocks for their livelihoods.

To address this, Ocean Wise launched the Salmon Advisory Panel in February - a group of leading experts on British Columbia salmon to identify sustainable salmon options on Canada's West Coast. Panel members include:

Angela Addison - North Coast Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society

Dave Moore - Authentic Indigenous Seafoods Co-operative

Greg Taylor - Watershed Watch Society

Dr. Eric Hertz - Pacific Salmon Foundation

Dr. Scott Hinch - University of British Columbia

Andy Olson - Nuu-Chah-Nulth Seafood LP

Leveraging their unique knowledge and guidance, combined with the Ocean Wise Rapid Assessment Standard, Ocean Wise is pleased to launch the first set of 14 new B.C. Salmon Recommendations generated from this new process. Sustainable Recommendations include Chinook and Sockeye from Barkley Sound managed in Area 23 and Sockeye from the Meziadin River.

"These recommendations aren't just good for the ocean and waterways, but good for fishing families and coastal nations who rely on salmon for their livelihoods." - Lasse Gustavsson, Ocean Wise President and CEO.

2024 Ocean Wise Salmon RAPSTA Report and Recommendations

Why Do These Recommendations Matter?

British Columbia's salmon industry holds significant economic power in Canada, with annual sales averaging between $150 million and $250 million. However, in the absence of eco-labels like Ocean Wise, buyers struggle to differentiate between sustainable and unsustainable options.

"Ocean Wise is in a unique position to leverage its Rapid Assessment Standard and Salmon Advisory Panel to ensure responsible fisheries receive the recognition they deserve. These new recommendations simplify the choice when purchasing salmon, empowering businesses, and consumers to support local, ocean-friendly fishers. In an especially complex case like B.C. salmon, this is even more important" - Samantha Renshaw, Ocean Wise Science Lead.

Being able to recognize sustainable seafood options from local harvesters, allowing consumers to support ocean-friendly choices, is a vital step for growing local sustainable seafood markets - driving more dollars back into local pockets and economies.

What is Different About These Recommendations?

Over the years B.C. salmon Recommendations and certifications have come and gone, never sticking around for long. This is because it is incredibly difficult to assess the sustainability of B.C. Salmon.

The health of B.C. Salmon populations varies from year-to-year. Standard Ocean Wise seafood assessments typically take roughly one year to complete and remain valid for up to five years after the fact. This method clearly does not align with the annual fluctuations of B.C.'s salmon populations.

"The Ocean Wise Rapid Assessment Standard is nimble enough to adapt to the annual variations of [B.C.] salmon in a way that compliments other systems that look at longer-term population trends," said Dave Moore, Authentic Indigenous Seafoods Co-operative and member of the Ocean Wise Salmon Advisory Panel. "Many Indigenous communities can see the importance of evaluating sustainability of [B.C.] salmon in this way because it regularly considers both salmon abundance and diversity, thereby preserving the tapestry of environment, culture, and economy that is central to all salmon ecosystems as well as those that depend upon them."

This nimble approach, comprising Ocean Wise's Rapid Assessment Standard combined with expert advice from its Salmon Advisory Panel, assesses the sustainability of B.C. Salmon yearly, better matching the fluctuation of Pacific Salmon populations. Ocean Wise's approach is flexible, precautionary, and based on real-world knowledge, enabling recommendations that can adapt to changing conditions at the individual population level.

Link to learn more about the Salmon Advisory Panel

Link to learn more about the Ocean Wise Rapid Assessment Standard





Photo Credit: Samantha Renshaw.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Photo Credit: Samantha Renshaw.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Salmon are one of Canada's most well-known seafood products, in many ways synonymous with the wilderness of the Pacific coast. Yet, until now sustainable options have been difficult to identify through eco-labelling programs. Ocean Wise's new B.C. salmon recommendations introduce a nimble and rigorous process allowing chefs, consumers and retailers to distinguish between sustainable and unsustainable options.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Photo Credit: Samantha Renshaw.

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About Ocean Wise

Ocean Wise is a globally focused conservation organization on a mission to restore and protect our ocean. Through research, education, public engagement, and international collaborations, we empower communities to fight three major ocean challenges: ocean pollution, overfishing and climate change. By equipping and empowering individuals, communities, industries, and governments, we can create a future where people and our oceans can thrive. Ocean Wise is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia with staff across Canada and Chile, and operates conservation projects that make national and international impact.

For all media inquiries please contact:

Kim Bricker

Communications Specialist

604 659 3812

kim.bricker@ocean.org

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/210830

SOURCE: Ocean Wise
AHF Virtual Press Conference: Wednesday, May 29 9:00 a.m., London (GMT+1)

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) will host a Zoom Press Conference WEDNESDAY, May 29 at 9:00 a.m. London time GMT+1 (4:00 a.m. US EDT) to comment on the stalled Pandemic Agreement negotiations taking place this week at the World Health Assembly (WHA).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528268531/en/

Using the international distress signal "SOS" (which conventionally stands for Save Our Souls) and imagery depicting a skull with crossbones which represents a deadly road hazard ahead, this global advocacy initiative urgently underscores the critically flawed state of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Pandemic Agreement as negotiations near conclusion at the end of May. (Graphic: Business Wire)

"WHA Member States' inability to reach consensus is actually a positive development. It is an admission that cheating the developing world and backing drug companies is not the right approach," said AHF Africa Bureau Chief Dr. Penninah Iutung. "We urge world leaders to not settle for a 'status quo' and extend the negotiations long enough to ensure we have a Pandemic Agreement that enshrines equity as a fundamental tenet of global public health. We need an Agreement that protects all nations from future global health emergencies. If there's ever been a time for a worldwide 'SOS' call for action it is now."

At the virtual press conference, public health experts from Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the US will urge world leaders to use the delay to negotiate and deliver a just and equitable agreement that meets the needs of developing and lower-income countries not solely rich nations and Big Pharma. The virtual press conference is a part of AHF's global advocacy campaign called "SOS: Save Our Society".

WHAT: SOS SAVE OUR SOCIETY VIRTUAL ZOOM PRESS CONFERENCE: AHF to urge World Health Assembly Member States to negotiate a fair and equitable Pandemic Agreement that works for all nations, particularly lower-income countries. WHEN: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m. GMT+1 (4 a.m. EDT) WHO: United States Michael Weinstein, AHF President The Netherlands Daniel Reijer, AHF Europe Bureau Chief Greece Nikos Dedes, Chair and Founder of Positive Voice Ukraine Dr. Yaroslava Lopatina, Country Program Director,AHF Ukraine United Kingdom - Loretta Wong, Alternate Board Member Global North CSO Pandemic Fund Governance Board Uganda Dr. Penninah Iutung, AHF Africa Bureau Chief India Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of Rajpipla, Head of Lakshya Trust and India's first openly gay prince



and representatives from Poland, Argentina, and others TBC.



Moderator: Dr. Jorge Saavedra, Executive Director of the AHF Global Public Health Institute, Mexico HOW: Join Zoom Meeting here: https://zoom.us/j/94970766648?pwd=MmMyOXY1blgxSnEwcTJlMk0wMWF1dz09 Meeting ID: 949 7076 6648 One tap mobile: +13017158592"94970766648# US (Washington DC) Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/a6s6dHpNi PRESS CONTACTS: Guilherme Faviero, Director, AHF Global Public Health Institute at the University of Miami +1 561.929.9339, guilherme.faviero@ahf.org Denys Nazarov, Director of Global Policy Communications, AHF +1 323.219.1091, denys.nazarov@ahf.org

The global SOS: Save Our Society advocacy campaign aims to ensure global health equity and access to essential health commodities, such as vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, during pandemics and international health emergencies. Spearheaded by AHF, the campaign uses the international distress signal "SOS" to highlight the critically flawed state of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Pandemic Agreement negotiations. Advocates seek to address the glaring inequities between developed and developing countries that have historically plagued global health responses, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 1.9 million individuals in 46 countries worldwide in the U.S., Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth, follow us @aidshealthcare and subscribe to our AHF podcast "AHFter Hours."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528268531/en/

Contacts:

US MEDIA CONTACT:

Guilherme Faviero, Director, AHF Global Public Health Institute at the University of Miami

+1 561.929.9339 mobile

guilherme.faviero@ahf.org

Denys Nazarov, Director of Global Policy Communications, AHF

+1 323.219.1091

denys.nazarov@ahf.org
Braavo Capital, a NYC-based provider of non-dilutive financing for consumer subscription apps, raised $5M in Series B funding.

The round was led by existing investors with participation from Series A lead investor Headline, and accompanied by a new $30M debt fund with Upper90.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its growth and partnerships with top-tier brands

Founded in 2015 and led by CEO Mark Loranger, Braavo Capital is a technology-driven financing platform for subscription app businesses. The company offers a range of products, from on-demand receivables financing to multi-million dollar credit facilities. Since its inception, its has facilitated over $1 Billion in financing and supported over 8,000 apps.

Braavo now has offices across North America, with a European hub in Warsaw, Poland.

Commenting on the news, Mark Loranger said: This new round of equity will fuel Braavo Growth Ventures, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation in the consumer subscription market. While we continue to grow our financing business, we are also excited to apply our years of experience and extensive relationships in the market to embark on this new venture.

FinSMEs

28/05/2024
OpenText, a Waterloo, ON, Canada-based cybersecurity company, acauired Pillr, a Wichita, Kansas-based security operations software provider and a subsidiary of Novacoast, a Canadian provider of cybersecurity services.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

This acquisition will expand MDR capabilities within cybersecurity offerings for MSPs seeking a comprehensive solution to protect, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats. It will also combine Pillrs advanced cybersecurity technologies, including its Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Cloud SIEM, SOAR, and Threat Hunting, with OpenTexts broader set of cybersecurity solutions and global distribution network.

Pillr provides security operations software backed by 24/7/365 SOC service and support. The platform unifies security data sources and tools in a single console. Incoming data is automatically analyzed, and the resulting telemetry is correlated with over 35 threat intelligence feeds to produce actionable, reliable alerts. On Pillr, users can examine data in a customizable dashboard, investigate events with threat intelligence tools, and work collaboratively with Pillr SOC teams to remediate issues. The platform supports over 450 integrations, including tools from Autotask, Check Point, ConnectWise, Crowdstrike, Microsoft, SentinelOne, and Sophoswhile expanding integration support for new tools daily.

OpenText is an information management company enabling companies to securely capture, govern and exchange information on a global scale. It solves digital business challenges for customers, ranging from small and mid-sized businesses to complex organizations.

FinSMEs

27/05/2024
Lisbon, Portugal, May 28th, 2024, Chainwire

ORACLE MEME Coin (OMEME) has made an impact in the cryptocurrency market, raising $208,000 within minutes of its presale launch. This rapid fundraising has positioned OMEME as a significant new entrant in the meme coin sector, attracting attention and participation from the community.

Key Milestones and Developments

The presale of ORACLE MEME Coin saw a successful start, raising $208,000 in its initial phase. The team behind ORACLE MEME believes this early achievement underscores the projects potential and sets the stage for subsequent rounds of the presale

Unique Features and Tokenomics

ORACLE MEME Coin distinguishes itself through its innovative approach within the meme coin space. With a total supply of 50,000,000,000 OMEME tokens, the presale allocation of 40% offers early participants significant involvement in the projects foundation.

The tokenomics of OMEME include:

Staking Rewards: 20% allocation for staking rewards, providing a dynamic percentage return for participants who stake their tokens.

Liquidity Pool: 15% dedicated to ensuring smooth trading experiences.

Marketing and Partnerships: 10% allocated to marketing and partnerships to enhance global outreach.

Development Fund: 10% dedicated to ongoing innovation and ecosystem improvement.

Community Fund: 5% set aside for community-driven initiatives and projects.

Community and Ecosystem Growth

The ORACLE MEME Coin project emphasizes utility within the meme coin narrative, aiming to create, share, and monetize memes through its platform. The team already sees significant interest in this project, with thousands of projects joining the network. The raised funds are earmarked for further development and global marketing initiatives to expand the projects reach.

How to Participate

With the presale progressing, potential participants can visit the official ORACLE MEME Coin website to secure their share of OMEME tokens. The community is actively growing, with channels available on X (Twitter), Telegram, and Discord for ongoing updates and engagement.

Conclusion

ORACLE MEME Coin is establishing itself as a notable project within the cryptocurrency landscape, combining innovative utility with a strong community focus. The ORACLE MEME team views the successful early presale results as reflecting the projects potential for significant growth and adoption in the coming year.

About ORACLE MEME Coin

ORACLE MEME Coin aims to become a leading meme coin by leveraging community, creativity, and blockchain technology. The project focuses on generating and sharing meme content with innovative tools and platforms designed to revolutionize meme creation, distribution, and monetization. Built on principles of transparency, user engagement, and technological advancement, ORACLE MEME offers a unique opportunity for users and investors to be part of a dynamic and evolving ecosystem.

Users can visit the official website to participate in the rounds of the presale.

Users can Join the Meme Revolution and follow ORACLE MEME Coin on X (Twitter) | Telegram | Discord

Contact

Mr.

Santiago Costa Correia

Oracle Meme

[email protected]
Realtime Robotics, a Boston, MA-based company which specializes in collision-free autonomous motion planning for industrial robots, received an investment from Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

This is the lead investment in Realtime Robotics recently opened Series B round. Mitsubishi Electric was also a participant in the Series A round.

The company intends to use the funds for the refinement and scalability of its robot workcell optimization and runtime solutions.

Led by CEO Peter Howard, Realtime Robotics specializes in automatic, collision-free motion planning for industrial robots. Its technology generates optimized motion plans and interlocks to achieve the shortest possible cycle time in single and multi-robot workcells. The companys solutions expand the potential of automation, empowering multiple robots to work closely together in unstructured and collaborative workspaces, reacting to dynamic obstacles the instant changes are perceived.

Customers, including automotive manufacturers BMW and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, as well as integrators Valiant TMS and Schaeffler Group, have reported improved cycle times, reduced downtime, and increased throughput as a result of working with Realtime.

FinSMEs

28/05/2024
In an escalation of the ongoing dispute, SpiceJet on Tuesday said the claims made by KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran for more than Rs 1,323 crore in damages are baseless and legally untenable read more

The SpiceJet Maran case revolves around a legal conflict between Kalanithi Maran, the former proprietor of SpiceJet, and the airline itself. Maran, via his company Sun Group, acquired SpiceJet, a low-cost carrier, in 2010. However, in 2015, Maran sold his complete ownership in the airline to Ajay Singh, one of its co-founders.

Following the sale, a disagreement emerged between Maran and SpiceJet concerning certain outstanding payments that Maran alleged were owed to him. He claimed that Singh and SpiceJet owed him over Rs 690 crore (approximately $100 million) according to a share purchase agreement tied to the airlines sale. The discord began in 2015 when Singh repurchased the airline from Maran after it faced months of grounding due to financial constraints. In the transaction, both KAL Airways and Maran asserted to have paid SpiceJet Rs 679 crore for issuing warrants and preference shares.

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This dispute evolved into a legal confrontation with Maran initiating legal proceedings against SpiceJet and its executives in various courts including the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court. Maran aimed to enforce an arbitration award favouring him contending that SpiceJet failed to fulfill its obligations under the share purchase agreement.

The case garnered considerable attention due to its substantial financial implications and the intricate legal issues involved. It also sparked discussions about corporate governance and contractual responsibilities within Indias business domain. Heres a timeline of the case:

28 May 2024: SpiceJet has refuted the claims made by KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran for damages exceeding Rs 1,323 crore asserting that they lack legal basis.

27 May 2024: KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran have announced their intention to pursue damages exceeding Rs 1,323 crore from SpiceJet and its CEO Ajay Singh.

17 May 2024: The Division Bench of the Delhi High Court overturned a single-judge order directing SpiceJet to reimburse over Rs270 crore to Kalanithi Maran, the promoter of Sun Group.

24 August 2023: The Delhi High Court instructed SpiceJet and its promoter Ajay Singh to pay Rs 100 crore to Kalanithi Maran by 10 September. The high court dismissed SpiceJets plea for a stay on the order affirming the Rs 270 crore arbitral award in favour of Kalanithi Maran.

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23 August 2023: SpiceJet and Ajay Singh filed a petition in the Delhi High Court against the directive mandating them to pay over Rs 270 crore to Kalanithi Maran.

31 July 2023: The Delhi High Court upheld the arbitral tribunals award and dismissed appeals by SpiceJet and Maran.

7 July 2023: The Supreme Court declined further extensions to SpiceJet and ordered the airline to remit the entire arbitral sum of Rs380 crore to former promoter Maran.

1 June 2023: The Delhi High Court directed SpiceJet to remit Rs380 crore to former promoter and Sun Group chairman Kalanithi Maran.

13 February 2023: The Supreme Court ordered the immediate encashment of SpiceJets Rs270 crore bank guarantee, which was part of the arbitral award owed to Maran and KAL Airways. The apex court also mandated SpiceJet to pay Rs75 crore to Maran and KAL Airways within three months as interest.

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7 April 2022: The Delhi High Court granted interim protection from arrest to SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh in a cheating case.

1 April 2022: A Delhi court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh in a cheating case.

11 March 2022: SpiceJets Ajay Singh received interim protection from arrest but was instructed to participate in the probe in a cheating case.

7 November 2020: The Supreme Court stayed a Delhi High Court order directing SpiceJet to deposit Rs243 crore in the Kalanithi Maran case.

25 July 2018: An arbitration panel dismissed Marans claim for damages of Rs1,323 crore but awarded him a refund of Rs579 crore plus interest.

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3 July 2017: The Delhi High Court dismissed an appeal by SpiceJet challenging a single-judge benchs order to deposit Rs579 crore in a suit filed by former owner Kalanithi Maran.

1 June 2016: The Delhi High Court reserved its order in the share transfer dispute between Kalanithi Maran and SpiceJet.

15 March 2016: The Delhi High Court directed SpiceJet to pass a board resolution transferring shares to Kalanithi Maran.

11 March 2016: Senior Supreme Court advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways, while Paras Kuhad and Sandeep Sethi appeared for SpiceJet before the Delhi High Court.

February 2015: Kalanithi Maran and KAL Airways, his investment vehicle, transferred their 58.46 per cent stake in SpiceJet to Singh. As a co-founder of SpiceJet, Singh also assumed the airlines liabilities of around Rs 1,500 crore.
Chhaya Kadam, who plays one of the three leads of the movie alongside Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha, doesnt remember who started dancing first read more

One of the most photographed moments from the Cannes red carpet this year was the jig by the All We Imagine As Light team at the premiere. It was a sign the film, the first in 30 years by an Indian director to be selected for competition at the gala, would win big, says actor Chhaya Kadam.

And it did. Payal Kapadias meditative film about two Mumbai nurses went on to bag the Grand Prix, the second highest honour at Cannes after the top prize Palme dOr (won by Sean Bakers Anora).

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I am so happy I dont have the words for it, Kadam told PTI over the phone from Cannes.

The red carpet moment is etched in her memory, and in Indian cinema history. Chhaya Kadam, who plays one of the three leads of the movie alongside Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha, doesnt remember who started dancing first.

Im not sure at this point, but it was probably me, she said.

Someone from Mumbai called and joked, You were dancing as if you were in your own courtyard. I was like, Kyun nahin? Just to be part of the main competition after 30 years is a huge achievement, not to count the award that we won. Why follow protocol? Hum apni khushi aise hi dikhaate hain, kood kood kar. (Thats how we show our joy, by breaking into a dance), Kadam said.

According to the actor, who began her career in theatre, their red carpet dance was a celebratory moment with people around them joining in to celebrate their moment of happiness.

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When we stood still for photographs, even the photographers started requesting us to keep dancing. There was just so much happiness around, she said, adding that she heard the Marathi song Gulabi saree playing when she stepped down from her car for the premiere.

The sign that the film would win big at the festival was apparent, she said.

The film, an India-French co-production, was pegged a frontrunner after it received glowing reviews in international press post its gala screening.

The Malayalam-Hindi feature revolves around Prabha, a Mumbai nurse whose life is thrown in disarray when she receives a rice cooker from her estranged husband. Anu, her roommate and colleague, is struggling to find a private spot in the bustling city to be with her boyfriend. Prabhas best friend Parvati (Kadam), a widow, is being forced out of her home by property developers.

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Chhaya Kadam, who has steadily become a recognisable name and face with her roles with films such as Laapataa Ladies and Madgaon Express, said working on All We Imagine As Light made her realise the importance of breaking rules.

I think we should break rules and make our own rules. Thats what this film has taught me and what a wonderful film it is! I also watched it for the first time at the Cannes premiere. It is the story of our land, our soil. We should make more such stories. I dont know why we dont. We may not have much but there is so much value in what we have, she said.

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This Grand Prix win is one for the history books, she said.
Has Netflixs Heeramandi actor Taha Shah found love in his co-star Pratibha Ranta? The two were spotted dining together recently that has sparked dating rumors. Talking about the same the actor spoke in an interview with News18 and this is what he had to say.

He said, I wish I could tell you that Im in love but right now, my responsibility is to not fall in love but to give back to my mother and make her proud. Right now is the time to focus the only relationship that I should be having is with my work so that I can take care of my family. But yes, I want to fall in love and have a family in the future. And for that to happen, Ill have to first stand up on my own two legs."

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Taha Shah was at Cannes Film Festival 2024. And while speaking to News18 Showsha, the actor gave the reason to be a part of it. I went to Cannes to launch my film and to make contacts. So many people from America and Canada looked at me and said, This guy is the star of Heeramandi but hes acting like a newcomer. I literally went around giving my card to people asking them to be in touch with me and watch Heeramandi, said Shah.

The star added, I may not need to do this but I know where I come from. I always say that one day, youll find one golden person, who will change your life. Out of the 500-600 people I met in Cannes and got the numbers of, I need one person to believe in me. Ill keep hustling. Ill keep building relationships and putting in my hundred percent.
A high-ranking British delegation has called off its visit to New Delhi just before the UK general elections, casting doubt on the discussions for a proposed India-UK free trade agreement (FTA). The delegation was set to arrive on Tuesday, 28 May, to finalise terms on several contentious issues, including work visas for Indians, duty relaxations, and imports of British-made electric vehicles read more

A high-ranking British delegation has abruptly cancelled its scheduled visit to New Delhi, throwing the ongoing talks on a planned free trade agreement (FTA) into uncertainty.

The delegation, set to arrive on 28 May, was supposed to finalise terms on contentious issues such as work visas for Indians, duty relaxations, and imports of British-made electric vehicles. The cancellation, reported by HTs Mint newspaper, has raised concerns on both sides, particularly given the significant advances reported in recent talks.

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The British officials have cancelled their visit without providing a specific reason. It is assumed that the announcement of elections may have led to the cancellation of their trip, a person familiar with the situation told the newspaper. The deal was progressing very positively. We were hopeful of closing some of the remaining chapters, which are challenging for both sides, this person added.

In the past, the UK side has mostly refused to comment on the deal or give updates to the media. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called elections for 4 July this year, bringing into question why the UK does not want to continue talks just as India did during their own election period.

How have the negotiations gone so far?

The seeds of this FTA were sown in May 2021 when then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed on deeper trade cooperation. This Enhanced Trade Partnership removed several trade barriers and set the stage for the FTA negotiations that began in January 2022.

Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and UK Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan pose for a picture during the launch of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the United Kingdom and India during an event at a hotel in New Delhi, 13 January, 2022. Reuters

Johnson had initially declared that the agreement should be completed, in time for an announcement on Diwali 2022 . However, by October 2022, UK Secretary of State for International Trade Kemi Badenoch shifted the focus to the quality rather than the speed of the deal.

As of December 2023, the UK and India had completed the 13th round of negotiations, fast-tracking the process to finalise the agreement before the elections in both countries.

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Also Read: Why UK is desperate for a trade deal with India?

Negotiations have been mired in several issues, with the UKs concerns about visas for professionals being a major sticking point. The 14th round of negotiations began in January 2024, with India pushing for the inclusion of social security payments for Indian workers in the UK, which was reported as a point of contention for Badenoch.

In March 2024, UK negotiators made a last-gasp attempt to clinch an FTA before the Indian election campaign pauses talks, according to a UK government official. Despite these efforts, the 14th round of negotiations remained open without a breakthrough on major issues.

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit held in New Delhi on 9-10 September, 2023. Reuters

Badenoch emphasised not using the Indian elections as a deadline, just as India was signing a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association.

What are points of contention in the FTA?

The FTA with the UK signifies a strategic shift for India, moving its focus from east to west in terms of preferential trade partnerships.

Negotiations are also influenced by specific demands and concessions from both sides. The UKs demands include tariff cuts for Scotch whisky, which currently attracts a hefty 150 per cent duty, electric vehicles, and chocolates. In contrast, India seeks provisions for Indian professionals to live and work in the UK for a fixed period under work visas, with renewal options.

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One of the unresolved issues in the negotiations is Indias request for an exemption from the UKs proposed carbon tax, which is set to be introduced by 2027. This tax aims to incentivise businesses to reduce their carbon emissions but could negatively impact the competitiveness of certain Indian exports to the UK.

The UK has not yet agreed to exempt India from this tax, emphasising its commitment to its decarbonisation goals.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, who was on a visit to the UK on 17 May, 2024, held discussions with his counterpart, Philip Barton, UK Permanent Under-Secretary. X/PhilipRBarton

Trade between India and the UK has seen significant growth, increasing from $10.45 billion in FY22 to $11.46 billion in FY23, and further rising by 13.26 per cent to $12.98 billion in FY24.

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The FTA is expected to further boost trade volumes, particularly in services, by facilitating the movement of skilled professionals. This could lead to enhanced investment opportunities for UK businesses in India and improved access to Indias expanding consumer market.

Also Read: Rishi Sunak wants to scrap UK graduate visa: What is it, how will it affect Indians?

Despite the potential benefits, the impact on goods exports may be limited since many Indian products already enter the UK with low or no tariffs.

However, reducing duties could benefit Indian exports of textiles, apparel, footwear, carpets, cars, marine products, grapes, and mangoes. This could also lead to increased exports of marine products from the UK to India, benefiting the UKs marine products industry.

What now for the India-UK FTA?

Indian negotiators, led by chief negotiator L. Satya Srinivas and deputy chief negotiator Darpan Jain, have been diligently working to resolve the remaining issues, including the proposed carbon tax, business mobility, and duty-free access for certain goods. They remain confident that a mutually agreeable solution will be reached soon.

The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry has placed the completion of the India-UK FTA as a priority for the 100-day agenda after a new government takes charge.

The British delegation informed about the cancellation of their scheduled visit in the previous week following the announcement of polls in the UK, another source had told HTs Mint.

The situation remains fluid, with both countries awaiting the outcomes of their respective elections. As the political landscape evolves, both nations remain committed to achieving a mutually beneficial agreement, albeit on a delayed timeline.

Also Read: How EU-India FTA, IMEC are fundamental to saving Europe from Chinese dominance
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has acquitted Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of a former-dera manager Ranjit Singh. The Dera Sacha Sauda chief is currently lodged in a Haryana jail for raping two of his female disciples. There are also several other charges against him read more

The controversial Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been acquitted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the murder case of an ex-manager of the dera, Ranjit Singh. Four other convicts were also exonerated on Tuesday (28 May).

Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is currently in Sunaria jail in Haryanas Rohtak for raping two of his women followers, was convicted by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in 2021 and sentenced to life imprisonment in the murder case.

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Lets look at this case and the many crimes and controversies of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief.

Ranjit Singh murder case

Ranjit Singh, a staunch follower of Gurmeet Ram Rahim and one of the managers at the dera in Haryanas Sirsa, was shot dead in July 2002.

He was gunned down in the fields outside his village in Kurukshetra district on suspicion of being involved in the circulation of an anonymous letter that alleged sexual exploitation of sadhvis by the Dera chief.

In November 2003, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered a CBI probe into the case. The central agency registered an FIR in December of that year, naming Jasbir Singh, Sabdil Singh, Krishan Lal, Inder Sain and Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh as accused, reported Indian Express.

The CBI court of Panchkula in October 2021 convicted the accused Jasbir Singh, Sabdil Singh, and Krishan Lal under Section 302 (murder) read with 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Dera chief Ram Rahim, who was reportedly named the main conspirator behind Singhs murder, was sentenced to life term, along with the other four accused.

Rape cases

In 2002, an anonymous letter was addressed to then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Punjab and Haryana HC chief justice, accusing Ram Rahim of sexually exploiting women followers (sadhvis) inside the dera.

As per India Today, a young girl from Kurukshetra described her ordeal in the letter, alleging she was not the only victim of Ram Rahim.

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She alleged sexual exploitation was rampant in the dera. If the press or some government agency were to investigate her allegations, 40 to 50 girls living on the Dera Sacha Sauda campus would come forward to reveal the truth, reported India Today.

CBI officers tracked 18 of Singhs victims. However, only two sadhvis agreed to testify against the Dera chief.

Dera Sacha Sauda Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted of raping two of his women followers. AFP File Photo

As the letter came to light, the High Court directed the Sirsa district and sessions judge to investigate the allegations. The case was handed over to the CBI, which filed a chargesheet in 2007.

After a decade-long delay, the special CBI court held Gurmeet Ram Rahim guilty of rape and criminal intimidation in August 2017.

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Following his conviction, followers of the Dera staged violent protests in parts of Haryana and Delhi. As many as 41 people died in the clashes, mostly in Panchkula.

Ram Rahim was sentenced to prison for 20 years for the rape of his two followers. He was also ordered to pay a compensation of Rs 15 lakh each to the two victims.

Journalists murder

Journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who was the editor of the Sirsa-based newspaper Poora Sach, was shot dead at his residence on 24 October 2002.

His paper had published the anonymous letter revealing the sexual exploitation of women at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa.

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A case was filed in the death of the journalist in 2003, and it was transferred to the CBI three years later. The self-styled godman was convicted for life for the murder of the journalist.

Other cases

The Dera chief was accused of blasphemy and he was booked in 2007 for hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikh community by allegedly imitating Guru Gobind Singh at a ceremony at the sects Dera in Salabatpura in Bathinda district, as per Indian Express.

He was also accused of mass castration of devotees. In 2015, the CBI registered a case against Ram Rahim on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court for the alleged castration of 400 male disciples.

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A petition filed by Hansraj Chauhan alleged that he and hundreds of others were castrated

at the Dera headquarters after its head falsely claimed that the castration would lead to realisation of God through him.

In February 2018, the CBI filed a chargesheet against the Dera chief and two accomplices, Doctor Pankaj Garg and Doctor MP Singh. Ram Rahim was granted bail in the case in October of that year.

The Dera chief has also courted controversy over his multiple paroles over the years, including a 50-day parole in January. In March, the Punjab and Haryana HC told the Haryana government not to grant futher parole to Ram Rahim without its permission.

With input from agencies
A guilty verdict in the hush money trial may deter voters, an acquittal could reinforce Donald Trumps claims of political persecution, and a hung jury would maintain a cloud of suspicion. Regardless of the verdict, the trial is set to have serious implications for Trump and his campaign. We explain read more

Former US president Donald Trump sits for his trial at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, US, on 21 May 2024. File image/Reuters

After more than four weeks and nearly two dozen witnesses, former United States president Donald Trumps hush money trial is now entering the final stretch. Prosecutors and Trumps defense team will deliver their closing arguments beginning on Tuesday morning in the New York courtroom that has played host to a series of heated exchanges and memorable moments since testimony began in late April.

The jury will then be asked to deliberate and reach a verdict, just months before the country heads to the polls for what is expected to be a closely fought November election between Trump, a Republican, and his Democratic rival president Joe Biden. Trump, who faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business documents in relation to hush money payments made to an adult film star before the 2016 presidential election, has pleaded not guilty.

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We explain what possibilities various outcomes open up.

Context of the hush money trial

Donald Trump is the first former president in US history to be indicted, facing four separate criminal cases. However, the New York case, stemming from the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels, is the first to go to trial and may be the only one to do so before the November 2024 election. The trial, as well as the gag order on Trump, has forced him to spend more time in court than on the campaign trail in recent weeks, bringing heightened attention to this particular case.

The charges against Trump include 34 counts of falsifying business records, a serious offense under New York law. These records are alleged to have been falsified to conceal payments made to Daniels to keep her from disclosing an alleged sexual affair, which Trump denies. The timing of these payments and the subsequent cover-up, as alleged, was crucial to preventing damage to Trumps 2016 presidential campaign.

Implications of a guilty verdict

If Trump is found guilty, the repercussions could be significant. Opinion polls indicate that a guilty verdict could deter a substantial portion of the electorate from supporting Trump. According to an April Reuters/Ipsos poll, one in four Republicans said they would not vote for Trump if he is found guilty in a criminal trial, while 60 per cent of independents expressed the same sentiment.

However, some Republican strategists argue that the New York cases nature, brought by a Democratic prosecutor with untested legal strategies, could allow Trump and his supporters to frame a guilty verdict as a partisan attack. This perspective could mitigate some of the potential damage to his campaign by rallying his base around the idea of a political witch hunt.

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Even if Trump is convicted, its unlikely that he will serve jail time before the election. This is due to the lengthy appeals process. Legal experts suggest that his old age, lack of prior convictions, and his status as a former president might influence sentencing decisions. If convicted, there would almost certainly be an appeal, potentially dragging the legal battle past Election Day.

Impact of a not guilty verdict

An acquittal would likely be a significant victory for Trump, reinforcing his claims of political persecution. On the campaign trail, Trump could use a not-guilty verdict to bolster his defense against other criminal charges he faces in Washington, Georgia, and Florida.

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The verdict in Donald Trumps the hush money trial will have a strong impact on his campaign. Reuters

Political consultants believe an acquittal would validate Trumps narrative of innocence and energise his core supporters. However, the details that emerged during the trialparticularly the central allegation of arranging hush money payments to a porn starcould still harm his appeal among key voter demographics, such as suburban women.

Consequences of a hung jury

If the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a hung jury, the judge would declare a mistrial. While Trump could spin this as a partial victory, it lacks the clear vindication of an acquittal. A mistrial would suggest that at least some jurors believed Trump was guilty, maintaining a shadow of suspicion over his campaign.

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The trials conclusion, regardless of the verdict, will end the gag order imposed by the judge, allowing Trump to speak more freely about the case. In such a scenario, he is very likely to intensify his rhetoric against his perceived enemies.

Trumps legal and political strategy

The outcome of Donald Trumps hush money trial in New York could significantly impact the 2024 presidential election. A guilty verdict might alienate a segment of voters, while an acquittal could bolster Trumps claims of political persecution. A hung jury, on the other hand, would leave the allegations unresolved but maintain a degree of doubt.

As the trial draws to a close, the potential verdicts carry weighty implications for Trumps campaign. His ability to navigate these legal challenges and their political fallout will be crucial as he seeks to reclaim the presidency. Regardless of the outcome, the trial has already underscored the unprecedented nature of Trumps candidacy and the complex interplay between legal proceedings and electoral politics in contemporary America.

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With inputs from agencies
Six NATO countries, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Finland, and Norway, plan to construct a drone wall along their borders with Russia. This high-tech initiative aims to enhance border security by using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for continuous surveillance and anti-drone systems to counter threats read more

Several NATO countries are planning to build a "drone wall" along the Russian border. Image used for representational purposes/Reuters

In response to increasing tensions with Russia, six NATO countries have announced plans to construct a drone wall along their borders with Russia. This innovative defense mechanism is aimed at enhancing border security and deterring potential provocations from Russia.

Heres a detailed look at what the drone wall entails, its expected effectiveness, the reasons behind its proposal, and the challenges it might face.

How will the drone wall be built?

The drone wall will be constructed using a combination of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced surveillance technologies. Participating countriesLithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Finland, and Norwaywill deploy these drones along their respective borders with Russia.

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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 . . . against provocations from unfriendly countries and to prevent smuggling, Lithuanias interior minister Agne Bilotaite told the Baltic News Service, according to Financial Times.

The drones will be equipped with various sensors and cameras to monitor border activities continuously. Additionally, anti-drone systems will be installed to counter any hostile drones that may be used for smuggling or other provocations.

What are the reasons for the proposal?

The proposal for a drone wall comes amid heightened tensions and security concerns due to Russias actions in Ukraine and its broader geopolitical stance. The primary reasons include:

Deterrence: By enhancing surveillance and border security, NATO aims to deter potential aggressive moves by Russia. Many NATO countries believe that Russia may test NATOs borders within the next five to ten years. Intelligence services have uncovered several presumed sabotage operations on their soil. Response to provocations: In recent months and years, all six countries have experienced what are known as hybrid attacks from Russia. These attacks involve non-military measures that often have a level of deniability. Increased drone and airspace incursions by Russia have prompted the need for robust defensive measures. Preventing smuggling and illegal activities: The drone wall is also expected to curb smuggling and other illegal activities that might exploit border vulnerabilities.Ministers from the six countries said over the weekend that they had discussed the creation of a coordinated system of drones along their borders with Russia. This system would aim to prevent smuggling and further provocations and to assist with defense.

National flags of the Alliances members flutter at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. File image/Reuters

These countries have expressed their commitment to investing in the necessary technologies and systems to ensure the successful implementation of the drone wall.

How effective can it be?

The effectiveness of the drone wall will depend on several factors:

Technological sophistication: The drones and anti-drone systems need to be advanced enough to detect and neutralise threats effectively. Integration and coordination: Seamless integration between the drones operated by different countries and their border security systems is crucial for comprehensive surveillance. Funding and maintenance: Adequate funding for the procurement, deployment, and maintenance of these systems will be essential for their sustained effectiveness.

While the drone wall presents a modern solution to border security, its real-world effectiveness will only be proven once operational. Initial trials and phased implementations will likely provide insights into necessary adjustments and improvements.

What are the challenges in setting up the drone wall?

Several challenges could impede the successful implementation of the drone wall:

Technological integration: Achieving seamless integration of various national systems and technologies can be complex and requires significant coordination. Financial constraints: The cost of acquiring, deploying, and maintaining drones and anti-drone systems could be substantial. Securing adequate funding, potentially from the European Union, will be vital. Geographical and environmental factors: The diverse terrains and weather conditions along the extensive borders might pose operational challenges for drone surveillance. Political and diplomatic hurdles: Coordinating such a large-scale project among multiple nations with different political landscapes and priorities could be challenging.

Are there any precedents for such an endeavour?

While the concept of a drone wall is relatively novel, there are precedents for using technology to enhance border security. For instance, the United States has employed drones for surveillance along its southern border to combat illegal immigration and smuggling. Israel, too, has implemented advanced surveillance systems, including drones, along its borders to monitor and prevent incursions.

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With inputs from agencies
Nearly 10 days after a minor speeding in a Porsche car allegedly killed two young techies, numerous attempts are reportedly being made to cover up the juveniles involvement in the crime. The Pune Police has arrested two doctors from Sassoon General Hospital for destroying the teens blood sample after allegedly being offered Rs 3 lakh as a bribe. Questions are also being raised as to why an NCP MLA showed up at the police station after the crash read more

The Porsche car found without number plate, in Pune. The car was allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy who knocked down two motorbike riders on Sunday, causing their death in Kalyani Nagar of Pune city, as the police claim. PTI

Nearly 10 days after the Porsche crash took place in Kalyani Nagar area of Pune in Maharashtra, killing two people, new twists have emerged in the case  of evidence tampering and attempts of hushing up the matter.

The doctors at Punes Sassoon General Hospital, who had collected the teen accuseds blood sample after the crash, which killed two people, have been arrested for destroying evidence and send to police custody until 30 May. There are also claims being made that a Rs 3 lakh bribe was made to the doctors at the government-run hospital to replace the blood sample.

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Furthermore, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and one MLA and one state minister from his NCP faction are under fire over allegations that they allegedly tried to interfere in the police case against the teen after he ran over two 24-year-old techies in the wee hours of 19 May.

Is it a case of crash and cover-up? Whats going on? Heres all that we know.

Blood matters

On Monday, the Pune Police, who is investigating the case of the 17-year-old being allegedly drunk and then running over two people on 19 May, has alleged that there has been a blatant attempt at a cover-up by the family of the teenager accused in the case.

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said they have arrested Dr Ajay Taware, head of the Sassoon General Hospitals Forensic Medicine department and Dr Shrihari Halnor, the chief medical officer of the state-run hospital, along with one more staff member of the hospital for allegedly trying to discard and replace the blood sample of the accused with another, on the allurement from the accuseds family.

Dr Ajay Taware, head of the Sassoon General Hospitals Forensic Medicine department and Dr Shrihari Halnor, the chief medical officer of the state-run hospital, along with one more staff member of the hospital have been arrested for allegedly trying to discard and replace the blood sample of the accused with another. File image/PTI

According to the police, Dr Harnol collected the minors blood samples  the police claim that the 17-year-old was intoxicated at the time of the crash  and then threw them in a dustbin at Sassoon Hospital. Then along with Dr Taware, a blood sample of another person was taken and sent to the forensic lab with the minors name on it.

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According to reports, which cite sources, the doctors discarded the blood sample and tried to replace it after receiving a call from the teen accuseds father and a promise of a Rs 3 lakh bribe. As per an NDTV report, Dr Taware and the teen accuseds father spoke over the phone on the day of the accident. The juveniles father had called the doctor and offered him allurements to replace the blood samples, police told the media outlet.

The police explained that owing to the sensitivity of the case, they had taken one more sample of the accused and sent it to another hospital. The report of the other hospital revealed the juveniles blood report at the Sassoon Hospital was manipulated as the DNA of (blood samples of) both the reports did not match, he said. Both the doctors did not have any idea that the police would take one more sample (of the accused juvenile), said Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar.

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Both the doctors have now been arrested and charged under sections 120 b (criminal conspiracy), 467 (forgery), 201 (destruction of evidence), 213 (taking gift or something else to screen an offender from punishment), and 214 (offering gift or restoration of property to screen an offender) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Moreover, the Maharashtra Medical Council has also issued a notice to the doctors, giving them seven days to respond. News18 reports that if the Maharashtra Medical Council finds the two doctors guilty, the council could suspend their medical licences from one day to a lifetime.

Prior to the two doctors being arrested, two police officials have also been suspended on 24 May for delayed reporting of the Porsche car crash and dereliction of duty.

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The driver angle

Prior to the minor accuseds blood sample being discarded, there have been attempts of a cover-up in the case, with the family alleging that it wasnt the teen but the driver who was driving the car at the time of the crash.

Last Friday, the police said that there was some attempt by the minors father to show that the driver of the Porsche car was not his son, but an adult driver. The commissioner said the driver (adult) had initially said he was driving the Porsche car. Probe is on and it will be known under whose pressure he made such a statement. Statement of this driver is important, said Kumar.

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We have checked records at the security cabin of the minors residence, which shows he had taken the car while leaving the house. We have seized the CCTV videos from the minors house. Also, the statements of the eye-witnesses corroborate this technical evidence, he added.

In fact, on Saturday (25 May), the cops arrested the teens grandfather, Surendra Agarwal, for allegedly putting pressure on the driver to take the blame for the accident. A News18 report citing sources said that Surendra and Vishal, the accuseds father, had allegedly kidnapped the driver and held him. They put pressure on him to accept the responsibility of the accident by offering him a bungalow, a source was quoted as saying.

The grandfather has also been remanded to police custody until 28 May.

Political interference

Besides claims of the teen accuseds family trying to cover-up his involvement in the crime, theres also reports emerging that leaders from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction also attempted at putting pressure to make the authorities go soft on the juvenile.

As per a report in the Economic Times, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar allegedly made a call to the Pune Police commissioner to go soft on the minor son. Earlier, social activist Anjali Damania had made the same claim.

NCP MLA Sunil Tingre landed up at the Yerawada police station shortly after the minor was arrested in the Pune Porsche case, raising questions over his presence. Image Courtesy: @suniltingre/X

When confronted with this allegation, Pawar denied applying any pressure on the investigating authorities and said: If any such incident happens and if you are the guardian minister, then one would call up the police commissioner. So, I told him (Pune Police commissioner) to not succumb to any pressure as a rich persons family was involved. There was a possibility of different kinds of pressure on police.

Earlier, questions were also raised as to why an MLA from Pawars NCP faction, Sunil Tingre, had shown up at the Yerawada police station after the minors arrest on 19 May. There were allegations that he had gone there to put pressure on the police to go soft on the juvenile. However, Tingre has stated that he went to the station to ensure that the authorities carry out their investigation without any pressure.

Builder Vishal Agarwal is brought to the Pune Police Commissioners office after his arrest, in Pune. File image/PTI

Familys clout

The attempts at trying to cover-up the crime has put a spotlight on the juveniles family. The father, Vishal Agarwal, who has been arrested, is a renowned realtor in Pune.

There are also claims that the minors grandfather, allegedly made payments to don Chhota Rajan in a shootout case.

Another prominent builder from Pune also told The Print that the family was high on money.

The case has got many asking: Does the rich get away with crime?

With inputs from agencies
A Russian attack that demolished a busy supermarket in Kharkiv on Saturday, leading to several casualties, has been the deadliest offensive on Ukrainian soil in recent times. The villages of Ivanivka in the Kharkiv region and Netailove in the Donetsk region were captured by Russian troops. Ukrainian forces recently confirmed advances near Lyptsi in northern Kharkiv Oblast read more

Rescuers work at a site of a residential building heavily damaged during a Russian missile attack, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. File Photo- Reuters

The Kharkiv front remains a critical battleground in the Russia-Ukraine war. Since the renewed offensive on 10 May, both Russian and Ukrainian forces have engaged in intense fighting, with territorial gains and losses on both sides.

A Russian attack that demolished a busy supermarket in Kharkiv on Saturday leading to several casualties has been the deadliest offensive on Ukrainian soil in recent times.

We give a detailed account of the recent developments, and explain the areas captured by Russia, the regions reclaimed by Ukraine, and the current hotspots of fighting. We also take an in-depth look at President Zelenskyys remarks on Russias future plans and NATOs reactions, both of which provide some hints about the direction the conflict might take.

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An overview of the Russian attack on Kharkiv

On 10 May, 2024, Russian forces initiated a concentrated assault on Kharkiv, marking the first significant breach of Ukrainian defence lines in the region since the initial invasion in 2022. This offensive involved heavy fighting and armoured incursions, with Russian troops advancing approximately six kilometres at multiple points within the first five days. The attacks were primarily focused on the northern districts of Vovchansk, a mere five kilometres from the border with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Kharkiv as enduring a third year of constant terror, with Russian forces regularly shelling the city using S-300 missiles and guided aerial bombs.

The plight of civilians in Ukraines Kharkiv Region has grown more desperate since Russian forces launched a new offensive into the region on 10 May. In just two weeks, nearly 135 civilians were killed or injured, including in Kharkiv City, according to United Nations.

The plight of civilians in Ukraine's Kharkiv Region has grown more desperate since Russian forces launched a new offensive into the region on 10 May.



In just two weeks, nearly 135 civilians were killed or injured, including in Kharkiv City, where thousands seek safety & refuge.  UN Ukraine (@UN_Ukraine) May 27, 2024

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Ukrainian authorities have evacuated more than 11,000 people from the region since the start of the offensive on 10 May.

The deadly attack on a supermarket

The intensity of the Russian offensive was tragically highlighted on 25 May, when a missile strike hit the Epicenter hypermarket shopping center in Kharkiv. The building went up in flames.

Nearly 200 people were inside the complex at the time of the attack, which has resulted in at least 18 deaths, including that of a 12-year-old girl. Another 48 people have been injured, according to CNN.

This incident has been the deadliest attack Ukraine has endured in several weeks. The renewed offensive has seen the deployment of S-300 missiles and guided aerial bombs.

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Areas captured and reclaimed

In the weeks following the offensive, Russian forces made notable territorial gains. The villages of Ivanivka in the Kharkiv region and Netailove in the Donetsk region were captured by Russian troops.

Russian forces had recorded partial success in one of the areas of the Kupiansk sector, a statement from Ukrainian forces said, adding that they were taking measures to stabilise the situation and prevent the enemy from advancing.

The Ukrainian militarys General Staff said in a report late on Sunday its forces had repelled an attack near Ivanivka, east of the town of Kupiansk.

Ukrainian forces recently confirmed advances near Lyptsi in northern Kharkiv Oblast.

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Ukrainian forces recently made confirmed advances near Lyptsi in northern Kharkiv Oblast.



Russian forces advanced near Svatove in Luhansk Oblast and northwest of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast.



27 MAY Map Updates (1/7) https://t.co/L6qonZHUcc pic.twitter.com/XA1rWs15tD  Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) May 28, 2024

Despite these gains, heavy fighting continues in areas like Vovchansk, where Russian forces have made marginal advances, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

The Ukrainian General Staff reported ongoing ground assaults southeast of Siversk and offensive operations near Chasiv Yar, although these have not resulted in significant changes to the frontline.

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Current hotspots of fighting

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.

A general view shows a building heavily damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in central Kharkiv, Ukraine. Reuters

Pitched battles continue in the Chasiv Yar direction of the Donetsk region, with intense hostilities reported by Ukraines General Staff. On 27 May, Russian forces persisted with offensive operations near Chasiv Yar; however, there were no confirmed changes to the frontline in the area.

The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces continued ground assaults southeast of Siversk. Russian forces are also actively engaging in offensive operations northeast of Kharkiv City near Vovchansk.

Russias future plans

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an address on 26 May, Zelenskyy warned that Russia is preparing to intensify its offensive along Ukraines northern border.

Right now, these days, we are defending ourselves 60 kilometers northeast from this place from yet another attempt of the Russian assault. 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 doesnt want peace," Zelenskyy revealed, speaking from a printing house in Kharkiv that Moscows forces last week struck with several missiles, killing seven workers and injuring at least 20.

NATOs Reaction

If the fighting does intensify further, it is not expected to be just one-sided. NATO has closely monitored the situation, with Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg suggesting that the alliance may need to reconsider some of the restrictions imposed on Ukraines defensive capabilities. Stoltenberg noted that the front line and the border in the Kharkiv region are nearly the same, complicating Ukraines defense efforts.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Reuters

One of the main reasons for imposing these restrictions was to avoid escalating the conflict even more. If Ukraine were to use Western-supplied weapons to attack targets within Russia, it could be perceived as direct Western involvement in the conflict. This could potentially provoke a more significant military response from Russia, leading to a wider, potentially uncontrollable escalation.

He said, the time has come to consider whether it will be right to lift some of the restrictions which have been imposed. Because we see now that especially in the Kharkiv region, the front line and the borderline is more or less the same.

And of course, if they cannot attack military targets on Russian territory, then it ties one hand of the Ukrainians on their back and makes it very hard for them to conduct defence because they are attacked from Russian territory, with missiles, with airstrikes, with artillery and its hard for them to respond because there are restrictions on some of the weapons they could use."

Why has Russia set its sights on Kharkiv?

Several factors contribute to Russias focus on Kharkiv:

1. Strategic importance: Kharkiv, a traditionally Russian-speaking city close to the border, holds immense economic and strategic significance. It is the capital of Ukraines heavy machinery and defense industries, making it a vital economic asset.

2. Symbolic victory: Capturing Kharkiv would represent a significant symbolic victory for Russia. The citys resilience has made it a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, and its capture would boost Russian morale while weakening Ukraines economic capabilities.

After Kharkiv thwarted the Russian offensive in 2022, it became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. Reuters

3. Creating a buffer zone: Establishing a buffer zone along the border inside Ukraine has been a stated goal of Russian President Vladimir Putin. By controlling territories in and around Kharkiv, Russia could create a strategic buffer, reducing the immediate threat of Ukrainian counter-offensives and providing a protective barrier for its own borders.

4. Diversion tactics: The attack on Kharkiv may also serve as a diversion to thin out Ukrainian defences and draw attention away from the Donbas region. By pressuring Kharkiv, Russia hopes to stretch Ukraines military resources, leaving critical areas in Donbas more vulnerable to attack.

With inputs from agencies
China is initiating a renewed diplomatic effort in West Asia and North Africa to challenge the influence of the United States in the regions. This week, leaders from Egypt, Bahrain, Tunisia, and the UAE will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing war in Gaza. Beijing may also pursue the long-anticipated free trade agreement with Gulf states read more

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Arab leaders pose for a group photo during the China-Arab summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 9 December, 2022. File Image/SPA via Reuters

Leaders from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Tunisia, will visit China this week, according to Beijings foreign ministry on Monday. The delegation will include Egypts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Bahrains King Hamad, Tunisian President Kais Saied, and UAEs President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

From 28 May 28 to 1 June, these leaders will pay state visits to China and attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, stated foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

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What is the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum?

Established two decades ago, in 2004, during a visit to Cairo by then-President Hu Jintao, the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum is a platform that connects China with 22 members of the League of Arab States, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Palestine, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Under this mechanism, the foreign ministers of the 23 countries convene every two years to discuss collaboration in politics, economy, and security. In recent years, senior officials have also met periodically to explore deeper cooperation in energy, technology, and public health.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrives in Beijing for a State visit on 28 May, 2024. Reuters

The upcoming forum, scheduled for Thursday, will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk will co-chair the conference.

The event will see the participation of foreign ministers or representatives from the Arab states and the secretary-general of the League of Arab States, according to the ministry.

Why is China looking to mediate the war in Gaza?

Speaking at a briefing in Beijing on Monday morning, Chinas Foreign Vice-Minister Deng Li stated that Xi Jinping would hold individual meetings with the four state leaders to exchange views on bilateral ties and regional and international issues of common concern.

This meetings occur as China aims to mediate the conflict between Hamas and Israel, and the ongoing war in Gaza . Historically, China has supported the Palestinian cause and advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Xi Jinping has also called for an international peace conference to address the ongoing violence.

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The goal is to end the Gaza conflict as soon as possible and realise peace, and at the same time promote the international communitys determination to implement the two-state solution with greater determination and more concrete actions to ultimately achieve long-term peace and stability in the Middle East region, Deng said.

In recent years, China has emerged as an increasingly influential force in West Asia, as the United States focus has shifted to the Indo-Pacific. The region provides much of the oil that China requires and serves as a major trading partner for many countries in the area, even though the US remains the predominant military and diplomatic power.

A journalist reads a local newspaper headlines reporting on Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the China-Arab meeting, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Beijing, 27 May, 2024. AP

Beijing maintains strong relations with all key statesSaudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel, and Iran, viewing the region as both a crucial economic partner and a significant geopolitical objective. Last year, Beijings growing influence was highlighted when it brokered a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

In June 2023, Xi Jinping welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Beijing for a state visit and offered to mediate in the Israel-Palestine conflict. In a joint statement following the visit, Xi emphasised that the Palestinian issue has remained unresolved for over half a century, causing significant suffering for the Palestinian people, and stressed that justice must be served as soon as possible.

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He called for a large-scale, more authoritative, and more influential international peace conference to address the issue. Subsequently, Xi also invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit China, and Netanyahu expressed his intention to do so . However, the visit has yet to materialise.

Also Read: How Chinese mediation into Hamas-Fatah unity talks is part of Beijings long-term plan

It is evident that Beijing has gained substantial geopolitical influence in the region through its economic ties and various projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Notably, three of its West Asian partnersEgypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAEare also military partners of the US. Each of these countries has its own reasons for fostering ties with China.

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One significant advantage for China is its ability to influence Iran, which supports Hamas, and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Will China look to seal a China-Persian Gulf FTA?

China may also be aiming to finalise a long-sought free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during the meetings. Negotiations between China and the GCC, which includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Omanall members of the League of Arab Statesbegan as early as 2004.

In January, Chen Weiqing, then Chinas top envoy to Saudi Arabia, stated that about 90 per cent of the terms of the free trade agreement had been agreed upon. However, two months later, Reuters reported that talks had stalled due to Saudi concerns that inexpensive Chinese products might hinder Riyadhs ambitions to become an industrial powerhouse.

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Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby (R) shakes hands with Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi as Qatars Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani stands between them after signing documents during a ministerial meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Doha, Qatar, 12 May, 2016. Reuters

Both the GCC countries and China are among the worlds largest economies. The combined GDP of the GCC countries exceeds $2.4 trillion, while Chinas GDP surpasses $17.7 trillion, according to the GCCs General Secretariat.

Trade between the GCC countries and China is robust, with Beijing being the largest trading partner of the Gulf nations. In 2022, bilateral trade volume between the GCC countries and China exceeded $315 billion.

Also Read: How EU-India FTA, IMEC are fundamental to saving Europe from Chinese dominance

The trade primarily involves energy and its derivatives, machinery, electrical appliances, and automatic equipment. Gulf countries export over 80 per cent of their energy to China, while their imports of machinery and electrical appliances from China account for more than 35 per cent.

With inputs from agencies
Examining data from 5.3 million births across the top 50 metropolitan areas in the US over 25 years, a recent study found that for every one-degree Celsius rise in temperature above a certain threshold, there was a corresponding one per cent increase in preterm and early-term births read more

A new research has linked an increase in premature births during hot weather conditions to intense and prolonged heatwaves. Image for representation. Pixabay

India is grappling with a severe heatwave, with many states of the country issuing red and orange heat alerts. While exposure to such extreme temperatures can have a dangerous impact on your health, new research has linked an increase in premature births during hot weather conditions to intense and prolonged heatwaves.



A team of researchers, led by researchers from Emory University, University of Nevada Reno, Yale University, University of Utah and the National Center for Atmospheric Research estimated changes in the rate of preterm and early-term birth in response to heatwaves.

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A heatwave is a period of extremely high temperatures relative to what is normally expected over a region.

Over a 25-year period (1993-2017), the researchers analysed 5.3 million births across the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the US in terms of daily counts of preterm and early-term births to publish its findings in The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open.

So how does heatwave impact pregnancy? Lets take a closer look

Increased heat linked to preterm births

During a typical 40-week pregnancy, babies born before the 37-weeks are considered preterm, while those delivered between 37 and 39 weeks are termed early-term births.

The researchers found that over the 25-year period, preterm births increased by 2 per cent, while early-term births increased by 1 per cent, following a four consecutive day-period during which each days average temperature was among the hottest 2.5 per cent for that region.

Each 1 degree Celsius increase in mean temperature above the threshold was associated with a 1 per cent increase in the rate of both preterm and early-term birth, the authors wrote in the study.

The researchers stated that this was the first study to present strong population-level evidence linking heat waves to higher rates of preterm and early-term births.

Using national birth data over the recent decades, the study was the largest one to date addressing this aspect, they claimed.



The analysis encompassed approximately 5.3 million births, representing nearly half of all births in the United States between 1993 and 2017 were sourced from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Who is at the maximum risk?

The research revealed that the rise in preterm and early-term births was more significant among women under 30, with lower education levels, and from minority backgrounds. It specifically analysed mothers with a high school education or less, those belonging to racial minority groups, or of Hispanic ethnicity, and under the age of 30.

For this demographic, the rate ratio for preterm birth stood at 1.04, and for early-term birth, it was 1.03 following four consecutive hot days, the researchers wrote.

The increases in preterm and early-term birth rates were more pronounced during longer and hotter heatwaves, especially among population subgroups with lower socioeconomic status, the authors noted.

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The research team said that modest but consistent increases in birth rates were most pronounced in the four days leading up to birth and during periods of prolonged heat and higher temperatures.

Extreme heat events profoundly impact perinatal health, and our findings underscore the uneven distribution of these effects among different demographic groups, the authors concluded.
Xinjiang maps plan to welcome more domestic and intl travelers

Global Times) 14:38, May 28, 2024

A tourist poses for photos on Liuxing Street in Yining City, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 10, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is set to experience further growth in its local tourism economy after the country's tourism authorities issued a three-year plan to promote regional tourism, with the first year receiving 178 million yuan in investment.

From 2024 to 2026, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will increase capital investment and resources in Xinjiang from five aspects, tourist sourcing, destination, product supply, transportation services, and publicity and promotion, so as to promote the high-quality development of the region's tourism industry.

The plan was announced at the 2025 Xinjiang Tourism Development Conference in the city of Turpan on Monday. This marks a new effort from the country level to boost Xinjiang's local tourism sector.

Xinjiang has been a popular tourist destination for domestic travelers in recent years. Data showed in 2023, the number of tourists in Xinjiang reached a record of 265 million from home and abroad, a year-on-year increase of 117.04 percent and the total tourism revenue reached 296.715 billion yuan, up 226.93 percent year on year.

In 2023, Xinjiang added 563 new travel agencies, and nearly 25,000 tour guides gained employment through tourism services. There are more than 370,000 business entities engaged in tourism in Xinjiang. Rural tourism, in particular, not only revitalizes old villages, old houses and old structures, but also turns passenger flow into sales of agricultural and related products.

Starting from 2024, Xinjiang continued to win the hearts of tourists. In the first quarter of this year, Kashgar, one of the most popular destinations in the region, welcomed 7.169 million domestic tourists, generating tourism income of 6.08 billion yuan.

Xinjiang has also become a hot spot for international tourists from Central Asia.

In the first quarter, Xinjiang welcomed 869,100 inbound tourists, generating international tourism revenue of $594 million, marking respective increases of 421.49 percent and 353.77 percent compared with the same period last year, according to immigration authorities.

Industry observers stated that the surge in the tourism industry can be attributed to Xinjiang's seizing opportunities from the Belt and Road Initiative, leading to a continuous expansion of the local tourism economy.

Deeper tourism exchanges between Xinjiang and countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have been driven by the implementation of visa exemption policies, as well as increased flights from Urumqi to Central Asian countries, they added.

About 220,000 travelers passed through the Horgos port in the first three months of this year, with a peak of 3,000 people in a single day, according to statistics from the Horgos border checkpoint.

Also, data from Khunjerab Port showed that since its opening in April this year, the flow of passengers has continued to rise, surpassing 5,000, a 454 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Thriving tourism in Xinjiang has benefited from a stable environment where people can travel safely and securely. There is no need to worry about personal safety while traveling in Xinjiang, according to Wang Jiang, an expert at the Institute of China's Borderland Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, told the Global Times on Monday.

Xinjiang stands out as a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers especially in the wake of COVID-19 as the domestic tourism market embraces a bounce back , Wang said.

The real face of Xinjiang has become familiar to the wider world over recent years following more visitors sharing their real experiences on social media, refreshing the stereotypes portrayed by some mainstream Western media. One video posted by an influencer ''Sun Kissed Bucket List'' described a downtown area of the capital city of Urumqi, Xinjiang as "little New York" which is full of big international brands and big avenues. Wang said that slander and smear based on groundless claims will all be debunked as facts speak for themselves.

Officials from the region said they aim to attract 300 million visits throughout 2024, which is a challenge but remains achievable, Wang said, adding that Xinjiang is emerging as an attractive place for visitors not only for its secure environment, but also cultures of multiple ethnic minorities as well as various natural resources.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Parts of India are grappling with extreme heat. Across the world too, temperatures are soaring, making people sweat profusely. Amid these rising temperatures, everyone seems to be asking  how hot is too hot? And what happens to the human body then? The answer, surprisingly, isnt limited only to the thermometer; it has much to do with humidity. Heres what you need to know read more

Women wipe the sweat from their faces as they wait for bus on a hot and humid summer day in Mumbai, India. A persistent heatwave has left people in India and in other parts of the world sweating and sweltering. AP

Its hot in India  this feels like an understatement. A persistent heatwave has enveloped parts of India, mainly in the north, with Rajasthans Phalodi recording a whopping 50 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 26 May.

A red alert has been sounded off by Indias weatherman, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi , west, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. People in these states have been asked to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the severe heat. Even Maharashtra is sweltering in the heat, with officials in the city of Akola even imposing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) until 31 May due to possible heatwave conditions in the city.

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Even across the world, countries like Pakistan and parts of the United States are experiencing extremely hot weather.

The current conditions have got many asking: How hot is too hot? And what will happen if the heat becomes too much for the body to handle?

How hot is too hot?

Experts note that the answer to this question goes beyond the temperature you see on the thermometer. It has a lot to do with humidity and the wet bulb temperature. The wet bulb temperature is a meteorological term used to describe the lowest temperature that can be reached by evaporating water into the air at constant pressure. This temperature helps measure humidity and understand how much water can evaporate into the air, affecting things like comfort, farming and weather patterns.

According to a 2014 study by Ollie Jay, of the Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory at the University of Sydney, a person who is at rest, wearing minimal clothing, in a very dry room  10 per cent relative humidity  and drinking water constantly could probably avoid overheating in temperatures as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit or 46.1 degrees Celsius.

Another study in 2021 stated that once the air temperature hits 122 degrees Fahrenheit, 50 degrees Celsius, the human body can no longer dissipate heat and our core temperature rises.

However, a more recent study has stated that the hottest temperature a human body can endure is a wet-bulb temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Heres an example of wet bulb temperature and air temperature. When the air temperature is 46.1 degrees Celsius with a relative humidity of 30 per cent, the wet bulb temperature is 30.5 degrees Celsius. But when the air temperature is 38.9 C and the relative humidity is 77 per cent, the wet-bulb temperature is about 35 C.

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A family walks through a market on a hot summer day in Guwahati. Most parts of the north India are sweltering under scorching temperatures with the capital New Delhi under a severe weather alert as extreme temperatures strike parts of the country. AP

Researchers have said that the more humid the environment, the harder for the body to process heat. They found that with more water in the air, its harder for sweat to evaporate off the body and cool a person down.

They found that people cant survive at high heat and humidity because they cant regulate their body temperature. As Colin Raymond, a postdoctoral researcher at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory who studies extreme heat, told Live Science, If the wet bulb temperature rises above the human body temperature, you can still sweat, but youre not going to be able to cool your body to the temperature that it needs to operate at physiologically.

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Its important to note that a wet bulb temperature of 35 degrees Celsius wont cause immediate death. Studies have pointed out that such a temperature spread across three hours or so would make it unsurvivable.

What happens in too hot conditions?

When the wet bulb temperature runs too high, peoples resting metabolic rate  the amount of energy needed to function at rest  increases.

According to medical experts, people may start to breathe more heavily and their heart rates can go up. Once a persons body can no longer get rid of excess heat  a condition known as heat stress  the core temperature rises. That can result in confusion, nausea, dizziness, headache or fainting.

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Lewis Halsey, a professor of life and health sciences at the University of Roehampton in England, who also conducted a study on how much heat can the human body endure, told NBC News: People are typically quite good at acclimating to heat, up to a point.

An elderly man, who according to medical officials suffers from heat exhaustion, is helped by hospital staff and a relative to enter a hospital for treatment during a heatwave in Ahmedabad. Reuters

However, once a body can no longer process the heat, it will denature proteins and cause irreparable damage to brain. As an India Today report said, the human body can turn into a scrambled egg.

However, its important to note here again that this may happen only over a period of time. It is not an immediate effect.

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Studies have already shown how extreme temperature s can affect almost every part of the human body. It has been found that as temperatures rise, your brain can struggle to process information. That drop in cognitive function can impair judgement, and puts people at risk of falling or injuring themselves. In extreme cases, high heat can even cause dangerous brain inflammation.

Apart from the brain, even the heart is affected. Stephen Cheung, a senior research fellow at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario said thats because more blood is trapped out in the skin as your body tries to cool itself. What happens is that it places greater strain on your heart because now it has less blood coming back, and it has to work harder to pump that blood out to the rest of the body, he said to CBC News.

Extreme heat also is found to affect the kidneys and the lungs.

How to protect yourself?

One cant do much to control the temperature but one can take precautions to protect oneself. First and foremost, stay hydrated, including with electrolytes if needed. The body sweats out a lot of salt and minerals, and if you drink a lot of water but dont replace these depleted minerals, the body can experience other complications.

A man sprays water on his face as he tries to cool off on a hot summer day, in Lucknow. AP

Moreover, reduce the temperature in your location, by taking cool baths, eating cold foods, and wearing lighter-weight clothes. Use the air conditioning when feeling uncomfortably hot. However, this may be counterintuitive, as some experts note that an extensive use of air conditioning would reduce peoples capacity to cope without it.

There are other sustainable strategies too. But countries and governments have to take measures at a larger scale to ensure that extreme heat driven by climate change is curbed.

With inputs from agencies
Respect for Indias Nari Shakti rings hollow if we celebrate their triumphs in breaking glass ceilings while remaining silent on menstruation and hiding sanitary napkins in shame read more

Balalakshmi encountered an ongoing struggle with persistent vaginal irritations and infections. Despite her discomfort, she hesitated to seek medical guidance due to the taboo surrounding such issues. After enduring prolonged discomfort, she finally sought professional advice and was astounded to learn that her condition stemmed from the frequent use of overly synthetic sanitary products readily available in stores.

This moment changed Balalakshmis life making her think about the many women who might be suffering in silence like she did. As a daughter and mother, she wanted to find a solution. She began researching and came up with the idea of making cotton sanitary napkins as a safer alternative to the synthetic ones available in the market.

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Importance of menstrual hygiene

Its striking that in a country where motherhood is revered womens reproductive health remains highly neglected. The stigma surrounding discussions about menstrual health and hygiene persists even today leading to a severe lack of awareness on the topic. This ignorance endangers the lives of countless women who are left without the knowledge and resources to manage their health effectively.

Menstrual hygiene is an essential aspect of womens health and well-being impacting not only physical comfort but also mental and social aspects of their lives. Proper menstrual hygiene management ensures women can navigate their menstrual cycles with dignity, confidence and without compromising their daily activities. Access to clean water, sanitary products and education on menstrual health are fundamental rights that empower women to maintain hygiene, prevent infections and manage their periods safely. Moreover, addressing menstrual hygiene contributes to breaking taboos and stigmas surrounding menstruation, promoting gender equality and fostering a supportive environment where women can openly discuss their reproductive health needs. By prioritising menstrual hygiene, the rights and dignity of women are uphold ensuring their overall health and well-being.

Taking action: Balalakshmis initiative

Balalakshmi was determined to make a difference and gain recognition, but she wasnt sure how to start. Her own experience with infections caused by synthetic napkins motivated her to take action. The support and assistance she received from the NGO Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST) as her mentor were crucial in securing a Rs 2 lakh loan from a bank, which enabled her to start her entrepreneurial journey. She started making and selling cotton sanitary napkins after thorough research. Together with her husband, she travelled across Tamil Nadu, meeting experts who made cotton napkins. They learned the process and found a supplier of pure cotton in Paramathivellore, thanks to a friend. She also bought a UV steriliser machine to ensure the napkins were properly sterilised.

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Balalakshmi. Image courtesy BYST

Balalakshmis business is all about being green and sustainable. She makes sanitary napkins from natural cotton, which is safe for the skin and needs to be changed every four to five hours. These cotton napkins are easy to use and help prevent the allergies and infections that synthetic ones can cause.

Today, as the owner of M/s S.B Organics, a manufacturer and seller of cotton sanitary napkins, my journey into entrepreneurship began with a difficult experience that I transformed into an opportunity through my humanitarian spirit. My sanitary napkins are biodegradable and free of all toxic products. On Menstrual Hygiene Day, lets champion the use of cotton, chemical-free sanitary pads empowering women with safer, healthier, and more sustainable choices for their well-being, said Balalakshmi.

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Aruna Daaras contributions

Aruna Daara, the founder and CEO of Apna Green Products and Antarvedi Foundation, leads the way in sustainable feminine hygiene solutions. Daara is also a mentor associated with BYST.

Apna Green Products distinguishes itself from established brands like Whisper and Stayfree through a unique blend of sustainability, social impact, and consumer-centric innovation. Unlike conventional brands, our APNA Pads are crafted from biodegradable materials such as banana and rose petals. This eco-friendly approach appeals to environmentally conscious consumers seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional products. Our pads offer natural, hypoallergenic properties, reducing the risk of irritation and allergies. The inclusion of rose petals adds a gentle aroma, enhancing the overall user experience, said Daara.

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Our emphasis on natural ingredients, biodegradability, and social responsibility differentiates us in a market dominated by conventional brands, attracting a niche but growing segment of eco-conscious and socially responsible consumers, she said.

Aruna Daara. Image courtesy BYST

We are deeply committed to womens empowerment and livelihoods. By providing training, employment, and education opportunities to women, we foster economic independence and community development, creating a loyal customer base that values our social mission, said Daara.

Indian sanitary napkin market

In todays world, even though talking about periods is still considered a bit awkward, things are getting better. More and more people in India are realising how important it is for women to have good hygiene during their periods. Especially in villages, many women didnt have the right information or tools to manage their periods safely. But things are changing. People are starting to understand the importance of menstrual hygiene.

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According to a report by Research and Markets, India Sanitary Pads Market 2023 released in November last year, the sanitary napkins market in India was valued at $685.89 million in 2023 and is anticipated to have a robust growth with a CAGR of 6.23 per cent through 2029.

A Mordor Intelligence study says that with a growing emphasis on womens hygiene in the nation, a surge of local startups, NGOs and community initiatives has emerged. Their goal is to tackle the key challenges faced by the industry such as low awareness and affordability issues. Over the past few years, numerous startups dedicated to menstrual health have sprung up leveraging technology to connect with over 300 million women lacking access to menstrual hygiene products and information. These startups are striving to provide cost-effective sanitary napkins to women in rural regions who may otherwise struggle to afford them.

According to data from the Economic Survey of India between 2016-17 and 2020-21 the proportion of startups and Indian patent applications increased by more than five times in the sector.

The Indian feminine hygiene market is becoming very competitive as big companies fight to get a bigger piece of the market. Major brands like Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Unicharm, Johnson & Johnson and Essity AB are now leading the market in India. A Mordor Intelligence study found that the removal of GST on sanitary pads and imported feminine hygiene products is significantly helping the market grow. Importers now only need to pay a 10 per cent basic customs duty. Previously, they had to pay both a 10 per cent customs duty and a 12 per cent GST making the total tax 22 per cent. This change reduces costs and encourages more imports of these products.

However, despite the expansion of the market and lowering of GST there still persists a problem of affordability.

Sanitary pads come in a wide range of prices and the best brands are often too expensive for people with low incomes. According to a study by Research and Markets, the high cost includes manufacturing, distribution and marketing expenses. Since women need sanitary pads every month, this becomes a regular financial burden. For poor families, spending a large part of their income on menstrual hygiene is hard. Although the government has programmes to make sanitary pads cheaper, these programmes dont always work well due to issues like poor implementation and lack of availability in remote areas.

This is where individuals like Balalakshmi and Aruna come in with their entrepreneurial enterprises which is also important socially.

Awareness and education campaigns

Government and NGOs have been crucial in breaking the silence and debunking myths about menstruation. Their campaigns aim to teach women and girls the importance of menstrual hygiene and the use of sanitary products like pads. These initiatives also stress how essential menstrual hygiene is for physical health encouraging women to talk openly about period-related issues.

The rise of digital media and the internet has boosted these awareness efforts. Young people now have better access to information, which helps them challenge old beliefs and seek better menstrual hygiene. This increased awareness has led to more women, especially in cities and towns, using sanitary pads as they have more access to information.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has included menstrual hygiene in its focus on cleanliness and sanitation. The campaign aims to build toilets and improve sanitation in rural areas. Clean, private toilets are important for menstrual hygiene and the programme supports the use of sanitary pads by providing places for their proper disposal. By promoting menstrual hygiene, these initiatives have created a more open environment for discussing womens health.

In 2022, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched a programme to help girls aged 10-19 in rural areas with menstrual hygiene. They placed sanitary pad vending machines in schools and colleges making it easier for women students to get pads when they need them.

New products are fine, but nothing can replace hygiene

Menstrual hygiene can no longer be sacrificed to stigma. Good menstrual hygiene practices are essential for dignity, well-being, reducing stigma and empowering women and girls. While some talk openly about tampons, others remain silent due to taboos creating significant inequality among menstruating women in India.

Things like tampons and menstrual cups are used by a few women in cities but they arent popular yet among the tier 2 and tier 3 population. Broadly, Indian women are a little hesitant in using these. In fact, women in rural areas are still using clothes because they feel sanitary napkins are expensive. I spoke to a couple of women in Chalera village during menstrual hygiene month in my college. They were okay with infections that occur because of using the same cloth every month but they didnt want to switch to using sanitary napkins. They said, Ghar kaise chalega madam, agar fizool kharcha karenge? (How will the household run Madam if we spend on needless things?) The situation is really bad in the rural parts of the country, said 25-year-old Rukmani Ahlawat who is associated with a non-profit that works towards raising awareness about menstrual hygiene among women in rural India.

Respect for Indias Nari Shakti is hollow if we celebrate their triumphs in breaking glass ceilings while staying silent on menstruation and hiding sanitary napkins in shame. Its time to shatter menstrual taboos. Lets end the silence. NOW.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was commenting on the Calcutta High Courts recent order that scrapped all OBC certificates issued by the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government after 2010 read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underlined the West Bengal governments modus operandi by saying that they, for so many years, robbed the rights of OBCs in the state by giving minority certificates to Muslims.

The prime minister was commenting on the Calcutta High Courts recent order that scrapped all OBC certificates issued by the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government after 2010.

In an interview with ANI, PM Modi said, This is their modus operandi. They first committed the sin of giving it (certificates) to minorities by making it a law in Andhra Pradesh. They lost the case in the Supreme Court as well as the High Court because the Constitution does not allow it. In West Bengal, the government issued OBC certificates to Muslims overnight and robbed the OBCs of their rights.

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#WATCH | On Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel all OBC certificates issued in West Bengal after 2010, PM Narendra Modi says, "They have a modus operandi. First, they started the sin of giving it to minorities by making a law in Andhra Pradesh, they lost in the Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/KVhtLD32rO  ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2024

The prime minister added that with the Calcutta High Courts May 22 judgment, the fraud of the West Bengal government became clear.

But what is even more unfortunate is that for vote bank politics, now they are also abusing the judiciaryThis situation cannot be acceptable under any circumstances, PM Modi said.

Why did Calcutta HC cancel OBC certificates?

The Calcutta High Court has struck down several classes as Other Backward Classes (OBC) under an Act of 2012 of West Bengal for reservation of vacancies in services and posts in the state, finding these illegal.

Passing judgment on petitions challenging the provisions of the Act, the court clarified that the services of citizens of the struck-down classes, who are already in service or have availed the benefit of reservation or have succeeded in any selection process of the state will not be affected by the order.

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Most of these certificates were issued to Muslims. The court, which cancelling the OBC certificates issued to 77 classes of persons since 2010, said, This Courts mind is not free from doubt that the said community has been treated as a commodity for political ends.

The court also noted that West Bengal did follow the proper routine to prove the backwardness of the people who were issued the certificates and that it appeared that the certificates were granted mostly because these people belonged to the Muslim community.

What happened in Andhra Pradesh?

The Muslim community in India is eligible to get OBC status both at central and state levels. However, the mechanism to provide OBC quota is different in each state.

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In 2004, the Andhra Pradesh government issued an order to the Commissionerate of Minorities Welfare to examine the socio-economic and educational conditions of the Muslim community in the state so they can be included under the OBC category.

The Commissionerate in return recommended a 5 per cent reservation for Muslims in the state under the OBC quota. The recommendation was implemented in Andhra Pradesh in the same year.

However, in September 2004, the Andhra Pradesh High Court struck down the quota as unsustainable.

The next year, the government once again tried to reinstate the quota for Muslims which was challenged in the High Court following which the government replaced it with legislation.

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In 2010, the Supreme Court took up the case and passed an interim order directing the parties involved to maintain the status quo till it hears the case.

Now, almost a decade later, the Andhra Pradesh quota issue is yet to be heard by the apex court.
The campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will stop on May 30, two days ahead of the seventh and final phase of voting on June 1 read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go to Kanniyakumari to meditate after election campaign ends

At the end of the monthslong Lok Sabha election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kanniyakumari to meditate for two days.

The campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will conclude on May 30. This is in line with the silence period that kicks in two days before voting. The seventh and final phase of voting will take place on June 1. The counting of votes will take place on June 4 and results are expected the same day.

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Modis constituency of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is also going to polls on June 1.

Modi to pray at Rock Memorial at Kanniyakumari

After the Lok Sabha election campaign ends, Modi will go to the Rock Memorial at Kanniyakumari where he will meditate from the evening of May 30 to the evening of June 1, according to CNN-News 18.

The meditation at Kanniyakumari is in line with Modis practice. At the end of the 2019 election campaign, Modi had gone to Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand for daylong prayers.

Earlier this year, Modi had also undertaken an 11-day ritual before the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya.
Pune Crime Branch said Atul Ghatkamble, a staffer of the Sassoon Hospital, who acted as a middle man allegedly collected Rs 3 lakh from the teens family to give to the two doctors for changing the blood sample of the minor accused read more

The Porsche car that hit a motorcycle at Kalyani Nagar in Pune on Sunday, which killed two people. ANI

To forge a blood test report and show the 17-year-old boy was not drunk at the time of the Pune Porsche crash on May 19, doctors were bribed with Rs 3 lakh. However, the attempt by Agarwals failed as the cops carried out a second test to be doubly sure.

The teen boy was allegedly drunk when he knocked down two young techies with his speedy unregistered Porsche Taycan in Punes Kalyani Nagar.

The Pune Police were unconvinced with the forensic test report provided by the Sassoon General Hospital where the blood sample of the accused was collected around 11 am on May 19, the day of the accident.

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After this the cops took another blood sample of the juvenile accused for DNA testing at a different government hospital, the report of which confirmed he had consumed alcohol.

Lets understand the entire turn of events giving strange twists to the Pune Porsche crash case.

- The blood sample of the accused boy was collected at Sassoon General Hospital on May 19 at 11 am.

- The moment the father of the minor got to know that his sons blood sample would be collected for testing at Sassoon Hospital, he started using his contacts and ended up connecting with Dr Ajay Taware, head of the hospitals Forensic Medicine department.

- Vishal Agarwal, the boys father, is a renowned real estate developer. He constantly remained in contact with Dr Taware and tried using all his might to shield his son.

- It appears that Vishal Agarwals persistent calls and likely convincing helped change Tawares mind.

- On Tawares request, Dr Shrihari Halnore, the chief medical officer (CMO) of Sassoon Hospital changed the blood samples of the minor.

- The blood sample of a different person was sent to the forensic lab and the minors blood sample was thrown in a dustbin.

- The doctors at Sassoon then reported that the minor accused had not consumed alcohol on the day of the Pune Porsche accident.

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- As per reports, the blood sample was discarded and replaced with another possibly after a bribe of Rs 3 lakh was promised.

- Not convinced, the Pune Police, investigating the case, took another blood sample of the juvenile accused for a DNA test and this time at a different government hospital.

- The blood sample of the boy collected for the second time matched with the blood sample of his father.

- However, the blood sample from Sassoon Hospital, which was collected initially, did not match the blood sample of the accused.

- During the police probe, the doctor admitted to changing the blood sample.

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On Monday (May 27), the Pune Crime Branch said Atul Ghatkamble, a staffer of the Sassoon Hospital, who acted as a middle man, and allegedly collected Rs 3 lakh from the teens family to give to the two doctors who threw the boys blood sample in a dustbin and changed it with another persons blood sample.

Ghatkamble was arrested late on Monday, barely hours after Dr Taware and Dr Halnor were taken into custody.

Of the total amount, Rs 2.5 lakh was recovered from Dr Halnor, while the remaining Rs 50,000 was found from Ghatkamble, who worked under Dr Taware.

All three have been remanded in police custody till May 30.
Dr Ajay Taware was removed from the post of superintendent of Sassoon hospital but was again appointed on December 23, 2023, based on a recommendation from Ajit Pawars NCP MLA Sunil Tingre read more

Ajay Taware, head of the forensic department of Sassoon General Hospital, who was among the two doctors arrested for allegedly forging the blood sample of the 17-year-old Pune Porsche crash case accused, is known for many controversies.

During the investigation with the Pune Crime Branch, Dr Taware has threatened to reveal more names involved in case where the minor boy, under the influence of alcohol, knocked down two people with his unregistered Porsche Taycan on May 19.

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Soon after Tawares arrest, a three-member committee was constituted by Maharashtra governments Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) to probe misconduct by the two doctors of Sassoon General Hospital.

DMER director Dilip Mhaisekar highlighted that the directorate had already recommended the removal of Dr Taware as the superintendent of Sassoon hospital in the past.

Taware was removed from the post but was again appointed as medical superintendent on December 29, 2023, based on a recommendation from Ajit Pawars NCP MLA Sunil Tingre.

Interestingly, reports said Tingre had visited the Yerawada police station after the teen, accused in the Pune Porsche accident case, was arrested on 19 May. There were allegations that he went there to put pressure on the cops to go soft on the minor.

However, Tingre had claimed that he went to the police station to ensure that an investigation was being carried out without any pressure.

Also Read: Wont stay mum, will reveal everyones name, threatens doctor arrested in Pune Porsche crash case

A report by Economic Times said, Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, had allegedly made a call to the Pune Police commissioner to go soft on the teen accused.

Controversies surrounding Dr Ajay Taware

Kidney racket case: In 2022, Tawares name surfaced in a kidney transplant racket case after which he was suspended.

As per reports, a widow, who hailed from Kolhapur, was lured to Pune and her kidney was transplanted into an unknown patient under false pretext. The woman filed a police complaint alleging that she was promised Rs 15 lakh in exchange for a kidney. A probe was carried out and Taware was suspended following the inquiry committees report.

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Patients death due to rat bite: In a separate case, a patient at Sassoon Hospital died due to a rat bite, as per an initial probe. However, the post-mortem report showed severe spinal injuries as the cause of death. An inquiry was carried out which found Taware guilty, and action was recommended against him and three other employees.

Also Read: Porsche crash case: A bribe of Rs 3 lakh to dump teens blood sample? How Pune cops foiled plan

Days after Dr Taware was suspended in the kidney transplant case, Tingre recommended his reappointment. Subsequently, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif ordered Dr Tawares reappointment in December 2023. He was, however, removed from the superintendents post in April this year.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on Monday (May 27), filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a 7-day extension of his interim bail on health grounds read more

The Supreme Court vacation bench, on Tuesday, refused urgent hearing of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals plea for 7-day extension of his interim bail on health grounds. The court said its appropriate if the Chief Justice of India (CJI) takes a call on the listing of the plea.

The application for an urgent hearing of Kejriwals interim bail extension deadline by another seven days was mentioned before the bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan.

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Let the Chief Justice of India take a call, Justice Maheshwari said, adding, But why did not you mention before Justice Datta last week?

Responding to the court, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the lawyer representing Kejriwal said: The prescription was given day before yesterday.

The court then said: This is heard and reserved matter. We cannot do anything. This matter was heard and reserved on May 17. Place before CJI for appropriate orders.

Kejriwal, who was granted interim bail on May 10 by the Supreme Court for a period of 21 days to campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is supposed to surrender on June 2.

On Monday (May 27), Kejriwal filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a 7-day extension of his interim bail on health grounds.

His Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the Delhi CM was due to undergo PET-CT scan and other tests, as a result of which a seven-day extension of interim bail has been requested.

Delhi minister and AAP leader Atishi told the media: He lost seven kilograms of weight soon after he was arrested. He has not regained that weight yet. His ketone level has come very high in the test. Doctors believe that more tests need to be done on him; therefore, this petition has been filed.

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The Delhi CM was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case related to the now-scrapped liquor excise policy of the AAP government.

With inputs from agencies
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by a coalition of tech giants and developers rallying behind an OpenAI-led initiative to build software that facilitates switching between different AI chips. As Nvidias dominance in AI hardware faces challenges due to supply shortages and high costs, this initiative aims to democratise AI development by reducing dependence on Nvidias proprietary software platform, Cuda. This article contends that India, with its robust software development industry, is uniquely positioned to contribute to this transformative shift, and this strategy plays well to Indias strengths and could assist India from a geopolitical perspective too.

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Breaking Free from Nvidias Grip

Nvidias near-monopoly on AI chips has been underpinned by its powerful Cuda software, which optimizes its GPUs for AI tasks. Developed over nearly two decades, this software creates a formidable barrier for competitors. However, the industry is fighting back. Companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google are contributing to Triton, an open-source software initially developed by OpenAI. Triton aims to make AI applications compatible with a wide range of chips, offering a viable alternative to Cuda.

The move towards software that is agnostic to chip architecture is crucial. It addresses the critical issue of Cuda lock-in, where developers are tied to Nvidia hardware due to the deep integration of their AI systems with Cuda. Tritons ability to support various AI chips, including those from AMD and Intel, represents a significant step towards a more open and flexible AI ecosystem.

Triton initially supported only Nvidias GPUs but has since expanded to include AMDs MI300, with plans to soon accommodate Intels Gaudi and other accelerator chips. For instance, Meta has integrated Triton into its custom AI chip, MTIA. Upon releasing the second generation of MTIA last month, Metas engineers praised Triton for its high efficiency and sufficient hardware agnosticism to function effectively across various chip architectures.

The Indian Opportunity: Leveraging Software Prowess

Drawing parallels with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) that enabled platform-independent software development, India can lead the charge in developing AI software that is hardware-agnostic. This would not only diversify the AI hardware market but also spur innovation and reduce costs associated with AI development.

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Strategic Investment for Long-Term Gains

India has recognised the strategic importance of semiconductor technology and AI in driving innovation, economic growth, national security and geopolitical strength. Over the past few years, the Indian government has been actively working to bolster its capabilities in these domains through various initiatives and policies, right from the Make In India programme to the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to providing incentives and assistance for the setting up of semiconductor units by Micron, Tata and CG Power, and so on.

In March 2024, the Union Government approved the IndiaAI Mission with a budget outlay of around Rs. 10,000 crores. It is a comprehensive programme aimed at driving AI innovation through strategic initiatives and collaborations across the public and private sectors. Among its many components is the IndiaAI Compute Capacity initiative. The IndiaAI Compute Initiative aims to develop a robust and scalable AI computing ecosystem to meet the growing needs of the countrys burgeoning AI startups and research sector. This ecosystem will feature an AI compute infrastructure of 10,000 or more Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), established through a public-private partnership.

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If the Indian government plans to invest such huge amounts, like Rs. 10,000 crores in AI, a strategic allocation of funds towards developing AI chip-agnostic software could yield substantial benefits. Spending even Rs. 1,000 crores on this initiative rather than solely on procuring more Nvidia chips would foster a sustainable and innovation-friendly AI ecosystem. This approach aligns with Indias strengths in software engineering and can create a competitive edge in the global AI market.

Such an investment would support the development of robust middleware and frameworks that abstract the hardware layer, enabling AI applications to run seamlessly across different chips. This strategy not only enhances strategic autonomy but also ensures that Indias AI capabilities are not hampered by hardware shortages or geopolitical constraints. It plays to Indias strengths.

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The IndiaAI Startup Financing pillar of this mission could also similarly put some focus into such startups, which could also work in collaboration with the global giants to further this work.

Harnessing Indias Software Prowess for Geopolitical Advantage

In the geopolitical arena, Indias dominance in software engineering presents a golden opportunity to lead the next wave of technological innovation. By focusing on developing cutting-edge chip-agnostic AI software, India can position itself as a pivotal player in the global tech landscape. This strategy not only leverages Indias existing strengths but also mitigates dependencies on foreign hardware, fostering a more self-reliant and resilient technological ecosystem.

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Indias prowess in software engineering can be a significant asset in enhancing its geopolitical soft power. By driving international standards and protocols for AI development and deployment, India can shape global norms and practices. This influence can extend to forming strategic alliances with other nations and tech giants, solidifying Indias role as a leader in the global AI community.

Focusing on AI software development, particularly in creating platforms that transcend hardware limitations, can have profound economic and security implications. Economically, it would stimulate domestic innovation, create high-value jobs, and attract global investments. From a security perspective, reducing reliance on single-source hardware providers diminishes vulnerabilities and enhances national security, ensuring that Indias critical infrastructures are more secure and robust.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Indias path to AI dominance lies not in mirroring the hardware-centric approaches of other nations but in leveraging its software expertise to create a resilient, scalable, inclusive and flexible AI ecosystem by focusing on software innovation. Investing in AI chip-agnostic software development is a forward-looking strategy that promises long-term gains. It fosters innovation, reduces dependency on single suppliers, and aligns with Indias broader geopolitical ambitions.

The author is a research scholar at Takshashila Institution, Bangalore. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
According to him, he has spent hours looking for sites where a jet may have crashed and he claims that you can see where the plane is.
Breaking with the long-held belief of Western powers that Palestinians can only achieve statehood as part of a negotiated peace with Israel, Norway, Spain, and Ireland became the latest nations to recognize a state of Palestine on Tuesday read more

In order to thwart a Palestinian quest to join the UN as a full member state, the US exercised its veto power in the Security Council in April Image Courtesy AFP

The international campaign for the recognition of Palestinian statehood has been reinvigorated by Israels war in Gaza following the October 7 onslaught.

Breaking with the long-held belief of Western powers that Palestinians can only achieve statehood as part of a negotiated peace with Israel, Norway, Spain, and Ireland became the latest nations to recognize a state of Palestine on Tuesday.

Their action has angered Israel and increased the number of UN members that have recognized a Palestinian state to 145 out of 193.

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They do not include the United States, Canada, much of western Europe, Australia, Japan, or South Korea, but they do include a large number of Middle Eastern, African, and Asian nations.

In order to thwart a Palestinian quest to join the UN as a full member state, the US exercised its veto power in the Security Council in April.
One-third of respondents of the survey said that the October 7 attack by Hamas and allied groups made them change their view on the Palestinian statehood read more

Calls for the Palestinian statehood have increased amid the Israel-Hamas War and the devastation in the Gaza Strip. (Representative Photo, Credit: Reuters)

As many as 64% of Israelis oppose the Palestinian statehood in lieu of the normalisation of relations with Saudi Arabia, according to a survey.

The opposition to the Palestinian statehood has sharpened in Israel following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and allied terrorist groups. The attack was the worst terrorist attack in Israeli attack and deal the largest single-day toll on the Jews since the Holocaust.

The surveys findings have come at a time when Saudi Arabia has said that an irreversible path to Palestinian statehood is a must for the normalisation of relations with Israel. The United States is also working on a mega deal for the Middle East that includes US-Saudi defence pact, the normalisation of Saudi-Israeli relationship, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

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Most right-wing & centrist voters oppose Palestinian statehood

While 64% of all Israelis oppose Palestinian statehood, the share is particularly high among right-wing and centrist voters, according to survey by the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs (JCFA) carried by The Jerusalem Post.

The survey found that 84% of right-wing voters and 54% centrist voters were against the establishment of the Palestinian state as part of the normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia.

Among left-wing voters, 24% people oppose this, according to the survey.

Support for Palestinian state has fallen since October 7 attack: Survey

One-third of respondents of the survey said that the October 7 attack by Hamas and allied groups made them change their view of the Palestinian statehood. While they believed a Palestinian statehood was feasible under certain conditions, now they opposed it entirely.

The support for the Palestinian statehood on the condition that it recognises Israel and remains demilitarised has fallen nearly consistently among various demographics. The survey shows that the support the Palestinian statehood among those 60 or above fell from 44% to 32%. Similar declines were observed among those with an academic education (29% to 20%) and those who had high incomes (33% to 20%).

The younger respondents between the ages 18-29 had 70% opposition to Palestinian statehood.

Between secular Israelis and religious, the opposition was much higher among the religious. The survey showed that 74% of traditional Israelis, 88% of religious Israelis, and 91% of ultra-Orthodox Israelis opposed Palestinian statehood, as per the survey, which also found that 54% of secular Israelis opposed the Palestinian statehood.

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Dr Dan Diker, the President of JCFA, said the survey reflects the thinking of the Israeli public after the October 7 attack. He further noted that the Israeli government and parliament have rejected the Palestinian statehood.

The Israeli government and Knesset have rejected the idea of a Palestinian state as a solution, especially as a reward for Palestinian terror or as a post-Hamas solution. Public opinion polls now reflect the Israeli publics understanding of the issues significance after October 7. Given the Biden administrations policy, it is crucial to convey this message to both Israels elected officials and decision-makers in the White House," said Diker to The Jerusalem Post.
Officials have identified one Mohammed Siam Hossein as having taken the money. Hossein is suspected to be hiding in Nepal read more

After killing Bangladesh MP Anwarul Azim Anar in a flat in Kolkata, the suspected murderers left the murder spot wearing his clothes, a joint team of Dhaka Metropolitan police and West Bengal CID said.

Anars murder came to the fore last week days after the leader went missing in Kolkata after arriving in the city from Bangladesh on May 12.

CCTV footage showed the killers leaving the apartment in New Town with plastic bags and a trolley bag that allegedly contained the chopped-up body parts of the Bangladeshi leader.

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The police have also revealed that the killers fled with Rs 4.3 lakh belonging to Anar after they killed him.

Officials have identified one Mohammed Siam Hossein as having taken the money. Hossein is suspected to be hiding in Nepal.

Main accused on the run

Anars close friend, the one who he was seen with last, is the main accused in the crime.

A US citizen, Akhtaruzzaman, had allegedly paid Rs 5 crore to the suspects involved in the crime.

Also read: Bangladesh MP honey-trapped by 24 YO woman in Kolkata; his murder was planned three months ago

Akhtaruzzaman is suspected to have already fled to the US. A Dhaka Police official who arrived in Kolkata on Sunday to investigate the murder said, We will seek help from the Interpol to bring back Akhtaruzzaman, the fugitive mastermind behind Jhenaidah-4 MP Anwarul Azim Anars death.

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 and meet the officers. We will try to interrogate the arrested accused so that we can get more information, the official added.

3 people arrested

Meanwhile, four people allegedly involved in the murder of the Bangladeshi lawmaker have been arrested by investigators as the main accused and three others are still at large.

Police officials suspect that the victim was first strangulated following which his body was chopped into several pieces. The body was then deskinned and mixed with turmeric powder to delay decomposition.

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The dismembered body parts were placed in a trolley bag which was taken to different locations across Kolkata to be scattered. Meanwhile, some body parts were also kept in a fridge.
Russias jamming of the guidance systems of modern Western weapons has significantly eroded Ukraines ability to defend its territory. This challenge has left officials in Kyiv urgently seeking assistance from the Pentagon to get upgraded weapons from arms manufacturers. read more

In this photo released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, a Russian Iskander missile is seen during drills to train the military for using tactical nuclear weapons at an undisclosed location in Russia- Photo- AP

The advanced long-range Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) supplied by the United States to Ukraine are facing significant challenges in hitting targets due to sophisticated Russian electronic jamming techniques.

Despite Boeings claims about the weapons highly jamming-resistant GPS navigation system, these bombs struggle to maintain accuracy amidst the advanced electronic countermeasures deployed by Russian forces, according to The Eurasian Times. This situation has posed another difficulty faced by Ukrainian forces in utilising some of the latest military technology in a heavily contested electronic warfare environment.

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According to reports, the issue is not limited to GLSDBs as even other Western-supplied weapons have reportedly failed significantly under similar conditions. The bomb was made jointly by SAAB AB and Boeing, and it was in development well before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Jamming happens when huge amounts of energy are broadcast into an area, overwhelming a devices signal. Russia has used the tactic on Ukrainian radios, drones and even GPS-guidable Excalibur 155 millimeter artillery munitions. Ukraine has been using GLSDBs since earlier this year and experts have noted that it has not performed well on the battlefield because of jamming.

Russias jamming of the guidance systems of modern Western weapons has significantly eroded Ukraines ability to defend its territory. This challenge has left officials in Kyiv urgently seeking assistance from the Pentagon to get upgraded weapons from arms manufacturers.

Ukraine received these long-range munitions, including Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) in early February after requesting the authorities for months to bolster its capabilities to strike strategic targets, including those in Crimea. The delivery was initially considered important, with military analysts anticipating that these weapons could compel Russia to shift its supplies away from the front lines.

However, Russian efforts to jam the guidance systems of these bombs have significantly undermined their effectiveness, according to reports.

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The United States was earlier not interested in providing Ukraine with long-range missiles amid concerns that they could be used to target deep into Russian territory, potentially escalating the conflict. Later, mid-range missiles with a range of approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) was supplied by the US in October last year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday secured from Spain a pledge of additional air defense missiles to help fight the about 3,000 bombs that he says Russia launches every month at Ukraine in the third year of the war.

The Kharkiv push has further strained Ukraines already depleted army, which in recent months has been fighting Russias intense drive deeper into the partially occupied eastern Donetsk region. Zelenskyy said on Sunday that the Kremlins army is mustering at another point in Russia, farther north but close to the approximately 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, aiming to stretch Ukraines depleted army thinner and crack its resistance in the area.

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Zelenskyy and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez signed a bilateral security agreement that allocates 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) of military aid to Ukraine in 2024, and 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) by 2027. More Leopard tanks and artillery ammunition also feature in the package.

Ukraine has repeatedly tried to strike behind Russian lines, often with drones, though Russias response to the new technology used in unmanned vehicles has improved in recent months.

With inputs from agencies.
Al-Qahera News, which has links to Egyptian intelligence, quoted a defence official as saying an initial probe of the shooting incident indicated that Israeli troops and Palestinian militants had exchanged fire, which led to shooting in several directions read more

Egypts military said Monday that a border guard was killed in a shooting in the Rafah border area with Gaza, where Israeli forces are deployed, adding that a probe had been launched.

The Egyptian armed forces, through the competent authorities, are investigating a shooting incident in the Rafah border area which led to the martyrdom of a guard, a military statement said.

The Israeli military reported a shooting incident on the Egyptian border and said it was discussing the incident with Egypt.

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Since May 7, Israeli forces have been operating in Rafah, a city in the far south of the Gaza Strip bordering Egypt.

Al-Qahera News, which has links to Egyptian intelligence, quoted a defence official as saying an initial probe of the shooting incident indicated that Israeli troops and Palestinian militants had exchanged fire, which led to shooting in several directions.

The Egyptian security personnel were taking protective measures and dealing with the source of the fire, the official added.

Since the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas broke out on October 7, Egypt has been keen both to remain in solidarity with the Palestinians and retain its ties with Israel.

Egypt was in 1979 the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel, but their relationship since then has often been labelled a cold peace.

Cairo fears domestic repercussions over the war, and tensions have soared since Israeli forces seized the Rafah border crossing, a key entry point for humanitarian aid.

The official quoted by Al-Qahera said that Egypt has warned of the repercussions of the Israeli military operations along Gazas border with Egypt, warning of conditions that are difficult to control and likely to escalate.

A day after the war began in October, a policeman in Egypts second city Alexandria opened fire on an Israeli tour group, killing two Israeli tourists and their Egyptian guide.

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In a previous shooting, in June 2023, Israel said an Egyptian policeman crossed the border and killed three Israeli soldiers before being himself shot dead.

The Egyptian army said at the time the three Israelis were killed in a firefight by a member of the Egyptian security forces who had crossed the border in pursuit of drug traffickers.
The International Court of Justice last week issued provisional orders urging Israel to cease military operations in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah, which run the risk of destroying the civilian population that is sheltering there. This was the main topic of discussion, the Irish foreign minister informed reporters read more

Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin stated on Monday that he and his counterparts from the European Union had a significant conversation over the prospect of imposing penalties on Israel should it disregard international humanitarian law.

For the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, Ive seen significant discussion on sanctions and what if, Martin told reporters following a meeting of the EUs Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

Given all of the different perspectives there, there is some distance between people articulating the need for a sanctions-based approach if Israel does not comply with the ICJs ruling, he added.

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The International Court of Justice last week issued provisional orders urging Israel to cease military operations in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah, which run the risk of destroying the civilian population that is sheltering there. This was the main topic of discussion, the Irish foreign minister informed reporters.

According to Martin, the foreign ministers of the European Union reached a consensus that Israel needed to adhere to those provisional orders and cease its military operations in Rafah.

Israel disputes that the ruling, citing the arguments of four ICJ justices, requires Israel to immediately cease all operations in Rafah; rather, it specifically halts military operations that could bring about physical destruction in whole or in part of the Palestinian people. Martin and the EU ministers appear to interpret the ruling as a definitive call for Israel to cease all military activity in Rafah.

Martin withheld information regarding the specific penalties that the EU officials discussed.

Martin was quoted by the Irish news agency RTE as saying that other foreign ministers had also brought up the prospect of sanctions against Israeli officials who were supporting violent West Bank settlers.

In the midst of a spike in events since October 7 and a 15-year high in 2023, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union have only sanctioned the violent settlers themselves thus far.

Following Israeli airstrikes near Rafah on Sunday night, which provoked furious reactions from Palestinians and people worldwide, the EU meeting was held. According to Hamas health authorities, 45 people were killed and scores were injured in the attack and in a fire that broke out in a camp housing displaced civilians.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described what the Israel Defense Forces said was a tragic mishap as they announced they had hit a Hamas compound and killed two commanders within the terror group. They are currently conducting an investigation.

When it comes to Israels fight against Hamas, Ireland has been one of the most outspoken detractors. It is scheduled to formally recognize a Palestinian state on Tuesday, along with Spain and Norway. Recognizing a Palestinian state is not a prerequisite for the United States and a few other European nations to support the revival of conflict resolution efforts.

Israel, which is waging war in the Gaza Strip as a result of Hamass shocking October 7 attack, in which thousands of terrorists stormed into southern Israel to kill nearly 1,200 people and take 252 hostages amid rampant atrocities, denounced the move by Ireland, Spain, and Norway as a reward for terrorism.

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Although only about 24,000 deaths have been officially confirmed at hospitals, the Gaza Health Ministry, which is administered by Hamas, claims that over 36,000 individuals in the Strip have either died or are believed to have died as a result of the war thus far. The figure, which is unverifiable, comprises around 15,000 terrorists that Israel claims to have killed in combat. Additionally, Israel claims that on October 7, it killed some 1,000 terrorists within Israel.

In the course of operations along the Gaza border and the ground war against Hamas, 288 Israeli troops have lost their lives. A civilian contractor for the Israeli defense ministry was also killed.
At least 21 people were murdered in an Israeli hit on a displacement camp west of Rafah on Tuesday, according to a civil defense officer in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, days after a similar Israeli bombardment that infuriated the world community read more

Overnight, the besieged Gaza continued to be hit by airstrikes and shelling, particularly in the Tal al-Sultan area where a UNRWA facility is located and the displacement camp caught fire Image Courtesy Reuters

Days after a similar Israeli bombing that prompted international anger, a civil defense official in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip reported that at least 21 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a displacement camp west of Rafah on Tuesday.

According to Mohammad al-Mughayyir, they perished in a occupation strike targeting the displaced peoples tents west of Rafah. Dozens of martyrs and wounded were reported by Hamas as a result of an Israeli strike in the area.

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According to Palestinian officials, incident happened as Israeli tanks advanced into the center of Rafah, amid strong criticism following an airstrike two days earlier that claimed 45 lives in a packed camp in the southern Gaza Strip.

At least 21 people were murdered in an Israeli hit on a displacement camp west of Rafah on Tuesday, according to a civil defense officer in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, days after a similar Israeli bombardment that infuriated the world community.

They were killed in a occupation strike targeting the displaced peoples tents west of Rafah, according to Mohammad al-Mughayyir. Hamas announced dozens of martyrs and wounded following an Israeli strike in the region.

Palestinian officials believe that the incident occurred as Israeli tanks moved farther into Rafahs downtown. There had been intense condemnation of the move after an attack two days prior left 45 people dead in a crowded camp in the southern Gaza Strip.

The situation in Rafah is still tense, with an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council scheduled for 1915 GMT to review Sundays strike on the displaced camp.

The Israeli military stated that the munitions used in Sundays operation could not have caused the deadly fire in the Rafah camp in a statement released hours before the meeting.

Sunday evenings strike, which medics said also wounded hundreds of civilians, drew worldwide condemnation.

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The sight of the charred carnage, blackened corpses and children being rushed to hospitals led UN chief Antonio Guterres to declare that there is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, described the strike as a tragic accident but pledged to keep up the fight to demolish Hamas for the October 7 attack and free all the hostages.

Overnight, the besieged Gaza continued to be hit by airstrikes and shelling, particularly in the Tal al-Sultan area where a UNRWA facility is located and the displacement camp caught fire.

More than seven months into the deadliest Gaza war, Israel has faced ever louder global opposition, as well as cases before two international courts based in the Netherlands.

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In a landmark political move on Tuesday, Ireland, Norway and Spain formally recognised the State of Palestine, a step so far taken by more than 140 UN members but few Western governments.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the recognition was not only a matter of historic justice it is also an essential requirement if we are all to achieve peace.

It is the only way to move towards the solution that we all recognise as the only possible way to achieve a peaceful future: that of a Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.

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Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said the aim was to keep Middle East peace hopes alive, and urged Israel to stop the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Israel has slammed the recognition as a reward for the Islamist Hamas movement, and recalled its diplomatic envoys from Madrid, Dublin and Oslo.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz went further on Tuesday and launched an attack on Sanchez on X, telling him that you are a partner to incitement to genocide of the Jewish people.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the three governments would issue a coordinated response to Israel which he said would be calm but firm.

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(With agency inputs)
The draft law, which has sparked weeks of mass protests, would label NGOs and media outlets receiving at least a fifth of funding from abroad as organisations pursuing the interests of a foreign power read more

Demonstrators hold a rally to protest against a bill on "foreign agents", near Georgian Parliament building, in Tbilisi, Georgia. Reuters file

Georgian lawmakers geared up on Tuesday to overturn a presidential veto and push through a controversial foreign influence bill that opponents say will place onerous restrictions on foreign-funded NGOs and derail the countrys path to the European Union.

The draft law, which has sparked weeks of mass protests, would label NGOs and media outlets receiving at least a fifth of funding from abroad as organisations pursuing the interests of a foreign power.

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The proposal has drawn a fierce backlash from Western governments including the United States, and has been compared to similar legislation used to silence dissent in Russia.

Parliament said that during Tuesdays plenary session, it would vote on whether to overturn pro-EU President Salome Zurabishvilis veto of the law, allowing it to come into force.

Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili vowed that MPs from the ruling Georgian Dream party, which holds a commanding majority in the chamber, would definitely overcome the veto.

The ruling party has said the proposal is aimed at ensuring transparency, arguing that foreign-funded groups undermine Georgias sovereignty.

But rights groups and Western governments warn it would further ignite tensions in the deeply polarised Caucasus country.

Non-governmental organisations, including the anti-corruption group Transparency International, have told AFP their assets may be frozen and their work limited if the law is pushed through.

Protesters began gathering near parliament on Tuesday morning, with many carrying Georgian and European flags.

A fresh rally is planned for the evening, with Tbilisi already gripped by protests since Georgian Dream resurfaced the law in early April.

Track derailed

Tensions are also expected to be high in the parliament chamber, which has seen scuffles and fights break out between government and opposition lawmakers on at least two occasions.

The EUs top diplomat Josep Borrell on Monday warned that the law showed Georgias government was derailing from the European track and that the blocs foreign ministers would assess what to do next.

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President Zurabishvili, a fierce critic of the ruling party, has called on the opposition to form a united front ahead of parliamentary elections in October.

The ruling party introduced the bill last month, reviving a previous bill that was dropped in March 2023 after weeks of angry protests.

It was adopted by parliament two weeks ago but vetoed by Zurabishvili days later on May 18.

The United States announced last week it had placed visa restrictions on officials responsible for reviving the law and was reviewing its relations with Tbilisi.

Activists, independent journalists and opposition politicians have faced weeks of violence and threats since the government announced the draft legislation, in what rights groups have called a targeted campaign.

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Opposition politicians have accused the government of seeking to appease the Kremlin, an accusation it denies.
Industry sources suggest that during this two-day event, the UAE president is slated to engage with key business figures, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Euisun Chung of Hyundai Motor Group, and Chey Tae-won of SK Group read more

From left, South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attend a ceremony at Qasar Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 15, 2023. AP

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is scheduled to embark on a significant state visit to Korea, looking to explore avenues for enhancing collaboration in energy, defense, and various other sectors, agenices reported.

Mohameds itinerary includes a summit with President Yoon Suk Yeol and engagements with prominent business figures on Tuesday and Wednesday. Trip marks the first state visit to Korea by a UAE president.

As per reports, four Air Force fighter jets will escort Mohameds presidential jet. As they land in Korea, President Yoon will extend a warm welcome through a hosted dinner.

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The visits highlight on Wednesday will feature an official welcome ceremony, featuring an impressive air show by the Air Forces Black Eagles acrobatic team alongside traditional performances.

Following these ceremonial gestures, Yoon and Mohamed will engage in a summit, aiming to delve into collaborative opportunities across various sectors, including energy, defense, and investment.

Industry sources suggest that during this two-day event, the UAE president is slated to engage with key business figures, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Euisun Chung of Hyundai Motor Group, and Chey Tae-won of SK Group.

President Yoon reciprocated the gesture with a state visit to the UAE in January 2023, marking the first such visit by a Korean leader since the diplomatic ties begin in 1980.

During the previous summit, Mohamed inaugerated UAEs ambitious plan to invest $30 billion in Korea.

Furthermore, the signing of 13 memorandums of understanding covering various sectors such as energy, defense, and climate change underscored the commitment to bolster bilateral ties between the two nations.
Around one million people have fled the Gazan city of Rafah in the past three weeks. The small city on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip had been sheltering more than a million Palestinians who fled Israeli assaults on other parts of the enclave. read more

Palestinians described a scene of horror as they sifted through the charred remains of a tent camp in Rafah, fleeing the blaze that engulfed the area as Israeli forces advanced deeper into the southern Gaza city on Tuesday, defying global condemnation.

Israeli tanks reportedly reached the city center for the first time, despite mounting international pressure to halt the offensive. Witnesses reported sightings of tanks near the Al-Awda mosque, a central landmark in Rafah. However, the Israeli military neither confirmed nor denied the reported advancements.

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The tanks were spotted near Al-Awda mosque, a central Rafah landmark, the witnesses told Reuters. The Israeli military said its forces continued to operate in the Rafah area without commenting on reported advancements into the city centre.

Despite mounting outcry over the attack on Sunday, Israeli forces continued their offensive overnight, bombarding the city with airstrikes and tank fire. The attack claimed the lives of at least 45 Palestinians, including many children, women, and elderly individuals, prompting outrage worldwide.

Around one million people have fled the Gazan city of Rafah in the past three weeks, the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) said on Tuesday. The small city on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip had been sheltering more than a million Palestinians who fled Israeli assaults on other parts of the enclave.

Since early May, Israels military has been carrying out what it says is a limited operation in Rafah to kill fighters and dismantle infrastructure used by Hamas, which runs Gaza. It has told civilians to go to an expanded humanitarian zone some 20 km (12 miles) away.

Israel has kept up attacks despite a ruling by the top U.N. court on Friday ordering it to stop, arguing that the courts ruling grants it some scope for military action there.

Spain, Ireland and Norway will officially recognise a Palestinian state on Tuesday, despite an angry reaction from Israel, which has found itself increasingly isolated after more than seven months of conflict in Gaza.

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The three nations have painted their decision as a way to speed efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israels war with Hamas.

With inputs from agencies.
Turkey this month halted all bilateral trade with Israel until the war ends and aid can flow unhindered into Gaza. Israel said Turkeys move violated World Trade Organization rules read more

A worker uses a buzz saw at the construction site for a new warehouse in the Har Tuv Industrial Zone in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Reuters File

Israeli-Turkish trade has weathered many bilateral diplomatic storms over the decades and stayed on course, reaching billions of dollars a year, but Israelis fear it may not survive the latest rift over the war in Gaza.

Turkey this month halted all bilateral trade with Israel until the war ends and aid can flow unhindered into Gaza. Israel said Turkeys move violated World Trade Organization rules.

Israeli importers have scrambled to find alternative sources of key items ranging from cement to food and cars in response to Turkeys decision, which economists say may lead to near-term shortages but is unlikely to dent Israels $500 billion economy.

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Turkey is a significant trade partner of Israel but we do not rely exclusively, or even remotely exclusively, on Turkey, said Shmuel Abramzon, chief economist at Israels Finance Ministry, who now believes Israels 2024 economic growth will exceed his current 1.6% forecast.

While some alternatives may introduce higher costs, we do not anticipate significant or persistent disruption to the Israeli economy by Turkeys actions.

Bilateral trade slid nearly 23% to $6.2 billion in 2023, Israeli government data shows, with Israeli imports accounting for around three-quarters of that figure.

After Ankaras move, several Turkish export companies told Reuters they were seeking ways of sending goods to Israel via third countries, but exporters and importers in both Turkey and Israel have since said there is no sign of this succeeding.

Trade officials say Greece, Italy and others are willing to fill the vacuum left by Turkey and that deals are close but the main problem will be finding alternative destinations for more than $1.5 billion worth of displaced Israeli exports, largely fuel, chemicals and semiconductors.

I dont think the economy should rely on a country that says one day we want to trade with you and on another day we dont want to trade with you," said Roey Fisher, head of the Economy Ministrys Foreign Trade Administration.

Trade should be reliable and sustainable  And therefore, we feel that our goal is to find reliable sources for the long term, he told Reuters.

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Frosty ties

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has been sharply critical of Israels military offensive in Gaza against the militant Palestinian group Hamas.

The war began on Oct. 7 when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels subsequent offensive, Gazas health ministry says.

Shortly before the war erupted, Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had met in person, amid a slow improvement in ties long strained by the Palestinian issue. But their plans to visit each others country were then shelved.

Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel in November for consultations and flights between the two countries have been suspended. Erdogan has called Hamas a liberation movement and hosted its chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul last month.

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In retaliation for the trade ban, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would scrap the free trade agreement with Turkey - at least until Erdogan steps down and is replaced by a leader who is sane and not a hater of Israel. The plan, he said, would be submitted to cabinet for approval.

Turkey is the first - and so far the only - major trade partner of Israel to suspend trade over the Gaza war. Turkey ranks as Israels fifth biggest trade partner but still accounts for less than 5% of its total imports.

Not a catastrophe

However, Turkey has accounted for some 40% of Israels imported cement, said Shay Pauzner, deputy director general of the Israel Builders Association.

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While the industry has turned to European suppliers, he said, it will be much more expensive than from Turkey, which is known for cheap industrial products.

Its a problem, not a catastrophe, he added.

Meanwhile, two of Israels main auto importers said certain models of Toyota and Hyundai cars were stuck at Turkish ports due to the trade ban.

Union Motors, Israels Toyota importer, said the ban had impacted the delivery of Corolla and C-HR models and that it was seeking solutions.

Colmobil, which imports Hyundai autos from Turkey, said it was suspending orders for some models and working with the manufacturer on supply solutions.

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Similarly, Diplomat - one of the largest importers in Israel - said it was trying to find alternatives to Turkey to bring in a range of consumer products, including brands from Heinz, Gillette, Braun and Pampers.

Israeli officials say they plan to increase local production to avert shortages. An Israeli Manufacturers Association survey last week found that 80% of manufacturers had alternatives to Turkey, while 60% said they had a three-month inventory.

Although we have become addicted to the cheap imports from Turkey  it is possible to get by fine without it, said association president Ron Tomer. As a country, we must reduce as much as possible the dependence on hostile countries and strengthen our productive independence.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested at least two Patriot air defence systems from Western partners read more

The Netherlands is leading an initiative to equip Ukraine with a Patriot air defence system (Photo: Reuters)

As Russia continues to bombard Ukraine, the Netherlands has taken the lead in efforts to equip Ukraine with much-needed air defence systems.

The Netherlands has taken the lead in the initiative of some European countries to equip Ukraine with one Patriot air defence system.

The Patriot is the US Armys primary air and missile defence system. While the Patriot was initially designed as an anti-aircraft system, newer variants of the system can engage ballistic and cruise missiles and loitering munitions as well, according to the Missile Defense Project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested at least two Patriot air defence systems from Western partners, including from the United States.

The Netherlands to source Patriot system from Europe

The Netherlands is not going to provide the Patriot system itself to Ukraine, but its going to lead an initiative and look for parts and munitions among the European countries and then deliver it to Ukraine, according to DPA news agency.

A press release from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence said the country has identified which countries could offer additional Patriot parts and munitions for the purpose of delivering a complete system to Ukraine, as per the report.

The press release did not mention which countries were part of the Netherlands-led initiative.

In a separate statement, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren said, Ukraine, of course, is still under attack. Airstrikes continue. Patriot systems are scarce in Europe and NATO, but we are now taking a step forward, so we will supply components of Patriot systems.

Zelenskyy has called for more weapons, more liberty in attacking Russia

Zelenskyy has lately urged his Western partners to allow Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia from weapons supplied by these partners. He has also sought more air defence systems from Western partners.

So far, Western partners, particularly the United States, has not allowed Ukraine to use weapons provided by them to hit targets inside Russia.

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In a statement on Monday, Zelenskyy said they need to do security and tangible coercion of Russia to make it sue for peace by all means, according to VOA News.

Zelenskyy further said that not just Russia but partners of Ukraine also need to be under pressure to give us the opportunity to defend ourselves against Russia.

Even those partners who are afraid to give this or that advice should understand that air defense is defense, not attack, said Zelenskyy.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said that the nation will never forgive Imran Khan, the jailed former premier, for defaming the Pakistani army read more

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has accused some judges in the country of giving relief to Imran Khan, the jailed former premier of the country, and has called them black sheep.

Imran has more than 200 cases against him for a range of alleged offenses. He has been in jail sine August 2023.

In an apparent reference to Imran and his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insafs (PTI) rhetoric against the countrys all powerful military, Shehbaz also said that the nation will never forgive him for defaming the army officers and their families.

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Every day, its planned how to give Imran Khan bail

Calling some judges black sheep, Shehbaz said that they plan every day how to give bail to Imran. He made the remarks while speaking at the General Council meeting of the Sharif familys Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

Some black sheep in the judiciary are bent upon giving relief to Imran KhanSome black sheep in (the) judiciary are there to save Imran Niazi from 190 billion pounds and other cases. Every day, it is planned how to give him bail in certain cases, said Shehbaz, as per PTI news agency.

Shehbaz further said that while his older brother Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and PML-N chief, was denied bail for many years, judges are sheltering the black deeds of Imran, as per the news agency.

After being implicated in a corruption case, Nawaz went into self-imposed exile in London for four years and returned to Pakistan last year.

Shehbazs comments come at a time when there has been a turf war of sorts between the Pakistani military establishment and the judiciary. This came out in public after six judges of the Islamabad High Court last month wrote to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and urged him to take up the matter of Pakistans spy agencies meddling in judicial affairs of the country in order to get desired verdicts in various cases, particularly cases related to Imran.

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Since his ouster as the Pakistani premier in 2022 in a trust vote, Imran has accused the army and other political parties of the country of being in league with a conspiracy of foreign powers to overthrow him. Last year, his supporters went on an unprecedented rampage against the military and attacked the army headquarters and houses of top military commanders.
CPEC is a USD 50 billion Pakistani component of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The 3,000 km Chinese infrastructure network project is under construction in Pakistan and aims to connect Pakistans Gwadar and Karachi ports to Chinas Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region by land. read more

Pakistans new government aims to revitalise projects under Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to strengthen its troubled economy. CPEC is a USD 50 billion Pakistani component of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The 3,000 km Chinese infrastructure network project is under construction in Pakistan and aims to connect Pakistans Gwadar and Karachi ports to Chinas Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region by land.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been seeking to revive economic cooperation with China, building on efforts initiated when his brother, Nawaz Sharif, signed onto the BRI in 2013. Sharif is expected to undertake an official visit to China from June 4 to 7, reported ARY News citing sources. During his four-day state visit, the PM will hold meetings with the Chinese president and prime minister and will discuss the matters related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) phase II and other issues.

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After recent meetings with Chinese leadership, Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistans federal minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, expressed optimism about renewing momentum for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Iqbal who also co-heads the committee responsible for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor said in a interview as quoted by Bloomberg Yeah, Im very hopeful because I was there in China recently and I had meetings with their senior leadership, said Iqbal at his office in Islamabad, decorated with a large map showcasing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. So I see great interest on the Chinese side to revive the momentum for CPEC and also to take it into the second phase.

The first phase of CPEC saw $25 billion worth of projects, including power plants that alleviated Pakistans power deficit. Recently, a long-delayed railway upgrade project was approved, scaled down from $10 billion to $6.8 billion, to ease Pakistans financial burden. The projects first phase will connect Karachi to Multan.

The Sharif government has also completed key BRI projects, such as a water-supply project in Gwadar and an electricity transmission line from Iran, restoring Chinese confidence in Pakistans commitment to CPEC. China, a major financial lender to Pakistan, has helped the country avoid bankruptcy amid its economic struggles.

Marking CPECs tenth anniversary, China announced five new corridors to boost Pakistans economic activity, focusing on growth, livelihood, innovation, green energy, and regional connectivity. Sharif is expected to visit China soon to further these initiatives.

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In the second phase of CPEC, Pakistan plans to encourage private sector partnerships with Chinese firms and attract Chinese companies looking to relocate due to rising labor costs and geopolitical tensions. Iqbal highlighted the potential to attract jobs relocating from China, citing overcrowding in other countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

With inputs from agencies.
The 74-year-old Sharif discussed how Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar had falsely accused him of being the prime minister in 2017 and consequently ousted him from office. He added that while the allegations against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder leader Imran Khan were genuine, all the accusations against him were untrue read more

The three-time premier talked about receiving a message from Gen Islam to resign from the office of prime minister in 2014

In apparent allusion to General Pervez Musharrafs misadventure in Kargil, former prime leader of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif acknowledged on Tuesday that his country had violated a 1999 deal with India that he and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had signed.

On May 28, 1998, Pakistan carried out five nuclear tests. After that Vajpayee Saheb came here and made an agreement with us. But we violated that agreementit was our fault, Sharif told a meeting of the PML-N general council that elected him president of the ruling party six years after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court.

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After a historic summit here, Nawaz Sharif and Ata Bihari Vajpayee signed the Lahore Declaration on February 21, 1999. The agreement that talked about a vision of peace and stability between the two countries signalled a breakthrough. Still, a few months later Pakistani intrusion in the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir led to the Kargil conflict.

The 74-year-old Sharif discussed how Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar had falsely accused him of being the prime minister in 2017 and consequently ousted him from office. He added that while the allegations against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder leader Imran Khan were genuine, all the accusations against him were untrue.

He also discussed how Gen. Zahirul Islam, the former head of the ISI, helped topple his administration in 2017 and install Imran Khan as prime minister. He requested Imran Khan to refute the claim that the ISI did not launch him.

I ask Imran not to blame us (of being patronised by the army) and tell whether Gen Islam had talked about bringing the PTI into power, he said and added Khan would sit at the feet of the military establishment.

The three-time premier talked about receiving a message from Gen Islam to resign from the office of prime minister in 2014.

When I refused, he threatened to make an example of me, he said.

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Sharif also praised his younger brother Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for standing by his side through thick and thin.

Efforts were made to create differences between us but Shehbaz remained loyal to me. Even Shehbaz was asked to become PM in the past and leave me but he declined, he said.

Following his election to the PML-N presidency, Sharif promised to step up efforts to fortify the organization.
The plans were unveiled last week in a coordinated announcement by their prime ministers, with formal recognition to take place in all three countries on Tuesday read more

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Ireland's Foreign Minister Micheal Martin gesture after a press conference in Brussels, Belgium May 27, 2024. Reuters

Spain, Ireland and Norway will formally recognise a Palestinian state Tuesday in a decision slammed by Israel as a reward for Hamas more than seven months into the devastating Gaza war.

The three European countries believe their initiative has a strong symbolic impact, which will likely encourage others to follow suit.

They also point to Norway and Spains historic role in advancing Israel-Palestinian peace efforts: in 1991, the two sides sat down together for the first time at a Madrid peace conference that paved the way for the 1993 Oslo Accords.

Recognising the state of Palestine is about justice for the Palestinian people, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said on Monday in Brussels.

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It was also the best guarantee of security for Israel and absolutely essential for reaching peace in the region, he said alongside his Irish and Norwegian counterparts.

The plans were unveiled last week in a coordinated announcement by their prime ministers, with formal recognition to take place in all three countries on Tuesday.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will give an address at 0630 GMT before his cabinet meets to adopt a decree recognising Palestinian statehood. The Irish government will also meet during the morning.

Differences within the EU

Norway informed Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa at the weekend that its recognition would also take effect on Tuesday.

Although Slovenia has also started the process of recognising a Palestinian state, the issue has provoked sharp disagreement within the 27-nation European Union. Spain and Ireland are part of the bloc.

For decades, formal recognition of a Palestinian state has been seen as the endgame of a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Washington and most Western European nations have said they are willing to one day recognise Palestinian statehood, but not before agreement on thorny issues like the status of Jerusalem and final borders.

The spiralling bloodshed in Gaza has revived calls for Palestinians to be given their own state, with a growing number of European countries expressing a desire to do so.

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Within the EU, states like France believe it is not the right time to do so, while Germany only envisages recognition following negotiations between the two sides.

Tuesdays move by Spain, Ireland and Norway will mean 145 of the UNs 193 member states now recognise Palestinian statehood.

These include many Middle Eastern, African and Asian countries, but not the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan or South Korea.

In 2014, Sweden became the first EU member to recognise a Palestinian state, following six other European countries that took the step before joining the bloc: Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania.

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Award for Hamas

Last weeks decision by Madrid, Dublin and Oslo has provoked a furious response from Israel.

On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he had told Spains consulate in Jerusalem to stop offering consular services to West Bank Palestinians from June 1 as a preliminary punitive measure.

We will not put up with harming Israels sovereignty and security, he said, describing recognition of Palestinian statehood as giving an award to Hamas, whose unprecedented October 7 attacks sparked the Gaza war.

Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on that day in an assault that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

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Militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza  among them 37 the army says are dead.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed more than 36,000 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry.

Katz posted a contentious video on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday that spliced footage of the October 7 attacks with flamenco music and dance alongside the words: Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez: Hamas thanks you for your service.

Spains top diplomat denounced the video as scandalous and revolting.

On Saturday, Spains Defence Minister Margarita Robles accused Israel of committing a real genocide in Gaza.

Until now, such language had only been heard from far-left ministers of the coalition government but not from the Socialist Party.

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Some have framed our decision to recognise the state of Palestine as a reward for terror. Nothing could be further from the truth, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said Monday.

With the move, Dublin, Madrid and Oslo want to see a future of normalised relations between the two peoples and to implement a two-state solution, he said.
Boluarte, a former vice president, has already faced questioning and police raids over her use of several Rolex watches and other jewelry that seem at odds with her modest public salary read more

Perus attorney generals office on Monday presented a so-called constitutional complaint against President Dina Boluarte in a case involving her use of luxury watches, a national scandal that could lead to removal proceedings.

The formal accusation comes as the leaders popularity has sunk to a new low according to polls.

The complaint accuses Boluarte of receiving a bribe. If Congress moves forward on it, the accusation could lead to Boluartes ouster.

Perus increasingly rocky politics has claimed several of Boluartes predecessors in recent years, with lawmakers often playing the leading role in launching removal proceedings against the Andean nations presidents.

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Boluarte, a former vice president, has already faced questioning and police raids over her use of several Rolex watches and other jewelry that seem at odds with her modest public salary.

She has denied wrongdoing in the case, arguing that the luxury goods were loaned to her by a local governor.

The graft complaint marks the second constitutional complaint facing Boluarte during her less than two-year-old administration.

Last November, Perus attorney general filed a complaint against the president over her handling of deadly social unrest after the ouster of her predecessor.

In late 2022, then-President Pedro Castillo tried to illegally dissolve Congress before a vote to remove him from office. His ouster and subsequent arrest plunged the country into weeks of angry and sometimes violent protests that claimed at least 40 lives.
PM Sheikh Hasina said trade and commerce have been going on in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean since ancient times. She said that many have their eyes on this place. There is no controversy in this place and no one has conflict in it. I wont let that happen. This is also one of my crimes, she said. read more

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday disclosed that she was offered a hassle-free reelection in the January 7 polls by a white man, on the condition that she allowed a foreign country to establish an airbase in Bangladeshi territory.

Hasina, 76, has been leading the strategically important South Asian nation since 2009. She secured a fifth term in the recent election, which was boycotted by the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

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If I allowed a certain country to build an airbase in Bangladesh, then I would have had no problem, The Daily Star Bangladesh quoted Hasina as saying on Sunday. She, however, did not name the country that had made the offer to her but emphasised that the offer came from a White man.

The offer came from a White man, Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first president of Bangladesh. It may appear that it is aimed at only one country, but it is not. I know where else they intend to go, she said, adding that this is why her Awami League party-led government is always in trouble. There will be more trouble. But dont worry about it, she said.

When asked about her response to the White man who put forward the offer, the prime minister said she made the same reply as she did in 2001 when the US offered to sell the countrys gas to India.

Ive clearly said that Im the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. . . we won our Liberation War, I dont want to come to power by renting part of the country or handing it over to some other country and I dont need power, she said.

The premier said she would only come to power if the people wanted, and wouldnt if they did not want her to see as prime minister.

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Hasina said trade and commerce have been going on in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean since ancient times. Many have their eyes on this place. There is no controversy in this place and no one has conflict in it. I wont let that happen. This is also one of my crimes, she said.

Hasina said she was fighting a battle everywhere, both at home and abroad, and the conspiracies are still on to carve a new country out of Bangladesh. Like East Timorthey will carve out a Christian country, taking parts of Bangladesh (Chattogram) and Myanmar with a base in the Bay of Bengal, Hasina said without providing any details.

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She said that conspiracies were being hatched to topple her government and that she might have to face the same consequences her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had faced, The Daily Star reported.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated on August 15, 1975, along with most of his family members except for his two daughters, including Sheikh Hasina who had been staying abroad at that time. Meanwhile, Hasina said that conspiracies did not bother her and she would never bow down to pressure.

The premier also said Bangladesh would not purchase anything from countries who imposed sanctions on it, a top leader of the 14-party alliance quoted Hasina as saying in a closed-door meeting.

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With inputs from PTI.
Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has insisted on the importance of a Catholic Church open to all, including LGBTQ believers, and even opened the door last year to the blessing of gay couples read more

Pope Francis used an offensive gay slang word during a meeting with Italian bishops, where he joked about the number of gay men in seminaries, media reports said Monday.

During the private meeting one week ago, the 87-year-old pontiff was reported to have used the derogatory Roman term frociaggine, which translates loosely as the offensive English words faggots or poofs.

Francis repeated his opposition to openly gay men joining priest training colleges, and then joked that there were already too many frociaggine " in some seminaries.

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The comment first appeared in La Repubblica newspaper and then the Corriere della Sera, which reported the view of some of those present that the pope did not realise how offensive the word was.

The Argentine pontiffs first language is Spanish.

The Vatican did not respond to requests for comment.

Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has insisted on the importance of a Catholic Church open to all, including LGBTQ believers, and even opened the door last year to the blessing of gay couples.

But official church doctrine still states same-sex acts are intrinsically disordered.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said that all energies must be devoted towards making the two-state solution a reality read more

Calls for the realisation of the two-state solution for the establishment of the State of Palestine have increased since the war in Gaza began (Photo: AP)

Spain, Norway, and Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine on Tuesday.

The three countries had announced last week that they intended to recognise the Palestinian statehood amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas War that has devastated the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip and has killed several thousands of Palestinian civilians.

The recognition is being as seen as yet another sign of Israels international isolation amid the devastation in Gaza and support for Palestine that has risen since the war in Gaza began in October.

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Israel has rejected the recognition by the three European countries. Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the recognition amounted to complicity in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.

We should focus all efforts for 2-state solution

In a speech on Tuesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that all energies must be devoted towards making the two-state solution a reality.

The two-state solution refers to the resolution of the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a way that a Jewish State of Israel and an Arab State of Palestine exist side-by-side in the Middle East.

Sanchez also said that the recognition of the Palestinian state was not against anyone and marked a rejection of Hamas, the terrorist group that has controlled and governed Gaza since 2007.

This decision reflects our absolute rejection of Hamas, a terrorist organisation who is against the two-state solution. From the outset, Spain has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7. This clear condemnation is the resounding expression of our steadfast commitment in the fight against terrorism. I would like to underline that starting tomorrow we would focus all our efforts to implement the two-state solution and make it a reality, said Sanchez, as per The Associated Press.

Separately, the report said that Ireland announced it will appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in West Banks Ramallah, the seat of Palestinian Authority (PA). The PA is the de facto Palestinian administration that partially runs West Bank.

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Norways Foreign Minister Barth Eide said that it is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively.

The recognition is a strong expression of support for moderate forces in both countries, said Eide, as per AP.

Rising calls in Europe for sanctions against Israel

The recognition by three countries of the Palestinian state comes at a time when tensions are running high between Israel and the European Union (EU) and calls for sanctions on Israel are rising within the bloc.

Following a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said significant discussions on sanctions against Israel were held for the first time. Separately, Irish PM Simon Harris on Tuesday also said that the EU should consider slapping sanctions against Israel.

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Josep Borrell, the foreign policy chief of EU, shas supported the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is expected to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. Earlier this month, ICC Prosecutor Karim AA Khan sought arrest warrants against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant along with three top Hamas leaders.
Expanded parliamentary powers, according to supporters, are necessary to combat corruption; however, detractors worry that the rules may make the self-governing island more vulnerable to Chinas influence, which claims the island as part of its territory read more

During Tuesday's protracted session, party MPs tossed paper aircraft at the KMT, while the DPP draped banners that said, "oppose expanding power, support Taiwan" surrounding the main chamber of parliament

On Tuesday, thousands of opponents demonstrated outside the legislature of Taiwan, shouting defend democracy as the legislature passed a number of divisive proposals to increase its authority.

Expanded parliamentary powers, according to supporters, are necessary to combat corruption; however, detractors worry that the rules may make the self-governing island more vulnerable to Chinas influence, which claims the island as part of its territory.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which supports the islands sovereignty but lost its majority in parliament in January elections, is represented by New Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

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After multiple sessions, the legislation, which were put out by the Kuomintang (KMT), the countrys biggest opposition party and one that is generally seen as more accommodating to Beijing, were approved on Tuesday with the backing of the newly formed Taiwan Peoples Party.

One of the modifications that was passed required the president to give a State of the Nation speech to parliament and respond to questions from lawmakers. This was a first for Taiwan.

The parliament can now also use its power of investigation to demand information from relevant parties, including commercial businesses, governmental organizations, and military forces.

They risk fines of up to NT$100,000 ($3,100) if they refuse, put off, or withhold details.

During Tuesdays protracted session, party MPs tossed paper aircraft at the KMT, while the DPP draped banners that said, oppose expanding power, support Taiwan surrounding the main chamber of parliament.

A different bill that was passed makes contempt of parliament illegal and carries a further NT$200,000 fine.

The KMT has been accused by lawmaker Chiu Yi-ying of following (Chinese President) Xi Jinpings plan by the DPP, which claims the measures were passed without adequate consultation.

Throughout the night, demonstrators held signs that read no discussions, no democracy as they marched.

At the height of the protests on Friday, tens of thousands of demonstrators sat in pouring rain outside the parliament, demanding that MPs rescind the measures.
New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) Indigo Airlines flight from Delhi to Varanasi was disrupted due to a bomb threat on Tuesday.





According to the airline's representative, flight 6E2211, scheduled to depart from Terminal 2 of Indira Gandhi International Airport at 5 AM, received a specific bomb threat.



In response to the threat, all necessary protocols were followed.





The aircraft was moved to a remote location as per airport security agencies' guidelines.





Passengers were safely evacuated using emergency exits.





The representative stated that a thorough inspection of the aircraft is currently underway.





Once all security checks are completed, the aircraft will be cleared for flight and repositioned at the terminal.





Sources revealed that the word "bomb" was found written on tissue paper in the aircraft's lavatory.





This led to the aircraft being moved from the parking bay and passengers being evacuated through emergency exits.





Bomb disposal squads and aviation security officials conducted a detailed examination of the aircraft, which so far appears to be a false alarm.







UNI XC ARN
The law contains a clause titled contempt of the legislature, which experts believe would lead to punitive measures including punishments for those who dont cooperate with questioning read more

The Taiwan Legislature on Tuesday passed a controversial bill that would significantly curtail the powers of the president. The contentious bill was made into a law despite widespread protests by Taiwanese people.

Taiwan got a new president earlier this month in the form of Lai Ching-te, whose ruling Democratic Progressive Party and leaders from the Opposition engaged in a scuffle in the parliament over the controversial bill. The skirmish was so intense that an Opposition leaders T-shirt got ripped during a debate.

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Meanwhile, a large number of protestors have been gathering in Taipei to prevent the passage of the bill but their efforts proved futile. Notably, these protests are the biggest the island nation has seen since 2014s Sunflower student movement when protestors stormed the parliament to block the passage of a trade pact with China.

What is the contentious law?

The Law Governing the Legislative Yuans Power will effectively grant lawmakers the power to question, demand, or investigate personal documents of any government official, military general, the general public and even the president.

The president could also be summoned by legislators for questioning at any point in time, a provision that will also be applied to the common man and companies. It will also give leaders access to confidential documents.

How is the law harmful to Taiwans democracy?

The law contains a clause titled contempt of the legislature, which experts believe would lead to punitive measures including punishments for those who dont cooperate with questioning.

The law is backed by the two main opposition parties, the Kuomintang and Taiwan Peoples Party.

Many have even expressed concerns that the power that the law extends to legislators would derail President Lais agenda and leak sensitive information, threatening Taiwans national security.

Austin Wang, a US-based political scientist specialising in Taiwanese politics, told Al Jazeera, In the bill, the legislators can ask the military to hand in sensitive information, which is problematic since some legislators have been accused of leaking information to China. There is no check-and-balance under this investigation any more.
The gathering was organised a day after Israels strike on Hamas targets in Rafah which set off a fire in a tent city where 45 people died, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel has faced international condemnation over the attack read more

About 10,000 people took part in a demonstration near the Israeli embassy in Paris on Monday against Israels deadly shelling of the Gaza city of Rafah.

The demonstration gathered a few hundred metres (yards) from the embassy in the centre of the French capital before protesters chanted We are all Gaza children, Free Gaza and other pro-Palestinian slogans.

The gathering was organised a day after Israels strike on Hamas targets in Rafah which set off a fire in a tent city where 45 people died, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel has faced international condemnation over the attack.

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It is a massacre too many, said Francois Rippe of the Association France-Palestine Solidarity group that organised the rally, which the Paris police service said involved about 10,000 people.

They start a fire in a camp for displaced, they burn people and we (France) dont even summon the Israeli ambassador to ask for an account. It is just not acceptable, Rippe added.

One large banner at the rally showed presidents Emmanuel Macron of France Joe Biden of the United States and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the slogan It is humanity they are assassinating. France and the United States have condemned the Israeli attack.
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania until Monday evening, the National Weather Service said read more

Construction equipment being used to clear debris is seen through a cracked car windshield after thunderstorms spawning high straight-line winds and tornadoes ripped across the state in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, U.S. Reuters

Tornado-spawning thunderstorms that swept the Southern Plains and the Ozark Mountains have killed at least 21 people across four U.S. states as of Monday afternoon and wrecked hundreds of buildings, as forecasters warned of more severe weather.

The death toll over the three-day Memorial Day holiday weekend included at least eight fatalities in Arkansas, seven in Texas, four in Kentucky and two in Oklahoma, according to tallies by state emergency authorities.

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania until Monday evening, the National Weather Service said. The watch was in effect for more than 30 million people in the Northeast, as the storms were expected to move to that part of the East Coast.

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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency early on Monday. The weather service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Atlanta area and other parts of Georgia and for several western South Carolina counties until at least Monday afternoon.

Severe weather continues to move through the commonwealth with multiple reports of wind damage and tornadoes. I have issued a State of Emergency to ensure the communities impacted have the resources they need to respond.  Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) May 27, 2024

It was a tough night for our people, Beshear posted on social media platform X on Monday. He later said in a press briefing that devastating storms had hit almost the entire state. The storms damaged 100 state highways and roads, officials said.

At least seven people perished - including a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old from a family - and nearly 100 were injured on Saturday night when a powerful tornado struck communities in North Texas near the Oklahoma border, Governor Greg Abbott told a Sunday news conference.

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Late on Sunday, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at least eight people died in her state after the storms. An Arkansan suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease died due to a lack of oxygen when the power went out.

President Joe Biden offered condolences for the lives lost when he spoke on Monday with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Governors Abbott and Sanders, the White House said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency was on the ground conducting damage assessments with state and local counterparts, the White House said, adding that Biden had directed federal agencies to provide support as needed.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans were without power on Monday due to the weather, according to the PowerOutage.US tracking website. In Kentucky alone, more than 160,000 customers lacked electricity.

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In some areas, restoring power could take days, Kentucky Governor Beshear said in a news briefing.

The weather service warned that additional storms would move through the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, bringing damaging winds, large hail and more tornadoes, as well as heavy downpours capable of triggering flash floods.

The latest extreme weather came just days after a powerful tornado ripped through an Iowa town, killing four people, and more twisters touched down in Texas last week.

The U.S. is preparing for what government forecasters have called a potentially extraordinary 2024 Atlantic hurricane season beginning next Saturday.
Trumps fiery post Monday stood in contrast with emotive comments Biden made during his yearly holiday pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery, the vast burial ground of US soldiers across the Potomac River from Washington, with row after row of white headstones read more

Donald Trump launched another vicious attack Monday on his political opponents, choosing the Memorial Day holiday  when the United States marks its fallen soldiers  to dismiss his adversaries as human scum.

As Americans honoured their troops who have died in conflict with visits to cemeteries and backyard cookouts with family and friends, the Republican former president posted on his Truth Social platform against his perceived enemies.

These included judges who oversaw or are overseeing cases against him  civil ones for sexual assault and business fraud, and the current, history-making criminal trial stemming from hush money payments to a porn star right before the 2016 election.

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Happy Memorial Day to All, including the Human Scum that is working so hard to destroy our Once Great Country, said Trump, who is leading in many swing state polls as he prepares to take on President Joe Biden in the November election.

He went on to attack his various legal adversaries, calling one of the judges wacko. He also took a swipe at E. Jean Carroll, a former magazine columnist whom he was found liable in a civil case for sexually abusing in 1996 and defaming. A judge has ordered him to pay her $88 million.

In a separate post Trump did publish a picture of himself saluting at a grave covered with an American flag, and a caption reading We can never replace them. We can never repay them. But we can always remember them.

His dismissal of people as human scum was in line with other comments in which Trump has derided some people as less than human.

He has called the US left vermin and said migrants crossing the border from Mexico are poisoning the blood of our country. Both remarks have been criticized as evoking Nazi Germany.

Trumps fiery post Monday stood in contrast with emotive comments Biden made during his yearly holiday pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery, the vast burial ground of US soldiers across the Potomac River from Washington, with row after row of white headstones.

In a speech Biden noted that the cemetery held the remains of soldiers killed in every US war starting with the Civil War of the 1860s, through the World Wars in Europe and up to Iraq and Afghanistan in contemporary times.

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Today, we bear witness to the price they paid, Biden said.

Every white stone across these hills, in every military cemetery and churchyard across America: a father, a mother, a son, a daughter, a brother, a sister, a spouse, a neighbor  an American.
Uganda, with 45 million people, is one of 27 countries on the African continent classified as at high risk for yellow fever outbreaks read more

A man holds a vaccination card that proves he has received the yellow fever vaccine, at Kiswa Health Center III in Kampala, Uganda. AP

Uganda has rolled out a nationwide yellow fever vaccination campaign to help safeguard its population against the mosquito-borne disease that has long posed a threat.

By the end of April, Ugandan authorities had vaccinated 12.2 million of the 14 million people targeted, said Dr. Michael Baganizi, an official in charge of immunization at the health ministry.

Uganda will now require everyone traveling to and from the country to have a yellow fever vaccination card as an international health regulation, Baganizi said.

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Ugandan authorities hope the requirement will compel more people to get the yellow fever shot amid a general atmosphere of vaccine hesitancy that worries healthcare providers in the East African nation.

The single-dose vaccine has been offered free of charge to Ugandans between the ages of 1 and 60. Vaccination centers in the capital, Kampala, and elsewhere included schools, universities, hospitals and local government units.

Before this, Ugandans usually paid to get the yellow fever shot at private clinics, for the equivalent of $27.

Uganda, with 45 million people, is one of 27 countries on the African continent classified as at high risk for yellow fever outbreaks. According to the World Health Organization, there are about 200,000 cases and 30,000 deaths globally each year from the disease.

Ugandas most recent outbreak was reported earlier this year in the central districts of Buikwe and Buvuma.

Yellow fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The majority of infections are asymptomatic. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite and nausea or vomiting, according to the WHO.

Ugandas vaccination initiative is part of a global strategy launched in 2017 by the WHO and partners such as the U.N. childrens agency to eliminate yellow fever by 2026. The goal is to protect almost one billion people in Africa and the Americas.

A midterm evaluation of that strategy, whose results were published last year, found that 185 million people in high-risk African countries had been vaccinated by August 2022.

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In Uganda, most people get the yellow fever shot when they are traveling to countries such as South Africa that demand proof of vaccination on arrival.

James Odite, a nurse working at a private hospital which has been designated as a vaccination center in a suburb of the capital, Kampala, told the AP that hundreds of doses remained unused after the yellow fever vaccination campaign closed. They will be used in a future mass campaign.

Among the issues raised by vaccine-hesitant people was the question of whether the government wants to give them expired vaccines, Odite said.

Baganizi, the immunization official, said Ugandas government has invested in community sensitization sessions during which officials tell people that vaccines save lives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must take over Rafah to eliminate Hamas remaining battalions and achieve total victory over the terrorists, who recently regrouped in other parts of Gaza. read more

An Israeli female soldier sits atop a tank in a staging area near the Gaza border in southern Israel, Friday, May 24, 2024.- AP

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the Israeli strike in Rafah, saying that the horror must stop as there is no safe place in Gaza. I condemn Israels actions which killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict. There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop. he said in a post on X.

I condemn Israels actions which killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict.



There is no safe place in Gaza.



This horror must stop.  Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 27, 2024

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a tragic mistake had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians

Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 45 people Sunday and hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and numerous others were trapped in flaming debris. Gazas Health Ministry said women and children made up most of the dead and dozens of wounded.

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 Gazas 2.3 million population had sought shelter before Israels incursion earlier this month. Tens of thousands of people remain in the area while many others have fled.

Earlier Sunday, dozens of aid trucks entered Gaza from southern Israel under a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt, following its seizure by Israeli forces earlier this month. The Israeli military reported that 126 aid trucks entered through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

However, it remains unclear if humanitarian groups could access the aid, including medical supplies, due to ongoing fighting. The crossing has been largely inaccessible because of Israels offensive in Rafah. United Nations agencies have stated that it is often too dangerous to retrieve the aid. The World Health Organization warned last week that an expanded Israeli incursion in Rafah would have a disastrous impact.

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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, said a spokesperson for U.N. chief Antonio Guterres.

Egypt refuses to reopen its side of the Rafah crossing until control of the Gaza side is returned to Palestinians. It agreed to temporarily divert traffic through Kerem Shalom after a call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in nearly 36,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and fighters. Israel attributes civilian deaths to Hamas operations in dense residential areas.

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Approximately 80% of Gazas 2.3 million people have fled their homes, with severe hunger widespread and some areas experiencing famine, according to U.N. officials.

Hamas initiated the war with its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, where Palestinian militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 hostages. Hamas still holds some 100 hostages and the remains of about 30 others after most were released during a cease-fire last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel must take over Rafah to eliminate Hamas remaining forces and achieve total victory over the militants, who have recently regrouped in other parts of Gaza.
Robot dogs with weapons placed on their backs are the most recent and contentious application of this technology. Media reports claim that the Chinese military demonstrated one such device during recent military exercises with Cambodia read more

The robot dog in the video is described as China's "variety of intelligent unmanned equipment" by a soldier Image Courtesy AFP

Recent developments in artificial intelligence and robotics have resulted in the creation of extremely intelligent robot dogs. These devices are presently being modified for military and security uses; originally, they were only intended to be aids and exploration tools.

Robot dogs with weapons placed on their backs are the most recent and contentious application of this technology. Media reports claim that the Chinese military demonstrated one such device during recent military exercises with Cambodia.

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State broadcaster CCTV published the robot dog video.

Chinese PLA soldier walking with his armed robot dog. pic.twitter.com/KPsA2oL1eT  Clash Report (@clashreport) May 23, 2024

It can serve as a new member in our urban combat operations, replacing our (human) members to conduct reconnaissance and identify (the) enemy and strike the target, a soldier named Chen Wei said in the video, as reported by CNN.

In addition, the video shows the remote-controlled dog walking, hopping, lying down, and backing up.

The robot dog in the video is described as Chinas variety of intelligent unmanned equipment by a soldier.

China has already made a video like this one. In a film of a combined military drill with the Chinese, Vietnamese, Lao, Malaysian, Thai, and Cambodian forces, shot in China last November, rifle-armed robotic dogs could be seen.

Robot dogs were also showcased by the US Air Force in 2020 as part of its Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS).

A Chinese soldier is seen in another X video strolling across Cambodia accompanied by a robot dog that is fitted with a machine pistol.

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The Golden Dragon military exercise is the biggest-ever combined military exercise between China and Cambodia. Commencing on May 16, the 15-day drill will last through May 30. It consists of live-fire, counterterrorism, and humanitarian rescue exercises and includes 14 warships, two helicopters, 69 armored vehicles, and tanks.
Sanaa, May 28 (UNI) Yemen's rebel Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, attacked three US and Israeli merchant ships, as well as two US destroyers, in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said.



"The naval and missile forces of the Yemeni armed forces conducted three joint operations. The first was against US ship Larego Desert in the Indian Ocean, the second against Israeli ship MSC MECHELA in the Indian Ocean, and the third against Minerva Lisa in the Red Sea for violating the ban on entering the ports of occupied Palestine," Saree told the Almasirah broadcaster.



He added that the movement used drones to "successfully attack" US destroyers in the Red Sea.



Yemen's Houthi rebels vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. The attacks prompted the United States to form a multinational coalition, which includes the United Kingdom among others, to protect shipping in the area of the Red Sea as well as to strike Houthi targets on the ground.

UNI/SPUTNIK XC ARN
BenQ has launched the SW242Q monitor in India, specifically designed for professional photographers, videographers, and creative artists who demand high color accuracy and precision.

This follows the recent release of the BenQ RD240Q display programming monitor earlier this month.

The SW242Q boasts a 24.1-inch 2K display (2560 x 1600), merging BenQs advanced color management tech with user-friendly features for accurate results.

Key features include AQCOLOR technology ensuring 99% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3, and 100% sRGB coverage, 16-bit 3D LUT for precise calibration, and an anti-glare panel for accurate soft-proofing.

The SW242Q monitor ensures consistent color and brightness with Uniformity Technology, while HDR10 support enhances color contrast for various video formats. SDI connectivity seamlessly integrates with professional videographers devices.

Additionally, it offers hardware calibration via Palette Master Ultimate, Paper Color Sync for accurate prints, and USB-C with 90W power delivery.

User-friendly features include a leatherette base, easy-carry handle, improved cable management, and a 5-way navigation key for efficient color evaluation during retouching.

Quick specifications: BenQ SW242Q Monitor

Design: Access Design, Leatherette Base, and Optional Shading Hood

Display: 24.1 (2560 x 1600), AQCOLOR technology, 60Hz refresh, 125 PPI, 400 nits brightness, HDR10, 178 viewing angle, 1.07 billion colors, 16:10 aspect ratio

Screen: Anti-Reflection, 5ms response time, 1000:1 contrast, Color Gamut  100% sRGB, 98% P3, 99% Adobe RGB, AMA, HLG

Color Temperature: 5000K, 6500K, 9300K, User-K, User-RGB

Power: Power Delivery (USB-C / Thunderbolt 3) 90W

Mount Adjustment: VESA Wall Mount, Tilt, Swivel, Pivot

Connectivity: x2 HDMI, x1 DisplayPort, USB-C, USB-B, and x2 USB 3.1; SDI to HDMI Device Compatibility

Certification: TUV Certificate, Calman, Pantone, and Pantone SkinTone Validated

Other Features: Factory Calibration Report, 3D-LUT, Delta E(avg) 1.5, KVM Switch, Auto Pivot, Black Level, Hardware Calibration, Uniformity Technology, Black & White mode, Gamut Duo

Software: Palette Master Ultimate, Paper Color Sync, LightSpace Ready, and Calman Ready

Pricing and availability

The BenQ SW242Q monitor is priced at Rs. 38,500 and is available for purchase at the BenQ India E-store, Amazon.in, and leading photography retail outlets across India.

Speaking about the launch, Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia, said:
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%.
Information manipulation in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU lists two individuals and one entity

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

27 May 2024 14:15

Today the Council decided to impose restrictive measures against two individuals and one entity responsible for conducting propaganda actions targeted at civil society in the EU and its neighbouring countries, gravely distorting and manipulating facts in order to justify and support Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The propaganda has repeatedly and consistently targeted European political parties, especially during election periods, as well as targeting civil society, asylum seekers, Russian ethnic minorities, gender minorities, and the functioning of democratic institutions in the EU and its member states.

In particular, the Council imposed restrictive measures on "Voice of Europe", an online media outlet which has engaged in a systematic, international campaign of media manipulation and distortion of facts to destabilise Ukraine, the EU and its member states. Furthermore, Voice of Europe runs a website - with accounts promoting it on social media such as Facebook, YouTube, Telegram and X - actively spreading disinformation related to Ukraine and promoting pro-Kremlin false narratives about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, Voice of Europe has been used as a vehicle for funneling of financial resources designated for remuneration of propagandists, and for building a network influencing representatives of political parties in Europe.

Today's listings also include two persons closely associated with Voice of Europe:

- Artem Marchevskyi, who played a key role in the acquisition of a media brand "Voice of Europe". As a concealed head of Voice of Europe, he has played an instrumental role in disseminating concerted disinformation and biased narratives aimed at undermining credibility and public image of Ukraine and its efforts to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression; and

- Viktor Medvedchuk, who has promoted policies and actions intended to erode credibility and legitimacy of the Government of Ukraine. Medvedchuk has close personal ties to Vladimir Putin and is associated with his regime, and through his associates, including Artem Marchevskyi, he controlled Ukrainian media outlets and used them to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda in Ukraine and beyond.

Altogether, EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to over 2100 individuals and entities altogether. Those designated today are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.

In its conclusions of 21 and 22 March 2024, the European Council reaffirmed the EU's steadfast support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression. It also called for further steps to weaken Russia's ability to continue waging its war of aggression, including by strengthening the sanctions.

The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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US accusation of Chinese company 'engaging in undersea cable espionage' is groundless, another bid to discredit China: FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: May 27, 2024 06:47 PM

China's Foreign Ministry (FM) blasted the unfounded accusations by US officials regarding Chinese repair ships' alleged espionage on Monday. The ministry called the US accusation groundless, constituting a deliberate smearing against Chinese companies.

The ministry responded to media inquiries about "an unusual warning" by US officials, alleging that US undersea cables that ferry internet traffic across the Pacific Ocean could be "vulnerable to tampering" by Chinese repair ships.

During a regular press briefing on Monday, a spokesperson from FM said that the Chinese government consistently encourages Chinese enterprises to conduct business activities according to market rules and international principles. The spokesperson said the US allegation of espionage is part of a malicious attempt to discredit China and Chinese companies.

According to an exclusive report from the Wall Street Journal on May 19, US officials accused a state-owned Chinese cable repair company, S.B. Submarine Systems, of "hiding its vessels' locations from radio and satellite tracking services."

The US government's deliberate defamation and suppression targeting Chinese and other international information and communication companies is aimed at forging an exclusive, unchallenged global surveillance network under its hegemony. And, the network would enable unrestricted monitoring and covert intelligence gathering, serving as a gateway for American surveillance activities, the FM spokesperson said.

The spokesperson urged the US government, which is desperate to uphold its internet information hegemony, to engage in self-reflection, cease malicious smearing, and put an end to the political farce of baseless accusations against China and Chinese companies.

Lately, the US has been intensifying its malicious crackdown on China's competitive industries, such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic cells.

In response to US allegations, S.B. Submarine Systems (SBSS) said in a statement issued on the company's website on Thursday that the company strictly complies with laws and regulations, international practices, and industry standards. Its daily operations are in line with the regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other authorities.

SBSS said in the statement that with 30 years of experience in international operations, the company has always adhered to the principles of honesty and transparency and has gained the respect and recognition of global customers and partners. The company also expressed strong opposition to the US generalization of the national security concept to suppress and discredit the company.

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EUMPM Niger: Council decides not to extend the mandate of the mission

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

27 May 2024 14:41

The Council today decided to not extend the European Union military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM) beyond 30 June 2024, in view of the grave current political situation in the country.

The mission was established in December 2022 at the request of the former Nigerien authorities to enhance the ability of the Niger Armed Forces to contain the terrorist threat, protect the population in the country and ensure a safe and secure environment in compliance with human rights law and international humanitarian law. The agreed initial duration was of three years;

On 26 July 2023, a military coup attempted to oust democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Two days after, General Tchiani, chief of the Presidential guard, proclaimed himself President of the Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP).

The EU immediately condemned the coup in the strongest terms, and in October 2023 it created a framework for restrictive measures in view of the situation in Niger to be able to target those who undermine the stability, democracy, rule of law in the country, and constitute a threat to peace and security in the region.

On 4 December 2023, Niger junta announced that it would terminate the agreement establishing the legal basis for the deployment of the EUCAP Sahel Niger mission and the EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger).

On 5 December, the High Representative expressed his regret over such decision.

By letter dated 21 December 2023, the Mission Commander, Lieutenant-General Michiel van der Laan, notified the Council that the EU personnel of EUMPM Niger had been redeployed to Europe.

On 23 April 2024, the Political and Security Committee agreed that EUMPM Niger should not be extended beyond 30 June 2024

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The OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the EU Special Representative welcome the Legal Opinion prepared by the Council of Europe on the draft law on the Independent Media Commission (IMC)

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.05.2024

Pristina

Press and information team of the EU Office/EU Special Representative in Kosovo

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the EU Special Representative welcome the Legal Opinion prepared by the Council of Europe (CoE) on the draft law on the Independent Media Commission (IMC).

We support the goal of the draft law to align Kosovo's legislation with relevant EU provisions, including the Audio-Visual Services Directive.

However, as the CoE report highlights, more work is needed on the draft to ensure that it neither undermines the independence of the IMC nor creates legal inconsistency.

We recommend that the Committee on Public Administration, Local Governance, Media and Rural Development of the Assembly allows time for proper consideration of the report, and consultation with media sector stakeholders, so that its recommendations can then be reflected in a new draft.



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Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.05.2024

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Good morning.

These are being intense days, with the discussion on the Middle East. You know that yesterday, we had several meetings to discuss that.

First, the [Ministerial International Partners Meeting on Palestine] called by the Norwegian Minister [Espen Barth Eide], and after [a second meeting, co-organised by Saudi Arabia that was] the continuation of the discussions in Riyadh.

This morning, we will receive five Arab partners. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs plus the Secretary-General of the Arab League will join the Foreign Affairs Council to continue discussing about Gaza and the Middle East.

We will hear their vision on how to support Palestine and the Palestinian Authority, and how to revitalise the political process.

A lot of things have happened in the last days, in particular: the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court sending to the Court warrants against [Prime Minister of Israel, Benyamin] Netanyahu and [the Defence Minister of Israel, Yoav] Galant, and three leaders from Hamas.

That is an important decision from the Prosecutor, and I want to say that we have to respect the work of the International Criminal Court. We have to respect the work of this institution and let the Court - without intimidation - decide what they think about this initiative of the Prosecutor.

Unhappily, that is not the case. The Prosecutor and the Court have been strongly intimidated and accused of antisemitism - as always when anybody, anyone does something that Netanyahu's government does not like.

I think that the accusations of antisemitism against the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court are completely not acceptable.

The word "antisemitic" is too heavy. It is too important, in order to use it in these occasions.

Then there is the still more important ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is the core of the international justice in order to act above the national level. It is at the core of the United Nations Charter.

And here, again, we have to express not only respect but ask for the implementation of the decisions of the Court.

And unhappily, what we have seen in the immediate hours, is that Israel continues the military action, that it has been asked to stop. Also, Hamas is launching rockets against Israel. So, both sides do not respect the ruling of the Court.

This morning, unhappily, more than 30 people have been killed in a refugees' camp, in an attack.

This is really a dilemma: how can the international community make "implementable", can enforce the implementation of the decisions of the International Court of Justice?

I suppose that today, we are going to discuss about it. Certainly, we will listen to the Arab partners. The Member States also will discuss about how to support the implementation of the Two-state solution, and more urgently, how to deal with the situation in Gaza - from a humanitarian point of view and from the point of view of the implementation of this ruling of the ICJ.

From my side, I will put on the table a proposal to relaunch our civilian border assistance mission EUBAM Rafah, if it is useful. We have been asked to do that. If we could, we will do it - but taking into account that everything has to be in the direction of having the Palestinian Authority to take responsibility on Gaza.

And then, on Ukraine. In Ukraine, the situation is also very dire on the frontline.

Russia also escalates the bombings of Ukrainian civilian targets and population. The death number is increasing on both fronts. The number of people being killed by military action is increasing - if you could say that this is "a military action" to bomb a supermarket and to bomb civilian infrastructure when they are full of civilians.

The attack on the [DIY] hardware store in Kharkiv on Saturday is another example of war crimes and Russian atrocities.

But we have to use the same approach, and to consider on the same basis, what is happening in one war and in the other. That is why, I called the Foreign Affairs Ministers of some Arab countries to discuss with us.

Then, Georgia. This will be the first moment in which the Ministers will assess the situation in Georgia. It is clear that the government is derailing from the European track, and [EU Foreign] Ministers will have to decide what to do.

Do not forget about the situation in Syria. After the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, we will have the annual [Brussels] Conference on "[Supporting] the future of Syria and the region". We will use the presence of so many Ministers from Europe, and Arab [Ministers], here in Brussels to hold this Conference at the highest level and increase our commitment to the Syrian people and the countries that have been affected by the Syrian crisis and are hosting the Syrian refugees.

So, an intense - almost dramatic - moment in both frontlines. Let's see what the Ministers can discuss and decide about how the European Union can react with respect to the crisis in Ukraine, in the Middle East and Georgia.

Q&A

Q. Are you going to suggest the Preparatory Peace Conference, to convene it soon, after this morning talking to the Arab countries?

[On EUBAM Rafah,] I expect the political discussion today to shed light about how we can implement this mission. But it is not only us who have to decide - the Egyptians, the Palestinians, the Israelis.

We have been asked to [re]activate this mission, which is still there, but we need to increase the number of staff and we need to have an agreement with everybody involved. We will not go there without a strong commitment from the Palestinian Authority.

And yes, yesterday it was said that an international conference has to take place, in order to push for the implementation of the Two-state solution. Because everybody says that we need a Two-State solution but in the end, while people say that the settlers are occupying more and more land in the West Bank, the violence continues, and the Two-State solution looks every day more difficult to reach. So, we should start talking about it and start doing something.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is certainly the priority, but the political solution - if we want to really obtain this solution, we have to engage more on that. The Arab [partners] have proposals, we want to listen to them. You know that this is an issue on which the EU Member States have different approaches. Let's see what we can do together with the Arab [partners] and other members of the international community.

Q. When do you expect a decision on EUBAM in Rafah?

Today, we can have a political decision and then, it will have to be implemented technically.

Q. On Georgia, what is on the table? Which are the proposals?

The point about Georgia is not a full point on the agenda. It is a first assessment of the situation at the level of Ministers.

Q. You said that Israel has to uphold the ruling of the International Court [of Justice], but how will you make sure that Israel will uphold this?

Well, we do not have magic powers, but the important thing is what is the position of the Member States of the European Union with respect to the implementation of this ruling of the Court. Everybody agrees that the rulings of the International Court of Justice are binding, and they have to be implemented. Let's see what do we think about it and how we - the Member States - want to react. I cannot tell [you] before the meeting what is going to happen in the meeting.

Q. Do you expect any sanctions regarding Georgia today, and not only an assessment?

I said about Georgia [that] it is a first assessment of the situation. It is a first assessment of the situation at the level of Ministers.

Q. On the European Peace Facility, how do want to convince Hungary to agree to the disbursement of the eighth tranche?

It is not something which is on the agenda today. We will discuss tomorrow at the level of the Defence Ministers.

Q. Today, there will also be the Foreign Minister of Iraq [Fuad Hussein]. How can you do something about the refugees, because right now, more than 1 million refugees from Syria and other countries are in Iraq.

This will be discussed today at the Syria Conference. I hope that the donors will be providing resources also for the countries who are hosting these refugees, in particular [also] Iraq.

Q. Do you expect a discussion on the recognition of the state of Palestine?

It will be part of the discussion. Obviously, it will be part of the discussion. This is one of the things that has happened those [last] days. Some Member States have decided to recognise the State of Palestine, others not. Others are still in the process of thinking about it. There are divergences of points of views about [whether it] is the right moment, or not. Some decided yes, the others decided [it was] not. We will share the point of views of the different Member States.

Q. What is your personal opinion?

It does not matter.

Q. A few months ago, you said that you are working directly for the peace process in the Middle East. Now, after months, the situation is even harder and harder. Can you explain to us why did we arrive to this point, and how can we get [out of it]?

That is what the Ministers will be discussing today. I cannot tell you what is happening in the meeting before the meeting takes place, [only] after.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-257375

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Palestine: Joint statement by the EU and Norway on International Partners Meeting in Brussels

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.05.2024

EEAS Press Team

The EU as the host and Norway as the chair issued this joint statement after the ministerial meeting held in Brussels on Sunday 26 May:

On 26 May, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles hosted a Ministerial Meeting in Brussel, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Mr Espen Barth Eide.

At the meeting, the Palestinian Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa presented his government's plans to international partners, highlighting the following priority areas: the facilitation of emergency aid to Gaza; a comprehensive plan for Gaza; a comprehensive reform program to strengthen Palestinian institutions; and a comprehensive plan to develop and transform the Palestinian economy.

International partners welcomed these plans and reaffirmed their support to the Palestinian Authority. The reform agenda is important to improve the PA's accountability, democratic legitimacy, efficiency, and governance. Acknowledging the challenging environment, participants were encouraged to channel their support in ways that enable these reforms.

Prime Minister Mustafa and other participants emphasized the significant challenges facing the Palestinian economy. Due to the war in Gaza, Israel's withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues and significant restrictions on access and movement in the West Bank, the Palestinian economy has contracted, and the Palestinian Authority's revenues have declined sharply.

Participants highlighted two urgent measures needed to counter this dangerous trend: an immediate reversal in Israeli policies that undermine the PA and the Palestinian economy, and an enhanced political and economic partnership between international partners and the PA, including increased financial assistance. This is crucial for preventing a further erosion of the economy and of the government institutions that have been constructed over the past 30 years.

Joint and swift action by all parties is needed to prevent a collapse and to continue strengthening the Palestinian institutions as a crucial element in the implementation of the two-state solution. Priority should be given to supporting efforts to unify the West Bank and Gaza under one single legitimate, economically viable and sufficiently funded Palestinian Authority. The future of Gaza can only be ensured within such a political framework. The Chair and other participants called on international partners to increase their financial assistance to Palestine.

The meeting was attended by Australia, Canada, Egypt, European Union, France, Germany, International Monetary Fund, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Norway, Office of the Quartet, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Nations, United Kingdom, United States of America, and World Bank.



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Iran, Oman insist on sending urgent aid to Gaza, stopping genocide of Zionist regime

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasized the pursuit of sending urgent humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and intensifying political pressure against the Zionist regime to stop the genocide.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman and his accompanying delegation, who traveled to Tehran to express sympathy on the occasion of the martyrdom of the President and Foreign Minister, met and talked with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Monday, June 7, 1403.

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Bagheri Kani appreciated and thanked the kind messages of the Sultan and other high-ranking officials of the Sultanate of Oman.

He pointed out that in this incident, "we received a sense of friendship, brotherhood and good neighborliness from the high-ranking officials of the Sultanate of Oman, and the presence of His Excellency and the accompanying delegation will be recorded in the memory of the Iranian nation".

In this regard, Seyyed Badr Albusaidi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, also recalled his friendly and intimate relations with Hossein Amirabdollahian, the Martyr Minister of Foreign Affairs, traveled to Iran and conveyed the condolences and sympathies of the Sultan, the government and people of Oman to the leadership and the government and people of Iran.

He described a task within the framework of friendship, brotherhood and neighborly relations between the two countries and prayed for peace and divine forgiveness for the souls of martyrs.

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Yemen attacks Israeli, US ships and destroyers in Red Sea and Indian Ocean

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Yemen has launched fresh attacks on ships, including US destroyers, in the Red Sea and in the Indian Ocean as part of a campaign by the Arab country to support Palestinians in the face of the Israeli onslaught in Gaza.

A total of five ships, including two US warships, were targeted as part of Yemen's military operations on Monday, according to spokesman of Yemen's armed forces General Yahya Saree.

Saree said that two US and Israeli cargo ships targeted in the Indian Ocean were LAREGO DESERT and MSC MECHELA, respectively.

Another Israeli ship, identified as MINERVA LISA, came under attacks by the Yemenis in the Red Sea, he said, adding that the attack was carried out because the ship had violated a ban issued by Yemen on ships sailing to and from ports controlled by Israel.

"... the Air Force carried out two specific operations (and) targeted two American military destroyers in the Red Sea, and the operations have successfully achieved their goals," he said in reference to another two attacks on Monday targeting US warships.

Yemen has been hitting Israeli-linked ships since November last year as part of a campaign to support people in Gaza against Israel's relentless bombardments.

Attacks by Yemen have expanded to cover ships linked to the United States and Britain as the two countries have been carrying out airstrikes on Yemen to force it to halt its anti-Israeli operations.

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Hamas says it will not participate in any negotiations after Rafah massacre

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, has announced that they will not participate in any negotiations after heinous crimes committed by the Zionist regime in a refugee camp in Rafah.

Hamas announced on Monday that they will not participate in any negotiations following heinous atrocities on a refugee camp in Rafah by the Zionist forces, which resulted in numerous martyrdom among the displaced Palestinians, IRNA reported citing Russia's Sputnik news agency.

Previously in a statement, Hamas said that the US government and President Joe Biden, in particular, are responsible for this crime, because if it were not for the support of Washington and its green light to attack Rafah, the Zionist regime could not have committed such a crime.

Hamas also demanded the immediate implementation of the ICJ rulings and pressure on the occupying regime to stop shedding the blood of Palestinian civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.

This movement also asked all parties, especially Egypt, to put pressure on the Zionist regime to withdraw its forces from the Rafah crossing in order to resume the activity of this crossing and facilitate the exit of the wounded and sick and the arrival of humanitarian aid.

In its latest crime against the Palestinians last midnight, the Zionist regime killed 41 civilians, including women and children, and wounded many others in northwestern Rafah.

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Hezbollah launches missile attack against Zionist strategic base

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah of Lebanon has carried out a missile attack against the Zionist strategic Meron base in the northern parts of the Palestinian Israeli-occupied territories, local media reported.

Al Manar reported on Monday that the base has been directly targeted.

Zionist media outlets also referred to the attack, noting that the electricity of Meron region has been cut.

They also published videos of fire around the base.

The Zionist daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth has said that an almost 50 missiles have been fired from Lebanon to the Meron region.

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.

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Iran says Zionist attack on Palestinian tents violates ICJ order

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nassar Kanaani has said that the Zionist regime's bombardment of tent camps housing displaced Gazan people in Rafah was a clear example of war crimes and a blatant violation of an order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for provisional measures.

Writing on his official X account on Monday, Kanaani said that this attack requires strong condemnation and reaction from the international community.

He, however, said that it was not surprising of this regime to commit such a crime as it had already launched attacks on Gazan people queuing for humanitarian supplies and had massacred people in the hospitals.

Whenever the child-killing Zionist regime suffers disgraceful failures in the field, it commits such insanely war crimes against Palestinian civilians, the spokesman said.

The Palestinian Information Center has announced that over 190 civilians have been killed in Zionist attacks on tent camps in Rafah over the past 24 hours.

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Two Egyptian soldiers killed in exchange of fire with Israeli forces

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Two Egyptian soldiers have been killed in an exchange of fire with the Israeli regime forces at the Rafah border crossing on Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip, according to media reports.

The Israeli media reported on Monday that Egyptian army forces opened fire towards Israeli troops at the Rafah crossing, and Israeli forces responded with gunfire.

Several Egyptian soldiers were also wounded in the exchange of fire.

Israel's Channel 13 said the incident reflects heightened tensions between Egypt and the Israeli regime, warning that it could have significant political consequences.

Egypt has repeatedly warned that the Israeli regime's invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah could force displaced Palestinians to take refuge in the country.

The Rafah crossing has been a vital route for aid to Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis has deepened since the Israeli regime seized control of the Gaza side of the crossing early this month.

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Israeli army admits to death of 636 personnel since Oct. 7

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime's army has acknowledged the death of 636 officers, soldiers, and reservists in Gaza since October 7 last year, when Palestinian resistance movements launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity.

The Zionist regime's media outlets reported that some 3,601 military forces have been injured during the same period, as the regime's army faces a shortage of military forces in different battlefield areas in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, some Zionist media outlets acknowledged that the regime's military had been worn out by the strikes of the resistance fighters in the Gaza Strip.

The I24news channel of the regime reported that military commanders are seeking to recruit under-trained forces.

A commander, who called for recruiting forces on social media, told I24news that the armed forces are tired, and therefore, seek to recruit fresh soldiers via the internet.

The Ynetnews also reported that hospitals in the occupied territories are witnessing the influx of military forces who have been wounded in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli media reported that some officers and soldiers refuse to return to the battlefield by resorting to claims regarding their health condition.

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Hezbollah launches air strike on northern settlement in occupied Palestinian territories

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement has carried out missile attacks on the Israeli positions in the northern settlement of Margaliot.

Lebanese Hezbollah has issued a statement saying that the attack was carried out on Monday in a bid to support the Palestinian nation amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, as reported by Al-Mayadeen on Monday.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a building in the Zionist settlement of Margaliot, which was used as a base by the Zionists.

The supportive measure comes in response to the Zionist regime's invasion of villages in southern Lebanon.

Al-Mayadeen's correspondent has earlier reported that a barrage of missiles had targeted West Galilee for the second time.

The Lebanese resistance movement has pledged to continue its anti-Israel operations until the Zionist regime stops its war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

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Chinese FM meets with Yemeni counterpart

Xinhua) 16:42, May 28, 2024

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Shayea Mohsen Al-Zindani, Yemen's minister of foreign affairs and expatriates, in Beijing on Tuesday, who is here for the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China firmly supports the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, and always cherishes its traditional friendship with Yemen.

Noting that the upcoming 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum is an important meeting that builds on the past heritage and opens up the future, Wang said it serves the common interests of both China and the Arab States to strengthen solidarity and coordination to jointly meet challenges under the current international situation.

The tense situation in the Red Sea is a prominent manifestation of the spillover from the Gaza conflict, and the urgent task is to promote an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. China calls for an end to the harassment of civilian vessels and to ensure the safety of waterways in the Red Sea, Wang said.

China hopes that all parties involved in the Yemen issue will be committed to a political settlement, continue to resolve disputes and differences through dialogue and negotiation, and strive for early reconciliation, Wang added.

Al-Zindani said that Yemen attaches great importance to its relations with China, and abides by the one-China principle. Yemen hopes that China will continue to play a greater role in cooling down the situation in the Red Sea and promoting reconciliation and reconstruction of Yemen. It is believed that the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum will elevate China-Arab collective cooperation to a new level, Al-Zindani said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Yemen blames US for Israel's massacre in Gaza's Rafah

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has condemned Israel's massacre of Palestinians in northwest of Rafah, holding the United States fully responsible for the regime's atrocities in the city.

Ansarullah strongly condemns the Israeli regime's brutal killing of the Palestinians displaced into the northwest of Rafah, the resistance movement said in a statement released by Palestinian news agency Samaa on Monday.

According to the statement, the holocaust that the occupying entity inflicted on the displaced people in the Gaza Strip indicated the level of the regime's ferocity and brutality.

The killing of civilians showed the enemy's defeat once again and proved to the world that the Zionist regime does not care about international laws and the decisions taken by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the statement read.

It happened while the ICJ had already ordered Israel to stop the offensive on Rafah and let delivery of the humanitarian aid.

In its latest crime against the Palestinians last midnight, the Zionist regime killed 41 civilians, including women and children, and wounded many others in northwestern Rafah.

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ICC prosecutor defends plea for arrest warrants for Zionist leaders

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) defended on Sunday his recent decision to request arrest warrants for the leaders of the Zionist regime for committing war crimes in Gaza.

According to IRNA, Karim Khan said in an interview with The Sunday Times, a British newspaper that the world is at a critical moment and if people do not adhere to the law, they have nothing to hold on to.

Khan, in a rare interview, underlined that the countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia are closely monitoring whether global institutions adhere to international laws or not.

The ICC prosecutor clarified that the question is whether powerful countries are honest when they say that there is a legal institution, or is this law-based system useless and merely a tool of NATO and the post-colonial world, which has no real determination to apply the law alike?

Khan said that "Israel has the right to defend its population and get its hostages back" but "no one has a license to commit war crimes or crimes against humanity," he was referring to the Israeli killing of innocent Palestinians under the pretext of attempting to free Zionist captives held in Gaza.

He also highlighted some of the Israeli crimes such as cutting off water to people, targeting those who were in line for food, and targeting and killing the workers of aid organizations.

Khan has demanded the arrest of Zionist regime's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of War Yoav Gallant on charges of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. If ICC judges agree to this request, 124 member countries of this legal body are obliged to arrest them.

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Israeli disregard of ICJ orders risks EU credibility: Borrell

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell says that the Israeli regime's disregard of the International Court of Justice's rulings to stop military operations in Rafah endangers the credibility of the 27-nation bloc.

According to Al Jazeera, Borrell wrote on his blog post that "Introducing caveats, objections or exceptions based on non-legal grounds damages the rule-based order, damages our values and will damage our international standing and weaken our position on other issues including Ukraine."

He added: "If one of the parties is not satisfied by the decision of the Court it can of course address a specific request for interpretation but not disregard it."

Borrell called on the bloc to do more, saying "It is time for the EU to take its responsibilities in front of a catastrophic situation of an unprecedented magnitude. We have to act. Our moral and political credibility is at risk."

Later, the top EU diplomat took to his X account and wrote: "The respect of International law is not an option: disregarding a decision of the #ICJ will weaken the rules-based world order the EU supports and promotes everywhere".

Borrell also posted a picture of the international court with a caption: "The ICJ is the highest court of the United Nations system,; all its member states have the obligation to comply with its decision."

The European Union's Foreign Affairs Council is set to host Arab officials on Monday to discuss the situation in Gaza.

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ICJ ruling binding, Israel must implement: Spanish FM

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Spain's Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, has said that a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) located in The Hague is binding and everyone must follow it.

According to IRNA's Sunday night report, Albares made the remarks during an interview with a news channel while referring to the latest ICJ ruling regarding the immediate halt to Israeli attacks on the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip.

"The International Court of Justice is a UN structure and its ruling is binding for all. We expect all parties to implement it," he said.

During the interview, the top Spanish diplomat also said that his country's parliament will approve a resolution recognizing Palestine on May 28. "We will endorse this decision because we support the two-state solution to the Palestinian problem. If we don't do this, we will leave behind a negative legacy."

Earlier on Sunday, Albares, while meeting with Palestinian Authority's Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Brussels, hailed Madrid's decision to formally recognize a Palestinian state, saying the move "is justice for the Palestinian people and the best guarantee of security for Israel."

Spain is one of the European countries that has criticized the Israeli regime the most regarding the Gaza war.

Spain, Ireland and Norway announced last Wednesday that they would recognize the state of Palestine on May 28 that prompted the Zionist regime to recall its ambassadors from these countries and their ambassadors were summoned to the Israeli foreign ministry.

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Ansar Allah holds US responsible for Rafah "holocaust"

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Mon / 27 May 2024 / 18:54

Ansar Allah's political bureau condemns the massacre committed by the Israeli occupation against forcibly displaced people in Rafah, holding the US fully responsible for the massacre.

Tehran -ISNA- The Political Bureau of Ansar Allah strongly condemned in a statement the "horrific Israeli massacre against the displaced people northwest of Rafah."

In their statement, Ansar Allah affirmed that "the Zionist holocaust against the displaced in Gaza reflects the level of the Israeli enemy's brutality, criminality, and atrocity," adding that they "held the United States fully responsible for the Rafah massacre and other massacres, as it is the main supporter of the enemy entity."

Moreover, the bureau underscored that the attacks on Palestinian civilians "once again prove the failure of the enemy, and demonstrates to the world that the Zionist entity does not care about international laws and pays no heed to the decisions of the International Court of Justice."

In conclusion, the resistance group urged the international community to "pressure the Zionist enemy to withdraw its forces from the Rafah crossing, open the crossing, and allow the entry of aid."

Palestinian Resistance factions, also, held Washington responsible for the horrific massacre committed by the Israeli occupation in Rafah against forcibly displaced families residing in a tent city.

End Item

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Iranian Defense Minister lauds Yemeni resilience, support for Palestinians

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Mon / 27 May 2024 / 18:54

The Iranian Minister of Defense, Brigadier General Mohammed Reza Ashtiani, praised the resilience of the Yemeni people and their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

Tehran -ISNA- The Iranian Minister of Defense reaffirmed Iran's steadfast defense policy following the departure of President Ebrahim Raeisi, as emphasizing that the martyred president closely monitored resistance issues and developments.

The minister assured that Iran's strong foundations would prevent any disruption in the country, stating, "The course of action continues."

Ashtiani praised the resilience of the Yemeni people and their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. He remarked, "The Yemenis have proven their strength and have truly shone in their support for Gaza and the defense of the Palestinian cause. They are a source of pride for the Arab and Islamic world."

Yemenis have openly declared their support for Palestine's struggle against Zionist occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7, following the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by Palestinian resistance movements.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have declared that they would not cease retaliatory strikes. The maritime attacks have compelled major shipping and oil companies to suspend their voyages to the ports of the Zionist enemy.

End Item

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Palestinian groups hold US responsible for Israeli Rafah massacre

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Mon / 27 May 2024 / 18:51

Palestinian Resistance factions held Washington responsible for the horrific massacre committed by the Israeli occupation in Rafah against forcibly displaced families residing in a tent city.

Tehran -ISNA- In a statement, Hamas held US President Joe Biden fully responsible for this massacre.

The group said that the crime was a "blatant challenge, complete disregard, and defiance" of the International Court of Justice's decision that demanded it cease its aggression on Rafah.

Hamas asserted that the occupation would not have committed this massacre without American support and the green light to invade Rafah, despite the city being full of displaced families.

The movement demanded the immediate and urgent implementation of the ICJ's decisions and pressure to stop the Israeli massacres and the bloodshed of civilians. It emphasized that the international community, the United Nations, and all relevant parties must act urgently to stop the genocide against the Palestinian people.

Similarly, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement stated that targeting civilians in centers sheltering the forcibly displaced underscores the depth of the military failure that the occupation has faced on the battlefield.

It also held the US responsible for the Israeli crimes in Gaza, which comes as a direct result of cover provided by Washington.

The PIJ said that the Israeli crimes in Gaza come as a result of the cover provided by Washington, the weak stances of Arab governments, and the positions of some European states.

For its part, al-Mujahideen Brigades affirmed that the Israeli occupation, exploiting the international silence and incompetence, is attempting through its ongoing crimes to "escape its military failures in Gaza in the face of the resilience and innovation of the ongoing Resistance."

The brigades stressed that the occupation "will not weaken the determination of the Palestinian people," and that "its cowardly crimes will only strengthen our resolve to expel the entity from our land and destroy its terrorist army."

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, in turn, demanded in the name of the "pure blood of the innocent spilled" in the Israeli massacre in Rafah, that the Arab nation rise and "end its stagnation," calling on friendly countries to "file clear and direct complaints against the United States and its president as partners in war crimes against the Palestinian people."

The front added that the horrific crime of the occupation in Rafah "expresses its decision to deliberately breach all laws and conventions and directly challenge the decisions of the International Court of Justice, which are no longer sufficient at all."

End Item

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Excerpt from PM Netanyahu's Knesset Remarks

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Events and Speeches

The 37th Government

27.05.2024

Following is an excerpt from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Knesset remarks today:

"The repeated false claims that we are the obstacle are not only harmful to the families - that much is obvious, and I sympathize with them. But it goes beyond that: it delays the release of the hostages and undermines negotiations. Instead of focusing pressure on Sinwar, who holds the hostages in his dungeons, the pressure is misdirected at the Israeli government.

Israel is constantly asked to make concession after concession. So why would Sinwar feel any pressure? He sits in his bunker, rubbing his hands in satisfaction, delighted that others are doing the work for him.

The pressure should be directed at Hamas. We are taking action against them, fighting hard in the north, center, and south of the Gaza Strip.

In Rafah, we have evacuated about one million civilians. Tragically, despite our immense efforts to avoid harming non-combatants, an incident occurred yesterday. We are investigating it thoroughly and will learn from it, as is our policy and longstanding conduct.

For us, any non-combatant hurt is a tragedy; for Hamas, it is a strategy. That is the core difference.

The pressure, both international and domestic, on the Israeli government, which is doing everything possible to secure the hostages' release, only strengthens Sinwar's resolve, leading him to demand terms that would endanger Israel's very existenceterms we cannot accept.

Let me be clear: I will not yield or surrender. I will not end the war before achieving all our goals. Our fallen heroes will not have died in vain.

If we surrender, the massacres, rapes, and atrocities of October 7th will be repeated, just as Hamas has promised.

If we surrender, we will not bring back all our hostages. If we surrender, we will deliver a great victory to terrorism, to Iran, and to the entire axis of evilthose who wish us dead.

Those who say they cannot withstand the pressure should raise a black flag.

No, they should wave a white flag and surrender.

I will not.

I will continue the fight until we raise the flag of victory."

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Baltic defence ministers are committed to make major investments in region's combat capabilities

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence

05/27/2024 - 10:16

In Latvia

International cooperation

Information prepared by Media Relations Section

Baltic defence leaders' meeting took place on Wednesday, 22 May in Palanga. Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian defence ministers confirmed continued and ever closer cooperation to strengthen the defence of the Baltic region.

"Baltic countries stand as one when it comes to strengthening of regional security. We are ready to face any threats shoulder-to-shoulder. We agreed to deepen our cooperation in the field of special operations. We are also working on joint procurements. Together with NATO we are building regional air defence system and getting ready for increased allied presence in the region," Andris Spruds, Defence Minister of Latvia, said after the meeting with Baltic counterparts.

During the meeting, defence ministers also stressed the importance of mutual cooperation in the field of security and defence, especially on Baltic Defence Line and counter-mobility infrastructure which is intended to deter and prevent any enemy advances deeper into the territory of Baltic states by defending every inch of the land.

Minister Spruds continued his visit in Palanga with Ministers of Defence of the Northern Group meeting on Thursday, 23 May. Meeting focused on security situation in the Baltic and North-Atlantic regions, support for Ukraine and forthcoming NATO Summit in Washington, as well as other current priorities.

"Northern group countries remain united and committed to further strengthening of regional security and defence. We will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary. We support Ukraine's strategic progress towards NATO and EU membership. All countries confirmed their readiness to continue increasing national military capabilities to contribute to more robust regional security and defence of the NATO northeastern flank," Defence Minister said after the high-level discussion.

Northern Group is an informal cooperation forum that brings together 12 countries: Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, three Baltic countries, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and Great Britain. Purpose of the format is to agree on implementation of joint defence development projects.

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We share our positive experience with colleagues in Germany, says Commander of the Initial Element of the Litauen Brigade

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-05-27

International cooperation | Security and defense policy

Work in the Initial Element of the German Brigade Litauen that deployed in Lithuania in early April is gathering pace. Commander of the Initial Element Col Andre Hastenrath sat down to share his thoughts on the primary tasks, challenges and his personal mission as the next phase of stationing the German brigade is approaching.

The Initial Element of the Litauen Brigade is based in Vilnius and includes 21 servicemembers from 15 regions of Germany and 16 different military units. Its Commander Col Andre Hastenrath has been deployed in Lithuania before, the officer is in charge of planning the stationing and coordinating the requirements for the stationing infrastructure with the Lithuanian side.

The Initial Headquarters Element is planned to grow up to 150 members by the end of the year who will be responsible for further organisation of the German personnel stationing in Lithuania.

"Our task is to create the conditions to deploy next element, approx. 120 troops, due in Lithuania in October. Our task till 2025 is to do the work to ensure the deploying German military have all the necessary conditions here and could exercise successfully. The main elements of the Brigade will begin moving to Lithuania from 2025," says Col A. Hastenrath and continues speaking about the aim of the Brigade as a whole.

"The Litauen Brigade will be the first Brigade Germany stationed abroad, in Lithuania, to be ready to defend. First, to deter, hopefully it will be enough, but then to defend Lithuania if it is necessary."

The German Brigade in Lithuania will have to reach Full Operational Capability in 2027. In total, approx. 4800 German military personnel and 200 civilians are planned to be stationed. Lithuania is committed to ensure all the necessary conditions: to develop proper military infrastructure and civilian services.

According to Col A. Hastenrath, Germans are mostly interested in a training infrastructure that would allow them to retain their level.

"it will depend on their task and how fast we are implementing the process, but in the end the troops will be well-trained arriving in Lithuania. But then, we will have to set the conditions that they can be trained, or rather, to keep that level high here. Or like we say, to keep the sword sharp."

When the infrastructure at the Rudninkai Training Area is complete, the military area Salcininkai region will be the main base of the German brigade. Rudninkai will be the main service site for most of the Brigade members, the remaining will be serving in Rukla. The soldiers who will arrive with families are planned to live in Kaunas and Vilnius.

Col A. Hastenrath has already fallen in love with our country and says his family has a personal side of the deployment: to show the soldiers back in Germany a positive experience of service in Lithuania.

"It's not the first time I'm being here, I was always here from August 2022 to February 2023. I really love your country and it was part of my personal decision process. Now my spouse is also here in Vilnius and we are both happy to be here.

Our task is also, I think, to bring this positive experience to our soldiers in Germany, that it is not only, let's say, a military positive challenge - also you can be part of the Lithuanian community which is also great here," said Commander of the Initial Element of the Litauen Brigade.

Col A. Hastenrath admits that it is a challenge to convince German troops to deploy with families, however, a surmountable one.

"There are two sides of the deployment, on the one hand it is military: training infrastructure, logistics, etc. And then it is the family: schools, kindergartens, lodging, which is something we also have to take care of.

If we look only at the military part, the appointment to Lithuania is a very positive experience for everyone because you will be fully equipped and there will be very good training conditions in the end.

On the other hand, it's a question if we are able to set the preconditions for the family. This has to be balanced. All in all, we are very positive about that part that there will be, let's say, enough soldiers to deploy in Lithuania."

The Brigade will be moved to Lithuania in several stages and will comprise three maneuver battalions with all enablers necessary for a battalion, including combat support and provisions units. It will be formed by existing and newly established units. The 203rd Panzer Battalion from North Rhine-Westphalia and the 122nd Panzergrenadier Battalion from Bavaria will be moved to Lithuania, while the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Lithuania will be transformed into a multinational battalion and become an integral part of the brigade.

The German force presence in Lithuania will strengthen deterrence and if necessary, set the conditions for Lithuania's forward defence. The German Brigade Litauen is also an important constituent part of the NATO collective defence.

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Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on May 20-26, 2024

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-05-27

International cooperation | Security and defense policy

On May 20-26 fighter aircraft of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Detachment were scrambled once to patrol over the borderline between Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with the Russian Federation and Belarus, and twice intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation violating flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.

On May 20 fighter aircraft of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Detachment were scrambled to identify and escort one IL-20 flying in international airspace from the mainland of the Russian Federation to Kaliningrad, without the pre-filed flight plan, with its onboard transponder switched on, maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre.

On May 23 NATO fighter jets were scrambled to patrol the airspace over the border of Lithuanian, Latvia and Estonia with the Russian Federation and Belarus.

On May 23 NATO fighter aircraft intercepted one AN-26 flying through international airspace from Kaliningrad to mainland Russia. The aircraft had no flight plan, its onboard transponder was switched off, the crew was maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre.

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Secretary General outlines key issues for Washington Summit at NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Bulgaria

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

27 May. 2024

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in the 2024 Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Sofia, Bulgaria on Monday (27 May 2024), focusing his remarks on preparations for the upcoming Washington Summit.

When Allied leaders meet in July, they will take decisions on strengthening deterrence and defence, long-term support to Ukraine, and NATO's global partnerships. On deterrence and defence, Mr Stoltenberg welcomed that Allies are "investing in new, modern high-end military capabilities" and "increasing the readiness of our forces," all underpinned by major increases in defence spending across the Alliance. On support to Ukraine, the Secretary General underlined an urgent need to step up now, but also for the long haul. "I have suggested that at the Summit, we agree a big NATO role in coordinating and providing security assistance and training for Ukraine," he said. "I strongly believe that we need a firmer, stronger institutionalized structure for the support. Ad-hoc, short term, voluntary announcements are good - but in the long term, we need more predictable, stronger support for Ukraine." On partnerships, Mr Stoltenberg stressed that "security is not regional, security is global," pointing to the importance of working with partners from the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Later on Monday, the Secretary General met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev. Mr Stoltenberg thanked the Prime Minister for Bulgaria's "critical role in maintaining the security of the Black Sea, the Western Balkans and beyond," including through contributions to NATO's KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, the Alliance's training mission in Iraq, and by hosting a NATO multinational battlegroup which helps to deter Russian aggression. He further praised Bulgaria for increasing defence spending by nearly 20% last year, and for meeting the guideline of spending 2% of GDP on defence in 2024. "Bulgaria is a reliable member of the Alliance that helps to strengthen our collective defence," said Mr Stoltenberg.

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Pakistan Strongly Condemns the Israeli Attack on a Refugee Camp in Rafah

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Pakistan condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli bombardment and targeting of a refugee camp in Rafah in the Gaza Strip that has resulted in multiple casualties. Targeting of individuals who were displaced earlier because of Israeli bombardment and were sheltered in a refugee camp, is yet another breach of international humanitarian law by the Israeli occupation forces.

The attack is also a blatant defiance of the additional provisional measures of 24 May 2024 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 humanitarian conditions faced by civilians.

With its latest actions, Israeli occupation forces have once again demonstrated their contempt for international law and the basic tenets of decency and acceptable international behaviour.

Pakistan reiterates its demand for immediate and unconditional implementation of the orders of the ICJ of 24 May 2024. Measures must be taken to fully protect civilians in Gaza and the Israeli occupation forces must be held accountable for the Gaza genocide.

We call on the UN Security Council to play its role in preventing Israel from any further attacks against the civilians in Rafah and taking effective measures to protect the people of Gaza.



Islamabad

27 May 2024

95/2024

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French president calls for ceasefire in Gaza

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:27, May 27, 2024

PARIS, May 25 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron called for a ceasefire in Gaza and opposed Israeli operations in Rafah as he received an Arab delegation here on Friday.

"Ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages, humanitarian aid, two-state solution: there is no alternative for lasting peace," said Macron on X, formerly Twitter, after he met with members of the contact group of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the situation in the Middle East.

The meeting focused on the effective implementation of the two-state solution, the only way to guarantee the peace and security of the State of Israel and to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians, said a press release from the Elysee.

"The President of the Republic reiterated France's support for a strengthened Palestinian Authority and its return to the Gaza Strip with the support of the international community," the press release said.

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Press Release on China's Fishing Moratorium Over the South China Sea

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

MANILA 27 May 2024 -- The Philippines protested the People's Republic of China's imposition of a unilateral, four-month-long fishing moratorium on 01 May 2024 in areas of the South China Sea north of the 12 degrees North latitude. The 2024 fishing ban is expected to last until 16 September 2024.

Through a diplomatic note, the Philippines protested the ban insofar as it includes the Philippines maritime zones over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

Paragraph 716 of the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea states that China, by promulgating its moratorium on fishing in the South China Sea "without exception for areas of the South China Sea falling within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines and without limiting the moratorium to Chinese flagged vessels, breached Article 56 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) with respect to the Philippines' sovereign rights over the living resources of its exclusive economic zone."

The Philippines stressed that the unilateral imposition of the fishing moratorium raises tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, and directly contravenes the understanding between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping to manage differences through diplomacy and dialogue and to de-escalate the situation at sea.

The Philippines called on China to cease and desist from the conduct of illegal actions that violates the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its maritime zones; comply with its obligations under international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award; and, adhere to its commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. END

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Israelis' senseless killing of Rafah children must stop: UNICEF

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 6:51 PM

UNICEF has called on the Israeli regime to stop its senseless killing of the innocent children who fled to the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, seeking refuge from the Zionist attacks.

Following the recent Israeli airstrikes on Rafah, the head of the UN Children's Fund, originally known as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, demanded on Monday that Israelis put an "end to the senseless killing of children."

Catherine Russell cited shocking images of injured children rescued from burned tents that "haunted" her.

The children had been targeted in the bombing by US-granted Israeli jets.

"Images of burned children and families emerging from bombed tents in Rafah shock us all. The reported killing of children sheltering in makeshift tents is unconscionable," Russell wrote on X.

Highlighting the severity of the dire situation in the besieged Gaza Strip, Russell said, "For over 7 months, we've witnessed this tragedy unfold, resulting in thousands of children killed or injured."

Russell said she briefed the UN Security Council regarding the "catastrophic" conditions, while emphasizing the utmost humanitarian necessity for "an immediate ceasefire... and an end to the senseless killing of children."

In the Israeli bombing of Rafah on Sunday, several dozens of Palestinians were killed while dozens more were injured as Israeli jets targeted the refugee camp where displaced people had been settled.

The Israeli regime forces targeted the area near the logistics base of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in Tal al-Sultan, said the Gaza-based Government Media Office.

Meanwhile, the head of the African Union Commission slammed the Israeli regime for the impunity of its forces in the genocidal war on Gaza, saying the war crimes conducted by Tel Aviv were in contempt of the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings.

"With horrific overnight airstrikes killing mostly Palestinian women & children... the State of Israel continues to violate international law with impunity and in contempt of an ICJ (International Court of Justice) ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah," Moussa Faki Mahamat said on X on Monday.

"The ICJ order must be urgently enforced if global order is to prevail."

Regarding the "genocide" case lodged by South Africa against the Tel Aviv regime, the ICJ on May 24 ordered the Israeli forces to halt their Rafah offensive.

Likewise, a number of international humanitarian relief organizations -- including ActionAid, CARE International, Churches for Middle East Peace, Danish Refugee Council, Democratic Socialists of America, Medecins du Monde France & Spain & Switzerland, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Middle East Children's Alliance, Norwegian Church Aid, Oxfam, War Child Alliance, among several other humanitarian organizations and aid groups, called on the UN Security Council to take decisive action to ensure the ICJ's orders are implemented.

The international relief organizations signed a joint letter to the UN, noting, "Failure to do so would further compromise the conditions to sustain human life in Gaza and would undermine global trust in the primacy of international law."

Meanwhile, the Hague-based ICJ, whose orders are legally binding but lack direct enforcement mechanisms, has ordered the Israeli regime forces to keep open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, after Israel's seizure of the Palestinian side earlier this month effectively shut it.

The Israeli regime, which feels open to any war crime it fancies because there will be no punishment ahead, has dismissed the ICJ order, claiming that the UN court's ruling was wrong.

Since the Israeli regime forces launched the genocidal war on the hapless people of the besieged Gaza Strip, following Palestinian resistance groups' retaliatory operation on October 7, 2023, more than 36,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, have been killed, according to Gaza's health ministry.

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Israeli forces kill Egyptian 'security personnel member' on Gaza border

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 6:20 PM

Israeli troops have killed an Egyptian security personnel member during a shooting on the border between Egypt and the besieged Gaza Strip.

Egypt's military spokesman Colonel Gharib Abdel-Hafez said the Egyptian military is conducting an investigation into the Monday incident.

Israel's military also acknowledged that a "shooting incident" had occurred. It said the incident had taken place "a few hours ago" and is now under review. "Discussions are being held with the Egyptians."

Israel seized control of the Rafah border crossing from the Gaza side of the border earlier this month as it stepped up its military offensive in the area, drawing criticism from Egypt.

The relationship between the two sides became tense after Israeli troops moved into an area known as the Philadelphi Corridor and took control of the Rafah crossing.

The Philadelphi Corridor is a 14-kilometer long and 100-meter-wide strip of land running along the border between the besieged Palestinian territory and Egypt.

The latest incident could further complicate the situation.

Even as Egypt has a peace treaty with Israel, it's actually been refusing, for example, to open its side of the border in protest to Israel taking over the Rafah crossing.

This could also diplomatically complicate things since Egypt is also a mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Palestinian resistance groups.

Palestinians continue to endure the US-Israeli genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip.

In the most recent aggression, Israel killed more than 50 displaced Palestinians taking refuge in tents and camps in the southern city of Rafah. The regime had claimed the city was a "safe zone."

The Palestinian Red Crescent expects the death toll to rise given the large number of the injured being sent to partially-functioning hospitals. Many of the wounded are women and children.

Catherine Russell, the executive director of UNICEF, said she is shocked by the images of burning children and families in the overnight Israeli air strike on Rafah.

"There must be an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and an end to the senseless killing of children," the UN agency's chief wrote on X.

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Yemen hits cargo vessels, warships in Red Sea and Indian Ocean

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 5:48 PM

Yemen has launched fresh attacks on Israeli and US-linked ships sailing in regional waters as part of a campaign to support Palestinians in their struggle against Israel's aggression on Gaza.

Spokesman of Yemen's armed forces General Yahya Saree said on Monday that five ships, including two US destoyers, had been targeted in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean earlier in the day.

Two US and Israeli cargo ships, respectively identified as Larego Desert and the MSC Mechela, were hit in the Indian Ocean, said Saree.

He added that another Israeli ship, identified as the Minerva Lisa, had come under attack by the Yemenis in the Red Sea because of violating a ban issued by the country on shipping to and from the Israeli-occupied ports.

The military spokesman added that Yemeni forces had also launched attacks on two US warships sailing in the Red Sea.

"... the Air Force carried out two specific operations (and) targeted two American military destroyers in the Red Sea, and the operations have successfully achieved their goals," said the spokesman in a statement, but did not name the destroyers.

Yemen started targeting Israeli-linked ships in November last year, a month after the regime launched a brutal invasion on Gaza.

More than 36,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel's aerial and ground bombardments on the Palestinian territory.

Attacks by Yemen later expanded to cover ships linked to the United States and Britain after the two launched airstrikes on the Arab country to force it to halt its anti-Israeli operations.

Yemenis have insisted that maritime operations and drone and missile attacks on Israeli-occupied ports will continue until the regime completely stops its attacks on Gaza.

Yemeni attacks are part of a larger campaign by resistance groups in Arab countries to attack the interests of Israel and the US in the region to force an end to the invasion of Gaza.

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World horrified by Israel's attack that set ablaze Rafah tent camp

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 3:16 PM

The Israeli military has carried out yet another heinous attack on the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

In an overnight airstrike on a tent camp in a designated safe zone in Rafah, the military killed dozens of people.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said the dead included women and children, with many "burned alive" inside their tents.

Gaza's civil defense agency said the airstrike set off a fire that tore through a displacement center in northwestern Rafah.

"We saw charred bodies and dismembered limbs ... We also saw cases of amputations, wounded children, women and the elderly," said agency official Mohammad al-Mughayyir.

The horrifying news sent shock waves through the globe, prompting world leaders to call for the immediate implementation of a World Court ruling to halt the regime's invasion of the last refuge of Palestinians in Gaza.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani condemned the brutal massacre of the displaced Palestinians, calling for a practical response and strong condemnation from the international community.

"It is not surprising that the terrorist regime of Israel, which one day bombs the lines of refugees waiting for humanitarian aid and another day turns hospitals into blood and dust, has this time carried out a massive massacre of civilians, mostly women and children, by attacking the tents of Palestinian refugees in Rafah" he said in a message on X.

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) said in a message on X that the images from Rafah are yet another testament that Gaza is "hell on earth."

The Palestinian Authority condemned the regime's military for "deliberately targeting civilians."

"The perpetration of this heinous massacre by the Israeli occupation forces is a challenge to all international legitimacy resolutions," the presidency said in a Monday statement.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri called the attack a "massacre" saying the United States is responsible for aiding the regime.

Qatar said the attack is a grave violation of international laws that will aggravate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The attack could hinder mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, according to a foreign ministry statement.

Qatar, alongside the US and Egypt, has been engaged in months of talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country would do "everything possible" to hold "barbaric" head of the regime, Benjamin Netanyahu, to account over the deadly strikes.

"We will do everything possible to hold these barbarians and murderers accountable who have nothing to do with humanity."

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined the chorus of condemnations, calling on the international community to intervene immediately.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is completely unacceptable.

Jordan also condemned the "ongoing war crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza."

"This act defies the rulings of the International Court of Justice and constitutes a severe violation of international law and international humanitarian law," the foreign ministry said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was outraged over the regime's strikes against displaced Palestinians.

"These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians," Macron said on X in English.

He called "for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire."

The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was "horrified" by deadly strikes on the tented camp.

"Horrified by news coming out of Rafah on Israeli strikes killing dozens of displaced persons, including small children. I condemn this in the strongest terms."

He said Tel Aviv must abide by the ICJ ruling to stop its offensive in Rafah.

Egypt also condemned the "deliberate bombardment" of the camp, calling on Israel to "implement the measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ)."

Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the bombing of Rafah was "one more day with innocent Palestinian civilians being killed."

The gravity of the attack, he said "is even larger" because it comes after the ICJ order directing the regime to halt attacks on Rafah.

Ireland's Foreign Minister Micheal Martin described the attack as "barbaric."

And his Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide described the attacks as a "material breach of the decision of the highest court of the world."

"It is compulsory. It's binding," he said referring to the ICJ order to halt the attacks on Rafah.

The African Union chair Moussa Faki Mahamat also condemned the attack in a message on X. "Israel continues to violate international law with impunity and in contempt of an ICJ ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah."

The International Court of Justice on Friday ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah.

The Jewish advocacy group Voice for Peace has also demanded an end to the genocide in Gaza.

"We will never forget the images emerging from Rafah tonight. Human beings, including babies, were burned alive and torn apart. This genocide must end, it must end now."

The US-based group said it holds the administration of US President Joe Biden, in attention to Israel, "responsible for the slaughter of over 36,000 Palestinians."

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May 26: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 1:08 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 36,000 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 Sunday, May 26, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on May 26:

In the vicinity of the Khulafa' Mosque in the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, targeted an Israeli military troop carrier and a D9 military bulldozer with two Al-Yassin 105 shells,

Targeted an Israeli military "Merkavah 4" tank in the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip.

In a joint operation with the Al-Quds Brigades, targeted a gathering of Israeli forces and north of Jabalia camp with mortar shells.

Targeted an Israeli military's Merkava tank with a Shuath explosive device in the vicinity of the Al-Ansar Mosque, east of the Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip.

Bombed a gathering of Israeli forces penetrating the Al-Qasasib neighborhood in the Jabalia camp with heavy-caliber mortar shells.

Targeted a Merkava 4 tank of the Israeli military with an Al-Yassin 105 shell in the Beit Lahia project in the northern Gaza Strip.

Mujahideen Brigades' operations on May 26:

Targeted the Israeli military tank in the axis of advance, Jabalia camp, in the northern Gaza Strip with an anti-armor shell.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on May 26:

Targeted an Israeli military vehicle with an RPG shell east of the Salah al-Din Gate, south of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

In a joint operation with the Al-Qassam Brigades, targeted Israeli soldiers in the axis of advance, north of the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza, with a barrage of standard 60-caliber mortar shells.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces that invaded the occupied West Bank city and the surroundings of the Mahaim area.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on May 26:

Targeted an Israeli military carrier with an RBG shell in the vicinity of the Al-Khulafa Al-Rashidin Mosque in the Jabalia Camp in the northern Gaza Strip.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces using automatic weapons on the advance axis around the Al-Khulafa' Al-Rashidin Mosque in Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip.

Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles north of the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip with a barrage of 60 mm mortar shells.

Engaged in fierce clashes using machine guns and RBG shells with Israeli soldiers in the Beit Lahia project in the northern Gaza Strip.

Al-Nasser Salah Al-Din Brigades' operations on May 26:

Targeted an Israeli infantry force east of the Al-Khulafa' Al-Rashidin Mosque in the center of Jabalia camp, using a MAG machine gun.

Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on May 26:

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces who had barricaded themselves in a house in Block 2 of the Jabalia refugee camp, leaving a number of them dead.

In a joint operation with the Al-Qassam Brigades, targeted an Israeli military Merkavah tank in the axis of the Beit Lahia project in the northern Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah's operations on May 26:

Eastern sector:

At around 08:30 local time, the Al-Abad site of the Israeli military was targeted with appropriate weapons. 

At around 15:20 local time, the Israeli military building in the Senir settlement was targeted with appropriate weapons.

At around 15:30 local time, the Zibdin site in Lebanon's Shebaa was targeted with a barrage of rockets.

At around 15:30 local time, the Ramtha site in Lebanon's Kafr Shuba was targeted with a barrage of rockets.

At around 18:00 local time, the Habushit Barracks Battalion was targeted with a barrage of rockets.

At 18:20, Kiryat Shmona was targeted with rockets and artillery shells.

At 18:25, the Yiftah Barracks was targeted with appropriate weapons.

At 18:30, Ramim Barracks was targeted with appropriate weapons.

At 22:00, a Merkava tank was targeted in Lebanon's Shebaa with appropriate weapons.

Western sector:

At around 13:50 local time, Israeli soldiers at the Al-Malikiyah site were targeted with appropriate weapons.

At around 15:00 local time, the Jal al-Alam site was targeted with rockets and artillery shells.

At around the same time, Israeli military buildings in Avivim and Margaliot settlements were targeted with appropriate weapons.

At around 15:20 local time, Liman Barracks was targeted with a barrage of rockets.

At around the same time, the Khirbet Maar base was targeted with appropriate weapons.

At around the same time, the Rahib site was targeted with appropriate weapons.

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Chief Egypt, EU diplomats discuss Gaza war, call for ceasefire, aid delivery

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 10:56 AM

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell have underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and an end to the Israeli military's offensive on Rafah in the southern part of the coastal sliver.

They made the calls during their Sunday meeting in Brussels, where they exchanged viewpoints on the escalating crisis in Gaza.

Both parties stressed that safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip must be ensured in order to address the immediate needs of its local residents.

They also emphasized that Israel must respect international humanitarian law, protect humanitarian workers, and refrain from targeting international aid agency premises.

Shoukry reiterated Egypt's concerns about the catastrophic humanitarian and security repercussions of Israeli assaults in Rafah.

He urged Israel to comply with its obligations as the occupying power by removing all obstacles to aid delivery, opening up all land crossings between Gaza and the Israeli-occupied territories, and providing safe conditions for international aid teams to receive and distribute aid within the strip.

The Egyptian foreign minister also affirmed Egypt's rejection of the Israeli regime's exploitation of its control over Gaza's crossings to tighten the blockade, starve the Palestinian people, and create an uninhabitable situation.

He went on to stress Egypt's absolute refusal of any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land or liquidate the Palestinian cause.

Both Shoukry and Borrell explored ways to contain the Gaza crisis's repercussions and support the political path toward a so-called two-state solution.

Shoukry emphasized the crucial role of influential international bodies in stepping up efforts aimed at halting the Israeli offensive against Gaza and ending the bloodshed.

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 35,984 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and another 80,643 individuals have sustained injuries. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well.

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Israel takes 'punitive measures' against Spain for recognizing Palestinian state

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 10:40 AM

The Israeli regime has taken "punitive measures" against Spain over Madrid's decision to recognize the Palestinian state.

On Monday, the Israeli foreign ministry said the Spanish consulate in the holy occupied city of al-Quds would be banned from offering services to Palestinians as of June 1.

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz alleged in a separate statement that the decision by Madrid amounted to "harming Israel's security."

Katz said the decision served as "an award to Hamas," the Palestinian resistance movement that defends the Gaza Strip against Tel Aviv's aggression, including an October-present genocidal war that the regime has been waging against the coastal sliver.

Spain announced the decision to recognize the Palestinian state alongside Ireland and Norway last week, saying the recognition would enter official state on Tuesday, May 28.

Also on Monday, the trio's foreign ministers held a joint press conference in Brussels, with the Spanish top diplomat Jose Manuel Albares saying the decision served as the "best" way to achieve "final peace in the Middle East."

The formal recognition of a Palestinian state would be a "historic day," the officials added, expressing hopes that other European countries follow suit.

They also said they hoped that the recognition would accelerate efforts towards securing a ceasefire in the Israeli regime's war on Gaza.

The war, launched following a retaliatory operation by Gaza's resistance groups, has so far claimed the lives of around 36,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Most recently, the military onslaught saw Israeli warplanes firing eight missiles toward makeshift shelters housing internally-displaced persons in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, killing at least 50 Palestinians.

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China 'can claim the South China Sea': former Malaysian PM

Mahathir Mohamad said that one day Beijing may realize the claim 'means nothing.'

By RFA Staff 2024.05.27 -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that China can claim the South China Sea, but that doesn't mean that other countries with overlapping claims should accept it, a view that differs from the Malaysian government's official line.

Beijing has drawn a so-called nine-dash line to demarcate its "historic claim" of 90% of the disputed waters. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also hold conflicting claims over smaller parts of the South China Sea.

"OK, you can claim," said Mahathir at the annual Future of Asia conference hosted by Nikkei Inc. in Tokyo at the weekend. "We don't accept your claim but we don't have to go to war against you because of your claim."

"Maybe one day you will realize that the claim means nothing," the 98-year-old former leader said. He did not elaborate.

Mahathir's statement appears to differ from the Malaysian government's official line. Most recently in 2023, Malaysia, together with the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, rejected China's map that depicts its sovereignty in the South China Sea.

"They claim that the South China Sea's belonging to them, but they have not stopped ships from passing through," he said, adding that Kuala Lumpur has been producing oil and gas in the sea but "so far they have not done anything."

"As long as there is no stoppage of the passage of ships through the South China Sea then it's good enough."

The former leader argued that priorities should be given to maintaining peace and fostering economic development.

The 10-member Southeast Asian bloc, ASEAN, has been peaceful "compared to other regional groupings," he said, "Until now there's no major wars between ASEAN countries."

ASEAN could serve as "a good model" for the world where there are different ideologies but "we don't go to war with each other."

Malaysia will hold the grouping's rotating chair in 2025, taking over from Laos.

Not taking sides

When asked about China-U.S. rivalry, the veteran leader urged regional countries to stay neutral as "if we take sides, we are going to lose either the American market or the Chinese market."

He noted that China did appear to be aggressive but it was the biggest trading partner for ASEAN countries and "we cannot lose that market."

He also warned against taking sides in the Taiwan issue, saying that there was "no necessity" to see a confrontation between China and Taiwan.

Beijing considers democratically governed Taiwan a Chinese province that should be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Last week, China conducted a two-day "punishment" military exercise around Taiwan, believed to be in response to the inauguration of the new Taiwanese president, Lai Ching-te.

Mahathir said that China's leader, Xi Jinping, "seems to be more ambitious and aggressive," but China's policies may change in future because of changes at the top.

"Leaders don't live forever so policies may change when leadership changes," he said.

Mahathir Mohamad, who will be 99 in July, served as prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020.

Incumbent Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was also present at the Future of Asia 2024 forum and delivered a speech.

In an interview with Nikkei Asia on the forum's sidelines, Anwar said that his focus "will be the economy."

Malaysia's position remains that disputes should be settled via engagement and the way forward is to seek peaceful resolution through negotiations, according to Anwar.

Future of Asia, held by Japan's Nikkei annually since 1995, is "an international gathering where political, economic, and academic leaders from the Asia-Pacific region offer their opinions frankly and freely on regional issues and the role of Asia in the world," according to the company.

Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.

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Wider Europe Briefing: The EU's Hard Choices On Georgia

By Rikard Jozwiak May 27, 2024

Briefing #1: How Can The EU Respond To Georgia's 'Foreign Agent' Law?

What You Need to Know: EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation in Georgia when they assemble in Brussels on May 27. Brussels is still hoping that the country's controversial "foreign agent" law, which is expected to be finally passed this week, will be withdrawn or sufficiently watered down. The bill has been heavily criticized by Western countries and rights groups for creating a framework to clamp down on civil society and free media.

Until the law is adopted, the EU is unlikely to do anything. But what then are the bloc's options? The European Commission will be tasked with drawing up a paper, and there are roughly four major things that could be done: cut EU money to the country, sanction high-ranking Georgian politicians, stall the country's EU accession process, and suspend visa liberalization.

The perhaps most obvious option, and one that the U.S. Congress is currently considering, is to slap asset freezes and visa bans on leading Georgian politicians. The potential wrench in the works here is that you need unanimity among EU member states, something that will be hard to achieve.

Cutting funds from the EU budget is something the European Commission can do without a green light from member states, but there is an obstacle here as well. Georgia gets some 85 million euros ($92 million) a year in grants, some of which goes directly to the state and some to organizations within the country. A lot of that money supports the country's civil society sector -- something Brussels wants to protect now more than ever.

Deep Background: What about Georgia's EU accession process? When the Georgian Parliament voted in favor of the controversial legislation for the third time on May 14, the EU issued a statement noting that "the adoption of this law negatively impacts Georgia's progress on the EU path."

At the moment, Georgia has official candidate status, and the next step is to open accession talks. In many ways, though, the point is moot as no enlargement decisions are expected anytime soon. The European Commission's big report on the issue is due in October, and then, based on that, EU member states will decide in December.

One slight complication is that most likely at the end of June, the EU will aim to formally start accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine, as well as advancing the EU integration processes of Serbia and Montenegro. There is already a lot of tricky political choreography in trying to please various camps of EU member states that are advocating for the EU hopefuls in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe. Very few EU officials I have spoken to want to complicate matters further by adding Georgia to the mix.

Some members of the European Parliament have called for Georgia's candidate status to be reversed, but that is something that has never happened in EU history. And to do that, you would need to secure the ever-illusive unanimity.

The most likely scenario is maintaining the status quo: Georgia would remain a candidate to join the EU but without accession talks starting anytime soon. The question for policymakers is whether the Georgian government would even see this as a setback. Negotiations take years even with the best candidates, and the ruling Georgian Dream party can always point to the fact that it was actually them that delivered Georgia's candidate status in 2023.

Drilling Down:

It's worth remembering that the Georgian government has friends in high places that could alleviate the pain: Hungary, Slovakia, and Oliver Varhelyi, the Hungarian enlargement commissioner and ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, have all been supportive of Georgia's bid to join the EU.

As an illustration of their influence, it took 21 hours for the EU to issue a statement condemning the May 14 vote to approve the bill in the Georgian Parliament. Hungary and Slovakia blocked multiple drafts before the statement was signed on behalf of the 27 EU members states.

Diplomatic sources in Brussels from various member states told me Hungary believes the EU shouldn't interfere in internal matters. Slovakia's new populist government is also pondering a "foreign agent"-style law, which could be used to target civil society.

When member states couldn't agree on the wording, it was up to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to issue a statement instead. But that statement was held up by Varhelyi, who, in the end, withdrew his name from it, reportedly objecting to text linking the passing of the "foreign agent" law to Georgia's EU accession process. It will be interesting to see how much of a Georgia supporter Varhelyi will be going forward. After the Georgian prime minister accused him of threatening Georgia in a phone call last week, Varhelyi apologized ,saying his words had been taken out of context.

,saying his words had been taken out of context. That just leaves us with suspending visa liberalization. This is a solid option, as it doesn't require unanimity. To pass, it requires only qualified majority voting (QMV) -- meaning 55 percent of member states, normally 15 out of 27, representing 65 percent of the total EU population -- would suffice.

This, however, could be a controversial move as the visa-free regime, which went into effect in 2017, is perhaps the single most popular EU policy among Georgians. And many diplomats from EU countries feel it would be unfair to target the entire population this way.

My understanding, however, is there is a growing number of countries -- though possibly not yet enough for a QMV majority -- that are considering this option or at least haven't ruled it out completely.

For the visa suspension mechanism to be triggered, it is enough that one EU member state signals to the European Commission that there are problems with a specific third country enjoying visa-free travel to the EU. The commission must then issue a report on the matter. If the commission sides with the complainant, EU member states can temporarily suspend visa-free travel for a limited period of time via QMV, and then, if the issues persist, fully suspend it again via QMV.

The EU has only suspended visa liberalization once. That was in the case of Vanuatu, an island country in the South Pacific. In March 2022, the visa waiver was temporarily suspended due to the country's use of investor citizenship schemes, known as "golden passports." As Vanuatu didn't do anything to address Brussels' concerns, a decision to fully suspend visa-free travel was taken in November of that same year.

From EU officials I have spoken to, it seems there is a consensus that visa suspensions should only be considered when there are clear "home affairs issues" -- say, for example, third-country citizens using visa liberalization to seek asylum in the EU, or there are too many overstays from the 180-day limit. But there is also the so-called democracy criteria, and other diplomats I have spoken to believe that enacting the "foreign agent" law would be a clear case for tightening visa requirements.

Briefing #2: Ukraine Tops Agenda Of NATO Meeting In Prague

What You Need To Know: The foreign ministers of the 32 NATO countries are coming to Prague this week for an informal ministerial meeting. These annual "informals," where they meet somewhere other than NATO headquarters in Brussels, have become something of an annual tradition for the military alliance.

In order to "break the pattern," as one NATO official described it to me, they do one off-campus meeting, often ditching their formal attire, with the goal that ministers will speak more openly and without any pre-scripted notes that tend to be the norm for regular ministerial meetings. In 2022 they were in Berlin, last year in Oslo, and next year they will convene in Ankara.

This year, it's the Czechs' turn to host. Right from the off, it's worth noting that they aren't expected to take any real decisions. They will, however, have plenty of time to exchange views, first at a dinner on May 30 and then at a working session the following day.

The upcoming summit in Washington, D.C., on July 9-11 will be the main order of business at this week's meeting, in particular what sort of aid for Ukraine can be delivered ahead of the summit. NATO tends to be rather conservative at such times and prefers issues to be settled and agreed on, at least informally, before a summit in order to avoid any last-minute surprises falling into the laps of the leaders.

Deep Background: Essentially, there are three things that the NATO foreign ministers will touch upon in Prague when it comes to Ukraine: Ramstein, training, and price tags. Ramstein refers to the American air base in western Germany that, for the past two years, has hosted many of the meetings of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a gathering of about 50 nations coordinating weapon deliveries to Kyiv.

The idea is that NATO will take over the coordination of the contact group from the United States. That's likely to happen in the near future; however, it's not clear if the military alliance will be more efficient in cajoling countries to send military equipment to Ukraine.

Patriot missile-defense systems are a good case in point here. Ukraine desperately needs to bolster its missile defenses, but no country has so far rushed forward. Eyes have turned to Greece, Spain, and Sweden, who all have missile systems. But so far none of those countries seems ready to send them.

Speaking on background, NATO diplomats say the reluctance is due to the fact that Patriot systems can take years to produce and replace. France and Italy have equivalent systems, like the SAMP/T, but those are apparently needed to protect the Olympic Games in Paris and the summit of the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrial nations in Italy later this year.

Drilling Down:

What about the training of Ukrainian troops? The United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland have been doing this for the past two years on their home turf. Would it make sense for NATO to coordinate more or even put everything under the NATO flag? Possibly, although there is the very sensitive issue of whether there should be NATO or NATO member state military trainers on the ground in Ukraine.

Some countries, notably Estonia and France, have not ruled deploying noncombat troops to western Ukraine, although that will probably be a tough sell. It's worth remembering, though, that there were NATO trainers in Ukraine for several years before and even in the run-up to Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.

Then there is the price tag. This will be a sticking point and one that is expected to become a political hot potato given the reluctance of some members of the U.S. Republican Party to green light more aid to Ukraine.

Ahead of the July summit, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is pushing the 32 NATO members to commit to giving Kyiv $100 billion for the next five years. Details regarding who would contribute what though are still in short supply, and nothing has yet been agreed.

NATO has failed to fulfill commitments before. Take the "Wales pledge" from 2014, where NATO allies pledged to spend 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense in a decade. Ten years later, only 18 out of 32 member states have done so, and there are no real consequences for the laggards.

Two other issues could also come up in Prague. First, there is Ukraine's possible NATO membership. Nothing is moving on this front. The unofficial line is that Kyiv will become a member sometime in the undefined future. Don't expect much more ambitious language than that in Washington in July. And then there is the selection of the next NATO secretary-general. The smart money is still on outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, but outsider Romanian President Klaus Iohannis hasn't yet thrown in the towel. We should have some clarity on this in the weeks ahead but probably not at this week's ministerial meeting.

Looking Ahead

EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on May 27 are expected to approve a new sanctions regime targeting people and entities committing human rights abuses, specifically in Russia. Known as "Navalny sanctions" in Brussels after the slain Russian opposition leader, the first batch of restrictive measures will target those the bloc believes are responsible for his death in February.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-georgia-nato-summit- rikard-jozwiak-wider-europe/32965562.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.

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As Land In Northern Armenia Ceded To Azerbaijan, Protests Spread In Yerevan

By RFE/RL's Armenian Service May 27, 2024

YEREVAN -- Protests were seen throughout Yerevan on May 27 as demonstrators blocked traffic as part of a planned civil disobedience campaign aimed at putting pressure on Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. More than 270 people have been detained at demonstrations across the Armenian capital.

The Yerevan protests were called by the Tavush For The Homeland movement, which opposes recent border demarcations in Armenia's northern Tavush region that follow a series of military defeats to Azerbaijan under Pashinian.

The recent delimitation of the border in the north of Armenia saw Azerbaijan regain jurisdiction over four villages that had been under Yerevan's control since the first Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the early 1990s. Local residents say in some cases border markers were emplaced after dark.

In the village of Kirants, the demarcation led to scuffles between police and local residents, some of whom demolished buildings that are due to be handed to Azerbaijan.

Border guards are being moved into the area, replacing the military forces that Armenia and Azerbaijan had stationed there for decades.

The new boundary line was based on Soviet-era maps. In Kirants, the delimitation cedes 50 plots of land and two residential homes to Baku. It has not been announced when the Kirants villagers will be made to leave their homes. Yerevan has vowed to compensate evicted locals with either money or property.

The border delimitation began on April 19 and finished on May 15, when the deputy prime ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met to formalize the end of the process. No images of the meeting were released.

Growing unease at the land concessions to Baku has been harnessed by Bagrat Galstanian, an archbishop from Tavush Province who has drawn huge numbers of protesters in recent days. Galstanian has repeatedly called for Pashinian to resign over what many view as excessive yielding to Baku.

Pashinian has said the land concessions in the north of Armenia will serve as a major step toward peace with Azerbaijan. "We are not drawing a new border, we are simply reproducing the de jure border that had legal authority at the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union," he told RFE/RL's Armenian Service.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-border-demarcation- azerbaijan-protests/32965397.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.

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EU's Borrell 'Horrified' At Israeli Strikes That Killed 45 In Rafah

By Rikard Jozwiak May 27, 2024

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has decried the latest Israeli air strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah that killed at least 45 Palestinians, including children and people living in tents after being forced from their homes.

Speaking after a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers on May 27, Borrell said that he condemned the attack "in the strongest terms."

"It proves that there is no safe place in Gaza. You can imagine how horrified we all are of these attacks," he said.

The strikes occurred late on May 26, when Israeli forces hitting what they called a Hamas -- designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU -- installation, killing two senior members of the group.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said around half of the dead were women, children and older adults.

Israeli Prime MInister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were "a tragic mistake," which comes amid mounting criticism of Israel for its war against Hamas, which was sparked by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 that killed more than 1,200 people, mainly civilians.

EU foreign ministers were meeting in Brussels and agreed in principle to press ahead with the reopening of the EU border mission in Rafah, which has not been operational since 2007, when Hamas seized full control of the territory.

When the mission was first deployed, it consisted of roughly 70 personnel monitoring crossings at the border between Gaza and Egypt with Borrell noting that the mission could "play a useful role to get people in and out of Gaza."

It is, however, unlikely that the mission will be fully operational before the hostilities in Gaza end and Egypt, Israel, and the Palestinian authorities have given their green light to it.

The Rafah crossing is the main entry point between Gaza and Egypt for aid but has been closed since Israeli forces took control of it earlier this month.

EU foreign ministers agreed on May 27 to immediately start preparations to relaunch the border mission.

There was also broad agreement to work toward an EU-sponsored international conference on how to implement a two-state solution, which according to Brussels can be merged with a previous call by the bloc to host an international peace conference.

The ministers also found consensus on calling for a so-called EU-Israel association council to discuss the situation in Gaza and to the need to respect human rights. The association council, which last met in 2022, is the formal political avenue between the EU and the Israeli government.

The meeting in Brussels comes shortly after several international developments in recent days relating to the conflict.

Last week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) overwhelmingly ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, while the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced recently that he was seeking the arrest of the Netanyahu, his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders.

Meanwhile, EU member states Ireland and Spain announced last week that they will recognize a Palestinian state as of May 28.

Borrell noted that the EU wants Israel to implement the ICJ ruling, as "all members of the United Nations have an obligation to comply with its decision."

He also urged Jerusalem to unblock funds for the Palestinian Authorities and to allow UNWRA to operate in the Palestinian territories.

The call comes amid reports that the Israeli Knesset is preparing a vote to brand the UN body providing aid for Palestinian refugees "a terrorist organization."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-borrell-horrified-israeli- strikes-rafah/32965830.html

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Dozens Detained In Yerevan At Protest Calling For Pashinian's Resignation

By RFE/RL's Armenian Service May 27, 2024

YEREVAN -- Armenian police detained dozens of people in the capital, Yerevan, early on May 27 as demonstrators demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian resumed their anti-government protests over a border demarcation deal with Azerbaijan.

Members and supporters of the Tavush For The Homeland movement opposed to a recent controversial border deal blocked traffic in several streets in the center of Yerevan following a call by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanian, the 53-year-old head of the Tavush Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, to ratchet up pressure on the government.

Police moved in and made arrests as they tried to unblock some of the streets. Interior Ministry spokesman Narek Sargsian told journalists that a total of 137 people were detained early on May 27.

Among the protesters were opposition lawmakers.

Galstanian is also taking part in "civil disobedience" actions on May 27, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reported.

The outspoken cleric, who has led anti-government protests in Armenia over the border deal, announced his intention on May 26 to challenge Pashinian for the premiership as he addressed tens of thousands of supporters who had gathered in central Yerevan.

Galstanian said at the rally in Republic Square that he had asked Catholicos Karekin II to suspend his "spiritual service" so that he could challenge the prime minister.

Rally participants cheered and applauded Galstanian as he said that he was ready to accept the "nomination" as a candidate for prime minister in the opposition's possible impeachment bid against Pashinian.

Under Armenia's 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 Pashinian's Civil Contract party.

Pashinian -- who remains largely popular with the population despite some dissatisfaction with recent events -- has rejected Galstanian's resignation demand, and his allies in parliament so far have ruled out a break in ranks to support the protest leader's possible bid to head the government.

The Armenian Constitution bars dual citizens from serving as prime minister, creating another obstacle for Galstanian, who is a dual citizen of Armenia and Canada.

He has said he would not violate the constitution but didn't explain how he would remedy the situation.

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, which 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.

Azerbaijan retook the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh in a blitz offensive in September from ethnic Armenian forces who had controlled it for three decades.

The offensive forced more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee the region, leaving it nearly deserted.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pashinian-yerevan- galstanian-arrests-protests-armenia/32965046.html

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Georgian Parliament Moves Closer To Overriding Presidential Veto Of 'Foreign Agent' Law

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service and RFE/RL's Echo of the Caucasus May 27, 2024

TBILISI -- A key Georgian parliamentary committee has overruled pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili's veto of the so-called "foreign agent" law, opening the path for lawmakers to put the legislation into effect despite weeks of domestic protests and criticism from the West that the measure is harming Georgia's drive to join the Euro-Atlantic community.

Following the move by the Legal Affairs Committee, parliament, dominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party that has pressed ahead with the law while cracking down harshly on protesters, is to consider overriding Zurabishvili's veto at a plenary session on May 28.

Georgian Dream has a comfortable majority in parliament, with a successful override vote seen as a mere formality.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on May 27 said the bloc had started weighing options should Georgia enact the law. He said a decision will be made next month.

The move came despite a massive peaceful protest in Tbilisi on May 26 and a last-minute warning by Georgian Ombudsman Levan Ioseliani that the law, also referred to as the "Russian law" because of its resemblance to legislation introduced by the Kremlin to stifle opposition and free speech, needs changes to limit the damage it will bring to civil society.

"Accepting this law in this form, in my opinion, has already brought significant damage to the [democratic] process as a whole," Ioseliani told a news conference in Tbilisi on May 27, as he warned of the law's effects.

"Therefore, it would be possible that parliament will refuse to override this veto and...there will be space for making changes in other legislative acts.... In my opinion, retreat is often not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength," Ioseliani added.

Thousands of mostly young people marched in Tbilisi on Georgia's Independence Day on May 26, calling on the ruling Georgian Dream party to scrap the law.

"Our fight is tireless, although they thought that we would get exhausted," writer Lasha Bugadze told the crowds of young Georgians who marched peacefully in downtown Tbilisi, waving Georgian and European Union flags. "Neither will we get tired in the coming days, not until the Russian law is withdrawn and Georgia becomes part of Europe," Bugadze said.

The participants raised the flashlights on their cell phones and chanted, "No to the Russian law!" and "No to the Russian regime!"

Earlier on May 26, Zurabishvili, in an Independence Day speech, said integration in the European Union and strong ties to the United States were paramount for the Caucasus nation to preserve its freedom.

"This is the cornerstone of the solution," she told a crowd on May 26 in Tbilisi's Freedom Square.

"Today -- when the ghost of Russia stands before us -- partnership and rapprochement with Europe and America is a true way to maintain our independence, peace, and strength," she said, as she cited the desire of a vast majority of citizens to join the European Union.

Georgia obtained the coveted status of EU candidate country in December, but it has yet to start actual accession talks, which could last for years. There had been hope such talks could start later this year, but Brussels has warned that the "foreign agent" law could endanger the path toward Europe.

Russia still maintains thousands of troops in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, two breakaway Georgian regions that Moscow recognized as independent states following a five-day war with Georgia in 2008.

"No war has been started by [members of the] European Union since its inception," Zurabishvili said. "Instead, the real war party is one and only one that we see today in our occupied territories: Russian imperialism."

The United States on May 26 marked the Georgian holiday, saying in a statement that it "will continue to strongly support the aspirations of the Georgian people for a Euro-Atlantic future."

"We urge Georgia's leaders to take the steps necessary to move Georgia forward in the right direction," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Last week, Blinken announced visa restrictions on Georgian government officials and a comprehensive review of bilateral relations with Tbilisi over the "foreign agent" legislation.

"Anyone who undermines democratic processes or institutions in Georgia -- including in the lead up to, during, and following Georgia's October 2024 elections -- may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy and precluded from travel to the United States. Immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions," Blinken said while announcing the sanctions on May 24.

The "foreign agent" law would require civil society and media organizations that get more than 20 percent of funding from foreign sources to report that fact to local authorities and submit to oversight that could encompass sanctions for as-yet-undefined criminal offenses.

Critics have said the legislation was introduced by Georgian Dream, founded by Russia-friendly Georgian tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, in order to cement the party's grip on power ahead of elections later this year seen as crucial for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic path.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-foreign-agent-law- tbilisi-zurabishvili/32965012.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.

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Pentagon Seeks to Establish Army Drone Corps as US Lags Behind Russia and China

Sputnik News

20240527

Russia's special military operation has revealed a brand new method of waging war. Drone combat has proven to be among the most impactful and cost-efficient on the battlefield, pulverizing expensive military equipment with a few high-precision strikes.

The US House of Representatives has proposed creating a new drone branch of its army. The initiative was part of a fiscal 2025 defense authorization bill prepared by the House Armed Services Committee. The effort aims to professionalize the area and put it in line with other disciplines of military service.

No More 'Fog of War'

Russia's special op has largely changed the approach to fighting between modern armies. High maneuver warfare, whose tactics and strategy were shaped during WWII, gave way to a positional trench standoff with the massive use of artillery more akin to that seen in WWI. Opponents no longer advances with divisions and corps, but operate in small groups.

The main reason behind the change is the massive use of inexpensive commercial drones on both sides, which completely negates the very notion of the "fog of war". Because of the reconnaissance "birdies" constantly hanging in the air, it is near impossible to secretly maneuver large forces at the front line and in the close rear.

Both Russia and Ukraine have formed reconnaissance and firing circuits that allow for high-precision attacks on the enemy shortly after detection.

On the other hand, loitering munitions, copters carrying "loads" and first-person view (FPV) drones with handmade warheads are used very actively and have long turned from something exotic into something totally expendable.

Drones have seriously changed the tactics of using military equipment, in particular the main strike force of the ground forces - tanks. An experienced operator of a cheap FPV drone is able to easily smash a vehicle worth millions of dollars into a thin turret or engine room and knock out the armored giant.

A New Military Branch

US officials, who study the special op under a microscope, have come to the conclusion that they are lagging seriously behind the latest military "fashion trends" and are risk of finding themselves in the position of the ones who have to play catch up. Washington has learned that in a major and protracted armed conflict, a piece of equipment being mass-produced is far more important than its technological sophistication. The new branch of the army looks to correct this imbalance.

According to the Congress bill, a drone corps should oversee the development, deployment and combat use of small aircraft, as well as systems to combat drones of a potential enemy. The initiative seeks to organize mass training of small drone operators, both aerial and copters, including FPVs. The drone corps, allocated to a separate branch, will become the 22nd in the US Army, along with the army aviation, air defense, mechanized infantry, tank, and artillery troops.

The shift in military tactics, as seen in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, demonstrates the increasing importance of drones on the battlefield, which should prompt the US to adopt a new strategy that fully leverages their capabilities, Robert Solano, commander of the Defense Contract Management Agency at Boeing underlined.

Furthermore, he believes that the US military should establish a separate service drone branch, focusing on the Army, Air Force and Navy due to the increasing use of drones in warfare.

Pentagon's Pushback

At the Pentagon, however, not everyone is in favor of the idea.

US Deputy Commander Gabe Camarillo said that he understands the legislators' interest in the development of unmanned systems due to their mass use in Ukraine and the Middle East. Nevertheless, in his opinion, the creation of a separate kind of troops is not a proper approach, at least for the moment.

So far, it is not the drones themselves that are the priority for the US Armed Forces, it is the defense equipment to counter them.

According to Camarillo, since 2017, the US Army has spent $1.8 billion on developing electronic warfare systems, small air defenses, and additional refurbishing for armored equipment. When considering the 2026 fiscal budget, even more funds will be allocated for these needs.

On the whole, drone development in China is likewise an issue of concern for the Pentagon. Chinese-made Mavic drones have been used by both sides of the Ukrainian conflict for more than two years now. This fact indicates that the rate and scale of their production are very high.

Indeed, it is unlikely that the US and Chinese ground forces will engage in a direct armed conflict and will end up at an FPV drone flying distance in the foreseeable future.

That said, in case of escalation, Beijing could resort to asymmetric measures. For example, China could liberally ship military drones to the US' adversaries around the world. And there are quite a few such adversaries, from North Korea to the Middle East.

 Sputnik

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Estonian Drone Maker Expands Unmanned Ground Vehicle Production

Sputnik News

20240527

Robotic vehicle manufacturer Milrem Robotics has announced the opening of its new ground drone production facility.

Located near Milrem's HQ in Estonia's capital, this new plant ostensibly allows the company to "manufacture more than 500 units" of its THeMIS (tracked hybrid modular infantry system) ground drone.

"Many end-users, satisfied with the results of testing the robotic vehicles, are preparing to launch high-quantity procurements. With the opening of our new facility, we are better prepared to answer these calls," Milrem Robotics CEO Kuldar Varsi said in a press release issued by the company.

THeMIS is an unmanned ground vehicle platform that can function as either a transport or combat drone.

A number of these ground drones have been supplied by Milrem to the Kiev regime in August 2022, and it was reported that at least one THeMIS unit has been captured by Russian forces.

Russian researchers have promised a reward for such a trophy, meaning they might have already got their hands on one of the platforms - and if any new THeMIS vehicles arrive in Ukraine, they may meet a similar fate.

 Sputnik

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IDF Eliminated Head of Hamas Headquarters in West Bank - Statement

Sputnik News

20240527

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Monday that it had eliminated the head of Palestinian movement Hamas in the West Bank, Yassin Rabia, as well as another senior official, in an airstrike in the northwestern part of the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip.

The statement noted that Rabia directed all Hamas activities in Judea and Samaria and "planned Hamas terror attacks" in the region.

"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 statement added.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel and breached the border, attacking both civilian neighborhoods and military bases. Nearly 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted during the attack. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 35,900 people have been killed so far by Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, according to local authorities. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza.

 Sputnik

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United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral Vice Foreign Minister-Level Dialogue

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

May 27, 2024

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will host Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Okano Masataka and Republic of Korea (ROK) First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong-kyun for a trilateral dialogue in historic little Washington Virginia on May 31. This dialogue, a key deliverable from the historic 2023 Camp David Summit, will reaffirm the importance of trilateral cooperation in advancing a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

This dialogue will focus on utilizing our collective capacity to strengthen cooperation on economic security, critical and emerging technologies, and maritime security, as well as a range of regional and global challenges, including the threats posed by the DPRK to regional and global peace and security, Russia's illegal war against Ukraine, the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and humanitarian support for the people of Gaza.

The Deputy Secretary will also meet with his counterparts in separate bilateral engagements. On May 30, Deputy Campbell and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Okano will participate in the inaugural meeting of the vice-ministerial U.S.-Japan Strategic Diplomacy and Development Dialogue, along with USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman. On the morning of May 31, the Deputy Secretary will meet with First Vice Foreign Minister Kim to discuss the crucial role of the U.S.-ROK Alliance in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

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Gaza: UN officials condemn Israeli airstrikes on camp for displaced

27 May 2024 - Senior UN officials have condemned Israeli air strikes on Sunday that hit a camp for displaced people in Rafah, southern Gaza, reportedly claiming over 35 Palestinian lives, including women and children.

Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, voiced his horror at further loss of civilian lives in the war-ravaged enclave.

"The images from the camp are horrific and point to no apparent change in the methods and means of warfare used by Israel that have already led to so many civilian deaths," he said in a news release on Monday.

"Sunday's strike underscores once again that there is literally no safe place in Gaza."

On 26 May, Palestinian armed groups fired a large barrage of rockets towards Tel Aviv in Israel, with several people reported to have been slightly injured. A few hours later, munitions from an Israeli aircraft struck a camp in the Al Hashash area in Rafah.

Reports from the ground indicate several explosions and fires were ignited. The area was said to be sheltering people who had been displaced from North Gaza. Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that the strike targeted senior "Hamas officials", and that they were aware of reports that civilians had been harmed in the resulting fires.

Call for accountability

"I note that the IDF has announced a review, but what is shockingly clear is that by striking such an area, densely packed with civilians, this was an entirely predictable outcome. It is crucial that such reviews lead to accountability and changes in policy and practices," Mr. Turk said.

He reiterated his called on all parties to the conflict to put in place a ceasefire, given the imperative of protecting civilians.

"Palestinian armed groups must stop the firing of rockets which are inherently indiscriminate, in clear violation of international humanitarian law. They must also unconditionally release all hostages at once," the High Commissioner said.

"Israel must take immediate steps to protect civilians, and ensure they have access to essential humanitarian assistance, and release all those detained arbitrarily," he added

End hostilities

Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, also underscored the need for investigation.

"I call upon the Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident, hold those responsible for any wrongdoing to account, and take immediate steps to better protect civilians," he said in a statement.

"All parties in the conflict must refrain from actions that set us further away from achieving an end to hostilities and further jeopardize the already fragile situation on the ground and the broader region."

Attack 'a monstrous atrocity'

Echoing those comments, the UN indepenent human rights expert on housing also urged for "concerted global action" to halt the war, days since the UN's top court called for an end to Israel's expanding military operation in Rafah.

"Attacking women and children while they cower in their shelters in Rafah is a monstrous atrocity," said Balakrishnan Rajagopal, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing.

"We need concerted global action to stop Israel's actions now."

Appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, Special Rapporteurs are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic or country situations. They are not UN staff, do not receive a salary, and serve in their individual capacity.

No place and no one is safe: UNRWA

In a separate social media post the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees, UNRWA, also expressed concern about the safety and status of colleagues in Gaza with whom contact has been lost after the attack in Rafah.

"We do not have an established communications line with our colleagues on the ground. We are not able to confirm their location and are extremely concerned for their wellbeing, and the wellbeing of all the displaced people sheltering in this area. No place is safe. No one is safe."

In addition to the deadly threat of violence, UN humanitarians insisted that famine is still a daily danger for the people of Gaza.

Aid delivery delays continue

The warning comes amid an almost total halt to lifesaving aid convoy deliveries since the Israeli military seized Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza earlier this month, in response to a rocket attack on Kerem Shalom crossing on 5 May that resulted in the deaths of four Israeli Defense Force (IDF) soldiers.

According to UNRWA's online portal for UN relief items and fuel entering Gaza via Rafah and nearby Kerem Shalom, no aid trucks have made it into the enclave since last Sunday.

"Aid is there, tens of kilometres away on the boundaries- while the population gets closer to famine," UNRWA Director of Planning, Sam Rose, said in a post on X late Sunday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also confirmed serious ongoing challenges receiving and delivering aid throughout Gaza, citing frequent delays, arbitrary checks access restrictions by the Israeli authorities.

Relief mission pressures

Between 1 and 23 May, 31 aid missions were denied access and 40 were impeded, including by "extensive delays, detaining aid workers, firing warning shots and forcing the abortion of officially approved missions", OCHA said in a post on X on Sunday.

"If food and humanitarian supplies do not begin to enter Gaza in massive quantities, desperation and hunger will spread, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) also warned on Monday, after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern that the humanitarian operation was "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 to those in need," the UN chief's spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday, after the reported passage of aid relief and fuel from Egypt into Gaza via Kerem Shalom.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages to end the suffering of civilians," the statement noted, adding that Mr. Guterres had been "dismayed" by the lack of implementation of the recent orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the situation in Gaza.

"The decisions of the Court are binding," the statement continued.

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The scenes coming out of Rafah last night are harrowing

UNRWA

27 May 2024

From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

Reports of more casualties continue to come in following an Israeli airstrike on a heavily populated area northwest of Rafah.

Children and women living in tented plastic makeshift shelters are among the killed. Many were injured. Others were reportedly burnt to death.

The images from last night are testament to how Rafah has turned into hell on earth.

It has been extremely difficult to establish contact with our @UNRWA teams in Rafah today. Some of our staff are unaccounted for.

UNRWA is doing everything possible not to interrupt the delivery of humanitarian assistance. But with every day passing, providing assistance & protection becomes nearly impossible.

Of the 200 trucks with humanitarian supplies offloaded on the Palestinian side yesterday, only 30 trucks were picked up due to heavy movement restrictions + ongoing Israeli Forces airstrikes + the launch of rockets by Hamas + delays & limitations on the routes that can be used.

These are all additional challenges & restrictions that do not allow us to distribute aid. They further strangle the humanitarian operation on which 2 million people across Gaza depend.

I reiterate the call of the @UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres for an immediate #ceasefire + for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages to end the suffering of civilians.

I echo his dismay by the lack of implementation of the recent order of the International Court of Justice regarding Rafah. The decisions of the @CIJ_ICJ Court are binding.

The military operation in Rafah must immediately end & the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza must improve without further delay.

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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Netanyahu: Deadly Israeli airstrike in Rafah was 'tragic mistake'

By VOA News May 27, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that it was a "tragic mistake" that an attack targeting Hamas militants in the southern Gaza city of Rafah killed 45 Palestinians sheltering in a refugee camp there and wounded another 200.

"Despite our best effort not to harm those not involved, unfortunately a tragic mistake happened last night. We are investigating the case," Netanyahu told the Israeli parliament. Two senior Hamas militants were killed in the assault.

Volker Turk, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, decried the incident, saying in a statement, "The images from the camp are horrific and point to no apparent change in the methods and means of warfare used by Israel that have already led to so many civilian deaths."

Even as he noted the Israeli military's announced investigation, Turk said it was "shockingly clear" that the decision to strike an area "densely packed with civilians" would result in the "entirely predictable outcome" of the deaths of more Palestinian civilians.

He called on Israel to abide by last week's International Court of Justice order to halt its offensive in Rafah. Turk also urged Palestinian armed groups to stop firing rockets indiscriminately into Israel "in clear violation of international humanitarian law" and release "at once" all the remaining 100 or so hostages Hamas is holding in Gaza.

European Council President Charles Michel also called the strikes "horrendous" and urged Israel to stop its offensive in Rafah.

"Horrendous to see innocent Palestinian civilians killed in the recent attack. There is no safe zone for the internally displaced in Rafah," Michel said on the X social media platform.

In Washington, the White House National Security Council said "the devastating images from the attack ... are heartbreaking. Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians. But as we've been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians."

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees described the situation in Gaza as "hell on earth."

"Information coming out of Rafah about further attacks on families seeking shelter is horrifying," UNRWA said.

The Gaza health ministry said the attack ignited fires in tents in an area sheltering displaced people. The Israeli military described its attack as a precise airstrike that killed Yassin Rabia, the Hamas chief of staff for the West Bank.

Qatar's foreign ministry said Monday that the attack could complicate efforts to mediate a cease-fire and the return of hostages held in Gaza.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate cease-fire and "full respect for international law."

"Outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah," Macron said on social media. "These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians."

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell cited the attack and said the international community faces the dilemma of how it can "enforce implementation" of last week's International Court of Justice order.

The court is a branch of the United Nations but has no mechanism to enforce its orders without a vote of the U.N. Security Council, where the U.S. holds veto power.

Netanyahu has vowed Israel will not leave Gaza until any remaining Hamas control of the territory is ended. He says Israel must take over Rafah to eliminate Hamas' battalions there and achieve its goal of "total victory" over the militants, who have recently regrouped in other parts of Gaza where the Israeli military had previously taken control.

Hamas said Sunday that it had launched a "large rocket barrage" targeting Israel's commercial hub of Tel Aviv.

Air raid sirens blared during the attack, but Israel said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. It was the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January, although rockets and mortar rounds have been fired at Israel from along the Gaza border since then. In the latest attack, rocket launches could be heard from central Gaza.

Hamas' Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades said in a post on Telegram that it had targeted Tel Aviv "with a large rocket barrage in response to the Zionist massacres against civilians."

The Israeli military said eight projectiles crossed into Israel after being launched from near Rafah, where Israeli forces recently launched an incursion. Israel said "a number" of the projectiles were intercepted.

The Israel-Hamas war was triggered by the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people according to Israeli officials and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel's subsequent counteroffensive has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, a death toll that includes both civilians and combatants, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.

Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Diplomat: Russia moving closer to delisting Afghanistan's Taliban as terrorist group

By Ayaz Gul May 27, 2024

A senior Russian diplomat says Russia's foreign and justice ministries have told President Vladimir Putin that Afghanistan's ruling Taliban "can be removed" from the list of Moscow-designated terrorist organizations.

Zamir Kabulov, the special presidential envoy for Afghanistan, told state-run TASS news agency Monday that the delisting would enable Moscow to decide whether to recognize the Taliban government.

"Without this [removal of the ban on the Taliban], it will be premature to talk about recognition," he was quoted as saying. "Therefore, work on this issue continues. All considerations have been reported to the top leadership of Russia. We are waiting for a decision."

Separately, TASS quoted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying Monday that the Taliban is the "real power" in Afghanistan and that the group's possible removal from Moscow's list of banned organizations reflects "objective reality."

Russia formally labeled the Taliban a terrorist organization in 2003, when the radical group was waging a deadly insurgency against the United States and allied troops in Afghanistan.

The insurgents stormed back to power on August 15, 2021, and established a men-only Taliban government as the U.S.-led foreign troops withdrew from Afghanistan.

No foreign country has formally recognized the Taliban as legitimate rulers, mainly due to human rights and terrorism-related concerns. However, several neighboring and regional countries, including Russia, have retained their embassies in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover and allowed the de facto government to run Afghan embassies on their respective soils.

Kabulov noted Monday that the Taliban had "come a long way towards being recognized" since seizing power. "But there are still a few hurdles to overcome, after which the Russian leadership will make a decision," he said, without elaborating.

The Russian envoy was also quoted as saying Monday that his government had extended an invitation to the Taliban to attend a June 5-8 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The event, which once hosted top Western business leaders and investment bankers from London and New York, has changed significantly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Moscow and the international community at large have been urging the Taliban to govern the war-torn South Asian nation through a politically inclusive government and remove bans on Afghan women's access to education and work.

The hardline de facto rulers have rejected criticism of their governance as interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, saying their policies are aligned with local culture and Islamic law.

Russia has been developing ties with the Taliban for years and reportedly provided them with weapons while they were waging insurgent attacks on the U.S.-led foreign troops and their Afghan allies. Taliban officials say trade ties between Kabul and Moscow have rapidly grown over the past couple of years.

Some information for this report came from Reuters.

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EU partners with Kenya to prosecute suspected maritime crime suspects

By Mohammed Yusuf May 27, 2024

Kenya has agreed to help the European Union in dealing with maritime crime suspects in the region, amid a rising threat from pirate activity and attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The EU, which has a force operating in the Indian Ocean, is concerned that the insecurity which is also affecting ship traffic in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, is disrupting international trade.

With threats to shipping on the rise in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea, the European Union is asking Kenya for assistance in prosecuting suspected criminals caught in the region's waters.

Henriette Geiger, the EU ambassador to Kenya, said the bloc is working with Kenya in dealing with suspected criminals caught in the region's waters.

"Kenya would conclude a legal finished agreement with the European Union which would allow then EU Atalanta to drop, first seized arms, weapons but also traffickers, arms and drug traffickers, here for prosecution," she said. "Seychelles has already agreed, they already have a legal finished agreement, but it's a small island; they cannot stand alone."

The EU's Operation Atalanta is a military operation in the Horn of Africa that counters piracy at sea.

Geiger explained that the EU navy force lacks the authority to prosecute suspects and cannot detain them for long without charges. Therefore, countries like Kenya are needed to assist in prosecuting suspects.

Isaiah Nakoru, the head of Kenya's Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, says his country is ready to work on issues that promote security and the free flow of goods and people.

"We have to work together to ensure that we achieve the aspiration for ensuring there is sustainability and security, and all activities that threaten the livelihoods of people and movements of people have to be addressed in partnership with all those who have a stake," he said.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Kenya is holding at least 120 suspected pirates and has convicted 18 of them.

Kenya faced criticism about whether its legal system allows the prosecution of suspected pirates accused of having committed crimes far away from its territory. However, in 2012, a Kenyan court ruled the East African nation has jurisdiction to try Somali pirates carrying out attacks in international waters.

Andrew Mwangura is a consultant on maritime safety and security in Kenya. More than ten years ago, he helped negotiate the release of some pirate captives. He says Kenya will always face legal challenges in prosecuting suspects who have not committed a crime in its territory.

"The problem is still the same because there are challenges to prosecution in Kenya of the Somali pirates," he said. "This pirate activity happens away from Kenya. They do not happen in Kenyan waters, and there will be legal challenges. To prosecute, to arrest them, that's not a solution. The solution is to fight illegal fishing in East African territorial waters."

Recently, there have been reports of piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia, sparking worries about the return of Somali piracy. In the early 2010s, Somali pirates hijacked dozens of ships, holding them for millions of dollars in ransom.

Two weeks ago, six suspected pirates accused of attacking a merchant vessel were moved from Somalia to the Seychelles for trial by the EU naval force. Last Friday, the EU force freed a merchant ship and its 17 crew members.

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Operation Iron Swords - Day 234 - 27 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)

Al-Alam TV [Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting] correspondent in Deir al-Balah reported that the occupation army claimed that it targeted Palestinian resistance fighters in this raid, but it did not announce that the targeted place was a displacement center northwest of Rafah Governorate , and the occupation had declared it a safe center for displacement and had previously called on people to go to this center. He stated that the occupation forces' bombing of displacement and safe shelter centers in the Gaza Strip within 24 hours resulted in the death and injury of at least about 200 people.

IDF published a map showing the Rafah incident was outside the designated humanitarian zone. Contrary to Hamas' misinformation, the strike did not take place in the Al-Mawasi Humanitarian Area. The attack was not carried out in the humanitarian area in El Mawasi, where the IDF called on the population to evacuate. The Chief Military Prosecutor, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi, directed the Joint Chiefs of Staff's investigation mechanism to investigate the attack in Rafah.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deadly overnight Rafah strike by the IDF a "tragic error." He said "In Rafah, we have evacuated about one million civilians. Tragically, despite our immense efforts to avoid harming non-combatants, an incident occurred yesterday. We are investigating it thoroughly and will learn from it, as is our policy and longstanding conduct. For us, any non-combatant hurt is a tragedy; for Hamas, it is a strategy. That is the core difference."

Last night (Sunday), an aircraft attacked significant terrorist targets in Rafah, including senior officials in the West Bank headquarters of the terrorist organization Hamas, who directed attacks by Hamas operatives in Judea and Samaria and carried out murderous attacks against the citizens of the State of Israel. The attack was carried out based on preliminary intelligence information about the terrorists' inventions on the spot.

Aircraft attacked a Hamas compound in Rafah where key terrorists of the organization were staying. The attack was carried out against terrorists who are a target for attack in accordance with international law, using precision weaponry, and based on preliminary intelligence indicating the use of Hamas terrorists in the area. Israel's army noted that it took several steps to prevent civilian casualties ahead of the attack, including aerial surveillance and reducing the payload on the precision-guided munitions used.

Aircraft of the Air Force under the intelligence guidance of the Amman and the Shin Bet attacked this evening and killed the terrorist Yassin Rabia, the head of the West Bank headquarters of Hamas, and the terrorist Khaled Nagar, a senior member of the West Bank headquarters of Hamas. The attack was carried out in the Tel Alsaltan area in the northwest of Rafah and based on accurate intelligence. The Hagada headquarters in Hamas is responsible for the direction, financing and support of carrying out terrorist attacks in the territories of Judea and Samaria and in the interior of the country. The terrorist Yassin Rabia managed all the military formations of the West Bank headquarters of Hamas, was involved in the transfer of funds for terrorist purposes and directed attacks by Hamas operatives in Judea and Samaria. Yassin has committed several murderous attacks in the past, including attacks in 2001 and 2002 in which IDF soldiers were killed.

The terrorist Khaled Nagar, a senior member of the West Bank headquarters of Hamas, orchestrated shooting attacks and other acts of terrorism in Judea and Samaria, and was involved in the transfer of funds destined for terrorism for Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In the past, the terrorist Khaled carried out a number of murderous attacks, including attacks in the years 2001-2003 in which Israeli civilians were murdered, and additional soldiers were killed and wounded.

There are reports that as a result of the attack and a fire that broke out in the area, a number of non-involved people were injured, the incident is under investigation.

Prior to the attack, many steps were taken to reduce the chance of harm to non-involved people, including checking contracts from the air, the use of precision weaponry and additional intelligence information, based on which it was estimated that no harm was expected to non-involved civilians. The incident is being investigated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff's investigation mechanism, an independent body responsible for examining unusual incidents in combat. The mechanism is investigating the circumstances of the deaths of civilians in the area of the attack. The IDF deplores any injury to those not involved in the fighting.

An Israeli government spokesman said that preliminary results of an investigation into a large number of deaths and injuries in a bombing that struck a camp for displaced people in the southern Gaza Strip indicate that an air strike targeted Hamas leaders that caused a fire that killed civilians in Rafah, according to Reuters.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the death toll from the Israeli bombing that targeted a camp for displaced people in Rafah, south of the Strip, had risen to at least 45 people and the injury of 249 others, sparking widespread international reactions.

The Wafa news agency, quoting the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), said that many of those who died were burned alive inside their tents in the Tal as-Sultan area. It put the death toll at 40, while the Reuters news agency quoted Ashraf al-Qudra, the spokesman for Gazas Ministry of Health, saying 35 people had been killed and dozens others injured. Witnesses told local media that at least eight missiles had struck the camp on Sunday at about 8:45 pm local time (17:45 GMT).

Al Jazeeras Sanad fact-checking agency said the attacks targeted the Brix camp to the west of the city of Rafah. An aerial photograph taken on May 24 shows hundreds of tents in the area, which was close to a UNRWA warehouse.

The Israeli attack followed Hamass first rocket attack on Tel Aviv in months. Israel said the eight Hamas rockets were launched from the Rafah area, where its forces have continued a ground assault despite an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to halt operations there.

The Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp in Rafah sparked international outrage and condemnation, with humanitarian organizations and foreign officials decrying the attack that left numerous civilians dead and wounded.

Commenting on the Rafah massacre, the Hamas movement said : The occupation army committed a heinous massacre against the displaced people west of the city of Rafah in defiance and disregard of the decision of the International Court of Justice, holding the US administration and President Biden in particular fully responsible for this massacre. It called for the immediate and urgent implementation of the decisions of the International Court of Justice and pressure to stop this massacre.

Hamas senior official Osama Hamdan condemned the Israeli massacre in Rafah, saying it was an "attempt at revenge" amid "Israel's" consistent failure against the Palestinian Resistance. In a press conference, Hamdan held the US administration fully responsible for the massacre in Rafah and those in all of Gaza, affirming that they are exposing the US and Israeli fabricated claims of the existence of safe zones in the Strip.

He further stated that the timing of the massacres over the past two days has been a clear challenge by Netanyahu against the International Court of Justice. He also slammed the Israeli claims of the presence of Hamas fighters at the refugee camp where "Israel" committed its crime as "insolent", with images of the camp, which was located far away from any operation area, and civilian martyrs refuting these allegations.

For its part, the Islamic Jihad Movement said in response to the Rafah massacre: The massacre is a war crime added to the war crimes of genocide, pointing out that targeting civilians in the displaced camps in Rafah confirms the depth of the military failure suffered by the enemy. It added that the enemy is targeting civilians to compensate for the failure it suffered in the field and as a result of the cover provided by Washington and European governments.

Addressing the international community, particularly the ICJ, Hamdan demanded that it implement international decisions to sanction and punish the Israeli occupation, while simultaneously urging Egypt to open the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid deliveries. Hamdan concluded his statement by calling on Palestinians in the West Bank and the 1948-occupied territories to revolt as a means to champion their people in Gaza.

A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned the Israeli attack on Tal as-Sultan as a massacre that exceeds all boundaries, according to the Wafa news agency. Nabil Abu Rudeineh stressed the urgent need for an intervention to stop the crimes committed against the Palestinian people immediately and said the heinous massacre is a challenge to international orders, including the lucid and candid ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to cease its military offensive against the city of Rafah and provide protection to the Palestinian people. Abu Rudeineh said he held the administration of US President Biden responsible for Israeli crimes and demanded that Washington compel Israel to stop the madness and genocide it is committing in Gaza.

The global humanitarian group ActionAid expressed profound outrage and heartbreak over a recent Israeli airstrike in West Rafah. Israeli fighter jets launched eight missiles at makeshift shelters housing internally displaced persons (IDPs) next to UNRWA warehouses, which were storing vital aid. "The images coming from our partners of burned bodies are a scar on the face of humanity and the global community, which so far has failed to protect the people of Gaza," ActionAid stated. "One of our own colleagues narrowly escaped this atrocity, having left the shelter just a day before the attack. But nobodys safety is guaranteed in Gaza."

The attack has drawn international condemnation. Belgium's Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib described the Palestinian Authority as a partner for peace and expressed readiness to assist in reform efforts. Belgium is working for a recognition with rights and freedoms for Palestinians, she wrote on X after meeting PA Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa. Qatar's Foreign Ministry warned that the attack could hinder mediation efforts for a ceasefire and an exchange deal for Palestinian prisoners and Israeli captives.

Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, speaking in Brussels, emphasized the importance of recognizing the state of Palestine. For many years, we and so many other countries were expecting to recognize at the end of a peace process. But then a few years ago, we realized that we actually needed to think outside the box," Eide stated. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, speaking alongside his Norwegian and Irish counterparts, called for an immediate ceasefire. Yesterdays bombing (on Rafah) is one more day with innocent Palestinian civilians being killed. This stresses what the three of our countries have been calling for a long time  an immediate ceasefire, Albares said. Ireland's Foreign Minister Micheal Martin condemned the attack as "barbaric" and urged Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah. "Gaza is a very small enclave, densely populated," Martin said. "One cannot bomb an area like that without shocking consequences in terms of innocent children and civilians."

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "outrage" over Israeli strikes on Rafah, stating that the operations must cease immediately and calling for full compliance with international law and an immediate ceasefire. "Outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah," Macron wrote on X, emphasizing the urgent need for cessation of these operations. He added, "These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire."

Shashank Joshi reported Israel's Military Advocate General, Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, said on Monday that the IDF is investigating about 70 cases of suspected violations of the laws of war.

War Termination

Israel submitted an answer to the mediators as part of the attempts to renew the negotiations and tomorrow (Tuesday) it is expected to reach Hamas. A source familiar with the details described the answer as "far-reaching", due to the expansion of the mandate to the appointed team, but clarified that the issue of the demand for a cessation of hostilities remains open. In the war cabinet, there is an agreement of the ministers and the heads of the defense establishment that it is right to end the activity in Rafah and give priority to the hostage deal, but Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes. The supporters of the process believe that Israel should enter the first phase of a deal and thus promote a dynamic for agreement later on.

In a conversation with the parents of the abducted soldiers and female soldiers, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy referred to the order of operations required for his capture. Halevy clarified that the ultimate goal is indeed the dismantling of Hamas, but at this stage there is a chronological progression for the release of the abductees.

Referring to Hamas's demand to stop the war, Halevi said that the IDF knew how to return and fight. The Chief of Staff also emphasized that there is a great deal of significance to the military pressure now, and added - if we take the pressure off completely, it will be difficult to reach an agreement.

Meanwhile, the conflict in the War Cabinet over the negotiation issue continued. Last night, the person in charge of the negotiations for the return of the abductees, Maj. Gen. Alon, did not come to the cabinet meeting - after his alarming statements against the government. Those around him explained that he was not supposed to come to the meeting in the first place.

At the beginning of the meeting, Netanyahu reprimanded: "The leaks coming out of the negotiation team are a scandal. We agreed on confidentiality. I have always expanded the mandate at your request when necessary. The briefings against me are false, you are harming the negotiations." Netanyahu made a similar public statement on the Knesset podium when he claimed that he had already approved the expansion of the mandate five times.

the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted informed sources as saying that despite the occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus obstruction of any prisoner exchange deal with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), even before it was matured, there is only one offer currently being talked about for the exchange. The newspaper reported, citing those sources, that the only offer currently being talked about for exchange is a comprehensive deal to return all the prisoners. The sources said that if the Israeli War Council receives an offer for a prisoner exchange deal, Netanyahu will be in the minority.

In light of the renewed attempts to start negotiations with Hamas , Netanyahu's office talked about a possible discussion based on new proposals led by mediators, but sources familiar with the details say that the only proposal on the table is the familiar proposal, a comprehensive agreement to return all prisoners. Senior officials accused Netanyahu last night that while the war cabinet could discuss the first phase of the deal, the prime minister was working to avoid reaching that point.

Netanyahu is not clearly thwarting the agreement, but he is doing so before the matter is even ripe, so basically every opportunity is missed, one senior official said. He added that the messages from Netanyahu's office are actually aimed at reassuring the families of Israeli prisoners in Gaza, "but there is nothing real behind them, and as long as Netanyahu does not agree to discuss Hamas's conditions, no agreement can discuss them."

The newspaper says that Netanyahu's office responded harshly and attacked the negotiating team itself. After several weeks of stalemate, the War Council decided last week to expand the negotiating team's mandate, following the latest round of talks in Paris, in which the mediators agreed to make efforts to resume the talks. CNN reported last night, citing an Egyptian source, that the talks will resume in Cairo next Tuesday.

Operational Update

There was a shooting incident on the Egyptian border, the subject of the investigation, a dialogue is taking place with the Egyptian side. The Israeli KodKod news site said there were no injuries among the Israeli occupation forces but two Egyptian soldiers had been killed in the incident. The Israeli Ynet newspaper, meanwhile, claimed that only one Egyptian soldier was killed and several others were wounded in the cross-border confrontation.

After the exchange of fire with an IDF force, both sides do not want to turn the tactical event into a strategic one, especially in the background of the talks to find a solution for reopening the crossing. The incident in which an Egyptian soldier was killed by IDF fire occurred at 11:30 in the morning when an IDF engineering force was engaged in an activity in a tunnel on the Egyptian border, on the Philadelphia axis. During the operation, an Egyptian soldier shot at a truck of the force from a relatively short range. Fighters securing the force, who were inside an engineering APC, returned fire using a "lethal" system - a machine gun mounted on the APC - at the shooting soldier. As a result of the shooting, the Egyptian soldier was killed and others were injured - this was announced this evening (Monday) in the evening news at Kan 11.

Israeli Channel 14 reported that Egyptian soldiers opened fire on Israeli soldiers inside the Rafah crossing, without causing any casualties. However, Israeli media said that Egyptian security opened fire on an Israeli truck, and Israeli soldiers responded with gunfire, leading to casualties. Israeli media initially indicated that the army forces responded with fire as a warning, but they later confirmed that a "clash" or exchange of fire had occurred between the two sides, which led to the death of at least one Egyptian soldier. The Israeli army radio confirmed that the exchange of fire with the Egyptian forces took place with weapons without the participation of tanks, and that the Israeli forces participating in the exchange of fire were from the 401st Armored Brigade.

Israeli military sources who spoke to the website of the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth accused the Egyptian soldiers of being the ones who first opened fire on the Israeli soldiers at the Rafah crossing, who responded by opening fire on their own. OSINTdefender reported "According to Sources with the Israel Defense Force, a Unit of the Israeli Combat Engineering Corps was Exploring a Hamas Tunnel that had been Discovered crossing between Egypt and the Southern Gaza Strip near the Rafah Border Crossing. During the Exploration they were spotted by a Group of Egyptian Soldiers who Opened Fire on the Unit, forcing them to Return Fire causing the Death and Injury of several of the Egyptian Soldiers. The Incident is believed to have been a Case of Mistaken Identity, with the Egyptian Soldiers not knowing that the Engineers were with the IDF."

During the day, the IDF refused to provide details about the incident due to the strained relations with Egypt. Immediately after the unusual incident, IDF representatives spoke with representatives from the Egyptian army and both sides began a joint investigation of the incident. The IDF stated that "there was a shooting incident on the Egyptian border, the subject is under investigation, a dialogue is taking place with the Egyptian side."

An Egyptian official commented on the incident in which an Egyptian army soldier was killed in an exchange of fire with IDF forces at the Rafah crossing in a conversation with Kan News that "it is not in anyone's interest to increase the issue and cause it to take on a political or popular context." According to him, "there have been such incidents in the past that were contained." .

Egypt published a brief statement about the unusual incident, but it is not certain that Cairo has an interest in increasing tensions between the countries surrounding the incident. The Egyptian announcement said that the incident was being investigated by the relevant authorities and that a soldier had been killed. On the face of it, Egypt left itself room for maneuver in this event, to escalate or calm down.

The understanding is that both Israeli and Egyptian sides do not want to turn this tactical event into a strategic one, especially after the Egyptians resumed the supply of humanitarian aid through the Kerem Shalom crossing and in the background of the talks to find a solution for the reopening of the Rafah crossing.

Operational Update - Gaza

Israeli war cabinet member Gabby Eisenkot addressed the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee in a closed discussion on Monday, according to Israeli reports, breaking away from longstanding rhetoric in Israeli politics. He said it was incorrect to speak in terms of securing the release of all the hostages or the end of the war because the fight with Hamas will continue for years. Contrary to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's claims that most of Hamas's battalions have been destroyed or mostly incapacitated during the fighting, Eizenkot said that 21 of the battalions remain at a medium to high capacity to continue the fighting.

Gaza war unit tracker [@2023gazawar] noted "What does dismantled mean? IDF reports battalions as "dismantled" not when all of its fighters have been defeated, but when the subordinate companies are no longer in contact with each other. Usually when a battalion is dismantled in this way, the subordinate companies simply continue operating exactly as before. In my opinion, it is not the most useful metric, because there is zero difference on the ground whether a battalion is dismantled or not.

"Hamas operates decentrally on a cell by cell level. The companies, battalions, brigades and so on don't engage in large coordinated attacks. They could of course, but the fighters would just die. Hence why Hamas fights asymmetrically. I believe however that there is a value in tracking "battalions" in so far as to get a general feel of the amount of forces and coordination in a given area. To compliment this I also track remaining companies of destroyed battalions, because without this any analysis would be incomplete.

"So, were the 3 battalions in Jabaliya previously "dismantled"? Yes, but that doesn't mean much. Not all of their units were destroyed, not all of their fighters were eliminated. This is why they can quickly rebuild. It's important not to solely rely on "battalions" but to also track other factors."

Fighters of the Israel Defense Forces 460 are fighting in the heart of Jabalia with several armored combat battalions, infantry and engineering. The forces destroyed over a hundred terrorist infrastructures and located and destroyed shafts and combat compounds of Hamas. In recent days, the forces have located dozens of weapons, explosives, rockets, mortar bombs and more.

During the advance of the forces, the fighters arrested a terrorist who surrendered in the field. The terrorist was quickly interrogated by a field investigator from unit 504 who obtained a lot of intelligence from him about stockpiles of weapons in the area. The forces raided the combat reserves at the direction of the terrorist. In the compound, the fighters located and destroyed communication devices, explosive barrels, hand grenades, 'Kalashnikov' type rifles and other means of sabotage and combat.

The fighters of the combat team are fighting against terrorist squads hiding in civilian guise and firing anti-tank missiles at them from inside schools. In the documentation you can see the dozens of weapons that the forces located hidden in UNRA bags in the school, and the tank of the 198th battalion that continued to fight after an anti-tank missile was fired at it . "We are here in a school, a space where Gazan citizens were inside a school," said Maj. Gen. 198, Lt. Col. Tzuri, "here we can see another cynical use of Hamas, which actually hid behind humanitarian civilian plays and uses the military to damage our forces. In the last day, anti-tank missiles were fired from here, from this school, at our forces and during the last day we destroyed about 20 Hamas operatives. As evidence here, one of the tanks was hit by an anti-tank missile and continued to fight."

The 679th Brigade's combat team has been fighting in the Gaza Strip for the past few weeks. For the past week, the forces have been operating in the area of the Sabra neighborhood in the center of the Gaza Strip with the aim of destroying terrorist infrastructure, eliminating terrorists, locating and destroying the underground infrastructure. In recent days, the fighters of the 98th Division expanded their activities to East Jabaliya, during which the fighters of the 7th Brigade Combat Team eliminated a number of terrorists in face-to-face encounters and located many weapons including Kalashnikov rifles, mortar bombs, explosives and other military equipment.

The forces of the combat team of the 460th brigade located and destroyed a laboratory for the production of explosives and several tunnel shafts, the fighters of the combat team of the paratrooper brigade eliminated a number of terrorists and destroyed dozens of terrorist infrastructures and weapons. Aircraft attacked a launch area in Jabalia from which launches were made to Ashkelon during the war. Fighters of the 99th Division continue their operation in the center of the Gaza Strip, they eliminated a number of terrorists in encounters and tank fire, including terrorists who were observing our forces, and fighter jets attacked a rocket launcher ready to be launched into the territory of the country located in the center of the Gaza Strip.

During the last day, aircraft and fighter jets of the Air Force attacked and destroyed more than 75 terrorist targets throughout the Gaza Strip. Among the targets that were attacked, IDF warehouses, terrorist squads, rocket launchers, military buildings, observation posts, and other military infrastructures.

Operational Update - Judea-Samaria

On Monday, large forces of the occupation army stormed the town of Tammoun, south of Tubas, and besieged a Palestinian house. Al-Alam TV correspondent in Hebron reported that the occupation forces, while besieging the house, asked one of the Palestinians to surrender himself via loudspeakers. Al-Alam's correspondent quoted medical sources as saying that a Palestinian child was injured by occupation bullets in the foot and was transferred to the hospital to receive treatment.

Al-Alam's correspondent said that the occupation army arrested 14 citizens from all over the West Bank, especially from the city of Hebron, where the occupation forces stormed this city and arrested 4 Palestinian citizens after raiding their homes in this area. Al-Alam's correspondent added that a strike was announced in some towns in Hebron to mourn the souls of the martyrs of the Rafah massacre yesterday. He confirmed that the people of Ramallah will shortly organize a march in solidarity with the people of Gaza and to denounce the crime of the occupation in Rafah.

Hebrew media reported that a huge explosion occurred in the Tel Aviv-Holon area, causing a minibus to catch fire and resulting in a serious injury. The media reported that a huge explosion was heard in the aforementioned area, after which residents reported that a minibus had caught fire at the Holon Junction in Tel Aviv .

The Israeli occupation forces stormed the town of Kafrdan, west of Jenin , at dawn on Monday , according to what was announced by the Palestinian News Agency, Wafa. It reported that the occupation army stormed the town, blew up a number of vehicles, and seized a number of others. Confrontations broke out between young men and the occupation forces, who fired bullets, poison gas bombs, and sound bombs without causing any casualties. The sources explained that the occupation forces raided a number of homes in the town, and soldiers also mounted the roofs of a number of them.

Operational Update - Lebanon

Last night (Sunday), the IDF force from Unit 869 identified a terrorist cell operating in a Hezbollah military structure in the Yaron region of southern Lebanon. In a quick closing circle, Air Force fighter jets attacked the military structure where the terrorists were staying. Also, an Air Force aircraft attacked a terrorist squad of the organization, which was identified by a Golani patrol force operating in the Hola region. During the night, fighter jets and air force aircraft attacked additional Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Among the targets that were attacked, a weapons warehouse and a Hezbollah military building in the Miss al-Jabal area, along with terrorist infrastructures in the al-Khyam area and other military buildings in the Khula area.

Fighter jets attacked Hezbollah launchers from which the launches were made towards the Miron area. Following the alert in the Kiryat Shmona area, about 25 launches were detected that crossed towards the area, some of them were intercepted. Aircraft attacked and killed this morning in the Einta area in southern Lebanon a terrorist identified in the area from which launches were made towards the Malkia area. In addition, warplanes attacked a Hezbollah military structure in the Eitaron area in southern Lebanon.

In recent weeks, the 146th Division and the 205th Brigade held a divisional and brigade exercise simulating a maneuver in Lebanon, the exercise simulated combat scenarios in the northern arena, the rapid deployment of forces in the field, the functioning of the division and brigade headquarters and the readiness of the forces for an attack.

The fighters and commanders of the Half Fire Brigade (551) fought fiercely in the Gaza Strip, and are now carrying out operational employment on the Lebanese border. At the same time, a divisional exercise was held, led by the National Land Training Center (NTL), in the northern contour which included battle procedures, validation of attack plans on the northern front, recruitment and equipping, learning about Lebanon's challenges and day and night operational models in a tangled terrain that simulates as much as possible the fighting in the depths of Lebanon.

In addition, the forces practiced the logistics and IT envelope in depth, movement in a tangled terrain, progress along a mountainous axis, multi-level fire and combat in a built-up area as part of increasing competence in the northern sector.

The Lebanese Hezbollah published a summary of the operations it carried out against the Israeli army on Monday, in support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their brave and honorable resistance. "Hezbollah" bombs several settlements in northern Israel with dozens of missiles and "burns" Kiryat Shmona (videos). Hezbollah's military media indicated that "the Islamic Resistance carried out a number of operations against the positions and deployment of the Israeli enemy army on the Lebanese-Palestinian border on Monday, May 27, 2024, according to the following": 

Eastern sector (southern Lebanon): - At 8:25: Targeting a building used by Israeli enemy soldiers in the Margaliot settlement with appropriate weapons and confirming casualties, as a response to the Israeli enemys attacks on the steadfast southern villages and safe houses. - At 12:25: The newly developed spy equipment at the Miskaf General site was targeted and directly hit, leading to its destruction. - At 12:40: An air attack was launched with assault marches on the Beit Hilal base (headquarters of the Plain Battalion of the 769th Brigade) and the positioning of the Iron Dome platforms, targeting their crews, officers and soldiers in their places of presence and positioning and hitting the targets accurately, as a response to the Israeli attack on the town square. Hula and the citizens there. - 17:00: After observing a group of Israeli enemy soldiers entering one of the buildings northeast of the Metulla settlement, the Islamic Resistance Mujahideen targeted it with appropriate weapons and caused confirmed casualties, as a response to the Israeli attacks on the steadfast southern villages and safe houses, the last of which was in the town of Aitaroun. - 18:30: The Kiryat Shmona colony was targeted with dozens of Katyusha rockets and a Falaq launcher, in response to the Israeli enemy attack that targeted the Martyr Salah Ghandour Hospital in Bint Jbeil and injured civilians. - At 18:15: The Al-Samaqa site in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shuba hills was targeted with missile weapons and was directly hit. - At 18:15: The Zibdin barracks in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms was targeted with missile weapons and was directly hit. Western sector (southern Lebanon): - At 23:30 on the night of Sunday, May 26: After monitoring and anticipating the Israeli enemy forces at the Al-Malikiyah site and while vehicles were entering it, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance targeted it with artillery shells, and hit it directly. - At 8:30: A focused fire attack was launched on the Al-Malikiyah site with guided missiles and artillery shells, targeting its garrison, its equipment, and the positions of its soldiers. The attack drones also dropped their shells on targets inside the site and hit them accurately, as a response to the Israeli attacks on the steadfast southern villages and safe civilian homes. - 16:50: The settlements of Meron, Safsofa, and Tasfaun were targeted with dozens of Katyusha rockets, in response to the Israeli enemy attack that targeted the Martyr Salah Ghandour Hospital in Bint Jbeil, wounding civilians. - At 21:30: A night air attack was launched with assault marches on the established positions of the 411th Artillery Battalion east of Nahariya, targeting the places of settlement and positioning of its officers and soldiers and hitting its targets accurately and leaving them dead and wounded, as a response to the Israeli attacks on the steadfast southern villages and the safe houses, especially The attack on the Martyr Salah Ghandour Hospital in Bint Jbeil.

Operational Update - Syria / Iraq

Al-Sumaria News Agency announced that the " KFC " restaurant, affiliated with the American restaurant chain , was attacked on Sunday morning by an explosive device that exploded in front of the restaurant's door. The restaurant referred to is a branch of an American agency that owns several branches around the world and Iraq, including Baghdad , and is being subjected to a wide boycott campaign within the framework of  boycotting products that support Israel.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said in a statement: In continuation of our approach to resisting the occupation and supporting our people in Gaza, and in response to the massacres committed by the usurping entity against Palestinian civilians, including children, women and the elderly, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq targeted military targets in Eilat. Al-Rashrash in our occupied territories today, Monday, May 27, 2024, using three drones, and the Islamic Resistance confirms its continued destruction of enemy strongholds. Israeli media reported that sirens sounded in Eilat on suspicion of infiltration by "enemy aircraft."

Operational Update - Yemen

The Yemeni Ansar Allah movement (Houthis) announced that it targeted 3 ships, American, Israeli, and a third whose nationality was not mentioned, and two American destroyers, in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The military spokesman for the Houthis, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, said in a statement: The naval forces and the missile force of the Yemeni armed forces carried out three joint operations, as follows:

The first targeted the American ship LAREGO DESERT in the Indian Ocean. The second targeted the Israeli ship "MSC MECHELA" in the Indian Ocean. The third targeted the ship MINERVA LISA in the Red Sea for violating the decision to ban entry to the ports of occupied Palestine.

With the help of God Almighty, the Air Force targeted the drone with two high-quality, destructive American military operations in the Red Sea, and the operations successfully achieved their goals, thanks to God. The statement added: "The Yemeni armed forces will continue to triumph over the oppression of the Palestinian people until the aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted." It is noteworthy that the Houthis in Yemen have been carrying out attacks in the Red Sea on Israeli ships or heading to Israel since last November, "in support and victory for the Palestinian people and Gaza." They also announced earlier the beginning of the implementation of the fourth phase of escalation against ships until the Mediterranean in order to support the Palestinians in Gaza.

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

Amnesty International urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate three Israeli attacks in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of 44 Palestinian civilians, including 32 children, in April. The attacks included a strike that killed children playing foosball at the Maghazi refugee camp on April 16 and two strikes on residential buildings in Rafah on April 19 and 20, the rights group said. In all three cases, there was no evidence of military targets in or around the affected locations and no indication of prior warning, it said.

Our findings offer crucial evidence of unlawful attacks by the Israeli military as the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court applies for arrest warrants for senior Israeli and Hamas officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As the Israeli military continues to escalate its ground incursion in Rafah, these cases also illustrate the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty Internationals senior director for research, advocacy, policy and campaigns.

The cases documented here illustrate a clear pattern of attacks over the past seven months in which the Israeli military has flouted international law, killing Palestinian civilians with total impunity and displaying a callous disregard for human lives.

Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it is horrified by the Israeli attack on Sunday on the camp for displaced Palestinians in Tal as-Sultan and that the deadly event shows once again that nowhere is safe in Gaza. The medical charity said more than 15 dead bodies and dozens of wounded people were brought to a trauma stabilization point that it supports in Gaza. It reiterated its call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire.

Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the UN special rapporteur on the right to housing, has called for action against Israel in the wake of its latest attack on displaced Palestinians in Rafah. Attacking women and children while they cower in their shelters in Rafah is a monstrous atrocity. We need concerted global action to stop Israels actions now, he said in a post on X.

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territory, described Israels attack on the tent camp in Rafah as more horror. This cruelty, along with blatant defiance of international law and system, is unacceptable, she said in a post on X. The #GazaGenocide will not easily end without external pressure: Israel must face sanctions, justice, suspension of agreements, trade, partnership and investments, as well as participation in international forums.

Triestino Mariniello, a lawyer with the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCGR), told Al Jazeera that Israels latest attack on an area designated as a safe zone in Rafah shows that Israel is still ignoring the ICJ. These horrible images that arrive from Rafah show that the Israeli authorities are completely disregarding the binding, provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice, which just two days ago ordered Israel to stop any military action in Rafah, he said.

Mariniello added that Israels completely arbitrary designation of safe zones could amount to a crime against humanity of forcible transfer of a population, considering there is no safe place in Gaza. He said that it was now up to the UN Security Council to ensure Israel follows the ICJs rulings. The urgent action by the international community should be an immediate session by the Security Council. This should have happened already.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said it filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) over Palestinian journalists killed or wounded by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza. The organization said it inquired an in investigation into alleged war crimes committed by the Israeli army against at least nine Palestinian reporters between December 15 and May 20. "RSF has filed this third complaint with the Hague-based ICC because the number of journalists killed in Gaza by the IDF is continuing to grow after passing the 100 mark, in an eradication of the Palestinian media," read the RSF statement.

"Impunity endangers journalists not only in Palestine but also throughout the world," stated Antoine Bernard, RSFs advocacy and assistance director. "Those who kill journalists are attacking the public's right to information, which is even more essential in times of conflict. They must be held accountable, and RSF will continue to work to this end, in solidarity with Gazas reporters." The complaint includes Mustapha Thuraya and Hamza al-Dahdouh, two freelance reporters working for Al Jazeera in Rafah when they were killed by a targeted Israeli drone attack on January 7, said RSF. Hazem Rajab is said to have been wounded in the same attack.

Axis of Resistance

One of the fundamental principles of Irans foreign policy is providing support for the Palestinian people and resistance groups, the Foreign Ministrys spokesperson said, noting that this unshakable approach wont change after the recent loss of the president and foreign minister. Speaking to reporters at a weekly press conference on Monday, Nasser Kanaani said the presence of over 60 high-ranking foreign delegations in Tehran in the commemorative ceremonies for late President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian illustrated Irans outstanding regional and international position.

Supporting the Palestinian nations resistance against the Zionist regime is based upon the Islamic Revolutions tenets, Kanaani noted, stressing that Iran will continue to support Palestine, its resistance currents, and the rights of its people. Supporting the Palestinian nation is a moral duty and an international responsibility, the spokesman underlined.

Since the Al-Qassam Brigades broadcast, the day before yesterday, Saturday, footage of the process of luring an Israeli force into a tunnel and killing all its members and capturing some of them, social networking sites have been filled with these footage, which received great interaction and widespread praise for the valor of the Palestinian resistance and its brutality against the occupation despite the siege, hunger, and the unequal power and circumstances on both sides.

Among the scenes that activists focused on greatly was the shot of the Al-Qassam fighter dragging the body of an Israeli soldier after he was killed, where he appeared wearing simple  Ghazawi slippers , often made in Hebron. The activists commented that with these simple capabilities, great patience, and Gods help, Al-Qassam members were able to undermine the myth of the invincible army and trample on the heads of the occupation soldiers.

As part of the reactions to these clips, the Jordanian satirical content creator, Ayman Abli, posted a video clip on his Instagram account in which he discussed these heroic scenes of resistance in his sarcastic way. "Abali" began by showing off the "Ghazawi slipper" that appeared on the foot of the Al-Qassam fighter. He bought a new copy of it and began to brag about it and praise the resistance. The Jordanian activist strongly mocked the occupation army, which the resistance had humiliated with very simple capabilities, and said sarcastically that "these flip-flops will be the fashion of 2024."

He said while holding a copy of the flip-flops and mocked occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu : Hebron is pretending and Al-Ghazawi is hitting... I discovered that it is a flip-flop to trample the occupation.

Allied for Democracy

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant have not spoken to each other since the press conference that Galant held about two weeks ago, in which he attacked Netanyahu and demanded that he declare that there will be no military government in Gaza - this was published this evening (Monday) in the evening news at Kaan 11. Netanyahu told reporters the following day that he would speak About this with Gallant, but such a conversation has not taken place so far.

More than a month ago, news was published here that Netanyahu accused the defense minister before the expanded political-security cabinet of leaks from the meetings, and told the ministers: "Every time I sit down for limited meetings with the defense minister, the head of the Mossad and the head of the Shin Bet - everything is leaked," adding: I know it's not the head of the Mossad or the head of the Shin Bet, so who could it be?

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid strongly attacked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and responded to his words in the Knesset plenary session. Yair Lapid addressed Netanyahu by saying: Why are you still prime minister? How can you not go up to this podium now and ask the people for forgiveness and return to your home? Lapid added: "You (Netanyahu) did not do your part. You failed miserably. You are an illegitimate prime minister and this government is illegitimate!"

He continued: Reservists serve for 150 days and others for 170 and 180 days, and they risk their lives, and they are killed and injured while you are busy with malicious political tricks. You are not a real prime minister, but rather you are a hostage of extremists like Ben Gvir (extremist National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir) and Smotrich (Minister Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich) The Israeli opposition leader added, addressing Netanyahu: I expelled you from the Prime Ministers Office once, and I will do it again. He continued: "The ministers in your government steal public money, cause us problems with the people, and destroy the future of our children. Under this government, we will not achieve victory in the war. We need to hold immediate elections to form a balanced and serious government."

In a recent survey conducted by the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs (JCFA), a significant 64 percent of the Israeli public expressed opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of the normalization process with Saudi Arabia, according to the Jerusalem Post on Monday. The full report is set to be unveiled at the 13th Annual Jerusalem Post Conference in New York next week. The survey, conducted in collaboration with the Panels Politics research institute led by Menachem Lazar, sheds light on the perspectives of both Jewish and Arab Israelis on this pivotal political issue.

The survey results reveal substantial political divides: 84 percent of right-wing voters, 54 percent of centrist voters, and 24 percent of left-wing voters oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state. Conversely, a similar percentage of left-wing voters support the idea unconditionally. Support for a Palestinian state under conditions of recognition and demilitarization dropped notably among respondents aged 60 and above, from 44 percent to 32 percent. Similar declines were observed among those with academic education (from 29 percent to 20 percent) and high-income individuals (from 33 percent to 20 percent).

Opposition was particularly high among younger respondents (70 percent of those aged 18-29), individuals with lower education levels (72 percent), and traditional, religious, and ultra-Orthodox respondents (74 percent, 88 percent, and 91 percent, respectively). Among secular respondents, the opposition rate stood at 54 percent.

The Washington Post published a report in which it said that Donald Trump told donors to his election campaign that he would crush supporters of Palestine and deport the demonstrators. The former president did not express a clear position on the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since October, but he told wealthy donors behind closed doors that he supports Israel's right to continue its "war" against what he called "terrorism."

The newspaper reported that Trump told a room full of donors, which he joked represented 98% of my Jewish friends, that he would crush pro-Palestine demonstrators on American universities and deport the demonstrators, according to people who participated in a roundtable meeting in New York. In the meeting held on May 14, he said: One thing I will do: I will throw the students who demonstrated out of the country. As you know, there are a lot of foreign students. The moment they hear these words, their behavior will change, he said.

When one of the attendees complained that some of the students and professors participating in the demonstrations could one day hold positions of power, Trump responded that the demonstrators were part of a radical revolution and swore he would defeat it. He praised the New York City police officers who attacked a sit-in camp at Columbia University, and said that other cities should follow New York's example, and that "this must stop now." He added: "Well, if you help elect me, and you should, we will set this movement back 25 or 30 years," according to donors who requested anonymity.

The Washington Post indicated that Trump expressed to public opinion hesitant positions regarding whether the Israeli entity should continue the aggression against Gaza or should it stop, as he said: End the matter, return to peace, and stop killing people. However, major donors to the Republican Party have pressured him in recent months to show a strong position and support Israel and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump did not provide specific details regarding his dealings with the Israeli entity in his second term. In an interview with Time magazine, he doubted the possibility of the emergence of a viable Palestinian state, and said: I am not sure if the two-state solution will succeed, adding: Maybe there is no other idea, even though the two-state solution has been the policy of Republican and Democratic administrations for decades.

The newspaper says that Biden and Trump found it difficult to deal during their election campaigns with policies related to the "Israeli-Palestinian conflict." Biden's camp is deeply divided over the war, but Trump's limited rhetoric regarding this war has limited his ability to capitalize on the problems that the camp opposing him suffers from.

Operation Iron Swords - By the Numbers

1,900,000 IDPs in Gaza

80,843 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

35,984 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

8,890 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]

5,000 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

635 Israeli officers and soldiers killed since the start of the war

518 West Bank Palestinians martyred

364 people [including fighters] killed in Lebanon

283 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

86 living hostages in Palestinian custody

70 civilians killed in Lebanon

39 dead hostages in Palestinian custody

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.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 27 May 2024 - Day 824

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 the Russian MOD's main political directorate issued Politruk, a new journal for political instruction for the Armed Forces on 22 May 2024. The journal is intended to help political instructors in the Armed Forces in their political education of soldiers. An introductory article by Deputy Defence Minister Gen-Col Viktor Goremykin, who heads the Main Political Directorate of the Armed Forces, makes clear that the new journal draws heavily on the legacy of Soviet era military publications aimed at the political education of military personnel. A Main Political Directorate was set up in the MOD in 2018, as it was felt then that it was necessary to re-introduce political education into the Armed Forces.



Goremykin cites Stalin on the importance of political education of soldiers and the need to mortally hate the enemy. The journal emphasises that the enemy in Ukraine today is the same as the enemy the Soviet Union was fighting, namely the Nazis. A map of Ukraine published in the journal is used to support arguments, casting doubt on the authenticity of Ukrainian statehood, and hence to justify the invasion.

The magazine reflects the politicised use of history that has become a prominent feature of Russian educational policy in recent years, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine, and continues to peddle the false narratives that Russia has been using to influence its military personnel and population more generally.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian troops continue their defense operation. The total number of Russian attacks throughout the front since the beginning of the day approached 80. The intercession direction remains the area of the most intense combat.

In the Kharkiv direction, there were 10 combat clashes, with this part of the battles continue for a long time. Russian zagarbniki carry out air strikes in the northern Kharkiv region with the use of controlled air bombs. At the moment Russia has already caused at least 25 kabama strikes. In particular, two such aviabombs applied all over Kharkiv.

Ukrainian troops charge a large fee from the Russians for their attempts to advance in the Kharkiv direction. Total Russian losses in live force since the beginning of the day already amount to 137 people dead and injured and 18 units of weapons and military equipment. Destroyed one tank of the Russian occupiers, four units of cars and special equipment. Two combat armored vehicles, two vehicles, four artillery systems were damaged.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian troops nine times tried to break through Ukrainian defense borders. And also suffered significant losses - about a dozen Russian occupiers were killed, half a hundred injured. Among the destroyed weapons of the zagarbnikiv is a modern radio electronic fighting station "Serp-vs5". Two Russian cannons were damaged.

In the sivers komu direction the number of assault actions of Russians increased to six, and on kramators komu - to eight. Russia continues to increase pressure on Times of the Yar and its surroundings.

In the Pokrovsky direction, Ukrainian warriors from the beginning of the day fought off 21 attack of the Russian occupiers. Ukrainian defenders are not easy, but the situation is under control.

On the Vremivs komu direction Russian zagarbniki do not stop trying to attack, applying aviation and kabi. Near the settlements of Staromayorske and Urozhayne, nine Russian offensive actions were repelled. In these same villages, Russian forces also struck air.

In the Pridnipro direction, there have already been five combat clashes on the placdarmah on the left bank of the Dnipro River.

In the rest of the directions, the situation has not experienced significant changes.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that units of the Sever Group of Forces continue advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences.

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of the AFU 125th Mechanised Brigade and 112th Territorial Defence Brigade near Konstantinovka and Granov (Kharkov region).

Two counter-attacks launched by the enemy's assault detachments were repelled near Glubokoye and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 318 Ukrainian troops, one tank, and two armoured fighting vehicles.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzer, and one 122-mm Grad MLRS combat vehicle were neutralised.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces liberated Ivanovka (Kharkov region) and took more advantageous lines.

Losses were inflicted on formations of the AFU 14th and 66th mechanised brigades near Nevskoye (Lugansk People's Republic) and Novosadovoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

Moreover, three counter-attacks launched by the AFU assault detachments were repelled near Novovodyanoye (Lugansk People's Republic) and Grigorovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 405 Ukrainian troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, and five motor vehicles.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one UK-made 155-mm Braveheart self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and two 122-mm Bastion MLRS combat vehicles were neutralised.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 57th Mechanised Brigade, 105th, and 118th territorial defence brigades near Razdolovka and Chasov Yar (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 460 Ukrainian troops, four motor vehicles, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzer. In addition, two AFU ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Netaylovo (Donetsk People's Republic) and improved the tactical situation.

Losses were inflicted on formations of the AFU 68th Jaeger Brigade and 24th Mechanised Brigade near Semyonovka and Novgorodskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

Five counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 71st Jaeger Brigade, 47th, and 110th mechanised brigades were repelled near Ocheretino, Solovyovo, and Umanskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 335 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and three motor vehicles.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, three 152-mm Msta-B howitzers, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one 122-mm Grad MLRS combat vehicle, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M102 light towed howitzer were neutralised.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 128th Territorial Defence Brigade near Makarovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 130 Ukrainian troops, five motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade and 37th Marines Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region) and Veseloye (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzer.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces engaged AFU manpower and hardware clusters in 114 areas during the day.

Air defence units shot down six French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, 14 U.S.-made HIMARS and Olkha MLRS projectiles, as well as 44 unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, 603 airplanes and 274 helicopters, 24,700 unmanned aerial vehicles, 524 air defence missile systems, 16,172 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,318 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 9,887 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 22,027 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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FM spokesperson Hua Chunying appointed as vice foreign minister

Global Times

By Global Times Published: May 27, 2024 01:45 PM

Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying was appointed as the vice foreign minister, according to an official announcement on Monday.

Hua was born in 1970 and graduated from Nanjing University. She has worked in the former Department of Western European Affairs, the Department of European Affairs, the Information Department, as well as at the Chinese Embassy in Singapore and the Chinese Mission to the EU, according to public records.

From 2012 to 2019, Hua served as the deputy director-general of the department of press, communication and public diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). She is also the fifth female spokesperson for the MFA, following Li Jinhua, Fan Huijuan, Zhang Qiyue, and Jiang Yu.

In July 2019, Hua Chunying succeeded Lu Kang as the director-general of the ministry's department of press, communication and public diplomacy. In October 2021, Hua was appointed assistant minister of foreign affairs.

She is also the third female deputy foreign minister, following Wang Hairong and Fu Ying.

Many Chinese netizens on social media were impressed by Hua's kindness and graceful manner while also replying with incisive and smart responses to the groundless smears and attacks led by the West against China amid US-led geopolitical confrontation with China.

Her personal charm and professional performance also won the hearts of, not only Chinese journalists, but also foreign reporters in China, and many netizens call her "Sister Hua" on social media platforms.

Hua has over 2.4 million followers on the X platform. She also left with many impressive quotes during the ministry's press conference.

For instance, when some Western media badmouthed China's economy and highlighted a "looming demographic crisis," saying that this may obstruct the realization of the "Chinese dream" as promised by the Chinese leadership during a press conference on May 12, 2021, Hua responded that "I hope those who made up these China-related fallacies can enjoy health and happiness like the Chinese people and witness together with us the realization of the Chinese dream together."

Also, in response to a Global Times question about some US media claiming that Westerners working in China received notice that they may be arrested based on "fabricated" charges and taken as "hostage" by China anytime in the future after Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were released during a press conference on September 28, 2021, Hua said "the US is the inventor of 'hostage diplomacy' and 'coercive diplomacy,' whose birthplace and headquarters are in Washington DC."

In recent weeks, some personnel changes within the Chinese MFA have attracted public attention.

Lu Kang, a veteran diplomat who served as Chinese ambassador to Indonesia until recently, has been named the vice minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee, the Party's arm in charge of external relations.

Hong Kong media Singtao reported on Saturday that the ministry's spokesperson Wang Wenbin will step down as spokesperson. And there are some reports suggesting that Wang, with a wealth of experience and composure, will possibly be assigned as an ambassador to an important country or to another significant position, according to media reports.

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J-20 stealth fighter jet can easily reach supercruise, PLA confirms

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: May 27, 2024 10:04 PM

The Chinese military has confirmed that its J-20 stealth fighter jet can easily reach supercruise, which experts said on Monday can bring significant tactical advantages and reflect the power of China's domestically developed engines.

The J-20, a "Cross-Straits Lethality" weapon, is characterized by a high stealth capability that allows it to effortlessly penetrate a hostile air defense system, a high mobility that allows it to easily reach supercruise, and a high situational awareness that allows it to quickly identify targets and perform precision strikes, the PLA Eastern Theater Command said in a social media post on Sunday evening.

The J-20 is a sharp sword in the sky; a vanguard that leads to victory, and a go-to option in breaking down hostile defenses, the PLA Eastern Theater Command said.

In a countermeasure against Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's separatist inaugural speech made on May 20, the PLA Eastern Theater Command conducted the Joint Sword-2024A exercises surrounding the island from Thursday to Friday, and that was when it released a set of posters themed "Cross-Straits Lethality," depicting some of its weaponry aimed at "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, including the J-20.

Among the PLA Eastern Theater Command's descriptions of the J-20, observers highlighted the phrase "easily reaches supercruise."

Zhang Xuefeng, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times that the J-20 can perform supercruise and has subsonic super maneuverability thanks to its unique aerodynamic design of a lifting body with strakes and canards, plus domestically developed engines.

Supercruise means that an aircraft can reach supersonic flight for an extended period without using an afterburner, another military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Monday, noting that this brings important advantages in combat, including reaching advantageous combat positions faster and giving the enemy little time to react.

Being able to perform supercruise easily indicates that China's domestically developed engines are powerful, and the J-20s equipped with them now have even stronger combat capabilities, analysts said.

The J-20's conversion to use domestically developed engines was revealed at the China Airshow 2021 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province. Earlier J-20s were reportedly equipped with Russia-made engines that analysts said did not support supercruise.

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Xiconomics in Practice: Xi chairs meeting that reviews provisions to defuse financial risks

Global Times

By Wang Cong and Zhang Weilan Published: May 27, 2024 10:07 PM

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, presided over a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Monday, which deliberated on trial provisions concerning accountability for failing to prevent or defuse financial risks, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The meeting released another strong signal that China will continue to step up efforts to prevent and defuse major risks in the financial industry, as the country moves swiftly to promote high-quality development and build itself into a global financial powerhouse, experts said.

Coming after a series of recent measures to tackle financial risks, the trial provisions for accountability will further improve institutional mechanisms to better prevent and resolve risks and promote the sound, high-quality development of the financial market, which plays a critical role in the overall economy, experts further noted.

Notably, the meeting stressed that preventing and defusing financial risks is related to national security, overall development, and the security of people's property. It is a major hurdle that must be overcome to achieve high-quality development, according to the meeting.

The trial provisions for accountability are also aimed at urging officials at all levels to establish a correct view of performance and better carry out various tasks of comprehensively strengthening financial supervision, preventing and defusing financial risks, and promoting high-quality financial development, the meeting noted, stressing strictness in implementing the trial provisions.

The meeting further underscored the top Chinese leadership's focus on tackling financial risks and promoting high-quality development in the financial industry, experts said.

"Tackling financial risks has become a top priority for the CPC Central Committee, and addressing loopholes and weak links is a continuous effort," Dong Shaopeng, a senior research fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Monday.

Dong said that since the second half of 2023, when the stock market faced serious downside risks, there have also been major risks in related areas such as financial markets, the property sector and local government debt, which demands strengthened regulation. "In order to tackle weak links in our country's financial regulatory system, I think strengthened provisions on accountability are imperative."

Monday's meeting came after a CPC Central Committee Political Bureau meeting on April 30 that also stressed continuously preventing and defusing risks in key areas. It demanded research on policies to reduce housing inventory and improve the quality of newly-added housing. The plan for local governments to resolve debt risks should be thoroughly implemented, ensuring that provinces, cities and counties with high debt risks not only effectively reduce their debt burden, but also maintain stable development, it said.

The tone-setting central financial work conference in October 2023 stressed the comprehensive strengthening of financial supervision, improving the financial system, optimizing financial services, and preventing and resolving risks. Then in March, the Government Work Report called for greater efforts to effectively prevent and resolve risks in key areas.

Xi attaches great importance to the financial industry. At the opening ceremony for a study session on promoting high-quality financial development in January, Xi noted that the path for financial development with Chinese characteristics not only follows the way for the development of modern finance, but also has distinctive features that suit China's national conditions, and thus it is different in nature from the mode of Western financial development.

"We should have more confidence and continue to explore and improve our work in the financial sector, so that this path will become wider and wider," Xi said, while stressing that risk prevention and control must be regarded as the abiding theme of financial work, according to Xinhua.

Continuous efforts

With the top leadership focused on building the country into a global financial powerhouse, greater policy measures and reforms are expected to be taken in the future, experts noted.

Preventing and defusing financial risks and deepening financial reforms are also expected to be on the agenda for the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which is expected to take place in July and will primarily study issues concerning further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization, according to experts.

Cao Yuanzheng, chief economist at Bank of China International, said that the trial provisions on accountability are just part of broader efforts to tackle financial risks and promote sound development, as outlined by the central financial work conference.

"Over the past four decades of reform and opening-up, China's financial industry has made great achievements, but we must also realize the importance of preventing and defusing financial risks, Cao told the Global Times on Monday, noting that trial provisions on accountability further improve the overall regulatory system, "which is of great importance in preventing systemic financial risks."

With continuous efforts by the top leadership as well as sound economic fundamentals, China's financial industry has great potential to become a global leader, experts noted.

"The real economy is very dynamic, which provides a solid foundation for high-quality development in the financial industry," Dong said, noting that a top priority for China's financial work is to make sure that the financial industry will serve the development of the real economy.

China has already built a massive financial industry, with more than 4,000 banking institutions in total and five lenders assessed as global systemically important banks. As of the end of 2023, total assets of financial institutions in China rose to 461.09 trillion yuan ($64.97 trillion), up 9.9 percent year-on-year, according to official data.

In addition to efforts to prevent and defuse financial risks and promote high-quality development, China is also moving steadily to further open up its financial markets to foreign businesses.

The central financial work conference in October 2023 also called for efforts to promote high-level financial opening-up. Specifically, the meeting urged the steady expansion of institutional opening-up in the financial sector, improvements in cross-border investment and financing facilitation, and attracting more foreign financial institutions and long-term capital to expand and conduct business in China.

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Chinese premier urges China, Japan, S. Korea to stick to original aspiration for cooperation

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 15:15, May 27, 2024

SEOUL, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Monday that China, Japan and South Korea should stay committed to the original aspiration for cooperation and make joint efforts to resume and accelerate China-Japan-South Korea cooperation so as to make greater contributions to regional prosperity and stability.

Li made the remarks at the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea.

As this year marks the 25th anniversary of the China-Japan-South Korea trilateral cooperation mechanism, Li said that at this new starting point, China, Japan and South Korea should stay committed to the original aspiration for cooperation and uphold openness, inclusiveness, mutual respect and trust, mutual benefit and mutual learning.

He said that the three sides should upgrade and speed up China-Japan-South Korea cooperation, embark on a new journey of comprehensive development, and contribute more to regional prosperity and stability.

Li put forward a five-point proposal on deepening China-Japan-South Korea cooperation. The first is to promote the comprehensive restart of cooperation, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, fully tap the potential for cooperation, steadily facilitate growth, and foster positive interplay between bilateral relations and trilateral cooperation.

The second is to deepen economic and trade connectivity, maintain the stability and smoothness of the industrial chain and supply chain, and resume and complete the negotiations of the China-Japan-South Korea free trade agreement as soon as possible.

The third is to lead scientific and technological innovation cooperation and strengthen collaborative innovation and cooperation in frontier fields. China will establish a China-Japan-South Korea Innovation Cooperation Center in China to help the three countries accelerate the cultivation of new growth drivers.

The fourth is to boost cultural and people-to-people exchanges and take the opportunity of the China-Japan-South Korea 2025-2026 Year of Cultural Exchange to bring closer the hearts of the three neighbors.

The fifth is to strive to promote sustainable development, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of low-carbon transformation, climate change, aging population, and epidemic response, among others, and explore and carry out more "China-Japan-South Korea + X" cooperation projects.

Li pointed out that the current situation on the Korean Peninsula remains tense. All parties should play a constructive role by staying committed to easing tensions, restarting dialogue as soon as possible, and advancing the political settlement process of the Korean Peninsula issue, so as to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

China, Japan, and South Korea should leverage their respective development strengths to create a new engine for regional cooperation that actively addresses the needs of ASEAN and other neighboring countries. The three countries should work together to boost the momentum of ASEAN Plus Three cooperation, he said.

China is willing to work with South Korea and Japan to vigorously promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and jointly safeguard long-term stability and security in the region and the world at large, Li said.

The leaders of South Korea and Japan said that the resumption of trilateral cooperation after more than four years is of great significance. They hoped that the three countries will take this summit as a new starting point to maintain the stability and continuity of cooperation and deepen cooperation in six key areas: culture and people-to-people exchanges, sustainable development, economy and trade, public health, science and technology, and disaster relief.

They also hoped that the three countries will resume the trilateral FTA negotiations, jointly promote regional cooperation in East Asia, tackle climate change and other global challenges, and foster the steady development of relations among South Korea, Japan, and China so as to bring greater benefits to the peoples of the three countries and make greater contribution to world peace and prosperity.

After the meeting, leaders of the three countries jointly met the press.

Li said that in the face of new challenges and new opportunities, China-Japan-South Korea cooperation should shoulder new responsibilities and make new progress.

China is willing to take this summit as an opportunity to work with South Korea and Japan to promote steady and sustained China-Japan-South Korea cooperation, Li said.

The three sides issued the Joint Declaration of the Ninth China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Summit, the Joint Statement on a 10 Year Vision for Trilateral IP Cooperation, and the Joint Statement on Future Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.

They agreed to deliver on the Trilateral Cooperation Vision for the Next Decade adopted at the eighth Trilateral Summit Meeting, set up mechanisms for the trilateral cooperation, maintain close communication and cooperation under APT and other multilateral frameworks, and jointly uphold peace, stability and prosperity of the world. The three sides agreed to designate 2025-2026 the China-Japan-ROK Year of Cultural Exchange.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 27, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2024-05-27 19:04

CCTV: The ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and the ROK was held in Seoul. Premier Li Qiang attended the meeting. Could you share more details with us?

Mao Ning: This morning, Premier Li Qiang, ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida jointly attended the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and the ROK in Seoul. As the trilateral cooperation mechanism marks its 25th anniversary, to hold the trilateral summit meeting among the ROK, Japan and China again after more than four years is highly meaningful and symbolizes the resumption and a new start for the trilateral cooperation.

China attaches great importance to China-Japan-ROK cooperation. Premier Li Qiang put forward a five-point proposal to deepen the trilateral cooperation. First, fully resume China-Japan-ROK cooperation. The three countries need to respect each other's core interests and major concerns, fully unleash cooperation potential, nurture new cooperation and make our bilateral relations and trilateral cooperation mutually reinforcing. Second, deepen economic and trade connectivity. The three countries need to keep industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and restart and complete negotiations on a China-Japan-ROK FTA as soon as possible. Third, champion cooperation in technology innovation. The three countries need to strengthen collaborative innovation and cooperation in frontier areas. Fourth, forge closer bonds for people-to-people and cultural exchange. The three countries need to seize the opportunity of the China-Japan-ROK Year of Cultural Exchange to promote heart-to-heart amity as close neighbors. Fifth, advance sustainable development. The three countries need to step up exchange and cooperation on low-carbon transition, climate change, aging societies and response to epidemics, and explore and develop more China-Japan-ROK+X Cooperation projects.

China stands ready to take this summit meeting as an opportunity to work with the ROK and Japan to strengthen strategic communication, deepen political trust, demonstrate a new sense of responsibility and commitment, promote steady and sustained China-Japan-ROK cooperation and make greater contribution to regional stability and prosperity.

Bloomberg: China's engagement in the global system of commerce was criticized by the G7 finance ministers. They pointed to things such as China's use of non-market policies and practices, saying that such activities undermine workers, industries and the economic resilience in G7 members. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment on the G7 finance ministers' criticism of its behaviors?

Mao Ning: I'd refer you to competent Chinese authorities for anything specific. Let me just say that China's economic success over the past 40-plus years is the success of reform and opening up, and the success of the effective combination of market and government. China does not accept G7's unilateral criteria of "non-market policies and practices." It is the discriminatory practices of a handful of Western countries targeting particular countries and businesses that are the real "non-market practices" and "distortive policies."

The G7's "Chinese overcapacity" hype and attempt to restrict China's new energy products are completely against the facts and the laws of economics. They are the product of protectionism and serve no one's interest.

Reuters: More than 2,000 people were buried alive in a landslide in Papua New Guinea last week and relief efforts have been challenging due to damaged roads and unstable terrain. We would like to ask if China will be offering any assistance to Papua New Guinea. And if so, what kind of assistance is being dispatched?

Mao Ning: China is closely following the massive deadly landslide in Enga Province in Papua New Guinea. We mourn for the lives lost and extend heartfelt sympathies to their families and those hit by the disaster. President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolences to Governor General Bob Dadae.

China stands ready to help with the relief and reconstruction efforts in light of Papua New Guinea's needs. We believe that the people of Papua New Guinea will get through this difficult time and rebuild their homes soon.

Hubei Media Group: We have learned that the Chinese nationals stranded due to the closure of airport in the French territory of New Caledonia have been safely relocated. Can you share more details?

Mao Ning: Since unrest broke out in the French territory of New Caledonia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has attached great importance to the safety of Chinese nationals there, and directed the Chinese Embassy in France to closely follow the developments, get timely updates on the Chinese nationals, issue security alerts, and do everything possible to protect the safety of Chinese nationals there. Meanwhile, the Ministry has also instructed Chinese embassies in France, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore to help with the transfer and evacuation of Chinese nationals. With the concerted efforts of various parties, 18 previously stranded Chinese nationals safely left New Caledonia on a chartered plane of the French government on May 26. We thank relevant countries for their assistance.a

Antara: The tenth World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia was concluded last week and has adopted a Declaration on "Water for Shared Prosperity," which covers the issues of the right to access safe drinking water and sanitation, also the importance of inclusive coordination and collaboration for integrated water resources management policies. How does the Chinese government support the declaration for this water preservation?

Mao Ning: We noted that the Indonesian Government successfully hosted the 10th World Water Forum, which has received positive response and extensive participation from the international community and provided an important platform for the world to address water challenges, build consensus on water issues and share successful experience in water governance.

In recent years, extreme weather events have occurred frequently around the world, and floods and droughts have been more complex and unpredictable. The Chinese government attaches great importance to international cooperation in water conservancy. We are committed to working with archipelagic and small island countries, including Indonesia, to jointly address the challenge of climate change. In recent years, China and Indonesia have carried out exchanges and cooperation in sustainable water resources management, water conservancy construction, mountain disaster prevention and control, flood and drought disaster prevention and other fields. Under the framework of Asian regional cooperation and China-ASEAN cooperation, the two countries have conducted practical project cooperation, involving dam construction and management and seawater desalination. These moves are of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of economy and society.

Water is fundamental to human survival and development. China is ready to work with other countries to strengthen practical water cooperation, exchange ideas on water control, discuss water control strategies, share experience, jointly build water control platforms, accelerate the implementation of the water-related goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.

Reuters: Will China consider visa exemptions for South Korean and Japanese citizens as part of the trilateral cooperation announced?

Mao Ning: China has always been an advocate of close people-to-people and cultural exchange under the framework of China-Japan-ROK cooperation. We stand ready to work with the other parties to raise the level of facilitation for cross-border travel.

Shenzhen TV: The Wall Street Journal reported on May 19, citing US government officials, that undersea cables that ferry internet traffic across the Pacific Ocean could be vulnerable to tampering by Chinese repair ships, and they have privately delivered an "unusual" warning to US companies including Google and Meta. US officials claimed that the cable maintenance ships of S. B. Submarine Systems have periodically disappeared from satellite ship-tracking services, and the US suspected that the vessels could engage in clandestine tapping of undersea data streams and mapping of the ocean floor to conduct reconnaissance on US military communication links, or theft of intellectual property. What is China's comment?

Mao Ning: We noted that relevant company has issued a response to the false claims, saying that the company strictly complies with relevant laws and regulations, international practices and industry standards, and daily operations are in line with the regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Chinese government always encourages our companies to observe market principles and international rules in their operations. US officials' claims are completely baseless and constitute ill-intentioned vilification of Chinese companies. We firmly oppose such US moves of overstretching the concept of national security and attacking and smearing Chinese companies.

By vilifying and suppressing telecommunications companies from China and the rest of the world, the US government intends to build a global monitoring system dominated by the US with no rival and under no oversight, so as to leave a door open for its blatant eavesdropping and espionage. In his book The Chip Trap, Marc Lassus, founder of French smart card producer Gemplus, revealed how US security services victimized him and seized control of Gemplus to eavesdrop on the rest of the world. The higher the pitch of the US framing of others, the clearer the world will see what a "hacking empire" the US truly is.

We urge the US government, which is obsessed with perpetuating its supremacy in cyberspace and telecommunications, to reflect on its behavior, stop vilifying Chinese companies, and stop these "thief-crying-stop-thief" stunts.

China News Service: We noted that Pakistan held a press conference on the investigation results of the March 26 terrorist attack on the convoy carrying Chinese personnel of the Dasu hydropower project. What's China's response?a

Mao Ning: China attaches great importance to the important progress made by the Pakistani side on the investigation of the terrorist attack. China supports Pakistan in continuing to get to the full bottom of what happened, and hunting down and bringing to justice all the perpetrators. China will continue to work with Pakistan to strengthen security cooperation and ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan.

Terrorism is a common enemy of humanity and a scourge against regional development and stability. China calls on countries in the region to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, root out all terrorist organizations, remove their breeding ground, and protect the common security and development interests of all countries.

Bloomberg: US lawmakers have expressed support for Taiwan's defense. This is during a trip to the island just days after China ended military exercises there. For example, Representative Michael McCaul said that he would be calling on relevant parties to speed up arms shipments for the purposes of deterrence. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment on these remarks?

Mao Ning: In disregard of China's strong opposition, relevant members of the US Congress still decided to visit Taiwan, which violates the one-China principle, the three China-US joint communiquAs, and the US government's own political commitment to maintaining only unofficial relations with the Taiwan region, and sends a severely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. China firmly opposes it and has made serious protests to the US. We will take necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. China firmly opposes military contact between the US and Taiwan and any attempt to arm Taiwan. We urge relevant members of the US Congress to stop playing the "Taiwan card," stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop supporting and conniving at "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and stop undermining China-US relations and cross-Strait peace and stability.

Global Times: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a decision on its website on May 22 on countermeasures against 12 US defense corporations and 10 senior executives. Is this China's response to US sanctioning of Chinese companies for Russia-related issues and the US side attending the "inauguration" of the leader of the Taiwan region?

Mao Ning: China announced the relevant decision in the No.7 decree of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 22. China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council. We will continue to take all measures necessary to protect our legitimate and lawful rights and interests. China urges the US to deeply reflect on its behavior, face up to its responsibility for the outbreak and escalation of the Ukraine crisis, stop vilification and pressuring, and stop abusing illicit unilateral sanctions.a

The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. No country, organization or individual shall underestimate the strong determination, will and ability of the Chinese government and people in defending our nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity, or imagine that they could step on or even cross the line on the Taiwan question without paying any price.

Reuters: Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has appealed to Chinese and US leaders to attend the peace summit in Switzerland next month. Will China be attending? And if yes, who will China send?

Mao Ning: On the Ukraine crisis, China hasaalways upheld a just and objective position and worked hard to promote peace talks. We encourage and support all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis, and 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. China stands ready to maintain communication with the international community on pushing for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Bloomberg: I think there's talk that China will send the delegation, but not a high-level delegation. So I guess the question is, will you send the delegation or not to the Swiss peace forum?

Mao Ning: I don't have anything to share on that right now.

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China Coordinator Mark B. Lambert's Virtual Meeting with the People's Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for Boundary and Ocean Affairs Hong Liang

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

May 27, 2024

U.S. Department of State China Coordinator and Deputy Assistant Secretary for China and Taiwan Mark B. Lambert met virtually with People's Republic of China (PRC) Director-General for Boundary and Ocean Affairs Hong Liang on May 23. The two sides discussed the current situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea, as well as other maritime issues. The United States raised concerns with the PRC's dangerous and destabilizing actions interfering with other states' exercise of high seas freedoms of navigation and reaffirmed the United States' ironclad alliance commitments and steadfast support for upholding the international law of the sea. The United States reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and shared deep concerns regarding People's Liberation Army joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. The consultation, which follows maritime discussions held in Beijing on November 3, 2023, is part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication to responsibly manage the U.S.-PRC relationship.

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Shanghai announces major policy measures to boost housing market

Global Times

By Global Times Published: May 28, 2024 05:01 AM

Shanghai announced on Monday that it will take a series of measures to optimize the local real estate market and promote stable and sound development, including relaxing certain restrictions on home purchases and reducing financial requirements. Experts said it will offer a significant boost for the housing market.

In a notice, four departments of the Shanghai Municipal government said that they will further optimize home purchase policies, support the demands of families with multiple children, and adjust mortgage policies. In total, the notice contained nine new policy measures, which will take effect on Tuesday.

Notably, the down payment ratio for first-time home buyers has been cut to 20 percent from the previous 30 percent, and the ratio for those who buy second homes has been cut to 35 percent from 50 percent, according to the notice.

Also, the minimum five-year mortgage rate for first-time home purchases has been lowered to 3.5 percent, while the rate for second home purchases has been reduced to 3.9 percent from 4.5 percent.

Moreover, the city will provide direct financial support for families facing difficult housing situations. Qualifying families will be able to apply for subsidies of up to 30,000 yuan ($4142.5) depending on the floor space of the apartments.

Yan Yuejin, research director at Shanghai-based E-house China R&D Institute, said that Shanghai's measures cover a wide range of areas and are "innovative," pointing to the subsidies for families seeking to improve their housing situation.

Shanghai's move came after a number of other Chinese cities issued similar policy measures to boost the real estate market. Many of the cities moved to relax restrictions on home purchases, cut down payment ratios and lower mortgage rates.

At the national level, several central government departments announced a massive package of policies to revive the real estate industry on May 17. The policy measures include lower down payment ratios and lower mortgage rates.

The policy measures came after a meeting of the Political Bureau of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee on April 30 demanded research into policies to reduce housing inventory and improve the quality of newly added housing, noting that efforts should be made to establish a new model for the real estate sector to promote its high-quality development.

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Press Statement of Spokesperson of DPRK Foreign Ministry

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, May 27 (KCNA) -- A spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Monday issued the following press statement "Hostile acts of infringing upon our inviolable national sovereignty will never be tolerated":

In connection with the prevailing unpardonable situation, in which the sovereignty of the DPRK has been seriously violated by an act of running counter to the UN Charter and all principles of international law with equal sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs as their core, the DPRK Foreign Ministry states as follows:

At a ROK-Japan-China tripartite summit held on Monday under the sponsorship of the ROK, a "joint declaration" calling for maintaining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the region and denuclearizing the Korean peninsula was made public.

It is a mockery of and trickery against the regional countries and the international community that the ROK is talking about "denuclearization", "peace and stability" as it has brought a grave security crisis to the Korean peninsula and the rest of the Northeast Asian region by frantically strengthening military alliance for aggression with hegemonic forces outside the region.

As regards the grave political provocation of denying the constitutional position of the DPRK, committed at an international meeting sponsored by the ROK, the DPRK Foreign Ministry strongly denounces and rejects it as a blatant challenge to the sovereignty of the DPRK and wanton interference in its internal affairs.

To discuss the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula today constitutes a grave political provocation and sovereignty violation that totally denies the DPRK's inviolable sovereignty and constitution reflecting the unanimous will of all the Korean people, before being an issue concerning any international duty or justification.

It is an insult never to be pardoned and a declaration of war against the DPRK that the ROK, in the most hostile relations with the DPRK, attempts to force the DPRK to violate its constitution in denial of its sovereign rights.

It is an undeniable fact and history that the U.S. nuclear threat, which has lasted for more than half a century, triggered off the DPRK's access to nuclear weapons and that hostile acts and military blackmail by the U.S. and the ROK have been a decisive factor of accelerating the DPRK's steady advance for bolstering up its nuclear force.

Various U.S.-led military blocs exist throughout the Asia-Pacific region including the Korean peninsula and the "nuclear consultative group" aimed at using nuclear weapons against the DPRK is operating. Furthermore, regional peace and stability are exposed to serious threats due to the U.S. and its vassal countries' ceaseless war drills for aggression. Given this grave security environment, denuclearization will only bring a nuclear crisis, instead of peace and stability.

Denuclearization on the Korean peninsula means a power vacuum and hastened war.

If anyone tries to deny or violate the constitutional position of our country as a nuclear weapons state, preaching the benefits of denuclearization to us, it will be regarded as the most serious infringement upon sovereignty forcing us to renounce our constitution and social system.

Such thing as "complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula" has already died out theoretically, practically and physically.

The DPRK will firmly defend the dignity and sovereignty of the nation and its people and its constitution from all sorts of attempts of the hostile forces to deny its absolute sovereignty, and make crucial efforts to build a new mechanical structure in the region based on justice and equity. -0-

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Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo reaffirm Korean Peninsula denuclearization commitment

A joint statement came after North Korea told the Japanese government it would launch a satellite before June 4.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.05.27 -- Leaders of South Korea, Japan and China reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula during a summit in Seoul on Monday, hours after the North announced a plan to launch a satellite.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang reached the agreement after the North notified Japan of its plan to launch a space rocket carrying a military spy satellite sometime before June 4.

"We reiterated positions on regional peace and stability, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the abduction issue, respectively. We agree to continue to make positive efforts for the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue," the three leaders said in a joint declaration.

"We reaffirmed that maintaining peace, stability and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia serves our common interest and is our common responsibility," they added.

North Korea condemned the summit declaration as a "grave political provocation and sovereignty violation."

"To discuss the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula today constitutes a grave political provocation and sovereignty violation that totally denies the DPRK's inviolable sovereignty and constitution reflecting the unanimous will of all the Korean people," North Korea's foreign ministry spokesman said in state media. He was referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

At the summit in the South Korean capital, Yoon and Kishida denounced the North's planned satellite launch as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban its use of ballistic missile technology.

"The international community must respond firmly," Yoon said during a joint press briefing.

Yoon's concerns were echoed by Kishida.

"If it proceeds, it will be a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. We strongly urge North Korea to cease this activity," he said.

China's Li called on all "related countries" to exercise restraint to mitigate tensions, without referring to North Korea directly.

"China has consistently worked to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and is pushing for a political resolution to the peninsula issue. Relevant parties should exercise restraint and prevent the situation from worsening and becoming more complicated," Li said during the briefing.

"Korea, Japan and China should properly handle sensitive issues and conflicts, consider each other's core interests and significant concerns, and practice genuine multilateralism to jointly safeguard stability in the Northeast Asian region," he added.

North Korea notified Japan of its plan to launch a satellite on the eve of the trilateral gathering, the first the leaders of South Korea, Japan and China have held since 2019.

Japan's Cabinet Secretariat said on Sunday that North Korea had informed it of plans to launch a rocket carrying a satellite before June 4, the Kyodo News Agency and Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported.

The North designated three areas where debris will fall -- two west of the Korean Peninsula and the other east of the Philippine island of Luzon, according to the reports.

Last week, the South Korean military said it had detected signs of Pyongyang preparing for a military spy satellite launch at a site on its west coast.

North Korea, which has conducted six nuclear tests, launched its first military reconnaissance satellite in November and has made public a plan to launch three more this year.

The trilateral session focused on promoting cooperation in six key areas: economy and trade, sustainable development, health issues, science and technology, disaster and safety management, and people-to-people exchanges.

The leaders also agreed to formalize the trilateral cooperation by holding regular summits and ministerial meetings.

Monday's session marked the first three-way meeting since December 2019, following a prolonged suspension due to COVID-19 and historical disputes among the Asian neighbors.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Updated to add North Korea's reaction.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content May not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Bagheri Kani

25 May 2024 14:57

981-25-05-2024

On May 25, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Bagheri Kani.

Sergey Lavrov offered his condolences in connection with the tragic death of the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Ali Bagheri Kani thanked the leadership of the Russian Federation for their attention, consideration, support, sincere sympathy and compassion towards the people of Iran during this difficult time.

The officials reaffirmed their strong commitment to continue forging a strategic partnership between Russia and Iran, as determined by the leaders of both countries. They also reiterated their readiness to implement all current agreements and projects across various fields.

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Iran determined to boost ties with Islamic nations: Acting president

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 27, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Acting President Mohammad Mokhber has said that the Islamic Republic of Iran will press on with the policy of strengthening its international relations, especially with Islamic and like-minded countries.

Mokhber made the remarks during a meeting with President of the National Assembly of Mali Abdoul Malick Diallo in Tehran on Monday.

He said Iran's late president, Ebrahim Raisi, and his foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollhian, were valuable assets for the Islamic world, and that the Islamic Republic was determined to follow in their footsteps in international affairs.

"Although the loss of these two great personalities is difficult, the Islamic Republic of Iran is still determined to implement the strategy of the late president in expanding and strengthening international relations, especially with Islamic and like-minded countries," he said.

President Raisi and his accompanying delegation lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash over mountainous terrain of Iran's northwest last week.

Mokhber called for the utilization of mutual capacities to upgrade economic relations between Iran and Mali.

Malick Diallo, for his part, expressed his condolences to Iran over the loss of President Raisi, and said Mali hoped to continue expanding economic and trade relations with the Islamic Republic.

4353**2050



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Applications for Iran's Presidential election to open on Thursday

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Mon / 27 May 2024 / 18:51

Iranian Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, announced that applications for candidates running for the Presidential Elections will be opened for reception starting Thursday.

Tehran -ISNA- Speaking with reporters, Vahidi stated "Registration of candidates for the fourteenth presidential term in Iran will begin Thursday, as the governors of the provinces have been informed to form election committees."

He added that the next president should continue the martyred President Ebrahim Raisi's career.

Currently, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is acting as Iran's interim president, as per Article 131 of the constitution, calling on him and the heads of the judiciary and legislative authorities to organize the presidential elections.

Iran's Guardian Council and the Elections Commission decided that elections would be held on June 28 to appoint a new president for the country on July 8.

According to the approved electoral calendar, candidates will be registered during the period from May 21 to June 3. Then, the Constitutional Council will study the eligibility of candidates between June 4 and June 10.

Then, on June 11, the Ministry of Interior will announce the approved candidates and the electoral campaigns will continue afterward until June 26.

On June 28, the presidential elections will be held, but the tentative schedule may change, taking into account that the 50-day deadline will end in the first week of July.

It has been confirmed on Monday 20 May that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was martyred in a tragic helicopter crash on Sunday in the northwestern province of East Azerbaijan, following the return from the working trip. His entire entourage, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Governor of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati, and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem, the Imam for Friday prayers in the city of Tabriz also perished.

End Item



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Iran's interim FM: Strong bonds among neighbors will lead to expulsion of outsiders from West Asia

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 2:38 PM

Iran's Interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says stronger bonds and ties among the neighboring states are the only way to expel foreigners from the West Asia region.

Bagheri Kani made the remarks in a joint press conference with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi, who arrived in Tehran on Monday to express his country's solidarity with Iran following the death of President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash last week.

"Today, we are consolidating friendly and fraternal relations and promoting multilateral ties with our neighbors," Bagheri Kani said.

He added that the Islamic Republic is determined to prevent any gap in its cordial relations with the neighboring states.

Bagheri Kani noted that he and the visiting Omani foreign minister discussed the Israeli regime's ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip and stressed the need to make more serious efforts to end the crimes and send humanitarian aid to the war-stricken people of Palestine.

Iran and Oman will promote cooperation in this regard, he said.

The interim foreign minister thanked Omani authorities for their messages of condolences over the tragic incident in Iran and the participation of an Omani delegation in the memorial ceremonies.

He noted that foreign policy had a special position in the doctrine of Raeisi's administration which included the expansion of political ties with the neighboring countries and enhanced trade cooperation.

Raeisi, Amir-Abdollahian and six others were killed on May 19, when their helicopter crashed in foggy weather in the mountains near the northwestern border with Azerbaijan. Their bodies were found the following day after a massive search operation.

The Omani foreign minister, for his part, said he exchanged views with Bagheri Kani on issues of common interest concerning the region, particularly Israel's massacre and destruction in Gaza.

He said considerable efforts are underway to put an end to the Israeli regime's acts of aggression.

He emphasized that international will to establish the Palestinian state will be realized.

The top Omani diplomat hailed his country's growing relations with Iran and noted that the two sides will strive to implement the agreements already reached between Tehran and Muscat.

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Iran: Countering Israel core of foreign policy; no change in Palestine support

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 11:22 AM

Iran says it will make no changes in its foreign policy regarding its unwavering support for Palestine and confronting the Israeli regime.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani made the remarks at his weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, as he once again expressed his condolences over the martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raeisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and six of their companions in a helicopter crash on May 19.

"Supporting Palestine and confronting the Zionist regime are among the main principles of Iran's foreign policy, derived from the Constitution and the guidelines of Leader [of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei]," he said.

Despite the tragic incident of the death of President Raeisi and his entourage, Iran's support for Palestine will not be stopped or disrupted, he added.

He emphasized that Iran will continue its legal, diplomatic and international support for Palestine as a moral responsibility.

Raeisi, Amir-Abdollahian and six others were killed on May 19, when their helicopter crashed in foggy weather in the mountains near the northwestern border with Azerbaijan. Their bodies were found the following day after a massive search operation.

The pair had defended the Palestinians' rights in regional and international meetings and appreciated their resilience against the Israeli occupation and its criminal war in the Gaza Strip over the past seven months.

Kan'ani renewed the international community's "legal and moral" responsibility vis-A -vis the Israeli regime's crimes in Gaza.

He said the Zionist regime is violating international conventions, and the International Court of Justice has ordered an immediate end to the regime's military aggression on Gaza's southern city of Rafah.

"There are all the necessary legal and international grounds to end the war, but it is obvious that what has happened [in Gaza] over the recent months was the outcome of the support of certain countries, especially the United States for the Zionist regime," he added.

On May 24, the International Court of Justice, the top United Nations court, said Israel must immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in the Rafah Governorate that may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.

As the biggest sponsor of the Israeli regime, the Iranian spokesman said, the US government is not committed to the decisions by important legal and international bodies.

He urged world nations to constantly ask their governments to play a role in putting an end to Israel's war in the Gaza Strip.

At least 35,984 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed and more than 80,600 others wounded in the war that Israel began on October 7, 2023, following a retaliatory operation by the Palestinian territory's resistance movements.

The brutal military onslaught enjoys unreserved military and political support on the part of the Israeli regime's Western allies, including the United States and France.

'Enhanced ties with neighbors among achievements of Raeisi admin'

The Iranian spokesperson further noted that clearance of misunderstandings and development of relations with neighbors, especially the Persian Gulf littoral states, were among the achievements of the strategic policy of the late President Raeisi's administration.

Kan'ani said he is aware of the reports about Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's remarks regarding Manama's willingness to resume diplomatic ties with Iran.

He hailed the Bahraini king's message of condolences and the presence of the Arab country's foreign minister in funeral processions held for President Raeisi and his companions.

'Iran attaches importance to Africa'

Kan'ani pointed to the significance of promoting ties with African countries and said the Iranian government attaches importance to Africa as the continent of opportunities.

He added that the recent tragic incident in Iran will not disrupt further expansion of relations with the African states.

'No change in Iran's indirect talks to remove sanctions'

The diplomat said Iran has made no change in its approach to indirect and mediated talks aimed at removing sanctions and returning all parties to their commitments as per the 2015 nuclear agreement.

"We will continue our efforts within the same framework," Kan'ani added.

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Iran to keep boosting ties with neighbors, including Pakistan: Top general

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 8:15 AM

The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has emphasized that the Islamic Republic will continue the policy of enhancing brotherly ties with neighboring countries, including Pakistan.

Major General Mohammad Baqeri made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir on Sunday, one week after Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian lost their lives in a helicopter crash.

Baqeri said President Raeisi stressed the need to expand the Iran-Pakistan ties, turn the common border into the frontier of friendship, and reinforce bilateral relations in all fields.

Similarly, he added, Amir-Abdollahian was keen on bolstering cooperation with neighboring states, particularly Pakistan, and made efforts to that aim.

Baqeri noted that Iran's foreign policy has not changed and that the country has an unchangeable stance on developing ties with its neighbors, especially the friendly and brotherly relations with Pakistan.

"We will definitely be able to further develop the relationship between the two countries ... and we will not allow any external factor to damage this friendly and brotherly bond," he said.

Raeisi, Amir-Abdollahian and six others were killed on May 19, when their helicopter crashed in foggy weather in the mountains near the northwestern border with Azerbaijan. The charred wreckage of the aircraft was found the following day.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a day of mourning as a mark of respect for the Iranian president and foreign minister, whom he described as "good friends of Pakistan".

He also attended the funeral ceremony of the martyred officials in Tehran.

President Raeisi had paid a three-day official visit to Pakistan just weeks before his death.

Also in his remarks, Baqeri appreciated the measures taken by Pakistan following the martyrdom of the top Iranian officials.

The Pakistani Army chief voiced sympathy with Iran over the demise of President Raeisi, saying he was a source of honor not only for Iran, but also for the Islamic Ummah, and that all his efforts were directed towards unity among all of the world's Muslims.

He further expressed dismay at the martyrdom of Amir-Abdollahian, saying, "He was like my brother and took very effective steps to unite the two brotherly and friendly nations of Iran and Pakistan."

The government, the armed forces and the nation of Pakistan have always stood by Iran in order to strengthen mutual interaction and they will not let foreigners weaken the fraternal relationship between Tehran and Islamabad, Munir asserted.

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Iran's enriched uranium stockpile grows, IAEA reports

By VOA News May 27, 2024

Iran has amassed more highly enriched uranium, increasing its stockpile to near weapons-grade levels, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said Monday in a confidential report.

The report, seen by The Associated Press, said Iran's supply of enriched uranium has reached 30 times more than the amount agreed upon in a 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers to limit Iran's nuclear program.

Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is more than 6,201.3 kilograms (13,671.5 pounds) a a 675.8 kilogram (1,489.8 pound) increase since the International Atomic Energy Agency's last report in February.

Rafael Grossi, IAEA director and U.N. nuclear watchdog chief, warned last month that Iran has had enough highly enriched uranium for "several" nuclear bombs if it chooses to build them.

"The level of inspection [in Iran] is not at the level we should have," he told Sky News in April.

Iranian officials have threatened they could pursue atomic weapons. Iran has said its nuclear program is peaceful.

The U.N. and Iran have not yet come to an agreement over a 2023 deal over expanding inspection of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

The report said Monday that Tehran has not reconsidered its September decision to prevent the most experienced IAEA nuclear inspectors from monitoring its nuclear facilities, adding that it expects Iran "to do so in the context of the ongoing consultations between the agency and Iran."

Tensions have heightened between the IAEA and Iran, and since former President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018.

IAEA surveillance cameras have been disrupted, while Iran has barred some of the agency's most experienced inspectors from its nuclear program.

Tehran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel in April. The strike followed Israel's apparent attack on an Iranian consular building in Syria that killed two Iranian generals and others.

Israel's nuclear weapons program did not dissuade Iran's assault. Experts suggest Iran could pursue a nuclear bomb after a major attack on the country.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.

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In Kazakhstan, 'The Floods Are Over But The Problems Have Just Begun'

By Chris Rickleton, Petr Trotsenko and Ainur Saparova May 27, 2024

ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- The dozens of residents who held a weeklong protest outside a government building in the flood-hit town of Qulsary have packed up their tents and their banners -- for the moment.

But they are not the only ones crying out for faster and larger government compensation after historic flooding in Kazakhstan.

Beyond the immediate financial fallout in terms of handouts for the tens of thousands who lost homes, livestock, and other possessions in the floods, there is the longer-term impact on th environment and agriculture, with swathes of crop-growing land damaged by the deluge.

"The floods are over but the problems have just begun," summed up Almasbek Sadyrbaev, chairman of Shanyrak, a farming association with members across the country.

Kazakhstan's cagey authorities are likely aware of that, but will they find answers?

Disagreement On The Costs

Seasonal floods that President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev called the worst experienced by the country for some 80 years began devastating the country in the second half of March, peaking in the first half or April and continuing into May.

The deluge was caused by a sudden spell of warm weather on the back of cold temperatures and high snowfall, which allowed for a dangerous build-up of ice on Kazakhstan's vast steppes.

Well over 100,000 people were evacuated during the flooding that began in the second half of March and peaked in mid-April, causing several fatalities.

The worst-hit regions were northern and western Kazakhstan.

Gauez Nurmukhambetov, governor of North Kazakhstan Province, estimated earlier this month that his region alone required 73 billion tenges ($165 million) to compensate damages.

That was more than the amount allocated annually for the development of the province's administrative center, Petropavl, where more than 200,000 people live, he added.

Local authorities in Aqtobe, one of the first provinces hit by the floods and one of the first where they receded, reckoned on 51 billion tenges ($115 million) in late April.

Given that they are just two of seven provinces affected, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbaev's initial projection of 400 billion tenges ($923 million) in total damages -- he stressed at the time that the figure was only preliminary -- is looking increasingly forlorn.

Of course, not everyone has been happy about the size of compensation presently on offer.

Qulsary, a town in the western province of Atyrau, suffered disproportionately, with around 2,000 permanent homes damaged and a further 1,000 deemed beyond repair.

Hundreds of residents were seeking upfront payments of 400,000 tenges ($903) per square meter in compensation, while officials have cited calculations of between 200,000 and 240,000 tenges ($450-$563).

Dozens of demonstrators had camped out on the town square, but they ended their protest on May 22, telling RFE/RL's Kazakh Service that they feared "provocations" after citizens unaffected by the flood joined them and issued broader political demands.

But several residents who have been homeless for more than a month told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service that they remain unsatisfied with the lower figure, with some saying that it doesn't take into account labor costs. They have not ruled out resuming their protest.

Containing The Anger

On the same day as Qulsary ended its protest, Kazakh media reported that the Halyk charitable fund controlled by Timur Kulibaev -- Kazakhstan's top banker and the son-in-law of ex-President Nursultan Nazarbaev -- had begun paying residents of the town compensation.

The Ata Meken business website noted that Halyk had contributed 31.4 billion tenges (more than $70 million) to fighting the floods, with most of the money going to victims in Atyrau.

Protests about compensation were also held this month outside the town hall in Oral, the administrative center of West Kazakhstan Province, whose city outskirts were badly flooded.

One Oral resident said last week that he was paid a visit by police at the evacuation point where he is living with his family after their home went underwater.

He told RFE/RL that they warned him that he faced 15 days imprisonment if he protested again, to which he replied: "I have nothing to lose. I am homeless anyway."

There have been few reports of arrests connected with the protests despite the fact that gatherings that take place without government approval are illegal under Kazakh law.

But at least 29 citizens had faced administrative sanctions for spreading "false information" connected to the flooding, according to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

Six of those citizens were sentenced to short detentions, Bektenov said on May 21.

Additionally, Oral journalist Raul Uporov was charged and fined for hooliganism after he recorded a video message defying local authorities' prohibition on media coverage in parts of the flood zone.

Uporov and his colleague Lukpan Akhmedyarov made several video reports on the floods in Oral on their YouTube channel Prosto Jurnalistika.

Spoiled Land?

Aside from publicly calling on oligarchs like Kulibaev to pick up part of the compensation tab, Toqaev has moved quickly to cancel or cut funding for flashy budget-funded events whose costs are scrutinized by the population.

One of these was the Astana International Forum, which the capital was due to host in June.

Climate change was one of a number of topics addressed at the last edition of the forum, which is typically viewed as an attempt to project the country's international image and attract investment, similar to Russia's St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

In his keynote address last year, Toqaev raised concern that "droughts and floods in Central Asia will [reduce] GDP by 1.3 percent per year and reduce agricultural yields by 30 percent, resulting in an estimated 5 million internal climate migrants by 2050."

While Toqaev was talking in general terms, experts are already counting the cost of 2024's floods to agriculture, with Sadyrbaev warning that the sector had been "set back several years."

In late April, the Agriculture Ministry said that it had paid out 278 million tenges ($680,000) in compensation for livestock, with calculations continuing.

But Sadyrbaev said multiple farmers have reported problems in proving their right to compensation to his organization.

The government's initial preference that farmers retain the corpses of their livestock as proof was rendered meaningless amid evidence that some livestock had been washed downstream as far as the Caspian Sea, he said.

Shanyrak and other farming associations are now hopeful the government will work out fair compensation according to the farmbooks kept by local administrations, where "all animals are more or less recorded."

What of the damage to land? That is a big unknown for the moment.

Laura Malikova, chairman of the board of the Association of Practicing Environmentalists, told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service that farmers should carry out water and soil tests for harmful substances -- especially in areas where cattle burial grounds were washed away -- before restarting any agricultural work.

Longer term, the government should develop a national adaptation plan for climate change in order to minimize the risk from future disasters, something that the ecologist says does not exist yet.

Kiril Pavlov, an analyst and consultant focused on agriculture, raises similar fears.

"Our farmers often do not observe crop rotation, planting the same crop in the same place for 10-15 years," Pavlov said, highlighting wheat production as typical of this habit.

"As a result, certain pathogens appear in the soil that reduce productivity. When the floods swept through the fields, the water collected not only pathogens like these but also pesticides and insecticides that were used to treat the soil," Pavlov said.

Kazakhstan's spring sowing campaign began in mid-May.

A readout from a May 14 government meeting stated that 580 billion tenge will be allocated for sowing work, mostly in the form of soft loans and subsidies for farmers.

The readout did not mention the flooding but said that the figure was "three times greater than in previous years."

At the same time, the fields in some parts of the country appear to be either waterlogged or too soaked to begin work, Pavlov noted.

"Moreover, in northern [Kazakhstan] there are predictions of a cool summer," the analyst noted.

"Late sowing and a summer with less sun. When you combine these factors, they raise big questions about [this year's] harvest."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-floods-problems- compensation/32965887.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.

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Northern Myanmar residents caught up in fighting, dozens hurt

Eight people were critically injured, witnesses said.

By RFA Burmese 2024.05.27 -- Fighting in northern Myanmar trapped 40 people and wounded dozens, witnesses told Radio Free Asia on Monday, as the war between the junta that seized power in 2021 and its enemies trying to end military rule takes an increasing toll of civilians.

The Kachin Independence Army, an ethnic minority rebel group battling the junta in resource-rich Kachin State says it has captured about 100 junta camps, eight towns and a major trade route in recent months.

Last week, the group seized a base in Waingmaw township, about 20 km (12 miles) from the state capital, Myitkyina.

Heavy fighting erupted there late on Sunday as a military convoy was passing, sending residents fleeing any way they could, most in cars and on motorbikes, some of those who fled said.

Twenty-six civilians were wounded by gunfire and shelling, with six men and two women in critical condition, the residents said, adding that about 40 people, many of them migrant workers, were trapped and unable to escape in the chaos.

"Unfortunately they got stuck in the fighting that erupted at the entrance of Waingmaw town," said one resident who managed to flee. The resident declined to be identified citing safety fears.

"They were suddenly in the middle of a battle and getting injured."

It was not clear which side's fire hit the residents, they said.

RFA telephoned Kachin State's junta spokesperson, Moe Min Thein, and Kachin Independence Army information officer Col. Naw Bu for more information, but neither of them answered the calls.

Most of those wounded in the fighting were men between the ages of 30 and 60, the resident said.

Aid groups sent them to hospital in Waingmaw, but were transferred early on Monday to hospital in Myitkyina, about 20 km (12 miles) to the north, relief workers told RFA.

Limited telecommunications have made it difficult for aid workers to confirm the identities of the injured and to assess safety, they said.

Seven residents of Waingmaw were killed and 22 wounded in fighting between Tuesday and Saturday last week..

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content May not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Volkswagen's truck unit should cut any Myanmar junta links: groups

Legislation from the European Union could hold companies more accountable.

By Kiana Duncan for RFA 2024.05.27 -- A human rights group called on German truck manufacturer Traton SE to cut any business ties to the Myanmar military or divest from a Chinese state-owned firm, in which it has a stake, that the group said supplies military trucks to the junta.

Rights group Justice for Myanmar said in a joint report with data analysis organization C4ADS that Traton and its parent company, Volkswagen, should investigate the Chinese firm's Myanmar business links and cut business relations with it to avoid complicity.

"There is substantial evidence that the military obtains and assembles these trucks through the support of the Chinese state-owned company Sinotruk, which, in turn, benefits from the investment and collaboration of the German company Traton SE," the groups said.

Sinotruk's Hong Kong subsidiary is 25% owned by Traton, and the groups believe that this gives the German firm significant influence over the company.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew an elected government in 2021, ending a decade of tentative reform. Pro-democracy activists have taken up arms, joining forces with autonomy-seeking ethnic minority insurgents to end military rule.

In the more than three years since the coup, more than 5,000 people have been killed by the junta, according to the activist group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Justice for Myanmar and C4ADS said that recent reporting and public information indicated that Sinotruk's vehicles are widely used during military operations in Myanmar and that the company had directly engaged with the military through sales and manufacturing support.

For instance, there were at least eight shipments, including disassembled truck parts, between Sinotruk and the Myanmar junta between April 2021 and March 2022, according to global trade records seen by Justice for Myanmar.

"The Myanmar military junta's continued campaign of repression and violence against the people of Myanmar is reliant on a fleet of military trucks that transport troops and weapons," the groups said in their report.

"Traton and its parent company, Volkswagen, should conduct a thorough investigation into Sinotruk's business links," they said. "Traton must take immediate action to ensure it cuts all business ties to the Myanmar military."

"Traton should ensure that Sinotruk ends any and all business with the Myanmar military junta or divests from the company in accordance with its international human rights responsibilities."

A spokesperson at Traton said it did not have any say over Sinotruk's actions.

"We consider Sinotruk as a financial investment with a 25% equity stake. Traton has no operational influence on their business activity," said head of external communications Sacha Klingner in a statement, adding that there were no supply relations between Traton, its brands and Sinotruk.

"Like with each of our investments, we continuously monitor performance and development - but we don't comment or speculate on any potential future M&A [mergers and acquisitions] transactions."

Sinotruk and Volkswagen did not respond to requests from RFA for comment.

New accountability

The United States and other Western countries have imposed various sanctions on the Myanmar military, while anti-junta groups and rights activists have called on all countries and companies to stop supplying the junta with weapons and other supplies.

While Justice for Myanmar and C4ADS cited multiple voluntary international guidelines for businesses to help protect human rights in their operations and among partners, these are not legally binding for companies found to be violating them.

The EU Council adopted a directive on Friday that could be more effective in ensuring its member states are more accountable for their business partners' actions.

The directive requires companies with more than 1,000 employees and over 450 million euro in worldwide revenue to "identify, assess, prevent, mitigate, bring to an end to and remedy their negative impact and that of their upstream and downstream partners," by seeking "contractual assurances from the partners," among other actions.

EU member states will be responsible for setting up supervisory bodies to monitor and act against companies violating it, an EU press officer told RFA.

Member states like Germany will have two years to apply the directive to their national laws. Unlike former guidelines, this will be legally binding.

Patrick Hoffmann, co-founder of German Solidarity Myanmar, said EU rules could have potential if they targeted a wider range of business relationships, including shareholdings and strategic partnerships.

"Such a national authority could have quite a bandwidth of possibilities on formal investigations," Hoffmann said, referring to the supervisory body EU members will set up under the directive. "There's a whole spectrum of things they could do."

Edited by Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content May not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Attack on Pakistani outpost near Afghan border kills 5 soldiers, 7 militants

By Ayaz Gul May 27, 2024

Heavily armed militants attacked a Pakistani security outpost near the border with Afghanistan early Monday, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers and seven assailants in the ensuing firefight.

Security officials confirmed the deaths to VOA, saying the attack occurred in the remote Tirah valley in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and resulted in injuries to six soldiers.

Hours later, the media wing of the Pakistani military also confirmed the casualties suffered by its forces in the clashes in the former militant stronghold, saying that seven militants were killed in retaliatory fire.

"A large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was also recovered from the killed terrorists who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as innocent civilians," the statement added.

Militants allied with the outlawed Pakistani Taliban, formally known as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, TTP, released a statement claiming responsibility for staging the raid in Tirah.

The deadly attack came a day after the Pakistani military reported that a counterterrorism raid near the provincial capital of Peshawar killed two Pakistani soldiers and five alleged "terrorists" believed to be linked to TTP.

Sunday, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also renewed Islamabad's demand for the Taliban government in Afghanistan to immediately stop TTP leaders and fighters from orchestrating cross-border terrorism from their alleged havens in the neighboring country.

Naqvi stated at a news conference that "if the TTP headquarters remain in Afghanistan" and no action is taken to dismantle them, it would become "very challenging" for Islamabad to improve relations with the de facto Kabul rulers.

"We want good relations with Afghanistan, but this is possible only if they do not allow their land to be used for terrorism against Pakistan," Naqvi said. "But it is imperative (for the Taliban) that the individuals engaged in terrorism within their borders are apprehended, prosecuted, or surrendered to us."

The minister also stated that TTP had planned and directed from Afghan sanctuaries a suicide car bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this past March that killed five Chinese engineers along with their Pakistani driver. The Chinese nationals were working on a major hydropower project, known as the Dasu Dam, in the province.

Naqvi said that the suicide bomber was an Afghan national, noting that Pakistani authorities have arrested 11 people in connection with the attack and plan to prosecute them soon.

The Taliban government rejects allegations TTP is operating out of their territory, saying they are not allowing anyone to use Afghan soil to threaten neighboring countries or beyond.

Skeptics question those assertions. A recent United Nations report on the security situation in Afghanistan highlighted the Taliban's continued close ties to al-Qaida operatives, saying the terrorist network has established new training camps in the country and is facilitating TTP in conducting cross-border attacks against Pakistan.

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China, South Korea, Japan revive dialogue in Seoul

By William Gallo May 27, 2024

Senior leaders from China, South Korea, and Japan pledged greater "practical cooperation" and danced around areas of disagreement as they met in Seoul Monday, reviving high-level dialogue for the first time in almost five years.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang hailed the meeting as "both a restart and a new beginning," as he addressed reporters after meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

In a joint statement, the three countries vowed to speed up negotiations on a "high-quality" trilateral free trade deal and agreed to expand programs related to climate change, student exchanges, and disaster relief.

They also agreed to regularize the three-way talks, which had not occurred since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and frictions among the Asian powers.

China has watched warily as Japan and South Korea expand cooperation, not only between themselves but also with the United States, which Beijing fears is trying to contain its rise.

In their public statements Monday, the three leaders mostly focused on areas of cooperation. Maki Kobayashi, the press secretary for Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the talks as "very constructive."

But contentious issues hovered over the discussions, especially after North Korea announced hours earlier that it plans to launch another military spy satellite into orbit by early next week.

Nuclear-armed North Korea has vowed to launch three satellites this year as part of an effort to monitor what it sees as U.S. military threats in the region.

Both Yoon and Kishida called on North Korea to scrap the planned launch, which they said would violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. China's Li, however, called for "all parties to play a constructive role [and] stay committed to easing tensions."

Hours after the meeting ended, South Korea's military announced that it conducted attack drills Monday involving about 20 fighter jets, including F-35 aircraft, to "show the will and ability to punish the enemy's provocation."

China, which has a mutual defense treaty with North Korea, says South Korea and its ally the United States should focus on making concessions instead of applying military pressure toward Pyongyang.

According to the joint statement, China, Japan, and South Korea "reiterated positions" on the "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" and agreed "to continue to make positive efforts for the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue."

In a separate meeting with Li Monday, South Korea's presidential office said Yoon called on China to play a "constructive role" in maintaining the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and to help more with North Korean defectors.

China sees North Korean defectors as illegal economic migrants and regularly sends them back to their homeland, where they face punishment including forced labor, imprisonment, torture, or execution.

In response to Yoon's request, Li said he is "well aware of the concerns of the Korean side" and wants continued communication on the matter, according to the South Korean presidential office.

Japanese officials also said many of the more sensitive discussions were held during bilateral talks between Kishida and Li on Sunday.

According to a Japanese statement, Kishida expressed "serious concerns" about China's increasing military activities in the region, including in the East and South China Seas, and raised concerns about the situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, where Beijing is accused of human rights abuses.

Kishida also said Japan is "closely monitoring recent developments" in Taiwan, reiterating that "peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is extremely important for the international community, including Japan."

China last week conducted two days of large-scale military exercises encircling Taiwan, further raising tension around what is perhaps the most sensitive regional hotspot.

South Korea and Japan have grown bolder about speaking of the importance of preserving the status quo in democratic Taiwan, which China has threatened to take by force.

China strongly objects to such statements, insisting its relationship with Taiwan is a domestic matter. According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Li told Kishida that Taiwan is at the "core" of Beijing's interest, calling it a red line that must not be crossed.

At the start of his meeting with Kishida and Yoon, Li also seemed to criticize Japan and South Korea for working more closely with the United States.

"We must uphold the spirit of strategic autonomy, maintain bilateral relations, promote a multipolar world, and oppose playing bloc or camp politics," Li said, according to Chinese state media.

Despite such frictions, leaders from all three countries said it was important that the trilateral dialogue continue, saying it was essential for resolving issues of concern.

"At the end of the day, neighboring countries need to coexist," said Noriyuki Shikata, Japan's Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs. "We can't just keep escalating tensions."

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions of the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin TV programme, May 26, 2024

26 May 2024 13:15

983-26-05-2024

Question: I would like to ask a global question, if I may: On the whole, the United States and Western elites cannot help but realise that they are impacting our vital root interests, and that what is happening today has always been unthinkable. Why are they doing this?

Sergey Lavrov: They have realised that it is their goal to prevent Russia from becoming stronger and to contain our country; they are talking seriously that it is necessary to "decolonise" Russia, i.e. to "dismember" it. This is their strategic objective.

They started acting this way after we showed that we will not put up with this and would not allow them to use Ukraine as a direct threat to our security and as a tool for destroying all things Russian on historical Russian territories.

As I understand, these discussions reflect, to a certain extent, their pessimism and a realisation that they will not achieve their goal using ordinary honest international law methods that are applied even during hostilities. This resembles an agony.

Question: Do they believe that, by pitting two nations against each other and unleashing hostilities between two neighbouring nations with blood ties (brothers, sisters and wives), they would force us to quarrel for decades and to drift apart? Is this their goal?

Sergey Lavrov: It appears that this is their goal. They have been doing this for over 20 years, if not 30 years, right after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Their goal was to destroy all things Russian, including the Russian language, and to establish their influence over this territory that they wanted to take over. There were plans to establish military bases on the ground and on the Sea of Azov. They also seriously wanted to stake a claim in Crimea. Those were their plans, and they were counting on this.

As usual, the people of Russia rallied, as it always happens when they wake up the Russian bear. These are not empty words. We have seen this during Russian presidential election, and we are witnessing this during the everyday work of our enterprises and public organisations. We can say the same about Russians who lived on former Ukrainian territories. They are facing threats every day. The Nazi regime continues to use Western weapons for hitting civilian targets, towns and cities. Despite all this, Russians living on liberated territories are staunchly reaffirming their commitment to the Russian World in all its manifestations. They are reaffirming their commitment to Russia with which they were separated for various reasons, as President Vladimir Putin said on many occasions. However, we can see now that they never perceived themselves outside Russia.

As it often happens with Western strategists, the West has obtained a diametrically opposite result.

Question: We can see that the West is making more and more bellicose statements at all levels. Russia is voicing a more specific and cool-headed position. What are the chances that they will unwittingly cross a boundary when their actions would cause Russia to retaliate and hit them hard?

Sergey Lavrov: I can assure you that they will be unable to unwittingly cross this boundary.





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Russia: EU sets up new country-specific framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for human rights violations, and lists 20 persons

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

27 May 2024 14:55

The Council today established a new framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia.

The decision to establish this new sanctions' regime is part of the EU's response to the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia. The new regime was proposed by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, after the untimely death of the opposition politician Alexei Navalny in Siberian prison in February.

The new regime will allow the EU to target also those who provide financial, technical, or material support for, or are otherwise involved in or associated with people and entities committing human rights violations in Russia.

Furthermore, the new sanctions regime introduces trade restrictions on exporting equipment, which might be used for internal repression, as well as on equipment, technology or software intended primarily for use in information security and the monitoring or interception of telecommunication.

Alexei Navalny's shocking death was another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression by the Kremlin regime. He, as with other political prisoners and victims, gave hope to democrats and civil society in Russia. We will spare no efforts to hold the Russian political leadership and authorities to account, including through this new sanctions' regime, targeting those limiting the respect for and violating human rights in Russia. - Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Today the Council also decided to list one entity and 19 natural persons under the new regime:

-the Federal Penitentiary Service of the Russian Federation, which is the central authority managing the Russian prison system, known for its widespread and systematic abuses against, and ill-treatment of, political prisoners in Russia. As a federal agency, FSIN is responsible for the penal colonies where Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny was held on politically motivated charges and ultimately died on 16 February 2024, and

-several judges, prosecutors and members of the judiciary, who played a key role in the imprisonment and ultimate death of Alexei Navalny, as well as the sentencing on politically motivated charges of Oleg Orlov, one of the most respected and longest-serving human rights defender in Russia, one of the leaders of 2022 Nobel Peace Prize-winning organisation Memorial Human Rights Defence Center, and artist Alexandra Skochilenko.

Those designated today are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.

The EU remains deeply concerned about the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Russia, especially in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and strongly condemns the severe expansion of restrictive legislation, the systematic and intensifying repression against civil society and human rights defenders, as well as the unabated crackdown on independent media, individual journalists and media workers, political opposition members and other critical voices active throughout the Russian Federation and outside the country.

On 19 February 2024, the High Representative expressed, on behalf of the EU, outrage on the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and stated that the ultimate responsibility for this death lies with President Putin and the Russian authorities. The High Representative urged Russia to allow an independent and transparent international investigation into circumstances of Mr. Navalny's death, and asserted that it is yet another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia.

In its conclusions of 22 March 2024 the European Council called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Russia and an end to the persecution of the political opposition. Furthermore, it called for work to be taken forward in the Council to establish a new sanctions regime in view of the situation in Russia.

The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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Tsahkna in Brussels: Russia's hybrid actions require a response

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

27.05.2024

Today Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where he gave an overview of Russia's activities on Estonia's eastern border, and the ministers discussed Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East and Georgia.

Tsahkna said the removal of border markings by Russia in the cover of night fitted into a broader pattern of provocative actions by Russia. "Russia removed the border markings from the border of not just Estonia but also NATO and the EU," he said, adding that the violation required a response. "Russia's hybrid actions are becoming increasingly blatant and aggressive and we need to respond."

The ministers discussed continued comprehensive support to Ukraine and raising the cost of the war for Russia, including using the windfall profits from frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine and imposing additional sanctions against Russia. "I am looking forward to prompt decisions on these issues," Tsahkna emphasised. He added that at the same time, discussions over using primary assets must continue, as the majority of Russia's sovereign assets that have been frozen and are worth more than a300 billion are located in Europe.

Tsahkna said it was equally critical to make progress with the Ukraine package of the European Peace Facility (EPF) to help Ukraine with ammunition and other critical equipment. "Ukrainian soldiers are fighting on the frontline for not only their independence, but the security of all of Europe and they do not have enough ammunition to defend themselves." The meeting also covered improving the defence capability of Europe, where boosting the productivity of Europe's defence industry is key.

On the initiative of Foreign Minister Tsahkna, the ministers spoke about the situation in Georgia, including the law on foreign agents adopted in the Georgian parliament. "The path the government of Georgia has chosen despite the opposition of its people deprives them of a chance to become a part of the European Union," he said. "European Union membership is the best guarantee for a democratic Georgia. I am hoping with all my heart that Georgia will not turn its back on Europe."

Touching upon the situation in the Middle East, Tsahkna welcomed the peace efforts of the EU. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical; children make up more than half of the population and nearly 1.1 million residents of Gaza are at immediate risk of famine. I am calling on Israel to do its utmost to make sure that critical humanitarian aid reaches those in need."

The beginning of the discussion was attended by the foreign ministers of Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan and Qatar, and the secretary general of the Arab League.

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EU imposes new sanctions in response to Alexei Navalny's death while imprisoned

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland

Press releases, 27.5.2024

On 27 May 2024, the European Union imposed new sanctions related to the case of opposition politician Alexei Navalny and set up a new sanctions regime linked to the internal situation in Russia. Navalny died in a penal colony in Russia on 16 February 2024. The joint message of EU Member States is that Russia is responsible for Navalny's death.

On 27 May 2024, the European Union decided to set up a new sanctions regime linked to the internal situation in Russia. The regime allows the EU to impose sanctions on Russian individuals and entities deemed to have committed serious human rights violations in Russia. The new sanctions regime will also make it possible to impose sanctions on those deemed to have committed acts of repression against civil society and the democratic opposition in Russia, along with those whose actions seriously threaten democracy and the rule of law in the country.

The individuals now listed under the sanctions regime are judges and prosecutors in the Russian judicial system who were involved in the case of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who died in prison. Navalny died in a penal colony in Russia on 16 February 2024. Russia is responsible for Navalny's death. The EU had already imposed sanctions on a number of actors involved in the case as part of its global sanctions regime targeting individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses and violations.

Under the new sanctions regime, natural persons may be subject to entry and transit bans within the EU. The funds and economic resources of sanctioned individuals and entities may be frozen, and the provision of funds or economic resources to them either directly or indirectly for their benefit is prohibited. The new sanctions regime also prohibits exports to Russia of technologies and software used for the repression and surveillance of its citizens.

The state of Russian civil society has deteriorated since Russia launched its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The number of political prisoners is growing, sentences are getting longer and prisoners are being subjected to ill-treatment. Harsh sentences are being used to silence criticism levelled at President Putin and the war.

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Russia-Uzbekistan talks

Vladimir Putin is in Tashkent on a state visit at the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

May 27, 2024

14:30

Tashkent

Before the talks, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev officially welcomed Vladimir Putin at the Presidential Palace. During the ceremony, the leaders introduced the members of their delegations.

The talks begun with a restricted-format conversation and then continued in expanded format. The parties discussed the current state and future development of the strategic partnership and alliance between Russia and Uzbekistan and exchanged views on pressing regional issues.

Following the talks, the two leaders signed a joint statement. A package of intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents on cooperation in various fields was also signed.

In particular, the documents signed include joint action plans to deepen industrial cooperation, with the aim of boosting trade and expanding interaction in high-priority spheres of Russia-Uzbekistan cooperation and an intergovernmental agreements on Russia's technical assistance to the Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of metrology, on cooperation in joint film production, and on cooperation in ensuring the sanitary-epidemiological well-being of the population.

Furthermore, a contract was signed for the design, delivery and construction of a small nuclear power plant in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Other documents pertain to holding joint tenders in the sphere of scientific research and digital cooperation in plant quarantine; expanding tourism between Russia and Uzbekistan; cooperating in the field of culture; regulating medicines, medical devices and high-tech treatment methods on the territory of both countries, as well as exchanging experience in establishing and developing the aviation systems industry, as well as analysing the legal basis for their use to facilitate more efficient socioeconomic development.

The President of Russia and the President of Uzbekistan also made statements for the press.

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Russia To Build 'Vital' Nuclear Power Plant In Uzbekistan

By RFE/RL's Russian Service May 27, 2024

Russia and Uzbekistan have signed an agreement for Moscow to build a small nuclear power plant in the Central Asian country.

The agreement was one of several deals signed on May 27 in Tashkent between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Uzbek counterpart, Shavkat Mirziyoev.

The Uzbek leader hailed the project as "vital" in a statement released by his press service after the talks, noting that Uzbekistan had "its own large reserves of uranium."

Meanwhile, Putin vowed to "do everything in order to work effectively" on Uzbekistan's nuclear energy market.

If the agreement is enacted, the nuclear plant will become the first in Central Asia, further cementing Russia's influence in the region.

Putin said Russia would inject $400 million into a joint investment fund of $500 million to finance projects in Uzbekistan.

Mirziyoev also said Tashkent was interested in buying more oil and gas from Russia, a reversal of decades-long practice where Moscow imported hydrocarbons from Central Asia.

The Russian president pledged to increase gas deliveries to Uzbekistan.

Putin and Mirziyoev also discussed migration, with the Russian leader reassuring the Uzbek president that his government would ensure good working conditions and provide social protection for migrant workers from Uzbekistan.

Putin arrived in Tashkent on May 26 and was greeted at the airport by Mirziyoev.

International investigations have identified Uzbekistan as one of the main entry points into Russia for goods that are subject to sanctions. Putin has traveled sparingly since he launched Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Putin's trip to Uzbekistan is his third foreign trip since being inaugurated for a fifth presidential term earlier this month.

He previously traveled to China, where he welcomed China's proposals for talks to end the war in Ukraine.

Putin later traveled to Belarus, an ally where Russia has deployed tactical nuclear weapons.

With reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin-nuclear-plant- uzbekistan/32965968.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.

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U.S. Soldier Faces New Charge In Russia

By Current Time May 27, 2024

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, who was arrested in the Far East city of Vladivostok in early May on suspicion of theft, has been additionally charged with threatening to kill his partner, a Russian woman, according to Russian media.

A district prosecutor's office in Vladivostok said in a statement on May 27 that the final accusation papers for "a U.S. citizen" had been submitted and the case sent to court.

"The man, born in 1989, was handed accusation papers saying that in May 2024, while he was in an apartment on Sakhalin street in Vladivostok that is owned by a woman with whom he is acquainted, and where he was residing with her since April, forcibly grabbed the young woman's neck during a quarrel, which she considered as a threat to her life," a statement of the prosecutor's office said.

"The suspect then stole 10,000 rubles [$110] from the victim's purse, which he spent for his own needs, including paying for a room in a hotel, where he was detained," it added.

If found guilty on both charges, Black faces up to seven years in prison.

U.S. authorities said earlier that Black had been arrested in Russia and accused of stealing from a woman after traveling via China from South Korea -- where he had been assigned before returning home to Texas -- without informing his superiors.

Weeks later, Russian authorities also said that another U.S. citizen, identified as William Russell Nycum, had been detained in late April on "petty hooliganism" and alcohol charges in a separate case, adding that Nycum was held in a detention center in Moscow.

The two arrests again raised questions over whether Russian authorities are targeting Americans for potential prisoner swaps amid sharp disagreements between Moscow and Washington over the war in Ukraine and other international security issues.

The detentions of Black and Nycum added to a list of U.S. citizens being held in Russia under various circumstances and came as tensions between Moscow and Washington are at the highest levels since the Cold War.

Among those being held are journalists Alsu Kurmasheva of RFE/RL and Evan Gershkovich of The Wall Street Journal. Both have been detained on charges they, their employers, and their supporters reject as politically motivated.

American Paul Whelan in 2020 was convicted and sentenced to 16 years in Russian prison on espionage charges that he and the U.S. government have repeatedly rejected.

Russia's Foreign Ministry has said Black's and Nycum's cases are not political and neither is accused of espionage.

The State Department in September 2023 issued a "do not travel" warning to U.S. citizens and cited "the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials."

With reporting by Kommersant and TASS

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-national-faces- new-charge-in-russia/32965283.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.

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Switzerland supports future of Syria and neighbouring countries with CHF 60 million

Swiss Government

Bern, 27.05.2024 - The Syrian population is still suffering from the consequences of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, and these are also being felt in neighbouring countries. Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment by pledging CHF 60 million at the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 27 May 2024.

With this contribution, Switzerland is supporting the population of Syria and neighbouring countries, and continuing its long-standing commitment. In Syria, aid is provided to people in need, regardless of which side of the conflict line they live on. The support includes aid provided by multilateral and bilateral partners, as well as projects and specialist missions carried out by Switzerland.

The 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region is organised by the EU and reaffirms the international community's support for the Syrian people and the countries of the region, as well as efforts towards a UN-brokered political solution to the conflict.

Humanitarian aid remains crucial



The number of Syrians in need of humanitarian aid has risen from 11 million in 2020 to 16.7 million in 2024, which equates to almost three quarters of the total population. More than 7.2 million people have been forcibly displaced within the country. The situation was further exacerbated by a series of devastating earthquakes in February 2023. The neighbouring countries of Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey have taken in over 5 million Syrian refugees and are also dependent on support. The most pressing problems are the supply of food and water, as well as the lack of educational opportunities, healthcare, accommodation and sanitary facilities.

Switzerland provides emergency aid, works to protect the civilian population and strengthens their resilience with long-term aid. It focuses on the areas of protection and migration, education and income, and water and sanitation.

Comprehensive commitment by Switzerland

At the conference in Brussels, Switzerland expressed its concern about the continuing deterioration in the humanitarian situation and underscored the increasing importance of a political solution to the conflict. It is particularly active in this regard as the host of the UN peace process in Geneva, through the involvement of civil society, and as an elected member of the UN Security Council. Furthermore, as part of its peace policy, Switzerland is committed to clarifying the fate of detained and missing persons in Syria. It therefore welcomes the establishment of the new independent institution for missing persons in Syria, based in Geneva. In addition, it is committed to upholding and promoting international humanitarian law and human rights, and to fighting impunity.

Switzerland is also monitoring the humanitarian situation in Syria in the UN Security Council, where it is penholder for this dossier.

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EU pledges a2.12 billion in support of the future of Syria and the region, during Brussels Eight Conference

European Commission

Press release

27 May 2024

Brussels

At the 8th edition of the Brussels Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region', the EU pledged a2.12 billion for 2024 and 2025. This assistance will support both Syrians inside Syria and those in neighbouring countries, as well as their host communities in TArkiye, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.

The Ministerial meeting which brought together delegates from EU Member States, Syria's neighbouring countries, other partner countries and donors, and international organisations, including the UN, reiterated the need for a political process in Syria in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254, and the necessity to mobilise vital financial support to address the most pressing needs of Syrians people and their host communities.

The EU reconfirmed the pledge it made at the 2023 Brussels VII Conference for 2024 (a560 million) for the population inside Syria, as well as for Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. The EU also pledged an additional a560 million for 2025 for the above-mentioned countries. Moreover, the EU pledged a1 billion to support Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in TArkiye. Finally, the EU signalled that the pledges for 2025 constitute a part of the larger financial package until 2027, in line with the European Council Conclusions of 1 February and 18 April 2024.

The EU will continue to mobilise all the tools at its disposal to support the Syrian people in reaching a negotiated political solution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, and create the conditions for a brighter future for all Syrians.

Background

The Conference was preceded by online and in-country consultations with civil society organisations active in the Syrian crisis.

The Ministerial meeting built upon the conclusions of the 'Day of Dialogue', held on 30 April. The over 600 participants to the 'Day of Dialogue' - from Syrian civil society organisations from Syria, neighbouring countries and the diaspora; the UN; EU Member States; partner countries and international NGOs - exchanged views during six thematic panel discussions, focusing on: the political process and UN Security Council Resolution 2254; early recovery and resilience; health and education; livelihood opportunities; and the issue of missing persons and accountability.

The key takeaways from the Day of Dialogue were conveyed during the Ministerial meeting by three rapporteurs from Syrian the civil society.

Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have been the largest donors of humanitarian and resilience assistance to Syria and the region providing to date over a33 billion in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilisation aid.

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Syria crisis demands continued attention

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 27/05/2024

'The crisis in Syria must not be forgotten, even at a time of many ongoing conflicts and wars. 90 per cent of the Syrian population live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Norway will therefore provide NOK 500 million in support to the work by our partners in Syria in 2024,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Today, Eide is attending the conference in Brussels on supporting the future of Syria and the region. International leaders are meeting at a time when everyday life for Syrians is becoming increasingly difficult, 13 years after the Syrian war broke out. The Norwegian support goes to Norwegian humanitarian organisations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the UN, to provide food, healthcare, education and shelter.

'Today, most Syrians only have a few hours of electricity each day. This makes everyday life difficult, and maintaining a small business is almost impossible. We need to find solutions that enable Syrians to be more self-sufficient. Instead of sending in trucks with water, the water and electricity supply system needs to be repaired,' said Eide.

The World Bank states that more than one in four Syrians live in extreme poverty. The Foreign Minister also had a conversation with the UN Special Representative for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, in connection with the meeting in Brussels. The UN is working for a political solution to the conflict in the country.

'Norway supports the UN Special Envoy's important work for peace in Syria. Only an inclusive political solution can end the conflict and the suffering of the Syrian people,' said Eide.

Since the outbreak of war in 2011, Norway has contributed around NOK 20 billion to the Syria crisis.

'The Syria crisis is also very much a regional crisis. There are more than six million Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. Several of the neighbouring countries are also struggling with difficult conditions for their own populations, and opposition to the refugees is growing. Norway will therefore continue to provide significant support for the work with refugees and the poor in the neighbouring countries of Lebanon and Jordan,' said Eide.

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High Commissioner's statement at the Brussels Syria Conference

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Speeches and statements

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi

27 May 2024

Thank you, Chair.

In the past few months, all eyes have been on Gaza a and rightly so.

It is crucial that - at the same time - we do not forget other unresolved crises, like Syria. The war in Gaza is also a tragic reminder of what happens when a conflict (and by extension a refugee crisis) is left unattended.

Geir Pedersen has spoken earlier today of the political context. It is crucial that all continue to support his efforts and UNSCR 2254. Equally urgent is to remember that the conflict which started 13 years ago has produced a persistent humanitarian crisis - including, as was mentioned many times this afternoon - massive, unresolved displacement, with 5.6 million Syrian refugees still in the region.

They need your support. But above all their plight needs a solution.

The question of how to solve the Syrian refugee crisis has come and gone in the volatile political debate for years. The return of refugees to Syria was a central item in last year's discussions within the League of Arab States and the important advocacy by the Arab Contact Group. We also had a number of discussions with European and Arab countries and it has been, as we have heard, much debated for years, particularly Lebanon. And it has surfaced in Europe in the last few months, prompted by the arrival of Syrian refugees on the shores of the European Union, particularly in Cyprus.

UNHCR's position is and has remained clear and consistent, defined by international protection standards and the concerns of refugees, not by political expediency. Syrian refugees must be protected wherever they are. They and their hosts must be supported. But when refugees choose to return to Syria - voluntarily, safely, and with dignity, as is their right - they, too, must be helped.

And what do Syrian refugees tell us? UNHCR's surveys show that the majority still want to return home eventually but add that different sets of obstacles continue to prevent many of them from doing so. Some relate to security fears or legal and other impediments; some are of a material or economic nature.

It is only the Government of Syria - as I discussed last year with President Assad - that can address the first set of obstacles. It is their responsibility. I hope that all have taken note of the important policy statements that the Government has made in this respect, including at the UNHCR Executive Committee meeting last October. Some concrete steps have also been taken to respond to the security of returnees, address legal challenges and allow UNHCR to monitor repatriation, including through increased presence at the border and in returnee areas. This work needs to continue in order to rebuild the confidence of refugees and address their fears - from military conscription, to housing, land and property challenges, to guarantees for rights and personal safety. UNHCR is engaging and will remain engaged to see these issues fully addressed.

The other set of obstacles concerns - fundamentally - Syria's dire humanitarian situation. Refugees will not return in large numbers if there is no work; if their homes remain destroyed; if health and education facilities are inadequate. It was positive when - in 2022 - the Security Council authorized early recovery activities to be supported in Syria. However, resources have been insufficient to create basic conditions that would make returns sustainable. This was clear to us just a few days ago as we monitored the voluntary return of some 228 individuals from Lebanon. Such support must be expanded and accelerated, with a specific focus on areas of return.

But even under the best circumstances, progress will be incremental, with countries neighbouring Syria hosting refugees for some years to come. That is why the dramatic decline of donor support is of utmost concern. Reduced funding, as we heard this morning from the Jordanian Foreign Minister, especially in Jordan and Lebanon, undermines the ability of host countries to protect refugees while supporting their own citizens. In parallel, reduced funding for early recovery inside Syria undermines the possibility of voluntary return, further frustrating host countries whose patience, as we heard from the Foreign Minister of Lebanon, was exhausted years ago.

Lebanon, as we heard, in particular is facing an almost existential crisis of survival as a nation, made even more challenging by the long-term stay of refugees - its situation needs special and urgent attention. We should not forget that Lebanon, and Jordan, are also impacted by the Gaza conflict. Both, along with Iraq, Egypt and TArkiye - which alone protects several millions of refugees - deserve more concrete support.

I recognize the scale and seriousness of the host countries' predicament. I ask them to continue to protect refugees; and I want to explicitly reiterate the commitment of UNHCR to engage with all host countries to find the most practical way forward to protect Syrians. I ask that they do all they can to stop, rather than inflame, anti-refugee rhetoric and actions. This crisis is not the fault of the Syrian refugees.

But donors, and European countries in particular, must not take the patience of hosts for granted. Praising them is inadequate if resources are decreasing. And with that decline - inevitably, and as we already witness - will come secondary movements of refugees towards Europe. Remember, please, 2015.

I hope my message today is clear: resorting to artificial formulas like defining certain areas of Syria safe for returns will not address the problem. If we are serious about solving the Syrian refugee question through just, sustainable, voluntary returns, both the internal, confidence building track, and the external, material support track must be pursued much more decisively by concerned stakeholders.

We need to be guided by a committed and strategic long-term partnership between the international community and host countries, not by short-sighted political dynamics. I ask you to substantially scale up your support inside Syria through the HRP and early recovery activities; to restore funding to the 3RP - the refugee programme - to adequate levels in addition to your bilateral development support to host countries; expand resettlement places; and, ultimately, but very importantly support Geir's political track.

We cannot, especially at this moment, afford to neglect another crisis, or it will come back to haunt us for decades to come.

Thank you.

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Taiwan asks for WHA inclusion under name of Taiwan or ROC

ROC Central News Agency

05/27/2024 08:34 PM

Taipei, May 27 (CNA) A Taiwanese delegation in Geneva called for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) under the name of Taiwan or the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan's official name) just before the opening of the annual meeting on Monday.

The delegation, led by Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (), held a press conference at the Geneva Press Club at 8 a.m. Monday (local time), one hour before the start of the WHA's annual meeting, which will run through June 1 in Geneva.

The WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating body on public health.

Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations, and was not able to participate as an observer this year after not being invited for an eighth straight year because of China's objections.

Urging the WHO to act in line with this year's WHA theme, "All for Health, Health for All," Chiu said he represented the 23 million people in Taiwan in calling for the WHA to include Taiwan in its proceedings as an observer.

"Due to political considerations, the WHO has continued to exclude Taiwan. This undermines the WHO's efforts to create a more comprehensive global health architecture," Chiu said. "This situation greatly hinders pandemic prevention efforts."

When asked under what name Taiwan wanted to be referred to, Chiu said that using either "Taiwan" or the "Republic of China" was necessary "to insist on" when the country is set to join WHA or WHO-related activities.

"Taiwan is Taiwan. Taiwan's official name is the Republic of China," he said.

The ROC left the WHO in 1972 following a decision by the United Nations to expel the ROC and recognize the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the only "legitimate representative of China."

Since then, Taiwan has been unable to attend the WHA due to pressure from Beijing, except from 2009 to 2016 as an observer under the name of "Chinese Taipei" when relations with China were warmer under the then-Kuomintang (KMT) government.

The 2016 appearance came just days after former President Tsai Ing-wen () of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) took office.

Chiu extended his appreciation to Taiwan's diplomatic allies and like-minded countries, including the United States, as well as international organizations, such as the World Medical Association, for their backing.

Alongside Chiu, a group of lawmakers from the three parties represented in the Legislature also attended the Geneva press conference.

The lawmakers in Geneva are Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang () of the main opposition KMT and legislators Wang Cheng-hsu () of the ruling DPP, Chen Ching-hui () of the KMT, and Lin Yi-chun () of the Taiwan People's Party.

(By Sunny Lai)

Enditem/kb

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Lai meets with 1st U.S. congressional delegation since inauguration

ROC Central News Agency

05/27/2024 04:15 PM

Taipei, May 27 (CNA) The first United States congressional delegation to visit Taiwan following the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te () reiterated Washington's long-term support for Taiwan on Monday, stressing that the U.S. will continue to be Taiwan's "reliable partner."

During a meeting with Lai at the Presidential Office, Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee who is leading a six-member bipartisan delegation to Taiwan, said the group was appointed by House Speaker Mike Johnson to convey congratulations to Lai on his inauguration.

The Republican said that following Lai's inauguration last Monday, China held a round of military exercises in response.

"The forces of China conducted intimidating military exercises, sending 110 aircraft and 46 warships, demonstrating they are not interested in taking Taiwan by peaceful means," he said.

He called on all democracies to "stand together against aggression and tyranny," whether the tyranny is Russian President Vladimir Putin or Chinese President Xi Jinping ().

The lawmaker cited the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which has served as a cornerstone guiding unofficial U.S-Taiwan relations since ending diplomatic relations in 1979, which requires Washington to provide weapons systems of a defensive nature to help Taiwan's self-defense.

"We must make sure that no one in their right mind will try to upset the peace in which you have thrived. America is and always will be your reliable partner and no amount of coercion or intimidation will slow down or stop the routine visits by the Congress to Taiwan," he added.

Meanwhile, President Lai expressed gratitude to McCaul, his delegation and the U.S. Congress as a whole for their long-term support of Taiwan.

The president said his new government will continue to deepen cooperation with the U.S. and other like-minded countries to jointly maintain regional peace, stability and prosperous development.

Lai also said he is an admirer of late U.S. President Ronald Reagan's "peace through strength" concept.

"Moving forward, my administration will continue to enhance national defense, showing the world the determination of Taiwan's people's to defend their home," he added.

At a Monday noon press event, McCaul said his group is here "to celebrate a victory for democracy, and we stand in bipartisan unity in support of that freedom and democracy."

When asked about the current backlog of weapons orders, McCaul said the roughly US$20 billion in delayed Taiwan arms orders from the U.S. is mostly due to defense industrial base related issues.

The just-concluded Chinese drills encircling Taiwan following Lai's May 20 inauguration again reminded the world of the "very dangerous situation" across the Taiwan Strait, he noted.

"And that's why deterrence is so important. I know every member [congresspersons] here will take that message [of speeding up their country's delivery of military weapons to Taiwan] back," he said.

Before the backlog issue is solved, McCaul said President Joe Biden over the past months has signed grant and Foreign Military Financing loans to Taiwan worth US$4 billion as a sign of support.

As to what kind of weapons Taiwan needs most from the U.S. to boost its defense, McCaul said maritime assets are more important than land-based ones to prevent People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops from landing in Taiwan.

McCaul's delegation, which arrived in Taiwan late Sunday, also includes Republicans Young Kim, Joe Wilson, and Andy Barr, and Democrats Jimmy Panetta and Chrissy Houlahan.

In addition to meeting Lai and attending a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung () during their five-day visit to Taiwan, the delegation will also meet Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (), and other members of Lai's new foreign affairs and national security team to exchanges views on issues of mutual concern, regional security and Taiwan-U.S. relations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The PLA's latest joint military drills were held Thursday and Friday in areas around Taiwan, three days after Lai's inauguration.

Beijing has expressed dissatisfaction over Lai's inauguration address, which it claimed promoted Taiwan independence.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/AW

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Proposal on Taiwan region's participation as an observer in the WHA seen to be inappropriate and unrealistic: Chinese delegation to the WHA

Global Times

By Global Times Published: May 27, 2024 05:24 AM

It is inappropriate and unrealistic for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in the Taiwan region to have incited a very small number of countries to put forward a proposal related to Taiwan island at the World Health Assembly (WHA), the Chinese delegation to the WHA said the proposal to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in WHA was made due to political manipulation.

Yang Zhilun, minister-counsellor of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland, said during a press briefing of the WHA, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), which will be convened in Geneva, Switzerland, between May 27 and June 1, that all the parties around the world are currently engaging in dialogue and cooperation on how to prevent and respond to epidemics, promote the health and well-being of all humanity, and explore methods and approaches to improve the global health governance system.

At this critical moment, the DPP authorities in Taiwan have incited a very small number of countries to once again put forward a proposal with strong antagonism to "invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in WHA," which is inappropriate and unrealistic, Yang said.

Yang said the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in 1971 and the World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1 in 1972 clearly stated that the representatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China are recognized as the only legitimate representatives of China in the UN. These resolutions thoroughly and conclusively resolved the issue of representation for all of China, including Taiwan island, in the UN from political, legal, and procedural perspectives.

These legal documents fully and accurately explain the core connotation of the one-China principle, that is, there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is a part of China, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, Yang said, pointing out that the proposal related to Taiwan runs counter to the one-China principle and it is illegal, invalid, and legally untenable.

Yang also said that the Chinese central government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of the compatriots in Taiwan. The Chinese central government has made special arrangements for the Taiwan region's participation in the WHA on the basis of adherence to the one-China principle, fully safeguarding the health rights of the people in Taiwan island.

The vast majority of countries in the international community have reaffirmed to China their commitment to upholding the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, and their firm support for the one-China principle, opposing Taiwan region's participation in the WHA, according to Yang. Hundreds of countries have expressed support for China's position through various means, including sending letters to the director-general of the WHO, Yang said, noting that this reflects the direction of international consensus and the prevailing trend.

Yang said that a very small number of countries are using the WHA to play the "Taiwan card" and engage in attempts to use Taiwan to contain China, standing opposed to the vast majority of countries and becoming the absolute "minority." Yang believes that the WHA will once again make the correct choice.

Cao Xuetao, deputy director of China's National Health Commission (NHC), who leads the delegation to the WHA said that China has long been committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation in the field of health with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other countries, continuously promoting the building of a global community of health for all. China has actively participated in international organizations and regional cooperation mechanisms in the health sector, sharing its experiences and expertise.

According to Cao, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China promptly reported epidemic information for nearly 3,000 times to the international community, including the WHO, relevant countries, and regional organizations. China also shared multiple technical documents on epidemic prevention, control, and treatment plans with over 160 countries and more than 10 international and regional organizations. In addition, China conducted nearly 300 expert discussions or remote meetings, dispatched 38 anti-epidemic expert teams to 34 countries affected by the pandemic, and guided Chinese medical teams stationed in over 50 countries to assist in the epidemic prevention and control efforts of their host nations.

Mi Feng, spokesperson for the NHC, said at the press briefing that the Chinese government has always placed public health in a strategic position of priority development, comprehensively promoting the construction of a healthy China and actively promoting universal health coverage. At present, China has established the world's largest healthcare service system as well as the world's largest medical security system in the world.

According to Mi, China participates in the global health governance, enhancing the well-being of people worldwide. The Chinese government persists in sending medical teams to developing countries, taking concrete actions to promote universal health in these countries.

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WHA rejects Taiwan-related proposal again; 'one-China principle must not be challenged'

Global Times

By Xu Keyue Published: May 27, 2024 09:01 PM

The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) on Monday refused to include in its agenda a proposal on Taiwan's participation in the annual assembly as an observer, the eighth year in a row that the WHA has rejected the so-called proposal concerning Taiwan. This fully demonstrates that the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and the arc of history bends, and must not be challenged, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

The 77th WHA, which kicked off in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday, refused to include the proposal of a so-called invitation to Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer put forward by individual countries on the agenda, China Central Television reported.

In response, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday that China's position on Taiwan-related issues at the WHA is widely understood and supported by the international community. Over 100 countries explicitly expressed support for China's position by writing to the WHO Director-General and through other means. This fully demonstrates that the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and the arc of history bends, and must not be challenged.

Once again we would like to make it clear to the DPP authorities that the abiding commitment of the international community to the one-China principle is unshakable and the trend that China will be reunified is not to be reversed, the spokesperson said. "Taiwan independence" runs contrary to the interests of our compatriots in Taiwan, and any attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" by relying on external forces leads nowhere.

Meanwhile, we urge certain countries to stop distorting and challenging UNGA Resolution 2758, stop fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle, stop politicizing health issues, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs by exploiting the Taiwan question. Using Taiwan to contain China will only end in failure, the spokesperson noted.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Monday that WHA's rejection once again demonstrates that the DPP authorities' attempt to participate in the WHA with the support of external forces without recognizing the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle and without cross-Straits negotiations is a dead end and will inevitably fail.

Chinese experts on Monday pointed out that the US and a few other Western countries are trying to increase Taiwan's presence in international multilateral mechanisms, which violates China's sovereignty and the one-China principle. This is a very dangerous and destructive move, and is an attempt to cause more division and confrontation at the security, economic, and social levels in the international community, which will surely be opposed by all political forces and countries that love peace and prosperity, according to experts.

It is inappropriate and unrealistic for the DPP authorities to incite a very small number of countries to put forward a proposal related to Taiwan island at the WHA, Yang Zhilun, Minister-Counsellor of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said during a press briefing of the WHA, on Saturday.

Yang stated that all parties around the world are currently engaging in dialogue and cooperation on how to prevent and respond to epidemics, promote the health and well-being of all humanity, and explore methods and approaches to improve the global health governance system.

However, at this critical moment, the DPP authorities in Taiwan have incited a very small number of countries to once again put forward an antagonistic proposal to "invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in WHA," which is inappropriate and unrealistic, Yang said.

Yang's remarks came after the US and several of its allies issued a joint statement Friday voicing support for Taiwan region's participation in the WHA, according to Western media outlets.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this month issued a separate statement strongly encouraging "the WHO to reinstate an invitation to Taiwan to participate as an observer at this year's WHA."

Yang said that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in 1971 and the World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1 in 1972 clearly stated that the representatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China are recognized as the only legitimate representatives of China in the UN. These resolutions thoroughly and conclusively resolved the issue of representation for all of China, including Taiwan island, in the UN from political, legal, and procedural perspectives.

These legal documents fully and accurately explain the core connotation of the one-China principle, that is, there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is a part of China, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, Yang said, pointing out that the proposal related to Taiwan runs counter to the one-China principle and is illegal, invalid, and legally untenable.

China has decided not to approve the Taiwan region's participation in this year's WHA, set to be held in Geneva from May 27 to June 1, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on May 13.

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Monday that a few Western countries are attempting to elevate Taiwan's status in international organizations such as the WHO, trying to question the legitimacy of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and creating confusion in the international community regarding the Taiwan question.

This intention is obvious and insidious, causing more division and confrontation at the security, economic, and social levels in the international community, which are opposed by all healthy political forces and countries across the world, the expert said.

Over the past few weeks, the overwhelming majority of countries have reaffirmed to China their commitment to UNGA Resolution 2758, firm support for the one-China principle and opposition to Taiwan's participation in the WHA. Over 100 countries wrote to the WHO Director-General or expressed via other means their support for China's position, according to Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, who held a regular press briefing on Friday.

Yang also said that the Chinese central government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of compatriots in Taiwan. The Chinese central government has made special arrangements for the Taiwan region's participation in the WHA on the basis of adherence to the one-China principle, fully safeguarding the health rights of the people in Taiwan island.

Li slammed the US and the DPP authorities in using the excuse of "international health gaps" to increase Taiwan's presence in the WHO as a ridiculous show, and said it underestimates the international community's ability to discern right from wrong. The dirty tricks of the US using public health as a cover for political manipulation and encouraging "Taiwan independence" forces cannot deceive the international community, Li stated.

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Reckless move to push for "Taiwan independence" will inevitably lead to severe punishment

People's Daily Online

(People's Daily) 13:14, May 27, 2024

In a speech on May 20, the leader of the Taiwan region trumpeted separatist fallacies such as "sovereign independence," "non-subordination between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait," and "self-determination of Taiwan residents."

He also begged for support from external forces, trying to promote the "internationalization of the Taiwan question" and continuing to seek "Taiwan independence" by relying on foreign countries and by force.

This complete confession of "Taiwan independence" was full of hostility, provocation, lies and deception, reflecting an even more radical and risky stance on "Taiwan independence." Such a reckless move will inevitably lead to severe punishment and accelerate the collapse of separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence."

People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same bloodline, culture and history. They belong to the same Chinese nation and are of the same family enjoying kinship and offering mutual assistance.

The over-5,000-year history of the Chinese nation saw successive generations of ancestors move and settle down in Taiwan and people from across the Strait fight side by side to recover the island from foreign invaders. Be it in legal or factual terms, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

Pursuing "independence" and private political gains, the leader of the Taiwan region touted the so-called "two states" theory and tried to legitimize "Taiwan independence." He even denied his Chinese heritage. The actions are disgraceful betrayals of the nation and the ancestors.

History has proved that those who forget their heritage, betray their motherland, and seek to split the country will come to no good end; they will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history, disdained by the people and condemned by history.

China's complete reunification is an inevitable trend. It is where the greater national interest lies, and it is what the people desire. The Chinese nation has a common belief that the territory is indivisible, the country cannot be destabilized, the nation cannot be separated, and the civilization cannot be broken. A strong and unified nation has always been the pillar upon which the future of all the Chinese people, including compatriots in Taiwan, depends.

Taiwan is China's Taiwan. Safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity is the common obligation of all Chinese people, the Taiwan compatriots included. No "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces should make Taiwan secede from China under any name or by any means.

From the very beginning of his tenure, the leader of the Taiwan region cannot help but to expose his true colors as an advocate for "Taiwan independence," brazenly inciting "anti-China" sentiments. What he said and did completely go against the mainstream public opinion in the Taiwan region in favor of peace not war, development not decline, communication rather than separation, and cooperation instead of confrontation.

This has exacerbated tensions across the Taiwan Strait, pushing Taiwan towards an even more dangerous position. It severely challenges the common faith of the Chinese nation and the common will of the Chinese people.

The complete reunification of China is an unstoppable trend. Those who seek "Taiwan independence" will only find themselves on a road leading to a dead end.

No one desires more than the Chinese people do to achieve national reunification through peaceful means. China is ready to create vast space for peaceful reunification; but it will leave no room for separatist activities in any form.

No one should underestimate the great resolve, the strong will, and the extraordinary ability of the Chinese government and the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China will never tolerate, connive at, or show any mercy to separatist acts in any form. The more the separatist provocations escalate, the more resolute and forceful the country's countermeasures will become.

As a Chinese saying goes, a just cause enjoys abundant support while an unjust one finds little support. Recently, political dignitaries and people from various sectors have reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle and expressed firm support for China's just cause of opposing "Taiwan independence" separatism and striving for national reunification. This fully demonstrates that with each provocation by the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, the international community's consensus on upholding the one-China principle becomes even stronger.

The one-China principle cannot be violated. Separatist attempts for "Taiwan independence" are doomed to fail. The general trend of China's reunification is irreversible. The Democratic Progressive Party authorities and leaders' attempt to separate Taiwan from the motherland is nothing but a pipe dream, like ants trying to shake a giant tree. In the end, they will only face utter failure and wreck their own reputation.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the 77th WHA's Rejection of the Proposal on Taiwan

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2024-05-27 21:52

On May 27, the General Committee and the Plenary Session of the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) respectively decided to reject the so-called proposal of "inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer" submitted by certain countries. This has been the eighth year in a row that the WHA has rejected the so-called proposal concerning Taiwan. China's position on Taiwan-related issues at the WHA is widely understood and supported by the international community. Over 100 countries explicitly expressed support for China's position by writing to the WHO Director-General and through other means. This fully demonstrates that the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and the arc of history bends, and must not be challenged.

The Chinese central government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan. Taiwan's medical and health experts can participate in WHO technical meetings under the prerequisite that the one-China principle is upheld. Over the past year alone, medical and technical experts from China's Taiwan region took part in WHO technical activities 21 times,awhichainvolveda24aparticipants, and all the applications were approved by the central government. There is an International Health Regulations Contact Point in the Taiwan region for it to promptly access and report to the WHO concerning information related to health emergencies. The Taiwan region has sufficient and unimpeded channels to participate in the technical communication and cooperation in the WHO. There is no such thing as a "gap" in global anti-epidemic efforts. Compared with a handful of countries' political manipulation that trumpets Taiwan's participation in the WHA, the central government's proper arrangement and concrete actions demonstrate real meaning and sincerity for the livelihood and well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan.

Once again we would like to make it clear to the DPP authorities: the abiding commitment of the international community to the one-China principle is unshakable and the trend that China will be reunified is not to be reversed. "Taiwan independence" runs contrary to the interests of our compatriots in Taiwan, and any attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" by relying on external forces leads nowhere. Meanwhile, we urge certain countries to stop distorting and challenging UNGA Resolution 2758, stop fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle, stop politicizing health issues, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs by exploiting the Taiwan question. Using Taiwan to contain China will only end in failure.



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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 27, 2024

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/05/27

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Dateis

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Sunday to Monday, May 26-27

2.PLA activitiesis

21 PLA aircraft, 11 PLAN vessels, and 4 CCG vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 10 of the aircraft entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.



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US lawmakers vow to help Taiwan strengthen defense against growing Chinese aggression

By William Yang May 27, 2024

A bipartisan congressional delegation from the United States met Taiwan's new president in Taipei Monday, and reiterated Washington's strong support for the democratic island.

During the meeting with the U.S. delegation Lai Ching-te, who took office on May 20, promised to keep pushing for defense reform in Taiwan and show the world that "Taiwanese people are determined to defend their homeland."

He hopes that "the U.S. Congress will continue to help strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and increase exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. through a variety of legislative actions."

At a news briefing following the meeting with Lai, Michael McCaul, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the U.S. remains committed to supporting Taiwan's efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities as China increases military pressure on the island.

"We will support you, and we will get the weapons you purchased to you as soon as possible," he told dozens of journalists, adding that strength and deterrence are key to ensuring the Taiwan Strait remains peaceful and prosperous.

The visit comes three days after the Chinese military staged a two-day, large-scale military exercise encircling Taiwan. Describing the Chinese war game around Taiwan as "an intimidation tactic to punish democracy," McCaul said there is more urgency to ensure Taiwan receives the weapons that it has bought from the United States.

"We are moving forward on [the delivery] of these weapons systems, but I'd like to see it faster," he said during the news conference, noting that the $95 billion foreign aid package that the U.S. passed last month, which includes a $8 billion package for the Indo-Pacific region and Taiwan, is a sign of Washington's support for Taiwan.

While he promises to help accelerate the pace of weapons delivery to Taiwan, McCaul admitted that the backlog of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, which is about $19 billion, is partially caused by the limited military industrial capacity in the U.S.

"We have to wait a period of two to five years for the weapons to go into the country and that is way too long," he said, vowing to push U.S. defense contractors and the Biden administration to address the issue.

Since China focused on simulating a maritime blockade around Taiwan through its latest military exercise, McCaul said Taipei and Washington should focus on helping the island acquire more maritime assets to deal with a potential Chinese attack.

"What they did the last couple of days was essentially a preview of what a blockade would look like [and] by looking at what type of military assets would likely help deter Beijing from [imposing] a blockade around Taiwan, my view is that maritime assets are key here," he told journalists.

Bipartisan support for Taiwan

Some analysts say the U.S. Congressional delegation's visit shows that the support for Taiwan in Washington is consistent and bipartisan. "There have been many U.S. congressional delegations in Taiwan over the last few years and one feature to highlight is that all these delegations are bipartisan," Chen Fang-yu, a political scientist at Soochow University in Taiwan, told VOA by phone.

Despite the stern warning from Beijing, other experts say the visit shows both Taipei and Beijing that the U.S. is committed to deepening ties with Taiwan. "The delegation sends a message that the United States is not afraid of angering China by maintaining its engagement with Taiwan," said Li Da-Jung, director of the Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies at Taiwan's Tamkang University.

Since the delegation will spend four days in Taiwan, Li thinks it could give U.S. lawmakers more opportunities to meet more Taiwanese officials and visit specific places of their interests. "I believe the delegation will meet Taiwanese officials in charge of national security and cross-strait relations," he told VOA by phone.

In addition to military sales and weapons delivery, Chen said the U.S. delegation will likely discuss topics related to bilateral trade relations and Taiwan's divided legislature.

"I believe the U.S. lawmakers will try to talk about the ongoing trade negotiation between Taipei and Washington and the potential impact of Taiwan's divided legislature on Taiwan's defense and foreign policies when they meet Lai and other Taiwanese officials," he told VOA.

Earlier this month, Taiwan and the U.S. held a new round of trade negotiations focusing on potential cooperation in areas such as labor, environmental protection, and agriculture. Taiwan's deputy trade representative Yang Jen-ni said Taipei hopes to increase the volume of Taiwanese agricultural exports to the U.S. through the trade talks.

As Taiwan's new government looks to deepen ties with the U.S., the Chinese government has repeatedly warned Washington not to use the democratic island, which Beijing views as its territory, to contain China.

"China firmly opposes official interaction in any form between Taiwan and the United States and opposes U.S. interference in Taiwan affairs in any form or under any pretext," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during the daily news conference on May 21.

Since relations between Taiwan and China are unlikely to improve in the short term, Li at Tamkang University said the Lai administration may try to double down on Taipei's relations with like-minded democracies around the world, especially the U.S.

"At a time when there is very little room to improve cross-strait relations, Lai may consider putting the focus of his foreign policy agenda on the U.S. and rely more on Washington's support for Taipei," he told VOA.

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HMS Duncan deploys to the Red Sea to protect shipping routes

The Type 45 destroyed sailed from Portsmouth today to relieve her sister ship, HMS Diamond

27 May 2024

Royal Navy warship HMS Duncan has deployed from Portsmouth today to the Red Sea.

The Type 45 destroyer will relieve its sister ship HMS Diamond, which has been protecting shipping lanes in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks since before Christmas.

HMS Duncan is a like-for-like replacement for Diamond - armed with the same Sea Viper missile system and equipped with the same radar systems, which are able to accurately detect faraway threats.

During her deployment, HMS Diamond has shot down nine drones and one missile, launched by Houthis from the coast of Yemen at cargo ships.

The 200 men and women of HMS Duncan have worked to ensure that their ship is ready to deploy, successfully completing trials and training last week in preparation for the deployment, which will see the ship work to ensure freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for merchant vessels.

HMS Duncan spent five months leading NATO's premier task group in the Mediterranean Sea last year, until handing over flagship duties to the Italian Navy in December.

The ship is now ready for more operations, with over 60 new members joining the ship's company.

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Baiba BraAe at the EU Foreign Affairs Council: restriction of Russia's military capabilities and deliveries to Ukraine are also the matters of our national security

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

27.05.2024

On 27 May 2024, in Brussels, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba BraAe, took part in a meeting of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council focusing on support to Ukraine defending itself against Russia's war of aggression, as well as on the situation in the Middle East.

The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, opened the discussion by briefing the ministers about the tragic consequences of Russian air strikes in Kharkiv last weekend. He thanked the Council for support so far and, highlighting the serious situation in the Kharkiv region, appealed for further assistance in order to strengthen air defence and more effectively protect Ukraine's territory against the increasing Russian attacks on civilians and the civilian and national strategic infrastructure.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba BraAe: "The situation in Ukraine directly correlates with the security situation in Latvia and also in the European Union. We will not be safe until Ukraine prevails; therefore, Ukraine must receive all the necessary support, and all possible decisions in support of Ukraine must be taken, including military deliveries and the EU's 14th package of sanctions against Russia, which also includes a ban on exports and transit of manganese ore and the use of windfall profits from immobilised Russian assets."

The EU Foreign Affairs Council expressed its solidarity with Estonia, Finland and Lithuania in relation to Russia's hybrid activities targeting their borders.

The Member States discussed the current situation in the Middle East with the regional partners - Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates - as well as the Secretary General of the League of Arab States.

The Ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Georgia, which has deteriorated due to the law "On transparency of foreign influence" approved by the Georgian Parliament. Baiba BraAe: "We have always been, and remain friends of Georgia on its path to the EU; however, the Government's recent decisions jeopardise this path. At the moment, it is important to continue supporting Georgian civil society so that the democratic debate does not subside, especially in view of the fact that more than 80% of Georgian citizens support Georgia's accession to the European Union." The Minister also invited the EU institutions to come up with possible directions for EU action in the light of developments.

Following the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs took part in the Brussels VIII Conference "Supporting the future of Syria and the region" and met with Ayman Al Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan. The Latvian Foreign Minister invited her Jordanian counterpart to visit Latvia. With regard to the situation in the region, Minister BraAe noted that Latvia's interests lie in as concerted and active engagement by the EU as possible so that the EU would maintain credibility and influence, including through dialogue with global partners and further support to Ukraine.

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Gitanas NausAda spoke with the President of Ukraine by telephone

President of the Republic of Lithuania

May 27, 2024

On Monday, President Gitanas NausAda had a telephone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The Ukrainian President called to congratulate Mr. NausAda on his victory in the presidential election.

Gitanas NausAda thanked the President of Ukraine for extending sincere good wishes on his re-election for a second term. The two leaders also discussed Ukraine's fight against the aggressor and the need for military aid. The President emphasized that Lithuania will continue to actively support Ukraine with all means and mobilize allied assistance to achieve victory as soon as possible.

"Lithuania is and will remain one of the most committed supporters of Ukraine. As I continue my tenure as President of Lithuania, I will ensure the continuity of assistance and Lithuania's strong support for Ukraine in the international space. It is a matter of security and well-being for all of us. Ukraine's victory is vital for the whole of Europe," the President said.

The Lithuanian and Ukrainian Presidents discussed the Ukraine Peace Conference to be held in Switzerland and the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington. Gitanas NausAda stressed the need to seek progress in bringing Ukraine and NATO closer together.

The Presidents exchanged views on the process of Ukraine's integration into the European Union. Gitanas NausAda emphasized that he viewed positively the possibility of opening accession negotiations this coming June. According to the President, Lithuania strongly supports Ukraine's smooth and rapid integration into the European Union.



The President's Communication Group

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NATO: Ukraine's defense hampered by limits on using Western arms against Russia

Iran Press TV

Monday, 27 May 2024 3:13 PM

NATO says Ukraine's Western allies are hampering its defense against Russia by restricting the use of Western arms and munitions to strike targets on Russian soil.

"If (Ukraine) cannot attack military targets on Russian territory then it ties one hand of the Ukrainians on their back and makes it very hard for them to conduct defense," Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a meeting of NATO lawmakers in Bulgaria on Monday.

"The time has come to consider whether it will be right to lift some of the restrictions which have been imposed because we see now that especially in the Kharkiv region the front line and the border line is more or less the same."

Kiev has been begging its Western backers - the United States in particular - to gain permission to use the longer-range weaponry it has been supplied by Washington and its allies to strike targets inside Russia.

The Western alliance, however, has been reluctant to grant permission to use the weapons to strike targets on Russian territory out of fear of retaliation, anticipating that such escalations could drag NATO member states closer to direct conflict with Moscow.

"Self-defense includes the right to also attack legitimate military targets inside Russia," the NATO chief said. "Some allies have lifted restrictions enabling the Ukrainians to better defend themselves." Stoltenberg refrained from giving further details.

The Kremlin says Stoltenberg's remarks are contradictory.

The Interfax news agency cited spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying NATO was already in direct confrontation with Russia and that the US-led military alliance was escalating the Ukraine war through military rhetoric.

For months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pleading to the US-led Western allies to supply weapons and munitions to his country. He has been begging NATO to provide Kiev not only with more weaponry and money, but also combat units.

However, many US military officials and lawmakers have reached the conclusion that continued US military aid to Ukraine is to no avail as it will not prevent Kiev's eventual defeat in its war against Russia.

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Zelenskiy Sees 'No Faith' In Putin As EU Mulls Russia Peace Talks

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service May 27, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said he does not trust Putin amid reports that the European Union plans to organize peace talks with Russia.

Bloomberg on May 27 reported that the bloc is working on organizing a meeting in Saudi Arabia later this year with Russia's participation.

The meeting would come after a June 15-16 Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, where representatives of dozens of countries -- but not Russia -- are expected to attend.

"There is no faith in [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," Zelenskiy said during a press conference in Spain, where he signed a bilateral security deal with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez worth 1 billion euros on May 27.

The Ukrainian president said his country had held around 200 rounds of talks with the Kremlin, many of which were held long before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"There were no results; the occupied territories remained occupied," Zelenskiy told reporters.

He said 90 countries had agreed to attend the summit near the city of Lucerne in Switzerland next month.

In a video message on May 26, Zelenskiy urged world leaders, particularly U.S. President Joe Biden, to "show leadership in advancing the peace" and attend the gathering.

However, Bloomberg said Biden will skip the gathering to attend a fundraiser for his presidential campaign, while Brazil and China are planning to organize their own initiative and will send junior officials.

Russia has not been invited to the Ukrainian-organized summit. Zelenskiy has said Russia's participation risked disrupting the summit.

Moscow has dismissed the significance of the summit in Switzerland, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying in April that peace talks without Russia "make no sense."

Similarly, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said decisions regarding the war in Ukraine that "ignore Russia's position" are "detached from reality."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskiy- putin-ukraine-russia-peace/32965745.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.

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Ukraine, Spain Sign $1 Billion Bilateral Security Deal

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service May 27, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have signed a bilateral security agreement that provides for Madrid to provide Ukraine with 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in military aid this year.

The announcement was made at a joint news conference in Madrid, where Zelenskiy arrived on May 27 for talks with the head of the Spanish government and King Felipe VI.

"For the period up to 2027, Ukraine will get 5 billion euros from Spain through the European Peace Fund," Zelenskiy told the news conference.

Ahead of the visit, the Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that Madrid plans to send missiles for Patriot air-defense systems and Leopard tanks to Ukraine as part of the weapons package.

The bilateral security agreement was the 10th signed by Ukraine with Western allies, following similar pacts with Britain, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Finland, and Latvia.

Zelenskiy's office has said that bilateral security agreements are also in the works with the United States, Japan, Romania, Norway, Greece, and the European Union.

Zelenskiy will travel to Portugal on a working visit on May 28, according to a statement by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's office.

The statement said the leaders will seek to enhance relations, with a "special emphasis" on strengthening security and defense cooperation.

Zelenskiy was forced to postpone his visit to Spain and other countries earlier this month after Russian troops launched a cross-border offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region.

Outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces have been grappling with a severe lack of modern air-defense systems and ammunition as they struggle to stave off the Russian offensive amid a slowdown in deliveries of weapons, despite the U.S. Congress finally approving a $61 billion military aid package for Kyiv after several months of delay.

Highlighting Ukraine's increasing difficulties in protecting its skies against Russia's indiscriminate strikes on civilian targets, at least 14 people were killed and 43 wounded when Russia bombed a DYI store in the country's second-largest city, Kharkiv, located just some 35 kilometers from the Russian border.

Following the Kharkiv attack, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called on May 27 on Ukraine's Western allies to step up their military aid to Kyiv.

Speaking at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, Stoltenberg said Ukraine had the right to use Western weapons against military targets on Russian territory and called on Western countries to reconsider forbidding Ukraine to launch such attacks.

"The time has come to consider whether it will be right to lift some of the restrictions which have been imposed because we see now that especially in the Kharkiv region the front line and the border line is more or less the same," Stoltenberg said.

"If Kyiv cannot attack military targets on Russian territory then it ties one hand of the Ukrainians on their back and makes it very hard for them to conduct defense."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/spain-zelenskiy-felipe-sanchez- patriot/32965435.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.

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Ukraine Claims Drone Attacks On Russian Radar Station Near Kazakh Border

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service May 27, 2024

KYIV -- A Ukrainian military intelligence official claimed to RFE/RL that one of its drones targeted a Russian Voronezh-M early warning radar system, in one of Kyiv's deepest attacks inside Russian territory since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor more than two years ago.

According to the official on May 27, the drone covered a distance of 1,800 kilometers to hit a radar station in the city of Orsk near the Russian-Kazakh border.

There was no immediate confirmation from Russian officials concerning the attack claim.

Last week, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted a similar radar installation in Russia's southwestern region of Krasnodar. Satellite images showed that the Armavir radar station, which has two Voronezh-type radars, had suffered serious damage to the buildings housing the radar installations.

The Ukrainian attack on the Armavir station came shortly after Russia began exercises with 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."

Separately on May 27, Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said several Ukrainian drones were shot down by Russian air defenses overnight in areas close to a giant luxury complex on the Black Sea coast near the city of Gelendzhik.

The late Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny's investigative group said in 2021 that the palace complex had been built for President Vladimir Putin, which he denied at the time.

After the report by Navalny's team sparked debate across Russia, Putin's close associate, businessman Arkady Rotenberg, publicly said he is the owner of the property in question.

Another Ukrainian drone attack on May 27 targeted a gasoline station in the western Russian region of Oryol, killing one person, the region's governor, Andrei Klychkov, wrote on Telegram.

Later on May 27, Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said air defenses had downed a drone in Balashikha, just east of Moscow. He said drone fragments had landed on a house but nobody was injured.

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/ukrainian-drone-attack- russia-radar-kazakh-border/32965382.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.

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Paris Says Issue of Sending Military Instructors to Ukraine Still Under Consideration

Sputnik News

20240527

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The issue of sending French military instructors to Ukraine is still under consideration, the French Defense Ministry said on Monday.

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky said that he had signed a permit for French instructors to visit training centers in Ukraine, welcoming "France's initiative to send instructors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian servicemen."

This issue continues to be the subject of work with Ukrainians, in particular, to understand their exact needs, the ministry said, as cited by BFM Business broadcaster.

On January 16, the Russian armed forces destroyed a temporary deployment point of foreign mercenaries in Kharkov, with about 60 foreign soldiers killed in the strike, Russian defense officials said. Following the developments, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the French ambassador to Moscow, saying that "several dozen French" had been among the mercenaries killed in the strike. Paris, for its part, rejected the information as "manipulation."

Following a Paris-hosted conference on Ukraine held on February 26, French President Emmanuel Macron said Western leaders had discussed the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine and, although no consensus had been reached in this regard, nothing could be ruled out. Some EU countries hastened to dismiss such plans.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia had taken notice of Macron's remarks and that some of the countries that participated in the Paris meeting on Ukraine had quite a "wise assessment" of the potential dangers of being involved in a conflict with Russia.

A Sputnik

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The President Met with the Heads of Chambers and Factions of the Spanish Parliament

President of Ukraine

27 May 2024 - 20:53

In Madrid, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Speaker of the Congress of Deputies of the Cortes Generales Francina Armengol and the President of the Senate of the Cortes Generales Pedro RollAn, as well as with the heads of the Spanish parliamentary factions.

The meeting was attended by representatives of all parties of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the support for Ukraine by the Spanish Parliament during Russia's full-scale aggression.

All factions supported further comprehensive assistance to Ukraine and expressed full support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

During the meeting, they discussed the development of cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries.

Special attention was paid to the preparation of the Global Peace Summit, and the importance of the broadest possible attendance of countries from all continents, including Latin America, was emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Spanish parliamentarians to visit Ukraine.

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Joint Projects in Arms Production and Technology Development Will Add to the Strength of Both Ukraine and Spain - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

27 May 2024 - 17:47

In Madrid, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Spain Pedro SAnchez discussed the situation at the front and the needs of the Defense Forces, including bolstering Ukraine's air defense, preparations for the Peace Summit, and the upcoming opening of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. They made the announcement during a joint press conference.

The Head of State thanked Spain for supporting Ukraine and spoke about the situation at the front and the latest shelling of Kharkiv - two Russian bombs destroyed a hypermarket killing and injuring dozens of people.

"These weeks, our warriors are defending against yet another Russian offensive, and that is why we now especially need to intensify our joint work with partners for greater security and tangible coercion of Russia into peace by all means," he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the bilateral security agreement signed today stipulates that Spain will provide a1 billion in military assistance this year. Our country will receive an additional a5 billion over the next three years through the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility.

"We appreciate Spain's interest in joint projects in arms production and security technology development. Joint projects will definitely add strength to our nations - not only military, but also economic - and create new jobs. I would also like to thank you for the decision on additional shells and armored vehicles," he emphasized.

The President also thanked Spain for its unwavering support of Ukraine's movement towards the European Union and NATO and Pedro SAnchez for confirming his participation in the Global Peace Summit.

"This Summit will be the first real opportunity to bring a just and lasting peace closer. Not just some kind of pause between Russian strikes, but a real peace. Every leader who does not want this war and Russian aggression to continue can demonstrate their genuine interest in peace at the Summit," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The Prime Minister of Spain emphasized that the security agreement demonstrates Spain's determination to continue supporting Ukraine in the defense and financial sectors, as well as to participate in its reconstruction and demining.

"You can count on Spain in your struggle for peace based on the values that unite us through the UN Charter: freedom, territorial integrity, democracy. I hope we will be together in the EU in the near future," Pedro SAnchez said.

He also noted that Spain has already prepared a new batch of Leopard tanks and shells that the Ukrainian Armed Forces need.

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Ukraine Has Signed a Bilateral Security Agreement with Spain

President of Ukraine

27 May 2024 - 15:40

In Madrid, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Spain Pedro SAnchez signed a bilateral Agreement on Security Cooperation.

The document enshrines Spain's commitment to support Ukraine as long as necessary to restore its territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders of 1991. Specifically, Spain will provide Ukraine with a1 billion in military aid this year. In addition, the agreement states Spain's willingness to continue providing multifaceted support throughout the 10-year term of the agreement.

Spain supports the Ukraine Future Forces Initiative and has joined several Capability Coalitions in the framework of the Ukrainian Defence Contact Group, such as "Integrated Air and Missile Defence", "Artillery", "Armour", "Maritime Security", "IT" and "Demining", which will strengthen Ukraine and improve the interoperability of Ukrainian and NATO forces.

Spain will continue to support the development of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, provide modern military equipment in various fields, support medical training and prosthetics for the Ukrainian military, and strengthen Ukraine's maritime security. Bilateral security cooperation will also be deepened in the areas of intelligence, the fight against organized crime, and the defense industry, in particular by exploring opportunities for joint production and finding possible sources of funding needed to develop Ukraine's defense industry.

The agreement also covers humanitarian aid, economic recovery and reconstruction, and support for Ukraine's reforms on its path to EU and NATO membership. Certain provisions of the document are devoted to supporting the Ukrainian Peace Formula, strengthening sanctions against Russia, introducing a mechanism for compensation for damages, and bringing the aggressor to justice.

Spain is the tenth country to sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine in furtherance of the Joint Declaration adopted by Ukraine and the G7 members in Vilnius on July 12, 2023. A total of 32 states have already committed themselves to the Joint Declaration. Previously, Ukraine signed bilateral agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, and Latvia.

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Agreement on Security Cooperation between Spain and Ukraine

President of Ukraine

27 May 2024 - 15:22

PREAMBLE

Spain and Ukraine, hereinafter jointly referred to as "the Participants" or "Spain and Ukraine",

Reaffirming their unequivocal condemnation of the unjustified and unprovoked armed aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations (UN Charter) and the Helsinki Final Act;

Reaffirming Ukraine's inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and their demand for Russia to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders as of 1991, including the territorial sea;

Recognizing that Russia's illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine undermines the rules-based international order and the UN Charter, and is a threat to international peace and security;

Recognizing the need to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with international law and the UN Charter, and based on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as stipulated in Ukraine's Peace Formula;

Reaffirming Spain's unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders as of 1991;

Reaffirming Spain's commitment to work with Ukraine as it makes progress in meeting the conditions in its EU accession process, taking into account the merit-based approach, as well as in its NATO aspirations;

Acknowledging the support provided by Spain to Ukraine in the military, technical, defence, diplomatic, humanitarian, accountability, internal security, economic and financial fields, among others;

Deeply committed to democratic principles, including the rule of law, good governance, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;

Recalling the relevant United Nations General Assembly Resolutions, including A/ES-11/L.1, A/ES-11/L.2, A/ES-11/L.5 and A/ES-11/L.7, which underpin the strong international support for the restoration of the principles of international law and the UN Charter in Ukraine;

Recalling the Joint Declaration signed by President of the Government of Spain Pedro SAnchez and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the occasion of their meeting in Kyiv on 1 July 2023, coinciding with the first day of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union;

Recalling the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine adopted in Vilnius on 12 July 2023 by the G7 Leaders, and endorsed by Spain on the same date;

Have jointly determined to strengthen their security cooperation by pursuing the bilateral long-term security commitments and measures set out in this Agreement.

SCOPE

Hereby, Spain and Ukraine will deepen their cooperation and partnership, which are based on their common interests in the defence of international law, rules-based international order, peace, and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Participants will deepen their cooperation in particular to enable Ukraine to defend itself against the Russian aggression and to deter future aggressions. The Participants will support Ukraine's economic stability, reconstruction, resilience, and reform agenda, as well as facilitate Ukraine's integration into the Euro-Atlantic community, in particular the EU and NATO. Spain is determined to provide support for Ukraine for as long as it takes, in coordination with its international partners and allies, in order to help Ukraine defend itself, thus preventing the possible escalation of the ongoing aggression, restore its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders as of 1991, secure its free and democratic future, enable Ukraine to continue providing services to its people, to uphold a functioning Ukrainian economy, and deter future Russian aggression.

SECURITY AND DEFENCE COOPERATION

Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Spain has made significant military assistance contributions to support the security and defence forces of Ukraine through several packages of military materiel and protection gear, as well as military training and transportation and treatment of the wounded and their families. The Participants will continue their military cooperation to contribute to Ukraine's ability to continue to exercise its legitimate right to self-defence and to help adapt and modernise its security and defence forces, in close cooperation with the European Union and NATO. In 2024, Spain will provide 1 billion euro in military support. In addition to its bilateral military support, Spain contributes significantly to the European Union funding through the European Peace Facility, which so far, after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has committed EUR 11.1 billion in support of security and defence forces of Ukraine, and has pledged additional EUR 5 billion for the period 2024-2027 through the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility. Spain is committed to continue its multifaceted support to Ukraine for the duration of this Agreement. Spain underlines its intention to provide military and civilian assistance to enable Ukraine to defend its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the face of the aggression by the Russian Federation, bilaterally through agreements and through the institutions and organisations to which it is a party. Ukraine agrees that the military support provided by Spain will only be used in compliance with the UN Charter and in strict accordance with all relevant obligations of both Participants under international law. Spain will provide support in strengthening the institutional capacity of the security and defence institutions of Ukraine, including advice on defence governance and policies. The Participants share the aim of establishing modern, interoperable and sustainable Ukrainian security and defence forces. The Participants will work together on ensuring a sustainable force capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring future aggressions, through the continued provision of security assistance, including exploring options for assistance in the constituting of strategic stockpiles. Spain supports the Ukraine Future Forces Initiative and has joined several Capability Coalitions in the framework of the Ukrainian Defence Contact Group (UDCG), such as "Integrated Air and Missile Defence", "Artillery", "Armour", "Maritime Security", "IT" and "Demining". The Capability Coalitions will improve the interoperability of Ukrainian and NATO forces. Through the Capability Coalitions, as a preferred framework, and beyond when applicable, Spain will support the development of the security and defence forces of Ukraine and will funnel the required assistance, particularly in the following domains: Providing available modern military equipment within means and capabilities, across land, air, sea, space and cyber-electromagnetic domains, prioritising Ukraine's key capability needs. Working together on common concepts and operational procedures, particularly enhancing interoperability with our European and Euro-Atlantic Partners. Supporting education and training across all capability coalitions' domains within the scope of individual and collective combat training, including, but not limited to, train-the-trainer programmes, and technical and logistic training for the systems provided. Working together to improve the combat training, including Ukrainian battlefield lessons learned feedback and training indicators about the current training system. Supporting medical training and prosthetics, including continuing the provision of medical treatment for Ukrainian soldiers seriously injured. Supporting Ukraine in effectively handling challenges and threats to its maritime security within the framework of the Maritime Security Capability Coalition. Contributing to strengthening Ukrainian maritime security capabilities, particularly in the field of mine countermeasures and the security of maritime communication lanes, essential to ensure safe and secure transit of food from Ukraine worldwide. The Participants will hold annual senior-level Strategic Defence and Security Policy Dialogue, in order to foster detailed and constructive discussions on military security, defence industry development and assistance and other key areas of mutual interest, including (but not limited to) in the format of regional organisations.

Addressing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) risks

The Participants aim to broaden their ongoing bilateral collaboration to bolster resilience against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. Spain will explore opportunities to assist Ukraine in enhancing its civil protection capabilities and resilience to CBRN-related risks.

Cooperation in the security and intelligence spheres

The Participants will cooperate in strategic communication and in the fight against Russian and any other manipulation of information with the aim to improve Ukraine's capabilities to counter such malign activities, including propaganda and disinformation campaigns. The Participants will seek to continue to strengthen their information security cooperation and support each other's efforts to counter Russian digital interference, manipulation of information, and propaganda globally. Spain and Ukraine will provide exchange of experience and promote the development of joint educational and training programmes for information integrity professionals. The Participants will continue and enhance the cooperation between their respective intelligence and counterintelligence services. This includes, but is not limited to, strengthening information and intelligence sharing, and exchanging best practices and lessons learned. Spain and Ukraine will intensify cooperation in the area of countering international terrorism by strengthening information exchange and conducting regular consultations and working meetings, take measures to identify channels for terrorism financing, including through the use of non-bank systems or cryptocurrency. Spain and Ukraine will work together to enable Ukraine to prevent, detect and disrupt any cyber aggression, cyber espionage, including through greater cyber resilience and digital critical infrastructure protection from cyber-attacks through the provision of technical assistance to Ukraine. The Participants will work together to raise the cost of the irresponsible use of cyber capabilities by the Russian Federation and other hostile state and non-state actors against the Participants. They will also increase their bilateral operational cooperation in the fight against cybercrime, and Ukraine's cooperation with EU and NATO structures on cybersecurity.

Cooperation in the field of fight against crime

The Participants, through their respective Ministries of the Interior, will continue their close collaboration based on the Agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and Ukraine on Cooperation in the Fight Against Crime signed in Kyiv on 7 November 2001, by facilitating dialogue, exchange of experiences and best practices between experts from both countries. Under this framework, Spain has already taken substantive actions, e.g. the deployment in December 2022 of a Spanish police team in Ukraine to support the war crimes investigations of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine or the provision of specific training in Spain to the National Police of Ukraine. In 2024, Spain's Ministry of the Interior will donate to Ukraine technological materials and means of transportation worth more than EUR 1,5 million in order to strengthen Ukraine's operational capabilities in the fight against organised crime and human and weapons trafficking, which constitute serious threats to the security of both countries. The Participants will cooperate to combat serious and organised crime (SOC). Such cooperation may include, but is not limited to, joint activities, information sharing and analysis. Where appropriate, working meetings will be held to prepare and assist each other in the implementation of coordinated measures.

Defence industry cooperation

The Participants recognise the importance of the cooperation of defence industries. The Participants will cooperate to identify and implement opportunities for closer defence industrial partnerships involving Spanish and Ukrainian defence industries. Spain will work with Ukraine to reduce existing barriers for cooperation, to encourage its defence industry to boost its production as necessary and to partner with Ukrainian businesses, taking into account its legitimate interests and the general security situation, including by exploring opportunities for joint production. The Participants will work together to address existing defence materiel supply chain bottlenecks impeding developing the capacity and capability of both Spain and Ukraine for manufacturing priority weapons and ammunition. The Participants will cooperate to prevent the diversion and the illegal circulation of defence materiel provided to Ukraine. Spain will cooperate with Ukraine to identify possible funding instruments required to enable the development of Ukraine's defence industrial base, which might include exploring ways to provide Spanish investment and financial assistance, in particular in time of war and post-war recovery, taking into account the European Defence Industry Strategy. Spain will explore options to contribute to Ukraine's defence industry needs, which will include investments into new capacity, contracting of critical materials for ammunition manufacturing and procuring part of the Ukraine's defence industry output for the security and defence forces of Ukraine. The Participants will work together to ensure the protection of any transferred technologies and intellectual property rights. Spain will support Ukraine's efforts to integrate its defence industry into NATO and the EU defence and security frameworks. In particular, Spain will support Ukraine's defence industry integration into the European defence technological and industrial base in line with the European Defence Industrial Strategy and European Defence Industry Programme. Spain also will support Ukraine in aligning its standards to improve interoperability with the EU and NATO partners. Spain and Ukraine will consider ways to enable Ukraine's defence industry to further contribute to restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity, and to act as a major driver in economic recovery.

CIVIL COOPERATION

Humanitarian assistance

Since February 2022, Spain has allocated more than EUR 46 million to address the humanitarian consequences of the war against Ukraine, including support for neighbouring countries that have had to care for a high number of temporarily displaced Ukrainian citizens. This is the largest humanitarian aid package that Spain has ever allocated to a single country. Spain will continue its assistance to fulfil the immediate humanitarian needs of the Ukrainian people in the face of the armed aggression by the Russian Federation. Spain is committed to maintaining its humanitarian assistance to Ukraine for as long as needed, in particular in the sectors of protection of the most vulnerable groups and the fight against gender-based violence, health, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, food security and nutrition, and education. Ukraine will remain as one of the priorities for the Spanish humanitarian action. As such, in the period leading to 2030, Spain will increase the humanitarian budget allocated to Ukraine in proportion to the general increase in its cooperation budget, in accordance with its Law on Sustainable Development and International Solidarity. Spain will continue helping more than 200.000 temporarily displaced Ukrainian citizens currently residing in Spain under temporary protection status under the Spanish and the European Union regulations, which include free work permits and access to the Spanish health and education systems. The Participants acknowledge Spain's contribution to mitigate the global economic effects of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, in particular in the field of global food security, where Spain has pledged more than EUR 250 million and by promoting and supporting initiatives like the Spanish Plan against Food Insecurity, the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes or the Grain from Ukraine Humanitarian Program.

Support to Ukraine's reform agenda. European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The Participants reaffirm that a comprehensive reform process is indispensable for Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations as well as for its future security and prosperity, its democracy, and the resilience of its institutions. Spain will cooperate in helping Ukraine make the necessary reforms in order to achieve its European and NATO aspirations, including by supporting Ukraine's accession to the EU and interoperability with NATO. Spain welcomes the decision, adopted by the EU under the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and commends the substantial progress that Ukraine has made towards meeting the objectives underpinning the accession process. The Participants reaffirm that Ukraine is part of the European family and its future is in the EU. Spain reaffirms its intention to fully support the objective of Ukraine's accession to the European Union, and will be ready to provide technical support to Ukraine for the implementation of the reforms relevant to such a process of accession. Ukraine will continue its ambitious reform process with a particular focus on the areas set out in the European Commission's accession recommendations of 8 November 2023, most notably justice, the rule of law, decentralisation, fight against corruption and money laundering, security sector and state management which underscore Ukraine's commitment to democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Participants reaffirm that Ukraine's security is integral to Euro-Atlantic and global security. The Participants recall that Ukraine's future is in NATO and decide to coordinate and strengthen joint efforts to support Ukraine's aspirations for future accession to NATO.

Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction

Spain is committed to actively participate in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. Ukraine and Spain agree to join efforts in this regard, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, including the Multi-Agency Donor Coordination Platform. It is important to lay the ground for an ambitious and long-term engagement based on a transparent and inclusive national reconstruction architecture that will create opportunities and enable the Ukrainian people to rebuild their country and their economy, reduce its dependencies and vulnerabilities and build a more solid, innovative, sustainable and resilient economic and industrial base, particularly in the context of negotiations for the accession of Ukraine to the European Union. Spain has already committed more than EUR 400 million in loans and grants for the social and economic resilience and the reconstruction of Ukraine, through multilateral institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank and the European Investment Bank. Spain will contribute to the development of Ukraine's critical infrastructure protection capabilities, resilience and projects of reconstruction and restoration of critical infrastructure of Ukraine. The Participants will explore launching joint educational and training programs for specialists with a view to exchanging knowledge and best practices as well as support Ukrainian experts' access to relevant international programmes and projects on its territory and in partner countries. Ukraine considers Spain and Spanish companies as primary partners in reconstruction, in particular in the infrastructures, engineering, construction, energy, transportation, capital goods, health and digital sectors. Engaging all relevant partners, including the private sector as well as national and international organisations and financial institutions with the aim of securing the financial support, investments, capacities and knowledge needed, is essential to ensure a swift and sustainable reconstruction process and a prosperous future for Ukraine. Spain, together with its international and European partners and in close coordination with relevant international organisations and international financial institutions, will continue to support Ukraine throughout its path from early to long-term recovery, with these efforts being aligned with Ukraine's European perspective and its status as an EU candidate country. Spain will make a new contribution of EUR 15 million to Ukraine and Moldova, in particular through the Special Program for Ukraine and Moldova Recovery of the World Bank. Spain will continue to support Ukraine in rebuilding and improving its energy system, with a focus on sustainability and green initiatives. This includes working together on projects to enhance energy efficiency, promote resilience, and advance in areas of science, research, innovation, education and technology. Additionally, the partnership will create opportunities for re-training and study programs to establish new job opportunities in the energy sector for Ukraine. Spain will maintain its support to the reconstruction of Ukraine with an emphasis on "building back better", specifically aiming at reducing the energy dependence and vulnerability and advancing in the green transition of the country, through the engagement in development projects focused on energy efficiency and resilience and specifically, in accordance with the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding between the Spanish and Ukrainian hydrogen associations, steps will be taken towards decarbonisation. The Participants will explore possibilities for collaboration for Ukraine to produce renewable hydrogen and export it to Europe, and for Spain to supply technology, equipment and hydrogen production plants to Ukraine. The Participants will redouble their collaboration to foster railway connections, and acknowledge that this collaboration produces a double dividend by contributing to reconstruction of Ukraine and fostering its green transition. Specifically, the Participants will seek avenues of collaboration in the field of automatic track gauge change technology, thereby improving Ukraine's connectivity with the rest of Europe. Humanitarian demining remains essential to achieve normality in Ukraine. Spain remains committed to humanitarian demining aiming to the complete clearance of the entire territory of Ukraine from mines and explosive devices and substances, and will therefore maintain its current support to the humanitarian demining action, including through a Spanish contribution of EUR 1,5 million to UNDP for humanitarian demining in Ukraine. The Participants underline the importance of the involvement of the private sector as well as of civil society, regions and municipalities as drivers of an ambitious, inclusive, decentralised reconstruction process. The Participants aim to promote business-to-business as well as civil society exchanges between the two countries. Spain will implement its commitment made in 2023 of EUR 50 million in concessional loans and an additional EUR 1 million grant, in partnership with the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC), to support private sector resilience through the Ukrainian banking system and through co-investments in Ukrainian companies. The existing Ukrainian-Spanish Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Industrial Cooperation will follow up on the issues related to Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction in its regular meetings, without prejudice to the current coordinating role in Spain of the Spanish Development Cooperation Agency.

RESTORATION OF JUSTICE

A Just Peace

The Participants will continue to work together towards obtaining a just and lasting peace that is respectful with international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, based on the principles of Ukraine's Peace Formula. Spain welcomes and will continue to support Ukraine's Peace Formula, including the future Peace Summit with wide international support. Spain, in the context of its special relations with European, Mediterranean, Latin American and African partners, among others, will continue reaching out to the international community in order to encourage other countries to actively support and engage in the implementation of Ukraine's Peace Formula, including in the inaugural Peace Summit.

Sanctions

The Participants will continue working to ensure that the costs to Russia for its aggression continue to rise, including through sanctions and export controls. The Participants reiterate the need to maintain collective pressure on Russia through sanctions to weaken Russia's access to the finance, goods, technology and services it is utilising in its aggression, as well as Russia's ability to continue its illegal war of aggression and to deter future acts of aggression. Efforts to ensure the effective implementation of sanctions, to counter circumvention and to avoid unwanted effects must be strengthened, in line with the efforts made in the relevant EU restrictive measures' packages. Proper consideration must also be given to the global negative effects of Russia's war of aggression, including in the field of food security. Spain remains committed, within the European framework, to pursuing robust sanctions against sectors of the Russian economy and those in the Russian Federation and outside who are supporting or profiting from the war, or assisting in sanctions circumvention in third countries. Spain will also take determined action with partners to tackle all forms of sanctions circumvention. The Participants will exchange information as appropriate on their work on the grounds of sanctions imposed, in compliance with relevant international obligations and national laws.

Accountability

The Participants underline their firm commitment to bring to justice those responsible for war crimes and other international crimes committed in connection with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine in violation of the UN Charter. Spain will continue to support the work of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and the International Criminal Court to ensure allegations of war crimes and other international crimes are fully and fairly investigated by independent, effective and robust legal mechanisms. The Participants reaffirm their determination to support the establishment of appropriate justice mechanism, backed by broad international support, to ensure full and effective accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, and that Russia must be held fully accountable, including by making reparations for any damage caused, which will also help deter future attacks and support Ukraine's recovery. The Participants will continue their engagement in the "Core Group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine".

Compensation for damage, loss or injury caused by Russian aggression

The Participants reaffirm that the Russian Federation is to be held accountable for the damages and losses to individuals and entities, as well as to Ukraine, inflicted on the Ukrainian territory and should pay for the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine. In the meantime, consistent with Spain's legal system and in accordance with the EU and international law, Russian sovereign assets in Spain's jurisdiction remain immobilised as required by EU sanctions. Spain and Ukraine will continue to work together with others towards the establishment of a compensation mechanism to provide compensation for damage, loss or injury caused by the Russian aggression, and to explore lawful routes consistent with applicable contractual obligations and in accordance with EU and international law through which Russian assets could be used for the benefit of Ukraine. The Participants recognize the need for the establishment of a compensation mechanism to provide compensation for damage, loss or injury caused by Russia's aggression, as envisaged by the Statute of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine adopted by the Resolution of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe CM/Res(2023)3. In this regard, the Participants will explore appropriate options for the financing of a compensation mechanism to provide prompt and adequate compensation to victims of the aggression.

COOPERATION IN THE EVENT OF FUTURE ARMED ATTACK

In the event of future Russian armed attack against Ukraine, at the request of either of the Participants, the Participants will consult within 24 hours, bilaterally or via other channels they both deem suitable, to determine appropriate next steps. Spain affirms that in those circumstances and acting in accordance with its legal and constitutional requirements and with international and EU law, it would provide Ukraine as appropriate, with swift and sustained security, economic assistance and available military equipment, seek agreement in the EU to impose economic and other costs on Russia, and consult with Ukraine on its needs as it exercises its right of self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. In order to ensure the widest and most effective collective response to any future armed attack Spain and Ukraine may amend these provisions in order to align with any mechanism that Ukraine may subsequently agree with its other international partners. The Participants will continue to consult, as appropriate, throughout Russia's ongoing war of aggression.

IMPLEMENTATION OF COOPERATION

The Participants will implement this Agreement in accordance with their international and national obligations, as well as Spain's European Union commitments. The Participants will, if necessary, designate authorised bodies for the development and implementation of bilateral agreements in accordance with the areas of cooperation specified in this Agreement.

TIMEFRAME AND OTHER PROVISIONS

This Agreement is valid for ten (10) years from the date of its signature. The Participants intend this Agreement to remain in effect as Ukraine pursues its aspirations to join NATO. In the event that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO before the expiry of this Agreement, the Participants will decide on its future status. The Participants can jointly decide to extend this Agreement through notification no later than six (6) months prior to the lapse of the ten-year period. This Agreement may be amended and supplemented, including by adding annexes thereto, by mutual consent of the Participants, which will be made in writing. This Agreement will come into effect immediately upon signature. This is a non-normative agreement, and is regulated in Spain by title IV of Law 25/2014, of November 27, on Treaties and other International Agreements. The expenses that may be generated by the commitments assumed by the Participants in this Agreement will be subject to ordinary budget availability and in accordance with current legislation. Any disputes between the Participants arising out of the interpretation and/or implementation of the Agreement shall be settled through negotiation or consultation between the Participants. This Agreement may be terminated by either Participant at any time. Either Participant should inform the other Participant by giving written notice to the other at least six (6) months prior. The termination of this Agreement will not necessarily affect the implementation of ongoing activities or projects, which have been decided prior to the date of its termination, unless either of the Participants decide otherwise.

Signed in Madrid on 27 May 2024, in duplicate in English, Spanish and Ukrainian languages, all being equally valid, the English version of which shall prevail in the event of any discrepancy.

For Spain: Pedro SAnchez PArez-CastejAn, President of the Government of Spain

For Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

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Andriy Yermak Discussed with Yuval Noah Harari the Importance of Drawing More Attention to the Global Peace Summit

President of Ukraine

27 May 2024 - 14:25

The Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak held a video conversation with Israeli historian and author, Professor Yuval Noah Harari.

The Head of the Presidential Office spoke about the Peace Formula, proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the preparations for the Global Peace Summit.

He emphasized that the purpose of creating this international platform is to develop a joint action plan for achieving a just peace on the Ukrainian land by reliable states.

"It is extremely important for the people of our planet to understand today that international law is not just a phrase. And at this very moment, the world leaders can show that they are capable of taking action," he noted.

The Head of the Presidential Office stressed the importance of involving the maximum number of states from all continents in the Global Peace Summit. They may have different views, but the most important thing is that they support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"You have many fans, and your books are read by millions of people around the world. The Global Peace Summit is not about politics. It is about war and peace, a just peace, and human lives," Andriy Yermak said.

Yuval Noah Harari expressed his respect for Ukraine, and his admiration for its fight for freedom. He noted that he supports the establishment of a just peace, and will do his best to help the Global Peace Summit achieve success.



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Zelenskyy urges allies to allow Ukraine to use western longer-range weapons inside Russia

By VOA News May 27, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged western allies Monday to allow Kyiv to strike military targets inside Russia with Western-supplied longer-range weapons in self-defense.

"We need to intensify our joint work with our partners to achieve more. Security and tangible coercion of Russia to peace by all means," Zelenskyy told a joint press conference with Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during a visit Monday in Madrid.

"We need to work together and put pressure not only on Russia, but also on our partners to give us the opportunity to defend ourselves against Russia," Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine needs aerial defense systems to shield itself from Russian airstrikes.

"Even those partners who are afraid to give this or that advice should understand that air defense is defense, not attack," he said, pointing out that Ukraine is hit by 3,000 Russian aerial bombs each month.

During a visit in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Monday, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg echoed Zelenskyy's remarks. He asked NATO officials to rethink their restrictions on Kyiv using Western weapons to strike inside Russia, arguing that Ukraine has a right to defend itself, including striking "legitimate targets outside of Ukraine."

"The Russian forces are on Russian territory attacking, just over the border, Ukrainian territory. The front line is more or less the border line, and if you cannot attack the Russian forces on the other side of the front line because they are on the other side of the border, then of course you really reduce the ability of the Ukrainian forces to defend themselves."

Stoltenberg reiterated that NATO itself is not a party to the conflict but said NATO allies have the right to help Ukraine uphold its right to self-defense by providing military support. He also maintained that Russia's invasion that began in early 2022 is a violation of international law.

In an interview with The Economist, the NATO chief reiterated his remarks, which according to the publication, were aimed at U.S. President Joe Biden, who has resisted allowing Ukraine to strike with U.S. weapons inside Russia.

Reactions

The Kremlin rebuked Stoltenberg on Monday for his comments. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the West is risking a direct confrontation with Russia and a subsequent global war should it allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia with Western weapons.

When asked if NATO was approaching such a confrontation with Russia, Peskov replied, "They are not getting close; they are in it."

Russian officials warned that Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russia, including on civilian areas and even parts of Russia's nuclear defenses, are directly escalatory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that a direct conflict between Russia and NATO over Ukraine could lead to a global war.

Reactions of European leaders have been mixed regarding allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons to strike inside enemy territory.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opposed giving Ukraine greater flexibility on Russian targets. "I think we have to be very careful," she told Italian television on Sunday.

Earlier this month, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said during a visit to Kyiv that Ukraine had every right to use British-donated missiles to strike inside Russian territory.

Questioned on Monday, Spain's prime minister was evasive on the matter.

"We will be at Ukraine's side for as long as it takes," Sanchez said, announcing his country pledged $1.085 billion [1 billion euros] in military aid for Kyiv as part of a security pact "to enable Ukraine to strengthen its defense capabilities," as the Russians are gaining new ground.

Ukraine said that France would soon send military instructors to visit Ukrainian training centers.

"I am pleased to welcome France's initiative to send instructors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian servicemen," Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, said on the Telegram messaging app after talks via video link with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

On the ground

Meanwhile, in the eastern city of Kharkiv on Monday, a Russian guided bomb killed one civilian and injured at least 10 more, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram.

Three more people were killed, and six others were wounded in another Russian attack on Ukraine's southern Mykolaiv region on Monday, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and a local official said.

"In the afternoon, as a result of a missile attack on Snihurivka, a fire broke out in a coffee shop, a car shop and a tire service, and a blast wave damaged a self-service car wash," the service said on Telegram.

Russia also announced it had taken two more villages in eastern Ukraine, the latest in a series of gains in recent weeks.

A series of explosions hit the Russian-held city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine according to Russia's RIA news agency, citing Ukrainian war bloggers who posted a picture of what they described as a large fire in the city.

In western Russia, officials said Monday that Ukrainian drones hit a fuel station, killing at least one person and injuring three others.

Andrey Klychkov, regional governor of Oryol, said the attack happened in the city of Livny.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Monday its air defenses destroyed six Ukrainian drones over Oryol, as well as four over the Krasnodar region, one over Belgorod and another over Bryansk.

Veniamin Kondratyev, Krasnodar's governor, reported damage to a building and a fire from drone debris falling on two villages in the region.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES



AURORA, Ontario, May 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today announced that it has entered into an agency agreement providing for the issuance, by way of private placement in each of the provinces of Canada, of CAD$450 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2029. The notes will bear interest at an annual rate of 4.80% and will mature on May 30, 2029. The offering is expected to close on May 30, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

Magna intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of its existing indebtedness.

RBC Capital Markets, Scotiabank, TD Securities and CIBC Capital Markets are acting as joint bookrunners for the offering.

This release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any province or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The notes have not been and will not be qualified for distribution to the public by prospectus under the securities laws of any province or territory of Canada and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and will not be offered or sold in the United States, nor will they be offered or sold in any country other than Canada. The notes will be offered on a private placement basis in Canada to accredited investors who are not individuals, unless such individuals are also "permitted clients" under applicable Canadian securities laws.

INVESTOR CONTACT

Louis Tonelli, Vice-President, Investor Relations

louis.tonelli@magna.com  905.726.7035

MEDIA CONTACT

Tracy Fuerst, Vice-President, Corporate Communications & PR

tracy.fuerst@magna.com  248.761.7004

OUR BUSINESS1

Magna is more than one of the worlds largest suppliers in the automotive space. We are a mobility technology company built to innovate, with a global, entrepreneurial-minded team of over 179,0002 employees across 343 manufacturing operations and 105 product development, engineering and sales centres spanning 28 countries. With 65+ years of expertise, our ecosystem of interconnected products combined with our complete vehicle expertise uniquely positions us to advance mobility in an expanded transportation landscape.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Any such forward-looking statements are intended to provide information about management's current expectations and plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, the expected closing date of the offering and the intended use of the net proceeds from the offering and are subject to, and expressly qualified by, the cautionary disclaimers that are set out in Magna's regulatory filings. Please refer to Magna's most current Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Position, Annual Information Form and Annual Report on Form 40-F, as replaced or updated by any of Magna's subsequent regulatory filings, which set out the cautionary disclaimers, including the risk factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements.

_______________

1 Manufacturing operations, product development, engineering and sales centres include certain operations accounted for under the equity method.

2 Number of employees includes over 168,000 employees at our wholly owned or controlled entities and over 11,000 employees at certain operations accounted for under the equity method.
FUZHOU, China, May 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 7th Digital China Summit took place in Fuzhou in southeastern China's Fujian Province, on May 24-25, 2024. This grand event was co-hosted by National Development and Reform Commission, National Data Administration, Cyberspace Administration of China, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, and the Fujian Provincial People's Government, and organized by the Fuzhou Municipal Government and associated units.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

This year, DCS, the first held after the optimization and adjustment of the national data system, was themed "Unlocking the Value of Data Elements and Developing New Quality Productivity". Representatives from diverse fields discussed new technologies, models, and business innovations, setting a trend for observing China in the digital era.

A total of 421 digital economy projects were signed at this summit, with a total investment of 203 billion yuan. These projects span digital industry, digital transformation, and new infrastructure, aiming to building a quality digital economy industrial chain, and bringing new momentum to Fujian's digital economy.

During the summit, a series of new digital technologies and products were unveiled, and 13 sub-forums were successfully held, covering topics of data resources and digital security, digital economy, and digital government service, etc.

This year's DCS also saw the release of the Report on Digital China Development (2023), showing China's steady growth in digital economy in 2023, with the core industries' added value comprising 10% of GDP. Besides, the data factor market is becoming increasingly active, with the total data production reached 32.85 ZB (one ZB equals ten trillion billion bytes) in 2023, marking a 22.44% year-on-year increase. Additionally, China's digital infrastructure has expanded, with total arithmetic power reaching 230 EFLOPS, ranking second globally.

The DCS has been successfully held for seven consecutive years since 2018.

Source: Secretariat of the Digital China Summit Organizing Committee




PERTH, Australia, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an industry first, BHP and Rio Tinto 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.



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 by BHP, Rio Tinto, Caterpillar and Komatsu to support BHPs and Rio Tintos 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 Australias Pilbara region.

Caterpillar and Komatsu will each provide one truck 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 BHPs and Rio Tintos 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 companys operations.

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 test and learn how these new technologies could work and integrate into our mines.

Weve 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.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said: This collaboration brings together two leading global miners with two of the worlds 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 its 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.

Notes for editors/further information

Since 2021, BHP and Rio Tinto 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 the combustion of diesel accounted for around 40% of BHPs Scope 1 and 2 emissions in FY2020.

Carbon emissions from diesel consumption in our mining equipment and rail fleet accounted for 12% of Rio Tintos Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023.

Both BHP and RT have been heavily involved with industry bodies such as ICMM and CharIn to accelerate development in battery electrification and supporting infrastructure.





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/741865ff-ca07-461f-aec2-20ffcd12ec18
Newark, May 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 3.4 Billion rice husk silica market will reach USD 5.28 Billion by 2033. Rapidly growing demand for rice husks in the cement and construction industry and rapidly growing technological advancements in the market may fuel the growth of the Rice Husk Silica Market. The burgeoning use of rice husk ash in the cement and construction industry signifies a noteworthy opportunity within the rice husk ash market. With its distinct attributes, including high silica content and pozzolanic properties, rice husk ash emerges as an appealing sustainable substitute for conventional construction materials such as cement. By integrating rice husk ash into concrete mixtures, builders can enhance structural integrity, prolong durability, and mitigate environmental impact, providing a green alternative for construction projects. Moreover, its thermal insulation capabilities and resistance to fire render it favorable for a myriad of construction applications, broadening its market appeal. As global awareness and adoption of sustainable construction practices escalate, the demand for rice husk ash within the building sector is poised for expansion, offering lucrative prospects for stakeholders to leverage this evolving trend.



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Scope of Recirculating Chillers Market



Report Coverage Details CAGR 4.5% from 2024 to 2033 Market Size in 2023 USD 3.4 Billion Market Size by 2033 USD 5.28 Billion Largest Market APAC Base Year 2023 Forecast Year 2024 to 2033 Historical Year 2020-2022 Segments Covered by Application, Silica Content, Regions Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

Rice Husk Silica Market Size by Application (Building & Construction, Steel Industry, Silica, Ceramics & Refractory, Rubber), Silica Content (80-84%, 85-89%, 90-94%, and greater than 95%), Regions, Global Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2024 to 2033



APAC emerged as the largest global Rice Husk Silica market, accounting for 53% of the total market. Owing to the rapidly growing population in densely populated countries: India and China and the increasing demand for rice in the market in the period forecasted. North America exhibits the highest growth rate in the market owing to the rapidly growing agriculture industry and increasing technological advancements in the region.



Rice husk boasting a silica content ranging from 85% to 89% dominated the rice husk ash market in 2023, capturing a substantial market share of 47.56% in the year 2023



Rice husk boasting a silica content ranging from 85% to 89% dominated the rice husk ash market in 2023, capturing a substantial market share of 47.56% in the year 2023. This elevated silica content renders it highly sought after for diverse industrial applications spanning construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and water treatment. Silica plays a pivotal role in reinforcing concrete and cement due to its strengthening properties, while also being indispensable in the production of ceramics, glass, and refractory materials. Moreover, its advantages extend to agriculture, where it serves as a beneficial soil amendment, and to water treatment processes, further solidifying its significance in the market.



In 2023, the building and construction sectors emerged as the top consumers of rice husk ash, capturing a market share of 44.1%.



In 2023, the building and construction sectors emerged as the top consumers of rice husk ash, capturing a market share of 44.1%. This can be attributed to the exceptional properties it offers. Acting as a pozzolanic material, rice husk ash enhances the robustness and longevity of concrete, thereby reducing the reliance on cement and promoting sustainable construction practices. Its lightweight characteristic renders it suitable for insulating materials, facilitating energy-efficient building designs. Moreover, its widespread availability and cost-effectiveness propel its integration into construction projects, especially in regions abundant in rice production. Consequently, the utilization of rice husk ash in building and construction is anticipated to rise, serving as a key driver for the market in the foreseeable future.



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Latest Development:



 In In February 2023, SOLVAY inaugurated a novel facility at an Italian chemicals plant, aiming to slash its carbon footprint by 50%. The initiative involves the production of silica for tire manufacturing, utilizing residual rice husks sourced from the food industry. Located in Livorno, the facility will employ sodium silicate derived from rice husk ash to produce highly dispersible silica, with operations set to commence in the early months of the subsequent year. SOLVAY, a leading chemical corporation, asserts that through this innovative silicate process, coupled with the utilization of locally procured rice husks and solar energy at the factory, they anticipate halving CO2 emissions.



Market Dynamics



Drivers: Low manufacturing and material costs in the global market



The rice husk ash market thrives on its economical manufacturing process and minimal material expenditures. By utilizing rice husk ash as a primary material, manufacturing expenses are notably reduced, given its status as a byproduct of rice milling, readily accessible, and frequently deemed waste. Additionally, its widespread availability ensures cost-effective sourcing, further bolstering its affordability. Combined with its versatility across multiple sectors including construction, ceramics, and agriculture, the demand for rice husk ash experiences an upsurge. Industries seeking cost-efficient alternatives are particularly drawn to its affordability, driving expansion within the rice husk ash market.



Restraints: High dependence of manufacturing on the production of rice paddy in the market



The manufacturing of rice husk ash is intricately linked to the production of rice paddy, presenting a significant challenge for the rice husk ash market. Since rice husk ash is a byproduct of rice milling, any fluctuations or disruptions in rice paddy production directly affect its availability and subsequently impact the supply of rice husk ash. Various factors such as adverse weather conditions, changes in agricultural practices, and market volatility can disrupt rice paddy production, leading to shortages and instability in the rice husk ash market. This reliance on rice paddy production highlights the susceptibility of the rice husk ash market to fluctuations in the agricultural sector, posing obstacles to maintaining consistent supply and market stability.



Opportunities: Rapidly growing demand for rice husks in the cement and construction industry



The burgeoning use of rice husk ash in the cement and construction industry signifies a noteworthy opportunity within the rice husk ash market. With its distinct attributes, including high silica content and pozzolanic properties, rice husk ash emerges as an appealing sustainable substitute for conventional construction materials such as cement. By integrating rice husk ash into concrete mixtures, builders can enhance structural integrity, prolong durability, and mitigate environmental impact, providing a green alternative for construction projects. Moreover, its thermal insulation capabilities and resistance to fire render it favorable for a myriad of construction applications, broadening its market appeal. As global awareness and adoption of sustainable construction practices escalate, the demand for rice husk ash within the building sector is poised for expansion, offering lucrative prospects for stakeholders to leverage this evolving trend.



Challenge: Lack of Awareness of Rice Husk Silica Market



The absence of sufficient awareness about rice husk silica can hinder market demand and its utilization in various industries. Despite its numerous industrial applications and valuable properties, potential customers may not fully comprehend the benefits of rice husk silica or recognize its potential. Consequently, industries might overlook this valuable byproduct and opt for alternative materials due to their unfamiliarity with rice husk silica, leading to underutilization and missed opportunities for market growth and expansion.



Some of the major players operating in the Rice Husk Silica market are:



 Wadham Energy

 Yihai Kerry

 Agrilectric Power

 Oryzasil

 Jiangxi Jinkang Advanced Material

 Chunhuaqiushi

 Anhui Evosil Nanomaterials Technology

 Green Silica Group

 BSB Nanotechnology

 Jiangsu Han Fang Technology



Key Segments cover in the market:



By Application:



 Building & Construction

 Steel Industry

 Silica

 Ceramics & Refractory

 Rubber



By Silica Content:



 80-84%

 85-89%

 90-94%

 Greater than 95%



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About the report:



The global Rice Husk Silica market is analysed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analysed on a worldwide, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report offers an in-depth analysis of driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges for gaining critical insight into the market. The study includes Porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, raw material analysis, supply, and demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution, and marketing channels analysis.



About The Brainy Insights:



The Brainy Insights is a market research company that provides actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. They have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the client's objectives of high-quality output within a short period. They provide both customized (client-specific) and syndicate reports. Their repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Their customized solutions meet the client's requirements whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market.



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SINGAPORE, May 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OKX, a leading Web3 technology company, has issued updates for May 27, 2024.

OKX Wallet Now Supports Taiko Mainnet

OKX Wallet is thrilled to announce that it has added support for Taiko, a fully open-source, permissionless, Ethereum-equivalent ZK-Rollup. This integration enables the OKX Web3 community to seamlessly view and transfer TKO tokens on the Taiko mainnet via OKX's multi-chain wallet.

Additionally, those who are eligible for Taiko's 'Genesis Airdrop' will be able to claim their TKO airdrops via OKX's Web3 Giveaway portal. The portal gives the OKX Web3 community access to exclusive giveaways and airdrops from some of the hottest projects.



This announcement follows on the heels of the recent addition of NEAR protocol support on OKX Wallet, enabling the seamless viewing and transfer of NEAR tokens. OKX Wallet now supports nearly 100 blockchain networks.



For more information, please visit the OKX Support Center.



For further information, please contact:

Media@okx.com

About OKX

A leading global technology company driving the future of Web3, OKX provides a comprehensive suite of products to meet the needs of beginners and experts alike.

To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com



Disclaimer
DUSSELDORF, Germany, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electronics For Imaging, Inc. today unveiled a wide array of innovative solutions in inkjet printing for packaging, display graphics, and textiles, all on display at its stand at drupa 2024, opening today and running through 7 June at Messe Dusseldorf. EFI is located in Hall 9, Stand A20-1 at the show.

Our return to drupa brings some of the most transformative announcements in EFI history, said Frank Pennisi, CEO of EFI. Were excited to use this opportunity to launch groundbreaking innovations, like the worlds first full-colour, on-demand right-sized box system, and true water-based single-pass inkjet technology for corrugated printing. The solutions on our stand present game-changing opportunities that visitors can implement today and plan for tomorrow to future-proof their businesses in a highly competitive and rapidly changing marketplace.

Revolutionary innovations and announcements

EFI is unveiling two new solutions at drupa, as well as announcing disruptive developments for existing solutions. Featured live at EFIs stand is the must-see Packsize EFI X5 Nozomi, the world's first full-colour, on-demand, right-sized box system. It prints, cuts, creases, glues, and erects customized boxes at rates as fast as one box every six seconds with high-resolution graphics, all in a single, streamlined solution  a truly astonishing new offering for the corrugated packaging industry.

In other packaging news, EFI announced the EFI Nozomi 14000 AQ true water-based, single-pass inkjet technology for corrugated packaging and displays. EFI Genuine Water-based Inks offer packaging producers another choice for their corrugated applications and are compliant with the European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA), Swiss Ordinance RS817.023.21, and Nestle Guidance Note & European directives on packaging inks. "Our aqueous, single-pass inkjet technology sets a new standard for corrugated packaging with vibrant, high-quality, and eco-friendly printing," said Evandro Matteucci, VP/GM inkjet packaging and building materials. "This innovation ensures compliance with some of the most stringent regulations while enabling businesses to meet customer demands swiftly and efficiently."

EFI also announced the EFI Nozomi 12000 MP single-pass LED inkjet technology for direct-to-metal printing. Specifically designed for printing on metal, aluminium, and tinplate packaging, the metal packaging industry can now benefit from highly flexible, industrial inkjet printing with the advanced capabilities, efficiencies and sustainable technology built for 24/7 production. Guests can see a selection of application samples at EFIs stand.

A second brand-new, must-see printer on display is the production-level EFI VUTEk X5r superwide roll-to-roll LED inkjet printer. This new five-metre press marks a milestone in nearly independent operation, thanks to carefully integrated automation, software, and hardware that support full-shift unattended printing, deliver a complete print-to-finished-graphic workflow system, and take image quality at production-level speeds to new levels. The printer is running at the EFI stand for live demonstrations through the show.

In the last of EFIs single-pass developments, the company has also announced the new 1.7-metre-wide EFI Nozomi 17000 SD single-pass LED inkjet printer for sign and display. The super-high-speed, high-quality production capabilities of EFI Nozomi SD single-pass LED printers offer users the opportunity to significantly improve speed to market and increase profitability.

Rounding out EFIs new solutions is EFInsight, cloud-based intelligence that optimizes the operational efficiency and TCO of the users EFI packaging, display graphics, or textile digital inkjet printing systems with powerful cloud-based data collection, analytics, reporting, proactive maintenance, and process control tools. Currently available for new EFI Nozomi single-pass printers for packaging, EFInsight offers real-time data collection, advanced analytics, and comprehensive reporting tools, providing invaluable insights into the economics of the production process. Proactive maintenance and diagnostics features ensure peak performance levels while robust process control tools fine-tune printing operations for optimal results, maximising their inkjet printer investment. drupa visitors can get demonstrations of EFInsight at EFIs stand.

Proven industry-leading technology on display

Visitors to EFIs stand can also see many of the companys existing industry-leading solutions, such as:

EFI VUTEk Q3h XP high-speed hybrid flatbed/roll-fed inkjet printer, providing the highest-quality imaging and flexible and versatile production-level printing with the most advanced high-speed automation options EFI has ever offered.

EFI Nozomi 14000 SD single-pass printer for sign and display applications, giving users the opportunity to significantly improve speed to market and increase profitability with a wide range of substrates.

EFI VUTEk FabriVU 340i+ dye sublimation soft signage inkjet printer with inline fixation, allowing you to direct print to fabric and sublimate inline, in one step, for production runs that are immediately ready for finishing and shipping  all at the lowest acquisition cost and lowest total cost of ownership.

EFI Reggiani ecoTERRA water-based pigment solution that eliminates the need for pre-treatment, steaming, washing, or stentering. It reduces costs by eliminating large, pre-treated fabric stock and ancillary equipment, and uses less energy, water and chemicals throughout the entire process. This truly sustainable, all-in-one solution delivers faster turnaround times for the on-demand delivery of multiple textile applications with an end-to-end digital textile workflow powered by Inedit.



Our outstanding team has worked hard to make our drupa exhibition one of the hottest places on the show floor, with both new and proven solutions, Pennisi added. We wanted our stand to show that no other exhibitor at drupa can bring together such a comprehensive, stunning array of disruptive solutions that offer the ultimate in performance, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Were not just here to preview future concepts; our solutions are available to order right now, at drupa. Our experts are ready to help you better understand which offerings are best for your business and how you can benefit from unparalleled versatility and unrivalled quality whether working in packaging, display graphics, or textiles.

Be sure to visit EFI at drupa 2024, Hall 9, Stand A20-1. For information about EFI products and services, visit www.EFI.com.

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: We look forward to welcoming you to our press conference and luncheon on 29 May at noon in Room 6, CCD South at the Messe Dusseldorf. Luncheon and cocktails to follow. Please RSVP to let us know whether you will be attending so that we have an accurate count for lunch. We will also have a very special gift for you at the show! To RSVP, simply contact us at news3@efi.com.

About EFI

EFI is a global technology company, leading the worldwide transformation from analogue to digital imaging. We understand our customers want breakthrough technologies to lead them through their digital journey. Thats why were passionate about driving their business growth with a scalable portfolio of products, solutions, services, support, and world-class partnerships for the manufacturing of signage, packaging, textiles, ceramic tiles, building materials, commercial print, and personalised documents with a wide range of printers, inks, digital front ends, and workflow software. They work together to increase profits, cut costs, improve productivity, and optimize efficiency  job after job, year after year. We are devoted to our customers. And we definitely believe we have the right people, technology and experience to help them achieve their business goals. (www.efi.com)

Follow EFI online:

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EFIPrint

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EFIPrint

View us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/EFIDigitalPrintTech

NOTE TO EDITORS: The EFI logo is a registered trademark of Electronics For Imaging, Inc. in the U.S. and/or certain other countries. EFI is a trademark of Electronics For Imaging, Inc. in the U.S. and/or certain other countries.

Nothing herein should be construed as a warranty in addition to the express warranty statements provided with EFI products and services.
Dublin, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Singapore Embedded Finance Business and Investment Opportunities Databook - 75+ KPIs on Embedded Lending, Insurance, Payment, and Wealth Segments - Q1 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Embedded Finance industry in Singapore is expected to grow by 33.5% on annual basis to reach US$ 2.70 billion in 2024. The embedded finance industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 23.8% during 2024-2029. The embedded finance revenues in the country will increase from US$ 2.70 billion in 2024 to reach US$ 7.85 billion by 2029.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the embedded finance industry, covering lending, insurance, payment, wealth and asset based finance sectors market opportunities and risks across a range of different sectors. With over 75+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of embedded finance market dynamics, market size and forecast.





The Singapore embedded finance market is experiencing a period of rapid growth in 2024, driven by a confluence of factors: a tech-savvy population, a supportive regulatory environment, and a booming digital commerce sector. Embedded finance integrates financial services seamlessly within non-financial platforms. This allows businesses to offer financial products like payments, loans, and insurance directly within their user experience. Singapore, with its strong financial infrastructure and focus on innovation, is poised to become a regional leader in embedded finance.



Several key factors are propelling market growth:

High mobile and internet penetration: Singapore boasts a highly connected population, with smartphone ownership exceeding 80%. This creates a fertile ground for embedded finance solutions accessible through mobile apps and online platforms. Home to an estimated 400 million internet users, Southeast Asia is building on the potential of ground-breaking digital technologies and fast-tracking innovation.

Supportive regulatory landscape: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has adopted a forward-thinking approach to fintech regulation, fostering innovation while maintaining financial stability. Initiatives like the FinTech Regulatory Sandbox allow startups to test their embedded finance solutions in a controlled environment.

Demand for seamless financial experiences: Consumers increasingly expect a frictionless and integrated experience across all digital touchpoints. Embedded finance caters to this demand by integrating financial services into everyday activities, such as shopping or booking travel.

Rise of e-commerce and platform-based businesses: The growth of e-commerce platforms and other digital marketplaces creates new opportunities for embedded finance solutions. Businesses can offer financing options like buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) at the point of sale, boosting conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Major Innovation and Deals of Singapore Embedded Finance Market:

Singapore as the Embedded Finance Hub: KPMG to launch Singapore's first Embedded Finance Hub. Embedded Finance Hub aims to accelerate the adoption of embedded finance across Singapore and beyond. With the support of Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the Hub will focus on developing joint capabilities between corporates and financial institutions to create new growth opportunities, centralizing and distribute global knowledge and best practices across all sectors. By embedding finance, businesses are generating revenue from new opportunities, providing better client experiences, and increasing customer retention because of seamlessly integrating financial products and services into their businesses.

In 2024, Funding Societies, the largest unified SME (small and medium enterprises) digital finance platform in Southeast Asia, announced a strategic partnership with Singapore E-Business (SGeBIZ), a digital procurement, payment and sourcing platform provider, to bring B2B (business-to-business) embedded finance (EmFi) solutions to businesses in Singapore, that will channel Funding Societies' digital financing capabilities via the 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) feature offered within the latter's procurement solution, EzyProcure.

Embedded Finance Startups in Singapore: There are 66 Embedded Finance startups in Singapore which include Bolttech, Atome, Decentro, Crayon Data, and MatchMove.

Bolttech: Insurance as a service solution for businesses and individuals. Connects insurers, distribution partners, and customers to transform the way insurance is bought and sold. Offers coverage for mobile phone insurance, travel insurance, and more. It also offers claims and on-demand servicing. It also offers device repair and valuation services.

Atome: Online marketplace offering multi-category products on purchase finance. The platform offers solutions for buy now pay later and consumer financing. The product catalog includes beauty, fashion, home decor, babycare, electronics, and more. Its mobile application is available on Android and iOS platforms.

Decentro: Platform offering open banking API solutions to banks and financial institutions for implementing digital banking. It offers APIs for the management of KYC and onboarding, AML and compliance, digital lending, and online payment processes. It enables banks or financial institutes to build diverse products in banking and lending platforms such as account creation, KYC-onboarding solutions, lending solutions, cards and payment integration, ledger API, and more.

Crayon Data: Cloud-based analytics solutions for businesses. It is an AI-powered revenue acceleration solution for enterprises across the Banking, Fintech, and Travel industries. The platform provides data cleansing solutions to identify errors and anomalies in the dataset. It enables users to develop new feeds based on real-time data processing. Features include Data as a Service, Recommendation as a Service, Customer Experience as a Service, and Marketplace as a Service.

Key Players Singapore Embedded Finance Market

Fintech startups: Innovative startups like Funding Societies and Grab Financial Group are driving the growth of B2B and B2C embedded finance solutions.

Traditional financial institutions: Established banks like DBS Bank and OCBC Bank are partnering with fintech companies to offer embedded finance solutions within their existing customer base.

Technology companies: Tech giants like Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) are leveraging their vast user base to offer embedded financial services.

Market Challenges and Considerations: Despite its potential, the Singapore embedded finance market faces certain challenges:

Regulatory compliance: Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape can be complex for businesses, particularly regarding data privacy and security.

Data security concerns: Integrating financial services raises concerns about data breaches and fraud. Robust cybersecurity measures are crucial for building trust with consumers.

Collaboration between traditional and new players: Fostering collaboration between established financial institutions and fintech startups is essential for widespread adoption of embedded finance solutions.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 130 Forecast Period 2024 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $2.7 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $7.9 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 23.8% Regions Covered Singapore

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8m0qpg

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Main battle tank wades through muddy area

China Military Online) 16:46, May 28, 2024

A main battle tank (MBT) attached to a brigade under the PLA 72nd Group Army wades through the muddy area during a driving skill assessment aiming to hone the troops' maneuver capabilities in early May, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zhang Wenju)

A main battle tank (MBT) attached to a brigade under the PLA 72nd Group Army wades through the muddy area during a driving skill assessment aiming to hone the troops' maneuver capabilities in early May, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zhang Wenju)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is impractical and unrealistic, finds a new study published today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.



The plan to eliminate fossil fuels and achieve a net-zero economy faces formidable economic, political and practical challenges, said Vaclav Smil, professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba and author of Halfway Between Kyoto and 2050: Zero Carbon Is a Highly Unlikely Outcome.

Canada is now also committed to this goal. In 2021, the federal government passed legislation mandating that the country will achieve net-zero emissionsthat is, will either emit no greenhouse gas emissions or offset its emissions through other activities (e.g. tree planting)by 2050.

Yet, despite international agreements and significant spending and regulations by governments worldwide, global dependence on fossil fuels has steadily increased over the past three decades. By 2023, global fossil fuel consumption was 55 per cent higher than in 1997 (when the Kyoto Protocol was adopted). And the share of fossil fuels in global energy consumption has only slightly decreased, dropping from 86 per cent in 1997 to 82 per cent in 2022 (the latest year of complete production data).

Widespread adoption of electric vehiclesalso a key component of Ottawas net-zero planby 2040 will require more than 40 times more lithium and up to 25 times more cobalt, nickel and graphite worldwide (compared to 2020 levels). There are serious questions about the ability to achieve such increases in mineral and metal production.

Although the eventual cost of global decarbonization cannot be reliably quantified, achieving zero carbon by 2050 would require spending substantially higher than for any previous long-term peacetime commitments. Moreover, high-income countries (including Canada) are also expected to finance new energy infrastructure in low-income economies, further raising their decarbonization burdens.

Finally, achieving net-zero requires extensive and sustained global cooperation among countriesincluding China and Indiathat have varied levels of commitment to decarbonization.

Policymakers must face realitywhile ending our reliance on fossil fuels may be a desirable long-term goal, it cannot be accomplished quickly or inexpensively, said Elmira Aliakbari, director of natural resource studies at the Fraser Institute.

MEDIA CONTACT:

To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:

Mark Hasiuk, Senior Media Relations Specialist, 604-688-0221 ext. 517,

mark.hasiuk@fraserinstitute.org

Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Like us on Facebook

The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org
Dublin, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Singapore Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Singapore data center market by investments is expected to reach $5.48 billion by 2029 from $3.39 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 8.35% from 2023 to 2029.

This report analyses the Singapore data center market share. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments.

Singapore is one of the world's prominent locations in terms of technological advancements. The Singapore data center market hosts several global IT infrastructure providers, such as Atos, Arista Networks, Broadcom, Cisco Systems, NetApp, Juniper Networks, etc. Global construction contracts have a strong presence in the Singapore data center market and have offered their services to multiple customers over the years. For instance, Aurecon built Global Switch Woodlands' Singapore data center facility.

Digital Realty, NTT Global Data Centers, Equinix, AirTrunk, BDx, Global Switch, Iron Mountain, Keppel Data Centres, Princeton Digital Group, and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres are some of the major colocation operators operating in the Singapore data center market. The moratorium on the data center construction was lifted in 2022. In July 2023, IMDA and Singapore EDB selected around four operators for data center development with a power capacity of around 80 MW through a DC-CFA exercise.

The Singapore data center market has strong fiber connectivity, with around 25 submarine cables and thirteen upcoming submarine cables connecting Singapore to major global markets. Some data center operators have taken initiatives to move toward sustainability. For instance, Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) approved Keppel Corporation's import of one GW of renewable power from Cambodia.

The government of Singapore has established several free trade zones (FTZs) that offer businesses custom and tax concessions. Tanjong Pagar Terminal and Keppel Terminal, Keppel Distripark, Keppel Distripark Linkbridge, Pasir Panjang Terminal, and Jurong Port are only a few FTZs in Singapore. Singapore's regulatory bodies have set minimum requirements for data centers to prioritize safety, security, and data integrity. Organizations intending to establish data centers in the country must adhere to these standards, meeting audit testing to ensure compliance.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH?

Market size regarding investment, area, power capacity, and Singapore colocation market revenue is available.

An assessment of the data center investment in Singapore by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators.

Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across regions in the country.

A detailed study of the existing Singapore data center market landscape, an in-depth market analysis, and insightful predictions about market size during the forecast period.

Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in Singapore: I. Facilities Covered (Existing): 41 II. Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 5 III. Coverage: 3+ Region IV. Existing vs. Upcoming (Area) V. Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity)

Data Center Colocation Market in the Singapore I. Colocation Market Revenue & Forecast (2023-2029) II. Retail vs Wholesale Colocation Revenue & Forecast (2023-2029) III. Retail & Wholesale Colocation Pricing

The Singapore data center market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast.

This report comprehensively analyzes the industry's latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects.

Provide a business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the market.

A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the market.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

How big is the Singapore data center market?

What is the growth rate of the Singapore data center market?

How much MW of power capacity will be added across Singapore during 2024-2029?

What factors are driving the Singapore data center market?

How many existing and upcoming data center facilities exist in Singapore?

Who are the key investors in the Singapore data center market?

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 118 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $3.39 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $5.48 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.3% Regions Covered Singapore

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

IT Infrastructure Providers

Arista Networks

Atos

Broadcom

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Huawei Technologies

IBM

Inspur

Juniper Networks

Lenovo

MiTAC Holdings

NetApp

Quanta Cloud Technology

Wiwynn

Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors

AECOM

Arup

AtkinsRealis

Aurecon

AWP Architects

Cundall

DSCO Group

Fortis Construction

Gammon Construction

Kienta Engineering Construction

LSK Engineering

M+W Group

NTT Facilities

PM Group

Sato Kogyo

Support Infrastructure Providers

ABB

Airedale

Bosch Security Systems

Caterpillar

Cummins

Eaton

Fuji Electric

HITEC Power Protection

Kohler SDMO

Legrand

Mitsubishi Electric

Piller Power Systems

Rittal

Rolls-Royce

Schneider Electric

STULZ

Vertiv

Data Center Investors

AirTrunk

Amazon Web Services

China Mobile

Digital Realty

Empyrion DC

Equinix

Facebook (Meta)

Google

Global Switch

Iron Mountain

Keppel Data Centres

Microsoft

NTT Data

Princeton Digital Group

Singtel

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres

Telin Singapore

EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS

Existing Facilities in the Region (Area and Power Capacity)

Eastern Singapore

Southern Singapore

Northern Singapore

List of Upcoming Facilities in the Region (Area and Power Capacity)

Eastern Singapore

Southern Singapore

Northern Singapore

REPORT COVERAGE

IT Infrastructure

Servers

Storage Systems

Network Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure

UPS Systems

Generators

Transfer Switches & Switchgears

PDUs

Other Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

Rack Cabinets

Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

CRAC & CRAH Units

Chiller Units

Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers

Other Cooling Units

General Construction

Core & Shell Development

Installation & Commissioning Services

Engineering & Building Design

Fire Detection & Suppression Systems

Physical Security

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)

Tier Standard

Tier I & Tier II

Tier III

Tier IV

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tbhrbz

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Multi-Mode Receiver Market Report by Fit, Sub-System, Platform, Application, and Region 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global multi-mode receiver market size reached US$ 1.17 billion in 2023. Looking forward, the market is projected to reach US$ 1.61 billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.60% during 2023-2032.



Multi-Mode Receiver (MMR) integrates various stand-alone receivers into one unit and enhances the safety of the aircraft while minimizing the overall size, power consumption, and costs of equipment. The growing need to reduce weight, maximize space utilization, and improve the efficiency of the aircraft represents the primary factor driving the global market. Besides this, the escalating demand for new and upgraded aircraft due to the rising air passenger and freight traffic is another major growth-inducing factor. Additionally, governments of various countries are implementing favorable aviation safety regulations to encourage the installation of satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS).



This, in confluence with the heavy investments in ongoing research and development (R&D) activities by key players, is catalyzing the product demand. Furthermore, the increasing retrofitting activities to equip aircraft with modern and innovative components to enhance the overall performance are accelerating the product adoption rates.

Moreover, the leading manufacturers are entering into strategic partnerships and focusing on product innovations to gain a competitive edge and expand their customer base, thereby propelling the market growth. Other factors, including the rising aircraft deliveries, inflating consumer disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and technological advancements in avionics, are also providing a positive market outlook.



Key Market Segmentation



This report provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global multi-mode receiver market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2024-2032. The report has categorized the market based on fit, sub-system, platform, and application.



Breakup by Fit:

Line-Fit

Retrofit

Breakup by Sub-System:

ILS Receiver

MLS Receiver

GLS Receiver

VOR and DME Receiver

Breakup by Platform:

Fixed-wing

Rotary-wing

Breakup by Application:

Navigation

Positioning

Landing

Competitive Landscape



The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being BAE Systems, Honeywell International, Indra Sistemas, Intelcan Technosystems, Interface, Leonardo, Raytheon Technologies, SAAB, Thales Group, Val Avionics and W. W. Grainger.



Key Questions Answered in This Report

What was the size of the global multi-mode receiver market in 2023?

What is the expected growth rate of the global multi-mode receiver market during 2024-2032?

What are the key factors driving the global multi-mode receiver market?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global multi-mode receiver market?

What is the breakup of the global multi-mode receiver market based on the fit?

What is the breakup of the global multi-mode receiver market based on the platform?

What are the key regions in the global multi-mode receiver market?

Who are the key players/companies in the global multi-mode receiver market?

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 135 Forecast Period 2023 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.17 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $1.61 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.6% Regions Covered Global





Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 Global Multi-Mode Receiver Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Fit

6.1 Line-Fit

6.2 Retrofit



7 Market Breakup by Sub-System

7.1 ILS Receiver

7.2 MLS Receiver

7.3 GLS Receiver

7.4 VOR and DME Receiver



8 Market Breakup by Platform

8.1 Fixed-wing

8.2 Rotary-wing



9 Market Breakup by Application

9.1 Navigation

9.2 Positioning

9.3 Landing



10 Market Breakup by Region



11 SWOT Analysis



12 Value Chain Analysis



13 Porters Five Forces Analysis



14 Price Analysis



15 Competitive Landscape

BAE Systems

Honeywell International

Indra Sistemas

Intelcan Technosystems

Interface

Leonardo

Raytheon Technologies

SAAB

Thales Group

Val Avionics

W. W. Grainger



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4ycflt

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "5th Reputation & Brand Resilience Summit" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The 5th Reputation & Brand Resilience Summit has been announced!

Part of the 'TED-style' storytelling leadership Summit portfolio, this is a cross-industry event designed for PR/Marketing/Branding & Communications professionals to help create an infallible reputation management plan that ensures you can protect your company or brand against any potential reputational threat.

In today's super-connected world, news travels fast, especially if it's bad news. A negative perception of your company or brand can have disastrous consequences for your company's stability and revenue. The smallest incident can snowball into a reputational threat and every organization - from Fortune 500s to start-ups, is vulnerable.

Join PR/Marketing & Communications professionals for the Industry's ONLY 'TED-Style' Reputation & Brand Resilience Summit. By attending you will learn best practices in how to:

DIAGNOSE where reputational threats to your company or brand currently lie

where reputational threats to your company or brand currently lie IDENTIFY the types of PR crisis you may deal with in the future

the types of PR crisis you may deal with in the future DEVELOP a robust and infallible reputation management strategy plan involving pre-emptive planning, contingency and recovery plans of action.

a robust and infallible reputation management strategy plan involving pre-emptive planning, contingency and recovery plans of action. KNOW the do's and don'ts from brand and communications experts when responding to major reputational threats

the do's and don'ts from brand and communications experts when responding to major reputational threats TURN potential crisis moments into positive opportunities for future company success

So whether you're a smaller company dealing with negative online reviews or a larger company dealing with increased scrutiny from the media, online and the general public, this event is not to be missed! Hear from 20+ cross-industry speakers sharing their stories and front-line experiences of planning, contingency & recovery, while managing internal and public communications in often challenging, fast-moving situations.

Summit Themes Include:

Critical Thinking: The Bridge PR & AI Need

The Future of Online Reputation Management

The Art of Storytelling to Enhance Your Brand Reputation

You are only as good as your Reputation!

Leading by Example in Your Organization

From Unknown Brand to Known Brand

Maintaining your Reputation: Do's & Don'ts

Social Leadership & Accountability

Protecting your Reputation from Imposters

Building a Brand on Social Media

Cyber Security for Reputation and Brand Resilience in the Digital World

Integrating Old School Tactics with New Tools into Reputation Strategy

What's next for Reputation Management: 2024 & Beyond?

Marketers and Communicators: Take the Helm with Generative (Gen) AI Change Management

Building your Brand with Diverse Audiences

Developing & Maintaining an Authentic Brand Voice

Choosing a Reputation Management Partner

Turning Negative PR into Positive PR

For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p3n0xv

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: 04V3) is reporting expansion drilling results from the Companys Los Reyes Project (the Project), located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. These results are from 2024 drilling at the Guadalupe East Area within the Guadalupe Trend, and are not included in the Companys May 2, 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).



Expansion Drilling Highlights in the Guadalupe Trend

The Company is reporting 11 core holes at Guadalupe East with the following highlights:

6.9 grams per tonne (gpt) gold-equivalent (AuEq) (2.67 gpt Au and 326.6 gpt Ag) over 3.5 metres (m) estimated true width (etw) in hole 24GE-149;

12.65 gpt AuEq (4.06 gpt Au and 664.0 gpt Ag) over 1.1 m etw in hole 24GE-150;

7.8 gpt AuEq (2.38 gpt Au and 419.0 gpt Ag) over 1. 5 m etw in hole 24GE-151;

9.86 gpt AuEq (3.71 gpt Au and 475.0 gpt Ag) over 1.0 m etw in hole 24GE-158;

54.41 gpt AuEq (20.5 gpt Au and 2,620 gpt Ag) over 0.70 m etw in hole 24GE-159.



Prime Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Scott Hicks commented, Todays results build upon the quality of mineralization that we continue to discover at Guadalupe East and indicate that mineralization remains open in all directions. This area continues to return impressive silver values in addition to gold, including an intercept assaying just over 2,600 grams per tonne in 24GE-159  one of the highest-grade silver intercepts we have recorded on the property. These high-grade results indicate tremendous optionality between potential open pit or underground mining approaches.

Scott Smith, Executive Vice President of Exploration, added, These results demonstrate strong potential to grow the Guadalupe East Resource, having returned high gold-equivalent grades from multiple quartz veins over a significant strike length and vertical extent beyond our 2023 economic resource pits. Mineralization remains open in many directions including to the east under the 2023 economic Resource pit as seen in Figure 3 of todays release. Further, given the similarities between Las Primas and Guadalupe East, we continue to explore for comparable mineralization and structures at Las Primas in 2024.



Figure 1: Expansion drilling update

Guadalupe East Drill Hole Highlights1 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) ETW (m)2 Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) AuEq3 Au Cut-off4 24GE-149 229.2 233.7 4.5 3.5 2.67 326.6 6.90 1.0 24GE-150 151.4 152.5 1.1 1.1 4.06 664.0 12.65 1.0 24GE-151 198.6 199.4 0.9 0.3 6.88 5.2 6.95 1.0 24GE-151 334.4 336.0 1.7 1.5 2.38 419.0 7.80 1.0 24GE-153 38.2 40.6 2.4 TBD 1.29 180.5 3.63 0.2 including 38.2 39.5 1.3 TBD 2.13 302.0 6.04 1.0 24GE-158 146.4 147.5 1.1 1.0 3.71 475.0 9.86 1.0 24GE-159 202.6 203.3 0.7 0.7 20.50 2620.0 54.41 1.0 Notes: 1) A complete table of assay results from all deposits and all secondary zones intersected utilizing a 0.20 gpt Au cut-off is on the

Company's website. 2) Estimated True Widths (ETW) are estimated based on drill hole geology or comparisons with other on-section drill holes. 3) Au Equivalent (AuEq) is calculated as Au gpt + (Ag gpt x ($22/$1700)) where $22 and $1700 are the price of one ounce of Ag

and Au respectively (in US dollars). 4) Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt

as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is

3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. 5) TBD  to be determined: the highlighted intercepts in 24GE-153 are from newly discovered veins and further modeling is

required to determined estimated true widths of these structures.

INTERPRETATION

The target of this drilling at Guadalupe East was high-grade antithetic veins stepping out to the west. Antithetic veins are footwall and hanging wall splays that intersect the main Estaca vein at Guadalupe East. High-grade areas or clavos are often present at these intersections.

Drill hole 24GE-149 is located approximately 350m along strike from, and at a similar elevation to, the MRE pit bottom. Together with previously released 22GE-69R approximately 75m to the west, this represents a 425m extension to high-grade mineralization along strike from the current MRE pit bottom. These holes, along with high-grade 24GE-159, primarily targeted antithetic veins in the Estaca Vein hanging wall, and further emphasize the potential for Resource growth along multiple structures at Guadalupe East as well as the potential for underground extraction, after further study.

Given the multiple points of similarity between Las Primas and Guadalupe East (see Jan 10, 2024 news release), Prime continues drilling at the Las Primas generative target to identify similar mineralization and structures there.

The Guadalupe Trend hosts approximately one-half of the Indicated gold-equivalent ounces reported in the MRE. Z-T, Central and Guadalupe are the three main zones hosting the gold-silver MRE at the Los Reyes Project. The 2023 Technical Report outlining the MRE can be found on the Companys website at https://primeminingcorp.ca/ and on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca, under the Companys Issuer Profile.

Figure 2: Guadalupe East Area drilling update

Figure 3: Guadalupe East Area long section with drill holes highlighted (A-A)

Figure 4: Guadalupe East Area cross section B-B

2024 Outlook

Prime has completed over 24,000 metres of its targeted 40,000-metre 2024 drill program to-date (within budget) and will continue to evaluate drilling plans using its success-based approach. This evaluation will also include prioritization of targets based on probability of resource development and generative area discovery potential.

Four drill rigs are currently active on site at Los Reyes, with 2024 exploration focused on:

Extending the high-grade Z-T Trend shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south.

shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south. Expanding the known high-grade mineralization at Guadalupe East .

. Increasing the Central Trend resource through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East.

through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East. Generative target drilling of high-grade intercepts at Las Primas, Mariposa, Fresnillo, Mina and others to further develop the resource potential at Los Reyes.

Links

Figures:

Figure 1  Expansion drilling update

 Expansion drilling update Figure 2  Guadalupe East drilling update

 Guadalupe East drilling update Figure 3  Guadalupe East long section with drill holes highlighted (A-A)

 Guadalupe East long section with drill holes highlighted (A-A) Figure 4  Guadalupe East cross section (B-B)

Tables:

Table 1  Drill Intercepts in this Release

 Drill Intercepts in this Release Table 2  Drill Intercepts to Date

About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project

Los Reyes is a rapidly evolving high-grade, low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent approximately CAD$52 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 185,000 metres of drilling (to March 31, 2024). On May 2, 2023, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit constrained resource (see the May 2, 2023 press release for more details).

May 2, 2023 Resource Statement Assurance

Category Ore

Tonnes



Mt

Average

Gold

Grade (g/t) Contained

Gold

(k ozs)

Average

Silver

Grade (g/t) Contained

Silver

(k ozs)

Average

AuEq

Grade

(g/t)

Contained

AuEq

(k ozs)

Measured (M) - - - - - - - Indicated (I) 27.2 1.16 1,013 40.4 35,263 1.68 1,470 M+I 27.2 1.16 1,013 40.4 35,263 1.68 1,470 Inferred 18.1 0.85 497 31.52 18,334 1.26 734

Drilling is on-going and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas.

Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies.

QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures

Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetre mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut and one half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into 2 halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored.

Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates as well as preparation duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole.

Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns.

Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements.

Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21.

Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories.

Additional Notes

Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; gpt is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo.

Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of US$1,700 per ounce and silver price of $22 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (gpt) = Au grade + (Ag grade x ($22 / $1,700)). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 93% and 83% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 72% and 25% respectively when heap-leached. See the June 12, 2023 Los Reyes Technical Report for additional details.

Qualified Person

Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release.

About Prime Mining

Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Los Reyes Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development.

For further information, please visit https://primeminingcorp.ca/ or direct enquiries to:

Scott Hicks

CEO & Director

Indi Gopinathan

VP Capital Markets & Business Development

Prime Mining Corp.

710  1030 West Georgia St.

Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3 Canada

+1(604) 238-1659

info@primeminingcorp.ca

Cautionary Notes to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimates

This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the U.S. securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms mineral reserve, proven mineral reserve, probable mineral reserve, inferred mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, measured mineral resources and mineral resources used or referenced in this presentation are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) under the guidelines set out in the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines, May 2014 (the CIM Standards). The CIM Standards differ from the mineral property disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) in Regulation S-K Subpart 1300 (the SEC Modernization Rules) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multijurisdictional disclosure system, the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, the Companys disclosure of mineralization and other technical information may differ significantly from the information that would be disclosed had the Company prepared the information under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated August 21, 2023, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8081859d-406a-4ada-a854-9bd7a21cfe5a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2b9b6618-d419-4b1a-ac86-ba4cdbfa4d44

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bad15895-5179-4a7f-a74f-2221c0ffc29a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc8c4759-93b2-47ab-8dca-e356eff20cee
Cleveland, Ohio, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In one of the largest international studies of its kind, 4AIR, the aviation sustainability solution leader, has found that small altitude adjustments on business aviation flights could have a substantial impact on reducing their contrail impact on the environment without CO2 tradeoffs.

Contrails, or condensation trails, are a product of aircraft engine emissions interacting with the right combination of temperature and humidity in the upper atmosphere. Depending on the location and time of day, long-lasting or persistent contrails can have an outsized warming impact, trapping and absorbing heat that otherwise would radiate back into space. Studies have estimated the overall net impact from contrails and non-CO2 emissions to be about twice that of CO2 alone, contributing to two-thirds of aviations total warming impact.

The study, the largest flight-by-flight contrail footprint in business aviation, encompassed over 16,000 flights and over 27,000 flight hours and identified specific opportunities to mitigate contrails in order to reduce the impact from non-CO2 emissions.

According to the analysis, adjustments on just 50 flights out of 16,888 would have reduced the non-CO2 impact from this sample by more than 50% overnight.

In conjunction, 4AIR has also completed six months of a contrail avoidance pilot program, launched in collaboration with Flexjet in Europe. The program incorporated contrail forecasts into the dispatch process to optimize flight paths and minimize the time spent in contrail forming regions. Where possible, flight paths were adjusted to modify cruising altitudes above these regions and notes were shared with pilots to calibrate climbs or descents to minimize time spent in the contrail regions.

The results of this study demonstrate both the challenges and opportunities with reducing aviations footprint from contrails said 4AIR President, Kennedy Ricci. Effectively reducing our contrail warming impact requires considering contrails on every flight, but successfully avoiding contrails on just a handful of flights would have a major impact, potentially without CO2 tradeoffs.

Normally these contrail regions are thin, extending just 2,000  4,000 feet, but exist at the upper end of a commercial aircrafts service ceiling. These business aviation aircraft, which have higher service ceilings, were found to have the unique opportunity to fly higher than the contrail formation region, reducing both CO2 emissions and their contrail impact instead of needing a tradeoff between the two. Flying higher does come with a slightly higher impact from NOx, but more research is needed to better understand NOx emissions lifecycle as well as its comparison to CO2.

The analysis also found that contrails were at their lowest levels during the months of July and August, when demand to travel is usually at its peak.

The study utilized one of the leading weather-based contrail prediction models available today. Key results from the study include:

Of the over 16,000 flights, if just 0.3%, or 50 flights, had been able to minimize their contrails, it would have reduced the overall contrail impact up to 51%; minimizing contrails from 0.73% or 123 flights would have reduced it up to 75%.

Of the 23 flights with the highest contrail impact, accounting for around 35% of the total contrail impact, 65% of the flights could have avoided or minimized their impact by flying higher, resulting in reductions of the CO2 and contrail impact.

About 18% of flights created a contrail, and 69% of those contrails had warming impacts.

31% of contrails were estimated to have cooling effects, but they only offset the total contrail warming impact by about 13%.

The average contrail was estimated to persist for around 2.5 hours with the more impactful warming coming from contrails that persisted around 6.5 hours.

The lessons learned from the report lay the groundwork for 4AIRs contrail reporting service, which helps operators better understand their specific non-CO2 impacts ahead of new regulation. Starting in 2025, the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) will include non-CO2 under operators monitoring and reporting obligations. 4AIRs service is currently available upon request to select partners.

To download the full study, please visit here.

About 4AIR

4AIR is an aviation industry pioneer offering sustainability solutions beyond just simple carbon neutrality. Its industry-first framework seeks to address climate impacts of all types. It provides a simplified and verifiable path for aviation industry participants to achieve meaningful aircraft emissions counteraction and reduction. The 4AIR framework offers four levels, each with specific, science-based goals, independently verified results and progressively more significant impacts on sustainability that make it easy for private aviation users to pursue sustainability through access to carbon markets, use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, support for new technologies and other strategies. For more information, visit www.4air.aero.

Attachment
Total revenue of $16.4 million represents a 9% increase year-over-year and a 23% sequential increase from Q4 2023.

Gross profit before fair value changes improved by 92% year-over-year, leading to a record gross margin of 45%. This achievement reflects the successful execution of last years transformation plans.

EBITDA improved by $4.4 million, marking the Company's first positive quarter and resulting in a 114% year-over-year improvement.**

Adult-use revenue reported a 10% increase year-over-year, highlighting expanding market share.

Management will host a conference call on May 28, 2024, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.



TORONTO, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Entourage Health Corp. (TSX-V: ENTG) (OTCQX: ETRGF) (FSE:4WE) (Entourage or the Company), a Canadian producer and distributor of award-winning cannabis products, today announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The Company reported total revenue of $16.4 million (net revenue of $12.7 million, before excise duties and discounts), up 9% year-over-year. The Company will host a conference call to discuss its financial and business highlights on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Entourage's first quarter results are a testament to our robust financial health and strategic approach to business operations, positioning us for success throughout 2024, said George Scorsis, Chair and CEO. With defined infrastructure and supply agreements in place, we are well-positioned to continue delivering the accelerated growth we have already seen develop in Q1. Our team's relentless focus on efficient execution has led to a solid performance, reflected in improved profitability and a significant increase in EBITDA, marking the first positive quarter. We are also seeing substantial growth in our adult-use business as we continue to announce and launch a range of innovative products across Canada set to generate ongoing interest and excitement among consumers.

Summary of Results

For the Quarter-Ended March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023 ($000s) ($000s) Total revenue 16,418 15,107 *Net revenue (less Excise Tax) 12,701 11,834 Gross profit before changes in fair value 5,775 3,002 Gross margin % before changes in fair value 45% 25% Loss and comprehensive loss (6,292) (9,516) EBITDA** 533 (3,884) As at March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023 ($000s) ($000s) Cash and cash equivalents 9,370 11,254 Inventory 10,925 10,010 Biological assets - - Working capital (152,919) (146,909)

*Net revenue defined as revenue (i.e., gross revenue less discounts and customer incentives but inclusive of freight) less excise taxes

** EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and this data may not be comparable to data presented by other companies. Management defines EBITDA as adjusted to exclude interest, tax, depreciation, stock compensation, fair value changes and other non-cash items, and non-recurring items. This data is furnished to provide additional information and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. The Company uses this non-IFRS measure to provide shareholders and others with supplemental measures of its operating performance. The Company also believes that securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties frequently use this non-IFRS measure in evaluating companies, many of which present similar metrics when reporting their results. As other companies may calculate EBITDA differently than the Company, this metric may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We caution readers that EBITDA should not be substituted for determining net loss as an indicator of operating results or as a substitute for cash flows from operating and investing activities. See the Company management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (the Q1 2024 MD&A), for a detailed reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income/(loss). The Companys financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and the Q1 2024 MD&A are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Entourage delivered significant growth in the first quarter of 2024, driven by increased revenues and robust operating discipline, resulting in an impressive 92% increase in gross profit, said Vaani Maharaj, CFO. Entourage is now perfectly positioned to seize a broad spectrum of opportunities, driving value through significant revenue growth, enhanced operating efficiencies, and improved margins. We are committed to investing in our future and accelerating our vision for the Company, setting a powerful foundation for the rest of the year.

Revenue Highlights

Q1 2024



Q1 2023



Change

YOY ($000s) ($000s) % Net Revenue by Channel Medical 5,752 5,973 (4%) Adult-Use 6,465 5,861 10% Bulk 483 - 100% Total Net Revenue 12,701 11,834 7%



Financial Highlights

For the quarter that ended March 31, 2024, Entourage recorded total revenue of $16.4 million compared to $15.1 million the previous year, a 9% increase, and a 23% increase from Q4 2023.



Gross profit before changes in fair value was $5.8 million for Q1 2024, representing a $2.8 million increase compared to Q1 2023. This significant improvement is attributed to the cessation of cultivation activities and the closure of underperforming business units.



Gross margins were 45% in Q1 2024, compared to 25% in Q1 2023. This improvement resulted from several factors, including increased production automation, lower biomass costs, improved freight management, and packaging optimizations.



Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) declined by $1.9 million or 22% compared to Q1 2023. This reduction reflects the organizations commitment to cost management and operational excellence, as outlined in the Companys transformation plans.



EBITDA increased by $4.4 million to $0.5 million in Q1 2024, a significant turnaround from ($3.9 million) in Q1 2023.** This 114% improvement highlights the success of the Companys strategic transformation initiatives to lower costs and a shift to a higher-margin product mix.

Corporate Highlights During and After the First Quarter of 2024

On April 30, 2024, the Company announced it was in breach of certain financial covenants and other obligations under each of its Senior Credit Agreement and Subordinated Credit agreements with an affiliate of the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPF) and was working collaboratively with LPF to reach an agreement on amended debt terms. Consequently, the Company received a renewed forbearance letter on May 3, 2024, waiving the Companys breaches until August 2, 2024, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions.

In Q1 2024, Entourage increased production capacity to nearly 2.2 million pre-rolls per month.

Commercial Highlights

Entourage continues demonstrating its market strength and consumer appeal with a 10% year-over-year increase in adult-use revenue. This impressive growth reflects the Companys strategic initiatives and ability to adapt to the evolving market landscape.

In Q1 2024, the Companys Dime Bag brand in Ontario was the 3rd fastest-growing pre-roll brand. Additionally, Dime Bag launched in Alberta, with plans for a nationwide rollout throughout 2024.

In Q1 2024, 80% of stores in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia continued carrying at least one Entourage SKU, maintaining a strong presence from the previous year. Furthermore, 50% of these stores featured four or more Company SKUs.



In Q1 2024, Entourages national pre-roll market share was 2%. Color Cannabis also ranked 12th highest pre-roll brand in national dollar sales. It secured the number 2 spot in the pre-roll category in British Columbia, the second-largest revenue-generating market in Canada after Ontario.



The Company launched 11 new adult-use SKUs in Q1 2024, enhancing its product lineup across key markets. These SKUs included Color Cannabis Pedros Sweet Sativa and Blueberry Seagal Live Resin Infused pre-rolls in Ontario, and Phantom Sunset whole flower in Alberta.



Additionally, Saturday unveiled Passionfruit Lavender and Beached Mango in 1 g 510 vape carts in Ontario, further diversifying offerings and catering to consumer demand.



Starseed consistently broadens its product portfolio available to medical cannabis patients. This portfolio includes the introduction of new strains, advanced delivery methods, and specialized formulations, all designed to meet the diverse needs of the medical cannabis community.



Conference Call Details

A conference call will be hosted by Mr. Scorsis and Ms. Maharaj, with management available for questions following opening remarks:

Date: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Time: 10 a.m. Eastern Time Dial-in Number:



Canada/USA: 1-844-763-8274 International Toll: 1-647-484-8814

Participants, please dial in and ask to join the Entourage call. Replay Dial-in:







Canada/USA: 1-855-669-9658

Replay Access Code: 0899

Available after 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time until June 28, 2024





Source data: Buddi Retail Data, as of March 31, 2024.

About Entourage Health Corp.

Entourage Health Corp. is the publicly traded parent Company of Entourage Brands Corp., a licence holder producing and distributing cannabis products for the medical and adult-use markets. The Company owns and operates a fully licensed 26,000 sq. ft. Aylmer, ON processing facility. With its Starseed Medicinal medical-centric brand, Entourage has expanded its multi-channelled distribution strategy. Starseed's industry-first, exclusive partnership with LiUNA, the largest construction union in Canada, along with employers and union groups, complements Entourage's direct sales to medical patients. Entourage's elite adult-use product portfolio includes Color Cannabis, Saturday Cannabis  and now Dime Bag and Syndicate  sold across eight provincial distribution agencies. Exclusive Canadian producer and distributor of award-winning U.S.-based wellness brand Mary's Medicinals, sold in both medical and adult-use channels. In addition, Entourage also entered into an exclusive agreement with Irwin Naturals, a renowned nutraceutical and herbal supplement formulator of branded wellness products sold across North America.

Follow Entourage and its brands on:

LinkedIn

Instagram:

Color Cannabis, Saturday Cannabis, Starseed & Syndicate

For additional information or investor or media inquiries:

Catherine Flaman

Senior Director, Communications & Corporate Affairs

416-910-0279

catherine.flaman@entouragecorp.com

Forward Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation which are based upon Entourage's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs and views of future events. Forward-looking information can be identified using forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "likely", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", "proposed", "estimate" and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "would" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy.

The forward-looking information in this news release is based upon the expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions, and views of future events which management believes to be reasonable in the circumstances. Forward-looking information includes estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance, or other statements that are not statements of fact. Forward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the cannabis industry in Canada generally; the ability of Entourage to implement its business strategies; the COVID-19 pandemic; competition; crop failure; and other risks.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Entourage does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Entourage to predict all such factors. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in Entourages disclosure documents filed with the applicable Canadian securities' regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . The risk factors and other factors noted in the disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information.

Third Party Information

This press release includes market and industry data that has been obtained from third party sources, including industry publications. The Company believes that the industry data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. Third party sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. Although the data is believed to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this press release or ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by such sources.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AZINCOURT ENERGY CORP. (Azincourt or the Company) (TSX.V: AAZ, OTCQB: AZURF), is pleased to announce that it has completed the winter 2024 diamond drill program at the East Preston uranium project in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada.



The 2024 drill program consisted of 1,086 meters of drilling in four diamond drill holes. Drilling commenced on March 29th and was complete on April 19th. Logging of drill core, sampling, and demobilization of all drill equipment, helicopter, and crews was complete by the end of April. The priority for the 2024 drill program was to follow up on the clay alteration zone and elevated uranium that was identified in the winter of 2023 with a focus on the area of transition between the K and H Zones (Figure 2).

Winter 2024 Program

The winter 2024 program was executed by Terralogic Exploration Inc. under the guidance of Azincourts Vice President, Exploration, Trevor Perkins, P.Geo, and Jarrod Brown, M.Sc., P.Geo, Vice President of TerraLogic Exploration. Field activities were supervised by James Olsen, Geologist and Project Manager with TerraLogic Exploration. Three holes were completed in the H Zone, with one hole completed in the K Zone (Figure 3).

Drilling in 2023 identified an illite clay alteration halo extending from the top of Zone K to Zone H as far as drill hole EP0053. Within this illite alteration zone, dravite and kaolinite are present in the north end of Zone H. Illite and kaolinite are both indicators of hydrothermal alteration typically found within alteration halos of unconformity uranium deposits. Dravite is a boron-rich clay which is found within the larger clay package proximal to uranium mineralization in the hydrothermal system. Both illite and dravite have been identified as being significant vectors for the 2022 JR Zone discovery by F3 Uranium approximately 60 km to the northwest of the East Preston project.

All holes intersected hydrothermal alteration; however, the best alteration was intersected in the last two holes of the program. Hole EP0059, completed in Zone K, was targeted to follow up on kaolinite and dravite clay intersections and elevated uranium from 2023 in holes EP0049 and EP0055. Patchy white clay alteration was intersected within several structural zones in the core. EP0060 was completed on the south end of Zone H to follow up clay intersections and graphitic lithologies from 2023 in the southern portion of Zone H. This hole intersected moderate to strong white clay within zones of structure and intense fracturing. Analysis of the clay species is in progress.

A total of 53 geochemical samples were collected and sent to the Geoanalytical Laboratory at the Saskatchewan Research Council in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for analysis. Results are expected in late June.

Samples of clay alteration were collected for analysis by Short Wavelength Infrared Reflectance (SWIR, sometimes referred to as PIMA) to confirm the clay species. 34 samples were collected from current drillholes, with 20 samples also being collected from previous drill holes in an effort to better outline alteration halos and extents.

The extension of the clay alteration halos in the K- and H- Zones is a very good sign, commented VP Exploration Trevor Perkins. Knowing the extents of the halos and the types of clay present are important steps in identifying and prioritizing follow-up drill targets. All indications are that we are vectoring in on something. The more we see, the better the team is getting at identifying which halos are the important ones to chase. A significant number of deposits in the Athabasca Basin have been found by identifying and chasing these types of clay alteration patterns, continued Mr. Perkins.

East Preston Targets

The primary target area on the East Preston Project is the conductive corridors from the A-Zone through to the G-Zone (A-G Trend) and the K-Zone through to the H and Q-Zones (K-H-Q Trend) (Figure 2). The selection of these trends is based on a compilation of results from the 2018 through 2020 ground-based EM and gravity surveys, property wide VTEM and magnetic surveys, and the 2019 through 2022 drill programs, the 2020 HLEM survey indicates multiple prospective conductors and structural complexity along these corridors.

Drilling has confirmed that identified geophysical conductors comprise structurally disrupted zones that are host to accumulations of graphite, sulphides, and carbonates. Hydrothermal alteration, anomalous radioactivity, and elevated uranium have been demonstrated to exist within these structurally disrupted conductor zones.

Permitting and Community Relations

Permits are in hand to conduct exploration activities at the East Preston property through the summer of 2026. Azincourt re-recognizes that the granting of these permits does not negate the rights of the local communities for meaningful consultation as the project progresses. The company looks forward to a continued close working relationship and regular consultation with CRDN and other rights holders to ensure that any potential impacts and concerns are addressed and that the communities can benefit from activities in the area through support of local business, employment opportunities, and sponsorship of select community programs and initiatives. Local businesses are engaged to provide services and supplies and members of the Clearwater River Dene Nation and surrounding communities have been directly employed on site or to provide support and services to keep the camp and programs running. The involvement of the local communities is essential for continued advancement of the East Preston Project.





Figure 1: East Preston Project Location  Western Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada





Figure 2: 2024 Target areas at the East Preston Uranium Project. Primary target area of illite, dravite and kaolinite clay alteration highlighted in red.





Figure 3: East Preston 2024 Drill Hole Location map focused on the K and H Zones.

About East Preston

Azincourt controls a majority 86.1% interest in the 20,000+ hectare East Preston project as part of a joint venture agreement with Skyharbour Resources (TSX.V: SYH), and Dixie Gold. Three prospective conductive, low magnetic signature corridors have been discovered on the property. The three distinct corridors have a total strike length of over 25 km, each with multiple EM conductor trends identified. Ground prospecting and sampling work completed to date has identified outcrop, soil, biogeochemical and radon anomalies, which are key pathfinder elements for unconformity uranium deposit discovery.

The East Preston Project has multiple long linear conductors with flexural changes in orientation and offset breaks in the vicinity of interpreted fault lineaments  classic targets for basement-hosted unconformity uranium deposits. These are not just simple basement conductors; they are clearly upgraded/enhanced prospectively targets because of the structural complexity.

The targets are basement-hosted unconformity related uranium deposits similar to NexGens Arrow deposit and Camecos Eagle Point mine. East Preston is near the southern edge of the western Athabasca Basin, where targets are in a near surface environment without Athabasca sandstone cover  therefore they are relatively shallow targets but can have great depth extent when discovered. The project ground is located along a parallel conductive trend between the PLS-Arrow trend and Camecos Centennial deposit (Virgin River-Dufferin Lake trend).

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by C. Trevor Perkins, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Azincourt Energy, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Azincourt Energy Corp.

Azincourt is a Canadian-based resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition, exploration, and development of alternative energy/fuel projects. The Company has been an active uranium explorer for over a decade and is currently active at its majority-owned joint venture East Preston uranium project located in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, and the Big Hill lithium project, located in southwestern Newfoundland.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF AZINCOURT ENERGY CORP.

Alex Klenman

Alex Klenman, President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Azincourt. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information represents managements best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially.

For further information please contact:

Alex Klenman, President & CEO

Tel: 604-638-8063

info@azincourtenergy.com

Azincourt Energy Corp.

1430  800 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 2V6

www.azincourtenergy.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c629b53-66f3-435b-bbb4-9666e30c3204

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/062a3c3a-bfd1-40ae-bdb3-b21f75273397

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PHILADELPHIA, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LevLane Advertising, one of Philadelphia's oldest independent full-service advertising agencies, was awarded an Anvil Award for the prestigious Public Relations Society of America's (PRSA) 2024 Anvil Awards, which recognize the best public relations tactics and campaigns of the year and represent the highest standards of performance in the industry.

Silver Anvil Awards single out the best strategic public relations campaigns of the year as well as outstanding organizational excellence. Bronze Anvil Awards recognize outstanding public relations tactics that contribute to the success of overall programs or campaigns.

LevLane's entry for the "Feature Article" category showcased Chief Marketing Officer, Liz Weir and the team's collaboration with Dr. Karla Loken, DO, OBGYN, FACOOG, to address the gender biases in women's health advertising, which culminated in an original bylined article featured in "Femtech Insider," a target trade publication.

The piece, titled Kegels, Vaginas, and Vulvas, Oh My!: Why Does Meta STILL Think 'Kegels' is a dirty word?", positioned Loken and Weir as thought leaders in the women's health space while supporting LevLane's reputation as an advocate for gender equality in marketing and advertising.

Aside from Loken and Weir, the project team included the following from LevLane: Kevin Dunn, chief client officer; Lauren Stralo, PR supervisor; Lauren Hepburn, PR specialist; Kelly Ryan, account team; Katie Gavin, project management; and Michele Burns, project team.

A total of 47 Silver Anvil Awards, 22 Bronze Anvil Awards, 48 Awards of Excellence and 18 Awards of Commendation were presented during the evening. Click here to see the complete list of winners.

About LevLane

LevLane Advertising is a full-service independent advertising agency headquartered in Philadelphia and has been building brands people love for nearly 40 years. The award-winning agency integrates traditional creative expertise with cutting-edge digital capabilities in its menu of services, including search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), programmatic media, strategy, creative and branding, media and analytics, social media, content marketing and public relations.

For more information about LevLane and its capabilities, connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contact:

Lauren Stralo

Director, Public Relations

lstralo@levlane.com

484-747-0172

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/43618603-fbb8-453b-9024-5ec71550da6a
PRESS RELEASE

Wood Mackenzie names new leader for Consulting

Matthijs van Koppen, formerly of Gartner, brings consulting and technology experience

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, 28 May 2024  Wood Mackenzie, a portfolio company of Veritas Capital, has appointed Matthijs (Thijs) van Koppen to its global executive leadership team as EVP, Head of Consulting.

Van Koppen brings more than 20 years of international consulting experience in public and private firms, with an emphasis on implementing transformational technologies. He joins Wood Mackenzie after 12 years at Gartner, where he held leadership positions in both the US and Europe and was most recently responsible for Gartner Consulting in EMEA, which provides consulting services to C-Suite technology leaders. Prior to Gartner, van Koppen spent a decade managing Finance, Operations, and as CIO with asset management group, Robeco.

Commenting on van Koppens appointment, Jason Liu, CEO for Wood Mackenzie said:

Thijs is a highly-skilled, commercially focused leader who has formed a clear vision throughout his impressive career of how technology can deliver value for clients and businesses alike. He has a proven history of providing strategic advice on digital transformation, data & analytics, and cost optimization to many of the worlds most prominent technology leaders.

As Wood Mackenzie continues to develop new data, analytics, and technologies that provide insights into the energy transition, his experience will be of immense value to all our clients across the energy and renewables value chain. We are excited that Thijs will be a part of our global leadership team.

Van Koppen, EVP, Head of Consulting, commented: This is an incredible time to join Wood Mackenzie, as it continues to expand its data, analytics and consulting solutions. The energy transition is one of the most important and exciting opportunities in our world today. As we develop new technologies and data to address it, we will empower our clients to navigate this environment with confidence.

ENDS

For further information please contact Wood Mackenzies media relations team:

Kevin Baxter

+44 330 124 9400

Kevin.Baxter@woodmac.com

Vivien Lebbon

+44 330 174 7486

Vivien.lebbon@woodmac.com

Mark Thomton

+1 630 881 6885

Mark.thomton@woodmac.com

Hla Myat Mon

+65 8533 8860

hla.myatmon@woodmac.com

The Big Partnership (UK PR agency)

woodmac@bigpartnership.co.uk

You have received this news release from Wood Mackenzie because of the details we hold about you. If the information we have is incorrect you can either provide your updated preferences by contacting our media relations team. If you do not wish to receive this type of email in the future, please reply with 'unsubscribe' in the subject header.

About Wood Mackenzie

Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. Driven by data. Powered by people. In the middle of an energy revolution, businesses and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. Thats why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years experience in natural resources. Today, our team of over 2,000 experts operate across 30 global locations, inspiring customers decisions through real-time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership. Together, we deliver the insight they need to separate risk from opportunity and make bold decisions when it matters most. For more information, visit woodmac.com.

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Dublin, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North America Analgesics Market Report by Type, Drug Class, Route of Administration, Pain Type, Application, and Country 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

North America analgesics market has displayed robust growth and is anticipated to further expand to US$ 31.9 Billion by the year 2032. The market's growth trajectory is estimated to follow a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period of 2023-2032. The growing geriatric population, coupled with an increased prevalence of various chronic conditions, is driving considerable demand for analgesic drugs within the region.





The upsurge in the market size is attributed to the escalating need for pain management therapies emanating from ongoing health issues among the aging population, particularly joint pain. The increasing incidences of osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer have also significantly bolstered the demand for analgesics. The trend is further complemented by the growing number of surgical procedures and the penetration of effective pain management medications.

Consumer-Friendly Analgesic Forms



The North America analgesics market is experiencing a rise in demand, also due to the availability of analgesic drugs in various user-friendly forms, such as gels, creams, sprays, and oral tablets. Convenience of administration and variety in form factor are enhancing consumer accessibility and compliance with pain management regimens.

Market Segmentation



The comprehensive market report segments the analgesic industry by type, drug class, route of administration, and pain type, offering deep insights into each category. The report covers the significant regions of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, providing a granular analysis of country-specific market dynamics. Impact of COVID-19



The industry has also been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has influenced health care practices and consumer behavior. The complete analysis considers the upheavals caused by the pandemic and extends forecasts accordingly to provide a realistic picture of the market landscape.

Key Analytical Areas



The analysis meticulously discusses the value chain, key market drivers, challenges, competitive landscape, and the overall commercial structure. Furthermore, without endorsing any specific players, the report illuminates the degree of competition and profitability within the analgesics industry in North America.

This development in the North America analgesics market signifies the ongoing evolution of pain management therapies and represents a critical area of focus for healthcare providers, policymakers, and pharmaceutical companies aiming to address both acute and chronic pain needs of populations across the region. The growth also underscores the importance of continuous pharmaceutical innovation and access to effective pain relief solutions.



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 123 Forecast Period 2023 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $24.2 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $31.9 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.1% Regions Covered North America





For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cg2trj

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Washington, D.C., May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed a motion asking the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas for a stay and preliminary injunction in Davidson, Restivo, and NCPPR v. Gensler to halt the Securities and Exchange Commissions Consolidated Audit Trail. The unconstitutional CAT is the largest government-mandated mass collection of personal financial data in American history. Without any statutory authorization from Congress, SEC is forcing brokers, exchanges, clearing agencies and alternative trading systems to capture and send detailed information on every investors trades in U.S. markets to a centralized database, which SEC and private regulators can access forever (but whose security they cannot ensure). The Court should order SEC to prevent the CAT from collecting or accessing any more data and prohibit the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) from requiring broker-dealers to send any more information to the CAT.

Like thousands of other Americans, NCLA clients Erik Davidson, John Restivo and the National Center for Public Policy Research expected the government to respect their constitutional rights. Scheduled to be fully operational on May 31, SECs CAT system continues to irreparably harm them by seizing their private financial data without due process of law in violation of the Fourth Amendment. This ultra vires action also violates the Administrative Procedure Act, as Congress never authorized SEC to set up such a data collection and surveillance system.

A stay and preliminary injunction halting the CAT would be in the public interest. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has called the system a dangerous dog. She has said Americans would never tolerate government organizations partnering with private firms created by government order to collect complete information on their purchases or to give government a direct feed of movements from their GPS systems. The CAT database would reportedly be the largest securities database ever created, and the most massive government database of any kind outside the National Security Agency (NSA), putting every Americans financial data and security at grave and needless risk from cybersecurity breaches. Amassing all such data in a single government database exponentially increases the likelihood and severity of a security breach, imperiling the financial security of all Americans.

The CAT costs more than SECs entire annual budget, so the agency funds its illicit scheme by unilaterally taking billions of dollars from self-regulatory organizations like FINRA. This self-appropriation of billions of dollars constitutes taxation without representation and brazenly ignores the Constitution and statutes that reserve tax and appropriations powers to Congress alone. SEC controls CATs operating organization, CAT LLC, so closely that it is indisputably a state actor, so the Court must issue a stay and enjoin both the agency and the CAT itself.

NCLA released the following statements:

Congress never authorized the SEC to create the Consolidated Audit Trail, which flagrantly violates the constitutional rights of all investing Americans. This Orwellian surveillance scheme was quietly put into place by unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats at the SEC. It imposes billions in deadweight costs on investors while putting the security of their savings, retirement and college funds at grave and irremediable risk. The Court must shut down this lawless bureaucratic power grab while there is still time to protect Americans from these dangers.

 Peggy Little, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA

The Consolidated Audit Trail program is unlawful several times over, and it is inflicting irreparable damage on millions of ordinary investors. It presents the Court with a classic case for a legal stay and a preliminary injunction.

 Andrew Morris, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA

For more information visit the case page here.

ABOUT NCLA

NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights.

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WASHINGTON, D.C., May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vital Voices Global Partnership (Vital Voices) is combining two of its most beloved annual events into one spectacular week of inspiration and action with the Vital Voices Festival and 23rd Global Leadership Awards, taking place on May 29 and 30 in Washington, DC. These events will bring together and honor world leaders, activists, actors, supporters and journalists from around the globe.

With a record-breaking number of elections to be held in 2024, expanding global crises and a wave of authoritarian regimes threatening to pull us backwards, women around the world are rising to meet this moment in every region, said Vital Voices President and CEO Alyse Nelson. Vital Voices is proud to honor the women defending progress and leading powerful movements for human rights, peace and justice.

Held on May 29 and 30 at the Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Womens Leadershipthe worlds first embassy for womenin Washington, DC, the festival serves as a homecoming for our network of women leaders, partners, and supporters from around the world. Festival speakers of note include Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, a Vital Voices co-founder, who will moderate a panel on women defending democracy, Entrepreneur and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg, Author, Actor and Director Amber Tamblyn, who will moderate a panel discussing the critical role of male allies in the fight for gender equality and combating gender-based violence, and more. CNN International Correspondent Jomana Karadsheh will speak on a panel exploring peacebuilding efforts amidst the Gaza-Israel conflict alongside Arwa Damon, founder and president of International Network for Aid, Relief & Assistance (INARA). The festival will also include Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues at the U.S. Department of State Geeta Rao Gupta; Daughters for Earth Co-Founder Zainab Salbi; Co-Founder & CEO of The American Sunlight Project and Adjunct Professor, Syracuse University Nina Jankowicz; Feminist, Activist and Author of The Resilience Myth Soraya Chemaly; three-time NYT Bestselling Author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, and many more.

The 23rd Annual Global Leadership Awards at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 30 will honor and pay tribute to five women and one organization whose leadership is helping move the world forward: Nobel Laureate and Rappler Co-founder and CEO Maria Ressa for her unwavering commitment to fight for press freedom in the Philippines, President of the Marshall Islands Hilda Heine for her work on the front lines of climate change, Diplomat and Feminist Aya Chebbi, whose blogging and voice for democracy rose to prominence during the Tunisian Revolution, Activist Nika Kovac for building coalitions to transform legal precedent on gender and economic inequalities in Slovenia, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia Susana Muhamad for her sustainability and environmental conservation work, and non-profit SafeCity Global. Secretary Clinton and Diane von Furstenberg will also present at the Global Leadership Awards.

The Vital Voices festival is open by invitation only. The Global Leadership Awards is open to members of the public who reserve a seat . Ticketing and more information about the Vital Voices Festival and Global Leadership Awards can be found at www.vitalvoices.org .

About Vital Voices Global Partnership

Now celebrating 27 years, Vital Voices Global Partnership has directly invested in more than 20,000 women leaders across 185 countries and territories since its inception in 1997. Driven by the universal truth that women are the key to progress in their communities and nations cannot move forward without women in leadership positions, Vital Voices has provided early support for leaders who went on to become Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, U.S. Youth Poet Laureates, prime ministers, award-winning innovators, pioneering human rights defenders, and breakthrough social entrepreneurs, including Amanda Gorman and Malala Yousafzai. In an effort to advance and expand this work, in 2022 Vital Voices opened the doors to the worlds first global embassy for women, the Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Womens Leadership. It is a first-of-its-kind space that allows for convening, innovation, planning, and actionall in the pursuit of serving women leaders who are taking on the worlds greatest challenges.

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NEW YORK, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Doximity, Inc. (Doximity or the Company) (NYSE: DOCS). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.



The class action concerns whether Doximity and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

You have until June 17, 2024 , to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Doximity securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com .

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On August 8, 2023, Doximity reported its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, which ended June 30, 2023. While the Company exceeded its quarterly revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance for the first quarter, it provided disappointing guidance for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 and slashed its guidance for the full fiscal year 2024. Specifically, Doximity announced that it expected fiscal year 2024 revenue of between $452 million and $468 million (down from prior guidance of between $500 million and $506 million, and representing year-over-year revenue growth of only between 7.9% and 11.7%), and adjusted EBITDA of between $193 million and $209 million (down from prior guidance of between $216 million and $222 million, and representing year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth of only between 4.9% and 13.6%). In conjunction with the disappointing guidance, Doximity announced that it would reduce its workforce by approximately 10%, noting that the workforce reduction is expected to cost approximately $8 million to $10 million.

On this news, Doximitys stock price fell $7.49 per share, or 22.84%, to close at $25.30 per share on August 9, 2023.

Then, on April 1, 2024, Jehoshaphat Research published a report alleging, among other things, that Doximitys underlying sales . . . are declining at a negative -3-6% rate, but that this decline has been masked through accelerated revenue recognition.

On this news, Doximitys stock price fell $1.11 per share, or 4.12%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $25.80 per share on April 2, 2024.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:
Contact:



Oak Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited

Company Administrator

Attn: Hannah Crocker

Tel: +44 1481 723450

Eurocastle Announces Posting of 2024 Annual General Meeting Notice

Guernsey, 28 May 2024  Eurocastle Investment Limited (Euronext Amsterdam: ECT) (Eurocastle or the Company) today announces that notice of its Annual General Meeting containing the full text of the proposed resolutions and a proxy statement has been mailed out to all holders on record as of Friday, 24 May 2024. In addition, the Company has posted the Annual General Meeting notice on its website under Periodic Reports and Shareholder Communications in the Investor Relations Section.

As previously announced, Eurocastle will hold its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, at the Companys registered office at 2:00 pm Guernsey time (3:00 pm CET).

ABOUT EUROCASTLE

Eurocastle Investment Limited (Eurocastle or the Company) is a publicly traded closed-ended investment company. On 8 July 2022, the Company announced the relaunch of its investment activity and is currently in the early stages of pursuing its new strategy by initially focusing on opportunistic real estate in Greece with a plan to expand across Southern Europe. For more information regarding Eurocastle Investment Limited and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.eurocastleinv.com.
OTTAWA, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United Steelworkers union (USW) welcomes the unanimous third-reading vote on Bill C-58, which would ban replacement workers in the case of labour disputes.



It is vital for workers across Canada that this new legislation comes into effect as soon as possible, said Marty Warren, USW National Director. Anti-scab legislation is critical for creating fairer conditions for collective bargaining, reducing work disruptions and advancing economic equality. This legislation is long-overdue and the time to enact it is now.

Warren urged senators of all regions and political stripes to swiftly pass Bill C-58, so that workers and their families can stop being penalized by an unbalanced labour relations system. The USW, alongside the labour movement, the NDP and the Bloc, has been advocating for federal anti-scab legislation for decades. The success of this bill now is due to the NDP including the legislation in its Confidence and Supply Agreement with the government to force action in this minority Parliament.



The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.



Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of our strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation  including good wages, benefits and pensions.

For more information:

Shannon Devine, USW Communications Department  416-938-4402 sdevine@usw.ca
NEW YORK, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Harbor Diversified, Inc. (Harbor or the Company) (OTC: HRBR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.



The class action concerns whether Harbor and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

You have until July 8, 2024 , to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Harbor securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com .

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On March 29, 2024, Harbor filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission which revealed that, on March 26, 2024, the audit committee (the Audit Committee) of the board of directors of Harbor concluded, after considering the recommendations of management, that the Companys previously issued (i) consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 contained in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, (ii) interim consolidated financial statements and related disclosures contained in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q as of and for the first three quarters of the year ended December 31, 2022, and (iii) interim consolidated financial statements and related disclosures contained in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q as of and for the first three quarters of the year ended December 31, 2023 (collectively, the Non-Reliance Periods) should no longer be relied upon due to misstatements contained in such financial statements, and that such financial statements should be restated. In addition, the Company indicated that the Audit Committees conclusion was based on managements review of the accounting for certain revenue under the capacity purchase agreement (the United Agreement) previously entered into between Air Wisconsin Airlines LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and United Airlines, Inc. Specifically, management determined that the decision to recognize all of the approximately $52.3 million in revenue and interest income in the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures prepared for the Non-Reliance Periods relating to certain disputed amounts under the United Agreement was not consistent with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

On this news, Harbors stock price fell $0.28 per share, or 14.25%, to close at $1.73 per share on April 1, 2024.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:
Toronto, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toronto, Ontario -

Massete, the renowned luxury jewelry brand, is thrilled to announce the restock of its highly sought-after collection of Gold and Silver Engravable ID Bracelets for Children. Just in time for the summer months, this exquisite collection showcases the brand's commitment to fine Italian craftsmanship and its dedication to creating timeless pieces that blend safety with style.

Zev Samuel, the CEO of Massete, expressed his excitement about the restock, stating, "We are delighted to bring back our cherished collection of ID Bracelets for children. These bracelets are more than just accessories; they are keepsakes that grow with your child, reflecting cherished memories and milestones along the way. We understand the importance of creating jewelry that not only looks beautiful but also serves a practical purpose, and our ID Bracelets embody that philosophy perfectly."

The collection features an array of stunning designs, each meticulously crafted to cater to the discerning tastes of young individuals from infancy through their formative years. The bracelets are available in both gold and silver, offering a range of options to suit every preference and occasion. What sets these bracelets apart is the engravable ID tag, which awaits personalization, transforming each piece into a symbolic and practical adornment for every child.

Massete's ID Bracelets collection is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail. Each bracelet is crafted from the finest materials, ensuring durability and longevity. The engravable ID tag provides parents with peace of mind, knowing that their child's essential information is readily available in case of an emergency.

The collection's restock comes as a response to the overwhelming demand from parents and gift-givers alike. Recognizing the significance of these bracelets as cherished keepsakes, Massete has ensured that the collection is readily available for the summer months, a time when families come together to create lasting memories.

Zev Samuel added, "We are thrilled to witness the incredible response to our ID Bracelets collection. It is a testament to the emotional connection that our customers have with our pieces. We take great pride in creating jewelry that not only adorns but also holds deep sentimental value. With the restock of this collection, we aim to bring joy and peace of mind to even more families this summer."

In addition to their aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, the Gold and Silver Engravable ID Bracelets for Children are designed with safety in mind. The bracelets feature secure clasps and smooth edges to ensure they are comfortable and safe for children to wear daily. The engravable ID tag is perfect for inscribing important information such as the child's name, contact details, or medical information, providing an added layer of security for parents.

Massete's commitment to excellence extends beyond the craftsmanship of their jewelry. The brand places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, offering exceptional service and support to help parents and gift-givers choose the perfect piece. Whether it's for a birthday, a special occasion, or simply a thoughtful gesture, Massete's ID Bracelets make for a meaningful and lasting gift.

The restock of this collection also highlights Massete's dedication to sustainable and ethical practices. Each bracelet is made with responsibly sourced materials, reflecting the brand's commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical craftsmanship. This approach ensures that every piece not only looks exquisite but also aligns with the values of conscientious consumers.

Massete's Gold and Silver Engravable ID Bracelets for Children are now available for purchase on their website, www.massete.com. The brand invites parents and gift-givers to explore the collection and create a personalized keepsake that will be treasured for years to come. With the summer months upon us, there is no better time to invest in a piece that combines elegance, practicality, and sentimental value.

###

For more information about Massete Jewelry, contact the company here:



Massete Jewelry

Zev Samuel

hello@massete.com
Correction:

In the Fredonia Mining Inc. announcement dated May 21, 2024, it was incorrectly stated that Mr. Omar Salas would be remaining with the Company in an advisory role. The complete corrected version follows.

The Company is preparing an initial mineral resource estimate at the El Dorado Monserrat (EDM) project, targeted for release in Q3 of this year.



The mineral resource estimate will be based on three drilling campaigns carried out over the past three years, representing a total of 10,982.7 meters of diamond drilling, plus historical drillings of the project.

TORONTO, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fredonia Mining Inc. (Fredonia or the Company) (TSXV:FRED) announces that it has commissioned the preparation of an initial mineral resource estimate at the EDM project, targeted for Q3, 2024. The work is being undertaken by the independent geologist Mario Alfaro and the independent engineer Marco Alfaro.

The wholly-owned EDM gold and silver project comprises 5,793ha located in the prolific Deseado Massif in Patagonia, Argentina. The EDM project has two large mineralized sectors  the northern and southern sectors  that have been only partly explored to date (Figure 1).

The northern Monserrat sector comprises an area 3.5 km long by 3.2 km wide, made up of mineralized corridors hosted in andesitic lavas that form country rock, and contains more than 20 kilometers of epithermal veins, not all of which have been explored or drilled (Figure 2). This sector contains a series of mineralized target areas, including Main Veins, Bajo Pedernal, Monserrat West, Abanico, Gladys, and Monserrat East, among others. Some significant drill results include: 6.0 m @ 14.43 g/t Au Eq. at Main Veins; 2.4 m @ 18.05 g/t Au Eq. at Monserrat West; 4.0 m @ 2.42 g/t Au Eq. at Bajo Pedernal (see Fredonia news release, dated February 13th, 2023).

The southern Mineralized Corridor sector comprises an area 6.0 km long by 1.0 km wide, and including the advanced Herradura Hill target area; Beethoven horst-epithermal veins (only scout drilling done so far); and Pamela target area (not yet drilled).

The Herradura Hill target area consists of a maar-volcano-diatreme surrounded by an extensive brecciated domes and dykes host system, the dimensions of which are yet undefined - being geologically open in all directions (Figure 3). The latest work has shown a new metallogenic interpretation at the Herradura Hill target area, defined as flow domes and an epithermal veins complex with disseminated Au-Ag mineralization with dimensions open in all directions. Drill holes confirm very broad stockworks, wide hydrothermal breccias and veins hosted in a phreatomagmatic breccias, felsic domes and dykes that intrude the andesite flows that form the country rock. Some significant drill intercepts include 8.00 m @ 6.00 g/t Au Eq., including 3.00 m @ 12.65 g/t Au Eq. (Figure 4) at the Herradura Hill target (see Fredonia news release, dated January 31, 2023).

See notes to Figures 2 and 3 below for information with respect to the assumptions used to calculate Au Eq.

All of these target areas remain open along strike and dip.

Following the release of its maiden mineral resource estimate, future drilling at the EDM project would contemplate three objectives: shallow drilling designed to expand mineralized zones; deep drilling to test high grade feeders; and additional drilling to test new target areas at the project.

Estanislao Auriemma, CEO of Fredonia Mining expressed: "After extensive drilling campaigns over only a portion of the EDM project over the past three years, we are very pleased with the scope and size of the mineralized target areas so far discovered, and very much look forward to the projects maiden resource estimate, which we believe will confirm the excellent potential of our flagship project."

Figure 1: Map showing the location of the two mineralized zones at the El Dorado Monserrat gold-silver project (5,793 ha licenses).





Figure 2: Map showing drill holes location and intercepts at the Northern Monserrat sector:





(*) Reported interval lengths are down-hole widths and not true widths.

(**) Gold equivalent (Au Eq.) is calculated using metal prices of US$ 1,800/oz for Au and US$ 24/oz for Ag. The equation used is: Au Eq g/t = Au g/t + (Ag g/t  75).

Au Eq assumes Au recovery of 90%. The limited metallurgical studies by Fredonia (selective Bottle rolls from Main Veins material) have indicated high (>90%) recovery of gold in oxide material. The Cerro Vanguardia mine to the east of EDM with similar mineralization reports recoveries in the high 90% for Au.

Figure 3. Cross section showing drill holes location and intercepts at the Herradura Hill target:









See Table of Intercepts in Fredonia NR dated January, 31st 2023.

(*) Reported interval lengths are down-hole widths and not true widths.

(**) Gold equivalent (Au Eq.) is calculated using metal prices of US$ 1,800/oz for Au and US$ 24/oz for Ag. The equation used is: Au Eq g/t = Au g/t + (Ag g/t  75).

Au Eq assumes Au recovery of 90%. The limited metallurgical studies by Fredonia (selective Bottle rolls from Main Veins material) have indicated high (>90%) recovery of gold in oxide material. The Cerro Vanguardia mine to the east of EDM with similar mineralization reports recoveries in the high 90% for Au.

Figure 4: HDDH047 from 269 to 277m contains 8.00m @ 6.00 g/t Au Eq. Including 3.00 m @ 12.65 g/t Au Eq.









See Table of Intercepts in Fredonia NR dated January, 31st 2023.

(*) Reported interval lengths are down-hole widths and not true widths.

(**) Gold equivalent (Au Eq.) is calculated using metal prices of US$ 1,800/oz for Au and US$ 24/oz for Ag. The equation used is: Au Eq g/t = Au g/t + (Ag g/t  75).

Au Eq assumes Au recovery of 90%. The limited metallurgical studies by Fredonia (selective Bottle rolls from Main Veins material) have indicated high (>90%) recovery of gold in oxide material. The Cerro Vanguardia mine to the east of EDM with similar mineralization reports recoveries in the high 90% for Au.

Mr. Fernando Ganem, Professional Geoscientist, is a qualified person (QP) as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Ganem visited the property and has read and approved the technical contents of this release.

Update to Management Team

Fredonia Mining Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Carlos Espinosa as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, succeeding Mr. Omar Salas.

Mr. Espinosa is a mining executive with over 30 years of experience within Canadian capital markets, international business development and commercial banking. Among other positions, Mr. Espinosa was Fredonias CFO between 2016 to 2022, during which period he was part of the management team that completed the RTO resulting in the Companys listing on TSXV, as well as subsequent equity financing and acquisition transactions. During his career, he has also served as a Director and Officer of other mining companies with international operations. Mr. Espinosa earned an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from UNAM - Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico.

The Company wishes Mr. Salas well in his future endeavours.

About Fredonia

Fredonia holds gold and silver license areas totaling approximately 18,000 ha. in the prolific Deseado Massif geological region in the Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, including its flagship advanced El Dorado-Monserrat project (approx. 5,793 ha.) located close to AngloGold Ashantis 300,000 oz./yr Au-Ag Cerro Vanguardia mine, the El Aguila project (approx. 9,100 ha.), and the Petrificados project (approx. 3,000 ha).

For further information

Please visit the Companys website at www.fredoniamanagement.com or contact: Estanislao Auriemma, Chief Executive Officer, Direct +5491149980623, Email: estanislao.auriemma@gmail.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain Forward-Looking Statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation relating to the Company and the EDM project, including statements regarding expectations with respect to preparing and releasing a maiden resource estimate in Q3 2024 and the merits of the results thereof, the prospectivity of the EDM project for gold and silver mineralization, including the potential for metal recoveries from any mineral processing activity, and the Companys future exploration plans. Words such as might, will, should, anticipate, plan, expect, believe, estimate, forecast and similar terminology are used to identify forward looking statements and forward-looking information. Such statements and information are based on assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by the Company considering its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, the factors described in the Companys filing statement dated June 22, 2021 available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the heading Risk Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements and information and the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements made herein, or comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company or its securities, other than as required by law.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee20f259-cdc3-43ab-835c-ce4b16528c4a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f3556d46-1bbb-4137-8b7d-a83098aa59c7

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1054195-e9d2-4dea-8418-c1e1bbe19b09

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/96a4b1ce-6862-467d-85ec-c77e6532916a
Stellantis Announces Changes in Leadership Team

AMSTERDAM, May 28, 2024  Stellantis today announced the following organizational changes, effective June 1, 2024.

Luca Napolitano is appointed Chief Sales & Marketing Officer in addition to his current responsibility as Lancia brand CEO. Luca replaces Thierry Koskas who, after successfully creating the foundations of the global sales and marketing function, will now dedicate his strong sales and marketing expertise to the expansion of the Citroen brand. Luca brings his sales expertise and automotive industry experience in both fleet and retail sales as well as dealer management and network development, as he has held positions in several countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Olivier Bourges is appointed Chief Customer Experience Officer replacing Richard Schwarzwald who has decided to leave Stellantis for personal reasons. Olivier will now take on the challenge of reaching the Companys Dare Forward 2030 commitment to be No. 1 in customer satisfaction, drawing on his deep knowledge of the industry and Stellantis operations.

As planned, to replace Olivier in his current position, Clara Ingen-Housz, who joined the Company in early 2024, will be appointed head of the Global Corporate Office and Public Affairs. Clara will become a member of the Top Executive Team. She was previously Saint-Gobains Group Legal Counsel and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer. With a strong international career including legal experiences in Hong Kong, New York and Brussels, she brings global expertise and further strengthens the diversity on the Top Executive Team.

I want to take the opportunity to warmly thank Richard for his drive, unwavering focus on our customers and contribution to the early years of Stellantis. I wish him well, said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. I have every confidence in Thierrys ability to drive the growth of the Citroen brand, Oliviers determination to bring Stellantis to the next level of customer satisfaction and warmly welcome Clara to the Top Executive Team as we continue to execute our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, together with our passionate stakeholders around the world.

# # #

About Stellantis

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the worlds leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. Its best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep  , Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

@Stellantis Stellantis Stellantis Stellantis



For more information, contact:



Bertrand BLAISE +33 6 33 72 61 86  bertrand.blaise@stellantis.com







communications@stellantis.com

www.stellantis.com

Attachment
ISS Joins Glass Lewis in Support of CEO Lisa Brady and the Parks! America slate of directors

Parks! America Reminds Shareholders to Vote Today on the WHITE Proxy Card for Our Highly Qualified Nominees

PINE MOUNTAIN, Georgia, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parks! America, Inc. (OTCPink: PRKA) (the Company or Parks! America), a leading operator of regional safari parks in the U.S., announced today that Institutional Shareholders Services, Inc, (ISS), a leading independent proxy advisory firm, has recommended that Parks! America shareholders vote FOR each of the Board of Directors nominees: Lisa Brady, Charles Kohnen, Jeffery Lococo, Rick Ruffolo, Jon M. Steele and Todd R. White; FOR Geoff Gannon, the Focused Compounding Fund, LP (collectively with its affiliates, Focused Compounding) nominee who was recommended by the Board of Directors; AGAINST all other Focused Compounding nominees; and AGAINST the Focused Compounding proposal at the upcoming Annual Meeting on June 6, 2024.

The ISS Analysis stated, Given the lack of detail of the dissident critique, and the lack of a go-forward plan underlying its attempt at board control, support for the dissident campaign (Focused Compounding) is not warranted (emphasis added) . Shareholders are therefore recommended to vote FOR the board-supported candidates, which include the six members of the management slate (White, Kohnen, Brady, Lococo, Ruffolo, and Steele) and one dissident nominee (Gannon).

Lisa Brady, Chief Executive Officer of Parks! America, said, We are pleased that the non-partisan analyses of both ISS and Glass Lewis have concluded that the interests of the Parks! America shareholder base are best served by the current management team and the Board of Directors. This is a strong validation from the leading independent arbiters in these corporate matters. We are making measurable progress in reinvigorating our properties after years of neglect and significant disrepair. We look forward to continuing to execute our strategic plan and to enhance shareholder value.

VOTE FOR PARKS! AMERICAS NOMINEES ON THE WHITE PROXY CARD TODAY

If you have any questions or require any assistance with voting, please contact the Companys proxy solicitor, Saratoga Proxy Consulting, LLC, by calling (212) 257-1311 or toll free at (888) 368-0379, or by email at info@saratogaproxy.com .

About Parks! America, Inc.

Parks! America, Inc. (OTCPink: PRKA), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns and operates three regional safari parks - the Wild Animal Safari theme park in Pine Mountain, Georgia, the Wild Animal Safari theme park located in Strafford, Missouri, and the Aggieland Wild Animal Safari theme park, located near Bryan/College Station, Texas.

Additional information, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2023, is available on the Companys website, http://www.animalsafari.com .

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our future plans, business strategy, liquidity, capital expenditures, sources of revenue and other similar statements that are not historical in nature. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on our expectations as of the date of this news release and speak only as of the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are advised to consider the factors listed under the heading Risk Factors and the other information contained in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Important Additional Information

The Company, its directors, nominees and certain of its executive officers are participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Companys stockholders in connection with any matters to be considered at the upcoming annual meeting of stockholders, scheduled to be held on June 6, 2024 (including any adjournments or postponements thereof, the Annual Meeting). On April 23, 2024, the Company filed a definitive proxy statement, as amended May 3, 2024 (the Definitive Proxy Statement), and a WHITE proxy card with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the Companys stockholders with respect to the Annual Meeting. STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ SUCH PROXY STATEMENT, THE ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ANNUAL MEETING. The Definitive Proxy Statement contains information regarding the direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, of the Companys directors, nominees and executive officers in the Companys securities. Such information can be found in the section entitled Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management in the Definitive Proxy Statement on page 16 and available here . Stockholders can obtain the Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Annual Meeting, including any amendments or supplements to such proxy statement and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC at no charge at the SECs website at www.sec.gov . Copies would also be available at no charge on the Companys website at https://animalsafari.com/investor-relations/ .

Contacts:

Lisa Brady

President and Chief Executive Officer

(706) 663-8744

Todd R. White

Chief Financial Officer

(706) 663-8744
Columbus, Ohio, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the escalating addiction crisis in Columbus, Ohio, White Light Behavioral Health emerges as a critical resource, offering expansive therapeutic services and rehabilitation programs designed to meet the nuanced needs of individuals striving for recovery. This center not only highlights the widespread challenge of addiction in the region but also underlines its commitment to fostering long-term sobriety through a spectrum of evidence-based treatments.

Columbus drug rehab is at the forefront of applying specialized therapies that address both the mental and physical facets of addiction, a necessity in todays complex healthcare landscape. The centers deployment of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is particularly significant, serving as key components in teaching clients to alter detrimental thought patterns and behaviorsa fundamental step in the journey towards recovery.

These therapeutic modalities are complemented by stress management techniques and effective coping strategies, essentials in maintaining sobriety and mental health in the long term. The inclusion of family therapy sessions extends the support system beyond the individual, involving family dynamics as a pivotal element in the recovery process. This holistic approach not only aids clients but also empowers families, equipping them with the understanding and tools needed to support their loved ones.

Moreover, the facilitys strategic use of motivational interviewing techniques underscores its innovative approach to addiction treatment. This method enhances individual motivation towards recovery, addressing the ambivalence that many face about change, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful recovery outcomes.

As the addiction crisis in Columbus intensifies, the need for such comprehensive and adaptable treatment services becomes ever more critical. White Light Behavioral Health's array of programs, from medical detoxification to residential rehab and outpatient care, ensures a continuum of support that adapts to varying degrees of patient needs. This seamless transition through stages of care is crucial for minimizing the risk of relapse and supporting sustained recovery efforts.

For individuals facing concurrent substance abuse and mental health challenges, the centers dual diagnosis treatment program provides an integrated approach to treat all underlying issues simultaneously. This method is essential for tackling the complexities of dual disorders, which are often intertwined and can complicate the treatment landscape.

White Light Behavioral Health not only focuses on immediate recovery but also prioritizes long-term relapse prevention and aftercare. These programs are designed to prepare clients for the challenges of post-treatment life, providing ongoing support networks and tools necessary for enduring success and health.

About White Light Behavioral Health:



White Light Behavioral Health, located in Columbus, Ohio, offers a range of personalized therapy services and rehabilitation programs aimed at overcoming substance abuse and fostering long-term wellness. With a comprehensive approach to treatment, the center supports individuals in reclaiming their lives from addiction, significantly contributing to community health and resilience.

Media Contact:



Company Name: White Light Behavioral Health

Contact Person: Jesse Wagner

Phone: (614) 705-2767

Address: 4040 E Broad St

City: Columbus

State: Ohio

Postal Code: 43213

Country: USA

Website: https://whitelightbh.com/


BOSTON, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block & Leviton announces that a securities fraud lawsuit has been filed against Fastly (NYSE: FSLY) and certain of its executives. Investors who have lost money in their Fastly investment should contact the firm to learn more about how they might recover those losses. For more details, visit https://www.blockleviton.com/cases/fsly .



What is this all about?

A lawsuit was recently filed against Fastly, Inc., alleging the company and its executives misrepresented to investors that new customer acquisition throughout 2023 would fuel revenue growth in calendar year 2024, when, in fact, Fastly was experiencing a significant deceleration in growth among its largest customers and was losing the market share it had gained through consolidation in 2023. On May 1, 2024, Fastly lowered its FY 2024 revenue guidance by $35 million and explained on an earnings call that "[t]he biggest factor" in the disappointing revised outlook "is a reduction of revenue from a small number of our largest customers." The Company's CFO said "the revenue declines in our largest customers [are] overshadowing the impact of new customer acquisition and product pipeline." Fastly's stock price plummeted 32% on this news.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who purchased Fastly common stock between February 15, 2024 and May 01, 2024 and has seen their shares fall may be eligible, whether or not they have sold their investment. Investors should contact Block & Leviton to learn more.

What should you do next?

The deadline to seek appointment as lead plaintiff is July 23, 2024. A class has not yet been certified, and until a certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. If you've lost money on your investment, you should contact Block & Leviton to learn more via our case website , by email at shareholders@blockleviton.com , or by phone at (888) 256-2510.

Whistleblower?

If you have non-public information about Fastly, you should consider assisting in our investigation or working with our attorneys to file a report with the Securities Exchange Commission under their whistleblower program. Whistleblowers who provide original information to the SEC may receive rewards of up to 30% of any successful recovery. For more information, contact Block & Leviton at shareholders@blockleviton.com or by phone at (888) 256-2510.

Why should you contact Block & Leviton?

Block & Leviton is widely regarded as one of the leading securities class action firms in the country. Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars for defrauded investors and are dedicated to obtaining significant recoveries on behalf of our clients through active litigation in the federal courts across the country. Many of the nation's top institutional investors hire us to represent their interests. You can learn more about us at our website, www.blockleviton.com , call (888) 256-2510 or email shareholders@blockleviton.com with any questions.

This notice may constitute attorney advertising.

CONTACT:

BLOCK & LEVITON LLP

260 Franklin St., Suite 1860

Boston, MA 02110

Phone: (888) 256-2510

Email: shareholders@blockleviton.com
VANCOUVER, May 28, 2024 - Bedford Metals Corp. (TSX-V: BFM) (the "Company" or "Bedford") is pleased to announce its proposed multi-phase work program for its Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project, situated on the lip of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan.



Phase 1 of the program calls for an airborne VTEM (Time Domain Electromagnetic) survey of the project, aimed at further identifying subsurface features such as faults and folds, which may be controls of historic radioactive anomalies. Concurrently, an airborne radiometric survey will be conducted to provide additional insights into the project's geology.

Phase 2 will implement a comprehensive ground program that includes field mapping, soil sampling, and a systematic ground radiometric survey to identify new and historic anomalies. Shaw drills will be utilized in this phase. Additionally, selected features identified through prospecting and interpretation of airborne survey data will undergo further examination with a ground IP (Induced Polarization) survey to refine targets for diamond drilling.

Peter Born, President of Bedford commented "We appreciate the effort by the team in designing this comprehensive exploration program for our Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project. We are excited about the potential of this project and look forward to advancing it through the proposed work program."

Bedford remains committed to conducting all exploration work to the highest environmental standards and in collaboration with local communities and indigenous nations. Environmental stewardship is a core value of the company, and it will continue to prioritize responsible resource development.

As the exploration program progresses, Bedford will keep stakeholders informed with regular updates on its website and through other communication channels.

About Bedford Metals Corp.

Bedford Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company. We create value for our shareholders by identifying and developing highly prospective mineral exploration opportunities. Our strategy is to advance our projects from discovery to production, allowing Bedford to achieve significant shareholder value through the entire mining life cycle.

Close Lake Uranium Project lies on the eastern side of the Athabasca Basin, adjoining claims held by Cameco Corporation, the largest uranium producer in the world. The claim is approximately 245 hectares and lies within the primary exploration corridor, which hosts the Keys Lake mine, the Cigar Lake Mine and the McArthur River Mine. The property can be accessed through a network of roads and trails.

Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project, covering 1382 hectares, lies just south of the bottom lip of the Athabasca Basin, adjacent to ALX Uranium's Carpenter Lake Project to the east. Situated near the Cable Bay Shear Zone, parallel to the Virgin River Shear Zone, which hosts Cameco's Centennial uranium deposit, the project holds immense potential. Furthermore, it is located 100 km west of Cameco's past-producing Key Lake uranium mine, underscoring the strategic significance of its location.

Dr. Peter Born, PGeo, is the designated qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for, and has approved, the technical information contained in this release.

For further information, please contact the Company at info@bedfordmetals.com or 604-622-1199 or visit the Company's website at www.bedfordmetals.com.

On behalf of the Board,

Bedford Metals Corp.

"Peter Born"

President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

CONTACT:

MRKT360 INC

https://mrkt360.com

Alex Zertuche

alexz@mrkt360.com

For E.S.T Office Hours, Call 1 416-477-0587
Vancouver - Recharge Resources Ltd. ("Recharge" or the "Company") (RR: CSE) (RECHF: OTC) (SL5: Frankfurt) is pleased to announce that it has completed its environmental impact assessment report. This will greatly assist the company in renewing its tenements for the further development of the company's Pocitos One Lithium Brine Project ("Pocitos 1" or "the project") in Salta, Argentina. It is also a baseline study that will be used to provide data to the Mining Department in Salta.

The report is titled "Environmental and Social Baseline report for the Pocitos 1 and 2 concession on the Pocitos Salt Flats". The report was the culmination of four months work by E & C Asociados - a specialist environmental consulting group.

The key findings of the report covered topics and relevant baseline values for :

Geology and Geomorphology

Climate

Flora

Fauna

Protected areas

Socio-economic environment

Solar panel use

Availability of fresh water

David Greenway, President, and CEO commented, "I am delighted that we have completed this report as it is another milestone on our journey to commence lithium carbonate production. A further report to update values will be made in six months time after we have completed drilling production wells on the property and completed a measured and indicated Mineral Resource Estimate. The Company is entering an exciting period for Recharge and its stakeholders at the Pocitos Project."

About Pocitos Lithium Brine Project

The Pocitos 1 Project is located approximately 10km from the township of Pocitos where there is gas, electricity, and accommodation. Pocitos 1 is approximately 800 hectares and is accessible by road. Collective exploration totals over US$2.0 million developing the project, including surface sampling, trenching, TEM and MT geophysics and drilling three wells that had outstanding brine flow results. Locations for immediate follow up drilling have already been designed and identified for upcoming exploration.

Lithium values of 169 ppm from drill hole 3 packer test assayed from laboratory analysis conducted by Alex Stewart were recorded during the project's December 2022 drill campaigns. A double packer sampling system in HQ Diamond drill holes were drilled to a depth of up to 409 metres. The flow of brine was observed to continue for more than five hours. All holes had exceptional brine flow rates. A NI 43-101 report has been released on the Pocitos 1 project.

Ekosolve Ltd was able to produce 99.8% purity lithium carbonate, where extraction was above 94% of the contained lithium in the brine i.e. 158.86ppm of lithium would have been recovered from 169ppm.

WSP Australia has completed an update of the NI 43-101 report completed by QP Phillip Thomas in June 2023 and estimated on an inferred basis using a block model and 6% and 14% porosity's for the clay and sand lithologies 760,000 tonnes of LCE.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 2. Pocitos Lithium Claim Map

Qualified Person

Phillip Thomas, BSc Geol, MBusM, FAusIMM, MAIG, MAIMVA, (CMV), a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 regulations, has reviewed the technical information that forms the basis for portions of this news release, and has approved the disclosure herein.

Mr. Thomas has joined the Company in the capacity of COO on 7 November 2023. He is a shareholder and Officer.

About Recharge Resources

Recharge Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on exploring and developing the production of high-value battery metals to create green, renewable energy to meet the demands of the advancing electric vehicle and fuel cell vehicle market.

All Stakeholders are encouraged to follow the Company on its social media profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"David Greenway"

David Greenway, CEO

For further information, please contact:

Recharge Resources Ltd.

Joel Warawa

Phone: 778-588-5473

E-Mail: info@recharge-resources.com

Website: recharge-resources.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding Recharge's intention to continue to identify potential transactions and make certain corporate changes and applications. Forward looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits Recharge will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect managements' current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including Recharge's results of exploration or review of properties that Recharge does acquire. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Recharge assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

###

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, May 28, 2024 - Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. ("GCC" or the "Company") (CSE-GCC, OTC-GCCFF, WKN-A0RLEP) is pleased to announce that the Company has expanded its field activities to the Gold Ridge claims in the Eastern portion of the Company's Quesnelle Gold Quartz property (see enclosed figure below). Initial work will consist of geological mapping, prospecting and stream sediment sampling to advance the claims which have seen minimal historical work.

The geology of the Gold Ridge claims includes portions of the Snowshoe Group, which are the host group to Osisko Development Corp.'s Cariboo Gold project in Wells, British Columbia, and will be targeted for geochemical sampling in the active program. The Gold Ridge claims are bordered by Osisko Development's claims to the North, South and West.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure: Golden Cariboo Mineral Claims showing the Hixon Gold Claims and the Gold Ridge Claims

About Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd.

Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. is rediscovering the Cariboo Gold Rush by proceeding with highly targeted drilling and trenching programs on its Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property which is almost fully encircled on 3 of 4 sides by Osisko Development (NSE-ODV/TSXV-ODV). Historically, over 101 placer gold creeks on the 90 km trend from the Cariboo Hudson mine north to the Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property have recorded production and successful placer mining continues to this day.

Golden Cariboo's Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property is 4 km northeast of, and road accessible from, Hixon in central British Columbia. The Project includes the Quesnelle Quartz gold-silver deposit, which was discovered in 1865 in conjunction with placer mining activities. Hixon Creek, which dissects the old workings, is a placer creek which has seen small-scale placer production since the mid 1860s.

For further information please contact:

Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd.

"J. Frank Callaghan"

J. Frank Callaghan, President & CEO

Tel: 604-682-2928

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

www.goldencariboo.com

LIKE AND FOLLOW

Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn

Neither the "CSE" Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements:

This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and plans of the Company. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding; the expectation that the Company will receive all necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; the expectation that the Company will complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; the expectation that the proceeds will be used for property exploration and for general working capital; the Company's exploration plans with respect to its Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property; and the anticipated participation of the insider in the Offering.

Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, that the Company will receive all necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; that the Company will complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; that the proceeds will be used for property exploration and for general working capital; that the Company will have the resources required to proceed with its exploration plans; that the Company will not run into regulatory or other barriers in carrying out its business plans; that the insider will participate in the Offering, on the terms and conditions and in the amount currently expected by management; and that the Company will be able to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements on the basis anticipated.

Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: that the Company will not receive the necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; that the Company will not complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; that the Company will be unable to use the proceeds for property exploration and for general working capital; that the Company may incur unanticipated costs; that the Company may not have the resources required to pursue its exploration plans; that the Company's operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; that the insider may not participate in the Offering on the terms and conditions and in the amount currently expected by management, or at all; and that the Company may not be able to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements on the basis currently expected. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this news release. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this news release by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this news release.

The forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date they were originally made. The Company has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Toronto, May 28, 2024 - Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. ("Noble" or the "Company") (TSXV:NOB), (FRANKFURT:NB7), (OTCQB:NLPXF) is pleased to announce that the company has plans to execute a drill program on 214 claims in Way Township commencing in mid-Jine. The claims extend from about 4 to 15 km southwest of the town of Hearst, Ontario. The property area is equivalent to approximately 4,500 hectares or 45 sq km. The drill program follows geophysical surveys done to identify targets that may be the source of the mineralized boulder. The recent geophysical program was partially funded by the Ontario Junior Exploration Program and application has been made to the same program to fund the drill program. The Program will fund up to $200,000 on a $400,000 exploration program.

The mineralized boulder will be on display at the Canadian Mining Expo in Timmins, Ontario on June 5th and 6th and a representative of Noble Mineral Exploration will be there to answer your questions. (https://virtex.canadianminingexpo.com/)

Historically, a sample of a metalliferous boulder, brought to the Timmins Mining District Regional Resident Geologist in 2019 by a Mr. A. Cousineau, was submitted for chemical analysis to Geolabs in Sudbury to establish its metal and mineralogical makeup. Geolabs determined that the boulder contained: 71.8% copper; 3.5% lead, 1.09% zinc; 252 g/t of silver, 3.79 g/t of gold; 4.43 g/t of palladium; and 2.22 g/t of platinum and consisted primarily of cuprite (van Hees et al., 2020).

In 2021, Noble launched an exploration program to in an effort to identify the source of the boulder. Basal till samples collected from two fences of hand auger holes, located about 100 m and 1 km north of the boulder, produced 35 gold grains. These gold grains define a southeast-northwest trending dispersion train that indicate they were transported southeast by a glacial transport from a source area located to the northwest. The dispersion train begins near a northeast trending magnetic anomaly. The gold grains are predominantly reshaped (24) but also include modified (7) and pristine (4), supporting evidence of a local source.

In 2022 an airborne geophysical survey was flown over the property followed by a ground geophysical survey in November/December 2023. The ground geophysical surveys included 29 line-kilometers of Magnetic, VLF-EM and Induced Polarization Survey. The airborne data was successful in outlining a significant northeast trending magnetic high unit that was traced from the southwest section of the survey block to the northeast corner of the survey block. Compilation of the ground based; detailed magnetic survey was done to highlight the northwest trending fault structure that coincides with the location of the boulder. This structure extends at least 1,100 meters and is represented by a modest magnetic low signature commencing at the southeast corner of the grid. The structure can be traced across the grid, generally lying along the northern bank of the river, and has offset the modest magnetic high units in the same area. The western edge of the suspected fault terminates next to a northeast-southwest striking cross fault that also affects the strike of the river.

The contour plan map of the first vertical derivative of the total field magnetic definitely enhances the northeast striking magnetic high feature as well as the numerous northwest-southeast narrow crosscutting high features. The approximate location of the mineralized, Cousineau Boulder appears to coincide with a slight bullseye high at the southeast end of one of the northwest striking cross dike like features. The white line is suggested at being a possible cross fault system. (See Figure 1 and 2 below).



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1: First Vertical Derivative of the airborne geophysical survey showing

location of the Cousineau Boulder and a possible cross fault structure (white line)



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Figure 2: Location of the boulder with cross fault on detailed magnetic background.

The drill program will initially focus on the cross-fault structure in the vicinity of the boulder.

Vance White, President and CEO of Noble, said "we are pleased with the progress on this property and look forward to the results of the drill program that may give us more clues as to the possible source of this rich boulder. While the odds are long, if successful it could result in a significant find."

Figure 3: Photo of the Cousineau Boulder

References:

van Hees, E.H., P. Bousquet, J. Suma-Momoh, C.M. Daniels, S.L.K. Hinz, C. Boucher, P. Sword, L. Wang, S.P. Fudge, A. Millette and C. Patterson, 2020. Report of Activities 2019, Resident Geologist Program, Timmins Regional Resident Geologist Report: Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie Districts; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6366, 160p.

Wayne Holmstead P.Geo (ON), a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of Noble.

About Noble Mineral Exploration Inc.:

Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. is a Canadian-based junior exploration company which, in addition to its shareholdings in Canada Nickel Company Inc., Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd., Go Metals Corp. and MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd., and its interest in the Holdsworth gold exploration property in the area of Wawa, Ontario, will continue to hold ~25,000 hectares of mineral rights in the Timmins-Cochrane areas of Northern Ontario known as Project 81, as well as an additional 20% interest in ~11,000 hectares in the Timmins area and ~175 hectares of mining claims in Central Newfoundland. Project 81 hosts diversified drill-ready gold, nickel-cobalt and base metal exploration targets at various stages of exploration. It will also hold its ~14,600 hectares in the Nagagami Carbonatite Complex and its ~4,600 hectares in the Boulder Project both near Hearst, Ontario, as well as ~3,700 hectares in the Buckingham Graphite Property, ~10,152 hectares in the Havre St Pierre Nickel, Copper, PGM property, and ~482 hectares in the Cere-Villebon Nickel, Copper, PGM property, all of which are in the province of Quebec. More detailed information is available on the website at:

www.noblemineralexploration.com.

Noble's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NOB".

Cautionary Statement:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the Company's plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulators. Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

H. Vance White, President

Phone: 416-214-2250

Fax: 416-367-1954

Email: info@noblemineralexploration.com

Investor Relations: ir@noblemineralexploration.com

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

VANCOUVER, May 28, 2024 - Vizsla Copper Corp. (TSXV: VCU) (OTCQB: VCUFF) ("Vizsla Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the "Lead Agent") to act as lead agent and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the "Agents") in connection with a best efforts, private placement (the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$3,000,000 from the sale of the following:

up to 9,090,909 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.11 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$1,000,000 from the sale of Units; and

up to 16,666,667 flow-through units of the Company (the "FT Units", and together with the Units, the "Offered Units") at a price of C$0.12 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$2,000,000 from the sale of FT Units.

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Unit Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each FT Unit will consist of one common share of the Company to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "FT Share") and one half of one Warrant. Each whole Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$0.16 at any time on or before that date which is 24 months after the closing date of the Offering.

The Company has granted the Agents will have an option, exercisable in full or in part, up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to sell up to an additional C$450,000 in any combination of Offered Units at their respective offering prices (the "Agents' Option").

The Offered Units will be offered by way of the "accredited investor" and "minimum amount investment" exemptions under National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions in all the provinces of Canada. The securities issuable pursuant to the sale of the Offered Units will be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada ending on the date that is four months plus one day following the closing date of the Offering. The Units may also be sold in offshore jurisdictions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act"), as amended.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Units for working capital and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's projects in British Columbia, Canada. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the FT Units effective December 31, 2024.

The Offering is expected to close on or around June 19, 2024 or such other date as agreed between the Company and the Lead Agent, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended, or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States or the US persons except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

VIZSLA COPPER ABOUT

Vizsla Copper is a Cu-Au-Mo focused mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The Company is primarily focused on its flagship Woodjam project, located within the prolific Quesnel Terrane, 55 kilometers east of the community of Williams Lake, British Columbia. It has three additional copper properties: Poplar, Copperview, and Redgold, all well situated amongst significant infrastructure in British Columbia. The Company's growth strategy is focused on the exploration and development of its copper properties within its portfolio in addition to value accretive acquisitions. Vizsla Copper's vision is to be a responsible copper explorer and developer in the stable mining jurisdiction of British Columbia, Canada and it is committed to socially responsible exploration and development, working safely, ethically and with integrity.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to: obtaining the required regulatory approvals for the Offering; the expected Closing Date; completion of the Offering; the intended use of proceeds of the Offering; the Company's growth and business strategies; and the exploration and development of the Company's properties.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves or resources, the limited operating history of the Company, the influence of a large shareholder, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Vizsla Copper Corp.
CALGARY, May 28, 2024 - TVI Pacific Inc. (TSXV: TVI) (OTC Pink: TVIPF) ("TVI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a funding commitment agreement on May 27, 2024 (the "Funding Commitment Agreement") with Prime Resources Holdings, Inc. (the "Lender"), whereby the Lender has agreed to commit to fund Shortfall Amounts (as defined below) to the extent that the Issuer is unable to pay such amounts as they become due.

Pursuant to the terms of the Funding Commitment Agreement, the Lender has agreed to fund the (i) certain legacy expenses of the Company, provided that the aggregate amount of such expenses shall not exceed approximately $3.3 million; and (ii) the costs and expenses of TVI incurred in the normal and ordinary course of its business which are necessary to enable TVI to continue its operations in the same manner and to the same extent as conducted immediately prior to the date of the Funding Commitment Agreement for a period of three (3) years and in an annual amount not to exceed approximately $1.95 million (collectively, the "Shortfall Amounts"). The advances will be evidenced by the issuance of unsecured interest-bearing promissory notes, which are expected to accrue interest at a rate of prime plus 2.0% per annum and, subject to certain acceleration events, mature eighteen (18) months after the date of issuance.

Concurrently with entering into the Funding Commitment Agreement, the Lender advanced two (2) loans in the aggregate principal amounts of $144,658 and $110,301 by way of unsecured interest-bearing promissory notes (the "Promissory Notes"), each substantially on the above terms and which, subject to certain acceleration events, mature in November 2025.

The Company intends to use the proceeds available from the Promissory Notes and the Funding Commitment Agreement to fund certain accrued expenses of the Company and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Amending Agreements

Further to the Company's news release of April 16, 2024, TVI and the Lender also entered into an amending agreement dated effective as of May 15, 2024 (the "Amending Agreement") to amend: (i) the unsecured interest-bearing promissory note issued by the Lender dated effective as of April 8, 2024 ("Promissory Note 1") in the principal amount of $171,732; and (ii) the unsecured interest-bearing promissory note issued by the Lender dated effective as of April 12, 2024 in the principal amount of $71,196 ("Promissory Note 2", and together with Promissory Note 1, the "Initial Notes"). Pursuant to the terms of the Amending Agreement, the Company and the Lender agreed to extend the deadline by which certain acceleration events may occur from May 15, 2024 to May 24, 2024 (the "First Amendment" and together with the Funding Commitment Agreement and issuance of the Promissory Notes, the "Transactions"). The other terms of the Initial Notes remain unchanged.

On May 27, 2024, TVI and the Lender entered into a second amending agreement (the "Second Amending Agreement", and together with the First Amending Agreement, the "Amending Agreements") to further amend the Initial Notes (as amended by the First Amendment). Pursuant to the terms of the Second Amending Agreement, the Company and the Lender agreed to, among other things, further extend the deadline by which certain acceleration events may occur from May 24, 2024 to June 20, 2024 (the "Second Amendment" and together with the First Amendment, the Funding Commitment Agreement and issuance of the Promissory Notes, the "Transactions"). The other terms of the Initial Notes (as amended by the First Amendment) remain unchanged.

Limited Standstill Waiver and Share Purchase

TVI and the Lender are parties to a standstill agreement dated August 15, 2023 entered into in connection with the completion of a non-brokered private placement by TVI to the Lender. Pursuant to such agreement, among other things, prior to August 15, 2025, neither the Lender, nor any of its affiliates, may acquire any voting or equity securities of TVI without the prior written consent of TVI. Pursuant to a consent and limited waiver agreement dated as of the date hereof, TVI approved a limited waiver (the "Limited Waiver") of such restriction in connection with entering into the Share Purchase Agreement (as defined below) and the acquisition of any securities of TVI beneficially owned, or over which control or direction is exercised, directly or indirectly, by Mr. Clifford M. James ("Mr. James").

Concurrent with the completion of the Funding Commitment Agreement and approval of the Limited Waiver, the Lender, Mr. James, Seajay Management Enterprises Ltd. ("Seajay") and Regent Parkway 3202 Management Inc. ("Regent", and together with Mr. James and Seajay, the "Vendors") entered into a share purchase agreement (the "Share Purchase Agreement") dated May 27, 2024 and pursuant to which PRHI is expected to purchase an aggregate of 58,055,488 common shares in the capital of TVI (the "Common Shares") beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by Mr. James (the "Share Transfer"), the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of TVI.

In connection with the Share Transfer (i) the Lender, of 3L Starmall Las Pinas, CV Starr Avenue, Philamlife Village, Pamplona, Las Pinas City, Metro Manila, Philippines, intends to acquire ownership of 58,055,488 Common Shares, (ii) Mr. James, of 3202 Regent Parkway, 21st Drive, Bonifacio South District, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines 1634, intends to dispose of beneficial ownership in 58,055,488 Common Shares held by the Vendors, each requiring disclosure pursuant to National Instrument 62-104 - Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids.

The Lender holds, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 86,933,333 Common Shares (representing approximately 11.93% of the Common Shares). Immediately following completion of the Share Transfer, the Lender is expected to hold, directly and indirectly, an aggregate of 144,988,821 Common Shares (representing approximately 19.90% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares).

Mr. James holds, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 83,264,419 Common Shares (representing approximately 11.43% of the Common Shares). Immediately following completion of the Share Transfer, Mr. James is expected to hold, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 25,208,937 Common Shares (representing approximately 3.48% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares).

Copies of the early warning reports will be filed by the Lender and Mr. James under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or may be obtained by contacting the Company at the contact information provided below.

The Lender is a "related party" of the Company, and entering into of the Transactions and the matters relating thereto are considered to be "related party transactions" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") requiring the Company, in the absence of exemptions, to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval, of the related party transactions.

Pursuant to Sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(f) of MI 61-101, the Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder requirements, respectively, as, in addition to no securities of the Company being listed or quoted on certain specified exchanges, the Transactions and matters relating thereto are non-convertible loans obtained on reasonable commercial terms that are not less advantageous to the Company than if the Transactions and matters relating thereto were obtained from a person dealing at arm's length and not repayable, directly or indirectly, in equity or voting securities of the Company or a subsidiary.

The Transactions, the Limited Waiver and the matters relating thereto were each approved by the independent directors of the Company (the "Independent Directors"), being all directors other than Messrs. Clifford James, Manuel Paolo A. Villar and Michael G. Regino. An informal committee of the Independent Directors was established in connection with the Transactions and the Limited Waiver and all of the Independent Directors were engaged in respect thereof. No materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director of the Company in relation thereto. To the knowledge of the Company, there is no material information concerning the Company or its securities that has not been generally disclosed.

Neither the Company nor any director or senior officer of the Company has knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of any prior valuation in respect of the Company that relates to the subject matter of or is otherwise relevant to the Transactions and the matters relating thereto, which has been made in the 24 months prior to the date of this News Release. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing as the details of the Transactions and the matters relating thereto were not finalized until immediately prior to its issuance, and the Company wished to close the Transactions and the matters relating thereto as soon as practicable for sound business reasons.

TVI Pacific Inc. is a Canadian resource company focused on mining projects in the Philippines, one of the most prolifically mineralized countries in the world. TVI maintains a strong presence in the Philippines through its 30.66% equity interest in TVI Resource Development Phils, Inc. ("TVIRD"), a Philippines corporation. Through TVIRD, TVI has ownership in TVIRD's 100%-owned Balabag gold/silver mine, a currently producing mine, and is focused on ramping-up to commercial production at TVIRD's recently restarted 100%-owned Siana gold mine. TVIRD also has in its portfolio of projects its 100%-owned Mapawa project (gold), a 60% indirect interest in the Mabilo project (a copper-gold-iron skarn deposit that offers potential for multi-metal products, namely copper, gold and silver, with by-products magnetite and pyrite), and a 60% interest in Agata Mining Ventures Inc. (nickel/iron DSO mine).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information set out in this News Release constitutes forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe", "scheduled", "to be", "will be" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this News Release include, but are not limited to: statements and information concerning the Company's intended use of the proceeds from the Funding Commitment Agreement and the Promissory Notes; the Transactions; the completion of the transactions contemplated by the Share Purchase Agreement and the timing thereof; the Company's future activities and operations; the availability of future draw-downs under the Funding Commitment Agreement and use of proceeds thereof; and the terms of the Promissory Notes, including acceleration thereof.

Forward-looking statements in this News Release are based upon the opinions and expectations of management of the Company and, in certain cases, information supplied by third parties as at the effective date of such statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and that information received from third parties is reliable, it can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct.

Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties (known and unknown) that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company being unable to use the proceeds of the Promissory Notes as described; legal or regulatory impediments regarding the Initial Notes and the Promissory Notes, accrued and unpaid interest thereon; the Company defaulting on the Initial Notes, the Promissory Notes or the Funding Commitment Agreement and consequences thereof; the proceeds being insufficient for the Company's purposes; the acceleration of maturity of the Initial Notes or the Promissory Notes in accordance with the terms thereof upon the occurrence of certain events; the Company's inability to repay the Initial Notes or the Promissory Notes on their respective maturity dates or at all; the Company being unable to raise additional funds on terms acceptable to the Company or at all; the availability of future drawn-downs under the Funding Commitment Agreement; the value of the Company's assets; the availability of distributions to the Company from its joint venture interest in TVIRD and results of operations thereof; liquidity and results of operations; and general risks such as changes in commodities and base metal prices general economic conditions in the Philippines and elsewhere, litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments, geopolitical risk, delays or failures to receive Board, shareholder or regulatory approvals, operational risks, risks related to meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange, those additional risks described in detail in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed on SEDAR+ on April 29, 2024, and is available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and other matters discussed in this News Release.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance upon the forward-looking statements contained in this News Release and such forward-looking statements should not be interpreted or regarded as guarantees of future outcomes.

The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws in force in Canada. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this News Release.

SOURCE TVI Pacific Inc.
TORONTO, May 28, 2024 - Mandalay Resources Corp. ("Mandalay" or "the Company") (TSX: MND) (OTCQB: MNDJF) is pleased to announce the results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") held today virtually. All the resolutions presented at the Meeting were approved by the shareholders, with the votes cast by proxy representing 39.14% of the total shares outstanding as of the record date.

Election of Directors

The number of directors was fixed at seven members and each of the seven nominees listed in the Company's Management Information Circular dated April 18, 2024, were re-elected to the Company's Board of Directors. Abraham Jonker remains the lead independent director and Bradford Mills continues as Chair. Results of the votes cast by proxy are set out below.

Resolution Votes Cast by Proxy

For % For Votes Cast by Proxy

Withheld % Withheld Bradford A. Mills 36,400,647 99.91 % 34,611 0.09 % Abraham Jonker 36,412,170 99.94 % 23,088 0.06 % Amy Freedman 36,289,155 99.60 % 146,103 0.40 % Dominic Duffy 36,302,582 99.64 % 132,676 0.36 % Frazer Bourchier 36,410,390 99.93 % 24,868 0.07 % Julie Galloway 36,411,330 99.93 % 23,928 0.07 % Robert Doyle 35,882,067 98.48 % 553,191 1.52 %

Appointment of Auditors

KPMG LLP was appointed as the auditor of the Company to hold office until the close of the next Annual Meeting of the Shareholders, or until their successor is otherwise appointed, and the directors were authorized to fix the auditor's remuneration. Results of the votes cast by proxy are set out below.

Resolution Votes Cast by Proxy

For % For Votes Cast by Proxy

Withheld % Withheld Appointment of Auditors 36,413,358 99.94 % 21,900 0.06 %

Mandalay Resources is a Canadian-based natural resource company with producing assets in Australia (Costerfield gold-antimony mine) and Sweden (Bjorkdal gold mine). The Company is focused on growing its production and reducing costs to generate significant positive cashflow. Mandalay is committed to operating safely and in an environmentally responsible manner, while developing a high level of community and employee engagement.

Mandalay's mission is to create shareholder value through the profitable operation and regional exploration programs, at both its Costerfield and Bjorkdal mines. Currently, the Company's main objectives are to continue mining the high-grade Youle and Shepherd veins at Costerfield, and to extend Mineral Reserves. At Bjorkdal, the Company will aim to increase production from the Eastern Extension area and other higher-grade areas in the coming years, in order to maximize profit margins from the mine.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mandalay-resources-announces-the-results-of-its-annual-general-meeting-302157123.html

SOURCE Mandalay Resources Corp.
The U.S. leads the world in number of the prisoners per 100,000 citizens, and no other developed country comes close. The jail and prison population has increased 500 percent over the last 40 years, and one in six inmates is serving a life sentence. The Sentencing Project reports that on any given day, 10 percent of all the Black men in America are in jail or prison.For years, reform advocates have been making the case that flawed policies and practices in the countrys criminal justice system have filled correctional institutions with men and women who dont truly belong there. The COVID crisis has dramatically raised the temperature of this debate.

Prisons and jails account for all of the top 10 coronavirus clusters in the country, and all but two of the top 20 (the exceptions are meat processing plants in South Dakota and Iowa). At least 100,000 prisoners have tested positive for COVID-19. In California , at risk-prisoners who had been moved outside as a precautionary measure were forced back indoors due to historic wildfires.

Beyond this, ending mass incarceration is also at the top of Black Lives Matter demands. Dozens of bills have been introduced in the last month that at least chip away at pieces of the prison problem.Here are some examples:

HB6010 , abill, would enact provisions for the modification of a jail sentence during a public health emergency. It outlines a procedure through which an inmate or prosecuting attorney can file a petition to modify a sentence. Circumstances to be considered in decisions to reduce a sentence include the portion of a sentence served to date, potential risk to public safety and the age and medical condition of the petitioner.

SB5018 outlines situations in which elderly, terminally ill or permanently physically disabled felony offenders to be considered for parole. Inmates 65 years old or older must have served five years or more of their sentence. Those convicted of Class 1 felonies would not be eligible for consideration.

In SJR94 aims to create a task force to study racial bias within the states criminal justice system. It notes that Black Americans experience disparate treatment and racial bias in each of its major components, including corrections. Community-based advocacy groups are to be included as members of a task force that will identify strategies to end bias and make recommendations to the governor.

HB5 increates a two-year pilot project to help children up to age 17 have more access to their incarcerated mothers. It asks the departments of corrections and social services to provide transportation for a child (or children) and their caretaker to visit with the mother once a month, and to prepare a report on the results from this program at the end of the two-year pilot. Mothers convicted of crimes against children or child abuse would not be included in the program.

SF16 inrelates to the sentencing of military veterans charged with offences such as misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors. If a defendant is able to provide convincing evidence that the offense was committed as a result of certain conditions related to military service, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse or sexual trauma, the court may decide to place them on probation without entering a judgment of guilty. Violation of the conditions of probation could lead to an adjudication of guilt and sentencing to jail or prison. Probation may include orders to attend an appropriate treatment program. The bill also outlines a restorative justice process through which charges may be dismissed based on the defendants performance during the probation period.
Aston Martin no longer a top-5 F1 team says Alonso

Aston Martin has fallen outside the top five teams in Formula 1, Fernando Alonso has declared.

Fernando Alonso, Monaco GP 2024

 Aston Martin Racing

Last year, the rejuvenated two-time champion put in a series of podium finishes with the rapidly-developing Silverstone based team - prompting him to extend his stay well into the new regulations era beginning in 2026.

However, things are not going so well in 2024 - culminating in Alonso, 42, finishing out of the points at the weekend in Monaco.

I drove the last 50 laps thinking I was tenth, he told Spanish journalists. When I crossed the line they told me I was eleventh, and I said 'All that stress for nothing!' Alonso smiled.

But it doesn't matter, it kept me awake.

Imola, just a week earlier, was even worse for the former Ferrari and McLaren driver - where he was classified dead last at the end of a horror weekend.

These two races in Imola and Monaco have been a big wake-up call for the team, Alonso said. "But they are going to be very good for us.

"These two weekends have been crucial for understanding our weaknesses, for understanding the car, for improving. In difficulties you always learn more than when you win, when all the problems are overridden by the euphoria.

We are learning a lot for the rest of the year, for 2025, for 2026, he added.

Alonso admits that, at least in relative terms compared to last season, Aston Martin has taken a notable step backwards.

Last season here we finished second, he said in Monaco, "then in Canada we also had strong pace. This year the sensations are different, with some doubts because we were not able to go fast.

"We have to try to change this trend now, but it will take a few races until we introduce a significant improvement. Better and worse days are coming, and we have to stay united.
Ferrari out of the running to sign Newey?

Ferrari may have dropped out of the running to secure the services of departing Red Bull technical guru Adrian Newey.

Adrian Newey, Monaco GP 2024

 Red Bull

After Charles Leclerc's Monaco win from pole, former Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde hailed the impact new boss Frederic Vasseur has already had on the fabled Maranello based team.

Strategically he has brought in different people, like the new engineer for Leclerc, he told Viaplay. "Straight away he wins.

He has attracted the right people to the team and even got Adrian Newey to join, the Dutchman added.

Indeed, in recent weeks, it seemed clear that Ferrari had successfully managed to woo Newey, arguably the most famous and respected F1 designer of all time - even though the news was not yet official.

But Michael Schmidt, the highly respected F1 editor for the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, claims the latest development is that Ferrari is in fact no longer interested in signing Newey.

Schmidt now claims Mercedes is back in play to secure Newey's services, with Williams, McLaren and Aston Martin also still possible next-destinations for the 65-year-old Briton.

Former F1 driver David Coulthard, however, thinks retirement might actually still be an option for Newey, who is now progressively scaling back his involvement at Red Bull until he leaves completely early next year.

Clearly, if he's reflected on a contract that was signed a year or so ago and decided that he doesn't want to be part of that contract longer term, that has to come from a space of doubt or unhappiness, Coulthard said on his podcast Formula For Success.

"Sometimes chasing the next opportunity, thinking that's going to bring you happiness, you can end up having regret.

I know what I would do if I was him at 65 years old with more money than time - I would be on that boat quicker than you could see me pack my Speedos.

(GMM)
5G version of the Redmi Pad Pro appears on TENAA, likely set for a July launch

There are three versions of the Xiaomi Redmi Pad so far  regular, Pro and SE  but none of them offers 5G connectivity. That will change soon as CEO Lei Jun shared that a 5G variant of the Redmi Pad Pro is in the works and that has now appeared on TENAA as well.

The slate has a model number 24074RPD2C with the C standing for China. Two other variants have been spotted: 24074RPD2G (Global) and 24074RPD2I (India).

The 5G variant is supposed to have the same specs as the current Wi-Fi only model, except for the connectivity. This means a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, a 12.1 120Hz IPS LCD and a 10,000mAh battery with 33W charging.



Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro 5G goes up on TENAA

TENAA provides a photo of the Redmi Pad Pro 5G, but there isnt much to see. And the specs listed may need to be corrected as they only list a 4,900mAh battery (its possible that this is one cell of a dual-cell battery).

The 5G model, like its Wi-Fi sibling, will support Network Sync, says Lei Jun. Network Sync is a one-tap solution to connect the tablet to your phones hotspot, but that is obviously a lot more useful on a tablet that doesnt bring its own 5G modem.

Xiaomi tends to pick model numbers that correspond to the launch date, e.g. the Xiaomi 14 has a model number 23127PN0CC and it was announced in 2023 in December (hence 23.12...). The 2407... model number of the Redmi Pad Pro 5G suggests a July launch.

PS. we have already reviewed the vanilla Remdi Pad and the SE (links below) and we are in the process of reviewing the Redmi Pad Pro as well.

Source (in Chinese)
Motorola is undoubtedly getting ready to launch the Razr 50 and Razr 50 Ultra soon, and we've recently seen the former exposed by the TENAA certification in China. Today we're talking about the Ultra, which has also received a certification in China, but a different one - this time it's 3C.

This has revealed the fact that the Razr 50 Ultra will have support for 68W wired charging, which is a huge bump from its predecessor's 30W.

This certification hasn't outed any other details about the phone, but based on past rumors and leaks we expect the Razr 50 Ultra to sport a 6.9-inch folding display with FHD+ resolution and 165 Hz refresh rate, a 4" P-OLED cover display, two 50 MP cameras, a 32 MP selfie snapper, and a 4,000 mAh battery (which is up 200 mAh from the Razr 40 Ultra).

The phone is said to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. IPX8 water resistance has been rumored too. The Razr 50 Ultra should be getting official next month alongside the Razr 50. Do note that these will most likely be sold under the names Razr and Razr+ in North America.

Via
Getting federal help to fight meth on the streets and maximizing money for Guam through the military buildup were among topics that congressional candidates talked about at a forum on Tuesday at Hyatt Regency Guam.

The Guam Womens Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, hosted the forum for delegate candidates in this years primary election.

Democrat bets former Del. Michael San Nicolas, Sen. Amanda Shelton, and former Deputy Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Ginger Cruz all took to the stage to share why they should go to the hill next year.

Incumbent Del. James Moylan did not participate in the forum, though he was present in the crowd on Tuesday.

Moylan, who will run unopposed in the Republican primary this August, said he does plan to appear for a general election forum in October.

Heres how candidates responded to questions, in the order that they answered them.

Watch them answer lightning round questions here:

Economy

Candidates were asked how they plan to leverage federal resources and programs to promote economic sustainability and growth on Guam, and to provide specific examples of federal initiatives or funding opportunities they intend to pursue.

San Nicolas

To tackle this, this fundamental issue of the cost of living, it actually would very much help our business community to be able to remain resilient. And so we want to focus on bringing solutions on those areas, addressing the cost of shipping and coming up with creative solution. The Jones Act is something we definitely need to do, bringing down the cost of housing and the cost of rent and making sure everything is more affordable, and utility-based is something we need to doTheres a lot of federal resources to make that happen.

Shelton

There are different opportunities in the federal government for us to bring home those federal resources. One of them that I think we can really knock down the door of is the Pentagons research and development arm, which has millions of dollars in its budget, to use and test new innovative things in our different communities. And so recently, in Rhode Island, there was a contract given to test sea gliders. Imagine if that was here on Guam, for us to use that kind of technology between our small islands.

Cruz

We need to look at putting Guam on the Foreign Affairs Committee because...we are the center of the military strategy, but were not currently the center of the economic strategy. The United States is investing massive amounts of money to build the economies of Manila, of Korea, of Japan, and theyre passing over Guam. What we need to do is have a seat at the table, have a credible voice, somebody who is confident enough to be able to bring our issues to that level.

Public safety

Candidates were asked how they plan to address crime and use federal resources to make neighborhoods and businesses safer.

Cruz

The Department of Defense has just identified that Communist China is actually behind so much of the drugs that are proliferating across the United States. And here on Guam, the threat of crystal methamphetamine that has come into this island that is driving so much of the crime can now be directly tied to the geopolitical issues that we have...we need to ensure that in the next five years, we have a 100% check on everything that comes in through air or through sea so that we can find and interdict and stop the drugs from coming to our shores.

Shelton

We all know that crime is related to drug use here. And the Department of Justice has told us that these drugs, crystal methamphetamine, its coming to our borders, through Japan, through Korea, through China, most especially. And we need to protect our borders first and foremost. And we can also do that by getting a special designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area for the island of Guam. This means more federal resources put to our local law enforcement, enhancing our intelligence capability, co-locating federal and local law enforcement agencies and working together with them.

San Nicolas

We need to make more investments and making sure that we have the proper federal personnel here to meet the challenges that were facing here on our audit, and especially with the drug pandemic here on Guam, or the street price for a gram of ice is, I believe, around $35 a gram. And not only does that mean that its so common throughout our island. But if and when we do begin to come down on it and that price begins to rise, crime is going to get worse. And so we need to have multi-level approach.
Typhoon Ewiniar presents no threat to Guam or the Northern Marianas, according to the National Weather Service.
Frontier Airlines 2024-2025 unlimited-flights pass has gone live. For a limited time, the passes also are on sale for $599, a major slash from their original $1,999 price tag.

Heres how it works: The Go Wild! All You Can Fly Pass allows users to book an unlimited number of flights from May 2024 to April 2025  but you have to wait until the day before to book a domestic flight, and 10 days before for an international flight.

(If you choose the Go Wild! Summer Pass, its valid from now until Sept. 30, and costs $399.)

This means theres no guarantee which flights will be available, and you cant plan a trip too far in advance. For the spontaneous traveler however, last-minute journeys might be ideal. So whats the catch?

1. There are blackout dates.

Although the pass allows for unlimited flights, there are certain calendar dates that cant be booked. Youll notice these dates fall around major holidays: Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Valentines Day.

2024: June 27-29; July 5, 7; Aug. 29-30; Sept. 2; Oct. 10-11, 13-14; Nov. 23, 27, 30; Dec. 1-2, 21-24, 26-31.

2025: Jan. 1, 4-5, 16-17, 20; Feb. 13-14, 17; March 14-16, 21-23, 28-30; April 4-6, 11-13, 18-21.

2. Baggage fees and taxes are not included.

While the flight is free, your suitcase is not. Frontier Airlines allows for one free personal item, like a purse or backpack, but all other carry-ons and luggage will cost you. Prices vary, but youre looking at a $50-$60 fee for a carry-on or checked bag.

Flyers also must pay taxes for each trip. These vary too, depending on the airport, but often cost around $20-$30.

3. You can only purchase one-way tickets.

Because tickets must be booked the day before (or 10 days prior for international flights), its not possible to buy a return ticket until youve already left.

If you work remotely, having a flexible return date might be no biggie. If youve got an in-person presentation on Monday, this could be a deal-breaker.

4. Layovers can be long.

Since youre picking from the last seats available, direct flights will sometimes be all booked up.

Your hometown airport will determine how convenient the routes are. For example, it looks like most Frontier flights from New Orleans to the West Coast require a layover in Denver  in some cases, for as long as seven hours.

Its worth playing around on the Frontier Airlines website to see how often flights depart from your hometown and how long they take.

So, is the All You Can Fly Pass worth it?

If youre a remote worker, spontaneous adventure-seeker or a twice-a-month vacation junkie, the All You Can Fly Pass can be a great deal. If youve got a rigid schedule, maybe reconsider.

Passes are on sale now for a limited-time discount, while supplies last.
The Sumpter County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics assistance in its search for a missing Florida teen.

According to authorities, Peyton O Pickard, a 16-year-old white male with brown hair and eyes, is autistic and nonverbal. He was last seen walking away from his home in Bushnell, Florida, wearing only black underwear or boxers.

Peyton O' Pickard, 16, was last seen leaving his home in Bushnell, Florida. Authorities are asking for anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the Sumpter County Sheriff's Office or 911.Sumpter County Sheriff's Office

In a post to Facebook Tuesday morning, Sumpter County officials noted, a large law enforcement presence remains in the area of C-575 (Florida State Road 575) and in expanded surrounding areas.

Located safe! Thank you everyone who shared and assisted. Missing Autistic Juvenile A large law enforcement presence... Posted by Sumter County Sheriff's Office-Florida on Tuesday, May 28, 2024

O Pickard is approximately 5 feet 7 inches, weighs 120 pounds and has a burn scar on his right leg. Bushnell is located about 50 miles north of Tampa and 50 miles west of Orlando.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Sumpter County Sheriffs Office at 352-793-2621.
AMITE, La.  Authorities in south Louisiana searched Monday for two of four men who escaped a parish jail through a perimeter fence.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards said the four inmates fled the facility through a section of the fence that was found to be vulnerable and easily maneuvered in such a way that a small statured body could slide through.

Earlier Monday, authorities found two of the escaped men  Avery Guidry, 19, and Travon Johnson, 21, both of Natalbany  hiding in a trash bin behind a store in Amite, Edwards said. The other two  Omarion Hookfin, 19, of Hammond, and Jamarcus Cyprian, 20, of Amite  remained on the run, he said.

Tangipahoa Parish jail authorities were only notified of four inmate escapes when a family member reported seeing two of the inmates at a relatives house looking for a place to stay. https://t.co/968VYMnZf1  FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) May 27, 2024

The sheriffs office said Johnson, Hookfin and Guidry were in jail following their arrest for a 2022 homicide in Hammond, while Cyprian was serving time for armed robbery and weapon charges. Hookfin also acquired additional charges of aggravated battery while jailed in a separate case in Catahoula Parish, authorities said.

Edwards urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the remaining escaped inmates to contact emergency authorities or call CrimeStoppers of Tangipahoas anonymous tip line at 800-554-5245.




Haiti - FLASH : A Haiti expert predicts that young people will leave gangs when the Mission will be in action





Monday May 27, 2024, Diego Da Rin, consultant and Haiti expert working with the International Crisis Group, in an interview with France 24 shared his views on the potential effects of the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission led by Kenya



He said experts on the Haiti crisis predict that when the mission is operationalized, the gangs will lose some of their members who would have to throw in the towel.



According to Da Rin, young Haitian gang members will leave the armed gangs due to the intensity of the fighting, emphasizing "The gangs know that they are facing a force stronger than them and that is why they oppose to the deployment."



Da Rin said that at first, the gangs would do everything possible to attack foreign troops. However, when the clashes intensify the gangs will retreat.



He recalls that "The new Haitian Government will need significant support from the international community to organize elections, restore security and put state institutions back in place."



In conclusion, Da Rin called on the international community to put in place tougher sanctions against anyone financing or assisting gangs, stressing that this would limit access to resources for gangs.



SL/ HaitiLibre


















The decision would lower the minimum ownership requirement from 100 to 50.1 per cent for Finavia and VR and from 50.1 to 33.4 per cent for Gasum and Posti.

THE FINNISH GOVERNMENT on Thursday approved an in-principle decision on ownership steering policy, hinting that it is willing to explore cashing in on a number of corporate assets even at the expense of majority control.

The government is also proposing an adjustment that would enable a complete divestment from rental housing constructor A-Kruunu. For Kemijoki, a majority state-owned producer of hydro and regulating power, the requirement will contrastively be raised from 0 to 33.4 per cent.

The final decision on any changes in ownership stakes is made by parliament.

Minister of European Affairs and Ownership Steering Anders Adlercreutz (SFP) stressed to YLE on Thursday that the proposal should not be interpreted as a sign of a desire to dramatically reduce its stake in the companies, adding that there have been no decisions, guidelines or deliberation about the ownership arrangements.

The government is, though, looking to make it possible to lower its stake in a number of companies to the extent that does not jeopardise its ownership goals.

Its a completely other discussion on whether the government will do something that reduces its ownership stake [in a particular company] to the lower limit, he commented to the public broadcasting company.

Jari Tanskanen, an economic journalist at YLE, wrote on Thursday that the adjustments are inspired by experiences in Spain, where the government floated 49 per cent of shares in the wholly state-owned airport operator AENA in 2015. Proceeds from the float were three times higher than expected.

In Spain, the privatisation has also increased passenger numbers as new owners have succeeded in enhancing the appeal of regional airports to airlines.

The Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications has commissioned an assessment that found that the government could bring in around 800 million euros by floating part of its shares in Finavia.

Finavia operates a total of 20 airports in Finland, including the newly renovated Helsinki Airport.

With the majority of foreign visitors flying to Helsinki, Lapland or Tampere, tourism industry companies in other parts of the country have been reluctant to make investments in their offering, wrote Tanskanen. Were Finavia to have a minority owner, though, it could be in its interest to turn as many a regional airport as possible into a profitable operation  a possibility that could increase visitor volumes in, for example, Finnish Lakeland.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
JOHN Beresford came to Leander Club to talk about his book about his father, Jack, the eminent rower who won five medals at five Olympic Games in the Twenties and Thirties.

The book, called Jack Beresford: An Olympian at War, takes you through his life.

He was born in 1899 and went to Bedford School where he was mainly a rugby player but also captain of boats after his father before him (John was wearing his fathers original 1916 Bedford jacket).

When Jack finished school at 19, he went to France to fight in the First World War. He wrote 119 letters to his parents which provide a moving account of his experience but also show his resilience and strength of character.

The average lifespan of a soldier in France during the war was reckoned to be 14 days but Jack survived for six and a half months. Eventually, he was wounded and returned to England with a shin injury that stopped his rugby career. Jack Beresfords rowing career continued during his rehabilitation and he competed at the 1919 Henley Royal Peace Regatta with his father.

He went on to win the Diamond Sculls four times, the Silver Goblets and Nickalls and Grand twice and the Stewards and Double Sculls.

He was elected a steward of Henley Royal Regatta in 1966.

His first Olympics was in 1920, when he won a silver medal behind Jack Kelly (Princess Graces father) in the single sculls. He then won gold at the 1924 Olympics, silver in 1928 and gold again in 1932 and 1936.

All winners at the 1936 Berlin Olympics received an oak tree and Jack planted his at Bedford School.

Years later, the tree was taken down due to expansion but the timber was kept and some of it made into honorary plaques.

After retiring from competitive rowing, Jack sat on the British Olympic Council and on the organising committee for the 1948 London Olympics.

He was on the Amateur Rowing Association (now British Rowing) and president of Thames Rowing Club. He died at the age of 78 the day after he attended a Thames Rowing Club annual dinner.

John said his father was a determined man. His experiences during the war and his extraordinary achievements in rowing stemmed from the same character trait that he had in abundance.

This talk concluded the second series of the Leander library rowing book talks, which are held in aid of the Leander Trust, a registered charity to support young people through rowing.

At the start of the talk, Ryder and Byron, who are in the junior rowing programme at Leander, had told how the sport changed their lives. They are now hoping to study in America on rowing scholarships.

The next series will begin September 5 when Greg Searle will talk about his book If Not Now, When?

Irene Hewlett
China's space-air-ground monitoring system boosts biodiversity conservation

People's Daily Online) 13:54, May 28, 2024

China's integrated space-air-ground ecological monitoring system has significantly strengthened its biodiversity conservation efforts.

According to Gao Jixi, chief scientist at the Satellite Application Center for Ecology and Environment (SACEE) under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the SACEE has developed a three-dimensional ecological monitoring system. This system uses a coordinated network of space-based satellites, remote sensing facilities, drones, ground-based monitoring vehicles, and observation facilities.

Researchers from the Satellite Application Center for Ecology and Environment under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment operate drones to collect data. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

"The system ensures greater efficiency and a wider scope in biodiversity surveys and monitoring, and is more sustainable," Gao said.

Gao added that the system can easily monitor plant groups and track the movements of large animals, making it very effective for biodiversity monitoring.

The development of this system took years.

Wan Huawei, director of SACEE's biodiversity remote sensing monitoring and assessment center, began relevant efforts over a decade ago. She and her team noticed news about smooth cordgrass, a non-native invasive plant, in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In collaboration with a local team, they used high-resolution satellite and drone remote sensing methods to determine the plant's distribution and spread, providing technical support for managing the invasive species.

A model of a 3D ecological monitoring system involving a space-air-ground integrated network. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Liu Fawei)

Several years ago, Wan collaborated with Lyu Zhi, a professor from Peking University, to monitor snow leopard habitats using high-resolution satellite remote sensing data.

By collecting detailed information about the land and human activities, along with existing ground surveys, researchers identified which areas are best for snow leopards and how these habitats are connected. This helped them plan better ways to monitor snow leopards and create ecological corridors.

Zhou Haili, deputy director of the SACEE, said that the launch of China's high-resolution Gaofen satellites and the development of advanced devices have provided important data for their integrated monitoring system. Better data processing technologies have also allowed them to monitor different species directly.

Additionally, ground monitoring tools like infrared cameras and drones with high-definition cameras allow researchers to study biodiversity in detail. They can look at species, communities, landscapes, and ecosystems from different angles, Zhou noted. This helps them better understand biodiversity and analyze medium- and long-term trends in key areas and communities.

For Wang Yongcai and his colleagues from the SACEE's biodiversity remote sensing monitoring and assessment center, the main tasks are to collect data, monitor grass species and growth conditions, and establish a basic grassland database in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Researchers from the Satellite Application Center for Ecology and Environment under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment monitor biodiversity. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

The system allows them to continuously monitor grass growth, vegetation coverage, and issues like degradation, desertification, and salinization.

So far, they have gathered a lot of useful data and created a smart system to identify grassland plants and collect information about the grasslands remotely.

"Based on the existing database, the identification accuracy rate for more than half of the plant species in the pilot areas in Inner Mongolia has exceeded 80 percent," Wan said.

To expand the database, the SACEE plans to construct a drone airport. "We have finished the site selection. Once the airport is constructed, we can remotely control the takeoff and landing of drones from Beijing, which will significantly enhance our data collection capabilities," said Xiao Cui from the SACEE.

A herd of milu deer at a wetland in Dafeng district, Yancheng city, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Lianhua)

In recent years, the SACEE has continuously upgraded drones and developed new tools for biodiversity monitoring, including a multifunctional ecological monitoring vehicle independently developed by Gao's team in August 2022.

"The ecological monitoring vehicle has been successively deployed to Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Shandong, and other places for field experiments, and has achieved good results," said Cao Fei, head of the SACEE's ecological environment spatial data center.

New concepts and technologies are bringing more encouraging changes to biodiversity monitoring. "We hope to improve biodiversity monitoring through continuous efforts and contribute to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework," Zhou said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
As Delivered

My esteemed colleagues:

It wasnt even. And it wasnt pretty. But the world emerged from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to unprecedented collaboration that brought governments, the private sector, and civil society together around a common goal: to save lives.

But the further we get from the pandemic, the more memory fades. And, as we forget, urgency dissipates.

Unprecedented collaboration will be needed again if we are to prevent, detect, contain, and respond quickly to the many common threats that we face.

We shouldnt wait for the worst case to descend. We should use our time  here, now, after two years  to take the meaningful steps that we know we must. Lets capture the significant progress achieved over the past two years and finalize the proposed amendments to the IHRs this week.

Those amendments  especially the tiered alert system  will immediately make a difference in improving global preparedness. Finalizing the IHRs will build confidence in our ability to work together and set the stage for a more constructive future on pandemic response. And, we can prove that the world is ready to respond in extraordinary ways to extraordinary events that threaten global health.

---

Global health encompasses so much more than what a thermometer or a scale can measure. We must recognize (1) the value of a world that is equitable and inclusive; (2) the necessity of advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights for all; and (3) the importance of including the voices of women, minorities, and LGBTQIA+ populations into decision-making.

We also know that the health and security of each nation is irrevocably connected to the health and security of people everywhere.

That is why we continue to strongly support the meaningful participation of Taiwan at the World Health Assembly and in the WHOs work more broadly.

That is why we cannot allow Russias war in Ukraine to continue, or the suffering and death to spread further  and why the international community, including the United States, will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine.

That is why the tragic, avoidable loss of life and cycle of destruction and dislocation between Israel and Palestine [Israelis and Palestinians] must stop immediately. We need a ceasefire agreement that leads to the release of hostages, a surge in humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and the road to a two-state solution. Palestinians and Israelis deserve to live safely, with dignity, and in peace.

And thats why President Biden is fully committed to the WHO and the ongoing work of this body  including reforms that will make it even stronger and a new General Programme of Work that advances health equity. The United States is proud to be both a strong partner and a leader in global public health. We believe in the potential of this body.

---

Health, and threats against global health, have an outsized influence on broader global political and economic interests. There is no stability without health. There is no security without health. Our nations cannot be strong unless they are healthy.

Esteemed colleagues, there is never a wrong moment to strike a good deal for humanity and health. But moments are fleeting. Let us not forget the magnitude of this moment.

Thank you.
Citizenship, refugees, illegal migrants, and deportation are grey areas in the Indian legal space. India does not have comprehensive domestic legislation nor is it a signatory to the the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. India also does not recognise the term refugee and any foreigner who does not have a valid visa or stays beyond the permitted time of his visa-- is treated as an illegal migrant.

The entire domain is governed by Standard Operating Procedures and Executive Orders. With different rules and systems in place for the migrants based on their country of origin, the ambiguity increases.

Two recent orders of the Supreme Court, one ordering deportation and another staying the deportation have rekindled the confusion on the same.

On 16th May 2024, the apex court in Rajubala Das v. Union of India ordered the Union of India to take immediate steps to deport 17 persons who have been declared foreigners. Rajubala Das had moved the Supreme Court seeking the release of her husband who was lodged in a detention camp in Assam and adjudged a foreigner.

It is important to note that the Supreme Court in another case in 2019 had already upheld the order declaring her husband as a foreigner.

Rajubala was basing her prayer on the May 2019 order of the Supreme Court in Supreme Court Legal Services Committee v. Union of India and Anr. The apex court, in that case, had held that the detainee who had served long periods in detention camps awaiting their deportation could be released on the completion of three years or more on the execution of bond with two sureties (being Indian citizens) of 1,00,000/-, after providing a verifiable address, biometric details etc.

Rajubala raised the issue with the surety amount stating that the same was too high for poor people to raise and pleaded that for a person already declared a foreigner getting people to stand surety was difficult.

In the course of the hearings, the Supreme Court on April 30, 2024, ordered the Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA) to visit the detention centres of declared foreigners and ascertain how many had completed a period of more than two years.

The Court had also ordered the ASLSA to submit a report on the facilities made available to declared foreigners. It was in regard to this order that the Supreme Court on May 16, 2024, based on the report submitted by ASLSA, ordered the Union to take steps to deport the 17 foreigners of whom 4 had completed more than two years in the detention camp. Thus, in this case, there was no issue with regard to the determination of citizenship but only with regard to the detention.

On May 17, 2024, in Maya Barman @ Maya Rani Barman v. Union of India, the Supreme Court stayed the deportation of the petitioner. Maya Barman had been adjudged as a foreigner by the Foreigners Tribunal 1st Lakhimpur on November 22, 2019, and the said order was upheld by the Guwahati high court on January 11, 2024.

It was in an appeal against the Guwahati high court order that Maya had approached the Supreme Court and been successful in securing a stay on any coercive steps including deportation. Thus, unlike the previous case, the issue here was whether the petitioner was an Indian citizen or a foreigner.

There are other petitions similar to the one filed by Maya wherein the Supreme Court is hearing appeals questioning the status of citizenship. On September 23, 2022, the Supreme Court ordered a similar stay in the case of Lal Bhanu @ Musstt. Lal Banu v. Union of India. The Supreme Court noted that her entire family had been recognised as citizens except her.

Most of these cases draw back to the National Register of Citizens or NRC. The NRC was first introduced in 1951 and Assam became the only state to maintain the register owing to its geographical position which made illegal migration easy. With the war in Bangladesh, there was an increased influx of Bangladeshis. In 1985 the Assam accord was signed wherein it was stipulated that any foreigner who entered Assam after March 25, 1971 would be detected and deleted from electoral rolls, and then deported.

In 2013, subsequent to the Supreme Courts order on petitions asking for a new NRC list, an updated list was released on August 31, 2019. However, the updated list ended up excluding more than 19 lakh persons. This led the Foreign Tribunals to take up cases to determine citizenship and the detention of people in camps. The Foreigners Act by virtue of Section 9 requires the person whose citizenship is in question to prove he/she is a citizen of India. This places an unfair burden on the person who to start with is usually short of resources.

Further, there is a lot of ambiguity with regard to what papers are considered evidence of citizenship and how to prove the same. For instance, in the case of Maya Barman, the Tribunal and High Court refused to accept the school leaving certificate because the principal who had issued it was not examined.

On the other hand, even deportation is not an easy exercise. A person cannot be deported unless the country he is to be deported accepts that he is a citizen. The Supreme Court in Ana Parveen and Anr v. Union of India on April 29, 2022, ordered the release of a person who had been detained for seven years on the count of being a Pakistani national but the same was not confirmed by the Pakistani government.

The Court held that the indefinite detention of a foreigner is also a violation of Article 21 and cannot be sustained. While the adjudication by Courts takes years, the detainee continues to languish in detention centres.

A clear legislation on the issue of citizenship, and deportation premised on principles of natural justice and fairness is the need of the hour.

Parijata Bharadwaj, a lawyer and researcher based in New Delhi, co-founded the Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group that offered legal services to adivasis in Chhattisgarh. The views expressed are personal.
New Delhi, India, May 28 2024: Dropout Academy, India's premier Pay after Placement Tech school, proudly announces their recent triumph as the winner of the prestigious "Best Edtech Startup of the Year" award at the 2024 National Fame Awards (NFA). The award thereby recognized the academys steadfast commitment to providing affordable and high-quality tech education. Founder Mayur Karodia, founder of Dropout Academy, accepted the award from Ameesha Patel.

The award ceremony, hosted by Brand Impact, honored the impactful contributions made by individuals and organizations to national, economic, and social development. Prominent winners of the award, including Divyanka Tripathi, Udit Narayan, Rahul Dev, Alka Yagnik, Vindu Dara Singh, and more, were recognized for their exceptional dedication to customer satisfaction and high-quality product and service delivery. With over 15 years of experience, Brands Impact has coordinated three National Fame Awards ceremonies, graced by distinguished Chief Guests, Ms. Malaika Arora, Ms. Esha Deol Takhtani, Ms. Ameesha Patel, and Ms. Dia Mirza, to honor talent and contributions around the country.

Dropout Academys students affirm the strong impacts of its personalized mentorship and hybrid learning strategy.

Mr. Mayur Karodia, Founder, stands as the driving force behind Dropout Academy, India's premier pay-after-placement tech school. The academy reflects his vision for making high-paying tech skills accessible to all. Mayur, a distinguished alumnus of IIT Roorkee, has gained recognition for his TEDx talk in Malaysia and received a national award from the Vice President of India. He stated, Me and my team feel highly honored by the recognition at the National Fame Awards. We have received recognition for our efforts to democratize tech education and help students find employment, and we remain dedicated to preparing students for success in the fields of web development and UX design.

Dropout Academy, the first Pay-after-Placement Tech School in India, understands the paramount importance of providing potential students with affordable UX design and Web development courses so they can pursue their education without worrying about financial constraints. Its unique model enables students from a variety of backgrounds to pursue profitable jobs in technology. The academy offers networking and mentorship opportunities and is supported by major industry players such as Amazon, Myntra, Accenture, and Capgemini as hiring partners. Beyond virtual connections, Dropout Academy hosts exclusive offline meetups nationwide, promoting professional development and learning among aspiring designers and professionals.

Students at Dropout Academy benefit from a detailed curriculum created to meet industry demands and develop practical skills. The course includes:

1:1 live feedback sessions with industry expert mentors who have years of industry and teaching experience

Engagement in 40+ assignments and 3 live projects, as a result of the curriculum's strong industry and practical focus

Committed career counseling with 100% placement support, where students will be taught resume and portfolio building, along with mock interviews to train them.

Pupils undergo extensive training to develop into professionals in the competitive field of UX/UI design, covering everything from design basics to UI implementation with tools like Figma.

Dropout Academys students affirm the strong impacts of its personalized mentorship and hybrid learning strategy. Former graphic designer turned UX/UI designer Divya Bhat credits the academy for its positive atmosphere and smooth process of career transition. In a similar vein, former architect Prachi Gupta attributes her career's revival to Dropout Academy, landing her a better-paying UI/UX designer position three months after training.

Dropout Academy's triumph at the 2024 National Fame Awards attests to its dedication to providing top-notch tech education to empower students. The academy is committed to developing a new generation of equipped tech talent that will define innovation and user experience in the future.

To know more, visit - https://www.thedropoutacademy.in/

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
Bill Gates revealed his top recommendations to watch and read this summer on his blog, GatesNotes. Bill Gates, co-chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation(Bloomberg)

Im a sucker for stories about spies, he wrote. Although I like James Bond just fine, I really go for the characters who rely on their brains, arent especially good in a fistfight, and dont fill out a tuxedo too well.

Slow Horses is 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. Hes the polar opposite of James Bond; A slob and alcoholic, but with surprising capabilities of spycraft.

Currently the worlds ninth richest person with a net worth of $131 billion dollars, the co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recommends reading books with a theme of service.

He wrote that service is most relevant today as wars dominate the headlines and politics is becoming more and more polarized. Its inspiring to appreciate those who help others and think about how we can be more generous in our own lives, he added.

His recommended summer reading list includes:

The Women, by Kristin Hannah - A US army nurse who serves two tours on the frontlines in Vietnam before returning home to a country rocked by protest and anti-war sentiment.

Infectious Generosity, by Chris Anderson - Exploring how the internet can amplify the impact of generosity and argues the need to expand the definition of generosity.

Brave New Words, by Sal Khan - The founder of Khan Academy writes about how AI will improve education and help make sure everyone has access to it.

How to Know a Person, by David Brooks - A blueprint for a more connected and humane way of living through bettering conversations.

Also Read | Bill Gates didnt take vacations and even worked on weekends. Then this changed
When Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk invited followers to join his AI startup xAI, little did he know that he would get into a public spat with Meta AI chief Yann LeCun about Artificial Intelligence research and company ethics. Elon Musk tweeted, "Join xAI if you believe in our mission of understanding the universe, which requires a maximally rigorous pursuit of the truth, without regard to popularity or political correctness." Elon Musk, chief executive officer of SpaceX and Tesla, speaks to the media during the launch of SpaceX's Starlink internet service in Indonesia.(Reuters)

To this, Yann LeCun responded with a jibe at Elon Musk's management style saying, "Join xAI if you can stand a boss who:- Claims that what you are working on will be solved next year (no pressure). -Claims that what you are working on will kill everyone and must be stopped or paused (yay, vacation for 6 months!).-Claims to want a 'maximally rigorous pursuit of the truth' but spews crazy-ass conspiracy theories on his own social platform."

He then added, "I like his cars, his rockets, his solar panels, and his satellite network. I very much dislike his vengeful politics, his conspiracy theories, and his hype."

To this Elon Musk retorted, "What 'science' have you done in the past 5 years?" and then Yann LeCun countered, "Over 80 technical papers published since January 2022. What about you?"

Thats nothing, youre going soft. Try harder!, Elon Musk then said. Yann LeCun replied, "Now you're acting as if you were my boss."

Yann is just following orders, Elon Musk said. Yann LeCun ended the fight by saying, You don't seem to understand how research works.
Raghuram Rajan, former RBI Governor, said that his family does not want him to enter politics. He said, I have said repeatedly and people still don't believe me. I am an academic, my business is not kissing babies. I have a family and a wife, who doesn't want me to enter politics for a good reason. So rather than enter politics what I would like to do is help guide where I can. Former Governor of Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) Raghuram Rajan

On speculation of whether he would join the Congress, he said, And that's what I try and do. So where I feel government policies are going off track regardless of whether I'm government or not - I talk about it.

Talking about Rahul Gandhi and whether he advises the Congress leader, he said, I think that's such a wrong portrayal in the sense that you know he's smart, intelligent, and also brave. I think what people discount - which they should not - is this is a family which has seen the grandmother assassinated, the father blown up.

To engage in politics, to be in the midst of crowds - if I had that experience I'd be hiding in a bed all the time. So I think there are a lot of attributes that are commendable and if you look at his record of what he's been saying on events. I think he's been right during Covid...(when he said) we need to do more preparation, we need to act early. It was the Congress calling off rallies which eventually led to the stopping politicking during the second wave, he said.

Rahul Gandhi does not have all the answers, Raghuram Rajan said but he is a very reasonable leader contrary to what has been portrayed. He has strong convictions, you have to debate those convictions if you disagree with them but he's perfectly willing to engage in that debate.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recounted an encounter with an Indian farmer who during the tech giant's annual developer conference Build 2024 where several artificial intelligence (AI) tools were released by the company like Azure and Copilot. During the keynote address, Satya Nadella shared how technology transformed the life of an Indian farmer. the audience with a story about an Indian farmer whose life was transformed by technology. Microsoft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella speaks during the Microsoft Build opening keynote at the Seattle Convention Center Summit Building in Seattle, Washington.(AFP)

Satya Nadella shared. In January 2023, I met a rural Indian farmer who used GPT-3.5, in his own voice, to understand government farm subsidies hed heard about on television. It was a powerful moment for me. It illustrated the incredible impact of a cutting-edge model developed on the West Coast of the United States, now being used to directly improve the life of a rural farmer in India.

Earlier as well, Satya Nadella had cited a meeting with an Indian farmer who was trying to access some government programme. He had then said, He expressed a complex need in one of the local languages. This got translated and interpreted by a bot and a response came back saying go to a portal and here is how you will access the programme."

The farmer was hesitant to use the programme, Satya Nadella shared, adding, And, it completed it and the reason why it was able to complete it was that the developer building it had taken GPT [General Purpose Technology] and trained it over all of the government of India documents and then scaffolded it with the speech recognition software.
A 48-year-old accounts superintendent belonging of the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation (KMVSTDC) is suspected to have died by suicide at his residence in his hometown here, police said on Tuesday. Chandrasekaran P, who is posted in Bengaluru, purportedly left a six-page note before hanging himself from a ceiling fan at his residence on Sunday evening, they said. FIR against three top Karnataka officials after accounts officer dies by suicide

Also Read - Time will answer: DK Shivakumar on Prajwal Revanna's 'conspiracy' allegation

In the purported suicide note, he has held three of his senior colleagues responsible for his death as well as the alleged misappropriation of around 87 crore, police said. "He has mentioned about misappropriation of around 87 crore through various depositions and the reasons behind his extreme step. He alleged that he was 'harassed' by his three colleagues who allegedly used him for 'misappropriation of funds for personal gains'. "Later, when he came to know that if an inquiry is initiated and an FIR is registered against him, he would be jailed and that also prompted him to take this drastic step," a senior police officer said.

The deceased accused his senior officers of forcing him to open a parallel bank account to divert unaccounted money from the corporation's primary account, he said in the note. He also alleged that he was directed by a minister and an officer to open a sweep-in and sweep-out account that allowed customers to transfer funds between savings and current accounts and link fixed deposit accounts at a bank branch on M G Road in Bengaluru, the police officer said.

According to the police, he returned from Bengaluru to his hometown on Friday for the weekend and he died by suicide on Sunday when no one was home. The incident came to light the same evening when his wife Kavitha and son returned home from Bhadravati where they had gone to attend a family function. "Initially, we registered a case of unnatural death at Vinoba Nagar police in Shivamogga but later, when we recovered the death note, we registered a case under 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code against the three government officials," the officer said.

The accused government employees are currently absconding, he added. According to Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister B Nagendra, the case has been handed over to the CID and an FIR has been registered against KMVSTDC Managing Director J G Padmanabha, Durganna and Suchismita. Whoever is involved in it and however influential they are, we will not spare them. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar have taken it seriously. If the forensic report says that the MD had signed on it, then we will suspend him. We will not let the leakage of public money happen, the minister said at a press conference.

Nagendra said the scam was perpetrated while transferring money from one bank to another. Close to 87 crore was transferred. So far 28 crore has been recovered. We have spoken to the chairman and directors of the Union Bank of India, and everyone has said that they will refund 50 crore by Tuesday evening, the minister said.

Mahazar (spot inspection) has been done, police said adding that the purported suicide note and the mobile phone of the deceased accounts officer has been seized for further investigation. Home Minister G Parameshwara has said that Crime Investigation Department will investigate to see what has transpired. His death triggered a political row in the state with Leader of Opposition R Ashoka demanding the sacking of Minister Nagendra. Karnataka BJP chief B Y Vijayendra alleged that Congress leaders were indulging in corruption under the disguise of working for Dalits and tribal communities. "The Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department Minister B Nagendra should be dismissed from the cabinet immediately and I demand a transparent investigation into the officer's death," he posted on social media platform X in Kannada.
Bengaluru, Three NSUI workers were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly blackening the signboard of a flyover named after Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar, at Yelahanka here, police said. The incident took place on the birth anniversary of Savarkar. According to the police, a group of activists of the National Students' Union of India , the students' wing of the Congress party, staged a protest demanding that the flyover be renamed. They allegedly blackened Sarvarkar's name on the board and put up a banner bearing the name 'Bhagat Singh flyover' and also raised the slogans 'Inquilab Zindabad', holding up Bhagat Singh's pictures. "They had put black paint on the board. We have registered a case under the Prevention of Destruction and Loss of Public Property Act and have arrested three people. They were wearing scarfs of NSUI," a senior police officer said. The board was restored later, he said. The flyover was named after Savarkar when BJP was in power amid opposition from certain sections, including the Congress. R Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly slammed the ruling Congress following the incident. Posting on social media platform X, he alleged, "While Veer Savarkar's photo adorned @RahulGandhi 's Bharat Jodo yatra in Karnataka, @INCKarnataka and its affiliates continue to denigrate Veer Savarkar by defacing the signboard of Veer Savarkar flyover in Bengaluru. "Congress has long abandoned the values of Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar who had admired Veer Savarkar, but what about Indira Gandhi, one of their own, who too hailed Veer Savarkar as a great revolutionary? "Has CM @siddaramaiah and DCM @DKShivakumar given up on Indira Gandhi too just because it doesnt suit their narrow and bigoted vote bank politics?"

HT Image
The Dugri police arrested two accused for allegedly robbing the wife of a police inspector near Punjab Mata Nagar on Pakhowal Road on Monday. The woman said that she was going towards Pakhowal Road on a scooter when the accused turned up (HT File)

The arrested accused have been identified as Vishal and Sagar Bohat of Jawaddi Khurd.

The accused had targeted Satnam Kaur Kang, wife of inspector Kuldeep Singh Kang, a resident of Punjab Mata Nagar.

The woman said that she was going towards Pakhowal Road on a scooter when the accused turned up. The accused intercepted her and snatched her purse, she alleged. According to the woman, the purse had 3,000, a mobile, an ATM card and an Aadhar card. She noted the registration number of the scooter used by the accused and informed the police.

Assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Balveer Singh, who is investigating the case, said that police a case under sections 379B and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered against the accused at the Dugri police station.
A special judge for CBI cases on Monday convicted two accused, including an investigator on the panel of Oriental Insurance Company (OIC), Jammu, and a claimant (private person) in a case related to bogus insurance claims. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced later (HT File)

The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on Tuesday

The instant case was registered by CBI on April 13, 2007, against the accused including the aforesaid accused convicted by the court today on the allegations that aforesaid persons entered into a conspiracy with one another, submitted bogus insurance claims for the dwelling houses reported to be located at Srinagar and which were reported to be gutted in fire during the year 1997-98, an official statement read.

It was further alleged that the accused obtained undue claim to the tune of 9,52,913 from the insurance company, though no fire incident took place during the relevant period as per the records of Jammu and Kashmir fire and emergency services command, Srinagar.

After completion of investigation, a chargesheet was filed on February 182009.

The chargesheet in connection with the false claim in respect of residential building of Satish Chander Wasoori, was filed against the accused Subhash Saraf, surveyor; Raj Nath Tickoo, investigator; Satish Chander Wasoori, claimant and Badri Nath Koul, Development Officer, Oriental Insurance Company.

Charges were framed on November 16, 2010, against all accused. The accused Subhash Saraf and Badri Nath Koul, development officer died during the trial, hence charges against them were abetted.

After trial, the court held accused R N Tickoo and Satish Chander Wasoori guilty.

CBI examined 32 witnesses and 97 documents in support of the charges which stood the test of trial.
Government Medical Colleges 26 temporary employees have gone without salary for the past nine months despite an order for the release of their pay by the Jammu and Kashmir high court (HC) in January. Srinagar Government Medical Colleges 26 temporary employees have gone without salary for the past nine months. (HT FIle)

The employees alleged that despite giving 7-14 years of their lives to the job, they were being replaced by another lot of contractual employees, which, they said, was not permissible under law.

The employees were engaged as multi-purpose workers (MPW) and data entry operators in the Psychiatric Disease Hospital of GMC, Srinagar under National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) under the ministry of health and family welfare, government of India. While 10 multi-purpose attendants were engaged in 2010 on contractual basis, another 16 employees were recruited as MPWs and data entry operators in 2018.

For the initial years, they were provided a monthly remuneration of 3,000 which was then increased to 9,330 in June 2022.

In August 2023, the GMC Srinagar tried to expel us from the department on the pretext of non-availability of funds in the scheme after which we filed a writ petition in J&K High Court which has stayed those proceedings and urged government not to disturb the present position of petitioners, an affected MPW employee, who has crossed his upper age limit for any government job, said.

As the employees didnt receive their salary, they again approached court and on January 29, 2024, the HC ordered the union territory administration to release their pay pending from September 2023.

Neither objections were filed in writ petition nor in the present application, therefore the present application is allowed by directing the respondents to release the salary/wages earned by the petitioners, in accordance with law, the order by Justice Rajesh Sekhri said.

However the employees are yet to get relief as the authorities have held the orders of court in contempt. Despite the passage of five months, we havent received any salary yet. Since August 2023 due to non-payment of our salaries, we are suffering badly, our old parents are ill and our children go to schools, we are all dependent on the salary, said another employee, who is a data entry operator.

Now the situation is such that there is not even 10 in our pockets to bring pencils and copies for our children. All of us have taken loans for our day to day expenses, he said.

Of the 26 employees, six have already crossed the upper age limit of 40 years for government jobs while three more are on the verge of becoming over-aged for any government job.

The employees said they visited the office of health and medical education commissioner secretary Syed Abid Rasheed Shah on April 2 who assured them he will solve the matter. Even after one and a half months, nothing has been done, they said.

The employees have been consistently attending their duties at Psychiatric hospitals Institute of Mental health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) and Drug De-addiction Center of Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital.

They said the joint director health and medical education in Jammu and Kashmir had informed the director general of health services in the ministry of health and family welfare in 2009, the state government will take over this scheme after funding support from the Centre ends and the employees will be absorbed by the state.

This joint director order was endorsed by the Medical Superintendent of Psychiatric Hospital in 2015. But the former principal of GMC, instead of forwarding the recommendations, stopped our yearly extension, said another employee.

Attempts to contact administrative secretary of health and medical education department, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah and principal GMC, Srinagar, Dr Iffat Hassan were not successful, despite multiple calls on their mobiles.
Even after a decade of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) introducing compensation for power cuts caused by technical glitches, most people remain unaware of the norms. A document that lays out the norms is available on PSPCLs website. (HT File)

Even some senior officials feigned ignorance of the rules that were introduced in 2014.

A document that lays out the norms is available on PSPCLs website.

Sunder Nagar division executive engineer said, While there are compensation rules, we dont receive any claims.

On being questioned about the norms, Ludhiana zone chief engineer Inderpal Singh said, There are no such rules.

The technical faults increase with the rise in demand amid hot weather. Wires often overheat, leading to power cuts. According to a lineman, few linemen cater to vast areas and it often takes hours to resolve all the calls, leading to long outages in the city.

The rules call for a compensation of 100 if an individual is affected, and 50 per consumer for more if a power outage call is not resolved within four hours. The same compensation is to be paid if an overhead line breakdown is not resolved within eight hours.

For the inspection and replacement of slow, fast/creeping, stuck-up meters, the rules prescribe three days for inspection and 24 hours for replacement. A compensation of 200 per day is to be paid in case of a delay. For burnt meters that have to be replaced within 24 hours, a consumer is owed 300 per day as compensation.
The Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday acquitted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh of the murder of former dera manager Ranjit Singh in 2002. The Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday acquitted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh (in pic) of the murder of former dera manager Ranjit Singh in 2002. (HT file photo)

Ram Rahim was convicted in 2021 by the special CBI court in Panchkula and was awarded life term for plotting the murder of his former follower, who was shot dead by four assailants on July 10, 2002, at his native Khanpur Kolian village in Kurukshetra district of Haryana.

Also read: Congress will be wiped out: Haryana CM Saini

The judgment was pronounced in the open court by the bench of justice Sureshwar Thakur and Lalit Batra on Tuesday morning. The detailed order is awaited.

Ram Rahim has been acquitted, a lawyer associated with the case, Gautam Dutt, said.

Though acquitted, Ram Rahim wont come out of jail as he is convicted in two rape cases and another murder case.

At present, he is lodged at Sunaria jail in Rohtak.

The CBI had claimed that Ranjit Singh was murdered as Ram Rahim suspected that he was behind the circulation of an anonymous letter that revealed the sexual exploitation of woman followers at the dera.

In June 2002, Ranjit Singh was summoned to the dera and threatened with dire consequences, but he refused to seek pardon, saying he had done nothing wrong, the CBI said.

In the appeal filed before the high court in December 2021, Ram Rahim had argued that trial court erred in not considering the inconsistencies and contradiction in the story of the prosecution for which the benefit of doubt ought to have been extended. The testimonies of prosecution witnesses have significant contradictions with each other, it claimed, adding the prosecution had failed to establish facts beyond reasonable doubts by which motive was sought to be attributed to Ram Rahim.

The dera chief, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for raping two disciples in 2002, has also been convicted in one more murder case of Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who had reported the wrongdoings inside the dera and was allegedly killed by dera followers in 2001. Ram Rahim was sentenced to life in this case.

Punjab Police have also termed him as one of the key conspirators of the 2015 sacrilege cases reported in the state.

The CBI court had convicted four others in the murder case, including Jasbir Singh, a follower; Krishan Lal, a dera manager; Sabdil, gunman of the dera head; and Avtar Singh, a dera functionary.

Of late, the dera head has been in news for frequent paroles granted to him by the Haryana government.
The Delhi high court on Tuesday issued notice on the bail plea of former Delhi minister Satyender Jain in the money laundering case. Jain is accused of having laundered money through four companies allegedly linked to him. (File photo)

A bench of justice Swarna Kanta Sharma sought Enforcement Directorates (ED) response with the next date of hearing scheduled for July 9.

Jain was arrested in May 2022 for allegedly misusing his position as minister from February 2015 to May 2017 to acquire disproportionate assets worth 1.47 crore.

The ED subsequently began a probe into the money laundering charges through three companies allegedly linked to him.

The ED, which attached alleged proceeds of crime worth 4.60 crore in the case, claimed that Jain was controlling the three companies through the directorship of his wife, Poonam Jain.

Also Read:MHA sanctions CBI inquiry against Satyendar Jain, more trouble for AAP

The former minister had approached the Delhi high court, 12 days after the city court rejected his plea seeking default bail on May 15.

In the said order, the city court noted that the predecessor judge had taken cognisance of the chargesheet which was filed by the ED within 60 days of Jains arrest and had proceeded against the accused only after being satisfied about the commission of the offense.

Special judge Rakesh Syal also shot down Jains contention that EDs investigation pursuant to filing the chargesheet would be deemed incomplete if more probe was pending.

The judge said that accepting these submissions would render the provisions relating to further investigation and filing of subsequent complaints redundant.

In his petition before the high court, Jain has asserted that the federal agency has failed to complete investigation in all respects within the statutory period since his arrest and has thus deprived him of his statutory right to bail by filing an incomplete chargesheet.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court had dismissed Jains bail plea and had asked him to surrender in connection with a money laundering case by rejecting his request for extension on ill health.
The Delhi high court on Tuesday denied bail to former Popular Front of India (PFI) chairman E Abubacker in a case registered against him under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing the case. A bench of justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain pronounced the verdict. (Shutterstock)

A bench of justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain pronounced the verdict denying bail to Abubacker, who was arrested during the crackdown on the banned PFI last year.

Senior advocate Nitya Ramakrishna, who represented Abubacker, said there was no material against her client to sustain the case. She added her client is over 70 and a cancer survivor battling Parkinsons disease.

NIAs counsel had said there was enough material to show that camps were organised to train the PFI cadre to carry out illegal activities. He said there were several cases against Abubacker and that nobody would testify against him in case he is released. The NIA said he was being treated in jail for multiple ailments.
Mumbai, Seven wagons of a goods train derailed at Palghar railway station in Maharashtra on Tuesday evening, affecting the traffic of Mumbai-bound trains coming from Gujarat, a railway spokesperson said here. The incident took place around 5.10 pm and no casualties were reported, he said. HT Image

Efforts were on to restore the traffic on the affected line, said Sumit Thakur, chief PRO, Western Railway.

"Restoration work is in progress. Accident Relief Trains from Nandurbar, Udhna, Bandra Terminus and Valsad are on the way," he told PTI.

The goods train with 43 wagons and carrying iron coils was heading to Karambeli in Gujarat from Visakhapatnam.

As per railway sources, seven wagons including the guard's van from the rear end derailed, and some of them fell on their sides with iron coils thrown off over the tracks.

Due to the impact of the derailed wagons and coils, the tracks and overhead equipment suffered major damage, and the full restoration of traffic on the busy Mumbai-Delhi trunk route was likely to take several hours, they added.

The traffic of both long-distance and the Western Railway's suburban trains in the Mumbai region was affected, causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters.

The 12936 Surat-Mumbai Intercity train was terminated at Vapi, while 16505 Gandhidham-SBC Express, 12432 Nizamuddin-Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani Express and 19260 Bhavnagar-Kochuveli Express were diverted via Surat- Udhna- Jalgaon-Kalyan route, Thakur said.

Six UP and five DOWN Dahanu locals were cancelled.

WR has announced following helpline numbers for passengers: Vapi Station: 0260-2462341, Surat Station: 0261-2401797 and Udhna Station: 022-67641801. PIT KK KRK

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
At least 32 people have been killed in four northeastern states-- Mizoram, Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland-- in landslides, storm and accidents triggered due to Cyclone Remal, officials said on Tuesday. Rescue teams look for survivors amidst the debris next to a stone quarry that collapsed following torrential rains brought by Cyclone Remal on the outskirts of Mizorams capital Aizawl on Tuesday. (REUTERS)

In Mizoram, 27 bodies have been recovered after multiple landslides were reported on Tuesday following heavy rainfall in the state. Three persons, including a college student, died in Assam after the state faced strong winds followed by heavy rainfall, officials said.

Cyclone Remal: College student killed; 12 students injured after tree falls on school bus in Assam

Among the 27 dead in Mizoram, two were minors and most of them were labourers from other states. Officials said that around eight are still missing and there are possibilities of recovery of more bodies.

At around 6am on Tuesday, a stone quarry in Aizawls Melthum area collapsed due to heavy rainfall. According to the officials, some individuals, including a child, were rescued. Several individuals were feared trapped after a massive landslide took place at ITI and Salem localities on the border of Mizoram, according to the officials.

Mizoram director general of police (DGP) Anil Shukla said that a massive rescue operation was launched immediately and forces like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Assam Rifles and local police have been deployed.

According to the disaster management authorities of Mizoram, the heavy rainfall began on May 27 with the effect of Cyclone Remal, and it intensified on May 28 which has caused landslides in many areas across the state.

Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma said, We are taking appropriate measures to handle the situation. He also announced ex-gratia for the family members of deceased.

As per the reports of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), three individuals, including a 17-year-old student, died in the state due to the storm till Tuesday evening.

Many parts of Assam have been witnessing very heavy to heavy rainfall and severe storms since Monday as an after-effect of Cyclone Remal.

In Morigaon district, a college student was killed on Tuesday morning after a tree fell on the autorickshaw he was travelling in. The deceased, a student of Gurugul Junior College, was on his way to the institution when the incident took place.

Mizoram: 14 killed as stone quarry collapses due to heavy rainfall

A 60-year-old woman named Lavanya Kumari from Rajapukhuri Village in Kamrup District died after a tree fell on her house, according to the officials.

ASDMA on Tuesday evening in a statement wrote, Till now, three persons have died in Storm in the last 24 hours, one each in Morigaon, Kamrup and Kamrup Metro district. Further details are awaited.

Amid heavy rainfall, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asked several education institutes to cancel the classes. He wrote on X, formerly Twitter, In light of the Red Alert for Nagaon, Hojai, West Karbi Anglong, Karbi Anglong, Golaghat, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj, all educational institutions in these districts will remain closed on May 29, 2024. Stay safe.

Other top education institutes including Assam University Silchar and Guwahatis Cotton University have cancelled examination and classes scheduled for May 29.

Dima Hasao is one of the most affected districts as per the official reports. Landslides in several areas in the district have disrupted the road connectivity between the three districts of Barak Valley and the rest of the state.

The flight operations at Guwahatis Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) were also impacted by the weather. Several flights were cancelled on Tuesday, especially the Aizawl, Agartala and Silchar-bound flights, according to the authorities.

Cyclone Remal: Meghalaya fully prepared, says Dy CM

Due to the incessant rainfall, urban floods have also been reported in Guwahati, Silchar and other cities. More than 50% of the Silchar town is under water and many schools, offices and households inundated.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 60 to 90mm rainfall were recorded in various parts of Assam and the state has received 450.2mm downpour in last seven days.

As per the IMDs predictions, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected till June 2. Thunderstorms followed by heavy rainfall have been predicted for Mizoram for the next three days.

In Meghalaya, one person was killed when a retaining wall fell on his house on Tuesday morning at Sutnga village in East Jaintia Hills district. In another incident, 4 persons were injured in a landslide in Mawkynroh Bypass in East Khasi Hills district.

According to a bulletin by the State Disaster Management Authority, 17 villages in the state have been affected by cyclonic storm. Several low-lying areas of the state capital Shillong witnessed flooding on Tuesday.

Nagaland recorded damage to public infrastructure, houses, agricultural fields and road blockages due to mudslides were reported on Tuesday across several districts. Officials of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said damage reports were still being compiled at the time of filing this report.

According to officials, a 73-year-old man was crushed to death by a falling retaining wall in Pfutsero under Phek district. In two other incidents (not related to cyclone), a seven-year-old boy was reported drowned at Laruri village under Meluri subdivision in Phek district while another drowning incident was reported from Doyang dam under Wokha district.

In Manipur, cyclone Remal triggered heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding in the low-lying areas and landslides in hill areas, severely impacting normal life, official reports said on Tuesday. As a precautionary measure, the state government has directed schools to remain closed till May 31.

Important roads and areas in both Imphal West and Imphal districts, where the state capital Imphal is located, as well as residential areas in a few districts including Senapati, have been inundated, causing significant chaos and inconvenience to residents. No casualties have been reported so far despite the adverse conditions.

A mudslide triggered by the heavy rain near K Sinam village in Kangpokpi district, along NH 37 Imphal-Silchar highway, resulted in a goods laden truck being swept into a gorge. Many trucks remain stranded as excavators work to clear the debris, officials said. Landslides also reported near Litan along Imphal-Ukhrul route.

In hill districts of Senapati and Ukhrul districts, many rivers are overflowing, causing floodwaters to inundate several localities. A bridge between Kangpokpi and Saikul was also badly damaged.

The situation is aggravated by swollen rivers in Manipur valley, including the Imphal, Iril and Namnul rivers, due to the continuous heavy rainfall. The water level of rivers is increasing while overflowing of a stream submerged houses and farmland.

Cyclone Remal impact: 394 flights affected, 2 killed in Bengal; 10 dead in Bangladesh

In Tripura, heavy rainfall was reported in several areas on Tuesday. According to IMD, maximum rainfall was recorded in Unakoti district (252.4 mm) while lowest rainfall was recorded in South district (168 mm) from May 27 morning till May 28 morning.

In Arunachal Pradesh, IMD has issued red alert in four districts, West Kameng, East Kameng, Papum Pare and Changlang with prediction of heavy rainfall across the state in the next few days.

(With inputs from Agartala, Kohima and Imphal)
As many as 14 people were killed in Mizoram after a stone quarry collapsed in Aizawls Melthum area due to heavy rainfall in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, officials said. According to official reports, 14 people have died so far. (ANI)

The incident took place around 6am and officials said the search operation remains underway.

According to officials, a few individuals including a child have been rescued so far but further rescue operations have been delayed due to heavy rainfall.

The stone quarry located at Melthum and Hlimen border at Aizawl district collapsed leaving many workers trapped under it.

Also Read:Cyclone Remal: Meghalaya fully prepared, says Dy CM

The director general of police (DGP), Mizoram, Anil Shukla said that a massive rescue operation was launched immediately with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Assam Rifles and local police personnel pressed into action.

According to official reports, 14 people have died so far.

Heavy rainfall began on May 27 due to cyclone Remal and it intensified on May 28 which has caused landslides in many areas across the state.

Mizoram chief minister Lalduhom on Tuesday morning called for an emergency meeting with home minister K Sapdangan Zokhawthar and heads of all the departments to take stock of the situation.

Addressing media persons, Lalduhoma said that they are monitoring the situation and efforts are underway to assess the fatalities and damage caused by Cyclone Remal.

He said that per the latest information, 14 people have died so far and some are still missing.

We are taking appropriate measures to handle the situation, he said.
Patna, Bihar Police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested the prime accused in the brutal murder of a final year undergraduate student of BN College on the law college campus of Patna University. HT Image

The arrested accused has been identified as Chandan Kumar, a final-year student of Patna college and a resident of Bihta, Patna.

Police claimed, that Kumar, who was residing in Jackson hostel of Patna college, hatched the conspiracy to kill Harsh Raj, a student of BN College, Patna University, on Monday.

Senior Superintendent of Police , Patna, Rajeev Mishra told PTI, "Chandan Kumar is the prime accused in the case. His further interrogation is on".

Harsh Raj , a final year undergraduate student, was beaten to death by some unidentified persons on the law college campus of Patna University on Monday.

The incident had taken place when the 22-year-old student was coming out from his examination centre in the afternoon. He had gone to appear for his graduation examination on the law college campus and was beaten up by a group of students. He was injured. The police took him to the hospital, where he died during treatment.

According to a statement issued by the Patna Police, "Soon after the incident, the district police formed a SIT and nabbed Chandan Kumar, who allegedly hatched the conspiracy, on Tuesday. During custodial interrogation, Kumar confessed to have committed the crime. He has also revealed the identity of other accused involved in the case".

"Prima facie it appears that the incident may have taken place because of some old enmity. However, the exact cause of the incident can only be known after completion of the investigation", said a senior officer of the Patna Police. Police have launched a manhunt to nab other accused.

Certain groups of students staged protest marches in different places in the city as well as outside Patna University. A large number of security personnel have been deployed on the campus to check any untoward incident, the officer added.

Meanwhile, Patna university has reportedly postponed all examinations after this incident.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Buxar is barely 125 kilometres from Varanasi, the constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And that is what BJP candidate Mithilesh Tiwari, who is contesting for the first time, is banking on to sail through in what is turning out to be a three-cornered contest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Buxar on May 25. (PTI)

The sitting MP, Union minister Ashwini Choubey, who also won the Buxar Lok Sabha seat in 2014, was passed over by the BJP this time in favour of Tiwari, a former MLA from Baikunthpur in Gopalganj district.

A comparison with Varanasi touches a raw nerve among the Buxar voters. Even for medical treatment, people have to go to Varanasi. Our representatives didnt give Buxar what it deserved, retorts Ramanand Mishra, a retired teacher.

Suman Kumar, who studies in Varanasi, calls Buxar a developmental desert. It could have been a satellite town of Varanasi, but the fate of the Namami Gange project says it all, he said, pointing to an open British-era drain flowing straight into the Ganga at Nath Baba ghat just opposite the SDOs residence.

Buxar has traditionally been a stronghold of the BJP, which has lost the seat just once since 1996. Bihar RJD chief Jagdanand Singh had won in 2009, though he lost both in 2014 and 2019 to Choubey.

This time, Jagdanand Singhs son and former Bihar agriculture minister Sudhakar Singh is contesting on RJD ticket as the INDIA bloc nominee. He is a first-time MLA from Ramgarh in Buxar and quite active and vocal on agriculture and local issues. It was, in fact, his strong observations on the efficacy of chief minister Nitish Kumars agriculture road maps that led to his exit from the Grand Alliance (GA) government, but that only made him more vocal.

Buxar has backed BJP for so long, but what has BJP given to Buxar? Ramgarh can vouch for me in my first term as MLA, and I will work with greater force for Buxar, says Sudhakar, who has been campaigning across the constituency by road, air and even water. A few days ago, he also took out a boat rally.

However, both BJP and RJD are wary due to the complexities on ground. Assam-cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Anand Mishra, who is a Buxar native and took voluntary retirement to fight elections, has made the contest three-cornered. He was eying BJP ticket, but chose to contest independently after being denied ticket.

For BJP candidate Tiwari, except the charisma of the Prime Minister, not much seems to be going right on the ground. Choubey has been conspicuous by his absence from the constituency all through. The PM was, however, at Buxar on May 25, while many other BJP leaders have campaigned.

This election is not just about electing an MP, but for electing PM. It is an election to form a strong government, Modi had said during his rally in Buxar.

RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, who was also in Buxar to campaign for Sudhakar, said BJPs unfounded optimism would come hollow in Bihar and Buxar will show how the bastion crumbles.

The Opposition is also trying to corner Tiwari, native of Gopalganj, by branding him outsider. What is more, Anand Mishras candidature has upset the caste equation for him. Mishra is drawing good response from the dominant Brahmin community.

Aware of the challenge, BJP has deployed its heavy artillery here. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, both Rajputs, have already addressed rallies here, which could dent the Rajput vote bank of Sudhakar Singh, who also comes from the same community. Also, Rajputs have traditionally supported RJD.

All six Assembly segments in Buxar parliamentary constituency are with the parties of the opposition bloc  three with RJD (Brahmapur, Ramgarh and Dinara), two with Congress (Rajpur and Buxar) and one with CPI-ML (Dumraon). That gives the opposition a realistic chance. If Sudhakar cannot win from here this time, when will he win? asked Ramanand Singh, a farmer in Buxar.

Sudhakar Singh has been especially vocal on agriculture issues. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait also visited Buxar a number of times at his call and addressed farmers. But he, too, faces a rebel. Former RJD MLA Dadan Pehelwan has also jumped in the fray as an Independent, though locals say he would only eat into Sudhakars votes to some extent and not make much of an impact.

Bahujan Samajwadi Partys Anil Kumar is another candidate, who has the potential to upset the calculations for others. In fact, there are over two dozen candidates in the fray in Buxar and they could cut both ways to make or mar the prospects of the main players.

The fight will ultimately boil down to BJP vs RJD. Had Anand Mishra been contesting on BJP ticket, it would have been easier. BJP has a strong base here, but Sudhakar is seen as a hardworking, well-meaning person. Lets see who crosses the line. Voting preferences can change overnight here, said Surendra Kumar of Dinara.
HSCAP Kerala Trial Allotment Result 2024: The Directorate of General Education, Kerala has announced Kerala HSCAP trial allotment result (merit quota) for Plus One admissions. Candidates can check the result by logging in to the official website of Higher Secondary Admission at admission.dge.kerala.gov.in and on hscap.kerala.gov.in. HSCAP Kerala trial allotment result 2024 announced (hscap.kerala.gov.in, screenshot)

Trial Allotment Results(Merit Quota) Published. Read Instruction for more details, reads a message displayed on the HSCAP website.

HSCAP Kerala trial allotment result announced(hscap.kerala.gov.in)

Direct link to check HSCAP Kerala Trial allotment result 2024

As per the official website, the SSLC re-evaluation results which was announced on May 27, have not been considered in the trial allotment as the trial allotment activities was started on May 25th evening.

Applications whose grades have been graded through SSLC re-evaluation will be included in the first allotment. Candidates belonging to the schemes SSLC (HI), THSLC etc. should include the changed grade at the time of correction after the publication of the trial allotment.

The trial allotment result will be available on the website till 5 pm on May 31, 2024. In case of any corrections are required, the necessary corrections / additions must be made through the Edit Application link in the candidate login and final confirmation must be made by May 31, 2024 till 5 pm.

HSCAP Kerala Admission 2024: How to check

To check the trial allotment result, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of Higher Secondary Admission at admission.dge.kerala.gov.in.

Click on login link and enter the required details.

Login to the account and the trail allotment list will be displayed.

Check the result and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

The first allotment result will be released on June 5, 2024. The closing date of allotment is till June 19, 2024.

Candidates who want any kind of technical assistance for checking and applying for trial allotment corrections/inclusions in all state government results can be sought through the help desks of aided high schools and higher secondary schools.

For more related details candidates can check the official website of HSCAP.
JAC Delhi Counselling 2024: The Joint Admission Committee (JAC) Delhi will begin the online counselling process for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2024 qualified candidates soon. Once the process begins, eligible candidates can apply for admission to BTech and other courses offered by the participating institutions of Delhi on jacdelhi.admissions.nic.in. JAC Delhi Counselling 2024: Registration begins soon, official update here (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

As per an official notification shown on the JAC website, "Registration for JAC-24 Admissions will start after 27 May, 2024."

The detailed schedule, notification, information bulletin will be published on jacdelhi.admissions.nic.in soon.

What is JAC Delhi counselling?

JAC Delhi counselling is a common process which applicants can use for admission to Engineering, Architecture and Management offered by Delhi government-funded universities.

Of the total seats offered every year, 85 per cent (in all institutions) are reserved for Indian nationals belonging to the Delhi region while the remaining 15 per cent are open for Indian nationals outside Delhi.

JAC Delhi Counselling: List of universities

Through this counselling, candidates have a single-window opportunity to apply for admission to the following institutions:

Delhi Technological University (DTU)

Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIITD)

Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW)

Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University(DSEU)

Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT)

JAC Delhi Counselling: Over 6,000 seats to be filled

According to information on the committee's website, online counselling will be conducted for admission to 6,372 Engineering seats in the five universities. The detailed seat matrix will be shared once the process begins.

Last year, the Delhi JAC counselling was completed in five regular rounds, followed by spot admission rounds at institutes. The registration fee was 1,500.

For further details, candidates are advised to keep visiting the official website of the JAC at jacdelhi.admissions.nic.in.
Rajasthan Board 10th Result 2024 Latest Updates: The Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan (RBSE/BSER) will announce the Class 10 board exam result shortly. The result announcement is scheduled for 5 pm on May 29, 2024. When released, students can check their RBSE results on rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in. Apart from the official website, RBSE 10th result will be hosted on Hindustan Times....Read More

RBSE 10th result 2024 on HT portal

RBSE officials are likely to announce the Class 10 result via a press conference in which names of Class 10 toppers, the overall pass percentage, gender-wise performance and other details will be shared.

Follow this live blog for the latest updates on RBSE Class 10 results
The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education, Kerala has announced VHSE Kerala +1 Result 2024 on May 28, 2024. Candidates who have appeared for Plus One or Class 11 board examination can check the results through the official website of Kerala Results at keralaresults.nic.in. VHSE Kerala +1 Result 2024 declared at keralaresults.nic.in, direct link here (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

VHSE first year results have also been released along with DHSE Kerala Plus One result today, May 28. All candidates can check the results by following the steps given below:

VHSE Kerala +1 Result 2024: How to check

Visit the official website of Kerala Results at keralaresults.nic.in.

Click on Kerala DHSE Plus One Result 2024 link available on the home page.

A new page will open where candidates can check the results.

Download the page and keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Kerala Board conducted Class 11 board examination from February 15 to February 21, 2024. The examination was conducted for Science, Arts and Commerce streams along with VHSE. For more related details candidates can check the official website of Kerala DHSE.
Life has changed drastically for Odisha boy Animesh Pradhan since the Union Public Service Commission declared the civil services 2023 final results last month. Animesh Pradhan never, in his wildest dreams, expected to achieve AIR 2 in the UPSC Civil Services exam. His achievement seems even more impressive, considering he was working full-time and this was his first attempt.(Handout image)

It feels unreal every day Life has changed 180 degrees. I am full of gratitude because of the love and admiration I am getting. People have started to look up to me, which feels great, but I also acknowledge that I have more responsibility to carry, Animesh told Hindustan Times Digital.

Although I am still going to the office regularly since I haven't resigned from Indian Oil, my pre-and post-work routine remains extremely busy, which, for obvious reasons, I have no complaints about. I am trying to speak to as many people in the UPSC community as possible and share my resources so they can access them more easily. The noise is gradually settling down, and I am planning for Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie and life afterwards, he added.

Animesh Pradhan never, in his wildest dreams, expected to achieve AIR 2 in the UPSC Civil Services exam. Getting a second position in one of the most coveted exams of our time, the UPSC Civil Services, in the first attempt is no mean feat. His achievement seems even more impressive, considering he was working full-time.

Animesh's story is about determination, belief in oneself, systematic hard work, and simplicity in thought and character. In 2021, he completed a BTech in computer science from NIT Rourkela and joined the Indian Oil Corporation.



Reflecting on his journey, Animesh said his success was not solely due to his two years of preparation; many factors contributed, such as his upbringing, schooling, college, peers, family, and the environment he grew up in.

This is a story of tragedy. Both my parents dreamed of seeing me become an IAS officer, but they are not here to share this success. I lost my father when I was in Class 11. He was the one who ingrained the idea of Civil Services within me. My mother battled terminal breast cancer during my prime preparation years and passed away a month before the results were declared. My preparation effort seemed trivial compared to what she was going through. She always sacrificed herself for my victory. Today is her victory, and I am celebrating it, he said.

Talking about himself, Animesh said, I have always been a very obedient and studious kid. I was quite popular in school and college. I indulged massively in extracurriculars. I participated in parliamentary debate and student journalism in college.

I love writing articles and painting. Dancing and cooking are a few of my other hobbies. I like to be cosmopolitan and explore various cultures and cuisines. When bored, I watch TV series or binge-watch debates in the Indian Parliament. I am trying to pick up the habit of reading books; so far, I have loved non-fiction more, but I am not keen on self-help books, which seem very preachy, he added.

The road to selection in Civil Services is steep and gets steeper as you proceed, but if your reason and intent are solid and honest, your chances of success are much higher, Animesh said.

In his message to future aspirants, he said that the civil services exam was highly subjective and involved a lot of luck. Therefore, they should focus their energy, resources, and time on things within their control, which is purely hard work. He also advised them to remember why they started preparing for the exam and stay motivated during difficult times. You will see more failures than successes in this journey, and theres no substitute for hard work, he said.

Note: Animesh gave details about how he prepared for the three stages of the examination, which can be read in the excerpts from his detailed interview.
New Delhi, Actor-politician Gajendra Chauhan on Tuesday extended congratulations to Cannes winner Payal Kapadia, saying he is proud of the filmmaker who studied at the institute when he served as its chairman. Feel proud I was chairman when Payal Kapadia was studying at FTII: Gajendra Chauhan

Last week, Kapadia became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award, the second highest honour at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, for her Malayalam-Hindi feature film "All We Imagine As Light".

Back in 2015, Kapadia was one of the protesting students who went on strike to oppose Chauhan's appointment as the chairperson of the Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India .

"Congratulations to her and I feel proud that I was the chairman at the time when she was doing the course there," Chauhan told PTI.

Asked what would he like to say about Kapadia who protested against his appointment, the "Mahabharat" actor said, "She has never said anything about me. What can I say then?"

According to 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.

Chauhan, who served as the chairperson from January 7, 2016 to March 2, 2017, claimed the protest was not against him.

"That protest was not against me, it was against the director and the administration. I was appointed by the government of India. I did a lot of work at FTII and the media has never reported about any of it," he added.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting nominates the FTII chairperson. Currently, actor R Madhavan holds the post.

Chauhan said he was neither sacked from the job nor did he resign.

"I was never sacked, I completed my tenure. Some say Gajendra Chauhan resigned, I never resigned," he said.

In 2015, 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 filmmaker's documentary "A Night of Knowing Nothing" depicted the protests at FTII.

Kapadia's film "All We Imagine As Light" is the first film from India to be selected as part of the Cannes main competition in 30 years, last being Shaji N Karun's 1994 Malayalam movie "Swaham".

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Actor Preity Zinta has shared several new pictures from the recently held 77th Cannes Film Festival. Taking to Instagram on Monday, Preity also praised veteran cinematographer Santosh Sivan. Calling him a "mad genius", she said that she is "more proud and happy for my dear friend". (Also Read | Internet is stunned by Preity Zinta's 'fake accent' at Cannes Film Festival: She sounds absolutely ridiculous) Preity Zinta with Santosh Sivan at Cannes Film Festival.

Preity shares new photos from Cannes Film Festival

In the pictures, Preity posed with Santosh and several other people on the red carpet at Cannes. She was also seen presenting the prestigious Pierre Angenieux ExcelLens in Cinematography to Santosh. He is the first Asian to be honoured with this award. Preity, in the photos, clapped and smiled as Santosh gave a speech.

Preity pens note for Santosh

Preity captioned the post, "It was an absolute honour to present the prestigious Pierre Angenieux Award 2024 to the first Asian, the brilliant & super talented cinematographer Santosh Sivan ASC, ICS at the Cannes Film Festival. I had the pleasure & good fortune to work with him in Dil Se & now in Lahore 1947 & I cannot be more proud & happy for my dear friend & colleague. Santosh you mad genius, you deserve it all . More power to you & love you loads. Congratulations & most well deserved @sivan_santosh."

Preity at 2024 Cannes event

At the Cannes Film Festival, Preity was seen in a pink saree by Seema Gujral with intricate embellishments on it. She opted for minimal makeup and accessories. Her wavy hair accentuated her ethnic look. The event took place on Friday at the iconic Palais de Festivals, celebrating the art of cinematography and the impact of Indian cinema on the global stage.

About Preity and Santosh

Preity and Santosh's collaboration began with Mani Ratnam's 1998 romantic drama Dil Se. Santosh's cinematography beautifully captured Preity's debut performance.

Preity's upcoming film

Preity is returning to the silver screen with Sunny Deol-starrer Lahore 1947. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, Lahore 1947 is produced under Aamir Khan's banner. The film was officially announced last October. Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal and Karan Deol have also joined the cast of Lahore 1947.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged on Monday that a 'tragic mistake' had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and killed at least 45 people, according to reports. Now, Israel is facing surging international criticism over its latest attack on Palestine, with several Indian celebrities expressing outrage at civilian deaths, including 'children that were burnt alive'. Also read: Swara Bhasker wonders how she would protect her kid if she were born in Gaza; Zeenat Aman breaks silence on conflict Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Swara Bhasker have spoken out in support of Palestine.

Here are 8 Indian celebrities, who have spoken out in support of Palestinians after the recent Israeli strike in Rafah.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu's Instagram Stories is filled with posts about Palestine.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

On her Instagram Stories, the actor has been amplifying Instagram posts that call out Israel's attack on Rafah. One of the posts Samantha Ruth Prabhu reshared called for a ceasefire in Gaza. It read, This (Latest attack on Rafah) comes after the ICJ (International Court of Justice) ruled on Friday for Israel to 'immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah. There are no words for this horror. There is nowhere safe to go. It must stop. Ceasefire now.

Swara Bhasker slammed Israel on Instagram Stories.

Swara Bhasker

Actor Swara Bhasker has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights and previously marched in protests supporting the Free Palestine movement. She has been sharing a series of posts on Instagram Stories expressing her anger and frustration over the Rafah attack.

In one of them, she wrote, We live in a world that expects us to have a balanced response to babies being beheaded and burnt alive in tents!!!! There are no words, only curses in my heart for the smug white men (and women and people) who did this, enabled this, abetted this, funded this, supported this, made a narrative to normalise this, celebrated this...

Dia Mirza

The actor reshared a post from a pro-Palestine protest on Instagram Stories. Along with the photo that showed a 'Let Gaza live' poster, Dia Mirza added black, white, red and green heart emojis to display her support for the Palestinian flag.

Gauahar Khan

The actor took to Instagram Stories on Monday to reshare a series of posts about the Rafah attack. An excerpt from one of the posts read, Tonight, mothers in Gaza will again hold their children and hope they sleep. And they, and we, will pray that they wake.

Aly Goni

The actor shared an 'All eyes on Rafah' post on Instagram Stories. He also reshared a post about 'Israel bombing Rafah 60 times in 48 hours after ICJ orders'.

Fatima Sana Shaikh

Taking to Instagram Stories, Fatima Sana Shaikh wrote, Came across a really disturbing video of beheaded children in Rafah. One cannot just ignore this anymore. When will this end!

Radhika Apte

Actor Radhika Apte reshared a series on videos and posts about the Rafah attack. One of them said, "We are running out of words. The videos out of Rafah are beyond horrific. Traumatising. More traumatising than we have collectively witnessed thus far."

Nakuul Mehta

The TV actor reshared a post on Instagram Stories that called out Israel. It said, If your country is beheading children, your country does not deserve to exist...

Amy Jackson

The British actor and model, who works in south Indian and Hindi films, took to Instagram on Monday to share a post with the caption, "Living our privileged lives while innocent people endure genocide is a stark contrast. As a mother, the pain and suffering of the 600,000 terrified, mostly orphaned children in Rafha is unimaginable. Our society has lost its moral compass. Film festivals and media outlets silencing outcry against genocide highlight the injustice in our world today. We demand a CEASEFIRE. Do not stay silent. Do not let our governments distract from the torture the Palestinian people face. There is NO JUSTIFICATION for the murder of innocent men, women, and children."
New Delhi, One of the most photographed moments from the Cannes red carpet this year was the jig by the All We Imagine As Light team at the premiere. It was a sign the film, the first in 30 years by an Indian director to be selected for competition at the gala, would win big, says actor Chhaya Kadam. So happy I dont have words for it: Chhaya Kadam on Cannes win for All We Imagine...

And it did. Payal Kapadias meditative film about two Mumbai nurses went on to bag the Grand Prix, the second highest honour at Cannes after the top prize Palme d'Or .

I am so happy I dont have the words for it, Kadam told PTI over the phone from Cannes.

The red carpet moment is etched in her memory, and in Indian cinema history. Kadam, who plays one of the three leads of the movie alongside Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha, doesn't remember who started dancing first.

"I'm not sure at this point, but it was probably me," she said.

"Someone from Mumbai called and joked, 'You were dancing as if you were in your own courtyard'. I was like, 'Kyun nahin?' Just to be part of the main competition after 30 years is a huge achievement, not to count the award that we won. Why follow protocol? Hum apni khushi aise hi dikhaate hain, kood kood kar. ," Kadam said.

According to the actor, who began her career in theatre, their red carpet dance was a celebratory moment with people around them joining in to celebrate their moment of happiness.

"When we stood still for photographs, even the photographers started requesting us to keep dancing. There was just so much happiness around," she said, adding that she heard the Marathi song "Gulabi Saree" playing when she stepped down from her car for the premiere.

The sign that the film would win big at the festival was apparent, she said.

The film, an India-French co-production, was pegged a frontrunner after it received glowing reviews in international press post its gala screening.

The Malayalam-Hindi feature revolves around Prabha, a Mumbai nurse whose life is thrown in disarray when she receives a rice cooker from her estranged husband. Anu, her roommate and colleague, is struggling to find a private spot in the bustling city to be with her boyfriend. Prabha's best friend Parvati , a widow, is being forced out of her home by property developers.

Kadam, who has steadily become a recognisable name and face with her roles with films such as "Laapataa Ladies" and "Madgaon Express", said working on "All We Imagine..." made her realise the importance of breaking rules.

"I think we should break rules and make our own rules. That's what this film has taught me and what a wonderful film it is! I also watched it for the first time at the Cannes premiere. It is the story of our land, our soil. We should make more such stories. I don't know why we don't. We may not have much but there is so much value in what we have," she said.

This Grand Prix win is one for the history books, she said.

Kapadia also became the first Indian female filmmaker to win the award at Cannes, known for discovering budding talents from across the world and giving them wider exposure.

When the film was announced as the winner at the festival's award ceremony on Saturday, FTII graduate Kapadia took the stage with the three leading ladies and even thanked them in her acceptance speech, a viral moment on social media today.

"Payal is awesome. All these photos that are coming out, she made it possible by taking us along. I remember when the award was announced, we were waiting for Payal to walk up to the stage but she took us along.

"That's how she is. She kept saying the film belongs to all of us. That's what she has shown in the film too, this friendship among three women of different ages," Kadam said.

In an Instagram post, Kadam wrote that the saree she wore for her first appearance at Cannes was a tribute to her late mother.

The nose ring she wore in most of her appearances also belonged to her mother.

"It is her wedding 'nath'. My mother passed away last August and one of the dreams that remained unfulfilled for me is that I could never take her on a plane journey.

"I started earning quite late, everything got delayed. I had hoped to do that but she left me. So, when I was there, though I had bought a different outfit, I felt like I should wear my mother's saree because she would have worn that at Cannes had she been alive."

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New Delhi, The beauty of cinema is that all kinds of films can and should co-exist, says Cannes Grand Prix winner Payal Kapadia, who credits her exposure to films from across the world as a major part of her learning years at Pune's FTII. We have our own vocabulary in cinema: Cannes winner Payal Kapadia

Kapadia etched her name in history by becoming the first director from India to clinch the coveted trophy for her film "All We Imagine As Light, the European film gala's second most prestigious honour after the top prize Palme d'Or .

Kapadia's meditative film in Malayalam and Hindi about two Mumbai nurses was also the first film in 30 years to enter the main competition section of the prestigious film festival since Shaji N Karun's 1994 Malayalam movie "Swaham".

"I studied at FTII and it was a really important part of my learning of cinema. We watched films from all over the world there, we studied cinema from everywhere. Maybe that's crept into how I like to make films," she said at a press conference in Cannes after the win at the May 14-25 event.

"Maybe that then becomes a language that the western audience can be more open to because I think we have our own vocabulary in cinema and it's very self-contained in India. We understand the gestures in our communities," Kapadia said while reflecting on the film's universal appeal given how it charmed international critics and the Cannes jury, headed by "Barbie" director Greta Gerwig.

Addressing a press conference in Cannes on Saturday night with the cast, the filmmaker spoke about the extensive collaborative process with the actors and technicians, the importance of sound in the movie, predominantly set in the cacophony of the fast-paced Mumbai city, and the flourishing cinema culture in different states, particularly Kerala.

Kapadia, also known for the acclaimed documentary "A Night of Knowing Nothing", said there is not always a need to send a film to an international film festival as India has many of its own.

"We have our own festivals. There are a lot of people who go out to watch films. This is just one film amongst thousands of films and it's good that we can have all kinds of films festival films, some 'not festival films'. Everything should exist together. That's what's wonderful about cinema," she added.

She gave a shout-out to fellow FTII alumni, including her batchmate Maisam Ali, whose film "In Retreat" was showcased in the Cannes sidebar ACID. Chidanand S Naik, also an FTII student, won the first prize in the La Cinef category for short films for his diploma film "Sunflowers Were The First to Know".

"It was nice to see that our school has led us to making different kinds of films. I'm really grateful for it," she said.

Kapadia also praised the thriving Malayalam film industry, saying audiences in Kerala are more open to watching different kinds of films. "All We Imagine As Light" also stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam and Hridu Haroon.

"Everything is changing. Even what Bollywood is, it is changing all the time. There is an immense amount of range in the cinema from Kerala. Even arthouse films get distribution there, which doesn't happen in the rest of the country," Kapadia said.

She said it was a joy to work with such wonderful actors.

"We really had a strong friendship and connection. That is what the film is about, so when you have it in real life, it shows in the film. I was really grateful to work with them. They gave me so much time... We formed a camaraderie between us and that is what finally shows on screen."

While it was a privilege to be selected in Cannes main competition, winning the award was "absolutely crazy", Kapadia said. She made the same point in her acceptance speech when she urged the organisers to not wait for another three decades to bring a film from India.

"It was really wonderful for us to get this recognition... The filmmakers are so amazing, the people I really look up to. There are interesting films being made in India and I'm only a product of that...

"We've been around for a long time. It's just that some reason it took 30 years to be selected but there's amazing work going on in our country. I'm glad we see the kind of cinema we do in India."

"All We Imagine As Light" revolves around three women of different ages in Mumbai. Their life takes an interesting turn when they go on a trip to a beach town in Ratnagiri.

Many reviews have said Mumbai is almost like just another character in the gently told story of sisterhood and loneliness.

Sound, said Kapadia, is an "important aspect" in all her work.

"If you're from Mumbai, you'd know that it's never silent. Even the sound of silence is specific. There will always be the distant sounds of trains or construction. It's a city of so many sounds and we wanted it to be in the film as well."

The film is a co-production between Petit Chaos from France and Chalk and Cheese Films from India.

Capturing the natural sounds of Mumbai in all its glory was "torture" for the film's sound recordist Benjamin Silvestre who is from France, said Kapadia.

"He just could not understand why there was so much sound. But I think this is the joy of the co-production that we learn from each other. We made friends from France and it was really nice to work like this," she added.

Kapadia is a Cannes regular.

She was there in 2021 with "A Night of Knowing Nothing" filmed at the Director's Fortnight section. In 2017, her short film "Afternoon Clouds" opened at the gala under the Cinefondation category.

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The Mummy actor Billy Zane is ready for his own McConaissance. Billy has impressed fans with his first look pictures from upcoming Marlon Brando biopic, Waltzing with Brando. Marlon Brando was among Hollywood's most legendary actors, having starred as the lead in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather, among other movies. (Also read: Donald Trump biopic depicting him as a rapist hits Cannes, prompts lawsuit threats) Billy Zane (right) plays Marlon Brando (left) in upcoming movie Waltzing with Brando.

Uncanny resemblance

The new photos shared by Billy on Instagram, and by a few Hollywood fanpages, show Billy as Brando in his later days. The resemblance is uncanny indeed. With the same hairline and similar facial expressions, Billy seems to have caught the nerve of the character quite well.

Fans of the actor were also hopeful that the film will be good. I truly hope its a good film but wooooow this is so uncanny, I cant get over it, wrote a fan on Instagram. Neither of these pictures is actually brando?? holy s***, exclaimed another. See, Bradley Cooper, this is how you are supposed to do a biopic, said another person.

About the movie and Marlon Brando

The official synopsis for the film, directed by Bill Fishman, reads, "Movie star Marlon Brando recruits a Los Angeles architect to build the world's first ecologically perfect retreat on a small, uninhabitable island in Tahiti." The film is based on Waltzing with Brando: Planning a Paradise in Tahiti, a book written by the architect Bernard Judge.

Billy earlier talked about Marlon Brando in an interview to Deadline. "Back then no one would touch causes. He championed civil rights, he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King. He walked the walk for civil rights; he did it for Indigenous rights. What no one knows about is what he did for the environment as an activist and the foresight he had on what in fact would [become] a climate crisis."

Marlon Brando, an iconic American actor, revolutionized acting with his naturalistic style. Born in 1924, he gained fame with A Streetcar Named Desire and won Oscars for On the Waterfront and The Godfather. Known for his intense performances and rebellious nature, Brando remains a cinematic legend, influencing generations of actors.
NEW YORK  You don't initially see a full elephant at the Broadway musical Water for Elephants. It's more like a tease. First come a pair of enormous ears. Then a trunk. And then the legs. Jessica Stone, who knits Broadway and circus in thrilling 'Water for Elephants,' enjoys a Tony nod

The execution is by director Jessica Stone, who wanted to make it extra special for the audience when they finally get to see the big reveal at the end of Act 1. She thought it had to be awe-inspiring, tender and the spirit of an elephant.

People were talking about how moved they were when they finally were seeing her in full and I was like, OK, I think its going to be OK, Stone says.

It's been more than OK for Stone, whose show earned seven Tony Award nominations, including one for best new musical and one for her heroic efforts to seamlessly create a big Broadway musical with elements of circus.

Stone knits puppets and vaudeville acts, songs and somersaults, as well as melds two groups of people who might not have shared a lunch table in high school  the jocks and the theater geeks.

Its a very humble, disciplined, hard-working, loving cast, she says. I overuse this metaphor, but it couldnt be more true: We literally and figuratively hold out our arms and catch each other.

The show  adapted by Sara Gruens popular 2006 historical romance novel and with music by the band PigPen Theater Co.  follows a love triangle in a traveling circus during the Depression.

The New York Times called it a stunning, emotional production that leads with movement, eye candy and awe." Variety raved that Stone brought it all under one spectacular tent without forgetting its human  and animal  hearts.

Her skill is on show with the first big song  The Road Dont Make You Young  a nine-minute, upbeat number that involves 23 performers, singing, dancing and flipping. It leans on circus designer Shana Carroll, who co-choreographs with Jesse Robb, both who also earned Tony nods.

The number starts with a circus train coming into town, and the audience learns about each of the characters as they get off and raise a tent. Soon were in the middle of a circus act, with acrobats flying through the air, twisting on ropes and poles.

That took two years to develop, and Stone calls it the gate to the rest of the show. She credits producers for giving her team the time to create it and to figure out the way to marry Broadway timing to circus.

You actually have to have a little wiggle room for circus because you dont fly through the air on the exact same counts every single time, she says. So everywhere throughout the show and the number, theres always a little bit of wiggle room. Weve had to build it in for safety.

Rick Elice, the playwright of Jersey Boys and Peter and the Starcatcher who earned a Tony nod for Water for Elephants, said he was intrigued when Stone auditioned as director and spoke her mind even about elements that seemed non-negotiable, like his initial framing device.

Shes brilliant. Shes funny. Shes totally prepared. Shes fast on her feet. Shes somebody that you just love to have lunch with because you laugh a lot and you bat ideas back and forth, which to me is a great lunch, he says.

Water for Elephants, framed as an elderly former circus worker fondly looking back, joins a raft of recent memory plays on Broadway like Mother Play, The Notebook,A Beautiful Noise and Harmony.

Its not like we all got in a room and said, You know what? 2024 is going to be the memory season, she says with a laugh. She thinks its a byproduct of the pandemic.

Memory plays have to do with looking back on your life and determining whether or not you did it right, and whether or not youre still doing it right, she says.

That became the key to how to marry circus elements in Water for Elephants  they are hazy memories for the main character, fragmented and not fully formed.

I really didnt want people arbitrarily peeling off into back handsprings for no reason. It had to really honor his most, important memories, Stone says.

Once you realize youre looking at it through that prism, you dont really want to see a literal animal. Go to the zoo if you want to see a literal animal. What you want to see is a fragment.

So, a lion is presented as just a head and a jaw and a horse in pain is shown by a mask in an actor's lap while French performer Antoine Boissereau elegantly swings high from a white cloth, the spirit of the animal drifting between life and death.

Stone was an actor on and off-Broadway, in television and in film, for decades before transitioning to directing. She previously earned a Tony nod directing the Tony-winning Broadway musical Kimberly Akimbo, which beautifully captured sadness with humor.

That dichotomy is the thing thats most interesting to me  that you can feel great pain and still something can really make you laugh in that moment. Thats something that I seek when Im telling stories.

Elice says Stone's background as an actor gives her an ability to know how to talk to actors, comparing her favorably to the late, great Mike Nichols, which is saying a lot.

Ive never seen anybody better than Nichols talking to actors. She just has the knack of being able to cut through a lot of b.s. and say exactly the right thing to get a great performance.

Stone is part of a sisterhood of directors who crashed through a Broadway barrier this year: Seven women took the 10 musical and play directing nomination slots. Only 10 women have gone on to win a directing crown.

Stone, who is married to Broadway veteran actor Christopher Fitzgerald, celebrated her nomination in a very New York way: She got an everything toasted bagel with cream cheese and a manicure.

That's in keeping with a director who likes to leaven something profound with something ordinary. You can be nominated for an award and just want a bagel, she says, laughing.

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

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More on the Tony Awards: /hub/tony-awards

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Musical touch to the evening

Its going to be a reunion on stage as Guru worked with Pitbull on the song, Slowly Slowly, in 2019.

According to a source, Guru will be performing at the pre-wedding bash. He will be performing with Pitbull at the celebration, which will be held the day after, says the insider. It is expected to be a fun gathering, with the perfect blend of Gurus music to the beats by Pitbull, shares the insider, adding that one can expect Guru to perform some of his hit songs to get the party started.

Guru is also known for songs such as Lahore, Ishare Tere, Tere Te, Tu Meri Rani and Suit. Pitbull is known for hits such as Give Me Everything, Feel This Moment, Timber, Time of Our Lives, and On the Floor.

Everyone is looking forward to Guru and Pitbulls performance and being part of the celebration in this special way. It is surely going to be a fun party, high on music, says the source.

Know more about the pre-wedding festivities

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani are hosting a second round of pre-wedding celebrations for their younger son, Anant. The celebrations will kick off on Wednesday on a luxury cruise ship in Palermo, Italy. During the course of the next few days, guests will be treated to different theme-parties -- on board and the land. The pit stops for celebrations are Rome, Cannes in France and Italy's Portofino.

The gala will officially begin on the cruise ship in Italy on May 29, Wednesday, with a welcome lunch followed by a Starry Night-themed party in the evening.

It is believed that the guests will be taken to Rome on May 30, where there will be a late-night party on the cruise ship. On May 31, the Ambanis will host a black-tie event in Cannes, south of France.

On Saturday, June 1, the luxury cruise ship will reach the town of Portofino in Italy for the final round of celebrations.

A star-studded affair

Several Bollywood stars, including Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Salman Khan, have left for Europe to join the Ambani's for the celebrations.

Industrialist Anil Ambani, who is the younger brother of Mukesh Ambani, and cricket icon MS Dhoni have also left the country for the bash. The bride-to-be, Radhika, was also spotted at Mumbai's Kalina airport on Monday along with her parents Viren and Shaila Merchant.
As the hip-hop industry drowns in feud battles and diss tracks, Ice Cube has reaffirmed the status of No Vaseline 33 years after its release. The 54-year-old rapper said that his 1991 song directed at N.W.A regins over any other diss track. This comes amid the growing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, with the former releasing the bombshell track- Not Like Us, attacking the latter. Ice Cube says the best diss track of all time is his 1991 track, No Vaseline

Ice Cube reveals the best diss track of all time

During a recent live performance, the Straight Outta Compton star shut down the buzz around Lamar's latest fiery track. Cube also name-dropped other fellow rappers and their diss tracks. A video of his remarks surfaced on social media Tuesday, quickly becoming viral as netizens voiced their opinions, mostly in agreement.

Revealing which song is the G.O.A.T, Cube said, [People say] Tupac [Hit Em Up] but it's not. Nah, Cube, hold on. It's Nas with Ether. I love Nas, but it's not. Maybe it's Kendrick Lamar, maybe it's him. I love them songs, but No Vaseline is the best diss song in the history of hip-hop.

The Friday actor then went on to explain his stance on the topic, saying, I'll tell you why. One MC, myself. I took out four muthaf**kas and the manager. You can't beat that. We did that over 30 years ago. So, as it stands today, I got nothing but love for N.W.A.

Hip-hop fans seemed to agree with the Bow Down rapper as they flooded social media with comments establishing their approval. One wrote on X, formerly Twitter, Ehh this is like dry hating No Vaseline is 1 of the greatest diss tracks ever I dont think that was ever up for debate. He didnt even have to say this. Let K dot have his moment man.

Another fan said, Not even gonna lie. No Vaseline, Not Like Us, and Hit em up are MY top 3. Thats me replacing Ether too. Industry shifting tracks. Yet another said, All the KIDS gotta sit this one out, all you can say is overrated because you werent there.
What did they say

Mahira took to Instagram to express her anguish. She shared several images and videos highlighting the atrocities faced by the people of Rafah. She wrote, Burnt people alive! While they slept in tents which were safe zones! Repeated bombings of refugees! What the hell kind of a world are we living in? Who are these people who can see burnt decapitated babies and not be shaken to the core? This power-hungry world has failed you, Palestine.

Model and actor Amna Ilyas echoed similar sentiments, and wondered about the state of the world: When will all of this stop? What kind of world are we living in? It most certainly is becoming a hell. Humanity has left the world.

Actor Yumna Zaidi also urged people to "stand up for Palestine. Taking to Instagram, she wrote, "Several deaths were reported in another Israeli attack on Rafah, stand up for the truth.

Actor Ali Rehman Khan highlighted the magnitude of brutality, saying, "Charred and decapitated babies! Tents set on fire and theyre still playing the victim? This is genocide! And the world needs to wake up! The greatest of the war crimes humanity has ever witnessed and humanity and its torchbearers have failed. May Allah have mercy.

Actors Hania Ahmed and RJ Anoushey Ashraf also condemned the attack, sharing, Israel is burning people alive in Rafah right now.

Musician Umair Jaswal also posted the widely circulating artwork depicting Rafah as a burning hand, accompanied by hashtags #Palestine and #Genocide.

Actor Zara Tareen has urged for a digital protest on June 1, and tagged it as a "Global Log Out Day. Her Instagram post called for a 24-hour boycott of social media platforms. It read, Global log out day. Meta and Instagram are silencing and restricting free speech. Lets log out for at least one whole day to let them know the subscriber is the power, not the platform."

Writer Fatima Bhutto wrote, We should not rest till this is stopped. My heart aches.

Know about Israel and Gaza conflict

The war in Gaza started after Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The Hamas terrorists killed civilians, including women and children in the unprovoked attack. The terrorists abducted hundreds of Israelis and took them into their stronghold in Gaza.

While efforts of a second or permanent ceasefire are on, Israel has launched an offensive in Gaza's Rafah, defying requests against it from countries across the world, including the United States.
Bigg Boss OTT winner Divya Agarwal, who married to businessman Apurva Padgaonkar earlier this year, has responded to their divorce rumours. Taking to Instagram Stories, Divya Agarwal shared a note and dismissed the speculation. (Also Read | Divya Agarwal ties the knot with Apurva Padgaonkar, shares first wedding pics) Divya Agarwal married Apurva Padgaonkar in Mumbai.

Divya refutes divorce rumours

Divya wrote, "I made no noise. I made no comments or stories. I deleted 2500 posts. Yet the media chose to see and react only to my marriage. It's funny how people see and expect things out of me. I have always done something people never expected out of me. And what they expecting now  the babies or divorce ... none of it is happening (side eyes emoji)."

Here's what she wants to talk about

She added, "In reality, my first pinned post on my profile is the thing I want to be the talked about from now onwards. Every movie ends with a happily ever after, and by God's grace, my husband is snoring away to glory right next to me!"

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Divya Agarwal shared a note.

Divya and Apurva married in February

Divya and Apurva tied the knot in February this year. The couple held a traditional Marathi wedding ceremony in Mumbai. Moments after the wedding, they took to Instagram and dropped pictures to announce their wedding. For the big day, Divya and Apurva were dressed in matching bridal trousseau. Divya opted for a dreamy purple lehenga with a pink ombre effect and contrasting embroidery. She finished off her look with a matching dupatta and multiple-tiered diamond and emerald jewellery.

Divya also wore traditional chooda with kaleera, and both wore Mundavalya, as per Marathi customs. Apurva, on the other hand, wore a matching purple kurta with similar prints to complement Divya. Divya and Apurva began their pre-wedding festivities with a glamourous cocktail party in the presence of their friends and family This was followed by a mehendi ceremony in the city.

More about Divya and Apurva

The former Splitsvilla contestant got engaged to Apurva in 2022. She announced her wedding with him in December 2023. Divya was earlier in a relationship with Varun Sood but they announced their break-up in 2022. Divya and Varun started dating after appearing on Ace Of Space and Splitsvilla.
Mumbai, Veteran actor Neena Gupta says her role in the popular series "Panchayat" became a fan-favourite because there are many women like Manju Devi different parts of the country. Many women like Manju Devi around us: Neena Gupta on her role in 'Panchayat'

In season three of the Prime Video show, Gupta returns as the effervescent Manju Devi, the Phulera village head in Uttar Pradesh. She is the village head on paper but it's her husband who is known as the 'Pradhan' and handles all the administrative responsibilities.

"Characters are often inspired by real-life. There are still many women like Manju devi everywhere around us. She is very satisfied with her household things; she has no ambition. Pradhan is working on her behalf, people liked it and thats how women in India do it in rural or urban places. So, women relate to me, to Manju devi," the actor told PTI in an interview.

There are many progressive women in the country but on the screen, their onscreen portrayal is still not received well by the audiences, the actor said.

"You cant , they become vamps. Like, in my television show, Khandaan, I played the role of a progressive woman, and it became like a negative character. Bold characters don't work here . In movies, we see them as sati savirtri, she said.

Also featuring Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, and Sanvikaa, Panchayat revolves around the daily issues faced by the residents of a fictional village in Uttar Pradesh.

The comedy-drama first premiered in April 2020 and its second season came out in May 2022 to positive reviews.

Despite having played the role of Manju Devi in the previous two seasons, Gupta said it took a while for her to get into the skin of her character.

The dialect is different so when you play the character after a while, it takes time to get into the character. In fact, on the last day of the shoot, the dialogues came easily to me. I insist that we must shoot the next season soon. However, youve to work on the character, she said.

There were people on set to help me, like he knows the dialect, Raghubir or Faisal , the actor added.

In season three of Panchayat politics takes centre stage. Ask about her expectations from the Lok Sabha elections, Gupta said she is hoping the issue of unemployment is addressed.

"All I want is whoever comes in power, they shouldve a good motive. Im worried about employment; the youth should get employment or else they might do wrong things. If everyone gets employed then the problem of our country will be sorted, she said.

"Sometimes, I think it is difficult to run a house, so running a country is a difficult thing, she added.

"Panchayat 3, directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and created by The Viral Fever , released on Tuesday.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Lovely Runner's last episode is scheduled to premiere on May 28 at 8:50 p.m. KST. Let's look at the best moments the cast members shared before the finale. The top moments, personally chosen by the lead actors Byeon Woo Seok, Kim Hye Yoon, Song Geon Hee, and Lee Seung Hyub, were unveiled by tvN on May 28. The cast of 'Lovely Runner' shares their favourite moments from the series.(YouTube)

Byeon Woo Seok's favourite moment: Sun Jae's memory restoration

Byeon Woo Seok, the actor who played Ryu Seon Jae, went on to say, "I remember the scene (in episode 15) where Sun Jae restores his lost memories.

It was this role that made Byeon Woo Seok an icon of pure love. It is the moment when Sun Jae, who has lived for 15 years with forgotten memories, reunites with Im Sol.

Also read | Netflix mocked for trying to profit off highly popular K-drama after ignoring it when released

The actor clarified, The deep and desperate feelings of Sun Jae that I felt while acting were so vivid that I had lingering emotions, which is why I remember that scene the most.

Kim Hye Yoon's best moment: Im Sol's yellow umbrella

Kim Hye Yoon, who portrayed Im Sol, chose a memorable scene from episode 2. It is the scene where Im Sol runs toward Sun Jae while holding a yellow umbrella, she shared. This scene marked Sun Jae and Im Sols first meeting and the beginning of their relationship.

Song Geon Hee's top choice: episode 2's epilogue

The scene that Song Geon Hee chose for Kim Tae Sung was the same as that chosen by Kim Hye Yoon. I think the epilogue of episode 2 is the best scene," he said. "I was impressed by the process of depicting Sun Jaes feelings and how he falls in love with Im Sol as soon as he sees her holding an umbrella for him.

Also read | HYBE denies age restricting NewJeans' How Sweet Music Video following massive backlash; we have no

Lee Seung Hyub's highlight: Bae In Hyuk's comical parody

Lee Seung Hyub, the actor portraying Eclipse's leader, Baek In Hyuk, said, I remember the scene (in episode 10) where [Bae In Hyuk] parodies Jung Dae Man (Mitsui Hisashi) from Slam Dunk by saying, I want to do music.'

He clarified, saying, Even though it was Bae In Hyuks imagination, it was my first time acting with this much of a comical element. As it was a new challenge, I was very nervous at the time of filming. But I was also able to enjoy watching it because viewers said that it was entertaining.
Oops, did Netflix miss out on some big K-drama profits? Well, netizens are convinced after the streaming giant appeared completely obsessed with the show and its actors. There's potential regret over the fact that they failed to acquire the K-drama or perhaps didn't show interest when it was first released. We're talking about Byeon Woo Seoks Lovely Runner, which has emerged as a fan favourite. New episodes of Lovely Runner air every Monday and Tuesday. The series is streaming on Viki.(tvN)

tvNs Lovely Runners popularity skyrockets

Despite streaming on Viki, the global fan following of tvNs Lovely Runner has skyrocketed. It seems like Netflix could have recreated Queen of Tears magic but fumbled. The show, also called Run Away With Sun Jae On Piggyback, is a time-slip romantic comedy adapted from the webtoon The Best of Tomorrow. In the K-drama, Kim Hye Yoon takes the lead role alongside him.

Viki, the sole distributor of the show in the global market, is basking in the success as it announced that the K-drama ranked number one in 130 regions. Meanwhile, Netflix, which has emerged as one of the top hubs of K-dramas in recent days, cannot help but face FOMO.

Also read: Jujutsu Kaisen faces backlash in Japan for controversial Chapter 261; hate seeing Yuta like

Netflixs obsession with Byeon Woo Seok

The streaming giant, known for Korean hits like Squid Game and Crash Landing on You, has been promoting actors Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon on social media following the success of their recent show. Netflix is sharing clips from the actors' various K-Dramas, for which they have distribution rights. Earlier, the streamer acquired the digital rights for Strong Woman Do Bong Soons spinoff, Strong Girl Nam Soon, starring Byeon Woo Seok as the villain.

Netflix deep inside crying for not taking Lovely Runner, a user commented on the post. Many urged the streamer to add the show as its not too late. It's not too late to add Lovely runner to Netflix. Another one commented, Why do I have a feeling that Netflix will take lovely runner after the drama completely aired Because out of no were he posted this drama, Netflix literally be like : Looking for "Lovely Runner"? We do not have that but you might like these Byeon Woo Seok post for now, When Netflix has all Byeon Wooseok recap except for Lovely Runner. It is okay keep posting Netflix.

The show, nearing its finale, achieved its highest ratings yet. According to Nielsen Korea, the K-drama, which was delayed by three years, scored an average nationwide viewership rating of 5.3 percent with its recent episode.

Also read: New K-dramas coming on Netflix in June 2024: Hierarchy to unscripted series Agents of Mystery and more
When you are someone as gorgeous and fit as televisions OG Naagin Mouni Roy, you can slay in any outfit you choose to wear. However the actor, who is happily married to businessman Suraj Nambiar, has a special place in her heart and wardrobe for bikinis. Proof of the same is her frequent holiday pictures on social media, the most recent being an escapade to Bali. While Mouni cools off in the tropical paradise, lets revisit times she set the internet on fire with her smoking hot bikini pictures. Mouni Roy giving us some solid inspo for summers in her bikini collection

Blue for Bali

In her most recent holiday photo dump from Bali, Mouni rocked a cut-out royal blue bikini with a baggy crop top. The actor looks quite relaxed as she enjoys the beach and floats around the sea

Vacay with her BFF

Back in December last year, Mouni took a break and went on vacation with her new bestie Disha Patani. The two had a gala time and proof of the same are these pictures and videos of them twinning in animal print bikinis. While Disha opted for tiger print, Mouni sizzled in a leopard print swimsuit

Tropical colours

Mouni left us gasping for air with these stunning photos from her balcony during a holiday in Capri. The look consists of open hair, a halter-neck bikini top and a matching sarong which naturally makes the actors flawless skin glow in the Italian sun

Abstract for Florida

2023 was a year when Mouni got the chance to travel across the globe, especially holiday destinations with beaches. This next post is a photo dump from her trip to Miami, Florida where the actor decided to beach more, worry less in a multicoloured bikini which reminded us of an abstract painting

Yellow yellow, sexy fellow

In this embroidered yellow bikini, Mouni gave the sun some solid competition as she shined bright during her time in Dubai. Through this post, the Naagin star not only flaunted her perfect tan and slender physique but also her luxurious hotel room

Twinning with the ocean

Mouni set the internet on fire when she channelled her inner ballerina and struck a pose in her halter-neck blue and white bikini. She looked stunning while twinning with the deep blue ocean

Real-life Barbie doll

Mouni can slay any colour palette, but she managed to look like a real-life Barbie in this hot pink halter-neck two-piece bikini. This was the actors OOTD for a boat ride in the ocean during her visit to Maldives

Lost in paradise

If Mouni had to choose one outfit to spend her entire life in, she could pick a bikini because she wears two-piece swimsuits so well! Just look at her strolling around the beach so comfortably in this blue and neon yellow bikini. What a total diva

The biggest reason why Mouni can pull off each one of these bikinis is her carefree approach. So this summer take inspiration from the actor and her wardrobe, and slay like a queen!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Article 370 was the agenda of 4-5 families in Jammu and Kashmir, taking a veiled jibe at the Opposition. In an interview with news agency ANI, PM Narendra Modi talked about the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, and its impact on the union territory. PM Narendra Modi (ANI)

Modi that the Article 370 was never an agenda for the people of Jammu and Kashmir or the people of the country. He added that the wall of Article 370 was built in Kashmir for the benefit of just 4-5 families.

Article 370 was the agenda of only 4-5 families, it was neither the agenda of the people of Kashmir nor the agenda of the people of the country. For their benefit, they had built such a wall of 370 and used to say that if 370 is removed, there will be a fire, Modi said in theinterview.

Today, it has become true that after the removal of 370, there is a feeling of more unity. The feeling of belongingness is increasing among the people of Kashmir and hence its direct result is also visible in elections, tourism he added.

Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituencies in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir saw record turnout in Lok Sabha polls held in different phases earlier this month.

Srinagar recorded 38.49 per cent polling, Baramulla 59.1 per cent and Anantnag-Rajouri 51.35 per cent as of 5pm on April 25, the day the polling was held on the seat. The polling has been highest since 1989. These were the first Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

PM Modi is in West Bengal today to address multiple election rallies ahead of the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024, on June 1. The prime minister will address two rallies in Kolkata on Tuesday, and hold a roadshow.

The last phase of the elections will take place on Saturday, and voting will be conducting for 58 parliamentary seats across 8 states and Union Territories. The results of the Lol Sabha election will be announced on June 4.
In yet another tragic accident in Pune, two engineering students were killed after a truck knocked them, the police said on Tuesday. The driver of the truck tried to flee the spot but was caught after a brief chase. The driver was arrested by the Pune Police. (Representational)

The students were riding a motorcycle on Monday night when the truck hit the duo from behind. The hit-and-run case took place at 10.30 pm on Monday, in Pune's Chandan Nagar area.

Three engineering students, all in their early 20s, were on their way to the Pune railway station on Pune-Ahmednagar road, the police said.

Two of the three students were heading to their hometown Latur in Maharashtra via train.

The truck hit their motorcycle from behind. One youth died on the spot whereas the other died during treatment in a hospital.

Also read: Pune Porsche crash: 3 lakh given to change teen's blood sample, hospital peon arrested | Top updates

"While they were on the way, the truck hit their motorbike from the backside. A youth died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries in a hospital," Vimaltal police station's inspector Anand Khobre told PTI.

The truck driver tried to escape. However, the police and locals stopped him 300 meters from the accident spot.

The truck driver was arrested and booked under Indian Penal Code section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and other relevant sections, the police said.

The tragedy took place amid the Porsche row. A 17-year-old boy knocked down and accidentally killed two techies earlier this month. He was caught but was let off with the condition that he would write an essay on road safety. After a massive furore, his bail was cancelled and he was sent to a reform home.

The boy had been driving his father's Porsche car shortly after drinking alcohol in two Pune bars. The police later arrested the owners of the bars, and the minor accused's father.

They have also arrested the grandfather of the minor for coercing their driver to take the blame for the accident.
On January 1, 2021, stand-up comedians Nalin Yadav and Munawar Faruqui, along with two others, were arrested following a complaint that the Faruqui made objectionable remarks about Hindu deities during a show at a cafe in Indore. Munawar Faruqui walked out of Indore central jail in February 2021 after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the case. Days later, on February 26, the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh high court ordered the release of Nalin Yadav from jail on interim bail. On May 26 night, Nalin Yadav posted a video from March, purportedly showing a group assaulting him and his brother on a busy street.

But, according to Nalin Yadav, it was just the beginning of hard days for him. Nalin Yadav from Madhya Pradesh has accused some known affiliates of the ruling party of harassing him and his younger brother for the last three years. On May 26 night, Nalin Yadav posted a video from March, purportedly showing a group assaulting him and his brother on a busy street.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Nalin Yadav claimed that the harassment had begun soon after he was released from jail. He alleged that the police told him to shift residences since this would keep happening.

Nalin, in an Instagram post alongside the video, alleged that ever since his arrest, he and his brother have faced relentless harassment and violence from local goons and affiliates of the ruling party.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, however, denied the charges and termed them as a tactic of the 28-year-old comedian to gain cheap popularity, news agency PTI reported. Nalin's allegations have come after a notice issued against him by the administration in connection with a case lodged two months back over a dispute with a person at Pithampur, located 40 km from Indore, in Dhar district.

The notice has been issued against Nalin by an executive magistrate under Code Of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) section 107 (requiring to show cause why he should not be ordered to execute a bond with a surety) for maintaining peace, PTI added.

What did Nalin Yadav claim?

In the Instagram post, Nalin claimed, In my hometown, I have a new identity as an anti-nationalist. There are a few people who are relatives and known affiliates of the ruling party, who have been harassing my brother and me for three years now.

"After getting released from jail, I haven't been home for more than three days in two years because some of the goons here were continuously harassing us," he alleged.

Soon after I was released from jail, a group of men assaulted me The FIR was registered (on November 21, 2023), but with watered down sections. The police kept telling me to leave my home as this would keep happening, The Indian Express quoted Nalin as saying.

According to Nalim, he had to give up on his stand-up dreams as most venues shunned him. He took up the job at a factory that manufactures polythene bags in the Pithampur industrial area, around 30 km from Indore. Nalim told the newspaper that she was fired from a company in Indore after they learned about his case.

What police said

According to police officials, a person, Sawan Singh Dabar, had allegedly assaulted Nalin in Pithampur on March 24 this year over an old enmity following which an FIR was registered against the former on charges of assault, abuse and issuing threats. Dabar had also lodged a complaint of assault against Yadav, the police told PTI.

In view of the tension between Nalin and Dabar over the incident, the notice has been issued on an application of police, to both the parties to maintain peace.

Nalin lawyer Ashar Warsi said legal options were being considered against the notice issued in the comedian's name.

Following a complaint by Nalin's younger brother Akash, an FIR was registered at Sector Number-1 police station of Pithampur on November 21, 2023, against local residents Uday Raghuvanshi and Krishna Thakur on charges of assault, abuse and issuing threats over an old dispute, police officials said.

The comedian has alleged that different people from the same group in the Pithampur area were constantly harassing him and his younger brother.

What did BJP say?

When contacted, state BJP spokesperson Alok Dubey told PTI that the comedian was carrying out a false propaganda against his party in a bid to get cheap publicity through social media.
Myadada Venkata Lakshmi, a 65-year-old agriculture labourer from Palwaigate village of Rentachintala block in Macherla assembly constituency of Palnadu district, is angry as she, like many others in her colony, could not cast her vote on the polling day on May 13. Tensions prevailed in Andhra Pradeshs Tumrukota village amid poll violence. (HT Photo)

Venkata Lakshmi along with her neighbours had left In fact, early in the morning for polling station (No. 202) located in the government school, a few yards away from her house. But as soon as they approached the polling station, hundreds of people from the adjacent colony, weilding sticks and rods, stopped them and shouted at them for daring to enter the polling station.

They abused us in foul language and threatened to smash our heads if we came anywhere near the polling station. Some men, who managed to stand in queue, were roughed up. They told us that our votes had already been polled, she lamented, with a choked voice.

She did not disclose who they were, but she mentioned their caste, hinting that they were from Telugu Desam Party. They captured the booth and polled all our votes, she alleged.

A few hours later, local YSR Congress party MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy arrived at the polling station, along with scores of his followers. The TDP workers resisted their entry, resulting in clashes between the two groups.

Meanwhile, the MLA barged into the polling station, went straight to the electronic voting machine, banged it on the floor. He also pulled down the VVPAT machine and smashed it. A polling agent of the TDP Namburi Seshagiri Rao rushed towards the MLA and picked up a quarrel with him and his followers.

As the MLA left the place in a huff, his followers and the TDP workers clashed again, resulting in injuries to Seshagiri Rao.

On coming to know that the MLA came to the polling station, Venkata Lakshmis two sons  Anji Reddy and Venkat Reddy  rushed there to try their luck in casting their votes. But they were beaten black and blue. What was their crime? Is exercising our votes a crime? she asked.

According to her, at least 200 people from her colony were not allowed to vote. There were only two policemen at the polling station and one of them received injuries. Everybody was silently watching the rigging, she said.

A septuagenarian farmer Anki Reddy, who was silently observing her anguish, agreed with her. This is the first time that I could not cast my vote. Its unfortunate, he said.

The situation was no different at Tumrukota village, about 10 km away from Palwaigate. This was the birthplace of dreaded Maoist party leader and central committee member Akkiraju Haragopal alias Ramakrishna (RK), who died of illness in 2021.

Subhan Khan (53), who runs a puncture shop in the village, said: Except for some villagers who were lucky to cast their vote in the first one or two hours, nobody else, identified as a YSRCP sympathiser, was allowed to cast his or her vote. The local TDP leaders and their followers captured the booth and rigged the polling.

He showed photos of how the TDP workers ransacked the houses and shops of the YSRCP workers on the polling day eve. This is a TDP stronghold and there is no place for other party sympathisers, Khan said.

Pichaiah, an agriculture labourer in the village, who was among the lucky few to have been able to cast their vote, said the clashes take place only during the election time. After all, we belong to the same village and we have to live together, he said.

The Palwaigate village incident caught the nationwide attention as the video of Ramakrishna Reddy smashing the EVM went viral on social media a week later. The Election Commission of India (ECI), which took serious note of the incident, directed the state police to file criminal cases against the MLA and arrest him.

The MLA was booked under sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting by use of force), 448 (criminal trespassing), 427 (mischief by causing damage), 353 (criminal force to assault a public servant), 452 (trespass to cause hurt and wrongfully restrain) and 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, besides Sections 131 and 135 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, 1984.

Ramakrishna Reddy approached the high court and got a breather, as the court directed that no penal action should be taken against him till June 5. It also asked the MLA not to enter the Macherla constituency till the day of counting.

Palnadu and political factionalism

According to senior journalist Dasari Bhuvan, there are several villages in Palnadu district, which are divided on political lines. Like Palwaigate and Tumrukota, there are several other villages like Arigoppula, Bogila Veedu, Vyapakanpalli and Chintapalli, which are dominated by the TDP.

Villages like Kandlakunta, K P Gudem, Rentala, Lakshmidevipuram and Reddipalle, are the strongholds of the YSRCP. There is no scope for the sympathisers of the rival parties to cast their votes. The booths are captured by the dominant parties and votes are polled unilaterally. Any resistance from the rival parties will result in brutal physical attacks and occasionally killings, Bhuvan said.

In such villages, he pointed out, there are people who have not entered the polling stations for the last few decades. However, in some areas like Veldurthy and Kambhampadu, besides Macherla town, where both the parties are strong, the polling goes on normally. But more often than not, they witness bloody clashes between both the sides, he said.

Pavuluri Satish Babu, a political analyst from the region, says Palnadu witnesses a peculiar kind of factionalism, compared to Rayalaseema, which was notorious for factional killings till a couple of decades ago. In Rayalaseema, the factional feuds are between two influential families within a village or two landlords of adjacent villages. A faction leader in Rayalaseema would keep control of several villages, exploit the resources there  mining and agriculture lands and grab the contracts.

For the Rayalaseema faction leaders, politics is just a cover-up and a shield to protect them from law. But in Palnadu, there is no such fight for resources or contracts. The factional feuds in this region are nothing but ego clashes, only to show their dominance within the village or in the area. Politics gives them power to wield their supremacy in the area and the dominance changes depending on the party in power, Satish Babu said.

Even the followers of these faction leaders do not gain anything much monetarily. They blindly follow their leaders and are ready to give their lives in violent clashes with their rival groups, just for nothing, he said.

When a faction leader rules the roost in the village taking advantage of the political party in power, the rival group leaders and their followers desert the village for a few years. Yet, their properties remain untouched. Their lands go barren, but are not encroached. Once their party comes to power, they will be back in their villages and drive away their opponents, Satish Babu said.

For example, soon after the YSRCP led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power in May 2019, hundreds of TDP leaders and their followers from Atmakur and surrounding villages in Palnadu deserted their houses and moved to makeshift camps in Guntur district. Some others even moved to Telangana, fearing attacks by the YSRCP cadre. The YSRCP leaders got elected unopposed in gram panchayat elections in 86 villages in 2021.

A few months before the May 13 assembly elections this year, the TDP leaders started returning to their native villages.

There is no rhyme or reason for this animosity among the faction leaders in Palnadu except to display their authority or dominance in the villages. Even the people of this region have some kind of aggression in their blood. Maybe, they still have the genes of Palnadu warriors of 11th century, when this region witnessed a historic battle between cousins of two royal families on the lines of Mahabharata, the analyst said.

For those who are not aware of the history of Palnati Yuddham (the great battle of Palnadu), it was a war between two Haihaya kings of neighbouring villages  Nalagama Raju of Gurajala and Malideva Raju of Macherla, who were cousins, but were divided for power.

If it was loss in the gambling that led to Pandavas to go into exile in Mahabharata, it was cockfight which forced Malideva Raju to go into exile for seven years. When he staked claim for his land after his return from exile, Nalagama Raju rejected it and it led to the bloody war that caused huge loss of lives on both sides.

The statues of heroes of the Palnadu Battle are lined on the streets of Macherla town, as a mark of pourusham (aggression) which is reflected in the factional feuds of the region.

According to Gadde Srinivas alias Chinni, a local entrepreneur, the factional feuds of Palnadu, which used to witness bloody murders a few decades ago, had actually come down after 2001, when it witnessed the killing of seven Congress workers at Veldurthy, allegedly at the behest of TDP leader Julakanti Brahma Reddy, son of then TDP MLA Julakanti Durgamba.

After the incident, TDP president and then chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu suspended Brahma Reddy from the party. The latter deserted Palnadu and left for Guntur, where he lived an ordinary life for almost two decades. This brought factional feuds under control to a large extent, Chinni said.

Besides, the Maoists of the erstwhile CPI (ML) Peoples War Group, who were ruling the roost in the adjacent Nallamala forest range. They played a major in controlling the factionism in Palnadu. They drove away the faction leaders, mostly from TDP, to the other parts of Andhra, he said.

As a result, Macherla and surrounding areas of Palnadu, have become Congress strongholds gradually, as the Naxalism was crushed with iron hand by the then Y S Rajasekhar Reddy government. Since the bifurcation of the combined AP in 2014, the YSRCP has been dominating the areas.

The factional feuds began surfacing after the YSRCP came to power in the state, as the party leaders have started crushing the TDP. According to official figures, the political violence in Macherla alone claimed at least 10 lives since 2019, and many pro-TDP families were forced to flee the area.

The TDP had no option but to bring back Julakanti Brahma Reddy back into action to counter the aggression of Ramakrishna Reddy and other YSRCP leaders in the area. This has led to fresh bout of factional violence, which was reflected in the recent elections, Bhuvan said.
Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday reacted to a court's summons to AAP leader Atishi in a defamation case, saying the Delhi minister will be arrested next. In a post on X, he said if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again, all Opposition leaders will be put behind bars. Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal during an interaction with traders.(PTI)

Arvind Kejriwal, whose interim bail in the Delhi excise policy case will expire on June 2, claimed the central agencies have been attempting to arrest all AAP leaders in "flimsy, frivolous and false" cases.

"I had said earlier that they will arrest Atishi next. They are planning to do so now. Complete dictatorship. In completely flimsy, frivolous and false cases, they are arresting ALL leaders of AAP one by one. Every single opposition leader will be arrested if Modi ji comes back to power. AAP is not imp. Saving our dear country from dictatorship is imp," Arvind Kejriwal wrote on X.

Atishi was summoned by a Delhi court on June 29, in connection with a defamation case filed by BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor.

In April, the BJP issued a defamation notice to Atishi after her allegation that she was asked to join the party or face the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Reacting to the summons, BJP's candidate from the New Delhi constituency, Bansuri Swaraj accused the AAP of having what she called the habit of "shooting and scooting".

"AAP cannot make defamatory statements against the BJP repeatedly and not be held accountable. Atishi ji will now have to appear before court to present her side," she added.

Bansuri Swaraj said the AAP often levels false allegations thinking there wouldn't be any consequences.

Also read: Delhi court summons AAP leader Atishi over BJP defamation case on 'MLAs poaching' remark

Delhi BJP media head, Praveen Shankar Kapoor said Atishi was asked to apologise for her remark.

"On April 2, Delhi government minister Atishi gave a statement saying that the BJP approached her to join the party through an individual who was personally close to her and that attempts were being made to break the party. After which, on the same day, the BJP gave a legal notice to Atishi to apologise. However, when she did not apologise, we filed a case of defamation in court," he said.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court gave interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal in order to allow him to campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The court has directed Arvind Kejriwal to surrender on June 2.

During campaigning, Arvind Kejriwal told the masses that he would be sent to jail if they vote for the BJP.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
Kochi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday asked the CPM-led government to hand over the probe into allegations of soliciting of money from bar owners for a favourable liquor policy to central investigative agencies for the truth to come out. BJP asks Kerala govt to give bar bribery case to central agencies

BJP state chief K Surendran termed the current row as the second bar bribery case and questioned the silence of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan about it.

The allegations (of corruption) are against the excise minister. Yet its the excise minister who directed the probe into the case based on which the crime branch is investigating. Whats the logic that the truth would come out in this case? So our demand is that the state government must hand over the case to central agencies for the truth to come out, Surendran told reporters at a press conference.

The BJP leader asked whether consultations by the tourism department allegedly over possible revisions in the liquor policy were discussed at the cabinet meeting and if other constituents of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) concurred with it.

This is not merely a case of collection of money. What is the governments official decision on this? Did the cabinet know about the consultations held by the tourism and excise departments? Why were they held online? The chief minister is liable to clear the air about these questions and he must shed his silence on the matter, he said.

The row started last week when a member of the Federation of Kerala Hotels Association (FKHA) was heard in a purported WhatsApp audio clip asking other members to pay 2.5 lakh each to achieve a favourable liquor policy from the government that included extended working hours of bars and abolition of dry days. Later, the FKHA said the person has been suspended for working against its interests and dismissed allegations that the money was being solicited to pay as bribes. The organisation said it was a funding drive to construct a new office building.

Excise minister MB Rajesh, currently on a personal trip abroad, had earlier dismissed the allegations of corruption and maintained that the government has not held any consultations regarding this years liquor policy. He also gave a complaint to the police DGP asking for a probe into the case.

Tourism minister PA Muhammed Riyas said Monday that he didnt know why he was being dragged into the case by the opposition. There is a clear agenda behind dragging me into this when its a different department thats concerned with the liquor policy. The tourism department director has made it very clear (that it was a routine meeting with all stakeholders). Not all meetings are approved by the minister, he said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not contest any of the three seats in the Kashmir Valley but the party perceives the higher voter turnout there as an indicator of support to democratic processes and its policies. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the record voter turnout in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency and called it a vibrant testament to democratic spirit. The BJP perceives the higher turnout as a sign of the acceptance of the abrogation of the Constitutions Article 370. (PTI/Representative)

Carved out after a delimitation exercise in 2022 and spread across both Jammu and Kashmir regions, the seat that went to polls on May 25 recorded 55.40% turnout. A similar turnout was recorded in the other two seats in the ValleySrinagar and Baramulla (38.49% and 59.1%). It was the highest in the last three decades. The other two seats in the Jammu regionUdhampur and Jammu recorded 68.27% and 72.22% turnout.

The BJP perceives the higher turnout as a sign of the acceptance of the abrogation of the Constitutions Article 370. Modi earlier said the BJPs target of winning 370 seats in the Lok Sabha would be a fitting homage to ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who led a campaign against Article 370.

In 2019, Parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, which read down Article 370 that gave special status to the region. It also led to the bifurcation of the state into two Union territories. Regional parties opposed the move but BJP has maintained the changes have had a positive impact with more investment flowing in.

The BJP is equally aware of the sentiment for the restoration of statehood and dismay over the delay in assembly polls. Jammu and Kashmir has been without an elected government since the collapse of the BJP-Peoples Democratic Party coalition in 2016. The Supreme Court has directed ensuring that assembly polls are held in the Union territory by September.

BJP advertisements

The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the BJPs advertisements against the Trinamool Congress (TMC), dubbing them prima facie disparaging. It said the BJP can promote itself and claim to be the best, but cannot cause acrimony. The court said the advertisements were not in the interest of the voters. It added that political rivals are not enemies.

The Calcutta high court earlier pulled up the Election Commission of India for its inaction regarding the TMCs complaints against the advertisements. The TMC alleged the ads were slanderous and violated the Model Code of Conduct.
New Delhi, The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea by former Popular Front of India Chairman E Abubacker seeking his release in the UA case being probed by the NIA. Delhi HC dismisses plea by ex-PFI chairman Abubacker for release in UAPA case

Abubacker, who was arrested by the anti-terror agency during a massive crackdown on the banned organisation in 2022 and is lodged in judicial custody, had approached the high court after he was denied relief by the trial court. He had moved the trial court seeking interim bail on medical grounds.

"We hereby dismiss the appeal," said a bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain while pronouncing the verdict.

Abubacker sought his release on both merit as well as medical grounds.

According to the National Investigation Agency , the Popular Front of India , its officer bearers and members hatched a criminal conspiracy to raise funds for committing acts of terror in various parts of the country and were conducting training camps to indoctrinate and train their cadres for this purpose.

A large number of alleged PFI activists were detained or arrested in several states during the massive raids preceding the nationwide ban on the organisation in September 2022.

In near-simultaneous raids across the country as part of a multi-agency operation spearheaded by the NIA, a large number of PFI activists were detained or arrested in 11 states for allegedly supporting terror activities in the country.

Abubacker was arrested on September 22, 2022.

The arrests were made in states and Union Territories, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Delhi and Rajasthan.

The government banned the PFI and several of its associate organisations on September 28, 2022 for five years under the stringent anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities Act , accusing them of having links with global terror groups like the ISIS.

In February, the high court had directed the Medical Superintendent of Tihar Jail to ensure efficacious treatment to Abubacker for his aliments on a regular basis.

It had also refused to place Abubacker under house arrest and said he would be admitted to a hospital for treatment, if required.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A major fire broke out at Eye Mantra Hospital in New Delhi's Paschim Vihar on Tuesday. The Delhi Fire Services rushed six fire engines to the spot douse the blaze. The fire broke out at Eye Mantra Hospital in Paschim Vihar, Delhi, on Tuesday.

The fire broke out on the second floor of the hospital. No one was injured in the incident as people were safely evacuated from the building, a Delhi Fire Services official said. A call was received regarding the incident at 11.35am.

The fire at Eye Mantra Hospital comes days after a massive blaze at a hospital in Vivek Vihar killed six newborns. The Delhi government has directed all state-run and private health facilities to conduct a fire audit, even as several safety lapses have come to light at the five-bed neonatal centre in Vivek Vihar with police also investigating why 27 oxygen cylinders were kept there.

Five of the oxygen cylinders had exploded during the deadly blaze on Saturday night in which five other newborns were also injured.

Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Monday said it had been learnt that oxygen refilling was being carried out at the hospital and stressed that it is illegal for a hospital to have a refilling system since it can lead to fire.

A delegation of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which visited the site on Sunday and spoke to officials and family members of the victims, said in its findings that emergency exits were absent in the hospital building, fire extinguishers were non-functional and there was a lack of operational fire alarms and water sprinkler systems.

The commission noted that the lapses constituted a grave contravention of the National Building Code of India, 2016, and guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority.

The commission's findings, which were shared with the Delhi LG and Police Commissioner, highlighted a troubling lack of preparedness and safety compliance at the nursing home, it said.

On Monday, a city court allowed the Delhi Polices plea seeking three days of custodial interrogation of the owner and an on-duty doctor of the private hospital.

Chief metropolitan magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand sent Dr Naveen Khichi, the hospital's owner, and Dr Aaksh to a three-day police custody.

The bodies of six newborns, aged between one day and 20 days, were handed over to their families after post-mortem examination, police said on Monday.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

According to official data, fire incidents have taken 55 lives and injured more than 300 people in the national capital so far this year.

The data by Delhi Fire Services (DFS) states that 16 people were killed in fire incidents in January, another 16 in February, 12 in March, four in April, and seven till May 26.

Fire incidents led to 51 injuries in January, 42 in February, 62 in March, 78 in April, and 71 till May 26. From January 1 to May 26, the DFS received 8,912 fire-related calls.
New Delhi, The Election Commission of India on Tuesday said 59.03 per cent males and 58.29 per cent females along with 28.01 per cent third gender individuals exercised their franchise in Delhi on May 25, the day when the city went to polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Delhi sees over 59 per cent men and 58 per cent women casting their votes

The capital witnessed a total voter turn out of 58.69 per cent in the sixth phase of the polling, according to the data released by the Election Commission.

In the 2019 general elections, Delhi had recorded 60.52 per cent voter turn out.

A direct contest was fought between the BJP and the A-Congress alliance this year for the seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Delhi.

The A and the Congress INDIA bloc partners were contesting in alliance for the first time in Delhi under a four-three seat-share formula.

According to the EC data, the highest polling percentage of 62.87 per cent was recorded in North East Delhi where sitting BJP MP Manoj Tiwari was pitted against Kanhaiya Kumar of the Congress.

The lowest turnout of 55.43 per cent was recorded in the New Delhi seat from where BJPs Bansuri Swaraj was contesting against INDIA bloc constituent As Somnath Bharti.

Chandni Chowk seat recorded 58.60 per cent polling, East Delhi 59.51 per cent, West Delhi 58.79 per cent, North West Delhi 57.85 per cent and South Delhi 56.45 per cent.

As per the EC data, 9,64,503 people in Chandni Chowk cast their votes, 12,61,988 in East Delhi, 8,45,285 in New Delhi, 15,49,202 in North East Delhi, 14,85,378 in North West Delhi, 12,93,598 in South Delhi and 15,21,541 in West Delhi.

A total of 1.52 crore voters  82 lakh men, 69 lakh women and 1,228 from the third gender category  were eligible to cast their votes at more than 13,000 polling booths across the seven constituencies, officials had said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Passengers of an IndiGo Airline flight from Delhi to Varanasi were evacuated at Delhi airport after it received a bomb threat on Tuesday morning, news agencies reported. The aircraft has been moved to isolation bay and further investigations are being carried out. In a video posted by news agency PTI, passengers of the IndiGo flight are seen being evacuated via an emergency exit following the bomb threat.

Aviation security and a bomb disposal team are currently on site, a Delhi airport official told news agency ANI.

In a video posted by news agency PTI, passengers of the IndiGo flight are seen being evacuated via an emergency exit following the bomb threat.

Also Read | 14 DU colleges receive bomb threat emails, later declared hoax

IndiGo flight 6E2211 operating from Delhi to Varanasi had received a specific bomb threat at Delhi airport. All necessary protocols were followed and aircraft was taken to a remote bay as per guidelines by airport security agencies. All passengers were safely evacuated via the emergency exits. The flight is currently undergoing inspection. Post completion of all security checks, the aircraft will be positioned back in the terminal area, IndiGo said in a statement.

According to the Delhi fire service, "There was news of a bomb on the flight going from Delhi to Varanasi at 5:35am today. A Quick Response Teams (QRT) arrived at the spot".

Delhi Airport Authorities confirmed that all passengers were safe.

"All passengers are safe and the flight is undergoing a detailed inspection. All passengers were evacuated through the emergency exits without incident" and airport spokesperson said. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

It was not immediately clear how many passengers were onboard the flight.

The development comes a day after the Mumbai Police said it received a threat call in which a caller mentioned that bombs had been placed at Taj Hotel and at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the city. The police carried out searches at the premises but nothing suspicious was found.

Earlier on Sunday, the Mumbai Police control room received a bomb threat call in which the caller informed the cops that there would be a blast at McDonald's located in Dadar.

Police said the caller mentioned that while travelling in a bus, he overheard a conversation between two people about blowing up McDonald's.

Police added that they did not find any suspicious objects at the spot.

On Wednesday last week, the Delhi police said the control room in North Block, which houses the ministry of home affairs received a bomb threat mail. This came after several schools in Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Uttar Pradesh and Bengaluru had received bomb threats via emails, creating a panic situation. However, all threat emails to schools turned out to be hoaxes.
The Election Commission on Thursday ordered the immediate suspension of senior IPS officer DS Kuttey working in Odisha chief minister's office for unduly interfering in conduct of election and asked another IPS officer Ashish Singh to present himself for detailed medical examination by a special medical board constituted by director AIIMS over similar allegations. The ECI order said D.S. Kutey, a 1997-batch IPS who is special secretary to CM would be placed under suspension under relevant service rules for unduly interfering in conduct of election

The ECI order said D.S. Kutey, a 1997-batch IPS who is special secretary to CM would be placed under suspension under relevant service rules for unduly interfering in conduct of election.

The ECI said Kuttey's headquarters is fixed at the Office of Resident Commissioner Odisha, New Delhi where he has to report by May 29 afternoon. "Chief Electoral Officer Odisha would provide to the Chief Secretary of Odisha draft of the charge sheet to be issued to Kutey and Odisha chief secretary would arrange chargesheet under relevant service rules by 5:00 pm of May 30," the order said.



ALSO READ: EC releases voter turnout data for Phase 6 within 3 days of polling

On Ashish Singh, the 2010-batch IPS now working as IG(CM security), the ECI said as he has been on medical leave since May 4, he would present himself for detailed medical examination by a special medical board constituted by the director of AIIMS, Bhubaneshwar not later than May 30.

"The Chief Electoral Officer would coordinate to ensure that Director AIIMS Bhubaneshwar for constituting a special medical board to ascertain illness and treatment being undergone," the ECI order said.

The ECI also ordered expeditious investigation in the case registered against Prashant Jagdev, BJP MLA candidate from Khordha assembly constituency who was arrested on Monday over allegations that he had damaged EVM in a polling booth.

The BJP on Tuesday alleged that Jagdev was illegally arrested as the CCTV footage of the polling booth showed Jagdev not having any role in the EVM machine manhandling.

Last month, the Bharatiya Janata Party had accused Kutey of working for the Biju Janata Dal by staying at the Chief Minister's Office demanding that his cellphones should be seized immediately and call details record (CDR) be retrieved. It also demanded action against Ashish Singh that he was unduly influencing the election even after being transferred from the post of IG Central range over similar allegations.

Early this month, the Election Commission ordered the transfer of senior Odisha bureaucrat Sujata R Kartikeyan, wife of BJD leader VK Pandian, from department of Mission Shakti, Odisha to a non-public dealing department after complaints of misuse of public office.

The BJP had alleged that Sujata through the department of Mission Shakti have been compelling and coercing the women SHGs, with the threat of stopping the government financial benefits, and thus making them propagate and influence the voters to vote for Biju Janata Dal in the upcoming Lok Sabha as well as Assembly elections. The 7 lakh women SHG groups being controlled by Mission Shakti have become an important vote bank for BJD over thelast two elections.
The Phase 6 of the ongoing general elections, in which 58 Lok Sabha constituencies, including the seven seats of Delhi, went to polls on May 25, saw a voter turnout of 63.37%, the Election Commission of India said on Tuesday. The poll body has also released details of the absolute number of votes cast for the Lok Sabha poll Phase 6. (AP Photo)

The poll body also released details of the absolute number of votes cast within three days of polling- the shortest gap between the polling day and release of such data this election season.

It also gave gender-wise breakup of voter turnout for each constituency (in percentage). The EC also gave details of the absolute number of electors in the 57 constituencies that will vote in the seventh and final phase on June 1.

For phases 1 to 5, data about the absolute number of votes cast was released on May 25.

In its press release, the EC noted that this turnout does not include postal ballots, and that actual data of Form 17C, which is shared with the agents of the candidates on the day of polling, will prevail.

Final turnout will only be available post-counting with counting of postal ballots and its addition to total vote count. Postal Ballots include Postal Ballots given to service voters, absentee voters (85+, PwD, Essential Services etc.) and Voters on Election Duty. Daily account of such Postal ballots received, as per Statutory provisions, are given to all candidates, the EC said.

In Phase 6, West Bengals Bishnupur saw the highest voter turnout at 85.91% while Uttar Pradeshs Phulpur had the lowest turnout at 48.91%. In Bishnupur, 1,507,040 voters of the 1,754,268 electors cast their vote while in Phulpur, 1,010,909 voters of the 2,067,043 electors voted.

Urban apathy continued to prevail as only 58.59% voters voted. The highest turnout was in North-East Delhi, where Congresss Kanhaiya Kumar took on BJPs incumbent member of Parliament (MP) Manoj Tiwari, at 62.89% while the lowest was in New Delhi at 55.43%, where the contest is between BJPs Bansuri Swaraj and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)s Somnath Bharti. Gurgaon and Faridabad (both in Haryana) fared marginally better with turnouts of 62.03% and 60.52%, respectively.
Across India and the globe, Nalanda is associated with Bihars ancient, and, unfortunately lost, glory. A mere 15km away from the district headquarters of Bihar Sharif are the ruins of Nalanda University, the renowned centre of learning that attracted scholars from all over the world between the fifth and 12th centuries. A short drive away is Rajgir, named as the abode of the kings, which served as the capital of the Magadha kingdom. Pawapuri, where Lord Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, is believed to have attained Nirvana, is also in the vicinity. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar with JD(U) candidate Kaushalendra Kumar during a public meeting, in Nalanda on Monday. (ANI)

But all that is in the past.

Data from the 2019-21 National Family and Health Survey (NFHS) shows that Nalanda is poorer than 466 out of Indias 707 districts in terms of wealth. Once a beacon of higher education for the ancient world, the town now sees an annual exodus of young people dropping out of schools and colleges to migrate to other parts of the country for back-breaking manual work. The 2016-17 Economic Survey published by the Union government listed Nalanda-Delhi as one of the biggest export-import railway routes for migrant workers in the country.

But Nalandas importance stems neither from its ancient laurels nor migrant drudgery. It is at the heart of the social, economic, and ultimately political battle between two visions of Bihar because it encapsulates the philosophy of one of them  chief minister Nitish Kumar. It is in Nalanda that Kumar was born, cut his teeth in politics, learnt the pragmatism that makes him a master of realpolitik, held his fort even in the most difficult of times, and delivered (or, at the least, is perceived to have delivered) good governance.

It is in Nalanda that Kumar has attempted to showcase Bihars apparent renaissance from the proverbial jungle raj of the Lalu Yadav-Rabri Devi years. And it is in Nalanda where he faces possibly the greatest battle of his political career.

This time, we are irritated with Sahebs (Kumars) repeated political shifts. When we go to other states, people mock his frequent changing of sides. With old age, his slips of tongue while speaking makes more news than his politics, said Kapildeo Kumar Singh, a 32-year-old graduate of a Sohdih village in Nalanda.

His reference is to the frequent jumps Kumar and his party have made, from the BJP-led NDA (of which they are now a part, again) to the RJD-led Maha Gathbandhan, and back.

Sohidh made a mark for itself in 2011 for sowing 160 acres of potatoes using natural fertilisers, among the many progressive farming initiatives that Nalanda saw due to a nudge from Kumars government.

For people such as Singh, the RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu Yadavs son and once Kumars deputy, is the man.

Older people are more forgiving, though.

Fifty-two-year-old sharecropper Dayanand Prasad is still with Kumar.

He has always changed his sides only for maintaining peace and harmony in society and the development of Bihar. I dont know much about Modi ka pariwar (Modis family), but Nalanda definitely is still Nitish ka pariwar (Nitishs family), he said.

These two voices frame the challenge for Kumar, who has changed sides twice this term but maintained his grip on the CMs chair, in one of the most fiercely fought parliamentary elections in the state in decades. At stake is not just his personal legacy but also the future of the states politics. Bihar is a key battleground state for both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), and whether the former is able to maintain its grip on the state will come down to the image of one man around whom elections have revolved in Bihar for nearly two decades  Nitish Kumar.

Political history

Nalandas political history sketches the contours of Kumars personal journey. It was among the only two seats that the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) won in 2014, when Kumar walked out of the NDA after opposing Narendra Modis candidature as PM. Even in the 2020 assembly elections, when it was part of the NDA, and was reduced to a lowly third position , it won five out of the seven assembly segments in Nalanda. This is also the constituency that sent Kumars mentor George Fernandes, a socialist leader from Mangaluru, to the Lok Sabha in 1996, 1998 and 1999 . Kumar himself won the seat in 2004, but resigned within a year to assume the CMs post in 2005. JD(U) has held the Lok Sabha seat continuously since and Kumars confidante Kaushlendra Kumar is seeking his fourth consecutive term in 2024.

Nalanda has gained a lot because of its loyalty to Kumar. Fernandes served as the defence minister in both the 1998 and 1999 NDA governments. He sanctioned an ordnance factory and a Sainik School in the town during this period. Kumar served as the railway minister in the Vajpayee government in 1999. He announced a passenger carriage repair workshop to Harnuat, the assembly segment in Nalanda where his ancestral village of Kalyan Bigha is located. Express train routes terminating at Patna were extended till Nalanda under his watch. Rajgirs tourism infrastructure was upgraded .

This created a loyal bloc of voters for Kumar, which coalesced around his Kurmi caste, and created a brand that was very different from the image of his principal rival, Lalu. Nitish never cared for his personal benefits but his coalition partners have never let him work properly, said Prasad.

He added that while people may complain, when it comes to the crunch, they will finally vote for saheb.

His confidence may be misplaced.

In Nagar Nausa block, villagers are sitting on a dharna (protest) against the dilapidated condition of the road connecting Lachhu Bigha More and Lohanda. We always voted for JD(U), but saheb remained indifferent to our problems. This damaged road has affected the movement of 18 villages including Chaurasi, Akaid, Saidanpur, Raghunathpur, Mushari and Premnagar Barbigha. Since these villages are Dalit-dominated, nobody wants to bring them on the map, said Pankaj Bharti, one of the agitators.

Local discontent over public works is not the only grouse. Dilip Kumar Singh, an advocate in Bihar Sharif court, sees a larger problem dilemma. Nitishs agenda of good governance and secularism is being overpowered here by the BJPs slogans of Hindutva.

Kumar broke the RJDs M-Y (Muslim-Yadav) base by creating a coalition of extremes that consolidated upper castes, Dalits, Muslims and other backward castes under a single roof. That is now under threat here, the advocate added.

Awadhesh Kumar, a college teacher, says that the biggest problem the JD(U) faces in Nalanda is getting the traditional vote base of alliance partners  BJP, LJP and HAM (S)  transferred in its favour. Across the town, there are hardly any workers from the other parties canvassing for the JD(U) pick who is fighting a swirl of rumours about Kumars political future. Dalits are in a catch-22 situation due to the Oppositions allegations that the NDA will abolish quota. Upper caste voters appear disenchanted.

While the JD (U) candidate is a Kurmi, like Kumar, INDIAs nominee Sandeep Saurav, a sitting MLA of the Communist Party of India (MarxistLeninist) Liberation or CPI-ML from Paliganj, is a Yadav. The caste-party combination could help the RJD overcome the usual animosity of smaller OBC groups and Dalits over Yadav dominance.

Forging a support base

Nalanda, where the number of electors is 2.1 million, has the maximum number of Kurmi voters (412,000), followed by 308,000 Yadavs, 190,000 Muslims and 160,000 Baniyas. The number of Paswan voters in this seat is 120,000, while Kushwahas have 100,000 members. As is obvious, a Kurmi candidate cannot win just with the votes of just his own caste.

Kumar started his political career with battles when he could not even take the votes of his own caste for granted. In May 1977, Kurmi landlords shot dead 11 Dalits and burnt their bodies in Belchhi village, just 5km away from Kumars ancestral village. It made national headlines when Indira Gandhi rode an elephant to reach the village.

After this massacre, Nitish contested this assembly seat for the first time and lost by almost 6,000 votes to independent Bhola Prasad Singh, a Kurmi who openly supported the perpetrators of the massacre. He again lost the seat in 1980, and was able to finally win only in 1985, after pandering to the Belchhi perpetrators, said Sanjay Kumar, a CPI-ML activist.

Kumar might have made a political compromise to survive in politics, but he cultivated a support base of the weaker social groups to consolidate his political power once he finally got a toehold. Two of his creations  extremely backward classes (EBCs) and Mahadalits  made the JD(U) a sought-after ally for both the BJP and RJD despite Kumars political somersaults. He perfected this social engineering by relying more on bureaucrats than dominant caste leaders to govern the state.

But some of this strategy appears to be fraying. Look at teachers in Bihar; they are upset due to the approach of a bureaucrat (additional chief secretary (education) KK Pathak), who cancelled all their leaves. Deployed at polling centres, teachers play pivotal roles in increasing or decreasing the turnout. Nitish will face the consequences of this, said Jitendra Prasad, a Nalanda advocate.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar interacts with people in Nalanda. (HT File Photo)

Changing contours

But Kumar also has formidable advantages. Back in Sohdih, 28-year-old farmer Sakaldeo Kumar Singh says that despite all their anger, people are still loyal to Kumar. We are angry, but we cant leave him. He is from our caste, he said.

The JD (U) will also gain from the tailwinds for PM Modi. For Dukhan Ravidas, a 52-year-old Dalit shoe-maker in Harnaut, this election is only about re-electing Modi.

 Modi is a messenger of development, he said, pointing to Modis photo, beside Ambedkars in his shop.

This is what has changed in Nalanda between 2014 and 2024. Ten years ago, for the underclass in Nalanda, the election would have been primarily about Kumar, the son of the soil and harbinger of justice. Today, he is decidedly playing second fiddle to Modi.

(This is the 31st in a series of election reports from the field that look at national and local issues through an electoral lens.)
The Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday acquitted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh of murder. A bench of justices Sureshwar Thakur and Lalit Batra pronounced the acquittal even as a detailed order was awaited. Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. (HT PHOTO)

The Dera chief, who is often in the news for frequent paroles, will remain in prison as he is serving a 20-year prison sentence for raping two disciples in 2002. He was also convicted in another murder case of a journalist.

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Panchkula sentenced the Dera chief to life in prison in 2021 for plotting the murder of his former follower Ranjit Singh in 2002.Four assailants shot dead Ranjit Singh on July 10, 2002, at Khanpur Kolian village in Haryanas Kurukshetra district.

The CBI claimed Ranjit Singh was murdered as the Dera chief suspected that he was behind the circulation of an anonymous letter about the sexual exploitation of the latters woman followers. It said Ranjit Singh was in June 2002 summoned to the Dera and threatened with dire consequences. The agency said he refused to seek pardon, saying he had done nothing wrong.

In his appeal to the high court in December 2021, the Dera chief argued the trial court erred in not considering the inconsistencies and contradictions in the account of the prosecution. He argued he should have been given the benefit of the doubt.

The Dera chief said the testimonies of prosecution witnesses were contradictory. He added the prosecution failed to establish facts beyond reasonable doubt.

The Dera chief was also been convicted of the 2001 murder of Sirsa journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who reported about the wrongdoings inside the Dera. He was sentenced to life in this case. Punjab Police have named the Dera chief as a key conspirator of the 2015 sacrilege cases in the state.
New Delhi, The Delhi High Court has dismissed with costs of 10,000 a petition seeking quashing of the appointment of Ashwani Kumar as the administrator of the Delhi Waqf Board over the demolition of the Akhoondji mosque earlier this year. HC dismisses with costs plea to quash Delhi Waqf Board administrator's appointment

Justice Subramonium Prasad said the petition by Yamin Ali was publicity-oriented and an abuse of the process of law as it did not give any valid reasons for quashing the appointment of the city government officer as the administrator of the board.

"This court is not inclined to entertain the present writ petition and is inclined to dismiss the writ petition imposing costs of 10,000/- on the Petitioner to be deposited with the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund within four weeks from today," said the judge in an order passed on May 24.

"This court does not find any reason to quash the appointment of Respondent No.2. It cannot be said that Respondent No.2 is not qualified to be appointed as an Administrator. This Writ Petition is nothing but an abuse of the process of law and is a publicity-oriented litigation," the court said.

A resident of Mehrauli, the petitioner had said his mother lay buried in the graveyard adjacent to the ancient mosque which he claimed to be a property of the Delhi Waqf Board.

Claiming that the administrator failed to protect the mosque from demolition despite being its custodian, the petitioner contended he should be removed from the post.

The 'Akhoondji mosque', believed to be over 600 years old, as well as the Behrul Uloom madrasa there were declared as illegal structures in Sanjay Van and demolished by the DDA on January 30.

In the order, the court said other than stating that the actions of the administrator are bad, the petitioner gave no reason why he lacked the qualification to be appointed as an administrator, and attempted to give a communal flavour to the actions.

It also noted that the petitioner had even earlier filed a petition on the same issue, and after withdrawing it, he again filed the "very same writ petition with the very same allegations".

"It is always open for the Petitioner to approach the Waqf Board for challenging the actions of the Administrator or file a petition challenging specific actions in this regard which has been done in several other petitions pending before this court," it said.

"The petition is dismissed along with pending application, if any," it added.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
In April, east and southeast peninsular India saw an intense spell of humid heat (between April 5 and 7), and Odisha and West Bengal, one between April 15 and 30, which expanded over days to Bihar, Jharkhand and south peninsular India.

A policeman drinks water on a hot summer day, in Lucknow, on May 22. (PTI)
India on Tuesday announced immediate relief assistance worth $1 million for Papua New Guinea after a massive landslide in the Pacific Island nation buried about 2,000 people alive and caused widespread destruction. The landslide tore through an area 600 km northwest of the capital Port Moresby in the early hours of May 24. (AFP photo)

The landslide tore through an area 600 km northwest of the capital Port Moresby in the early hours of May 24.

Efforts to rescue survivors and remove bodies have been hampered by more than 30 feet of rubble in some places and the lack of specialised equipment.

As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of US$1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

Also Read: Papua New Guinea says landslide buried over 2,000 people; formally asks for help

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences and conveyed Indias readiness to extend all possible support to Papua New Guinea in its time of difficulty.

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage caused by the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea. Our heartfelt condolences to the affected families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured. India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance, he said in a post on X.

India has stood by Papua New Guinea during times of difficulty and devastation caused by natural disasters, as in the wake of an earthquake in 2018 and volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023.

An important pillar of Indias Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), launched in November 2019, is disaster risk reduction and management. India is committed to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and continues to be a responsible and steadfast responder, the statement said.

About 3,800 people lived in the area before the landslide, and Papua New Guineas National Disaster Centre said more than 2,000 people may have been buried alive.

The government of Australia, which like India is a member of the Quad, has announced it will provide $2.5 million as initial humanitarian assistance for Papua New Guinea.
NEW DELHI: India and Singapore are finalising several agreements in areas ranging from digitalisation to food safety and healthcare that are expected to be signed at the second meeting of a bilateral ministerial roundtable, people familiar with the matter said. The inaugural meeting of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) was held in New Delhi in September 2022 (X/FinMinIndia)

The agreements are expected to boost trade and commercial relations with Singapore, which has accounted for more than a fifth of Indias foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows since 2000. The inaugural meeting of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) was held in New Delhi in September 2022 and the next meeting will be held in the Southeast Asian state soon after the Indian elections.

The two sides are working on about half a dozen memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in areas such as digital cooperation, food safety and skill development that are expected to be signed during the upcoming meeting, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity.

The two sides are also exploring the possibility of cooperating on semiconductors, an area where the Indian side has unveiled ambitious plans to achieve self-reliance in manufacturing chips, the people said.

The bilateral relationship has been anchored by trade and economic ties, with Singapore accounting for the highest FDI inflow of $17.2 billion during fiscal year 2022. In 2023, India was Singapores 12th largest trade partner and also its 12th largest export destination.

The ISMR is a special mechanism led by the ministers of foreign affairs, finance and trade of the two sides that focuses on enhancing economic cooperation and identifying new areas for collaboration. At its inaugural meeting, the roundtable identified five areas of collaboration - digitalisation, energy and green economy projects, food cooperation, skills development, and pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

The cross-border real-time linking of Indias Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapores PayNow in February 2023 was one of the first outcomes of cooperation under the digitalisation pillar and the two sides are currently up to about 3,000 transactions a month.

The linking of the digital payment systems drove down the cost of remittances from Singapore from about 20% to less than 1%, though there is a need to widen the cooperation by including more banks, the people said. Currently, the system links only four banks in each country.

According to figures provided by the government in Rajya Sabha, Singapore was in fourth place  behind the US, the UAE and the UK  in terms of country-wise share of inward remittances during 2020-21, when total remittances to India were worth $80 billion.

While most investments from Singapore were earlier concentrated in southern and western states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, Singapore is now looking towards new engines of growth such as Assam, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, the people said.

Assam is also important in the context of Singapores plans to achieve greater food security and diversify its sources of food items. In recent years, India and Singapore have also explored the possibility of growing food in Indian states.

As Singapore focuses on diversifying its sourcing of grains, meat and poultry, Assam is being seen as a potential source of vegetables and fruits. As a proof of concept, the first air cargo shipment of fruits was sent from Assam to Singapore in August 2023, the people said.
India will discuss the new research station it wants to build in Antarctica at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) being held in Kochi between May 20 and 30 . Over 350 researchers and officials from nearly 40 countries are expected to attend the meeting. The number of visitors is likely to hit 100,000 this season. (AP)

The Maitri research station built in 1989 is old and we wish to have a new station there. This is important for our research team. So we will discuss this proposal and seek approval from member states, said M Ravichandran, secretary ministry of earth sciences (MoES). But, overall, the most important agenda of the meeting tracking climate change impacts, past climate assessments and better monitoring of climate impacts, he added.

The meeting will also see the first-ever discussions on regulating tourism in Antarctica. Tourism needs to regulated in Antarctica. India is driving discussions on this. We need to regulate the number of visitors, areas that can be accessible, areas that need to be protected, seasons when tourism can be allowed and how whereabouts of visitors can be effectively and continuously monitored. We believe this is very important for Antarcticas ecology, said Ravichandran. Indias proposal is being backed by like minded European nations especially Netherlands.

Read Here: Rich vs developing feud at climate financing talks

Another issue that is likely to be discussed is giving consultative status to Canada and Belarus who can then have voting rights in the Treaty. Antarctic Treaty is a multilateral agreement of 56 Contracting Parties signed in 1959. India has been a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983 along with 28 other countries.

India has a crucial role in governing Antarcticas scientific exploration and environmental protection. It has the right to propose and vote on decisions and resolutions made during the ATCM in matters of administration, scientific research, environmental protection, and logistical cooperation. Further, it can establish research stations, conduct scientific programs and logistic operations, enforce environmental regulations and access scientific data and research findings shared by Antarctic Treaty members. The Contracting and Consultative Parties are responsible for compliance with the Antarctic Treaty, environment stewardship, promoting scientific research, and maintaining Antarctica as a zone of peace, free from military activity and territorial claims. The ATCM is administered through the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat headquartered in Argentina, MoES said in a statement on May 21.

India, being a committed member of the Antarctic Treaty System, recognizes the pressing need to address the growing tourism activities in Antarctica and their potential impact on the continents fragile environment. With the number of tourists visiting Antarctica increasing significantly over the past few years, tourism has become a front-burner issue, making it crucial that comprehensive regulations be framed to ensure the sustainable and responsible exploration of this unique and pristine region, it added.

Ravichandran further highlighted that India has advocated for a comprehensive, proactive, and effective tourism policy anchored in precautionary principles. Discussions around regulating tourism have been ongoing in ATCMs since 1966, but these have been agenda items, sessions, papers, or resolutions. A dedicated working group for regulating tourism in Antarctica has been formulated for the first time at the ongoing 46th ATCM, hosted by India.

Thamban Meloth, Director of National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) said that India has a legal framework to regulate activities in Antarctica, including tourism, through the Indian Antarctic Act enacted in 2022. The Indian Antarctic Act aligns Indias tourism regulations with international standards and collaborates with other Antarctic Treaty nations to achieve common conservation goals, he said in the MoES statement.
India is set to begin commercial negotiations with France this week for buying 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the countrys first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday. The deal is estimated to be worth around  50,000 crore.

The deal for the twin-engine deck-based fighters, built for sustained combat operations at sea, is estimated to be worth around 50,000 crore.

The talks between the two sides are expected to begin on May 30 after a French delegation arrives in the country, the officials said, asking not to be named.

In July 2023, Indias defence acquisition council (DAC), headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh, approved the Indian Navys proposal to buy 26 Rafale M fighters to sharpen its operational capabilities. France responded to the Indian tender last December.

The Rafale procurement will include weapons, simulator, spares, associated ancillary equipment, crew training and logistics support for the Indian Navy from the French government.

The price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French government after factoring in all relevant aspects, including the comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries.

Read Here: India, France sign pact to jointly develop, launch military satellites

Integration of Indian designed equipment and establishment of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) hubs for various systems will be incorporated into the contract documents after due negotiations, the defence ministry earlier said.

The Rafale M is being imported as an interim measure to meet the navys requirements until India develops its own twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF). The first prototype of TEDBF could make its maiden flight by 2026 and be ready for production by 2031.

The Rafale M is a sturdy aircraft and comes with a raft of design features that significantly enhance its survivability in aircraft carrier operations that are demanding and expose deck-based assets to a highly corrosive environment.

It edged out the American F/A-18 Super Hornet in a direct competition to equip the navy with new deck-based fighters. The aircraft has been specifically designed to operate from 40,000-tonne class aircraft carriers. It is deployed on the French Navys Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

Read Here: Indian envoy to France says Safran ready to share tech for jet engine development

The Rafale M has an exceptionally strong airframe and undercarriage for aircraft carrier operations. It is made of advanced composite materials and corrosion resistant alloys and its components offer highest protection against rust; the aircraft performance isnt compromised in severe tropical environments, as previously reported.

The fighter jets on board INS Vikrant, built at a cost of 20,000 crore at Cochin Shipyard, use the ski-jump to takeoff and are recovered by arrestor wires or what is known as STOBAR (short takeoff but arrested recovery) that induces massive stress on the aircraft.

The Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale jets bought from France at a cost of 59,000 crore, and the aircrafts naval variant will bring commonality with the IAFs fighters, creating advantages in training, maintenance and logistics support.

India is also looking at building three more Scorpene-class submarines in the country with technology from France to boost the navys undersea capabilities at a time when a critical Make in India project for advanced submarines is making slow progress and the country is struggling to achieve modernisation goals set 25 years ago.
The next chief of the Indian Army, expected to be named by the new government around mid-June, will be the first four-star general born after the 1962 India-China war. The development is significant for the worlds second largest army as it is likely to usher in a psychological generational shift that sheds the ghost of a year that was traumatic, some people aware of the matter said on Tuesday, even while others maintained that it was merely symbolic, and that the army had already put the 1962 debacle behind it. Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande (PTI)

The current army chief, General Manoj Pande, was born on May 6, 1962, and was supposed to hang up his boots on May 31 before the government handed him a rare one-month extension, with the unexpected development deepening the suspense over who will be Indias next army chief. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted the extension under the relevant army rules on May 26.

A service chief can serve for a maximum term of three years or till the age of 62, whichever comes first. Pande will now retire on June 30 after holding the reins of the army for two years and two months. He is the first officer from the Corps of Engineers to hold the top position.

The top generals from among whom the government will choose Pandes successor were all born after the 1962 war that was fought over disputed territories in the Himalayas from October 20 to November 20. They were born in 1964 or later.

Read Here: In a rare move, army chief gets 1-month extension

Successive Indian governments still havent declassified the Henderson Brooks-Bhagat report on the reasons behind Indias defeat in the 1962 war. To be sure, Australian journalist Neville Maxwell made portions of the report public in March 2014 by uploading it on the internet, triggering a fresh debate on the debacle and the events that led to it. The report practically held the entire civilian and military leadership responsible for driving the country into a war for which it wasnt prepared .

The date till which Pande has been granted extension is significant because it is the day the two senior-most generals believed to be in the running for the top post also retire. Army vice chief Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi is currently the senior-most officer after Pande followed by Southern Army commander Lieutenant General AK Singh.

Both generals were born in 1964 and are due to retire on June 30 on turning 60 (the age till which three-star generals serve). To be sure, a top officer can be appointed service chief even if he is retiring on the same day as the outgoing chief.

Dwivedi and Singh are followed in seniority by Northern Army commander Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, Central Army commander Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Western Army commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, South Western Army commander Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Army Training Command chief Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh and Eastern Army commander Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari.

The next army chief, whoever he is, may have been born after the 1962 war, but he will still face the China challenge, the people said.

Read Here: Indian Army to assess implications of Chinese construction in Shaksgam valley

The army exorcised the ghost of that war many years ago and there is no question of the military leadership being haunted by it, said military affairs expert Lieutenant General DS Hooda (retd).

However, there is a new China challenge on the borders that will require all of the new army chiefs professional attention and deft handling with particular attention to building strong deterrence capability, Hooda added.

The dragging military standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh has entered its fifth year, with no indication of an immediate resolution to the outstanding problems along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) even as India is hoping that ongoing negotiations with the neighbour will help restore the status quo ante of April 2020.

Indian and Chinese military commanders concluded the 21st round of talks on February 19, 2024. The corps commander-ranked officers agreed to continue the military dialogue and maintain peace, but there was no breakthrough.

Despite four rounds of disengagement from Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Gogra (PP-17A) and Hot Springs (PP-15), the Indian and Chinese armies still have tens of thousands of troops each and advanced weaponry deployed in the Ladakh theatre. Problems at Depsang and Demchok are still on the negotiating table.

When the UPA government was in power, the names of new service chiefs were announced around two months in advance. But the NDA government has made such announcements only a few weeks before the retirement of a service chief.

Successive governments have traditionally followed the seniority principle to appoint service chiefs, though there have been rare instances of senior-most officers being overlooked. The recent ones include the appointment of General Bipin Rawat as army chief in 2016 by the National Democratic Alliance government, and Admiral Robin Dhowan being made the navy chief in 2014 by the United Progressive Alliance government.
An Indian climber rescued from Everest has died in hospital, a Nepali tourism official said Tuesday, taking the number of fatalities this season on the world's highest mountain to eight. This photograph taken on May 4, 2024 shows mountaineers during their ascend to Mount Everest's summit, in Nepal.(AFP)

Banshi Lal, 46, was plucked from the mountain last week and taken to a hospital in Nepal's capital Kathmandu.

"He died at the hospital yesterday," Rakesh Gurung of the tourism department told AFP.

Three people -- a British climber and two Nepali guides -- among the eight are listed as missing but presumed dead.

The latest fatality comes as the Everest mountaineering season nears its end, with the death toll relatively low compared to other years.

Last year was the deadliest season on the mountain with 18 fatalities.

Three more died climbing other Nepali peaks including a Romanian aiming for Lhotse, which neighbours Everest, while a French and a Nepali climber died on Makalu, the world's fifth-highest mountain.

Nepal is home to eight of the world's 10 highest peaks and welcomes hundreds of adventurers each spring, when temperatures are warm and winds typically calm.

All the Everest deaths occurred in areas above 8,000 metres (26,200 feet), known as the "death zone", where thin air and low oxygen levels heighten the risk of altitude sickness.

Multiple records have also been broken this year, including by Nepali climber Phunjo Lamam, who reached Everest's summit in 14 hours and 31 minutes, the world's fastest ascent of the mountain by a woman.

Climbers usually take days to reach the top of the 8,849-metre mountain, spending nights at its different camps to rest and acclimatise.

And 54-year-old Kami Rita Sherpa, a Nepali climber known as "Everest Man", reached the peak of the world's highest mountain for a record 30th time, three decades after his first summit.

Nepal has issued more than 900 permits for its mountains this year, including 419 for Everest, earning more than $5 million in royalties.

More than 600 climbers and their guides have already reached the summit of Everest after a rope-fixing team reached the peak last month.

China also reopened the Tibetan route to foreigners this year for the first time since closing it in 2020 because of the pandemic.

pm/pjm/ser
Indian woman peacekeeper Major Radhika Sen, who served with the UN mission in Congo, will be honoured with the prestigious military gender advocate award by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on May 30 (Thursday), marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. Major Radhika Sen(X/Sidhant Sibal)

Who is Major Radhika Sen?

Radhika Sen served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) from March 2023 to April 2024 as the Commander of MONUSCOs engagement platoon for the Indian rapid deployment battalion (INDRDB).

Major Radhika Sen joined the Indian Army eight years ago. She graduated with a degree in biotechnology engineering and was pursuing her Master's degree at IIT Bombay when she decided to join the armed forces.

Sen was deployed to MONUSCO in March 2023 as the engagement platoon commander with the Indian rapid deployment battalion. She completed her tenure in April 2024. Sen is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive this prestigious award, following Major Suman Gawani, who served with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and was honoured with the United Nations military gender advocate of the year award in 2019.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauded Major Sen for her service and said she was a true leader and role model. "Her service was a true credit to the United Nations as a whole, Guterres said.

Reacting to the development, Major Sen said, This award is special to me as it gives recognition to the hard work put in by all the peacekeepers working in the challenging environment of DRC and giving their best to bring a positive change in the society.

Gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everybodys business  not just us, women. Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity! she added.

Created by the office of military affairs within the department for peace operations (DPO) of the UN in 2016, the United Nations military gender advocate of the year award acknowledges the dedication and efforts of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

The awardee is selected from among candidates nominated by force commanders and heads of mission from all peace operations. India currently ranks as the 11th largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the United Nations.

(With inputs from PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Mamata Banerjee clashed during the campaign trail in the battleground state of West Bengal on Tuesday as the two leaders addressed multiple rallies and held road shows to canvass voters ahead of the final phase of the general elections this weekend. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jadavpur on Tuesday. (ANI)

Speaking at two rallies in Baruipur and Barasat, Modi accused the Trinamool Congress government of appeasement politics and deceiving young people from other backward classes (OBC), pointing to a recent Calcutta high court ruling that scrapped OBC certificates to 77 groups since 2010. He also held a road show in north Kolkata

Hours later, Banerjee, who held two foot marches cutting through the heart of Kolkata and addressed a rally, hit back as she reiterated her opposition to the controversial court order and accused Modi of lying to the people of India.

The verbal war came ahead of the seventh phase of the general elections on June 1, when nine seats in state capital Kolkata, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas are scheduled to go to the polls. This is a crucial phase for both the Bharatiya Janata Party, which performed impressively in other parts of the state but drew a blank here in 2019, and the TMC, which is looking to defend its fortress in south Bengal.

With just four days to go, Modi slammed the TMC for apparently attacking the judiciary over the high court verdict. I was taken aback. Questions are now being raised on the intention of the judges and the judiciary. I want to ask the TMC whether they would now unleash its goons on the judges. The entire nation is seeing how the TMC is throttling the judiciary, Modi said at Barasat in North 24 Parganas.

Read Here: Sporadic violence mar sixth phase in Bengal; TMC leader killed hours before polling

Without naming Banerjee, Modi said the court exposed the treachery of the TMC. The party snatched the rights of OBC youth to support its appeasement politics and vote jihad. The TMC has betrayed the OBCs of West Bengal, he said.

The Prime Minister also said he didnt allow any scam to take place at the Centre.

Ten years ago, I gave a guarantee: Na khaunga, na khaane dunga. I didnt allow a single scam to take place at the Centre in these 10 years. Now Modi is giving another guarantee to the country and to West Bengal in particular. Jisne khaya hai, use bahar nikalunga aur jiska khaya hai usko main lautaunga, he said in Barasat.

Last week, the Calcutta high court scrapped OBC certificates awarded to 77 communities since 2010, an overwhelming majority of them Muslim, in West Bengal. observing that such reservations were illegal.

Religion indeed appears to have been the sole criterion for declaring these communities as OBCs, the court said, adding that it is of the view that the selection of 77 classes of Muslims as backwards is an affront to the Muslim community as a whole.

Read Here: Mamata Banerjee questions Narendra Modi on being referred to as PM in BJP Lok Sabha poll campaigns, says

The state government has said that it will move the Supreme Court against the verdict.

It is quite evident that TMC doesnt like those who expose its treachery and lies. I am astonished to see how the party is questioning the judiciary. Dont they have any faith in the judiciary and our Constitution? Modi asked.

Hours later, Banerjee hit back.

A few days back 1.5 million OBC certificates were scrapped. I dont accept this order. I am a lawyer too. I cant say anything against judges but I can speak against the judgment, Banerjee said on Tuesday evening in Behala.

He will be able to call himself Prime Minister for another week or so. After that he will have to use the word former. Today he said he monitored the cyclone from Delhi. It is a blatant lie. Does it suit him? Telling lies is not the PMs constitutional right, Banerjee said.

She was referring to the Modis statements in Barasat, where the Prime Minister said: We all faced the cyclone with the blessings of Goddess Kali. The Union government was constantly monitoring it. I was also in constant touch. NDRF and other teams did a good job. The Centre is providing all help to the state.

Read Here | PM Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha elections prediction: 'BJP to get maximum success in...'

In the evening Modi held his first-ever road show in Kolkata. The vibrant cavalcade started from the Shyambazar crossing. He paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at a statue at Shyambazar before starting his roadshow.

The roadshow terminated at the ancestral residence of Swami Vivekananda on Simla Street in North Kolkata, with people thronging the route.

Banerjee, meanwhile, walked 9km in her two roadshows. In the first, she walked from Birati Banik More to Airport gate number two on Jessore Road. In the second, Banerjee walked from Entally Market in the northern part of the city to Ballygunge Phari in south Kolkata.

Earlier in the day, the PM mounted an attack on the TMC on multiple fronts, including alleged appeasement politics, corruption, opposition of the Citizenship Amendment Act, recent controversies involving some monks, and allegations of sexual assault on women in Sandeshkhali.

The Trinamool has started abusing Hindu monks and ascetics. Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON and Bharat Sevashram Sangha are respected all over the world. But TMC has started abusing them to carry forward its agenda of vote jihad, he said.

He was referring to Banerjees statements on May 18 in which she had accused a section of monks of helping the BJP, prompting a raft of criticism.

Banerjee later said that she wasnt against the organisations.

Later in the day, in Baruipur, Modi asked the people to vote for the BJP.

Ask 100 people as to which government is coming to power, 90 would tell you that the Modi government is coming. If it is certain that the Modi government is coming so why waste votes? Your votes should be used to strengthen the government at the Centre.

The TMC supremo, too, stepped up her ante against the BJP-led-Centre and the Prime Minister.

He said na khaunga, na khaane dunga I will neither accept bribes nor allow others to take them]. But now he has sold the entire country. He said he will bring back black money. But all corrupt leaders are being absorbed in the BJP which acts like a washing machine, she said.
New Delhi, Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has ordered a comprehensive ACB probe into the registration and regulatory management of private nursing homes in the national capital, after six newborns were killed in a neonatal hospital fire, Raj Niwas officials said on Tuesday. L-G orders ACB probe into nursing homes' registration after east Delhi hospital fire

In his note to the chief secretary, Saxena said, "I have taken a very stern view in the matter. Though this is a transferred subject, in larger public interest, I am forced to step in, on account of the lack of seriousness on part of authorities entrusted with these responsibilities."

"In the matter at hand regarding the tragic fire and nursing home ... the ACB is directed to undertake a comprehensive inquiry into the registration of nursing homes in the city to assess how many nursing homes are functioning without valid registrations and whether those which have valid registration are complying with prescribed norms as provided under Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953, and the rules made thereunder," according to the note.

Five oxygen cylinders exploded when a fire broke out at a neonatal hospital in the Vivek Vihar area of east Delhi that was operating without a licence and a Fire department clearance, according to the Delhi Police FIR.

Six newborns were killed in the blaze.

The probe will also ascertain if the grant of registration or its renewal by the Health department is done after 100 per cent site inspection.

"Is there a proper check list to ensure whether the facility meets the requisite safety norms and has the medical infrastructure and professionals as provided under law? The ACB may also determine the connivance and complicity of concerned public servants of the Health department and bring out the criminal misconduct and negligence in this matter," the note said.

Saxena said in the note that there are 1,190 nursing homes, of which more than a quarter are operating without a valid registration.

"Also, there are many nursing homes in the city which have never applied for a registration but are still operating. Even those nursing homes, which have a valid registration, may not be meeting the safety and regulatory standards as prescribed in The Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953, and the rules made thereunder," he noted.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Lok Sabha Election 2024 Updates: The sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024 took place on May 25, and the country is now gearing up for the seventh and final phase of the polls. The seventh phase of the general elections will take place on June 1, and the results will be announced on June 4. The campaigning for the final phase of the polls is intensifying just as mercury remains soaring across northern states. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will hold a joint rally in Varanasi today, which is the home constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi....Read More

PM Narendra Modi is contesting the polls from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, set to vote on June 1. His opponents include Ajay Rai from the Congress and Athar Jamal Lari from the Bahujan Samaj Party. Varanasi is a stronghold for the BJP, and PM Modi won the polls from the parliamentary seat in both 2014 and 2019 general elections.

The UP Congress chief, Rai, was also fielded by the Congress against the PM in Varanasi in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls, but he finished third both times. This is the third time Ajay Rai will face Modi in a Lok Sabha contest.

The Bharatiya Janata Party expressed confidence after the sixth phase of the polls that they are close to touching the 400-seat mark, and will cross the same after the seventh phase of the election.
Bengaluru: Pre-monsoon rains are expected to hit Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts in next five days due to monsoon winds blowing in the Arabian Sea, the Bengaluru Meteorological Centre stated, adding that monsoon is expected to arrive in the state on June 6 or 7. Bengaluru, India - October 6, 2021: People holding umbrellas at Brigade Road, following heavy rain in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India on on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. (Photo by Samuel Rajkumar/Hindustan Times)

The met department on Monday issued a yellow alert for the coastal districts, predicting wind speeds between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour.

The department forecasts normal rainfall for Bagalkote, Belagavi, Bidar, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Kalaburagi, Koppala, Vijayapur, and Yadgiri districts in northern Karnataka. Furthermore, isolated thundershowers are expected in Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore Rural, and Bangalore Urban districts.

For Bengaluru city and its surrounding areas, the forecast predicts mostly cloudy skies over the next 48 hours, with the possibility of light rain. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 31 degrees and 22 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Rajuvel Manikkam, a meteorologist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru, said: Monsoon winds are currently near the Maldives and Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea. This has resulted in east monsoon winds continuing across the state.

These winds are likely to enter Kerala by May 28 and will reach Karnatakas coast on June 6 or 7. The present cyclone near West Bengal will not affect the state, he said.

He also mentioned that this years rainfall is expected to be above average, with pre-monsoon showers already beginning across the state. However, the monsoons arrival in Karnataka remains on schedule for early June.

Due to substantial rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area, there has been a notable rise in the inflow to the Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir in the last week. Presently, the dam is receiving 2,509 cusecs of water, and the outflow is recorded at 525 cusecs.

On Saturday morning, the inflow had surged to 3,365 cusecs. While the maximum level of the dam stands at 124.80 feet, the current water level rests at 81.30 feet, with a storage capacity of 11.837 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water. Last year, on the same day, it was 82.5 feet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will end his whirlwind election campaign, which took him across the length and the breadth of the country, with a two-day meditation break in Tamil Nadus Kanyakumari from May 30. Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in West Bengals Barasat on Tuesday. (BJP media)

According to his office, Modi will arrive in Kanyakumari, he will then proceed to the Rock Memorial, where he will begin meditation from the evening of May 30 to the evening of June 1 at the same place where Swami Vivekanand sat, the Dhyan Mandapam.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls will end on June 1 and the results will be announced on June 4.

Modi had taken similar breaks at the end of the election campaign in 2014 when he visited Pratapgarh, where a battle was fought between the Maratha forces led by Shivaji and the Bijapur troops under General Afzal Khan; and in 2019 when he became the first person to meditate in a special cave in Kedarnath.

According to a person aware of the details, the choice of venue is in keeping with Modis proclivity for spirituality and his reverence for Swami Vivekananda. The venue is also important since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been making a concerted effort to expand its footprint in the coastal state. Since the beginning of the election campaign, Modi, who is the face of the BJP and the biggest crowd puller, has addressed over 110 election rallies.

...It also shows PMs deep commitment and love for Tamil Nadu... he is visiting the state even after the elections are over, the person said.

Referring to the decision to meditate at the Rock Memorial, the person said by choosing to sit in meditation at the same spot, the PM is illustrating his commitment to bringing Swami Vivekanandas vision of a Viksit Bharat to life. Goddess Parvati also meditated at the same place on one foot as she waited for Bhagwan Shiva... the person said.

It is believed that Swami Vivekananda sat in meditation on the rock for two days to attain enlightenment.

Modi frequently undertakes visits to places of religious significance. On May 20 while campaigning in Odishas Puri, he offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple. In January, he visited several temples in Tamil Nadu during a two-day visit, including attending a programme at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli. He also visited Rameswaram and offered prayers at the Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple and the Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi. Modi, who presided over the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, also visited the Arichal Munai, which is said to be the place from where the Ram Setu was built.
Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday alleged that Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik is trying to impose a Tamil CM on the people of the state and said that they have tolerated Naveen Babu but will not tolerate this Tamil babu in his name. Union home minister Amit Shah. (File Photo)

Targeting Tamil Nadu-born former bureaucrat and Patnaiks close aide VK Pandian, Shah during a public meeting at Chandbali in Bhadrak district said, The people of Odisha sacrificed their lives and fought valiantly against Samrat Ashoka. But today, Naveen babu is trying to impose a Tamil CM on the people. People tolerated Naveen Babu but we will not tolerate this Tamil babu in your name.

Shah asked whether the government in Odisha should be run by an elected leader (CM) or any Tamil babu. The elections here are a battle for Odisha Asmita (pride). Are you ready to allow a Tamil Babu to run the government from behind the curtains? A Jan Sevak will run the government if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is voted to power, he said.

Shah alleged that Pandian had stopped the people of Odisha from attending the grand Ram Mandir Utsav. Will the people of Bhadrak tolerate any kind of disrespect to Lord Jagannath? Should all the gates of Jagannath temple be opened and the temple run as per traditions, he asked.

Raising the issue of the missing keys of the Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath temple in Puri, Shah asked Naveen Patnaik about the original keys of Ratna Bhandar. Duplicate keys were made and Naveen Babu should answer why the keys were made and why the inquiry report is not being made public? Whom the BJD government is trying to protect? Vote BJP to power, and we will make the report public within a month, said Shah.

He said despite being rich in natural resources, the people in Odisha are still poor. It is only CM Naveen Patnaik to be blamed for this situation. Vote BJP to power here and we will ensure that no youth will have to leave the state in search of work, he said.

He further claimed that BJP would win 17 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha and form a party government in the state by winning more than 75 Assembly seats. Poll results will be declared on June 4 and Naveen Patnaik will become the former chief minister. The state will get a young CM and a devotee of Lord Jagannath will be at the helm. After 25 long years, Odisha will get an Odia speaking chief minister, he added.

Meanwhile, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lashed out at Pandian, claiming that Patnaik was being held captive by Pandian, restricting the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders ability to interact independently.

Sharing a video on X, where Pandian was purportedly seen hiding the shivering hand of Patnaik behind the podium while he was addressing a rally, Sarma said that he is concerned about the future of the state.

This is a deeply distressing video. Shri VK Pandian ji is even controlling the hand movements of Shri Naveen Babu. I shudder to imagine the level of control a retired ex-bureaucrat from Tamil Nadu is currently exercising over the future of Odisha! he said.

HT Could not verify the authenticity of the video.

However, BJD national spokesperson Sasmit Patra claimed that the more Biswa Sarma campaigns in Odisha, the higher will be the margins of defeat for the BJPs candidates in the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the state.

The more he campaigns, the Odisha BJP candidates will end up with a bigger defeat, higher margins of defeat and many losing their deposits. We therefore request Odisha BJP to retain him till end of campaigning on 30th May, so that his hilarious and rubbish statements will lower Odisha BJP more in the eyes of the people of Odisha, reduce more votes of Odisha BJP candidates, said Patra.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will transform teaching pedagogy in India, said Governor R N Ravi while inaugurating a two-day conference of vice-chancellors of state and private universities at Raj Bhavan in Udhagamandalam on Monday. The Kural (couplet) is the inspiration for our New Education Policy 2020 which talks about a transformative education system, Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi said. (ANI)

The BJP-led central governments NEP is among the many contestants between the Governor and Tamil Nadus ruling DMK government. The state has been against the NEP and a committee was formed to draft a State Education Policy which is yet to be released.

Chancellor of state universities of Tamil Nadu RN Ravi said that when he came to Tamil Nadu two-and-half years back, he noticed that the state universities were working in isolation and facing challenges in improving their standards due to lack of communication and coordination among them. To overcome this situation and provide a forum where the eminent leaders of higher education can learn from each other, this conference is being organized, he said. Bharatiya Knowledge System (Indian Knowledge System) is not static but keeps improving standards to meet the challenges of technologies, the Governor said and quoted a couplet from Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar.

The Kural (couplet) is the inspiration for our New Education Policy 2020 which talks about a transformative education system. Education is empowerment and we have to make a concrete platform to ensure that students come out with the confidence to live with dignity by exploring their true potentials, he said.

In the era of artificial Intelligence, there is a need for transformation in the approach of teaching pedagogy, which is one of the core focus of NEP, which would usher in a new higher education system for India, he added.

The leaders from various universities from across the state, faculty experts and educational scholars from across the country are participatign in the two-day conference. University Grants Commission chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar spoke on the importance of addressing concerns related to sustainability on factors such as meeting the increasing requirements of a growing population, respecting societal and cultural values, considering the human-built environment, and respecting the boundaries of the earths systems.

The conference comes amid the ongoing standoff between the Raj Bhavan and the state government on the appointment of vice chancellors to three universities. This issue began last September 6, when the governor announced that three search-cum-selection committees will appoint the vice-chancellors to the University of Madras, Bharathiar University in Coimbatore and the Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University in Chennai. He also introduced a fourth member in the committee by nominating a person on behalf of the chairman of the UGC. Hitherto, the process was that the governor, government and the university would appoint a nominee each to form a three-member search-cum-selection committee.

On September 13 last year, the higher education department under the minister K Ponmudy issued a notification for a search-cum-selection committee by excluding the nominee of the UGC chairman. This angered the governor, who called the governments actions an act of impropriety and demanded the state to withdraw their notification. As a result of this standoff, the three universities have been headless for months which prompted the state to move the Supreme Court on the matter. The governor earlier this year in January withdrew the three notifications he had issued on the matter.
Passengers on a Varanasi-bound IndiGo flight were evacuated minutes before take-off at Delhis Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport at 5am on Tuesday after a note was found in the flights lavatory with the words bomb at 5.30 written on it. The threat was eventually declared a hoax around 11 am, with the flight departing for its destination after that, officials aware of the matter said. A pilot sliding down from the IndiGo flight. (PTI)

The flight  IndiGo 6E2211, was preparing for departure at around 5 am, when the note was discovered by cabin crew, resulting in passengers being immediately evacuated using the flights emergency exits and the flight being taken to an isolation bay, for security checks.

Dramatic visuals emerged on social media of the passengers and pilot trying to exit use the emergency exits of the flight. In one of the videos, the pilot is seen sliding out of the aircraft on the emergency slide. In another video, passengers are seen using the emergency slide at the rear-end of the plane. A third video shows a member of the cabin crew helping an elderly woman climb out of the emergency exit of the plane, onto the plans wing, in order to use the emergency slide.

Read Here: Home ministry office in North Block gets hoax bomb threat email

IndiGo flight 6E2211 operating from Delhi to Varanasi received a specific bomb threat at Delhi airport. All necessary protocols were followed and aircraft was taken to a remote bay as per guidelines by airport security agencies. All passengers were safely evacuated via the emergency exits said an IndiGo spokesperson.

In a statement after all checks were cleared, the airline said, An alternate aircraft was arranged to operate flight 6E2211 from Delhi to Varanasi, which was delayed due to a specific bomb threat at Delhi airport. The passengers were provided with refreshments and were boarded. The flight departed for Varanasi at 11:10am.

An airport official, when contacted, said the passengers were evacuated promptly and taken to a terminal building, till the checks were completed. The flight was carrying 176 passengers, which included two children.

Read Here: Three hotels in Bengaluru receive bomb threat emails, bomb squad dispatched

DCP (IGI) Usha Rangnani said the note was discovered minutes before taking-off. At around 5 am , information was received regarding a paper found in the lavatory of an Indigo flight scheduled to depart for Varanasi, with the word bomb at 5.30 written on it, she said, adding no suspicious items were found anywhere.

The incident comes days after a similar bomb threat was received by an Air India flight set to depart to Vadodara on May 16. In that case too, a crew member had found the word bomb written on a tissue paper left inside the lavatory, resulting in the flight being sent to an isolation bay. The threat too was declared a hoax later.

The DCP said the two incidents were being probed, to ascertain a connection.

So far, no connection between those incidents have been found. However, investigation of both the cases are under process and exact picture will be clear only after completion of investigation of both the cases, Rangnani added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea that has buried over 2,000 people and affected thousands more after a mountain collapsed in the northern region. File: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Papua New Guinea PM James Marape.(Twitter/MEAIndia)

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage caused by the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea. Our heartfelt condolences to the affected families and prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured," PM Modi said in an X post. He added that India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance.

The government has extended immediate relief assistance of USD 1 million.

As a close friend and partner under the Forurn for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, Government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of USD 1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, a government statement said.

Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate the path of the still-active landslide on Tuesday. Relief teams have been slowly reaching the difficult-to-access northern Enga region since Friday, though officials said the chances of finding survivors are slim. Residents have been using shovels and bare hands to search for survivors.

ALSO READ- More than 2,000 people buried alive in landslide, Papua New Guinea govt tells UN

'Landslide still active'

Enga provincial administrator Sandis Tsaka said the disaster could yet worsen. "The tragedy is still active," he told AFP. "Every hour you can hear rock breaking -- it is like a bomb or gunshot and the rocks keep falling down."

ALSO READ- Watch: Papua New Guinea's Marape touches PM Modi's feet. BJP reacts

A satellite image shows buried homes after the landslide in Yambali village, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, May 27, 2024. (Maxar Technologies via REUTERS)

Papua New Guinea landslide | 5 points

1. Military personnel have set up checkpoints and are helping move residents to evacuation centres.

2. Heavy equipment and aid are slow to arrive because of the remote location, difficult terrain, and tribal unrest, forcing military escorts for relief teams.

3. UN officials stated it is "very unlikely" more victims will be found alive, shifting the focus from rescue to recovery. It is not a rescue mission, it is a recovery mission," UNICEF Papua New Guinea's Niels Kraaier said.

ALSO READ- Landslide forces closure of iconic Southern California chapel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's son

4. Satellite images reveal the vast scale of the disaster, with debris cutting through the bushland and severing the region's only road.

5. As Papua New Guinea government held meeting with allies for help in rescue mission, Australia, China, and the US have offered millions in aid and support.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1. During his trip, he will pay homage at the Rock Memorial and engage in meditation at the Dhyan Mandapam, the same place where Swami Vivekananda once meditated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi(BJP Media)

After the final leg of his election campaign, this visit to Kanyakumari will be for for a spiritual sojourn and will have no political events.

Follow- Read Elections 2024 News and Lok Sabha Election Updates

What is significance of Kanyakumari and its link with Swami Vivekananda?

 Kanyakumari is where Swami Vivekananda had a vision of Bharat Mata, which had a profound impact on his life. Many believe that this rock, akin to Sarnath for Gautam Buddha, holds a special significance in Swami Vivekananda's life.

 Swami Vivekananda meditated for three days at this spot, now known as Dhyan Mandapam.

 This location is not only historical but also has significance in Hindu mythology. Goddess Parvati is believed to have meditated at this spot while waiting for Lord Shiva.

 Kanyakumari marks the southernmost tip of India and serves as the meeting point of the country's eastern and western coastlines.

 Additionally, it is where the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and Arabian Sea converge, making it a unique geographical location.

After wrapping up election campaigns, the prime minister often goes on spiritual trips. In 2019, he visited Kedarnath, and in 2014, he went to Shivajis Pratapgarh.

ALSO READ- PM Modis night in meditation cave fuels rush, Kedarnath to open 4 more

Phase 7 of Lok Sabha elections on June 1

The next and last phase (Phase 7) polling is scheduled on June 1 in 57 parliamentary constituencies in 8 States/UTs. PM Modi is also in the contest from Varanasi against Congress Ajay Rai.

The counting of votes will be done on June 4
Amid predictions of the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) victory in the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday prophesied that the Bharatiya Janata Party will achieve its "maximum success" in Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mirzapur on Sunday. (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party has made deep inroads in Bengal, where politics had traditionally revolved around the Congress, the Left and the Trinamool Congress for several decades. The BJP seems to have replaced the Left as the main opposition after pulling off better-than-expected results in the 2019 general elections and 2021 Bengal assembly polls.

In an interview, PM Modi today claimed Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is fighting a battle for survival. He said the Lok Sabha elections will turn out to be a one-sided affair in favour of the BJP.

"TMC party is fighting for survival in the Bengal elections. In the last assembly elections, we were 3 and the people of Bengal took us to 80 (seats). We got a huge majority in the last Lok Sabha elections. This time, the best-performing state in India is going to be West Bengal. BJP is getting maximum success in West Bengal. The election in West Bengal is one-sided. People are leading it; and because of those people sitting in the government, TMC's people are frustrated," he told ANI.

PM Modi claimed the Trinamool Congress government had put BJP workers behind bars ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"Despite all these atrocities, more people are voting and the number of votes is also increasing," he added.

In the 2021 assembly polls, the BJP's seat tally increased from 3 to 77.

In the 2019 general elections, the party's seat figure increased from 2 to 18. BJP's vote share was more than 40 per cent against TMC's 43 percent, displaying the extent of the former's support base in Bengal.

PM Modi on Naveen Patnaik

PM Modi said the BJP will form a government in Odisha. On his relations with chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he would sacrifice his equation for the bright future of Odisha.

"We have good relations with the leaders of all the political parties of India and in a democracy we do not have enmity. Now the question is whether I should maintain my relations or worry about the fate of Odisha. I chose to devote myself to the bright future of Odisha and if I have to sacrifice my relations for that, I will sacrifice them and after the elections, I will convince everyone that I have no enmity with anyone," PM Modi said.

PM Modi has set an ambitious target of 400 seats for the BJP and its allies. The party, which won 303 seats in 2019 general election, will have to score landslide victories in Bengal and southern states in order to realise its dream.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to embark on a two-day visit to West Bengal, will hold a mega roadshow in Kolkata ahead of the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, May 28. The Kolkata Police has issued a traffic advisory to ensure smooth commuting during PM Narendra Modi's poll campaign in the city. BJP president Jatinder Pal Malhotra said PM Modi will be missing the campaign this time, but other senior leaders are coming to the city. (HT file photo for representation)

In view of the public safety and convenience in connection with visit of the Honble Prime Minister of India to the city of Kolkata on 28.05.2024 and 29.05.2024, I, Vineet Kumar Goyal, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, do hereby order that movement and parking of vehicles for the city of Kolkata shall be regulated in the following manner notwithstanding any other orders in force on 28.05.2024 and 29.05.2024, the traffic police wrote in a statement.

Also read: BJP rolls in top guns in Varanasi for PM Narendra Modi record victory

According to the advisory, the movement of all types of goods vehicles will be restricted in some places in Kolkata between 3pm and 9pm on Tuesday and from 8am to 12:30pm on Wednesdayor until Modi's visit is over. The advisory also said that vehicle parking will be regulated or restricted during these hours.

Kolkata traffic restrictions and diversions on May 28 and May 29

The list of routes on which vehicles will restricted on Tuesday includes - 11 Furlong Gate, Khidderpore Road, J&N Island, Red Road, R.R Avenue, Govt. Place East, Esplanade Row East, Esplanade Crossing, C.R Avenue, J.M Avenue, Girish Avenue, K V V Avenue, N K Saha Lane, Udbodhan Lane, Bhupen Bose Avenue, Shyambazar 5point Crossing, Bidhan Sarani, College Street, Aurobinda Sarani, Beadon Street, Vivekananda Road, Girish Park Crossing, B. B Ganguly Street, Lalbazar Street, BBD Bag East, and Old Court House Street. On Wednesday, vehicles will be restricted on the following routes: Raj Bhawan (South) Gate, RR Avenue, Red Road, Jenson & Nicholson Island, Khidderpore Road, and 11 Furlong Gate. Biddhan Sarani will remain closed for all kinds of vehicles from 3 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday. All kinds of heavy goods vehicles will be restricted to ply in and around Raj Bhawan from 6am on Tuesday till 10pm on Wednesday. According to the traffic police, vehicular traffic may also be diverted from any of the arterial roads and feeder roads as and when necessary.

PM Modi's May 28 itinerary in West Bengal

According to the BJP, Modi will arrive in West Bengal on Tuesday afternoon. He will then hold a public meeting at Ashoknagar in Barasat constituency at 2:30pm and then in Jadavpur at 4pm. Around 5:55pm, Modi will pay floral tributes at the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose.

At 6pm, Modi will hold a 2.5-km-long roadshow in Kolkata.
The Maharashtra Congress on Tuesday demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) must investigate the Pune Porsche crash. They also demanded the resignation of deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Two young software engineers were killed after a Porsche Taycan car driven by a 17-year-old, son of a prominent builder, hit their motorcycle from behind.(PTI file photo)

A 17-year-old boy was speeding the supercar after attending a party in two bars, when he mowed down two people on a motorcycle. The duo died on the spot. The teenager was held and released on bail under the condition that he would write an essay on road safety.

The teenager's release triggered nationwide outrage after which he was sent to an observation home till June 5.

The teenager's father was later arrested for letting the boy drive the car illegally. Dr Ajay Taware, head of the Forensic Medicine department of the Sassoon General Hospital and its chief medical officer, Dr Shrihari Halnor, were also arrested for allegedly manipulating the blood samples of the juvenile.

The boy's grandfather was arrested for attempting to coerce their driver to take the blame for the accident.

Congress's state unit chief, Nana Patole said the hospital has become a five-star hotel for criminals.

Such incidents have been reported in Nagpur, Jalgaon and Pune, but what is infuriating is that efforts were made through the government system to ensure that the privileged accused get immediate bail, the Congress leader alleged.

He added that the CBI must investigate the case. He also alleged political interference in the case.

He claimed that the minor accused was accompanied by an MLA's son.

Nana Patole said in Devendra Fadnavis' hometown Nagpur, two girls crushed two youngsters to death with their car and got bail within 10 hours.

"Illegal drug racket is operating in Pune. Illegal pubs are rampant in Pune and Nagpur. After the car accident case, 36 illegal pubs in Pune had to be demolished. The BJP has ruined the youth by bringing large quantities of drugs from Gujarat to Maharashtra," he alleged.

Also read: Porsche crash cover-up: How Pune police caught blood sample foul play by teen's father

"A minister and an MLA recommended that Dr Taware should be made the superintendent. People should know their names. The interference of the ruling party has increased, and criminals are roaming freely in the city. A tehsildar was fatally attacked in Indapur. From where do criminals get so much courage? It cannot happen without political blessings," Patole claimed.

After Dr Ajay Taware's arrest, a letter allegedly written by NCP MLA Sunil Tingre recommending the doctor for the position of medical superintendent, had gone viral.

With inputs from PTI
Pune Porsche accident case updates: In a new development in the Pune Porsche car accident case, police have arrested a peon of Sassoon General Hospital who allegedly collected a bribe of 3 lakh meant for two senior doctors who replaced the juvenile driver's blood samples with another person's samples that showed no traces of alcohol. On Monday, the Pune Polices Crime Branch recovered the 3 lakh cash, News18 reported. Pune Porsche Accident case: Two Sassoon General Hospital doctors arrested for tampering with the blood samples of the teen driver were produced before a court in Pune. (Mahendra Kolhe/HT)

Earlier on Monday, the two doctors, identified as Dr Ajay Taware, head of Sassoon General Hospital's forensic medicine department, and Dr Shrihari Halnor, the chief medical officer, were arrested by the Pune Police for allegedly manipulating the blood samples of the accused teen driver. The hospital peon, Atul Ghatkamble, who works under Dr Ajay Taware, was later arrested. They were remanded in police custody until May 30.

Two young IT professionals were killed after their motorcycle was hit by a speeding Porsche allegedly driven by the minor boy in the early hours of May 19 in Kalyani Nagar area of Pune city. The police claim the 17-year-old was drunk at the time of the accident.

Also Read | Porsche crash cover-up: How Pune police caught blood sample foul play by teen's father

Pune Porsche crash: What we know so far

The Pune Police suspects financial transactions in the form of 'kickbacks' had taken place in the alleged replacement of the original blood sample of the juvenile driver involved in the Porsche car crash with another person's sample by two doctors of state-run Sassoon Hospital arrested on Monday. Pune Police commissioner Amitesh Kumar, at a press conference on Monday, said the juvenile driver's blood samples were thrown into a dustbin and replaced with another person's samples. Dr Ajay Taware, Dr Shrihari Halnor and Atul Ghatkamble were remanded in police custody till May 30 by the court of judicial magistrate first class (small causes) AA Pande though the prosecution sought their custody for 10 days. The prosecution said the juvenile's father, Vishal Agarwal, a realtor, had called one of the doctors and asked him to change the blood samples. It added that police wanted to investigate who else had given the instructions to manipulate the samples. The Pune Police have added sections 201, 120-B, 467, 213 and 214 of the Indian Penal Code to the original offence registered against the juvenile in the Porsche crash case. In separate developments, a court allowed the police to take custody of Vishal Agarwal from the Yerwada Central Jail in connection with the case of kidnapping and wrongful confinement of his driver. A team of representatives from Porsche reached the Yerwada police station on Monday to conduct a technical inspection of the luxury car involved in the crash. "The investigation also revealed that it was the juvenile's father who had called Dr Ajay Taware and offered him allurements to replace the blood samples," Amitesh Kumar said. Another police official from the crime branch told news agency PTI that the juvenile's father made multiple calls to Dr Taware. The Pune Police commissioner said the manipulation of the blood sample came to light after another sample of the juvenile taken for DNA sampling was sent to another hospital. Police are now recovering the footage of CCTV cameras and its DVR in the Sassoon General Hospital to find out who had come to meet the accused doctors. Earlier, the teenager involved in the Porsche crash case was granted bail by the juvenile justice board, which also asked him to write a 300-word essay on road accidents, but following outrage and a review application by the police, he was sent to an observation home till June 5. Earlier, reports had claimed that the Pune teen had tested negative for alcohol. However, CCTV camera footage from one of the bars he visited that night purportedly showed him drinking with friends.

(With inputs from agencies)
In a scalding attack, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sent by his parmatma (God) to help industrialists, Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. He was reacting to PM Modi's remark in an interview that he had been sent by God. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressing a public meeting in Patna on Monday. (Hindustan Times)

Addressing a rally in UP's Deoria, Rahul Gandhi claimed Modi's God hasn't sent him to serve farmers and labourers.

"Everyone else is biological but Narendra Modi ji is not biological. He has been sent by his 'parmatma' to help Ambani and Adani but 'parmatma' has not sent him to help the farmers and labourers," Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi said the PM had been talking about Modi wale parmatma, ANI reported.

"If 'parmatma' had sent him them he would have helped the poor and the farmers. Yeh kaise 'parmatma' hain? Yeh Narendra Modi ji wale parmatma hain (What kind of God is this? This PM Modis God)," he added.

Rahul Gandhi promised at the rally that he will tear apart the Agnipath scheme and throw it in a dustbin.

He said the INDIA bloc government will end the 50 percent cap on reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.

He said the INDIA bloc will protect the Constitution.

In an interview, PM Modi said that God had him sent with "ability, strength, pure-heartedness and inspiration".

"Until my mother was alive, I used to think I was born biologically. After her demise, when I look at my experiences, I am convinced that I was sent by God. This strength is not from my body. It has been given to me by God. That's why God also gave me the ability, strength, pure-heartedness, and inspiration to do this. I'm nothing but an instrument that God has sent," PM Modi had said.

Earlier today, referring to alleged atrocities against a Dalit family in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi wrote on X that Narendra Modi has ended the rule of law.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bengal criticised Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee for allegedly wearing a  8,000 t-shirt during his visit to Cyclone Remal relief camps, describing it mocking the poor and aggrieved. TMC's general secretary Abhishek Banerjee inspected relief camps set up in South 24 Parganas(TMC)

Abhishek Banerjee, who is also TMC's general secretary, inspected relief camps set up in South 24 Parganas for cyclone victims, as the storm caused heavy rain and widespread damage in parts of the state.

Earlier, TMC accused BJP of being indifferent to the suffering of Bengal's people and focusing on organising a drone show in Kolkata ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on Tuesday.

In an X post, TMC said, While BJP stays oblivious to the suffering of the people of Bengal and indulges in organising a drone show in Kolkata, Abhishek Banerjee visits relief camps to ensure that the people are receiving the necessary support to overcome Cyclone Remal.

To counter it, BJP's Bengal unit posted a picture comparing Banerjee's t-shirt from the visit and commented, "Abhishek Banerjee wears Rs. 8,000 t-shirt while going for Cyclone Relief operations. Shame on TMC for mocking the poor and aggrieved."

ALSO READ- TMC won't attend INDIA bloc meeting on June 1: Going to Delhi not practical

West Bengal is voting in all seven phases of the Lok Sabha polls, with 10 seats up for voting in the last phase scheduled for Saturday.

Abhishek Banerjee, the incumbent Diamond Harbour MP, is in tight contest against CPI(M)s Pratikur Rahaman and Abhijit Das of the BJP.

The counting of votes is on June 4.

ALSO READ- Bengal Lok Sabha elections: BJP's Jhargram candidate alleges mob attack, TMC hits back

Cyclone Remal latest updates

1. The severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' has weakened since making landfall on Sunday night, moving east-northeast at 15 kmph and centered over Bangladesh at 11:30 PM on Monday, as per the India Meteorological Department.

2. Kolkata Police reported that the storm severely impacted many areas of the city, with numerous trees uprooted.

3. Heavy rainfall caused severe waterlogging in Kolkata following the storm's landfall over the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara, near southwest Mongla.

4. The Dhaka Tribune reported that 10 people were killed when Remal made landfall in Bangladesh's coastal area.

5. The storm damaged over 1,50,000 houses in Bangladesh, with more than 35,000 of them completely destroyed in 107 unions and 914 municipalities, according to Bangladesh's state minister for disaster management and relief Md Mohibbur Rahman.
Churu in western Rajasthan recorded a maximum temperature of 50.5C on Tuesday, in a 7.5C departure from normal, breaching the 50C-mark for the first time this season, and narrowly missing the 51C record  the highest ever in the country  from Phalodi in 2019. Women cover themselves while commuting in Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI)

Several cities in the northern plains of Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh continued to sizzle under highs ranging between 45 and 49C.

Tuesdays weather records from the India Meteorological Department showed that after Churu, Sirsa in Haryana was the second warmest in the country with a maximum temperature of 50.3C. It was closely followed by Shri Ganganagar in Rajasthan at 49.4C, followed by 49.3C in Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh and 49C in Pilani and Phalodi, both in Rajasthan.

Phalodi, in Jodhpur, recently made the headlines when on May 25 it recorded the maximum temperature of 50C which was the third highest maximum temperature for the month of May. The city recorded 51C on May 19, 2016, and 50.5C on May 18, 2016.

Read Here: Heatwave takes a toll but no data on deaths

According to IMD, Tuesdays temperature in Churu was highest recorded for any place in Rajasthan this summer and also the highest ever maximum temperature in Churu for the month of May. The previous high was 50.2C on May 19, 2016.

To be sure, the year 2016 was when the last phase of the El Nino weather patten waned, after it set in 2014. An El Nino set in last year, and started waning early this year. The weather phenomena is usually characterised by a warming of waters in the Pacific Ocean. In India, this leads to warmer summers and a drier monsoon.

The 2016 record from Churu, however, still remained below the highest ever maximum temperature recorded in the city  50.8C on June 1, 2019.

The maximum temperature in Churu was 7.5C above from the normal temperature, said an IMD official based in Jaipur.

Heatwave Update: 10 hottest cities in India

There was, however, some silver lining with hot conditions being particularly dry. Churus relative humidity was a low 6%, which meant the heat index (HI) was 45C. This measure is also known as the feels like temperature and takes into account how easy or difficult it is for a human body to cool itself by sweating - less humidity means sweat evaporates more readily. Conversely, if humidity is high, the evaporative cooling of sweat becomes difficult, making it feel hotter than it actually is  like it was in Delhi on May 22 when the maximum air temperature was 43.4 degrees C, but the HI or real feel was much higher at 55 degrees since humidity was 62-37%.

Some other places in Rajasthan that recorded high temperature were Bikaner (48.3C), Kota (48.2C), Jaisalmer (48C), Jaipur (46.6C) and Barmer (46C).

The Met department has forecast a drop in temperatures from Wednesday, with a fall of 2-4 degrees over the next 48 hours. It also expects the temperatures to return to near-normal by first week of June.

Read Here: How are Delhi residents coping with heatwave?

Due to the impact of a new western disturbance, isolated thunderstorms may occur in the northern parts of the country on May 31. There is a strong possibility of thunderstorm activities on June 1-2 as well, the department said.

Several other cities and towns across North India similarly sweltered under such high temperatures Narnaul in Haryana recording 48.5C, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh 48.2C and Rohtak in Haryana 48.1C.

The situation is similarly dire in Jammu and Kashmir. The weather department said that Jammu district recorded 43.6C, which is 4.5 degrees above normal, while Katra recorded 39.4C, 4.7 degrees above normal.

In Kashmir valley, the temperatures are running about 4 to 8 degrees above normal.

Qazigund recorded 33.4C, about 8.1 degrees above normal, the summer capital Srinagar recorded 32.6C, some 6.5 degrees above normal.
The Supreme Court vacation bench on Tuesday refused to allow an urgent hearing of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea for the extension of his interim bail by seven days on medical grounds. The vacation bench said it's appropriate if the Chief Justice of India takes a call on the listing of the plea. Chief minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal. (Sanchit Khanna/HT)

Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy and lodged in Tihar Jail, is supposed to surrender on June 2.

A vacation bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Delhi chief minister, and said the decision on the listing of the interim plea can be taken by the Honourable CJI because the judgment has been reserved in the main matter.

The bench asked Abhishek Singhvi why the plea of Arvind Kejriwal was not mentioned for urgent listing last week when Justice Dipankar Datta, one of the judges of the main bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna which had granted the interim bail to the chief minister, was sitting on the vacation bench.

The Supreme Court granted Arvind Kejriwal interim bail for 21 days on May 10 to enable him to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. However, it barred him from visiting his office or the Delhi secretariat and signing official files unless absolutely necessary to obtain the lieutenant governor's approval.

The plea said the chief minister is required to undergo some medical tests and for this purpose, the interim bail, which is ending on June 1, be extended.

Arvind Kejriwal has sought an extension to undergo a host of medical tests, including a PET-CT scan, in view of his "sudden and unexplained weight loss, coupled with high ketone levels", which are indicative of kidney, serious cardiac ailments and even cancer.

The matter relates to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22.
Three persons were injured, including two women, in a mysterious blast in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Monday. The incident took place around 8:15pm when some farmers were burning crop residue in the field in Khara Madhana village. A joint post manned by Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF was attacked by terrorists. (HT File Photo)

Following the incident, the three injured people were rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu. Out of the three, two people are reportedly in a serious condition, news agency PTI reported.

The injured have been identified as Rameet Singh (66), Simro Devi (76) and Suriya Bibi (58) - all local residents of the Samba district.

According to the police, it is suspected that a rusted mortar shell which was lying in the field exploded after the farmer set their fields on fire as part of their farming practice.

The police and forensic experts have recovered a piece of the rusted mortar shell.

Further details are awaited.

In another incident last week, at least one person was killed, and six others were injured in a blast at an explosives manufacturing factory in Chhattisgarhs Bemetara district. The incident took place in the unit located near Pirda village in the Berla development block.

According to the police, another eight people working in the factory are still missing.

There were some body parts which were recovered from the debris at the blast site as bodies were blown into pieces in the explosion. Now, DNA examination will be done to identify them, the police said on Monday.

Eyewitnesses told local news channels that at least 100 people were working in the explosives manufacturing factory when the blast took place.

Meanwhile, the factory management has been instructed to provide compensation of 10 lakh each to the kin of the eight missing workers and an immediate cheque of 5 lakh each. The state government also announced financial assistance of 5 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased and 50,000 each for the injured.
The meeting of opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc leaders scheduled for June 1 is yet to be officially confirmed as doubts remain over the attendance of all the allies. According to people aware of the matter, the scheduled meeting might also go online to ensure the attendance of its allies. TMCis the second-largest constituent of the INDIA bloc alliance. (Representative file photo)

A top-ranking Congress leader told HT on Tuesday that a significant section within the alliance now wants the date to be changed after Trinamool Congress (TMC), the second-largest party of the bloc announced it wont be able to come.

TMC cites polls, cyclone to avoid June meeting of INDIA bloc

TMC, the second-largest constituent of the INDIA bloc, is set to skip an upcoming meeting of the alliance in Delhi on June 1 due to the final phase of Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal and relief work in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, people aware of the matter said.

According to two senior leaders of the INDIA bloc alliance, which includes 26 parties, the meeting has been called to form a strategy on the exit polls, which will be out after the last round of polling on Saturday.

Mamata questions why Modi should be called PM in campaign

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday objected to Narendra Modi being dubbed as a prime minister and not a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader during the partys campaign in the Lok Sabha elections.

Modiji has every right to campaign. He has every right to come here and participate in election programmes. But I am surprised to see him being referred to as the PM in his partys campaign advertisements, Banerjee was quoted as saying by PTI during a campaign in the Kolkata Uttar constituency.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-questions-narendra-modi-on-being-referred-to-as-pm-in-bjp-lok-sabha-poll-campaigns-says-101716829813808.html

Can he do this? I am being referred to as TMC chairperson by my campaign managers and by my party here even though it is not assembly polls. Still, I am adhering to the model code of conduct, the

TMC chief added, a day before Modis scheduled roadshow in the state capital.

Allegations against me are false: Prajwal Revanna

Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, accused in several cases of sexual harassment, rape and assault, resurfaced on Monday, albeit virtually in a pre-recorded video message, and claimed he will appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the charges against him on May 31.

Revanna clarified that his trip abroad was pre-arranged and that he was unaware of the allegations until after his departure.

After being abroad for three or four days, I learned about the case. The election was held on April 26, and no case was registered then. Even the SIT was not formed at that time. I received information about the SIT notice later. However, all the allegations against me are false, Revanna said in the video.

HD Revannas wife files pre-arrest bail petition

Bhavani Revanna, mother of Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, on Monday filed an anticipatory bail application in the Karnataka high court after receiving multiple notices from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the kidnapping case in which her husband is one of the accused.

The SIT, which is probing Prajwals case, is also investigating the kidnapping of a woman in KR Pete in Mysuru district allegedly by MLA HD Revanna. The SIT served notice on May 2 to Bhavani to appear for investigation; however, she did not appear for investigation. The SIT served her second notice, but Bhavani did not respond.
At least 14 people died and several others were missing as a stone quarry collapsed in Mizoram's Aizawl district on Tuesday morning amid incessant rain as an impact of cyclone Remal. The incident took place around 6am in an area between Melthum and Hlimen on the southern outskirts of Aizawl town, news agency PTI. Heavy winds and rains caused by Cyclone Remal along the coastal areas in West Bengals South 24 Parganas on Monday. (AP)

While several northeastern states are battered by heavy showers, people in north India are reeling under severe heatwave conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in multiple northern states, including parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi-NCR, till May 29. The maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to cross 46 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

According to the seven-day forecast issued by the IMD, the temperature in Delhi and nearby cities is expected to remain above 45 degrees Celsius till May 30, after which there will be a marginal drop in mercury. The weather agency also predicted an above normal monsoon and humid June for northern states.

Cyclone Remal aftermath

Cyclone Remal hit the coast of Bangladesh and India's West Bengal on Sunday, causing destruction to property and power lines in across borders. The death toll from the cyclone touched 16 on Monday night, when four people got electrocuted in Bengal.

The northeastern states of Mizoram and Tripura saw bouts of heavy rainfall on Monday. Ten people died, and several others went missing, as a stone quarry collapsed in Mizoram's Aizawl amid incessant rains caused by Cyclone Remal. Further, flights were cancelled in Tripura after a red alert was issued due to heavy rains and thunderstorms.

The IMD also predicted that cyclonic disturbances will cause light to moderate rainfall in parts of Karnataka till May 30. Gusty winds and light rainfall are also expected in Kerala for a few days. However, the depression in the Bay of Bengal caused by Cyclone Remal is too distant to influence southern states very deeply.

Cyclone Remal made landfall on Sunday at around 8.30 pm between West Bengal's Sagar Island and Khepupara in Bangladesh, with wind speeds reaching up to 135 mph.

Mizoram: Rain triggers landslides

The rain triggered landslides at several other places in the state and at least two persons have died.

A landslide swept away a building in Aizawl's Salem Veng, following which three persons went missing. A search is underway for them, an official said.

The state capital has been cut off from the rest of the country due to a landslide on National Highway 6 at Hunthar, officials said.

Besides, several intra-state highways have also been disrupted by landslides, they said.

Chief minister Lalduhoma convened an emergency meeting with home minister K Sapdanga, chief secretary Renu Sharma and other senior officials to take stock of the situation.

Because of the rains, all schools were closed and government employees, except those involved in providing essential services, were asked to work from home.

While the northern states of India reel under sweltering heat and rising mercury, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rains and thunderstorms in eastern, northeastern and southern states of the country for the next few days. This drastic change in weather in eastern states is due to Cyclone Remal, which made landfall on the coast of Bay of Bengal on Monday.

The MeT department issued a red alert in multiple northern states, including parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi NCR, till May 29. The maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to cross 46 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, accusing it of "snatching the rights of Other Backward Classes (OBC) youths" to facilitate appeasement politics and vote jihad.



Last week, the Calcutta high court struck down the OBC status of several communities in the state granted since 2010, finding such reservations to vacancies in services and posts in West Bengal as illegal.



ALSO READ: I have become gaali proof: PM Narendra Modi on personal attacks by Opposition



West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that she will not accept" the ruling, dubbing it as a verdict passed under the influence of the BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting for Lok Sabha elections, in Barasat, West Bengal.(PTI)

The court has exposed the treachery of the Trinamool Congress with the OBCs. The party snatched the rights of OBC youths to support its appeasement politics and vote jihad. The TMC has betrayed the OBCs of West Bengal, PTI quoted the prime minister saying at a Barasat rally.

It is quite evident that TMC doesn't like those who expose its treachery and lies. I am astonished to see how the party is questioning the judiciary. Dont they have any faith in the judiciary and our Constitution? Modi added.

The way they are attacking judges is unprecedented. I would like to know whether the TMC would now let loose its goons on judges as they are exposed? the prime minister said.

TMC abused sadhus: PM Modi

Prime Minister Modi also slammed Mamata Banerjee over her remarks at Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha.



"TMC can't tolerate truth. Whoever tries to bring out TMC's truth is targeted by the TMC. A TMC MLA said, "Hinduon ko Bhagirathi mein baha denge." Sadhus of Bengal humbly requested the TMC to rectify their mistake. But TMC started abusing the sadhus," he said.



Saints of great institutions like Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON, Bharat Sevashram Sangha were humiliated. This is being done to appease their vote bank and further the Vote Jihad, the prime minister added.
Intelligent robots transform aquaculture management in E China's Zhejiang

People's Daily Online) 15:51, May 28, 2024

Jiang Zhenlong, the manager of an aquafarm in Shangyu township, Jiangshan city, east China's Zhejiang Province, can now efficiently oversee his fishponds using his mobile phone, thanks to the help of three robotic assistants.

Jiang closely monitors the water quality parameters of his fishponds in real-time through the app, staying well-informed about any changes in weather conditions.

The data, which includes nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, pH value, and chemical oxygen demand, is collected by a fishpond bottom maintenance patrol robot and digital monitoring buoys.

In addition to the patrol robot, the aquafarm uses two other robots: one that gathers fish and grows plants to clean the water and another that uses light to purify the water.

These robots, along with the digital monitoring buoys, were developed by a team led by Professor Zhang Hangjun from Hangzhou Normal University.

The robotic helpers are tasked with monitoring water quality, smart feeding, and purifying the ponds. This eliminates the need for the traditional "three ponds and two dams" aquaculture wastewater treatment system.

This traditional system typically consists of a sedimentation pond, an aeration pond, and an ecological purification pond connected by two filter dams.

However, while traditional aquaculture water treatment equipment can purify water, Zhang said it cannot provide real-time feedback on water quality conditions.

"Many aquaculture faculties are built near mountains. Constructing the 'three ponds and two dams' system requires excavators. This construction process takes a lot of time, work, and land space. The system is also prone to issues like the growth of blue-green algae in the sedimentation pond and clogging of the filter dams," he explained.

In response to the practical needs of the aquaculture industry, Professor Zhang's team undertook a key research and development project launched by the Department of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province. The team collaborated with multiple organizations to research key technologies for ecological capacity assessment and ecological restoration of various aquacultural water bodies.

After years of efforts, the team has developed three intelligent aquaculture robots, an integrated denitrification and dephosphorization device for efficient freshwater aquaculture wastewater treatment, and off-site restoration equipment such as a self-flow valve-free filter pool.

The intelligent robots are equipped with advanced features, including dual-frequency positioning systems supported by the U.S.-owned Global Positioning System (GPS) and China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). The robots also have laser radars to sense their surroundings, special tools to monitor and maintain the underwater environment, and a central control system. They can navigate on their own or be controlled remotely. Notably, the major components of these robots are domestically produced.

In May 2023, these innovative achievements were used for demonstration purposes at several aquaculture sites in Zhejiang, including the aquafarm in Shangyu township.

One year later, the equipment has successfully improved the quality of the aquacultural wastewater at these sites, meeting China's Class I discharge standards for aquaculture water in freshwater ponds.

Compared to traditional treatment equipment, the innovations developed by Zhang's team offer significant advantages. They are smaller, easily transportable, convenient to load and unload, and can effectively purify water, according to Zheng Zhangfu, a man in charge of one of the aquaculture sites.

The intelligent robots can effectively monitor changes in nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the water and remove excess nutrients, preventing water eutrophication, said Jiang.

"The operating mode of these robots is similar to that of household vacuum cleaning robots. Once programmed, they can patrol the designated water area," explained Zhang, adding that the robots collaborate with each other and can sense surrounding geographic information and their own position in real-time.

China's plan for national agricultural and rural science and technology development during the country's 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) aims to increase the mechanization rate of aquaculture from 32 percent in 2020 to 50 percent by 2025.

"The development prospects of consumer-level intelligent aquaculture robots are worth looking forward to," Zhang remarked.

He emphasized that the low-cost and portable working mode of robots aligns with the needs of aquaculture farmers and environmental protection. Zhang disclosed that his team is actively collaborating with enterprises to further reduce the manufacturing costs of robots and expand their application.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee rejected fake allegations against him on Monday, days after Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal claimed that she had been receiving rape and death threats after the former posted a video over the alleged assault on her by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar. AAP MP Swati Maliwal and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee(File)

Taking to social media platform X, Druv Rathee, without naming anyone, wrote that attempts had been made to defame him and that perpetrators are pretending to be victims".

Fake allegations against me, daily death threats, dehumanizing insults, coordinated campaigns to defame me  Im used to it by now, Dhruv Rathee said.

The irony is that perpetrators are pretending to be victims. Everyone knows who is behind all this. They want to silence me. But thats not gonna happen. If you silence 1 Dhruv Rathee, 1000 new ones will rise up. Jai Hind, the YouTuber added.

Earlier, Swati Maliwal had alleged that there is a character assassination campaign running against her, orchestrated by the Aam Aadmi Party and its volunteers. She said that the situation escalated after Dhruv Rathee posted a one-sided video against her.

Posting screenshots of abusive messages received on her social media, Swati Maliwal wrote on X, After the leaders and volunteers of my party, i.e., AAP orchestrated a campaign of character assassination, victim shaming, and fanning of emotions against me, I have been getting rape and death threats. This got further exacerbated when YouTuber @Dhruv_Rathee posted a one-sided video against me.

She said the AAP was trying to intimidate her into dropping her complaint against Bibhav Kumar. Maliwal further said that she tried to reach out to Dhruv Rathee but he ignored her calls and messages.

Read more: Swati Maliwal reveals what Sanjay Singh of AAP told her on phone when she reached police station

It is shameful that people like him, who claim to be independent journalists could act like other AAP spokespersons and victim shame me to the extent that I am now facing extreme abuses and threats, Maliwal said.

Bibhav Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18 in connection with the alleged assault on Swati Maliwal at Arvind Kejriwal's official residence on May 13. In her complaint, the AAP MP alleged that Bibhav Kumar slapped and kickes her multiple times. She also alleged that Kumar gave her death threats.
Children born with Type 1 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa died in childhood, said Biyi Adesina, a diabetologist in Nigeria. That was certainly true until very recently. Now, increased awareness of the condition throughout the region has allowed many of children with Type 1 diabetes, who depend on daily insulin injections, to live past their first and second birthdays. Diabetes cases have increased tenfold in sub-Saharan Africa over the past two decades. (DW/Miro May/picture alliance)

But Adesina told DW that diagnosis was just half the battle. (Also Read | Widely used diabetes and weight-loss medications linked with increased risk of stomach paralysis: Study)

In Nigeria's private health care system, the majority of the population is uninsured. Drugs for non-communicable diseases  such as insulin  are frequently an out-of-pocket expense for patients or their parents.

Parents can't pay their children's diabetes treatment

A month's dose of insulin costs 15,000 Nigerian naira  half the monthly minimum wage salary of 30,000 Nigerian naira ($20, 18). Depending on a person's condition, they may need up to three doses per month.

Parents of children with Type 1 diabetes find themselves at a loss for what to do, Adesina said. They have other children, and themselves, to feed.

"Sometimes the parents will prefer that [their children] die," he said. "We listen to young people who say, 'My parents would prefer that I die so I won't continue to be a burden.' They just cannot afford insulin."

This is a common story of diabetes, both Types 1 and 2, in sub-Saharan Africa.

Although doctors know how to diagnose and treat the non-communicable disease, there is no existing infrastructure to ensure patients receive the prohibitively expensive care they need.

Data show people with diabetes are dying unnecessarily in sub-Saharan Africa

The number of diabetes cases in sub-Saharan Africa has increased tenfold since 2000, a development largely attributed to globalization and industrialization in the region.

Unlike 20 years ago, people are now driving cars, working in sedentary jobs and consuming more junk food, which is cheap and ubiquitous in countries, including Nigeria, Adesina said.

Diabetes killed more than 416,100 people in sub-Saharan Africa in 2021, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation.

During the same year in the African region, World Health Organization data show that about 410,000 people died of HIV/AIDs related diseases, about 365,000 of tuberculosis and another 580,000 died of malaria.

In an article published by The Lancet medical journal, health experts project that non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, and particularly Type 2 diabetes, would overtake "communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional diseases combined" as the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa by 2023.

These statistics and projections only offer a glimpse into the breadth of the problem. Diabetes is severely underdiagnosed in sub-Saharan Africa  doctors estimate that some 50% of cases go undocumented.

In Nigeria, hospitals are seen as a 'last resort'

Adesina knows the problem well. He told DW that he chose to specialize in diabetes medicine because of his family's own history with the disease.

When he was a child, he said, his grandfather had a gaping sore on his leg which  "for years and years"  refused to heal. He remembers looking at that lesion, at the age of 10, wondering what it could be.

He now knows why his grandfather's leg never healed. He had diabetes foot, one of the telltale signs of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa.

It is common, he said, for Nigerians to attribute wounds or foot ulcers, such as the one his grandfather had, to what he called a spiritual attack. "The hospital is always the last resort," said Adesina.

"That is the traditional belief," he said. "Oh, it was a spiritual attack against you that made you have an ulcer on your leg that is not healing  So instead of going to a hospital, people begin to look for alternatives to counter the spiritual attack."

It is only when all home remedies have failed that patients will seek care in a hospital, Adesina said. But by then, the infection has often gotten so bad that amputation is the only option.

Diabetes foot represents the top cause of amputations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Private health care is too expensive for many people

Experts maintain, however, that many people simply cannot afford the necessary health care.

While most sub-Saharan Africans can get HIV drugs, malaria antiretroviral therapy and TB shots for free, they are required to pay out of pocket for care related to non-communicable diagnoses like diabetes or hypertension.

This can result in people putting off treatment until it's too late, or simply never seeking it, said Felicia Anumah, a professor of medicine/endocrinology and diabetology at the University of Abuja in Nigeria.

And even when they do receive a proper diagnosis, patients often can't afford the drugs needed to get better. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes often have other health problems and require a number of different medications to stay stable, Anumah told DW.

A poor patient with diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, for example, could require up to six drugs to stay healthy, she said, but may only realistically be able to afford two.

"The patient will likely choose the two that he or she can afford," Anumah said, adding that when those drugs run out, the patient may not have enough money to immediately refill their prescription.

"Blood sugar is going up and down, blood pressure is going up and down," Anumah said. Over an extended bout of such inconsistent treatment, "What do you expect?" she asked.

"Complications and premature death," she said, answering her own question. "Can you imagine?"
Women may be at risk of a range of diseases and infections compared to men due to biological differences and gender inequalities. As per WHO, globally, adolescent girls and young women are twice as likely to be at risk of HIV infection compared to boys and young men. This higher HIV risk is associated with unsafe and often unwanted and forced sexual activity. During pregnancy, malaria, HIV and TB all can pose significant risks to pregnant women, her foetus and the newborn child. International Day of Action for Women's Health is observed on May 28 every year to spread awareness around women's health. In 1987, during the International Womens Health Meeting in Costa Rica, Latin American and Caribbean Womens Health Network (LACWHN), proposed to celebrate the day. (Also read | International Day of Action for Women's Health 2024: Date, history, significance, celebrations) International Day of Action for Women's Health is observed on May 28 every year to spread awareness around women's health

"In India, around 69 lakh cancer deaths among women were preventable. 2040% of deaths occur due to anaemia, and 1 out of 10 women is estimated to develop thyroid at least once before the age of 60. This indicates how precarious life is, more so post pandemic," says Dr Garima Sawhney, Senior Gynaecologist and Co-founder, Pristyn Care.

As women age, their bodies become susceptible to certain diseases. It is recommended for women in their 30s and 40s to have regular screenings to understand their health baseline and for early detection.

Important tests for women in their 30s and 40s

Dr Sawhney recommends the following tests for women in their 30s and 40s:

1. Pap smear and HPV tests

This is a test for detection of abnormal cell growth that causes cervical cancer. A regular screening between a time period of 3-5 years is recommended based on age and previous results. Human papillomavirus testing is also important for sexually active women because it can also lead to cervical cancer.

2. Mammogram and breast self-examination

It is a breast cancer screening test. It can detect breast tumours and abnormalities at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Depending on your situation, annual or biennial tests are recommended. A breast self-examination allows a female to understand the normal look and feel of their breasts. Any changes in the breasts, if and when felt, must be reported to the healthcare professional for consultation.

3. Thyroid function test

TFT determines levels of the thyroid hormone in the body, helping in detection of diseases like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

4. Blood pressure and cholesterol tests

The risk of cardiovascular diseases increases with age. A test for blood pressure and cholesterol every 4-6 years will help prevent heart diseases and brain strokes.

5. Blood glucose test

An annual blood glucose test is advised to detect conditions like diabetes and pre-diabetes. This test becomes more crucial for people who are obese or have a family history or have any other risk factor.

6. Bone density test

A dexa-scan is important for detection of diseases like osteoporosis and bone loss, especially if people have risk factors.

7. Eye test

A 2-year eye checkup to prevent eye health diseases like cataracts and glaucoma

8. Cancer screening

People at risk may also go for colon and skin cancer screening based on age, family history and other risk factors.
I had no idea when I wrote about the original Naples pizza last week in Rude Food that a) the column would generate such a huge response and b) that so many of you would write in to complain that I had not recommended the best pizza places in Naples. Frankly, I consciously avoided including recommendations in the article on the very reasonable grounds that hardly anybody who reads a food column in an Indian publication cares about individual restaurants in Naples. Or that we would need recommendations for a city that few of us will go to. Iconic pizza places in Naples not only define the city's pizza heritage but are also expanding globally, making it likely you'll encounter their delicious offerings even outside of Italy.(Unsplash)

But since so many of you seem to regard that as a gap in the column, heres is a list. These are the best places for pizza as well as some of the most famous and iconic. I feel slightly better about doing such an obscure list because many of the chefs and restaurants listed here either have branches in other cities which you are more likely to go to even if you never travel to Naples. Plus, as Naples pizza is now beginning to become a big thing globally you will hear more about these places and their chefs in the coming years. (Also read: The Taste by Vir Sanghvi: Top Indian Chefs elevating global gastronomy standards from London to Bangkok )

L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Founded in 1870s, it is one of the citys oldest pizzerias. It serves just two varieties ( marinara and margherita) and is packed out with tourists. It takes no bookings. You get a ticket giving your place in the queue and they call you when they are ready for you. It sprang to international fame after it was featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts. It has since entered into a global expansion and, fittingly, a branch has opened in Hollywood.

Gino Sorbillo

One of Italys most famous pizza chefs, Sorbillo has turned his fame into an industry. His reputation rests on the pizzas at his historic restaurant in Naples. But he now runs pizza restaurants everywhere: In Milan, Turin, Rome and Tokyo. I have no idea how good his other restaurants are but the one in Naples is worth a visit. He also runs a branch on the seaside promenade in Naples, which is a good choice if you want an inexpensive meal with a great view.

50 Kalo

The newest restaurant on this list, it is run by Ciro Salvo who has a family background in the pizza trade but is famous for doing new style pizzas. He is a favourite with American critics, has opened in London and is regarded by many as the new face of the pizza business. I have not been and have heard mixed reports but if you are travelling to London, you will of course, see his well-reviewed restaurant there and I guess there will soon be more international branches.

Antonio Starita

One of the big names in the pizza business, famous for his margherita pizza, Starita has opened in other Italian cities and even in Bangkok. I imagine more branches are on their way. No Indian I have met knows as much about pizza as the restaurateur Varun Tuli whose life is a constant search for the best food and especially the best pizza.

Varun has strong views but pulls them off because he is so knowledgeable. In his reckoning, Starita in Naples does make the best margherita pizza in the city. (He concedes that Gino Sorbillo makes a better marinara). I never question Varuns judgement on pizza so I am happy to pass on the recommendations but be warned: Varun is not as impressed by the Staritas in Bangkok and Milan.

Pepe In Grani

Franco Pepe is the pizza chef of the moment, according to the worlds press (but not necessarily the citizens of Naples). Francos restaurant is not in Naples. You have to drive for an hour-and-a-half to get there. But such is his global fame that hundreds of people make the journey .For many tourists it becomes a day-trip and a pilgrimage of sorts.

I have never thought it worth my while to spend a full day of my vacation chasing a pizza so I cant tell you how good the pizzas are. But dont worry. You will end up eating one somewhere . The Franco Pepe brand is at its strongest now and new restaurants run by him should pop up all over the world. Next month, he will open on the island of Capri at the Jumeirah Grand Hotel Capri. And with the Jumeirah connection, I imagine that Francos brand will travel the world to the chains other properties.

La Notizia

In 2010, La Notizia became the first pizza place to ever make it to the Michelin Guide. (It did not get a star, but it was recommended). At that stage, Enzo Coccia, the high profile owner of the restaurant declared: Pizza has gone from being a dirty street whore to la principessa glamour.

Fourteen years later, the restaurant is still in the Guide and Italians complain that if Michelin can give stars to street food stalls in Bangkok and Singapore, then why shouldnt a pizza place also get a star? I guess it will happen soon . And more Naples pizzerias will open branches in other cities and countries.

Palazzo Petrucci Pizzeria

The Palazzo Petrucci is a fancy Michelin starred restaurant in Naples. It does not serve pizza, but it does run a pizzeria in the centre of the old town. The Petrucci Pizzeria does not feature in many of the articles. Americans write about pizza in Rome, but it is listed in the Michelin guide. The day I went, my wife and I were the only non-Italians there and the pizzas were excellent. But Varun Tuli sent me a photo of a pizza he ate there, and it was clearly under-cooked. So, I can only recommend it with caution .

Pizzeria Fratelli Salvo

A very local pizzeria. We went for Sunday lunch and found a place among the happy Italian families, the only Indians in the restaurant. The standard pizzas were good, but I was very taken with the specials which used local ingredients like Calabrian sausage and artisanal cheese to great advantage. They already have a couple of branches and I imagine that within the decade they will open in a city near you.

Expansion

Yes, this is a parochial list, given that so many of you will never go to Naples. But remember these names. They are the stars of pizza and none of them is content with just running restaurants in Naples. Nearly all of them will open pizza restaurants around the world and you will get a chance to see if their pizzas live up to the hype.
Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Limited has sold an office space spread across an area of 48,729.92 sq ft located in Vikhroli (East) for a consideration of 157 crore to Godrej Industries Ltd, registration documents accessed by Propstack showed. Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Limited has transferred an office space spread across an area of 48,729.92 sq ft located in Vikhroli (East) for a consideration of  157 crore to Godrej Industries Ltd (Representational photo)(AP | Representational image)

The office space is spread across two floors - 8th and 9th - of the North tower of the commercial building known as Godrej One comprising a two-level basement plus ground plus 11 upper floors constructed on a portion of the larger land, the documents showed.

The office space is located in North Tower, Godrej One, Pirojshanagar, Eastern Express Highway, Vikhroli (East) Mumbai, the documents showed.

The document was registered on April 30, 2024.

Godrej Industries will also get access to 75 car parkings, the documents showed.

Also Read: Godrej Properties sells around 650 homes for more than 2000 crore in Noida

A stamp duty of 9.42 crore was paid for the transaction, the documents showed.

The 9th floor of the building is leased to flexible space provider Simpliwork offices for five years until March 31, 2026. The lease will also get transferred to the new landlord. The security deposit paid by flexible space provider will also be transferred directly by the transferor to the transferee on execution of the transfer deed, the documents showed.

A query has been sent to the company for a comment.

This is interesting in the context of the recent split that happened between two branches of the founding family. Under the family settlement announced on April 30, the group has been split between two branches of the founding family, with Adi Godrej (82) and his brother Nadir (73) on one side and their cousins Jamshyd Godrej (75) and Smita Godrej Crishna (74) on the other.

Also Read: Godrej Properties highest bidder for land parcel in Noida with revenue potential of 3000 crore

Godrej Enterprises Group, comprising Godrej & Boyce and its affiliates that have a presence across multiple industries spanning aerospace and aviation to defence, furniture and IT software, will be controlled by Jamshyd Godrej as chairperson and managing director. His sister Smita's daughter Nyrika Holkar, 42, will be the executive director. Their families will control this arm that will also hold the land bank, including 3,400 acres of prime land in Mumbai.

Also Read: Godrej family amicably splits company; Adi, brother to keep five listed firms

Godrej Industries Group, which includes the listed companies Godrej Industries, Godrej Consumer Products, Godrej Properties, Godrej Agrovet and Astec LifeSciences, will have Nadir Godrej as chairperson and will be controlled by Adi, Nadir and their immediate families, the company had said in a statement earlier.

On May 1, the owner-developer Godrej & Boyce and the development manager Godrej Properties had announced that the two companies would continue their Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) executed from time to time, for development of land in Vikhroli, Mumbai owned by Godrej & Boyce, as and when the owner intends to developing the said land.
Insolvency Appellate Tribunal NCLAT has upheld orders approving Adani Goodhomes' resolution plan for realty firm Radius Estate with a 93% haircut for creditors. Insolvency Appellate Tribunal NCLAT has upheld orders approving Adani Goodhomes' resolution plan for realty firm Radius Estate with a 93% haircut for creditors. (Shutterstock) (Representational photo)

A two-member bench comprising the NCLAT Chairman rejected the petitions by two dissenting financial creditors, saying it was "commercial wisdom" of the Committee of Creditors (CoC), which approved the payout to different creditors.

The Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on January 9, 2022, approved the resolution plan of Adani Goodhomes, a part of Adani Realty.

As per the resolution plan, which received an 83.99% of the vote of the CoC and was approved by NCLT, nearly 700 flat owners were getting possession of without escalation of any price.

The plan was opposed by two dissenting financial creditors -- Beacon Trusteeship and ICICI Prudential Venture Capital Fund Real Estate -- before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

According to reports, Adani Goodhomes had proposed to pay around 76 crore as against total claims of 1,700 crore. However, it had assured to complete the construction of the project.

The dissenting financial creditors moved the NCLAT contending it to be "unfair and inequitable" as it provides 93 per cent haircut to their claims.

On the other hand, it provides 100% recovery to homebuyers by way of allotted units in the project without them having to bear any haircut or price escalation.

Rejecting this, the NCLAT said, "It was a 'commercial wisdom' of the CoC, which approved the payout to different creditors."

Also Read: Relief for homebuyers: Allotted flats will not be part of liquidation process, says insolvency and bankruptcy board

It also rejected the claims of violation of Section 30, sub-section (2) of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

The dissenting financial creditors had alleged that the liquidation value of the assets of Radius Estate was grossly undervalued and the valuation report suffers from material irregularities.

It was also alleged that there were other material irregularities committed by the resolution professional in the entire process, which were hurried to approve the resolution plan submitted by Adani Goodhomes.

Also Read: NCLAT rejects insolvency plea against Parsvnath Landmark Developers

However, NCLAT said, "It is relevant to notice that in the present case, the CoC has approved the resolution plan, which directed the haircut to the financial creditors and decided to handover the units to homebuyers, after completion of the construction, which construction cost was undertaken to be spent by the SRA (Adani Goodhomes)."

NCLAT further said dissenting financial creditors are entitled to receive their payment as per the provision of the IBC, which have already been offered.

"We, thus, are not persuaded to interfere with the order of the adjudicating authority (NCLT), approving the resolution plan on the above ground raised by the appellant," it said.

The appellate tribunal further said NCLT in its order dated January 9, 2022, has adverted to all relevant considerations on which the resolution plan is to be checked for compliance of the statutory provisions.

Also Read: Jaypee takeover: NCLAT orders Suraksha to pay 1,335 cr as farmer compensation

"We, thus, do not find any infirmity in the order of the adjudicating authority, approving the resolution plan dated January 9, 2022," NCLAT said in its 59-page order.

Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against Radius Estate was initiated on April 30, 2021, by NCLT over the plea filed by Beacon Trusteeship Ltd.

MIG (Bandra) Realtors and Builders was developing a project on land allotted to a Middle Income Group Cooperating Housing Society.

It had granted the obligations to complete construction of project certain rights to Radius Estates and Developers.

Radius had raised 65 crore from Beacon Trusteeship through Non-Convertible Debentures in 2018. However, due to certain financial constraints, the construction could not proceed since March 2018.

The society terminated the agreement and Beacon Trusteeship moved NCLT.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant will have a four-day pre-wedding celebrations in Europe this week, a gala event that will be held both on a luxury cruise ship as well as on land, in Italy and France. Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant with Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta at the March pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. (PTI)

An image of the invite celebrations is doing the rounds on social media

"These days when friends come together, will be the adventures of a lifetime. A journey of discovery, exploration in Italy and France," the text in the card, first shared on celebrity photographer Viral Bhayani's Instagram, reads.

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are set to get married in July. The groom-to-be's parents Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani had hosted a gala three-day pre-wedding celebrations in March in Gujarat's Jamnagar.

(Also Read: Nita Ambani's dazzling emerald necklace for Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant pre-wedding: A replica for just 178)

Day 1: Welcome lunch, 'Starry Night'

The pre-wedding celebrations kick off on Wednesday, May 29 on board the cruise ship in Palermo, Italy, with a welcome lunch. The dress code for guests is "classic cruise". The same evening, there will be an event titled "Starry Night". Guests have been asked to dress in western formals.

Day 2: A Roman Holiday

On May 30, Thursday, the day event on land in Rome is titled "A Roman Holiday" in which the attendees are expected to dress in tourist chic outfits. The same evening, the guests will be back on the ship for some relaxation. A late-night, 1 am part, toga party has been scheduled on the ship.

Day 3: Birthday party and evening in Cannes

On Friday, May 31, the day will be spent celebrating Baby Veda's first birthday on the cruise ship. Veda is the second child of Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta. The guests will land in Cannes, south of France, for a black-tie evening titled "Le Masquerade".

The same night, an after-party will be hosted on the cruise ship.

Day 4: La Dolce Vita

Saturday will be the final day of the celebrations, when the guests will be taken to the town of Portofino in Italy where in the evening, they will dress for the Italian summer, in line with the theme of "La Dolce Vita".

Also Read: New York teen runs into Anant Ambani on street, takes pic with him. Watch viral video
Actor Kani Kusruti, who starred in Payal Kapadia's "All We Imagine as Light" which won the Grand Prix award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, opened up about the financial struggles she faced when she started out in films. Kani Kusruti's watermelon clutch on the Cannes 2024 red carpet combines glamour and a powerful political statement.(Instagram)

"I am at peace only when I am financially independent," she told Asianet News in an interview, adding that there have been times when she has had to act in films that she was not keen only, purely to earn a living.

Kani Kusruti, 38, fought back tears as she recalled how she landed the lead role in the critically acclaimed 2020 Malayalam film "Biriyaani" which won her the Best Actress award at the Kerala State Film Awards and at the Moscow International Film Festival. The film is written by Sajin Baabu.

"Sajin (Sajin Baabu) approached me at a time when I had no money. After reading the script, I told him I have many problems with it and that I don't think I'll be able to do it. I told him to look for another actor.

She added that she was in need of money at that time but did not feel like doing the film. Two to three months later, Kusruti said the filmmaker and writer returned her.

Offered  70,000 for Biriyaani

"I said I was not interested in doing this film but that I did not have any money. I think I was being offered around 70,000. That was a huge amount for me. I had only around 3,000 in my account. So getting 70,000 was a good thing" she told the Malayalam news channel, choking up and fighting back her tears.

"So that is how I did it."

Kani Kusruti, whose parents are activists, said she would have stuck to theatre and may not have entered films if she she could earn better in theatre.

In the future too, if I don't have the circumstances to earn a living, I may have to do things which I don't want to. There are many people like that, she said.

Watch the video here:

Kani Kusruti makes waves at Cannes

The Kerala-born actor was among the Indians who attended the Cannes Film Festival this year. Kusruti and her team of All We Imagine as Light beamed in joy in front of the French shutterbugs. They also shook a leg on the red carpet. Her watermelon clutch on the red carpet sent a strong message of support for the people of Palestine.
Harsh Mariwala, founder and chairman of Marico - a beauty and wellness company, emphasised the importance of building positive culture within companies. This, the 73-year-old billionaire believes, is beneficial not only for businesses but is also the right thing to do. Harsh Mariwala stressed building a positive culture in organisations in his latest post on X. (Priyanka Parashar)

Investing in your people and building a positive culture in the organisation is not just good for business, its the right thing to do, wrote Mariwala on X.

He added, Culture building is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that requires perpetual reinforcement of the desired values and behaviours.

According to Forbes, Mariwalas net worth is $3.5 billion, placing him at 942nd on the real-time billionaire list.

Take a look at the post shared by Mariwala below:

In October last year, Mariwala shared his views on NR Narayana Murthys 70-hour work week remark. While Mariwala agrees that theres no shortcut to hard work and it is the backbone of success, he opines, It is not about the hours clocked in. Its about the quality and passion one brings to those hours.

He also underscored the significance of work-life balance. Its pivotal for organisations to cultivate a culture rooted in transparency, trust, and meritocracy, which is devoid of gossiping, backbiting and politicking. The ultimate objective should be to make work so invigorating and rewarding that the paradigm of work-life balance seamlessly integrates, Mariwala said.

Murthys 70-hour work week remark

Infosys co-founder made 70-hour work week remark during the inaugural episode of a podcast hosted by former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai. Murthy stressed that youth should work for at least 70 hours a week to boost the countrys work productivity. This, in his opinion, is needed for the country to remain competitive with nations like China and Japan.

Murthy said, If we want to compete with the fastest growing countries like China and Japan, we need to boost up our work productivity. At the moment, Indias work productivity is very low. The government also must reduce the time it takes for decision-making and curb corruption in bureaucracy.

Our youngsters need to work for at least 70 hours a week, he added.
Do you love solving maths puzzles? Are you scrolling through your social media feeds in search of a mind-bending maths problem? If so, then we have a brain teaser that will keep you hooked for quite some time. The latest headscratcher may even prompt you to share it with your friends and family. Brain Teaser: Calling all maths wizards to solve this in 30 seconds. (X/@Brainy_Bits_Hub)

What is the answer? reads the caption to the brain teaser shared on microblogging platform X.

The brain teaser features three fruits - apple, banana, and coconut - each carrying a specific value. All you need to do is find the value assigned to each fruit and use it to solve the given equation. You need to find the sum of half a coconut, an apple and a banana. But can you do it all in 30 seconds and prove that you are a maths whiz?

Take a look at the brain teaser right here:

The brain teaser was shared on May 26. Since being posted, it has accumulated over 14,100 views and the numbers are quickly increasing. Many even took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts.

Check out how people reacted to this brain teaser here:

An individual commented, 10+10+10=30. 10+3+3=16. 4-2=2. 1+10+3=14.

Apple = 30/3 = 10. Banana = (16-10)/2 = 3. Coconut = 3-2 = 1. So, apple + banana + coconut = 10+3+1 = 14, wrote another.

A third added, Since the single coconut is not necessarily half of the double coconut, the total must be at least 13; ten for the apple, three for the bananas is thirteen. The single coconut could be 0, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or anything greater than ten.

2 coconuts = 1. Answer = 13.5, claimed a fourth.

A fifth joined, The value of each coconut is 0.5. Thats why the answer is 13.5.

Were you able to solve this maths puzzle? What do you think is the correct answer to this brain teaser?
Microsoft held its annual conference, Build 2024 and revealed tremendous advances in artificial intelligence. During the speech, CEO Satya Nadella, enthralled the crowd with a story about an Indian farmer whose life was changed by technology. He presented the story, laying the groundwork for big announcements such as improvements in Azure and Copilot, as well as advances from Microsoft-backed firms like Open AI. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella spoke about an Indian farmer.(AP)

He began his address by saying, "I'll always remember this moment in January 2023, when I met a rural Indian farmer who was able to reason over some government farm subsidies that he had heard about on television using GPT-3.5 and his voice. It was remarkable, right? For me, it just brought home the power of all of this because a frontier model developed on the West Coast of the United States just a few months earlier was used by a developer in India to improve the life of a rural Indian farmer directly. The rate of diffusion is unlike anything I've seen in my professional career, and it's just increasing." (Also Read: Why has Microsoft's Satya Nadella been fined by the Indian government? HT explains)

Further, he also mentioned a developer he met in Thailand. Nadella said, "I was in Thailand, where I met a developer. I had a great roundtable, and he talked to me about how he used Phi-3 and GPT-4, and he used Phi-3 to optimise all of the things that he was doing with RAG. I mean, this is crazy, and, I mean, this is unbelievable."

He further added, "It had just launched a few weeks earlier, and I was there in Bangkok, Thailand, listening to a developer talk about this technology as a real expert on it. So it's just great to see the democratisation force that we love to talk about but to witness it has just been something. And this is, quite frankly, the impact of why we are in this industry. And it's what gives us, I would say, that deep meaning in our work."
Balwant Kataria, aka Bobby Kataria, a 38-year-old social media influencer, was arrested on Monday, May 27, on charges of human trafficking, fraud, and other offences. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Karan Goel, Kataria promised two Uttar Pradesh residents, Arun Kumar and Manish Tomar, permits for jobs in the UAE and Singapore in exchange for 4 lakh each. Instead, the two men were taken to Laos, where they were forced to work in an illegal call centre, and their passports were confiscated. The accused was identified as Balwant Kataria alias Bobby Kataria, a social media influencer with a history of brushes with the law, police said. ((HT PHOTO))

After working for two days in the call centre, Kumar and Tomar managed to run away and visited the Indian embassy in Vientiane, from where they were returned to the country. (Also Read: Gurugram police arrest man for trafficking U.P. resident to Laos)

Here is all you need to know about Bobby Kataria, the accused in the case:

1. Bobby Kataria is a social media influencer hailing from Gurugram and has over three lakh followers on Instagram.

2. As per the Economic Times, Kataria describes himself as a competitive bodybuilder and a powerlifter at both state and all-time event levels. He also shares fitness and nutrition tips on his social media.

3. Kataria began a consultancy business in February 2023 to provide employment to persons seeking opportunities abroad.

4. Kataria is known for creating controversial content and promoting gun and gang violence, reported Times Now.

5. Earlier, he has a history of brushes with the law. In September 2022, he was caught by Delhi Police for smoking on an aeroplane. In August of the same year, a Dehradun court issued a non-bailable warrant against him after he posted a video of himself drinking in public and blocking a road.

6. In August 2022, the Gurugram police arrested Kataria for assaulting a woman and spreading derogatory words about her on social media. This matter is pending in court.
After the Titan submersible tragedy, Larry Connor, an Ohio-based billionaire, decided to visit the Titanic site in a different submersible to prove that the industry is safer now. He plans to embark on this journey with Triton Submarines co-founder Patrick Lahey and two others. They will be going 12,400 feet under the ocean. According to Connor, the $20 million vessel, designated the Triton 4000/2 Abyssal Explorer, was developed by Lahey and can make the voyage repeatedly. Larry Connor is a real estate investor from Dayton, Ohio.

Connor told the Wall Street Journal, I want to show people worldwide that while the ocean is extremely powerful, it can be wonderful and enjoyable and really kind of life-changing if you go about it the right way. (Also Read: Triton Submarines co-founder builds $20M sub, will travel to Titanic site with Ohio billionaire after Titan tragedy)

Here is all you need to know about Larry Connor:

1. According to Forbes, Larry Connor is a real estate investor from Dayton, Ohio. He is the founder and leader of the Connor Group, which invests in luxury apartment buildings throughout the United States.

2. The Connor Group presently owns and manages a $5 billion portfolio of 51 apartment buildings in 12 states ranging from Colorado to Florida. On average, the corporation holds homes for five and a half years.

3. He studied Bachelors of Arts/Science at Ohio University

4. In his early days, he painted houses, sold "damaged label" wines to college students. According to Forbes, he picked up dead bodies on weekends and carried them to funeral homes for $5. (Also Read: Who is Bobby Kataria? 6 points on Gurugram-based influencer arrested for human trafficking)

5. In 2021, he went on a research expedition to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on Earth, and in 2022, he participated in Axiom Space's Ax-1 mission to the International Space Station, reported Forbes.

6. According to the outlet, he founded the Greater Dayton School in 2024. It is Ohio's first private, non-religious elementary school for low-income students.
Shruthi Kumar, an Indian-American student at Harvard, criticised her alma mater for its response to pro-Palestine protests during her commencement ceremony speech on the university campus. Kumar, one of the three students who won the honour to speak at the graduation, veered off from her prepared speech titled The Power of Not Knowing. Indian-American Harvard student Shruthi Kumar is the first in her family to attend a college in the US. (LinkedIn/@shruthi-kumar)

Kumar pulled out a piece of paper from her gown and addressed the intolerance of freedom of speech and civil disobedience on campus. She highlighted the plight of 13 undergraduates from the class of 2024 who were not allowed to graduate due to their involvement in the Gaza protests.

The students had spoken. The faculty had spoken. Harvard, do you hear us? she said.

After her speech, students staged a walkout in support of the 13 students barred from graduating for their protests against the war in Gaza.

But who is Shruthi Kumar? Heres all you need to know about the Harvard student

1- Shruthi Kumar is the eldest daughter of South Asian immigrants. She is the first in her family to attend a college in the US.

2- She grew up in the Great Plains of Nebraska alongside cattle ranches and cornfields.

3- Kumar did her schooling at Marian High School.

4- She is the founder of GoYogi - a non-profit organisation focused on mental health education.

5- Shruthi has been the President of the Harvard South Asian Association since May 2022.

6- She also serves as the co-director of the Wellness Educator Program at Harvard University.

7- Fluent in English, Kannada, and Tamil, she also has limited working proficiency in Spanish.

8- She has interned at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among others.

Shruthi Kumars off-script speech at Harvard

As I stand before you today, I must take a moment to recognise my peers, the 13 undergraduates in the class of 2024 who will not graduate today. I am deeply disappointed by the intolerance of freedom of speech and the right to civil disobedience on campus. What is happening on campus is about liberty, said Kumar.

The students had spoken. The faculty had spoken. Harvard, do you hear us? she stressed.

The Indian-origin student went on to say, Now, we are in a moment of intense division and disagreement in our community over the events in Gaza. I see pain, uncertainty, and unrest across campus. Its now, in a moment like this, that the power of not knowing becomes critical.

Maybe we dont know what its like to be ethnically targeted. Maybe we dont know what its like to come face to face with violence and death. But we dont have to know, she added.

She further expressed, Solidarity is not dependent on what we know because not knowing is an ethical stance. It creates space for empathy, solidarity, and a willingness to listen.

I dont know - so I ask. I listen. I believe an important type of learning takes place, especially in moments of uncertainty, when we lean into conversation without assuming we have all the answers. Can we see humanity in people we dont know? Can we feel the pain of people with whom we disagree? Kumar concluded.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday condemned Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza region amid the Israel-Hamas war. His remarks have come after Israel attacked a refugee camp in Gaza's Rafah, killing 45 people on Sunday. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan (ANI)

"The attack was carried out even after the International Court of Justice ordered an end to the violence in Rafah. About 36,000 people have been killed so far in Israel's atrocities. Huge protests are taking place all over the world against this occupation, which is being supported by American imperialism," said the Kerala CM in a Facebook post as quoted by news agency PTI.

Vijayan further urged people around the globe to protest against Israel's actions in Gaza. He said, "Anti-imperialist forces and peace lovers around the world need to raise their voices against this terror. The people of Gaza must be given the opportunity to return to a natural life."

New moves to oppress the Palestinian people and militarise the region for imperialist occupation interests must be defeated, Vijayan added.

Meanwhile, in another strike in Gaza's Rafah, Israel killed 16 Palestinians, reported news agency AP citing first responders on Tuesday.

ALSO READ| Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens

The war in Gaza started after Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The Hamas terrorists slaughtered civilians, including women and children in the unprovoked attack. As per Israeli claims, they beheaded babies and raped multiple women. The terrorists abducted hundreds of Israelis and took them into their stronghold in Gaza.

During the brief truce between Israel and Hamas in November, the terrorists released more than a hundred Israeli hostages in exchange for the freedom of Palestinian prisoners. However, more than a hundred Israeli hostages are still held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

While efforts of a second or permanent ceasefire are on, Israel has launched an offensive in Gaza's Rafah, defying requests against it from countries across the world, including the United States.

Amid the ongoing war, thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives and thousands of buildings in Gaza, including hospitals, have been destroyed. The war has rendered millions homeless and created a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Kolkata, The Bangladesh Police may conduct DNA tests of the blood specimen found in a flat in New Town near here and match the results with that of one of the relatives of Bangladesh MP Anwarul Azim Anar to confirm that the politician was murdered, an officer said on Tuesday. Bangladesh MP murder: Police may conduct DNA test of blood found in Kolkata flat

It is suspected that Anar, who has been missing for a fortnight, was killed in that flat and his body parts were thrown into a canal.

The DNA tests would be conducted as the last option in case the body parts of the Awami League MP could not be found, an officer of the Dhaka police visiting Kolkata as part of the investigation said.

"In case the body parts are not found, then we will conduct DNA tests on the blood samples and match the result with the DNA of one of Anar's family members to establish the identity and start a case according to the law," the officer said.

A three-member team of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch is in the city to investigate the death of Anar. The team is being led by the Detective Branch chief Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid.

The Disaster Management Team of the Kolkata Police on Tuesday resumed search in the Bagjola canal adjacent to an amusement park near Rajarhat, an officer said.

Kolkata Police officers, however, said that finding the body parts would be a tough job due to heavy rainfall following Cyclone Remal on Monday.

"It's been over a fortnight that the crime was carried out. The body parts were chopped into smaller parts and there was a high chance that those were eaten up by aquatic animals. The Bagjola Canal has dirty water and the body parts could be swept away by the flow," the police officer said.

Divers were employed to spot the body parts as well as the murder tools from the canal, he added.

Assuming that blood was drained out from the bathroom of the flat, where the lawmaker of the Bangladeshi ruling party, was suspected of being murdered, a team of police officers were testing the drain pipes, he said.

The search for the missing MP, who reportedly arrived in Kolkata on May 12 to undergo medical treatment, 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.

Anar had stayed at Biswas's house upon arrival.

In his complaint, Biswas stated that Anar left his Baranagar residence for a doctor's appointment in the afternoon of May 13 and that he would be back home for dinner.

Biswas claimed that the Bangladesh MP went incommunicado on May 17, which prompted him to file a missing complaint a day later.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Toronto: The Canadian government has acknowledged that police clearance certificates are not necessary for those entering the country as temporary residents, including on study permits. Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller takes part in a press conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada January 29. (REUTERS)

Responding to repeated questions from Indo-Canadian MP Arpan Khanna during a sitting of the House of Commons Standing Committee Citizenship and Immigration on Monday, Canadas Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller said, I have never said such certificates are required for temporary residents.

Miller also said the government does verification, which he explained were biometrics, basically fingerprints which were run through partner and police databases. As for the police certificates from the country of origin, Miller said, We do not, as a routine matter, require them for temporary residents.

They may be required if an officer decides to do so as part of a cascading security screening, he added later.

Miller also dismissed the efficacy of such checks, as he said, You could imagine how unreliable those certificates would be.

The government has faced scrutiny over security checks on its intake of temporary residents, which includes international students particularly after it emerged that at least two of the four persons arrested in relation with the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar had come to Canada in that category.

Nijjar was killed on June 18 last year in Surrey, British Columbia, and four Indian nationals have been arrested and charged for their alleged involvement in that murder. Two of them Karan Brar and Karamdeep Singh were confirmed as having arrived in Canada as students, while a third, Amandeep Singh was also said to have studied in the country.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said that a number of people with organised crime links from Punjab had been made welcome in Canada.

He had added, We have been telling Canada saying, look these are wanted criminals from India, you have given them visas. But the Canadian government has not done anything.

However, Miller had rebutted Jaishankars statement on May 6, when he said, Were not lax. And the Indian foreign minister is entitled to his opinion. Im going to let him speak his mind. Its just not accurate.

He had also stated there was an elaborate process for screening student visa applicants, saying, You check them. If they have a criminal record; they dont come in.
Canada said on Monday it will issue visas to 5,000 Gazans, more than it originally pledged, and said it was "horrified" by an Israeli airstrike in Rafah that triggered a blaze causing 45 deaths. Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip. (AP)

The visas for Canadians' relatives living in the enclave represent a five-fold increase from the 1,000 temporary resident visas allotted under a special program that Canada announced in December.

"While movement out of Gaza is not currently possible, the situation may change at any time. With this cap increase, we will be ready to help more people as the situation evolves," Immigration Minister Marc Miller said.

A spokesperson for Miller said 448 Gazans had been issued a temporary visa, including 254 under a policy not related to the special visa program, and 41 have arrived in Canada so far.

An Israeli airstrike late on Sunday night triggered a fire in a tent camp in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, prompting an outcry from global leaders including from Canada.

"We are horrified by strikes that killed Palestinian civilians in Rafah," Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement, adding that Canada does not support an Israeli military operation in Rafah.

"This level of human suffering must come to an end. We demand an immediate ceasefire," Joly said, echoing global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court order to halt Israel's assault.

Canada has repeatedly supported calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, including at the United Nations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that the strike in Rafah had not been intended to cause civilian casualties and that something had gone "tragically wrong." Israel's military, which is trying to eliminate Hamas in Gaza, said it was investigating.

Nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive in Gaza, according to the local health ministry, and an estimated 1.7 million people, more than 75% of Gaza's population, have been displaced, according to the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA.

Israel launched its military campaign 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.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Rod Nickel and Mark Porter)
China showcased a robot dog equipped with an automatic rifle mounted on its back, during ongoing joint military exercise with Cambodia, reported CNN. A video of the combat ready robot dog has been shared on YouTube by China-backed CCTV Video News Agency. During the military exercise, China also showcased a "variety of intelligent unmanned equipment" like cargo drones and reconnaissance drones. China showcased a robot dog equipped with an automatic rifle mounted on its back, during ongoing joint military exercise with Cambodia(YouTube/ CCTV Video News Agency)

Sharing a video clip from the military exercise on Saturday, CCTV Video News Agency described it as "Intelligent equipment such as robot dog and drones are in spotlight at the ongoing China-Cambodia "Golden Dragon 2024" joint military exercise."

In the video shared, the robot dog can be seen walking, hopping, lying down and moving backwards while being controlled by a remote operator. In the video, a Chinese soldier informs that the robot dog weighs 15 kilograms and is equipped with a 4D wide-angle perception system.

"It can serve as a new member in our urban combat operations, replacing our (human) members to conduct reconnaissance and identify (the) enemy and strike the target," a soldier named Chen Wei said in the video.

ALSO READ| Blinken in Beijing and the mirage of US-China detente

With batteries and a power system in its abdomen, the robot dog can operate two to four hours, the video claims.

In the video, the rifle-firing robot dog can also be seen leading an infantry unit into a simulated building.

Ongoing China-Cambodia "Golden Dragon 2024" joint military exercise involves the participation of 1,315 Cambodian military personnel and 760 Chinese soldiers. The Golden Dragon exercises have been held on a regular basis since 2016, around the same time that Cambodia canceled similar exercises with the United States known as Angkor Sentinel.

Earlier, in November 2023, in a joint exercise held in China, involving the Chinese, Cambodian, Lao, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese militaries, rifle-armed robotic canines were shown.
France and Germany's leaders said on Tuesday Ukraine should be allowed to hit military sites inside Russia from which missiles were being fired at Ukrainian territory, but not other targets. Over two years into the deadliest land war in Europe since World War Two, as the West considers what to do about Russian military advances in Ukraine, Putin is increasingly evoking the risk of a global war. (AP/File)

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West earlier in the day that NATO members in Europe were playing with fire by proposing to let Ukraine use Western-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia, which he said could trigger a global conflict.

"We support Ukraine and we don't want escalation, that hasn't changed," French President Emmanuel Macron said at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Meseberg, Germany.

"We think we should allow them to neutralise military sites from which missiles are fired, military sites from which Ukraine is attacked, but we shouldn't allow them to hit other targets in Russia and civilian or other military sites in Russia."

Scholz said he agreed with Macron and that as long as Ukraine respected the conditions given by countries that supplied the weapons, including the United States, and international law, it was allowed to defend itself.

"Ukraine has every possibility under international law for what it is doing. That has to be said explicitly," Scholz said.

"I find it strange when some people argue that it should not be allowed to defend itself and take measures that are suitable for this."

Over two years into the deadliest land war in Europe since World War Two, as the West considers what to do about Russian military advances in Ukraine, Putin is increasingly evoking the risk of a global war, while Western leaders play it down.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the Economist that alliance members should let Ukraine strike deep into Russia with Western weapons, a view supported by some European members of the transatlantic alliance though not the United States.

In Germany too, there is some resistance to the idea, with fears of an escalation into a wider conflict likely to play a role in upcoming local and state elections in the formerly communist east of the country.

Scholz has refused to provide Kyiv Germany's long-range Taurus missiles, which could potentially reach Moscow.
Massachusetts, A deadly heat wave gripped large regions of Asia for weeks in April and May 2024. As temperatures climbed past 110 degrees Fahrenheit in India on May 7, campaigning politicians, local news announcers and voters waiting in long lines passed out from the oppressive heat. Heat waves can be deadly for older adults: An aging global population and rising temperatures mean millions are at risk

From as far north as Japan to as far south as the Philippines, the relentless heat wreaked havoc on everyday life. Students and teachers in Cambodia were sent home from school, as their hand-held fans provided little protection against the stifling heat and humidity in their poorly ventilated classrooms.

Farmers in Thailand saw their crops wither and mourned the loss of livestock that perished under the punishing sun. Hundreds of people died from the heat.

Most of the planet has suffered the dire effects of extreme heat in recent years.

A weekslong heat wave in the southwestern United States in 2023 was described as hell on earth in Phoenix, where temperatures hit 110 F or higher for 31 straight days.

At the same time, Europe saw unprecedented high temperatures that killed hundreds and contributed to devastating wildfires in Greece.

Regardless of where or when a heat wave strikes, one pattern is a constant: Older adults are the most likely to die from extreme heat, and this crisis will worsen in the coming years.

We study climate change and population aging. Our research documents two global trends that together portend a dire future.

More older adults will be at risk of heat stress

First, temperatures are hotter than ever. The nine-year period from 2015 and 2023 had the highest average temperatures since global records began in 1880.

Second, the population is aging worldwide. By 2050, the number of people ages 60 and older will double to nearly 2.1 billion, making up 21 per cent of the global population. That proportion is 13 per cent today.

These combined forces mean that ever-rising numbers of vulnerable older adults will be exposed to intensifying heat.

To understand the risks ahead, we developed population projections for different age groups and combined them with climate change scenarios for the coming decades. Our analyses show that by 2050, more than 23 per cent of the world population ages 69 and older will be living in regions where peak temperatures routinely surpass 99.5 degrees F , compared with just 14 per cent today.

That means that as many as 250 million additional older adults will be exposed to dangerously high temperatures.

Mapping the data shows that most of these older adults live in lower- and middle-income countries with insufficient services and limited access to electricity, cooling appliances and safe water.

In historically cooler regions in the Global North, including North America and Europe, rising temperatures will be the main force driving older adults heat exposure. In historically hotter regions in the Global South such as Asia, Africa and South America, population growth and increases in longevity mean that steeply rising numbers of older adults will be exposed to intensifying heat-related risks.

Policymakers, communities, families and older residents themselves need to understand these risks and be prepared because of older adults special vulnerabilities to heat.

Extreme heat is especially harmful to older adults

High temperatures are oppressive for everyone, but for older adults they can be deadly.

Extreme heat worsens common age-related health conditions such as heart, lung and kidney disease and can cause delirium. Older people dont sweat as much as younger people, which makes it harder for their bodies to cool down when temperatures spike. These problems are intensified by common prescription medications, such as anticholinergics, which further reduce the capacity to sweat.

Spending time outdoors in hot humid weather can cause dehydration, a problem worsened by the side effects of prescription medications such as diuretics and beta-blockers. Dehydration can make older adults weak and dizzy, increasing their risk of falls and injury.

These threats are even worse in regions lacking access to safe and affordable drinking water.

Poor air quality makes it difficult to breath, especially for those who already have lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

For older adults with physical health problems, temperatures as low as 80 F can pose significant danger. And when humidity is as high as 90 per cent, even 78 F can be hazardous to older adults.

Nighttime heat is especially harmful for older adults whose homes lack air conditioning or who cant afford to run their air conditioners for long periods.

The ideal temperature for older adults restful sleep is between 68 and 77 F , and sleep quality diminishes as temperatures rise. A night of restless sleep can make an older adult more depressed and confused during their waking hours.

Medications also can lose their effectiveness if stored in places much warmer than 77 F .

Older adults also may suffer emotionally during stifling heat waves

Being stuck indoors when temperatures are unbearable can make older adults bored, depressed and isolated. People with cognitive impairments may underestimate the dangers of extreme heat or may not understand the heat advisories.

Those who have physical mobility limitations or lack access to transportation cant easily travel to public cooling centers  if there is one nearby  or find relief in nearby green and blue areas, such as parks and lakes.

These threats are especially dire in low- and middle-income nations, where older adults are more likely to live in substandard housing and lack access to high-quality health care or ways to cool down in the heat.

We talk about this as systemic cooling poverty.

What can be done?

Policymakers can work to cut greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants and factories, which drive global warming, and develop effective plans to protect older people from heat risk. Older adults and their caregivers also can take steps to adapt.

But efforts to help need to be tailored to each region and population.

Wealthy municipalities can increase public investments in early warning systems and ride services to cooling centers and hospitals. They can use geographic information systems to identify neighborhoods with high concentrations of older adults and expand power grids to manage increasing demand for air conditioning.

In regions with substandard housing, limited access to clean water and few public supports such as cooling centers, much larger changes are necessary. Providing better health care, water and housing and reducing air pollution that can mitigate health problems during heat waves require significant changes and investments many countries struggle to afford.

The World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization warn that this decade will be critical for preparing communities to handle rising heat and the risk to aging populations.

Across all regions, researchers, practitioners and policymakers could save lives by heeding their call. NPK NPK

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
North Korea's latest military reconaissance satellite launch ended in failure as the rocket exploded and fell into the Yellow Sea shortly after liftoff. Analysts say it shows progress in the country's space ambitions despite the setback. A news program broadcasts a file image of a rocket launch by North Korea, at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 28, 2024.( (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon))

Tried a new liquid oxygen and petroleum engine: North Korea

North Korea said that tried a new "liquid oxygen and petroleum engine" with the rocket which failed during its first stage. Initial analysis suggests issues with the newly developed liquid-fuel rocket motor, though other causes are being investigated, according to the state media.

ALSO READ- North Korean rocket carrying its 2nd spy satellite explodes in mid-air

Analysts suggest Russia hand

While the rocket remains unnamed and no photos were released, analysts believe it differs from the Chollima-1 used in previous successful launches. The Chollima-1, which also had explosive test failures, uses hypergolic fuels that ignite on contact and are typically used in North Korea's nuclear missiles, which do not use liquid oxygen due to storage temperature challenges.

The new engine type may indicate Russian assistance, as Russia has previously vowed to help North Korea's satellite programme. Liquid oxygen engines, like those developed by Russia, require specialised storage and handling due to extremely low boiling points.

ALSO READ- Xi Jinping's order? China doesn't want social media influencers to flaunt wealth because

Why North Korea would test new fuel?

The shift to a new engine type might allow North Korea to differentiate its civilian space program from its missile program, which is banned by the UN Security Council. Russian experts have reportedly visited North Korea to aid in this effort, though the specifics of their assistance are unclear.

ALSO READ- ISRO tests Made-in-India 3D-printed rocket engine. What is it?

Analysts suggest that with proper data analysis from the failed launch, North Korea could attempt another launch soon.

(Inputs from Reuters)
A man in Indonesia got the shock of his life after he discovered that his wife was not a woman. The 26-year-old husband, known by his alias AK, discovered twelve days after his wedding with Adinda Kanza that she was a man disguising as a woman. A man in Indonesia got the shock of his life as he discovered that his wife was not a woman. (File photo)

According to a report in the South China Morning Post, AK first got in touch with Kanza on a social media platform in 2023. The two then met in person as well. As per the report, AK has shared that Kanza always wore traditional Muslim attire, covering her entire face whenever they met. Kanza's wearing of the niqab didn't raise suspicion as AK thought it was a reflection of her devotion to Islam.

The couple eventually got married. They had a modest wedding as Kanza allegedly told AK that she had no family to attend the ceremony.

ALSO READ| Relationship guide: 8 tips for newlyweds to navigate the initial months of marriage

AK's suspicions started when even after marriage, Kanza continued to hide her face from him and refused to socialise with his family and friends. Kanza allegedly refused to consummate their marriage and avoided intimacy, giving reasons ranging from her menstrual cycle to feeling unwell.

As his suspicions mounted, after twelve days, AK decided to investigate about his wife. He came to know that Kanza's parents were still alive. Shockingly, Kanza's parents were not aware of her marriage with him. He also discovered that Kanza was actually a man, identified as ESH, and had been cross-dressing since 2020.

During police investigation, Kanza revealed that she married AK to steal his family's assets. According to the police, Kanza disguised well with a woman-like high-thevoice.

''If you look at their wedding photos, Adinda looks exactly like a real woman. He also has a gentle voice and tone, so there was no suspicion at all about him being a woman,'' police said.

Under Indonesia's laws, Kanza is facing charges of fraud and may face up to four years in prison.
Israel's war in Gaza since the October 7 attack has revived a global push for Palestinians to be given a state of their own. Norway, Spain and Ireland on Tuesday became the latest countries to recognise a state of Palestine, breaking with the long-held view of Western powers that Palestinians can only gain statehood as part of a negotiated peace with Israel.(AFP)

Norway, Spain and Ireland on Tuesday became the latest countries to recognise a state of Palestine, breaking with the long-held view of Western powers that Palestinians can only gain statehood as part of a negotiated peace with Israel.

Their move, which has infuriated Israel, brings to 145 out of the 193 UN member states that have recognised a Palestinian state.

ALSO READ| Anti-imperialist forces need to: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan condemns Israel's Gaza offensive

They include many Middle Eastern, African and Asian countries, but not the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan or South Korea.

In April, the United States used its veto at the UN Security Council to prevent a Palestinian bid to become a full UN member state.

Here is a quick recap of the Palestinians' quest for statehood:

- 1988: Arafat proclaims state -

On November 15, 1988, during the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat unilaterally proclaimed an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

He made the announcement in Algiers, at a meeting of the exiled Palestinian National Council, which adopted the two-state solution as a goal, with independent Israeli and Palestinian states existing side-by-side.

Minutes later, Algeria became the first country to officially recognise an independent Palestinian state.

Within weeks, dozens of other countries, including much of the Arab world, India, Turkey, most of Africa and several central and eastern European countries had followed suit.

The next wave of recognitions came in late 2010 and early 2011, at a time of crisis in the Middle East peace process.

South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Chile answered calls by the Palestinians to endorse their statehood claims.

This came in response to Israel's decision to end a temporary ban on Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank.

- 2011-2012: UN recognition -

In 2011, with peace talks at a standstill, the Palestinians pushed ahead with a campaign for full UN membership for a State of Palestine.

The quest failed but, in a groundbreaking move on October 31 of that year, the UN cultural agency UNESCO voted to accept the Palestinians as a full member. In response, Israel and the United States suspended their funding of the body. They quit UNESCO outright in 2018, although the United States rejoined last year.

In November 2012, the Palestinian flag was raised for the first time at the United Nations in New York after the General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to upgrade the status of the Palestinians to "non-member observer state".

Three years later, the International Criminal Court also accepted Palestine as a state party.

- 2014: Sweden first in western Europe -

In 2014, Sweden, which has a large Palestinian community, became the first EU member in western Europe to recognise a Palestinian state.

The move followed months of almost daily clashes in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.

A state of Palestine had earlier been recognised by six other European countries -- Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania.

Israel reacted angrily to Stockholm's move, with then foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman telling the Swedes that "relations in the Middle East are a lot more complex than the self-assembly furniture of IKEA".

- 2024: New push in Europe -

Israel's relentless offensive in Gaza, which has left at least 36,050 people dead, according to the territory's health ministry, in retaliation for Hamas's killing of more than 1,170 people in Israel, has boosted support in Europe for Palestinian statehood.

After months of warnings, Norway, Spain and Ireland on Tuesday finally took the step, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez describing it as a matter of "historic justice."

Malta and Slovenia have also expressed "readiness" to recognise a Palestinian state when "the circumstances are right".

Australia too has floated the possibility of endorsing Palestinian statehood and President Emmanuel Macron has also said the question is no longer "a taboo for France" while insisting it must be done at the "right moment".
Israeli shelling and airstrikes killed at least 37 people, most of them sheltering in tents, outside the southern Gaza city of Rafah overnight and on Tuesday  pummeling the same area where strikes triggered a deadly fire days earlier in a camp for displaced Palestinians  according to witnesses, emergency workers and hospital officials. Smoke rises following Israeli strikes during an Israeli military operation in Rafah, as seen from Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. (Reuters)

The tent camp inferno has drawn widespread international outrage, including from some of Israels closest allies, over the militarys expanding offensive into Rafah. And in a sign of Israel's growing isolation on the world stage, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday.

The Israeli military suggested Sunday's blaze in the tent camp may have been caused by secondary explosions, possibly from Palestinian militants' weapons. The results of Israel's initial probe into the fire were issued Tuesday, with military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari saying the cause of the fire was still under investigation but that the munitions used  targeting what the army said was a position with two senior Hamas militants  were too small to be the source.

The strike or the subsequent fire could also have ignited have ignited fuel, cooking gas canisters or other materials in the camp. The blaze killed 45 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials count. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the fire was the result of a tragic mishap.

Israel's assault on Rafah, launched May 6, has caused more than 1 million people to flee the city, the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees said Tuesday. Most had already been displaced multiple times in the nearly eight-month war between Israel and Hamas. Families are now scattered across makeshift tent camps and other war-ravaged areas.

The strikes over the past few days have hit areas west of Rafah, which had not been ordered by the military to evacuate. Israeli ground troops and tanks have been operating in eastern Rafah, in central parts of the city, and along the Gaza-Egypt border.

Shelling late Monday and early Tuesday hit Rafahs western Tel al-Sultan district, killing at least 16 people, the Palestinian Civil Defense and the Palestinian Red Crescent said. Seven of the dead were in tents next to a U.N. facility about about 200 meters (yards) from the site of Sunday nights strike and fire.

It was a night of horror, said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Tel al-Sultan since December. He said he heard constant sounds of explosions overnight and into Tuesday, with fighter jets and drones flying over the area.

He said it reminded him of the Israeli invasion of his neighborhood of Shijaiyah in Gaza City, where Israel launched a heavy bombing campaign before sending in ground forces in late 2023. We saw this before, he said.

The United States and other allies of Israel have warned against a full-fledged offensive in the city, with the Biden administration saying that would cross a red line and refusing to provide offensive arms for such an undertaking. On Friday, the International Court of Justice called on Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, an order it has no power to enforce.

On Tuesday afternoon, an Israeli drone strike hit tents near a field hospital by the Mediterranean coast west of Rafah, killing at least 21 people, including 13 women, the Gaza Health Ministry said.

A witness, Ahmed Nassar, said his four cousins and some of their husbands and children were killed in the strike and that a number of tents were destroyed or damaged. Most of those living there had fled from the same neighborhood in Gaza City earlier in the war.

They have nothing to do with anything, he said.

Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead, saying Israeli forces must enter Rafah to dismantle Hamas and return hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

In its investigation of Sundays deadly strike and fire, the Israeli military released satellite photos of what it said was a Hamas rocket launch position about 40 meters (yards) from an area of sheds that was targeted. In the photo, the alleged launcher itself did not appear to have been struck.

He said Israeli warplanes used the smallest munition possible  two munitions with 17-kilogram warheads. Our munition alone could not have ignited a fire of this size, he said.

Hagari said that the fire was a devastating incident which we did not expect and said it ignited due to unforeseen circumstances.

Still, the strikes have triggered a flight of people from areas west of Rafah. Sayed al-Masri, a Rafah resident, said many families were heading to the crowded Muwasi area or to Khan Younis, a southern city that suffered heavy damage during months of fighting.

The situation is worsening in Rafah, al-Masri said.

Gazas Health Ministry said two medical facilities in Tel al-Sultan are out of service because of intense bombing nearby. Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charity operating throughout the territory, said the Tel al-Sultan medical center and the Indonesian Field Hospital were under lockdown, with medics, patients and displaced people trapped inside.

Most of Gazas hospitals are no longer functioning. Rafahs Kuwait Hospital shut down Monday after a strike near its entrance killed two health workers.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organization said the casualties from Sundays strike and fire absolutely overwhelmed field hospitals in the area, which were already running short on supplies to treat severe burns.

That requires intensive care, that requires electricity, that requires high-level medical services, Dr. Margaret Harris told reporters in Geneva. Increasingly, we are struggling to even have the high-level skilled doctors and nurses because theyve been displaced.

The war began when Hamas and other militants burst into southern Israel in a surprise attack on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 civilians and abducting around 250. More than 100 were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel responded to the attack with a massive air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 36,096 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. Around 80% of Gazas population of 2.3 million has been displaced and United Nations officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.

The fighting in Rafah has made it nearly impossible for humanitarian groups to import and distribute aid to southern Gaza.

The Israeli military says it has allowed hundreds of trucks to enter through the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing since the start of its operation, but aid groups say its extremely difficult to access that aid on the Gaza side because of the fighting.

The U.N. says it has only been able to collect aid from around 170 trucks over the past three weeks via Kerem Shalom. Smaller amounts of aid are entering through two crossings in the north and by sea through a U.S.-built floating pier, but its nowhere near the 600 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed.
Israeli strikes on Rafah have killed at least 16 Palestinians, first responders said Tuesday, as residents reported an escalation of fighting in the southern Gaza city. An Israeli army tank rolls along Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip on May 28, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas.(AFP)

An Israeli incursion launched in early May has caused nearly 1 million to flee from Rafah, most of whom have already been displaced in the war between Israel and Hamas, and who are now seeking refuge in squalid tent camps and war-ravaged areas.

The United States and other close allies of Israel have warned against a full-fledged offensive in the city, with the Biden administration saying it would cross a red line and refusing to provide offensive arms for such an undertaking. On Friday, the International Court of Justice called on Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, an order it has no power to enforce.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead, saying Israeli forces must go into Rafah in order to dismantle Hamas and return hostages taken in the October 7 attack that triggered the war.

ALSO READ| Tanks reach Rafah's centre as Israel accelerates assault amid global scrutiny

The latest strikes occurred in the same area where Israel targeted what it said was a Hamas compound on Sunday night. That strike ignited a fire in a camp for displaced Palestinians and killed at least 45 people, according to local health officials, sparking worldwide outrage.

Netanyahu said there was a tragic mishap" on Sunday and the military said it was investigating.

Strikes overnight killed a total of 16 people in the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood in northwest Rafah, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Israel says it is carrying out limited operations in eastern Rafah along the Gaza-Egypt border. But residents reported heavy bombardment overnight in western parts of Rafah as well.

It was a night of horror, said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Tel al-Sultan since December. He said he heard constant sounds of explosions overnight and into Tuesday morning, with fighter jets and drones flying over the area.

He said it reminded him of the Israeli invasion of of his neighbourhood of Shijaiyah in Gaza City, where Israel launched a heavy bombing campaign before sending in ground forces in late 2023. We saw this before, he said.

Sayed al-Masri, a Rafah resident, said many families have been forced to flee their homes and shelters, with most heading for the crowded Mawasi area, where giant tent camps have been set up on a barren coastline, or to Khan Younis, a southern city that suffered heavy damage during months of fighting.

The situation is worsening in Rafah, al-Masri said.

Gaza's Health Ministry said two medical facilities in Tel al-Sultan have been taken out of service because of intense bombing nearby. Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charity operating throughout the territory, said the Tel al-Sultan medical centre and the Indonesian Field Hospital were under lockdown, with medics, patients and displaced people trapped inside.

Most of Gaza's hospitals are no longer functioning. The Kuwait Hospital in Rafah shut down Monday after a strike near its entrance killed two health workers.

The war began when Hamas and other militants burst into southern Israel in a surprise attack on October 7, killing some 1,200 civilians and abducting around 250. More than 100 were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel responded to the October 7 attack with a massive air, land and sea offensive that has killed over 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. Around 80 per cent of Gaza's population of 2.3 million has been displaced and United Nations officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.
Casting Prince William in the role of the new generation of the monarchy, King Charles III recently joined him at an official event. The latter has, so to speak, officially promoted him to the rank of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, as one royal expert told The Daily Beast, stating that this is a bitter kick in the teeth for Prince Harry.  King Charles III, front right, Camilla, the Queen Consort, Prince Harry and Prince William watch as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is placed into the hearse following the state funeral service in Westminster Abbey in central London Monday Sept. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, Pool, File)(AP)

Charles arrived by helicopter for the special ceremony, where he formally handed over command of the armys airborne unit to William. This unit holds particular significance as Prince Harry, who flew Apaches as part of the Air Corps during his tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Given Prince Harrys connection with the regiment, there had been speculation that he would take over as its patron.

However, Harry's departure from his role as a working member of the royal family in 2020 altered these expectations. Instead, the palace announced last year that Prince William would be appointed to the role. The decision to formalize the handover was only made public last week, coinciding with the Duke of Sussexs disclosure that his father had declined to meet him during his visit to the UK due to full programme.

ALSO READ| Wounded Prince William bracing from a second Prince Harry memoir, claims royal author

Charles camp clarified that no formal request for a meeting was made by Harry

At the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, His Majesty The King will officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. In August 2023, following His Majesty's Accession, The King was pleased to announce military appointments including that The Prince of Wales would become Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The role was previously held by His Majesty The King, as Prince of Wales, for 31 years, a palace spokesperson told in a statement last week.

Duncan Larcombe, former royal editor of The Sun and author of a biography of Prince Harry, said, Williams appointment as the head of Prince Harrys old regiment is a bitter kick in the teeth for Prince Harry. It really will have got under his skin as it was one of the few things he truly excelled at.

Plus, the sight of William and his father so closely and visibly united today makes a striking parallel to the events of last week, where Charles went to great lengths to avoid being seen with Harry.

ALSO READ| Kate Middleton out and about with Prince William and their family amidst cancer treatment: Report

Recently, a royal author, Robert Hardman, highlighted that Prince William fears a second Prince Harry book which can spill out more secrets.

The problem that exists is, at the moment, there is still a trust issue. People are still very wounded, particularly Prince William, that these intimate private childhood family moments all spilled out in Harrys book, he said.
By Ju-min Park and Josh Smith North Korea says it tried new fuel in satellite launch that ended in fiery explosion

SEOUL -North Korea's latest satellite launch exploded in a fireball before dropping into the Yellow Sea just minutes after lifting off, but analysts say the attempt showcased new strides in the nuclear-armed country's race for space.

North Korea said its latest attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite failed in flight on Monday during the rocket's first stage, which featured a new "liquid oxygen and petroleum engine".

An initial analysis suggested that the cause of the failure involved the newly developed liquid-fuel rocket motor, but other possible causes were being investigated, a report carried by state media KCNA said.

Although state media did not name the rocket or release photos, analysts said it was most likely different from the Chollima-1 rocket used in the successful satellite launch in November 2023. The Chollima-1, which also suffered several explosive test failures, uses hypergolic fuels, substances that can be stored at room temperature but ignite on contact each other, requiring careful handling.

U.S. officials and independent analysts said the Chollima-1 appeared to be based on systems developed for North Korea's nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, which typically do not use liquid oxygen because of frigid temperatures required for storage.

A petroleum fuel and liquid oxygen engine may suggest that Russia, which vowed last year to help North Korea's satellite programme, may have provided assistance, said Lee Choon-geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea's Science and Technology Policy Institute.

"Even if it failed, it is a huge leap," he said, noting that some of South Korea's space rockets were initially developed with Russia decades ago and use similar technology. "Russia is the strongest country for liquid oxygen-kerosene fuel, and our Naro and Nuri rockets have adopted it through technical cooperation with Russia."

Liquid oxygen boils at -183C , and requires specialised fuel storage and other equipment, Lee said. That may account for why North Korea conducted multiple static rocket tests late last year, he added.

"It is quite difficult to solve combustion instability problems of this fuel system and apply materials and parts that can withstand extremely low temperatures," Lee said.

Some analysts questioned why North Korea would switch engine types, but Lee said it could allow Pyongyang to separate its civilian space program from the ballistic missiles banned by the United Nations Security Council.

Russian experts have visited North Korea to help with the satellite and space rocket program, Yonhap news agency reported, citing an unnamed South Korean senior defence official.

Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang have detailed what aid is being provided.

Shin Jong-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Defense and Security Forum, said that if Russia helped design the new rocket or satellite, North Korea would also most likely need Russian components well into the future, deepening the cooperation.

"North Koreans can re-launch soon if they obtain and analyse data correctly for that two-minute flight," Shin said.

South Korea's military, however, said it could take North Korea some time before it can try to launch again.

South Korea released video footage on Tuesday that its military said showed the moment the launch ended in failure.

The one-minute black-and-white video provided by the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff showed what appeared to be an explosion in the sky followed by flashes.

The footage was filmed by an observation device on a South Korean patrol vessel, the JCS said.

Footage released on Monday by Japanese broadcaster NHK, filmed from the Chinese border city of Dandong, showed a similar ball of flame that officials said was probably exploding fuel.

Nuclear envoys of South Korea, the United States and Japan had a phone call on Tuesday and strongly condemned the launch as a direct violation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions banning the North's use of ballistic missile technology, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

The launch came hours after China, South Korea, and Japan wrapped up a rare three-way summit in Seoul.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A royal author has said that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are trying to take advantage at a time when King Charles and Prince William are not able to conduct overseas royal tours. Just this month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex went on a Nigeria tour. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle blasted for taking advantage while royals are unable to conduct overseas tours (Photo by Kola SULAIMON / AFP)(AFP)

Both Charles and Kate Middleton are battling cancer. While the king is back to his royal duties, Kate still remains away from the public eye as she undergoes treatment.

The royals who go out have a lot of discussion and weeks of studying, royal commentator Angela Levin said, according to GB News.

Her behaviour which was so inappropriate will slide down to affect the Royal Family, Levin continued, referring to Meghan. They had so much royal stuff that it wasnt just a visit.

She added, It was Harry and Meghan trying to take over the advantage that King Charles and William cant go away. They can, and they can take it away from the Royal Family. They want to show theyre modern, fun and everything else.

I think it is very provocative

Levin had also criticised Meghans fashion choices in Nigeria. She went to a school, a very religious school, and she went with a backless dress, Levin said. You dont do that. I think it is very provocative. If she was representing the Royal Family, she would not have been wearing anything like that.

I thought it was absolutely appalling. I was livid with it. I thought her choice of clothing was absolutely terrible, she added.

It is hugely important for us to meet directly with people

Harry previously spoke out about the tour, telling People, It is hugely important for us to meet directly with people, supporting our causes and listening, in order to bring about solutions, support and positive change.

Theres only so much one can do from home and over Zoom, so we look forward to travelling more because the work matters, he added. Whether its the Archewell Foundation, Invictus, or any of our other causes, there will always be reasons to meet the people at the heart of our work.
A royal commentator has revealed why Meghan Markle decided to cut ties with the UK. Earlier this month, the Duchess of Sussex notably did not attend Prince Harry's Invictus Games event in the UK. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. Royal commentator has revealed why Meghan Markle chose to cut ties with the UK (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)(AP)

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News that Meghan decided to stay away from the UK because of the rift between the royal family and the Sussexes, and also due to her poor approval rating. It was not a question of supporting him [Harry], she [Meghan] was not coming here because her ratings in the polls are terrible, Fitzwilliams said.

"The Royal Family has this huge rift, so there are all sorts of reasons why she chose to stay away, he added. "She assumed which turned out to be the case that she would get positive publicity in Nigeria. It made total sense not to accompany Harry to St Paul's Cathedral, it would have been unthinkable a few years ago that this would happen but it has."

I think they will be very satisfied

Meghan did not join Harry at the event, but flew to Heathrow Airport to meet him before the two of them travelled to Nigeria. The Sussexes championed mental health awareness during several events in the country.

"I think they will be very satisfied with it because it was a private visit that had all the trappings of a royal visit, Fitzwilliams said. "So in reality, people conflated the two, and it had enormous press coverage.

He added, "They had huge international coverage so what this gives them is an opportunity to build the value of their brand internationally by doing this again. Now that they have beefed up their communication team, I would expect them to do this again. This puts them much more into the A-lister bracket. What they had done before was not that much or that impressive.
Israeli tanks reached the centre of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, witnesses said, three weeks into a ground operation in the southern Gaza city that has sparked global condemnation. Smoke billows following Israeli strikes in Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group.(AFP)

The tanks were spotted near Al-Awda mosque, a central Rafah landmark, the witnesses told Reuters. The Israeli military said its forces continued to operate in the Rafah area without commenting on reported advancements into the city centre.

Overnight, its forces pounded the city with airstrikes and tank fire, residents said, pressing its offensive despite an international outcry over an attack on Sunday that sparked a blaze in a tent camp, killing at least 45 Palestinians, more than half of them children, women and the elderly.

Since that strike, at least 26 more people have been killed by Israeli fire in Rafah, officials in the enclave run by Hamas militants said.

Israeli tanks pushed towards western neighbourhoods and took positions on the Zurub hilltop in western Rafah in one of the worst nights of bombardment reported by residents. On Tuesday, witnesses reported gunbattles between Israeli troops and Hamas-led fighters in the Zurub area.

Witnesses in Rafah said the Israeli military appeared to have brought in remote-operated armoured vehicles and there was no immediate sign of personnel in or around them. An Israeli military spokesperson had no immediate response.

Since Israel launched its incursion by taking control of the border crossing with Egypt three weeks ago, tanks had probed around the edges of Rafah and entered some of its eastern districts but had not yet entered the city in full force.

Reacting to Sunday night's attack in a camp where families displaced from assaults elsewhere in Gaza had sought shelter, global leaders urged the implementation of a World Court order to halt Israel's assault.

Residents said the Tel Al-Sultan area, the scene of Sunday's deadly strike, was still being heavily bombarded.

"Tank shells are falling everywhere in Tel Al-Sultan. Many families have fled their houses in western Rafah under fire throughout the night," one resident told Reuters over a chat app.

Around one million people have fled the Israeli offensive in Rafah since early May, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported on Tuesday.

Israel has kept up attacks despite a ruling by the top U.N. court on Friday ordering it to stop, arguing that the court's ruling grants it some scope for military action there.

Spain, Ireland and Norway will officially recognise a Palestinian state on Tuesday, despite an angry reaction from Israel, which has found itself increasingly isolated after more than seven months of conflict in Gaza.

The three nations have painted their decision as a way to speed efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas.

More than 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.

Israel says it wants to root out Hamas fighters holed up in Rafah and rescue hostages it says are being held in the area.
IT HAD been expected in Israel for weeks, but was still a shock when it came. On May 20th the prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, announced that he was requesting arrest warrants for Binyamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, Israels prime minister and defence minister, as well as the leaders of Hamas, the Islamists who launched the deadly attack on Israel on October 7th last year, on charges of war crimes.

The prospect of their leaders appearing in the dock along with the perpetrators of a massacre against them is unthinkable for Israelis. But it is a sign of the horror with which many have come to view their governments devastating war in Gaza. Mr Khan, a British lawyer, issued detailed and lengthy accusations against both sides. He opened with the allegations against the Hamas chiefs, Yahya Sinwar (pictured right), Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh, detailing the murder, sexual assault and kidnapping of Israeli citizens. But the charges against the Israeli ministers were no less pointed.

Read all our coverage of the war between Israel and Hamas

Mr Khan noted that Israel has the right to protect its citizens, but he accused it of having pursued starvation as a method of war in Gaza. Israel has denied this charge, pointing to the aid convoys that have been allowed through. But this has mainly happened in the past couple of months and under international pressure. There is ample evidence that Israel has closed routes into Gaza and disrupted the supply of aid. Earlier in the war Israeli ministers also made clear in public their intention to impose a total siege on Gaza. Mr Khan has chosen to focus on these war tactics, rather than the bombing of civilian areas. He has also chosen, at least for now, to target Israels political leaders rather than its generals. Nor did the charge sheet include the allegation of genocide. Mr Khan may be sticking to crimes that are easier to prove.

The judges in the ICCs pre-trial chamber must now decide whether there is enough evidence to issue the arrest warrants. Even if they do, Israel has not ratified the Rome statute setting up the ICC, so is under no legal obligation to hand over its leaders. Mr Sinwar and Mr Deif are hiding in Gaza and Mr Haniyeh rarely, if ever, travels to a country which is a party to the treaty. A trial in The Hague is unlikely.

But it is still devastating; far more so for Israel, a country with a democratically elected government and aspirations to be part of the Western world, than for Hamas, a terrorist group. Some Western leaders have already criticised the ICC for implying an equivalence between the leaders of Hamas and Israel. However, if the prosecutors request is granted, they would be legally bound to arrest Mr Netanyahu if he travels to their countries.

America, which like Israel is not a signatory, has a different dilemma. For months Joe Biden, the president, has both publicly and privately beseeched Mr Netanyahu to allow more aid through and to go to greater lengths to avoid civilian casualties. In recent weeks he has delayed at least one shipment of arms that could be used in Israels offensive on the city of Rafah. The ICC prosecutors claims are in line with the American criticisms, but Mr Biden nonetheless called them outrageous.

America has a mixed relationship with the court. Donald Trump, Mr Bidens predecessor (and possible successor), issued sanctions against the ICC for investigating allegations of war crimes committed by American troops in Afghanistan. Mr Biden lifted those sanctions and worked with the court on issuing an arrest warrant last year for Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia. Americas response this time, however, is shaped by the fact that Israel is one of its closest allies.

At home, Mr Netanyahu got rare support from his political foes. It is not possible to issue arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Sinwar and Deif, said Yair Lapid, an opposition leader who has told Mr Netanyahu to resign. There is no such comparison. We cannot accept it and it is unforgivable. Benny Gantz, another rival of the prime minister also rallied around him.

But this will almost certainly be short-lived. Israeli security officials have been quietly warning politicians that withholding humanitarian aid early in the war would come back to haunt Israel. It should have been clear they would have to walk back the bombastic statements on besieging Gaza, said one army officer. So why do it in the first place?

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 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
The United States expressed deep concern to Israel's government over an airstrike in Rafah and urged an investigation as soon as it saw reports of the incident, the State Department said on Tuesday, adding that Washington will closely watch the results of Israel's probe. Damage at the site of an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced people in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. (Bloomberg)

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that the military operations that Israel has so far conducted in Rafah have not been as large-scale as the ones it has carried out in central or northern Gaza. The Biden administration has repeatedly warned Israel against launching a large-scale military offensive in Rafah.

The U.S. will continue to emphasize to Israel its obligation to comply fully with international humanitarian law, minimize the impact of its operations on civilians and maximize the flow of humanitarian assistance, Miller said.

Israel's three-week-old Rafah offensive stirred renewed outrage after an airstrike on Sunday ignited a blaze in a tent camp in a western district, killing at least 45 people.

Israel said it had targeted two senior Hamas operatives in a compound and had not intended to cause civilian casualties.

Global leaders voiced horror at the fire in a designated "humanitarian zone" of Rafah where families uprooted by fighting elsewhere had sought shelter.

Miller said Israel should not carry out strikes in the designated safer areas to which they have told people to move, adding that Israel has said that is not what happened.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in Rafah over the weekend," Miller told reporters.

"Israel has a right to go after the Hamas terrorists responsible for the cold-blooded murder of civilians, as appears to have been Israel's game here, and Hamas should stop hiding behind civilians in Gaza. But Israel also has the obligation to do everything possible to minimize civilian harm as it carries out its operations."

Miller also said the humanitarian situation throughout Gaza continues to be incredibly challenging.

Rafah was a major entry point for humanitarian relief before Israel stepped up its military offensive on the Gaza side of the border earlier this month and seized control of the crossing from the Palestinian side.

More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, Gaza's health ministry says. Israel launched its air and ground war 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.
Stormy Daniels, entangled in Donald Trumps hush money trial, believes there's no end to her ordeal. Amid the ongoing legal battle, the adult film star has disclosed that she is facing a barrage of death threats. The amount of backlash has only increased in the wake of the trial, leaving Daniels in a state of profound distress. Earlier, her lawyer claimed that despite the former president being on trial, it was his client who needed to wear a bulletproof vest every now and then. With Trump eyeing the White House for a second time, she fears that the situation will get even worse. A combination photo shows adult film actress Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels speaking in New York City, and US President Donald Trump speaking in Washington, Michigan, US on April 16, 2018 and April 28, 2018 respectively.(REUTERS)

Stormy Daniels receiving death threats'

Speaking to The Mirror, Daniels said, Back in 2018, there was stuff like liar,' sl**,' gold digger.' This time around, its different. It is direct threats. It is Im going to come to your house to slit your throat. For unversed, the trial of Donald Trump is coming to a close. After almost five weeks of testimony, the prosecution and defence have wrapped up their cases in an epic hush-money trial. Closing arguments are set to begin on Tuesday, and then the jury will begin to weigh in.

Also read: Massiel Taveras speaks out on pushing Cannes guard incident, praises 'queen' Kelly Rowland; 'We need..

Should the outcome turn unfavourable for Trump, he would mark a historic moment, as the first former US president to face a criminal conviction, particularly when he is currently campaigning for the next presidential election with a solid voter base. Trump's supporters are growing increasingly agitated, and abuse directed towards Daniels has heightened following reports suggesting a high likelihood of Trump facing charges.

Threats escalate against Stormy Daniels as Hush Money trail nears end

Theyre not even using bot accounts, theyre using their real accounts, Daniel says, stressing that people are so angry because they think she played a role in bringing down Donald Trump that they have defended themselves and their behaviour as justifiable.

I compare them to suicide bombers. They legitimately think that what theyre doing is right. Those people who see me as a villain. It just makes me scratch my head and really question how they would want their daughters treated, or their sisters, or their mother. The adult star, alleged to have been paid $130,000 by Trump, further commented.

The case centres on 34 criminal charges accusing the former president of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment paid to Daniels in 2016. The payment, made by Trumps former fixer Michael Cohen, is believed to have been made to buy Daniels silence about the alleged affair at a critical time in the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump denies any wrongdoing, including the alleged affairs. As the trial draws to a conclusion, her remarks will be highlighted in a brand-new television documentary titled Stormy, which will premiere in the UK on Tuesday night on Channel 5.

Also read: Jujutsu Kaisen faces backlash in Japan for controversial Chapter 261; hate seeing Yuta like

I wanted to die. If I had all of these legal bills piled up. I would never have been able to pay them. And Clark (her attorney) is the only one who never charged me and kept fighting for me. I cant even imagine where I would be. Daniels was heard speaking her heart out in one of the segment of the documentary.
One of Americas most venerable and politically active Jewish families reportedly funnelled tens of thousands of dollars to organizations to provoke pro-Palestinian riots on college campuses. Demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment on Columbia's Campus barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, where the office of the Dean is located in New York City.(Photo by Alex Kent / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)

This family, which houses a sitting US congressman and an ex-ambassadorship to Jerusalem, is essentially blessed and owes it fortune to Levi Strauss, the denim tycoons.

A recent report by the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), which is a think-tank sponsored by Israel, stated that the Bafrayung Fund was the biggest sponsor of pro-Palestinian activist groups participating in college demonstrations.

It includes gifts to any group that has ever sponsored such events. It confirms that the Bafrayung Fund, headquartered in Covina, California, is consistently providing support to the Palestinian Youth Movement, which has been instrumental in recent campus encampments, as well as its allies, the Arab Resource and Organizing Center and Critical Resistance.

Each of these organizations has used from the river to the sea as their controversial slogan, whereas critics claim it means the destruction of Israel. However, there are those, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who refute this characterization.

ALSO READ| Israeli strikes kill at least 37 Palestinians, most in tents, near Gaza's Rafah as offensive expands

Levi Strauss scion behind campus anti-Israel protests: Report

Behind the Bafrayung Fund is 33-year-old Rachel Gelman, a Bay Area resident and scion of the Levi Strauss family, and cousin to Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY). The Fund's money comes from Gelman and the Morningstar Philanthropic Foundation, her parents' charity. Her parents are major Democratic Party donors and own a chain of publications for East Coast Jewish communities. They have long been active in organizations promoting American-Israeli relations.

Rachel Gelman's mother, Susie Gelman, was appointed last summer by President Joe Biden to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Susie Gelman's grandfather, Walter Haas, transformed Levi Strauss into a global denim brand, and her father, Richard Goldman, founded a major insurance company. Her late brother was a federal prosecutor and father to the current U.S. representative.

Susie Gelman's involvement in Jewish issues began early, meeting her husband through a youth group of the organization now called the Jewish Federations of North America. They co-own the Mid-Atlantic Media Group, publishing several Jewish newspapers.

Susie Gelmans attachment to Israel started young, with her first trip to the country at 16. During the Second Intifada, she volunteered at a Jerusalem hospital. More recently, she served as chairwoman of the Israel Policy Forum from 2016 to 2023, using the platform to criticize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite tensions with Israel's current leadership, the Gelmans are major supporters of the Birthright Israel Foundation, sponsoring free trips for Jewish young adults to Israel.

ALSO READ| US expressed deep concern to Israel over Rafah airstrike, State Department says

Bafrayung Fund has been funded by Gelmens family with Morningstar Philanthropic contributing $3,470,000 between 2019 and 2022. The fund is used to promote several left-wing causes including pro-Palestinian activity.

Palestinian Youth Movement received $60,000 from it while Arab Resource and Organizing Center was given $40,000. Just recently Palestinian Youth Movement has documented on its role in the recent campus protests such as the one held at Columbia University.
Donald Trump is innocent and did not break the law, a lawyer for the former president told jurors during closing arguments Tuesday as the landmark hush money trial moved closer to its conclusion. Former President Donald Trump appears at Manhattan criminal court before closing arguments in his criminal hush money trial in New York, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (Andrew Kelly/Pool Photo via AP)(AP)

The arguments, expected to last the entire day, will give attorneys one last chance to address the Manhattan jury and to score final points with the panel before it starts deliberating the fate of the first former American president to be charged with felony crimes.

President Trump is innocent. He did not commit any crimes, and the district attorney has not met their burden of proof, period," said defense attorney Todd Blanche, who said the evidence in the case should leave you wanting" and that the prosecution's star witness told "lies" on the stand and cannot be trusted.

The consequences of the lack of proof that you all heard over the past five weeks are simple, Blanche said. A not guilty verdict, period.

After more than four weeks of testimony, the summations tee up a momentous and historically unprecedented task for the jury as it decides whether to convict the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in connection with payments during the 2016 election to prevent a porn actor from going public with her claims of a sexual encounter with Trump.

Because prosecutors have the burden of proof in the case, they will deliver their arguments last.

Prosecutors will tell jurors that they have heard enough testimony to convict Trump of all charges while defense attorneys are aiming to create doubts about the strength of the evidence by targeting the credibility of Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer and personal fixer who pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in the hush money payments and who served as the star prosecution witness in the trial.

You can not convict President Trump, you can not convict President Trump of any crime beyond a reasonable doubt on the word of Michael Cohen, Blanche said, adding that Cohen told you a number of things that were lies, pure and simple.

After closing arguments are given, the judge will instruct the jury, likely Wednesday, on the law governing the case and the factors the panel can take into account during deliberations. The deliberations will then proceed in secret, though some clues as to the jury's thinking may arrive through any notes it sends to the judge with questions.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, charges punishable by up to four years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. It's unclear whether prosecutors would seek imprisonment in the event of a conviction, or if the judge would impose that punishment if asked.

The case centers on a $130,000 payment Cohen made to porn actor Stormy Daniels in the final days of the 2016 election to prevent her from going public with her story of a sexual encounter she says she had with Trump 10 years earlier in a Lake Tahoe hotel suite. Trump has denied Daniels' account, and his attorney, during hours of questioning in the trial, accused her of making it up.

When Trump reimbursed Cohen, the payments were logged as being for legal services, which prosecutors say was designed to conceal the true purpose of the transaction with Daniels and to illegally interfere in the 2016 election, in which Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump's lawyers contend they were legitimate payments for actual legal services, and they say that his celebrity status, particularly during the campaign, made him a target for extortion.

Blanche, delivering a PowerPoint presentation to jurors, pointed to emails and testimony showing that Cohen did indeed work on some legal matters for Trump that year. While Cohen characterized that work as very minimal, Blanche argued otherwise.

Cohen lied to you. Cohen lied to you, Blanche said, his voice getting more emphatic

The nearly two dozen witnesses included Daniels, who described in sometimes vivid detail the encounter she says she had with Trump; David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, who testified that he used his media enterprise to protect Trump by squelching stories that could harm his campaign, including by paying $150,000 to a former Playboy model to keep her from going public with a claim that she had had a yearlong affair with Trump; and Cohen, who testified that Trump was intimately involved in the hush money discussions  Just pay it, the now-disbarred lawyer quoted Trump as saying.

Prosecutors are expected to remind jurors of the bank statements, emails and other documentary evidence they have viewed, as well as an audio recording in which Cohen and Trump can be heard discussing the deal involving the Playboy model, Karen McDougal. Trump has denied a relationship with McDougal too.

Defense lawyers called two witnesses  neither of them Trump. They focused much of their energy on discrediting Cohen, pressing him on his own criminal history, his past lies and his recollection of key details.

On cross-examination, for instance, Cohen admitted stealing tens of thousands of dollars from Trumps company by asking to be reimbursed for money he had not spent. Cohen acknowledged once telling a prosecutor he felt that Daniels and her lawyer were extorting Trump.

Though jurors witnessed numerous memorable moments, they won't be told during closing arguments about exchanges and rulings that occurred outside their presence  and there were many. Judge Juan M. Merchan, for instance, fined Trump $10,000 for violating a gag order barring incendiary out-of-court comments and threatened to jail him if it continued.

The New York prosecution is one of four criminal cases pending against Trump as he seeks to reclaim the White House from Democrat Joe Biden.

The three other state and federal cases center on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents at his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election. But its unclear that any of them will reach trial before the November election.
Joe Biden has ignited a heated debate online after he was caught sleeping during the Memorial Day service at Arlington Cemetary. The video that has been making rounds on social media shows the US President with his eyes closed during an address by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. U.S. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Commanding Army General Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington, U.S., May 27, 2024. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno(REUTERS)

Biden sparks outrage after falling asleep during Memorial Day service

The POTUS marked the federal holiday that is observed in honour of fallen soldiers with a sombre speech on Monday. Freedom has never been guaranteed  every generation has to earn it, fight for it, defend it in battle between autocracy and democracy, between the greed of a few and the rights of many. It matters, our democracy is more than just a system of government. Its the very soul of America, he said.

However, it was during Austin's address that Biden seemingly fell asleep as the viral video shows him keeping his eyes closed over a prolonged period of time. He appeared to move at times and even placed his hand on his forehead. Internet personality Graham Allen shared the clip on X, formerly Twitter, with the caption, Joe Biden was literally sleeping during a MEMORIAL DAY ceremony. DISGUSTING.

The post quickly went viral, attracting more than 500K views and over 700 replies on the platform. One user said in response to the video, This man is such a disgrace to this nation, while another furious netizen wrote, Hopefully hes out of office.. I dont want 4 more years

Yet another user said, And thats the way hes running the country! Sleeping while the radicals are putting their policies in place. As several users called Biden Sleepy Joe, many went on to draw parallels between Biden and Donald Trump, who also sparked outrage after allegedly falling asleep during his fraud trial.
After stepping down from their royal duties, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ventured into various sectors, from Netflix docuseries to managing Invictus and engaging in philanthropy. Now, they have launched a new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard with two new OTT shows on cards. However, reports indicate that Meghan's dream after leaving the UK palace remains unfulfilled, unlike Prince Harry's cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who pursue regular jobs and avoid the spotlight. FILE - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul's Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.(AP)

Meghan Markle wanted to be superstar

When Harry and Meghan stepped down from their working royal status back in 2020, the couple sought a more private life away from tabloid attention. However, royal commentator Jane Barr suggests that it was actually the opposite. In his newsletter 'From Berkshire to Buckingham,' Barr pens that Meghan may have desired more spotlight, considering her successful acting career prior to meeting Harry. As per Mirror, the expert adds that working as royals in a 'half in and half out' capacity wouldn't have satisfied Meghan, who had ambitious goals in mind."

Also read: Prince Harrys kids Archie and Lilibets working royals future depends on THIS unexpected Royal member

"Meghan wanted to take her HRH and her title and be a superstar in her own sphere on the international stage," Barr states adding, this would be wholly separate from the control of the Crown."

Meghan might not be content with the quiet lives of Harry's cousins

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the York sisters and siblings of Prince William and Prince Harry, lead relatively low-key lives despite their royal lineage. The author suggests Meghan wouldn't have been happy with the quiet lives of royal cousins. Looking back to Megxit, Harry was not just the grandson of the Queen, the same relationship all his cousins had to the sovereign, he was the son of the future King.

Also read: Nicki Minaj honours dear friend Princess Diana at UK concert after apologising over arrest row

As per Barr, despite Harry's frustrations about being the spare heir, the author suggests that he has always been senior to his cousins in terms of royal status and treatment. William and Harry were  from birth  preeminent royals, while their cousins, although celebrated, surely, began as secondary royals and only continued to fade as the years went by. 
Melinda French Gates says she will be donating $1 billion over the next two years to individuals and organizations working on behalf of women and families globally, including on reproductive rights in the United States. Melinda French Gates to donate $1B over next 2 years in support of women's rights

French Gates earlier this month announced she would step down from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and vowed to focus on women and families.

French Gates, one of the biggest philanthropic supporters of gender equity in the U.S., said Tuesday in a guest essay for The New York Times that she's been frustrated over the years by people who say it's not the right time to talk about gender equality.

"Decades of research on economics, well-being and governance make it clear that investing in women and girls benefits everyone," she wrote.

French Gates touched upon the high maternal mortality rates in the U.S., noting that Black and Native American mothers are at the highest risk.

Women in 14 states have lost the right to terminate a pregnancy under almost any circumstances. We remain the only advanced economy without any form of national paid family leave. And the number of teenage girls experiencing suicidal thoughts and persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness is at a decade high, she said.

French Gates said over the last few weeks she's started directing new grants through her organization, Pivotal Ventures, to groups working in the U.S. to protect women's rights and advance their power and influence. The groups include the National Womens Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Teresa Younger, the president and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women, who also received a grant, has long called on donors to give unrestricted, multi-year funding to organizations. She praised French Gates' new commitment as a part of a larger trend of major women donors giving generously to nonprofits.

If philanthropy took lessons from the way that women are moving money, we would see more money in the field having greater impact, Younger said.

Her organization learned of the grant, which is the first they've received from Pivotal Ventures last week, and Younger said there was no application process. She declined to disclose the amount of the grant but said it would help expand their work with organizations in the South and Midwest.

French Gates' Pivotal Ventures is a limited liability company that also manages investments for profit ventures, so there is little public information about its grantmaking or the assets it manages. Pivotal Ventures has focused on a number of avenues to increase womens economic and political participation and power, like closing the wage gap, compensating care work often done by women, and encouraging women to run for political office.

Looking ahead, French Gates plans to introduce a $250 million initiative in the fall that will concentrate on improving the mental and physical health of women and girls worldwide.

French Gates will be leaving the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation next week. She helped co-found the organization nearly 25 years ago.

The Associated Press receives financial support for news coverage in Africa from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and for news coverage of women in the workforce and state governments from Pivotal Ventures.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will change its name to the Gates Foundation. It is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. As of December 2023, its endowment was $75.2 billion, thanks to donations from Gates and the billionaire investor Warren Buffett. While it works across many issues, global health remains its largest area of work, and most of its funding is meant to address issues internationally rather than in the U.S.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
SAN FRANCISCO  An uneasy orchestral prelude sets the mood: muffled percussion, brooding woodwinds, anguished strings. The curtain rises and the first voices we hear are of two young men cowering in the shadows. Opera about a school shooting's aftermath has its US premiere in San Francisco

I  I  I cant .go to work, one stammers in German.

I cant board a plane  I cant sit with my back to the door, another says in Spanish.

They are living ghosts, traumatized survivors of a school shooting that occurred 10 years earlier, but the memory of which intrudes like an unwelcome guest on a wedding celebration taking place in the present.

So begins Innocence, the last opera by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, who died of brain cancer last year. First seen at the Aix-en-Provence festival in France in 2021, it is now receiving its U.S. premiere in San Francisco beginning June 1.

For 100 intermission-less minutes on a split-level rotating set, the two worlds play out, separately at first but gradually intertwining as we learn the tragic connections between the bridegrooms family and the long-ago events at an international school.

She wanted to create a kind of thriller, said Clement Mao-Takacs, who will conduct the opera in the San Francisco Opera. Its very focused, which keeps the audiences mouths wide open and the heart beating from the first note.

As for the score, Louise Bakker, who is directing the production, said Saariaho had created atmosphere as much as music.

Dont expect long, romantic Puccini melodies, she said. Thats not what this is at all. But the beauty of this piece is in its truth and in its precision and what you can bring from that.

Simon Stone, who directed the premiere and will oversee the production when it arrives at the Metropolitan Opera in a future season, said the revolving set helps make audience members feel they are discovering the links between past and present for themselves.

I thought if I could turn the restaurant where the banquet is happening into the school slowly, gradually, throughout the production, he said, without the audience noticing, that they could be dragged into the same sense of intractable grief that the characters felt.

If that grief is palpable, less clear is the innocence of the title. It turns out no one in the story is without some responsibility, not even the waitress whose daughter was one of the victims and who is working at the banquet unaware the familys older son was the shooter.

Innocence is whats killed when an event like this happens, Stone said.

Curiously, Saariahos initial idea for the opera stemmed from Da Vincis fresco of The Last Supper.

Matthew Shilvock, the San Francisco Operas general director, recalls first hearing about the project over dinner with Saariaho in 2015.

Kaija was fascinated about the mindset of each of the 13 people around the table, he wrote in an article on the companys website. A group brought together in a moment of deep emotional impact, but each bringing their own perspective, history and reality.

From this kernel, Saariaho and her librettist, Finnish novelist Sofi Oksanen, developed the scenario, which has 13 singing or speaking roles: seven at the school and six at the wedding banquet. As if to underscore the different understanding each character brings to the events, nine different languages are used in the libretto.

Finland has not been immune from school shootings, with the worst of them being two that resulted in mass casualties in 2007 and 2008. But the prevalence of gun violence in the U.S. makes the subject especially sensitive here.

I wonder how American audiences will cope with its unsparing approach to a subject that, for several decades, has been locked in accelerating cycles of national insanity, critic Alex Ross wrote in The New Yorker after the operas premiere in 2021. No false tone of healing or hope is sounded at the end; instead, the circles of complicity keep widening. What rescues the opera from utter bleakness is the inherent beauty of Saariahos writing.

Acknowledging the sensitive nature of the topic, the SFO has put together a series of panel discussions and community outreach events focusing on such subjects as gun violence and depicting trauma on stage, screen and in music.

Despite the subject matter, theres a sense of things coming full circle in having the U.S. premiere take place in San Francisco. It was here, in 2018, again with Mao-Takacs conducting, that music from the opera was first performed by an orchestra.

Shilvock had arranged for the companys musicians to record excerpts so the creative team could experience the operas sound world. Saariaho was on hand in the auditorium.

It was crazy, and really moving, Mao-Takacs recalled. I will always remember the look of Kaija when I turned to her, and I was in the pit in the big empty hall and I said, What did you think?

And she had this beautiful sentence: It sounds like I want it, he said. She was expressing her joy in the orchestra sounding well, her pride in having been able to write exactly what she had in mind.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Vatican has issued an apology after Pope Francis allegedly used an offensive slur during a closed-door discussion about gay men. While discussing the admission of homosexual men into seminaries, the Pontiff said that seminaries are already full of frociaggine, which roughly translates to f****try in English, according to several Italian media reports. Shocked bishops told the newspaper Corriere della Sera that the Sovereign of Vatican City State's derogatory remarks were met with incredulous laughter. Pope Francis allegedly shocked bishops by using an offensive slur during a closed-door discussion about gay men(REUTERS)

Vatican issues apology over Pope Francis' derogatory remark

Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, said in a statement, Pope Francis is aware of the articles that have come out recently concerning a conversation he had with bishops... behind closed doors, per BBC.

The 47-year-old continued, As he [the Pope] has stated on more than one occasion, In the Church there is room for everyone, everyone! Nobody is useless or superfluous, there is room for everyone, just the way we are.

The Pope never meant to offend or to use homophobic language, and apologises to everyone who felt offended [or] hurt by the use of a word, Bruni added.

Pope Francis allegedly uses offensive Italian slur

Citing sources, Italian news agency Adnkronos reported that the 87-year-old said during the discussion, Look: there is already an air of f****try around that is not good. There is today's culture of homosexuality with respect to those who have a homosexual orientation [who] are better off not being accepted [into the seminary].

As the head of the Catholic Church is known to have a more liberal approach, his remark came as a surprise. Francis' alleged use of the slur was first reported by the political gossip website Dagospia, where the incident was said to have occurred on May 20 during a four-day assembly with a non-public meeting with the pope.

While the alleged comments seem to be in opposition to the recent moves to amend seminary admission rules, some bishops suggested that the pope may not have been aware of the derogatory term's meaning. In a striking contrast to his predecessor, he previously approved a ruling that allowed priests to bless unmarried and same-sex couples, per The Guardian.

Francis, who was elected as the pope in 2013, famously said at the time, If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge? when asked about his views on homosexuality. Both outlets, Corriere and Adnkronos quoted unnamed bishops, who said that the pontiff meant the derogatory term as a joke.
Just across the street from Donald Trump's hush money trial courthouse in Manhattan, the Biden campaign held a press conference, including the Hollywood legend Robert De Niro. Robert De Niro, center, argues with a former President Donald Trump supporter after speaking to reporters in support of President Joe Biden across the street from Trump's criminal trial in New York, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)(AP)

I grew up here and feel at home in the streets  I love the city. Reflecting on the tragic events of September 11, he solemnly notes, The Twin Towers fell just over there, expressing his profound connection to downtown New York City, De Niro remarked.

De Niro doesnt mince words when discussing Trump, accusing him of seeking to sow total chaos and labelling him a tyrant.

Donald Trump wants to destroy not only the city, but the country, and eventually he could destroy the world.

With conviction, De Niro asserts Trump does not belong in my city. I dont know where he belongs, but he certainly doesnt belong here, dismissing him as a grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot.

The Taxi Driver star claimed that the former president use violence against anyone who stands in the way of his megalomania and greed and that's why he joined Biden campaign because the only way to preserve our freedoms and hold on to our humanity is to vote for Joe Biden for president.

ALSO READ| Hush money trial: Trump lawyer says former president is innocent as closing arguments underway

Yesterday was Memorial Day. Its a good time to reflect on how Americans fought and died so that we may enjoy the freedoms guaranteed to us by a democratic government  Under Trump, this kind of government will perish from the earth, he said.

Trump will never leave White House if he gets in this November: De Niro

De Niro warned, If Trump returns to the White House, you can kiss these freedoms goodbye.

We dont want to wake up after the election saying What again? My God, what the hell have we done? he quips.

If Trump gets into the White House, he will never leave.

The 80-year-old actor lauded, Is that the country we want to live in? Do we want him running this country and saying Im not leaving, Im dictator for life?

ALSO READ| Adult film star Stormy Daniels faces 'death threats amid Trump Hush money trial; wanted to die..

This is not a threat. This is a reality.

De Niros words are amplified by the presence of law enforcement officers Harry Dunn and Michael Fanone, who bravely defended the US Capitol on January 6th.

De Niro lauded them as true heroes and expressed, They stood and put their lives on the line to defend this county and our democracy.
An Ohio billionaire has decided to visit the Titanic site in a submersible months after the Titan submersible tragedy, to prove that the industry is safer now. Real estate investor Larry Connor, of Dayton, has said he is planning to travel over 12,400 feet to the wreckage in a submersible that carries two people, along with Triton Submarines co-founder Patrick Lahey. Ohio billionaire Larry Connor to travel to Titanic site in $20M sub (Larry Connor/LinkedIn)

I want to show people worldwide that while the ocean is extremely powerful, it can be wonderful and enjoyable and really kind of life-changing if you go about it the right way, Connor told the Wall Street Journal.

Connor said the $20 million vessel can carry out the voyage repeatedly, and has been designed by Lahey and named the Triton 4000/2 Abyssal Explorer.

What we need to do is build a sub that can dive to [Titanic-level depths] repeatedly and safely

Patrick has been thinking about and designing this for over a decade. But we didnt have the materials and technology, Connor said. You couldnt have built this sub five years ago.

The pair has decided to show the world that such voyages can take place without a disaster. The Titan submersible passengers died as a result of a catastrophic implosion on June 18. The five doomed passengers were OceanGate Expeditions CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Suleman.

Connor said he called Lahey and asked him to build a new and better sub days after the tragedy. [He said], you know, what we need to do is build a sub that can dive to [Titanic-level depths] repeatedly and safely and demonstrate to the world that you guys can do that, and that Titan was a contraption, Lahey said.

Among various critics in the deep sea adventure industry who questioned OceanGate about its safety standards was Lahey. He called Rushs approach quite predatory. As of now, it is unclear when Lahey and Connors voyage will take place.
A suspect has been arrested after allegedly stabbing four young girls in a Massachusetts AMC theatre on Saturday, May 25. The girls were between the ages of nine and 17, according to New York Post. Who is Jared Ravizza? Suspect arrested in Massachusetts stabbing spree (Jared Ravizza/Instagram)

Besides the AMC Braintree 10 attacks, 26-year-old Jared Ravizza is also believed to have stabbed two people at a McDonald's in Plymouth about an hour later. Cops arrested him after a crash in Sandwich.

AMC told WBZ-TV in a statement that it has reached out to the families of the victims. The mother of one of the victims said employees initially did not believe the victims and failed to take action.

"At all of our locations, AMC has multiple security features and procedures in place, the specifics of which we do not disclose or discuss publicly," a spokesperson said. "We have already begun to conduct a thorough review of this incident. Based on theatre associate accounts and video footage, the theatre team jumped into action immediately, calling emergency services and administering aid to the victims."

Ravizzas victims were rushed to local hospitals. However, none of them sustained life-threatening injuries.

Who is Jared Ravizza?

Ravizza claimed to be a male model and CEO. In previous interviews, he said he was a pro skier, model, philanthropist, and claimed to be the leader of Ravizza Group, which is a marketing company he founded. He told The MV Times in an interview that he ran a charitable organisation named Ravizza Global Initiative.

Beverlyhillsmagazine.com described Ravizza as an international serial entrepreneur and media mogul, and a man with an innate desire to bring out the best in other humans in the most beautiful way.

According to a profile on Psychologytoday.com, Ravizza is the son of 57-year-old psychologist Jason Ravizza. Jason is listed as co-author of a religion-based book, Waging the War Within  A Devotional.

The family's neighbours in Agawam, Massachusetts, said Ravizza suddenly skipped town about two years ago. He left behind his mother and Jasons wife, Kim.

Ravizza was arrested on Marthas Vineyard in April, and charged with assault and battery on a family or household member and vandalism. Records at Edgartown District Court show he allegedly attacked his father.

A police report revealed that Jason said Ravizza had just had a mental break and attacked him inside his home. Jason sustained marks to his face, thumb, and wrist, police said. According to The Globe, Ravizza even wrecked Jasons home office.

Ravizza was sent to Marthas Vineyard Hospital for a mental health evaluation. However, he did not meet their standards to be held.

According to the Plymouth County District Attorney, Ravizza is facing counts of assault with intent to murder, and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after the Braintree AMC attack, as well as the assault on the McDonalds employees. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, May 28.

Ravizza is also a suspect in a murder in Connecticut, according to Boston 25 news. He is being investigated after police discovered a body in the town of Deep River on Saturday around 3:30 pm.
US President Joe Biden's absence from a Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland would be akin to giving Russian leader Vladimir Putin a standing ovation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday, urging maximum participation. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky(AP)

Biden has yet to confirm whether or not he will attend the conference, set for mid-June.

"If he is not present, it will be just like applauding Putin: personally applauding and doing so standing," Zelensky said during a visit to Brussels.

"I believe that the Peace Summit needs President Biden, and other leaders who are looking at the US response also need him," he added.

ALSO READ| Western instructors disguised as mercenaries, active in Ukraine: Russia's Putin

Zelensky has said dozens of world leaders will attend the summit. He said Tuesday that attending or not is a "choice" between wanting peace or war in Ukraine.

"If you want peace, you will be there and you will speak, even if you don't agree with something," he said.

"And if you want war, you will go to the mob that Russia wants to organise," he added, saying that countries who will skip the summit are "satisfied with war."

Zelensky has ruled out Moscow's participation and accused Putin of trying to derail the summit.

"Putin is very scared of the peace summit," he said. "He has been trying to thwart this summit and continues to do so."

He said the Kremlin is "doing everything" for the "further expansion of the war."

Russia has made gains in eastern Ukraine in recent weeks, launching a renewed ground offensive in the northeast of the country.

The summit will take place almost 28 months into Moscow's invasion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that his military killed 45 Palestinian refugees in Rafah, describing the incident as a "tragic mistake."

The fatal airstrike on the besieged city of Rafah has been condemned by the international community. The United Nations described the aftermath as "horrifying;" Italian officials said that Israel's actions in Gaza are "no longer justifiable;" French President Emmanuel Macron expressed "outrage;" Ireland's foreign minister called the incident "barbaric" and multiple Arab states described Israel's actions as "war crimes."

Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of Gaza's Hamas-run government media office said that the Israel Defense Forces "called on citizens and displaced persons to go to these safe zones," which were then attacked by missiles.

The IDF disputed these claims, claiming they "carried out an intelligence-based precise strike that targeted senior Hamas terrorists in Tal as Sultan."

The United States has warned Israel for months to not invade Rafah without a plan to mitigate civilian harm. Israel defied those requests and bombarded the city with missiles.

"We've been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians," a U.S. National Security Council spokesperson said after the attack. "We are actively engaging the IDF and partners on the ground to assess what happened, and understand that the IDF is conducting an investigation."
Spain pledged one billion euros worth of military support to Ukraine, on Monday, as Russian forces continued their assault on the eastern European country's northeastern borders.

"It will allow Ukraine to boost its capabilities, including its essential air defense systems to protect its civilians, cities and infrastructure, which are still suffering indiscriminate attacks as seen this weekend in Kharkiv," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Moscow's ground assault on Kharkiv marked one of the biggest losses of territory for Ukraine since the outbreak of total war in 2022. Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly overwhelmed and stretched thin across the 620-mile front line, while Russian soldiers continue to bombard their troops.

Zelenskyy traveled to Madrid to ink the deal with Spain, after spending several weeks calling on Ukraine's allies to provide more aid. The Ukrainian leader also met with members of Spain's parliament and its King Felipe VI.

Zelenskyy expressed "gratitude to all the Spanish people and to the Prime Minister personally for the tangible and truly vital support of Ukraine in this time of war," in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"Spain is a reliable partner and has supported our defense since the first days of the criminal Russian invasion."
Nearly a year after the Titan submersible catastrophically imploded, killing all five people onboard, another billionaire is planning to visit the wreckage of the Titanic to prove that the industry has improved its safety standards since the disaster.

"I want to show people worldwide that while the ocean is extremely powerful, it can be wonderful and enjoyable and really kind of life-changing if you go about it the right way," Ohio real estate investor Larry Connor told the Wall Street Journal.

Who is Larry Connor?

Connor, 74, is married with three children and has an estimated networth of $2 billion.

The real estate group he co-found in 1991 has a $5 billion portfolio of 51 apartment buildings, according to Forbes.

Journeying to the Titanic's depths will not be his first brush with extreme adventure. He has also visted the Mariana Trench and the International Space Station. Last year he broke the world record for the highest HALO formation skydive.

Connor plans to visit the famous shipwreck with Triton Submarines co-founder Patrick Lahey in a two-person submersible called the Triton 4000/2 Abyssal Explorer. In Greek mythology, Triton was the son of Poseidon, the king of the sea.

"Patrick has been thinking about and designing this for over a decade. But we didn't have the materials and technology," Connor told the Wall Street Journal. "You couldn't have built this sub five years ago."

What is the Triton submersible?

The Triton submersible is valued at $20 million and has an "exceptionally compact footprint" and specialized "gull wings" according to the company's website.

"With the wings retracted, the submersible is streamlined for ascent and descent, and capable of maneuvering in and around incredibly tight spaces," the website reads. "The low placement of the lighting and cameras is ideal for macro work, scientific observation or close filming."

Connor first pitched the idea of a stronger submersible to Lahey just days after the Titan disaster left many critics arguing that humans should leave the deep sea alone.

"[Connor said] you know, what we need to do is build a sub that can dive to [Titanic-level depths] repeatedly and safely and demonstrate to the world that you guys can do that, and that Titan was a contraption,'" Lahey told the Wall Street Journal.

Who is Patrick Lahey?

Lahey was one of many individuals in the submersible industry who criticized Stockton Rush, the owner of OceanGate, the deep sea exploration company that manufactured the ill-fated Titan vessel.

"He could even convince someone who knew and understood the risks," Lahey told British newspaper the Times. "It was really quite predatory."

"At the very time this monstrosity was being made, I was building the most capable subs of our age," he told the outlet.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Representative Bob Good's primary opponent in a critical Virginia race on Tuesday, just weeks after Good showed up in support of Trump outside his hush money trial in New York City.



"Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA," Trump posted to his Truth Social account on Tuesday morning, adding that Good's endorsement of him came "too late."



The former president instead endorsed Virginia state Senator John McGuire, a former Navy SEAL and small business owner. McGuire, 55, has represented Virginia's 10th Senate District since January. Prior to that, he served as a representative in the Virginia House of Delegates for six years. McGuire's campaign website describes him as "Pro-life. Pro-gun. Pro-Trump."



While McGuire has positioned himself as the pro-Trump candidate, Good is also a backer of the former president. The congressman is one of several Republican House members to have appeared outside Trump's hush money trial in support of the former President. He stood alongside Reps. Matt Gaetz (Fla.), Lauren Boebert (Colo.), Andy Biggs (Ariz.), Mike Waltz (Fla.), Eli Crane (Ariz.), Andy Ogles (Tenn.), Anna Paulina Luna (Fla.) and Ralph Norman (S.C.).



"I was 'too conservative' and now I'm 'not conservative enough,'" Good told supporters during an early May campaign stop, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He also described Trump as "the best president of my lifetime."



Good was elected chairman of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus in December, two months after he played a crucial role in ousting former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. His Trump bonafides, however, were called into question when he endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for president in May 2023.



After DeSantis dropped out Good endorsed Trump, but McGuire continued to seize on the initial endorsement - calling Good a never-Trumper and a RINO (Republican in Name Only.)



"By definition, you can't be a 'never something' that you have documented evidence that you currently are [a supporter of]," said Good, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.



The congressman maintains that he chose to endorse DeSantis over Trump because the Florida governor was still eligible for two terms, while the former president can only serve one. He also cited concerns about Trump's ongoing legal battles.



"I was concerned about the political prosecution of President Trump," said Good, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He blamed the former president's litany of felony charges on "these egregious prosecutors who are simply after him for political reasons."
Lawyers for Erica Lawson, 21, the Kentucky mother accused of killing her infant daughter, say "patently false" rumors are tainting the case.

Lawson is behind bars after prosecutors claim she abused her daughter Elena so severely that it resulted in the toddler's death.

She's currently facing a second-degree murder charge, failure to report child dependency neglect or abuse, first-degree criminal abuse, and first-degree wanton endangerment in connection with the death of the 17-month-old.

Commonwealth's Attorney Lisa Fugate is seeking the death penalty against Lawson, while the defense has asked the state to prove why her 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, told 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."

Furthermore, Lawson's defense attorneys are requesting a change of venue for the trial, citing threats and the public's increased interest in the case, adding that the false social media assertions are hindering any chance at a fair trial.

The defense addressed previous claims by Fugate, who said Elena was sexually abused, calling them false.

In a motion to dismiss the death penalty, Lawson's team stated there was "zero evidence that any person sexually abused the child," nor that any male DNA was found on Elena.

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 currently being held on a $1 million bond.
Rafah residents reported seeing armed Israeli tanks entering their city overnight on Wednesday, as Israel's attack continues despite international criticism.

"These vehicles advanced in the middle of the night," resident Salma Al Kadoomi told CNN, adding that she saw the tanks downtown near the Abu Hashem building. Another local - Alaa Abu Ibrahim - reported that there were tanks seen in the Al Awda roundabout, near the city center.

These sightings of armored vehicles come in the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitting that the Israel Defense Forces killed 45 Palestinian refugees, in an incident that he described as a "tragic mistake."

The fatal airstrike on the besieged city has been condemned by the international community. The United Nations described the aftermath as "horrifying;" Italian officials said that Israel's actions in Gaza are "no longer justifiable;" French President Emmanuel Macron expressed "outrage;" Britain's foreign secretary, David Cameron, called for an investigation into the "deeply distressing" massacre; Ireland's foreign minister called the incident "barbaric" and multiple Arab states described Israel's actions as "war crimes."

Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of Gaza's Hamas-run government media office said that the Israel Defense Forces "called on citizens and displaced persons to go to these safe zones," which were then attacked by missiles.

The IDF disputed these claims, claiming they "carried out an intelligence-based precise strike that targeted senior Hamas terrorists in Tal as Sultan."

The International Criminal Court - which recently issued a warrant for Netanyahu's arrest - ordered Israel to halt any actions "which may inflict upon the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that would bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part." The Gazan city is just 25 square miles but houses more than a million Palestinians, many of whom are internally displaced within the besieged Gaza Strip.

For months the United States has warned Israel that entering Rafah would be a "mistake" - especially without a concrete plan to mitigate civilian harm. Prior to the recent invasion, American officials have suggested that they would withhold military aid if Israel attacked the city.

Israel maintains that its actions inside Gaza are necessary to defeat the militant group Hamas and recover the remaining hostages, who were taken during the October 7 attacks.

"We have a national and moral duty to do everything we can to return our abducted," Netanyahu said.
An 81-year-old California man has been arrested for allegedly using his slingshot to terrorize his neighbors for nearly a decade, police said.

The Azusa Police Department said they conducted a "lengthy investigation" into a "quality of life issue" in the area of the 900 block of North Enid Avenue, and learned that dozens of residents had been victimized by a "serial slingshot shooter" over the last 9-10 years.

"The unknown suspect broke windows, windshields and almost stuck people with ball bearings," police said.

Last week, detectives executed a search warrant in the neighborhood, at the residence of 81-year-old suspect Prince King. Investigators allegedly found a slingshot and ball bearings at his residence, and King was taken into custody.

Azusa police Lt. Jake Bushey told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that police have not yet discovered a motive "other than just malicious mischief."

Bushey told the outlet that although the shots didn't appear to be random, police did not know why certain properties or people were targeted.

King was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

--with reporting by TMX
A New Jersey mother is fearing the worst as her 37-year-old daughter, Danielle Lopz, vanished before a camping trip, leading the mother to believe her family is "cursed."

Sue Quackenbush, 63, has already been devastated by the untimely deaths of her two sons and is now searching for her third child and only daughter after she went missing "under suspicious circumstances."

Lopez told her family she was planning to go on a camping trip in Wharton State Forest, which spans more than 124,000 acres across three counties, before completely disappearing.

Now Quackenbush has turned to the public for help, posting on Facebook:

"Unimaginably, tragedy has struck our family again. Danielle was sweet, creative, and loving. She was a wonderful daughter and a vibrant light in my life.

"I just need a miracle and everyone's prayers and wishes," she wrote.

Quackenbush told Fox News that the reason she referred to her daughter in the past tense in her statement is because police have reason to believe that harm has come to her.

The family has suffered one tragedy after another in recent years.

Her son, Eric, died by suicide, and Michael Lopz, who was a Marine, was killed in a car crash shortly after returning to the States from Afghanistan, reported The Daily Mail.

Their father and Quackenbush's ex-husband also died from a heart attack in June 2020.

Danielle's uncle, Fred Lopez, 58, commented on her disappearance, revealing, "Every member of my family has had tragedy. I think my family may have been cursed."
At least 24 people died over Memorial Day Weekend as the South and Midwest were pummeled by severe storms and at least 70 tornadoes.

The storms spanned the Plains and the Ozark Mountains and impacted 15 states - with Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky bearing the brunt of the severe weather.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed eight deaths during a Sunday press conference, while two people died in Oklahoma and five died in Kentucky. In Colorado, a farmer and nearly three dozen cattle were killed in a lightning strike. Seven people - including a mother and her two children - were killed in Cooke County, Texas.

"We are going through the heart-wrenching loss of life, including the heartbreak of a family losing a two-year-old and a five-year-old child," Texas Governor Gregg Abbott said on Sunday. "When they woke up yesterday, they had no way of knowing the family would be literally crushed by this horrific storm."

President Joe Biden is reportedly in contact with the governors of the impacted states. The President and First Lady also released a statement regarding the loss of life seen across the region.

"Jill and I are praying for those who tragically lost their lives as a result of devastating tornadoes that tore through Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, leveling entire communities and leaving a path of destruction in their wake," Biden wrote. "Our condolences are with everyone who has been affected. This comes as communities across the Midwest and South are still reeling from deadly storms and severe weather."

Nearly 950,000 households were still without electricity, on Tuesday, according to poweroutage.us. In Texas alone, more than 700,000 customers are still experiencing power outages.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, warning residents that it could take several days to fully restore electricity.

"It's a big mess," said local Rob Linton, according to Al Jazeera. "Trees down everywhere. Houses moved. Power lines are down. No utilities whatsoever - no water, no power."
An Illinois dad got into a shootout with several thieves attempting to carjack his luxury vehicles while his five daughters slept inside their home in an upscale neighborhood.

Several rounds of gunfire were exchanged between the unidentified homeowner and one of three suspects during the thwarted attempted armed robbery early Monday morning in Winnetka, Illinois  less than 20 miles outside downtown Chicago, said police.

The suspects gained access to the victim's Range Rover and Maserati by breaking into the garage via the home office. The victim was awakened by the sounds of his vehicles starting.

He told police he confronted the suspects who fired on him, prompting him to shoot back. The suspects fled.

No one was injured during the shooting.

"I was surprised that somebody would fire a gun, and it does make me a little bit concerned," neighbor Tim Connell said, according to WLS-TV.

"This is very unexpected," he added. "I would probably just let them take the car and worry about it later."

Police described the suspects as two possible males of unknown race wearing black masks, hoodies and dark pants. The victim was unable to provide a description of a third suspect who fled in a silver Audi sedan.
Members of the Secret Service assigned to former President Donald Trump's security detail reportedly met with New York state corrections officials, as Trump's Manhattan hush money trial enters its final days.

As a former president, Trump is entitled to Secret Service protection for the rest of his life. If Trump is convicted there is a slight chance he could be remanded to jail "on the spot," former Manhattan prosecutor Duncan Levin told CBS News.

A New York corrections source told CBS that local jail officials have already met with the Secret Service to plan for this reality.

Trump is currently on trial in Manhattan for allegedly illegally recording reimbursements to Michael Cohen to pay off adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who claims to have had an affair with the former president. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of feloniously falsyfing business records. If convicted, each charge holds a maximum sentence of four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Judge Juan Merchan has threatened to jail Trump for repeated gag order violations but has been clear that he wanted to minimize pre-conviction jail time for Trump, given that he is the presumptive Republican nominee for president.

"He is a candidate for the presidency of the United States. So, those First Amendment rights are critically important, obviously," Merchan said on the day of Trump's arraignment, adding that jail time would be "truly a last resort for me."

"I also worry about the people who would have to execute that sanction: the court officers, the correction officers, the Secret Service detail, among others."

Despite his caution, however, Merchan told Trump that pre-conviction jail time was still a possibility.

"I want you to understand that I will, if necessary and appropriate," he said at the arraignment.
Actor Robert De Niro made a surprise appearance in New York City on Tuesday outside the Manhattan courtroom where Donald Trump's hush money trial is coming to a close, issuing a stark warning to Americans watching along.

The actor slammed the former president as a "danger" to the United States.

"I hope this new ad campaign reaches outside the bubble to remind supporters of what a danger he is to our lives. This is not a threat. This is our reality. And that's why I've joined the Biden-Harris campaign," said De Niro.

Biden's campaign communications director, Michael Tyler, was on site alongside De Niro.

"Trump poses a unique and growing threat to our fundamental rights and freedoms, our very democracy, and our economy." Tyler said, highlighting the anticipated June 27th debate between Biden and Trump.

Meanwhile, De Niro argued in front of shouting protesters, declaring Trump does not "belong" in New York City, as reported by Fox News.

"Donald Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country. And eventually he could destroy the world," he stated.

The actor said he owes the city of New York a lot, explaining, "That's why it's so weird that Donald Trump is just across the street because he doesn't belong in my city."

"We New Yorkers used to tolerate him when he was just another grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot," De Niro added.

Just recently, the actor lent his voice to a Biden-Harris campaign ad dubbed "Snapped," which portrays Trump as an out-of-control, wannabe dictator whose goal is to terminate the Constitution.

The Trump campaign also organized a press conference Tuesday, where campaign senior adviser Jason Miller attacked De Niro as a "washed-up actor."

Nearing the end of his trial, Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records.

"This is a very dangerous day for America. It's a very sad day," Trump said in remarks to the media before heading into the Manhattan courtroom Tuesday morning.
After a Spirit flight nearly made an emergency landing in the ocean, the budget airline offered passengers a $50 voucher - in a move that one customer described as a "slap in the face."

The Florida-bound Flight NK270 departed from Montego Bay, in Jamaica, on Saturday afternoon. Shortly after takeoff, passengers were warned to put on their life jackets and prepare to land at sea, "following a suspected mechanical issue," the airline told CBS News.

"We were told the aircraft lost pressure," a passenger told the Jamaican outlet the Gleaner.

Despite concerns about a water landing, the plane safely returned to the Jamaican airport, where passengers boarded a second plane.

Passenger Andrene Gordon described the incident as a "near-death experience" in an interview with the Gleaner.

"We were there for like 25 minutes but the plane never ascended high. We never knew we would actually make it to the ground because all we were seeing was literal water," she said.

"The flight attendants, I know they are trained, but they are human. They got scared, everybody was scared."

Gordon added that she was unsure if she would ever fly again after the experience, recounting that at one point she turned to her boyfriend and said "this is it."

The passenger added that she was enraged by the compensation customers received from Spirit following the incident.

"After that near-death experience and emotional distress, Spirit wants to offer US$50 credit to use by August of this year," she said. "I feel like that is a slap in the face because they put us through such a traumatic experience with an incompetent crew. That is just so unacceptable."




The alleged Sinaloa Cartel leader and lead assassin known as "El Nini," wanted for the killing of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confidential source and several others, was brought into the U.S. in chains on Tuesday, according to the Department of Justice.

Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, allegedly the Sinaloa Cartel's lead sicario, or assassin, was extradited on May 25 to face the charges laid out in an indictment in the Southern District of New York and another indictment in Washington, D.C.

"Today, El Nini joins the growing list of cartel leaders and associates extradited to the United States and held accountable in an American courtroom," Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement.

"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. This includes killing a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confidential source and killing others in retaliation for the confidential source's cooperation," Garland said.

"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. The Justice Department will always be relentless in its pursuit of the cartels responsible for flooding our communities with fentanyl and other drugs," Garland said.

In the New York indictment, Perez Salas is charged with participating in a continuing criminal enterprise resulting in death; conspiring to import fentanyl into the U.S.; conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl; using, carrying, and possessing machine guns and destructive devices in connection with the continuing criminal enterprise and the fentanyl importation and trafficking conspiracies; conspiring to use, carry, and possess machine guns and destructive devices in connection with the continuing criminal enterprise and the fentanyl importation and trafficking conspiracies; conspiring to launder money; obstruction of justice by retaliating against an informant through murder; conspiring to obstruct justice by retaliating against an informant through murder; kidnapping resulting in death, including of a minor; and conspiring to commit kidnapping resulting in death, including of a minor.

In the District of Columbia indictment, Perez Salas is charged with conspiring to import cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S.; using, carrying, and possessing machine guns and destructive devices in connection with the cocaine and methamphetamine conspiracy; and conspiracy to obstruct justice by retaliating against a witness and informant through murder.

The Sinaloa Cartel is one of Mexico's most powerful cartels, formerly led by the notorious "El Chapo," Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, and more recently led by his sons, known collectively as the "Chapitos."

Perez Salas is allegedly a commander of the "Ninis," described by authorities as a violent group tasked with providing security for the Chapitos. In that role, in October 2023, Perez Salas and sicarios under his command allegedly kidnapped a confidential source and 10 other victims in Mexico - including a U.S. citizen - believed to be connected to the confidential source. They allegedly killed eight of the kidnapped victims, including a 13-year-old boy.

-With reporting from TMX.
Mercure, the renowned midscale brand by Accor, is further solidifying its footprint in Thailand with the opening of Mercure Surawong Bangkok, a vibrant addition to the Silom neighbourhood. Set against the backdrop of Surawong's rich history and Thai culture, the hotel invites travellers to discover the locale and explore a dynamic mix of business, creativity, and culture.

Each Mercure hotel is characterised by the unique identity of its location, providing an opportunity to explore the treasures of the neighbourhood. Every corner of Mercure Bangkok Surawong is inspired by the character of the local area - once a pivotal trade district along the Chao Phraya River. Upon arrival, guests will observe design elements reminiscent of the nearby historic warehouses, with materials such as reclaimed wood, modern steel, and stone used to create an atmosphere which is anchored to the area's rich heritage.

The 219 charming rooms integrate local aesthetics with contemporary design, incorporating traditional weaving patterns reimagined into modern reliefs. This creates a dynamic ambiance that reflects the spirit of Surawong. From cosy Classic Rooms to spacious Privilege Rooms, each guestroom boasts modern amenities and panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline.

Local discovery through authentic food and beverage experiences is one of Mercure's signature offerings. With Bangkok renowned for its incredible multicultural cuisine and the Surawong neighbourhood's Chinese influence, Yu Her Bao offers diners an opportunity to explore Chinese dishes through the lens of modern gastronomy while celebrating locally sourced ingredients. Drawing inspiration from the mystique of jade, the restaurant's maestro of modern Chinese cuisine skilfully weaves together the vibrant flavours of Cantonese and Sichuan with Thai influences.

Hotel website
Rotana has announced the appointment of Sahiti Gaddam as the corporate vice president of sales.

With over two decades of experience in the Middle East's hospitality sector, Gaddam joins Rotana after serving as regional commercial director for Valor Hospitality, where she managed revenue, marketing, and sales for multi-branded hotels in the Middle East, CIS, and East Asia.

Gaddam's career features senior leadership roles with luxury hospitality brands such as Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Burj Al Arab, and the Taj Hotel Group. As part of Rotana's expansion strategy to add 30 new properties by 2026, she will spearhead sales development across the company's existing and forthcoming properties. Her responsibilities include enhancing Rotana's market position and profitability through strategic sales initiatives and strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders.
I think I could count on my hand the people I know who have NOT had their email hacked. Maybe they found a four-leaf clover when they were kids!

Email hacking is one of the very unfortunate downsides of living in our connected, digital world. And it usually occurs as a result of a data breach  a situation that even the savviest tech experts find themselves in.

What Is A Data Breach?

In simple terms, a data breach happens when personal information is accessed, disclosed without permission, or lost. Companies, organisations, and government departments of any size can be affected. Data stolen can include customer login details (email addresses and passwords), credit card numbers, identifying IDs of customers e.g. drivers license numbers and/or passport numbers, confidential customer information, company strategy, or even matters of national security.

Data breaches have made headlines, particularly over the last few years. When the Optus and Medibank data breaches hit the news in 2022 affecting almost 10 million Aussies a piece, we were all shaken. But then when Aussie finance company Latitude, was affected in 2023 with a whopping 14 million people from both Australia and New Zealand affected, it almost felt inevitable that by now, most of us would have been impacted.

But these were the data breaches that grabbed our attention. The reality is that data breaches have been happening for years. In fact, the largest data breach in Australian history actually happened in May 2019 to the online design site Canva which affected 137 million users globally including many Aussies.

So, in short  it can happen to anyone, and the chances are you may have already been affected.

But Why Should I Worry? I Have Nothing Valuable in My Email

The sole objective of a hacker is to get their hands on your data. And any information that you share in your email account can be very valuable to them. But why do they want your data, you ask? Its simple really  so they can cash in! Some will keep the juicy stuff for themselves  passwords or logins to government departments or large companies they may want to target with the aim of extracting valuable data and/or funds. But the more sophisticated ones will sell your details including name, telephone, email address, and credit card details, and cash in on the Dark Web. They often do this in batches. Some experts believe they can get as much as AU$250 for a full set of details including credit cards. So, you can see why theyd be interested in you!

The other reason why hackers will be interested in your email address and password is that many of us re-use these login details across our other online accounts too. So, once theyve got their hands on your email credentials then they may be able to access your online banking and investment accounts  the possibilities are endless if you are using the same login credentials everywhere. So, you can see why I harp on about using a unique password for every online account!

How Big Is the Problem?

There is a plethora of statistics on just how big this issue is  all of them concerning.

According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, there were over 16,000 reports of identity theft in 2022.

The Department of Home Affairs and Stay Smart Australia reports that cybercrime costs Australian businesses $29 billion a year with the average business spending around $275,000 to remedy a data breach

And although there has been a slight reduction in Aussies falling for phishing scams in recent years (down from 2.7% in 2020/1 to 2.5% in 2022/3), more Australians are falling victim to card fraud scams with a total of $2.2 billion lost in 2023.

But regardless of which statistic you choose to focus on, we have a big issue on our hands!

So, What Do I Do If My Email Is Hacked?

If you find yourself a victim of email hacking there are a few very important steps you need to take and the key is to take them FAST!!

1) Change Your Password

This is the very first thing you must do to ensure the hacker cant get back into your account. It is essential that your new password is complex and totally unrelated to previous passwords. Always use at least 8-10 characters with a variety of upper and lower case and throw in some symbols and numbers. I really like the idea of a crazy, nonsensical sentence  easier to remember and harder to crack! But, better still, get yourself a password manager that will create a password that no human would be capable of creating.

If you find the hacker has locked you out of your account by changing your password, you will need to reset the password by clicking on the Forgot My Password link.

2) Change Any Other Accounts with the Same Password

This is time-consuming but essential. Ensure you change any other accounts that use the same username and password as your compromised email. Hackers love the fact that many people still use the same logins for multiple accounts, so it is guaranteed they will try your info in other email applications and sites such as PayPal, Amazon, Netflix  you name it!

Once the dust has settled, please review your password strategy for all your online accounts. A best practice is to ensure every online account has its own unique and complex password.

3) Let Your Email Contacts Know

A big part of the hackers strategy is to get their claws into your address book with the aim of hooking others as well. Send a message to all your email contacts as soon as possible so they know to avoid opening any emails (most likely loaded with malware) that have come from you.

4) Commit to Multi-factor Authentication

Yes, multi-factor authentication (or 2-factor authentication) adds another step to your login but it also adds another layer of protection. Enabling this will mean that in addition to your password, you will need a special one-time use code to log in. This can be sent to your mobile phone or alternatively, it may be generated via an authenticator app. So worthwhile!

5) Check Your Email Settings

It is not uncommon for hackers to modify your email settings so that a copy of every email you receive is automatically forwarded to them. Not only can they monitor your logins for other sites, but theyll keep a watchful eye over any particularly juicy personal information. So, check your mail forwarding settings to ensure no unexpected email addresses have been added.

Dont forget to check your email signature to ensure nothing spammy has been added. Also, ensure your reply to email address is actually yours! Hackers have been known to create an email address here that looks similar to yours  when someone replies, it goes straight to their account, not yours!

6) Scan Your Computer for Malware and Viruses

This is essential also. If you find anything, please ensure it is addressed, and then change your email password again. And if you dont have it  please invest. Comprehensive security software will provide you with a digital shield for your online life. McAfee+ lets you protect all your devices  including your smartphone  from viruses and malware. It also contains a password manager to help you remember and generate unique passwords for all your accounts.

7) Consider Creating a New Email Address

If you have been hacked several times and your email provider isnt mitigating the amount of spam you are receiving, then consider starting afresh but dont delete your email address. Many experts warn against deleting email accounts as most email providers will recycle your old email address. This could mean a hacker could spam every site they can find with a forgot my password request and try to impersonate you  identity theft!

Your email is an important part of your online identity so being vigilant and addressing any fallout from hacking is essential for your digital reputation. And even though it may feel that getting hacked is inevitable, you can definitely reduce your risk by installing some good quality security software on all your devices. Comprehensive security software such as McAfee+ will alert you when visiting risky websites, warn you when a download looks dodgy, and will block annoying and dangerous emails with anti-spam technology.

It makes sense really  if you dont receive the dodgy phishing email  you cant click on it! Smart!

And finally, dont forget that hackers love social media  particularly those of us who overshare on it. So, before you post details of your adorable new kitten, remember it may just provide the perfect clue for a hacker trying to guess your email password!

Till next time

Alex

View source
Leipzig, Germany - The World Travel & Tourism Councils (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed today a much slower recovery of Germanys Travel & Tourism sector compared to other key European destinations.

The data shows domestic tourism is propping up the sector in Germany, but international travel spend in Germany remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Unlike many of its neighbours, Germanys Travel & Tourism sector is yet to recover its GDP contribution, jobs lost during the pandemic, and international visitor spend.

According to the global tourism bodys latest research, the sectors contribution to Germanys GDP reached just over 453BN in 2023 - 13.5BN below 2019 levels.

Employment in Travel & Tourism grew by 5% to reach 6.18MN, but this was still almost 250,000 behind 2019.

International visitor spending remained more than 25% behind 2019 last year - 14BN less being spent by international visitors in 2019.

Domestic visitor spending however, did fully recover in 2023, exceeding the 2019 level by 2.9BN, evidence that domestic visitors have led the sectors path toward post-pandemic recovery.

While Germany's Travel & Tourism sector has shown signs of resilience, there is a long way to go, and the recent increase of airline passenger taxes will undoubtedly hamper the recovery. Domestic visitor spending has stayed strong. But taxes will only delay the recovery. The German government should sit down with Travel & Tourism businesses to plan how to stimulate the return of international visitors as it is an important driver of the economy. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO

What Does This Year Look Like?

Although the sectors overall GDP contribution is forecast to recover in 2024, both jobs and international visitor spending will remain below 2019 levels.

WTTC forecasts that Travel & Tourism will contribute almost 469BN to the Germany economy in 2024, an increase of 0.5% from 2019. Jobs are predicted to increase by 160,000 this year, however this will still be 80,000 below pre-pandemic highs.

International visitor spending is expected to remain almost 10% behind 2019 with a deficit of 5.1BN in 2024, compared to five years ago. However, domestic visitor spending is projected to continue growing modestly this year, with a 1.2% increase to reach almost 411BN.

What Does the Next Decade Look Like?

With the right government support, WTTC is forecasting that the sector could grow its annual GDP contribution to nearly 554BN by 2034, representing just over 12% of the German economy, and could potentially employ almost 6.5MN people across the country.

This is only possible if the government works with the private sector to ensure Germany remains an attractive destination for international visitors and provides viable long-term employment to German residents.

Across the European Union

The EUs Travel & Tourism sector grew by more than 8% in 2023 to reach 1.65TN, whilst jobs reached more than 23.5MN, just past the 2019 level. International spending grew 11.5% to hit 471.5BN  within touching distance of the pre-pandemic period. Domestic visitor spending grew almost 5% to reach 963BN, surpassing the pre-pandemic level.

WTTC is forecasting that Travel & Tourism across the region will continue to grow next year with GDP contribution set to reach almost 1.75TN. Jobs are forecast to exceed 24.5MN, international visitor spending is forecast to reach 517BN and domestic visitor spending is expected to pass 982BN.

*This cutting-edge research was carried out in partnership with Oxford Economics. All values are in constant 2023 prices and exchange rates, as reported in March 2024.

About WTTC

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector.

WTTC Press Office

WTTC
Hospitality employees stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic and their later career trajectories may depend on both their experiences in the workplace and personal traits, according to Dr Wei-Jue Huang of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and co-authors. Hospitality work is demanding, and the pandemic and associated economic crisis may have led hospitality workers to reconsider their career trajectories. Through direct interviews with current and former employees in the U.S. hospitality industry, the researchers explored how workplace experiences during the pandemic affected these employees subsequent career choices.

Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended industries worldwide. However, few have been hit harder than hospitality and tourism. Globally, more than 60 million jobs in this industry were lost in 2020 alone. The spread of COVID-19 and related social distancing practices posed fundamental challenges to the hospitality and tourism industry. Although the pandemics impact on the hospitality workforce may seem similar to previous global crises and depressions , say the researchers, COVID-19 is different, as it impacts hospitality and tourism directly .

In addition to hindering the warm interpersonal exchanges that are characteristic of hospitality settings, the pandemic led to travel shaming, a form of social pressure that deterred potential travellers wishing to escape pandemic restrictions. Such pressure, along with tourists concerns about their own health, further reduced demand for hospitality services.

These challenges struck directly at the heart of the industry. Considering future prospects , the authors note, employees became more acutely aware of the vulnerability of the industry and developed backup plans outside the industry . This led to multiple talent crises. One such crisis that has received considerable attention in the press is the Great Resignation, a trend of voluntary employee resignation in response to increased stress levels and untenable working conditions.

Given the excess demands placed on hospitality workers, this employment trend has led to substantial concerns that employees might pursue careers in new fields. Alternatively, however, situations such as the pandemic may present a unique opportunity to bolster employeremployee relationships , say the researchers. Accordingly, they explored the circumstances affecting U.S. hospitality workers and their decisions to remain in, leave, or return to the industry after the pandemic.

Hospitality employees , according to the researchers, are the backbone of the business and first-hand witnesses to the detrimental effects of the pandemic on the industry . The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly increased hospitality employees stress levels, leading to negative consequences such as burnout and substance abuse. Employees under stress even may choose to leave their employers or the industry altogether.

During the pandemic, industry employees faced challenges such as layoffs and furlough arrangements, as well as wage decreases, which affected both their livelihood and mental health. The researchers thus consider it essential to understand hospitality employees lived experiences during the pandemic, observing that individuals experience the situation differently based on where they are and how their daily life, work, family, health practices, etc. have changed .

They explored how employees coped with stress and other difficulties, aiming to understand how those experiences shaped their ultimate decisions regarding their hospitality careers. Their exploration was based on the transactional model of stress and coping, which states that a persons interactions with their environment affect their ability to cope with and adapt to challenges, and career construction theory, which explains how individuals develop their professions by aligning their self and social identity with their work .

In particular, the researchers studied career adaptability, a key component of the career construction theory previously shown to have a positive effect on employees capacity to work beyond their formal job descriptions. Such adaptability, however, can be a double-edged sword; although it can promote employees resilience in a supportive workplace, it can also increase their turnover intention, or intent to pursue other employment, in a workplace that is hostile or uncertain.

The researchers interviewed 31 adults who had worked in the US hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the participants were recruited through the researchers networks. These earliest participants were then asked to recommend other potential participants (i.e., snowball sampling). Nearly 30% of the participants had remained employed at the time of the interviews. The others had been laid off or furloughed.

The researchers describe their study as phenomenological research, a popular approach in tourism research that sees the participants as experts, allows their voices to be heard, and gives credibility to their accounts within studies . This approach allowed the researchers to learn directly from hospitality employees about how they had adapted during the pandemic. The interview questions thus were designed to gain information about the participants backgrounds, experiences in the industry before and during the pandemic, ways of coping with stress, and future career plans.

During the interviews, the participants spoke candidly about their stresses and coping strategies during the pandemic. Those who remained in the workplace faced new responsibilities and work formats (e.g., remote work) and increased workloads and expectations. Those who were laid off or furloughed faced financial challenges. Both groups of participants expressed concerns about the risks to their own health and that of their loved ones.

To cope with these stresses, those facing financial difficulties applied new budgeting strategies, relied on unemployment benefits, or even took other jobs. For those seeking new opportunities, relationship-building and networking appeared to be popular strategies . Some participants took the opportunity to rest and engaged in various recreation and leisure activities to help themselves feel better . The researchers suggest that employers consider promoting various employee-assistance programmes that cover aspects such as mental health consultancy and leisure/recreation activities .

The participants had experienced a great deal of uncertainty due to the quickly changing pandemic situation. However, the researchers observe that transparent communication is the key to maintaining a positive employeremployee relationship . Participants whose employers were candid about their decisions to lay off employees viewed their employers positively. Those whose employers were not transparent tended to negatively view their employers and, in some cases, the industry, leading them to seek employment elsewhere. These findings suggest that in a crisis, employers can do much to alleviate their employees uncertainty and anxiety by simply being transparent and communicating openly.

Other factors also influenced the participants attitudes and decisions regarding their careers. Those who remain[ed] employed appeared to be well adapted to the circumstances and were passionate about their work and optimistic about the industrys future. Among those who were laid off and furloughed, positive working experiences, including a healthy working environment and a strong bond with the team, as well as a sense of empathy towards the employer , influenced the participants decisions to remain in the hospitality industry. Employers are advised to provide a supportive workplace and to foster team-building and professional investment among their employees.

Although this study focused on experiences in the U.S. hospitality industry during a global pandemic, the researchers note that the participants concerns were comparable to those of other major career crises . The finding that support and transparency from employers can both reduce employees stress and help to retain them in the industry may be applicable to other crises and to the global hospitality industry. To create a sustainable, resilient, and engaged workforce , conclude the researchers, hospitality practitioners must commit to crafting positive relationships with their employees both in regular and crisis times . Employers are encouraged to maintain open channels of communication, support employees development and provide stress relief.

Liu-Lastres, Bingjie, Huang, Wei-Jue, and Bao, Huilin (2023). Exploring Hospitality Workers Career Choices in the Wake of COVID-19: Insights from a Phenomenological Inquiry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, Vol. 111, 103485.

About PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management

For 45 years, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a world-leading hotel and tourism school. Ranked No. 1 in the world in the "Hospitality and Tourism Management" category in ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023 for the seventh consecutive year; placed No. 1 globally in the "Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services" category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2022/2023 for six years in a row; rated No. 1 in the world in the "Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism" subject area by the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017; and ranked No. 1 in Asia in the "Hospitality and Leisure Management" subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism.

The School is driven by the need to serve its industry and academic communities through the advancement of education and dissemination of knowledge. With a strong international team of over 90 faculty members from 20 countries and regions around the world, the SHTM offers programmes at levels ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Through Hotel ICON, the School's groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the SHTM is advancing teaching, learning and research, and inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/shtm/.

Kelly Wang

Assistant Officer

+852 3400-2639

Hong Kong PolyU
Cairo, Egypt  IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the worlds leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Urbnlanes Development to bring two new Crowne Plaza hotels to Egypt. The dual signings will see the introduction of Crowne Plaza Cairo New Administrative Capital and the Crowne Plaza New Cairo Yellow.

Set to open in 2028, both new Crowne Plaza hotels promise a unique blend of premium hospitality and convenience for guests. True to the Crowne Plaza brand, the new-build hotels are set to deliver exceptional guest experiences rooted in blended travel that cater to both leisure and business guests, enabling effortless flexibility and balance between work and life.

Located in the iconic Levels Towers in the heart of the New Administrative Capital, Crowne Plaza Cairo New Administrative Capital is set to offer excellent accessibility to business guests looking for proximity to the nearby government ministries, administrative institutions, embassies and finance houses. The hotel will offer three dining options, including a sky bar, and will also hosts five well-appointed meeting venues to cater to the needs of corporate guests.

Crowne Plaza New Cairo Yellow, will be nestled within New Cairos main arteries. Part of the Yellow mixed-use development project, the hotel will be located within short distance from business parks and Cairo International Airport. Along an all-day dining restaurant and a Club Lounge, Crowne Plaza New Cairo Yellow will feature five meeting and events venues including a ballroom.

Signing of two new Crowne Plaza hotels in Egypt represent a significant vote of confidence and trust in IHG and the appeal of the brand. We are excited to be an integral part of these major new developments and look forward to bringing world-class hospitality to these high potential locations and contributing to the Egyptian capitals business and leisure tourism offering. We believe, in Urbnlanes Development, we have a partner who shares our continuous commitment to quality of operations, facilities, and guest satisfaction to ensure the long-term success of these two great new assets. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG

Our collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts marks a significant milestone in bolstering Egypt's prominence in the global tourism landscape. We anticipate that this partnership will elevate the luxurious hospitality experiences offered across all our real estate ventures, in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 aimed at advancing the tourism sector and attracting increased foreign investment. The tourism and hospitality industry in Egypt play a vital role in bolstering the national economy and fostering job creation. We are confident that the establishment of the two hotels, Crowne Plaza New Cairo Yellow Residence and Crowne Plaza Levels Business Tower in the New Administrative Capital, will substantially enhance the sector's value proposition by drawing more tourists worldwide and delivering outstanding hospitality services that surpass their expectations. Eng. Emeel Abdalla, Founder of Emeel Abdalla Investments Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Urbnlanes Developments Company

Guests of both hotels will benefit from IHGs best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which provides an elevated guest experience  giving them richer benefits that can be availed on IHGs new mobile app. The benefits range from suite upgrades and annual lounge memberships to extended check-outs, and much more, depending on the chosen benefit level.

IHG currently operates 7 hotels across 4 brands in Egypt, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Staybridge Suites, and has a strong pipeline of 17 hotels.

About IHG

IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Ankita Chopra

+971 4 213 6043

IHG
MUMBAI - Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), Indias largest hospitality company, today announced the unveiling of its new Taj website. Designed with the signature Taj touch, the all-new www.tajhotels.com introduces a digital experience that resonates with the brands vision and enhances the guests booking journey.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Parveen Chander, Executive Vice President  Sales & Marketing, IHCL said, IHCLs iconic brand Taj has defined the hospitality landscape for over a century, pioneering destinations, offering innovative experiences while setting new benchmarks of excellence. The rich tonality of the new website is reflective of this ethos elevating the user experience with its immersive and intuitive design. This digital transformation will bring alive the seamless Taj experience at every stage of the booking journey.

Key features of the new website www.tajhotels.com, include:

Sleek Design: From the moment visitors land on the site, they are greeted with a visually stunning design that captivates and inspires. Intuitive Navigation: Streamlined navigation ensures effortless exploration of the brands diverse portfolio of luxury accommodations, culinary delights and bespoke offerings. Rich Content: Guests can delve deeper into the world of luxury travel with evocative content and refreshed imagery including videos. Easier Functionality: The website provides a seamless user experience, making transactions smoother, ensuring every guest finds what they need effortlessly.

The website will introduce a range of additional functionalities and features including best-in-class booking journey, multiple redemption options, exclusive section for members with unified view, and easy facilitation of bookings for group, corporate and travel partners.

For more information or to explore the redesigned website, please visit: www.tajhotels.com.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj  the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as World's Strongest Hotel Brand 2024 and India's Strongest Brand 2024 as per Brand Finance; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; Gateway, full-service hotels designed to be your gateway to exceptional destinations and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 340 hotels including 112 under development globally across 4 continents, 13 countries and in over 130 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India's largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.

Please visit: IHCL; Taj; SeleQtions; Vivanta; Gateway; Ginger
Lisboa Pessoa Hotel - Image Credit Art and Soul Group

The Art and Soul Group has created three themed boutique hotels in three Portuguese cities: in Porto, Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel, in Lisbon, Lisboa Pessoa Hotel and in Evora, Evora Olive Hotel, to portray particularities of the Portuguese culture. With these three locations, and hotels in the city's historical centers, visitors can get to know three different themes of Portuguese culture, both within the hotel and by visiting these cultural references - essential for those who want to get to know Portugal from North to South.

First came the Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel, from the restoration and revitalization of a building of great architectural and heritage value, dating back to 1829. This hotel portrays and pays homage to the history of Papelaria Araujo & Sobrinho - one of the oldest in Europe, in the same family for five generations. Antonio Goncalves, Group Administrator: "it was essential not only to keep the stationery shop but also to give it a prominent role as a source of inspiration and a way of keeping its history alive. It's part of traditional local heritage and history of the city."

In 2016, Evora Olive Hotel was created, a tribute to the Olive Tree and Oil, revitalizing a historic and iconic building in Evora - the Eborim Shopping Centre. Inspired by this, the hotel wants to introduce guests to the symbols of Alentejo culture and life: the cultural spaces, costumes, landscapes, olive oil, gastronomy, and wines.

In the same year, the Portuguese capital was chosen as the location for the Lisboa Pessoa Hotel, inspired by the life and work of Fernando Pessoa, a Portuguese writer, near one of his former homes, Largo do Carmo.

"Portuguese culture is so rich that we must make it known to those who visit us" affirms the Group Administrator. "We have always believed that hotels are more than spaces where you sleep and have breakfast. They should be spaces that offer experiences. Therefore, the themes of our hotels allow visitors to experience this culture, far beyond decoration, through events or walking tours, through employees sharing, the history and culture of the city and country," he explains.

All three units have great Restaurants within the hotel; both Evora Olive Hotel and Lisboa Pessoa Hotel have a Wellness & Spa Centre.
Image Credit IHG

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Urbnlanes Development to bring two new Crowne Plaza hotels to Egypt. The dual signings will see the introduction of Crowne Plaza Cairo New Administrative Capital and the Crowne Plaza New Cairo Yellow.

Set to open in 2028, both new Crowne Plaza hotels promise a unique blend of premium hospitality and convenience for guests. True to the Crowne Plaza brand, the new-build hotels are set to deliver exceptional guest experiences rooted in blended travel that cater to both leisure and business guests, enabling effortless flexibility and balance between work and life.

Located in the iconic Levels Towers in the heart of the New Administrative Capital, Crowne Plaza Cairo New Administrative Capital is set to offer excellent accessibility to business guests looking for proximity to the nearby government ministries, administrative institutions, embassies and finance houses. The hotel will offer three dining options, including a sky bar, and will also hosts five well-appointed meeting venues to cater to the needs of corporate guests.

Crowne Plaza New Cairo Yellow, will be nestled within New Cairos main arteries. Part of the Yellow mixed-use development project, the hotel will be located within short distance from business parks and Cairo International Airport. Along an all-day dining restaurant and a Club Lounge, Crowne Plaza New Cairo Yellow will feature five meeting and events venues including a ballroom.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, commented: Signing of two new Crowne Plaza hotels in Egypt represent a significant vote of confidence and trust in IHG and the appeal of the brand. We are excited to be an integral part of these major new developments and look forward to bringing world-class hospitality to these high potential locations and contributing to the Egyptian capitals business and leisure tourism offering. We believe, in Urbnlanes Development, we have a partner who shares our continuous commitment to quality of operations, facilities, and guest satisfaction to ensure the long-term success of these two great new assets.

Eng. Emeel Abdalla, Founder of Emeel Abdalla Investments Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Urbnlanes Developments Company, commented: "Our collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts marks a significant milestone in bolstering Egypt's prominence in the global tourism landscape. We anticipate that this partnership will elevate the luxurious hospitality experiences offered across all our real estate ventures, in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 aimed at advancing the tourism sector and attracting increased foreign investment. The tourism and hospitality industry in Egypt play a vital role in bolstering the national economy and fostering job creation. We are confident that the establishment of the two hotels, Crowne Plaza New Cairo Yellow Residence and Crowne Plaza Levels Business Tower in the New Administrative Capital, will substantially enhance the sector's value proposition by drawing more tourists worldwide and delivering outstanding hospitality services that surpass their expectations."

Guests of both hotels will benefit from IHGs best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which provides an elevated guest experience  giving them richer benefits that can be availed on IHGs new mobile app. The benefits range from suite upgrades and annual lounge memberships to extended check-outs, and much more, depending on the chosen benefit level.

IHG currently operates 7 hotels across 4 brands in Egypt, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Staybridge Suites, and has a strong pipeline of 17 hotels.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East was unveiled today on Ummahat Island in the tranquil waters of The Red Sea. The private island retreat is nestled within the captivating Blue Hole cluster of islands, where pristine coral reefs thrive beneath the surface and the celestial canopy above paints an endless tapestry of stars. Nujuma  inspired by the meaning of stars in Arabic  invites travellers to embark on an unchartered journey to one of the world's most secluded and protected archipelagos. Here, amidst the azure expanse, guests are beckoned to explore and immerse themselves in the regions culture and traditions.

As more and more travellers look to discover new corners of the earth, we are thrilled to reveal our newest Ritz-Carlton Reserve, located amongst the natural beauty and stunning setting of The Red Sea, said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. Nujuma joins a collection of rare Ritz-Carlton Reserve estates around the world, inviting the most discerning travellers to embark on a journey of exploration where every encounter reveals a deeper connection to the destination. I cannot wait for guests to discover this luxurious private sanctuary and truly transformative experience.

The Red Sea, one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabias luxury regenerative tourism destinations on the west coast of the country, is surrounded by the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system with an archipelago of more than 90 untouched islands. From this enchanting setting, guests can embark on extraordinary snorkelling and scuba diving adventures to uncover seldom visited sites beneath the waves. Teeming with vibrant coral reefs that have thrived for over five thousand years, the barrier reef is home to fascinating ecosystems including over 165 endemic reef fish, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and Napoleon wrasse.

The islands shores are fringed by rich mangroves, known to be one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, and within this lush habitat visitors can spot a variety of sea birds, marine invertebrates and havali guitarfish. Beyond the turquoise waters, guests can discover the beauty of the coastal mainland through guided trails across majestic desert dunes.

Designed by Foster and Partners, Nujumas sweeping shell-inspired architecture and elegant interiors are crafted with natural materials imbued with calming sea and sand tones, and geometric patterns reminiscent of the regions design motifs. Arabic artifacts, traditional ceramics, woven Saudi patterned rugs and intricate wall hangings celebrating local craftmanship flow through the canopied interiors. Lush landscaping of indigenous plants elegantly frame the pathways between the pavilioned spaces and villas.

Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane, Nujuma features 63 overwater and beach villas, offering one-to-three-bedroom accommodation, spacious living areas and private pools overlooking the sea. Guests can marvel at the limitless starry night skies from the comfort of their villa through telescopes positioned on each deck. Perched above the cerulean-blue sea and connected by an elevated ring walkway, the overwater villas offer panoramic views and direct access to the sea. Nestled on undisturbed soft white sand, the beach villas are secluded retreats flooded with natural light and the seas refreshing breeze. Each villa enjoys the services of a dedicated personal host, who will take care of every detail and guide guests through all the enriching experiences this destination has to offer.

Opportunity to gain unique insights into the Saudi Arabian culture, traditions and the destination are presented by a team of local experts dedicated to preserving and sharing their heritage. Honouring the legacy of nomadic exploration and learning, the Conservation House is an integrated space for creative pursuits to expand knowledge and foster a sense of community. Through hands-on activities hosted by resident sustainability, environmental, and cultural experts, guests of all ages can cultivate a deep connection with the destination.

Nujuma's dining philosophy is inspired by the Arabian tradition of gathering at ones home to share stories of good fortune, poetry, philosophy and science. Each of the Reserves five culinary experiences honour the generations of fishermen from the Umluj region whose lives have been deeply intertwined with the area for over 50 years. Guests are warmly welcomed to Tabrah, a modern interpretation of a fishermans home, to share a menu of seafood specialities including, The Luckiest Catch, a communal celebration of the sea's daily bounty that has nurtured the fisherman's family through the ages. Jamaa is a relaxed alfresco space serving light dishes prepared in an open kitchen and over a wood-fire grill to the resorts outdoor pool and beach lined with plush cabanas.

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As the sun dips below the horizon,is an intimate place for astrology inspired refreshments prepared by expert mixologists, including Gemini, a citrus mocktail named after the constellation, known as al-Tawaman in Arabic, that can be seen from Saudi Arabias capital all year. Designed to celebrate the wonders of the nights sky featuring telescope and star design elements, the open-air terrace is a place to gaze above while Nujumas astrologer shares insights into the evenings constellation. Inspired by vibrant bazaars, all day dining venue,, is a spacious French-style patisserie and a Levantine restaurant under three woven-wood pavilions, a design nod to the tradition of leaf weaving. Guests are greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread exuding from a traditional clay oven, paired with fresh hummus and dishes seasoned from the resort's vast spice library.

Neyrah Spa is a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to holistic wellness to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. The serene indoor and outdoor oasis invites guests to nourish the body and soul through ceremonies and methods from around the globe while connecting with regional ingredients including the enchanting scent of oud and moringa peregrina tree oil sourced from the AlUla region. Wellness experts design bespoke journeys to rebalance and relax, and guide guests through breathing techniques, meditation, lunar yoga and sound healing therapy. The seas breeze and gentle sounds of waves flow through five sea-facing treatment rooms and three outdoor treatment cabins. The space also features vitality and lap pools, a hammam and a fitness centre. Designed as a voyage, bespoke treatments encourage guests to reflect on the past, live in the present, and step into the future with clarity and energy.

With the launch of the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the region, we are opening the doors to an unparalleled destination and inviting the world to discover The Red Sea destination, said Tony Coveney, General Manager, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Nujuma is unlike any other property in the region, a pinnacle of luxury with discovery and sustainability at its core, offering guests a transformative journey into the extraordinary set within the picture-perfect backdrop of Ummahat Islands natural beauty. We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy an unforgettable exploration of the destination where every moment is infused with wonder and connection.
What musicians and creators can do to get ready for the TikTok ban

Biden signed a bill last month that could leave U.S. consumers and creators TikTok-less nine months from now. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the worst.

by THE ORCHARD

TikTok has revolutionized the way we consume music. At The Orchard, we amplify and empower independent artists and labels across the platform and believe its vital for everyone to be informed on what steps we can all take.

The US Senate has approved a bill that would ban TikTok unless China-based company ByteDance divests from the app within 9 months. US President Joe Biden signed legislation on Wednesday, April 24.

As it stands now, TikTok, has become the trendsetter in the world of short-form video and is used by 170 million Americans, which is about half of the country. It is where one-third of young people get their news, according to Pew Research Center (NPR).

When Will the Ban Come Into Effect?

Upon being signed, the bill will give TikToks parent company, ByteDance, 270 days to sell the apps US operations, with an option for Biden to extend the timeline by 90 days if he sees significant progress toward a sale, says The Guardian and Forbes.

What Can You Do in the Meantime?

TikTok has promised to legally challenge the law that was signed, hoping to reverse action, but leaving its future unclear. Therefore, many music marketers are left wondering how this will affect their campaign strategy. Some steps you can take during this time includes:

Keep posting on TikTok. As we can already see this road may take twists and turns, so its important not to abandon the platform or your current strategy, as TikTok remains a relevant and powerful platform

Cross-pollinate your audiences and continue to grow them on other social platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X, Snapchat, etc. Whether or not this ban comes into effect, this is a good reminder that its never good to keep all your eggs in one basket, be it a platform ban, account hack, or deletion of a profile Not everyone is on every platform, the goal is to connect with your fans wherever they may be in the digital landscape

Explore other modes of short-form content i.e. YouTube Shorts and IG Reels

Have all your content saved, regardless of platform As previously mentioned, beyond a ban there are multiple instances in which your content may not be accessible. Always be sure to save your content off-platform as content insurance.



Short-form content is relevant across various platforms and should remain a focal point in your marketing strategy. This includes platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok. Our ultimate recommendation is to continue to meet your audience where they are. For now, well still see you on TikTok!

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May 24, 2024 Tips for Keeping Your Picnic Safe & Delicious ? Who doesnt love an outdoor picnic? Well, it is probably a safe bet that the 1 in 6 Americans who suffer from food poisoning each summer are not big fans. To reduce the odds this holiday weekend and all summer long, follow these simple food safety tips. READ MORE ? New Mental Health Resource for Youth in Bennington County Join UCS Children, Youth and Family Services division for an open house on May 28 to celebrate the opening of Healthy Options for Psychiatric Emergencies (HOPE House). The new program provides support and treatment for kids and adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges through its Psychiatric Urgent Care for Kids (PUCK) program and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for elementary school-aged children. READ MORE ? ? Understanding Celiac Disease An estimated 3 million Americans have celiac disease, an inherited autoimmune disease triggered by gluten. Left undiagnosed and untreated, people with celiac disease are at risk for serious health consequences that extend well beyond a bellyache. Read More. Don't Lose Another Good Night's Sleep Do you ever wake up feeling exhausted, despite spending what seemed like a full night in bed? You are not alone. Millions of people experience disrupted sleep due to various reasons, one of which is sleep apnea, a common and easily treated sleep disorder. Read more. ? Vermont Conversations: Healthcare in Vermont The Green Mountain Academy of Lifelong Learning (GMALL) invites you to Healthcare in Vermont, a panel discussion, on Tuesday, June 4 at Southern Vermont Arts Center, Arkell Pavilion, from 5:30-7 p.m. ? Southwestern Vermont Medical Centers President and CEO Tom Dee will be a featured panelist, along with Lorna Mattern, Executive Director, United Counseling Service and Keith Michl, MD FACP Internal Medicine. The discussion will be moderated by Kathleen Fisher. This panel is one of a four-series that intends to spark civil discourse on topics crucial to our state and the future. Register Here ? OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS: ?Southwestern Vermont Medical Center | svhealthcare.org ? ?
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America heads to the polls this November, with Donald Trump and Joe Biden set to go head-to-head for the second time. But where would we be if Trump had won a second term in the 2020 election?

I think it would be a better and safer world, author and Cambridge politics professor David Runciman told audiences at Hay Festival.

Taking part in The News Review, an event held in partnership with The Independent, Runciman posed a counterfactual situation, which I think is worth thinking about.

Without Covid, Trump would have won in 2020, almost certainly, theres overwhelming evidence. Try and think of a world in which Trump won then  I think it would be a better and safer world.

It might sound odd. Who knows what would have happened with the invasion of Ukraine. Nonetheless, Trump in a second term would have been a lame duck, and he would have felt gratified, suggested Runciman.

Biden won 306 electoral college votes to Trumps 232 in the 2020 election, but the vote was followed by an ugly period in which Trump refused to concede defeat, which culminated in a mob of his supporters breaking into the Capitol building in Washington DC on 6 January.

America would be moving beyond Trump, if he had won in 2020, David Runciman argued ( Getty Images )

Trump being defeated, believing he wasnt defeated, having four years with the people around him to plan what hell do second time round and come back, is a completely different ball game, said Runciman.

Also had Trump won in 2020, what would we be facing now? It would have been a new generation of politicians coming through. America would be moving beyond Trump. Now, which way that would have gone I dont know. Joe Biden wouldnt be running. There would have been a generational shift in American politics.

He added that Bidens victory in 2020 may have spared us Trump, but now I find myself thinking what it did was it froze everything, and were running that story again, and its astonishing that its a rerun.

David Runciman speaks on stage during The News Review, an event held in partnership with The Independent at Hay Festival ( Adam Tatton-Reid/Hay Festival )

Runciman was speaking alongside American writer Sarah Churchwell and novelist Lionel Shriver in a conversation chaired by The Independents chief books critic Martin Chilton.

Responding to Runcimans hypothetical scenario, Churchwell argued that your counterfactual presumes that at the end of eight years, Trump would have peacefully stopped being president.

Runciman said he believed Trump would attempt this, but I also dont believe that American institutions would allow it. He added: American politics would now be moving on. For me, the horror is that were not moving on.

Americas election takes place on Tuesday 5 November, four months after the United Kingdoms 4 July general election. Trump is currently embroiled in a criminal trial in which he is charged with 34 counts of fraud, in relation to the payment of hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The case makes him the first former US president to be tried for a crime.

Elsewhere in the conversation at Hay Festival, Churchwell said that Trumps brain is rotting in front of us and claimed it was dangerous and wrong to compare him to Biden.

Hay Festival continues until 2 June; hayfestival.com
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Fans have defended Pete Davidson after the stand-up comedian reportedly walked off stage early at a show in Nebraska last week.

Davidson, 30, was performing at Steelhouse in Omaha as part of his ongoing Prehab Tour, but abruptly left when audience members refused to quieten down and continued to shout things like: Ariana Grande!

The Independent has approached Davidson and Steelhouse for comment.

On Reddit, one fan recounted their experience at the show and concluded that Davidson had been in the right.

Good on Pete for disciplining the petulant audience that showed up like an attention-seeking 3-year-old demanding their presence noticed while the adults talk. Wasnt the time, they wrote. Truly disappointing.

Another wrote that Davidson was already coming to the end of his set by the time he left, and was still being consistently heckled.

open image in gallery Pete Davidson in New York in November 2023 ( Getty Images for Hellman's )

One of the s***tier things I personally heard was when Pete mentioned he had one more joke to deliver before sending us off. At this point, some lady near my seats yelled, OH, youve got a joke?, they wrote, before adding: Shame on Omaha for this one.

On YouTube, fan Katelin Stivers said shed also been at the show. She asked: Where the f*** did decorum go at events because he shouldnt have had to walk off stage because you guys dont understand that because you see crowd work on TikTok that you think every comedian needs to be heckled to the point that they leave stage with one joke left.

She added: Its just absolutely absurd. Youre ruining it for the whole show.

Davidson and Grandes whirlwind romance was the subject of widespread media attention. The pair got engaged in June 2018 after just two months of dating. The couple then broke up in October that same year.

Davidson later said during a radio show appearance that he knew the relationship was over when Grandes ex-boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller, died.

That was really horrible, and I cant imagine what that s*** is like. All I do know is that she really loved the s*** out of him and she wasnt putting on a show or anything.

Davidson added that he totally got it when the couple split given the circumstances.

I was like, Listen, I get it, do whatever youve got to do, Ill be here, he recalled.

Davidson has gone on to date a string of famous women, including Kate Beckinsale, Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor and Kim Kardashian.
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Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia made history on Saturday by becoming the first person from India to win the prestigious Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, despite being embroiled in controversy back home.

Kapadias film All We Imagine As Light is the first Indian film in three decades to compete at Cannes in the main competition. The film follows nurse Prabha and her younger roommate Anu, as they navigate life in the Indian city of Mumbai.

It was already a dream to be selected in competition and this was beyond my imagination, Kapadia said in her acceptance speech.

Please dont wait another 30 years to have an Indian film, she added.

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.

The last time an Indian film was short-listed for the main competition was in 1994, when Shaji N Karuns film Swaham lost the Palme dOr to Quentin Tarantino for Pulp Fiction.

open image in gallery Divya Prabha, Payal Kapadia, Chhaya Kadam and Kani Kusruti pose with the Grand Prix Award for All We Imagine As Light during the Palme DOr Winners Photocall ( WireImage )

All We Imagine As Light marks Kapadias debut as a director in a feature film, and her documentary A Night of Knowing won the LOeil dOr award at Cannes in 2021.

Kapadias win should be a sign of great pride for both India and her alma mater, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), but her journey to Cannes has been anything but smooth.

In December 2016, when Kapadia was a final year film direction student at FTII in the Indian city of Pune, she was among six students who had qualified for the foreign exchange programme, in addition to being one of eight students to receive a scholarship set up by private donors for students at the top of their class.

However, Kapadia was unable to enjoy either of these hard-earned opportunities. The FTII administration disqualified Kapadia, along with several other students, for participating in a students strike in 2015 against the proposed appointment of actor-turned-politician Gajendra Chauhan as chairman of the institute.

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The appointment of Chauhan, who was known primarily for playing Yudisthir in the television adaptation of Indian epic Mahabharat, triggered the longest protest in the institutes history, as students said he lacked credentials and vision and felt that his appointment was politically coloured.

Kapadia was at the forefront of the 139-days-long protests, and was named, along with 34 other students, in a complaint registered by then-institute director Prashant Pathrabe that said a group of 50 students had forcibly detained him in his office.

The case is still pending nine years later, and is set to be heard in Pune on 26 June.

It is our belief that an academically bright student must also learn to function within the framework of institutional rules and good behaviour. The two cannot be disjointed, then-director Bhupendra Kainthola told Indian Express in January 2017.

The FTII has posted a message on X congratulating Kapadia for her Cannes win, and has received an immediate backlash for what some perceived as hypocrisy from the institute.

Indian actor Ali Fazal and Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty both called out the institute, with Pookutty writing on Facebook: It would be interesting to pause for a moment and think, has (the) Indian Film Industry anything to do with this win?! None! who all are been taken to Cannes by Govt Of India as delegation every year?! The usual suspects and familiar faces from mainstream Industry.

Kapadia, despite her difficult experience with the FTII, continues to stress the importance and role of public education and universities in creating and nurturing artists.

We owe a lot to public education to make us the filmmakers we are Universities are spaces of freedom. This is why we needed to make this film. As students who have been part of them, it is our responsibility to protect what they stand for so that the next generation can benefit, Kapadia told the Indian Express after her win.
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Members of Abba have revealed their proudest moments, which include a range of pivotal achievements from winning Eurovision to being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

As the Swedish pop supergroup celebrate the two-year anniversary of Abba Voyage, their London-based immersive experience that sees digital Abba-tars perform their greatest hits in a stadium setting, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson reflected on the defining moments of their careers.

Bjorn, 79, admitted that the moment where it all began  Eurovision  was his proudest, because it established the band as a household name. It was 50 years ago when the quartet rrived on the stage at Brighton Dome and won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with their winning track Waterloo and soared to international pop stardom.

The feeling afterwards that now the whole world knew about us and that we could now concentrate on the writing. It was absolutely fantastic, said Bjorn of their Eurovision win, at a Q&A event with 3,000 fans in the audience, to celebrate the Abba Voyage anniversary.

open image in gallery Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson outside the Abba Voyage arena ( Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson )

Andersson, 77, said that his most fulfilling moment was being invited into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Those are a few moments when you know that youve written a good tune. It doesnt happen often, its maybe happened ten times in the last 40 years, he said.

The two-year anniversary comes the same year as the band celebrate 50 years since their Eurovision win.

Some fans had hoped that the band would mark the occasion by reuniting on the Eurovision stage earlier this month, for the first time since 1982.

The hosts of Eurovision added fuel to the fire by ruthlessly teasing a potential surprise performance from an iconic band beginning with A.

However, many fans were left disappointed when the bands virtual Abbatars performed instead.

open image in gallery Abba at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 ( Getty Images )

Hosts Malin Akerman and Petra Mede teased a performance from a Swedish super pop group beginning with an A, before introducing the popular pop trio Alcazar, who performed their hit Crying at the Discoteque. Fans instantly complained that they were duped by the gag, especially since Abba themselves had posted a TikTok just days before teasing a potential Eurovision performance.

open image in gallery A tribute to Abba is played at Eurovision 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

The projection saw group members Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad perform their hit Waterloo, which they performed when they won the same competition 50 years ago.
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Nicki Minaj has apologised to fans and announced a new date for her show at Manchesters Co-op Live after her arrest at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam forced the arena to cancel the concert.

The American rapper, 41, was scheduled to perform at the arena on Saturday but was forced to cancel the gig after she was arrested in the Netherlands on suspicion of exporting soft drugs.

She was fined 350 (300) and allowed to continue on her journey.

Minaj announced on social media that she would now perform in Manchester on 3 June and promised to make the show really special.

She added that Ticketmaster will contact the fans who waited for hours at the cancelled show, which is part of her Pink Friday 2 Tour.

Minaj livestreamed a video to her followers on Saturday showing herself being arrested in the Netherlands for allegedly carrying drugs.

Minaj said she had pre-rolled joints in her bag that she said belonged to her security guard.

Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him, she wrote on Instagram.

Oh yea and the pilot wants me to take my post down.

Minaj said she was able to leave for Manchester after sitting in a jail cell for 5-6 hours, which delayed her enough that she was unable to make it in time for her concert, where 20,000 fans were waiting.

Fans were left fuming as they were let in at 7pm BST and were only informed that the gig was cancelled at 9.40pm, and some directed their anger at the organisers who they felt let them spend money at the venue despite knowing the concert would inevitably be cancelled.

open image in gallery Nicki Minaj performs onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center in Newark on 12 September 2023 ( Getty )

Promoter Live Nation released a statement on Saturday, saying: Despite Nickis best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonights show happen, the events of today have made it impossible.

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We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused.

On Sunday, Minaj shared her hotel location on social media and asked fans to stop by and say hello, writing: Barbz, Im going on the balcony so if youre outside Ill be able to see you & I may come downstairs, she wrote. Ill be out there for about an hour. Rlly wanted to at least get to see you. But if youre in bed plz STAY THERE.

In videos shared by a fan account on social media, Minaj can be seen meeting fans and speaking to them.

I love you, and Im so sorry this happened tonight, she told them.

She also said on Sunday that she would 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.

Minajs postponed show is the latest controversy to plague the troubled Co-op Live arena, which finally opened last week after over a month of delays.
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Nicki Minaj asked for a moment of silence for her dear friend Diana, Princess of Wales while performing in Birmingham, England.

The Trinidadian rapper, 41, brought her Pink Friday 2 tour to the citys Resorts World Arena yesterday (27 May).

Midway through the show, she spoke to a member of the audience who told her they were from Wales.

Putting on a British accent, Minaj responded: Wales? It always reminds me of a dear friend of mine... well, shes not here anymore, but the Princess of Wales.

After the crowd cheered, Minaj added: Lets have a moment of silence for her.

Fan-shot footage suggests the moment of silence was largely well observed. Diana, the mother of Princes William and Harry, was killed in a car crash in a Paris underpass on 31 August 1997.

open image in gallery Nicki Minaj paid tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales ( Getty )

Last year Minaj appeared on a remix of fellow rapper Ice Spices single Princess Diana, a song which includes the lyric: When we come out, it look like Princess Diana on the street. The remix was a top five hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Earlier in the day, Minaj had apologized to fans and announced a new date for her show at Manchesters Co-op Live after her arrest at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam forced the arena to cancel the concert.

She had been scheduled to perform at the arena on Saturday but was forced to cancel the gig after she was arrested in the Netherlands on suspicion of exporting soft drugs.

She was fined 350 (300) and allowed to continue on her journey.

Minaj announced on social media that she would now perform in Manchester on 3 June and promised to make the show really special. She added that Ticketmaster would contact the fans who waited for hours at the canceled show.

The rapper had livestreamed a video to her followers on Saturday showing herself being arrested in the Netherlands for allegedly carrying drugs.

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Minaj said she had pre-rolled joints in her bag that belonged to her security guard.

Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him, she wrote on Instagram. Oh yea and the pilot wants me to take my post down.

Minaj said she was able to leave for Manchester after sitting in a jail cell for 5-6 hours, which delayed her enough that she was unable to make it in time for her concert, where 20,000 fans were waiting.

Fans were left fuming as they were let in at 7pm BST and were only informed that the gig was cancelled at 9.40pm, and some directed their anger at the organizers who they felt let them spend money at the venue despite knowing the concert would inevitably be canceled.

Promoter Live Nation released a statement on Saturday, saying: 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.
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Richard M Sherman, half of the prolific songwriting Sherman Brothers who wrote songs for Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, has died aged 95.

Along with his late brother Robert, Sherman won two Academy Awards for Best Song and Best Score, for their work on Walt Disneys box-office 1964 hit Mary Poppins.

The Walt Disney Co. announced that Sherman died on Saturday 25 May due to 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, the companys statement said.

Even today, the duos work remains the quintessential lyrical voice of Walt Disney, the company said in a remembrance posted on its website.

Shermans brother Robert died aged 86 in London, in 2012.

Born in New York City on 12 June 1928 to Russian Jewish immigrants Al and Rosa Sherman, he and his family eventually settled in Beverley Hills, California, in 1937.

He became engrossed by music from a young age, learning to play instruments including the piano, flute and piccolo.

Debbie Reynolds poses with Richard M. Sherman, right, and Robert Sherman, left, who received the Academy Awards for Best Song and Best Score for Mary Poppins, 1965 ( AP1965 )

He was classmates with fellow future Academy Award-winner Andre Previn, who would go on to win for his score to My Fair Lady, and performed with him at their high school graduation in 1946.

Their joint credits as lyricist and composer span hundreds of songs featured in some of Disneys most popular ventures, from Winne the Pooh and The Magic of Lassie to the most-played tune on Earth, Its a Small World (After All).

The song that accompanies visotirs to Disney theme parks around the world, on a boat ride where guests are serenaded by animatronic dolls representing global cultures, is believed to be the most-performed composition of all time.

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It debuted at the 1964-65 New York Worlds Fair pavilion ride.

The Sherman brothers also wrote the soundtracks for films The Parent Trap, The Sword in the Stone, The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, and The Tigger Movie.

Chim Chim Cher-ee, which featured in Mary Poppins, was among the Sherman Brothers many compositions ( Buena Vista Home Video )

They were portrayed in the 2013 film Saving Mr Banks starring Tom Hanks, which told the story behind the making of Mary Poppins, with Jason Schwartzman and BJ Novak as the two brothers.

Among their many accolades were 23 gold and platinum albums, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, while President George W Bush awarded them the National Medal of Arts three years later, commending them for the music that has helped bring joy to millions.

Something good happens when we sit down together and work, he told The Associated Press in a 2005 joint interview. Weve been doing it all our lives. Practically since college weve been working together.

Richard and Robert Sherman ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

He revealed that Walt Disney once told the brothers, early on in their career, not to insult or write down to their child audience.

So we write for grandpa and the four-year-old, and everyone in between, and all see it on a different level.

The brothers credited their father, composer Al Sherman, with inspiring their love of songwriting, as they went on to popularise terms such as fantasmagorical and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Being brothers, we sort of short-cut each other, Richard Sherman said of their approach of trying to one-up the other. We can almost look at each other and know, Hey, youre onto something, kiddo.

Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children Gregory and Victoria. He is survived by another daughter, Lynda, from his previous marriage.

Disney said that a private funeral would be held on Friday (31 May) while a celebration of life service would be announced at a later date.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
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A Wu-Tang Clan album that exists in one single physical copy and has only ever been played in private will finally go on display for the public at an Australian museum.

The album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was once owned by disgraced pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli, and was last bought at auction for $4m in 2021.

The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart, Tasmania has been able to acquire the album on loan from digital art collective Pleasr for its upcoming exhibition Namedropping, which aims to explore status and how people enhance their own, including using certain desirable objects.

Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is sometimes referred to as the most valuable album ever made, and was recorded in secret between 2006 and 2013. It sits in an ornate silver box and consists of two CDs with a leather-bound manuscript containing lyrics and a legal agreement stating that the owner cannot release the tracks for 88 years, or until 2103.

A single two-CD copy of the 31-track album was pressed in 2015 and all digital master files were deleted.

The album was designed as a statement on the way music streaming and piracy had cheapened the value of music, and the band said they wanted to have a 400-year-old Renaissance-style approach to music.

Wu-Tang producers Cilvaringz and RZA said that they hoped offering it as a commissioned commodity would inspire and intensify urgent debates about the future of music. It reportedly features contributions from all surviving members of Wu-Tang Clan, Cher, and Game of Thrones actress Carice Van Houten.

It is not known exactly how people have heard the album as the agreement for purchasers states they may play it at listening parties. The only confirmed playing of the album was at an event for 150 art experts, rap fans, and prospective buyers at New Yorks MoMa in 2015

Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was bought for $2m at auction by Shkreli, the pharma executive who gained notoriety for hiking up the price of a drug used by cancer, malaria, and Aids patients from $13.50 to $750 per pill.

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Shkreli had said he would release the album if Donald Trump won the 2016 US presidential election, and then streamed portions of the album online when Trump won.

open image in gallery Martin Shrkreli appears to be selling the Wu-Tang Clan album on eBay ( eBay/screengrab )

In 2018, Shkreli had to give up the album as part of $7.4m in assets seized by a federal court after he was convicted for securities fraud. The album then made its way to current owners Pleasr, who bought it for $4m from the US Department of Justice in 2021.

This is the first time Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is being loaned to a museum since its first sale to Shkreli.

As part of Namedropping, Mona will hold free, ticketed listening sessions from 15 to 24 June so members of the public can listen to a curated 30-minute mix of the album, played from a personalised Wu-Tang Clan PlayStation 1 in Monas Frying Pan Studios.

Every once in a while, an object on this planet possesses mystical properties that transcend its material circumstances, said Jarrod Rawlins, Monas director of curatorial affairs.

Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is more than just an album, so when I was thinking about status, and what a transcendent namedrop could be, I knew I had to get it into this exhibition.

Ten years ago, the Wu-Tang Clan had a bold vision to make a single copy album as a work of fine art. To put it in an art gallery  make music become a living piece like a Mona Lisa or a sceptre from Egypt, Pleasr said in a statement.

With this single work of art, Wu-Tang Clans intention was to redefine the meaning of music ownership and value in a world of digital streaming and commodification of music. Pleasr is honoured to partner with Mona to support RZAs vision for Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.
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The cast of medical soap General Hospital have paid tribute to their co-star Johnny Wactor after he was killed on Saturday (25 May).

The 37-year-old was shot at around 3am on Saturday by three men who were trying to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle, the Los Angeles police department said. His brother Grant told the Daily Mail that Wactor was walking his colleague to her car after their shift at a rooftop bar when they came across the thieves, who the soap star assumed were just towing his truck. He said they had been raised as southern gentlemen.

Messages have now poured in from heartbroken colleagues as they mourned the loss of a special person who genuinely cared about people. Tributes were mixed with both sadness and outrage.

Emmy-nominated actor Kirsten Storms, who plays Maxie Jones on the programme which is the longest-running serial in Hollywood, said she was in a state of disbelief and complete sadness.

I dont typically do posts like this, but Johnny was such a special person and it feels important to put these words out there, she wrote on Instagram.

Johnny was one of those rare real individuals that you almost never come across... For some reason, we talked about the deep stuff. He was a safe space for those conversations and, in turn, he would talk about his life, she continued.

He genuinely cared about people and their journeys in life. During his time on GH I witnessed him work hard and truly have respect for every single person in our building.

I just cannot believe that his life was stolen from him the way it was. My heart hurts. RIP Johnny.

open image in gallery Wactor was shot and killed while protecting a colleague according to police and his brother ( Getty )

Meanwhile Sofia Mattsson who plays Sasha Gilmore on the show added, My heart is so utterly broken.

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She described Wactor as someone who was, So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard working and humble. With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy.

The actor echoed Stormss tribute as she praised the positive impact the star had had on the people around him.

He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved. I admire the man he was so much and Im a better person for having known him, she said.

open image in gallery Kirsten Storms, Laura Wright and Jeff Kober paid tribute to Wactor ( Getty Images )

Im sure youre already busy taking care of everyone up there.

Laura Wright who plays Cathy Carinthos shared a picture of Wactor to her stories, captioned, In shock. My heart breaks for Johnnys family. He was an incredible man.

Meanwhile veteran actor Jeff Kober who plays Cyrus Renault in General Hospital and has also starred in The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, singled Wactor out as One of the kindest, most thoughtful and gentle actors Ive ever worked with.

Others shared their anger and disgust at the killing.

Kelly Thiebaud who plays Dr Britt Westbourne said, To take him away from his family and people who loved him so you can sell a catalytic converter on the black market for 300 bucks angers me so much!

While Bonnie Burroughs who plays Gladys Corbin said she was sickened by this terrible loss adding The world is darker now.

Wactor was known for playing Brando Corbin on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, appearing in 164 episodes from 2020 to 2022.

In a statement issued on Sunday on social media, General Hospital paid tribute, writing, The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactors untimely passing.

He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.
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Popular radio stations including LBC and TalkSport are currently down for many users amid a technical issue that is affecting DAB signals in parts of the UK.

Global Radio said they are aware of the ongoing problem and are in the process of working to resolve it as soon as possible.

The problem is thought to be because of an issue with radio masts and there have been reports of it affecting multiple stations via DAB.

News of the issue was circulated on Twitter (X) this morning, where a user asked if anyone else was experiencing difficulties at 5:55am.

Is anyone else not getting DAB radio this morning? None in my car nor my lorry, they wrote.

Is anyone else not getting DAB radio this morning? None in my car nor my lorry #firstworldroblems #dab #dabradio pic.twitter.com/2krdk0Sz1t  Chewbus Tootburn (@MeerkatBen10) May 28, 2024

This prompted a second user to reply: Im glad its not just me, I was getting patchy coverage at best in my car and then I jumped in my lorry and was getting even worse coverage, figured it must have been a service issue.

A third Twitter user explained that while they could get an issue through WiFi, they struggled to access the radio via other channels.

Addressing Chris Moyles and Radio X, they wrote: Is there an issue with a transmitter in the Stoney Stanton area? No signal on my DAB radio and the back up buzzer blew my brains out this morning.

I get signal on Alexa which is through the WiFi. Just thought you should know.

Seems everyone having DAB issues, wrote a fourth Twitter user. Really patchy this morning on various stations.

A fifth user added: Same issue in Liverpool. Radio X Classic Rock is fine but Radio X itself is on and off every 5 seconds.

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open image in gallery LBC is reported to have been affected by the outages ( LBC )

News of the outage follows controversy surrouding LBC after presenter Sangita Myska stepped away from presenting last month.

The move came after Myska was involved in a heated argument with a spokesperson from the Isreali government over ongoing military action in Gaza.

However, after intense social media speculation and a petition to bring her back, the channel asserted that Myska was no longer on air because she had come to the end of her contract.

LBC said: Sangita Myska is leaving the station at the end of her contract after nearly two years with the station.

DAB radio is one of the standard broadcasting services in the UK and is designed to improve audio quality and decrease the number of transmitters required.

The Independent is monitoring the situation and will issue updates when available.
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Taiwans opposition-controlled parliament has passed a series of new laws that limit the presidents powers and are seen as favouring China, despite days of street protests urging them to reconsider.

The controversial bills became law on Tuesday afternoon following a day that saw heated arguments on the floor of the chamber breaking out into shouting and scuffles.

Taiwans government is controlled by new president Lai Ching-te, who took office last week after his Democratic Progressive Party won presidential elections. But legislative elections held at the same time saw the DPP lose its majority, and the opposition Nationalist Party (KMT) now leads the parliament.

The proposed new laws, tabled by the KMT and backed by its allies, expand MPs influence over the governments budgets, including proposals for increased defence spending that the party has blocked in what many see as a concession to China.

It will also give the power to lawmakers to summon the president, companies and the general public for questioning as well as give them access to confidential documents.

The DPP has said it will challenge the bills in constitutional court.

More than 5,000 people gathered outside the legislature on the third and final reading of the bill to protest the changes earlier on Tuesday.

The protests against the law that took place across the country last week are thought to be the largest since the unprecedented 2014 Sunflower Student Movement when students and activists occupied the Legislative Yuan (Taiwans legislature) in Taipei to block a controversial trade pact between Taiwan and China.

open image in gallery Thousands of protestors attend a rally during the vote for the Parliament reform bill outside of Legislative Yuan in Taipei ( AFP via Getty Images )

Even if democracy is dead, we will not stop fighting, protesters shouted outside the building on Tuesday. Other protesters shouted refuse Chinese political interference.

Opponents of the laws have said that the changes will undermine Mr Lais agenda and could threaten Taiwans security by compelling disclosure of sensitive diplomatic or strategic information to lawmakers, some of whom are seen as sympathetic to Beijing. The KMT officially backs unification with China, from which Taiwan separated during a civil war in 1949.

Mr Lai is an avowed champion of Taiwanese democracy despite growing intimidation tactics by mainland China, which claims the island as a breakaway province. Mr Lai used his first speech in office to call on Beijing to face the reality of Taiwans existence and respect the choices of its people.

open image in gallery A protestor holds a sign reading "No discussion and no democracy" during the vote for the Parliament reform bill outside of Legislative Yuan in Taipei ( AFP via Getty Images )

The DPP said the reforms were forced through without proper consultation and their content was either vague or an over-reach of power. During Tuesdays debate its lawmakers threw rubbish bags and paper planes at their opposition counterparts.

You can seize parliament but you cannot seize public opinion, DPP parliament leader Ker Chien-ming said in an address to the chamber, adding that it was clear Beijing had influenced Taiwanese politics.

open image in gallery Taiwanese lawmakers of the Kuomintang (KMT) holding props stand near the Parliament President Han Kuo-yu to prevent the Democratic Progressive Partys legislators from approaching, at the chamber inside the Legislative Yua ( EPA )

open image in gallery Taiwanese lawmakers from the Democratic Progressive Party throw inflatable balloons with words reading 'anti evil laws' at the Parliament President Han Kuo-yu ( EPA )

The floor of the legislature was as vibrant as the streets outside as lawmakers of the DPP threw inflatable balloons with words reading anti evil laws. MPs from both sides festooned banners in the legislative chamber.

The KMT has denounced the DPP for trying to paint them red, the colour of Chinas Communist Party, and claims the DPP is trying to quash efforts to investigate corruption cases.

The ruling party will have the option to seek a constitutional interpretation of the new law or propose a referendum, which would require the support of at least 29 legislators.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Anger is mounting in India towards the owners and operators of an unlicensed childrens hospital that burned down in Delhi over the weekend, killing seven newborn babies and leaving families struggling to identify their remains.

Some of the babies killed in the fire were so young that they had not even been named yet, and families of the victims told The Independent that they had no way of telling apart the burned bodies, with any identifying documentation also destroyed in the blaze.

Police told The Independent that the fire likely started with an electrical short-circuit before rapidly spreading after several oxygen cylinders exploded. The chief doctor and owner of the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital, which did not have an active fire safety licence, fire extinguishers or a fire escape, have been arrested.

Most of the victims remains were taken to the citys Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, where The Independent met the family of 15-day-old Ruhi.

She had only a mild fever when she was admitted to the private hospital, and the family were told she should be kept under observation for 48 hours, her aunt Vineeta Kumari said. The morning she was due to be discharged, Ruhis family woke up to the news that a fire had gutted the hospital and killed seven babies.

It took Ruhis family the whole of Sunday to confirm that their child was among the casualties.

We read about the fire in the newspaper, said Ms Kumari, 25, who was yet to receive the charred remains of her niece more than 24 hours later. They are doing her postmortem.

We ran from hospital to police station to the neonatal centre where the survivors had been taken to find out about our baby. But all the paperwork was burnt and there was no way to identify her as the body parts were largely turned to ash, she says.

None of the afflicted families were informed by the hospital. We all learnt it through the media or secondary sources.

Deputy police commissioner Surendra Chaudhary told The Independent that the two-storey hospital was operating without a valid licence. Investigators found burst oxygen cylinders which they believe caused an explosion that quickly spread the blaze.

open image in gallery Ruhi with her parents ( Supplied by Vineeta Kumari )

Ravi Gupta, 54, who lives two streets away from the hospital, was preparing to go to bed when he heard the blast.

We rushed out of our homes to see the hospital was on fire. Someone said there were children at the back of the building. Everyone was scared to go as they feared more blasts inside the hospital. Delhi Fire Services and police were yet to arrive, he said.

Mr Gupta and four other men from the neighbourhood broke a window and pulled out some of the babies, saving at least four.

We helped a guy jump in and he was able to pull out four babies right away. We wrapped them in sheets and they were immediately taken to another hospital. He found another baby later, he said.

After 15-20 minutes someone said there were a total of 11 children inside. Our friend jumped in again and got six babies out, but none of them was crying. A doctor from the neighbourhood found a heartbeat in one of them but it was weak. And by the time we took it to the hospital it was too late.

open image in gallery People from the neighbourhood work to pull out newborn from the hospital ( Supplied by Anzar Chaudhary )

One of the babies who died was the newborn son of Vinod Kumar Sharma, 35.

How will I tell my wife, who is still in hospital, that we have lost our child again, he said, waiting outside the mortuary to receive the body.

The child, yet to be named, was born a year after Mr Sharma and his wife had a stillbirth. He was delivered at around 5am on Saturday in the city of Meerut, about 100km from Delhi, and was brought to New Born Baby Care Hospital by 10.30am.

He just had a high fever and the doctor advised to have him admitted in a hospital in Delhi, Mr Sharma said, struggling to hold back tears.

My sister went to see the baby in the afternoon and all was well. In the evening, I visited the doctor who said the baby was doing fine and they should be able to discharge him within a day.

At night, he received a call from a staffer at the hospital saying there was a fire.

They didnt even mention there were blasts, Mr Sharma said. They just suggested that we should go and check on the baby. When I went there, the entire building was ablaze and nobody would tell me anything.

We were looking for the baby all day yesterday. How will you identify your half-burnt newborn whom you have not held peacefully even once? The authorities told me only four babies had survived and mine wasnt among them.

His wife is recuperating from caesarean surgery in a Meerut hospital. She does not know that the baby is no more. She keeps on asking about our child, but we do not know what to tell her, he said.

open image in gallery Fire at Baby Care New Born Child Hospital in Delhi ( Supplied by Delhi Fire Services )

Anzar Chaudhary, 40, lost his 12-day-old daughter in the fire. He had named her Fatima.

I visited her everyday. She had hair like mine, he said, standing outside the burnt hospital.

I buried her yesterday.

I am here now to meet the other families whose happiness was cut short like mine, so we can together ask for justice, he says. I want the strictest punishment for all the individuals responsible for this catastrophe and all those who abandoned the babies.

Police have arrested the hospitals owner, Dr Naveen Khichi, on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The hospitals licence, which was expired, allowed for a maximum of five beds but there were 12 newborns admitted in the hospital when the fire started, according to the preliminary investigation.

Delhis government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and announced free treatment for the injured.

The states chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has described the fire as heartbreaking and said the causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared.

The office of prime minister Narendra Modi has announced compensation of Rs 200,000 (1,881) to the kin of each of the seven deceased children.

The fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi is heartrending. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time, Mr Modi said in a statement.

I pray that those injured recover at the earliest.

Mr Sharma, however, is furious with the governments response. I will give you 10 times the compensation if you return my baby to me as he was, he says.

The Independent has contacted Delhis health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj for comment.
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At least 16 people have died and more than a million have been displaced after the first major cyclone of the year ravaged the coastlines of eastern India and southern Bangladesh.

Powerful gales and heavy rains lashed the region after cyclone Remal made landfall on Sunday night, packing speeds of up to 135 kph.

More than 3.7 million people have been affected in 19 coastal districts of Bangladesh, with villages inundated, homes destroyed, power lines snapped, and heavy losses to fishery and vegetation around the port of Mongla.

At least 10 people have been killed in Bangladesh, disaster management chief Mijanur Rahman told Reuters.

Some of them died en route to shelters, some after their homes collapsed and a few drowned in the flash floods brought about by the rains.

"People are usually very reluctant to leave their livestock and homes to go to cyclone shelters," he said. "They wait until the last minute when it is often too late."

Mr Rahman said 35,483 homes have been destroyed and 115,992 damaged.

open image in gallery A woman stands next to her damaged house after cyclone Remal made landfall near a beach in Kuakata ( AFP via Getty )

open image in gallery Aftermath of cyclone Remal making landfall in West Bengal ( EPA )

Although the cyclone weakened after making landfall in Bangladeshs Patuakhali early on Monday, the winds did not stop as night fell and water levels rose in many places, overwhelming the drainage systems.

"Many people are stranded. It will be another long night ahead with millions having no electricity or shelter," Bangladeshi climate expert Liakath Ali said. "And people have no idea how damaged their homes, lands and livestock are."

Indias weather department said the cyclone was likely to weaken further throughout Tuesday, but warned of heavy showers in northeastern states over the next two days.

In West Bengal, six people were killed and the cyclone caused substantial damage to public infrastructure and private property, with high tides breaching embankments and flooding coastal areas in the Sundarbans, home to one of the worlds largest mangrove forests shared by India and Bangladesh.

Heavy rainfall paralysed train and metro services in Kolkata and the closure of the airport in the state capital led to the cancellation of 50 flights on Sunday.

open image in gallery Trees swing in heavy winds and rains caused by cyclone Remal at Bakkhali in West Bengal ( AP )

open image in gallery People walk along shrimp and crab farms that are flooded due to heavy rain as Cyclone Remal passes the country, in the Shyamnagar area of Satkhira, Bangladesh ( Reuters )

The cyclone flattened more than 300 mud huts, blew away the roofs of some tin and thatched houses, and uprooted trees and about 1,200 power poles.

Nearly three million people were left without power in Bangladesh after authorities shut down electricity supply to some areas in advance to avoid accidents.

In preparation for the storm, Bangladesh set up around 800,000 storm shelters and moved a million people while India moved people in low-lying areas to roughly 110,000 shelters.
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Thailands government has announced sweeping changes to tourism in the country.

Tourism is a key driver of Southeast Asias second-largest economy and a big source of employment.

The country said on Tuesday it had approved longer visa stay periods for tourists, postgraduate students and remote workers, and better visa conditions for retirees, in a move to boost its crucial tourism sector as its economy stutters.

open image in gallery Tourists stand on Bang Tao Beach in Phuket, southern Thailand ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Starting in June, Thailand will allow travelers from 93 countries to stay for periods of 60 days, up from the current 57 nations, while more will also be eligible for visas on arrival, government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke told reporters.

Foreign students will be permitted to stay for an additional year upon graduation, while insurance requirements for foreigners seeking to retire in Thailand will be relaxed, he added.

The new measures come as part of an effort to boost visitors, especially from its main and fastest-growing markets, by extending stay limits to 60 days from 30 days for on-arrival visas.

The validity of so-called digital nomad visas for self-employed, remote workers will be extended to five years, from 60 days presently, with each stay limited to 180 days.

open image in gallery Thai people splash water to celebrate Songkran festival in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists in from January to May 26 this year and is targeting a record 40 million foreign arrivals for the full year, with revenue of 3.5 trillion baht ($95.73 billion).

In pre-pandemic 2019, Thailand welcomed a record 39.9 million arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht.

Earlier this year Thailand made a U-turn on its laws on cannabis, just two years after announcing them.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said at the start of May that cannabis would be re-listed as a narcotic by end of 2024, in a stunning U-turn for the country two years after it became the first in the region to decriminalise its recreational use.

I want the health ministry to amend the rules and re-list cannabis as a narcotic, Srettha said on social media platform X. The ministry should quickly issue a rule to allow its usage for health and medical purposes only.

Cannabis was decriminalized for medical use in 2018 and recreational use in 2022 under a previous government, leading to rapid growth of small businesses selling cannabis products, which now number in the tens of thousands.
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Paris Hilton had a sweet response to fellow moms after she sparked concern over her son Phoenixs life jacket in a swimming video.

The socialite, 43, recently shared videos of her family vacation with her son Phoenix, one, and daughter London, six months. In a video posted to TikTok on May 25, Hilton could be seen floating in a lazy river pool with her son in her arms.

However, it seemed in the clip that Phoenix was wearing his Puddle Jumper life jacket backwards while swimming with his mom. He appeared to be wearing the life jacket, which has two arm holes and a vest in the front, with the front vest on his back.

In the comments section, one mother alerted the Paris in Love star that Phoenixs life jacket was on backwards.

Hey momma, just a tip from another Puddle Jumper mom, I think its on backwards, one TikTok user commented under Hiltons video, adding: But I love this video, pure joy.

The mother of two seemed to appreciate the helpful advice, and left a sweet response to the TikToker.

Oops! Thank you! I never let him out of my arms, [I] thought it was backwards too, Hilton explained. I said that to the person who I bought it from and they said it was on right. But thank you so much for letting me know.

Others took the opportunity to applaud Hilton for being so open to suggestions from fellow moms.

I absolutely love how you listen and take other moms advice instead of getting pissed off!!! one person wrote. Im a new fan of yours and you are a great mom!

You are always so kind and humble in your responses when people are trying to help, another user said. Its so clear what a great mom you are and how open you are to suggestions and help. Its amazing to see.

A third fan chimed in: You are a great mom. Learning is part of being a great mom! You are doing nothing wrong!

The reality TV star became a mother for the first time when she and her husband, Carter Reum, welcomed their son Phoenix in January 2023. Hilton and Reum - who tied the knot in November 2021 - announced the birth of their first child via surrogate on Instagram.

You are already loved beyond words, the DJ captioned the post, which showed her holding her son Phoenixs tiny hand.

Just 10 months later, they welcomed their second child together  a daughter named London  also via surrogate. Thankful for my baby girl, Hilton wrote on Instagram, showing a photo of a pink pajama set with the name London inscribed on the collared top.

Since then, the Simple Life star has given fans a glimpse at her transition into motherhood. Most recently, Hilton revealed that she plans on being strict when it comes to her childrens social media usage. Speaking at The Wall Street Journals The Future of Everything Festival on May 21, she explained why she doesnt want her son and daughter to begin using social media until theyre much older.

Im going to try to not have them have a phone for a while because I think its just some of these kids are just getting phones at way too young of an age, Hilton said at the New York City event. And theres just so many things online that I wouldnt even want my children to be exposed to.

So I never thought I would say this, but Im going to be the strict mom, she added.

Hilton acknowledged the dangers that social media can pose on mental health, especially when it comes to negative comments from online trolls. I just want my children just to feel just so loved and seen and want to be that next generation of someone that brings positivity to the world and just to have big hearts and big loving, she said. Thats something thats really important to me.

And also to live a world outside of social media and being on their phone all the time. So I feel thats really taken a lot from children. Kids are not going outside any more and playing as much because everyones just so busy on their phones.
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Three men in a throuple applying to become legal parents to an adopted daughter and a surrogate son are set to launch a consultancy business for bringing children smoothly into three-person relationships.

Ben Rolam, a director of sales and education, 38, and his long-term boyfriend, Mitch, a manager of account development, 38, always discussed bringing a third person into their relationship.

After being together for 12 years, they found their perfect match on a cruise in 2018  36-year-old entrepreneur Benjamin.

The trio now all share the same last name living together in Los Angeles, California and have a two-year-old adopted daughter, Tegan, and a six-month-old surrogate son, Bowie.

Benjamin and Mitch are currently the legal parents of Tegan and Bowie, but the throuple are in the process of getting Ben recognised too.

Day-to-day they share baby duties, sleep in the same bed and have not received any negative comments about their relationship  even when enrolling Tegan into a traditional Methodist preschool, they received nothing but open mindedness from staff.

open image in gallery The throuple share baby duties (L to R: Mitch, Bowie, Benjamin, Ben and Tegan) ( PA )

They often receive messages from other throuples asking for advice and are now planning to launch their own surrogacy and adoption consultancy to help other throuples have a good experience like them.

Ben said I think that for us, its always been a new way of living and creating a family so Im sure theres a lot more people that would probably go this route or have an interest in (being added to a birth certificate).

We can hopefully create a pathway for other people to be able to do this as well.

Mitch added: We want people to have access to both pathways to parenthood.

Ben and Mitch met in 2006 at an LGBTQ+ community programme and, after three years together, they considered becoming a throuple.

In 2018, they met Benjamin Mui on a cruise and they all instantly felt a connection  so, Benjamin ended his relationship at the time and began dating Ben and Mitch.

But, at the time, none of Benjamins family members knew he was gay  so, when introducing his new partners to his loved ones, he had to both come out and tell them he was in a throuple, which they took surprisingly well.

Ben and Mitch did not experience any teething issues when first bringing Benjamin into the relationship because of going through every scenario before becoming a throuple.

In July 2019, Ben and Mitch proposed to Benjamin at San Diego Pride, and two months later, they had a spiritual wedding in Hawaii.

Three years later, Benjamin and Mitch legally changed their last names to Rolam, taking Bens surname, and over time, the throuple decided they would love to start a family.

After little success with an adoption agency, through which they only had three mums show interest in them in two years, in December 2021 they hired a website developer and lawyer to advertise themselves as a throuple looking to adopt.

They started to get 30 to 40 women reaching out weekly, and by March 2022, they found Tegan, their baby daughter.

More recently, on December 4 2023, the trio welcomed another baby into their lives: Bowie Rolam.

The throuple used a surrogacy agency, firstly in Cancun, but then decided to switch to a company in Mexico City  it was also half the price of what they would pay in the US.

The semen and embryos were flown from Cancun to Mexico City, and they had to pick out an egg donor, and new embryos were created.

Ben said: The agencies are actually very open minded, like when we did the adoption, and they were just very excited.

A lot of the questions were like, How are you choosing whose semen to use?

But nothing was negative, and then when we talked to the surrogates, they were always so happy.

As far as the egg donor goes  you never meet the egg donor.

Throughout 2022, Mitch and Benjamin provided sperm, and Benjamins finally resulted in a positive pregnancy test in March 2023.

Near the due date, in December 2023, they all moved to Mexico City for about two months, to sort out the paperwork and be near the surrogate.

Mitch said: We were very excited, he was a little early, but was healthy.

Ben added: Everybody was very excited  my sister and her husband came to visit us in Mexico City for two weeks, and then Benjamins mother moved in with us for a little over three months.

Day-to-day, the throuple spend almost every moment with each other, share the same bed and split chores and baby duties equally.

Ben said: When it comes to night, we all have the responsibility.

So if its my night, Ill put Tegan to bed and then hangout with Bowie until he is ready for bed, and Ill sleep in the same room as him until somebody else takes over at six in the morning.

So were definitely on rotation which really works for us.

open image in gallery The throuple say they are spiritually married (L to R: Mitch, Tegan, Benjamin, Bowie and Ben) ( PA )

The trio believe that being legal parents will provide security in the future.

Since posting about their family life on Instagram, under the handle @gaythrouple, they have had many throuples get in touch for relationship advice and tips on how to start a family as a trio.

Looking to the future, Mitch said: We have a lot of friends that reached out to us about surrogacy and people that weve never met.

So we are going to start our own surrogacy and adoption consultancy where we can refer people so they can have a good experience like us.

Were really active on our Instagram so, if people have any questions, they can get touch.
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Kate Beckinsale has broken her silence about why she was hospitalized earlier this year.

The 50-year-old actor spoke candidly about her health in the comments of a since-deleted Instagram post, which featured clips of her dancing. The remark came after a critic commented about her appearance, claiming she looked too thin.

While hitting back at the criticism, Beckinsale shared why she was in the hospital earlier this year.

I spent six weeks in hospital due to copiously vomiting blood from a Mallory Weiss tear caused by the stress of a whole year ripping a hole between my oesophagus [sic] and stomach, she wrote in the comments of her since-deleted post, as reported by US Weekly.

She also explained that she experienced a severe flare of [her] mast cell disease which was mitigated by stress, shock, and grief. Two months after Beckinsale revealed she was hospitalized, her stepfather Roy Battersby passed away from a brief illness.

Thats what I am prepared to disclose that has contributed to some weight loss, she continued in the comment, while opening up about being hospitalized amid her grief. What you think of my appearance and how I should look, independently of any circumstances in my life and my familys is not important.

She went on to discuss how shes been examining her childhood trauma, after her father Richard Beckinsale died when she was five years old.

I am trying to survive what feel like unbearable losses, reactivated PTSD from discovering my very young fatherss almost dead body as a very young child alone in the night, and working to support the family I have left, she added.

The Widow star then sent a direct message to the troll, criticizing them for commenting on a womans body in the first place.

The fact you fancy girls who are heavier than I am does not feature in things that are important or relevant, she continued. The fact you feel your opinion is required to bully females about their appearance is relevant to me because it needs to stop feeling like it is your, or anyones right. I dont care what your taste in women is. I care that you think any of us need to be apprised of it.

open image in gallery ( @katebeckinsale / Instagram )

She acknowledged that she will not address concerns about her appearance on social media again, before concluding with: Do Better.

Earlier this month, Beckinsale also hit back at rumors about why she was hospitalized, after trolls claimed her face looked different, insinuating she had been using Botox or fillers. I hate talking about this because I hate adding to this conversation but Im doing it because insidious bullying of any kind over time takes a toll, she wrote in the caption of her post.

Every time I post anything  and by the way, this has been the case since I was about 30  I am accused of having had unrecognizable surgery/using Botox using fillers/being obsessed with looking younger, and its really such a tiresome and subtly vicious way to bully a person.

The Underworld star also shared that she once had a plastic surgeon confirm that no cosmetic work had been done on her face.

I dont actually do any of those things  Ive even gone to the trouble of having a plastic surgeon categorically state that I dont and havent, her caption continued. Still, every time theres a chorus of my God, youre unrecognizable... it happens constantly and its usually women that are doing it.

She concluded her post by noting that while she didnt think the negative comments would stop because of her post, she still felt like she needed her opinion to be out there.

Im posting this knowing full well that it will have absolutely no effect, she concluded. It isnt going to stop. But Im also posting it because whatever someone looks like, accusing them constantly of things they havent done, or being obsessed with youth when actually, currently Im obsessed with surviving loss, is bullying. Please stop now.

Beckinsale first announced she was in the hospital in March on Mothers Day in the UK. While sharing photos of herself in a hospital bed, she took to the caption to express her gratitude for her mother, Judy Loe, and friends who supported her when she was sick. At the time, she didnt specify why she was hospitalized.

Thank you to those that love us and support us when its s*** and try to make sure there are some bits that arent, she wrote. And for looking after our dogs when we cant, and lead us to remember happy things when we cant. And turn up when we are sick and sit with us... And send balloons and check in and pull us out of wells with love.
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Twice a year there is a sunset that perfectly aligns with New York Citys grid street system, called Manhattanhenge.

The term Manhattanhenge was coined back in 1997 by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in an article in the magazine Natural History. He had visited the Stonehenge structure in England as a teenager and later determined that the way the sun hits the structure during the summer solstice could be replicated in Manhattan a few weeks prior to the solstice.

I visited Stonehenge as a kid at age 15 on an expedition... and that stuck with me, which is why I named this phenomenon in Manhattan, where the sun sets along the street grid... I named that Manhattanhenge, sort of harkening back to my early days thinking about the alignment of the sun and structures that we might build, Tyson had said at the time.

Manhattanhenge, also known as the Manhattan Solstice, is known for bringing in an influx of tourists and photographers who are trying to caption the photogenic sunset.

According to AccuWeather the best days to see Manhattanhenge in 2024 will be at sunset on Wednesday 29 May, at around 8,12pm and Friday 12 July, at around 8.20pm.

A half-sun is also available and visible for viewing on Tuesday 28 May at 8.13pm and Saturday 13 July at 8.21pm, according to the American Museum of Natural History.

Similar to an eclipse, there is the possibility of clouds covering up the sunset, making it more difficult to see and people should avoid looking at the sun directly to avoid eye damage.

For the best views of the sunset certain streets will allow the sunset to be more visible including 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street and 57th Street. Although its important to be mindful that 34th and 42nd Street could be a bit more busy with people trying to catch glimpses of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings.

Elevated parks like the Chelsea High Line are also prime vantage points for the sunset.

It is also possible to see Manhattanhenge across the East River in the Long Island City section of Queens.

Dr Jackie Faherty recommended in The New York Times that everyone who is planning to view the sunset find a wide road in the city.

You have to be in the middle of the street to fully appreciate it, the astronomer, who works with Tyson, told the Times. Its like a huge science party that will occur in the city.

But New York Citys borough of Manhattan isnt the only city in the United States that have their own version of a henge. The event can happen in any city where the orientation of the streets aligns with the sun.

Chicago has their own Chicagohenge, that usually occurs around the spring and autumn equinoxes (March and September).

San Francisco also has its own rendition of the event, named California Henge, where sun aligns with the city streets and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
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The First Lady of Nigeria took aim at the nakedness of American film stars just days after Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys visited the country.

The couple, who visited in their capacity as private citizens, spent three days in Nigeria celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, 63, made the comments during a speech celebrating her husbands first year in office and discussed her hopes for the modesty of Nigerian women and girls.

She did so while slamming the nakedness of film stars from America, with representatives for the First Lady later confirming that she was not referring to Meghan specifically.

The First Lady said Nigerian women and girls do not want to mimic and try to emulate film stars from America with their nakedness.

The message here is we have to salvage our children. We see the way they dress, she said.

open image in gallery Meghan wore an open-back dress on her and Harrys unofficial tour of Nigeria ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The First Lady continued: They keep forgetting that Nigeria, we are beautiful. You can see what they showcase on the stage, I said, We are fashionable, we see what is going on.

We are not having the Met Gala. And everyone, the nakedness, is just everywhere and the men are well-clothed.

So we have to do something. Tell them we dont accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful. Its not beautiful at all.

And theyre all beautiful girls, but they should be confident in who they are.

They do not want to mimic and try to emulate film stars from America. They dont know where they come from.

Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with. We know who we are. Dont lose who you are.

open image in gallery Meghans choice of clothing on her recent trip appeared to offend the First Lady of Nigeria ( AP )

The First Ladys comment about American film stars comes after Meghan claimed that she is 43 percent Nigerian and described the nation as my country.

She made the revelation on her visit, where she expressed her joy at being able to learn more about her heritage.

open image in gallery The First Lady urged Nigerian women and girls not to be like American film stars ( Arise News )

Speaking at an event on women in leadership in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, Meghan said: Never in a million years would I understand [Nigeria] as much as I do now.

And what has been echoed so much in the past day is, Oh, we are not so surprised when we found out you are Nigerian.

It is a compliment to you because what they define as a Nigerian woman is brave, resilient, courageous, beautiful.

The first lady, meanwhile, appeared to wait until after Meghan had left the country to criticise her apparent lack of clothing.
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A royal photographer has opened up about what it was like to take the wedding photos for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

In a recent interview with The Sun, photographer Arthur Edwards explained that six years after Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys wedding, he can now admit that the wedding was miserable for him.

The day was a miserable day, Edwards told the interviewer. I can tell you now it was the worst royal wedding I ever did. Because Harry was determined to keep the newspapers away from it as much as possible.

The couples wedding took place in 2018 at St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle, where Edwards noted that all of the photos had to be taken at a distance, which didnt allow for the best conditions to work with.

Everything was done on long lenses. I had 800 millimeter lens photographing the guests arriving. The photographers they engaged for the job was five feet away. It was just hopeless, he said.

Even the iconic shot of the couple leaving the wedding in their carriage didnt work out from a camera and photography perspective. And then the carriage shot where they went past me in the carriage they looked the other way, he recalled. So for me, it was a disaster.

The interviewer went on to ask Edwards if some of these hindrances were done on purpose, saying: Was that deliberate? You were made to feel unwelcome?

I felt so, Edwards replied. It wasnt just me. It was the whole of the British press, in many ways were badly treated.

The Independent has contacted a representative for the Sussexes for comment.

Prior to her royal wedding, Meghan was previously married to film producer Trevor Engleson from 2011 to 2014. Leading up to the wedding, many were curious about who would be designing the Suits actresss dress.

I had a very clear vision of what I wanted for the day, and what I wanted the dress to look like, and so what was amazing in working with Clare is that sometimes youll find designers try to push you in a different direction, Meghan said about the dress designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy in her Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, released in December 2022. But she just completely respected what I wanted to see for the day, and she wanted to bring that to life for me.

So I knew at the onset I wanted a bateau neckline, I wanted a cropped sleeve, I wanted a very timeless, classic feeling, she said. Obviously with respect to the environment we were in and St Georges Chapel, being really modest in what it would look like, I knew that the tailoring was so key, because the dress itself would be so covered up.

The gown ended up being designed in an off-shoulder style. Recently, it was revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth II didnt approve of the dress at the time. According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, the late monarch thought it was too white for a woman getting married for the second time.

In the monarchs view, it was not appropriate for a divorcee getting remarried in church to look quite so flamboyantly virginal, Seward wrote in an extract of the book obtained by the Daily Mail.
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A year on from the Titan submersible disaster, a US billionaire is launching a new $20m submarine project to prove that the Titanic wreck site can be explored safely.

Larry Connor, 74, a real estate tycoon from Ohio, plans to travel 12,400 feet to the bottom of the North Atlantic in a two-person submersible, made by Triton Submarines.

This comes after five people lost their lives  including OceanGate founder Stockton Rush  in a similar sub when it suffered a catastrophic implosion around an hour and 45 minutes into its dive to the Titanic wreck site.

OceanGate, which charged $250,0000 for trips to the site, subsequently suspended all its operations, pending an investigation that is still ongoing.

I want to show people worldwide that while the ocean is extremely powerful, it can be wonderful and enjoyable and really kind of life-changing if you go about it the right way, Connor told the Wall Street Journal.

Connor is working with Patrick Lahey, an experienced diver and submersible designer, who co-founded Triton Submarines.

They will make the journey in a sub known as the Triton 4000/2 Abyssal Explorer  one of a range of submersibles produced by the company.

Larry Connor plans to visit the Titanic wreck ( @theconnorgrp/YouTube )

Already advertised on the Triton Submarines website, Connor said the vehicle utilises new technology that wasnt available as recently as five years ago.

Patrick has been thinking about and designing this for over a decade. But we didnt have the materials and technology, Connor said. You couldnt have built this sub five years ago.

According to the company website, the Triton is the worlds deepest diving acrylic sub, and it is advertised as having unmatched capabilities.

[He said], you know, what we need to do is build a sub that can dive to [Titanic-level depths] repeatedly and safely and demonstrate to the world that you guys can do that, and that Titan was a contraption, Lahey said.

It is not currently known when Connor and Lahey plan to make the voyage to the Titanic wreck site.

The billionaire was previously critical of the late OceanGate founder Stockton Rush and described his approach to deep sea exploration as predatory.

On 18 June 2023, Rush was instantly killed alongside Hamish Harding, Stockton Rush, Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet in the Titan submersible.

The sub is reported to have imploded under enormous water pressure as a result of structural weakness or an issue with its hatch.

The Independent has reached out to Trion Submarines for further information.
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A man convicted of murder based in part on testimony from a legally blind eyewitness is suing the city and the police department.

A judge convicted Darien Harris in 2014 for the fatal shooting at a Chicago South Side gas station in 2011. He was 12 years into a 76-year prison sentence when he was freed in December after The Exoneration Project showed that the eyewitness had advanced glaucoma and lied about his eyesight issues. Harris was 30 years old when he went free.

Harris filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in April alleging police fabricated evidence and coerced witnesses into making false statements, The Chicago Tribune reported Monday.

He told the newspaper he is still struggling to put his life back together.

I dont have any financial help. Im still (treated like) a felon, so I cant get a good job. Its hard for me to get into school, he said. Ive been so lost.  I feel like they took a piece of me that is hard for me to get back.

Harris was an 18-year-old high school senior when he was arrested for the June 7, 2011 shooting that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Rondell Moore.

Darien Harris, pictured upon his release from prison in December, was convicted based in part on the testimony of a legally blind eyewitness who picked him out of a line-up and identified him in court. He is ( Chicago Sun-Times 2023 )

Moore had pulled into a gas station because of car troubles. He was with his older brother and a friend. A local mechanic was assisting as they put up the hood to inspect the problem when the shooting occurred.

Moore was shot three times and died in a nearby parking lot. The mechanic suffered bullet wounds to his back and an arm, but survived.

Surveillance footage from the station did not show the shooting, but prosecutors say it did capture an individual walking away from a black Lexus and around the gas station toward the area where it happened, then running away moments later. His face was not visible on the video.

Following a trial in 2014, Harris was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.

The judge had based his ruling primarily on the testimony of Dexter Saffold, the eyewitness who picked Harris out of a police lineup and identified him in court, The Chicago Tribune reported.

Saffold testified he was riding his motorized scooter near the gas station when he heard gunshots and saw a person aiming a handgun. He also added that the shooter bumped into him.

During the trial, the judge was unaware that Saffold was legally blind because of glaucoma, and his eyesight only came up briefly during his time on the stand, according to court records obtained by The Tribune.

The attorney for Harris had asked Saffold if his diabetes affected his vision. He replied yes, then paused and denied that he had vision problems. However, his doctor had declared him legally blind nine years before the shooting, according to court records.

A gas station attendant also testified that Harris wasnt the shooter.

In December, his attorney Lauren Myerscough-Mueller argued that he was wrongfully convicted based on Saffolds mistaken eyewitness testimony as well as egregious misconduct by the police who fabricated evidence, including false witness statements and identifications through such tactics as coercion, threats, fact-feeding, and promises of leniency.

The judge vacated Harris convictions and the charges were dropped.

A message left on the citys Law Department main line seeking comment Monday wasnt immediately returned, The Associated Press reported. The department provides attorneys for the city, its departments and its employees.

The Exoneration Project has helped clear more than 200 people since 2009, including a dozen in Chicagos Cook County in 2023 alone.
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A knifeman who attacked his pregnant ex-girlfriend after shed dropped her children off at school has been jailed for attempted murder.

Daniel Mihai Popescu, 29, launched the vicious attack on Andreea Pintili on the morning of 5 December in Coronation Place, Aberfan, South Wales, and has now been locked behind bars for more than 17 years.

Armed police officers were called to the scene and Ms Pintili was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for treatment, before being released.

The scene on Moy Road in the village of Aberfan, Merthyr, south Wales, after Andreea Pintili was stabbed ( PA Wire )

Prior to stabbing her, he had stalked his victim by following her, calling her from withheld numbers and had recorded a video of her which he had then uploaded to TikTok.

At the time she was attacked, Ms Pintili  who was 37 weeks pregnant with Popescus child  was returning from dropping her children off at school.

Popescu had hidden behind a parked car with a large knife as he waited for Ms Pintili to return home. As she tried to run from him, she fell to the floor and Popescu repeatedly stabbed her  only stopping his assault when confronted by a member of the public.

A seven-hour manhunt ensured to find Popescu before he was arrested, and schools within a three-mile radius were placed under lockdown for several hours during the incident.

Popescu pleaded guilty to attempted murder and stalking at a hearing earlier this year.

Daniel Mihai Popescu, 29, was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison ( Elizabeth Cook/PA )

Appearing at Merthyr Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, Recorder of Cardiff, handed Popescu a 20-year and four-month extended sentence, comprising 17 years and four months in jail and a further three years on licence, when he will be monitored.

Judge Lloyd-Clarke said the extended sentence was needed to protect the public in the future and despite his guilty pleas said it was apparent you feel very little true remorse.

Popescu must serve two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before the parole board will consider whether he is safe to be released.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court was told Popescu had been in a relationship with Ms Pintili from September 2020 until she broke up with him in August 2023.

In the months before the attack, Popescu began stalking Ms Popili, leaving her messages, knocking on her window and calling her from a withheld number, prosecutors said. During this period, he was arrested and bailed with conditions not to contact her.

But Judge Lloyd-Clarke said: On December 1 2023, you messaged your sister to say that you had found out where Ms Pintili was living and that she had, as you believed, got back together with her former partner.

You sent two other messages to your sister, one of which included the phrase wh***s must die. You told the person that you were staying with that you were going to stab Ms Pintilis new partner.

The judge said: You grabbed her by the arm of her jacket, you told her to go in the house, that you had a knife and that you would kill her if she did not do what you said. Ms Pintili turned and tried to run away but she fell to the floor.

While she was on the floor you stabbed her a number of times, she held her stomach to try to protect her unborn child, she was 37 weeks pregnant with your child.

A woman passing by saw what was happening, screamed and tried to help Ms Pintili and Popescu ran away.

The unborn child was unharmed.

Detective Inspector James Morris of South Wales Police said: The strength and bravery of the victim in supporting this prosecution has been extraordinary.

Unsurprisingly she remains psychologically scarred as a result of the incident, but I know that, thanks to her courage, Daniel Popescu will be unable to harm any further women. I hope that todays sentence will bring at least a degree of closure for her.

I must also commend the actions of the courageous member of the public for their bravery in running to help the victim after the attack.

Additional reporting by PA
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A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman was killed in a double stabbing on a beach in Bournemouth.

Two women from Poole were stabbed on Durley Chine Beach at around 11.45pm on Friday, in an incident which saw large areas of the seafront cordoned off to shocked residents for much of the bank holiday weekend.

A 34-year-old woman  named locally as Amie Gray  died at the scene, while a 38-year-old woman sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital.

Amie Gray was described as a beautiful person inside and out ( Facebook )

Heartfelt tributes to Amie described her as a wonderful human being who didnt have any enemies, as friends told The Independent they were in shock over her death.

In an update on Tuesday night, Dorset Police said they had arrested a man from south London.

The force said: Following extensive enquiries, a 20-year-old man from the Croydon area of London has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Intelligence and firearms officers worked with the Metropolitan Police to arrest the man in London, the force said.

A 17-year-old boy from Lancashire arrested at an early stage of the investigation was later released without charge and had been eliminated from inquiries following investigations over the weekend, Dorset Police said on Monday.

Amie Gray and a 38-year-old woman were stabbed on Durley Chine Beach on Friday night, near Bournemouth Pier ( Getty Images )

The same day, Dorset Police released CCTV images of a hooded suspect and continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.

In their latest statement, Detective Superintendent Richard Dixey said: The investigation has progressed at speed over recent days, which has now led to an arrest being made in London.

He added: We are continuing to update the loved ones of the woman who tragically died, as well as the victim in hospital, with all the latest developments and our thoughts remain with them.

I would like to thank everyone so far who has provided information and reiterate my appeal for any witnesses who have not already come forward to please contact Dorset Police.

The enhanced visible policing presence in the area will remain in place and we would continue to strongly encourage anyone with concerns to please not hesitate to speak to any officer who will be able to listen and provide appropriate advice.

Speaking to The Independent this week, a friend of Amie described the personal trainer as a lovely woman, easy going and such fun.

Michelle Shipley said: Me and my daughter are still in shock. I was talking to her hours before and planned to see her on the Sunday. I will forever treasure her voicenotes and the pink blanky she gave to my daughter.

Another friend wrote on Facebook: Fly high Amie Gray, Ill miss you so much. I feel so heavy! You were such a good friend and someone I could call about anything. A beautiful person inside and out, thank you for all the laughs and memories I will cherish forever.
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A man brutally stabbed a 25-year-old man to death and held his mother captive with cable ties after falling out over a sham marriage scam.

Riches Obi was repeatedly stabbed in the chest at his home near Elephant and Castle, south-east London, in November 2020. His mother, Bernadette Ortet, was found bound with cable ties in a bedroom at the property.

Ms Ortet was alleged to have been involved in a sham marriages scam and at the time was a case worker for a firm of solicitors specialising in immigration and nationality.

After a two-month trial at the Old Bailey, Jurick Croes, 38, of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder and false imprisonment.

Raichell Felomina, 40, of no fixed address, and Suvenca Martis, 34, of Forest Hill, south-east London, were convicted of false imprisonment but cleared over the killing.

Martis was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice, after a jury deliberated for 37 hours.

The court heard how police had been called to a stabbing at a property in Harper Road near Elephant and Castle on November 17 2020.

They arrived to find the front door partly open and Mr Obi collapsed with stab and slash wounds to his chest in the blood-stained hall.

An officer called out to see whether there was anyone else in the flat and a womans voice replied saying Im here, the jury was told.

Following the sound of her calls, the officers found Mr Obis mother, Ms Ortet, in a bedroom.

Her wrists and ankles had been bound with cable ties and a scarf around her neck appeared to have fallen from her mouth, having been used to gag her.

The room was heavily stained with blood, on the bed, door and furniture, up the walls and on the ceiling, the court was told.

Despite efforts to save Mr Obi, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

An examination of the flat revealed that Mr Obis bedroom appeared to have been searched and a roll of duct tape was under a chair.

One of the defendants, Martis, was captured on CCTV at a hardware store in Camberwell, south London, buying cable ties and black tape.

Prosecutor Jennifer Knight KC had told jurors: The background to these offences seems to lie in a sham marriage scheme in which all three of these defendants and Bernadette Ortet were engaged.

It seems likely that these defendants had become angry about the remuneration they were receiving for their part in the scheme and went to Bernadette Ortets flat on November 17 determined to demand and obtain money from her.

After the guilty verdicts on Tuesday, the defendants were remanded into custody to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on July 2.
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Irelands historic recognition of a Palestinian state could be a catalyst for other EU nations, the Irish Government said.

Irelands ministers met on Tuesday and officially agreed to recognise a Palestinian state, in a joint move with Spain and Norway.

A Palestinian flag was raised at the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, alongside the EU and Ukrainian flags.

The Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, was seated in the distinguished visitors gallery to hear four hours of statements.

Irish premier Simon Harris said the move was historic and important and that the EU could be doing a hell of a lot more on the Middle East conflict.

Speaking in the Parliament, Mr Harris said that Palestine was very much something that the (Irish) people have led on, while Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said that he hoped Palestine could follow a similar path to Irelands pursuit of self-determination.

Irish parliamentarians said it was a proud day for Ireland while also calling on the Irish Government to implement sanctions on Israel over the rising numbers of deaths and injuries in Gaza.

The leader of Irelands main opposition party, Sinn Fein, said Irelands recognition of a Palestinian state had taken too long, because there was cross-party support for the decision for 10 years.

It shouldnt have taken us this long to get here but of course it is never too late to do the right thing  and this is the right and the just thing, Mary Lou McDonald said.

So today we say again to the Palestinian people: You are not alone, Ireland recognises you.

During the Dail statements on Palestine, a small group of protesters in the public gallery forced the Parliament to be suspended for several minutes as they chanted sanctions now.

Mr Harris told the Parliament earlier that Irelands action will have a positive effect beyond our own recognition.

Is it possible that you get to a point during the course of this year where the majority of member states of the European Union now recognise the State of Palestine, where a majority of prime ministers and presidents of the European Council recognise the existence of the State of Palestine?

What does that do in terms of positive momentum and change in policy and approach?

Ireland will recognise a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, the culmination of months of diplomatic work that began in December.

The Palestinian Mission in Ireland and Irelands Representative Office in Ramallah will be upgraded to embassies, with ambassadors appointed to both.

Mr Harris said that the move sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to put an emphasis on a two-state solution.

I am conscious though, as we take this historic and important decision today, of the ongoing human catastrophe unfolding in the Middle East, in Gaza, in Rafah. I am conscious of the devastation being caused by people being deprived of food, starvation, and hunger being used as a weapon of war.

What will June's 'tragic mistake' be? And more importantly what does the world now intend to stop it happening? Taoiseach Simon Harris

Unfortunately we now have a new despicable and disgusting trend emerging where, every now and again, in particular when absolute horror seems to take place, the Prime Minister of Israel (Benjamin Netanyahu) comes out and describes it as a tragic mistake.

Aprils tragic mistake was the bombing to death of aid workers trying to provide food to starving mouths, Mays tragic mistake, yesterday, was children being blown to death while seeking protection in a displaced centre.

What will Junes tragic mistake be? And more importantly what does the world now intend to (do to) stop it happening?

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said the recognition did not represent the end of a process; it is the beginning, and said it could be a catalyst for other nations.

I believe you will see more member states of the European Union recognising the State of Palestine in the coming while. I think the decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain is a catalyst for others to consider their position.

He added: We are deeply committed to the pursuit of peace and support for Palestinian state-building.

Ireland has reaffirmed this commitment over many decades, through intensive diplomacy and our long-standing development co-operation programme.

He added: It is vital that the Palestinian Authority is given the full backing of the international community in its reform and service delivery efforts and we will redouble our energies to this end.

In recent days, I have held substantive discussions on the path ahead with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and engaged with European and Arab partners on the Arab Peace Vision as a meaningful way forward in achieving peace.

Ireland will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority, and our EU and international partners, in creating a political path that can stop this horrific conflict and humanitarian disaster, ensure the release of all hostages, and realise the vision of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state existing alongside the state of Israel in peace and security.
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A group of students caused disruption at the University of Manchester in a Palestine protest and barricaded themselves inside a campus building.

In chaotic scenes, the group succeeded in preventing attempts to remove them from Whitworth Hall, which is due to hold exams for hundreds of pupils in the coming week.

Manchester Leftist Action, members of which have been occupying the Encampment of Resistance for Palestine over the last four weeks, have refused a request to vacate the building and have caused exam contingency plans to be evacuated.

The group barricaded themselves inside a university building ( Manchester Leftist Action )

In a statement, the group said: We have taken the Whitworth building to escalate our pressure on the university to end its ties with the genocide in Palestine.

We have full control of this building which is due to hold hundreds of students for exams next week.

We will not leave until the university commits to not disciplining any student protesters and enters negotiations on the other demands.

Among their demands is asking for the university to promise no disciplinary action will be taken against student activists.

They are also calling for the university to end its partnership with BAE Systems, to cut ties with Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and to adopt a policy ensuring all research is ethical and does not contribute towards the arms trade.

The nearby Encampment of Resistance for Palestine in Manchester has seen more than 500 students and members of the community participate, while other universities across the UK and the US have seen similar demonstrations.

The group has made several demands on the University of Manchester ( Manchester Leftist Action )

The action comes after eight months of escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, with at least 35,000 Palestinians killed and millions displaced by Israeli bombardment.

A UoM spokesman said: On the evening of Monday 27 May 2024, a large demonstration occurred on campus, which included members of the public, as well as some of our students. Greater Manchester Police were in attendance, as is standard procedure for large protests.

Despite claims made on social media, no action has been taken to remove those occupying Whitworth Hall, by either our Campus Support and Security staff or Greater Manchester Police.

We have written to the individuals occupying the Whitworth Hall complex, requesting they vacate the premises to allow student exams to proceed as planned. Unfortunately, they have refused.

As a result, we are now activating our well-established exam contingency plans, but it is deeply disappointing that their actions are directly impacting on what is already, for all those undertaking assessments at present, one of the most intense periods in the academic year.

One of the student occupiers said: The Greater Manchester Community stands together for Palestine. We see the actions of the police as what they are: defending the right of a state to commit genocide. We refuse to allow our university to follow suit.

Greater Manchester Police said that they had no involvement in Whitworth Hall but had attended a nearby protest which had ended on Oxford Road, close to the university campus.

Superintendent Nicola Williams of GMPs City of Manchester district said: The protest for the most part was peaceful; however, the behaviour did escalate with missiles thrown and police equipment stolen. The protest came to a full conclusion at approximately 11pm.

Crimes of theft and affray now being investigated with enquiries ongoing to determine those responsible.
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Revenge porn must be treated with the same seriousness as child sex abuse imagery, a senior politician has warned.

Caroline Nokes, a Conservative MP who chairs parliaments women and equalities committee, urged the government and the watchdog Ofcom to force platforms to remove revenge porn material.

Ms Nokes said the imagery or footage needs to be taken down immediately after it is reported or unearthed to stop it being disseminated as she also called for internet service providers to block the content.

It comes after The Independent recently reported tens of thousands of revenge porn images and footage cannot be removed from the internet due to a loophole in the law.

Research by the Revenge Porn Helpline found the internet currently has 30,000 website pages containing intimate image abuse material which they cant take down.

Ms Nokes has now written to cabinet ministers and Ofcom in the wake of the women and equalities committees inquiry into revenge porn.

But Rishi Sunaks shock announcement a snap election will be held on 4 July has blocked the committee from publishing their report.

Ms Nokes raised concerns inadequacies in the current legislative framework on revenge porn can have life-changing and life-threatening consequences in her letter.

Ms Nokes said: Non-consensual intimate image abuse content needs to be treated with the same severity as child abuse material, we need legal provisions to allow for the rapid blocking of known non-consensual intimate image abuse content, akin to how child exploitation content is handled, facilitating more immediate and effective responses.

I urge the next government and Ofcom, as regulator, to take the steps necessary to require platforms remove non-consensual intimate image content and for them to do so as soon as it is reported or discovered to prevent its spread, and for internet service providers to block it.

Ms Nokes also called for the Ministry of Justice to broaden the remit of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to enable claims from victims of sexual offences perpetrated online, adding specifically for revenge porn victims.

During our inquiry, we met with multiple victims of non-consensual intimate image abuse, including campaigner, broadcaster and TV personality Georgia Harrison who gave formal evidence to the committee, the politician said.

The people we spoke to, and those who provided us with written testimony, described the far-reaching impact that the sharing of non-consensual images online has had and continues to have on their lives, their confidence and their relationships.

It comes after campaigners recently told The Independent that tech platforms can refuse to remove content due to not being legally obliged to do so as they called for ministers to urgently overhaul the law in this area.

Researchers at the helpline found around 10 per cent of reported instances of intimate image abuse material remain online, even if the perpetrator has been convicted for sharing the content.

Sophie Mortimer, a manager at the helpline, said: Sharing intimate images without consent is illegal, but the content itself is not illegal, so some platforms simply dont cooperate with our request to remove imagery and footage.

A spokesperson for the Department for Science Innovation and Technology has been contacted for comment.
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Britains water watchdog is set to refuse the UKs largest water companys request to ramp up consumer bills by over half of what they currently are.

Thames Water, which serves more than 16million customers in London and the Thames Valley, requested a bill rise of 59 per cent from the regulator - as it scrambles to solve up to 15billion of debt.

But Ofwat has rejected the increase and described the companys turnaround plans as fag-packet figures devised by bosses who appear determined to sit on a deckchair on the Titanic, according to draft plans seen by The Guardian.

The decision will be delayed until 11 July because of the general election. Thames Water refused to comment on the regulators plans as it would be premature.

Southern Water has also requested the highest increase in bills among the utility companies of 91 per cent to 915 a year, while Wessex Water has requested a 50 per cent increase to 822 a year.

Thames Water is Britains biggest water firm, with 16 million customers in London and the Thames Valley region ( (Alamy/PA) )

In March, Thames Waters chief executive Chris Weston refused to rule out bill increases of up to 40 per cent for customers.

Labour urged the government and regulators to do everything in their power to stabilise Thames Water, with Jeremy Hunt saying that the Treasury will monitor the situation very carefully.

While Mr Weston said that the company would be able to cover its operating costs until next year, he admitted there was a possibility of the firm going into special administration if extra money is not invested.

When asked on Sky News if bills could be hiked to fill the gap, Mr Weston replied: I dont think we have been at all secretive about that.

But the plans that we have put forward  which are very much in accordance with what customers are asking us to do  require an investment of around 20bn in that 2025-2030 period, and that would result in a bill (increase) of around 40 per cent.

Thames Water refused to comment on the regulators plans as it would be premature ( PA Wire )

An Ofwat spokesperson said: Thames Water is a business with a regulatory capital value of 19billion, 2.4billion of liquidity available, annual regulated revenue of 2billion and a new leadership team.

They must continue to pursue all options to seek further equity. Safeguards are in place to ensure that services to customers are protected, regardless of issues faced by the shareholders.
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Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey took a dive into Lake Windermere while paddleboarding as he outlined his partys plan to tackle the sewage crisis.

Local Lib Dem candidate Tim Farron joined his party leader at Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre where the pair had mixed success, being pictured taking multiple plunges.

During his visit to the Lake District, Sir Ed said local environmental experts should be represented on water companies boards to ensure sewage spills are taken seriously, as he accused Conservative ministers of sitting on their hands.

Under the Lib Demss plans, local environment experts within the community would sit on utility firms boards as non-executive directors to improve public accountability and transparency.

The experts would also be expected to hold community meetings to report back on action being taken.

The Lib Dem leader enjoyed mixed success on the lake ( Peter Byrne/PA )

In the run-up to the general election, the Lib Dems have unveiled plans to abolish Ofwat and introduce a new water regulator to tackle the sewage crisis, in addition to banning bonuses for water company chief executives.

According to the Environment Agency, sewage spills into Englands rivers and seas more than doubled in 2023 with 3.6 million hours of spills last year  equal to about 400 years  compared with 1.75 million hours in 2022.

Sir Ed said: Water companies are getting away with this national sewage scandal whilst Conservative MPs and ministers have just sat on their hands.

Davey wants to abolish Ofwat ( Reuters )

These disgraced firms are destroying our treasured lakes and rivers with their filthy sewage dumping  hitting human health, harming our precious environment and damaging the local tourism economy all at the same time.

Enough is enough. Its time to get tough on the water industry and a key part of that change must be new ways to hold these firms to account, putting power in the hands of the local communities suffering from this scandal.

Local environmental experts on company boards could hold water bosses feet to the fire and local people would finally have a say in how their water company is run.

Davey in Lake Windermere ( Reuters )

Liberal Democrats will have the boldest manifesto plans to end the sewage scandal  from a tough new regulator to a ban on greedy exec bonuses to holding water bosses properly to account.

This election will be about saving our countrys precious environment for the next generation, not least in special places like the Lake District.

Sir Ed visited the Lake District, where protests have taken place outside the office of water company United Utilities, after it was accused of pumping sewage into Unesco-protected lakes.

According to Liberal Democrat analysis of Companies House records, United Utilities has made 2.3bn in operating profits since 2019 and paid its top executives more than 2m in bonuses.
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With TikTok now used by over 9 million people in the UK, its no suprise major political parties have jumped onto the bandwagon in an attempt to appeal to younger voters.

Social media has been touted as a key battleground in general elections for many years, but having launched in the UK in August 2018, TikTok was only in its infancy during the last poll at the end of 2019.

Political advertising is banned on TikTok, though both parties will be hoping content reaches the right audiences through the apps complex user algorithms.

Labour launched its account on the app three days before the Conservatives  posting an 11-second video on Thursday evening of leader Sir Keir Starmer declaring: Change. That is what this election is about.

Since then, the feed has been a mixture of clips from the partys campaign trail, brief explainers and, most successfully, memes mocking the Tories and the Prime Minister.

The Conservative Party shared their first TikTok on Sunday morning  a 50-second clip of Rishi Sunak in a white shirt announcing he plans to introduce mandatory national service for 18-year-olds if he returns to Number 10.

In the video, the prime minister begins: Hi TikTok, sorry to be breaking into your usual politics-free feed.

Tiktok is now used by over 9 million people in the UK ( Getty )

Mr Sunaks national service pledge has become fodder for memes on Labours page.

A post with over two million views and more than 316,000 likes, captioned Rishi Sunak announcing national service, sees Lord Farquaad, the diminutive chief antagonist of the 2001 film Shrek, announce: Some of you may die, but its a sacrifice I am willing to make.

Another similarly popular clip depicts Rishi Sunak turning up on your 18th birthday to send you to war, with a viral video of late TV host Cilla Black singing her 1980s track Surprise Surprise.

Social media experts believe Labours savvier social media team has so far come out on top on the app, while the Conservatives launch on the video has been branded pathetic.

Kate Dommett, Professor of Digital Politics at the University of Sheffield said: The Conservatives videos look very prerecorded, dont look natural and are not keeping with the platforms aesthetic.

Human content is needed for TikTok, and Rishi Sunak was apologising for being a politician  that wont work well at all.

The Labour Party are doing well by playing into voter frustrations and its much easier to do that with irreverent content on TikTok, whereas the Conservative Party are attempting to have serious policy conversations on the social media, and that just doesnt work.

TikTok was only in its infancy during the last UK general election in 2019 ( PA Wire )

Prof Dommett added that it is unlikely the two parties are are attempting to persuade voters on the app and doubted posts on the platform would have any real impact on voter turnout and choice.

Chris Stokel-Walker, author of TikTok Boom: The Inside Story of the Worlds Favourite App, believes Labour have made the best use of the platform so far  describing Tory efforts as soulless and lifeless.

Its pretty clear that Labour have a savvier social media team who have pretty effectively managed to minimise the Tories claims, not least their clever way of adopting memes to try and rubbish Rishi Sunaks policy of national service, he said.

Meanwhile, for someone meant to be tech-savvy, Sunaks TikTok presence has been pretty pathetic: not only are the videos pretty soulless and lifeless, but they seem to ignore the fact you have to grab viewers attention right from the off, instead going ponderously through the Tories lines to take on various policies.

Labour has more than 78,000 TikTok followers to the Convervatives 24,300 and they have received significantly more likes on the platform  with more than 1.5 million to 175,000 for the Tories.

But it is Nigel Farage, Reform UKs honorary president, who has taken advantage of the app most so far. He is the most followed British political figure on the platform with nearly 600,000 followers.

Last month, the Labour Party hired a dedicated employee to seek influencers for social media sites, including TikTok. It is unclear whether the Conservatives have done the same.

The Chinese app was banned from Government phones in March 2023 due to data security concerns. However, some politicians, such as defence secretary Grant Shapps, still have active accounts managed on other devices.
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Diane Abbott is to reportedly be banned from standing as a Labour candidate at the general election - as it emerged a party investigation into her finished five months ago.

Sir Keir Starmer said on Tuesday that the partys National Executive Committee will decide whether Ms Abbott, the longest-serving Black MP, will be able to stand for the party in the 4 July general election.

But The Times is reporting that the partys leadership has already made its decision on the 70-year-old, who was suspended last April over a letter she wrote suggesting Jewish people are not subjected to the same racism as some other minorities.

It comes as the Press Association said she had been given back the Labour whip on Tuesday - which sources to The Times said would allow her to leave politics with dignity rather than stand again for the party.

For the latest news updates on the general election - follow our live blog by clicking here

Diane Abbott had the whip withdrawn in 2023 ( PA )

Ms Abbott, the former shadow home secretary, under Jeremy Corbyn, had apologised over her comments and said the letter had been an initial draft.

The investigation into Ms Abbott was completed in December, claimed a Newsnight report on Tuesday that said she was given a formal warning over her conduct and required to complete an antisemitism awareness course, which she completed in February.

A source close to Ms Abbott told the BBC programme she had not been told whether she would be allowed to stand for the Labour Party in Hackney North and Stoke Newington, where she was elected in 1987.

Keir Starmer said a decision would be made in due course on whether Ms Abbott will be allowed to stand again as a Labour MP ( PA )

But speculation she would not be selected to stand as a Labour candidate appeared to be confirmed by media reports on Tuesday evening - although the party would not confirm when approached by The Independent.

In the letter which saw her suspended, published in The Observer, Ms Abbott suggested Jewish people are not subjected to the same racism as some other minorities.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner and mother of the House Harriet Harman were among those who have said they want her allowed back into the party.

Angela Rayner is among those saying they want her let back into the Labour fold ( Getty )

If Ms Abbotts suspension is not lifted by the 4 June deadline, Ms Abbott will be forced into retirement or will have to stand as an independent against the party she represented for three and a half decades.

Labour restoring the whip to Ms Abbott would be seen as an olive branch to MPs and activists on the left, who have long criticised the probe into her as a sham.

But it would open Sir Keir up to charges that he has failed to sufficiently change the Labour Party from the Jeremy Corbyn years, a legacy the Labour leader is keen to distance himself from.

She has previously said the investigation is fraudulent and is being used to bully her.

On Tuesday, Sir Keir told broadcasters: The process overall is obviously a little longer than the fact-finding exercise. But in the end, this is a matter that will have to be resolved by the National Executive Committee and theyll do that in due course.

Despite the investigation into Ms Abbott ending months ago, Sir Keir had said in an interview with LBC on Friday that the probe was not finally resolved.

Richard Holden, chairman of the Conservative Party, said: Its inconceivable that Starmer, the Labour Leader, wasnt told the process had finished and a warning issued. No ifs, no buts, this isnt another flip-flop or yet another policy u-turn.

Ms Abbott has given no indication that she intends to stand down at the next election.

Campaign group Momentum said restoring the whip to Ms Abbott only to block her would be outrageous.

It said: Following a farcical, factional process, she has had the whip restored. Her local party reselected her unanimously. That should be the end of the matter.

Anything less is a slap in the face to Diane, her constituents and the millions inspired by her example as Britains first black woman MP.

Mr Corbyn posted a video in which he said Ms Abbott has been disgracefully treated by the Labour Party and left in limbo.
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More than 120 business leaders have backed Labour as the party of change ahead of the 4 July general election.

Founders, executives and investors from a range of sectors attacked 14 years of instability, stagnation, and a lack of long-term focus under the Conservatives.

And, in a letter published in The Times, they called for Labour to be given the chance to change the country and lead Britain into the future.

Business chiefs have flocked back to Labour under Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves ( Victoria Jones/PA Wire )

Notable signatories of the letter endorsing Labour include Tory donor Sir Malcolm Walker, the founder of Iceland, who signed a similar letter supporting Conservative economic policy ahead of the 2015 general election.

Sir Malcolms son Richard Walker, the supermarket chains managing director who previously sought a Conservative seat for this election, also signed the letter.

The decision of 121 business leaders to back the Labour Party comes as a record number of Tory MPs have said they are standing down at the general election.

A total of 76 Conservatives have announced plans to quit rather than fight their seats again, with high profile figures including Michael Gove, Theresa May and Sir John Redwood.

And the business leaders are just the latest to back Labour under Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves. The Labour leader and shadow chancellor have counted the endorsement of other major figures including former Bank of England governor Mark Carney, who was handpicked by Tory chancellor George Osborne.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing an exodus of Tory MPs ( PA Wire )

Boots chief executive Sebastian James, an Old Etonian friend of Boris Johnson and David Cameron, has also thrown his weight behind the party but was a notable absence among signatories of the letter backing Labour.

Other big names on the letter include the boss of a childcare firm backed by Rishi Sunaks wife, Koru Kids, who The Independent revealed was supporting the party.

Rachel Carrell, the CEO and founder of Koru Kids, said the Conservatives are not serious people but Labours top team would give the UK the stability that is absolutely essential to business growth and  getting necessary reforms through.

It continues a major turnaround for the party since it was shunned by business chiefs under Jeremy Corbyns leadership.

Shadow chancellor Ms Reeves said: If we can bring business back to Labour, then I know we can bring business back to Britain. To bring investment back to Britain. To bring growth back to Britain. To bring hope back to Britain.

And in the letter, the business leaders wrote: Labour has shown it has changed and wants to work with business to achieve the UKs full economic potential. We should now give it the chance to change the country and lead Britain into the future.

And in an attack on the Conservatives, they added: For too long now, our economy has been beset by instability, stagnation, and a lack of long-term focus.

The United Kingdom has the potential to be one of the strongest economies in the world. A lack of political stability and the absence of consistent economic strategy has held it back. The country has been denied the skills and infrastructure it needs to flourish.

They called for a government partnering fiscal discipline with a long-term growth strategy as the only way to put Britain on track for sustained growth.

George Osbornes handpicked Bank of England governor previously backed Rachel Reeves to run the economy ( Getty Images )

But work and pensions secretary Mel Stride hit back and said all it means is that Labour has got a letter together with 121 names on it.

There are no names on it in the FTSE 100, some of the biggest businesses in the country, the minister added.

And he pointed to the Conservatives decision to launch the so-called full expensing tax break, which was also backed by around 200 businesses.

But despite pointing to the lack of major firms backing the letter, it will be a fresh blow for the Conservatives after a bruising start to the election campaign.

As well as facing an exodus of senior MPs, Mr Sunak has faced intense criticism over his plan to enforce national service for 18-year-olds. He has also suffered an outgoing Tory MP endorsing Nigel Farages Reform UK instead of the Conservatives.

And a government minister, Steve Baker, has gone on holiday in Greece rather than campaigning in his constituency.
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Labour has unveiled its first big general election offering on workers rights with a pledge to end discrimination on sick pay facing low-paid employees.

Just 24 hours after wooing more than 120 business leaders with their economic plans, the Labour leadership is seeking to calm union concerns that they will water down their promises on workers rights.

The intervention on sick pay will help an estimated 1.5 million who are not covered by the rules and either have to work through illness or stay at home without financial support.

The move is part of a delicate balancing act by Sir Keir Starmer to show that he is on the side of both business and working people. His shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves on Tuesday promised to deliver a government that is pro-worker and pro-business, in the knowledge that each depends upon the success of the other.

Angela Rayner will promise to scrap the lower earnings limit for statutory sick pay ( Getty )

And Ms Reevess plan will mean those earning less than the 123 a week earnings threshold, who are currently ineligible, will be able to claim statutory sick pay. Labour will also let workers claim the payment immediately, scrapping a four-day waiting period before they can access it.

Ahead of officially unveiling the plans on Wednesday, Labours deputy leader Angela Rayner said: Britain is stuck in a sickness doom loop. Low paid and insecure workers  most of them women  are forced to work through illness or go without financial support when sick.

The Tories have failed to fix Britains broken sick pay system, and this is adding to NHS backlogs, hitting productivity and harming the working people who keep our country moving.

Labour will be laser-focused on tackling the problem of sickness at work, strengthening statutory sick pay and scrapping the lower earnings limit.

The New Deal for Working People is Labours plan to make work pay and deliver employment protections fit for a modern economy.

Keir Starmer has denied watering down policies in the New Deal for Working People ( PA )

It comes after Labour used the first full week of the campaign to unveil more details on how it plans to deliver on its New Deal for Working People.

In government, Labour has pledged to tackle the issues that affect working families and turn the page on 14 years of Tory neglect.

Ahead of the election being called, Sir Keir and senior members of his shadow cabinet had a meeting with union bosses where they were forced to commit to the workers rights package.

Sir Keir denied watering down policies in areas such as zero-hours contracts, parental leave and sick pay. It followed a row over reports the package would go through a consultation process with businesses, potentially delaying or limiting its impact.

The Independent has previously reported that women are more than twice as likely as men to miss out on statutory payments due to the lower earnings limit.

Labours plan would scrap the limit, opening access to sick pay to an estimated 1.5 million workers.

Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said the change was long overdue and everyone should have access to sick pay.

He added: But many low-paid workers are forced to go without sick pay when they are ill. This is a scandal and totally counterproductive.

If people cannot afford to stay home when theyre sick, they will take their infections in to work and put others at risk.

Strengthening sick pay is good for workers, businesses and public health.

It comes after Ms Reeves unveiled the backing of 121 business leaders for Labour, but promised to maintain the partys focus on delivering for working people.

At a speech in Derby, the shadow chancellor said: Under Keirs leadership, we have changed the Labour Party so that we may have the chance to change our country for the better.

To offer a government that is pro-worker and pro-business, in the knowledge that each depends upon the success of the other.

This Labour Party understands that business success is crucial to good jobs, and good work is crucial to successful businesses.

Notable signatories of the letter endorsing Labour include Tory donor Sir Malcolm Walker, the founder of Iceland, who signed a similar letter supporting Conservative economic policy ahead of the 2015 general election.

Sir Malcolms son Richard Walker, the supermarket chains managing director who previously sought a Conservative seat for this election, also signed the letter.

It comes as Sir Keir and shadow health secretary Wes Streeting will use a visit to the West Midlands to promise to clear the waiting list of patients who have been waiting for more than 18 weeks, within five years.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said: Over 14 years the Conservatives have taken the golden inheritance left by the last Labour government and wrecked it.

Their neglect, incompetence and underinvestment in the NHS has left millions of people waiting in pain and agony.

He accused Rishi Sunak of having given up on the NHS with no plan to turn this crisis around.

Patients deserve solutions not scapegoats, Mr Streeting added.

If it wins the general election, Labour says it will initially focus on reducing treatment backlogs, currently at 7.54 million.

The party claims the figure could rise to 10 million if the Conservatives are in office for another five years.

Labours first step would be to create an additional 40,000 appointments, scans and operations each week during evenings and weekends.

It also vowed to double the numbers of scanners in a bid to diagnose patients earlier.

Sir Keir said: Putting the NHS back in its feet and making it fit for the future is personal for me.

It runs through my family like a stick of rock, which is why one of my five missions is to turn it around after 14 years of Conservative decline.

The first step of my Labour government will be to cut NHS waiting lists, clearing the Tory backlog.
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Nigel Farage claimed the US election is more important than the United Kingdoms as he praised Donald Trumps campaign for re-election.

Mr Farage said the world would be a safer place with Donald Trump back in the White House and it would be better to have a pro-British president.

The American election is more important. Strong American leadership, standing up to bullies and leading a strong Nato are absolutely vital, he said.

I believe the world was a much safer place with Donald Trump in the White House than Joe Biden. It would be nice to have a pro-British president back in the White House instead of one that absolutely loathes us.

Mr Farage was speaking on Tuesday morning in Dover, where he introduced Reform UK candidate Howard Cox, and rallied against Labour and Conservative policies on immigration.

Mr Farage said the world would be a safer place with Donald Trump back in the White House ( Getty Images )

He admitted it is likely Labour will win the general election on 4 July and said that funding is a challenge for Reform.

He said: Funding is an issue. Funding has been an issue, theres no question about that. Were not very well funded at the moment.

But we do have a message. And that message is distinct and its clear, and its different. And often, political parties spend huge amounts of money that they simply waste on billboards and messages that no one sees and no one hears.

He said the party has handicaps in terms of structure, money and size, but that this is just the start and part of a six-year plan.

The Reform party is currently polling at 11 per cent of national voting intentions, 33 points behind Labour and 12 per cent behind the Conservatives.

Mr Farage claimed the world would be a safer place with Donald Trump in the White House ( Getty Images )

Mr Farage urged Rishi Sunak to debate him during the campaign and claimed the election was called because flights removing illegal immigrants from the UK would not take off in July.

He said: [Rishi Sunak] wants to have six debates with Keir Starmer. Well, all Im saying is: have one with me.

If you can tell me somebody with a more prominent voice that has written, spoken more about the situation here, then please tell me who it is.

He said he would be willing to debate Sir Keir, who he claimed has no policies, and joked that he could just about stay awake long enough.
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The British government has said it is "determined to hold to account" those responsible for hundreds of Ukrainians with disabilities, including children, believed to have been forcibly removed to Russian-held territory and Russia itself, after a special report by The Independent.

In response to the 18-month investigation, the deputy foreign secretary, Andrew Mitchell, called the practice "despicable" and pledged further support to the disabled community in the war-wracked country.

The Independents four-article series revealed evidence that since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, people with disabilities have been held incommunicado, in squalid conditions and even forced into adopting Russian passports in order to secure treatment or care. The series reveals other horrific abuses, including that groups were used by Russian soldiers as human shields and deprived of food and critical medicine resulting in death  potential war crimes against the most vulnerable in society.

Russia has repeatedly denied committing any crimes in Ukraine and has portrayed the movement of people as humanitarian evacuations.

Russias forcible deportation of vulnerable Ukrainians is a despicable attempt to erase Ukrainian identity, and with it, Ukraines future, Mr Mitchell said.

We are determined to hold to account those responsible - Russia must immediately cease these forced deportations and return those it has unlawfully taken from Ukraine.

He pledged further supporting humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable Ukrainians, including women, children, the elderly and those with disabilities. The UK is one of the largest humanitarian donors to Ukraine and has committed 357 million in assistance since the start of the full-scale invasion.

The UK will continue to work to ensure vulnerable Ukrainians, including women and children, older people, and those with disabilities, receive the support they need, including by embedding specialist disability expertise and assistive technology as part of our humanitarian response, Mr Mitchell added.

The fate of the vast majority of the 500 peopleThe Independent tracked remains unknown, but there is evidence that some of the children may have been sent to re-education camps to learn Russian language, culture and the Kremlins version of history.

The investigation also made clear what life close to the frontline is like for people with disabilities. It zeroes in on the failings of Ukraines outdated care system, inherited from the Soviet Union, which relies on systematic institutionalisation from childhood - with conditions are described by UN and EU experts as appalling.

The series calls for a paradigm shift in attitudes towards people with disabilities across all conflicts - where international law and protections appear to be failing the most vulnerable.

Gerard Quinn, the UNs special rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities until November, who has extensively worked on Ukraine, said the series painted a damning picture of the vulnerabilities that people with disabilities face in Ukraine war and reveals the unique risks faced by them.

Those civilians remaining in frontline areas are largely older people and people with disabilities. Maksym, 33, who was himself was taken from his facility for people with disabilities in southern Ukraine and forcibly taken to Russia, told The Independent people with disabilities are often the first to be forgotten and the last to be left behind.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides funds to the World Health Organisation to provide assistive technology for people with disabilities, and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society in providing home-based care and disability-inclusive safe spaces.

The FCDO also funds disability-inclusion specialists who work across the humanitarian response to support it to more effectively respond to the needs of people with disabilities.
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Russia and Uzbekistan signed an accord Monday for Moscow to build a small nuclear power plant in the Central Asian country, as Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in the Uzbek capital with Uzbekistan leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Mirziyoyev hailed the project as vital in remarks after the talks, noting that Uzbekistan has its own large reserves of uranium. Putin, in turn, vowed to do everything in order to work effectively on Uzbekistan's (nuclear energy) market.

If the agreement is implemented, the plant would become the first in Central Asia, further increasing Russia's influence in the region.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the Russian state-owned energy corporation, Rosatom, as saying that the project envisions building six reactors with the total capacity of 330 megawatts. According to Russian media, the two countries were earlier discussing building a nuclear power plant of a larger capacity  of 2.4 gigawatts.

Putin also promised to increase gas deliveries to Uzbekistan.

The talks between Putin and Mirziyoyev took place in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, where the Russian leader traveled on Sunday in his third foreign trip since being inaugurated for a fifth presidential term earlier this month.

He first went to China, where he expressed appreciation for Chinas proposals for talks to end the Ukraine conflict, and later to Belarus where Russia has deployed tactical nuclear weapons.

The trips reflect the Kremlin's ongoing effort to shore up support amid unabating tensions with the West over the conflict in Ukraine.
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A California man died this weekend after he ran back inside his burning home in an apparent attempt to save his dog, fire officials said.

Firefighters responded to an RV mobile home engulfed in flames on Sunday, according to Aaron Klauber, fire captain for the Vallejo Fire Department. On their way to the scene, fire officials were notified someone had re-entered the home.

As units were en route, additional information was reported, suggesting a possible individual had entered the mobile property, prompting a second alarm to be issued for additional manpower, Mr Klauber wrote.

Officials discovered an adult man inside the RV in critical condition. He died on the scene before they could transport him to a nearby hospital. Officials also found a dead dog inside the home, and Mr Klauber said the man likely went inside to find his pet.

A Vallejo, California man died in a fire near the intersection of Carolina Street and Tuolumne Street, pictured, after trying to save his dog from the flames, fire officials said ( Google Maps )

Regrettably, it appears the fire victim had re-entered the property in an attempt to search for his dog and was overcome by fire conditions, Mr Klauber said in a statement.

It took fire officials just 20 minutes to completely extinguish the flames. While the fire threatened nearby structures, only one neighboring building sustained minimal damage before the fire was out.

The Vallejo Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this loss, Mr Klauber wrote.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Community members reacted to the tragedy on social media.

So sad, but I could easily see any dog owner making that mistake, including myself, one user wrote on Facebook, responding to a media report about the incident.

May he rest in peace, another said.

The Independent has contacted the Vallejo Fire Department for comment.

This devastating fire comes a month into Californias fire season, which typically spans April to October  however, due to a warming climate, the state faces heightened risk of fire nearly year-round.

High winds, especially during hot and dry weather, can increase wildfire risk throughout the state. Ninety percent of wildfires in the state are caused by human activity, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
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A serial slingshot shooter has been arrested in California after police say the suspect victimized neighbors for nearly a decade.

Prince King, aged 81, was taken into custody last Thursday at his home in Azusa, California, on the outskirts of Los Angeles.

Deputies with the Azusa Police Department served a search warrant and found ball bearings and a slingshot at the residence.

The 81-year-old mans actions impacted dozens of residents, according to police, who said that he used the slingshot to break windows and car windshields. Authorities allege that he almost almost hit people with his attacks, which took place over the course of nine to 10 years.

Its not clear what charges Mr King is facing but records show that he has been charged with a felony crime, according to Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office booking information. He is being held without bail at the countys mens central jail.

Azusa police lieutenant Jake Bushey told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that the ball bearings were mostly launched from Mr Kings backyard while others were shot from a nearby neighborhood.

Its been ongoing for many years because we just didnt identify who the suspect was, Lt Bushey said. He added that officials are still working to determine a motive for the crimes.

Were not aware of any kind of motive other than just malicious mischief, the police officer said.

Mr Kings first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.
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Son of Sam killer David Berkowitz has been denied parole after his twelfth board appearance.

Berkowitz set New York City on edge with late-night shootings in the 1970s,

The 70-year-old was rejected after a Board of Parole prison interview on May 14, according to information listed on a state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision web site. Officials with the corrections agency would not provide additional information on Tuesday.

Berkowitz terrorized the city with a series of shootings that killed six people and wounded seven beginning in July 1976. The shooter targeted young women and couples sitting in cars. The papers called him the .44 Caliber Killer. In taunting notes to police and a journalist, he called himself Son of Sam and said he received demonic messages to kill.

Berkowitz was arrested August 10, 1977, a little more than a year after the first victim, Donna Lauria, was shot and killed in the Bronx.

The New York Police Department formed a 200-person task force to find the killer. The case was finally cracked after a witness reported a strange man on the street near the final shooting. Police checked traffic tickets that had been issued in the area and traced them to Berkowitzs car and home in nearby Yonkers.

David Berkowitz speaks inside the Sullivan Correction Facility in Fallsburg, New York, on May 29, 2009 ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Berkowitz was sentenced in 1978 to the maximum prison term of 25 years to life for each of the six slayings. He first became eligible for parole in 2002.

Berkowitz has since expressed remorse and said he is a born-again Christian. He is being held at Shawangunk Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison about 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of New York City.

Earlier this month the killer said he hopes he can inspire people from his prison cell in a similar way to how Anne Franks World War II diary inspired millions.

Speaking days before facing the parole board, Berkowitz, who killed six people in New York City in the 1970s, told The New York Post the Jewish girls book has been more inspirational for him than the Bible.

She impacted the lives of millions, Berkowitz told the outlet. Little Anne changed the world with a pen. So I ask myself, what can I do with my trusty typewriter? Maybe I can change lives, too, with my message of hope in God?
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation is working to track down hundreds of items stolen from the British Museum and sold to US collectors.

Last year, the museum announced that about 1,500 ancient gems, jewelry and other items had either been stolen, damaged or were missing from their collection. The items were not cataloged and the institution is working to determine ownership. The museum was first alerted to the missing items about a year before the news was made public.

So far, 626 items have been returned to the museum, and 100 more recovered. The FBI has assisted with returning 268 items to the museum that were sold to a collector in Washington DC, according to the BBC. But hundreds more remain missing.

The FBI declined to comment on the investigation to The Independent. According to the BBC, the FBI contacted people who bought items from eBay, and said that they had been approached by a seller named Paul Higgins, with the username sultan1966.

Peter Higgs, a former curator at the museum, has been accused of damaging, melting down, stealing and selling the ancient artifacts.

He has denied the allegations, the BBC reported. However, he has admitted that the eBay account belonged to him, according to court documents.

It is alleged that the museum employee earned around 100,000 ($127,000) from selling objects over the course of a decade. He mainly sold items on eBay to approximately 45 buyers, according to court documents. One of the items sold to an eBay buyer was an amethyst gem depicting a cupid.

Mr Higgs has not been charged with a crime, and some of the stolen items have been put back on display. The British Museum has brought a civil case against the former curator.

This week, Dr Ittai Gradel, a Danish antiquities dealer who alerted the British Museum to the missing items in 2021, said that the institution did not get back to him for months, and that an internal investigation erroneously determined his concerns were baseless.

Initially the British Museum didnt say anything. I waited for months and I wrote back to get an answer several times but it took, I think, five months before they finally replied that everything was fine. Nothing was missing, Dr Gradel told BBC Breakfast.

Its not clear how the antiquities dealer came to the conclusion that the items were from the British Museum.

The British Museum has issued an apology to Dr Gradel, and the director and deputy director have both left their positions.

Dr Gradel said that he bought some items without knowing their origins, including an obsidian gem depicting a 2nd century head of Hercules, thought to be worth thousands of pounds. He bought the item in a private deal for 300 ($383), the BBC reported. The seller told Dr Gradel that he had acquired the item from a sibling who inherited it from their grandmother.

Dr Gradel later sold the items to other collectors and some ended up on display in the Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. He also managed to track down some missing artifacts in Hong Kong, Hamburg, Cologne and Paris.
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A search of Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermanns home has ended after six days  and it appears investigators were focusing on the basement, according to the familys attorney.

Robert Macedonio, who represents Heuermanns estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, talked to Newsday after inspecting the condition of the Massapequa Park property when investigators left over the weekend and gave him the family permission to return on Sunday.

It seems to be that the focus was in the basement, Macedonio said. There doesnt seem to be much disturbance in the bathrooms [and] bedrooms.

But details of what exactly the investigators were looking for in the basement remains a mystery.

It was not immediately clear if anything of importance came from the new search of Heuermanns home.

Suffolk County police stand outside the Massapequa Park home of Rex Heuermann on May 24, 2024 as a second exhaustive search comes to an end after six days ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

They were searching particular areas, he said. I dont know what probable cause they had to do those areas, but Im sure it was a legally sufficient search warrant.

Mr Macedonio said he wasnt at liberty to discuss why exactly he believed investigators focused on the basement. But said he planned to notify Heuermanns defense attorney, Michael Brown, of Central Islip, of what he observed in the house.

Most of the items that they were anticipating [being] taken are still inside, Macedonio said. The kitchen is very orderly, much better conditions.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, who is prosecuting the case, briefly visited the house last week as investigators photographed the front porch, collected paint chips and other materials and placed them into evidence bags.

Its the second exhaustive search of the Massapequa home since last July in the days following Heuermanns arrest for the slayings of the Gilgo Four.

The architect, 60, has been charged with the 2009 and 2010 murders of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello, whose bodies were found buried along the remote beach parkway in 2011.

He has pleaded not guilty to the four murder charges.

Melissa Barthelemy, top left, Amber Costello, top right, Megan Waterman, bottom left, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, whose bodies were found in 2010 are the Gilgo Four ( Suffolk County Police Department via AP )

The search in July turned up more than 200 firearms, including dozens stored in a basement vault. Investigators also tore up a wooden deck, used an excavator to dig up the backyard and scanned for buried objects with specialized equipment.

The case began back in May 2010 when Shannan Gilbert, a young woman working as a sex worker, vanished after leaving a clients house on foot near Gilgo Beach. She called 911 for help saying she feared for her life and was never seen alive again.

During a search for Gilbert in a dense thicket close to the beach, police discovered human remains. Within days, four victims had been found. By spring 2011, the number of victims rose to 10.

Gilberts body was then found in December 2011. Her cause of death is widely contested with authorities long claiming that it is not connected to the serial killer or killers but that she died from accidental drowning as she fled from the clients home.

However, an independent autopsy commissioned by her family ruled that she died by strangulation and her family continues to believe she was murdered.

Court records show that Heuermann was linked to the Gilgo Four murders through a tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches and phone calls taunting victims families.

Asa Ellerup, left, the estranged wife of Long Island serial killing suspect Rex Heuermann, arrives at court in Riverhead, New York, on April 24, 2024 ( AP )

Email accounts allegedly used by Mr Heuermann were used to access and/or conduct searches related to pornography, rape, torture, and sex workers several thousand times, prosecutors said.

Among the harrowing searches were: autopsy photos of female, stories of rape audio, escorts manhattan, and very skinny white teen tied up porn.

His DNA was also found on one of the victims, while his wifes hair was found on three of the four women he is connected to, according to prosecutors.

Investigators are continuing to work to determine if Heuermann is also linked to any of the other victims  while law enforcement officials across the country are probing cold case murders for any potential ties. He has not been charged in the killings of any of the other victims whose remains were found along Gilgo Beach.

Heuermann, who has been in custody since his arrest, is expected back in Riverhead court on 18 June for a status hearing. A trial date has not been set.
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What was meant to be one of the happiest days of a couples lives ended in travesty after the groom and a guest at an Indiana wedding were arrested following an apparent shooting at the reception.

Corey Parker, who was only hours into celebrating his marriage, was arrested on 18 May outside Cornerstone Hall in Salem, his wedding reception venue, and charged with battery and criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon.

While Mr Parker and his spouse have been legally married since 2022, according to marriage records obtained by WAVE 3, the occasion appeared to be a wedding and marriage celebration.

During the wedding reception celebrations, a 911 call was placed to Indiana State Police by a woman who alleged Mr Parker had shot her boyfriend during an argument with a man named Jonathon Goff, explaining to police she thought it had been a drunken accident, court documents obtained by the outlet described.

Corey Parker was celebrating his marriage when he ended up in custody ( Indiana State Police )

The shooting allegedly stemmed from an initial disagreement between Mr Goff and his own wife after he was accused of flirting with another woman, the outlet reported.

Mr Goffs wife and the new bride had left the reception to return to a hotel in Salem. When Mr Parker also announced he was leaving afterwards, he and Mr Goff reportedly got into an argument, which escalated into the pair shoving each other, the outlet said.

Mr Parker got into his car, which held a gun in the center console, when Mr Goff came upon him.

The gun managed to get mangled in both their hands when in all the rustle and bustle, the gun went off, Mr Parker told police, striking the 911 callers boyfriend in his hand, WAVE 3 reported.

Jonathon Goff was arrested alongside the groom after a man was shot in the hand ( Indiana State Police )

Mr Parker said, according to the outlet, that he did not intend to shoot the man, and did not even know where he had come from while he was locked in the brawl, but suspected that he came over to try and get the gun off both men.

While the victim was sent to hospital with hand injuries, both men were arrested and booked into Washington County Jail in Salem, with visible injuries in their mugshot pictures.

Mr Parker appeared in court on 20 May and pleaded not guilty. He was given a $3,000 cash bond, which was posted on Thursday, court records show.

Mr Goff has also been charged with battery and criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon. He was also released on a $3,000 bond after pleading not guilty.

The groom and Mr Goff are expected to both be back in court on 3 September for a jury trial.

The Independent has contacted the Indiana State Police for further information.
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A Marthas Vineyard man accused a stabbing spree at a movie theater and a McDonalds in Massachusetts over the weekend is also a suspect in a homicide investigation in Deep River, Connecticut.

Jared Ravizza, 26, of Chilmark, Massachusetts, on Marthas Vineyard, was wearing a green jail jumpsuit when he appeared in Plymouth District Court on Tuesday where he was arraigned on two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to murder, and indecent exposure in connection with the stabbings of two employees at a McDonalds on Saturday.

He is scheduled to be arraigned later on Tuesday in Quincy District Court on four counts of assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection to the stabbings of the four girls at an AMC movie theater that happened just an hour earlier than the McDonalds attack.

Ravizza undergo a court-ordered examination to see if he is competent to stand trial. Judge Shelby Smith ordered the examination before determining his bail

Prosecutors say Ravizzas rampage began around 6pm Saturday when he walked into the AMC Braintree 10 without paying and stabbed several girls without saying anything and without any warning, before fleeing the scene, the Braintree Police Department said in a news release.

The four girls, ages nine to 17, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospitals.

Jared Ravizza, 26, who is accused of going on a stabbing spree over the weekend along the South Shore of Massachusetts is also a suspect in a homicide investigation in Deep River, Connecticut ( AP )

Ravizzas rampage continued about an hour later, and 27 miles south of the theater, where his black Porsche was captured on surveillance footage leaving a McDonalds after another stabbing, according to the district attorneys office.

Prosecutors say Ravizza briefly stepped out of the vehicle and publicly urinated outside the McDonalds.

Ravizza moved up to the drive-thru window and became argumentative with a male employee. Ravizza allegedly lunged out the window of the car and stabbed the worker in the forearm with what appeared to be a long kitchen knife, the prosecutor said.

The employee said that Ravizza ordered food and yelled at him to check the bag, before paying for it, according to a police affidavit. The employee removed the items and put them back in the bag. He said Ravizza attempted to grab the bag, and then as the employee pulled it back, Ravizza took out a knife and stabbed him.

The prosecutor said Ravizza then parked his car, entered the McDonalds and went behind the counter. Ravizza then allegedly stabbed a female employee in the back of her upper left arm. Both workers were taken to hospitals and are in stable condition.

Ravizza was apprehended following a police pursuit into the Cape Cod town of Sandwich. Ravizza crashed and the car became engulfed in flames, the prosecutor said.

Shortly after Ravizzas initial appearance in court on Saturday, Connecticut State Police said they were investigating the same Jared Ravizza in the death of a West Hartford man, Bruce Feldman, whose body was found at a home in Deep River on Saturday.

Police said they received a report from someone on Merriwold Lane that an individual - later identified as Ravizza - had thrown a shovel through their front door. They recognized the person as a man who had stayed at a home nearby on Maritone Lane.

When police responded to the house, they found the body of 70-year-old Bruce Feldman.

Police found items belonging to Ravizza at the Maritone Lane home, and his appearance was consistent with witnesses descriptions.

Ravizza had been previously arrested in April for allegedly attacking his father ( @jareeejones/instagram )

Neighbors told local news outlet WTNH that Bruce had been staying with Ravizza at the Deep River home and was known to walk around with his pet poodle, sometimes sitting on the neighbors porches without permission.

Police were initially called for the disturbance, and when Ravizza found out, he picked up a shovel, went down to their house and threw it at their window, neighbor Charlie Brashears said.

This is like the weirdest stuff weve been around, Brashears. added. This is like 1970s Scorsese Taxi Driver stuff.

Neighbors told the New York Post they believed Bruces poodle had also been found dead inside the home, though authorities have not yet confirmed it.

The investigation in Deep River is active and ongoing, police said.

Ravizza reportedly moved to the neighborhood after he was arrested on Marthas Vineyard in April for allegedly attacking his father, according to court records.

Ravizzas father, Jason Ravizza, a psychologist, reportedly told officers at the time that his son had just had a mental break and attacked him inside his home, according to the police report.

He was charged with assault and battery on a family or household member, and vandalism, according to the report that also noted that Ravizza had been frothing at the mouth as he spoke of nonsensical things, including a string of conspiracy theories.

Ravizza, a self-described artist, has been known for his signature long blond hair, and frequently claims that he was a model in Los Angeles ( @jareeejones/instagram )

Ravizza, a self-described artist and social media influencer, has an array of selfies on his Instagram account that boasts 218,000 followers.

He is known for his signature long blond hair, a penchant for wearing aviator sunglasses, and frequent claims that he was a model in Los Angeles, the Marthas Vineyard Times reported.

The former Marthas Vineyard resident claimed in 2021 to be running a charitable organization called Ravizza Global Initiative.

We spend a lot of time on the Vineyard, in Massachusetts, and I just want people to know the accessibility to me  I also hope this story will inspire someone to start an initiative of their own, he told the Marthas Vineyard Times, describing the area that is home to many weathly celebrities, politicians and socialites.

For us, its not like a program. I look at it as a movement and lifestyle  Its a lifelong connection, lifelong relationship, being there, being a mentor.

Several locals told the outlet that Ravizza had developed a reputation on the island for bizarre and hostile interactions in public settings  and that he was quick to anger and often seemed unhinged.
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The ex-fiancee of General Hospital star Johnny Wactor broke down in tears in a video begging for help tracking down his killers, after he was shot dead during a botched robbery in Los Angeles.

In a video posted to Instagram and TikTok, Hollywood actor Tessa Farrell sobs as she says the suspects shot the wrong guy and hits out at crime rates in California.

If the person who did this, if youre watching, Im sorry, but you shot the wrong guy, she says through tears.

You can get a real job. I know the job markets hard but were all in it together. You dont have to steal, especially take a life over it.

She goes on to say that human life is disregarded too easy, saying it is time we make changes as a community and support each other.

Maybe thats what Johnnys gift is for us, maybe hes gifting that to all of us, she says.

Farrell, who met the 37-year-old actor in 2013, is appealing to fans for help to find these killers.

These criminals cant keep being on the street and they cant keep being sent back and have no repercussions for their actions, she says.

Johnny Wactor attends the "Silent River" Opening Night Theatrical Premiere at Laemmle Glendale on October 13, 2022 in Glendale, California ( Getty Images for Curious Potato )

Its not ok, this cant keep happening. So many lives are being lost, just us not being smart - we have to be smarter as a community.

In the video, she also calls for tougher laws to tackle crime in Los Angeles.

Do you want better laws to reduce the escalating crime and theft rates in California? she wrote in the Instagram post caption.

If youd like to help raise awareness for stricter crime and theft laws in California, please use hashtag #justiceforjohnny.

The LAPD recorded a 2.9 per cent increase in violent crime at the end of March 2024, compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, thefts were up by 9.5 per cent.

Wactor was shot and killed at around 3am on Saturday while protecting a female co-worker during a suspected robbery in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles police department said that three men were trying to steal the catalytic converter from a vehicle.

The 37-year-old actor was walking his colleague to her car after their shift at a rooftop bar when they came across the thieves, his brother Grant told The Daily Mail .

Grant said that his brother believed the suspects were just towing his truck.

Tessa Farrell breaks down in a video posted on Instagram following his death ( Tessa Farrell via Instagram )

So he said something to the guys, like, Hey, are you towing? he said.

And then once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his coworker behind him. And thats when they shot him.

The suspects fled in a vehicle.

No arrests have yet been made, no suspects have been named and the investigation is ongoing.

In a previous interview, Ms Farrell described Wactor as brave for how he responded during the suspected robbery.

He, I guess, was seeing them doing it in the act and was standing up for what he believed was right and, you know, protecting his vehicle and his car and was being brave, she said. You never anticipate someone would kill someone for that.

Wactor was known for playing Brando Corbin on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, appearing in 164 episodes from 2020 to 2022.

In a statement issued on Sunday on social media, General Hospital paid tribute: The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactors untimely passing He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.

Several of his General Hospital co-stars including Parry Shen and Jon Lindstrom also posted messages 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, wrote Shen.

Lindstrom wrote: When the tears slow down, I am literally sick to my stomach at this news. 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.
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The mother of General Hospital star Johnny Wactor  who was shot dead in downtown Los Angeles this weekend while protecting a co-worker  spoke out on Tuesday morning, revealing her sons final tragic moments.

Wactor, 37, was killed early Saturday morning by three men who were trying to steal a catalytic converter from his vehicle, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Wactor had been walking a colleague to her car after their bartending shift when they stumbled upon the thieves. His mother, Scarlett, told NBC News Morgan Chesky that the actor initially thought they were towing his car.

He said, Hey man, youre towing my car, Scarlett said. And when the person looked up, they had on a mask. And Johnny stepped in front of the co-worker, and he was shot.

Scarlett said she would use the word hero to describe her sons actions at the end of his life.

Im thankful that that person is OK, and that when he died, he wasnt alone, she continued.

Johnny Wactor, pictured in 2018, died while protecting a co-worker this weekend. His mother called him a hero for his final actions ( Getty )

Meanwhile, Scarlett called her son attackers cowards.

As a parent, you never expect to bury a child, she said.

The Los Angeles Police Department has yet to make any arrests after the suspects fled the scene in another vehicle.

I hope that they will catch whoever did it, Scarlett said. I hope that there will be some kind of justice for Johnny.

The 37-year-old was known for playing Brando Corbin on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, appearing in 164 episodes from 2020 to 2022.

Johnny Wactor (left) was best known for his role of Brando Corbin (right) on General Hospital ( Getty )

Wactors General Hospital co-stars Parry Shen and Jon Lindstrom paid tribute to the actor on social media:

Johnny Wactor was a beautiful, beautiful soul, Shen wrote. So talented. As you can see from the promo clip, always up for anything. Funny as all heck.

Lindstrom wrote: When the tears slow down, I am literally sick to my stomach at this news. 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.
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A man is in custody on multiple charges after six people, including four girls, the youngest of whom was nine, were stabbed in a spree of separate attacks over Memorial Day weekend.

The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Jared Ravizza, has been arrested in connection to the stabbing of two McDonalds workers in Plymouth.

An hour earlier, a similar stabbing incident occurred after four young girls, aged between nine and 17, were attacked at a cinema in Braintree, with the suspect laughing the whole time he carried out the alleged stabbings, according to the mother of three of the victims.

While a suspect was not named for the Braintree case, local police have implied that the two crimes may be related.

Mr Ravizza was arrested and taken into custody at around 7.15pm on Saturday evening, announced Timothy J Cruz, Plymouth County district attorney, in a news release on Sunday.

The suspect is currently at South Shore Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. However, the district attorney did not detail how he came to be injured.

Mr Ravizzas arrest comes after multiple stabbing incidents happened around the South Shore area, allegedly carried out by the suspect, the district attorney said. While investigations are ongoing, Braintree police have said that it appears as though the two separate crimes are related.

A man stabbed two McDonalds workers around 7pm on Saturday in Plymouth ( CBS Boston )

Mr Ravizza is currently facing multiple charges of assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

At 7pm on Saturday, local police received several 911 calls over reports of the stabbing of two employees at a McDonalds location in a rest area off Route 3 in Plymouth, with the suspect having already fled the scene.

When authorities arrived, medical personnel found a 21-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, both suffering from a knife laceration.

After reviewing surveillance video from McDonalds, investigators say that it appears to show Mr Ravizza allegedly reaching through the drive-thru window and allegedly stabbing the male victim with a large knife.

Lisa Dembowski told reporters the suspect was laughing the whole time ( CBS Boston )

The video then goes on to show Mr Ravizza leaving the drive-thru in a 2018 black Porsche Macan, parking the car, and going inside the McDonalds and allegedly stabbing the female victim before fleeing in his vehicle.

A witness at the McDonalds took note of the Porsches number plate, which was determined by law enforcement to be registered to Mr Ravizza.

Massachusetts State Police also learned that a Be On the Look Out for (BOLO) had been issued for Mr Ravizzas arrests for other incidents.

The Braintree Police Department also released a statement detailing that on the same day, at around 6pm, an hour before the McDonalds attack, a man came into an AMC cinema in Braintree, approximately half an hour away from the McDonalds.

He passed the ticket counter and entered one of the theaters without paying and without saying anything and without any warning he suddenly attacked and stabbed four young females, police wrote.

Four girls were stabbed while in a screening of the new family-friendly movieIf ( CBS Boston )

They added that the alleged attack appeared to be unprovoked, and the suspected ran out of the theater and left in what appeared to be a black SUV.

The four girls, aged nine to 17 years old, all sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment.

Lisa Dembowski, the mother of three of the girls, said that the girls arrived for the screening of the newly-released family-friendly film If and were the only people in the theater.

They had just sat down; they had just got their concessions. I guess he came up behind them, they were in like the second row, she told CBS News.

He came up behind them. My oldest was leaned over to get something; he got her in the back  my other daughter in the chest. My last daughter across her arm, Dembowski said. Laughing the whole time. Then [stabbed] their friend and ran off. The two older girls chased him outside; then they realized what was going on.

Police searched through the cinemas surveillance video and captured his number plate, which was broadcast to other law enforcement.

Shortly after the broadcast, a vehicle matching the description was reportedly involved in a similar assault in Plymouth, the police department wrote. The vehicle was pursued by Massachusetts State Police and ultimately crashed in Sandwich. The driver has been taken into custody. It appears as though the crimes are related.

While Mr Ravizza gets ready to appear in Plymouth District Court on Tuesday for these charges, the investigation into the stabbings is active and ongoing by Massachusetts State Police.
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A Florida man was arrested after he allegedly choked a 10-year-old boy who had gotten into a water gun fight with his son.

Police took Robert Sandy Marcu, 60, into custody after he was accused of grabbing the child by the neck and shaking him to the point that he impeded the boys breathing.

Authorities say that the child was known to the suspect and had been playing with his 8-year-old son at the time.

The incident occurred around 6pm on Monday at Gwen Margolis Park in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, about 20 miles north of Miami.

The 10-year-old boys father called police to report the incident after his son told him what had happened, according to WPLG, an ABC affiliate. Officers noted that the child had red marks and scratches on his neck. Officials then took Mr Marcu into custody.

Robert Marcu, 60, has been arrested on felony charges of aggravated child abuse and battery by strangulation after he choked a 10-year-old boy who had been playing with his son ( Miami-Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation )

Police told the outlet that the two boys had had ongoing childhood beef and had gotten into another argument on Monday before Mr Marcu intervened.

The father has been booked on felony charges of aggravated child abuse and battery by strangulation.

He remains at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami. His bond has been set at $5,000.
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A popular beach resort at the Jersey Shore temporarily declared a state of emergency over the Memorial Day Weekend amid chaotic scenes and the stabbing of a teenager.

Police in Wildwood, New Jersey responded to an irrepressible number of calls for service, on Saturday due to the extremely large number of young adults and juveniles that were in the city for the Memorial Day weekend.

A 15-year-old was stabbed during a fight in nearby Ocean City on Saturday, according to authorities. The teen sustain non-life-threatening injuries, according to police, and multiple arrests were made. The stabbing sent crowds of boardwalk visitors running, according to social media videos.

Visitors to the Ocean City, New Jersey, boardwalk flee the scene of a stabbing on 25 May, 2024. ( NBC Philadelphia )

On Sunday, Wildwood police chief Joseph Murphy told city officials that emergent conditions existed due to civil unrest threatening the public health.

A state of emergency was declared in the early hours of Monday morning but lifted around 6am.

One business owner in Wildwood, who closed his establishment around midnight on Sunday, told CBS News things appeared peaceful at the time.

Cell phone video captures visitors to the Wildwood, New Jersey, boardwalk leaving the area on Sunday, 26 May, just before a state of emergency was declared over the 2024 Memorial Day weekend. ( CBS Philadelphia )

Wildwood will not tolerate unruly, undisciplined, unparented children nor will we stand by while the laws of the state tie the hands of the police, Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr, said. We wholeheartedly support the City of Wildwood Police Department in protecting this community from these nuisance crowds on our boardwalk and in the city.

Officials, who said they would not be offering any further comment due to the national holiday, did not specify which incidents in particular prompted the state of emergency.

In the neighboring New Jersey beach town of Seaside Heights, a rumor that someone had a gun prompted panic on Saturday, though no shootings were reported.

The Jersey Shore town of North Wildwood has now approved a curfew for teens ahead of the busy summer tourist season.
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A suspect has confessed to shooting a Phoenix man dead before his brother set the remains on fire after the siblings were arrested in connection with the case.

Jose and Roberto Lomeli were charged this weekend after the body of 26-year-old Jose de Jesus Loeza was found inside a burning car in a canal in west Phoenix last month.

The burning car was discovered first by police in the canal near 55th Avenue and Osborn Road on the morning of 1 April before firefighters extinguished the fire and discovered a body inside the vehicle.

The medical examiner determined that the victim did not die from the flames, but instead died from gunshot wounds.

In this particular circumstance, it was gunfire that was believed to be the cause of the death itself, Phoenix Police Sgt Brian Bower said.

Sgt Bower added that the discovery of the victims remains later led police to the Lomeli brothers, who are now being held in the Maricopa County Jail.

Phoenix Police went on to reveal that the brothers were taken into custody for questioning following their arrest, which led to a confession from Jose that he was the one who shot Loeza.

Thats when Jose was able to provide details more in depth to detectives of exactly what took place that night, Sgt Bower said, adding that Jose also confessed that his brother was responsible for helping him carry out the killing, as well as hindering the investigation and causing the fire and helping with the arson aspect.

One of them was responsible for the murder of the victim. His brother was responsible for helping, hindering the investigation, as well as causing the fire and helping with the arson aspect, said Sgt Bower.

Police believe that Jose Lomeli shot Loeza dead after the pair got into an argument at a home in the area.

The brothers then worked together to put Loeza into his own cars trunk, set the car on fire, and abandon it in the canal, Sgt Bower said.

Phoenix Police are still testing and processing evidence in the case.

The entire car itself is considered evidence, so thats whether there were bullet fragments or bullet holes, Sgt Bower said.

Jose Lomeli was charged with second-degree murder, as well as arson and abandoning a body. Meanwhile, Roberto Lomeli is also charged with arson and abandoning a body.

Phoenix Police said they would not reveal how the Lomeli brothers knew the victim and what the fight was about in the first place because it is an open and active investigation.

Both brothers are due back in court later this week.
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A top executive at FTX has been jailed over his connections to the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange, making him the first of disgraced founder Sam Bankman-Frieds inner circle to also face time behind bars.

Ryan Salame, 30, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years on Tuesday after pleading guilty last year to a campaign finance law violation and a charge of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.

He was one of four top deputies in the FTX crypto empire who have pleaded guilty to crimes since the company fell apart in November 2022.

Salames sentence exceeded the five to seven years that prosecutors had recommended, according to The New York Times. Defense lawyers had requested an 18-month sentence.

Prior to FTXs collapse, Salame was a key figure at the exchange and one of Bankman-Frieds top lieutenants, overseeing its subsidiary in the Bahamas, where the company was based.

Like other top ranking FTX executives, Salame enjoyed expensive cars and private jets, and bought restaurants in the Berkshires, Massachusetts. According to The Times, he also spent more than $24m on the 2022 midterm elections, mostly donating to campaigns of Republican candidates.

Ryan Salame was sentenced in New York on Tuesday ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In September 2023, Salame admitted that he had acted as an illegal straw donor at the direction of Bankman-Fried to evade federal disclosure requirements. A straw donor is someone who uses someone elses money to make a political contribution.

In a sentencing memo to Judge Lewis A Kaplan on Tuesday, prosecutors called it one of the largest ever campaign finance offenses in American history, The Times reported.

As part of his plea deal, Salame agreed to pay a $6m fine and more than $5m in restitution, and to forfeit two properties in Massachusetts as well as his Porsche. In the sentencing memo, prosecutors argued that Salame was motivated by a desire for money and influence.

Three other top FTX executives  Gary Wang, Nishad Singh and Caroline Ellison  also pleaded guilty to financial crimes and agreed to cooperate with the government. They all await sentencing.

Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in March after being found guilty of two counts of fraud and five counts of conspiracy. As well as his jailtime he was ordered to forfeit $11.2bn.

In their own memo to the judge, Salames defense lawyers said their client had not been aware that Bankman-Fried was stealing billions of dollars from customers. The news was as shocking and dismaying to Ryan Salame as to everyone else in the world, the lawyers wrote.

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in March after being found guilty of two counts of fraud and five counts of conspiracy ( AP )

Salames life had been decimated in nearly every possible way, and that FTXs demise brought shame and instability to his family, his lawyers wrote.

At its height, FTX was worth $32bn and had a million users. Bankman-Fried was considered somewhat of an anomaly in the world of crypto, both for his age, 32, and his intention to use his wealth for altruistic purposes.

The empire came crashing down in November 2022 when a CoinDesk report revealed that most of FTXs assets were held by a quantitative trading company that Bankman-Fried also ran called Alameda Research.

The revelation sent investors and customers scrambling to withdraw their funds, which later exposed an $8bn hole in the company. As quickly as FTX grew, it fell  becoming essentially bankrupt overnight.

Bankman-Fried was previously criticized by Judge Kaplan, who also presided over the FTX founders sentencing, for putting on a performance to make himself seem more likeable.

When not lying, he was evasive, hair-splitting, trying to get the prosecutors to rephrase questions for him, Judge Kaplan said. Ive been doing this job for close to 30 years. Ive never seen a performance like that.

Bankman-Fried was once known as the King of Crypto and became a billionaire who appeared on the covers of magazines and brokered lucrative deals with celebrities to promote his company.
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A San Diego Police Department officer resigned after being found alone in the back seat of a cop car with a woman who had told him she was down to f***, a newly released investigation revealed.

Anthony Hair resigned a month after the August 2023 incident with the unidentified woman, but the results of an internal investigation were finally released earlier this month, with investigators finding hed failed to follow proper procedures and falsified police reports, a violation of law, according to NBC 7 and CBS 8.

Officer Anthony Hair was with several other San Diego officers on August 15, 2023 when they arrested the woman and another individual suspected of car theft. Body cam footage recorded a conversation between Mr Hair and the woman as he drove her to the Las Colinas Detention Center in his squad car.

In the recording, she asked Officer Hair if hes married and if hes single, telling him: Youre not too bad. Whats it going to hurt me if I work the system, you know what I mean?

San Diego Police arrested a woman in August 2023, pictured, who told Officer Anthony Hair she was down to f***. Mr Hair was later found in the backseat of his cruiser with the woman. ( San Diego Police Departmnet )

Im down to f*** right now, she continued.

Dont say that right now, Mr Hair responded. Dont say that right now because everything is being recorded right now.

After driving for some time, Mr Hair stopped the vehicle, at which point his body camera shut off. He later told investigators he believed the woman was having a medical emergency, NBC 7 reports. Mr Hair also claimed he knocked his body camera off its clip when he exited the vehicle, according to CBS 8.

Roughly 20 minutes after the car stopped, Mr Hair called an officer asking if he had a master key for the vehicles.

That officer told investigators he noticed Mr Hair had a panicky voice, CBS 8 reports.

I asked him if he was okay, the officer said. He said, yes, and then asked if I had my patrol car key with me...I asked why he was asking and what did he need.

An hour later, around 2.40am, a supervisor arrived and opened the car door. Mr Hair said he was checking on the woman, and the door had accidentally closed behind him.

Hair resigned a month after the August 2023 incident with the unidentified woman, but the results of an internal investigation were finally released earlier this month, with investigators finding hed failed to follow proper procedures ( San Diego police )

Officer Hair then asked me If I could go meet him. I asked him his location and he said, near Cottonwood... I asked him why he needed me, and he said he would tell me when I got there, the unnamed officer Mr Hair called continued. He said he was really embarrassed.

The woman later told investigators Mr Hair asked for her phone number and to meet up when she was released from jail, NBC 7 reports.

He wanted to get with me when I was done with the warrant or whatever I got arrested for, she said.

She also told investigators there was never any sexual contact between her and Mr Hair.

The San Diego District Attorneys Office told NBC 7 they cannot comment on whether charges will be brought against Mr Hair.

The Independent has contacted the San Diego District Attorneys Office and the San Diego Police Department for comment.
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The business partner of a serial rape suspect allegedly sent $2,000 a week in payments to Tennessee police officers for them to turn a blind eye to his targeting of women, a bombshell lawsuit says.

The latest allegations come in a class action lawsuit connected to the case of Tennessee businessman Sean Williams, 52, who has been accused of owning photos and videos of 52 women being sexually assaulted by Mr Williams. Some of the alleged victims also appeared to be named on a list labeled as raped found in his apartment during a September 2020 search warrant.

Johnson City is currently facing two lawsuits alleging police ignored Mr Williams, despite multiple victims coming forward to law enforcement.

The business partner, a woman identified as Female 4 in court documents obtained by The Tennessean, is being accused of laundering funds that were used to pay officers $2,000 a week in cash.

The suit reportedly claims a group of officers conspired to extort Mr Williams concrete and glass contracting business in exchange for looking away from his narcotics and sex-trafficking ventures, the outlet reports.

Bank records allegedly showed that the business partner had withdrawn nearly $30,000 in cash from Mr Williams business account over two weeks in June 2022, the lawsuit reportedly describes.

At the time of the withdrawals, Mr Williams had been evading custody for over a year after he failed to be arrested on an illegal ammunition charge.

Sean Williams, 52, is currently facing multiple charges against him including production of child sexual abuse material and aggravated sexual battery ( Tennessee Bureau of Investigation/Blount County )

The court documents claim that officers were monitoring Mr Williams efforts to liquidate his assets while he was on the run, and provided Female 4 with police protection, the outlet says.

The business partner stated she had had a personal relationship with Mr Williams between 2010 and 2017, but had infrequent communications with him since, according to Tennessee Lookout.

Last year, a class action lawsuit was filed against Johnson City, with multiple women claiming that the officers failed to investigate their claims against Mr Williams, who they allege had drugged and assaulted them.

However, in the court documents by the outlet, Johnson City has denied the police corruption and other allegations against them.

There has been no evidence to support allegations of corruption by the Johnson City Police Department, and we welcome any investigation that could dispel such claims, the City said in a statement to The Tennessean, although denied to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit.

In recent filings of the lawsuit, the documents allude to a federal public corruption investigation of the Johnson City Police Department, with attorneys for the women saying their clients have turned over 520 emails and attachments to investigators.

The city is facing an additional lawsuit from former federal prosecutor Kateri Dahl, filed in 2022, who has alleged that the police department ignored her frequent attempts to get them to investigate Mr Williams, despite having substantial evidence.

When Ms Dahl secured a federal indictment and arrest warrant on a minor federal ammunition charge in 2021, the lawsuit claims that local police botched the arrest, allowing the suspect to flee.

Ms Dahls contract was later terminated by the then-police chief, citing failures to indict in other cases.

Johnson City, Tennessee ( Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau )

Johnson City said in a statement regarding Ms Dahls lawsuit last year that the non-renewal of her contract was justified and based on failure to perform her contractual obligations. The city also added that a comment on how the police department handled the allegations against Mr Williams, saying it took five months to get an indictment after the department requested one in 2020.

A spokesperson for Johnson City told The Independent they do not have any further comment at this time.

Mr Williams, who is currently in custody on multiple state and federal charges relating to possessing child sexual abuse material, child sexual assault and aggravated sexual battery, escaped custody in October.

The suspect smashed the back window of a transport van and got out while guards were taking him to a court appearance; however, he was captured a month later in Florida after becoming one of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Most Wanted.

The manhunt unfolded in 2023 after police in North Carolina said they found evidence of Mr Williams apparently documenting dozens of sexual assaults.

His subsequent trial on the escape trial is slated for August, the same month as his original trial.
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Florida has passed a law that will allow some cesarean sections to take place outside of a hospital setting but doctors have warned that it poses serious safety risks to patients.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation in March to allow advanced birth centers to perform planned, low-risk, C-sections as part of an effort to expand access to maternal healthcare in the state.

Some 19 per cent of Florida counties were classed as maternity care deserts in a 2023 report after multiple hospitals closed their maternity wards.

But medical professionals are warning of the potential risks of the new scheme, part of Floridas Live Healthy legislation package.

We have serious concerns about the impact this model has on our collective efforts to improve maternal and infant health, Mary Mayhew, CEO of the Florida Hospital Association told KFF Health News. Our hospitals do not see this in the best interest of providing quality and safety in labor and delivery.

Floridas maternal death rate was 40.2 per 100,000 births in 2022, nearly twice as high as the national average of 22.3 per 100,000 births.

The states C-section rate was 35.9 per cent in 2022, also slightly higher than the national average of 32 per cent.

Under the new law, an advanced birth center can operate so long as it has a board-certified obstetrician and board-certified anesthesiologist as its medical directors; enters into a written agreement with an emergency blood bank service; has written protocols for managing obstetrical hemorrhaging; and follows the states healthcare agency rules.

The law also requires the birth centers to have an obstetrician with admitting privileges at a nearby hospital - but does not indictate how close that must be to the center.

Along with low-risk C-sections, an advanced birth center can also perform vaginal deliveries between 37 and 41 weeks gestation, and vaginal deliveries on patients who have previously had C-sections.

Those with high-risk pregnancies are not allowed to use advanced birth centers for C-sections, and could be turned away due to potential complications.

But even low-risk patients can suddenly need lifesaving care, Dr Cole Greves, chair of the Florida chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists told KFF Health News.

Even with increased regulation, [advanced birth centers] cannot guarantee the level of safety patients would receive within a hospital, he said.

So far, no advanced birth center has opened in Florida but at least one facility, Womens Care Enterprises, is exploring the option. The facility helped propose amendments to the new legislation.

Freestanding birth centers are becoming a more popular option for low-risk pregnant individuals to give birth in the US, offering an in-between experience of a home birth and hospital birth.
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A self-described scammer based in Nigeria has taken credit for a bizarre, failed attempt to auction off Elvis iconic Graceland property.

Earlier this month, a mysterious company with little paper trail, Naussany Investments and Private Lending, contacted Promenade Trust, which controls the Memphis estate, claiming it owed millions for failing to repay a loan. The company then attempted to auction off the property in a foreclosure sale.

Riley Keough, Elvis granddaughter who inherited Graceland after her mother Lisa Marie Presley died last year, sued Naussany on 15 May. She claims her mothers signatures on the documents were forgeries and that Naussany is not a real company.

She also asked a judge to block the Graceland auction. The judge granted her request, putting a pause on the sale just one day before it was set to be finalized.

On Tuesday, the apparent perpetrator of the scheme was revealed when The New York Times reported that an individual based in Nigeria with a Naussany-associated email address contacted them and took credit for it.

Elvis Presleys Graceland property, pictured, may have been targetted by scammers when a mysterious company tried to auction it off. The New York Times says an unknown individual based in Nigeria has come forward claiming responsibility for the scam ( AP2011 )

The individual said he and his associates typically scam the vulnerable and elderly. The Times also reported that the email was written in Luganda, a language spoken in Uganda. We figure out how to steal, the individual told The Times. Thats what we do.

I had fun figuring this one out and it didnt succeed very well, the individual wrote.

The Graceland estate was inherited by Lisa Marie Presley when her father died, and opened as a museum for the public in 1982. Half a million visitors flock to the attraction every year.

A spokesperson for Graceland praised the judges decision to halt the sale.

Graceland will continue to operate as it has for the past 42 years, ensuring that Elvis fans from around the world can continue to have a best in class experience when visiting his iconic home, the spokesperson previously told The Independent.

Experts also told the Associated Press that scammers often target peoples assets after theyre dead. Its very difficult for someone to say, Well, no, I didnt take out this loan, I didnt sign these papers, when theyre dead, Mark Sunderman, a University of Memphis real estate professor, told the AP.

The Independent was unable to verify specific details about Naussany Investments and Private Lending due to a lack of public records and unreliable contact information listed online.

No representative for the company appeared at a recent hearing over Graceland, however Naussany filed court papers denying Ms Keoughs allegations and asked the judge for more time to prepare a defense in the case, the Times reports.

Riley Keough, pictured, successfully requested the auction of her grandfathers Graceland property be halted ( Getty Images for SXSW )

Nikos Passas, a Northeastern University criminology and criminal justice professor, also told the AP the scammers likely knew that successfully auctioning off Graceland was impossible.

The chance of succeeding in what they were trying to do  that is, to get the property auctioned off and get the proceeds and then use the money  doesnt seem to be the actual intent, unless they are incredibly stupid, Dr Passas said. So, the question is then, What was the intent, and who was behind it?
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Melinda French Gates announced she will be donating $1 billion over the next two years.

French Gates earlier this month announced she would step down from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and vowed to focus on women and families. She helped co-found the organization nearly 25 years ago.

She has now said she will make the donation to individuals and organizations working on behalf of women and families globally, including on reproductive rights in the United States.

French Gates, one of the biggest philanthropic supporters of gender equity in the US, said Tuesday in a guest essay for The New York Times that she's been frustrated over the years by people who say it's not the right time to talk about gender equality.

"Decades of research on economics, well-being and governance make it clear that investing in women and girls benefits everyone," she wrote.

French Gates touched upon the high maternal mortality rates in the US, noting that Black and Native American mothers are at the highest risk.

Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Women in 14 states have lost the right to terminate a pregnancy under almost any circumstances. We remain the only advanced economy without any form of national paid family leave. And the number of teenage girls experiencing suicidal thoughts and persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness is at a decade high, she said.

She said over the last few weeks she's started directing new grants through her organization, Pivotal Ventures, to groups working in the US to protect women's rights and advance their power and influence. The groups include the National Womens Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

French Gates' Pivotal Ventures is a limited liability company that also manages investments for profit ventures, so there is little public information about its grantmaking or the assets it manages. Pivotal Ventures has focused on a number of avenues to increase womens economic and political participation and power, like closing the wage gap, compensating care work often done by women, and encouraging women to run for political office.

Looking ahead, French Gates plans to introduce a $250 million initiative in the fall that will concentrate on improving the mental and physical health of women and girls worldwide.

French Gates will be leaving the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation next week. She helped co-found the organization nearly 25 years ago.

The Associated Press receives financial support for news coverage in Africa from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and for news coverage of women in the workforce and state governments from Pivotal Ventures.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will change its name to the Gates Foundation. It is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. As of December 2023, its endowment was $75.2 billion, thanks to donations from Gates and the billionaire investor Warren Buffett. While it works across many issues, global health remains its largest area of work, and most of its funding is meant to address issues internationally rather than in the US
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A row has broken out in Mexico after the arm of a mummy in a museum fell off.

The countrys federal archaeology agency has accused the city of Guanajuato of mistreating one of the countrys famous mummified 19th century bodies.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History, INAH, said that during recent renovations at the museum where the mummified bodies are on permanent display, the arm of one of the mummies came off.

The corpses were buried around the early 1800s and dug up starting in the 1860s, because their families could no longer pay burial fees. The mummies have been on a grisly display in glass cases in a museum in Guanajuato, the capital of the state of the same name, and toted around to tourism fairs for decades. Some were exhibited in the United States in 2009.

What appears to be at the root of the latest dispute is a turf battle between the INAH, which believes it has jurisdiction over the mummies because it says they are national patrimony, and Guanajuato, which considers them a tourist attraction.

The state is governed by the conservative National Action Party, which the Morena party  which holds power at the federal level  considers its arch enemy.

On Monday, the institute said it would demand an accounting of what permits and procedures were followed during the museum renovations.

These events confirm that the way the museum's collection was moved is not the correct one, and that far from applying proper corrective and conservation strategies, the actions carried out resulted in damages, not only to this body, the institute wrote in a statement.

It did not say what, if any, other bits of mummies had fallen off.

Mummies are displayed in the Mummy Museum in Guanajuato ( AP2008 )

It appears that this situation is related to a lack of knowledge about proper protocols and the lack of training of the personnel in charge of carrying out these tasks, it continued.

The preserved corpses were unintentionally mummified when they were buried in crypts in a dry, mineral-rich soil environment in the mining state of Guanajuato. Some still have hair, leathery skin and their original clothing.

The institute appeared to be frustrated because personnel in Guanajuato, not the institute's own staff, is in charge of the approximately 100 mummies. In part because they were mostly dug up before the institute was founded in 1939, they remain under state control, something that has rankled federal officials in the past.

In 2023, experts from the institute complained that a traveling display of mummies could pose a health risk to the public, because one of the mummies appeared to have fungal growths.

At the time the federal institute distanced itself from a state government decision to display six of the mummies in glass cases at a tourism fair in Mexico City. It is unclear if the cases are air-tight and the institute said it has not been consulted about the display.

It is even more worrisome that they are still being exhibited without the safeguards for the public against biohazards, the institute said.

From some of the published photos, at least one of the corpses on display, which was inspected by the institute in November 2021, shows signs of a proliferation of possible fungus colonies.

This should all be carefully studied to see if these are signs of a risk for the cultural legacy, as well as for those who handle them and come to see them.

It is not the first time that the arm of a long-dead person  or his leg  have become a national political issue.

In 1989, the Mexican government weathered a wave of criticism after it removed the arm of revolutionary Gen. Alvaro Obregon  severed in battle in 1915  after being displayed in a jar of formaldehyde in a marble monument for a half-century. Visitors said it had become unsightly,' and so the arm was incinerated and buried.

In 1838, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who served as president of Mexico 11 times, lost his leg in battle, and had it buried with honors. By 1844, an angry crowd that accused him of treason dragged the leg through the streets of Mexico City and apparently destroyed it.
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The search for an escaped pet monkey has drawn to a close after he was successfully captured after spending four days on the run, startling members of the community.

Bradley, a 15-year-old Japanese Macaque monkey, has spent the last six years living with his owner in Walterboro, South Carolina.

However, on Thursday, Bradley managed to escape from his habitat, according to a Facebook post by Colleton County Animal Services, and started a brief adventure exploring his neighborhood.

After he escaped, Bradleys owner immediately contacted Colleton County Animal Services Director Laura Clark to notify her of his pet on the loose.

At that point, the owner felt they had a good chance of catching Bradley by themselves using his own resources; however, by Sunday morning, Bradley was still loose in the Walterboro area.

Ms Clark said in the release that animal control and the countys sheriffs office had received numerous tips about Bradleys whereabouts.

However, Bradleys escape and life on the run caught the attention of many people after news of the monkey began to be shared on social media and news channels, leading people to try to get a look at the monkey. Ms Clark said that this had been hampering the owners efforts to capture the escaped pet, so professionals had been hired, and personnel from the animal control team were called in to help bring Bradley home.

While she asked anyone who saw Bradley to keep a safe distance, a hotline set up especially for the monkey was available for people to call about his location.

The animal services added that Bradley is not considered dangerous or aggressive to people or other animals, but people should still be cautious as he was a wild animal while on the run.

Bradley escaped his habitat on Thursday ( Colleton County Animal Services )

The monkey visited many residents in the Walterboro area, which has a population of around 5,000, during his escape, including the grandmother of Kordell Brabham.

Mr Brabham told CNN that he did not believe what his grandmother was telling him at first when she was describing to him that she had spotted a monkey in the yard.

Nana, I think you need to go inside; it may be a little too hot out here for you, Mr Brabham said.

Not long after that, Mr Brabham stood corrected after he, too, saw the monkey his grandmother was talking about, walking on top of a shed before climbing into a nearby yard.

While the search was still underway, the sheriffs office said that residents should monitor their pets as a prediction, as a primate is on the loose and could be stressed. This notice came after they received a report of the primate attempting to attack a residents dog in a yard, according to a spokesperson for the sheriffs office telling WLTX.

Other residents, such as Barbara Taylor, came face-to-face with the money on Friday while retrieving a pocketbook out of her car.

Oh my God, and he was standing right up under my metal carport right there," Ms Taylor recalled to the outlet. "Then he started walking toward the truck, and I just shut the door fast and climbed over to the driver seat, and I just pulled off because my phone was in the house... My heart is still beating fast, and my head is still hurting.

By Monday, however, Bradley had been successfully captured, his owner told animal services, yet it remains unclear how exactly Bradley was caught.

The outpouring of concern and information from Colleton County residents has been overwhelming, and we are thankful for the publics support in helping to locate Bradley, the services wrote. We so appreciate the communitys support for animal welfare.
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Hollywood star Richard Dreyfuss is facing backlash after he allegedly launched into a sexist and homophobic rant at a special screening of the movie, Jaws.

Saturdays event, An Evening With Richard Dreyfuss, at the Cabot Performing Arts Center, in Beverly, Massachusetts, was billed as a screening of the 1975 movie and a discussion with the actor, who starred in it.

However those who attended the event later reported online that the Oscar-winning actor had used sexist and homophobic language which caused more than a dozen people to walk out.

One wrote in reply to a Facebook post from The Cabot: We walked out of his interview tonight along with hundreds of others because of his racist homophobic misogynistic rant.

Another attendee suggested the event be renamed An Evening of Misogyny and Homophobia With Richard Dreyfuss. Disappointing doesnt even begin to cover it, the person posted.

According to another social media user, who said her girlfriends parents attended the event, Dreyfuss made offensive remarks including disparaging comments about Barbara Streisand, his co-star in the 1987 thriller Nuts. He reportedly also described director Steven Spielberg as a genius but an idiot.

According to X user @sasysquatchgirl, who claimed to be at the event: In a flip of a switch [Dreyfuss] started to talk about a movie he did with Barbara Streisand whom he insulted, then literally insulted all women. Then he insulted trans kids, I cant even begin to say how terrible it was.

Some people allegedly booed the actor and then walked out, they added.

The Independent has contacted representatives of Dreyfuss for comment on the incident.

In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, Cabot Performing Arts Center apologized to attendees.

We are aware of, and share serious concerns, following the recent event with Richard Dreyfuss prior to a screening of the film Jaws at The Cabot.

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The views expressed by Mr Dreyfuss do not reflect the values of inclusivity and respect that we uphold as an organization. We deeply regret the distress that this has caused to many of our patrons.

The statement continued: We regret that an event that was meant to be a conversation to celebrate an iconic movie instead became a platform for political views. We take full responsibility for the oversight in not anticipating the direction of the conversation and for the discomfort it caused to many patrons.

We are in active dialogue with our patrons about their experience and are committed to learning from this event how to better enact our mission of entertaining, educating and inspiring our community.

The Independent has contacted The Cabot for comment.

Dreyfuss starred in Jaws alongside Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, was nominated for Best Picture at the 1976 Academy Awards. The actor is also known for his performances in other hit 70s movies like American Graffiti and Close Encounters of a Third Kind, also directed by Spielberg.
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T-Mobile will buy almost all of regional carrier United States Cellulars wireless operations including customers, stores and 30% of its spectrum assets in a deal valued at $4.4 billion, the telecom giant has said.

US Cellulars shares jumped more than 10% in trading before the bell and comes nearly ten months after the company said it was exploring strategic options.

As part of the agreement, T-Mobile will get US Cellulars wireless operations and about 30% of spectrum assets across several spectrum bands. T-Mobile will also enter into a new master license agreement on more than 2,000 towers and extend the lease term for the approximately 600 towers where T-Mobile is already a tenant.

Bringing together UScellulars network resources with ours will enable us to fill gaps in connectivity that will create a better experience for all of our customers with more coverage and more capacity," T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said in a statement.

T-Mobile said Tuesday that US Cellular customers will gain access to its 5G network, giving them better coverage and speed.

T-Mobile-Acquisition ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In the face of rising competition and increasing capital intensity required to keep pace with the latest technologies, and following our careful and deliberate strategic review, we are confident that continuing to deliver on our mission requires a level of scale and investment that is best achieved by integrating our wireless operations with those of T-Mobile, US Cellular Chair LeRoy Carlson Jr. said in a statement.

The transaction includes a combination of cash and up to about $2 billion of assumed debt. Up to $100 million of the cash component is contingent on hitting certain financial and operational metrics between the deal's signing and closing.

US Cellular will keep about 70% of of its spectrum portfolio across several spectrum bands.

The deal has been unanimously approved by the boards of United States Cellular Corp. and Telephone and Data Systems Inc, which is a majority shareholder of US Cellular. It is expected to close in mid-2025.

Verizon was in talks to also buy parts of the regional carrier, WSJ reported earlier this month.

Shares of US Cellular jumped 13% before the opening bell Tuesday. Shares of T-Mobile are flat.
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A teenager has miraculously survived a 400 foot (122 meter) fall down a steep ravine in Mason County, Washington.

The unnamed 19-year-old accidentally took a tumble on Saturday while out hiking in the Pacific Northwest state near the High Steel Bridge, one of the highest railroad bridges in the US.

He plunged hundreds of feet into the Skokomish River.

He was walking down a washout that a lot of people use, and has kind of become a trail, West Mason Fire Chief Matthew Welander told reporters at the scene.

Its not a trail. Its a washout, its too steep. And [he] ended up all the way down at the river, sliding.

Miraculously, he survived the fall and was rescued by Mason County Sheriffs deputies and firefighters during a safe and successful two-hour rescue operation that involved them scaling the bridge and using a rope and harness to haul him to safety.

The teen was taken to hospital for evaluation but appeared to have sustained only minor injuries to his arms, according to NBC News.

Chief Welander said that the teen had been incredibly lucky to survive his ordeal.

Authorities took the opportunity to again remind visitors not to hike in the area, no matter how spectacular its forest and mountain scenery may be.

Sheriffs Patrol Corporal Tim Ripp, who was also part of the rescue mission, said: Weve told people to stay off these trails because theyre dangerous, but people either havent seen the warning signs or are disregarding it.

He estimated that five to seven people fall from the bridge every year, putting the problem down to carelessness and a lack of respect for nature.
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Shocking footage shows the moment a Tesla in Full Self Driving mode narrowly avoided a crash on rail tracks in Ohio after the vehicle failed to detect a passing train.

The vehicles owner, Craig Doty II, said he took responsibility for the near-miss incident on the morning of May 8 in Camden, Ohio, and that he may have become complacent with the technology.

The footage, first aired by NBC News, showed the vehicle driving down a road in heavy fog towards a set of railtracks, where a freight train is passing. The car does not slow down as it approaches and only swerves to avoid the train at the last second, smashing into a safety barrier.

The close-shave was caught from multiple angles by the Teslas cameras. A photo provided by Mr Doty later showed the car with heavy damage on its front right side.

Despite taking responsibility for control of the vehicle, Mr Doty told NBC News that he believed Full-Self Driving mode (FSD) in his vehicle was defective. I am in control of the vehicle, I dont go around causing mayhem and getting in wrecks and driving outlandishly, Mr Doty said.

I was the only one in the car. I was the only car in the accident. So yes, it was my fault, it had to be... But I feel it was more that the damn car didnt recognize the train.

A self-driving Tesla in Camden, Ohio, narrowly avoided colliding with a train, after the vehicle did not register it, according to the cars owner Craig Doty ( Craig Doty/ NBC News )

You do get complacent that [the technology] knows what its doing. And usually its more cautious than I would be as a driver.

According to a Tesla crash report, shared with NBC by Mr Doty, he was driving at around 60mph at the time of the incident. The speed limit was 55mph. Drivers can request crash reports from Tesla, which are generated using data individual cars send to Tesla servers.

Tesla offers two partially-automated systems, Autopilot and a more sophisticated Full Self Driving, but the company says neither can fully drive the car. The company has previously faced multiple lawsuits, stemming from crashes involving the Autopilot system.

Safety advocates have long expressed concern that Autopilot, which keeps a vehicle in its lane and a safe distance from objects in front, was not designed to operate on roads other than limited access highways.

Tesla offers two-partially automated systems, Autopilot and a more sophisticated Full Self Driving, but the company says neither can drive itself ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The widow of a man who died after his Tesla veered off the road and crashed into a tree, while he was using the partially-automated driving system, is now suing the carmaker, claiming its marketing of the technology is dangerously misleading.

The Autopilot system prevented Hans Von Ohain from being able to keep his Model 3 Tesla on a Colorado road in 2022, according to a lawsuit filed by Nora Bass in state court earlier this month. Von Ohain died after the car hit a tree and burst into flames but a passenger was able to escape, the suit stated.

Last month, Tesla paid an undisclosed amount of money to settle a separate lawsuit that made similar claims, brought by the family of a Silicon Valley engineer who died in a 2018 crash while using Autopilot. Walter Huangs Model X veered out of its lane and began to accelerate before barreling into a concrete barrier located at an intersection on a busy highway in Mountain View, California.

In December, US auto safety regulators pressured Tesla into recalling more than two million vehicles to fix a defective system that was supposed to make sure drivers pay attention when using the Autopilot function.

The Independent has contacted Tesla and the Camden Police Department for comment about the incident in Ohio.
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Robert De Niro turned up outside Donald Trumps criminal hush money trial along with members of Joe Bidens campaign team on Tuesday, as lawyers inside began their closing arguments.

The Hollywood star was joined outside the Manhattan Criminal Court by January 6 first responders, police officers Harry Dunn and Michael Fanone, who became outspoken critics of Mr Trump.

Jurors in the trial were hearing final words from prosecutors and defence lawyers. Mr Trump faces 34 charges that he falsified business records to cover up a hush money payment to adult actor Stormy Daniels issued shortly before the 2016 election to cover up a 2006 affair. Mr Trump has denied the affair and has pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution has argued that he did so in furtherance of another crime  election subversion  which elevates the charges to felonies.

De Niro, a longtime supporter of Mr Biden, said Mr Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country and eventually he could destroy the world.

He said Mr Trump would never leave if he wins in November and that Americans can kiss these freedoms goodbye that we all take for granted.

De Niro outside of Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday ( AFP via Getty )

As he spoke, Trump supporters shouted anti-Biden chants.

Pointing to Mr Dunn and Mr Fanone, De Niro said, These guys are the true heroes. They stood and put their lives on the line.

When a man interrupted to call Mr Dunn and Mr Fanone traitors who lied under oath, De Niro pushed back, I dont even know how to deal with you, my friend ... They stood there and fought for us, for you!

The actor said that New Yorkers tolerated Mr Trump when he was just another grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot.

We make room for clowns ... But not a person like Trump, he added.

De Niro argued that Mr Trump called for terminating the constitution.

And on January 6, rallied an angry mob to threaten democracy, leaving death and destruction in its wake.

Its a cowards violence, he added. You think Trump ever threw a punch himself or took one? This guy ran and hid in the White House bunker when there were protesters outside. No way.

He doesnt get blood on his hands ... He directs the mob to do his dirty work for him by making a suggestion and inference and his gang grovels and follows his obvious order, De Niro added.

Michael Fanone speaks as Harry Dunn and De Niro looks on ( AFP via Getty )

A seemingly emotional Mr Fanone said hes Just one representative of the hundreds of police officers that were assaulted that day by Donald Trumps supporters, inspired by his loss.

This election is about Donald Trump and his vision for the office of the president of the United States, not as a public servant who answers to ... the people who elected him, but as an authoritarian who answers to and serves only himself, he added.

Mr Dunn told Americans to wake up.

This is not a drill, he said.

Trump waiting for court proceedings to start on Tuesday ( POOL/AFP via Getty )

I just unsuccessfully ran for office. A lot of people that I met out there said they were afraid. Theyre scared to see what another Trump presidency looks like, Mr Dunn said.

I couldnt say its going to be okay, he added, before arguing that we cant count on these institutions to stop Donald Trump. Its going to take us Americans at the ballot box to defeat him once and for all.

President Biden is planning on finally speaking out regarding Mr Trumps criminal trials after a verdict has been handed down in the hush money case, Politico reported last week.

If his predecessor is convicted, Mr Biden will argue that Mr Trump is not suited to hold office and that it shows the lengths Mr Trump would go to regain the presidency.

Mr Bidens social media team is looking at using a conviction to possibly refer to their opponent as convicted felon Donald Trump online.

It is also expecting volleys of attacks from Mr Trump and his allies if the former president is acquitted or if theres a hung jury.
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Donald Trump told campaign donors that, should he return to the White House in November, he would deport pro-Palestinian student demonstrators in order to get them to behave.

The former president promised a crackdown on campus protests  that have swept across the country over the past few months  as he spoke at a roundtable event in New York earlier this month.

One thing I do is, any student that protests, I throw them out of the country. You know, there are a lot of foreign students. As soon as they hear that, theyre going to behave, Mr Trump said, according to event attendees, who spoke to The Washington Post anonymously.

According to the sources, the former president joked that the group of donors at the event encompassed 98 per cent of my Jewish friends.

Protests have swept US college campuses since the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people. The ensuing Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have taken place at campuses across the US in recent months, including at New Yorks Columbia University, where more than a hundred protesters were arrested late last month ( AFP via Getty Images )

At the roundtable event on 14 May, one of the donors present complained that many of the students and professors protesting on campuses could one day hold positions of power in the US.

Mr Trump said that the demonstrations were a radical revolution that he promised to defeat, per The Post. Referencing efforts by the New York Police Department (NYPD) to clear protests at Columbia University last month, he praised the force and said that nationwide protests needed to be stopped now.

Well, if you get me elected, and you should really be doing this, if you get me reelected, were going to set that movement back 25 or 30 years, he said, according to the donors who spoke to The Post.

The former president has made sweeping statements about the war in the Middle East, saying that it is time to get back to peace and stop killing people. According to The Post, Republican donors have recently lobbied him to take a stronger stance backing Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Post reported, per its sources, that Mr Trump told donors behind closed doors that he supports Israels right to continue its war on terror. He has repeatedly claimed that the attack by Hamas on 7 October would have never happened if he were president at the time.

Republican donors have reportedly lobbied Mr Trump in recent months to take a stronger stance backing Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu ( Getty Images )

The Independent has contacted the Trump campaign for comment about reports.

It comes as the Biden administration faces strong calls to condemn Mr Netanyahu, after Israeli forces conducted an airstrike on tents in Rafah, meant for displaced Palestinians. The attack on Sunday killed at least 45 people and injured dozens more, according to Gaza health authorities.

Mr Netanyahu subsequently called the strike a tragic mistake and said that it would be investigated.

On Monday, Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American member of Congress, wrote on X: Genocidal maniac Netanyahu told us he wants to ethically cleanse Palestinians. When are you going to believe him @POTUS?
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Donald Trump suggested during a fundraising event that he would have bombed Moscow in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine and attacked Beijing if China invaded Taiwan on his watch, according to a Washington Post report.

The comments surprised some of the donors at the event.

James Gilmore, who served as Mr Trumps ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, told reporters in Taiwan earlier this month that Mr Trump isnt an isolationist but that hes simply trying to get allies to put more emphasis on their own defense.

I believe that President Trump will be supportive of Taiwan when he becomes president. He was in his first term, he said, according to Reuters.

China claims Taiwan is its own territory over the objections of the Taiwanese government. The Trump White House did support Taiwan, including via arms sales which have continued under the Biden administration.

Mr Trump has rarely mentioned Ukraine in recent months. Last year, he claimed that he would have the war settled in less than a day.

In February, he wrote on Truth Social: We should never give money anymore without the hope of a payback, or without strings attached.

In April, he said: As everyone agrees, Ukrainian Survival and Strength should be much more important to Europe than to us, but it is also important to us! GET MOVING EUROPE!

Mr Trump praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping as recently as February. Appearing on Fox News, he was asked if hes planning on upping the pressure in the trade war with China that he started in his first term.

US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hand with China's President Xi Jinping at the end of a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 9, 2017 ( AFP via Getty Images )

While he said he wasnt looking to restart the trade war, he also said that he would consider imposing tariffs of more than 60 percent.

Look, I want China to do great, I do. And I like President Xi a lot, he was a very good friend of mine during my term, he told Fox.

Earlier this year, Mr Trump said he told European leaders that he would tell Russia to do whatever the hell they want to countries who dont spend enough on their own defense.

During a rally in the Bronx last week, Mr Trump referenced several authoritarian leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that they were at the top of their game, whether you like it or not. The world is going to respect us again if hes re-elected, he claimed.

The bomb revelation was made in a Washington Post report on Trumps recent fundraising tour, during which hes tested the boundaries of federal campaign finance laws, according to experts. At a fundraiser in New York earlier this month, Mr Trump told the attendees he wanted to hear what they had on their minds, hearing opinions on former UN Ambassador and his final Republican primary opponent Nikki Haley and several issues connected to Israel, according to The Post.

Mr Trump has routinely promised tax cuts and other policies that will be beneficial to the wealthy donors attending his fundraisers. The former president has at times surprised his own aides by asking for so much money.

But Trump advisers told the paper that the former president often makes similar policy promises to major donors behind closed doors as he does in public, and theres no evidence that a specific promise has been connected to a particular donation.

As Joe Bidens backers in Hollywood and Silicon Valley are withholding their support for Bidens failing campaign, donors across the country are maximizing their efforts to reelect President Trump because they realize we cannot afford another four years of Joe Bidens terrible policies, a Trump spokesperson told The Post.

The Independent has contacted the Trump campaign for comment.

While Mr Trump was reluctant to take part in fundraisers during the 2016 campaign, the former president has taken an active role in raising money this time around. During the 2020 campaign, he would reluctantly attend fundraisers, advisers told The Post.

The Biden campaign raised less cash than the Trump campaign for the first time last month. In April, the Biden campaign raised more than $51m, far below the $90m haul it took in in March.

The haul was also significantly lower than the $76m raised by the Trump campaign and the Republican Party, after the former president boosted his effort with the Republican National Committee (RNC) and attended major fundraisers.

But Democrats still lead Republicans in overall cash, and Mr Biden himself has significantly more cash than Mr Trump.

The Biden campaign reported having $84m at the end of April, while Mr Trump reported having $49m.
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The temporary pier built off the coast of Gaza by the US military to transport aid into the war-torn region has broken apart, satellite images have revealed.

Heavy seas damaged the pier on Tuesday and sections need rebuilding and repairing, a Pentagon spokesperson said. The pier will be moved to Ashdod, a port in Israel, where repairs will take at least a week.

The damage was first reported by NBC News. The pier consists of a narrow causeway to carry aid to Gaza and a broader area to place supplies transported by ship. Officials said it disconnected on Sunday.

The broader parking area must be connected to the causeway before the pier can be used.

The temporary pier in Gaza built by the US military has broken apart, satellite images show ( Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies )

The pier cost $320m and its usage started on 17 May but heavy seas forced a stoppage just a week later. The pier broke apart two days later.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Tuesday that a great deal of humanitarian assistance has been flowing into Gaza.

There has been ... a great deal that has been delivered into the north of Gaza over the past few weeks, something that happened because of the United States intervention, he said. However, he said getting aid into southern Gaza has been a real challenge.

The image provided by U.S. Central Command shows the Trident Pier on the coast of Gaza Strip on May 16, 2024, before it was damaged ( AP )

There are a number of things that have made that a challenge, one being the closing of Rafah gate, two being the military ... operations that are taking place there that make it tough, he said.

The temporary pier is located just north of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.

The pier was damaged three days after heavy seas led to two US Army vessels having to beach in Israel, US Central Command said. Another two vessels anchored close to the pier broke free of their moorings and beached in Gaza.

The temporary pier is known as the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS), and can only operate in good conditions  meaning that it can safely be used in at most waves up to three feet and in winds under 15 miles per hour, CNN noted.

Heavy seas meant the pier was delayed for weeks while it awaited better conditions sitting in Ashdod. The US has said that the pier was only intended as an add-on to aid going through traditional land crossings.

This image provided by the U.S. Army shows trucks loaded with humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates and the United States Agency for International Development cross the Trident Pier before arriving on the beach on the Gaza Strip, May 17, 2024 ( AP )

The pier was first announced by President Joe Biden during his State of the Union address in March.

A US defense official said a US service member is in critical condition after suffering a noncombat injury on the pier last week, according to NBC.

The damage to the pier comes as a deadly strike in Rafah on Sunday sparked global outcry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that a tragic mishap led to the Israeli strike that set fire to a camp for displaced Palestinians. Local officials said at least 45 people were killed. The Israeli military has said that its investigating the strike.

Israel has come under increasing scrutiny over its war with Hamas, with close allies criticizing the growing number of civilian fatalities.
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The Biden administration said it would continue to support Israels war in Gaza following an Israeli airstrike on a displaced persons camp in Rafah that killed dozens of Palestinians on Sunday and prompted global outrage.

White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said that the deadly strike, and reports that Israeli tanks were moving into center of the city on Tuesday, did not constitute a breach of the red line set by president Joe Biden that would cause him to reconsider his support.

This is an air strike. Its not a major ground operation, he said, adding that the US would await the result of an Israeli investigation.

Graphic videos and photos shared online from the aftermath of the strike showed a person appearing to be burned alive, bodies of women and children who had been burned, and a man holding up the body of a baby who had been seemingly decapitated.

At least 50 Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured in the attack that targeted an area filled with tents, many of which caught on fire, according to the Gaza health authorities.

Witnesses said a further 37 people were killed on Tuesday by Israeli shelling and airstrikes, most of them while they were sheltering in tents in the same area where the deadly strikes on Sunday killed dozens. They also said Israeli tanks had moved into the centre of Rafah.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the US was deeply saddened by the initial strike, adding that the US has reached out to Israel to demand an investigation and raise concerns.

The [Israeli army] is continuing to investigate this matter and has promised that its investigation will be swift, comprehensive and transparent. We will be watching those results closely, he said.

That statement stood in stark contrast to a wave of immediate global condemnation from world leaders, aid groups and concerned citizens over the past few days, while the White House remained largely silent.

French president Emmanuel Macron said he was outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah.

These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians, he added, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip. ( Associated Press )

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was similarly forceful in his response. I condemn Israels actions which killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict, he said on X. There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop.

The charity ActionAid said its activists witnessed the attack, which it described as an inhumane and barbaric act.

Moamen, 27, who is displaced from the very north of Gaza and was in the camp that was targeted on Sunday, said most of those in the area had been told it was in the humanitarian zone and they had no money to go anywhere else.

I heard three missiles and a huge, very powerful explosion that shook the place. It appears that the rockets used were incendiary, as fires broke out in the area, he said.

It was a terrifying scene. I saw dismembered body parts and charred bodies, very large destruction in the tents of the displaced over a wide area, he added.

The strike came just two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah in a landmark emergency ruling that invoked the Genocide Convention.

The attack is likely to increase pressure on Mr Biden to reevaluate his support for Israels war in Gaza, after vowing to withhold offensive weapons from the longtime US ally if it launched a major operation in Rafah.

Mr Biden has repeatedly expressed his strong opposition to a major offensive in Rafah, which had become the last refuge for more than a million Palestinians who had fled from the war raging in other parts of Gaza. It is also where most aid agencies are operating.

In a March interview with MSNBC , when asked whether an Israeli invasion of Rafah would be a red line for him, he replied: It is a red line but Im never going to leave Israel. The defense of Israel is still critical.

His officials have repeatedly said the US would not support a major military operation in Gazas southern city without a credible ... executable plan to protect civilians.

Mr Kirby was repeatedly pressed by reporters at a briefing on Tuesday to clarify what would constitute a breach of Mr Bidens red line.

Large units, large numbers of troops in columns and formations in some sort of coordinated manoeuvre against multiple targets on the ground. That is a major ground operation, he said.

He also defended the Israeli operation in Rafah as being consistent with a precise and targeted offensive against Hamas that Mr Biden had called for, claiming that the bomb used in Sundays deadly attack was not a big bomb.

Israelis have said they use 37-lb bombs, precision-guided munitions, he said, adding that it was indicative of a limited operation.

The Israeli army quickly claimed response for the attack on Sunday, claiming its air force had struck a Hamas compound with precise ammunition and on the basis of precise intelligence, killing two Hamas officials in the process. But the next day, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a tragic mishap in an address to Israels parliament and promised an investigation.

The Israeli army said Tuesday that it was investigating the possibility that a secondary explosion caused by weapons stored near where the strike occurred may have set tents ablaze. At his briefing, Mr Miller echoed that claim from Israeli forces while explaining that he could not say for sure if it was accurate, or whether Israeli forces could either.
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Donald Trumps lawyers demanded a judge repremand federal proseccutors for their bad-faith behavior after Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a gag order request before the holiday weekend after the former president ranted on Truth Social about the classified document case.

In a motion filed on Monday evening, Chris Kise  a lawyer for Mr Trump  asked Florida federal Judge Aileen Cannon to hold all government attorneys who participated in the decision to file the motion in civil contempt and impose sanctions after an evidentiary hearing.

It arrives days after Mr Smiths office requested Judge Cannon modify the conditions of Mr Trumps release by preventing him from making statements that could pose a threat to law enforcement agents who participated in the Mar-a-Lago raid. The former president criticized agents in a Truth Social post on Thursday after it was revealed that agents were authorized to use deadly force during the raid.

WOW! I just came out of the Biden Witch Hunt Trial in Manhattan, the Icebox, and was shown Reports that Crooked Joe Bidens DOJ, in their illegal and UnConstitutional Raid of Mar-a-Lago, AUTHORIZED THE FBI TO USE DEADLY (LETHAL) FORCE, Trump wrote. NOW WE KNOW, FOR SURE, THAT JOE BIDEN IS A SERIOUS THREAT TO DEMOCRACY. HE IS MENTALLY UNFIT FOR OFFICE  25TH AMENDMENT!

That led Smith to file the request to gag the president from making public statements. In requesting their gag order, Mr Smiths team argued that Mr Trumps false claims that FBI agents were complicit in a plot to assassinate him, expose agents (some of whom could testify in the case) and their loved ones to the risk of threats, violence, and harassment.

But Mr Kise believes the filing was rushed and did not follow proper procedure.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media with attorney Todd Blanche (R) after his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 20, 2024 in New York City. ( Getty Images )

He accused Mr Smiths office of refusing to hold discussions with defense attorneys to discuss the issues before filing the motion at 5:30pm on Friday before Memorial Day Weekend and while Mr Trumps team was preparing for closing arguments in his New York criminal trial.

In addition to the sanctions request, Mr Kise also urged Judge Cannon to reject prosecutors attempt to impose a limited gag order on Mr Trump.

He called prosecutors proposal to modify Mr Trumps terms of release an extraordinary, unprecedented, and unconstitutional censorship application saying it infringes on Mr Trumps First Amendment right to free speech.

The fight over the gag order comes as the trial in the classified document case, which was set for a May trial, was delayed indefinitely. It also mirrors other arguments Mr Trump has made regarding previous gag orders in other cases.

Special Counsel Jack Smith is prosecuting Donald Trump on charges related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election ( Getty Images )

Mr Trumps team claimed the gag order in his federal election interference trial interfered with his political speech. During the civil fraud trial, Mr Trumps attorneys argued the gag order took away his First Amendment rights.

Most recently, Mr Trumps attorneys fought the gag order in his New York criminal trial after the judge issued one to keep the integrity of the case.

Despite the defense teams efforts to fight the gag orders, judges and appeals courts have found that Mr Trumps admonishing of court staff, judges, potential witnesses or jurors pose real and credible threats to individuals.
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A judge blocked Special Counsel Jack Smiths request to bar Donald Trump from making statements that could pose a threat to law enforcement in his classified documents case.

Federal Judge Aileen Cannon wrote that Mr Smiths motion was wholly lacking in substance and professional courtesy, as it didnt give Trumps defense team enough time to respond. Mr Smith made the request on Friday, asking the judge to limit the comments Mr Trump could make about the law enforcement officers who searched his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Last week, Trump trotted out an outrageous claim that FBI aents were authorized to shoot me while searching Mar-a-Lago.

The former presidents defense team had decried Mr Smiths now-denied motion, arguing it was an extraordinary, unprecedented, and unconstitutional censorship application.

On Monday, defense attorney Chris Kise asked Judge Cannon to hold all government attorneys who participated in the decision to file the motion in civil contempt and impose sanctions after an evidentiary hearing.

The former president faces allegations that he illegally retained national defense information, that he took part in a conspiracy to obstruct justice and that he made false statements.

Donald Trump walks into his hush money trial on 28 May. The federal judge in his classified documents case denied a request by Special Counsel Jack Smith to place a gag order on the former president ( Getty Images )

Prosecutors allege that he kept secret files in unsecured parts of his Mar-a-Lago home and worked to obstruct authorities trying to get them back. The files included secret documents from the Pentagon, the National Security Agency and the CIA.

Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The trial was initially scheduled to begin this month. However, Judge Cannon indefinitely postponed the trial on 7 May, noting the original date didnt work because of the number of remaining pre-trial motions.

A hearing in the case last week devolved into a shouting match as each side fought over claims of an alleged threat against a defense attorney.

Meanwhile, the former presidents hush money trial in New York City is coming to an end this week. The jury could begin deliberations as soon as Wednesday to determine if they will convict Mr Trump on charges of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment made to the adult film actress Stormy Daniels in October 2016.
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As Donald Trumps New York hush money trial enters its final phase with closing arguments on Tuesday, the jurys verdict is expected to largely hinge on their opinions of the prosecutions star witness: Michael Cohen.

On the stand, Mr Trumps former attack dog described the moment he met with his boss on the 26th floor of Trump Tower in Manhattan in January 2017 to agree a $420,000 deal for his reimbursement for a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Cohen testified that he made the payment on Mr Trumps behalf to ensure Ms Daniels silence about an alleged sexual encounter that had the potential to derail his bid for the White House had it come to light.

But there was a third man in the room during the crucial meeting that day  a man who the jury has not heard from: Allen Weisselberg, the long-time chief financial officer to the Trump Organization.

Mr Trumps former fixer Cohen testified that he had initially met with Weisselberg, 76, to agree the terms of the repayment before they went together to present the deal  which amounted to 12 instalments of $35,000  to their boss Mr Trump in his office in Trump Tower, just days before his presidential inauguration.

Mr Trump approved the deal on the understanding that the payments would be recorded as a legal expense arising from a retainer agreement, Cohen said.

These 34 fraudulent records account for the 34 charges of falsifying business records that Mr Trump is currently facing in court in Manhattan.

While Weisselberg would be uniquely qualified to confirm or deny Cohens version of events, he has not taken the stand to testify for either side in the criminal trial.

There is one simple reason for this: Weisselberg is currently serving time in Rikers Island for lying under oath on the stand in Mr Trumps civil fraud trial, his second stay at the notorious facility after he was previously found guilty of a range of tax crimes.

Donald Trump and Allen Weisselberg at Trump Tower in January 2017 ( Evan Vucci/AP )

This left Weisselberg open to serious questions about his credibility and whether or not he would tell the truth should he have taken the stand in the criminal trial.

Just before he was sent to Rikers, he signed a $2m severance deal with Mr Trump that he would receive on the condition that he refused to denigrate the Trump Organization verbally or in writing or any of its entities by cooperating voluntarily with investigators.

The problem was neither side could really call him, white-collar defense lawyer Sarah Krissoff has said.

Hes in custody for lying in a courtroom in the recent past. It was impossible for him to be a credible witness.

The reason Mr Weisselberg is not a witness to either side is because the district attorneys office initiated a perjury prosecution in the lead-up to this case, Mr Trumps attorney Emil Bove claimed to Justice Juan Merchan during the trial.

The judge, however, appeared open to the possibility of summoning the convict from jail to testify in the trial, asking: Has anyone attempted to get him to come in?

Neither side said they had and the matter was dropped.

But, according to The New York Times, Mr Trumps attorneys are now expected to argue in their closing arguments that Weisselberg is the prosecutions missing piece and an elusive central player in the case, without whom they are left only with the untrustworthy Cohens word on which to hang their story.

Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg being sentenced in New York on 10 April 2024 after being found guilty of perjury ( Curtis Means/AP )

Despite his physical absence, the man Mr Trump once described as one of the toughest people in business when it comes to money has continued to crop up during courtroom testimony in the trial.

His phone calls with Cohen in October 2016 and bank statements bearing his handwriting have all been entered into evidence.

He also came up during a crucial question put to Cohen by prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, who asked about the dozen $35,000 reimbursement payouts at the heart of the case

Did Mr Weisselberg say in front of Mr Trump that those monthly payments would be, you know, like a retainer for legal services? she asked.

Yes, came Cohens damning answer.

There is, of course, another man in a position to speak out about what happened in that meeting with Cohen and Weisselberg: the defendant himself.

After a lot of bluster about his determination to testify in his trial, Mr Trump ultimately declined to do so, offering only the vaguest of excuses about the judge imposing difficult conditions on him and suggesting his past might be used against him by the prosecution.
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Michael Cohen is the human embodiment of reasonable doubt, the MVP of liars and the GLOAT: the greatest liar of all time, according to Donald Trumps defense attorney Todd Blanche.

In his closing arguments to jurors in the former presidents hush money trial on Tuesday, Mr Blanche repeatedly accused Mr Trumps one-time fixer of lying throughout his testimony and suggested that Manhattan prosecutors had willingly offered up a star witness to commit perjury to lie to you.

Cohen testified that Mr Trump directed him to pay $130,000 to Stormy Daniels weeks before Election Day in 2016 so she wouldnt go public with a story about having sex with Mr Trump.

His four-day testimony during Mr Trumps criminal trial gave jurors the connective tissue for the prosecutions narrative: Mr Trump warned Cohen to be prepared for stories about women when he launched his 2016 campaign, then signed the checks that reimbursed him for his payment to Ms Daniels, all part of a plan drawn up by Mr Trumps accountants and finalized from the White House, according to Cohen and Manhattan prosecutors.

But defense attorneys have depicted Cohen as an aggrieved, selfish and fame-hungry opportunist who had an axe to grind because he didnt appreciate what President Trump did or did not do for him after President Trump became President of the United States, according to Mr Blanche.

Donald Trump leaves a courtroom in Manhattan during closing arguments in his hush money trial on May 28. ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Cohen is out simply to protect Michael Cohen and no one else, period, he said on Tuesday.

Hes repeatedly, repeatedly, lied under oath, he said. Hes literally like an MVP of liars. He lies constantly.

In his final statements, Mr Blanche pulled up a slide labeling him the human embodiment of reasonable doubt.

You know how people say Tom Brady is the GOAT? The greatest of all time? Mr Blanche said. Michael Cohen is the GLOAT: The greatest liar of all time.

Mr Blanche punctuated every segment of his multi-pronged attack on the prosecutions case with a dig at the credibility of Cohen, who pleaded guilty to lying to Congress and campaign finance and tax violations.

Prosecutors must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Mr Trump not only falsified business records but did so with the intent to promote a conspiracy to corruptly influence the 2016 presidential election

Mr Trumps reimbursement payments to Cohen were allegedly covered up across 34 business records: 12 ledger entries, Cohens 11 invoices, and 11 checks, most of which include Mr Trumps Sharpie-inked signature.

He is charged with falsifying each of those. He has pleaded not guilty.

On the witness stand, Cohen addressed his past convictions and deceit head-on, and he readily admitted he was a bully and a liar for his former boss. But to keep the loyalty and to do things that he had asked me to do, I violated my moral compass, and I suffered the penalty, as did my family, he said earlier this month.

A courtroom sketch depicts Tiffany Trump and Eric Trumps wife Lara and Donald Trump as defense lawyer Todd Blanche presents closing arguments during his hush money trial on May 28. ( REUTERS )

The trial isnt about alleged affairs or nondisclosure agreements but about whether and to what extent that President Trump, while he was living in the White House as the leader of the free world, had committed that alleged fraud, according to Mr Blanche.

There was no conspiracy to influence the 2016 election  The proof there doesnt add up, he told jurors on Tuesday. You cannot convict President Trump on any crime beyond a reasonable doubt on the words of Michael Cohen.

Cohens testimony was full of lies, pure and simple, he said.

In his closing statements to jurors, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass argued that Mr Trump hired Cohen for the exact same qualities that the defense now want jurors to reject his testimony for.

Mr Trumps distance from his fixer allowed him to maintain plausible deniability from the scheme at the center of the charges now facing the former president, he said. But in this case, it becomes implausible deniability.

He was the guy with the boots on the ground who could bully people and threaten them with lawsuits, all at the defendants direction, according to Mr Steinglass. We didnt choose Michael Cohen to be our witness. We didnt pick him up at the witness store. The defendant chose Michael Cohen to be his fixer.

Cohens testimony is not about whether you like Cohen or want to go into business with Cohen but if he has useful reliable information about what went down in this case, he added.

The truth is he was in the best position to know, according to Mr Steinglass.

Cohen was the defendants right hand who could know about the conspiracy to influence the election and the creation of false business records to hide that conspiracy, he said.

His testimony provides context and color to the documents at the heart of the case, acting as a tour guide through the physical evidence.

But those documents dont lie, and they dont forget, he said.
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Testimony in former president Donald Trumps hush money trial wrapped up on May 21 and the trial is headed to closing arguments on May 28.

In the end, Mr Trump chose not to take the stand. A verdict could come as soon as May 29.

Ahead of testimony from 22 witnesses, a full jury was sworn in to hear evidence and decide the guilt or innocence of Mr Trump. Twelve jurors and six alternates were seated following a jury selection process that lasted a week.

Mr Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records after he allegedly instructed then-fixer/now-witness for the prosecution Michael Cohen to pay off adult film star Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 election to remain quiet about her claim that she had sex with Mr Trump in 2006. The former president denies the affair.

During jury selection, a top priority for both sides was to root out potential stealth jurors  those who claim to be impartial but who hide their biases to get on a jury and possibly derail a trial.

Jurors are supposed to be impartial. A number of prospective candidates were dismissed from proceedings simply because they felt they could not be neutral while sitting in judgment of Mr Trump.

No doubt possible stealth jurors exist on both sides

Steve Duffy, from Trial Behavior Consulting, told The Independent that stealth jurors fully have an opinion  but [are] trying to get on the jury.

I have no doubt that there are jurors in the pool on both sides, who really want to be on the jury [but] have a very strong opinion, either for or against him, and are deliberately not saying anything to try to get on, Mr Duffy said, during the jury selection process. The way you figure out who those people are is with background research, which  both sides are undoubtedly doing.

Dismissed juror says Donald Trump 'looked less orange, more yellow'

Manhattan prosecutors posed several questions to jurors in the trials first week. Among them - Can they follow the facts and the evidence and the judges instructions, and can they remain fair and impartial, despite knowing the man sitting at the defense table in front of them is a former president and a current candidate for that office?

We dont expect you to be living under a rock for the last eight years, or the last 30 years, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass told a group on 16 April.

But focus on the evidence, he told them.

Mr Trumps attorneys largely had only one question: what do you think of him?

Its important to President Trump that he gets a fair shake, lead defense attorney, Todd Blanche, told potential jurors.

Its easy to read something off a sheet of paper and say, Yes, Im going to be fair and impartial. What I want to do is test that a little bit, he said. We all know that every one of you knows President Trump, and you all know him in different ways, and you all have different views of him.

Nothing was off limits and there were no wrong answers, he said, and nothing would offend him.

Theyre going to have an opinion one way or the other

But rather than face a disgusted panel of New Yorkers, Mr Blanche instead received promise after promise to treat Mr Trump as any other criminal defendant and to separate whatever they might feel about him personally from the case in front of them.

Mr Duffy told The Independent that a possible stealth juror would not be volunteering information, or honestly answering because they want to be on the jury to either convict or prevent a conviction.

The prosecution looked to remove any Trump supporters, and the defense tried to get rid of anyone who may be left-leaning, which was difficult considering that President Joe Biden got 84.5 percent of the vote in Manhattan in 2020.

Trump appears in court for day 3 of New York hush money trial

The parties do background research on jurors. That means looking at peoples social media, and you can also look at any publicly available information, its fair game, Mr Duffy said. Everybody involved in any sort of legal proceeding does it with jurors ... because if you dont, youre putting yourself in a huge competitive disadvantage. So they will know whos Democrat, whos Republican, if people have made really strong statements on social media.

Apart from social media posts, attorneys on both sides also look at criminal convictions and publicly available information on political donations of potential jurors.

The faster the jury selection process works the harder it is to do that comprehensively, Mr Duffy said. Ive had jury selection take 30 minutes in federal court from start to finish  we basically knew nothing about the people  You could never do that in a case like this.

Trump only needs one supportive juror for mistrial

While Mr Duffy said removing possible stealth jurors was a big focus for both sides, it was particularly important for the prosecution as a unanimous verdict is needed to avoid a mistrial. The Trump team needs only a single juror who refuses to convict.

If you get one person who just says I dont care  I will never vote to convict, then youre going to get a mistrial, he said. So rooting out  what I would call a stealth juror, either for or against Trump is certainly a huge priority for both sides.

He added: In Trumps world, if he gets one of those people on the jury who just no matter what, will not vote to convict, then thats great because you wont get convicted. So rooting out anyone like that is imperative for the prosecution.

New York as a trial venue is tougher on Mr Trump when it comes to the jury pool compared to the area of South Florida where his classified documents case is being handled, because, in Manhattan, Trumps supporters stick out like a sore thumb, he said.

The prosecution certainly has [fewer] problems than Trump does, Mr Duffy noted during the jury selection process, but he added that Mr Trump doesnt need to get acquitted. He just needs a mistrial.

Delay is often the defendants best friend, he added. The percentage of jurors who are outwardly pro-Trump is going to be very low. But he only needs one.

Could a stealth juror derail Trumps trial?

Mr Duffy said that its clear that the attorneys in Mr Trumps trial did their due diligence on the jurors.

You see both sides directly ask jurors questions about their social media content. Thats unusual, to directly confront jurors with that, but its just a product of Donald Trump being such a ubiquitous presence in the public eye, he said.

For sure, Mr Duffy said when asked if a stealth juror may be able to derail the trial. One of the jurors who was dismissed ... the prosecution was insinuating [that he] could be that kind of juror.

The prospective juror failed to disclose that he had torn down political signs and that his wife had been party to criminal corruption proceedings, the consultant noted.

Any non-disclosure like that is going to be a red flag to an attorney, he added. The more off the grid you are, the easier it is to fly under the radar.

However, the issue of stealth jurors cuts both ways. There are people who may try to get on the jury and are hell-bent on convicting and there are those wholl refuse to convict regardless of what the trial may unearth, Mr Duffy said.

People seeking celebrity may overlap with those looking to get on a jury to affect the outcome. Especially nowadays, certainly there are people who might want to do that because its exciting to them or almost titillating to them to be involved, he added.

But the opposite issue exists as well.

One of the jurors who was dismissed ... was someone whos terrified of being involved in this because theyre afraid for their own safety, Mr Duffy said.
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A verdict in Donald Trumps hush money trial could arrive as soon as Wednesday.

Closing arguments in the former presidents criminal trial in Manhattan begin on Tuesday, and Manhattan prosecutors and Mr Trumps defense team are expected to spend the day delivering their final statements to the jury before deliberations begin.

Then, after 16 days of testimony from 22 witnesses spread out over five weeks, a group of 12 jurors in Manhattan will determine whether Mr Trump is guilty of falsifying business records as part of a conspiracy to corruptly influence the 2016 presidential election.

Jurors will review dozens of documents, including emails, text messages, encrypted chats and the allegedly false documents at the center of the case.

Those include company ledger entries, invoices and checks that form the paper trail of Mr Trumps reimbursement payments to his former attorney Michael Cohen, who paid $130,000 to adult film star Stormy Daniels weeks before Election Day so she wouldnt go public with a story about having sex with Mr Trump.

On Sunday, near the end of his six-day break between trial dates, the former president once again lashed out at the judge and the chief prosecutor leading the case against him.

What happens during closing arguments?

Lawyers for the Manhattan District Attorneys Office wont be presenting new evidence when they wrap up their case on Tuesday, but its their one last shot to drive home their narrative and remind jurors what the case is all about.

In his opening statement last month, assistant district attorney Matthew Colangelo argued that Mr Trump orchestrated a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election and then covered up that criminal conspiracy by lying in his business records, over and over and over again.

Donald Trump appears in a criminal courthouse in Manhattan for his hush money trial on May 21. ( AP )

Mr Trump is accused of falsifying business records by labeling a series of payments in 2017 to his then-attorney Michael Cohen as a retainer and legal expense. But prosecutors argue that Mr Trump  who was the president at the time  was actually reimbursing his fixer for a hush money payment to Ms Daniels.

Prosecutors must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Mr Trump not only falsified business records, but did so with the intent to commit or cover up another crime.

Prosecutors will likely walk jurors through that scheme one last time, and explain how that central fraud violated state and federal campaign finance law, tax law, and a state law against conspiracy to corrupt an election by unlawful means.

Defense attorneys do not have to prove anything or convince jurors of Mr Trumps innocence, but they will need to convince at least one juror that prosecutors have not proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mr Trumps lawyers have argued that Cohen was merely paid for his work as the former presidents then-personal attorney, and that the hush money scheme  which itself was not illegal  was only to prevent embarrassing news of his affairs from getting to Mr Trumps family, not in an attempt to hide them from voters.

When does the jury deliberate?

Before jurors are sent out of the courtroom to deliberate, Justice Juan Merchan will give them instructions  a framework for understanding the law surrounding the charges and what they can and cannot take into account as they determine his guilt or innocence.

A courtroom sketch depicts Donald Trump watching his attorney Emil Bove address New York Justice Juan Merchan during his hush money trial in Manhattan on May 21. ( REUTERS )

Prosecutors and defense attorneys debated the contours of those instructions and proposed their own during a two-hour hearing last week.

Judge Merchan is expected to deliver those instructions on Wednesday morning before sending jurors off to deliberate in an undisclosed room in the courthouse.

Jurors will be able to pass notes to the judge for things like clarifying legal language or reviewing testimony.

But how long they will take to deliberate is anyones guess. The 12 jurors must unanimously agree on a guilty or not guilty verdict.

If they cant reach a consensus after several days of deliberations, the judge will likely ask them to keep trying. If theyre still deadlocked, he could declare a mistrial.
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Donald Trump is being mocked after he launched into a fiery rant about a very simple, common process in a criminal trial.

On the eve of closing arguments in his hush money trial in Manhattan, the former president took to Truth Social to complain that the prosecution is being a big advantage in the case.

WHY IS THE CORRUPT GOVERNMENT ALLOWED TO MAKE THE FINAL ARGUMENT IN THE CASE AGAINST ME? WHY CANT THE DEFENSE GO LAST? BIG ADVANTAGE, VERY UNFAIR. WITCH HUNT! DJT, he wrote.

What Mr Trump fails to understand is that this is the typical procedure for almost every criminal trial.

The defense will give its closing argument first, followed by the prosecution.

The state will have one last chance to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Trump not only falsified business records, but did so with the intent to commit or cover up another crime.

By contrast, defense attorneys do not have to prove anything or convince jurors of Mr Trumps innocence; they only need to convince at least one juror that prosecutors have not proved his guilt beyond reasonable doube.

Social media users were quick to point out that Mr Trump has overlooked this standard part of trial procedure in his Truth Social post on Monday night.

Donald Trump learning in real time how trial procedures work in virtually every criminal court, Politico senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney said in a post on X.

Stormy Daniels testifies in Trumps hush money trial ( AP )

Prosecutors typically get a rebuttal during closings because burden of proof lies with them, not defense.

Even Mr Trumps former attorney Jenna Ellis, who was also indicted alongside him in his criminal case in Georgia, chimed in, too.

Im sure his lawyers advised him of the procedures and why, but he didnt listen and doesnt care, she wrote.

Dr Kristy Parker, a former federal civil rights prosecutor, also accused the former president of legal ignorance.

I wonder if theres ever been a person who occupied the presidency who was this ignorant about basic principles of our criminal justice system, she wrote. Actually, I dont wonder.

Meanwhile, University of Texas Law Professor Lee Kovarsky called the post Kafkaesque, to which Randall Eliason, a former US attorney who teaches law at George Washington University, responded: Its funny how many white collar defendants develop a sudden interest in criminal justice reform.

And btw - the answer is that because the state has the burden of proof, it gets the last word.

Closing arguments are set to begin on Tuesday in the trial, where Mr Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records over a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter in the days leading up to the 2016 presidential election.

Donald Trump outside the Manhattan courtroom during his hush money trial ( AP )

Mr Trumps then-attorney and fixer Michael Cohen made the $130,000 payment to Ms Daniels, then Mr Trump allegedly reimbursed him  but fraudulently labeled the payments as a retainer and legal expense.

Prosecutors allege that the crimes are felonies as they were carried out in commission of another crime: to influence the 2016 election.

In opening statements, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo said Mr Trump orchestrated a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election and then covered up that criminal conspiracy by lying in his business records, over and over and over again.

As well as railing against the criminal justice system that all criminal defendants encounter, Mr Trump also sent out a series of other Truth Social posts about the case on Monday night, including attacking the judge presiding over his case.

Can you imagine, a President of the United States, who got more votes than any sitting President in the history of our Country, and who is also the Republican Nominee for President in the upcoming 2024 Election, and leading in all polls against the Democrat Nominee, Joe Biden, is tomorrow going before a Corrupt and Conflicted Democrat Appointed, Acting New York Judge, on a FAKE & MADE UP CASE by a Soros backed failed D.A., and the Judge himself, to see whether or not he will become a common criminal?, he wrote.

He continued: According to virtually all Legal Scholars and Experts, THERE IS NO CRIME OR CASE against President Trump, and if there was it should have been brought seven years ago, not in the middle of his Campaign for President. Prosecutorial Misconduct. Election Interference!

There is no evidence of prosecutorial misconduct or election interference in the trial.

The former president also bizarrely shared a Bible quote: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.
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The Georgian parliament has overridden a presidential veto of the "foreign agents" Bill that has prompted weeks of massive protests and sharp criticism from the West which says the legislation is Kremlin-inspired.

The legislature, controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party, voted to ignore the objections of Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who is increasingly at odds with the governing party.

The president now has five days to endorse the bill. If she doesn't do so, the parliament speaker will sign it into law.

The dispute about the draft law has come to be seen as a key test of whether Georgia, for three decades among the most pro-Western of the Soviet Union's successor states, would maintain its Western orientation, or pivot instead to Russia.

The bill would require organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from overseas to register as "agents of foreign influence", while also introducing punitive fines for violations, as well as onerous disclosure requirements.

If she does not do so, the parliament speaker will sign it into law.

Ms Zourabichvili has accused the governing party of jeopardising the country's future and "hindering the path toward becoming a full member of the free and democratic world".

The veto was rejected by an 84-4 vote in a contentious parliament session, during which a Georgian Dream deputy doused the leader of an opposition party with water while he spoke from the rostrum.

Protesters outside parliament before the vote ( AFP via Getty Images )

Opponents of the Bill thronged outside the parliament building and some shouted "Slaves!" as the vote was announced.

The government says the Bill is needed to stem what it deems to be harmful foreign actors trying to destabilise the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million, but many Georgian journalists and activists argue that the Bill's true goal is to stigmatise them and restrict debate ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

Opponents denounce the legislation as "the Russian law" because it resembles measures pushed through by the Kremlin to crack down on independent news media, non-profits and activists.

Critics say the measure may have been driven by Moscow to thwart Georgia's chances of further integrating with the West. The Bill is nearly identical to one that the ruling party was pressured to withdraw last year after massive street protests.

Renewed demonstrations again gripped Georgia as the Bill made its way through parliament.

Demonstrators scuffled with police, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.

The European Union's foreign policy arm has said that adoption of the law "negatively impacts Georgia's progress on the EU path".

Last week, US secretary of state Antony Blinken announced that travel sanctions would be imposed on Georgian officials "who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia". He noted that "it remains our hope that Georgia's leaders will reconsider the draft law and take steps to move forward with their nation's democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations".

The EU offered Georgia candidate status last December, while making it clear that Tbilisi needs to implement key policy recommendations for its membership bid to progress.

The opposition United National Movement has described the Bill as part of efforts by Georgian Dream to drag the country into Russia's sphere of influence - claims it vehemently denies.

Georgian Dream was founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and billionaire who made his fortune in Russia.

Zuka Elbakidze, a student who was among protesters rallying in Tbilisi ahead of Tuesday's vote, said: "This day will determine the fate of our country", adding that "we are making a choice between Europe and Russia, and all the people gathered here, except the policemen, want Europe and the West".

"We are physically witnessing, literally witnessing, how Georgian citizens, how members of the Georgian parliament are selling out our country," said another protester, Mariam Geguchadze.

Russia-Georgia relations have often been rocky since Georgia became independent after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

In 2008, Russia fought a brief war with Georgia, which had made a botched attempt to regain control over the breakaway province of South Ossetia.

Moscow then recognised South Ossetia and another separatist province, Abkhazia, as independent states and strengthened its military presence there. Most of the world considers both regions to be parts of Georgia.

Tbilisi cut diplomatic ties with Moscow, and the regions' status has remained a key irritant even as Russia-Georgia relations have improved in recent years.

Associated Press
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The body of a five-month-old baby has been found dead in a migrant boat heading to Italy.

The news was announced on Tuesday when some 85 migrants heading for Italy from Tunisia were rescued from distress at sea.

The infant girl, her mother and 4-year-old sister were in an unseaworthy boat laden with migrants that had set off from Sfax in Tunisia two days earlier bound for Italy, according to charity group SOS Humanity.

SOS Humanity workers aboard its Humanity 1 vessel found many of the migrants exhausted and suffering from seasickness and fuel burns as they were rescued before dawn on Tuesday, the group said in a statement.

Some 185 migrants rescued in separate operations this week, including the stricken boat overnight, were being taken aboard Humanity 1 to the port of Livorno in northwest Italy. Another 120 migrants were transferred by coastguard boat to the Italian island of Lampedusa in the southern Mediterranean.

Tunisia is grappling with a migrant crisis and has replaced Libya as the main departure point for people fleeing poverty and conflict further south in Africa as well as the Middle East in hopes of a better life in Europe.

Italy has sought to curb migrant arrivals from Africa, making it harder charity ships to operate in the Mediterranean, limiting the number of rescues they can carry out and often forcing them to make huge detours to bring migrants ashore.

Last week nearly 140 migrants reached Greek shores in 24 hours, making the dangerous sea voyage across the Mediterranean Sea, authorities said. One man, who had set off from North Africa, drowned off the southern island of Crete.

Migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, are stopped by Tunisian Maritime National Guard at sea during an attempt to get to Italy, near the coast of Sfax, Tunisia, Tuesday, April 18, 2023 ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Greece, along with Spain and Italy, is a key entry point for people from the Middle East or Africa who are seeking a better life in the European Union. To get to Greek shores, most make the risky crossing in flimsy boats from neighboring Turkey or Libya.

Greeces coast guard said 34 men and three boys were rescued last Thursday by a passing merchant vessel some 83 nautical miles (95 miles) south of Crete after issuing a distress signal.

A coast guard statement said one more man who had been on the boat fell into the sea and drowned, according to other survivors and the ships captain. All survivors were taken to Crete. They told authorities they had set off from eastern Libya on Tuesday.

Also on Thursday, authorities found 51 men, eight women and 19 children on a beach near Monemvassia in southeastern mainland Greece. It was unclear where they had departed from, but the area is on a smuggling route from Turkey to Greece or Italy.

In separate incidents on Thursday and Friday, authorities picked up 22 people from an islet off the southeastern island of Symi. The coast guard said they had paid smugglers to ferry them over from nearby Turkey.Spain has received the highest number of migrants and refugees in the EU so far this year with more than 21,000 arrivals, according to United Nations data.
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Pope Francis has apologised after an outcry erupted over his alleged use of a deeply offensive slur to describe the LGBT+ community during a closed-door discussion with bishops.

The Vatican issued a statement on Tuesday acknowledging the media storm sparked by Pope Franciss widely reported homophobic remark. He was said to have made the comment while reaffirming the Catholic Churchs ban on gay priests.

The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term that was reported by others, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said.

The apology follows a closed-door meeting on 20 May at an Italian bishops conference in Rome, where one of the topics discussed was whether to allow celibate gay men to undergo training for priesthood at Catholic seminaries.

The 87-year-old pope is said to have spoken against the idea.

He was reported in the Italian media as joking that there was already too much frociaggine in some seminaries, which translates to a highly offensive Italian slur.

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in St Peters Square at the Vatican on 22 May ( Reuters )

The Italian bishops conference had recently approved a new document outlining training for Italian seminarians. The document, which hasnt been published pending a review by the Holy See, reportedly sought to open some wiggle room in the Vaticans absolute ban on gay priests.

The Vatican ban was articulated in a 2005 document from the Congregation for Catholic Education, and later repeated in a subsequent document in 2016, which said the church cannot admit to seminaries or ordain men who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture.

Italian is not Pope Franciss mother tongue language, and the Argentine pope has made linguistic mistakes in the past that raised eyebrows.

His apology has been welcomed by a UK Catholic LGBT+ group.

Martin Pendergast, secretary of LGBT Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council, said: Given the media frenzy that there has been around this, I think it is very significant that an apology has come so swiftly and he clearly recognised not just that he is sorry for those who might have been hurt but also that it was homophobic language.

Mr Pendergast said the Pope should be more careful about how he phrases things, particularly in these kind of off-the-cuff remarks. He added: I think he tends to use these slang words without understanding the ramifications they can have.

He said the remark would not be a step back for relations between the church and its gay members and questioned the way in which the comment had emerged from the private meeting.

He said: I just wonder what the rationale was for whoever released this to the media, was it used to weaponise against the Popes more consistent LGBT+ welcoming approach? It would have been better to have challenged the comment within the meeting [rather than leaking it].

Asked about the comment, a spokesperson for the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales said: Echoing the consistent message of the Synod and this papacy, the Catholic Church is a place of welcome for all.
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Pope Francis is reported to have used a deeply offensive slur for gay people during a closed-door discussion with bishops.

The meeting took place at an Italian bishops conference, where one of the topics being discussed was whether to allow celibate gay men to undergo training for priesthood at Catholic seminaries.

The 87-year-old pontiff is said to have spoken against the idea, saying that while it was important to embrace everyone, it could risk the queer person leading a double life.

He then reportedly said there was already too much frociaggine in some seminaries, an offensive Italian slur that roughly translates to f*****ness or buggery. The closed-door meeting took place in Rome last week, but was first reported on Monday by Italian tabloid news website Dasgopia.

It has since been reported by other outlets, including authoritative Italian dailies La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera and the news agency Adnkronos, which quoted their own unnamed sources among bishops present at the meeting.

Adnkronos published what it described as the precise words used by Francis in Italian, which translate to: Look, there is already an air of f*****ness going around that isnt good. There is a culture today of homosexuality, because of which those with a homosexual orientation are better off not being welcomed [into the seminary].

It is very difficult for a boy who has this tendency not to fall [into sin] because they come [to the seminary] thinking that the life of the priest can support them, but then they fall during the work of the ministry.

The Vatican has not yet commented on the reports, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.

One person privy to the incident suggested Francis meant it as a joke, saying those around him were surprised and perplexed by the alleged remarks. Corriere della Sera quoted sources saying that those present felt the Pope, whose first language is Spanish, did not realise how offensive the word was.

According to Italian media, during a meeting in November the bishops had decided that gay men could be included in seminaries if they practised celibacy.

But the move was ultimately stopped by Pope Francis, who has been widely praised throughout his time in the Vatican for taking an inclusive tone towards the queer community.

Earlier in December, the Vatican released a document in which Francis formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, stipulating that people seeking Gods love and mercy shouldnt be subject to an exhaustive moral analysis to receive it.

The document elaborated on a letter Francis sent to two conservative cardinals that was published in October. In that preliminary response, Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if they didnt confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage.

In January 2023, Francis assailed the laws on the books in many countries that criminalise homosexuality and called for their elimination. Being homosexual isnt a crime, Francis said during an interview with the Associated Press.

Another reversal came in late 2023, when the Vatican made public a statement saying it was permissible, under certain circumstances, for transgender people to be baptised as Catholics and serve as godparents.

The document was signed by Francis and Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, who heads the Vaticans Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

If it did not cause scandal or disorientation among other Catholics, a transgender person may receive baptism under the same conditions as other faithful, the document said.

Similarly, the document said trans adults  even if they had undergone gender-transition surgery  could serve as godfathers or godmothers under certain conditions.

The new pronouncement reversed the absolute bans on trans people serving as godparents issued by the Vatican doctrine office in 2015.
Somewhere in a field in Spain, lie the remains of George Green.

Like about 2,500 other Britons, he left his family and job behind to fight against fascism in the Spanish civil war.

In 1938, when the International Brigade made a last stand against the advancing armies of General Francisco Franco at the Battle of Ebro in Catalonia, he lost his life when enemy troops overran his trench.

Nearly 90 years later, the whereabouts of his body, like hundreds of others, have never been traced.

For the first time in Spain, researchers in Catalonia are searching for the remains of International Brigade fighters, many of which were dumped in unmarked mass graves during the bitter conflict between 1936 and 1939.

The Catalan Democratic Memory directorate is appealing to the living relatives of these men and women to get in touch so they can match up their DNA to prove the link to their loved ones. They hope to match these people with their relatives and give them a dignified burial decades after they lost their lives in the struggle against Franco.

Researchers can send a DNA kit to families in Britain and other countries around the world. These relatives can give a sample of saliva which can then be used to link up with any remains which are unearthed.

Using hospital archives and military records which were sent to the Soviet Union after the Republican government lost the civil war in 1939, researchers in Catalonia can trace possible sites where International Brigade fighters fell.

George Green, right, in Spain with an ambulance ( Supplied )

Crispin Green, the grandson of George Green, is anxious to trace the remains of the grandfather he never knew.

George, a classical musician who was living with his wife Nancy and their two young children in London, was 33 when he left for Spain in 1937.

George and his wife Nancy were committed communists. When Spain came up, he declared that that is what he had to do. The only way to save the world from fascism was to go to Spain and take a stand, Mr Green, 70, a retired housing worker from London, tells The Independent.

George drove medical supplies to Spain in 1937 where he joined the International Brigade. His wife joined him shortly afterwards, leaving their two young children behind. Nancy Green had been convinced to help the war effort after a wealthy supporter of the International Brigades offered to pay for her children to go to school in Britain.

A year later, he was dead. Such was the chaos of war that his wife only found out six months later when she had returned to Britain.

It would mean a great deal to me to find my grandfather. His death affected my father in deeper ways than he knew. He wrote an elegy for the dead who went to Spain, says Crispin Green.

You think what would you do? Would you leave everything behind and go to Spain? I stand in amazement at my grandparents. They were two idealists.

Crispin travelled to Spain with researchers to see Corbera dEbre, a village in Catalonia in northeastern Spain, where his grandfather is believed to have died during the Battle of the Ebro. Researchers have found a trench, and contemporary accounts suggest George was last seen there.

Crispin wonders wistfully what he would do if faced with the same choices as his grandfather who believed fighting fascism was his duty.

General Francisco Franco gives a speech in Bilbao in 1939 ( AFP/Getty )

Who knows what you would do if your back were against the wall and the lights are going out and the values you stand for are being threatened and a lot of autocrats are coming to power and you feel you have to fight? he says.

Alfons Aragoneses, director of the Catalan Democratic Memory directorate, said that about 200 mass graves were believed to exist in Catalonia which have not been investigated.

We are trying to investigate the whereabouts of 1,500 International Brigadiers who died or disappeared in Catalonia," he says. We are trying to contact through associations in other countries the families of the people who died. We are asking for a DNA sample so that this could help us identify the remains which we discover.

It is easy to get in touch. If someone gets in touch with us through our website, which is in English, we will send them a DNA kit. They can send us a sample of saliva by post, he adds.

Mr Aragoneses said researchers had not been able to contact any families of any International Brigade so far. Since the programme to find Spaniards who died in Catalonia started in 2017, it has matched only 30 families with those who died in the civil war. A map of mass graves  not just those potentially containing International Brigadiers  has been produced by researchers.

I am pretty sure that this [search for the International Brigade] is unique, and this adds to its importance. We want other [Spanish] regions to follow, Jim Jump, chair of the International Brigades Memorial Trust in Britain, tells The Independent.

There were about hundreds of Britons who died in Catalonia. About 530 volunteers died in Spain. There are lots who are in mass graves.

Certainly, some families would like to find out what happened. Hopefully, it will have a snowball effect and will gather momentum.

For Crispin Green and other families like his, locating his relatives' remains would provide a kind of end to a conflict which started nearly nine decades ago.

[George] is out there in a field somewhere. To find his remains would feel like closure.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Joe Biden to attend an upcoming Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, saying that only Vladimir Putin will applaud him if he does not show up.

Though the Biden administration has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv, reports suggest President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to miss the summit, which would be a huge blow to Mr Zelensky  even if some form of presence from Washington is expected.

The move has raised concern about Mr Bidens shifting interests ahead of the US presidential election, where he will face off against former president Donald Trump.

More than 80 countries will attend the two-day summit in Switzerland, which takes place on 15 and 16 June, but major players on the global stage, including China and the US, have declined to attend, while Russia has not been invited.

The aim of the summit is to bring heads of state and government together to try and chart a course for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based upon the principles of the UN Charter and Ukraines own Formula for Peace, which Mr Zelensky presented in November 2020.

I would want President Biden to be personally present. I know that America supports the summit but we do not know on which level, said Mr Zelensky during a press conference in Brussels.

I think that is not a strong decision, with all the respect to every person in the US. They support us very much but now the situation is very simple.

I believe that this peace summit needs President Biden and other leaders need him as well, because they value the US reaction.

"[Biden's] absence would only be met by an applause by Putin, a personal, standing applause by Putin.

President Joe Biden delivers the Memorial Day Address at the 156th National Memorial Day in Arlington over the weekend ( AP )

Vladimir Putin has dismissed the Swiss peace summit as pointless ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Mr Zelensky made an earlier plea to Mr Biden and Chinas leader Xi Jinping to join the summit, when he was visiting Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, over the weekend. The city sits only 30 miles from the Russian border.

Nearby Russian forces have viciously bombed the city and the wider region, as well as attacking across the border between the two countries in recent weeks, capturing more than 65 square miles of land two years after they were pushed out by Ukrainian troops following the initial invasion.

Russia has dismissed the Swiss summit as pointless and reaffirmed its demands that any peace negotiation recognises the new territorial realities in Ukraine, a reference to the four regions Putin illegally annexed in September 2022 but that his forces now only partially occupy, as well as the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow annexed to international outcry in 2014.

Russia has also been pushing nations in Asia, Africa and South America not to attend the conference, according to a diplomatic memo. Putin, his foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and other officials have met and called counterparts from dozens of countries with the apparent aim of deterring participation.

Mr Zelensky, who claimed Putin was very scared of the summit, maintains that the Swiss conference is of vital importance and that any peace plan in Ukraine would require Russian forces to withdraw from all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, back to the 1991, post-Soviet Union borders.

He admitted on Tuesday that the US and China had still not signalled an intention to join the conference, adding that his team was also trying to convince Brazil to attend.

India, a member of the Brics community, an international alliance similar to the Group of Seven (G7) that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has confirmed its attendance in a boost to the summit.

But South Africa will not attend. President Cyril Ramaphosa cited the upcoming elections in South Africa as the reason for not attending.

In March the Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland said that the country was in favour of promoting peace talks and was examining the possibility of participation.

But more recently, China has said that it supports a peace conference, convened at an appropriate time, that has the equal participation of all parties and fair discussion of all options for peace.
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Israel has launched a fresh bombardment of Gazas Rafah, with tanks reaching the heart of the border city, as international condemnation builds over an airstrike that killed dozens of Palestinians at the weekend.

At least 45 people were killed in the strike that caused a large blaze at a camp for displaced people. Hundreds more were treated for severe burns, fractures and shrapnel wounds, according to health ministry officials in the Hamas-run strip.

Witnesses in Rafah said that Israeli tanks had reached the centre of the city by Tuesday morning. Israeli forces pounded the city with airstrikes and tank fire, residents said.

They said the Tel Al-Sultan area in northwest Rafah, the scene of Sunday's deadly strike, was still being heavily bombarded. "Tank shells are falling everywhere in Tel Al-Sultan. Many families have fled their houses in western Rafah under fire throughout the night," one resident told Reuters.

Strikes overnight into Tuesday killed a total of 16 people around Tel al-Sultan, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence and the Palestinian Red Crescent. Israel says it is carrying out limited operations in eastern Rafah, along the Gaza-Egypt border. But residents reported heavy bombardment overnight in western parts of Rafah as well.

"It was a night of horror," said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from northern Gaza City who has been sheltering in Tel Al-Sultan since December told the Associated Press.

Black smoke billows over Rafah as strikes continue

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war against Hamas in the city, from where more than one million people have fled in the last three weeks, calling the strike that caused a blaze at a tented area for displaced people a a tragic mishap.

I dont intend to end the war before every goal has been achieved, Mr Netanyahu said

Israels military initially said it had carried out a precise airstrike on a Hamas compound on Sunday, killing two senior militants. But as details of the strike and fire emerged, the military said it had opened an investigation into the deaths of civilians.

Palestinians search for food among burnt debris in the aftermath of an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced people, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, 27 May 2024 ( Reuters )

British foreign minister David Cameron demanded a swift, comprehensive and transparent investigation by the Israeli army into Rafah strike.

Deeply distressing scenes following the air strikes in Rafah this weekend, Mr Cameron said on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.

Footage of the strike  shared on media  showed extremely graphic scenes of people running to escape the fire surrounding them.

We pulled out people who were in an unbearable state, Gaza civilian Mohammed Abuassa told The Associated Press. We pulled out children... We pulled out young and elderly people. The fire in the camp was unreal.

Eklas, 27, who is originally from north Gaza, said: People died from the fire. People did not know where to run. The fire broke out in the tents. The bodies were burned. I wanted to flee from Rafah to Khan Younis [the largest city in southern Gaza], but I did not have the money for transportation.

It terrified us all, more than one explosion shook the place. We do not know whether to leave the camp now or whether to stay. We couldnt sleep last night due to fear, horror, and anxiety.

Mr Netanyahu, in an address to Israels parliament, said on Monday: "Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mistake... We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy."

Black smoke billows over Rafah as strikes continue

The strike came two days after the International Court of Justice, the UNs top court, ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gazas 2.3 million population had sought shelter before Israels incursion earlier this month. Tens of thousands of people remain in the area while many others have fled. Around one million people have fled the city, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on Tuesday.

Mr Netanyahu has been under increasing pressure from both the international community and many withing Israel over the offensive in Gaza. It was triggered by a Hamas attack inside Israel during which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 taken hostage. International clamour for a ceasefire has been growing, while the families of Israeli hostages have repeatedly called for Mr Netanyahu to bring their loved ones home.

More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, Gaza's health ministry says.

Palestinians flee the area of Tal al-Sultan in Rafah with their belongings following renewed Israeli strikes in the city in the southern Gaza Strip on 28 May 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

We urgently need a deal to get hostages out and aid in, with a pause in fighting to allow work towards a long-term sustainable ceasefire, Britains foreign secretary, Lord Cameron said.

The administration of Joe Biden has told Israel to take every precaution to protect civilians, but the president has faced calls from some fellow Democrats to halt military shipments to Israel.

"Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians," a National Security Council spokesperson said. "But as weve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.

French president Emmanuel Macron was more blunt in his criticism, saying "these operations must stop".

"There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire," he wrote in a post on X.

Italian defense minister Guido Crosetto, in a TV interview, said such bombings are spreading hatred, rooting hatred that will involve their children and grandchildren.

The Foreign Office of Germany, which has been a staunch supporter of Israel for decades, said "the images of charred bodies, including children, from the airstrike in Rafah are unbearable."

"The exact circumstances must be clarified, and the investigation announced by the Israeli army must now come quickly," the ministry added. "The civilian population must finally be better protected."

Qatar, a key mediator in attempts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, said the Rafah strike could "complicate" talks.

But, Mr Netanyahu has maintained a defiant tone and vowed to fight the battle till Hamas is destroyed. There is no substitute for absolute victory, he said during his address, while being heckled by the families of the hostages held in Gaza.

Asserting his willingness to continue with military offensive despite international calls for restraint, he said: "I dont give up and I wont give up! I stand up to pressures from home and abroad."
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Elon Musk has become locked in two separate fights with senior bosses at Meta.

The Twitter/X chief executive accused WhatsApp of being insecure and of exporting its users data every night. Some people still think it is secure, he wrote in a post.

That prompted a response from Will Cathcart, Metas head of WhatsApp.

Many have said this already, but worth repeating: this is not correct, he wrote on X.

We take security seriously and thats why we end-to-end encrypt your messages. They dont get sent to us every night or exported to us.

He did note that it was possible to backup messages to the cloud, but that those could be encrypted too.

Mr Musks language could have been intended to refer to the metadata of messages, such as who people are chatting with. Mr Cathcart did not address questions about that data specifically.

The X boss also faced criticism from Yann LeCunn, who heads Metas artificial intelligence work. He asked Mr Musk whether it is really enjoyable to disseminate complete bullshit in response to his tweet about WhatsApp.

Mr LeCunn has repeatedly criticised Mr Musk, in particular over his claims that AI is about to become more intelligent than humans and could therefore pose an existential risk.

Mr Musk has taken aim at other messaging platforms recently. Earlier this year he tweeted to suggest that Signal was also insecure, despite having previously supported the secure messaging app.

There are known vulnerabilities with Signal that are not being addressed, he wrote in a post. Seems odd...

The tweet received an array of responses including from Xs own Community Notes platform. A message appended to his post said that any vulnerabilities could be enumerated and that there are none for current versions.
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Apple is set to hold its biggest software event of the year: its Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC. And there is expected to be one big thing on the schedule.

WWDC is the event where Apple updates every one of its products with new software and features. As such, it will see iOS 18 for the iPhone as well as a range of other new operating system versions.

All will be revealed on 10 June, when Apple screens its opening keynote live around the world.

But here is everything we know about WWDC 2024 ahead of the event.

Artificial intelligence

AI is expected to be the central theme of this years event. Apple doesnt usually give much away about its launches, but has already flagged this in advance, with marketing boss Greg Joswiak treating that the event will be Absolutely Incredible. (The capital letters are his.)

Apple had long resisted using the word AI, and though it has been introducing similar technologies in both its hardware and software, it has typically marketed them as being proactive or based on machine learning. Now  after urging from investors and commentators who feared it was being left behind  it seems ready to use the word and more explicitly announce those updates.

While its nearly certain that there will be a strong AI focus, it is less clear what those AI updates will be. But it appears that Apple will largely keep its approach of focusing on seasoning its operating system with new AI upgrades, rather than adding spectacular but not necessarily useful new features.

Those might include automatically generated Apple Music playlists, automatic assistance with writing and coding, and an improved Siri that is both better at conversing with people and getting things done.

Apple might also offer more dramatic generative AI tools, and rumours have suggested that it has been in discussion with both Google and ChatGPT creators OpenAI to build them. That might let people generate an image by asking for one, for instance.

Its likely that many of Apples products will get their own AI-infused updates  even if its just in the form of an improved Siri. But Apple usually focuses on bringing new updates to the iPhone first, and then rolls them out to other platforms such as the iPad.

Other software upgrades

AI will be the main focus, but probably wont be the sole upgrade.

The iPhone for instance is rumoured to be getting a more customisable home screen. That would let users place the apps wherever they want them, for instance, rather than being forced to drop them in the existing line-up grid.

Apple tends to update every one of its products at WWDC  so expect new features for the Mac, Watch, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and HomePod. But rumours have focused on the new AI tools, and it is not yet clear what those upgrades might bring.

Vision Pro in the UK and elsewhere

Apple first introduced its augmented reality headset at WWDC last year, and it arrived in February. Then, it said that it was on its way to other countries, but there has been no sign of it yet.

Numerous reports have suggested that it is finally on its way, however. Tim Cook has said that it is coming to China this year, and job ads suggest that Apple is preparing to offer it in the UK, Australia, Japan and elsewhere.

WWDC would offer a great opportunity to announce the headsets public release.

Apple is also expected to offer the new version of VisionOS, the operating system that powers the headset. And the company has been lightly criticised for failing to keep momentum after the release by launching new immersive content for the headset, so it might unveil some of that too.

New hardware

WWDC is Apples software event, and that tends to get most of the time during its announcements. But it sometimes uses the spotlight to introduce new hardware as well, and tends to focus on professional tools when it does so.

There are still a range of products that are yet to be upgraded to Apples M3 series of chips, including the Mac Studio and Mac Pro, both of which received updates last year. But rumours have suggested that they might skip them entirely, and get the M4 chip that arrived in the new iPad Pro earlier this year.
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Every six seconds, in a factory on the northern fringes of Stockholm, a top secret printer is spewing out sheets worth thousands of euros apiece. Each one contains 108 miniature solar cells that will soon find their way into everyday gadgets  from keyboards to headphones  that will fundamentally change how we interact with technology. According to their creator, they will even force us to rethink our relationship with light.

Sweden may seem an unlikely location for a solar revolution, but the lack of light during the winter months was one of the reasons for Exeger co-founder Giovanni Fili to look beyond the Sun as the sole source of power for a photovoltaic cell. His companys breakthrough tech can harvest electricity from virtually any light source, from direct sunlight to candlelight. It can even generate a charge from moonlight, though it would take a while for it to be of much use.

Like the algae on the bottom of the ocean where its almost pitch black, we can make efficient use of very few photons, Fili tells The Independent. The t-shirt he wears describes his companys technology as world-changing, capable of simultaneously addressing the global need for energy and some of our planets greatest environmental challenges.

The Powerfoyle solar cell is durable enough to be embedded in bike helmets, while also versatile enough to imitate leather and brushed steel to fit in bags and speakers ( The Independent )

Indoor solar panels have been around for decades. Solar-powered calculators were first introduced in the 1970s, but the limitations of the amorphous silicon cells they rely upon mean they are too low power, too fragile and too rigid to be integrated into other products.

The latest innovation stems from a discovery made in 1988 relating to dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC). A pair of scientists from UC Berkeley in California invented a low-cost, high-efficiency cell that was both semi-flexible and semi-transparent, which offered a pathway for commercial development of the technology.

Just over 20 years later, Fili and fellow Exeger co-founder Henrik Lindstrom came up with a new electrode material that offered 1,000 times better conductivity. The breakthrough formed the basis of their Powerfoyle cells that are now being produced at a commercial scale.

Exegers Powerfoyle solar cells offer a radical departure from the traditional glass-covered panels, eliminating the need for the silver lines you see on them that serve as conductors. They are also not sensitive to partial shading, which drastically reduces the efficiency of photovoltaic panels.

The patented skin-like material can even morph into almost any material to allow for seamless integration into a huge range of products, while remaining waterproof, dustproof and shockproof.

It works in any light condition, its more durable than any other solar cell in the world, its easy to manufacture, and it can imitate any surface  leather, carbon fibre, wood, brushed steel. Its also beautiful, Fili says. So we can integrate into products that are already selling in the billions of units per year.

Exegers Stockholm facility has the capacity to produce 2.5 million square metres of solar cells each year, making it the largest factory of its kind in Europe. Speaking at the factorys opening in 2021, Fili predicted that Exegers technology will touch the lives of a billion people by 2030

Exeger says its Powerfoyle solar cell is the most durable in the world ( Exeger )

The Powerfoyle solar cells have already found their way into seven on-the-shelf products  including headphones, wireless speakers and a bike helmet  while a further six have been announced. Customers include Adidas, Phillips and 3M, while they are also rumoured to be in talks with LogiTech and Apple.

A battery-free future

Exeger is one of several startups pioneering the commercialisation of indoor solar panels, with the promise of clean, endless power attracting both researchers and entrepreneurs.

US-based Ambient Photonics was drawn into the space by the magic potential of the smart home, as well as the hope that it would be possible to eliminate the need for disposable batteries.

The scale at which smart electronics are able to be deployed has been limited by battery life and the use of traditional batteries, which require continuous charging, stagnate product design, and have negative environmental consequences, Bates Marshall, co-founder and CEO of Ambient Photonics, told The Independent.

Billions of disposable batteries are thrown away every year ( Getty Images )

TV remotes alone are responsible for 3.1 billion disposable batteries being thrown away each year, according to estimates from Samsung . The Korean electronics giant has made switching from alkaline batteries to photovoltaic energy a priority in order to reach sustainability targets, claiming it could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by around 6,000 tons per year.

Every advancement in the power density of our product brings us closer to a future where the need for disposable batteries is significantly reduced, if not entirely overcome, Marshall says.

Ambient Photonics DSSCs have so far been integrated into remote controls, though limitations with the amount of heat and light they can be exposed to mean the technology is currently limited to indoor applications.

The versatility and durability of Exergers Powerfoyle means the only limitations are energy-intensive devices like laptops and smartphones  although they could provide a significant boost to their battery life of 50-100 per cent. Exeger is also exploring a solar-powered tablet cover that could provide enough power for infrequent users to never need to charge.

Our grandchildren will laugh that we had cables, Fili says.

Prototypes of products embedded with Exeger's Powerfoyle solar cells include tablets, bags and even curtains ( Exeger )

One trend Fili has noted is that users of Powerfoyle products have become much more aware of their surroundings and the presence of light in their lives. We are making people light conscious, he says, because light is power.

Fili is driven by the belief that the Powerfoyle is an era-defining technology. Exeger is the first to commercialise the technology at this scale, though it remains relatively nascent given that Fili views everyone on the planet as a potential user. Others appear confident in his claims, with Forbes likening him to figures like Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Elon Musk.

The tech behind Exegers solar cells, like the printers that produce them, is a closely guarded secret. Even the purpose of the thousands of Powerfoyles currently being printed each minute at the Stockholm factory is not yet public knowledge. (The elongated shape of them strongly hints that they will be used in a product most of us use every day  one that this article is being typed on.)

This is really, really huge, Fili says. We have just secured a contract with one of the worlds largest suppliers of keyboards and mice, and have already partnered with some of the biggest companies and brands on the planet. This technology is going to take over the world.
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In 2016, Justin Alexander Shetler embarked on an adventure in Indias Parvati Valley, nicknamed the Valley of Death.

Mr Shetler, a travel blogger and survivalist from Oregon, notified his followers about the ambitious expedition in early September of that year. I should return mid September or so, he wrote on his blog. If Im not back by then, dont look for me.

This was the last thing he ever posted. Now almost a decade after he vanished, his family remains without answers over what happened to him.

The travelers story is receiving renewed attention thanks to a new ten-part podcast, Status: Untraced, which tells the story of Mr Shetlers life and his familys attempts to find him.

open image in gallery Justin Shetler, pictured, has not been seen since traveling to Indias Parvati Valley in 2016. His family has no answers nearly eight years later, according to a new podcast about his disappearance ( Adventures of Justin/Facebook )

Mr Shetler, who would now be 43, had survival training and would likely have been able to navigate the Parvati Valley wilderness  making his disappearance all the more perplexing, said podcast host Liam Luxon.

Justin is a survival expert, so if somebody was living off the grid, it would be him. He has all the training for it, Mr Luxon told Fox News.

The Parvati Valley is nicknamed The Valley of Death for a reason. Dozens of travelers had gone missing there since the 1990s, wrote journalist Harley Rustad in his 2022 book Lost in the Valley of Death: Obsession and Danger in the Himalayas.

open image in gallery The Parvati Valley, pictured, is nicknamed the Valley of Death because several travelers have gone missing in the wilderness since the 1990s ( Google Maps )

Mr Luxon, however, isnt convinced Mr Shetler disappeared because he couldnt survive in the region.

Other people had passed him on the trail, he said. They said he was heading down and there was only one path going up and down.

Ive made the trek now, and it certainly seemed like he wouldve made it back to the camp. And again, this guy is a survival expert. It wasnt like he was deep in the desert with no water and nothing around him for days.

He should have made this trek. Nothing added up.

Before he disappeared, Mr Shetler had given up everything, Mr Luxon told Fox News.

open image in gallery Justin Shetler pictured in 2016. Liam Luxon, host of the new podcast about his disappearance, said Mr Shetler had extensive survival training ( Adventures of Justin/Facebook )

He didnt have a job anymore, the podcast host said. He was trying to raise money for a school in Nepal that was helping to build after an earthquake. He was traveling around at his own expense.

Mr Shetlers mother described her son similarly in a Facebook post.

He was a tender-hearted guy from the very beginning and always cared deeply about others, especially homeless, abused and victimized children, she wrote on his birthday, a year after he went missing in 2017. He sought to make the world a better place, and I want to honor his efforts.

His mother listed charities that she hoped people would donate to in her sons honor, including the Nepal Youth Foundation and the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center.

Various theories have been suggested as to what happened to the adventurer including claims he was murdered, targeted by the local mafia, or was secretly living off the grid. However Mr Luxon said that he hopes his podcast leads to new evidence.

I think one of the weirdest things about this entire thing has been grieving for somebody Ive never met, Mr Luxon told Fox News. But I do feel like I know him now. I spent hundreds of hours talking to loved ones...Justin also changed my life.
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On a small island off Japans northeastern coast, there is an unlikely guardian angel: cats.

The animals outnumber humans on the island of Tashirojima, and there is even a Neko Jinja, or cat shrine, to honour their presence.

Legend says the island used to be famous for sericulture and farmers would keep cats because they would chase away rats, protecting the silkworm cocoons from the rodents.

open image in gallery Over 100 cats inhabit Tashirojima ( The Associated Press )

Fishermen on the island have also traditionally believed that cats bring good luck, including large hauls of fish.

Another legend says fishermen used to watch the cats behavior for tips on the coming weather before heading to sea.

Read more on Asia travel:

The islanders have long coexisted with the cats. One day, however, a fisherman accidentally injured a cat while working. Feeling sorry for the injury, the islanders built the shrine for cats.

Tashirojima is part of the city of Ishinomaki in Miyagi prefecture in the Tohoku region, which became well known after a tsunami devastated the area following a massive magnitude 9 earthquake on 11 March 2011.

open image in gallery Tourists watch cats getting fed at a cafe on Tashirojima ( The Associated Press )

Over 100 cats inhabit Tashirojima, along with about 50 humans, according to the city's website.

Along a paved road running about 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) between the island's two ports, cats groom themselves and mingle with other cats.

There are a few cafes and inns, but no car rental shops, gas stations or public transportation. Tourists are expected to walk up and down the island's hills while visiting.

Most of the cats are used to tourists, who can be seen petting the friendly animals throughout the island.

Read more: The best countries to travel to in Southeast Asia
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A reality TV star has hit out at Emirates after suffering an allergic reaction to a chicken meal on a flight to Dubai.

Love Islands Jack Fowler posted a video of himself injecting his thigh with adrenaline to counter the reaction.

He told ITVs Good Morning Britain: I wasnt given any menu and Im aware on a flight it can be dangerous for me. But I just went along with it, cabin crew said do you want chicken or fish? and I said, What hasnt got nuts in? and they said, Neither so I had the chicken curry.

My friend also said at the time, Theres a severe nut allergy here so make sure theres no nuts. When the food came, I said again, Just to make sure, theres no nuts in this food? and they said, No, just chicken and rice. So, I trusted them and started to eat what I thought was something safe and it contained the one thing I couldnt have.

Cashew is the worst nut for me. Straight away I knew my throat was closing up, I couldnt breathe.

Emirates warns passengers: We cant guarantee our meals are nut free. We serve nuts on all our flights, either as a meal ingredient or as an accompaniment to drinks.

In May a family with a daughter who has a severe allergy to peanuts was ordered off a flight to Turkey after they tried to ask passengers not to eat nuts on the four-hour trip.

Georgie Palmer, her husband Nick and their daughters were on a SunExpress flight from London Gatwick to Dalaman. Their 12-year-old, Rosie, has an anaphylactic allergy to peanuts, meaning she could die if she comes into contact with them. They asked the crew to make an announcement requesting passengers not to eat peanuts. This request was turned down, so instead the parents did their best to alert passengers in the plane.

A SunExpress spokesperson said: 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.

The family say they spent 5,000 on new flights the following day with easyJet, and a nights stay in a hotel.

In 2016, 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died from anaphylaxis in a hospital in France after suffering an allergic reaction on a British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Nice. She had eaten a baguette brought from Pret a Manger at the airport that contained sesame seeds.

These are the key questions and answers about flying with a food allergy.

What is a food allergy?

Some peoples immune system reacts to certain types of food as a threat. In most cases, the reaction is distressing but mild. But in severe cases an allergy can cause anaphylaxis  which the NHS calls a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly. The throat and tongue can swell to such an extent that they stop breathing.

According to the NHS, the most common allergic foods include milk, eggs, wheat and shellfish. But nuts and legumes are the most common sources of allergic reaction. They include: peanuts, cashews, pistachios, brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, soybeans, peas and chickpeas. Celery, mustard and sesame seeds are also potentially harmful.

The most effective emergency treatment is an injection of adrenaline. Many people with allergies carry adrenaline auto injectors, often known by the brand name EpiPen. The user injects a dose of the hormone into the thigh. For some people, a second dose may be required.

What are the international rules on flying and food allergies?

There no specific legislation for passengers. In the 580-page Manual of Civil Aviation Medicine, published by the UN body responsible for international aviation, ICAO, the only references to allergies concern flight crew. (The organisation says: A pilot with allergic symptoms severe enough to require medication should probably not be flying.)

In lieu of international rules, each airline makes its own policy. These vary dramatically. Virgin Atlantic says: Peanuts are never knowingly included in any of our meals on board. Emirates says: We serve nuts on all our flights, either as a meal ingredient or as an accompaniment to drinks. Traces of nut residue could be passed on to other surfaces of the aircraft as well as through the air conditioning system.

The International Air Transport Association (Iata), the airlines trade body, places the emphasis on the passenger, saying: Severe allergic reactions on board are an extremely rare occurrence. However, when they do occur, the consequences may be amplified because of the remote environment. In that context, allergen-sensitive passengers susceptible to severe allergic reactions should do everything in their power to prevent these cases or be prepared if it does happen.

What are the basic precautions?

If you or anyone you are planning to travel with suffers from a food allergy, you should discuss with your doctor whether it is safe to fly.

If they give the go-ahead, check that travel insurance will be valid and identify the best airline on the route you wish to travel on. You can see the food allergy policies on the most commonly flown airlines here:

Tell the airline in advance. Each airline has its own policy; Tui insists it is told at least four days ahead.

Take medication, usually two EpiPens, along with documentation  ideally a letter from your doctor  to avoid problems when passing through airport security. Keep this close by, for example in the seat pocket, during the flight. You might also want to pack sanitising wipes.

At check-in, remind the agent of the allergy issue.

At the gate you can ask if someone in your party can board early to wipe down armrests, meal trays and seats to try to remove nut dust.

When boarding the plane, tell the cabin crew. Consider bringing your own sanitising wipes if you wish to wipe down the armrests, meal trays and seatback areas of your seats, says Iata.

British Airways gives specific instructions: Advise cabin crew and the people seated next to you of your allergy, where you have placed the medication and what to do in an emergency. Our cabin crew can speak to people seated near to you to help explain your allergy.

Will cabin crew make an announcement about the allergy?

Many airlines will inform passengers that there is someone with an allergy on board and ask fellow travellers not to consume nuts. But some will not. Iata says: Consider mentioning to the passengers sitting close to you or your allergic child that you or your child has a severe allergy. It was after doing this that Georgie Palmer and her family were asked to leave the SunExpress aircraft.

A spokesperson for SunExpress said: 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.

Ive heard airlines carry EpiPens as part of the inflight medical kit?

Yes, but you should not rely on this. If the carrier knows you have an allergy but do not have the necessary medication, you may be denied boarding.

Jet2 warns passengers: If you carry medication for a severe allergy, such as an EpiPen, it is very important that you bring this with you on board the aircraft. If we are made aware of a severe allergy and you are not carrying your required medication, you may be refused travel.

British Airways says: Cabin crew are trained to recognise symptoms of anaphylaxis and administer treatment but if you are travelling with family, friends or guardians, they would be expected to treat you first.

Why cant airlines simply ban nuts on planes?

As an action that could potentially save lives at very little cost to other passengers in terms of enjoyment, that appears a solid idea. But the airlines say it would be nigh-impossible to enforce:

Inflight meals cannot be guaranteed to be produced in a nut-free environment, so may contain traces.

Airlines cannot prevent other passengers from bringing their own food onboard, which may include items that trigger an allergic reaction. Security staff at airports are looking for weapons, not potentially lethal foods.

Nut dust may be carried on passengers clothing.

Do other allergic conditions cause concern?

Yes, as Valerie Coleshaw from Bolton found to her considerable financial cost. Her cabin baggage  including her asthma inhaler  was taken away from her at Manchester airport because the flight to Amsterdam was so full. She understood that it would be returned at Amsterdam. Instead, it was checked through to her final destination, Buenos Aires.

Ms Coleshaw informed ground staff, who told the captain, who decided she couldnt fly in case there was a medical emergency requiring a diversion. In that case, she lost an entire Antarctic cruise, which had cost her in total over 10,000.
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Passengers on an Indigo flight from Delhi to Varanasi were evacuated on Tuesday morning following a bomb scare.

There were 176 passengers on the plane bound for the Hindu holy city in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

They were quickly deboarded after a pilot found a threat written on a piece of paper in the lavatory at around 5.30am, just as the flight was preparing to take off.

It read: Bomb blast @ 30 minutes.

There was news of a bomb on the flight going from Delhi to Varanasi at 5.35am today. Quick Response Teams arrived at the spot, a Delhi fire services spokesperson told The New Indian Express.

A Delhi airport spokesperson said all passengers were taken off safely. The flight is undergoing a detailed inspection, the spokesperson added. All passengers were evacuated through the emergency exits without incident.

The aircraft was moved to an isolated area where security agency personnel conducted a search operation, Indigo said in a statement.

The flight is currently undergoing inspection, the airline said. Post completion of all security checks, the aircraft will be positioned back in the terminal area.

This is the second such incident this month.

A tissue paper with the word bomb written on it was found in the lavatory of an Air India flight at Delhi airport earlier this month. That too turned out to be a hoax.

Several schools and hospitals in the national capital have recently received threatening emails claiming the presence of explosives on their premises. Investigators have found them all to be false alarms.

In February last year, an Indian army personnel was booked for allegedly making a hoax bomb call to police after he missed his second flight for the day.
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Protesters demonstrating on the streets of Palma de Mallorca say that marches against overtourism will continue until the Balearic government introduces measures to counter the housing emergency on the island.

Thousands of locals made their way through the islands capital on Saturday, warning tourists to go home with banners which read Mallorca is not for sale.

The estimated 10,000 protesters headed for Weyler Square, where holidaymakers were out for dinner and drinks.

open image in gallery Protesters in Palma de Mallorca on 25 May ( AFP via Getty Images )

A neighbourhood organisation from Sencelles in central Mallorca, Banc del Temps, planned the 25 May protest.

Banc del Temps spokesperson Javier Barbero, one organiser of the large demonstration in Palma, said: This has only just begun, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reports.

Barbero added that Mallorcan citizens feel suffocated by the housing situation but insisted we are not saying no to tourism completely.

According to data from Exceltur, an industry organisation, tourism generates 45 per cent of the islands gross domestic product, with 14.4 million holidaymakers visiting the Balearic Islands last year.

The group against excessive tourism said in a statement on Facebook: The right to housing is an ignored constitutional right.

They take us from our home and the island to benefit tourism [...] because we cant pay.

Protest demands to the Ministry of Housing include preventing tourists from buying properties on the island if they have not lived there for more than five years, regulations on holiday accommodation rental prices, and measures to declare the Balearics are experiencing a housing emergency.

If measures arent taken we will continue taking to the streets until we see action, Barbero said.

The protest follows mass demonstrations on the Canary Islands in April with calls for Tenerife to temporarily limit tourist arrivals to stem short-term holiday rentals and hotel construction that is driving up housing costs for locals.

Similar protests at Palma de Mallorcas airport in peak season could bring air travel on the holiday hotspot to a halt if measures are not introduced to protect the island from overcrowding.
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A Spanish town has chained off its picturesque streets to deter holidaymakers from visiting in the escalating battle against overtourism on the Balearic Islands.

The 195 homeowners in Menorcan village Binibeca Vell have put up ropes and chains with keep-out imagery to stop a parade of tourists from crossing the line into private properties.

This month, tourists were asked to only stop off in Binibeca between the hours of 11am and 8pm to reduce noise and respect residents.

The whitewashed walls and cobbled streets of the town known as Spanish Mykonos were developed in 1964 in the image of the Greek islands.

Messages on the Binibeca Vell Community Owners website warn tourists we are a private property with designated visiting hours in the interior streets, and to visit us in silence.

The area in southern Menorca is a private property condominium organised as a Community of Owners with 25,000 (21,286) a year given to the residents association by the local authorities for upkeep of the white facades and to remove rubbish.

For this deal to be renewed, the residents association is asking for more financial support to sustainably manage the area.

Previously, locals have had problems with tourists climbing up stairs and balconies, blocking doorways and littering as they search for the best selfie spot.

In August, the 500 permanent residents are due to vote on whether to ban tourists from Binibeca Vell altogether  an estimated 800,000 holidaymakers visit the Spanish village annually.

For now, locals are calling for the Menorcan authorities to do more to regulate high visitor numbers.

Oscar Monge, president of the residents association, 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.

Mr Monge added: Its 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.

The concern surrounding excessive tourist footfall comes amid a string of protests on Spanish islands, including Tenerife and Mallorca.

On Saturday, thousands of furious locals blocked streets in Palma de Mallorca as fury over mass tourism intensified on the most popular Balearic Islands.
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A plane was forced to turn around mid-flight after a naked man ran down the aisle before being tackled by another passenger.

Police said a man has been accused of running naked down the aisle of an Australian domestic flight, knocking down a flight attendant and forcing the plane to turn back.

He was arrested by police at the airport, officials added on Tuesday.

The incident happened early in what was scheduled to be a 3 hour and 30 minute Virgin Australia flight on Monday night from the west coast city of Perth to Melbourne on the east coast.

Flight VA696 returned to Perth Airport due to a disruptive passenger, an airline statement said.

Australian Federal Police officers were waiting for the plane and the disruptive guest was offloaded, Virgin said.

Police said officers arrested a man after he allegedly ran naked through the aircraft mid-flight and knocked a crew member to the floor.

The man was transferred to hospital for assessment, where he remains, a police statement said.

It was not clear how or where on the plane the passenger removed his clothes.

open image in gallery A Virgin Airlines plane takes from Melbourne Airport in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 31, 2022 ( AAP Image )

One passenger on board told The Guardian: All of a sudden I hear this running up the aisle and the guys got no clothes on and hes just charging towards the front of the plane.

Adding: Initially you think, God forbid, it could be an attack. Its really distressing being on a plane in that situation.

Police expect to order the man by summons to appear in a Perth court on June 14. What charges he will face have yet to be announced.

The airline said sorry to guests impacted, adding the safety of passengers and crew was its top priority.

Virgin Australia said: We can confirm on Monday, 27 May, VA696 Perth to Melbourne, returned to Perth due to a disruptive passenger on board.

On arrival in Perth, the aircraft was met by the Australian Federal Police and the disruptive guest was offloaded, the statement read.

The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority, and we sincerely apologise to guests impacted.

Nobody is believed to have been injured during the incident.
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A Spirit Airlines flight from Jamaica to Florida saw chaotic scenes as its pilot told frightened passengers to prepare for an emergency water landing.

Flight NK270 was forced to return to the Caribbean Islands Montego Bay shortly after takeoff on Sunday following a suspected mechanical issue.

Before the Airbus plane returned to the airport, passengers said they were told by the pilot to prepare for emergency water landing  which saw some onboard freaking out and panicking.

Passenger Bettina Rogers captured video of the planes takeoff in which a chiming signal can be heard twice in the cabin, though the meaning of the signal is unclear.

Shortly after the signal, the pilot told passengers there was nothing to be alarmed about, according to CNN.

open image in gallery A Spirit Airlines flight from Jamaica to Florida became a site of chaos on Sunday ( AP )

About five minutes later, the pilot informed passengers the plane needed to return to the Montego Bay airport, Rogers said. But as the plane turned back, she said, the pilot announced, Prepare for emergency water landing.

It was scary, and people were freaking out and panicking, Rogers said.

Meanwhile, passenger Andrene Gordon described the ordeal as a near-death experience.

The pilot said there was a slight issue, nothing major, so we are just gonna turn back and go to the airport, she told Jamaican outlet The Gleaner.

We never knew we would actually make it to the ground because all we were seeing was literal water it was total chaos, Ms Gordon added.

Despite the chaos, the plane landed safely back in Jamaicas Sangster International Airport and guests were able to deplane normally, according to CBS News.

Spirit said the mechanical issue did not affect flight safety and the emergency landing instructions were given out of an abundance of caution.

Passengers were given a $50 credit and out on a new flight to Fort Lauderdale, where they arrived just 45 minutes behind schedule.

But passengers have said the $50 credit was not enough following the incident, with Gordon saying it felt like a slap on the face.

After that near-death experience and emotional distress, Spirit wants to offer US$50 credit to use by August of this year, she told The Gleaner.

I feel like that is a slap in the face because they put us through such a traumatic experience with an incompetent crew. That is just so unacceptable.

Spirit has apologized to guests for any inconvenience.

Safety is our top priority, and the aircraft will be thoroughly evaluated by our maintenance team, the airline added.

Just a day after the Spirit scare, a United Airlines flight aborted takeoff after the plane engine caught fire while on the taxiway at Chicagos OHare airport.

Also on Monday, a Southwest Airlines flight from Denver to Tampa, Florida, was diverted to Colorado Springs after the flight attendants reported a possible smell of smoke in the cabin, according to a Southwest statement.

Meanwhile, last week, a 73-year-old British man died from a suspected heart attack after the Singapore Airlines flight he was travelling on was hit by turbulence, forcing it to divert to Bangkok.

Seven other people were left in critical condition following the violent turbulence.
Q We are facing a holiday nightmare. Weve booked and paid in full for our trip to Orlando, Florida, in six weeks. However, weve just been informed the hotel is being refurbished. We want the holiday company to move us to another hotel, but they wont without us paying extortionate amounts more. Any advice?

Mark B

A There is never a good time to refurbish a hotel while simultaneously remaining open to guests. But for properties in central Florida, July is among the least bad spells: it is typically the wettest month of the year, and not as busy (or as profitable) as Christmas/new year, spring break or Thanksgiving weekend. So I am not surprised that your chosen hotel is having work done. The question is: how badly will it impact your stay?

Abta, the travel association, points out that keeping infrastructure in good condition is a continuous work in progress: Therell always be minor refurbishment and maintenance being carried out at properties and most of these wont affect the clients holiday. Travel companies are not obliged to let customers know about work that will not, in their judgement, affect your enjoyment of the stay. But some firms will let you know as a matter of courtesy.

I hope this is what has happened in this case. Abta says: If you decided you wanted to change or cancel your holiday due to minor work, you would pay the normal charges in the booking conditions. If, on the other hand, there is major building work, you have more rights.

Holiday companies are well aware that if building work is likely to impair the enjoyment of your holiday, you should be given the choice of whether or not to continue with the booking  or switch to an alternative hotel without penalty. The fact that you have been refused these options indicates the travel firm believes it will have no impact. All you can do, then, is go ahead with the trip. If it turns out that the refurbishment work is seriously impairing your enjoyment, notify the travel company as soon as you can to give the firm a chance to put things right by moving you to another hotel. If this does not happen, all you can do is seek compensation when you return  which will require evidence, ideally video as well as audio.

open image in gallery The fingerprint checks familiar to visitors to the US will soon be experienced by UK passport holders travelling to the EU and wider Schengen area ( Getty )

Q Were hoping to have a holiday in mainland Europe this autumn. Will the new entry requirements being introduced in early October affect air travellers in the same way I keep reading about the impact on Eurostar passengers? Should we expect even longer queues at our arrival airports after this date? Would it therefore be sensible to go in late September  or wait until things have shaken down a bit?

Lesley W

A The European Unions much-delayed entry/exit system (EES) is due to take effect in the autumn, with Sunday 6 October the date that has been most widely discussed. It will significantly complicate access to the EU and wider Schengen area for all third-country nationals who do not require visas  the status chosen by the UK after the vote to leave the European Union. The first time you enter the EU, you will have prints of the four fingers on your right hand recorded, along with a facial biometric.

Inevitably, this procedure will increase the time taken at borders. Delays will be especially acute at the three locations in the UK with juxtaposed border controls, where French frontier police check passengers. These are at London St Pancras International, from which Eurostar runs trains to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam; the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone, from which LeShuttle serves Calais; and the Port of Dover, with ferries to Calais and Dunkirk. So far, all the attention has been on these locations because of the potential for massive disruption. But you are quite right to consider the possible impact at airports. For airline passengers from the UK, the checks will happen on arrival. Some estimates from EU nations are that the procedure could take four times longer than currently. As you say, this could make the arrivals experience even worse than it is at present, especially in smaller airports with limited facilities.

I would not alter your planned dates for travel. I think the chances for further postponement are high, and that if EES does go ahead this year, November is probably more likely than October. It goes without saying that anyone fortunate enough to qualify for a passport from Ireland or other EU nations should use it. They will be able to ignore all the queues and go straight through the fast track.

open image in gallery Wish you were here: the flight to Calgary was delayed by 30 hours ( iStock )

Q My brother was due to fly from London Heathrow to Calgary on Sunday afternoon. He has now been told there is a 30-hour delay because the window screen wiper was broken. They are still holding his luggage. What are his rights?

Rachel B

A Your brother is one of the unfortunate passengers who were booked on WestJet flight 19 from Heathrow to Calgary, due out at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon. It appears to have been progressively delayed until 9.10pm, at which point the flight was cancelled. Passengers were accommodated overnight and are expected to fly out on a new flight, WS4399, with a 30-hour delay.

I have contacted the airline to ask for some specifics of the delay but so far have not had a response. So, I will answer on the basis of what we know so far. As this is a flight from a British airport, UK air passenger rights rules apply. These specify that once a delay reaches five hours, the passenger is entitled to cancel the flight and receive a full refund (not to mention getting their baggage back).

Most people, though  possibly including your brother  would be more interested in reaching their destination as soon as possible. The UK Civil Aviation Authority says delayed passengers should be flown on the original day of travel if at all possible. Had this been arranged, the solution would probably have been to fly on a Sunday early evening flight on British Airways to Montreal or Air Canada to Toronto, with onward connections to Calgary. All of this is academic: it didnt happen; presumably WestJet hoped and believed the aircraft would be leaving on Sunday evening. By the time the flight was axed, there was no way to go west that evening

It appears WestJet intended for the flight to leave at 11am on Monday, which would have been the fastest way to reach western Canada. That time has slipped by (at the time of writing) more than eight hours. Such rolling delays are deeply frustrating but I shall ascribe good faith to WestJet in trying to solve the problem. Your brother should be entitled to 520 in cash compensation. If there are additional expenses that the airline has not covered, he will be able to reclaim them.

Email your question to s@hols.tv or tweet @SimonCalder
More than 600kg of cocaine concealed in bananas that were due to be sent off to Germany has been seized by authorities in Colombia, officials said.

Footage published on X/Twitter by William Rene Salamanca Ramirez, director general of Colombias national police, on Sunday, 26 May, showed authorities making the discovery at the port of Santa Marta, north of Cartagena.

The police chief said the drugs were bound for to the port of Bremerhaven on Germany's North Sea coast, officials said.
Donald Trumps hush money trial in New York has begun to conclude as legal teams make their closing arguments.

The former president has used appearances outside the courtroom to espouse misinformation-filled rants and appeal to his voter base, despite being subject to a gag order.

The 77-year-old claimed that people were being mugged and killed outside the courthouse and that Judge Juan Merchan loathed him.

He is charged with falsifying business records about an alleged hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election over a supposed sexual encounter.
Families of hostages held by Hamas shouted at Benjamin Netanyahu as he addressed Israels strike on Rafah and its efforts to bring back those still missing.

During an address to Israels parliament, the Knesset, hostages family members held up a banner with photos from behind a glass screen as the prime minister spoke.

Mr Netanyahu said an Israeli airstrike on tents for displaced Palestinians in Rafah went tragically wrong, adding that Israel is investigating.

Of the hostages still missing, he said: I will not let go of the effort to bring them all back home, those who are alive and those who are dead.
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A few dozen reporters raced for the exits the moment New York state court officers let us leave the 15th floor courtroom.

From a stairwell window I could see a plume of smoke in the small park across the street. Down another floor, I could see the crowd forming around it. Down another, an ambulance and police. The smell of gas and burning flesh then hit me as I walked through the front door.

On the fourth and final day of jury selection in Donald Trumps criminal trial in Manhattan, a man had self-immolated behind police barriers on the other side of the street.

Ive attended every day of the first-ever criminal trial of an American president, and the harrowing image of a pile of ash and debris on cement just steps away from where dozens of reporters line up every morning to get into the courthouse is seared into my memory, but barely remembered in the surreal spectacle taking place inside.

While cops chased down his neon pamphlets flying in the breeze towards a phalanx of news cameras, a distraught cameraman cursed at the scene in front of him; not because of what he had seen, but because he left for lunch and missed his shot. I asked the courts trenchcoat-wearing spokesperson if the trial was delayed. He smiled. Im headed there right now, he told me.

Trump's most outrageous rants during his hush money trial

After snaking through two lines for metal detectors downstairs, up the elevators back to the 15th floor, through another two rows of bag checks and another set of metal detectors, we filed back into the courtroom before the former president trudged inside and plopped himself at the defense table.

There, we continued to bear witness to a silent and tired Trump, who slouches, stares and keeps his eyes shut for six to seven hours a day, three to four days a week  a view thats been afforded to only his entourage and the handfuls of attorneys, court officers, journalists and members of the public allowed inside.

He lumbers in and out of the court, sits briefly by himself at the defense table before his attorneys join him, then keeps his eyes closed for most of the day. His mouth falls open occasionally, before he appears to snap awake and scrunch his face as if hes listening harder. He sinks into his chair and disappears, barely a witness to his own trial.

open image in gallery Donald Trump speaks to cameras outside his criminal trial in Manhattan on May 20 ( Getty Images )

Getting there takes some time and patience. I get in line across the street before sunrise behind a few other reporters and professional line holders who make $50 an hour to sleep in camp chairs, personal tents and blankets for overnight shifts, paid by larger media networks to guarantee a spot inside. After were allowed inside around 8.30 am, I find a seat in one of the rows of wood benches inside an adjoining courtroom with space for roughly 100 people, watching next doors closed-circuit broadcast on three large TV screens.

Were joined by a motley crew of everyday citizens eager to witness history up close. In the public line next to us were retirees visiting their daughter during college graduation, a California attorney on vacation who couldnt resist a courtroom, and high school students skipping class.

And then there were the returning characters. One man with backpacks made out of clocks said he was hoping to sell trial body language information to online betting sites. A pair of Trump-supporting Chinese women in USA-branded hats and apparel unfurled an American flag. John McIntosh, who lugged around a suitcase, used the lines to collect the thousands of signatures he needs to get on the ballot for US Senate.

Sylvia Achee walked up and down the line carrying a handbag-sized speaker playing her husband D-Achees song Liars Must Go while handing out printed-out lyric sheets. In the small park on the other side of the fence, a woman blew a shofar and played CeCe Winans Come Jesus Come from her phone and into a bullhorn.

open image in gallery Reporters and members of the public line up across the street from a criminal courthouse in downtown Manhattan for a seat inside Donald Trumps trial on May 16 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Inside the courtroom, boldface media names  like CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Kaitlan Collins  sat alongside veteran court reporters and exhausted print journalists operating on little sleep. During her one-day visit, I sat next to Fox News personality Jeanine Pirro, who filled a notebook with handwritten notes before she went on air to rip into Stormy Daniels. A few days later, the former president stood in the hallway and read one of her statements calling the judge a fool.

More than a dozen New York court officers direct the steady flow of foot traffic, but its Mr Trumps presence that sets the rules. While hes on the floor, unloading grievances and barking at the small pool of reporters and cameras stationed in a barricaded pen in the hallway, steps away from the mens bathroom, were effectively forced to shelter in place.

When hes inside, were free, and he goes right back to sitting at the defense table, mute and staring at nothing, out of view of the rest of the world, except for us.
Bank has been sued by insurance giant Everlake in a dispute related to a $67m loan

Bank of Ireland was the sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner on the lending agreement. Photo: Getty

Lawyers for Bank of Ireland have asked a New York court to dismiss a legal action taken against it and other lenders in a dispute related to a $67m (62m) loan made to a company that makes technology products for use by people with vision impairments.

US insurance firm Everlake Life Insurance  which is also one of the lenders  sued Bank of Ireland in early May, claiming the institution extended the maturity of date of loans made to a unit of Freedom Scientific despite Everlakes objections.

Bank of Ireland was the sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner on the lending agreement made with Freedom US Acquisition Corporation in 2015.

Lenders agreed to extend a total of $67.5m, including $60m of term loans and $7.5m of revolving credit.

The money was being used by Freedom US Acquisition Corporation to complete the acquisition of a firm called Optelec.

Everlake has asked a New York court to annul the maturity extension agreement on the debt that it says was inked by Bank of Ireland last November.

But lawyers for Bank of Ireland and other lenders have insisted that Everlakes action has no basis to proceed, under an amendment to the loan agreement.

The sixth amendment provides that the lenders are not waiving or otherwise impairing any of their rights contained in the credit agreement, but only forbearing from exercising them for a limited time, lawyers for Bank of Ireland and other lenders have told the court.

The sixth amendment did not prioritise any lenders loans over any other lenders loans, or otherwise impair Everlakes loan relative to other loans, they add. Nor, contrary to the complaint, was the maturity of Everlakes loan extended beyond its maturity date.

But Everlake has alleged that Bank of Ireland wilfully proceeded with the sixth amendment, merely altering its proposed extension to a forbearance in an attempt to obfuscate its breach of the credit agreement.

Everlake has already asked the court to rule that the sixth amendment is null and void.

In seeking to have the action thrown out, the lawyers for Bank of Ireland have insisted that the disputed credit agreement prohibits any legal action being taken by an individual lender that is party to it.

The credit agreement expressly forbids actions by an individual lender, so Everlakes self-interested lawsuit fails as a matter of law, the court has been told.

Indeed, the New York Court of Appeals has held  on analogous facts  that an individual lender lacks standing to bring an individual action for breach of contract in response to a purported borrower default, contrary to the will of the other 36 lenders to forbear from taking action, the lawyers have stated.

Everlake, which has assets under management of more than $23bn, holds just over $9m in principal amount of the outstanding term loans made to the Freedom division.

Other lenders involved include Siemens Financial Services, HSBC, Banc Alliance, the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, and Allstate.

Freedom Scientific owner Vispero told lenders last year that it was looking for a loan maturity extension so the business could be sold.
Airline complained to Irish Aviation Authority and said its observations had been ignored

Dublin Airport has been told by the Irish Aviation Authority to review how it determined its passenger charges following a complaint from Ryanair.

In September 2023, Dublin Airport, which is controlled by the DAA, published its proposed airport charges for the March 2024 to March 2025 period.

In December last year, Ryanair formally complained to the Irish Aviation Authority, alleging that Dublin Airport had not fully complied with its obligations under an EU directive that regulates the essential features of airport charges across the trading bloc. Those rules apply to airports handling more than five million passengers a year.

The suite of airport charges that was proposed by Dublin Airport for the 2024-2025 period reflected the overall maximum permitted charge per passenger that was previously set by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

While Ryanair  whose group chief executive is Michael OLeary - made complaints to the IAA regarding the previous determination of overall charges at Dublin Airport, the relevant complaints considered by the IAA related to a transfer passenger charge, the runway movement charge, the low emissions aircraft discount scheme and a nitrogen oxide charge.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 28th May 2024

Ryanair wrote to Dublin Airport in October last year, criticising both the proposed increases to airport charges, and what Ryanair alleged to be inadequate and unclear consultation documents.

Dublin Airport responded that the aeronautical charges set by the airport have always followed the movement in annual price caps and that it had provided extensive consultation materials to support the airport charges process.

Over the course of October, Dublin Airport continued the consultation process with airlines in relation to the proposed charges, issuing a decision paper in late November.

Ryanair wrote to Dublin Airport on 4 December, alleging that its letters of 6 October and 27 October were unanswered by Dublin Airport, and that many of the consultation comments and questions were excluded from Dublin Airports Summary of Consultation Responses in its decision paper.

The airline has claimed that that an alleged deliberate decision to ignore Ryanairs questions and comments constitutes a breach of the transparency requirements under relevant regulations.

Following a formal complaint to the IAA by Ryanair, the authority asked Dublin Airport for information to assist the investigation of the airlines complaint.

Ryanair alleged that the passenger transfer charge proposed by Dublin Airport is discriminatory against point-to-point airlines, such as Ryanair, which it claimed, are cross-subsidising transfer passengers.

It also alleged that the proposed runway movement charge was discriminatory in favour of larger aircraft.

Ryanair also disputed the nitrogen oxide charge. It argued that in the absence of any evidence of a nitrogen oxide problem at Dublin Airport, there is no basis for this charge. Ryanair claims that a nitrogen oxide charge would deter environmentally friendly aircraft from Dublin Airport, given trade-offs with other pollutants.

In a draft decision, the IAA has upheld the Ryanair complaints.

The authority said that in respect of the four specific issues that Ryanair has complained about and which were considered by the IAA, it has not been sufficiently demonstrated that they are non-discriminatory and justified as being complaint with the appropriate laws.

These charging modulations/differentiations need to be reassessed by Dublin Airport, with a view to addressing the various issues of transparency, relevance, and objectivity, the IAA said in its draft decision.

However, it said proposed that there wont be any retrospective action or adjustments to charges in the meantime, in particular in relation to the charges currently in effect for summer 2024. Reassessed charges should be in effect for the upcoming winter season, it has proposed.

The DAA said: "DAA is firm in its belief that the 2024 annual charges review was undertaken in an objective, transparent and compliant manner  evidenced by the fact that no other airport user has issued a complaint on the 2024 airport charges process or decision. It is disappointing that Ryanair is challenging DAAs efforts to encourage the deployment of a quieter, cleaner and more fuel-efficient fleet at Dublin Airport through the roll-out of charges that would help to deliver on our sustainability objectives and ensure best practice airport operations."
A Porsche Macan Turbo is displayed as people visit the 18th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China) on April 25, 2024, Beijing, China. (Photo by Li Yueran/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Luxury carmaker Porsche is in talks with Chinese dealers to smooth out relations as weaker sales of electric vehicles force the auto industry to rethink the transition away from combustion-engine cars.

The German carmaker is discussing with its Chinese retailers how to adapt their business strategies and customer service to market changes, according to a statement. Porsche didnt provide details on a new direction, but said both sides plan to work more closely together.

Porsche and other western carmakers have seen their share of Chinas EV market dwindle as local competitors increased their offerings and gained a bigger foothold.

With Chinas economy bogged down by a real-estate crisis, overall demand for EVs has weakened, prompting price cuts that have eaten into the bottom line for manufacturers and dealers. Chinese media reported some Porsche dealers in China are now asking for compensation for selling EVs at a loss, and have also objected to this years sales targets.

Last year, China accounted for roughly a quarter of Porsches overall deliveries.

Porsches deliveries in the China market fell 15pc in 2023 and the sales continued to suffer this year, with the brand posting a 24pc decline in the first quarter. Deliveries to North America fell 23pc in the same period but mainly due to a customs-related delay in shipping.

Tension between Chinese distributors and German carmakers isnt unprecedented. Volkswagen AGs Audi brand resolved a dispute with its Chinese retailers in 2017 with undisclosed compensation payments.

In 2015, BMW paid $820m (755m) to its retailers in China to help cover losses.
The amount of venture capital funding into tech and life sciences companies has fallen sharply in the first three months of the year

Venture capital funding for start-ups and tech companies has fallen sharply in Ireland, according to new industry figures.

Cash to fund tech firms sank by 48pc to 259m in the first three months of the year, compared with 502m during the same period in 2023.

The fall, which is partly caused by a drop in international venture capital coming into Ireland, echoes a similar slump in venture capital to tech companies around the world, which was down around 20pc in the first quarter compared with the same time last year.

The figures were published by the Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA) in association with William Fry.

The biggest individual deals in the three months were Mainstay Medical (115m) and GridBeyond (42m). A number of notable smaller deals include Halo Technologies (18.4m), Mybronics (15m) and Cumulus Neuroscience (13m).

However, early and seed stage funding deals rose, overall, with very early stage start-ups raising 40m and companies attracting between 1m and 3m more than doubling in deal value.

Overall, the life sciences sector snagged almost two thirds of all the VC funding cash available, while software came in at a comparatively lowly 9pc.

Despite this fall, investment in the last three quarters has held up well against a backdrop of global uncertainty, said Denise Sidhu, chairperson of the IVCA.

This quarter and the same period last year each included one exceptional deal above 100m. If one excludes these two outliers then the decrease in Irish funding is in line with global trends which saw a 20pc decline in the first quarter.

The IVCA says that it wants regulatory and legislative change in Ireland to allow more of Irelands household deposits to be used in venture.

The Irish ecosystem for getting companies off the ground, including Government and state bodies such as Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Strategic Investment Fund, is largely working well, said Sarah-Jane Larkin, director general of the IVCA.

The big challenge is our over dependence on unpredictable international investors in taking these start-ups to the next level of growth. In this regard, we welcome Minister Michael McGraths recent comments on the desirability of unlocking some of the 150bn in domestic household deposits into more productive use for both the economy and for savers.

Ms Larkin said international funding into Irish SMEs in the first quarter fell by 57pc to 184m from 425m last year.
Firm made a net loss of 230m in 2023

Italy's Benetton family is readying plans to address mounting losses at its eponymous clothing retailer, including parting ways with CEO Massimo Renon after four years, two people close to the group said on Monday.

The board of the clothing group is expected to meet on Tuesday to discuss a net loss of around 230m for 2023 which includes impairments, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
From an agricultural perspective, benefits have been identified such as alternative farm income avenues through production of renewable energy, availability of digestate reducing fertiliser costs and providing alternative land use options for farmers that choose such diversification. Photo: Leo Gomes

A national biomethane strategy will be brought to cabinet today and will have grant aid of 40m to encourage early adopters.

The Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and Minister for the Environment Eamaon Ryan will bring to cabinet the National Biomethane Strategy, which is the plan to produce zero-carbon home-grown gas from grass and organic waste primarily, giving Irish farmers a new and potentially lucrative way to generate additional income.

The Ministers will outline steps to progress towards the Government ambition of increasing biomethane production in Ireland to 5.7 TWh which is 60pc of Irish homes usage, and after implementation of the climate action plan could provide 50% of Irish gas usage within 15 years.

The National Biomethane Strategy is Ireland's first major policy statement on biomethane and is an important milestone in the development of an indigenous sector.

Minister McConalogue said: "Importantly I am announcing the opening of an Expression of Interest (EOl) call for a Biomethane Capital grant of 40 million. This funding will encourage early adopters in the industry.

From an agricultural perspective, benefits have been identified such as alternative farm income avenues through production of renewable energy, availability of digestate reducing fertiliser costs and providing alternative land use options for farmers that choose such diversification".

Minister Ryan will provide additional detail on the RHO being developed by his Department and future funding. This Obligation will incentivise suppliers of fossil fuels used for heat to ensure an increasing proportion of the energy they supply is renewable.

Minister Ryan said: I am consistently saying that we have to ensure that farmers are well protected and paid for what they produce. This Biomethane Strategy provides an opportunity for farmers to produce home-grown energy, as well as providing us with quality food, giving them a new, diverse income stream that pays them and helps power our economy.

A new High Level Biomethane Implementation Group under DECC will be created to support the implementation of the strategy and target delivery including seeking significant further funding from the infrastructure, climate and nature fund for expenditure in 2026.
A native of Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, Mr. Farrell has been a senior official within ICSA for many years.

A native of Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, Mr. Farrell has been a senior official within ICSA for many years, most recently serving as chair of the Animal Health and Welfare Committee.

"I am honoured to be appointed as the general secretary of ICSA. I look forward to continuing my work with our dedicated team and representing the hard-working farmers who are the backbone of our agricultural sector. Together, we will strive to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead for Irish farming. he said.

Throughout my tenure with ICSA, I have had the privilege of working closely with our members, gaining invaluable insights into the various sector challenges and opportunities. This experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of our members' diverse needs, and I am committed to effectively representing their interests at both national and EU levels.

ICSA president Sean McNamara welcomed the appointment saying the organisation is thrilled to have Hugh Farrell step into the role of general secretary.

"His proven commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of farmers and rural communities makes him an invaluable asset to our organisation. I am confident that Hugh's leadership will strengthen ICSAs efforts in championing the rights and interests of Irish cattle and sheep farmers.

The role of General Secretary of the ICSA became vacant when Clare man Eddie Punch announced he would be running in the European elections this June. Punch vacated the position after 25 years.
RTE claimed squatters rights on my land  Cork landowner

The Canty family in West Cork claim that they own the land on which a lucrative transmission mast was built, and say the State broadcaster made them a peanuts offer of compensation. RTEs transmission arm say the land is legally theirs

The RTE mast on the land near Rosscarbery, Co Cork

Ciaran Moran Tue 28 May 2024 at 03:30

A Cork landowner has found himself in a dispute with RTEs transmission network arm over the ownership of a piece of land that hosts a lucrative transmission mast.
The Cork fisherman who spearheaded negotiations with Russian warships planning military exercise in Irish waters is running in the European elections for Aontu.

Chief executive of The Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation Patrick Murphy is contesting the Ireland South constituency.

Speaking at an Aontu campaign launch, Mr Murphy said a forthcoming movie on the diplomatic incident in 2022 will detail the role he played in the dispute with the Russian navy.

We were informed there was going to be a no fly zone over our country and we were concerned this was going to be serious, Mr Murphy said.

This was different to every other military exercise that was being carried out in our waters so when we started looking into it this, we found there was going to be missiles fired up into our skies. What goes up must come down, he added.

Mr Murphy said he sent information to Russian Ambassador to Ireland Yury Filatov and his group were invited to Dublin to speak at the embassy.

We actually did negotiate with the Russians to leave our waters . It wasnt by accident and that will be forthcoming in the new movie that will be made later on, he said.

He also revealed Colin Farrell may play him in a feature film on the incident.

There is 800,000 of a budget to get it up and running and I think there will be a 20m budget.

Asked who he would like to play him, Mr Murphy said: I was told Colin Farrell but Ill leave that to the people in it. The contract is signed so I wont say any more on that.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin said Mr Murphys proactive approach to the clash with the Russians off the coast of Ireland shows the difference between the Government and his party.

Patrick went in and negotiated with the Russian ambassador. Simon Coveney, meanwhile, sent a letter to the Russia ambassador. The letter was held on file in a filing cabinet which shows the difference of actions between ourselves and the Government, said Mr Toibin.
A man broke into the grounds of the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters where he spat blood in an arresting gardas face and told him he had Aids, it is alleged.
Gardai say the monkey gang is involved in selling firearms to gangs around the country. Photo: Getty

One of Irelands most notorious organised crime gangs have threatened to track down and punish a young man who fled to Australia after he allegedly lost a machine gun controlled by them.

The young north Dublin man fled to the other side of the world after his family home was burnt to the ground by members of the so-called monkey gang during the Christmas period.
Simon Harris told the Dail that recognising the state of Palestine is a proud day for Ireland

Taoiseach Simon Harris says onus is on every country and EU to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza

The Dail was suspended after protesters inside the chamber interrupted statements on Palestine to call for sanctions to be imposed on Israel.

The group of demonstrators, who were sitting in the public gallery, got to their feet and chanted pro-Palestinian messages.

It came as politicians were making statements in the Dail following Irelands formal recognition of the Palestinian state.

One man held up a sign that said divest, while another person carried a Palestinian flag.

The protesters chanted stop arming Israel, sanctions now and close Shannon to the US military.

Security staff in Leinster House removed around nine demonstrators who waved the Palestinian flag and called for immediate sanctions against Israel.

The demonstrators spent some minutes chanting at the politicians who had gathered in the Dail to make statements in support of Palestine and to condemn the ongoing attacks in Gaza.

A number of Palestinian people were also watching from the public gallery, including Palestines ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid. They were not involved in the brief demonstration.

Earlier, Taoiseach Simon Harris said there is an onus on every country and on the European Union to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.

In a statement to the Dail, as Ireland formally recognises the state of Palestine, Mr Harris said: "I welcome the decision of the Belgian presidency to convene a meeting on the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

"The human rights clauses in that agreement are and must be meaningful and when they're not being adhered to, that too must have consequences.

"We need to look at all the levers at our disposal to bring about a cessation of violence before Netanyahu's next tragic mistake.

"Formal recognition of the state of Palestine here today is an act of powerful, political and symbolic value. I hope it sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that in this, their darkest hour Ireland stands with them.

"It is an expression of our view that Palestine holds and should be able to vindicate the full rights of the state, including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security, as well as recognising Palestine own obligations under international law."

Applause broke out in the public gallery and distinguished visitors' gallery, where many Palestinian dignitaries are attending the Dail, as the Taoiseach told the Dail that "it is a proud day for Ireland recognising the state of Palestine".

Mr Harris had just before acknowledged their presence, lifting his eyes to where they sat, saying that "the fighting, the killing, the barbaric actions, need to stop.

The Palestinian flag has been flown at Leinster House today.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is confident other European countries will recognise the state of Palestine.

Micheal Martin reacts as Ireland formally recognises the state of Palestine

It has long been my view that recognising Palestine would be most impactful if done in a co-ordinated manner with other partners, Mr Martin told the Dail.

That we have taken the decision to recognise the state of Palestine together with Norway and Spain  and in the wider context of a regional peace initiative  is important.

I am confident that there is a growing consensus among likeminded partners that Palestinian statehood can no longer wait until the end of a process of final settlement negotiations between the parties.

I anticipate that other European partners may decide to recognise Palestine in the coming weeks and months.

The challenge now is to maintain this momentum. We need a fundamental paradigm shift in the way all of us in the international community view the solution to this conflict. We need urgency and we need concrete steps.

We have said many times that an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access are essential. That remains essential and we will not rest until we have achieved this.

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horror on an unimaginable scale.

Ms McDonald told the Dail that world leaders continue to draw a false equivalence between the impoverished occupied and the oppressive occupier.

She accused Israel of brazenly, repeatedly breaking international law, adding: Palestine is a nation threatened by annihilation.

The world was always going to face a moment of reckoning on Palestine, and as Israel continues its brutal onslaught on the refugee refugee population of Gaza and launched his horrific madness and attacks on Rafah, I believe the moment of reckoning is now.

Ms McDonald added: Recognition of the Palestinian state cant be the end, it has to be just the beginning: a new departure in pursuing freedom and justice for the Palestinians.

The Palestinian Flag which was raised at Leinster House. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has welcomed the formal recognition of Palestine as he said Israel is a profoundly illiberal state which does not share our values any more  if it ever did.

Speaking in the Dail, he said for too long, those of us in the western world have allowed ourselves to be convinced that Israel is a liberal democracy.

He said it has imposed a different set of rights on Palestinian people, adding that there is no democracy in the world that operates on that basis.

Mr Varadkar called the ongoing conflict a war of revenge that has seen gross violations of international humanitarian law.

He said the war is a total military and political failure for Israel, not just a humanitarian catastrophe.

The former Taoiseach also addressed the issue of anti-Semitism and said Ireland is a safe country for Jewish people.

He said it is sad that some Irish-Jewish people have been made to feel conflicted in their identity for the first time.

We must say today that we also unequivocally reject anti-Semitism.

He said Irish Jewish people and Jewish people in general are not responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.

Mr Varadkar condemned Hamas and said the organisation cannot be involved in any future solution in the region.

Taoiseach Simon Harris (Niall Carson/PA)

Meanwhile, speaking as he arrived for the Cabinet meeting this morning, the Taoiseach Simon Harris said the EU has the power to sanction Israel but that it needs to do more to bring an end to the violence.

"Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more and Europe needs to do a lot more in relation to this," the Fine Gael leader said.

It comes as EU foreign ministers engage in significant discussions this week on sanctioning Israel if it fails to comply with international humanitarian law.

"We have an association agreement that is effectively a trade benefit agreement between Europe and Israel, and I am very confident that the overwhelming majority of people in this country would like to see that agreement reviewed from a human rights point of view," Mr Harris added.

He described the decision to recognise the Palestinian state as "historic and important".

This is an important moment and I think it sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope and destination of a two-state solution alive at a time when others are trying to sadly bomb it into oblivion," he said.

"I am conscious though, as we take this historic and important decision today, of the ongoing human catastrophe unfolding in the Middle East, in Gaza, in Rafah. I am conscious of the devastation being caused by people being deprived of food, starvation, and hunger being used as a weapon of war.

"Unfortunately we now have a new despicable and disgusting trend emerging where, every now and again, in particular when absolute horror seems to take place, the prime minister of Israel (Benjamin Netanyahu) comes out and describes it as a 'tragic mistake'.

"April's 'tragic mistake' was the bombing to death of aid workers trying to provide food to starving mouths, May's 'tragic mistake', yesterday, was children being blown to death while seeking protection in a displaced centre.

"What will June's 'tragic mistake' be? And more importantly what does the world now intend to stop it happening?

"For many weeks, I have consistently been making the point at every meeting I have been at, including the European Council meeting, and my meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, and in many conversations with European prime ministers, that we need to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire and to stop the violence."

Earlier, opposition politicians said Ireland needs to go further than the formal recognition of Palestinian statehood and introduce sanctions against Israel.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said the decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is brave in the context of other world leaders but it does not go far enough.

"We have stood out because the bar is low. It is incumbent upon us to go so much further, he said.

The call for sanctions against Israel come as the EU is looking at possible sanctions if the country does not comply with an order from the International Court of Justice.

Speaking outside Leinster House this morning, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said: "If we take the decision today recognising the Palestinian state  as we should have long ago  we also need to recognise that thats not nearly going far enough.

"This situation that we have witnessed in Gaza over the last seven months has been nothing short of horrific. What were witnessing in Rafah every single night now is nothing short of barbaric.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon

"The only thing that will bring that horror to a close is for Israel and the Israeli government to be sanctioned.

Mr Gannon said the Irish Government must be unrelenting and once again go further than EU counterparts, enact the Occupied Territories Bill and introduce sanctions against Israel.

He said the recognition of the Palestinian state should not in itself be seen as a punishment for Israel and there must be consequences, such as trade sanctions at an EU level.

"The fact that (Benjamin) Netanyahu came out and said it was a tactical error when they literally bombed a tent village and didnt so much realise that there would be children and women who would be burned as part of that? Thats not a tactical error. That was blatant.

Meanwhile, Labour Senator Annie Hoey welcomed the formal recognition of Palestine that will take place today, but also called on Government to do more.

She described the footage emerging from Rafah in the last 48 hours and the cries and screams for mercy and called on Government to go beyond even the Occupied Territories Bill.

"We need full blown sanctions and a full blown boycott of Israel in the same way we had against South Africa in order to tackle apartheid, she said.

"What we are doing is not enough because we continuing to see burnt bodies, burnt children, burnt women, burnt men. Footage that I cannot believe I am seeing in 2024.

"We simply need to go further than just recognising the statehood of Palestine.

People Before Profit TD and European election candidate Brid Smith echoed calls to sanction Israel.

She said it was very significant that the Palestinian flag is now flying at Leinster House.

"We believe that flying the flag and declaring the recognition of the Palestinian state is very welcome but it does not go far enough, particularly in light of the events in Rafah, she said.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has said he will not resign if the partys seats are lost in the European Parliament next week.

Mr Ryan was speaking to the media following an update from experts that Ireland is on course to spectacularly miss carbon reduction targets of 50pc by 2030 by only managing 29pc.

He was asked if the Government had lost focus and touch by putting two issues to referendum that were both soundly defeated.

Mr Ryan then said the people were sovereign, and he had not quibble with "the will of the people".

But he refused to countenance the loss of both Green seats in Europe, as could be indicated by polls spelling trouble for Ciaran Cuffe in Dublin and Grace O'Sullivan in Ireland South.

Explainer: Local Elections 2024

Mr Ryan, who has been 12 years at the helm, said: "I think it's all to play for. I think people haven't made up their minds yet.

"And I don't think you've got three better candidates than the ones we have in Grace, Ciaran and Pauline.

"I'm hopeful we can get MEPs returned. It's a critical issue in Brussels. Is Brussels going to go against climate action? Is it going to actually stop the Green Deal? And that's the key question election in this election."

Asked again if he was going to hold the Green Party seats in Europe and what it would mean if he didn't, Mr Ryan said: "I would love to win all three.

"We won't know until Friday and Saturday next week. We're going all out and we're committed, with three very good candidates, a very good campaigning, and our local candidates -- who are of the highest quality.

"So I'm flat out just canvassing and trying to get that vote in, and get that Green vote."
Marian Dwyer-Agrios said she is extremely sorry and that what occurred was wrong

Fine Gael has said that it has removed election posters for a local election candidate forced to drop out of the race following allegations that she took go away money to withdraw planning objections.

Marian Dwyer-Agrios pulled out of contention for a Drogheda Rural seat on Louth County Council today after it was reported that she had allegedly received money and building work at her Termonfeckin home in return for withdrawing a planning objection.

Marian Dwyer-Agrios issued a statement on social media confirming the report made in The Ditch on Monday, and has asked voters not to select her as a councillor for Drogheda Rural.

Following a report published online yesterday, I wish to announce I will not be contesting the 2024 local elections, she said.

What occurred was wrong and I am extremely sorry for it. It should not have happened.

While my name remains on the ballot paper, I now ask that voters do not consider me for election. Once again, I apologise for what happened. It should not have occurred.

I will not be making any further comment on this issue.

Explainer: Local Elections 2024

The report outlines how a developer applied to Louth County Council in October 2019 for permission to build six extra residential units at its Balfeddock Manor development in Termonfeckin.

Ms Dwyer-Agrios, who lives beside the new housing estate, is reported to have lodged a one-page objection to the development on November 24, 2019.

The sole grounds for the objection was said to be the increase in the number of proposed houses exceeding the limit of the local area plan.

Marian Dwyer-Agrios pictured with Taoiseach Simon Harris last month.

The developer received permission but Ms Dwyer-Agrios could still appeal to An Bord Pleanala.

The Ditch report says the builder agreed to pay Ms Dwyer-Agrios 15,000 in cash and carry out 15,000 worth of work on her home in exchange for the withdrawal of her objection to the Termonfeckin development, according to a legal agreement signed by both parties on January 20, 2020.

Fine Gael this evening confirmed that half of Ms Dwyer-Agrios election posters have been removed and the rest are in the process of being taken down.

The reported behaviour falls well short of the standards expected of any Fine Gael candidate, they said. As per her statement, what occurred was wrong and it should not have happened. This matter has been referred to Fine Gaels disciplinary process.

Fine Gael's deputy leader Heather Humphreys said it was the right decision for Ms Dwyer-Agrios to withdraw from the race.

Shes made the right decision as far as I am concerned," the minister said.

"She has withdrawn from her candidacy and she has asked that people dont vote for her.

Minister Humphreys said an internal process will now take place within the party to establish all of the facts around the case.

People do sign declarations when they put their name forward for election and as far as we are concerned, as a party, there is an internal process that we will go through and we will hear all of the facts at that stage."

In the Dail, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the planning bill now wending its way through the House "will deal with spurious objections" to planning developments in hope of receiving a financial payment.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael TD for Louth Fergus ODowd said he was absolutely shocked and horrified by what had happened, and said Ms Dwyer-Agrios took the only course of action open to her.

To withdraw her name is 100pc the right decision and I was disgusted by what I heard, Mr ODowd told the Drogheda Independent. I apologise to people who have been offended  people within Fine Gael have been deeply offended  but we have to move on now and get Anne Marie Ford elected in that area as she is a fine candidate.

Ms Dwyer-Agrios did not respond to calls or requests for comment.
Northern Lights seen across parts of Ireland again last night  but why is the visual treat occurring so often lately?
Taoiseach called it a distraction as ambassador Dana Erlich accused of mischief-making

The Government has been urgently assessing the economic impact of Irelands plan to formally recognise Palestine and is insisting there will be no backlash from the US, despite rising tensions.

Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs are satisfied there is no threat to foreign direct investment (FDI) as a result of Irelands step, despite sabre-rattling from the Israeli ambassador yesterday.

Dana Erlich said Irelands move to recognise a Palestinian state is worrying Israeli investors in the Irish tech sector.

However, sources described the ambassadors comments as mischief-making, and said the Government is satisfied there had been no economic threats or warnings from the US.

It comes as the EU is looking at possible sanctions for Israel if it does not comply with an order from the International Court of Justice.

Taoiseach Simon Harris dismissed as a distraction the warning from Ms Erlich, now recalled to Jerusalem, that the move sends the wrong message about Ireland as a tech hub and will make Israeli investors in Ireland think again.

The assessment of officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs is that the recognition of Palestine is being seen as a diplomatic move, although repercussions are expected in Irish-Israeli trade, which is worth around 4bn each way.

Irelands strategic investment fund (ISIF) has already disinvested from six Israeli companies in the financial sector and some retaliation is expected.

Government officials said they would completely reject any suggestion that Palestinian State recognition was anti-Israeli, calling it a mischaracterisation.

A government source said the focus is diplomacy, core issues and not the surrounding noise.

Our approach is to be consistent, the source said, pointing to the Government calling out international law breaches and voicing different views on policies from Israel or the US.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said yesterday he believes Ireland will continue to attract tech companies to work and set up here.

Im confident that those who are moving here and those who are here, we will keep here, and we will continue to attract here, he said.

Many of these large employers also have many people leading them, managing them and working in them, who also have other strong views regarding what is happening in the Middle East, the minister told RTEs Drive Time programme.

Some Israeli and Jewish commentators around the world have described individual, corporate, academic and government responses to the war in Gaza as antisemitism. Asked if he believed Ms Erlich was threatening Ireland, Mr Harris said: The ambassador can say what the ambassador wishes. This is a country that complies with diplomatic norms and treats ambassadors with respect.

It certainly doesnt parade ambassadors in front of television cameras where videos are played with horrific films. We will continue to treat all ambassadors with respect.

Mr Harris made reference to a missile attack on Rafah in which 45 people were reportedly killed at a camp for displaced people. It followed a Hamas rocket attack on Tel Aviv in which no injuries were reported.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is now on a wanted list at the International Criminal Court, said the Rafah attack was a tragic mishap.

The Palestinian flag will fly at Leinster House today as formal recognition is agreed at Cabinet. There will be none flying at Government Buildings. The Dail will hear statements on the historic move this afternoon.

In a move likely to further annoy Israel, the current Irish representative to Palestine will be upgraded to an official ambassador, while the Palestinian Mission in Ireland will be made an embassy.

The Irish representative office in Ramallah will also be made an official embassy.

A Palestinian ambassador to Ireland will also be appointed and present their credentials to President Michael D Higgins in the coming weeks, to be followed by a reception with other new envoys at Iveagh House.

French president Emmanuel Macron said he was outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons. These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians, he said.

Speaking about the overall situation in the Middle East, Mr Harris said yesterday: I was very clear last week when we announced with Norway and Spain that we had decided to recognise the state of Palestine because we believe in a two-state solution.

We believe in the state of Israel and in the state of Palestine, living side by side in peace and stability. And we believe it at a time when others are seeking to bomb that hope to oblivion.

And quite frankly, I think many people in Israel, many people in Palestine and the world over are able to differentiate between the people of Israel and the Netanyahu government. I, certainly, am able to differentiate between the two, just like we can differentiate between right and wrong.

I think what should concern the entire world are the barbaric, horrific scenes in Rafah, where a displaced-persons centre was attacked.

That is the humanitarian catastrophe that is unfolding in the Middle East. I dont think anybody fully comprehends the scale of it.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said EU foreign ministers have for the first time discussed the prospect of sanctions against Israel if it does not comply with an order from the International Court of Justice.

He suggested Ireland would support such an approach.

Certainly, if compliance [with Fridays ICJ ruling] isnt forthcoming, then we have to consider all options, he said.

The Taoiseach also said EU sanctions against Israel are not off the table.
There was evidence of people high and low recognising the importance of recognition day.

From the people chanting out front to the workers at Leinster House who walked across the grass to take pictures of the red, green, black and white flag, to a senator snaffling up an opportunity on Sky News.

John McGahon brought it back to a two-state solution quarried out in 1922 during an unusually long interview on the British international broadcaster at lunchtime yesterday.

Ireland has a deep affinity with the Palestinian people because we too were oppressed by a coloniser, he said, not naming the empire in the room.

There had been a two-state solution between Britain and Ireland, Senator McGahon said, offering reasons why a three-state recognition might ultimately pave the way to a peaceful future for the Middle East.

Everyone was applying the historic move for their own purposes, while also hailing it as a historic first step.

Eamon Ryan said he was proud that the Green Party had demanded the inclusion of Palestinian recognition in the Programme for Government four years ago.

Sinn Fein reminded everyone it was its motion a decade ago that had resulted in the Dail voting unanimously for recognition of a Palestinian state.

Mary Lou McDonald said: Its never too late to do the right thing.

And then, just when the major speeches were over and speaking rights were being swapped among backbenchers and the opposition, more reaction from on high.

At 4.29pm a party of young people in the public gallery began chanting sanctions now, as Leas Cheann Chomhairle Catherine Connolly lifted her eyes to the public gallery and rang her bell in a futile attempt to restore order.

Within seconds she realised that it was not going to cease while proceedings were undertaken, so abruptly adjourned the Dail. Parliamentary staff moved in and the demonstrators were literally ushered out.

Four minutes later, the chamber was back in session, with the Leas telling the public gallery, I understand the depth of feeling, but asking for all to respect the House and the speakers.

The debate resumed in a small back-to-statements solution.

Next reports emerged of a man who had successfully scaled railings at Leinster Lawn, at the back of the House, with the intention of ripping down the Palestinian flag. He was intercepted by ushers and handed over to gardai. Passions were indeed running high.

Applause rippled through speeches, with a particularly passionate one from Matt Carthy of Sinn Fein, with that party and other left TDs also arguing that MEPs must not back Ursula von der Leyen as president of the European Commission after next weeks election. In that sense, all politics remains local.

Litanies of young victims were read into the record, so too the names of companies allegedly profiteering from discord and death.

There were calls for fallen pieces of legislation to be revived, such as the Occupied Territories Bill, which would ban the import of products made in illegal settlements on the West Bank.

Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar made a sharp verbal attack on the Israeli government that he would never have made as Head of Government.

Freed of restraint, he called that country profoundly illiberal and said the offensive in Gaza was a total military and political failure, not just a humanitarian catastrophe. Hamas had not been destroyed, he said.

Thomas Gould, Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, became emotional over the death of children in Gaza, appearing to weep over the weekend missile strike on Rafah that left a child with no head.

He shouted aloud: I hope Benjamin Netanyahu burns in hell in the same way those children burned.

People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny wore a keffiyeh. Some people might call it symbolic, but symbolism brings huge hope across the world, he said simply. Israel has to be made accountable, or it will be a stain on our history and our humanity.

Then he added: Sometimes there are no adjectives left.

But there were nouns, and he chose genocide among them, as did PBP European elections candidate Brid Smith, who spoke after him.

She claimed Palestinians were among the asylum-seekers camped along the Grand Canal who had been cleared and had their tents taken from them. Meanwhile, 100 Israeli engineers were having their visas fast-tracked for work with Intel, she claimed.

Patrick Costello of the Greens made the point that Ireland, Spain and Norway were not the first  that Sweden had recognised Palestine years ago. But he didnt want to play down the importance of the occasion, and certainly not in the current context.

So there they were, all pals of Palestine, earnestly hoping that solidarity will have some solid effect, even while demolition and destruction seems the grim order of the day.
Professor Philip Nolan has left the state research board. The departure of the director general of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) follows allegations of bullying by senior managers.

Prof Nolan categorically denies the allegations made against him.

An investigation commissioned by SFI had found the conduct of its high-profile chief was at the upper end of inappropriate behaviour and just below bullying.

Following the probe into complaints, Prof Nolan was found to not be in breach of corporate governance. The investigation found his conduct did not constitute bullying and it did not make any finding of misconduct or gross misconduct.

The state body confirmed Prof Nolans departure this morning.

Professor Philip Nolan is no longer with Science Foundation Ireland. Following a board meeting yesterday, Dr Ciaran Seoighe was appointed as Acting Director General of Science Foundation Ireland, a spokesperson said.

Prof Nolan was on medical leave following the publication of the investigation report. He returned to work at SFI last week.

Staff at SFI were told of his departure in an email from the chair of the board, Professor Peter Clinch, this morning. SFI is not commenting any further on the departure.

Prof Nolan was appointed in January 2022 and had attained a high profile during the pandemic as a member of Nphet.

A former president of Maynooth University, he is close to Taoiseach Simon Harris, who appointed him as head of a new research agency to succeed SFI.

However, according to members of its own board, the Government agency spending 220m of taxpayers money doesnt currently have a well-functioning, cohesive management,

Corporate governance is being eroded as the state research funding body has been rocked by bullying allegations against its boss.

The allegations were contained in protected disclosures filed just before Christmas.

The independent investigation found Prof Nolan displayed inappropriate behaviour towards the staff members concerned  and this was on the upper level and upper end in the treatment of two senior managers.

The report was ordered by a sub-committee of the board, called a protected disclosures group (PDG). On foot of the investigation, the board of SFI wrote to the five senior staff members with the findings.

This group, made up of board members, says the investigation report highlights a number of instances of poor management on the part of the respondent, having regard to their position.

The group also say that SFI does not currently have a well-functioning, cohesive management and that this situation warrants serious intervention.

The PDG believes that this has created a situation in which corporate governance, and the ability of the board to rely upon that governance, is being eroded, the board said.

The SFI board must consider what steps to take, following the investigation's findings.

The board wishes to make clear to you that it takes the findings which have been made very seriously, and is committed to taking appropriate action on foot of them in line with the policies of SFI, it told a manager who complained.

Prof Nolan had been on leave since the middle of last month, around the same time as the investigation was provided to the board.

SFI have 15 staff on salaries over 100,000, up to and including Prof Nolan on 220,000.

The investigation recommended that SFI examine culture in the organisation. Junior female staff in the state research body experienced menacing behaviour from Prof Philip Nolan, while senior staff were being gaslit, according to a manager.

Other staff in the organisation have come to me and reported feeling intimidated, degraded and having experienced menacing behaviour from PN (Philip Nolan). These include some relatively junior staff  all women  most of whom are too intimidated to speak out without the protection of a fully conditioned independent inquiry.

Prof Nolan expressed his absolute rejection of the allegations made by the female manager.

He was appointed by Mr Harris as the head of a new expanded agency in charge of all areas of research funding, Research Ireland, which will have a budget of about 300m a year.

The body has not yet been set up yet under law, as the legislation is currently being passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

SFI says it is fully operational and continues to deliver on its mandate to fund research and innovation for the benefit of the economy and society.
Sergii Polituchyi, Ukrainian publisher and businessman, stands between shelves with burned books in his printing house, which was badly damaged by a recent Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine May 26, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

An Irish university is now playing a key role in helping Ukraine avoid irreparable losses in Russia's so-called 'memory war'.

University College Cork (UCC) researchers are working to help Ukraine to protect and preserve vital cultural and education archives which are in danger of being damaged or even lost forever following Russia's invasion of the country.

Academics, civil servants and educators are worried that valuable archives are at risk of being destroyed as Russia subjects Ukrainian cities to an ongoing bombardment.

Universities, libraries, document warehouses and even schools have been destroyed by Russia artillery, missile and drone attacks.

Ukrainian officials believe the attacks are deliberate and are aimed at destroying the country's non-Russian/Soviet history and heritage.

The History Declassified project aims to rescue and digitise nearly 500,000 endangered archival documents in Ukraine.

It is a community-engaged initiative dedicated to preserving the voices and narratives of silenced and marginalised communities amidst the threat of destruction and memory wars.

Burnt books are seen inside the printing house of Ukrainian publisher and businessman Sergii Polituchyi, which was badly damaged by a recent Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine May 26, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

Led by Dr Tatiana Vagramenko, social anthropologist at UCC Future Humanities Institute and UCC Study of Religions, it involves national and international non-government organisations, faith communities, academic and archival institutions in Ukraine, Ireland, UK, USA and Canada.

The archival conservation and digitisation project aims to become a sanctuary for endangered archival collections, housing previously untapped Soviet regime archival collections, oral history accounts, ethnographic data, and eyewitness testimonies spanning Ukraines 20th and 21st centuries.

Critically, it will include the current conflict.

The project aims to ensure public access to previously classified materials from the Soviet secret police (KGB) archives in Ukraine, in collaboration with the State Archives of the Security Service of Ukraine.

Dr Vagramenko said the archives are silent witnesses to the past and present.

The war in Ukraine has reshaped our perception of historical heritage and legacy, starkly reminding us that Europe rests on the legacy of totalitarian regimes, Dr Vagramenko said.

"Amidst the turmoil, these archives stand as silent witnesses to the past, repositories of stories, traditions, and identities that are in danger of being lost forever.

The preservation of endangered archives is not merely an act of archival work - it is a vital tool for community activism amidst war, empowering communities to reclaim their narratives and histories, particularly for religious minority groups advocating for their rights amid conflict.

Researchers are leading ethnographic engagement and oral history research with minority religious communities in Ukraine persecuted by the Soviet totalitarian regime, shedding light on their experiences and resilience in the face of oppression.

Russia has over the centuries cracked down on independence movements within Ukraine, determined to ensure the country remains firmly within the sway of Moscow.

The project team is gathering oral history interviews and eyewitness accounts from local communities in Ukraine, recounting grassroots wartime initiatives to save archives and preserve historical heritage in times of conflict.

This includes documenting war crimes targeting cultural heritage in Ukraine, including the 2022 occupation and massacre in Bucha, featuring photos, videos, and recorded eyewitness accounts.

Researchers are working with the Heritage Emergency Response Initiative and National Council for the Recovery of Ukraine from the War.

This project is funded by the Irish Research Council through the SFI-IRC Pathway Programme and by the British Library Endangered Archives Programme.
A welcome sign in the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal. Photo: PA

Two people who were arrested yesterday as part of the investigation into the explosion in Creeslough, Co Donegal, which claimed the lives of 10 people in October 2022, have been released without charge.

The investigation, led by gardai in the Donegal Division, is ongoing with the intention of submitting a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

An Garda Siochana has no further comment at this time, a spokesperson said.

The explosion happened at an apartment and retail block incorporating a petrol station in the village of Creeslough on October 7, 2022.

The 10 people who died in the tragedy were: Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter, Shauna Flanagan-Garwe; fashion student Jessica Gallagher; Celtic fan Martin McGill; Sydney native James OFlaherty; Catherine ODonnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; shop worker Martina Martin; 14-year-old Leona Harper; and carpenter Hugh Kelly.

The investigation into the explosion continues, and is being co-ordinated from Milford garda station where an Incident Room is established under the direction of a senior investigating officer.

The investigation continues to be led by local gardai supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and other agencies including the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
Lucinda OSullivans restaurant review: China Sichuan is the original and best  they even can even create magic from turnips!

For over 45 years, this restaurant in Dublin 18 has been wowing its customers but as our critic discovered, this family business is not content to just sit back and rely on its reputation

Slow-roasted Iberico pork ribs. Photo: Lucinda O'Sullivan

Lucinda O'Sullivan Tue 28 May 2024 at 03:30

Its quite incredible to think of the breadth of multicultural cuisines available to us now in Ireland. From Afghani, African and Argentinian food, through Caribbean, Korean, Lebanese, Nepalese and Filipino to Pakistani, Spanish and Vietnamese. Take a walk down Camden, Capel, Moore or Parnell Street and the world is your oyster when it comes to dining.
The family-run Skypark in Carlingford, Co Louth has revealed details of its exciting new attraction following a 500,000 investment.

The Skynet Giant Adventure, billed as the newest netted adventure in Ireland, opens to the public on Saturday June 8, adding to the list of attractions at the site which overlooks the scenic Carlingford Lough.

"This major investment marks a new chapter in the Skypark journey," said Tom McArdle, CEO of Skypark. "We are dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences, and with Skypark celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, we are immensely proud of the diverse activities we now offer. We are looking forward to an exciting summer ahead."

This new attraction, which was designed and engineered by the renowned Dutch company Funcha, promises an exhilarating experience for visitors of all ages. Visitors will be able to bounce on expansive nets, climb through captivating treehouses, navigate challenging climbing tubes, and slide down thrilling netted slides.

"Failte Ireland welcomes the opening of the new Skynet Giant Adventure at Skypark & Carlingford Adventure" Brian OFlynn, Head of Irelands Ancient East at Failte Ireland, said. Its important that we continue to look for new ways to innovate and improve our tourism offering to attract both international and domestic visitors to Carlingford and drive tourism across the wider region."

He outlined how last year, Failte Ireland launched their Regional Development Strategy for Irelands Ancient East to unlock the commercial potential of the region while ensuring development is sustainable and that the socio-economic benefits of tourism are seen and felt in local communities and businesses.

"This strategy also supports the development of Carlingford and Cooley Peninsula as an iconic adventure destination. Skypark and Carlingford Adventure are key attractions in the Carlingford area and recently participated in our Digital that Delivers programme which demonstrates their commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. We look forward to supporting the continued development of this destination over the coming years.

The Skynet Giant Adventure will be officially open to the public from Saturday June 8
Analysis

Rachel Burford: Kemi Badenoch is one step from Tory top job but jury out on whether she is more Truss than Thatcher
A demonstrator in Tunisia carries a sign during a protest in support of Palestinians following yesterday's airstrikes by Israel that killed dozens of displaced people. Photo: Reuters/Jihed Abidellaoui

The attack on a camp for displaced civilians in Rafah is just the latest damning example of the appalling consequences of unchecked militarism.

It has caused revulsion around the world. These operations must stop, said French president Emmanuel Macron. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin described the carnage as barbaric.

Again, we have witnessed the diabolical nature of modern warfare. Surely the time has come for the international community to insist that a brake be applied to the runaway death toll in Gaza?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) had ruled that the invasion of Rafah must end.

This assault, which claimed dozens of innocent lives, is a graphic demonstration of why the world cannot stand back and let indiscriminate killing continue.

The EU is discussing sanctions, unless Israel complies with the ICJ ruling, according to Mr Martin.

But Tel Aviv has no mind to listen to appeals for restraint. Yet the EU, if it is to have any authority or integrity, has a duty to be clear about the upholding of the orders of the ICJ.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the latest attack was a tragic mistake.

Mistake or not, culpability belongs to Tel Aviv and it must be held responsible.

With no cover or sanctuary for the terrified hordes who had fled to Rafah, mass deaths were inevitable in the event of a missile strike.

I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent, said Mahatma Gandhi.

We must now hope that this latest outrage can mark a turning point.

Israel has a right to go after Hamas, but not at all costs. The toll of this offensive is closing in on 36,000 deaths, many of whom were women and children.

One of the great conceits of humanity is that we believe our existence is guaranteed and protected by a shared sense of right and wrong.

But unless we enforce rules and demand accountability for those who violate them, brute force will obliterate all else.

Once again, Washington has said it is impressing upon Tel Aviv the need to protect civilians. In the same statement, it spoke of the devastating images from Rafah.

Its appeals are being continually ignored and no serious attempt is being made to get Israel to listen.

How many more mass killings of innocents can take place without consequences?

Every war ever fought  including the one being waged in Gaza  had to be brought to an end.

Who is to intervene in the interests of common humanity, if the worlds remaining super power is so reluctant to declare enough is enough?

Israel will not stop, and more civilians will be killed, if the powerful do not stand by the defenceless.
Now that the Cannes Film Festival is over for another year and Sean Bakers Anora was a deserving winner of the Palme dOr, it was fitting that another winner of that prestigious prize was being screened at Galways Palas cinema to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Marlon Brando.

Apocalypse Now, Francis Ford Coppolas 1979 masterpiece about the horrors of war and mans descent into insanity, drew parallels with what is happening in Gaza from the mostly young audience who were probably seeing it on the big screen for the first time.

Its not too much of a stretch to see Brandos character, Colonel Walter Kurtz, as Benjamin Netanyahu in defying all reason and overseeing the killing of innocents with some of his mad-dog cabinet members emulating Colonel Bill Kilgores (Robert Duvall) air cavalry attack on a Viet Cong village and the wanton destruction of all human life.

The United Nations, the International Criminal Court, the student protesters and all right-thinking people around the world who are appalled at what is unfolding before our eyes can be viewed as Captain Benjamin Willards (Martin Sheen) mission to take out the God-defying Kurtz and his band of crazy worshippers.

Will Gaza end up like Vietnam and forever be another interminable discussion on the horrors of war and mans depravity towards one another? Communism was the catalyst in the 1960s and 70s.

Now its religion and xenophobia, with the same effects played over and over. Will mankind ever learn or are we going to descend into the darkness once again where the act of killing provides man with its fundamental catharsis?

Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry

Energy concerns make decision not to explore our waters difficult to fathom

If we didnt have an impending energy shortfall, we would not be building a new gas-fired station in Dublin, nor would we be keeping Moneypoint open and running the old peat-fired plant in Innishannon on massive diesel generators.

Developing nuclear energy would take forever. We do have an offer of a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal in Foynes and potential gas fields off Kinsale and the Corrib. However, that is inhibited by the crazy decision, by all parties in the Dail, to ban exploration in Irish waters.

LPG, windmills and other energy providers can always be dismantled when we find the magic fuel bullet, in the same way we dismantled the ESB chimneys at the Pigeon House. Where is the opposition in all of this?

Michael Foley, Rathmines, Dublin

Reform system or the TV licence dodgers will keep laughing at those who pay

With a review of the TV licence under way, I would like to express the following views.

I have always paid my TV licence. I now realise that RTE did not appreciate my contribution to public service broadcasting.

This is proven by the scandals reported in two very expensive reports.

The licence contributors are funding those who are obliged to pay for a TV licence but choose not to.

The Government appears ready to maintain the TV licence requirements along with throwing in its own subvention. That can be read as another tax.

This all leads to an obvious question: How many TV licences does the Government expect the compliant citizen to pay for?

Is it their own one plus that of the non-contributors, plus a subvention to RTE?

The solution seems quite clear: raise funding for public-service broadcasting from public taxation. It is the only fair way.

No wonder those who have no TV licence laugh at those who do.

Paddy Murray, Castlepollard Co Westmeath

Tories would struggle to sign the selfie generation up for national service

In keeping with all major elections  and definitely where the larger parties are concerned  many kites are flown to gauge the contents of their manifesto.

One of the most unlikely to gain traction is the moronic oxymoron of mandatory volunteering for a type of national service if the Tories retain power.

Apart from the obvious unworkability of such a scheme, there would be many other insurmountable obstacles preventing young men and women from signing up. Simply put, they would not have the time  what with smartphones, gaming, manicuring, botoxing and taking selfies.

David Ryan, Co Meath

ORourke proves class is permanent with gracious evaluation of loss to Louth

My late parents were proud Meath folk and revered Colm ORourke in his playing days with the Royals. He is now the county manager.

His honesty in gracefully accepting that Meath had been beaten fairly and squarely by a superior Louth team was no less than they would have expected of the man.

Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9

Owners of vacant homes should at least feel a duty to keep them looking tidy

I find it unbelievable and disgraceful to see so many houses vacant and left to deteriorate. Who owns these properties and why are they left vacant?

Can the owners either sell or rent, or at the very least tidy them up outside? Im referring to simple things such as cutting the grass, trimming hedges and giving a building a lick of paint.

Show some respect for the neighbours who go to great lengths to keep an area tidy.

To those people who own vacant houses and are unwilling to sell, do the right thing by checking in on them and tidying them up.

Michael Naughton

Knocknacarra Park, Co Galway

Many people dont talk politics, but SF poll slump shows they understand it

A significant poll slump in the fortunes of Sinn Fein shows that the silent majority are more in tune with reality than the wishful thinkers of the perceived socialist left.

Robert Sullivan

Bantry, Co Cork

Leinster can bounce back from final heartache and plan for a future of success

What doesnt kill you can make you stronger. Leinster can live to go from the vanquished to the victors another day. No time for feeling blue.

Ed Toal

Galway city
As the countdown to the European elections heats up, so too are the tensions around the country as candidates encounter angry reactions on the campaign trail.

And some of the politicians themselves are not too happy, as Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin found out when he was publicly challenged by Midlands-North West candidate Niall Blaney over a perceived lack of support for his campaign.

With 14 seats across three national constituencies up for grabs in the European elections, we take a deep dive into the potential winners and losers across the country, as several big names look to be in trouble.

Today on The Indo Daily, Fionnan Sheahan is joined by Philip Ryan, Political Editor with the Irish Independent, and Eavan Murray, Western Correspondent with the Irish Independent, to look at the issues facing candidates as they battle for a seat in the European Parliament and to ask if Sinn Feins early prediction of widespread success could be faltering in the final weeks of campaigning.
The carer was named the national awardee after first winning the Munster CAREGiver title

CAREGiver of the Year 2024 Pamela Cunningham with members of the Home Instead Cork South team.

A Cork woman has been named as the winner of the Home Instead National CAREGiver of the Year 2024 award in recognition of her kindness, compassion and empathy as a carer.

Pamela Cunningham, who has been working with care company Home Instead for the last three years, earned the title of Munster CAREGiver of the Year before going on to win the overall national award.

Pamela was nominated by the Home Instead Cork South team, managed by Deirdre Murray, after clients reported how great a carer she is.

When we reached out to clients to speak about Pamela, we received a number of heartfelt testimonials that singled out her kindness, compassion and empathy, Deirdre explained.

Pamela is not only a wonderful CAREGiver but an exceptionally kind and thoughtful person. Pamela takes the time to really get to know her clients. She sees them as the individuals they are and is person-focused at the heart of her delivery of care.

Feedback from families is always positive with Pamela becoming a member of the family instantly. We often receive requests directly from clients for Pamela to be on their schedule as much as possible.

Amanda Spencer, who was a judge who had a say in the awarding of CAREGiver of the Year, spoke about the remarkable testimonials and feedback from Pamelas colleagues, fellow CAREGivers, and her clients.

Pamela has made an incredible difference not only in her clients lives but also their families. The glowing testimonials are testament to that. She is as much kind and compassionate as she is driven to succeed in her role as a professional Home Instead CAREGiver, Amanda said.

It is with immense pleasure that Pamela is recognised and celebrated for her contributions as she receives the well-deserved National CAREGiver of the Year Award for 2024.

Shane Jennings, CEO of Home Instead Ireland, expressed his delight in honouring Pamela Cunningham as this year's National CAREGiver of the Year.

I commend Pamela for her compassion, kindness, and work ethic. Her dedication to those she cares for is truly admirable, and she is fully deserving of this prestigious accolade, Mr Jennings said.

The CAREGiver of the Year Awards celebrate the remarkable care Home Instead CAREGivers provide in every town and village across Ireland. Their efforts change lives, and Pamelas recognition highlights the dedication of every individual working as a Home Instead CAREGiver. Their commitment and compassion are truly deserving of recognition, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Pamela on this well-deserved achievement.
The issue was raised by Fine Gael councillor John Paul OShea who condemned Uisce Eireann for running out of money to complete water rehabilitation projects. My understanding is that Irish Water have ran out of money in terms of water rehabilitation projects. We have a number of schemes that are on a list for county wide rehabilitation this year. My understanding is that all projects that werent approved up to March have been abandoned for the rest of the year. It is a disgrace that Irish Water have been given 1.2 billion for the year and are out of money in March 2024.

Cllr OShea sought the support from his colleagues in the council chamber to write to Uisce Eireann seeking clarity on a number of issues. I dont want a debate on it. I just want us as a council to write to them and to show our dissatisfaction that the works have been paused to date. I want to know what projects have been delayed as a result and can they reinstate the programme as quickly as possible?

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn who seconded the motion said a letter should also be sent to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh OBrien. I also think we should write a letter to the minister. There are a lot of projects there. Some are being done and some are to be done. I know from some of the contractors they have been told to take their teams off site. It is a disgrace what is happening.

We are not yet even at the halfway whistle of this year. There are families out there, communities out there, future developments of towns and villages in relation to water and sewerage. This situation is an absolute disgrace. The letter will go off to both, he added.

It was agreed that letters would be sent to both Uisce Eireann and Minister OBrien seeking clarity on water rehabilitation projects in Cork County.

In response to a query from The Corkman on the current situation with water mains rehabilitation projects in Cork County, a spokesperson for the state-owned water utility company said: Uisce Eireanns water mains rehabilitation programme is continuing in Cork with a number of projects ongoing or due to progress this year. We have and continue to invest in and deliver real benefits for Cork to enable it to thrive. Approximately 300 million was invested in upgrading infrastructure in Cork City and County between 2014 and 2019, with approximately 400 million being invested during the current investment cycle (2020  2024).

The spokesperson for Uisce Eireann continued: For 2024, Uisce Eireann has 12 mains rehabilitation projects completed, in progress or planned across Cork County. These projects are part of the National Leakage Reduction Programme, which is a strategic and targeted approach to improve the national water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most.

Nationally, we are investing 250 million each year up to the end of 2030 in fixing leaks to provide a more reliable water supply. Uisce Eireann is responsible for the delivery of secure, safe, and sustainable water services for the people of Ireland. We operate and maintain water and wastewater treatment and network infrastructure across Ireland, the spokeswoman added.
The facilities will be housed in a new two-storey building

Macroom GAA Club has received conditional planning permission to construct new facilities at the Castle Grounds.

The club has been granted permission to demolish an existing single-storey dressing room building and construct a new two-storey detached building in its place.

The two-storey building will be comprised of ground floor dressing rooms and a store and a first floor club gym. A first floor terrace will be accessible from the gym floor.

Permission was also granted for the construction of a new plant room and cover area attached to the gable of the existing clubhouse, minor facade alterations to the existing clubhouse to facilitate works and re-alignment of the existing boundary fence to suit works.

County Council planners received Macroom GAA Clubs application for the development on March 28. Representations were also made on behalf of the clubs application by local Fine Gael councillors Ted Lucey and Eileen Lynch.

Planning permission was granted for the development on May 21, subject to nine conditions which have yet to be published.
Each of the three towns will receive 10,000

Pictured is the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn. Pic: Brian Lougheed

Pictured, from left: Jennifer OBrien, Town Regeneration Officer; Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie OSullivan; Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn; Director of Service, Municipal District Operations and Rural Development, Patricia Liddy; Noelle Desmond, Towen Regeneration Office and Michael OBrien, Town Regeneration Office. Pic: Brian Lougheed

Pictured are Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie OSullivan (left); Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn and Director of Service, Municipal District Operations and Rural Development, Patricia Liddy. Pic: Brian Lougheed

Macroom, Mitchelstown and Bantry are each set to benefit from 10,000 in funding to help address vacancy and dereliction.

The funding, provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Town Centre First Town Team Support Fund, will be used to further develop Town Teams in each location.

These teams are supported by the County Councils Town Regeneration Office and play a role in helping communities access departmental funding under various schemes.

Cork County Council said the national Town Centre First Policy is a joint strategy by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and aims to create town centres that function as vibrant, viable and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit while also serving as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Frank O Flynn, welcomed the funding as A collaborative approach to bringing about solutions to support town regeneration.

This Town Centre First policy aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction, and breathe new life into our town centres through the development of regeneration projects. I am looking forward to seeing the impact it has upon Bantry, Macroom and Mitchelstown town, Mayor OFlynn said.

The latest funding announcement follows the recent publication of the Town Centre First Plan for Skibbereen, the pathfinder town under this scheme for County Cork, as well as the announcement in March of this year of an allocation of 30,000 approved by the Department of Rural and Community Development to develop a Town Centre First Regeneration Plan for the North Cork town of Kanturk.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O Sullivan said that Cork County Council recognises the economic importance of vibrant towns.

We are actively progressing a range of regeneration measures across towns in the county, covering areas such as sustainable travel, property activation and public realm enhancements, he said.

Further information on the Town Centre First Town Team Support Fund for Bantry, Macroom, and Mitchelstown can be sought by emailing townregenerationoffice@corkcoco.ie
42 staff and nearly 600 students impacted by sudden closure

A music academy in south Dublin, which has been providing music education for children and adults in Blackrock for over 45 years, is set to close at the end of this month.

The board of directors at Newpark Academy of Music informed 42 staff members by email on 22 May, giving them effectively nine days' notice , citing financial reasons.

Almost 600 students are enrolled in courses at the college, according to staff members.

The academy provides jazz education programmes and instrumental tuition and is home to a number of choirs and ensembles.

The space also serves as a music venue.

Hilda Chan, the academys director, said staff were "angry, disappointed, and upset" with the sudden news, stating that they were "not given enough notice".

Suspicions arose among staff about the future of the music academy when Ms Chan was informed by the board to pause enrolments for 2024/25 back in February.

The reason given by the board included attempts to secure funding to refurbish the building.

At this point, there was already stress and anxiety coming from teachers, Ms Chan said.

We usually take enrolments up until April and no later, which is important for parents to know their child has a space for September and for teachers to plan for the academic year.

I contacted the board multiple times during this period for clarification, and nothing was officially confirmed, she added.

Ms Chan added that she believes it is not a case of the business not working out, with the number of students in the academy "rising each year" and "hundreds of people on waiting lists" to enrol in their music school.

Many staff at the music academy had to take stress leave during this time of uncertainty around their employment, with some staff having worked there for over a decade.

42 staff and nearly 600 students impacted by sudden closure

Speaking on behalf of the staff members and students, Ms Chan said that she feels the manner in which this decision was made and how it was communicated is really unfair, citing the amount of work that has gone into the organisation by staff.

At the moment, a petition has been started by staff who are fighting for their employment rights and demanding that the board sit down and have a conversation.

Their main priorities are keeping the title of their school along with retaining as many staff members as they possibly can.

The academy director said that they will move to another premises if needs be.

Our priority now is trying to meet with the board of directors and discuss with them if we can move on and continue our 45 years of legacy because nine days' notice is not good enough, Ms Chan added.

Fine Gael councillor for Blackrock Maurice Dockrell said that it is with great sadness that he had learned of the closure.

"My children attended classes there, and alongside their education at Newpark School, the music school and its dedicated staff helped instil in them a lifelong love of music, he said.

He added that with his background in employment law it is his hope that staff will be treated in a fair and equitable manner.

"I hope that the Music School can be saved, or alternatively, that the staff will be assisted to set up a similar school immediately.

I am calling upon the Council to make any grants available with a minimum of red tape and to act speed so that the school can be saved.

"The Newpark School of Music is a part of the fabric of life in Blackrock, and we must do our utmost to keep it going for future generations.

The closure of Newpark School of Music will be a significant loss to our community.

"The Council's prompt action and support are crucial to preserving the legacy and ensuring that the joy and education provided by the Newpark School of Music continue to thrive, he added.

The Irish Independent has contacted the board of directors at Newpark Academy of Music for comment.
Professor of Medicine at University of Galway Fidelma Dunne said she is honoured to have been elected as a Member of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA), the highest academic honour in Ireland.

Professor Dunne was among 28 new members admitted to the Academy by Professor Pat Guiry, President of the Royal Irish Academy, at a special ceremony on Friday, May 24.

Professor Fidelma Dunne is the Interim Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, a distinguished clinician researcher and Professor of Medicine.

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She has been at the forefront of advancing clinical trials in new medicines and devices, crucial for enhancing global health outcomes.

With a rich background in clinical trials and extensive leadership experience, Professor Dunne has held pivotal roles both nationally and internationally. Her dedication to improving outcomes in diabetes and pregnancy spans over three decades, marked by over 250 peer-reviewed publications and prestigious accolades such as the Norbert Freinkel award from the American Diabetes Association in 2024 and the International Jorgen Pedersen Award in 2021.

Professor Dunne said: "It is a profound honour to be elected as a Member of the Royal Irish Academy. This recognition underscores the importance of collaborative research efforts in addressing critical health challenges, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Ireland's academic and research community.

President of University of Galway Professor Ciaran O hOgartaigh commented: "Professor Dunne's election to the Royal Irish Academy is a testament to her outstanding contributions to medical research and her exemplary leadership in clinical trials. Her dedication to advancing healthcare outcomes reflects our University's commitment to excellence in research and to serving the wider community, particularly in the field of healthcare."

Election to membership of the Royal Irish Academy is the highest academic distinction in Ireland. The Academy has been honouring Irelands leading contributors to the world of learning since its establishment in 1785.
Participants set off on the Donal Walsh 6k Challenge that took place at Spa NS on Sunday morning. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Participants set off on the Donal Walsh 6k Challenge at Spa NS on Sunday morning. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Kids setting off on the Donal Walsh 6k Challenge from Spa NS on Sunday morning. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Jessica Hastings and Niamh Cunningham pictured at the Donal Walsh 6k Challenge that took place at Spa NS on Sunday morning. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Principal of Spa NS with Fionnbar and Elma Walsh pictured with the large crowd who turned up for the Donal Walsh 6k Challenge that took place at Spa NS on Sunday morning. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Dinny Moriarty, Seamus Harty and Tadhg Hurley at the Donal Walsh 6k Challenge that took place at Spa NS on Sunday morning. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Morgan ODriscoll, Sean Galvin, Jack Nolan and Rian Twomey pictured at the Donal Walsh 6k Challenge that took place at Spa NS on Sunday morning. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Its hard to believe that its now 11 years since Kerrys Donal Walsh lost his brave battle with cancer but thankfully, through his family (his dad Fionnbar, mom Elma and sister Jemma) and his former primary school, Donals memory has been kept very much alive.

One of the biggest ways that they have honoured him is through the annual Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge which this year celebrated its tenth year and amazingly, despite Irelands infamous weather, Donals dad told The Kerryman this week that it has never rained on the event.

"We picked the worse weekend but still, even after 10 years, it has never rained on the event. It was raining up until maybe 11.15/11.20 and then it suddenly stopped raining right as the walk/run set off. Now, yes there was a few little splutters of rain but it was nothing major and it didnt start raining until after the walk had ended after 2pm, said Fionnbar.

Somebodys working the magic for us up there, he laughed.

Spa NS and the schools Principal Peter Lenihan are the main organisers of the walk each and every year with all funds raised from the day split between the school  who use the money for upkeep of the school  and the Donal Walsh LiveLife foundation.

Peter said that the event is a special way to honour Donal every year.

The 6k route is a challenging but fun looped route that starts and ends at the school with Oisin Spillane the first home in the mens section with locals Eddie O Connor and David Chute a close second and third.

Meanwhile local girl, Siobhan Daly took home first place closely followed by Deirdre Curtin and Emma Guiney.

Over 500 people visited the school on the morning and all those who took part were kept well fed and watered afterwards thanks to some tasty treats in the form of burgers, teas, tasty treats and ice creams, all of which were laid on courtesy of the schools Parents Association.
With just a few days to go until the June Bank Holiday weekend, here's a few things that are happening in and around the county for you to add into your schedules for the long weekend:

K-Fest

This June bank holiday weekend (June 2nd-5th) the picturesque town of Killorglin will once again be transformed into a major hub of culture and creativity as K-FEST celebrates its 10th year. The event has become known as one of Irelands most important festivals celebrating the work of emerging artists and musicians.

Listowel Races

The Listowel Races whit bank holiday meeting returns with a difference this year thanks to the addition of an extra days racing that runs from Saturday June 1 to Monday June 3. As well as quality racing, the highlight is a free concert by ABBA tribute band Waterloo on course on Saturday, with the Best Dressed Lady Competition taking centre stage on Sunday, with a cash prize fund of 1,000 judged by top TV and Radio Presenter, Elaine Kinsella. The festival features two days of National Hunt action on Saturday and Monday and one day of Flat on Sunday.

Listowel Writers Week

For the first time in a long time, it feels like Listowel Writers Week is where it needs to be in 2024. Now that storms of uncertainty have been weathered, the town is braced for what promises to be another literary extravaganza by the Feale, akin to the days of old. From Thursday to Monday is when Listowel Writers Week begins in earnest as a top class programme of events kick-off. Readings by Rachael English, Sinead Gleeson, Dr Tony Holohan, Eilean Ni Chuilleanain, and Mairia Cahill.

BikeFest

Excitement is building in Killarney this week ahead of the annual BikeFest which takes place from this Friday May 31 to Sunday June 2. Now into its 16th year, the weekend is a must-attend annual international festival attracting all brand motorcycle enthusiasts in their thousands from all over the world. Bike Village, located in the grounds of the INEC in Killarney is the hub for the weekend. One of the major highlights is Sundays parade which this year will feature famous British comedian and former Doctor Who star, John Bishop as its Grand Marshall. See the full schedule for the weekend at https://www.irelandbikefest.com/

St Pats GAA Dingle Way Challenge

If its walking and exercise youre after this June Bank Holiday, then why not register for the upcoming St Pats GAA Club Dingle Way Challenge? The popular walking event takes place this coming Sunday, June 2 and the Challenge is one that has grown in popularity year on year with walkers having the choice of two routes  either the Ultra Route (42Km) or the Standard Route (30Km)  both of which take in the beautiful sights and sounds of Kerry. Head to https://www.facebook.com/stpatsgaaclub for all information with regards to registering.
Sandra Leahy and Helen OCarroll of the County Museum with Richard OBrien, Mens Health Worker, Kerry Travellers Project ahead of the launch of the exhibition.

Travellers are embracing their rich heritage as a special exhibition in the Kerry County Museum gets underway marking Traveller Pride Week.

Embracing Our Heritage: A celebration of Irish Traveller Identity is being launched in the Kerry County Museum at the Ashe Memorial Hall this Thursday, May 30, at 11am.

It represents a brilliant opportunity for everyone, Traveller and settled, to learn more about the history, traditions, values and culture of the Traveller community in Co Kerry.

Its coming about in a partnership between the Kerry Travellers Health and Community Development Project and Kerry County Museum and forms the highlight of this years Traveller Pride Week in the county.

One of the nations greatest experts in the field will be on hand to launch the exhibition on Thurdsay in the guise of renowned author and Travellers Rights activist Oein DeBhairduin  who works with the National Museum of Ireland as Traveller Culture Collector. Theres no better man to put the rich trove on display in the Ashe as part of the exhibition into accurate, historic context  which will include artefacts relating to Traveller crafts, model traditional wagons, a scale model Traveller camp set at Puck Fair as well as many other items vital to sustaining the nomadic way of life of Traveller families.

The exhibition will remain open until the end of June, with a smaller permanent exhibition remaining at the museum thereafter.

Project Manager at Kerry Travellers Project Brigid Quilligan said: We are proud to be working in partnership with Kerry County Museum, bringing the rich traditions of Traveller Culture to a wider audience, and ensuring they can be appreciated into the future. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the launch of this special event
Sister Attracta Carmody passed away at the Bons Secours Hospital, Tralee, on May 15, after a short illness patiently borne.

She was the eldest daughter of a family of seven, of John and Elizabeth Carmody, Clountubrid, Listowel.

Sr Attracta was predeceased by her brothers Tom and John and survived by Richard, Mai, Patricia and Fr Brendan.

She joined the Presentation Sisters after school and spent many years teaching Irish and History in Cahersiveen and Killarney and retired in Castleisland among adorable sisters for her final years.

Great tributes were paid from past pupils and staff and the many friends she made everywhere she went, with emphasis on her gentleness, kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, humility, commitment and spirituality  gifts we would all be envious of.

She was very prayerful and spent a lot of her time in Castleisland Church and it was no coincidence that she passed away on the night of the Novena to Padre Pio, who she adorned with candles with her pocket money daily.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Brendan SJ, her youngest brother to whom she was devoted.

Many other priests formed a circle at the altar and Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne and Bishop Emeritus of Kerry Bill Murphy attended the removal. She was buried in the sisters cemetery adjacent to the parish church and Castleisland Convent, where she spent her final years with great care.

May her gentle soul rest in the peace she deserved.
Agencies and businesses come together to improve life for affected

The panel of experts at the event, from left, Finbarr Mawe  Chairperson Fuchsia Centre, Ard Churam, Karen Carmody  Solicitor, Pierse Fitzgibon Solicitors, Vanessa Bradbury - Dementia Advisor, Alzheimers Association Ireland, Mairead Corcoran - Discharge co-ordinator, University Hospital Kerry, Dr. Mary Buckley, Geriatrician UHK & Chair for the evening, Paul Cannon Solicitor, Purtill Woulfe Murphy Solicitors, Dr. Antoinette OConnor, neurologist  keynote speaker, Dr. Georgia Merron - SpR in Geriatric medicine UHK, and Catherine Murphy - Senior Occupational Therapist, HSE. Photo by John Kelliher

The collective understanding of dementia and its often wide-reaching effects is growing ever deeper in Listowel thanks to the work of a multi-agency body established there last year.

Dementia Inclusive Listowel, set-up in 2023, held a special Memory Wellness and Dementia Awareness information evening in the Listowel Arms Hotel recently, which attracted over 180 people from across the town.

It brought some of the leading medical experts in the field to town to speak on the nature of the disease, its impact directly and indirectly on loved ones and the vast array of behaviours we can all adopt to make life that bit easier for those affected.

Dementia Inclusive Listowel (DIL) is a collaboration between the Ard Churam charity which runs the Day Care Centre and Fuchsia Centre for people with dementia  the HSE, and voluntary and statutory agencies in Listowel, along with partners in the business sector, retial, banking, the gardai, and more. DILs mission is to encourage everyone to share responsibility for ensuring that people with dementia feel understood, valued and able to contribute to their community.

Ard Churam Chairperson Finbar Mawe gave the opening address, with Tallaght University Hospital consultant neurologist Dr Antoinette OConnor delivering the keynote speech in an insightful presentation, followed by questions. UHK Geriatrician Dr Mary Buckley facilitated a discussion from a panel of experts in the second half of the discussion, all responding to a difference scenario involving those living with dementia.

A recording of the event will soon be uploaded to www.ardcuram.com for all who missed it, or who wish to see it again, to view.
Community in Knockanure shocked following death of Ger Kennelly

The scene in Knockanure village on Monday morning. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.

The scene in Knockanure on Monday morning following a fatal assault. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.

Officers from the Garda Technical Bureau undertaking a search in Knockanure on Monday morning. Photo by Fergus Dennehy.

Officers from the Garda Technical Bureau carry out a search in Knockanure on Monday morning.

A man in his 30s is due to appear before a special sitting of Listowel District Court this evening in connection with the death of a man in Knockanure on Sunday night.

Gerard (Ger) Kennelly (36) died following an alleged assault in the rural village just after midnight.

The alleged incident is understood to have happened outside the local pub. It is believed Mr Kennelly was stabbed several times during the incident, which led to an artery being cut.

Gardai and emergency services were alerted at around 12.30am. Upon arrival, they discovered the man with fatal injuries. They launched an investigation into the fatal assault.

The man in his 30s was arrested on Monday morning. A second man in his 20s was arrested on Monday afternoon and is still being questioned by gardai.

The Kerryman has spoken to locals in Knockanure who said they would have never expected anything like this to happen in such a quiet area.

The victim is well-known in the village and his parents both live in the area. It is understood he had spent time in Australia and he has several siblings living there.

Councillor Robert Beasley said Mr Kennelly is from a very respected and well-known family. He offered his condolences to the family.

It's devastating for the local population. They're a hard-working family. I knew them all my life. It's just a very unfortunate situation, said Mr Beasley.

I wouldn't have known him personally but I just know from his family that he came from very well got people in the locality. It's very sad.

It's not something you expect out in the country. When you hear about things like this, you never expect it to happen on your own doorstep.

I'd also like to offer my condolences to the family and to the entire community as well because they will be very shaken by this.

Another local described Mr Kennelly as a fellow with a heart of gold.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 28th May 2024

Officers from the Garda Technical Bureau carried out searches in an area around the local pub in Knockanure.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry, and an incident room has been established at Listowel garda station.

Gardai are appealing to the public for information in relation to this incident.

Any road users who were travelling in the vicinity of Knockanure village, which is located between Listowel and Moyvane, between midnight and 1am and may have camera footage (including dash cam) are asked to make this available.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Listowel garda station on 068 50820, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800, 666 111 or any garda station.
Work can now progress on a major housing development after an agreement was reached between the developer and the main group opposed to the proposals on environmental grounds.

The Laune Salmon and Trout Anglers Association and Kenmare Plant Hire (KPH) have been in talks in recent days to form a solution that would alleviate concerns among the group and ensure that the planned Cronins Wood Housing Development could proceed.

The Laune Anglers had lodged an objection to the planning application by KPH for this development on the basis that the capacity of the sewage-treatment plant in Killarney is not sufficient to take the additional effluent from this development. The group has been raising concerns over the last number of years over the decreasing water quality on the river Laune and Killarneys Lakes, which is the second-most polluted waterway in the country and is being blamed by the Environmental Protection Agency for the ongoing overflows from the Killarney treatment plant.

Following discussions between both sides, facilitated by Cllr Niall Kelleher, KPH has agreed to install a new stormwater pipe at St Margarets Road in Killarney town that will take storm water out of the treatment plant at an equivalent rate to the effluent the Cronins Wood development would produce.

The agreement has been warmly welcomed by the Laune Salmon and Trout Anglers Association, which again reiterated its position that it has no objection to the houses being built aside from environmental concerns.

Kenmare Plant Hire (KPH) has been granted planning for a 249-house development in Killarney town. An Bord Pleanala upheld planning granted by Kerry County Council last October to the Kenmare construction company, despite objections from the anglers group, allowing it to develop the project at Cronins Wood on Killarneys Upper Park Road. However, this decision could been further appealed by a judicial review.

A spokesperson for the group said that it was very pleased that the discussions with KPH have yielded a positive result for both sides and that this outcome shows what can be achieved when groups are willing to negotiate and work together. They added that they hope that both the responsible authorities and other potential developers will join with KPH in undertaking works required at other locations across Killarney town to take storm water out of the treatment plant.

They group has also called on Irish Water to undertake an immediate upgrade of the treatment plant to ensure it is sufficient to meet the growing needs of Killarney town.

The new development will consist of 117 three-bed houses and 18 two-bed houses, along with two five-bedroomed houses and six four-bedroomed houses. There will also be 68 two-bedroomed apartments and 38 one-bed apartments, as well as a small number of four- and five-bed houses.

Laune Salmon and Trout Anglers Association thanked KPH for being proactive and engaging in resolving this matter.

Welcoming the agreement between the groups, Cllr Niall Kelleher said the agreement represents an excellent outcome for both: I warmly congratulate them on coming up with this innovative solution that will help protect the water quality on the Laune River as well as facilitating the construction of these houses that are so badly needed in Killarney.

Cllr Kelleher said he would also like to note the involvement of Kerry County Council in enabling this solution:

I hope that both they, and indeed Irish Water, will move forward now and undertake the necessary works to the water-treatment infrastructure in the greater Killarney area to facilitate the future development, both in housing and industry, that the town so badly needs.

KPH has stated that the solution demonstrates the companys long-standing commitment to enhancing the built environment.

KPH has stated that its commitment to solving the housing crisis in a sustainable manner is unwavering, and this demonstrates that commitment.
Kenmare Community Care Officers with Senator Mark Daly and Minister Mary Butler at the launch of their new report. Left to right: Senator Mark Daly FF, Tanya O'Sullivan Manager Kenmare Community Care, Bernard Hourihan Secretary KCC, Minister Mary Butler, and John Daly Chairman KCC. Photo by Mary D O'Neill.

At the launch of the Kenmare Community Care report 'Kenmare Area Profile, Operational Context and Opportunities for Development" at Taobh Linn Social Centre on Friday by Mary Butler TD Minister of State at Department of Health. Photo by Mary D O'Neill.

At the launch of the Kenmare Community Care report 'Kenmare Area Profile, Operational Context and Opportunities for Development" are Eadaoin Moynihan Community Development Worker HSE, Caroline Doyle Principal Community Worker HSE, Senator Mark Daly FF, Minister Mary Butler TD FF and Kay O'Connor Assistant Director of Public Health Nurses. Photo by Mary D O'Neill.

Kenmare Community Care manager Tanya O'Sullivan, John Daly Chair, Minister Mary Butler TD and Brendan O Caoimh and Caitlin Breathnach social researchers who compiled the report Kenmare Community Care Area Profile, Operational Context and Opportunities for Development'. Photo by Mary D O'Neill.

The population of the Greater Kenmare area is aging faster than the rest of Kerry and by 2051 it is expected that 28% of the population will be aged 65 years and over.

This means that more services and supports will be needed to cater for this aging population, a new report has found. Housing is a particular concern given that much of this aging population are relying on state pensions as their income.

The report Kenmare Community Care Area Profile, Operational Context and Opportunities for Development commissioned and launched by Kenmare Community Care is an in-depth analysis of the past and present population trends for the Greater Kenmare Area and makes predictions on future population trends into the middle of this century. An emphasis is placed on how these trends will impact the older members of the community and needs analysis to formulate a strategic plan for Kenmare Community Care. Recommendations are also made on what infrastructure, services and plans need to be put in place to accommodate an ageing population.

This area includes Kenmare Town, its environs and the adjoining rural communities in the Roughty Valley and on the Iveragh and Beara Peninsulas, namely Kilgarvan, Templenoe, Tahilla, Blackwater, Sneem, Bonane, Dawros, Lauragh and Tousist.

The report was officially launched at Taobh Linn on Friday by Minister of State at the Department of Health Mary Butler TD, who was the guest speaker.

Minister Butler acknowledged the importance of the work for older citizens that community organisations like Kenmare Community Care do in their localities throughout the country.

The report was written by Dr Breandan O Caoimh and Ms. Caitlin Breathnach who analysed census data to see the emerging trends. He also spoke at the launch on Friday.

Currently 22% of the population in the Greater Kenmare area is aged 65+, and by 2051, this proportion is likely to exceed 28%. At present, 19% of County Kerrys population is aged 65+, and 15% of Irelands population is aged 65+.

Greater Kenmares population is therefore ageing at a faster rate than is the case in County Kerry and the State as a whole; and as the population ages, the greatest increase will be in those aged 80+

The proportion of households in Greater Kenmare in which the majority of income is derived from the State pension is higher than the equivalents in County Kerry and Ireland, and the figures in respect of income point to the importance of investing in affordable and accessible services. Housing is one of these along as well as more GP's and pharmacists.

Kenmare Community Care will have to play a role in this and ensuring they are ready to cater for this increased need and will need to examine the possibility of providing a similar Taobh Linn housing complex with bespoke units for the elderly. They already opened such a project in 2009 in conjunction with Clann Housing. Steve Loveland of the organisation also spoke at the launch last Friday.

The group have been operating in Kenmare since 1973 and chairperson is John Daly who also spoke about the work the group do including Meals on Wheels and the need to continue to do this work given the increasing need in years to come.
Precious Dike, Tyrese Dike and Thami Dike celebrating Africa Day in the Tralee Town Park on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Jim McKillop and Aduke Balogun celebrating Africa Day in the Tralee Town Park on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Billy Yang Tinde and Lionel Leno celebrating Africa Day in the Tralee Town Park on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Shina and Shyleen Torbi pictured celebrating Africa Day in the Tralee Town Park on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Abbey Awoeye, Naomi Fabulmi and Desmond Fabulmi celebrating Africa Day in the Tralee Town Park on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Rachel Chawagama and Idah Matigimu pictured celebrating Africa Day in the Tralee Town Park on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Even the miserable grey skies of the weekend could not dampen the spirits of all those who ventured down to Tralee Town Park on Sunday afternoon for the annual Africa Day celebrations.

The event, organised by the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC), Killarney Immigrant Support Centre (KASI) and the African community in Kerry (AFCOM), was hailed as a fabulous day where over 500 African meals were served to the public.

The aim of the day was to the day was to bring together different African cultures and traditions and to unite and bring together international and local communities across Kerry as it celebrated everything that is great and wonderful about traditional African food and African drumming.

The family fun event also had a DJ, face-painting, bouncy castles and games, in what promises to be a truly multi-cultural event for all to enjoy.

Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Terry OBrien, was on hand to officially open the celebrations on the day.

Mary Carroll, Co-ordinator of TIRC, said that the day was an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success and to join Africans around the world in highlighting the cultural and social energy of the continent. Most importantly, she said, it supported support integration and inclusion by bringing different cultures and communities together.

See all of our photos from the day in the gallery.
Liam Reichenberg is the Aontu for the Dundalk Carlingford LEA in the local elections

Aontu have selected Liam Reichenberg, a well-known former hotel manager and current retail manager, as its candidate to stand in the Dundalk-Carlingford constituency in the forthcoming local elections.

Born in New York to an Irish emigrant from South Armagh and the son of German Jews who escaped the horrors of the holocaust, Liam returned to Ireland at an early age to study before taking up employment in Dundalk where he has worked for over 27 years, first in the Imperial Hotel and now in a supermarket.

With a degree in history and politics I have always had a keen interest in current affairs and have been politically active from an early age. At University College Dublin, I campaigned on human rights and social justice issues, against political censorship, and for the unity of our country.

Explainer: Local Elections 2024

More recently I have campaigned on issues of education, health care, transportation, the provision of high-speed broadband, and the state of our roads where I live, said Liam. I would very much welcome the opportunity as your councillor to do the same for all of Dundalk and County Louth.

I am a founding member of Aontu, a new and rapidly growing party. Led by Peadar Toibin TD, Aontu seeks to hold government to account, locally, nationally, and in Europe.

I am determined to see the development of neighbourhood centres where we can ensure the provision of education, health, retail, and community services are available.

I am passionate about improving the roads network and infrastructure to relieve congestion, support town centre businesses, and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Aontu have for years been demanding a compassionate and common-sense approach to immigration, but the lack of communication, transparency, and consultation with communities is unacceptable.

Accountability and common sense are two things that are missing in our society and government. If elected I will work hard for the people to ensure we get the best we can for our communities
Remote workers got together as the Creative Spark Downtown Hub in the centre of Dundalk celebrated its second anniversary last Wednesday.

The celebrations coincided with European Co-working Day and the theme running throughout the day was well-being and connections, which have been identified as two key benefits of co-working.

The day started with a gentle yoga practice facilitated by local Yogi Aine Fox as members were invited to join the session which focused on breath work and meditation followed by a coffee and some pastries before they started their working day.

The Dundalk team welcomed Liam Horan and Stephen Carolan from Connected Hubs, which is part of the Western Development Commission, who broadcasted the fortnightly Connected Hubs meet-up call, welcoming European hub managers, live from the Downtown Hub. During the meet-up, they had the opportunity to highlight the facilities and services available at Downtown Hub to hubs around Ireland and Europe.

Members, funders, staff, and the board of Creative Spark were welcomed to a lunchtime meet up by Sarah Dal, who discussed the background of Creative Sparks' second location. Hub manager Ciara Breen then ran through a short presentation highlighting the successes and activities Downtown has seen over the past two years.

The day finished with a Grow Remote open event in Mo Chara bar, where remote workers were welcomed to connect and socialise with each other while learning about the initiatives and supports available through the Grow Remote network.

It was a great day and lovely to see connections forming throughout the day, it felt that we achieved what we had set out to do on the day, Ciara Breen Downtown Hub Manager said.
The scene of the incident where a man was left in a serious condition in hospital.

This is the man detectives are hoping the public will help identify following a serious assault on a man in his 30s in Monaghan town.

Gardai have launched a public appeal after a man was violent attacked in Monaghan town, leaving him with a broken nose, leg and dislocated ankle.

The victim, who is in his 30s, was rushed to hospital following the incident.

No arrests have emanated from the incident which took place on December 4, 2023, prompting gardai to issue a public appeal.

Detectives have obtained CCTV footage which showed a man striking the victim once to the face resulting in him falling to the ground moments later.

The man gardai wish to speak to is described as being in his 20s, of small or stocky build and was sporting a tight, shaven haircut on the date in question.

The scene of the incident where a man was left in a serious condition in hospital.

He was also wearing jeans and a dark or navy t-shirt with white writing across the chest.

Gardai are investigating an incident of assault causing harm that occurred on Dublin St, Monaghan on the 4th December 2024 at approximately 3am, where a man (30s) suffered serious injuries.

No arrests have been made.

Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 1800 40 50 60 or text CRIME followed by your information to 57765.
Pictured at the hoisting of the Palestinian flag at City Hall on Tuesday morning were Mayor of Sligo, Cllr Declan Bree, Cllr Gino O'Boyle, Cllr Arthur Gibbons and MEP Chris MacManus.

The flag of Palestine was hoisted at Sligo City Hall yesterday (Tuesday 28th) to coincide with Irelands decision to recognise the State of Palestine.

Speaking to The Sligo Champion, the Mayor of Sligo, Cllr Declan Bree said: The Governments decision to recognise the State of Palestine, which formally takes effect from today, Tuesday 28th of May, is a significant and positive decision which has been warmly welcomed at home and abroad.

Elected representatives at national and local level have been vocal in supporting the Palestinian cause and councillors of all political persuasions in Sligo have consistently shown support for the people of Palestine.

The tens of thousands of Irish people who have been actively involved in the Palestine solidarity campaign can be very proud of the part they have played in bringing about this historic decision.

It is now imperative that this recognition be further accompanied by meaningful, concrete action.

Gaza is experiencing the worst levels of violence in modern history, with an unbearable loss of innocent lives

In just under eight months, Israel has killed over 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza, 72 per cent of them women and children.

It has razed Gaza to the ground, destroying 70 per cent of its infrastructure.

Almost 80 per cent of the population has been displaced. There are over 15,000 children killed and over 17,000 left orphans. Today, the population is starving.

According to the International Criminal Court, this deliberate famine has been orchestrated by Israels State policy.

Children are dying of hunger, and many of those who survive face life-long consequences of starvation and malnutrition.

We now need to see the Occupied Territories Bill and the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill enacted at the soonest possible time and Ireland also needs to ensure that the Israeli regime is held to account and sanctioned for its ongoing campaign of genocide and its gross violations of international law in Gaza and the West Bank, said Cllr Bree.
County Wexford Excellence in Sustainability award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Joe O'Brien from Clayton Whites Hotel sponsor, John Codd, Tadhg Henderson, Louise Frehill and Eamonn Kelly from Profitsflow winners and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Excellence in Retail award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Cormac Pettit from Pettitts sponsor, Marian McKenna from La Creme Boutique winner and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Employee of the year award 2-25 employees award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Ann Rally from Cahill Hardware winner, Michelle Busher from Kent Stainless sponsor and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Excellence in Online Business & Marketing award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Cassie Gaynor from Candy Boutique winners, Elaine Walsh from Zurich sponsor Paula Roche CEO, Martina and Abbie Gaynor from Candy Boutique winners, Gaynor from Candy Boutique winners and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Hospitality Provider of the year award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Dick Walsh and Aine Brothers from Crown Quarter winner, Kathryn Kiely from SETU sponsor, Kelly Sheehan from Crown Quarter winner and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Excellence in International Trade award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Glen Carr from Rosslare Europort sponsor, ruth Case and Colm O'Connor from Scurri winners and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Best Training Initiative within an Organisation award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Sean Rath from AirconMech winner, Therese OConnor from Skillnet sponsor, Anthony Hayes from AirconMech winner and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Restaurant of the Year award. From left; Paula Roche CEO sponsor, Leanne Ryan and Susie Doyle from Mary Barry's Seafood Bar & Restaurant winner and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Tourism Provider of the Year award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Emma Klassen from Secret Valley Wildlife Park winners, Flavia Serrano from The Talbot Collection sponsor, Ann O'Connor from Secret Valley Wildlife Park winners and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Outstanding Contribution to the Community award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Darragh Clifford, Group Editor, People Newspapers, sponsor, Kathy Grace and Paul Carey from Grantstown Priory winner and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Family Business of the year. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Danny Gardiner and Joe Byrne from Gardiner Grain winner, Pat Beven from Reynaers Aluminium sponsor, Stephen Gardiner winner and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Service Start Up Business of the Year award. From left; Cathaoirleach John Fleming from LEO sponsor, Paula Roche receiving on behalf of Beaufield Steel Fabrication winners and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Service Provider of the Year award. From left; Paula Roche CEO sponsor, Shane Walsh, Marina and Andy Murphy from Urban Gym winner, Amanda Sludds from Scurri sponsor, Jack and Evan Saunders from Urban Gym winners and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Food & Beverage producer of the year. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Felix Oster from Mor Taste winner, James Byrne from Irish Country Meats sponsor and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Best Solopreneur of the Year. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Kathleen Kinsella winner from Kinsella Managment Solutions, Malachy McGlynn from Kersia group sponsor and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Business of the year award 2-25 employees award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, James Doyle from KDA winner, Deirdre Hannon from Danone sponsor, Frank Kelly from KDA winner, and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Large Business of the year award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Sean Rath and Denis Murphy from AirconMech winner, Billy Sweetman from PWC sponsor, Anthony Hayes from AirconMech winner and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Over-all Business of the Year award. From left; Paula Roche CEO, Danny Gardiner and Linda Cleary from Gardiner Grain winners, Brendan Hamilton from Integer sponsor, Joe and Bernie Byrne and Stephen Gardiner from Gardiner Grain winners and Lorcan Kinsella president. Photo; Patrick Browne

The County Wexford Chamber Business Awards gala ceremony, held on Friday, May 24, at the Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford town, was a spectacular event celebrating the regions entrepreneurial spirit. With nearly 450 guests in attendance, the sold-out black-tie affair was hosted by renowned MC and motivational speaker Alan Shortt, ensuring an evening filled with entertainment and recognition for the county's finest businesses.

Gardiner Grain was named County Wexford Overall Business of the Year, to great acclaim, following their win as County Wexford Family Business of the Year. Award-winning novelist and Enniscorthy native Colm Toibin was named as the recipient of the County Wexford Lifetime Achievement Award.

The County Wexford Business Awards celebrate the excellence and hard work from our business community across all sectors in the county, said Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber. As ever, the awards proved popular, with approx. 200 applications and 88 businesses in the running for awards on the night.

As one of the most prestigious events in the regions business calendar, the awards are an opportunity to recognise innovation and resilience and to champion the entrepreneurial spirit across County Wexford.

Paula Roche CEO speaking. Photo; Patrick Browne

Special thanks was also extended to the sponsors, judging panel, lead sponsor Integer, lead partner Wexford County Council, media sponsor Wexford People, and Staffords Irish Spirits who sponsored the pre-dinner drinks reception.

On the evening, Lorcan Kinsella, President of County Wexford Chamber, highlighted the strength of the chambers county representation, with finalists from all four towns: Wexford, Gorey, Enniscorthy, and New Ross.

Alan Shortt MC. Photo; Patrick Browne

County Wexford Chamber, which connects, supports, and represents 400 member businesses employing 30,000 people across the county, continues to foster a robust and dynamic business environment. The success of this year's awards underscores the Chamber's pivotal role in promoting and supporting the business community in County Wexford.

County Wexford Solopreneur of the Year

Sponsor: Kersia Group

Winner: Kinsella Management Solutions

Runner-Up: Make My Will Solicitors

County Wexford Best Training Initiative within an Organisation

Sponsor: County Wexford Chamber Skillnet

Winner: AirconMech

Runner-Up: RNLI

County Wexford Business of the Year (2-25 Employees)

Sponsor: Danone

Winner: KDA

Runner-Up: Sensible Safety

County Wexford Employee of the Year

Sponsor: Kent Stainless

Winner: Anne Raleigh, Cahill Brothers Hardware

Runner-Up: Yvonne Byrne, Coatek

County Wexford Excellence in International Trade

Sponsor: Rosslare Europort

Winner: Scurri

Runner-Up: Medentech, Kersia Group

County Wexford Excellence in Online Business & Digital Marketing

Sponsor: Zurich

Winner: Candy Boutique

Runner-Up: Decs Pets

County Wexford Excellence in Retail

Sponsor: Pettitts SuperValu

Winner: La Creme Boutique

Runner-Up: Candy Boutique

County Wexford Excellence in Sustainability

Sponsor: Clayton Whites Hotel

Winner: Profitsflow

Runner-Up: Maldron Hotel Wexford

County Wexford Family Business of the Year

Sponsor: Reynaers Aluminium

Winner: Gardiner Grain Ltd

Runner-Up: Meylers Fish Merchants

County Wexford Food & Beverage Producer of the Year (up to 20 employees)

Sponsor: Irish Country Meats

Winner: Mor Taste

Runner-Up: Regan Organic Produce

County Wexford Hospitality Provider of the Year

South East Technological University

Winner: Crown Quarter

Joint Runners-Up: Talbot Hotel Wexford & Clayton Whites Hotel

County Wexford Large Business of the Year Award (over 25 employees)

Sponsor: PwC

Winner: AirconMech

Runner-Up: Scurri

County Wexford Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Sponsor: Wexford People

Winner: Grantstown Priory

Runner-Up: ISACS Network

County Wexford Restaurant of the Year

Sponsor: County Wexford Chamber

Winner: Mary Barrys Seafood Bar & Restaurant

Runner-Up: The Holy Grail, New Ross

County Wexford Service Provider of the Year

Sponsor: Scurri

Winner: Urban Gym

Runner-Up: McGrath Quantity Surveyors

County Wexford Start-Up Business of the Year

Sponsor: Local Enterprise Office Wexford

Winner: Beaufield Steel Fabrication

Runner-Up: Doyle Hearing Solutions

County Wexford Tourism Provider of the Year

Sponsor: The Talbot Collection

Winner: Secret Valley Wildlife Park

Runner-Up: Clayton Whites Hotel

County Wexford Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsor: Monart Destination Spa

Colm Toibin

County Wexford Overall Business of the Year

Sponsor: Integer

Winner: Gardiner Grain
Lavish display of wealth on show at funeral of feared midlands criminal

These were just some of the lavish floral displays on show at the funeral service of career criminal Stephen Reilly (OReilly) in Athlone at the weekend.

Reilly, of 9 Beech Park West, Athlone, Co Westmeath and formerly of Greystones, Wicklow, and who was in his 30s, died following a single vehicle road crash in Offaly last Monday.

The father-of-one was regarded as being one of the midlands most violent and dangerous criminals with a string of previous convictions to his name.

He had also been closely aligned to a feared Longford-based Organised Crime Gang (OCG) and was due before a number of courts across the midlands for serious alleged offences.

He was an extremely violent individual, a source told the Irish Independent.

One of the tributes at the funeral of Stephen O'Reilly.

From an early age, he got involved in burglaries in and around Athlone and was suspected of hiding firearms and drugs for a notorious midlands based crime gang.

A number of sympathisers lined out to pay their respects at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan, Athlone on Saturday where an elaborate array of opulent floral tributes were laid out in honour of the slain gangster.

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One of those displayed a portrait of Reilly showing off his ripped physique with the brazen epitaph: The real Pablo.The one and only gangster Reilly.

Another equally elaborate and brash tribute carried an illustration of a container full of white powder accompanied underneath with the words: No comment.

The reference to Reillys criminal past was an image that was likewise carried in a further grandiose and equally crass tribute, this time directed at a named garda.

Some of the tributes at the funeral of Stephen O'Reilly.

In the decorative and bordered display, the crude tribute read: Detective.0 Reilly 1 below a bottle of black pepper.

The Irish Independent website also obtained video footage taken in the aftermath of the funeral during which a man can be seen lying face down on the ground shortly after being arrested by gardai.

Gardai arrested and charged a male (30s) in Athlone, County Westmeath on Saturday, 25th May 2024 for road traffic offences, said a garda spokesperson.

As this matter is currently before the courts, An Garda Siochana is not in a position to comment further.
Adrian Kennedy has been standing in for Andrea Gilligan on Newstalk's Lunchtime Live. Photo by Steve Humphreys

Radio broadcaster Adrian Kennedy revealed he had his life turned upside down after receiving his prostate cancer diagnosis.

Mr Kennedy opened up about battling prostate cancer after much consideration on his podcast Opinions Matter with Adrian & Jeremy.

The radio star hopes his story will highlight the importance of keeping on top of health checks and screening.

Following his show with Jeremy Dixon having been off-air for a few days, the duo revealed it is due to Adrians diagnosis with cancer that he has been dealing with that behind the scenes.

"As a team, our priority is that Adrian has a speedy recovery and gets well again soon, they wrote on Facebook, adding its been a strange few weeks on the podcast.

Thanks to everyone who has been in touch to send on their well wishes, they added.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 28th May 2024

Earlier this year, the Dubliner saw a doctor for a regular check-up.

I did blood tests and the doctor discovered during the blood tests that my PSA level [Prostate-Specific Antigen] was slightly elevated, he said.

"So, at the start of the year, the doctor sent me for a CAT scan and discovered that my prostate was somewhat enlarged but nothing to worry about. Subsequently sent me for a biopsy and I was diagnosed about eight weeks ago with prostate cancer.

"I fell off the chair, the blood drained from me. And within an hour I was sitting in this studio doing a podcast, he said, adding it was even worse as he was on his own when he received the news.

He said his two options were radiotherapy which lasts for about seven weeks or to have the prostate removed.

Therefore, Mr Kennedy had surgery to remove his prostate at Beaumont Hospital last Friday.

"When it comes to prostate cancer, Im actually a very young man, he said.

"Im glad it was caught by fluke but it was caught early enough.

Doctors believe it hasnt spread but they obviously have to do further biopsies.

He said hes in recovery now and hopes hell have it all cleared, as he also called on people over the age of 40 to have their PSA levels checked.

Many listeners of the podcast shared their well wishes for the radio legend.

"Keep fighting Adrian. Youll get through this with all the support you deserve. You are part of our family, we have listened to you since the auld days, one person wrote on Facebook.

Another person added: Adrian is a really good guy and a hell of a broadcaster. Wish him well on his recovery.

Mr Kennedy is a freelance broadcaster for Newstalk and East Coast FM with a long radio career. He co-hosted the late-night FM104 Phoneshow with Jeremy Dixon until 2013.

The duo later moved to host the morning phone-in show Dublin Talks on 98FM until 2021, before kicking off their own podcast.
Johnny Wactor, a soap actor best known for his work on General Hospital, was shot and killed while protecting a female co-working during a suspected robbery in Los Angeles, according to police and his brother.

The 37-year-old was shot at around 3am on Saturday by three men who were trying to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle, the Los Angeles police department said.

His brother Grant told the Daily Mail that Wactor was walking his colleague to her car after their shift at a rooftop bar when they came across the thieves, who the soap star assumed were just towing his truck.

So he said something to the guys, like, Hey, are you towing? Grant recalled.

And then once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his coworker behind him. And thats when they shot him.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 28th May 2024

Police said they responded to a call at around 3.25am in the area of Pico Boulevard and Hope Street, and moved Wactor to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The suspects fled in a vehicle and no arrests have yet been made. The investigation is ongoing, police said.

Johnny Wactor was an extraordinary actor and friend, Wactors agent Sarabeth Schedeen told The Hollywood Reporter.

The worlds light has dimmed today. Among his many enviable gifts were generosity, dedication, discipline, empathy and a perseverance beyond compare.

Additionally he was an athletes athlete. Pushing himself hard physically as he did personally and professionally.

In a roller coaster industry and our many years together he rode lifes ups and downs with optimism and grace. Johnny stood for moral greatness in all areas. He is a profound loss to all who worked with him and knew him.

Wactor was known for playing Brando Corbin on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, appearing in 164 episodes from 2020 to 2022.

In a statement issued on Sunday on social media, General Hospital paid tribute, writing: The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactors untimely passing.

He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.

General Hospital stars Parry Shen and Jon Lindstrom also posted messages on X, with Shen writing: 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.

Lindstrom wrote: When the tears slow down, I am literally sick to my stomach at this news. 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.

Ashton Arbab, who played Wactors son on General Hospital, wrote on his social media: Absolutely heartbroken while typing this. Johnny Wactor was not only my tv dad for more than 25 episodes on General Hospital but he was a great human, a kind soul, a inspiration on and off set and a one of a kind actor.

His talents always surprised me and allowed me to learn so much from the craft just by watching his work. I am forever grateful for the time I got to spend and work with him.

Born in 1986 in Charleston, South Carolina, Wactor made his television debut on Lifetime drama series Army Wives in 2007, and went on to appear in guest roles in shows like The OA, Station 19, Agent X, Criminal Minds, and Westworld.

My brother was probably the hardest working person Ive ever met in my life. He was a great brother and son, Grant told the Mail.

Anyone he touched, he made a great impact. He was as charismatic in real life as he was on camera. And he was always genuine, through and through.
Rebekah Vardys leading barrister worked on the Wagatha Christie libel case on Christmas Day, the High Court has heard as Coleen Rooneys lawyers contest an allegedly unreasonable legal bill.

Mrs Vardy, 42, lost her high-profile libel claim against Mrs Rooney, 38, in July 2022 when Mrs Justice Steyn ruled that her viral social media post accusing Mrs Vardy of leaking her private information to the press was substantially true.

In an order from October the same year, the judge ruled that Mrs Vardy, the wife of footballer Jamie Vardy, should pay 90pc of Mrs Rooneys costs, with an initial 800,000 then ordered to be paid.

The high-profile case has returned to court more than two years after the trial for a hearing over some of Mrs Vardys pre-trial costs which Mrs Rooney is set to pay.

Her lawyers are challenging parts of a bill of around 325,000, of which 20pc will have to be paid by Mrs Rooney, the wife of former footballer Wayne Rooney.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 28th May 2024

Mrs Rooneys costs are expected to be considered at a hearing in October and neither woman appeared at the High Court on Tuesday for the first hearing.

Robin Dunne, for Mrs Rooney, said that Mrs Vardys team had accrued unreasonable and disproportionate costs before the trial.

Some of the costs related to bids made at a hearing in February 2022 for further documents and information from both sides, as well as Mrs Rooneys bid to have legal action against Mrs Vardys former agent heard alongside the libel claim.

Mrs Rooneys lawyers previously claimed that Mrs Vardy leaked information to The Sun either directly or through her agent Caroline Watt acting on her instruction or with her knowing approval.

Her bid was denied, with Ms Watts legal bill of 65,000 previously paid by Mrs Rooney.

Mr Dunne said they were significant applications, adding that we fully accept there needed to be work done, but that Mrs Vardys bill for around eight weeks worth of work was disproportionate.

Mrs Vardys lawyers are opposing the bid to reduce the costs bill.

Jamie Carpenter KC, for Mrs Vardy, said there was barely a day when her lawyers were not working at that time.

The specialist costs court in London heard that Mrs Vardys trial barrister, Hugh Tomlinson KC, had worked on the case on Christmas Day while he was on holiday.

Mr Carpenter said that many of the lawyers worked Boxing Day and the bank holidays around Christmas on Mrs Vardys case.

He continued: No one was costs building.

This was work that absolutely had to be done and it was a huge amount of work.

The hearing before Senior Costs Judge Andrew Gordon-Saker is due to conclude on Wednesday.

In the viral social media post in October 2019 at the heart of the libel claim, Mrs Rooney said she had carried out a months-long sting operation and accused Mrs Vardy of leaking information about her private life to the press.

Mrs Rooney publicly claimed Mrs Vardys account was the source behind three stories in The Sun newspaper featuring fake details she had posted on her private Instagram profile  featuring her travelling to Mexico for a gender selection procedure, her planning to return to TV, and the basement flooding at her home.

Following the high-profile trial, Mrs Justice Steyn ruled in Mrs Rooneys favour, finding it was likely that Ms Watt had passed information to The Sun and that she knew of and condoned this behaviour.

The judge added that Mrs Vardy had actively engaged, directing Ms Watt to the private Instagram account, sending her screenshots of Mrs Rooneys posts, drawing attention to items of potential interest to the press, and answering additional queries raised by the press via Ms Watt.
US delegation vows to Taiwan  the weapons are on their way

The territory is boosting its defence ability after Chinas war games sent a strong message

Taiwans President Lai Ching-te meets with Michael McCaul, the US Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Taiwan Presidential Office

Ben Blanchard Tue 28 May 2024 at 03:30







A senior US lawmaker visiting Taipei said yesterday that weapons Taiwan had ordered are finally on their way, and that Chinas intimidating war games last week underscored the need to boost the islands deterrence abilities.
Northern Ireland minister says Rishi Sunaks plan was sprung on Tories

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer with Tom Rutland (right), the local candidate for East Worthing and Shoreham in West Sussex. Photo: PA

Keir Starmer has said the British general election on July 4 amounts to a choice of whose side are you on, as he promised to stand up for working people and restore trust in British politics.
Why Foreign Portfolio Investors May Soon Prefer Indias GIFT IFSC Over Traditional Investment Routes

Indias GIFT City is gaining traction among foreign portfolio investors, who are opting for it over traditional investment routes via Mauritius or Singapore. This shift is primarily attributed to the tax benefits and improved ease of doing business in GIFT City compared to other common investment channels.

Indias first operational International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, or GIFT City, offers lucrative tax benefits backed by a robust legal and regulatory framework, which has enhanced its appeal among foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). Since the introduction of specific regulations for managing funds in 2022, there has been promising investment growth year-on-year.

GIFT City aspires to become a worldwide center for finance and technology, drawing companies from a variety of sectors, including capital markets, fintech, IT, banking, insurance, and more.

Strategic benefits for international businesses

In GIFT IFSC, industries such as international banking, stock markets, fund management, and aircraft leasing have all seen significant growth. The location is now home to almost 200 businesses, including many brokerages and financial service providers, 25 insurance organizations, and 19 banking branches. Important organizations have set up shop at GIFT City, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE), and foreign banks Standard Chartered, State Bank of India, Dual, and JP Morgan.

The GIFT City can be categorized into two sections:

A domestic tariff area (GIFT DTA), governed by domestic laws; and A multi-service special economic zone (GIFT SEZ), comprising an International Financial Service Centre (GIFT IFSC) that is globally benchmarked, as well as IT & ITeS and other export services.

Significant tax breaks are available to IFSC units, including a 100 percent tax exemption for 10 of the 15-year block period. In addition, there is no goods and services tax (GST) or Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on transactions made on IFSC exchanges, meaning that interest income given to non-residents on money lent in GIFT City is not subject to taxation. Businesses establishing their operations in the GIFT City benefit from additional incentives such as exemptions from stamp duty and registration fees.

Competitive position against global financial centers

The units established in GIFT City are essentially offshore financial centers that serve clients who are not within their own jurisdiction. Legal experts and industry players say that the Indian government is pushing GIFT City over common investment channels through Mauritius, Singapore, the Netherlands, or Luxembourg by offering tax breaks and improved metrics for ease of doing business.

In March 2024, India made amendments to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Mauritius and introduced the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) to address treaty abuse, particularly affecting Mauritius-based funds. According to the change in the agreement, funds with their headquarters in Mauritius that made investments in India before the deadline but havent yet sold them must present proof of substantiation. They have to verify whether these funds conducted legitimate commercial operations in the island nation of Mauritius and provide an explanation for why the jurisdiction of Mauritius was chosen.

Experts note that Indias aggressive push to introduce GIFT Citys tax-free provisions has posed challenges for FPIs using Mauritius for investment. Even though international destinations like Singapore and Dubai are mature financial centers, many individuals looking to optimize their operational flexibility and financial efficiency will find GIFT City to be a more attractive alternative due to its cheaper costs.

SEBI makes investments easier for NRIs

In May 2024, it was announced that the Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (SEBI) will allow for higher investments from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian origin (PIOs) in FPIs based in GIFT City, thereby further boosting its appeal. The market regulator announced its decision to increase the exposure of passive funds to group firms and to let NRIs own 100 percent of global funds in the location. So far, the rules meant that the maximum combined holdings of NRIs and Overseas Citizen of India (OCIs) in a global fund had to be less than 50 percent and that of a single OCI or NRI was capped at 50 percent.

Under the new regulations, they would now be able to fully own global funds at GIFT City, provided they comply with specific documentation requirements, including submitting copies of their PAN cards and disclosing their economic interests in the FPI (see Circular issued by the IFSCA dated May 2, 2024 here).

Challenges  approvals process, clarity needed on treaty-linked benefits

SEZ authorities and the IFSCA require separate approvals for units in GIFT City. For firms, this dual clearance process may result in delays and duplication of the process. Financial experts in India recommend that the national government look into implementing a single approval method in order to reduce waiting times and remove process duplication. Further, policymakers have been urged to pay urgent attention to infrastructure challenges and talent shortages in the area.

Moreover, although GIFT City offers assured tax benefits backed by regulatory updates, there is a need for more clarity on certain tax implications for investors.

Following the amendment to Section 18A of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, after last years federal budget announcement, Offshore Derivative Investments (ODIs) issued in GIFT-IFSC by FPI investors are recognized as valid contracts. Initially, this privilege was extended to IFSC banking units registered with SEBI as FPIs. Now, as part of the second phase, IFSCA permits non-bank entities registered with SEBI as FPIs to issue derivative instruments with Indian securities as underlying assets in GIFT-IFSC (See Circular from the IFSCA dated May 2, 2024 here).

ODIs, also known as participatory notes (P-notes), offer significant confidentiality benefits, which are highly appealing to investors. When combined with the leverage allowed at GIFT City, ODIs can drive increased trading volume among GIFT-IFSC FPIs. This could attract investors who are considering rerouting their FPIs from Mauritius. However, if a DTAA amendment requires disclosure of investment purposes, P-notes still offer anonymity. Investors from Mauritius must decide whether to comply with the DTAA amendments disclosure requirements or take advantage of the confidentiality provided by P-notes. The process for tax gain disclosure under the DTAA amendment is yet to be clarified.

Key takeway

While GIFT-IFSC is still developing into a premier financial hub, it has sparked a broader call for increased innovation and advancement in Indias financial sector. It is steadily evolving into a prominent center for international finance and technology, offering significant benefits such as tax exemptions, regulatory ease, and strategic advantages for global businesses. Despite challenges like the need for greater clarity in tax agreements and a more streamlined approval process, GIFT Citys competitive incentives and growing infrastructure position it as an increasingly attractive alternative to established financial centers.
Photo courtesy: Representational image from Wallpaper Cave

Mumbai/IBNS: After touching new heights with 5G network infrastructure in India, Mukesh Ambani, the chairperson of Reliance Industries -- India's most valuable company with a market cap of more than Rs 1989000 crore, is now planning to take his giant-killer telecom playbook to Africa and other continents.

According to a report by the Economic Times, Ambani's Reliance is going to partner up with Anand Mahindra's Tech Mahindra and Finnish multinational telecommunications company Nokia to offer 4G and 5G network support in Ghana, the second-most populous country in West Africa.

As per the report, Reliances Jio Platforms Ltd-owned Radisys, along with Tech Mahindra and Nokia, are joining forces with Ghana-based Next-Gen Infrastructure Co. (NGIC), which has the Ghanaian government, Ascend Digital and K-Net as stakeholders.

NGIC is the first neutral 5G shared infrastructure provider in Africa, and after Ghana, it plans to offer 4G and 5G network support in other African countries, reports said.

NGIC will reportedly invest around Rs 1661 crore in the period of three years to scale up its 4G and 5G networks in Africa, and the investment will help mobile operators in the continent to get shared infrastructure resources which will help in optimising costs for local telco, according to reports.

Reliance-backed Radisys will offer NGIC its own 5G software stack as Jio Platforms Ltds 5G stack uses Open radio access network technology and gear for delivering 5G-based fixed wireless access (FWA) services in African markets starting with Ghana, as per reports.
Photo Courtesy: ICC website

New Delhi: Troubled ed-tech firm Byju's is looking into out-of-court settlements with two of its creditors, Teleperformance and Surfer Technologies, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) was informed on Tuesday, media reported.

Senior advocate Pramod Nair, representing Byju's, requested the tribunal to adjourn the insolvency pleas to the third week of June to facilitate settlement talks between Byjus and the two operational creditors. Consequently, the NCLT has postponed the cases to June 26, Moneycontrol reported.

Under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, there are two types of creditors: operational creditors, who provide goods and services to a business, and financial creditors, who lend money to the company.

Byju's has been attempting to settle with Teleperformance, a French firm, for over a month.

During the May 28 hearing, the company also expressed its intention to settle with Surfer.

Nair informed the tribunal that since the outstanding amounts were relatively small, Byju's was aiming to negotiate a settlement, the report said.

Byju's owes Surfer Technologies Rs. 2.3 crore for generating and passing leads, which were overseen and authorized by Byju's.

In an earlier hearing, the company confirmed that all debts to Surfer were admitted.

In April, the NCLT had directed Byju's to settle with Teleperformance, but no resolution was reached.

The tribunal cautioned both parties to settle soon, emphasizing that the matter could not be indefinitely prolonged. Byju's and Teleperformance had entered into a service agreement in April 2022.

Between March and August 2023, Teleperformance issued over 20 invoices amounting to more than Rs. 4 crore, which remain unpaid.

Teleperformance stated that Byju's agreed to a staggered payment plan: Rs. 1.5 crore in the first tranche, Rs. 2 crore in the second, and Rs. 2.2 crore in the final tranche.

The NCLT has adjourned all these pleas to June 26, with seven petitions currently pending against Byju's at the Bengaluru bench of NCLT.
Photo courtesy: Narendra Modi Facebook

Kolkata/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a roadshow for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Kolkata North candidate, Tapas Roy, in the northern part of the city on Tuesday for the Lok Sabha polls.

Modi will begin his campaign on Tuesday from Barasat where he is scheduled to a public meeting at 2:30 pm.

The Prime Minister will hold a public meeting in Jadavpur at 4 pm.

In the evening, Modi will hold a roadshow from Shyambazar to Simla Street.

The Prime Minister, who is the chief campaigner of the BJP, will begin the roadshow paying floral tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at 5:55 pm.

He will conclude the roadshow paying floral tributes to Swami Vivekananda at Vivekananda's House in Simla Street at 7 pm.

The BJP, which is aiming to improve their tally from 18 seats in this current elections, is betting on Trinamool Congress turncoat Tapas Roy, who joined the saffron camp just weeks before the elections were declared.

With Roy, a veteran politician, coming into the BJP fold, the BJP is trying to make a splash in the political landscape of Kolkata, which is heavily dominated by the TMC.

Ahead of Modi's roadshow, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said, "The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a rally. It is absolutely fine. Anyone can hold political programmes here. But it is not correct for him to hold the rally as the Prime Minister.

"He can call himself as the BJP leader but it is wrong to hold a political rally referring to himself as Prime Minister. I don't do that. I don't tag the Chief Minister prior to my name while holding such rallies."

In a counter, BJP national vice president and Bardhaman-Durgapur candidate, Dilip Ghosh, "We have taken a pledge to win Kolkata and adjoining seats. CPI-M ran the government by winning seats from the rural belt but has never been able to win Kolkata.

"We will win and change the picture of West Bengal."

Kolkata North will go to polls in the seventh and final phase of elections on June 1.
Photo courtesy: Narendra Modi Facebook

New Delhi/Kolkata/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has predicted that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to win the highest number of seats in West Bengal, throwing out a challenge to the powerful regional party Trinamool Congress (TMC), in the Lok Sabha elections.

In an interview with ANI, Modi said, "TMC party is fighting for survival in the Bengal elections. This time, the best-performing state in India is going to be West Bengal. BJP is getting maximum success in West Bengal."

"TMC party is fighting for its existence in the Bengal elections. In the last Assembly elections, we were 3 and the people of Bengal took us to 80 (seats), we got a huge majority in the last Lok Sabha elections. This time, the best-performing state in India is going to be West Bengal. BJP is getting maximum success in West Bengal," he added.

The Prime Minister said, "The election of West Bengal is one-sided, people are leading it and because of those people sitting in the government, TMC people are frustrated... BJP workers are being put in jails before the elections. Despite all these atrocities, more people are voting and the number of votes is also increasing."

Responding to the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel the OBC certificates issued by the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal after 2010, Modi said, "When the High Court's judgment came, it became clear that such a big fraud was taking place. But what is even more unfortunate is that for vote bank politics, now they are also abusing the judiciary...

"This situation cannot be acceptable under any circumstances."

Modi will hold a roadshow for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Kolkata North candidate, Tapas Roy, in the northern part of the city on Tuesday.

Modi will begin his campaign on Tuesday from Barasat where he is scheduled to a public meeting at 2:30 pm.

The Prime Minister will hold a public meeting in Jadavpur at 4 pm.

In the evening, Modi will hold a roadshow from Shyambazar to Simla Street.

The Prime Minister, who is the chief campaigner of the BJP, will begin the roadshow paying floral tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at 5:55 pm.

He will conclude the roadshow paying floral tributes to Swami Vivekananda at Vivekananda's House in Simla Street at 7 pm.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP had surprised the TMC winning 18 seats while the ruling party's tally fell from 34 to 22.
Photo Courtesy: Indian Embassy in Oman Facebook page

The Embassy of India Muscat, in association with the National Archives of India (NAI), has successfully conducted an initiative to archive 7,000 historical documents of the Indian diaspora living in Oman.

The Oman Collection  Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman - a special digitization and oral history project was conducted at the Embassy of India premises in Muscat from May 19-27, 2024 and saw enthusiastic participation of 32 prominent Indian families hailing from the state of Gujarat in India, whose presence in Oman spans several generations and dates back to 250 years.

"This was the first overseas project of the NAI for digitizing and archiving diaspora documents, marking an important step in preserving the history and heritage of the Indian community abroad," the Indian Embassy in Oman posted in a statement.

Indian Community in Oman

Oman is home to nearly 700,000 Indians.

India and the Sultanate of Oman share a rich tapestry of historical and cultural connections that go back 5000 years.

In recent times, several merchant families mainly from Mandvi, Surat and other parts of Gujarat have been resident in Sur, Muttrah and Muscat since the late 18th century CE.

"They are an integral part of the Omani society, many having become Omani citizens, but also maintain strong ties with their motherland India," the statement said.

Record number of documents digitized

Over 7000 documents in English, Arabic, Gujarati, and Hindi languages from the private collections of the old Indian merchant families were scanned and digitized under this project.

The oldest digitized document dates back to 1838, while a large majority date from late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The wide variety of documents digitized include personal diaries, account books, ledgers, telegrams, trade invoices, passports, citations, letters & correspondences, photographs etc that shed a fascinating light into the lives and contributions of the Indian community in the Sultanate of Oman.

These documents collectively constitute a vivid narration of the history of the Indian community in Oman, including their cultural practices, social activities, trade and commerce, as well as their contributions to and integration into Omani society, and the preservation of Indian traditions abroad.

The digitized documents will be archived and uploaded on Abhilekh Patal, the digital portal of the NAI, making these documents available to researchers and the wider public.
Photo Courtesy: India in Maldives X page

Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Munu Mahawar and Ahmed Naseer, Ambassador at Large, Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently participated in a review meeting between the two nations.

During the meeting, the officials took stock of Indian grant-funded high-impact community development projects in Maldives.

The Indian embassy in Maldives posted on X: "Review meeting co-chaired by HE Ahmed Naseer, Amb-at-large @MoFAmv and @AmbMunu to take stock of Indian grant-funded high impact community development projects #HICDP."

"India is supporting implementation of 65 community development projects worth MVR 360 million in Maldives," the X post said.

India-Maldives diplomatic row

Diplomatic tensions reached a flashpoint in recent times between the two countries over remarks made by some Maldives ministers against Indian PM Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, to promote the Indian Union Territory having the potential to compete with tourism major Maldives.

Pro-China Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's Peoples National Congress (PNC) took control of the Parliament by winning the election clinching over 60 of the total 93 seats, highlighting the Island Nation's further tilt towards India's hostile rival China.

The Maldives, which comprises some 1,192 tiny coral islands scattered across 800 kilometres (500 miles) on the equator, is considered as one of the top beach destinations in the world.

Apart from its scenic beauty, the country is known for its luxury hotels and water villas.

The pro-China Maldivian President faced massive domestic criticism for his anti-India stance as the main opposition parties of the country, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, slammed Muizzu for distancing from India, the island nation's "most long-standing ally" and source of tourists.

Besides expressing concern over the new foreign policy of Muizzu-led government in Maldives, the opposition parties took to the street in January in protest.
Videograb of PM Modi's interview/ courtesy: YouTube

New Delhi/IBNS: Ahead of the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in securing a thumping majority for a third term, asserted his commitment to returning the money "looted" from Bengal and emphasised his stance against reservation based on religion.

In an interview with ABP Ananda, PM Modi said: "I will return the money looted from Bengal. There is an official rate card in Bengal for teacher recruitment through corruption. They are scientifically doing this."

"I am discussing this with the legal department to find a route to return the money to the poor and will implement it in July. There is a scam of Rs.3000 crore. This is people's money and it will be returned to the people."

Reflecting on the anti-corruption efforts of his government, PM Modi stated, "Irrespective of any political party and ideology, small fish got caught while big sharks escaped earlier."

He expressed surprise at being questioned about targeting the big fish, emphasising that the public should applaud the efforts of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for their work.

Highlighting the scale of corruption unearthed during his tenure, PM Modi remarked, "Mountains of currency notes are being displayed in front of the camera, how can we deny it?"

Asserting his commitment to accountability and justice, he declared: "Now the country is watching. You cannot deny that wrong has been done. Big names are behind bars... whether I know or not, those who have committed sins will face consequences."

He revealed that from 2004 to 2014, the ED seized Rs 34 lakh, while from 2014 to 2024, Rs 2,200 crore had been seized. PM Modi underscored the significance of these revelations and urged the public not to turn a blind eye to corruption.

While the elections were the primary focus, PM Modi also discussed his management style, his team, and the Opposition.

On being asked about the Calcutta High Court cancelling all Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates issued in West Bengal after 2010 and Mamata Banerjee denying to accept the order, PM Modi said: "I think this is an insult to the court to say that it is BJP's verdict. I am not against minorities but I follow the Constitution which states there should not be any reservation based on religion."

"I believe reservation should be based on needs otherwise it would be an insult to the Constitution. I fought for the 10 pct reservation for the poor, who do not avail of any other scheme. I don't believe in dividing the country based on religion. Why should we create a divide based on religion just for vote bank politics? We are not opposed to Muslims, Christians or any other minorities," the prime minister said.

This comes after the Calcutta High Court termed the OBC list prepared after 2010 'illegal'.

In Images: PM Modis roadshow in Kolkata

PM Modi also expressed his views on Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's attacks on Kartik Maharaj, a monk in the charitable organisation Bharat Sevashram Sangha, whom she accused of acting against the ruling TMC during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

"This is democracy and everyone is entitled to their opinions. Everyone from every section of the society can express their viewpoints. Elections are platforms for the exchange of views and opinions," he said.

In protest against Mamata Banerjee's remarks slamming Kartik Maharaj, several sadhus hit the streets of Kolkata last Friday. The monks were seen chanting slogans to remove Mamata as the chief minister of the state. Kartik Maharaj also walked in the protest rally.

The last phase of Lok Sabha elections will be held on June 1 and counting of votes will be done on June 4.
In image PM Modi's roadshow in north Kolkata| courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Kolkata/IBNS: In an attempt to clinch more Lok Sabha seats for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mamata Banerjee's fortress West Bengal, Prime Minister Mamata Banerjee led a colourful roadshow in the heart of north Kolkata.

Despite two back to back rallies in Barasat and Jadavpur in Kolkata, bracing a humid day, Modi held the roadshow from Shyambazar to Simla Street in the evening flanked by Bengal BJP leaders Suvendu Adhikari, Sukanta Majumdar, and North Kolkata party candidate Tapas Roy who switched to the saffron outfit from the ruling Trinamool Congress.

The PM, who is also the star campaigner of the BJP, began his roadshow paying floral tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He concluded it by paying floral tributes to Swami Vivekananda at Vivekananda's House on Simla Street.

Kolkata... You've won me over! Today's roadshow will be etched in my memory forever. https://t.co/nZUt6nAfs0  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2024

He participated in the roadshow standing atop a decorated vehicle adorned with flowers, BJP's poll symbol, and images of his face, reflecting saffron hues overall.

Photo courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Hundreds of people gathered on both sides of the Bidhan Sarani with supporters waving BJP flags and greeting the Prime Minister as the convoy made its way amidst the bustling crowd.

Chants of Jai Shri Ram and Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar could be heard with non-stop clicking of images as the vehicle passed.

Barricades were put up across the entire stretch of the PMs roadshow along with a large contingent of police personnel.

Houses along the route were brightly lit and decorated with flowers, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Even conch shells were blown and hymns were chanted to leave no stone unturned for the massive show of strength.

Photo courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Ahead of the roadshow, Modi also visited the Maa Sarada's residence at Bagbazar and paid homage to her.

The BJP, which is aiming to improve its tally from 18 seats in this current election, is betting on Trinamool Congress turncoat Tapas Roy, who joined the saffron camp just weeks before the elections were declared.

In Images: PM Modis roadshow in Kolkata

To make further inroads in the state, Modi led a whole day of campaign and addressed rallies in Barasat and Jadavpur before the grand roadshow.

He attacked Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in his rallies vowing to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) with peoples support despite the opposition from the CM.

CAA is a law to grant citizenship and not to snatch away the citizenship of anyone. TMC is spreading disinformation about it to pursue its votebank politics, he said at the rallies.

As a counter to Modi's campaign, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held two road shows in support of Trinamool Congress candidates in Dum Dum and the two Kolkata seats earlier in the day.

She campaigned at the areas covering on foot nearly nine kilometres on a sultry afternoon.

The last phase of Lok Sabha elections will be held on June 1 and counting of votes will be done on June 4.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Fahadh Faasil

In a revelation, actor Fahadh Faasil has said he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the age of 41, media reports said.

At the Peace Valley Children's Village Event, Fahadh said he spoke to a doctor about ADHD while taking a stroll at the village.

Fahadh said he had asked the doctor whether ADHD is curable.

"He told me it can be easily cured if it is diagnosed at a young age. I asked whether it can be cured if it is diagnosed at the age of 41. I am clinically ADHD diagnosed," he said as quoted by NDTV.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a chronic condition which includes attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

It begins in childhood and may linger into adulthood.

In short, the disease interferes with the brain's capacity to control attention, impulse and behaviour.

Fahadh Faasil's success with Aavesham

Fahadh's Aavesham, which was released in theatres on April 11, has earned critical acclaim from the audience.

The action comedy is directed by Jithu Madhavan.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) urgently calls on the U.S. Senate to pass the Uyghur Policy Act (S. 1252) without delay.

"This crucial legislation must align with the House version (H.R. 2766) introduced by Representative Young Kim and passed on February 15, 2024, to establish a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues within the State Department," ETGE said in a statement.

The East Turkistani people have been advocating for such a position since 1997, seeking parity with Tibet in U.S. policy.

On February 20, 2024, the ETGE, leading a coalition of 60 East Turkistani and Uyghur organizations from across the diaspora, submitted a joint letter to Congress urging it to recognize East Turkistan as an occupied country enduring Chinese colonization and calling for the swift passage of the Uyghur Policy Act.

We urge the U.S. Senate to act swiftly and decisively. The Uyghur Policy Act is not just a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for millions suffering under Chinas brutal occupation in East Turkistan, stated Salih Hudayar, ETGE Minister for Foreign Affairs and Security.

The recent passage of the Resolve Tibet Act by the U.S. Senate has brought hope to both Tibetans and East Turkistanis. However, there remains a clear inconsistency in U.S. policy between its stance on East Turkistan and Tibet.

In addition to the passage of the Uyghur Policy Act, the ETGE calls on Congress to swiftly introduce and pass a Resolve East Turkistan Act, similar to the Resolve Tibet Act. Such legislation would reinforce the U.S. commitment to addressing the root causes of the humanitarian crisis in East Turkistan and support the East Turkistani peoples pursuit of justice and external self-determination.

The ETGE is also calling on the U.S. government to counter disinformation about East Turkistan propagated by the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party. This includes correcting historical narratives and using the native name East Turkistan instead of the Chinese colonial term Xinjiang (New Territory or Colony).

The urgency of addressing the root cause of the ongoing genocide in East Turkistan cannot be overstated. Chinese colonization and occupation are at the heart of this crisis. The ETGE urges Congress to introduce and adopt a resolution recognizing East Turkistans status as an occupied country, similar to U.S. policy regarding Tibet.

The U.S. Congress has a historic opportunity to lead the international community in standing up for justice, human rights, and self-determination. By passing the Uyghur Policy Act and recognizing East Turkistans plight, they can help end the ongoing genocide and support our quest for freedom and self-determination in line with the existing U.S. policies like the Captive Nations Law, said Dr. Mamtimin Ala, President of the East Turkistan Government in Exile.

The East Turkistan Government in Exile remains committed to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the East Turkistani people and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their plight addressed on the global stage.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

Hundreds of people are participating in a protest march to demonstrate against the closure of a crossing point between Pakistan and Iran in Mashkel area of Rakhshan division in Balochistan.

The protesters, including traders, had been staging a sit-in for the last one month in the border town Mashkel demanding the opening of Pak-Iran Maza Sar border crossing used by local people for buying food items and other essential commodities, reported Dawn News.

The closure has led to a shortage of food and other daily commodities in the region.

Local traders said the closure has also impacted their border trade.

The participants of the long march expressed their gratitude to the people of Yakmach and were quoted as saying by Dawn News, We are grateful to the people of Yakmach for their humanitarian gesture and for standing with us during this difficult time.

The people of Yakmach have expressed full support to the demonstrators.
After watching Panchayat 3, do you wonder if it could have real-life aspects? Well, we don't know about other facts, but things about Phulera village can be accessed. Here's all about the real and fictional worlds of Phulera, the village made famous by the hit series Panchayat. Find out where its filmed and whats in store for Season 3. Fans are buzzing with excitement for Panchayat Season 3, making the fictional village of Phulera an internet sensation. But did you know Phulera is a real place? Lets uncover the facts about both the real and fictional Phulera.

Is Phulera Village In Panchayat Real? Where Is It?

Still From Panchayat/X

There is a real Phulera located in Rajasthans Jaipur district. Its near Jaipur, the state capital, and is an important railway junction. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project runs through Phulera, highlighting its significance. It is also an assembly constituency within the Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency. However, this real Phulera is not the one shown in the popular series Panchayat.



In Panchayat, Phulera is depicted as a charming village full of relatable characters. The actual filming location for this fictional village is Mahodiya, a village in Madhya Pradesh. The authentic setting in Mahodiya adds to the shows appeal, although the cast has to commute daily from the nearest town due to a lack of accommodations in the village.

Poster Of Panchayat 3/X

The series Panchayat has won viewers' hearts with its realistic portrayal of rural Indian life and the endearing struggles of its characters.

People are already loving Season 3, which premiered on May 28. Fans before the release were particularly curious about the future of Abhishek Tripathi, the kind village secretary (sachiv) played by Jitendra Kumar. Earlier, rumours suggested that Abhishek might be moving to another village for a new job, sparking much speculation about his replacement.

While the village in Panchayat is fictional, it is filmed in the real village of Mahodiya in Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, the real Phulera in Rajasthan remains an important locality. As fans stream the new season, the blend of fiction and reality adds an extra layer of intrigue to this beloved series.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Amul posted a cute doodle to commemorate Anasuya Sengupta's historic win at Cannes 2024. Sengupta is the first Indian to receive a 'Best Actress' award at the famous film festival. Sengupta and the famous Amul girl appeared in a relevant advertisement made by Amul. Both are shown holding slices of buttered bread, with Anasuya also holding a scroll commemorating her Cannes award.

What doodle did Amul make to honour Anasuya Sengupta?

The words "Cannesuya Sengupta" are brilliantly placed at the top | Image: X

The words "Cannesuya Sengupta" are brilliantly placed at the top, while the phrase "Amul. Indulge Shamelessly" appears near the bottom, making a cheeky reference to her film's title.



"#Amul Topical: Celebrating first Indian actor to win Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival!" the caption accompanies the post.

Which movie did Anasuya Sengupta win the award for?

Anasuya Sengupta was seen in The Shameless| Image: X

The Shameless, written and directed by Bulgarian filmmaker Constantin Bojanov, has brought Anasuya Sengupta to the spotlight. Her achievement is being lauded throughout India as a source of national pride.



Many Bollywood stars and celebs have flocked to social media to congratulate her on her great achievement.

How did people on the internet react?

Sengupta's accomplishment at Cannes not only showcases her great talent, but it also represents a proud moment for Indian cinema on the global stage. She received the prize in the "Un Certain Regard" category for her major part in the film "The Shameless."

Anand Mahindra, an industrialist, also congratulated Sengupta on her win. Check it out here.

Image: X Screengrab

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.



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Calling in ill appears to be a part of human history, as one of the finest excuses ever heard was uncovered in Egypt's Pyramids, of all places. The unusual argument was discovered on a tablet from an ancient construction, and hearing it will make you realize how far we've come in making up excuses for illness.

Where is the tablet now?

The tablet, which is now in the British Museum's ownership | Image: The British Museum

The tablet, which is now in the British Museum's ownership, does provide insight into labour conditions in ancient Egypt, as well as information about those who built the pyramids itself.



Also read: Liquid Gold! Researchers Unearth 5,000-Year-Old Wine While Exploring Egyptian Queen's Tomb

When was the tablet discovered?

The limestone ostracon dates back to 1250 BCE | Image: Canva

The limestone ostracon, which dates back to 1250 BCE, outlines a variety of reasons why labourers have been unable to come to work. The tablet was discovered alongside other artefacts at the tomb builder's town of Deir el-Medina, located on the west bank of the Nile.



The date on the tablet is 'month four of Winter, day 24', as there were a number of unexpected explanations given that no one would have imagined.

What excuses did the people make?

A number of people had to leave work because they were 'brewing beer' | Image: Canva

To begin, a worker named Pennub informed us that his mother was ill - very regular stuff, nothing out of the ordinary. Serba came in second and claimed to have been bitten by a scorpion. Ouch. It makes you wonder how many animal-related excuses there could have been.



But here's the most absurd excuse you'll ever see. It turns out that a number of people had to leave work because they were 'brewing beer', and it may be the nicest email I've ever seen someone send to their supervisor.

Also read: Opening Ancient Egyptian Tomb Leaves Archaeologist Coughing Up Blood And Hallucinating

With a closer look, it's worth noticing that beer was important to workers at the time, nearly like food.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

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Almost a year after the Titan sub implosion, an Ohio real estate investor plans to demonstrate that the mission can be completed safely by sending a two-person submersible down to Titanic-level depth. According to the New York Post, billionaire Larry Connor and Triton Submarines co-founder Patrick Lahey plan to go more than 12,400 feet to the Titanic shipwreck site in the submersible.

Who is going back to the Titanic ruins?

Larry Connor and Triton Submarines co-founder Patrick Lahey plan to go more than 12,400 feet | Image: LinkedIn

Larry Connor, an investor, stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, "I want to show people worldwide that while the ocean is extremely powerful, it can be wonderful and enjoyable and really kind of life-changing if you go about it the right way."



Also read: Titanic II: This Billionaire Wants To Bring Titanic Back, Plans To Sail In 2027

Triton Submarines co-founder Patrick Lahey told the Wall Street Journal that Mr Connor approached him a few days after the Titan sub collapse and said he needed to design a sub that could dive safely.

When is the voyage taking place?

The real estate investor has not provided a precise date or schedule | Image: X

"You know, what we need to do is build a sub that can dive to (Titanic-level depths) repeatedly and safely and demonstrate to the world that you guys can do that, and that Titan was a contraption," Lahey said of the billionaire. However, the real estate investor has not provided a precise date or schedule.



Lahey was one of many industry opponents who blasted OceanGate before and after the disaster, accusing it of poor safety standards. Following the implosion, he described OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush's recruiting tactics as "quite predatory."

How were passengers allowed to explore the depths of the ocean?

Previous travellers reported errors, unsatisfactory travel, and a sense of insecurity | Image: X

According to Business Insider, Titan passengers were required to sign a release three times that classed the ship as "experimental" and detailed several scenarios in which they could perish.



Also read: Timeline of Events: The Titan Lost in a Dive to Titanic Wreckage

Previous travellers reported errors, unsatisfactory travel, and a sense of insecurity.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

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The Porsche Incident has shook Pune to the core. So much so that it has left a profound impact on the city that was known for its bustling parties and fancy brunches. Pune pubs and clubs have become deserted ever since a drunk 17-year-old crashed his car into a two-wheeler leaving two techies dead.



A widespread online uproar prompted many to question how the underage individual obtained alcohol, especially considering the legal drinking age is 25. Consequently, this incident has resulted in clubs and pubs experiencing a decline in business, even during weekends.

things2do

Entrepreneur Shares Clips Of Deserted Pubs And Clubs, Says Even 40-50 Year Olds Have To Show Their IDs Now

Entrepreneur and fitness influencer Chirag Barjatya, based in Pune, posted a video showing several pubs in the city appearing deserted following the Porsche incident. Barjatya noted that the usual clientele of these venues, consisting of high school and college students, are now being denied entry.

Pune clubs are empty. The crowd that used to party the most (high school kids and college kids) are not even being allowed to enter. They have stopped serving alcohol in the clubs except near the bar area. Even 40-50 years old people are being asked to show IDs for entry.  Chirag Barjatya (@chiragbarjatyaa) May 27, 2024

Pune clubs are empty. The crowd that used to party the most (high school kids and college kids) are not even being allowed to enter. They have stopped serving alcohol in the clubs except near the bar area. Even 40-50 years old people are being asked to show IDs for entry, Barjatya, founder of PFC Club, wrote on X.

Barjatya shared two videos depicting deserted pubs, emphasizing that gaining entry to these establishments was previously a challenge.

Also Read: Thirsty Times Ahead! Bengaluru Braces For Beer Shortage, Pubs Consider Ending Weekend Offers

Many Believe It's Just A Matter Of A Few Days As Things Will Go Back To Normal In No Time

x

Numerous individuals in the comments section corroborated that Pune pubs have heightened their scrutiny regarding entry. Multiple comments mentioned that a renowned club in the city is now refusing entry to individuals under the age of 25. While many expressed satisfaction with this change, some remained cynical, suggesting that the situation would likely revert to its previous state after a few weeks.



"Will be back to business as usual once the public glare and memory moves away from Porsche case," wrote one user.



"That is what I was thinking yesterday . Vibrant Pune night life is going to get screwed for a long time . This will lead to the mushrooming of illegal party places on the outskirts," wrote another user.
Irfan Razack's Net Worth: Stories of going from rags to riches are incredibly inspiring as they show the journey from hardship to incredible success. One such story is that of Irfan Razack, who is the chairman and managing director of Prestige Estates Projects and is one of Indias wealthiest people.

Irfan Razack, the chairman and managing director of Prestige Estates Projects, started from humble beginnings and has become one of Indias wealthiest individuals. His father, Razack Sattar, founded the Prestige Group, beginning with a small fabric and tailoring shop in Bengaluru in 1950.



Irfan Razack's Net Worth

The Success of Prestige Estates Projects

Under Razacks leadership, Prestige Estates Projects has become a significant player in the Indian real estate sector. The company has completed 285 projects and has 54 ongoing projects covering an impressive 75 million square feet across residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality segments.

Irfan Razack and his family's wealth surpassed $1 billion, driven by a 60% increase in shares of Prestige Estates Projects. The company is now Indias largest listed property firm after DLF. Notable tenants in Prestige properties include global brands like Apple, Caterpillar, Armani, and Louis Vuitton.

Despite initial plans for retirement after selling his second real estate project in Bengaluru in 1990, Razacks passion for creativity and entrepreneurship kept him building Prestige estate projects. He credits his success to careful planning and a clear vision for the companys growth.

Prestige Estates Projects has expanded beyond Bengaluru to cities like Chennai, Kochi, Calicut, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. With a focus on middle-class buyers, the company aims to quadruple its annual sales by 2019, showing Razacks commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

READ ALSO: The ISRO Scientist Who Quit His Dream Job To Start a Rs 2 Crore Revenue Taxi Business

Family Legacy and Involvement

Razacks brothers, Rezwan and Noaman, are also integral to the family business's success. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in the Razack family, with their fabric and tailoring shop still operating alongside Prestige Estates Projects real estate ventures.

Outside of business, Razack enjoys adventure sports, reflecting his adventurous spirit. His journey from a small clothing shop to leading a billion-dollar real estate empire showcases the power of vision, hard work, and determination.

READ ALSO: Inspiring Tale Of A Single Mother Who Turned Rs 2 Lakh Into An Rs 8,300 Crore Empire

Irfan Razack's Net Worth

As of 2024, Irfan Razacks net worth stands at an impressive $1.3 billion, solidifying his status as one of Indias most influential and successful entrepreneurs. With Prestige Estates Projects poised for further growth and innovation, Razacks legacy continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.

READ ALSO: Mukesh Ambani's Rs 592 Crore UK Hotel



For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here


The battle of the AI is on. With big tech companies trying to take the lead in this interesting race, Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella recently shared an interesting anecdote at the companys annual developer conference, Build 2024.



While talking about the impressive advancements in artificial intelligence, he revealed how an Indian farmer benefited from technology.

He told the story, laying the groundwork for significant revelations, including advancements in services such as Azure and Copilot, along with breakthroughs from Microsoft-supported entities like OpenAI.

Also Read: Tech Showdown? Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Aims To Reignite 'Windows vs. Mac' Battle In AI

How An Indian Farmer Used GPT-3.5

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Nadella said, In January 2023, I met a rural Indian farmer who used GPT-3.5, in his own voice, to understand government farm subsidies hed heard about on television. It was a powerful moment for me. It illustrated the incredible impact of a cutting-edge model developed on the West Coast of the United States, now being used to directly improve the life of a rural farmer in India.



He also narrated this incident during the World Economic Forums annual meeting at Davos.

As per Nadella, the farmer was trying to access some government programme.

He expressed a complex need in one of the local languages. This got translated and interpreted by a bot and a response came back saying go to a portal and here is how you will access the programme, the Microsoft CEO revealed.

Initially, the farmer was reluctant to utilize the program and requested the bot to carry out the task on his behalf.

"And, it completed it and the reason why it was able to complete it was that the developer building it had taken GPT [General Purpose Technology] and trained it over all of the government of India documents and then scaffolded it with the speech recognition software," Nadella added.

Also Read: Chennai-Born Techie Shares Valuable Lessons From Working With Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg & Satya Nadella

Details Of Microsofts AI Update GPT-4.o

microsoft

At Build 2024, Microsoft unveiled significant advancements in AI technology, including the accessibility of OpenAI's latest model, GPT-4o, to developers. Additionally, they introduced a new Small Language Model (SLM) called Phi-3-vision, capable of image recognition, to be available on Azure AI Studio. Microsoft also introduced powerful virtual machines optimized for AI workloads, becoming the first cloud provider to integrate AMD's MI300X AI accelerator chip into the Azure ND MI300X v5 virtual machine series. These developments aim to empower developers to push the boundaries of AI with enhanced capabilities and efficiency.
Rally In San Jose : No To Fascist Javier Melei & His Union Busters, Privatizers & Gangsters Around The WorldWhat: Protest Against Argentina Fascist President Javier Melei In San Jose At Bay Area Council ConferenceWhere: Thursday May 30, 2924 3:00 PMWhere: Montgomery Theater271 South Market St.San JoseThe corporate controlled Bay Area Council is having a 2024 Pacific Summit in San Jose and they have invited an open fascist, union buster and privatizer Argentina president Javier Melei.Melei came to office threatening to destroy all unions in Argentina and eliminate democratic rights. He pushed a bill that would prevent more than 3 people from meeting without government permission and has taken action to shutdown all public education and privatize all public services and transportation. A big backer of his is Elon Musk who himself is one of the biggest union busting tech billionaires in the world. Minutes after it became clear that Javier Milei had been elected president of South Americas second-largest nation in November, Elon Musk posted on X: Prosperity is ahead for Argentina.Musk, who like Trump, is an open racist. Musk has terrorized Black workers at his Fremont Tesla plant, fired 700 workers there who were trying to join the UAW and has committed workers comp fraud to avoid liability to injured workers.He welcomed the election of Melei and was offered a deal for Argentinas lithium by Melei. Melei is also following the dictates of the US controlled IMF and world bank which is pushing to make Argentina pay its debt by mass starvation and deprivation. Over 50% of the people in rich Argentina live in poverty and Melie has shutdown food kitchens for the millions of poor people in Argentina and attacked Polo Obrero and the Workers Party accusing them of corruption. Melei is also working with Trump and other techno fascists around the world to build a world fascist front.Like Trump he accuses liberal and social democrats of being communists and socialists. He was a keynote speaker of the fascist Vox party in Spain last week and also met with Meloni and Netanyahu in Israel where he fully backed the US supported genocide against the Palestinians.Millions of Argentinian workers have had several national labor strikes against Melei and he has refused to pay teachers and other public workers who went on strike in one province and were faced with national police called in by Melie. He is spending more time shuttling around the world while his own country is exploding.It is time to shut down this fascist union busting tin pot dictator and put him in the dump heap with the rest of his fascist pals.His invitation by the Bay Area Council shows that they as well are welcoming these same reactionary policies in the US. They support privatization and deregulation and are propagandists for the billionaires in the tech industry.These same multi-billionaires are introducing AI to eliminate 300 million jobs and also using their control of AI and tech to support a fascist state in the US. Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Larry Ellison, Sam Altman, venture capitalist Marc Andreesse, David Sachs, Andreessen Horowitz and Shaun Maguire are now backing Trump who has said he wants to set up a police state and allow the capitalists even greater control of the government and state.Working people need their own political party that has a program for workers and not the billionaires. We also need a united front against fascism which is growing in the US and internationally.Join The Picket & Rally Against Melei and His Fascist Attacks, Union Busting and Moves for DictatorshipNO To Fascist Melie, Stop Union Busting, Privatization and The War on Workers in Argentina, No To The Genocide In Gazaand the rise of fascism globally.Initiated byUnited Front Committee For A Labor Party UFCLP.orgEndorsed by United Public Workers For Action http://www.upwa For information:
Greek authorities are confronting a significant surge in domestic violence cases, with the Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrisochoidis, revealing that arrests related to such incidents have reached 1,000 in May alone.



Speaking to local radio Skai, Mr. Chrisochoidis highlighted a worrying 60% increase in domestic violence complaints over the past year. He emphasised the growing willingness of victims to come forward.

More

individuals are now speaking up, and women , in particular, are reporting the abuse they have endured.

The minister underscored the governments commitment to safeguarding victims, saying that secure accommodations are available, known only to the victims, providing a safe haven when needed. He also noted the widespread installation of panic buttons as a measure to enhance victim support, resulting in a substantial number of new complaints each week.



Addressing the recent attack on environmental volunteers in Parnitha, Mr. Chrisochoidis said authorities were close to apprehending the culprits, ensuring that they will face justice.



Additionally, Mr. Chrisochoidis announced additional financial assistance for frontline police officers, a measure due to take force in June. This initiative aims to support first responders who are often the initial point of contact in managing incidents.



In a move to increase transparency and accountability within the police force, the minister also disclosed an ongoing tender for 4,000 body cameras to be equipped by officers on duty.

   iefimerida.gr
BRUSSELS (ANA-MPA/M. Aroni) - The initiative of the Prime Ministers of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Poland, Donald Tusk, on the creation of a European anti-missile dome was discussed at the EU's Foreign Affairs Council in its defence configuration on Tuesday, chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

During a press conference afterwards, Borrell said that the initiative sounds 'entirely logical' for the protection of the entire European airspace, but is a technically complicated issue. Such a decision lies with ministers of defense, he said, while the issue should also be examined from the aspect of EU's budget, which cannot fund armaments. In addition, an anti-missile system must be planned, decided, and managed by the army, not by EU staff.

   iefimerida.gr
Former Bank of Greece governor George Provopoulos died of cancer on Tuesday. He was 74.

Provopoulos had long-term experience in the banking sector as well as in academia, having served as associate professor at the University of Athens' Economics Department (1979-2007).

As Greece's central

banker (2008-2014) and member of the European Central Bank's board of governors, he handled the overhaul of the Greek banking system through a deep economic crisis. During the same time , he was IMF Alternate Director for Greece and member of the Bank for International Settlements.

Provopoulos had served as vice-president of Piraeus Bank (2006-2008), president and CEO of Commercial Bank (2004-2006), which he led successfully through privatization, and member of Alpha Bank's Executive Committee (1994-2004).

He was general manager of the Foundation for Economic & Industrial Research (IOBE, 1993-1997), Deputy Governor of the Bank of Greece (1990-1993), and president of the Council of Economic Advisers at the Economy & Finance Ministry (1989-1990).

He held a doctorate in economics from the University of Essex, and a bachelor in economics from the University of Athens.

   iefimerida.gr
With a fleet exceeding 5,500 vessels, Greek shipowners now control over 20 percent of the global shipping capacity, solidifying the country as the worlds leading maritime power.



The annual report released by the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) indicates that Greek interests command over 60 percent of shipping

under European Union control, contributing significantly to the EUs economic security and climate goals

The Greek-owned fleet is not only expanding and modernising but also stands as the largest fleet capable of using alternative fuels globally, thanks to its energy efficiency and cutting-edge environmental technology.



Greek shipping continues to innovate, evolve, invest, and lead with honor and commitment to our maritime tradition, Melina Travlou, president of the Greek Shipowners Union. Greek commercial vessels count 5,543 ships, rising by 53.5 percent in capacity over the last decade.



Moreover, the Greek-owned fleet is the worlds largest cross-trader, handling cargoes between third countries, accounting for over 98 percent of its capacity. This characteristic, the study notes, along with overall transport capability, renders the Greek fleet indispensable for global trade.



Recent data show approximately 4,700 tanker companies averaging 3.6 vessels each and nearly 2,500 dry bulk carriers with an average of 5 vessels under their control.



Currently, Greek ship orders total 384, with a combined capacity of 34 million dwt, marking a significant rise compared to previous years. Compared to 2023, the 2024 order book has increased by 60 percent in number and 79 percent in capacity, and when compared to 2021, the figures have almost quadrupled in number and more than doubled in capacity.

   iefimerida.gr
Greeces Data Protection Authority (PDPA) has levied substantial fines on the Ministry of Interior and New Democracy MEP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou for breaches of data protection laws.



The Ministry faces a 400,000 euros penalty, while Ms. Asimakopoulou has been fined 40,000 euros.



The

action follows allegations from Greeks living abroad, who accused Ms. Asimakopoulou, in March, of sending unsolicited emails prior to the European Parliament elections scheduled for June. The case quickly gained the name email-gate.

Despite Ms. Asimakopoulous denial of any wrongdoing and inconsistent accounts regarding the email addresses origins, the PDPA discovered that a list of approximately 25,000 voters was improperly disclosed.



The ministry, which is responsible for managing this data, reportedly had no legal basis to share the information outside its domain.



The breach, identified between June 8 and 23, 2023, involved the transfer of the voter email list to Nikos Theodoropoulos, then Secretary for Diaspora Affairs of New Democracy, by an unidentified source. Mr. Theodoropoulos subsequently forwarded the list to Ms. Asimakopoulou on January 20, 2024, who used it for mass campaign communications.



An investigation at the Ministry of Interior revealed significant deficiencies in data protection procedures and policies, investigative flaws, and inaccuracies in record-keeping related to the incident.



The PDPA criticized Ms. Asimakopoulous collection and use of personal voter data, including emails, for political purposes, citing it as a violation of the principles of legality, objectivity, and transparency, as well as electoral legislation.



While the PDPA has deferred its decision on Mr. Theodoropoulos and New Democracy pending further investigation, the Ministry of Interior has expressed its intent to thoroughly review the committees findings before determining any further legal steps.



In the wake of the data leaks exposure in March, Michalis Stavrianoudakis, the general secretary of the Interior Ministry, resigned; Mr. Theodoropoulos was removed from his position by New Democracy; and Ms. Asimakopoulou declared her withdrawal from the upcoming European Parliament elections. The case continues to unfold as a separate prosecutorial investigation is underway.

   iefimerida.gr
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be interviewed by journalists George Kakousis and Anna Livathinou on the Action24 TV station at 09:00 on Wednesday.

At 10:05, the Prime Minister will speak at the Hellenic Capital Market Commission's conference themed "Climate in the Center of Economy,"

held at the Grand Hyatt

Emir of Qatar

At 11:30, Mitsotakis will meet with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Maximos Mansion.

It will be the emir's first visit to Greece, and follows Mitsotakis' visit to Doha in February during which Qatar had expressed its interest in boosting collaboration with Greece in the economic and investments fields. The meeting at Maximos Mansion is expected to also include discussion on collaboration in energy, tourism, and defense, government sources said. Other topics will include discussion on the Middle East and Gaza, and on EU-Qatar relations.

The emir will be accompanied by a delegation of ministers and the CEO of Qatar Investment Authority, among others, while extended talks will be held with the Greek delegation, which will include several ministers.

   iefimerida.gr
Ahead of May 29th, former president, Muhammadu Buhari, congratulated Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his first year in office.

Recall that Tinubu succeeded Buhari as Nigerias president in the February 25, 2023 general elections.

The former Lagos states governor was sworn in on May 29, 2023, alongside his vice, Kashim Shettima.

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In a statement signed by Buharis spokesperson, Garba Shehu highlighted the significance of this milestone and the importance of unity and support from all Nigerians.

Buhari called for collective effort, said that it is very crucial for the success of the current administration.

The statement reads: Former President Muhammadu Buhari extends his best wishes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the completion of his first year in office.

READ MORE: Economic Hardship: We Wont Blame Buhari For Our Failures  Shettima

The former president appealed to all citizens to continue to strengthen the thread of national unity and goodwill.

He also appealed to them to give their blessings and support to the Tinubu administration so that it can succeed in its efforts to build a Nigeria of our dreams.

President Buhari expressed his wish for a successful tenure in office by the Tinubu administration.


Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Abdul-Aziz Sule, on Monday, expressed how tasking and demanding his job is.

According to him, he cannot recall the last time he had a restful sleep.

During a meeting with representatives from Civil Society Organizations, including the Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development and Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance, Sule addressed various operational issues concerning the TCN.

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Responding to inquiries regarding power supply to Niger Republic compared to Nigeria, Sule explained that while Nigeria supplies electricity to its neighbour, it does so because Nigers construction of a dam could potentially disrupt Nigerias water supply from the River Niger, which feeds into the Kainji Dam.

To this end, Nigeria provides electricity to Niger in exchange for maintaining access to water from the River Niger.

He said: TCN is a government company, unlike the GENCOS and DISCOS, which are private. So everything we do here is to improve the lot of Nigerians; we owe them that responsibility, but ignorance rules the sector for now. Gentlemen, few African countries can be compared to Nigeria; Niger Republic itself is not bigger than Kano  a state in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Tariff Increase: TCN Behind Inability To Supply 20-Hours Power  DisCos Allege

What happens is that the River Niger runs through that republic which is our main source of water supply to the Kainji Dam; if Niger constructs a Dam, our source of water supply will be cut off, so we have to supply them with electricity which they pay for anyway.

On TCNs role, he said, TCN neither generates nor distributes electricity; our job is to transmit. I am a committed patriot, having grown up from the ranks. It is from TCN that I got married and had my children, so I always put in my best at all times. When it comes to ensuring a regular electricity supply to Nigerians, you can count on me.

As managing director, I cant remember when I slept well. Yet, I sit here and get strange letters from amorphous organizations requesting even what normal and recognized government agencies cannot.

However, Abdul-Aziz, a first-class electrical engineering product, called for cooperation to move the power sector forward.

We can do more with the cooperation of all stakeholders involved, not just the TCN management, he added.
Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, has cautioned the National Assembly against the imposition of National Anthem on Nigerians.

According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the change of national anthem should be a true reflection of the wishes of the majority of Nigerians and not only by legislative or presidential proclamation.

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He spoke on Monday during a public hearing on a bill seeking to return the October 1, 1960 national anthem in the country.

Recall that the House of Representatives and the Senate last week accelerated the passage of the bill, which was greeted by criticisms from Nigerians.

Fagbemi said the decision to change the national anthem whether by replacing it with the old one or a new one, should be subjected to a wider process of citizen participation.

He said it should go through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies, among others.

READ ALSO: Tampering With National Anthem Should Be Done After Public Consultation  Shehu Sani To Reps

His words: A national anthem is expected to enjoy universal acceptance and veneration amongst the citizens, for it to attain the status of an official song that commands respect, patriotism and national consciousness.

In some cases, national anthem emerges from open national competition among interested citizens. In other instances, the proposed national anthem is subjected to plebiscite or referendum, before its eventual adoption or declaration.

The essence of the foregoing is to secure the buy-in and confidence of the people and to ensure that the anthem meets their collective aspirations and suits their contemporary socio-political conditions.

Against the background of the foregoing, I am of the considered opinion that the revered issue of choice of a national item should not come into being only by legislative fiat, or presidential proclamation alone.

It is not out of place for Nigeria to be guided by the process of evolution of a national anthem in other jurisdictions. For most African countries, the national anthem symbolises the end of colonialism. Hence, former British colonies jettisoned God Bless the Queen to adopt their home-made national anthems, which were all notably written by their own citizens.
Nigerian socialite and businessman, Cubana Chief Priest has made a heartfelt plea to God for a baby girl.

Using his Instagram account, the billionaire posted a video of a father bringing his daughter out for her first pedicure.

In his caption, Cubana Chief Priest made an appeal to God, expressing his wish to experience what its like to have a daughter.

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He claimed that he will keep praying till he gets his own daughter.

READ MORE: I Regret Knowing Portable, Hes Still A Boy  Ex-manager, Ijoba Danku

He wrote,

Dear God, I want to have a feel of what having a daughter feels like. Till I have a daughter of my own, so help me God.

SEE POST:
The ruling All Progressives Congress has berated former President Olusegun Obasanjos statement on the current administrations style of leadership in the country.

Recall that Obasanjo had knocked President Bola Ahmed Tinubus implementation of the removal of subsidy from petroleum products including floating of naira.

The former president, in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, over the weekend, said that though the policies initiated by Tinubu were necessary, they were wrongly implemented.

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The statement partly reads: Today, the government has taken three decisions, two of which are necessary but wrongly implemented and have led to the impoverisation of the economy and of Nigerians.

These are the removal of subsidy, closing the gap between the black market and official rates of exchange and the third is dealing with a military coup in Niger Republic.

Reacting to the above statement on Monday, while addressing newsmen in Abuja, the APC National Director, Bala Ibrahim, faulted Obasanjo, described him as a serial critic.

READ MORE: Tinubus Policies Implemented Wrongly, Investors Laughing At Us  Obasanjo

He added that the ex president might be suffering from old age.

Bala said: As a Nigerian and someone who respects Obasanjo, I think senility is beginning to come in. Obasanjo is beginning to manifest the symptoms.

Ever since he lost the bid to have a third term in office, he has consistently attacked every regime that comes after him. He sees himself as the only one who meant well for Nigeria from independence to date. He thinks he is the best and every other leader is bad. And this is not good for a statesman. Nobody has monopoly on knowledge or style of leadership.

Obasanjo has been consistent in his criticisms of people in leadership positions apart from himself. So, this is not an isolated case. President Bola Tinubu is not the first to be attacked by Obasanjo. Buhari and Jonathan were also victims of his criticisms.

He himself did not fare better when he was the leader. In fact, Obasanjo superintended the balkanization of the Nigerian economy.

How can he say someone who is trying to put the economy on a better pedestal is not doing the right thing? I am not a spokesman for Tinubu. Even though the party has discussed him to my knowledge, I practically feel Obasanjo has erred as he has always been doing.
The Senate, on Tuesday, recalled Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi from suspension.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi central was suspended on March 12, 2024, for accusing the Senate of budget padding.

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He was recalled some two weeks to the end of his three-month suspension which is supposed to terminate on June 12, 2024.

The recall process was however initiated after a motion moved by Deputy Minority Leader Abba Moro, who expressed regret on behalf of the suspended senator.

Moro pledged to assume full responsibility for Ningis actions, acknowledging the gravity of the suspension.

READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu Faults AGF For Including Lagos In LG Autonomy Suit

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the unconditional recall of Ningi after a brief plea by some lawmakers.

Akpabio emphasised the senators resourcefulness and described him as a valued member of the Senate, adding that the decision to recall Ningi transcends religious and ethnic divides.

The Senate suspended Ningi over allegations of N3.7trn padding of the 2024 Budget.

Ningi had claimed that the Federal Government was operating two versions of the 2024 budget and that the N28.7 trillion Budget passed and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was skewed against the North.
President Bola Tinubu will address members of the National Assembly in a joint session on Wednesday, according to Sani Tambawal, the National Assemblys clerk.

In an early Tuesday morning statement, Tambawal announced that the president will address lawmakers in the newly renovated chamber to commemorate 25 years of democracy.

This is to inform Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members that as part of the event to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and Legislature in Nigeria, there will be a joint sitting of both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday 29 May, 2024.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, will address the joint sitting on state of the nation and also commission the National Assembly Library.

Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are expected to be seated by 9 a.m, the statement reads.

READ MORE: Eniola Badmus Confirms Appointment As Special Assistant To House Of Reps Speaker

It should be noted that President Tinubu ordered a low-key celebration of his first year in office.
Composer Valerie Coleman in an office/rehearsal room at the Manhattan School of Music, where she is on faculty. Read more

Valerie Coleman may not live in Philadelphia, and yet shes ever-present in the city. A frequent visitor when she was Imani Winds flutist, Coleman has developed a compositional voice that is at once universal and personal in a series of premieres with the Philadelphia Orchestra over the past several years.

Warmth, hope, and the American spirit bubble forth in the first minute or two of This is Not a Small Voice for soprano and orchestra. Theres a feeling of springlike rebirth in both her Seven OClock Shout and Umoja: Anthem of Unity. When Umoja premiered in 2019, it was the orchestras first time performing a classical work by a living female African American composer.

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Here, the New York-based Coleman talks about her latest: Concerto for Orchestra (Renaissance), an ambitious work commissioned by the orchestra receiving its world premiere in concerts this week in Philadelphia and at Carnegie Hall.

As a genre, the concerto for orchestra is loosely defined  Bartok and Lutoslawski wrote two popular examples  and Colemans take on it is programmatic. The Great Migration, World War II, the Cotton Club, and how the Red Summer of 1919 played out in Philadelphia appear in musical form. Pizzicato violins are raindrops, bassoons shout fire, and, as Coleman writes in a program note, tom-toms and bongos evoke the nightlife of mafia, illegal alcohol, showgirls, zoot suit fashion and the underbelly of Broadway after-hours.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Youve said that your Concerto for Orchestra reaches back to Jacob Lawrences Beachhead (from his War Series paintings) for inspiration.

Yes, every setting to me has a sound; whether its a pitch, whether it is this atmospheric sound, or a melody. And so the beginning of the concerto really does depict that painting from the War Series. To me, that painting is so powerful. I really wanted to capture this feeling of what its like to be a Black soldier during this time where the type of duty that you would face is not necessarily going into combat. You could be relegated to the grunt work of things  latrine duty, for example. I could hear the sounds of bombs or just this high-pitch trauma manifested like a stillness. And so within the beginning of the concerto, you have this piano chord hit as if its a shock  cold ocean water on a persons face.

The piece also relates to present day. Can you talk about that?

Well, theres something thats happening in present day among Black composers. Were kind of coalescing and discussing all the issues of the day, were supporting each other. There was a New York Times article about the dinner party that potentially launched the Harlem Renaissance. Nobody knows for sure when it began. But this idea of artists coming together to create, to manifest this cultural explosion just simply through supporting one another, and collaborating with one another  Im seeing that happen right now. So its kind of amazing to see that return or to see a parallel between that and what is happening now.

Who is part of this group?

I think that there were catalysts involved in getting us together  you know, the overturning of affirmative action. I remember the day after it happened I sent out a text to a bunch of different composers. And next thing you know were on Facebook chat just really giving our thoughts  I think we went from shock and fear of what would happen, not only to how our music is programmed, but to younger generations, how they might suffer within a collegiate setting or [how] there might be a drop off of applicants. And so this little group grew at this moment. Its myself, DBR [Daniel Bernard Roumain], Jessie Montgomery, Nkeiru Okoye, Carlos Simon, Damien Geter, John Wineglass, Nokuthula Ngwenyama, Kevin Day  theres like 21 of us.

The pendulum swings back and forth on this, but weve swung away from the idea of music as pure sound to something connected to the political and social forces going on in the outside world. Whats your thinking about where we are on that right now?

Every composer is completely different. For myself, growing up in Louisville, Ky., not far from where Muhammad Ali grew up and not far from where Breonna Taylor was shot and killed, my mom being that person who is a matron of a neighborhood  things like that really inform my purpose as a composer. Im grateful to be able to have an imagination to create sound and create melody, but the idea of writing where its necessary to solve social-political issues is where I am right now in my life. Twenty years ago, 30 years ago  see, Im aging myself  I had different ideas of what I wanted to write.

Do you ever write with a particular listener in mind? Do you have a certain ideal?

Yeah, absolutely, there is the visualization of who Im writing for that I keep in my mind as Im writing. When I write it for the Philadelphia Orchestra, I do visualize the Philadelphia Sound and how unique it is and how heart-strong it is. But the visual of how they generate that heart-strong sound is always in my mind and how [conductor] Yannick [Nezet-Seguin] moves as hes collaborating and coaxing as an equal collaborative partner. That is something that stays really at the top of my visualizations.

What about an audience member  is there a specific person you visualize writing for?

For This is Not a Small Voice, I was just thinking about the community and trying to really create a love song for them. And so, yeah, that visualization was there. I think for this concerto, the visualization has been more about the members of the orchestra. You know, I thought about Carol [Jantsch, tuba player] and Ricky [Ricardo Morales, clarinetist]  all the crew.

Its interesting that youre not the Philadelphia Orchestras composer in residence, but you have this relationship where youve done as much work for this orchestra as any composer in residence here has. Is there more on the horizon?

I hope so. From your words to Gods ears.

Seven OClock Shout has had such an interesting life. It plays the role that John Adams The Chairman Dances was playing in orchestras 30 years ago. It seems to be everywhere.

Im surprised about that  Im shocked. Jeremy [Rothman, the Philadelphia Orchestras artistic administrator] gave me two weeks to write that piece, in response to the pandemic. And honestly I thought that it would have a short life, that once things calmed down with COVID, it would no longer be programmed. But somehow its still being programmed. And I think that it really does go lockstep with Yannick talking about the connection that we all want on this just basic human level of community. And so maybe that is the reason its stuck around  that thematic idea.

COVID has sort of lifted, but the need for community has only gotten more intense. Especially since were in such a divisive place right now.

I think that is where Ive been leaning compositionally. I feel like there can never be enough works that send out messages of coming together.

Valerie Colemans Concerto for Orchestra (Renaissance) is performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra led by Yannick Nezet-Seguin on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. in Verizon Hall, Broad and Spruce Streets. Also on the program: Debussys La Mer and, with pianist Mitsuko Uchida, Ravels Piano Concerto in G Major. Tickets are $25-$181. philorch.org, 215-893-1999.
Germantown-based saxophonist Marshall Allen waves to fans on the eve of his 100th birthday at a performance with the Sun Ra Arkestra at the Union Transfer on Friday, May 24, 2024. Read more

There was nothing out of the ordinary about the way that saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Marshall Allen celebrated his landmark 100th birthday on Friday night. The eve of his centennial was spent the same way he had spent so many nights of that long life: traveling the sonic spaceways with the Sun Ra Arkestra.

Nothing, except for the fact that out of the ordinary is exactly where the Arkestra has always felt most at home. On Friday, the cosmically focused big band illuminated the stage at Union Transfer with two hours of music, its indefatigable Maestro front and center throughout. There were no special guests or extra ceremony to mark the occasion. The Arkestra, with its sea of sequined robes, Pharaonic headgear, raucous eclecticism, and tendency to break out into rapturous dance, was spectacle enough.

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The history of jazz itself doesnt extend more than a few decades beyond Allens tenure on the planet, and the Arkestras music has always pulled from various points along that timeline. On Friday, experimental Sun Ra compositions like Angels and Demons at Play and Rocket Number 9 alternated with down-home blues and a lush arrangement of Stranger in Paradise, the latter contrasted by Allens blistering sax screech slicing through the elegance with a bracing-yet-playful disruption.

 READ MORE: At 99, hes playing sold-out shows in sequined robes

Allen showed little sign of his age, evoking shrieks, squalls, and sputters from his alto saxophone. He summoned exotic textures and atmospheres on the EWI (a hybrid electronic synth-sax), striking a cymbal here, and singing and punching his arms into the air there, to command stabs and swells of sound from the band. He stayed behind on the stage as the band snaked its way through the crowd for its traditional processional, but danced his way off stage at the end of the evening. He was ushered back to the front by one of his sons to bask in a full-audience rendition of Happy Birthday.

Hes the LeBron James of jazz! hailed saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins over the phone last week. Wilkins, who has risen from a Philly sax prodigy to a Blue Note recording artist and one of the most acclaimed artists of his generation, played local performances with the Arkestra when he was just 12 years old.

LeBrons still playing at 40, and Marshalls still playing at 100. Music really, tangibly has healing powers. It keeps you young.

Born on May 25, 1924, in Louisville, Ky., Allen arrived in Philadelphia with his family during his teens. At 18, he enlisted in the Armys 92nd Infantry Division  popularly known as the Buffalo Soldiers  and was stationed in Paris, where he spent the war years playing clarinet in the 17th Division Special Service Band. He stayed on to study at the Paris Conservatory of Music.

By the time he returned to the U.S. in 1951, Allens family had moved to Chicago, where he met the eccentric keyboardist / bandleader / philosopher Sun Ra. He joined the Arkestra, the band with which he would make the majority of his music for the remainder of his life. Following its namesakes passing, Allen assumed the mantle in 1995 and has led the band ever since, garnering its long-overdue first Grammy nomination for its 2020 album Swirling.

Not long after taking up residency in its new long-term home, the South Philly venue Solar Myth, Ars Nova Workshop (which presented Fridays performance) began regularly hosting Allen in small group settings with an ever-changing ensemble called Ghost Horizons.

 READ MORE: At 99 years old, Marshall Allen is still exploring Sun Ras space music

Drummer Chad Taylor, who has made his home in Philly for the past eight years, was part of that first performance and has returned for several since. You cant stop Marshall, he laughed. When youve been playing that long, everything you play is incredible. Your living experience comes out in the music.

The most recent show, in January, teamed Allen and Arkestra guitarist DM Hotep with bassist James McNew of indie rock stalwarts Yo La Tengo and the War on Drugs drummer Charlie Hall. Speaking of Allens longevity, Hall called it a testament to his ability to explore and be accepting, but also to be challenging. If you look over the history of jazz music, its all about these inflection points where things are challenged, but with respect and adherence to whats come before you.

Yo La Tengo has crossed paths with the Arkestra on numerous occasions over the past two decades, inviting Allen and band members to join them at concerts in Philly, San Francisco, Tokyo, and elsewhere, and regularly featuring them during the bands annual eight-night Hanukkah residency at New Yorks Bowery Ballroom.

Its a miracle! said McNew about Allens 100th birthday. Its a legitimate, actual miracle. It defies explanation and logic, but he was chosen by music and chosen by humanity. And thank goodness.

A previous version of the article misstated Ars Nova Workshops relationship with South Philly venue Solar Myth. The Workshop only has a long-term residency there.
In this Aug. 1, 2017, photo, an Amazon employee makes sure a box riding on a belt is not sticking out at the Amazon Fulfillment center in Robbinsville Township, N.J. Read more

As the warehousing industry in Philadelphia expanded and development boomed, so, too, did warehouse employment.

The most plentiful jobs, at the entry level, are often physically demanding. Its a wear and tear on your body. Its a job thats on your feet, all day, moving, said H. Patrick Clancy, president and CEO of Philadelphia Works, a workforce development board.

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But they can lead to stable, more lucrative careers in an industry whose need for workers remains robust.

Warehouse jobs can be a strong starting point for workers with limited English, Clancy said, or a workforce-reentry opportunity for formerly incarcerated people.

Its often shift work outside the typical 9-to-5, which may appeal to those with daytime parenting and caregiving duties, said Anne Strauss-Wieder, professor at Rutgers Universitys Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and director of freight planning for the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

Typical entry-level jobs start at $15 to $20 an hour, but pay jumps for those who ascend into supervisory roles. Warehousing and storage managers make an average salary of $104,000, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There is at least a career ladder opportunity, Clancy said.

A hiring boom

E-commerce, already growing in popularity pre-COVID-19, surged in 2020. While the pandemic has eased, consumers online buying habits are expected to stick long-term.

All of those online purchases are processed at fulfillment centers. Unlike storage warehouses, which hold materials for extended periods, fulfillment centers move a high volume of goods daily and require many employees. They often have one worker per 1,000 feet  roughly three times what a storage warehouse would employ  and as many as three per 1,000 square feet during peak seasons such as the holidays and back-to-school time, Strauss-Wieder said.

Demand for those workers has plateaued, returning to a more normalized level, Strauss-Wieder said. But the number of people employed at industrial facilities in the area is still far higher than in pre-pandemic times.

Weve certainly grown our network over the past few years as we brought on clients, said Sabrina Wnorowski, chief human resources officer at Radial, a third-party logistics company with 25 fulfillment centers, including two in New Jersey and three in Pennsylvania. Weve been steadily hiring.

Increased demand, increased pressures

When consumers think about e-commerce and warehousing, they probably think of Amazon, though its just one of many employers in the industry. The company doubled its warehouse space in the Philadelphia region during the pandemic and last year opened its largest area warehouse in Southwest Philadelphia, which now employs 200 people.

Shoppers are drawn to Amazons speed and convenience, creating pressure for employees to work faster. Critics have blamed worker productivity tracking for the volume of injuries at the companys fulfillment centers, which in a 2021 Washington Post investigation were found to be nearly double whats typical at non-Amazon warehouses.

Nothing is more important than our employees health and safety and weve made meaningful and measurable progress over the last four years, Amazon spokesperson Sharyn Ghacham said. Since 2019, our recordable incident and lost time rates have improved by 24% and 77%, respectively, in the United States.

Worker advocates are skeptical, the Seattle Times reported in March. Employees around the globe have organized protests around productivity metrics, safety concerns, and pay.

West Deptford Amazon workers walked off the job last year on Cyber Monday  one of many such demonstrations by Amazon workers on a busy online-shopping day. Their demands included a $25-an-hour starting wage, a $2-an-hour bonus during peak times, and safety improvements.

Amazon didnt grant those wishes after the walkout  the company noted that it had announced increases in hourly pay not long before that, bringing West Deptfords starting wage to $19.50.

But union members said they hadnt expected instant movement from their employer. We wanted to get a group together to show that we could do this without getting fired, and thats what we did, said Eli Lotz, a West Deptford employee who helped organize the action.

Under any employer, entry-level warehouse work can be grueling, mentally and physically, said Richard Hooker Jr., secretary-treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 623. The employer, they want faster, they want more, but you physically cannot do more.

Hooker was a UPS package handler for 20 years before taking on union leadership in 2020. Organizing workers in the most demanding industrial facilities is a challenge, Hooker said, because turnover is high and big employers have ample resources to shut it down.

But the push by unionized workers for better working conditions is raising the bar across the industry, he said. When UPS Teamsters threatened to strike last year and won higher wages for members, Teamsters general president Sean M. OBrien said it set a new standard in the labor movement.

Once the UPS contract was ratified, a lot of the Amazon workers took note, Hooker said.

Any highly physical job will cause some injuries, Strauss-Wieder said, but safety problems and poor work conditions are certainly a larger issue at some industrial facilities. She recalled one area employer that saw 300% turnover.

If you do not treat your workforce well, theyre not going to stay, she said.

What makes workers stay

You can tell pretty soon after you walk into a building how youre going to be treated by a company, Strauss-Wieder said. Employers that provide skills training, English language training to those who need it, cafeterias, and other benefits have better retention.

But foremost, she said, is access to transportation. Warehouses are often distant from regular mass transit service, so some employers bridge the gap with shuttles  a sort of last mile delivery system for workers.

In Mercer County, for instance, the ZLine runs free buses and vans from a big NJ Transit bus station in Hamilton to a Robbinsville warehouse development near New Jersey Turnpike Exit 7A that includes two Amazon facilities.

ZLine operates every day but Christmas and is run by the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association, a nonprofit funded by employers and government.

At Radial, Wnorowski said, we want employees to be full time. Associates start on a temporary basis at $15.75 an hour, and most nonseasonal hires make it to permanent status and full benefits within three months, she said. More than 60% of the companys current leads started as temps.

Management roles in transportation and warehousing have become more numerous, with 52% growth in Southeastern Pennsylvania since 2018, according to Philadelphia Works.

Yet managers account for only 3.4% of industry employment, while more than 70% of jobs involve moving materials. But technology may eventually displace some workers at the lower ranks.

Automation pros and cons

The most common jobs in warehousing could be transformed in the coming years with increased automation, said Clancy, especially stockers and order fillers.

Picture robots traversing warehouse aisles to grab items, rather than humans walking and searching.

That may reduce the number of workers in the building, Strauss-Wieder said, and it could make human jobs less physically taxing by reducing injury caused by repetitive motions.

Radial sees robotics as a way to enhance employee performance, Wnorowski said. She said the tech might mean workers are walking the floor less, but she doesnt expect a robot-takeover.

We do add tools and resources to enable being efficient going forward, she said, but we havent pulled back on hours or on staff.

Staff writer Thomas Fitzgerald contributed to this article.
Drummers from Batala Philly, an all-percussion, community band that plays samba reggae music from Brazil, warm up the crowd before the march up Walnut Street at 2023's Philadelphia Pride March. Read more

Celebrate Pride in Philadelphia with a lineup of events next week. Philly Pride 365 returns June 2 to celebrate the theme Be You with a march from Sixth and Walnut Streets and a festival in the Gayborhood.

Philly Pride 365 is led and coordinated by Galaei Philly, a nonprofit advocating for queer, trans, and Indigenous communities, and volunteers.

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Venture out this year for performances, family and sensory-friendly activities, food trucks, and more. Heres everything you need to know about Philly Pride 2024.

When do the festivities start?

The Pride March will start at 10:30 a.m. at Sixth and Walnut Streets and end in Philadelphias Gayborhood. The march is open to the LGBTQ+ community and allies, with no registration required. The march will kick off with speeches from community leaders and a land acknowledgment from the Lenape Tribe.

The festival is from noon to 7 p.m. between Walnut to Pine Streets and Quince to Juniper Streets.

Are tickets required?

Both march and festival are free, with no registration or tickets required.

What is the march route?

The march begins at Sixth and Walnut Streets at 10:30 a.m. and makes its way to the Gayborhood. Expect speeches, a ceremony, and the unfurling of a 400-foot-long rainbow flag.

What is the Philly Pride Festival?

Pride Fest will offer over 200 attractions, including artists, food trucks, community organizations, and other vendors. This is a float- and vehicle-free event. Features of the festival include:

Youth and Family Programming

The Youth and Family section will offer an alcohol- and smoke-free space curated by the Attic Youth Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, Galaeis SPLAT program, Philly Family Pride, and the William Way LGBT Community Center.

The Decompression Zone

If the loud noises and colors get too overwhelming head to the Decompression Zone. In conjunction with the nonprofit Disability Pride Pennsylvania, the space offers attendees an accessible, low-sensory escape.

Bailar Con Amor

In line with its mission to help the queer Latinx community, Galaei will host Bailar Con Amor again this year. The tradition is an ode to Afro-Latinx heritage art, dance, and expression.

Kiki Alley

Galaei celebrates Phillys ballroom history with Kiki Alley. On the Philadelphia Muses Stage, catch a diverse lineup by performances and producers, including DJ sets by Sway Philly and BOS Philly.

Sober Vibes

You can still have fun at Pride sans alcohol. A dedicated sober space and dry bar will feature a stage with DJs and performances. Enjoy Food Truck Way nearby.

Pop Wellness

The Pop Wellness Zone is staffed by local nonprofits and organizations, including Action Wellness, Mazzoni Center, Courage Medicine, Therapy Center of Philadelphia, Perez Therapy, and Bebashi. It offers medical services, resources and activities, including free STI testing, connections to therapy, food support, housing, and other community needs.

Vendors

Queer Candle Co., Chloe Tai Designs, Drag Syndicate, and South Street Cannabis Museum are just a few of the 200 participating artisans and vendors.

Will there be performances?

Local performers will be taking the stage throughout the day, including Eric Jaffe, Lili St. Queer, and Philly Cheer Elite, offering drag performances, ballroom lessons, and dance routines. Sapphira Cristal, the first-ever headliner, a drag icon from RuPauls Drag Race, will be performing on the Muses Stage starting at 6 p.m. June 2.

What food and drinks will be available?

A variety of items will be available from over 20 businesses in the food truck area. More vendors will announced closer to the event.

The Cauldrons outdoor bar and other local bars, such as Cockatoo, Franky Bradleys, Tabu, and Woodys, will also be open for patrons over over 21.

Road closures

On Sunday, June 2, the following streets will be closed starting at 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.:

Juniper Street from Walnut Street to Cypress Street Cypress Street from Juniper Street to 12th Street 13th Street from Walnut Street to Pine Street 12th Street from Walnut Street to Pine Street Quince Street from Walnut Street to Pine Street Locust Street from Juniper Street to 11th Street Pine Street from Juniper Street to 11th Street Spruce Street from Juniper Street to 11th Street Chancellor Street from Juniper Street to 12th Street St. James Street from 13th Street to 12th Street S. Camac Street from Walnut Street to Pine Street Irving Street from Juniper Street to 13th Street Schubert Alley from S. Camac Street to 12th Street Manning Street from S. Camac Street to 12th Street

The streets will be temporary no parking zones from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Vehicles parked during posted hours will be relocated  call the police district of the area to locate car if relocated.

Bus routes will be detoured from their normal routes beginning at 4:30 a.m. through 8 p.m. Visit SEPTA System Status Page to view detours and specific route changes.

Other Pride events over the weekend
Bernice Schaffer holds a case of military medals and ribbons awarded in honor of her brother, Frank Mebs, at a ceremony Monday at the Jesse Soby American Legion Post No. 148 in Langhorne. Read more

Frank Mebs died more than 50 years ago on a burning hilltop in Vietnam. His heroic death saved hundreds of others.

Mebs, of Newtown, was a 20-year-old Army bulldozer operator on May 27, 1970, when an ammunition shed caught fire at Fire Support Base Veghel. Fighting to contain the flames, he pushed dirt over the burning heap with his bulldozer. The machine took the brunt of a blast that likely would killed the 600 men stationed on that hill near Hue, his fellow soldiers would later say.

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On Monday, exactly 54 years to the day of his death, one of those soldiers stepped forward to make sure Frank Mebs received long overdue recognition for his bravery.

During a ceremony at the Jesse Soby American Legion Post No. 148 in Langhorne, Steve Kilde, a retired U.S. Army veteran, presented a handful of medals to Mebs family that were somehow omitted from the official Army record and never awarded to the family years ago, when Mebs posthumously received the Bronze Star.

Kilde, 83, who drove from his home in Missouri for the Memorial Day event, had been tasked with retrieving Mebs body from the wreckage that day more than half a century ago. After being diagnosed with PTSD in 2014, he had made it his mission to secure Mebs his forgotten honors  a mission that would end only after he successfully lobbied President Joe Biden for help last year.

On Wednesday, Kilde is to be a guest speaker when the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Fund names County Bridge No. 89, which runs between Newtown Borough and Newtown Township, in honor of Mebs.

A big hole

Kilde had never been able to forget the full measure of Mebs sacrifice. Both assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion, Kilde had been dispatched to the explosion site to handle cleanup. The devastation was immediately clear.

As we flew over in the helicopter, I saw a big hole  a great big hole, he said. You could see parts of the bulldozer. The blade was on a hill about 600 yards away. The radiator was on another hill.

Hours earlier, Firebase Veghel artillery crews had fired two mortar rounds toward suspected enemy movement. One round fell short, striking the ammo dump. Mebs, who had dropped out of Council Rock High School in 1966 to enlist and was just two weeks away from finishing his tour, hopped onto his bulldozer.

He started pushing dirt over the fire to extinguish it, Kilde said. His dozer got over the berm a little bit too far and got stuck because of the mud and rainy season.

Instead of fleeing, Mebs stayed and struggled to free his bulldozer. Thats when the ammo blew.

The bulldozer took the full brunt, he said. If it hadnt, lord knows how many people would have been killed.

Already into his second tour, Kilde filed away the incident in the back of his mind, and went on with the war.

For many years, Mebs family knew little about how Frank actually died. Originally, they had been told only that he had been killed in an accident, said his sister Bernice Schaffer. It wasnt until 2000, when a soldier who credited his life to Franks heroism sought out the family, that they learned the full story.

We never knew thats not how it happened all those years, she said.

Do something

As part of his PTSD treatment, Kilde told a doctor in 2014 about the incident he was never able to shake: the day Frank Mebs saved all those lives. And how it had mostly gone forgotten.

Well, what have you done? he remembered the doctor asking him. And I said, Nothing. And he said, Well, do something.

So, he did.

Five days later, I typed his name into the computer, and up came his payment records, he recalled. I looked at the files that were there, and Im saying, This is not correct.

After searching for the Mebs family for four years, he asked them for photos of all the medals and ribbons they had received after Mebs death. Then, he began a campaign to access Mebs full military files.

I sent letters to congressmen, he said. I sent letters to senators. I had to send a letter to the president of the United States and finally got an answer back. That, yes, these are the medals that he deserves.

It just wasnt right

On Monday, during a ceremony held before Langhornes annual Memorial Day Parade, Kilde presented a full slate of medals to the Mebs family, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation. (Mebs was not eligible for a Medal of Honor since the action he died in was deemed friendly fire.)

I am here to award you medals that should have showed up 50 years ago, he said, presenting the case of medals and ribbons to Mebs sister.

Afterward, Kilde said he felt relief  closure.

It just wasnt right, Kilde said of the overlooked valor.

Frank Mebs niece, Meghan Frazer, 33, said her family was grateful.

Were able to honor my uncle, which is something we were never really able to do in the past, and its also been a beautiful journey to speak with Stephen and see his passion. He never left my uncle behind. He never left him behind in Vietnam, and he never left him behind now.
Members of the National Park Service march during the Capital Pride Parade in Washington in June 2023. Read more

National Park Service rangers will be allowed to attend Pride events in uniform after all after news of a ban went public and sparked major backlash.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the reversal of the recent NPS directive in a memo Friday evening.

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I want to ensure that every employee has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment, Haaland wrote in the message, which was obtained by Politico Pro.

The reversal came following a wave of media reports on new directives sent from leadership to the park services 20,000 employees that aimed to remind staffers of an existing policy prohibiting them from participating in public events that could be considered agency support.

As reported by Politico, that policy would extend to Pride marches too, marking a seismic shift in NPSs past enforcement and its support for the LGBTQ+ community.

NPS has a long-standing history of celebrating LGBTQ history. The park service has long permitted uniformed rangers to participate in Pride marches and oversees Pride-related events at many of its parks.

The agency is also in charge of the Stonewall National Monument, commemorating the site of the 1969 uprising that was a watershed moment for LGBTQ civil rights. On June 28  marking the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall riots  the Historic Stonewall Monument Visitors Center will open in New York, a 1,500-square-foot indoor space with a theater and interactive exhibits.

LGBTQ+ leader and the founder of the Philadelphia Gay News Mark Segal curated a series of wall hangings with firsthand accounts of the Stonewall Uprising that will be on display.

News of the new policy directive sparked outrage among the LGBTQ+ community, including from the popular drag queen and environmentalist, Pattie Gonia.

National Park Service, this is NOT what allyship looks like, Gonia said on Instagram. I stand with the queer National Park Service employees.

 READ MORE: National Park Service rangers are banned from attending Pride marches in uniform, just before Pride Month

In a new statement from Pattie Gonia released Monday, Gonia said she and her team were cautiously optimistic.

We congratulate queer park service employees on the great lengths that they have gone to secure this reversal, she said in a statement.

According to Haalands memo, local park leadership will now be the ones to determine which external events uniformed rangers will march in or run booths at, including for Pride events.

Gonia says this is a step in the right direction, but believes the updated policy needs safeguards that would allow employees or employee resource groups to appeal potential denials in cases where leaderships personal views run counter to policy.

The reversal and new policy implementation comes days ahead of the start of Pride month.

This is proof that when queer people fight we win, Gonia said. This is proof that it is never too late to do the right thing.
HOUSTON  Strong storms with damaging winds and baseball-sized hail pummeled Texas on Tuesday, leaving one person dead and about 1 million businesses and homes without power as much of the U.S. recovered from severe weather, including tornadoes, that killed at least 24 people during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Widespread outages were reported across a wide swath of storm-weary Texas, where an oppressive, early-season heat wave added to the misery. Voters in the states runoff elections found dozens of polling places without power. Dallas County said it would keep polls open two hours later because of the outages Tuesday.

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Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins declared a disaster and noted that some nursing homes were using generators. This ultimately will be a multiday power outage situation, Jenkins said Tuesday.

Social media posts showed winds pushing one American Airlines plane away from a gate at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

The airline said in a statement that the severe weather, including straight-line wind gusts up to 80 mph, affected several parked and unoccupied aircraft. No one was injured.

Our maintenance team is currently conducting thorough inspections and will make any needed repairs, the statement said.

The airport said in an email to The Associated Press that about 500 flights were canceled because of the weather. Nearly another 200 flights were canceled at Dallas Love Field Airport, according to the website FlightAware.

Around Houston, cars crawled through flooded highways and more than 300,000 customers were without power in the area, which includes parts still recovering from hurricane-force winds earlier this month.

The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office said in a statement that a 16-year-old boy died when a home under construction began to shift and then collapsed during a thunderstorm in the Houston suburb of Magnolia. The teen was confirmed to be an employee of the construction company and was authorized to be on the site, the statement said.

An East Houston school district issued a shelter-in-place order and directed buses with students back to their campuses in the afternoon until the weather subsided.

Destructive storms over the weekend caused deaths in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia. Meanwhile in the Midwest, an unusual weather phenomenon called a gustnado that looks like a small tornado brought some dramatic moments to a western Michigan lake over the weekend.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell will travel to Arkansas on Wednesday as the Biden administration continues assessing the damage from the weekend tornadoes.

Seven people were killed in Cooke County, Texas, from a tornado that tore through a mobile home park Saturday, officials said, and an additional seven deaths were reported across Arkansas.

Two people died in Mayes County, Oklahoma, east of Tulsa, authorities said. The injured included guests at an outdoor wedding. A Missouri man died Sunday after a tree limb fell onto his tent as he was camping.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said five people had died in his state during storms that struck close to where a devastating swarm of twisters killed 81 people in December 2021. One family lost their home for a second time on the same lot where a twister leveled their house less than three years ago.

Roughly 150,000 homes and businesses lacked electricity midday Tuesday in Louisiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia and Missouri.

It has been a grim month of tornadoes and severe weather in the nations midsection.

Tornadoes in Iowa last week left at least five people dead and dozens injured. Storms killed eight people in Houston this month. April had the second-highest number of tornadoes on record in the country. The storms come as climate change contributes in general to the severity of storms around the world.

Late May is the peak of tornado season, but the recent storms have been exceptionally violent, producing very strong tornadoes, said Victor Gensini, a meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University.

Over the weekend, weve had a lot of hot and humid air, a lot of gasoline, a lot of fuel for these storms. And weve had a really strong jet stream as well. That jet stream has been aiding in providing the wind shear necessary for these types of tornadoes, Gensini said.

Harold Brooks, a senior scientist at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma, said a persistent pattern of warm, moist air is to blame for the string of tornadoes over the past two months.

That air is at the northern edge of a heat dome bringing temperatures typically seen at the height of summer to late May.

The heat index  a combination of air temperature and humidity to indicate how the heat feels to the human body  reached triple digits in parts of south Texas and was expected to stay there for several days.
Alumni from every year at Cabrini University walk down the center for the Cabrini Legacy Celebration of 67 years in Radnor on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Read more

As acceptance letters arrive and graduation season looms, many high school seniors are planning where they spend their college years. Sadly, one institution not accepting incoming freshmen is Cabrini University in Radnor.

Cabrinis president, Helen Drinan, announced last year that the private Catholic school, founded in 1957 in memory of the first canonized American saint, Mother Frances Cabrini, would close at the end of this academic year. Cabrinis 100-plus acre campus will become part of neighboring Villanova University.

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Despite Villanovas pledge to keep the Cabrini mission of social justice and advocacy alive, I wonder who will remember all that Cabrini meant to so many. I know I will.

 READ MORE: At Cabrini University, there will be no next year: A chronicling of its final semester

My parents met on the campus of Cabrini after its founding in 1957. My father was a history professor there, and my mother a chemistry instructor. Both were hired by the nun who served as Cabrinis first president, Sister Ursula Infante, who was legendary for the energy she poured into the expansion of the campus facilities.

But the Cabrini story is much bigger than that.

The Cabrini story is much bigger.

Ironically, as the university closes its doors, many Americans are learning the story of its namesake for the first time through the film Cabrini, which recently opened nationwide.

The biopic is based on the life of Francesca Cabrini (1850-1917), an Italian woman determined to found a missionary order and to serve the Italian immigrants of turn-of-the-century New York City. She did so in a climate that was hostile to women and bigoted against Italians, both inside and outside the Catholic Church.

The movie has its fans and its detractors. For some, its the hackneyed saga of a saintly woman battling sexist men at every turn. For others, its the timeless story of womens determination to change the world, one generous act at a time.

The script itself attributes to Mother Cabrini a very particular philosophy: Her conviction that her work in the world is to establish an empire of hope among the immigrants, and even the powerful, of New York City.

That is a misdirection.

Among the most notable accomplishments of Cabrinis Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus  including orphanages, public health work, and Cabrini University itself  was the daily, careworn discipline that allowed them to persist in the face of large-scale opposition and microaggressions of belittling and contempt.

To be sure, women of many faiths have been handmaidens to some questionable political projects over the centuries. But, like Mother Cabrini, when they are part of a principled, intentional, and reliable community working toward the common good, small acts of discipline can be a pathway to transformation, personal and social.

I see so many examples of women who are striving to pick up the legacy Mother Cabrini left behind.

Mariame Kaba, a grassroots activist and author of the 2021 book, We Do This Til We Free Us, whose work has been focused for several decades on incarceration, violence against women and girls, and reparation law, emphasizes how important disciplined focus can be to change our society. Repurposing Mother Cabrinis empire of hope, she helped to popularize the phrase hope is a discipline. Kaba attributes this phrase to a nun she met, who discussed what it takes to have a lifelong commitment to social justice.

In todays Philadelphia, Sister Mary Scullion demonstrates this principle: Her work is an echo of all that Mother Cabrini believed and practiced. A member of the Sisters of Mercy, she cofounded Project HOME in 1989, a nonprofit that has served thousands of low-income people through her loving, disciplined vision of community.

The coincidence of the Cabrini film and the last graduation at Cabrini University reminds us of the discipline of hope that powered Mother Cabrinis lifes work  and by extension, the legacy that Sister Ursula and her successors institutionalized at the university.

Hers is a practice that has the capacity for tremendous impact, in education and beyond.

Antoinette Burton is a historian, director of the Humanities Research Institute at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a public voices fellow with the OpEd Project. She grew up in suburban Philadelphia.
Jessica Anderson, 14, does work while attending a cyber charter school from her Downingtown home in 2020. While there are benefits to online learning, watchdogs have been flagging wasteful spending and poor oversight of state cyber schools for more than a decade. Read more

Cyber charter school operators tout the benefits of online learning, such as accelerated instruction, flexible scheduling, or providing a haven for children who are being bullied or have special needs.

But left out of the pitch is how Pennsylvanias cyber charter schools have poor graduation rates and rank near the bottom in test scores for reading and math. More troubling is the lack of oversight by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

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Most cyber schools operate with expired charters and have never been audited by the state or were audited years ago, according to Education Voters PA, a pro-public education advocacy group. Another report found Pennsylvanias cyber charters have the highest costs in the country but some of the worst results.

With no one minding the store, the four largest cyber charters  which enroll nearly 75% of online students statewide  have amassed hundreds of millions of dollars in assets as they take in more money than they spend.

The states largest cyber charter, Commonwealth Charter Academy, has built a real estate portfolio buying up 29 properties since 2018, according to a report by Education Voters PA. Commonwealth Charter CEO Thomas Longenecker received a total compensation of $372,989 in 2022.

 READ MORE: Mayor Parker was right in her squabble with City Council over school board nominees, but students must be the top priority | Editorial

Overall, the four charters reported net assets totaling $486 million in 2022, up from roughly $600,000 in 2018. Cyber charter advocates said the growth in assets reflects an investment in educational infrastructure and resources. Tim Eller, an executive at Commonwealth Charter Academy, said it spends every penny on the education and support services for its students.

Really? The Education Voters PA report found cyber charters spent $21 million in 2022-23 on advertising, promotions, catering, branded giveaways, and gift cards.

Even if a case can be made for spending millions on advertising, food, and other tchotchkes, it makes little sense for cyber charters to be buying up real estate when most instruction is done online. To be sure, some brick-and-mortar space is needed for staff or in-person meetings with students or parents.

The bigger concern is that real estate holdings can also lead to dubious financial arrangements and other shenanigans. In 2018, the founder of the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School pleaded guilty to tax conspiracy after admitting to siphoning off $8 million from the school to pay for a condo in Florida, a corporate jet, and other lavish expenses.

Then there is the question of who gets the money when the real estate is sold. Consider the recent case of Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School, a brick-and-mortar charter with an enrollment of roughly 900 students located across from the Philadelphia School District headquarters on North Broad Street.

The school was founded in 1999 by Veronica Joyner. Her charter school leased the building from a nonprofit controlled by Joyner, essentially making her the landlord and the tenant.

In 2021, the school paid Joyners nonprofit $515,000 in rent. Meanwhile, Joyners salary and other compensation to run the school in 2022 amounted to $334,492.

Then in October, Joyner announced she planned to retire and close the school at the end of the academic year. Her nonprofit plans to sell the building, which is assessed at $8.8 million.

Although charters are privately owned and operated, they are funded by taxpayers. But nothing requires the proceeds from real estate sales to be returned to taxpayers.

In Pennsylvania, there are 15 cyber charter schools serving students in nearly every district. About 7,500 students in Philadelphia attend cyber charters.

Theoretically, cyber charters should cost less to operate because they do not need brick-and-mortar facilities. Yet, cyber charters receive the same funding per student as traditional public schools. The amount ranges from $8,639 to $26,564 per student, depending on the funding levels of individual school districts.

In all, Pennsylvania taxpayers spend $1 billion a year on cyber charters. Beyond the questionable real estate transactions and exorbitant salaries, it makes little sense to even operate a separate online education system given that nearly all school districts offer students the option to learn virtually.

Clearly, reforms are needed.

 READ MORE: Potential conflicts of interest shouldnt mar mayors school board picks | Editorial

Former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale called Pennsylvanias charter law the worst in the country. Watchdogs have been flagging wasteful spending and poor oversight for more than a decade.

State Sen. Lindsey Williams (D., Allegheny) proposed a bill in February that would prohibit opening any new cyber charter schools. That makes sense until reforms focused on improving oversight are in place. Increased accountability starts with mandating the state auditor general conduct annual audits of all cyber charters.

Gov. Josh Shapiros budget proposed capping the funding for cyber charters at $8,000 per pupil. Thats a start, but others estimate the cost of educating students online is lower. Why not pay the actual cost instead of an arbitrary number?

Or better yet, follow the lead of five other states  Florida, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Texas, and Utah  and base the cyber school funding on student performance and participation.

Cyber charter schools can serve a niche. But instead, Pennsylvania lawmakers have used taxpayer money to fund a $1 billion-a-year business with a sprawling real estate portfolio, poor education outcomes, little oversight, and dubious spending.
Democrat Ashley Ehasz poses along the Delaware River in Bensalem. She is challenging Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick for his Bucks County congressional seat for the second time. Read more

This article originally appeared in our Clout column. Clout provides often irreverent news and analysis about people, power, and politics.

Republicans this year are hoping to turn the war in Gaza into a winning campaign issue by accusing their opponents across the aisle of being weak on Israel. But one local Democrat who served in the military isnt having it.

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It all started when the National Republican Campaign Committee, the campaign arm for GOP candidates in U.S. House races, questioned whether Ashley Ehasz, a U.S. Army veteran and Apache helicopter pilot challenging U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, has engaged pro-Hamas activism.

I proudly sacrificed years of my life in combat defending Americans and the American way of life against terrorist groups like Hamas, Ehasz, who is running in the Bucks County-based 1st District, posted on X. For @RepBrianFitz  who has never served a day in uniform  and the @NRCC to now say I support Hamas? Go [EXPLETIVE DELETED] yourselves.

The no-holds-barred response, posted with a photo of Ehasz sitting in an Apache, came after the NRCC, which backs Fitzpatrick, blasted Ehasz over a $1,500 donation she received from Wendy Rockefeller. The aristocratic familys current patriarch, David Rockefeller Jr., sits on the board of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, which has funded Jewish Voices for Peace, an anti-Zionist organization.

Extreme Democrat Ashley Ehasz proudly powers her campaign with cash from the very same billionaires underwriting the antisemitic chaos sweeping college campuses, NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella wrote in a release. Voters need to know, does Ehasz agree with their pro-Hamas activism or will she dump their donations?

Other Democrats quickly lined up behind Ehasz to criticize the NRCC, including U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, who is a member of the bipartisan and centrist Problem Solvers Caucus with Fitzpatrick.

Partisanship is one thing. Flagrant attacks on the patriotism of those you disagree with, many of whom are veterans, is a naked attempt to divide our country, Gottheimer said.

Fitzpatricks campaign took umbrage with Ehaszs choice words. Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent, was embedded with U.S. Special Forces during the Iraq War, according to his congressional website.

Ashley Ehaszs comment about Congressman Fitzpatrick is false and defamatory, campaign spokesperson Nancy McCarty told Clout. And the matter has been turned over to the campaigns lawyers.
China reaps wheat amid efforts to ensure food security

Xinhua) 08:13, May 28, 2024

Farmers drive harvesters through a wheat field in Sanjing Village of Linyi City, east China's Shandong Province, May 27, 2024. (Photo by Zhang Chunlei/Xinhua)

BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- More than 60 million mu (4 million hectares) of wheat, or nearly 20 percent of the national total, have been harvested in China as of Monday evening, as the country aims to stabilize its grain output and maintain food security.

Various supports are being provided to facilitate the wheat harvest across the country, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The weather will be suitable for collecting and drying crops in the coming days, the China Meteorological Administration has forecasted.

China's grain output rose 1.3 percent year on year to a record high of 695.41 million tonnes in 2023, which was the ninth consecutive year that the country reported a grain harvest of over 650 million tonnes. The national wheat output came in at 136.59 million tonnes, down 0.8 percent.

The Chinese people seek to hold their rice bowls firmly in their own hands, and have made continuous efforts to that end.

To encourage farmers to grow grain, the central government increased the minimum purchase prices of wheat and rice in 2023, and improved grain subsidy policies for corn and soybean farmers.

"We will improve the systems for grain production, storage and processing, and take comprehensive steps to consolidate the foundation of food security," according to the 2024 government work report.

A drone photo shows farmers driving harvesters through a wheat field in Fenghuang Village in Tongyang Township, Chaohu City of east China's Anhui Province, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Ma Fengcheng/Xinhua)

A drone photo shows harvesters in a wheat field in Liuzhuang Township of Queshan County, central China's Henan Province, May 27, 2024. (Photo by Gong Huajing/Xinhua)

A farmer drives a harvester through a wheat field in Letu Township of Mengcheng County, east China's Anhui Province, May 27, 2024. (Photo by Hu Weiguo/Xinhua)

A drone photo shows a harvester working in a wheat field in Sanhe Township of Hongze District, Huai'an City of east China's Jiangsu Province, May 27, 2024. (Photo by Wan Zhen/Xinhua)

A farmer drives a harvester through a wheat field in Jinxing Village of Yuxin Township, Jiaxing City of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Jin Peng/Xinhua)

A farmer drives a harvester through a wheat field in Dongjiazhuang Village of Linyi, east China's Shandong Province, May 27, 2024. (Photo by Wu Jiquan/Xinhua)

Farmers drive harvesters through a wheat field in Shuitun Township in Zhumadian City, central China's Henan Province, May 27, 2024. (Photo by Mi Shan/Xinhua)

A drone photo shows harvesters in a wheat field in Cuilou Village of Liangyuan District, Shangqiu City of central China's Henan Province, May 27, 2024. (Photo by Li Heng/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A Bucks County ballot drop-off location at the County Administration Building (Old Court House) on East Court Street, in Doylestown on Oct. 30, 2023. Pennsylvania voters have options on how to return their completed mail-in or absentee ballot by mail, at a drop box, at their county election board, or other officially designated location. Under Pennsylvania law, voters must return their own ballots. The only exceptions to this are for voters with a disability who have designated someone in writing to deliver their ballot. Read more

Pennsylvania voting rights groups are once again seeking to overturn a state law that bars undated or incorrectly dated mail ballots from being counted.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and Public Interest Law Center filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court on behalf of eight voting rights and civil rights organizations. The suit, which was filed against Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt and election officials in Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties, argues that the disqualification of undated ballots violates the Pennsylvania Constitution, which guarantees a right to vote in free and equal elections.

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Pennsylvania should be making it easier to vote, not more difficult, Mike Lee, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said in a news release. This arbitrary handwritten date requirement has already disenfranchised tens of thousands of voters in the commonwealth. With such high stakes in the 2024 election, Pennsylvania counties must do everything they can to ensure that every vote is counted.

A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of State said in an emailed statement that while officials are still reviewing the lawsuit, the department agrees with the suits contention that a mistaken date line should not invalidate a mail ballot.

In the years of litigation over this issue, it has become irrefutably clear that the handwritten date serves no function in the administration of Pennsylvanias election, spokesperson Ellen Lyon said. As a result, the department has consistently argued in court that voters should not be disenfranchised for failing to write or incorrectly writing a date that serves no function.

A spokesman for Omar Sabir, chair of the Philadelphia City Commissioners, declined to comment on pending litigation.

A spokesperson for Allegheny County said in a statement that the county, like all others in Pennsylvania, is bound by a 2022 state Supreme Court decision that said ballots must be dated by the voter in order to be counted.

Allegheny County is committed to ensuring voters have the information they need to properly complete their ballots and has consistently had a robust cure process so that voters can correct inadvertent errors such as having an incomplete date or signature on the ballot return envelope, county spokesperson Abigail Gardner said.

The filing comes as another lawsuit, arguing that the policy violates the federal Voting Rights Act, is working its way through federal courts.

Under Pennsylvania law, a mail ballot must be dated by a voter in order to be counted. Ahead of the primary election in April, officials sought to minimize the number of ballots rejected by redesigning ballot envelopes to make the date and signature spaces more clear.

But voters continued to make errors on their ballots, invalidating them. In Philadelphia, for example, more than 400 ballots were rejected because they were not dated or were incorrectly dated.

Statewide, nearly 8,000 ballots were rejected for issues with the date, signature or privacy envelope in April. Looking ahead to Novembers election, decisions to count or not count those ballots could have a major impact on competitive races and the perception of Pennsylvanias elections during Novembers critical presidential and Senate races.

Rejection of the ballots, the lawsuit argued, disproportionately disenfranchises senior citizens, who have been more likely to submit erroneous ballots in recent years.

The ACLU and the law center are asking the court to find the rule unconstitutional, a decision that would allow undated and incorrectly dated ballots to be counted in November if a ruling were issued by then.

The lawsuit describes the date rule as inconsequential paperwork, and advocates argue that it is irrelevant because voters cannot cast a mail ballot until after counties send them out and ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

The county knows that my ballot was received on time, and I dont know why the date is necessary, Joe Sommar, a Chester County voter who submitted a declaration in support of the suit, said in the news release. It seems like an arbitrary thing, just another step to allow people to mess up and have their votes not counted.
At a time when Jewish people in the United States are facing the worst crisis of antisemitism in a generation, according to the ADL, congressional Republicans are speaking out and advancing new legislation on the issue.

Theyve focused on anti-Jewish bias in the wake of pro-Palestinian campus protests, and have chosen to take up the cause of Jewish students who they said are being victimized by encampments at a hearing Thursday convened by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, aimed at stopping antisemitic college chaos.

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But as committee members grilled three university presidents about how they addressed allegations of harm from Jewish students and faculty, some Democrats and left-leaning academics criticized Republicans for hypocrisy and for using the hearings as an opportunity to continue their attack on what they see as higher educations woke agenda.

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, (D., Oregon), referenced a video posted to former President Donald Trumps social media account that included the phrase unified Reich headlining a hypothetical news story that might be written if he wins a return to the White House in November.

Did any of my colleagues call that out? she asked. It baffles me that some people are opposed to antisemitism when its politically convenient, instead of wherever it rears its ugly head.

The hearing was grandstanding, and not about keeping Jews safe, Lila Berman, a Temple University historian who teaches a course on antisemitism and runs the Feinstein Center for American Jewish History, said in an interview. Meanwhile, on the right, white nationalists tap into Nazi ideas.

Heres what to know about how antisemitism is being fought  and politicized  in Washington, D.C.

What is the Antisemitism Awareness Act?

On May 1, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted 320 to 91 to pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which codifies an expanded definition of antisemitism and delineates how the federal government should combat it. The legislation would allow the Department of Education to enforce antidiscrimination laws and deny universities funding because of antisemitism as it defines the term. The measure is a response from lawmakers to pro-Palestinian student protests over the Israel-Hamas war.

The bill, now in the Senate, would codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a federal statute that bars discrimination based on shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics, or national origin.

It defines antisemitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews and gives examples of the definitions application, which includes accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagine wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group and making dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective.

The bill also expands the definition to include language that critics  including the ACLU and Jewish lawmakers such as U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D., N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.)  say could restrict free speech by conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

Those portions of the bill describe antisemitism as denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, and claiming that Israels existence is a racist endeavor.

If you are protesting, Sanders said, or disagree with what [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and his extremist government are doing in Gaza, you are an antisemite.

Republicans such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said she opposed the bill because it would, in essence, outlaw part of the Bible: It could convict Christians of antisemitism for believing the Gospel that says Jesus was handed over to Herod to be crucified by the Jews.

How are Republicans talking about antisemitism?

When the campus protests started, Republicans rallied to condemn students constructing encampments, and took up the cause of their Jewish counterparts who had experienced bias and physical danger.

Antisemitism is a virus, House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said at a news conference in April. And because the administration and woke university presidents arent stepping in, were seeing it spread. We have to act 

Speaking at the protests at Columbia University the same week, he said, erroneously, that Hamas backed the protesters in a CNN interview.

That same kind of misinformation appeared to permeate the hearing on Thursday. As they took turns to speak, various Republican lawmakers described protesters, without evidence or explanation, as: a left-wing mob, goons, anti-American, and pro-Hamas students.

Republican committee chair Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, who opened the proceedings with an excerpt from Ernest Hemingways The Sun Also Rises  described by a UCLA English professor as containing one of the most notorious antisemitic caricatures in American literature  addressed university encampments as pro-terror protests.

At one point, Republican Pennsylvania Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R., Lancaster) criticized Rutgers University president Jonathan Holloway for negotiating with a mob on his campus.

I wasnt negotiating with a mob, Holloway said. I was talking to students.

How are Democrats responding?

While Oregons Bonamici referenced the video posted to Trumps social media account that included the phrase unified Reich, others called back to the controversies of the last Trump presidency.

At one point in the contentious three-hour-plus hearing, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D., Washington), who chairs the House progressive caucus, said that many Republicans didnt say a word when Trump and others in Charlottesville and other places were saying truly antisemitic things.

Trump said there were good people on both sides when white supremacists marched through the University of Virginia campus on Aug. 11, 2017, bearing torches and chanting Jews will not replace us.
U.S. Sen. John Fettermans brashness toward progressives has expanded beyond the topic of Israel.

Fetterman was the topic of a lengthy feature article published by the New York Times on Saturday that highlighted how the senator, who had been on thin ice with progressives for his staunch and unconditional support for Israel in its war with Hamas, has shown that his willingness to make waves within his own party doesnt stop at the Middle East.

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Fetterman was seen mocking environmentalist Stevie OHanlon, who was trying to speak to him about a Chester County pipeline, in a video that circulated online earlier this month. Fetterman dismissed her, recorded her, and made sarcastic remarks.

Ive talked to Republicans who are much friendlier than that, OHanlon told the New York Times. The person that we voted for is not the person who mocks constituents when they bring up concerns.

Progressives have argued that Fetterman abandoned the left because of his staunch support of Israel, but the senator insisted in an interview earlier this year that he was never a progressive in the first place.

 READ MORE: Philly area politicians are split on student demonstrations at local campuses

Even before the primary I was like, Im not a progressive. Its just strange why people want to ignore that. Its not new news, he told The Inquirer in January.

Before Fettermans 2022 Senate bid, the former lieutenant governor and Braddock mayor had called himself a progressive. But on the campaign trail that year, he described himself as just a Democrat.

 READ MORE: Progressives say John Fetterman has abandoned them. But he says he hasnt changed.

Fettermans political shift has gained momentum since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel and Israels subsequent attack on Gaza, with the brash senator casting aside the label more aggressively and top advisers leaving his team.

Longtime political adviser Rebecca Katz recently departed his team, according to the New York Times, and his former chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, resigned last month to instead work as an outside adviser for Fetterman.

 READ MORE: All three of John Fettermans top communications staffers have resigned in the last month

All three of his top communications staffers left a couple of months ago; two of them left for unquestionably progressive political jobs. Joe Cavello, who left to work for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, lauded Johnson as a true progressive. Nick Gavio left to work for the Working Families Party.

The third comms staffer, Emma Mustion, went to work for the campaign of Sen. Bob Casey, Fettermans more even-tempered counterpart.

But while Fetterman has lost staffers and supporters, he has gained respect from those on the right who once mocked him, and has been invited to speak at Democratic Party events across the country.

 READ MORE: John Fetterman will speak at Florida Democratic Party gala. Progressives want it cancelled.

Hes also been lauded by advocates of Israel, and is slated to receive a high honor from Yeshiva University at the schools commencement on Wednesday. That honor was last given to the inventor of Israels Iron Dome air defense system.

All in all, public opinion about Fetterman in Pennsylvania is split, as revealed by a poll by The Inquirer, New York Times, and Siena College.

 READ MORE: Public opinion on John Fetterman is split. Heres what our poll says about Pa.s outspoken senator

But he may be fracturing relationships with his former allies, such as U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D. N.Y.), who previously backed him for Senate.

 READ MORE: John Fetterman, hero of Israel, will receive high honor at Yeshiva commencement

The senator appeared to mock a heated exchange on the House floor that emerged when U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R., Ga.) hurled an insult about the appearance of U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D., Texas). Ocasio-Cortez joined in the confrontation to stand up for Crockett.

In the past, Ive described the U.S. House as The Jerry Springer Show. Today, Im apologizing to The Jerry Springer Show, Fetterman posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the argument.

Annie Wu Henry, a former Fetterman campaign staffer who ran his TikTok and later worked for Ocasio-Cortez, shot back by saying: In the past, Ive described the 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race as one where we voted for a candidate with empathy and character. Today, Im apologizing to everyone who also believed that was the case.

On a similar note, Ocasio-Cortez seemed to call Fetterman a bully, in response to his Jerry Springer remark.

Ocasio-Cortez said she has no comment when asked about Fettermans shift on Thursday, and said, Its up to Pennsylvanians, the New York Times reported.

When asked for comment on the assessment that Fetterman is picking fights on the left, the senators spokesperson Carrie Adams pointed to a CNN video in which Fetterman called the bullying accusation absurd, and said he was responding to the general chaos on the House floor. Adams also pointed to a Wall Street Journal article that featured him.
Then-President Donald Trump exits and acknowledges the crowd after a Keep America Great campaign rally in Wildwood, N.J., in 2020. Read more

Twelve jurors in New York City are poised to make history when they reveal the verdict in the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president.

The decision could influence some voters in a close presidential race in key swing states like Pennsylvania with six months until the election.

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Closing arguments in former President Donald Trumps hush money trial are slated for Tuesday with jury deliberations likely to start on Wednesday.

Prosecutors have alleged that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee engaged in a strategy to acquire and suppress unfavorable news stories, to impact the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records to cover up the purported scheme. Its the first of Trumps four criminal cases to go to trial, and likely the only one to be tried before the Nov. 5 election.

As the campaign barrels toward November, the hush money trial has done little to shift a tight race. Thats partly because polling shows few voters are paying attention to it.

In a recent YouGov/Yahoo News poll, just 16% of respondents said theyd been following the trial very closely, with one-third saying they were taking a mild interest in proceedings. More Americans said the trial made them feel bored or angry than interested.

Thats somewhat surprising given the salacious subject matter  a former adult film star detailing an alleged sexual encounter with a presidential candidate. But Trump has a long history of outrageous behavior, and if the facts of the case have not motivated voters en masse, a legal outcome of them might not either.

I think even his most ardent supporters, given who he is, can believe everything they said he did, GOP consultant Chris Nicholas said. Whether it ends up being found to be felonious criminally is another story.

Heres what were watching for in the three scenarios that could play out.

If Donald Trump is found guilty

If the jury finds Trump guilty, he would be eligible for a prison sentence, an unprecedented scenario that the Secret Service is already taking preemptive steps to prepare for.

Each of the 34 felony falsification of business records charges that Trump is facing carries a sentence of up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If Trump is found guilty, Judge Juan Merchan would have a lot of leeway. He could sentence Trump to probation, house arrest, or prison.

Given Trump, 77, has no prior criminal record, many legal experts say its unlikely the judge would impose a prison sentence. Trump would also likely appeal a guilty verdict, and any jail time would be stayed as the appeal continues through the court system, a process that could take months, if not years.

Still, the case against Trump for Democrats and Biden becomes easier to make with a guilty verdict. The Biden campaign is preparing to start referring to Trump as convicted felon Donald Trump, should he be found guilty.

And polling has indicated a guilty verdict could erode some support.

A March Politico and Ipsos survey found that a conviction could cost Trump more than one-third of independents. A February NBC News poll showed that a conviction in the New York trial could trigger a big swing from 18- to 34-year-old voters from Trump to Biden. And an ABC News/Ipsos survey from late April found that 20% of Trump supporters polled would either reconsider their support (16%) or withdraw it (4%) if hes convicted.

Theres little sign that avid supporters have abandoned Trump over his legal troubles in states like Pennsylvania, but even smaller shifts could matter in a tight race.

Trump, meanwhile, will likely continue to run  and fundraise  off of the trial, no matter the outcome. Hes turned the indictments into unifying rallying calls to his supporters.

Every time the radical left Democrats, Marxists, communists, and fascists indict me, I consider it a great badge of honor, Trump said in his recent rally in Wildwood. I am being indicted for you and never forget our enemies want to take my freedom because I will never let them take away your freedom. They want to silence me because I will never let them silence you.

If Donald Trump is acquitted

As he did in Wildwood, Trump, for months, has categorized the case against him as a politically motivated prosecution. An acquittal would represent validation for Trump, his supporters, and his lineup of potential running mates, many of whom have packed the courtroom.

While he faces three other criminal trials, its unlikely any of those cases will conclude ahead of the general election, meaning an acquittal frees Trump from the possibility of running as a convicted candidate  or a candidate in jail.

That could help him among undecided voters with whom the outcome of the cases carries some weight.

Trump leads Biden in national polls and most swing states but in Pennsylvania his lead is narrow. His challenge has always been how to expand his base beyond a dedicated core. Running on an acquittal helps him make the case to moderates and independent voters.

It puts Bidens Democratic surrogates in a more difficult position having spent months defending the trial against Trump.

And while an acquittal wouldnt directly impact the other pending cases in Florida, Georgia, and Washington, it could shape public perception and influence potential juries in those states.

If the jury hangs

If the jury cannot reach a verdict, the judge will likely declare a mistrial. The Manhattan district attorney can then choose to retry the case with a new jury. But the runway to the election is shortening, making a retrial before November unlikely.

Trump would likely cast a mistrial as a win.

Whatever the outcome, how both candidates respond could carry almost as much weight as the decision. Biden has avoided commenting on the legal cases, but his campaign indicated hell make a statement on the verdict.

And Trump will be even more free to speak out with the trial behind him.

The wild card, of course, is how does he respond? Nicholas, the GOP consultant, said. Once the verdict is in, he doesnt have the gag order anymore, so hes off to the races in terms of what he says.
We are delighted to have worked on our second deal in Germany with Infracapital and MEAG to lease Siemens Mireo trains to Die Landerbahn in the beautiful city of Leipzig. We will continue to work very hard with our operator partners to fund more fleets in Germany with Infracapital over the next few years, Swindell said.
The partnership with Munich Re Automation Solutions represents an important step forward in our strategy of providing efficient, high-quality services to our customers. SARA not only simplifies but also streamlines the underwriting process, offering a faster and more personalized experience, in line with the expectations of younger generations, who are looking for convenience and personalization in digital services, David said.
How do you start to use data? How do you start to use technology, to at least chip away at this problem more systematically? Sandhu said.
Navigating pivotal times

The theme for NICC 2024 is, appropriately, Navigating Pivotal Times. NICCs world-class agenda features a range of expert panel sessions, poignant presentations, and addresses. Highlights include an opening keynote fireside chat between Canadas Superintendent of Financial Institutions, Peter Routledge, and NICC emcee Kathleen Butterfield; IBCs luncheon; and a salient closing luncheon fireside chat on the unbelievably dramatic US elections that will take place a few short weeks after the conference, featuring Jessica Yellin, founder of NewsNotNoise (former CNN White House Correspondent) and PACICC CEO, Alister Campbell. The complete agenda can be viewed on NICCs website.
The complexity of risk in todays world is increasing dramatically, Fitzgerald said. As we continue to focus on growing the firm, we need to capitalize on our specialty teams, and ensure our clients realize the full value and expertise these resources can provide. Thads experience will prove invaluable as we expand our capabilities into new industries. I am thrilled to have him join the team.
Given the extent of damage and the exposure centers hit by the event, it is very likely that the event will result in losses in the billions of US dollars. Additional, noteworthy impacts were caused by the thunderstorm activity for a full week beginning May 16, Aon said in an AM Best report.
Our continued recognition as a 5-Star Workers Comp carrier is a testament to the trust we have built over decades with our network of independent agent and broker partners and the value of the products we deliver to our customers, said Paul Zamora (pictured), chief underwriting officer. Were proud to now offer our workers comp business in New York and create the best insurance experience possible for the agents and businesses in the region.
WATERBURY, Conn. (AP)  The estate of a young dancer who died after eating a mislabeled cookie containing peanuts has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming the failure to properly label the package was grossly negligent.

Orla Ruth Baxendale, 25, died Jan. 11 after eating a Florentine cookie sold by grocery retailer Stew Leonards and suffering an anaphylactic reaction, according to the lawsuit. Baxendale, who had a severe peanut allergy, had moved to New York City from England to pursue a career as a dancer and was in the prime of her life, according to the lawsuit filed last Thursday in Superior Court in Waterbury.

The batch of holiday cookies sold at Stew Leonards stores in Danbury and Newington in Connecticut late last year were later recalled. The cookies were produced by the Long Island-based wholesaler Cookies United and labeled with the Stew Leonards brand name, state officials said.

Both companies are named in the lawsuit, along with several Stew Leonards employees.

Failure to properly label the cookie package prior to sale was grossly negligent, intentional, reckless, callous, indifferent to human life, and a wanton violation as the manufacturer and seller were required under the law to properly declare the ingredients, according to the lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Stew Leonards said they could not comment on pending litigation.

The general counsel for Cookies United did not respond to an email seeking comment Friday evening.

Stew Leonards said in January that the supplier went from soy nuts to peanuts in the recipe without notifying their chief safety officer.

Cookies United had said they notified Stew Leonards last July that the product contained peanuts and that all products shipped to the retailer had been labeled accordingly.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary and punitive damages.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits
ABN Amro Bank NV became the latest European lender to suffer a data breach through one of its suppliers as criminals seek to exploit weaker links adjacent to banking.

The Dutch bank said in a statement Friday unauthorized parties may have obtained access to data of some of its clients after AddComm was the victim of a ransomware attack this month.

Banks are a prime target for cyber criminals given the sensitive financial data they hold and the potential for turmoil from disrupting financial services. While European lenders and their regulators focus intently on guarding against such hacks, the defenses of their myriad number of suppliers have proved less resilient.

Banco Santander SA said this month that data managed by an external party was accessed without authorization, affecting information of clients and staff. Deutsche Bank AG, Commerzbank AG and ING Groep NV were among dozens of companies to see client data compromised last year when hackers exploited a security flaw in a file transfer tool.

ABN Amro said it has no indication that the unauthorized parties have used the data of its clients and that the lenders systems were not affected. It has reported the breach to the Dutch Data Protection Authority and regulators, while AddComm has prepared a report for the police.

AddComm said in statement on its website that the hackers no longer have access to its systems, which are back up and running. The company, which distributes documents and tokens to clients and employees for ABN Amro, said it doesnt know which data was misappropriated.

The European Central Bank, which oversees lenders in the region, is currently holding a stress test to examine how banks respond to and recover from a cyberattack.

Photograph: Cyclists pass an ABN Amro Group NV bank branch in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. Photo credit: Peter Boer/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Cyber
A group of around 40 large European and American institutional investors on Tuesday urged companies to refrain from taking shareholders to court over disagreements relating to their proposals.

The group, which represents $4.8 trillion in assets under management, highlighted the lawsuit filed by Exxon Mobil against two activist groups, in which the oil company seeks to bar their climate resolution.

They said long-term investors would suffer if companies increasingly seek the judgment of a court for settling disagreements on shareholder proposals.

We are concerned that these actions will deter the filing of proposals concerning the sustainability issues that are material to the performance of our equity and fixed income portfolios, the investors said.

We want to protect the right of shareholders to use their vote to decide for themselves when a proposal, sustainability-related or otherwise, is in their best interests and that of their stakeholders.

Among the group are pension investors APG, PGGM and insurer NN Group from the Netherlands, Nordic banks Nordea and Swedbank, and a range of other investors from across Europe and the U.S.

The group backed a similar call to companies made by the U.S. Council of Institutional Investors in February to let the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) be the arbiter in case of disagreements over shareholder resolutions.

(Reporting by Bart Meijer; editing by Jan Harvey)

Topics Lawsuits
In Japanese yen, the profit figure that Tokio Marine Holdings projects for 2024 is 1 trillion. While the forecast may seem less extraordinary in U.S. dollars of roughly $6.7 billion, either way its a 40% jump over 2023.

Executives from the Japan-based international insurance group revealed the projection and a midterm plan for drastic expansion of value-creating opportunities during a virtual media event and via documentation for investors on the groups website this week. The media event was open to reporters outside of Japan for the first timea point noted at the outset by Brad Irick, the co-head of Tokio Marines international business. Irick said the broad invitation reflected the weight of year-over-year growth in insurance premiums and profits from insurers outside of Japan on overall results.

In fact, almost half of the $6.7 billion profit forecast and over 60% of 2023 recorded profit of $4.7 billion (711.6 billion) relates to business unit profits from their international insurers, including Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Delphi Financial Group (including Safety National) and Tokio Marine HCC in North America.

For 2023, business unit profits for Tokio Marines international insurance business nearly doubledto $2.9 billion (436.9 billion) from $1.5 billion (218.6 billion) in 2022. Business unit profits for the North American insurers grew 29% to $2.4 billion (359.9), with net written premiums for the North American insurers growing 11% and their combined ratios averaging 90.7. A reversal from loss to profit in Asia business explained most of the remainder of the profit growth for Tokio Marines international insurance operations.

The forecast 2024 profit for international insurers is $3.0 billion (455.0), representing a 4% jump from $2.9 billion (436.9) in 2023.

Financial summaries for the various insurance entities reveal that business unit profits are essentially underwriting profits and investment profits (investment income and capital gains). Not included in the business profits, however, are capital gains from sales of business-related equities (shareholdings in clients in Japan), which are reported as Other profits in Tokio Marines financial statements.

While under 20% of the total income figures reported for 2022 and 2023 relate to Other profits, for 2024 the proportion of overall income from Other is nearly 40%.

Taro Arakawa, head of the Tokio Marine investor relations desk in New York, explained that the 1 trillion forecast includes profits from the accelerated sales of business-related equities. Specifically, in 2024, we aim for equity sales of 600 billion, which alone will raise profits by 300 billion year on year, he said.

Business-related equities refers to shareholdings in clients in Japan. These are being sold by Tokio Marine and other nonlife companies in Japan, after discussions with Japans regulator, in order to ensure there is no conflict of interest in dealings with clients. (Editors Note: In 2023, Japanese financial regulators also investigated and ordered Japanese insurers to end anti-competitive practices related to premium price fixing.

Related articles, Japan Casualty Insurers Shares Sink on Concerns Over Suspected Price Fixing, Japan Competition Watchdog Probes Insurers Over Price Fixing, Japan Orders 4 Non-Life Insurers to End Anti-Competitive Business Practices)

Excluding the sales gains, 2024 profits will still increase but by only 2%, Arakawa said. A large-scale hail disaster that occurred in Japan in April and the absence of significant favorable prior-year reserve development in 2023 explain the lower profit growth rate from insurance underwriting and investment results, he said.

(Editors Note: Adjusted Net Income of 711.6 billion in 2023 and the forecast of 1 trillion for 2024, each representing the sum of business unit profits and other profits in the year, is not the bottom line figure recorded on Tokio Marines income statement. In 2023, the bottom line net income figure, 695.8 billion, includes items such as amortization expense of goodwill and other intangible assets.)

Looking Ahead: Midterm and Beyond

Were proud of these results and the growth that we continue to achieve, Irick said during the media event, referring to 2023 results. But the measure by which we judge ourselves is how they have been achieved and what the growth enables us to do in the future, he said, introducing Arakawa to set forth details of the midterm plan titled Inspiring confidence. Accelerating progress.

Over the past midterm plan, we stated our commitment to achieve top-tier EPS [earnings per share] growth and raise ROE [return on equity] to the level of our global peers, all while managing volatility. The new midterm plan will also follow the same trajectory, Arakawa said, comparing the plan for the next three years (2024-2026) to one that had been in place for the prior three.

Our journey continues. Specifically, EPS growth is targeted at over 8% CAGR [compound annual growth rate]and with the inclusion of the sales gains from business related equities at over 16%.

According to Arakawa, Tokio Marine targets getting business-related equities outstanding down to zero in six years, with a 50% reduction built into the midterm plan for the next three years. When possible and optimal, we will accelerate this as much as possible, he stated.

Articulating a second goal of the three-year plan, he said that ROE is projected over 14%.  The driver of this growth is enhanced capabilities of each individual business, he said.

Finally, he announced increased dividends (an increase of 29% for 2024) and share buybacks (200 billion in 2024). Our belief is that both the growth of our business and the increase of shareholder returns should be in step, he explained.

Our philosophy on capital policy remains unchangedthat is capital generated through organic growthwill first be allocated to M&As or additional risk taking that contributes to our ROE improvement. If such opportunities are not available, we have no intention of unnecessary accumulation of capital and we will execute share buybacks, he stated.

A slide presentation posted on Tokio Marines website outlines five strategiesthree pillars of growth and two pillars of disciplinethat support the midterm plan and the groups overall purpose to protect customers and society in their times of need.

The first of three growth pillarsdrastic expansion of domains where we can deliver our valueinvolves developing and providing best-fit insurance products for new risks and also new solutions other than insurance.

The executives were not specifically asked about noninsurance possibilities, but they were asked about the drastic expansion language and potential gaps they might fill to perhaps diversify the group in other regions or insurance products.

Rejecting the term gaps, Irick said there are opportunities to be embraced instead. I think theres opportunities to grow within the Americas, including North America, despite that being already our largest international area, he said, also making note of the groups strong businesses in Asia. I think we can do more to add to those over time, he said.

But again, were very disciplined, he said, noting that M&A candidates have to meet the criteria of having a strong track record, a unique business model and also represent a good cultural fit.

Related article: Tokio Marine Has $10 Billion for Potential Acquisitions: Executive

Beyond that, the organic capabilities of this group, really around the regions that we already are in, [are] really strong and will continue to grow over time, he stated.

Earlier in the session, the executives addressed a specific question about the M&A landscape and the interplay between M&A opportunities and share buybacks.

Said Irick: Theres not a deal in the world that happens without us having a chance to have a look, noting that the co-heads of the international segment have a real challenge in assessing opportunities all around the world. I dont think theres any one geography that we limit ourselves to, he said, again calling out the Americas and Asia as places with more potential.

Through an interpreter, Arakawa reiterated the capital deployment policy. When we have excess capital, we will seek use of that excess capital into M&A or additional risk-taking. And if we do not find those opportunities, we will take a disciplined manner in executing our share buyback in order to return to the capital market.

The comment supports the second pillar of discipline listed on the website as part of the midterm plan: Enhancement of business portfolio and capital management.

The remaining pillar of disciplinestrengthening and improvement of internal control and governanceand the other two growth pillarsdiversification of our distribution model and extensive improvement of productivitywere not specifically discussed during the media session.

The online presentation, addressing the pillar about distribution diversification, refers to the expansion of highly specialized distribution networks and to upgrading embedded and direct distribution models.

Addressing longer-term aspirations out to the year 2035, the presentation includes a visualization of noninsurance solutions for prevention, mitigation and recovery and those that contribute to customer well-being.

Supporting initiatives include the accelerated use technology, including thorough utilization of AI, to improve productivity, accelerate growth and enhance business quality, and initiative related to human resource development and consolidation of common functions and services of group companies.

This article first was published in Insurance Journals sister publication, Carrier Management.

Topics Trends Profit Loss
A Michigan dairy worker has been diagnosed with bird flu  the second human case associated with an outbreak in U.S. dairy cows.

The male worker had been in contact with cows at a farm with infected animals. He experienced mild eye symptoms and has recovered, U.S. and Michigan health officials said in announcing the case last week.

A nasal swab from the person tested negative for the virus, but an eye swab tested last Tuesday was positive for bird flu, indicating an eye infection, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said.

The worker developed a gritty feeling in his eye earlier this month but it was a very mild case, said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigans chief medical executive. He was not treated with oseltamivir, a medication advised for treating bird flu, she said.

The risk to the public remains low, but farmworkers exposed to infected animals are at higher risk, health officials said. They said those workers should be offered protective equipment, especially for their eyes.

Health officials say they do not know if the Michigan farmworker was wearing protective eyewear, but an investigation is continuing.

In late March, a farmworker in Texas was diagnosed in what officials called the first known instance globally of a person catching this version of bird flu from a mammal. That patient reported only eye inflammation and recovered.

Since 2020, a bird flu virus has been spreading among more animal species  including dogs, cats, skunks, bears and even seals and porpoises  in scores of countries.

The detection in U.S. livestock earlier this year was an unexpected twist that sparked questions about food safety and whether it would start spreading among humans.

That hasnt happened, although theres been a steady increase of reported infections in cows. As of Wednesday, the virus had been confirmed in 51 dairy herds in nine states, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. Fifteen of the herds were in Michigan.

The CDCs Dr. Nirav Shah said the case was not unexpected and its possible more infections could be diagnosed in people who work around infected cows.

U.S. officials said they had tested 40 people since the first cow cases were discovered in late March. Michigan has tested 35 of them, Bagdasarian told The Associated Press in an interview.

Shah praised Michigan officials for actively monitoring farmworkers. He said health officials there have been sending daily text messages to workers exposed to infected cows asking about possible symptoms, and that the effort helped officials catch this infection. He said no other workers had reported symptoms.

Thats encouraging news, said Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota epidemiologist who has studied bird flu for decades. Theres no sign to date that the virus is causing flu-like illness or that it is spreading among people.

If we had four or five people seriously ill with respiratory illness, we would be picking that up, he said.

The virus has been found in high levels in the raw milk of infected cows, but government officials say pasteurized products sold in grocery stores are safe because heat treatment has been confirmed to kill the virus.

The new case marks the third time a person in the United States has been diagnosed with whats known as Type A H5N1 virus. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program picked it up while killing infected birds at a poultry farm in Montrose County, Colorado. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered. That predated the viruss appearance in cows.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Agribusiness Michigan
Long before generative AIs boom, a Silicon Valley firm contracted to collect and analyze non-classified data on illicit Chinese fentanyl trafficking made a compelling case for its embrace by U.S. intelligence agencies.

The operations results far exceeded human-only analysis, finding twice as many companies and 400% more people engaged in illegal or suspicious commerce in the deadly opioid.

Excited U.S. intelligence officials touted the results publicly  the AI made connections based mostly on internet and dark-web data  and shared them with Beijing authorities, urging a crackdown.

One important aspect of the 2019 operation, called Sable Spear, that has not previously been reported: The firm used generative AI to provide U.S. agencies  three years ahead of the release of OpenAIs groundbreaking ChatGPT product  with evidence summaries for potential criminal cases, saving countless work hours.

You wouldnt be able to do that without artificial intelligence, said Brian Drake, the Defense Intelligence Agencys then-director of AI and the project coordinator.

The contractor, Rhombus Power, would later use generative AI to predict Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine with 80% certainty four months in advance, for a different U.S. government client. Rhombus says it also alerts government customers, who it declines to name, to imminent North Korean missile launches and Chinese space operations.

U.S. intelligence agencies are scrambling to embrace the AI revolution, believing theyll otherwise be smothered by exponential data growth as sensor-generated surveillance tech further blankets the planet.

But officials are acutely aware that the tech is young and brittle, and that generative AI  prediction models trained on vast datasets to generate on-demand text, images, video and human-like conversation  is anything but tailor-made for a dangerous trade steeped in deception.

Analysts require sophisticated artificial intelligence models that can digest mammoth amounts of open-source and clandestinely acquired information, CIA director William Burns recently wrote in Foreign Affairs. But that wont be simple.

The CIAs inaugural chief technology officer, Nand Mulchandani, thinks that because gen AI models hallucinate they are best treated as a crazy, drunk friend  capable of great insight and creativity but also bias-prone fibbers. There are also security and privacy issues: adversaries could steal and poison them, and they may contain sensitive personal data that officers arent authorized to see.

Thats not stopping the experimentation, though, which is mostly happening in secret.

An exception: Thousands of analysts across the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies now use a CIA-developed gen AI called Osiris. It runs on unclassified and publicly or commercially available data  whats known as open-source. It writes annotated summaries and its chatbot function lets analysts go deeper with queries.

Mulchandani said it employs multiple AI models from various commercial providers he would not name. Nor would he say whether the CIA is using gen AI for anything major on classified networks.

Its still early days, said Mulchandani, and our analysts need to be able to mark out with absolute certainty where the information comes from. CIA is trying out all major gen AI models  not committing to anyone  in part because AIs keep leapfrogging each other in ability, he said.

Mulchandani says gen AI is mostly good as a virtual assistant looking for the needle in the needle stack. What it wont ever do, officials insist, is replace human analysts.

Linda Weissgold, who retired as deputy CIA director of analysis last year, thinks war-gaming will be a killer app.

During her tenure, the agency was already using regular AI  algorithms and natural-language processing  for translation and tasks including alerting analysts during off hours to potentially important developments. The AI wouldnt be able to describe what happened  that would be classified  but could say heres something you need to come in and look at.

Gen AI is expected to enhance such processes.

Its most potent intelligence use will be in predictive analysis, believes Rhombus Powers CEO, Anshu Roy. This is probably going to be one of the biggest paradigm shifts in the entire national security realm  the ability to predict what your adversaries are likely to do.

Rhombus AI machine draws on 5,000-plus datastreams in 250 languages gathered over 10-plus years including global news sources, satellite images and data cyberspace. All of it is open-source. We can track people, we can track objects, said Roy.

AI bigshots vying for U.S. intelligence agency business include Microsoft, which announced on May 7 that it was offering OpenAIs GPT-4 for top-secret networks, though the product must still be accredited for work on classified networks.

A competitor, Primer AI, lists two unnamed intelligence agencies among its customers  which include military services, documents posted online for recent military AI workshops show. It offers AI-powered search in 100 languages to detect emerging signals of breaking events of sources including Twitter, Telegram, Reddit and Discord and help identify key people, organizations, locations. Primer lists targeting among its technologys advertised uses. In a demo at an Army conference just days after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, company executives described how their tech separates fact from fiction in the flood of online information from the Middle East.

Primer executives declined to be interviewed.

In the near term, how U.S. intelligence officials wield gen AI may be less important than counteracting how adversaries use it: To pierce U.S. defenses, spread disinformation and attempt to undermine Washingtons ability to read their intent and capabilities.

And because Silicon Valley drives this technology, the White House is also concerned that any gen AI models adopted by U.S. agencies could be infiltrated and poisoned, something research indicates is very much a threat.

Another worry: Ensuring the privacy of U.S. persons whose data may be embedded in a large-language model.

If you speak to any researcher or developer that is training a large-language model, and ask them if it is possible to basically kind of delete one individual piece of information from an LLM and make it forget that  and have a robust empirical guarantee of that forgetting  that is not a thing that is possible, John Beieler, AI lead at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, said in an interview.

Its one reason the intelligence community is not in move-fast-and-break-things mode on gen AI adoption.

We dont want to be in a world where we move quickly and deploy one of these things, and then two or three years from now realize that they have some information or some effect or some emergent behavior that we did not anticipate, Beieler said.

Its a concern, for instance, if government agencies decide to use AIs to explore bio- and cyber-weapons tech.

William Hartung, a senior researcher at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, says intelligence agencies must carefully assess AIs for potential abuse lest they lead to unintended consequences such as unlawful surveillance or a rise in civilian casualties in conflicts.

All of this comes in the context of repeated instances where the military and intelligence sectors have touted miracle weapons and revolutionary approaches  from the electronic battlefield in Vietnam to the Star Wars program of the 1980s to the revolution in military affairs in the 1990s and 2000s  only to find them fall short, he said.

Government officials insist they are sensitive to such concerns. Besides, they say, AI missions will vary widely depending on the agency involved. Theres no one-size-fits-all.

Take the National Security Agency. It intercepts communications. Or the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Its job includes seeing and understanding every inch of the planet. Then there is measurement and signature intel, which multiple agencies use to track threats using physical sensors.

Supercharging such missions with AI is a clear priority.

In December, the NGA issued a request for proposals for a completely new type of generative AI model. The aim is to use imagery it collects  from satellites and at ground level  to harvest precise geospatial intel with simple voice or text prompts. Gen AI models dont map roads and railways and dont understand the basics of geography, the NGAs director of innovation, Mark Munsell, said in an interview.

Munsell said at an April conference in Arlington, Virginia that the U.S. government has currently only modeled and labeled about 3% of the planet.

Gen AI applications also make a lot of sense for cyberconflict, where attackers and defenders are in constant combat and automation is already in play.

But lots of vital intelligence work has nothing to do with data science, says Zachery Tyson Brown, a former defense intelligence officer. He believes intel agencies will invite disaster if they adopt gen AI too swiftly or completely. The models dont reason. They merely predict. And their designers cant entirely explain how they work.

Not the best tool, then, for matching wits with rival masters of deception.

Intelligence analysis is usually more like the old trope about putting together a jigsaw puzzle, only with someone else constantly trying to steal your pieces while also placing pieces of an entirely different puzzle into the pile youre working with, Brown recently wrote in an in-house CIA journal. Analysts work with incomplete, ambiguous, often contradictory snippets of partial, unreliable information.

They place considerable trust in instinct, colleagues and institutional memories.

I dont see AI replacing analysts anytime soon, said Weissgold, the former CIA deputy director of analysis.

Quick life-and-death decisions sometimes must be made based on incomplete data, and current gen AI models are still too opaque.

I dont think it will ever be acceptable to some president, Weissgold said, for the intelligence community to come in and say, I dont know, the black box just told me so.'

Photo: (AP Illustration/Jenni Sohn)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics USA Agencies InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday it has learned of nine additional incidents that raise concerns about the performance of Alphabets Waymo self-driving vehicles.

Earlier this month, the U.S. auto safety regulator opened an investigation after 22 reports of its robotaxis exhibiting driving behavior that potentially violated traffic safety laws, or demonstrating other unexpected behavior, including 17 collisions.

In a letter to Waymo released Friday, NHTSA said it has learned of 9 additional similar incidents.

The agency said several incidents under investigation involved collisions with clearly visible objects that a competent driver would be expected to avoid.

NHTSA said reports include collisions with stationary and semi-stationary objects such as gates and chains, collisions

with parked vehicles, and instances in which the (automated driving system) appeared to disobey traffic safety control

devices or rules.

The agency asked Waymo to answer a series of questions by June 11 about the incidents and provide video for all of the incidents.

Waymo, which did not immediately comment Friday, earlier this month did not address specific safety incidents cited by NHTSA but said it was proud of our performance and safety record over tens of millions of autonomous miles driven.

NHTSA said it is concerned that Waymo self-driving vehicles exhibiting such unexpected driving behaviors may increase the risk of crash, property damage, and injury and added that a number of incidents occurred in the proximity of other road users, including pedestrians.

The investigation is the first stage before the agency could demand a recall if it believes the vehicles pose an unreasonable risk to safety.

This is the latest in a series of investigations opened by NHTSA into the performance of self-driving vehicles after it initiated probes into General Motors Cruise and Amazon.coms Zoox.

In February, Waymo recalled 444 self-driving vehicles after two minor collisions in quick succession in Arizona, saying a software error could result in automated vehicles inaccurately predicting the movement of a towed vehicle.

Topics Personal Auto
Citigroup has asked its 600 U.S. employees, who are eligible to work remotely, to return to office fulltime, it said on Friday as regulatory requirements make it hard for Wall Street banks to allow offsite work for roles such as trading.

Regulators had eased some of the stringent requirements to allow traders the flexibility of remote work during the pandemic.

But in the coming weeks, the primary watchdog for U.S. brokerage firms and exchange markets, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is set to bring back pre-pandemic rules to monitor workplaces.

The majority of Citi employees will continue to work on a hybrid schedule, with at least three days per week in the office and up to two days remotely, the third-largest U.S. lender said in an email statement.

The private securities industry regulator had earlier this week pushed back against banks, saying its new rules provide member firms with greater flexibility  not less  to allow eligible registered persons to work from home, following the expiration of temporary COVID-19 relief.

Bloomberg News first reported Citis move along with shifts in work policies at HSBC Holdings and Barclays.

London-based Barclays has mandated that its global investment banking staff must work in the office or travel to meet clients five days a week from June 1, the Bloomberg report said.

Meanwhile, HSBC is talking to almost half of its workforce in New York, around 530 employees, about shifting regulations, the report said, citing an interview with the banks head of human resources for the U.S. and Americas.

The lender is trying to let as many people as possible retain the option of logging in from home if they would like to, the report said.

All three firms have had some of the most flexible post-pandemic working policies compared to their Wall Street counterparts.

Topics USA
VALLEY VIEW, Texas (AP)  Powerful storms killed at least 15 people, injured hundreds and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where dozens sought shelter in a restroom during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.

The storms inflicted their worst damage in a region spanning from north of Dallas to the northwest corner of Arkansas, and the system threatened to bring more violent weather to other parts of the Midwest later in the day. By Monday, forecasters said, the greatest risk would shift to the east, covering a broad swath of the country from Alabama to near New York City.

Seven deaths were reported in Cooke County, Texas, near the Oklahoma border, where a tornado Saturday night plowed through a rural area near a mobile home park, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at a news conference Sunday. The dead included two children, ages 2 and 5. Three family members were found dead in one home, according to the county sheriff.

Storms also killed two people and destroyed houses in Oklahoma, where the injured included guests at an outdoor wedding, five people in Arkansas and one person in Kentucky. Tens of thousands of residents were without power across the region.

In Texas, about 100 people were injured and more than 200 homes and structures destroyed, said Abbott, sitting in front of a ravaged truck stop near the small agricultural community of Valley View. The area was among the hardest-hit, with winds reaching an estimated 135 mph (217 kph), officials said.

The hopes and dreams of Texas families and small businesses have literally been crushed by storm after storm, said Abbott, whose state has seen successive bouts of severe weather, including storms that killed eight people in Houston.

Hugo Parra, who lives in Farmers Branch, north of Dallas, said he rode out the storm with 40 to 50 people in the bathroom of the truck stop. The storm sheared the roof and walls off the building, mangling metal beams and leaving battered cars in the parking lot.

A firefighter came to check on us and he said, Youre very lucky,' Parra said. The best way to describe this is the wind tried to rip us out of the bathrooms.

Multiple people were transported to hospitals by ambulance and helicopter in Denton County, also north of Dallas.

No more deaths are expected and nobody was reported missing in Texas, said Abbott, though responders were doing one more round of searches just in case.

At least five people were killed in Arkansas. One was a 26-year-old woman who was found dead outside a destroyed home in Olvey, a small community in Boone County, according to Daniel Bolen of the countys emergency management office. One person died in Benton County, and two more bodies were found in Marion County, officials said.

In Oklahoma, two people died in Mayes County, east of Tulsa, officials said.

In Kentucky, a man was killed Sunday in Louisville when a tree fell on him, police said. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenburg confirmed it was a storm-related death on social media.

A DEADLY SERIES OF STORMS

The destruction continued a grim month of deadly severe weather in the nations midsection.

Tornadoes in Iowa last week left at least five people dead and dozens injured. The deadly twisters have spawned during a historically bad season for tornadoes, at a time when climate change contributes to the severity of storms around the world. April had the second-highest number of tornadoes on record in the country.

Meteorologists and authorities issued urgent warnings to seek cover as the storms marched across the region late Saturday and into Sunday. If you are in the path of this storm take cover now! the National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma, posted on X.

Harold Brooks, a senior scientist at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, said a persistent pattern of warm, moist air is to blame for the string of tornadoes over the past two months.

Brooks recommended that travelers passing through threatened areas over the Memorial Day weekend have a plan for a weather emergency.

Travelers who have already chosen where to get food and other essentials probably ought to be thinking about what could I do if theres a dangerous situation to save my life, Brooks said.

HOMES DESTROYED, ROADS BLOCKED

Residents awoke Sunday to overturned cars and collapsed garages. Some residents could be seen pacing and assessing the damage. Nearby, neighbors sat on the foundation of a wrecked home.

In Valley View, near the truck stop, the storms ripped the roofs off homes and blew out windows. Clothing, insulation, bits of plastic and other pieces of debris were wrapped around miles of barbed wire fence line surrounding grazing land in the rural area.

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 the two of them and told them to take cover in the windowless bathroom, where they rode out the storm and survived unharmed.

As Dorantes wandered through the neighborhood of downed power lines and devastated houses, 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 raced to get them out, Dorantes said.

They were conscious but severely injured, Dorantes said. The fathers leg was snapped.

WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES

The severe weather knocked out power for tens of thousands of homes and businesses in the path of the storms.

By late Sunday, more than 80,000 customers in Arkansas were without power. In neighboring Missouri, more than 90,000 were also without power. Texas reported 27,000 outages while 3,000 were reported in Oklahoma, according to the tracking website poweroutage.us.

Inaccessible roads and downed power lines in Oklahoma also led officials in the town of Claremore, near Tulsa, to announce on social media that the city was shut down due to the damage.

MORE SEVERE WEATHER IN FORECAST

The system causing the latest severe weather was expected to move east over the rest of the holiday weekend.

The Indianapolis 500 started four hours late after a strong storm pushed into the area, forcing Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials to evacuate about 125,000 race fans.

More severe storms were predicted in Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee.

The risk of severe weather moves into North Carolina and Virginia on Monday, forecasters said.

___

Associated Press reporters Sophia Tareen in Chicago; Kathy McCormack in Concord, N.H.; Acacia Coronado in Austin, Texas; Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina; Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Jesse Bedayn in Denver contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Texas Windstorm Oklahoma Kentucky
LUBBOCK  Spring rains have revived much of the green grass covering stretches of plains in the Texas Panhandle  the same land that, just three months ago, was black from fire and ash after wildfires burned more than 1 million acres across the region.

The land is slowly healing from its scars. And yet, the devastation still haunts those who call the Panhandle home.

The lands recover faster than the people, said Janet Guthrie a Canadian resident who raises cattle in Hemphill County.

Guthrie is one case of survivors guilt that echoes through the northern Panhandle as residents in the rural region continue to rebuild their lives after several fires raged in late February and early March. Her pasture burned, along with part of her yard, while many of her neighbors lost more, she said.

In total, two people were killed, as well as more than 10,000 cattle. Scores of homes, ranches and other personal property were destroyed. The losses may exceed $1 billion, a figure that includes $123 million in agricultural losses and $35 million worth of lost homes in Hemphill County.

As summer nears, the mentality among residents is largely one of self-mitigation  keeping the grass mowed, running the sprinklers, watching for overgrown weeds.

The preventive measures are in lieu of action by state government. Official measures are still in the works between lawmakers, state offices, and the companies that put their equipment in vulnerable, isolated areas of Texas.

[After Texas largest wildfire is contained, a rancher moves on with a single calf]

A solution to the deadly wildfires  and the collective fear among residents  cant come soon enough. The next legislative session begins in late January, when the Panhandle is nearing wildfire season, a time when warm temperatures, strong winds and a dry climate can turn an idle spark into a roaring fire.

A state House investigative committee determined the causes of the five fires were either unmaintained power lines coming in contact with dry, grassy land or old, neglected oilfield sites. The committee called for more monitoring of oil and gas operators and utility services, who are entrusted to maintain and inspect the miles of lines strung throughout the northern tip of the state.

State Rep. Ken King, a Canadian Republican who led the committee, said on-site operators have a responsibility to maintain those properties and are failing to do so. He said lawmakers are working with several state agencies, including the Railroad Commission and State Fire Marshal, to remedy what they can do before the legislative session next January.

It is on the state to enforce the law, King said. What we cant fix, thats where the bills will be drafted from.

Data shows that climate change is driving wildfires to be more intense and longer wildfire seasons in the Panhandle. Five of the largest wildfires in Texas history collectively burned nearly 2.6 million acres since 2006, according to data from Texas A&M Forest Service. This includes this years Smokehouse Creek fire, which grew into the largest in state history. With the region becoming more vulnerable to wildfires and the legislative session being months away, Panhandle residents find themselves doing what they can do to stave off the danger.

The morning the fires started, Guthries husband turned on the sprinklers to water their lawn.

The winds were picking up. He hoped the wet ground would keep the fire at bay.

By the end of the day, their pasture and part of their yard burned, except for a corner that was hit by the sprinklers. One of the horses they couldnt rein in chose that spot as sanctuary from the flames.

We thought we would have lost him, the barn, the house, Guthrie said. By the efforts of firefighters and the grace of preventive measures, we did not.

Guthrie concedes it doesnt always work  homes with well-maintained lawns were completely lost.

For the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority, similar action stopped the fires from reaching the water supply for thousands in the region. Flames were creeping up on the headquarters near Lake Meredith, forcing an evacuation.

The fire stopped short of the building. Drew Satterwhite, general manager for the water authority, credits preventive measures and other on-site resources for halting the fire from reaching the headquarters and saving critical infrastructure, such as electric wiring to pump water and power control room operations.

Weve got to do what we can to keep the vegetation at a minimum around all our key sites, Satterwhite said.

The water supplier has high-capacity water wells in a 50-square mile well field in Roberts County, nearly 80 miles northeast of Amarillo. Approximately 500,000 acres burned in the county. Satterwhite said the authority has 795 power poles in the field, and they routinely cut weeds around the poles and check them.

The water authoritys headquarters were spared, but other critical water infrastructure was damaged by the wildfires. According to the committees report, hundreds of water wells were destroyed or rendered unusable.

Andy Holloway, AgriLife Extension Service agent for Hemphill County, said the fires melted electric wiring and control panels near water well sites, affecting pumps and power sources for some wells. Holloway said it has to be repaired by an electrician when they can.

Its a big job, Holloway said. When theres a lot of them to do, it takes a lot of supplies, time, and people.

John Julian with Canadian Water Well was busy for weeks after the fires because of damanged water wells at homes and ranches. His company has seen wells that were a total loss, which costs about $30,000 to redo. But, theyve seen more wells that can be repaired, which can be as little as $3,000 and as much as $9,000, depending on the needs.

Some people have repaired their wells. Others are waiting. After all, they have no livestock to give the water to.

Julian has also lost equipment in wildfires and had damaged wells. It made him wonder what could be done differently to prevent the destruction from happening again.

If I would have done a better job at keeping the weeds and grasses trimmed down around my meter poles and wells, I would have lost less equipment, Julian said. But its out of sight, out of mind.

Even as relief funds continue to trickle in for victims of the wildfires, recovery looks different for everyone.

Some ranchers found new land to lease for their cattle, even if they arent getting more just yet. Displaced families purchased homes on the market in Canadian. Others are rebuilding their homes altogether, while some residents have relocated.

The memories of wildfires engulfing their homes and communities are far from distant for residents, but they are trying to move forward. Roberts County Judge Mitchell Locke said the summers heat isnt a concern for most people in the region. Rain has kept fires to a minimum during this time of year.

And yet Locke knows it can be an issue at a moments notice, again

It depends on the weather moving forward, Locke said. Fire season in Texas is always four weeks away, no matter what time of year it is.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/27/texas-panhandle-wildfires-preparedness/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.

Photo: A firefighter extinguishes hot spots following the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas in March.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Wildfire
Almost two decades after it was established by the Mississippi Legislature, a storm and flood-mitigation grant program now has some funding  $5 million to be transferred from the Mississippi Surplus Lines Association.

The Legislature didnt appropriate the money. I went out and found it, state Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said last week after announcing the signing of the bill that authorized the funding.

Mississippi now joins the growing list of Southeastern states that have provided some type of fund mechanism to help property owners fortify their structures against damage from wind and, in Mississippis case, flooding, in exchange for insurance premium discounts.

The $5 million for coastal counties in the Magnolia State is a far cry from the $200 million set aside this year by Florida lawmakers for matching grants for the My Safe Florida Home statewide wind-mitigation program. But its a start  at a time that some experts have said mitigation programs may be the best way to reduce losses and modulate rates as storms appear to be gaining in frequency and intensity, officials said.

Mississippi Lawmakers authorized the fortification program in 2007 but never appropriated any funds for it, Chaney explained. With legislators reluctant to provide tax dollars, Chaney said he was able to tap into funds that had been building up in the surplus lines association for years. The association, a non-profit organization that works closely with the state Insurance Department on surplus lines matters, had accumulated as much as $9 million from the surplus lines tax and the stamping office fees, Chaney said.

Weve been planning on this since 2010, he said.

Officials with the surplus lines association declined to comment about it last week.

This year, Mississippi House Bill 1705 authorized the transfer of the funding from the association to a fortification program trust fund. The governor signed the bill May 13. The program will provide grants of up to $10,000 per recipient, for homes that are retrofitted to standards developed by the Institute for Business and Home Safety. Mitigation work may include building or elevating homes above the flood line; installing hurricane straps for stronger roof-to-wall connections; adding storm shutters; and the purchase of flood insurance for vulnerable properties.

Its only for the six Mississippi counties closest to the coastline. Chaney said he had hoped for a statewide program, including one that would help poultry farmers retrofit chicken houses to withstand high winds. But he said politics in the Capitol had blocked the statewide assistance plan. Perhaps next year the program can be expanded, he noted.

The Insurance Department also will be able to apply for public and private grants to help fortify homes, the bill notes. The department will soon issue a request for proposals on administering the program, and plans to have a web page available with more information on the grant program.

The text of HB 1705 can be seen here. A similar bill died in committee this spring.

Topics Profit Loss Excess Surplus Mississippi
The hits keep coming for West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and his coal companies.

The U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals last week agreed to dismiss an appeal brought by Justices Southern Coal Corp. against its workers compensation insurer, BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Co., after the two sides had reached a settlement in a long-running legal dispute.

The appeal came after the federal district court for the Western District of Virginia ordered Southern Coal to pay BrickStreet more than $500,000, plus penalties. The coal company, like a number of coal firms, has faced financial difficulties as coal consumption has dropped sharply, nationwide. It had filed suit against BrickStreet in 2019 over the insurers alleged underperformance.

BrickStreet, the successor to the West Virginia state-run workers comp insurer, filed a counterclaim, arguing that Southern Coal had had failed to pay anything into a loss fund and had failed to reimburse the insurer for claims and expenses, per its contractual obligations.

The district judge in February dismissed Southern Coals arguments that it was out of business and was in no position to pay. The judge found the firm in civil contempt, ordering fines of $2,500 per day. Southern Coal appealed, but the parties agreed to a settlement before the 4th Circuit made a ruling in the case.

The terms of the settlement were not reported in court documents. In March, Southern Coal agreed to pay some $14,500 to help cover BrickStreets attorney fees, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported.

Justice, who is term-limited for another term as governor but is now running for the U.S. Senate, and his family have been named in multiple legal actions over his coal and other companies. Justices companies also have been cited for being late in paying fines for unsafe working conditions at the coal mines in West Virginia, and his companies face many other debts, the New York Times reported.

A Virginia bank said earlier this year it had planned to auction off land at Justices famed resort, the Greenbrier Sporting Club, in order to recover more than $300 million on defaulted business loans.

Top photo: Gov. Jim Justice in 2023. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)

Topics Virginia West Virginia
A Lynnwood, Washington, asbestos removal contractor is facing stiff fines for knowingly and repeatedly exposing employees and homeowners to extremely hazardous conditions.

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries inspection of two Seattle Asbestos of Washington job sites at homes reportedly found dozens of violations that created a risk of exposure for workers and homeowners.

At a Mountlake Terrace home, inspectors reportedly found plastic barriers, which are meant to seal off an area from airborne asbestos particles, that had large holes in them.

At a Ferndale home, inspectors reported employees leaving the regulated work area without protective clothing or respirators, and without using the onsite showers required at asbestos removal jobs.

At both locations, L&I listed violations of basic asbestos-removal regulations including:

Equipment to clean harmful particles from the air was not working properly.

A dishwasher, water heater, and wood stove were not covered with plastic to seal them from particles.

Multiple respirators for workers were inside containment areas exposing them to contamination.

A large pile of drywall sitting on the living room carpet was not bagged nor saturated with water to keep down the dust.

There were no plastic drop cloths placed anywhere in the work area.

L&I ordered work stoppages until the problems were corrected. Between the two inspections, the agency reported more than 35 willful health and safety violations and issued fines of more than $790,000. Violations are considered willful when the company knew or should have known the requirements, but still failed to meet them.

The company filed an appeal in the first case, but did not appeal the second.

L&I reports there have been five inspections where Seattle Asbestos of Washington violated asbestos safety measures. L&I has started the process to revoke the companys certification to do asbestos work in Washington.

Topics Washington
Families of four of the five Marines killed when their Osprey crashed in California in June of 2022 filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the aircrafts manufacturers failed to address known mechanical failures that led to the deaths.

The Marines were killed when their MV-22 Osprey experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure known as hard-clutch engagement, a known problem with the tilt-rotor aircraft that has happened more than a dozen times since 2010.

The families named Bell Textron, The Boeing Co. and Rolls Royce in their lawsuit. Bell assembles the Osprey in a partnership with Boeing in its facilities in Amarillo, Texas; Rolls Royce produces the Ospreys engines.

The Osprey can take off or land like a helicopter but fly like an airplane. The military services have called it a game-changer in that it allows them to travel long distances quickly and land on a target, but it has not been without significant cost: More than 50 service members have been killed in accidents since 2000 in the aircraft.

The lawsuit alleges that the Ospreys design was flawed and did not meet U.S. safety standards.

The Ospreys two engines are linked by an interconnected drive shaft that runs inside the length of the wings. On each tip, by the engines, a component called a sprag clutch transfers torque, or power, from one proprotor to the other to make sure both rotors are spinning at the same speed. That keeps the Ospreys flight in balance. If one of the two engines fails, the sprag clutch is also a safety feature: It will transfer power from the working side to the failing engines side to keep both rotors going.

When a worn clutch slips, a hard-clutch engagement can occur as the system rapidly re-engages. This creates a power spike that surges power to the other engine and can throw the Osprey into an uncontrolled roll or slide, which can cause catastrophic loss of control, leaving pilots only seconds to save their aircraft or crew.

The investigation into the 2022 crash concluded that the Marines were doing routine flight operations when they experienced a dual hard-clutch engagement, leading to a catastrophic, unpreventable and unanticipated mechanical failure.

There were no steps the pilots could have taken to prevent it and no means of recovery once the compound emergency commenced, the Marines 400-page report said.

The Osprey crashed in a remote area near Glamis, about 115 miles (185 kilometers) east of San Diego.

Five Marines died in the crash: two pilots, Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire, and Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California; and three crew chiefs, Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois, Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, and Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico.

As the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps had begun looking at the problem following multiple incidents in 2022, including the fatal crash, they determined that the clutches may be wearing out faster than anticipated. The Osprey program is working on a redesign for a component that mitigates clutch slippage.

In its 2022 report, the Marine Corps warned that more accidents were possible because neither the military nor the manufacturers have been able to isolate a root cause. It said future incidents were impossible to prevent without improvements to flight control system software, drivetrain component material strength, and robust inspection requirements.

The lawsuit comes as families await results from investigations into two deadly Osprey crashes last year. In August of 2023, three Marines were killed in an Osprey crash off of Australia, and eight U.S. Air Force Special Operations service members were killed in November 2023 when their Osprey crashed off the coast of Japan. The Air Force took the unusual step of quickly identifying a materiel failure as a potential cause of that crash, and a week after the crash all of the services had grounded the Osprey fleet. The ban on flights was lifted three months later.

Boeing and Bell said they were unable to comment on litigation. Rolls Royce did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits California Aviation Aerospace
Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMUY), referred to as LVMH or Louis Vuitton, is a French luxury conglomerate formed from the 1987 merger of the renowned fashion house Louis Vuitton and wines and spirits company Moet Hennessy. The merger created one of the worlds premier sellers of luxury products.

Moet Hennessy was the product of a merger between Moet & Chandon, producer of luxury champagne brand Dom Perignon, and cognac maker Hennessy in 1971. LVMH has been in existence in its current form since 1987 but the Louis Vuitton brand has a much longer history. It was launched by its namesake founder in 1854.

LVMH owns 75 brands in six business groups: Wines and Spirits, Fashion and Leather Goods, Perfumes and Cosmetics, Watches and Jewelry, Selective Retailing, and Other Activities. These business groups own brands such as Fendi, Givenchy, TAG Heuer, and many more.

Louis Vuitton has been led by chair and CEO Bernard Arnault since 1989. Arnault took a majority stake in the company and has since guided LVMH in a fast-paced acquisition spree, picking up dozens of new acquisitions in three decades. LVMH has seen major success with its strategy of acquiring luxury brands across multiple areas. It reported a net profit of 15.2 billion on revenue of 86.2 billion in 2023. LVMHs market capitalization was $372.73 billion as of October 2024.

Key Takeaways LVMH reported a net profit of 15.2 billion on revenue of 86.2 billion in 2023.

LVMH owns 75 brands in six business groups: Wines and Spirits, Fashion and Leather Goods, Perfumes and Cosmetics, Watches and Jewelry, Selective Retailing, and Other Activities.

Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari are components of the LVMH Watches and Jewelry group.

Fendi and Christian Dior are included in the Fashion and Leather Goods group.

The company has seen major success with its strategy of acquiring many luxury brands across multiple areas.

Tiffany & Co.

Type of business: Luxury jewelry

Luxury jewelry Acquisition price: $15.8 billion

$15.8 billion Date of purchase: Jan. 7, 2021 (acquisition completed)

Tiffany was founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1837 and has since grown into a leading global design house with a reputation for innovative jewelry design and expert craftsmanship. The company offers necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and watches, as well as a variety of home accessories and fragrances.

LVMH announced plans to acquire Tiffany in late 2019 in an agreement that valued the jeweler at approximately $16.2 billion. The coronavirus pandemic and its negative effects on the luxury jewelry market then prompted Arnault to renegotiate a discount from the originally agreed-upon acquisition price.

His initial demand for an 11% reduction in the deal price was met with a lawsuit from Tiffany that was intended to ensure the enforcement of the initial acquisition agreement. The two companies agreed to a purchase price of $131.50 per share in the end, a 2.6% discount from the originally agreed-upon $135 per share. It brought the total purchase price to approximately $15.8 billion.

Tiffany joined the companys Watches and Jewelry business group. LVMH said that Tiffany would help to bolster its position in jewelry and expand its presence in the U.S. The deal was also expected to strengthen Tiffanys presence in Europe and China.

LVMH doesn't typically provide revenue and sales figures for its brands.

Bulgari

Type of business: Luxury goods

Luxury goods Acquisition price: 3.7 billion

3.7 billion Date of purchase: March 7, 2011

Bulgari is known for creativity and colorful jewelry designs and has been at the forefront of luxury goods since its founding in 1884 by Sotirio Bulgari. LVMH announced the deal in March 2011, dramatically expanding the companys Watches and Jewelry business group. The acquisition included the purchase of a 50.4% stake in Bulgari from the Bulgari family as well as a tender offer for the remainder of the company.

Watches and Jewelry remains one of the smaller LVMH groups when it comes to profit and when compared to Fashion and Leather Goods. In 2023, this group delivered 2.16 billion profit on 10.9 billion in revenue in 2023.

Fendi

Type of business: Fashion

Fashion Acquisition price: Estimated $259.4 million to acquire majority stake

Estimated $259.4 million to acquire majority stake Date of purchase: Nov. 24, 2001

Italian luxury fashion house Fendi was founded by Adele and Edoardo Fendi in 1925. The company is known for its fur, leather goods, and other luxury products.

LVMH bought a stake in Fendi before becoming a majority stakeholder in 2001. LVMHs ownership began when it and Prada each bought a 25.5% stake in Fendi in 2000. LVMH then became the majority stakeholder in November 2001 when it agreed to buy Pradas stake. LVMH continued to add to its growing stable of luxury and designer brands in doing so.

Fendi is a part of LVMHs Fashion and Leather Goods group. It generated 16.83 billion in profit on 42.17 billion in revenue in 2023.

Christian Dior

Type of business: Fashion

Fashion Acquisition price: 1 franc

1 franc Date of purchase: 1984

Fashion giant Christian Dior is famous for its designer clothing and it's part of LVMHs highly profitable Fashion and Leather Goods group. The brand was founded in 1946 by its namesake founder.

Arnaults investment in Christian Dior predates the existence of LVMH. Arnault purchased Parisian textile group Boussac, which was in bankruptcy protection, for a symbolic one franc in 1984. Boussacs assets included Christian Dior.

The Dior brand has proven to be a staple of Arnaults holdings and LVMHs business ever since. LVMH and Arnault proposed a complex $13.1 billion transaction in 2017 to consolidate the companys ownership of Dior by buying out minority shareholders.

Sephora

Type of business: Personal care and beauty products

Personal care and beauty products Acquisition price: $262 million

$262 million Date of purchase: July 1997

Sephora was founded in 1969. It's a retailer of personal care and beauty items boasting roughly 500 brands. Sephora was part of a family of brands owned by founder Dominique Mandonnaud at the time of LVMHs acquisition. Sephora is a part of LVMHs Selective Retailing business group and generated a profit of 1.39 billion on 17.89 billion in revenue in 2023.

Veuve Clicquot

Type of business: Champagne

Champagne Acquisition price: Not available

Not available Date of purchase: 1986

Veuve Clicquot was founded in the late 18th century by Philippe Clicquot. The Clicquot winemaking business that eventually became Veuve Clicquot was well known in its early years among champagne connoisseurs across Europe and the U.S. The company is credited with inventing rose champagne.

Louis Vuitton purchased Veuve Clicquot in 1986, just a year before the fashion company merged with Moet Hennessy. LVMH saw 2.11 billion in profit on total revenue of 6.6 billion from its Wines and Spirits group in 2023 of which Veuve Clicquot is a significant member.

LVMH Diversity & Inclusiveness Transparency

As part of our effort to improve the awareness of the importance of diversity in companies, we have highlighted the transparency of LVMHs commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and social responsibility. This chart illustrates how LVMH reports the diversity of its management and workforce. This shows if LVMH discloses data about the diversity of its board of directors, C-Suite, general management, and employees overall across a variety of markers. We have indicated that transparency with a .
May 28, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mineral exploration is as much a collection of data as a hunt for metals, making it a field perfectly suited to artificial intelligence (AI).

Kodiak Copperis at the forefront of the shift to utilization of new technology suitable for better identifying new exploration targets and verifying existing ones.

The Discovery Group company is one of just four clients beta-testing the VRIFY Artificial Intelligence targeting software on its MPD copper-gold porphyry project in southern British Columbia.

VRIFY uses a combination of deep learning and computer vision architectures to train predictive models with data from various exploration features like geology, geophysics, drill holes, rock geochemistry, and mineral occurrences. VRIFY's system then combines data embedding with supervised predictive models to generate a prospectivity score, enabling probable predictions of mineralized areas.

We'll take a deep dive into how Kodiak is using VRIFY at MPD, but first, an introduction to the company and its flagship project.

Kodiak Copper (TSXV:KDK, OTCQB:KDKCF, Frankfurt:5DD1)

Kodiak Copper was established by chairman Chris Taylor of Great Bear fame. The founder and CEO of Great Bear Resources presided over its acquisition by Kinross Gold in 2022 for $1.8 billion. Kodiak, a Discovery Group company, is led by Claudia Tornquist, previously the general manager at Rio Tinto, working with Rio's copper operations. She was also the former director of Kennady Diamonds, leading the $176M sale of the company to Mountain Province Diamonds.

Jeff Ward as VP Exploration has managed Kodiak's field programs for the past six years. The veteran geologist has held senior positions in companies involved in grass-roots exploration to advanced evaluation, resource definition and feasibility assessment. Prior to joining Kodiak Copper, Ward was president of Kivalliq Energy, and held a management position with Ashton Mining/ Stornoway Diamond.

Rounding out the management team are Dave Skelton as VP Project Management, Nancy Curry as VP Corporate Development, and Emily McNie as Director of Operations & Sustainability.

MPD project

In 2018 Kodiak acquired 32 mineral claims as a single land package, which consolidated three historical prospect areas for the first time - Man, Prime and Dillard. An adjoining 25 claims were added in 2021, known as MPD South or Axe, with another 11 prospective claims added to the southern project area in 2023.

The MPD property is surrounded by several producing and past-producing mines. The producers are Copper Mountain to the south, Highland Valley in the north, and New Afton, close to Kamloops, re-opened by New Gold in 2012.

The project lies within the southern portion of the Quesnel Terrane, British Columbia's main copper-producing belt.

Historical drilling saw 384 holes completed since the 1960s by previous operators. Most of the drills tested mineralization from surface, with holes rarely testing below 200m depth.

Over the past four years, Kodiak Copper has completed 123 drill holes or 74,804 meters.

The company tasted success during its maiden drill program in 2019, with the discovery of the Gate Zone.

According to a project summary, 2020 marked the "transformative discovery" of a high-grade copper-gold zone within a wider mineralized envelope of significant size at the Gate Zone. The drill intercepts featured the highest grades in the +70-year history of the property.

The best hit was 535m of 0.49% copper and 0.29 g/t gold, including 282m of 0.70% copper and 0.49 g/t gold. Within this section was an even higher-grade 45.7m of 1.41% copper and 1.46 g/t gold.

Large drill programs in 2021 and 2022 extended the Gate Zone to 1 km x 350m, 900m depth and still open. Drilling continued to highlight significant copper-gold grades over substantial intervals and the Company found a new mineralized trend parallel to Gate at the Prime Zone (400m x 200m, 750m depth to date).

2023 exploration

The 2023 program drill-tested multiple targets, aiming to build critical mass and demonstrate MPD's size potential. The mineralization was significantly expanded at the West, Man and South zones. The program showed that MPD hosts multiple kilometer-scale mineralized zones, including mineralization starting from surface and high-grade intervals.

Five new targets were identified - Agie, Leeside, Celeste, Orbit and Comet - bringing the number of prospective areas to 24, of which only eight have been drilled by Kodiak to date.



Regional work confirmed significant copper-gold porphyry mineralization stretching for 20 kilometers across numerous target areas, consistent with multiple porphyry centers and highlighting the district-scale potential of the MPD project.



Two new target areas are considered drill-ready: Blue and Celeste.



Kodiak's 2023 program included the collection of 2,705 soil samples, 57 rock samples, a 3D IP survey over 2.6 square kilometers, geological and geotechnical studies.

In April of this year, Kodiak Copper reported a new copper discovery at the 1516 Zone, along with final 2023 drill results.

1516 was the second zone unearthed by Kodiak following its initial Gate Zone discovery.

The new 1516 Zone is interpreted to be part of a larger, multi-centered 4.5 square km porphyry system that also hosts the South, Mid and Adit zones, based on drill core chemistry and historic copper in soils.

Final results from holes drilled in 2023 at the West, South and Man zones infill previous work and show large extents of mineralization from surface and to substantial depths. According to Kodiak, these areas continue to be priority targets for further drilling.

2024 plans

The company has submitted its plans for 2024 exploration, assisted by VRIFY artificial-intelligence software, which has generated potential new areas of interest (AOI).

In its May 8 news release, Kodiak says the program will drill new targets developed by Kodiak's exploration team and VRIFY's predictive modeling, and include further drilling to expand the near-surface mineralization envelopes within and adjacent to existing zones.

Kodiak has identified 24 drill-confirmed zones and prospective target areas on the MPD project. As mentioned only eight have seen drilling: Gate, Prime, Man, Dillard, Beyer, 1516, West and South zones.

VRIFY has recognized nine AOIs, either adjacent to known copper-porphyry zones (Gamma, Zeta, Epsilon, Lambda, Omega and Sigma), or as new priority regions (Omicron, Iota and Tau) which merit follow-up.

Six target areas warrant new or further drill testing in 2024: two at MPD North (Belcarra and Blue) and four at MPD South (1516, South, Adit and Celeste). The targeting strategy involves the integration of existing data and AI model results.

A drill program of 10,000 meters is planned in 2024, focused on multiple drill-ready targets in the MPD North and South project areas, with the goal of locating high-grade mineralization in and around known zones or making new discoveries.



2024 target location map

VRIFY

This year's field program at MPD is unique for Kodiak Copper in that artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to generate and confirm drill targets.

"I have no doubt that AI will revolutionize mineral exploration by vastly improving the integration and evaluation of large geological data sets, thus accelerating drill targeting, enhancing efficiency and reducing exploration costs," CEO Claudia Tornquist said in a March 4 news release. She added:

"MPD is well suited to AI-enhanced exploration as it is a treasure trove of data, with Kodiak's extensive project database complemented by historic information spanning many decades."

The latter is an important distinction to make about VRIFY and other AI targeting software.

In a panel discussion at this year's PDAC in Toronto, Franco-Nevada founder and chair emeritus Pierre Lassonde said AI has the potential to revolutionize the exploration process, but he added a caveat. To be effective, it needs a lot of data from drill programs and assay results.

Also, while AI is exciting for juniors with more advanced properties, it is not exactly new to the mining industry. At the PDAC conference, Kodiak's Chairman & former president and CEO of Great Bear Resources Chris Taylor said the company's use of machine-learning tools was instrumental in making the Dixie gold deposit discovery in Ontario.

"Every geologist that I know, every person that was instrumental in the Great Bear discovery, was already doing both computer modeling and interpretation and traditional field geology. So it's not like there's a dichotomy. These are tools that we've been using for a long time, Taylor said during a panel hosted by VRIFY's CEO Steve de Jong.

Specifically, geographic information system (GIS) programs such as Esri's ArcGIS have been used to help model exploration data since the mid-1980s.

In an article on AI and mining, Investing News Network reports, The data modeling tools used by Great Bear are still widely employed in the mining industry, but are beginning a new phase of evolution as AI and machine learning are more widely adopted and more closely integrated into GIS tools.

So how is Kodiak Copper using VRIFY, and how effective has it been? During a recent talk with AOTH, VP Project Management, Dave Skelton said the company started working with VRIFY by handing over all of its data - including information from geophysical surveys, geochemical surveys and mapping. VRIFY then crunches the client's data to "learn" about known mineralization, and then "predicts" new areas of interest.

VRIFY works by adding more "layers" such as topography and geology, and through a learning process, deciphers what features are responsible for, in Kodiak's case, copper mineralization.

Kodiak ran a variety of regional and local iterations with the AI software: copper, copper-molybdenum, and copper-gold. Skelton said the software collates dozens of layers of data, something he suggested would be difficult and time consuming for a human field crew.

"We can talk about one or two or three of these different layers or features quite easily but we can't talk about 30. We have 33 in one of the most data-dense areas and so it's generated a lot of discussion about why is the AI seeing something in a certain area and not in another?"

VRIFY is doing two things for Kodiak Copper: it is validating anomalies already found, and it is generating new areas of interest to be followed up on.

"It's important to understand that these VRIFY targets are not drill targets, they're really areas of interest, because the AI looks at all of those different parameters and thinks that there's something there. There's a reason for it to pick it but it's not a drill target right away, because you probably have to feed a bit more data into it to firm that up," Skelton said.

In other words, VRIFY does not replace, but compliments boots-on-the ground mapping, prospecting, sample taking, and geophysical surveys.

"We might end up doing more geophysics for example or maybe more soil geochem because that's what it thinks is important in those areas," said Skelton, clarifying he wouldn't sink a drill hole into an area of interest generated by AI alone.

Kodiak Copper's 2024 exploration program, for example, envisions 25 line kilometers of 3D IP (induced polarization) and a 2,000-sample soil geochemical survey.

Tornquist said she's excited about using VRIFY because of its potential for accelerating the exploration process.

"If you look back the last couple of years we identified two or three new targets or areas of interest per year with sampling, mapping and prospecting, so it's quite a sequential process," she said, "Whereas when we threw more computer power at it the AI highlighted nine areas of interest. We can now check those out, determine which are the most prospective and work on them first. Had we done it in the conventional way we might have gotten to those same nine areas, but it might have taken us three to four years and we might have found the best one only in year three. To have more areas of interest identified right from the start through the AI work is in my mind is a very valuable exercise," she said.



Screenshot of VRIFY AI 3D geo-targeting model at MPD North showing

five new prospective areas.

p>

Artificial intelligence isn't the only new technology that Kodiak Copper is trying out this year.

In May, the company contracted ICP Securities to provide automated market making services, including use of its proprietary algorithm, ICP Premium.

It's no secret that junior resource companies have been hurt by so-called "algo" traders who use complex algorithms to buy and sell blocks of shares. Often the algorithm "shorts" the stock, meaning it places a bet on the share price dropping.

According to ICP's website, Market makers are financial firms or individuals that stand ready to buy and sell securities at publicly quoted prices. They provide liquidity to the market by continuously quoting bid and ask prices and facilitating trading activity. In essence, market makers act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, ensuring that there is a smooth flow of trading in the market.

"Essentially they are a 'friendly' algorithm that trades on behalf of the company and the company's interest to counter-balance any detrimental algo trading that there might be, like anyone who is trying to short you, or playing games in the market." Tornquist explained.

Conclusion

The facts:

Kodiak has a proven track record of making multiple discoveries without new VRIFY AI

Management "has been there and done that" ie. Taylor, Robins and Tornquist's proven success

Innovation - using market-makers like ICP to protect shareholders

Technology - using artificial-intelligence software like VRIFY that utilizes machine-learning to generate areas of interest on a mining property, means Kodiak Copper has definitely set itself apart from other juniors through its embrace of technology

Right people, right project, right location, right time

I love technology, I love the fact KDK is embracing predictive AI, and I will, presumably with a lot of others, be watching closely to see how VRIFY performs at Kodiak Copper's MPD project this summer. Success could mean a technological breakthrough rarely seen in our industry.

But let's not take our eyes off what's truly important

Right people, right project, right location, right time

Kodiak has made discovery after discovery in significant copper-gold porphyry mineralization stretching for 20 kilometers with numerous target areas, consistent with multiple porphyry centers that highlights the district-scale potential of the MPD project.

A drill program of 10,000 meters is planned in 2024, focused on multiple drill-ready targets in the MPD North and South project areas, with the goal of locating high-grade mineralization in and around known zones or making new discoveries.

Kodiak Copper

TSXV:KDK

Cdn$0.58 2024.05.23

Shared Outstanding 64.1m

Market cap Cdn$37.1m

KDK website

Richard (Rick) Mills

aheadoftheherd.com

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Clonmel-based auctioneers PF Quirke & Co are putting a rare, large, quality holding up for public auction on June 25.

The farm is very well located on the outskirts of the town of Clonmel on the Waterford side and its position means that it will attract the keen attention of non-farmers, as well as those looking for the rare opportunity to get a hold of 103 acres of top-quality pasture in the Golden Vale.

The auction is due to take place at the offices of the auctioneers on Gladstone Street in Clonmel, and although the property has only just been launched, auctioneer Pat Quirke is encouraged by the level of enquiries so far and expects that there will be a good turnout on the day.

Weve had a good number of enquiries already, says Pat. I think that it will work well for us.

With the public road running through the farm, it is being offered in lots. Lot 1 consists of 34.2 acres, Lot 2 is 69 acres and Lot 3 is the entire holding.

Some of the quality pasture on the 103-acre farm for auction on the Waterford side of the Suir at Clonmel.

Another very unique feature that the farm holds is 1.26km of river frontage onto the River Suir, with the fishing rights that entails. This is on the entire property or Lot 2.

The size and the proximity to the busy town of Clonmel are the main standout features of this farm, Pat adds.

To get a block like that is so rare; wed have plenty of smaller parcels for sale, but to get a block of that size in one go is a great opportunity.

The 103-acre farm is on Coleville Road, Clonmel.

The other advantage of its location is that it offers the real possibility of planning permission for a house to be built on-site.

I think its something that someone looking to build a home in a nice plot of ground will also be interested in, says Pat. Its just off the N24 and youre near Cahir and the M8.

The price guide of 2,500,000 (24,300/acre) is a realistic one for this large and rare package.
"After next October" has been confirmed as the latest deadline when the British government plans to start new sanitary and phytosanitary checks on goods arriving from the island of Ireland.

The checks include documentary, identity, and physical checks on medium-risk animals, plants, and their products, and the movement of existing inspections of high-risk plants and their products to border controls posts.

However, all British plans to cope with Brexit have to be taken with a pinch of salt, due to full controls having been postponed five times since the end of the EU exit transition period on December 31, 2020.

It is quite likely that the controls on goods arriving into Britain from the island of Ireland could be delayed again, because these goods usually arrive in Britain's west coast ports  which are the responsibility of devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, rather than London.

The British government had not yet reached agreement with the devolved administrations on when to bring in checks on sanitary and phytosanitary goods from Ireland, nor on the level or nature of those checks.

The British government initially delayed import controls on goods moving into Britain from Ireland, because it wished to minimise disruption for traders while negotiations on the Northern Ireland Protocol were ongoing.

Delays will continue, pending resolution of a number of outstanding policy issues

For example, the timetable will be affected while arrangements are put in place to deliver the governments commitment of unfettered access for qualifying Northern Ireland goods going to Britain.

Goods from Ireland or the EU will be subject to customs and sanitary and phytosanitary controls on arrival in Britain, but those originating from Northern Ireland will not  regardless of route.

As set out in the Windsor Framework, businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland have the unique position (and opportunities) of full access to export to the EU market and also unfettered internal access to the UK market.

The National Audit Office said port health authorities recruited about 520 staff to do sanitary and phytosanitary checks, but 370 of them were not required. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA.

The British government originally intended to introduce a full import control regime on January 1, 2021, including customs and transit checks, inspections of animals, plants and their products; and safety and security declarations.

Delays and five postponements were needed to give businesses time to recover from covid-19, and the cost-of-living crisis.

However, a lack of clarity and integrated planning also led to delays, according to the National Audit Office in its latest report.

The National Audit Office independently scrutinises public spending for the British parliament. It has said the 2025 UK Border Strategy lacks a definitive timetable and a cohesive cross-government delivery plan.

The report says the total annual post-Brexit cost to British businesses of completing customs declarations on trade between the UK and the EU is 7.5bn.

Britain's department for environment, food, and rural affairs estimated the annual cost to traders at 54m for the controls it introduced for EU imports between January 2021 and December 2023

There's hundreds of millions more to come in costs before a fully functioning border is in place, hopefully next October. After that, dealing with imports from Ireland will be the main task remaining.

Much government expenditure on infrastructure and staff has been wasted because of the repeated delays in introducing import controls. For example, the National Audit Office said port health authorities recruited about 520 staff to do SPS checks, but 370 of them were not required.

It also found that the loss of access to EU surveillance and alert systems reduces Britains awareness of impending dangers, and the phased approach to introducing full controls has increased biosecurity risk.

The National Farmers Union and British Poultry Council are concerned about the biosecurity risk.

There have been some high profile scares, such as nearly 100 tonnes of illegal meat imports being stopped at the Port of Dover.

Seizures included pork, which could expose the British livestock industry to devastating disease like African swine fever.

Another reported seizure by the Dover Port Health Authority had 54 unmarked sheep carcasses from two vehicles from Romania, which had travelled for several days in unhygienic conditions and unsuitable packaging. To guard against spread of disease, the meat from Romania was removed from the food supply chain.

Staff at Dover said funding for illegal meat checks at the port is being slashed, in the move to new border controls

The Dover staff said their inspection teams are fully committed to fighting off the threat of lethal diseases, but the new arrangement will be that high-risk meat shipments from all over the world will be allowed travel freely and uncontrolled, to self-present at the Sevington inspection facility 22 miles away.

The latest phase of checks on sanitary and phytosanitary goods came into force on April 30 last.

However, the National Audit Office said such controls may operate on an inconsistent and incomplete basis due to ongoing uncertainties and differences in port readiness.

There are concerns that trade flows will be diverted to the entry point of least resistance, until full border controls are in place.

Spelling out the enormity of the Brexit border task, the National Audit Office said 4.7bn (5.5bn) is the government's forecast spending on the passage of goods across the border post-Brexit.
A GP is the first port of call for parents concerned about their childs health. Almost always, the diagnosis is straightforward, and the childs illness is easily resolved.

The vast majority of what we see in children are fairly minor, easily managed illnesses, says Dr Maire Finn, a general practitioner in Ennis.

Some children do develop serious illnesses, however, and being aware of the red flags for some of these puts you in the best position for early diagnosis and better outcomes.

Type 1 diabetes

Ireland has the tenth highest incidence worldwide of type 1 diabetes in children and young people.

About 370 children under 15 are diagnosed each year, approximately 30 a month, says Prof Edna Roche, consultant in paediatrics, paediatric endocrinology, and diabetes at Tallaght University Hospital. Type 1 is the primary diabetes type in children  95% of young people attending our clinic have it.

Symptoms can be subtle. The acronym, TEST, highlights red flag symptoms:

Thirst increased: Parents might explain it away  its a hot day, theyve been exercising. Pay attention: Are they drinking more? Is their water bottle constantly refilled?;

Parents might explain it away  its a hot day, theyve been exercising. Pay attention: Are they drinking more? Is their water bottle constantly refilled?; Energy reduced: Tiredness and lethargy, falling asleep where they wouldnt have before;

Tiredness and lethargy, falling asleep where they wouldnt have before; Sudden change in weight: Unintentional weight loss;

Unintentional weight loss; Toilet trips increased: Theyre going to the toilet a lot, peeing large volumes, getting up at night. A previously toilet-trained child starts wetting the bed. A younger child has very wet nappies  theyre bursting or leaking at night.

More minor type 1 symptoms may include increased appetite, poor concentration, constipation, mood swings, and frequent infections.

Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes and prevents the life-threatening complication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)  rates are high in our population. In 2020, 46% of people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes presented with DKA, warns Roche, who confirms the TEST campaign has seen a slight reduction in this.

Prof Edna Roche, consultant in paediatrics, paediatric endocrinology and diabetes at Tallaght University Hospital.

If the child has DKA when diagnosed, it is dangerous  and complicates things hugely. The childs in hospital, in high-dependency care. Theres a lot of intense treatment. Whereas if you [catch] type 1 diabetes up, they sometimes dont even need to go on a drip.

Type 1 diabetes occurs because the body stops producing insulin. As a result, in untreated diabetes, glucose levels get too high. A finger prick test by GP or pharmacist will show current glucose levels  a urine test will dispel confusion around whether this could be a UTI.

Cardiac disease

Different cardiac conditions manifest in children at different time points, says Prof Orla Franklin, paediatric cardiologist in CHI, Crumlin.

Congenital heart disease is typically present at the baby stage and in the first weeks of life. In five out of six cases, children are diagnosed before birth, says Franklin.

Babies present with breathlessness and difficulty feeding, particularly in the context of a heart murmur.

Cardiac disease in middle childhood is not common. We see 20 to 30 new presentations of heart muscle disease  cardiomyopathy  a year. The muscle begins to malfunction. A young child wont have enough energy, wont be able to exercise. They get a minor illness and cant cope  the cardiac problem escalates, with fast heart rate and breathlessness.

Another issue in middle childhood is inflammation of the heart caused by viral infection  most common is Kawasaki disease. We saw a lot of problematic inflammation of the heart muscle during covid  following covid infection  particularly before [children] were vaccinated, says Franklin adding that cases have reduced since vaccination.

In teenage years, chest pain is surprisingly common as children stretch and grow.

Sharp, severe sudden-onset pain at front of the chest, typically when the teen is at rest, that lasts a couple of seconds  usually theres nothing sinister about it.

Whats more worrying is chest pain while exercising, along with an episode of collapse or with family history of sudden unexplained death.

It can be nothing, but it certainly demands investigation.

Teen fainting can alarm parents but it is very common. One in six teens faint  peak age is 15. Its often associated with growth spurts. Typically its benign. But fainting brought on by stress  fright, in the heat of anger, diving into cold water, at peak of physical activity  is a red flag. Sinister causes need to be excluded.

Franklin says high levels of adrenalin release in children prone to cardiac arrhythmias can be problematic. Video games where the teens in the role of a soldier and is the first-person shooter  studies looking at children who died [playing these games] showed an adrenalin surge brought on by abnormal heart rhythms  but kids would have to have the genetic anomaly that makes it happen.

Sepsis and UTIs

Temperature, feeding, colour, and energy are all elements of Finns infection checklist:

Temperature: Anything over 38C is abnormal, 39C is more concerning, as is persistent high temperature;

Anything over 38C is abnormal, 39C is more concerning, as is persistent high temperature; Feeding: Older children wont eat when ill, but watch out for dry lips and not urinating  signs of dehydration;

Older children wont eat when ill, but watch out for dry lips and not urinating  signs of dehydration; Energy: Children will be lethargic, wont want to play;

Children will be lethargic, wont want to play; Colour: Pale or slightly blue tinge is a sign of respiratory distress.

Sepsis is when any infection gets out of hand and it is very serious, warns Finn. Watch for mottled skin  indicating circulation has shut down a bit  vomiting in older children, high heart-rate and difficulty waking.

If your child has something new and different you havent encountered before, trust your gut  get it checked.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be difficult to pinpoint  children may not show classic symptoms, says Finn. Theyre not that common  theyre more common if the child is inclined to be constipated. You may see sore belly, vomiting, or wetting the bed, where theyve been dry before. The only way to be sure is to have their urine checked.

In children under one, UTI needs hospital follow-up to ensure no structural issue with their kidney.

Dr Jane Pears, consultant paediatric oncologist at CHI Crumlin.

Cancer

Childhood cancer is thankfully rare. One out of 450 children under 15 will be diagnosed with cancer  compared with two out of three adults, says consultant paediatric oncologist Dr Jane Pears at CHI Crumlin.

Ireland has 200 new cases of cancer a year in children. The most common diagnosis is leukaemia  50-plus new patients yearly. The next most common is a tumour of the brain or spine  also over 50 cases annually.

After that comes a mix of cancers, affecting any of the organs. The most common in the abdomen is neuroblastoma  on average about 12 a year, says Pears.

Cancer survival rates continue to improve in children. Survival for all [childrens] cancers together would be over 80%.

The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust ( www.gkcct.org/) has the LADYBIRDS signs and symptoms card for cancer in children:

L: Loss of weight, sickness, nausea;

Loss of weight, sickness, nausea; A: Appearance: might look pale or have swollen tummy;

Appearance: might look pale or have swollen tummy; D: Discomfort: persistent pain, new limp, slow recovery after injury;

Discomfort: persistent pain, new limp, slow recovery after injury; Y: You are concerned: you know your child better than anyone;

You are concerned: you know your child better than anyone; B: Bleeding, excessive bruising, blood in urine;

Bleeding, excessive bruising, blood in urine; I: Irritability, constant exhaustion;

Irritability, constant exhaustion; R: Recurrent high temperature, night sweats;

Recurrent high temperature, night sweats; D: Disturbance in vision, new squint, headaches, unusual white appearance of the pupils (eyes) in photos;

Disturbance in vision, new squint, headaches, unusual white appearance of the pupils (eyes) in photos; S: Swelling or lump that is persistent. Unusually early or late puberty.

For cancer concerns, contact the Irish Cancer Society support line (1800-200700); supportline@irishcancer.ie

Professor Afif El-Khuffash, neonatologist.

Babies and red flags

Signs of infection can be less specific than in older children and adults, says Prof Afif EL-Khuffash, neonatologist at the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, and co-host of The Baby Tribe podcast. It can be difficult to recognise a sick baby, especially under one year of age.

Watch for changes in feeding habits. All of a sudden beginning to refuse food, feeding less, or taking longer than usual to finish their bottle. Watch for vomiting especially if frequent and forceful. They may be excessively crying or irritable, be lethargic, have unusually low energy or lack interest in surroundings.

He urges being alert to changes in breathing  fast, laboured, grunting, wheezing, and if a blue tinge develops on lips or skin. Watch dehydration  indicated by fewer wet nappies, or persistent dark yellow urine. Be alert to skin changes: rash  especially all-over-body, pale or mottled skin, swelling or bulging of the fontanelle (soft spot on babys head), and any unexplained bruises.
The EU is now considering sanctions against Israel for the first time following a barbaric airstrike on a refugee camp in Gaza, which has sparked international condemnation.

At least 45 Palestinians were killed in an attack on a tented camp for displaced Palestinians. The attack, which saw hundreds of Palestinian refugees hospitalised, was later described by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a tragic mishap.

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) officials said that the attack had killed two senior Hamas commanders. The Associated Press quoted civilian Mohammed Abuassa as saying: We pulled out children who were in pieces. We pulled out young and elderly people. The fire in the camp was unreal.

The deadly bombardment, which took place despite an International Court of Justice (ICJ) order to immediately halt the assault on the southern city, was described as "barbaric" by Tanaiste Micheal Martin.

After a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, who were joined by Arab ministers, Mr Martin confirmed that possible sanctions against Israel had been discussed.

"Certainly, if compliance [with the ICJ ruling] isn't forthcoming, then we have to consider all options," he said following the meeting.

Mr Martin also condemned a Hamas rocket attack on Tel Aviv, the first in many months.

The Palestinian flag will today fly over Leinster House as Ireland formally recognises the State of Palestine along with Spain and Norway.

Cabinet will approve the formal recognition, which will allow Ireland to upgrade the Palestinian Mission in Ireland to an Embassy and see the appointment of an Ambassador to Ireland from the State of Palestine.

In Jerusalem after being summoned back in the wake of Ireland's decision to recognise Palestine, Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich warned that the move could negatively impact Ireland's tech sector.

"We are getting more and more phone calls and conversations of concerned people  if its Israelis who invest in Ireland and are concerned about their investment, if its Israelis who have relocated to Ireland into different tech companies and either are requesting to be relocated somewhere else or asking to return to Israel, Ms Erlich said.

I think it sends the wrong message about the location and the centrality of Ireland as a tech hub when there are more and more people who are concerned about moving to Ireland. I dont think that this is the message that Ireland wants to send to the world.

Taoiseach Simon Harris rejected the idea that Ireland's recognition would harm the Irish tech sector and described the comments as a "distraction".

I think what should concern the entire world today are the barbaric, horrific scenes that we saw last night in Rafah, where a displaced persons centre was attacked.

Imagine, this place where parents bring their children for safety and security, a place that is meant to be some degree of refuge and safety, at his most horrific time, was attacked, was bombed and 45 people are dead. I don't think anybody fully comprehends at all the scale of this."

Meanwhile, President Michael D Higgins has said he is "deeply, deeply" disappointed by US President Joe Biden's stance on Israel, especially given his deep links to and understanding of Ireland.

The US has indicated that it could impose sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) officials over the prosecutor's request last week for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over its actions in Gaza.

Referring to the "gratuitous attack" on the ICC, Mr Higgins said: "It was unnecessary, uncalled for and is certainly not helpful."

However, referring to the "options" facing US voters, he raised Donald Trump's son-in-law and former White House adviser, Jared Kushner, who said Gaza's "waterfront property" has a very valuable potential, suggesting Israel should remove civilians while it cleans up the area.

"Now remember what the alternative is... Mr Trump's son-in-law has said what a desirable opportunity is going to be there in Gaza if the people can be persuaded to leave and the place cleaned up. These are the options," President Higgins said.
President Michael D Higgins has said he is "deeply, deeply" disappointed by US President Joe Biden's stance on Israel.

President Higgins claimed he "can't understand" President Biden's actions and has a "deep sadness" in relation to the stance taken, especially given his deep links to and understanding of Ireland, a country whose people were suppressed and had to fight for recognition.

The US has indicated that it could impose sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) officials over the prosecutor's request for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over the Gaza war last week.

Referring to the "gratuitous attack" on the ICC, Mr Higgins said: "It was unnecessary, uncalled for and is certainly not helpful."

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Higgins said: "Here is the deep sadness I have in relation to when I see the statements coming from the White House."

However, referring to the voting options facing US voters in the upcoming US Presidential election in November, Mr Higgins raised concern around comments made by Donald Trump's son-in-law and former White House adviser, Jared Kushner, who said Gaza's "waterfront property" has a very valuable potential, suggesting Israel should remove civilians while it cleans up the area.

"Now remember what the alternative is... Mr Trump's son-in-law has said what a desirable opportunity is going to be there in Gaza if the people can be persuaded to leave and the place cleaned up. These are the options," President Higgins said.

Mr Higgins also questioned how parity of esteem can be arrived in relation to the Palestinian Israeli relationship when there is one side "able to say the strongest military power in the world that is going to give us endless military support" and that it "will in fact, actually makes it unnecessary for us to regard the people who share the space with us as human equals".

"The language is everything. And the language is on both sides," the President said.
Professor Phillip Nolan has stepped down as director of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).

According to reports, the board of the SFI had been due to consider findings of an investigation into misconduct allegations that had been made by senior staff against Mr Nolan.

The Irish Times reported the allegations were denied by Prof Nolan.

Prof Nolan was previously chair of the Governments virus modelling unit during covid-19.

SFI is a research group that funds "oriented basic and applied research in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics".

A spokesperson for SFI confirmed Prof Nolan was no longer with the organisation.

Following a board meeting, deputy director general Dr Ciaran Seoighe has been made acting director general.
The mother of a Dublin man killed in a hit-and-run incident in Tallaght seven years ago has expressed upset and disappointment at ongoing delays in holding an inquest into his death.

Stephen Lynch, 31, suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a vehicle at Brookview Close, Tallaght, on April 13, 2017.

Gardai launched a murder investigation after forming the view that the victim was deliberately run over by the driver of a Ford Focus which was later found abandoned a short distance away.

Gardai believe Mr Lynch  a father of three from the Glenshane estate in Tallaght  became involved in an altercation with the occupants of the vehicle before the fatal incident after he had earlier asked the driver of the car to slow down because of children playing in the area.

At a brief hearing at Dublin District Coroners Court on Tuesday, the coroner, Crona Gallagher, noted that the case had already come before her court on numerous occasions over the past seven years.

Dr Gallagher acknowledged that gardai were involved in a complex investigation into Mr Lynchs death.

Application for adjournment

Detective Inspector Jason Miley applied to the coroner for an adjournment of the inquest on the basis that a file on the case is with the DPP.

Det Insp Miley said that a review of the original Garda investigation into Mr Lynchs death had resulted in a supplementary file being forwarded to the DPP and a direction was awaited on the matter.

It is still under consideration, said Det Insp Miley.

The witness said he had contacted the DPP on numerous occasions but confirmed that no charges had been brought in the case to date.

Det Insp Miley said he anticipated he would get a decision from the DPP in the near future if a short adjournment was granted.

A solicitor for Mr Lynchs family, Brian Doyle, said the victims mother, Vera Donovan, was disappointed at the delay in holding the inquest into her sons death.

Nothing has been advanced for seven years, said Mr Doyle.

He also said that there had been two or three false starts in the case which had left Ms Donovan very upset and very disappointed.

In reply, Dr Gallagher said that she was obliged to adjourn an inquest under legislation if informed by gardai that there were outstanding matters in relation to their investigation into a death.

My hands are tied. I have no choice, said the coroner. I cant go forward while a file rests with the DPP.

Dr Gallagher said she had no discretion about when the inquest could be held until there was an outcome to the process involving the DPP.

Mr Doyle also sought clarification over why Mr Lynchs death certificate only listed a head injury due to a road traffic collision as the cause of death.

The coroner said a death certificate usually only lists the medical cause of death and does not reflect all the circumstances of how someone died.

Dr Gallagher adjourned the inquest until a date to be fixed in early July on the basis that a decision by the DPP might be available by then.

'Extremely difficult'

She acknowledged that Ms Donovan had to wait a very long time for progress in the case and that it had been extremely difficult for her and her family.

On her son's anniversary last month, Ms Donovan issued a fresh appeal for people with information about his death to come forward to gardai.

Just give us some kind of closure  a bit of peace. I know nothing is ever going to bring Stephen back, she said.
A judge decided that the case against a man accused of attacking a woman in Cork city centre was too serious to be dealt with at district court level.

Robert Nachtygal, aged 38, of no fixed address, faces a charge of assault causing harm to a woman in her thirties last October.

Garda Kevin Roche charged Nachtygal who appeared at Cork District Court.

Judge Mary Dorgan asked for an outline of the allegations in the case so that she could decide on the issue of jurisdiction. After hearing the outline, Judge Dorgan said it was too serious to be dealt with at the district court.

A book of evidence will now have to be prepared in the case and Judge Dorgan adjourned the matter until July 22.

Sergeant Dave Delea outlined the background to the case which arose out of an alleged incident after 9.30pm on October 23, 2023, on Lower Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.

It is alleged that Robert Nachtygal of no fixed address pinned a 35-year-old woman up against a wall on Lower Oliver Plunkett Street and punched her a number of times into the face and head, only stopping when another man intervened.

The woman then walked away but returned almost immediately at which point he caught her by the hair and dragged her over to a nearby car and he pinned her up against this.

It is alleged that Robert Nachtygal then picked up a bottle neck of a broken Smirnoff vodka bottle and drew it up to her face in a very aggressive manner trying to stab it at her face and neck, barely giving the woman enough time to get her right hand up to her face to protect herself, receiving cuts to her hand and wrist in doing so. She received a gash that was bleeding heavily. The entire incident was captured on CCTV, Sgt. Delea said.
Enquiries are ongoing within the state and internationally in the case of an alleged conspiracy to import a huge consignment of drugs into Ireland between late February and mid-March.

This emerged at Cork District Court on Tuesday when one of 10 arrested men appeared by video link from prison.

Solicitor for 41-year-old Anuar Rahui, Frank Buttimer, asked the prosecution sergeant what progress had been made in the investigation as it was the only matter causing this defendants detention in custody. He is a Spanish national and he has been refused bail by the High Court, Mr Buttimer said.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said: The file has not gone to the DPP as of yet. Enquiries are ongoing within the state and internationally due to the nature of the alleged offence.

Mr Buttimer asked: When might those enquiries be completed? Sgt Davis said that he would propose that a member of the investigation team would give an update on the position regarding the investigation on the adjourned date or else there would be a detailed report on progress before the court.

Mr Buttimer said the accused was prepared to consent to a four-week remand in custody to facilitate progress, on the understanding that there would be evidence of progress on the next occasion.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused in custody until June 25.

Anuar Rahui of Malaga, Spain  like the other defendants  is charged with conspiring with nine others to import drugs.

The charge in each case states: That you (defendants name) on dates between February 27 and March 14, both dates inclusive, within the state, did conspire with one or more persons, namely (nine other names) to do an act in the state that constitutes a serious offence, namely the other nine importation of controlled drugs in excess of 13,000, an offence contrary of Section 15B (1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as amended and contrary to Section 71 (1) (a) (4) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as amended by Section 4 (b) of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions ) Act 2023.

A Spanish interpreter translated proceedings from Cork District Court for Mr Rahui on the video link.
A construction company owner who assaulted a female garda when stopped on suspicion of drink driving in Cork has been convicted of assault, brandishing a glass bottle, resisting arrest, and driving while intoxicated.

Aidan OSullivan, aged 38, of Duntaheen, Fermoy, had been approached by gardai at 3.15am on October 2, 2022, on Connolly St, Fermoy, after his vehicle was seen driving erratically before it pulled into a car park in the town. Gardai said that he smelled of alcohol.

The defendant lunged into the footwell of the vehicle and grabbed a glass bottle, according to Garda evidence from the night, Inspector Tony OSullivan told Fermoy District Court. One garda was concerned he would use it as a weapon and the bottle was forcefully taken, the court heard. The defendant denied handling any bottle.

When he refused to exit the vehicle and comply with gardai, he was pepper sprayed. As gardai were removing him from his Range Rover to bring him to the Garda van, he kicked out and struck Sergeant Majella OSullivan. Sgt OSullivan sustained injuries to her arm and elbow which required medical attention.

Aidan OSullivan pleaded guilty to assaulting Sgt OSullivan, causing her harm, and to resisting or willfully obstructing Garda Jamie Green in the execution of his duties. However, he contested a charge that he produced a glass bottle while committing or appearing to commit an assault. He also contested an intoxicated driving charge.

The defendant had initially denied assaulting Sgt OSullivan in a Garda interview following the incident. He said that had been blinded by incapacitant spray. He recalled severe pain in his eyes, nose, stomach and he soiled his pants during the incident.

It takes away your senses, Aidan OSullivan said.

It's like drowning. Your breathing is gone, your eyes are gone

Gardai noted that, if the defendant had co-operated, he would not have been pepper sprayed. He had also told Sgt OSullivan to go f*ck yourself when requesting a breath sample back in the station.

This was a simple road traffic arrest that escalated into something more serious, Sgt Sean Murphy said.

Aidan OSullivan apologised to Sgt OSullivan and to the court.

I'm 40 next year, this isnt my behaviour. I keep my head down, I work extremely hard.

He said that a van of his had been pulled up by gardai the previous day, which he had been angry about, and he had written to the superintendent questioning the action.

I already had my back [up]. To Majella OSullivan, I genuinely am sorry. I didnt think I assaulted any officer, I was blinded."

What happened to Majella, there is no excuse for it. Its deplorable behaviour

The judge questioned the sincerity of his apologies to the court when he had contested charges.

Barrister Alan ODwyer BL, defending, argued that his client had not been tested for intoxicants within the statutory three hours from his arrest. This was due to delays with accessing a doctor, which was not his clients fault, he said.

Aidan OSullivan denied that he had been driving while intoxicated and had only consumed Heineken 0.0 that night, Mr ODwyer said.

The judge said that 'the most credible explanation for [the defendant]'s violent, disrespectful, and egregious behaviour was that he was under the influence of alcohol'.

A witness, Lorraine Higgins, said that she had met the defendant a short time before he was arrested and he seemed completely coherent and sober.

However, the judge said that the most credible explanation for his violent, disrespectful, egregious behaviour was that he was under the influence of alcohol".

If you smell like drink and you act like a drunk, its likely you have drink taken.

I do welcome this somewhat belated but real remorse this defendant now seems to have," the judge added.

He works hard, I would imagine hes the sort of guy if you looked for a favour he would do you a favour. I dont doubt this man is regarded and respected in his community, but the acts of that night do not merit respect, they merit condemnation and they merit punishment.

Aidan OSullivan was convicted of all four charges. He was disqualified from driving for four years.

The judge said he may also face a custodial sentence, but requested a probation and welfare report first since he had no previous convictions.

The case will be back in Fermoy District Court for penalty on September 13. Aidan OSullivans driving ban was deferred until September 14.

The violent nature of this usually would merit a custodial sentence, but what mitigates against that is your clients clean record to date and his contribution to society," the judge said.

Your client is worried about losing his licence, but perhaps he should be worried about losing his liberty."

O'Sullivan complained to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) following his arrest. But an investigation found that there were no wrongdoings by gardai.
Today the Palestinian flag flies outside Leinster House as Ireland formally recognises the of the State of Palestine as a sovereign, independent State.

What are we recognising?

Ireland has recognised the State of Palestine, which is based on 1967 borders referenced in the United Nations Security Council resolution 242 (1967).

The 1967 borders acknowledge that land which has since been occupied by Israel settlers is in fact Palestinian territory.

The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have made it clear that recognising Palestine does not equate to recognising Hamas, which the Government has repeatedly condemned as a terrorist organisation.

Both Simon Harris and Micheal Martin have stressed that it is the State and not the government that is being acknowledged.

What does formal recognition change in real terms?

While many have pointed to the symbolism of acknowledging a Palestinian State, formal recognition will also bring about changes both in Ireland and Palestine.

The recognition will mean the establishment of full diplomatic relations.

This includes:

The upgrading of the Palestinian Mission in Ireland to an Embassy, subject to a formal request from the Palestinian authorities.

The appointment of an Ambassador to Ireland from the State of Palestine, subject to a formal request and Government approval.

The Irish Government will also now move to make similar changes.

Ireland has a diplomatic team based in the Representative Office in Ramallah, which works to promote relations between the Irish and Palestinian people.

A key element of this work is supporting the Palestinian Authority to assist its efforts to build a viable, sovereign and democratic Palestinian State. But the team also works closely with the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other organisations.

Recognition means:

The Representative Office of Ireland in Ramallah will now be upgraded to an Embassy.

The Irish Representative to Palestine title, a position currently held by Feilim McLaughlin, will also be changed to the Irish Ambassador to the State of Palestine.

Why now?

Ireland was the first EU Member State to endorse the idea of Palestinian statehood in 1980.

The Programme for Government states that Ireland will recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory.

However, the Government has stated that the sustained Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip  specifically on the civilian population, as well as the denial of sufficient humanitarian aid over a sustained period of time, has made this process more urgent.

A number of European States have concluded that Palestinian self-determination can no longer wait until the end of a process of negotiations between the parties.

What other countries recognise Palestine and what other States might follow?

Ireland, Spain and Norway have moved in a joint action to recognise the State of Palestine.

A number of other EU states including Malta and Slovenia have indicated they could follow. Observers are also closley watching France, which could also move to recognise Palestine in the near future.
Is it just me, or are these the weirdest set of elections youve ever seen? You know there are elections going on, because every lamppost in the country is festooned with posters. My letterbox is in danger of falling off the wall under the weight of the leaflets surreptitiously stuffed in there, Im guessing at dead of night.

I live in a very polite and friendly neighbourhood. We greet each other in the street, we help people across the road if the need it, we (mostly anyway) take care to manage the material that all the friendly dogs around here would leave behind if it wasnt managed. Were nice, were decent, were ok around here.

But nobody has darkened our door. Not the National Party, none of the mainstream parties, not even that lad with the very dark poster who says hes standing up for us and therell be no great replacement on his watch. I wouldnt mind a chat with him.

Let me declare my biases, in case you didnt know. Ill be voting for the Labour candidates in the local elections. I dont believe any party has a prouder record in local government. The greatest house building programme in Dublin, which succeeded in clearing many of the earlier slums, started when Jim Larkin stood for Labour and became Chair of the Corporations Housing Committee.

An iconic image shows Jim Larkin in full flow in 1913 on a platform in Dublin.

As Sean OCasey said about him, James Larkin was a man who would put a flower in a vase on a table as well as a loaf on a plate. That was why he hated the indignity of the slums as much as the deprivation, and why he and all of his successors believed in the right to a home. You can check the historical record and youll discover that in good times and bad Labour build houses.

As far as Europe is concerned, of course Ill be voting for Aodhan O Riordain. I first met Aodhan years ago when he recruited me to help in a campaign around childrens literacy.

Aodhan O Riordain will be getting my vote.

As a teacher then, he was determined to get Dublins libraries involved and he drove and drove until he succeeded. Hes passionate about kids, and passionate about breaking the cycle of poverty. He has always struck me as precisely the sort of person we need in the rather staid corridors of Europe. Hell make the place hum by focusing on the things that matter.

And, by the way, if I were in a position to do so Id be proud to be giving a number one to Fergal Landy in what Im going to call the West and Niamh Hourigan in what I call the South (the mind-boggling geography of those constituencies baffles me). Theyre both brilliant people, who have translated academic excellence into social activism that has made a difference in their communities.

But apart from that, what? There appear to be only two issues in these elections, one on the surface and one a bit subterranean. The government parties dont really want to talk about either one. For sure, both the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael websites proudly proclaim where they stand. Housing for all, says one. Were backing home ownership, says the other. So far so nothing at all.

Then theres Sinn Fein, said to be dipping in the polls (dont believe a word of it). Their website has a pretty simple message  Change starts here. You have to work a bit to figure out whats going to change and how. There isnt a manifesto that I could find. Change seems to consist of get rid of this disastrous government. Fair enough I suppose. You cant really distinguish between them and Keir Starmer in this election. But maybe they dont want you to.

Nobody, of course, wants to talk about the subterranean issue, the issue of immigration. Even though its fuelling a lot of attitudes, and even though there is an outside possibility that we will see the emergence of a far-right vote in these elections.

Almost certainly not a seat, because the plethora of far-right candidates hate each other as much as they hate the rest of us, so they cant unite around a possible winner. But the underlying racism behind a lot of these campaigns remains poisonous and repellent. Even without a racist motivation there is no doubt that a lot of people in Ireland  who welcomed Ukrainians with open arms a couple of years ago  are now afraid of what immigration might mean. And no one in politics really wants to talk about it.

Look, these elections matter. Who represents us in local government, and who represents us in Europe, matters. The issues matter. Public service broadcasters and the newspapers are doing their dutiful best to maintain interest.

But there was a time in Ireland when elections like these created excitement, even a bit of pizzazz. There were launches, rallies, mass meetings. Sunday mornings were characterised by lads shouting at us from lorries outside Mass. People would knock on your door, humbly ask you for your vote. In fact I passionately believed that it was an article of political faith in Ireland that if you didnt ask for the vote, you didnt get it.

Well, Ive yet to meet anyone who got a knock on the door. Ive yet to see a report of an exciting campaign launch. I cant find actual manifestoes on most of the Party websites. Its as if the entire political system wants to get these elections over and done without anyone noticing.

Maybe its all my fault. Thirty nine years ago to the day I devised an exciting and dramatic launch for Labours 1985 local elections. Thirty nine years, and the memory of it is still burned into my soul. The media were invited to an airfield so they could record and film an airplane swooping down to pick up a proud red banner with Vote Labour written on it. That would then fly over Dublin for the rest of the day.

Just like the walking disaster that is Rishi Sunak I picked the wettest day in history. The banner had been lying there all night as pound after pound of rain lashed down on it. The plane did eventually pick up the sodden yoke, but instead of proudly unfurling, it hung down like the tangled mess it was. We watched aghast as the plane struggled to gain height under the unexpected weight of the banner, until the pilot did the only thing he could to save his life. He ditched it, and it fell to earth, just like our hopes for the campaign.

Mind you, it made great television. Im probably the only one who couldnt watch it then, and I still go pale and trembly when I remember it. It took the Party several years to recover from the morale boost I tried to give them that day. As for me, Ill never get over it.

Its possible that even at this remove, there are party apparatchiks who, when someone suggests a brilliant wheeze to get a campaign off the ground, says, do you not remember Finlays 1985 launch?. And another great idea bites the dust. Who could blame them really?
With a record number of more than 600 women going forward for this years upcoming local elections, they are boldly going where few have gone before. Currently, women only hold 26% of the county council seats around the country and there is a stark under representation of women in many rural counties.

But the reality is that many women who put themselves forward for election will face abuse just because they are women who want to enter the political domain. A recently published Oireachtas commissioned report on the abuse suffered by politicians showed that 94% of TDs and senators have endured some type of threat, harassment, or violence.

In relation to the abuse encountered by elected members, 67% of it related to immigration, 47% to women's rights, 40% to housing/homelessness and 40% to LGBTQ+ issues.

Women were found to be more likely to experience digital harassment, prejudicial slurs, threats of sexual violence, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual approaches, sexually explicit images and were more likely to receive comments on their appearance.

Unfortunately, this comes as no major surprise as earlier this year the AILG (Association for Irish Local Government) also revealed two thirds of county councillors have experienced threatening or intimidating behaviour, sexual violence and in some cases even death threats.

What has gone so horribly wrong with our body politic that this type of behaviour both in-person and online has sadly become normalised in political life and what action has been taken to do something about this intolerable reality?

How can we avoid the prospect of intimidatory or criminal behavior deterring more women from running for local elections, or any elections, at a time when we need more balanced decision-making in our county councils?

What has gone so horribly wrong with our body politic that this type of behaviour both in-person and online has sadly become normalised in political life and what action has been taken to do something about this intolerable reality?

Unfortunately, in our post-covid world, social norms have become diluted and there seems to be a collective pent-up anger and bitterness which has manifested itself in a new type of coarseness.

People have basically become a lot unkinder and this is not just in political life but across all levels of society. This aggression is constantly simmering under the surface and politicians or election candidates are seen as fair game when it comes to being the target for that anger.

This vile discourse has resulted in protests at politicians homes, bomb threats and threats of sexual violence which are totally unacceptable and only serve to erode our democracy.

Of course, we expect political debate as part of elections and of local and national government. But increasingly, especially online, this crosses over into unacceptable behaviours, threats, or attacks.

Civility in political debate and dialogue is essential to our democracy, and essential to creating an environment where more women feel safe to run for election. We need measures in place to ensure that those elected by the public to serve their interests can do so in safety.

See Her Elected recently teamed up with An Garda Siochana and Women for Election to produce Safety Guidance for Candidates in Elections. Naturally, it would be preferable if the need for such guidelines did not exist.

However, the anxious knot of caution and fear women feel in many situations is a familiar one. It is why we sometimes walk with keys in our hands. And, of course, suggesting to women that they change their behaviour or take precautions is something that we would of course prefer not to be making.

The guide provides practical advice for protecting yourself online, responding to a criminal attack, dealing with anonymous and threatening phone calls, hate crime and when to contact gardai. Key supports and contacts are outlined with a useful list of divisional liaison inspectors throughout the country who are dedicated gardai responsible for supporting safe participation in political life.

Coimisiun na Mean, Irelands body for regulating broadcasters, on-demand services and online media has also published guidelines for election candidates. Its online safety framework is aiming to drive behavioural change from the platforms and its useful guide provides links to the reporting mechanisms for all the main social media platforms. They also play an important role in election integrity, disinformation, and deceptive AI generated media.

Under the EUs Digital Services Act, there is provision for Coimisiun na Mean to award the status of trusted flagger of illegal content and submit a report to the social media platform concerned. The act also requires social media platforms to create a fast lane for dealing with complaints in relation to politicians.

The Electoral Commission also recently published a framework on online electoral process information, political advertising, and deceptive AI content.

All of this is, of course, most welcome. But let us hope the recommendations outlined by the recent taskforce which was commissioned by the Oireachtas and conducted by UCD are implemented swiftly.

The taskforce has called on the Oireachtas to apply for accreditation as a "trusted flagger" to Coimisiun na Mean so platforms are obliged to give priority to reports received from the Oireachtas. A forum is to be set up between social media companies, An Garda Siochana and Coimisiun na Mean to address the online abuse of politicians. All of this is most welcome but swift implementation of these recommendations is vital.

Thankfully, due in part to support organisations, like See Her Elected, a gateway has been provided for women in rural Ireland to enter political life. Almost 40% of this years female local election candidates have availed of training and support from See Her Elected and they are marching towards June 7 with great gusto and determination.

We must not let fear and intimidation stop them  we need more women to take up their rightful spaces in political life and to bring their rich and valuable lived experiences and perspectives which can only benefit of all of society.

We need to be the wind in their sails.
Building relationships in the workplace is what artist and photographer Sue Nelson thrives on.

A former engineer, the Cork woman completed the fabled pivot during the pandemic  to pursue her dream.

But paradoxically she discovered working solo wasnt everything it was cracked up to be. The magic happens when you are together in a group, Sue tells me. Also from a mental health point of view  being in a shared space is positive.

'Life is the Journey', Sue's rendering of Cork's Daly's Bridge (the Shakey Bridge).

Working at home and in a business space both have pluses, she adds but concludes: You have to find yourself again and how your productivity works and find the ideal combination. But working in a group  that is the biggest thing I miss.

Sue, from Ballygarvan, is putting her two decades in offices to use and has been consulting with companies on creating better environments for their employees via art. Since Ive been working as an artist and photographer I have sold paintings through galleries to many corporate collections and other companies, she says.

Echoes of the Dockside by Sue Nelson.

And Ive discovered there are so many companies struggling to welcome people back to the office.

Working from home is ideal for so many of us, not having to deal with traffic and childcare.

Sue Nelson, artist. Picture: Miki Barlok

But for me, having had 20 years in the workplace, I love working with people and working with teams. The magic happens when people are together.

Sue advises businesses to create spaces where people want to be in. Those are the collaborative zones that people want to spend time in and those are the spaces where people often end up solving a problem! she says.

The Marina, Blackrock, by Sue Nelson.

Often local art does the trick. People can be sitting down in the corridor and art, whether its a depiction of a familiar local spot or otherwise, sparks connections and creativity and even just acts as a conversation-starter.

I think people have trouble now after years of working at home or on their own of just making casual small-talk.

Sue set up Sue Nelson Designs and now mainly works from home in Ballygarvan, a home she shares with her husband Derek and their children Zara, 15, and Rhys, 10.

I truly believe that art has the power to transform workspaces, inspire connections, and enrich lives. As companies strive to cultivate inclusive and inspiring workplaces, the significance of integrating local art into corporate environments cannot be overstated, she adds.

Research shows that exposure to art in the workplace can enhance creativity and innovation as well as increase productivity and overall well-being at work.

Sue works independently with commercial clients and also partners with other organisations that sell to commercial and corporate clients. My fine art photography, which I sell under the name of Sue Nelson Designs, has been hugely popular with both individuals and corporate clients as both workplace artwork and as corporate gifting. Happy clients include Adare Manor, PWC, University College Cork, Mortgage Navigators, Macom Technologies, Network Cork and many more, she says.

Sue also loves focusing on residential projects. I have completed bespoke commissions for both modern builds as well as refurbishments of older Victorian homes, she says.

Its very important to me to build a strong collaborative relationship with my clients and I work closely with them to ensure the commissioned pieces bring them joy and fit seamlessly into their lives and their homes.

I approached Adare Manor a number of months ago after visiting the hotel for a special anniversary. I really felt by collaborating with the resort I could create some truly bespoke pieces that would showcase the magic of the hotel and the grounds. I was also mindful of the fact Adare Manor will be hosting the Ryder Cup in a few short years and they might be on the lookout for some interesting products to promote this truly unique destination resort. The collaboration has been extremely successful with my exclusive collection, Sue Nelson Designs at Adare Manor, selling very well in its beautiful new boutique and will soon be on sale through the resort website.

The Cork native often turns photographs into illustrations and enjoys researching locations, for instance when she is creating artwork depicting Horgans Quay or Dalys Bridge (Corks Shakey Bridge). I met an older man at the Glucksman Design Fair and my photograph of the Shakey Bridge sparked so many memories for him. He took out his phone and showed me how he had a photo of his parents wedding day on it  it had been taken in the exact location I had taken my photo, says Sue.

He still had it on his phone and it was such a fond memory for him. That wedding photo had been taken back in the 1930s or 1940s. He bought my photograph and it clearly had very fond associations for him.

Through the Mist in Crosshaven is another work that sparked an emotional conversation. A man was nearly crying when he saw it. He told me how the spot depicted in my piece reminded him of where he and his judo instructor, who had been one of his best friends, would sit when the friend had been going through his cancer treatment, says Sue.

He told me how they would talk about the old days as they sat in that particular spot. He thanked me and said he would buy the picture as the friend had since passed and it reminded him of his pal.

Thats the big thing with the photographs of familiar locations: They spark memories with  and Ive heard such lovely stories from people. Although Sue was passionate about art in secondary school she completed a science degree at university and became a mechanical engineer.

She started her career at EMC then Boston Scientific. Then covid arrived. I realised I had never scratched the artistic itch. I was a child of the 1980s. there was an idea that there was no money in art, she says.

To be truly honest the idea of going to art college did come up when I was 18, but it was such a fanciful, unrealistic notion no one took it seriously including myself. I didnt know any artists or people working in creative roles, everyone in my world had real jobs so I did the sensible thing and went to college, where I studied science at an undergrad and postgrad level. Afterwards I got a job in the real world where I worked for multinationals as an engineer in supply chain management. I met some absolutely wonderful people along the way however I must admit now though that I never felt at home in that world, I always felt I wasnt where I was supposed to be.

My eureka moment came during covid where I finally understood I needed to pursue and build a more artistic and creative life for myself.

Sue, who is a self-taught artist, creates landscapes and abstract paintings on canvas and board using oils and acrylics but can also incorporate different mediums and techniques to add texture and layers.

Sue also takes photographs and using digital illustrations reimagines them into works of art in their own right.

There are two sides to her business Sue Nelson Designs: One is the original art and the other is the photography, she says. I want to create artwork that captures the imagination as well as evokes emotions, prints of local landmarks that resonate with employees and clients.

www.suenelsonartist.com

Instagram.com/suenelsonartist
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, recently launched the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy, which has been characterised as Irelands most exciting industrial opportunity for decades.

The Future Framework policy is the long-term model and vision for offshore renewable energy in Ireland. It sets out the pathway Ireland will take to deliver 20 GW (giga watts) of offshore wind by 2040 and at least 37 GW in total by 2050. For context, the maximum demand in Ireland today is about seven GW. Minister Ryan noted that, Renewable energy projects are poised to revolutionise our economy, offering significant regional and national economic benefits while giving us more control over our energy sovereignty. Our offshore wind energy is potentially the largest domestic source of electricity that can replace volatile, imported fossil fuels. It also gives us our most exciting industrial opportunity for decades as we plan to not only power our own country but export our excess energy to power Europe.

To play its part in this story, ESBs generation and trading team is delivering a pipeline of innovative offshore wind projects that will help the organisation to meet its ambitious targets of five GW of renewable generation by 2030, and ultimately to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Working in ESB since 2007, Gary Connolly is now responsible for the development of offshore wind projects in the UK. As a member of the asset development team within generation and trading, we have the responsibility for any new generation assets that are being developed in Ireland and the UK, he explains.

The companys overall strategy is to achieve net zero by 2040. To do that we have set ourselves an ambitious 2030 target of five GW of renewable electricity, Connolly says, adding that about half of that five GW target will come from offshore wind generation.

Potential market leading energy source

We have done very well as onshore wind and solar PV has expanded exponentially in recent years. But the technology with the potential to move the dial most is offshore wind. It can deliver very large-scale projects and therefore, large amounts of clean electrical energy.

There are two reasons for this, he explains. Wind is more consistent at sea and its possible to erect larger turbines offshore. For example, a single onshore turbine can produce four megawatts (MW), enough energy to power two thousand kettles at the same time, while an offshore turbine has double that capacity at about eight MW. Some newer designs can even deliver 14MW to 15MW, which is almost double that again.

The Balder, one of the largest vessels of its type in the world, is shown lifting one of two 1,200 tonne substation platforms onto its foundation at the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm off the east coast of Scotland.

In offshore wind its really important to develop a business of scale, Connolly explains. You cant be a small player if you want to deliver significant projects. The UK is one of the most mature offshore wind markets in the world, and it makes sense to work there. It offers us a very good opportunity to pick up learning and experience and bring it back home to Ireland.

The company has a very strong pipeline of UK offshore wind projects, Connolly adds. The rationale is to build a portfolio of projects and learn from them. We have a stake in the Galloper project off the east coast of England. It has been operational for some years, and we have been able to see how it works. It has provided great learning for us.

In 2019, ESB bought 50 per cent of the Neart na Gaoithe project off the east coast of Scotland from EDF Renewables. That project is due to become operational at the end of this year, delivering almost 450 MW of clean electricity. Our objective there was to find out what it takes to build an offshore project. Its been very challenging. Construction started just before Covid, and we had to contend with supply chain issues and so on."

ESB has also acquired a 50 per cent share of the 1,080 MW Inch Cape offshore wind farm, also on Scotlands east coast, from developer Red Rock Power and is working on several other ESB-owned early-stage development projects.

The benefits for Ireland

One of our first projects here will be the Oriel offshore wind farm, off the coast of Louth. Thats a 375 MW project which is being developed in partnership with Belgian company, Parkwind. The Oriel project team has just submitted an application for planning permission and the project is well placed to contribute towards Irelands 2030 targets for offshore wind, Connolly said.

The Irish Governments recently published draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) will offer further opportunities and ESB is working with rsted, a world leader in offshore wind, to develop those opportunities. The new draft South Coast DMAP identifies four proposed areas off the south coast of Ireland for offshore wind project development. These include a first area called Tonn Nua, off the coast of Co Waterford, with a capacity to develop approximately 900 MWl  this will be the subject of a competitive auction later this year.

Head of UK offshore wind development at ESB, Gary Connolly.

In addition to development off the south coast, the next frontier for offshore wind development will be the west coast. New floating technologies will be required to harvest the massive potential in these deep waters, he explains.

At the moment, almost all offshore wind is fixed to some sort of foundation on the seabed. From 2030 onwards the opportunities will be for floating turbines in deeper waters. Its not a new technology and has been around for more than thirty years in offshore oil rigs and other applications. Ireland has great potential for this type of approach. Our seabed is between seven and 10 times our land mass, depending on how you calculate it, and it can only be fully utilised by deploying floating technology.

Apart from the obvious environmental benefits, the new technology also offers employment and economic rewards. Whilst wind farms dont need a lot of people to run them there are big opportunities during the construction phase. Hundreds of people are involved in the construction of an offshore wind farm and over the lifetime of the project employment is created locally in areas such as crew transfer, catering, and accommodation, explains Connolly.

Floating offshore wind is in its infancy, but the supply chain is more advanced in mainland Europe than in the UK, despite the latter being the more mature market, he explains. This gives Ireland a potential competitive advantage, to develop a floating offshore wind manufacturing industry here that can export to both mainland Europe and UK markets.

Looking further ahead he points out that the power generated by offshore wind farms could also be used for electrolysis (a process whereby water is split into its constituent parts  hydrogen and oxygen when an electric current is passed through it) to produce green hydrogen. He explains that one of its potential uses is to replace natural gas in conventional power stations to be used to act as a standby energy source when renewable power isnt available.

To this end some of his colleagues are already working on a project to redevelop the Kinsale gas field as a hydrogen store in the medium term, he explains. Offshore wind will play a critically important role in the decarbonisation of Irelands electricity system. We look forward to taking our learnings from the UK and applying them to large scale offshore wind projects here in Ireland.

Find out more about ESBs offshore wind plans at esb.ie
Warning: some graphic descriptions below

The al-Attar family was praying and getting children ready for bed in southern Gaza when they heard a loud noise. Immediately fire erupted around their informal shack home, and the children started screaming.

Israel was pulverising Gaza again, and the airstrike left a fire raging on Sunday evening in a camp area designated for displaced people in Rafah city's Tel Al-Sultan district.

Terrified camp residents ran to try to escape the flames, survivors said.

"Our room was filled with shrapnel... Missiles or bombs weighing tons are falling on zinc," said Umm Mohamed al-Attar, surveying the wrecked camp of tents and corrugated metal shacks.

"There was a woman with disabled children who was martyred at the door of her room. What was her crime? ... Our neighbour, may God have mercy on him, was praying and was martyred; his brain ended up on the wall."

Gaza health authorities said 45 people, mostly women, children and the elderly, were killed.

The toll prompted an outcry from global leaders, and Israel's top military prosecutor called the air strike "very grave" and said an investigation was under way.

Thousands of Palestinians had been sheltering in Tel Al-Sultan after Israeli forces began a ground offensive in the east of Rafah over two weeks ago.

After daybreak, people searched the debris for belongings.

Gaza burns every day, every day and every hour. They (Israelis) were burned once, but we burn every day.

"Our children, our elders, our women, and our homes burn every day in Palestine," said Jamal al-Attar, a camp resident and Umm Mohammed's uncle.

Housewife Manal Salman surveyed the charred wrekcage.

"We were here in this very spot displaced, we were here in tents and suddenly we found rockets falling on us in the same place," she said.

"We didn't know where to go, it was dark and there were no ambulances, they didn't come straight away. We looked around - martyrs here and martyrs there - and now we're being displaced."

Retrieving items from the ruins of his temporary home, Talal Saeed Salman said his family would now have to move for the eighth time in the war.

"Where are we to go - help me understand, where are we to go?" he said, carrying a plastic tub. "How long will we be disgraced like this?"

Commenting on the incident in Tel Al-Sultan, an Israeli government spokesperson said on Monday that initial reports coming from an overnight air strike against Hamas commanders in the Gazan city of Rafah was that a fire broke out after the strike, killing civilians.

More than 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 October 7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

- Reuters
The weakening tropical storm Remal flooded dozens of coastal villages and left nearly 30 million people without power in southern Bangladesh and eastern India.

At least 10 people died in Bangladesh.

About 3.7 million people along the coast were affected, said Bangladeshs junior minister for disaster management and relief, Mohibbur Rahman M.

More than 35,000 homes were destroyed, and nearly 115,000 were damaged. Nearly 800,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas on Sunday.

Bangladesh, a nation of nearly 170 million people, has a history of violent natural disasters.

Disaster preparedness programmes have upgraded the capacity to tackle natural disasters, resulting in fewer casualties. Changing climate patterns have increased storms intensity, making preparations more urgent.

Onlookers watch a raging Hooghly River with high wind in Kolkata, India, as rain continues after cyclone Remal made a landfall near the Bangladesh-India border (Bikas Das/AP)

Remal weakened after making landfall in Bangladeshs Patuakhali district early on Monday, with sustained winds of 111 kilometres (69 miles) per hour.

Indias Meteorological Department said the weather was likely to weaken throughout the day but warned of heavy showers over Assam and other north-eastern states for the next two days.

Indias Kolkata airport reopened after being shut on Sunday. Bangladesh shut down the airport in the countrys second-largest city, Chattogram, and cancelled all domestic flights to and from the coastal district of Coxs Bazar. Loading and unloading at Chittagong seaport was halted.

Heavy rain and winds battered the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka. Many roads were submerged. Authorities ordered all government officials to stay at their stations until the situation improved.

Aid agencies said they deployed thousands of volunteers in Rohingya refugee camps and other affected areas to provide emergency support. Bangladesh has sprawling camps housing more than 1 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Coxs Bazar.

In Indias West Bengal state, thatched roofs on houses were blown away, and electric poles and trees were uprooted in some coastal districts. Heavy downpours inundated streets and homes in low-lying areas of Kolkata. All schools in the region were closed until further notice.
An Israeli airstrike triggered a fire that killed 45 people in a tent camp in the Gazan city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court order to halt Israel's assault.

Palestinian families rushed to hospitals to prepare their dead for burial after a strike late on Sunday night set tents and rickety metal shelters ablaze.

Israel's military, which is trying to eliminate Hamas in Gaza, said it was investigating reports that a strike it carried out against commanders of the Islamist militant group in Rafah had caused the fire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strike had not been intended to cause civilian casualties.

"In Rafah, we already evacuated about 1 million non-combatant residents and despite our utmost effort not to harm non-combatants, something unfortunately went tragically wrong," he said in a speech in parliament that was interrupted by shouting from opposition lawmakers.

Palestinians mourn over the bodies of relatives killed in an Israeli airstrike, at a morgue in Rafah, Gaza Stri on Monday Picture: AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi

Survivors said families were preparing to sleep when the strike hit the Tel Al-Sultan neighbourhood where thousands were sheltering after Israeli forces began a ground offensive in the east of Rafah over two weeks ago.

"We were praying... and we were getting our children's beds ready to sleep. There was nothing unusual, then we heard a very loud noise, and fire erupted around us," said Umm Mohamed Al-Attar, a Palestinian mother in a red headscarf.

"All the children started screaming... The sound was terrifying; we felt like the metal was about to collapse on us, and shrapnel fell into the rooms."

Video footage obtained by Reuters showed a fire raging in the darkness and people screaming in panic. A group of young men tried to haul away sheets of corrugated iron and a hose from a single fire truck began to douse the flames.

More than half of the dead were women, children, and elderly people, health officials in Hamas-run Gaza said, adding that the death toll was likely to rise from people with severe burns.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip on Monday Picture: AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi

Medics later said an Israeli airstrike on Monday on a house in Rafah had killed seven Palestinians, with several others wounded.

Israel's military said Sunday's strike, based on "precise intelligence", had eliminated Hamas' chief of staff for the second and larger Palestinian territory, the West Bank, plus another official behind deadly attacks on Israelis.

That followed the interception of eight rockets fired towards Israel from the Rafah area in Gaza's southern tip.

Israel has kept up its offensive despite a ruling by the top UN court on Friday ordering it to stop, saying the court's ruling grants it some scope for military action there. The court also reiterated calls for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas.

"This level of human suffering must come to an end"

The US urged Israel to take more care to protect civilians but stopped short of calling for a halt to the Rafah incursion.

"Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians," a National Security Council spokesperson said. "But as weve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians."

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was "outraged" over Israel's latest attacks.

"These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians," he said on X. Several thousand demonstrators later gathered in Paris to protest against the offensive in Gaza.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the International Court of Justice ruling must be respected.

"International humanitarian law applies for all, also for Israel's conduct of the war," Baerbock said.

Canada's government said it was "horrified" by the deadly airstrike in Rafah, and called for an immediate ceasefire.

"Canada does not support an Israeli military operation in Rafah," Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in a post on X. "This level of human suffering must come to an end."

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also condemned the Israeli attack and Qatar said the Rafah strike could hinder efforts to mediate a ceasefire and hostage exchange.

No safe Zone

More than 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.

By daylight, the camp in Rafah was a smoking wreckage of tents, twisted metal and charred belongings.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah. Picture: AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi

Women wept and men held prayers beside bodies in shrouds.

Sitting beside bodies of his relatives, Abed Mohammed Al-Attar said Israel lied when it told residents they would be safe in Rafah's western areas. His brother, sister-in-law and several other relatives were killed in the blaze.

"The army is a liar. There is no security in Gaza. There is no security, not for a child, an elderly man, or a woman. Here he (my brother) is with his wife, they were martyred," he said.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs based in the West Bank condemned "the heinous massacre." Egypt also condemned Israel's "deliberate bombing of the tents of displaced people", state media reported, describing it as a blatant violation of international law.

On Monday, the Israeli military said it was investigating reports of an exchange of fire between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers close to the Rafah border crossing with Gaza.

Palestinians react next to the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip. AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi

Egypt's military spokesperson said that shooting near the Rafah crossing led to the killing of one person and authorities were investigating.

Israeli tanks stepped up the intensity of bombardments of eastern and central areas of Rafah on Monday, killing at least eight, local health officials said. Two medical workers were killed by a missile fired from a drone as they left the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah, medics said.

In Al-Nuseirat camp in central Gaza Strip, an Israeli attack killed three Palestinian police officers, Gaza's Hamas-run interior ministry said.

Israel says it wants to root out Hamas fighters holed up in Rafah and rescue hostages it says are being held in the area.
French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will greet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy along with other world leaders in Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day.

US President Joe Biden is also scheduled to attend this years commemorations of the landings which led to the liberation of France and Europe from Nazi Germanys occupation.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The Israeli air force bombed a refugee tent camp west of Rafah City around 8:45 pm local time on Sunday. The time is important, since +972 Mag reported that the Israeli total war on Gaza is being conducted by AI programs. One of them is called, sadistically, Daddys Home. The Israelis are tracking Hamas militants through the day but wait to strike at them when they come home at night, ensuring that their wives, children, relatives and friends are also killed. The AI program is set up to allow 15 to 20 noncombatant, civilian deaths for every member of the paramilitary Qassam Brigades killed in the attack. The eight missiles that struck the camp killed 2 Hamas operatives and left others 45 dead, mostly burned up in their flammable tents, the majority women and children.

That result is a little over the tolerance of the sadistic Daddys Home program, but it is ballpark. The individual whom the Israelis call Crime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to claim it was all a horrible accident, but it wasnt. That is how Israels military operation is set up. Two Hamas operatives dead, about 40 civilians. Those are the Israeli rules of engagement. That ROE would get you court-martialed in the US military, and it is producing results that the International Court of Justice called plausibly genocidal. Based on these ROE, it may be that Netanyahu has killed 36,000 people to get at 2,400 fighters. Apparently thousands of previously unaffiliated young men have joined Hamas, horrified at Israels total war, so it is possible that the Israeli army has not reduced the number of fighters at all.

Burning the tents of the indigenous population has a long history in colonialism. When the Dutch ruled New Amsterdam, the capital of the New Netherlands, they brought in more and more settlers who were hungry for land and wanted to displace the Mohawks and Mohicans, who did not take kindly to being pushed around. The Dutch governor, Willem Krieft, became very nervous about the Native Americans, explains Walt Giersbach at Military History Online. At one point some 500 members of a small tribe, the Wappinger, moved to what is now Jersey City essentially to escape being taxed by the larger confederations. The paranoid Krieft took the movement of this small band as menacing and attacked them out of the blue in February 1643.

Historian Jon Romats Broadhead wrote of the Pavonia Massacre, Warrior and squaw, sachem and child, mother and babe were alike massacred. Daybreak scarcely ended the furious slaughter. Mangled victims, seeking safety in the thickets, were driven into the river, and parents rushing to save their children, whom the soldiery had thrown into the stream, were driven back into the waters and drowned before the eyes of their unrelenting murderers.

The snow turned red with blood and the sky, it was reported, was lit with the fires from their tents. The Dutch beheaded people and played kickball with the heads.

For the colonizers to burn the tents of the colonized is to declare them without domicile or connection to the land on which they were used to camping. It is to erase them from the earth.

Some 224 years later, two thousand miles to the west, the scene was repeated. The National Park Service explains that Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock, a victor at Gettysburg, went out to Kansas in 1867, completely inexperienced in dealing with American Indians. He tried to bully the local Cheyenne, who grew afraid of him and abandoned one of their large and well-appointed villages. Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custers 7th Cavalry couldnt find the absconding locals.

Hancock had something wrong with him and took offense. He said, I am satisfied that the Indian village was a nest of conspirators. He, accompanied by Custer, ordered the village burned to the ground. If locals show signs of being unhappy to be colonized and of not being satisfied with their new lot, that is itself a reason to further oppress them.

Hancock started a summer of constant battles. The Federal government finally figured out what was going on and reassigned Hancock elsewhere. A new treaty was concluded in October of 1867, though the colonizers treaties are worth less than toilet paper. As for Custer, less than a decade later he would overreach in his notorious viciousness and meet his demise at the hands of his intended victims.

Here is an engraving of the destruction of the Cheyenne-Lakota village from Harpers Weekly. You will notice that the tents are burning.

Burning tents has for centuries been a signal of aggressive colonization and of genocide.
( RFE/RL )  The sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi has thrown a wrench in the succession plans of Irans elderly supreme leader.

The ultraconservative Raisi was a longtime protege of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was widely believed to be grooming the former judiciary chief as his successor.

Raisis demise has boosted the prospects of other contenders, including Khameneis own son, landing the most coveted job in the Islamic republic.

With no obvious front-runner to be the next supreme leader, Raisis death in a helicopter crash on May 19 is likely to trigger a power struggle among members of the countrys clerical establishment, experts say.

If Khamenei cant control this power competition, then he might have to face a basic reality of the succession issue becoming a destabilizing factor for the regime while he is, in fact, still alive, said Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Washington-based Middle East Institute.

Who Are The Likely Contenders?

The 88-seat Assembly of Experts, whose members are elected for eight-year terms, is tasked with appointing the next supreme leader.

Dominated by hard-liners, the clerical body has been secretive about potential successors to the 85-year-old Khamenei, who became the supreme leader in 1989 after the death of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

A three-man panel in the assembly keeps a list of possible successors that has reportedly not even been seen by other members.

Some experts say Raisis death has boosted the chances of Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric and the supreme leaders second son.

The 55-year-old has shunned the limelight but is believed to have considerable influence behind the scenes and close ties with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which plays a prominent military, political, and economic role in Iran.

But the younger Khamenei is seen as lacking the leadership skills and religious credentials for the post. He is widely referred to as a hojatoleslam, a title that refers to mid-ranking clerics, although a news agency affiliated with seminaries has since 2022 called him an ayatollah, an honorific title reserved for high-ranking clerics.

In February, a member of the Assembly of Experts said the supreme leader was opposed to hereditary rule, which would appear to rule out the younger Khamenei.

The optics of having a son succeed his father perhaps resembles the optics of a monarchy, said Farzan Sabet, a senior research associate at the Geneva Graduate School.

The Islamic Revolution in 1979 saw clerics loyal to Khomeini overthrow the U.S.-backed shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

WION: Iran Presidential Elections: Up to 20 possible contenders gear up to become Irans next president

Sabet said the younger Khamenei is still likely to play an important role in a future iteration of the Islamic republic.

Another cleric who is believed to be in contention for the role of supreme leader is Ayatollah Alireza Arafi. The 67-year-old is close to Khamenei and serves as one of two deputy chiefs of the Assembly of Experts.

In 2020, Khamenei appointed Arafi as the head of all of Irans seminaries, suggesting that he meets the religious criteria to become the next supreme leader.

Arafi is not a household name and lacks name recognition, but that does not necessarily hurt his chances.

Something we have to note about high-level leadership positions in the Islamic republicis that a candidate may often emerge from, lets say, relative obscurity, Sabet said.

IRGC Playing Kingmaker

Analysts say the IRGC is likely to play a key role in picking Khameneis successor in an effort to protect its interests.

Ali Alfoneh, a senior fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said Raisi was the ideal candidate for the IRGC because he was a malleable yes-man devoid of independent ideas.

Ayatollah Khamenei, and the Revolutionary Guards must now try to identify an individual as artless as the late President Raisi, Alfoneh said.

In the early 1980s, Khomeini appointed Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri as his deputy. But they fell out and the latter was cast side and his position abolished.

In 2018, amid rumors of Khameneis poor health, there was talk of reestablishing the position of deputy supreme leader but it led nowhere.

This unwillingness to share the stage with anyone else  in fear of losing his authority  has kept everyone guessing about who might succeed Khamenei, Vatanka said.

Khameneis ambiguity around the succession issue is more likely now to be a liability for him than an asset.
By Haneen Shoukry | 

( Globalvoices.org )  On Tuesday, April 23, protesters in Cairo were detained while participating in a peaceful demonstration in support of women in Sudan and Gaza. Ironically, this event coincided with Sinai Liberation Day, a public holiday celebrating the return of the Sinai Peninsula from Israel to Egypt.

The detentions were anticipated, given Egypts history of suppressing protests since 2013, under President Abdeh Fattah el-Sisi. This is not the first time that activists have been arrested for showing support for Palestine since the conflict began last October. In early April, demonstrators assembled outside the Journalists Syndicate in downtown Cairo to denounce the Zionist aggression towards Palestine. The government accused the protesters of spreading false information and of belonging to a terror group  accusations that are used in almost every instance of the government suppressing free speech.

In this most recent wave of arrests, the protestors were all women, protesting in solidarity with women in conflict zones. Among the protesters were well-known figures in Egyptian revolutionary society, such as Eman Ouf, Rasha Azab, Mahienour El-Masry, Ragia Omran and Lobna Darwish. The feminist activists involved assembled outside the regional headquarters of UN Women in Cairo, which is responsible for promoting gender equality and empowering women as a United Nations entity.

The detainees were released the day after their arrest.

The human cost of Gazas blockade

Despite expressing disapproval of Israels repeated public statements about relocating displaced Gazans to Egypt, and requesting greater assistance from the US in securing the border, Cairo has not taken direct action against the Israeli aggression since it started, over six months ago. This has led to significant frustration and resentment among Egyptians.

Although it claims otherwise, Egypt has played a role in the blockade on Gazans. The majority of those who have been able to cross the borders hold dual citizenship in both Palestine and Egypt. Others have had to gather an exorbitant amount of money in order to leave, due to the actions of Ibrahim Al-Organi, a leader of a government-approved militia in the Sinai region. Since the start of the Gaza war, Al-Organi has had significant control over the movement of people and goods between Gaza and Egypt through his companies. One of these companies, Hala, charges Palestinians thousands of dollars to help them leave Gaza. It has strong ties to the Egyptian security forces.

Video: Students at American University in Cairo Protest for Gaza

A majority of Arabs generally regard Israel as a representation of tyranny. Egyptians have voiced their disapproval towards their government for granting Israel any control in the transportation of crucial aid into Gaza through an Egyptian border crossing. Sisi fears the boomerang effect, as speaking out about the Palestinian issue during protests might motivate the public to rally against him, which did in fact occur last October.

State-controlled protests?

In October, Sisis authoritarian regime allowed the public to express their frustrations, by calling on people to gather in the streets. However, demonstrators soon moved to Tahrir Square, the iconic site of the 2011 Egyptian revolution and the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.

According to an article by The Tahrir Institute For Middle East Policy on December 12, 2023:

State-controlled media called on people to congregate in certain locations on October 20, to show support both for Gaza and the president. However, at least one of the demonstrations strayed from this state-approved scenario, as it made its way to the iconic Tahrir Square, after starting at Al Azhar Mosque. Videos of the demonstrations showed police trying, to no avail, to prevent people from reaching Tahrir Square. It was the first time demonstrations had reached the iconic square in 10 years.

Following the demonstrations, the Egyptian authorities unlawfully arrested and charged numerous peaceful protesters.

The people of Egypt stand firmly behind Palestine and the movement for Palestinian liberation. As an 89-year-old grandmother from Alexandria told Raseef 22:

The Palestinian cause runs in our blood. I watched The Nakba unfold in my youth, and I was left confused about why there were masses of people crying on our streets. It wasnt until I grew up that I truly understood the ugliness of it all. I saw what the occupation was capable of after I saw my brother-in-law return from war in 1967, bloodied and in ripped clothes, only to enter his room and start hysterically crying.

The erosion of artistic freedoms

As Cairo tightens its grip on pro-Palestine protests, the influence of state control extends beyond the streets and into the very heart of Egyptian cultural life, notably impacting the once vibrant landscape of cinema.

Once a cinematic powerhouse in the Middle East and North Africa, in recent years, Egyptian cinema has died. El-Sisi founded the United Media Services Company, which oversees all creative, TV, and news production in the country. It is under the control of the General Intelligence Agency, giving the military a significant impact on artistic creation.

Before this, many iconic examples of Egyptian film and television touched on the Palestinian issue.

One of the most well-known films in contemporary Egyptian cinema that addresses the Palestinian conflict is El Sefara Fel Omara. This film follows the journey of Sharif Khairi, who is compelled to come back to Egypt after two decades of working for an oil company in Dubai. To his surprise, he finds out that the Israeli embassy is situated right next to his apartment. Initially, he attempts to sell the property, but his unsuccessful attempts lead him to handle the situation in a different manner.

Through the lens of Egyptian cinema, the Palestinian cause has been a recurrent theme, resonating deeply within the cultural fabric of the nation. Films like El Sefara Fel Omara have not only depicted the struggles of Palestinians but have also served as a platform for exploring themes of justice, resistance, and solidarity. As Hossam El-Hamalawy articulates in an article for Spectre Journal, the cause is deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of many Egyptians:

The Egyptian regimes position is understandable if one takes into consideration how the powers in Cairo perceive the Palestinians: as a source of threat, instability, and inspiration for Egyptians to revolt. The Palestinian cause has always been a radicalizing factor for the Egyptian public. Most, if not all, turning points in the history of dissent of the most populous Arab nation were, either directly or indirectly, the product of a chain reaction triggered by Palestinian resistance and popular mobilization.

The recent crackdown on pro-Palestine demonstrations underscores not only the governments determination to quell any opposition but also its reluctance to openly challenge Israeli aggression. This suppression of free expression reverberates throughout Egyptian society, touching even the cultural sphere, where historic solidarity with Palestine in films has also declined under el-Sisis regime.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2024) - Renegade Gold Inc. (TSXV: RAGE) (OTCQX: TGLDF) (FSE: 070) ("Renegade" or the "Company") announces that it proposes to undertake a non-brokered private placement of flow-through common shares ("FT Shares") at a price of $0.40 per FT Share for gross proceeds of up to $1.5 million and flow-through units ("FT Units") at a price of $0.525 per FT Unit for additional gross proceeds of up to $1.5 million (the "Placement"). Each FT Unit consists of one flow-through common share and one-half of one non-transferable share purchase warrant, each whole such warrant exercisable to acquire one non-flow-through common share for a period of two years from the date of issue at a price of $0.60 per share.

The Company intends to use the gross proceeds of the Placement to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" that are "flow-through mining expenditures" (as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) related to the Company's projects in Ontario.

The Company may pay finders' fees comprised of cash and non-transferable warrants in connection with the Placement, subject to compliance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities laws. The Company anticipates closing of the Placement (in one or more tranches) as soon as practicable subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Renegade Gold Inc.

Renegade Gold Inc. is a growth focused company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. As part of its regional-scale consolidation strategy, the Company has assembled one of the largest prospective land packages in and around the Red Lake mining district in proximity to major mines and deposits, as well as along the Confederation Lake and Birch-Uchi greenstone belts. The recent completion of the acquisition of Pacton Gold Inc. extends the Company's ownership in Red Lake to over 89,600 hectares of prospective and diversified exploration properties with significant potential for gold and critical minerals on trend with the major structures hosting known gold occurrences in the Red Lake mining district today. The Company also holds a portfolio of prospective projects in Western Australia.

For further information, please contact:

Renegade Gold Inc.

Nav Dhaliwal

President, CEO and Director

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 604-678-5308

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated timing for completing the Placement, the potential payment of finders' fees and the intended use of proceeds therefrom. The words "anticipate," "significant," "expect," "may," "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the Forward-Looking Information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that all requisite approvals will be received, and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, risks related to unforeseen delays; general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes; timeliness of regulatory approvals, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this Forward-Looking Information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: 04V3) is reporting expansion drilling results from the Companys Los Reyes Project (the Project), located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. These results are from 2024 drilling at the Guadalupe East Area within the Guadalupe Trend, and are not included in the Companys May 2, 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).

Expansion Drilling Highlights in the Guadalupe Trend

The Company is reporting 11 core holes at Guadalupe East with the following highlights:

6.9 grams per tonne (gpt) gold-equivalent (AuEq) (2.67 gpt Au and 326.6 gpt Ag) over 3.5 metres (m) estimated true width (etw) in hole 24GE-149;

12.65 gpt AuEq (4.06 gpt Au and 664.0 gpt Ag) over 1.1 m etw in hole 24GE-150;

7.8 gpt AuEq (2.38 gpt Au and 419.0 gpt Ag) over 1. 5 m etw in hole 24GE-151;

9.86 gpt AuEq (3.71 gpt Au and 475.0 gpt Ag) over 1.0 m etw in hole 24GE-158;

54.41 gpt AuEq (20.5 gpt Au and 2,620 gpt Ag) over 0.70 m etw in hole 24GE-159.

Prime Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Scott Hicks commented, Todays results build upon the quality of mineralization that we continue to discover at Guadalupe East and indicate that mineralization remains open in all directions. This area continues to return impressive silver values in addition to gold, including an intercept assaying just over 2,600 grams per tonne in 24GE-159  one of the highest-grade silver intercepts we have recorded on the property. These high-grade results indicate tremendous optionality between potential open pit or underground mining approaches.

Scott Smith, Executive Vice President of Exploration, added, These results demonstrate strong potential to grow the Guadalupe East Resource, having returned high gold-equivalent grades from multiple quartz veins over a significant strike length and vertical extent beyond our 2023 economic resource pits. Mineralization remains open in many directions including to the east under the 2023 economic Resource pit as seen in Figure 3 of todays release. Further, given the similarities between Las Primas and Guadalupe East, we continue to explore for comparable mineralization and structures at Las Primas in 2024.

Figure 1: Expansion drilling update

Guadalupe East Drill Hole Highlights1 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) ETW (m)2 Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) AuEq3 Au Cut-off4 24GE-149 229.2 233.7 4.5 3.5 2.67 326.6 6.90 1.0 24GE-150 151.4 152.5 1.1 1.1 4.06 664.0 12.65 1.0 24GE-151 198.6 199.4 0.9 0.3 6.88 5.2 6.95 1.0 24GE-151 334.4 336.0 1.7 1.5 2.38 419.0 7.80 1.0 24GE-153 38.2 40.6 2.4 TBD 1.29 180.5 3.63 0.2 including 38.2 39.5 1.3 TBD 2.13 302.0 6.04 1.0 24GE-158 146.4 147.5 1.1 1.0 3.71 475.0 9.86 1.0 24GE-159 202.6 203.3 0.7 0.7 20.50 2620.0 54.41 1.0 Notes: 1) A complete table of assay results from all deposits and all secondary zones intersected utilizing a 0.20 gpt Au cut-off is on the

Company's website. 2) Estimated True Widths (ETW) are estimated based on drill hole geology or comparisons with other on-section drill holes. 3) Au Equivalent (AuEq) is calculated as Au gpt + (Ag gpt x ($22/$1700)) where $22 and $1700 are the price of one ounce of Ag

and Au respectively (in US dollars). 4) Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt

as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is

3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. 5) TBD  to be determined: the highlighted intercepts in 24GE-153 are from newly discovered veins and further modeling is

required to determined estimated true widths of these structures.

INTERPRETATION

The target of this drilling at Guadalupe East was high-grade antithetic veins stepping out to the west. Antithetic veins are footwall and hanging wall splays that intersect the main Estaca vein at Guadalupe East. High-grade areas or clavos are often present at these intersections.

Drill hole 24GE-149 is located approximately 350m along strike from, and at a similar elevation to, the MRE pit bottom. Together with previously released 22GE-69R approximately 75m to the west, this represents a 425m extension to high-grade mineralization along strike from the current MRE pit bottom. These holes, along with high-grade 24GE-159, primarily targeted antithetic veins in the Estaca Vein hanging wall, and further emphasize the potential for Resource growth along multiple structures at Guadalupe East as well as the potential for underground extraction, after further study.

Given the multiple points of similarity between Las Primas and Guadalupe East (see Jan 10, 2024 news release), Prime continues drilling at the Las Primas generative target to identify similar mineralization and structures there.

The Guadalupe Trend hosts approximately one-half of the Indicated gold-equivalent ounces reported in the MRE. Z-T, Central and Guadalupe are the three main zones hosting the gold-silver MRE at the Los Reyes Project. The 2023 Technical Report outlining the MRE can be found on the Companys website at https://primeminingcorp.ca/ and on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca, under the Companys Issuer Profile.

Figure 2: Guadalupe East Area drilling update

Figure 3: Guadalupe East Area long section with drill holes highlighted (A-A)

Figure 4: Guadalupe East Area cross section B-B

2024 Outlook

Prime has completed over 24,000 metres of its targeted 40,000-metre 2024 drill program to-date (within budget) and will continue to evaluate drilling plans using its success-based approach. This evaluation will also include prioritization of targets based on probability of resource development and generative area discovery potential.

Four drill rigs are currently active on site at Los Reyes, with 2024 exploration focused on:

Extending the high-grade Z-T Trend shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south.

shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south. Expanding the known high-grade mineralization at Guadalupe East .

. Increasing the Central Trend resource through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East.

through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East. Generative target drilling of high-grade intercepts at Las Primas, Mariposa, Fresnillo, Mina and others to further develop the resource potential at Los Reyes.

Links

Tables:

Table 1  Drill Intercepts in this Release

Table 2  Drill Intercepts to Date

About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project

Los Reyes is a rapidly evolving high-grade, low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent approximately CAD$52 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 185,000 metres of drilling (to March 31, 2024). On May 2, 2023, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit constrained resource (see the May 2, 2023 press release for more details).

May 2, 2023 Resource Statement Assurance

Category Ore

Tonnes



Mt

Average

Gold

Grade (g/t) Contained

Gold

(k ozs)

Average

Silver

Grade (g/t) Contained

Silver

(k ozs)

Average

AuEq

Grade

(g/t)

Contained

AuEq

(k ozs)

Measured (M) - - - - - - - Indicated (I) 27.2 1.16 1,013 40.4 35,263 1.68 1,470 M+I 27.2 1.16 1,013 40.4 35,263 1.68 1,470 Inferred 18.1 0.85 497 31.52 18,334 1.26 734

Drilling is on-going and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas.

Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies.

QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures

Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetre mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut and one half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into 2 halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored.

Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates as well as preparation duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole.

Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns.

Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements.

Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21.

Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories.

Additional Notes

Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; gpt is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo.

Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of US$1,700 per ounce and silver price of $22 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (gpt) = Au grade + (Ag grade x ($22 / $1,700)). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 93% and 83% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 72% and 25% respectively when heap-leached. See the June 12, 2023 Los Reyes Technical Report for additional details.

Qualified Person

Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release.

About Prime Mining

Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Los Reyes Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development.

For further information, please visit https://primeminingcorp.ca/ or direct enquiries to:

Scott Hicks

CEO & Director

Indi Gopinathan

VP Capital Markets & Business Development

Prime Mining Corp.

710  1030 West Georgia St.

Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3 Canada

+1(604) 238-1659

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Cautionary Notes to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimates

This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the U.S. securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms mineral reserve, proven mineral reserve, probable mineral reserve, inferred mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, measured mineral resources and mineral resources used or referenced in this presentation are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) under the guidelines set out in the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines, May 2014 (the CIM Standards). The CIM Standards differ from the mineral property disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) in Regulation S-K Subpart 1300 (the SEC Modernization Rules) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multijurisdictional disclosure system, the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, the Companys disclosure of mineralization and other technical information may differ significantly from the information that would be disclosed had the Company prepared the information under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated August 21, 2023, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
Company to Provide Detailed Update at RMEC June 4

Highlights:

Video Summary of Latest Drill Results: Drill Summary

Program Ongoing, 20 Drillholes complete, over 2,200 meters Drilled to Date

Results Pending

RMEC Presentation on June 4th, 1:00 p.m. ET, sign up here:

RMEC SIGN UP

CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(FSE:TV3), is pleased to announce it will be presenting at the virtual Resource Mining & Exploration Conference ("RMEC") Tuesday, June 4, 2024, hosted by Sagacity Capital Media and Guerilla Capital.

CEO, Brodie Sutherland will provide an in-depth update on the Company at 1:00 p.m. ET, June 4, 2024. RMEC is an interactive experience for featured companies and investors. Companies will have 20 minutes to outline their investment opportunity before investors get the ability to engage in a real-time Q&A with management after the presentation. To register for RMEC, please click here.

About RMEC

RMEC (Resource Mining & Exploration Conference) is a unique virtual investor conference. The goal is to expose new investors, as well as our global network of retail and institutional investors, to vetted Exploration & Mining opportunities. The number of companies is limited, and the content is curated with investor time and interest being paramount. While not exhaustive by design, the REMC aims to present potential investments to new and seasoned resource investors by presenting highlights for further research.

Each participating company hosts a live presentation followed by a Q&A period within approximately a 40-minute slot. The goal is to help investors learn about the junior companies that are shaping the future of the Global Resource Sector within a responsive and pressure free environment.

RMEC will present up to six junior exploration and near-term producing companies, as they seek to discover the next world class mines. Investors can get more detail about RMEC at www.rmeconferences.com.

Pilar Drill Program Update and Summary

The Company is also pleased to update on the ongoing drill program at its road accessible Pilar Gold-Silver project in mine-friendly Sonora, Mexico. To date, over 2,200 meters have been completed in 20 drillholes. Results for nine drillholes have been release so far. Two holes returned the best results ever outside of the Main Zone trend, returning 56.4 meters of 1.0 g/t Au and 42.7 meters of 1.0 g/t Au from the 4-T and North Hill trends respectively. Both intersects were near surface and significant step outs (over 300 meter). Results for six drillholes are pending analysis and release. Samples for ongoing holes are dropped off at the local laboratory for analysis on a weekly basis.

Summary Video with CEO, Brodie Sutherland: Drill Summary

Figure 1. Summary map of latest drill and surface highlights.

Table 1. Summary of Top Ten Tocvan Drill Highlights, highlighted red are from 2024 program.

About the Pilar Property

The Pilar Gold-Silver property has returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Initially three primary zones of mineralization were identified on the original property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. The Company has now expanded its interest in the area by consolidating 22 square-kilometers of highly prospective ground where it has already made significant surface discoveries.

About Tocvan Ventures Corp.

Tocvan is a well-structured exploration and development company. Tocvan was created in order to take advantage of the prolonged downturn in the junior mining exploration sector, by identifying and negotiating interest in opportunities where management feels they can build upon previous success. Tocvan has approximately 51 million shares outstanding and is earning into two exciting opportunities in Sonora, Mexico. The Company has consolidated an attractive land position at its Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value.

Pilar Drill Highlights:

2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):

116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag

108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag

63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag

2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):

39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au

47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag

29m @ 0.7 g/t Au

35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au

2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):

94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag;

41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ;

24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag

15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include:

21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag

13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au

9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag

61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au

Pilar Bulk Sample Summary:

62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period

Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag

Extracted Grade Calculated at Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8")

of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach

Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time

Additional Metallurgical Studies:

Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned

95 to 99% Recovery of Gold

73 to 97% Recovery of Silver

Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

RC samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

For more information, please contact:

TOCVAN VENTURES CORP.

Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO

820-1130 West Pender St.

Vancouver, BC V6E 4A4

403-829-9877

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The Howard Group

Jeff Walker

VP Howard Group Inc.

403-221-0915

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Highlights:

Results indicate the potential for a new, large gold system along the Eagle River Splay deformation zone

deformation zone Hole GS-24-135, which intersected 2.0 g/t Au over 5.4 metres , was drilled 700 metres east of GS-23-100, which intersected 48.7 g/t Au over 1.5 metres, and may indicate the potential for an extensive gold system

, was drilled 700 metres east of GS-23-100, which intersected and may indicate the potential for an extensive gold system The Summer 2024 drilling program is currently underway on the BIF Zone and new drill holes are being added to test additional follow-up targets on the Eagle River Splay

TORONTO, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Angus Gold Inc. (TSX-V: GUS | OTC: ANGVF) (Angus or the Company) is pleased to announce assay results from nine (9) drill holes, totaling 2,148 metres, completed during the winter 2024 drilling program on the Eagle River Splay Area on its 100%-owned Golden Sky Project in Wawa, Ontario. The Eagle River Splay Area is located between Angus newly discovered Banded Iron Formation (BIF) Gold Zone to the north and the high-grade Eagle River gold mine of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (Wesdome) to the south. This new exploration area covers an offshoot, or splay, of the Eagle River Deformation Zone which is host to Wesdomes Eagle River mine.

Breanne Beh, Chief Executive Officer of Angus, states: The new gold discovery in the Eagle River Splay area is extremely encouraging. The mineralized system hosts significant widths and gold grades in a previously untested area of the Golden Sky project, just 2 kilometres from the Eagle River Mine. This is our second new discovery and our third confirmed gold system on the project and validates our belief in the tremendous exploration potential of this very underexplored part of the Wawa District. We plan to continue accelerating our work on the three gold systems, Dorset, BIF and Eagle River Splay, as well as progress new areas where we see similar potential for discovery. Angus is still in the early stages of exploration on Golden Sky and, in addition to the three gold trends, there are numerous targets that are being advanced to drill-readiness. With two new discoveries and a third high-grade discovery within the Dorset gold trend, it is our firm belief that the Golden Sky project is becoming one of the most prolific new gold projects in Ontario.

The winter drill program on the Eagle River Splay deformation zone was focused on testing geophysical anomalies that coincided with favourable geologic settings, similar to those observed at the Eagle River Mine and the Falcon Zone. Drillhole GS-24-135 tested a moderately chargeable IP anomaly along an interpreted contact between felsic and mafic volcanic rocks. The drillhole intersected three zones of gold mineralization between 120 metres and 210 metres depth (down hole). The best intersection was 2.0 g/t Au over 5.4 metres, including 4.5 g/t Au over 1.2 metres and including 3.2 g/t Au over 1.5 metres. Hole GS-24-135 was drilled 700m east of, and along the same chargeability anomaly, as Hole GS-23-100 (48.7 g/t Au over 1.5 metres) and suggests potential for significant strike length in this new system.

Selected drill results from the 9 holes at the Golden Sky drilling program are, as follows:

Hole Number From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t Area GS-24-135 124.7 126.2 1.5 3.9 Eagle River Splay GS-24-135 158.8 164.2 5.4 2.0 including 160.0 161.2 1.2 4.5 including 162.7 164.2 1.5 3.2 GS-24-135 205.5 210.0 4.5 1.1 (1) Assay results presented over core length. Additional drilling will be necessary to constrain the true width of the mineralized envelope of the gold system.

The winter drill program at the Eagle River Splay exploration area was focused on testing a number of high priority targets represented by geophysical anomalies that were associated with geologic contacts of differing volcanic rocks and diorite units entrained within the deformation zone. Drill holes GS-24-127, GS-24-131, GS-24-132 and GS-24-135 were arranged in a fence to transect the Eagle River Splay deformation zone. Hole GS-24-135 was successful in intersecting gold mineralization associated with intervals of strong shear, alteration, and numerous, thin quartz veins with pyrite, pyrrhotite and local chalcopyrite mineralization. The surrounding holes, GS-24-127, GS-24-131 and GS-24-132, did not return any assay results of interest. GS-24-137 tested a moderately chargeable IP trend, west of the previously mentioned fence of drillholes, and did not return any results of interest. GS-24-139 tested the same chargeable IP trend associated with GS-23-100 and GS-24-135 but likely collared too far north to intersect the zone of mineralization. GS-24-138, GS-24-140 and GS-21-141 were drilled proximal to GS-23-100 and did not return any results of interest. Numerous targets remain to be tested, in addition to the follow-up work on the new gold zone.

To date, the drill programs at the Golden Sky project have been focused on the Dorset Gold Zone, which hosts a historic NI 43-101 compliant gold resource, and the BIF Gold Zone, a new discovery made by Angus in a large banded iron formation. The Eagle River Splay exploration drill program is the first time the Company has drill tested new regional exploration targets on the Golden Sky property since their initial drill program on the BIF Gold Zone in 2021.

Figure 1: Surface Map  Angus Golds Eagle River Splay Exploration Area, Golden Sky Project

The Golden Sky Project

The 100%-owned Golden Sky Project is located within the Mishibishu Lake Greenstone Belt of Northern Ontario, which is host to Wesdomes high-grade Eagle River and the Mishi open-pit gold mines. The Companys 290-square-kilometres land package is located approximately 50 kilometres west of the town of Wawa and is situated immediately between the two Wesdome mines. The project is host to the near-surface Dorset Gold Zone, which contains a historic estimated resource (using a 0.50 g/t Au cut-off) consisting of an indicated resource of 40,000 ounces of gold (780,000 tonnes grading 1.4 g/t Au), and an inferred resource of 180,000 ounces of gold (4,760,000 tonnes grading 1.2 g/t Au). For greater details on the Golden Sky Project, please refer to the NI 43-101 technical report for the Golden Sky Project entitled, NI 43-101 Technical Report Wawa Property Ontario, Canada dated February 18, 2020, and available on the Companys SEDAR profile.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Breanne Beh, P.Geo, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and Chief Geologist for the Company.

Quality Control

During the last drilling program, assay samples were taken from the NQ core by sawing the drill core in half, with one-half sent to a certified commercial laboratory and the other half retained for future reference. A strict QA/QC program was applied to all samples; which includes insertion of mineralized standards and blank samples for each batch of 20 samples. The gold analyses were completed by fire-assayed with an atomic absorption finish on 50 grams of materials. Repeats were carried out by fire-assay followed by gravimetric testing on each sample containing 3.0 g/t gold or more.

About Angus Gold:

Angus Gold Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Companys flagship project is the Golden Sky Project in Wawa, Ontario. The Project is immediately adjacent to the Eagle River Mine of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.

On behalf of Angus Gold Inc.,

Breanne Beh

President and Chief Executive Officer

INQUIRIES:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 647-259-1790

Company Website: www.angusgold.com

TSXV: GUS | USOTC: ANGVF

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the ability to anticipate and counteract the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the business of the Company, including without limitation the effects of COVID-19 on the capital markets, commodity prices supply chain disruptions, restrictions on labour and workplace attendance and local and international travel, failure to receive requisite approvals in respect of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Companys public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / NextSource Materials Inc. (TSX:NEXT) (OTCQB:NSRCF) ("NextSource" or the "Company") confirms changes to its top management team ahead of the next phase of the Company's global growth strategy.

The Board of NextSource is pleased to announce the appointment of Hanre Rossouw as President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") effective November 1st, 2024, with Hanre initially joining the Board as a Director from September 1st, 2024.

Hanre joins NextSource from his role as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Sasol Limited with extensive experience in the global natural resources industry over the last 25 years. A British and South African national, Hanre has held senior positions in leading global mining and investment companies where his roles involved business development, M&A, capital markets, asset management and growth optimization.

Craig Scherba, current NextSource President and CEO, has achieved the vision set out by the Company's founders who developed the Molo graphite deposit in Madagascar: to bring the Molo mine into production, establish a value enhancing downstream business and develop a customer base with the automotive OEM supply chain. Effective November 1st, 2024 Craig will continue as a Director and Chief Development Officer of NextSource to focus on developing strategy, managing offtake negotiations and expanding the Company's OEM relationships around the world.

Chair of the Board, Sir Mick Davis, commented: "The Company has built significant optionality under Craig's committed stewardship and is poised for its next phase of growth as a key player in the global supply of graphite products; I am delighted that we continue to benefit from his invaluable support as a Director and Chief Development Officer. On behalf of the Board, we look forward to working with Hanre in the years ahead to support expansion of mine output, deliver a build-out of downstream options and manage a growing capital base."

President and CEO, Craig Scherba, commented: "I am delighted to welcome Hanre to NextSource to support the next stage of the Company's journey to becoming a vertically integrated large-scale producer of value added graphite products. His skill set fits with the priorities of the coming decade in terms of scaling the business to satisfy the decarbonization mission of the battery industry."

Hanre Rossouw, said: "Embracing an electrified future is a critical route to decarbonization, but building a mining and processing business with global operations is a significant undertaking. NextSource possesses unique fundamentals - a large-scale, high-quality resource, with downstream growth options and strong network of partners - making the company a highly attractive value proposition with substantial upside optionality. I look forward to supporting the Company and its stakeholders in building a sustainable future and especially working with Craig Scherba and the management team."

Prior to Sasol Limited, Hanre was Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of Royal Bafokeng Platinum between October 2018 and March 2022 having joined after 5 years as a portfolio manager at Investec Asset Management. During nearly a decade at Xstrata plc, Hanre was latterly CFO of the Alloys Division having been part of the small head office team which completed numerous international transactions and associated fundraisings as part of a corporate development plan which grew the market capitalization fivefold during his tenure. Previously, Hanre worked at both Accenture and as a project manager with De Beers Group having started in the mining industry as a metallurgist with Anglo American in 1998. Hanre studied Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University and Economics at the University of South Africa as well as completing an MBA at the University of Oxford's Said Business School.

About NextSource Materials Inc.

NextSource Materials Inc. is a battery materials development company based in Toronto, Canada that is intent on becoming a vertically integrated global supplier of battery materials through the mining and value-added processing of graphite and other minerals.

The Company's Molo Graphite Mine in Madagascar is one of the largest known and highest-quality graphite resources globally, and the only one with SuperFlake graphite. The Molo Graphite Mine has begun production, with Phase 1 mine operations currently undergoing ramp-up to reach its nameplate production capacity of 17,000 tpa of graphite concentrate.

The Company is also developing a significant downstream graphite value-add business through the staged rollout of Battery Anode Facilities capable of large-scale production of coated, spheronized and purified graphite for direct delivery to battery and automotive customers, outside of existing Asian supply chains, in a fully transparent and traceable manner.

NextSource Materials is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "NEXT" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "NSRCF".

Investors: Brent Nykoliation Executive Vice President +1.416.364.4911 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Media: Michael Oke/Andy Mills +44 207 321 0000 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CAUTIONARY NOTE

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Forward looking statements and information are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "possible" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "could", or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements include any statements regarding, among others, timing of on-site construction including the processing plant, process improvements and mine plant adjustments as well as production estimates and timing thereof, the rollout of Battery Anode Facilities including the capabilities and the timing thereof. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and, in some instances, to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive there from. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on what management believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.
BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS AND PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT ACCESSIBLE AND FINAL PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO BE ACCESSIBLE WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS ON SEDAR+

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gold Royalty Corp. (Gold Royalty or the Company) (NYSE American: GROY) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Capital Markets Corp., as joint book-runners, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the Underwriters), pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 17,442,000 units of the Company (the Units) at a price of US$1.72 per Unit (the Offering Price), for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately US$30 million (the Offering).

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each a Common Share) and one common share purchase warrant (each a Warrant). Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Common Share of the Company for a period of thirty-six months at an exercise price of US$2.25. Subject to receipt of the necessary approvals, the Common Shares as well as the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants will be listed on the NYSE American. The Company has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to list the Warrants on the NYSE American following closing of the Offering.

The Company has granted the Underwriters an over-allotment option, exercisable in whole or in part at any time at the Offering Price up to 30 days after closing of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 15% of the number of Units issued pursuant to the Offering, for additional gross proceeds to the Company of up to approximately US$4.5 million, to acquire Units, Common Shares and/or Warrants (or any combination thereof).

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund a portion of the consideration for its acquisition (the "Acquisition") of a copper stream (the Stream) in respect of the Vares Silver Project, operated by a subsidiary of Adriatic Metals plc and located in Bosnia and Herzegovina pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement (the PSA) between the Company and OMF Fund III (Cr) Ltd., an entity managed by Orion Mine Finance Management LP (Orion). Under the terms of the PSA, Gold Royalty will pay US$50 million to acquire the Stream from Orion at the closing of the Acquisition, comprised of US$45 million payable in cash and US$5 million to be satisfied by the issuance of 2,906,977 Gold Royalty shares.

Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about May 31, 2024 (the Closing Date), subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of all necessary approvals of the NYSE American in accordance with its applicable listing requirements. The closing of the Offering is not conditional upon the completion of the Acquisition. In the event that the Acquisition is not completed, the Company may reallocate the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes, including to fund other acquisitions or repay outstanding indebtedness.

The Offering will be made in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, other than Quebec and Nunavut, by way of a prospectus supplement to the Companys Canadian short form base shelf prospectus dated July 15, 2022. The Company has also filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) a registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-265581), containing a shelf prospectus dated July 6, 2022, which was declared effective by the SEC on July 15, 2022. The securities in the Offering are being offered only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to, and describing the terms of, the Offering has been filed with the SEC. The Offering may also be made on a private placement basis in other international jurisdictions in reliance on applicable private placement exemptions. Before investing, prospective investors should read the Canadian base shelf prospectus and the prospectus supplement thereto, or the registration statement, including the U.S. base prospectus therein, and the prospectus supplement thereto, as applicable, including, in each case, the documents attached thereto or incorporated by reference therein, for more complete information about the Company and the Offering.

These documents may be accessed for free on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca and on the SECs Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR) at www.sec.gov. An electronic or paper copy of the base shelf prospectus, the preliminary prospectus supplement and the final prospectus supplement (when filed) as well as any amendment to the documents may be obtained in Canada, without charge, from National Bank Financial Inc. by phone at (416) 869-6534 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or from BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. by phone at 905-791-3151 Ext 4312 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and in the United States by contacting National Bank of Canada Financial Inc. by phone at (416) 869-6534 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or BMO Capital Markets Corp. by phone at 800-414-3627 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable.

It is expected that delivery of the Units will be made against payment therefor on or about the Closing Date, which will be three business days following the date of the prospectus supplement (this settlement cycle being referred to as "T+3"). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, trades in the secondary market are generally required to settle in one business day (this settlement cycle being referred to as T+1), unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade their Common Shares, Warrants or Common Shares underlying the Warrants issuable upon exercise thereof prior to the Closing Date will be required, by virtue of the fact that the Units will not settle in T+1, to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of Units who wish to trade their Common Shares, Warrants or Common Shares underlying the Warrants issuable upon exercise thereof prior to the Closing Date should consult their own advisors. Furthermore, the Company has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to list the Warrants on the NYSE American. Listing will be subject to fulfilling all listing requirements of the NYSE American. As a result, the Warrants will not be immediately tradeable over the facilities of the NYSE American on the Closing Date.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any province, state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such province, state or jurisdiction.

About Gold Royalty Corp.

Gold Royalty Corp. is a gold-focused royalty company offering creative financing solutions to the metals and mining industry. Its mission is to invest in high-quality, sustainable, and responsible mining operations to build a diversified portfolio of precious metals royalty and streaming interests that generate superior long-term returns for our shareholders. Gold Royalty's diversified portfolio currently consists primarily of net smelter return royalties on gold properties located in the Americas.

Gold Royalty Corp. Contact

Peter Behncke

Director, Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Telephone: (833) 396-3066

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Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain of the information contained in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including but not limited to statements regarding the Company's acquisition of the Stream, the size and timing of the Offering, the completion of the Offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, and the listing of the Common Shares and Warrants on the NYSE American. Such statements can be generally identified by the use of terms such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "plans", "anticipate" or similar terms. Forward-looking statements are based upon certain assumptions and other important factors, including that the conditions to the Offering and the Acquisition will be satisfied, and all requisite regulatory approvals for the Offering will be obtained, in a timely manner. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including, among others, the possibility that the Offering does not close when expected, or at all, because conditions to closing are not satisfied on a timely basis, or at all, the possibility that the Acquisition does not close when expected, or at all, because conditions to closing are not satisfied on a timely basis, or at all, and other factors set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, its registration statement, prospectuses and prospectus supplements relating to the Offering and its other publicly filed documents, available under its profiles at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, prospectuses and prospectus supplement, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Arras Minerals Corp. (TSXV:ARK) ("Arras" or the "Company") announces today that due to strong demand, the previously announced non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") has been increased from up to C$2 million to up to C$4.5 million (the "Upsizing").

Darren Klinck, President of Arras, commented, " We are very pleased with the exceptional strong support from current shareholders in this financing. As we have commenced our third field season in Kazakhstan, it is clear that the progress we have made over the past two years on our project portfolio in the country has advanced a number of very exciting targets. This increased financing will allow us to broaden and expand the program at Elemes and provide flexibility to be opportunistic as our understanding at the Elemes and Tay projects continues to increase."

The Company announced on May 21, 2024 that it had arranged a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 7,692,308 units of the Company ("Units") at a price per Unit of C$0.26 (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$2 million. Following the Upsizing, the Offering will now comprise of up to 17,307,692 Units at the Offering Price for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$4.5 million. Under the Offering, each Unit shall be comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one (1/2) non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one (1) additional Common Share at a price of C$0.40 for a period of (3) years from the closing of the Offering (the "Expiry Date").

In the event the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") meets or exceeds C$0.60 for fifteen (15) consecutive trading days at any time after four months and one day following closing of the Offering, the Company shall have the option, but not the obligation, at any time thereafter to accelerate the Expiry Date to a date that is thirty (30) days following the date of issuance of a press release by the Company announcing the acceleration of the Expiry Date.

The Offering is scheduled to close on or about June 4, 2024 and is subject to the approval of the TSXV. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period in Canada and will be subject to U.S. resale restrictions under U.S. securities laws as applicable.

The securities to be sold in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("U.S. Securities Act"), or any state or other applicable jurisdiction's securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state or other jurisdictions' securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Qualified Person: The scientific and technical disclosure for this news release has been prepared under supervision of and approved by Matthew Booth, Vice President of Exploration, of Arras Minerals Corp., a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Booth has over 19 years of mineral exploration experience and is a Qualified Person member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (CPG 12044).

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Darren Klinck"

Darren Klinck

President and Director

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

+1 604 687 5800

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Further information can be found on:

the Company's website https://www.arrasminerals.com or

follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrasminerals or

follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/arrasminerals

About Arras Minerals Corp.

Arras is a Canadian exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in northeastern Kazakhstan, including the Option Agreement on the Beskauga copper and gold project. The Company has established the third-largest license package in the country prospective for copper and gold (behind Rio Tinto and Fortescue). In December 2023, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") in which Teck will sole fund a US$5 million generative exploration program over a portion of the Arras license package in 2024-2025 focusing on critical minerals. The Company's shares are listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "ARK".

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Offering, future events and Arras' future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act, and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the Offering, the participation in the Offering by Teck Resources Limited, the amount of securities that may be sold and proceeds raised by the Company from the Offering, timing of closing of the Offering, the terms to the securities offered under the Offering, the receipt of TSXV and other required regulatory and third party approvals in respect of the Offering, exercise of the Company's acceleration right in respect of the Warrants (or the satisfaction of the acceleration condition in respect thereof), and plans and expectations of the exploration program Arras is in the process of undertaking. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about Arras' exploration projects, the industry in which Arras operates and the beliefs and assumptions of Arras' management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continues," "may," variations of such words, and similar expressions and references to future periods, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management's control, including investor interest in the Offering and perception of the Company and its business and assets, regulatory approval of the Offering, changes to the market price for the Company's securities, changes to economic conditions, changes to metals and commodity prices, price of inputs, expected costs and timelines to achieve the Company's goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner, financing will be available when needed on economically reasonable terms, undertaking further exploration activities, the results of such exploration activities and that such results support continued exploration activities, unexpected variations in ore grade, types and metallurgy, volatility and level of commodity prices, the availability of sufficient future financing, and other matters discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Management Discussion and Analysis filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ on February 28, 2024 and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed on February 28, 2024 available on www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this release is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2024) - Neotech Metals Corp. (CSE: NTMC) (OTC Pink: NTMFF) (FSE: V690) ("Neotech" or the "Company"), a mineral exploration company, is pleased to announce that Joao Alexandre Almeida Vieira is moving into the role of director of the Company effective immediately. In conjunction with the appointment, Mr. Charn Deol will be stepping down.

Mr. Vieira has been involved in mining exploration for over 15 years and has experience in prospecting, property evaluation, exploration and development. He owns and operates an aviation business working in Brazil, Africa and the United States. Mr. Vieira holds a BBA from Anhembi Morumbi University.

"Joao's extensive experience in owning and operating businesses in Brazil, as well as his overall background in mining and exploration bring invaluable perspectives to the board of directors," said Reagan Glazier, CEO. "I'd also like to thank Mr. Charn Deol on behalf of the board for all of his efforts and guidance as we have progressed the business. He's been a valuable contributor, and we wish him well on all his future endeavours."

The Company also announces it has granted 2,200,000 options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The options are exercisable at $0.38 for a five-year term.

For more Information please contact:

Reagan Glazier, Chief Executive Officer

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Telephone:+1 403-815-6663

About Neotech Metals Corp.

Neotech Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company dedicated to discovering and developing valuable mineral resources in promising regions around the world. With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, Neotech is positioned to make a positive impact while maximizing the potential of its exploration properties.

The Company is a mineral exploration company based in Vancouver, B.C., and owns 100% of it's TREO Rare Earth Element Property, located 90km North East of Prince George, British Columbia, and 100% of it's Foothills project located near the Monashee Mountain Range. The Company also holds options on the EBB nickel-cobalt property in British Columbia, Canada.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on certain expectations and assumptions, including future plans and objectives of Neotech Metals Corp. Forward-Looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Significant Intervals Identified in Step-Out Holes Down-Dip

Tesla Zone Mineralization & Continuity Confirmed Along Strike and at Depth

Electromagnetic Surveys Outline a Further Potential +50m Up-Dip and +200m Down-Dip Continuation of Mineralization

Tesla Zone Continues to Remain Open in All Directions

VANCOUVER, BC, May 28, 2024 /CNW/ - Foran Mining Corporation (TSX: FOM) (OTCQX: FMCXF) ("Foran" or the "Company") is pleased to report additional assay results from the ongoing 2024 exploration program at the Tesla and Bridge Zones, part of its 100%-owned McIlvenna Bay Property (the "Property") in Saskatchewan.

Results from our large ice-based winter drilling program continue to expand and confirm the continuity of Tesla Zone mineralization in large step-out holes up and down-dip of the central zone. Of particular significance are the thick intersections made in holes TS-24-20 and TS-24-15, which represent 230m and 320m down-dip step-outs from previously drilled mineralization, respectively. Tesla is now confirmed as measuring more than 500m in the dip direction and approximately 1,050m along strike, extending beyond the limits of the initial modelled conductive target.

The results from seven Tesla Zone winter drill holes are presented in this news release, which successfully targeted both up and down-dip expansions of the zone, along with the assay results from the lower zones from the two previously released holes drilled into the adjacent Bridge Zone (MB-24-290 and MB-24-292).

Key Highlights:

Hole TS-24-20, a 230m down-dip step-out hole returned multiple massive and semi-massive lenses over 123m in core length, including: 26.9m grading 1.23% Cu, 7.55% Zn, 38.4 g/t Ag and 0.20 g/t Au (3.67% CuEq), including 2.5m grading 2.40% Cu, 5.39% Zn, 62.5 g/t Ag and 0.20 g/t Au (4.20% CuEq), and 4.7m grading 0.62% Cu, 12.59% Zn, 26.8 g/t Ag and 0.05 g/t Au (4.48% CuEq); 10.0m grading 0.81% Cu, 4.99% Zn, 31.4 g/t Ag and 0.35 g/t Au (2.58% CuEq), including 2.7m grading 0.33% Cu, 9.54% Zn, 21.1 g/t Ag and 0.12 g/t Au (3.32% CuEq).

Hole TS-24-15, also a 320m down-dip and step-out hole from the main Tesla Zone, intersected multiple massive to semi-massive lenses approximately 120m southwards along strike from hole TS-24-20, highlighted by: 11.8m grading 0.75% Cu, 8.22% Zn, 41.8 g/t Ag and 0.12 g/t Au (3.41% CuEq), including 8.6m grading 0.70% Cu, 10.01% Zn, 42.2 g/t Ag and 0.14 g/t Au (3.91% CuEq); 4.2m grading 0.17% Cu, 8.63% Zn, 18.2 g/t Ag and 0.03 g/t Au (2.84% CuEq), including 1.7m grading 0.15% Cu, 13.79% Zn, 21.6 g/t Ag and 0.03 g/t Au (4.38% CuEq).

Hole TS-24-21, the southern most down-dip hole drilled to date, defining a 700m trend of deep intersections from HG-23-01, highlighted by: 11.9m grading 0.50% Cu, 7.73% Zn, 35.7 g/t Ag and 0.30 g/t Au (3.11% Cu Eq), including 5.1m grading 0.43% Cu, 10.36% Zn, 52.4 g/t Ag and 0.36 g/t Au (3.94% CuEq)

Hole TS-24-17, the northern most up-dip hole drilled, highlighted by: 3.0m grading 2.60% Cu, 0.72% Zn, 40.0 g/t Ag and 0.66 g/t Au (3.15% CuEq), including 1.0m grading 6.53% Cu, 1.87% Zn, 45.6 g/t Ag and 1.23 g/t Au (7.43% CuEq); 12.4m grading 0.56% Cu, 3.26% Zn 31.4 g/t Ag and 0.56 g/t Au (1.96% CuEq), including 1.6m grading 0.57% Cu, 12.31% Zn, 57.4 g/t Ag and 0.42 g/t Au (4.71% CuEq).

Lower zone from previously released hole MB-24-290 located near the southern end of Tesla  Bridge Zone transition, intersected significant mineralization in the Bridge Zone, highlighted by: 7.4m grading 1.04% Cu, 6.71% Zn, 22.1 g/t Ag and 0.47 g/t Au (3.33% CuEq), including 1.9m grading 1.54% Cu, 4.59% Zn, 23.9 g/t Ag and 0.75 g/t Au (3.32% CuEq).

Tesla expansion drilling continues with two drills targeting down-dip / along-strike extensions at the north end of the zone.

Summer drilling program has commenced with four drills to be split between Tesla infill drilling and testing of high priority regional exploration targets.

Erin Carswell, Foran's Vice President, Exploration, commented: "Our bold strategy to define the potential scale of Tesla during the winter ice-drilling campaign has effectively doubled the size of the mineralized footprint as our outstanding exploration results continue. The major down-dip step-out holes released today have provided some of the thickest and highest-grade results at Tesla to date, while once again affirming the consistent presence of the mineralized zone across significant strike and dip extents. The expanding scale of Tesla and its potential to continue beyond the currently drilled dimensions represents significant upside for Foran as we progress our flagship development project at the adjacent McIlvenna Bay Deposit. Expansion drilling is ongoing as we continue to follow the zone north by drilling from the far shore of Hanson Lake. Meanwhile, the upcoming summer drilling season will see us commence land-based Tesla Zone infill drilling from the footwall to target what we expect could be more copper-gold rich mineralization in the upper parts of the zone, at the same time as progressing our regional program and our efforts to continue expanding this world-class mineral district."

2024 Winter Drill Program Results

The 2024 ice-based winter drill program was executed between January and April and was designed to evaluate the potential footprint of the Tesla Zone, with six drill rigs utilized to complete a series of up and down-dip step-out drill holes. Achieving a thorough understanding of Tesla's potential scale is an important precursor to ongoing exploration, especially given its close proximity to the McIlvenna Bay Project and its potential to influence ongoing advanced engineering and design work.

The 2024 winter program consisted of approximately 22,200m of drilling, completed in 18 drill holes and associated wedges, targeting the Tesla and Bridge Zones. Figure 1 below provides a plan map showing the location of drill holes targeting the Tesla Zone and the Bridge Zone areas adjacent to the McIlvenna Bay Deposit. The drilling was successful as we continued to confirm the continuity of the mineralized horizons and expand the Tesla zone.

The results for seven additional Tesla holes targeting the up and down-dip expansion of the zone are provided in this news release, along with the results from the lower zones in two previously released Bridge Zone holes (see News Release dated February 22, 2024). Assay composites from the Tesla and Bridge Zone drilling are provided in Table 1 below.

Tesla Zone  Down-Dip Expansion Results

A series of five drill holes (in order from south to north TS-24-21, -15, -15w1, -20, -16w1) were completed along the northeastern edge of Hanson Lake as wide step-out holes collared up to 400m down-dip from existing holes and spaced at 100-200m intervals along a 650m section of the currently defined strike length (Figures 1 and 2). This series of holes was designed to enhance the definition and our understanding of the down-dip part of the zone and extend the mineralization across the lake, so that continued expansion drilling could be completed to extend mineralization further down-dip from the shore during the summer months following results. These widely spaced drill holes were all successful in intersecting one or more lenses of Tesla mineralization along the lower edge, confirming continuity of the zone and indicating further exploration upside in the down-dip direction to step out further on several thick intersections from the program.

All holes intersected massive and semi-massive sulphides related to the main Tesla lens, however two of the deep holes (TS-24-15 and TS-24-20) drilled in the central part of the zone intersected multiple horizons of zinc and/or zinc and copper-rich mineralization (see drill core photos of TS-24-20 in Figure 2). These intersections are located 200-300m down-dip from previous holes and are expected to be followed up with infill drilling. For example, TS-24-20 intersected six discrete zones of massive to semi-massive and stringer sulphides over a core length of 122.8m (Table 1), including 26.9m grading 1.23% Cu, 7.55% Zn, 38.4 g/t Ag and 0.20 g/t Au (3.67% CuEq) and 10.0m grading 0.81% Cu, 4.99% Zn, 31.4 g/t Ag and 0.35 g/t Au (2.58% Cu), while TS-24-15 intersected four discrete zones over a 93.1m core length (Table 1), including 11.8m grading 0.75% Cu, 8.22% Zn, 41.8 g/t Ag and 0.12 g/t Au (3.41% CuEq) and 4.2m grading 0.17% Cu, 8.63% Zn, 18.2 g/t and 0.03 g/t Au (2.84% CuEq). The lower lenses of mineralization intersected in these new holes appear to correlate with the lower lenses intersected in previous drilling in the north central part of the Tesla Zone, including holes TS-23-10 (see Foran's May 25, 2023 news release) and TS-23-12 (see Foran's October 5, 2023 news release). Tighter drill spacing will be required in this sector of Tesla to confirm the controls and distribution of the mineralization, but the occurrence of multiple lenses in previous drilling increases our confidence in respect of planned future drilling as the Tesla Zone continues to grow.

A longitudinal section across the Tesla Zone is provided in Figure 3, demonstrating the spatial relationships between the drill holes.

Tesla Zone  Up-Dip Expansion

Holes TS-24-17 and TS-24-18 were collared 100m apart as up-dip step-outs from previous drill holes TS-24-12 and TS-23-10 (Figure 1, Foran's February 22, 2024 news release), and designed to assess the expansion potential of mineralization approximately 160m to 180m up-dip in the central part of the Tesla Zone. Assays confirmed copper +/- zinc-rich semi-massive sulphides and stringer style mineralization in multiple lenses as provided in Table 1. Results indicate Tesla Zone remains open up-dip, and is expected to be followed up with additional drilling.

As previously reported, borehole EM surveys completed after drilling TS-24-17 and TS-24-18 returned significant EM responses that indicate mineralization likely continues a minimum of 50-75m further up-dip and 200m along strike in the up-plunge direction, providing a robust plate model for future drill targeting and potential expansion of the upper zones of Tesla. Furthermore, surveys conducted on the deeper holes in this news release indicate at least a further 100 to 200m of mineralization continuation down-dip.

Altogether, the results from the expansion drilling in 2024 have provided a clearer picture of Tesla's potential footprint and geometry. The new data has allowed definition of over 500m of dip extent, with multiple mineralized lenses now interpreted at Tesla. These lenses are shown in plan view (Figure 4) and in cross section (Figure 5) below.

Bridge Zone Drill Results

Additional assay results have also been received from the lower intersections of the previously released Bridge Zone drill holes MB-24-290 and MB-24-292 (see Foran's February 22, 2024 news release). These two holes were drilled near the interpreted margins of the Bridge Zone with the McIlvenna Bay Deposit and Tesla, respectively, and appear to have drilled through the interpreted bounding faults for the Bridge Zone on either side. In both cases, the drilling has returned two significant zones of massive to semi-massive sulphides with associated stringer zones.

As described above, hole MB-24-290 was drilled near the interpreted northern transition from Tesla into the Bridge Zone. Following a 76m mineralized interval of the Tesla main lens, this hole intersected a lower lens of mineralization below the Tesla fault that is correlated with the Bridge Zone mineralization. This zone consists of massive to semi-massive sulphides with an underlying stringer zone over a 7.4m core length that graded 1.04% Cu, 6.71% Zn and 0.47 g/t Au.

Hole MB-24-292 was drilled at the south end of the Bridge Zone corridor near the McIlvenna Bay Deposit. Following an 8.5m-thick "orphaned" intersection in the hanging wall to the McIlvenna Bay Deposit, additional assays have now been received from a lower massive sulphide zone intersected in that hole that appears to correlate with the Main Lens of the McIlvenna Bay Deposit. This lower lens was made up of massive to semi-massive sulphides and the underlying Copper Stockwork Zone over a 7.9m core length, consisting of 2.7m of massive sulphide grading 0.63% Cu, 7.44% Zn, 16.7 g/t Ag and 0.30 g/t Au followed directly down-hole by 5.2m of copper stockwork mineralization grading 1.97% Cu, 2.79% Zn, 20.6 g/t Ag and 1.05 g/t Au. This intersection appears to correlate well with surrounding historic intersections in this part of the deposit.

Ongoing Interpretation

The 2024 winter drill program has been successful in growing the footprint of the Tesla Zone and significantly enhanced our understanding of both the geometry and the potential controls on the Tesla mineralizing system. Interpretation is ongoing, however, particularly regarding the relationship of the Bridge Zone to both Tesla and the McIlvenna Bay Deposit. It appears that the Bridge Zone is bound by two significant faults, the Tesla Fault to the south and the Koziol fault in the hanging wall to the north of McIlvenna Bay. These faults have been observed in a number of drill holes and are well established. Within this structural zone, evidence continues to suggest a fold in the host lithologies which could provide significant mineralization upside (see Figure 6), although the geometry and amplitude of the fold is still not yet understood and will require a higher drilling density to interpret more accurately.

Table 1  2024 Winter Assay Results1 (*Denotes Previously Released)

Hole Zone From_m To_m Interval_m Cu % Zn % Ag g/t Au g/t CuEq % MB-24-290* MS/CS 1021.8 1049.1 27.4 1.03 2.17 28.3 0.20 1.83 Including MS 1021.8 1030.1 8.3 1.28 3.62 35.7 0.03 2.43 And CS 1030.1 1049.1 19.0 0.91 1.54 25.0 0.27 1.56 MB-24-290* CS 1050.8 1098.3 47.5 0.50 0.65 9.5 0.05 0.72 MB-24-290* CS 1103.8 1105.2 1.4 3.06 0.16 21.4 0.01 2.94 MB-24-290 MS/CS 1276.0 1283.4 7.4 1.04 6.71 22.1 0.47 3.33 Including MS 1276.0 1281.5 5.5 0.86 7.46 21.5 0.37 3.33 And CS 1281.5 1283.4 1.9 1.54 4.59 23.9 0.75 3.32 MB-24-290 MS 1299.2 1300.8 1.6 0.84 6.32 25.8 0.18 2.88 MB-24-292* MS 871.6 880.0 8.5 1.56 2.05 24.3 0.65 2.52 Including MS 871.6 874.2 2.6 0.85 2.64 19.5 1.59 2.58 And MS 878.1 880.0 2.0 2.33 1.14 38.6 0.47 2.91 MB-24-292 MS/CS 1115.6 1123.5 7.9 1.51 4.38 19.2 0.79 3.23 Including MS 1115.6 1118.3 2.7 0.63 7.44 16.7 0.30 3.05 And CS 1118.3 1123.5 5.2 1.97 2.79 20.6 1.05 3.34 TS-24-15 MS/CS 1360.4 1372.3 11.8 0.75 8.22 41.8 0.12 3.41 Including MS 1360.4 1369.0 8.6 0.70 10.01 42.2 0.14 3.91 And CS 1369.0 1372.3 3.3 0.87 3.51 40.8 0.09 2.08 TS-24-15 MS 1377.4 1382.7 5.3 0.45 6.45 44.3 0.17 2.64 Including MS 1380.9 1382.7 1.8 0.66 9.94 59.0 0.25 3.99 TS-24-15 MS 1433.6 1437.8 4.2 0.17 8.63 18.2 0.03 2.84 Including MS 1434.5 1436.1 1.7 0.15 13.79 21.6 0.03 4.38 TS-24-15 MS 1451.1 1453.5 2.4 0.30 8.26 37.6 0.09 2.97 Including MS 1451.1 1452.6 1.5 0.30 11.45 45.4 0.10 3.97 TS-24-15w1 MS 1402.7 1418.9 16.3 0.51 9.44 31.1 0.39 3.66 Including MS 1402.7 1408.6 5.9 0.51 13.94 22.0 0.25 4.88 TS-24-16w1 MS 1487.0 1489.5 2.5 0.18 6.49 16.3 0.03 2.20 TS-24-16w1 MS 1647.3 1648.0 0.7 0.32 10.90 46.2 0.25 3.91 TS-24-17 MS/CS 902.4 905.4 3.0 2.60 0.72 40.0 0.66 3.15 Including MS 902.4 903.4 1.0 6.53 1.87 45.6 1.23 7.43 TS-24-17 MS/CS 909.3 921.7 12.4 0.56 3.26 31.4 0.56 1.96 Including MS 909.3 910.9 1.6 0.57 12.31 57.4 0.42 4.71 TS-24-17 MS/CS 926.0 928.3 2.3 0.06 4.68 39.3 0.18 1.74 TS-24-18 MS 843.8 846.8 3.0 1.73 1.63 9.8 0.57 2.44 Including MS 844.1 845.2 1.1 3.63 3.70 20.9 1.11 5.16 TS-24-18 CS 850.2 851.3 1.1 2.15 0.46 12.5 0.37 2.37 TS-24-18 CS 897.5 901.5 4.0 0.52 0.44 10.2 0.34 0.85 TS-24-18 MS 910.4 910.7 0.3 2.37 1.29 28.0 0.64 3.05 TS-24-20 MS/CS 1347.4 1357.4 10.0 0.81 4.99 31.4 0.35 2.58 Including MS 1352.7 1355.4 2.7 0.33 9.54 21.1 0.12 3.32 TS-24-20 MS/CS 1363.1 1375.5 12.4 0.59 3.55 21.4 0.20 1.81 TS-24-20 MS 1379.9 1381.5 1.6 0.16 5.10 14.0 0.07 1.78 TS-24-20 MS/CS 1395.2 1422.1 26.9 1.23 7.55 38.4 0.20 3.67 Including MS 1403.8 1406.3 2.5 2.40 5.39 62.5 0.20 4.20 And MS 1406.3 1411.1 4.7 0.62 12.59 26.8 0.05 4.48 And MS 1414.6 1419.8 5.2 0.99 10.29 30.1 0.01 4.13 TS-24-20 MS 1456.6 1460.6 4.0 0.51 11.52 26.5 0.04 4.06 TS-24-20 MS 1466.0 1470.2 4.1 0.15 5.41 16.1 0.03 1.85 TS-24-21 MS 1340.1 1352.0 11.9 0.50 7.73 35.7 0.30 3.11 Including MS 1344.6 1349.7 5.1 0.43 10.36 52.4 0.36 3.94

Note 1: Composite widths are presented as core lengths. Additional drilling will be required to confirm the geometry of the mineralized zones, but generally true widths are thought to be 80-85% of core length. Intervals generally composited using a 0.5% Cu cut-off grade in stringer zones, except MB-24-290 from 1050.8-1098.3m that used a 0.3% Cu cut-off grade. Copper Equivalent values calculated using metal prices of $4.00/lb Cu, $1.50/lb Zn, $20.00/ounce Ag and $1,800/ounce Au and LOM metallurgical recovery rates derived from test work on blended ores for the McIlvenna Bay Deposit completed as part of our 2022 Feasibility Study: 91.1% Cu, 79.8% Zn, 88.6% Au and 62.3% Ag (MS  massive / semi-massive sulphide, CS  Copper Stockwork/Stringer). To date no metallurgical test work has been completed on the Tesla Zone or Bridge Zone mineralization.

Tesla and Bridge Zones Discovery History

Since the initial discovery of the Tesla Zone (the "Tesla Zone" or "Tesla") in 2022, 31 drillholes and wedges have successfully intersected mineralization across multiple horizons that together measure over 1,050m in strike length and 500m in dip extent. Recent winter drilling included step-out holes (approximately 100-400m spacings), with associated wedges, that have intersected multiple massive and semi-massive copper and zinc mineralized horizons and associated stringer zones which remain open in all directions for continued expansion. Plans for the coming summer drill program include the completion of a series of infill drill fences across the upper part of the Tesla Zone to begin to better define the lenses and continuity of mineralization in preparation for a potential future resource estimate.

The Bridge Zone (the "Bridge Zone") occurs in a ~300m long corridor between the current southernmost drilling at Tesla and the northernmost drilling at the McIlvenna Bay Deposit. Discovered in 2023 and now confirmed with five drillholes, the Bridge Zone is typically characterized by multiple lenses of massive, semi-massive and stringer style sulphide mineralization. Detailed core observations and the results from the ongoing McIlvenna Bay Orebody Knowledge Study, including Truscan XRF analysis of the holes, have identified important geological marker units within the Bridge Zone that link Tesla with the McIlvenna Bay Deposit and suggest that a post-mineralization fold connects these areas.

2024 Summer Drill Program

While the ice-based winter program is now complete, Foran's exploration program is continuing through spring breakup with the early conversion of two drills to fly setups to continue targeting large down-dip / down-plunge extensions of the zone from the north shore of the lake.

In parallel, preparations are underway to commence our large summer exploration program in June this year, with a total of four drill rigs scheduled to continue through to November 2024 and encompass approximately 28,000 metres. These drills will be split between testing of high priority regional targets and continued definition / infill drilling of upper parts of the Tesla Zone. Of the summer drilling, approximately 12,000m is planned to test regional geological and electromagnetic target areas located within trucking distance of the McIlvenna Bay Project. A further 16,000 metres of drilling has been allocated to Tesla, with two to three rigs drilling fences of holes through the mineralized zone from the southern footwall side where dry land is available. Directional drilling technologies will be employed to ensure that the drillholes intersect the Tesla Zone at the proper angle. A series of wedged holes will also be completed from each pilot hole drilled to achieve multiple intersections into the mineralization from each fence. This drilling will achieve additional intersections between the current wide spaced drill holes and provide the increased definition of the zones necessary for a potential future resource estimate to be undertaken.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Drilling was completed using NQ size diamond drill core and core was logged by employees of the Company. During the logging process, mineralized intersections were marked for sampling and given unique sample numbers. Sampled intervals were sawn in half using a diamond blade saw. One half of the sawn core was placed in a plastic bag with the sample tag and sealed, while the second half was returned to the core box for storage on site. Sample assays are performed by the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") Geoanalytical Laboratory in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. SRC is a Canadian accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) and independent of Foran. Analysis for Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn is performed using ICP-OES after total multi-acid digestion. Au analysis is completed by fire assay with ICP-OES finish. A complete suite of QA/QC reference materials (standards, blanks, and duplicates) are included in each batch of samples processed by the laboratory. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data.

Qualified Person

Mr. Roger March, P. Geo., Principal Geoscientist for Foran, is the Qualified Person for all technical information herein and has reviewed, verified and approved the technical information in this news release.

The Company's head office is located at 409 Granville Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2. Common Shares of the Company are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol "FOM" and on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol "FMCXF".

About Foran Mining

Foran Mining is a copper-zinc-gold-silver exploration and development company, committed to supporting a greener future, empowering communities and creating circular economies which create value for all our stakeholders, while also safeguarding the environment. The McIlvenna Bay Project is located entirely within the documented traditional territory of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, comprises the infrastructure and works related to pre-development and advanced exploration activities of the Company, and hosts the McIlvenna Bay Deposit and Tesla Zone. The Company also owns the Bigstone Deposit, a resource-development stage deposit located 25km southwest of the McIlvenna Bay Property.

The McIlvenna Bay Deposit is a copper-zinc-gold-silver rich VHMS deposit intended to be the centre of a new mining camp in a prolific district that has already been producing for 100 years. The McIlvenna Bay Property sits just 65km West of Flin Flon, Manitoba and is part of the world class Flin Flon Greenstone Belt that extends from Snow Lake, Manitoba, through Flin Flon to Foran's ground in eastern Saskatchewan, a distance of over 225km.

The McIlvenna Bay Deposit is the largest undeveloped VHMS deposit in the region. The Company announced the results from its NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report on the Feasibility Study for the McIlvenna Bay Deposit (the "McIlvenna Feasibility Study") on February 28, 2022, outlining that current mineral reserves would potentially support an 18-year mine life producing an average of 65 million pounds of copper equivalent annually. The Company filed the McIlvenna Feasibility Study on April 14, 2022, with an effective date of February 28, 2022. The Company also filed a NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Bigstone Deposit resource estimate on January 21, 2021, as amended on February 1, 2022. Investors are encouraged to consult the full text of these technical reports which may be found on the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca.

The Company's head office is located at 409 Granville Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2. Common Shares of the Company are listed for trading on the TSX under the symbol "FOM" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "FMCXF".

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or to the future performance of the Company and reflect management's expectations and assumptions as of the date hereof or as of the date of such forward-looking statement.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date specified in such statement. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our objectives and our strategies to achieve such objectives; our beliefs, plans, estimates, projections and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, including in respect of exploration objectives and expectations; as well as specific statements in respect of our expectations in respect of our exploration operations, assays and electromagnetic surveys, including in respect of the Tesla Zone's up-dip and down-dip continuation of mineralization; our view that the Tesla Zone remains open in all directions and may continue to be expanded beyond the currently drilled dimensions; expectations in respect of the expansion and continuity of the Tesla Zone mineralization, including in respect of potential expansion of the upper zones of Tesla; our conductive target modelling; our interpretation of assay results, including those identified in this news release in respect of the Tesla Zone and Bridge Zone, and expectations regarding potential intersection of certain mineralization lenses; our exploration and drilling plans, design and expectations, including in respect of the Tesla Zone and Bridge Zone, the number of drills, their targets, and drilling orientation and locations, and conducting expansion and infill drilling at the Tesla Zone and testing of high priority regional targets; our summer drilling program, including its commencement in June 2024, number of drill rigs to be used and their schedule, and plan to drill approximately 28,000 metres in total, including approximately 12,000 metres of regional exploration and 16,000 metres of drilling at Tesla; our ability to define the potential scale of and consistency of mineralization at Tesla; expectations regarding future exploration results; the expectation that the further expansion of the Tesla Zone could benefit our Company as the development of the McIlvenna Bay Project progresses; our expectation that summer drilling targets at the Tesla Zone could identify more copper-gold rich mineralization in the upper parts of such zone; the quality of the mineral district where our regional exploration program is being undertaken; the goals and design of our winter drill program, including in respect of evaluating the Tesla Zone's potential footprint and geometry; our goal of understanding Tesla's potential scale in connection with its proximity to the McIlvenna Bay Project and potential to influence ongoing advanced engineering and design work; our expectation that there is exploration upside in the down-dip direction to conduct further step out intersections at the Tesla Zone; our confidence in respect of planned future drilling at Tesla; our interpretation of mineralization lenses and bounding faults, including in respect of the Tesla Zone, Bridge Zone and McIlvenna Bay Deposit, and the potential for expansion of known mineralization with further drilling; the potential relationship and connection between the Bridge Zone and the Tesla Zone and McIlvenna Bay Deposit; our plans to potentially conduct a future resource estimate in respect of the Tesla Zone; and our commitment to a greener future, empowering communities and creating circular economies which create value for all stakeholders while safeguarding the environment.

Inherent in forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, estimates, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors include, but are not limited to, management's belief, expectations and response to the following and, in certain cases, management's response with regard to the following: the Company's reliance on the McIlvenna Bay Property; the Company has a history of losses and may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to be profitable or to generate positive cash flow on a sustained basis; the Company is exposed to risks related to mineral resources exploration and development; the Company has no history of mineral production; the Company is subject to government regulation and failure to comply could have an adverse effect on the Company's operations; the Company's operations are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety regulations; mining operations involve hazards and risks; the Company may not be able to acquire or maintain satisfactory mining title rights to its property interests; indigenous peoples' title claims may adversely affect the Company's ability to pursue exploration, development and mining on the Company's mineral properties; the Company's operations require the acquisition and maintenance of permits and licenses, and strict regulatory requirements must be adhered to; mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates are based on interpretations and assumptions that may not be accurate; uncertainties and risks relating to the technical report entitled the "Technical Report on the Feasibility Study for the McIlvenna Bay Project, Saskatchewan, Canada", dated April 14, 2022 and with an effective date of February 28, 2022 (the "2022 Feasibility Study"); the Company may be involved in disputes related to its contractual interests in certain properties; the mining industry is highly competitive; the Company's operations may be adversely impacted by the effects of climate change and climate change regulation; risks related to wildfires and other extreme weather events; the Company's future success depends on its relationships with the communities in which it operates; risks related to surface rights; and the additional risks identified in our latest annual information form and our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: the accuracy of mineral reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rocks confirming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to the technical studies; success of the Company's projects, including the McIlvenna Bay Project; prices for zinc, copper, gold and silver remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); availability of equipment; sustained labour stability with no labour-related disruptions; that infrastructure anticipated to be developed, operated or made available by third parties will be developed, operated or made available as currently anticipated; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and should note that the assumptions and risk factors discussed in this news release are not exhaustive. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements, unless required by law. Additional information about these assumptions, risks and uncertainties is contained in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Highlights:

New, near-surface intercepts at Courvan, grading up 1.1 g/t Au over 133.0 metres; 3.2 g/t Au over 19.0 metres ; and 0.8 g/t Au over 54.0 metres.

; and 0.8 g/t Au over 54.0 metres. Near-surface, infill drilling at Courvan intersected gold zones grading up 1.7 g/t Au over 17.0 metres ; and 0.8 g/t Au over 37.5m.

; and 0.8 g/t Au over 37.5m. 10,000 metres exploration drill program is commencing next week, with two drill rigs, at Novador, targeting new areas.

is commencing next week, with two drill rigs, at Novador, targeting new areas. Large regional prospecting and soil geochemical surveys are ongoing on the Val-dOr properties.

TORONTO, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Probe Gold Inc. (TSX: PRB) (OTCQB: PROBF) (Probe or the Company) is pleased to provide final results from the winter 2024 Courvan Gold Trend drill program on its 100%-owned Novador property (the Property) located near Val-dOr, Quebec. Results from forty-two (42) new drill holes and three (3) deepened holes, totalling 12,000 metres, have returned significant gold intercepts from surface to 300 metres vertical depth at the Courvan deposits (see figure 1 and table of selected drill results below). The 2024 winter drill program at Courvan was focused on resource expansion drilling inside or near the conceptual pits. Drilling east of the former Bussiere mine returned the best intervals, with 1.1 g/t Au over 133.0 metres and 3.2 g/t Au over 19.0 metres. An additional 14,500 metres have been drilled at the Novadors Monique deposit during the 2024 Winter drilling program and results will be released when available. The Company is advancing its discovery-stage regional exploration work at Val-dOr, which includes prospecting and soil geochemistry on Novador, Croinor, McKenzie Break and Megiscane-Tavernier properties, and a 10,000-metre exploration drilling program on the Novadors Courvan and Pascalis Trends.

David Palmer, President and CEO of Probe, states, Our resource expansion drilling at Courvan is delivering excellent results, confirming the continuity of our gold zones across all areas, as demonstrated by the extensive interval of mineralization east of the former Bussiere mine. With the completion of the winter resource expansion program, we are now focused on two key objectives: updating the resource estimate, expected later this year, and launching the 2024 regional exploration drilling programs. We have consolidated an exceptional land package in Val-dOr with tremendous exploration upside. We are now starting our regional exploration program at Val-dOr, which includes drilling on newly consolidated regional lands that are all within trucking distance of the conceptual mill. Our plan is to continue adding value to Novador while simultaneously de-risking the project by expediting the permitting timeline. We look forward to sustaining this momentum throughout the remainder of 2024.

All the winter 2024 resource expansion drill holes drilled at Courvan returned gold intercepts over 0.4 g/t Au, which is above the cut-off grade used in the last pit-constrained resource estimate. Twenty-two (22) holes returned gold intercepts with gold grade times thickness (g/t x m) above 10. Expansion drilling inside or near the Courvan deposits conceptual pits continue to identify or extend significant parallel gold zones in the Bourlamaque intrusive. The Courvan deposits remain open laterally and have been drilled only to shallow depths.

The latest drilling results continue to improve our 3D model of Courvan. The mineralization is characterized by a series of shallow-dipping East-West gold-bearing veins situated next to shear zones that cut the Bourlamaque granodiorite batholith. The gold veins encountered are primarily composed of sulphide-bearing quartz-carbonate-tourmaline, and gold is typically associated with centimeter-scale pyrite masses within the veins, as well as zones containing 1% to 5% finely disseminated pyrite in the host rocks. Gold mineralization intersected in the volcanics is associated with shear zones and sulphide-bearing quartz-carbonate-tourmaline veins.

Selected drill results from the winter 2024 Courvan deposits drilling program are, as follows:

Hole Number From (m) To (m) Length (m) Gold (g/t) Zone / Resource CO-22-274EXT 433.0 441.0 8.0 2.7 Creek / Expansion CO-23-333EXT 275.0 276.0 1.0 20.3 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-367 45.7 65.0 19.3 3.2 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-368 218.3 227.0 8.7 1.3 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-370 34.0 52.0 18.0 0.8 Bussiere / Infill CO-24-370 302.0 314.7 12.7 1.3 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-375 223.2 230.7 7.5 4.5 Bussiere / Expansion including 224.2 225.2 1.0 30.6 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-376 142.0 275.0 133.0 1.1 Bussiere / Expansion including 185.0 193.3 8.3 6.2 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-377 189.7 194.9 5.20 4.7 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-378 135.0 140.5 5.5 3.4 Bordure / Expansion CO-24-380 107.8 117.5 9.7 1.1 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-381 64.0 65.5 1.5 7.9 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-381 526.0 527.0 1.0 13.2 Bussiere/ Expansion CO-24-382 126.0 163.5 37.5 0.8 Creek / Infill CO-24-383 195.5 199.5 4.0 4.3 SW / Infill CO-24-383 237.0 240.0 3.0 4.2 SW / Expansion CO-24-384 66.5 83.5 17.0 1.7 Bussiere / Infill CO-24-386 235.0 249.5 14.5 0.8 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-390 211.0 214.0 3.0 4.0 Bussiere / Infill CO-24-396 260.9 269.0 8.1 1.6 SW / Expansion CO-24-396 282.5 284.0 1.5 6.6 SW / Expansion CO-24-396 342.0 369 27.0 0.5 SW / Expansion CO-24-398 289.0 299.0 10.0 1.9 SW / Expansion CO-24-399 44.0 60.9 16.9 0.6 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-402 89.0 90.0 1.0 28.0 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-402 269.0 294.0 25.0 1.1 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-403 209.0 263.0 54.0 0.8 SW / Expansion CO-24-407 40.5 56.0 15.5 0.8 Bussiere / Expansion CO-24-407 207.0 219.0 12.0 1.9 Bussiere / Expansion including 212.0 213.0 1.0 20.3 Bussiere / Expansion

(1) All the new analytical results reported in this release and in this table, are presented in core length and cut to 50 g/t Au when needed. True width is estimated between 65 to 95 % of core length. Only grade times thickness above 10.0 g/t Au * m is reported.

Figure 1: Surface Map  Courvan Gold Trend new drilling results

About Probes Novador Project

Since 2016, Probe Gold has been consolidating its land position in the highly prospective Val-dOr East area in the province of Quebec with a district-scale land package of 685 square kilometres that represents one of the largest land holdings in the Val-dOr mining camp. The Novador project is a sub-set of properties totaling 175 square kilometres hosting three past producing mines (Beliveau Mine, Bussiere Mine and Monique Mine) and falls along three regional mine trends. Novador is situated in a politically stable and low-cost mining environment that hosts numerous active producers and mills.

Val-dOr properties include gold resources totaling 3,793,900 ounces in the Measured and Indicated category and 1,418,700 ounces in the Inferred category along all trends and deposits (news release dated July 19, 2023).

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Mr. Marco Gagnon, P.Geo, Executive Vice President, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Quality Control

During the last drilling program, assay samples were taken from the NQ core by sawing the drill core in half, with one-half sent to a certified commercial laboratory and the other half retained for future reference. A strict QA/QC program was applied to all samples; which includes insertion of mineralized standards and blank samples for each batch of 20 samples. The gold analyses were completed by fire-assayed with an atomic absorption finish on 50 grams of materials. Repeats were carried out by fire-assay followed by gravimetric testing on each sample containing 3.0 g/t gold or more. Total gold analyses (Metallic Sieve) were carried out on the samples which presented a great variation of their gold contents or the presence of visible gold.

About Probe Gold



Probe Gold Inc. is a leading Canadian company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is well-funded and dedicated to exploring and developing high-quality gold projects. Notably, it owns 100% of its flagship asset, the multimillion-ounce Novador Gold Project in Quebec, as well as an early-stage Detour Gold Quebec project. Probe controls a large land package of approximately 1685-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts in Quebec. The Companys recent Novador updated Preliminary Economic Assessment outlines a robust mining plan with an average annual gold production of 255,000 ounces over a 12.6-year mine life.

On behalf of Probe Gold Inc.,

Dr. David Palmer,

President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information:

Please visit our website at www.probegold.com or contact:

Seema Sindwani

Vice-President of Investor Relations

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+1.416.777.9467

Forward-Looking Statements
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Northern Superior Resources Inc. (" Northern Superior " or the " Company ") (TSX-V:SUP)(OTCQX:NSUPF) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced bought deal financing (see press releases dated May 9 and May 10, 2024) by issuing (i) 5,050,600 common shares of the Company that qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Tax Act (as defined below) and section 359.1 of the Quebec Tax Act (as defined below) (the " FT Shares ") at a price of $0.99 per FT Share, for gross proceeds of $5,000,094; and (ii) 5,454,600 common shares of the Company (the " HD Shares ") at a price of $0.55 per HD Share, for gross proceeds of $3,000,030, for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $8,000,124 (collectively, the " Offering ").

Cormark Securities Inc. (the " Underwriter ") acted as sole underwriter and bookrunner of the Offering. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid to the Underwriter a cash commission equal to approximately 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering.

The net proceeds from the issuance of the HD Shares will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the FT Shares, pursuant to the provisions in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the " Tax Act "), to incur (or be deemed to incur) eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" (as both terms are defined in the Tax Act) (the " Qualifying Expenditures ") related to the Company's projects in Quebec, on or before December 31, 2025, and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Shares effective December 31, 2024. In addition, with respect to Quebec resident subscribers who are eligible individuals under the Taxation Act (Quebec) (the " Quebec Tax Act "), the Canadian exploration expenses will also qualify for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec exploration expenses" within the meaning of section 726.4.10 of the Quebec Tax Act and for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining expenses" within the meaning of section 726.4.17.2 of the Quebec Tax Act.

The Offering was made pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the " LIFE Exemption ") and other available exemptions pursuant to applicable securities laws. The securities issued to Canadian resident subscribers pursuant to the LIFE Exemption will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. A copy of the offering documents prepared by the Company in connection with the LIFE Exemption dated May 9, 2024 and May 10, 2024 is available electronically under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the " TSX-V ") of the Offering is subject to the completion of customary post-closing filings.

Insider Participation

Simon Marcotte, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Victor Cantore, Executive Chairman of the Company, and Michael Gentile, director of the Company, participated in the Offering and purchased an aggregate of 1,820,000 common shares of the Company. Participation of such insiders in the Offering constituted a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holdings in Special Transactions (" MI 61-101 "), but was exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 pursuant to the exemptions contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the insiders' participation in the Offering does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering as the details of the participation of the insiders of the Company had not been confirmed at that time. The Offering has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of the Company, with each of the participating insiders abstaining from voting on their respective participation in the Offering. The common shares issued to insiders of the Company are subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSX-V.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 , as amended (the " U.S. Securities Act ") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the meaning ascribed to them in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

About Northern Superior Resources Inc.

Northern Superior is a gold exploration company focused on the Chibougamau Camp in Quebec, Canada. The Company has consolidated the largest land package in the region, with total land holdings currently exceeding 62,000 hectares. The main properties include Philibert, Lac Surprise, Chevrier and Croteau. Northern Superior also owns significant exploration assets in Northern Ontario highlighted by the district scale TPK Project.

The Philibert Project is located 9 km from IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Gold project which was awarded the " Discovery of the Year " by the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) in 2019. Philibert hosts a new maiden 43-101 inferred resource of 1,708,800 ounces Au and an indicated resource of 278,900 ounces of Au [1] . Northern Superior holds a majority stake of 75% in the Philibert Project, with the remaining 25% owned by SOQUEM, and retains an option to acquire the full 100% ownership of the project. Chevrier hosts an inferred mineral resource of 652,000 ounces Au (underground and open pit) and an indicated mineral resource of 260,000 ounces Au. [2] Croteau hosts an inferred mineral resource of 640,000 ounces Au. [3] Lac Surprise hosts the Falcon Zone Discovery, interpreted to be the western strike extension of IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Gold project.

Northern Superior is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and trades on the TSX-V under the symbol SUP and the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol NSUPF. For further information, please refer to the Company's website at www.nsuperior.com or the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Qualified Person

The technical content and scientific aspects of this press release have been reviewed and approved by Ms. Adree DeLazzer, P. Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by the National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 "). Ms. DeLazzer is Vice-President Exploration of Northern Superior and is not considered independent.

Northern Superior Resources Inc. on Behalf of the Board of Directors

Simon Marcotte, CFA, President and Chief Executive Officer

Contact Information

Simon Marcotte, CFA

President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (647) 801-7273

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release include, but are not limited to, the receipt of the TSX-V approval, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the tax treatment of the FT Shares, the timing of the Qualifying Expenditures, the future performance of our business, its operations and its financial performance and condition, as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the future tax treatment of the FT Shares, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

[1] Northern Superior announces 1,708,809 gold ounces in inferred category and 278,921 gold ounces in indicated category at 1.10 g/t in maiden NI 43-101 pit constrained resource estimate at Philibert; Northern Superior's press release dated August 08, 2023.

[2] NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimation for the Chevrier Main Deposit, Chevrier Project Chibougamau, Quebec, Canada, October 20, 2021, Prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by Lions Gate Geological Consulting Inc. IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc. for Northern Superior.
Gaza's civil defence agency said Monday that the death toll had risen to 40 from overnight Israeli strikes that set ablaze tents of displaced Palestinians in Rafah, an attack that sparked condemnation across the Arab world.

Israel's army said the air strikes late Sunday, hours after a rocket attack had targeted Tel Aviv, had killed two senior Hamas operatives, and that it was investigating the reports of civilians killed in a fire.

The Israeli attack sparked strong protests from Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait and from Qatar which warned it could "hinder" budding steps to revive stalled truce and hostage release talks in the Israel-Hamas war raging since October 7.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Monday that many bodies were "charred" after the strikes triggered a fire that ripped through a displacement centre in northwest Rafah.

"The massacre committed by the Israeli occupation army in the refugee tents northwest of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip has left 40 martyrs and 65 wounded," said agency official Mohammad al-Mughayyir.

"We saw charred bodies and dismembered limbs ... We also saw cases of amputations, wounded children, women and the elderly."

Footage released by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society showed chaotic night-time scenes of paramedics in ambulances racing to the fiery attack site and evacuating the wounded, including children.

"We had just done with the evening prayers," recalled one survivor, a Palestinian woman who declined to be named.

"Our children were asleep ... suddenly we heard a loud sound and there was fire all around us. The children were screaming ... the sound was terrifying."

The ICRC said that one of its field hospitals was receiving an "influx of casualties seeking care for injuries and burns" and that "our teams are doing their best to save lives".

AFP images after sunrise showed the charred remains of makeshift tents and vehicles as Palestinian families looked at the blackened destruction.

Israel's army had said overnight that its aircraft had "struck a Hamas compound in Rafah", killing Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, both senior officials for the Palestinian militant group in the occupied West Bank.

It added that 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."

Mughayyir said the rescue efforts were hampered by war damage and the impacts of Israel's siege on the territory amid the over seven-months-old conflict.

"There is a fuel shortage ... there are roads that have been destroyed, which hinders the movement of civil defence vehicles in these targeted areas," he said. "There is also a shortage of water to extinguish fires."

- 'Dangerous violation' -

Egypt deplored the "targeting of defenceless civilians" and labelled it part of "a systematic policy aimed at widening the scope of death and destruction in the Gaza Strip to make it uninhabitable".

Jordan also expressed its condemnation, accusing Israel of committing "ongoing war crimes".

Kuwait charged the attack exposed Israel's "blatant war crimes and unprecedented genocide to the whole world".

And Qatar condemned the Israeli bombing as a "dangerous violation of international law".

The strike came hours after Hamas had on Sunday, for the first time in months, launched a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv and other areas of central Israel, sending people running into bomb shelters.

Although Israeli air defences took out most of the rockets and no casualties were reported, the attack was seen as an effort by Hamas to signal that it remains undefeated.

Hamas's armed wing said it had targeted Tel Aviv "with a large rocket barrage in response to the Zionist massacres against civilians".

Israel invaded Gaza in late October, but its ground forces are still battling Hamas in northern and central areas where Hamas has regrouped, as well as around Rafah.

Israel's top ally the United States has strongly urged all sides to resume truce talks, with efforts underway in recent days toward new talks with US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

After the latest violence, Qatar's foreign ministry voiced "concern that the bombing will complicate ongoing mediation efforts and hinder reaching an agreement for an immediate and permanent ceasefire".

Hamas said, after the overnight strikes, that Palestinians must "rise up and march".

- 'Justice for the Palestinians' -

The October 7 attack on southern Israel 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 35,984 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

The Israeli military said Monday that its jets had over the past 24 hours struck and destroyed "over 75 terror targets" across the Gaza Strip.

The United Nations has warned of looming famine in besieged Gaza, where most hospitals are no longer functioning.

The bloodiest ever Gaza war and the spiralling civilian death toll have sparked a growing global backlash against Israel, including cases before two international courts in The Hague.

On Tuesday, Spain, Ireland and Norway are due to formally recognise a Palestinian state -- a step so far taken by more than 140 UN members but few western powers.

Israel, which charges the move amounts to "rewarding terrorism", on Monday announced punitive steps against Madrid, ordering its consulate in Jerusalem to stop offering consular services to Palestinians from June 1.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that "whoever gives an award to Hamas and tries to establish a Palestinian terrorist state will not be in contact with the Palestinians".

Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares had on Sunday said Madrid saw recognition of statehood as bringing "justice for the Palestinian people (and) the best guarantee of security for Israel".

burs-jd/fz/jkb
Israel faced a wave of international condemnation Monday over a strike that Gaza officials said killed 45 people when it set off a fire that ripped through a tent city for displaced Palestinians.

Israel said it was looking into the "grave and awful" impact on civilians after the latest mass casualty event in the Gaza war which has raged since October 7.

The army said Sunday evening's attack in the southern Rafah area had targeted and killed two senior Hamas operatives -- but it also sparked a fire that Palestinians and many Arab countries condemned as a "massacre".

The UN called on Israel to conduct a "thorough and transparent" investigation into the Rafah strike, as the Israeli military said it was launching a probe into civilian deaths.

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X that "these operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire."

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was "horrified by news coming out of Rafah on Israeli strikes killing dozens of displaced persons, including small children. I condemn this in the strongest terms".

"We're looking into this," Israeli government spokesman Avi Hyman told a media briefing.

"It was definitely grave. Any loss of life, civilian live, is grave and is awful. We seek to go after Hamas and limit civilian casualties... This is an unfolding story."

Israel launched the attack on Sunday evening, hours after Hamas had unleashed a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv and nearby areas which sent Israelis running for bomb shelters even though most were intercepted by air defences.

Israel's army said its aircraft "struck a Hamas compound in Rafah" and killed Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, both senior officials for the militant group in the occupied West Bank.

Gaza's civil defence agency said the strike set off a fire that tore through a displacement centre in northwestern Rafah near a facility of the UN agency for Palestinians, UNRWA.

"We saw charred bodies and dismembered limbs ... We also saw cases of amputations, wounded children, women and the elderly," said agency official Mohammad al-Mughayyir.

"We had just done with the evening prayers," recalled one survivor, a woman who declined to be named. "Our children were asleep.

"Suddenly we heard a loud sound and there was fire all around us. The children were screaming."

Footage from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society showed chaotic night-time scenes of paramedics racing to the fiery attack site and evacuating the wounded, including children.

The ICRC said one of its field hospitals was receiving an "influx of casualties seeking care for injuries and burns" and that its teams were "doing their best to save lives".

Mughayyir said the rescue efforts were hampered by war damage and the impacts of Israel's siege.

"There is a fuel shortage ... there are roads that have been destroyed, which hinders the movement of civil defence vehicles in these targeted areas," he said.

"There is also a shortage of water to extinguish fires."

- 'Dangerous violation' -

Across the region, the Israeli attack sparked strong protests from mediators Egypt and Qatar as well as from Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Egypt deplored the "targeting of defenceless civilians" and labelled it part of "a systematic policy aimed at widening the scope of death and destruction in the Gaza Strip to make it uninhabitable".

Jordan accused Israel of "ongoing war crimes" and Saudi Arabia condemned "in the strongest terms the continued massacres committed by Israeli occupation forces".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said "we will do everything possible to hold these barbarians and murderers accountable".

Qatar condemned the Israeli bombing as a "dangerous violation of international law" and voiced "concern that the bombing will complicate ongoing mediation efforts and hinder reaching an agreement for an immediate and permanent ceasefire".

The African Union chair Moussa Faki Mahamat also condemned the attack on X saying: "Israel continues to violate international law with impunity and in contempt of an ICJ ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah."

The top world court, the International Court of Justice, on Friday ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah.

- 'Justice for the Palestinians' -

The war started after the October 7 attack on southern Israel 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 36,050 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

The Israeli military said Monday that its jets had over the past 24 hours struck and destroyed "over 75 terror targets" across the Gaza Strip.

The United Nations has warned of looming famine in besieged Gaza, where most hospitals are no longer functioning.

On Tuesday, Spain, Ireland and Norway are due to formally recognise a Palestinian state -- a step so far taken by more than 140 UN members but few western powers.

Israel, which charges the move amounts to "rewarding terrorism", on Monday announced punitive steps against Madrid, ordering its consulate in Jerusalem to stop offering consular services to Palestinians from June 1.

burs-jd/fz/jkb

X
Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group said it launched two barrages of rockets Monday at northern Israel in response to a deadly Israeli strike outside a south Lebanon hospital earlier in the day.

Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, has traded regular cross-border fire with Israel since the Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack on southern Israel which triggered the war in the Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah fighters fired two salvos of "dozens of Katyusha rockets" at northern Israel "in response to the Israeli enemy attack that targeted the Martyr Salah Ghandour Hospital in Bint Jbeil," the group said in two subsequent statements.

The rockets targeted different areas of Israel's north including Meron and Kiryat Shmona, the group said.

The Israeli military said shortly after sirens sounded in the country's north.

Earlier Monday, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) had said "an enemy drone" targeted "a motorcycle near the Salah Ghandour hospital in the town of Bint Jbeil", killing one person and wounding others, without specifying whether they were civilians.

The Islamic Health Committee, affiliated with Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah militant group, runs the hospital in the southern town.

The facility's administration said one person was killed and 10 others were wounded, four of them seriously.

Lebanon's health ministry condemned the "brutal Israeli strike" on the hospital, calling it a "war crime" in a statement.

A photographer contributing to AFP at the site of the strike saw a charred motorbike near the hospital entrance.

On Sunday, Israeli strikes also targeted motorbikes in three different locations in south Lebanon, the NNA reported, with five Hezbollah fighters and two civilians killed in those and other raids.

The Iran-backed group did not immediately announce any of its fighters had been killed on Monday.

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 441 people in Lebanon, mostly militants but also including 84 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

Israel says 14 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed on its side of the border.
Bosnian police on Monday questioned the director of Bosnia's Srebrenica Memorial Centre for massacre victims for "incitement to hatred".

The massacre in July 1995 of Muslim men and boys by Bosnian Serb forces during the country's inter-ethnic war is considered the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II and became a symbol of "ethnic cleansing".

Emir Suljagic, a survivor of the massacre, was summoned four days after the UN General Assembly voted to establish an annual day of remembrance for the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, despite furious Bosnian Serb opposition.

The complaint against Suljagic was lodged in July 2022 by Bosnian Croat politician Slaven Raguz, after what he considered to be veiled threats against Bosnian Serbs and Croats.

Suljagic revealed the questioning in a message on social media, which accused the Bosnian prosecutor's office of wanting to "silence" him.

"It is clear that the prosecutors' office is attempting to silence those of us who are committed to preserving the memory of the horrific events that transpired in Srebrenica and all across Bosnia," he said on X, formerly Twitter.

Suljagic said he was "deeply troubled" by the interrogation and called the accusations "baseless".

His lawyer Senad Pecanin told reporters the memorial centre chief had "refused to make a statement" as "the opening of the investigation (was) illegal".
Israel faced a wave of international condemnation Monday over a strike that Gaza officials said killed 45 people when it set off a fire that ripped through a tent city for displaced Palestinians.

Israel said it was looking into the "grave and awful" impact on civilians after the latest mass casualty event in the Gaza war which has raged since October 7.

Adding to already heightened tensions since Israel launched a ground operation in Rafah in early May, the Israeli and Egyptian militaries reported a "shooting incident" Monday that killed one Egyptian guard in the border area between Egypt and the southern Gaza Strip.

Both forces said they were investigating.

Israel's military said Sunday evening's attack in the southern Rafah area had targeted and killed two senior Hamas operatives -- but it also sparked a fire that Palestinians and many Arab countries condemned as a "massacre".

A US National Security Council spokesperson said Israel "must take every precaution possible to protect civilians".

The UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland called on Israel to conduct a "thorough and transparent" investigation into the strike, as the Israeli military said it was launching a probe.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk decried "horrific" images that "point to no apparent change in the methods and means of warfare used by Israel that have already led to so many civilian deaths".

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X that "these operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians."

EU foreign ministers agreed to call a meeting with Israel to get it to explain its actions in its Rafah offensive despite a UN court order to halt it, said the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borrell, who called the strike "horrifying".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government was investigating the "tragic accident" which he told parliament occurred "despite our best efforts" to protect civilians.

Israeli government spokesman Avi Hyman earlier said: "It was definitely grave. Any loss of life, civilian live, is grave and is awful. We seek to go after Hamas and limit civilian casualties."

Relatives of captives held in Gaza, who have increased pressure on Netanyahu's government demanding action to secure a hostage release deal, heckled the premier from the public gallery as he was speaking and raised posters of their loved ones.

Israel launched the attack on Rafah on Sunday evening, hours after Hamas unleashed a barrage of rockets at the Tel Aviv area, most of which were intercepted.

Israel's army said its aircraft "struck a Hamas compound in Rafah" and killed Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, senior officials for the militant group in the occupied West Bank.

Gaza's civil defence agency said the strike ignited a fire that tore through a displacement centre in northwestern Rafah near a facility of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

"We saw charred bodies and dismembered limbs ... We also saw cases of amputations, wounded children, women and the elderly," said civil defence agency official Mohammad al-Mughayyir.

"The sky suddenly lit up," said displaced Palestinian Muhannad, an eyewitness.

One survivor, a woman who declined to be named, said: "We heard a loud sound and there was fire all around us. The children were screaming."

- 'Dangerous violation' -

Footage from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society showed chaotic nighttime scenes of paramedics racing to the attack site and evacuating the wounded.

Mughayyir said the rescue efforts were hampered by war damage and the impacts of Israel's siege.

"There is a fuel shortage ... there are roads that have been destroyed" as well as "a shortage of water to extinguish fires", he said.

The Israeli attack sparked strong regional protests from mediators Egypt and Qatar as well as from Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Egypt deplored the "targeting of defenceless civilians" and labelled it part of "a systematic policy aimed at widening the scope of death and destruction in the Gaza Strip to make it uninhabitable".

Jordan accused Israel of "ongoing war crimes", Saudi Arabia condemned "the continued massacres", and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed "to hold these barbarians and murderers accountable".

Qatar condemned a "dangerous violation of international law" and voiced "concern that the bombing will complicate ongoing mediation efforts" towards a truce.

The African Union chair Moussa Faki Mahamat also condemned the attack on X saying: "Israel continues to violate international law with impunity and in contempt of an ICJ ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah."

The top world court, the International Court of Justice, on Friday ordered Israel to halt any offensive in Rafah and elsewhere that could bring about "the physical destruction" of the Palestinians.

- 'Hell on Earth' -

The war started after the October 7 attack on southern Israel 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 36,050 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA which has been central to aid operations in the besieged territory during the war, said on X that "with every day passing, providing assistance & protection becomes nearly impossible".

"The images from last night are testament to how Rafah has turned into hell on Earth," he said, with "heavy movement restrictions", ongoing Israeli strikes and Hamas rocket launches, and other "challenges ... that do not allow us to distribute aid".

On Tuesday, Spain, Ireland and Norway are due to formally recognise a Palestinian state -- a step so far taken by more than 140 UN members but few western powers.

Israel opposes the move and on Monday announced punitive steps against Madrid, ordering its consulate in Jerusalem to stop offering services to Palestinians from June 1.

burs-jd/ami/srm

X
Algassimou Diallo's voice does not tremble at the microphone. On Wednesday 22 May, in his red robe with its ermine collar, the prosecutor in the September 28, 2009 massacre trial begins to read out his closing arguments. The case is extraordinary, he points out: This is the first time that mass crimes are tried in Guinea, the first time a former head of state is on trial.

For the closing arguments, Moussa Dadis Camara and his co-defendants are out of the dock; they are seating in front of the court, as close as possible to the lawyers and magistrates. They are being prosecuted for the repression of an opposition rally on September 28, 2009 and in the days that followed. More than 150 people were shot or stabbed to death by a force made up of members of the presidential guard, gendarmes and militiamen acting under orders of the then junta, the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD), according to a report of a UN commission of inquiry.

Dadis Camara unmoved

At the start of his speech, the prosecutor calls for the murders, assassinations, tortures, kidnappings and rapes to be reclassified as crimes against humanity. Against Dadis Camara, the main defendant, who is suspected of having ordered the massacre, he asks for life imprisonment, with a minimum recommendation of 30 years. The former president remained unmoved. The eyes of the other defendants roll from left to right. Their look is filled with concern as the other requests for sentences are handed down one after the other. Life imprisonment is also demanded against several senior members of the junta: Moussa Tiegboro Camara, the former head of the anti-drug unit; Abdoulaye Cherif Diaby, the former health minister; Marcel Guilavogui, Dadis Camara's protege; Blaise Goumou, a gendarme who was a member of the anti-drug unit; and Claude Pivi, the former presidential security minister, who is currently on the run, as well as Alpha Amadou Balde who is also at large.

Requisitions are commensurate with the serious crimes committed. Requesting life sentences for seven of the accused is a good signal that shows it is unacceptable for the perpetrators not to be punished, said Alpha Amadou DS Bah, coordinator of the victims' lawyers' collective. Now, he hopes the judges will confirm these sentences, since they cant aggravate them.

A 15 year jail sentence requested against Toumba

Dadis Camara is serene, says his lawyer, Pepe Antoine Lamah. He is firmly convinced that the court will rule in favour of the law and that he will inevitably be acquitted. The lawyer is up in arms about what was said about his client during this last phase of the civil parties' pleadings and closing arguments, which lasted two weeks: We deplore the paucity, both in terms of evidence and legal arguments, of the statements made by the prosecution. In particular, he criticises the prosecution's request for the facts to be reclassified as crimes against humanity, which he says is unjustified.

The superstar defendant, Aboubakar Diakite, Dadis Camara's former aide-de-camp  some of whose comments are now memes on the Internet  still enjoys great sympathy in Guinean public opinion, but also well beyond, throughout the sub-region. By agreeing to tell his part of the truth, he has won the support of the public and broken the law of silence that had plagued the case until now. As for the man nicknamed Toumba, the public prosecutor has chosen to be more lenient, opting for a fifteen-year prison sentence.

While the civil parties' lawyers insisted during their closing arguments on Toumba's active role in the massacre, one of them, Alseny Aissata Diallo, called for his acquittal. In the end, however, the prosecution opted for a heavy sentence. He helped save the leaders and helped the court see things more clearly. What we wouldn't have accepted, would have been to see the prosecution not seek any sentence for him, explains Bah. The victims are very relieved, they are waiting for the court to confirm these sentences and to rule on the compensation claims we have made. The lawyer is asking for 100,000 to 300,000 euros in compensation, depending on the damage. These sums, he says, should be guaranteed by the Guinean state.

Fifteen years of prison have also been sought against Ibrahima Camara aka Kalonzo, and Paul Mansa Guilavogui, two soldiers of no real stature. And finally the prosecutor was the most magnanimous with Toumba's former bodyguard, Cece Raphael Haba, and Mamadou Aliou Keita: he demanded fourteen years of imprisonment for both, even though Aliou Keita was accused of rape by a victim who formally recognised him. The prosecutor denied all the defendants mitigating circumstances.

Dadis Camara loses his cool

The closing arguments caused some confusion in the minds of some Guineans, starting with those in the courtroom. The defendants were shocked; they thought it was the sentence that had been handed down. It took them several minutes of explanation to understand that it wasn't over, recounts Bah. While the prosecution's closing arguments were delivered in one day, it took civil parties' lawyers five days of hearings to plead their case. The quality of the pleadings varied, but they were sometimes powerful.

On May 14, Bah managed to unsettle Dadis Camara, who lost his composure. As he recounted the political context of the massacre, the lawyer said: There was popular support for the seizure of power [by the CNDD junta], because Captain Moussa Dadis Camara was seen as a liberator, someone who, had he been honest and sincere, could have led this country towards development and free and transparent elections. At these words, the former head of state burst out. He stood up and shouted: He must rectify his language! The accused was immediately admonished by the president of the court.

The emotion was also palpable during Halimatou Camara's closing arguments on May 21. The lawyer, who wanted to talk about the suffering of the victims, had a trembling voice when she recalled the fate of a woman who had been raped at the stadium. The woman, who testified in court, recounted how she crossed Toumba's path on September 28,2009. As she was dragged on the ground by soldiers, the man who was at the time the head of the presidential guard did not intervene. Further on, she was raped, with the barrel of a rifle inserted into her genitals.

Tensions within the defense

The next day, deputy prosecutor Elhadj Sidiki Camara concluded his closing arguments by evoking the tragic fate of a woman who had become a sexual slave for the military. He broke down and sobbed into the microphone. It is not reason, but passion, that guided these closing arguments, replied Lamah. The proof of this is that a deputy public prosecutor ended up bursting into tears as if he had lived through the events, to the point of accepting the statements of a civil party as if they were the gospel; he completely failed in his mission. He added: When you are the public prosecutor, you represent the society; the defendants against whom false accusations have been made are part of the society.

Defense arguments began on Monday May 27. Around twenty lawyers are due to take the stand. This final phase before the verdict could take up to four weeks, according to the civil parties, with tensions looming over the order of appearance, as Dadis Camara's and Toumba's lawyers all want to plead last so that they can best defend their client against the attacks from the other side. The president of the court, Ibrahima Sory II Tounkara, hopes the defendants will know their fate before the court's recess, which begins in August.
Song Hye Kyo talked about her personality behind the camera, and what the public doesn't know about her.

Considered one of the most beautiful Korean actresses, the top star has captured the hearts of fans with her relentless beauty, brilliant acting, and a slew of hit K-dramas "Full House," "Descendants of the Sun," and, of course, the blockbuster series "The Glory," which earned her the Best Actress trophy at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards.

Interestingly, as she graced Harper's Bazaar Korea's June 2024 issue, the actress dished out on her thoughts about choosing her next project, getting compliments, and dealing with bad situations.

Song Hye Kyo Reveals Her Bucket List

Usually, when someone shares their bucket list, it includes their dream destination and extreme activities they want to do before reaching a certain age. However, for Song Hye Kyo, she doesn't "have anything like this."

According to her, she is living in the moment and cherishing the things in front of her.

"I lived my life without thinking, 'What am I going to do?' I think I have to be very careful about my bucket list."

However, she includes the well-being of her family, her fur-baby, and her career.

"First, I hope my mother is healthy. Second, I hope that I can make many good memories with Ruby for a long time. Third, I hope that my work does well."

Song Hye Kyo on Getting Compliments

With her beauty and a long-term career, the public might think that she is used to getting praised by the people around her.

But the South Korean top star revealed the compliment that she'll never get tired of hearing.

"As an actor, compliments on my acting are the best compliments to me, and I always want to hear them, and I'm working hard to get that."

Song Hye Kyo further explained that the best feeling for her is "when someone tells me I'm good at acting."

Her winning moment in "The Glory" proved that Song Hye Kyo is not just Korean's best face but also an actress who delivers a versatile perfomance.

Song Hye Kyo Reveals Things She Considers When Saying Yes to A Project

Choosing the next project for a top star like Song Hye Kyo is very crucial since it will make or break her return. According to her, the factor that she looks into is the team behind the drama.

She revealed that during her early years in the industry, she thought that the only factor that she had to consider was having a good and interesting script.

"These days, no matter how interesting the script is, the people who make it are important. Since the work changes depending on what kind of people they are, I think I'm looking for the staff, director, and people who can make the character shine more."

After "Now, We Are Breaking Up" and "The Glory," Song Hye Kyo is making her big screen return through the occult movie "Dark Nuns." She will be working alongside Jeon Yeo Bin as they take on Sister Junia and Sister Michaela, respectively.

Watch Song Hye Kyo's full interview with Harper's Bazaar Korea here!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Flores
When he was running for council in 2022, Coun. Rick Webber, second from right, said he had been attacked or accosted twice in the previous two years. On Monday, he praised recommendations from a task force on crime as providing a "ray of light" for citizens concerned about crime in Kelowna.






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - A woman who posed as the personal doctor of opposition leader Raila Odinga has been charged with a Ksh 25 million fake KEMSA tender scheme.

The suspect, Faith Mwikali Ndiwa, appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi on Monday, May 27, 2024, where she denied eight charges of forgery and obtaining money under false pretenses.



The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) informed the court that Mwikali, using her companies Ashley Dylan Limited and Faizel Limited, deceived Nigerian national Jude Olabayo Veracruz into investing Ksh25 million in a purported tender to supply Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to KEMSA.



Mwikali allegedly forged a framework contract and an amendment to the agreement to support her claims.



Between June and December 2022, she is accused of fraudulently obtaining the money from Veracruz in Nairobi County.



The prosecution opposed her release on bond, requesting time for the police to file an affidavit detailing reasons for denying bail.



Mwikali's defense argued for her release, citing her constitutional right and claiming she was not a flight risk.



Magistrate Shitubi ruled in favor of the prosecution, detaining Mwikali in Lang'ata Prison until Tuesday, May 28, 2024, for a bail hearing.









The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, May 28, 2024  Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas ODM has suffered a temporary blow in its bid to save its population from the Coast against the harsh effects of Muguka.

This is after the Embu High Court temporarily suspended the Muguka ban effected by three Coast counties namely; Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta.

The High Court issued orders and immediately suspended the ban until the case before the court is heard on June 8.

"That pending interpartes hearing and determination of this application a conservatory order be; and is hereby granted restraining and/or stopping the Respondents and or its agents from effecting, implementing, and or enforcing Executive Order No. 1 issued on May 22, by Respondents to last until July 8, 2024," stated Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna.

The respective ODM Governors of Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta had issued executive orders banning the use and sale of the stimulant, citing its adverse effects on the youth in the three jurisdictions.

However, Muguka farmers read mischief and termed the ban as economic sabotage.

They also sought the help of President William Ruto who also termed the ban as null and void since Muguka is categorized as a cash crop.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Canada has announced a five-fold increase in visas for Palestinians seeking to join their family members in the North American country.

Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller said that Ottawa would raise to 5,000 the number of visas offered to residents in Gaza under a special programme announced in December last year.

Miller said Canada is working to assist Palestinians trying to leave Gaza, but that movement out of the territory is currently not possible due to factors Canada cannot control.

The program initially allotted 1,000 temporary visas, but due to the high demand, this number was increased to 5,000. As it stands, 448 Gazans have been issued a TRV, but only 41 have arrived in Canada so far.

Miller expressed concern for the current state of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but remained optimistic about the Canadian governments continued efforts, stating:

While movement out of Gaza is not currently possible, the situation may change at any time. With this cap increase, we will be ready to help more people as the situation evolves. Our focus remains on keeping families together.

Miller said that both Israel and Egypt will play important roles in implementing these measures and helping to reunite families in Canada.

Miller continued:

"Canada continues to put forward the names of those who have passed preliminary screening to local authorities to secure their exit from Gaza. Israel and Egypt are both important partners in implementing these temporary, humanitarian measures and helping people reunite with their family in Canada. Canada is workingat every levelto facilitate the exit of extended family members and advocate for their safety. We will continue to advocate for peoples safety.






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Al Nassr striker, Cristiano Ronaldo has capped his first full Saudi Pro League season in style by breaking the record for the most goals scored in one campaign.

The Portuguese striker, 39, scored a brace in his side's 4-2 win over Al Ittihad on the final matchday to take his tally this season to 35 goals.

The previous record was held by former Al Nassr forward and Moroccan international Abderrazak Hamdallah, who scored 34 goals in 2018-19.

As a result of his achievements, Ronaldo has now become the first player to be a top goalscorer in four different top flights; the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A and the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo, who played for Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, joined Al Nassr in January 2023.






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - The latest operation conducted by a joint team of detectives raided a house at Komarock Phase 2 in Nairobi and seized 41 bales of bhang stashed in gunny bags.

The bhang estimated at a street value of Sh 6.2 million was seized from Hse No. 228 belonging to Alah Mohammed Kala, who was also taken into custody as a suspect in trafficking.

A Toyota Noah Reg. No. KBL 186E believed to be a proceed of the illegal trade was also seized.

The DCI has maintained that traffickers in narcotics must stop the illegal dealings and take on legitimate business ventures, or else continue suffering the heat of the unforgiving law.

This follows heightened crackdowns across the country that have seen scores rounded up and tons of hard drugs including Bhang, Cocaine, Heroin, and other club drugs seized.













The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, May 28, 2024  President William Ruto has stepped in to save Muguka farmers after 3 counties banned the transportation and the sale of the crop.

Speaking after meeting Muguka farmers, Ruto directed Agriculture officials to hold consultative meetings and address concerns raised by Muguka farmers with immediate effect.

And in what appears to be the escalating fallout between Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, the Head of State held a meeting with leaders of Embu Counties, including Governor Cecily Mbarire, and lawmakers at State House on Monday evening without Gachagua who carries himself as Mt. Kenya kingpin.

After the meeting, Ruto confirmed that Muguka was a scheduled crop and noted that Ksh500 million had been allocated towards its farming in the 2024/2025 Financial Year.

"I have held a productive meeting with the leaders of Embu County on the recent ban on Muguka. We have agreed that miraa/muguka being a scheduled crop, a meeting be convened to discuss the issue," Ruto stated.

"Consequently, I have directed the Ministry of Agriculture to convene a forum of all parties and stakeholders concerned."

The consultative meetings are expected to offer an agreement on the implementation of the Miraa/Muguka Regulations 2023.

"The future of Miraa/Muguka is in scaling up farming, aggregation, grading, pricing, packaging and value addition of the crop," read a statement from State House.

"For this reason, the government has committed KSh500 million in the 2024/25 Financial Year for value addition of these scheduled crops."

Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, during the meeting, had confirmed that Muguka was a scheduled crop whose regulations had been passed by the National Assembly and the Senate.

The meeting, therefore, concluded that any other law, including the ban, that contradicted national legislation was null and void.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, May 28, 2024  President William Ruto may not have the capacity to handle the dreaded gangs in Haiti.

This was revealed by former United States Special Envoy to Haiti, Dan Foote, who raised concerns over the effectiveness of the mission to Haiti, lamenting that it has been an ongoing battle dating back 20 years.

The former envoy indicated that the US has repeatedly been involved in a security operation in Haiti without considering its ramifications in the long run.

He questioned whether killing the Haitian gangs would ultimately bring stability to the conflict-riddled country.

"We can't just go in and kill a bunch of bad guys and call it a day, go back in fifteen years and do it again. I mean, that's what we've been doing. But I don't think that's the answer," Foote explained.

Foote also questioned the capacity of Kenyan police officers to train Haiti corps to mitigate the threats posed by the gangs.

"The Kenyan police is (average). They're not terrible, but they're certainly not great, and they're certainly not in a position where they ought to be training (police in) a country in such a shaky security situation," he stated.

His remarks came after it emerged that 2,000 Haitian police would be sent to Kenya for intensive training following the delay of the Kenya mission.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Word has it that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was left in shock recently after the majority of influential politicians from Mt Kenya failed to attend a meeting he had invited them to at his residence.

Gachagua reportedly invited 50 politicians for the crucial dawn meeting but only 10 turned up.

It is alleged that most of the politicians who had been invited to the meeting received a call from powerful people in Government and threatened with sanctions, prompting them to boycott the meeting.

The development left Gachagua wondering how fast his influence was waning.

This is how the Star reported the story.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - A section of leaders allied with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has protested over the governments failure to allocate money to waive coffee farmers debt.

Contrary to farmers expectations, the money for the coffee sub-sector reforms has not been factored into the next financial years budget estimates.

The leaders led by James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu) Geoffrey Ruuku (Mbeere North), and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, read mischief in the absence of the allocation in the budget estimates.

The allies read mischief over the missing coffee budget yet Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson.

There is a proposal to waive Sh117 billion sugarcane millers debt but that has not been the case in our area, Wandeto said.

Gakuya wondered: It seems some regions are being favoured while our region is being sidelined and we would like to know whether it is a scheme to make the DP and our Mt Kenya region leader look bad.

Gachagua was tasked by the Head of State to oversee coffee sector reforms spearheaded by the Coffee Sub-Sector Reforms Implementation Standing Committee via Executive Order 1 of 2023 on January 9, last year.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama is on the spot as more allegations of financial misconduct continue to surface.

According to flight records, the governor who fled to London amidst a corruption probe is scheduled to return to Nairobi on May 31, 2024.

Contrary to expectations within Nathif's camp, his absence has not quelled the mounting protests about his administrations handling of county funds.

An insider source revealed that only Sh 16 million out of the Sh 100 million bursary funds were disbursed as per IFMIS records dated August 28, 2023.

On March 25, 2023, Governor Jama publicly announced a Sh 100 million bursary allocation but only 16% of this amount was reportedly dispersed.

The rest of the money was looted by Jama and his close associates and this left hundreds of students out of school due to lack of fees.

Governor Jama also allocated Sh 100 million for revolving funds but only Sh 40 million was disbursed.

The remaining Sh 60 million was looted by the governor and his close associates

These revelations come on top of earlier accusations of widespread corruption and mismanagement within Governor Jamas administration.

However, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has remained mum on the Garissa County looting due to the bribes the commission officers have been receiving from Jama.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Kenya has made notable adjustments to its plan of deploying police officers to Haiti by agreeing to train Haitian security officers.

While the plan to send 1,000 police officers to Haiti remains on course, it was agreed that Kenya would also train 2,000 Haitian police officers.

The contingent will be trained in Kenya before being taken back to the Caribbean nation to suppress gangs who are controlling 80 per cent of the island.

This was communicated during a meeting between the Kenya police and advance team, which consists of senior security officers, and the Haitian transitional presidential council.

The 2,000 Haitian police officers will be taken through a crash course in law enforcement and combat.

While the specific date when the Haitian police officers are expected to land in Kenya has not been announced, the training is expected to take two weeks, and the officers will return to their home country in mid-June 2024.

Coincidentally, that is the same time when Kenya is expected to deploy the first team of 200 police officers to the troubled nation.

Multiple delays have occurred in the deployment of police officers to Haiti, the latest being logistical challenges, which pushed the deployment from an initial agreed-upon date of May 23.

Additionally, for close to a year, President William Rutos administration had to deal with multiple court cases challenging the legality of the deployment

The United States Congress also earlier blocked the disbursement of Ksh8 billion, which would have facilitated the exercise before President Joe Biden used the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to fast-track funding.

Kenya will be part of a multinational force that will tackle gangs in Haiti as well as oversee free and fair elections.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) may be conspiring to reduce our population going forward.

This is after it urged Kenya to adopt family planning methods to achieve its development goals.

Via a working paper titled Exploring the Role of Public Expenditure in Advancing Female Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality, the multilateral lender classified family planning as among the most cost-effective development interventions.

Apart from setting aside money for increased development activities, family planning was also seen as a critical intervention to saving mothers and reducing childbirth-related complications.

It was also indicated that the move would save the lives of infants and children.

Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal could each increase per capita income by 8 to 13 per cent by meeting one-third of the unmet need for family planning in 2030, the paper indicated.

The IMF paper noted that most of the money used for family planning came from international donors.

In 69 countries tracked, nearly half (48 per cent) of family planning funding came from international donors, with 35 per cent from domestic governments and 17 per cent through out-of-pocket spending, the paper read in part.

Arguing for the case of family planning in Kenya, the paper explained that in high-income countries, a womans lifetime risk of maternal death is at a low of one to 5,400.

This is a stark difference between Kenya and other developing nations where the lifetime risk is one in 45.

On how Kenya could access increased development opportunities, the paper revealed that the money spent on family planning would, in the long term, result in tangible economic benefits.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, May 27, 2024 - An Israeli airstrike on Monday, May 27, hit an area where displaced civilians were sheltering in tents and sparked a fire that tore across the camp, killing dozens of people in Rafah a Palestinian city in the southern Gaza Strip.

Images shared on social media showed people engulfed in flames and severely burned corpses with a man holding what appears to be the headless body of a small child.

The strike drew condemnation from world leaders just days after the United Nations' top court, the ICJ ordered Israel to halt its offensive on the southern Gaza City where more than a million had sought refuge.

In response to the criticism from several quarters, the Israel Defense Forces said it had targeted two senior Hamas leaders, and it did not strike a designated humanitarian area.

Qatar in response, warned it could hinder efforts to reach a cease-fire deal, which had been renewed in Europe over the weekend.

Also, Egypt's military said one of its soldiers was killed after reports of a firefight with Israeli forces at the Rafah border area.

The IDF confirmed that a shooting incident occurred on the Egyptian border, adding that the incident was under review and that discussions were being held with the Egyptians.

The IDF said that the airstrike was based on "prior intelligence information regarding the presence of the senior Hamas terrorists at the site." It said that before the strike "a number of steps were taken to reduce the risk of harming uninvolved civilians" and that "it was assessed that there would be no expected harm to uninvolved civilians."

The IDF also said it took steps to reduce the risk of harming civilians, but said a full probe would be conducted into "the deaths of civilians in the area of the strike."

The Gaza health ministry reported that at least 35 people had been killed in the Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood, the majority of them women and children and as of Monday afternoon, the death toll had risen to at least 45 people.

"This massacre is the largest in the city of Rafah in months," the spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defense in Rafah, Muhammad Al-Mughir, told NBC News. He stressed that the area hit was a designated "humanitarian area" next to U.N. warehouses.

Samuel Johann, the emergency coordinator in Gaza for Medecins Sans Frontieres, or Doctor Without Borders, said Sunday's strike hit just under a mile from an MSF stabilization point for trauma patients. He said the facility received dozens of people, with at least 28 already dead and 180 arriving injured.




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - A section of Kalenjin community leaders has urged Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi to respect Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

On Sunday, Sudi in a strongly worded speech told Gachagua that he is not a man to be threatened after the second-in-command accused him of causing division in the Mt Kenya region.

Following the altercation between Sudi and Gachagua, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok told off some leaders from the Rift Valley who are accused of undermining the second-in-command.

Barchok reminded leaders from the region that the DP contributed immensely to their win in the 2022 General Election.

He stated that there are better mechanisms for settling differences with the DP than criticizing him on public platforms.

"I would like to particularly address the people of Rift Valley.

"Riggy G stood with us, and we must accord him respect.

"Just yesterday or the day before, I saw someone arguing with Riggy G.

"He is our leader, so respect him. If there is an issue with something he has said, there is a respectable way to address it, but it is not by standing up and arguing with him.

"We will not allow that," Barchok stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - A rancher feeding his cattle was struck to death by lightning along with 34 of his cows in Colorado.

Mike Morgan, 51, was giving his animals food from a trailer when the bolt hit him around 2pm on Saturday, May 25, said the Jackson County Sheriffs Office.

Bystanders and first responders performed life-saving measures on Morgan but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Our deepest condolences go out to family and friends during this difficult time, the sheriffs office stated.

The lightning hit an area of open pasture near the town of Rand as well as more than 100 head of cattle that were gathered around the trailer filled with hay, said the county coroner, George Crocket.

Out of the 100 cows hit by lightning, 34 died and the rest survived.

All but the 34 got up, Crocket said of the cattle.





Morgans wife and father-in-law were close by at the time the bolt struck and survived, he added.

Rand is located about 80 miles northwest of Denver.

The death shocked the tight-knit community where neighbors all knew each other, Crockett said.

Morgan is survived by his wife Niki and his 17-year-old daughter, Dallas, both of whom are involved in the ranching occupation as well.

The His Cavvy Foundation described Morgan and his family as an upstanding pillar in the town of Walden, Colorado.

The foundation's post explained that Morgan had always been working on a local ranch, which recently afforded the family the opportunity to purchase 300 pairs. Pairs refer to a cow and her calf.

Mikes wife, Niki, has spent all winter calving these pairs out while Mike held down a job at Silver Spur Ranches, the post said.





They do what we all do, whatever it takes to make a living, and they do it by doing what we are all passionate about. Ranching

The His Cavvy Foundation wrote that Morgan's family has donated time, resources and finances to its various causes throughout the years.

Mike was a loving father and a tender, intentional husband, the post said. We will all miss that big ole smile he always carried.

Colorado has one of the highest rates among US states of lightning fatalities and injuries recently, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - The UK Home Office has been faulted for the death of a Sri Lankan man after he was deported to his home country.

Sudharsan Ithayachandran, 41, who admitted to the use of false documents and working illegally at a British multinational retailer, Tesco, was deported from the UK on December 24, 2019, leaving behind his deaf wife, Subatra; and his two children, aged eight and nine.

According to the UK Guardian on Monday, May 27, his wife and kids are British citizens.

The date of his deportation fell on his wedding anniversary.

The report noted that during an immigration tribunal ruling in November 2023, Judge Bonavero had accepted Ithayachandrans appeal, noting that he was allowed by right to live with his family in the UK.

However, the Home Office was accused of delaying the process of issuing a return visa to the deceased for several months, causing him to live in perilous conditions, according to a report by the International Justice and Truth project, titled, Disappearance, torture and sexual violence of Tamils 2015  2022.

Ithayachandran was a member of the Tamil heritage in Sri Lanka.

Before his death, a legal counsel from MTC Solicitors, Naga Kandiah, began judicial review proceedings against the Home Office about the delay in return visa issuance.

However, on May 19, 2024, Ithayachandran was found collapsed at his accommodation in Sri Lanka and died after being taken to the hospital.

His cause of death is thought to be sepsis.

The family blamed the Home Office, saying Ithayachandran was left in deep depression at home, owing to his separation from his children, adding that he was not eating or looking after himself properly.

His mother-in-law, Yasadora Nagendra, 60, described him as the pillar of the family.

She said, I dont know how the family is ever going to get over this. When he was here, he looked after everybody. He was such a kind and supportive man. Nobody can replace him. I believe that if the Home Office had not deported him he would still be alive today. We blame them for his death.

He was treated in a very unfair way by the Home Office. He was so depressed that even after he won his case last November, the Home Office delayed making arrangements for his return to the UK. He couldnt understand why he still had to wait to come back to his family.

Kandiah stated that the tribunal accepted our client had a genuine and subsisting relationship with his children and to live without them would be unduly harsh. He had spent years battling with the Home Office to simply rejoin his family. He finally won his case but died before he could do this.

On his part, Lou Calvey, the director of a charity organisation, Asylum Matters, said, Serious questions must be answered about this heartbreaking case. Why was Sudharsan deported when he had such clear rights to remain here? Why did the Home Office delay implementing the court ruling reversing the deportation, and why did he have to die alone without his family?

An unnamed spokesperson from the Home Office said that all deportation orders are considered on a case-by-case basis, based on the evidence provided.

Once an appeal has been allowed against the refusal to revoke a deportation order, the responsibility of applying for entry clearance to the UK lies with the individual and their representatives.




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Nairobi MCAs aligned with the UDA party have rejected Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's continual assertions of advocating for Mount Kenya's interests.

In a statement, the MCAs, who have roots from Mt. Kenya, cautioned that the DP's current campaigning efforts are divisive and pose a risk due to their tribal nature.

Led by Nairobi County Minority Leader Antony Kiragu, the Nairobi MCAs with roots from the region would suffer more when ethnic politics take center stage.

He further called for an end to any further tribal and ethnic-based campaigns.

" From Nairobi, we know very well that we are the people who carry the brand of their recklessness; we pay dearly for their mess.

"We have been quiet for some time when they have been going around doing UDA campaigns using ethnic undertones," Kiragu said.

Kiragu explained that Kenyans moved past ethnically-driven politics in 2022 and should not regress to that state.

"We will call them out and reject whatever they are proposing for us," he added.

Kiragu stated that Kenyans supported President William Ruto based on his manifesto rather than the selection of his running mate.

He urged aspiring leaders in the Mount Kenya region to be bold in articulating their views.

He remarked that the current advocacy for the "One man, one vote, one shilling" campaign promoted by Gachagua and others lacked authenticity, saying that those involved harbored undisclosed agendas.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, May 27, 2024 - Authorities have nabbed a 41-year-old Nigerian woman, Success Egabor, alleged to be a member of a human trafficking syndicate in South Africa.

Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, who disclosed this in a statement said that Egabor was detained last Thursday by the Department of Home Affairs for being illegal in the country but then turned over to the Hawks due to additional allegations of human trafficking.

On 23 May 2024, information was received from a member of the Department of Home Affairs in Strand that they have arrested a foreign national who was in the country illegally," he said.

When the Department of Home Affairs shared the information of the arrested person with the Hawks, it was established that it was the suspect that was sought.

Vukubi said Egabor appeared in George Magistrates' Court Friday and the matter was postponed to 10 June as she will now join her co-accused, Nontobeko Mathunjwa, 35, and Precious Abudu, 34.

The two women were previously arrested by the Hawks and denied bail by the George Magistrate's Court.

Another arrest was made on Saturday by the Hawks who had been observing a known brothel in George following an assault complaint, which was attended by SAPS.

He said the Hawks established that the victim was being held against her will by the suspect.

"The Hawks immediately went after the suspect and arrested her, investigation continues. The victim was taken to George Hospital for medical examination and thereafter taken to a place of safety, Vukubi added.






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Former United States President Donald Trump has promised his campaign donors that he would deport "pro-Palestinian" student protesters to get them to "behave" if he returned to the White House for a second term.

Trump made the declaration while addressing a roundtable event in New York earlier this month as anti-Israel demonstrations swept the United States, The Washington Post reported.

"One thing I do is, any student that protests, I throw them out of the country. You know, there are a lot of foreign students. As soon as they hear that, they're going to behave," Trump allegedly said on May 14.

Trump reportedly said that the group of donors encompassed 98 per cent of my Jewish friends".

The presumptive Republican nominee said that protests against the Gaza war were part of a radical revolution and said to the predominantly Jewish donors that he would push the movement back 25 or 30 years if he defeats Joe Biden in Novembers presidential election.

If you get me re-elected, were going to set that movement back 25 or 30 years, said Trump.

The college campuses in the United States have been swept by protests since October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel in which nearly 1,200 people were killed.






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Peru's attorney general has accused the country's president Dina Boluarte of accepting bribes in the form of Rolex watches.

Attorney General Juan Carlos Villena on Monday, May 27, said that her receiving the luxury items from a governor amounted to accepting bribes.

Villena "presented a constitutional complaint against Dina Boluarte as the suspected author of passive corruption," his office said on X, formerly Twitter.

The scandal erupted in March with the discovery of a trove of undeclared luxury Rolex watches and jewellery in the president's possession.

Boluarte told prosecutors last month the Rolex watches had been loaned by a friend, the regional governor of Ayacucho, Wilfredo Oscorima. She is being investigated on suspicion of "passive corruption" for receiving improper benefits from public officials.

The attorney general's accusation, presented to Congress, does not amount to an indictment because the president has immunity while in power.

Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen criticized the accusation as "persecution" of Boluarte.

"This is nothing more than an example of the systematic persecution in fiscal matters that is carried out against the president in an improper, unconstitutional, and illegal manner," Adrianzen told television Canal N.

A congressional committee must now debate the accusation before the whole chamber does so. However, it would be up to the courts to decide whether to put her on trial after her term ends in July 2026.

Peru suffers from chronic political instability and has had six presidents in the past eight years.

Boluarte took office in December 2022, replacing left-wing president Pedro Castillo, who was impeached and imprisoned for unsuccessfully trying to dissolve Congress. She was his vice president.

In 2023, prosecutors opened an investigation in which she stands accused of "genocide, homicide and serious injuries," for the deaths of more than 50 protesters during a crackdown on demonstrations demanding she resign and call fresh elections.




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - KANU Political Affairs Secretary Fredrick Okang'o has asked President William Ruto to tame his lieutenants who are undermining his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

In an interview with Citizen TV Tuesday morning, Okang'o said Ruto should honour his earlier commitment to protect Gachagua from similar mistreatment he faced while serving as a deputy president.

"The president must call out the people that are perceived to be undermining Rigathi. He must talk to them and he must remind them what he told the people of Mount Kenya," Okang'o said,

"Ruto told Kenyans not at any time he will ever or do anything neither will he allow anyone to undermine his Deputy."

He went on:

"Rigathi Gachagua and William Ruto are joined in the hip by the constitution through an election and therefore there is nothing that Ruto can do to Gachagua if they can differ today, same to Gachagua."

Okang'o said the recent developments come out of Gachagua's realization that he is not given the treatment he deserves and that there are people out to undermine him.

Rutos aide Farouk Kibet and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi are among a cabal of leaders who have been undermining Gachagua.

The Kenyan DAILY POST












Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - An outspoken Azimio One Kenya Alliance Member of Parliament has said he supports the Finance Bill 2024, which seeks to introduce a raft of taxes including bread and motor vehicle taxes.

Speaking in Luanda, Vihiga County, during a fund drive in aid of Esiandumba ACK Church, Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka urged those opposed to the Bill to stop misleading the people.

We have a Finance Bill before us and let MPs stop misleading Kenyans at funerals or public events, let us present our views in Parliament, said Aseka.

They have said they are taxing bread let us find ways of ensuring it doesnt happen but according to me there are some taxes and levies that are in order and I am comfortable with them.

"I support taxing the rich people who have or own high-end and big vehicles to pay more money and I support taxing the rich like lawmakers who have big salaries so that the poor can get free medical treatment, he added.

The Finance Bill 2024 has the support of President William Ruto, who says he wants to raise more revenue from taxes to avoid internal and external borrowing.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has accused President William Ruto of exposing the country to more terror attacks by allowing the U.S. to designate Kenya as a non-NATO ally.

Taking to his official X account, the lawmaker claimed the move made Kenya inherit all the enemies of the United States of America.

The ODM legislator argued that Kenya will now be a proxy ground for geopolitical hegemonic power struggle and that the country will now be constantly hit by terrorist groups.

"Designating Kenya as a non-NATO ally has officially put us at the center of global wars.

"Our country is now a proxy ground for a geopolitical hegemonic power struggle.

"We are constantly going to be hit by organized terrorist groups, we have officially inherited America's enemies," Amisi said in the post.

According to Amisi, the U.S. will now be fighting its enemies on Kenya's blood, not theirs.

He further argues that the U.S. will only donate food, medicine, and more weapons in the aftermath of the war atrocities.

"And the US will only donate food, medicine, and more weapons in the aftermath of war atrocities.

"The U.S. will fight their enemies on Kenya's blood and not American blood.

"We are going to be in tatters like UKRAINE.

"Oh Lord, how did we reach here.

"I blame it on the ineptitude of Uhuru to leave power to the wrong hands, coupled with a confused Azimio brigade. Kenya needs a Renaissance!" he added.

A major non-NATO ally (MNNA) refers to a country that is not part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), yet has a deep strategic and security partnership with the US.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, May 28, 2024  As the world eagerly awaits the deployment of Kenyan police to Haiti in the next three weeks, it has emerged that the mission's tenure could be extended until 2026.

This is after it emerged that the Kenya-led mission might not achieve as much as earlier anticipated due to numerous delays in the deployment.

In an exclusive interview, the United Nations Independent Expert on the Human Rights Situation in Haiti, Ambassador William O'Neill, highlighted the complexities and potential duration of the mission. Initially authorized for 12 months starting in October 2023, the peacekeeping initiative has faced considerable delays, pushing its effective deployment to mid-2024.

"I mean, the problem now is the mission was supposed to be, it was authorized in October. It's now basically June and there's still nobody has set foot in Haiti.

"So, I mean, that only leaves four months or so. So clearly, uh, 12 months wasn't enough," O'Neill remarked.

He emphasized the likelihood of extending the mandate, potentially through 2026, to ensure stability and support for Haiti's forthcoming elections in late 2025.

However, ONeil explained that the deployment is more complicated, arguing that regaining the country will be one thing, but ensuring stability and dealing with decades-long challenges will be another challenge altogether.

"The development issues were talking about are a decade or so. The security issue, I think, could be relatively quick, but you have to make sure you stabilize it. People need to stay around and make sure, he asserted.

President William Ruto confirmed the imminent deployment in an interview with the BBC, noting that a planning team was already in Haiti, coordinating with local police to finalize arrangements.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Cunning traders had devised new ways of sneaking muguka into Mombasa County after Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir banned it.

A video shared on X shows muguka which was seized by law enforcers being transported in mitungis.

The banned substance was carefully stashed in several mitungis and transported in a vehicle.

However, President Ruto has said the ban imposed on muguka in Kilifi and Mombasa counties is null and void.

The President said muguka is a scheduled crop in accordance with the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023.

With muguka having been recognised by national legislation, any other laws or orders that contradict national legislation is null and void, Ruto said in a dispatch from State House.

Having been passed by parliament, Ruto said the regulations obligate the government to allocate funds for its farming, licensing, promotion, regulation, transportation, aggregation, selling, marketing, and export of the crop.

The president made the remarks after meeting leaders from Embu County led by Governor Cecily Mbarire, MPs, and all MCAs.

See how the muguka was being transported to Mombasa before President Ruto declared the ban null and void.

See how Muguka is now entering in Mombasa.

Nobody can stop Muguka! pic.twitter.com/F0Be56kaur  Omwamba  (@omwambaKE) May 28, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - An American soldier allegedly beat his eight-month-old daughter to death because she would not stop screaming.

Sgt Gabriel Ceville, with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Liberty in North Carolina, is accused of causing fatal head injuries to his daughter, Misty Delatorre, in February 2023.

The childs death was ruled a homicide by the North Carolina Medical Examiner, but no one was charged with the crimes at the time.

Mistys mother and grandmother pushed for justice, and it was not until May 2024 that Ceville was charged in his daughters death.

I just want justice. I did, her grandma, Misty Bray, told ABC11.





I just want my grandbabys death  someone needs to be held accountable.

Ceville has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and unpremeditated murder in Mistys death.

He also faces a domestic violence charge for a parental discipline incident separate from the death.

He appeared in court or his preliminary hearing on Thursday, May 23.

Mistys mother, Alina, lives in California and watched the hearing through Facetime with her mother Misty Bray.





Its a step but its far from justice. I cannot grieve properly for my baby because justice has not been served, she said. It is unbelievable that so much violence was inflicted onto an innocent eight-month-old baby. My daughters murderer is walking free and we will not stop until that monster is put away.

Misty suffered severe brain and eye injuries and hemorrhages that were likened those of a car crash victim.

Having to find out the injuries like that? Like who does that? Bray said. Thats a monster. She did nothing. She may have been fussy, but thats it.

A Cumberland County judge had given 50/50 custody to both parents only two weeks before Misty died.






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognised a Palestinian state on Tuesday, May 28 in a decision slammed by Israel as a "reward" for Hamas more than seven months into the devastating Gaza war.

The three European countries believe their initiative has a strong symbolic impact, likely encouraging others to follow suit.

"Recognition of the State of Palestine is not only a matter of historic justice... It is also an essential requirement if we are all to achieve peace," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said before meeting his cabinet.

The move, he said, was "not against anyone, least of all Israel".

"It is the only way to move towards the solution that we all recognise as the only possible way to achieve a peaceful future -- that of a Palestinian state living side-by-side with the state of Israel in peace and security."

Sanchez also said the decision reflected Spain's "outright rejection of Hamas, which is against the two-state solution" and whose October 7 attacks led to the Gaza war.

Last week the prime ministers of the three countries announced the move in a coordinated statement.

Both the Spanish and Irish cabinets were meeting to formally approve the step on Tuesday morning, while Norway informed Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa its recognition would also take effect the same day.

Entering the cabinet meeting, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said it was "an important moment".

He said it sent "a signal to the world is that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope... of a two-state solution alive".

Last week, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez's far-left deputy Yolanda Diaz hailed the move saying: "We cannot stop. Palestine will be free from the river to the sea", which Israel's Madrid envoy denounced as a "clear call for the elimination of Israel".

The slogan refers to the British mandate borders of Palestine, which stretched from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean before Israel was created in 1948.

On Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz rebuked Yolanda Diaz's Statement.

"Sanchez, as long as you don't fire your deputy and you recognise a Palestinian state, you are participating in the incitement to commit genocide and war crimes against the Jewish people," he wrote on X.

Tuesday's move will mean 145 of the United Nations' 193 member states now recognise Palestinian statehood.

In 2014, Sweden became the first EU member to recognise a Palestinian state.

It followed six other European countries that took the step before joining the bloc -- Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania.






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched an urgent investigation after the suicide of a soldier within months of another who took his own life.

Sapper Kim Mawa, a 23-year-old from the Royal Engineers, was found dead at Swinton Barracks in Wiltshire, on May 7.

His colleagues had raised concerns for the young man's welfare before he was found dead by paramedics at 10.22am. An inquest at Salisbury Coroners Court heard that he died by hanging.

One tribute said: 'Spr Mawa, your passing has touched the entire regiment; your loss is deeply felt. 22 Engr Regt will not forget your smile and infectious smile. I hope you are at peace.

Mr Ebrima Nyabally, who was just five days into joining a new squadron, took his life just 24 hours after he had been arrested by the Royal Military Police for unknown reasons and released as there was 'nothing to suggest any risk of suicide or self-harm'.

A sergeant found him dead in his room during a routine check put in place to ensure his safety.

His father, Malang Nyabally, said at the time: 'I am absolutely heartbroken. He did not die in the war, he died in the barracks. My family legacy is broken.'

The barracks have been met with a series of tragedies in recent years, with one 23-year-old Fusilier Jake Llewellyn Plumb also found dead in his room after a friend alerted colleagues that they'd received a message warning he was going to kill himself.

The young soldier, from Pembrokeshire, hanged himself in his barracks two days after his girlfriend broke up with him, a previous inquest heard.






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - The Vatican has apologised after the Pope used a highly offensive word about gay men.

Italian media reported on Monday that Francis used the Italian term frociaggine, roughly translating as f****try, in a private meeting last week when he was asked whether gay men should be allowed to train for the priesthood provided they remained celibate.

In a statement, it said: "Pope Francis is aware of the articles recently published about a conversation, behind closed doors, with the bishops of the CEI [the Italian Episcopal Conference of Catholic bishops].

"As he stated on several occasions, 'In the Church there is room for everyone, for everyone! Nobody is useless, nobody is superfluous, there is room for everyone. Just as we are, all of us.'

"The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologises to those who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others."

Francis made the remark in a closed-door meeting with bishops, when describing priesthood colleges as already too full of "frociaggine" - a highly offensive Italian slur.

He is said to have reiterated that gay men should not be allowed to become priests.

The remark was reportedly made on 20 May, as first reported by political gossip website Dagospia, when the Italian Bishops Conference held a private meeting with the Pope.

"It's all the fault of some bishop who broke his mandate of silence to report the gaffe that occurred last week," reported Il Messaggero, a national paper based in Rome.

According to the paper, the Pope's comments came during an informal Q&A session at the annual bishops' meeting which was attended by more than 200 members of the clergy.






Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - A watch dealer has been found dead 24 hours after two robbers placed him in a chokehold and raided his London jewellery store.

Two unarmed thieves entered a dealership in the affluent area of Richmond in west London on Saturday afternoon, May 25, and assaulted a member of staff before stealing a number of high-value watches.

Police have now confirmed that the victim has died and his next of kin have been informed.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of the death of a man in Surrey on Sunday, 26 May. This is being investigated by officers from Surrey Police and is not being treated as suspicious at this time.





The man who died was the victim of a robbery at a jewellers in Richmond on Saturday, 25 May.

We ask that the privacy of his family is respected at this difficult time and moving CCTV footage of the incident involving the victim is not shared on social media.

The incident, which took place at around 2.50pm on Saturday, sees the pair run off with a large loot of watches.

In the attack, the two men can be seen initially sitting at the other side of the desk from the victim, who appears to be fixing a white watch for them.





One man, wearing a grey hoodie and ripped blue jeans, sits 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, stands 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 while the other keeps the victim 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 packs 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 bag continues to be filled with items from the store's shelves.

After taking as many pieces of luxury jewellery as their bag could carry, 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.




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - A loyal lieutenant of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has stated that the recent designation of Kenya as a non-NATO ally exposes the country to terror attacks.

Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi claimed the move made Kenya inherit all the enemies of the United States of America.

He argued that Kenya will now be a proxy ground for a geopolitical hegemonic power struggle and that the country will now be constantly hit by terrorist groups.

"Designating Kenya as a non-NATO ally has officially put us at the center of global wars. Our country is now a proxy ground for a geopolitical hegemonic power struggle.

"We are constantly going to be hit by organized terrorist groups, we have officially inherited America's enemies," Amisi said in the post.

The second-term lawmaker further pointed out that the US will now be fighting their enemies on Kenya's blood, not theirs.

He further argues that the U.S. will only donate food, medicine, and more weapons in the aftermath of the war atrocities.

"And the US will only donate food, medicine, and more weapons in the aftermath of war atrocities.

"The U.S. will fight their enemies on Kenya blood and not American blood.

"We are going to be in tatters like UKRAINE.

"Oh Lord, how did we reach here. I blame it on the ineptitude of Uhuru to leave power to the wrong hands, coupled with a confused Azimio brigade.

"Kenya needs a Renaissance!" he added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - The World Bank has revised the loan that was supposed to be advanced to Kenya, slashing the total sum by Ksh79 billion.

Kenya was initially set to receive Ksh196 billion, which was later slashed to Ksh156 billion, with an estimated approval date of April 30.

This has now been reduced further to Ksh117 billion, with the World Bank remarking that the new approval date would be subject to board presentation.

The amount will be disbursed through the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) and is expected to be used for economic development.

Part of the sum will also be concentrated in the trade and investment sectors as Kenya continues to stabilise from global shocks caused by the pandemic and international conflicts.

IDA has identified the National Treasury, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndungu, as the implementing agency.

To promote efficiency, equity, and transparency of public finance; foster more competitive and inclusive product and labour markets; and strengthen climate action, IDA speaks of the loan.

Once disbursed, President William Rutos administration is expected to utilise the windfall to generate public expenditure through efficiency measures.

The Kenya Kwanza administration will also use part of the money to strengthen the national social protection system and strengthen independent offices fighting corruption.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
By Franklin Draku

Catholic foot pilgrims from Nebbi Catholic Diocese are expected to make their last stop-over at Naguru Catholic Church this evening.

They will then embark on the final stretch of journey to the Martyrs shrine in Namugongo, Wakiso District where they will animate this years Martyrs day celebrations on June 3rd

This will see the over 700 pilgrims end their 15-day journey that has drawn trekkers from various parishes across Nebbi Catholic Diocese including women, youth and the elderly.

These were flagged off by the Archbishop-designate of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Raphael Wokorach on May 6th.

Trekking a distance of 450km, the pilgrims were transported from Pakwack using trucks to Karuma to ensure safety amid concerns of wildlife encounters in the National Parks.

This morning, they set off from Matugga where they spent the night after walking several miles from Bombo along the Kampala- Gulu Highway.
Members of Parliament on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have raised concerns over the low staffing levels at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital.

The issue came up after it was revealed that the hospital has only 181 staff members against the 1,198 required to serve a catchment population of 3.7 million people.

John Bosco Nsubuga, the Acting Director of Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, appeared before the committee alongside representatives from other hospitals.

According to him, most patients come from the districts of Wakiso, Kampala, Mpigi, Nakaseke, Kalangala, and Butambala, significantly increasing the workload on the available staff.

Gorreth Namugga, the PAC Vice Chairperson has questioned whether the hospital was prematurely elevated to regional referral status, given its low staffing levels and its failure to achieve the 450-bed capacity expected of a regional referral hospital.

The MPs have also expressed concern over the governments failure to release the Shs 29 million allocated to Entebbe Hospital for development expenditure, insisting that more funds need to be sent to the hospital.
The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has been forced to adjust its program for the Buganda region mobilization meetings, cancelling the first that had been scheduled for Mukono Municipality today.

This is after the police advised the NUP leaders that the venues that had initially been booked were not convenient.

According to the NUP leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, the party meeting shall instead be held tomorrow, another will be at Recreation Grounds in Masaka on Friday May 31st, before the party leaders head to Mityana at Busimbi Division Grounds on Tuesday June 4th.

The Police claimed that the venues we had initially booked are not convenient, even when other political groups have NATIONAL been using them. They even declined us using the Liberation Square in Masaka YAGU City which has been hosting most SSENTAMU ROBERT political events.

Anyway, in the greater interest of ensuring that our events happen successfully, we have made these adjustments and secured new venues, he said a post on X.

In a statement, Claire Nabakka, the police deputy spokesperson, a meeting between the police and the NUP leadership held at Naguru yesterday resolved among other things; that the NUP should in all its notifications, write officially to the IGP early as per the law to allow UPF management to reply in time

The meeting also urged NUP leadership to prevail over their members who wear military attire as these acts contravene the law.

The NUP Leadership will provide a liaison officer whose role will be to coordinate with Police Headquarters and Unit Commanders regarding preparations for holding their activities and following up on security concerns from the party, ACP Nabakka says in the statement.
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khaskhabar.com : , 28  2024 6:09 PM
The Berkeley Gallery in Thomastown is launching its first summer show this weekend with the exhibition SODADE, featuring works by Mary St Leger and Carole Fautrez Redmond.

SODADE is a Portuguese word that describes the melancholic yearning for people and places that no longer are.

Redmond is based in County Waterford and creates 2D and 3D pieces from copper, brass, steel, silver, and wood in her Youghal studio.

Having trained in Cork in 2016, Carole learned to cut, file and solder metal together. She has also become skilled at patination, hammering, annealing and etching.

Her first series - The Ardmore Collection - is a tribute to the village of Ardmore, in County Waterford, Ireland.

She is also influenced by the earth, the sea, the tides, the universe and the impact of mother nature on the soul.

Mary St Leger from County Cork is known for her paintings that often feature abstract spaces with random objects and human forms in peculiar costumes.

She completed her BA in Painting in the Limerick School of Art and Design and continued her studies to complete an MA in Fine Art in the University of Central England.

More recently she has introduced the human form to these spaces. These figures almost appear to have iconic qualities and yet when dressed in peculiar or theatrical costume that quality changes to one of disquiet.

The exhibition will be officially opened by independent art curator Tony Strickland on Sunday (June 2) 2024 at 3pm at The Berkeley Gallery at Grennan Mill, Thomastown.

It will run for three weeks and is open daily from 11am  6pm. Contact 087 9238102 for enquiries and group bookings.

The Berkeley Gallery was founded in Grennan Mill, Thomastown in 1985 and will celebrate forty years next year in 2025.
An insightful interview with Chris Luxon and Nicola Willis in the Herald. Was nice to see they can hassle each other:

In return, Luxon says he has discovered Willis has a wicked sense of humour.

He had a painful brush with that sense of humour just before the interview.

It was a totally deserved one. He and Willis were inspecting his newish digital photo frame, one of the few personal items in a very spartan office.

He had brought it to add a homely touch to his gilded cage  the ninth-floor office of the Prime Minister.

Willis then narked on him, telling us the first time she saw his new photo frame the photo displayed was a portrait of himself.

She was merciless in her mockery. She even took a selfie of herself next to the photo in question, which she shows off.

She laughs and laughs and notes that she totally understood why he would want photos of himself to look at, saying somebody might want to start the day looking at something that inspired them.

So here you are, starting your day looking at an image of yourself to motivate you.

He takes it very well, laughing and trying to explain that at that stage he had not curated the photos that would rotate through it.

The exchange dispels any doubt Willis might defer easily to Luxon and whether he can handle having the mickey taken out of him.
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By KTimes

Actress Han Ye-seul has expressed her displeasure after experiencing discrimination in Italy during her honeymoon.

Han posted a lengthy message on her social media. She mentioned a specific hotel in Italy, saying that she "experienced discrimination and felt very unpleasant."

"They seated us in different seats instead of the beach seats we had reserved without any explanation or apology. I thought all the seats were taken, but they weren't," she said. "They said the terrace was closed, even though it wasn't. Only after complaining about the discrimination were we finally able to use the terrace."

According to Han, this terrace charges different fees for each seat. She had reserved the most expensive terrace seat, known as the Dior Terrace.

Fans have been reacting, particularly Italian fans who have expressed their regret in the comments.

Han announced on May 7 that she had legally married her boyfriend, who is ten years younger than her, after three years of dating.

The couple has been sharing updates about their honeymoon activities.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.
By Pyo Kyung-min

YOKOHAMA, Japan  K-pop sensation SEVENTEEN has expanded its influence beyond its homeland, captivating the Japanese port city of Yokohama. The group's "THE CITY" project, an endeavor aimed at turning entire cities into "K-pop playgrounds," transformed Yokohama into a vibrant display of SEVENTEEN's colors: rose quartz and serenity, coinciding with the band's concert at Kanagawa's Nissan Stadium.

During a visit last weekend, traces of SEVENTEEN's event could be found in every nook and cranny of Tokyo and Yokohama, from exhibitions at Ikebukuro's department stores to pop-up shops in Shibuya and even the iconic Ferris wheel in Cosmo Land.

This widespread celebration was part of HYBE Labels ambitious "THE CITY" project, a recurring series of promotional events that take over cities hosting performances by the agencys artists. It turns these cities into expansive "K-pop playgrounds" where fans can immerse themselves in SEVENTEEN's music and culture.

The excitement was palpable as fans flocked to Tokyo's Ikebukuro PARCO last Saturday for the "SEVENTEEN MUSEUM 2024." Here they were treated to an array of exhibitions including previously unreleased photos of SEVENTEEN's "Magic Moments," costumes worn by the members and special augmented reality (AR) images accessible via QR codes.

The enthusiasm continued in the main streets of Shibuya, Tokyo, where a pop-up store occupying an entire building floor sold a variety of merchandise, including rare photo cards and official light sticks. Among the most sought-after was the "memorial keychain" vending machine, where visitors could have their names engraved to their liking.

"Most of the merch I wanted is sold out. It's disappointing, but I guess it's because the group is so popular," said Ruting, a Taiwanese "Carat," or fan of SEVENTEEN. "At least I managed to get a keychain, which adds a touch of uniqueness, so that's something I'm happy to take home."

Many of the fans encountered within Tokyo's attractions had either traveled or were planning to journey all the way to Yokohama to experience every aspect of the program. One fan elaborated on her commitment to visiting every event location over several days, despite the fact that the subway ride between the two cities takes well over an hour.

"It's true that online shopping is more convenient for buying merch. I usually shop online too, but this time, I'm participating in the stamp rally. Collecting all the stamps that grant access to special, highly valuable merchandise," explained Kirari, a 24-year-old Japanese fan.

The digital stamp rally allowed fans to collect stamps at various "THE CITY" event locations by scanning QR codes. For every five stamps collected, fans could exchange them for an exclusive photo card of a favorite SEVENTEEN member.

"I'm heading to Yokohama next. It might be tiring, but I'm just grateful that SEVENTEEN came all the way to Japan to meet us," Kirari added.

Now in its fourth year since its inception in 2021, this year's "THE CITY" project for SEVENTEEN reached new heights with collaborations with an unprecedented number of landmarks in the port city. Notably, the Yokohama project marked the first official collaboration with the local government, departing from past collaborations with individual companies.

This collaborative effort was visible at over 20 major landmarks of the city, such as the Yokohama Marine Tower, the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel at Cosmo World and the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal. These prominent facilities were all adorned in the group's symbolic colors of rose quartz and serenity from April 27 to last Sunday.

The pinnacle of Yokohama's event was a stunning five-minute fireworks display, Sunday night, transforming the sky into a canvas of the two harmonious colors representing SEVENTEEN.

In addition to the Yokohama spectacle, The "THE CITY" project previously extended its reach to Osaka, coinciding with concerts held at Osaka Yanma Stadium Nagai on May 18 and 19. The Osaka leg featured events at renowned landmarks such as Dotonbori and Hep Five.

A HYBE Japan official explained the goals of the "THE CITY" project to The Korea Times, emphasizing its dual purpose of the enhancing fan experience and benefiting local communities.

"'THE CITY' aims to enhance the fan experience with various attractions before and after concerts, while also supporting local governments and businesses by attracting tourists and fostering a mutually beneficial relationship," the official noted.

"This year's project marks the first collaboration with local governments in Japan. Moving forward, we plan to work with a wider range of partners to contribute to the revitalization of local economies and tourism across Japan."
By Yi Whan-woo

Seoul's population is estimated to fall by nearly 1.5 million people over the next 30 years, suffering the biggest decline among Koreas 17 special cities, metropolitan areas and provinces, as the countrys demographic crisis worsens, data showed, Tuesday.

In its forecast on population in major cities and provinces from 2022 to 2052, Statistics Korea said all municipalities excluding Gyeonggi Province and Sejong are expected to struggle with population decreases over the cited period.

The projected decrease in the number of residents is estimated to be 1.49 million in Seoul, 850,000 in Busan, 690,000 in South Gyeongsang Province, 580,000 in Daegu, 460,000 in North Gyeongsang Province, and 330,000 in North Jeolla Province.

The estimate was based on three factors  the number of births and deaths plus net inflow of new residents in each surveyed area.

Whether the high cost of living caused by centralization in Seoul, such as housing prices, affects the sharper population decline in the capital compared to the rest of the country was not determined in this study, Statistics Korea explained.

It went on to say the population decrease will reach 290,000 each in Ulsan and Gwangju, 280,000 in South Jeolla Province, 220,000 in Daejeon, 90,000 in Gangwon Province, 80,000 in North Chungcheong Province, 30,000 on Jeju Island and 10,000 in Incheon.

The population is forecast to remain unchanged in South Chungcheong Province, while it is forecast to increase by 120,000 in Gyeonggi Province which surrounds Seoul and rise by 160,000 in Sejong.

Busan and Ulsan ranked as the top two cities in terms of the forecasted resident decrease rate from 2022 to 2052. Busan is expected to experience a population decline of 25.8 percent, closely followed by Ulsan with a projected decrease of 25.7 percent.

Concerning monthly births, the number fell below the 20,000 level nationwide for the first time in any February this year.

Sejong was the only region in Korea where the number of births exceeded that of deaths in 2022 but the city is also expected to see more deaths than births beginning in 2045.

Nevertheless, its population will manage to increase as it will continue to see a net inflow of people from other areas, the statistics agency noted.

The number of people aged 14 and below is expected to fall from 5.95 million in 2022 to 3.61 million in 2052.

Correspondingly, they made up 11.5 percent of the entire population in 2022 but will account for just 7.8 percent in 2052.

In contrast, the number of those aged 65 and older is estimated to grow from 8.98 million in 2022 to 18.86 million in 2052.

This age group is projected to make up 40.8 percent of the total population in 2052, up from 17.4 percent in 2022.




By Lee Kyung-min

Mirae Asset Global Investments has rolled out an updated covered call exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the advanced S&P 500 index and pays monthly dividends, the financial service provider said Tuesday.

Covered call refers to buying securities while simultaneously selling off call options to generate profits. Investors profit when stock prices rise. When the market tumbles, the loss is offset by selling call options  the right to buy stocks at a certain price.

The TIGER US S&P500+10% PREMIUM DAILY OPTION was listed on the Korea Exchange (KRX) May 21 and has since been growing in popularity.

The financial derivative of 20 billion won ($14 million) sold out on the first day of listing. Mirae Asset was able to generate sales of an additional 8 billion won.

This is the top-selling record for KRX-listed ETFs that pay a monthly dividend.

According to market sources, listed ETFs with covered call options surpassed 2 trillion won in total assets in Korea.

The derivative seeks to net an annual dividend of over 10 percent, as indicated by the name +10% Premium.

The 10 percent will be achieved with the tailored strategy whereby only a limited target proportion of call options will be sold, unlike the previous market norm that sold the entire option. This was a global first, an investment strategy developed by Mirae Asset.

The investment management fee, or total expense ratio, is limited to 0.25 percent, lower than existing covered call ETFs.

Many investors can reorient the monthly dividends to generate greater income for post-retirement planning.

The product is a perfect fit for investors seeking to profit from the S&P500 index boom, while receiving monthly dividends at the same time, a Mirae Asset official said.

The EFT will accrue handsome returns, helping investors bolster their spending power.
















The home rental platform Airbnb said Tuesday it has partnered with the Seoul metropolitan government to turn a Han River cafe into an Airbnb destination in the capital city of Korea.

Sky Suite Hangang Bridge, located on the northern end of the Hangang Bridge, was formerly used as cafe, but its operations were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb said in a statement.

The new Airbnb accommodation at the former cafe, hosted by Seoul, will officially begin receiving guests July 17, with reservations set to open July 1 at airbnb.com/skysuite.

"As more visitors flock to Seoul and Korea, we're confident that through these sorts of projects, we'll continue to support the Seoul metropolitan government's ambitions of attracting 30 million foreign tourists annually by 2027," Airbnb's Chief Business Officer Dave Stephenson said in the statement.

The price for a stay in the "one-of-a-kind designer Airbnb home" will be decided in June within a range of 345,000 won ($253) to 500,000 won, it said.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said this project will help put Seoul on the global map and serve as one of the critical initial steps in transforming the river into a location where the city's charms can be enjoyed by sharing the stunning views of the Han River with the world.

In May last year, Airbnb's co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Nathan Blecharczyk said the company wants to work with provincial governments to boost tourism in Korea and act as a positive "conduit" for the amplification of Korean culture around the world.

In November 2022, the U.S. vacation rental company added Korean traditional houses, known as "hanok," as a new category. (Yonhap)
South Korea's military on Monday staged an air exercise near the border with North Korea in response to North Korea's planned launch of what it claims to be a military spy satellite.

Around 20 fighter jets, including F-35A stealth fighters, conducted the drills in a central region south of a no fly-zone near the inter-Korean border, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said, hours after the North notified Japan of its plan to launch a space rocket carrying a satellite between Monday and midnight of June 3.

"This strike package exercise was conducted to demonstrate the resolve and capabilities to punish immediately, strongly and until the end if the enemy undertakes a provocation," the JCS said in a statement.

North Korea's notice came before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Monday, where Yoon and Kishida called on the North to cease its launch plan.

The North designated three areas where debris will fall  two west of the Korean Peninsula and the other east of the Philippines' island of Luzon, according to Kyodo News.

Pyongyang has made public a plan to launch three more satellites this year following its first military reconnaissance satellite launch in November.

The launch plan comes despite international criticism that any launch using ballistic missile technology is in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"North Korea's purported military spy satellite launch is a provocative act that breaches the U.N. Security Council resolutions, and our military will implement measures that demonstrate our powerful capability and determination," Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a regular press briefing.

Last week, the South Korean military said it had detected apparent signs of Pyongyang preparing for a military spy satellite launch at a launch site on its west coast.

Observers said that the North appears intent to secure intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets as it is far behind the allies in ISR capabilities despite its focus on developing an array of formidable weapons systems, including submarine-launched ballistic missiles and tactical nuclear arms. (Yonhap)
North Korea said Tuesday that its latest attempt to launch a new rocket carrying a military reconnaissance satellite ended in failure due to the midair explosion of the rocket during the first-stage flight this week.

The vice general director of the North's National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) said the rocket carrying the satellite, the Malligyong-1-1, exploded after it lifted off from the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground on the country's northwest coast on Monday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The launch came just hours after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang held a trilateral summit in Seoul and reaffirmed their commitment to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

It came in defiance of international warnings and criticism that any launch using ballistic missile technology, including that of a space launch vehicle, runs afoul of U.N. S

ecurity Council (UNSC) resolutions.

"The launch failed due to the air blast of the new-type satellite carrier rocket during the first-stage flight," the KCNA reported, citing the NATA official.

A preliminary examination by experts from the North's launch preparatory committee concluded that the "accident" was attributable to the operational reliability of a new "liquid oxygen plus petroleum" engine, the official said.

The other causes of the failure will also be examined, according to the KCNA.

Shortly after the launch, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the North's rocket ended up as "multiple pieces of debris" in an indication that the satellite launch went wrong.

JCS detected the rocket being launched southward over the Yellow Sea from the Tongchang-ri area in the country's northwest at about 10:44 p.m. on Monday.

Pyongyang had earlier notified Japan of a plan to launch a satellite sometime before June 4 and designated three areas, where rocket debris was to have fallen, as a precaution for safety. The liftoff came on the first day of the eight-day launch window.

The recalcitrant regime has planned to launch three satellites into orbit this year. In November, it successfully put its first military spy satellite into orbit.

Soon after the launch, the presidential National Security Office briefed President Yoon on it, according to his office. National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin presided over a meeting of senior presidential security officials.

The participants at the meeting condemned the launch as a violation of UNSC resolutions and a provocative act that threatens peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia and in the international community, according to the office.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command criticized the North's rocket launch, saying it is assessing the situation in close coordination with allies and partners.

"We are aware of the DPRK's May 27 launch using ballistic missile technology, which, is a brazen violation of multiple unanimous UNSC resolutions, raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond," the command said in a statement.

DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

On Monday. the South's military warned it would take "powerful" measures in response to the North's launch plan, and staged air drills, involving advanced fighter jets, near the inter-Korean border in a show of force.

The botched launch came despite speculation that deepening military cooperation between the North and Russia might have helped Pyongyang advance its space rocket launch capabilities and other military programs.

Observers said the North appears intent to secure intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets as it is far behind the allies in ISR capabilities despite its focus on developing an array of formidable weapons systems, including submarine-launched ballistic missiles and tactical nuclear arms. (Yonhap)
The United States condemned North Korea's botched space rocket launch as a breach of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Monday, vowing to send a "strong" signal to the recalcitrant regime that its actions will only intensify its isolation.

The North said that it launched a new rocket carrying a military reconnaissance satellite from a launching site on its northwest coast on Monday, but the launch failed due to the air blast of the rocket during the first-stage flight.

"The United States condemns the DPRK's May 27 launch, which incorporated technologies that are directly related to the DPRK's ballistic missile program and took place in violation of multiple UNSC resolutions," a State Department spokesperson said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency.

DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

U.S. Senior Official for North Korea Jung Pak has been in close consultation with her South Korean and Japanese counterparts regarding the launch, the spokesperson noted.

"We will continue to work with the international community to send a strong signal to the DPRK that its actions will only intensify its isolation as it undermines stability and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula," the spokesperson said.

"We urge all countries to condemn the DPRK's unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs and press the DPRK to engage in serious dialogue. Our commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad," the official added. WMD is short for weapons of mass destruction.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command also issued criticism of the North's latest launch.

"We are aware of the DPRK's May 27 launch using ballistic missile technology, which, is a brazen violation of multiple unanimous UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond," the command said in a statement.

"We are assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners," it added.

The North has planned to launch three more satellites this year. In November, it successfully put its first military spy satellite into orbit.

The botched launch came amid speculation that deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow might have helped the North advance its weapons and other military programs. (Yonhap)
The South Korean military said Tuesday that engine combustion problems are behind North Korea's botched space rocket launch and Pyongyang would need "considerable time" to prepare for its next spy satellite launch.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) made the assessment a day after a North Korean rocket carrying the satellite, the Malligyong-1-1, exploded soon after liftoff from the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground on the North's northwest coast.

An official of the North's national aerospace agency said the launch "failed due to the air blast of the new-type satellite carrier rocket during the first-stage flight," adding the "accident" was attributed to the operational reliability of a new "liquid oxygen plus petroleum" engine.

"Following its first launch (in May), the North said it will conduct an additional launch as soon as possible, but this time the North only said a preliminary conclusion has been made, raising views it will take considerable time," the JCS official told reporters.

The official said the failure will likely affect the North's plan to place three more spy satellites into orbit this year. In November, Pyongyang successfully placed its first military spy satellite into orbit after two failed attempts in May and August. South Korea's Defense Minister Shin Won-sik told reporters earlier this year that the North's Malligyong-1 spy satellite appears to be orbiting Earth without activity.

Noting that the rocket exploded during its first-stage flight, the official said there may have been issues related to engine combustion but said further analysis is needed. The JCS earlier said the rocket was detected as "multiple fragments" in the North's waters.

On whether Russia supplied the first-stage rocket for the latest launch, the official said while such a possibility cannot be ruled out, more analysis is needed on the extent of technological assistance provided by Moscow.

The botched launch came as Pyongyang and Moscow have been deepening cooperation in a wide range of areas following a rare meeting between their leaders in September. (Yonhap)
Pyongyang unlikely to make next launch attempt soon: S. Korean officials

By Lee Hyo-jin

North Korea's latest attempt to launch its second military spy satellite into orbit ended in failure, with analysts attributing the setback to a new type of rocket engine possibly introduced with Russian assistance.

While this failure is expected to deal a significant blow to Kim Jong-un's ambitions of deploying multiple spy satellites to monitor its enemies, some observers suggest that this may even strain his partnership with Russia.

The South Korean military detected a suspected satellite-carrying rocket being launched southward over the West Sea from the Tongchang-ri space station at around 10:44 p.m. on Monday, according to Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

However, the rocket exploded midair shortly after takeoff, with multiple pieces of debris detected in North Korean waters two minutes after the launch, the JCS said in a text message to reporters.

North Korea promptly acknowledged the failure.

"The launch failed due to the air blast of the new-type satellite carrier rocket during the first-stage flight," the North's state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported approximately an hour and a half after the rocket's launch.

The KCNA also stated that a preliminary conclusion made by the state-run aerospace agency attributed the failed launch to a new "liquid oxygen plus petroleum engine."

This marks Pyongyang's third failure to send up a reconnaissance satellite. North Korea successfully launched its first satellite, Maligyong-1, into orbit in November 2023 after two failed attempts, first in May and then in August that year.

Analysts viewed that the new engine, a type never utilized by Pyongyang in previous rocket launches, appeared to have been introduced based on advice from Russia.

Chang Young-keun, head of the missile center at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, stated that North Korea employed a new engine using kerosene  referred to by North Korea as petroleum  combined with liquid oxygen.

"This combination is known for generating high specific impulses and producing high thrust per unit of fuel, and it is also used in South Koreas Nuri rocket and SpaceXs Falcon rockets in the United States," Chang said.

"To utilize the cryogenic oxidizer liquid oxygen, it must be maintained at minus 183 degrees Celsius before launch ... Developing related systems would take at least a couple of years," he added.

Given the unlikelihood of North Korea developing the new engine in a short period, a more plausible explanation would be that it acquired the technology from Russia and conducted several ground engine tests before Monday's launch, the researcher speculated.

During the North Korean leader's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Russia's space center in September last year, the latter pledged to assist Pyongyang in modernizing its satellite technology.

"Many other satellite launches supported or advised by Russia mostly use kerosene propellant systems. It is possible that Pyongyang has received advice from Russian technicians to use the kerosene propellant system, which is a safer option in the long term," said Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification.

Some critics suggested that the technical glitch resulted from hasty preparation.

Monday's satellite launch was seen as an attention-grabbing political maneuver by the North, as it came just hours after leaders of South Korea, China and Japan held a rare trilateral summit in Seoul, a development that Pyongyang might have found unsettling.

South Korean officials speculate that it would take some time for Pyongyang to make another launch attempt.

"Unlike the first launch failure (last year), which was followed by a clear announcement of the next attempt within days, this time the North has only provided a preliminary conclusion. It is anticipated that a considerable amount of time will be required for them to conduct a thorough assessment and for the next attempt to take place," a JCS official told reporters on condition of anonymity, Tuesday.

Yang Moo-jin, the president of the University of North Korean Studies, suggested that the latest failure could be a bigger embarrassment for the Kim regime than previous ones, potentially affecting burgeoning ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

"This could deal a blow to Russia's pride in its space technology, with the possibility of blame-shifting between North Korea and Russia regarding technical advice and cooperation," Yang said.

However, Hong of the Unification Institute believes otherwise.

Hong said, "Russia may now provide more active and concrete technical support to increase the success rate, as it may seek to maximize visible progress through its technical support before Putin's planned visit to Pyongyang."
North Korea appears to have indirectly expressed its complaint against Beijing when it slammed a joint declaration issued after the latest trilateral summit among leaders of South Korea, China and Japan, Seoul's unification ministry said Tuesday.

The North's foreign ministry denounced South Korea on Monday for stating its commitment to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in the joint declaration with Japan and China, rejecting it as "wanton interference" in North Korea's internal affairs.

The angry reaction came hours after President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang met in Seoul, marking the resumption of a long-stalled trilateral summit after 4 1/2 years. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and stability on the peninsula.

The unification ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs said Pyongyang's condemnation seems to be aimed at marring Seoul's diplomacy with Tokyo and Beijing, and hampering the spirit of the joint declaration of the trilateral summit.

"Though the North's rebukes were focused on the South, it was rare for North Korea to publicly denounce a (diplomatic) meeting attended by China," a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

The North has not publicly denounced summit meetings involving China's top officials, except the 2015 summit between South Korea and China.

The ministry official noted that North Korea dubbed the latest trilateral summit as the ROK-Japan-China summit, not as the summit involving China, Japan and the South in its previous order of countries.

The North also warned Monday that if "anyone" tries to preach the benefits of denuclearization, the country will regard it as the most serious infringement upon sovereignty. Some experts said "anyone" here could mean China.

North Korea's strong reaction rather illustrates the significance of the joint declaration, Lim Soo-suk, Seoul's foreign ministry spokesperson, said.

"As confirmed by numerous U.N. Security Council resolutions, North Korea's complete abandonment of nuclear weapons and its denuclearization are the consensus and unified goal of the international community," Lim said in a briefing.

"The strong backlash from North Korea shows that the joint declaration of the summit was significant," Lim said.

"North Korea will never be recognized as a nuclear-armed state," Lim added, urging Pyongyang to return to the path of denuclearization.

For North Korea, it could be disturbing to see that China has held a three-way summit with South Korea and Japan at a time when Beijing appears to be cautious about joining Pyongyang's drive to deepen trilateral solidarity with Russia and China.

Still, other observers said North Korea might have taken into account China, as the country launched its military spy satellite Tuesday night after Li left Seoul. A new rocket carrying the satellite exploded in a mid-air flight.

Meanwhile, the ministry official said it will likely take time for North Korea to determine the cause of the failure in the latest satellite launch, given that it did not disclose the timing of its future launch.

Pyongyang earlier said it will fire three more spy satellites in 2024, after it successfully placed its first spy satellite into orbit in November. (Yonhap)
The unification ministry said Tuesday it will push to provide educational support for North Korean defectors' children who were born in third countries in an effort to tackle the blind spot in the welfare system.

The move is part of the fourth three-year basic plan to support the resettlement of North Korean defectors. The ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs held a pan-government meeting earlier in the day to review and approve the 2024-2026 plan.

Under the blueprint, the government plans to draw up legal grounds to provide educational support to North Korean defectors' children born in third countries, mostly in China.

Currently, only youths who were born in North Korea and defected to South Korea are entitled to receive tuition and other financial support and get a chance for special admission to colleges. But North Korean defectors' children born abroad have been excluded from such benefits.

As of 2023, the proportion of the defectors' children born in third countries accounted for 71 percent of the total elementary, middle and high schoolers in North Korean defectors' households.

An increasing number of North Korean defectors find themselves stranded in China or other countries, unable to reach South Korea despite escaping their repressive home country. As a result, more defectors give birth to children in such third countries.

"The basic plan contains measures to make up for the blind spot in the existing policy and to better support the North's defectors," Vice Unification Minister Moon Seoung-hyun said at the meeting.

The unification ministry also plans to push to "legalize" the principle of accepting North Korean defectors at the incoming 22nd National Assembly.

In 2022, the ministry proposed a revised act on the defectors' protection and support for their resettlement in a bid to prevent such refugees' forceful repatriation.

Under the former liberal Moon Jae-in administration, two North Korean fishermen were deported in 2019 to North Korea against their will as they confessed to killing 16 fellow crew members before they were captured near the eastern sea border. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

Daejeon Metropolitan City achieved third place in the national urban brand reputation rankings in May, according to the Korea Reputation Center, Monday.

Daejeon recorded a brand reputation index of 1,678,594. This placed Daejeon behind Seoul and Busan and marked a 23.31 percent increase from 1,361,260 in April.

The institute measures and announces the urban brand reputation index for 85 cities nationwide every month, based on big data. The urban brand reputation index is divided into four categories: participation index, media index, communication index and community index.

In this survey, Daejeon's brand reputation index included a participation index of 57,992, a media index of 270,872, a communication index of 671,899 and a community index of 677,831. Daejeon received particularly high scores in the communication and community indices.

Daejeon attributes the rise in its brand reputation index to the increased interest and communication about the city online and in the media. This is seen as a result of the city's achievements in various fields such as the economy, industry and cultural tourism under the eighth-term administration, along with various projects that have heightened interest in Daejeon on social networks.

Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo said, "This achievement is thanks to the active communication and participation of our citizens in creating the value of the city together. Based on this success, Daejeon will prepare various strategies to further enhance the city's brand value while striving to grow with the citizens and develop into a city with global competitiveness."

This article was assisted by generative AI and edited staff of by The Korea Times.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Seoul on Tuesday for a two-day state visit that includes summit talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol and meetings with business leaders.

Mohamed is the first UAE president ever to make a state visit to Korea. In a gesture of honor and respect, four Air Force F-15 fighter jets escorted the UAE presidential jet after it entered South Korea's air defense identification zone.

Upon his arrival in Seoul, Mohamed met with chiefs of Korea's large business groups, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Chair Euisun Chung and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, to discuss ways to promote cooperation in advanced technology, defense and energy.

Later in the day, he will attend a welcome dinner hosted by Yoon.

On Wednesday, an official welcome ceremony will feature an air show by the Air Force's Black Eagles acrobatic team and traditional performances.

Yoon and Mohamed will then hold a summit to discuss cooperation in sectors that include energy, defense and investment.

Yoon made a state visit to the UAE in January 2023, the first such visit by a South Korean leader since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1980.

During the summit, Mohamed announced his country's plan to invest $30 billion in Korea and signed 13 memorandums of understanding covering energy, arms and climate change, among other sectors. (Yonhap)
Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has said the country is in discussions over his likely visit to China and a ministerial meeting with Japan, following up on a trilateral summit held in Seoul this week.

"China has invited me, and we are discussing the schedule," Choi told reporters during a briefing held in the central city of Sejong the previous day. He noted that possible agenda items could include supply chain issues.

Choi also mentioned that the ministry is in talks with its Japanese counterpart to hold a ministerial meeting, expressing his hope for the event to take place in Seoul if it is arranged.

Choi welcomed the latest decision by Seoul and Beijing to resume the second phase of negotiations for the bilateral FTA to boost service trade and investment in early June. The first phase of the FTA, which took effect in December 2015, removed tariffs on major goods.

"A country that depends on exports should welcome the free market economy and the spread of free trade," Choi said, noting the move is significant considering the recent fragmentation in the global supply chain.

During the meeting, Choi also noted that the government is currently considering measures to support listed businesses under the recently announced "Corporate Value-up" program.

The initiative focuses on enhancing the value of local businesses whose shares are currently undervalued relative to their fundamentals, aiming to end the so-called Korea discount.

"The program aims to support businesses through tax cuts if they enhance their value and implement investment projects," Choi said. "By using tax cuts as incentives for specific actions, it differs from general tax cuts."

The minister also hinted that the government will unveil detailed measures to support the semiconductor industry, the backbone of Asia's No. 4 economy, around June. (Yonhap)
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Tuesday that South Korea's hosting of a trilateral summit with Japan and China paved the way for enhancing practical cooperation between the neighbors.

Han made the remark after President Yoon Suk Yeol held meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Seoul between Sunday and Monday, the first trilateral session since December 2019.

"The summit marks a turning point in fully restoring and normalizing the trilateral cooperation framework in the post-COVID-19 era," Han said during a Cabinet meeting at the government complex in Sejong, 113 kilometers south of Seoul.

Han also emphasized the importance of the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit scheduled for next week.

The Korea-Africa Summit is expected to draw delegations from over 45 countries on June 4 and 5, making it the largest multilateral summit since the Yoon Suk Yeol administration took office in May 2022.

"The summit is important as it aims to secure new growth engines for our economy by establishing a strategic partnership with Africa, which is rich in population and resources," Han said.

During the meeting, Han condemned North Korea's failed attempt to launch a new military spy satellite as a violation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban its use of ballistic missile technology. He vowed a stern response in coordination with the international community.

North Korea said Tuesday its latest satellite launch attempt failed due to the midair explosion of the rocket during the first-stage flight. (Yonhap)
The science ministry said it has sent a public-private trade delegation centered around exports of digital goods and services to Southeast Asia to expand Korea's digital exports to the region.

The delegation, led by Second Vice Science Minister Kang Do-hyun and comprising of representatives of 30 Korean digital-related firms, visited Indonesia on Monday and met with Satvinder Singh, deputy secretary general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to discuss progress of the Korea-ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship project.

The $30 million project, announced at the Korea-ASEAN summit last year, is a five-year initiative aimed at narrowing the digital divide and supporting the economic growth of ASEAN states.

The delegation also held a business partnership event in Indonesia to connect Korean companies to local buyers, and secured 22 export deals and memorandum of understandings, according to the ministry.

The group plans to travel to Vietnam on Thursday to host more events to foster exports of Korean digital companies. (Yonhap)
Korea has pledged to provide $26 million in humanitarian aid to Syria and its neighboring regions to help ease the humanitarian crisis stemming from years of civil war, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.

Kweon Ki-hwan, deputy foreign minister for global and multilateral affairs, made the announcement during the eighth Brussels Conference on "Supporting the future of Syria and the region," in Belgium on Monday (local time), the ministry said.

The participating countries have pledged a total 3.9 billion euros ($4.2 billion) this year for the initiative, the ministry said.

Kweon expressed concerns over the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Syria due to the conflicts that have been going on for more than 13 years and called for the importance of a political settlement to resolve the situation.

Syria is facing a dire humanitarian situation as the prolonged civil war and unrest have devastated the country and its people.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that 1.5 percent of its 23.4 million population were killed between March 2011 and March 2021, and 71 percent are in need of humanitarian assistance. (Yonhap)
By Jon Dunbar

Jesse Barnett, hardcore frontman, has already performed in Korea once before, but that honor doesn't belong to the Orange County-based hardcore band Stick To Your Guns  that honor belongs to an obscure band named Down for the Sound, which only played one show ever back in 2019.

"This will be STYGs first time in Korea but I actually have a funny story about the last time I was in Seoul," Barnett told The Korea Times.

Following STYG's Japan tour that year with LA hardcore band Terror, Barnett flew to Seoul for a visit with his friend Thomas from Montreal.

During his stay, Seo Ki-seok (known in scenes around the world simply as "Ki") from the Seoul hardcore band the Geeks reached out and offered to show them around.

"We later randomly ran into Dennis from (Australian hardcore band) Speed who's also been a friend for quite some time. It was pretty amazing," Barnett recounted.

Later that night while they were all having dinner together, Seo mentioned there was a hardcore show coming up in Seoul in a couple days.

"We joked about starting a band with the four of us and going and playing," Barnett said. "Next thing I know Im in a practice space in Seoul, a city Ive never been to, playing drums in a band with a guy from Sydney, a guy from Seoul and a guy from Montreal. We wrote three songs and played two Agnostic Front covers and it was one of the most special experiences Ive had in my life. I will remember it forever."

When STYG had an offer to tour Japan again, Barnett thought back to his DFTS experience in Seoul, and sent Seo a message.

"Ki is a wonderful human being who I have had the pleasure of knowing for many years now and when we got an offer to come to Japan, I messaged him almost immediately to ask if he would bring us to Korea and he agreed," Barnett said. "I really appreciate him and his team and all their hard work. Its not an easy thing to do to bring international bands so I am incredibly grateful."

Seo resumed his tour promotion agency, Open Your Eyes Booking, which had brought several hardcore bands to Korea in the past including Champion, Outbreak, Terror, Sick of It All, Down to Nothing, Have Heart, No Turning Back and Bane. His band the Geeks also featured Barnett in the 2019 video for their song "More Than Ever."

Barnett has led STYG for 21 years now, having started the band at age 15. During that time, he's seen a lot of the world. STYG was the first U.S. hardcore band to tour Kenya.

"Kenya was a super special experience and one for me that existed outside of my band life and made it into one of my favorite experiences of my entire life," Barnett said of the experience. I love going places that most people dont go and experiencing things most people dont. It makes me feel like my life means something because I get to go to special places and meet special people and connect not just through music but on a human level. Its my favorite thing in the world."

But through it all, he's been through a lot, and now remains the band's only original member.

"Being in a touring band is an incredibly difficult thing to do with your life. Its very very demanding and I think some people want to do it and some people find out after doing it for a couple of years that its not the life for them. Thats all it really is."

Last year, the band marked its 20th anniversary with an extensive tour and a 10-minute documentary.

"Twenty years seems like a long time and also like no time at all. Its a strange feeling but first and foremost I feel like the luckiest person alive," Barnett said. "Its also definitely not the same band as it was in 2003. All things grow. All things change. Its only natural that after 20 years of being a band we are not what we started as. I say this with pride and love."

Barnett says he's proud of STYG's place in the annals of hardcore history.

"Our sound has always kind of been a controversial one within hardcore because we arent a straightforward hardcore band and we sing and all that kind of stuff which can sometimes be frowned upon by purists but we stuck to our guns!" he said. "We played what we wanted to play and we tried to offer the beautiful tapestry of hardcore something with a different flavor. Thats all Ive ever wanted to do."

These days, their U.S. shows average between 500 and 600 audience members, and sometimes draw closer to 1,000. When they tour Europe, they draw in 1,000 to 1,500 on average with a couple places where this can go as high as 2,500.

"There are festivals we play sometimes that have so many people that its super bizarre for me to realize that this band that started in my Moms garage got so far," Barnett said, "but yeah Ill always prefer a club show to a giant festival."

STYG will play at Rolling Hall near western Seoul's Hongik University this Sunday. They'll be supported by fellow California hardcore band Twist of Cain as well as local acts the Geeks, End These Days, Turn For Our and No Shelter. The doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets cost 65,000 won in advance or 75,000 won at the door.

Visit sticktoyourguns.net for more information about the band, or follow @openyoureyesbooking on Instagram for more about the show.
South Korean and U.S. military aircraft have staged regular combined live-fire drills to strengthen readiness against North Korean threats, Seoul's Air Force said Tuesday, amid heightened tensions over Pyongyang's failed satellite launch.

More than 90 aircraft, including the South's F-35A stealth fighters and the U.S. A-10 attack aircraft, have been mobilized for the four-day exercise that began Monday over waters off South Korea's west coast, according to the Air Force.

The exercise is focused on strengthening the participating pilots' strike capabilities and bolstering readiness against possible enemy provocations, it said.

This week's drills will take place in the wake of North Korea's botched attempt to launch a military spy satellite into orbit Monday night.

The North's rocket exploded minutes after liftoff from the North's major satellite launch site on the northwestern coast, according to the South's military. (Yonhap)
Toxic substances up to 428 times the permitted levels were found in children's products sold by Shein, a Chinese e-commerce platform, in the latest safety inspection conducted by the Seoul city government, officials said Tuesday.

Since last month, the city has been releasing such information on a weekly basis amid growing safety concerns involving products from Chinese online retail giants that have rapidly become main players in South Korea's online shopping market.

Of the eight children's leather products from Shein on which the city conducted its latest safety inspection, toxic substances were found in seven products.

Out of the four leather bags inspected, one contained formaldehyde at 1.2 times the permitted level, while the rest contained phthalate plasticizers at up to 153 times the allowed levels.

Of the two pairs of children's shoes, one had formaldehyde exceeding the permissible level by 1.8 times, while the other contained phthalate plasticizers exceeding the permitted limit by 428 times.

One leather belt was also found to contain 1.78 times more lead than permitted.

Since early April, the city has conducted such safety tests on products from Chinese e-commerce giants like AliExpress and Temu on seven occasions. Of the 93 products vetted so far, about 40 products, or 43 percent of the total, were found to contain toxic substances.

The city has also requested Chinese e-commerce platforms halt the sale of the products in question and limit the public's access to them.

Phthalate plasticizers are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that could affect humans' reproductive function. (Yonhap)
Army investigators on Tuesday transferred to the civilian police the case over a trainee soldier who died two days after collapsing during a discipline session last week.

The soldier was rushed to a civilian hospital on Thursday after collapsing during the session at a unit in Inje County, 126 kilometers northeast of Seoul. He died two days later after his condition worsened.

The conscript, who joined the Army on May 13, was reportedly ordered to run around the unit's training ground in full combat gear, although discipline training rules only allow soldiers to march in such equipment.

He was also reportedly instructed to do push-ups in full gear, when regulations only allow soldiers to be ordered do so without wearing equipment.

Army officials, including the company commander who ordered the training, are known to have been present at the site. Discipline training usually takes place when soldiers commit minor violations of rules or their commander's orders.

Army spokesperson Seo Woo-seok told a regular briefing that a joint probe between the Army and the civilian police identified problematic issues with the discipline training in terms of rules and procedures.

Under the law, the military is to hand over a case involving a troop fatality to the police if there are signs of any criminal activity.

A military source said the soldier's autopsy partially showed signs he suffered symptoms akin to rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscles break down and can even lead to death. Excessive exercise and heat stress are among its causes.

"As the cause of death is currently difficult to make clear, blood and other tests will additionally take place," the source said.

All able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve at least 18 months in the military in a country facing constant military threats from North Korea. (Yonhap)
Korea and Denmark have agreed to raise the age threshold for working holiday applicants in an effort to facilitate people-to-people exchanges, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.

The two countries will revise the bilateral memorandum of understanding on their working holiday program to change the eligible age range from 18-30 to 18-34, the ministry said.

The revision will take effect June 1.

The working holiday program with Denmark has allowed young people in the eligible age category to work and stay in each other's country for up to one year to experience foreign life and culture. (Yonhap)
A bill mandating a special counsel investigation into the military's response to a Marine's death last year will likely be put up for a revote Tuesday at the final session of the current National Assembly.

The bill, which was passed by the opposition-controlled parliament early this month and vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol, calls for the appointment of a special counsel to look into allegations Yoon's office and the defense ministry inappropriately interfered in the military's probe into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who was killed during a search mission for victims of heavy downpours in July 2023.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) failed to agree on holding the plenary session the previous day and are expected to meet again early Tuesday for further discussions on the bill.

The PPP has opposed the bill, citing the need to first see the results of an ongoing investigation by the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials.

For a bill to pass the National Assembly in a revote, it requires a majority of the 300-member parliament to be present and two-thirds of them to cast their ballots in favor.

The DPK holds 155 seats, and together with splinter parties and independent lawmakers, the number could rise to about 180.

Unless there is support from at least 17 ruling party lawmakers from the 295 eligible to vote, the bill could be discarded during the current session of the National Assembly, set to expire Wednesday. (Yonhap)
Opposition set to table same bill in upcoming 22nd Assembly

By Nam Hyun-woo

The National Assembly rejected and scrapped a bill to launch a special counsel probe into allegations that the Yoon Suk Yeol administration influenced the militarys investigation into the death of a Marine, during a parliamentary re-vote, Tuesday.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), which tabled the bill, pledged to reintroduce the same bill in the upcoming 22nd Assembly that will start on Thursday.

During the final plenary session of the current 21st Assembly, 179 out of 294 attending lawmakers approved the bill, failing to meet the two-thirds, or 196 votes, required for passage. A total of 111 lawmakers opposed the bill, with four casting invalid ballots.

To pass a bill once vetoed by the president, a majority of Assembly members must be present and at least two-thirds of those present need to vote in favor.

The bill sought to launch an independent counsel investigation into the governments alleged interference in the military's probe into the death of Marine Cpl. Chae Su-geun during a flood rescue operation in July 2023. The DPK and other minor opposition parties suspect that the allegations may involve high-ranking government officials, potentially the president himself.

The bill was originally approved by the Assembly on May 2 but was sent back to the Assembly after Yoon exercised his presidential veto power on May 21. He characterized it as a political tactic by the opposition bloc aimed at undermining his administration through unnecessary investigations into the case. It is worth noting that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials has already been conducting an inquiry into the matter.

Since 295 members are registered to the current Assembly, the re-passage required at least 17 votes from ruling People Power Party (PPP) members. Before the vote, five PPP lawmakers openly endorsed the bill, including Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo.

As a result, the PPP leadership intensified its efforts to prevent what it termed "betrayal," urging its members to maintain unity until the final moment. Contrary to the ruling party's initial fears, the outcome revealed no significant defections among PPP members.

Despite the bill being rejected in the re-vote and consequently scrapped, the DPK has already outlined plans to reintroduce and pass the same bill swiftly in the upcoming 22nd National Assembly. Leveraging its majority of 171 out of 300 Assembly seats, the party aims to push forward with its legislative agenda. The next Assembly will begin on Thursday.

In this case, the president retains the option to once again return the bill to the Assembly using his veto power. This would prompt another round of deliberations and a potential re-vote by the Assembly. In the event of a re-vote, approval from two-thirds of attending lawmakers would still be necessary. However, it could be comparatively easier for the opposition bloc to override Yoon's veto, as the PPP will have only 108 seats in the next Assembly. Consequently, the party would be unable to obstruct the bill if just eight of its lawmakers dissent.

Among PPP lawmaker-elects who will join the 22nd Assembly, Rep. Ahn and two others have already announced their intention to endorse the special counsel bill, meaning approval by only five more PPP members will effectively annul the presidential veto.

The ongoing back-and-forth between the Assembly and the presidential office regarding the special counsel probe is unlikely to bolster public sentiment toward the ruling bloc, a ruling bloc official said.

Political analysts also suggest that if Yoon appears to be avoiding the investigation, it could exacerbate negative sentiment towards the administration. Additionally, it may strengthen the resolve of some opposition lawmakers who are entertaining the idea of impeaching the president.

What we can learn from the Watergate scandal is that the presidents lies, obstructions of investigation and attempts to conceal the truth by exploiting his power constitute a fair reason to impeach the president, DPK Rep. Jung Chung-rae said, referring to the U.S. political scandal in the early 1970s, which resulted in then-President Richard Nixons resignation.

Even a U.S. president can be removed from office in case he or she lies, obstructs investigations and conceals the truth. A South Korean president was also ousted for violating the law. So, what would happen if President Yoon does the same thing as President Nixon did?
By Gwynne Dyer

It has not been a good week for Israels Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, the chief decision-maker in the war in the Gaza Strip that has already cost at least 35,000 civilian deaths. (Some thousands of those 35,000 may have been Hamas fighters, but thousands of other civilians still lie undiscovered in the wreckage of their homes. The number stands).

The week began with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launching its assault on Rafah, the last undestroyed city in the Strip  but at the same time, Hamas fighters reappeared in Gaza City, the first city the IDF destroyed. This feels like Whack-a-Mole. Is something wrong with the IDFs game plan?

Then on the weekend, Netanyahu got two ultimatums from his allies. One came from Benny Gantz, an old political opponent of Netanyahu but a member of his three-man war cabinet.

Gantz demanded that Bibi produce a credible plan by June 8 for ending the war, freeing the hostages and creating a multinational civilian administration for Gaza. If you choose the path of fanatics and lead the entire nation to the abyss, we will be forced to quit the government, Gantz said.

By "the abyss," Gantz was referring to Netanyahus apparent preference for permanent Israeli military rule in Gaza, a prospect that also alarms the third member of the "war cabinet," Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. But the ultimatum that probably disturbed Bibi more came on Sunday from U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

The United States does not issue formal ultimatums to its allies. Sullivan merely "urged" Netanyahu to connect his war to a political strategy for who runs Gaza afterward (something Bibi has steadfastly refused to do). But reading between the lines, it was a message from President Biden that he was running out of patience with Netanyahu.

Then it got worse for Bibi. On Monday Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), requested arrest warrants for six named individuals associated with the Gaza War on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity: two Israelis and three leaders of Hamas. Netanyahu led the Israeli list.

The Israeli prime minister is no stranger to criminal charges. Indeed, he was on trial on corruption charges that could end with a jail sentence until the war paused that process (perhaps one of the reasons he is in no hurry to end the war). But he was outraged at being mentioned in the same breath as a bunch of "Palestinian terrorists."

Naturally, all the suspects were "outraged." Yahya Sinwar, accused of being responsible for murder, hostage-taking and rape, is not answering the phone, but a Hamas spokesman protested that the Courts decision equates victim with executioner. (Rule No. 1: Claim victim status.)

Israels extreme-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, called the ICC move a display of hypocrisy and Jew-hatred that we haven't seen since Nazi propaganda. (Rule No. 2: Claim victim status.) But the question remains: will any of this make the least bit of difference to the outcome?

Certainly not the IDFs little difficulties. The war is really over, in the sense that Hamas clearly cannot be eradicated, but it will continue so long as it serves Netanyahus purposes (and Hamass, too)

Is Benny Gantzs threat to leave the government real? Maybe, but his departure will not bring the government down so long as Netanyahus ultra-nationalist allies remain loyal.

Will Jake Sullivans warning about Joe Bidens growing impatience work? Very unlikely, because Netanyahu thinks hes bluffing, and hes probably right.

The pattern is clear, from Israels 1948 War of Independence to the nuclear plant in Dimona, the establishment of West Bank settlements, and Israeli operations in Gaza today. The United States pleads for moderation, Israel pretends to listen but does what it wants, and the U.S. eventually accepts it.

The only thing that is likely to have a lasting effect, bizarrely, is the International Criminal Courts seemingly quixotic attempt to bring the leaders of both sides to justice.

It cannot actually put them in jail: 124 countries have ratified the ICC treaty, but most major military powers, including Israel and the U.S., shun it. However, having an arrest warrant in your name in 124 countries can be a major nuisance.

Karim Khan, the ICCs prosecutor, is not one of the great antisemites in modern times, as Netanyahu predictably said. He is a British lawyer, born in Edinburgh, who became a Kings Counsel in London before going on to be an Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.

His first act in his current job was to revive an investigation into the brutal actions of the Taliban and Islamic State. The second was an investigation into the Ukraine war that led to an ICC arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. For him, Bibi is just another day.

Gwynne Dyers new book is Intervention Earth: Life-Saving Ideas from the Worlds Climate Engineers. Last years book, The Shortest History of War, is also still available.
Korea's science ministry said Tuesday it will create a joint artificial intelligence (AI) research lab with New York University (NYU).

The Global AI Frontier Lab will be co-led by two distinguished computer scientists  Cho Kyung-hyun and Yann LeCun  who are both professors at NYU, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT. It will be established at NYU.

Cho is currently a board member of Korea AI startup Upstage and LeCun is the chief AI scientist at Meta Platforms.

The research organization will invite experts from Seoul and Washington to conduct global-level AI research projects and facilitate cooperation between the two countries.

The Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation, the ministry arm spearheading the joint AI lab, is set to start recruiting Korean researchers to conduct studies at the research organization. (Yonhap)
By Baek Byung-yeul

A Chinese national who worked for SK hynix is on trial for allegedly stealing key semiconductor technology from the Korean chipmaker for Chinese IT firm Huawei, the latest in a series of chip technology leaks to Chinese firms, according to the police, Tuesday.

The Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police said a woman in her 30s, a Chinese national, was sent to prosecutors last month on suspicion of violating the Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology.

The former SK hynix employee was hired by the company in 2013 and worked in the department responsible for analyzing defects in semiconductor designs. From 2020 to 2022, she was involved in consultations with business-to-business client in China, according to the police agency.

The Chinese national returned to Korea in June 2022, and moved to Chinese IT company Huawei the same month. Shortly before leaving the Korean company, she allegedly printed out more than 3,000 sheet of documents related to front-end semiconductor manufacturing technology.

Police suspect that the former employee printed out the documents and then carried them out in bags, but she has denied the allegation. The police had investigated the case after receiving a report from SK hynix and arrested her at the airport when she entered the country last month.

In response to the techn leak allegation, SK hynix said it is cooperating with the investigation.

As soon as we realized that (the former employee) had printed the information, we reported it to the investigative agencies, and we are supporting the investigation of the suspect and monitoring the investigation, an SK hynix spokesperson said.

Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and other Korean chip companies are continuously struggling with tech leaks to China, which could cause economic damage of up to trillions of won, despite their preventive efforts by strengthening security checks on employees.

In April, Samsung also faced a similar case when a former department head was accused of stealing its chip technology, establishing a local Chinese company and transferring chip equipment engineers to his own company.

The information that was leaked was related to concern atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment used in DRAM manufacturing processes. ALD equipment is essential for advanced chip manufacturing as it enables precise and uniform deposition, but China has not yet been able to develop this equipment.

The number of overseas tech leaks has been steadily increasing. According to the National Police Agency, the number of related cases sent to trial from February to October last year was 21, a 75 percent increase from the previous year. This is the highest number since 2013. By type of technology leaked, the number of cases was the highest in the display industry with eight, followed by chips with three.

Industry officials said that surveillance and punishment for leaks of semiconductor technology should be strengthened.

The leakage of semiconductor technology is a serious crime that involves the leakage of information on key national industries and that the government should strengthen its measures to impose stronger criminal penalties on those involved to prevent further leaks, an official from the local IT industry said on condition of anonymity.
By Lee Min-hyung

POSCO Group has launched the 2024 Global Volunteer Week, with more than 20,000 staff members engaging in diverse volunteer activities near the firms workplaces both here and abroad, the company said Tuesday.

The social program will run for nine days from May 23. This year's edition marks the 15th anniversary of its establishment in 2010, and is part of the groups efforts to give back to local communities.

This year, the firms executives and employees  including POSCO Group Chairman Chang In-hwa  will take part in some 800 volunteer activities around the world, the company said.

Chang visited the nations southeastern industrial city of Pohang to express gratitude to the people there for supporting the growth of the steelmaker.

Starting from the beginning, the local community in Pohang has been a strong supporter of the company, enabling us to become the worlds top steelmaker, Chang said. We will keep making more efforts for mutual growth with the local community.

A group of POSCO employees also accompanied Chang and helped fix some old houses there.

I have been living in the city for more than five decades, and POSCO staff members have always helped us by joining a series of volunteer campaigns, Sung Pil-im, a resident there, said. I want to express gratitude for them showing sincerity for decades.

POSCO Group is also expanding its corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaign abroad. The company set up an artificial reef in Thailand to help the nation protect its marine ecosystem. POSCO is also establishing playgrounds for children in Turkey by using construction materials.

The steelmaker also runs the POSCO 1% Foundation, a charity organization established in 2003, which aims to support the growth of socially vulnerable groups and future generations. The foundation pushes for diverse social programs to achieve co-prosperity within local communities.
By Lee Min-hyung

The heads of Koreas major business groups, including Samsung, SK and Hyundai Motor, met with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to elevate their business partnerships in energy, defense and other key industries with the country, Tuesday.

The high-profile meeting came on the sidelines of the UAE presidents two-day state visit to Korea. The leaders of other conglomerates  such as Hanwha and CJ  also joined the meeting to boost their business ties.

His visit to Seoul was a reciprocal gesture following President Yoon Suk Yeols state visit to the Middle Eastern country in January 2023. During Yoon's visit, his UAE counterpart surprised the business community by announcing plans for a substantial investment of $30 billion (40.76 trillion won) in Korean firms. At that time, Yoon was accompanied by a business delegation comprising Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun.

Industry officials say that during the closed-door meeting with business tycoons in Korea, the UAE leader explored strategies to enhance business connections in Korea's cutting-edge technology sectors, particularly semiconductors, as well as in energy domains. However, specific details of the discussions have not been disclosed.

HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun expressed optimism about exploring further opportunities with the UAE, particularly in shipbuilding, construction machinery, and eco-friendly energy sectors.

We are constantly looking for more ways to collaborate with the UAE in those areas, so I will explain our major upsides (during the meeting with the UAE president), he told reporters before joining the meeting.

Other top executives from major conglomerates echoed similar sentiments. CJ Group Chairman Lee Jay-hyun expressed his intention to engage in discussions regarding bilateral economic and cultural exchanges with the UAE.

Defense industry players  such as Hanwha and LIG Nex1  are also widely expected to become key beneficiaries of the latest meeting amid lingering geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East.

On the same day, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) hosted a business investment forum with the UAE, where both parties committed to strengthening partnerships in eco-friendly energy and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors between the two countries.

A group of 200 government officials and ranking businesspeople from both sides exchanged ideas on how to step up their ties in clean energy and telecommunication technologies, thereby leveling up their manufacturing and logistics synergies, according to the KCCI.

Participants included Koreas Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo and KCCI Executive Vice Chairman Park Il-joon. Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi also attended the event.

The UAE is the only country in the Middle East that maintains a special strategic relationship with Korea, Lee Seung-ryun, head of the economic collaboration division at the KCCI, said. Both countries will be able to elevate their bilateral collaboration through the latest momentum created during the forum.
Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday that it has agreed to set up a joint venture (JV) with a leading provider of climate solutions for a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) business in the United States and Canada.

According to Samsung, the newly established JV, named Samsung Lennox HVAC North America, will sell ductless AC and heat pump products in the U.S. and Canada.

The JV is 50.1 percent owned by Samsung, with the remaining stake being held by Lennox.

But Samsung did not reveal the amount of investment for the JV.

The JV will be distributing Samsung ductless AC and heat pump products, as well as "Lennox powered by Samsung"-branded products for Lennox, which will be sold through Lennox stores and direct-to-dealer network, according to Samsung. (Yonhap)
Peru's attorney general's office on Monday presented a so-called constitutional complaint against President Dina Boluarte in a case involving her use of luxury watches, a national scandal that could lead to removal proceedings.

The formal accusation comes as the leader's popularity has sunk to a new low according to polls.

The complaint accuses Boluarte of receiving a bribe. If Congress moves forward on it, the accusation could lead to Boluarte's ouster.

Peru's increasingly rocky politics has claimed several of Boluarte's predecessors in recent years, with lawmakers often playing the leading role in launching removal proceedings against the Andean nation's presidents.

Boluarte, a former vice president, has already faced questioning and police raids over her use of several Rolex watches and other jewelry that seem at odds with her modest public salary.

She has denied wrongdoing in the case, arguing that the luxury goods were loaned to her by a local governor.

The graft complaint marks the second constitutional complaint facing Boluarte during her less than two-year-old administration.

Last November, Peru's attorney general filed a complaint against the president over her handling of deadly social unrest after the ouster of her predecessor.

In late 2022, then-President Pedro Castillo tried to illegally dissolve Congress before a vote to remove him from office. His ouster and subsequent arrest plunged the country into weeks of angry and sometimes violent protests that claimed at least 40 lives. (Reuters)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that a tragic mistake was made in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that set fire to a camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.

The strike only added to the surging international criticism Israel has faced over its war with Hamas, with even its closest allies expressing outrage at civilian deaths. Israel insists it adheres to international law even as it faces scrutiny in the worlds top courts, one of which last week demanded that it halt the offensive in Rafah.

Netanyahu did not elaborate on the error. Israel's military initially said it had carried out a precise airstrike on a Hamas compound, killing two senior militants. As details of the strike and fire emerged, the military said it had opened an investigation into the deaths of civilians.

Sunday night's attack, which appeared to be one of the wars deadliest, helped push the overall Palestinian death toll in the war above 36,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants in its tally.

Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mistake, Netanyahu said Monday in an address to Israels parliament. We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy.

Mohammed Abuassa, who rushed to the scene in the northwestern neighborhood of Tel al-Sultan, said rescuers "pulled out people who were in an unbearable state.

We pulled out children who were in pieces. We pulled out young and elderly people. The fire in the camp was unreal, he said.

At least 45 people were killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and the Palestinian Red Crescent rescue service. The ministry said the dead included at least 12 women, eight children and three older adults, with another three bodies burned beyond recognition.

In a separate development, Egypts military said one of its soldiers was shot dead during an exchange of fire in the Rafah area, without providing further details. Israel said it was in contact with Egyptian authorities, and both sides said they were investigating.

An initial investigation found that the soldier had responded to an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, Egypts state-owned Qahera TV reported. Egypt has warned that Israels incursion in Rafah could threaten the two countries decades-old peace treaty .

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency closed meeting for Tuesday afternoon on the situation in Rafah at the request of Algeria, the Arab representative on the council, two council diplomats told The Associated Press.

Rafah, the southernmost Gaza city on the border with Egypt, had housed more than a million people  about half of Gaza's population  displaced from other parts of the territory. Most have fled once again since Israel launched what it called a limited incursion there earlier this month. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps in and around the city.

Elsewhere in Rafah, the director of the Kuwait Hospital, one of the citys last functioning medical centers, said it was shutting down and that staff members were relocating to a field hospital. Dr. Suhaib al-Hamas said the decision was made after a strike killed two health workers Monday at the entrance to the hospital.

Netanyahu says Israel must destroy what he says are Hamas last remaining battalions in Rafah. The militant group launched a barrage of rockets Sunday from the city toward heavily populated central Israel, setting off air raid sirens but causing no injuries.

The strike on Rafah brought a new wave of condemnation, even from Israel's strongest supporters.

The U.S. National Security Council said in a statement that the devastating images" from the strike on Rafah were "heartbreaking." It said the U.S. was working with the Israeli military and others to assess what happened.

French President Emmanuel Macron was more blunt, saying these operations must stop in a post on X. "There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire, he wrote.

The Foreign Office of Germany, which has been a staunch supporter of Israel for decades, said the images of charred bodies, including children, from the airstrike in Rafah are unbearable.

The exact circumstances must be clarified, and the investigation announced by the Israeli army must now come quickly," the ministry added. "The civilian population must finally be better protected.

Qatar, a key mediator in attempts to secure a cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, said the Rafah strike could complicate talks. Negotiations, which appear to be restarting, have faltered repeatedly over Hamas demand for a lasting truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, terms Israeli leaders have publicly rejected.

The Israeli militarys top legal official, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, said authorities were examining the strike in Rafah and that the military regrets the loss of civilian life.

Speaking to an Israeli lawyers conference, Tomer-Yerushalmi said Israel has launched 70 criminal investigations into possible violations of international law, including the deaths of civilians, the conditions at a detention facility holding suspected militants and the deaths of some inmates in Israeli custody. She said incidents of property crimes and looting were also being examined.

Israel has long maintained it has an independent judiciary capable of investigating and prosecuting abuses. But rights groups say Israeli authorities routinely fail to fully investigate violence against Palestinians and that even when soldiers are held accountable, the punishment is usually light.

Israel has denied allegations of genocide brought against it by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. Last week, the court ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, a ruling it has no power to enforce.

Separately, the chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court is seeking arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders, over alleged crimes linked to the war. The ICC only intervenes when it concludes that the state in question is unable or unwilling to properly prosecute such crimes.

Israel says it does its best to adhere to the laws of war. Israeli leaders also say they face an enemy that makes no such commitment, embeds itself in civilian areas and refuses to release Israeli hostages unconditionally.

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 about 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year.

Around 80 percent of Gazas 2.3 million people have fled their homes. Severe hunger is widespread, and U.N. officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine. (AP)
France's President Emmanuel Macron on Monday raised the alarm over the "ill wind" of the rise of the far right in European politics, during a state visit to Germany ahead of key EU elections.

Macron noted a "fascination with authoritarian regimes" in Europe, singling out Viktor Orban's government in Hungary for criticism.

"Everywhere in our democracies these ideas thrive, pushed by the extremes and in particular the far right," Macron said in a speech in the eastern city of Dresden, a bastion of support for Germany's far right.

"This ill wind is blowing in Europe, so let us wake up," he said in front of the city's famous Frauenkirche church.

Macron's trip comes two weeks ahead of European Union elections in which polls are indicating his centrist coalition is trailing the far right. It could even struggle to reach a third-place finish.

Macron, undertaking the first state visit by a French president to Germany in a quarter of a century, made a plea for the defense of democracy against nationalist forces as he arrived on Sunday.

In Germany too, all three parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition are polling behind the far-right AfD in surveys, despite a series of scandals embroiling the anti-immigration party.

After Macron's speech about 100 AfD supporters marched near the Dresden church.

'New responsibility'

"Europe is not just a place where we give ourselves common rules, it is a set of values," Macron said.

"We must find the strength and commitment to defend it everywhere," he added.

Macron also underlined the threat posed by Russian aggression since the invasion of Ukraine, saying Europeans had a "new responsibility" to guarantee peace.

Without supporting Ukraine and stopping Russia from imposing the "law of the strongest" on the battlefield, there would be no peace in Europe, Macron said.

"In Ukraine, it is your security, our peace that is at stake," Macron told the Dresden audience.

And Europe, he said, must think about "its own defense and security."

In a joint oped for the Financial Times daily published after the speech, Macron and Scholz warned Europe was "mortal" in the face of Russian aggression  a idea first coined by the French president.

"We can't take for granted the foundations on which we have built our European way of living and our role in the world," the two leaders wrote.

Holocaust memorial

Earlier, the French leader and his wife Brigitte Macron together with the German presidential couple visited the Holocaust memorial in Berlin that commemorates the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis.

Accompanying them was Nazi hunter Serge Klarsfeld and his German wife Beate, who underlined a resurgence of anti-Semitism, fuelled by Israel's offensive in Gaza following Hamas's attack on its territory.

"It's very good that the French president is meeting the German president before this monument, especially at a tragic time for the global Jewish community," said Klarsfeld.

The Klarsfelds have faced controversy lately over comments in favor of far-right leader Marine Le Pen, whom they praise for her engagement against anti-Semitism as opposed to her father Jean-Marie Le Pen.

Macron on Sunday labelled Le Pen's National Rally a "threat to Europe", stressing that he does not see them as "just another party."

The French president however skirted the issue as he presented the Klarsfelds with honors at the French embassy in Berlin to acknowledge their work "opening eyes" to the past and confronting crimes committed under the Nazis.

Macron will on Tuesday travel to Muenster in western Germany, where he will be presented with the Westphalian Peace Prize.

He will later meet with Scholz in Meseberg, near Berlin, for a joint Franco-German meeting of ministers.

Relations between the two leaders have been strained over their attitudes towards Europe and support for Ukraine, with the French president striking a more strident tone against Russia. (AFP)
Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday in a coordinated effort by the three western European nations to add international pressure on Israel to soften its devastating response to last years Hamas-led attack. Tel Aviv slammed the diplomatic move that will have no immediate impact on its grinding war in Gaza.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told his nation in a televised address from Madrid that this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace."

Israels Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Spain on X, saying Sanchez's government was being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.

Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalizing a decision they had jointly announced the previous week.

The Palestinian flag was raised in Dublin outside Leinster House, the seat of the Irish parliament.

This is an important moment and I think it sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope and destination of a two-state solution alive at a time when others are trying to sadly bomb it into oblivion, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said before his Cabinet meets to formally sign off on the decision.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement that for more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a Palestinian state. Today, when Norway officially recognizes Palestine as a state, is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.

While some 140 countries have recognized a Palestinian state  more than two-thirds of the United Nations  none of the major Western powers has done so. Still, the adherence of three European countries to the group represents a victory for Palestinian efforts in the world of public opinion, and will likely put pressure on EU heavyweights France and Germany to rethink their position.

Relations between the EU and Israel have nosedived with the diplomatic recognitions by two EU members, and Madrid insisting on Monday that the EU should take measures against Israel for its continued deadly attacks in southern Gazas city of Rafah.

After Mondays meeting of EU foreign ministers, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said for the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, I have seen a significant discussion on sanctions for Israel.

Harris, the Irish leader, insisted Tuesday the EU should consider economic sanctions for Israel, saying Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more."

Norway, which is not an EU member but often aligns its foreign policy with the bloc, handed diplomatic papers to the Palestinian government over the weekend ahead of its formal recognition.

At the same time, the EUs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell threw his weight behind the International Criminal Court, whose prosecutor is seeking an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, including leaders of the Hamas militant group.

The formal declaration and resulting diplomatic dispute come over seven months into an assault waged by Israel following the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack in which militants stormed across the Gaza border into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostage. Israels air and land attacks have killed 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry , which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Last week's joint announcement by Spain, Ireland and Norway triggered an angry response from Israeli authorities, which summoned the countries ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the Foreign Ministry, where they were filmed while being shown videos of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and abductions.

Slovenias Prime Minister Robert Golob said Monday his government will decide on the recognition of a Palestinian state on Thursday and forward its decision to parliament for final approval.

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. Netanyahus government says the conflict can only be resolved through direct negotiations.

In his speech on Tuesday, Sanchez said that the recognition of a Palestinian state was a decision that we do not adopt against anyone, least of all against Israel, a friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.

The Socialist leader has spent months touring European and Middle Eastern countries, including stops in Oslo and Dublin, to garner support for the recognition of a Palestinian state. He called for a permanent cease-fire, for stepping up humanitarian aid into Gaza and for the release of hostages still held by Hamas.

Spains foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, will meet with the Arab Contact Group in Spains capital on Wednesday, including Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Jordan.

Sanchez said that his intention was to back the beleaguered Palestinian Authority, which lost effective political control of Gaza to Hamas. He laid out his vision for a state ruled by the Palestinian Authority that must connect the West Bank and Gaza via a corridor with east Jerusalem as its capital.

The Western-backed Palestinian Authority administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, cooperates with Israel on security matters and favors a negotiated two-state solution. Its forces were driven out of Gaza by Hamas when the militants seized power there in 2007.

The Palestinians have long sought an independent state in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war. The idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but no serious or substantive peace negotiations have been held in over 15 years.

We will not recognize changes in the 1967 border lines other than those agreed to by the parties, Sanchez added.

Furthermore, this decision reflects our absolute rejection of Hamas, a terrorist organization who is against the two-state solution, Sanchez said. From the outset, Spain has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7. This clear condemnation is the resounding expression of our steadfast commitment in the fight against terrorism. I would like to underline that starting tomorrow we would focus all our efforts to implement the two state solution and make it a reality.

Irelands government said that it will appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in Ramallah in the West Bank.

Israel, which rejects the possibility of Palestinian statehood, recalled its ambassadors to Ireland, Norway and Spain after they announced the decision last week.

Norways Barth Eide added Tuesday that it is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively.

The recognition is a strong expression of support for moderate forces in both countries, Norways top diplomat said. (AP)
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

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Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 53F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Hoshi, a prominent member of the global group SEVENTEEN, has made headlines with his purchase of a luxurious residence in the upscale Nonhyeon-dong neighborhood of Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

According to SPOTV News, Hoshi acquired the high-end property Brighten N40 for a staggering 5.1 billion won (approx. 3.6 million USD), paying the entire amount in cash.

Designed by the illustrious French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the Brighten N40 building boasts not only exquisite architectural design but also meticulous landscaping that ensures privacy for its residents.

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Wilmotte, renowned for his work on the Louis Vuitton headquarters, has infused the building with a blend of modern elegance and functional privacy, making it a coveted residence among celebrities and high-net-worth individuals.

Les membres visiteront enfin lexposition  Metro ! Le Grand Paris en mouvement  de Dominique Perrault, la Fondation Wilmotte, ainsi que lEspace Louis Vuitton ou leur confrere Fabrice Hyber expose jusquen janvier 2024 ( La foresta invisibile ). pic.twitter.com/sdvqcNHkVM  Academie des beaux-arts (@AcadBeauxarts) May 16, 2023

The 149 unit was purchased by Hoshi on April 12 last year, with the registration completed on July 28. The transaction, notable for its full cash payment, reflects Hoshi's financial success and stable economic standing.

This purchase follows closely on the heels of another high-profile acquisition in the same building by Yoo Jae Suk, a beloved South Korean television personality.

oh hoshi is going to boast the yoo-line even more that he is now yoo jaesuk neighbors 

also hoshi is the youngest owner of the penthouse in brighten n40 and he bought it last year!  https://t.co/PcHyDmQJ9a May 27, 2024

Yoo's purchase, amounting to approximately 8.7 billion won (6.4 million USD) in cash, marked the end of his 15-year rental period and underscored the desirability of the Brighten N40 residence among Korea's elite. Hoshi, born in 1996, has seen a meteoric rise to fame since debuting with SEVENTEEN.

As the new boy group of PLEDIS will debut on 2024, lets bring back this interaction of them with SEVENTEEN during CARATLAND  everybody say thank you, Hoshi  he made them dance to fighting 

Hoshi, the king of spoiler indeed. pic.twitter.com/IKCXrFOuWi  Yna (@MINWONsRamen) December 20, 2023

Known for his dynamic performance skills and charismatic stage presence, he has helped the group achieve significant popularity both in South Korea and internationally.

READ MORE: SEVENTEEN Spills the Tea on How They Avoided K-Pop Group Drama & Stayed Stronger

SEVENTEEN's recent activities include their highly successful "SEVENTEEN Tour 'Follow' Again To Japan," which took place at the Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa, Japan over two days, May 25 and 26.

The tour, marked by sold-out shows and enthusiastic fan responses, highlights the group's continuing influence and the strong support they receive from their global fanbase.

The news of Hoshi's real estate investment is a testament to the lucrative careers that K-pop idols can enjoy. With the increasing international reach of K-pop, artists like Hoshi are not only cultural icons but also significant economic players.

The ability to purchase such high-value properties outright demonstrates the substantial earnings and financial acumen that some of these stars possess.

As SEVENTEEN continues to dominate the music charts and expand their international tours, Hoshi's latest acquisition is likely to be seen as both a personal milestone and a symbol of the prosperity that successful K-pop careers can bring.

His investment in Brighten N40 not only secures a luxurious living space but also positions him within a community of fellow high-profile individuals, further cementing his status as a top-tier celebrity in South Korea.

ALSO READ: SEVENTEEN The8 Cries On Stage Due To Exhaustion - What Happened?

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Cassidy Jones.
PRNewswire

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 28: Alliance University proudly launched three innovative undergraduate programmes in Public Policy, Public Administration, and Politics and Governance. These programmes, housed under the Centre of Excellence in Public Policy, Sustainability, and ESG Research, are meticulously designed to align with India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, encapsulated in the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' initiative. The launch event took place on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Moot Court, Learning Centre, Alliance University, under the theme 'Forging the Way Ahead: Policy Making for Viksit Bharat 2047'.

Also Read | Assam Rains: One Killed, Several Injured As Heavy Rains Batter North Eastern State Due to Impact of Cyclone Remal.

Programme Highlights:

-Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy: Majors include Economics, Climate Justice and Sustainability, ESG and Business Sustainability, and Social Policymaking.

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-Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration: Majors include Business, Governance and Society, International Governance, Business Administration, and Disaster Management.

-Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance: Majors include Economics, Comparative Politics, Psychology and Elections, and Policy and Politics.

Each programme emphasizes a multidimensional approach to public policy problem-solving, integrating STEM and SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy) disciplines to enhance problem-solving skills. Key disciplines such as leadership, psychology, sociology, and new-age courses are incorporated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, and cultural dimensions of policymaking.

The programmes are designed to foster critical thinking and address global challenges through a curriculum that includes contemporary courses on AI, Blockchain, Bitcoin, human rights, global challenges, climate change, SDG 2030, government policies, bureaucracy, and more.

The launch event was inaugurated by distinguished guests, Dr. Navneet Sharma, Director General, CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition; Dr. Ashwin Mahesh, Founder & CEO, LVBL Accelerator; and Dr. Sairam Bhat, Professor of Law, National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. Dignitaries from Alliance University also graced the occasion.

Dr. V Shyam Kishore, Interim Dean, Alliance School of Law, delivered the welcome address, marking the launch as a significant milestone for Alliance University and highlighting its commitment to addressing global challenges through education and policy.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Abhay G Chebbi, Pro-Chancellor, emphasized India's growth as a developed nation and the importance of globalization at minimal cost, the expanded scope of societal and economic impact, and the significance of ESG reporting amidst climate change research. He underscored the university's dedication to community and campus through SDG-themed education and research.

Dr. Priestly Shan, Pro-Vice Chancellor Academics at Alliance University, discussed the multidisciplinary approach of the university, noting the publication of 382 top papers and the granting of six international patents. He announced the launch of the WIPO Green Call on sustainable areas and highlighted collaboration efforts between academicians, think tanks, and public policy leaders.

Dr. Mukul Saxena, Professor and Director of the Centre for PG and Legal Studies and the Centre of Excellence in Public Policy, Sustainability, and ESG Research, presented the curriculum's design aimed at future leaders dedicated to addressing climate change and promoting societal development. He emphasized the necessity of political and social reforms to prioritize education and sustainability.

The event concluded with a panel discussion on critical issues facing India's development, including environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and the digital divide. The panel featured insights from Dr. Navneet Sharma on policy implementation; Dr. Ashwin Mahesh on the roles of the state, market, and society; and Dr. Sairam Bhat on India's global contributions and education quality. Dr. Mukul Saxena advocated for a scientific approach to policy implementation and behavioral changes necessary for policy acceptance.

Alliance University aims to host a grand launch of the Centre of Excellence in Sustainability, Policy, and ESG Research in September 2024, further solidifying its commitment to rigorous, evidence-based scientific research in public policy, sustainability, and ESG.

About Alliance University

Established in 2010, Alliance University stands as South India's pioneering private institution, nestled in the vibrant city of Bengaluru, Karnataka. Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the university is committed to fostering a community of lifelong learners and shaping global citizens.

In 2010, Alliance University became South India's first private university by Act No. 34. Subsequently, in 2012, the institution established the Alliance College of Engineering & Design and the Alliance School of Law. Notably, in 2014, the university conferred Honorary Doctorates to Nobel Laureate Mr. Kailash Satyarthi and Padma Bhushan Smt. Rajashree Birla. In 2016, Alliance University hosted its inaugural international alumni reunion in Dubai.

The accolades received over the years include the 2013 Excellence in Education Award for the Most Innovative University by The Economic Times and the 2015 Best Private University of the Year by ASSOCHAM. In 2020, the university secured a notable 39th rank among management institutions in the NIRF Rankings.Recent achievements from 2022 to 2023 include being ranked 238 in Southern Asia and 751-800 in QS Asia University Rankings. Alliance University also secured the 25th position in the Law category and the 87th position in the Management category in the NIRF Rankings.

Additionally, the university debuted TEDxAllianceUniversity, achieved a DIAMOND rating by QS I. GAUGE, hosted the inaugural Alliance ONE festival, and received the Times Business Awards 2023 for Excellence in Placement & Corporate Mentorship.

With 11+ Schools and Departments across 4 Faculty Groups, 300+ World-Class Faculty, and 570+ Recruiting Partners for 2023, Alliance University remains a dynamic hub for academic excellence. The institution is a founding member of PACT 2030 -- an SDG initiative by QS India, offering 31+ Undergraduate Programs, 9+ Postgraduate Programs, and 7+ Doctoral Programs. The university emphasizes experiential learning, renowned faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities to provide a holistic educational experience.

The mission of Alliance University is to provide a dynamic, high-quality setting for teaching, research, and service, facilitating global collaboration and knowledge dissemination to transform lives through innovation and excellence in higher education. The university's clarion call is 'A World of Opportunities', reflecting its unwavering commitment to empowering individuals in both academic pursuits and personal growth.

Contact

Merin Mariya+91 8046199153 merin.mariya@alliance.edu.in

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422356/Alliance_Programmes_Undergraduate.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2353585/4665387/AU_Logo.jpg

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NewsVoir

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], May 28: KSB Limited, a pioneer in the manufacturing of critical application pumps for Nuclear power plants, has added a new feather to its cap. The Nuclear Projects Division of KSB Limited (Shirwal Plant) was recently credited with the distinguished ISO 19443:2018 certification.

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Responding to this notable achievement, Nitin Patil, Vice President, Nuclear Business, KSB Limited said, "We are pleased to announce that KSB Limited is the first company in India in the pump industry to be accredited with ISO 19443:2018 certification. As the industry leader, and a trusted partner for nuclear power projects in India, we believe it is our responsibility to take continuous efforts in setting new industry standards. Adoption to new practices like this is a testament to our competence and commitment to excellence."

Under this certification, KSB would cover the development, production, marketing, and servicing of pumps, auxiliary components, and systems in the nuclear field for products and systems classified as ITNS (Important to Nuclear Safety).

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ISO 19443 is an international standard that defines the specific requirements of a quality management system for organizations supplying products and services important to nuclear safety (ITNS). It ensures robust quality management systems and the implementation of rigorous safety protocols.

"This certification is vital as it demonstrates our adherence to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance, which are paramount in the nuclear power sector. The significance of ISO 19443 lies in its implementation to achieve proper operating conditions, prevent accidents, and mitigate accident consequences, resulting in the protection of workers, the public, and the environment from undue radiation risks, and enhancing the confidence of our clients and stakeholders in our processes and products," he added.

KSB Limited Founded in 1960 in India is a part of KSB SE & Co KGaA., - one of the world's leading suppliers of pumps, valves and systems. Combining innovative technology and excellent service to provide intelligent solutions, the company has been offering innovative and sturdy solutions to cater to the myriad needs of the Indian Customer may it be in power, oil, building services, process engineering, water treatment, water transport, etc. The activities of KSB's in-house research centre focus on the areas of hydraulics, sealing technology, materials, production technology and automation.

Today the KSB group has a presence on all the continents with its own sales and marketing companies, manufacturing facilities and service operations. More than 15,000 employees generate annual consolidated sales revenue of over Two billion Euros.

For more information, please visit: Website: www.ksb.com/en-in.

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New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalty on Yes Bank and ICICI Bank for non-compliances with certain directions issued by it.

The penalties imposed on them are Rs 91 lakh and Rs 1 crore, respectively, RBI said in its orders.

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RBI said Yes Bank did not comply with 'Customer Service in Banks', and 'Un-authorized Operation of lnternal/Office Accounts'.

Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions

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After considering the bank's reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and examination of additional submissions made by it, RBI found that the charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty.

The bank, it asserted, levied charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance in certain savings accounts having insufficient/zero balance; opened and operated certain internal accounts in the name of its customers for unauthorized purposes like parking funds and routing customer transactions.

Separately, RBI said ICICI Bank did not comply with certain directions issued by RBI on 'Loans and Advances - Statutory and Other Restrictions'.

RBI found that ICICI Bank had sanctioned term loan(s) to certain entities in lieu of or to substitute budgetary resources envisaged for certain projects; without undertaking due diligence on the viability and bankability of the projects to ensure that revenue streams from the projects were sufficient to take care of the debt servicing obligations; the repayment/servicing of which was made out of budgetary resources; and without ensuring that the funding proposals were for specific monitorable projects. (ANI)

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PNN

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], May 28: Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, has announced the commencement of manufacturing of Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS) analyzers in India. The analyzers will be engineered, manufactured and validated at Thermo Fisher's facility at Nasik, Maharashtra.

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Thermo Fisher has been supporting leading players in cement, metals, mining, oil and gas, power, chemicals and other industries in India with these analyzers, manufactured at its facilities in the USA and China. The analyzers are then assembled into Make in India Class 1 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) at its Pune facility.

By now manufacturing these analyzers in India, Thermo Fisher has further fortified its commitment to India's localization and environmental stewardship efforts.

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Designed to provide accurate data on air pollutants and gases, the AQMS analyzers play a crucial role in monitoring and regulating industrial emissions, contributing to the government's efforts in curbing air pollution.

Jatinder Singh Kamyotra, former Member Secretary and Director of Central Pollution Control Board, a key figure in India's clean air initiatives, believes that the availability of these Make in India Class 1 CAAQMS will strengthen the monitoring network. Speaking at the launch he stated, "The localization will minimize downtime for the availability of these analyzers and enable stakeholders to provide better quality data to formulate policies to positively impact the environment."

Nihar Sahoo, Ph. D., Chief Environmental Engineer, State Pollution Control Board and Head of the National Clean Air Programme, Odisha, further added, "The National Clean Air Programme aims at reducing air pollution by 20-40% with a focus on reduction of Pollutants PM10 and PM2.5. To ensure that we achieve these ambitious targets, there is a need for high-quality equipment that provides accurate and consistent baseline data on the particulate and gas pollutants. The programme was initiated in 2019 and since most of the systems, particularly for continuous air monitoring were imported, we faced many challenges in the operations and maintenance of these systems. The availability of Make in India Class 1 CAAQMS systems is likely to reduce the overall cost and turnaround time, thereby accelerating the effective implementation of the program."

Thermo Fisher offers the industry's most comprehensive line of environment monitoring systems such as CAAQMS and CEMS for detecting a broad range of gaseous and aerosol pollutants.

Miguel Faustino, President, Chemical Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific, highlighted the company's commitment to India's sustainable business environment, saying, "Thermo Fisher's Mission to enable our customer to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer is aligned to India's ambitious sustainability goals. The localization of our industry-leading innovations reflects our ongoing investments to address the complex environmental and process monitoring challenges in the country."

Srinath Venkatesh, Managing Director, India & South Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific, emphasized the significance of these efforts, stating, "Air pollution remains a major challenge in India, impacting the health and well-being of millions. By investing in localized capabilities, we strive to strengthen our partnership with government and regulatory stakeholders for action-oriented measures for a healthier, cleaner and safer India."

Thermo Fisher's monitoring solutions have been instrumental in helping manufacturing plants across industries such as food and beverage, oil and gas, petrochemicals, power generation, steel and metals, and mining, operate safely, efficiently and in compliance.The company established operations in India in 1996, continually expanding its operations and reach across the country. With its headquarters in Mumbai, the company has an employee strength of over 4400 employees operating in 42 cities. Through its extensive capabilities, including eight distribution centers, eight manufacturing facilities, five application labs and two R&D centers, supported by an extensive network of 400-plus channel partners, Thermo Fisher offers advanced technologies to meet the diverse needs of its customers in India.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue over $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

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Aizawl, May 28: A stone quarry collapse claimed the lives of as many as ten individuals in the capital of Mizoram, Aizawl following incessant rains, said police officials. According to authorities, seven fatalities were confirmed initially by Mizoram Director General of Police, Anil Shukla, with subsequent reports raising the toll to ten.

The incident occurred on the outskirts of Aizawl, where heavy rains triggered the collapse. In addition to the loss of lives, numerous trees and electric poles were uprooted, while several roads became impassable due to the deluge. The Mizoram DGP also said that several landslide incidents have also been reported from different parts of the state. Mizoram: Stone Quarry Collapses Amid Incessant Rainfall in Aizawl; Five People Killed, Several Others Missing.

"Police personnel are engaged in rescue operations. The water levels of rivers are also rising and many people living in the riverside areas have been evacuated," the DGP said. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced comprehensive relief measures to aid those affected by Cyclone Remal within the state. The Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Mizoram, revealed that affected individuals will receive assistance totalling Rs 15 crore, while relatives of the deceased will be provided ex-gratia payments of Rs 4 lakhs each.

Meanwhile, some after-effects of cyclone Remal hit Mizoram which shares borders with Bangladesh prompting the state administration to issue precautionary measures. It stated that All government offices, except those essential for disaster management, health services, and public utilities, were ordered closed on May 28, 2024. Mizoram: Stone Quarry Collapses Amid Incessant Rainfall in Aizawl; Five People Killed, Several Others Missing.

The Mizoram administration said in a release, "In view of the inclement weather and the warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on "Cyclone Remal", the State Government hereby orders closure of all Government offices today i.e., 28th May, 2024 (Tuesday) with the exception of offices rendering essential services such as Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, District Administration, Health and Family Welfare, Mizoram Police, Power and Electricity, Public Health Engineering, etc."

Mizoram Quarry Collapse

#BREAKING : Ten people died and several others were missing as a stone quarry collapsed in Mizoram's Aizawl district on Tuesday morning amid incessant rains as an impact of cyclone Remal#cycloneRemal #cyclone #Mizoram #Aizawl #landslide pic.twitter.com/8KZvUcQSfX  mishikasingh (@mishika_singh) May 28, 2024

"Secretaries and Heads of Departments shall ensure that Officers and staff of their respective departments shall "work from home" on this day and be available in case of any exigencies," the release added. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings of squally winds, ranging from 40-50 kmph to 35-45 kmph across different regions and said that the adverse weather conditions were anticipated to persist until the evening of May 28, 2024, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness among residents.

"Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely over South. Assam and Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph is likely over Nagaland, Manipur and remaining parts of Assam till afternoon noon of 28th and thereafter very likely to decrease and becoming 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph over Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram & Tripura till 28th May evening," IMD said.
Mumbai, May 28: At least six persons suffered burn injuries after a fire broke out at an industrial compound in Dharavi slum area of Mumbai on Tuesday, civic officials said. The injured persons were rushed to the nearby civic-run Sion hospital where they were undergoing treatment. Their condition was reported to be stable, they said.

The fire erupted in a three-storey and four storey structures at the Ashok Mill Compound at Kala Qila in Dharavi area at around 3.45 am, a civic official said.

At least five fire engines and other fire fighting vehicles, including water tankers, were rushed to the spot, the official said, adding that efforts were on to douse the blaze. Mumbai: Fire Breaks Out at Two Structures in Dharavi Area, Six People Injured; Firefighting Operation Underway.

The fire was confined to wooden material and furniture, among other things, another civic official said. A police official said they learnt the fire started from a textile unit in the industrial compound. Mumbai Fire: Blaze Erupts at Godown in Reay Road Area, Firefighting Operations Underway (Watch Video).

Dharavi Fire

Watch: A fierce fire has broken out in a warehouse in the Reay Road area of South Mumbai. The cause of the fire is not clear at the moment. Five fire brigade vehicles are engaged in extinguishing the fire. pic.twitter.com/83R634YHCk  IANS (@ians_india) April 18, 2024

Mumbai Blaze

The city police, staff of the civic ward, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) and ambulances reached the spot. The cause of the fire was not yet known.
Kolkata, May 28 (PTI) The Bangladesh Police will be conducting DNA tests of the blood specimen found in a flat in New Town near here and match the results with that of one of the relatives of Bangladesh MP Anwarul Azim Anar to confirm that the politician was murdered, an officer said on Tuesday.

It is suspected that Anar, who has been missing for a fortnight, was killed in that flat and his body parts were thrown into a canal.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Misleading People in Name of Religion for Power, Says Priyanka Gandhi.

The DNA tests would be conducted as the last option in case the body parts of the Awami League MP could not be found, an officer of the Dhaka police visiting Kolkata as part of the investigation said.

"In case the body parts are not found, then we will conduct DNA tests on the blood samples and match the result with the DNA of one of Anar's family members to establish the identity and start a case according to the law," the officer said.

Also Read | Porsche Car Crash: Pune Court Sends Minor's Father Vishal Agarwal in Police Custody Till May 31 in Driver Kidnapping Case.

A three-member team of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch is in the city to investigate the death of Anar. The team is being led by the Detective Branch chief Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid.

The Disaster Management Team of the Kolkata Police on Tuesday resumed search in the Bagjola canal adjacent to an amusement park near Rajarhat, an officer said.

Kolkata Police officers, however, said that finding the body parts would be a tough job due to heavy rainfall following Cyclone Remal on Monday.

"It's been over a fortnight that the crime was carried out. The body parts were chopped into smaller parts and there was a high chance that those were eaten up by aquatic animals. The Bagjola Canal has dirty water and the body parts could be swept away by the flow," the police officer said.

Divers were employed to spot the body parts as well as the murder tools from the canal, he added.

Assuming that blood was drained out from the bathroom of the flat, where the lawmaker of the Bangladeshi ruling party, was suspected of being murdered, a team of police officers were testing the drain pipes, he said.

The search for the missing MP, who reportedly arrived in Kolkata on May 12 to undergo medical treatment, 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.

Anar had stayed at Biswas's house upon arrival.

In his complaint, Biswas stated that Anar left his Baranagar residence for a doctor's appointment in the afternoon of May 13 and that he would be back home for dinner.

Biswas claimed that the Bangladesh MP went incommunicado on May 17, which prompted him to file a missing complaint a day later.

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Gangtok, May 28 (PTI) Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) president Pawan Kumar Chamling on Tuesday exuded confidence in winning the assembly polls and urged party workers to maintain peace in the state.

The SDF supremo hit out at the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government for allegedly "jeopardising peace and security" in the state by indulging in a "culture of political violence" against its adversaries and even common people for opposing the ruling party's ideology and decisions.

Also Read | Manipur Rains: Incessant Rainfall Affects Normal Life Across State; Several Areas Flooded, Mudslide Reported Near Sinam Village (Watch Video).

"The people have decided to facilitate SDF to return to power in an apparent disapproval of political violence perpetrated by SKM goons," he said.

He was addressing the SDF's central executive committee meeting at the party office in Indira Bypass near here.

Also Read | Haryana Fire: Several Sustain Burn Injuries After Massive Blaze Engulfs Rubber Belt-Making Factory in Sonipat (Watch Video).

The SDF's potential return to power also entails responsibility on the party leaders and workers who must ensure peace and security in Sikkim, said Chamling, a five-term chief minister.

He also asserted that the assembly election results, which will be out on June 2, will determine the fate and future of Sikkim and Sikkimese people.

"If the SDF comes to power, we will stop the culture of violence at once and respect the contrarian views of the civil society," the former chief minister said.

There will be "no discrimination, no political victimisation and no political harassment", he said.

"We will take all citizens on the path of development and prosperity over the next five years," he added.

Chamling thanked all party leaders and workers during the Sikkim assembly polls and said that it was only because of the teamwork that the party was in reckoning to form a government after the results of the 32-member state legislature would be declared.

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Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 28 (ANI): Congress Candidate from Kolkata North Lok Sabha Seat, Pradip Bhattacharya on Tuesday claimed that the Congress and left parties will come to power in Bengal by 2026.

"I will start a movement from North Kolkata... This government in Bengal has done corruption in all ways and it is deep-rooted now... On one hand, my fight is with the BJP and on the other hand, it is with TMC. We have made an alliance with the left parties. Congress party and left parties are fighting together in the whole of Bengal... By 2026, the Congress and the left parties will come to power in Bengal," he told ANI.

Also Read | Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire: 'Missing' TRP Game Zone Owner Prakash Hiran Confirmed Dead in Blaze Tragedy.

He also claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in North Kolkata "will have no effect" in the upcoming polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held an impromptu roadshow in West Bengal's Barasat, where he also addressed a public meeting. PM Modi will also hold a mega roadshow in Kolkata on May 29.

Also Read | Atishi Alleges Haryana Stopped Yamuna Water Supply to Delhi, Says Govt May Move Supreme Court (Watch Video).

Congress Candidate from Kolkata North Lok Sabha Seat, Pradip Bhattacharya, also claimed that BJP will not get more than 10 seats in the West Bengal Lok Sabha election.

"This time BJP's (performance) will be very bad in Bengal... (BJP's organisation (ground level) is very weak, what (BJP) says that they will will get 30 seats... that is wrong. (BJP) once got 18 seats, that's it, next time they (BJP) will not get more than 10 seats," he said.

Pradip Bhattacharya also claimed that the PM Modi-led BJP government uses the ED and CBI for politically motivated reasons. However, he termed the central agencies inquiry in West Bengal as correct.

"He (referring to PM Modi) uses ED CBI, but the ED and CBI inquiry in Bengal is for the right reason. What I have seen in India is that the politically motivated BJP government uses ED and CBI," he said.

He also said that when the result of the 2024 Lok Sabha election comes, the BJP will not be in power as the country's people will remove the BJP from power.

"June 4, when the results are out, you (BJP) will not be in power, the country's people will remove you (BJP) from power," he said.

Responding to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee not attending INDIA bloc meeting on June 1, he said, "I think just to give concession to Modiji, she wanted to show him that I am not going to INDIA, this is a matter of setting, it is a matter of setting of Mamata-Modi," he said.

Announcing she would skip the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled to be held on June 1, Trinamool Congress Chairperson and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stressed that providing relief to the people of the state after the cyclone Remal is her foremost priority along with the seventh phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Congress' Pradip Bhattacharya will fight for the Kolkata North Lok Sabha Seat against BJP Dr Tapas Roy and TMC's Sudip Bandopadhyay.

Polling in Kolkata North, along with Basirhat, Barasat, Diamond Harbour, Dum Dum, Jaynagar, Jadavpur, Kolkata South and Mathurapur, will be held in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha election on June 1 in West Bengal. The vote counting will take place on June 4. (ANI)

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Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, May 28 (PTI) Police in Beed district identified 316 objectionable posts on social media platforms and registered 16 offences in the last two months, a senior officer said on Tuesday.

Police have been closely monitoring social media contents in Beed, where violence had erupted during the Maratha quota agitation and houses of some politicians were targeted.

Also Read | Swati Maliwal Assault Case: Delhi Court Sends Arvind Kejriwal's Aide Bibhav Kumar to Three-Day Police Custody (Watch Video).

"We have so far identified 316 posts on social media and deleted 263. We will trace those persons behind the rest 53 posts," Superintendent of Police Nandkumar Thakur told PTI.

Police have taken prohibitory action against 191 people and registered 16 offences, he added.

Also Read | Food Poisoning in Rajasthan: Three Die of Food Poisoning at Engagement Ceremony in Udaipur District, 22 Hospitalised.

He said a majority of the social media posts are related to castes, indecent language, and morphing.

Police have shortlisted some of the active members and appropriate actions will be taken against them, Thakur said.

Notably, a video purportedly containing remarks against a particular community in the backdrop of tension between two caste groups in a village in Beed district has gone viral, prompting leaders of various political parties to appeal for peace.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and Ajit Pawar (NCP) have appealed for maintaining peace and avoiding such commentary.

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Agartala, May 28: Heavy and persisting rain has caused significant destruction in Tripura's Baishgharia area, causing the wall collapse of a cemetery, severely damaging a neighbouring house and resulting in the death of livestock under the jurisdiction of the Teliamura Police Station. According to local sources, the incident occurred around 6:30 PM on Monday during a downpour. The boundary wall of the cemetery crashed into the house of Prabir Das, situated about eight to ten feet away from the wall. The impact damaged the house's walls and led to the immediate death of a cow housed in an adjacent shed.

Prabir Das alleged that the boundary wall's construction was substandard and poorly planned, leading to this unfortunate incident. Despite the gravity of the situation, only local officials, including the tehsildar and village head, inspected the damaged property. Nevertheless, no senior officials have visited the site yet. Cyclone Remal Update: Powerful Cyclonic Storm Leaves Devastation in Its Wake As It Makes Landfall in Coastal West Bengal (Watch Videos).

The affected residents and local community members are demanding proper compensation from the authorities. They emphasise the need for a thorough investigation into the quality and planning of the boundary wall's construction to prevent future occurrences.

In a related incident, a portion of the side wall at Teliamura Sub-Divisional Hospital also collapsed due to the rain, causing widespread concern among the public. Additionally, significant damage was reported at a madrasa in Baishgharia, further highlighting the severe impact of the recent weather. The community urged the administration to take immediate and appropriate action to address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of all affected residents. Cyclone Remal Update: Heavy Rains, Gusty Winds Lash Kolkata as Cyclone Remal Landfall Begins in West Bengal (Watch Videos).

Meanwhile, one person was killed and 17 people sustained injuries in Assam due to heavy rains accompanied by strong winds after Cyclone Remal in several parts of the state, officials said on Tuesday. The severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' has weakened since making landfall last night and is expected to downgrade into a deep depression by the evening, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) announced on Monday.

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Guguram (Haryana) [India], May 28 (ANI): Social media influencer Bobby Kataria has been arrested by the Gurugram Police on charges of human trafficking, the police said on Tuesday.

Kataria, whose real name is Balwant Kataria was arrested by the police on Monday night from his office in Gurugram Sector-109.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Misleading People in Name of Religion for Power, Says Priyanka Gandhi.

The police also conducted raids at the accused's premises and seized incriminating documents along with some mobile phones and cash.

Gurugram Police PRO Sandeep Kumar said that a complaint was filed against the social media influencer, wherein the complainant alleged that Kataria took Rs 4 lakh from him on the pretext of getting him a job in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Also Read | Porsche Car Crash: Pune Court Sends Minor's Father Vishal Agarwal in Police Custody Till May 31 in Driver Kidnapping Case.

But, the complainant and one of his friends were taken to Laos, and were forced to work at a "fake call centre".

"On the inputs of Central agency, Gurugram Police had conducted a raid. The complainant had alleged that Bobby Katarai had promised to get him a job in UAE and on this pretext, took Rs 4 lakh from him. Following this, he sent the complainant and one of his friends to Laos," the Gurugram Police PRO told ANI.

"The two people were taken to a fake call centre, where their passports were taken away, and they were beaten up and forced to work there. The complainant was able to flee from the place and contact Indian government officials, and with their help, he returned to India. He registered a complaint against Kataria in Gurugram," he added.

The case has been registered against the social media influencer under charges of assault, human trafficking and section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.

When asked if there were some "Pakistani agents" of Kataria also involved in this case, the official said that this is being investigated.

The police further said that the accused has a criminal background, and there are seven cases registered against him.

Further investigation is underway, and more details are awaited in the case.

Last year in August, Bobby Kataria was arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with smoking on board a flight. He was arrested for being "non-cooperative and evasive."

The social media influencer later came out on bail in September 2023. (ANI)

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New Delhi, May 28 (PTI) Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra met with Google's Chief Health Officer Dr Karen DeSalvo at a side event of the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva and highlighted the need for greater collaboration in AI, an official statement said.

Chandra is leading the Indian delegation at the assembly organised by the World Health Organization.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 6: Election Commission Revises Voter Turnout to 63.37% in Sixth Phase of General Polls.

He highlighted the need for greater collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and spreading awareness about digital health tools, a statement said.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the ongoing engagement between Google Research and the Union Health Ministry in making digital health tools more accessible to people.

Also Read | Palghar Train Derailment Videos: Six Wagons of Goods Train Derail at Palghar Yard; Mumbai Local Train Services, Express Trains Affected.

At the outset, the Union health secretary appreciated the ongoing engagement.

"He expressed the need for exploring possible collaboration in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and sought Google's support to the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), building more digital health tools like Automated Retinal Disease Assessment (ARDA) and make them ABDM enabled, and in spreading awareness about ABDM among the student community as well as the startup community," the statement said.

The Google team highlighted its existing engagement with India's National Health Authority (NHA).

It has been engaged with the NHA since 2022 when Google's AI model for ARDA was listed on ABDM's website under the open call for Expression of Interest for creating a digital health ecosystem for India.

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New Delhi, May 28 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives and damage wreaked by a devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea, and said India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage caused by the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea. Our heartfelt condolences to the affected families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured. India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance," the prime minister posted on X.

Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Baby Sold to Gay Man for Rs 4.65 Lakh; Police Arrest Six Including Parents, Rescue Infant.

According to the Papua New Guinea government, more than 2,000 people are believed to have been buried alive in a landslide in the South Pacific island nation, after the side of a mountain came down in the early hours of Friday morning when the village of Yambali was asleep.

The settlement is located in a restive and remote area in the interior of the poor, rural nation off the northern coast of Australia, making search and rescue efforts complicated and hazardous.

Also Read | Thane Road Accident: Labourer Killed, Two Others Injured As Dumper Runs Over Them in Maharashtra.

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Chikkaballapur (Karnataka) [India], May 28 (ANI): The Karnataka police on Tuesday arrested a school headmaster for allegedly raping a Class 7 student, an official said.

The accused has been identified as G Venkatesh, headmaster of a government school in Chikkaballapur district, Shidlaghatta, who has been accused of raping a class 7 student studying in his school.

Also Read | 'Garmee Hai Kaafi': Rahul Gandhi Swelters Under Intense Heat While Delivering Speech at Poll Rally in Uttar Pradesh's Deoria (Watch Video).

The incident came to light when the student's parents noticed her absence of menstruation for the past five months. Concerned, they took her to a doctor for an examination, only to discover that she was three months pregnant. When questioned, the student revealed that Venkatesh, the headmaster, had been sexually assaulting her for the past six months within the confines of the school office. Despite her protests, the abuse continued, Police said.

G Venkatesh, the Headmaster of the school, had allegedly raped the victim for the past six months in the school office room. The student has stated that he allegedly raped her though she protested against it.

Also Read | Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire: 'Missing' TRP Game Zone Owner Prakash Hiran Confirmed Dead in Blaze Tragedy.

Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and IPC Section 376 against the accused Venkatesh, who has been taken into custody by the police, an official said.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

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Thane, May 28: A labourer was killed and two other persons were injured when a dumper ran over them at the Samruddhi Expressway construction site in Maharashtra's Thane district, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place at around 11.30 pm on Sunday near the Washala bridge in Kasara area of the district, they said. The labourers working at the construction site were sleeping on a roadside when the dumper which was passing by from there ran over them, an official from Kasara police station said. ST Bus Accident in Maharashtra: Brake Failure Causes MSRTC Bus Mishap in Thane's Shahapur, 19 Injured (Watch Video).

The deceased has been identified as Ashok Jadhav (50). His 22-year-old son and a woman aged 60 were injured in the incident, the police said. After being alerted, police reached the spot. They sent the body to a government hospital for postmortem and rushed the injured persons to a local hospital where they were undergoing treatment, the official said. Maharashtra Road Accident Video: One Killed As Container Truck Overturns and Catches Fire in Thane.

An FIR has been since registered against the dumper driver under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act, they said, adding that no arrest has been made so far.
Mumbai, May 28 (PTI) Benchmark equity indices climbed in early trade on Tuesday amid buying in HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries along with a positive monsoon forecast.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 194.9 points to 75,585.40 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up by 59.95 points to 22,992.40.

Also Read | Rajasthan: Under-Trial Prisoner Awaiting Verdict for Last Two Years in Theft Case Hurls Slipper at Magistrate in Bhilwara Court After Hearing Gets Deferred, Additional Case Registered.

From the Sensex firms, NTPC, JSW Steel, Tata Steel, Wipro, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Finance, Mahindra & Mahindra, HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries were the biggest gainers.

Tech Mahindra, ITC, Power Grid, Asian Paints and Titan were among the laggards.

Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Baby Sold to Gay Man for Rs 4.65 Lakh; Police Arrest Six Including Parents, Rescue Infant.

Equity benchmarks were on a record-breaking rally for the third straight day on Monday ahead of the results of Lok Sabha polls.

The results of the ongoing general elections will be declared on June 4.

"Nifty is expected to continue its upward trend, though key events like the exit poll results, GDP data, and May F&O expiry could influence the market. Positive monsoon forecasts are likely to support agricultural output and economic growth," said Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd.

India's core monsoon zone covering most of the rain-fed agriculture areas in the country is likely to receive above-normal rainfall this season, the IMD said on Monday.

In Asian markets, Seoul and Hong Kong were quoting in the positive territory while Tokyo and Shanghai traded lower.

US markets were closed on Monday for the Memorial Day holiday.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.23 per cent to USD 83.29 a barrel.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 541.22 crore on Monday, according to exchange data.

The BSE benchmark ended lower by 19.89 points or 0.03 per cent at 75,390.50 on Monday. Intra-day, the barometer climbed 599.29 points or 0.79 per cent to an all-time peak of 76,009.68.

The Nifty declined by 24.65 points or 0.11 per cent to end at 22,932.45. The 50-issue barometer climbed 153.7 points or 0.66 per cent to hit a new lifetime high of 23,110.80 during the day.

"As we approach the election results a bit of nervousness is visible in the market. The sharp correction in Nifty in the afternoon on Monday indicates this nervousness," said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

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Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 28 (ANI): Bhavani Revanna, mother of Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is accused in the obscene video case, has filed an anticipatory bail in the kidnapping case in which her husband was earlier arrested.

Bhavani has moved Karnataka High Court seeking relief from arrest by SIT.

Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Baby Sold to Gay Man for Rs 4.65 Lakh; Police Arrest Six Including Parents, Rescue Infant.

SIT has filed a case against five including her husband and father of Prajwal Revanna, HD Revanna.

HD Revanna was arrested earlier in connection with a kidnapping case on April 29. He was granted conditional bail by a special court for people's representatives.

Also Read | Thane Road Accident: Labourer Killed, Two Others Injured As Dumper Runs Over Them in Maharashtra.

The case, registered on April 28 at the Holenarasipura town police station, involves allegations of sexual assault by Revanna and his son, Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, against a house help.

Meanwhile, Prajwal Revanna, in a self-made video released on Monday, said that he will appear before the Special Investigative Team (SIT) on May 31 for questioning.

Revanna said that his trip was pre-planned as there was no case against him when the voting was held in Karnataka on April 26 for the general elections. He also alleged political conspiracy against him as he was "growing in politics."

The suspended Janata Dal (Secular) MP also extended an apology to his family, party supporters and the people of the state.

"On 31st Friday, 10 am, I'll appear before SIT and provide all information related to the investigation, I'll cooperate with the SIT investigation, I have a lot of faith in the judiciary, I believe in god and the judiciary, that's why I'll appear on Friday 31st in front of the SIT," Revanna added.

Siddaramaiah had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1 and May 23 urging him to take action to cancel the diplomatic passport of the Hassan MP, who is said to have flown to Europe after being accused of sexually exploiting several women.

Notably, Revanna is contesting from Hassan Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka seeking re-election as an NDA candidate in the 2024 general elections. (ANI)

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Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 28 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak on Monday took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi and said that he comes to Uttar Pradesh just for political tourism.

Addressing the public meeting in Mirzapur on Monday, Brijesh Pathak said, "Rahul Gandhi is acting like a child. The people of the state and the people of the country have understood that they neither have any policy nor any agenda. Rahul Gandhi comes only on political tourism..."

Also Read | Mob Lynching in Bihar: Law Student Dies After Brutal Assault by Over Dozen Masked Assailants at College Campus in Patna (Watch Video).

Further, Pathak claimed that the NDA alliance is winning all the seats in the seventh phase with a huge majority.

"NDA alliance is winning all the seats in the seventh phase with a huge majority. On one side, the wave of BJP and Modi is going on. The alliance has completely failed; it seems to be missing on the ground. No one is in control of the INDI alliance on the ground. NDA alliance is going to get full blessings of the public," he said.

Also Read | Mumbai Bomb Threat: City Police Get Bomb Hoax Calls at Airport and Hotel Taj Mahal.

Pathak said that the district Mirzapur can be named Maa Vindhya. "Mirzapur can be named Maa Vindhya. Perhaps Maa Vindhya herself also wants this. Wait for June 4. I will say something more on this only after the election results are out."

NDA alliance candidate and Apna Dal's national president Anupriya Patel is contesting from the Mirzapur Lok Sabha constituency.

Mirzapur will undergo polls in the seventh and final phase on June 1 and results will be out on June 4. (ANI)

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Jaipur, May 28: Amid the soaring temperatures, Rajasthan is expected to witness a significant drop of 3-5 degrees Celsius in temperatures by the end of May, a senior official of IMD's Rajasthan Meteorological Centre said on Tuesday. The Regional Meteorological Centre also indicated that severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist in the state for the next 48 hours.

The temperatures in places like Phalodi, Barmer and Jaisalmer in West Rajasthan are continuously crossing the mark of 48 degrees Celsius, with no change expected until May 29. Radheshyam Sharma, Director, Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, said the maximum temperature will remain between 48 and 49 degrees Celsius and is unlikely to witness any significant change till May 29. However, the situation will modify in the next two to three days. India Weather Forecast: IMD Predicts Above Normal Rainfall This Monsoon Across Country, Heatwave To Decline From May 30.

"The severe heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in the state until May 29. From May 30, temperatures in East Rajasthan will decrease by 3-5 degrees Celsius, while in West Rajasthan, the intensity of the severe heatwave will significantly diminish. By the end of May, the maximum temperature in West Rajasthan will be around 45 degrees Celsius," he said.

Sharma further said, "However, due to some western disturbances, parts of the state, particularly West and Northwest Rajasthan, will experience thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by light rains and dusty winds. From June 1, the maximum temperatures are expected to range in the normal category." Earlier, on Monday, Radheshyam Sharma, Director of Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, said the maximum temperature is unlikely to witness any significant change until May 29. Kerala Weather Forecast: IMD Predicts Heavy Rain Till May 29, Issues Yellow Alert in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam.

"For the first time in this season, Phalodi in Rajasthan has crossed the temperature mark of 50 degrees Celsius, while places like Jaisalmer and Barmer have witnessed a surge of seven degrees Celsius in the night temperature. There is no immediate relief from the intense heatwave and warmer nights in the next two to three days. The maximum temperatures are unlikely to witness any significant changes until May 29," he said.

Sharma said there is a possibility of strong surface winds of "25-35 kmph in some parts of Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, and Jaipur divisions during the next 72 hours". Large parts of northern India continue to reel under a fierce heat wave, with temperatures soaring over 45 degrees Celsius at many places in the country on Sunday.
Gorakhpur (UP), May 28 (PTI) Actor-politician and BJP candidate from Gorakhpur constituency Ravi Kishan has claimed that half a dozen opposition parties will cease to exist and their candidate lose their deposits after the results of the Lok Sabha elections are declared.

In an interview with PTI at his home here, Bhojpuri superstar Ravindra Shukla, better known as Ravi Kishan, claimed that if the opposition INDIA bloc comes to power, it would run the country based on Shariat.

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"You will see on June 4 that these 26 parties are going to face defeat. More than half a dozen of them will cease to exist and the deposits of their candidates forfeited," Kishan, who is the current MP from Gorakhpur, said as he thumped the table to emphasise his point.

"The opposition wants the country to run on the basis of Shariat but this cannot happen. The country will be run according to Baba Saheb Ambedkar's Constitution.

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"I promise that the Constitution will not be tampered with (if the BJP wins)... The Congress definitely wants to tamper with the Constitution," said Kishan, who contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from the Jaunpur seat on a Congress ticket. He then joined the BJP and won in 2019.

The BJP MP rebuked the opposition's allegation that he is an outsider.

"I have lived here for five years... I have left the royal life of Mumbai and I am serving the people here," he said.

INDIA bloc candidate from Gorakhpur Kajal Nishad, who too is an actor-politician, has accused Kishan of being an outsider. Nishad is a leader of the Samajwadi Party, and the BSP has fielded Javed Simnani from the seat.

Nishad, while addressing a poll meeting in Gorakhpur recently in the presence of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, said, "Your MP is an outsider, he does not live here whereas I have been serving you for 14 years. I am the daughter-in-law of Bhauwapar (a village in Gorakhpur)".

In his response, 55-year-old Kishan, a native of Jaunpur district, said, "I am from Mamkhor (a village in Gorakhpur) and this is my soil and my roots are here."

Without taking Nishad's name, the BJP leader alleged, "These people come here during elections, lose and go away. They loot the innocent Nishad people by taking their donations."

With more than four lakh Nishad voters, opposition parties have often fielded candidates from the community against the BJP in the Gorakhpur parliamentary constituency.

In the 2012 assembly elections, Nishad was the Congress candidate from the Gorakhpur rural seat. She lost the election and joined the SP.

In 2022, the SP gave Nishad a ticket from the Campierganj Assembly seat in Gorakhpur and in 2023, she was named the candidate for the mayoral polls in the Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation. She lost on both occasions.

"These people were never seen during the Covid pandemic while we helped people in every village," Kishan said, adding that the people of Gorakhpur have appreciated him for always being available for them.

"Their (Kajal Nishad) leader Akhilesh Yadav is a prince... He does politics of appeasement and caste. But we have hardworking people like Modi ji and Yogi ji who serve the public," he said.

He said the welfare schemes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have empowered the country's people.

"The poor got relief from Modi-Yogi's welfare policies and they are ready to repay this debt by voting (for BJP). I have felt this during the 500 small meetings that I've had with the people," he said.

"We get the blessings of the public by working hard... we do not get votes by dividing people based on their castes," he added.

He said the opposition leaders are seeking votes for their family members so that they can build palaces while the BJP is asking for votes for the country.

"They are collecting donations, then they will buy Fortuners and BMWs, diamond necklaces for their family and we are fighting to build the country," he said.

Kishan rivals have often accused him of using diversionary tactics and raising chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' whenever asked about the utilisation of his MPLADS funds.

"Our MP fund is visible in the smart classes for the poor, street lights, and security cameras. I did a film shoot for the first time in Gorakhpur in 2004 and gave employment to people... They (opposition) cannot give a job to a single person. There is no point in responding to these people's cheap talk," he said.

On the opposition parties claiming that the BJP-led NDA wants a 400-plus seat mandate so that they can change the Constitution, Kishan said, "I have not seen politics worse than this. They have stooped to this level because they can not defeat Modi ji. Our PM respects the Constitution and believes in it.

"If the Constitution had to be changed, it could have been done when Article 370 was abrogated," he said.

Article 370 of the Constitution, which bestowed a special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated on August 5, 2019.

Voting will be held in Gorakhpur in the seventh and last phase of the Lok Sabha 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)
Mumbai, May 28 (PTI) IIT Bombay on Tuesday said it has partnered with the country's largest IT services player TCS to build India's first quantum diamond microchip imager.

A quantum diamond microchip imager can image magnetic fields, enabling a non-invasive and non-destructive mapping of semiconductor chips, much like an MRI at a hospital, an official statement said, adding that this technology is imperative given the challenges to detect anomalies posed by traditional sensing methods due to the shrinking size of semiconductors.

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An indigenous quantum diamond microchip imager that integrates quantum diamond microscopy with artificial intelligence/machine learning-powered software imaging will help India leap ahead in the quantum revolution, it said.

This will be an advanced sensing tool that holds the potential to unlock new levels of precision in the examination of semiconductor chips, reduce chip failures and improve the energy efficiency of electronic devices, the statement added.

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Semiconductor chips are present in all modern electronic devices, and the two partners' work over the next two years is aimed at making the devices more reliable, safe and energy efficient, it said. With the ability to process data and complete tasks, the chips act as the brain of devices across industries such as communications, computing, healthcare, military systems, transportation and clean energy, among others, according to the statement.

Experts from TCS will work with Kasturi Saha, an associate professor at the premier technology institute, to develop the quantum imaging platform in the PQuest Lab.

Saha said the two partners will work on a quantum imaging platform for the non-destructive examination of chips, leveraging its expertise in quantum sensing to drive innovation.

"By working together, we aim to transform various sectors, including electronics and healthcare, and propel India forward through groundbreaking technologies and products aligned with National Quantum Mission's Quantum Sensing and Metrology vertical," he added.

TCS's chief technology officer Harrick Vin said the 'Second Quantum Revolution' is progressing at an unprecedented speed, making it imperative to pool resources and expertise to build cutting-edge capabilities in sensing, computing, and communication technologies.

"We firmly believe this initiative will have a transformative impact on various industries and society, with applications ranging from electronics to healthcare, and beyond," Vin added.

TCS and IIT-B have collaborated for various initiatives since the 1990s, the statement said, explaining that the imager uses the defects in a diamond's structure, known as Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centres, together with the other hardware and software for detecting and characterising anomalies in semiconductor chips.

"These diagnostic capabilities will have significant implications for failure analysis, device development, and various optimisation processes. With its advanced capabilities to identify chip defects such as current leakages and enable visualisation of three-dimensional charge flow in multi-layer chips, quantum diamond microchip imager is a leap forward in semiconductor imaging," it said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jaipur, May 28 (PTI) A four-year-old child who fell into a 50 feet deep pit in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Tuesday was rescued safely, police said.

Laxmangarh SHO Shriram Meena said Golu fell into the pit near a borewell in Kanwada village around 11 am.

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A police team reached the spot and with the help of local villagers, the boy was safely rescued within two hours, he said, adding that the child has been admitted to a local hospital.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal praised the efforts of the rescuers and instructed doctors regarding the child's treatment.

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"It is very pleasant news that the rescue team has successfully rescued a child who had fallen into a boring hole in Laxmangarh, Alwar. Doctors have been given guidelines regarding the good health of the child," he posted 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)
Mumbai, May 28 (PTI) Reserve Bank on Tuesday launched three major initiatives, including a mobile app, to enable retail investors to participate in the government securities (G-Secs) market.

Besides, the central bank launched the PRAVAAH portal for any individual or entity to apply online for various regulatory approvals in a seamless manner.

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This portal will also enhance the efficiency of various processes related to granting of regulatory approvals and clearances by the Reserve Bank, the central bank said in a statement.

The third initiative Fintech Repository, launched by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, will be a data storehouse of Indian FinTech firms for a better understanding of the sector from a regulatory perspective and facilitate in designing appropriate policy approaches.

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'PRAVAAH' (Platform for Regulatory Application, VAlidation and AutHorisation) portal is a secure and centralised web-based portal for any individual or entity to seek authorisation, license or regulatory approval on any reference made by it to the Reserve Bank.

Sharing features of the portal, the statement said, 60 application forms covering different regulatory and supervisory departments can be submitted online.

On the portal, an entity can track/monitor the status as well as RBI can send a decision related to a specified application in a time bound manner.

More application forms would be made available as may be required, it said.

With regard to the retail direct mobile app, the statement said retail investors can now transact in G-Secs using the mobile app on their smartphones.

The mobile app can be downloaded from the Play Store for Android users and App Store for iOS users.

At present, the retail direct portal is available to facilitate retail investors to open their Retail Direct Gilt accounts with the Reserve Bank of India under the Retail Direct Scheme.

The portal launched in November 2021 allows retail investors to buy G-Secs in the primary auctions as well as buy and sell G-Secs in the secondary market.

The FinTech Repository aims to capture essential information about FinTech entities, their activities, technology uses, etc. FinTechs, both regulated and unregulated, are encouraged to contribute to the repository.

Simultaneously, a related repository for only RBI regulated entities (banks and NBFCs) on their adoption of emerging technologies (like AI, ML, Cloud Computing, DLT, Quantum, etc.), called EmTech Repository, is also being launched.

The FinTech and EmTech Repositories are secure web-based applications and are managed by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI.

The repository would enable availability of aggregate sectoral level data, trends, analytics, etc., that would be useful for both policymakers and participating industry members.

Reserve Bank of India encourages the FinTechs and Regulated Entities to actively contribute to the repositories, it said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, May 28 (PTI) Startup Infra.Market, which is into construction materials, has raised USD 50 million from MARS Unicorn Fund to expand business.

In a statement, the company, which is valued at USD 2.5 billion, said it has "successfully closed additional funding from MARS Unicorn Fund, a joint venture from Liquidity Group and MUFG".

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This additional funding in Infra.Market by MARS Unicorn Fund takes its total investment up to USD 100 million. The fund had previously invested USD 50 million in Infra.Market in 2022.

Founded by Souvik Sengupta and Aaditya Sharda in 2016, Infra.Market is a construction materials supplier. It is targeting the USD 140 billion construction materials market, with a strong focus on the infrastructure sector.

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"Infra.Market intends to use the proceeds of the latest raise to cater to newer global markets and increase its presence across product verticals," the statement said.

Infra.Market caters to both institutional customers (B2B) and retail outlets (D2R) in the construction materials sector. It supplies across 20 states in India and exports to multiple global markets such as Dubai, Singapore, and Italy.

The company supplies more than 15 building material product categories, including concrete, AAC blocks, steel, pipes & fittings, MDF, plywood, laminates, tiles, bath fittings & sanitary, fans, lights, kitchen and electrical appliances, modular kitchens & wardrobes, designer hardware and paints.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Arab states have welcomed the recent order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), demanding that Israel immediately cease its atrocities in Rafah, the Ambassador of the Arab states in New Delhi, Yusuf Mohammed Jameel said on Tuesday.

This decisive order by the ICJ underscores the urgent need to uphold international law and protect the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people.

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According to the official release, the ICJ's order represents a significant step towards justice and accountability, and we call upon the international community to ensure that Israel complies fully with this directive.

It is imperative that the cycle of violence and oppression is halted, and that the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people are respected.

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In addition to this landmark order from the ICJ, also League of Arab States warmly welcomes the recent decision by three European countries - Spain, Norway and Ireland to officially recognize the State of Palestine as a total number of countries recognizing a state of Palestine to 147 Countries around the globe.

Arab League, formally known as the League of Arab States, is an intergovernmental organisation of all Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa.

This courageous and principled stance by these nations not only affirms the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood and self-determination but also contributes to the broader efforts towards achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these European nations for their recognition of the State of Palestine, which marks a pivotal moment in the international community's support for Palestinian sovereignty," said in an official release.

This recognition aligns with the growing global consensus that the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state is essential for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Furthermore, the League of Arab States wishes to commend India for being one of the first Non-Arab countries to recognize the State of Palestine in November 1988. India's longstanding support and solidarity with the Palestinian cause have been exemplary, reflecting its commitment to justice, peace, and the principles of international law.

This early recognition by India has played a crucial role in bolstering the legitimacy of the Palestinian struggle for independence and self-determination.

Yusuf Mohammed Jameel, reiterated his unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and calls upon all nations to follow the example of recognition set by these three European countries.

We urge continued international solidarity and action to bring about an end to the occupation. We remain committed to advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Muscat [Oman], May 28 (ANI): The Indian embassy in Muscat in association with the National Archives of India (NAI) successfully conducted a unique and pioneering initiative to archive historical documents of the Indian diaspora in Oman.

'The Oman Collection - Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman' - a special digitisation and oral history project was conducted at the Embassy of India premises in Muscat from May 19 to 27.

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It saw an enthusiastic participation of 32 prominent Indian families hailing from Gujarat, whose presence in Oman spans several generations and dates back 250 years, the Indian embassy in Muscat said in a statement.

This marks the first overseas project of the NAI for digitising and archiving diaspora documents, marking an important step in preserving the history and heritage of the Indian community abroad.

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Currently, Oman is home to nearly 700,000 Indians. Both countries share a rich tapestry of historical and cultural connections that go back 5000 years.

In recent times, several merchant families mainly from Mandvi, Surat, and other parts of Gujarat have been resident in Sur, Muttrah, and Muscat since the late 18th century CE.

They are an integral part of the Omani society. Moreover, many of them have become Omani citizens now, but also maintain strong ties with the motherland India.

During the collection, over 7000 documents in English, Arabic, Gujarati, and Hindi languages from the private collections of the old Indian merchant families were scanned and digitized under this project.

The oldest digitized document dates back to 1838, while a large majority date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The wide variety of documents that were digitized included, personal diaries, account books, ledgers, telegrams, trade invoices, passports, citations, letters and correspondences, photographs, and many more, that highlighted the lives and contributions of the Indian community in the Sultanate of Oman.

"These documents collectively constitute a vivid narration of the history of the Indian community in Oman, including their cultural practices, social activities, trade, and commerce, as well as their contributions to and integration into the Omani society, and the preservation of Indian traditions abroad," the embassy stated.

These digitised documents will be archived and uploaded on 'Abhilekh Patal', the digital portal of the NAI, making these documents available to researchers and the wider public.

Additionally, the project also involved the recording of oral histories of the older members of the Indian community, the first such oral history project by the National Archives of India.

These included personal anecdotes, migration experiences, and the evolution of the Indian community in Oman over the decades and will enrich the archival records.

Arun Singhal, Director General of the National Archives of India (NAI) noted the unique significance of this project and emphasised that this marks a historic milestone for the NAI.

"This is the first time that we have collected and digitized the private archives of diaspora documents from abroad. This marks a historic milestone for the NAI and a significant step towards preserving the rich heritage and narratives of the diverse overseas Indian community," he said.

Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to Oman said that this project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to strengthen connections with the Indian diaspora worldwide.

"By documenting and preserving the history of the Indian community in Oman, we are rekindling a vital part of our shared heritage and fostering a deeper engagement with our diaspora," he added.

Sheikh Anil Khimji, head of the Indian community in Oman, also expressed his appreciation for the project.

He thanked PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for their vision.

"We thank Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar for their vision of engaging and connecting with the Indian diaspora. The archiving of the historical documents of the Indian diaspora by the Embassy of India will go a long way in preserving their history and in doing so also showcase the time-tested bonds of friendship between India and the Sultanate of Oman," Khimji said.

The initiative was supported by the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) of Oman, which provided essential logistical and other support, ensuring the smooth execution of the project, the embassy stated.

Along with preserving historical records, the digitization project also seeks to foster a more focused engagement with the Indian diaspora community in Oman, and in doing so will promote a better appreciation of the longstanding India-Oman friendship.

Moreover, the project will facilitate better research about the Indian diaspora's development and contributions and will serve as a valuable resource for future generations. (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 28 (ANI): The Islamabad High Court overruled an administrative objection to a petition filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against Capital Development Authority's (CDA) raid on its party head office, reported Dawn.

PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub through Advocate Shoaib Shaheen moved the plea.

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Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz rejected the objection raised by the IHC registrar's office on the ground that the petition was filed without due authorisation.

Moreover, the court was set to hear arguments on the petition today (Tuesday), however, due to the public holiday declared by the federal government to observe Youm-i-Takbeer, the IHC will also remain closed, Dawn reported.

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On Monday, the Cabinet Division issued a notification stating that the prime minister has declared May 28 (the day Pakistan became a nuclear power in 1998) a public holiday in the country.

A court official highlighted that the hearing on the PTI petition will be rescheduled accordingly.

Last week, the CDA demolished what it claimed were the encroachments and sealed the PTI secretariat.

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.

In its petition, PTI termed the operation and sealing of its secretariat, "without having lawful authority, mala fide, political victimization, without adopting the due process of law and contrary to the provisions as enunciated under the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973."

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.

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.

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)
Deir al-Balah (Gaza Strip), May 28 (AP) The Israeli military says an initial investigation into a strike that sparked a deadly fire in the southern Gaza city of Rafah has found the blaze was caused by a secondary explosion.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, said Tuesday that the military fired two 17-kg (37-pound) munitions that targeted two senior Hamas militants. He says the munitions would have been too small to ignite a fire on their own.

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Hagari said the army is looking into the possibility that weapons were stored in the area.

Palestinian health officials say at least 45 people, around half of them women and children, were killed in Sunday's strike. The fire also could have ignited fuel, cooking gas canisters or other materials in the densely populated tent camp housing displaced people.

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The strike caused widespread outrage, including from some of Israel's closest allies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was the result of a tragic mishap. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Madrid [Spain], May 28 (ANI): Spain has pledged USD 1.1 billion in military aid to Ukraine as the country continues to defend itself against Russia's invasion, reported Al Jazeera.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a security deal in Madrid on Monday.

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The deal "includes a commitment for 1 billion euros in military aid for 2024", Sanchez said at a joint news conference.

The pact, which covers the next decade, calls for the supply of modern military equipment for ground, aerial, naval and other uses, "prioritising Ukraine's key capacity needs", and an emphasis on protecting sea routes for Ukraine's food exports, but it gave no specifics, Al Jazeera reported.

Also Read | US: 20 Killed As Storms Hit Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky Over Memorial Day Weekend.

"It will allow Ukraine to boost its capabilities including its essential air defence systems to protect its civilians, cities and infrastructure, which are still suffering indiscriminate attacks as seen this weekend in Kharkiv," Sanchez said, referring to a Russian strike on the northeastern city that killed at least 16 people at a hardware hypermarket on Saturday.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visited Madrid as the country battles a Russian ground offensive in the Kharkiv region that began on May 10 and has seen Moscow make its biggest territorial advances in 18 months.

As Russia's full-scale invasion reaches its third year, Ukraine has been appealing for more weapons for its outgunned and outnumbered troops and seeking help to address its lack of air defence systems, Al Jazeera reported.

The Spanish PM stressed that Spain had already pledged to supply Patriot missiles but what Zelenskyy needed from Ukraine's allies was "the systems to launch these missiles".

Following the deal, the Ukrainian President thanked Spain for "tangible and truly life-saving support" to Ukraine.

He further said that the two leaders also discussed how Madrid could play a role in strengthening Kyiv's air defence.

Spain will send "another batch of Leopard tanks and above all ammunition", Sanchez said, pledging to keep working with Kyiv "to understand how else - and with what other alternative systems - we can help ensure Ukraine's air security"

Moreover, Zelenskyy has signed bilateral security agreements with several other countries, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as reported by Al Jazeera.

He said that Ukraine needed at least seven more Patriot missile launchers to defend itself and would pressure its allies to obtain them, stressing that said Russian forces have used about 3,200 guided aerial bombs this month.

"How do you fight that? There aren't enough air defence missiles to stop thousands of bombs a month...Those partners who are afraid to give us this or that weapon should understand that air defence is defence, not offence," he added.

Following his visit to Madrid, Zelenskyy will next visit the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa today and is expected to sign a similar 10-year agreement. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
San Francisco, May 28: At least 20 people have been killed after storms hit the US states of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky over the Memorial Day weekend. In Texas, the storm destroyed a roadside travel stop and a community of mobile homes in Cooke County.

Texas Governor Greg Abbot said at a press briefing on Sunday that seven people were killed and more than 100 others injured. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed at a press conference at the Benton County Sheriff's Office Sunday night that eight people have died in the storms. Tornadoes in US: Eight Killed As Tornadoes Leave Trail of Death and Destruction.

In Kentucky, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed one death following Saturday night's storms. Another person was killed in Mercer County, Kentucky, according to Mercer County Emergency Management Director Brad Cox. The third death was confirmed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. He declared emergency zones in five Kentucky counties.

In northeastern Oklahoma, two people were killed and others were injured after a tornado hit Mayes County, according to emergency management officials. This is the deadliest tornado in Texas state history since 2015. The National Weather Service gave it a preliminary rating of EF-2 with 135 mph winds. Texas Governor Greg Abbot issued disaster emergencies across four counites. US Tornado Death Toll: 11 Killed, Several Injured Across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Nearly 400,000 people in Missouri, Arkansas and Kentucky have no power after severe storms and tornadoes swept through the region, according to poweroutage.us. Forecasters reported on Monday that the storms could shift east and impact the states such as New York and Alabama.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 28, 2024 07:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
It may not be the Atlantic hurricane season yet, but several storms have already battered the central and southern portions of the US on Memorial Day Weekend, and it has turned deadly, killing 21 people while also destroying homes and businesses, felling trees, and causing power outages.

The deaths occurred in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky. Meanwhile, an early-season heat wave is already setting records from south Texas to Florida, while a tornado watch has already been issued from North Carolina to Maryland as the severe weather is seen to shift from the South to the East Coast on Monday.

Over in Kentucky, where four people died across four different counties, the state's Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, has already declared a state of emergency. The storms in the state hit the town of Charleston the worst, as homes were destroyed and power was cut off after a tornado hit the small town.

In Texas, another tornado tore through a mobile home park in Cooke County, killing seven people. Meanwhile, eight more people died across the neighboring state of Arkansas, while two more died in Oklahoma. Both Oklahoma deaths happened in Mayes County, per the Associated Press.

"It could have been much worse," said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. "The people of Kentucky are very weather aware with everything we've been through."

President Joe Biden sent his condolences to the families of those who were killed by the Memorial Day Weekend storms and stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground and is already conducting damage assessments. He added that he already contacted the various governors to see what federal support he could send them.

READ MORE: Mexico City Covered in Ice Amid Massive Heatwave as Weird Weather Continues

Memorial Day Weekend Storms Also Cause Power Outages Across the US

Because of the Memorial Day storms hitting the US, over 360,000 homes and businesses found themselves out of power around 5:30 PM ET. A majority of these power outages happened from Missouri and Arkansas to a stretch between Virginia and South Carolina. The state hit the hardest by these power outages was Kentucky.

With the weather problems shifting to the east, the National Weather Service announced tornado warnings for Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. Meanwhile, the agency has also placed a severe thunderstorm watch for New York City, northeastern New Jersey, and the lower Hudson Valley on Monday. Travel delays were also reported in New York thanks to the severe weather.

Texas Residents Still Sifting Through the Rubble After Memorial Day Weekend Storms Hit

Cooke County was the hardest hit county in Texas as seven people were reportedly killed and homes were demolished. The worst-hit portion of the county is near the tiny community of Valley View, where barely 800 people live.

"It's been exhausting and heartbreaking," Valley View Chief of Police Justin Stamms told the Associated Press, "I've seen this kind of damage on TV, but never in person before this. It's terrible."

READ MORE: New Atlantic Hurricane Season Could Spell A Lot More Hurricanes This Year

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Deadly storms rip through parts of US - 13News Now
With only a few days away from the Mexico elections, MORENA candidate Claudia Sheinbaum still leads big in the polls, but the shadow of her predecessor, current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), still looms over her candidacy as she was his hand-picked replacement and protegee.

Even though she has tried contrasting herself to AMLO's policies, which is evident in how they ran things through the COVID-19 pandemic, many still see Sheinbaum as a copy of her mentor as she could not seem to get out of his long shadow.

The COVID-19 example rings true to this. While AMLO refused to wear a mask throughout the pandemic to highlight that there is no mask mandate, Sheinbaum went the opposite direction and constantly wore one, stressing that people should wear a mask. Under AMLO, Mexico suffered the fifth-worst COVID-19 death toll in the world, and as Lopez Obrador's top student, Sheinbaum will be tied to her mentor's policy and not her own.

However, Reuters noted that there is some very public tension between mentor and protegee, with people close to the presidential frontrunner sharing examples of why she would not become AMLO's "puppet."

These examples often include her differing takes on key issues such as the environment and energy, security, and corruption, with Sheinbaum embracing more environment-friendly energy sources while AMLO sticks to more traditional ones.

"They have a collaborative relationship, it is not one of submission," one member of Sheinbaum's campaign team told Reuters on the condition of anonymity. "It's very unfair that they say she will be a puppet because, in the five years of governing Mexico City, she did totally different things to the president."

READ MORE: Mexico City Covered in Ice Amid Massive Heatwave as Weird Weather Continues

Claudia Sheinbaum, Like Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, May Continue Reliance on US Gas

While she has embraced more renewable sources of energy, experts still believe she may also have Mexico rely on US natural gas, much like her mentor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Although Sheinbaum indicated she would facilitate higher domestic gas production [to ensure gas independence], we expect Mexico to continue relying on imports from the US," BMI Senior Oil and Gas Analyst Dominika Rzechorzek stated during a webinar.

"This upside remains relatively small just because of Pemex's relatively poor track record of developing gas-only projects, the continued abundance of supply from the US, existing cross-border capacity between the US and Mexico, and production costs at Pemex compared to the US," added the expert.

Mexico Elections Expected To Become the Biggest Ever

Despite the dozens of candidates already killed by election-related violence, this year's Mexico elections, happening on June 2, is still expected to become the biggest one in the country's history, with over 20,700 positions at the federal and local level up for grabs.

All eyes are still on the presidential race, though, as Claudia Sheinbaum maintains her massive lead over Xochitl Galvez. According to Al Jazeera, either of the two frontrunners may become the first female president in Mexican history.

READ MORE: Ecuador Files Lawsuit Vs. Mexico in ICJ Over Granting Asylum to Former VP Jorge Glas

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Senora Presidenta: Mexico set to vote in first woman president  FRANCE 24 English - FRANCE 24 English
It was supposed to be a busy day at a popular beach in Southern California because of Memorial Day Weekend. However, a surfer's harrowing encounter with a shark changed that as San Clemente's 2-mile stretch was ordered to be closed after a shark's reported "aggressive" behavior towards a surfer.

San Clemente Marine Safety Lt. Sean Staubenbaur told the Associated Press that the surfer was not hurt but was bumped by what he called a "dark object swimming toward him."

The beach remained open on Monday, but those going there received a warning from authorities to stay out of the water. It remained open until 8:00 PM.

Usually, sightings of large sharks that measure around 10 feet or longer would make authorities close the beach for up to several hours. However, "aggressive behavior" from any shark would prompt a 24-hour shutdown, pending no additional shark sightings, holiday weekend or not. This is usually for safety reasons.

Despite the beach being closed, 6-year-old Waylon Andino still set up a lemonade stand for a fundraiser. His mom, Kylie Andino, stated, "It's Memorial Day weekend, we'll live it up and have fun with the kids regardless and enjoy each other's company."

In the end, nobody was hurt and no shark was sighted soon after. However, the area is known to be home to Great White Sharks.

California Surfer Talks About His Shark Encounter That Led to Beach Being Closed

The California surfer spoke to FOX 11 about his encounter and revealed that the shark was not really that big. The fact that it was aggressive towards him was enough to shut down the beach for a day, though. A shark bumping into a human is already considered to be "aggressive behavior."

READ NEXT: Mexico Woman Dies From a Shark Attack Off Port of Manzanillo

The surfer, who is identified as Evan Garcia, told the outlet that a "4 to 6-foot juvenile shark" knocked him off his 7-foot board. Once knocked down into the water, he opened his eyes and saw the young shark.

"When that thing hit me from below, I knew right away that it was a shark. There's people out there who have been injured by sharks. And I'm so lucky that it only got my board," said Garcia. "My mom bought me that board three years ago and I've surfed with that board in Mexico. I've surfed with that board all up and down the coast. But he made that board strong and that board saved my life."

Soon enough, Garcia approached a nearby lifeguard and showed him the surfboard. The lifeguard then showed a picture of the damage to the board to a shark expert who immediately confirmed it was a shark. This led to authorities clearing the beach.

How Safe Are Beaches in San Clemente, California From Shark Attacks?

Shark attacks in San Clemente and the rest of Orange County are in fact, very rare. They do happen, but it is not that often, as popular media and movies like "Jaws" would suggest.

As Patch pointed out, Orange County has only a total of 6 non-fatal shark attacks and one fatal offshore attack. The lone fatal attack happened after a surfer was bitten by an unidentified shark in 2009.

READ MORE: Turks and Caicos: A Beautiful Country Off Bahamas With Fascinating Culture

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Ocean closed to beachgoers after 'aggressive' shark sightings in San Clemente - KTLA 5
After getting loudly booed and heckled at the Libertarian Party's National Convention, Donald Trump suffered a humiliating defeat, with only six people voting for him. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy did a little better but was still eliminated during the first round with just 15 votes.

The former president was trying to court the libertarians as he gears up for what should be a close race against President Joe Biden in November. However, he only received 0.65 percent of the vote for the party's presidential nominee and was only a write-in candidate as he failed to register as a nominee for the party.

The Libertarian Party is often considered a more extreme version of the Republican Party as it supports civil liberties and capitalism free from government supervision even more than the GOP. It is currently the third-largest American political party by voter registration, but its base is still rather small, only garnering around 3 percent of the national vote.

Despite this, in a tight race against Biden, Trump still needed them, but members of the party made their feelings about him known last Sunday, as they essentially booed him out of the nomination. A bitter Trump still claimed he would have gotten the nomination if he had registered and his name was on the ballot. The party's electors, some of whom clashed with MAGA supporters at the event, say otherwise.

"The reason I didn't 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 posted in yet another Truth Social rant. "Regardless, I believe I will get a Majority of the Libertarian Votes."

Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. got a friendlier reception during the party's convention on Friday as he attacked both Trump and Biden. Despite this, he only received 15 votes and was eliminated along with Trump during the first round of voting,

READ MORE: Donald Trump Savagely Booed During Libertarian Convention, Called 'Wannabe Dictator'

Donald Trump Tried To Gaslight Libertarians During Party's Convention While Getting Booed

Trump was clearly irked by the reception he got, while rival Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was received much better than him. In response to the boos, Trump reminded the crowd of their party's history of losing, saying, "What's the purpose of the Libertarian Party of getting 3 percent?"

"You should nominate Trump for president only if you want to win," Trump added, but the libertarian crowd only pushed back, calling him a liar and a panderer, according to Politico.

Who Won the Libertarian Party Nomination and Defeated Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?

As for who the Libertarian Party eventually chose as their nominee, they chose Georgia activist Chase Oliver, who unsuccessfully ran for US Congress and the US Senate previously. He defeated giants like Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the nomination despite being a relative unknown.

"We did it! I am officially the presidential nominee," he said on X. "It's time to unify and move forward for liberty."

He will be expected to campaign on major cuts to the federal budget, balancing the budget, the abolition of the death penalty, the closure of all overseas military bases, and ending military support to Israel and Ukraine, according to the Associated Press.

READ MORE: Donald Trump, Fox News Ridiculed for Overreaction to FBI Standard Protocol, Claiming Joe Biden Wanted Him Assassinated

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Watch Trump react to getting booed at Libertarian convention - CNN
On Memorial Day, former President Donald Trump attacked judges handling his legal cases and called his political rivals "human scum" on Truth Social.

Contrasting President Joe Biden's solemn remarks at Arlington National Cemetery, Trump began with a post honoring fallen soldiers but quickly shifted to criticizing Biden and several judges, The Hill reports.

Trump labeled Judge Lewis Kaplan, who ruled against him in a defamation case brought by E. Jean Carroll, as a "Radical Left, Trump Hating Federal Judge."

He also attacked Judge Arthur Engoron, who fined Trump over $450 million in a civil fraud trial, calling him a "wacko," and hinted at future attacks on Judge Juan Merchan, overseeing his criminal hush money trial.

Trump's statements underscore his contentious relationship with the judiciary amid his ongoing legal battles.

READ NEXT: Trump Booed at Libertarian Convention, Criticized as 'Wannabe Dictator'

Contrast with Biden's Memorial Day Speech

President Joe Biden delivered a poignant speech at Arlington National Cemetery, reflecting on his son Beau Biden's death from brain cancer, likely linked to military service in Iraq.

He empathized with families of fallen veterans, acknowledging his own enduring grief nine years after Beau's passing.

Biden expressed both pain and pride in their sacrifice, recalling Beau's commitment to duty, according to Forbes.

Meanwhile, congressional leaders also honored veterans with statements of remembrance.

In contrast, Trump's Memorial Day post intensified attacks on E. Jean Carroll and other adversaries involved in his ongoing legal battles.

Despite a hefty defamation verdict against him, Trump denied meeting Carroll and criticized her for lack of specific details and evidence.

Carroll's lawyer hinted at potential legal action if Trump persisted in defamatory remarks. Trump's campaign declined immediate comment on the matter.

His actions on Memorial Day underscored his confrontational approach amid legal challenges.

Background on Carroll's Accusations

In 2019, E. Jean Carroll accused Donald Trump of sexual assault in the 1990s, leading to a defamation lawsuit when Trump denied knowing her and disparaged her appearance.

A second lawsuit in November 2022 included allegations of defamation and sexual assault.

Despite a jury finding Trump liable for defamation and awarding Carroll $5 million, it rejected the rape claim. In January, Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $83.3 million in damages.

On Memorial Day, Trump reiterated his denial of Carroll's accusations, prompting a response from her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, who indicated they were considering further legal action, CNBC noted.

Trump's Memorial Day post, focusing on attacking political opponents rather than honoring fallen service members, drew criticism from the Biden campaign and others.

Kaplan suggested the possibility of a new defamation lawsuit, citing the statute of limitations and ongoing monitoring of Trump's statements about Carroll.

Donald Trump's aggressive stance on Memorial Day contrasts sharply with the solemn observances of President Biden and other leaders, underscoring his confrontational approach amid legal and political challenges.

READ MORE: Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy Endorses Joe Biden Over Cousin RFK Jr.

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Hear why Trump wished 'human scum' a Happy Memorial Day - From CNN
In a harrowing incident, Arizona teen Brigham Hawkins, 15, narrowly escaped serious harm after being attacked twice by a black bear inside his family's cabin in the Alpine.

The encounter, occurring late at night on Thursday, May 23, has drawn attention to bear safety protocols in wilderness areas, Yahoo! News reports.

The Arizona teen was quietly watching TV with the cabin door ajar when the unexpected occurred, a black bear, later identified as a 3-year-old male, entered through the open door.

The bear, described by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials as opportunistic in search of food, surprised Brigham from behind and delivered several powerful swipes, causing deep lacerations across his face and body.

The suddenness and ferocity of the Arizona bear attack stunned Brigham, compounded by his rare neurological disorder that hampers his mobility, leaving him vulnerable to the bear's advances.

READ NEXT: Arizona Man Who Buried Wife Alive Faces Life Term

Bravery Amid Chaos

After the initial assault, the bear briefly left the cabin but returned shortly after, escalating the danger. This time, it targeted an Arizona teen's arm, intensifying the family's ordeal.

Brigham's older brother, Parker, responded heroically upon hearing his brother's cries for help.

Rushing to the scene, Parker confronted the bear, diverting its attention away from Brigham and allowing their father to safely remove him from harm's way, according to Arizona's Family.

The timely intervention by Parker averted what could have been a tragic outcome, according to Shawn Wagner, AZGFD Law Enforcement Supervisor, who praised the family's quick actions in a moment of crisis.

Upon arrival, AZGFD officers swiftly located and euthanized the bear approximately 120 feet from the cabin. The decision was made to safeguard public safety and prevent further potential encounters.

Subsequently, the bear's body was transported to a state health laboratory for examination, including testing for rabies, a precautionary measure routinely taken in such incidents.

Meanwhile, an Arizona teen was promptly transported to a local hospital, where medical staff initiated treatment for his injuries and administered a rabies vaccine as a preventive measure.

Carol Hawkins, Brigham's mother, expressed profound relief and gratitude for Parker's bravery and the swift response of emergency responders.

She recounted the family's shock and disbelief at the bear's brazen entry into their cabin, underscoring the unforeseen nature of the attack.

Despite the trauma inflicted on the Arizona teen, Carol remained optimistic about his recovery, noting his positive attitude and appreciation for the support received from their community.

Bear Safety Awareness

In the aftermath of the incident, AZGFD reiterated key safety measures for residents and visitors in bear-inhabited areas.

Recommendations included securing food and other potential attractants, such as garbage and pet food, to minimize interactions with bears.

Additionally, individuals were advised to maintain a clean campsite, avoid leaving food unattended, and properly dispose of waste to reduce the likelihood of attracting wildlife.

The Arizona bear attack marked the 16th documented incident involving human-bear encounters in Arizona since 1990, with only a small number resulting in fatalities, Fox News noted.

AZGFD emphasized that while such incidents are rare, they underscore the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife habitats.

Bears, classified as predatory animals, can exhibit unpredictable behavior, reinforcing the need for vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines when venturing into bear country.

READ MORE: Florida Priest Bites Woman During Mass, Claims Self-Defense

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Teen recovering after bear attack in eastern Arizona cabin, mother says - From Arizona's Family (3TV / CBS 5)
What are your priorities?



I believe that a large part of Irelands failure to deliver an Ireland that works for all can be mostly solved at local Government level. A stronger local government would ensure that such local economies are democratically and socially owned.

What is the biggest issue facing your area?



Our farmers have been scapegoated by the current government, this needs an immediate turnaround. There are numerous examples of farming families trying to do the right thing without correct supports or respect.

Many towns in Laois need the re-introduction of a town commission; Mountmellick is one such an example. Currently on one of the main western corridors out of Laois, more attention is required for its residents.

Why do you think you would make a good County Councillor?



I want to see transparency and accountability when it comes to and on behalf of voters. More of the money generated in the local economy should stay locally; recent carbon tax increases and property tax go back to the national exchequer for un-fair redistribution why?



I will be asking the harder questions at local level getting the most on behalf of voters. Laois traditionally had a strong labour following, the Labour party has not ran any candidate in my area since 2014 and this vacuum has been filled by more of the same or Independent candidates. If elected, constituents will have more choice in a fairer and just political direction.

Bryan Corrigan is a candidate in the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District. In the lead up to polling day on June 7 we will be featuring profiles on all 47 candidates vying for a seat on Laois County Council.
An estimated 40 new homes will be created in Laois following the targeted funding by the government to tackle vacant and derelict properties.



Laois was approved 2m last year through the third round of the government's Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).



The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh OBrien TD updated cabinet on the progress made this week.



The figures show that 12 vacant and derelict properties in Laois have been approved funding under the scheme with an estimated 40 residential units to be provided as a result of regenerating these properties.



Nationally more than 1,200 vacant and derelict properties have been granted approval under the third round of URDF.

The fund is available to all Local Authorities to cover the purchase price of properties (residential and commercial) and any minor works required to make the property more suitable for sale e.g. improving access, tidying up, opening up to facilitate inspections etc.

Acquired properties are then offered for private sale to those who in return will commit to bringing the property back into residential use. Purchasers of these properties are also able to defray the costs of returning them to use by accessing the Vacant and Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant, the SEAI energy efficiency grants or the Repair and Leasing Scheme subject to eligibility.

Commenting Minister OBrien said: Im delighted to update Cabinet on the success of the third round of funding under the URDF. The response from Local Authorities has been huge with more than 1,200 properties in town centre locations identified and approved funding which amounts to just over 142M. This Government have placed a huge emphasis on the regeneration and rejuvenation of towns all across the country and as I travel around Ireland its heartening to see the impact of the various initiatives which are underway to transform towns and cities.



Minister Dillon added: The URDF has been a real game-changer for our towns and cities, breathing new life into them and making them even better places to work in, to live in and to visit. Urban regeneration isnt a luxury, but a real necessity for the beating heart of our urban centres and Im delighted to see it in action across so many counties.
Home Store and More shops have issued a casting call for their "amazing customers" to be part of their new TV advert set to mark the chain's 20th anniversary.

They posted on social media: "We are looking for our amazing customers to get involved in our upcoming TV ad here at home store + more!

"If this is something you would be interested in please send us your self recorded video before June 10!"

To be in with a chance of appearing in the advert, people are being asked to make a self-recorded video of themselves explaining why you want to take part, "expressing your fun, warm and honest character."

People are also asked to "introduce yourself, your family and your home" and answer the following questions: "What Home Store and More means to you; what does it mean to you that Home Store and More is an Irish business; what first comes to mind when you think of Home Store and More; tell us about your favourite products and why you love them; your first visit to a store; tell us about the friendly staff or experience stories; sum up Home Store and More in three words; tell us how we help make your home a happy home."

You will need to be available between July 1 and July 24, 2024. Send your clips to casting@homestoreandmore.ie along with your name, contact number and location.
The Irish Parliament was suspended briefly after several protesters interrupted statements on Palestine to call for sanctions to be imposed on Israel.

The protesters in the public gallery chanted sanctions now, stop arming Israel and close Shannon to the US military.

One man held up a sign that said divest, while another person carried a large Palestinian flag.

After being ushered out of the public gallery and out of the grounds of Leinster House, the protesters told the PA news agency that while they welcomed the recognition, they wanted Ireland to implement sanctions on Israel.

They also called for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill and the Settlements Divestment Bill.

We are eight months on and the bombs are still dropping, said Anne Conway, who is involved in the Donnycarney Palestine Solidarity campaign.

The women and children of Gaza are still being slaughtered, weve seen it yesterday in Rafah, and the international community have done nothing.

We feel were making the voices of the Irish people heard when we did that.

We do welcome the fact that theyve recognised Palestinian statehood, it is a welcome thing.

But it really wont make any difference because Israel will not be brought to the negotiating table unless theres massive sanctions introduced against them. Ireland has the standing to do that in the international community.

Michelle Hayes of the Teachers For Palestine group said it was really shameful that the Irish premier Simon Harris and Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin got up and left the Dail chamber immediately after delivering their speeches.

There are parallels between our struggle, and to see people who we have voted into government, who are representing us, to stand up, make a speech and then walk out in front of a packed gallery of Palestinians, it was shameful. Im really, really, really so, so disappointed in the Government.

Kate Scanlan of Mothers Against Genocide said: We refuse to be silent when Palestinian mothers are trying to identify their children in mass graves from scraps of their clothing.

Theyre trying to find their children buried under rubble. We just cant sit here and do nothing.

While were happy with the state being recognised today, thats not enough. It needs to go further. We need immediate sanctions against Israel, and we are going to continue to push our Government and thats why were here today.

A number of Palestinians were watching from the public gallery who were not involved in the brief demonstration.

Palestinian ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid listened to the statements from the distinguished visitors gallery and was applauded by TDs when they ended.

During the debate in the Irish Parliaments lower house, some politicians called for an EU trade agreement with Israel to be suspended.

Labours Aodhan O Riordain said US President Joe Biden has to do better, while Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould said he hopes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu burns in hell.

Opposition politicians called on Irish premier Simon Harriss Fine Gael party not to support Ursula von der Leyen for another term as European Commission president.

She is leader of the EPP, which is Fine Gaels political group in the European Parliament.

Shes someone who gave Israel her unqualified support for their war crimes, and yet youre happy to recommend the re-election of this person as the European Commission president, Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns said during Leaders Questions.

Do you really think that Fine Gael MEPs and candidates in the European election are representing their voters on this issue?

Independent TD Catherine Connelly said that although it was a proud day for Ireland, there was very little left of a Palestinian state to recognise.

It is time for us to act, and the most basic thing is not to support von der Leyen, who from day one said she would stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, Ms Connelly said.

Mr Harris responded: It is the clear position of von der Leyen that she wants to see an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. We need to see an immediate ceasefire.

Earlier, Mr Harris said there is an onus on every country and on the European Union to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.

I welcome the decision of the Belgian presidency to convene a meeting on the EU-Israel Association Agreement, he said.

The human rights clauses in that agreement are and must be meaningful and when theyre not being adhered to, that too must have consequences.

He added: Formal recognition of the State of Palestine here today is an act of powerful, political and symbolic value. I hope it sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that in this, their darkest hour, Ireland stands with them.

Deputy premier Mr Martin said he is confident other European countries will join Ireland, Norway and Spain in their recognition of the state of Palestine.

This morning, Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine. It is an occasion of deep significance to the people of Ireland. And many Palestinians have told me that Irelands decision has provided hope at what is a very dark time in Palestine. pic.twitter.com/kmt0YSjW02  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 28, 2024

It has long been my view that recognising Palestine would be most impactful if done in a co-ordinated manner with other partners, Mr Martin told the Dail.

That we have taken the decision to recognise the state of Palestine together with Norway and Spain  and in the wider context of a regional peace initiative  is important.

I am confident that there is a growing consensus among like-minded partners that Palestinian statehood can no longer wait until the end of a process of final settlement negotiations between the parties.

I anticipate that other European partners may decide to recognise Palestine in the coming weeks and months.

Mr Martin and Mr Harris also praised Irelands ambassador to Israel, Sonya McGuinness, who was summoned to the Israeli foreign affairs ministry and reprimanded over Irelands decision.

As proceedings started, Ms McGuinness was shown footage of Hamas that Israel claimed was filmed on October 7 which Mr Martin said fell far short of what we would expect from any country, irrespective of our political differences.

I have and will continue to treat Israels ambassador to Ireland with professional courtesy and respect. I expect the same in return. We wish to maintain functional diplomatic engagement and dialogue with Israel, he added.

Irelands transport minister Eamon Ryan said he prays that Palestine could, in time, follow a similar path to Irelands journey to autonomy.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said that the British establishment made similar warnings years ago that the Irish were not fit to govern themselves, that anarchy would surely follow if they were given the chance.

He also addressed the Jewish community in Ireland and said he shared their frustration over the one-sided approach that some people are taking to the conflict on the Middle East.

Our dearest wish is that establishment of a Palestinian state solidifies your (Israels) existence and allows you to prosper and flourish in peace and harmony with your neighbours.

I particularly want to offer reassurance to Jewish friends living here in Ireland, the last seven months have not been easy, and many may feel that there is a change in attitude towards them or people of their religion.

We need to assure them they are welcome here, they belong here, they are as Irish as all of us.

Long may Ireland be a home to Jewish people so they can continue their outstanding contribution to our nation in art, in science, in business and in politics. This house has benefited so much from people from our Jewish community.

I share their frustration at the one-sided approach that some people take to the conflict. That some would appear to think that Israels governments appalling actions mean they can be silent on Hamass atrocities  I do not.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horror on an unimaginable scale and that world leaders continue to draw a false equivalence between the impoverished occupied and the oppressive occupier.

She accused Israel of brazenly, repeatedly breaking international law, adding: Palestine is a nation threatened by annihilation.

The Dublin TD added: The world was always going to face a moment of reckoning on Palestine, and as Israel continues its brutal onslaught on the refugee population of Gaza and launch horrific madness and attacks on Rafah, I believe the moment of reckoning is now.

Recognition of the Palestinian state cant be the end, it has to be just the beginning: a new departure in pursuing freedom and justice for the Palestinians.
The prestigious Irish Pharmacy Awards took place on Saturday, 25 May 2024, at the elegant Clayton Burlington Road, celebrating excellence and innovation in the pharmacy industry across Ireland.

The event brought together the best and brightest in the field to honour their outstanding contributions and achievements.

This years awards saw a remarkable turnout, with professionals from every corner of the country gathering to recognize the dedication, hard work, and innovation driving the sector forward.

The night was filled with inspiring moments as winners were announced across various categories, each representing the pinnacle of excellence in pharmacy practice.

Ryans Pharmacy are delighted to announce that the winner of the category Athlone Pharmaceuticals Counter Assistant of the Year Award was awarded to Jenny Percival, Ryans Pharmacy Derrinturn.

"We are delighted for Jenny, the team in Derrinturn and the Ryans Pharmacy Group.

"The event was a resounding success, highlighting the exceptional work being done in pharmacies across Ireland. The winners were selected by a panel of esteemed judges, including industry experts and previous award recipients, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process.

"We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding professionals," said Kelly Jo Eastwood, Editorial Director at IPN Communications.

"Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient care is truly inspiring and sets a benchmark for others in the Pharmacy industry."

The Irish Pharmacy Awards continue to be a beacon of excellence, shining a light on the pivotal role that pharmacists and pharmacy teams play in the healthcare system.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their remarkable contributions.

About the Irish Pharmacy Awards

The Irish Pharmacy Awards aim to recognise and reward the outstanding work of pharmacists and pharmacy teams across Ireland. These awards celebrate excellence in various aspects of pharmacy practice, including patient care, innovation, business development, and education.

About Ryans Pharmacy

Established in 1996 By Shane Ryan. Ryans Pharmacy is a group of 5 award winning independent community pharmacies based in Kildare and Offaly. Ryans pharmacies employ 80 people in the local communities. We are a progressive pharmacy who care about our communities.
LIFT Ireland, have announced plans for 2025 to bring their self-leadership roundtable events to an additional 120 secondary schools nationwide, bringing its total partner schools to over 550. A number of Kildare schools have already taken part in the programme but with this announcement, many more TY students will be able to experience the tangible benefits of this unique programme.

In total, an additional 10,000 TY students will not only be impacted by this unique self-reflective model but will also be trained in the LIFT Facilitator process, enabling them to roll out leadership roundtables throughout their schools and wider community.

In just over five years, 100,000 people, from the classroom to the boardroom, have participated in LIFTs personal development roundtables which focus on core human values, such as respect, integrity, accountability. Established by Joanne Hession, David Hession and Sonya Lennon, and with a round of funding in the offing, LIFT is poised to bring the programme to every young person in the country, through schools and outreach activities, within the next 3 to 4 years.

Unsurprisingly LIFT has seen a gravitational pull into the education sector. LIFT Ireland Founder, Joanne Hession said, "With 65,000 secondary school students taking part in our roundtables, weve seen, up close, the impact were having in helping young people navigate their way through complex social issues."

In a series of 40-minute sessions, people get to discuss the fundamentals of what it means to better lead oneself, to be a more aware and tolerant friend, colleague or family member.

LIFT has already formed partnerships with some of Irelands biggest corporate players including Vodafone, PTSB and StayCity who have rolled out the Roundtable process with their various teams and can testify to the difference in the well-being of participants, as well as positively impacting on corporate culture.

David Hession, brother to Joanne, a successful lawyer and psychologist, is the one charged with monitoring the impact. He said, Working with the University of Galway, we already see early evidence on the impact were having on young peoples well-being. An anonymous online survey of 700 students conducted after a cycle of 8 roundtables revealed that 35.7% stated improved ability to deal with others, while 56% said LIFT had changed how they will think or act in the future."

LIFTs not for profit business model, however, is true to its social purpose in that the income from corporate partners is used to fund the schools programme, ensuring its free for all students, nationwide. LIFT are building a robust research programme to understand where it aligns with current social/psychological theories, how it impacts attitudes and behaviours, and the variations that socio-demographics will bring too. David Hession himself is commencing a doctorate programme around the LIFT model.

LIFT is chaired by renowned business leader Anne Heraty, recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 by Image PwC. Its board includes recognised and respected leaders like John Lonergan, Denise Fitzgerald, and Ken Casey.

100,000 and going for the multiplier is Joanne Hessions aim, and with her 25-year success as founder of both The Entrepreneurs Academy and QED The Accreditation Experts, together with Sonya Lennons Work Equal social enterprise, this trio are already seeing LIFTs magnetism at work internationally. A self-leadership pilot is due to take place with LIFT Partner GOAL in Uganda in July this year.
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The young girl seriously injured in the Parnell Square attack last November is "thriving in her therapies", six months on from the devastating incident.

Her family shared a "six month anniversary" update on the verified GoFundMe set up in the five-year-old girl's name last week on Thursday, May 23, six months to the date since the attack which saw two other children and their carer seriously injured.

"Today is the 6-month mark. We choose to say it is a 6-month anniversary of our rebirth," they said.

"Our little star has been thriving in her therapies. She is on full feeds via her tummy, moving her limbs quite well and purposefully, making choices and answering questions. Her cognition is there, for sure."

The family closed the update by thanking everyon for "the lovely messages, support, love and prayers sent our way".

As of the end of May 2024, 92,650 has been raised through the GoFundMe page.

In updates shared througout March and April, the family said that doctors had reintroduced food "into our darling daughter's day" over the next few weeks after "some serious tummy issues".

"She has started on feeds now (not orally yet) and moving her arms a good bit," they said, also sharing that the little girl was enjoying Irish lessons through the school at Temple Street Hospital, where sheis receiving treatment.

The five-year-old was one of three children who, along with their carer, were injured in a multiple stabbing at Colaiste Mhuire, Parnell Square in November 2023.

A man in his 50s, Riad Bouchaker, has been charged in relation to the attack.

The two other children, aged five and six, and Leanne Flynn, their carer, have all since been released from hospital.
Lifespin GmbH and Ac?badem Forge a Groundbreaking Metabolomics Partnership to Advance Personalized Medicine





ISTANBUL and REGENSBURG, Germany, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- lifespin GmbH, a pioneer in health status detection software, has teamed up with Ac?badem University (ACU) and Ac?badem Healthcare Group (AHG) to launch a comprehensive precision medicine initiative, a significant stride towards revolutionizing personalized healthcare. This collaboration is set to develop and expand the global market for innovative healthcare solutions that utilize a combination of advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and AI technologies.

Under the agreement, lifespin GmbH and ACU will combine their expertise to establish a state-of-the-art, AI-enabled, NMR-based metabolomics precision medicine platform. This joint venture will focus on deploying lifespin's cutting-edge products across ACU's extensive network through a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, offering these technologies at competitive rates.

Transformative Healthcare Across Continents

The partnership's mission extends beyond improving patient care across Eurasia; it ambitiously targets expansion into Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, with Istanbul positioned as the central hub. Moreover, this strategic alignment promises to bridge continents with top-tier healthcare solutions, enhancing access to advanced healthcare diagnostics.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Ac?badem University to push the boundaries of AI-based precision medicine tools in the healthcare provider sector," said Dr. Ali Tinazli, CEO of lifespin GmbH. "Our combined efforts will not only advance medical technology but also make these tools for personalized medicine more accessible."

Prof. Dr. Ahmet ?ahin, representative of Ac?badem University, commented: "This partnership stands as a testament to our commitment to healthcare innovation. We aim to transform the landscape of medicine, making personalized healthcare a reality for millions."

In addition to commercial endeavors, lifespin and Ac?badem University are eager to explore opportunities for joint development of new healthcare solutions as well as the digitalization of ACU's extensive biobank.

The agreement also encompasses the creation of a Regional Data Analysis and Data Production Center Laboratory, which will support the development and distribution of lifespin's products globally.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Ali Tinazli, lifespin GmbH

[email protected]

+49-160-2573458

Prof. Dr. Ahmet ?ahin, Ac?badem University

[email protected]

For more information, visit:

Lifespin GmbH, www.lifespin.health

Ac?badem, https://www.acibadem.com.tr/en/

SOURCE Lifespin GmbH

28 may 2024 at 02:00

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WESTERN ENERGY SERVICES CORP. ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER





CALGARY, AB, May 28, 2024 /CNW/ - Alex R.N. MacAusland, President and CEO of Western Energy Services Corp. (the "Company" or "Western") (TSX: WRG) announced today that Jeffrey K. Bowers, Senior VP Finance, Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary has resigned to actively pursue other opportunities. Mr. Bowers' resignation will be effective on May 28, 2024.

In commenting on Mr. Bowers' pending departure, Mr. MacAusland stated: "Jeffrey, a co-founder of Western, contributed significantly to the growth and success of our Company over the past 14 years. We will miss his leadership and strategic financial direction. On behalf of the Board, the executive group, and our employees, as well as personally, I want to thank Jeffrey for his dedication and many contributions and wish him continued success in his future endeavours."

The Company has retained a recruitment firm to assist in identifying candidates as Mr. Bowers' successor. Mr. Bowers will remain with the Company on an interim basis until a successor is appointed.

About Western

Western is a progressive energy service company which provides contract drilling services through its division, Horizon Drilling in Canada, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Stoneham Drilling Corporation in the United States. Additionally, Western provides production services in Canada through its wholly-owned subsidiary Western Production Services Corp. and through its division, Eagle Well Servicing which provides well servicing, and its division Aero Rental Services which provides oilfield rental services.

Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expected", "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements and information regarding the pending effective date of Jeffrey Bowers' resignation as CFO, the planned continued engagement of Mr. Bowers on an interim basis and plans for the appointment of Mr. Bowers' replacement. These forward-looking statements and information are based on expectations and assumptions made by Western in light of its experience and its current understanding of the plans for the transition of the CFO role. Although Western believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information as Western cannot give any assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Western does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Western Energy Services Corp.

28 may 2024 at 09:00

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Dr. Patrice Matchaba Appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute





CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) today announced the appointment of Patrice Matchaba, MD, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), starting June 10, 2024. He succeeds the current CEO, Emilio Emini, PhD, who recently announced his retirement, effective on June 30, 2024.

Dr. Matchaba began his career as a physician in South Africa before working for more than two decades in the pharmaceutical industry. In his time with Novartis Global Pharmaceuticals in the US and Switzerland, Dr. Matchaba gained expertise in drug development, global product registration, and market access. Prior to joining the institute, his most recent roles were President of Novartis' U.S. Foundation and Novartis Group Head of Global Health.

Before joining Novartis, Dr. Matchaba was a Senior Research Scientist at the Cochrane Centre based at the South African Medical Research Centre in Cape Town, which he joined after practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist in Durban. He also worked as a medical doctor in the mines of Botswana for three years, where he saw the ravages of tuberculosis (TB) firsthand. He was born in Zimbabwe and is a citizen of South Africa and the US.

"After an extensive global search, we are delighted to announce that Dr. Matchaba will lead the Gates MRI," said Trevor Mundel, Board Chair of the Gates MRI and President, Global Health, of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "Dr. Matchaba has seen every aspect of global health drug development in his 23 years at Novartis, most notably in his work to build sustainable partnerships to treat sickle-cell disease in Africa and Chagas disease in South America. His extensive experience in global health will help the Gates MRI as it progresses candidate therapeutics, supplements, and vaccines through clinical development and ultimately, into manufacturing and distribution."

"Dr. Matchaba's experience in harnessing the power of medical innovation?from research through to distribution and patient access?will serve us well," said Dr. Emini. "As we continue the clinical studies on potential interventions to fight the diseases that disproportionately impact low- and middle-income countries, we need continued leadership that can leverage the capabilities of current partners while building new collaboration models."

"Tuberculosis, malaria, diarrheal diseases, and maternal and child health are public health challenges that impact communities in low- and middle-income countries," said Dr. Matchaba. "The Gates MRI was founded to help address these intractable concerns and to save lives. I look forward to joining with new colleagues and research partners in this critically important work."

In March of this year, the Gates MRI launched a Phase 3 clinical trial to assess the efficacy of the M72/AS01E tuberculosis vaccine candidate. The institute is conducting a number of additional clinical trials, evaluating potential therapeutics, vaccine candidates, and a probiotic candidate to reduce the burden of illness in low- and middle-income countries globally.

The Gates MRI is an affiliate of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI)

The Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute is a non-profit medical research organization dedicated to the development and effective use of novel biomedical interventions addressing substantial global health concerns, for which investment incentives are limited, including malaria, tuberculosis, enteric and diarrheal diseases, and diseases that impact maternal, newborn, and child health. For further information please visit www.gatesmri.org.

For more information, contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute

28 may 2024 at 12:00

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Media Advisory - Government of Canada to announce investments in skilled trades training in Quebec





GATINEAU, QC, May 28, 2024 /CNW/ - The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, will announce investments to encourage more people to pursue a career in the skilled trades in Quebec through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's Union Training and Innovation Program and Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative.

A photo opportunity and media availability will follow the announcement.

Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. EDT Place: Centrale des syndicats democratiques 990, avenue de Bourgogne Suite 600 Quebec, Quebec

To register, contact [email protected] with your name and media outlet before 9:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Please indicate if attendance will be in person or virtual. Further information will be provided upon registration.

Follow us on X (Twitter)

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

28 may 2024 at 12:53

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Workers at Amazon win the right to vote on forming a union with Unifor





VANCOUVER, BC, May 28, 2024 /CNW/ - Workers at the Amazon facility in Delta can vote this week to join Canada's largest union in the private sector after the B.C. Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) dealt with Unifor's application on May 27, 2024.

"The power of union representation is within reach for Amazon workers at Delta," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "The best way to have a strong voice at work is to vote to join our union and send your employer a clear collective message."

After hundreds of workers at the facility signed confidential union cards, Unifor made an application to the BCLRB to certify the unit. Following a hearing yesterday, the Board has issued an order for a confidential vote.

Voting will take place between 3 p.m. PT May 28 and 12 noon on May 31. A simple majority of votes cast will make Unifor their official bargaining representative.

"Thousands of warehouse workers across Canada are already represented by Unifor and enjoy the higher wages, extended benefits, and job security of a union," said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. "Workers at Amazon deserve a union."

Workers at an Amazon facility first formed a union in April 2022 at the "JFK8" distribution centre on Staten Island in New York State and were joined recently by workers at the "DXT4" warehouse in Laval, QC.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor

28 may 2024 at 15:55

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People watch a news program broadcasting file images of a rocket launch by North Korea, at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. AHN YOUNG-JOON / AP

South Korea on Tuesday, May 28, slammed Pyongyang's failed attempt to put a second spy satellite in orbit, saying the abortive launch was a "provocative act" that threatened regional stability.

North Korea said late Monday that the rocket carrying its "Malligyong-1-1" reconnaissance satellite exploded minutes after launch due to a suspected engine problem. Pyongyang claimed to have put a spy satellite in orbit  long a top priority of Kim Jong Un's regime  in November after two failed attempts earlier that year.

Japanese broadcaster NHK on Tuesday ran dramatic footage showing what appeared to be a flaming projectile in the night sky that then exploded into a fireball, saying it had been filmed from northeast China at the time of the attempted launch. South Korea's National Security Office said the launch was "a violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions  regardless of outcome  and a provocative act."

North Korea claimed the "Malligyong-1" satellite put in orbit in November is successfully functioning, though Seoul's intelligence agency has cast down on the claim. Seoul claimed Kim received Russian technical assistance for that successful launch in return for sending containers of weapons to Moscow for use in Ukraine.

Read more Subscribers only Nestled between Russia and North Korea, the hopes and frustrations of a slice of China

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported this weekend that a group of Russian engineers have entered the North to help with the satellite launch, citing a government official. North Korea's National Aerospace Technology Administration said in a statement that Monday's launch failed due to "the operational reliability of the newly developed liquid oxygen and oil engine."
In Libreville on April 30, 2024, the president of the Gabonese transition, General Brice Oligui Nguema, who overthrew the elected leader, Ali Bongo, in August 2023. WILFRIED MBINAH / AFP

Out of all the putschists who have seized power in French-speaking African countries in recent years, 49-year-old Brice Oligui Nguema holds a special place in Paris' eyes. Unlike the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with whom diplomatic relations are atrocious, the president of the transitional government of Gabon has been considered to be a respectable man. On Tuesday, May 28, seven months after overthrowing his cousin, Ali Bongo Ondimba, he is due to begin a five-day official visit to France, culminating in a meeting with Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee on Friday, where he will be received with military honors.

Read more (2023) Subscribers only Gabon: General Oligui Nguema takes power and promises democracy

Welcoming this putschist just like a "normal" president is in line with the special treatment France has given him since he took power on August 30, 2023. After the usual condemnation of the coup d'etat that took place just hours after Ali Bongo's disputed re-election, Paris did not advocate any sanctions, contrary to its approach to countries in the Sahel region, notably Niger, where President Mohamed Bazoum had been overthrown a month earlier. Likewise, Gabon's new president has never voiced any resentment toward his country's former colonial power. Back in December, Macron and Oligui held talks on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai.

'A methodical man'

Paris refutes, in advance, any accusations of a "double standard," and stresses the differences between the situations in Gabon and the Sahel. "Not all putschists are equal," explained a French elected official. "Since August 30, no French flags have been burned in Gabon. What's more, there's a major difference with this junta: They are committed to respecting the transition timeline and are moving forward quickly. An inclusive national dialogue has been held. Work on the constitution is underway. President Oligui is a methodical man. He does what he says and keeps his promises."

The fall of Ali Bongo, who succeeded his father in 2009, was actually met with a certain indifference in Paris. While Libreville was one of the strongholds of "Francafrique" (the term given to France's influence in its former African colonies) during Omar Bongo's 41-year reign, relations between the two countries became increasingly strained under his son's regime. Criticism of the former Gabonese president's governance, followed by the opening of investigations into the family's "ill-gotten gains" in France, had even prompted Ali Bongo to join the Commonwealth in 2022. The fate of the deposed president, who is still living under house arrest and is on hunger strike to protest against the conditions of detention under which his wife Sylvia and son Nourredine are being held, has not elicited any official reaction from France.

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Stakeholders of the WASH Sector together with members of the newly established WASH Standing Committee
A TOTAL OF 16 Limerick City and County Council biodiversity projects have received funding totalling over 96k through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF).

The fund supports biodiversity education and awareness projects, bird conservation projects, invasive species management and wetland surveys.

The funding comes as Limerick marks National Biodiversity Week 2024 with a series of events highlighting the importance of biodiversity.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD announced that 2.8 million LBAF funding has been awarded to local authorities across the country for 233 biodiversity projects.

A sum of 25,500 has been allocated under the Limerick funding for a new wetlands survey.

A total of 17,000 has been made available to assist with increasing biodiversity awareness through high impact urban-art biodiversity murals.

Also included among the 16 Limerick projects is funding of 15,000 towards a control programme of giant hogweed in the River Loobagh. A further 3,000 has been allocated to a survey into the removal of giant hogweed and raising awareness of its spread on the Morning Star River.

Another survey receiving funding is an ecological survey of the Newcastle West Demesne with an allocation of 3,400.

The modelling of landscape connectivity for lesser horseshoe bats in County Limerick is to receive 5,207.

Sinead McDonnell, biodiversity officer at Limerick City and County Council said: The Limerick projects being funded by the Local Biodiversity Action Fund underscore Limerick City and County Councils commitment to enhancing and protecting Biodiversity across the city and county. The allocated money will be used to increase awareness of issues and support the implementation of the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan.

The funding will put an extra spring in our step as we enjoy the series of engaging events lined up for National Biodiversity Week in Limerick. First established in 2018, the Local Biodiversity Action Fund was created to assist local authorities in the implementation of actions in support of biodiversity. A total of just over 8.6m has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF since the scheme launched.
LIMERICK City and County Councils Active Travel team is continuing to add to its expertise, with the appointment of a new Behavioural Scientist in the department.

Toby Goodwin has begun work with the team this month following his move from the UK, where he worked with Transport for London (TfL) for 24 years. Tobys partner is from West Limerick and they have made the decision to relocate to the area.

Among the posts Toby held in TfL was Human Factors Engineer, where he began work to run live trials in influencing customer behaviour and assessing the impact of peoples perceptions on the success of project delivery.

Toby will now be tasked with conducting assessments with various stakeholders in Limerick and helping to deliver effective measures to promote the usage of both the new and existing Active Travel network across both the city and county.

The new role means Limericks Active Travel team becomes the first in the country to have a dedicated Behavioural Scientist within its multidisciplinary department.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell commented: Having a multitude of expertise across the Active Travel team is very important as the department continues to deliver high-quality upgrades of pedestrian and cycle infrastructure in Limerick.

"Ensuring robust stakeholder engagement and buy-in to this work will be a key factor into how successful these upgrades are. Continuing to work with any and all voices will see our ever expanding Active Travel network supported by extensive local knowledge and input. I want to congratulate Toby on his new role and wish him every success.

READ MORE: Agency delivers major update on plans for 900 homes in Limerick

Toby Goodwin said: It is great to be joining the Active Travel team here in Limerick at such an exciting time. There has already been some great work done in developing new and existing infrastructure across the city and county. We have a great baseline to work from when it comes to providing future success.

"I am excited to be in the position of bringing my passion for active travel and my experience in systems thinking and behavioural change to the team.

Senior Engineer with the Active Travel team in Limerick City & County Council, Sean McGlynn, added: We are delighted to welcome Toby into our expanding multi-disciplinary team.

"The Active Travel story in Limerick continues to evolve and Tobys appointment is another step on our journey. The team is acutely aware of balancing the diverse needs of various stakeholders throughout the city and county with delivering a high-quality, enhanced pedestrian and cycle network. Im looking forward to working closely with Toby as he begins his new role.
FOR the first time in 333 years, a flotilla of the French navy made a courtesy port of call to Limerick.

To celebrate past and present friendship between Ireland and France, its closest EU neighbour, a group of four boats called 'Bateau-Ecole' sailed up the River Shannon on May 24 and docked in Limerick Harbour for a few days.

The boats in question can be recognised by their animal-inspired names, such as Leopard or Tiger.

333 years ago, in 1691, the French navy came for reinforcements during the Williamite Wars of Ireland.

READ MORE: Inspiring Limerick teacher earns recognition

However, they arrived after the siege of the city and shortly after Patrick Sarsfield had signed the Treaty of Limerick, which led to the exile to France of over 12,000 Irish soldiers who became known as the Wild Geese.

The 'bateau-ecole' are boats used by the French navy to train young cadets for navigation and rescue techniques.

Over the weekend, members of the crew attended the annual United Nations Peacekeepers Day ceremony held by members of Post 6 of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA).

The historical episode of the Flight of the Wild Geese and the special bond with France are commemorated annually during the Limerick Wild Geese Festival which will take place on Saturday, July 6 Sunday, July 7 this summer.
GARDAI raided a number of properties in Limerick city centre this Tuesday afternoon.

A number of garda units were involved in the operation designed to tackle antisocial behaviour and drug activity. The garda searches focused on buildings in Catherine Street and Cecil Street.

A garda spokesperson said gardai with Community Policing in Henry Street garda station, with the assistance of the Armed Support Unit and Regional Dog Unit, carried out a number of searches at properties in Limerick City Centre.

"The searches are a result of ongoing investigations into antisocial behavior and drug activity in the area.

"No arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing," said the garda spokesperson.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Limerick man charged over fatal assault in Kerry

One onlooker told Limerick Live there was a lot of commotion on the streets.

"There were three or four garda cars and vans on Catherine Street. They had the street blocked. They had a sniffer dog too. It was about twenty past two. Then around the corner were the boys with the guns.

"A lot of people were gathered around watching the goings on and asking what was happening," they said.
Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has defended the Governments climate policies, saying it can meet its emission targets despite a report stating that Ireland will not reduce greenhouse gases emissions as set out under law.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the momentum around reducing emissions is not fast enough.

Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment and Communications Eamon Ryan said that while it is a real challenge to meet the targets, he is absolutely convinced Ireland will reduce carbon emissions.

Under Irelands 2021 Climate Act, it has set a target for a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 when compared with 2018.

On a European level, Irelands latest target is to limit greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42% by 2030, compared with 2005.

The EPA said Ireland will achieve only a reduction of up to 29% by 2030, against the 2018 baseline for the national target.

Mr Ryan told the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action that it is a challenge reaching the targets as the population is growing, which he claimed is not taken into account in the European process.

Our economy is growing very fast compared to other European countries. But we can and will do it, Mr Ryan added.

We have to think here long term, it isnt just getting to 2030. We know the European Commission and others are the saying we need to meet a 90% reduction by 2040.

The real challenge is how we set long-term change over the next two to three decades so that we do deliver Ireland as a zero carbon country and Im absolutely convinced we can and will do that.

Social Democrats Jennifer Whitmore said: I think the elephant in the room today in light of the EPA report and the publication of their analysis is the fact that your government is not going to meet its climate targets.

Its not going to meet the climate targets required under the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and its not going to meet the climate targets necessary under the (2021 Climate) Act either.

This EPA report  was the exact same analysis from the EPA last year, its the second year in a row where the EPA analysis shows that if your government implements every single policy measure set out on the Climate Action Plan, 100% implemented in absolute full, you will only meet 29% reduction of the 51% required.

It is clear that your government is failing when it comes to being ambitious enough in the policies and making sure that we have sufficient policies to meet our targets.

The EPA today published its greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions projections for 2023-2050. Laura Burke sets out our priorities in relation to reducing our ghg emissions. Read the full report: https://t.co/2kURCQBCtJ pic.twitter.com/1jhNHJd9EW  EPA Ireland (@EPAIreland) May 28, 2024

You have had a year and there has been another iteration of the Climate Action Plan, and in that year you still have not managed to even put down any additional policies that would result in even 1% additional reduction in emissions.

However, Mr Ryan said that recent Government measures are not included in the modelling, including the introduction of a biomethane strategy and a new solar support project.

I believe these can help us close the gap. In the last year, we introduced a major new transport demand management modelling exercise and plan in terms of how we will, in transport, help close that gap, the Green Party leader added.

Some of the measures, take for example what we plan to do in Dublin city centre this summer, EPA have not modelled that because they dont find it easy to model those sort of projected changes.

There are a whole variety of different actions, additional actions, which government have introduced in the last year which will help close the gap.

(The EPA) doesnt include all the additional measures that government is looking at.

Sinn Fein TD Darren ORourke told the committee: One of the significant indicators we have is that the path were on at the minute is not delivering, minister, so there has to be a fundamental review of the full approach.

The Climate Action Plan isnt delivering on the targets that are agreed. In fairness, theres broad political consensus in terms of the targets themselves, which we shouldnt take for granted.
The HSE will provide 'back of house' drug testing at four Irish music festivals this summer to reduce drug-related harms.

The news comes as concerns have been expressed by a HSE addiction expert about the use of new substance HHC in vaping, and the mental health risk it poses for young people.

The HSE said it is concerned about the use of cannabinoids, particularly the newly emerged substance HHC, for which there is limited information.

This summer, the HSEs Safer Nightlife Programme is providing harm reduction outreach teams and back of house drug checking at four festivals, with the aim of reducing drug related harms and increasing understanding of current drug trends.

Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, said: "We have on-going concerns about the health impacts associated with current use patterns, in particular mental health reactions we have observed. Through our work last year, we are aware of adverse physical and mental issues from substances such as MDMA, ketamine and cocaine at events.

"In addition to this, we are now also concerned regarding vapes, and cannabinoids such as the newly emerged substance HHC, which there is limited information on from a health perspective. Concerningly, we are observing increases in adolescent presentations to addiction services for young people experiencing mental health problems from reported use of this substance.

"Last summer we provided 76 hours of outreach at three events to support festival attendees and following the analysis of 220 surrendered drugs, we identified a number of trends of concern and issued eight risk communications about high strength MDMA, cocaine and ketamine which is an indication of current trends.

"We hope to continue to receive samples across four events this year so we can obtain an accurate view of current drug market trends and support onsite medics through the analysis of substances associated with medical emergencies," Prof Keenan said.

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke said: Im very pleased to see the HSEs Safer Nightlife programme going from strength to strength as it enters its third year. This initiative, which fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to increase and support drug monitoring services, is among a suite of measures funded by the Department that are improving our ability to recognise and respond to emerging drug trends. Of course, it is always safer not to use drugs but we must protect the health and safety of people who may choose to use them, through effective harm reduction initiatives.

The impact of the Safer Nightlife programme is clearly evident as it has enabled us to highlight potentially dangerous substances circulating in festival settings. Initiatives like this are saving lives, and I am committed to supporting the work of teams as they continue their valuable work throughout the summer.

At the launch, Nicki Killeen, HSE Project Manager Emerging Drug Trends, said: Through our back of house drug checking, pills, powders, crystals and some other substances can be analysed in real time, in collaboration between the HSE, Gardai and festival organisers with an aim to identify trends of concern to inform the public at events. Surrender bins will be available in health-led settings in the Drugs.ie tent and medical tents. We want to remind people that the drugs.ie tent offers a safe space for people to discuss their drug use, get information, and surrender drugs for analysis. If a trend of concern is identified, we will issue alerts via drugs.ie social media, our volunteers and at the event through the festival promoters. Last summer, we found MDMA pills ranging from 50mg to 246mg (twice the average dose), highlighting significant variability in strength and purity despite similar appearances.

This year, the HSE Safer Nightlife Programme is also expanding and joining forces with agencies from Portugal, Luxembourg, Italy, and Spain to address the intersection of a number of issues such as gender, safety, and substance use in nightlife settings. The Crisscross initiative aims to promote more safer and inclusive nightlife. So far, we have conducted focus groups with professionals and young people who socialise in Dublin nightlife and will begin our training programme for professionals later this week. Through the Safer Nightlife Programme we are launching the Crisscross campaign which will include new resources for our outreach on topics such as being a good bystander in nightlife.

For more information, visit www.drugs.ie/festivals or follow the conversation @drugsdotie or #HSESaferNightlife.
Tributes have been pouring in for a Sligo dad, who died while on holiday in Bulgaria.

Geoffrey McManus of Langan Drive, Cranmore, Sligo Town, died unexpected on May 21, while on holiday.

His nephew, Brandon Mills, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to bring him home.

"Firstly, on behalf of the McManus and McMorrow family, we cant express how much we appreciate the love and support that we have received since Geoffrey has passed away. It has been overwhelming and both of my grandparents cannot thank you all enough. We are seeking help from the community with this go fund me," Brandon explained.

Geoffrey, unfortunately passed in another country, Bulgaria. In order for Geoffrey to be released and finally get home to his family where he will be laid to rest my Grandfather has to fly over and speak with legal representatives. Myself and my aunt Jennifer will be coming along with him for support.

"Every cent raised will go towards this process, and whatever is left will go towards funeral cost and his headstone.

We do appreciate that times are tough, so absolutely anything or even a share would be much appreciated," he said.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for the dad of three.

"Geoffrey McManus, you have left a lot of heavy hearts here at home. The amount of memories you have given us all, you have given us some amount of stories to tell over your 39 years on this earth, thinking of these good times we can laugh, something you never failed to make us do," paid a friend in tribute.
Microsoft, Google and Amazon are remarkably successful companies, and their ability to suppress competition in their primary and adjacent markets is unparalleled. These tech giants are now attempting to control artificial-intelligence technology. If allowed to dominate AI, they could reinforce and extend their supremacy over more of the economy. It is imperative that competition authorities carefully monitor and, where necessary, police the investments and partnerships that Big Tech is using to tighten its grip over AI.

Big Techs playbook for expanding its dominance is familiar. Once these platforms establish monopoly or near-monopoly power in their primary markets, they enter and gain competitive advantages in adjacent markets. As a House Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee report found, Big Tech companies have frequently invested" in emerging firms and technologies in adjacent markets, integrated or bundled these products with their dominant platforms, and then provided a leg up to their offerings by giving them superior access to their platforms.

Big Tech companies can thus pre-empt the normal evolution of emerging markets. Rather than evolve into their own solar systems, adjacent markets become mere satellites of the dominant firms. This not only allows tech giants to absorb new domains but also prevents the emergence of new rivals with technologies capable of disrupting the platforms dominance.

The strategy is intentional. Internal deliberations at dominant companies have sometimes shown that a significant reason for investing in adjacent technologies is to throttle threats to the companies core platforms and instead turn them into improvements" that can insulate the firms from competitive challenges.

The latest threat Big Tech poses to competition concerns AI. We dont yet know the potential of AI, positive or not. Weve learned enough, however, to know that we need to scrutinize large-platform companies investments in and partnerships with startup AI ventures.

Microsoft has already entered into a partnership with OpenAI that includes a multibillion-dollar investment, collaboration in technology development and the provision, on an exclusive basis, of Microsoft cloud services to OpenAI. The potential for this collaboration with a dominant company like Microsoft has a well-established history of stifling competition in important startup technologies that otherwise would grow and potentially compete with top market firms. Incorporating OpenAIs capabilities into Microsofts platform will doubtless reinforce the platforms dominance.

Another concern is the possibility that AI falls into the wrong hands. Some policymakers have raised legitimate national-security issues about these large platforms achieving dominant positions in AI. Each firm is subject to some leverage or pressure from communist China as a condition of operating in the country.

Part of that arrangement likely includes giving Beijing and other foreign governments access to technology and code. As a Microsoft spokesperson has described it, that company has long provided governments around the world ability to inspect limited portions of our source code." Microsoft has other important ties to Chinas development of AI through its funding of Microsoft Research Asia, established in 1998. With such cooperation comes the increased risk of being hacked and having ones technology ransacked. The other large platforms are subject to similar pressure and thus face an elevated risk of theft and hacking.

One reason Big Tech companies have become so powerful is that regulators have been asleep at the switch over the past 25 years and allowed them to gobble up emerging firms before they posed a competitive threat. We cant repeat these mistakes and must carefully scrutinize investments by dominant platforms on the front end so that governments arent left trying to undo the harms when it isnt feasible.

Fortunately, we seem to be learning from our missteps. Its encouraging that the Federal Trade Commission, European Union and U.K. Competition and Markets Authority have each initiated investigations to assess issues raised by Big Techs investment in AI.

The FTC in January issued orders pursuant to its powers in Section 6(b) of the FTC Act to Alphabet/Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Anthropic PBC and Open AI to scrutinize Big Tech corporate partnerships and investments with AI providers to build a better understanding of these relationships and their impact on the competitive landscape."

The European Commission is looking into some of the agreements that have been concluded between large digital market players and generative AI developers and providers," specifically whether Microsofts investment in OpenAI might be reviewable under the EU Merger Regulation. In April the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority invited input from interested parties on investments by Microsoft and Amazon into AI. It also revealed that it had discovered an interconnected web" of more than 90 partnerships and strategic investments" among the same group of firms, which it said could be used to shield themselves from competition."

These are important, forward-thinking and balanced actions. Some of these investments may be justifiedbut regardless, regulators must address their potentially anticompetitive effects at the front end. And parties in relevant markets shouldnt sit on the sidelines as these and other inquiries progress.

Mr. Barr is a co-founder of Torridon Law PLLC, a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute and author of the memoir One Damn Thing After Another." He served as U.S. attorney general, 1991-93 and 2019-20.
The idea of machines outsmarting humans has long been the subject of science fiction. Rapid improvements in artificial-intelligence (AI) programs over the past decade have led some experts to conclude that science fiction could soon become fact. On March 19th Jensen Huang, the chief executive of Nvidia, the worlds biggest manufacturer of computer chips and its third most valuable publicly traded company, said he believed todays models could advance to the point of so-called artificial general intelligence (AGI) within five years. What exactly is AGIand how can we judge when it has arrived?

Mr Huangs words should be taken with a pinch of salt: Nvidias profits have soared because of the growing demand for its high-tech chips, which are used to train AI models. Promoting AI is thus good for business. But Mr Huang did set out a clear definition of what he believes would constitute AGI: a program that can do 8% better than most people at certain tests, such as bar exams for lawyers or logic quizzes.

This proposal is the latest in a long line of definitions. In the 1950s Alan Turing, a British mathematician, said that talking to a model that had achieved AGI would be indistinguishable from talking to a human. Arguably the most advanced large language models already pass the Turing test. But in recent years tech leaders have moved the goalposts by suggesting a host of new definitions. Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, an AI-research firm, and chief executive of a newly established AI division within Microsoft, believes that what he calls artificial capable intelligence"a modern Turing test"will have been reached when a model is given $100,000 and turns it into $1m without instruction. (Mr Suleyman is a board member of The Economists parent company.) Steve Wozniak, a co-founder of Apple, has a more prosaic vision of AGI: a machine that can enter an average home and make a cup of coffee.

Some researchers reject the concept of AGI altogether. Mike Cook, of Kings College London, says the term has no scientific basis and means different things to different people. Few definitions of AGI attract consensus, admits Harry Law, of the University of Cambridge, but most are based on the idea of a model that can outperform humans at most taskswhether making coffee or making millions. In January researchers at DeepMind proposed six levels of AGI, ranked by the proportion of skilled adults that a model can outperform: they say the technology has reached only the lowest level, with AI tools equal to or slightly better than an unskilled human.

The question of what happens when we reach AGI obsesses some researchers. Eliezer Yudkowsky, a computer scientist who has been fretting about AI for 20 years, worries that by the time people recognise that models have become sentient, it will be too late to stop them and humans will become enslaved. But few researchers share his views. Most believe that AI is simply following human inputs, often poorly.

There may be no consensus about what constitutes AGI among academics or businessmenbut a definition could soon be agreed on in court. As part of a lawsuit lodged in February against OpenAI, a company he co-founded, Elon Musk is asking a court in California to decide whether the firms GPT-4 model shows signs of AGI. If it does, Mr Musk claims, OpenAI has gone against its founding principle that it will license only pre-AGI technology. The company denies that it has done so. Through his lawyers, Mr Musk is seeking a jury trial. Should his wish be granted, a handful of non-experts could decide a question that has vexed AI experts for decades.

Editors note: This piece has been updated to clarify Mustafa Suleymans concept

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Kotak Life has teamed up with the much awaited film of this year  Mr. and Mrs. Mahi. Starring renowned actor and Kotak Lifes Brand Ambassador Rajkummar Rao, along with Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles, this film portrays the journey of a couple, where the husband, in the true spirit of partnership, steers his wife in the right direction to help her fulfil her dream of becoming a professional cricketer.

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As the official insurance partner for this heart-warming film, Kotak Life presents a special promo video that highlights this unique collaboration and the essence of securing lifes goals.

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To discover more about Kotak Life's offerings and how they can help fulfil your dreams, visit Kotak Life.
MUMBAI : Asset manager 360 One WAM Ltd is in talks with investors to raise a 4,000-crore secondaries funda vehicle typically used to buy stakes in companies from other investors or replace another investor in multiple firms.

The alternatives asset manager is also in talks to raise a healthcare-focussed private equity fund, Sameer Nath, chief investment officer and head of 360 One Assets venture capital and private equity business, said on Tuesday.

360 One WAM, which handles nearly $2.9 billion in assets under management under its alternatives strategies, also plans to launch an early-stage venture capital fund as well as a fourth pre-IPO fund over the next year, Nath said.

We are halfway through the fundraise and have made five investments," Nath said about the secondaries fund, declining to name the investments. Typical investments will be in the range of 150 crore to 200 crore, he said, adding that the fund will be sector-agnostic.

This is 360 One Assets first secondaries fund. Several foreign investors such as TR Capital, Foundation Private Equity, and New Quest Capital have launched secondaries-only funds that operate in India. Large private equity firms such as KKR and Blackstone also acquire secondary stakes in India.

360 One Asset will be able to offer more options to Indian companies and investors in the sub- 200 crore to 300 crore range, Nath said.

The need for secondaries

In addition to the base corpus of 4,000 crore ($480 million), 360 One Assets secondaries fund will have a greenshoe option to raise a larger fund. A greenshoe option allows a fund manager to raise more capital than planned if it sees greater demand.

Nath said that over the last decade, private equity and venture capital funds had invested over $250 billion in India but had realised only $160 billion in exits, or share sales.

There is a big pool of capital that is relatively illiquid, which will be seeking liquidity in some shape or form in the coming years. Some of it will find its way into the public market. Some of it will have an M&A or a strategic outcome, but there will still be a lot of capital seeking liquidity and that's where we come in," Nath said, explaining the rationale for the secondaries fund.

The secondaries market also stands to benefit from a regulatory tailwind, he said. The Securities and Exchange Board of India has declined extensions as several Indian investors near the end of their fund duration. There are dozens of investors in this situation who will require liquidity solutions," Nath said.

In recent months, investors have looked at other options too to generate liquidity for their limited partners, or investors. Mint reported on Tuesday that multiple investors such as India Quotient and Multiples PE were looking to raise continuation funds to provide exits to their investors while also retaining some stake in their winning portfolios.

Also read | Why continuation funds are the new favourites in investor arsenals

360 One expects to structure its secondaries fund so that it can generate liquidity within 3 years for its portfolio. As such, up to half of the corpus is in invested in pre-IPO companies.

We are not investing in any companies where we don't have visibility into liquidity within three years," Nath said. We have the first-mover advantage, but we don't expect to be the last."

Specialist PE funds

As for 360 Ones plans to raise a healthcare-focussed fund, Nath said about half the targeted corpus had been raised, without providing more details. He added that one of the investments from the healthcare fund was in Hyderabad-based audiology chain Hearing Solution.

The advisory board for the healthcare fund includes Manipal Group founder Ranjan Pai as well as Ashutosh Taparia, one of the founders of womens healthcare-focussed Famy Care Pvt. Ltd.

In August last year, Mint reported that 360 One planned to launch sector-specific funds, starting with a healthcare fund, and then subsequently launch funds in financial services, consumer, and technology.

I dont think we are set up to compete as a generalist (on the private-equity side). On the PE side, our right to win an edge will be industry-focused thematic funds," Nath said at the time.

360 One has not yet decided a corpus for its early-stage venture capital fund, which will be run by former Lightspeed Venture Partners executive Abhishek Nag.
Fast-fashion giant Shein seemed to be on a roll. The purveyor of $3 T-shirts, $10 jeans and other ultra-low-priced clothing had become one of the worlds biggest fashion companies, with hundreds of millions of customers. In November, it filed to go public in New York, raising expectations it would be one of the biggest IPOs in years.

Its U.S.-based executive chairman, Donald Tang, shuttled across the country meeting politicians, optimistic he could sell them on his vision of Shein as a model of compliance and transparency.

Now the company is awkwardly stuck in the middle of U.S.-China tensions, and its hopes for a New York initial public offering have faded.

Shein was founded in 2012 in China, although it moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2021. It contracts with thousands of Chinese factories that churn out new styles every day, and has services such as warehousing and back offices there. Its biggest market, though, is the USit has never sold in China.

Shein has largely failed to bridge misgivings on both sides. Washington lawmakers are suspicious of Sheins China ties and have demanded more details on its supply chain. Beijing wants Shein and other companies with substantial operations in China to stay in line with its own messaging. One outsize issue is cottonnot just where Shein gets the fabric, but also how it talks about it.

Shein has shifted its main listing efforts to London. An IPO filing there could come in the next few weeks, people familiar with the matter said.

The widening divide between Beijing and Washington has played out especially in high-tech industries like semiconductors and artificial intelligencebut no company is immune. Sheins challenges in satisfying the two dont bode well for other high-profile companies with China roots trying to establish a U.S. foothold.

Along with social-video platform TikTok and bargain retailer Temu, Shein is among the few major companies with Chinese roots that have broken through with American consumers in meaningful ways. All have come under scrutiny in Washington. Last month, President Biden signed a bill that will ban TikTok if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, doesnt sell it within a year.

Temu, owned by Chinese e-commerce company PPD Holdings, poured money into the U.S. ad market and has grown to become Americas second-most popular shopping app by monthly users, behind Amazon. After landing in Washingtons crosshairs, its now shifting its focus to other markets beyond the U.S.

Companies have increasingly had to pick sides since Beijing-based ride-hailing company Didi Global angered Beijing when it went ahead with its U.S. listing in 2021 without full sign-off by Chinese regulators. After its IPO, Chinese regulators slapped Didi with restrictions and a data-security review, and the company delisted from the New York Stock Exchange after 11 months.

If Shein cant make it, who else has a better chance?" said Sheng Lu, an expert on the global textile and apparel industry at the University of Delaware. Shein is not in a traditionally sensitive high-tech industry. Its just a clothing retailer."

Tang, Sheins executive chairman, has been the Western face of the company since he joined it in 2022. Last year, the former Bear Stearns executive relocated from Los Angeles to Washington to be closer to Sheins lobbying efforts.

He has experience taking companies public and connections in both the U.S., where he has lived for four decades, and China, where he was born. Selling Shein as a compliant global company in todays political environment, he found, requires a different skill set. I have learned so much more in the last several years than the previous life I was in," he said.

The face of Shein

Sheins identity between two places is a familiar one for the 61-year-old Tang, who has been an American citizen for decades but still gets asked where hes really from.

He came to the U.S. in 1982 to follow his girlfriend, whom he had met at age 14 in a math competition. In a 2006 essay for the Los Angeles Times, Tang recounted how as a 17-year-old in China, he dialed an emergency number for the U.S. consul-general, saying he needed a visa so he could be with his girlfriend. He arrived with only $20the maximum that Chinese law allowed citizens to take out of the country at that time. His girlfriend is now his wife and mother of their two children.

He graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and went on to take on executive roles at Bear Stearns. Later, as a vice chairman there, he played matchmaker between his firm and Chinas Citic Securities, which would have been the first Chinese bank to inject capital into a Wall Street bank. The deal fell through when Bear Stearns collapsed during the financial crisis and was taken over by J.P. Morgan in 2008.

Tang first heard of Shein in the early days of the pandemic, when he and his family were hunkered down in Hawaii. His wife was intrigued by the cute face mask the hostess at a local restaurant was wearing, and was told the mask was from Shein.

A year later, Tang was introduced by a mutual friend to Sheins reclusive chief executive, Sky Xu, who has stayed out of the spotlight throughout the companys meteoric rise, and started advising him. In 2022, months after the company moved its headquarters, Tang started leading its effort to build a global identity.

Under his guidance, Shein has formed partnerships with Western brands like Forever 21 and tried to diversify its supply chain beyond China. He has enlisted Western executives and advisers, including Frances Townsend, who was a homeland security adviser in George W. Bushs White House.

Shein delivered record sales and profits in 2023, according to a letter to investors.

Yet for all Tangs Western-facing campaigning, he remained aware that Shein isnt immune from Beijings pressure and that falling out of favor with Chinese authorities could cost the company dearly.

Cotton conundrum

A primary issue for both Washington and Beijing is cotton.

U.S. law bans imports linked to Xinjiang, where Washington accuses Chinese authorities of using forced labor in its repression of Uyghurs, allegations Beijing denies. U.S. politicians want Sheins assurance that it doesnt use cotton from Xinjiang, which accounts for the vast majority of Chinas cotton production.

Publicly addressing the matter could get Shein in trouble with Beijing. Companies viewed as bowing to Western criticism over Xinjiang risk swift retaliation, as H&M learned in 2021 when its statement that it would stop sourcing from Xinjiang prompted its erasure from the Chinese internet.

What Shein says publicly on the matter has evolved. It told The Wall Street Journal last year it doesnt source cotton from Xinjiang or even from China. Its more recent statements leave out any mention of Xinjiang and simply says it has zero tolerance" for forced labor. Until late last year, Sheins website included a report on sustainability and social impact, with information about its cotton sourcing, tracing and testing. The report has since been removed from Sheins website.

People close to the company say cotton makes up around 4% of Sheins clothing sold in the U.S.

Oritain, a New Zealand-based company that verifies the origin of raw materials, said tests of Shein cotton samples in 2022 and 2023 indicated that 1.7% originated in what it calls unapproved regions." For Shein, that means Xinjiang. That compares with the industry average of 14% in 2022.

Industry experts say its challenging for any apparel maker to root out Xinjiang cotton entirely given how complex the global supply chain is. Raw cotton from different sources often ends up at the same processing plants.

When Shein filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a U.S. listing in November, it did so confidentiallya common move that lets a company keep sensitive business and financial data away from public eyes and competitors during discussions with regulators.

The SEC told Shein its application wouldnt be accepted unless the company submitted a public filing, people with knowledge of the matter saida move that securities lawyers say is unusual. Shein still hasnt done so.

A public filing wouldnt guarantee Shein SEC approval, but could set off scrutiny from lawmakers, government officials and the media over sensitive issues, securities lawyers say.

Shein filed the same paperwork with Chinas stock regulator, something companies with substantial operations in China are required to do when they seek to go public.

Chinas cybersecurity watchdog also opened a probe into Sheins data practices, in whats become a routine practice in recent years. The review included how Shein handles information on its staff, suppliers and partners. Authorities also paid particular attention to Sheins language on Xinjiang cotton, people familiar with the matter said.

The Cyberspace Administration of China didnt respond to a request for comment.

Putting out fires

This year got off to an inauspicious start for Tang, with the issues in Beijing and reports that Sheins investors were trying to offload their stakes in private markets. Shein had internally started to discuss alternatives to a New York IPO. New issues continued coming up.

In February, Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) urged SEC Chairman Gary Gensler to block Sheins IPO unless it provided details on its company structure and interactions with the Chinese government.

In March, French lawmakers approved a fast-fashion bill that will impose hefty levies on low-cost garments sold by companies like Shein to curb the industrys environmental impact.

In April, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced heightened scrutiny over low-value packages sent from abroad directly to U.S. consumers, with no duties and little scrutiny. Shein relies on the shipping method under a trade loophole that critics say also helps companies skirt bans on imports made with forced labor.

That same month, Europe labeled Shein a very large online platform," a designation that imposes stringent rules over issues including counterfeit and unsafe products and consumer data.

According to Tang, the companys priority now is compliance. Shein plans to spend $50 million on global compliance for the next few years. That follows a similar strategy by TikTok, which to stave off a U.S. ban expanded its U.S. presence and spent $1.5 billion on a data-use compliance project.

Tang even paints Sheins listing plans as part of its transparency efforts. Most companies seek to go public for liquidity reasons. We seek to go public to embrace scrutiny and public diligence," he said.

When asked on a Milken Institute panel in early May where Shein is really from, Tang said that depending on how people look at it, Shein can be seen as a Chinese company, based on where most of its supply chain and employees are, or a Singaporean company, with its headquarters and other important functions there.

But, he concluded, Sheins values, mission and vision align with those of Americas: entrepreneurship, innovation, expression of individuality, rule of law and fair competition.

I think if you look at it that way, were an American company," he said.

Sheins main challenge continues to be Washington.

Beijing isnt looking to block Shein from listing overseas, and the company has cleared its cybersecurity review, the people familiar with the matter say. One person close to Beijing said Chinas stock regulator has indicated it will give a final nod once Shein gets closer to a listing. Chinas securities regulator didnt respond to a request for comment.

Shein still hasnt completely given up on a U.S. listing, according to people familiar with the matter.

Corrie Driebusch and Raffaele Huang contributed to this article

Write to Shen Lu at shen.lu@wsj.com
RBSE Class 12 Results 2024: The Board Of Secondary Education Rajasthan (RBSE) has opened the window to register for mark verification for Class 12 students who are unsatisfied with their board results, announced on May 20, 2024, at rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in. In addition to mark verification, students can also apply for photocopies of answer sheets. The last date to apply for RBSE Class 12 marks verification is May 30.

Girls have outperformed boys in all three streams this year. In the Science stream, 97.73% of students have passed, while the Arts stream has a pass percentage of 96.88%. The Commerce stream stands out with the highest pass percentage of 98.95%. The RBSE further informed that as many as 16,039 students cleared the exam with a third division, and 6,235 students were placed in the compartment category.

Also Read | NEET PG 2024: Pre-final correction window opens today. Steps to edit form at natboard.edu.in RBSE Class 12 Results 2024: Application Fee for Marks Verification Students who are unsatisfied with the RBSR Board Exam 2024 results announced on May 20, 2024 can initiate a marks verification process of the answer sheets. They will have to pay an application fee of 300 per subject till May 30. Candidates can also apply for the same till June 4 but will have to pay a late fee of 600.

Also Read | DU UG Admission 2024: Registration for UG courses begins at admission.uod.ac.in Interested students can apply for the verification of the marks through the official website of RBSE: rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in.

RBSE Class 12 Results 2024: How to apply for marks verification Go to the official website: rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in

Click on the new user registration available on the homepage

Register yourself after submitting your basic information

Enter the required details, including RBSE Board Roll Number, mobile number, email ID and other important details

Select the subject in which you want to raise objection

Pay the application fee

Review and submit the application form According to RBSE, after submitting the application fee for marks verification, students can view a scanned copy of their answer sheet online or download it. If they find any error or wrong calculation of marks in their answer sheet, they can apply for re-evaluation within ten days of attaining the answer sheet.
Accusing the opposition INDIA bloc of sheltering infiltrators in the Naxal-affected area of Jharkhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the safety and lives of tribal daughters are in danger. The Infiltrators are a threat to our daughters, the prime minister said while addressing a rally in Jharkhand's Dumka district, adding that "Love Jihad started in Jharkhand.

Addressing the public rally, the prime minister asked, Why is JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) shielding infiltrators?" He said the number of tribals is rapidly decreasing in many areas, and the number of infiltrators is increasing. "Who are these infiltrators who are a threat to our daughters? Why is the JMM shielding them?" he asked.

The prime minister further criticised the JMM government for attempts to change the weekly break of schools from Sunday to Friday. Holidays on Sunday are connected to Christianity. I heard that in one Jharkhand district, they tried to change it to Friday, PM Modi stated. As many as 43 state-run schools in the state had unilaterally changed the weekly break from Sunday to Friday, though the decision was reversed by the government later and the management committees of these schools were dissolved.

Also Read | Indias economic trajectory to continue regardless of Modi, says Raghuram Rajan Here are 10 key points that Prime Minister Modi said in Dumka during the rally:

PM Modi accused the INDIA bloc of sheltering the infiltrators in the Naxal-affected area.

Taking a swipe at the ruling JMM, the prime minister said, "Now, the problem of infiltrators has arisen as a big problem in Jharkhand. As a result, the number of tribals is rapidly decreasing in many areas and the number of infiltrators is increasing. The safety and lives of tribal daughters have come in danger. Who are these infiltrators who are a threat to our daughters? Why is the JMM shielding them?"

The prime minister accused the INDIA bloc of indulging in the politics of appeasement. They give protection to infiltrators, terrorists, and whoever opposes it, they blame them for Hindu-Muslim division," he said.

PM Modi slammed the grand old party for indulging in "vote bank politics" rather than thinking about the benefits of the Dalit and Adivasi communities.

"For the INDI alliance, only its own vote bank is important. They don't have anything to do with the interests of the tribal society. Wherever these people came to power, tribal society and culture came under threat. Their weapons against the tribals are - Naxalism, infiltration and appeasement. Till the Congress was in power, Naxalism was at its peak, the future of the youth was in danger," he said.

PM Modi accused the JMM government in Jharkhand of diverting resources sent by the Centre to the black market. "The JMM has snatched the food from your plate. Instead of the free ration from Delhi reaching you, it ends up in the black market without getting to you directly," he said.

Accusing JMM of looting Jharkhand in every possible way, the prime minister said, JMM, Congress, RJD are openly and shamelessly threatening, saying Modi should be removed. Why? Because they once again want an opportunity to do scams. JMM and Congress are looting Jharkhand in every possible way.

PM Modi said the Congress wants to give reservations to Muslims on the basis of religion by snatching away the rights of the SC, ST and OBC. "Modi will not allow the reservation of SC, ST, OBC to be looted. When I expose them, the INDI community gets irritated and says that Modi is creating a Hindu-Muslim divide. They think that if they tarnish Modi's image, Modi will get scared! They are still not able to understand that Modi will ensure that their hateful propaganda fails. No matter what they do, Modi will not let the Dalit, tribal and backward reservations be looted! This is Modi's guarantee," he said.
Israeli tanks advanced further into Rafah Tuesday, according to witnesses, as the Israeli military said it was expanding operations in the southern Gazan city even amid growing international condemnation.

The tanks passed near the Al-Awda mosque, a central Rafah landmark, Palestinians in the city told The Wall Street Journal. The Israeli military didnt comment on the specifics of its expansion into Rafah, but Israeli army radio said the military had added a brigade to the five already operating in the city and troops were engaging in close-quarters combat with Hamas.

Israel is trying to thread the needle between pursuing a fight with Hamas in Rafah without further damaging its relationship with the U.S., its closest ally, or derailing fragile relations with the Arab world.

An airstrike earlier this week in Rafah that Palestinian officials said killed dozens of civilians has demonstrated the inherent challenge that Israel faces.

Israel for months has said it wants to destroy the last of Hamass military structure in Rafah and disrupt the U.S.-designated terrorist groups smuggling network from Egypt into Gaza. But the U.S. has repeatedly warned Israel that it needs to do more to protect civilians.

Sundays airstrike raises further questions about whether the Israeli military can achieve its goals without crossing American red lines.

The airstrike came just days after the United Nations top court demanded that Israel halt some operations in Rafah, with the outcry over the civilian deaths echoing the one that followed an Israeli strike in April that killed seven aid workers in Gaza from World Central Kitchen.

The strike further increases the political tensions, said Hugh Lovatt, a senior policy fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations. It further isolates Israel, further turns countries against Israel, he said.

Israels relationship with its Arab neighbor, Egypt, is also in jeopardy after a rare cross-border clash Monday between the two countries forces left an Egyptian officer dead. Egypt has become increasingly frustrated with Israels operation in Rafah, which sits on the other side of its border with Gaza.

More than 800,000 people have fled Rafah since the Israeli military ordered an evacuation of the eastern part of the city on May 6, but the citys mayor estimates that around 500,000 remain as they struggle to find another place to take shelter.
New Delhi: Major consulting firms are expanding their consumer practice in India in anticipation of a surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and as growing prosperity in the world's fifth-largest economy fuels demand for consumer goods.

PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, and Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) are actively hiring to bolster their consumer and retail practice, said top executives at these global consulting firms.

The executives cited increased activity in the domestic sector, with both regional players expanding nationally and established companies continuing to acquire smaller firms. Established companies, meanwhile, are also seeking to improve their technology capabilities as well as expand their scope of business.

Also read | Consulting firms forge a unique partnership: AI working in tandem with CAs

New York-headquartered A&M is aiming to grow its consumer practice in India fivefold over the next few years.

A&M Indias consumer and retail practice is poised to grow fivefold over the next 3-4 years," said Rishav Jain, managing director, Alvarez & Marsal.

This is on the back of significant opportunity that we foresee in multiple segments such as food and beverage, home improvement, food retail, digital, apparel and accessories, and consumer technology," Jain added. This growth is likely to benefit from the growing Indian consumption story across cities and income segments."

Eyeing India's middle class

Large consumer goods firms as well as retailers are hungry to chase Indias middle-class shoppers, prompting them to either buy out small firms or partner with others in a bid to grab a larger share of the consumption market.

This trend has also led to over $2.5 billion in private equity funding and acquisitions in the fast-moving consumer goods sector over the past three years, Mint reported earlier citing data from Avendus.

Retailers are following suit, with established brands snapping up smaller players in a bid to dominate a market flooded with new online competitors. Consumers are increasingly flocking online, prompting retail giants like Amazon, Tata, and Reliance Industries to scramble for a larger footprint.

Also read | Rural demand is finally taking off. FMCG firms capitalize with strategic moves

Nikhil Sethi, partner and national leader, FMCG, at KPMG in India, said the firm plans to expand the consumer and retail practice, currently at around 800 crore.

India is a growing economy. While there are many incumbent players, there is a lot of investment flowing in as well (both domestic and foreign). This is increasing the competitiveness in the market and businesses need to be able to differentiate in proposition and serviceessentially deliver better experience. This is true for both B2C and B2B businesses," Sethi said.

Hence, many of the levers typically seen in consumer businesses (e.g. customer experience) are becoming increasingly relevant in other businesses," he said.

Consumption to drive growth

Indias growth is linked to consumption, hence most industry will be driven by this theme. Companies will, of course, try to get closer to consumers to deliver better experience. Hence, the consumer opportunity is likely to grow manifold, Sethi added.

The firm will grow across all areas" within the consumer vertical, he said.

Last month, Deloitte opened an innovation centre in Bangalore that offers cutting-edge retail technologies to help custom-design strategies for consumer products and retail brands.

Deloittes consumer Industry is one of our strategic priority businesses that is fast growing and aggressive with a mix of domain experts as well as technical leaders," said Anand Ramanathan, partner and consumer products and retail sector leader, Deloitte India.

PwC, too, is strengthening its presence in the sector by investing in building retail and consumer industry-specific solutions, acquiring talent and nurturing both domestic and global alliances.

Retail and consumer (R&C) is one of the go long sectors for PwC. In each of these sectors, PwC has consciously invested over the past few years to dominate and expand its presence with not only domestic accounts but also India operations of global MNCs, and even with global capability centres operating in the sector," said Ravi Kapoor, retail and consumer sector leader, India, PwC.

The sector has historically grown at rates ranging from 1.5-1.8 times of GDP growth. These growth rates have and will continue to spawn new players and brands, enhance the share of formalized and organized players and drive innovation. PwC intends to be at the forefront of this opportunity," he added.

A $100-billion pool

Meanwhile, fast-moving consumer goods makers are also spending money to boost demand.

Indias top five million households, constituting about 2% of the population, allocate approximately $40 billion annually towards discretionary expenditures; this spending pool will swell to $100 billion over the next decade, Elevation Capital said in a report released in April.

Also read | Theres much ado about a decline in Indias household savings rate

Fast-moving consumer goods company Dabur India has said it will continue looking for strategic fits in healthcare, home and personal care and value-added foods. The company has 6,000 crore lying on its balance sheet meant for acquisitions.

More recently, Tata Consumer Products acquired Capital Foods for 5,100 crore and Organic India for 1,900 crore. The company will continue to pursue opportunities both in India and overseas, the company's management said earlier.

In a recent interview with Mint, Rohit Jawa, managing director and CEO of Hindustan Unilever Ltd, said the company is always" looking at targets that meet a strategic fit.
In an unprecedented move, Microsoft-owned professional networking platform LinkedIn was served a show cause notice and penalized for what the Registrar of Companies (RoC) under the ministry of corporate affairs believed was non-disclosure of significant beneficial ownership of group companies in the Indian entity even though they did not directly hold shares in it.

Those penalised include Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and LinkedIn Corp global CEO Ryan Roslansky who were classified as significant beneficial owners of LinkedIn Technology Information Pvt Ltd, the Indian entity. The government body sees Microsoft and LinkedIn Corp as the ultimate holding companies of the Indian entity. The RoC order also noted that the Indian company and its officers had failed to take necessary steps to identify its significant beneficial ownership.

The concept of significant beneficial ownership was introduced in the Companies Act, 2013 through an amendment in 2017 and the provision came into effect in June 2018.

Why were the provisions on significant beneficial ownership introduced?

Corporate structures in India and across the world have become complicated over the years, with multiple layers of holding companies and subsidiaries, in some instances registered in different jurisdictions. Because of the complicated web of multiple step-down subsidiaries, determining the actual owners of a business has become onerous. It also makes the task of identifying companies that are related parties difficult.

Further, several companies have registered their holding companies in low-tax jurisdictions or in those that have not adopted measures to combat money laundering and terror financing. In this context, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a Paris-headquartered intergovernmental watchdog, recommended a set of tough global beneficial ownership rules to stop criminals from hiding their illicit activities and dirty money behind secret corporate structures. As a FATF member country, India has committed to adopting measures to identify beneficial owners of companies and investments.

The 2017 amendment of the Companies Act and the Companies (Significant Beneficial Owners) Rules, 2018 are meant to pierce the corporate veil to identify individuals who have beneficial ownership in an investment. These laws and rules require companies to report regularly on their shareholding patterns as well as significant beneficial owners who may or may not hold shares in the specific company. Similarly, in 2023, limited liability partnerships were also directed to report on significant beneficial interest in the statutory filings.

While one of the objectives of the laws on significant beneficial ownership is to curb the use of complex corporate structures for illicit activities, they also bring more transparency in the holding structures of most companies and improve their corporate governance standards. It also helps investors, regulators and professionals to chart how control flows through a group of companies and even provide alerts on hostile takeover attempts.

How does the Companies Act define significant beneficial ownership?

Significant beneficial ownership is not determined by shareholding alone. An individual can be a significant beneficial owner in a company without direct ownership of shares, as the RoC reasoned in its adjudication order where it had identified Nadella and Roslansky as significant beneficial owners.

The Companies Act read together with the Companies (Significant Beneficial Owners) Rules lists four tests for an individual to be considered a significant beneficial owner:

holds indirectly, or together with any direct holdings, not less than 10% of the shares

holds indirectly, or together with any direct holdings, not less than 10% of the voting rights in the shares

has right to receive or participate in not less than 10% of the total distributable dividend, or any other distribution, in a financial year through indirect holdings alone, or together with any direct holdings

has right to exercise, or actually exercises, significant influence or control, in any manner other than through direct holdings alone

In the LinkedIn case, the RoC relied on the fourth test  having the right to exercise significant influence or control other than through direct holdings  to conclude that Nadella and Roslansky were significant beneficial owners.

The Limited Liability Partnership (Significant Beneficial Owners) Rules include the same set of tests to determine individuals who are significant beneficial owners.

Separately, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has also directed listed companies to disclose details about significant beneficial owners.

What are the obligations of a company in identifying significant beneficial owners?

Companies registered in India must maintain a register of significant beneficial owners. These individuals must file declarations in specific forms upon acquiring significant beneficial ownership and whenever there are changes in that ownership. Upon receiving these declarations, the company must file a return with the RoC.

If a company discovers a significant beneficial owner who has failed to declare their shareholding or control, the company must ensure compliance from the owner. This includes serving notice to the owner to comply with legal requirements and, if necessary, seeking intervention from the National Company Law Tribunal.
India's domestic steel demand is expected to remain robust for the next 10 years, driven by infrastructure investments. Irrespective of the outcome of the ongoing high-stakes Lok Sabha election, spending on infrastructurewhich accounts for 25-30 per cent of steel demandis expected to go up by 11 per cent year on year in the fiscal year 2024-2025.

According to S&P Global, the outlook for steel demand in the country looks bright, irrespective of the outcome of the general elections in June. This estimate is based on the expansion plans initiated by major steel producers.

Sources told S&P Global that steel demand is expected to remain at high levels for at least the next 10 years. "We would expect the Indian government to continue its policy of supporting the domestic steel industry which is an important component of (the current) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India programme," said Paul Bartholomew, Lead, Commodity Insights Metals Analytics.

"Even if the incumbent government doesn't come back to power, there would be minor hiccups in policy for the near term, but steel markets seem to be comfortably placed for the mid-to-long long term going ahead," a Mumbai-based trader told S&P Global. India is expected to continue with its current export policy on iron ore despite secondary steelmakers' demands for an export ban.

S&P Global also found that irrespective of the outcome of ongoing elections in India, no major policy changes are expected as the country looks to maintain its economic priorities and keep the conversation moving on energy transition.

This means India is expected to continue boosting spending on infrastructure, manufacturing, and construction in the coming years. All factors point to improved demand for steel, iron ore, coking coal, and scrap. India also aims to secure critical mineral resources like lithium in its broader clean energy plans.

Iron and coking coal demand India's iron ore shipments to China are at elevated levels, causing price volatility and putting pressure on the margins of secondary steelmakers, who typically do not have integrated operations. As iron ore exports rise, the secondary steelmakers seek a limited supply or pay higher prices for premium ore.

The usage of low-grade iron ore, which India typically exports, is not high in the country. The lower grade iron ore, particularly that which has sub-58 per cent iron content, is not useful for India,'' said Anil Patro, India Country Head at Ashon International, a global commodities trading company.

Also Read: Steelmakers to be given incentives to use domestic coking coal

Secondary steel producers have been lobbying for an export duty on low-grade iron ore, but according to S&P Global Commodity Insights, this is unlikely to happen as major steel players are also exporting this material from their mines.

As iron ore production is set to rise in the coming years, any incoming government would push for finalising the policy on beneficiation -- a process that boosts iron ore content through concentration -- of low-grade iron ores.

The push for infrastructure means India's coking coal demand is also expected to rise in the coming years. According to commerce ministry data, India's coking coal demand has risen 10 per cent from 51.3 million tonnes (mt) in 2019 to 56.5 million mt in 2023, driven by robust infrastructure growth and related steel demand strength.

Domestic mills have ongoing expansion projects, with India aiming to reach 300 million mt of steel production capacity under the National Steel Policy 2017. This will keep the demand for coking coal high as the country relies on imports of key raw materials, according to S&P Global.

Livemint reported in 2023 that the steel ministry started industry consultations to frame Indias first stainless steel policy. The policy will aim to raise domestic capacity by nearly fivefold by 2047, from the current 6.6 million tonnes (mt) to 30 mt.

India imported a record 12.11 million mt of ferrous scrap in 2023, up sharply from 8.37 million mt in 2022, according to commerce ministry data. The demand for imported scrap is expected to improve once the election results are announced on June 4 and buyers focus on pre-monsoon season restocking, according to market participants.

Lithium demand India has also been making a push towards securing vital resources for its clean energy ambitions. This includes mineral lithium, which has been included under the critical minerals list of at least eight major global economies, including India. Lithium is used to build electric vehicles and energy storage systems, making it a key mineral in energy transition efforts.

"I suspect we will see further auctions of mining rights, and promotion of domestic processing development will move forward full steam ahead," said Cullen Hendrix, senior fellow at Peterson Institute for International Economics.

The current government is following what looks like an "emerging playbook for large emerging markets: don't leave money on the table in terms of downstream processing. Seek to ensure Indian lithium is processed in India for the benefit of India's downstream green energy industries," said Hendrix.

In 2023, India discovered about 5.9 million mt of lithium ore in Jammu and Kashmir. As most of those deposits are clay deposits, their processing is seen as more challenging than that of brine or hard rock deposits.

Even as commercial solutions to extract lithium from clay deposits emerge in a few years, India will begin real mining. Until then, according to S&P Global, the country must explore partnerships to secure lithium supplies.

India in January signed a lithium mining agreement with Argentina, the world's leading holder of lithium-based resources, which is likely to play a crucial role in driving energy transition efforts and ensure a resilient and diversified supply chain for critical and strategic minerals essential for domestic industries.
More than two dozen Vietnamese companies have been awaiting certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards for several months now, prompting Hanoi to raise the issue with the Indian government multiple times, according to two officials aware of the development.

Vietnam's trade ministry has written to New Delhi for expediting BIS certification for 26 companies, stating that the delays are hurting business, according to the officials. Most of these companies are engaged in the trade of shoes or steel.

The delays in issuing BIS certification to Vietnamese companies come at a time when Indian manufacturers, especially steelmakers, have raised concerns of increasing imports from the southeast Asian country.

To be sure, manufacturers from other countries too are facing delays in securing BIS certification, especially Chinese companies. Although country-wise data wasnt available, Vietnam accounts for the second highest number of applicants for BIS certification, after China, according to the officials mentioned earlier.

India-Vietnam bilateral trade reached $14.70 billion in 2022-23, as per data from the Indian embassy in Hanoi. Of this, Vietnams exports to India were $8.8 billion, while about $5.9 billion worth of goods moved in the other direction.

The Indian government has asked the Bureau of Indian Standards reasons for the delay in issuing certificates to the Vietnamese companies, the officials said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are not public.

The 26 Vietnamese companies chiefly include manufacturers and traders of steel and footwear, and one company each in the polyester, tyres, chemicals, toys, batteries, and MDF plywood sectors. While about half the applications are for renewal of certification, the rest are for fresh certificates.

The Vietnam embassy in New Delhi and the BIS did not respond to Mints queries.

The quality barrier Applications for BIS certification have gone up following an increase in Quality Control Orders by New Delhi aimed at curbing substandard imports as well as boosting domestic production.

The QCOs require Indian traders to produce BIS certificates of the manufacturing facility while importing goods, or face penalties.

Vietnam is becoming a major global supplier with whom even India has a trade deficit despite the large disparity in the size of the two economies, said Bipin Sapra, indirect tax partner at EY.

Vietnam also benefits from India's free trade agreement with Asean countries, so tariffs can't be levied to balance the trade. In that scenario, QCOs are an effective non-tariff barrier that can be used for the benefit of the Indian industry to restrict at least the cheap and substandard quality imports, Sapra added.

Also read | More goods to come under quality control orders in Make-in-India step

QCOs are issued by different line ministries and standards of products are prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards, an arm of the ministry of consumer affairs.

The number of applicable QCOs has increased sharply in recent yearsfrom 14 such orders covering 106 products in 2014 to 156 QCOs covering 672 products currently, Indias commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said in January.

Recently issued QCOs include those for footwear, chemicals, toys, tyres, and synthetic fibers, apart from steel. The QCO for the footwear industry will be applicable from 1 August after multiple extensions.

Also read | India issues quality orders on textiles to take on China

Fear of Chinese steel India recorded a surge in steel imports to 8.3 million tonnes in 2023-24, surpassing the countrys exports of 7.5 million tonnes. A tenth of the steel imports came from Vietnam, making it the fourth-largest exporter of the alloy to India, behind South Korea, China and Japan.

Vietnam exported nearly 1 million tonnes of steel to India in FY24. Before that, exports were negligible, said Dhruv Goel, the chief executive of market intelligence firm BigMint.

Steel shipments from Vietnam to India, however, slowed after the steel ministry last year issued a Quality Control Order for Vietnamese steelmakers, effective October. Of the 26 Vietnamese companies seeking BIS certification, 10 deal in steel or stainless steel.

When BIS issued certification to Vietnamese steelmaker Formosa Ha Tinh earlier this month, several Indian steelmakers raised concerns of a resurgence in imports from the country.

Domestic steel manufacturers are also wary of Chinese companies using Vietnam and other countries for routing their products to India by leveraging New Delhis free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc, of which Vietnam is a member.

India remains one of the few large economies globally with a growing appetite for steel, making the country an obvious destination for exports.

Also read | Why Vietnamese steel makes Indian industry uneasy

"Vietnam has a high level of steel exports and there are very few avenues left for steel exporters in the global market besides India and to some extent the Middle East, said Ranjan Dhar, director and vice president, sales and marketing, AM/NS India, a joint venture of ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel.

So if the government doesn't take safeguard measures like QCOs, imports from countries like Vietnam, China, etc., will surge at the expense of local manufacturers, who are heavily investing in expansion, Dhar added. Countries like China can also set up manufacturing sites in Vietnam to take advantage of the FTA with India.

China, with a billion tonnes of annual steelmaking capacity, accounts for more than half of the global steel production every year. But as Chinas appetite for steel declines amid challenges in the domestic real estate sector, the country's steel mills are left with surplus production.
New Delhi: India's top 15 airports including those at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru will likely need more than 5,000 security personnel by the end of 2024, an internal government study has shown.

With air traffic set to hit new records on the back of rising disposable incomes and aircraft additions by airlines, the shortage in security personnel will likely continue causing delays for passengers the rest of the year, with government agencies expecting the situation to ease only by the end of 2024.

As per the study conducted by the aviation ministry, there was a shortage of over 1,300 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Delhi airport alone, against a sanctioned strength of around 6,200, and a gap of over 1,000 CISF against a sanctioned strength of more than 3,700 for Bengaluru airport.

A shortfall of over 800 each for Chennai and Kolkata airportsagainst a sanctioned strength of over 2,000 personnel eachand a gap of more than 150 personnel for Mumbai airport, which has a sanctioned strength of more than 4,100, completed the picture.

In response to Mint's query, a spokesperson for the civil aviation ministry said deployment of CISF personnel at the five metro airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru had increased by 22% over the past one-and-a-half years, to more than 17,000 personnel as of May.

At Delhi airport, the shortfall in CISF personnel has been reduced to around 110, and at Bengaluru airport to about 200 personnel, the spokesperson said. At the Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai airports, the shortfall has dropped to about 300 personnel each, according to the ministry.

To further increase the CISF strength at these airports, the ministry is working under the chairmanship of Union aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and holding regular meetings with the Bureau of Civil Aviation and Security, CISF, the ministry of home affairs, and other stakeholders, the spokesperson said.

Also Read | Airport privatization 3.0: Here are the 13 candidates The need for such assessments was felt by the government after passengers complained of delays at security counters during the peak summer travel season, and during the winter travel season too last year.

Rising air traffic As per data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Indian airlines carried a record 152 million passengers in 2023. That's 23% more than in 2022 and 5% higher than the pre-covid year of 2019, which was the record year till 2023.

For January-April, domestic air traffic was recorded at 52.3 million passengers, 4% higher than same period last year. The latest international data from the Airports Authority of India show that international passenger traffic at Indian airports for 2023-24 (Apr-Mar) grew 22% over the year-ago period to 69.64 million passengers.

Also Read | Quantum computing gets real: It could even shorten your airport connection Since 2013, domestic air traffic has grown by over 147% and international by over 49%.

The government estimates that the situation will ease only by the end of 2024 calendar year.

Plan to add security personnel We are hoping to add a significant number of security personnel before the peak season of Oct-Dec commences. We have also been in touch with the home ministry and discussions are underway to augment the immigration officer capacity too, an official aware of the development told Mint.

In line with the governments plan to set up multiple global aviation hubs, the study also points to the need for more immigration counters at the international airports.

Also Read: India's aviation-hub dreams get new wings as IndiGo takes long-haul route It calls for 2,000 immigration officers and nearly 500 immigration counters across the top 15 international airports the end of 2024.

These findings of the study by the aviation ministry have been shared by the Home Ministry that is the nodal ministry for the Bureau of Immigration, which manages immigration services at the airports, and the CISFthe force that guards key airports.

As per government data, t heCISF is currently deployed at 66 airports. Security at the remaining airports is provided by state police. The security of the airports is managed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the civil aviation security regulator in India.

"Such assessments are done regularly with the purpose of augmenting capacity on security and immigration counters. As India is a growing economy, these requirements will continue to grow as airport infrastructure expands and more people travel through airports, said a senior official on the condition of anonymity.

Airport companies did not comment on the story, as airport security is a government responsibility.

A spokesperson for Kolkata and Chennai airports, which are run by the respective state governments, said the CISF manpower being deployed at the two airports is as per the norms of the regulator.
Shares of Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL) dropped by up to 7 per cent on Tuesday, ending a 10-day winning streak on the stock market. Investors hurried to book profits, causing the stock to open at 1,542 and reach a day's low of 1,431.25.

BDL stock closed at 1,454 on May 28, against previous close at 1,544 per share on May 27. Over the past 10 days, the stock has soared by nearly 70 per cent, and in the last six months, it has risen by 150 per cent.

Bharat Dynamics recently announced a stock split, dividing one equity share with a face value of 10 into two equity shares with a face value of 5 each. This marks the company's first-ever stock split.

The shares of Bharat Dynamics were first listed on the stock market in March 2018 with an IPO price of 428 per share. Since then, the stock has appreciated by 260 per cent over a little more than six years.

The recent decline led to Bharat Dynamics' market capitalisation standing at 53,000 crore.

Financially, Bharat Dynamics reported revenue of 2,350 crore for FY24, down from 2,489 crore in the same period last year, based on provisional figures.

The company attributed the reduced turnover in fiscal 2024 to ongoing geopolitical issues in Europe and the Middle East, impacting its supply chain.

As of April 1, 2024, Bharat Dynamics' order book was valued at 19,468 crore.

The government held a 74.93 per cent stake in Bharat Dynamics as of March 31, with 8.07% owned by retail individual shareholders, 7.93 per cent by mutual funds, 3.95 per cent by insurance companies, and 2.95 per cent by foreign portfolio investors, according to exchange data.
The shares of defence and aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are likely to be in focus among market investors on Wednesday as contract negotiations between India and France for the 50,000-crore deal involving 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets are set to commence on May 30.

A high-level French delegation will meet the Indian Defence Ministry officials to discuss the Indian Navy's acquisition of these aircraft, according to a report by news agency ANI.

HAL stock closed Tuesday's trading session in the red, down 2.53 per cent to 5,012 per share.

Defence industry officials were quoted as saying in the report that the aircraft will be operated from both of the Navy's aircraft carriersthe Russian-origin INS Vikramaditya and the indigenous INS Vikrant.

The French delegation will include representatives from their defence ministry and industry, including officials from Dassault Aviation and Thales, the original equipment manufacturers.

Members from the defence acquisition wing and the Indian Navy will participate in the negotiations on the Indian side.

Government sources indicate that efforts will be made to conclude the negotiations and sign the agreement by the end of the financial year.

France had responded to India's tender for 26 Rafale Marine jets for the aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya in December.

France submitted the response to India's Letter of Acceptance in New Delhi.

Indian officials have reviewed the French bid, including the commercial offer and other contract details. The negotiations will be conducted as a government-to-government contract, with Indian officials aiming for rigorous discussions with their French counterparts.

As per the report, the navy chief has instructed his team to expedite the project's timeline to ensure the early finalisation and induction of the aircraft into the fleet.
Praveg, a prominent eco-responsible luxury resorts company in the country, witnessed a 7% decline in its shares during today's intraday trade, hitting a 5-month low of 805.10 apiece, following its Q4 and FY24 results, which failed to meet market expectations.

The company released its financials post market hours on Monday, posting a significant decrease in its consolidated net profit for both Q4 and FY24. The company reported a net profit of 1.63 crore, marking a 68.15% decline compared to 5.17 crore in Q4 FY23, while revenue from operations surged by 76.3% YoY to 33.49 crore.

The decline in net profit was attributed to a substantial increase in expenses, driven primarily by higher depreciation charges and finance costs associated with the establishment of new resorts, which contributed significantly to the overall expenses.

Moreover, its events and exhibitions segment underperformed, generating 1 crore in Q4 FY24 compared to 5 crore in Q4 FY23. The company is focused on revitalising this segment and remains optimistic about a turnaround in the upcoming quarters.

On a positive note, the robust growth in the top line was fueled by the expansion of operational properties and optimal utilisation levels achieved at resorts. The hospitality business played a key role in this growth, contributing over 96% of total revenues, with a remarkable YoY increase of 133%.

The company anticipates margin improvements going forward as these properties reach full operational capacity. Strategic investments in resort and hotel properties designed for year-round operation are expected to drive sustained growth, the company said in its Q4 earnings report.

Operational resorts demonstrated impressive occupancy rates of 51% during the quarter, coupled with a noteworthy average daily room rate ranging from 7,500 to 12,000.

Starting the year with three operational resorts at a 44% occupancy rate, Praveg expanded to ten operational resorts by the end of FY24. The company expresses confidence that these occupancy levels will continue to rise with the launch of new luxury properties in FY25.

In the quarter, the company opened the Praveg Tent City in Saryu, Ayodhya, featuring 39 tents. Additionally, it secured a work order for luxurious tent resorts on Lakshadweep's Bangaram and Thinnakara islands, which will comprise 350 tents.

Moreover, the company unveiled the Safari Velavadar Retreat in Gujarat, offering an exquisite experience for guests.

Meanwhile, the net profit plummeted to 13 crore in FY24, marking a 54.27% decline from 28.43 crore in FY23. On the other hand, revenue from operations witnessed an improvement, reaching 94.55 crore in FY24 compared to 84.85 crore.

Multibagger returns The company's shares experienced significant investor interest in January and February, propelled by several positive developments. Notably, in the Union Budget 2024-2025, the government unveiled plans to enhance tourism infrastructure and amenities in Lakshadweep, aimed at boosting domestic tourism and fostering employment opportunities.

In January, the stock surged by 33% following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, where the company holds a significant presence and enjoys strong order inflows for luxurious tent resorts. These developments propelled the stock to record highs at the beginning of 2024.

Over the last four years, the stock has soared from 18.20 apiece to its current trading price of 805, representing an impressive gain of 4323%.

Praveg is the pioneer in the non-permanent luxury accommodation segment in India, and it is also a strong player in event management. The company's association with Lakshadweep projects and the positive outlook expressed in the budget have reignited investor interest, leading to a notable uptick in today's session.
Penny stock Royal India Corporation has given stellar returns to its investors in the long term. The stock has skyrocketed 2474 percent in the last three years from 0.93 in May 2021 to currently trade at its 52-week high of 23.95.

The stock has consistently hit its 2 percent upper circuit since March 14, 2024. This year so far, the stock has given negative returns in just 12 sessions. All 5 months of the current calendar year have been in the green for Royal India. It has jumped 45 percent in May after a 47.5 percent rise in April, 39 percent in March, 49 percent in February and 35.6 percent in January.

Read here: Multibagger Stock: Rajnish Retail has gained over 1000% in just one year! In the last 5 years as well, the stock has given multibagger returns, rallying 1518 percent from 1.48 in May 2019. Meanwhile, in the last 1 year, it has surged 508 percent while it rose 502 percent in 2024 YTD.

However, it is important to note that the stock is currently trading under ESM: Stage 2 and GSM Stage 0. What is ESM? The Enhanced Surveillance Measure (ESM) is a regulatory framework implemented by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India. It aims to enhance monitoring and surveillance of listed companies to ensure investor protection and market integrity.

Under Stage I, the trading of the securities is settled through a trade-for-trade mechanism with a price band of 5 percent, or 2 percent.

Under Stage II, the surveillance action permits trading on all trading days under periodic call auctions with trade-for-trade settlement and a 2 percent price band. Earlier this stage permitted trading just once a week.

Read here:  1.58 to  55: Penny stock turns multibagger. Rises 3400% in four years What is GSM? Graded Surveillance Measures (GSM) are used to monitor and control unrealistic price and demand increases in company stocks that do not align with the company's financial health and fundamentals. This system assigns grades to corporations to alert investors about potential stock price manipulation.

The regulator initiates these measures upon detecting unusual price swings, which may indicate that a company is functioning as a "shell company" to inflate its stock price. This approach helps investors identify which stocks might be worth avoiding due to these irregularities.

Read here: Small stocks are racing ahead, but beware the risks About the firm Royal India Corporation Limited engages in the wholesale trading of gold bullion, plain gold jewelry, gold coins, and medallions in India. The company was formerly known as Natraj Financial & Services Limited and changed its name to Royal India Corporation Limited in October 2006. The company was incorporated in 1984 and is based in Mumbai, India.

Earnings In the December quarter (Q3FY24), the company posted a net loss of 3.74 crore as against a net profit of 4.94 crore in the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, its total income declined 66.5 percent YoY to 9.86 crore in the quarter under review as against 29.49 crore in the same quarter last year.

Sequentially, the company's net loss increased from 1.57 crore in the previous September 2023 quarter (Q2FY24). However, its revenue rose 67.4 percent from 5.89 crore in Q2FY24.

Read here: IEL jumped 4900% in 4 years but declined for all 5 months this year; should you invest? Brokerage view According to domestic brokerage house ICICI Direct, Royal India Corporation demonstrates strong momentum, with its stock price consistently above short, medium, and long-term moving averages. The stock also reached a new 52-week high today. Additionally, the company has efficiently managed its assets to generate profits, as evidenced by an improving Return on Assets (ROA) over the past two years.

Meanwhile, its weaknesses, as per the brokerage are - - Red Flag: High-interest payments compared to earnings

- Degrowth in quarterly revenue and profit in recent results (YoY)

- Declining profits every quarter for the past 2 quarters

Read here: Multibagger! KPI Green Energy zooms over 24400% in 4 years Investing in shares of small companies with low market capitalisation offers the potential for substantial gains due to their lower stock prices. However, this investment path comes with significant risks. These stocks often face limited liquidity, leading to fewer transactions compared to larger counterparts. Additionally, they typically lack the rigorous financial reporting and oversight seen in larger corporations, making them susceptible to price manipulation and fraudulent activities.

The constrained liquidity and reduced oversight result in increased volatility for small company stocks, heightening risks for investors. Therefore, conducting thorough research and implementing careful risk management strategies are essential to navigate the uncertainties associated with these stocks and mitigate potential losses.
We maintain our positive bias and expect Nifty to head toward our earmarked target of 23400 in the coming weeks. The. The key point is that the Nifty has recorded a breakout from three months of consolidation backed by faster retracement as it entirely retraced the past nine weeks of consolidation (22800-21700) in just two weeks. The faster pace of retracement exhibits a robust price structure that bodes well for the extension of ongoing moves. In the process, we expect volatility to remain high as we approach the fag end of the General election phases coupled with the Q4 earning season. We believe the focus should be on the big picture, as we are in a structural uptrend. The anxiety will subside post-event, and markets will follow its structural up trend. Retracement of the rally would thus provide a buying opportunity. Therefore, investors should focus on building portfolios and ride the uptrend as immediate support is placed at 22400, brokerage firm ICICI Direct said in a note.
With the heatwave in north India, and temperatures hovering perilously close to 50 degree Celsius, the uninitiated frown in confusion when faced with the prospect of an Andhra meal. The picture that comes to mind is red, oily, and spicy food  swimming in gravy, requiring them to gulp gallons of water later.

Understandably, generic restaurants that serve south Indian food do not dispel this notion, given the pulls and pushes of commerce, and the fact that home-style dishes dont always translate well to restaurant consumption. However, most regions of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana deal with scorching hot temperatures through April and May, before the monsoons help calm things down. With this, traditional cuisines of both these regions have dishes that are remarkably different in texture, consistency and flavour profile through the summer months.

A few books have helped readers understand Andhra food with deserved complexity. The most popular in recent years has been Five Morsels of Love by Archana Pidathala, which came out in 2016. The self-published effort brought Vanita Vantakalu a popular 1974 Telugu cookbook by the authors late grandmother Nirmala Reddy into English, also upgrading it for the contemporary reader and cook. In 2000, The Essential Andhra Cookbook by Bilkees I. Latif brought together the flavours and food customs of a unified Andhra Pradesh (before the formation of the state of Telangana in 2014), by also throwing light on Telangana and Hyderabadi food that are distinctly different from Andhra cuisine. More recently, in 2019, Komala Sista Raos The Andhra Cookbook: Traditional Vegetarian Recipes from My Mothers Kitchen documents not only recipes but also the combinations of dishes traditionally paired with one another, whether to boost taste, compliment specific textures, or augment medicinal value.

As a starting point, here are a few simple recommendations, quick to make and easy to eat in treacherous temperatures.

Vadapappu

The vadapappu (also popular in the Tamil regions as kosumalli) is a tangy salad, made of split moong dal thats soaked in water for a couple of hours. The softened dal is then strained and tossed with a small bit of chopped green chilli and some fresh, green mango. With just a bit of salt to taste, this is a cool and nutritious snack  usually a welcome back home from school, or filled to the brim of little cups as a midmorning snack and quickly wharfed down when sitting, preferably, in the direct line of a desert coolers draft. The tart crunches of the mango with one or two shocks of the green chilli, all between the soft and lightly nutty dal is a perfect summer flavour combination  light, fresh and tangy. Plus, the salad helps stay full without feeling sluggish or having to spend too long in a hot kitchen.

Pesara kattu

This runny dal, again made of split moong dal (pesara pappu) is a regular feature in summer lunch menus in Andhra households. The more pragmatic appeal lies in the fact that its mild, soothing flavour is achieved without having to spend too much time at the stove. The more season-specific nutritive appeal lies in the fact that moong is light on the stomach and cooling for the body given its alkalinity. Also, according to a paper published in Food & Nutrition Research, moong is particularly rich in protein, containing about 20.97  31.32% protein content". The dal is first pressure-cooked and mashed. A pinch of turmeric and a some salt are mixed in. The tempering is made in hot ghee  a teaspoon of mustard seeds is crackled, a similar amount of jeera or cumin is added and lightly browned; a little knob of ginger (usually grated) is thrown in with a couple of slit green chillies, curry leaves and asafoetida for aroma. This is added into the mashed dal and stirred in. Served with rice, this versatile dish is mild enough to work well with any subzi or achaar, too.

Pachchi pulusu

A cold and tangy soup of sorts, this is another dish that requires hardly any cooking. Tamarind pulp is diluted in equal parts of water. To this, a medley of finely chopped curry leaves, coriander, onions and a couple of slit green chillies is added. These are squished together by hand to release flavours. More water is now added, depending on the quantity required. To this, a few tablespoons of jaggery is dissolved in, with salt to taste. The final act of infusing aroma involves a tempering of mustard and cumin seeds, in very little oil. This is poured on top of the cold, raw (pachchi) soup, which goes well with rice, upma, or pongal. A version of this is made with peeled and lightly muddled flame-roasted brinjals, too.

Perugu pachchadi

Pachchadi, a word that loosely translates to a crushed or pounded, is a staple in most Andhra meals. A sort of chutney usually made to be consumed fresh, a pachchadi is made of vegetables and/or their peels, with strong temperings that bring in aroma and flavour. In summer, versions of these are made with curd, too. Especially when made with vegetables like cucumber which can be grated in and allowed to release their waters into the curd, this versatile side dish requires minimal cooking. However, using produce like bottle gourds and snake gourds, requires a bit more effort. These are first cut into cubes and cooked in water just enough to cover the pieces. Once soft, the pieces are salted, and a tempering of mustard and cumin seeds, along with a pinch of hing and a sprig of curry leaves is stirred in. This mix is cooled and transferred into a couple of cups of curd. Meant for rice, but given its tzatziki-like texture, works with pita, or as a dip with chips, too.

Also read: The pickle platter of India

Menthi majjiga

Essentially tempered buttermilk, this is yet another cool and flavourful dish, on regular rotation for most meals, especially cant-be-bothered-dinners. The trick is in the tempering, which comes with the punch of fenugreek or methi seeds and carom seeds, in addition to the usual suspects: mustard seeds, urad dal (split black gram), jeera, a couple of split red chillies and a sprig of curry leaves. This is added to well-whisked, diluted and slightly sour curd. Cool, tangy and lightly spiced, it is served with rice. Another dish that requires barely any kitchen-time.

Bonus: Bellam panakam

The first panakam of the year is usually made first as prasadamon Ram Navami, a festival that coincides with the beginning of summer in the southern regions of the country. Over the course of the summer months though, it keeps coming back in tall glasses thrust into the hands of unsuspecting kids whove just returned from school or the playground. As the sun beats down, the drink  essentially a handful of jaggery dissolved in a few cups of water with a pinches of ground cardamom and pepper stirred in  helps manage dehydration and acts as a coolant. The mildly sweet drink is infused with a scratch of heat from the pepper and the freshness of aroma from the cardamom. Fresh yet soothing, it is tailor-made for Indian summers.
Investment decisionswhether buying or exiting a mutual fund or stock after underperformancerequire more than just assessing the fund manager, company, or investment theme.

It is crucial to also recognize and manage your own behavioural biases, which can subtly influence your choices and even lead to unsound decisions. Mint takes a look at the key biases that investors to be aware of.

Survivorship bias

Survivorship bias focuses only on successful performers, ignoring failures and leading to skewed conclusions. This can distort investment analysis by considering only surviving funds or companies, creating a false impression of overall performance.

"Simply looking at Sensex returns doesn't reveal how its constituents have fared over the years. Even blue-chip Sensex stocks have faced steep corrections, been removed from the index, and faced bankruptcy. People often focus only on the survivors, overlooking those that didn't make it," pointed out Devina Mehra, MD and chairperson of First Global.

Within the mutual fund space, several small-cap funds have been merged with other funds of the same fund house, due to their poor performance.

Confirmation bias

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out information that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs while ignoring or discounting contradictory evidence. This can lead to skewed decision-making, reinforcing existing viewpoints.

Confirmation bias occurs when people selectively collect data and focus on facts that support their already-decided views. They rationalize any contradictory data or arguments to fit their perspective," said Nimesh Chandan, chief investment officer of Bajaj Finserv AMC.

Also Read: Better use of data could help small caps and their investors flourish

"People often look only for data that confirm their view, for example picking up a trivial news item that favours their investment decisions," he added.

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Anchoring bias

Anchoring bias is the tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information encountered (the "anchor") when making decisions. This can lead investors to make judgments based on initial values rather than adjusting adequately for subsequent information.

For example, the anchor point can be a recent high or low of the stock. Mehra explained, "Just because an investment has fallen by 90%, doesn't mean it cant still fall by another 90%. A stock running up after a steep correction in short term and then dropping from its highs doesn't mean it is trading at attractive valuations."

Also Read: Where to find reliable advice in the mutual fund maze

People often fall prey to anchoring bias, where they fixate on specific reference points. For example, someone might anchor to a company's 52-week high or a six-month price, thinking, "It has gone up so much now; I won't touch it," Chandan said.

"People tend to anchor to past prices or growth rates. If a company has consistently received high valuations, they assume it will always deserve high valuations. Similarly, if a company or fund category has shown 30% growth over the last two years, they believe it will continue at the same rate. This is why many assume small-cap stocks, which performed well in recent years, will yield similar returns in the future," Chandan added.

Recency bias

Recency bias is the tendency to overemphasize recent events, leading investors to prioritize short-term trends over long-term fundamentals.

In the financial year 2023-24, mutual fund investors jumped onto the small-cap bandwagon with funds in this category seeing record investor flows of 40,188 crore.

With so much investor flows chasing small-caps, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) recently raised concerns of a bubble forming in the segment and asked fund houses to do stress-tests on their small-cap schemes.

Endowment bias

Endowment bias is the tendency to value an asset more highly simply because you own it, leading to irrational attachment and potentially poor investment decisions.

Behavioural finance experts Daniel Kahneman, Jack Knetsch, and Richard Thaler conducted a 1990 experiment with US university students to study endowment bias. Participants given coffee mugs valued them higher than those who didn't receive one, demonstrating that simply owning an item increases its perceived value.

The extreme case of endowment bias is that you fall in love with your investment. You end up with an emotional attachment with your investment. It can be a stock, a mutual fund or any investment for that matter. Your reasoning could be my father had bought it or I have held it for five years and it has given so much return in the past, how can I sell it now. It need not even be a loss-making position," says Mehra.

Endowment bias explains why 'hold' ratings exist for stocks, she adds. "If you wouldn't buy a stock now, there's no reason to hold it. On TV, we often see queries like, 'I bought this stock at this price and have held it for X years, what should I do now?' The price you bought it at and how long you've held it don't matter. You need to assess if the stock is worth buying today," Mehra says.

Loss aversion

Loss aversion is when one prefers to avoid losses over potentially getting equivalent gains. Simply put, the pain of losing money in an investment is psychologically more impactful than the satisfaction of making money on an investment.

This can force an investor to hold onto losing investments for too long in hopes of breaking even, rather than accepting a loss and reallocating funds to better opportunities.

For example, you invest in an infrastructure-themed fund, expecting strong performance from infrastructure companies. However, the fund underperforms, resulting in a 20-30% loss. Instead of reallocating the money to a diversified equity fund with a solid track record, you hold onto the underperforming fund, to avoid realizing the loss. This is how loss aversion can hinder your investment decisions.

Sunk cost fallacy

The sunk cost fallacy is similar to loss aversion as both prevent investors from booking losses. However, the key difference lies in the reasoning: with sunk cost fallacy, the reluctance to sell stems from the belief that too much money and effort have already been invested, making it hard to let go despite ongoing underperformance.

Attribution bias

Attribution bias is the tendency to attribute successes to personal skills and efforts while blaming external factors for failures.

"When you ask any investor how much of your performance you attribute to luck and how much to skill, you'll often hear them say, 'I am brilliant; see how well I have done.' They attribute success mainly to their skills," Mehra explained.

This perspective can lead to overconfidence, as investors believe their decisions are solely responsible for positive outcomes, ignoring the role of luck.

However, when their portfolios underperform, the narrative shifts. "If the market or your portfolio goes through a period when things don't do so well, then there are lots of people to blame. It can be a political thing, central bankers, stock operators, or company management," Mehra noted.

This external attribution for failures prevents investors from learning from their mistakes and improving their strategies.

The reality is that both successes and failures contain elements of luck. "In both successes and failures, there is an element of luck. By managing risks, you can just control the negative impact of your bad luck or even poor skills, in some cases. Even with the best decision-making process, some of your bets will not go well," Mehra said.
(Bloomberg) -- Former Pioneer Natural Resources Co. Chief Executive Officer Scott Sheffield says federal regulators mischaracterized facts and wrongly vilified him in saying he tried to collude with OPEC to prop up crude prices.

Sheffield, a key figure in the rise of the US shale industry, filed a request Tuesday with the Federal Trade Commission asking the agency to vacate its proposed consent order for Exxon Mobil Corp.s $60 billion takeover of Pioneer.

The FTC examined the phones of Pioneer executives, but couldnt find anything unusual, Sheffield said in an interview. They went off on this wild goose chase in regard to me and basically used me as a scapegoat.

Earlier this month, the FTC said it would not sue to block Exxons takeover of Pioneer, provided that Sheffield be barred from the supermajors board. The agency had said it found evidence Sheffield tried to communicate with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and others about oil pricing and output.

The FTC said Tuesday that it stands by its allegations.

There is no question that Mr. Sheffield publicly urged Texas oil producers to limit production, all while having regular, private back-and-forth communications with senior OPEC representatives over a period of years, FTC spokesperson Douglas Farrar said.

Sheffield said in a separate emailed statement that the FTCs move publicly and unjustifiably vilifying me will have a chilling effect on the ability of business leaders in any sector of our economy to address shareholder demands and to exercise their constitutionally protected right to advocate for their industries.

The FTC was straining to find a reason to criticize Exxons deal for Pioneer, Sheffields lawyers wrote in the 23-page filing to the agency. Sheffield was examined under oath for four hours by the regulator on April 9 as part of its six-month investigation into the merger but did not ask questions about his communications and gave him no opportunity to explain them, according to the filing.

Sheffields lawyers refute the FTCs claim that he exchanged hundreds of text messages with OPEC officials.

He had sent one text message to an OPEC official, but that was to connect former OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo with the Texas Railroad Commission as part of an official government proceeding, according to the filing. The others were blast text messages sending public information such as news stories to many recipients, Sheffields lawyers wrote.

(Updates with comment from FTC.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Ten people died and several others went missing after a stone quarry collapsed on the outskirts of Aizawl in Mizoram amid incessant rains on Tuesday morning, police said.

"Ten people have died as a stone quarry collapsed on the outskirts of Aizawl following incessant rains. Police personnel are engaged in rescue operations. The water levels of rivers are also rising, and many people living in the riverside areas have been evacuated, Mizoram DGP Anil Shukla told the ANI newswire.

Newswire PTI reported that, according to police, although rescue operations were underway, incessant rains affected them.

Officials said the rains have also triggered landslides at several other places in the state.

They said Aizawl has been cut off from the rest of the country due to a landslide on National Highway 6 at Hunthar. Besides, several intra-state highways have also been disrupted by landslides.

Meanwhile, all schools in the state were closed due to the rains.
Supreme Court's vacation bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan, on Tuesday, May 28, refused an urgent hearing of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea seeking a 7-day extension of interim bail in connection with the Delhi Liquor Policy money laundering case.

The top court questioned Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing the chief minister, as to why the Delhi CM's plea was not mentioned when Justice Dipankar Datta, the judge of the main bench, was hearing the case last week.

Also read: Arvind Kejriwal seeks 7-day extension of interim bail from Supreme Court to complete health check-up The vacation bench said, The matter is already heard, and the judgment is reserved, reported Live Law. Subsequently, the apex court directed the listing of the matter before the Chief Justice Of India for an appropriate order.

The Delhi CM, under the Enforcement Directorate's probe, sought urgent listing of his plea in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. His application urged an interim bail extension by seven days on health grounds.

Also read: Do you also believe PM Modi is sent by God?: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal asks RSS to clarify Arvind Kejriwal had applied for a seven-day extension of his interim bail to undertake various medical tests, including a PET-CT scan, due to his "sudden and unexplained weight loss along with elevated ketone levels," which could be issues with kidney, severe cardiac condition or even cancer. The chief minister said he will surrender before jail authorities on June 9 instead of June 2 in his fresh plea filed on May 26.

Also read: Arvind Kejriwal claims PM Modi discusses AAP frequently, says party has now become a thought The Supreme Court granted Arvind Kejriwal 21-day interim bail on May 10 to allow him to campaign for the Lok Sabha polls. The apex court directed the CM to surrender on June 2, a day after the last phase of the seven-phase poll concludes.

Delhi CM faces corruption and money laundering charges in excise policy scam. The charges pertain to the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22.
An IndiGo flight 6E2211 from Delhi to Varanasi faced a bomb threat at Delhi airport, prompting authorities to move the aircraft to an isolation bay for a thorough investigation.

Here are top five updates:

1. A bomb threat was reported on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Varanasi. The aircraft has been moved to an isolation bay for investigation. Aviation security and a bomb disposal team are currently on site, ANI reported, citing an airport official.

2. Officials of the Delhi Fire Services said that at 5:35 AM today, there was news of a bomb in the flight from Delhi to Varanasi. QRT reached the spot. All the passengers were evacuated through the emergency door. All passengers are safe, and the flight is being inspected.

3. The pilot saw a piece of paper in the lavatory with the note "bomb blast @ 30 minutes", following which he informed the control room, PTI reported.

4. In a statement, Indigo said, IndiGo flight 6E2211 operating from Delhi to Varanasi had received a specific bomb threat at Delhi airport. All necessary protocols were followed and the aircraft was taken to a remote bay per airport security agencies' guidelines." The statement added that all passengers were safely evacuated via the emergency exits. The flight is currently undergoing inspection. It added that after all security checks are completed, the aircraft will be positioned back in the terminal area.

5. Meanwhile, Delhi Airport Authorities confirmed that all passengers were safe. "All passengers are safe, and the flight is undergoing a detailed inspection," a Delhi Airport spokesperson told ANI. There were a total of 176 passengers on the flight who were deboarded, sources said.
India has announced immediate relief assistance worth $1 million to Papua New Guinea in the wake of a devastating landslide on the Pacific island nation, as per a release from the Ministry of External Affairs on May 28.

This comes after a massive landslide occurred on May 24 in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, which buried hundreds of people and caused major destruction and loss of life.

"As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, the Government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of $1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts," the statement read.

"India has firmly stood by Papua New Guinea during times of difficulty and devastation caused by natural disasters, as in the wake of the earthquake in 2018 and volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023. India is committed to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and continues to be a responsible and steadfast responder," it added.

Modi Promises Help The statement also recalled Indias Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019, for its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

In a post on the social media site X (formerly known as Twitter), Modi expressed deep condolences and conveyed Indias readiness to extend all possible support and assistance to the Pacific island country in its time of difficulty.
IndiGo Airlines is launching business class seats on some of its aircraft that will fly over prominent domestic and international routes, CNBC-TV18 reported.

During the recent earnings conference call, IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers revealed the airline's foray into the business class segment.

"We will have business class seats deployed on Indias busiest and business routes," CNBC-TV18 quoted an Indigo official.

Also read: Ex-Jet Airways CEO Sanjiv Kapoor criticises ID checks at Indian airports, says 'DigiYatra only for digitally-savvy' Thus, as per media reports, business class seats will be available on India's most prominent airlines, with 10 to 15 aircraft operating on major domestic metro routes. Commuters in metropolitan citiesDelhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengalurucan expect a premium travel experience with Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Bengaluru, and Delhi-Chennai flights offering this business-class service.

IndiGo's international business class service, which is expected to be available on prominent international routes, including Delhi-Dubai, Delhi-Singapore, and Delhi-Abu Dhabi, will commence soon.

Also read: Ukraine war keeps Air India on top of non-stop routes to the US; can the Tata Group airline maintain pole position? According to aviation experts, IndiGo may roll out its business class seats at lower prices to cater to passengers looking for premium services without the premium price tag. The initial price offerings will be very competitive to face competition with its closest rivals, Air India and Vistara. This pricing strategy could help attract passengers looking for premium services without the premium price tag.

Also read: IndiGo: This aviation stock surged nearly 80% in 8 months. Is it still a buy However, despite its highly attractive pricing strategies, IndiGo is set to face stiff competition from established full-service carriers. Its closest rivals provide superior services and amenities that significantly increase the value of business class passengers, although at a higher cost. Services like a chauffeur, a dedicated premium lounge facility, and steadfast check-in counters might not be available with IndiGo's anticipated lower fares.

IndiGo's venture into business class drew mixed reactions from experts. Some applauded the move, claiming that it reflected the airline's expansion and dominance in the Indian market, reported CNBC-TV18. Others, however, advised caution, noting that despite the move's potential, it poses numerous challenges, especially in equating the service standards of international full-service carriers.

Notably, the airline plans to reveal more details about its business class strategy in August, when it will celebrate its 18th anniversary.
India's much famed first undersea tunnel in Maharashtra, linking Girgaon to Breach Candy's Priyadarshini Park, is showing evidence of seepage in less than three months of opening. The twin tunnels that run 17 to 20 meters below the sea level was opened to traffic on March 11 this year.

The water leakage which became visible on Sunday morning have triggered safety concerns ahead of monsoon season. Water was seen dripping from the tunnels roofs and walls at several places where paint had fallen due to humidity.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, today visited the spot. Taking to microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Shinde said, Taking cognizance of the incident of water leakage that started on Mumbai Coastal Road, visited the place today and inspected it.

Also Read | Canada Study Permit: Justin Trudeau govt drops police clearance mandate for international students, temporary residents The Maharashtra Chief Minister said during the inspection, he found that water was coming from the connection of two joints in the coastal road tunnel.

Shinde said the water leakage poses no threat to the original pavement of the coastal road.

Also Read | Heat stress worsened in big Indian cities: New study explains change in trend However, polymer injection grouting of 25 joints in the tunnel to stop the leakage will be done immediately. The leak was directed to be repaired immediately, the chief minister added.

The chief minister who was accompanied by Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburbs Mangalprabhat Lodha, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Chief Consultant of Coastal Road and other major officials of the municipality, said passengers will not face any problems. There will be no water here during the rainy season.
Two engineering students riding a motorbike were killed after a truck knocked them down in Maharashtra's Pune city, police said on Tuesday.

The driver of the truck, after hitting the motorbike on Monday night, did not stop and tried to run away but was caught some distance away and arrested, they said.

PTI reported that the incident occurred at approximately 10:30 pm on Monday in the Chandan Nagar area along the Pune-Ahmednagar road. Three students, all in their early 20s and enrolled at an engineering college in the area, were en route to the Pune railway station, as stated by the police. Among them, two intended to travel to their hometown of Latur in Maharashtra.

While they were on the way, the truck hit their motorbike from the backside. A youth died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries in a hospital, Vimaltal police station's inspector Anand Khobre said.

After the accident, the truck driver did not stop and tried to escape, but was stopped by police and locals about 300 metres away, the official said.

The truck driver has been arrested and charged under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with other pertinent sections, as per police reports. An ongoing investigation into the incident is being conducted.

Additionally, on May 19, a Porsche car reportedly operated by a 17-year-old boy collided with a motorbike in the Kalyani Nagar area, resulting in the deaths of two IT professionals.
An analysis of six megacities in India  Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai  revealed that nighttime temperatures are not cooling down at the rate they used to during 2001-10. The analysis also highlighted the factors causing increased heat stress in urban cities.

"Increasing relative humidity across all climate zones has worsened the heat index (combination of air temperature and relative humidity) and heat stress in every city," said a trend-analysis report released by the Centre for Science and Environment. The study was conducted by the CSE between the summers of January 2001 and April 2024.

What is heat stress? The CSE explained in its analysis that the heat stress is not just about rising temperatures. "It is a deadly combination of air temperature, land surface temperature and relative humidity that leads to acute thermal discomfort and heat stress in cities," the report said.

What has made heat stress worse? 1. Rising Humidity: As per the report, the increase in relative humidity in all zones "has made heat stress worse in warm-humid and moderate climate zones". This increase has also "nullified the fall in air temperatures in composite and hot-dry climate zones, especially during monsoons".

The report highlighted the city-wise trends and added that the increased humidity in Delhi and Hyderabad, which are located in climate zones known for the driest and harshest summers, "somewhat nullifies their marginal drop in ambient air temperatures".

2. Spike in built-up area: An increase in the built-up area in cities is another factor contributing to the urban heat stress. "All megacities have become more concretised in the last two decades; this has contributed to the rise in heat stress," the report said.

It added that though an increase in green cover can moderate day-time heat, it is not that effective in arresting night-time heat.

"Built-up area has increased from 31.4 per cent in 2003 to 38.2 per cent in 2022. Green cover has increased from 32.6 per cent in 2003 to 44.2 per cent in 2022. An increase in green cover shows the impact on daytime temperatures, but it has had no impact on night-time temperatures and the increasing heat index," the CSE said in its analysis.

But in the other four cities, increased humidity intensifies the heat stress.

Rising temperatures in 6 cities The analysis revealed that Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai have seen an increase in air temperature, while Delhi and Hyderabad appear to be defying the trend.

Decadal summer-time average ambient temperature has risen by about 0.5C in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai compared to 2001-10. Kolkata's decadal average is also up by 0.2C, the CSE study added.

Meanwhile, Delhi and Hyderabad registered "lower decadal average compared to 2001-10". It added that the decadal summer-time average for Delhi is down by 0.6C and for Hyderabad, by 0.9C, compared to 2001-10.

How does heat stress affect humans? The combination of high heat and humidity may compromise the "human body's main cooling mechanism"  that is sweating. Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager, Urban Lab, CSE, explained that the evaporation of sweat from the skin cools bodies, but higher humidity levels limit this natural cooling.

"As a result, people can suffer heat stress and illness, and the consequences can even be fatal even at much lower ambient temperatures. Interestingly, nighttime temperature remains elevated in cities," said Somvanshi.

Are hotter nights ahead? The analysis further showed that the six big cities are not cooling down at night at the rate they used to during 2001-10. Only Kolkata, among other metro cities, cools down at night at the same rate as in 2001-10.

Somvanshi, the expert from CSE, said hot nights are as dangerous as mid-day peak temperatures. She cited a study published in the Lancet Planetary Health to inform that the "risk of death from excessively hot nights would increase nearly six-fold in future".

"This prediction is much higher than the mortality risk from daily average warming suggested by climate change models," Somvanshi added.

The CSE study further revealed that the "urban heat island effect" is stronger at night. It said that at night, the peri-urban area cools down by 12.2C, while the city core cools down by only 8.5C. "Thus, the city core is cooling down 3.8C less than its peri-urban areas," it added. The study noted that March-April of 2024 was 3C cooler than the average of 2014-23.

What is the urban heat island effect? The new analysis by the CSE showed that an unprecedented heat wave has been gripping Indian cities this summer, worsening the urban heat island effect.

The "urban heat island" effect happens when built-up areas in urban regions trap heat, reduce green cover, cause congestion, absorb heat, and generate additional heat from human activities.

It said the urban heat island effect can add 2C to local warming, reducing the adaptive capacity of cities and increasing the risks.
The death toll in the Mizoram stone quarry collapse on Tuesday morning due to incessant rains has climbed to 17. As many as 12 are reportedly missing as officials continue to dig through the rubble to rescue more people.

Rescue efforts at the tragedy site between Melthum and Hlimen in Aizawl have been hampered by the incessant rains, attributed to the impact of Cyclone Remal. Several other people also went missing in landslides elsewhere in the state capital which was cut off from the rest of the country.
(Bloomberg) -- Oil rebounded from last weeks selloff as tensions flared in the Middle East, with a vessel attacked in the Red Sea and Israeli tanks reaching the center of Rafah.

West Texas Intermediate rose 2.7% to settle above $79 a barrel. The gains followed a drop to three-month lows last week brought futures to oversold territory. The attack on a Greek-managed bulk carrier in the Red Sea and Israels advance into the southern Gaza city revived the geopolitical risk premium that had gone missing last week, when signs of ample supplies also weighed on crude.

A confluence of factors suggest some upside sensitivity in oil  from fraught geopolitics to inventory drawdown to OPECs assumed preference to maintain curbs, said Vishnu Varathan, Asia head of economics and strategy at Mizuho Bank Ltd. However, the Gaza situation is only a warning not to be aggressively short, but not quite the unbridled bullish trigger.

Adding risks to oil markets was the killing of an Egyptian soldier in a clash with Israeli troops at a Gaza border crossing as well as an Israeli strike that killed an estimated 45 Palestinians at a camp for displaced people. Despite the wars continued escalations, crude flows from the Middle East  which account for a third of global supply  havent been hampered. Still, the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have rerouted some flows.

Oil has risen this year on persistent geopolitical risks and OPEC s roughly 2 million barrels a day of output cuts, with the group expected to prolong its curbs into the second half of 2024 at a meeting on Sunday. Still, prices have dipped since early April amid signs of lackluster demand, causing Brents prompt spread to get closer to a bearish contango structure that indicates supply is plentiful relative to consumption.

Investors will also be looking for signs of US fuel demand after the Memorial Day holiday, which traditionally marks the start of the summer driving season.

To get Bloombergs Energy Daily newsletter into your inbox, click here.

--With assistance from Jordan Fitzgerald.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
NCP MLA Sunil Tingre's recommendation for one of the arrested doctors in the Pune Porsche case came to light this week. Tingre reportedly wrote a letter to Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif in 2023 recommending that Dr Ajay Taware be given additional charge as medical superintendent.

The Pune police are now probing the role of Sunil Tingre, who allegedly used his clout to alter the investigation in the Porsche accident case, the Hindustan Times reported.

Ajay Taware was among Sassoon hospital employees who were arrested by the police on Monday for allegedly "manipulating" the blood samples of the minor accused in the Porsche accident case.

They allegedly replaced the sample with the samples of another person's blood which had no traces of alcohol. According to police, the 17-year-old accused had rammed his Porsche car into a motorbike on May 19 under the influence of alcohol. He reportedly visited two pubs before the incident that took place in Pune's Kalyani Nagar area.

Here's a look at latest development in the Pune Porsche accident case: 1. Recommendation letter from Tingre: In the letter dated December 26, 2023, MLA Tingre said he knew Dr Taware who had worked as superintendent and discharged his duties well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I request you to kindly consider giving the additional charge of medical superintendent to Taware," news agency PTI reported while citing the letter. A handwritten note from Mushrif instructing the dean of the Sassoon hospital to grant Dr Taware the extra charge was also included in the letter.

Reacting to the letter, Tingre said many people approach him for recommendation letters as he's an MLA, and such letters issued by him always include a note that action should be taken according to the rules.

2. Tingre, under police scanner, reacts: A police officer said on Monday, We have come across call records and WhatsApp messages to the doctors and that is being probed.

When asked whether the lawmaker had contacted the Sassoon doctors during the investigation, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying, Prima facie, it seems that the minors father was in contact with doctors in Sassoon. We are still investigating who else is behind the change in the minor's blood sample reports.

Questions were also raised after it was reported that Tingre had visited the Yerawada police station after the May 19 accident. Police admitted that he visited the station but claimed it did not impact the probe.

Tingre later told the media that the minors father was his ex-employer and because he was a resident of the area he represented, he had visited the police station to check if the probe was being properly conducted.

I have known the builder (juveniles father) as he was my employer after I passed out from engineering college However, at no point have I tried to influence the probe," the MLA was quoted as saying.

3. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole alleged that the Sassoon hospital was a "five-star hotel for criminals." Patole also demanded the resignation of the state's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Congress leader said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) must investigate the car crash case as there seemed to be political interference to save the "rich accused." The juvenile was accompanied by an MLA's son in the car, he further claimed.

4. The Pune District Court remanded the father and the grandfather of the 17-year-old in police custody till May 31 in the case of 'kidnapping' of the family driver. Police said earlier that the father and grandfather of the accused put pressure on the familys driver to take the blame for the accident by offering him money and threatening him. The duo were booked under the Indian Penal Code sections 365 (kidnapping) and 368 (wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement).

5. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said he has been in touch with the Pune police commissioner since day one. "I have said right from the beginning that, irrespective of how influential the person is, there should be no discrimination. No matter how rich or poor a person is, the law is equal for all and no one will be spared. I have ordered strict action," Shinde was quoted by NDTV as saying.

Shinde said this while answering a question on the alleged preferential treatment given to the 17-year-old accused.
British fashion designer Julien Macdonald recently clarified that he prefers Kate Middleton to Meghan Markle. While attending the Fragrance Foundation Awards in London, Macdonald expressed his desire to work with the Princess of Wales but did not show the same enthusiasm for Meghan Markle.

'Kate's amazing. I'd love to dress her in one of my dresses. I've got a great relationship with Camilla, the Queen. She's incredible, The Daily Mail quoted Macdonald as saying.

Also Read: Prince Harry not allowed to meet King Charles alone; Queen Camilla thinks Duke of Sussex cant be trusted When I see her at different events, I always say, 'You look really nice, Camilla', and she'll say, 'Do you like it? Oh, I'm glad you approve', he added about Queen Camilla.

However, when asked if he would like to dress Meghan Markle, he showed no interest in the Duchess of Sussex. 'No, I prefer Kate and Camilla,' he said.

Meanwhile, Royal expert Tom Quinn has said that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent trip to Nigeria made Prince William and Kate Middleton feel 'terrified'.

Harry and Meghan will continue to organise trips across the world until they are seen as the public face of the royal family," Quinn told The Mirror.

Also Read: Prince Harry 'uncomfortable' with Meghan Markle's new business. Here's why The fear is made worse because William knows that with his wife stricken with cancer he cannot compete and he cant stop the Meghan and Harry rollercoaster," Quinn added.

Harry-Meghan leave William-Kate worried Quinn also said Harry and Meghan were in the process of rebuilding connections with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, which had left William and Kate worried.

For William and Kate an alliance between Harry and Meghan and Beatrice and Eugenie is a huge worry," he said.
All eyes on Rafah  the phrase flooded social media on Tuesday as several people from across the world came out in support of Palestinians residing in the Rafah city located in war-torn Gaza. 'All eyes on Rafah' is a phrase that refers to the ongoing genocide in Rafah, Gaza, with over 1.4 million Palestinians seeking shelter, Iran's Embassy in India posted on X.

Israel continues to launch airstrikes in the region despite facing global outrage and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order demanding Israel put an end to the military operation in the region. Meanwhile, in a historic yet symbolic move, two European countries  Spain and Norway  officially recognised a Palestinian state on Tuesday, May 28. Ireland is yet to follow suit.

About half of Gaza's population, or over a million people, have been living in Rafah, the southernmost post of exit from Gaza city bordering Egypt's Sinai peninsula. Most have fled once again since Israel launched what it called a limited incursion there earlier this month. Feld to a safe place? The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said there is no such thing as a safe place in Gaza.

All eyes on Rafah: Here's what's happening  10 points 1. Israel launched the attack on Rafah late Sunday, hours after Hamas unleashed a barrage of rockets at the Tel Aviv area, most of which were intercepted. At least 45 people were killed and 200 others were injured after the Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp housing in Rafah for displaced people, CNN reported, according to the government media office in Gaza.

UNRWA on Tuesday in a post on X on Tuesday, said they were unable to establish full communication with their team in Gaza and said, "Gaza has become hell on earth. Families continue to seek refuge, trying to escape war, but there is no such thing as a safe place in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, Israel's military had said that the Sunday attack in the southern Rafah area had targeted and killed two senior Hamas operatives  but it also sparked a fire that Palestinians and many Arab countries condemned as a massacre.

2. The attack triggered global outrage against Israel. A US National Security Council spokesperson said Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron posted on X, "Deeply distressing scenes following the airstrikes in Rafah this weekend...We urgently need a deal to get hostages out & aid in, with a pause in fighting to allow work towards a long-term sustainable ceasefire."

Egypt condemned the targeting of defenceless civilians, calling it part of a systematic policy aimed at widening the scope of death and destruction in the Gaza Strip to make it uninhabitable.

Jordan accused Israel of ongoing war crimes, Saudi Arabia condemned the continued massacres, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to hold these barbarians and murderers accountable.

Qatar condemned a dangerous violation of international law and voiced concern that the bombing will complicate ongoing mediation efforts towards a truce.

3. Around one million people have fled the Israeli offensive in Rafah since early May, the UNRWA reported on Tuesday. Many Palestinians, however, complained they are vulnerable to Israeli attacks wherever they go and have been moving up and down the Gaza Strip for the past few months.

The UNRWA said the flight from Rafah happened with nowhere safe to go and amidst bombardments, lack of food and water, piles of waste and unsuitable living conditions.

4. Israel vowed to press on with its Rafah offensive despite the global condemnation and a US warning not to proceed. Israel's military has been carrying out what it says is a limited operation in Rafah since early May.

The operation focuses on killing fighters and dismantling infrastructure used by Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip. Israel told civilians to go to an expanded humanitarian zone some 20 km (12 miles) away, Reuters reported.

5. Israel has kept up attacks despite a ruling by the top UN court  International Court of Justice (ICJ)  on Friday ordering it to halt its operations in the southern Gazan city of Rafah and withdraw from the enclave. The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its offensive in the city, adding to the unprecedented level of diplomatic pressure that Netanyahu is facing over the war in Gaza.

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, ICJ President Judge Nawaf Salam said in its order which was supported by 13 of 15 judges.

6. 'All eyes on Rafah' massively trended on social media, with many comming out in support of Palestinians in the Gazan city. Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu took to Instagram stories to share a post on Israel-Palestine conflict. She reshared posts that called out Israel's attack on Rafah. Actor Dia Mirza, Swara Bhaskar, Gauahar Khan were among others who reshared series of posts about the Rafah attack.

7. Spain and Norway have officially recognised a Palestinian state on Tuesday, May 28, with an aim to bring peace between Palestinians and Israelis and find a resolution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Gaza. Ireland has also said it will officially recognise a Palestinian state on May 28.

The Guardian quoted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as saying, The state of Palestine must be viable with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor and with East Jerusalem as its capital, and it must be unified under the legitimate government of the Palestinian national authority.

8. Israel repeatedly condemned the move by the three European countries, saying that it bolsters the Palestinian militant group Hamas. In a series of tweets, Israels Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, accused Spain of giving in to Hamas.

9. The war started after the October 7 Hamas 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 who remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 36,050 people and injured 81,136 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- The semiconductor industry is a strange field. Play your cards right, and you can turn $60 billion or so of annual revenue into a $2.62 trillion business. Do things differently, and roughly the same volume of sales might translate into $44 billion of market capitalization.

Such divergent outcomes tell us a lot about the way capitalism in the US and China is producing drastically different outcomes on a planet confronting the wrenching shifts driven by artificial intelligence and climate change.

If you measure technology by the value of the companies that sell it, you would argue  as some in the US have been doing  that AI is the future of industry, while renewable power is a busted flush.

The four biggest solar panel-makers  Chinas Longi Green Energy Technology Co., JA Solar Technology Co., JinkoSolar Holding Co., and Trina Solar Co.  have lost about two-thirds of their combined market cap over the past two years to hit that miserable combined $44 billion level. Meanwhile, Nvidia Corp. has ridden a wave of excitement about AI to become the worlds most valuable company after Microsoft Corp. and Apple Inc.

The revenue paths of the two starkly divergent groups are remarkably similar. The semiconductor markets in which both sides specialize  turning silica-rich sand into, respectively, photovoltaic cells and AI chips  have traced almost identical roads to riches:

Markets arent wrong to make such a binary assessment. Nvidia really is a fundamentally better business than Chinas big solar four. The reasons tell you surprising things about both industries, while providing a warning for investors in AI chips and a glimmer of hope for the beaten-down photovoltaics sector.

First, its worth looking at business models. Nvidias competitive edge is in designing chips, and it outsources the capital-intensive business of actually making them to foundries such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The solar companies are all physical producers, and as a result theyre exposed to a never-ending rollercoaster ride of depreciation and obsolescence. That shows up in Nvidias 56% return on assets, compared to less than 10% at the panel-makers.

Theres also the issue of monopolistic power. While photovoltaic manufacturers are fairly interchangeable and competition is cutthroat, Nvidias lead in making AI-appropriate processors means it has about 90% of the relevant market  a license to print money, or at least extract it from cash-rich Silicon Valley tech companies.

That translated into a net income margin of 49% last fiscal year. Solar manufacturers, with their highly commoditized products, perform far worse: an average of 3.7%, with Longi the clear leader on 12.6%.

Investors beliefs about the sustainability of this advantage provide the final piece of the puzzle. Nvidias valuation multiple of 36.73 times forward earnings isnt particularly excessive for a red-hot industry darling, but its far above the solar companies  and the equity in US-listed businesses generally enjoys a hefty premium compared to China.

You might see this as a triumph of American free markets over Chinese dirigisme. Thats not quite right, though. The reason the panel-makers are struggling is precisely because they operate in a wide-open market with very low barriers to entry  a great setup if you want to grow the industry, but a terrible one for generating sustainable profits.

One telling detail of the above chart is the presence of one US cell company on it, First Solar Inc. After President Joe Biden doubled tariffs and announced new import investigations on Chinese solar panels this month, First Solar is now worth more than JA Solar, JinkoSolar and Trina Solar put together. Thats in spite of the fact that it uses a niche, high-cost technology that most companies have given up on, and can produce less than one gigawatt of cells for every 18 GW from the three Chinese companies.

The lesson is that shelter from the ravages of capitalist competition is great for shareholders, whether it comes as a result of intellectual property laws (as with Nvidia) or protectionism (as with First Solar).

It would be a mistake for either side to get either too despondent or too triumphant. Defensive moats like Nvidias are great until they arent. That 49% profit margin and 90% market share is an open invitation to the rest of the chip sector to invest heavily to compete.

The tech sector is littered with one-time market darlings  Nokia Oyj, Intel Corp., Cisco Systems Inc.  that suddenly found themselves brought down to earth by the resurgence of competition. On the flip side, the possibility of Beijing intervening to halt suicidal rounds of price-cutting has caused Chinese solar stocks to revive in recent days.

The deeper lesson for the battered photovoltaics sector is to look at what Nvidia has done right, and what theyre doing wrong. With such an interchangeable product, theres very rarely a good reason to prefer a Longi over a Trina panel. No cell is indispensable the way an Nvidia GPU is. If solar panel-makers can crack that secret, they too might one day join the ranks of trillion-dollar businesses.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering climate change and energy. Previously, he worked for Bloomberg News, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion
ABN Amro Bank NV agreed to buy German lender Hauck & Aufhauser Lampe Privatbank AG from Fosun International Ltd. for 672 million , expanding the Dutch companys reach in wealth management.

Bethmann Bank AG, ABN Amros private banking arm in Germany, will add 26 billion in assets under management and 2 billion in loans after the acquisition, according to a statement from the Amsterdam-based lender Tuesday. That will bring combined assets under management to around 70 billion.

This is a rare opportunity to add scale to our German activities, ABN Amro Chief Executive Officer Robert Swaak said in the statement. The proposed acquisition will further strengthen our position and offer employees of the combined group the opportunity to play a driving role in the consolidating German market.

ABN Amro said earlier this year that it sees growth in wealth management as a way to offset an expected decline in lending revenue. The company aims to make fees a more important part of our income to reduce its dependency on interest income, Chief Financial Officer Ferdinand Vaandrager said in the firms annual report. That includes seeking strategic initiatives to expand the business with affluent clients, he said.

Founded in 1796, Hauck & Aufhauser is one of Germanys oldest banks. Fosun bought the company in 2015 and snapped up its domestic rival Bankhaus Lampe in 2021. The Chinese conglomerate, backed by billionaire Guo Guangchang, has been selling assets as it seeks to reduce its debt load following an acquisition spree.

The impact of the acquisition on ABN Amros CET1 ratio is expected to be around 45 basis points, according to the statement. The units of Hauck & Aufhauser that provide alternative investment funds, management company and fund administration services arent part of the deal.

With assistance from Sarah Jacob.
In a significant development which could help temporary workers and international students, Canada has acknowledged that police clearance is not mandatory for those entering the country on a temporary basis, the Hindustan Times reported on Tuesday.

Responding to queries in Parliament by Indo-Canadian MP Arpan Khanna, Immigration Minister Marc Miller clarified, I have never said such certificates are required for temporary residents, the daily reported.

The Canadian immigration minister indicated that verification is done mainly through biometric data, such as fingerprints, which are cross-checked on law enforcement databases internationally. As for the police certificates from the country of origin, the HT quoted Miller as saying, We do not, as a routine matter, require them for temporary residents.

Also Read | All eyes on Rafah: Israel pounds Gazan city amid global outrage: 10 points However, police certificates from abroad may occasionally be requested on a case-by-case basis if further scrutiny is necessary.

They may be required if an officer decides to do so as part of a cascading security screening, he added later.

The minister's clarification comes amid debates about security checks for temporary residents, including international students, following recent criminal cases involving past visitors.

Also Read | Top news today: HAL stock in focus, Rafale deal, Ram Rahims acquittal and more It is important to note that at least two of the four persons arrested in relation to the killing of pro-Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar had reached Canada in that category. Nijjar was killed on June 18 last year in Surrey, British Columbia. Canada has claimed that it has arrested four Indian nationals who were involved in the murder of Nijjar. Two of the arrested, Karan Brar (22) and Kamalpreet Singh (22), were in the country on student visas.

Also Read | All eyes on Rafah': Israel pounds southern Gaza city amid global outrage and ICJ ruling  All you need to know Earlier this month, during an interaction on his book 'Why Bharat Matters' in Bhubaneswar, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticised the Justin Trudeau-led government in Canada for issuing visas to people with links to organised crimes for political purposes" despite warnings from the Indian government. The minister said the Trudeau government has given legitimacy to extremism, separatism and advocates of violence" in the name of free speech.
European Union defense ministers are debating whether to allow Ukraine to strike targets deeper inside Russian territory with weapons that have been sent by member states.

Up to now, the US and Germany in particular have been cautious about delivering military equipment to Kyiv that would have the range to strike targets inside Russia because of the risk of a broader conflict. After months of pleading from Ukraine, the US earlier this year sent long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine for use inside occupied territory.

I truly hope that all the countries that have these assets will also give permission to Ukraine, Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur told reporters, adding that Ukraine was already striking targets in Russian territory with its own drones. It cannot be normal that Russians are attacking from very deep into Ukrainian territory and Ukrainians are fighting with one hand behind their back.

Ukraine is currently struggling to defend the Kharkiv region from Russian air attacks, given its proximity to the border. Kyivs allies are shoring up efforts to send Ukraine more air defense assets, but striking targets inside Russia, where its attacks originate from, could help mitigate the cost of defending Ukrainian cities with expensive missiles to counter Russias significant supply of cheap bombs.

A Russian strike on a home-improvement superstore in Kharkiv on a busy shopping day last weekend killed at least 18 people and wounded several dozen. Two days earlier, a Russian missile hit Ukraines largest publishing house, killing at least seven. Both attacks were launched from Russias Belgorod region, Ukrainian military said.

Belgium on Tuesday pledged to deliver 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by 2028, with the first expected to arrive this year.

The weapons we deliver, as clearly stated in the agreement we signed, are meant to be used by the Ukrainian defense forces on Ukrainian territory, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told reporters.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited Belgium to sign a security cooperation pact, and also signed an agreement in Portugal on Tuesday afternoon. The Portuguese government said it will give Ukraine at least 126 million of military aid in 2024, including financial contributions and equipment.

Zelenskiy hailed the deal with Belgium, saying in a post on X that the country is also delivering at least 977 million in military aid this year.

We cant, its a fact, risk the support from our partners, so we arent using the partners weapons against Russian territory, he said at a news conference in Brussels, adding that hes asking his allies to allow retaliatory strikes in Russia.

On Monday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg doubled down on his push to urge allies to lift restrictions on hitting targets in Russia.

When we have delivered weapons to Ukraine its actually not ours anymore, its the Ukrainians and they have the right to self defense, including hitting legitimate military targets outside Ukraine and in Russia, Stoltenberg told the NATO parliamentary assembly in Bulgaria.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said such a move is acceptable under international law because Moscows attacks on Ukraine are originating inside Russian territory.

The risk of escalation Im sure will be put on the table by some but you have to balance the risk of escalation and the need for Ukraine to defend itself, he added, saying the current situation was completely asymmetric.

Defense ministers from Latvia and the Netherlands also expressed support for the idea.

Germany, meanwhile, is still holding back its Taurus system, citing concerns about the possibility for escalation and the need for German soldiers to operate the systems on the ground due to its unusually long range of more than 500 kilometers .

German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs chief spokesman Steffen Hebestreit told reporters on Monday that a state under attack can generally defend itself with strikes against targets also outside its own borders because this is in line with international law. And then it is always a question of the proportionality of the attack in question, Hebestreit added.

With assistance from Daryna Krasnolutska, Alberto Nardelli, Katharina Rosskopf, Michael Nienaber, Megan Howard, Aliaksandr Kudrytski, Joao Lima and Henrique Almeida.
Indian Judge Dalveer Bhandari was among 13 judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) who voted in favour of halting Israel's offensive in the war-torn Gazan city of Rafah. The ICJ delivered the verdict on South Africa vs Israel on Friday, May 24.

The Friday order read: "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".

The ICJ ruling against Israel on Friday brought the focus on Judge Dalveer Bhandari in India. So who is Dalveer Bhandari, the Indian Judge who voted in favor of the ruling against Israel.

A former Supreme Court judge, Justice Bhandari has been a member of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) since 2012. He was re-elected to the ICJ in 2017, the day which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described as a "proud moment".

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Bhandari was re-elected when the UN General Assembly and UN Security Council convened independently in New York on November 20, 2017, to fill the fifth vacancy for the 2018-2027 term.

Bhandari had then received all the 15 votes in the UN Security Council and 183 out of the 193 votes in the UN General Assembly. This happened as the UK decided to withdraw its candidate after a closely fought electoral process.

"The extraordinary support from the UN membership is reflective of the respect for strong constitutional integrity of the Indian polity and the independence of the judiciary in India," the external affairs ministry had said in a press release.

Justice Dalveer Bhandari opposed Israel and Russia This was not the fist time that Justice Dalveer Bhandari voted in support of the ruling that called for a halt on Israel's operation in Rafah. In January this year, he voted in favour of issuing provisional measures against Israel to prevent genocide against Palestinian people living in the Gaza strip.

In 2022, he voted in favour of the provisional measures that ordered Russia to suspend its military operations in Ukraine. Like the judgement on the Israel-Palestine conflict on Friday, the 2022 judgement directing Russia to immediately halt its military operations in Ukraine was passed with 13-2 votes. Even then, ICJ Justice Dalveer Bhandari had joined the majority.

Former Supreme Court judge and other position held Justice Dalveer Bhandari was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court on October 28, 2005. He resigned from his office as the Judge of the Supreme Court of India on April 27, 2012. He was elected to the post of Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He was born on October 1, 1947. After graduating in Humanities and Law on an international scholarship, he did a Master of Laws from Northwestern University, Chicago, USA, his profile on the Supreme Court's website read.

He also worked with the Northwestern Legal Assistance Clinic and appeared in Chicago Courts on behalf of the litigants of the said Clinic. He further worked on an International Project Delay in the Administration of Criminal Justice in India sponsored by the United Nations.

Justice Dalveer Bhandari was also a Member of a High Level Delegation which visited many places of the then USSR to study and comprehend Soviet Legal and Judicial System and its relevance for India.

He practised in the Rajasthan High Court in Civil, Criminal and Constitutional branches of law from 1973 to 1976. He is also a part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Law at Jodhpur University.
The United Nations Security Council has convened an emergency session scheduled for Tuesday following a devastating Israeli airstrike on a displaced persons camp in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, newswire AFP reported.

The closed-door meeting was requested by Algeria, which is currently a non-permanent member of the council, AFP reported quoting diplomats.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the attack on Monday as a "tragic mistake." The incident occurred in Rafah, southern Gaza, triggering a fire at a camp where displaced Palestinians had sought shelter. Local officials, as reported by the Associated Press, said that the attack resulted in the deaths of at least 45 people.

Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mistake, Netanyahu said Monday in an address to Israels parliament. We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy.

The strike has intensified international criticism against Israel for its conflict with Hamas, with even its closest allies expressing outrage over civilian casualties.

Rafah, situated at the southernmost border of Gaza adjacent to Egypt, was home to over a million people, roughly half of Gaza's population, who had been displaced from various regions within the territory. However, with Israel initiating what it termed as a limited incursion in the area earlier this month, the majority have fled once more.

Sunday night's attack seemingly one of the most lethal of the conflict, contributed to raising the total Palestinian death toll in the war to over 36,000, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.

Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people and seized some 250 hostages. Hamas still holds about 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year, AP reported.

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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his condolences for the lives lost in the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea and said India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance.

In a post on X, PM wrote, Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage caused by the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea. Our heartfelt condolences to the affected families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured. India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance.

According to the Papua New Guinea government, more than 2,000 people are believed to have been buried alive in a landslide in the South Pacific island nation, after the side of a mountain came down in the early hours of Friday morning when the village of Yambali was asleep.

The settlement is located in a restive and remote area in the interior of the poor, rural nation off the northern coast of Australia, making search and rescue efforts complicated and hazardous.

"The landslide area is very unstable. When we're up there, we're regularly hearing big explosions where the mountain is, there is still rocks and debris coming down," Enga province disaster committee chairperson Sandis Tsaka told Reuters.

The landslide is still active, as people are digging through the rocks, more is still coming down.

A state of emergency has been declared across the disaster zone and a neighbouring area, with a combined population of between 4,500 to 8,000, although not all have been ordered to evacuate yet, Tsaka said.

Military personnel have set up checkpoints and are helping move residents to evacuation centres, he said.

Heavy equipment and aid has been slow to arrive because of the remote location, treacherous terrain and tribal unrest in the area forcing the military to escort the convoys of relief teams.

The fluctuation in the estimated death toll underscores the challenge of obtaining an accurate population count. As a mountainous nation, Papua New Guineafaces obstacles in conducting comprehensive censuses. The most recent credible census dates back to 2000, and the 2022 voter roll excludes individuals under 18 years old, further complicating population estimates.
As Indias democracy nears the end of the worlds largest electoral exercise, it is evident that digital technologies have changed the whole landscape of Indian policymaking, reshaping governance, citizen engagement, political campaigning and elections. This transformation has not only streamlined bureaucratic processes, but also brought services closer to the people, fostering financial inclusion and digital empowerment.

Ministries and government departments have embraced digital tools to raise transparency, efficiency and accountability. Performance dashboards, social media handles and grievance redressal mechanisms like Twitter Seva have become standard features of governance, allowing citizens to interact directly with the government and monitor its performance.

The success of tech-led governance is visible in various innovative schemes and digital platforms. Jan Dhan Yojana accounts have enabled financial inclusion by giving over 500 million unbanked citizens access to banking services through electronic KYC.

Digilocker has simplified document management for citizens and reduced reliance on physical copies. UPI has transformed digital payments, making transactions easier and faster. Fastag has eased congestion at toll plazas and improved traffic flows. The GSTN has modernized Indias taxation system.

The DBT system ensures the targeted delivery of subsidies and benefits directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries, minimizing leakages and corruption. Jeevan Pramaan, a biometric-enabled digital life certificate, has simplified pension disbursement for retired government employees.

MyGov has emerged as a key platform for the government to reach out to citizens far and wide with information. It has facilitated direct interaction between citizens and policymakers, allowing feedback, suggestions and participation in policy and law formulation. Leveraging AI tools and even memes, such platforms have engaged citizens in the policymaking process, making governance more responsive to peoples needs.

Indias election machinery has also been upgraded. Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines to go with Electronic Voting Machines marked a significant development for free-and-fair elections in India.

The rise of social media has had its own impact. During the 2014 elections, India had over 243 million internet users. In 2019, we had over 450 million, a large portion of whom were active on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, making these political battlegrounds.

Over the past decade, social media has come to be dominated by memes, AI-generated content and synthetic videos. While earlier elections saw mostly text-based content, hashtags and image-based campaigns, todays 839 million internet users in India are confronted with memes, deepfakes and AI-generated content.

Memes have become a particularly powerful tool for political communication, conveying complex messages in an easily digestible format. AI-generated content, including deepfake videos, has further blurred the line between reality and fiction. These technologies are being leveraged to create campaign narratives and influence voter perceptions. Even the Election Commission of India (EC) has used memes to reach out to young voters.

While technology has empowered political campaigns, it has also amplified the spread of misinformation and deepfakes. In previous elections, misinformation was seen to spread rapidly through WhatsApp and other messaging platforms. However, in 2024, the use of AI has combined with social media algorithms to make misinformation more challenging to combat.

Deepfake videos, in particular, pose a significant threat to election integrity. AI-generated videos can manipulate speeches, alter facial expressions and create entirely fabricated scenarios, making it difficult for viewers to discern truth from falsehood. Political parties and malicious actors exploit deepfakes to discredit opponents and manipulate public opinion. Other than politicians, sportspersons and film actors have also become victims of deepfakes made with mala fide intent.

Recently, in Tamil Nadu, political parties used deepfake videos of deceased leaders to solicit votes from voters. On the other hand, some candidates have willingly circulated deepfake videos with special voice-overs to reach multi-lingual constituents and thus optimize their use of limited resources for campaigning.

Both the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) and the EC have taken proactive measures to mitigate these risks and secure Indias elections. MeitY issued guidelines under its IT Rules to social media intermediaries that are aimed at preventing users from posting harmful or prohibited content.

The EC has leveraged technology to combat the same threats. To uphold the integrity of Indian elections, the poll panel deployed educational campaigns, AI algorithms and partnerships with social media platforms.

Clearly, digital technologies have become an integral part of Indian policymaking in a variety of ways, and this digital adoption is shaping governance, citizen engagement and electoral processes. While various initiatives have delivered numerous benefits to people, including efficiency, empowerment and inclusivity, we also face steep digital challenges. As we move ahead, we must aim to ensure that digital tools work as shields rather than weapons.
In the UK, last week for the second annual London Defence Conference at Kings College, I was happy to see that climate change had not yet disrupted British weather. Tourists scurried miserably across the slippery streets, jackets buttoned against a cold London spring.

But the weather was warm and welcoming compared with the mood among Conservative Party members. The 14 years of Tory rule that began optimistically under David Camerons coalition with the Liberal Democrats is sputtering toward an end.

Beleaguered Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stepped outside No. 10 into the pouring rain to announce the next general election on July 4. With Labour leading by an average of 23 points in the polls, few Tories expect another five years in power. So far, 78 Conservative members of Parliament have announced they wont stand for re-election, beating the Tory retirement record set in 1997, the year Tony Blair swept John Majors government from power.

But in London, more is afoot than a change in the political weather. Whether you meet with frustrated Tories or Labour grandees preparing for office, senior British politicians speak about cascading changes and rising instability around the world. They agree that Britain needs to spend more and engage more when it comes to the common defense, and they agree that traditional assumptions about Britains priorities and role in the world must be examined anew.

Labour officials understand that national security remains a key area of potential vulnerability for a party desperate to get out of the wilderness. Keir Starmer, Labours leader, cultivates a pragmatic and sensible public persona, but voters remember the radical and erratic path down which his far-left predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn, led the party four years ago.

To bury those ghosts, Labour leaders such as David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary and party spokesman on foreign affairs, have been engaging with American Republicans and conservatives including Sens. J.D. Vance of Ohio and James Risch of Idaho. They are saying polite things about Donald Trump and are reminding American audiences that past Labour leaders, from Clement Attlee to Mr. Blair, had been Americas closest allies and partners over the past 80 years.

The key point that Mr. Lammy and his colleagues repeatedly make is that Labour today understands the primacy of security. Labour, they insist, is committed to the common defense and will be a reliable and effective American partner come what may.

There are real questions about whether Mr. Starmers party can live up to this vision. Tory skeptics ask whether the anti-Semitism and anti-Western radicalism that so recently dominated the Labour Party have really disappeared. Others wonder whether the partys commitment to increased defense spending will survive the pressures from public sector unions and other hungry constituent groups eager to divide up the spoils of power.

Whoever wins the July 4 election will face rough seas. The American alliance has been the cornerstone of British foreign policy since World War II, but U.S. policy is moving into a new phase. The rise of China continues to drive Americans to focus their efforts on the Indo-Pacific. Britain, with all the goodwill in the world, cant play the kind of role in Pacific defense that it plays in Europe. Japan, Australia and India are likely to be more central to American thinking than Britain in coming years. Where will that leave the special relationship between Britain and the U.S.?

Part of the answer, my British friends in both parties tell me, involves Aukus, the trade and technology agreement among the U.S., Britain and Australia. It was originally conceived as a way to help Australia develop a stronger submarine fleet by pooling British and American technology. The agreement allows for much deeper tech cooperation among these countries and perhaps others such as Israel, India and Japan, while excluding China and Russia.

Americas need to reduce its commitment to Europe without abandoning the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could also be an opportunity for Britain. Labour doesnt plan to re-enter the European Union or the Single European Market, but it wants a better relationship with a bloc that remains Britains largest export market. Britain has already emerged as a leader on issues such as the war in Ukraine. A stronger British role in European defense could ease Americas global burdens while helping Britain develop a healthier post-Brexit relationship with the EU.

Britain is coming to terms with a world in which India, China and Japan all matter more to world politics than the great powers of old. The U.K. still counts for something, but its political leaders have to think longer and harder than ever before about how to stay relevant in the post-imperial, post-Atlantic world.
More than seven months after Israel began its counter-offensive against Hamas, the war in Gaza seems no closer to an end. On Sunday, Israel launched a fresh strike based on precise intelligence" against what it called legitimate targets" after Hamas fired a barrage of missiles at Tel Aviv.

Two senior Hamas officials are said to have been killed in the Israeli strike, which Hamas claims hit a refugee facility near Rafah in south Gaza and killed at least 35 people. The painful loss of civilian lives will only weaken Israels stature. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, seems bent on prolonging this war, as favoured by his far-right allies and perhaps calculations to keep himself in power.

For the region, however, such an endless cycle of violence is catastrophic. Nearly 36,000 Palestinians are reported to have been killed in Israels war since the 7 October attacks by Hamas in which about 1,200 Israelis lost their lives and 250 others were taken hostage.

Various peace proposals have gone abegging even as discontent grows in Israel. Netanyahus government has been unable to secure the release of hostages; about half of them are still in Hamas captivity. It is also clear that victory would be an endless wait if wiping out this anti-Israel militia is the wars principal aim.

Meanwhile, the clock has run down on the leeway Tel Aviv got from world opinion for its response after last Octobers horrors. Israels attack on Gaza has also been brutal; Gazans have suffered grievously and the still-rising death toll of women and children with no place to flee has marked Israels record with allegations of genocide in a tragic irony for this Jewish state.

As the weight of international views and jurisprudence has moved against Tel Aviv, it is lucky to have US backing. If Israel could openly ignore the International Court of Justices order to stop its Rafah offensive, its because of US support. Yet, this backing could run thin if America re-invests in the wisdom of a decent respect for the opinions of mankind" in the context of how its overseas image is shaped by its Israel policy.

Also read: Hamas fires rockets at Tel Aviv for the first time in four months

It makes sense for all sides to grab an olive branch that puts an end to hostilities. If local Israeli politics is an obstacle, then it is even more important for America to push for a truce and play peacemaker. Netanyahus newly restive cabinet colleagues are right that Tel Aviv must declare a clear post-war plan for Gaza.

Full re-occupation would mean a return to a scenario given up in 2005 and will be taken as a move backwards in the peace process, while allowing a Palestinian administration to work under Israels military oversight might prove a non-starter, especially if other countries are asked to help rebuild a Gaza that lacks sovereign control over itself. The options may be few, but any real settlement of the dispute will have to respect the right of Palestinians to self-determination.

As Israel would be reluctant to give up its Jewish identity to fully embrace religious diversity, a two-state solution suggests itself, with the sovereign states of Israel and Palestine sharing Jerusalem. This has long been considered the most feasible lasting solution, with Palestinian refugees allowed to return to their statein Gaza and the West Bankbut not Israel.

Down the years, sadly, Israeli hardliners have rejected through actions what was agreed upon in principle as a peace formula. What we need right now is an urgent prisoner-exchange pact, one that lays the ground for fire-arms to fall silent and final-status talks to re-begin.
Ten years ago, when Narendra Modi rode an electoral wave to power 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 expect in India.

Few who looked closely at Modis tenure as CM of Gujarat, however, believed this 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 a recent interview, when asked to cite an example of how 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 worth bragging about? Two bits of context are worth noting. First, most of Indias state-owned enterprises are in legacy sectorsfossil fuels, old transport, 20th-century capital goods. And second, private-sector investment in India remains anaemic.

Consider these three points together, and the macro picture begins to look a little worrying. If 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 re-investment of cash flows by PSUs into their extant businesses (mostly sunset industries) may constrain their ability to invest in more future-proof businesseskey to their longer-term viability." A cycle, whether virtuous or vicious, is at work here.

State-owned firms dominate certain older sectors. They see decent cash surpluses. But, being state-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 20 trillion ($240 billion) in 2022-23 to 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 after the ongoing election, his administration must adopt a different strategy. State-owned companies cant be the basis of a modern, productive economy. bloomberg
One of the most critical yet often overlooked parts of the reform process is determining what should be the ideal unit of change of the proposed transformation. What do we mean by this? A unit of change is a component of a system thats the focal point for transformation efforts. It could be a geography, a function, a process, an institution, a policy or any other distinctly identifiable element that, when modified, is capable of catalysing broad systemic improvements.

By way of example, consider reform efforts in education. One approach could be to target the school as the unit of change. When this is the case, the reform agenda could include developing new curricula, different pedagogy or making changes in the administrative processes of the school. On the other hand, if the unit of change is the child, reform efforts would focus on improving learning and development outcomes.

Also read: School reforms under NEP 2020 must not be allowed to languish

Identifying the correct unit of change is crucial for the success of a given reform, as it sets the stage for the depth, scale and scope of transformation.

Consider, for example, reforming the justice system. The Supreme Courts e-Courts Project, which aims to transform the Indian judiciary through technology, has, from time to time, adopted different units of change. In some instances, it has treated its function as the unit of change, looking to digitize filings and summons, or implement video conferencing as an alternative to personal presence in the courtroom.

In other instances, it has treated the court as the unit of change, looking to invest time and resources in making courts paperless. When it set up virtual courts challans, it treated the dispute type (in this case traffic disputes) as the unit of change.

The impact and potential of each of these approaches has been drastically different.

When function was the unit of change, people were able to file or argue matters remotely. While this is a critical value proposition for users, because it merely layered a digital process over existing analog processes without carrying out proper process-re-engineering, the new system inherited the shortcomings of its analog predecessor.

When the unit of change was a court, going paperless significantly improved the user experience but resulted in vast duplication of efforts as physical filings had to be scanned and uploaded and orders had to first be printed before being scanned and uploaded.

However, when the e-Courts Project chose dispute type as the unit of change when it set up virtual courts for traffic challans, it re-engineered all the processes involved in the dispute, right from the moment the traffic violation happened. As a result, these virtual courts can receive digital challans directly from cameras of the traffic police.

They can generate digital summons to send violators phones, offering an option to pay a fine online or contest the case. We found that most of the cases in the Delhi Virtual Traffic challan courts are settled at this stage itself, hugely simplifying the process for litigants.

Choosing the correct unit of change also creates a cascade effect on subsequent choices and strategies. It also helps orient efforts and improves efficiency by focusing them. So, it is critical to evaluate what the most appropriate unit of change is in a given context. Here are some questions:

Does the unit of change align with the overarching goals of the proposed reform? If the objective is to improve well-being in society, are we aligned with this goal if we treat disease, say, as the unit of change and track progress around it?

Is the unit of change feasible and practical? Does it take into account factors like resource availability, stakeholder capacity, ease of adoption, etc?

Does the chosen unit of change give us the most bang for our buck? What is the point of intervention that holds the most significant influence over the functioning and outcomes of the broader system or organization?

Identifying the appropriate unit of change is not easy and often fiercely contested by stakeholders, particularly when they have divergent incentives. The choice also needs to be constantly revisited to ensure that it remains relevant. This is, therefore, an iterative journey of discovery, innovation and collaboration.

While there may not be a one-size-fits-all answer, determining the unit of change must become an essential part of the process of any transformation. When we determine the unit of change, we set the compass direction before embarking on our transformation journey.

It also helps us target our interventions, directing our efforts with precision towards the areas where change will yield the greatest dividends. This not only conserves resources, but also amplifies the effectiveness of the reform.

It is also important to collect data and evidence to help us analyse which unit of change is more practical and feasible in terms of governance, change management, resource availability and political space. We must attempt to foresee the risks of each unit of change and ways we can mitigate them or even creatively flip them around to serve instead as advantages.

When we make these determinations collaboratively with decision-makers and change-makers, we foster community participation in reform efforts from the very beginning. It can help break down a large amorphous vision into a practical roadmap that everyone can contribute to.
Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Giriraj Singh took a jibe aimed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, saying that Rahul Gandhi would likely go on vacation abroad. At the same time, Akhilesh Yadav would be found singing following the announcement of the Lok Sabha election results on June 4.

As reported by ANI in Varanasi on Monday, Singh said, In the sixth phase, we are about to touch the 400 mark and in the seventh phase, we will be crossing the 400 mark and that day, Akhilesh Yadav will be singing songs and Rahul Gandhi will go for his foreign trips as no option will be left for them. This country wants a strong government, not a compelled government.

Talking about developmental works done in Varanasi during PM's tenure, Singh said, Varanasi is the land of Kashi and whoever comes here is only at the orders of Baba Vishwanath. PM Modi is contesting elections from here... Only development has been given importance. The development done by PM Modi is being discussed...

"People are enthusiastic. Only development has been given importance. The development done by PM Modi is being discussed...". said Giriraj Singh.

Varanasi stands as a stronghold for the BJP and Prime Minister Modi, making it the focal point of anticipation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi has secured significant victories in the constituency in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections. The Congress has nominated Ajay Rai as their candidate against PM Modi, who represents the joint Opposition INDIA bloc.

Ajay Rai, the Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, has previously contested against PM Modi in Varanasi during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, finishing third on both occasions. This marks the third time Rai will compete against Modi in a Lok Sabha contest.

In the 2019 elections, PM Modi secured the seat with an overwhelming majority, amassing over 6,74,664 votes and commanding a vote share of 63.6 percent. In 2014, the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a notable showdown between Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and then-chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Kolkata: As they huddled over a game of cards at a popular eating joint in Bhowanipore, Kolkata, a motley group of cabbies from Bihar, Punjab and Bengal turned to discussing politics. One of them, from Chhapra in Bihar, complained, My wife no longer listens to me. She has ears only for (Narendra) Modi. Because Modi gives her money." The others nodded in agreement, noting that wives, daughters and sisters had become impudent with family patriarchs.

The blame for this state of affairs, in the cabbies minds, lies with various women-centric welfare schemes. Thanks to receiving cash from these schemes, both from the Centre and the states, women in rural and semi-urban India have become economically independent, empowered and emancipated. And that has emboldened them to stand up for themselves.

In other words, women have become the sunrise segment in Indian politics. The days of caste and sub-caste politics are passe. Gender is the new kid on the block. Naturally, political players are excited about tapping this cohort. And they are ready to invest in women because they see huge returns aheadthe numbers make that clear.

Women make up 48.9% of Indias total electorate of 969 million, and political parties have been vying with each other to tap this vast base with all kinds of goodies.

The number of female voters per 1,000 males is seeing a steady rise. Out of the 263 million new voters aged between 18-29 years, 141 million are women.

Indeed, according to a projection by SBIs economic research team, the number of women voters is projected to surpass men from 2029 onwards. After a decade or so, the ratio of female to male voters is expected to be 55% to 45%.

According to the SBI economic research wing, the first four phases of the 2024 election have already seen a growth in the turnout of women voters.

For every 100 incremental male voters there are 110 incremental female voters voting at any point of time in the first four phases. The net incremental share of women voters comes to 9.36 million, way above the 8.47 million increase in their male counterparts, hinting at the cementing of women as the new centre of gravity for Indian politics," the SBI report observed. Out of 373 constituencies, 270 saw increased participation, it added.

Loyalty Factor

View Full Image Supporters gather at an election rally addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on 21 May. (AP)

The other reason for politicians betting big on women is their discipline in exercising their franchise and perceived loyalty to their benefactors.

An analysis of the 2019 general election results by CSDS Lokniti revealed that women held the key for the huge mandate in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central governments three women-centric schemesUjjwala (free gas connection and LPG cylinder subsidy), Matru Vandana Yojana (a maternity support scheme for pregnant and lactating mothers) and PM Awas Yojana (house ownership in the name of female members)have been a runaway hit among women, helping the saffron party win by securing 46% of the female vote, against 44% of the male vote share.

Women held the key for the huge mandate in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019.

While the Centre has budgeted 12,000 crore for the more than 102 million beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme in 2024-25, the budget for Matru Vandana, which caters to 32 million pregnant women, stood at 14,427 crore.

This apart, the SBI report points out that women have significant shares in some Central schemes, such as MUDRA (68%), Atal Pension Yojana for workers in unorganized sectors (44%), and Stand-Up India (81%).

BJP, Congress Promises

Buoyed by the impact of such schemes, both BJP and Congress have gone overboard in their 2024 election manifesto, either by introducing new schemes for women or expanding the purview of old ones. While BJP has plans for financial empowerment of women, Congress is talking of direct doles and ensuring an equitable work environment.

View Full Image Bharatiya Janata Partys supporters during an election campaign rally in New Delhi on 22 May. (AP)

The BJP manifesto talks of expansion of the governments Lakhpati Didi Self Help Group initiative, building more toilets for women in public areas, health services for reduction of breast and cervical cancer, integrating self help groups with the service sector, market-linked access, and creating hostels and creches to enable more women to participate in the workforce.

The Lakhpati Didi scheme, which was introduced in December 2023, offers an interest-free loan of 5 lakh to women, to help them upgrade skills and earn at least a lakh per household annually. It aims to benefit 30 million women, as per the party manifesto.

In contrast, Congresss Mahalaxmi scheme is looking for an unconditional annual cash transfer of 1 lakh to every poor Indian family. Beside this, the party has promised reservation for women in 50% of Central government jobs.

It is sad that we are eyeing short-term gains through distribution of freebies & social welfare schemes. Swapnendu Bandyopadhyay

The choices are many. Women are not only feeling pampered but for the first time they are feeling blessed to have been born as women. While the UP government is paying 25,000 on the birth of a baby girl to end discrimination between sons and daughters, the Centre is paying 6,000 to stop female foeticide," said social scientist Prasanta Ray of Presidency University. Both the UP and Bengal governments are paying a lumpsum to women for their marriage. Rural households celebrate and do not mourn their advent (any longer)."

But economists arent impressed. It is very sad that we are looking at short-term gains through distribution of freebies and social welfare schemes. Forget about long-term development, asset creation and infrastructural development is worst hit," said Swapnendu Bandyopadhyay, professor of economics, Jadavpur University. What is scary is that this culture is causing a huge impact on the human psyche. It is giving rise to a parasitic mentality, living off another. Theres no employment generation and the political parties are aiming to mitigate anger and frustration by giving people allowances. Its a vicious chain for governments, because these schemes and doles will need enhancement from time to time."

State-level Courting

At the state level, too, ruling parties have been going all out to capitalize on women voters. Its a good thing that women are being seen as individuals and entities, with a mind of their own. In the age of competitive populism, having exhausted all existing constituencies, it is only natural that new areas will be tapped," said Kingshuk Chatterjee, professor of history at Calcutta University.

In assembly elections, female voters largely prefer the party that has been able to create a credible base of beneficiaries among them. Odisha began empowering women through its Mission Shakti Self Help Groups back in 2001, immediately after Naveen Patnaik became chief minister. Over the years, Mission Shakti has empowered 7 million women by providing them seed money, credit linkages, market linkages and other benefits such as interest subsections.

In 2023-24, Mission Shakti received a hefty allocation of 41.57% from the states gender budget. Interestingly, Odisha stands out, with 43% of its startups being led by women. The seats that have gone to the polls so far in Odisha have shown a 76% turnout by women and 75% by men. A Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader declared that BJP would come nowhere close to BJDs electoral prospects unless it breaks into Patnaiks women cheerleaders.

In Uttar Pradesh, a Hindi heartland state known for celebrating machismo, the government is politically sympathetic to the cause of women and chief minister Yogi Adityanaths popularity is on the ascent. This is because he is perceived as a protector and saviour. The abolition of Triple Talaq and reining in of roadside eve teasers won wide appreciation.

The CSDS Lokniti post-poll survey in Uttar Pradesh after the 2022 Assembly poll attributed BJPs comfortable majority to women voters. BJPs womens vote share was 13 percentage points higher than Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party (SP). As for the male vote share, the difference between BJP and SP was only 5%.

Yogis success lies not just in women-related schemes but also in creating a women-friendly environment, infrastructure and work culture.

For instance, the Mission Shakti scheme is training women in self-defence, besides sensitising them to crime and atrocities. Under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivaah Yojana, the Uttar Pradesh government spends 51,000 per wedding, with 35,000 going straight to the brides account and the rest being used for a gift and arranging the ceremony. This helps explain why the percentage of women voters increased from 63.31% in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly to 67.18% in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll.

Bengals Lakshmir Bhandar

Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees basket of a dozen schemes for women, taking care of everything from the birth of a girl child to education, empowerment, marriage, pocket money and widow pension, fetched her 50% of the womens vote both in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly elections13 percentage points more than its principal rival BJP.

The biggest cash incentive for the women of Bengal is Lakhshmir Bhandar, a basic monthly allowance scheme, which started out with a payout of 500 and 1,000 for general caste and SC/ST women, respectively. It was launched a few months before the 2021 state Assembly election to blunt the rising tide of anti-incumbency and allegations of corruption. The scheme turned out to be a game changer as it covered 21 million women out of the total 37 million female electorate.

According to Pratichi Trust, founded by Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, the Lakshmir Bhandar cash incentive had empowered 85.6% of the women surveyed, with 61.1% admitting that the cash had enhanced their position in the household and given them financial security. As many as 75.9% said they were supplementing the family income and meeting the expenses of their childs education, buying medicines and also taking care of personal needs.

The rich dividends in the 2021 Assembly results, which saw Trinamool Congress slightly increase its seat count in the state Assembly, made the government double the allowance components for the general caste just before election dates were announced.

As expected, the move has created waves of excitement and interest among women. Such has been the craze for Lakshmir Bhandar that BJPs top leadership, including Modi and Amit Shah, had to take a leaf out of Banerjees book and promise an enhanced alternative, Annapurnar Bhandar, on similar lines, if voted to power.

Mamata didi says that if BJP comes to power, it will stop the programme. BJP is not going to stop any scheme. We will increase the benefit of Lakshmir Bhandar," Shah assured the audience at an election campaign in Uluberia.

View Full Image TMC supporters take part in a rally in Kolkata on 15 May. (PTI)

The budgeted estimate for the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme for 2024-25 was 14,400 crore and the promised hike will cause an additional burden of 12,000 crore. But the government is determined to see it through even at the expense of some of its not-so-populist schemes, such as old-age pensions and some educational scholarships.

Maharashtra, too, has a bountiful basket for women, including the Manodhairya scheme, which provides financial assistance from 1 lakh to 10 lakh to rape victims, and the Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme, which has an annual grant of 50,000 for a girl child up to 18 years. These and several other schemes, including Matrutva Sahayog Scheme, Kishori Shakti Scheme, financial assistance for marriage of girls in orphanages, among others, which were responsible for an expenditure of 3,000 crore from the 9,000 crore budget of the Women and Child departments budget, said a senior secretary of the department, requesting anonymity.

This is not assistance but your right. M.K. Stalin

Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin, who touts himself as the custodian of the Dravidian model of social reform, has rolled out a slew of projects to help women get financial assistance and have a better standard of living. This is not assistance but your right," he declared last year while announcing a monthly assistance scheme of 1,000 for women. In addition, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in the state subsidizes free bus travel for all women, a widow remarriage assistance scheme and marriage assistance for daughters of poor widows.

In Andhra Pradesh, chief minister Jaganmohan Reddy, too, has launched multiple welfare schemes, of which some key initiatives are targeted at women. They include Amma Vodi, under which 15,000 is paid to mothers of schoolgoing children to encourage education, and YSR Cheyutha, which supports women aged 4560 from weaker socio-economic backgrounds by providing 75,000 over four years.

The dividends

Madhya Pradeshs Ladli Behna Scheme, which provides 1,000 per month to women aged between 23 and 60, bleeds the state of 8,000 crore annually, but has earned rich dividends for BJP.

Anti-incumbency will soon become a thing of the past, feel party leaders, because women will ensure continuity of a government in order to enjoy continuity of benefits. A glimpse of this loyalty is visible in Bengal. My son is sitting at the Esplanade dharna in protest against the school recruitment scam, which gave jobs to many ineligible candidates. My son had passed his Masters with a good percentage and believes he had done well in the job entrance exam, but somehow he couldnt make it to the merit list," said T. Jana of Kanthi in East Midnapore. However, my wife thinks we should vote for Didi (Mamata Banerjee) because in the absence of a job, my household is getting the benefits of Lakshmir Bhandar for my two unemployed daughters and Kanyashree ( 2,000 a year) for my school going girl."

Indeed, women in Bengal attend chief minister Banerjees rallies in huge numbers, filling the front rows to signal their support for her. In a reciprocal gesture, Banerjee begins her speech by singing paeans to women and how they form the backbone of family, society and country.

It has to be seen if West Bengal becomes an aberration to the national trends. Pratim Ranjan Bose

But according to political analyst Pratim Ranjan Bose of Iravati Research and Communication Centre, such a simplistic correlation of freebies and support doesnt always hold. Congress lost Rajasthan and Chattisgarh despite offering huge freebies. It has to be seen if West Bengal becomes an aberration to the national trends," said Bose. One must remember that disbursement under MNREGA has been suspended in West Bengal for two years. This, coupled with the scam in school recruitment, has impacted both men and women."

However, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar has a different take. He thinks Banerjee is a feminist in letter and spirit and understands and feels for women in a way no other chief minister did or can possibly do. She has single-handedly led the empowerment of women with innovative and out-of-the box schemes, which have really helped in establishing womens space in politics and the economy. She has ensured 35-45% representation of women in numerous decision making bodies, far ahead of others," he said.

But could the showering of such boundless bounties lead to friction within families? Professor Chatterjee doesnt think so. Maybe a particular generation, say, the patriarchy of 60-plus, might feel threatened about losing their social control. But I am optimistic about the slightly younger age group. Theyll adjust to the idea of women bringing in resources and having a say in the household."
WhatsApp users have long gotten used to the green theme that adorns the personal messaging app. However, the personal messaging app may soon be working on providing an option to customise the WhatsApp experience with the addition of different themes, at least on the company's iOS application.

According to a recent report from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is looking to introduce a new default chat theme feature that will be available in a future update of the app. The feature is currently in development and was spotted during the TestFlight beta programme.

Also Read | WhatsApp to introduce AI-generated profile photos for enhanced personalization

How will the new WhatsApp theme feature work?

The new report states that WhatsApp is already in the process of adding a new feature that will allow users to customise their default chat bubble colour. Moreover, the Meta-owned company is already in the process of refining this feature by allowing users to select their default theme in the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.11.10.70 version.

WhatsApp is reportedly working on adding 4 more chat theme options in a future version of the app. Choosing a new chat theme will also result in users' wallpaper and bubble colour being updated to match the colour palette of the new theme.

Also Read | Elon Musk's exports user data remark gets sharp rebuke from WhatsApp chief: We take security seriously

WhatsApp to soon allow users to create AI-generated profile pictures:

Another recent report from WABetainfo had revealed that WhatsApp could soon introduce a feature that will allow users to generate images using AI and use them as their profile picture. The feature was first spotted in the WhatsApp beta update for Android version 2.24.11.17.

According to a shared screenshot, users will enter a text prompt into the AI image generator, which will then create a personalised profile picture based on the provided details.

This feature could be particularly appealing to users who prefer not to share personal photos on social media or WhatsApp due to privacy concerns, such as the potential misuse of images. Additionally, WhatsApp already includes a security feature that prevents contacts from taking screenshots of profile photos, further protecting users' privacy.

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Xiaomi appears to be gearing up for the Indian market launch of the Redmi Pad Pro, following its appearance on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification website. The tablet, bearing the model number 2405CRPFDI, has reportedly received certification as of May 27, 2024, according to MySmartPrice. The inclusion of an "I" in the model number signifies that this variant is tailored for India.

Though Xiaomi has yet to officially confirm the impending release, the certification hints that the launch might be imminent. Speculation is rife that the announcement could coincide with the Xiaomi 14 Civi launch event scheduled for June 12 in India.

To date, Xiaomi has introduced only two Redmi tablets to the Indian market: the Redmi Pad and the Redmi Pad SE. The impending addition of the Redmi Pad Pro is highly anticipated, particularly given its potential specifications.

While the certification leak did not disclose detailed specs, insights can be drawn from the Chinese version of the Redmi Pad Pro. The Indian model is expected to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1.5TB.

Interestingly, a recent leak suggests that, unlike its Chinese counterpart, the Indian version of the Redmi Pad Pro will support both cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity. The device is anticipated to sport a 12.1-inch display with a 2.5K resolution, a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and a peak brightness of 600 nits. The display will likely be protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and boast a touch sampling rate of 180Hz.

Running on the Android 14-based HyperOS platform, the Redmi Pad Pro is expected to offer a seamless user experience. Camera-wise, it is rumored to come with an 8-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera. Powering the device could be a robust 10,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support.

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TROY  A retired forestry professor from the University of Idaho has put some free time, years of experience and a lot of loving care into his lower-40 tree farm near Troy and is growing fir trees at a phenomenal rate of up to four foot per year.

Dr. Merrll E. Deters said that under natural conditions grand fir normally grows about 18 inches per year in Idaho. Deters, a professor of forestry emeritus at the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Range Sciences, said that nature alone does not often provide an excellent forest. The foresters knowledge and skill is needed to make forest stands the most useful as well as productive and beautiful.

Deters, who thins, prunes and otherwise nurtures his forest, said he wants to obtain seed from one particular grand fir tree on his land that may have unique genetic value for the production of Christmas trees as well as timber. He said his mixed-forest stand, located in the vicinity of Moscow Mountain, is evidence that Idaho can compete with other parts of the country in growing commercial timber.
ASOTIN  A small home wedding at the old Lewiston Roundup grounds sparked a union thats still going strong after 75 years.

Bill and Clairbelle Katie Greer, of Asotin, said they have no regrets about tying the knot in 1949.

We love each other as much as we did back then, Katie said as they shared a kiss for a photo. I also love the Lord because hes kept us together.

Katie, who turns 89 on Thursday, and her husband, 95, are celebrating the milestone with a family dinner and a look back at decades of fond memories.

When they met, Bill thought she was good looking, and Katie found him handsome.

You were running around with my younger sister, Bill said.

My mother loved you, Katie recalled. She treated you like a son.

The nuptials took place at her aunts and uncles place at the Roundup grounds in North Lewiston. No photos of the ceremony on May 28, 1949, are available, but the Greers remember it as the beginning of something special.

Weve had our bumps along the way, like every married couple, but wed do it all again, Katie said with a smile.

Their daughters  Bobby Raspone, Betty Weissenfels and Bonniabelle Grieve - all live in Asotin and are frequent visitors. The Greers only son, Billy, died in 2003 at the age of 46.

That was hard, Katie said. Weve had a good life, except when we lost our son. But all of our girls are here, and they all come over every night around 6 to visit and quilt.
Sharis Cafe and Pies at 2122 Nez Perce Grade in Lewiston shuttered its doors for the last time Monday night at 10 p.m.

Debbie Parker, manager of the Lewiston restaurant, said about 13 employees were affected by the shutdown. Sharis is part of a chain of family dining restaurants in the western U.S. based in Beaverton, Ore.

Parker said she didnt know the reason for the shutdown, but said other restaurants in the chain are also closing their doors.

Attempts to reach the corporate office Monday were not immediately successful.

Denise Jordan, manager at Sharis Cafe and Pies at 121 Warbonnet Drive in Moscow, said there are no plan to shut down that restaurant.
Julian C. Ankney of the Nez Perce Tribe heard stories since she was a child that Indigenous people go missing at higher rates. The statistics showed Indigenous people go missing at a rate 10 times the national average. In 2018, Ankneys then-26-year-old brother, Michael Murphy Jr., vanished from an Idaho mall.

Ankney, campus director of Native American programs at Washington State University Vancouver, has yet to reunite with her brother, despite her familys enduring search.

Indigenous people go missing and are murdered at higher rates than any other group. In Washington, Indigenous people make up 2% of the general population but account for 5% of unsolved cases. Washington ranks second highest in the nation for missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Although Washington has created a state task force and an alert system, advocates say justice remains out of reach for victims and their families. Obstacles include lack of data, tribal jurisdictions and the lingering impacts of colonization.

This crisis extends beyond reservations, beyond state borders, Ankney said. This is a community problem that impacts every community and will take the support of multiple governments, agencies working together.

Invisible crisis

Indigenous people have been going missing and getting murdered since colonial contact.

This is something thats been going on since 1492. The root cause is colonization, Vancouver activist Duana Ricks-Johnson said. Sacagawea  while celebrated  was only 12 when she was married. She is one of our first documented missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Indigenous people have suffered trauma from colonization, displacement and cultural assimilation for centuries. These socioeconomic disparities can amplify the likelihood of Indigenous people being victims of violence and exploitation, Ricks-Johnson said.

Indigenous people in Washington experience high rates of homelessness, sex trafficking, incarceration and child welfare referrals. According to the FBI, 40% of victims of sex trafficking are Native. Ricks-Johnson said she was a victim of sex trafficking after being targeted as an Indigenous person living in poverty.

Its all a very slippery slope, Ricks-Johnson said.

Many cases go unreported and undocumented. Of 5,712 cases of missing Indigenous women and girls reported to the National Crime Information Center in 2016, only 116 were logged in the Justice Departments missing persons database, according to a report by the Urban Indian Health Institute.

Finding relatives

Southwest Washingtons Cowlitz Indian Tribe has been working to trace the stories of missing and murdered Indigenous people, many of whom didnt have tribal affiliation listed. The tribes office in Hazel Dell recently displayed a memorial honoring the lives of eight people affiliated with the tribe. One is missing and seven were murdered.

We started asking ourselves, theres all this data out there that says theres murdered and missing Indigenous people, said Debbie Hassler, the tribes deputy director of health and human services. But the question I always had was: Where are they from? 

The tribe offers a program called Pathways to Healing, which provides services to families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking or elder abuse. Through the program, the tribe also began asking members if they had a loved one who was missing or murdered.

There was an outpouring of support with people coming forward with names to add to the list. It was extremely overwhelming, Hassler said. I think in a good way, in the sense that were able to honor these Cowlitz tribal members, but also in a frustrating way, because theres people to add to the list.
The defeat of Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, of Boise, in the recent Republican primary was widely described as an upset. And it was, in the sense that it was widely unexpected.

But it also was very much of a piece with the results overall in the Idaho primary. Those include the ouster of 15 legislators by voters of their own party.

If attention has focused a bit on Winder, who has been a prominent figure in Idaho public life for more than three decades, one reason may be that few people seem to know much about the man who prevailed in that race, Josh Keyser.

He didnt, in the campaign, seem to establish a clear identity. A basic resume is out there, but you get little feel for who the guy is or what he would do in office. His campaign seemed more an effort to say as little as possible, and keep it generic and inoffensive. His website describes his vision as: Protect our Rights. Empower the Family. Strengthen Idaho. The site doesnt even have much of anything to say about the veteran legislator he was trying to defeat. Keyser almost comes across as a noncombatant.

Nor did his campaign seem overwhelming: Current finance reports show he raised $28,081 and spent $12,212, in total. Winder raised several times as much.

Cutting to the chase: In political terms, Keyser is a cipher. He didnt win, really. Winder was beaten and beaten up mostly by forces  contributing mass money, mailers, videos and more  far outside his district.

Why this happened is a complex story. One immediate trigger concerned some activity, likely obscure to most Idahoans, from inside the Senate Republican caucus. Some months back, some members of his caucus (from the extreme Freedom Caucus wing) started firing shots at other Republican legislators from outside their group. Winder, whose job as pro tem implicitly includes keeping the caucus membership at peace, warned them that was improper behavior for a legislator (as it was), and he exacted punishment through changes in committee assignments. That in turn led to the Idaho Freedom Foundation and related groups aiming fire at Winder, and assembling the artillery from all over the place. This was, of course, just one incident; much more background underlay it.
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Irelands historic recognition of a Palestinian state could be a catalyst for other EU nations, the Irish Government said.

Irelands ministers met on Tuesday and officially agreed to recognise a Palestinian state, in a joint move with Spain and Norway.

A Palestinian flag was raised at the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, alongside the EU and Ukrainian flags.

The Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, was seated in the distinguished visitors gallery to hear four hours of statements.

Irish premier Simon Harris said the move was historic and important and that the EU could be doing a hell of a lot more on the Middle East conflict.

Speaking in the Parliament, Mr Harris said that Palestine was very much something that the (Irish) people have led on, while Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said that he hoped Palestine could follow a similar path to Irelands pursuit of self-determination.

At a meeting of government today Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine. The Government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah. Full statement: https://t.co/YpvxXsuKCI pic.twitter.com/ebAyNTVtMD  MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) May 28, 2024

Irish parliamentarians said it was a proud day for Ireland while also calling on the Irish Government to implement sanctions on Israel over the rising numbers of deaths and injuries in Gaza.

The leader of Irelands main opposition party, Sinn Fein, said Irelands recognition of a Palestinian state had taken too long, because there was cross-party support for the decision for 10 years.

It shouldnt have taken us this long to get here but of course it is never too late to do the right thing  and this is the right and the just thing, Mary Lou McDonald said.

So today we say again to the Palestinian people: You are not alone, Ireland recognises you.

During the Dail statements on Palestine, a small group of protesters in the public gallery forced the Parliament to be suspended for several minutes as they chanted sanctions now.

Mr Harris told the Parliament earlier that Irelands action will have a positive effect beyond our own recognition.

Is it possible that you get to a point during the course of this year where the majority of member states of the European Union now recognise the State of Palestine, where a majority of prime ministers and presidents of the European Council recognise the existence of the State of Palestine?

What does that do in terms of positive momentum and change in policy and approach?

Ireland will recognise a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, the culmination of months of diplomatic work that began in December.

The Palestinian Mission in Ireland and Irelands Representative Office in Ramallah will be upgraded to embassies, with ambassadors appointed to both.

Mr Harris said that the move sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to put an emphasis on a two-state solution.

I am conscious though, as we take this historic and important decision today, of the ongoing human catastrophe unfolding in the Middle East, in Gaza, in Rafah. I am conscious of the devastation being caused by people being deprived of food, starvation, and hunger being used as a weapon of war.

Unfortunately we now have a new despicable and disgusting trend emerging where, every now and again, in particular when absolute horror seems to take place, the Prime Minister of Israel (Benjamin Netanyahu) comes out and describes it as a tragic mistake.

Aprils tragic mistake was the bombing to death of aid workers trying to provide food to starving mouths, Mays tragic mistake, yesterday, was children being blown to death while seeking protection in a displaced centre.

What will Junes tragic mistake be? And more importantly what does the world now intend to (do to) stop it happening?

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said the recognition did not represent the end of a process; it is the beginning, and said it could be a catalyst for other nations.

I believe you will see more member states of the European Union recognising the State of Palestine in the coming while. I think the decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain is a catalyst for others to consider their position.

This morning, Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine. It is an occasion of deep significance to the people of Ireland. And many Palestinians have told me that Irelands decision has provided hope at what is a very dark time in Palestine. pic.twitter.com/kmt0YSjW02  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 28, 2024

He added: We are deeply committed to the pursuit of peace and support for Palestinian state-building.

Ireland has reaffirmed this commitment over many decades, through intensive diplomacy and our long-standing development co-operation programme.

He added: It is vital that the Palestinian Authority is given the full backing of the international community in its reform and service delivery efforts and we will redouble our energies to this end.

In recent days, I have held substantive discussions on the path ahead with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and engaged with European and Arab partners on the Arab Peace Vision as a meaningful way forward in achieving peace.

Ireland will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority, and our EU and international partners, in creating a political path that can stop this horrific conflict and humanitarian disaster, ensure the release of all hostages, and realise the vision of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state existing alongside the state of Israel in peace and security.
Calverton Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Shooting at Crowd During a Candlelight Vigil and Assaulting Corrections Officer While in Custody

Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: May 28 2024

Steven Reid Pleaded Guilty in April.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Steven Reid, 27, of Calverton, was sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision, after pleading guilty to attempted murder, assault, and other related charges, for opening fire at a candlelight vigil in Bellport in July 2023, and for his unprovoked attack on a corrections officer in December 2023, while he was in custody.

This defendants brazen actions at a candlelight vigil followed by his violent attack on a corrections officer show a blatant disregard for the safety of others and the rule of law, said District Attorney Tierney. My office will continue to pursue justice relentlessly to ensure the safety and security of our community.

According to court documents and the defendants admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on July 6, 2023, more than 100 people gathered in Bellport to celebrate the life of a community member who had died in a motorcycle accident days before. At the end of the candlelight vigil, Reid became involved in a physical altercation with another man who attended the vigil.

During the altercation, Reid pulled out a gun and shot the man at point-blank range in the upper right thigh. The bullet shattered the mans femur, passed through his leg, and lodged into his right shin. Vigil attendees placed a tourniquet on the mans leg and rushed him to the hospital where he underwent emergency orthopedic surgery to replace his shattered femur with metal rods and pins.

Minutes later, Reid followed the dispersed crowd and opened fire on another group of vigil attendees and shot at one man from close range. That victim suffered four gunshot wounds, including gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder, and both of his legs. Immediately thereafter, Reid opened fire at a female two times and then shot at another group of people, including a woman and a nine-year old boy, as they were running towards a nearby residence.

Reid fled Suffolk County and was apprehended in North Carolina. In September 2023, Reid was brought back to Suffolk County to face charges. On December 19, 2023, while in custody at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, Reid assaulted a corrections officer without provocation.

On April 19, 2024, Reid pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice Anthony Senft to:

Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony;

Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony; and

Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony.

On May 22, 2024, Justice Senft sentenced Reid to 14 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was represented by the Legal Aid Society.

This case was prosecuted by the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Wilson Nieves of the Suffolk County Police Departments Fifth Squad, United States Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Taskforce, and the Warrant Enforcement Section and Computer Crimes Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: May 28 2024

Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help clients find jobs and remain employed.

On June 5, Dress for Success Brookhaven will celebrate 25 years of empowering women in Brookhaven Town at their 25th Anniversary Gala to be held at Giorgios Baiting Hollow, 100 Fox Hill Drive in Baiting Hollow. For over two decades, Dress for Success Brookhaven has been a beacon of hope and empowerment in the community, dedicated to supporting women on their journey to achieve financial security and personal success. What began as a humble initiative has blossomed into a transformative force, touching the lives of countless women and families.



This year, the 25th anniversary milestone celebration promises to be unforgettable. In addition to enjoying a fun-filled night honoring women, attendees will see the unveiling of the new Dress for Success Mobile Career Center, which will deliver services directly to women throughout Long Island. Dress for Success Brookhaven is seeking sponsorships from organizations/partners to be a part of the 25th Anniversary Gala. Call 631-451-9127 for more information about the gala, or to donate to Dress for Success. The proceeds from Dress for Success Brookhavens Gala will directly support programs for women in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The 2024 Distinguished Honorees include:

Impact Award to Victoria Schneps Yunis; Schneps Media

Humanitarian Award to Karla Waldron; Racines Salon

Here's to another 25 years of empowerment and impact!

Dress for Success Brookhaven can only offer life changing services with public support. So, please join us for an evening of celebration at our annual gala. There are many opportunities for getting involved; whether you donate an auction item, come on board as an event sponsor or purchase tickets to attend the event, your contribution will directly support the programs that Dress for Success provides to women across Long Island. Dress for Success is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the developmental tools to help thrive in work and in life. Established in 1999 with the support of the Town of Brookhaven, the Division of Womens Services and more than 50 volunteers, Dress for Success Brookhaven has been instrumental in helping thousands of women achieve their goal of becoming self-sufficient and economically independent. Tickets for the gala are available online at https:/Tinyurl.com/BrookhavenGala. For more information about the gala, or to donate please call 631-451-9127.



About Dress for Success



Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help clients find jobs and remain employed. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return when she finds work to receive a weeks worth of clothing. Brookhaven was the first affiliate to be established as part of the worldwide non-profit organization. The women we serve come from across Long Island. They are job ready women who have been referred by over 250 local non-profit organizations, including domestic violence agencies, veterans organizations, homeless shelters, and job training programs.



Our mission is to promote the economic independence of women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Brookhaven is sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven General Services, Division of Womens Services.



The Dress for Success Boutique is located at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville. It is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All client visits are by appointment only. For more information about Dress for Success, please call 631- 451-9127 or visit https://brookhaven.dressforsuccess.org/.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: May 28 2024

Funds Will Be Provided Directly to Domestic Violence Survivors to Support Critical Needs.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 65 programs across the state will receive funding as part of a $5 million investment to support the needs of survivors and victims of domestic violence. Delivering on Governor Hochul's State of the State priority, this years Enacted Budget established the Survivors Access Financial Empowerment (SAFE) fund as a recurring funding stream for survivors of domestic violence. The Governor also secured $35 million in the Budget to provide law enforcement and district attorneys with the tools they need to prevent and prosecute crimes of domestic violence through evidence-driven, survivor-centered, and trauma informed interventions.

I remain deeply committed to supporting New Yorkers impacted by domestic violence and to investing in new strategies to address the harms of abuse, Governor Hochul said. For many survivors, limited access to finances remains an obstacle to securing greater safety for themselves and their families. This investment in targeted emergency assistance will allow survivors to gain stability and focus on healing.

The awards will be distributed by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to programs that directly serve survivors and victims and will be used for critical needs such as education and training to secure employment, food and household supplies, moving expenses, legal assistance, utility payments, transportation, and physical and mental health services, as well as child-related services. New York remains one of only two states in the country to appropriate state dollars for this type of flexible financial assistance.

Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, This funding will provide critical emergency assistance to survivors and victims of domestic violence, helping them with basic needs and in many cases, find safety and security. Thank you, Governor Kathy Hochul, for this investment and thank you to everyone who participated in the discussions on how to best administer the funds.

Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, We at DCJS thank Governor Hochul for her critical leadership on domestic violence prevention and survivor services. We are proud to work with our state agency partners, like OPDV, to improve public safety by supporting effective domestic violence interventions that help save lives. Our partnerships with state and local agencies, including law enforcement leaders and domestic violence service providers, make all the difference as we scale our efforts to prevent and reduce this pervasive violence.

The New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) also supports services through its statewide network of victim assistance programs, while offering financial assistance to provide a critical safety net and helps victims of crime, including domestic violence survivors, with medical and counseling expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and support. New York is the only state in the nation with no cap on medical or counseling costs, which means individuals can receive assistance as long as they need it. While eligibility for compensation or reimbursement is determined by an individual's access to resources, including health insurance, and restitution and civil settlements resulting from the crime, victim assistance programs provide services and support at no cost to anyone who needs them.

New York State Office of Victim Services Acting Director and Counsel John Watson said, OVS is proud to partner with Governor Hochul, OPDV and DCJS on the critical mission of supporting domestic violence survivors. We thank the Governor and our partner agencies for their work to help ensure that survivors receive the resources they need to overcome the challenges they face and to thrive. We would also like to remind survivors and providers that OVS is here to help.

OVS Resource Connect is an online tool that allows New Yorkers to easily search for programs by specific concerns or issues they are facing. Visit the Office of Victim Services' website for more information and follow the agency on Twitter and Facebook.

Victims of domestic violence seeking financial assistance may visit opdv.ny.gov to find a list of providers in your area. The state's Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline is available 24/7: 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text) or @opdv.ny.gov (chat).

A list of programs receiving awards is available here.
A recent statement released by al-Qaedas general command  which is a term it uses to to denote its central leadership  praised and endorsed attacks against Zionists in response to the war in the Gaza Strip. Al-Qaeda also noted and appreciated anti-Israel protests and campus sit-ins happening in Western countries.

We were happy, and every Muslim was happy, with these revenge attacks and operations carried out by the youth of the Islamic nation, especially the heroes of the revenge action in the land of Canaan, the communique states.

The statement then comments that we call on the youth of our nation to follow this blessed pathoutpace them with the number of operations and the force of strikes and to fill the hearts of the children of Zion with terror in retaliation for the blood of our oppressed people in Gaza.

Continuing its praise, al-Qaedas senior command states, While we support the assassination of the infidel Zionists and the beheading of them, we also appreciate and value the movement of Western demonstrators and sit-in students from Western universities, who through their sit-ins and protests expressed their rejection of the genocide taking place in Gaza

Like other Middle East terrorist organizations and their ilk, al-Qaeda has recognized that anti-Israel protests, including those on Western campuses, have had a positive effect on the global jihad movement against Jews and Israel.

Despite their differences in ideology and tactics, terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and now al-Qaeda are praising the protests, which are often organized by movements that are considered heretical by these organizations.

Nevertheless, al-Qaeda and other groups are seizing the opportunity created by the widespread protests to rally their respective organizations and possibly co-opt naive Westerners to their cause [See: Bin Laden TikTok].

Al-Qaedas statement goes on to praise and draws parallels with the actions of an obscure Egyptian group called Vanguards of Liberation Group for the Martyr Muhammed Salah, which had recently taken credit for the assassination of an Israeli businessman in Alexandria on May 7, allegedly in retaliation for Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip.

You have an inevitable legal duty, which is jihad and fighting like the Vanguards of Liberation Group for the Martyr Muhammed Salah. May God strike them in the throats of the Zionists. Let the people of Islam be encouraged to create groups that master the art of disciplining Jews, Americans, and those who are allied with them.

While this apparent organization, Vanguards of Liberation Group for the Martyr Muhammed Salah, claimed responsibility for the attack and disseminated a video purportedly showing the murder of the Israeli businessman, some doubts about the authenticity of the claim have emerged.

Before releasing the video, the group had posted a still image of the attack on its Telegram channel, which showed the gunman holding a pistol and wearing white gloves on both hands. In contrast, the video released later showed the gunman wearing only one glove on his left hand. This discrepancy raises questions about the validity of the claim and the actual events that unfolded.

This is the second time that al-Qaedas general command has published a statement relating to Israel since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led terrorist attack. Last Nov., al-Qaeda called for attacks against Israeli, European, and U.S. interests around the world.

Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East.
The Netzarim corridor and Gaza border fence. (Seth J. Frantzman)

The Israel Defense Forces continued to advance in Rafah over the weekend. The forces, which include tanks backed by infantry and specialized units, found additional terrorist infrastructure including rocket launchers, explosives and tunnels. The operation took place as Hamas continued to target Israeli communities along the Gaza border and fire long-range rockets at Tel Aviv on May 26. The rocket fire was the first in several months to hit the city and proves that Hamas still has long-range rockets in Rafah. The rocket fire appeared to take place as the IDF approached the launch site, suggesting that Hamas terrorists fired the rockets because they thought the IDF would seize them.

The maneuver into built-up areas of Rafah included the use of unmanned M113 armored personnel carriers, which photos showed operating near the border with Egypt. Israel has thousands of old M113s from the 1960s, some of which have been repurposed in recent years for other uses. For instance, the Iron Sting precision mortar has been mounted on some of them. Using them as unmanned vehicles in Gaza enables them to be used in areas where they are vulnerable to mines or RPGs. Israel decided to finally replace the M113s in 2014, developing a wheeled APC called the Eitan. The IDFs Nahal infantry were the first to train on the Eitan back in the fall of 2023 before the war. The new APCs were pressed into action on October 7 and in subsequent months. Israel also uses the Namer APC, a heavy, tracked vehicle that is based on a Merkava tank chassis.

IDF troops operated on the Philadelphi Corridor while conducting precise operational activity, the IDF said on May 28. The activity is being conducted as efforts are continuing to be made in order to prevent harm to uninvolved civilians in the area. The troops are engaging with terrorists in close-quarters combat and locating terror tunnel shafts, weapons, and additional terrorist infrastructure in the area, the IDF added.



The reference to preventing harm to civilians was emphasized in the wake of a strike on May 26 that killed civilians in an area north of Rafah. Following the strike, due to unforeseen circumstances, a fire ignited tragically taking the lives of Gazan civilians nearby. Despite our efforts to minimize civilian casualties during the strike the fire that broke out was unexpected and unintended. This is a devastating incident which we did not expect. We are investigating what caused the fire that resulted in this tragic loss of life, IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on May 28.

The complexity of the operations in Rafah come as Hamas continues its attacks on Israeli border communities. The community of Mefalsim and Ein HaShlosha were targeted on May 28. On May 27, there were also attacks on Nahal Oz and Saad and the same area that was targeted on May 26. In general, terrorist groups in Gaza seem to conduct at least one attack each day to show that they still have the ability to strike Israel.

The IDF continued to operate in other parts of Gaza including Jabalya, a suburb of Gaza City in the northern part of the strip. Over the past day, the troops dismantled terrorist infrastructure in the Jabaliya area, including terror tunnel shafts, observation posts, a weapons storage facility, and a military structure used by Hamas, the IDF said.

In central Gaza, the IDF said it is intensifying operations and carrying out airstrikes. In the neighboring area of the Netzarim corridor, which stretches across Gaza, Israeli reserve infantry and armored units are still finding tunnels and other terrorist infrastructure despite seven months of controlling the area, the only such area of which Israel has maintained control throughout the war. Terrorists target IDF troops in the corridor primarily using threats such as snipers. The IDF troops deployed to the corridor, reservists who have served on and off for almost eight months of war, have had to adapt to these threats in Gaza after having previously been deployed in northern Israel to manage the Hezbollah threat.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
WHA77 must drive global action to protect health from impact of rising threats

28 May 2024



Climate change and antimicrobial resistance will be prominent issues at the seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, taking place from 27 May to 1 June in Geneva.

A group of women participate in a training session about antimicrobial resistance in Bangladesh

The World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), determines the policies and strategies for tackling global health challenges  including malaria and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)  through international collaboration, vaccine development, and equitable distribution of treatments and preventive measures.

This years Assembly will see the adoption of a new global health strategy for 20252028, developed in partnership with 194 member states and partners. With only six years remaining to achieve the ambitions set out in the Sustainable Development Goals, the strategy must set a clear roadmap for how to bring members together around these common goals and get back on track to meet them. Crucial decisions are expected on health priorities including climate and health, access to transformative tools, and communicable diseases including malaria.

Malaria is endemic in many countries with limited resources, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia and Latin America. The impact of this disease on endemic countries affects both economic growth and human development. Climate change and extreme weather events are exacerbating the risk of malaria outbreaks.

In Uganda, prolonged heavy rainfall is linked with increasing malaria outbreaks. Increased engagement is needed on the impact of climate alongside investment into projects that seek to build resilience against outbreaks through improved surveillance to inform early warning systems. One such example is the FORECAST project, in which Malaria Consortium in collaboration with Uganda Virus Research Institute and other partners, is seeking to strengthen Uganda's resilience by developing an early warning system that forecasts malaria and other mosquito-borne disease outbreak risks and maps high-risk areas.

"Our project demonstrates the urgent need for global action and investment in building resilient health systems. By enhancing outbreak preparedness, we can better protect communities from the escalating climate-health risks. This initiative is likely to serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar extreme climate-driven outbreak threats" commented Tarekegn Abeku, Malaria Consortiums Principal Advisor and co-Principal Investigator of FORECAST.

During WHA77, member states will negotiate and aim to adopt a formal resolution on climate change and health. If passed, this resolution will outline actions for countries and the WHO to address the health impacts of climate change. Importantly, WHA delegates will have the opportunity to hear from partners, civil society and subject experts to discuss priorities and strategies at a WHO-hosted roundtable focusing on climate change and health on 1 June.

Alongside climate, countering antimicrobial resistance is also tabled for discussion at the Assembly. Both a social and biological problem, if left unchecked, AMR will render ineffective many commonly used treatments for infectious diseases. Although resistance to antimicrobials is a natural phenomenon, many human behaviours are increasing the pressure on microbes to develop resistance, which is resulting in a global health issue that requires collaborative action across all sectors.

Helen Hawkings, Malaria Consortiums Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, commented: Our (COSTAR) project in Bangladesh and Nepal exemplifies the 'One Health' approach being championed at the World Health Assembly, bringing together stakeholders from human health, animal health, agriculture and the environment. By pioneering innovative models like community dialogues, we are empowering local communities to identify contextual drivers of AMR and develop sustainable, tailored solutions. This community-led approach complements national antimicrobial resistance action plans and global strategies.

The WHA77 will have a strategic roundtable discussion on charting a new path forward for global action against AMR through a collaborative One Health approach across human, animal and environmental health sectors. This discussion aims to build momentum towards unified priorities, policies and governance of antimicrobial use to address the severe threats AMR poses to human health, economies, food systems and the environment worldwide.

Given the interlinked challenges of climate changes impact on disease outbreaks and the growing threat of AMR, it is important that the Assembly come away with agreement and a clear pathway for achieving sustainable progress collaboratively against these global health risks.

Watch the WHA77 proceedings live from the WHO webpage

Image by Russell Watkins/DFID

Related content

11 March 2021 Community-led solutions to antimicrobial resistance: A One Health approach in Bangladesh and Nepal
At Hoziers performance on day three of Boston Calling, he didnt shy away from world politics, touching on the importance of topics such as LGBTQIA+ rights, the womens suffrage movement and apartheid in South Africa. He also made vague mentions to the Israel-Hamas war.

During his over-five-minute monologue, he talked about the importance of people showing up for one another, the legacy of protest and the revolution of love and kindness.

Prior to the monologue, Hozier had several other moments with fans including warming up their vocals and teasing one man in the crowd with a t-shirt cannon, saying Its like this man has torn a limb off Jack the Pumpkin King and comparing it to the worlds longest rainstick.

Being in Boston, he connected his speech to the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution, talking about the importance of the movements.

The Boston Tea Party, which happened Dec. 16, 1773, is one of the nations most well-known events and propelled the country down the road to revolution.

His speech stressed the importance of kindness to one another.

22 1 / 22 Hozier performs at Boston Calling Sebastian Restrepo

I just think these small acts of kindness, these small acts of love and solidarity, I genuinely think they hold the world together  in no sort of lofty, no sort of highfalutin, no sort of high concept way. I genuinely think it holds the world together. The small ways that we show up every single day and the way that we witness in our mess, in our best mates and in our friends, and we see it in our parents, Hozier said.

Hozier also vaguely touched upon the Israel-Hamas war.

We wouldnt want our neighbors to live with racism or the fear of hatred around the corner. We wouldnt want them. We wouldnt want better for them. We wouldnt want them to live with Islamophobia. We wouldnt want them to have to face antisemitism. And I believe the core of people on the whole is good. I genuinely do, Hozier said.

Hozier continued, adding that people wouldnt want to see the enabling of war going on or the kind of violence that were seeing on our TV screens, but rather safety and security for everyone and Palestine freed from violence.

On Oct. 7, Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took roughly 250 hostages. Israel, vowing to stamp out Hamas, attacked Gaza, leading to tens of thousands of deaths, many of them civilians. Estimates vary on the exact number of Palestinian deaths, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs puts it at about 36,000 as of May. An additional 81,000 Palestinians have been reported injured, the United Nations reports.

Protests and encampments related to the Israel-Hamas war have played out on campuses across the country, and Massachusetts is no exception. Many of the student actions have resulted in suspensions and in some cases arrests.

At the end of his performance, Hozier brought out a LGBTQIA+ flag and threw his fist up in the air.

While Hozier was preaching about kindness, concert-goers said they felt unsafe due to the amount of people at the festival.

There was just nowhere to go. So everyone was just kind of being like moved in a wave. And all I could think was, if God forbid there was some kind of panic that we were going to get trampled, concert-goer Samantha Baron said.
Patricia Peters Martin, a Western Massachusetts licensed clinical psychologist with 40 years of clinical experience, noticed early in her practice a disturbing pattern among women who were well-educated, married with children, worked outside the home and contributed to community activities. These were competent women who came to my office hurting, angry, anxious and embarrassed by betrayal from the men they trusted, she said, and she became aware that domestic violence and abuse crosses all socioeconomic levels, educational backgrounds, races, creeds and sexual orientations.

To assist abused women, she began a support group to help them feel less alone and to offer guidance and support in leaving abusive relationships.

Martin has a masters degree and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Purdue University and has co-authored four books, all informed by issues in her clinical practice.

Two of the books were written with Renee Forte (a pseudonym used to protect her and her children), a survivor of domestic violence. The first was titled Liars, Cheats and Creeps: Leaving the Sociopath Behind, published in 2016. The follow-up book, Moving On From a Narcissistic Sociopath: How Four Women Found Happiness After Leaving Liars, Cheats and Creeps was published in September 2023, by NorLights Press in Bedford, Indiana.

Each book Martin has written is to fill a gap in the literature related to a certain psychological topic. She writes to inform.

The latest book is to inform about the topic of post-separation abuse.

Renee and I both keep current in the field of intimate partner violence. Over the past few years, there is new attention focused on a problem that has been around a long time, post- separation abuse, Martin explained. This is the period of time after separation that is most dangerous to the victim, and research and articles show that especially when the abuser was a narcissist or a sociopath, the abuse can continue for years.

The book includes new information about post-traumatic growth and therapeutic healing interventions following trauma.

We decided to check in with the members of the original support group we wrote about in our first book  to see how they were doing. These strong and wise women were willing to share their experiences to help others. It turned into our second book, Martin said.

After the separation, the victim is changing into a survivor. The abuser most likely has not changed and will be angered by the lack of power and control over their former spouse, she explained, noting that the short- and long-term effects of domestic violence and coercive control can include but are not limited to: disempowerment (loss of confidence and control of ones life); loss of self-esteem; having ones safety and well-being compromised on an ongoing basis; mental health issues such as anxiety and depression; loss of confidence and trust in others; post traumatic stress symptoms of hypervigilance, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, irritability, guilt, mistrust, severe anxiety, emotional numbness.

Moving On From a Narcissistic Sociopath provides information on healing from an abusive relationship as well as informs about post-traumatic growth. It also provides safety planning advice and directs the reader to domestic abuse resources as the first year after leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time. Seventy-five percent of domestic assaults reported to law enforcement agencies were inflicted after the couple separated. We now are aware that abuse often continues after the divorce, Martin said.

There is a third book coming out in the series. To follow the progression of the Liars, Cheats and Creeps series, this book will focus on the effects of domestic abuse on childrens mental and physical health. It will be written as a guide to parents and medical professionals and to the legal professionals involved in the decisions related to child custody and visitation when domestic abuse and coercive control are issues in a divorce.

Moving On From a Narcissistic Sociopath: How Four Women Found Happiness After Leaving Liars, Cheats and Creeps is available in paperback for $14.95 or in Kindle format for $8.99.

The 196-page book can be found on Amazon or from NorLights Press.
Lots of people love burgers. Smash burgers, bacon burgers, cheeseburgers, you name it.

Tuesday is International Burger Day when burger lovers can celebrate and enjoy their favorites.

Burgers are fast, inexpensive and tasty, making them one of Americas most popular foods, according to a blog post from Nationaltoday.com. Although ground beef was once considered a lesser byproduct, its now used primarily for hamburgers.

Burgers have grown to international fame with different toppings, condiments and variations. Whether pan-fried, flame-broiled or barbecued, one thing is certain: burgers are going to be served in a bun and International Hamburger Day is a celebration of that, Nationaltoday.com stated.

For Ianna Ssemugenze, 20, of Woburn, her favorite burger is a cheeseburger from Terrace, a restaurant at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Theyre good! The UMass sophomore said. Even though theyre not healthy for you  theyre good.

To help celebrate International Burger Day, here are some of the restaurants with the best burgers in Massachusetts, according to tasteofmass.com.

WUBurger, a Braintree restaurant, makes its titular burger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and WUsauce, according to the restaurant website.

Not expecting anything much, I was WOWED at the first bite! Next time (which will be VERY soon) Im getting another Wuburger and some of those terrific looking waffle fries! Ginger, a patron wrote on the WUBurger website. Just go! 2 thumbs way up! `

Other sandwiches include the South End, made of crispy fried chicken breast, swiss cheese, lettuce, pickles, honey mustard and WU sauce on a toasted Martins Potato Roll. And the Nashville, which is made of crispy fried chicken, Nashville hot seasoning, pickles, onions and WU sauce on a Toasted Martins Potato Roll.

The WUBurger is located at 419 Elm St. in Braintree.

The Blue Ox, a restaurant in Lynn, offers two types of burgers: House Burger and The Sin Burger.

The House Burger includes a hand-packed patty, lettuce, tomatoes and spicy pickles, according to the restaurants website. Meanwhile, The Sin Burger is made of Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, truffle aioli and Swiss cheese.

The Sin Burger is famous. The sandwich has won Boston Magazines Battle of the Burger competition for three straight years from 2013 to 2015. And was the Northshore Magazines BONS Winner in 2023.

The Blue Ox is located at 191 Oxford St. in Lynn

Idle Hour has its House Burger, at $17 it comes with a beef patty, cheddar, lettuce, pickles, special sauce and a house everything bun, according to the restaurants menu.

Idle Hour in Quincy allows guests to customize the burger with an egg for $2 and bacon for $3, according to its menu. Guests can also stack the patties for $6 each.

The Idle Hour is located at 1464 Hancock St. in Quincy.

TJ Callahans Pub in Tewksbury has a long list of burgers on its adult menu and some on the kids menu.

The kids menu includes grilled cheeseburgers and hamburgers, while the adult menu includes Swiss Mushroom Burgers, a Sunny-Side Up Burger and a Bacon Burger, according to the restaurants website.

TJ Callahans Pub is located at 1475 Main St. in Tewksbury.

Kkaties Burger Bar has a long list of burgers on its menu, one of which has even won an award.

At Kkaties Burger Bar, patrons can expect burgers that are made of pure Angus beef and can choose to have their meat with some pink or none at all, according to the restaurants menu.

Order the Angus burger, a hamburger with American cheese with cherry wood smoked bacon, lettuce and tomato on a grilled sesame seed bun, the menu reads. Or try the Smash Burger, which is an Angus burger with griddled onions, cheddar jack cheese, banana peppers, chipotle aioli, lettuce and tomato on an onion brioche bun.

Kkaties Burger Bars The Rock, was voted the best burger in Massachusetts, according to the restaurants website. The burger is a four-stacked quarter pounder with cherry wood smoked bacon and American cheese, topped with crispy onion rings. The burger is also complemented with the restaurants special sauce on a grilled roll.

Kkaties Burger Bar is located in Plymouth, Marshfield, Hyannis, Plympton, West Bridgewater and Manomet.

Fix Burger Bar serves a variety of burgers. Some of its classic burgers include the House Grind, Bison Grind and the Turkey burger, according to the restaurants website. Patrons can choose from dozens of add-ons with their burgers, such as barbecue sauce, mustard pickles, and Nueskes slab bacon.

Other burgers include The Gatsby, which is a burger made with an American Wagyu patty, clothbound cheddar, slab bacon, grilled onion, ancho ketchup and brioche roll. And The Green Acre, a burger made of a house veggie patty, dill sour cream, arugula, roasted red pepper, onion, feta and a grahamka roll.

The Fix Burger Bar is located in Worcester, Marlborough and Leominster.

Boston Burger serves a long list of American-style burgers.

Placed prominently on its website, the Boston Burger serves hamburgers such as The 420, which is made of Mozzarella sticks, fried mac and cheese, onion rings, fries bacon, golden barbecue sauce and American cheese.

The restaurant also serves a burger called the Alpine, which is made of garlic parmesan mushrooms and Swiss cheese, according to the menu.

And burgers like The Gravy Train are made with cheese curds, fries, sauteed onions, gravy and scallion oil, according to the restaurants menu.

Boston Burger is located in Boston, Somerville, Salem and Cambridge.

At Tessies Bar and Kitchen customers can either buy a burger or build their own. Customers can purchase hamburgers like The Rumford, a burger made of fresh ground turkey, arugula, tomato and cranberry mayo.

They can also build a burger starting with their choice of meats, which include a house beef patty or a fresh ground turkey burger, according to the menu. They can also choose from several buns, one of which even includes a pretzel. For a few extra bucks, customers can include toppings, some of which include bacon, chili and fried egg.

Tessies Bar and Kitchen at 1006 Main St. in Walpole.

At Lewis Bar and Grill in Norwood, customers can choose from select burgers, including the Famous Lewis Burger, which is made of mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, ham and egg salad, according to the restaurants menu. Or the Cross Fit Burger, which is made of roasted garlic, caramelized onion, bacon, cheese, fried egg, lettuce, tomato and no bun.

But lets say youd like to get brunch with some friends. There is a burger for that too. Try the Brunch Burger, which is made of grilled ham, bacon, American cheese and fried egg on an English muffin, according to the menu.

Lewis Bar and Grill is located at 92 Central St. in Norwood.
Court adjourns until next week  4:02 p.m.

Testimony in the trial of Karen Read, a Mansfield woman charged in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe, continued Tuesday  the only day of testimony this week.

Read, 44, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of OKeefe, who was found cold to the touch and unresponsive on Jan. 29, 2022, outside of a home in Canton.

The final witness of the day Tuesday was Louis Jutras, information systems manager for the town of Canton. Jutras explained that the town has a security camera system across its properties that is motion-activated and takes video, but not audio, when activated. Depending on the amount of activity of the location, footage is typically kept for a minimum of 30 days, he said.

Jutras said that in early February, he was contacted by Massachusetts State Police who asked for footage from the Canton Public Library of the intersection of Washington and Sherman Streets between 12 and 1 a.m. and between 5 and 6 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022. He said only two cameras have a view of the specified area, so he was able to export and hand over the footage.

Jutras said before he provided the footage, he did not make any edits but watched the beginning and end of the video to ensure the time frame was correct.

On cross-examination, defense attorney David Yanetti asked if Jutras knew what police had done with the video after he gave it to them, which he did not. Jutras said in April 2023, police reached out again to ask him to provide the same footage to the defense team, but because of the time that elapsed in between, he no longer had access to the video.

The court adjourned for the day just after 4 p.m. The trial will not resume until 9 a.m. Monday, June 3.

Canton DPW director explains plowing procedure  3:39 p.m.

Canton Superintendent of Public Works Michael Trotta, the next witness to be questioned, said he received a call from Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor in early February 2022 and Proctor asked about the towns procedure for plowing roads during a snowstorm and what plow drivers were on duty during the blizzard on Jan. 28 and 29.

Trotta said the route in the Cedarcrest neighborhood, which included Fairview Road, was being plowed by one medium-sized, town-owned truck and a smaller, one-ton dump truck operated by a private contractor. He said Brian Loughlin was the driver of the truck that plowed Fairview Road.

During cross-examination, defense attorney David Yannetti asked if Proctor had specifically asked who had plowed Fairview Road and if Trotta had given him Loughlins name or recommended he check with the Public Works departments operations manager. Trotta said he believed he had given Proctor Loughlins name and directed him to the operations manager but couldnt be sure.

Read could have had BAC more than three times legal limit  3:13 p.m.

The next witness to take the stand was Nicholas Roberts, a former employee at the state toxicology lab.

Roberts explained that serum testing performed in hospitals separates the serum, or the liquid part of the blood, to test for alcohol and usually results in a slightly higher result than a whole blood test because alcohol likes to stay in the liquid portion more than throughout the whole blood.

Roberts said at the toxicology lab, they are able to perform a mathematical conversion on serum test results to estimate what the level of alcohol would be in a whole blood test and provide a range of levels to account for differences between individuals that could affect the result.

When staff at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton drew Reads blood for testing at 9:08 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022, hospital staff measured 93 milliliters for deciliter of alcohol through a serum test.

Roberts said this level works out to a low of 0.078, a high of 0.083 and an average of 0.081 blood alcohol concentration.

Roberts also explained that it is possible to perform a retrograde extrapolation, or a calculation to estimate what a persons BAC would have been at a time before their blood was drawn and tested. He said at 12:45 a.m. Jan. 29, when they estimated Read had her last drink, her BAC would have been between 0.135 and 0.292.

In Massachusetts, the legal BAC limit to be able to drive is 0.08.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Little questioned the wide range of possible BAC levels, pointing out that the unknowns in the case, most importantly when Read had her last drink of the night, meant the answer was uncertain. In addition, she said, usually the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab performs multiple tests to confirm the accuracy of their test results.

In this case, obviously, you didnt conduct any of the testing. Youre just assuming the accuracy of a single test, she said.

Roberts agreed but said throughout his testimony that small variations in the time of the last drink, even of up to 30 minutes, would not significantly impact the result.

Thats why we give a range, he said. You could be on the outskirts of either side.

Before concluding Roberts testimony, Little asked him if the 12:45 a.m. estimate came from Read herself, and he said the time came from a police report.

Pathologist explains blood alcohol testing performed on Read  2:33 p.m.

When court resumed after breaking for lunch, Good Samaritan Medical Center Chief Pathologist Gary Faller took the witness stand. Faller oversees testing at the hospital, where OKeefe and Read were both brought after OKeefes body was discovered on Jan. 29, 2022.

Faller said it is not standard but not abnormal for a patients blood to be drawn and tested for drugs or alcohol when they are brought in due to mental health concerns under the states Section 12 law, like Read was that day.

He explained the process for testing alcohol at the hospital is called a serum test and tests only the liquid part of the blood to determine alcohol levels, as medical professionals are focused on what they need to know to treat a patient and not legal alcohol levels.

Reads blood was drawn at 9:08 a.m. on Jan. 29 and was found to contain 93 milligrams per deciliter of alcohol. Faller did not say what level this amount would work out to in a whole blood test, which could provide the typical blood alcohol concentration measurement used in legal settings.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Little asked Faller about ways this test may return an inaccurate result, which he said was possible in some cases, such as if the patient had elevated lipid levels. However, he said, the machine used by the hospital will flag samples that may return an inaccurate result or even not report a result at all, and this did not happen with Reads blood sample.

Last I looked ... of the I think 5,000 hospitals testing for alcohol, over 80% of them are using our methodology, Faller said. I cant imagine why if there were any major issues with alcohol testing in that methodology, it would be that high.

OKeefes body temperature was 80.1 degrees when he arrived at the hospital  12:53 p.m.

Dr. Justin Rice, an emergency medicine physician who was practicing at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton at the time of John OKeefes death, took the witness stand when court resumed after testimony from OKeefes minor niece and nephew.

Rice was on duty when OKeefe was brought to the hospital after being discovered on the lawn outside of 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022. He said when OKeefe arrived in the ambulance at 6:47 a.m. medical personnel were performing CPR and he had been fitted with a breathing tube.

According to Rice, OKeefes body temperature was 80.1 degrees, indicating hypothermia. Medical staff attempted to warm him using a bear hugger, a blanket that pumps warm air underneath it, as well as warmed intravenous fluids, but there was not a significant warming of his core temperature.

OKeefe was also in cardiac arrest and asystole when he arrived at the hospital, meaning his heart was not pumping blood and had no detectable electrical activity. He had a cut about 7 millimeters long and swelling on his right eyebrow and scratches on his right forearm.

Rice said OKeefe was presenting at a three on the Glasgow Coma Scale, which measures the responsiveness of a patient, the lowest possible score. He was pronounced dead at 7:50 a.m.

Rice was also the attending physician that morning when Read was brought to the hospital at 7:51 a.m. for mental health concerns after her mother requested she be involuntarily detained under the states Section 12 rule. He said blood was drawn when she arrived and alcohol was detected in her system at 93 milligrams per deciliter.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Little began cross-examination by asking Rice if he recalled treating Read, which he disagreed with, saying that he oversaw her care but did not personally treat her. Little asked if he personally drew and packaged her blood or sent it for lab work, which he said he did not.

Little then asked if any first responders had told Rice they believed OKeefe had been struck by a car, which he said they did not. She also pointed out that Rice had not reported any other injuries that OKeefe had sustained, such as broken bones, which he confirmed.

Before Rice was allowed to step down from the witness stand, prosecutor Adam Lally asked if there was a reason those injuries would not be included in the medical report. Rice explained that the focus of emergency medicine is on resuscitation, not things like broken bones, which in OKeefes case, would not have been pertinent to the treatment of his hypothermia.

The mind can only focus on so much, Rice said. In cases like this, because the attention is on resuscitation of someones heartbeat, their life, theres less focus on injuries or observations that dont coincide with the resuscitation effort or are not pertinent to the resuscitation effort.

Rice left the stand at 12:50 p.m., and the court went into recess for lunch. Testimony is expected to resume at 1:30 p.m.

Testimony closed for juvenile witnesses  10:32 a.m.

There was no transmission of video and audio from the courtroom starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday as OKeefes niece and nephew, both minors, were called as witnesses. OKeefe was caring for his niece and nephew after their parents died.

A court order released May 7 instructed members of the media not to film, photograph, transmit or audio record testimony by the minor witnesses or any exhibits containing prior interviews with them, and members of the media were not allowed to use any electronic devices in the courtroom during their testimony Tuesday. The media has also been instructed not to disclose the names of the children, their town of residence or the schools they attend.

Lally told jurors during opening statements about the Aruba trip when a 20-minute screaming match took place between Read and OKeefe in front of his nephew and niece.

In addition, Read told Brian Higgins in texts that she and OKeefe had had arguments over the childrens care.

Its just a very very complicated dynamic with the four of us. He isnt cut out for what hes doing and the kids present constant issues ... his heart isnt in it, Read wrote Higgins, according to text logs he read in court on Friday. I try very hard, but they are very spoiled, and theyre not my family. My parents keep telling me Id feel different if they were mine or my own sisters.

Brian Higgins confirms destruction of cell phone  10:09 a.m.

Defense attorney David Yannetti began Tuesdays cross-examination of Brian Higgins where his colleague Alan Jackson left off on Friday by asking Higgins about the destruction of his cell phone in October 2022 (Jackson was not present in court Tuesday).

Through his answers to a series of yes-or-no questions from Yannetti, Higgins confirmed that he received a protection order in September of that year instructing him not to delete anything from his cell phone or destroy his phone and never received anything in writing canceling that order. However, he said he made a decision to dispose of his phone, and threw it away in a dumpster on a military base on Cape Cod.

Higgins denied doing a factory reset of the phone before throwing it away but confirmed that he did not transfer any data, including photos, videos, and text messages, off of the phone before doing so. When Yannetti asked if he had taken out the SIM card and cut or broken it before throwing away the phone, saying it was what the witness had said in previous testimony, Higgins disagreed that that was what he said.

What I said was, that might have been the extent of it if I was to have done that, Higgins said, later elaborating that he didnt remember destroying the SIM card but believed it may have been what he had done to prevent someone using the card in another phone.

He also added that he had learned the protection order was denied before throwing away the phone.

Higgins confirmed that he did not save any text messages other than those he provided to police, including those with Brian, Kevin and Nicole Albert.

It was important to you that no one see those text exchanges that you had with those three members of the Albert family, Yannetti said.

No sir, thats not true, Higgins said.

After Yannetti finished his questioning, prosecutor Adam Lally asked more questions of Higgins, starting with the morning of Jan. 29, 2022, before OKeefes body was found. He asked Higgins about testimony he gave Friday that when he left 34 Fairview Road earlier that morning in his Jeep outfitted with a plow, he drove a short distance before realizing the plow was down and grinding on the ground.

Higgins said he drove about a foot before lifting up the plow to drive away.

Lally also asked if Higgins had told anyone about the flirty text messages he had exchanged with Read that month, which he said he had not, in part because he tends to keep personal issues to himself.

I was a little embarrassed. I wasnt really proud of [the text messages]. They maybe didnt show me in a good light with respect to that I was Johns friend, he said.

Lally also asked Higgins about two short phone calls that showed in his call logs at 2:22 a.m. on Jan. 29 between him and Brian Albert, which Higgins has said he does not recall. Lally pointed out that on an iPhone, when a call begins, the phone begins counting seconds for the duration of the call whether or not the other person picks up, implying that Albert and Higgins may not have actually spoken during the one- and 22-second calls.

He also provided Higgins with a log of all door access records at the Canton police station on Jan. 29, when he visited after learning OKeefe had been found on the lawn of 34 Fairview Road. The 116-page log included 18 instances where Higgins had swiped his access card, according to Lally.

The prosecutor then turned to the cell phone that Yannetti had asked about earlier. Higgins said he was motivated to get a new phone number when he received a call from the target of an investigation he was working on July 25, 2022, and the target told him his girlfriend had found Higgins number on the internet.

Higgins also said he had more of a personal attachment to his work phone than his personal phone, which was why he had not transferred any data off of the phone before throwing it away.

Im divorced. I dont have kids. I didnt have the type of memories that somebody wouldve had on their phone that they wanted to preserve, he said. They were more like the text messages with the defendant, where it would be a drink glass at a bar, food, something along those lines.

He also said it was common for him to throw away trash or recycling on the military base while driving through to get gas or stop at the duty-free store and that he had not gone there specifically to throw away the phone but had thrown it away along with other trash. He explained that his other home in Barnstable did not have a trash pickup, so he had to throw all the garbage away on the base or at his home in West Roxbury.

Finally, Lally asked Higgins what he would have done if he had seen OKeefe on the lawn on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022.

Ive spent my whole life between being a firefighter, working in the profession that I work now, being a tactical medic, Higgins said. If I had saw John OKeefe on the side of the road, I wouldve done something to make a difference.

Before Higgins was allowed to step down from the witness stand, Yannetti asked a few final questions, with Higgins confirming that even though he got the call from the target of an investigation in July 2022, he did not change his phone number until September.

Yannetti also asked if Higgins had told his boss about the text messages with Read, as Higgins had testified on Friday that he told his boss about the kiss. He said Tuesday that he knew he had told her about the kiss and did not remember telling her about the texts, but said it was possible he did tell her and would not deny it.

After a short recess, the court was expected to continue with questioning of a juvenile witness, which will not be livestreamed to protect their privacy.

Karen Read trial recap  7:30 a.m.

Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Reads attorney, David Yannetti, said during the trials opening statements that her car never struck OKeefe and that others are to blame for his death.

The trial is taking place in Dedhams Norfolk County Superior Court.

On Friday, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent Brian Higgins, a friend of OKeefes, testified about flirtatious text conversations he had with Read in the weeks before OKeefes death, as well as a moment they shared when he said Read kissed him after a party. Defense attorneys are expected to finish cross-examining Higgins Tuesday morning.

The trial resumes Tuesday after the long weekend. Tuesday will be the only day the trial is in session this week.
A defense lawyer for an Attleboro man accused of killing his brother claims his client stabbed his brother to death in self-defense during a drunken argument that turned into a physical fight.

James McCormick, 51, is accused by authorities of fatally stabbing his brother  47-year-old North Attleborough resident Richard McCormick  outside a home at an Attleboro trailer park early Monday morning, according to court documents. The prosecution says that he stabbed his brother up to 10 times with a red folding knife that they recovered from the scene.

James McCormick faces charges of armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in the death of his brother. But during McCormicks arraignment in Attleboro District Court Tuesday morning, Attorney Frank Camera characterized his clients actions as a quintessential self-defense case.

James McCormick, 51, was arraigned in Attleboro District Court Tuesday morning on charges related to the death of his brother, who was stabbed to death early Monday morning.Susannah Sudborough/MassLive

As James McCormick stood before the court appearing nervous, the prosecution asked that he be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. Authorities are waiting for the Chief Medical Examiners Office to issue an official cause and manner of death for Richard McCormick before they charge his brother with murder, the assistant district attorney said.

In turn, Camera did not request bail for McCormick, reserving his right to argue for it once charges against his client are upgraded. The judge ultimately ordered McCormick held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on May 31.

The case for self-defense

Outside the courtroom, Camera argued that Richard McCormick became aggressive during the argument with his brother outside 6 Melissa Drive, and even attacked his brothers girlfriend. He described Richard McCormick as raging during the fight, which court documents indicate happened on May 27 around 3 a.m.

Its a sad situation any way you cut it. Theyre biological brothers. But there was liquor involved  excessive amounts from what I can gather, he said. There was a stab that occurred in order to protect and ward him off, and that was unsuccessful and he continued to go at my client.

Camera added that there was no known conflict between the brothers prior to the stabbing, but said he did not know what the brothers had argued over that night. He said his client is struggling to digest what happened.

Its pretty evident that hes upset. I mean, its his brother. Obviously, theres remorse that the entire event occurred, he said.

Camera also acknowledged that his client has a criminal record, but emphasized that the offenses are minor. Court records indicate that James McCormick was accused of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor twice  once in 1999 and once in 2002  but that he only pleaded guilty to the offense in the case from 2002.

James McCormicks most recent case out of Attleboro District Court prior to the new charges was in 2005, according to court records. The case concluded with him pleading guilty to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct.

Other accounts of what happened

James McCormicks girlfriend told police during an interview that the stabbing happened after the two brothers had gone to fetch a truck that Richard McCormick had planned to borrow, according to court documents. When they returned to the home after being gone for hours, she could hear them outside arguing loudly and went out to try to diffuse the situation.

At this point in the story, the girlfriends account of what happened varies slightly between the two accounts she provided police. She told officers who responded to the home that Richard McCormick pushed her during his argument with his brother to rile his brother up, according to court documents. He also punched her in the face when she tried to break up the fight, at which point James McCormick began stabbing his brother.

Later, during an interview with officers at a police station, the girlfriend told them Richard McCormick accidentally punched her when she tried to separate the brothers and intended to punch his brother, according to court documents. After that, the brothers argument became physical, and James McCormick eventually stabbed his brother  who appeared unarmed.

Police responded to the scene around 3:25 a.m. after receiving 911 calls about yelling outside the home and found Richard McCormick unresponsive and lying in a pool of blood, according to court documents. They provided medical aid and rushed him to a hospital, but he was declared dead a little before 4:10 a.m.

Officers also heard James McCormick and his girlfriend arguing loudly inside the home when they arrived at the scene, according to court documents. They heard him pleading with her to support his claim of self-defense. He was arrested at the scene.

In multiple unprompted statements to police that night, James McCormick claimed his brother had attacked his girlfriend, and that he stabbed his brother in an attempt to defend her, according to court documents. James then stated that he did what he did and he would do it again, the statement of facts reads.
A 26-year-old man accused of a stabbing spree at an AMC movie theater and McDonalds in Massachusetts has also been named a suspect in a Connecticut death, Connecticut State Police said.

Marthas Vineyard resident Jared Ravizza has been accused of a Saturday stabbing at a Plymouth McDonalds which injured two employees and a stabbing at a Braintree movie theater in which four girls were stabbed, according to police.

A mental health evaluation was ordered in Plymouth District Court for the suspect on Tuesday.

At around 3:35 p.m. on Saturday, a little more than two hours before the stabbing in Braintree, troopers responded to a home on Merriwold Lane in Deep River, Connecticut for a report of a disturbance, Connecticut State Police said.

Individuals reported that they recognized the suspect as someone who was staying at a Maritone Lane address.

The trooper found an man, later identified as 70-year-old Bruce Feldman of Deep River with visible injuries outdoors at 15 Maritone Lane. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Connecticut State police said witnesses described an individual that fit the appearance of Ravizza.

Massachusetts State Police later reported Ravizzas vehicle was in the Commonwealth. He was taken into custody in Sandwich, Mass. at around 7:30 p.m.

Criminal charges against Ravizza are pending, Connecticut State police said.

Ravizza is facing multiple charges in connection with the stabbings in Massachusetts, including assault with intent to murder, indecent exposure and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Around 6 p.m., a man, now identified as Ravizza, is accused of going into AMCs Braintree location and went past the ticket counter without paying, Braintree police said. He then entered one of the theaters and suddenly stabbed four girls without saying anything or issuing a warning, officials said. The suspect fled in a vehicle, and the girls were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Quincy District Court Clerks office said Ravizza is facing four counts of assault with intent to murder and four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

This crime appears to be completely senseless and random, perpetrated against entirely defenseless, innocent children, Braintree police said.

Then shortly before 7 p.m., the Plymouth County District Attorneys office said Ravizza stabbed two McDonalds employees, a 21-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, at the McDonalds at the Route 3 Park and Ride in Plymouth. The man and woman were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said previously.

The female victims stab wound was approximately five centimeters deep, and she also had wounds to her in her left bicep and left underarm, a prosecutor said in court on Tuesday, WCVB reported.

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 accused of publicly urinating in the drive-thru, according to the police report.

As of Sunday afternoon, Ravizza was in police custody and being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, the district attorneys office said.

McDonalds issued a statement on the Plymouth stabbing to MassLive Monday night.

We are shocked and devastated by this senseless act of violence. The safety of our crew and customers is always our top priority. We are grateful to law enforcement for their quick response in protecting our Cape Cod communities and will continue to assist them in their investigation, the restaurant chain said.

A mental health evaluation for the 26-year-old was ordered in Plymouth District Court on Tuesday, according to the Plymouth District Court Clerks office. The clerks office said there isnt a court date scheduled for Ravizza.
A mental health evaluation for 26-year-old Marthas Vineyard resident Jared Ravizza was ordered in Plymouth District Court on Tuesday, according to the Plymouth District Court Clerks office.

He was arraigned in connection to a Saturday stabbing at a Plymouth McDonalds which was only one of three stabbings he is accused of in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Ravizza is facing charges of assault with intent to murder, indecent exposure and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the Plymouth stabbing.

The Plymouth County 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 in Plymouth. A man and woman were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said previously.

The female victims stab wound was approximately five centimeters deep, and she also had wounds to her in her left bicep and left underarm, a prosecutor said in court on Tuesday, WCVB reported.

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 accused of publicly urinating in the drive-thru, according to the police report.

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.

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.

Quincy District Court Clerks office said Ravizza is facing four counts of assault with intent to murder and four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The clerks office said there isnt a court date scheduled for Ravizza.

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.

McDonalds issued a statement on the Plymouth stabbing to MassLive Monday night.

We are shocked and devastated by this senseless act of violence. The safety of our crew and customers is always our top priority. We are grateful to law enforcement for their quick response in protecting our Cape Cod communities and will continue to assist them in their investigation, the restaurant chain said.

Authorities in Connecticut reported a death investigation Saturday afternoon involving a suspect arrested by Massachusetts State Police later in the day.

Ravizza is also being investigated in connection to the Saturday death of 70-year-old Bruce Feldman of Deep River, Connecticut, according to Connecticut State Police.

Troopers responded to the home around 3:35 p.m. on Saturday for a report of a disturbance, Connecticut State Police said.

WCVB reported that this isnt the first encounter Ravizza has had with the police.

In April, he was accused of assaulting his father and arrested on Marthas Vineyard, the media outlet reported.

He faced charges of assault and battery and destruction of property and entered a diversion program after mental health professionals determined he couldnt be involuntarily held, the station reported.

The charges wouldve been dismissed in November for good behavior, the media outlet reported.

Police reported Ravizza to be intoxicated and frothing at the mouth, WCVB reported.
Police have increased their presence at a Massachusetts middle school on Tuesday after a phone call threat was made Friday.

The threat was made to Marshall Simonds Middle School in Burlington Friday afternoon, Chief Thomas Browne said.

By Monday afternoon, police said they have identified a few suspects and that there is no credible or ongoing threat to the middle school community at this time.

Our investigation has progressed, and we have identified a small number of potential suspects in relation to the phone call threat on Friday, Browne said. We remain confident with our earlier assessment of there being no credible and ongoing threat within the school district.

Students did not have school due to Memorial Day on Monday. As they are expected to return Tuesday, police have decided to increase their visible presence out of an abundance of caution.

Notwithstanding our assessment and out of an abundance of caution, the Burlington Police will provide a visible presence at all Burlington Public Schools on Tuesday. I recognize that this posture may cause concern to some parents, but our officers are there to support the work of the schools, he said in a statement.
While Massachusetts may be known for its apples, peaches and cranberries, the Bay State is also a hidden haven for all things lavender.

From lavender ice cream and lavender lemonade to lavender honey beer and fresh bundles of flowers, The Farm at SummitWynds in Holden has a variety of lavender treats and drinks for lavender lovers.

For two weekends in June, The Farm at SummitWynds will showcase its lavender goods, kicking off its annual Lavender Farm Fest.

According to its official Facebook page, the 2024 Lavender Farm Fest will be held over two weekends, Friday, June 21, to Sunday, June 23, and Friday, June 28, to Sunday, June 30.

Friday, June 21, is an adult-only event. No one younger than 18 will be allowed entrance to the farm.

The event description encourages guests to enjoy a relaxing and tranquil experience in the lavender fields, overlooking the pastures and spectacular view of Mount Wachusett. Attendees can also take photos in the sunflower fields.

The Farm at SummitWynds in Holden, Massachusetts, will host its annual Lavender Fest the last two weekends in June.Courtesy

The Farm at SummitWynds is home to 4,000 lavender plants, a variety of sunflowers and wildflowers, and award-winning show horses.

Attendees can explore the farm and its fields, listen to live music, take photos, visit a vintage camper Photo Booth, purchase craft beer or wine and shop for items made by local artisans.

The Farm at SummitWynds also hosts a yoga class in the lavender field for an additional cost of $25 per person.

According to its official website, tickets for the Lavender Farm Fest have sold out for the past four years, and tickets are only available for purchase online.

Guests can order tickets online here.

Tickets are $15.95 for general admission, which includes live music, wagon rides, nature trail walk, games and parking.

Lavender lemonade made at The Farm At SummitWynds.Courtesy of SummitWynds

The Lavender Lover VIP package is $32 and includes everything general admission offers plus the option of picking your own bouquet of lavender or dried lavender, unlimited wagon rides, a lavender lemonade, $5 shop coupon, lavender farm notecards, a reusable produce bag and a souvenir cup.

Children younger than 2 are admitted for free.
WESTPORT councillors have rejected the recommendations of both the Planning Regulator and the Chief Executive of Mayo County Council not to rezone extra land for housing in their towns area plan.

At a special meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District, the four Westport-based councillors agreed to reject the recommendations of the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) not to adopt changes the councillors made to the draft Westport Local Area Plan.

In January, councillors agreed to make a number of amendments to the draft Westport Local Area Plan 2024-2030 in order to zone extra land for residential use.

However, last month the OPR stated that a number of the material alterations introduced by the elected members are contrary to regional policies objectives of the Development Plan and draft Local Area Plan. The Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly, also proposed that the councillors adopt the recommendations of the OPR.







HOUSING NEEDS

THE special meeting of the municipal district was called to consider the recommendations of both the OPR and Mr Kelly, but all the councillors stated they were rejecting them.

The councillors claimed the material alterations they made were considered and responsible and were done to ensure that enough land is zoned to meet the housing needs into the future.

Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn asked John McMyler, the senior planner with Mayo County Council, to explain how the OPW and the Chief Executive reached their conclusions.

John McMyler confirmed there were no meetings between the OPR and Mayo County Council but the council has to have regard to the OPR recommendations and has no choice but to fall in line.

The OPR has made a call on the quantum of land being zoned, and while you might not agree with it, that is the bottom line. We [council executives] are caught by that. I am not saying you have to agree with it, but we as an executive have to agree with it, he explained.

Fine Gael councillor blamed 'faceless bureaucrats in Dublin' for dictating housing need in Westport

Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn said this showed that councillors can make recommendations but the final say on planning in Westport will be dictated to by faceless bureaucrats in Dublin.

If you want an example of how broken the local government system is, you have the OPR based in Dublin making recommendations to us in Westport without making contact with you or us as councillors. Faceless people in offices in Dublin are now determining how the local area develops over the next seven years. How mad is that? We have a Chief Executive who agrees with the recommendations because he is told to. It is so ludicrous.

We are in effect wasting our time here We will go through the process today, but it tells you everything about how local government has gone. We have a faceless bureaucrat telling us how to do our job, and it is shameless, he said.

Councillors stated that the lack of housing was a major issue on the doorsteps during the local election campaign. The meeting heard that houses in a new development were costing up to 700,000 and young people could not afford houses in the town.

Independent councillor Christy Hyland, who was chairing the meeting, said he felt that the decisions made by the OPR was contributing to the housing crisis.

We are losing all our young people, and I feel the planning system is a factor in the housing crisis. The land is too dear [to develop] and we have land on the edge of town which might help if it was zoned for housing. The young couples cant get a home in this town at a price where they will comfortably pay a mortgage, he said.

Fellow Independent councillor John OMalley said if they follow the recommendations of the OPR there will be no young families around Westport because they will have moved away and they wont come back again.







URBAN SPRAWL

THE OPR made recommendations not to rezone land along the West Road, Ardmore / Carrownalurgan and along the Lodge Road at Monamore from agricultural to residential. In relation to the site along the West Road, the OPR stated it was too far from the urban centre and was a flood risk.

Cllr Brendan Mulroy stated that the developer who is planning to build on the site compiled a flood risk assessment as part of his planning application. He said it showed it was not a flood risk and this should not be used as a reason for not rezoning it for housing.

The councillors had also proposed to extend the plan boundary from Ardmore to Belclare Junction and zone all lands within the boundary extension for agriculture. This was also rejected by the OPR who stated that extending the boundary would facilitate a pattern of urban sprawl.

Mr McMyler told the meeting he agreed with the OPR in this regard, as he felt Belclare Junction is too far from the town not to be car dependent.

The meeting heard that the council planners have until the end of the week to prepare a report for the OPR outlining the councillors reasons for rejecting the recommendations.

Mr McMyler said that the plan with the material alterations will come into effect in six weeks, but he warned the councillors to expect the Minister for Planning to make a ministerial direction. However, he pointed out that if this occurs, the recommendations from the Minister would go on public display, which would mean that more submissions could be made.

Our experience so far is that [ministerial direction] does tend to go back to the OPR recommendations, but at that stage you can make a strong report directly to [the minister], he said.
A 5 kilometre fun run has raised exceptional funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

The run, which was organised by the family of late hospice patient, Mary Farrell, took place to coincide with their mother's first anniversary.

The Lovely Lacken 5km Fun Run/Walk plus a Monster Raffle and Auction started and finished at Bessies Bar in the village of Kilcummin. There were almost 300 participants on the day, and they were treated to the most stunning views on route, on a glorious sunny day.

The monster raffle took place in the evening following the walk/run, with a huge 37 amazing prizes on offer, ranging from hotel breaks to hampers and vouchers. To round the day off, an auction took place with Michael D McAndrew as the auctioneer.

Local rugby hero, and future Ireland Captain, Caelan Doris was in attendance and kindly donated a match worn, signed Irish jersey for auction which went for 710.

Rosie the calf, arguably the most famous calf in Mayo, was kindly donated by Leo Loughney for the auction. Rosie drew a massive crowd as people came from all over to see how much she would sell for. Rosie was walked into the specially set up auction pen by Caelan. The winning bid for Rosie was 1640!

Sarah Farrell (left), Martina Jennings CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation (centre), and Sarahs sister, Patricia

Overall, the event raised over 13,000 for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

The Farrell family thanked the participants for their generosity as well as Mayo Roscommon Hospice CEO, Martina Jennings, Jo Ganley, and all in the Mayo Roscommon Hospice, who helped with the fundraiser.

The family hope to see everyone again for the Lovely Lacken 5km Fun Run/Walk in 2025.
LOCAL election candidate Paul Lawless has called on Mayo politicians to attend a gathering outside the Belmont Hotel in Knock, which is currently undergoing refurbishment as accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.

In recent weeks, clearance works have recently taken place at the 65-bedroom hotel, which closed in 2010.

In a leaked document seen by the Mayo News, sent by Tom Gilligan, Mayo County Council's Director of Services for Housing, to Mr Bobby Carter, said he was very supportive of the building being repurposed as refugee accommodation for a minimum of two years.

In the letter, dated July 13, 2023, Mr Gilligan thanked Mr Carter for discussing on many occasions, your vision and plan to bring The Belmont Hotel back into use.

The bringing back of this hotel will be of enormous benefit to Mayos economy, especially the local community of Knock. With the ongoing war in Europe, we have witnessed thousands of refugees having to seek safety and shelter within our County. Our wonderful communities in Mayo, throughout this humanitarian crisis have provided a duty of care to people to flee for their lives. I greatly appreciate all their efforts and yours and the revitalising of the hotel will provide a significant shot in the arm for the local area.

Mr Gilligan concluded: Given the urgent need, I am very supportive of your plan, that the hotel, once fully refurbished, will provide much-needed refugee accommodation for a minimum of two years and thereafter revert back to the tourism and hospitality sector.

Speaking to The Mayo News today, Mr Gilligan said that his correspondence with Mr Carter was in relation to the building being used to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine.

Ukrainian refugees seeking shelter in Ireland can now only avail of state-provided accommodation for 90 days before having to find their own arrangements.

Mr Gilligan said that works had commenced at The Belmont Hotel and would take place in two phases.

The property, which was listed for sale, is said to have fallen into substantial disrepair and will require total refurbishment.

The hotel was previously known as the Arena and boasted a large ballroom for functions.

A photo of the interior of the Belmont Hotel in Knock (Pic: Gordon Hughes)

The hotel was previously known as the Arena and boasted a large ballroom for functions.

A public meeting has been organised at the hotel at 8pm this evening (Tuesday May 28).

The Department of Integration has not yet responded to questions from The Mayo News regarding the use of the hotel.

Mr Lawless, who is standing in the upcoming local elections in the Claremorris Electoral Area, said existing planning laws were preventing engagement with communities.

He also claimed that sitting councillors knew about the proposed refurbishment of the hotel but failed to inform the public.

He said it was disappointing to learn that all Mayo County Councillors have known about the plans for the hotel for almost a year and yet none of the elected representatives brought this information into the public domain.

Two county councillors contacted by The Mayo News said they were unaware of any plans to refurbish the hotel as refugee accommodation.

Alma Gallagher, a Fine Gael local election candidate for the Claremorris Electoral Area called for more consultation with the community.

The vacuum of dialogue creates uncertainty, she said, citing the protests which started after JJ Gannons Hotel in Ballinrobe over the proposed housing of 50 male International Protection Applicants.

We need to learn from other situations like Ballinrobe, we need to learn from those situations and we need some clarity. Once we have some clarity and theres some dialogue I think that would create certainty within the village.
Over 300,000 worth of contraband was seized by gardai in Dublin following major raids of goods belonging to organised crime gangs.

Gardai from the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North conducted a search operation this Monday morning, as part of ongoing investigations into organised criminality in the Coolock area.

140 members of An Garda Siochana took participated in the operation.

Locations in Coolock, Balbriggan and Finglas were searched, which focused on suspected money laundering, the sale and supply of drugs, possession of weapons, immigration offences, illegal waste disposal and suspected theft.

The following items were seized:

 32,750 cash

 15,000 worth of suspected cannabis herb

 40,000 worth of designer clothing, jewellery and shoes

 241,000 worth of assets were frozen in various bank accounts

 Financial documentation

Three people were arrested for immigration offences by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. All three remain detained at this time and will be deported from the State in due course.

This search operation also forms part of the investigation into an incident of violent disorder that occurred at a premises in Balgriffin, Co Dublin on January 13.

Investigations are ongoing at this time.
by Barbara Lippert , Columnist, May 25, 2024

On Friday, the Biden/Harris campaign released Snapped, a new digital slap at Trump that that bashes him directly.

It opens with the distinctive voice of actor Robert De Niro, who narrates over chaotic Trump footage from 2020, with lowlights from the pandemic (drinking bleach), and holding the upside-down Bible in front of a church to clear out a Black Lives Matter protest.

Throughout, an effective use of supers blows up the most incendiary terms in all caps, in a way that underscores DeNiros spoken rhythms. Theres also dramatic orchestral backing.

From midnight tweets, drinking bleach, to tear-gassing citizens and staging a photo op, we knew Trump was out of control when he was president, De Niro says. Then he lost the 2020 election  and snapped.

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The word SNAPPED snaps on screen.

De Niro continues: Trump has snapped. Hes desperately trying to hold on to power. Now hes running again, threatening to be a dictator.

Trump is shown at an auto rally from last weekend in Ohio, saying If I dont get elected, its going to be a bloodbath.

Trump has already slammed the ad on Truth Social, claiming the bloodbath comment was said in the context of talking about Chinas auto exports and the economy.

But threatening violence if he doesnt get elected is one of his stump staples.

Trump wants revenge, and he'll stop at nothing to get it, De Niro says at the end.

By the time we hear Im Joe Biden and I approve this message in the Presidents upbeat voice, the change is jarring. Weve just been in Armageddon.

Some Dems are ecstatic that Biden is finally fighting fire with fire, attacking Trump in the same way the former real estate developer brutally attacks and belittles others.

Though I am a Biden voter who lives in a liberal bubble, I disagree with the strategy of this ad.

It may rattle the former president personally, but throwing his own inflammatory language back at Trump only helps Trump.

It bolsters his persecution complex, which forms the backbone of his MAGA followers, because they feel persecuted, too. Its a picnic for grievance.

A casual viewer might even mistake it for a Trump ad. Its filled with chaos, noise and Trump speaking to crowds, which is exactly what the Trump campaign is all about.

The ad might be catnip to Trump haters, yes, but its still preaching to the converted. The MAGA community would only salute it.

You cant speak truth to glower. They are an unmovable force, so dug in with him and the lies and projection they have long accepted as truth that changing their minds would be akin to losing their religion.

To get his campaign on-track, Biden needs to talk about Biden. Its painful that hes the subject of so much disinformation. Half the population believes we are in a recession, that the stock market is down, and that unemployment is at an all-time high -- and, oh yeah, that Biden failed to pass a border bill.

That was actually the work of the Republicans, who were ordered to stop the bill, on the theory that the border issue was an election winner for he who started the club of gathering in long red ties and ill-fitting blue suits.

But the steady drumbeat of Biden leaning on his record, talking about infrastructure, high employment, being one of the worlds top economies, returning womens bodily autonomy, successfully lowering drug prices, etc. will eventually get to some of the double haters, voters who are up for grabs since they dislike both Trump and Biden.

Next will be the debate on June 27-- if it happens. Trump has already said he wants to drug-test Joe, because he will be high as a kite. Thats sheer projection.

Biden staff advisor Jen OMalley Dillon has said the presidential campaign is continuing to crystallize for voters.

She said theyd focus on three key issues before the debate: abortion, democracy and economic fairness.

Communicating Bidens message effectively will be tough, because people are attracted to the capacious Trump underbelly.

But winning over undecided voters might come down to the accretion of so many Trump misdoings in real life that they can no longer be denied. His armor comes from his shamelessness.

Perhaps eventually his Bannon-supported desire to be a dictator will go so awry, so opposite to the democratic ethos that is America, that the fence sitters might finally snap.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, May 28, 2024



Global media consultancy ID Comms has hired Sarah Green as the company's first-ever Head of Growth.

Green, based in New York, has previously served at Bloomberg Media, The Economist, and BBC Worldwide.

Green is tasked with spearheading the 15-year-old firms expansion efforts including shaping the company's sales strategy, leading new business prospecting and developing go-to-market tactics.

advertisement advertisement Among other capabilities, ID Comms provides media audits, agency searches and media investment consultation.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, May 28, 2024

A California resident named Katherine Wilson has sued Google for allegedly tracking her activity on the state's Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Google secretly used Google Analytics and DoubleClick when she renewed her disability parking placard to unlawfully collect her personal information from her motor vehicle record, and intercept and learn the contents of her communications with the DMV, which it later used to generate revenue for its advertising and marketing business without his [sic] consent, Wilson's lawyers write in a complaint filed Friday in San Jose federal court.

The personal information obtained and learned by Google is extremely valuable to Google and its marketing and advertising clients because the inferences derived from users personal information allow marketers and advertisers to target potential customers, counsel adds.

The complaint includes claims that Google violated federal and state laws, including the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act -- a 1994 statute that prohibits anyone from knowingly obtaining personal information from a motor vehicle record for an improper purpose.

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Meta Platforms is currently facing a similar lawsuit, brought last year by California resident Mikhail Gershzon.

In August, a federal judge rejected Meta's bid for a speedy dismissal of that matter.

Meta had argued that any data it allegedly collected wouldn't have been personal information, and wouldn't have been obtained from a motor vehicle record.

The company contended in a motion to dismiss the matter that the only information it allegedly received was Gershzon's first name, email address, and information suggesting he began an application for a disability placard.

The company also said none of the allegations in the complaint -- even if proven true -- would show that the data was used for an improper purpose, as opposed to a legitimate one, such as helping the Department of Motor Vehicles with market research.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston in the Northern District of California rejected those arguments for now. She said in written opinion that a first name, email address and information regarding a disability placard are the kinds of facts that can identify someone.

She also said that whether Meta was helping the agency conduct market research was the kind of factual issue that couldn't be resolved without more evidence.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent a short medical procedure Friday to help address a bladder issue, according to the Pentagon.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder announced in an emailed statement that Austin "underwent a successful, elective, and minimally invasive follow-up nonsurgical procedure related to his bladder issue at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, which lasted approximately 2.5 hours."

The disclosure comes just months after it was discovered that Austin quietly underwent treatment for prostate cancer without notifying either the White House, lawmakers or the public, causing an uproar from Congress and calls for his resignation.

Read Next: Forensic Teams Work to Identify Remains of American POWs Killed in Tokyo Firebombing During World War II

In the statements that the Pentagon released Friday, Ryder noted that, while Austin was undergoing the procedure, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks served as the acting defense secretary. After the procedure, Ryder said Austin "resumed his functions and duties as the secretary of defense at 8:25 p.m. ET and has returned home."

Ryder said that Austin's bladder issue was not related to his recent cancer diagnosis. However, the disclosures about his treatment are a direct result of Austin's failure earlier this year to be transparent about treatment for cancer with Congress and the president.

Austin was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in December and underwent a prostatectomy on Dec. 22 to treat it. However, he developed complications, and on Jan. 1 he was taken in extreme pain by ambulance to Walter Reed, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.

The Pentagon finally made the news public several days later.

At the time, Ryder blamed a series of issues -- including Austin's chief of staff coming down with the flu and his own failure to follow up -- for the public and key government officials being unaware the defense secretary not only had cancer but was sidelined at Walter Reed.

Austin stayed at Walter Reed until Jan. 15 and then recovered at home, finally returning to the Pentagon on Jan. 29.

A subsequent review ordered by Austin's chief of staff into the Pentagon's own handling of the situation did not find "any indication of ill intent or an attempt to obfuscate," according to a three-page unclassified summary released in late February. Instead, the review found that the secretary's staff "were hesitant to pry or share any information that they did learn" about Austin's health because of concerns about his privacy.

Republicans on Capitol Hill ripped into Austin at his first public hearing before them on Feb. 29, and called his behavior "totally unacceptable," an "embarrassment" and "an extreme lack of leadership."

"Our adversaries should fear us," said Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind. "And what you've done is embarrass us."

Banks then went on to argue that Austin's initial three-day absence, which occurred without the president knowing, suggested "the president is that aloof or you are irrelevant."

Austin was seen publicly on Monday when he spoke during the Memorial Day observance in Arlington National Cemetery's Memorial Amphitheater with President Joe Biden and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown Jr.

Related: 'What You've Done Is Embarrass Us': Republicans Rip into Austin at First Hearing Since Hospitalization
SEOUL, South Korea  A rocket launched by North Korea to deploy the countrys second spy satellite exploded shortly after liftoff Monday, state media reported, in a setback for leader Kim Jong Uns hopes to operate multiple satellites to better monitor the U.S. and South Korea.

Mondays failed launch came hours after leaders of South Korea, China and Japan met in Seoul in their first trilateral meeting in more than four years. Its highly unusual for North Korea to take provocative action when China, its major ally and economic pipeline, is engaging in high-level diplomacy in the region.

The launch drew rebukes from the Norths neighbors because the U.N. bans North Korea from conducting any such launches, viewing them as covers for testing long-range missile technology.

The Norths official Korean Central News Agency said it launched a spy satellite aboard a new rocket at its main northwestern space center. But KCNA said the rocket blew up during a first-stage flight soon after liftoff due to a suspected engine problem.

KCNA cited the unidentified vice director of the National Aerospace Technology Administration as saying that a preliminary examination showed that the explosion was related to the reliability of operation of the newly developed liquid oxygen-petroleum engine. He said other possible causes will be investigated, according to KCNA.

Japans government briefly issued a missile warning for the southern prefecture of Okinawa, urging residents to take shelter inside buildings and other safer places. The warning was lifted later because the region was no longer in danger, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said.

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara called the Norths launch a serious challenge to the entire world. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command criticized the launch as a brazen violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and said it involved technologies that are directly related to North Koreas intercontinental ballistic missile program. South Koreas Unification Ministry called a satellite launch by the North a provocation that seriously threatens our and regional security.

North Korea has steadfastly maintained it has the right to launch satellites and test missiles in the face of U.S.-led military threats. North Korea says the operation of spy satellites will allow it to better monitor the U.S. and South Korea and improve the precision-striking capabilities of its missiles.

During the trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang earlier Monday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called for stern international action if North Korea went ahead with its launch plan.

Kishida, for his part, urged the North to withdraw its launch plan, but Li didnt mention the launch plan as he offered general comments about promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through a political resolution.

Earlier Monday, North Korea had notified Japans coast guard about its planned launch with a warning to exercise caution in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and China and east of the main Philippine island of Luzon during a launch window from Monday through June 3.

Some observers say that North Koreas satellite launch on the first day of its eight-day window might have been aimed at casting a chill over the Seoul-Beijing-Tokyo meeting and registering its displeasure with China. Kim Jong Un has been embracing the idea of a new Cold War and seeking to boost ties with Beijing and Moscow to forge a united front against Washington, so Chinas diplomacy with Seoul and Tokyo might have been a disturbing development for Pyongyang.

Kims primary focus in recent months has been on Russia, as Pyongyang and Moscow  both locked in confrontations with Washington  expand their military cooperation. China, which is much more sensitive about its international reputation, has joined Russia in blocking U.S.-led efforts at the U.N. Security Council to tighten sanctions on the North but has been less bold and open about supporting Kims new Cold War drive.

North Koreas Foreign Ministry on Monday strongly criticized a joint statement issued by Li, Yoon and Kishida, calling it wanton interference in its internal affairs. The ministry took issue with parts of the joint statement that said the three leaders re-emphasized their existing positions on the issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

While North Korea focused much of its criticism on South Korea for allegedly being chiefly responsible for the statement, its still extremely rare for North Korea to slam a statement signed by China.

The failed satellite launch is a blow to Kims plan to launch three more military spy satellites in 2024 in addition to his countrys first military reconnaissance satellite that was placed in orbit last November.

The November launch followed two failed liftoffs.

In the first attempt, the North Korean rocket carrying the satellite crashed into the ocean soon after liftoff. After the second attempt, North Korea said there was an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight.

___

Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo.
Troops at Colorado Space Force Base Will Have to Bring Their Own To-Go Boxes for Dining Hall

While the initiative is aimed at reducing waste on base, the spokesperson added that they hope it will give troops on base...
WASHINGTON  The White House on Tuesday condemned the loss of life of dozens of civilians as a result of an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, but said it is not planning any policy changes as a result of the Israeli actions.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that Israel had not violated Biden's red line for withholding future offensive arms transfers because it has not, and it appears to the U.S. that it will not, launch a full-scale ground invasion into the city in southern Gaza.

Everything that we can see tells us that they are not moving into a major ground operation in population centers in the center of Rafah," Kirby said.

Kirby called the loss of life heartbreaking and horrific, and said we certainly condemn the loss of life here. He added that the U.S. was monitoring the results of an Israeli investigation into the strike, which suggested the civilian deaths were the result of a secondary explosion after a successful strike on two Hamas operatives.

We understand that this strike did kill two senior Hamas heads who are directly responsible for attacks, Kirby said. Weve also said many times Israel must take every precaution possible to do more to protect innocent life.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters that Israels weeks-old offensive in Rafah was still on a far different scale than the assaults Israeli forces waged on other cities in Gaza earlier in the seven-month war against Hamas. The U.S. had urged Israel not to replicate those earlier attacks in Rafah, given the vulnerable civilians crowded there.

Miller said he had no direct knowledge of reported accounts from witnesses on the ground Tuesday that Israeli tanks had entered the center of Gaza, and noted Israel had denied responsibility for a new Israeli strike outside of Rafah on Tuesday that Gaza health officials said killed more than 20 people.

Asked whether the strike would result in any U.S. policy changes, Kirby said, I have no policy changes to speak to.

Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said she did not know whether it was a U.S.-provided weapon that was used in the deadly Sunday strike that killed the dozens of civilians at a displacement camp. I do not know what type of ammunition was used in that airstrike, Singh said. I have to refer you to the Israelis to speak to that.

The Israelis have said they used small-diameter precision munitions in the attack and have suggested that a secondary explosion caused the number of civilian deaths. Singh said the U.S. has not paused shipments to Israel in the wake of the strike. Security assistance continues to flow, Singh said.

___

AP writers Tara Copp and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed.
Twenty years after planning the Allied invasion of Normandy, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower received a letter that asked him how the June 6, 1944, amphibious assault came to be commonly called D-Day. Answering through his executive assistant, Eisenhower replied that "any amphibious operation has a 'departed date'; therefore, the shortened term 'D-Day' is used."

But retired Army Lt. Col. Mark Calhoun, a senior historian at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, does not buy Eisenhower's explanation, reasoning that it took more than one day to load the Allies' ships and landing craft for their journey across the English Channel to fight the Germans on the beaches of France.

"Some soldiers departed a couple of days earlier than others did, so it has to be the date that you actually arrive," Calhoun told Military.com in a phone interview. "Otherwise, it's going to be different days."

The USS Nevada fires on positions ashore during the landings at Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. (Wikimedia Commons)

What the "D" in D-Day actually stands for has been a source of debate almost from the time that the Allies first landed on the French coast. It is one of the most frequently asked questions that the tour guides at the National WWII Museum, known as the National D-Day Museum when it opened in 2000, receive from visitors.

The magnitude of D-Day -- the 150,000 Allied service personnel who participated, the 4,415 Allied troops killed, the 12 countries that were part of the invasion -- is plain for everyone to see, but pinning down the name's origin has proved elusive for many military historians and observers. Some have asserted that D-Day stands for "Decision Day" or "Designated Day," while others have surmised it is short for "Deliverance Day" or have gone a darker route to "Doomsday" or "Death Day".

Then, there are those who apparently are just fans of repetition, alliteration or both, believing the "D" stands for Day. And they would be generally correct, according to Calhoun, a former military planner who taught for 14 years at the Army's School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He explained that "D-Day" -- the date a military operation begins -- is a term favored by strategists in plotting out a mission when the precise date is not known. D-Day is part of a common terminology for military planners that also includes H-Hour (the hour a military operation begins -- for D-Day, it was 6:30 a.m. local time -- and M-Day (the date that mobilization for an operation begins).

A World War II veteran talks to a soldier at the end of a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day at the Bayeux War Cemetery in Bayeux, Normandy, France, on June 6, 2019. (Francisco Seco/AP File Photo)

Such jargon proved especially useful in the planning to invade Normandy, which Calhoun said actually began in early 1942, more than two years before Germans spotted the first Allied paratroopers on the French coast. Relying on all-encompassing terms instead of actual dates also can avoid confusion when the plan changes, such as when D-Day was originally scheduled for June 5, 1944, but pushed back a day because of a forecast for bad weather.

Adding or subtracting days from an operation's start is much easier, too, under this planning method, according to Calhoun. For example, military planners use "D-2" to mean "two days before D-Day" and "D+6" to indicate "six days after D-Day," avoiding exact dates and maintaining operational security.

"So you can't say, 'It's June 1, so this has to happen on May 1,' but you can say 'D-Day' and then you can say 'D-30,' and now you can do all of your planning and you can have this long, detailed timeline where you've got a D-Day and you've got things  that are going to have a D plus and a D minus," Calhoun explained.

"Once you finally pick your D-Day, then all you have to do is insert '6 June' where D-Day is, and then your minuses and your pluses, you can do the math and you know all the dates."

The first time that the U.S. Army is believed to have referenced a "D-Day" was on Sept. 7, 1918, about two months before World War I ended. Field Order No. 9, First Army, American Expeditionary Forces, stated: "The First Army will attack at H hour on D day with the object of forcing the evacuation of the St. Mihiel Salient [in France]." Calhoun, though, said such military terminology goes back further than that, to the mid-19th century and the Prussian general staff under Helmuth von Moltke the Elder.

World War II included other "D-Days" besides the one at Normandy, including in North Africa and Sicily, but in the public consciousness, only one invasion comes to mind. The impact of what that day represents in U.S. military, American and world history cannot be overstated, and as D-Day's anniversary approaches, those four letters still stir a sense of reverence for and pride in what the Allies endured that day.

"I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle," Eisenhower wrote in his "Order of the Day" on D-Day. "We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good Luck and let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

In that message to the troops, Eisenhower never referenced "D-Day." Somehow, it didn't seem necessary.

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Youve probably heard the saying Talk is cheap. I agree. Talk is cheap, and not talking -- or not talking productively, that is -- can be very expensive. Money is a stressful subject, but ignoring it is not the answer.

Lets face it: Money is a leading cause of stress in many households and families. While financial hardships can be difficult for anyone, the day-to-day financial grind can also take its toll on your friends, family and closest loved ones.

Whether its a financial crisis as the result of the current economic environment or just plain old day-to-day finances, here are some ideas for talking with your spouse, family and friends about money matters.

How Can I Talk To My Spouse About Money?

When money is tight, it's easy to play the spousal blame game: "You talked me into this expensive house, and now look at what were up against!" Or, "You were sure this retirement investment was a good thing, but now we'll have to work another 10 years!"

Unfortunately, assigning blame won't solve your problem. You signed up for better or worse, so why not accept your financial mistakes and move forward to fix them -- together? A few ways to do that:

Make financial dates. Commit to regular time together, without kids and other distractions, so you can map out your personal financial recovery or a roadmap to achieve your future financial goals. Need an agenda item for meeting No. 1? If you dont have a monthly budget or spending plan, take the yellow pad and pen to dinner, or if youve cleared the house of kids, sit down in front of the computer to tackle the task. Websites such as Mint.com or even your banks website may provide valuable assistance in developing and tracking your budget. Regardless of the topic, meet at least quarterly to focus on finances.

Get outside help. If you're really locked into money struggles, an accredited financial planner or a marriage counselor who specializes in financial issues can help you sort out practical solutions and defuse intense emotion. Sometimes three is not a crowd!

How Can I Talk To My Aging Parents About Money?

If you haven't yet had "the talk" about your parents' money and their future, consider broaching it today.

Start slow. Money can be touchy, so tackle other issues first. Ask your parents if they've thought about where they'd like to live if they're less independent in the future, or what their wishes are regarding burial or cremation. If a friend or other loved one passes, that's often a good time to bring up this sensitive topic. Over time, ease into questions about money.

Or cut to the chase. If your parents are openly worried about their assets, help connect them with good resources. A financial planner, tax professional or elder-law attorney can help your parents evaluate their financial picture and perhaps ease their fears.

How Can I Talk To My Kids About Money?

Children listen and are aware when something is off. If youre struggling, they may already sense that something is up, so be up-front with your children about any changes in your own family's finances.

See this as a teachable moment. Dont keep the kids in the dark. While they shouldnt be involved in your financial decision-making, they can be involved in the effort to effectively manage your finances and should have an understanding that money doesnt grow on trees. Its never too early to start planting the seeds of prudent financial stewardship and financial communication. If your kids someday face money challenges, they'll take strength from recalling how your family successfully tackled them together.

Let kids help. Call a family meeting and ask kids to suggest some ways to cut back so they'll feel like part of the team. Share the benefits of shopping with a list by letting them check off items in the store, and let them see how youre not straying from the list. Also, let tweens or teens manage some of their own spending, such as clothing. They quickly become careful spenders when it's their money they're using.

How Can I Talk To My Free-Spending Friends About Money?

Right now, frugal is cool, so it's easier than ever to get out of expensive dinners and vacations with friends. If you still have a few clueless pals, it may be time for some straight talk.

Decide how much you want to say. You dont have to bare your financial soul to your friends. However, you can simply say, We're tightening our belts right now. Instead of XYZ restaurant, how about a barbecue at our house? Your friends will understand that the cost is an issue but you still want to see them.

Ax the guilt. If financial difficulties or just a focus on achieving your financial goals results in a different routine, its not a bad thing and shouldnt carry a stigma. If your friends are truly that, they will become accountability partners as opposed to roadblocks to your effort to stay on track.

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MOUNT CLEMENS, MI  A jury has found a man guilty of shooting and killing his wife during a shootout with another man, officials said.

Matthew Louis Mollicone, 46, of Washington, was found guilty in Macomb County court after an eight-day jury trial, the Macomb County Prosecutors Office announced.

On July 12, 2022, Mollicone and his wife drove to the home a 36-year-old man. There were accusations of infidelity and Mollicone wanted to tell the man to stop contacting his wife, police said.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Renewable energy will be on the ballot in November as Ann Arbor voters decide whether the city should start a city-run sustainable energy utility.

After years of exploring the idea, City Council voted in May to put the question to voters in the Nov. 6 presidential election.

Its the next crucial step toward accomplishing the citys A2Zero carbon-neutrality goals and will have benefits for Ann Arbors longterm energy future, Mayor Christopher Taylor said, calling it a relatively low-cost, high-impact part of that effort.

Im incredibly excited about the conversation were going to have over the next few months, he said.

The ballot proposal, if approved by voters, would authorize the city to establish and operate an SEU, as the city calls it, making new investments in local renewable energy to supplement DTE Energy service within the city.

It is a supplemental utility layered on top of the current provider, Taylor said. It will provide residents who choose to join the SEU with resilient, reliable, rate-competitive, 100% renewable energy  energy that will withstand a storm, energy without random outages, all with no new taxes.

Ann Arbor mayor Christopher Taylor speaks during the bicentennial mural unveiling at Veterans Memorial Park in Ann Arbor on Friday, April 19, 2024. Rebecca Villagracia | MLive.com

While it would be publicly owned, its short of the full-scale public takeover of DTE that grassroots group Ann Arbor for Public Power still wants to see eventually. The city intends to further explore the bigger undertaking as a future possibility, recognizing it could cost the city hundreds of millions of dollars.

For now, the question before voters is whether to let the city become a provider of renewable energy to local residents, businesses and institutions under an opt-in model.

For those who subscribe, the SEU would be able to supply, generate, transmit, distribute and store electricity, heat, cooling, light and power all from renewable sources and provide energy-related services, the ballot proposal states.

The SEU could, for example, provide individual or networked rooftop solar panels, heat pumps, geothermal systems, or batteries to customers to supplement existing utility services, it states, explaining it would be fee-based and the ballot proposal does not authorize new taxes.

City officials envision micro-grids allowing neighbors to share renewable energy. Additionally, the SEU could provide services on a more holistic scale, helping with energy waste reduction upgrades and electrification of appliances with innovative, customer-focused billing and payment options, Taylor said.

If you want solar on your home, the SEU could purchase and install the panels for you and lower your electricity bill immediately, he said, adding it also could do the same with backup energy storage batteries paired with solar arrays.

If you already have solar on your home, once we deploy micro-grids, you could sign up for the SEU and lower your electricity bill immediately, Taylor said.

Ann Arbor aims to break ground on solar park during German delegation visit

Council Member Travis Radina, D-3rd Ward, said hes excited about it and thinks it could help reshape the way municipalities in Michigan look at providing clean energy to residents. The citys sustainability office is already having conversations at the state level about how the model could be replicated elsewhere, he said.

Im pleased to say that Im already having happy conversations about it at residents doors, said Council Member Lisa Disch, D-1st Ward, thanking the citys Energy Commission, sustainability office and legal team for their work on the proposal.

Ann Arbor voters in 2022 also approved a climate-action millage that is generating several million dollars per year for the city to invest in clean energy and carbon-neutrality efforts.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Michigans attorney general has authorized a charge of second-degree murder against a Michigan State Police trooper who struck and killed a Black man fleeing from officers.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessels decision comes more than one month after the April 17 incident where 25-year-old Samuel Sterling was struck by an unmarked state police vehicle while running from police.

On top of the murder charge, Nessels office also charged state police Det./Sgt. Brian Keely, 50, with one count of involuntary manslaughter, a 15-year felony. Keely was suspended without pay after the incident unfolded.

RELATED: He murdered my son: Family of man killed by police vehicle sees video for first time

(Det./Sgt.) Keelys actions that day were legally, grossly negligent and created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm, which could have otherwise been prevented, Nessel said in a statement. Public integrity is a top priority for my Department and we remain committed to providing a thorough and just review and resolution in each case brought before us.

An arraignment date in Kentwood District Court has not been immediately scheduled.

The incident happened when fugitive team spotted Sterling putting air in tires of a vehicle. He fled on foot when police approached.

He was running by the Burger King restaurant  on Eastern Avenue SE near 52nd Street in Kentwood  when the SUV drove toward him. He appeared to be pinned between the sport-utility vehicle and the restaurant wall. He fell to the ground when the SUV backed up.

Sterling, at the time of the incident, was wanted for outstanding warrants, police said.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  Construction crews are back to work following Memorial Day eeekend with another road project that will close the affected area for nearly two weeks.

The work in Georgetown Township is scheduled to start on Tuesday, May 28, according to the Ottawa County Road Commission.
KENT COUNTY, MI  A Kent County sheriffs deputy is expected to soon return to duty after a prosecutor determined there was no criminal wrongdoing for striking a fleeing teen with a patrol vehicle.

The sheriffs office must still complete an internal investigation into Deputy Josiah McMains to ensure he followed the departments proper policies during the pursuit, Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young said.
JACKSON COUNTY, MI  A Detroit woman accused of firebombing a Springport Township home in late February has pleaded guilty to two crimes.

San Derria Lee Ervin admitted May 17 to one felony count each of second-degree arson and the manufacturing of explosives three months after authorities arrested her for tossing a pair of lit Molotov cocktails into the home and a vehicle parked in the driveway, court records show.
JACKSON COUNTY, MI  A new training facility will prepare youth and adults for careers in manufacturing, try these dog-friendly eateries in Jackson.

Here are those stories and other recent Jackson County-area business news you may have missed.

$7M Jackson training facility will offer chance for careers in advanced manufacturing

A new training facility near Jackson aims to help prepare youths and adults for careers in manufacturing.

During its 87th annual meeting on Monday, May 13, the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association, along with The Shop Rat Foundation, announced the purchase of a 26,000-square-foot facility at 3517 Scheele Drive in Blackman Township.

The plan is to the turn the space into the groups new headquarters and use it as an advanced manufacturing training center.

Read the full story here.

5 great restaurants with dog-friendly patios in Jackson County

With the weather warming up, restaurants are beginning to open their patios for dining during the summer season.

In some cases, this means dog owners can bring their pup along to grab dinner or a drink. Here are five Jackson County eateries that let dogs dine outside with their favorite humans.

Read the full story here.

Signs all over Michigan point to a family business in Jackson

Johnson Sign Co. has been helping businesses make first impressions matter for generations.

The company near Jackson is celebrating 60 years in 2024. Through the years, three generations of the Johnson family have worked to help businesses, medical centers and college campuses be easily recognized by everyday people, co-owner James Jay Johnson said.

It amazes me how many third-generations businesses succeed, and its by far against the odds, Jay said. What our core focus is as a company is that we could have a positive impact on our employees, the community and our customers. If we can keep that in mind, that makes a difference.

Read the full story here.

Tim Hortons anticipates opening its new Jackson location soon

A new coffee shop is expected to open its doors very soon in Jackson County.

Tim Hortonss new location at 2550 Airport Road in Blackman Township is expected to open in June, company officials wrote in an email. Construction of the new location began in December 2023.

Related: Whats that? A coffee chain is brewing up a new location in Jackson

The site previously housed a Hot n Now restaurant before it closed and was replaced by Jackson Coffee Co. until it also closed in roughly 2021, according to property records.

Read the full story here.

Have your bacon cheeseburger in an egg roll at FFF Truck in Jackson

Jackson resident Jennifer Filas was making hamburgers for her kids one night when she realized she was missing an essential ingredient -- the buns.

She improvised and chopped everything up and rolled it into an egg roll wrapper and deep fried it. Her kids went crazy for them, and she thought maybe she could turn this into a business.

That happened in July 2023 when Filas started her food truck called Filas Fantastic Food Truck, or FFF Truck for short. Since then, shes been traveling around the Jackson County area serving her popular non-traditional egg rolls, loaded fries and nachos.

Read the full story here.

Its time for chilled root beer, footlong chili cheese dogs at Rudys Drive-In

Things have not changed much at Rudys Drive-In in Michigan Center since it opened in 1962.

Customers still eagerly await the opening of the eatery and sit excitedly in their cars waiting to feast on hot dogs and chilled homemade root beer.

The iconic Jackson drive-in opened as the A&W Root Beer Drive-In. Pam Burke and her late husband, Gil, purchased the business 50 years ago and dropped the A&W franchise in 2005 and named it Rudys Drive-In after her daughter Nicolle Bartons nickname.

Read the full story here.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter.

More Jackson Citizen Patriot business news:

Michner Plating still awaits clean up, New school presses on & more Jackson County business news

Dexter Stamping Co. closing, Hotel Tavern in spotlight and other Jackson-area business news

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Big portions await at this eatery, these bars had the highest liquor sales & more Jackson County business news

Historic building up for auction, try these breakfast spots & more Jackson County business news

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JRs Hometown Grill and Pub closes, try this olive burger and more Jackson County business news

Try a new smoothie business, GGs Cafe is making changes and more Jackson County business news

Pleasant Lake Pub reopens, try some new restaurants and more Jackson County business news

New restaurant downtown, cozy up with a book at a coffee shop and more Jackson-area business news
SAGINAW, MI  Violence and gunfire ruined a Memorial Day weekend gathering in Saginaw, leaving one woman dead. Her alleged killer, who is from Illinois, remains jailed as police piece together the details of the homicide.

Police have identified the slain woman as 50-year-old Kenya M. Collins, who on Sunday, May 26, was attending a get-together at a house in the 1000 block of Cathay Street. Around 9:30 p.m., police responded to the residence after being alerted to a shooting.
A Supplemental Science lesson.

An Everyone in the Pool swimming lesson.

An Everyone in the Pool swimming lesson.

A Supplemental Science lesson.

A Supplemental Science lesson.

An Everyone in the Pool swimming lesson.
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Adani Enterprises board to meet on Tuesday to discuss fund raise
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DCM Shriram inks pact with ICT for R&D in chemical industry
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EQT raises $1.6 bn for Asia mid-market fund, keeps India in investment focus
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Investor compensation claims fall as Sebi clamps down on stockbroker frauds
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Concord Biotech block deal: 3.4% equity changes hands as Ontario Inc pares stake
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High volatility keeps Nifty choppy but sentiment seen upbeat above 22,800
Currently, majority of the commodity traders are executing trades from other financial centers including those in Switzerland, Singapore, London, Chicago, Dubai, Shanghai, and Rotterdam.

Market participants have welcomed the move by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to initiate steps to develop GIFT City as a global commodity trading hub, saying it will improve pricing, reduce currency risks and enhance the competitiveness of India entities.

The regulatory body for GIFT City recently constituted an expert committee headed by Rajeev Kher, former commerce secretary and former member of the Competition Appellate Tribunal, which will suggest measures to develop commodity trading at GIFT
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Investors turn bullish with caution amid growing optimism of BJP winning election; heres what F&O data show
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Souptik Datta Reports on Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Btw, curiosity never kills the cat. You can reach me on souptikdatta@nw18.com
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Reliance Industries signs deal with Rosneft to buy oil in roubles: Reuters
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Delhi hospital fire: PM Narendra Modi says tragedy is 'heart-rending', announces ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each
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India, France to begin negotiations for mega Rs 50,000-crore Rafale Marine jet deal this week
May 28, 2024 / 21:58 IST

The Delhi Police will check call records and messages of the two accused arrested in connection with a fire at a neonatal facility here and question the hospital owner's wife, officials said on Tuesday.

They said investigators have already seized the mobile phones of the accused -- Dr Naveen Kichi, the owner of Baby Care New Born Hospital in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar, and Dr Akash, who was on duty at the time of the incident.

A senior police officer privy to the investigation said Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) officials under whose jurisdiction the hospital came will also be questioned.
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Student beaten to death by masked men in Patna college campus; main accused arrested
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In today's edition of Pro Panorama: Life beyond TCS Q2, outlook for Indian stocks, what tied up RBI's hand and much more

In an interview with News18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined his ambitious plans to transform India's energy landscape. He emphasised the goal of reducing electricity bills to zero by promoting the widespread adoption of rooftop solar panels in every household. This initiative would not only allow homeowners to eliminate their electricity costs but also enable them to sell excess power and generate income. Modi also reiterated his commitment to making India self-reliant in the energy sector

Chart of the day: Solar power installation, an unfinished agenda

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Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Marc Champion writes editorials on international affairs. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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Modi govt should demand that Israel halt war, accept ceasefire in Gaza: CPI-M
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In today's edition of Pro Panorama: Life beyond TCS Q2, outlook for Indian stocks, what tied up RBI's hand and much more

Although Gen AI is slowly moving from hype to

Enterprises have been slow to move Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) from Proof of Concept (PoC) to full-scale products due to recent changes in cloud pricing by hyperscalers as well as high compute costs, says EY India. Earlier this month, the consulting company said in a report that domestic companies have been slow in rolling out enterprise-grade Gen AI projects compared to startups and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

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Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_
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Poor Flynny and Jo!

It wasn't that long ago that we were celebrating Flynny and Jo's one-year wedding anniversary. But as the vows say, marriage is about staying together "in sickness and in health."

It began a couple of weeks ago when Jo had an unfortunate slip down the stairs at home. Poor Jo suffered a painful spine fracture, a couple of broken ribs, and a week's stay in hospital. A tough time for the Flynnster who stayed bedside between work!

So you can imagine how elated Flynny felt when he could finally bring Jo back home. Organising a comfortable and supportive recliner chair for Jo's recovery, and a delicious hot dinner to be delivered by Uber Eats - it was all looking up.

However, there was one slight issue - one cat bowl...

The next 24 hours saw another 111 phone call and another overnight spent in the same hospital, but this time for Flynny's poor arm! Flynny's now awaiting surgery, and Jo is taking her spinal fracture one day at a time.

Is there any family in New Zealand who is suffering from as many injuries as the Flynn household?

Get better soon!

Hear the full story in the video above.

Listen to more Jay-Jay & Flynny with their Catch-Up podcasts here

You can follow Jay-Jay & Flynny on Instagram or Facebook, and tune in to our regular show from 3pm weekdays on More FM.
Cast member Gary Oldman arrives to attend a press conference for the film "Parthenope" in competition at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 22, 2024.
House Speaker Mike Johnson View Photo

At the last House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson addressed the Senate Democrats attempt to revive their failed immigration messaging bill.

Mike Johnson was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here is what Johnson said on three specific topics:

On ICC arrest warrants

And let me address first, its top of mind for us, the death of Irans President. We would just say clearly that the world is a little bit safer place this morning because of that. He was clearly a malign force to the Iranian people and to Israel and the West. While he engaged in torture and terror, the International Criminal Court  I think its important to note this morning, maybe ironically  they never targeted him or even considered arresting him. But instead, what we see right now is the ICC has chosen to target Israel with baseless and illegitimate arrest warrants, and its attempting to equate Israels just war for its existence with the horrific acts of the October 7th massacre.

To us this is just unconscionable. Were not going to allow them to use warfare to undermine state sovereignty or usurp the authority of democratic nations. America should punish the ICC and put Karim Khan back in his place. And if the ICC is allowed to threaten Israels leaders, we know that America will be next. There is a reason that weve never endorsed the International Criminal Court because it is a direct affront to our own sovereignty. We dont put any international body above American sovereignty and Israel doesnt do that either.

Congress is reviewing all of our options right now. We have some very aggressive legislation that were going to push is as quickly as possible. It will impose sanctions, and if the ICC moves forward with its absurd warrant] request, this all this is going to be an even bigger international problem.

On the Senates attempt to revive the failed immigration bill

Now you have Senator Schumer whos trying to give his vulnerable members cover for this because theyve created this catastrophe, by voting on a bill which has already failed in the Senate. It may not even get 50 votes because its a bad bill. And its really a phony messaging exercise thats going to go nowhere. The House of course, as we all know, we talk about in here all the time, we passed multiple bipartisan bills to secure the border and deport criminal illegal immigrants, including the Laken Riley act.

But every single measure that we have sent to the Senate has been blocked by Senator Schumer. If he was serious in his attempt to secure the border, Senator Schumer would bring up HR 2, the Secure the Border Act, which as you all know, was the most comprehensive border security bill ever passed by Congress that we did now more than 13 months ago. Its been sitting on Chuck Schumers desk. If they were serious, they would move that legislation through the Senate and get it to the Presidents desk and he would sign it into law.

But they are not serious about it because they engineered the open border. Do not ever forget, we documented at least 64 specific executive actions that President Biden himself took beginning on the first day he walked into the Oval Office and that his agencys at DHS under the direction of Secretary Mayorkas, whom we impeached in the house, that they engineered they opened the border why they did it intentionally. Theyre not serious about the issue.

On Democrats encouraging noncitizens to vote

Many leading Democrats here in Washington want illegal aliens in our country. Why? So they can become voters, and they can affect the outcome of the census in six years to affect reapportionment in Congress. Now, if you want example of that, look at the District of Columbia, thats what Leader Scalise was mentioning. The city council has decided they want noncitizens and foreign actors deciding who will serve as mayor and local attorney general here. As the body in charge of overseeing DC. Congress will not support such lawless behavior. Its violation of federal law.

Were not going to let Russian spies and criminal aliens decide who runs our nations capital. Were just not going to do it. And thats why the house is voting this week to reverse the dangerous decisions by the DC city council and bar noncitizens from voting in DC elections. I was grateful when Congress and the White House work together to reverse DCs dangerous revisions to the criminal code. And if this voting bill cant pass, everybody watch very closely, its going to be proof positive that there are some Democrats who want illegal aliens deciding election outcomes. Its going to be clear. They dont want Americans deciding American elections.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
Sonora, CA  A familiar leader at Adventist Health Sonora is stepping into the role of President, effective today.

Greg McCulloch is officially moving into the position that was previously held by Michelle Fuentes, who left to become the CEO of Adventist Health Castle Rock in Colorado.

McCulloch has been with Adventist Health for 23 years, most recently serving as Finance Officer of Adventist Health Sonora since 2014.

Kerry L. Heinrich, President and CEO of Adventist Health, says, Greg is a disciplined and thoughtful healthcare leader. His leadership approach is animated by a passion for his community, for the faith-based mission of Adventist Health and a desire to build healthcare capabilities he would want for himself or his loved ones.

It was noted that McCulloch also serves as the head elder and board chair at Discover Life Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sonora, and he has participated in mission work in Sonora and abroad, including the Dominican Republic, Micronesia, and Kenya.

McCulloch states, Leadership in healthcare is more than good medicine or great outcomes. It is connection with people who are trusting us at their most vulnerable moments.

He adds, Our mission comes alive when we create care experiences that are story-worthy. We have a great team creating these care experiences each day. I am honored to serve as the leader of this engaged organization, and I am committed to growing our presence so we can transform lives.

McCulloch and his wife Carey have two sons, ages 15 and 18. In his spare time, he is an avid hiker and cyclist.
Nyanga man sentenced for serial thefts from former employer, neighbours

In a troubling case that has left a community on edge, a 28-year-old Nyanga man has been brought before the Nyanga Magistrates Court, facing three counts of theft. The suspect, who was previously employed as a domestic worker, has been accused of targeting his former employer and two other local residents.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the accused was fired from his position on April 12th, 2024. The very next day, he allegedly returned to the complainants home while she was away at a funeral and stole a host of items, including three buckets of yams, three buckets of maize, and a bed cover. The suspect is also accused of stealing five chickens from the complainants fowl run.

Upon the complainants return, she discovered that her doors had been left open, and the missing property was nowhere to be found. It was later reported that the accused had been seen selling the stolen goods.

The suspects criminal activities did not end there. On April 29th and 30th, he is said to have dug up potatoes from the fields of two additional complainants, valued at a total of $96 USD.

Thorough investigations by the authorities led to the recovery of five bags of the stolen potatoes and the eventual arrest of the suspect.

The court found the accused guilty on all three counts of theft and sentenced him to a total of seven months in prison. Three months of the sentence were suspended, and an additional month was suspended on the condition of restitution. The remaining three months were further suspended, provided the suspect completes 105 hours of community service.

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If you are encouraging a party to undertake a war crime you become complicit in that crime itself.

Unlike the United States and Israel, most Western European countries  including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain  are signatories to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, or ICC. As such, while lawmakers in Israel and the US can talk about ignoring or sanctioning* the ICC over its chief prosecutors decision to apply for arrest warrants for Israels PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, many governments in Europe are torn between their blind loyalty to Israel and their responsibilities as States Members of the ICC.

An interesting case in point is Berlin, which is until now one of the ICCs biggest financial donors. But the German government is also a fervent supporter of Israel, which it calls its reason of state  a lingering legacy of the systematic murder of millions of Jews under the Nazi regime. As Deutsche Welle reported a few days ago, while the Biden administration can ridicule The Hagues request as outrageous, Germanys position is more complex. The Scholz government must choose between supporting The Hague or Netanyahu  that is, between obeying international rules or standing by a close ally:

At the regular government press conference on Wednesday, Chancellor Olaf Scholzs spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, made it clear just how difficult it is for the German government to take a clear position in this case. Visibly tense, Hebestreit initially had to counter rumors on Wednesday that Scholz was shocked by the chief prosecutors announcement. Hebestreit said: I cannot report any shock or anger. We have made it very clear that we take a very critical view of the equation [of Netanyahu with Hamas]. And we pointed out differences in terms of how the state of Israel, its independent judiciary, is constituted

Another problem for Berlin is that Netanyahus government is increasingly isolated on the world stage and even within Israel itself, as an editorial in the FT acknowledges:

The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Ireland, Norway and Spain committed, meanwhile, to recognise Palestinian statehood  a symbolic blow against an Israeli leader who rails against any talk of a two-state solution. This should be a wake-up call, a moment for moderate Israelis to realise that, despite worldwide sympathy over Hamass horrific October 7 assault, their far-right governments actions are driving the country into greater isolation.

Some EU governments, including France, Belgium and Slovenia, have publicly expressed support for the ICC Prosecutors application for arrest warrants against leaders from Israel and Hamas for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Belgiums deputy prime minister has even called for the imposition of EU sanctions on Israeli imports. Others have slammed the ICC chief prosecutors decision. They include Hungarys Foreign Minister Gergely Gulyas who said that Netanyahu can rest assured he would not be arrested or extradited if he entered Hungarian territory.

War Crimes Complicity

If granted, the ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khans application for arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and three Hamas leaders could have implications far beyond Israel and Palestine. If the ICC ends up ruling that the actions of Netanyahus government and the IDF in Gaza do indeed constitute war crimes and/or crimes against humanity, it opens up the possibility of Western leaders and ministers being prosecuted on charges of complicity in those crimes.

For the moment, it is only a possibility, and probably a slim one at that. Much will depend on whether the ICCs judges actually issue the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. The US government is mobilising all of its reserves of soft and hard power, including the threat of sanctions, to try to ensure that does not happen.

There is also the question of enforcement: as the ICC itself notes, it does not have its own police force or enforcement body and thus relies on cooperation with countries worldwide for support, particularly for making arrests, transferring arrested persons to the ICC detention centre in The Hague, freezing suspects assets, and enforcing sentences. It is far from clear whether that cooperation will be forthcoming from many Western jurisdictions.

All that being said, the mere fact that the ICCs chief prosecutor has applied for arrest warrants for Israels prime minister and defence minister is without precedent. Since its inception in 2002 the ICC has only ever conducted trials against African governments while sparing Western leaders from criticism. This has prompted accusations that the court is being used as a tool of Western neo-colonial politics, notes Alfred de Zayas, an expert in international law and former Special Rapporteur to the the UN Human Rights Council:

This is evidenced by its failure to indict Western political and military leaders, notwithstanding well-documented legal briefs submitted to three Prosecutors, particularly concerning war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan and Iraq, including torture in Abu Ghraib, Mosul, and Guantanamo.

De Zayas warns that after all that has happened, if the ICC judges fail to indict Netanyahu and Gallant, as recommended by Prosecutor Khan, it risks a massive departure of members of the Statute of Rome, especially those from Africa, and could even be the final nail in the ICCs coffin. If, on the other hand, the indictments are granted, it could trigger the departure of a number of Western countries from the ICC.

In the UK, for example, the likely future prime minister, Keir Starmer, a former human rights lawyer no less, has refused to say whether or not he would enforce the ICC arrest warrants. At the same time, he insists that he respects the independence of the ICCs prosecutors and judges and supports international law. Yet in the early days of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, Starmer told LBC that Israel does have the right to cut off food and water to Gaza.

He was not the only one. For weeks and months after the October 7 massacre, many European leaders and politicians reaffirmed Israels right to defend itself even as the IDF dropped tens of thousands of tonnes of explosives on Gaza, one of the planets most densely-populated areas, while at the same time opposing calls for a meaningful ceasefire. Von der Leyen, for example, did not begin endorsing the idea of a ceasefire until March, more than five months into the conflict.

As the civilian death count in Gaza soared, with children accounting for a disproportionate share of the deaths, the same seven words kept pouring out of many Western government mouthpieces: Israel has the right to defend itself. But while all states have a right to defend themselves under the UN Charter, that does not give them the right to wage war on an occupied territory.

Israel cannot claim the right of self-defence against a threat that emanates from the territory it occupies, from a territory that is kept under belligerent occupation, said Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories. And not only does this exist in the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice in general; its also been said in the case of the occupied Palestinian territory.

Many Western countries have continued to sell weapons to Israel and withhold funds from UNRWA, the main United Nations agency working in Gaza, even as the bombs began dropping on Rafah and the threat of famine looms over Gazas roughly two million trapped inhabitants. And that is why some of Israels Western allies now face the possibility, however slim, of being charged for complicity in war crimes.

A failure by states such as Germany, the UK and the US to reassess how they are providing support to Israel provides grounds to question whether those states are violating the obligation to prevent genocide or could even at some point be considered complicit in acts of genocide or other violations of international law, Michael Becker, a professor of international human rights law at Trinity College in Dublin who has previously worked at the ICJ, told Al Jazeera in April.

Calls for ICC Investigation into Von der Leyen

One obvious suspect for complicity in Israels war crimes is Ursula von der Leyen, who in the early days of Israels Gaza offensive breached her mandate as EU Commission president by lending full EU approval to the offensive despite the fact she has no authority in foreign affairs matters. VdL has already faced a barrage of criticism within EU institutions, including by the Commissions chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, as well as in some European capitals, for her early unqualified support for Israel.

Following her visit to Israel in October, she was accused in a letter signed by 842 EU staffers of turning a blind eye to Israels war crimes in Gaza. The letter accused VdL of giving a free hand to the acceleration and the legitimacy of a war crime in the Gaza Strip. It also warned that the EU is losing all credibility as well as its status as a fair, equitable and humanist broker, while ripping into VdLs patent double standards over what is currently unfolding in Palestine and events in Ukraine.

In early May, Borrell laid into his boss for ignoring a request lodged three months earlier by the governments of Spain and Ireland to conduct a thorough review of the EUs trade agreement with Israel due to human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. Spanish President Pedro Sanchez and the-then Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, sent a letter to the EU Commission president in February proposing a reconsideration of the association agreement, which includes among its clauses the possibility of suspending the agreements terms if international law is breached. But instead of suspending the agreement, VdL promoted closer EU-Israel cooperation.

It is not just her EU colleagues or underlings accusing VdL of complicity in war crimes. On May 22, two European human rights organisations  the Geneva International Peace Research Institute (GIPRI) and the Paris-based Collectif de Juristes pour le Respect des engagements internationaux de la France (CJRF)  and a group of international concerned citizens, submitted a legal brief to the ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan requesting the opening of an investigation into the EU Commission president for her complicity in Israels war crimes against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including the Gaza Strip.

According to the accompanying press release sets out, Von der Leyen is complicit in violations of Articles 6, 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute by her positive actions (providing military, political and diplomatic support to Israel) as well as in her failure to take timely action on behalf of the Commission to help prevent genocide as required by the 1948 Genocide Convention. It also notes that VdL cannot argue that she was unaware of Israels violations of international humanitarian law, especially following the International Court of Justices provisional measures order of 26 January 2024 in the pending ICJ case South Africa v. Israel.

The document also states that Von der Leyen enjoys no functional immunity before the International Criminal Court by virtue of Article 27 of the Rome Statute. From the final section of the press release:

[Von der Leyen] should have taken every possible action at her disposal to prevent the continued commission of such crimes, and at the very least not to facilitate in any manner the commission of these crimes, as she unfortunately did. The obligation to prevent the commission of genocide is paramount in the Genocide Convention and the ICC Statute Should President von der Leyen have acted pursuant to her legal duty to act, rather than sought to ensure freedom of action for Israel in the continuation of the campaign, the crimes would have been substantially less likely to occur, or at the very least to be perpetrated over such a long period of time, and on such a scale and magnitude.

Even if this brief is ultimately rejected by the ICC, the looming risk of prosecution in the future, combined with the ongoing criminal investigation into the Commissions procurement of vaccines from Pfizer BioNTech, may be enough to put paid to VdLs reelection hopes.

Criminal Complaints in UK

In the UK, a new criminal complaint has been submitted to the Metropolitan Police accusing 22 people, including five unnamed government ministers, of aiding and abetting Israels intentional starvation of Palestinians. It comes on the heels of a prior complaint issued in January by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), arguing that UK politicians are criminally liable for their involvement in alleged Israeli war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Of course, the chances of the UKs legal establishment investigating and, if necessary, prosecuting senior British government officials for alleged war crimes are as good as zero. Tony Blair is living, grinning testimony to that fact. This is why it must fall to the ICC to investigate Netanyahus accomplices in the UK government, argues Declassified UK:

With the ICCs chief prosecutor issuing an application for an arrest warrant against Israels prime minister for war crimes and crimes against humanity, attention must turn to those who have aided Israel. British ministers have for months been materially assisting Israel during its onslaught against Palestinians in Gaza. This support is being provided in three main ways. First, the UK is providing arms to Israel. Recently filed court documents reveal that, as of January this year, the UK government had 28 extant and 28 pending high-risk licences with Israel marked as most likely to be used by the IDF in offensive operations in Gaza Second, the UK military is training Israeli armed forces personnel in Britain during the genocide Third, the UK military is conducting spy flights over Gaza in support of Israel. Declassified has found that over 200 surveillance missions over Gaza have been undertaken by the Royal Air Force, which is likely to have gathered around 1,000 hours of surveillance footage.

The UK government seems to be perfectly aware of the legal risks it faces by continuing to furnish Israel with military weapons, train its officers and provide it with aerial intelligence even after the International Court of Justice ruled in late January that it is plausible that Israel has committed acts that violate the Genocide Convention. As the DCUK article notes, British ministers are refusing to provide detailed information about these three areas of activity to parliament, likely to avoid prosecution for complicity in war crimes.

Did you know that last month the British government imposed a blackout on all information about Israeli military planes landing in the UK? It's not been reported in a single UK paper. Britain is materially complicit in genocide. And the cover-up has been going on for 7 months. pic.twitter.com/Tn8OIlZXvm  Matt Kennard (@kennardmatt) May 27, 2024

Western leaders and politicians were served fair warning of the risks of aiding and abetting Israels war crimes in Gaza. In fact, even in the early days of Israels Gaza offensive, many were sounding the alarm. They included Crispin Blunt, a British MP and former squadron commander in the armed forces, who told the BBC:

If you are encouraging a party to undertake a war crime you become complicit in that crime itself. And its absolutely clear now that what is happening in Gaza does amount to a war crime.

In late January, the ICJ issued its warning of a plausible risk that Israel was committing a genocide. The court also required Israel to provide aid and services, stop dehumanising Palestinians, and quit destroying infrastructure, which the Netanyahu government has studiously ignored while intensifying its offensive in Gaza. Late last week, it was instructed by the ICJ to halt its offensive on Rafa. Israels response was to rain down bombs on tents sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians in the city, setting the make-shift camp on fire.

In late March, Francesca Albanese issued a report stating there were clear indications that Israel was violating the UN Genocide Convention, and reminding other governments that complicity in genocide was also expressly prohibited, giving rise to obligations for third states.

In that same month, a group of Australian lawyers referred Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government to the ICC for investigation on charges of complicity in the Gaza genocide. As WSWS reported at the time, the lawyers outlined [in a meticulous brief] Labors repeated legitimisation of Israeli war crimes, as well as Australias assistance, political, diplomatic and material. Albanese could not refute that brief, instead vaguely dismissing it as disinformation.

* This is by no means the only pressure the governments of Israel and the US appear to be applying to try to dissuade the ICC from going after Netanyahu and his ministers. A few weeks ago, 14 US Republican senators sent a letter to ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, threatening him against issuing an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Target Israel and we will target you, they wrote.

Earlier this week, The Guardian reported that Netanyahu had (allegedly) sent the former head of Mossad Yossi Cohen to have a quiet, threatening word or two in the ear of Fatou Bensouda, a former chief prosecutor at the ICC, to pressure her into abandoning an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in occupied Palestinian territories. That was apparently back in 2021. As the article notes, the [current] chief prosecutors decision to apply to the ICCs pre-trial chamber for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, alongside three Hamas leaders, is an outcome Israels military and political establishment has long feared.
Yves here. Since the news and commentary flow is still a bit diminished due to the holiday break, we are serving up what would normally be a weekend item, an opinion piece that makes for a fine critical thinking exercise. I am sure you will have fun with the post proper, but let me start the ball rolling with the headline: the US is just fine with autocratic powers like Saudi Arabia provided they are not socialistic or worse in our eyes and follow our geopolitical directives.

By Thomas J. Barfield, professor of anthropology at Boston University. His new book, Shadow Empires, explores how distinctly different types of empires arose and sustained themselves as the dominant polities of Eurasia and North Africa for 2,500 years before disappearing in the 20th century. He is a renowned historian of Central Eurasia and the author of The Central Asian Arabs of Afghanistan, The Perilous Frontier: Nomadic Empires and China, 221 BC to AD 1757, Afghanistan: An Atlas of Indigenous Domestic Architecture, and Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History (revised and expanded second edition 2022, Princeton University Press). Distributed by Human Bridges, first published in the Sentinel Post

Considering whether modern states are empires tells us almost nothing useful about either modern states or empires. A better question is what policies and structures pioneered by empires are still employed by states today, and how.

As the 20th century opened, long-established empires still governed the majority of Eurasias territory and population, but they all collapsed by the end of World War I. The European and Japanese colonial empires that escaped destruction then dissolved after World War II. After being the worlds dominant polities for two and a half millennia, empires were now extinct. The term empire itself turned pejorative; polemical rather than analytical. But while empires no longer existed, they left an enduring legacy: sets of distinctive templates for organizing very large polities with diverse populations. They also provided different strategic models for projecting power on the world stage.

Although the United States was the first nation designed on abstract principles of governance rather than inherited institutions, it drew on imperial models to realize them. Americas expansive concept of universal citizenship to unite its diverse population was distinctly Roman in origin, one that emerged in no other empire. American foreign policy, by contrast, employed a distinctly non-Roman maritime empire template that sought economic rather than territorial advantages. While the United States inherited its maritime tradition from Great Britain, in the post-1945 era its international policies bore a stronger resemblance to those of imperial Athens. Athens created the worlds first maritime empire (Arche) in the 5th century BC by building an alliance system to defend the Greeks against Persian aggression. It then used that base to establish an economic sphere in which it was the dominant player, becoming the regions largest and richest city-state. In a remarkably similar way, the United States also created a postwar military alliance system designed to protect its members from aggression by the Soviet Union that served as a common multinational trading bloc with the American economy at its center.

Citizenship in the United States: E Pluribus Unum

The 18th-century founders of the U.S. were quite familiar with the classical Western history of ancient Greece and Rome. They embraced the principles of democratic governance developed by the Greeks but broke their city-state limitations with the adoption of the Roman imperial model of universal citizenship. As with Rome, American citizenship was designed to transcend existing parochial political identities (in this case Americas original 13 colonies), replacing them with an all-embracing national identity. And again, similar to the Roman Empire, American citizenship would not be restricted by national origin, race, or religion, although such invidious distinctions (particularly race) would play a negative role in the countrys domestic politics. Eager to attract settlers to a land short of labor, the U.S. made the naturalization of foreigners a regular practice and encouraged their immigration to its shores. It automatically conferred citizenship on children born in the country regardless of the status of their parents, precluding the emergence of permanent non-citizen minorities who were residents of a state but without rights in it. The anomaly of allowing a slave population to exist in its Southern states was resolved in a bloody civil war (1861-1865) and subsequent amendments to the Constitution that extended citizenship to all former slaves and their descendants. In 1924, Congress finally passed a law recognizing the countrys original Native American inhabitants as birthright citizens too.

Universal citizenship proved highly effective in uniting a population that had no common origin. The U.S. government was careful never to define an American as anything other than a legal category. This was reinforced by the Constitutions prohibition of any religious tests for serving in public office and vesting rights in individuals rather than communities. It was an imperial way of thinking designed to avoid the religious and ethno-nationalist communal conflicts that plagued Europe. The potential for such conflicts was, and is, never absent in the United States. Existing communities invariably asserted that newer immigrants could never become real Americans, only to join with the two generations later to complain about more recent arrivals. In my own city of Boston, the influx of Catholic Irish immigrants provoked violent outrage by Yankee Protestants of English descent. Fifty years later, both English-speaking groups agreed that it was poor non-English speaking Italians and East European Jews who could never become real Americans like themselves. After the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 removed national-origin restrictions, an influx of Asian and Hispanic immigrants provoked renewed concerns that these people would never become real Americans either. Yet by 2018, 14 percentof the U.S. population was foreign-born, close to the record high set in the 1890s, and the once-alien foods they brought with them (from hot dogs to pizza to burritos) became American by popular consumption.

Sustaining Americas Arche

By 1853, the U.S. had taken possession of all the enormous territories between its Atlantic and Pacific coasts; the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 gave it control of around 10 million square kilometers. Yet despite being one of the largest countries on earth, the United States never viewed itself as a land power. (Even in the 21st century, its demographic and economic centers of gravity remained on the east and west coasts.) Instead, outside of North America, the United States adopted a maritime empire template for its international relations that gave sea power priority over land power, viewed economic hegemony as more desirable than territorial hegemony, and deemed indirect political domination more sustainable than direct political domination when wielding power abroad. By the end of the 19th century, the U.S. would become one of the worlds leading industrial and trading powers, although it had to contend with a domestic tradition of isolationism that was particularly strong after the end of World War I.

The maritime empire template first manifested itself in the 1823 Monroe Doctrine that declared the Americas an exclusive U.S. sphere of influence. This imposed a form of indirect domination by the U.S. over the newly independent states in Latin America and the Caribbean without touching these territories. The three-month Spanish-American War in 1898 was primarily a maritime conflict too. Here, the U.S. Navy fought simultaneously in both the Caribbean and the Pacific, sinking the Spanish fleets based in Cuba and the Philippines and delivering marine expeditionary forces ashore to expel the garrisons defending them.

However, this maritime empire template did not assume global significance until after World War II when the U.S. abandoned its previous isolationism and replaced Great Britain as the Wests dominant power. Its only rival was the Soviet Union. The Soviets followed a typical imperial land power template by taking direct control of all the countries they occupied in Eastern and Central Europe and using proxy regimes to incorporate them into their command economy. By contrast, the U.S. employed an indirect maritime strategy that would have been familiar to the ancient Athenians: seek economic rather than territorial hegemony through an alliance system that protected its member states from aggression and allowed their economies to grow rapidly. Unlike the maritime Athenian Empire, however, the U.S. also possessed a large and self-sustaining domestic economy in North America that could bankroll its high defense spending without extorting payments from its allies, as Athens had unpopularly done.

The U.S. was not interested in recreating a closed trading system with subject colonies like that of the dissolving maritime British Empire. That required both considerable expense and local administrations to maintain. (It also generated anti-colonial political movements, of which the American Revolution had been one of the first.) Instead, the U.S. constructed a postwar international system from which it benefited militarily and economically. The system also benefited its allies enough to make it self-sustaining. The American arche consisted of overlapping networks of military and economic alliances that spanned the globe. The military alliances were designed to provide protection against possible Soviet aggression through mutual defense treaties, including the 1949 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Western Europe, and bilateral agreements with Japan (1951 and 1960) and Korea (1953) in northeast Asia. These were the linchpins of a system that allowed the stationing of American forces within these sovereign nations, and were part of a much vaster system of secondary alliances that even 30 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union included 800 military bases of various types in 70 countries. Connected by sea and air routes, this network allowed the U.S. to project its power worldwide without maintaining excessively large numbers of troops abroad. Its success in the aftermath of World War II was based on turning former enemies, Germany and Japan, into close allies and major economic powers after installing democratically run governments in these countries and financing their reconstruction.

Buttressed by new global multilateral institutions such as the World Bank (1944), the International Monetary Fund (1945), and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (1947), the U.S. supported the creation of the European Common Market (which eventually became the European Union). This was less a matter of altruism and had more to do with the employment of a maritime empire strategy that viewed the emergence of stronger allied partners as a net plus rather than potential rivals. In an improvement on ancient Athenss approach, the U.S. relied as much on the self-interest of its members to keep the system functioning as it did on its own power. This dual military/economic network would see off the Soviet Union in 1991 and maintain itself afterward. Its success as a strategy was best appreciated by contrasting it with failed U.S. policies that veered from the maritime empire template and drew the country into counterproductive land wars in Vietnam and Iraq.

In one important area, the U.S. broke with the maritime empire template that had created cosmopolitan economies while retaining insular ruling elites in Athens, Venice, Holland, and Great Britain. Universal citizenship, immigration, and capitalist economic disruption combined to produce a political system in the U.S. where the elites who set the U.S. policy eventually reflected the diversity of the population, albeit with a considerable lag time. That diversity was also reflected in Americas soft power influence that was rivaled historically only by Athens in ancient Greece because, beginning in the mid-20th century, the U.S. became the place to be for those producing cultural and scientific innovations. Part of the attraction was its rich economy, secure private property rights, and freedom of expression, but the U.S. also benefited from the arrival of refugee artists, scholars, and scientists fleeing persecution or prejudice in their own homelands. This put the U.S. at the forefront of many fields that the country otherwise would have been unlikely to develop (or develop as quickly) without them. Whether in Hollywood, New York, or Silicon Valley, the ability to attract talented people who became American citizens by choice was an element that was missing in even the most economically cosmopolitan maritime empires of the past. The U.S. was certainly the first to make culture itself a profitable export.

Does understanding which tools a contemporary world power like the U.S. borrowed from extinct empires translate into understanding its global relations today? Yes, because these were grounded in a set of largely unarticulated economic and cultural principles that to them seemed natural and required no explanation and, hence, are often overlooked. For example, in a world where autocracy was the norm, maritime empires (except for Portugal, which was founded by a king) were distinguished by their representative governments. Athens was a democracy, Carthage, Venice, and Holland were republics, and Britain was governed by a parliament. This was a structure in which the state encouraged the accumulation of private wealth and protected it from arbitrary confiscation. Both elements were attractive to the 18th-century founders of the U.S., who combined the limited role of government and respect for private property espoused by John Locke along with an open economy championed by Adam Smith.

The hostility toward autocratic regimes like the former Soviet Union (or Russia today) and the Peoples Republic of China displayed by the U.S. is thus better explained by its maritime empire heritage rather than any ideological differences. Autocratic regimes in todays world seek to achieve stability by creating an equilibrium in which they are dominanta conservative characteristic of the past empires on which they are modeled. Maritime empires, by contrast, thrived on change. They displayed a higher tolerance for risk and had a propensity to upset existing economic normsattributes well adapted to modern capitalist economies where no steady-state equilibrium has yet emerged. That, combined with maritime empires preferences for alliance building and networks of influence, rather than direct domination, is the international framework in which the U.S. is most comfortable but is also one whose ancient origins have rarely been fully appreciated.
Yves here. Green New Deal boosters tout all the great jobs that the energy transition will create. They overlook employment losses and/or simply assume those workers will be able to step into new roles. The post below suggests the skill difference means that may not be the case. And let them eat training remedies dont have a great record of success.

By Orsetta Causa, Senior Economist Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD); Maxime Nguyen, Consultant Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD); and Emilia Soldani, Economist Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). Originally published at VoxEU

Greening the economy will entail the contraction of high-polluting jobs. This column presents new OECD research using labour force data from a large sample of European countries that suggests green and high-polluting jobs are unequally distributed across socioeconomic groups. Green jobs are associated with higher educational attainment, high-polluting jobs with lower educational attainment, and women are underrepresented in both green and high-polluting jobs. Minimising transition costs  with targeted policies that facilitate reskilling and match workers with high-demand jobs  will be crucial to accelerating decarbonisation while reducing displacement penalties for affected workers.

Greening the economy refers to the transition towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in various sectors (Pisu et al. 2022). This can significantly impact labour market outcomes and inequalities, including job creation and transformation, skills demand and training, as well as territorial disparities. While aggregate employment effects could be relatively small, the combination of policies and technological change needed to bring about decarbonisation will require reallocation of production factors, which will have distributional effects, possibly increasing inequality.

One lesson from the impact of globalisation/technological change is that moderate aggregate effects or even aggregate gains can go hand-in-hand with concentrated losses for certain groups of workers and their communities, especially when the changes take place rapidly (Ottaviano et al. 2021). Preventing this from happening in the green transition requires understanding labour market dynamics and elaborating appropriate policy responses. Such policies would improve the allocation of workers and their deployability  for instance, towards performing green tasks  as well as working to manage and minimise the scarring effects associated with job losses in polluting industries. Understanding and addressing distributional implications of climate policies is also fundamental for political acceptability (Stantcheva et al. 2022).

Based on our two recent papers (Causa et al. 2024a, 2024b), in this column we deliver new evidence and stylised facts on the incidence across selected European countries of green and high polluting jobs, their geographical distribution, and their incidence among different categories of workers. By identifying the characteristics of affected workers, we provide insights on how public policies can support workers and a just transition to low-emission economies.

A New Empirical Framework to Study the Labour Market Effects of the Green Transition

The starting point is a new empirical framework to study the labour market effects of the green transition, contributing to the literature and debate along the following dimensions: (1) the cross-country comparative perspective, (2) the use of individual/worker-level data, and (3) the empirically based granular analysis. Most of the empirical literature in this area has focused either on single countries, in particular the US thanks to the availability of high-quality ready-to use data, or on cross-country aggregate data.

The analysis builds on established measurement approaches for identifying green and high-polluting jobs, in particular O*NET (2010) based on US information. The framework is worked out and revisited to be applied to harmonised European labour force survey data. To overcome the limitations of applying US-based metrics, this paper proposes a new approach to identify high-polluting jobs, based on European emission data by country and industry. The main advantage of relying on country-specific data on emissions is that it allows the capture of cross-country heterogeneity in emission intensity by industry. The analysis shows that these differences can be very large: for instance, in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply activities, the most polluting countries emit four times more GHG per worker than the least polluting countries.

Stylised Facts About Green and High Polluting Jobs

The Big Picture

Based on the newly developed empirical approach, Figure 1 reports the estimated shares of green and high polluting jobs across European countries over the period 20112019. The main highlights are:

The estimated share of green jobs is 8% on average across the countries covered. The incidence of green jobs varies between around 10% in the UK and Estonia, and 5% in Greece.

The estimated share of high polluting jobs is around 4% on average across the countries covered. This share varies from around 9% in Czechia and the Slovak Republic to 2% in Austria and Portugal.

Over the last decade, labour markets have not become significantly greener, on average, across the European countries covered. There has been no significant change in the share of green and high polluting jobs; some countries have actually experienced an increase in the incidence of high polluting jobs.

Figure 1 Green and high polluting jobs across European countries, 20112019

Share of total employment (%)

A) Green jobs

B) High polluting jobs
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana chaired a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council on Tuesday (28 May 2024), urging Allies to dig deeper into their stocks and deliver more military aid to Ukraine. Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, updated Allies on the situation on the battlefield and Ukraines most urgent needs.

NATO Allies acknowledged the urgency of providing additional military support, and discussed plans to put support on a firmer and more enduring basis at the Washington Summit in July. Speaking at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Sofia on Monday, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "I strongly believe that we need a firmer, stronger institutionalized structure for the support. Ad-hoc, short term, voluntary announcements are good, but in the long term, we need more predictable, stronger support for Ukraine." He added: "I hope that Allies can agree a multiyear financial pledge because the Ukrainians need more long-term knowledge, more predictability to plan and to invest, to ensure that they have the forces they need to defend against the Russian invaders, but also in the future to deter against future Russian aggression."

Mr Geoana commended Ukraines work in implementing the requirements of the adapted Annual National Programme, and Kyivs progress in pursuing reforms, saying that these will bring Ukraine closer to its future in NATO.
(As delivered)

Good morning.

I'm looking forward to meeting the EU Defence Ministers and to discuss our support for Ukraine. Since day one of this war, NATO and the European Union have worked very closely together to provide unprecedented military, economic, and financial support to Ukraine. And therefore, it's always useful to sit down with the ministers and discuss how to sustain our support and step up what we do.

The most urgent need now is more air defence. And we are working with NATO Allies, and many of them also of course EU members, on stepping up the delivery of ammunition, air defence systems, and in particular the most advanced ones, the Patriot systems.

So, we have seen some progress. But more progress and more air defence systems are urgently needed in Ukraine. And this is also the message from the NATO-Ukraine Council, which is meeting at NATO today.

Then, at NATO, we are now working on how NATO can coordinate the provision of equipment and training. We have received a proposal from our Supreme Allied Commander, SACEUR, on how to organise this. So, NATO coordinates the support of military equipment and training to Ukraine.

I have also proposed a multi-year financial pledge, meaning that we should agree as NATO Allies, a financial pledge to Ukraine over several years to ensure that we prevent gaps and delays as we have seen recently, and that Ukraine get predictable, accountable support for the long haul. And that's what they need to prevail as a sovereign independent nation.

Lastly, we are also working with industry to ramp up production. We have seen some important decisions lately on more investments, more production. But we need more and we are working closely with the transatlantic defence industrial base to ramp up production. Then I'm ready for questions.

Question

Are you meeting with President Zelenskyy who is in Brussels today?

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

No, I met him recently in Kyiv. He is here to meet with the Belgian Prime Minister.

Question

Secretary General, why is it right to lift restrictions on Western weapons to hit targets inside Russia now?

NATO Secretary General

We have to remember what this is. This is a war of aggression. Russia has attacked another country, invaded another country. And Ukraine has according to international law, the right to self-defence, to defend themselves. And the right of self-defence includes also striking targets outside Ukraine, legitimate military targets inside Russia. And this is in particular, relevant now. Because the most heavy fighting is now taking place in the Kharkiv region, close to the Ukrainian Russian border. And part of the border is actually the front line.

Therefore, of course it will be very hard and difficult for the Ukrainians to defend themselves if they cannot hit military targets just on the other side of the border. These may be missile launchers. It may be artillery. It may be airfields which are used to attack Ukraine. And if Ukraine cannot hit those military targets, it will be much harder for them to defend themselves.

These are national decisions. It's not that NATO decisions on restrictions. Some Allies have not imposed restrictions on the weapons they have delivered. Others have. I believe the time now has come to consider those restrictions, not least in light of the development in the war, which now is actually taking place along the border. And that makes it even harder for them to defend themselves.

And also we have to remember that doesn't make NATO Allies party to the conflict. We have the right to provide support to Ukraine, to help them uphold the right for self-defence.

Question

Why do you don't see the risk of escalation like Germany, like US President Joe Biden?

NATO Secretary General

NATO has two tasks in this war. One is to support Ukraine, to ensure that Ukraine prevails. And we do that by providing military support equipment training. The other task is to prevent this war from escalating beyond Ukraine, to become a full-fledged conflict between NATO and Russia. And we do that partly by not sending in NATO troops. We're don't have any plans of sending NATO combat troops into Ukraine or to be directly involved in the fight.

And we also prevent escalation by increasing our military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, and Baltic countries, in Romania, and Poland, to remove any room for miscalculation in Moscow about our willingness to defend all Allies and by that preventing escalation beyond Ukraine.

The fact that that we are delivering equipment to Ukraine doesnt make NATO party to the conflict. We have the right to support Ukraine without becoming a party to the conflict because we're helping Ukraine to uphold the right for self-defence. Some Allies have never imposed restrictions on how to use weapons that are provided to Ukraine. And actually, when they delivered the weapons to Ukraine, they are Ukrainian weapons. Again, these are national decisions. Different considerations have been made. But I strongly believe that those Allies who have decided to not have restrictions, they don't make NATO party to the conflict and that will of course also be the case for other Allies.

Question

What can you tell us about recent arson and sabotage attacks across NATO countries including Poland, Sweden, the UK, Germany? And we had the Dutch National Security Agency warning about vulnerability and the possibility that Russia is orchestrating these. Some ministers have told us that they think that this is an attack on within NATO countries, and may present you with an excuse to escalate.

NATO Secretary General

We have seen several arrests across the Alliance in different NATO Allied countries of people who are accused of arson, of sabotage. These are of course ongoing legal processes. But what I can say is that we have seen increased Russian intelligence activity across the Alliance. Therefore we have increased our vigilance. We have our own services who are very closely monitoring what the Russians are doing. And it is important that also nations are taking actions by the arrests and the legal processes which have now started in the UK, in Germany, in Poland and in other countries.

It just demonstrates that we need to be prepared. We need to be ready. And we need to share intelligence. We need to exchange information to counter these different types of hybrid activities, aiming at undermining the ability of NATO Allies to provide support to Ukraine.

And it demonstrates also how serious the situation is and how important it is that we continue to have a strong NATO Alliance deterring a military attack against NATO Allies.

Question

The Netherlands has taken command of the NATO Mission to Iraq last week. Do you think anything will be changed?

NATO Secretary General

It will be the same mission with the same mandate. But of course, I welcome that the Netherlands is taking on the responsibility of leading the NATO Mission in Iraq. The NATO Mission in Iraq is important too. We welcome the close cooperation with the Iraqi government. Everything we do in Iraq is based on an invitation from the Iraqi government. But we help the Iraqi security institutions, security forces to ensure that ISIS does not return as a big, dangerous power in Iraq, which is dangerous for Iraq but also for NATO Allies.

Question

Putin is asking for peace negotiations. What would you tell him? What's your reply to this?

NATO Secretary General

This war can end tomorrow if the government, the country that started the war, President Putin stops to attack Ukraine. The challenge is that we see no signs that President Putin, Russia is planning to end this war. On the opposite, were seeing that theyre stepping up.

So it's for the Ukrainians to decide what are acceptable conditions for an agreement. What we know as NATO Allies is that what happens around the negotiating table is closely linked to the strength on the battlefield. So, if we want a negotiated solution where Russia accepts that Ukraine has to prevail as a sovereign independent nation in Europe, then the only way to get there is to give military support to Ukraine so they can demonstrate for President Putin that he will not win on the battlefield. He will not get control over Ukraine by using military force, but has to sit down and accept the sovereign independent Ukraine also in the future. Thank you so much.
Boris Johnson pictured holding Ukrainian neo-Nazi banner

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has joined fighters from Ukraines notorious neo-Nazi Azov unit to pose for a photo while holding a banner bearing a symbol associated with the Third Reichs SS.

(Article republished from RT.com)

The controversy erupted on Wednesday when several members of the Azov brigade, widely known for its neo-Nazi ideology and outlawed in Russia, were greeted by British MPs as part of a roundtable discussion on the return of the units prisoners of war in the UK Parliament.

Founded as a neo-Nazi militia in 2014, Azov was a key participant in the fighting in Donbass prior to the outbreak of full-blown hostilities in 2022. During this time it was accused by the UN and several human rights organizations of engaging in torture, rape, and looting. It was eventually integrated into Ukraines National Guard, and in 2023 was expanded to a brigade.

The event was chaired by MP Victoria Prentis, attorney general of England and Wales. Johnson also met with the Azov brigade fighters, touting them as heroes and urging the West to give Kiev more weapons and the authority to carry out strikes outside their own borders, including on Russian soil.

We rely wholly on such heroes as the people who are here tonight with us, from the Azov brigade, he added.

Johnson also posed for a photo with the Azov fighters while holding a yellow banner with the Wolfsangel (wolfs hook) insignia. The symbol was used by several German divisions during World War II, including the 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich, which was notorious for its war crimes, particularly against the Jewish and French populations.

While the photo-op was largely ignored by the British media, it caused a firestorm on social media, with some users accusing Johnson of insulting the memory of hundreds of thousands of Brits who died fighting the Nazi ideology.

The Russian Embassy in London denounced what it called a grotesque spectacle in the UK Parliament, pointing to Azovs record of war crimes.

Moscow has also claimed that Johnson was responsible for derailing Russian-Ukrainian peace talks in Istanbul in the spring of 2022. Russian officials have insisted that the negotiations, which revolved around Ukraines neutrality, initially made progress but later collapsed after Johnson allegedly advised Kiev to continue fighting. Johnson has denied the accusation.

Read more at: RT.com
European Commission member claims its fact-checking tech is already influencing the behavior of EU citizens

A leading member of the European Commission (EC)  the main executive body of the European Union (EU)  claims that its fact-checking infrastructure has already influenced the behavior of European citizens

Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova made this claim, stating: "We believe our fact-checking is already influencing user behavior."

"We see that when people realize something is wrong with the material, they often refrain from sharing it with friends on social media," she said. (Related: ELECTION INTERFERENCE: Google launching "anti-misinformation" campaign in five European countries ahead of EU Parliament elections in June.)

The EU has embraced the use of "fact-checking" technology to deal with the alleged spread of so-called mis- and disinformation. To help with the use of this tech, the EU has established the European Digital Media Observatory and introduced new digital regulations, fact-checking systems and legislation to counter the spread of so-called misinformation through artificial intelligence (AI).

In proving her claim that the EU's fact-checking tech has already worked for the benefit of the EC, she quoted studies which reveal that as many as 70 to 80 percent of people in the EU "are aware of the problem" of misinformation. These studies do not address how susceptible people are to supposedly false content or their tendency to believe certain stories over others.

Jourova is a strong believer in using modern technology to expose so-called disinformation and educate users to spot "deepfake" images and videos that may be generated by AI.

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.

EU claims concerns about disinformation are prevalent as Parliament vote approaches

Jourova made this claim during her EC-sponsored "Democracy Tour," wherein she is visiting several EU nations to raise awareness about disinformation and the creation of deepfake images and videos aimed at misleading voters ahead of the EU Parliament election.

Jourova claims that the forthcoming election, scheduled to take place between June 6 and 9, is a critical test of the EU's ability to counter so-called disinformation. She expressed concern over Russia specifically and the Kremlin's alleged increased efforts to spread false narratives to influence the outcome of the election.

"Russia has a specific strategy for each member state. We can expect new alarming stories about how migrants threaten our peaceful lives, or that the European Parliament will quickly ban combustion cars," Jourova said. She added that Russia's alleged disinformation campaign often mixes lies with small amounts of truth, making them convincing and dangerous.

She added that while a lot of the narratives supposedly spread by Russian actors are not new  such as attempting to convince Europeans to abandon support for Ukraine  they aim to undermine trust in the EU and the solidarity between member-nations.

Furthermore, she noted that the claims are being aided by new technologies, like social media and digital channels. Jourova even suggested that Russia is using gaming channels to disseminate propaganda.

"Only after the election will we be able to assess whether our measures have been effective," said Jourova. "I want to warn Europeans: You will be the target of disinformation."

Watch this episode of "The Highwire" with Del Digtree discussing how the European Parliament censors its conservative members.

This video is from the PureTrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

YouTube openly brags about how it's openly manipulating elections by banning videos that don't represent establishment narratives.

EU passes landmark AI law ensuring "safety" of rapidly developing technology  but will free speech be allowed?

Google launches censorship measures to rig EU Parliamentary elections.

ECFR warns: European Council to take a sharp RIGHT TURN in coming elections as center-left, green parties lose voter support.

European Union adopts resolution that criminalizes "hate speech"  which can mean almost anything.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

TVPWorld.com

Brighteon.com
ICC issues statement outlining arrest warrants for Israels alleged war crimes in Gaza

International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC issued a statement this week about the arrest warrants he has filed for against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the Zionist war cabinet.

Khan filed applications for the warrants before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC regarding the situation in what he called "the State of Palestine," or the land strip that others refer to as Gaza, the Gaza Strip or Palestine.

Evidence collected by Khan's office has led him to believe based on "reasonable grounds" that not only Israel but also Hamas and its leaders bear responsibility for committing acts of atrocity and war crimes in Gaza and Israel.

Named as defendants in Khan's arrest warrants on the Hamas side are:

-Yahya Sinwar, head of the Islamic Resistance Movement, also known as Hamas, in Gaza

- Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, more commonly known as DEIF, the Commander-in-Chief of Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas

- Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas Political Bureau

Khan cited the following international laws as being violated both by Hamas and by Israel:

- Extermination as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(b) of the Rome Statute;

- Murder as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(a), and as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i);

- Taking hostages as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(iii);

- Rape and other acts of sexual violence as crimes against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(g), and also as war crimes pursuant to article 8(2)(e)(vi) in the context of captivity;

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.

- Torture as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(f), and also as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i), in the context of captivity;

- Other inhumane acts as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(l)(k), in the context of captivity;

- Cruel treatment as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i), in the context of captivity; and

- Outrages upon personal dignity as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(ii), in the context of captivity

"We submit that the crimes against humanity charged were part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Israel by Hamas and other armed groups pursuant to organisational policies," Khan wrote in his statement.

"Some of these crimes, in our assessment, continue to this day."

(Related: Gaza is just days away from completely running out of food.)

Israel and Hamas both committed war crimes

Sinwar, DEIF and Haniyeh are all mentioned as being specifically responsible for the killing of hundreds of Israeli civilian lives on October 7, which then prompted Israel to respond with a full-scale war that is still unfolding.

Khan's office's investigation included conducting interviews with victims, survivors and eyewitnesses, including former hostages and eyewitnesses from six major attack locations: Kfar Aza; Holit; the location of the Supernova Music Festival; Be'eri; Nir Oz; and Nahal Oz.

"The investigation also relies on evidence such as CCTV footage, authenticated audio, photo and video material, statements by Hamas members including the alleged perpetrators named above, and expert evidence," Khan further revealed.

"It is the view of my Office that these individuals planned and instigated the commission of crimes on 7 October 2023, and have through their own actions, including personal visits to hostages shortly after their kidnapping, acknowledged their responsibility for those crimes. We submit that these crimes could not have been committed without their actions. They are charged both as co-perpetrators and as superiors pursuant to Articles 25 and 28 of the Rome Statute."

Be sure to read the full statement to more deeply understand what the ICC is trying to do.

Will Israel get away with committing genocide in Gaza? Find out more at Prophecy.news.

Sources for this article include:

ICC-CPI.int

NaturalNews.com
Israel seizes equipment from the Associated Press in latest assault on free speech and the press

The Associated Press (AP) is no longer allowed in Israel after the Zionist state raided the media outlet's facility in the southern town of Sderot.

Located just two kilometers from Gaza, the AP facility and those who worked inside it were deemed to be in violation of a new media law decreed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that prohibits news outlets from talking about the situation in Gaza outside the approved script.

(Related: Earlier this year, Netanyahu banned Al Jazeera from Israel for reporting truth about his genocide in Gaza. And since the AP was allowing its live broadcast to be re-transmitted by Al Jazeera, Israeli law enforcement took action.)

According to reports, Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi signed a document that was handed to the AP stating that the media outlet is in violation of Israel's controversial foreign broadcaster law. The AP's live feed was then forcibly cut and its equipment confiscated by Israeli authorities.

The AP also reported that it previously received a verbal order from Israel to cease all further live transmissions. Because the AP refused to follow the order, its offices were raided and ransacked.

Why can't Israel stop lying and censoring?

Israel's claim is the Al Jazeera, a media outlet based in Qatar, engaged in "incitement" of terrorism for the way it has been reporting the Israel-Gaza conflict. Al Jazeera's offices were forcibly closed on May 5 and all associated websites are now blocked in Israel.

In a statement, Karhi indicated that this is only the beginning, should other media outlets refuse to obey Netanyahu's decree. The Israeli government, he said, will "continue to take whatever enforcement action is required to limit broadcasts that harm the security of the state."

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.

Strangely enough, most of what the AP was broadcasting from Sderot was just smoke and explosions rising over northern Gaza. Israel says this live feed was putting its Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers at risk, which is why it had to be censored.

"The shutdown was not based on the content of the feed but rather an abusive use by the Israeli government of the country's new foreign broadcaster law," said Lauren Easton, the AP's vice president of corporate communications about Israel's lies.

"We urge the Israeli authorities to return our equipment and enable us to reinstate our live feed immediately so we can continue to provide this important visual journalism to thousands of media outlets around the world," she added.

In the comments over at RT, numerous people noticed that Israel's censorship and intimidation playbook is nothing new throughout history.

"Israel shuts down The Associated Press news agency for fear of the truth of genocide being revealed," one of them said.

"The last thing they want is for the truth to come out, but the cat's already out of the bag," said another.

"I'm surprised they didn't just blast them with rockets and bombs like they usually do," wrote someone else about Israel and the way it tends to handle conflicts.

"They are worse than the Nazis," said another. "First thing you do to hide your crimes is shut down the free press. Then you start propaganda and sell it as fact. Everyone knows this  who are they kidding?'

Keep in mind that not all Jewish people support what Israel is doing. And when we say "Israel," we are referring to the government, which does not represent many of the people who live in Israel and simply want peace.

"They are very good at seizing things that don't belong to them," wrote another commenter about Israel.

Israel is about to face a serious rude awakening. Learn more at IsraelCollapse.com.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

NaturalNews.com
NATO diverts attention from losses in Ukraine, declares support for LGBTQ+ ideology

Amid the ongoing and escalating conflict in Ukraine, where Russia seemed to be making major gains, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has a more important announcement: its all-out support for the LGBTQ+ ideology proliferation

On May 17, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the intergovernmental military alliance exists to spread LGBTQ+ values.

"#NATO exists to defend 32 nations, and our peoples' right to live freely and in peace. On the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and every day: all love is equal. LGBTQ+ people deserve respect and dignity and I am proud to call myself your ally," he said and ended the social media post with the hashtag #IDAHOBIT.

Critics believe that the NATO leader is just diverting the public's attention away from Ukraine and its Western allies' failure to sustain the war they have waged against the Eurasian nation. Kyiv has recently admitted its military workforce is in critical shortage. It is even requesting for "trainers" from the West to be deployed in the beleaguered nation so that they can train recruits faster and send them in the frontlines in no time. (Related: NATO to overstep Russia's red line as it mulls sending troops to train Ukrainian armed forces.)

Since the beginning of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, Stoltenberg has been particularly vocal about NATO's values and why it's an institution that has to be trusted despite its long track record of causing instability abroad from Serbia to Libya. NATO, founded in 1949, was established to counter the Soviet Unions influence on the European continent.

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.

"In fact, the alliance's creation was part of a broader effort to serve three purposes: Deterring Soviet expansionism, forbidding the revival of nationalist militarism in Europe through a strong North American presence on the continent and encouraging European political integration," its website indicated.

But ever since the Soviet Union collapsed, "NATO has worked to remake the world in Americas increasingly dysfunctional image," Big League Politics' Jose Nino said in an article. "Moreover, it teams up with a consortium of non-profit organizations to promote values such as sexual deviancy through soft power means. More importantly, it is an entangling military alliance with a crusading ideology that is a threat to world peace."

Analysts believe nations in their proper state of mind, especially the U.S., would be wise to exit this alliance altogether and chart their own paths on the world stage.

Meanwhile, IDAHOBIT is celebrated annually, marking the World Health Organization's decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a disease. During last year's "celebration," Stoltenberg said "NATO's strength is our diversity, stressing that "it is important that we reflect and celebrate the extraordinary diversity of our populations." He added that every member of the LGBTQ+ community "deserves dignity and respect."

Former NATO head wants West to accelerate help to Ukraine

For former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, it is time for the West to "wake up," when it comes to Russia's war in Ukraine. "The damage done by our hesitancy can be counted in Ukrainian lives," he said on Tuesday at an Atlantic Council event hosted by the Eurasia Center.

Rasmussen called for Western allies to accelerate military support to Ukraine during the said event, where American, European and Ukrainian officials and experts in mapping out their recommendations for what the alliance should achieve for Ukraine at July's NATO Summit in Washington, are present.

Over the past two years, "our soldiers had to buy time for the Western decision-makers far too often," Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak said. Ahead of the summit, Rasmussen and Yermak led a working group to consolidate recommendations from former leaders across the Alliance.

Rasmussen also recommended that Kyiv should be invited to the said summit and also set a target date for Ukraine's NATO membership no later than July 2028. Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss also spoke virtually at the event, agreeing that she wants Ukraine to become a NATO member "as soon as possible" so that the alliance is "able to collectively defend against future threats from authoritarian regimes."

Yermak argued that an invitation to NATO for Ukraine would not only be cost-effective in bolstering the Alliance's defenses, but it would also be "an acknowledgment of Ukrainian bravery and their struggle for freedom." He added that "if Ukraine stands, Europe stands. If Ukraine falls, the Kremlin will choose its next victim."

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who urged Washington to "move at the speed of relevance, not the speed of bureaucracy" to support Ukraine reiterated Rasmussen's appeal.

Visit CultureWars.news to read more stories on governments pushing for woke and gay ideologies.

Watch the video below where the Hungarian foreign minister slams Western allies for their failed Ukraine strategy.

This video is from the Vampire Slayer channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Russia warns of expanding military buffer zone if Ukraine acquires U.S. long-range missiles.

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Sources include:

BigLeaguePolitics.com

NATO.int 1

NATO.int 2

AtlanticCouncil.org

Brighteon.com
Blinken: White House ready to collaborate with Congress in imposing sanctions on the ICC for daring to call for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed the readiness of the administration of President Joe Biden to collaborate with Congress in imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) officials following their pursuit of arrest warrants against Israeli officials

This comes after Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) called on Blinken to support sanctions against the ICC, emphasizing the need for tangible actions. Blinken responded by denouncing the ICC's decision as "profoundly wrong-headed," warning of its potential impact on reaching a hostage deal. Blinken also affirmed the administration's willingness to engage in bipartisan efforts to sanction the ICC.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced arrest warrants on May 20 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, Hamas Chief in the Gaza Strip Yahya Sinwar, Hamas Chairman of the Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh and Hamas Commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades Mohammed Deif. Khan cited reasonable grounds to believe that these five individuals are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. (Related: ICC seeks arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.)

Biden strongly criticized the ICC's issuing of arrest warrants, rejecting the perceived equivalence between Netanyahu's government and Hamas. He emphasized Israel's commitment to civilian protection and clarified during a White House reception honoring Jewish American Heritage Month that the situation does not amount to genocide.

Despite ongoing criticism, the U.S. has continued to support Israel militarily. The White House informed Congress of plans for a new $1 billion weapons package for Israel, despite withholding a previous shipment following concerns over aggressions against Rafah.

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.

Israeli allies grapple with how to be supportive of both Israel and the ICC

Khan's move has stirred a unique diplomatic quandary among U.S. allies over how to balance support for both Israel and the ICC.

The action, a groundbreaking attempt to pursue a sitting, Western-backed head of state, awaits review by ICC judges, who hold the power to amend, reject or approve it. Yet, his entry into the globally divisive Israeli-Palestinian conflict has led some of the ICC's staunch supporters to question their allegiances.

Ahead of Khan's announcement, prosecutors had briefed select capitals, including Paris, London and Berlin, facilitating coordinated reactions from governments. However, many have refrained from stating their response should warrants be issued against Israeli leaders, citing the delicate balancing act required.

A German government official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the complexity of the situation, highlighting Berlin's dual commitment to Israel's security and to supporting the independence of the ICC and its prosecutors.

In Europe, divisions over Khan's decision underscore deeper international rifts regarding the quest of Palestinians for statehood. This divide was highlighted when several countries  Ireland, Norway and Spain  announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state.

All 27 European Union countries are ICC members, with EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell emphasizing their obligation to uphold the court's decisions. However, political disparities among European powers regarding the conflict and their commitment to international justice have come to the fore.

While some countries, such as Britain, an ICC member since 2001, have expressed reservations about potential ICC warrants for Israelis, others have emphasized the importance of respecting the ICC's independence and impartiality.

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani opposed equating Hamas' actions with the response of a democratically elected government, warning that ICC warrants could fuel antisemitism. Meanwhile, Ireland's Foreign Minister Micheal Martin emphasized the need to respect the ICC's independence, while Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala condemned the prosecutor's request as appalling and unacceptable.

France reiterated its support for the ICC and its fight against impunity, emphasizing the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law. Spain welcomed the ICC prosecutor's request, asserting the application of international law to all parties involved.

Watch this episode of "TruNews" discussing the ICC's arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas officials.

This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. Congress FREAKS after ICC issues arrest warrants for both Israel and Hamas, threatens sanctions against international court.

House GOP members pull out all the stops to protect Israel but do very little to denounce lawfare tactics targeting Trump.

AIPAC-funded Republicans threaten ICC: "Target Israel and we will target you."

Twelve Israel-first U.S. senators just committed a FEDERAL FELONY by threatening judges over Netanyahu ICC arrest warrant.

ICC warns against attempts to intimidate the court into not issuing arrest warrants against Netanyahu, other Israeli officials.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
EU foreign policy head: Member nations OBLIGED to arrest Netanyahu after ICC issues arrest warrant

A senior politician in Brussels has reiterated that member nations of the European Union are obliged to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by virtue of an arrest warrant set to be issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Josep Borrell, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, made this remark on May 21. In a statement issued on that day, the Spanish politician emphasized that compliance with the arrest warrant will be legally mandatory for all EU member states.

Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, both named in the arrest warrant, would be apprehended if they went to any country in Europe. Aside from the Israeli officials, three Hamas leaders  Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh  are also included in the warrant.

"I take note of the decision of the ICC [chief] prosecutor to apply for warrants of arrest before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC," Borrell posted on X. "The mandate of the ICC, as an independent international institution, is to prosecute the most serious crimes under international law. All states that have ratified the ICC statutes are bound to execute [its] decisions." (Related: ICC moves forward in seeking arrests of Netanyahu, Hamas leaders.)

Borrell also mentioned that the EU had "noted" the ICC's ruling. The entire European continent, save for Turkey and Ukraine, ratified the Rome Statute that gave birth to the ICC. Thus, countries there are bound by the statute and must capture those deemed wanted by the world court, news outlet Great Game India noted.

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 ICC can prosecute crimes against humanity, which are serious violations committed as part of a large-scale attack against any civilian population. The 15 forms of crimes against humanity listed in the Rome Statute includes offenses such as murder, rape, imprisonment, enforced disappearances, enslavement  particularly of women and children, sexual slavery, torture, apartheid and deportation."

Great Game India also mentioned that the ICC's arrest warrant "might affect the destinations that Israeli leaders visit across the globe. Any countries the Israeli officials named in the warrant plan to visit that are also bound by the Rome Statute will most likely refrain from apprehending them due to diplomatic pressure.

ICC chief: Leaders of both Israel and Hamas "bore criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity"

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, who applied for the arrest warrants, issued a statement regarding his move. According to him, both leaders of Hamas and Israel "bore criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity from at least Oct. 7, 2023."

"The war crimes alleged in these applications were committed in the context of an international armed conflict between Israel and Palestine, and a non-international armed conflict between Israel and Hamas running in parallel. We submit that the crimes against humanity charged were part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Israel by Hamas and other armed groups pursuant to organizational policies. Some of these crimes, in our assessment, continue to this day," Khan wrote in his statement.

U.S. President Joe Biden earlier dubbed the ICC's efforts to secure arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant "outrageous." Washington remains Tel Aviv's strongest ally, amid many nations in the world rebuking Israel for its atrocities in the Gaza Strip.

"Let me be clear: Whatever this [chief] prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence  none  between Israel and Hamas," Biden said in a statement. "It's clear Israel wants to do all it can to ensure civilian protection. What's happening is not genocide."

But U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), himself a Jew, expressed support toward the ICC's decision in a statement. "The ICC [chief] prosecutor is right to take these actions," he said. "[It is] imperative that the global community uphold international law."

Head over to IsraelCollapse.com for more stories about the ongoing conflict in Israel.

Watch this MSNBC report about U.S. President Joe Biden "totally rejecting" the ICC's application for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

ICC warns against attempts to intimidate the court into not issuing arrest warrants against Netanyahu, other Israeli officials.

Tlaib urges ICC to ARREST NETANYAHU after the Israeli leader's decision to invade Rafah.

Israeli sources: Netanyahu confessed to Biden that he is AFRAID of ICC arrest warrants.

Sources include:

GreatGameIndia.com

BBC.com

Edition.CNN.com

Brighteon.com
CIA is involved in domestic censorship collusion with Big Tech, bombshell report reveals

A bombshell report recently proved that the government's intel arm colludes with Big Tech to impose domestic censorship

Unlike the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the law strictly prohibits Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employees to spy or run clandestine operations against Americans in the United States. However, a new Twitter Files investigation has revealed that a member of the Board of Trustees of the CIA's mission-driven venture capital firm and "former" intelligence community (IC) and CIA analysts were involved in a 2021-2022 effort to take over Twitter's content management system.

Bestselling author and independent journalist Michael Shellenberger disclosed on May 23 that the said "project" between CIA and tech companies involved a long-time IC contractor and senior Department of Defense research and development official who spent years developing technologies to detect whistleblowers like Wikileaks' leakers. It also implicated the proposed head of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) aborted Disinformation Governance Board Nina Jankowicz, who aided U.S. military and NATO "hybrid war" operations in Europe.

TWITTER FILES - CIA The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is the most famous of the 18 US government agencies that comprise the Intelligence Community (IC) of the United States of America. Unlike the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the law strictly prohibits CIA  Michael Shellenberger (@shellenberger) May 23, 2024

On June 11, 2020, a little-known book publisher published Jankowicz's "How to Lose the Information War: Russia, Fake News and the Future of Conflict," which argues for an "info war" like the kind the U.S. government waged in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. She compared the lack of regulation of speech on social media regulations to the lack of government regulation of automobiles in the 1960s. She called for a "cross-platform" and public-private approach, so whatever actions are taken are taken by Google, Facebook and Twitter, simultaneously.

She also cited Europe as the model for regulating speech. "Germany's NetzDG law requires social media companies and other content hosts to remove 'obviously illegal' speech within twenty-four hours," she said, "or face a fine of up to $50 million." In the U.S. "Congress has yet to pass a bill imposing even the most basic of regulations related to social media and election advertising," she lamented.

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.

Meanwhile, Jim Baker, who helped start the "Russiagate" hoax and urged Twitter executives to censor the New York Post story on the contents of presidential son Hunter Biden's laptop, was also implicated in the collusion efforts. "These existing or former IC employees, contractors or intermediaries weren't satisfied with simply controlling Twitter. They also wanted to use PayPal, Amazon Web Services and GoDaddy in a totalizing effort to de-platform, de-monetize and excommunicate from the Internet entirely those individuals that the IC et al. deems to be a threat," Shellenberger exposed.

He further expressed that the investigation may still need more information. "We do not know if officials within the CIA or any other IC organization ran the operation. It is possible that the only individuals involved in the effort were the ones we discovered. And none of the individuals involved responded to our request for information except for one," he pointed out. (Related: A global censorship prison built by the women of the CIA.)

Biden weaponizes FCC after CIA and FBI

In a recent opinion article by J. Michael Waller of Fox News, he indicated that Biden's Federal Communications Commission, an independent federal agency that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable across the United States, is being weaponized and is getting more dangerous than the FBI.

"Recovering from the spook revelations in the Twitter Files, the central government is increasingly marginalizing, censoring and silencing the free speech of Americans who express views that unaccountable bureaucrats believe should not be permitted," the story said. The harmless-looking FCC is making two power grabs aimed at Internet Service Providers (ISP), critics said. ISPs, as they are known, are the the companies that own and run the infrastructure that provides access to the Internet.

"We can thank dissident FCC commissioner Brendan Carr for sounding the alarm. The FCC agenda goes far beyond the FBIs comparatively narrow suppression of individual accounts that the Twitter Files revealed," Waller said, adding that Carr warned that the FCC's power grab will allow the agency to grant privileges to politically compliant ISPs and to punish the politically non-compliant.

"President Biden gave the FCC its marching orders," Carr said last October. "The President called on the FCC to implement a one-page section of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act [Infrastructure Act] by adopting new rules of breathtaking scope, all in the name of digital equity"

Last year, a federal court issued a judgment against the administration, showing that some of those supposed "conspiracy theories" were actually true. The Missouri v Biden case ruling indicated that the central machine engaged in "coerced censorship" with social media companies to silence citizens with the wrong views. Judge Terry Doughty even cited the United States Government as seemingly having assumed a role similar to an Orwellian "Ministry of Truth" from the novel "1984."

Of course, Biden's legal team appealed the case. Back in March, it was argued before the Supreme Court. The administration admitted it seeks to "coerce" certain forms of censorship. It complained that victims and individual states were using the courts "to audit all of the executive branch's communications with and about social media platforms."

Check out Censorship.news to read more about how the government is working with tech giants to suppress Americans' voices.

Sources for this article include:

WorldTribune.com

FoxNews.com
DEA freaking out over Narco drug cartel network and its ties to China

The vast majority of fentanyl flooding across the U.S. southern border into South Dakota, anyway, comes from Mexico  but the chemicals used to make that fentanyl come from China, a new report warns.

Data from the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) National Drug Threat Assessment 2024 shows that both the southern and northern borders are seeing back-and-forth travel of Mexican drug cartels that are getting their drug ingredients from the world's largest communist dictatorship.

"This border security is critical," commented Minnehaha County Sheriff Michael Milstead during a recent Sioux Falls, S.D., crime report about the region's high-intensity drug trafficking area (HIDTA). "It has made every sheriff in America a border sheriff, and every city in our country a border city."

Last year, the aforementioned report reveals, some 27,000 pounds of fentanyl were seized at the border. Overall, about 549,000 pounds of illegal drugs were seized at the border last year.

According to the same report, seaports under cartel control are "receiving, distributing and influencing" regions all across the United States, meaning the cartels are now in charge of many of America's points of entry.

"The Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels are at the heart of this crisis," claims DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. "These two cartels are global criminal enterprises that have developed global supply chain networks. They rely on chemical companies and pill press companies in China to supply the precursor chemicals and pill presses needed to manufacture the drugs."

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.

"They operate clandestine labs in Mexico where they manufacture these drugs, and then utilize their vast distribution networks to transport the drugs into the United States. They rely on associates in the United States to distribute the drugs at a retail level on the streets and on social media."

(Related: Did you know that pharmaceuticals are the leading cause of death in America today?)

Chinese money laundering organizations helping Mexican drug cartels

According to Milgram, Mexican drug cartels are more easily able to pull off these kinds of drug deliveries into the U.S. because various Chinese money laundering organizations are helping them to move their profits from America to Mexico, and also from America deep into South America.

"Drug trafficking organizations based in Mexico and South America are increasingly utilizing China based underground banking systems as their primary money laundering mechanism," Milgram explained.

It used to be that the biggest problem at America's southern border were illegals who tried to enter illicitly simply to work and send money back home. Now, the biggest problem is these massive drug cartels and their exploitation of our country's weak border protection situation.

"It used to be people coming to America to try to work, maybe send money back, just seasonal work," said former Western Sheriff's Association President Fred Lamphere of Butte County in a statement to reporters. "Those demographics changed to people sneaking into the country, using cartel, cartel using them to bring in illegal drugs, and then they're in debt to the cartel."

"Most of it is occurring through Washington State and New Hampshire. A lot of that is drugs as well coming through and they've made some big seizures of the drug, but groups of people as well."

Minnehaha County, S.D., is being especially hard hit by these cartels with a recent South Dakota searchlight report showing a major backlog of warrants in the area. In 2023 alone, the county sheriff's office served more than 14,000 warrants, this in a county that has a population of only around 204,000 people.

Drugs are big business, which is why there is so much fighting between governments over who gets to control them. Learn more at BadMedicine.news.

Sources for this article include:

LawEnforcementToday.com

NaturalNews.com

SouthDakotaSearchlight.com
Illinois legislature passes bill relabeling convicted criminals from offenders to justice-impacted individuals

State legislators in Illinois have approved a bill that will relabel convicted criminals from "offenders" to "justice-impacted individuals."

The specific proposed law is House Bill 4409, approved by the Democrat-controlled Illinois General Assembly, would amend the Illinois Crime Reduction Act of 2009 to change "references from 'offenders' to 'justice-impacted individuals.'" (Related: Cartel-linked illegal remains free after shooting a transgender migrant in Chicago.)

The term change will only affect individuals in the Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI) program, an initiative that aims to lower the occurrence of recidivism in the state by connecting offenders to rehabilitation programs.

"The Crime Reduction Act is based on the premise that crime can be reduced and the costs of the criminal justice system can be controlled by understanding and addressing the reasons why people commit crimes," said the state of the ARI, which was created to provide financial incentives to local communities to find alternatives to incarceration for certain offenders by providing grants to counties to reduce the number of first-time offenders they send to prison. "It also acknowledges that local jurisdictions know best what resources are necessary to reduce crime in their communities."

"This is good public safety policy. I know we're getting hung up on a term, but I don't want to lose sight that we are adding the [Illinois Department of Corrections] to this bill," argued state Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago). "We're trying to make sure that everybody has involvement in this program."

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.

State Democrats claim the term change is important to allow Illinoisans with criminal records who are in rehabilitation programs through the ARI not to be too intimately connected to their past mistakes.

This is what State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) argued in April when the bill was still being debated in the Illinois State House of Representatives.

"So, carrying a label of offender for life does not seem appropriate for a system in which we intend to return people to full participation in society," said Cassidy, who believes people should not be defined by their worst day.

The bill was passed by the Illinois State House of Representatives back in April by a partisan vote, with 68 in favor and 40 against. On Tuesday, May 21, the Illinois Senate passed the bill by another largely partisan vote with 34 in favor and 20 against.

The bill now goes to Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk. His office has not made it clear whether Pritzker would support the bill by signing it or send it back to the General Assembly with a veto.

Republicans warn language change portrays lack of empathy for victims

Before the Illinois Senate voted to pass the bill, Republicans argued that the effort to change the language in the criminal code portrayed a lack of empathy for the victims of violent crimes and proved that state Democrats were not concerned for public safety.

"Change this, change that, the only thing you don't want to change is the behavior of criminals," said state Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield). "And guess who is paying for that right now? Victims all across the state. I urge a no vote."

State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) argued that making this term change could hurt Illinois taxpayers.

"Over and over again, we keep changing the name of how we are referring to those who have entered criminal activity, and each time we make that change, each agency has to make that change on every one of their documents," argued Bryant. "Right now, in the Department of Corrections, there are multiple changes that have been made, and it's costing thousands of dollars just to do a name change."

Watch this clip from "No Spin News" on The First as host Bill O'Reilly discusses the disaster that is the City of Chicago.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

High unemployment rates, high taxes and population exodus pushing Illinois to the brink of collapse.

Alderman blasts Chicago's $9K in monthly freebies for each illegal immigrant in the city.

Chicago crowned MURDER CAPITAL of the United States for 12th consecutive year.

NO MORE AMERICAN DREAM: Illegals are leaving "sanctuary city" Chicago due to harsh living conditions.

Violent criminals allowed to roam free in Illinois thanks to no-cash bail policy.

Sources include:

RT.com

TheHill.com

MyStateline.com

WGNTV.com

Brighteon.com
Israeli airstrike on Gaza refugee camp in Rafah decapitates small child, kills dozens

An Israeli airstrike on a tent city full of displaced Palestinians on Sunday decapitated a small child and killed dozens of civilians.

(Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com)

From AP, "Palestinian medics say Israeli airstrikes kill 35 in Gaza's Rafah as displaced people are hit":

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. 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 2.3 million population had sought shelter before Israel's incursion earlier this month.

Whereas Israel lied about Hamas "beheading 40 babies" in one small kibbutz on October 7th, there's horrifically graphic video showing Israel decapitated a Palestinian child being shared all over social media (WARNING: GRAPHIC).

A large Israeli Telegram channel also shared the video for Israelis to laugh at (WARNING: GRAPHIC).

As a reminder, an Israeli government psyop division in February was exposed for having run a similar channel, "72 Virgins  Uncensored," which shared videos of atrocities the IDF were committing for Israelis to laugh about.

?#Breaking: Yinon Magal, a media proxy who describes himself as "a vehicle for Netanyahu's messages to the public," tweets that the catastrophe unfolding in Rafah is "The central bonfire of the year." (Today is Lag Ba'Omer, a Jewish holiday traditionally celebrated with https://t.co/LtPgzqbanx  Noga Tarnopolsky ??? ?????????? ???? ?????????? (@NTarnopolsky) May 26, 2024

An Israeli journalist reposted a photo of an Israeli soldier setting fire to Palestinians houses in Gaza, gloating the Israeli massacre in Rafah that burned hundreds of Palestinians while they slept in a displacement center. LG Ba'Omer is a Jewish holiday, celebrated today, pic.twitter.com/qyYHah93SH  Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 26, 2024

Graphic videos and photographs from Sunday's massacre show additional babies and children were killed in the attack and sleeping families were burned alive in the Jewish State's strikes.

These two videos are censored but are still graphic:

Displaced Palestinian families were burned alive as they slept in their displacement center barracks belonging to the UNRWA in Tal Al-Sultan, Rafah. This area was acclaimed "Safe" by Israel for Palestinians to move to after forcibly displacing them from southern Rafah and Khan pic.twitter.com/MjBwNxhL9t  Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 26, 2024

A child's head and legs were decapitated due to Israeli missiles dropped on a displacement center in Rafah, where entire families were completely wiped out in this massacre, with women, children, and the elderly burned to death. pic.twitter.com/XOkfMkMTOt  Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 26, 2024

These two are not graphic:

Breaking | At least 22 Palestinians were slaughtered in an Israeli massacre targeting displaced families near the UNRWA barracks. Israeli aircraft targeted their tents at a UN site in the Tel al-Sultan area west of Rafah. pic.twitter.com/DIM6W6yDL9  Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 26, 2024

??The moment the demonic terrorists conducted the airstrike on a civilian refugee camp in Rafah. pic.twitter.com/OoyLjUWpXX  War Monitor (@WarMonitors) May 26, 2024

Some 50 people were either killed or injured in the attack, according to Palestinian authorities.

BREAKING| The Civil Defense: Our teams have recovered approximately 50 individuals, including both victims and injured, following the targeting of the displaced camp in Rafah.#RafahMassacrepic.twitter.com/XFMokPC7qO  Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 26, 2024

As the AP noted, the International Court of Justice in the Hague ordered Israel to halt the invasion of Rafah just two days ago -- this was their response.

After seven months of brutal war, Israel has failed to achieve any of their core objectives -- killing Hamas's leadership, destroying Hamas's army, and returning their hostages -- and now they're lashing out by bombing a tent city full of women and children they ethnically cleansed from their homes.

This massacre was undoubtedly carried out with US bombs paid for by US taxpayers and supplied to Israel by the US government.

Read more at: InformationLiberation.com
Libertarians select gay, Antifa-loving, Trump-hating, vaccine mandate-supporting, open borders enthusiast as their presidential candidate

The Libertarian Party has selected their preferred presidential candidate after a tumultuous weekend that saw speeches from both RFK Jr. and leading GOP candidate and former president Donald Trump. The nominee is none other than Chase Oliver, the Antifa-loving, Drag Queen Story Hour-backing, vaccine mandate supporting, open border enthusiast who hates Trump. Oliver, who describes himself as "armed and gay" has a history of taking radically left-wing positions.

(Article by Thomas Stevenson republished from PostMillenial.com)

In the final round of voting at the Libertarian national convention, Oliver won with 60 percent of the vote, clearing the majority threshold to secure the nomination for the 2024 election. The voting itself took more than seven hours and seven rounds of elimination voting before Oliver got the nod from his party. Oliver beat out closest contender Michael Rectenwald, a former NYU professor, to take the nomination.

During his victory speech, Oliver said, "I will continue to bring a hopeful and positive message of liberty to both those who consider themselves libertarian and those who don't know they are libertarian yet." He also pledged to his party cohorts that "we can set the world free in our lifetimes" and would end the "genocide in Gaza."

Oliver called Trump an "authoritarian" and said that other Libertarians should not unite with him at the head of the Republican party. He also did not want him to address the convention unless he would stand to debate the Libertarian nominee.

There is no need to unify with an authoritarian like Trump. Voters deserve something better than that.  Chase Oliver (@ChaseForLiberty) May 2, 2024

Oliver has also defended Antifa, the leaderless group that wreaked havoc across the US during the George Floyd riots of 2020 and is the force behind the ongoing Atlanta Stop Cop City protests, which he also supports.

Oliver has consistently shared content from Antifa group pages on his Facebook account. He also compared those who fought in World War II to "antifascists." Oliver himself has claimed the label of being antifascist.

In 2020, when Trump said Antifa would be designated as a terrorist organization, Oliver shared a post from Spike Cohen defending the violent left-wing organization that said, "There is no Antifa organization" Oliver said, echoing the sentiments of leftist media outlets who made the same false claim.

He said he made "ending cash bail a central part of [his] 2020 run for Congress."

In addition to hating on Trump and showing favorability towards Antifa, Oliver has also stated that he is fine with Drag Queen Story Hour, which is a San Francisco based initiative that brings drag queens to libraries to read books to children about gender identity, because he claimed that the practice isn't sexualized.

Libertarian nominee Chase Oliver: 99% of drag queen story hours are fine for kids. If he had children, he says he'd bring them to one and leave them there. "It's just like the Wiggles" pic.twitter.com/grNYFtAVHQ  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) May 27, 2024

On other LGBTQ issues, Oliver is in favor of allowing minors to get puberty blockers as well as well as hormones for sex changes.

The guy they picked over Donald Trump because of principles or something https://t.co/y0CUjaa6fIpic.twitter.com/C9JwoQmCK2  ALX ?? (@alx) May 27, 2024

Oliver posted in 2021 that businesses should also be able to implement vaccine mandates for their employees. He only took issue with mandates when it reached the level of the government imposing the mandates.

The LP just nominated a pro vaccine mandate candidate https://t.co/rcb3YMiG7L  Tim Pool (@Timcast) May 27, 2024

Oliver backed leftist President Barack Obama, saying in 2012 "Only 1 week away from the Obama fundraiser I am a part of. I hope to see all my dem and independent Facebook buddies come out. We will even take republicans :) as long as they are willing to donate."

The Libertarian Party just nominated an open Leftist who hosted a fundraiser for Barack Obama in GEORGIA! This guy is a plant to get Biden reelected. If you believe in Liberty, its time to get on the Trump Train!#Trump2024pic.twitter.com/yw3J9uKmnK  TJ Roberts (@realTJRoberts) May 27, 2024

Oliver supports open border policies and has said that the United States does not need border security. He would prefer that Immigration and Customs Enforcement be abolished, as would so many Antifa militants.

Read more at: PostMillenial.com
Louisiana classifies abortion pills as controlled DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES

Louisiana has become the first state in the United States to classify two abortion-inducing medications as controlled dangerous substances after Gov. Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 276 a day after the State Legislature sent it to his desk.

Mifepristone, one of the two drugs used in a chemical abortion regimen, is usually taken to block the action of progesterone, a hormone secreted by the mother's body to nourish the child in the womb. Mifepristone kills the baby in the womb by deteriorating the lining of the uterus and cutting off blood and nutrients to the developing fetus. After this, the second drug misoprostol is then taken. Misoprostol will then cause contractions and bleeding, forcing the expulsion of the now-dead baby from the uterus.

In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approved mifepristone and misoprostol as safe and effective for terminating pregnancies. Back then, medical experts widely agreed that neither drug posed an addiction hazard. (Related: PILL HOARDERS: Maryland officials buy $1.2M worth of abortion pills prior to impending nationwide ban.)

But in SB 276 these medications are designated as Schedule IV drugs. The category, which is reserved for substances such as painkillers and mood-altering medications, requires greater oversight due to the potential for abuse or dependence. By reclassifying mifepristone and misoprostol, the law places them in the same category as anti-anxiety medications like Xanax and Valium. The classification of these drugs as Schedule IV substances was added to the legislation after it initially passed out of the State Senate.

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.

State Sen. Thomas Pressly (R-Shreveport) proposed the legislation after his sister was reportedly given misoprostol against her will.

The law mandates that giving abortion medication to a person without their consent would be considered a crime. Meanwhile, possession of the drugs without a valid prescription could lead to a felony charge, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.

However, the legislation exempts pregnant women in possession of the drugs for their own consumption from penalties and allows Louisiana doctors to continue prescribing the drugs. But then, a conviction for distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV drugs carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.

SB 276 aims to protect expectant mothers

The bill has sparked significant opposition from nearly 270 Louisiana physicians, healthcare providers and medical students.

In a letter to Pressly, the group argued that "neither mifepristone nor misoprostol have been shown to have any potential for abuse, dependence, public health risk, nor high rates of adverse side effects."

Additionally, critics argue that the bill could severely restrict access to essential care for women.

Michelle Erenberg, the executive director of the reproductive rights group Lift Louisiana, described the legislation as a "legitimate attempt to address a terrible crime" that had been "hijacked by anti-abortion activists."

"It is absurd that the state would continue to pass laws that will delay access to timely care for pregnant patients when we have one of the highest maternal death rates in the country," she said.

But Pressly, along with GOP lawmakers and anti-abortion groups, defended the legislation. Pressly said the law would not interfere with the legitimate prescribing or dispensing of the drugs. Instead, the bill aims to protect expectant mothers.

"This legislation is intended to stop the abortion industry from profiting off of abuse and trafficking of vulnerable women through their flagrantly illegal distribution of pills," said Sarah Zagorski, communications director for Louisiana Right to Life.

Visit Abortions.news for more stories about abortion drugs such as mifepristone and misoprostol.

Watch this video that talks about the Supreme Court's decision to restore access to mifepristone.

This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Abortion pills on demand as DRONES will deliver morning-after pills to customers.

REPORT: FDA used flawed studies, bad data to justify allowing abortion pills to be sent through the mail by pharmacists.

NO TO "ABORTION TRAFFICKING": Lubbock County Commissioners Court approves anti-abortion transport ban.

Pro-life groups sound alarm about new Alberta abortion clinic offering chemical abortion drugs via TELEMEDICINE.

RFK Jr. backpedals on "full-term abortion" stance, now insists abortion is okay "up until a certain number of weeks."

Sources include:

Reuters.com

NBCNews.com

MSN.com

Brighteon.com
Netanyahus war cabinet gives in to pressure from families of female soldiers captured by Hamas, decides to resume truce talks with militant group

Following the release of a video featuring female soldiers being held hostage by Hamas, the Israel war cabinet has decided to resume truce talks with the militant group.

The video that went viral on social media was released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a body established by the families of the abductees who were kidnapped in Gaza as part of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

Hebrew media's translation of the video claimed that Hamas fighters described the prisoners as "women who can get pregnant," implying that the fighters had intentions to rape the women. However, the Arabic word used by the fighters to describe the soldiers was actually "sabaya," which simply translates to "female captives."

The soldiers captured by the Palestinian militants belong to the surveillance unit at Nahal Oz, which was responsible for the deaths of dozens of Palestinians during the 2018 Great March of Return.

According to analysts, the video has put Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet  consisting of Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and former Chief of the General Staff Benny Gantz, as well as three observers, Gadi Eizenkot, Ron Dermer and Aryeh Deri  under extreme pressure from the families.

Netanyahu's office said in a statement that the war cabinet has ordered Israel's negotiating team "to continue negotiations for the return of the hostages." At the high-level meeting, Israeli negotiator Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon presented an updated plan. This came after a previous plan for resuming talks was rejected by Netanyahu on May 18.

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.

A source told Hebrew media that Tel Aviv's negotiating team was given new directives to try to make a breakthrough in the prisoner talks. Said source knows the details of the high-level Israeli meeting but did not elaborate on the specific guidelines for resuming the talks. (Related: Netanyahu's war cabinet approves "calibrated expansion" of Rafah invasion to appease U.S.)

Ahead of the meeting, the Hostage Families Forum urgently requested to meet with the members of the war cabinet to discuss efforts to revive the hostage talks. Gallant, Gantz, Deri and Eisenkot all agreed to the hostage families' request for a meeting but Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer refused, reports indicated. Representatives of the prisoners' families have repeatedly accused Netanyahu's government of deliberately sabotaging talks.

Another source told Kan that the Israeli negotiating team did not receive everything it asked for but that "at least progress can be made."

Meanwhile, as the war cabinet convened inside the Israel Defense Forces' Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, several hundred people demonstrated outside calling on the government to agree to a hostage deal with Hamas. There was a similar demonstration in Jerusalem.

World leaders slam Israel's continued airstrikes

As Israel claims to be negotiating with Hamas to release its female soldiers who have been captive since the Oct. 7 attack, Netanyahu's troops continue to hold their military operations in Rafah, a Palestinian city in the southern Gaza Strip.

This earned the irk of the European Union's Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, who said he is "horrified by the news coming out of Rafah on Israeli strikes killing dozens of displaced persons, including small children." "I condemn this in the strongest terms," he said, adding that there is "no safe place in Gaza. These attacks must stop immediately. [International Court of Justice] ICJ orders and [international humanitarian law] IHL must be respected by all parties."

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the African Union Commission, also said the Israeli air strike on a camp for displaced Palestinian people in Rafah reflected "contempt" for a recent ruling by the United Nation's top court ordering Israel to halt its assault on the southern Gaza city. He turned to X and posted: "With horrific overnight airstrikes killing mostly Palestinian women and children... the State of Israel continues to violate international law with impunity and in contempt of an ICJ ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah." He added that the ICJ order must be urgently enforced if global order is to prevail.

The United Arab Emirates has likewise condemned what it said was Israel targeting tents of displaced people in Rafah, the foreign ministry said in a statement. Like other nations and leaders, UAE stressed the importance of implementing the ICJ's ruling that demanded Israel immediately halt its offensive in Rafah.

In response, Israel's top military prosecutor called the airstrike "very grave" and said an investigation was underway. Israel's army had said overnight that its aircraft had "struck a Hamas compound in Rafah," killing Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, both senior officials for the Palestinian militant group in the occupied West Bank.

Meanwhile, officials in Gaza said the death toll had risen to 45 from the overnight Israeli strikes on Rafah, which sparked fires that burned displaced people alive in their tents, many of them women and children.

IsraelCollapse.com contains more updates on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Watch the video below where House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was disturbed by Democrats wanting a ceasefire in Gaza.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel captures Rafah crossing, leaving 27 people dead and cutting vital lifeline of Palestinians.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

X.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

TheGuardian.com

Brighteon.com
South Carolina governor signs ban on transgender procedures for minors

South Carolina has become the 25th state in the union to restrict so-called "gender-affirming" care for minors after Republican Gov. Henry McMaster signed H. 4624, the "Health Not Harm" bill , into law.

H. 4624, prohibits medical professionals from providing hormone treatments, puberty blockers and performing gender reassignment surgeries for all patients under 18 years old. The law also bans the use of public funds for gender transition practices and prohibits Medicaid from covering or reimbursing these procedures. (Related: South Carolina Senate bans use of puberty blockers and genital mutilation of children.)

Physicians, mental health providers or healthcare professionals found guilty of providing gender transition procedures to minors could lose their medical licenses or face criminal charges of "inflicting great bodily injury upon a child" with 20 years of imprisonment.

Additionally, the bill reinforces parental rights regarding gender identity issues in schools. H. 4624 mandates that school principals or vice principals inform parents or guardians if a student requests to use a name, nickname or pronouns that differs from their sex assigned at birth. The bill also prohibits school employees from hiding information about a child's gender identity from their parents or encouraging children to withhold such information.

The newly enacted law takes effect immediately, but minors who start or have already started using puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones before Aug. 1 must be gradually weaned off these medications by Jan. 31, 2025, if discontinuing them immediately would harm them.

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.

McMaster stated that the law "protects our states children from irreversible gender transition procedures and bans public funds from being used for them" during the signing of the bill.

"If they want to make those decisions later when theyre adults, then thats a different story, but we must protect our young people from irreversible decisions," McMaster said.

Study proves that irreversible transgender procedures harm children

The law has faced opposition from different leftists and "woke" advocates.

"We can put to rest the notion that the governor cares about limited government and personal freedom," said Jace Woodrum, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina. "With the stroke of a pen, he has chosen to insert the will of politicians into healthcare decisions, trample on the liberties of trans-South Carolinians, and deny the rights of the parents of trans minors."

The Campaign for Southern Equality echoed the statement.

"Healthcare is a human right and it breaks my heart to see lawmakers rip away life-affirming and often life-saving medical care from transgender youth in South Carolina. No one should be forced to leave their home state to access the care that they need and deserve," said Raymond Velazquez, the executive director of Uplift Outreach Center.

However, supporters of the bill argue that puberty blockers heighten the risk of self-harm and can lead to irreversible consequences.

An analysis of a 2011 study, conducted by the University College London Hospitals and the Tavistock Center Gender Identity Development Service, found that at least 34 percent of children given puberty-blocking drugs experienced significant deterioration.

The study only evaluated 44 samples, so the model size is small. But a good number of the kids aged 12 to 15 still suffered greatly after being prescribed these poisons to become trans.

Head over to Gender.news for more stories about the pushback against transgenderism.

Watch this Epoch TV report about a California judge dropping a bombshell decision on a transgender-related case.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

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New Hampshire expected to BAN transgender surgeries for minors.

Ohio House of Representatives upholds trans surgery ban for minors, overrides DeWine's veto.

Texas enforces BAN on gender-related medical procedures for teens.

NHS announces plans to ban transgender patients from opposite sex wards: "Patients will have the right to share ward with people of same biological sex."

Sources include:

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NPRs new CEO is a CIA woman involved in building a global censorship prison

In recent months, women involved with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have worked behind the scenes to achieve one sinister goal: a " global censorship prison ."

New NPR (National Public Radio) CEO Katherine Maher, 41, has an odd resume, having worked at a CIA cutout, the National Democratic Institute, the World Bank and the United Nations Children's Fund. Maher also worked at the Council on Foreign Relations, the Center for Technology and Democracy, the Digital Public Library of America and Wikipedia.

Within the same week of the announcement of Maher becoming NPR's new CEO, the government of Tunisia accused her of working for the CIA during the Arab Spring.

Christopher F. Rufo's investigation of her career revealed that Maher was involved in color revolutions.

The alleged purpose of color revolutions, so-called after the Rose Revolution, Orange Revolution and Tulip Revolution in Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, respectively, is to replace authoritarian regimes with Western liberal democracies.

Both American and European intelligence services are usually heavily involved in these revolutions, with the organizations aiming to spread modern ideologies and undermine geopolitical opponents. Maher is a minor figure in these movements and she has recently come to greater prominence.

Maher was involved in the wave of color revolutions that took place in North Africa and the Middle East in the 2010s, also known as the Arab Spring. She then supported the post-George Floyd upheavals in the United States.

While at NPR, Maher had been accused of left-wing bias and suppressing dissent. (Related: SUPPRESSED: NY appeals court DECLINES Trumps request to overturn GAG order.)

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.

Maher refusing to testify to Congress regarding allegations of bias

Amid heightened allegations of political bias within NPR, Maher is refusing to testify before Congress to participate in an investigation of the taxpayer-funded network.

Berliner's accusations regarding how the network has allowed progressive politics to affect its coverage of major stories has concerned multiple Republicans. Berliner cited the network's coverage of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the investigation into allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election and the smothering of stories regarding Hunter Biden's laptop as examples of bias.

"As a taxpayer funded, public radio organization, NPR should focus on fair and objective news reporting that both considers and reflects the views of the larger U.S. population and not just a niche audience," said Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Bob Latta (R-OH) and Morgan Griffith (R-VA) in the six-page letter that notified Maher of the investigation and requested her presence at Congress. "The [House Energy and Commerce] Committee has concerns about the direction in which NPR may be headed under past and present leadership."

A spokesperson for NPR confirmed that Maher has refused all invitations to speak before the House of Representatives. "NPR respects the Committee and its request and has offered to testify on a date in the near future that works for the Committee and Maher," said the spokesperson.

In response to Maher's refusal, a spokesperson for the Energy and Commerce Committee claimed that "it speaks volumes" that the NPR's new CEO refuses "to answer for how her taxpayer-funded news outlet discriminates against the viewpoints of millions of Americans."

Visit Censorship.news for more stories about how the U.S. government censors freedom of speech.

Watch the full video below of "Hagmann Rerpot" as host Dough Hagmann and Randy Taylor talk about censorship and other topics.

This video is from the Hagmann Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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WHISTLEBLOWER: CIA bribed its own agents to change their position regarding COVID-19 origins.

Flemish MEP warns right-wingers will be censored and kicked off social media.

Sources include:

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In Papua New Guinea, a major landslides buried houses in Enga province, requiring search and rescue operations to find survivors. Reports noted that over 670 people died.

According to officials, the landslide occurred in an isolated Enga district. While there is no final estimate of total casualties yet, other reports noted that over 2,000 people are believed to be buried in deadly landslides.

The government deployed rescue and search operations to locate possible survivors. The area is at risk of landslides and flash floods, which could worsen due to excessive rainfall.

Deadly landslides in Papua New Guinea: Latest Information

The situation has become challenging due to massive rocks being thrown at houses. Without power tools and effective machines, rescue efforts would be harder, as time is the most important thing to save for possible survivors.

The report highlights that the area is still unstable, which could threaten other rescuers and personnel deployed in the area. Rocks were reportedly sliding and falling in the area. Another aspect of concern is the weather situation, which makes search and rescue operations challenging.

When the devastating landslides occurred, many residents were sleeping. The chance of evacuating was slim, and communities could suffer more from damage.

Due to falling rocks and landslide-affected areas, transportation has become difficult. The country, experiencing the wettest weather outlook, is vulnerable to dangerous weather events, including flooding, rainfall, mudslides, and landslides.

Additionally, climate change is attributed to changing weather conditions or frequent rainfall, which has exacerbated the flash floods and landslides in the region.

Poorer communities are vulnerable to flooding and landslide concerns, particularly villagers in provincial and mountainous areas. As a result, effective weather prediction and monitoring for landslide-prone areas is essential to mitigate widespread damage to life and properties.

Also Read: Indonesia Flooding: Rescue Efforts Intensify; 67 Dead and Many Still Missing After Floods

How to stay safe from landslide and extreme weather risks in Papua New Guinea

The latest weather report warns of an increasing number of casualties from the recent landslides in Papua New Guinea. Staying updated with the latest forecasts is essential to stay informed about potential weather threats. A battery-powered radio is also helpful, signaling a possible rainy outlook that can trigger landslides.

During heavy rains or torrential downpours, people near rivers or mountainous areas should keep alert for mudslides and flash flood potential, especially if a similar situation occured in the past.

After landslides, affected residents or communities should be careful with falling debris, or damaged homes. Additionally, if there are family members who are missing, it is best to inform nearby authorities about missing individuals.

Additionally, investing in effective weather prediction is essential to inform communities of possible weather concerns, which can trigger landslides. This way, authorities can better inform people about potential weather threats, including flooding and rainfall.

Related Article: Southern Brazil Braces for New Rounds of Rain, Warns of Potential Flooding

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
Cyclone Remal, a tempest of fury, tore through the low-lying coastal regions of Bangladesh and India, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

As the storm made landfall, nearly a million people fled inland, seeking refuge in concrete storm shelters away from the howling gales and crashing waves.

The cyclone's wrath spared no one, uprooting trees, snapping power lines, and inundating villages.

The Battle Against Nature's Fury



In southern Bangladesh, where the sea meets the land, residents braced themselves for the onslaught.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued warnings as Remal's maximum wind speeds reached 90 kilometers per hour (56 miles per hour).

But the storm was relentless, threatening to escalate further. Authorities raised the danger signal to its highest level, urging people to evacuate from "unsafe and vulnerable" homes.

Bangladesh, no stranger to cyclones, mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers to alert coastal communities. Yet, even with extensive preparations, tragedy struck.

A heavily laden ferry, carrying more than 50 passengers-double its capacity-sank near Mongla, a port squarely in the storm's path. Thirteen people were injured, highlighting the desperate struggle to escape nature's fury.

In India, the Sundarbans mangrove forest, where the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers converge with the sea, witnessed evacuations of over 150,000 people.

Kolkata, a major metropolitan city, suspended operations at its airport, canceling 50 domestic and international flights.

Fallen trees and disrupted power lines plunged coastal towns into darkness. The cyclone's wrath spared no one, uprooting trees, snapping power lines, and inundating villages.

Also Read: Tropical Cyclones In Philippines Disrupt Islands' Regular Nutrient Cycles, New Study Finds

Climate Change and the Rising Tide

Cyclones have become more frequent along Bangladesh's densely populated coast due to climate change.

Remal, the first cyclone of the year in the Bay of Bengal, serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability.

With most coastal areas just a meter or two above sea level, high storm surges can devastate villages.

The impact of climate change has intensified these superstorms, turning once-in-a-lifetime events into recurring nightmares.

India, too, felt Remal's wrath. The Sundarbans mangrove forest, where the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers converge with the sea, witnessed evacuations of over 150,000 people.

Kolkata, a major metropolitan city, suspended operations at its airport, canceling 50 domestic and international flights. Fallen trees and disrupted power lines plunged coastal towns into darkness.

As the cyclone heads inland, communities grapple with loss and resilience. Remal's legacy will linger-a testament to humanity's struggle against nature's fury and a call to action in the face of climate change.

The storm's aftermath reveals the resilience of communities, as they come together to rebuild homes, restore power, and heal wounds.

Amid the chaos, stories of courage emerge-neighbors helping neighbors, fishermen rescuing stranded families, and relief workers distributing food and water.

The impact of Cyclone Remal extends beyond physical damage. It underscores the urgent need for global cooperation to address climate change.

As sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, nations must unite to mitigate the effects.

The battle against nature's fury is not fought in isolation; it requires collective efforts, scientific research, and policy changes.

Remal's rage serves as a wake-up call-a reminder that our survival depends on respecting the delicate balance of our planet.

In the coming days, as the floodwaters recede and the debris is cleared, communities will rebuild. But scars remain-etched in the memories of those who witnessed Remal's wrath.

The cyclone's fury may have subsided, but its impact will resonate for years to come.

Related article: Great Barrier Reef: Flood Plumes, Heavy Waves Due To Cyclones Could Have Damaged Coral Reef System
Mammoth bones have been discovered by a local winegrower at a wine cellar in Gobelsburg, Austria, during renovation works. Austrian scientists, who consider the discovery as very important, estimated the bones to be approximately between 30,000 and 40,000 years old. This shows the bones date back to the Stone Age, a period when the prehistoric animals thrived in Europe.

The unearthing of the Gobelsburg mammoths also came with the discovery of stone artifacts, indicating that the ancient site of the wine cellar was once inhabited by humans.

Based on local reports, scientists believe that our Stone Age ancestors in the area killed the mammoths. These assumptions add to the mystery of how exactly humans hunted the now-extinct animals.

Mammoth Bones Discovered

Local winegrower Andreas Pernerstorfer found the Stone Age mammoth bones while renovating his wine cellar in Gobelsburg, located in the Krems district, west of Vienna. During a recent press release, the Archaeological Institute of the (OEAW) described the discovered as an "archaeological sensation" and the most significant find in over 100 years.

After finding the mammoth bones at the site in Lower Austria, Pernerstorfer first reported the find to the Federal Monuments Office. Afterward, the federal agency referred the winegrower to the OEAW. Since then, archaeologists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences have uncovered a layer of mammoth bones from mid-May. In addition, artifacts like jewellery were found adjacent to the cellar.

According to OEAW researcher Hannah Parow-Souchon, it is known that humans hunted mammoths but little is known about what methods they used. This assertion comes since excavation at the site indicates evidence of encounter between mammoths and humans, as mentioned earlier. For the meantime, examination of the bones will continue and will be sent to the Natural History Museum in Vienna.

Also Read: Scientists to Bring Extinct Woolly Mammoths Back to Life by Creating 'Arctic Elephant'

How Mammoths Went Extinct?

Mammoths, which belong to the elephant genus Mammuthus, went extinct thousands of years ago due to various factors, including climate change, as pointed out by scientific literature.

One species, in particular, called woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius), once roamed Europe, North America, and Asia, from 300,000 years ago to 10,000 years ago during the edge of the last ice age.

A small group of M. primigenius was the last known group of the species to survive approximately 3,670 years ago. However, the main cause of their demise remains unclear until this time. Several theories posited by experts regarding how mammoths went extinct range from being hunted down by humans to competition over food resources and loss of available food due to a changing climate.

Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, stated there are two hypotheses which potentially explains why a megafauna like the mammoths went extinct. The first hypothesis is climate change-driven temperature increase and the second hypothesis is excessive hunting by humans as our ancestors further expanded into new territories, which were once blocked by ice.

Related Article: First Woolly Mammoth Calves to be Born in 2028, Thylacine and Dodo are Next: Biologists Say
A National Weather Service (NWS) report shows that portions of New York and Pennsylvania can experience showers and thunderstorms this week, causing slower commutes for people returning homes after Memorial Day weekend.

In other areas of the U.S., the advisory published from May 28 to May 30 warns of an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms in the Southern Plains. In the Northeast, residents can likely encounter a slight risk of a poor weather outlook.

The report explains that potentially excessive rainfall is likely in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including in the Southern Plains. Communities in low-lying areas are vulnerable to flooding concerns.

For motorists in the Northeast, it is best to consider the weather forecasts before traveling due to a changing weather outlook. The main concerns for travelers are slippery commutes and flooded roads.

Weather in portions of New York and Pennsylvania: The latest weather information

According to a report by NWS, a chance of showers and thunderstorms can threaten portions of eastern Pennsylvania, northwestern New Jersey, southeastern New York, and northeastern Maryland. People in the said areas should anticipate a rainy outlook.

The forecast noted that the SPC issued a slight risk of severe thunderstorms in the region and mid-Atlantic areas. The main concerns are heavy rains, flooding, flash floods, and travel risks. In other weather reports, millions of Americans are vulnerable to severe weather.

Residents can experience severe thunderstorms in the early week, with hail, flooding, and tornadoes likely. Considering these weather conditions, it is important to keep updated with the latest reports.

Burlington, Atlanta, Wilming, Raleigh, Virginia Beach, Washington, Albany, and New York are possible areas vulnerable to severe thunderstorms.

NWS New York warns of possible thunderstorms and flash floods this week, causing a severe thunderstorm watch in the region, including the Lower Hudson Valley. Meanwhile, the watch has also been issued in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

In Pittsburgh, the weather report reveals that a stormy outlook can unload in the region. Homeowners can also notice a chance of heavy downpours and gusty winds. Winds can likely reach 45 to 50 mph.

However, some areas, such as New York, Boston, Portland, and Washington, can see relief from recent storms. The said areas can experience dry conditions.

Also Read: Texas, Jacksonville Forecast: Hotter Temperatures to Bring Heat-Related Health Concerns Next Week

Heavy rains and thunderstorm preparedness in Northeast

The latest weather report warns of possible heavy rains and thunderstorms in the Northeast this week, causing travel dangers. As many Americans return home after Memorial Day weekend, it is best to anticipate slower commutes due to rounds of heavy rain this week.

Additionally, communities in low-lying areas are vulnerable to flooding risks. When floodwater rapidly rises due to severe weather conditions, evacuating to secure areas is crucial.

Homeowners should stay aware of the latest weather information or forecasts to keep safe from challenging weather conditions.

Related Article: Central States Forecast: Destructive Tornadoes, Torrential Downpours Likely Midweek

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
The National Disaster Center of Papua New Guinea fears that the massive landslide that occurred last week may have buried up to 2,000 people.

2,000 People Buried

The official figure is about three times that of the United Nation estimated 670 people died in the landslide in the rugged interior of the island nation in the South Pacific.

As of Monday, local authorities had only retrieved the remains of five people. The reason behind the revision of the Sunday-reported total of six was not immediately apparent.

The acting director of the nation's National Disaster Center, Luseta Laso Mana, claimed that the landslide in Yambali village, Enga province, "buried more than 2,000 people alive" and caused "major destruction" in a letter to the UN resident coordinator dated Sunday.

Due to tough conditions on the ground, such as the village's remote position, a lack of telecommunications, and tribal fighting throughout the province, it is impossible to determine the true extent of the tragedy. As a result, military escorts are required for foreign rescue workers and assistance convoys.

In a conflict between two warring tribes in Enga in February, at least 26 tribal warriors and mercenaries were slain, along with an unknown number of onlookers.

The difficulties in estimating the number of possible deaths are further compounded by the national government's lack of accurate census statistics.

The population of Papua New Guinea is projected by the government to be approximately 10 million, while UN research estimated in 2022 that it might be as high as 17 million, based on data including satellite photos of roof tops.

The country has not conducted a precise census in many years.

Read Also: Papua New Guinea Earthquake Alert: Strong 6.5 Earthquake Hits; No Tsunami Detected

Landslide Area Very Unstable

The landslide buried a 200-meter (650-foot) section of the province's main route behind rubble that was 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 feet) deep, making it a significant challenge for relief workers.

Since Friday, relief workers have been sporadically entering the remote northern area, but officials warned that there was little chance of discovering survivors.

People are continuing to work their way through the rocks, causing more to fall as the landslide continues.

"The landslide area is very unstable. When we're up there, we're regularly hearing big explosions where the mountain is, there are still rocks and debris coming down," Enga province disaster committee chairperson Sandis Tsaka

With a combined population of between 4,500 and 8,000, the disaster zone and a nearby area have declared a state of emergency, however, not everyone has been given the order to leave just yet.

Rescue and relief efforts are being hampered, according to Serhan Aktoprak, the head of the International Organization for Migration in PNG. According to him, there were still rocks falling from the mountain, dirt splitting, and water running beneath the rubble.

He added that survivors have been reluctant to consent to the use of large gear in rescue operations because they do not want the bodies of their relatives to be damaged.

International relief organizations stated that despite the region's remoteness, they are trying to provide food, water, and evacuation shelters.

Related Article: Papua New Guinea Deadly Landslides: Many Homes Buried, as Rescue Operation Continues
The last glacier in Venezuela has vanished, having shrunk to the point where geologists had to reclassify it as an ice field.

Venezuela is believed to be the first nation in modern history to have completely lost all of its glaciers.

Glacier to Ice Field

Six glaciers once resided in Venezuela in the Sierra Nevada de Merida mountain range, which is located roughly 5,000 meters above sea level.

By 2011, only the Humboldt glacier, also called La Corona, near the nation's second-highest peak, Pico Humboldt, remained. Five other glaciers had disappeared.

Though political unrest in the nation has prevented scientists from monitoring the Humboldt glacier location for a few years, the glacier was expected to persist for at least another ten years.

According to studies, the glacier has now melted significantly quicker than expected and has decreased to a surface area of less than two hectares. This consequently reduced its categorization from glacier to ice field.

"Other countries lost their glaciers several decades ago after the end of the Little Ice Age, but Venezuela is arguably the first one to lose them in modern times," said Maximiliano Herrera, a climatologist and weather historian who maintains a chronicle of extreme temperature records online.

A 2020 study found that Venezuela's glacier surface decreased from 2,317 square kilometers to barely 0.046 square kilometers between 1952 and 2019.

Big ice masses, known as glaciers, are the result of centuries' worth of snowfall. They usually exist where average yearly temperatures approach near-freezing levels and considerable snow accumulations are caused by winter precipitation, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The fact that temperatures during the rest of the year shouldn't result in the whole loss of the snow accumulation from the previous winter is crucial to the growth of glaciers since it helps to preserve and expand them. And in the Humboldt instance, that's what went wrong.

Read Also: Lake Tsunamis Triggered by Landslides in Mountain Glacier Environments Could Worsen Amid Warming Conditions

Reflection Of The Future

Sea levels are rising globally as a result of the ongoing phenomenon of massive ice masses melting as a result of rising global temperatures brought on by climate change.

Experts predicted that Indonesia, Mexico, and Slovenia would be the next countries to lose their glaciers, with Papua Island in Indonesia and Mexico likely to hasten the glaciers' retreat due to recent record-high temperatures.

The El Nino climate phenomenon, which can hasten the melting of tropical glaciers and result in higher temperatures, has been plaguing the world recently.

Venezuela is a reflection of what will happen in the coming years when glaciers continue to recede from the Andes, starting in Colombia and Ecuador and moving southward to Peru and Bolivia.

"This is an extremely sad record for our country, but also a unique moment in our history, providing an opportunity to [not only] communicate the reality and immediacy of climate change impacts, but also to study the colonization of life under extreme conditions and the changes that climate change brings to high mountain ecosystems," said Luis Daniel Llambi, an ecologist at Adaptation at Altitude, a program for climate change adaptation in the Andes.

Related Article: Collapse of Antarctica's 'Doomsday Glacier' Could Trigger Deadly Tsunamis and Swallow Islands
Mexican authorities have recorded hundreds of heat-related animal deaths as the country experiences a heat dome.

Heat Stroke

Based on the data, the number of howler monkey deaths in Mexico due to heat has increased to 157, with a pitifully low proportion of the primates receiving treatment or making a full recovery.

A northern Mexican animal park has confirmed receiving reports of at least one hundred species, including bats and parrots, having perished from what appears to be dehydration.

Environmentalists revealed this week that since May 16, 138 of the medium-sized primates-known for their booming vocalizations-had been discovered dead in the Gulf Coast state of Tabasco.

The Environment Department announced late on Sunday that the death toll had increased to 157 and that investigations into the reasons for the deaths were still ongoing.

The department said the deaths are taking place in Chiapas, a neighboring state, as well as in Tabasco. Seven of the 13 monkeys receiving treatment have already been returned to their natural habitat. Three of the monkeys were in serious but stable condition, and several of the other monkeys were receiving treatment for dehydration.

Wildlife biologist Gilberto Pozo linked the monkey deaths to heat stroke, adding that a "synergy" of factors, including high heat, drought, forest fires, and logging that deprives the monkeys of water, shade, and fruit, appears to be to blame. He also noted that a pathogen, disease, or other factor cannot be ruled out just yet.

However, it was unclear if even releasing the howler monkeys would guarantee their survival given the effects of heat, fires, and deforestation on the trees that serve as their home.

Read Also: Asia Heat Wave: Scorching Heat, Dry Conditions Impact Both Pet Dogs and Strays Following Multiple Hospitalizations

A Lot Of Casualties

The director of the Selva Teenek eco-park in the northern state of San Luis Potosi, Ena Buenfil, said that the heat has killed parrots, bats, and toucans, overwhelming her facility.

She said when the heat wave hit in mid-May, their animal clinic rapidly became overrun with ill birds, and they started getting calls from neighbors reporting dead or injured birds.

She noted that the number is probably only a small portion of the animals impacted due to the authorities' limited resources, but added that their organization has collaborated with Civil Protection to help some birds.

Birds are disproportionately harmed by heat-related dehydration because they lack a place to retain water. Bats would be napping in the sweltering midday heat and becoming dehydrated in the process. She suggested that the people set out water bowls for the animals.

"There are going to be a lot of casualties to the ecosystem if we continue this trend of heat waves in the region," said Buenfil.

Ten towns, including the capital in Mexico, experienced record-high temperatures earlier this month.

Along with a severe drought and a crisis in the country's water supply, the country is currently experiencing record high temperatures. Nearly 22 million people live in Mexico City, which has been experiencing declining water supplies. According to analysts, the city is almost out of fresh water.

Related Article: Elephant Dies Due to Heatstroke After Carrying Tourist; Cambodia Vows to Reduce Elephant Work Hours
Microplastics, those insidious particles less than 5 millimeters wide, have infiltrated our oceans, rivers, and even our table salt.

Their impact on marine life and human health remains a pressing concern.

But now, scientists from Nagoya University, in collaboration with the National Institute for Materials Sciences (NIMS) in Japan, have unveiled a groundbreaking method that promises to revolutionize microplastic detection and monitoring.

Their approach combines porous materials and machine learning, providing an affordable and efficient solution to this global environmental challenge.

The Ingenious Method: Porous Metal Substrates and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)

Dr. Olga Guselnikova, a researcher at NIMS, explains, "Our new method can simultaneously separate and measure the abundance of six key types of microplastics-polystyrene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate."

The secret lies in a porous metal foam that captures microplastics from water samples. This foam, resembling a delicate mesh, acts as a filter, selectively trapping microplastics while allowing clean water to flow through.

But how do they identify these tiny particles? Enter surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). When light interacts with the trapped microplastics on the metal foam, it produces a complex spectrum.

Dr. Joel Henzie, also from NIMS, clarifies, "The SERS data obtained is highly complex, but it contains discernible patterns that can be interpreted using modern machine learning techniques."

Machine Learning Unleashed: SpecATNet

To analyze this intricate data, the team developed a neural network computer algorithm called SpecATNet.

This algorithm learns to interpret the optical patterns and accurately identifies microplastics in complex mixtures.

The neural network's ability to decipher these patterns surpasses traditional methods, making it a powerful tool for environmental monitoring.

The implications are profound. By creating inexpensive microplastic sensors and open-source algorithms, the researchers hope to enable rapid detection, even in resource-limited labs.

The cost savings are staggering-up to 95% compared to commercially available alternatives. Moreover, this method requires no pretreatment of water samples, making it ideal for real-world applications.

Also Read: Robotic Fish That Sucks Microplastics from Waters Could Address Earth's Growing Microplastic Pollution

A Cleaner Future Beckons

The team's innovation holds immense potential for assessing microplastic pollution's impact on public health and marine ecosystems.

As they drive costs down further and simplify replication, we may soon witness a cleaner, plastic-free future.

With SpecATNet's neural network expanding its capabilities, the battle against microplastics gains a powerful ally-one that sees what the naked eye cannot.

In the quest to protect our planet, this breakthrough shines a light on the invisible, reminding us that even the tiniest particles matter.

As the sun sets on polluted waters, hope rises-a hope fueled by porous materials, machine learning, and the unwavering commitment of scientists worldwide

What Are The Implications Of This Discovery?

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from Nagoya University and the National Institute for Materials Sciences (NIMS) in Japan have developed an innovative method for monitoring microplastics.

By combining porous metal substrates and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), they can simultaneously separate and measure six key types of microplastics.

The porous metal foam acts as a filter, selectively trapping microplastics while allowing clean water to flow through.

The real magic lies in the neural network algorithm called SpecATNet, which interprets the complex SERS data and accurately identifies microplastics.

This breakthrough promises cost-effective monitoring, even in resource-limited labs, and opens the door to assessing microplastic pollution's impact on public health and marine ecosystems.

As we move toward a cleaner future, this method shines a light on the invisible particles that matter most.



Related article: Microplastics Detected in Human Airways, Raising Alarm For Health Risks
Waves crash relentlessly against the remnants of abandoned homes in El Bosque, a once-thriving Mexican village now slowly succumbing to the sea.

These submerged homes serve as poignant symbols of the climate change effects that grip this major fossil fuel-producing nation.

Rising Tides and Displacement

El Bosque, nestled on a small peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Mexico, has become the first community in Mexico officially recognized as displaced by climate change.

The ocean's relentless warming and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets have driven global sea levels to unprecedented heights.

Approximately 700 people once called El Bosque home, their lives intertwined with the oil and gas rigs dotting the offshore waters.

These rigs extract the lifeblood of Latin America's second-largest economy, but they also contribute to the very crisis that now engulfs the village.

In February, the Tabasco state congress approved the relocation of El Bosque, acknowledging that the rising tides and coastal erosion associated with climate change had rendered the community uninhabitable.

The school where Adrian Perez once attended classes now lies in ruins, a haunting reminder of what has been lost to the encroaching sea. "It's hard," says Perez, now 24, gazing at the wreckage. "I studied there, and look at what it became. The climate's destroying us."

Also Read: Mexico Volcano Eruption: Popocatepetl Spews Volcanic Ash 20,000 Feet Into the Sky, Authorities Prepare for Possible Evacuation

Heatwaves Scorching Mexico

As the country prepares for a pivotal June 2 presidential election, Mexico grapples not only with rising sea levels but also with scorching heatwaves.

Tabasco, in particular, has borne the brunt of this year's extreme temperatures, with the mercury soaring to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

The relentless heat has claimed lives-48 heat-related deaths across the country since March, according to government records.

Even Mexico City, known for its temperate climate due to its altitude, recently recorded its highest-ever temperature of 34.7C (94.46F).

The juxtaposition is stark: a nation heavily dependent on fossil fuels faces the consequences of its own energy choices.

Down the coast from El Bosque, outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's administration has erected a major new oil refinery in Tabasco-a bid for energy self-sufficiency.

Yet, as the refinery hums with activity, the heatwaves intensify, and the sea inexorably claims more land.

The climate crisis is no longer an abstract concept for El Bosque's residents.

Cristy Echeverria, who lost her home, reflects on the irony: "We hear about climate change all the time, but we never thought it would come to us."

Now, as the waves continue their relentless assault, El Bosque stands as a stark warning-a microcosm of a global struggle against a changing climate.

What are the government's plans for El Bosque?

The Mexican government has taken significant steps to address the challenges faced by El Bosque, the community grappling with the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels. Here are the key actions and plans:

Relocation Efforts:

In February, the Tabasco state congress officially approved the relocation of El Bosque, recognizing it as the first community in Mexico to be displaced due to climate change.

The government acknowledges the urgency of moving residents away from the encroaching sea.

Despite this approval, the actual relocation process has not yet materialized, leaving the community in a precarious situation. The promise of relocation remains unfulfilled, even as homes continue to be destroyed by the relentless waves.

Climate Change Mitigation:

The government aims to offset the impact of climate change by implementing a massive reforestation program.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has called it "the world's most important reforestation program" and plans to plant one million hectares of trees.

This ambitious effort seeks to combat deforestation, enhance carbon sequestration, and mitigate the effects of climate change.

By restoring forests, Mexico hopes to contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Independence and Oil Refineries:

President Lopez Obrador's administration has prioritized fossil fuel production as part of its energy self-sufficiency strategy.

Down the coast from El Bosque, a major new oil refinery has been built in Tabasco, the president's home state.

While this refinery aims to boost energy independence, it also highlights the paradox: Mexico's heavy dependence on oil and gas extraction contributes to the very climate crisis affecting El Bosque.

Addressing Water Scarcity:

The heatwaves in Tabasco have exacerbated water shortages, raising concerns about access to clean water. The average annual availability of water per capita in Mexico has already fallen by 68 percent since 1960.

The government must balance energy production with sustainable water management to ensure the well-being of communities like El Bosque.

Related article: Eastern Pacific Hurricane: Tropical Storm Kay Expected to Hit Mexico, Southwest US This Week
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Oscar winner Resul Pookutty campaigns for FTII to drop case against Payal - and it's back to work for Kani

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scar-winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty has launched a campaign for the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) to withdraw its cases against the students, including Cannes 2024 Grand Prix winner Payal Kapadia, who had led the historic 131-day protest in 2015 against the appointment of Gajendra Singh Chauhan as the chairman of its governing body.

Taking to Instagram, Pookutty wrote: "FTII must now withdraw the cases against Payal and the other students. It owes them the prestige that has been bestowed upon it." Kapadia is Accused No. 25 and, as Pookutty pointed out, has to go to court next month for another hearing of the case that has been going on since 2015.

In 2015, FTII was in a state of ferment because of the appointment of Chauhan, a BJP activist whose only claim to fame was that he had played Yudhishtir in the TV serial 'Mahabharat'.

Kapadia, who got into FTII on her second attempt in 2012, was one of the leaders of the 131-day protest against Chauhan, who, incidentally, was opposed by a phalanx of Bollywood celebrities, from Rajkummar Rao and Nawazuddin Siddiqui to Anupam Kher, and also by Soumitra Chatterjee and Jhanu Barua.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whom Kapadia has thanked profusely for being her inspiration in response to his congratulatory message on Sunday, had visited the FTII campus and joined the student protesters in 2015.

As several people pointed out on X after Kapadia's Grand Prix win, the FTII initiated disciplinary action against her when she led the boycott of classes. Later, FTII cut her scholarship and a foreign exchange grant.

In the same year, the Pune Police filed an FIR against 35 students, including Kapadia, after they held the then FTII director, Prashant Pathrabe, captive in his office. They were protesting against Pathrode's decision to proceed with the assessment of incomplete student projects of the 2008 batch.

Even as the call for the withdrawal of FTII's cases grew louder, it was back to work for Kani Kusruti, who played one of the two Malayali nurses in Kapadia's debut film, 'All We Imagine As Light'.

From Cannes the actress went to Kochi, where she was given a cheerful welcome, to join the shoot for T.R. Shamsudheen's upcoming Malayalam movie, 'Eyes'.

In Kusruti's honour, the producer had organised a chocolate cake with an edible image of the moment when Kapadia and her three main female protagonists -- Kusruti, Divya Prabha and Charu Kadam -- were on the stage celebrating the Grand Prix win this past Saturday night.

 Oscar winner Resul Pookutty campaigns for FTII to drop case against Payal - and it's back to work for Kani

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SpiceJet denies KAL Airways' Rs 1,323 cr claim, labels it 'legally baseless'

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piceJet on Tuesday refuted the claims made by KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran regarding seeking damages of Rs 1,323 crore and said that these assertions were not only legally untenable but also regurgitation of previously rejected claims by the Arbitral Tribunal and then the Delhi High Court.

KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran initially sought damages of more than Rs.1300 crore during the arbitration proceedings. This claim was thoroughly examined and subsequently rejected by a panel of three retired Supreme Court judges, said the airline in a statement.

It further said that following this, KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran appealed to the single-judge Bench of the Delhi High Court, seeking the same amount in damages, which was again rejected by the court.

Notably, they chose not to pursue any appeal before the appellate jurisdiction and consequently, the matter attained finality. This matter is devoid of any merit and appears to be an endeavour to sensationalise the issue and mislead the public, said the airline spokesperson.

The Division Bench of the Delhi High Court on May 17, ruled in favour of SpiceJet and Ajay Singh. "Following the success before the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, SpiceJet will now pursue a refund of Rs. 450 crores as outlined in our previous statement," said the spokesperson.

On Monday, KAL Airways and Maran had said that they intend to pursue over Rs 1,323 crore in damages from SpiceJet and its chief, Ajay Singh, in addition to challenging the recent Delhi High Court decision in their ongoing dispute.

After consulting with their legal team, Maran and KAL Airways have decided to contest the ruling. The decree holders, KAL Airways and Maran believe the judgement is fundamentally flawed and requires further examination.

 SpiceJet denies KAL Airways' Rs 1,323 cr claim, labels it 'legally baseless'

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Rohit Shetty cheers for 'new Kashmir' after abrogation of Article 370

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irector Rohit Shetty shared a video on Tuesday showcasing his experience of shooting in Kashmir and highlighting the transformation the region has undergone since the abrogation of Article 370.

The director, who wrapped up the Kashmir schedule of his upcoming film 'Singham Again', shared the video showing how Kashmir has experienced a huge shift towards peace following the abrogation of Article 370.

In the caption, Rohit wrote: "@narendramodi @hmoindia Had the most amazing and emotional schedule. Thank you for the tremendous love, Kashmir."

The video narrates the story of Kashmirs transformation, as the text in the video reads, "We always had a paradise in our motherland called Kashmir. But once there was terrorism, unrest, curfews, and no social life, and then Article 370 was abolished. Five years later, we landed up filming 'Singham Again', and now the New Kashmir. Happiness, young energy, tourism, peace, love, naye bharat ka naya kashmir."

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated on August 5, 2019.

After its abrogation, the Parliament of India passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, resulting in the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories  Jammu and Kashmir in the west and Ladakh in the east.

The video showcases several iconic spots in Kashmir, including the Dal Lake.

It shows how Kashmir, the "paradise", once witnessed terrorism, unrest, and curfews, but now peace and happiness prevail in the valley with a boost in tourism.

The video also features Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn, who portrays the titular role of Singham in the film, along with Jackie Shroff.

Earlier, Rohit had shared a picture of Ajay from the set in Kashmir.

In the image, Ajay was in character as Singham, wearing his police uniform, surrounded by the armoured vehicles of the Jammu and Kashmir police, against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains.

 Rohit Shetty cheers for 'new Kashmir' after abrogation of Article 370

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Amit Sadh shares his travel hack: Throw away the GPS, get lost in nature

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ctor Amit Sadh, who is known for Sultan, Breathe, Duranga, and others, has shared his travel hack.

The actor, who is an avid biker, expressed his love for embarking on long rides on his bike to explore various corners of the country.

Talking about his favourite destinations, Amit told IANS: My favourite destinations are Ladakh again, Uttarakhand, and Punjab for their amazing food."

Weight badh jaayega toh kya hua (Weight might increase, but that doesn't matter)," he added as he seemed confident in shedding the extra pounds quickly owing to his rigorous fitness regimen.

The actor also said that the newly opened areas in Kashmir are his favourite places to explore in addition to his film sets.

When asked about one travel hack, the actor said: Throw away the GPS, and get lost in the arms of nature."

Last year, Amit decided on taking a break from his hectic work schedule, and embarked on a month-long motorcycle trip around India, covering a total of 5288 kilometres.

The ride proved to be an introspective journey for the actor and redefined his own definitions of adventure, culture, and personal transformation.

During his bike ride, Amit interacted with his fans on highways, farmers, villagers, truck drivers, and even the royal family of Balasinor. He took a halt at Balasinor and had dinner with the royal family.

 Amit Sadh shares his travel hack: Throw away the GPS, get lost in nature

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A research project based at Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital targets plastic particles and climate change as driving factors for the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. The participating researchers will investigate socio-ecological interactions within aquatic habitats affected by plastic pollution, contamination with antibiotics and climatic influences, and explore environmental and health-related impacts in the context of Planetary Health. The project is led by Prof. Dr Joacim Rocklov, Humboldt Professor at the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing and the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, and comprises eleven international partners, including the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in the Philippine Department of Health. The European Union is funding the four and a half-year international collaboration project with more than six million euros.

"Scientific research is needed to show evidence on how plastic pollution in bodies of water combined with antibiotic contaminants is contributing to antimicrobial resistance spreading in the environment, threatening the health of people, animals, and ecosystems - especially in times of climate change," explains Prof. Rocklov, who heads the Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases Lab (CSIDlab). Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are known to exist in the sea, in rivers, ponds or lakes, presenting a risk of infection, in particular for people who bathe in these waters with open wounds. At the same time, water environments are increasingly polluted by micro and macro plastic particles. "Bacteria can attach to the plastic particles, grow, and form entire colonies, creating a unique micro-ecosystem termed 'the plastisphere'. The genes that the bacteria exchange can include those responsible for antibiotic resistance," says Dr Marina Treskova, a junior research group leader at the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing who co-directs the research along with Prof. Rocklov. Plastic particles in turn serve as vehicles, delivering bacteria from one point to another via hydrological processes.

According to Dr Treskova, climate change can further exacerbate the spread of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic environments, for instance through heavy rainfall or lack of rain. "To halt this negative process and to protect planetary health, we have to understand these processes and their interactions to find solutions for monitoring and prevention," says the scientist. Wastewater treatment plants present an important study site for the researchers as they collect wastewater from cities, including hospitals, and accumulate antibiotics, bacteria, and plastic waste.

A main aspect of the research carried out in the context of the "Community-based engagement and intervenTions to stem the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the aqUatic environments catalyzed by cLImate change and Plastic pollution interactions" (TULIP) project are social and political factors, in order to develop holistic countermeasures - including solutions inspired by nature itself. The research approach will be tested in the Philippines and in Italy. "With TULIP, we hope to gain not only scientifically sound insights into the interrelationship between plastic pollution, AMR, and climate change but also translate them into policy recommendations, community actions and societal knowledge. We will collect data on the ground but also apply computer models to develop indicators and decision-making tools," states Joacim Rocklov. The epidemiologist, mathematician, and statistician is investigating climate-sensitive infectious diseases and their impact on public health under changing climatic conditions - an interdisciplinary approach of paramount importance for medicine, healthcare, climate change research, and policy consultation.

The TULIP consortium took up its work at the beginning of this year. The Heidelberg researchers cooperate with project partners in the Philippines who play a major role in implementing and coordinating the scientific work and outreach activities. Also involved are experts from universities and research institutes, non-academic partners, small and medium-sized businesses, and non-governmental organizations from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, and Monaco. The European Union is funding the TULIP project within the framework of Horizon Europe; it is part of the EU Planetary Health cluster.
Regular high caffeine consumption affects dopamine function in patients with Parkinson's disease, shows a new international study led by the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital in Finland. Caffeine consumption before undergoing diagnostic brain dopamine imaging may also affect the imaging results.

Previous research has shown that regular caffeine intake is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, there is limited research on the effects of caffeine on disease progression in patients who have already been diagnosed.



A follow-up study led by the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital (Tyks) in Finland examined how caffeine consumption affects brain dopamine function over an extended period in patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The dopamine function of the brain was assessed with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to measure dopamine transporter (DAT) binding.

The association between high caffeine consumption and a reduced risk for Parkinson's disease has been observed in epidemiological studies. However, our study is the first to focus on the effects of caffeine on disease progression and symptoms in relation to dopamine function in Parkinson's disease." Valtteri Kaasinen, Professor of Neurology at the University of Turku and principal investigator of the study

Caffeine consumption had no effect on Parkinson's symptoms

A clinical study compared 163 patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease to 40 healthy controls. The examinations and imaging were conducted on two occasions for a subsample, with an average interval of six years between the first and second imaging session. Changes in brain dopamine transporter binding were compared with patients' caffeine consumption, which was assessed both by a validated questionnaire and by determining concentrations of caffeine and its metabolites in blood samples.



The findings revealed that patients with a high caffeine consumption exhibited a 8.3-15.4% greater decrease in dopamine transporter binding compared to those with a low caffeine consumption. However, the observed decline in dopamine function is unlikely to be due to a greater reduction in dopamine neurons following caffeine consumption. Rather, it is more likely to be a downregulatory compensatory mechanism in the brain that has also been observed in healthy individuals following caffeine and other stimulant use.



"While caffeine may offer certain benefits in reducing risk of Parkinson's disease, our study suggests that high caffeine intake has no benefit on the dopamine systems in already diagnosed patients. A high caffeine intake did not result in reduced symptoms of the disease, such as improved motor function," says Kaasinen.



Another significant finding of the study was the observation that a recent dose of caffeine, for example in the morning of the imaging session, temporarily increases the person's DAT binding values. This could potentially complicate the interpretation of clinically commonly used brain DAT imaging results. The research results suggest that patients should refrain from consuming coffee and caffeine for 24 hours before undergoing diagnostic DAT imaging.
In a recent review published in the journal Frontiers in Science, researchers underline the need for multidisciplinary collaboration in medicine, particularly in transmissible illnesses, precision/personalized medicine, systems medicine, and data science, based on the lessons learned from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Standing the test of COVID-19: charting the new frontiers of medicine. Image Credit: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has spurred a rethinking of illness conceptions, emphasizing the intricate interplay of physical traits, genetics, comorbid conditions, socioeconomic status, and environmental exposures. Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibit variable susceptibility to infection and clinical outcomes, necessitating coordinated healthcare and public health approaches. A new understanding of health is required, harmonizing biological systems and health-related exposures. Stakeholders and researchers must collaborate to improve understanding of the links between transmissible and non-transmissible illnesses and to investigate molecular pathways in the context of environmental and socioeconomic determinants of health.

About the review

In the present review, researchers propose an interdisciplinary approach to medicine incorporating communicable illnesses, systems medicine, personalized medicine, data science, and public health science while using COVID-19 pandemic findings for health policy implementation.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an increase in medical and health sciences publications overall but with variations between fields. (A) Actual and expected publications across all medical and health sciences, and proportion of all articles that were COVID-19related, by year between 2016 and 2023. Overall, there was an increase of approximately 9% in the number of articles published during the COVID-19 years, during the period 20202022, as compared with the volume that would have been expected based on 20092019 trends. Approximately 7% of all articles published in 20202022 concerned or included reference to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. After the increase in medical and health sciences publications between 2020 and 2022, 2023 saw a decrease in publication volume. (B) Actual and expected publications in selected research fields by year between 2016 and 2023. (C) Difference between actual and expected publication numbers between 2020 and 2023 in selected research fields (expressed as a percentage of expected publications) and the proportion of all actual articles that were COVID-19-related. The 2008 Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) was applied to identify publications in the field of Medical and Health Sciences within Dimensions (data until 1 January 2024), using machine learning to sort publications into Fields of Research. Expected publication numbers for 20202022 were calculated based on an exponential trendline fitted on the actual 20092019 annual publication numbers in relevant fields. An estimated total publication volume for 2023 was used to correct for the indexation lag of publications.

Novel approaches to fighting transmissible illnesses

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has tremendously influenced medical and health science research, accelerating advances in biomedical science. Vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, antimicrobials, mathematical modeling, and multinational collaboration have changed methods for transmissible disease control. Vaccines have helped to reduce public health and social calamities caused by infectious organisms like SARS-CoV-2.

The comeback of tuberculosis (TB) and the high malaria burden in low- and middle-income countries have refocused global attention on the battle against neglected illnesses. A more comprehensive, worldwide strategy is required to avoid and alleviate the effects of future pandemics. New technologies, including synthetic biology, adjuncts, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) constructs, and viral vectors, sped up vaccine development during the pandemic. Major expenditures will continue on future vaccines to limit viral transmission and immune evasion. Lessons from COVID-19 vaccine development will help shape new tactics for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), emerging infections, chronic infectious illnesses, and cancer.

Precision medicine applications for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens

The pandemic has highlighted the need for individualized precision medicine as advances in omics-based technology and digital medicine improve clinical treatment and healthcare system resilience. Understanding host-virus interactions is critical for studying the virus's etiology, therapy, and prevention. Targeted treatments, such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), have been developed for susceptible individuals.

However, to identify patients with post-acute COVID-19, precision medicine tools such as immunological profiling and machine learning are required. The complexity of chronic inflammatory illnesses needs a novel strategy incorporating modern omics-based technologies and systems biology integration. The pandemic has also created new issues in the complicated interactions between commensal and pathogenic microorganisms, directly and indirectly influencing health. SARS-CoV-2, systemic inflammation, antiviral immune reactivity, and medications can all impact the gut microbiota, connecting environmental exposures to health disparities.

The COVID-19 pandemic radically changed the vaccine development process. Pre-pandemic, the development process entailed sequential phases of discovery, early-development, and phase IIII clinical trials over a period of 15 years or so. For COVID-19 vaccines, new technologies, new correlates of immunity, and early public investment allowed all steps to establish safety and efficacy to be completed in parallel within 10 months and with less financial risk to developers.

Using digital medicine, artificial intelligence, and innovative designs for clinical trials

COVID-19 has highlighted the need for advanced analytical tools for interpreting complicated data, informing the government, and gaining vital scientific insights. Artificial intelligence and advanced computer analytics can support individualized responses to environmental toxins, allowing existing medical procedures to continue in a personalized manner.

Systems medicine can tailor existing and novel tests and therapies to specific individuals while minimizing failures and side effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have emphasized artificial intelligence (AI), including research utilizing AI to help diagnosis, evaluate prognosis, anticipate pandemic epidemiology, investigate prospective medications, and identify vaccination targets. Artificial neural networks will be critical in finding new antivirals and therapeutic candidates in the future.

AI also benefits science by mining scientific articles, which is especially pertinent to COVID-19, given the widespread availability of information. Telemedicine and digital therapies are critical for strengthening the healthcare system, reducing reliance on face-to-face interactions, lowering healthcare delivery costs, improving health outcomes, and improving patient experience.

Based on the review findings, the future of medical sciences lies in multidisciplinary collaborations to address complicated clinical, social, and genetic linkages. Creative partnerships, Open Science, and patient-centeredness are critical to success. The pandemic underlined the significance of vaccinations, telemedicine, and digital medicine in health system resilience and patient care. New research methodologies, like decentralized trials, can improve evidence creation and decision-making. Promoting interdisciplinarity in future health sciences research necessitates multistakeholder involvement, interagency/inter-funder coordination, interdisciplinarity participation in research programs, and unique intersectoral partnerships.
Caring for older adults with dementia is stressful, especially when they become physically or verbally aggressive, wander away from home, develop paranoia or hallucinations, engage in inappropriate or repetitive behaviors, or refuse to let caregivers help them.

Upward of 95% of patients experience these neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, which tend to fluctuate over time and vary in intensity. They're the primary reasons people with dementia end up in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. At some point, families and friends trying to help at home simply can't manage.

"When people think about dementia, they usually think about forgetfulness and memory impairment," said Mary Blazek, director of the geriatric psychiatry clinic at the University of Michigan. "But it's behavioral and psychological disturbances that are most disruptive to patients' and caregivers' lives."

Now, help is available from a first-of-its-kind website created by prominent experts in this field. It offers free training in a comprehensive approach to managing neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia  a method known as DICE  based on several decades of scientific research as well as extensive clinical practice.

The website's goal is to "give people tools to better manage often-distressing situations," said Helen Kales, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis Health in Sacramento, California, and one of DICE's creators. Users learn that neuropsychiatric symptoms are caused by changes in the brain that increase people's vulnerability. Nine video modules and two simulations provide comprehensive information and problem-solving techniques.

More than 16 million unpaid caregivers  primarily family members and friends  help people with dementia live at home. (An estimated 20% of patients live in institutional settings.) The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, affects nearly 7 million Americans 65 and older.

DICE is also designed to help "avoid the knee-jerk prescribing of psychoactive medications" that have potentially serious side effects, Kales said. Several medical organizations recommend that non-pharmaceutical approaches to troublesome behaviors be tried before drug therapy, but, in practice, this doesn't routinely happen.

Drugs prescribed for dementia include antipsychotic medications, such as Risperidone, which carry a black-box warning noting an increased risk of sooner-than-expected death in elderly patients; anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin, for which use has been on the rise despite concerns about safety; benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, which are associated with an increased risk of falls and, thus, fractures; and Celexa and other such antidepressants that have limited data supporting their effectiveness in easing dementia symptoms.

DICE is a mnemonic  a pattern of letters meant to serve as a memory aid  that stands for Describe, Investigate, Create, and Evaluate, the four pillars of this approach. At its core is an assumption people with dementia engage in disturbing behaviors for often-unrecognized reasons that can be addressed once they are understood.

Take an example on the website featuring Jennifer, a 55-year-old caregiver for her mother, Betty, 85, whom she tries to bathe daily in the late afternoon. When Betty resists getting into the tub, Jennifer insists, "Let's go! I have things to do." Betty responds by smacking her and shouting, "Leave me alone. It hurts."

DICE asks caregivers to step back from the heat of the moment and examine issues from three perspectives: the person with dementia, the caregiver, and the environment. All can contribute to distressing situations and all need to be considered in fashioning a response.

Examining the problem by using a "who, what, when, how, why" prompt can reveal several potential issues:

The patient. Betty has arthritis and may experience pain getting in and out of the tub. She may feel tired and overwhelmed in the late afternoon.

Betty has arthritis and may experience pain getting in and out of the tub. She may feel tired and overwhelmed in the late afternoon. The caregiver. Jennifer may become easily frustrated when she encounters resistance  adopting a scolding and commanding tone rather than breaking down what Betty needs to do in simple steps.

Jennifer may become easily frustrated when she encounters resistance  adopting a scolding and commanding tone rather than breaking down what Betty needs to do in simple steps. The environment. The bathroom tends to be cold, with overly bright lights, tepid bathwater, and no grab bars around the tub.

Some possible solutions discussed on the website: Offer Betty an over-the-counter pain reliever before her bath. Try baths in the morning, not the afternoon. Relax expectations that she'll have a daily bath and offer sponge baths several times a week. Install grab bars around the tub, and make sure the water temperature is comfortable. Use a nicely scented soap and play music to help Betty relax. Speak calmly, making simple statements.

These embody strategies shown to improve neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia: recognizing and addressing underlying medical issues such as pain, infections, or delirium; simplifying the tasks a person with dementia is expected to perform; and establishing daily routines that give structure to the day.

Other important steps: Engage the person in activities that are meaningful to them, including social interactions. Reduce clutter and the potential for overstimulation in the environment. Make sure the person is using hearing or vision aids, if needed. Get them outside and exposed to light.

If safety, psychosis, or major depression are urgent concerns, then consider using psychoactive medications after consulting a physician.

Of course, this isn't a comprehensive list of recommendations. Nor is it prescriptive. What works for one person with dementia may not work for another.

Using DICE is an iterative process that involves creativity and frequent evaluation to assess whether strategies are working, Kales said. If not, new interventions should be tried.

Although this is the first time family caregivers can access the DICE toolkit, the program has been available to health care professionals for a while. Notably, all of Wisconsin's dementia care specialists have been trained in DICE over the past few years (every county in that state has a specialist who helps families with dementia).

"It's a really pragmatic approach that's put together in a very thoughtful fashion," said Art Walaszek, a professor of psychiatry and medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health who's been involved in that effort.

Other dementia training programs are available, some of which review behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in less depth, and they, too, are increasingly available online. Another valuable resource, Best Programs for Caregiving, launched in March, lists evidence-based programs across the country and their availability. Enter a ZIP code to find information that previously hasn't been assembled in one place. This site, too, is very much worth consulting.

We're eager to hear from readers about questions you'd like answered, problems you've been having with your care, and advice you need in dealing with the health care system. Visit kffhealthnews.org/columnists to submit your requests or tips.
Everyone dreams of traveling via air at least once in his life. But its not possible for every person to enjoy air travel due to high ticket prices.

Well, all thanks to PM Modis UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, travelers can now travel to destinations like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan at affordable prices.

Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, near New Delhi has become the hot spot for travelers as it provides flights at much affordable rates to various destinations of India.

According to Delhi Breakings, the airport was inaugurated under PM Modis RCS-UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme with an aim to provide air connectivity to tier 2 and tier 3 cities across India at a reasonable rate.

Take a look at some of the cheapest flights and airlines flying from this airport.

Flight Rates

Karnataka

You can fly to Hubli in Karnataka from Hindon at a fare of around Rs 2,500. The average cost to travel to Karnataka via train is Rs 2,000-4,000 for 3 AC and it takes almost 40 hours to reach the destination. But from Hindon, travelers can fly to Karnataka at just Rs 2,500 which seems to be a much more convenient and time-saving option.

Rajasthan

Star Air offers flights to Kishangarh in Rajasthan at just Rs 1,967. The city is located on the outskirts of Ajmer. The main attraction here is the temple of nine planets or the Navragh Temple.

Punjab

For people visiting Punjab, now they can save their time and money by traveling via road or train, as Star Air provides cheap flights to Jalandhar from Hindon Airport at just Rs 1,500.

Maharashtra

Nanded is one of the most historical places in India and is located in Maharashtra, on the banks of river Godavari. It is famous for its Sikh Gurdwaras. Star Air provides flights at an approximate fare price of Rs 5,600.

Other Airlines operating from Hindon Airport

1. IndiGo: Popular airline company IndiGo also operates from Hindon airport. However, the flight rates for these airlines are not always the cheapest, but they often offer deals on flights to Bengaluru or Goa.

2. Heritage Aviation: These airlines operate occasionally from Hindon. Travelers are advised to check their official site to avail special offers on flights.

3. Similarly, Ghodawat Airlines and Turbo Airlines are other companies offering flights from Hindon.

Tips to Book Cheap Flights

Book in Advance: Booking tickets in advance is always a better option to get tickets at lower prices. You can book your ticket from Hindon Airport at sites like Skyscanner, Cleartrip, to name a few. Compare fare tickets: There are several ticket booking sites available on the internet. Take the help of sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare the prices of all websites and get the cheapest deal. Travel during weekdays: If possible, avoid traveling on weekends or peak hours as ticket fares are higher at that time. Go for Non-Refundable Tickets: If youre sure of your travel dates, try booking Non-refundable tickets, as they are cheaper than refundable tickets. Keep an eye on Airlines social media platforms: Airline companies often give out major deals for all the passengers. Make sure you keep an eye on their social media handles so that you dont miss out on any offers.

The civil terminal at Hindon Airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2019.
IndiGo Airlines is set to launch business class seats on select flights across key domestic and international routes, according to CNBC-TV18.

In a recent earnings call, IndiGos CEO Pieter Elbers announced the airlines entry into the business class market.

We will have business class seats on Indias busiest routes, an Indigo official told CNBC-TV18.

These premium seats will be available on 10 to 15 aircraft operating major domestic routes, including Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Bengaluru, and Delhi-Chennai. Passengers in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru can look forward to a luxurious travel experience.

Internationally, business class service will be offered on routes such as Delhi-Dubai, Delhi-Singapore, and Delhi-Abu Dhabi, starting soon.

According to Mint, experts believe IndiGo might offer these business class seats at competitive prices to attract passengers seeking premium services without the high cost. This strategy aims to compete with Air India and Vistara, though IndiGos lower fares may come without some luxury amenities like chauffeurs, premium lounges, and dedicated check-in counters.

Reactions to IndiGos move have been mixed. Some praise it as a sign of IndiGos growth and market strength, while others urge caution, noting the challenges of matching the service quality of full-service international airlines.

IndiGo plans to share more details about its business class strategy in August, coinciding with the airlines 18th anniversary celebrations.
Petrol and Diesel Prices On May 28, 2024: Latest petrol and diesel prices have been released nationwide on Tuesday, May 28. 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.

Today, there has been no change in the petrol and diesel prices in the countrys capital Delhi and other metros. Companies like Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation of India release the prices of petrol and diesel on their websites. 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 28, 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 28, the cost of diesel is priced at Rs 87.62 per litre.

Delhi Petrol Price Today

As of May 28, the cost of petrol in Delhi is Rs 94.72 per litre.

Check city-wise petrol and diesel prices on May 28:

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

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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 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on ICICI Bank, and Rs 91 lakh on Yes Bank for non-compliance with norms.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 21, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of 1.00 crore (Rupees One Crore only) on ICICI Bank Ltd. (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on Loans and Advances  Statutory and Other Restrictions. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI conferred under the provisions of section 47A(1)(c) read with section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the RBI said in a statement dated May 27.

It said ICICI Bank had sanctioned term loan(s) to certain entities (i) in lieu of or to substitute budgetary resources envisaged for certain projects; (ii) without undertaking due diligence on the viability and bankability of the projects to ensure that revenue streams from the projects were sufficient to take care of the debt servicing obligations; (iii) the repayment/servicing of which was made out of budgetary resources; and (iv) without ensuring that the funding proposals were for specific monitorable projects.

The RBI separately conducted a Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2022) of ICICI Bank and Yes Bank with reference to their financial position as on March 31, 2022.

On Yes Bank, the RBI imposed a Rs 91 lakh fine for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on Customer Service in Banks, and Un-authorised Operation of lnternal/Office Accounts'.

Following an examination, the RBI found that Yes Bank had (i) levied charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance in certain savings accounts having insufficient/zero balance and (ii) opened and operated certain internal accounts in the name of its customers for unauthorized purposes like parking funds and routing customer transactions, according to a separate statement.

The action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transactions or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank, it said.

Apart from these, the RBI on May 27 also imposed penalties on Bharati Sahakari Bank Ltd; The Greater Bombay Co-operative Bank Limited, Mumbai; and The Gandhinagar Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
On May 28, SpiceJet vehemently denied the claims made by KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran, who are seeking damages amounting to Rs. 1,323 crore.

In a press statement, SpiceJet said, strongly refutes the claims made by KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran regarding seeking damages of Rs.1323 crore. These assertions are not only legally untenable but also a regurgitation of previously rejected claims by the Arbitral Tribunal and then the Delhi High Court.

The statement added that KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran initially sought damages of more than Rs.1300 crore during the arbitration proceedings. This claim was thoroughly examined and subsequently rejected by a panel of three retired Supreme Court judges.

Following this, KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran appealed to the Single-Judge Bench of the Delhi High Court, seeking the same amount in damages, which was again rejected by the court, the SpiceJet statement added.

Notably, they chose not to pursue any appeal before the appellate jurisdiction and consequently, the matter attained finality. This matter is devoid of any merit and appears to be an endeavour to sensationalise the issue and mislead the public.

The Division Bench of the Delhi High Court on May 17, 2024, ruled in favour of SpiceJet and Ajay Singh. Following the success before the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, SpiceJet will now pursue a refund of Rs.450 crores, SpiceJet added.

Rs 1,323 Cr in Damages from SpiceJet, Ajay Singh

The statement came after KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran on Monday said they will seek more than Rs 1,323 crore in damages from SpiceJet and its chief Ajay Singh as well as challenge the recent Delhi High Court order in the ongoing dispute between the two sides.

On May 17, a division bench of the court set aside a single judge bench order that had upheld an arbitral award asking SpiceJet and its promoter Ajay Singh to refund Rs 579 crore plus interest to Maran.

The bench allowed the appeals filed by Singh and SpiceJet challenging the single judges order, passed on July 31, 2023, and remanded the matter back to the court concerned to consider the petitions challenging the arbitral award afresh.

Against this backdrop, Maran and his firm KAL Airways have decided to challenge the ruling after consultation with their legal counsel.

The decree holders  KAL Airways and Maran  believe that the aforesaid judgement is deeply flawed and warrants further scrutiny.

In parallel, they are also seeking damages over Rs 1,323 crore, as determined by FTI Consulting LLP, United Kingdom, a globally renowned firm that specialises in estimation of losses arising out of breach of contractual commitments, KAL Airways said in a statement on Monday.

Further, it said the claim for damages had originally been presented by KAL Airways and Maran before the arbitral tribunal and has always remained an integral part of their quest for justice.

the challenge to the Delhi High Court judgement and the claim for damages, the decree holders hope to secure a just and equitable resolution to the contentious dispute, the statement said.

The dispute arose due to a breach of trust by SpiceJet and has caused enormous hardship to both KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran for more than a decade, it added.

According to the statement, they will pursue the execution of the arbitral award, seeking a refund of the pending dues amounting to Rs 353.50 crore.

This action is also in full compliance with, and supported by, the orders dated February 13, 2023, and July 7, 2023, passed by the Honble Supreme Court directing that the award in favour of the decree holders is executed in its entirety, it said.

On May 22, SpiceJet said it will seek a refund of Rs 450 crore out of the total Rs 730 crore paid to the airlines former promoter Maran and KAL Airways following the Delhi High Court ruling.

The case dates back to early 2015, when Singh, who owned the airline earlier, bought it back from Maran after it was grounded for months due to resource crunch.

As part of the agreement, Maran and KAL Airways had claimed to have paid SpiceJet Rs 679 crore for issuing warrants and preference shares.

However, Maran approached the Delhi High Court in 2017, alleging SpiceJet had not issued convertible warrants and preference shares nor returned the money.
IIT Madras has released the question papers of Paper-1 and Paper-2 of JEE Advanced 2024. It can be downloaded by visiting the official JEE Advanced website jeeadv.ac.in. The answer key of the exam will be released on May 31. Candidates can raise objections to the answer key on June 2 and 3. The result of JEE Advanced will be released on June 9. Admission to IIT, one of the top engineering colleges in the country, will be based on JEE Advanced score.

Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates of JEE Main can appear in JEE Advanced. This year the cut off for unreserved category in JEE Main 2024 was 93.23. This was the highest cut off compared to the last several years. This year, 97395 students got the qualifying cutoff for JEE Advanced.

JEE Advanced paper 2024: Paper 2 more difficult

Candidates appearing in JEE Advanced 2024 said that paper 2 was more difficult than paper 1. The Physics section in Paper 1 was much more difficult than the other sections. At the same time, students described the Maths section in Paper 2 as very tough. The JEE Advanced exam is of 360 marks with each paper carrying 180 marks.

The overall Chemistry paper ranged from moderate to difficult, with almost all topics being covered in both papers. Organic Chemistry had a slightly higher weightage. The Mathematics section in Paper 1 was challenging due to lengthy and calculation-intensive problems, while it was easier in Paper 2. Physics had an easy to moderate difficulty level in both papers, an Unacademy educator said.

According to student feedback, the difficulty level of the paper was moderate to difficult. Mathematics and Chemistry were particularly challenging, while Physics was of moderate difficulty, said Ajay Kumar Sharma, National Academic Director, Engineering Aakash Educational Services Limited.

JEE Advanced 2024 expected cut-off

According to the candidates, the questions asked in the exam were Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Section Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Based. There may be a slight decrease in the cut-off. Last year the cut-off for JEE Advanced was 86. This time it may be between 85 to 90. For OBC-NCL it can be 85 to 90. While the cutoff of General EWS is likely to be between 75 to 80. Last year it was 77. This cutoff is likely to be 45 to 50 for SC category candidates. In 2023 it was 43. For the ST category, this year JEE Advanced 2024 cut off can be between 45 to 50, while last year it was 43.

Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website.
The Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan released the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or class 10 revaluation results on May 27, 2024. Students who applied for the revaluation process can check the results on official websites at sslcexam.kerala.gov.in, results.kite.kerala.gov.in, and pareekshabhavan.kerala.gov.in. To pass the Kerala SSLC exam candidates need to secure at least 35 per cent marks in each paper and aggregate.

Kerala SSLC Revaluation Results 2024: How to Check?

Step 1: Visit the official website, keralaresults.nic.in or results.kite.kerala.gov.in.

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the revaluation result link.

Step 3: A login page will open. Enter the essential login information and click on the submit option.

Step 4: Your results will be displayed. Check all the details mentioned carefully.

Step 5: Download and print a copy of the Kerala SSLC Revaluation Results 2024 for future use.

This year, the Kerala SSLC overall pass percentage has been recorded at 99.69 per cent. As many as 71,831 students received A+ with Malappuram remaining the district with the highest percentage of pupils obtaining A+ grades in every subject, with 4,934 students getting full A+ grades.

In 2023, a total of 419,554 students took the SSLC examination, out of which 417864 students passed with an overall pass rate of 99.7 per cent. Over 2581 schools recorded 100 per cent where 951 were government schools and 1291 aided schools and 439 unaided schools.

This year, the Kerala SSLC exam was held from March 4 to 25. A total of 427,105 students took the exam. Answer papers were evaluated in 70 camps, with around 11,000 teachers from different schools evaluated between April 3 and April 20. The original certificates for the SSLC class 10 will be distributed to the students in the first week of June from their respective schools.

The states Ministry of Education also said that from next year, a new exam system will be implemented. Starting next year, a minimum mark system will be implemented. An education conclave will be conducted to accomplish this goal.

Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website.
The decision to enact Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was the agenda of 4-5 families and was neither the wish of the people of Kashmir nor the rest of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview to news agency ANI on Tuesday.

During the interview, he said he was pained when he had to take the tough decision of shutting down the internet in J&K but added that it was in the best interests of the people. He said, as a result, the Union Territory has seen no internet disruptions in the last five years.

Article 370 was the agenda of only 4-5 families. It was neither the agenda of the people of Kashmir nor the agenda of the people of the country. For their benefit, they had built such a wall of Article 370 and used to say that if it is removed, there will be a fire After the removal of Article 370, there is a feeling of more unity. The feeling of belongingness is increasing among the people of Kashmir. Its direct result is also visible in elections and tourism 

Talking about the roadmap for J&K and the high voter turnout in Indias newest Union Territory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi said: First of all, I would like to pray to the justice system of our country that if the government wants to do any work, we have a design, strategy to do that work. To solve such problems, work had to be done under that strategy. Now sometimes, I had to shut down the internet for that. Some NGO went to court and it became a big issue in the court, but today the children there proudly say that the internet has not been shut down for the last five years and we have been getting all the facilities for the last five years.

#WATCH | On his decision to remove Article 370, PM Narendra Modi says, "Article 370 was the agenda of only 4-5 families, it was neither the agenda of the people of Kashmir nor the agenda of the people of the country. For their benefit, they had built such a wall of 370 and used pic.twitter.com/x9P263Khes ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2024

There was some pain for a few days, but it was for a good cause It is very important to save the country from such NGOs. Secondly, when the common man votes there, it is not just to make someone win, voting means that the voter accepts the Constitution of India and expresses his dedication towards the entire spirit of India

As a result, voting records of 40 years have been broken. It is a matter of greatest satisfaction for me that my brothers and sisters from Kashmir came forward to vote with great enthusiasm. By voting, they have given a message to the world and to those who used to have doubts, the Prime Minister said.

#WATCH | On high voter turnout in Kashmir, PM Narendra Modi says, "First of all, I would like to pray to the justice system of our country that if the government wants to do any work, they have a design, strategy to do that work. To solve such problems, work had to be done under pic.twitter.com/C2Qhar0BsT ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2024

In August 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre abrogated the provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution that had bestowed special rights on Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the erstwhile state into Union Territories  J&K and Ladakh. The ongoing Lok Sabha elections are the first major election in J&K since.

With the conclusion of voting in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat on Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir has registered an unprecedented 58.11% polling in its five parliamentary constituencies, which was highest in the past 35 years.

Udhampur Lok Sabha seat was the first to go to polls on April 19, recording 68% turnout followed by Jammu which recorded 69.1% on April 26.

In Kashmir, Srinagar witnessed 38% polling on May 13 which was the second highest in three decades, while the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency registered an all time high voter turnout of 58.17% on May 20. Anantnag-Rajouri also recorded around 53% polling.

Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase, Results Date, Exit Poll And Much More At News18 Website
Barasat Lok Sabha constituency is one of the 42 parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal. It comprises the following assembly segments, all of which are held by the Trinamool Congress: Habra, Ashoknagar, Rajarhat New Town, Bidhannagar, Madhyamgram, Barasat and Deganga.

Current MP: Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar (TMC)

Top Contenders: Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar (TMC), Swapan Majumder (BJP)

Date of Polling: June 1, 2024 (Phase VII)

Political Dynamics

TMC Banks on Minority Vote to Retain Barasat: The Trinamool Congress had won Barasat Lok Sabha constituency in 2019 by a margin of 1.1 lakh votes. It has retained its sitting MP, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who is now taking on BJPs Swapan Majumdar. In terms of ground presence and campaign intensity, the TMC and BJP are evenly placed, with both parties working round-the-clock to secure a win.

The Trinamool Congress had won Barasat Lok Sabha constituency in 2019 by a margin of 1.1 lakh votes. It has retained its sitting MP, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who is now taking on BJPs Swapan Majumdar. In terms of ground presence and campaign intensity, the TMC and BJP are evenly placed, with both parties working round-the-clock to secure a win. The TMC has a slight advantage going into the polls. However, as polling day approaches and with PM Modi campaigning for the BJP candidate here, the incumbent partys prospects could take a hit. The TMC is disproportionately reliant on the Muslim voters of this constituency, which make up 27% of the total electorate.

The Muslim vote is expected to head the TMCs way lock, stock and barrel. This is, however, expected to give momentum to a reverse-polarisation among Hindus, especially the Matua community.

The TMC is also going out of its way to lure the women voter with its promise of local development and upliftment, apart from the fact that the West Bengal government now pays monthly doles to women under the Lakhsmir Bhandar Scheme. The scheme is being well-appreciated by women voters not just in Barasat, but across West Bengal.

However, the impact of Sandeshkhali and the disheartening stories of women being assaulted and allegedly raped there has hit the TMCs perception as a women-friendly party across the state. This is because while the Sandeshkhali story was the cat that came out of the cupboard, voters in West Bengal know that the phenomenon is not limited to that area alone. It is a pervasive problem that affects women across the state.

The TMC is also expected to take a hit from the fact that its District Secretary in North 24 Parganas and former West Bengal minister Jyotipriya Mallick is currently in judicial custody because of his alleged involvement in the multi-crore ration distribution scam. As such, he has not been able to campaign for the party, and his absence has indeed left the TMC with a difficult-to-fill vacuum on the ground.

The TMC, which is expected to gain the entirety of the Muslim vote, could potentially benefit from the three-way fight underway in Barasat. The AISFs decision to field a candidate from here has turned the election here into a four-cornered contest involving Trinamool Congress, BJP, AISF and the All-India Forward Bloc. The likely three-way division of anti-incumbency votes is a factor of comfort for the TMC this time, as it prevents the BJP from achieving near-complete Hindu consolidation in the constituency.

Also working to the TMCs advantage is the fact that the party has control over all the seven assembly segments falling under Barasat LS. This is an edge which the BJP can simply not compensate for, as TMC MLAs galvanise their individual support bases in favour of the Kakoli Dastidar.

BJP Poses a Big Challenge: The BJP is giving the TMC a real run for its money. That being said, the fight in Barasat is close. The saffron party has fielded Swapan Majumdar from this constituency, who fasces a tough challenge wresting the seat from the TMC.

The BJP is giving the TMC a real run for its money. That being said, the fight in Barasat is close. The saffron party has fielded Swapan Majumdar from this constituency, who fasces a tough challenge wresting the seat from the TMC. For the BJP, winning Barasat will be special because it would have proven that despite unfavourable demography, the party was able to unite large number of Hindu voters under its banner. While the TMC relies on the minority vote bank, the BJP is hopeful that a counter-polarisation among Hindus will help its prospects.

The Matuas are of critical importance for the BJP now. Their substantial presence in two Assembly constituencies here, namely Habra and Ashoknagar is set to benefit the BJP. Matuas are a Backward Class community of Hindus who came as refugees from Bangladesh. It is being anticipated that with the Citizenship Amendment Act having been notified, the Matuas are going to vote in large numbers for the BJP. To an extent, this will help BJP neutralise the Muslim consolidation in favour of the TMC.

Also heartening for the BJP is that fact that its vote share has been on an upward trajectory in Barasat since 2014. In 2014, the BJP increased its vote share to 27.75% from a meagre 5.40% in 2009. In 2019, the saffron party further increased its vote share to 38.57%. This election too, the it is expected to add to its existing vote share.

The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme appears to have emerged as the biggest obstacle to the BJPs prospects in West Bengal this time, and Barasat is no exception. The party has gone from negating the impact of Mamata Banerjees scheme to now promising to raise the amount provided to women under it. BJP leaders are now promising to hike the monthly payout to Rs 3,000. That is a telltale sign of the impact this scheme has had on the ground.

The BJP also faces the challenge of not having big leaders, apart from Suvendu Adhikari, Dilip Ghosh and Sukanta Majumdar, who can speak fluent and captivating Bangla. Adhikari, Ghosh and Majumdar are all important leaders who cannot restrict themselves to campaigning in Barasat alone. This has placed the BJP at a slight disadvantage, since most of its leaders flying in from Delhi cannot speak Bangla.

Importantly, the Modi factor is alive and kicking in Barasat. Voters keenly watch out for statement made by the Prime Minister and take what he has to say seriously. There is no perceptible anger against him. In fact, the Modi factor is so pronounced that Mamata Banerjee is having to fight a defensive battle to ensure that the visible anti-incumbency against her and especially local TMC leaders does not negatively impact the partys fortunes in this election.

Key Issues

Sandeshkhali: The issue of Sandeshkhali has been raised time and again by the BJP, especially in Barasat. In one of PMs last visit to the constituency in March this year, it was reported that buses of women impacted in Sandeshkhali were on the way to PM Modis rally in Barasat but were stopped enroute.

The issue of Sandeshkhali has been raised time and again by the BJP, especially in Barasat. In one of PMs last visit to the constituency in March this year, it was reported that buses of women impacted in Sandeshkhali were on the way to PM Modis rally in Barasat but were stopped enroute. It has become a major issue in the elections and will be playing a key role as both the regions fall in the North 24 Parganas district.

Moreover, there have been claims by the people and the opposition that the state government has tried to suppress this issue. The transfer of the Barasat range DIG right after the violence in Sandeshkhali in February added fuel to the fire.

Unemployment: Barasat, a constituency with a significant minority population, has seen improvements in village road networks, infrastructure, and the public distribution system under the state government. The government has also provided Swasthya Sathi Health cards.

Barasat, a constituency with a significant minority population, has seen improvements in village road networks, infrastructure, and the public distribution system under the state government. The government has also provided Swasthya Sathi Health cards. However, the lack of major industries in the area has led to dissatisfaction among residents, as tailoring, zari artisanship, construction work, and jewellery designing remain the primary occupations. The limited employment opportunities continue to be a concern. This has also led to massive migration of population to nearby industrial hubs and urban centres of Baraackpore, Howrah, or Kolkata.

Connectivity: Road connectivity remains a major issue in the rural regions of Barasat due to a lack of all-weather roads. Narrow pucca roads lead to the villages interiors. This impedes intra-regional connectivity in the region. Rains wash away the roads in monsoon, which impedes connectivity in the rural regions.

Road connectivity remains a major issue in the rural regions of Barasat due to a lack of all-weather roads. Narrow pucca roads lead to the villages interiors. This impedes intra-regional connectivity in the region. Rains wash away the roads in monsoon, which impedes connectivity in the rural regions. A lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure also forces the rural population to travel to the urban region, which is hampered by the lack of better roads in the region. Although the state government has worked towards providing people better road connectivity in the constituency, more has been demanded by the people.

Healthcare and Education: There is a lack of educational facilities that can provide adequate education. The level of education provided by government schools is low and the private schools are too expensive for the daily wage labourers.

There is a lack of educational facilities that can provide adequate education. The level of education provided by government schools is low and the private schools are too expensive for the daily wage labourers. Moreover, even the hospital infrastructure in the region lacks basic facilities. If people fall sick, they have to travel to Kolkata for medical care. People have voiced their concern but the state government has remained indifferent to their needs.

Drinking Water: Drinking water is a major issue in Barrackpore, studies have shown that groundwater quality in the region is quite hard and is having an excess amount of magnesium. Moreover, piped water provided by the municipality is not adequate and has not reached all of the households. Issues of water pipes bursting has also created issues of unavailability of water in many areas.

Drinking water is a major issue in Barrackpore, studies have shown that groundwater quality in the region is quite hard and is having an excess amount of magnesium. Moreover, piped water provided by the municipality is not adequate and has not reached all of the households. Issues of water pipes bursting has also created issues of unavailability of water in many areas. Waterlogging: Waterlogging has been a major issue in Barrackpore. Inadequate sewage systems have failed to keep up with the rising population. Moreover, the sewage system is old and crumbling as the city gets waterlogged even after short spurts of rain. This causes major issues for the citizens as people remain stuck in their houses as the city remains paralysed for days. Moreover, dumped garbage on the streets enters people home with the water creating unhygienic conditions and a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Demographics

Total Voters: 17,16,009

SC Voters: 326,042 (19%)

ST Voters: 25,740 (1.5%)

Muslims: 463,848 (27%)

Rural Voters: 607,467 (35.4%)

Urban Voters: 1,108,542 (64.6%)

Voter Turnout in 2019: 81.1%

Infrastructure Development
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee faces a critical test in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections on June 1. This phase, involving nine key constituencies in South Bengal  her traditional stronghold  could determine the fate of the TMC and Banerjee at the national level.

Of the nine, two  Joynagar and Mathurapur  are reserved for the Scheduled Caste, while at least four seats have a Muslim population share of over 30%. Two seats  Diamond Harbour and Basirhat  have a Muslim vote share of over 50% and the community plays a dominant role there.

ALSO READ | Calcutta HCs OBC Order Gives BJPs Muslim Quota Charge a New Lease of Life in Last Leg of Elections

The seventh phase comes amid three significant Calcutta High Court rulings, including the cancellation of the Muslim OBC quota, which may have a mixed" bearing on her support base.

Political analysts and social scientists, who work with data and field verification, claim that the TMC can sweep an election in the state if the party can manage around 15% of Hindu votes, as it is likely to have around 30% of Muslim votes consolidated in its favour. But the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here has managed to compartmentalise the Hindu votes based on region and other parameters, including refugee Hindus, caste, OBC and tribal factors.

In 2019, the TMC had won all the nine seats.

MAMATAS ASSERTION

While Hindu OBC votes may tilt towards the BJP, with the partys campaign focusing on Banerjees alleged appeasement policies", starting from granting reservation to the Muslim community, financial assistance to the clerics and so on, the Muslims may go towards Banerjee for her aggressive assertion post the Calcutta High Court judgment.

ALSO READ | Bengal Will Avenge Injustice By BJP: Mamata Banerjee

Her assertion may work as an assurance for Muslims living in rural areas. The reservation in government jobs and education institutions may have only mattered to the middle class and lower middle class Muslims who have aspirations. I feel there is resentment among educated Muslims after the order came. The government did not do enough to plug the lacunae in the system and did not fight the case as seriously as it should have. But that percentage of Muslims is a small part of the urban Muslim population," said Prof Adul Matin, who teaches political science in Jadavpur University. Matin is also a social scientist who works among Muslims and backward classes.

The massive impact will be among Muslims living in the rural hinterland of Bengal. They may not have anything to do with reservation. However, Banerjees roar from the election campaign stage saying that she does not accept the order and will move to the higher court sounded like another political shelter to them," he added.

Smt. @MamataOfficial rejected the Calcutta High Court's order stripping OBC status from numerous categories.Our Chairperson vowed to fight tirelessly for justice, challenging the judgment in the Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/KeuTYtaCt2  All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 24, 2024

WHAT THE HC SAID

According to the Calcutta High Court judgment on the Muslim OBC quota, by a Gazette Notification dated March 25, 2013, the state published the West Bengal Backward Classes (other than scheduled caste and scheduled tribe) Act of 2012 (hereinafter referred to as the Act of 2012) that was passed by the State Legislature. Schedule-I of the said Act of 2012 carved out two categories of OBC A (More Backward) and OBC B (Backward). The 77 OBC Classes, which were previously classified and sub-classified by executive notifications/ memoranda were incorporated in the schedule.

Cancelling the quota, the Calcutta High Court in its observation said, If history and realities of life provide any guide, it would be axiomatic to say that human ingenuity has no limits in finding out the ways of avoiding and circumventing the provisions of law much more in cases where confidence of the people at large rests upon the government."

The society at large has a stake in proper application of the yardsticks pertaining to reservation. The allegations in the instant case are neither skirmishes nor bald, but speak of overt acts indicating non-compliance of the statutory provisions and the law as laid down by the Honble Supreme Court. Strict adherence to the rule of law is to be ensured and the same cannot be allowed to be flouted in the hands of the executives who dressed in little brief authority and in exercise of its discretion cripples the constitutional guarantee of fairness and reasonableness," the court added.

BJPs APPEASEMENT CLAIMS

Even as Muslims are likely to consolidate in favour of Banerjee solidly after the ruling, there is a possibility that a good chunk of the Hindu OBC voters may align towards the BJP. The BJP has long been campaigning against such a quota in Bengal and also built their campaign around the alleged appeasement by Banerjee. They said that Banerjees government was trying to curtail" the rights of Hindu OBCs by including 77 Muslims groups and sub-groups in the OBC quota.

Hours after the order, PM Narendra Modi, while addressing election rallies, said that the reservation should never be based on religious lines. In a recent interview to ANI, he elaborated stating that reservation had become a talking point and a crucial issue in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He also spoke about safeguarding the constitutional principles and the rights of marginalised communities.

I want to alert the SC, ST, Other Backward Class people because by keeping them in darkness they (opposition) are looting them. Election is such a time, that I should make the countrymen aware of the biggest crisis that is coming. Therefore, I have been explaining this to the people. The basic spirit of the Constitution of India is being violated and that too for the sake of vote bank politics Those who call themselves well-wishers of the Dalits, tribals, are in reality their staunch enemiesThere is an imprint of the Muslim League in their manifestoDo you want to destroy the coming generations also for the sake of vote bank? I will fight for the rights of my Dalit, tribal, OBC brothers and sisters. And thats why Im fighting the battle," he said.

ALSO READ | TMC In Damage Control Mode After Mamata Riles Up Ramakrishna Mission, Sevashram Monks; Row Explained

PM Modis repeated thrust on the Muslim OBC quota and related politics indicate that the ruling may have emanated from West Bengal, but it is going to see political ramifications nationally.

In addition to the OBC Muslim quota political debate, Banerjees sudden outburst against some of the senior functionaries of social institutions like Ramakrishna Mission, Bharat Sevashram and ISKCON may also impact the elections and may also sound like validation" of the BJPs allegations. All these social institutions in Bengal have a huge following irrespective of caste lines. We are confused. We are still trying to analyse why she attacked such institutions with a massive Hindu following," added Matin.

Prof Biswanath Chakraborty, a senior political analyst, said that the BJPs electoral dividend in this phase is likely to be very limited". Apart from North Kolkata seat, where the Trinamool is witnessing factional feud, the BJP is not likely to earn any electoral dividend in this phase. The quota judgment will not help the party much as the electoral strategy is flawed," he added.
Captain Amarinder Singh was genuinely feudal but Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is worse. He is living like a king with thousands of security men and misusing state choppers. He is totally disconnected with the people on the ground, said Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira in an interview with News18 in Sangrur, the constituency that will go to polls in the last phase of Lok Sabha election on June 1.

On paper, it is Sukhpal Singh Khaira versus Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer in Sangrur in Punjab. But on the face of it, its Khaira versus Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in a grudge match in the latters backyard. The seat incidentally is held by Simranjit Singh Mann who openly espouses the Khalistan cause and won Sangrur in a by-poll in 2022 after Bhagwant Mann gave up his seat to become the CM.

But for Khaira, the number one enemy here is AAP and the CM. Khaira spent four months in jail in a drug case after the AAP government arrested him last year, and got bail this January. Now, Khaira aims to snatch Sangrur from the CM who was born in Sangrur and was a two-time MP here.

AAPs Fort Will Crumble: Khaira

It is not a personal fight but somehow the CM created such circumstances by falsely putting people behind bars. He has become habitual of trying to misuse the police and intimidate his opponents, he sent me to jail and slapped five criminal cases on me. Congress thought fit to field me from here. They think it is their fort but it will crumble on June 4 and it had already crumbled in 2022 when AAP lost this seat in a by-poll, Khaira told News18 amidst hectic campaigning.

Khaira was associated with the AAP between 2015 and 2017 before he floated his own party and then re-joined the Congress. He now says that Bhagwant Mann as CM has turned out worse than Captain Amarinder Singh. At any point of time, there are scores of cars in his cavalcade, he is surrounded by scores of security men and he has hardly been to any village of Punjab in the last two years. He is just enjoying his time as the CM and has no connect with people, Khaira said.

The three-time Congress MLA from Bholath, Khaira also said the last two years in Punjab have been of complete misrule and promises not being fulfilled though people had voted for change. On the contrary, the ethics and moralities that Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann promised in politics have been broken by them with impunity. Kejriwal and Mann are often seen with scores and scores of security guards, 1000 men are posted in the security of the CM and his family. Captain Amarinder Singh was genuinely a feudal but they have broken even his records, they are living like kings and are misusing state choppers, Khaira told News18.

Rajya Sabha Picks Insulted Punjab

Khaira said what has further upset Punjabis is the Rajya Sabha picks of AAP from Punjab which included the likes of non-Punjabis including Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak, and known businessmen Ashok Mittal and Sanjiv Arora rather than any intellectual or an aam aadmi. AAP promised a Swaraj model and said they will ask people and party volunteers before taking decisions. But look at who they elected as 7 Raja Sabha members  Ashok Mittal, owner of a private university who is worth Rs 25,000 crore and a businessman from Delhi Sanjiv Arora who no one knows in Punjab  are these any aam aadmi, Khaira asked News18.

Khaira said senior AAP leaders but non-Punjabis like Raghav Chadha and Sanjeev Pathak also had no reason to become Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab. Worse, their Rajya Sabha MPs never spoke in support of Arvind Kejriwal when he was jailed. These were all business people who will never defend them or take on the establishment. AAP leadership has lost the confidence of their own cadres, Khaira told News18.

Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase, Results Date, Exit Poll And Much More At News18 Website
The Deoria Lok Sabha constituency is one of 80 parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. It is a general category seat and comprises parts of Deoria and Kushinagar districts. Five Assembly segments fall under the Deoria Lok Sabha seat  Tamkuhi Raj, Fazilnagar, Deoria, Pathardeva and Rampur Karkhana  all of which are currently held by the BJP.

Polling Date  June 1, 2024; Phase 7

Sitting MP  Ramapati Ram Tripathi (BJP)

Candidates  Shashank Mani Tripathi (BJP), Akhilesh Pratap Singh (Congress)

Political Dynamics

Though the BSP has also fielded a candidate in Deoria, the main fight in the constituency is between the BJP and the SP-Congress Mahagathbandhan, with the former said to have better shot at victory.

BJP Switches Out Sitting MP: The saffron party this time has dropped sitting MP Ramapati Ram Tripathi in Deoria, fielding Shashank Mani Tripathi from the seat instead.

The saffron party this time has dropped sitting MP Ramapati Ram Tripathi in Deoria, fielding Shashank Mani Tripathi from the seat instead. Shashank Mani Tripathi is the third-generation member of his family to enter politics. An IIT-Delhi graduate, he is contesting his maiden election this time.

Shashanks father, Prakash Mani Tripathi, was a Lok Sabha member from Deoria in 1996. He was also an ex-army officer. His grandfather, Surat Narain Mani Tripathi, was an IAS officer and also a member of the Vidhan Parishad.

The BJP is said to have denied the ticket to sitting MP Ramapati Tripathi after much thought in keeping with strong demands from local cadre that the Deoria ticket be given to a local leader this time. Ramapati Tripathi does not hail from Deoria, and his 2019 candidature is said to have been a consolation price for the party denying his son the ticket from Sant Kabir Nagar.

Shashank Tripathi has been active in the area for years and had also campaigned heavily in favour of BJP candidates in Assembly elections.

As the founder of Jagriti Enterprises Center Purvanchal, he is working on entrepreneurship development along with the party in 12 districts of Purvanchal.

Training programs are frequently conducted by his organization on how to create employment for people in villages.

It is said that the RSS was pleased with his work in the area and the BJP eventually rewarded him with a ticket.

On the campaign trail, Shashank Tripathi is said to be holding 20-25 meeting a day and is mostly seeking votes in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his welfare schemes.

Literal Poll Run: Earlier this month, a video was widely shared online showing Shashank Mani Tripathi sprinting towards the nomination centre as the deadline to file nominations was about to close. He reportedly made it just in time.

Earlier this month, a video was widely shared online showing Shashank Mani Tripathi sprinting towards the nomination centre as the deadline to file nominations was about to close. He reportedly made it just in time. Congress Long Shot: As per the seat-sharing agreement between INDIA bloc partners Samajwadi Party and Congress, the Deoria seat is being contested by the grand old party which last won in Deoria in 1984. In contrast, the SP won the seat last in 2004.

As per the seat-sharing agreement between INDIA bloc partners Samajwadi Party and Congress, the Deoria seat is being contested by the grand old party which last won in Deoria in 1984. In contrast, the SP won the seat last in 2004. When the seat-sharing details were announced, a section of UP Congress had complained that the party lost out on winnable seats in the seat-sharing talk and ended up with five to six seats where it has not won in decades, including Deoria.

The Congress has entrusted the tough task of wresting Deoria from the BJP to its national spokesperson and popular face on television debates Akhilesh Pratap Singh.

A Congress member for close to 40 years now, Singh started off with the Youth Congress where he rose through the ranks to become vice-president. In 1995, he joined the big leagues and was made the spokesperson for Uttar Pradesh Congress as well as head of its media wing.

He contested the 2012 Assembly elections from Rudrapur seat and won. The same year, he was made a national-level media panellist.

Akhilesh Singh, however, lost the 2017 Assembly elections. Despite the loss, he was made national spokesperson of the party and started representing the Congress on television debates.

One of the biggest factors working against Akhilesh Singh is rift within UP Congress ranks.

Rift in Ranks: Former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu, who had resigned following the partys drubbing in Assembly elections, was said to be lobbying for the ticket that ultimately went to Akhilesh Singh.

Former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu, who had resigned following the partys drubbing in Assembly elections, was said to be lobbying for the ticket that ultimately went to Akhilesh Singh. As a result, a sulking Ajay Kumar Lallu has not been supporting or campaigning for the Mahagathbandhan candidate.

Caste Factors: The two politically dominant castes in the Deoria constituency are Brahmins and Thakurs, with the former outnumbering the latter.

The two politically dominant castes in the Deoria constituency are Brahmins and Thakurs, with the former outnumbering the latter. While BJP candidate Shashank Mani Tripathi is from the Brahmin community, Congresss Akhilesh Pratap Singh is a Thakur.

The Thakur community, as expected is siding with Akhilesh Pratap Singh. A recent public meeting held by senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was recently boycotted by the Thakur community.

Key Constituency Issues

District Hospital: Deoria has been awaiting a district hospital for long. In 2022, the government had instructed the DM to zero in on land for the construction of the district hospital building, but after a few visits to possible land options, no progress was made.

Deoria has been awaiting a district hospital for long. In 2022, the government had instructed the DM to zero in on land for the construction of the district hospital building, but after a few visits to possible land options, no progress was made. The present district hospital of Deoria is under the affiliation of Maharishi Devraha Baba Medical College. With footfall at the medical college higher that what a district hospital would get, locals have been demanding the setting up of a proper hospital.

As per media reports, 10-acre land is required for the project.

Ring Road: Deoria locals and commuters have also been asking for a ring road for many years. Locals say candidates promise a ring road project for the constituency, but no progress has been made in the last few years on it.

Deoria locals and commuters have also been asking for a ring road for many years. Locals say candidates promise a ring road project for the constituency, but no progress has been made in the last few years on it. Agnipath/Agniveer Scheme: The Agniveer military recruitment scheme has become a major election issue in Deoria, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as well as the partys Deoria candidate promising it would be scrapped once its in power.

The Agniveer military recruitment scheme has become a major election issue in Deoria, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as well as the partys Deoria candidate promising it would be scrapped once its in power. In June 2022, the Narendra Modi government had rolled out the Agnipath recruitment scheme for short-term induction of personnel to bring down the age profile of the three services.

It provides for recruiting youth between the age bracket of 17-and-half years and 21 for four years with a provision to retain 25% of them for 15 more years.

Protests had erupted against the schemes implementation in several states in 2022, including Uttar Pradesh, which sends scores of youths to the armed forces.

In March this year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said the government is open to change in the Agniveer recruitment scheme if necessary.

Unemployment: Locals, especially youth, in Deoria have been demanding development and investment in the area for job creation.

Locals, especially youth, in Deoria have been demanding development and investment in the area for job creation. Families say eligible youth are forced to migrate to cities for job opportunities, leaving behind an ageing population.

Crime: Though locals are appreciative of the crackdown on crime by the Yogi Adityanath government, recent cases have unsettled the locals.

Though locals are appreciative of the crackdown on crime by the Yogi Adityanath government, recent cases have unsettled the locals. Earlier this month, the UP Special Task Force had arrested two people, including a resident of Deoria, for making fake documents and collecting huge amounts of money from aspirants claiming to arrange admission to medical courses, including MBBS.

The death of a man in police custody allegedly after being beaten by a Sub-Inspector has also led to tensions in the Satrao Village in Deoria district. Police have booked the SI for murder.

In the beginning of May 13 people were booked, of which 10 have been arrested, for the murder of a priest of Hanuman Mandir in Tendua Choubey village under the Bhalwani police station in Deoria district. According to an IANS report, the trigger was an altercation between the 65-year-old priest and some youth from the Paswan community over loud DJ music.

Deoria is one of the 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced setting up of cyber police stations.

Spurious liquor rackets are also abundant in Deoria with the hooch being smuggled to the dry neighbouring state of Bihar.

Purvanchal Statehood: The demand for a separate state of Purvanchal in the Bhojpuri region of eastern Uttar Pradesh has been a long-pending one. Pro-statehood activist groups want Varanasi to be the capital of the proposed state and Bhojpuri as the official language.

The demand for a separate state of Purvanchal in the Bhojpuri region of eastern Uttar Pradesh has been a long-pending one. Pro-statehood activist groups want Varanasi to be the capital of the proposed state and Bhojpuri as the official language. The demand for splitting Uttar Pradesh into Harit Pradesh (western UP), Poorvanchal (eastern UP), Bundelkhand and Awadh is raked up from time to time, and come elections, it gains momentum.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), headed by Mayawati, was once a strong supporter of the demand when the Samajwadi Party was in power, on development and law and order issues, maintaining that smaller states could be governed better.

As the chief minister, Mayawati had first raised the issue in 2007 and her government had even adopted a resolution in the Assembly seeking division of the state into four parts.

Both the BJP and the Congress had supported the resolution brought by Mayawati in the 403-member House.

But, as Mayawati lost power in 2012 after winning just 80 seats against 206 seats in 2007, her demand lost steam.

The issue may not be a burning one in the 2024 elections in Deoria, but there are pockets where its an emotive topic.

Voter Demographics

SC  14.2%

ST  3.1%

Buddhist  0.08%

Christian  0.13%

Jain  0.01%

Muslim  13.9%

Sikh  0.03%

Major Infra Projects in Deoria

Deoria Bypass: In June last year, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone five National Highway projects worth Rs 6,215 crore in Deoria region.

In June last year, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone five National Highway projects worth Rs 6,215 crore in Deoria region. Gadkari had then said constructing the 22-km, 4-lane bypass at a cost of Rs 1,750 crores will benefit backward areas of Deoria and Gorakhpur. He assured it would improve connectivity with Bihar as well.

Solar Power Plant: In July 2019, Amplus Energy Solutions had announced investment of Rs 500 crore for its second open access solar project of 100MW in Deoria.

In July 2019, Amplus Energy Solutions had announced investment of Rs 500 crore for its second open access solar project of 100MW in Deoria. The Deoria plant was touted to generate 700 jobs and supply green energy to many industries located in the state.

As per reports, a 40 MW solar plant part of the project in Deoria will start power generation next month. It has been set up at a cost of Rs 250 crore.

GorakhpurSiliguri Expressway: The GorakhpurSiliguri Expressway will pass through the Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh.

The GorakhpurSiliguri Expressway will pass through the Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. The four-lane, access-controlled highway will run parallel to National Highway 27 (NH-27) and connect Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh to Siliguri in West Bengal.

It will also pass through the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh, and nine districts of Bihar, before entering West Bengal.

The expressway will be 519.58km-long, covering 84.3 km in Uttar Pradesh.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) proposed the expressway in 2021 as part of Bharatmala Pariyojana (BMP) Phase 2, and land acquisition began in May 2022.

The project was originally expected to be completed by 202829, but as of August 2023, the completion date has been moved up to 2025.

Once completed, the expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Gorakhpur and Siliguri from around 15 hours to about six hours.

Upgrading Deoria Railway Station: In August 2023, PM Narendra Modi announced allocation of Rs 61 crore to upgrade the Deoria Sadar Railway Station.

In August 2023, PM Narendra Modi announced allocation of Rs 61 crore to upgrade the Deoria Sadar Railway Station. The plan involves increasing passenger facilities at Deoria Sadar Railway Station connecting rail passengers of neighbouring Kushinagar district as well as Gopalganj and Siwan districts in Bihar.

Under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, the station is getting a 12-metre-wide foot overbridge, three lifts and two escalators.

Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase, Results Date, Exit Poll And Much More At News18 Website
Dumka is one of the 14 parliamentary constituencies in Jharkhand, reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs), which will go to polls in the seventh phase of election on June 1. It includes parts of Deoghar and Dumka districts, as well as the entire Jamtara district. The constituency comprises six Legislative Assembly segments: Shikaripara (ST) and Dumka (ST) in Dumka district, Nala and Jamtara in Jamtara district, Jama (ST) in Dumka district, and Sarath in Deoghar district.

According to the 2011 Census, there are 14,35,121 voters in Dumka, with urban voters comprising 7.3% and rural 92.7%. The literacy rate is 52.27%. Scheduled Castes form 7.8% of the total electorate and Scheduled Tribes are 37.5%. Hindus are 78% while Muslims and Christians are 17.4% and 3.53%, respectively.

Political Dynamics

The Lok Sabha contest in the tribal-dominated Dumka constituency has turned into a prestige battle for Shibu Sorens daughter-in-law Sita Soren who quit the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and joined the BJP after a prolonged family feud with her brother-in-law Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana.

Dumka has traditionally been a bastion of the JMM, with Shibu Soren, referred endearingly as Bishom Guru, winning the seat seven times including in 1980, 1989, 1991, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2009 and 2014. He was briefly upstaged by Babulal Marandi of the BJP in the 1998 and 1999 elections, and most recently in 2019 when Sunil Soren secured the seat for the BJP.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha Election, the BJPs Sunil Soren won the Dumka seat with a margin of 47,590 votes, defeating JMM patriarch Shibu Soren. Meanwhile, in the assembly elections the same year, the JMM-Congress alliance had the upper hand winning five out of six seats while the BJP bagged one.

BJP Eyes Victory with Badi Bahu: The BJP had initially named sitting MP Sunil Soren as its candidate to contest for a second term in the Dumka constituency. However, as news of the Soren family feud broke out, the situation changed drastically. Sita Soren, who had been anticipating a Lok Sabha ticket from JMM for the Dumka contest, quit the party when she received hints that the party leadership had no such plans. She was immediately handed over the ticket on joining the BJP, much to the chagrin of Sunil Soren, who has made his discontentment known to the BJP leadership.

This incident has caused visible friction among local ranks of the party with Sita Soren facing resistance and infighting in the BJP. Sunil Soren has not been participating in her campaigns putting Sita Soren in a tough position. However, despite the divisions in the party, it is said the Modi factor has effectively united party workers, and her campaign is going strongly as opposed to her opponent from JMM, Nalin Soren.

Sita Soren is a three-time MLA from the Jama assembly segment in Dumka Lok Sabha constituency. As the daughter-in-law of Shibu Soren and wife of his eldest son, the late Durga Soren, who passed away in 2009, Sita has been alleging for years that she has been dealt with a poor hand despite the stature of her late husband in the party. Her grouse is that, Hemant Soren, the second son of Shibu Soren, has hijacked the party along with his wife, and prevented Sita from occupying powerful positions in the party landscape.

Sita has for years been in a rebellious mood, breaking away from party line and criticising the JMM leadership even while she was in the party. She was highly critical of the partys decision to appoint Champai Soren as the chief minister when Hemant Soren was jailed on corruption charges. She has also alleged that her husbands death remains unexplained and should be investigated. Further, she said she has the complete support and blessings of her father-in-law, in reference to Shibu Soren, claiming that he wants his eldest daughter to win.

Shibu Soren is a widely respected and arguably the tallest leader to come out of Jharkhand in recent years. He wields tremendous sway among the dominant Adivasi voters who account for about 37.5% of the electorate in Dumka. The BJP hopes to bank on this dynamic as its primary weakness in Dumka is that the tribal voter base is traditionally a stronghold of the JMM. Sita Soren is a popular face in the constituency and won the Jama seat with 60,925 votes, which the BJP hopes will cross over to the party. Moreover, with a relatively weak opponent, she is expected to make significant inroads for the BJP among tribal vote bases in other assembly segments as well, where the JMM has the upper hand.

While the BJP holds the Sarath seat with a winning margin of more than 65,000 votes, its performance in other seats fell short of converting into victories despite the Modi factor, indicating the need to expand its reach among tribal voters. Meanwhile, the Modi factor is visibly prevalent, which is an added advantage for Sita. The delivery of welfare schemes including free ration, Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat have made considerable impact in this part of Jharkhand. In urban areas, the prime minister is exceptionally popular among general caste voters as well as Dalit voters owing to Hindutva and other national issues.

Sita Soren is treating this election as a prestige battle, claiming her rightful place in the political landscape of Jharkhand. At this point, she may have the upper hand, but certain challenges also remain, as the arrest of former chief minister Hemant Soren has garnered a sympathy wave among Adivasi voters making this contest a tough one.

JMM Banks on Nalin Soren: The JMM has named Nalin Soren as its candidate from Dumka. Nalin Soren is an MLA from the Shikaripara assembly segments, having won the seat seven times in a row. He won the assembly election in 2019 with a little under 30,000 votes, defeating his BJP opponent.

The 76-year-old is reportedly facing health issues owing to which campaign is not running as aggressively as his BJP opponent. He claims to have the blessing of Shibu Soren being a loyal party leader for a long time.

Hemant Sorens youngest brother Basant Soren, MLA from the Dumka constituency, and his successor chief minister Champai Soren, have been campaigning on Nalin Sorens behest, along with his son, drawing large crowds through their campaign.

An MLA since 1991, Nalin Soren is respected in the constituency and is known for being an accessible grassroots leader. This is an added advantage that may translate into votes on polling day. With the support of four MLAs including the Congress Irfan Ansari from Dumka, Nalin Soren is relying on anti-incumbency against the BJP MP and hoping to garner sympathy votes due to Hemant Sorens arrest, which has not been well-received by Adivasi voters. Meanwhile, apart from the challenge posed by Sita Sorens candidature, the BJP is also attacking the JMM-led state government for the law-and-order situation here amid an increased number of gang rapes, putting the JMM on the backfoot.

The JMM, backed by the Congress, has the near-absolute support of the 17.5% Muslim voters in the Dumka constituency. Meanwhile, the 37.5% of the tribal vote also sticks primarily to the JMM, which hopes for a high turnout among these vote banks to ensure its victory. Meanwhile, the party has some support in urban areas and among pockets of General and Scheduled Caste voters as well, making for an interesting contest here.

Current MP: Sunil Soren of the BJP since 2019, preceded by Shibu Soren (2002-2019)

Candidates: Sita Soren (BJP), Nalin Soren (JMM), Rajesh Kumar of CPI

Key Issues

Drinking Water: Despite the governments ambitious plan to provide tap water connections to every household, water shortages persist in remote villages of Dumka district. Tribal villagers in Masalia block rely heavily on hand pumps and natural water sources, which often run dry during the summer. While the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to address this, the schemes implementation has been slow, with few new hand pumps installed and existing ones left unrepaired. Solar pumping systems, also part of the JJM, are yet to materialise in many areas due to land acquisition and eligibility issues. In Murgathol village, 110 families share just two hand pumps for drinking water, while in Khairbani, a dwindling water table has left many hand pumps with contaminated water. The only functional hand pump in Khairbani is located at the Anganwadi centre, leading to long queues forming as early as 4 am. While materials for Jal Minars have been delivered to Khairbani, construction remains incomplete, highlighting the slow progress in addressing the water crisis.

Farmers: Agriculture is the primary source of employment in Dumka. However, farmers express concerns about government support for improving production and increasing economic gains. Small and poor farmers lack access to private irrigation systems, leading to crop losses and failures during dry seasons. Delayed compensation for crop losses further burdens them with debt. Farmers are also struggling with low crop prices and have demanded an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP). While 66% of farmers grow millets, which are known for their low water requirements. Challenges for marginal farmers in Dumka include low-income levels, small landholdings, high input costs, limited irrigation, and difficulty accessing markets. Nearly half of the farmers earn between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 per month from farming, placing them in the low economic group.

Roads: Despite annual government promises to repair potholes, they persist, creating hazardous driving conditions. The stretch from Garhwa to Dumka is particularly problematic, with numerous potholes. This route poses a safety risk, particularly for commuters who are prone to accidents due to gravel and potholes. A paved road has not been built to reach Bahiga village of Asansol Kuruwa Panchayat of Jama block. The roads leading to the village are either unpaved or the villagers travel to and from the village using footpaths. The villagers face the most difficulty in commuting during the rainy season. Roads throughout the district are in a state of disrepair, with repairs often limited to select routes, leaving residents to deal with the consequences. Villagers are forced to take long detours to reach their destination. Most of the roads are also not all-weather roads, which get washed away during the monsoons creating even more connectivity issues. Residents are tired of the apathy of the government and are threatening to boycott the upcoming elections if their demands are not met.

Healthcare: There is an absence of specialised healthcare infrastructures and doctors in Dumka. Healthcare centres frequently operate without a doctor or nurse, highlighting a significant shortage of medical professionals. Some healthcare centres in the rural areas are run solely by pharmacy staff who have no proper health education, putting the life of the patients at risk. While advanced equipment is available, patients are often referred to other hospitals due to staff unavailability, creating substantial inconvenience. The issue is compounded by doctors dividing their time between public clinics and private practices, impacting the quality of care available in public healthcare facilities.

Railway Connectivity: There is a railway station in Dumka, with a line connectivity to Ranchi, however, it is the only major city that the rural region is connected to. Lack of railway connectivity has made it an issue for residents who wish to travel out of state but have to first travel to Ranchi. This is a major inconvenience to the people of Dumka who have demanded for multiple railway lines to improve connectivity in the region.

Unemployment and Emigration: Unemployment has been a major issue in Dumka region. There are no major industries. Agriculture is the main source of income and employment, but the youth are not as interested in joining in as they wish to improve their living conditions. As a result, thousands of youths migrate to other states in search of employment opportunities. However, these migrant workers often face discrimination at the hands of the local population and are also forced to live in slums with no access to healthcare and basic necessities, which also leads to a number of migrant deaths. People have been disappointed with the neglect from the state government and have lamented their miseries and demanded more jobs in the region time and again but to no avail.

Civic Amenities: There is a scarcity of all basic civic amenities in the district such as piped water, electricity, housing, all weather roads, heath, education and streetlights. Central schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the PM Awas Yojana have been implemented scarcely, which has been one of the major reasons for denying nomination to the incumbent BJP MP. People have lamented at the living conditions which have seen little to no betterment since independence.

Infrastructure Development

Masaliya-Raneshwar Mega Lift Irrigation Project: The project, approved by the state cabinet for Rs 1,204.37 crore, aims to provide irrigation to nearly the entire land area of the Masalia Division in Dumka district. Once finished, it will provide irrigation to 22,283 hectares of agricultural land across 72 villages in the Masalia Division during the Kharif season.

Dumka Airport: PM Modi inaugurated the airport on September 18, 2023. The licensing process of the airport has also been completed and flights will start flying from Bokaro and Dumka airports.

Godda-Dumka Gas Network Pipeline: The central government has laid the foundation stone for a new gas network in Jharkhands Godda-Dumka region, a project undertaken by HPCL. This Rs 17.5 billion investment will create a gas network spanning 14,507 square km, providing CNG and piped natural gas (PNG) to over 1.4 million households in areas including Godda, Dumka, Poriyahat, Shikaripara, Jarmundi, Mahagama, Pathargama, Jamtara, Mihijam, Pakur, Litipara, and Sahibganj.

Amrit Bharat: Under the central governments Amrit Bharat scheme, Dumka railway station will see a huge upgrade, which will provide world-class amenities to passengers and transform the station as a logistical hub.

Railway Infrastructure: Works completed included electrification of level crossings, installation of foot over bridges, upgrading of platforms, and the provision of facilities for differently abled persons at various stations. The railway also undertook work on the modernisation of stations, including the installation of new lighting, CCTV systems, and passenger reservation systems. Additional amenities like water coolers, electrical signage, and waiting halls were also provided. A significant project was the upgrade of interlocking level crossings, with the installation of new gates and remote terminal units. The railway also invested in improving communication infrastructure by upgrading the optic fibre cable system.

(Additional inputs from Nitish Kumar)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, hailed the women of Sandeshkhali for coming forward and showing courage. The Prime Minister further highlighted his governments focus on women empowerment and said, Women reservation and empowerment is our key agenda and we are working towards it.

I bow down to women of Sandeshkhali. They did not get scared and exposed everything. They did not worry about the consequences, PM Modi said, adding, With womens security in mind we have done so many things. We are working towards capital punishment for rapists.

#Exclusive: TMC is politically bankrupt, they are setting their own narrative, we consider the whole nation our family.. Women reservation and empowerment is our key agenda and we are working towards it, says PM Modi (@narendramodi)@_pallavighosh | #Bengal #PMModi #TMC pic.twitter.com/96mwG6nayX News18 (@CNNnews18) May 28, 2024

PM Modi on Women Empowerment

Highlighting his governments focus on women empowerment, he said, In my first speech from Lal Qila, I talked about the change that is needed in society towards women. Women in Bengal are feeling unsafe today, we are doing everything we can to make them feel safe and secure.

Further launching an attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, the Prime Minister said, They (TMC) are not able to create a narrative. They are bankrupt of issues and that is why they resort to doing such things. Our government is working towards giving reservation to women, it is our key agenda.

PM Modi on Muslim Quota

Lashing out at the Opposition for trying to divide the country on the basis of religion for their vote bank, Prime Minister Modi said that the matter of Muslim reservation was raised intentionally ahead of the elections in the country. He further added that now the Opposition has started abusing the judiciary for not allowing them to hamper the OBC reservation for their political gains.

OBC matter is important. The Constituent Assembly decided that reservation should not be given on the basis of religion, but they gave quotas to Muslims in Karnataka. They through backdoor made Muslims OBCs and looted the rights of real OBCs. I am thankful to our judiciary for not allowing them to do so.

They have now started to abuse courts. This is not good for the nation, he added.

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Kendrapara is one of the Parliamentary constituencies in Odisha. It comprises the following assembly segments, all of which are represented by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD): Salipur, Mahanga, Patkura, Kendrapara, Aul, Rajnagar and Mahakalapada. The constituency will vote in phase seven on June 1.

Sitting MP: Anubhav Mohanty (BJD)

Key candidates: Anshuman Mohanty (BJD), Baijayanta Panda (BJP)

POLITICAL DYNAMICS

BJD Fights to Save Legacy in Neck-and-Neck Contest: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is in no mood to lose the Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for the simple reason that this is a legacy seat of the incumbent party in Odisha. Kendrapara has elected the likes of former CM Biju Patnaik, Rabi Ray, and Srikant Kumar Jena, who have become either Union ministers or the Lok Sabha Speaker after election from this constituency. A defeat for the BJD here will be a big loss for Naveen Patnaik in terms of optics and prestige.

In 2019, the BJD had fielded actor-turned-politician Anubhav Mohanty from Kendrapara, who defeated BJPs Baijayant Panda by a margin of over 150,000 votes. Interestingly, Mohanty joined the BJP in the run-up to the Lok Sabha election. Mohanty is no longer a popular candidate in Kendrapara because his work as MP has been dismal. To add to the BJDs woes, he was seen as an absent MP, who did not care to visit the constituency after his election in 2019. Although he has now joined the saffron ranks, the BJD continues to combat voters anger over his non-performance and non-availability as an MP.

The BJD has fielded Anshuman Mohanty this time, who is the son of Nalini Kanta Mohanty  once a close aide of Biju Patnaik and a former minister in Naveens cabinet who was expelled from the BJD in 2001 and subsequently joined the Congress. On the surface, the BJD is putting up a show of unity, suggestive of the fact that all is well within its ranks. However, scratch the surface a bit and one would find that there is deep disgruntlement over the party parachuting a Congress leader on Kendrapara and fielding him on a BJD ticket. Kendrapara has come to be identified as one of the most anti-Congress constituencies of India.

The candidates do not generally matter in Kendrapara, as votes are mostly cast on the basis of which party as a whole is liked by the people more. So far, that party has been the BJD. However, anti-incumbency against Odishas ruling party has now become very pronounced. In the rural areas of Kendrapara especially, lack of development, water shortage and unavailability of clean drinking water, lower population of fishes and the non-fulfilment of long-standing demands are hurting the BJDs prospects. Voters are vocal about their disappointment with the BJD and are not shy of saying that this is the time to give another party (the BJP) a chance.

Voters who are still sticking with the BJD highlight Naveen Patnaiks stature as a leader and the state governments welfare schemes among the reasons for supporting the party again. However, it is evident that the number of such supporters is decreasing by the day.

That being said, the BJD organisation is still better equipped to take on the BJP. Therefore, the hope in the Naveen Patnaik camp is that the strength of the BJDs organisation will help it scrape through victory. However, ground inputs also suggest that the situation across the constituency remains quite fluid a week before it goes to polls. In between, a series of high-value campaigns are lined up, including by Narendra Modi, Yogi Adityanath and Himanta Biswa Sarma.

BJP Eyes A Breakthrough: There is a visible upsurge in favour of the BJP across Kendrapara this election season, especially in the rural areas. Whether this will be sufficient for the BJP to win the seat, or whether it is merely catching up with the BJD remains to be seen. However, ground inputs suggest the BJP has a decent chance of defeating the BJD this time around.

The BJP has fielded its national vice-president Baijayant Panda from Kendrapara. Panda, who was previously the MP for this constituency from 2009 to 2019, is a well-known face across the constituency and is particularly liked for his communication skills. Compared to 2019, there has been an upswing in the BJPs popularity this time, and Panda could very well be the biggest beneficiary of the same.

Modi has emerged as the biggest reason for the people of Kendrapara to support the BJP. The Modi wave may have dissipated in other parts of the country, but in several constituencies of Odisha, PM Modis popularity is only rising. The BJP is now seen as a real alternative to the BJD by a cross-section of voters, something which was not a phenomenon explicitly visible in 2019.

The growing resentment against V K Pandian, a bureaucrat-turned-politician, who the BJPs top leadership accuses of hijacking the state government, is also set to benefit the saffron party.

On ground, there is a cohesive call for change. A large number of voters appear to have grown fatigue towards the BJD and the slow pace of development under Naveen Patnaiks government. The BJP is emerging as the biggest beneficiary of this disillusionment among voters, despite the fact that its organisation and basket of leaders is not as evolved as the states ruling party.

In terms of organisation, too, the BJP is still in the process of building one here ground up. There can, however, be no denying that since 2019, the saffron party has indeed expanded its cadre and support base. There has been an increase in party membership, and the party has been able to engage in door-to-door campaigning in this election.

The only challenge for the BJP, it appears, is Biju Patnaiks tall legacy in Kendrapara. Biju Patnaik remains an almost revered political figure across the constituency. For the saffron party, overcoming this predisposition of many Odia voters to support the BJD simply because of Biju Patnaiks legacy will be quite a challenge. Here, the BJP hopes Modi will be able to work his magic and convince voters to give Baijayant Panda a chance.

As much as the BJP is trying to fight the elections in its traditional strongholds on a national pitch, the party has no qualms whatsoever in ensuring that the agenda in Kendrapara remains mostly local. Basic issues such as roads, water, hospitals, schools and unemployment are on top of voters mind, and the BJPs calculation is that such local issues will help it defeat the BJD.

KEY ISSUES

Lack of industries, unemployment and migration: Kendrapara remains significantly backward with very few industries and an acute lack of jobs. This problem has caused large-scale migration to nearby cities and states including Andhra Pradesh. The Arcelor Mittal Nippon steel Plant is coming up in the district, which will generate about 16,000 jobs. However, the peoples woes still remain as it is not guaranteed that all jobs will be with the locals. Moreover, in the past three decades, the closure of 70 per cent of handloom units in Kendrapara district has left as many as 7,000 artisans jobless. This is an example of the decline in certain industries that sustained the people of Kendrapara. This is why a large number of residents from the Cuttack and Kendrapara districts continue to migrate in search of jobs.

Development: Development is a key issue in this constituency with both the BJD as well as BJP candidates promising enhanced rates of development. Baijayanta Panda has been telling the people that development in Odisha will begin from Kendrapara and that the pace of development will double in the next 10 years.

Drinking Water Crisis: Several villages, for example, in the Mahakalapada assembly segment are facing an acute drinking water crisis. Water levels in wells have dropped significantly, and hand-pumps are producing saline water due to the areas proximity to the sea. Residents often have to trek several kilometres to access potable water, and the situation is worsening. Recently, women from Kaupada, Barabatia, Naranapur and nearby villages in Derabishi block took to the streets to protest the water crisis, holding empty buckets and pots.

Fishing Community Woes: Fish catches in Kendrapara constituency have been declining for decades due to state-imposed restrictions aimed at protecting endangered Olive Ridley turtles, including a nearly seven-month annual ban on sea fishing and a year-round ban in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary. These restrictions have led to frustration and even suicides among fishermen. Despite multiple discussions with the government, a viable solution has not been found, and the compensation provided for livelihood loss is inadequate, resulting in visible resentment within the fishing community.

Extreme Weather and Floods: Some reports indicate that extreme climatic events are driving mass migration from Odishas coastal Kendrapara district. The region frequently experiences rapid-onset events such as cyclones, floods and storm surges. These vicious cyclones hit Odishas coastline annually, causing significant devastation and loss of life and property. Downstream flow of rainwater causes floods in many villages, further adding to the peoples woes.

Farmers Woes: Farmers in Kendrapara district are increasingly disillusioned with the ruling BJD due to its perceived neglect and failure to fulfill promises of establishing sugar and jute mills. Despite commitments made by the Chief Minister and other leaders during previous elections, no sugar mill has been set up, leading to a decline in sugarcane cultivation due to inadequate marketing and mill closures. Similarly, jute cultivation is shrinking due to government negligence, including failure to supply seeds, labour shortages, irrigation issues and limited market access. The closure of the Konark jute mill in 2007 in neighbouring Jajpur district and its subsequent sale in 2021 have further exacerbated the decline, leaving farmers frustrated. Earlier in January, in Kendraparas Pattamundai, farmers alleged that they were forced to sell their paddy to out-of-state buyers at prices far below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) because the local mandis had not opened on time. Despite the Kharif crop being harvested nearly a month before the sale, mandis remained closed in many areas, leaving farmers in a difficult position. Unseasonal rain, fertiliser shortage, black-marketing and a plethora of other issues have made life difficult for many farmers here.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadus Kanyakumari district on May 30 for a brief spiritual sojourn following the end of campaigning for Lok Sabha elections 2024. The PM will meditate at the Dhyan Mandapam from May 30 to June 1.

PM Modi is expected to arrive at the picturesque VRM situated close to the monolithic statue of Tamil saint Tiruvalluvar mid-sea off the coast of Kanyakumari on Thursday evening and may leave for Delhi on June 1, a senior BJP leader said.

Kanyakumari is said to be the location where Swami Vivekananda had a vision of Bharat Mata. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located on a rock in the sea, about 500 metres from the mainland. People believe that like Sarnath holds a special place in the life of Gautam Buddha, this rock also holds a similar place in the life of Swami Vivekanand. It was here that he is believed to have arrived after wandering across the country, mediated for three days and attained a vision for a developed India.

Kanyakumari marks the southernmost tip of India and this is the place where Indias eastern and western coastlines meet. It is also the meeting point of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

The rock on which the memorial is built is said to be where Vivekananda attained enlightenment. The legend also says that it was on this rock that Goddess Kanyakumari prayed to lord Shiva, thus attaining an important place in Indias religious map.

There is a specially preserved portion in the rock which is believed to be the imprint of the goddesss feet. The memorial showcases an elegant blend of different architectural genres. The Sripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam are two structures to be explored in the memorial. There is also a life-sized bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda in the premises.

The rock is surrounded by the Laccadive sea where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea form a confluence.

PM Modi is known to undertake spiritual journeys at the end of election campaigns. At the end of campaigning in 2019, he had visited Kedarnath and was in Shivajis Pratapgarh in 2014.

Campaigning for the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha elections will end on May 30 and the voting will take place on June 1. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.

Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase, Results Date, Exit Poll And Much More At News18 Website
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be in TMC-led West Bengal for a two-day visit, will hold a massive roadshow in the capital Kolkata on Tuesday ahead of the seventh phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections.

To ensure smooth vehicular movement in view of the massive crowd during the prime ministers poll campaign, the Kolkata police have issued a traffic advisory for commuters for both days.

As per the advisory, the traffic will be mainly curtailed on College Street, Aurobinda Sarani, Vivekananda Road and near Raj Bhawan.

PM Modi will arrive in West Bengal on Tuesday afternoon and will subsequently hold a public meeting at Ashoknagar in Barasat constituency at 2:30 pm and then in Jadavpur at 4 pm.

Later in the evening, Modi will pay floral tributes at the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose.

In view of the public safety and convenience in connection with visit of the Honble Prime Minister of India to the city of Kolkata on 28.05.2024 and 29.05.2024, I, Vineet Kumar Goyal, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, do hereby order that movement and parking of vehicles for the city of Kolkata shall be regulated in the following manner notwithstanding any other orders in force on 28.05.2024 and 29.05.2024, the traffic police wrote in a statement.

PM Modi In Kolkata: Traffic Restrictions, Diversion on May 28-29

The movement of all types of goods vehicles will be restricted in some places in Kolkata between 3 pm and 9 pm on Tuesday and from 8 am to 12:30 pm on Wednesday.

Vehicles will be restricted on 1 Furlong Gate, Khidderpore Road, J&N Island, Red Road, R.R Avenue, Govt. Place East, Esplanade Row East, Esplanade Crossing, C.R Avenue, J.M Avenue, Girish Avenue, K V V Avenue, N K Saha Lane, Udbodhan Lane.

The vehicular movement will also be impacted in Bhupen Bose Avenue, Shyambazar 5point Crossing, Bidhan Sarani, College Street, Aurobinda Sarani, Beadon Street, Vivekananda Road, Girish Park Crossing, B. B Ganguly Street, Lalbazar Street, BBD Bag East, and Old Court House Street.

Biddhan Sarani will remain closed for all kinds of vehicles from 3 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday.

All heavy goods vehicles will be restricted to ply in and around Raj Bhawan from 6 am on Tuesday till 10 pm on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, vehicles will be restricted on Raj Bhawan (South) Gate, RR Avenue, Red Road, Jenson & Nicholson Island, Khidderpore Road, and 11 Furlong Gate.

Vehicular traffic may also be diverted from any of the arterial roads and feeder roads as and when necessary.

Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase, Results Date, Exit Poll And Much More At News18 Website
Asserting that the Calcutta High Court has exposed the treachery of the TMC with the OBCs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal for snatching the rights of OBC youths for appeasement politics and vote jihad.

Addressing an election rally in Barasat, Modi, without naming West Bengal Chief Minister Banerjee, criticised her for questioning the court and wondered if the TMC would now let loose its goons on judges following unfavourable rulings.

The court has exposed the treachery of the Trinamool Congress with the OBCs. Muslim castes as OBCs, TMC unlawfully deprived lakhs of OBC youths of their rights. The party snatched the rights of OBC youths to support its appeasement politics and vote jihad. The TMC has betrayed the OBCs of West Bengal, he asserted.

Last week, the Calcutta High Court struck down the Other Backward Classes (OBC) status of several classes in West Bengal granted since 2010, observing that such reservations to vacancies in services and posts in the state are illegal.

Religion indeed appears to have been the sole criterion for declaring these communities as OBCs, the court said, adding that it is of the view that the selection of 77 classes of Muslims as backwards is an affront to the Muslim community as a whole. Banerjee had said she would not accept the ruling, claiming that the verdict was passed under the influence of the BJP.

During the rally, Modi said: It is quite evident that TMC doesnt like those who expose its treachery and lies. I am astonished to see how the party is questioning the judiciary. Dont they have any faith in the judiciary and our Constitution? The way they are attacking judges is unprecedented. I would like to know whether the TMC would now let loose its goons on judges as they are exposed. The entire country is seeing how TMC is strangulating the judiciary in West Bengal, Modi said.

He also hit out at the INDIA bloc and the TMC, calling them corrupt, and said those indulging in such practices would not be spared.

INDI alliance talks about X-raying the incomes of the poor and middle class, but we will X-ray the black money of these corrupt people. We will ensure that those involved in corruption will think 100 times before indulging in it, he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to combat corruption, the PM said after his resolve of na khaunga, na khane dunga (I will neither accept bribes nor allow others to take), his new guarantee is jisne khaya hain unse bahar nikalunga (those who have taken bribes, will have to return it).

Those involved in corruption will be held accountable and we are considering legal measures to return the money to those who have been looted, he said, The Prime Minister also criticised Banerjee for her recent comments against a few monks of the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha and alleged these socio-religious organisations were being threatened to appease the TMCs vote bank.

The TMC cannot tolerate the truth. It targets anyone who exposes the partys crimes. You have seen that a TMC MLA had recently remarked that Hindus will be drowned in river Bhagirathi. Following the comment, the saints and monks in Bengal had asked the party to correct its mistake. But, the TMC started abusing the monks for the sake of appeasement politics, Modi asserted.

The PM criticised the TMC over the Sandeshkhali case, stating that it refrained from taking action against culprits and is now pointing fingers at women who suffered atrocities.

When the sisters of Sandeshkhali demanded justice, the TMC targeted them. I applaud the courage and bravery of our sister Rekha Patra, the BJP candidate from Basirhat. She is fighting against a force like the TMC. The women of this state and the country are with her, he said.

The PM also slammed the TMC for opposing the CAA in Bengal due to its vote bank politics.

Due to the politics of appeasement, the TMC is spreading canards against the CAA. But, today the whole country is witness to hundreds of refugees getting citizenship. Nothing has been taken away from anyone rather they have been respected as sons and daughters of Mother India, he said.

Reaching out to the Matua community of Bengal, who are expected to benefit most from the CAA, he said: Now, no power in the world can stop you from getting Indian citizenship. At another rally at Baruipur under the Jadavpur Lok Sabha constituency, Modi asserted that the TMC could never do any good for the youths of the state.

The TMC and good governance have no relation. You wont find good governance in Bengal even under a microscope. The TMC works only for its vote bank and can never do anything good for the youths of the state. The party has no vision, the PM said.

Referring to the Cyclone Remal that hit the state on Sunday, the Prime Minister said he had closely monitored the cyclones progress and commended the NDRF and other teams for their relief efforts.

The central government is committed to providing all necessary support to the state government, he said.

Later, Modi held a roadshow in Kolkata, in support of BJP candidates Tapas Roy from Kolkata North and Silbhadra Dutta from Dum Dum.

Before the event, the PM visited Maa Saradas residence at Bagbazar and paid homage to her.

He also paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at his statue at Shyambazar Five Point Crossing.

Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase, Results Date, Exit Poll And Much More At News18 Website
Why has it been feeling so hot even at night? The phenomenon was studied in Indias bigger cities where it was found that a combination of rising temperatures, humidity and urban expansion is making heatwaves deadlier.

According to a study conducted by Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), cities are not cooling down as much as they did during 2001-2010.

The study, Decoding the Urban Heat Stress among Indian Cities, analysed data from six major cities  Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru  over a period of 23 years (January 2001 to April 2024).

The study highlighted while some cities have not seen a significant rise in temperatures but the humidity levels have left people stressed.

Heat stress results from a combination of air temperature, land surface temperature, and relative humidity, causing acute thermal discomfort and increased heat-related diseases in cities, as mentioned in a report by Down to Earth. Even if air temperatures vary, high relative humidity and land surface temperatures exacerbate discomfort.

According to the US National Weather Service, the heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels when humidity is factored in with the actual temperature. It is considered that a heat index of 41C is dangerous to human health.

How Hot Has Delhi Become

According to the CSE analysis, Delhis ambient air temperature shows little change over the past 10 summers compared to the 2001-2010 decade. However, the nature of heat is changing with a significant increase in relative humidity over the past 10 summers.

The last 10 summers (2014-23) in Delhi have been 8% more humid on average compared to the average relative humidity from 2001-2010. While the average relative humidity for the summers from 2001 to 2010 was 52.5%, in the summer of 2023, this was as high as 60.9%. Similarly, in 2020, it was 61.4%, while it was 57.3% in 2021, and 53.5% in 2022, going by the analysis.

Delhi recorded 14 days in the summer of 2023 when the daily average heat index crossed the 41-degree mark, which is considered dangerous to human health.

The analysis also said Delhi is not cooling down at night. During the summers of 2001-10, the land surface temperature would fall by 12.3 degrees on average from the daytime peak to the nighttime low. Over the past decade, 2014-23, the nighttime cooling has fallen to an average of 11.2 degrees Celsius, and has been even lower in recent years  9.8 degrees in 2023.

With urban expansion and high population density, people get a little chance to recover from daytime heat if the temperatures remain high overnight. Delhis core, with the higher built-up area and population, is 2.9 degrees Celsius hotter than its peripheries, the study adds.

Heat Stress In Other Cities

Mumbai: As per the CSE study, Mumbais air temperature and humidity have increased, worsening the heat stress. The summer-time in the city has registered a 0.6C increase in decadal average ambient air temperature; relative humidity has gone up by 7% between 2001-10 and 2014-23. Cooling down of land surface temperature between day and night time is down by 24%. Mumbais built-up area has increased from 38.4% in 2003 to 52.1% in 2023. Green cover has decreased from 35.8% in 2003 to 30.2% in 2023.

Kolkata: The citys summer-time has registered insignificant change in average ambient air temperatures, but the relative humidity has increased by 5% between 2001-10 and 2014-23. Days with daily heat index exceeding 41C (danger mark) have tripled compared to 2001-10 in Kolkata. Unlike other metros, Kolkata cools down at night at the same rate as in 2001-10. Built-up area has increased from 70% in 2001 to 80.1% in 2023. Green cover has decreased from 15.2% in 2001 to 14.5% in 2023.

Hyderabad: Summers have registered a 0.9C drop in decadal average ambient air temperatures, but relative humidity has increased by 10% between 2001-10 and 2014-23. Hyderabad has 30-90 days in summer when the daily ambient temperature exceeded the 37C mark. Built-up area has increased from 20.6% in 2003 to 44% in 2023. Green cover has also gone up from 8.9% in 2003 to 26.5% in 2023. This rise in green cover indicates an impact on day-time temperatures, but none on night-time temperatures and the increasing heat index in the city.

Bengaluru: The city has registered a 0.5C increase in decadal average ambient air temperature in summers, while relative humidity has remained stable over the last two decades. March-April 2024 was significantly hotter (about 3C) compared to the average of 2014-23. Cooling down of land surface temperature between day- and night-time is down by 15%. Built-up area has increased from 37.5% in 2003 to 71.5% in 2023. Green cover has also increased from 18.8% in 2003 to 26.4% in 2023.

Chennai: Summer temperatures have seen a rise of 0.4C in decadal average ambient air temperature; relative humidity has increased by 5% between 2001-10 and 2014-23. March-April 2024 was 1Chotter compared to average of 2014-23. Heat Index of the city has increased by over 5%. Days with daily heat Index exceeding 41C (danger mark) has tripled compared to 2001-10. Built-up area has increased from 30.7% in 2003 to 73.5% in 2023. Green cover has decreased from 34% in 2003 to 20.3% in 2023.

Deaths Due to Heatwave to Rise

Not been able to control climate change impacts can result in an increase of heat wave-related deaths in the world by up to 2,000% by 2080, shows a recent study by researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

The researchers developed a model to predict the number of heat wave deaths in 412 communities in 20 countries on four continents between 2031 and 2080. Mortality was calculated on the basis of greenhouse gas emissions, population density and adaptation strategies under different scenarios.

The study says countries near the equator are projected to see a 2,000% increase in heat wave-related fatalities from 2031 to 2080, compared to the 1971 to 2020 span.

This year, India has recorded 60 heat-related deaths. Government data shows since March, 32 people have died due to heatstroke and 28 from suspected heatstroke, with the latest two suspected deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthans Kota on May 22.

The country has seen 16,344 suspected heatstroke cases since March 1, 2024, with 486 suspected heatstroke cases on May 22 alone.

Muscle cramps, abdominal pain, generalised weakness, nausea, vomiting, and recurrent episodes of loose stools are common symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Doctors recommend people to increase the intake of water, cover themselves with a scarf when stepping out, dress in cotton clothes as preventive measures against a heatwave.

How to Mitigate Heat Effects

The CSE study has called for reversing land use by increasing green cover and water bodies in cities to create a cooling effect. Strengthening scientific monitoring of heat-related factors like land use and surface temperatures and developing emergency action plans to protect vulnerable populations during heat waves are also important.

Implementing city-specific heat management plans that go beyond just emergency response during heat waves and focusing on reducing heat generation from buildings, vehicles, and industries can help control the growing heat wave threat.

As per CSE, it is critical to develop emergency healthcare systems for heat-related disease burden, expand the shaded areas in cities, ensure availability of drinking water in public spaces, and reduce heat exposure for vulnerable and occupationally exposed groups in cities.
A divorce process could be lengthy and brutal, but at least it allows a person to be free from an unwanted marriage. Imagine, not being able to divorce a person because it is considered illegal. The Lower House of the Philippines Parliament passed a bill last week that legalises divorce in the country.

The Bill will reach the Senate in August and needs presidential assent to become law. The Philippines is the only other place besides the Vatican where divorce is not legal.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, author of the bill, said by legalising divorce, the Philippines acknowledges the need to provide options for individuals trapped in unhappy and irreparable marriages, as quoted by Philippines News Agency.

History of Divorce in Philippines

Divorce was allowed in the Philippines before the Spanish rule in the 16th Century. Under the American occupation in 1917, the Filipinos could end their marriage in case of adultery and concubinage. The Japanese, who occupied the Philippines during World War II, expanded the divorce law, allowing Filipinos 11 grounds to seek a divorce.

The divorce legislation was struck down in 1950 when the Philippines civil code was enacted. It was replaced by rules on legal separation, as per The South China Morning Post reported.

But Muslims in Philippines, who comprise around 6% of the population, are allowed to divorce because president Ferdinand E. Marcos signed the legislation in 1977 allowing it.

Divorce remains illegal in Philippines even today largely because of the Catholic Church, which views marriage as a holy commitment to the spouse, as well as God and society.

According to the 2020 Census, Roman Catholics make up 78.8% of the Philippines population while 6.4% are Muslims, the second largest group in the country.

What Does The New Bill Say?

Lagman clarified that the bill does not recognise no-fault, quickie drive-thru, email or notarial divorces as there are limited and reasonable grounds for divorce. A petition will have to undergo judicial scrutiny to prevent abuse and collusion of the parties, he said, as mentioned in Philippines News Agency.

The bill stipulates the grounds for absolute divorce, which include psychological incapacity, irreconcilable differences, domestic or marital abuse, when one of the spouses undergoes a sex reassignment surgery or transitions from one sex to another, and separation of the spouses for at least five years.

The grounds for legal separation under the Family Code of the Philippines can also be considered grounds for absolute divorce. These include:

 Physical violence or grossly abusive conduct directed against the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner;

 Physical violence or moral pressure to compel the petitioner to change religious or political affiliation;

 Attempt of respondent to corrupt or induce the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner, to engage in prostitution;

 Final judgment sentencing the respondent to imprisonment of more than 6 years;

 Drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, or chronic gambling;

 Homosexuality of the respondent;

 Contracting by the respondent of a subsequent bigamous marriage;

 Marital infidelity or perversion or having a child with another person other than ones spouse during the marriage;

 Attempt by the respondent against the life of the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner; and

 Abandonment of petitioner by respondent without justifiable cause for more than one year

Lack of parental consent; insanity; fraud, force, intimidation or undue influence; impotence; and sexually transmissible diseases are also grounds for annulment of marriage and for absolute divorce.

Who Is Opposing The Bill?

In 2018, a similar legislation passed the House only to fail in the Senate. A senior Catholic clergyman had said at the time: Divorce is a direct affront to the law ordained by God and specifically reiterated by our Lord Jesus Christ!

Conservative lawmakers and Catholic and Christian groups continue to oppose the Bill. Senator Joel Villanueva, the son of a popular Christian evangelist in the Philippines, is anti-divorce. Instead, he suggests making annulments more affordable.

But half of the Filipinos support legalizing divorce, local surveys show. A woman, who applied for divorce in February, told Business World, Your life should not stop with you being married to the wrong person. I hope everyone gets a second chance at marriage  to be with the person who will appreciate and love you.

What Separation Rights Do Filipinos Have Now?

Filipinos are allowed legal separation and annulment of marriage, in case of former, parties can live separately but the marriage wont, which means neither party can marry again. Annulment of marriage means a marriage is declared void.

There are only limited grounds for annulment such as marrying under the age of 21 without parental consent, mental incapacity at the time of the wedding, homosexuality and a misrepresentation or fraudulent provision of the consent to marry, as reported by The South China Morning Post.

Many cannot afford annulment of marriage, which costs over 150,000 Philippine pesos (over Rs 2 lakh) to 300,000 Philippine pesos (about Rs 4 lakh).
A Delhi court on Tuesday denied bail to activist and former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid, in the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 riots.

Khalids bail application was based on arguments of delay in proceedings and parity with other accused who had been granted bail.

Special Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Courts had reserved the order on the bail application on May 13 before delivering the rejection on Tuesday.

Khalids advocate Trideep Pais had last month challenged the Delhi Polices repeated mention of his clients name in the charge sheet in the larger conspiracy case, questioning whether repetition could turn a falsehood into truth.

Opposing the media trial, citing instances of anchors reading from the charge sheet on news channels, he had stressed the need for a thorough examination of witnesses and evidence to determine the validity of the terror charges against Khalid. He also criticised the prosecution for lack of substantial evidence.

He had also underlined the chilling effect of anti-terror laws on freedom of expression, saying that individuals who speak out are being silenced under the pretext of national security.

The Delhi Police had objected to granting bail to Khalid, alleging that he has a history of manipulating social media narratives to influence bail hearings.

Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad had informed the court that Khalid engaged with actors and politicians to amplify his narrative to create public sympathy, framing it as part of a larger conspiracy.

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A bomb threat was reported on a Delhi-Varanasi IndiGo flight, which was scheduled to take off at 5.35 am from the Delhi airport on Tuesday, but it was later found to be a hoax after a search of the aircraft. All the 176 passengers on the flight were safely evacuated onto the tarmac through emergency exits, while a quick response team reached the site and began a search, said police.

Dramatic visuals of the evacuation were seen on social media, with one showing a crew member helping a passenger evacuate through the emergency exit, onto the wing of the aircraft and then being helped to slide down. The passengers were flown to their destination in another plane at 11 am, said an IndiGo spokesperson.

#WATCH | Passengers of the IndiGo flight 6E2211 operating from Delhi to Varanasi were evacuated through the emergency door after a bomb threat was reported on the flight. All passengers are safe, flight is being inspected. (Viral video confirmed by Aviation authorities) https://t.co/el2q5jCatx pic.twitter.com/ahVc0MSiXz  ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2024

At around 5 am, an information was received regarding a paper found in the lavatory of an IndiGo flight scheduled to depart for Varanasi, with the phrase bomb @5.30 written on it, a senior police officer said. As per protocols set by airport security agencies, the aircraft was taken to an isolation bay and inspected by a bomb disposal squad.

No suspicious items were found. It was a hoax threat. Further investigation is underway, the officer added.

Officials said the note in the lavatory was found by the pilot when the Indigo 6E2211 flight was preparing to take off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. A security operation was launched after the pilot informed the control room, they added.

All necessary protocols were followed and the aircraft was taken to a remote bay as per guidelines by airport security agencies, the IndiGo spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added: All passengers were safely evacuated via the emergency exits.

(With PTI inputs)

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The owner of Delhis Vivek Vihar hospital, where six newborns were killed in a fire, reportedly ran several facilities in the national capital and was pulled up many times by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) over glaring regulatory lapses.

A report in Hindustan Times stated that the revelations were made in official documents as investigations revealed a pattern of violations that culminated in Saturday nights tragedy.

Five of the oxygen cylinders had exploded during the deadly blaze in which six newborns were killed and five injured. The bodies of the newborns, aged between one day and 20 days, were handed over to their families after post-mortem examination.

On Monday, a city court allowed the Delhi Polices plea seeking three days of custodial interrogation of the owner and an on-duty doctor of the private hospital.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand sent Dr Naveen Khichi, the hospitals owner, and Dr Aaksh to a three-day police custody.

Past Incidents When Vivek Vihar Hospital Owner Pulled By DGHS

 According to HT report, the health regulator in 2018 moved court against Naveen Khichi for illegally operating a paediatric hospital in Vivek Vihar Block B, metres away from the facility in Block C that erupted in flames on Saturday.

 In 2019, the Directorate General of Health Services found that Khichi had continued to operate a hospital he owned in Paschim Puri, despite the agency scrapping its licence over rule violations. The HT report stated that the facility stayed open for years, flying in the face of the censure, before it was issued a licence in 2022. It then hurriedly shut its doors on Sunday night as outrage against Khichi swelled.

 The registration of Paschim Puri nursing home being cancelled by this Directorate (in 2018-19), the keeper (Khichi) continued nursing home activities, the publication quoted official documents. DGHS then moved the Tis Hazari court against Khichi in 2020. Around the same time, said the document, Khichi filed a complaint with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

 The report quoted officers involved in the investigation as saying that Khichis run-ins with regulatory trouble go back several years. He ran five hospitals at one point  in Vivek Vihar B and C blocks, Paschim Puri, Faridabad and Gurugram, a Delhi Police officer was quoted as saying. The facility in Vivek Vihar B Block was shut after legal trouble, and the ones in Faridabad and Gurugram were closed after they failed to recoup costs, he was further quoted.

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Setting aside a special CBI courts life imprisonment order, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday acquitted Sirsas Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan and four others in the murder case of former dera manager Ranjit Singh.

A division bench comprising Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Lalit Batra passed the orders while allowing the dera chiefs appeal against his conviction in the 2002 murder case. In October 2021, he and four others were awarded a life term by the CBI court in Panchkula while he was also asked to pay a fine of Rs 31 lakh in the case.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is also serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples, is currently lodged in Rohtaks Sunaria jail. The high court has acquitted him in the Ranjit Singh murder case, his lawyer Jitender Khurana said.

The controversial preacher is serving sentences in the rape cases as well as for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhattarpati. He had filed appeals against all the convictions before the high court.

Ranjit Singh was shot dead on July 10, 2002, at Khanpur Kolian village in Haryanas Kurukshetra, allegedly on the directions of the dera chief as he was suspected of circulating an incriminating anonymous letter, in which it was narrated how the preacher was sexually exploiting women who joined the dera.

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Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh may soon be home to a specialised unit of the National Security Guards (NSG) if all goes according to plan. Sources told News18 that while the NSG will undergo restructuring, discussions are underway to establish a base of the Special Rangers Group, drawn from the CAPFs, in Ayodhya.

According to a top-level official, the government, to fulfill the forces requirements, will hold discussions to establish a base for troops in Ayodhya, including anti-drone facility, which may also help secure the area in case of an attack. This unit will have specialised anti-drone component and will be combat-ready 247 to thwart any aerial attack.

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya which was inaugurated in January this year is among sensitive installations in India and is said to be on the radar of various terror outfits. The NSG had secured the Ram Mandir area during the high-profile Pran Pratishtha ceremony that took place on January 22.

The search for land to establish the base is currently underway and further plans will depend on the area zeroed-in on.

The government may also plan another center for a specialized unit in Kerala to meet the forces requirements in the future.

The government has also decided to reduce the strength of NSG as part of the restructuring. The CRPF is likely to receive additional high-profile VVIPs from the NSG as the VIP security wing is already working on an expansion plan. The Parliament Duty Group (PDG), recently removed from Parliament, will join the VVIP wing of CRPF.

These troops are likely to be responsible for protecting nine VVIPs who currently have security cover from NSG. To meet the requirements, the wing needs more offices in different locations. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BSP chief Mayawati and six other VVIPs are under NSG cover.

Meeting on May 29

A high level meeting is scheduled for May 29, to be chaired by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla. Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Tapan Deka, Director-General of the Central Reserve Police Force Anish Dayal and the D-G of the National Security Guard (NSG) Nalin Prabhat will attend the meeting. Sources said the agenda would be to review the progress of the action plan outlined by Home Minister Amit Shah in February. The meeting is likely to discuss various issues linked to NSG and CRPF.

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Maharashtra industries minister Uday Samant on Tuesday announced the appointment of a high-level committee to investigate the explosion at MIDC in Dombivli. During a media interaction in Mumbai, Samant revealed that the committee, consisting of the principal secretaries of industries, labour, and environment would review industries in categories A, B, and C. The committee is tasked with scrutinising companies that have violated regulations or engaged in unauthorised construction and will submit its report in three weeks.

Samant also stated that Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde visited Dombivli and issued specific instructions that the committee and relevant officials will strictly follow.

The industries minister discussed a related review meeting held earlier in the day. He mentioned that a decision to relocate the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and its chemical companies had been taken two years ago, and the process of land acquisition at Patalganga, Jambhavali, had been initiated but was halted due to the model code of conduct for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The ministry will now write to the Election Commission requesting permission to proceed with the relocation process and allot seats to entrepreneurs, Samant said.

The minister also disclosed that the Dombivli blast caused an estimated loss of around Rs 13 crore, including a commercial loss of Rs 12 crore and a residential loss of Rs 1.66 crore. The Maharashtra government is committed to covering these losses and will bear the expenses of the deceased and those seriously injured. Companies with insurance may not need immediate government assistance, he added. Efforts are underway to relocate companies to the MIDC and Chemical Zone in Maharashtra. The government is taking steps to ensure that companies adhering to the rules do not suffer losses during this transition.

Addressing allegations from opposition leaders regarding GAILs departure from Maharashtra, Uday Samant clarified that the company had not submitted a complete proposal to the state government. GAIL initially requested land in Ratnagiri, which was unavailable at the time. When availability was confirmed, GAIL officials cited previous protests and political pressure as reasons for not pursuing the refinery proposal further, he explained.

Samant also highlighted the state governments initiatives for local and district-level company expansion and investment. Key investments include:

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar: Rs 568 crore

Nashik: Rs 975 crore

Amravati: Rs 229 crore

Nagpur: Rs 159 crore

Pune: Rs 305 crore

Konkan: Rs 416 crore

These investments total Rs 2,652 crore. Additionally, significant overall investments amounting to Rs 96,681 crore have been made, creating 231,330 jobs across Maharashtra, Samant said.

Furthermore, the Chief Ministers Employment Scheme has fostered the creation of thousands of entrepreneurs and jobs, he said. The figures are:

2019-2020: 1,220 (no. of entrepreneurs and jobs created)

2020-2021: 4,812

2021-2022: 4,093

2022-2023: 12,336

2023-present: 19,800

In two years, this scheme has created 31,000 entrepreneurs and 90,000 jobs. At the district level, it has generated 2 lakh jobs, Samant noted. He urged the opposition to consider these achievements and avoid politicising the issue.

Samant further mentioned that Magnetic Maharashtra, a major investment programme scheduled for August or September, is expected to bring significant investments and create numerous employment opportunities in the state.

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A place is best explored when the tourist guide enlightens you about the origin, history and culture of the place. Similarly, there is a village in West Bengal called Buxa which is situated in the dooars in north Bengal and it is the critical corridor with Assam and Bhutan. It is the wettest place in West Bengal, receiving the highest amount of rainfall. It is located within the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Apart from being the gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal and Bhutan, Buxa village holds many secrets. The travel guide Jamed Bhutiad leaves no chance for the tourist to leave the place unaware of the same. He entertains tourists as well as guides them.

As James Bhutiad passes through the ridge of the mountain, he tends to talk all the way to keep the tourists entertained. The long silence route oftentimes becomes daunting for many. He provides the history of the area and various unknown information to the tourists. He has been working as a tourist guide since 2019. Apart from the knowledge of the area, he also holds the skill of producing melodious sounds from a leaf. He takes the big leaves of the tree and wraps them to make a flute. He plays the tunes of various songs from Bollywood movies. James learned this skill from his father. He is the fourth-generation travel guide from his family.

James Bhutiad said, I listened to the whistle of the tourist group I went with. Everyone rejoices on the mountain road. You never know what the long route entails.

From Santalabari to zero point, one has to walk from the villages of Buxa hills. It includes Buxa Fort, Tashigaon, Raimatang Depot, and Lepchakha. The distance of one is 12 km, less than the distance of other points. James started playing the flute to make this road easier. He believes that due to the sound of his flute, the shape of Buxa Hill becomes more mellow.

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Indian Army jawans defeated Chinese troops in a friendly game of tug-of-war that organised during a UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan, Africa.

In the visuals shared by news agency ANI, the soldiers of both India and China can be seen getting involved in a fun tug-of-war competition.

#WATCH | Indian troops won a Tug of War that took place between them and Chinese troops during deployment in Sudan, Africa under a UN Peacekeeping mission: Army officials(Viral video confirmed by Indian Army officials) pic.twitter.com/EpnGKURPa3  ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2024

India & France In Competition

Earlier on Monday, the Indian and French soldiers were seen getting engaged in a friendly tug-of-war competition in Meghalaya. The soldiers of both countries joined hands under a joint military exercise named SHAKTI 2024.

Tug of war being played during the Indian, French army to army exercises in Umroi, Meghalaya. pic.twitter.com/U8cpF4UZIE Rajul (@Rajul_Raj1) May 27, 2024

During the exercise, the soldiers of both India and France played a game of tug of war in Umroi, Meghalaya during the 7th edition of the Indo-France joint military exercise. The aim of the Shakti exercise was to enhance the joint military capabilities of both sides.

The seventh edition of the joint military exercise concluded on Monday at the Umroi Joint Training Node in Meghalaya. It is a biennial training event held alternately in both India and France. The last edition was held in France in November 2021.

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A superintendent attached to the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation has ended his life, leaving a suicide note that has put the states Congress government in a spot. 48-year-old P Chandrashekaran was found dead at his residence in Shivamogga on Sunday. He was working at the corporations office in Bengaluru.

According to sources, he has written in the note about the alleged misuse of large amounts of funds in the corporation and also held some senior officers responsible for his death. The deceased officer has accused his seniors of forcing him to open a parallel bank account to divert money from the corporations primary account.

He has named three officers in the death note. The name of a lady officer in Union Bank, an officer in the accounts section in the corporation, and Padmanabha. We want justice. He was an honest man. He has given full details about the amounts and account numbers in the death note, said Kavitha, Chandrashekarans wife.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is demanding the resignation of ST welfare minister B Nagendra. BJP leaders in Shivamogga have alleged that Chandrashekaran in his note has revealed that he received an oral order from the minister to transfer the amount of the corporation and stated that around Rs 87 crore was misappropriated.

The Congress is a corrupt government; it can be seen every day. The government official has written a death note about transferring Rs 187 crore into another account. The money is being siphoned legally. Its a shameless and unaccountable government. It should own up and get lost. The people are very intelligent, they dont believe them anymore, said BJP leader CN Ashwath Narayan.

The minister has conceded that Rs 87 crore out of a total Rs 187 crore had been transferred to an unauthorised account by the accused officers and added that action will be taken.

The case has been handed over to the CID. Our CID officials have already reached Shivamogga. Well be investigating how the money was transferred. The investigation will take place in an impartial manner. If the MD or any other officials have been involved, we will take action. The MD says his sign has been forged. We have sent it to FSL. If it matches, we will take action, said Nagendra. This is not corruption. The amount has been misused. The amount has been transferred from one account to another and we have already recovered the amount. Rs 26 crore out of Rs 87 crore has been recovered. We will take action against the officials involved. We are working in a transparent manner. It is also a big mistake that it didnt come to my notice.

Disclaimer: This news piece may be triggering. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata).

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In his first comments on the Pune Porsche accident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said that nobody would be spared and that strict action had been taken.

No matter how rich or poor a person is, the law is equal for all and no one will be spared. I have ordered strict action, the Maharashtra Chief Minister stated.

Shinde also stated that he has been in contact with the Pune police commissioner since day one.

I have been in touch with the Pune police commissioner since day one. I have said right from the beginning that, irrespective of how influential the person is, there should be no discrimination, he added.

According to an NDTV report, the Maharashtra CM personally instructed the Pune police commissioner to hold everyone accountable, including doctors or anyone else.

The two people who have died are also someones children. Strict action will be taken against all guilty people in this case. Their background will also be checked. I have personally told the police commissioner to spare no one, whether it is a doctor or anyone else, he said.

Shindes comments followed Congress Maharashtra President Nana Patoles call for the resignation of the chief minister and his deputies, alleging a nexus between the police, politicians, and affluent individuals in the state.

The Pune crash case, which has sparked nationwide outrage, involving the 17-year-old teenager who drove the speeding Porsche and caused the deaths of two software engineers on May 19, has taken a new turn with the arrest of two doctors and an employee of Pune-based Sassoon General Hospital in connection with the alleged manipulation of the blood sample of the juvenile driver.

Pune Police arrested Dr. Ajay Taware, head of the Sassoon Hospitals Forensic Medicine department, Dr. Shrihari Halnor, the chief medical officer, and staff member Atul Ghatkamble, who works under Dr. Taware. They were remanded in police custody until May 30.

The police also filed a case against the minors father and grandfather  Vishal Agarwal and Surendra Agarwal  for the illegal confinement of their driver.

According to the police, both the father and grandfather pressured the familys driver to take the blame for the accident by offering him money and making threats.

The duo were charged under sections 365 (kidnapping) and 368 (wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement) of the Indian Penal Code.

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At least six people were injured in a fire that erupted in Mumbais Dharavi area on Tuesday morning. Ten fire tenders have been sent to the site of the incident and firefighting operations are underway, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

So far, no casualty has been reported in the incident.

BMC said the fire is limited to wooden material and furniture, in partly ground plus upper three floored and partly ground plus four floored structure.

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In a rare criminal trial, a Mumbai sessions court on Tuesday sentenced two people to life imprisonment for the murder of Kirti Vyas, a finance manager at BBlunt salon in Mumbai, who went missing six years ago and whose body was never found.

Vyas co-workers, Siddhesh Shantaram Tamhankar and a female colleague, were found guilty of murder, kidnapping for murder, wrongful restraint, and destruction of evidence, among other charges.

The order was passed by Sessions Judge M.G. Deshpande on Monday. During the ruling, Tamhankar and the female colleague asked for leniency, citing no prior criminal records and family responsibilities. The female colleague argued there was no evidence against her and that the case was based on circumstantial evidence.

Special Public Prosecutor A.M. Chimalkar argued the crime was committed with the coolest of minds and that Vyas, a chartered accountant, was the financial pillar of her family, The Indian Express reported.

About the case

Kirti Vyas, a resident of Grant Road in Mumbai, disappeared on 16 March 2018. After she failed to reach her office and both her phones were off, her sister reported her missing.

Nearly two months later, police suspected two of her colleagues were behind her disappearance. Tamhankar, who was Vyas junior and an account executive, and a female colleague, an academy manager at BBlunt in Andheri, were implicated in the case.

The prosecution argued that Tamhankar and the woman were having an affair. Vyas, unhappy with Tamhankars performance, planned to fire him and had given him notice. On March 16, which was supposed to be Tamhankars last working day, the couple allegedly killed Vyas.

Though her body was never found, the prosecution claimed the colleagues killed her in a moving car after picking her up from her home that morning. The accused denied the allegations, claiming they neither picked her up nor caused her disappearance.

The police filed a nearly 962-page chargesheet, including statements from Vyass family, colleagues, and experts. The prosecution relied on blood traces found in the female accuseds car, CCTV footage, and the accuseds call records. They argued the motive was Vyass plan to fire Tamhankar and her knowledge of the affair.

The trial, which began in 2019, continued despite the absence of Vyass body. The defence questioned the DNA evidence and the timing of the bloodstains discovery, as the car had been inspected twice before by the police.

The female colleague, granted bail by the Supreme Court in 2021 due to prolonged incarceration and her gender, was taken back into custody on Monday after her conviction. Tamhankar remained in jail throughout the trial.

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Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Tuesday made it clear that Prajwal Revanna, an incumbent MP who went absconding amid allegations of sexual assault of women, will be arrested as soon as he returns to India. However, he said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) would decide where the arrest takes place.

The Congress government formed the SIT on April 28 to investigate the allegations by women against the Janata Dal Secular (JDS) leader, amid outrage over the leaked videos of the purported assaults. Prajwal, in a letter through his lawyer from an undisclosed location, had intimated the SIT that he would appear before them within seven days, but he did not turn up.

ALSO READ | Raped, Kidnapped My Elderly Mother; Forced Me to Have Sexual Relations: 2 New FIRs Against Revanna, Prajwal

When asked whether the MP would be arrested when he boards the flight from the undisclosed location or if the authorities would wait until he reaches India, Parameshwara said, The SIT will decide. The procedure will take place on its own. The SIT will decide where he should be arrested."

Prajwal, who re-contested from the Hassan seat, broke his silence, by sending a video. In the video, he stated that he would appear before the SIT on May 31 and would fully cooperate with the investigation.

When asked what action would be taken against if he does not turn up again, the Minister said, If he doesnt turn up, the law will take its course. I saw the videoI dont know what prompted him to make this videoThere is already a blue-corner notice against him, and a notice has also been issued by the SIT to him. The charge sheet will also be filed later, but now we need to find out the truth."

In the video, he apologised to his family and the JDS party workers for what has happened and claimed that it was a political conspiracy against him by local leaders and the Opposition, which, in turn, pushed him into depression and isolation.

The SIT has also issued a notice to Bhavani Revanna, Prajwals mother, who has now moved for anticipatory bail. To this, the Minister said, Let the SIT do their job, and the government has given the team full freedom to investigate."

The Karnataka government had written twice to the PM asking the Centre to cancel the diplomatic passport of the Hassan MP. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said they have initiated the process and issued a show-cause notice to Prajwal. On May 23, JDS patriarch, former PM and Prajwals grandfather, HD Deve Gowda, issued a stern warning asking him to appear before the investigating agencies or face his anger. This video released by Prajwal on May 27 came days after this warning was issued.

ALSO READ | Depressed Due To Political Conspiracy: Prajwal Revanna Discloses When Hell Appear Before Police In Sex Tape Row

After Karnataka saw the murders of Neha Hiremath and Anjali Ambigere in Huballi and the custodial death in Channagiri, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged a law and order breakdown in the state. Parameshwara asked the Opposition to refrain from making statements that hurt the image of the state.

Law and order is good in the state. It is unfortunate that murders have happened, but I will also pull out data on the murders and law and order issues that took place when the BJP was in power. During their time, werent there any drugs at all? They should refrain from making statements like Udta Bengaluru; rather, if they have any information, they must share it with us. I am going to release the data comparing our time and theirs," replied the minister.

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Among the skeletons to tumble out of the bureaucratic closet following the Pune crash case is the checkered past of Sassoon General Hospitals Dr Ajay Taware who is currently in custody for allegedly switching out the blood samples of the 17-year-old minor driver alleged to be responsible for the death of two IT professionals.

In particular, it is a 2023 recommendation letter written by NCP MLA Sunil Tingre that has raised eyebrows. This is the second time Tingres name has come up in the case. Earlier, he was alleged to have ensured the juvenile gets favourable treatment from police.

Dr Ajay Tawares name was reportedly mentioned in connection with a kidney racket in 2022. He was asked to step down in April of that year when the illegal organ transplant case was exposed at Ruby Hall Clinic the previous month. The alleged racket came to light after a woman filed a complaint alleging she was promised Rs 15 lakh in exchange for a kidney.

The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) had reportedly recommended the removal of Dr Taware as the medical superintendent of the Sassoon General Hospital, but he was reappointed on December 29, 2023. The appointment seems to have come four days after Vadgaon Sheri NCP MLA Tingre, who is with the Ajit Pawar faction of the party, wrote to state medical education minister Hasan Mushrif. In the letter that has now surfaced on social media, Tingre recommended Dr Taware for the position of medical superintendent at the state-run hospital in Pune.

Dr Taware was also reportedly questioned in connection with a rat bite case at the hospital last month.

As investigation progresses into the Pune car accident and the subsequent attempts at cover-ups, police are seeking details of past investigations and allegations against the doctor.

Apart from Dr Taware, head of the state-run hospitals Forensic Medicine department, chief medical officer Dr Shrihari Halnor and staffer Atul Ghatkamble, who works under Dr Taware, have also been arrested by Pune police in connection with the car crash case.

Two IT professionals were killed after their motorcycle was hit by a speeding Porsche car allegedly driven by the 17-year-old boy in the early hours of May 19 in Kalyani Nagar area of Maharashtras Pune city. The police claim the teenager was drunk at the time of the accident.

The Pune police on Monday said the blood samples of the juvenile driver were thrown into a dustbin and replaced with another persons samples which showed no traces of alcohol and arrested the two doctors and staffer of the Sassoon General Hospital.

In the letter dated December 26, 2023, Tingre said he knows Dr Taware and noted the latter had previously worked as the superintendent and discharged his duties well during the Covid-19 pandemic. I request you to kindly consider giving the additional charge of medical superintendent to Taware, the letter stated.

The letter also had a handwritten note from Mushrif, directing the Sassoon Hospitals dean to give the additional charge to Dr Taware. Mushrifs note mentioned that, according to rules, a person of professor rank should be considered for the position, and the (then) current medical superintendent did not fulfil the criteria.

Tingers Counter

On Tuesday, Tingre in a statement claimed there was an attempt to give a different colour to the issue over the recommendation letter.

As a public representative, many people approach me for recommendation letters for various reasons such as school admissions, medical treatment, and job transfers. Each recommendation letter includes a note that action should be taken according to the rules, and the department concerned acts only if the request is appropriate, he stated.

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The case of Pune teenager, who drove the speeding Porsche and killed two software engineers, has taken a new turn ever since two doctors and an employee of Pune-based Sassoon General Hospital were arrested in connection with the alleged manipulation of the blood sample of the juvenile driver.

Sources have now told News18 the sequence of events that led to the manipulation of the blood sample.

Pune Police arrested Dr Ajay Taware, head of the Sassoon Hospitals Forensic Medicine department, Dr Shrihari Halnor, the chief medical officer, and the staffer Atul Ghatkamble who works under Dr Taware. They were remanded in police custody till May 30.

How Were Blood Samples Changed?

 Blood sample of minor accused was taken to Sassoon General Hospital on May 19 at 11 am.

 Accuseds father contacted Dr Ajay Taware.

 On request of Ajay Taware, D Srihari Halnore changed the samples. The blood sample of the second person was sent to the forensic lab.

 Sassoons doctor reported that the minor accused had not consumed alcohol.

 The police took another blood sample of the juvenile accused for DNA testing at another government hospital.

 The blood sample taken for the second time matched with the blood sample of the minor accused and the father.

 But the blood sample from Sassoon did not match with the blood sample of the accused.

 During police interrogation, the doctor admitted to changing the blood sample.

 There is a middle man involved in this case. Pune police is trying to find this person and probe him. Cops suspect that one of the lab technicians/attendant was helping the three arrested accused.

Two IT professionals died after their motorcycle was hit by a speeding Porsche allegedly driven by the minor in the early hours of May 19 in the Kalyani Nagar area of Pune city. The police claim the teenager was drunk at the time of the accident.

The police also registered a case against Vishal Agarwal and his father, Surendra Agarwal, for the illegal confinement of their driver.

The police have said that both the father and grandfather put pressure on the familys driver to take the blame for the accident by offering him money and giving him threats.

The duo were booked under the Indian Penal Code sections 365 (kidnapping) and 368 (wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement).

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Vadgaon Sheri MLA Sunil Tingre, who is reportedly close to the builder father of Pune accidents 17-year-old accused, said that there is an attempt to give a different colour to his recommendation letter to Dr Ajay Taware.

Dr Taware was arrested on Monday for allegedly tampering with the blood sample of the juvenile who was driving the speeding Porsche which killed two software engineers.

Police had claimed the blood sample of the juvenile was thrown away in the dustbin and replaced by someone elses blood sample. The matter came to light when DNA from both the samples did not match.

The news about my letter of recommendation seems to be trying to give a different color to the subject. Since I am a public representative, many people come to me for recommendation letters. In certain work, like school admissions, medical treatment and transfer requests, recommendation letters are asked for, Tingre said.

Also, under each recommendation letter, it is mentioned that appropriate action should be taken after fulfilling the legal requirements. Therefore, it will not be appropriate to give a different turn to this subject. I have full faith in the judicial system and this matter will be clarified after the investigation, the MLA from Ajit Pawar-led NCP added.

According to a report in Indian Express, the letter was written by Tingre on December 26, 2023 to the Minister for Medical Education and Research Hassan Mushriff and Dr Taware was appointed as the Medical Superintendent in the same year.

In his letter, Tingre recommended Dr Taware as personally known to him, the report stated. During the Covid-19 crisis he had done commendable work. I request you to take proper steps at your level to appoint him as the Medical Superintendent, the letter read.

IE stated that back then, Dr Taware was working as the Head and Professor of the Department of Forensic Science, post which he became the Medical Superintendent.

A report in The Free Press Journal had three days ago stated that Tingre, who is reportedly close to accused teenagers father Vishal Agarwal, had also visited the police station late at night in an alleged effort to pressurise the cops into going easy on the drunk minor.

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A vacation bench of the Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the urgent hearing for an extension of the bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the LiquorGate scandal case.

After hearing the plea seeking a seven-day extension of interim bail on medical grounds, the bench stressed that the case had already been deliberated upon, with the verdict currently reserved. It said the CJI would determine the final course of action for the cases listing.

A vacation bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the chief minister, and said the decision on the listing of the interim plea can be taken by the Honourable CJI because the judgement has been reserved in the main matter.

The bench asked Singhvi why the plea of Kejriwal was not mentioned for urgent listing last week when Justice Dipankar Datta, one of the judges of the main bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna which had granted the interim bail to the chief minister, was sitting on the vacation bench.

Kejriwal has sought extension of his interim bail by seven days to undergo a host of medical tests, including a PET-CT scan in view of his sudden and unexplained weight loss, coupled with high ketone levels, which are indicative of kidney, serious cardiac ailments and even cancer.

The chief minister, in his fresh plea filed on May 26, said he will surrender before jail authorities on June 9 instead of June 2, the scheduled date for his return to prison. The top court had on May 10 granted 21-day interim bail to the chief minister, who was arrested in a money laundering case linked to the excise policy scam, to enable him to campaign for the Lok Sabha polls.

It had directed that Kejriwal shall surrender on June 2, a day after the last phase of the seven-phase poll gets over. The matter relates to the alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi governments now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22.

(With agency inputs)

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Gone are those times when women were not allowed to step out of their kitchens and do business. Now, women can start their businesses and become successful in that too. The women of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu are another example in this field. A lady in the town of Thanjavur prepares and sells food items including pickled drumsticks and spinach powder at home. Many have started their businesses in small-scale manufacturing of organic food products, beauty products, art products and home appliances. Amuda Khoot Banga is successfully running her food shop by cooking healthy and innovative food products.

Amuda has been selling several types of food at her shop for years. In a bid to expand her business, the Thanjavur woman has recently introduced fish pickles in her shop. She is getting a good response from her customers. Healthy food items like Moringa Spinach Powder and Kerala Famous Pumpkin Vadagam are also popular among the food items in her shop.

While talking to Local18, Amuda Khoot Bonga said that her next goal is to make new types of small grain food and sell it not only in Thanjavur but also in other states. Amutha said that she is doing this business with the support of her son, daughter and husband.

Now, you can find women in every state of India who have a thirst to become an entrepreneur. Similar to Amutha of Thanjavur, there is a woman named Heera Prajapati in Tilak Nagar of Barmer city of Rajasthan. Today, she makes pickles of green chillies, carrots, turmeric, ginger, red chillies, garlic and lemon using this recipe from her grandmother. It is sold out immediately. Along with making pickles, she is also continuing her ancestral work of making earthen pots. On the festival of colours, she also makes herbal Gulaal which is loved by the people. Heera Prajapati sells her pickles at the rate of Rs 300 per kilo. She has sold around 50 kilos of pickles in a season.

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The Delhi Police on Monday said that it will verify the educational qualification of the staff that were running the neo-natal intensive care facility in Vivek Vihar where seven infants died after a fire broke out late on Saturday night. Senior officials said that the documents related to registration of the hospital are also being checked thoroughly.

The two persons who were arrested by the police in this case on Sunday, the owner of the facility and the on-duty doctor, were on Monday sent to a three day police remand where they will be interrogated by the police to further investigate the seven deaths.

It was around 11.29 pm on Saturday when a distress call was received reporting fire at a hospital in Vivek Vihar area. By the time firefighters and police reached the spot, locals had already volunteered to save the trapped infants. Atul Garg, director, Delhi Fire Service said that his teams reached the spot and started the rescue operation.

Initial enquiry revealed that three members of the hospital staff had already escaped from the building but some infants were trapped. Our men entered the building through windows to locate children in the smoke filled rooms of the hospital and with the help of the locals, formed a human chain and one by one all babies were taken out and were sent to another hospital for immediate medical attention," Garg said.

Deputy commissioner of police (Shahadra) Surendra Choudhary said 12 infants were rescued from the nursing station. Seven of the twelve babies died and were shifted to GTB Hospital mortuary for autopsy. Five others were admitted to another NICU facility close by and they are doing fine," the DCP said.

Choudhary said the police have registered a case under IPC sections 336 (endangering human life with negligence), 304A (causing death due to negligence), 34 (criminal act by several persons), 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 308 (act with intention to cause culpable homicide), while further investigation is underway.

Police have also found that there are three more branches of the Baby Care New Born NICU facility run from Punjabi Bagh in New Delhi and the other two in Haryanas Gurugram and Faridabad. These facilities have also come under the radar of the state administrations after glaring lapses in the Vivek Vihar set up were unveiled following the mishap.

Lapses

Preliminary probe by the police and Delhi Fire Service have highlighted several lapses on part of the NICU facilitys administration that possibly led to the tragic death of seven infants. Police have found that the licence issued to the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital by Directorate General Health Services, government of Delhi, had expired on March 31, 2024. Police have said that even as per the expired licence, the administration was allowed only to run a five-bed facility. However, at the time of incident, 12 newborn children were found admitted in the hospital.

The police also stated that the doctors at the hospital were not qualified or competent to treat the newborn children in need of neo-natal intensive care, as majority of them were BAMS degree holders only, commonly known as Ayurveda practitioners.

At the time of inspection of the building, police and firefighters also spotted that there were no fire extinguishers installed in the hospital for emergencies.

There was also no emergency exit in the hospital in case of any untoward incident, police found in its inspection.

Keeping in mind the glaring lapses that claimed the lives of seven infants, the police on Sunday made immediate arrests in the case while the role of others was being looked into.

Arrests

So far, the police have made two arrest in the mishap, one of a doctor, an MD in pediatrics, 45-year-old Naveen Khichi, who the police said is also the owner of the nursing station. A resident of Pashchim Vihar, Khichi and his dentist wife, together ran the hospital, police said.

Another person who has been arrested by the police is the doctor who was on duty at the time of the incident. He has been identified as Akash, a 26-year-old resident of Charkhi Dadri. The police have said that Akash is qualified in BAMS like three other doctors who were associated with the hospital. BAMS are usually referred to as Ayurvedic practitioners, not qualified or competent to treat newborn babies in need of neo-natal intensive care.

The police were also investigating an angle to rule out any possibility of a sabotage behind the deaths. For this, the police and the fire department were both trying to ascertain the reason behind the fire.

Cause of fire

With the probe so far, the investigators suspect that the probable cause of fire could possibly have been a short circuit. However, senior officials said that the Electric Inspection Report from the electric inspector of the Delhi governments labour department, was being obtained, which will further clear the cause of fire.

A team of labour department on Monday visited the gutted building and carried out a detailed inspection.

A report is also being prepared by the Delhi Fire Services, which will also help the investigators understand the cause behind the fire.

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Haryana Police on Monday arrested social media influencer Balwant Kataria alias Bobby Kataria for allegedly human trafficking of two Uttar Pradesh youths. Kataria was arrested following a joint raid at his residence in Gurugrams Sector-109.

During the raids, several suspicious documents and a huge stash of cash were reportedly recovered. A case has been registered against Kataria under section 370 (offence of trafficking) of the IPC at the Bajghera Police Station in Gurugram, police said.

Police Action Against YouTuber

The police action came after two youths from Uttar Pradesh filed complaints that Karatia trafficked them to Laos and forced them into cyber fraud operations.

The complainants, Arun Kumar, a resident of Fatehpur and Manish Tomar, a resident of Hapur, said that they were unemployed and came in touch with Kataria via Instagram.

According to the complainants, they saw an advertisement about the abroad-based job on Bobbys YouTube channel MBK, following which they approached the YouTuber via WhatsApp.

Bobby called them to meet his office in Sector 109 on the pretext of getting them a job in a foreign country. The complainant then met Kataria in his office on 1 February 2024 and paid Rs 2,000 for registration.

After this, on the request of Bobby Kataria, on February 13, Rs 50,000 was transferred to his official account which was registered in the name of MBK Global Visa Private Limited.

Thereafter, on Bobbys instruction on March 14, another amount of Rs 1 lakh was transferred to the account of a person named Ankit Shaukeen.

Kataria sent the tickets to Vientiane (Laos) through Shaukeens WhatsApp.

On March 28, as per the instructions of Bobby Kataria, Kumar got Rs 50,000 converted into USD at the airport and boarded the flight to Vientiane.

Similarly, lakhs of rupees were taken from his friend Manish Tomar on the pretext of sending him to Singapore, but he was also made to board a flight to Vientiane.

When both of them landed at Vientiane airport, they met a young man named Abhi, who described himself as a friend of Bobby Kataria and a Pakistani agent.

He dropped them off at the Hotel Mican Son in Vientiane, where they found a young man named Ankit Shaukeen and Nitish Sharma alias Rocky. They took the victims to an anonymous Chinese company. There both the friends were severely beaten and their passports were snatched.

At the same time, they were forced to commit cyber fraud against US citizens. Both of them were threatened that if the work was not done as per their instructions then they would not be able to return to India and they would be killed there.

About 150 Indians including women were brought into that company through human trafficking by brokers like Bobby Kataria on the pretext of jobs. Somehow, we escaped from there and reached the Indian Embassy and came back to India and filed a police complaint against Kataria, the complainant told the police.

Who Is Bobby Kataria?

Karatia is not new to controversies. In 2022, an FIR was registered against him for allegedly posting obscene remarks about a woman on social media and threatening her.

ALSO READ: Instagram Influencer Bobby Kataria Blocks Dehradun Road to Pour Himself a Drink, Faces the Music

The same year, he was arrested for allegedly smoking on a flight. Later the bodybuilder again faced flak after a video of him went viral where he was seen drinking in the middle of the road in Uttarakhand.

(With IANS Inputs)

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The International Day of Action for Womens Health is observed on May 28 every year around the world to take amplify demands for sexual and reproductive health and rights and justice for women.

At a time where systematic violations of womens human rights, especially those related to sexual and reproductive health, persist on a global scale, it is imperative that we mobilise our communities and beyond to fight against any repression of our rights and promote sexual and reproductive justice for one and all.

Women ought to live happy, healthy lives free from discrimination and abuse. Sexual and reproductive autonomy, privacy, and education are some of the basic rights they deserve. Activists for sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) travel around the world advocating for womens implementation of these essential rights.

International Day of Action for Womens Health 2024: Theme

In 2024, the theme for the International Day of Action for Womens Health is Mobilizing in critical times of threats and opportunities.

The 2024 #May28 Call to Action is OUT NOW!We are in a time of critical threats to #SRHRJ and opportunities for activists to mobilize together. Take action and amplify demands this International Day of Action for Womens Health: https://t.co/xpfcRMdALc#WomensHealthMatters pic.twitter.com/Mbg3tfgeLy  WGNRR (@WGNRR) May 14, 2024

The SRHR activists, like every year, have this time too urged allies to join hands and assemble more and more people to fight for the cause of womens sexual and reproductive lives.

International Day of Action for Womens Health 2024: History

Back in 1987, during the International Womens Health Meeting in Costa Rica, the the Latin American and Caribbean Womens Health Network (LACWHN) had proposed to mark May 28 as the International Day of Action for Womens Health every year.

While the LACWHN took the responsibility to promote and coordinate the regional actions, the Womens Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) spreads the campaign globally. Both these networks work closely with the group of core active members to coordinate the campaign efforts.

The two organisations have over the years maintained the campaign through collaborative Calls for Action, with each year focusing on a particular topic related to womens health. Some of these topics include access to quality health care, feminisation of poverty, access to safe and legal abortion, women and HIV/AIDS among several others.

International Day of Action for Womens Health 2024: Significance

This day is marked every year to celebrate the fights undertaken in order to secure womens sexual and reproductive rights. This is the time when the SRHR activists take inspiration from the efforts made so far through various social campaigns across the globe and move ahead with new goals in lives.

Since its launch in 1987, this day has been recognised by multiple governments and international agencies as well as civil society organisations around the world. It further urges the governments and policy-makers to take into consideration such campaigns and implement judicial and legislative reforms to support sexual and reproductive rights of women.
Chinas Zhangjiajie Glass footpath is a skywalk bridge in the Hunan region, which attracts tourists from across the country. Many fear that the bridge may collapse or crack, they still walk on this to tackle their fear. Now, one will not have to go to China to experience the glass skywalk anymore. India too has given tough competition to the country by building not one, but multiple glass bridges that have become an attraction. What has been gaining the most attention is Uttar Pradeshs glass bridge, which has been made in the shape of a bow and arrow of Lord Ram.

In Uttar Pradeshs Chitrakoot, a glass bridge in the shape of a bow and arrow is being built. This is the states first glass bridge. The length of the arrow-shaped bridge is 25 metres (approx 82 feet), while the width of the bow is 35 metres (114 feet). Reportedly, the bridge can bear a 500 kg load per square metre. The construction of the glass bridge will be completed by this year and will be opened soon for tourists. It has been noticed that wherever glass bridges have been built, it has attracted a lot of tourists.

Apart from Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim has a glass bridge. The Sky Walk Pelling Sikkim is in the Pelling town of this North-East state. It is constructed at an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level and is open for tourists from 8 am to 5 pm. It is nestled among the majestic Himalayas and the skywalk adds to the allure of the spot as you will get panoramic views of the mountains, rivers and forests.

In Bihar, you will find the Rajgir Glass Bridge in Nalanda, Bihar, which has been modelled after Chinas Hangzhou Glass Bridge. The Rajgir skywalk is 85-foot long and 6-foot-wide and was inaugurated in 2021. It is situated amid five hills and draws many domestic and international tourists every year. It can accommodate up to 40 visitors at a time. To come here, it is better that you book online in advance or you can arrive early in the morning and book tickets.

Kerala recently joined the list after the Akkulam Glass Bridge, which was inaugurated a few months back. It is located within the Akkulam Tourist Village and is 36 metres long (approx 118 feet). It has been constructed 54 metres (approx 177 feet) above the ground. The bridge offers a panoramic view of the park and Akkulam lake. It also has an artificial mist, simulated rain showers and illusionary glass cracking among other things.
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also referred to as Veer Savarkar, was a revolutionary leader. He was also a social reformer and a writer. Savarkar was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Port Blair Cellular jail (Kala Paani) in Andaman. Savarkar was born to Damodar and Radhabai Savarkar on May 28, 1883, in Maharashtras Nashik. Savarkar passed away on February 26, 1966. Last year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared that May 28 will be celebrated as Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din. On his birth anniversary, heres a look at some little-known facts about the great leader.

Veer Savarkar Birth Anniversary 2024: Lesser-known Facts

At the age of 16, Savarkar formed the Mitra Mela. The only aim of this group was to attain freedom for the nation. It was formed in 1899. Later, Mitra Mela was known as Abhinava Bharat. Did you know Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was among the first few revolutionaries who understood the importance of having international support for attaining independence? He was arrested by British officers in 1910 and sent to jail at the age of 27. During his time there, Savarkar wrote a book titled  Essentials of Hindutva. As per Britannica, the epigraph of his book defines the concept as A HINDU means a person who regards this land of BHARATVARSHA, from the Indus to the Seas as his Father-Land as well as his Holy-Land that is the cradle land of his religion. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, in 1937, was picked as the president of Hindu Mahasabha. He held the position for five years.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkars Quotes
World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical issue of menstrual hygiene management. This day highlights the significant challenges that millions of women face worldwide due to inadequate hygiene. These challenges stem from a lack of education, persistent taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation. Many women and girls lack access to clean and safe menstrual products and proper sanitation facilities, impacting their education, health and social status.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day History

Menstrual Hygiene Day was launched by the German non-profit WASH United in 2013. WASH United serves as the global coordinator and international secretariat for MH Day, leading a partner network of over 1,000 organisations.

It sets the strategy and direction for MH Day, creates and distributes campaign content, communicates through MH Day channels and represents MH Day at events.

WASH United also manages strategic partnerships, including media and fundraising, and handles monitoring and reporting. Local MH Day partners coordinate MH Day activities in their respective countries.

In 2014, Menstrual Hygiene Day reportedly started with just 155 partners and 89 pieces of media coverage. Since its inception almost a decade ago, Menstrual Hygiene Day has grown significantly in terms of reach and impact. It serves as a reminder of the importance of menstrual care and the need to address the issues faced by those who lack access to period products.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day Significance

The significance of Menstrual Hygiene Day lies in its ability to highlight these challenges and advocate for solutions. The lack of adequate menstrual hygiene management (MHM) can prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential. This is why Menstrual Hygiene Day is such an important global campaign. The day brings together non-profit organisations, governments, individuals, businesses and the media to promote better menstrual health and hygiene. It has two main objectives: breaking the taboo around menstrual health and hygiene by raising awareness and shifting negative social norms, and urging leaders to prioritise menstrual hygiene management at all levels.

Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed on May 28th, is a vital event that underscores the importance of proper menstrual care. It highlights the difficulties faced by individuals who lack access to menstrual products and the necessity of having safe, hygienic spaces to use them. Ensuring access to these resources is crucial for anyone who menstruates and it is equally important to address and eliminate the shame and stigma associated with menstruation.

Tips For menstrual hygiene

Use the right productsChoose menstrual products that suit your body and lifestyle. Options include sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups and reusable cloth pads. Change regularlyChange your menstrual product every 4-6 hours to prevent leaks and reduce the risk of infections. Maintain cleanlinessWash your hands before and after changing your menstrual product. This helps to maintain personal hygiene and prevent the spread of bacteria. Avoid using scented products which can cause irritation. Proper disposalDispose of used menstrual products properly. Wrap them in paper and place them in a bin. Do not flush them down the toilet as this can cause blockages and environmental harm. Track your cycleKeep track of your menstrual cycle using a calendar or an app. This can help you prepare for your period and manage any symptoms. You can stock the products you might need in advance. EducateRaise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene in your community. Talk about the importance of menstrual hygiene openly to break the taboo. DonateContribute to organisations that provide menstrual products to those in need. You can donate products or money to help make these products accessible. Promote accessEncourage local businesses to stock affordable menstrual products. Support initiatives that aim to provide free menstrual products to those who cannot afford them.

By following these tips, you can maintain good menstrual hygiene and take care of your health during your cycle. World Menstrual Hygiene Day is an opportunity to learn more about menstrual health and hygiene.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has taken the internet by storm, quite literally! The actress on Tuesday shared a series of behind-the-scenes shots of her getting ready for Cannes red carpet appearance. Aishwarya, who recently returned to Mumbai from Cannes film festival, looked absolute gorgeous in her latest snaps on Instagram.

In one of the pics, a bathrobe-clad Aishwarya is seen doing her eye makeup as she looks into the mirror while applying mascara. Another photo shows Aishwarya strike a sensuous pose while sitting in her makeup chair. Needless to say, fans are going gaga over Aishwaryas hot pics.

One fan wrote, She could have gone out like this on the red carpet and slayed. Another one said, I wish you could do this kinda hairstyle during Cannes. The most beautiful woman on earth, a third user said.

A few days ago, Aishwarya Rai shared a bunch of photos from her mothers birthday celebration. The actress took to her Instagram account to give an inside glimpse into her mommys special day. In the photos, Aishwarya holds her mom close as they pose along with the actress daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan.

However, Aishwaryas actor-husband Abhishek Bachchan was missing from the celebration. Sharing the photos, Aishwarya wrote, Love you Birthday girl, dearest Mommy-Doddaaa. The actress looked stunning in an all-black outfit.

Aishwarya made two red carpet appearances at the 2024 Cannes film festival. For the first look, she donned an elaborative black and gold strapless gown. The actress received the loudest cheers when she walked the Cannes red carpet in the bold outfit.

For her second look, Aishwarya opted for a very dramatic blue and silver gown by designer Falguni Shane Peacock. However, the internet wasnt very impressed by Aishwaryas day 2 outfit for the star-studded gala. As soon as photos of Aishwarya surfaced on social media, netizens began criticising the actress stylist for doing a poor job.

Aishwarya made her debut at the Cannes film festival in 2002, wearing a saree by designer Neeta Lulla. The Bollywood actress, who was last seen in Mani Ratnams pan-Indian film Ponniyin Selvan: II, made a sensational appearance on the Cannes red carpet wearing a silver hooded cape gown last year.
Happy birthday, Gulshan Devaiah. The actor turns 46 today. Can you believe it? At least, we cant. Well, it wont be wrong to say that he is ageing like a fine wine. Agree? Gulshan, before entering into the world of acting, worked in the fashion industry for 10 years. He holds a graduation degree from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

Gulshans passion for acting started with minor roles at Bengalurus English theatre, where he honed his skills by performing in various dramas before deciding to take the plunge into the vast world of Bollywood.

With dreams in his eyes, Gulshan arrived in Mumbai in 2008. He made his acting debut with Anurag Kashyaps neo-noir thriller That Girl in Yellow Boots in 2010. Since then, Gulshan has carved a niche for himself by continuously pushing the bar with his film choices. From a sex addict in Hunterrr to a serious cop in Dahaad, Gulshan has always kept the audience entertained and proved his adaptability to different genres.

On his birthday, lets take a look at some of his most memorable performances that prove he is the king of experimental cinema:
Aamir Khans son Junaid Khan is yet to make his Bollywood debut. He has been shooting back to back and fans are eagerly waiting for his films to be released. There is news that he has begun shooting for a romantic comedy film with Khushi Kapoor in Mumbai. Mid-Day has reported that the initial shooting schedule involves three weeks.

According to a report in Mid-day, sources revealed the shooting began on Monday in Mira Road, Mumbai. While originally scheduled for June, director Chandan moved the start date to accommodate Junaids promotional commitments for Maharaj next month. The film is reported to be a remake of the 2022 Tamil hit Love Today, which starred and was directed by Pradeep Ranganathan.

Junaid will be soon seen in Siddharth P. Malhotra-directed thriller drama, Maharaja. The film is based on the Maharaja Libel Trial Case of 1862. The budding actor has already wrapped his second film, as per reports. As Junaid gears up for his debut with Yash Raj Films Maharaj, he has also completed his second project after an intensive 58-day shoot.

A source close to the actor revealed, Despite the demanding schedule, Junaid continues to showcase his versatility as he wraps up a 58-day shoot for his second exciting project! The title of the film and the plot details have not been revealed yet.

Junaid Khan returned from Japan after completing 50 days of schedule of his upcoming untitled film made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions. After shooting for a month and a half in Sapporo, Japan, Junaid wrapped up the schedule. The film will also feature Sai Pallavi as the lead.

Recently, BTS pictures went viral online, showing Sai Pallavi and Junaid shooting together against the scenic backdrop of Japans Sapporo Snow Festival. According to reports, the entire team, including Junaid, remained determined and continued shooting despite the weather not in their favour. To keep the project on track, the team worked 1214 hours per day. The reports added that Aamir Khan is in constant touch with his son Junaid and the staff to assess the shoot properly.
One of the most-awaited shows is back. The third season of Panchayat is now streaming on Prime Video. On Monday night, a special screening of the show was held in Mumbai which was attended by the cast and several other actors from the industry. Among others, Neena Gupta, who plays the role of Manju Devi in the show, also attended the screening.

Neena Gupta was snapped by the paparazzi as she arrived for Panchayat 3 screening. In a video that surfaced on social media, the 64-year-old actress was seen posing for the shutterbugs in a short white co-ord set. She accessorised her outfit with gold necklaces and a bold red cross-body bag. Neena further completed her look with yellow sneakers and dark sunglasses.

Neena Guptas bold appearance left netizens stunned, with many age-shaming her. Soon after a video of Neena Gupta went viral on social media, several people reacted to it and trolled the actress. While one of the users called her Urfi ki nani, another comment read, You should dress your age.

However, several fans also jumped into Neena Guptas defence arguing one is free to do what he/she wants. I love women taking care of themselves and not caring about the society. She is not wearing anything revealing.. Its just shorts and shirt with that confidence and smile (sic), one of the comments read.

Besides Neena Gupta, Panchayat 3 also stars Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Chandan Roy and Faisal Malik in key roles. Earlier this month, the trailer of Panchayat 3 was released which revealed a new secretary is coming to the district this season. However, due to some circumstances old secretary Jitendra Kumar was called back. In the new season, everyone is trying to uplift their image as the Panchayat elections are on head. It will be interesting to see how they will manage and how Jitendra will help them.

Recently, Jitendra Kumar also opened up about becoming a household name with Panchayat when he told the news agency IANS, I have always lived a simple village life. There is always chaos during the shoot of any project. I find the village life very peaceful. Whenever I return from the shoot, I miss the simplicity and feel nostalgic. I enjoy Phulera (the fictional village in Panchayat) a lot for this.

A lot of opportunities come to me and I get a chance to be part of good films. Of course, becoming a household name is exciting but I never aimed for it and finally, its happening which is good for my work, the actor added.
Several actors and actresses are fortunate enough to get a taste of unimaginable success and fame with their debut releases. However, some of them leave the star-studded industry at the peak of their careers due to personal reasons or simply when their careers fail to take off. Something similar happened with one promising actress of the 90s, who left Bollywood in five years.

That actress went by the name of Chandni, who appeared with some of the biggest names in Bollywood like Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and more. With Salman Khan, Chandni appeared in the film Sanam Bewafa, which was released in 1991.

As per reports, while studying, Chandni came across an advertisement for a role in Sanam Bewafa with Salman Khan, who became an overnight sensation after Maine Pyar Kiya. So, she filled out the audition form and ended up securing the role of the films female lead. Sanam Bewafa went on to become the years second biggest release, only after Salmans own Saajan.

Chandni got several roles after Sanam Bewafa but her career did not experience the success it deserved, like her debut film. So, according to more information, she decided to quit the film industry after five years. In those five years, Chandni appeared in a little over ten films.

In 1994, she tied the knot with Satish Sharma and moved to Florida, the USA. The reports state that she is a dance teacher focusing on Indian dance at the C Studios, in Orlando, Florida. She has also worked as an organiser at Hard Rock in Universal Studios and the House of Blues in Disney.

Released in 1991, Sanam Bewafa is directed by Saawan Kumar Tak who has also produced it under the banner of Saawan Kumar Tak Productions Pvt Ltd. The cast of the film includes Salman Khan, Chandni, Pran and Danny Denzongpa among others. The music in the film is done by Mahesh-Kishor.

Chandni also appeared in films like Jaan Se Pyaara, 1942: A Love Story and Mr Azaad.
Suhana Khan is on cloud nine with KKRs big win in IPL 2024. Kolkata Knight Riders have clinched IPL 2024 trophy after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final match which was held in Chennai on Sunday. After the victory was sealed, the co-owner of the Kolkata-based franchise, Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan along with their kids Suhana Khan, AbRam, Aryan joined their players in the victory lap, by coming down on the pitch.

Suhana has now shared a bundle of photos from the stadium and wrote, Worth the wait .

Have a look at the photos:

KKR have put up a dominant performance throughout the 2024 IPL season. They lost only three matches in the league stage and clinched the top spot in the points table. Guided by the legendary Gautam Gambhir, the Shreyas Iyer-led side continued the momentum in the playoffs. They got the better of SRH in Qualifier 1 before overcoming the same opponents in the summit showdown to claim the IPL title.

Suhana, who was right beside her dad, during the big match, couldnt hold back her tears. She broke into tears hugging her father, Shah Rukh, and said Im so happy. The video is now going viral on social media. As he hugged Suhana, little AbRam ran towards him and hugged them both, Shah Rukh Khan also hugged Aryan.

Badshah of Bollywood wore a purple tee and Gauri wore the KKR jersey. Shah Rukh Khan, having recently recovered from the heat stroke, wore a mask. He also sported a round, spot band aid plaster on his right hand, possibly an area where the Intravenous Cannula was inserted. He later took the mask off and slipped into a black tee and sunglasses to celebrate with the team. He also did his iconic, arms-outstretched pose from the stands.

On the field, he was also accompanied by Kajal Anand, Sanjay Kapoor, Ananya Panday and other close friends.
Days after Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Gurucharan Singh returned home, it has now been reported that the actor was not keeping well for the last few days. Singh, who used to play the role of Roshan Singh Sodhi in TMKOC, was speaking to Times Now recently when he shared that he is good now and that things are getting better.

My health is good. A few days ago I had a terrible headache though but it is under control now. Dheere dheere cheezen theek ho rahi hai (things are getting better to normal slowly), Singh said. The actor also shared that he was feeling weak and had to take electrol a few days back.

Gurucharan Singh was missing since April 22 but returned to his house in New Delhi earlier this month i.e. after 26 days. Singh was interrogated by Delhi Police officials following which it was discovered that he had left home to be on a religious journey. Police officials said that Gurucharan visited Gurudwaras in Amritsar and Ludhiana ever since he was reported missing but he later realised that he should return home.

Singh refused to talk about his disappearance and shared that they are still finishing the legal formalities. I want to finish a few things first before opening up about it. Ek baar ye closing ho jaye, then I will definitely talk about it, he said.

Whatever was pending of mine has been completed but now my father has to go and complete the formalities. The election was going on, so we thought we would wait till then. The court formalities have to be done, the actor added.

Meanwhile, TMKOC producer Asit Kumarr Modi also talked about Singhs return recently and said, Ab unke mind mein kya hai woh samajh nahi sakte na (Cant understand what is going on in his mind). We dont know what he is feeling. I have been trying to call him, but his phone is unreachable. I want to talk to him. I wish he calls me back so I could know more.

Gurcharan Singh played the role of Roshan Singh Sodhi  a fun-loving man who is always in party mode and never shies away from expressing love for his wife. He was one of the popular characters on the show, and also a founding cast member. Gurcharan, however, left the show in 2013 only to return next year due to public demand. After his exit in 2020, he was replaced by actor Balwinder Singh Suri.
While new DC Studios co-founders James Gunn and Peter Safran lay out their vision for a DC Comics cinematic universe, we understand that at least a few old names will make an appearance from the soon-to-be-defunct DCEU. John Cenas character Christopher Smith, a.k.a. Peacemaker, first appeared in the DCEU in The Suicide Squad and then made an unexpected reappearance in a spin-off. Fans have been wondering if Cena will make more appearances in the franchise as the live-action series continues to work on its second season. Cena made light of the prospect at a recent Comicpalooza appearance, saying in jest that he didnt want to offend Gunn.

Do you know who James Gunn is? Cena laughed in response, as was reported by ComicBook. Hes got this look when you make him mad. And its actually indescribable, but I dont want to see it ever again. So Im just gonna say no comment, he added.

Christopher Smith, the Peacemaker, made his screen debut in James Gunns DC debut, The Suicide Squad. Here, Cena brilliantly played the stereotypical douchey Captain America, a sincere patriot who takes great pleasure in using violence to express his patriotism. The man himself says that he will murder any man, woman, or kid to obtain peace, even if he doesnt mean the final bit.

The first season of Peacemaker begins after Smith is recruited to a new Task Force X crew and freed from the hospital in The Suicide Squad. In addition to fighting against his father, the white supremacist Auggie Smith, also known as White Dragon (Robert Patrick), Peacemaker was entrusted with halting Project Butterflies, an alien invasion.

There were several surprises throughout the DC series, which culminated in a thrilling Peacemaker season 1 finale. Now, there remains a lot of unanswered concerns with Peacemaker season 2, such as its plot, cast and anticipated premiere date, given the shows uncertain future.

It has been established that Peacemaker is going to be a part of Gunn and Peter Safrans reset DC Universe, even though the first season was developed within the DC Extended Universe and even included that universes Justice League, ComicBook reported. Gunn declared on Threads that the DCUs canon launch would not be confusing to fans.
In January 2024, the Modi government took a seminal decision pertaining to the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). This is a historic decision that places PMGKAY amongst the worlds biggest social welfare schemes aimed at ensuring food and nutrition security for 81.35 crore persons, at an estimated cost of Rs 11.80 lakh crore over a five-year period, a government release said. Without an iota of doubt, rebuilding hope and igniting the spark of an aspirational India that wants more and wants the best, has been the hallmark of Prime Minister Narendra Modis last 10 years in power.

While Rahul Gandhi mocked the poor, his father, Rajiv Gandhi allowed middlemen a free run at the expense of the poor and his grandmother Indira Gandhi used the Garibi Hatao slogan for self-gratification. In sharp contrast, PM Modi has dedicated himself to the cause of the poor and the underprivileged.

This column attempts to elaborate upon all the schemes associated with PM Modis Garib Kalyan initiatives and how they are rapidly transforming India.

Speaking at a function in Allahabad in 2013, Rahul Gandhi stirred the hornets nest by dismissing poverty as just a state of mind. Measuring his words carefully has never been a strong suit of the Gandhi scion. Unfortunately, in the last 10 years, nothing much has changed and Rahul continues to be irresponsible with his wanton public utterances.

Coming back to the issue of poverty, back in 2013, hailing the role of self-help groups (SHGs), the then Congress vice president, Rahul Gandhi said that SHGs provide the poor with self-confidence to overcome poverty. True, SHGs have played a stellar role under the aegis of PM Modis dynamic leadership in the last 10 years, but Rahuls insensitive statement 11 years back about self-confidence being the only solution to poverty, smacked of immaturity and worse. Poverty is just a state of mind. It does not mean the scarcity of food, money or material things. If one possesses self-confidence, then one can overcome poverty, Rahul had said, in a stark display of insensitivity and callousness. Well, he is absolutely wrong. Poverty is indeed the scarcity of food, money, material things and so much more. Most importantly, poverty is eventually about the lack of access to basic amenities and the lack of access to hope- the hope for a better life.

The Modi government has so far transferred over Rs 34 lakh crore via direct benefit transfer (DBT) under different schemes. If Rajiv Gandhis remark had remained true even today, then 85 per cent of Rs 34 lakh crore would have been looted. The delivery of bank accounts, loans, housing, property rights, toilets, electricity, and clean cooking fuel, have all been given a whole new dimension under the Modi government, with no room for middlemen. Our focus is to empower the poor to enable them to contribute to the rapid growth of the country with their full potential, PM Modi had said at an event in New Delhi, last year.

Speaking of welfare economics, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) was launched by the Modi government in December 2016, on the lines of the Income Declaration Scheme (IDS). As part of the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Act, 2016, the scheme provided an opportunity to declare unaccounted wealth and black money in a confidential manner and avoid prosecution, but only after paying a fine of 50 per cent on the undisclosed income. An additional 25 per cent of the undisclosed income was allowed to be invested in the scheme which could be refunded after four years, without any interest. Not declaring undisclosed income under the PMGKY attracted a fine of 77.25 per cent if the income was shown in tax returns. In case the income was not shown in tax returns, it attracted a further 10 per cent penalty followed by prosecution.

The initial objective of PMGKY was to ensure tax evaders declared unaccounted money to avoid penalty and criminal prosecution. Through this scheme, the Modi government intended to use the deposited black money for the welfare of the poor people. The scheme was valid from December 2016 to March 2017. In 2020, the Modi government extended the scheme to include relief packages during the pandemic. The aim was to support the livelihood of the poor during lockdowns. Garib Kalyan is not a mere platitude but an abiding work ethic for PM Modi, unlike Indira Gandhi, whose Garibi Hatao slogan was just an election tool to hoodwink gullible voters.

PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was launched in April 2020 for the provision of food grains through the PDS mechanism. Cash transfers of Rs 500 each to women who had Jan Dhan accounts and medical insurance to health workers including doctors, nurses, Asha workers, paramedics and sanitation workers were also a part of PMGKY.

PMGKAY, a brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved a new integrated food security scheme for providing free food grains to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) & primary household (PHH) beneficiaries, as per entitlement under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Implementation of the new scheme benefitted more than 81 crore people every single month starting from April 2020. PMGKAY has strengthened the provisions of NFSA in terms of accessibility, affordability and availability of foodgrains to the poor. In all, the schemes outlay swelled to Rs 3.91 lakh crore since launch, by the end of December 2022.

The free ration scheme witnessed multiple extensions since April 2020. Under the PMGKAY scheme, the beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act get five kilograms of food grains (wheat or rice) per person per month. This quantity is over and above the quantity of food grains that they are entitled to, under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). Under AAY, beneficiaries are already provided with 35 kilograms per family.

Thanks to PMGKAY, many individuals received double their current entitlement free of cost. To ensure the availability of protein, 1 kg of pulses is also provided to families (as per regional preferences) under PMGKAY.

For the effective and uniform implementation of NFSA, PMGKAY subsumed the two subsidy schemes of the Department of Food & Public Distribution, namely, (a) Food subsidy to FCI and (b) Food subsidy for decentralised procurement dealing with procurement, allocation and delivery of free food grains to the states under NFSA. The Modi government spent more than Rs 2 lakh crore in 2023 alone, as food subsidies under NFSA, PMGKAY and other welfare schemes, to remove the financial burden of the poor, the poorest of the poor and large chunks of the middle class who were adversely impacted by Covid.

Insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh per health worker fighting Covid was provided under PMGKAY. Safai karamcharis, ward boys, nurses, ASHA workers, paramedics, technicians, doctors and specialists and other health workers were covered by a special insurance scheme. Any health professional, who while treating Covid patients, met with some accident, then he/she was compensated with an amount of Rs 50 lakh under the scheme. All government health centres and wellness centres were covered under this scheme, with approximately 22 lakh health workers provided with insurance cover to fight the pandemic in its worst phase all through 2020-21.

Over 20.4 crore women Jan Dhan account holders got an ex-gratia of Rs 500 per month during the pandemic. An increase in MNREGA wage to Rs 202 a day from Rs 182 to benefit 13.62 crore families, was undertaken under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana. An ex-gratia of Rs 1000 to over 3 crore senior citizens, poor widows and divyangs/disabled was given during the pandemic. The Modi government front-loaded Rs 2000 to be paid to farmers during Covid under the existing PM Kisan Yojana, to benefit over 11 crore farmers. Modi government had also given orders to state governments to use building and construction workers welfare funds to provide relief to construction workers.

There are around 3.5 crore registered workers in this fund. Also, the state governments were asked to utilise the funds available under the district mineral fund (DMF) for supplementing and augmenting facilities of medical testing, screening and other requirements in connection with preventing the spread of the pandemic, as well as treating the patients affected with the pandemic.

Under PMGKY, gas cylinders, free of cost, have been provided to over 10 crore poor families. Wage-earners earning below Rs 15,000 per month in businesses having less than 100 workers were at risk of losing their employment. Hence the Modi government decided to pay 24 per cent of their monthly wages into their PF accounts for an extended period of time during Covid, to prevent disruption in their employment.

PM Garib Kalyan scheme has not been limited to the extraordinary measures taken by the Modi government during the pandemic. Even beyond that, welfarism has always been the cornerstone of what PM Modi has done in the last 10 years. For instance, a total of over 33 crore Ayushman cards have been created against the verified beneficiaries. Over 6.44 crore hospital admissions worth Rs 76,000 crore have been authorised through a network of over 25,969 empanelled healthcare providers, including over 11,700 private hospitals. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), with over 10,700 such outlets in 651 districts across the country, selling over 1800 medicines and 285 surgical items at dirt cheap prices, are also transforming the healthcare landscape rapidly. Dont forget, under the Congress, Jan Aushadhi Kendras remained a complete non-starter, despite starting way back in 2008. This clearly shows that merely launching a scheme is not enough. The ability and intent to execute that scheme is critical for its success and that is where Modis visionary leadership stands out.

Similarly, when the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was launched on August 15, 2019, out of 19.27 crore households, only 3.23 crore (17 per cent) households in India had tap water connections. But almost five years hence, the number of households with tap water connections has risen to over 16 crore. In August 2022, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu became the first Har Ghar Jal certified regions with 100 per cent tap-water access. As of January 2023, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Puducherry and Telangana also achieved 100 per cent tap-water access, thanks to the Modi government. Himachal Pradesh and Bihar have also achieved almost 100 per cent tap water penetration, in a vindication of how PM Modis Garib Kalyan scheme does not discriminate between BJP-governed and non-BJP-ruled states.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), a Central scheme, aims at providing financial assistance to all cultivable land-holding farmer families across the country, subject to certain exclusion criteria. Under the scheme, an amount of Rs 6000 is transferred annually in three equal installments of Rs 2000 directly into the Aadhaar seeded bank accounts of the farmers. A farmer-centric digital infrastructure has ensured the benefits of the scheme reach all the farmers across the country without any involvement of the middlemen, maintaining absolute transparency in registering and verifying beneficiaries. The Modi government has disbursed Rs 3 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers.

Speaking of Garib Kalyan, the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched in October 2014, wherein over 12 crore toilets were built, is a testimony to how dramatic improvement in sanitation is closely linked to an equally dramatic rise in growth, equity and overall well-being of the people. Under the second phase of SBM, with a focus on urban India, SBM-U 2.0 was launched in October 2021. It envisions making all cities garbage-free and ensuring grey and black water management in all cities other than those covered under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). AMRUT was launched on June 25, 2015, in selected 500 cities and towns across the country. It aimed at making all urban local bodies ODF+ and those with a population of less than 1 lakh as ODF++, thereby achieving the vision of safe sanitation in urban areas. SBM-U 2.0 lays focus on source segregation of solid waste, utilising the principles of 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), scientific processing of all types of municipal solid waste and remediation of legacy dumpsites for effective solid waste management. The outlay of SBM-U 2.0 is around Rs 1.41 lakh crore.

AMRUT 2.0, launched in 2021, aims to provide 100 per cent coverage of water supply to all households in over 4700 urban local bodies by providing over 2.68 crore tap connections and 100 per cent coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities, by providing over 2.64 crore sewer/septage connections, which will benefit more than 10.5 crore people in urban areas. AMRUT 2.0 has adopted the principles of circular economy, promoting conservation and rejuvenation of surface and groundwater bodies and also promoting data-led governance in water management, by leveraging the latest global technologies and skills. Pey Jal Survekshan is being conducted to promote progressive competition among cities. The outlay of AMRUT 2.0 is around Rs 2.87 lakh crore.

SBM-U and AMRUT have contributed significantly to improving the urban landscape during the last many years. The two flagship missions have augmented the capacity to deliver basic services of water supply and sanitation to the citizens. Swachhta has become a jan andolan today. All urban local bodies have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) and 70 per cent of solid waste is being scientifically processed now. AMRUT has been ensuring water security by adding 1.1 crore household water tap connections and 85 lakh sewer connections, thus benefiting more than 4 crore people.

Banks and financial institutions have provided almost Rs 28 lakh crore to 45 crore beneficiaries under Indias Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY). The scheme was launched in April 2015 to provide easy collateral-free micro-credit to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities. Congress darbaaris including the Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi, who keeps making reckless allegations about no jobs under the Modi government, would do well to know that PMMY is the worlds largest self-employment generating initiative. PMMY is a classic case of Garib Kalyan meets entrepreneurship, with 69 per cent (31 crore) beneficiaries of Mudra Yojana being women.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched in August 2014 to provide universal banking services through the opening of zero balance bank account for every unbanked household, based on the guiding principles of banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured and funding the unfunded (access to credit). Today, there are over 52 crore PMJDY accounts, with deposits of Rs 2.3 lakh crore. The best part is, over 56 per cent of beneficiaries of PMJDY are women, especially those belonging to the SC/ST communities.

Coming back to Garib Kalyan and poverty alleviation, India witnessed a significant reduction of multidimensional poverty with 13.5 crore people moving out of it between 2015-16 and 2019-21, according to a report by NITI Aayog. India has registered a significant decline of 9.89 percentage points in the number of Indias multidimensionally poor from 24.85 per cent in 2015-16 to 14.96 per cent in 2019-21, it said.

The national multidimensional poverty index (MPI) measures simultaneous deprivations across three equally weighted dimensions of health, education, and standard of living that are represented by 12 sustainable development goal (SDG) aligned indicators. The report said rural areas witnessed the fastest decline in poverty from 32.59 per cent to 19.28 per cent, while the urban areas saw a reduction in poverty from 8.65 per cent to 5.27 per cent. In the said five years, the MPI value halved from 0.117 to 0.066 and intensity of poverty reduced from 47 per cent to 44 per cent, thereby setting India on the path of achieving the SDG target 1.2 (of reducing multidimensional poverty by at least half), much ahead of the stipulated timeline of 2030.

In the final analysis, it can be said that no prime minister has done as much for poverty reduction on a war footing as PM Modi has. Nelson Mandela once said, Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. Indeed, in the New India being deftly shaped by Prime Minister Modi, poverty is being replaced by dexterity and adroitness of thought, action and purpose, so that we move closer to prosperity, in more ways than one.

Sam Stevenson, a famous journalist from the UK, who was in Kashi a few days back to witness PM Modis mega roadshow and nomination from Varanasi, just could not get enough of Indias vibrant democracy. After being awestruck by the immense popularity of Modi, what really touched Stevenson was the fact that Narendra Modi is uplifting 50 people out of poverty in India every 60 seconds, 3000 people every 60 minutes and 72,000 people every 24 hours. Clearly, Modi has given last-mile delivery a whole new meaning altogether, with the pace of poverty reduction in the last 10 years being the fastest and most effective by far, in post-Independent Indias history.

Sanju Verma is an Economist, National Spokesperson for BJP and Bestselling Author of The Modi Gambit. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Claiming that the tribal population was decreasing in the Santhal Parganas because of infiltration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the JMM-led ruling alliance in Jharkhand of patronising infiltrators, who he said were grabbing land and putting women at risk.

Addressing an election rally in Dumka, Modi said he had heard that the term love jihad was coined by the people of Jharkhand and that efforts were made in one district of the state to change the weekly holiday from Sunday, which was connected to the Christian community, to Friday.

A big crisis looms over Jharkhand and that is infiltration. The Santhal Parganas is facing the challenge of infiltration. In many areas, the population of tribals is declining fast and the number of infiltrators is on the rise. The infiltrators are grabbing tribal lands. Tribal daughters are the target of infiltrators. Their security and safety are at risk. Their lives are also at risk, he said.

Apparently referring to two incidents that happened in 2022, Modi said, Tribal daughters are being chopped into 50 pieces Being burnt alive Someones tongue was pulled out. Who are these people who are targeting tribal daughters? Why is the JMM government patronising them? The PM said that he heard that the term love jihad was coined by the people of Jharkhand.

A friend was telling me that the term love jihad emanated from Jharkhand. The people of Jharkhand have coined this term, he said.

Accusing the JMM of indulging in communal and appeasement politics, he said that despite Sunday being a holiday since the British era, in one Jharkhand district, it was changed to Friday.

Sunday is not linked to Hindus but to the Christian community. It has been a holiday since 200-300 years. In one district, they changed the holiday from Sunday to Tuesday. First, they fought with Hindus, now they are fighting with Christians. What is going on? Modi asked.

INDI Alliances politics is based on the formula of communal appeasement, patronising separatists and protecting terrorists Those who oppose it face the allegation of dividing Hindus and Muslims, he said.

The PM said that the opposition INDIA bloc was providing reservations on the basis of religion.

It will not be tolerated. Till Modi is alive, reservations cannot be provided for vote jihad, he said.

Modi claimed that when he unmasked the communal and anti-tribal veil of the opposition, he was accused of dividing Hindus and Muslims.

They think they can frighten Modi by throwing dirt at him, but they do not know that the more they throw dirt, the more lotuses will bloom Modi is bound to foil their propaganda of hatred, he said.

Alleging that the JMM-led coalition was looting the states resources, he claimed that the state was now known for mountains of cash.

There are scenic mountains in Jharkhand, but now Jharkhand is known for the mountains of cash being unearthed. I had been CM for 13 years but never witnessed such huge amounts of cash. The JMM and Congress indulged in liquor scam, tender scam, mining and minerals scam, and a scam worth Rs 1,000 crore was unearthed in Sahibganj alone, he said.

The leaders are such that they dont even hesitate to change the names of their parents to grab land. They have not even spared Army land, he added.

Modi accused the JMM-led alliance of looting the foodgrains sent from the Centre for the poor and selling those in the black market.

Vowing that action against corruption would be intensified in the country after June 4, Modi said scams were routine in the country before 2014 as Congress indulged in loot 247, but after he came to power, he stopped it.

Modi claimed the INDI Alliance tried hard to defeat Droupadi Murmu, who is a tribal, in the 2022 presidential polls.

He said the country would see more development work in the next five years than it witnessed in the last 10 years.

He promised to build 3 crore pucca houses for the poor, make 3 crore women lakhpati and provide Rs 75,000 to each household under the PM Surya Ghar scheme for installing solar panels.

Modi said the Santhal Parganas region was bound to develop as works for a number of projects were underway, including the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata greenfield expressway and a multimodal logistics hub in Sahibganj.

The PM was campaigning for BJPs Dumka candidate Sita Soren, Rajmahal nominee Tala Marandi and Godda MP Nishikant Dubey. The elections in these constituencies will be held on June 1.

Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase, Results Date, Exit Poll And Much More At News18 Website
A Chinese father ruptured his sons spleen by hurling a pomegranate at him during a home tutoring session. According to a report by Wenzhou Urban Daily, the man  surnamed Chen  from Wenzhou in the eastern province of Zhejiang, had temporarily taken on the responsibility of assisting his kid with schoolwork while his wife was working overtime. When the boy  a Primary Three student named Liangliang  was unable to understand the answer to a mathematical problem, the father lost his temper.

The father, who was apparently quite irritated, became angry and threw a pomegranate Liangliangs way, striking him in the stomach. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports that the mans seeming lack of patience sparked a heated discussion on being a more patient parent on mainland social media.

The following day, Liangliang complained of excruciating stomach discomfort and ended up with a ruptured spleen, despite the fact that there were no obvious indicators of a significant injury. The spleen can burst easily, which can occasionally result in life-threatening haemorrhage and the necessity to remove it, according to medical professionals.

Notably, inflicting major damage through carelessness carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail in China. But the case will be dropped if the victim and their family dont report the event and the police dont step in.

He Bo, an attorney from Sichuan Hongqi Law Firm, informed SCMP that even in cases where the victim or family members fail to make an active complaint to the police, they still have an obligation to do so once relevant organisations or individuals discover behaviour that may be deemed to be criminal acts or domestic violence. Everyone is equal before the law, regardless of the relationship between family members, domestic violence is prohibited, he said.

A displeased mother from the southeast Chinese province of Jiangsu lost her cool in April while assisting her kid with his schoolwork, SCMP reported. Her toe became fractured when she attempted to kick him and instead struck a wall, the report added.

The Chinese Family Tracking Survey from 2020 found that parents of students enrolled in Primary One schools tutored homework for an average of 7.19 hours per week. A study conducted in 2020 found that over half of the students thought that parental homework tutoring placed limitations on them.
Throughout their careers, doctors and other medical professionals witness some of the craziest things, and the list turns even more bizarre when they discover foreign objects in patients bodies. While incidents of accidentally swallowing coins, jewellery, bones, and sometimes even mini-toys are quite common, things get more deadly when doctors discover razor blades or needles inside a human body. Such was the case at Delhis Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where doctors extracted a needle from a womans buttocks. The needle was lodged deep in her hip muscles three years ago; however, she had no hint of it.

According to an ANI report, the woman, identified as Rambha Devi, was deeply engrossed in her sewing when the entire fiasco took place. At the time, she reportedly stood up for something but suddenly slipped and fell back on the needle. Unaware of what happened, she instantly felt a sharp pain in her hips.

Upon looking, she found a half-broken needle on the bed and thought that the other half might have broken off somewhere in the room. After searching for days, it was nowhere to be found, which left her thinking that it had fallen out. However, there was always a constant discomfort in her buttocks that only increased over the years. It was only recently that Rambha Devi finally decided to seek medical help, as the pain became unbearable. After an X-ray, doctors made the startling discovery, finding the long lost needle deeply lodged in her hip muscles.

After having made several trips to various doctors to get it removed, she was told that it was very deep and that getting surgery could cause a lot of bleeding. However, determined to have it removed, she finally met a senior consultant, Dr Tarun Mittal, at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, who, after a thorough evaluation, offered her the option of surgery. Speaking about the procedure, he said, After taking the incision and starting dissection, it was very difficult to locate the needle. Multiple X-rays had to be taken intraoperatively to precisely locate the needle, and finally, the team found the needle and extracted it in one piece without breaking it. It was a highly complex task, but their expertise and teamwork paid off.

While this showcases the skill and competence of the doctors, it also gives a lesson about always paying attention to even minor injuries.
We all are aware of the darker side of scrolling on the screens for hours. Despite this, we are hooked to pictures and videos, deliberately manipulating our minds and making ourselves prone to depression in some way or another. Recently, Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta, who often shares valuable opinions on social media, shed light on the reason behind the rise in depression among young people.

According to Gupta, the pressure to curate a social media friendly life is one of the significant factors that contribute to depression. Besides, the urge to become someone else instead of embracing your uniqueness has intensified feelings of self-doubt among young people, which further leads to depression.

Gupta, while answering a user asking the reason why young people are depressed, shared on X (formerly Twitter), The pressure of being someone because their life looks cool on Instagram, rather than being your unique self.

The pressure of being someone because their life looks cool on Instagram, rather than being your unique self. https://t.co/HMn7xRCekG Radhika Gupta (@iRadhikaGupta) May 26, 2024

Radhika Gupta is a mother and an entrepreneur. Not long ago, she even shared some tips to make the right balance between personal as well as professional life. In a post on Instagram, she shared a clip of her two-year-old son trying to climb on to the stage to meet her during a Zerodha event and described it as a beautiful chaos in her caption.

Along with the video, she shared, When you go to Bangalore for a working weekend and have to take the kiddo along. And just as you are ready to start speaking, Baby Shark looks upto the stage and makes his move. Because the person on stage is not CEO or Shark, but first Mama and always Mama. And so he makes his move. And finance and snuggles mix themselves just like that.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Radhika Gupta (@iamradhikagupta)

Meanwhile, the depression and other mental health illnesses among young adults in India continues to increase. According to UNICEF, one out of seven Indian youths between the age of 15 and 24 are depressed, indicating the challenges around mental health, particularly among the younger generation.
A renowned education influencer in China has been facing backlash on social media after she used stern methods for disciplining her students. Zhao Juying has turned out to be a popular name in China in the sector of online education. The 55-year-old education influencer has orthodox ways of disciplining and motivating students. In many of her videos, she can be seen physically punishing them. This has stirred up the internet, with many questioning her old-school methods of teaching. Despite all the criticism, Zhao has gained a lot of popularity, with more than 300,000 followers on the social media platform Douyin. Zhou even travels all around the country to discipline students using her own methods.

As reported by the South China Morning Post, Zhao Juying rose in popularity after she participated in an education-based reality show for Douyin, which is Chinas version of TikTok. In the show, she used to be called on by parents all across China to discipline their teenage children and explain to them the importance of studying. However, a recent clip took a drastic turn as she was slammed for being too aggressive in motivating students. In a recent clip uploaded by her on Douyin, Zhao can be seen criticising a young student named Huang on her home visit. Zhao asks him to gather all his favourite car and toy collections and then smash them with a hammer.

She was also seen slapping the boys palm and torso with a bamboo stick. The education influencer was also seen saying, Will these toys help you improve your math or English grades? If you fail to get into high school, you wont even get a chance to sit the university entrance exams. No girls who have been to a good university will marry you?. In another video, she was also seen criticising the child for being too childish and even asking him to tear up his comics.

Zhao found her own way of motivating students to study harder by going for a stricter approach. She believes that she can rapidly improve a childs academic performance just through her home visits and that education is incomplete without punishment. Her recent clips attracted a lot of attention on social media, with people criticising her style of imparting education.
Microsoft unveiled remarkable advances in artificial intelligence (AI) during its annual developer conference, Build, which took place from May 21 to May 23, 2024. CEO and Chairman Satya Nadella enthralled the crowd with a story during the keynote address about an Indian farmer whose life was changed by technology. He narrated the story, which set the backdrop for important announcements such as improvements to services like Azure and Copilot as well as breakthroughs from Microsoft-backed firms like OpenAI.

In January 2023, I met a rural Indian farmer who used GPT-3.5, in his own voice, to understand government farm subsidies hed heard about on television. It was a powerful moment for me. It illustrated the incredible impact of a cutting-edge model developed on the West Coast of the United States, now being used to directly improve the life of a rural farmer in India, Nadella was quoted by The Hindustan Times.

Furthermore, Nadella cited a developer he met in Thailand. He said he had a wonderful conversation with him, and the developer talked about his usage of Phi-3 and GPT-4.

The developer reportedly also mentioned that he used Phi-3 to optimise what he was doing with Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), as reported by Hindustan Times.

Nadella went on to mention that listening to a developer discuss this technology as a true specialist makes him very proud.

The impact of why we are in this industry. And its what gives us, I would say, that deep meaning in our work, the news outlet quoted him saying.

In January, during the World Economic Forums annual conference in Davos, Nadella discussed the same example of the Indian farmer with Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forums founder and executive chairman.

As per the report by NDTV, Nadella explained that the farmer was attempting to access a government scheme and was initially afraid to use it, so he asked the bot (automated software app) to do so on his behalf.

He said that the bot completed the work since its creator had trained it using all of the government of Indias documents using GPT [General Purpose Technology] and then developed it using speech recognition software.

Microsoft made two significant AI announcements at the Build 2024 conference. First, developers now have access to OpenAIs most powerful model yet, GPT-40. This cutting-edge tool is expected to revolutionise AI capabilities.

Second, Microsoft launched Phi-3-Vision, a new Small Language Model (SLM) with exceptional visual reading and comprehension capabilities.
Several videos of surgeons showing their skills of delicately peeling the skin off a grape have captured the internets attention in the past. Once again, a new video has stunned the internet, featuring a practicing surgeon polishing his skills by carefully peeling a grape using a laparoscopy training box. According to Storyful, a TikTok user, Jessica Haynes originally shared the clip on the platform while in Trinidad and Tobago with her boyfriend, Javed, who is preparing to start his residency next month. As per Haynes, her soon-to-be surgeon boyfriend has been practicing on various edible items, including peas and chunks of melon. The video was later reposted by the New York Post on Instagram, where it quickly went viral and garnered over 5 million views.

The video starts with Haynes handing a grape to her boyfriend for his training box. Without wasting any time, Javed begins the process. Holding the fruit with one stick, he carefully peels it with another. The clip concludes with Javed presenting his girlfriend a perfectly peeled fruit. Sharing the video, the NY Post wrote, A soon-to-be surgical resident recently honed his skills by peeling a grape using a laparoscopic training box, as hilariously captured in a video recorded by his girlfriend."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by New York Post (@nypost)

Reacting to the clip, a user joked, Here you go, thatll be $328,545." Another wrote, That grape died."

An individual explained, Many surgical residents use that along with some other things to practice different things like fake skin with different slits to practice sutures. What hes doing is to practice how delicately he can move his hands and fingers and some hand eye coordination."

Dr Strange before he drives like bhaijaan," a comment read.

Another shared, Thats skill. With regular laparoscopic instruments it takes a lot of precision to do that."

A user added, Thats called grapeoscopy."

Back in 2010, a video from Edward Hospital in Illinois went viral, featuring a medical professional testing a robotic arm by performing surgery on a grape. In the video, a surgeon is seen in an operating room with the Da Vinci Surgical System, a complex machine with a viewfinder and tools operated by the surgeons fingers. This shows the system perfectly peeling off the grapes skin.

According to the video, the machine offers some advantages for surgeons, including enhanced vision, greater precision and improved control. The system also reduces shaky hand issues, allowing steady and accurate movements. One of the key features of this robotic wrists is that it can rotate up to 540 degrees, which enables surgeons to perform complex movements that are not possible with human hands alone.
Singapore Airlines recently made headlines when severe turbulence left 1 dead and 60 passengers injured. Now, Qatar Airways has garnered attention following an incident involving turbulence that left 12 passengers injured while the plane was flying over Baghdad. The flight departed from Doha and managed to land safely at its destination, Dublin Airport as per schedule. Upon arrival, emergency services, including Airport Police and the Fire and Rescue department, swiftly aided the affected passengers.

However, among those sharing their experiences with RTE News at the airport, one mans typical Irish way of describing the turbulence has captivated social media, leaving many in stitches. Speaking to the portal, the unnamed man explained, You know, they have the seatbelt signs on. They were off. Next minute, one dinner came off my lap, just food all over the plane, on the ceiling, everywhere. This managed to happen.

Displaying his ripped pants, he concluded with a firm never again. Since RTE shared the clip on Instagram, it has gone viral, amassing over 7 lakh views.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by RTE News (@rtenews)

Reacting to his humorous take, a user wrote, Those pants deffo need stitches.really if it was bad would the plane not have landed?

Another suggested, Thats why when seated, keep your seatbelt on always.

Seat belts on after everyones already dead, a comment read.

An individual shared, I salute all the officers and pilots of this aircraft because they landed safely. You are heroes.

One more added, This is a part of climate change and sudden changes in weather patterns and pressure systems. It is expected to happen more and more often.

Dublin Airport reported that all passengers were checked for injuries before leaving the plane, however, eight people were taken to the hospital. Another passenger described the situation as chaos when the plane suddenly dropped, causing everything to fly up. She recalled that everyone was screaming and the cabin crew had just started serving food. The air hostesses hit the roof and It was frightening to see how quickly everything happened, including the heavy trolleys were going up and down. She claimed that many felt sick and were too scared to move.
Warning the women about emulating American celebrities, Nigerias First Lady has opened a conversation about the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the African nation weeks after a visit of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The remark came after the estranged royal duo wrapped up their short visit to Nigeria earlier this month to promote his Invictus Games for wounded military veterans. The Duke of Sussex and his wife visited Nigerias capital Abuja where they visited a school event on mental health, in a trip that also saw the prince meet wounded Nigerian soldiers.

Speaking in Abuja during her husbands administration anniversary, senator Oluremi Tinubu urged teenagers and young adults to dress modestly, rejecting the influence of American celebrities. We have to salvage our children, Tinubu said, expressing concern over the prevalent trend of imitating Western fashion.

She highlighted the need to reject the nakedness popularised by events like the Met Gala, stressing that such attire does not align with Nigerian cultural values. We see the way they dress. We are not having the Met Gala. And everyone, the nakedness, is just everywhere and the men are well-clothed, she was quoted as saying by the New York Post.

While Tinubu didnt directly slam Meghan, she questioned the Duchesss motives in embracing her Nigerian heritage. Referencing Markles DNA test revealing 43% Nigerian ancestry, Tinubu stressed the importance of cultural preservation and self-identity. We know who we are. Dont lose who you are, Tinubu asserted, urging Nigerian women to be confident in their identity and resist the pressures of Western fashion trends. She also spoke on the role of mothers in maintaining order and fostering confidence among Nigerian women.
A 25-year-old Indian student died in a tragic road accident in the US state of Florida. Telangana native Guntipalli Sowmya, who was studying at Florida Atlantic University, was hit by a speeding car while crossing the road on May 26.

Sowmya succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Friends of the Indian student have started a fundraiser, urging financial support for Sowmyas family. Sowmya recently graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Masters degree, full of hope and ambition to support her family financially. Tragically, her promising future was cut short when she was struck by a speeding car in Florida, USA on May 26, according to a GoFundMe page.

Sowmya had just begun to embark on her professional journey, with dreams of easing her familys financial burdens and repaying her student loans, it added. Hailing from Yadagaripalle village, Telangana, Sowmya had been pursuing her masters degree in the US for two years. This campaign aims to honor Sowmyas unfulfilled aspirations by helping her family during this difficult time. Your contribution will support her family financially during this crisis and help cover her outstanding student loans, it read.

After completing her studies, she was in search of employment. Her parents, Koteshwara Rao and Balamani, were devastated by the news of their daughters untimely demise. They have appealed to the government for assistance in repatriating her body to Telangana. Sowmyas father, a former CRPF personnel, spoke of her recent 25th birthday celebration. He currently runs a general store in Telangana.

Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase, Results Date, Exit Poll And Much More At News18 Website
Israeli tanks penetrated the heart of Rafah on Tuesday despite global outrage over a strike that set ablaze a crowded camp in Gazas far-southern city, killing 45 people according to Palestinian officials.

Israeli tanks were stationed on the Al-Awda roundabout in the centre of the city of Rafah, a witness said. A Palestinian security source confirmed tanks were in the centre of Rafah where Israeli troops launched a controversial assault earlier this month.

Sunday evenings camp strike, which Gaza medics said also left hundreds of civilians with shrapnel and burn wounds, drew condemnation from world leaders and was set to be discussed at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council from 1915 GMT.

The sight of the charred carnage, blackened corpses and children being rushed to hospitals led UN chief Antonio Guterres to declare that there is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the strike a tragic accident but also vowed to push on with the military campaign to destroy Hamas over the October 7 attack and bring home all the hostages.

More air strikes and shelling rained down overnight on besieged Gaza  including Rafahs Tal Al-Sultan area where the displacement camp went up in flames near a facility of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

The situation is very dangerous, said one resident, Faten Jouda, 30. We didnt sleep all night. There was random bombing from all directions, including artillery shelling and air bombardment as well as firing from aircraft.

We saw everyone fleeing again, she told AFP. We too will go now and head to Al-Mawasi because we fear for our lives, she said, referring to a nearby coastal area Israel has declared a safe humanitarian zone.

UNRWA said that one million civilians had fled Rafah since Israel launched its assault on the city in early May despite a chorus of international warnings.

This happened with nowhere safe to go & amidst bombardments, lack of food & water, piles of waste & unsuitable living conditions, the UN agency posted on X.

Day after day, providing assistance & protection becomes nearly impossible.

Palestinian statehood

More than seven months into the bloodiest ever Gaza war, Israel has faced ever louder international opposition, as well as cases before two international courts based in the Netherlands.

In a landmark political move on Tuesday, Ireland, Norway and Spain formally recognised the State of Palestine, a step so far taken by over 140 UN members but few Western governments.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on national television that recognition of the State of Palestine is not only a matter of historic justice it is also an essential requirement if we are all to achieve peace.

It is the only way to move towards the solution that we all recognise as the only possible way to achieve a peaceful future: that of a Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.

Israel has slammed the announced move as a reward for the Islamist Hamas movement that rules Gaza, and earlier recalled its diplomatic envoys from Madrid, Dublin and Oslo.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz went further on Tuesday and launched an attack on Sanchez on X, telling him that you are a partner to incitement to genocide of the Jewish people.

He also drew a parallel between Spanish minister Yolanda Diaz on the one hand and Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Hamas Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar on the other, following her call for a free Palestine from the river to the sea.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the three governments would issue a coordinated response to Israels angry reaction which he said would be calm but firm.

Hell on Earth

The Gaza war was sparked by 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 36,096 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry.

The Sunday night attack that killed dozens in the displaced persons camp was targeting two senior Hamas members, the Israeli military said.

Israels army said its aircraft struck a Hamas compound and killed Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, senior officials for the militant group in the occupied West Bank.

The strike came hours after Hamas had fired a barrage of rockets at the Tel Aviv area, most of which were intercepted.

The resulting civilian toll in Gaza prompted a wave of condemnation, with Palestinians and many Arab countries calling it a massacre.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, said on Monday that the images from last night are testament to how Rafah has turned into hell on Earth.

The EUs foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell said he was horrified and French President Emmanuel Macron said he was outraged.

A US National Security Council spokesperson said Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.
SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the ability to conduct space reconnaissance is crucial for national self defence and protection of the countrys sovereignty and North Korea will never give up efforts to possess it, state media said on Wednesday.

North Koreas attempt to launch a spy satellite on Monday failed after the first stage booster exploded in flight.

Kim made the remarks during his visit to the countrys Academy of Defence Sciences, KCNA news agency said.

Possessing military reconnaissance satellites is a crucial task to strengthen national self-defence deterrence and protect national sovereignty and security from potential threats  due to U.S. military acts and provocations, he said.

Kim assailed South Korea for criticising the satellite launch and said Seoul was playing with fire by putting on a show of force and conducting drills involving fighter jets.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday raised serious allegations against some serving judges, calling them black sheep for allegedly giving relief to jailed former premier Imran Khan in various cases.

Addressing the general council meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) that re-elected his elder brother and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif as the partys president, Shehbaz said, Some black sheep in the judiciary are bent upon giving relief to Imran Khan. Some black sheep in (the) judiciary are there to save Imran Niazi from 190 billion pounds and other cases. Every day, it is planned how to give him bail in certain cases, he said.

There has been a tug-of-war between the powerful military establishment and the judiciary following the letter by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa.

The judges urged the chief justice to take up the matter of the countrys spy agencies meddling in judicial affairs to get the desired verdicts in different cases, especially in the cases related to Khan.

The 71-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf: founder Khan has been in jail since August last year and is facing more than 200 cases.

Shehbaz further said that Nawaz Sharif was not given bail for many years, but in the case of Khan, the judges are sheltering his black deeds.

He also blasted Khan for comparing former Bangladesh president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Pakistani former Army chief Gen Yahya Khan.

Imran Khan Niazi, who used to sit at the feet of generals, is talking of Mujeebur Rehman and Gen Yahya, he said.

A day earlier, Khan uploaded a video on his X account drawing a comparison between Rahman and Yahya.

Every Pakistani should study the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report and get to know who was the true traitor, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said.

Imran Khan Niazi, the way you defame the Pakistani army officers and their families, the nation will not forgive you. The language Niazi used against army personnel in London, if someone else had done so his tongue could have been cut off, Shehbaz said.
Commemorating the 26th anniversary of Pakistans first successful nuclear tests, its top leadership on Tuesday said the historic move in 1998 has ensured a credible minimum deterrence to safeguard the countrys territorial integrity.

Pakistan conducted six nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, inside a deeply dug tunnel in the remote Chaghi mountain of Balochistan province, as a tit-for-tat response to Indias nuclear tests in the same month at the Indian Armys Pokhran Test Range.

Pakistans nuclear tests, state-run Radio Pakistan, said were conducted in response to the regional security dynamics and one that ensured that Pakistans defence capabilities were robust and credible. Pakistan became the seventh nuclear nation in the world and the first Muslim state in 1998 having the nuclear arsenal in its defence stockpile to exercise deterrence.

Designated as Youm-e-Takbeer, translated as the day of greatness or the day of Gods greatness, and observed annually with national zeal and fervour, Sharif has declared Tuesday as a public holiday, for the first time in the recent past. Congratulating the nation in his message on social media platform X, Sharif said the day symbolises the collective effort of all facets of national power.

May 28 signifies more than just a mere commemoration of a day; it encapsulates the narrative of our nations arduous yet remarkable path towards establishing a credible minimum deterrence, he said, adding, On this historic day, in 1998, PM Nawaz Sharif demonstrated bold leadership by rejecting nerve-wracking pressures and inducements to make Pakistan a nuclear-armed nation. Sharif also paid tribute to Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the founder of Pakistans nuclear programme for his strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to the cause. Sharif said the nation should resolve to work tirelessly to ensure economic security with the same spirit it made the defence invincible on May 28, 1998.

The Foreign Office in a post on X paid rich tributes to Pakistans scientists, engineers and technicians for their contributions to the countrys nuclear programme which has also played an important role in the socioeconomic development of the nation. Pakistans nuclear programme enjoys the unanimous support of all sections of Pakistani society including political parties, the armed forces, the scientific community, academia and the public at large. Pakistan is committed to global and regional peace and stability and reaffirms its resolve to safeguard Pakistans territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty, it said.

Though both Prime Minister Sharif and the Foreign Office avoided mentioning or acknowledging the contribution of the father of Pakistans atomic weapons programme in the nuclear project, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar paid tribute to the architect of the nuclear programme, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, his team and all the scientists. In his message, acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani reiterated the resolve to continue working towards a peaceful and stable world. We successfully demonstrated our nuclear capabilities and joined the ranks of nuclear powers, he said and added that Youm-e-Takbeer serves as a testament to our nations resilience, unwavering determination, and commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability.

The Pakistan Army, in a statement, said that the Armed Forces pay tribute to the unwavering dedication and selfless sacrifices of all those who contributed to this remarkable feat, achieved against overwhelming odds. The Armed Forces reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland, protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensure the nations security at all times and at any cost, the statement added. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted that the nuclear tests were a clear message to the world that the countrys defence was impregnable and ensured the balance of power in the region.

The successful nuclear tests highlighted the capabilities of Pakistan to face challenges with grit, he said in a statement. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, daughter of Nawaz Sharif who was the premier at the time, stressed that Youm-i-Takbeer was a day of pride not just for Pakistan but also for the Islamic world. We made Pakistan a nuclear power for strong defence; now making it economically invincible is our mission, she said in a statement shared by her party. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari congratulated all Pakistanis, remembering the legacy of Bhutto, who envisioned making Pakistan a nuclear power. In a statement, calling the scientists and others involved in the nuclear tests the countrys heroes, he said that his mother Benazir steadfastly carried forward the vision of his grandfather with key services, including the provision of modern missile technology.
Pope Francis has apologised after reports surfaced that he used extremely derogatory language towards gay men, UK-broadcaster BBC reported citing the director of the Holy See  the Catholic Churchs governing body  Matteo Bruni.

The Pope never meant to offend or to use homophobic language, and apologises to everyone who felt offended [or] hurt by the use of a word, Bruni said.

Francis used the word frociaggine which translates to an offensive slur which was previously used to denigrate gay men. The Vatican statement said that the Pope did not mean to offend anyone. It said that he apologises to those who were hurt by the use of a word.

The word was used when Pope Francis was addressing the Italian Bishops Conference where he reportedly said gay men should not be allowed to train for the priesthood because there was an air of frociaggine.

The meeting was held privately but Italian news media outlets widely reported the incident.

Pope Francis is aware of the articles that have come out recently concerning a conversation he had with bishops behind closed doors, the statement quoted the director of the Holy See  the Catholic Churchs governing body  Matteo Bruni, as saying.

The statement by the Pope came as a shock because Pope Francis has often talked publicly of being respectful towards gay people.

As he [the Pope] has stated on more than one occasion, In the Church there is room for everyone, everyone! Nobody is useless or superfluous, there is room for everyone, just the way we are, Bruni reiterated.

Some supporters of the Pope, who are progressive, said that even though there is much to be accomplished in terms of gay rights in Catholicism, Francis efforts have changed the tone of the Churchs attitude.

Pope Francis made headlines in the early days of his papacy when he said Who am I to judge? when asked about gay people.

Catholic traditionalists were also angered when Pope Francis said priests should be able to bless same-sex couples in some circumstances and on several occasions said gay people should be welcome in the Church.
Spain, Norway and Ireland on Tuesday moved to formally recognise a Palestinian state in a coordinated effort by the Western European nations. Israels war in Gaza since the October 7 attack has revived a global push for Palestinians to be given a state of their own.

This joint diplomatic move, initially announced last week, was rebuked by Israel but is unlikely to have any impact on its grinding war in Gaza. However, it adds to global pressure on Tel Aviv to soften its military response to last years Hamas-led terrorist attack.

Spanish government spokesperson Pilar Alegria said the cabinet had adopted an important decision to recognise a Palestinian state, which had one objective: to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace. Ireland urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza.

Khamenei @khamenei_ir, Sinwar y la Vicepresidenta de Espana @yolanda_diaz_  llaman a la desaparicion del Estado de Israel y el establecimiento de un estado terrorista islamico palestino desde el rio hasta el mar.Presidente @sanchezcastejon  al no despedir a @yolanda_diaz_ y pic.twitter.com/Gq4mcRlndo    Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 28, 2024

Hours before the final announcement was made, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez of being complicit in calls to eliminate the Jewish people. Khamenei, Sinwar, and deputy PM Yolanda Diaz call for the elimination of Israel and for the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian terror state from the river to the sea, wrote Katz on X. Diaz ended a speech last week with the slogan from the river to the sea Palestine will be free, and has said since it was an endorsement of the two-state solution.

Sanchez, when you dont fire your deputy and declare recognition of a Palestinian state, you are a partner to incitement to the genocide of Jews and to war crimes, Katz said. Relations between the EU and Israel have nosedived with the diplomatic recognitions by two EU members and Madrid. The latter insisted on Monday that the EU should take measures against Israel for its continued deadly attacks in southern Gazas city of Rafah.

After Mondays meeting of EU foreign ministers, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said for the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, I have seen a significant discussion on sanctions for Israel. Norway, which is not an EU member but often aligns its foreign policy with the bloc, handed diplomatic papers to the Palestinian government over the weekend ahead of its formal recognition.

The three countries recognised a Palestinian state with its borders to be demarcated as they were prior to 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine. However, they also recognised that those borders may change in any eventual talks to reach a final settlement. This is a historic decision that has a single objective: that Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez said in an earlier televised address.

(With agency inputs)
Donald Trumps hush money trial is set to deliver closing arguments to the jury on Tuesday, with both sides aiming to make final points before deliberations begin. This marks the first time a former US president has been charged with felony crimes.

While Trump faces a New York jury, Stormy Daniels continues to endure relentless judgment and abuse, which she fears will intensify as Trump campaigns for the White House again.

Gold digger

Back in 2018, there was stuff like liar, slut, gold digger. This time around, its different. It is direct threats. It is Im going to come to your house to slit your throat,' Daniels told The Mirror. The abuse and threats escalated after the decision to charge Trump over alleged hush money payments to her. Anger over her role in Trumps potential downfall has led some to believe their actions are justified.

Theyre not even using bot accounts, theyre using their real accounts, she says. I compare them to suicide bombers. They legitimately think that what theyre doing is right. Those people who see me as a villain. It just makes me scratch my head and really question how they would want their daughters treated, or their sisters, or their mother.

On Tuesday, the attorneys will address the Manhattan jury one last time in the landmark case. After more than four weeks of testimony, the summations set up an unprecedented task for the jury: deciding whether to convict the presumptive Republican presidential nominee over payments made during the 2016 election to prevent Daniels from publicizing her claims of a sexual encounter with Trump.

Prosecutors will argue that the jury has heard enough to convict Trump on all charges. Defense attorneys will aim to create doubt about the evidence, focusing on discrediting Michael Cohen, Trumps former lawyer, and star prosecution witness.

After closing arguments, the judge will instruct the jury on the law governing the case and the factors they can consider during deliberations. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, which could lead to up to four years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. Its unclear if prosecutors would seek imprisonment if convicted or if the judge would impose that punishment.

The case centers on a $130,000 payment Cohen made to Daniels in the final days of the 2016 election to keep her from going public with her story of a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier. Trump has denied Daniels account, and his attorney accused her of fabricating it during hours of questioning.

(With agency inputs)
Tornado-spawning thunderstorms that swept the Southern Plains and the Ozark Mountains have killed at least 21 people across four U.S. states as of Monday afternoon and wrecked hundreds of buildings, as forecasters warned of more severe weather.

The death toll over the three-day Memorial Day holiday weekend included at least eight fatalities in Arkansas, seven in Texas, four in Kentucky and two in Oklahoma, according to tallies by state emergency authorities.

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania until Monday evening, the National Weather Service said. The watch was in effect for more than 30 million people in the Northeast, as the storms were expected to move to that part of the East Coast.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency early on Monday. The weather service opened new tab issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Atlanta area and other parts of Georgia and for several western South Carolina counties until at least Monday afternoon.

It was a tough night for our people, Beshear posted on social media platform X on Monday. He later said in a press briefing that devastating storms had hit almost the entire state. The storms damaged 100 state highways and roads, officials said.

At least seven people perished  including a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old from a family  and nearly 100 were injured on Saturday night when a powerful tornado struck communities in North Texas near the Oklahoma border, Governor Greg Abbott told a Sunday news conference.

Late on Sunday, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at least eight people died in her state after the storms. An Arkansan suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease died due to a lack of oxygen when the power went out.

President Joe Biden offered condolences for the lives lost when he spoke on Monday with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Governors Abbott and Sanders, the White House said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency was on the ground conducting damage assessments with state and local counterparts, the White House said, adding that Biden had directed federal agencies to provide support as needed.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans were without power on Monday due to the weather, according to the PowerOutage.US tracking website. In Kentucky alone, more than 160,000 customers lacked electricity.

In some areas, restoring power could take days, Kentucky Governor Beshear said in a news briefing.

The weather service warned that additional storms would move through the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, bringing damaging winds, large hail and more tornadoes, as well as heavy downpours capable of triggering flash floods.

The latest extreme weather came just days after a powerful tornado ripped through an Iowa town, killing four people, and more twisters touched down in Texas last week.

The U.S. is preparing for what government forecasters have called a potentially extraordinary 2024 Atlantic hurricane season beginning next Saturday.
A pier taking humanitarian aid to starving Palestinians will be removed from the coast of Gaza to be repaired after getting damaged in rough seas and weather, the Pentagon said Tuesday. Over the next two days, the pier will be pulled out and sent to the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, where US Central Command will repair it, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters. She said the fixes will take "at least over a week" and then the pier will need to be anchored back into the beach in Gaza, the AP reports The Joint Logistics Over The Shore, or JLOTS, pier began operations in the past two weeks and had provided an additional way to get critically needed food to Gaza.

The setback is the latest for the $320 million pier, which has already had three US service member injuries and had four of its vessels beached due to heavy seas. Deliveries were also halted for two days last week after crowds rushed aid trucks coming from the pier and a Palestinian man was shot dead. The US military worked with the UN and Israeli officials to select safer alternate routes for trucks, the Pentagon said Friday.
New limits on how much you can borrow for a mortgage have just been confirmed by the Reserve Bank.

From July 1, new Debt to Income ratios (DTIs) will mean most owner occupiers will be restricted to borrowing six times their gross income. For landlords the limit will be seven times.

Statistics NZ calculates the average gross household income in 2023 as just over $126,000.

That means a household earning that amount would be able to borrow a maximum of $756,000 less any existing debt such as credit cards.

The national median sales price for a house in April was $790,000 according to the latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.
Labour MP Duncan Webb is calling for Wilson Parking to be stopped from accessing Kiwis' personal information.



At the moment, Wilson has special permission to access the motor vehicles register and obtain the name and address of a person to send them an infringement notice.

Webb called the access to customers' data, including home address, an "abuse of power" when speaking with Newstalk ZB.

When approached by Newshub, Webb said he spoke out after a number of people contacted him about challenges with Wilson Parking.

"I believe they are pushing the boundaries of the law so I'm asking questions about it," Webb said.

"Of particular concern to me is whether private organisations like Wilson Parking should have unfettered access to people's personal information on the Motor Vehicle Register and whether they should be able to impose arbitrary amounts on people who overstay. These aren't legal obligations and shouldn't be worded as though they are.

"Wilson Parking should also take people who question fines seriously, with a proper review process, rather than the current facade that has no genuine or even-handed consideration of special circumstances."

The New Zealand Transport Agency's (NZTA) Head of Regulatory Strategic Programmes Tara MacMillan told AM there were provisions under Section 241 in the Land Transport Act where NZTA allows access to certain information in registers.

"The conditions of access were developed after considerable consultation with police, the Privacy Commission and the Ombudsman," she said.

"So, organisations like Wilsons have been provided access so they have the ability to charge people who leave the parking buildings without paying."

However, she said Wilsons needed to comply with terms and conditions associated with that access.
It comes on day 10 of former Shortland Street actor Will Alexander's hunger strike in protest over the Israel-Gaza war.

Alexander made three demands when announcing his hunger strike including withdrawing New Zealand troops from the Red Sea, stopping Rakon from supplying components for weapons used by Israel and resuming and then doubling humanitarian funding for UNRWA (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency).

Alexander and Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa National Chair John Minto are gathering with other protesters outside Rakon's Auckland office on Tuesday afternoon.

PSNA said the protest comes after Rakon pulled out of a meeting with the group.

"A week ago Rakon approached PSNA to suggest a meeting to discuss our concerns about their involvement in weapons being used to slaughter Palestinians in Gaza," Minto said in a statement.

"We accepted and agreed to meet but now Rakon has backed away saying, 'There is no longer the basis for a good faith discussion' because we have continued to raise concerns about Rakon publicly.

"The most important point here is that Rakon has never denied any of our claims. It is donkey-deep in supplying crucial components for the US-guided munitions industry whose products are being used in Israel's genocidal slaughter in Gaza."

The protest also comes a day after PSNA wrote to the Government calling for it to suspend military-capable exports from Rakon pending an independent investigation into their use by Israel.

The organisation claims the company sends crystal oscillators, which are used in the guidance systems of smart bombs, to US arms manufacturers who then in turn create bombs "which inevitably end up in Israel's genocidal attacks on Gaza".

In a statement, Rakon said crystal oscillators are "very common commercial electronic components".

"Rakon's products are used in a wide range of applications in many different industries and market sectors including telecommunications, space and defence, and positioning. For our customers in the defence sector, product applications can include radar, communications, positioning and navigation.

"Our Trade Compliance Policy conforms with New Zealand Government regulations and sets out customer due diligence requirements for customers involved in the defence sector. Rakon policy also states we will not sell products which could be used in weapons of mass destruction (or their means of delivery), or in cluster munitions or for terrorist activity," the company said.

The Prime Minister, meanwhile, has repeatedly defended the Government's response to the war.

"I think we have been incredibly sensible and constructive, and we've actually been calling for peace in that situation for some time," Christopher Luxon told AM previously.

The Prime Minister said the Government has been calling for a ceasefire for months along with calling on Hamas to release hostages and calling on Israel to adhere to international law and open up access to aid.

"We've also lifted our own humanitarian assistance by $17 million beyond the UNRWA $1 million that we typically donate each year and that has been to the Red Cross and the world food programmes.

"We've also been calling for peace and stability in the region and we supported the Palestinian State having enhanced participation in the United Nations just a couple of weekends ago."

Luxon said he thinks New Zealand has been "very consistent in our position".

But PSNA accused the Government of "muddying the water" by saying New Zealand does not export arms to Israel.

"Exporting parts for guided munitions and JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munitions) bombs which end up in the killing fields of Gaza means we are actively supporting Israel's genocide," Minto claimed.
11:30 | Lima, May. 28.

"The sole purpose of the lawsuit is for the Constitutional Court to determine which are the only cases in which the institution of the Presidency of the Republic can be subject to an investigation," said Adrianzen, who specified that the legal action will be executed by the State attorney specialized in constitutional matters.





According to the Cabinet chief, there is a systematic persecution, in prosecutorial matters, against President Boluarte, which -he said- is carried out in an unconstitutional and improper manner.





Similarly, Adrianzen emphasized that this only generates political noise and hinders the exercise of the presidential function.





Likewise, the government official emphasized that the top official has faced the investigations with determination and firmness.





"I am an exceptional witness to her willingness to cooperate with the work performed by the institutions in charge of the administration of justice. She will remain firmly in charge of the country," he said.





In that regard, the prime minister expressed confidence that the constitutional complaint against the Head of State will be shelved preliminarily over technical grounds.





"My argument is absolutely legal. The constitutional text says that a president can only be accused for what is stated in article 117: treason against the homeland, preventing elections, preventing the functioning of electoral bodies, etc. That's it," he stated.





Faced with this situation, Adrianzen urged the population to maintain tranquility.





He also affirmed that the Executive Branch will not lose sight of its commitment to economic reactivation and strengthening citizen security.





"We have a Cabinet that remains in this effort and a leader, like President Boluarte, who inspires us to move forward," he pointed out.
The shortage comes as cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, are on the rise.

Dr Betty said every winter pertussis can circulate in the community, with 30 to 40 cases across New Zealand recently.

He said it was a "potentially very serious disease", especially for babies under six months old who may not be immunised.

"It can cause a very severe cough, make them very unwell and in the worst cases can actually cause death.

"Again, it demonstrates the problem when this is occurring if you can't get access to medical care in the community - often things can be left until they're late and patients have to present to emergency departments and in many cases have to be admitted to hospital."

Earlier on AM, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon discussed his Government's plans to open a open a new medical school in Waikato and get more people into the industry from overseas.

Dr Betty said the new medical school, which would have a focus on rural care, was a positive.

But he added that New Zealand was "very, very dependent" on overseas doctors, with 40 to 50 percent of the medical workforce overseas trained.

"However, we have a shortage of general practitioners across the world so we're actually competing with other countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, Ireland, who have all developed a shortage of general practitioners.

"So while we need to encourage GPs to come here we are competing in an international marketplace and for GPs coming here it needs to be a good place to work and a place that is backed by the system and supported by the system, and that's what's really, really important at the moment."

Currently, Dr Betty said morale was the lowest he'd seen in his time - but that's at an international level too.

"Around the country I'm hearing stories from GPs who are feeling very overworked, almost burnt out in terms of what's actually happening, and feeling quite concerned about what's going on and where this is going to go," he said.

"Certainly, there's been representations to the Government that they need to take this situation very seriously because in order to have a very functioning, high-performing medical system that actually delivers to New Zealand and produces health outcomes we have to have a very robust, strong general practice sector.

"Certainly, at the moment GPS are feeling under pressure, they're feeling burnt out and feeling very, very concerned about the present situation."

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti told Newshub he was aware of global shortages in the health workforce, which applies to GPs too.

"It's why our Government is prioritising building a home-grown, culturally competent workforce for New Zealand," he said.

"Already, for more doctors, we've already taken an important step forward by signing an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) and moving to assess the business case for a third medical school, at the University of Waikato.

"There's still a lot of work to do but we are determined to have more doctors trained in New Zealand, for New Zealand.

"New Zealanders have been facing longer and longer delays in accessing healthcare, and tackling our workforce crisis is key to solving that issue."

The Minister also said he valued the insights of Dr Betty very much, noting his recent appointment to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on workforce.
"If we think about this one here, it's going to be a straight tourist boat, going to places like Waiheke," Fullers360 chief executive Mike Horne told Newshub on Tuesday.

"Quiet, comfortable, sitting above the water, and zero emission."

Fullers360 invited Newshub out on the water to put the vessel to the test at Westhaven Marina on Auckland's waterfront.

The VS-9 promotional video showcased it gliding across the water without a bump. And we can confirm that it lived up to the hype. Once in hydro-foil mode, the vessel really did glide above the waves.

Designed in New Zealand by Vessev for Fullers360's NetZero Maritime - an in-house team dedicated to enabling the adoption of green technology and innovation on the water - the VS-9 has a top speed of 55 kilometres per hour and it can carry up to 10 passengers.

The finished product will include a cabin with seats.

"What we do with our hydro-foiling technology is we remove the boat from the water and that substantially reduces drag by up to 80 percent," Vessev chief executive Eric Laakmann told Newshub.

The cost of filling up an equivalent petrol-powered boat is about 25 times the cost of the electricity used to power the VS-9, and that's partly due to the energy efficiency of the hydro-foil technology.

"This one we're on, it's about a million dollars, but the reality is, these things run at a fraction of the operating cost of diesel boats," Horne said.

In week one of testing last week, a trip to Waiheke Island and back to Auckland CBD cost just $8 in electricity to power the VS-9, but $140 in petrol to power the chase boat. As testing progresses, Fullrs360 expects it to become even more efficient.

"We don't need a heap of power. Because we're so efficient on the hydrofoils, you can use extremely small electric motors," Laakmann explained.

Horne said Fullers360 has plans to expand to bigger vessels.

"Bigger ones of these, basically," he said, pointing to the VS-9. "So, if you think about it, 100-seat foiling vessels used for tourism and or ferries."

And if you're wondering when you could take a ride on a VS-9, it's not too far off.

"We'd really like that to be by this summer, but we need to take it carefully," Horn said.

A few more hurdles for Fullers360 to glide over, before the VS-9 carries passengers across Auckland's harbour.
A similar promise is made in the National and New Zealand First coalition agreement, but, importantly, while the NZ First agreement says this should be done "as a matter of urgency", the ACT agreement specifies that this should be issued "within the first six months of Government".

The Coalition Government formally took office on November 27, 2023, meaning Monday - May 27 - marked six months since its ascendancy.

However, no Cabinet Office Circular on this topic has yet been issued or released publicly.

Speaking to Newshub on Tuesday, Nicola Willis, the Public Service Minister, said working "is progressing well" on that.

"But by mutual agreement. David Seymour and I have been also focused on other policy priorities and so we've agreed we will get to that shortly," she said.

Asked whether the parties were on the same page about what they wanted in that Cabinet document, she said: "Broadly."

"I am really confident that we are going to reach an agreement."

She said the Government would issue it in "due course".

Newshub also spoke with ACT leader David Seymour. He said he went to National and expressed desire for the parties to get the policy right rather than trying to just hit what he admitted was an arbitrarily decided deadline.

"I actually went to the National Party and said, 'look, I actually think we can do a bit better than what we've got'," Seymour said.

He said the delay wasn't due to sticking points between the parties but about articulating their views about what were technical matters in the document correctly.

"I love working with Nicola Willis, I think she is one of the most professional and collegial people in the Government, but at the same time that doesn't mean you nail everything on the first round."
A public campaign to try and stop proposed cost cutting in the science sector is underway.

Scientists fear New Zealand is at risk of losing it finest, brightest and top researchers due to Government funding cuts.

The National Insititute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) last month announced 90 jobs were set to go as public services scrambled to meet Government cost-cutting targets.

Government science agency Callaghan Innovation was also proposing a "strategic reset" to focus on projects that make money - which could result in some of its more than 400 employees losing their jobs.

"A whole lot of science jobs are being lost - both in the public sector... but also within Crown research institutes which have not been specifically required to do those cuts, they are still now starting to cut people," Save Science Coalition spokesperson Lucy Stewart told AM.

Dr Stewart claimed the consequences "of losing people this way is... they will, most of them, go overseas because they won't be able to get other jobs here".
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain joined a wave of international condemnation yesterday over a strike that Gaza officials said killed 45 people when it set off a fire that ripped through a tent city for displaced Palestinians.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned and denounced the Israeli forces action.

The Kingdom renewed its call to the international community, particularly the members of the United Nations Security Council, to fulfill their responsibilities in enforcing international resolutions and international humanitarian law.

This includes the immediate, permanent, and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the protection of innocent civilians.

The Kingdom emphasised the urgent need to increase the flow of humanitarian aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip, ensuring it is delivered in a safe and complete manner.

This call highlights the dire humanitarian situation and the necessity for a swift response to alleviate the suffering of the people in the region.

It stressed the importance of creating a secure environment conducive to reviving the just and comprehensive peace process.

This involves ensuring that the brotherly Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights to establish an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israel said it was looking into the tragic accident and its impact on civilians after the latest mass casualty event in the Gaza war which has raged since October 7.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, saying that it killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Indian Ambassador, His Excellency Vinod K Jacob, delivered a compelling address at the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), focusing on the evolving trade and security dynamics between India and the Arab world.

The speech, Shifting Dynamics Exploring the Arab World and Indias Evolving Relationship with Emerging Powers and Prospects with Arabian Gulf States, underscored the longstanding and robust ties that continue to drive mutual growth and stability.

Key Points on Trade Relations

Indian Ambassador highlighted the ancient trade and cultural relations between India and the Arab world, which have laid a strong foundation or todays economic partnerships. Last year, trade between India and the Arab world reached over $240 billion, with India-GCC trade accounting for $162 billion.

The Arab world supplies 60% of Indias crude oil and more than 50% of its fertilisers, making these resources critical for Indias energy and food security. Significant Indian regional investments span food, energy, financial services, health, education, IT, and renewable energy.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, trade between India and Bahrain was valued at $1.73 billion, with India exporting engineering and electronic goods, petroleum products, gems and jewellery, rice, and meat products.

Maritime Security and Maritime Forces

The Indian Navys enhanced presence in the Arabian Sea focuses on combating piracy and drug trafficking, contributing to regional peace and stability.

Defence cooperation between India and Bahrain includes frequent port calls, joint training exercises, and participation in military symposiums. Indian naval ships have made 13 port calls in Bahrain over the past two and a half years.

India joined the Combined Maritime Forces in November 2023, contributing to efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the region.

Strategic Engagement

Ambassador Jacob emphasised the establishment of the Joint High Commission, which facilitates agreements on political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

Recent visits by Indian and Bahraini leaders have further solidified diplomatic and strategic partnerships, resulting in agreements on cultural exchange and collaboration in space technology and the International Solar Alliance.

People-to-People Links

Over 9 million Indians reside in the Arab world, significantly contributing to local economies. Bahrain alone is home to 340,000 Indians, including professionals across various sectors.

Ongoing initiatives include the Indo-Bahrain dance and music festivals, youth participation in the G20 Y-20 summit, and training programs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme. Ambassador Jacob concluded by also emphasising the immense potential for future cooperation between India and the Arab world, driven by Indias robust economy and young population.
" " Wild parrots are a fixture nowadays in San Francisco's Telegraph Hill neighborhood and in other major cities around the world. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Key Takeaways

The wild parrots in San Francisco's Telegraph Hill are primarily cherry-headed conures, native to Ecuador and Peru.

These parrots likely arrived in the city through the exotic pet trade and were released by fed-up pet owners.

Various local legends about their release exist, but the true origins remain somewhat mysterious.

Sometimes you're visiting a new U.S. city  let's say you're in San Francisco  and you see a bunch of red and green parrots just hanging out in the trees. That's exciting! They sure are beautiful and exotic! But your gut tells you they don't necessarily belong there. Your gut is right, because both parrot species native to the United States were hunted to extinction in the "land of the free" long ago: the Carolina parakeet (Conuropsis carolinensis) was gone by 1918 and the thick-billed parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) was extirpated from the southwestern states by the 1930s, though you can still find it alive and well in Mexico.

So, for future reference, you can be sure that any wild parrots you see in San Francisco, Miami, New York, Chicago, Austin, or any number of other U.S. cities are not native. But how did they get there?

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Each city has its own story, of course, but San Francisco's flock is a bit of a mystery. They are mainly cherry-headed conures (Psittacara erythrogenys), a mid-sized parrot species named for its bright red helmet sitting atop its green body. These birds are native to Ecuador and Peru, but showed up in San Francisco's Telegraph Hill neighborhood in the 1980s. From a population of only four birds, it's grown to more than 200. Over the years, the Telegraph Hill parrots have probably been joined by other released cherry-headed conures and a few similar-looking mitred conures (Psittacara mitratus), native to the area between Peru and Argentina.

The short answer to the question of what brought the parrots to Telegraph Hill is the exotic pet trade. Nobody knows who released them or why, but many of the original birds arrived with little bracelets on their legs, indicating they were captured in the wild and came to the U.S. through quarantine stations. There are plenty of local legends as to how they were released in the city: A woman having a psychotic episode burned down a pet store and someone released the birds in order to save them; a pet store delivery truck crashed and all the birds escaped; an exotic bird dealer opened the back of his van and some cherry-headed conures that had chewed through their boxes burst out at him and flew away. There are problems with all these stories  the timing isn't right, the people supposedly involved deny it, or the story did happen, just in a different city.

According to the pet website Birdguide.com, "The cherry-headed conure is a very loud bird that can easily develop screaming habits if not curbed by its owner."

Seems like the most likely scenario is that the parrots of Telegraph Hill were released by fed-up pet owners.

Now That's Interesting In the 1890s a man named Eugene Schieffelin introduced 100 European starlings to New York City with the intention of introducing every bird mentioned by Shakespeare to North America. Their numbers have grown to over 200 million and they are now considered pests in their new home.
Cary, United States, May 28th, 2024, CyberNewsWire

If there is a single theme circulating among Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) right now, it is the question of how to get stakeholders on board with more robust cybersecurity training protocols.

There are key points debated about why you should provide cybersecurity training to your IT professionals, like the alarming increase in cyberattacks (an increase of 72% over the all-time high in 2021, according to the Identity Theft Research Centers 2023 Data Breach Report), or the rapid evolution in technology, creating a constant game of catch-up.

But it isnt a question of if an organization will be targeted, but when. CISOs are increasingly anxious because while they realize the ax will fall on them when the inevitable breach occurs, securing boardroom support for heavy investment in preventative measures, like training, is challenging in a world where revenue is demanded for each dollar spent.

The path to securing the boardrooms buy-in is more complex than simply having the right statistics and studies on paper, says Dara Warn, the CEO of INE Security, a global cybersecurity training and certification provider. To bridge the gap between CISOs and stakeholders, CISOs must adopt a strategic approach that combines financial impact data, relevant case studies, and compelling narratives. Framing cybersecurity training as an essential investment rather than an optional expense is critical.

The Human Factor in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is not just about technology; its about people. Human error remains one of the leading causes of security breaches. A study by Verizon in their 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 68% of breaches involved a human element, such as social engineering, misuse of privileges, or simple mistakes. This highlights the importance of equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to potential threats.

Case Study: Capital One Data Breach

In 2019, Capital One experienced a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 100 million customers. The breach was caused by a misconfigured web application firewall, which allowed an attacker to access sensitive data stored on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This incident underscores the importance of training employees on cloud security practices and the proper configuration of security tools. In response, Capital One enhanced its cybersecurity training programs to include cloud security, emphasizing the need for regular audits and configuration checks. This case illustrates how specialized training can prevent costly breaches and protect sensitive data.

The ROI of Cybersecurity Training

Investing in cybersecurity training is not just a defensive measure; its a strategic investment that can yield significant returns. A well-trained workforce, not just security awareness but the SOC and networking teams, can serve as the first line of defense against cyber threats, reducing the likelihood of breaches and minimizing potential damages. According to the Ponemon Institutes 2023 Cost of Data Breach Report, organizations with extensive incident response planning and testing programs saved $1.49 million compared to those with lower levels.

Case Study: Maersk NotPetya Attack

In 2017, shipping giant Maersk was hit by the NotPetya malware, which spread rapidly through its global network, causing a complete shutdown of its IT systems. The attack was initiated by a compromised software update, exploiting poor cybersecurity hygiene and a lack of employee training on identifying malicious software. The incident cost Maersk over $300 million in losses. In response, Maersk implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity training program focusing on recognizing malicious software, securing software updates, and responding to cyber incidents. This case highlights the necessity of training employees on the latest cyber threats and best practices.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative for the Boardroom

The companys financial data and case studies are important to secure, but communicating that to the boardroom remains a challenge for CISOs. To get the message across, CISOs must also craft a compelling narrative that resonates with the board members. Here are some key strategies:

1. Speak the Boards Language

Board members are often more attuned to financial metrics and business outcomes than technical jargon. CISOs should frame cybersecurity training as a business enabler that protects the organizations bottom line. Highlighting the potential financial losses from breaches and the ROI of training programs can make a compelling case.

2. Use Real-World Examples

Real-world case studies, like the attacks on Maersk NotPetya and Capital One, can illustrate the tangible impact of cybersecurity training. These examples provide relatable scenarios that underscore the importance of investing in employee education.

3. Leverage Data and Statistics

Presenting data from reputable sources can lend credibility to the argument. Statistics that demonstrate the prevalence of human error in breaches and the financial benefits of training can be powerful tools in persuading the board.

4. Emphasize Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory requirements, such as GDPR and CCPA, mandate stringent data protection measures. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and reputational damage. Emphasizing how cybersecurity training can help meet these regulatory requirements can be an effective angle to secure board buy-in.

5. Highlight Competitive Advantage

In an increasingly competitive market, robust cybersecurity measures can be a differentiator. Companies known for their strong security posture are more likely to attract and retain customers. CISOs can highlight how a comprehensive training program can enhance the organizations reputation and competitive edge.

Overcoming Common Objections

Board members may raise objections regarding the cost and time required for cybersecurity training. CISOs should be prepared to address these concerns with data-driven arguments and strategic insights.

Cost Concerns

While the initial investment in training programs may seem significant, CISOs can emphasize the long-term cost savings from preventing breaches. According to the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million. Investing in training can mitigate these costs by reducing the likelihood and severity of breaches.

Time Constraints

Board members may worry about the time employees will spend on training. CISOs can advocate for flexible, modular training programs that allow employees to learn at their own pace without disrupting productivity. Additionally, emphasizing the efficiency of targeted training programs can alleviate concerns about time investment.

CISOs are key players in protecting their organizations from cyber threats. Getting the boardroom to buy into an investment in cybersecurity training is no easy task, but utilizing some of these strategies can make it more successful. Including these steps in the process of communicating your needs to stakeholders will help secure the support and resources needed to roll out effective training programs and ultimately better safeguard the organizations digital and physical assets. The stakes are high, and having all stakeholders on the same team is critical to the long-term success and security of an organization.

About INE Security

INE Security is the premier provider of online technical training and cybersecurity certifications. Harnessing the worlds most powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide, and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INEs suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and data science. INE is committed to delivering advanced technical training, while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.

Contact

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XAI has raised $6 billion in a Series B funding round with participation from key investors including Valor Equity Partners, Vy Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal and Kingdom Holding, amongst others.

Elon Musk owns over half of xAI and xAI will be valued at about $24 billion after this fund raising. Elon has over $13 billion worth of xAI.

xAI has made significant strides over the past year. From the announcement of the company in July 2023, to the release of Grok-1 on X in November, to the recent announcements of the improved Grok-1.5 model with long context capability, to Grok-1.5V with image understanding, xAIs model capabilities have improved rapidly. With the open-source release of Grok-1, xAI has opened doors for advancements in various applications, optimizations, and extensions of the model.

xAI will continue on this steep trajectory of progress over the coming months, with multiple exciting technology updates and products soon to be announced. The funds from the round will be used to take xAIs first products to market, build advanced infrastructure, and accelerate the research and development of future technologies.

XAI will build a compute cluster that will be four times as powerful as the current largest AI data center. The current largest data center is likely a 400 Exaflop (100,000 Nvidia H100 data center). The Nvidia B200 is four times as powerful as the H100. This means XAI plans to build a 100,000 Nvidia H200 data center. It will take until Q1 2025 for Nvidia to make and supply those new chips.

After XAI builds Grok 2, the AI will be better than Open 4. After XAI builds Grok 3, the AI will be as good as GPT5. Grok 3 will need 100,000 H100s to train. A Grok 4 or 5 will use the 100,000 B200 chips. XAI catching up to OpenAI with Grok 3 will increase the value of the company to about $100 billion. XAI making Grok 4 will likely be worth about $200 billion. Elons share of XAI will be about $100 billion next year.
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YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. Mykhailo Podolyak, Ukrainian presidential adviser, told AnalitikaUA, that what Armenia is doing today will lead to success in any case.

Congratulating Armenia on the occasion of the First Republic Day, the Ukrainian politician wished success, stressing that he liked Armenia very much.

The main wish is to always choose allies correctly and not trust those who are hypocritical. I think that what Armenia is doing today will, in any case, lead to success, adding that it is not in vain that Armenia chose the path of independence at the right time.

The politician noted that in the modern world, a country that has a strong internal will, where there is such a powerful internal core, will never be left alone.

I like when there is such a strong inner core, when people know and understand what Armenia is, they understand the price that Armenia pays to be what it wants to be, for its freedom. This only causes respect, sympathy and a desire to always help and support, not only with words, but also with actions," said the Ukrainian politician.
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Days after Bruce Springsteen announced he was postponing his European performances due to vocal issues, he broke his silence on social media to share a message with fans.

On Sunday, Springsteen, 74, posted a video of himself on Instagram from Marseille, France.

We will be back, he wrote in the caption of the post in which he speaks to the camera: Hey, this is Bruce Springsteen. Im in Marseille. Unfortunately, I could not sing for you but we will be back to Marseille, to Prague and to Milan to give you the show of your life. That I promise you.

In the meantime, Id like to thank our Irish fans, our British fans, and our fans in Wales for giving us a series of shows that were deeply memorable and we just had great times there, he continued. Well be back, coming back to Madrid and Barcelona where we plan to rock you into the ground! Alright, be seeing you soon. Bye-bye.

READ MORE: Springsteen postpones 4 shows due to vocal issues

Springsteen first postponed his May 25 performance with the E Street Band in Marseille, but then had to postpone three more dates on doctors orders.

Further examination and consulting has led doctors to determine that Bruce should not perform for the next 10 days, the posts said.

The shows that were scheduled on May 28 in Prague, and June 1 and 3 in Milan, will be rescheduled. New dates for the shows will be announced shortly, the posts said.

Springsteens next performance will be on June 12 in Madrid, his social media accounts said.

In March, Springsteen said his 2023 bout with peptic ulcer disease, which forced him to postpone more than 20 performances last year, was so severe he feared hed never sing again.

Youre thinking like, Hey, am I going to sing again? This is one of one of the things I love to do the best, the most, and right now I cant do it, he said on a call with SiriusXMs E Street Radio channel. I found some great doctors and they straightened me out, and I cant do anything but thank them.

More music coverage

Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at sblancaflor@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley and Instagram.

NJ Advance Media staffer Karin Price Mueller contributed to this report.
An actor best known for his role on the prominent soap opera General Hospital has died after being shot last weekend in Los Angeles.

Johnny Wactor, who played Brando Corbin on the long-running series died Saturday from his injuries. He was 37.

The actor was shot after attempting to stop three male suspects from trying to remove a catalytic converter from his vehicle a little after 3 a.m. PT on Saturday, according to reports.

His mother, Scarlett Wactor, first confirmed the news with KABC-TV Los Angeles. She claims Wactor was leaving a bartending job when he and a co-worker approached men the suspects meddling with their cars.

They were walking to their car, and when they get there, Johnnys car, which was parked in front of the co-workers, looked like it was jacked to one side, and from what I understand, he said, Hey, man, you towing my car? His mother told Fox News. And the person looked up and had a mask, and so then I guess he knew they werent doing that, and so he stepped in front of the co-worker and then backed up and put his hands up or both, and the person shot him.

Wactor appeared on General Hospital for 164 episodes from 2020 to 2022.

The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactors untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time, the General Hospital Instagram page shared in a post.

Cast members Sofia Matson, Bonnie Burroughs, Kirsten Storms and Lydia Look also shared personal messages about Wactor following the news.

Wactor also appeared in Army Wives, Siberia, Criminal Minds, Animal Kingdom, Westworld, and most recently Dead Talk Tales: Volume I.

More TV news

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips/.
Taylor Swift is heading to Madrid, Spain to perform at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on May 29-30, and Swifties should get excited about how cheap tickets are.

Many tickets are under $150  cheaper than the tickets for her Lisbon concerts  which means that they are most likely going to sell out fast. These prices are right next to Swedens as the biggest steals of the Eras Tour yet. For her May 30th show, tickets are as low as $104.

Read More: The cheapest Eras Tour cities fans can see Taylor Swift in concert in 2024

Where to buy the cheapest Taylor Swift concert tickets

Throughout the Eras Tour, the cheapest last-minute tickets for Swifts 2024 concerts have been on StubHub and Vivid Seats.

As of now, the cheapest ticket for Swifts May 29 Eras Tour concert in Madrid is $159 on StubHub, with floor seats only being around $225 to $250 (though quantities are limited).

For her May 30 show, the cheapest ticket at the time of publication is $104 on StubHub, with other tickets being listed as high as $1,301 (floor seats are more expensive, around $300 to $350).

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

Fans also should check out other secondary sites to snag last-minute tickets, like TicketCity and TicketNetwork.

Where is Taylor Swift playing next?

Taylor Swift will perform 84 total shows throughout the second leg of her Eras Tour.

Her next shows will be in Lyon, France from June 2-3. Tickets are available on several secondary market sites, like StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketCity and TicketNetwork.

A complete list of Swifts tour dates is available here.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
After police were called to incidents at three of the Jersey Shores most popular boardwalks over Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday rejected the characterization that this was a chaotic start to the summer at New Jerseys beaches.

On the one hand, youre taking anything like anything like this deadly seriously, Murphy said during his latest call-in television show on News 12 New Jersey. We always have, and we always will.

Murphy, though, pushed back against news coverage describing the events as chaos.

The Shore did not have a chaotic weekend, the governor said. There were three very serious incidents. But this was overwhelmingly a huge Memorial Day.

In Wildwood, police closed the boardwalk overnight Sunday and declared a state of emergency due to what police called civil unrest, after authorities said they received several complaints about an extremely large number of young adults and juveniles.

In Ocean City, a 15-year-old was stabbed on the boardwalk amid a larger fight Saturday night that ended with several arrests, police said.

In Seaside Heights, there was a false alarm of shots fired on Saturday night that sent people running. Police said the scene was cleared and there was no gunfire.

Murphy said officials take all of those incidents very, very seriously, as I know the communities do. He noted he personally spoke with the mayors of all three towns.

The governor also said he has been told the victim in the Ocean City stabbing is doing well under the circumstances.

Having said that, the weekend was overwhelmingly a successful weekend, including overwhelmingly in those towns, the governor added. I was on a couple hours ago with the Wildwood mayor, and he said, We had a fantastic weekend. We happened to have this overrunning of a bunch of teenagers.

The sense we have based on all those metrics is this is gonna be the biggest summer ever.

In a statement about the weekend incidents, Pete Andreyev, president of the New Jersey State PBA, said Tuesday that our officers did an outstanding job handling out of control and unsupervised teens all along the Jersey Shore.

It will be a long summer if we dont hold parents responsible, Andreyev said. We all deserve better.

Asked if parents should be held responsible, Murphy said: We all have to be. Im a dad myself. You set the rules of the road and you hope your kids follow them. Theres no sense that I have whatsoever in any of these incidents that law enforcement didnt do their job.

The governor also noted that in Wildwood, one issue is the difficulty of finding enough special summer police officers, who wear uniforms but dont carry a weapon, to help law enforcement.

Theyve got a very low uptake this year, he said. Thats something were working on with the communities to make sure theyve got the right level of manpower.

Murphy was asked then asked what local and state officials can do to help prevent or combat such incidents. The Democratic governor noted he signed a law in January that makes it harder to charge police with depriving civil rights if they stop, search, or arrest minors suspected of possessing alcohol or weed in New Jersey. He said he signed it after complaints from local officials that law enforcement didnt have enough support, if you will, to intervene and go after folks  particularly teenagers in this case, underage, whether alcohol or cannabis  that were conducting illegal activities.

We think that has put us in a much better place than we were a couple of years ago, Murphy said.

It takes a village, he added. Its law enforcement, its moms and dads, its the kids themselves, its their coaches, teachers. So lets all come together here and make sure we have a great summer on the Shore and on our lakes.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @johnsb01.
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YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the Republic Day to Armenia, its people, the Government and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. Darchiashvili wrote about this on his X microblog.

May this day be filled with peace, unity, and prosperity for your nation. We are committed to continuing strengthening strategic partnership and unique ties between our countries and nations, wrote Darchiashvili.
Even in our modern world with planes and jets and drones, the vast majority of goods are moved around the planet in cargo ships. Which means our ports are the backbone of our global economy. The longshoremans' strike closed the eastern ports for only three days, but those three days raised a lot of questions.



Like - why is a discount furniture store the fourth largest importer on the East Coast? How come so many bananas come through Wilmington, Delaware? Why do we need live frogs delivered into the US six times a month? And... how do we even keep track of all of these imports? On today's episode, we get into #PortFacts!



This episode was hosted by Kenny Malone and Amanda Aronczyk. It was produced by Sam Yellowhorse Kesler. It was edited by Audrey Quinn, and fact-checked by Dania Suleman. Engineering by Cena Loffredo and Kwesi Lee with an assist from Valentina Rodriguez Sanchez. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money's executive producer.



Help support Planet Money and hear our bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.

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A 78-year-old retired chartered surveyor from Braunton, has emerged as a poignant symbol of the blood scandal that rocked the United Kingdom from the 1970s through the 1990s.

Diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2004, Paul Jewels' condition came from a blood transfusion he received during chemotherapy treatment for cancer in 1983, when he was 37 years old.

The long-awaited inquiry report, published on May 20, chaired by retired judge Sir Brian Langstaff and initiated by former Prime Minister Theresa May, spans over 2,500 pages and provides a comprehensive account of the scandal.



The contaminated blood scandal, which affected over 30,000 individuals in the UK, involved the administration of treatments tainted with HIV and hepatitis C, resulting in the deaths of approximately 3,000 victims.



Reflecting on the report, Paul expressed a feeling of relief.

He said: So after the reflections, I thought that this day would never come in my lifetime.

The report is incredibly damning, highlighting a catalogue of failures and outright deception that could have been avoided. Deliberate destruction and hiding of documents, concealing and suppressing the truth, and the closing of ranks by politicians, doctors, and NHS civil servants were all uncovered.



Paul praised Sir Brian Langstaff for his empathetic and thorough approach to the inquiry, noting that Sir Brian Langstaff did not shy away from criticising key political figures.



Paul said: The Prime Minister said it was a day of shame. Important blood products were not properly screened, and top clinicians had warned about the safety of these products. They should have been licensed.



Paul articulated the significance of the inquiry's findings in his own words:



I thought that this day would never come in my lifetime. After almost seven years an inquiry set up by Theresa May and chaired by a retired judge Sir Brian Langstaff was published. On May 20 the published report was over 2500 pages long and was incredibly damning, highlighting a catalogue of failures and downright deception and a scandal which could have been avoided.



Deliberately destroying and hiding documents and correspondence, concealing and suppressing the truth, closing ranks by politicians, doctors, NHS civil servants. Sir Brian showed amazing empathy, sympathy, humanity and understanding of the 30,000 victims, of which 3000 have died. He didn't hold back with his criticism of certain politicians. Sir Brian proposed, among other things, an immediate setting up for a compensation scheme, following what he referred to as the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS, and the chief executive of the hepatitis C trust said it was a historic day. It certainly was.



And for me, it is the beginning of the end of a chapter which has been part of more than half of my life. There have been many, many times of frustration and of course illnesses. I have been fortunate to have had a supporting family to put positivity at the forefront of life. I welcome the promise of compensation. But most importantly, I'm pleased that the truth has been told.



Despite the decades of unanswered questions, Paul remains remarkably positive, crediting his resilience to the unwavering support of his family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as local MP Selaine Saxby, who has championed his cause in the House of Commons.



Pauls positive outlook on life and dedication to helping others is truly inspiring.



He channels his energy into training therapy dogs, a passion that has brought joy and comfort to many in hospice care.

He fondly remembers his therapy dog, Gozo, who sadly passed away.



Now, he has a new puppy, PJ, who is his life and soul, bringing him and others daily happiness and companionship.
While Ruby hadn't spotted a rare 'pink dolphin' like she first thought, she did however capture something just as interesting.

It was initially believed a pink dolphin had been spotted at Kings Beach, Broken Head. Source: Ruby Pearson

Looking across the heads at a tranquil Aussie beach on the weekend, a local woman spotted what she thought was a rare pink dolphin.

Pulling out her camera, Ruby Pearson snapped a series of images showing the bottlenose dolphin frolicking with a regular grey coloured "friend" in waters south of Byron Bay.

I was born and raised in Byron, and I've seen a lot of dolphins. But I've never seen a pink dolphin, she told Yahoo News on Monday night.

A day earlier, Pearson had excitedly shared her pictures to an online animal identification forum. "We thought one of the dolphins looks pink? Is this just an illusion? A trick of the light? Is there such a thing?," she asked others.

But respondents quickly shot down any thought Pearson had encountered a dolphin with a strange colour mutation. But, as it turns out, there was one salacious detail she didn't notice in the moment.

What shed spotted was just the animal's undercarriage, which contrasts with their grey backs  an attribute designed to help them camouflage against the bright sky when predators look up. But that begged the question: Why was the dolphin upside down?

Tiny detail in dolphin picture reveals usually hidden behaviour

Looking closely at one of the images, Pearson got her answer.

At the time, we didnt know what we were seeing. There was lots of splashing and jumping going on. And I said to my friend I was surprised they arent riding any of the waves, she recalled.

They were just hanging in the one spot, and my friend said it looks like theyre feeding because theyre definitely distracted by something.

But when we looked at the photos we could see there was actually sexual activity going on.

Looking closer at the photos it became clear Ruby had been looking at the underside of a dolphin who was mating with a female. Source: Ruby Pearson

Actual colour mutations in other wildlife

Dolphins use multiple positions to increase chances of reproducing

Dr Vanessa Pirotta, a wildlife scientist and science communicator, confirmed it was even possible to see the dolphins penis in one of the pictures.

Although a dolphins penis is highly manoeuvrable, couples will often try different positions in the water to increase their chances of reproducing.

Males may mate with multiple females and in a variety of positions in order to reproduce, she said.

Generally, the male will bring his body to meet the female, this may involve the male swimming upside down. The dolphins close proximity to shore enabled this sighting of behaviour probably not seen before by these spectators.

Related: How male lyrebirds trick females into having more sex

While the photos may not show a pink dolphin, they actually capture something that's just as fascinating  the usually hidden world of marine mammal reproduction.

Pearson's photos were published online the same day a male harbour porpoise was photographed in Alaska as it breached from the water while trying to mate with a female.

Today I managed to photograph a male harbor porpoise breach as he attempted to mate with a female!



Kachemak Bay, Alaska pic.twitter.com/rLOwPKDMWQ  Emma Luck (@emmaluck22) May 27, 2024

Their larger whale cousins are also well-known for their unique reproductive systems.

Pirotta's new book, Humpback Highway, includes a chapter on how whales mate and use song to communicate. One of the most fascinating facts shes included is that humpbacks have the largest testicles in the animal kingdom. They weigh an astonishing 500kg each, so one tonne in total!

Meanwhile right whales have a penis that can extend to three metres in length.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Scientists Prof. Helmut K. Anheier (l) and Edward L. Knudsen (r) on 28 May in Brussels at the presentation of a report on the European Parliament elections based on the 2024 Berggruen Governance Index (BGI). - Johanna Geron/Factstory for DNA

(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

Europe's right-wing parties are preparing to pounce on voter dismay following years of austerity policies in many countries, say leading global governance researchers in a new report released on the eve of the European Parliament elections.

BRUSSELS, 28 (DNA)

Researchers behind a new Berggruen Governance Index (BGI) report suggest that polices such as crisis austerity measures and a failure to take pro-active steps to drive growth are behind a drop in the confidence many Europeans have in democratic accountability. This decline is what the report says is fueling a right-wing surge.

"Protest votes often take the form of a far-right vote," says Edward L. Knudsen, one of the report's authors and a doctoral researcher in international relations at the University of Oxford. "Austerity creates a rise in far-right populism. Discontent moves right, not left."

Knudsen and fellow author Helmut K. Anheier were on-hand in Brussels Tuesday to release the findings of "Right-wing Populism, the State, and Democracy: Governance Performance and the 2024 European Parliament Elections". The report, conducted by the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in co-operation with the Los Angeles-based Berggruen Institute and the Hertie School, a university in Berlin, Germany, seeks to piece together the puzzle to understand why democratic accountability is falling.

The report's release, which comes less than two weeks before citizens head to the polls for the European Parliament elections, June 6-9, will have little effect on the outcome. "National governments are in the driver's seat" when it comes to reversing course on years of austerity-driven polices, says Anheier, an Adjunct Professor of Social Welfare at the UCLA Luskin School and Senior Professor of Sociology at the Hertie School.

A downward shift in democratic accountability

Several hundred criteria were used to arrive at the findings, which closely examine the state of democracy. The report shows how the management of many of Europe's countries has led to a growing backlash and lack of confidence in democracy, which can be traced back to 2010 and the global financial crisis and Eurocrisis.

The researchers shared how although public goods provision remains steady overall, prolonged budget cuts and austerity measures have worsened state capacity and weakened democratic accountability, which is forecasting the right-wing gains.

Based on three main indicators - Democratic Accountability, State Capacity, and Public Goods Provision - the researchers found that Western Europe was generally stronger than Central and Eastern Europe in all three indicators, but declines were seen throughout.

With nine countries showing negative shifts in accountability, the largest slides belonged to Hungary, Slovenia, and Poland. According to Anheier, for every point drop in democratic accountability there is a 1.5 point increase in right-wing vote share.

When asked to share their worst-case scenario, the report's authors pointed to migration and regional differences as the underlying issues that could further push Europe to the right. Countries showing worrying signs they say are Hungary and Poland due to being left behind economically, and Italy after decades of economic stagnation.

Increasing economic and social anxiety

Although Europe remains a bastion of wealth with a high quality of life compared to other regions in the world, the researchers point to signs of a possible decline in the future. In fact, Europe has the highest quality in terms of public goods, but Anheier and Knudsen see the electorate moving to extreme ends of the political spectrum, predominantly the far right, because of a perceived lack of political choice. Behind a veneer of stability, they say, that development, if not properly addressed, could spiral into a "vicious cycle" that would see continued far right gains amid a fraying social fabric.

"The right pounces on the perception that there is not enough to go around. Housing is an example of this," says Knudsen, who went on to connect economic anxiety with fears surrounding migration, which has spiked in current years. However, political solutions have come up empty, sparking a populist revolt.

"We have underinvested in state capacity, then austerity kicked in," eroding state capacity, said Anheier. With governments stuck in a reactive state rather a proactive state, he says they are unable to solve public problems. "The state is hesitant to invest in public. Migration, housing, the cost of living crisis must be solved. If not, they all feed the far right."

Proactive measures needed

To begin rebuilding faith in democracy, which the researchers say will take multiple elections to do, they are urging governments to put an end to austerity policies that are increasing polarization and weakening Europe's institutions.

But to improve the long-term outlook, Knudsen and Anheier say that increasing growth is crucial to reducing inequalities, and needed to tackle the duel challenges of climate change and migration. For them, it's about investing in the future. To do this, it begins with the kinds of politicians being elected. "If we had more business people and entrepreneurs in parliament, it would be much, much better, and we would get a different political culture," says Anheier.

Knudsen went further: "I think there is an unwillingness to accept that the industrial base and working class has transformed a lot. Really understanding that the future of the economy comes from a very diverse group of people, and is coming from new industries," such as green industries. But to do this, and to stem the right-wing tide, the researchers are urging governments to begin planning beyond the next election cycle.

Now, the waiting begins to see if the European Parliament elections will show if citizens do demand the accountability the report says is sorely lacking.

Further coverage by the Democracy News Alliance can be found in the DNA digital newsroom at https://www.presseportal.de/en/nr/174021
A new study from a Swedish university suggests getting a tattoo, regardless of size, increases the risk of lymphoma by 21 percent.

Researchers from the University of Lund in Sweden studied the possible link between tattoos and cancer. The studys participants were 11,905 Swedish residents, some of them lymphoma patients and some of them healthy. Tattooed people were in both groups, so a comparison could be made. Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer in the lymphatic system.

These individuals [lymphoma patients] were then matched with a control group of the same sex and age, but without lymphoma. The study participants answered a questionnaire about lifestyle factors to determine whether they were tattooed or not, lead researcher Christel Nielsen said in a Lund University press release.

The study first neutralized carcinogenic factors such as smoking and age. It also neutralized factors that are known to affect the association with cancer, such as socioeconomic position and general lifestyle.

The result was that there is a 21 percent higher possibility for lymphoma in tattooed people compared to non-tattooed.

It is important to remember that lymphoma is a rare disease and that our results apply at the group level. The results now need to be verified and investigated further in other studies and such research is ongoing, Ms. Nielsen said.

According to Lund University researchers, past research has proven that tattoo ink sinks into the skin and finds its way to the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes may exist in the armpits, neck, chest, abdomen, and groin.

Hundreds of lymph nodes in the human body function as filters for foreign substances such as bacteria and cancer cells. However, the tattoo ink contains carcinogens such as aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals that can find their way to the lymph nodes, according to the study.

According to Ms. Nielsen, the body interprets the ink as something foreign that should not be there, and the immune system is activated. As such, the inka carcinogenic substanceis retained in the lymph node filtration system.

One hypothesis of the researchers was that more tattoos on the body would result in a higher risk for lymphoma, but no evidence was found to support that.

We do not yet know why this was the case. One can only speculate that a tattoo, regardless of size, triggers a low-grade inflammation in the body, which in turn can trigger cancer. The picture is thus more complex than we initially thought, Ms. Nielsen said.

The researchers also found the possibility that the risk is at its highest between zero and two years after a tattoo, then it decreases and then increases again after 11 years.

In a comment to NTD, Ms. Nielsen emphasized, It is important to keep in mind that lymphoma is a very rare disease, and that the 21 percent increase relates to a risk that is very low. For people with tattoos, it is good to be aware that tattoos might have adverse health effects, and that you should seek medical care if you experience any symptoms that you think may be tattoo related. Finally, I am convinced that we will continue to get tattoos, and that it is a societal responsibility to make sure that it can be done as safely as possible.

Most people get their first tattoo at a young age, which means that you are exposed to tattoo ink for a large part of your life. Even so, research has only scratched the surface of the long-term health effects of tattoos, the university press release said.

The research group will now proceed to investigate possible links between tattoos and other types of cancer, as well as other inflammatory diseases.

People will likely want to continue to express their identity through tattoos, and therefore it is very important that we as a society can make sure that it is safe. For the individual, it is good to know that tattoos can affect your health, and that you should turn to your health care provider if you experience symptoms that you believe could be related to your tattoo, Ms. Nielsen concluded.

Editors note: This article was updated to include additional comments from Ms. Nielson.
Japan's Princess Kako attended a ceremony in Athens on May 27, the second day of her visit to Greece.

The ceremony organized by the Greek government took place in commemoration of 125 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Greece.

Dressed in a kimono, Kako touched on the deep cultural ties between the two countries.

S/ Princess Kako / The compilation of Greek stories known as Aesop's fables was translated into Japanese about 400 years ago, and I read it again after a long time. I feel that ancient Greece still lives in present day Japan. I look forward to getting in touch with the many wonderful things about your country and meeting with people who live in Greece. Thank you. Efharisto poli.

The princess also attended a lunch gathering hosted by the Greek culture minister.

Later in the day, Kako took a boat to Salamina Island near Athens and toured a monastery where Japan helped restore frescoes.

She was welcomed with a flower ceremony by women dressed in traditional costumes at the Faneromeni Monastery.

The convent built in the 17th century has undergone restorations for mural paintings with the long-term involvement of Japanese researcher Kido Masako.

Kako has taken lectures in Japan from Kido, a professor emeritus at Kyoritsu Women's University.

Officials said the princess appeared excited upon seeing that the frescoes have regained color due to the restoration work and how the move must have been pleasing to worshippers.

S/ Princess Kako / The paintings up above are also very visible.

Officials said she was treated to the monastery's traditional hospitality of tea and bread.

Before leaving the island, Kako said she was happy to have visited the monastery.

The princess is the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and a niece of Emperor Naruhito.


Small wave-like markings have popped up on footpaths in a bid to better 'control human behaviour'.

The wave-like markings aim to encourage the correct use of footpaths in Paradise Point in the Gold Coast. Source: Facebook

When it comes to using footpaths, there is an unwritten rule that all Aussies should be adhering to. But one beachside council has taken it upon itself to spell it out in order to keep joggers, walkers, cyclists and everyone else on the right side of things.

The Gold Coast council has come up with a simple way to encourage locals to stay on their side of the path and Aussies are getting around the concept.

A local councillor brought attention to the small, white and wave-like lines in the middle of the public footpath at Paradise Point, saying the marking were about "controlling human behaviour".

"Like every shared path in the city, Paradise Point is dealing with an increased demand, including more pedestrians, cyclists, and electric mobility scooters," City of Gold Coast councillor Shelley Curtis told Yahoo News.

"They provide an aesthetic benefit [and] can have a more gentle effect on human behaviour than harsh and traditional compliance measures."

She explained the change was "aimed at improving the interaction between path users" and they were tested during the weekend's park run, a free community event which encourages locals to walk or run five kilometres, after being painted last week.

The ocean-themed lane markings will soon be extended on walkways through the area with the councillor encouraging feedback from locals.

Locals didn't need to be asked twice for their thoughts about the "fresh waves" which have been spotted along Paradise Point, with many praising the simple change after the old lines had long faded away.

"Great idea. Some people need that extra thoughtful direction," one person wrote online. "Nice creative touch!" another said.

Many others agreed but suggested further signage was needed while some even advocated adding some kind of speed monitoring for electric scooters along the popular walkway.

"Great concept  more arrows needed to keep all traffic to the left please," one person commented.

Council has brought back the dividing 'waves' after they faded out of view. Source: Courier Mail

While many praised the council's proactiveness some believe it would take much more than footpath markings to stop some users being inconsiderate of others.

"Just did my usual loop around Paradise Point, had to move off the path twice on the newly painted part of the pathway, to let people walking four abreast with prams and dogs," a woman said.

"Insert people in the left 'lane' having a chat while their dogs on their leads are sniffing the grass off to the right hand side," griped another.

Nonetheless, it's safe to say the subtle change was much better received than one Sydney council's effort this month to slow down electric bike riders by erecting comically large signs along a popular footpath.

Signs aimed at e-bike users have sprung up along a shared pathway in the Northern Beaches. Source: Facebook

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Police have still yet to locate the mother and her newborn baby after the concerning discovery on Monday afternoon.

Tony Robson found the umbilical cord and placenta with his wife on Monday afternoon after their dogs sniffed the organs out of the mangroves. Source: 7News

The dog walker who stumbled across a human placenta and umbilical cord on a Sydney riverbank has described the puzzling moment his pets "acted a bit weirdly" when they found the discarded body parts "down into the mangroves" by the Cooks River on Monday.

Tony Robson and his wife sparked a major police operation when the duo reported the organs left on the riverbanks in Earlwood, in the city's southwest. While police are yet to identify the mother, and when exactly the birth occurred, they say they're certain the organs are human.

Robson, a local, said he was present at the birth of all three of his children. He said he knew exactly what he was looking at when he found the placenta "sitting on top of the mud" during low tide as the couple enjoyed their afternoon walk.

"We let the boys [the dogs] off as its a secluded dead-end spot," Robson told 7News. "The boys were off-lead having a bit of a romp around and Barry jumped down into the mangroves and spotted something.

A placenta and umbilical cord were ford on the edges of the Cooks River in Earlwood, in the city's southwest. Source: NCA Newswire

"He was acting a bit weirdly so we looked down and found this ... human placenta with an umbilical cord attached," he said, adding that it was "obvious" what it was. "I couldnt think what else it could be. It looked about the right size for a human. My wife took a photo of it, and we called the police."

Site of interest ruled out after 'false alarm'

The search for the mother and baby continues with police divers and a blood-detection dog involved in the large-scale search effort yesterday. However an early site of interest has been declared a false alarm.

At 10am on Tuesday, police uncovered what they said was a new site of interest near the riverbank and covered it with a blue tarpaulin as investigators worked to determine what had been buried there.

However police soon discovered it was a freshly buried cat.

At 10am on Tuesday, police uncovered what they said was a new site of interest near the riverbank and covered it with a blue tarpaulin. Source: AAP

In a media conference on Tuesday, Superintendent Christine McDonald implored the mother to come forward as soon as possible, saying there was "no judgement" from police over the circumstances that led to the birthing items being discarded in the "particularly muddy" area.

McDonald said that while evidence indicates the baby was possibly born somewhere along the riverbank, it appears the placenta and umbilical cord were "put there" after the birth.

Search continues on Wednesday

McDonald urged the woman to attend the nearest hospital to receive urgent care for herself and her child. "[It's] certainly is a possibility that the person that has given birth... doesn't want anyone to know," she said.

"There is no judgement. They need to know we are concerned for them. We are wanting to know they are safe. As we know, childbirth presents a number of health concerns which is why we are hoping the mother goes straight to a hospital and speaks to professionals."

Police have appealed for anyone who may have seen a distressed or pregnant woman in the vicinity to contact authorities.

The Cooks River flows from Yagoona in Sydney's outer southwest and runs into Botany Bay at Kyeemagh, 23km away.

Overnight police conducted a large search of the surrounds of the Cooks River, with the search resuming on Tuesday morning. Source: NCA Newswire

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A Schererville man found guilty last year of killing his live-in girlfriend received a fair trial, according to a new ruling by the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Paul Jarosik, 40, was convicted of murder by a Lake County jury in connection with the April 2020 death of 46-year-old Michelle Brown in their shared apartment, according to court records.

Records show Brown died from multiple blunt force trauma likely caused by a soft object, such as body part, within 12 hours of Jarosik finding Brown dead on the couch with bruising under her right eye and on the bridge of her nose.

Police observed no signs of forced entry and recovered no weapon or blunt object in the apartment. Jarosik claimed he found Brown unresponsive when he arrived home following his 4 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. work shift, according to court records.

Records show several witnesses at Jarosik's trial detailed his physical abuse of Brown, including incidents where Jarosik slammed her head into a door during an argument, punched her, pushed her into counters and cabinets, and once struck her so hard staples were needed to close a head injury.

In his appeal, Jarosik argued the trial judge erred by not instructing the jury to consider the the lesser included offense of reckless homicide and give the jury the option of finding that Jarosik "recklessly" killed Brown and did not "knowingly" or "intentionally" kill her as required for a murder conviction.

The appeals court, however, observed that Jarosik's defense was that he didn't kill Brown at all because she was alive when he left for work and dead when he returned  not that her death was an accident or that he recklessly delivered the fatal blows to her head.

Therefore, there was no evidentiary dispute over Jarosik's state of mind to warrant a reckless homicide instruction, the appeals court said.

The appeals court also rejected Jarosik's challenges to specific evidence presented at trial along with his claim that there was insufficient evidence to convict him of murder.

In the end, given Jarosik's history of physically abusing Brown, no signs of forced entry into the apartment, and Jarosik being the last person to see Brown alive, "The evidence was sufficient to support a reasonable inference of Jarosik's guilt," the appeals court said.

Jarosik still can ask the Indiana Supreme Court to consider reviewing his case.

Records show Jarosik was sentenced to 60 years in prison for killing Brown. His earliest possible release date from prison, assuming good behavior, is Dec. 9, 2065, according to the Indiana Department of Correction.
The Wing Luke Museum in Seattle remained closed on Monday afternoon, nearly a week after employees walked off the job to protest an exhibition that includes language they believe frames Palestinian liberation and anti-Zionism as antisemitism.

Almost half the museum staff participated in the walkout, which began on Wednesday, the scheduled opening day of Confronting Hate Together, an exhibition looking at how communities oppose forms of bigotry, including racism and antisemitism. The 24 employees who staged the walkout said in letters that museum leaders had failed to address their concerns, but the museum said in an online statement that it would remain closed to listen and earnestly engage in dialog with our staff.

Lisa Kranseler, director of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society, which collaborated on the exhibition, said the museum was now considering taking down the show because of the controversy. (The museum did not immediately respond to a request for comment.)

It is very sad, Kranseler said in a phone interview. We worked with them for almost a year and a half on the exhibition.
An Israeli strike on Rafah killed at least 45 people

The day after an airstrike killed dozens of displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, called the deaths a tragic accident and accused Hamas of hiding among the general population.

For us, every uninvolved civilian who is hurt is a tragedy, he said. For Hamas, its a strategy. Thats the whole difference.

The Israeli military said that the target of the strike had been a Hamas compound, and that it killed two Hamas officials. But an Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that an initial investigation had concluded that the strike, or shrapnel from it, might have unexpectedly ignited a flammable substance at the site.

At least 45 people were killed, according to the Gaza health ministry, including 23 women, children and older people. The ministry said that 249 people were wounded. Witnesses and survivors described a terrifying scene of tents in flames and burn victims.
Former President Donald J. Trumps lawyers on Monday assailed a request by federal prosecutors to limit what he could say about a new flare-up in a case accusing him of illegally retaining classified documents after leaving office.

In an angry court filing, the lawyers pushed back hard against the request by the office of the special counsel, Jack Smith, to revise Mr. Trumps conditions of release by forbidding him to make any public comments that might endanger federal agents working on the prosecution.

On Friday evening, Mr. Smiths team requested what amounted to a limited gag order on Mr. Trump, prompted by what it called grossly misleading social media posts the former president made last week falsely claiming that the F.B.I. had been authorized to kill him when agents searched Mar-a-Lago, his Florida club and residence, in August 2022.

The former presidents statements were based on a recently unsealed operational order for the search that contained boilerplate language spelling out that the use of deadly force could be used only in case of emergency, a standard provision applied to all searches conducted by the bureau.
Melisa Swearingen woke up early on Sunday morning as a tornado bore down on her home in the northwestern corner of Arkansas. As she raced down the stairs with her toddler, she looked out the window and saw a 40-foot tree falling toward the house.

The whole house was shaking like a roller coaster, Ms. Swearingen said in an interview outside her home. I thought, This was it.

But the tree smashed through a room above the familys garage, giving her time to gather her 7-year-old son. As another tree crushed the other side of the home, she, her husband and their children huddled in a first-floor bedroom. I thought the house would be torn open and wed get suctioned up, Ms. Swearingen, 35, said.

Nearby, Byron Copeland, 38, had sent his wife, their three children and the family dogs to the basement, while he monitored the storm. Then came the terrifying booms of exploding electrical transformers. I ran toward the basement like a little girl, Mr. Copeland said. As they waited for the weather to pass, he said, the family sang the lullaby Jesus Loves Me.
Just off the lobby of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is the picking room  a cozy, glass-enclosed corner where visitors are encouraged to grab any of the guitars, banjos and fiddles hanging on the wood-paneled walls and play. Located on the Ohio River 35 miles northwest of Rosine, the small farming community that produced the bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe, the museums readily available instruments and neighborly spirit are no surprise.

What is unexpected? The 1961 Chevy Corvair sticking out of a wall upstairs in the museums main hall and the newly unveiled exhibit it anchors: an in-depth look at the Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcias long and often intense love affair with bluegrass music.

Best known as the standard-bearer for San Franciscos psychedelic sound and the house band for Ken Keseys storied Acid Tests, Grateful Dead concerts were not a big draw in the beating red heart of bluegrass country. Of the more than 3,500 shows Garcia played with the Dead and his own bands, only seven were in Kentucky. But the subsequent emergence of the jamgrass scene  a bluegrass cousin to the bands who take a cue from the Dead in emphasizing extended improvisations  is one of the ways that time and a widening appreciation have proved the Dead to be one of the most American of bands. Its also given Garcia a new kind of cultural heft and near-mythological status, 28 years after his death.
Taylor Swift holds the No. 1 spot on Billboards latest album chart for a fifth consecutive week, after an intense contest with Billie Eilish in which both stars released a blizzard of versions of their LPs to lure fans.

Eilish fought for Hit Me Hard and Soft, her third album, with release-week arena listening events in New York and Los Angeles. In an era of supersized track lists as a strategy to maximize streaming yield, the LP had just 10 songs. But fans were given a long menu of options to buy it, including nine colored vinyl editions. There were also four CDs, among them a splatter variant for which Eilish herself decorated the covers with splashed paint (each one is unique, her website said).

But Swift may have fought harder, or at least hurled more product at the marketplace. Since The Tortured Poets Department was released last month, it has come out in more than 20 iterations, according to Billboard, with enough track list variations, media pigments, bonus tracks and collectible goodies like autographs and magnets to keep fans coming back.

Over the last week, both artists camps launched new items like cannonballs. On the day Eilish released Hit Me Hard and Soft, Swift put out three limited digital editions of Tortured Poets featuring first-draft phone memo bonus tracks; then came a remix of her hit Fortnight; then, on Thursday, with just hours left in the tracking week, three additional digital versions of the album arrived with live tracks from her recent Eras Tour performances in Paris.
Over the last few weeks, a Russian blitz has claimed more than a dozen villages in northeast Ukraine, near the countrys second-largest city. This summer, Russia will likely continue its offensive push in the countrys east.

Russias ability to carry out these attacks is in some ways surprising. War is expensive. And Russias economy is limited by steep sanctions from some of the richest countries in the world. Yet Moscow has managed to keep paying for its war machine.

How? U.S. officials point to China.

China has vowed not to send weapons to Russia. But it has supported Russias economy by buying oil and expanding other kinds of trade. Russia uses the revenue from that trade to manufacture weapons. It has also bought parts for these weapons from China, according to U.S. officials: Last year, Russia got 90 percent of its microelectronic imports from China, using them for missiles, tanks and planes. Without Beijings help, Moscow might still continue its war, but it would do so in a weakened state.

Of course, Washington and its allies have also provided support, including actual weapons, to Ukraine. From that angle, the war looks more like part of the broader contest between the U.S. and China  what some analysts call a new cold war  than a one-off conflict. We are headed into 30 or 40 years of superpower competition and confrontation, said my colleague David Sanger, who covers national security and recently published the book New Cold Wars. Ukraine is just the current front.
Updated: The death of a greater glider next to a tree felled by the government has triggered the response.

The death of a rare mammal in an Aussie national park has triggered legal action against a state government.

Two weeks ago, an endangered greater glider was found dead next to a tree felled inside Yarra Ranges National Park, north of Melbourne. Conservationists had warned the Victorian and Commonwealth governments repeatedly that the animal was living in a hollow within one of its branches. However Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV), which sits within the Department of Environment (DEECA), later knocked it down.

Conservationists allege the Victorian Government ignored warnings it was breaching federal environment laws by destroying ancient hollow-bearing trees that were home to Southern greater gliders and Leadbeater's possums. It has filed in the Federal Court, seeking urgent injunctions to stop DEECA from continuing the tree removals in all state forests and national parks.

Conservationists argue government contractors 'can't be trusted'

The case was lodged by Warburton Environment, which has previously written to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek warning Victorian government contractors cannot be trusted to protect critical habitat for species on verge of extinction like Leadbeaters possums, gang-gang cockatoos and swift parrots.

While the Federal Environment Department confirmed it has made enquiries into the tree removals, their nature has not been disclosed. Warburton Environment hopes the court action will increase pressure on Plibersek to launch compliance and enforcement action against the tree removal.

The group's president Nic Fox called it "outrageous that community groups are being forced to take legal action to stop the Victorian Government killing endangered wildlife.

Community groups shouldnt have to continually fight their way through the legal system to make the government accountable to its own laws and policies, she said.

Australia's greater glider species are listed as endangered. Source: Getty

Department claims 'every effort' made to reduce impact on animals

FFMV has previously told Yahoo News its works are designed to maintain breaks in the forest that help minimise the impact of bushfires. It argues the large trees pose a danger to its workers.

"We make every effort to minimise impacts on flora and fauna and follow a rigorous planning and approvals process, it said.

On Tuesday night, FFMV issued a statement from a spokesperson, saying its ability to comment was limited.

"FFMVic has a duty of care to reduce the future risk of bushfire to communities and the environment including through the maintenance of strategic fuel breaks," it said.

"As there are pending legal proceedings concerning this matter it would be inappropriate comment further."

Wildlife of the Central Highlands (WOTCH) which had filmed the greater glider in the tree before it was cut down accused the Victorian Government of knowingly killing threatened wildlife.

They are logging our iconic wildlife into extinction under the guise of fire management, all whilst marking their own homework to green-light dodgy loophole logging operations, its spokesperson Hayley Forster said.

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The prosecution and defense made their closing arguments to the jury yesterday in the first criminal prosecution of an American president. Here are live updates.

The prosecutor, Joshua Steinglass, said Donald Trump engaged in a fraud against the American people on the eve of the 2016 election by silencing a porn stars account of a sexual encounter with him. He said the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels was part of a conspiracy that could very well be what got President Trump elected.

Steinglass, who had not yet finished his remarks at our publication time, wove a sweeping story of how Trump, with help from Michael Cohen, his former fixer, and the tabloid The National Enquirer, sought to bury negative news stories before the election. This was overt election fraud, he said, an act in furtherance of the conspiracy to promote Mr. Trumps election by unlawful means.

Earlier in the day, Todd Blanche, Trumps lawyer, spent hours attacking the credibility of Cohen, calling him the G.L.O.A.T., or the greatest liar of all time.
Standing on the stage at Radio City Music Hall, Mariame Sissoko began to speak in a voice trembling, ever so slightly. Growing up in Philadelphia, Sissoko was outspoken, a high achiever, captain of the high school debate team. In other words, just the sort of person who would go to Barnard College, run for student government and wind up giving a graduation speech before an audience of 4,700 university officials, classmates and parents.

Sissoko, 22, who uses nonbinary pronouns, had been warned by administrators not to deviate from the speech they had turned in weeks earlier. But that speech was written before a pro-Palestinian encampment sprang up on the main lawn of Columbia (Barnards sibling school), before students occupied an academic building, Hamilton Hall, and the police made more than 100 arrests, before the campus became a locus of anger over the more than 35,000 people killed in Gaza during the war and of fear over rising antisemitism. Now, on graduation day, Sissoko put those warnings from administrators aside.

To stand on this stage today is a privilege, Sissoko said. It is a privilege that over 15,000 children in Gaza will never receive.

Sissokos classmates broke into applause. On Sissokos lapel was a poppy, meant to honor a 6-year-old Palestinian girl killed during the war and a 10-month-old Israeli baby taken hostage by Hamas. I know that there are countless poppies with the names of children in Gaza who have been killed, Sissoko continued. They will walk across this stage with us.
Big Oils big climate showdown

Months of tensions between oil majors and activist investors could reach a boiling point at the annual meetings of Exxon Mobil and Chevron Wednesday, as the U.S. giants pump record levels of crude and sit on bumper profits.

Facing another defeat, the climate groups that bought shares to try to influence corporate behavior are now rethinking their strategies, Vivienne Walt reports for DealBook.

Activists efforts to pressure Big Oil to clean up its polluting ways are faltering. Last week, climate change protests rocked Shells annual meeting in London. But the company easily saw off a measure filed by Follow This, a Dutch shareholder activist group, and other investors, demanding that the oil giant drastically strengthen its climate targets.

Exxon could face an even fiercer battle this week  not only with the activist investors it is suing, but from powerful institutional investors as well. They include Norways huge sovereign wealth fund, and CalPERS, the California pension fund, both of which strongly oppose Exxons attempt to quiet some of its most vocal climate critics.
A large oil industry deal advanced on Tuesday after shareholders of Hess approved a proposed sale of the company to Chevron for $53 billion.

Control over one of the most prized oil assets, off the shores of Guyana, is at stake in the deal, which still faces significant hurdles.

Hess is a junior partner in a lucrative Exxon Mobil-led drilling project in the South American country. Exxon is contesting Chevrons acquisition of Hess by arguing that Hess cant sell itself without allowing Exxon to buy its stake in the Guyana project. Chevron and Hess have said Exxons interpretation of the terms of Exxon and Hesss partnership is incorrect.

Exxon has asked an arbitration organization to resolve the dispute.

Some of Hesss largest investors, hoping to pressure Chevron into sweetening its offer, had withheld their support for the deal, which was announced in October. But Hess prevailed at its shareholders meeting on Tuesday in convincing a majority that the deal was in their best interest. The company said it would release a tally of the vote later.
Doing business in Hong Kong increasingly comes with a new risk: the political cost of upsetting Beijing.

Chinese clients recently dropped one big Chicago law firm after it recused itself from a politically sensitive case. A former Wall Street banker was muzzled for writing a Hong Kong is dead column. And Google was effectively cornered into enforcing a ban on a popular protest anthem.

In all areas of life, Hong Kong is hewing closer to mainland China, blurring distinctions that once cemented the citys status as mostly free from the politics of Beijing. Legal rulings echo the courts in mainland China. City regulations follow edicts in Beijing. Even government banners recall Chinese Communist Party slogans.

The citys transformation is being driven by a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 and additional legislation passed by Hong Kong lawmakers in March. Both have dealt a blow to the partial autonomy promised by China when it took possession of the city from Britain nearly three decades ago.
For the past decade, thousands of wealthy Americans have been flocking to Puerto Rico to take advantage of a tax break that can cut their tax bills to zero. For nearly as long, there have been allegations that the benefit enables multimillionaires to avoid paying what they owe when they reap big investment profits.

Now, an Internal Revenue Service insider has accused the agency of failing to police the tax break. Despite a high-profile campaign announced more than three years ago to unearth possible abuse, the agency has audited barely two dozen people and has collected back taxes from none, according to a letter that an agency insider wrote this year to lawmakers and that has been reviewed by The New York Times, as well as interviews with I.R.S. officials.

Senate officials have begun an investigation into the whistle-blowers allegations about the Puerto Rican tax benefit.

Its been three years since the I.R.S. announced its enforcement campaign on this issue, said Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. It needs to pick up the pace.
BuzzFeeds newest activist investor, the former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, wants the company to consider moves like hiring the former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and the N.B.A. commentator Charles Barkley.

Jonah Peretti, BuzzFeeds founder and chief executive, has already rejected some of Mr. Ramaswamys requests out of hand, setting up a clash between the two men.

Mr. Ramaswamy, an investor who has amassed an 8.3 percent stake in BuzzFeed, sent a letter to the companys board of directors Monday criticizing its business practices and journalistic efforts. Though he has been steadily buying up stock for months, his intentions for the company didnt become clear until this week.

Before his brief run for president, Mr. Ramaswamy made a fortune in the pharmaceutical business, selling his companys stake in promising firms to the Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo.
The defense lawyer minced no words as he addressed a room full of plastic-industry executives. Prepare for a wave of lawsuits with potentially astronomical costs. Speaking at a conference earlier this year, the lawyer, Brian Gross, said the coming litigation could dwarf anything related to asbestos, one of the most sprawling corporate-liability battles in United States history.

Mr. Gross was referring to PFAS, the forever chemicals that have emerged as one of the major pollution issues of our time. Used for decades in countless everyday objects  cosmetics, takeout containers, frying pans  PFAS have been linked to serious health risks including cancer. Last month the federal government said several types of PFAS must be removed from the drinking water of hundreds of millions of Americans.

Do what you can, while you can, before you get sued, Mr. Gross said at the February session, according to a recording of the event made by a participant and examined by The New York Times. Review any marketing materials or other communications that youve had with your customers, with your suppliers, see whether theres anything in those documents thats problematic to your defense, he said. Weed out people and find the right witness to represent your company.

A spokesman for Mr. Grosss employer, MG+M The Law Firm, which defends companies in high-stakes litigation, didnt respond to questions about Mr. Grosss remarks and said he was unavailable to discuss them.
About a month before Donald J. Trump was elected president in 2016, a recording surfaced of him speaking in vulgar terms about women, causing a crisis within the Trump campaign and pandemonium across the Republican Party.

The so-called Access Hollywood tape, first obtained by The Washington Post, showed Mr. Trump bragging about grabbing womens genitals, saying he could do so with abandon because when youre a star, they let you do it.

Prosecutors have mentioned the tape at various stages of Mr. Trumps criminal trial, including during closing arguments on Tuesday. They have argued that the release of the tape sent the campaign into damage-control mode to confront the intense fallout, becoming so desperate that Mr. Trump agreed to pay off Stormy Daniels, a porn star who was shopping a story of a 2006 sexual encounter with him.

Michael D. Cohen, Mr. Trumps former fixer, paid Ms. Daniels $130,000. The payment is at the heart of the 34 felony charges against Mr. Trump, who is accused of falsifying business records to cover it up.
A state senator from Queens moved to stop a major casino proposal in her district on Tuesday, rebuffing Steven A. Cohen, the billionaire owner of the New York Mets.

The state senator, Jessica Ramos, a progressive Democrat who is considering a run for mayor of New York City next year, said in a statement on Tuesday that she would not introduce legislation to pave the way for a casino at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The legislation would broaden the permitted uses of a patch of city parkland to include gambling.

Ms. Ramos said that she resented the pressure she had received from the bid to support the proposal after her community had faced generations of neglect.

We want investment and opportunity, we are desperate for green space, and recreation for the whole family, she said. We disagree on the premise that we have to accept a casino in our backyard as the trade-off.
Detectives say a man was walking his dog at 4.30pm on Monday when they stumbled across a placenta and umbilical cord at the Cooks River in Sydney.

A placenta and umbilical cord were ford on the edges of the Cooks River in Earlwood, in the city's southwest. Source: NCA Newswire

Police are urging a mother to immediately seek medical treatment for herself and her newborn baby, after a human placenta and umbilical cord were found in mangroves on the banks of the Cooks River in Sydney.

Detectives say a man was walking his dog at 4.30pm yesterday when the pair stumbled across the organs on the edges of the river, in Earlwood in the city's southwest, with tests immediately confirming them to be human. Police now hold "serious concerns" for the mother and the baby, which evidence suggests was possibly "born near the water".

Addressing media on Tuesday, Superintendent Christine McDonald implored the mother to come forward as soon as possible, saying there was "no judgement" from police over the circumstances that led to the birth in the "particularly muddy" area.

Police are on the hunt for a newborn baby and her mother, after human organs were found on a riverbank in Sydney. Source: NCA Newswire

McDonald urged the woman to attend the nearest hospital to receive urgent care for herself and her child. "That certainly is a possibility that the person that has given birth... doesn't want anyone to know," she said during the media conference.

"There is no judgement. They need to know we are concerned for them. We are wanting to know they are safe. As we know, childbirth presents a number of health concerns which is why we are hoping the mother goes straight to a hospital and speaks to professionals."

It is unknown how long ago the baby was born.

McDonald said it's also unclear how the umbilical cord was cut. "It has been sent for priority testing with a pathologist and I hope to have results of that today. I will be able to provide an update once I have those results," she said.

"[There are ] a lot of unknowns at the moment that's why we are asking anyone with information to help us with this investigation because we have extreme concerns and we want this resolved quickly.

"We have no information at this stage who the mother might be."

Superintendent Christine McDonald said police held 'extreme concerns' over the discovery. Source: ABC TV

Specialist sniffer dogs will soon be deployed to scout the area. Though there was "blood attached" to the organs, "no large pool of blood" suggesting an exact birth location has been found.

McDonald said that while evidence indicates the baby was possibly born somewhere along the riverbank, it appears the placenta and umbilical cord were "put there" after the birth.

"We are waiting for the results of the forensic pathologists, who are testing the placenta and umbilical cord to determine when it may have been put there.

"We were called [to the location] at 4.30pm yesterday and we know that at midday the tide was out and it started to come back in last night. We are working against the clock in relation to the tidal flow of the river, hence the search patterns have to be reflective of that," she added.

Overnight police conducted a large search of the surrounds of the Cooks River, with the search resuming on Tuesday morning. Source: NCA Newswire

Officers are appealing for anyone who lives in or was in the areas of Wardell Road and Lang Road, Earlwood, and Tennent Parade, Hurlstone Park and Ewen Park, Hurlstone Park yesterday afternoon, and may have seen a woman in distress to contact Burwood Police or Crime Stoppers.

Detectives conducted a large-scale search of the area overnight and those operations have continued on Tuesday morning, with a dive search team to look through the river also raised as an option.

Police unclear where the baby is

Supt McDonald said police did not yet suspect the baby was in the river. "At this stage our main concern is for the whereabouts of the mother and the child," she said.

"We are doing everything we can and that's why the appeal is to come out, we see that as a really urgent matter for us to find her and her child, hopefully safe and healthy."

The Cooks River flows from Yagoona in Sydney's outer southwest and runs into Botany Bay at Kyeemagh, 23km away. It is heavily polluted as a result of traffic congestion, litter, sewage, illegal dumping and industrial and domestic activities.

A number of Sydney clean-up campaigns have focused on the waterway, while low-lying sections have also been susceptible to flooding.

with AAP

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A Brooklyn man was charged on Tuesday with felony assault and stalking as hate crimes and with misdemeanor harassment after a series of attacks on strangers over the past year, the Manhattan district attorneys office announced.

The man, Skiboky Stora, 40, who is Black, was accused of targeting people he believed were white, female or Jewish. He was arrested in March when one of his alleged victims shared her story on TikTok. The woman, Halley Kate Mcgookin, then 23, said she was walking in Chelsea when a man punched her in the face so forcefully that she fell to the ground. The police arrested Mr. Stora two days later. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ms. Mcgookins video was one of many this spring from young women who said they were attacked at random on public streets at a time of growing concern regarding crime in the city.

Skiboky Stora allegedly committed a series of hate-motivated incidents against several individuals based on their perceived gender, race and religion, Alvin L. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, said in a statement. Much of what defines our city is respect and acceptance of all people. Nobody should have to fear for their safety because of their identity.
Closing arguments began Tuesday in the weekslong criminal trial of Donald J. Trump, the first president to face prosecution in American history, in a case that stems from a hush-money deal to a porn star who said she had sex with him.

Mr. Trump faces several legal challenges related to his business and political activities, and the one underway in New York City was brought by the Manhattan district attorneys office. It could be the only case against him to go to trial before the 2024 presidential election.

The trial began in April and will be in the jurors hands this week, following weeks of salacious testimony about sex scandals and granular detail about corporate documents. Mr. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, all tied to the former presidents role in a hush-money payment to the porn star, Stormy Daniels.

The charges do not involve the hush deal itself but Mr. Trumps reimbursements for it to his former fixer, Michael D. Cohen, who gave $130,000 to Ms. Daniels to buy her silence days before the 2016 election. Prosecutors said that the repayments were deliberately mislabeled as legal expenses in business ledgers to hide the deal.
Ellis Island in New York Harbor served as the principal point of entry for immigrants arriving in the United States from 1892 through 1924, and was used for detention and deportation until its closing in 1954. All in all, over 12 million immigrants passed through its halls. But by 1974, when we were students and made the short documentary above, it was in decay.

At that time, the buildings were abandoned and inaccessible to the public, and the famous ferry that shuttled immigrants from the island to Manhattan sank in a storm in 1968. To two teenagers from New Jersey, Ellis Island was a forbidden mystery that was tantalizingly close to shore, so we began venturing to the island in a tiny rowboat with a 16-millimeter camera. Knowing how many people had passed through the buildings gave them a certain power, and there were physical reminders of the past, as well  mattresses, dishes, paperwork and signs printed in several languages.

Back then, when we spoke to New York City area residents who passed through the island at a much earlier time in their lives, those moments on Ellis Island were seared into their memories. In the film, they vividly recalled the dizzying experience of arriving and of seeing New York City for the first time. Their brief stay on Ellis Island became the fulcrum  the literal pivot point  of their lives.

Today, revisiting our film about the historic role of Ellis Island raises profound questions about the countrys current immigration policies. Should the Golden Door (to use the poet Emma Lazaruss famous words) be left open or slammed shut? The stories of those who long ago passed through Ellis Island may suggest an answer to this question. At the very least, the memories of these immigrants remind us that there always have been  and always will be  huddled masses yearning to breathe free.
Many years ago, I received this piece of advice: Set your own agenda, or someone else will set it for you. Ive carried those words with me ever since.

Thats why, next week, I will leave the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, of which I was a co-founder almost 25 years ago, to open a new chapter in my philanthropy. To begin, I am announcing $1 billion in new spending over the next two years for people and organizations working on behalf of women and families around the world, including on reproductive rights in the United States.

In nearly 20 years as an advocate for women and girls, I have learned that there will always be people who say its not the right time to talk about gender equality. Not if you want to be relevant. Not if you want to be effective with world leaders (most of them men). The second the global agenda gets crowded, women and girls fall off.

Its frustrating and shortsighted. Decades of research on economics, well-being and governance make it clear that investing in women and girls benefits everyone. We know that economies with womens full participation have more room to grow. That womens political participation is associated with decreased corruption. That peace agreements are more durable when women are involved in writing them. That reducing the time women spend in poor health could add as much as $1 trillion to the global economy by 2040.
Sitting still for hours on end in a chilly, drab courtroom, unable to speak his mind, forced to listen to people say objectionable things about him, Donald Trump at a defense table in Manhattans Criminal Court may seem as far from his usual domain  the cheering crowds and the trappings of wealth  as could be imagined.

But it was in another courthouse just down the street that Mr. Trumps wily mentor, Roy Cohn, pulled off one of his greatest legal feats. It was Mr. Cohn who taught Mr. Trump how to manipulate the law, and other people, to his advantage. His ghost now hovers over the former presidents entire legal outlook, influencing proceedings in ways large and small. The outcome in this case may be the final verdict on Mr. Cohns brilliant, sinister strategies.

Mr. Trump always admired Mr. Cohns bravado and belligerence; Mr. Cohns whole worldview seemed to validate the young developers crassest instincts. If you need somebody to get vicious, Mr. Trump once said, hire Roy Cohn. His legal strategy boiled down to: Delay and deny. Dont hesitate to attack the judge and prosecutor (I dont care what the law is; tell me who the judge is was his most famous line). Address the press every chance you get. And intimidate and ridicule witnesses.

Mr. Trumps lawyers have aggressively sought every delay possible and called for mistrials or new judges on a regular basis. Of the four criminal proceedings Mr. Trump faces, the one wrapping up now is probably the only case that will be heard before Election Day  and if Mr. Trump wins a second term, all bets are off. He attacked Justice Juan Merchan and witnesses so many times that he has been placed under gag orders  and then fined, when he repeatedly failed to honor them. And as for litigating a case through the media, Mr. Trump went Mr. Cohn one better: He founded his own social media organization, Truth Social, and litigates his cases there.
Ryan Salame, a top executive at the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on Tuesday, making him the first of Sam Bankman-Frieds circle of advisers at FTX to receive prison time.

Mr. Salame, 30, a trusted lieutenant of Mr. Bankman-Fried, the exchanges founder, pleaded guilty last year to a campaign finance law violation and a charge of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. He is one of four top deputies in the FTX empire who have pleaded guilty to crimes since the company imploded in November 2022.

Mr. Salames sentence exceeded the five to seven years that prosecutors had recommended. Defense lawyers had asked for 18 months.

Wearing a blue suit and socks emblazoned with the Bitcoin logo, Mr. Salame stood facing Judge Lewis A. Kaplan as the sentence was read aloud in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Judge Kaplan called Mr. Salames crimes astonishing.
Democratic Party leaders said Tuesday that they would nominate President Biden for a second term in office via a virtual roll call of delegates to the partys national convention, bypassing a glitch in Ohio law that had threatened to keep Mr. Biden off the November ballot in the state.

Ohio law requires all candidates to be legally certified by Aug. 7, but Mr. Biden was not scheduled to be officially nominated until after the Democratic National Convention begins on Aug. 19. The virtual roll call will be completed before the Ohio deadline.

The party acted as the Ohio Legislature was meeting in special session for the first time in two decades in an effort to pass legislation that would have resolved the ballot problem at the state level. The legislators had easily dealt with identical issues involving presidential candidates in 2012 and 2016, but deep divisions among Republicans had stalled any action for weeks.

A frustrated Gov. Mike DeWine, also a Republican, had summoned the legislators to the special session last week, calling their inability to end the legislative gridlock ridiculous and absurd.
Harvard said on Tuesday that it would now avoid taking positions on matters that are not relevant to the core function of the university, accepting the recommendations of a faculty committee that urged the university to dramatically reduce its messages on issues of the day.

If put into practice, Harvard would no longer issue official statements of empathy, which it did for Ukraine, after the Russian invasion, and for the victims of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, for example.

In issuing official statements of empathy, the university runs the risk of appearing to care more about some places and events than others, the report said. And because few, if any, world events can be entirely isolated from conflicting viewpoints, issuing official empathy statements runs the risk of alienating some members of the community by expressing implicit solidarity with others.

The universitys Institutional Voice Working Group, made up of eight faculty members, issued the report, with a set of principles and a recommended path forward, which the administration and governing board accepted.
The Michigan attorney general charged a state trooper with murder on Tuesday, saying he was grossly negligent when he fatally struck a fleeing man, Samuel Sterling, with a vehicle last month in suburban Grand Rapids.

The trooper, Detective Sgt. Brian Keely, was outside a Burger King restaurant in an unmarked police S.U.V. on April 17 as several officers were chasing Mr. Sterling, who was being sought for warrants and was running from the police. As other officers chased Mr. Sterling on foot, video from dash and body cameras showed, Sergeant Keely drove his S.U.V. into Mr. Sterling, appearing to pin him near the wall of the restaurant in Kentwood, a suburb.

The videos show that Mr. Sterling, 25, immediately cried out and complained that he was in pain after being struck. He was taken to a hospital and died.

Police video footage has become far more common over the last decade as departments, responding to pressure from residents, have made body cameras a standard part of an officers uniform. As scrutiny of police use of force has grown, it has also become more common for police officers to face criminal charges for on-duty killings, though convictions can remain elusive.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken plans to spend this week showing U.S. support for nations facing a hostile Russia in visits to Moldova and the Czech Republic, where he is scheduled to attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers that will discuss how to bolster Ukraine.

Mr. Blinken, who made an overnight stop in Kyiv more than two weeks ago, flew into Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, on Wednesday to meet with Maia Sandu, the nations president, who is running for re-election. Ms. Sandu has advocated for Moldova to join the European Union, and she has scheduled a referendum vote on E.U. membership on the same day as the general election in October.

She is expected to run against a pro-Russia candidate, and U.S. and European analysts say Moscow is likely to try to interfere in the election, as it has in other votes in Europe. The Biden administration has spoken publicly of Russian agents carrying out such interference using a variety of means, from hacking to boosting campaigns over social networks to doling out money to favored politicians.

U.S. officials said Mr. Blinken would speak with Ms. Sandu and other top officials about potential threats to the countrys democratic processes, as well as efforts to wean the nation off electricity generated in the pro-Russia separatist region of Transnistria. Moldova recently ended its reliance on gas imports from Russia.
The temporary pier that the U.S. military constructed and put in place to provide much-needed humanitarian aid for Gaza has broken apart in rough seas, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

The latest calamity to befall the pier endeavor punctuated a particularly grim several days in Gaza, where Israeli forces have ramped up attacks on the city of Rafah just two days after carrying out a deadly strike that killed dozens of people.

Unfortunately, we had a perfect storm of high sea states, and then, as I mentioned, this North African weather system also came in at the same time, creating not an optimal environment to operate, Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon deputy press secretary, said at a news conference.

Army engineers are working to put the pier back together and Defense Department officials hope that it will be fully operational in just a little over a week, she said.
Senator Marco Rubio, the Republican of Florida, has not visited the courthouse in Manhattan to flaunt his support for Donald J. Trump like other potential running mates. He is not a fixture at the former presidents campaign rallies and has not become part of the furniture at Mar-a-Lago, like other Republicans craving relevancy.

Instead, Mr. Rubio has taken a low-key approach in aiming to become the next Republican vice-presidential nominee, a strategy with a clear logic: Mr. Trump is known to bristle when anyone gets too close to his limelight.

But for Mr. Rubio, its also a strategy with a history. When the two men competed for the Republican nomination in 2016, Mr. Trump relentlessly mocked his rivals height, his ears and his mannerisms. Mr. Rubio hurled his own schoolyard taunts, which landed awkwardly and then backfired painfully until his defeat. Since then, the senator has been careful and discreet about how close he gets to Mr. Trump.

His behind-the-scenes maneuvering has transformed him from bitter rival to occasional policy adviser and, now, a leading contender to join Mr. Trumps ticket, advisers to the former president said.
At the dawn of South Africas democracy after the fall of the racist apartheid government, millions lined up before sunrise to cast their ballots in the countrys first free and fair election in 1994.

Thirty years later, democracy has lost its luster for a new generation.

South Africa is now heading into a pivotal election on Wednesday, in which voters will determine which party  or alliance  will pick the president. But voter turnout has been dropping consistently in recent years. It fell to below 50 percent for the first time in the 2021 municipal elections, and analysts said that voter registration has not kept up with the growth of the voting-age population.

This downward curve has mirrored the support for South Africas governing party, the African National Congress, or A.N.C., which was a liberation movement before becoming a political machine. Polls show the party may lose its outright majority for the first time since taking power in 1994 under the leadership of Nelson Mandela.

A new generation of voters do not have the lived experience of apartheid nor the emotional connection that their parents and grandparents had to the party. The A.N.C. as a governing party is all young people know, and they blame it for their joblessness, rampant crime and an economy blighted by electricity blackouts.
Georgias Parliament overrode a presidential veto to give final approval on Tuesday evening to a contentious bill that has plunged the country into a political crisis and threatened to derail the pro-Western aspirations of many Georgians in favor of closer ties with Russia.

The law will require nongovernmental groups and media organizations that receive at least 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power. The countrys justice ministry will be given broad powers to monitor compliance. Violations could result in fines equivalent to more than $9,000.

The passage of the bill is likely to represent a pivotal moment for Georgia, which has been one of the most pro-Western states to emerge from the collapse of the Soviet Union. The bill has already unsteadied Georgias relationship with the United States and the European Union, and it could upset the fragile geopolitics of the Caucasus, a volatile region where the interests of Russia, Turkey, Iran and the West have long come into conflict.
The Vatican said on Tuesday that Pope Francis extends his apologies after reports that he used an offensive slang word referring to gay men at what was intended to be a private meeting with 250 Italian bishops last week.

Francis had been taking questions from the bishops at their annual assembly when the question of whether to admit openly gay men into seminaries, or priesthood colleges, came up.

According to several people present at the meeting, who spoke anonymously to Italian news outlets, Francis stated a firm no, saying that seminaries were already too full of frociaggine, an offensive Italian slang term referring to gay men.

Pope Francis is aware of articles that recently came out about a conversation, behind closed doors, Matteo Bruni, the press office director for the Holy See, said on Tuesday. The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term, reported by others.
Iraqis have known the bitter taste of war so intimately and frequently over the past 40 years that they say they can feel viscerally the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. They remember the dreaded whistling of a shell before impact, the fear of a knock at the door bringing word of a loved ones loss, the stench of blood drying on concrete.

This was daily life for many Iraqis for years as an insurgent struggle against the American occupation and a civil war between Sunni and Shia Muslims brought destruction and death to their neighborhoods, shattered families and left behind countless widows and orphans.

Those memories initially prompted thousands of people to join demonstrations on the streets of Iraqs cities to show their solidarity with the Palestinian cause. But as the war in Gaza dragged on, those displays of support faded.

You want to help, said Yasmine Salih, a 25-year old dental student, referring to the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza, but you cant because your own bucket of troubles is full.
Three European nations formally recognized an independent Palestinian state on Tuesday, drawing the ire of Israel as it continued to press its military offensive in Gaza.

The previously announced moves by Spain, Norway and Ireland are largely symbolic, but serve as a rebuke to Israel in the face of mounting international frustration over the countrys military offensive in Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories over the years.

They also come amid global outrage over an Israeli airstrike on Sunday that killed dozens of people at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah, despite international calls for the military to curb its offensive in the southern Gaza city. Growing concern over the civilian death toll could prompt more nations to follow suit, analysts say.

Israels foreign minister, Israel Katz, on Tuesday accused Spains prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, of complicity in incitement against Jews for his role in recognizing a Palestinian state.

But Mr. Sanchez rejected that claim in an address on Tuesday ahead of a cabinet vote on the matter, calling the recognition a matter of historical justice and a necessity in order to achieve peace.

The recognition of Palestine is not against anyone, least of all Israel, a friendly nation that Spain values and holds in high regard and with whom we aim to foster the strongest possible relationship, he said on the steps of Moncloa Palace, the prime ministers residence, in Madrid. Furthermore, our decision reflects our absolute rejection of Hamas, a terrorist organization that is against a two-state solution.
The Island of Sark, the smallest of the Channel Islands located between France and England, is home to the worlds smallest prison still in use today  a tiny building with only two cells.

There are no cars, no roads and no streetlights on Sark Island, but there is a small prison dating back to the year 1856. Featuring just two tiny cells  one measuring 6 feet by 6 feet and the other 6 feet by 8 feet  separated by a narrow corridor, it holds the Guinness World Record for the worlds smallest prison. Its only fitting that an island measuring just under 5 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometers wide, with a population of under 600 people, be home to the worlds smallest prison. The two cells only have small, wood-slatted beds with thin mattresses for inmates to sleep on, and inmates can only be held here for a maximum of two days, after which they have to be transferred to the larger prison facilities on the neighboring Guernsey Island.

According to the Sark Estate website, the Guernsey Courts ordered a new prison to be built in 1832, because the original one was deemed unfit, but due to budget constraints, it took over two decades simply to begin construction of the new holding facility. It was completed in 1856 and has been in operation ever since. Law enforcement on the island doesnt get crime reports very often, but the prison is technically still operational, and the cells do get occupied by the occasional rowdy tourist or inebriated local.

The most famous inmate at Sark Prison was Andres Gardes, an unemployed French nuclear physicist who believed himself to be the rightful heir and owner of Sark Island. Since no one took his claims seriously, he decided to invade the island as a one-man army. He plastered the island with posters announcing his invasion, so when he finally arrived on Sark with a semiautomatic rifle, he was punched in the face by the Constable on duty and disarmed. He was arrested and his invasion thwarted.



Although the worlds smallest prison has changed very little in terms of structure, it now has electricity and heating, so you could say it is a bit more comfortable than it used to be. It still has no windows, though.
The Democrats are in full-blown freakout mode over the re-election chances of the elderly gent who (so far) is their leading candidate to challenge Donald Trump for the presidency.

A pervasive fear has settled in at the highest levels of the Democratic Party, according to the Politico piece. Anxiety has morphed into palpable trepidation.

What took the Democratic Party so long?

Democrats should take to heart the immortal words of Cher who urged Nicolas Cage in Moonstruck to: Snap out of it.

Time is wasting guys. There are five months till the election. You got to nudge or kick 81-year-old Joe Biden off the ticket.

A Democratic operative zeroed in on the partys dilemma.

You dont want to be that guy who is on the record saying were doomed, or the campaigns bad or Bidens making mistakes, he told Politico.

Why not? Loyalty to the president is admirable, but do you want to lose the election to a possible convicted felon?

The math is simple: Biden runs, Trump wins. Its just a matter of how badly will the Mango Mussolini blow Biden away.

The Democrats are counting on abortion rights to be the winning ticket for Biden. Who knows? They may be right but why take a chance? Americas democracy is at stake.

The Democrats need a younger and energetic presidential candidate to run for the White House. Biden, a very seasoned veteran with barely a pulse, is not going to cut it.

Rather than fundraise for Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama should tell him to pack it in, and live up to his promise of being a transitional president. The clock is ticking.

The destruction of the Gaza pier symbolizes the failure of Bidens ability to deal with the Israel/Hamas war. A portion of the temporary $320M pier fell apart due to heavy seas, reported CNN on May 28.

Bidens inability to push Israel leader Benjamin Netanyahu into letting food aid convoys into Gaza is the only reason that the pier was built.

The pier represents Netanyahus decision to flip the bird at America. Its as if the US is a client state of Israel, not its primary source of weapons that destroyed the infrastructure of the Gaza Strip and killed 35K Palestinians, mainly women and children.

Bidens unwillingness to lay down the law for Israels prime minister is how he alienated young people, lost their vote, and squandered his re-election chance.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, has ordered IDF tanks into central Rafah, following the deadly airstrike that killed scored of civilians during last weekend. Team Biden had warned Israel not to attack the city, which is filled with thousands of refugees with nowhere to flea.

Netanyahus response was to bug off, which exposed the US leader as being weak and ineffective in dealing with the Gaza crisis.

Whats Biden going to do? Repair the pier, which has a daily capacity of 15o food trucks a day. The UN estimates that Gaza needs 1,000 trucks a day for a sustained period to head off mass starvation.

And adding insult to Bidens misery. Right-wing Israelis living in the occupied West Bank have been looting and destroying the food trucks bound to the Bidens pier.

The IDF was nowhere in sight.

PR skeletons in the closet. The Wall Street Journals May 28 story about Exxon Mobils feud with the Rockefeller family, shed some light on the shady doings of FTI Consulting.

The firm was hired in 2015 to scrutinize the Rockefeller charities and formulate a communications strategy.

FTIs work was overseen by Exxons senior most public affairs executives and most rank-and-file staff were walled off from the effort.

The firm circulated stories with reporters about what it labeled a conspiracy by the Rockefeller charities and wrote blog posts attacking the campaign on a website called Energy in Depth.

FTI helped create the site for the lobbying group, Independent Petroleum Association of America, which Exxon was a member of until 2022. Since 2015, it has published 200 posts critical of the Rockefeller effort.

My hunch is that FTIs current management team isnt very proud of its Rockefeller smear campaign.
The first round of the Star Sports/TRC English Derby dominated the week's racing across the pond. Forty five Irish dogs made the trip to Towcester trying to defend the title won so brilliantly, last year, by Gaytime Nemo for Graham Holland. Not sure the home dogs have the quality to take on the cream of the Irish hounds again this year and expect at the business end of this stake that the majority of the dogs remaining are Irish. On the home front this week we had the final of the April Open Unraced in Enniscorthy, the final of the Islandbridge Open Sprint, second round of the Sporting Press Irish both in Shelbourne and final of the Lee Strand in Tralee.

A great week for Offaly winners with a number of winners across the country's tracks.





Early Week Racing



Monday, Enniscorthy, final of the April Open Unraced Stake, the 2.5k first prize went to Ballybreenautumn (Ballymac Bolger-Droopys Claire) who won three of the four rounds for John OConnor and John Somers and the final in 29.06 (20 slow) by six lengths at 1/1 fav.





Also on Monday, in Limerick, the Semi-finals of the Limerick Stadium A3 600, the first heat went to Honest Endevour for Jack Foley, in 33.02 by ten lengths, at 3/1 with the second heat going to Karacreek Ranch for Stradbally trainer Karol Ramsbottom in 32.92 by seven lengths at 4/5 fav. The final is on Saturday.





Friday Racing



Newbridge staged the final of the Friends Of Newbridge A1 Derby over the 550 yard trip, the 3.75k pot went to Coonough Paddy (Grangeview Ten-Coonough Dolly) in 29.90 by two lengths at 2/1 with Barry Clancy training.





In Shelbourne, in the final of the Islandbridge Open Sprint, champion sprinter Ballinakill Alf (Pestana-Newinn Madam) was a one length winner in 18.67 at 1/1 fav with the 5k purse going to champion trainer Graham Holland. There was a dead heat in second with both Romeo Taylor for Holland and Cree Jo Jo for Owen McKenna winning 1.125k.

Another final on the night was the Retired Greyhound Trust ON2 unraced stake, first prize here was 2.5k which went to Max Pro (Droopys Sydney-Ballycowen Lucy) for Danny Kehoe in 28.93 by six lengths at 2/1. One Offaly winner on the supporting card, in an A4 contest, Highview Fab won for Croghan trainer Gerry Merriman in 29.13 by four lengths at 2/1 fav.







Saturday Racing

Curraheen Park in Cork, semifinals of the Deadly Kennels Open 750 yard stake, first one went to Twofourone for Michael English in 42.64 by one length at 5/1. The second heat was faster as Tuono Charlie stopped the timer in 42.21 by ten lengths at 1/2 fav with Sharon Hunt training.

First Offaly winner on Saturday evening was in Dundalk. In an A5 grade Carrick Cantona won for Edenderry owner Thomas Glynn in 28.81 by seven lengths with David Murray at the helm.

In Limerick, the final of the Limerick A3 600 yard stake was the most valuable race of their night. However, neither semifinal winner was to the fore here as Corporal Jack (Vic Vega- Ontheredcarpet) won the 1k first prize purse for Declan Beary in 32.51 by three lengths at 2/1.

In Galway, in an S7 sprint, Birr owner Kevin Kelly made the trip with Wicky Joe and won in 18.17 (.05 slow) by one length at 1/1 fav.

Four Offaly winners in Mullingar, in the first race on the card, an ON2 unraced, Killeshill Callie won by eleven lengths for Croghan owner Vincent Lynch in 30.35 (60 slow) at 3/1. A Faithful County dog also won the second race on the night, in an A9 grade. So Its Strife won for Birr owner Paul Pardy in 30.05 (60 slow) by six lengths at a well backed 4/6 with Vincent McKenna training. In an A6 race Highview Mel was first home for Daingean owner Oliver Etches in 30.37 (60 slow) by two lengths at 2/1. The final race on the card, an A5 contest went to Kilbride Magic for Edenderry trainer David Hanlon in 30.26 (60 slow) also by two lengths and also at 2/1.

Eight second round heats of the Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks dominated the nights racing in Shelbourne. Some very fast times were recorded with some very short priced favourites being beaten. There was a double on the night for Graham Kelly with the fastest run of the eight being Droopys Edel for Ian Reilly in 28.21 by two lengths at 1/1 fav. Both Offaly greyhounds qualified for the next round with ease with both second in their relative heats. Highview Treat for Gerry Merriman was beaten three lengths in 28.42 by Deelish Nora for Ginger McGee with Short Grip for P.J. Cocoman also beaten three by A Lucky Julie for Jerry Melia in a fast 28.28. Expect both the Offaly bitches to be involved come the business end of this stake. Unluckily both have been drawn in the same heat on Saturday night but with a bit of luck both can progress.

Thurles staged the final of the Willie Maher Memorial A3 stake with Borna Thyme (Skywalker Canny-Candanchu) collecting the 1.8k first prize for Ruairi Dwan in 29.33 (20 slow) by three lengths at 5/2.

The second most valuable final of the week was in Tralee, the Lee Strand A3 550 with 10k to the winner. The first prize and trophy went to Dashing Toro (Droopys Sydney-Ballycowen Lucy) who is a litter brother to Max Pro who on Friday won the Retired Greyhound Trust ON2 stake in Shelbourne. The winning time for Toro was 29.54 by two lengths at 5/2 and was owned by the Twice-A-Day-Everyday Syndicate. Cheap Sandwiches was second for Dan Brassil and received a purse of 3.5k.

The best race in Kilcohan Park in Waterford was the final of the DG Foods LTD A4 Tri-Distance stake with the final over the 575 trip. Gortkelly Bear (Broadstrand Bono-Gortkelly Sorcha) was a worthy winner here for Michael Meade as he won the first round over the 525 trip, the semifinal over the 550 trip and the final by two lengths at 5/2 in 31.78. 5k to the winner here. Bogger Cash was second for Liam Peacock and received a cheque for 2k.

Sunday Racing

Two Offaly winners at the matinee meeting in Mullingar, in an A2 contest Lingrawn Aoife had her thirteenth career win for Moneygall owner Liam Jones in 29.85 (60 slow) by four lengths at 6/4 fav. In an A6 race Killeshill Glam won for Vincent Lynch again in 30.84 (60 slow) also by four lengths at 3/1.

The most valuable final of the week was at the evening meeting in Kilkenny with the running of the Champion Open Unraced Stake. The 15k first prize went to Moanteen Wildcat (Dorotas Wildcat-Seaglass Shadow) for Rachel Wheeler who won three of his four heats and the final in 28.85 (20 slow) by three lengths at 5/2. Good winner. Broadstrand Syd was second for John Linehan winning a cheque for 5.5k with Ballymac Thelad third for Liam Dowling and 2.5k going his way.

English Derby



The first round of the Star Sports/TRC English Derby got underway in Towcester with heats run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. One hundred and ninety two dogs went to traps all vying to be on the winners podium in five weeks time. First run in 1927 it took place in the famed White City track until 1985. From 85 to 2017 it was ran in Wimbledon, 17 and 18 in Towcester, 19 in Nottingham and then back to Towcester since. Four dogs have won the English blue ribbon event twice, the one and only Mick The Miller, Patricias Hope, Rapid Ranger and the great Westmead Hawk. Charlie Lister OBE is the leading trainer in the Derby having won it seven times. This year there is a winners purse of 175k and expect that and trophy to come to this side of the Irish Sea.





Thursday, great start for the Irish hounds with four Irish dogs on the winners rostrum. De Lahdedah started the ball rolling for Kerry trainer Dowling, then Gowran trainer Paul Hennessy had a double with Jaytee Etienne and Boylesports Bob. Last years Irish Derby winner The Other Kobe completed the quintet although has changed trainer from Jennifer ODonnell to Graham Holland.





Friday, seven brilliant Irish winners with Holland having a bumper night with five in the winners enclosure. Clonbrien Treaty, Romeo Steel, Swords Rex, Faypoint Susie and last years winner of this stake Gaytime Nemo. Antigua Hawk won heat 18 for Pat Buckley with Hawkfield Blue rounding off a great night for the Irish for Ginger McGee.





Saturday, 15 Irish dogs went to traps in the final night in the first round and once again we were to the fore. Another five winners for the Emerald Isle, with a double for Pat Buckley in Road Exile and Glengar Martha and a double for Liam Dowling in Ballymac Slick and Ballymac Senan. Graham Holland completed the Irish winners in the first round with High Trend romping home and has put himself firmly in the picture to lift the trophy.

English Derby Betting

After thirty two heats in the first round leading Irish bookmakers Boylesports have installed both Clonbrien Treaty and top English hound King Memphis as joint 10/1 favourites. De Lahdedah is 14/1 second favourite with The Other Kobe and Barntick Bear at 16/1. 20/1 bar. Long way to go yet in this classic and expect shocks galore in the coming weeks.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, second round of the English Derby in Towcester, final of the Deadly Kennels Open 750 in Cork and quarterfinals of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks.





Tribune Offaly Dog Of The Week



Despite not winning Short Grip gets the nod this week for finishing second in the second round of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks in Shelbourne Saturday night only beaten three lengths in 28.28 for Rhode owner P.J. Cocoman.



Offaly Winners



Nine Offaly winners this week.Well done to all connections.
Gardai investigating the fatal explosion in Creeslough, Co Donegal, intend to submit a file on the incident to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Two people were arrested on Monday in relation to the October 2022 blast which saw ten people lose their lives.

The two, a man and a woman both aged in their 40s, were released without charge.

Four people have now been arrested in connection to the explosion with two men, both aged in their 50s, having been arrested and also released without charge in March.

Those arrests represented the first confirmation that the garda probe, which is being led by Gardai at Milford Garda Station, is a criminal one.

Ten people aged between five and 59, including four men, three women and three children, lost their lives in the horrific explosion at a filling station complex on October 7, 2022.

Gardai confirmed that the man and woman lifted by officers on Monday were since released without charge.

The investigation, led by Gardai in the Donegal Division, is ongoing with the intention of submitting a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, a Garda spokesperson.

An Garda Siochana has no further comment at this time.

Once a file has been submitted, the DPP will ultimately determine if criminal charges are to be brought against any persons and what those charges are to be.

The investigation is one of the most complex undertaken by gardai with over 1,350 lines of inquiry open and around 1,000 statements taken.

The two arrested on Monday were arrested for alleged offences contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

They were detained under the provisions of section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984 at separate Garda stations in Donegal.

The investigation is being co-ordinated from Milford Garda station where an Incident Room is established under the direction of a Garda Senior Investigating Officer.

The probe has been focussed on the gas system at the complex, including how it was operated and maintained.

The investigation continues to be led by local Gardai, in Donegal Division supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and other agencies including the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) & the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

DNV (Det Norske Veritas), a Norwegian company specialising in the investigation and testing of energy systems, were also drafted in to aid.

A Family Liaison Team with a dedicated Family Liaison Officer appointed to each deceased persons family is in place and continues to support the bereaved families.

It is understood that no inquests will be held until the garda investigation into the incident has concluded.

Five-year-old Shauna Flanagan-Garwe and her father, Robert Garwe (50) lost their lives, as did Catherine ODonnell (39) and her 13-year-old son, James Monaghan. Leona Harper, aged 14, and Jessica Gallagher (24) were killed along with shop assistant Martina Martin (49). James OFlaherty (48), Martin McGill (49) and Hugh Kelly (59) were the other victims of the horrific explosion.
Gordon Ramsay has caused a mixed reaction on social media as he sends a message to diners regarding the dress code at his resturaunts.

We would like all of our guests to feel free to express their own individual style however, we do ask guests to avoid shorts, tracksuits and hoodies. Smart trainers are fine. We know lots of our guests like to dress smartly which we appreciate! Ultimately we want every guest to feel at home.

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast, Noel Cunningham, TV personality and hotelier said: "I salute the man from a far. I think it is about time that people such as Gordon Ramsay and us as an industry start reminding people that when you go into a resturaunt that there are people there celebrating various things and we owe them the respect by being appropriately attired.

"I think standards and not just in resturaunts has deteriorated. Now people feel we can wear what we like, we can behave how we like and manners doesn't matter. Dressing in trainers is unacceptable and it looks bad. It can lead to staff wanting to dress inappropriately because their guests do. If I go into my local village today and I pop in for a coffee I don't want to see people disrespecting that space also. Of course it is acceptable to wear a hoodie and jeans there."

As an ambassador for Harvey's Point Hotel in Donegal and speaking on whether or not he ever had to turn guests away at an establishment, Noel said: "Thankfully for us people know what the expectation is. Sometimes people think it is okay to come down in their dressing gown for breakfast and we have to politely ask them to go back to their suite to get dressed. Everything is customer driven and Gordon Ramsay didn't pull this out of the air it was feedback from other diners and I love it."
Another arrest has been made as part of the investigation into the murder of a man in Limerick almost 14 years ago.

The body of Lee Slattery, 24, was discovered on the Delmege House estate near Moyross on May 31 2010.

Gardai arrested a man in his 30s on Tuesday, who is being detained at a Limerick Garda station under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

Earlier this month, a woman in her 30s was arrested in the Limerick area.

Two men aged in their 30s and 40s were arrested in the Limerick area, and were later released without charge.

A file is to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, gardai said.

Two other men were then arrested and on Friday were released without charge along with the woman aged in her 30s.

To date, 24 arrests have been made in connection with the investigation, including Tuesdays arrest.

Gardai continue to appeal to anyone with information to contact them at the incident room in Mayorstone Garda station at 061 456 980, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Domestically-developed large LNG carrier launched in NE China's harbor city

Xinhua) 08:15, May 28, 2024

This photo provided by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC) shows a domestically developed liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier with a payload capacity of 175,000 cubic meters being launched in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province on May 27, 2024. (DSIC/Handout via Xinhua)

DALIAN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A domestically developed liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier with a payload capacity of 175,000 cubic meters was launched on Monday in northeast China's harbor city of Dalian.

According to the shipbuilder, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC), this ship is the first large-scale LNG carrier built by the company, measuring 295 meters in length, 46.4 meters in width, and 26.2 meters in depth. It has a design draft of 11.5 meters and a service speed of 19.5 knots.

Additionally, the carrier is able to dock at most large LNG terminals worldwide, boasting excellent adaptability and ship-to-shore compatibility, said the company.

With a daily boil-off rate as low as 0.085 percent, the LNG carrier boasts high safety and stability, as well as minimal LNG loss during transportation.

This LNG vessel is scheduled for delivery in August 2025, after the commissioning phase for underwater mooring and the construction phase for the cargo containment system.

This photo provided by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC) shows a domestically developed liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier with a payload capacity of 175,000 cubic meters being built in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province on May 24, 2024. (DSIC/Handout via Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Nearly a month after Wells College announced it will close at the end of the academic year, an accreditor has taken action and provided additional comments about the Aurora institution's plan.

Teach-out agreements

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which oversees accreditation of colleges and universities, acted Monday to approve teach-out agreements between Wells College and 20 institutions. The approved teach-out schools include Manhattanville University. When Wells announced its closure, Manhattanville was identified as its preferred teach-out partner.

Teach-out agreements have been approved for Alfred University, Binghamton University, Daeman University, Excelsior University, Hartwick College, Ithaca College, Keuka College, Le Moyne Collge, Mercy University, Niagara University, Russell Sage College, St. Thomas Aquinas College, SUNY Brockport, SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Potsdam and the University of Pittsburgh.

Middle States postponed a decision on four teach-out agreements  Albion College, Beloit College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Roanoke College  "pending confirmation that a determination has not been made by an independent auditor expressing doubt about the institution's ability to operate as a going concern, or an adverse opinion on a finding of material weakness, and evidence that the institution is not under a provisional program participation agreement with the U.S. Department of Education."

Closing date

Wells College will close by June 30, according to Middle States. The date aligns with the end of the 2023-24 academic year.

The commission noted, though, that the college will close "while on probation and without prior approval." The accreditor previously criticized Wells for not properly planning its closure.

Legacy arrangements 'prohibited'

Middle States reminded Wells College and its teach-out partners that "exclusivity agreements and legacy arrangements are prohibited."

The commission's comment is an apparent response to a plan announced by Wells College that Manhattanville University will be its legacy partner.

Manhattanville University President Frank Sanchez told The Citizen that his institution is discussing how to incorporate Wells College's name, whether it's renaming a building or a school. Sanchez said the university would also establish a Wells College student advisory board.

But the commission's statement raises doubts about that potential legacy partnership.

Updated teach-out plan

Wells College must submit an updated teach-out plan by June 5. This isn't the same as the teach-out agreements already approved or reviewed by the accreditor.

The commission is seeking additional information, including whether Wells College has the "financial and human resources necessary to implement the teach-out plan" and is complying with federal and state laws.

"In accordance with commission policy and federal regulations, the teach-out plan must provide for the equitable treatment of students to complete their education or transfer to another institution, if the commission were to withdraw accreditation," Middle States said, adding it may reject the teach-out plan "if all of the required information is not provided."

Accreditation
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

Huawei transfers STELATOs Chinese trademark to BAIC BJEV

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. has recently transferred its registered  (the Chinese name of the STELATO brand) trademark for transportation vehicles to Beijing Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. (BAIC BJEV), according to Chinas corporate database Tianyancha. STELATO is a new electric vehicle brand jointly developed by Huawei and BAIC Group. Its first model, the STELATO S9, was unveiled at the Auto China 2024, positioned as a large luxury all-electric sedan with an expected price around 500,000 yuan.

STELATO S9; photo credit: BAIC Group

Geelys AEROFUGIA to establish global headquarters in Chengdu

On May 25, Geely Technology Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Chengdu Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone. According to the agreement, the two parties will leverage their respective strengths to establish the global headquarters and manufacturing base for AEROFUGIA, promoting the production of the companys self-developed eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) products.

NETA Auto so far receives over 30,000-unit orders for NETA L

Chinese new energy vehicle maker NETA Auto recently announced that since the official market launch of the NETA L on April 22, cumulative orders for the model have surpassed 30,000 units as of May 26.

Bosch delivers 3rd-gen multipurpose camera to Changan DEEPAL G318

Boschs Cross-Domain Computing Solutions division in China announced the successful delivery of the third-generation multipurpose evo camera for Changan Automobile's new energy vehicle brand DEEPAL, which will be installed onto the latters G318 model.

AVATR 07 set for market release in 2024

AVATR, the premium new energy vehicle brand backed by Changan Automobile, Huawei, and CATL, on May 27 revealed the color scheme for its upcoming AVATR 07 model, highlighting purple as its signature color.

MINIEYE files for IPO on Hong Kong Stock Exchange

On May 27, intelligent driving and smart cockpit solution provider Minieye Technology Co., Ltd. (MINIEYE) officially submitted its application for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

SAIC Motor announces new-generation technology foundations

At the New Energy Technology Conference held on May 24, SAIC Motor officially unveiled its next-generation technology foundation. Leveraging breakthroughs and applications in solid-state batteries, energy closed loops, high-efficiency powertrains, intelligent chassis, full-stack software architecture, and new electronic architecture, SAIC Motor's "seven technology foundations" have fully upgraded to the 2.0 era.

BYD celebrates opening of 100th dealership store in Brazil

On May 23 local time, BYD celebrated the grand opening of its 100th dealership in the Brazilian market, according to a post on one of its official WeChat accounts.

GAC Groups AION brand makes foray into Nepali market

On May 23rd, GAC AION held a launch event for its AION brand in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, with the country's first AION brand showroom opened at the same time, marking the brand's official foray into the Nepali market, according to a post on GAC AION's WeChat account.
General Robert E. Lee, leader of the Confederate Army, fought in opposition to democracy. America, for Lee, was a place where white men slaughtered the indigenous population by the millions and displaced the survivors--for land, for Lebensbaum, "living space," and kidnapped Africans and enslaved and exploited their labor and the labor of their descendants on plantations.





For Lee and his men flying the Confederate flag, America was a slave nation. America enforced violence: it's white men could and did rape black women. It's white men could torture, maim, and murder black men.





This was America for Lee and he was fine with it! For only white men pursued freedom.





As writer Clint Smith argues in How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America, Thomas Jefferson fought for the freedom of white men while white men kept their "boots on the necks of hundreds of others".





I recall that in school, we little black children learned to admire the great Jefferson. But, of course, we were never told about Sally. Or the many other black women Jefferson exploited. We learned about the great general. A hero, of sorts. And I was born and raised up north. In Chicago!





How is the word passed down the generations if not by people, writes Smith, "who have tasked themselves with telling the story of that place outside traditional classrooms and beyond the pages of textbooks". Smith visited "a mix of plantations, prisons, cemeteries, museums, memorials, houses, historical landmarks and cities". Wherever he traveled, he met formally or informally trained historians, who carried with "them a piece of this country's collective memory".

Somewhere along the way, on this journey toward a democratic society--for all--some of us have unearthed stories too. Collective memory from members of the lower caste have been raised to the surface by formally and informally trained historians and writers. Family stories, secondary to the dominant narrative's heroes, in pursuit of freedom. Democracy.





Lee, writes Smith, "didn't become open to the creation of a society based on racial equity; he actually opposed it". The Civil War cam about when Southern slaveholding states refused to end the exploitation of black people. Americans wanted blacks to remain unfree. Enslaved. Property. Blacks could continue to live on plantations, adhering to the rules of the dominant caste, which, in turn, put their collective faith in the narrative of white supremacy.





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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

Sometimes it seems as if we just can't learn, even when we're talking about America's centers of higher learning, its colleges and universities. In mid-April -- the day after being grilled and intimidated by House Republicans -- Columbia University's president Nemat "Minouche" Shafik decided not to listen to, or even negotiate with, her own students. Instead, she called in the police to dismantle a peaceful tent encampment protesting the horrors then underway in Gaza. For anyone who remembers the past history of on-campus antiwar protests, it was almost ludicrously predictable that, in doing so, she would launch a set of remarkably peaceful protests on more than 500 campuses nationwide that, despite the arrival of so many police on campus and nearly 3,000 arrests, have yet to end (and, in fact, have spread elsewhere on the planet).

And talking about not learning, imagine this: Last October 7th, the Israelis had a thoroughly grim set of war crimes committed against them by Hamas. Their response would prove to be a set of crimes so staggering that they've left Hamas's horrors -- and they were horrors of the first order -- in the shade, removing almost all sympathy for Israel globally.

Sound familiar? And the thing we so often forget, whether the subject is Israel and Gaza or student protests in this country, is that when such horrors occur, there's always a history that has, in some grim fashion, prepared the way for them.

With that in mind, consider Michael Gould-Wartofsky's latest piece on the all too many increasingly armed camps that now pass for colleges and universities. Such campuses, barricaded, walled off, and sometimes occupied by local police, don't come out of the blue either. In fact, Gould-Wartofsky has been writing about the creation of just such a "homeland security campus" for TomDispatch since 2008 -- about the creation, that is, of what, by 2012, he was already calling Repress U.! Tom

Repress U., Class of 2024

How to Build a Homeland Security Campus in Seven More Steps

By Michael Gould-Wartofsky

The academic year that just ended left America's college campuses in quite a state: with snipers on the rooftops and checkpoints at the gates; quads overrun by riot squads, state troopers, and federal agents; and even the scent of gunpowder in the air.

In short, in the spring semester of 2024, many of our campuses came to resemble armed camps.

What's more, alongside such brute displays of force, there have been congressional inquisitions into constitutionally protected speech; federal investigations into the movement for divestment; and students suspended, evicted, and expelled, not to speak of faculty disciplined or simply dismissed.

Welcome to Repress U., class of 2024: a homeland security campus for the ages.

But don't think it all only happened this spring. In reality, it's an edifice that's been decades in the making, spanning the George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden administrations. Some years ago, in the wake of Occupy Wall Street, I wrote a step-by-step guide to how the original homeland security campus was created. Let me now offer an updated manual on the workings of Repress U. in a newly oppressive era.

Consider the building of just such a homeland security campus a seven-step process. Here they are, one by one.

Step 1. Target the movement for divestment.

As a start, unconditional government support for the state of Israel triggered a growing movement of student dissent. That, in turn, came to focus on the imperial entanglements and institutional investments of this country's institutions of higher learning. Yet, instead of negotiating in good faith, university administrators have, with a few exceptions, responded by threatening and even inviting state violence on campus.

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Threats Targeting LGBTQIA+ Community and Pride Events - June 2024 United States, May 27, 2024 - As Pride Month approaches, TSERA Special Police urges the public to remain vigilant. Recent intelligence from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security has identified potentially credible threats from terrorist groups targeting the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month celebrations. Hate-based extremist and terrorist groups, including Foreign Terrorist Organizations, have historically targeted LGBTQIA+ events, seeking to 
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India - [May 28, 2024] - Dzinepixel Webstudios, a leading web development company based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, announces the launch of its budget-friendly website development services tailored specifically for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide. With a focus on affordability and quality, Dzinepixel Webstudios aims to support businesses of all sizes in establishing a strong online presence without breaking the bank. In today's digital era, having a professional 
Two years ago, Oregon lawmakers passed a new law requiring growers to provide farmworkers with overtime pay  a requirement opponents said could drive small, family-owned farms out of business.

In response, the state crafted a zero-interest loan program to help farmers cover that cost. But despite extensive outreach and marketing, much of the $10 million made available through the program remains untapped a year later, data shows.

To qualify for the awards, created under House Bill 2058, farmers must anticipate that they wont make more than $3 million in gross income in the calendar year and the loan must be repaid within two years.

An official with the Oregon Business Development Department, which operates as Business Oregon, says the agency hasnt seen much demand for the programs funds.

The states agricultural overtime law  which will fully phase in by 2027  also provides tax credits over six years to help farmers mitigate the overtime costs. The tax credit program also has barely been used, thus far.

Oregon has an estimated 35,500 farm operations that spread across 15.3 million acres, with an estimated 174,000 farmworkers.

We did not receive a significant amount of inquiries about the program after legislation passed and prior to opening the first round of funding, Nathan Buehler, a Business Oregon spokesperson, said of the loan initiative.

As of April 17, only $603,496, or 6.03%, of the programs funds have been disbursed since the first application period opened in late April 2023, Business Oregon data shows. A total of $9.4 million remains unused and will be available through June 30, 2025.

Business Oregon has received 36 applications for the program, Buehler said, but some withdrew or werent eligible. Twenty-five applicants were successful, with the average award of $27,431. The cap is $40,000.

Buehler said the agency saw demand taper off since mid-2023, but the money is still available for eligible entities to tap into should they need it.

With the current trend of applications received, the numbers suggest we will not run out of funding, he said.

Greg Addington, executive director for the Oregon Farm Bureau, referred questions to Jenny Dresler, director of regulatory affairs with Public Affairs Counsel.

Dresler, who is the Farm Bureaus contracted lobbyist and was engaged in the overtime law debates, said farmers expressed concerns about the way the program was structured. They had wanted grants instead of loans, she said.

She also pointed to 2023 being a difficult harvest year as a possible reason for the programs low participation.

Growers are not going to apply for the repayable award program, Dresler said, when there are other mechanisms available for them to control costs, such as capping workforce hours, increasing mechanization and switching to different crops.

A lot of the agricultural stakeholders said our folks are never going to borrow on a future that they dont know, she said.

Growers are currently echoing some of the same concerns as they push back on rule changes to improve farmworker housing.

The repayable award program hasnt been the only measure to see low interest, however.

The Oregon Department of Revenue received 369 applications in 2023 for the agricultural employer overtime tax credit program, said Rudy Owens, a spokesperson for the agency.

Those who applied and were eligible will be notified of their credit amount no later than June 1.

Thirty-two of those applications were from Oregons dairy sector, which includes an estimated 151 dairy farms. Farmers who are eligible to apply for the tax credit are also eligible to apply for the interest-free loan.

State officials say the low participation in the programs isnt due to a lack of outreach.

The Department of Revenue and Business Oregon conducted extensive outreach, such as holding listening sessions, attending events and conferences statewide, and advertising in multiple local media outlets.

We expect that the number of applications could grow for future years when the overtime threshold hours decrease, Owens said of the tax credit program. The department will continue to do outreach throughout the year.

Beginning in 2023, farmers were required to pay time and a half to workers who work more than 55 hours a week. The threshold will decrease to 48 hours in 2025, and to 40 in 2027.

Dresler said she couldnt guess at the reason for the low participation in the tax credits but pointed to concerns expressed by farmers in 2022. At the time, farmers said the tax credits were dysfunctional and inadequate.

Most operations were able to keep hours under the 55-hour threshold as a result of low harvest yields in 2023, she said. When asked why 2023 was a difficult harvest year, Dresler said she didnt know, but imagined there were some climate forces at play.

Patti Verduzco, communications director at PCUN, Oregons largest farmworkers union, didnt respond to inquiries about how the overtime law has been playing out for workers.

The overtime exemption for farm workers was enacted during the Jim Crow era. Oregon was the eighth state to grant overtime pay to farmworkers.

We are going to start to see a shift in what Oregon agriculture looks like in response to this policy, Dresler said. Maybe it becomes more mechanized and maybe we see a movement to other crops that dont require labor in the same way as we historically have.

Dresler, however, wasnt able to point to evidence that any farms have gone out of business or have been forced to sell their operations as a direct result of the laws implementation, thus far.

This story has been updated to clarify the operational name of the Oregon Business Development Department as Business Oregon.

Correction: An outdated figure of dairy farms in Oregon was used in a previous version of this story. As of late April, there were 151 dairy farms in Oregon, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

Yesenia Amaro is an investigative reporter with a focus on social issues and communities of color. Reach her at 503-221-4395; yamaro@oregonian.com

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com.
T-Mobile is buying U.S. Cellulars wireless operations and certain spectrum assets in a deal valued at $4.4 billion, and further consolidating the industry.

T-Mobile would get more than 4 million new customers and control of U.S. Cellulars wireless operations and about 30% of spectrum assets across several spectrum bands. T-Mobile will also enter into a new master license agreement on more than 2,000 towers and extend the lease term for the approximately 600 towers where T-Mobile is already a tenant.
The Historic Columbia River Highway will close for repaving between East Larch Mountain Road and the west end of the Vista House parking lot 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, May 29.

Oregon Department of Transportation crews will grind and repave this section of the road, which is prone to slides, according to a recent release.

This work is weather dependent, and Wednesday may have some light showers. If the work is suspended, the backup date is Thursday, May 30, which should be a completely dry day.

Travelers can still access Vista House during the road closure by heading west on the Historic Highway from the Bridal Veil area off Interstate 84 using exit 28.

For up-to-the-minute road reports visit TripCheck.com.
The news out of Medford in December 2023 was explosive: A nurse in the intensive care unit of a local hospital had reportedly stolen patients intravenous fentanyl and replaced it with unsterile tap water for months. Dozens of patients developed infections. At least three died.

But it wasnt the first time Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center had discovered an employee stealing narcotics.
Portlands hamburger universe is at an interesting juncture, with much of the excitement reserved for roving pop-ups and one-off specials. But while those burger happenings could become the burger standbys of the future, for todays purposes, weve put together a list of our favorite burgers you can eat every day, or at least close to it. Below youll find the five hamburgers every Portland burger fan should know, separated into five essential burger categories, including options for smash burger lovers and haters alike.

Portlands best bar burger: Tulip Shop Tavern

We organized these categories alphabetically, but its appropriate that bar burgers are at the top, since the field here includes several burgers that could be considered the citys very best (Canard has a case, as does Expatriate, which we smuggled into another category). At least thats what I think each time I bite into the Tavern Burger at Tulip Shop Tavern, a smash burger in name only, with a juicy quarter pound patty, American cheese, shredded lettuce, sliced pickles and special sauce on a fluffy milk bun. Tulip Shop, which made our guide to Portlands best restaurants this year (sorry!), has the look and appeal of a great dive bar, only one where every detail  from the hand-cut onion rings to the quality of the beers on tap  has been carefully considered.

Tip: Patty melt fans should drop by for Tulip Shops Monday-only special, which is every bit as good as the burger.

Details: 825 N. Killingsworth St., 503-206-8483, tulipshoptavern.com

Up next: The nightly burger show at the Mississippi Studios-adjacent Bar Bar (3943 N. Mississippi Ave.), the incredible White Castle-inspired steam burgers at Canard (734 E. Burnside St.), a true dive bar burger and fries at McPeets (4501 N.E. Fremont St.).

The Beast Burger at Farmer and the Beast has two high-fat patties, American cheese, yellow onion, iceberg lettuce and a Thousand Island-ish special sauce.Michael Russell | The Oregonian

Portlands best food cart burger: Farmer & The Beast

Jeff Larson and Schuyler Wallace opened Farmer & The Beast after meeting at David Machados final hotel restaurant, Tanner Creek Tavern, where they learned the menu-anchoring value of a good burger. Funnily enough, when I think of their forest green cart, the first thing I think of is salad. Thats because the Beast Burger here is something of a Trojan Horse, inviting you down only for the perfectly dressed greens and refreshing lemonade to invade your taste buds. Compared with some of Portlands smashiest smash burgers, the Beast Burger takes a gentler approach, though each of its two thin patties does get a nice sear on the griddle before it gets topped with melted American, shaved onion, plenty of pickles and special sauce on a bed of iceberg lettuce. Save room for salad.

Details: 1845 N.W. 23rd Place and 12675 S.W. First St., Beaverton; 971-319-0656; @farmerandthebeast

Up next: Portlands O.G. smash burger cart Burger Stevens (4237 N. Mississippi Ave.); a slightly elevated burger with pancake-flat patties, house pickles and brioche buns at Monster Smash (4500 S.E. Stark St.).

Portlands best restaurant burger: Omas Hideaway

Perhaps its because this was the first burger we tried after consuming 20 smash burgers back in 2021, but when we crave a burger that isnt a smash burger, this is the one we imagine. Born out of an Asian stoner food pop-up at Gado Gado, this Singaporean and Malaysian-inspired restaurant is just as comfortable serving char siu pork platters and noodle bowls as it is filet-o-fishball sandwiches and salted egg yolk fries. But theres just something about the way the juices of its thicker patty, cooked perfectly end-to-end, mingle with its yolk-y mayo, chili jam, American cheese, pickles and shredded lettuce. This is how all burgers should be.

Details: 3131 S.E. Division St., 971-754-4923, omashideaway.com

Up next: The eventual return of that tomato burger at Davenport (2215 E. Burnside St.), the Mexican-style hamburguesa at Guero (200 N.E. 28th Ave.), the original bistro burger from the bar side at Higgins (1239 S.W. Broadway).

A classic cheeseburger from MidCity Smash Burger in Southeast Portland.Samantha Swindler

Best smash burger: MidCity SmashBurger

When we named MidCitys then-$5 cheeseburger as the citys best smash burger, we didnt know what kind of uproar it would cause. Turns out, something about these simple, well-seasoned, surprisingly inexpensive burgers had a way of inflaming Portlanders passions. Love it or hate it (we still love it), MidCity, which started life as a pandemic pop-up on founder Mike Aldridges porch, now boasts a quartet of locations throughout Portland. MidCitys burgers, now $6, stand apart through little touches like fully melted cheese, properly griddled Franz Bakery bun and a superior smash given to each ball of beef. But the magic is in the pickle-rich burger sauce, a healthy dollop of which is applied both above and below each of the now-$6 burgers crisp patties.

Details: Visit midcitysmashedburger.com for hours, locations and other details.

Up next: The classic single with a side of McDonalds-esque fries at Bless Your Heart (5410 N.E. 33rd Ave.), the perhaps even more classic $6 cheeseburger at nearby Sure Shot (5013 N.E. 42nd Ave.), and while we havent yet tried newcomer Pleasure Burger (606 S.W. Broadway), what weve seen looks promising.

Portlands best throwback burger: Expatriate

As noted up top, were smuggling Expatriate into this category, which we initially intended to focus on older restaurants. But what could be more classic than the American Standard, a simple pair of burgers ($21) topped with gooey American cheese, Frenchs mustard, Heinz ketchup and thin-sliced white onion? As with Omas Hideaway, Expatriate specializes in a sort of Southeast Asian stoner food, with shrimp toast, wonton nachos and the like. Yet here at one of Portlands very best cocktail bars, this throwback burger just makes sense.

Details: 5424 N.E. 30th Ave., 503-867-5309, expatriatepdx.com

Up next: The lunch counter vibes and gooey cheeseburgers at the reopened Fullers Coffee Shop (136 N.W. Ninth Ave); the giant burgers and pastoral views at Helvetia Tavern (10275 N.W. Helvetia Rd., Hillsboro; the most classic of classic Portland burgers at Mikes Drive-In (3233 N. Lombard Ave.; also in Milwaukie, Oregon CIty and Tigard).

The Mr. Onion burger from Jojo's Pearl District restaurant.Michael Russell | The Oregonian

Bonus category!

Portlands best onion burger: Jojo

You could live your whole burger-eating life blissfully unaware of any rising or falling trends in the medium. So just trust me when I say that Oklahoma-style fried-onion burgers are all the rage this year. And while the Mr. Onion burger at Jojo isnt trying to be an Oklahoma-style burger, it does aim for maximum onion overload with alliums raw, caramelized and fried along with tangy Alabama white sauce and melted Tillamook cheddar.

Details: 902 N.W. 13th Ave., 971-429-7545, jojopdx.com

Up next: Portlands best-known onion ring burger at Slow Bar (533 S.E. Grand Ave.), the burger at Normandie (1005 S.E. Ankeny St.), with its alpine cheese, onion rings and 5-hour onions on brioche.

 Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com

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A deputy director of Medicaid policy in North Carolina is coming to Oregon to direct the states Medicaid program.

On July 24, Emma Sandoe will become the director of Oregons Medicaid program, which provides 1.4 million low-income people with medical, dental and mental health care, Oregon Health Authority officials announced Thursday. The Medicaid program has a budget of approximately $14 billion a year to provide care to more than one in four Oregonians.

Sandoe has worked in the North Carolina Medicaid program since 2019. In that role, she has served as the states liaison to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and overseen work in developing and implementing policies to improve health equity in North Carolinas health care system. Sandoe also has worked as the Medicaid liaison to tribal nations in North Carolina.

Oregon officials said Sandoe worked on North Carolinas Medicaid expansion, which started in December and will provide health care benefits to more than 450,000 people.

Her arrival comes at a critical time for Oregons Medicaid system. The states new five-year Medicaid plan received federal approval  and an additional $1.1 billion in federal funding  to provide housing, food and climate support by distributing air conditioners to improve overall well being.

In a statement, OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi said Sandoes record of expertise and innovation in health equity is a good fit for Oregon.

She brings both vision and pragmatism to this role, as well as strong relationships with our federal partners, which will enable Oregon to continue to set the pace in implementing vanguard Medicaid coverage and benefits that address the major health issues facing our communities, such as homelessness and climate change, Hathi said.

Sandoe, hired after a national search, succeeds Dana Hittle, who left in October for a leadership role in the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disabilities Services. Sandoes salary will be $171,312.

She said in a statement shes looking forward to starting her work in Oregon.

Im excited to collaborate with Medicaid staff and partners to expand access to care, improve peoples lives and eliminate health inequity, Sandoe said.

Vivian Levy, Oregons interim Medicaid Director, will continue to work as deputy director for Medicaid, Hathi said, praising Levys work in overseeing the system after Hittle left last fall.

Before working for North Carolina, Sandoe worked as a press secretary at the CMS and a budget analyst at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Sandoe also has taught health policy classes at Harvard University and Duke University. She received a doctoral degree in health policy and political analysis from Harvard University in 2019.

-- Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Boschs Cross-Domain Computing Solutions division in China announced the successful delivery of the third-generation multipurpose evo camera for Changan Automobile's new energy vehicle brand DEEPAL, which will be installed onto the latters G318 model.

Photo credit: DEEPAL

This project, developed by a local engineering team, achieved mass production in just five and a half months.

This marks Bosch's first global and Changan DEEPAL's first production project based on the third-generation multipurpose evo camera with 1R1V (single camera, single radar) configuration. The system supports SAE Level 2 advanced driving assistance features, including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Integrated Adaptive Cruise (ICA), and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). The evo camera can recognize speed bumps, enabling the "Active Magic Carpet" feature for DEEPALs air suspensions. This allows the suspension system to adjust for road undulations, enhancing comfort over speed bumps.

Bosch and DEEPAL plan to deepen their collaboration to drive innovation in intelligent driving technology, providing safer and more comfortable travel experiences for consumers. Incorporating artificial intelligence and new image processing algorithms, the camera supports long-range recognition of lane lines, targets, and other road users. The AI processing power is four times that of previous models, optimized for local Chinese scenarios, significantly improving recognition rates of stationary objects and irregular vehicles. Enhanced perception algorithms also improve performance in adverse weather and low-light conditions.

With Bosch's extensive global data, the camera can recognize traffic signs, road conditions, and participants in over fifty countries, meeting global functional and cyber safety standards. This offers reliable ADAS functions and supports local automakers' global expansion strategies.
A weak cold front will move over the region Tuesday bringing rain during the morning hours that transitions to showers by the afternoon.

The National Weather Service says a system near the panhandle of Alaska will shoot some moisture southward Tuesday that will linger into Wednesday creating cooler temperatures and damp conditions.

Portlands rain will be light with only about a tenth of an inch expected through Wednesday morning. The high temp will reach about 64 degrees. Showers continue through the afternoon and into the evening.

Wednesday has a 50% chance of showers but will have sun breaks too. The high temperature will be about 66 degrees.

Weather patterns will change on Thursday with some ridging expected. Skies will be mostly sunny, and temps will warm to about 71 degrees. Winds are expected to blow in a northerly pattern and could be breezy at times, especially along the coast and through the Willamette Valley.

Extended forecasts are showing continued high pressure into Friday, but once that moves eastward, its possible the weekend will come with showers. Temperatures forecasts are still in flux but should be about average for this time of year.
Unifor Supports Prioritization of Workers' Pensions in Northern Pulp Agreement

May 28, 2024 (Press Release) - Unifor welcomes news that fully funding the workers' pension plan is part of the agreement reached between the Province of Nova Scotia and Paper Excellence, the parent company of the Northern Pulp mill in Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada.

"Unifor members of Local 440 at Northern Pulp have endured uncertainty over their future and their retirement funds for years now, and it's imperative both parties to the agreement offer the basic respect to retirees and former employees by fully funding the pension plan," said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. "Hearing Premier Houston speak of the workers' pension funding being personally important to him gives us confidence the pension will be a priority."

The union will watch closely as the company conducts its feasibility study on the relocation of the pulp mill to another location in Nova Scotia.

"The possibility of bringing back some good union jobs in the forestry sector to rural Nova Scotia is encouraging but likely years away. It is promising to see the company and government working toward a solution for the mill site and the Nova Scotia forestry sector, as we urged over many years. Meaningful collaboration that respects all stakeholders is the only way we make progress," said Murray. "Our current focus is to make sure the retirees and former workers of Northern Pulp are made financially whole."

Unifor represented 220 members at Northern Pulp, prior to its shutdown in January 2020.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector and represents 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy, including 22,100 in the forestry sector.

SOURCE Unifor
Florida has become the first to permit doctors to administer cesarean sections outside of hospital settings, backing a private equity-owned physicians group's affirmation that this move will lessen expenses and allow a more soothing birthing environment.

OBGYN Cautions Against Conducting C-Sections in Doctor-Run Clinics

Nevertheless, the hospital industry and prominent obstetricians caution that performing C-sections in physician-operated clinics heightens risks for both mothers and infants during complications, despite recent shutdowns of maternity wards in certain Florida hospitals.

Cole Greves, head of the Florida chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, highlighted that these newly built clinics cannot guarantee the same level of safety as hospitals.

Roughly one-third of births in the US are cesarean sections, executed by doctors when they identified it's safer than vaginal delivery for either the mother or baby.

Florida Senator Gayle Harrell, the sponsor of the birth center bill, equates this change to the rise of outpatient surgery centers in the late 1980s, emphasizing parallels.

Harrell highlighted that birth centers would comply with accurate standards related to outpatient surgery centers, desiring to address maternity care gaps across the state.

Seventeen hospitals in Florida have closed their maternity units since 2019, often due to inadequate insurance reimbursement and high malpractice costs, as reported by the Florida Hospital Association.

CEO Mary Mayhew warns against comparing birth centers to ambulatory surgery centers, citing the increased dangers related to C-sections like hemorrhaging.

The Florida Legislature has authorized legislation allowing the establishment of "advanced birth centers," where physicians can undertake vaginal or C-section deliveries for women classified as low-risk.

Women's Care Enterprises, a private equity-owned entity, advocated for this change. Critics argue that this setup is an inadequate replacement for high-quality obstetric care and may exacerbate outcomes.

Approximately one-third of births in the United States are C-sections, performed when physicians judge them to be safer than vaginal delivery.

Read Also : Newborn Baby Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Caring for an Infant

C-Sections Performed Outside Hospitals Cost-Efficient Maternity Care

State Sen. Gayle Harrell, the bill's sponsor, likened it to the inception of outpatient surgery centers in the 1980s and asserted that birth centers would uphold rigorous standards for staffing and infection control.

Despite reservations from the Florida Hospital Association regarding the risks and implications for maternal and infant health, they refrained from opposing the bill due to the augmented Medicaid payments to hospitals for maternity care.

There are concerns about whether advanced birth centers can effectively address shortages in care, particularly in rural locales. The extent of insurance coverage for these centers remains uncertain.

Stephen Snow, a retired OB-GYN with Women's Care, disclosed intentions to establish an advanced birth center in Tampa or Orlando. He contended that these centers would be more cost-effective and pleasant for patients, although they also represent a business venture.

Kate Bauer, executive director of the American Association of Birth Centers, cautioned against potential confusion between these new centers and existing midwife-run birth centers. She characterized the new model as a risky deviation from standard care.

The sole analogous facility is a birth clinic in Wichita, Kansas, linked to a hospital, which benefits from shared staff and swift patient transfer in case of complications.
The child care crisis among U.S. military families is facing challenges with affordability and accessibility.

The child care problems have since been exacerbated by the pandemic, which saw over 100,000 workers exit the child care industry and more than 16,000 child care centers permanently close. However, for military families, these problems are even more severe due to their unique lifestyle and demands.

The repercussions of these shortages are not only straining families but also affecting the nation's ability to retain soldiers, potentially threatening military readiness.

Military Child Care System Under Pressure

According to Francisco Jamison, chief of military programs and strategy for Child Care Aware of America, the gravity of child care shortage is now deeply affecting military families, putting a strain on marriages and re-enlistment.

Since Congress mandated the establishment of a formal child care system within the Defense Department in 1989, the Pentagon has developed the largest employer-run child care operation in the United States.

This system provides subsidized care to over 200,000 children. Despite its vast reach, military child care programs have not been immune to the post-pandemic workforce shortages. Currently, around 9,000 children are on extensive waitlists for military-run child care centers.

Military families find themselves with limited alternatives. Private day cares, also grappling with staffing shortages, often have waitlists stretching from one to two years. This timeframe is impractical for families who frequently relocate on short notice. Hiring a full-time babysitter presents another challenge due to the substantial financial burden it places, particularly on lower-ranked service members.

A survey by Blue Star Families, a nonprofit advocating for military households, underscores the depth of the problem. One-third of active-duty spouses reported an inability to secure the necessary child care to work, which often forces families to live on a single income.

Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, remarked, "In the 21st century, working-class and middle-class Americans need two incomes to meet their family goals. Employment is the No. 1 concern for military spouses when they say what their concerns are about their current lifestyle, and it's a top reason why people would consider leaving the military prior to retirement."

Read Also: North Carolina Mom Goes TikTok Viral for Unique Baby Name Search in Cemetery

Legislative Proposals to Alleviate the Child Care Challenges for Military Families

The Army has been particularly proactive in addressing the child care shortage. Lt. Gen. Kevin Vereen, who oversees the Army's child care operations, pointed out that approximately 23% of its child care positions remain unfilled, down from 37% in 2022.

To attract more workers, the Army has introduced recruitment bonuses of around $2,000 and increased wages to between $18 and $33 per hour. Additionally, the Army offers discounted child care for workers and access to lower-cost groceries at base commissaries.

Weekend child care services have also been initiated in 20 states for Army Reserve and National Guard members.

Lt. Gen. Vereen acknowledged a significant hurdle: the military's rigorous hiring process. Prospective child care workers must pass a background check and obtain clearance to work on a base, extending the hiring timeline by one to two months. This delay can deter potential employees who receive quicker offers from other employers.

Similarly, the Air Force is addressing the issue by providing free tuition for one child and a 25% discount for additional children of child care workers.

The Air Force has also proposed a $40 million investment to construct new facilities and expand existing ones to accommodate more children. Legislative efforts are also underway. A Senate bill aims to help child care providers near military bases improve their staffing.

Additionally, a House bill proposes funding child care for military spouses actively seeking employment, which could alleviate financial pressures and enable dual-income households.

As military families continue to face these substantial child care challenges, the combined efforts of the military branches and legislative bodies are crucial in working toward sustainable solutions.
I recently came across a story that I had heard before about the late Queen Elizabeth II. I heard it once when she was still alive, and then again during the period of mourning shortly after her death. I think that its really funny, so Im sharing it here just in case somebody reading my blog hasnt heard it. (I aim to serve.)

A funny and true story about the Queen:

Around 2005, the Queen and her Personal Protection Officer, Dick Griffin, were walking alone one afternoon in the hills near the Scottish royal castle, Balmoral. Two tourists approached them, and engaged in conversation. Griffin recalls: There were two hikers coming towards us, and the Queen would always stop and say hello. Follow Royal Family Page They were two Americans on a walking holiday. It was clear from the moment we stopped that they hadnt recognized the Queen, which was fine. The American gentleman was telling the Queen where they came from, where they were going next, and where theyd been in Britain. I could see it coming, and sure enough, he said to Her Majesty: And where do you live? She replied: Well I live in London, but Ive got a holiday home just the other side of the hills. He said: How long have you been coming up here? She replied: Ive been coming up here ever since I was a little girl, so over 80 years. You could see the cogs whirring, so he said: Well, if youve been coming up here for over 80 years, you must have met the Queen. Quick as a flash, she said: I havent, but Dick here meets her regularly. The hiker then asked Griffin what the monarch was like in person. Because I was with her a long time, and I knew I could pull her leg, I said: Oh, she can be very cantankerous at times, but shes got a lovely sense of humour. The next thing I knew, this guy comes round, puts his arm around my shoulder, and before I could see what was happening, he gets his camera, GIVES IT TO THE QUEEN & says: Can you take a picture of the two of us? Then we swapped places, & I TOOK A PICTURE OF THEM WITH THE QUEEN. And we never let on, and we waved goodbye. Afterwards, Her Majesty said to me: Id love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to his friends in America, and hopefully someone tells him who I am.

Speaking of walking around, my wife and I joined a walking tour today that covered five of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites that are located here in Ravenna or very nearby. (Alas, though, nobody seems to have failed to recognize my status as a monarch.) We again visited the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Church of San Vitale, which we had visited yesterday evening. (That visit was much more satisfying, and Im happy that we were able to do it; almost nobody was there and our time was unrestricted. During much of the day here, time in the smaller sites is strictly limited to five minutes. And there were lots of school children and at least one tour group from a cruise ship.) We also visited the so-called Neonian Baptistery, the Basilica of SantApollinare Nuovo, and the Archiepiscopal Chapel  all of which were constructed in the fifth and sixth centuries. They are grouped by UNESCO under the collective title of Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna and the mosaics in them are, truly, fascinating specimens of Christian art in Late Antiquity.

I cannot think of Byzantine mosaics, whether here or in ancient Constantinople (Byzantium) itself without thinking of William Butler Yeatss famous poem Sailing to Byzantium. The whole poem is well worth attention, but the third stanza is particularly relevant in this context:

O sages standing in Gods holy fire As in the gold mosaic of a wall, Come from the holy fire, perne in a gyre, And be the singing-masters of my soul. Consume my heart away; sick with desire And fastened to a dying animal It knows not what it is; and gather me Into the artifice of eternity.

Is it ironic? For reasons that I wont go into here, I actually dont think it is: But I also cannot help but think of Gustav Klimts famous painting Der Kuss, a copy of which hangs in our house in Utah. It seems that Klimts use of gold leaf in his paintings was inspired by a 1903 trip that he made to Italy  and specifically to the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna.

Ive long regarded it as a virtual certainty that Hieronymus Boschs painting Ascent of the Blessed was inspired by someones account to him of a tunnel-like near-death experience. I can scarcely conceive that this was not the case; the resemblance of the painting to that common NDE element is simply too obvious.. In the matter of the gold background of Byzantine mosaics, which most authorities explain as representing the divine light of God, the thought has repeatedly occurred to me, albeit with slightly less assurance, that it may similarly represent memories of near-death experiences. Those who have undergone NDEs repeatedly tell about the brilliance of the light that they encountered, and they very often describe it as golden.

Posted from Ravenna, Italy
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On May 23rd, GAC AION held a launch event for its AION brand in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, with the country's first AION brand showroom opened at the same time, marking the brand's official foray into the Nepali market, according to a post on GAC AION's WeChat account.

Photo credit: GAC AION

The event took place at the Thapathali showroom, located in a prime area of Kathmandu. The new showroom covers an area of approximately 210 square meters and features a modern glass facade, making it a distinctive presence on the city's auto brand street.

The AION Y, the first AION-branded model introduced to Nepal, was unveiled at the event. It is one of GAC AION's best-selling pure electric SUVs.\

Photo credit: GAC AION

In addition to the AION Y, GAC AION plans to launch several new models in Nepal this year. These vehicles are designed to handle Nepal's challenging terrain and varied climate, offering efficient, reliable, and enjoyable travel experiences to the local people. With abundant water and electricity resources, developing intelligent electric vehicles is part of Nepal's national action plan. GAC AION, with its extensive experience in manufacturing and selling new energy vehicles, is well-positioned to support Nepal in advancing its electric vehicle sector and accelerating its energy transition.

Entering the Nepali market is another milestone in GAC Group's "1551" internationalization strategy, contributing to the economic and trade cooperation between China and Nepal under the "Belt and Road" initiative and promoting green development in the region. Looking ahead, GAC aims to continually improve its sales and service network, introduce more new energy vehicle models, meet the diverse needs of the local market, and provide sustainable mobility solutions for Nepal.
Martin Amidu, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has launched a scathing attack on leading figures of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including the National Chairman of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, over criticism of a petition he supposedly filed for the removal of the Special Prosecutor.



The national chairman of the NDC expressed serious concerns about the petition to remove Kissi Agyebeng, which was reportedly filed by Martin Amidu, questioning his credibility.



Nketiah said that he was surprised that Amidu, who previously referred to President Akufo-Addo as the "mother serpent of corruption," would now seek the president's help in a corruption-related matter.



He asked Amidu, a former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, if his opinion of Akufo-Addo as the "mother serpent of corruption" had changed.



"He shouldn't have done that at all. I am still trying to understand why. Comrade Martin, have you abandoned your view that Nana Akufo-Addo is the mother serpent of corruption?



"Or do you still hold that view? If you still hold that view, when you came to a roadblock that I want to do this thing against the finance minister and the president said no way, you resigned and came to open up," Nketiah said.



Reacting to this in a statement cited by GhanaWeb, Amidu accused Asiedu Nketiah of tarnishing his image without even verifying that he authored the said petition.



He also indicated that the NDC national chairman is the last person to speak on matters regarding credibility.



He accused Asiedu Nketiah of engaging in numerous illegal activities, including his role on the Parliamentary Service Board.



"The Chairman of the NDC, a person presumed to be of high moral character and proven integrity, permitted himself to be appointed by a self-confessed corrupt NDC Speaker of Parliament onto the Board of the Parliamentary Service despite a glaring and impermissible conflict of interest under Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution.



"Only idiots will cherish the moral values of such a Chairman of the NDC. In any case, Asiedu Nketiah and John Mahama, have you ever heard that as a politically exposed person, I set up a stevedoring company and was assisted by GPHA to milk Ghanaians during the regime of any of the Governments under which I served? Did I publicize the facts about Asiedu Nketiahs stevedoring business at Tema as the Special Prosecutor before I sent Joshua Hamidu Akamba to warn him about attacking my integrity?" he said.



Amidu, a former Special Prosecutor, also accused the NDC national chairman of using his power to acquire an oil and gas company which is managed by his son.



"Asiedu Nketiah, I wish to refresh your memory that the abbreviated name of the stevedoring company which was also involved in oil and gas, etc., is KMSC, and to remind you that the partners you used your public position to cheat out of the company for your son you brought from Canada to manage KMSC are still aggrieved and alive."







Source: ghanaweb.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.

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The Chairman of Groupe Ndoum and the owner of the defunct Gold Coast Fund Management Company, Dr. Papa Kwesi Ndoum, is claiming that the government still owes two of his companies and other subsidiaries over GH7 billion.



This follows the revocation of licenses by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of 53 fund management companies, including Gold Coast Fund Management, in 2019, resulting in the freezing of depositors funds. For years, depositors and investors have been demanding the return of their funds without success.



As part of a renewed effort to revive his companies, Dr. Ndoum has called on the government to reimburse contractors who borrowed money from Groupe Ndoum.



He stated that if the government had paid some of the contractors years ago, his companies would not have had the current financial challenges.



A debt that used to be GH1.8 billion is now more than GH7.1 billion. It is growing every day with interest. So the government of Ghana and its agencies, if they had paid us even one-third of that money to the contractors six years ago, there wouldnt be a Gold Coast or Black Shield problem, said Dr. Ndoum.



He further added, If the government doesnt have the money, let us come up with a payment plan. They pay us, the customers get paid.



The collapse of the Gold Coast Fund Management Company and the subsequent freezing of depositors funds have been a major concern for many Ghanaians.



The governments alleged debt to Groupe Ndoum has only added to the ongoing financial crisis.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.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.

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On Sunday, May 26, 2024, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) rescue team recovered the dead body of a man who tragically fell victim to the recent torrential rains and subsequent flooding in the Nanakrom area.



The victim, whose name was withheld, was swept away by the powerful floodwaters and found deceased in a nearby waterway.



The Adentan Municipal NADMO rescue team, in collaboration with and with the support of the NPP parliamentary candidate, Akosua Manu aka Kozie worked tirelessly to locate and retrieve the body. The team worked around the clock to ensure the recovery of the deceased.



The body was later handed over to the family and religious leaders for burial, in accordance with Islamic customs and traditions as the deceased man was a Muslim.



The community came together to pay their respects and offer condolences to the grieving family.



The PC, Kozie has expressed her condolences to the bereaved family and urges all to be extra careful during this rainy season.



Akosua Manu as part of her commitments has assured community stakeholders that she would work around the clock to provide relief to victims in flooded areas.

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.

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The High Court in Accra has reportedly dismissed the case of former Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, who sued her ex-husband, Tony Lithur, for tarnishing her image in Ghana and abroad.



According to Accra-based GHOne TV, the court ruled that there was no justification for the former minister's action, who was demanding general damages of US$500,000.00 and exemplary damages of US$1 million from her ex-husband.



"Accra High Court dismisses $1.5 million suit filed by Nana Oye Bampoe Addo against her ex-husband, Tony Lithur, for no reasonable cause of action," part of a post shared by GHOne TV on Monday, May 27, 2024, reads.



The media house also indicated that the court imposed a GH5000 cost on Oye Bampoe Addo.



The ruling of the court comes after Tony Lithur filed a notice of appearance to challenge a libel action brought against him by his former wife, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, a former gender minister.



In papers filed in April 2024, the former minister, who is also a lawyer, is seeking US$1.5 million in damages for libelous assertions by her former husband in their divorce petition filed years ago.



In Lithur's notice of appearance filed on May 14, 2024, he was seeking "an order dismissing or staying or striking out the Plaintiff's (Nana Oye) writ of summons and statement of claim."



According to Accra-based Starr FM, the motion of appearance was filed in pursuance of Order 11 Rules 18(1)(a)/(b)/(d) and was set to be moved on May 27, 2024.



In his filings, Lithur stated three grounds on which he wanted the matter dismissed, stayed, or struck out.



"Take notice that the Plaintiff shall move the Honourable Court for an order dismissing or staying or striking out the Plaintiff's writ of summons and statement of claim filed on April 25, 2024, on grounds (a) that they do not disclose a reasonable cause of action against the Defendant; and/or (b) that the same are frivolous and vexatious; and/or (c) that they constitute an abuse of the process of the Court; and for such further order(s) as the Court may deem fit," he stated.



Nana Oye Bampoe Addo Drags Ex-Husband to Court in $1.5 Million Damages Suit



At the heart of the latest suit is the "alleged malicious contents of the divorce petition Mr. Lithur filed on May 2, 2018, to end their 27-year-old marriage," a report by The Chronicle newspaper said.



According to Nana Oye, this has since caused her reputational damage at home and abroad.



She added that the divorce has also maliciously caused hatred, ridicule, and public odium against her.



"The divorce petition, which was variously reported by the media, stated that the Plaintiff was a lazy, irresponsible mother, an adulterous, cruel and violent person, as well as engaged in acts that contradict her professional ethics as a human rights lawyer. These claims, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo says, have maliciously injured her image.



"Nana Oye (Plaintiff) said Mr. Lithur's (Defendant) claims could be understood to mean that she is a cruel and violent philanderer, adulteress, human rights violator, mean and wicked person, and unfit to hold public office.



"In reference to the divorce petition, the former minister said her ex-husband accused her, as a human rights lawyer, of acts of cruelty and violence, including pouring water, beating, slapping, and using her fingernails to harm their domestic staff," portions of the suit sighted by GhanaWeb read.







Source: ghanaweb.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.

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At the 8th Ghana CEO Summit debate, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia outshined former President John Dramani Mahama in a spirited exchange of ideas and policies.



The debate, a highlight of the summit, brought together two of Ghana's prominent political figures to discuss critical issues affecting the country's economy and development.



Dr. Bawumia, known for his economic acumen, presented a compelling case for the current administration's policies, emphasizing the strides made in digital transformation, financial inclusion, and infrastructural development.



He highlighted the government's achievements in the various sectors of the economy and the social intervention programs that have positively impacted millions of Ghanaians.



In contrast, Mr Mahama critiqued the government's performance, focusing on areas where he believes more progress is needed.



He raised concerns about unemployment, the rising cost of living, and what he described as the administration's failure to effectively manage public resources. Mahama proposed alternative strategies to address these issues, drawing on his experience as a former president.



Despite Mahama's strong arguments, many attendees and analysts felt that Bawumia's detailed responses and data-driven approach gave him the edge in the debate.



Dr Bawumia's ability to clearly articulate the government's vision and achievements resonated with the audience, reinforcing his reputation as a knowledgeable and effective leader.



The debate was a key event at the Ghana CEO Summit, which brings together business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss and shape the future of Ghana's economy.



This year's summit focused on fostering innovation, driving sustainable growth, and building resilient institutions.



The spirited exchange between Dr Bawumia and Mr Mahama underscored the importance of robust dialogue and debate in a democratic society, providing valuable insights into the policies and visions of Ghana's leading political figures.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/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.

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It was an interesting spectacle to behold on Monday, May 27, 2024, at the 8th Ghana CEOs Summit in Accra, Ghana following developments as the event was ongoing.



Organisers had arranged for the two main Presidential contenders for the 2024 polls, Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and former President and flagbearer of the main opposition party NDC, John Dramani Mahama to speak.



Given his official trip to Canada and the USA, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia could not make a live appearance but opted to participate in the event through Zoom given its significance.



Unknown that Vice President Bawumia was monitoring his presentation, former President Mahaha started on a spirited note, thinking he was the sole speaker. In a sudden twist to happenings, the host Jerry Adjorlolo read a text message message from the Vice President indicating that he has listened to former President Mahama and is prepared to respond to him.



Mr Mahama's mood immediately switched, and he started to fumble over what was not immediately known.



The message sent by Vice President Bawumia read:



"Jerry, please let the moderator know I have been listening from the beginning, and Ive heard the entire submission of my brother, former President Mahama. I am poised and ready to respond to his boot for boot and ask that he sits and listens to my submission as I have done for him,"



In the ensuing melee, it was as if Mr Mahama was terrified to learn that his contender in the 2024 polls Dr Bawumia was listening to him and feared that he could be fact-checked. Immediately after the message was read, Mr Mahama's Hugh tempo presentation changed, and he started fumbling.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/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.

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President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed worry over the Finance Minister, Dr. Amin Adams decision, to pump GH 2.3 billion into the ailing National Investment Bank to resuscitate it.



According to him, he does not see the need for investing such a huge amount into a financial; institution that has not made profit since 2013.



Mr. Franklin Cudjoe made this assertion on his Facebook wall while reacting to the comments by the Finance Minister, Dr. Amin Adam, of governments decision to inject money into the bank to see its revamp.



Mr. Cudjoe said, That bank must just be killed. Politicians of all shades have pillaged the state bank and yet, successive governments keep fueling it with our taxes, especially during elections! The states loot-happy bank, has never recorded a $1 profit since 2013. Even in debt-distressed state, we continue this shackling! This is completely unacceptable!



The National Investment Bank has faced a plethora of financial challenges with liabilities exceeding 2 billion as at October, 2023.



Following the challenges being faced by the Bank, the minority in Parliament had urged the government to undertake significant restructuring of the ailing NIB in order to prevent the Banks total collapse.



Although this was greatly disapproved by financial experts such as Dr. Atuahene, the minority caucus posited that, there was a viable alternative to the Banks woeful predicament.



Established through an act of parliament and regulated by the Bank of Ghana, the NIB bank currently has over 70% of the Banks portfolio made up of loans to the Ghanaian private sector who are yet to pay off the loans.



With the current economic challenges and banking crisis, analysts suggest the banks Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) to both government and the private sector could be higher and negatively affect its financial standings.



The Bank is experiencing turbulent waves following a switch from its primary duties as bank for local industries and companies to a universal Bank that focuses on development and commercial banking activities.



In his monthly economic update report on Friday, May 24, Dr. Amin Adam stated that, The Bank of Ghana and the Minister of Finance have designed and would soon begin the implementation of a credible, comprehensive and cost-effective plan that seeks to address NIBs challenges, adding that the cabinet has approved a plan for the restructuring and recapitalisation of the National Investment Bank (NIB).



Dr. Amin Adam said, As part of the implementation of the PCPEG, the cabinet has approved the plan for restructuring and recapitalisation of the National Investment Bank (NIB). This will require an injection of about GH 2.3 billion and this will be done over the next 12 months.



He added that, The first tranche of GH400 million is expected to be transferred to the National Investment Bank before the end of this month. This demonstrates our commitment to implementing the recapitalisation and restructuring programme of NIB. The plan also includes measures to strengthen the governance structure. The government has intervened in NIB in the past and so this time around, the capital intervention is going to be backed by governance reforms in NIB in order to assure us and the people of Ghana to their money that would be put into NIB would be managed well.



In the view of Franklin Cudjoe, it is an absolute waste of resources to inject funds of this magnitude into a bank that has not made any tangible gains since 2013.

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.

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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a member of Parliament for North Tongu constituency in the Volta region, has served a notice to the officials of the Ghana Police Service of his intended demonstration against the purported sale of hotels belonging to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).



The North Tongu lawmaker stated that, it is not in the best interest of the country that 60% of shares belonging to SSNIT be sold to Rock City Hotel, belonging to the Abetifi Member of Parliament and the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.



The lawmaker, who has been active with oversight of government businesses and projects, has been very vociferous in opposition to the sale of the hotels.



According to Mr. Ablakwa, due process was not followed and procurement procedures were violated.



Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) seeking an investigation into the sale of the hotels owned by SSNIT.



In a letter from the office of the lawmaker dated, 23rd May, 2024, addressing the Greater Accra Regional police commander, Okudzeto Ablakwa stated, pursuant to the public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491), this serves as a formal notice to your outfit that a consideration number of Ghanaians from all walks of life intend to demonstrate against the unconscionable sale of SSNITs stake in hotels to Rock City owned by the current minister for food and Agriculture, Hon. Bryan Acheampong.



The proposed date for the demonstration is June 18, 2024 at 9am in the fore noon.



The demonstration, according to Ablakwa is to commence from the frontage of Labadi Beach Hotel, through to La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, then eventually make its final stop at the Jubilee House where a petition is expected to be presented to President Nana Akufo-Addo.



"As you are aware, it has been a week since I drew the nations attention to scandalous and unpatriotic efforts to sell SSNITSs hotels to Rock City. I promptly filed a complaint at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Friday, May 17, 2024.



Expressing his dismay to the dead silence of the government over the sale of the SSNIT hotels, Hon. Ablakwa asserted, regrettably, despite the national outrage, unambiguous demands from Organized Labour and Civil Society Organizations that the sale be stopped, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has refused to listen to the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians who have loudly condemned this sale."



Considering that the deal is about to be finalized and noting that the Agric Minister has been offering strange public justifications for his conduct, which reveals that the government intends to continue with this putrefying arrangement albeit with impunity; in these circumstances, as citizens, we are compelled to enter the next phase of our national resistance.



He concluded by saying, We hope we can count on the Ghana Police Service to cooperate in this defining matter of enormous public interest, and as expected of your institution under Act 491.

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.

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Member of Parliament (MP) for Offinso North, Augustine Collins Ntim, has incurred the wrath of constituency secretaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region following remarks considered counterproductive to the Bawumia presidential bid.



Ntim, a former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Offinso during the Kufuor presidency and a former Deputy Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development under the Akufo-Addo government, addressed a meeting of the constituency secretaries group at the Bawumia 2024 campaign office at Asokwa in Kumasi on Sunday, May 26, where statements he made relating to the choice of running mate of the flagbearer, did not go down well with the gathering.



Stab in the back



Ntim reportedly stated that there is no need for Dr Bawumia to pick his running mate from the Ashanti Region because the region will vote for the NPP no matter where the running mate comes from.



On that score, he insisted that the Ashanti Region give their support to Irene Naa Torshie Addo, who is from the Greater Accra Region for the running mate position.



Shock



His pronouncement came as a shock to the gathering as they saw it as jittering the very region that had made him in politics.



As an Ashanti, who at various times in his political career rode on the back of the NPPs stronghold to occupy respectable positions in government, Ntim, by his comments, was seen by the constituency secretaries as an ungrateful person.



Staunch Christian



Again, in his speech at the meeting of constituency secretaries, Ntim sought to create the impression that Dr Bawumia, in the present state, cannot win the votes of the Christian community.



According to the former deputy minister, it is clear that many Christians will not vote for the NPP flagbearer if he doesnt get a staunch Christian as his running mate.



Based on that, he suggested that Naa Torshie is the best fit for the running mate.



Reaction of discontent



This drew a reaction of discontent from the gathering.



To the constituency secretaries, it is untenable for an experienced politician like Ntim to suggest that Dr Bawumia does not have the support of Christians.



They rebuked him for trying to destroy the Bawumia campaign.



Their position was based on the cordial relations Dr. Bawumia has built with the Christian community, which has been widely acknowledged by highly respected men of God, and the general Christian community.



Personal gains



The consensus among the constituency secretary caucus of the party was that Ntim was pursuing personal gains from Naa Torshie who is the administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to enhance his battered political image.



Having lost his parliamentary primary, and also his position as deputy minister, the Offinso North MP may be looking for some support from the DACF administrator to salvage some of the lost image.



Apology demanded



As details of the former deputy ministers comments spread across the Ashanti region, a group calling itself Concerned Ashanti NPP Youth, has condemned the MP and asked him to apologise unreservedly or face their wrath.







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.

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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- At the New Energy Technology Conference held on May 24, SAIC Motor officially unveiled its next-generation technology foundation. Leveraging breakthroughs and applications in solid-state batteries, energy closed loops, high-efficiency powertrains, intelligent chassis, full-stack software architecture, and new electronic architecture, SAIC Motor's "seven technology foundations" have fully upgraded to the 2.0 era.

Photo credit: SAIC Motor

Following the trends of "scenario-driven value, software-defined vehicles, and data-determined experience," SAIC Motor is shaping a new "technological life form" that integrates chips, operating systems, software, motion control systems, and three electric systems into the corresponding vehicle scenarios. This is to make new cars "smarter brains, stronger bodies, and more powerful hearts." SAIC Motor is gathering global R&D resources to develop seven technical foundations including batteries, electric drives, super hybrid systems, and full-stack intelligent vehicle solutions, as well as three major vehicle platformsBEV (battery electric vehicle), PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), and hydrogen energy.

The volume production and application of the first-generation "technology foundations" supported SAIC Motor in the continuous breakthrough of its self-owned brand businesses and powering joint ventures. In 2023, SAIC Motor's new energy vehicle (NEV) sales and overseas sales reached 1.123 million and 1.208 million units respectively, achieving new highs over the results achieved in 2022. In 2023, SAIC Motor's self-owned brands accounted for 55.3% of the group's total sales.

This year, the latest technologies such as solid-state batteries, intelligent vehicle "central brains," and digital smart chassis have been put into mass production and applications. SAIC Motor has redefined the concept of "new cars" by deconstructing the vehicle system into "perception, cloud super brain, big and small brains, and line control execution mechanisms," and then reconstructing the system according to a smart human-like architecture: integrating perception architecture to digitize scenario information; deploying AI large models on the "cloud super brain" for self-learning and evolution; distilling learning outcomes to the edge "smart brain" to make planning decisions based on scenarios; the "agile small brain" coordinates real-time, reliable, and stable movement in three directions and six degrees of freedom of the line control chassis. This makes smart electric vehicles akin to high-speed mobile intelligent robots.

SAIC's software arm Z-One has clarified the roadmap for the full-stack architecture of intelligent vehicle cloud management: Z-One Galaxy's Full-stack solution 1.0 achieved "domain centralization," focusing on Level 2++ intelligent driving, smart cockpit, and OTA; Full-stack 3.0 achieves "centralized + regional control," focusing on cost control and Level 3 autonomous driving; future Full-stack 4.0 solutions will focus on smart human-like architecture, AI large models, and AI OS, supporting Level 4/Level 5 autonomous driving.

In 2022, SAIC Motor launched the intelligent vehicle full-stack technology solutionZ-One Galaxy Full-stack 1.0, which has successfully evolved to version 3.0. The "cerebrum" cockpit driving integrated central computing unit and the "cerebellum" vehicle central coordination motion controller (VMC) are developed collaboratively in electronics and software. The VMC, as a regional controller, becomes a critical node in Full-stack 3.0, sharing vehicle sensing and execution signals comprehensively. This enables centralized control of three-direction six-degree-of-freedom motion, and later can achieve features like variable driving characteristics and slip-free driving and braking, providing users with ultimate safety, comfort, and energy efficiency. Furthermore, the Full-stack 3.0 solution fully supports edge applications of large models and production-oriented Level 3 autonomous driving solutions. SAIC Motor, together with partners, has introduced the "ecosystem domain," extending smartphones and other smart terminals into a domain of intelligent vehicles, allowing more brands' smart terminals to connect to Galaxy Full-stack, achieving a seamless smart experience. Currently, SAIC Motor's "ecosystem domain" covers several smartphone brands including OPPO, vivo, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Apple.

The Galaxy Full-stack 3.0 is being gradually installed on vehicles in 2024 and will be fully implemented in 2025. It will effectively reduce the low-voltage power consumption of the vehicle, halve the number of controllers, increase data bandwidth fivefold, reduce wiring harness length by 30%, and shorten OTA download and installation times to under 30 minutes.

Photo credit: SAIC Motor

The "Xingyun" (translating to "Nebula") pure electronic platform realizes broader model gradient coverage, covering the luxury and mid-level car markets, and fully upgrading the platform to meet the needs of entry-level market users. In terms of vehicle energy consumption, the new Xingyun platform aims to achieve a industry-leading target of 12km per kWh, improving over the current level by more than 30%. In terms of user experience, the application of chassis-by-wire technology enhances braking response time by 40%, increases vehicle stability boundary by 20%, and improves vehicle handling and range by more than 3%, reducing vehicle weight by over 3%, and improving cockpit space with a low-speed steering angle of less than 180, allowing for steering wheel storage. In terms of vehicle safety, the new Xingyun platform meets European five-star crash safety standards, complies with global network data security regulations like UNECE R155 & ECER156 and GDPR, and innovatively applies the "innate safety" theory in product design, significantly enhancing network and data security, reducing risks and losses from external attacks or internal vulnerabilities.

The new "Zhufeng" electromechanical integration vehicle architecture achieves full-scenario coverage. Aiming at all scenarios, all-weather, and global markets, the Zhufeng architecture transitions from "engine-dominated drive" to "motor-dominated drive," covering products from HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) to PHEVs. Achieving high-level low emissions, SAIC Motor said it will be the first Chinese automaker to achieve carbon emissions below 100g/km in Europe, while the Zhufeng architecture-based products will meet Euro 7 emissions standards.

The new "Xinghe" hydrogen exclusive architecture focuses on fuel cell-powered passenger vehicle usage scenarios, pioneering an extended-range fuel cell passenger vehicle architecture solution, truly achieving "zero carbon zero emissions." The extended-range fuel cell solution means using hydrogen fuel cells as an extender, in series with a power battery and drive motor as the vehicle's drive unit. With nearly 20 years of experience in fuel cell R&D and industrialization, SAIC Motor has achieved full localization of core components and materials. The extended-range fuel cell stack P4M system has a rated power of 45kW, with an efficiency of over 50% at common operating points and a peak efficiency exceeding 55%. The development and industrialization of extended-range fuel cell passenger vehicles are expected to further accelerate the promotion and popularization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Photo credit: SAIC Motor

SAIC Motor ' s all-solid-state battery, based on the polymer-inorganic composite electrolyte technology route, will go into mass production in 2026. The company said the battery features a higher energy density exceeding 400Wh/kg, volumetric energy density exceeding 820Wh/L, and battery capacity exceeding 75Ah. It also boats a better safety performance ensuring no fire or explosion in scenarios like nail penetration and 200 thermal box, a broader applicability with solid-state battery low-temperature capacity retention rate exceeding 90%, and a lower material costs due to simplification and innovation in materials and processes, with unit costs reduced by up to 40% from cell to battery pack.

In October 2024, the IM L6 BEVs, equipped with the Lightyear solid-state battery, will be delivered to users, with an energy density exceeding 300Wh/kg and a range of over 1,000 kilometers. In 2026, SAIC Motor's all-solid-state battery will achieve mass production and complete prototype testing, with an energy density exceeding 400Wh/kg, more than double that of traditional power batteries; in 2027, the new IM-branded vehicle equipped with the all-solid-state battery will go into mass production and be delivered to users; subsequently, the energy density is expected to further increase to 500Wh/kg.

The new "Blue Core" hybrid powertrain focuses on modularization, integration, and dedicated DMH super hybrid technology. The Roewe D7 DMH model is equipped with a higher precision coaxial clutch, a hybrid-specific engine with a high thermal efficiency operation range of 85%, and the industry's first PICU module integrating engine, transmission, hybrid strategy, thermal management, and air conditioning controls. In tests, it achieved a combined range of up to 1,962 kilometers, with fuel consumption of only 2.8L/100km. The efficiency of the next-generation "Blue Core" will be further improved by 10%. The hybrid-specific engine's thermal efficiency will exceed 46%, and the hybrid transmission will adopt a new "dual coaxial scheme." The new "energy control brain" will more precisely convert thermal, chemical, electrical, and mechanical energy.

The new "Green Core" electric drive system has further improved performance through technical iteration, SAIC Motor added. The updated NPC shaft uses innovative grid oil cooling technology and an ultra-lightweight magnesium-aluminum alloy housing, weighing only 86kg; the effective power density of the motor exceeds 9.5kw/kg, higher than the target of 7kw/kg China set for 2035; the total power density is increased to 4.4kW/kg, leading the industry average by at least 40%.
Former Special Prosecutor Martin A. B. K. Amidu has raised serious concerns over what he describes as a targeted attack by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership, including high-profile figures like Alhassan Suhuyini and Sammy Gyamfi.



Martin Amidu alleges that these attacks, spearheaded by NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, stem from unverified claims about a petition he allegedly submitted for the removal of the Special Prosecutor.



Amidu expressed his bafflement over the situation, questioning why John Dramani Mahama, the leader and flagbearer of the NDC, would initiate such an aggressive campaign against him.



"What has really baffled me, and which is what I have been trying to understand, is the reason for which John Dramani Mahama, who is the leader and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has unleashed his NDC attack dogs such as Alhassan Suhuyini, Sammy Gyamfi, and to crown it all, the Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, on me since 17 May 2024," Amidu stated in a statement released on May 26.



The controversy revolves around a purported petition dated April 30, 2024, which allegedly called for the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng. Amidu has challenged the authenticity of this document, claiming it lacks the necessary verification.



"I cannot understand why the NDC will collaborate with Kissi Agyebengs preferred rented media house and his chief executioner, Sampson Lardy Anyenini, to make allegations against me without publishing the alleged petition on which the allegations are based to provide me the opportunity to confirm or deny my signature and rebut or admit the accusations," he said.



Amidu also questioned the role of the Chief Justice in this matter, casting doubt on the legitimacy of a document attributed to her.



He outlined several inconsistencies and procedural errors that led him to believe the document might be a forgery.



"I have every reason to question the authenticity of the document attributed to the Chief Justice because I established with mathematical precision with the assistance of information and communication technologies (ICT) that a Joint Statement published at the instance of Kissi Agyebeng as a Joint Statement by the OSP and the Judicial Service of Ghana (JSG) was a forgery by the OSP," Amidu asserted.



Furthermore, Amidu criticized the media's handling of the allegations, particularly targeting Joy FM for what he perceives as biased reporting.



"Joy FM and the NDC have refused or failed to publish the letter from the Presidency to the Chief Justice or the alleged petition for purposes of authentication to enable a reasoned response from me as the Joy FMs accused in its trial in the court of public opinion," he argued.



Amidu concluded his statement by affirming his commitment to fighting corruption and defending the 1992 Constitution, despite the personal attacks and public scrutiny.



"I will continue to defend the 1992 Constitution against all greedy bastards abusing the rights of citizens under the guise of law enforcement," he declared.







Source: ghanaweb.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.

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The Canadian Religious and Cultural Council (CRCC) has commended Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his respect for tolerance and religious diversity.



The CRCC, a multi-national group for the promotion of peace, diversity and the preservation of culture, hosted Dr. Bawumia and other dignitaries at the Miracle Arena for All Nations on Sunday May 26, 2024, in Ontario, Canada.



With an inter-denominational audience and people from over 40 different nations in attendance, the ceremony centered on peace and tolerance, and the presence of Dr. Bawumia in the church auditorium was used as a shining example of religious tolerance.



"Your presence here with us today is a shining example of diversity and what religious tolerance is", Hon. Member of Provential Parliament, David Smith who was one of the dignitaries present, said.



Other speakers including the Head Pastor of the church, Prophet Dr. Kofi Danso also commended Dr. Bawumia for his deep appreciation of religious diversity.



The Canadian MP, who revealed he has read about Dr. Bawumia, also lauded him for his remarkable leadership in pursuing policies which are impacting the Ghanaian nation positively.



Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the significance of peace to human existence, stressing without tolerance and respect for diversity, there will be no peace.



He spoke extensively about Ghana's globally acclaimed peace and said the heart of that enviable feat is Ghana's respect for religious diversity.



"Peace is the foundation of our existence in the world. Without it, there will be no existence...Ghana is a very peaceful country. The second most peaceful country in West Africa and one of the most peaceful on the African continent. People wonder what is the secret? The secret is Ghana's religious tolerance and inter-faith dialogue."



"Ghana is the country where the national Chief Imam visits the church as he celebrates his birthday. Ghana is also a country where priests find it comfortable to be in mosques with their Muslim brothers and pray for the nation. This is the sort of society we are building in Ghana in terms of inter-faith and respect for one another", Dr. Bawumia said.



Dr. Bawumia assured the audience that Ghana's peace will not be taken for granted and the nation will continue to uphold the tenets that have made it so peaceful.

Source: 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.

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Nana Akomea, Chief Executive Officer of the State Transport Corporation, has castigated the National Democratic Congress for describing the ambulance purchase trial involving the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame, and the Minority Leader and former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as a "political persecution".



The case which is before the High Court has taken an interesting turn as a third accused person, Richard Jakpa, claims the A-G approached him to help build a case against the Minority Leader and former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.



Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, according to Jakpa, met with him in the private residence of a Supreme Court Justice named Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi in a supposed plea bargain negotiation.



A-G has on several occasions engaged me at odd hours to help him make a case against A1 and I have evidence for that. If he pushes me, I will open the Pandoras box.



I dont understand why the A-G will accuse me of defending A1 when Im here to defend myself, Jakpa said in court.



The opposition National Democratic Congress has accused the Attorney-General of politically persecuting Ato Forson.



But to Nana Akomea, this cannot be and is not the case explaining that the Attorney-General will not send Ato Forson to court without basis.



To him, what the opposition party is saying is nothing but hogwash saying "when you say it is political persecution, then it means there is no basis for sending the person to court, then you can say it is persecution. If that is the case, the court sitting on the case, they will throw it out. And why would the Attorney-General, without any basis, waste time and resources to send Ato Forson to court?"



He called on the NDC to stop making such comments, stressing his question "why would he send only Ato Forson to court?"



He made these submissions on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show.





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.

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Police are searching for a man they say was involved in an organized theft ring that charged more than $20k on stolen credit cards taken from grocery shoppers in Lancaster County.

Cesar Augusto Limas-Urbisagastegui, 67; Lisbeth Maryorie Romero-Berrospi, 32; and Jeferson Nue-Rosales, 41; are accused of dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities, access device fraud and theft by unlawful taking for the Oct. 24, March 7 and April 25 incidents.

Numerous police intelligence sources identified the trio those who snatched credit cards from shoppers.
A Lancaster County man will spend years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman whose groceries he carried home for her in 2022, prosecutors said.

Drew Deshong, 36, was sentenced last month to 6.5 to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges sexual assault charges stemming from an Oct. 17, 2022 incident in Elizabethtown.

Deshong told investigators that he approached the woman because she looked like a nice lady. He told her his name was Carlos Cartagena, according to the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office.
A Pennsylvania state trooper was arrested after authorities accused him of breaking into a Fayette County home and assaulting someone there.

The incident occurred at about 1 a.m. Sunday at a home along on Oak Street in Connellsville, according to reports from WTAE and KDKA, when trooper James Stevenson broke into a mans home and attacked him, breaking the victims nose.

Investigators said that Stevensons ex-girlfriend was also in the home at the time. According to a criminal complaint, Stevenson jumped on top of the man and started hitting him. The woman was able to get into her car and drive away and was not injured.

The victims father, after discovering his son unconscious, confronted Stevenson outside, and tried to grab him through the window of his car, police said. Stevenson then opened the door, knocking the man down and breaking his glasses, news reports said.

The victim was treated at a hospital and later released.

A State Police spokesperson said Stevenson, who was assigned to Troop B Uniontown Station, was suspended without pay. He is being charged with aggravated assault, burglary and harassment.
By Richard Winton and Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

LOS ANGELES  General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot early Saturday when he came upon three men trying to steal the catalytic converter from his car, according to a law enforcement source with knowledge of the case.

The killing occurred around 3:25 a.m. when the owner of a vehicle encountered three people near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street attempting to steal the car part, said Officer Jader Chaves, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department. The man was shot by one of the thieves before all three fled in a vehicle, said Chaves. The officer did not identify the victim but said he was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A source on Sunday confirmed to The L.A. Times that the victim was Wactor, who played Brando Corbin on General Hospital from 2020 to 2022. He also had roles on other shows, including Westworld, Criminal Minds and Station 19.

Wactor, who had been working as a bartender in downtown L.A. on Saturday evening, was walking a co-worker to her car after their shift, Wactors brother, Grant Wactor, told The Times on Sunday. On the way, he noticed a group of men crowded around his car, and he confronted them because he thought he was being towed.

That was when he was shot.

The thieves were after Wactors catalytic converter, police said. The exhaust emission control device is typically found in the undercarriage of a vehicle and contains precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum. Thieves can make hundreds of dollars selling them to auto parts suppliers or scrapyards, where they can be melted down and the valuable metals extracted.

My mother is tough as nails, but shes broken down to the bone, said Grant Wactor, Johnnys younger brother. We have to get him back to Charleston (S.C.). Its just a shame. It seems like it was just the wrong place, wrong time.

Johnny Wactor attends the "Silent River" opening night theatrical premiere at Laemmle Glendale on Oct. 13, 2022, in Glendale, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Curious Potato, file)TNS

Wactor, 37, left General Hospital in 2022 when his popular character was written out of the show. At the time, he told Soap Opera Digest he enjoyed the shows large and loyal fan base.

It was all new to me, and it was a blessing, he said. It made it fun to go to work and then be excited about seeing people react to the storylines you were in. That they actually cared was really cool.

Grant Wactor said his brother was drawn to acting from an early age. Growing up in Summerville, S.C., Johnny participated in every play he could in his elementary and middle schools. Not long after graduating from the College of Charleston in 2009, he packed up his Honda Civic and made the cross-country drive to Los Angeles to begin his acting career.

I cant emphasize how hard of a worker he was, Grant Wactor said. He would flip the Scrabble board at home because he was so competitive. But he was also one of the most charismatic people I knew. Because when he talked or listened, you could tell it was genuine.

Johnny Wactor had recently been exploring opportunities in screenwriting while working temporarily as a bartender.

He lived life his way, Grant Wactor said. He did exactly what he wanted, even to his last day. Thats who he was day in, day out. He walked the walk.

Former colleagues took to social media to mourn Wactors death on Sunday.

Johnny Wactor was a beautiful, beautiful soul, former General Hospital actor Parry Shen said on X. We all were cheated of many years with him.

Jon Lindstrom, a longtime cast member on the ABC soap, posted: I am literally sick to my stomach at this news. He called Wactor one of those rare young men in this business who was kind, unassuming, humble.

General Hospital issued a statement saying the soap opera family was heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactors untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.

His co-star and love interest on the show, Sofia Mattsson, added: So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard working and humble. With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy. He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved. I admire the man he was so much and Im a better person for having known him.

Thefts of catalytic converters skyrocketed in California during the COVID-19 pandemic, which some attributed to an increase in economic distress. The trend prompted new state laws that make it illegal for recyclers to buy the part from anyone other than the legal owner or a licensed dealer and increase penalties for buyers who fail to certify that a catalytic converter wasnt stolen.
By NICOLE WINFIELD, The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP)  Pope Francis apologized Tuesday after he was quoted using a vulgar term about gay men to reaffirm the Catholic Churchs ban on gay priests.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a statement acknowledging the media storm that erupted about Francis comments, which were delivered behind closed doors to Italian bishops on May 20.

Italian media on Monday had quoted unnamed Italian bishops in reporting that Francis jokingly used the term faggotness while speaking in Italian during the encounter. He had used the term in reaffirming the Vaticans ban on allowing gay men to enter seminaries and be ordained priests.

FILE - Pope Francis attends his weekly general audience in the Pope Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File

Bruni said Francis was aware of the reports and recalled that the Argentine pope, who has made outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy, has long insisted there was room for everyone in the Catholic Church.

The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term that was reported by others, Bruni said.

Francis was addressing an assembly of the Italian bishops conference, which recently approved a new document outlining training for Italian seminarians. The document, which hasnt been published pending review by the Holy See, reportedly sought to open some wiggle room in the Vaticans absolute ban on gay priests.

The Vatican ban was articulated in a 2005 document from the Congregation for Catholic Education, and later repeated in a subsequent document in 2016, which said the church cannot admit to seminaries or ordain men who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture.

Francis strongly reaffirmed that position in his May 20 meeting with the Italian bishops, joking that there is already an air of faggotness in seminaries, the Italian media reported, after initial reporting from gossip site Dagospia.

Italian is not Francis native language, and the Argentine pope has made linguistic gaffes in the past that raised eyebrows. The 87-year-old Argentine pope often speaks informally, jokes using slang and curses in private.

He has been known for his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, however, starting from his famous Who am I to judge comment in 2013 about a priest who purportedly had a gay lover in his past.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a tragic mistake had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.

The strike only added to the surging international criticism Israel has faced over its war with Hamas, with even its closest allies expressing outrage at civilian deaths. Israel insists it adheres to international law even as it faces scrutiny in the worlds top courts, one of which last week demanded that it halt the offensive in Rafah.
By William Cooper

If Trump is found guilty he should not go to jail.

With Donald Trumps hush-money trial wrapping up soon, a key legal principle has come into focus: a conviction requires all twelve jurors to agree hes guilty. The odds Trump cant secure even a single hold-out juror may be low, even in heavily Democratic Manhattan.

But if the jury does find Trump guilty, Judge Juan Merchan will then determine Trumps sentence. There are a range of outcomes at sentencing. If the jury finds Trump guilty he could face more than ten years in prison. But Judge Merchan could also forego prison and instead place him on probation with jail time only if he violates specific conditions.

If Trump is found guilty Judge Merchan should not sentence him to prison. There are several reasons why. First, a single state-court judges decision shouldnt materially impact a nation presidential election. At least not here, where the underlying facts happened seven years ago and the prosecutions legal theory is highly controversial, even outside pro-Trump circles. Longtime Trump critic Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah), for example, put it this way: I believe President Trumps character and conduct make him unfit for office. Even so, I believe the New York prosecutor has stretched to reach felony criminal charges in order to fit a political agenda.

Its hard to predict how a prison sentence would influence the election; it could easily help Trump, whose popularity grew after last years indictment. But it would undoubtedly impact voters thinking if Trump is in jail (or awaiting jail time) on election night.

Nor should a single state-court judge potentially trigger a constitutional crisis. For example, if Trump wins the election and then orders his own release from a New York jail, the conflict between federal and state authorities would be unprecedented. There would also be severe practical difficulties with imprisoning Trump, including administering federal secret-service protection in a state-run prison facility.

Other more traditional factors considered at sentencing also weigh against sending Trump to jail. He isnt accused of committing a violent crime. Nor was there a direct victim: Trump didnt steal the money from anyone; he gave it to Stormy Daniels in a questionable manner. And despite his many decades teeming with controversies and investigations, Trump has never before been convicted of a crime.

Trump is not above the law, as he so often thinks he is. But neither is he beneath it, as many of his political opponents want him to be. With the election approaching, its essential to American democracy and the rule of law that these factors are given due weight.

Theres a legitimate debate about whether Trumps egregious behavior in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential electionthe focus of criminal matters in Washington D.C. and Georgiawas sufficiently criminal to warrant jail time for the Republican presidential nominee in an election year. And reasonable minds can differ on that question. But when it comes to this specific trial in New York, one thing should be clear to everyone, including Judge Merchan: paying hush money to Stormy Daniels simply doesnt rise to that level.

William Cooper is an attorney and the author of How America Works  And Why It Doesnt.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- AVATR, the premium new energy vehicle brand backed by Changan Automobile, Huawei, and CATL, on May 27 revealed the color scheme for its upcoming AVATR 07 model, highlighting purple as its signature color.

Photo credit: AVATR

The AVATR 07, the brand's third model, is a mid-size SUV offering both all-electric and extended-range powertrains. It is expected to feature Huawei's advanced intelligent driving system, the HarmonyOS smart cockpit, and CATL's ultra-fast charging battery. The new model is set to hit the market within 2024, with deliveries anticipated by the end of the year.

Photo credit: AVATR

The designers at AVATR's Munich Design Center have integrated the purple hue into the elegant body design, giving the vehicle a futuristic and high-tech feel. This new color scheme reflects AVATR's forward-looking design philosophy, promising a luxurious and technologically advanced aesthetic experience for users.

In terms of exterior design, the AVATR 07 maintains the brand's signature design language, incorporating the AVATR 2.0 design concept. The body lines are smooth, and the front-end features dual-layer LED daytime running lights, enhancing the vehicle's futuristic appeal.

The vehicle's dimensions are 4,825 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,940 mm. Notably, the new model is expected to come equipped with Huawei's next-generation LiDAR on the roof, enhancing its intelligent driving capabilities.
For the second time in the NBAs Eastern Conference Finals, ESPN will offer its NBA Unplugged with Kevin Hart alternate broadcast of Game 4 between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. Tip-off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT with a primary broadcast on ESPN and the Kevin-Hart led Unplugged on ESPN2.

Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics

NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals - Game 4

Celtics lead series 3-0

When: Monday, May 27 at 8 p.m. EDT

Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.

TV channel: ESPN (primary) and ESPN2 (Unplugged)

Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Sling (low intro rate)

Boston will be looking to finish off its best-of-seven series sweep in Monday nights Game 4 in Indianapolis. The Celtics claimed Game 3, 114-111, on Saturday with a fourth-quarter rally fueled by Jayson Tatums game-high 36 points and Jrue Hollidays shotmaking in key moments late. The Pacers missed All-Star Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) in that game and could be without his services for Game 4, which would again weaken Indianas chances of staying to stave off elimination Monday night.

Harts alternate broadcast will feature guest interviews, insights, analysis and comedy relief throughout Game 4. That broadcast will air on ESPN2 next to the primary broadcast on ESPN. Both broadcasts are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV (free trial).

BOSTON CELTICS VS. INDIANA PACERS

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

SERIES SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Game 1: Celtics 133, Pacers 128 (OT)

Game 2: Celtics 126, Pacers 110

Game 3: Celtics 114, Pacers 111

Game 4: Monday, May 27 - Celtics at Pacers. Time: 8 p.m. EDT. Channel: ESPN/ESPN2. Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Sling (low intro rate)

Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, May 29 - Pacers at Celtics. Time: 8 p.m. EDT. Channel: ESPN. Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Sling (low intro rate)

Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, May 31 - Celtics at Pacers. Time: 8 p.m. EDT. Channel: ESPN. Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Sling (low intro rate)

Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, June 2 - Pacers at Celtics. Time: 8 p.m. EDT. Channel: ESPN. Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Sling (low intro rate)
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at 8:24 p.m. on Monday in effect until 9 p.m. for Lancaster County.

"At 8:24 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Rothsville, moving southeast at 15 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."

Prepare for the tornado to impact the following locations:

Akron, Ephrata, and Leola around 8:30 p.m.

New Holland around 8:40 p.m.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Fivepointville, Bowmansville, Farmersville, and Lancaster Airport this includes The Pennsylvania Turnpike from mile markers 288 to 289.

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."

Tornado watch vs. Tornado warning: Know the difference

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 indicate an imminent tornado, it's a heads-up to be prepared to take swift action if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.

Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states.

Tornado warning: Take action!

A Tornado warning means 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 distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms.

Prepare for a tornado

Stay weather-ready:

Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Tune in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on 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.

Establish a communication plan:

Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home lacks a basement, identify a nearby safe building, like a church or a relative's house, that you can reach quickly.

Choose a secure shelter:

Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

Practice your plan:

Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don't forget about your pets if time permits.

Secure 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.

Staying safe during a tornado: Quick actions to take

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:

To ensure your safety during a tornado, remember that acting promptly is crucial, according to the weather service. Stay informed about tornado watches and warnings through regular updates on local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.

At home:

If you find yourself under a tornado warning while at home, head to your basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Ensure your pets are safe if time permits.

At work or school:

In the workplace or at school, adhere to tornado drill procedures and proceed promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter. Avoid areas with large, open spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and stay away from 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.
By BRUCE SCHREINER and JULIO CORTEZ, The Associated Press

A series of powerful storms swept over the central and southern U.S. over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, killing at least 22 people and leaving a wide trail of destroyed homes, businesses and power outages.

The destructive storms caused deaths in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kentucky and were just north of an oppressive, early season heat wave setting records from south Texas to Florida.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who earlier declared a state of emergency, said at a Monday press conference that five people had died in his state. One death was a 54-year-old man who had a heart attack while cutting fallen trees in Caldwell County in western Kentucky, the governors office said.

The death toll of 22 also included seven deaths in Cooke County, Texas, from a Saturday tornado that tore through a mobile home park, officials said, and eight deaths across Arkansas.

Two people died in Mayes County, Oklahoma, which is east of Tulsa, authorities said. The injured included guests at an outdoor wedding.

Destroyed homes are seen after a deadly tornado rolled through the previous night, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Valley View, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP

Damage is seen at a truck stop the morning after a tornado rolled through, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Valley View, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP

The tiny Kentucky town of Charleston took a direct hit Sunday night from a tornado that the governor said appeared to be on the ground for 40 miles.

Its a big mess, said Rob Linton, who lives in Charleston and is the fire chief of nearby Dawson Springs, hit by a tornado in 2021. Trees down everywhere. Houses moved. Power lines are down. No utilities whatsoever  no water, no power.

Further east, some rural areas of Hopkins County hit by the 2021 tornado around the community of Barnsley were damaged again Sunday night, county Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey said.

There were a lot of people that were just getting their lives put back together and then this, Bailey said. Almost the same spot, the same houses and everything.

A possible tornado was reported in Pennsylvanias Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County, late Monday/early Tuesday.

President Joe Biden sent condolences to the families of people who died. He said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is conducting damage assessments, and he has contacted governors to see what federal support they might need.
NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa brandishes an eagle feather towards the government benches as he stands in the Ontario Legislature in Toronto, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, to speak in his language, Oji-Cree, the first time in history that Indigenous language is used in the provincial legislature to ask a question of the government. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
 Read the full article on Motorious

This special version is selling tomorrow on Bring a Trailer.

For classic car enthusiasts, the opportunity to own a piece of automotive history is here with the sale of this 1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Roadster. This exceptional vehicle is one of only 640 factory-built 100M Le Mans specification cars produced between 1955 and 1956. Finished in the elegant combination of Old English White with red lower bodywork, and a black soft top over black leather interior, this roadster is a stunning example of British engineering and design.

Completed on October 13, 1955, this North American-market example was first sold by B.C. Importers of Miami, Florida, in October 1959 to a long-term owner who cherished it for 39 years. The car features a replacement 2,660cc inline-four engine, which was comprehensively rebuilt in 2019. The rebuild included an aluminum cylinder head from Denis Welch, forged 8.5:1-compression Arias pistons, a re-hardened camshaft from Elgin, and a high-volume oil pump. This robust engine sends power to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission with an overdrive unit, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience.

The exterior of the car was refinished in its classic color scheme during previous ownership. It boasts replacement bumpers and overriders, a 100M-specific louvered hood secured with a leather strap, and a tilt-down windshield. Other notable details include early-style smooth rear fenders and a semi-circular crack on the shroud aft of the cockpit, adding character to its vintage charm.

The roadster sits on silver-finished 15 wire wheels with two-eared knockoffs, wrapped in 165-series Vredestein Sprint Classic tires. The braking system, featuring four-wheel drums, along with the suspension, was overhauled in 2018, ensuring reliable performance.

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Inside, the cockpit is adorned with black leather upholstery accented with red piping, red carpeting, and matching door panels. It features a banjo-spoke steering wheel, dashboard-mounted rear-view mirror, Sisal floor mats, and a 100M registry placard on the body-color dashboard. Smiths instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, 6k-rpm tachometer, fuel gauge, and a combination oil pressure and water-temperature gauge, with the five-digit odometer showing 63k miles.

Story continues

The engine rebuild included fitting an aluminum oil pan, uprated bolts, and replacement of the factory pistons with forged alloy versions. The camshaft was reground and re-hardened, and the rotating assembly was balanced for optimal performance. Recent work included rebuilding the carburetors, a valve adjustment, and various gasket replacements to ensure the engine runs smoothly.

Power is delivered through a four-speed manual transmission with an electrically actuated overdrive. Recent maintenance included resealing the front of the transmission, repairing overdrive shaft leaks, and replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, pilot bushing, release bearing, and pinion gear.

This 1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Roadster comes with a 100M Le Mans Registry Certificate of Membership, a 1959 sales invoice, service records, and a clean Michigan title. Now offered in Arizona by the selling dealer, this classic roadster is a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of automotive history.

Avant-Garde is well-known as an award-winning, top seller (@911r ) on Bring a Trailer. We provide turnkey auction management for our clients. Avant-Garde presents cars in an unparalleled fashion, with a comprehensive history, descriptions, photos, and video for each vehicle. We want to put buyers in the virtual drivers seat so they can experience a vehicle as if they were present, giving them confidence in their purchase.

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888poker XL Spring Series Main Event Beats $1M Guarantee; Final Table Set

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

After several flights and an explosive Day 2, the $1 million guaranteed XL Spring Series Main Event has reached its final table. Including re-entries, 1,225 players headed to 888poker and bought in for $888, creating a guarantee-busting $1,038,800 prize pool.

Lithuania's "R3li_able" leads the final eight players into battle from 7:00 p.m. BST on May 28 under the chip leader banner. The Lithuanian has 2,830,854 chips, or 81 big blinds, has already collected $48,869 in mystery bounties, and is on course for the tournament's $83,406 top prize.

Event #41: $888 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chips Big Blinds 1 "R3li_able" Lithuania 2,830,854 81 2 "3AHYDA" Mexico 2,591,085 74 3 "1goodshot" Ukraine 1,977,972 57 4 "icho90" 1,307,972 37 5 "noWHATfella" Brazil 1,196,699 34 6 "R2Rka" Ukraine 941,200 27 7 "SayPlease" 892,131 26 8 "morewater" Denmark 512,679 15

Each of the returning eight players is guaranteed to take home at least $10,452 from the regular prize pool, plus any mystery bounties they collect before busting. All but one of the finalists has at least four figures worth of bounties locked up, with three having banked over $17,000.

The chip leader aside, "icho90" returns in fourth place with $26,739 in bounties already in their 888poker account. One place lower in the standings is Brazil's "noWHATfella" who has $17,043 to show for their efforts.

Although impressive, those bounty payments cannot hold a light to the sum Sweden's "r4ndomr4gs" pulled out of their golden envelope. The Swede eliminated a foe and soon discovered they had the jackpot $100,000 bounty on their head! "r4ndomr4gs" eventually fell in 45th place for $1,670 but collected $101,670.

Follow PokerNews' live updates from the XL Spring Series Main Event from 7:00 p.m. BST on May 28.

Brazil's "juliofxp" Crowned Mini Event Champion

Event #40 of the 888poker XL Spring Series was the $25 buy-in, $100,000 guaranteed Mystery Bounty Mini Event, which drew in 4,827 entrants. That bumper crowd ensured the guarantee was first met and then surpassed by $8,067.50.

Two of the mystery bounties weighed in at $4,000, with the jackpot amount set at $10,000. Both $4,000 bounties went to players at the final table. "Senseless2" of Germany scooped one before falling in eighth, while the eventual champion also secured a $4,000 payout among their $6,327 bounty haul.

"Spianato" of Montenegro may have fallen in 92nd, but not before opening a mystery bounty envelope containing a cool $10,000. Their total haul of $10,097 was the second-most prize money anyone took home from this tournament.

Having only paid $25 to enter, it was unsurprising when the final three players paused the tournament and struck a deal based on ICM. Third-place finisher "uerlings" walked away $5,068 richer, the runner-up "ChistyKloun" won $5,406, and "juliofxp" reeled in $11,199, including bounties. All three were mightily impressive scores for a $25 initial outlay.

Event #40: $25 Mystery Bounty Mini Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 juilofxp Brazil $6,327 $4,871 $11,199* 2 ChistyKloun Belarus $191 $5,214 $5,406* 3 uerlings Brazil $37 $5,031 $5,068* 4 Ratpoker Sweden $91 $2,490 $2,582 5 fedazete Brazil $91 $1,805 $1,896 6 AnatolijJ United Kingdom $36 $1,312 $1,349 7 Eiffel Sweden $136 $967 $1,103 8 Senseless2 Germany $4,945 $715 $5,660

*reflects a three-handed deal

$300,000 worth of freerolls in the 888poker Royal Premiere Learn more

888poker XL Spring Series Results So Far

Here is a table showing the full 888poker XL Spring Series results so far. The Main Event aside, only two more numbered events need to crown their champions before the curtain comes down on another successful online poker festival.

At 5:00 p.m. BST, Event #42: $10,000 Closing Event Mystery Bounty Mini ($16.50) shuffles up and deals. Two hours later, Event #43: $20,000 Closing Event Mystery Bounty ($55) brings the latest XL Series to a conclusion.

Event Buy-in Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize #01 - $12,000 Opening Event Mystery Bounty $11 1,603 $16,030 Zindane $1,546* #02 - $40,000 Opening Event Mystery Bounty $55 766 $40,000 guizones27 $3,799* #03 - $120,000 Opening Event Mystery Bounty $109 1,100 $120,000 joicemar154 $10,718* #04 - $40,000 Opening Event High Roller $525 73 $40,000 DarshanS $11,200 #05 - $10,000 PKO Mini $11 977 $10,000 xxtomasxx $1,394* #06 - $20,000 PKO $55 431 $21,550 MoonMeander $3,493* #07 - $10,000 PKO 6-Max $11 971 $10,000 skon89 $1,515* #08 - $15,000 PKO 6-Max High Roller $320 70 $21,000 hello_br0tti $6,628* #09 - $5,000 DeepStack Mini $8.80 582 $5,000 Jonnyszz $865 #10 - $10,000 DeepStack $109 120 $12,000 HecticMulk $2,956 #11 - $10,000 Super KO $33 411 $12,330 ingeruRO14 $1,202* #12 - $15,000 Super KO High Roller $320 62 $18,600 WHATaDREAM $4,854* #13 - $10,000 Mystery Bounty 6-Max Mini $11 1,017 $10,170 Veraldo365 $2,030 #14 - $12,000 Mystery Bounty 6-Max $109 136 $13,600 T.R.Albrecht $4,095* #15 - $10,000 DeepStack PKO Mini $11 1,062 $10,620 Hangoover9 $1,739* #16 - $2,000 PLO Mystery Bounty $11 224 $2,240 KannKommeaa $424* #17 - $12,000 DeepStack PKO $109 161 $16,100 andydalmas $4,181* #18  $12,000 Mystery Bounty Mini $11 1,415 $14,150 HavryluKK $2,408* #19 - $40,000 Mystery Bounty $55 788 $40,000 Fonnesberg $6,053* #20 - $120,000 PKO Tune Up Event $109 1,023 ZockSteffen $16,514* #21 - $40,000 PKO Rumble High Roller $525 66 $40,000 sasodilts $10,603* #22 - $10,000 Big Shot Mini $16.50 659 $10,000 Momentum288 #23 - $20,000 Big Shot $55 381 $20,000 Zindane $3,658 #24 - $15,000 PKO High Roller $320 64 $19,200 Vandangoz $6,125* #25 - $20,000 PKO $55 414 $20,700 PotofGreed $3,819* #26 - $10,000 Mystery Bounty Big or Small Mini $11 1,180 $11,800 Turkovist $1,457* #27 - $10,000 Mystery Bounty Big or Small $22 566 $11,320 Neto_Peruzzo $1,349* #28  $15,000 DeepStack High Roller $320 61 $18,300 s.totuli $5,124 #29 - $10,000 DeepStack $33 350 $10,500 Jackpot1337 $2,025 #30 - $10,000 Mystery Bounty 6-Max Mini $22 541 $10,820 Villon7 $1,186* #31 - $10,000 Mystery Bounty 6-Max $109 123 $12,300 HvalaLama $4,348* #32 - $20,000 PKO $55 454 $22,700 Imbalance77 $3,910* #33 - $12,000 PKO High $109 178 $17,800 optimusmov $3,590* #34 - $12,000 Mystery Bounty Mini $11 1,545 $15,450 Blakey513 $1,347* #35 - $40,000 Mystery Bounty $55 807 $40,350 XBarretoX $3,577* #36  $30,000 PKO Rumble $109 303 $30,300 andrey59 $5,738* #37  $30,000 Big Shot High Roller $525 55 $30,000 OnlyBet $9,000 #38 - $10,000 Big Shot Mini $16.50 $624 $10,000 P3dd3rs81 $1,633 #39 - $10,000 Big Shot $109 105 $10,500 The_Hoff_Man $2,587 #40 - $100,000 Mystery Bounty Mini Event $25 4,827 $108,607 juliofxp $11,199*

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Ryan O'Donnell Takes Down GUKPT London Main Event For Maiden Live Victory

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

Ryan O'Donnell is the latest in a long line of poker grinders who can call themselves a Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) Main Event champion. London's O'Donnell came out of top of a 249-strong crowd in the 1,250 buy-in GUKPT London Main Event and raked in score worth 56,760.

O'Donnell was a relative unknown until 2023 when he found himself heads-up against Isaac Haxton in the $25,000 No-Limit Hold'em High Roller 8-Handed event at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas. O'Donnell failed to topple Haxton but returned home with a massive $1,049,577 prize to his name, while Haxton captured his first WSOP bracelet.

The third and final day of the GUKPT London Main Event started with only 11 players and Joe Laming leading the way. Such luminaries as Team Grosvenor's Ludovic Geilich, Joe Hindry, reigning PokerNews Cup champion Johnny Kelly, and Philippe Souki had busted on Saturday's Day 2.

Victor Ilyukhin crashed out in 11th place when his ace-nine couldn't beat Cassandra Yong's ace-queen. Shortly after Ilyukhin's demise, Tobias Hegarty popped the final table bubble. A huge three-way all-in saw Hegarty all-in and at risk with king-jack, live poker crusher Matthew Davenport all-in with pocket kings, and Yong holding ace-queen. Davenport won the pot when his cowboys emerged unscathed, leaving Hegarty to collect 10th place money.

2024 GUKPT London Main Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Prize 1 Ryan O'Donnell 56,760 2 D.A. 42,430 3 Matthew Davenport 29,280 4 Joe Laming 19,470 5 Ravi Sheth 13,540 6 Qiaochu Xiao 9,930 7 Tarjei Forus 7,900 8 Cassandra Yong 6,830 9 Artan Dedusha 5,940

Artan Dedusha, the 2020 GUKPT London Main Event champion, finished in ninth when he got his 17 big blind stack into the middle of the felt with king-queen of hearts only for "D.A." to called with ace-king. The community cards failed to come to Dedusha's rescue, and he headed to the cashier's desk to bank the 5,940 ninth-place prize.

Yong was next to bow out. Having lost most of her stack in the three-way final table bubble hand, Yong pushed all-in for three big blinds with ace-queen and lost a coinflip against the pocket sevens of O'Donnell. Another impressive performance for Yong, who has 16 cashes, six final tables, and one win under her belt in 2024.

A raising war broke out between Norway's Tarjei Forus and Ravi Sheth that resulted in the former four-bet shoving 28 big blinds with ace-queen, and Sheth calling with pocket jacks. A nine-high board kept Sheth's jacks the best hand, and Forus busted in seventh place for 7,900.

PokerStars Launches 2.20 Satellites for the 2024 Grosvenor Poker Goliath Learn more

Sixth place and 9,930 went to Qiaochu Xiao, a player with only 605 in recorded live earnings before entering this event. Xiao was left on life support when Laming cracked his aces with pocket nines, and that life support was turned off shortly after.

A tournament-defining hand sent Sheth to the showers in fifth for 13,540, the tournament's first five-figure prize. O'Donnell opened with pocket jacks, Sheth three-bet with king-ten of clubs, only for O'Donnell to four-bet. Sheth was having none of it and ripped his stack in for approximately one million chips, and O'Donnell snapped him off. The jacks held, and O'Donnell now held a commanding lead with only four players remaining.

O'Donnell's willingness to take flips paid off with the scalp of a dangerous foe in Laming. After a raise and a flat, Laming squeezed all-in for 32 big blinds with what turned out to be ace-ten of diamonds. We know it was ace-ten of diamonds before O'Donnell called the shove with pocket nines, which held to send Laming home with 19,470, the second-largest live score of his career.

The player known as "D.A." and O'Donnell breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Davenport bust in third for 29,280. Davenport three-bet all-in for 14 big blinds with pocket deuces after "D.A." had opened the betting. "D.A." called with pocket sevens, ending Davenport's latest deep run. Amazingly, this was Davenport's fourth consecutive GUKPT Main Event final table!

The final hand saw "D.A." limp on the button with queen-nine of diamonds for 60,000 before calling the raise to 350,000 from O'Donnell, made with king-jack of diamonds. A flop reading deuce-five-nine with two diamonds meant the chips were destined to go into the middle. O'Donnell led for 150,000, and "D.A." called. A queen on the turn gave "D.A." two pair to go with his flush draw. O'Donnell shoved on the turn, and "D.A." instantly called off the 1.1 million chips he had behind. The dealer burned a card before turning over the ten of clubs, gifting O'Donnell a tournament-winning straight and a 56,760 top prize, resigning "D.A." to a 42,430 consolation prize.

2024 GUKPT London Results

Aside from the Main Event finalists, five other players padded their bankrolls with hauls worth in excess of 10,000 after becoming a GUKPT champion in London.

Joe Hindry triumphed in the 560 London Cup for 12,250, Chris Da Silva won the 250 Opener for 13,750, while Ravi Sheth took down the 560 Midi Main for 27,390. Robert Garfield's victory in the 340 Mini Main came with a 27,770 payout.

Bobby N helped himself to a 28,643 prize after winning the 2,000 High Roller. Bobby N struck a deal with third-place finisher Philippe Souki (31,226) and runner-up Thomas Clack (34,280) before coming from behind and scooping the trophy. Amazingly, Bobby N also finished second in the 560 Midi Main Event for an additional 20,490.

Event Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize 1,250 Main Event 249 257,940 Ryan O'Sullivan 56,760 340 Mini Main 469 130,070 Robert Garfield 27,770 560 Midi Main 270 124,600 Ravi Sheth 27,390 250 The Opener 386 81,250 Chris Da Silva 13,750 560 London Cup 110 52,800 Joe Hindry 12,250 250 PLO 106 22,890 Ayesha Hasan 5,100 200 Closer 108 18,600 Tuan Wu 4,420 200 Turbo 80 13,820 Dost Ghrabie 3,440 330 PLO Bounty 77 11,080 Aleks Golubevs 2,810 150 Seniors 86 10,960 Guy Bowles 1,400

GUKPT Heads to Leeds on May 30

GUKPT players don't have long to wait before the next festival gets underway because GUKPT Leeds runs at the Grosvenor Casino Westgate from May 30 through June 9. A 1,000 Main Event is among the scheduled events. Last year, 361 players turned out for the GUKPT Leeds Main Event, creating a 305,844 prize pool. Konstantinos Patsourakis came out on top and got his hands on 78,419.

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LUCERNE, SwitzerlandPayment processing firm Vendo Services will be holding its next Vendo Merchant Conference this Thursday, May 30, at 6 p.m. CET/9 a.m. PT, with MojoHost founder Brad Mitchell scheduled to deliver the keynote address.

We are excited to empower merchants with the cutting-edge knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in high-risk industries," Vendo CRO Mitch Platt said. "We aim to give merchants practical knowledge and an opportunity to build valuable connections within the high-risk community.

Brad Mitchell will share his expertise on hosting technologies with attendees, which are expected to be particularly beneficial for merchants looking to optimize their online infrastructure and ensure robust, reliable hosting solutions.

"This session will discuss how to determine if cloud hosting is appropriate for your business and how to decide if recent advances in hosting technology may benefit you," Mitchell noted. "Lastly, how to effectively leverage managed and unmanaged hosting options into savings, increased focus and productivity."

With over two decades of experience in the industry, Mitchell has built MojoHost into a trusted name and brings a deep understanding of hosting technologies.

The conference will also introduce Pay by Bank, an open banking payment solution that allows customers to make direct bank transfers, which can help to reduce transaction fees by up to 75 percnet. The session will cover the benefits of Pay by Bank, its integration process, and how it can help merchants improve their bottom line by lowering costs and enhancing payment efficiency.

Vendo experts also will present on several critical topics, including the latest rules and regulations updates and the use of AI to combat payment processing fraud and improve customer service with AI chatbots.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with speakers through Q&A sessions, participate in discussions, and network with fellow merchants.

Merchants are encouraged to register in advance.
Donald Trump paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to their country by attacking all of the judges in his trials and calling them human scum.

Trump posted on Truth Social:



Happy Memorial Day to All, including the Human Scum that is working so hard to destroy our Once Great Country, & to the Radical Left, Trump Hating Federal Judge in New York that presided over, get this, TWO separate trials, that awarded a woman, who I never met before (a quick handshake at a celebrity event, 25 years ago, doesnt count!), 91 MILLION DOLLARS for DEFAMATION. She didnt know when the so-called event took place  sometime in the 1990s  never filed a police report, didnt have to produce the dress that she threatened me with (it showed negative!), & sung my praises in the first half of her CNN Interview with Alison Cooper, but changed her tune in the second half  Gee, I wonder why (UNDER APPEAL!)? The Rape charge was dropped by a jury! Or Arthur Engoron, the N.Y. State Wacko Judge who fined me almost 500 Million Dollars (UNDER APPEAL) for DOING NOTHING WRONG, used a Statute that has never been used before, gave me NO JURY, Mar-a-Lago at $18,000,000  Now for Merchan!



Could somebody please ask Judge Merchan, whatever happened to MARK POMERANTZ, the man Alvin Bragg was furious at for the things he did on this contrived and unconstitutional case, and why wasnt he allowed to testify? Also, why did Judge Merchan not allow Brad Smith, the leading Election Law Expert in the Country, to testify. He would have ended the case quickly by explaining the Law and stating that President Trump did nothing wrong. Likewise Bob Costello, and all of his direct and irrefutable knowledge, why was he so horribly treated and completely shut down by the Conflicted Judge, and why were his Emails and Text Messages not allowed to be shownAnd then, of course, theres the BIGGEST EVENT OF THEM ALL, but Im not allied to talk about it because Im under an illegal and unconstitutional GAG ORDER. This is the Biden White House at work. ELECTION INTERFERENCE!

On and on it has gone throughout the day. Donald Trump didnt attend any memorials to remember the fallen. Trump has spent his day spinning conspiracy theories and telling tales about how every judge is part of a vast conspiracy to get him.

Trump is making it clear that his only priority is to end his legal woes by returning to the White House. It is America Last and disrespect for those who died on this Memorial Day from Donald Trump.

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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.

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Former Trump deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said that a guilty verdict would change the minds of some voters.

Video:

Hogan Gidley on CNN admitted that a guilty verdict could change some voterss minds about Trump, They dont really care about this case right now, but the verdict that could change some minds here and there no question about it. pic.twitter.com/nOD28RzeAQ  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) May 28, 2024

Gidley said on CNNs The Lead with Jake Tapper, I think the election really comes down to the issues that the American people care about. They dont really care about this case right now that the verdict that could change some minds there no question about it, but at the end of the day, what were talking about is can you afford gas and can you afford groceries? Is crime better or is it worse under Joe Biden, the southern border, drugs into our communities, human trafficking, child smuggling the world, breaking out into chaos with wars erupting. Those are the things that were going to be debating between now and the election. Now, what the American people think about that, of course, and in the landscape of this whole trial is significant.

The message coming from Trump and his water carriers in the corporate media was that the trial and a guilty verdict would not influence the election, but what Gidley said was true. The verdict will sway some people who may have been thinking about voting for Trump away from him, and in a close election, if Trump loses as little as 100,000 votes combined in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, he wont win the election.

Presidential elections in the United States are close, even if one of the candidates is convicted of crimes. Trump cant afford to lose any voters, and Gidleys comments reveal why the ex-president has been trying to preemptively spin a potential guilty verdict.

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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.

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The jury is described as attentive and locked into what prosecutors say during the closing arguments of the Trump trial.

CNN reported:

Jurors are paying attention to prosecutor Joshua Steinglass as he delivers his closing argument.

Many of their eyes are trained on him. Others are looking at the monitors, which right now are showing text messages that are put on a chart by prosecutors.

Steinglass also made an important point about why this case matters and how it is election interference:

You may say who cares if Mr. Trump slept with a porn star 10 years before the 2016 election. Many people feel that way. Its harder to say the American people dont have the right to decide for themselves whether they care or not.

The value of this corrupt bargain cannot be overstated.

It turned out to be one of the most valuable contributions anyone ever made to the Trump campaignThis scheme cooked up by these men at this time could very well be what got President Trump elected.

Trump won by such a small margin that common sense suggests that one more negative story like the Stormy Daniels scandal would have finished Trump off in the minds of enough voters in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan to lose the election.

If Trump loses in 2016, there would be no Trump in 2020, or 2024. This one criminal plot got the presidency and ownership of the Republican Party.

That is why this case matters. The hush money scheme and falsification of business records made Donald Trumps entire political career possible, and that is why he must be held accountable for these crimes.

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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.

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Robert De Niro showed up via the Biden campaign outside the courthouse to call Trump a money grubber, clown, and coward who, if he returns to the White House, wont leave.

Video:

Robert DeNiro calls Trump a coward outside the courthouse, " You think Trump ever threw a punch himself? Or took one? This guy who ran and hid in the White House bunker when there were protesters outside? No way." pic.twitter.com/2InO1K1bRl  PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) May 28, 2024

De Niro said in part:

We New Yorkers used to tolerate him when he was just another grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot. A two bit playboy lying his way into the tabloids. Pretending to be a spokesman, a spokesperson for himself.

He was calling it, as himself, for himself. To fool the press into inflating his net worth.

A clown. But this city is pretty accommodating. We make room for clowns.

We have them all over the city. People who do crazy things in the street. We tolerate it. Its part of the city. Its part of the culture. But not a person like Trump who will eventually run the country. That does not work and we all know that. Anyway, we make room for clowns to each his own. But no one takes him or took him really seriously.

They take him seriously now, of course. But around the country, people who didnt know him, as we did, started to support him. They bought into his bullsh*t.



And reminds us that hell use violence against anyone who stands in the way of his megalomania and greed.

But its a cowards violence. You think Trump ever threw a punch himself? Or took one? This guy who ran and hid in the White House bunker when there were protesters outside? No way. He doesnt get Blood on his hands. No, he doesnt. He directs the mob to do his dirty work for him by making a suggestion, an inference.

And his gang grovels and follows his obvious order. Its no surprise that the murder rate and other violent crimes peaked under Trump and are falling under Biden. And now hes promising to use our own military to attack U. S. citizens. Thats the tyrant.

Thats the tyrant hes telling us hell be. And believe me, he means it. When Trump ran in 2016, it was like a joke. This buffoon running for president. No, never could happen. Wed forgotten the lessons of history that showed us other clowns who werent taken seriously until they became vicious dictators.

With Trump, we have a second chance and no one is laughing now. This is the time to stop him by voting him out once and for all. We dont want to wake up after the election saying. What again? My God, what the hell have we done? We cant have that happen again. Yesterday was Memorial Day. Its a good time to reflect on how Americans fought and died so that we may enjoy the freedoms guaranteed to us by a democratic government, a government that as president Lincoln said, of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.

Under Trump, this kind of government will perish from the earth. I dont. No, no, wait. Maybe I do mean to scare you. If Trump returns to the White House, you can kiss these freedoms goodbye, that we all take for granted. And elections? Forget about it. Thats over. Thats done. If he gets in, I can tell you right now, he will never leave.

He will never leave. You know that. He will never leave.

The biggest of evidence that supports that idea that Trump would never leave if he gets back into office can be seen in the Republican Party. As soon as Republicans let him in 2016, Trump started trying to permanently install himself as the head of the party, and he didnt stop until he took over the RNC and installed his daughter in law in a position of power.

Donald Trump now owns the Republican Party, and he is never leaving.

Republicans will never be able to wrestle control back from him or his family.

It is good to see the Biden campaign using the platform of Trumps trial to warn the nation about the threat that the ex-president poses to democracy. It was even better to see 1/6 officers flanking DeNiro.

Democracy is on the ballot, and the Biden campaign is breaking out some big names to remind people what is at stake in 2024.
Lamb said she was less concerned about term limits  "When you get somebody good in, it is hard to think that it might be a good idea to get him out," she said.  but does have a problem with political action committees and big business funding campaigns.

She said when an incumbent, like Blackwell, faces a challenger, money from big business and political action committees "steamrolls" into the incumbent's coffers, making it difficult for a challenger, like her in 2022, to win.

In the 2024 race, "Charlie [Hartz] is our GOP elected person  that's who they want, theres money thats been just poured in this campaign, Lamb said. Most people like me  like Mack  would not stand a chance."

Lamb added she felt her 2022 candidacy gave her a better chance than most candidates challenging monied interests.

Hartz addressed her comments the next time he responded to a question. He joked that Lamb was calling him the sweetheart of the GOP.

"I think most of the delegation would like to see me elected," Hartz said. "So Ill take that as an endorsement."

Judge selection

The candidates also differ on how they believe judges should be elected.

South Carolina and Virginia are the only two states in which most judges are elected by the state legislature. In most other states, judges are elected by popular vote in either partisan or non-partisan elections.

Morris said he believes judges should be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, the same as the federal model.

"It's a model we use in the federal government and give representation to both sides of the government by those checks and balances," Morris said.

Hartz and Lamb said they would like to see judges elected by popular vote.

"They should not answer to people up at the statehouse," Lamb said. "I don't understand why we're appointing them, but we do have a bunch of attorneys in office. We've seen what the corruption has done already  just look at the Murdaughs."
A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.  Billy Graham Read moreFAMILY AND MARRIAGE: Present fathers a valuable asset for children
Teri Errico is the senior business reporter at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail and real estate. An award-winning journalist, Griffis previously worked as a Southeast commerce reporter for the Journal of Commerce and a reporter for the Charleston Regional Business Journal where she covered all business in the Charleston region. Raised in Connecticut and New York, she has called South Carolina home since 2012.
GREENVILLE  A community staple that for nearly six decades churned out burgers and hot dogs and a popular orange drink will now be the place to get Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Tanners Big Orange, which in December closed its location of nearly 60 years at 322 S. Pleasantburg Drive, will become home to Cugino Forno. The new restaurant is slated to open in early 2025.

Cugino Forno began as one restaurant in Greensboro, N.C., in 2017. Since then, the concept has grown to six locations. Greenvilles will be the seventh and the first in South Carolina.

In bringing the concept to the Upstate, the owners  cousins Joseph Ozbey, Adam Aksoy and Yilmaz Guver  said they were merely following the guidance of patrons.

The restaurant, which was cited as one of the best Neapolitan style pizza places in North Carolina by the Washington Post in 2023, has grown based on demand, said Ozbey, recently speaking by phone from Italy, where he was on an ingredient scouting mission.

We listened to our customers, Ozbey said. We had so many people messaging, calling, emailing, saying 'you should come here.' When you see desire for your pizza, it makes you the happiest person ever.

Life-changing pizza

Cugino Forno grew out of something simple: really good pizza.

It was while traveling in Naples the three cousins first tried the pizza from Pizzeria Da Michele.

As Ozbey recalled of the moment in 2015, I loved it so much, me and my cousins went there for lunch and then we went there the same day again for dinner.

The pizza, in its simplicity but overwhelming flavor, stuck with them.
Thats quite a slugfest weve got going on in S.C. Senate District 41. No wonder it's one of the most watched Senate races this year.

Charleston Sen. Sandy Senn has campaign posters up featuring freshman Rep. Matt Lebers police mug shot and warning women to look out, seeing as his former wife accused him of domestic violence and there have been other allegations of illegal hot-headedness.

Mr. Lebers campaign has erected (and posted online) manipulated photos of Ms. Senn  one making her look like the Joker, one distorted to make her resemble a chipmunk. And theres that social media post from his campaign consultant saying her face looks like toilet caulking.

Clearly, the challenger has crossed more lines of decorum than Ms. Senn, and in fact Ms. Senn has raised disturbing questions about Mr. Leber. But thats not what has convinced us that the incumbent is the best choice in the June 11 Republican primary.

Nor is her refusal to join with the majority in the Legislature in outlawing most abortions after six weeks, or her more consequential decision to join with a handful of other Republican women and men to thwart House efforts to ban abortion at conception.

Like Ms. Senn, we would prefer to wait a little longer than six weeks into a pregnancy to ban the procedure, but unless were looking for a tie-breaker between two equally attractive candidates, we wouldnt make a decision about whom to support based on a single vote or a single issue.

And this is not a race with two equally attractive candidates.

There are several things about Ms. Senn that disturb us  from a habit of attack by implication to the central role she played in writing the law that ushered in the current Charleston County School Board.
SPARTANBURG  Early voting in partisan primaries kicks off in Spartanburg County and across South Carolina as a slew of officeholders face primary competition.

Nine elected incumbents face intraparty challengers in Spartanburg County  four state representatives, three county council members, one U.S. representative and the sheriff. Most of these are Republican-held seats with the party's nominee winning by lopsided margins in general elections.

No state senators in the county are facing challengers in the June 11 statewide primary elections, which has early in-person voting from May 28 to June 7.

Joshua Meyer-Gutbrod, a University of South Carolina political science professor who studies state legislative campaigns, said in an email that the often unruly hard-right S.C. House Freedom Caucus is a driving force in many of these challenges.

The Freedom Caucus in SC seems to have realized that their path to power is through controlling a majority of the majority, Meyer-Gutbrod said. This means replacing old guard Republicans with a new cohort of Freedom Caucus Republicans.

The Freedom Caucus includes 16 GOP members, 11 from the Upstate and 3 from Spartanburg County, who have grabbed headlines in their clashes with mainline Republicans like House Speaker Murrell Smith.

They recently sank a bill urged by the governor that would have restructured the states health agencies. The caucus' chairman, Adam Morgan, is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. William Timmons for the seat in Congress.

Meyer-Gutbrod said the group seems well organized and has a clear mission: grow hard-right influence in the state Legislature.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 12:00:59

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Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United StatesVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 /Arras Minerals Corp. (TSXV:ARK) ("Arras" or the "Company") announces today that due to strong demand, the previously announced non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") has been increased from up to C$2 million to up to C$4.5 million (the "Upsizing").Darren Klinck, President of Arras, commented, " We are very pleased with the exceptional strong support from current shareholders in this financing. As we have commenced our third field season in Kazakhstan, it is clear that the progress we have made over the past two years on our project portfolio in the country has advanced a number of very exciting targets. This increased financing will allow us to broaden and expand the program at Elemes and provide flexibility to be opportunistic as our understanding at the Elemes and Tay projects continues to increase." The Company announced on May 21, 2024 that it had arranged a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 7,692,308 units of the Company ("Units") at a price per Unit of C$0.26 (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$2 million. Following the Upsizing, the Offering will now comprise of up to 17,307,692 Units at the Offering Price for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$4.5 million. Under the Offering, each Unit shall be comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one (1/2) non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one (1) additional Common Share at a price of C$0.40 for a period of (3) years from the closing of the Offering (the "Expiry Date").In the event the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") meets or exceeds C$0.60 for fifteen (15) consecutive trading days at any time after four months and one day following closing of the Offering, the Company shall have the option, but not the obligation, at any time thereafter to accelerate the Expiry Date to a date that is thirty (30) days following the date of issuance of a press release by the Company announcing the acceleration of the Expiry Date.The Offering is scheduled to close on or about June 4, 2024 and is subject to the approval of the TSXV. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period in Canada and will be subject to U.S. resale restrictions under U.S. securities laws as applicable.The securities to be sold in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("U.S. Securities Act"), or any state or other applicable jurisdiction's securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state or other jurisdictions' securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.Qualified Person: The scientific and technical disclosure for this news release has been prepared under supervision of and approved by Matthew Booth, Vice President of Exploration, of Arras Minerals Corp., a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Booth has over 19 years of mineral exploration experience and is a Qualified Person member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (CPG 12044).On behalf of the Board of Directors"Darren Klinck"Darren Klinck President and DirectorINVESTOR RELATIONS: +1 604 687 5800 info@ arrasminerals.com Further information can be found on:the Company's website https://www.arrasminerals.com or follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrasminerals or follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/arrasminerals About Arras Minerals Corp.Arras is a Canadian exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in northeastern Kazakhstan, including the Option Agreement on the Beskauga copper and gold project. The Company has established the third-largest license package in the country prospective for copper and gold (behind Rio Tinto and Fortescue). In December 2023, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") in which Teck will sole fund a US$5 million generative exploration program over a portion of the Arras license package in 2024-2025 focusing on critical minerals. The Company's shares are listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "ARK".Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Offering, future events and Arras' future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act, and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the Offering, the participation in the Offering by Teck Resources Limited, the amount of securities that may be sold and proceeds raised by the Company from the Offering, timing of closing of the Offering, the terms to the securities offered under the Offering, the receipt of TSXV and other required regulatory and third party approvals in respect of the Offering, exercise of the Company's acceleration right in respect of the Warrants (or the satisfaction of the acceleration condition in respect thereof), and plans and expectations of the exploration program Arras is in the process of undertaking. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about Arras' exploration projects, the industry in which Arras operates and the beliefs and assumptions of Arras' management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continues," "may," variations of such words, and similar expressions and references to future periods, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management's control, including investor interest in the Offering and perception of the Company an
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TALLAHASSEE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Ascend Plastic Surgery Partners (Ascend), a leading network of top-tier plastic surgeons and aesthetic centers, proudly announces the addition of Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic to its distinguished "club" of visionary surgeons. This partnership exemplifies Ascend's commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration among the best in the field.Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic LogoDr. William Hedden, Chief Medical Officer at Ascend Plastic Surgery Partners, commented on the union, "Our connection with Dr. Larry Harper, Dr. Alfredo Paredes, and Dr. Jeffrey Rawlings is much more than a partnership; it is a fusion of shared goals and values. It's about nurturing the purpose and vision of Ascend, which focuses on innovation, excellence, and continuous professional growth. Together, we are creating an environment that not only sets new standards in patient care but also fosters a collaborative community of the foremost experts in plastic surgery." Anthony Milonas, CEO of Ascend Plastic Surgery Partners, supports this vision, stating, "We view this union not just as a merger of facilities and talents but as a harmonious alignment of missions. Dr. Harper, Dr. Paredes, and Dr. Rawlings are integral to our journey towards redefining aesthetic medicine through collective expertise and shared ambition. We are particularly grateful to Dr. Rawlings, whose long-standing contributions have been pivotal to the clinic's success and will undoubtedly enhance our collective endeavors." Dr. Larry Harper, Co-founder of Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic, expressed his enthusiasm, "Joining Ascend feels like becoming a part of a family that is dedicated to achieving optimal results while continuing to advance in the plastic surgery arena. This collaboration allows us to share insights and techniques that are vital for excelling our practice and enhancing patient outcomes." Dr. Alfredo Paredes, Co-founder of Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic, added, "This union with Ascend Plastic Surgery Partners marks a significant milestone in our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of aesthetic medicine. We are excited to contribute to and grow with this network of distinguished professionals." Ascend Plastic Surgery Partners continues to expand and is keen on welcoming additional plastic surgeons who are passionate about innovation and excellence to join its growing network. This union with Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic is a testament to Ascend's dedication to enhancing the scope and quality of aesthetic care through a supportive and dynamic community.Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic was advised by Physician Growth Partners. Ascend Plastic Surgery Partners was advised by McDermott, Will & Emery and Berkley Research Group.About Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic: Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic was founded by Dr. Larry Harper and Dr. Alfredo Paredes, and with the significant contributions of Dr. Jeffrey Rawlings, Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic is a beacon of excellence and innovation in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, enhancing patient experiences through expert care and advanced technology. For more information, visit: www.tlhplasticsurgery.com About Ascend Plastic Surgery Partners: Ascend Plastic Surgery Partners is dedicated to creating an elite network of plastic surgeons committed to continuous learning and mutual collaboration. By integrating top-tier surgical skills with cutting-edge aesthetic centers, Ascend fosters a community where innovation and expertise lead the way in delivering the highest standards of patient care. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Ascend Plastic Surgery Partners is at the forefront of the aesthetic medicine industry, committed to providing exceptional patient care and advancing the field through innovation and expertise. Led by CEO, Anthony Milonas and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. William Hedden. For more information, visit www.ascendpsp.com Contact InformationLori MoonenMarketing Agencylori@ creativesparkjax.com 9042287318Related ImagesTallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic Logo Ascend Plastic Surgery Partners Logo SOURCE: Tallahassee Plastic Surgery ClinicView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 14:45:43

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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / In the swiftly evolving realm of digital communication, BlockChat distinguishes itself as a pioneering platform committed to establishing a decentralised, permissionless environment for effortless interaction. By harnessing the potential of blockchain technology and the cutting-edge capabilities of Bittensor, BlockChat is poised to transform the way we connect, collaborate, build communities and communicate in the modern era.The Purpose of BlockChatAt its core, BlockChat aims to provide a secure, efficient, and decentralised communication platform that addresses the inherent limitations of traditional centralised systems. The primary objectives of BlockChat are:Decentralisation: By avoiding centralised servers, BlockChat ensures that no single entity has control over the communication network. This decentralization enhances security, privacy, and resilience against censorship or shutdowns.Permissionless Environment: BlockChat is built on the principle of openness and inclusivity. Users can join and use the platform without the need for permission from a central authority, fostering a truly democratic communication space.Enhanced Security and Privacy: With blockchain technology at its foundation, BlockChat guarantees that user data is securely encrypted and stored, protecting it from unauthorized access and potential breaches.Combining Social Platform Features: BlockChat integrates features commonly found in social platforms into a well-organized and easy-to-use interface, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.Why We Are Building BlockChatThe vision behind BlockChat stems from a growing need for more transparent, secure, and autonomous communication tools. Traditional centralised platforms often pose risks related to data privacy, control, and reliability. By shifting to a decentralised model, BlockChat addresses these concerns head-on, providing users with a platform where they have full control over their data and interactions.Key Reasons for Building BlockChat:Eliminating Centralised Control: centralised servers can be vulnerable to attacks, data breaches, and censorship. BlockChat's decentralised architecture ensures that no single point of failure exists, making the platform more robust and secure.Maintaining a Permissionless Environment: In a world where digital freedom is increasingly under threat, BlockChat champions the cause of permissionless access, allowing users to communicate freely without restrictions.Leveraging Advanced AI Technology: Through the integration of Bittensor, BlockChat utilizes decentralised artificial intelligence to enhance its functionalities, providing users with smarter, more intuitive communication tools.The Role of Bittensor TechnologyBittensor ( https://bittensor.com) is an important addition to BlockChat, allowing the platform to stay ahead of the latest AI trends while maintaining a decentralised framework. This integration brings several benefits to BlockChat:Decentralised AI Capabilities: Bittensor enables BlockChat to harness the power of decentralised AI, offering intelligent features such as automated moderation, real-time translation, and personalized user experiences.Enhanced Performance and Scalability: By leveraging Bittensor's decentralised infrastructure, BlockChat can scale efficiently to accommodate a growing user base while maintaining high performance and reliability.Innovative Solutions: The synergy between BlockChat and Bittensor fosters continuous innovation, ensuring that the platform remains at the cutting edge of technology and communication trends.Key Features of BlockChatTo further enhance the user experience, BlockChat offers a range of powerful features through its BlockSpace subscriptions:BlockSpace Subscriptions: Flexible subscription packages catering to different needs, from basic to premium, ensuring accessibility and advanced functionalities.BlockSpace Live: Host live AMA sessions and interactive events seamlessly, enhancing community engagement and real-time interaction.BlockSpace Chat: Create dedicated live chat sub-channels for real-time discussions, making collaboration more dynamic and immediate.BlockParties: Organize and manage virtual events effortlessly with our comprehensive events platform, fostering a sense of community.DAO Functionality: Empower your community with decentralised governance, allowing users to vote on key decisions and participate in the platform's evolution.BlockAds: Utilize BlockSpace Advertising to promote content within the BlockChat ecosystem, reaching a targeted audience effectively.BlockSpace Analytics: Leverage advanced AI functionalities to gain insights into user behavior and platform performance, driving informed decision-making.BlockSpace Sub-Channels and Gated Sub-Channels: Organize your workspace with multiple sub-channels, including gated options for exclusive content and discussions.BlockSpace Branding: Customize your BlockChat environment with branding options to reflect your unique identity and enhance professionalism.Introducing $BCD: BlockChat's Native TokenBlockChat integrates its native token, $BCD, directly into the platform to streamline transactions and enhance user engagement. $BCD will be used for purchasing BlockSpace Subscriptions, Gating Sub-Channels and DAO Voting, enabling a seamless and efficient payment process within the BlockChat ecosystem. By using $BCD, users can easily access premium features and subscription packages, ensuring they get the most out of their BlockChat experience.Benefits of $BCD Integration:Seamless Transactions: $BCD allows for quick and easy payments within the platform, reducing friction and enhancing user convenience.Increased Utility: By using $BCD for subscriptions, users can leverage the token's value within the BlockChat ecosystem, promoting greater engagement and loyalty.Enhanced Security: Blockchain-based transactions with $BCD ensure secure and transparent payment processes, maintaining the integrity of user transactions.Investing in the Future of CommunicationBlockChat represents a significant leap forward in the realm of digital communication. By combining blockchain technology with decentralised AI, BlockChat offers a unique, secure, and flexible platform that caters to the evolving needs of users worldwide. As we continue to develop and expand our capabilities, we invite investors to join us on this transformative journey.Investing in BlockChat means supporting a future where communication is free from centralised control, where privacy and security are paramount, and where advanced AI enhances our interactions in unpr
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 16:02:25

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More than 9100 completed surveys from team members across the senior living provider organization highlighted high marks for trust and overall experience, surpassing certification benchmarks and securing the prestigious honor.BONITA SPRINGS, FL / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Discovery Senior Living ("Discovery") a nationally recognized senior living provider, has been certified as a Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute and its senior care partner Activated Insights. This certification underscores Discovery Senior Living's dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment for its employees.Great Place To Work For the third year in a row, Discovery Senior Living has been awarded a Great Place to Work CertificationThe certification process included surveying employees across Discovery Senior Living's community locations and assessing more than 60 elements of the team members' work experience. These elements encompassed employee pride in the organization's community impact, the belief that their work is meaningful, and a sense of special significance in their roles. Rankings are derived from employees' experiences, regardless of their role or position."We are elated to receive this certification for the third consecutive year," said Lisa Lacy, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Discovery Senior Living. "Our employees are the cornerstone of our organization, and we strive to cultivate a supportive and engaging work environment that enables them to excel. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our team members, and we are honored to receive this distinction once again." Discovery Senior Living is committed to providing its employees with a comprehensive range of benefits including competitive compensation, extensive healthcare benefits, and opportunities for professional development."We recognize our team members as our most valuable asset," said Bill Sciortino, Chief Operating Officer for Discovery Senior Living. "We are incredibly proud and deeply appreciative of all they do each and every day, demonstrating unwavering dedication to our residents and communities. As an organization, we could not improve without their honest feedback." ###About Discovery Senior LivingDiscovery Senior Living is a family of companies that includes Discovery Management Group, Integral Senior Living, Provincial Senior Living, Morada Senior Living, TerraBella Senior Living, LakeHouse Senior Living, Arvum Senior Living, Discovery Development Group, Discovery Design Concepts, STAT Marketing, and Discovery At Home. With three decades of experience, the award-winning management team has been developing, building, marketing, and managing diverse senior-living communities across the United States. By leveraging its innovative "Experiential Living" philosophy across a growing portfolio in excess of 300 communities and over 30,000 homes in nearly 40 states, Discovery Senior Living is a recognized industry leader for performance, innovation and lifestyle customization and, today, ranks among the 5 largest U.S. senior living operators.Contact InformationHeidi LaVanwayVice President of Marketinghlavanway@ discoverymgt.com 239.301.5330SOURCE: Discovery Senior LivingView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 11:04:33

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Globe Life Inc. ("Globe Life" or "the Company") (NYSE:GL) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Globe Life securities between May 8, 2019 and April 10, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/GL Case Details:According to the Complaint, Globe Life is an insurance company headquartered in McKinney, Texas, that offers a wide range of insurance products, including life insurance, mortgage protections, and supplemental health insurance. Globe Life operates five wholly owned insurance subsidiaries. The largest, by both premiums collected and number of sales agents employed, is American Income Life Insurance Company ("AIL").Throughout the Class Period, according to the Complaint, Globe Life touted its consistent revenue growth, particularly from AIL, which accounted for 50% of the Company's profits in 2022 and 2023. During the Class Period, Globe Life reported consistent premium revenue growth at the Company, led by consistent premium revenue growth at AIL. The Company also represented that its employees adhered to a Code of Conduct that expressly prohibited various forms of misconduct, and which required that all Globe Life employees comply with relevant laws and regulations, purportedly ensuring that the Company would maintain a workplace free from violence, threatening behavior, and illegal drugs.The Complaint alleges that as a result of Defendants' misrepresentations, shares of Globe Life common stock traded at artificially inflated prices throughout the Class Period.The truth emerged on April 11, 2024, when, according to the Complaint, investment research firm Fuzzy Panda published a report alleging that Globe Life had engaged in wide-spread insurance fraud, while permitting a culture of unchecked sexual harassment. Specifically, the report alleged that several Globe Life subsidiaries were underwriting policies for dead and fictitious people, as well as adding policies to existing users' accounts without their consent. In addition, the investment research firm uncovered evidence that the subsidiaries maintained a hostile workplace where sexual harassment, drug use, and sexual assault went unchecked - conduct that violated the Company's Code of Conduct.As a result of these disclosures, according to the Complaint, the price of Globe Life common stock declined $55.76, or 53%, from a closing price of $104.93 per share on April 10, 2024, to a closing price of $49.17 per share on April 11, 2024.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/GL or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in Globe Life you have until July 1, 2024, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz and Grossman, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 18:21:35

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DETROIT, MI / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Grasshopper Farms, a leading national premium sun-grown cannabis company, is excited to announce its partnership with Lucky Yates, a Detroit native renowned for his role as Dr. Krieger on the hit animated adult TV series, Archer. Together, we are proud to introduce GHF/Dr. K's two exclusive strains: Jazz Hands & Smoke Bomb. Grasshopper Farms has also partnered withHouse of Dank , ensuring that these strains will be available exclusively at their select retail locations.As part of this groundbreaking collaboration, Grasshopper Farms and Lucky Yates will embark on a special tour of Detroit, visiting House of Dank's esteemed retailers on Thursday, June 13 through Saturday, June 15. Lucky will be available for meet and greets with fans, signing autographs, and sharing his passion for Cannabis, Grasshopper Farms, House of Dank and his hometown.During this exclusive three-day promotion, each selected House of Dank location will be stocked with both Dr. K strains, Jazz Hands and Smoke Bomb, for exclusive sale. Additionally, customers purchasing either Jazz Hands or Smoke Bomb will receive a complimentary single infused pre-roll, courtesy of Grasshopper Farms.To commemorate the occasion, Grasshopper Farms has designed special edition Dr. K.'s Strain giveaway posters for Lucky to autograph at each store location. These posters will also serve as the inspiration for limited-edition giveaway T-shirts, available exclusively during the store appearances.Lucky Yates, a proud Detroit native, captivated audiences with his portrayal of the eccentric Dr. Krieger on Archer, the beloved animated series that aired for 14 seasons on FX. With a penchant for humor and a passion for cannabis, Lucky has become a prominent advocate for the industry. Beyond his role on Archer, Lucky was also a recurring actor on the Food Network series Good Eats.We hope you will consider sharing this exciting news and joining Grasshopper Farms, House of Dank and Lucky Yates at these locations as we celebrate the launch of GHF/Dr. K's exclusive strains and embrace the vibrant culture of Detroit. Lucky's meet and greet schedule is below:Thursday 6/133pm -5pmHouse of Dank Monroe14750 Laplaisance Road H 160Monroe, MI 48161Friday, 6/1412pm -2pmHouse of Dank 8 Mile3340 E 8 Mile RoadDetroit, MI 482343pm -5pmHouse of Dank Center Line26829 Lawrence Ave.Center Line, MI 48015Saturday, 6/1512pm -2pmHouse of Dank Ypsilanti80 Ecorse RoadYpsilanti, MI 481983pm -5pmHouse of Dank Fort Street3394 S. Fort StreetDetroit, MI 48217About Grasshopper FarmsGrasshopper Farms is proud to employ 100% former Michigan caregiver farmers on 160+ acres and ~5,000 outdoor plants. With more than 60 years of combined growing expertise on our 85-person Michigan team, we pledge to deliver the best plants, products, and experience. Offering 30+ strains of premium, sun-grown cannabis, come visit us at the farm in Paw Paw, Michigan, and see for yourself. Currently sold in more than 40 retail locations in Michigan. For more information, visit https://www.grasshopperfarms.com About House of DankHouse of Dank Recreational Cannabis is dedicated to providing world-class cannabis products. As a leading cannabis retailer in Michigan, House of Dank features a wide selection of medical and recreational flower, vaporizers, concentrates, edibles, CBD, tinctures, topicals, merch, and more. The talented in-house team has vast knowledge of the aspects of cannabis and work to ensure every consumer is receiving the perfect product. When you choose House of Dank you can expect industry-leading care, expertly crafted products, and unmatched guest servicing. For more information, visitshophod.comor follow the company onInstagramandFacebook .MEDIA CONTACT: Samantha WaranchE-mail: samantha@ c-360.agency SOURCE: Grasshopper Farms
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 02:57:02

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Chapel of the Flowers Announces Forever Heroes Package Giveaway for Military CouplesLAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2024 / In honor of Memorial Day, Chapel of the Flowers is proud to announce a special giveaway for one lucky couple who are either active duty, in the reserves or veterans. The winning couple will receive Chapel of the Flowers' exclusive All-Inclusive Forever Heroes Package, which includes a magical wedding ceremony and a romantic dinner for two, courtesy of the venue's generous partners: Creative Bridal, Glam Squad 702, and Villa Azur.Chapel of the Flowers Forever Heroes Memorial Day GiveawayThe Forever Heroes Package includes:Floral Arrangements:Rose Boutonniere (Quantity: 2) Eighteen-Rose Hand-Tied Bouquet (Quantity: 1) Single-Rose Presentation (Quantity: 1)Photography:11 x 14 Print (Quantity: 1): Regal 20-Minute On-Site Posed Photo Shoot (Quantity: 1): A professional 20-minute photo session. 4 x 6 Candid Ceremony Photos (Quantity: 18)Ceremony Services:First-Look Service (Quantity: 1): Maintain tradition by not seeing your fiance until the aisle walk. Ceremony Consultation (Quantity: 1): A meeting to address all your wedding questions and details. Traditional Wedding Music (Quantity: 1): Classic wedding songs played during your ceremony. Personal Wedding Planner (Quantity: 1): Assistance in planning and booking all wedding amenities. Personal Ceremony Coordinator (Quantity: 1): Ensuring all details fall into place on your wedding day. Round-Trip Limousine Service (Quantity: 1): Luxurious transportation for up to eight guests. Unity Ceremony (Quantity: 1): Symbolize your union by lighting a candletogether.Video Services:Ceremony Video Download (Quantity: 1): A downloadable video of your ceremony to share with loved ones. Live Broadcasting (Quantity: 1): Broadcast your wedding live anywhere in the world. Two Weeks of Internet Viewing (Quantity: 1): Enjoy two weeks of ceremony broadcasting online.We are honored to thank each and every service member for their heroism. Chapel of the Flowers, along with Creative Bridal, Glam Squad 702, and Villa Azur, is excited to offer this magical ceremony to a deserving couple this Memorial Day.Partner Contributions:Creative Bridal: Providing the winning couple with a romantic gown and tux rental. Glam Squad 702: Ensuring the bride and groom look their best on their special day. Villa Azur: Hosting the lucky couple for a romantic dinner for two (pre-selected menu).To enter the giveaway, couples must fill out the form here: https://chapeloftheflowers.com/forever-heroes * Only ONE couple will be allowed to win the Forever Heroes Package. Chapel of the Flowers will be narrowing down to the top five couples, and the venue will announce the winner on June 17, 2024. All taxes and minister fees will be included except for any upgrades or additional products added to the wedding package.Entrants must be able to provide proof of military service. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. PDT on June 12, 2024. Chapel of the Flowers will select and announce the five finalist couples on or before June 17, 2024, so keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram.Contact InformationCynthia SharpeDirector of Storytellingcindy.sharpe@littlechapel.com 7024357331SOURCE: Chapel of the FlowersView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 08:01:02

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Harbor Diversified, Inc. ("Harbor Diversified" or "the Company") (OTC PINK:HRBR) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Harbor Diversified securities between May 10, 2022 and March 29, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/HRBR Case Details:According to the Complaint, Harbor Diversified describes itself as "a non-operating holding company that is the parent of a consolidated group of subsidiaries, including AWAC Aviation, Inc. (AWAC'), which is the sole member of Air Wisconsin Airlines LLC (Air Wisconsin'), a regional air carrier. Harbor is also the direct parent of three other subsidiaries: (1) Lotus Aviation Leasing, LLC (Lotus'), which leases flight equipment to Air Wisconsin, (2) Air Wisconsin Funding LLC (AWF'), which provides flight equipment financing to Air Wisconsin, and (3) Harbor Therapeutics, Inc. (Therapeutics'), which is a non-operating entity with no material assets." The Complaint alleges that Harbor Diversified made materially false and/or misleading statements because the Company misrepresented and failed to disclose the following adverse facts pertaining to the Company's business, operations, and prospects, which were known to Defendants or recklessly disregarded by them. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:(1) Harbor Diversified's financial statements from May 9, 2022 to the present were misstated due to improper revenue recognition;(2) Harbor Diversified lacked adequate internal controls; and(3) as a result, Harbor Diversified's statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times.The truth began to emerge, according to the Complaint, on March 29, 2024, when Harbor Diversified filed with the SEC a current report on Form 8-K in which it announced that certain of its previously-issued financial statements would need to be restated as a result of improper revenue recognition. Further, Harbor Diversified disclosed a material weakness in its internal controls that has the company's management evaluating "appropriate remediation actions." On this news, according to the Complaint, the price of Harbor Diversified stock fell by $0.28 per share, or14.25% , to close at $1.73 on April 1, 2024.Therefore, the Complaint further alleges that as a result of Defendants' wrongful acts and omissions, and the precipitous decline in the market value of the Harbor Diversified's common shares, investors have suffered significant losses and damages.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/HRBR or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in Harbor Diversified you have until July 8, 2024, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz and Grossman, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 07:02:15

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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. ("Arbor" or "the Company") (NYSE:ABR) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Arbor is the subject of a report issued by Viceroy Research November 17, 2023, titled, ""Arbor Realty Trust - Slumlord Millionaires." According to the report, "Arbor's high-risk multifamily bridge loans, which comprise substantially all of its asset book, are going bad fast The end is near." Viceroy Research then issued a follow up report on December 5, 2023, titled "Arbor - Jacksonville Case Study." In the second report, Viceroy Research claims that the Company's "entire loan book is distressed and underlying collateral is vastly overstated." Based on this news, shares of Arbor fell by more than 5% over the next two trading sessions.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The class in this case has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT:The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq.310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.comwww.schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 01:10:52

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Personal loans are an alternative to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), offering fast access to upfront funding and predictable repayment structures that take the stress out of big purchases.MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2024 / The Federal Government recently requested submissions on the exposure draft legislation to regulate Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) products, in a move to better protect borrowers.As their name suggests, BNPL products allow Australians to buy an item and then pay for it in interest-free instalments. However, these products are not currently subject to the same regulations banks and lenders abide by, including dispute resolution and hardship support.According to non-bank lender Liberty, a personal loan could be a good option for borrowers seeking funds for multiple purchases or larger amounts.Manager - Group Communications Kate Jenkinson says personal loans can provide fast funding for a variety of purposes and typically offer a higher limit."Personal loans support Australians to fund big purchases or projects that might have otherwise been out of reach," Ms Jenkinson said."This means borrowers can not only reach their goals faster, but the fixed repayments could make ongoing budgeting easier to manage." Personal loans can help borrowers achieve various goals, from debt consolidation to buying a new car or caravan. Loans could also fund home renovations, overseas holidays, unexpected medical expenses, or bridge cash flow gaps."Personal loans provide quick access to funds while also offering borrowers a clearer understanding of the exact costs involved." Liberty's free-thinking personal loans offer tailored rates based on several factors such as credit score and financial history.While some traditional lenders might not accept borrowers that have had past financial hiccups or bad credit, Liberty takes a more holistic approach."At Liberty, we know not everyone fits into the same box. We look at a range of factors and take a more personal approach to helping borrowers secure the funding they need. Our goal is to help individuals reach theirs," Ms Jenkinson said.About LibertyAs one of Australia's leading non-bank lenders, Liberty offers innovative solutions to support customers with greater choice. Over more than 26 years, this free-thinking approach to loan solutions has seen more than 850,000 customers across a wide range of home, car, business and personal loans, as well as SMSF lending and insurance products. Liberty remains the only non-bank lender with an investment-grade credit rating offering custom and prime solutions to help more people get financial.Approved applicants only. Lending criteria apply. Fees and charges are payable. Liberty Financial Pty Ltd ACN 077 248 983 and Secure Funding Pty Ltd ABN 25 081 982 87 2 Australian Credit Licence 388133, together trading as Liberty Financial.Contact Kate JenkinsonManager - Group CommunicationsP: +61 3 8635 8888E: mediaenquiries@ liberty.com.au SOURCE: Liberty
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 01:10:59

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From Smart Devices to Chipsets, Explore the Full Range of Wi-Fi HaLow Solutions at Wireless Japan With Newracom and PartnersIRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2024 / Since the certification of the first IEEE 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow System-On-A-Chip, Newracom has been working towards developing an ecosystem of solutions to enable Wi-Fi HaLow technology. At Wireless Japan, Newracom will showcase the results of its efforts with its partners, offering a complete suite of Wi-Fi HaLow-based IoT solutions. This collection of Wi-Fi HaLow-enabled devices, modules, and SoCs will be on display at Wireless Japan in the 802.11ah Promotion Council's (AHPC) booth (#W-64) from May 29 to May 31, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan."Shaking up the connectivity landscape with Wi-Fi HaLow has been driving innovation in IoT solutions," stated Frank Lin, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Newracom. "By offering a combination of long range, low power, and higher throughput, we have redefined what is possible for IoT devices. Our partners have been a testament to this transformation." "Newracom has been actively participating in the regularization of HaLow in Japan since the founding of AHPC," said Tadao Kobayashi, Chairman of AHPC. "Newracom has significantly contributed to AHPC activities by providing technical support for experimental stations essential for regularization, modifying chip specifications to comply with Japan's 802.11ah regulations, and supplying overseas information. Without Newracom's contribution, the current Japanese HaLow business would not have started. AHPC is looking forward to Newracom expanding the HaLow business in Japan in the future." "At Brickcom, we are thrilled to collaborate with Newracom and integrate their groundbreaking 11ah SoC solution into our upcoming product line. This partnership underlines our commitment to delivering top-tier technology and exceeding customer expectations," remarked Ebony Huang, CEO of Brickcom."Sunmi is very excited to work with our strategic partner Newracom to integrate this breakthrough 11ah-based technology into commercial information equipment. This is fully in line with Sunmi's vision of advancing BIoT and provides robust support for it," commented Eric Zhou, Vice President of IoT Products R&D Center at Sunmi."In our constant pursuit to support IoT devices, we have worked with Newracom to bring Wi-Fi HaLow to Sony's Spresense platform," said Yoshinori Oota, Spresense Project Manager of Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, System Solutions Business Division. "Newracom has been a key community member and collaborator in helping develop the full potential of Wi-Fi HaLow." To discover the full range of Wi-Fi HaLow-based smart solutions with Newracom, please visit the Newracom booth at #W-64 at Wireless Japan, May 29-31, 2024, or reach out to sales@ newracom.com to schedule a meeting.About Newracom, Inc.Newracom, Inc., located in Irvine, California, U.S., has rapidly become a leading developer and supplier of IoT-enabled wireless connectivity chipsets. We specialize in providing a broad range of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11ah and IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax) that covers various connectivity needs in our lives. With our extensive and diverse Wi-Fi solutions, NEWRACOM enables customers with a "one-stop shop," offering a comprehensive solution that can serve multiple IoT applications, including Smart Grid, Wearables, Smart Home and Office, Healthcare, and Industrial Automation. For more information, please visit online at https://www.newracom.com Contact Information:Frank LinVice President of Marketing & Salesfrank.lin@newracom.com +1-408-649-1612SOURCE: NewracomView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 15:45:34

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Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United StatesTORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Northern Superior Resources Inc. (" Northern Superior " or the " Company ") (TSX-V:SUP)(OTCQX:NSUPF) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced bought deal financing (see press releases dated May 9 and May 10, 2024) by issuing (i) 5,050,600 common shares of the Company that qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Tax Act (as defined below) and section 359.1 of the Quebec Tax Act (as defined below) (the " FT Shares ") at a price of $0.99 per FT Share, for gross proceeds of $5,000,094; and (ii) 5,454,600 common shares of the Company (the " HD Shares ") at a price of $0.55 per HD Share, for gross proceeds of $3,000,030, for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $8,000,124 (collectively, the " Offering ").Cormark Securities Inc. (the " Underwriter ") acted as sole underwriter and bookrunner of the Offering. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid to the Underwriter a cash commission equal to approximately 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering.The net proceeds from the issuance of the HD Shares will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the FT Shares, pursuant to the provisions in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the " Tax Act "), to incur (or be deemed to incur) eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" (as both terms are defined in the Tax Act) (the " Qualifying Expenditures ") related to the Company's projects in Quebec, on or before December 31, 2025, and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Shares effective December 31, 2024. In addition, with respect to Quebec resident subscribers who are eligible individuals under the Taxation Act (Quebec) (the " Quebec Tax Act "), the Canadian exploration expenses will also qualify for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec exploration expenses" within the meaning of section 726.4.10 of the Quebec Tax Act and for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining expenses" within the meaning of section 726.4.17.2 of the Quebec Tax Act.The Offering was made pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the " LIFE Exemption ") and other available exemptions pursuant to applicable securities laws. The securities issued to Canadian resident subscribers pursuant to the LIFE Exemption will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. A copy of the offering documents prepared by the Company in connection with the LIFE Exemption dated May 9, 2024 and May 10, 2024 is available electronically under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the " TSX-V ") of the Offering is subject to the completion of customary post-closing filings.Insider ParticipationSimon Marcotte, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Victor Cantore, Executive Chairman of the Company, and Michael Gentile, director of the Company, participated in the Offering and purchased an aggregate of 1,820,000 common shares of the Company. Participation of such insiders in the Offering constituted a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holdings in Special Transactions (" MI 61-101 "), but was exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 pursuant to the exemptions contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the insiders' participation in the Offering does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering as the details of the participation of the insiders of the Company had not been confirmed at that time. The Offering has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of the Company, with each of the participating insiders abstaining from voting on their respective participation in the Offering. The common shares issued to insiders of the Company are subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSX-V.This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 , as amended (the " U.S. Securities Act ") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the meaning ascribed to them in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.About Northern Superior Resources Inc.Northern Superior is a gold exploration company focused on the Chibougamau Camp in Quebec, Canada. The Company has consolidated the largest land package in the region, with total land holdings currently exceeding 62,000 hectares. The main properties include Philibert, Lac Surprise, Chevrier and Croteau. Northern Superior also owns significant exploration assets in Northern Ontario highlighted by the district scale TPK Project.The Philibert Project is located 9 km from IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Gold project which was awarded the " Discovery of the Year " by the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) in 2019. Philibert hosts a new maiden 43-101 inferred resource of 1,708,800 ounces Au and an indicated resource of 278,900 ounces of Au [1] . Northern Superior holds a majority stake of 75% in the Philibert Project, with the remaining 25% owned by SOQUEM, and retains an option to acquire the full 100% ownership of the project. Chevrier hosts an inferred mineral resource of 652,000 ounces Au (underground and open pit) and an indicated mineral resource of 260,000 ounces Au. [2] Croteau hosts an inferred mineral resource of 640,000 ounces Au. [3] Lac Surprise hosts the Falcon Zone Discovery, interpreted to be the wester
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VANCOUVER, WA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Sinceri Senior Living, a distinguished senior living management company, is thrilled to announce the addition of seven new locations, The Magnolia Springs communities. Nestled in the heart of the Ohio Valley, these communities in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio offer unparalleled Assisted Living and Memory Care options tailored to meet the diverse needs of their residents."We are delighted to welcome The Magnolia Springs communities into the Sinceri family," said Chris Belford, CEO of Sinceri Senior Living. "This expansion aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing exceptional care and enriching experiences to seniors across the nation." The Magnolia Springs communities boast a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for residents. Moreover, The Magnolia Springs communities prioritize the holistic wellness of their residents by offering support for inpatient or outpatient care, appointment coordination, and regular roundtable discussions for families to engage with community staff.The seven new communities include:Magnolia Springs Bridgewater, Carmel, IN Magnolia Springs Southpointe, Indianapolis, IN Magnolia Springs Loveland, Loveland, OH Magnolia Springs Florence, Florence, KY Magnolia Springs East, Louisville, KY Magnolia Springs Louisville, Louisville, KY Magnolia Springs Lexington, Lexington, KYSinceri CEO Chris Belford expressed his enthusiasm about the addition, stating, "Sinceri could not be happier adding these seven communities to the Sinceri Family and looks forward to continuing to provide these residents with the excellent care they deserve." For more information about The Magnolia Springs communities, please visit https://sinceriseniorliving.com/communities/ About Sinceri Senior Living:Sinceri Senior Living is a leading senior living management company that oversees services in 74 communities across 20 states, catering to approximately 4,800 seniors nationwide. Offering a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities, Sinceri Senior Living has earned a stellar reputation for expertly managing senior living properties with personalized care and exceptional programming for residents and their families.Contact InformationMissy DayVice President of Marketing and Communicationmissy.day@sincerisl.com (800) 254-9442SOURCE: Sinceri Senior LivingView the original press release on newswire.com
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Smile offers enhanced interoperability with their new solution that converts clinical documents to the widely used FHIR standard.TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Smile Digital Health (Smile), a leading Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) health data platform and exchange solutions provider, announced the launch of CDA Exchange+ with their quarterly release on May 23, 2024.Created for healthcare organizations aiming to upgrade their data interoperability capabilities, CDA Exchange+ is designed to handle the transformation of CDA documents (Clinical Document Architecture) from their existing state to the modern FHIR format-the current standard in healthcare data interoperability.Based on customer feedback, Smile saw the need to create a robust native CDA ingestion solution with the ability to transform varying CDA document types. CDA Exchange+ is a premium module made to unlock actionable clinical insights, focusing on maximizing the efficiency and reliability of the CDA to FHIR conversion process. The product includes a plug-and-play implementation guide layer for customers to easily select what implementation guide to use for their C-CDA (Consolidated Clinical Document Architecture) to FHIR transformation."At Smile, we see the opportunity for data to transform the healthcare industry. To get there, providers, payers and HIEs (Health Information Exchanges) need to be able to leverage their data in new ways. That's where Smile really delivers value. By providing solutions that unify, enrich and elevate data, as well as ensure standards compliance, we help move the industry forward, toward better global health overall," said Duncan Weatherston, Chief Executive Officer, Smile Digital Health. "CDA Exchange+ is part of that first data step, unifying. It allows for the data accessibility and sharing that care teams need to actively achieve their respective goals-to provide the best possible care across the full patient journey." In addition to enhanced interoperability and better patient care, customers can expect improved data management, through the efficient organization and accuracy of healthcare data and a reduction in costs associated with maintaining multiple data formats. Plus, unlike other products, CDA Exchange+ unlocks Social Determinants of Health data elements via US Core 5.0.1 and USCDIv2, which actively enables population care management."When developing new products, we listen to our customers and their challenges. CDA Exchange+ is our offering for customers who want to unlock the value of clinical data by ensuring that data is complete and accurate, and in the easiest format to perform analysis and computations on," said Sam Huiskamp, Senior Product Manager, Data Processing and Optimization, Smile Digital Health. "With CDA Exchange+, customers can transform their diverse C-CDA documents into actionable FHIR resources. Once transformed, customers can enrich and elevate their data with our Master Data Management and Clinical Quality Improvement premium solutions." To learn more about CDA exchange+, visit Smile's website or contact sales@ smiledigitalhealth.com About Smile Digital HealthSmile Digital Health is a health information technology company focused on delivering better global health through open standards. Our enterprise-grade, open framework data platform fuels healthcare's digital transformation and accelerates value creation across all patient journeys at scale. Powered by our HL7 FHIR standard-based clinical data repository, our platform enables collaboration and allows organizations to ingest, transform, store, enrich, analyze, aggregate and meaningfully share health information. We prepare healthcare providers, payers, researchers and life sciences organizations for a connected future beyond legacy systems, adding new value through the intelligent use of information, and ultimately delivering better patient outcomes. For more information, visit SmileDigitalHealth.com Contact InformationVictoria ValladolidDirector of Marketing, Smile Digital Healthpr@ smiledigitalhealth.com (877) 537-3343 x 728SOURCE: Smile Digital HealthView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 08:02:28

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CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 /Southern Energy Corp. ("Southern" or the "Company") (TSXV:SOU)(AIM:SOUC)(OTCQX:SOUTF), an established producer with natural gas and light oil assets in Mississippi, announces its first quarter financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Selected financial and operational information is outlined below and should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis (the " MD&A ") for the three months ended March 31, 2024, which are available on the Company's website at www.southernenergycorp.com and have been filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca All figures referred to in this news release are denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.FIRST QUARTER 2024 HIGHLIGHTSAverage production of 18,055 1 Mcfe/d (3,009 boe/d) (96% natural gas) during Q1 2024, an increase of 15% from the same period in 2023 Petroleum and natural gas sales of $4.8 million in Q1 2024, a decrease of 8% from the same period in 2023, largely due to the decline in natural gas pricing Generated $2.2 million of adjusted funds flow from operations 2 in Q1 2024 ($0.01 per share basic and diluted) Net loss of $3.1 million in Q1 2024 ($0.02 net loss per share - basic and fully diluted), compared to a net loss of $1.1 million in Q1 2023 Average realized natural gas and oil prices for Q1 2024 of $2.53/Mcf and $74.86/bbl compared to $3.25/Mcf and $75.73/bbl in Q1 2023 Entered into the sixth amendment (the " Sixth Amendment ") to the Company's senior secured term loan (the " Credit Facility "), which among other amendments, included extending the term of the Credit Facility from August 31, 2025 to December 31, 2026 (see " Liquidity and Capital Resources - Credit Facility " in the March 31, 2024 MD&A for full details of the amendment) Monetized the Company's fixed price swap derivative contracts to take advantage of the positive unrealized gain position, realizing net proceeds of $1.1 million SUBSEQUENT EVENTSEntered into a fixed price swap derivative contract of 5,000 MMBtu/d for the period of May 2024 - December 2026 at a price of $3.40/MMBtu Ian Atkinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern, commented:"The Company's Q1 2024 results show the resilience of our business in an environment which experienced one of the warmest winters in U.S. recorded history. Along with the warm weather came low heating demand for natural gas and supressed pricing. Our focus has been on improving our already low-cost structure, which our operations team has done an excellent job of executing. As we look to the second quarter and second half of our financial year, we are already seeing a significant recovery in excess of 50% from the recent lows in natural gas pricing which we expect will allow us to re-initiate growth in completing one of the three remaining Gwinville drilled but uncompleted wells (" DUCs ")."While low natural gas prices may have been a feature for the period, the recent correction in U.S. natural gas prices along with the structural dynamics of the market are extremely encouraging for a business with Southern's exposure to natural gas. As the price weakness during the first quarter was met with a significant cut in production from several of the large U.S. gas producers, demand from seven of the largest LNG export plants, including Freeport LNG in Texas, continue to experience significant increases. This huge demand driver for U.S. natural gas is only set to increase further as new Gulf Coast LNG export facilities start accepting feed gas later this summer as well as growing domestic demand from artificial intelligence data centers and electrification of vehicles. Additionally, with the early heat in the U.S. Southeast, we are seeing basis premiums where we sell a portion of our natural gas of close to $1.00/MMBtu for the summer."We remain focussed on costs with a solid balance sheet and retain our position of being able to capitalise on gas prices by bringing on increased volumes in short order. As gas maintains its position as a crucial part of future energy security in the U.S., we see a significant re-rating opportunity in the current share price and we look forward to updating shareholders as we unlock the value in our portfolio." Financial HighlightsThree months ended March 31,(000s, except $ per share) 20242023Petroleum and natural gas sales $ 4,794$ 5,189Net loss (3,121)(1,120)Net loss per share Basic (0.02)(0.01)Fully diluted (0.02)(0.01)Adjusted funds flow from operations (1)2,1621,745Adjusted funds flow from operations per share (1)Basic 0.010.01Fully diluted 0.010.01Capital expenditures and acquisitions26934,892Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 166,480138,591Fully diluted 166,480138,591As at period endBasic common shares outstanding 166,497139,010Total assets 61,865108,609Non-current liabilities 24,34114,543Net debt (1)$ (25,274)$ (19,731)Note:See "Reader Advisories - Specified Financial Measures".Operations UpdateProduction in Q1 2024 was positively impacted by bringing online the first of its four drilled but uncompleted DUCs from the Q1 2023 drilling program, the GH 14-06 #3 wellbore. This lateral hole was drilled and completed in the Upper Selma Chalk reservoir and achieved an IP30 natural gas rate of 5.2 MMcf/d, with declines in the quarter in-line with pre-drill expectations.Southern is planning to delay the completion timing of the remaining three DUCs into at least the second half of 2024 when the Company expects natural gas pricing to be significantly elevated from current levels. The remaining three DUC wellbores have been drilled in the Lower Selma Chalk (2) and City Bank formations.In response to the low natural gas prices experienced in Q1 2024, Southern has been actively reducing and optimizing operating costs, general and administrative expenses and maintenance capital to maximize our netbacks. The Company expects to continue these initiatives throughout 2024.The strategic sales points that Southern sells its natural gas into realized a 13% premium to the average benchmark New York Mercantile Exchange (" NYMEX ") Henry Hub price in Q1 2024, helping to offset the challenging natural gas pricing environment.OutlookSouthern currently has $10.0 million of unused capacity on its Credit Facility, which can be utilized to complete the DUCs at higher natural gas prices or can be used to be opportunistic with counter-cyclical inorganic growth opportunities.As part of its risk man
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Discovery of Very Large, Deeply Rooted Ultramafic Magmatic Intrusion 6 Km West of Initial Gossan ZoneMONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / SRQ Resources Inc. ("SRQ" or the "Company") (TSXV:SRQ) is pleased to announce highly encouraging results from a recent drilling campaign on the newly discovered ultramafic magmatic intrusive complex hosting base metal mineralisation at its Lac Brule project in Quebec, Canada. In addition to exciting results from the Gossan Zone, the program has led to the discovery of a significant and highly prospective new geological structure/magmatic ultramafic Intrusion located 6 kilometres west of the Gossan Zone.The drilling program comprised 11 drill holes for 3,015 metres ("m") and was conducted between April 19 and May 05, 2024, using existing access. Assay results are pending.Highlights (in core lengths)From the Phase III 10-hole drill program for 2,064m at the Gossan Zone: LB-24-22: 76m of pyroxenite including 143m to 157m of disseminated mineralisation (7% to 15% visible pyrrhotite (Po) + minor chalcopyrite ("CPy") & pentlandite ("Pn")) ("diss"). LB-24-23: 114m of pyroxenite including 120m to 234m of diss + several semi-massive lenses ("SSM") LB-24-24: 86m of pyroxenite including 122m to 219m of diss + several sections and stringers of SSM - massive sulphide ("SM") LB-24-25: 192m of pyroxenite including 120m to 141m of diss + SSM-SM LB-24-26: 70m of pyroxenite including 132m to 172m of diss + few sections SSM LB-24-27: 41m of pyroxenite including 135m to 150m of diss + stringers of SSM-SM LB-24-28: 55m of pyroxenite including 127m to 147m of diss + 4m SSM-SMNew "Target 900" site:Hole LB-24-29 (951m) targeted the center of a 3.5 km x 1.7 km strong gravity anomaly (Figures 1 & 4). The hole intersected 735m of continuous undeformed Ultramafic Magmatic ("UM") Intrusive pyroxenite with Po, minor CPy and Pn in the last 70m of the hole. For technical reasons, the hole terminated in pyroxenite at a vertical depth of 750m from surface and 250m east of the Target 900 center.The previously identified, highly prospective North Zone is still to be drilled (Figure 1)."We are absolutely thrilled with the outcomes of this Phase III drilling campaign," said Dr. Marc-Antoine Audet, Ph.D., P.Geo., CEO and President of SRQ. "Results from the Gossan Zone confirm continuity over a 550m strike with several holes returning thicker mineralised intervals than anticipated." Dr. Audet added, "The new Target 900 is a stunning discovery by itself with the borehole intersecting more than 735m of undeformed magmatic pyroxenitic intrusive material. The dense core of the gravity target has not yet been fully tested, implying additional upside. Our team is already planning the next steps to further delineate and unlock the full potential of this discovery." Prior to the recent drill program, the Company had drilled 18 holes for 5,188m at the Gossan Zone (see October 03, 2023, and January 16, 2024 press releases.) The recent findings further bolster its confidence in the potential expansion and development of the entire Lac Brule project.The last hole of the campaign, LB-24-29, was strategically positioned to test an exceptionally strong gravity anomaly ((Figures 1 & 4), Xcalibur Multiphysics ("MPH") April 2024, 977 km-line airborne gravimetry survey at the Lac Brule & Lac Brennan projects). The anomaly was presumed to represent a significant UM intrusion located in the hinge of a major fold. The drilling revealed a very large intrusive pyroxenitic package, with mineralisation detected at the bottom of the hole. This discovery is particularly exciting as it suggests a near-miss scenario, where the primary mineralised zone lies at up to 250m west of the current drill path. A downhole geophysics survey would be valuable in further refining targeting.Untapped Geological Potential of SRQ's Lac Brule PropertySRQ's discoveries are being made on its 100%-owned Lac Brule property located 50km north-west of the former Renzy Ni-Cu mine on the unceded lands of Anishinabeg communities in the Upper Laurentian region of Quebec and a five-hour drive from Montreal. The former Renzy mine operated from 1969 to 1972. UM intrusive bodies host mineralisation at both the Renzy mine and at Lac Brule. Both sites present several striking similarities, including mineralogy, petrology and timing of emplacement.Key FindingsUM Intrusive Complex: The existence of an UM intrusive complex provides valuable new insights into the geological history of this never-explored region and implies untapped potential for additional mineralised bodies.Tectonic Significance: Pyroxenite intrusive units are injected into highly deformed and highly metamorphosed gneiss, intercalated with garnet-rich amphibolite's of the Grenville geological province. Characteristics of the newly discovered UM intrusion suggest it intruded the gneissic assemblage during the last tectonic event related to the Grenville metamorphic event.Base Metal Sulphide Mineralisation: Analysis of the 2023 drilling samples indicates the presence of significant Ni and Cu mineralisation associated with pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and pentlandite. This discovery strongly suggests potential for additional mineralised units of large UM intrusive complexes. Geophysical Surveys of Gossan and North ZonesIn December 2021, SRQ commissioned MPH to conduct a HELITEM II electromagnetic ("EM") survey to follow up on the May 2021 gossan discovery. The 2023-24 drill hole locations in relation to conductivity targets are shown on Figures 1 & 3. Only the Gossan Zone has been drilled while the larger North Zone is still untested.The SW-NE longitudinal vertical cross section (Figure 3) shows a low-dipping, thick layer of peridotite-pyroxenite magmatic intrusive sequence intruding the Grenville aged paragneiss and garnet-rich amphibolite assemblage. At the Gossan Zone, the UM intrusive sequence can be traced over 800m along the cross section.In October 2023 and in April 2024, SRQ followed up with airborne gravimetry surveys. These outlined multiple high-intensity gravity target zones including the very large Target 900 at the Lac Brule project (Figures 1 & 4) and confirmed the North Zone as a prime target area.Figure 1: Compilation map of 2021 EM conductive zones together with the April 2024 gravity survey (top) and with the combined 2023-24 airborne gravimetry surveys (bottom). The large North Zone EM target has not been drill-tested. A new target was generated from the April 2024 gravimetry survey (Target 900), corresponding to a very large and strong gravity response of presumably dense geological material at depth (approximately 730m from surface).Figure 2: Surface map showing
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Tamarind Hills Recognized as a Traveler-Favorite Resort on AntiguaBOLANDS, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Tamarind Hills Resort and Villas, Antigua, is delighted to announce that it has been recognized for the first time, in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2024. This prestigious award honors businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings worldwide on TripAdvisor.Tamarind Hills Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award Tamarind Hills Resort and Villas Antigua win Tripadvisor Travelers Choice AwardAs the world's largest travel guidance platform, TripAdvisor holds unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from visitors who have left authentic, first-hand reviews on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.Poonam Agarwalla, Co-Director of Tamarind Hills, expressed her gratitude: "This award reflects the collective efforts of our team and the unforgettable moments shared by our guests. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to making Tamarind Hills a beloved destination. We remain committed to maintaining the high standards that have earned us this recognition." Ronald Manser, Co-Director of Tamarind Hills, added: "We are deeply honored to be included among travelers' favorites this year. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible staff, who continually strive to provide exceptional experiences for our guests. We are truly grateful to our visitors and reviewers for their support and positive feedback." "Congratulations to Tamarind Hills on its recognition in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2024," said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at TripAdvisor. "Travelers' Choice honors businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat, and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond." Tamarind Hills Resort and Villas is a serene and luxurious Caribbean escape, perfect for travelers seeking ultimate relaxation. Situated on two of Antigua's top beaches, the resort offers a variety of accommodations, including One Bedroom Oceanview suites with and without outdoor jacuzzi and 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom villas, each featuring infinity-edge pools and large wrap around decks. Guests can enjoy a range of personalized concierge services, such as private chefs and curated tours. Dining options include the resort's signature restaurant, Wild Tamarind, known for its fusion of Caribbean flavors and international cuisine.Contact InformationShermain JeremyMarketing Communicationsmarketing@ tamarindhills.com (646) 220 1175Related Files19 (4)AE0I8540-1 (1)SOURCE: Tamarind Hills Resort and VillasView the original press release on newswire.com
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Company to Provide Detailed Update at RMEC June 4Highlights:Video Summary of Latest Drill Results: Drill SummaryProgram Ongoing, 20 Drillholes complete, over 2,200 meters Drilled to Date Results Pending RMEC Presentation on June 4th, 1:00 p.m. ET, sign up here: RMEC SIGN UPCALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(FSE:TV3), is pleased to announce it will be presenting at the virtual Resource Mining & Exploration Conference ("RMEC") Tuesday, June 4, 2024, hosted by Sagacity Capital Media and Guerilla Capital.CEO, Brodie Sutherland will provide an in-depth update on the Company at 1:00 p.m. ET, June 4, 2024. RMEC is an interactive experience for featured companies and investors. Companies will have 20 minutes to outline their investment opportunity before investors get the ability to engage in a real-time Q&A with management after the presentation. To register for RMEC, please click the link:RMEC SIGN UPAbout RMECRMEC (Resource Mining & Exploration Conference) is a unique virtual investor conference. The goal is to expose new investors, as well as our global network of retail and institutional investors, to vetted Exploration & Mining opportunities. The number of companies is limited, and the content is curated with investor time and interest being paramount. While not exhaustive by design, the REMC aims to present potential investments to new and seasoned resource investors by presenting highlights for further research.Each participating company hosts a live presentation followed by a Q&A period within approximately a 40-minute slot. The goal is to help investors learn about the junior companies that are shaping the future of the Global Resource Sector within a responsive and pressure free environment.RMEC will present up to six junior exploration and near-term producing companies, as they seek to discover the next world class mines. Investors can get more detail about RMEC at www.rmeconferences.com Pilar Drill Program Update and SummaryThe Company is also pleased to update on the ongoing drill program at its road accessible Pilar Gold-Silver project in mine-friendly Sonora, Mexico. To date, over 2,200 meters have been completed in 20 drillholes. Results for nine drillholes have been release so far. Two holes returned the best results ever outside of the Main Zone trend, returning 56.4 meters of 1.0 g/t Au and 42.7 meters of 1.0 g/t Au from the 4-T and North Hill trends respectively. Both intersects were near surface and significant step outs (over 300 meter). Results for six drillholes are pending analysis and release. Samples for ongoing holes are dropped off at the local laboratory for analysis on a weekly basis.Summary Video with CEO, Brodie Sutherland: Drill SummaryFigure 1. Summary map of latest drill and surface highlights.Table 1. Summary of Top Ten Tocvan Drill Highlights, highlighted red are from 2024 program.About the Pilar PropertyThe Pilar Gold-Silver property has returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Initially three primary zones of mineralization were identified on the original property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. The Company has now expanded its interest in the area by consolidating 22 square-kilometers of highly prospective ground where it has already made significant surface discoveries.About Tocvan Ventures Corp.Tocvan is a well-structured exploration and development company. Tocvan was created in order to take advantage of the prolonged downturn in the junior mining exploration sector, by identifying and negotiating interest in opportunities where management feels they can build upon previous success. Tocvan has approximately 51 million shares outstanding and is earning into two exciting opportunities in Sonora, Mexico. The Company has consolidated an attractive land position at its Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value.Pilar Drill Highlights:2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include:21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t AuPilar Bulk Sample Summary:62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching PeriodHead Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t AgBulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention TimeAdditional Metallurgical Studies:Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of SilverIncludes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73
PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-28 17:02:56

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of Volkswagen AG ("Volkswagen" or "the Company") (OTC PINK:VWAGY). Investors who purchased Volkswagen securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/VWAGY Investigation Details:On May 20, 2024, One America News published an article titled "Report: Investigation Finds BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Volkswagen Linked To Forced Labor In China." The article stated that a Senate Finance Committee investigation found that multiple major automakers, including BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volkswagen, relied on forced labor in China by purchasing parts that were flagged by the U.S. government for links to forced labor camps in the western Chinese province of Xinjiang. The two-year investigation also found that BMW and Jaguar Land Rover continued importing the flagged parts as recently as last month, even after they were informed of the forced labor. Following this news, Volkswagen stock dropped that same day.What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased Volkswagen securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/VWAGY . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his client relations manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 332-239-2660.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller 332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
In his inaugural speech on 29 May, 2023, President Bola Tinubu vowed to tackle the lingering insecurity in the country.

Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence, the new president declared in his inauguration speech at the Eagle Square, Abuja, promising to overhaul the sector.

To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security doctrine and its architecture. We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide better training, equipment, pay, and firepower, he added.

It was not the first time Mr Tinubu would make promises of improved security. He had in countless pre and post-election appearances made such assertions.

However, one year after he assumed office as president, almost all parts of the country still suffer one form of insecurity or the other. Although one year may not be enough to judge the success or otherwise of an administration, there has been no significant improvement in the security sector from where Mr Tinubus predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, left it.

Indeed, the menace continued unabated, resulting in more than 4,556 fatalities and 7,086 abductions between 29 May 2023 and 22 May 2024, according to data gathered from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a global data hub that collects real-time conflict-related data.

These statistics, when compared to the previous years data, show that more people were killed across Nigeria in the first year of the Tinubu administration than in the preceding year.



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According to another ACLED data analysed by PREMIUM TIMES, 2,606 Nigerians were killed while 3,523 others were abducted between 29 May 2022 and 29 May 2023.

Two months after his inaugural pledge to improve national security, Mr Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the performance of the service chiefs he had just appointed barely a month earlier.

We have seen that we are recording positive results in our security challenges because of your dedication, commitment and steadfastness, he told the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and three other service chiefs at their decoration ceremony in Abuja.

But killings and abductions keep making headlines.

Insurgency, banditry, resources-based conflict reign in the north

An analysis of the ACLED data by PREMIUM TIMES shows that the six geo-political zones, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, experienced several violent incidents within the period under review.

Banditry-thorn North-west leads other regions with 1,475 deaths and 4,343 abductions.

The trio of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states prominently featured as violence hotspots, accounting for 551 out of 718 incidents recorded in the region.

In the North-central, 552 incidents of banditry, farmers-herders conflict and cultism claimed at least 1,444 lives, including military and local security forces.

In addition, about 1,321 abductions were recorded in the region.

Insurgency, banditry and other forms of violence in the North-east also resulted in at least 819 deaths and 688 abductions. These were recorded from 408 violent incidents in the region.

Cultism, militancy and other vices in the south

In a total of 231 violent incidents majorly revolving around cultism and militancy, the South-south zone witnessed at least 336 deaths and 295 abductions.

A similar pattern of violence, including separatist agitations and extrajudicial killings, claimed about 310 lives in the South-east where 214 others were kidnapped.

In the South-west, cultism, banditry and other forms of violence killed at least 172 civilians as 225 others were abducted.

Major terror incidents recorded under Tinubu

Mr Tinubu had barely spent three months in office when his administration was quaked with the killings of 36 military personnel responding to terror threats in some communities in Niger State on 14 August.

That same day, the terror group led by notorious Dogo Gide also shot down a military aircraft on a rescue mission, although the Nigerian Air Force said it was an accident.

Three months later, Nigerians woke to shocking news from Bokkos and Mangu local government areas of Plateau State where over 100 locals were killed on Christmas eve. Violence continued in the area for a while with a series of attacks and reprisals.

In March this year, armed terrorists abducted 137 students from elementary schools in Kuriga, Chikun LGA, Kaduna State. The students were set free two weeks later, after an undisclosed amount of ransom was paid.

That same month, 15 military operatives consisting of two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Nigerian Army, were killed by raging youth in Okuama village, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.

The military operatives were on a mission to restore normalcy between two warring communities  Okuama and Okoloba in Bomadi LGA  when they were surrounded by their killers.

Tinubu: Winning the security war?

Although the country suffered huge fatalities within the period under review, the terrorists were not spared either.

The ACLED data shows that sustained military operations and infighting among terror groups resulted in about 4,165 terrorist casualties.

Speaking at a combined convocation ceremony of Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS), the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, highlighted the approaches the government was taking to end the multifaceted violence across the country.

On the kinetic front, the Nigerian military is conducting numerous operations targeting insurgent groups like Boko Haram and bandits operating in Northern Nigeria, the NSA stated, adding that several operations had been launched to root out insurgents and criminals from their strongholds, dismantle their networks, and restore law and order in affected areas.

Mr Ribadu added that such coordinated operations led to the death of high profile terrorists like Ali Kawaje.

According to him, intelligence gathering and sharing had been prioritised as a crucial component of its kinetic efforts to address insecurity in the region.

Our non-kinetic strategies and approach are driven by evidence, Mr Ribadu continued. We have strengthened the administration of criminal justice by reopening trials of Boko Haram terrorism suspects detained in Kanji and other locations across the country and prosecutions are now underway in eight different courts.

Concurrently, we have significantly reduced the proliferation of arms nationwide by blocking the flows and arresting gunrunners. With new appointments at the National Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCSALW), we are poised to launch even more robust initiatives, he added.

However, a security expert, Kabir Adamu, said the president has not yet addressed the root causes of insecurity in the country despite all the investment in the sector.

Mr Adamu, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Security and Intelligence, applauded the militarys operations against terrorists.

He, however, argued that continued proliferation of arms, drug abuse, ungoverned borders, ineffective justice administration system and inability to implement adaptation measures to combat climate change are some of the root causes of insecurity that the government has not addressed.

Mr Adamu also advised that state governors should be actively involved in national security arrangements.

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The Senate has recalled Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) who was suspended for accusing its leadership of fraudulently smuggling projects into the 2024 budget.

The upper chamber announced Mr Ningis recall after it resumed from a close-door session which lasted for over one hour.

The resolution to recall the senator was a sequel to a motion sponsored by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro, during the plenary on Tuesday.

The motion was also co-sponsored by the Deputy Minority Leader, Olalere Oyewunmi, and the Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu.

The upper chamber suspended Mr Ningi on 12 March.

The lawmaker had claimed that he sought the services of a private auditor to review the budget and discovered some projects that do not have locations.

PREMIUM TIMES reviewed Mr Ningis claim and found it to be true.

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This newspaper reviewed the proposed 2024 budget, the approved budget and Mr Ningis document which he used as a reference and discovered several projects worth billions of naira without specific locations and proper descriptions.

At the time he made the claim, Mr Ningi was the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF).

Mr Moro, while presenting the motion, said the Senate minority caucus takes full responsibility for the offence of Mr Ningi.

He thereafter apologised to the Senate leadership on behalf of Mr Ningi.

Flowing from the above, the Senate minority leadership takes full responsibility for the actions of our colleague Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi and apologises on his behalf, the minority leader said.

The majority of the senators supported the motion to recall Mr Ningi from suspension through a voice vote.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who seconded the motion urged his colleagues to pardon the Bauchi senator in order to strengthen brotherhood and unity in the chamber.

Mr Jibrin commended the minority caucus of the Senate for apologising on behalf of Mr Ningi.

I would like to add, Mr President, that this Senate is the highest assembly in our sovereign land of Nigeria, Mr Barau said.

The Senate is composed of men and women of wisdom. Alexander Pope maintained that to err is human and to forgive is divine. It is on this note that I want to commend the minority leader and his team and in fact the entire minority caucus and the entire leadership of the minority caucus and the minority caucus itself because I know they must have acted based on the promptness of the members of the caucus for going in between and for making sure they get to where we are now by bringing forward this motion in the way that the resolution of the issue of Ningi suspension is resolved finally.

It is something that needs to be commended because they have gone to mediate. They are all even agreeing. They stated in the motion that they are apologising on his behalf. So, I commend you for doing that and I urge the Senate, having apologised on behalf of Senator Ningi, we should accept this apology so as to strengthen our spirit of brotherhood that we are known for.

Something has been done and the leadership on its own has come out to apologise on his behalf. So, I urge my colleagues to please accept this apology without debate so that we can move forward. We are all brothers and as I said earlier. Making errors is something that is human and forgiveness is divine. I therefore submit that, I urge all my colleagues to accept this apology.

Victor Umeh (LP, Anambra Central) also supported that Mr Ningi should be recalled from suspension.

Senate, one family

Responding, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the 10th Senate is united and that the lawmakers are one family.

Mr Akpabio said the senators are united irrespective of political affiliation, culture, tribe and religion.

The Senate President described Mr Ningi as a resourceful senator.

Let me thank the minority leadership for this initiative and also note that it was this same Senate that set up a committee for you to mediate and then you were the chairman and then of course, this decision by the minority leaders and the entirety of the minority in the Senate seems to have superseded the area and decision of the Senate.

So, I agree with you. He is a very resourceful senator, and one of our own and the Senate is a family irrespective of the political divide, irrespective of the religious divide and irrespective of languages.

This happening today is in tandem with the spirit of what the National Assembly, both the Senate and the House of Representatives, have done by bringing back our own national anthem which simply says that though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand.

The decision of the Senate today is clear evidence that this is one family and though we may come from different constituencies and different states, in brotherhood we stand.

I congratulate the Senate for this decision and I agree that to err is human and to forgive is divine. I, therefore, rule that our distinguished brother, Senator Abdul Ningi is hereby recalled to the Senate to participate in all activities.

He is hereby pardoned by the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and he is hereby recalled.

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The Senate on Tuesday passed the bill seeking to revert to Nigerias old national anthem.

The bill seeks to replace the current anthem with the former one adopted at independence on October 1, 1960 but dropped in 1978 by the Olusegun Obasanjo military regime.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced passage of the bill after majority of the senators supported it through voice votes.

The bill was considered and approved at the Committee of the Whole.

The upper chamber passed the bill after considering a report of its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, presented by Tahir Monguno, its chairman.

The passage was against the federal governments recommendations at a public hearing organised on the bill on Monday.

During the hearing, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, urged the lawmakers to subject the bill to wider consultations before passing it.

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also recommended that the scope of the bill should be expanded to include a robust issue of national identity rather than limiting it to a change of national anthem

Report

Mr Monguno, while presenting the report, disagreed with the recommendations and positions of the two ministers.

He stressed that the bill does not require a wider consultation as recommended by the AGF.

The senator said reverting to the old anthem will promote brotherhood among Nigerians and help unite them irrespective of ethnic or religious links.

The bill is in tandem with the spirit of unity. It will undoubtedly inspire a zeal for patriotism and cooperation. It will promote cultural heritage. Changing the national anthem will chart a path to greater unity, he said.

Mr Monguno thereafter recommended that the bill be passed.

Contributions

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, suggested that the motherland in the old national anthem be replaced with fatherland because of religious perspectives.

Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) argued that the native land in the old national anthem be replaced with either motherland or fatherland.

Mr Oshiomhole also recommended that the tribe should be replaced with ethnic.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, read the dictionary definition of native, noting that the native word was preferable.

The Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru, also supported the bill.

Responding, the Senate president overruled the suggestions and told the lawmakers that they ought to have presented them during the public hearing.

Mr Akpabio also clarified that motherland in the old national anthem is preferable to fatherland because many connect with motherland.

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Gunfire was on Monday night reported around the mini palace where the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, is staying in Nasarawa GRA of the state capital.

The palace is located about 300 metres to the Kano Government House where movement of vehicles is restricted to one portion of the road leading to Tarauni.

The emirs palace, which has been witnessing a buzz of activities, is under survellance by a combined security team.

On Sunday, armed hunters at the main Emirs palace where the reinstated Emir Lamido Sanusi is staying, tried to attack some protesters calling on Kano governor to obey a court order restraing it from removing Mr Ado-Bayero.

The hunters relented because of the presence of the security agents at the palace.

Some residents and passerby suspected that the gunshots were fired to discourage any attempt to arrest Mr Ado-Bayero after a state High court ordered his eviction from the palace on Monday.

A resident of the area told PREMIUM TIMES some commuters diverted their route in fear that the palace was under attack.

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Have you heard what is happening at the Aminu Ado Bayero palace? My wife just called me now that there is heavy gunfire at the Emirs palace and they dont know whats going on there. The gunfire has been coming from the direction of the palace, a resident of the area asked PREMIUM TIMES.

People heading to Ahmadu Bello Way are said to be changing their routes but we dont know what is actually happening, the resident said.

It was not immediately clear whether the gunshots were from security agents or palace guards.

Both the Kano State police commissioner, Muhammad Gumel, and the commands spokesperson, Haruna Kiyawa, could not be reached on phone to comment on the incident.

The development followed a court order by the Kano State High Court ordered to evict the dethroned Emir Mr Ado Bayero, from his palace.

The state high court on Monday ordered Mr Ado-Bayero and his four colleagues in Bichi, Rano, Gaya and Karaye Emirates to stop parading themselves as emirs.

The court issued the interim injunction pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, and the Kano State House of Assembly.

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The Nigerian Army has announced the reopening of the popular Banex Plaza in Abuja after about one week it was shut down.

Army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, a major general, said this in a statement on Monday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the army shut down Banex following a mob attack on its personnel on Saturday 18 May.

Mr Nwachukwu said the reopening of the plaza followed a high-level meeting held in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and attended by the FCT Commissioner of Police, FCT Director of the State Security Services, the Leadership and Management of Banex Plaza, a representative from the Directorate of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the National Chairman of the Mobile Phone Traders Association.

He said the meeting was convened to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the continued security of the FCT.

He said some resolutions were reached at the meeting among which was the immediate reopening of Banex Plaza to the public.

Mr Nwachukwu said it was also resolved that Shop C93 be locked up with immediate effect while the perpetrators of the mob attack on soldiers be arrested.

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He also said the army will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack.

Read the full statement by the Nigerian Army

UPDATE ON THE CLOSURE OF BANEX PLAZA, ABUJA

The Nigerian Army wishes to provide latest update on the recent unfortunate event involving an unprovoked attack by unidentified hoodlums on Nigerian Army personnel at Banex Plaza, Wuse, Abuja, which occurred on Saturday 18 May 2024, leading to the closure of the Plaza on Sunday 19 May 2024.

In response to this incident, a high-level meeting was convened in the Office of the National Security Adviser including the Principal General Staff Officer to the NSA, Commissioner of Police FCT, the FCT Director of the Department of State Services, the Leadership and Management of Banex Plaza, a Representative from the Directorate of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the National Chairman of the Mobile Phone Traders Association. The primary objective of this meeting was to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the continued security of the Federal Capital Territory.

The following resolutions were agreed upon:

a. Immediate reopening of Banex Plaza: Banex Plaza will be reopened immediately to the public.

b. Closure of Shop C93: The leadership of Banex Plaza is instructed to lock up Shop C93 with immediate effect.

c. Arrest of Perpetrators: The owners of the shop who orchestrated the mob attack on the soldiers are to be arrested and handed over to the Nigerian Police.

d. Vigilance by Market Leaders: Market leaders are to remain vigilant and report any remaining perpetrators to the authorities.

Furthermore, the two individuals already arrested have been handed over to the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police for further action.

The Nigerian Army will also thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack.

It must be reiterated that acts of violence against military personnel are not only condemnable but also pose a significant threat to national security and public order. We therefore urge members of the public to exercise caution and restraint when interacting with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform. There are established channels for reporting grievances or misconduct by personnel to the appropriate authorities. It is imperative that these channels are utilized to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation.

The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to work diligently to prevent such incidents in the future.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU

Major General

Director Army Public Relations

27 May 2024.

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The Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Kawu Sumaila, has commended the federal government for instituting litigation against the 36 state governments for undermining local governance.

Mr Sumaila, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) gave the commendation in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice recently filed a suit at the Supreme Court against the state governments, seeking the enforcement of full autonomy of the local governments in Nigeria.

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.

Reacting to the litigation, Mr Sumaila said the development will help reinstate the autonomy of local governance and also facilitate the development of the economy through the grassroots.

The Kano senator said that the LG autonomy will improve the revenue generation of the country.

I am happy, Mr. President has begun to tow on our path to salvage our people by giving the local governments autonomy to operate as enshrined in the constitution.

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The decision to compel the 36 states of the federation to give autonomy to local governments is a step in the right direction. This will surely help in bringing development to our people, particularly the grassroots in the rural areas.

It will equally boost the nations economy by increasing our Internally Generated Revenue through the agricultural value chain and other commercial activities that will come up after the local governments get their autonomy, he said.

Mr Sumaila also urged the federal government to adopt a policy that will prevent state governors and other politicians from intruding in local government elections.

I would be glad if President Tinubu would also address challenges affecting the conduct of local government elections in the nation.

The president should do something to stop politicians from messing up with the processes of local government elections for their personal interests. We are all aware of how local government elections are conducted under the watch of state governors in this country.

From the primary to the mainstream election, the processes are always being manipulated by politicians for their personal interest against the interests of the majority, he added.

There are 774 local government areas in the country. The local government system has been crippled due to the influence and interest of the state governors.

Funds meant for local governments in the Federation Account are paid monthly to them through their respective state governments.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, recently alleged that some state governors are used to diverting local government allocation to personal use.

The Senate had also asked President Bola Tinubu to convene a national dialogue to deliberate on full autonomy for local governments in the country.

It said the dialogue should involve the governors, state legislators, local government officials, civil society organisations, community leaders and others.

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, inaugurated the Southern Parkway project, which serves as a critical artery connecting major areas within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Southern Parkway is one of the principal arteries conceived and planned as a freeway to provide access and connectivity to the Southern Development flank of the Capital City.

The other principal artery is the Northern Parkway, which has been substantially developed over the years to service the Northern District.

The project was awarded in 2010 but was not completed until the intervention of President Bola Tinubus administration.

Speaking at the inauguration of the project, President Bola Tinubu described infrastructure development as an enabler of economic growth and prosperity, stating that his administration would sustain investments in critical sectors to improve the welfare of citizens.

The president commended Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for his diligence and courageous efforts, noting the recent infrastructural developments in the city.

Today, we gather to mark a significant milestone in the journey of our nation towards progress and development. As we commemorate our first year in office, it is a great joy and a welcome challenge that we have a huge responsibility on our shoulders.

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I understand the Southern Parkway not only represents a physical artery that connects vital areas within the FCT but symbolizes our collective aspiration for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility, and progress. By providing a seamless and efficient transportation corridor, this road will not only ease traffic congestion but will also enhance mobility for residents and visitors to the FCT.

The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development as we strive to build a world-class Capital City. We recognize the fact that infrastructure development is a provider of jobs and an enabler of economic development and prosperity. We believe we are going to achieve all that we have set out to achieve.

The needs of our citizens are paramount in our thoughts and actions. By making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed.

Barrister Nyesom Wike, Mr Projects. I thank you for giving us hope and for your sincere commitment to shared values. Well done. As a team leader, you have worked so hard. I must recognize your vision that is revolutionary and inspiring to many of our people. The changes you have made to the FCT, structurally and administratively, are yielding results and elevating belief in the hearts of many Nigerians, the president said.

Explaining the significant features of the project, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory said the road consists of 12 lanes in total.

Your Excellency to bring the level of development of the Southern Parkway on par with the Northern Parkway, this project which was awarded in December 2010 to Setraco Nigeria Limited at the contract sum of N16.2 billion was later revised to N35.7 billion due to changes in scope and other economic indices. But this was done before this administration came in.

The scope of work is made up of two main carriageways of four lanes each and two service carriageways of two lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes. It also includes the construction of four interchanges, a total of eight bridges in addition to the position of associated underground engineering facilities.

I am happy to inform Your Excellency that the project is now completed in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, the minister said.

Mr Wike said the completion of the project will enhance traffic circulation around the city centre, reducing delays and travel time, while accelerating the development of the Southern Axis of the city, bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and other Nigerians.

Your Excellency, on assumption of office with my Honourable Minister of State in August 2023, we were confronted with many uncompleted projects that have gone on for several years. However, the coming of the current administration and Mr Presidents unflinching support has indeed led to the completion of this project, among others now ready for commissioning. The Federal Capital Territory Administration and FCT residents appreciate Mr Presidents support and laudable achievements. It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolve that this very important road be named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, the minister stated.

Giving further details, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Ahmad, explained that the Parkway System forms an integral part of the network of roads in the transportation masterplan of the Federal Capital City.

It dissects the two development corridors and is planned to function as a freeway to optimize vehicular movement between the developed sectors and the Central Area. Within the Central Area, the Parkway System encloses the cultural axis. In the Northern Development Corridor, it is known as the Northern Parkway (A9). It begins at the city centre around the Inner Northern Expressway, near the National Mosque and the Shehu YarAdua Centre intersection.

It traverses Phases 1 to 4 in the north of the city, ending at the Outer Northern Expressway Junction, near the Dei Dei area, for those familiar with Abuja. It covers a total length of 25 kilometres. In the Southern Development Corridor, the Parkway System starts from the City Centre at its intersection with the Inner Southern Expressway. It passes through Phases 1 to 4 of the south of the city and ends at the Inner Southern Expressway near Kuje, located in Phase 4, spanning a total length of about 27 kilometres, the executive secretary concluded.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

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A 14-year-old girl, whose father was shot dead by suspected kidnappers, believed she could have saved her father if she was with him the day he was brutally murdered.

He treasured me so much and always did his best to protect and shield me. But I wish I was there that day to protect him, Emem Ukpong, an SS1 student wrote, in a tribute to her slain father.

The remains of her late father, Sylvanus Ukpong, an Akwa Ibom State entrepreneur was buried on Friday at Iko Eko Ibon in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Ukpong was until his death, the CEO of Emem and Sons Ltd, a construction company and Emem Farm Ltd in Akwa Ibom.

He was the elder brother of Cletus Ukpong, an assistant managing editor and head, southern operations, PREMIUM TIMES.

Sylvanus was shot dead on 6 April around 7 p.m. at Ifa Atai, along Oron Road by gunmen who attempted to abduct him while he was heading to his poultry farm along airport road.

The farm manager, a woman, who was in the car with the slain entrepreneur, was abducted but was later released after spending days in captivity.

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The police in the state said they are investigating the killing.

The state governor, Umo Eno, during a condolence visit to the family vowed to track the killers of the entrepreneur.

I want God to avenge his death  daughter

In her tribute, the emotional daughter who read his fathers biography, said she never expected to lose her father this way.

He loved me and I loved him as well, she wrote in her tribute to her slain father.

I pray God to avenge his death and punish those who killed him without thinking.

I wish I could bring him back to life, she wrote but acknowledged that her wish was impossible as the dead cannot be brought back to life.

Her mother, Blessing, in her tribute described her husband as her dearest

I will never forget our trips, how you always protected me and showed me unconditional love. Like they said, you are truly a hero. You will always be a cherished part of my story, she wrote.

At the funeral

The funeral held on Friday at the QIC Group School in the community was attended by former and serving government officials, journalists, friends and captains of industry.

The bereaved family dressed in black attires were seated on a platform. Opposite them were the officiating ministers from Insight Bible Church, Uyo, and a white casket containing the remains of the slain entrepreneur.

The family members were surrounded by sympathisers who had thronged the QIC Group School in the community to bid farewell to the entrepreneur.

In his homily, Kufre Josiah of Insight Bible Church said one of the blessings any human being can get from God is the opportunity to see Jesus as the messiah in his lifetime.

Citing Luke 2: 25  30, the pastor said the scripture teaches about the life of Simeon, who he said encountered Jesus before he died.

Our brother before us this morning, I am sure, saw Jesus. He had encountered Jesus, he said and prayed for the deceased to depart in peace for he had seen Jesus.

The casket was later taken in a motorcade to the family compound where he was laid to rest.

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The police command in Kaduna State said its operatives have arrested a kidnapper who later confessed to his crimes.

The commands Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna

Mr Hassan said, On May 22, at about 10:00hrs, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Saminaka Division, acting on credible intelligence, successfully arrested a suspect identified as Abdulkarim Maude, aged 33, from Tudun Wada Mariri.

He said the arrest took place in Upara Warsapiti, Lere Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Upon his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a bag containing the sum of 347,000, a machete, and some criminal charms, Mr Hassan said.

According to him, during interrogation, Mr Maude confessed to being involved in kidnapping for ransom along with one Alhaji Yakubu and two others from Binchim Village, Bassa LGA, Plateau.

He said the recovered money was identified as his share of the ransom collected from the kidnapping of two tractor operators, Yau Balele 45 years old and Lukman Abubakar 40 years of age, who were abducted on 17 May 2024, while working on the farm of Alhaji Gambo.

The victims were taken to Binchim Hills, Bassa LGA, Plateau and were released on May 20, 2024.

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Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices, Mr Hassan said.

He added that the suspect, along with the recovered exhibits, have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

Mr Hassan said the Commissioner of Police, Ali Dabigi, has assured the public that the command remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

He also appreciated the continued support and cooperation from the public and urged everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.

(NAN)

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In coordinated attacks, terrorists killed no fewer than six people, abducted 160 others and raped at least six women in Kuchi village, in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State between Friday and Sunday, survivors have told PREMIUM TIMES.

The terrorists, riding on motorcycles, were spotted around Kafana, a village at the states boundary with banditry-ravaged Kaduna State, advancing towards Kuchi.

Poorly-armed local forces described by locals as Yan Sakai engaged the terrorists in a fierce gunfight, preventing them from attacking the community.

Following the gunfight that claimed three civilians and three local security operatives, the terrorists retreated in disarray after suffering what a grassroots political party leader described as a huge loss.

While mourning lives lost in the attack, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Munya LGA, Saidu Idris, praised the local security forces who he claimed killed plenty of the terrorists.

The return of the terrorists

After rustling cattle from adjoining villages of Bodo and Kurbagu, the terrorists returned to Kuchi around 9 p.m. that same Friday and abducted at least 160 locals before herding them into the forest under heavy rainfall.

Mr Idris, the APC leader in Munya, said the terrorists might not have abducted anyone if there were cattle to rustle.

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According to him, livestock owners fled with their animals upon hearing that the terrorists were approaching.

On Sunday, the terrorists returned to the village around 10 p.m. and operated until the following morning.

During the Sunday attack, the traditional head of the village, Idris Barde, and his wife were abducted.

However, they later set him free and went away with his wife.

They raped women and girls

Two survivors of the attacks revealed that the terrorists looted many shops and raped at least six married women and four girls.

Ibrahim Alilu, one of the displaced persons from Kuchi, recounted how a young girl was gang-raped in his compound.

The terrorists locked many of us up in one room and vowed to come for us once they were done raping that girl, Mr Alilu, now taking refuge in Gwada in Shiroro LGA, told PREMIUM TIMES by phone.

It was during that ungodly moment that we got a chance to escape through the window, he added.

Mr Alilu continued: The girl alongside other abductees was taken to one village, Zawuna, where she was released.

The account was corroborated by another displaced villager who pleaded not to be named for fear of being targeted by terrorists informants.

But she could not ascertain the number of women or girls raped by the terrorists. She simply noted that a woman she knew was raped without providing further details.

The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Garba Abdullahi, when contacted, told PREMIUM TIMES the state government was working on a measure that if not permanent will be a long-term solution.

We are on it day and night, Mr Mohammed, a retired major general, added.

One of the concerned youths in the axis, Murtala Kabeer, pleaded with the government to station a formidable military base to keep terrorists away from the area.

=============================

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President Bola Tinubu will address the joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday to mark the 25 years of unbroken democracy and legislature in Nigeria.

The Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Tambawal, announced on Monday in a statement.

Mr Tambawal also said the president would commission the newly built library complex in the National Assembly.

This is to inform Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members that as part of the event to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and Legislature in Nigeria, there will be a joint sitting of both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will address the joint sitting on State of the Nation and also commission the National Assembly Library.

Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are expected to be seated by 9 a.m.

Over the years, the address of the joint session of the National Assembly has been reduced to just the annual budget presentation.

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However, the 25 years of interrupted democracy seem to have presented a milestone for celebration.

Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 with the swearing-in of former President Olusegun Obasanjo on 29 May 1999. This current republic is the longest since independence in 1960, as it has existed without military incursion.

Mr Tinubu, a member of the short-lived Third National Assembly, was one of the victims of the military incursion on 17 November 1993 when the Sani Abacha junta dissolved the legislature.

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his best wishes to President Bola Tinubu on the completion of his first year in office.

The immediate past president conveyed his good wishes in a statement issued by his former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Tuesday.

According to the statement Mr Buhari appealed to all citizens to continue to strengthen the thread of national unity and goodwill.

The former president also appealed to them to give their blessings and support to the Tinubu administration so that it can succeed in its efforts to build a Nigeria of our dreams, the statement said.

It added that Mr Buhari wished Mr Tinubu a successful tenure in office.

Mr Buhari, a former military general after serving a two-term of eight years between 2015 and 2023, handed over to Mr Tinubu on 29 May, 2023, two months after the former Lagos governor won the presidential election.

(NAN)

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The Kano State High Court has restrained security agents from evicting the reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, from his palace.

The judge, Amina Aliyu, on Tuesday issued an order restraining the police, the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian military from evicting Mr Sanusi who was reinstated as Emir of Kano on Friday.

This was in a case that was filed by Mr Sanusi, alongside four kingmakers of Kano: Madakin Kano Yusuf Nabahani; Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi; Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta.

The court retrained the security agencies from arresting or harassing the emir and the kingmakers.

An order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents either by themselves, their agents, privies, representative, and assigns from further harassing, intimidating, inviting, arresting and or invading the personal or official residence of the applicants (Gidan Rumfa), his servants and or any of the Kano Emirate kingmakers of doing such acts that would be capable of interfering with the applicants rights generally about this suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

That an order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents from attempting to hijack, pick, commandeer, confiscate any of twin spear of authority, the Royal Hat of Dabo, the Ostrich-feathered shoes, the knife and sword of the Emir of Kano as well as symbols of authority pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

That an order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the Respondents from taking further steps in connection with the matter or maintaining status quo of staying all action pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

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That it is further ordered that the Respondents are restraining from interfering with the functions, and duties of the 1 Applicant as the Emir of Kano pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated 28 May 2024.

The motion on notice was adjourned to June 13, 2024 for a hearing.

The court earlier on Monday ordered the eviction of the deposed emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, from the Nasarawa mini palace.

Governor Abba Yusuf signed a law dethroning the emirs of Kano Gaya, Karaye, Rano, and Bichi and reinstated Mr Sanusi as the sole emir of Kano. Mr Sanusi was himself removed in March 2020 by the administration of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

However, Mr Ado-Bayero has rejected his removal, citing the order of the federal court.

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The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has directed the dismantling of illegal security outfits involved in extorting and harassing Nigerians.

The ONSAs spokesperson, Zakari Mijinyawa, in a statement, specifically cautioned the public about an illegal group known as NATFORCE.

Mr Mijinyawa said over the past three years, law enforcement agencies had acted against individuals operating illegal outfits. Some of these individuals have been arrested and are currently being prosecuted, he said.

Despite these efforts, some members of the public, including key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, have fallen victim to the fraudulent activities of NATFORCE, which has recently rebranded as NATCOM, despite clear directives to dismantle all illegal security outfits.

We remind the public that NATFORCE and NATCOM are not part of Nigerias security architecture and have no affiliation with any official security agency. These outfits are not backed by federal law, lack the authority to recruit, and are not approved to operate as security organizations, the statement said.

To clarify, under Section 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Nigeria established the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), which has been under the Office of the National Security Adviser since 3 May 2021, he added.

The NCCSALW is the National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria, coordinating with all relevant stakeholders to implement the UN and ECOWAS Plans of Action on the control of small arms and light weapons.

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The current National Coordinator of the NCCSALW is DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (Rtd), appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 26 March 2024.

We advise State Governments, international organizations, the private sector, and all stakeholders to remain vigilant about the activities of illegal security outfits operating under any name or form. We encourage close collaboration with the NCCSALW to address concerns around the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to continue arresting and prosecuting individuals and groups who fraudulently present themselves to the public as security forces, the statement said.

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Governorship aspirant, Jimoh Ibrahim, has withdrawn his suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the nomination of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election.

The withdrawal comes after several weeks of efforts to get the senator to back down on his grievances against the conduct of the 20 April primary election of the APC.

Mr Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South in the Senate, had sought a cancellation of the primary election for failing to comply with the constitution of the country and the APC.

He urged the court to order a fresh primary election to determine the rightful candidate of the party ahead of the 16 November governorship election.

He also sought an order barring the APC from participating in the coming election should it fail to conduct a fresh primary election.

The Federal High Court had on Monday approved the transfer of the suit to Akure in Ondo State following the request by the defendants.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, Mr Ibrahim announced his discontinuation of the case.

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He said his withdrawal was due to his respect for President, Bola Tinubu, who had intervened in the matter.

He said Mr Tinubu had insisted that the case be withdrawn for him to chart a new course for the party and also improve on its internal democracy.

I cannot disobey the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the issue I am fighting for is not personal, he said.

It is simply to improve internal democracy, which the President has promised to improve on. My respect for the President is absolute.

Mr Ibrahim hinted that his decision to withdraw the suit followed hours of meeting with the President, expressing appreciation for Mr Tinubus wise intervention.

The APC in the state has expressed gratitude to me for withdrawing the suit, saying it was a product of efforts of reconciliation by the party at the state and federal levels, he added.

APC Director of Publicity Steve Otaloro said the withdrawal was not conditional, noting that all parties stand to benefit.

Meanwhile, while the news of the withdrawal of suit was reaching party members, the members of the executive of the APC in Ode-Aye Ward 1, Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State, announced the suspension of a female governorship aspirant, Folake Omogoroye, over her refusal to withdraw a court case against Governor Aiyedatiwa on certificate forgery.

Ms Omogoroye had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the certificate reportedly acquired by the governor.

Those also suspended by the leadership of the party in the ward included four members of the executive, Ayesan Tunde, the Organising Secretary; Jemiken Seyi, Assistant Public Relations Officer (PRO); Adebayo Omobayo, the Assistant Welfare Secretary and Eweje Omotayo, Assistant Treasurer.

They were accused of anti-party activities.

Akinsowola Awodele, chairman of the ward, signed the suspension letter, supported by 12 other exco members.

According to the letter, Ms Omogoroye was suspended due to anti-party activities and flagrant disobedience to constituted authority of the party.

Ms Omogoroye had also called for the cancellation of the party primaries held in April over alleged irregularities.

Mr Otaloro said the state headquarters had yet to be briefed.

He noted that reconciliatory efforts would also ensure the suspension issue was resolved.

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A Federal High Court in Kano State has ordered that the reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, leave the Gidan Rumfa Palace for his rival, Aminu Ado-Bayero.

The Gidan Rumfa is the main palace of the emir, located at Kofar Kudu.

The court also ordered the security agents to ensure that all the rights and privileges accorded Mr Ado-Bayero, be given back to him.

Mr Ado-Bayero was deposed on Thursday by Governor Abba Yusuf after he signed a law that scrapped all the five emirates created by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

The federal court judge, S. A. Amobeda, who gave the exparte order on Tuesday, stated that the order was made in the interest of justice and maintenance of peace in Kano.

An order of interim injunction restraining the Respondents either by themselves, their agents, servants, privies or any other person or authority from inviting, arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the Applicant, raiding, tempering with or visiting the Applicants to arrest or infringe on his right or in any other way infringe or attempt to infringe the Applicants rights pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion.

An order restraining the 3rd, 4th and 5th Respondents and all other Respondents from denying the applicant to use his official residence and palace at the Emirs Palace, Kofar Kudu as well as enjoyment of all rights and privileges accrued to him by being Emir of Kano State and to evicting anything, anybody residing within the palace illegally pending the hearing and the determination of the originating summons.

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The judge adjourned the suit to June 4, 2024, for a hearing.

The court order conflicts with an earlier one issued by the Kano State High Court ordering security agents not to remove Mr Sanusi from the palace.

On Monday, the state high court judge, Amina Aliyu, also ordered the police to evict Mr Ado-Bayero from the mini palace at the Nassarawa GRA where he has stayed since his return to Kano on Saturday.

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As global health authorities convene for the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA), Nigerias Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has recommended the continuation of ongoing negotiations for a pandemic treaty and review of the International Health Regulations.

Speaking at the opening plenary Tuesday, Mr Pate stated that Nigeria aligns with the Common African Position while negotiations are on until a fair agreement is reached and concluded at a special session before the end of the year.

The 77th WHA is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 27 May to 1 June. It is themed: All for Health, Health for All.

The International Treaty on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response or Pandemic Treaty is a proposed international agreement currently being negotiated by the 194 member states of the WHO.

The instrument, also called the accord, aims to improve prevention, preparedness, and response to future pandemics at a global level.

Setbacks on pandemic accord

The WHO Director General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, had, in his opening remarks on Monday, expressed confidence that countries would one day reach a deal on a pandemic accord after failing to produce an agreement last week.

Reuters reports that negotiators failed to produce a draft deal on Friday for formal approval by the assembly this week.

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Of course, we all wish that we had been able to reach a consensus on the agreement in time for this health assembly and cross the finish line, Mr Ghebreyesus said in his opening address.

I remain confident that you still will because where there is a will, there is a way. I know that there remains among you a common will to get this done.

Before the commencement of the assembly, organisations like the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), a German political foundation, called for the adoption of the pandemic agreement, highlighting its significance for global preparedness and response to future pandemics.

A research associate at KAS, Anja-Maria Rittner, noted during a press briefing attended by PREMIUM TIMES that misinformation, waning interest and entrenched positions are some of the challenges that threaten the WHOs pandemic-related negotiations.

Ms Rittner said there were rumours that the treaty would give WHO the power to impose mandatory vaccination and lockdown. In January, the Director General of WHO, Tedro Ghebreyesus, raised concerns that lies and entrenched positions undermine the pandemic negotiations.

But agreement will only be reached if member states are prepared to compromise and push back against fake news, lies and conspiracy theories, said Mr Ghebreyesus.

He pointed out that the global misinformation campaign is pushing the notion that the pandemic agreement and changes to the IHR will cede sovereignty to WHO and give the WHO Secretariat the power to impose lockdowns or vaccine mandates on countries.

COVID-19 lessons

Further reflecting on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian Health Minister said it exposed vulnerabilities in global health systems and highlighted the need for equitable healthcare access.

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the vulnerabilities in health systems, both in developed and developing nations. It also challenged us to rethink the connection of access to health and social justice, within countries and globally, Mr Pate said.

Also, in her remarks Tuesday, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a renewed emphasis on reorienting health systems towards primary health care to make progress on universal health coverage and health security.

This focus on primary health care requires more resources invested in health  and better and smarter investments, Ms Moeti said.

In the African region, the financing level from domestic public resources for health remains inadequate compared to the resource requirements.

About pandemic agreement

In March 2021, heads of state and government from countries issued a statement of commitment calling for global collaboration to prepare for, prevent, and respond to pandemics.

In December 2021, WHO member states decided to launch a global process to draft and negotiate a legally binding convention, agreement, or other international instruments to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

The final decision to adopt the instrument will lie with the WHO member countries. Once agreed, the instrument will be legally binding and rooted in the WHO constitution.

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The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal on Monday commissioned two major projects in Bakura and Maradun local government areas in the Zamfara West senatorial zone.

Projects commissioning is one of several events marking the first anniversary of the Dauda Lawal-led administration.

A statement by the governors spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the governor visited three local governments, Mafara, Bakura and Maradun.

Governor Lawal, accompanied by a former governor of Zamfara State, Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura, inaugurated the newly renovated College of Agriculture and Technology in Bakura.

In his remark at the commissioning of the College, Mr Lawal said more than two decades after the re-establishment of the College of Agriculture Bakura, its structures became obsolete, and the environment was no longer conducive to teaching and learning.

He stressed, As a government that identifies education and agriculture among its major priorities, we deemed it necessary to renovate the college and stock it with the essential facilities for quality agricultural education.

We have also upgraded the institution from the College of Agriculture and Animal Science to the College of Agriculture and Technology, Bakura. The wisdom behind this upgrade is to enable the college to introduce some technical disciplines as a prerequisite for its transition from a mono-technic to the status of a polytechnic.

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Therefore, we are gathered here today to inaugurate the renovation works undertaken at the College. These include the general renovation and equipping of the Admin Block, Agric Laboratory, Biology Laboratory, Science Laboratory, Lecture Hall, and Female and Male Hostels. Also constructed are two blocks of VIP toilets with five cells each, construction of a laundry facility, and rehabilitation of the colleges water system.

At Maradun LGA, Governor Lawal performed another on-the-spot assessment of the progress of work on the renovation of the General Hospital, Maradun.

The contract for the project includes the renovation of the Admin Block, male and female wards, staff quarters, mortuary, main theatre block, and two toilets. Other works include the wall fence, the hospitals water system, walkways, and the general equipping and furnishing of the structures.

In Talatan Mafara LGA, Mr Lawal expressed dissatisfaction with General Hospital Talata Mafaras poor condition and immediately ordered its renovation and upgrade.

He said: It is extremely concerning to see the condition of the General Hospital in Talatan Mafara. The conditions I observed during the inspection are truly unacceptable. It is a stark reminder of the misallocation of resources by our politicians, who often prioritize less important matters.

I have ordered the immediate complete renovation and upgrade of the hospital. We will equip the hospital to provide rehabilitation and serve as a central point for other health facilities in the western senatorial district of the state. Improving its condition will allow it to offer efficient healthcare services in the area.

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The police in Imo State, South-east Nigeria, have sanctioned an officer seen in a viral video clip extorting motorists in Owerri, the state capital.

The police spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

The extortion

Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, identified the officer as Isong Osudueh, an inspector attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit of the State Police Command.

The police spokesperson said Mr Osudueh was filmed extorting motorists along Owerri-Onitsha Express Road in the state.

He did not, however, mention when the incident happened.

Sanction

Mr Okoye said Mr Osudueh was

recommended for a reduction in rank after the necessary orderly room proceedings against him for exhibiting such a shameful and unprofessional act.

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The spokesperson said apart from Mr Osudueh, the supervisory officer, whose name was not disclosed, has been issued an official query for lack of supervision.

The disciplinary actions taken against the erring officer underscore the Commands unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and integrity among its personnel, while effectively discharging its lawful duties and entrenching public trust and confidence, he stated.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the alleged extortion of motorists by the officer, Mr Okoye said.

Mr Danjuma reiterated that the police command under his watch will not condone any act of extortion or misconduct by its personnel.

The police commissioner warned that any supervisory officer who fails to carry out his duties will be severely sanctioned.

He urged residents of Imo State to continue to support the police and other security agencies with timely and actionable information to aid in the fight against crimes in the state.

Not the first time

Cases of police assault and extortion against Nigerians are not new.

In October 2020, Nigerian youth protested against police brutality across the country and called for the disbandment of the now-defunct SARS, formerly a police unit.

Despite the ban on SARS, the cases of police brutality and extortion have persisted across the country.

For instance, the commissioner of police in Delta State, in February, removed a Divisional Crimes Officer in Abraka Division for alleged extortion of over N2 million from residents of the state.

Also, PREMIUM TIMES, within the same period, reported the detention of some officers at the Force headquarters in Abuja over an alleged extortion of N30.3 million from a Nigerian.

In April 2023, a police officer who was filmed slapping a motorist in the Emohua area of Rivers State was demoted.

The Emohua incident occurred a few days after Ubi Ebri, another officer, allegedly shot dead a young man in the neighbouring Delta State for reportedly refusing to give a N100 bribe.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how youth in Delta State protested with the victims corpse along major roads in Asaba.

Mr Ebri, the officer, was immediately arrested, dismissed from service and later arraigned.

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The Catholic Diocese of Abakakili in Ebonyi State has spoken on the report that its priest recently wedded his lover in the state.

The report

There was a report on social media suggesting that a Catholic priest, Jude Obasi, allegedly got married to his lover on 25 May in Abakakili, the state capital.

The wedding, according to the report, took place at Saint Marys Catholic Church, Abakakili.

The priest reportedly hails from Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state.

The report was accompanied by a photograph showing the priest and his supposed lover in a wedding dress.

The clergyman, who was dressed in his full priestly attire, was seen holding the brides hand in a place filled with guests in a set of canopies.

He and the unidentified bride were all smiles in the photograph.

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 report has since elicited several reactions with many applauding the cleric for taking the bold decision against the church principles.

Catholic priests voluntarily submit themselves to an oath of celibacy which forbids them from sex and marriage.

Catholic church speaks

But reacting in a statement on Monday, the Diocesan Chancellor, Matthew Opoke, refuted the report.

Mr Opoke, a Catholic priest, said no priest goes by such name within the diocese and that the person in the trending photograph does not resemble the face of any priest in the diocese.

The chancellor said there is no priest with such name either in the diocese or from Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state.

He further said the diocese does not have any place called Saint Marys Catholic Church, Abakakili and no similar event took place in the area within the period.

It goes without saying that the publicationis fake, Mr Opoke said.

It was possibly fermented by a blogger who wants to gain much traffic on their social media handles, he added.

What we found

Some residents of Afikpo North Local Government Area who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES rehashed what the diocese earlier said that no priest and church have names mentioned in the report.

Nothing like that happened around here, one of the residents, who asked not to be named, said.

The resident, who is also a journalist, added that he had been receiving calls from people outside Nigeria enquiring about the incident.

An independent investigation by PREMIUM TIMES found that the report was false and a case of misinformation.

The photograph which accompanied the report first appeared on news blog in October 2023.

The photograph is that of a Kenyan Catholic priest, Edwin Gathangi Waiguru, who got married to his long-term friend, Margaret Wanjira Githui.

Kenya is a country in East Africa.

Mr Waiguru, according to Kenyan media, had defected to a Roman Catholic splinter group known as the Catholic Charismatic Church.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the transfer of the case filed by governorship aspirant, Jimoh Ibrahim, against the nomination of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 16 November governorship election, from Abuja to Akure, Ondo State.

Counsels to the APC had earlier filed an application praying the court to effect the transfer in the light of the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the case.

They had argued that since the matter originated from Ondo State and all parties are domiciled in the state, it was appropriate to have the matter treated in the state.

In the application by APCs counsel, Matthew Burkaa, the party emphasised the convenience of conducting proceedings in Ondo State, as both the plaintiff and defendants are based there.

Additionally, the presence of a Federal High Court in Ondo State was cited as a logistical advantage.

Mr Ibrahim initiated the suit on 3 May 2024 at the Abuja Division of the Court, seeking to invalidate the primary election results.

Mr Ibrahim is challenging the validity of the primary election that produced Governor Aiyedatiwa as the partys candidate for the upcoming November election.

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

Named as defendants in the suit are the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, representing APC, informed the Court about the filed Memorandum of Conditional Appearance and the letter requesting the cases transfer to Akure Division, in line with the Practice Direction issued by the Chief Judge.

Representatives for Governor Aiyedatiwa and INEC echoed the idea of transferring the case to Akure, where the primary election occurred.

The transfer of the case to Akure was confirmed on Monday by a notice from the office of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

I am directed by His Lordship, the Honourable, The Chief Judge to inform you that action has been taken by transferring this case to the Federal High Court, Akure, after considering the reply from Chief Chris Uche, SAN, of Counsel for the Plaintiff, to the 1 Defendants application, the letter read.

Please, accept the esteemed regards of His Lordship, the Hon., The Chief Judge.

Meanwhile, INEC, on Saturday, published the names and details of the candidates of 17 political parties for the forthcoming election.

The final list of candidates will be published on 18 June 2024.

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To cushion the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, Lafarge Africa Plc, has distributed 350 bags of rice and oil to elders in its 14 host communities in Ewekoro, Ogun State.

The food was distributed on Tuesday at Lafarges Ewekoro plant.

Speaking at the occasion, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the initiative was to demonstrate the companys unwavering commitment to the well-being of aged members of its host communities.

Mr Alade-Akinyemi, who was represented by the companys Head, Sustainable Development and Corporate Brand, Titilope Oguntuga, highlighted the challenges of the elderly to include physical and psychosocial aspects of aging.

He added that the challenges encompassed shifts in family dynamics, heightened demand for medical services, increased economic pressure, and reduced functional independence.

Mr Alade-Akinyemi explained that Lafarge Africas Elderly Care Programme was not just an initiative, but a promise to ensure that the elderly, particularly those aged 50 and above, received the care and assistance they needed to lead fulfilling and dignified lives.

We recognise that the strength of a community is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members. Todays event is therefore not just a ceremony; it is a testament to our commitment to standing by our aged community members. It is a pledge that we will continue to provide the support and resources needed during these challenging times, he 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

Also speaking at the event, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, pledged to continue supporting Lafarge so as to engender the needed development in the host communities.

We all know that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of violence. Had there been a crisis in the Ewekoro community, this kind of programme would not take place, Mr Hamzat said.

He assured Lafarge of the continued support of the government, adding that the state government would continue to partner with the company for peace and development of the community and the state at large.

In his remarks, the Onipapa of Papa in Ewekoro Local Government, Abdulrasaq Olayiwola, acknowledged the support of Lafarge in making lives more meaningful for residents of the host communities.

He solicited the cooperation of the host communities and called on residents to support the company, stressing that its only through peaceful resolution of conflicts that development of the communities could be achieved.

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HENGQIN, China, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hengqin 2024 Global Investment Promotion Conference and sharing sessions opened on 26 May. Liu Xianfa, Commissioner of China's Foreign Ministry in the Macao SAR; Lei Wai Nong, Director of the Executive Committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (hereinafter referred to as the "Cooperation Zone"); Huang Zhihao, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee and Mayor of Zhuhai; Nie Xinping, Fu Yongge, Su Kun, Deputy Directors of the Executive Committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin attended the event. It also attracted more than 1,000 investors from Macao's business associations and renowned enterprises at home and abroad. Guests attending the event came from 42 countries and regions, including Portugal, Brazil, Singapore and Malaysia, and the scale of participation was greatly enlarged compared with that of last year.

2024 Hengqin Global Investment Promotion Conference Kicks Off

Lei Wai Nong said in his speech that Hengqin is currently entering into its "prime time" of trade and investment opportunities. He invited all entrepreneurs from home and abroad to invest in Hengqin and embrace the new development opportunities together.

Su Kun introduced the open investment environment of the Cooperation Zone and highlighted that the four new industries have seen significant progress and new development opportunities since the implementation of tier-specific management.

The event featured presentations on investment and development in Hengqin by representatives of Wisewave (Zhuhai) Technology Co., Ltd. and Airbus Helicopters China.

Nine research experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs from Macao and Hengqin have been invited to serve as "Ambassadors for Hengqin". Together with six "Advocates for Hengqin" they are expected to promote Hengqin to the world. The video series "Ambassadors for Hengqin" will be rolled out in June.

Highlights of this year's conference included an exhibition on the four new industries in the Cooperation Zone, showcasing the fruits of development in recent years. As of the end of the event on 26 May, more than 69,000 audience watched the online broadcasts.

On 27 May, a series of sharing sessions were held for in-depth discussions on integrated circuits, traditional Chinese medicine, branded industries, modern finance, cultural tourism, conventions and exhibitions, trade, and cross-border e-commerce, with the aim of building a bridge for dialogue and cooperation in these industries.

SOURCE Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcline, a growth-oriented private equity firm, today announced the sale of its portfolio company Voltyx, to Asplundh.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Voltyx specializes in highly technical electric infrastructure services, including design and engineering, testing and commissioning, and repair and maintenance services to a diverse set of 1,500 customers across utility, renewable energy, data center, and commercial and industrial markets. With over 1,200 employees and 35 locations, Voltyx is a critical enabler of the clean energy transition, grid modernization, the digital economy, and the electrification of everything.

Mark Day, CEO of Voltyx, commented, "Thanks to our dedicated team, loyal customers, and partnership with Arcline, Voltyx has continued to be at the forefront of economy wide electrification trends. We look forward to the next chapter of growth with the Asplundh team."

Asplundh CEO Matt Asplundh said "We're excited to welcome Voltyx to the Asplundh family of companies. Voltyx's expertise in the substation and transformer services market will help us expand the already excellent, safe, and cost-effective services we provide to our current customers as One Asplundh. We look forward to working together with Voltyx's employees and customers toward continued growth and success."

Harris Williams and Stifel Nicolaus & Company served as financial advisors, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Fredrikson & Byron P.A. served as legal counsel to Arcline in connection with the transaction.

About Arcline

Arcline Investment Management is a growth-oriented private equity firm with $8.9 billion in cumulative capital commitments. Arcline seeks to invest in technology driven, meaningful-to-the-world industrial businesses that enable a better future. For more information visit www.arcline.com.

Contact:

Tim Ragones / Erik Carlson

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

212-355-4449

SOURCE Arcline Investment Management
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At its recent meeting in San Antonio, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) Board of Directors, led by Chair Derek Leathers of Werner Enterprises, reviewed and approved the 2024 Top Research Priorities. The research priorities were identified by ATRI's Research Advisory Committee (RAC) at its annual meeting held March 12-13 in Washington, DC.

ATRI's RAC selected a diverse set of research priorities designed to address some of the industry's most critical issues including workforce development, lawsuit abuse reform, and transportation infrastructure.

The 2024 ATRI top research priorities are:

Mining Driver Demographic Data to Identify New Pathways to Trucking Careers. This study will capitalize on ATRI's extensive truck driver demographic data collected through driver surveys over several decades. The longitudinal data will be synthesized and mined to identify changing demographic trends in the driver population, allowing industry to better target driver recruitment and retention strategies. The research will also examine potential pathways into the industry from previously untapped populations including young adults aging out of the foster care system.

Impact of Nuclear Verdicts  Update. In 2020 ATRI released a landmark study examining the frequency and impact of nuclear verdicts on the trucking industry. That research documented the scale and frequency of truck crash litigation verdicts and explored the growing use of third-party litigation financing. This update will utilize more recent data to examine how verdicts have changed since the initial study, impacts on motor carrier insurance premiums, factors contributing to nuclear verdicts, as well as potential impacts from state-level lawsuit abuse reform legislation passed in recent years.

Comprehending the Scope of Cargo Theft in the U.S. Cargo theft is a growing issue for motor carriers, shippers, insurers, and consumers. This research will examine existing data sources as well as work with motor carriers to better quantify the scale and frequency of this often-unreported crime. The research will also examine existing and emerging cargo theft tracing and prevention programs to identify best practices.

Calculating the Cost of Truck Bottlenecks. For the past several decades, ATRI has utilized its extensive database of truck GPS data to monitor and quantify traffic congestion on the nation's highways. This research will provide a more granular analysis of the cost of congestion for specific bottleneck locations from ATRI's top 100 truck bottlenecks list, as well as case studies quantifying the return-on-investment for locations where targeted infrastructure improvements have resulted in reduced congestion.

Federal Excise Tax (FET) Cost-Benefit Analysis. The 12 percent FET on the purchase of heavy-duty trucks and trailers is considered by many to discourage investment in newer, safer equipment with cleaner engines. This analysis will examine the impact of the FET on carrier decisions to avoid new equipment investment, such as unrealized safety and emissions improvements.

ATRI is the trucking industry's 501c3 not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation's essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.

SOURCE American Transportation Research Institute
Leading provider of non-dilutive financing for consumer subscription apps commits to expanding growth partnerships with top-tier brands

NEW YORK, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Braavo Capital Inc. ("Braavo"), the leading financing partner for consumer subscription apps, announced today the successful closing of a $5 million Series B funding round. Led by existing insiders with participation from Series A lead investor Headline, and accompanied by a new $30 million debt fund with Upper90, this capital injection marks a significant milestone for Braavo's continued expansion.

Established in 2015, Braavo has emerged as the global leader in financing solutions for founders seeking to scale their app businesses without resorting to unnecessary equity raises. Having facilitated over $1 billion in financing since inception, the company's profitability in its core financing operations underscores its commitment to empowering the subscription app economy.

Braavo Capital Secures $5 Million to Drive Web2App Subscriber Growth Post this

Mark Loranger, CEO & Co-Founder of Braavo, commented, "This new round of equity will fuel Braavo Growth Ventures, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation in the consumer subscription market. While we continue to grow our financing business, we are also excited to apply our years of experience and extensive relationships in the market to embark on this new venture."

Operating as a distinct division within Braavo Capital, Growth Ventures focuses on strategic partnerships with app businesses to drive subscriber growth through web monetization (commonly known as web2app). Loranger elaborated, "Adding capabilities for web monetization in addition to in-app purchases presents a significant opportunity for subscription app businesses. However, for many, this transition can be daunting and costly."

After operating in stealth mode for over a year to assemble a skilled team and develop its proprietary growth platform, Growth Ventures is now poised to unveil its web2app offering to a wider audience. Billy Libby, Founder & Managing Partner at Upper90, remarked, "Upper90 was an early credit partner and has been impressed with Braavo's disciplined approach to underwriting and customer acquisition. We are excited to continue to partner with Braavo on their next phase of growth."

Beyond web2app, Braavo envisions a broader investment strategy for Growth Ventures, as Loranger noted, "Our focus extends beyond subscriber acquisition. Over time, we aim to forge deeper partnerships with our most successful portfolio companies."

The Growth Ventures team invites new app partners to join its latest cohort until June 30, 2024. To learn more and submit an inquiry, visit Braavo Growth Ventures.

About Braavo Capital

Founded in New York City in 2015, Braavo Capital now boasts offices across North America, with a European hub in Warsaw, Poland. Since its inception, the company's technology-driven financing platform for subscription app businesses has facilitated over $1 billion in financing and supported over 8,000 apps. Offering a range of products, from on-demand receivables financing to multi-million dollar bespoke credit facilities, Braavo has cemented its position as the premier funding partner for the world's most successful app businesses.

CONTACT

Alanna Harvey

[email protected]

Head of Partner Experience

Braavo Growth Ventures

SOURCE Braavo Capital
LONDON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BSRIA, the research and information membership body for the built environment, has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Ashworth, who is tasked with furthering BSRIA's impressive growth ambitions.

Lisa Ashworth

Ashworth joins BSRIA with a wealth of experience in leading technology-based data and information businesses. With an illustrious career marked by her tenure at organisations such as the Financial Times, PR Newswire, Frost and Sullivan, and Reevoo/Feefo, Ashworth brings a successful track record of growing businesses across diverse sectors. In addition to her extensive operational experience, she has a strong background in setting up and expanding businesses internationally.

Lisa Ashworth takes up her position on the 1st of June 2024, following an induction period.

Chris Harty, Chairman, BSRIA, says, "Lisa brings a wealth of experience and new energy. Not only has she spent her career in the data, information, and research arena, her strong track record includes scaling commercial operations internationally. Her experience makes her an ideal leader for BSRIA as it embarks on its next phase of development.

"Her leadership style is open, collaborative, and people-centric and aligns seamlessly with BSRIA's organisational ethos. Committed to fostering a cohesive and dynamic work environment, I am confident she is the perfect person to take BSRIA into its exciting new chapter."

Lisa Ashworth, CEO, BSRIA, says, "I'm excited to join a business that is already so pivotal to the industry it supports, but equally well positioned to grow further in the knowledge, data, and information market. Data is a vital raw material for the sustainability agenda of the construction sector and will play a crucial role in closing the performance gap and creating better buildings. As the built environment gears toward a greener future, our resources will be foundational for helping organisations achieve their digitisation and decarbonisation goals, creating a practical pathway to Net Zero and beyond.

"As BSRIA looks ahead to further innovation and expansion, I'm looking forward to working alongside our customer-focused, vibrant teams to advance our research ambitions and drive commercial growth."

For nearly 70 years, BSRIA has provided registered testing, research, and consultancy services to the construction and building services industry. As a member-based association, BSRIA is committed to maintaining its independent approach and authoritative reputation.

Employing over 160 professionals across its head office in Berkshire (UK), BSRIA North in Lancashire, regionally based construction compliance offices throughout the UK, and offices in France, China, and the USA, BSRIA's global presence underscores its commitment to serving stakeholders worldwide with research and best practice guidance.

2025 sees BSRIA celebrate its 70th anniversary, commemorating decades of delivering the highest-quality specialist services in construction and building services. To find out more about BSRIA, click here.

Notes to editors

About BSRIA:

BSRIA is a leading member-based association supporting the construction and building services industry to create safer, more efficient, and sustainable buildings.

For over 60 years, BSRIA has supported built environment professionals worldwide with a comprehensive range of services including consultancy, research, testing, and certification.

BSRIA is an ISO 9001 registered testing provider, combining UKAS-accredited test facilities with industry-leading test engineers and consultants.

Headquartered in Bracknell, UK, with permanent offices in Preston, UK, France, China, and the USA, BSRIA has a global reach with 775 members worldwide.

Website: https://www.bsria.com/uk/

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2421039/BSRIA_1.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2421040/BSRIA_Logo.jpg

SOURCE BSRIA
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tower Cancer Research Foundation and Lipstick Angels are proud to announce their partnership aimed at providing essential beauty and wellness support classes to the cancer community of Los Angeles. These classes will be held at the stunning Tower Cancer Research Foundation facility in Beverly Hills, California.

"Amidst the challenges of battling cancer, it's crucial for individuals to prioritize self-care and well-being," says Renata Helfman, CEO of Lipstick Angels (pictured working with a cancer survivor). "Through this collaboration with Tower Cancer Research Foundation, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to look and feel their best during their cancer journey." www.towercancer.org/lipstick-angels/

Led by oncology-trained makeup artists and estheticians, the classes will be deeply rooted in education, offering participants valuable insights and techniques tailored to their unique needs. The overarching goal of these sessions is to cultivate an environment centered on self-care, education, and community support.

Christopher Clinton Conway, CEO of Tower Cancer Research Foundation, highlighted the synergies between Tower Cancer Research Foundation and Lipstick Angels, emphasizing their shared commitment to addressing cancer patient needs. "This first of its kind collaboration, will extend our impact to a wider audience, creating a more significant and successful outcome than we could have achieved individually."

"Amidst the challenges of battling cancer, it's crucial for individuals to prioritize self-care and well-being," says Renata Helfman, CEO of Lipstick Angels. "Through this collaboration, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to look and feel their best during their cancer journey."

The classes will cover a range of topics, including skincare, makeup techniques, and holistic wellness practices, providing attendees with practical skills to enhance their self-image and overall quality of life. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to connect with others facing similar experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support.

"We are thrilled to partner with Tower Cancer Research Foundation to expand our reach and impact within the Los Angeles cancer community," added Helfman. "Together, we can create a nurturing space where individuals can not only learn and grow but also form meaningful connections that last beyond the classroom."

The classes will be held monthly, offering a recurring opportunity for participants to come together, learn, and forge new friendships. Through this ongoing initiative, Tower Cancer and Lipstick Angels are committed to supporting the holistic well-being of individuals affected by cancer, one class at a time.

About Lipstick Angels: Lipstick Angels is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing beauty and wellness services to people affected by cancer. Through their unique programs, Lipstick Angels aims to empower and educate patients, inspiring them to embrace self-care moving forward. www.lipstickangels.org

About Tower Cancer : Tower Cancer Research Foundation was founded 25 years ago, with the goal of advancing groundbreaking research and profoundly supporting people affected by cancer  as we inch closer to a future free from the burden of the devastating disease. Inspired by the most promising science, we fund leading local researchers, making us a launchpad for additional funding and discoveries here and on the global stage. Our clinically-grounded patient support programs, hosted by Magnolia House, and community partner grants, funded by TCRF, align with the challenges faced by patients, survivors, and the whole cancer community. We believe that impact begins here, and it starts with you. www.towercancer.org

Contact: Rachel Schwartz/PR AdvantEDGE Inc.

310.990.2764

[email protected]

SOURCE Tower Cancer Research Foundation
Approximately 2.8 million consumers are being notified that their Social Security numbers and other confidential information were compromised after A&A Services d/b/a Sav-Rx reported a major data breach. The data breach lawyers at Console & Associates, P.C. are investigating claims on behalf of anyone affected by the Sav-Rx breach, hoping to fully inform them of the risks they face in the wake of the breach as well as their legal rights.

MARLTON, N.J., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The sensitive personal data of 2,812,336 consumers has been compromised. Now, victims' full names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and insurance information may be in the hands of criminals, putting victims at a greater risk of identity theft and other frauds.

On May 24, 2024, Sav-Rx filed a notice with the Attorney General of Maine, describing a data breach affecting consumers nationwide. According to the notice, the incident stemmed from an October 3, 2023, data breach involving an unauthorized party gaining access to portions of the company's IT network.

The list of sensitive information that was exposed includes:

Names,

Dates of birth,

Social Security numbers,

Addresses,

Email addresses,

Phone numbers, and

Insurance information.

If you receive a data breach notice from Sav-Rx, you could now be at risk of identity theftand the devastating financial and legal consequences that go along with it.

What Should You Do if You Receive a Sav-Rx Data Breach Letter?

Individuals who receive a data breach letter from Sav-Rx should take steps to protect themselves. (See our Guide for Victims of Data Breach for more details at https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/guide-for-victims-of-a-data-breach ).

Additionally, victims should consider contacting a data breach attorney immediately, as anyone who receives a data breach letter from Sav-Rx may be entitled to financial compensation.

If you wish to discuss this data security incident, please contact Console & Associates, P.C. at (866) 778-5500. You can also learn more about this data breach and potential lawsuit at https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/sav-rx-data-breach-class-action-lawsuit-assistance .

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Console & Associates, P.C.

866-778-5500

[email protected]

SOURCE Console & Associates, P.C.
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Costa Rica, a small country in terms of territory, but large in biodiversity and innovation, stands out as a leading destination for international patients seeking quality medical services, ranging from cosmetic surgery and dentistry to cardiology and general surgery. These world-class services are backed by the natural intelligence of certified and experienced medical professionals.

To promote these world-class services, the nation brand esencial Costa Rica hand in hand with the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) and the Costa Rican Health Chamber, launched the Healthcare Costa Rica platform online. This initiative facilitates the connection between international patients and Costa Rican medical centers, guaranteeing a transparent and safe process for those seeking first-class medical care in that Central American country.

"Besides natural beauty and rich biodiversity, Costa Rica offers specialized health services, with a high level of innovation and added value, as well as a solid infrastructure, highly qualified professionals, and a strategic location that is tailored to all types of patients. For this reason, this new platform is being made available, with which we seek to make our country a model as a strategic health destination for international patients and provide more opportunities for growth for our health sector," noted Mario Saenz, Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter's (PROCOMER) Export Development Manager.

Massimo Manzi, Executive Director of the Costa Rican Health Chamber added, "Today, there are more than 70,000 international patients each year who trust our country to solve their health problems. To continue growing, as a medical tourism objective, it is fundamental to strengthen Costa Rica's positioning strategy in international markets and mainly in those of greatest interest, such as the United States, from where more than 80% of all health-related visitors hail. The Health Care Costa Rica platform initiative is to be applauded as one more example of how public-private partnerships enable outstanding results that benefit, as in this case, a wide chain of services associated with medical and dental care (transportation, hotels, restaurants, tours, shopping, among others)."

Costa Rica offers multiple advantages for international patients, including competitive costs, cutting-edge medical technology, certified and multilingual professionals, and personalized medical care. Furthermore, the country is known for its sustainable tourism focus and its welcoming environment to foreigners, making Costa Rica an attractive destination for both health and wellness.

Some of the country's competitive advantages are:

Strategic location: accessibility from the United States with direct flights from major US and Canadian cities.

with direct flights from major US and Canadian cities. Economic and political stability: which provides a safe and trustworthy environment for international visitors.

Sustainable social development: which demonstrates the country's commitment to progress in health, education, and quality of life.

International recognition: hospitals and clinics with globally recognized accreditation.

State-of-the-art technology: with cutting-edge equipment and treatment.

Global reputation: classified as the first global destination in the Medical Tourism Index 2021.

Moreover, Costa Rica stands out in various international indices that demonstrate that it is an ideal destination for health and wellness tourism, for example:

Vaccination: first in America in vaccination rates according to the Bloomberg Global Health Index 2023.

Medical Tourism: seventh global medical tourism destination according to the Medical Tourism Index 2021 and first place in the Medical Tourism Index 2021.

Costa Rica reaffirms its commitment to excellence in health services and its position as a leading destination for international patients, combining high-quality medical care with a welcoming and sustainable environment.

For more information, visit Healthcare Costa Rica .

SOURCE PROCOMER
Following a judgment ordering ByoPlanet to pay over $5M USD to a leading electronics manufacturer, Rick O'Shea, the CEO of ByoPlanet International, LLC and Good Salt LLC, was sanctioned with compensatory and punitive damages by a Canadian court for extensive abuse and a "total disrespect of the Court's authority."

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this year, a Canadian Court entered a final judgment ordering American disinfectant solutions company ByoPlanet to pay Promark Electronics more than $5M USD and finding that ByoPlanet's behavior was "laced with temerity." Then on May 21, 2024, the court entered a second judgment ordering Rick O'SheaCEO of ByoPlanet and recently dissolved Good Salt LLCto personally pay over $600,000 USD to Promark for compensatory and punitive damages. This follows a lengthy protracted legal battle, where O'Shea engaged in various fraudulent tactics, alleging false claims against Promark, and evading legal ramifications in parallel maneuvers like those seen in the Hollywood movie classic "Catch Me If You Can."

View PDF May 21, 2024 Canadian Judgment View PDF Broward County Motion for Proceedings Supplementary

Promark is now pursuing enforcement proceedings in Florida against ByoPlanet, O'Shea, and the alleged participants in the fraudulent scheme, including John H. Barrett, President of the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, whom O'Shea claims is his partner in ByoPlanet, Good Salt, and RPMOS, a partnership that allegedly loaned money to ByoPlanet.

According to the May 2024 judgment, O'Shea "tried every trick in the book to avoid paying Promark.," "attempting to make [ByoPlanet] judgment proof through a series of questionable transactions" involving two former Florida LLCs, Good Salt, and RPMOS.

The May 2024 judgment concludes O'Shea manipulated Good Salt and RMPOS in an attempt to delay, hinder, and defraud Promark. These manipulations include the dissolution and revival of the companies in a transparent and failed attempt to make it seem like the businesses are not fully operating and making money when, indeed, they are.

Regarding O'Shea's abuse, the Canadian court stated, "his actions [O'Shea] demonstrate a complete disregard and disrespect for the Canadian justice system." The May 2024 judgment also states: "It is difficult to imagine a case more appropriate than this one to grant punitive damages. O'Shea's conduct is simply reprehensible." The court ultimately concluded that O'Shea's actions could not go unpunished.

"Through the May 2024 judgment, the Superior Court, in the Province of Quebec, Canada, issued a precedent-setting message that the justice system can never be weaponized, and that misuse of judicial resources will not go unpunished," said Jason S. Novak from Spiegel Sohmer Inc., lead Canadian trial counsel for Promark.

"In over 30 years of practice, I have rarely seen a Court so offended by an individual's disrespect of judicial authority," said Jeffrey P. Bast, litigation counsel for Promark in Florida. "Thankfully, we have a committed client. Promark has navigated this lengthy legal process with full participation and an unwavering intention to collect every cent of the money it is rightfully owed. We are confident that the Florida courts will also see through O'Shea's blatant efforts to evade responsibility. We look forward to vigorously pursuing this matter and ensuring that Promark gets what it deserves: justice and perhaps more importantly, payment in full."

About Promark Electronics

Promark is a division of Electrical Components International (ECI). Founded in 1953, ECI is one of the world's leading suppliers of electrical distribution systems, control box assemblies, and other critical engineered components for diversified markets. With 25,000 employees and 37 global manufacturing locations, ECI is the trusted partner to market leaders with 500+ customers. At ECI, we power smart, connected, and electrified solutions that enable the most advanced technologies to solve the most complex challenges.

Media Contact:

Kara Schmiemann

Red Banyan

[email protected]

SOURCE Promark Electronics, Inc.
SEATTLE, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- E8 Angels, the largest cleantech angel investing community in the US, released the annual request for proposals for Decarbon8-US, its philanthropic impact fund. This year focuses on fostering innovation in renewable energy, motivated by the ambitious objectives set forth at the COP28 climate summit to triple the world's renewable energy capacity by 2030.

The Decarbon8-US fund, launched in 2020, has invested over $8.4M in combined philanthropic and personal co-investment into 14 portfolio companies dedicated to decarbonizing sectors such as agriculture, the built environment, and transportation. Decarbon8-US accepts donations and grants to facilitate equity and debt investments in early-stage companies whose technologies and business models expedite the transition to environmentally sustainable solutions.

"We have seen tremendous progress from the companies in the Decarbon8-US portfolio, including an exit from Earthly Labs, who was acquired by Chart Industries in 2022," said Karin Kidder, E8's Executive Director. "In order to triple our renewable energy by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, we require substantial collaboration between the private, public, and government sectors. We are excited to provide a unique way for anyone to get engaged and make an impact."

E8 collaborates with key partners to expand the impact and opportunities provided by the Fund including Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund. "Microsoft's work to advance sustainability markets is at the core of our partnership with the E8 Decarbon8-US Fund," said Brandon Middaugh, Senior Director of Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund. "Through the Decarbon8-US Fund, we are proud to support innovative startups that are accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future."

Visionary early-stage entrepreneurs from across the United States and Canada are encouraged to apply for funding. Ventures must be focused on renewable energy including:

Power generation

Alternative fuels

Energy storage (non-battery forms)

Grid infrastructure

Implementation and deployment projects

The application window is open until June 21, 2024. Companies can find further details about the criteria and timeline in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

E8 & Decarbon8-US receive support from climate leaders, including the University of Washington's Clean Energy Institute, Washington State University, K&L Gates, CleanTech Alliance, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, and the Stolte Family Foundation. Decarbon8-US is a philanthropic investment fund administered by Realize Impact, a 501(c)(3) impact investing specialist.

About E8

E8 is a non-profit membership community whose mission is to accelerate the transition to a prosperous and cleaner world by investing in and nurturing emerging cleantech enterprises. Since 2006, we have invested over $62M into 150+ cleantech companies in the US and Canada. Our flexible, investor-centric platform supports various types of investors and asset classes, including direct angel for-profit investing and a philanthropic fund dedicated to accelerating decarbonization and climate mitigation. E8's community and investment offerings are underpinned by a belief in the capacity of innovative enterprises and technologies to amplify both positive returns and impact.

Contact Information:

Media Contact: Karin Kidder, Executive Director

[email protected]

2063210955

SOURCE E8 Angels
Food and Drug Administration confirms Bovaer meets safety and efficacy requirements

Elanco expects product launch and added carbon credit value to producers beginning in the third quarter

Elanco announces agreement with dsm-firmenich to expand distribution of Bovaer across North America , adding both the Canada and Mexico markets

GREENFIELD, Ind., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed its comprehensive, multi-year review of Bovaer (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, and determined the product meets safety and efficacy requirements for use in lactating dairy cattle.

Feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow per day can reduce methane emissions about 30%. Feeding Bovaer to cows provides a scalable and credible way for dairy farmers to benefit from being good stewards of the environment by being financially rewarded for implementing on-farm sustainability interventions.

"This monumental announcement has the ability to accelerate the opportunity for climate-neutral dairy farming while creating a new revenue stream for dairy farmers across the country," said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. "We appreciate FDA's commitment to maintaining high standards for science-based review, while balancing the need to quickly bring solutions to the market. Bovaer represents another example of Elanco being a partner of choice in animal health, where the capabilities of our talented R&D, regulatory and commercial teams are delivering significant value.

Simmons continued: "As global temperatures breach new thresholds, consumers demand more sustainable products and the farm economy battles profitability challenges, we are excited to bring Bovaer to the market as a potential solution. Bovaer will create value for farmers, while helping food companies meet consumer demands and deliver on their sustainability commitments. As animal, human and now environmental health continue to converge, Bovaer is one of the most significant innovations that considers this intersection and provides consumers, farmers and society what they want for our future."

Bovaer represents another blockbuster potential innovation in Elanco's portfolio and further accelerates livestock sustainability, the next billion-dollar plus market in animal health. This innovation is expected to accelerate market development and increase innovation in this space.

Bovaer works by suppressing the enzyme in the cow's rumen that forms methane. Feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow per day can reduce methane emissions about 30% or about 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions annually, while creating opportunity for dairy farmers to be financially rewarded for reducing their dairy's carbon footprint.i Feeding one million cows Bovaer would reduce emissions equivalent to removing more than 285,000 cars from the road for a year.ii Feeding Bovaer to cattle has proven to be safe for animals, producers and consumers.

Expanding Access Across North America

Elanco and dsm-firmenich have agreed to expand Elanco's commercialization of Bovaer across North America. In addition to the U.S., Elanco will also now have the right to market Bovaer in Canada and Mexico, where the product is already available for use in beef and dairy cattle. This expanded agreement can accelerate the opportunity to make climate-neutral cattle farming in North America a reality this decade.

"We congratulate Elanco and the U.S. dairy sector, on this important milestone, and will support Elanco by providing initial supplies from Europe," said Dimitri de Vreeze, CEO at dsm-firmenich. "This strategic collaboration exemplifies how we can accelerate the expansion and adoption of Bovaer in North America to significantly decrease methane emissions on a large scale, and thereby support global efforts to combat climate change. Bovaer holds the key to a transformative shift in the global dairy sector, and launching this feed ingredient in the U.S. after years of dedicated research, trials, and industry collaboration is a testament to its global potential."

Simmons said, "We appreciate the work dsm-firmenich has invested in this revolutionary product and are pleased they've recognized Elanco as the global farm animal health leader and the right partner to bring this solution to farmers across North America."

Why Methane Matters

This announcement comes at a pivotal time. According to the United Nations, the world's population has until the year 2030 to curb greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) or deal with irreversible impacts to the planet.iii In response, about two-thirds of all Fortune 500 companies have set significant climate commitment goals.iv Reducing enteric methane emissions from cattlenaturally generated through the enteric fermentation processrepresents a key opportunity. Methane lasts about a decade in the atmosphere and is 27x more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heatso smaller reductions create greater impact on temperature.v By mitigating methane, the livestock industry can reduce the rate of climate warming and allow food companies and retailers to make meaningful progress toward their Scope 3 emissions goals.

"Reducing enteric methane is critical if we are to reach our climate goals," said Dr. Frank Mitloehner, CLEAR Center Director and University California Davis Professor and Cooperative Extension Air Quality Specialist. "It's exciting our farmers will have an important tool to do that, in Bovaer."

Creating New Revenue Streams for Farmers

Feeding Bovaer to cows provides a scalable and credible way for dairy farmers to benefit from being good stewards of the environment by being financially rewarded for implementing on-farm sustainability interventions.

"At an added cost of a few cents a gallon of milk, Bovaer can help food companies meet their climate commitments and consumer desire for more sustainable dairy products," said Katie Cook, Vice President, Livestock Sustainability and Farm Animal Marketing at Elanco. "Meanwhile, by engaging in voluntary carbon markets and securing USDA and state conservation programming, dairy producers have a scalable sustainability practice with the potential to create an annual return of $20 or more per lactating cow by feeding Bovaervi. Our goal is to make this opportunity a reality starting this summer, while creating a self-sustaining carbon inset market for American agriculture."

Dairy farmers incorporate Bovaer into their rations and quantify the effect using carbon market-friendly tools like UpLook by Elanco, an insights-based engine designed to quantify greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The tool utilizes on-farm data and peer-reviewed science to identify key drivers of an operation's carbon footprint and track the progress of sustainability efforts. UpLook connects seamlessly to Athian, the first-of-its-kind livestock carbon inset marketplace. This seamless process allows farmers to quantify their emissions reduction efforts and certify carbon credits for sale. In addition to the carbon marketplace, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $89 million in funding to support farms using technologies like Bovaer to reduce their methane emissions.vii

"Products like Elanco's Bovaer will allow U.S. farmers to be rewarded for participating in voluntary, producer-led sustainability efforts," said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. "Consumers around the world are demanding lower-carbon foods. Bovaer is an innovation that can help U.S. dairy farmers remain globally competitive and maintain their role as leaders in more sustainable dairy production."

Greg Bethard, a dairy farmer from Kansas who has used UpLook to quantify his greenhouse gas emissions, expressed his excitement around today's announcement.

"Dairy producers have made great strides improving the sustainability of our operations," said Bethard, High Plains Ponderosa Dairy. "Today's announcement provides access to a product that has been extensively studied and shown to reduce emissions from dairy cows. Bovaer is a value-creation opportunity for dairiesit's about helping us provide product in a manner most of our consumers are wantinga lower carbon footprint food."

ABOUT ELANCO

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose sustainability pillars  all to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise. Learn more at www.elanco.com.

The label contains complete use information, including cautions and warnings. Always read, understand and follow the label and use directions.

Bovaer is a trademark of dsm-firmenich. Elanco is a trademark of Elanco or its affiliates.  2024 Elanco or its affiliates.

i Kebreab, E., Bannink, A., Pressman, E. M., Walker, N., Karagiannis, A., van Gastelen, S., & Dijkstra, J. (2023). A meta-analysis of effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane production, yield, and intensity in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 106(2), 927936.

https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22211 based on 60 ppm, 25 kg/d DMI, 30% NDF, and 305 day lactation results in a 31.6% or 1.2 MT reduction

ii Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator | US EPA

iii Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | Department of Economic and Social Affairs

(un.org) at https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/21252030%20Agenda%20for%20Sustainable%20Development%20web.pdf

iv Commitment issues: Markers of real climate action in the Fortune Global 500. 2023. Climate Impact Partners. Available at: https://www.climateimpact.com/news-insights/fortune-global-500-climate-commitments/

v Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/

vi Assumes 1.2 mt of CO2e/cow/year abated, cumulative value of at least $170/mt of Co2 from USDA incentive plus carbon inset market value less product and other administrative fees

vii Regional Conservation Partnership Program 2023 Awarded Projects | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)

Media Contact: Season Solorio (765) 316-0233 [email protected]

Investor Contact: Kathryn Grissom (317) 273-9284 [email protected]

SOURCE Elanco Animal Health
Everise ranks among the top 100 global companies recognized for employee sentiment and satisfaction.

PLANTATION, Fla., May 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Everise, a leader in customer experience for global healthcare companies, today announced being ranked on the Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces list, as published by Newsweek. The list, created in collaboration with the Best Practice Institute (BPI), provides the most comprehensive look at workplace sentiment for organizations today. This marks the fourth year running that Everise has achieved this certification.

Everise has been recognized as a Newsweek Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplace for the fourth consecutive year.

The results were determined after surveying more than 2 million employees from businesses with workforces varying in size from 30 to more than 10,000. The list recognizes companies that put respect, caring, and appreciation for their employees at the center of their business model and, in doing so, have earned the loyalty and respect of the people who work for them.

"It is an immense honor for Everise to be certified one of Newsweek's Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces and recognized as a Most Loved Workplace for four years in a row. This is a testament to our commitment to fostering a people-first work environment that is supportive and engaging," says Sudhir Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Everise. "At Everise, we believe that a thriving workplace culture forms the foundation for delivering exceptional service and innovation. This accolade reflects the dedication of our talented champs, whose passion and collaboration drive our success everyday."

Everise was certified a Most Loved Workplace for various reasons as cited by Newsweek. These include the systemic culture of collaboration, the positive vision of the future that employees have, the respect the company has for its employees, the support the company provides to employees to achieve their goals, strength of the CEO, alignment of values, and more.

"As workplaces continue to shift, it's clearer than ever that fostering collaboration, embracing a positive outlook, and aligning values are essential. The companies celebrated on the 2024 Global Most Loved Workplaces list truly embody these principles. They show us that by championing respect and team oriented outcomes, they're not just building great workplaces, they're shaping a brighter future for all," said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek.

"I started Most Loved Workplaces out of inspiration from my community of people who consciously place love for their employees at the center of their business model," said Louis Carter, the founder, and CEO of BPI and a social/organizational psychologist, thought leader, entrepreneur, and author.

For the full Newsweek list of 2024's Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces, please visit https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/global-most-loved-workplaces-2024.

Methodology

BPI measures five primary areas to determine how employees feel about where they work to create the Most Loved Workplaces list: the level of collaboration at the workplace, how positive workers are about their future at the company, how much employer values align with employee values; respect at all levels and career achievement. In consultation with Newsweek editors, BPI also considered employee wellness, diversity, inclusion, career advancement, and other workplace and talent development initiatives.

To identify the top 100 companies ranked in this Newsweek publication, companies were evaluated and scored as follows: 50 percent of the initial score was based on direct employee responses to BPI's proprietary Love of Workplace Index assessment. Another 15 percent was derived from analysis of external public ratings from sites such as Comparably, Careerbliss, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Google. The final 35 percent came from BPI's direct interviews and written responses from company officials. Newsweek then researched every company on the list to determine the final list of 100 companies and their rankings.

About Everise

Founded in 2016, Everise is a global leader transforming customer service for healthcare, transport, logistics, insurance, financial services, and tech businesses. The Company solves problems for the millions of customers of some of the world's leading brands, by combining the best technology with compassionate service. With 19,000 champion agents operating across eight strategic markets globally, Everise seeks to deliver happiness to customers of some of the world's best loved brands. Our customer service solutions are high-performing, secure, and agile, with fluent proficiency in 32 languages, enabling businesses to scale globally while achieving top customer satisfaction. Learn more at www.weareeverise.com.

About Newsweek

Newsweek is the modern global digital news organization built around the iconic, over 85-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people each month with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia.

About Best Practice Institute

Best Practice Institute is an award-winning leadership and organization development center, benchmark research company, think tank, and solutions provider. BPI is the certifying body for Most Loved Workplace and conducted the original research to create the model and criteria for becoming a Most Loved Workplace. BPI's research proves that Most Loved Workplaces produce 3-4 times better customer service, employee performance, and retention than companies not loved by their employees.

SOURCE Everise
BILOXI, Miss., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Savor the freshest catch and indulge in a celebration of coastal cuisine as the Gulf Coast's waters enter peak shrimping season, spanning from mid-May through September. From renowned local restaurants to vibrant cultural and educational experiences, the 62-miles of shorelines, stretching from Pascagoula to Waveland, offers a feast for the senses that highlights the time-honored tradition of shrimping and the region's rich maritime history and culinary diversity.

Savor the freshest catch and indulge in a celebration of coastal cuisine as the Gulf Coasts waters enter peak shrimping season, spanning from mid-May through September. (Credit: Eddie Robinson)

Fine Dining

In Pascagoula, specialty plates and local favorites, like Royal Reds, are served with drawn butter, at Brady's Steaks & Seafood .

The menu at Trilby's in Ocean Springs is built around the coast's abundance of fresh seafood with favorites like Blue Crab Claws, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Triple Tail, and more with the option to top your fish with shrimp and crab. Other favorites include Flounder Bourre and Blackened Redfish Pontchartrain.

in is built around the coast's abundance of fresh seafood with favorites like Blue Crab Claws, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Triple Tail, and more with the option to top your fish with shrimp and crab. Other favorites include Flounder Bourre and Blackened Redfish Pontchartrain. A farm-to-table experience in Biloxi led by famed Chef Austin Sumrall, with plenty of Gulf fish and shrimp, White Pillars' seasonal cuisine brings a symphony of flavors to your taste buds with dishes like their Gulf Seafood Tower, featuring oysters, shrimp, smoked fish dip and more, or Wood Grilled Gulf Fish.

led by famed Chef Austin Sumrall, with plenty of Gulf fish and shrimp, seasonal cuisine brings a symphony of flavors to your taste buds with dishes like their Gulf Seafood Tower, featuring oysters, shrimp, smoked fish dip and more, or Wood Grilled Gulf Fish. An abundance of fresh shrimp graces the menu at Sycamore House in Bay St. Louis , including Shrimp Remoulade, Poisson Amandine, Shrimp Po-boys and more. The restaurant occupies a 19th-century home listed on the National Register of Historic Places overlooking Main Street.

Casual Eateries

There's plenty of casual yet fresh-from-the-gulf eateries dotting the shoreline for the ultimate beach vibes, including:

Dan B's, a local favorite in vibrant Bay St. Louis , is known for their beach fare and live music. The three-story building includes expansive, family-friendly dining rooms on the second and third floors and beautiful views of the harbor and bay. The first floor features an open layout with the main bar and stage area. The open-air environment allows passersby a sneak peek into the party, inviting them in for the fun.

, is known for their beach fare and live music. The three-story building includes expansive, family-friendly dining rooms on the second and third floors and beautiful views of the harbor and bay. The first floor features an open layout with the main bar and stage area. The open-air environment allows passersby a sneak peek into the party, inviting them in for the fun. Shaggy's , a local institution with indoor/outdoor locations in Pass Christian , Biloxi and Gulfport , serves quintessential beach fare: fried fish, blackened shrimp, captain's platters, cold beer and beachy cocktails. Best of all, they also offer fishing charters from their Pass Christian dock for those who really want to experience gulf-to-table.

, a local institution with indoor/outdoor locations in , and , serves quintessential beach fare: fried fish, blackened shrimp, captain's platters, cold beer and beachy cocktails. Best of all, they also offer fishing charters from their dock for those who really want to experience gulf-to-table. Fried Mississippi catfish, seafood gumbo and shrimp platters pair perfectly with margaritas and ocean views at The Blind Tiger with locations on Biloxi Beach and Bay St. Louis .

catfish, seafood gumbo and shrimp platters pair perfectly with margaritas and ocean views at with locations on Biloxi Beach and . Gulf coast flare and Cajun specialties blend perfectly at Bacchus on the Beach along Pass Christian's shoreline and Bacchus on the Bayou in Ocean Springs.

Seafood Markets

Coastal Mississippi's seafood markets offer some of the freshest local catches while immersing themselves in the bustling and vibrant cultural traditions of the region's oceanfront communities. Here are just a few spots to check out:

Travelers wanting to purchase fresh Coastal seafood to create their own recipes can visit Quality Seafood and Desporte in Biloxi , for the freshest catches right from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

, for the freshest catches right from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. TBT Butcher Shop & Seafood Market offers Royal Reds by the pound to take and boil, as well as an on-site deli with specials like fried Redfish, smoked tuna dip on croissants, oyster po' boys, and more.

offers Royal Reds by the pound to take and boil, as well as an on-site deli with specials like fried Redfish, smoked tuna dip on croissants, oyster po' boys, and more. There's an abundance of fresh seafood at Bozo's Grocery , including crab claws, shrimp and oysters, catfish, flounder and the list goes on. Choose from traditional sides like hush puppies, crab balls and gumbo.

Educational Experiences

For cultural and immersive experiences across Coastal Mississippi, travelers can find local museums with rich seafood history from the region, waterfront experiences and more, including:

Take a walk-through Coastal Mississippi's rich seafood history at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum where one-of-a-kind artifacts are displayed. With over 300 years of history, heritage and culture, from hurricane exhibits to boating innovations and ideas that impacted the seafood industry and more, visitors can explore on their own or take a guided tour.

where one-of-a-kind artifacts are displayed. With over 300 years of history, heritage and culture, from hurricane exhibits to boating innovations and ideas that impacted the seafood industry and more, visitors can explore on their own or take a guided tour. For an action-packed experience celebrating Biloxi's pride and heritage, travelers can learn how to catch their own shrimp and other Gulf Coast seafood with Captain Mike Moore on the Biloxi Shrimping Trip . Each species in the catch is identified and presented for inspection in this lively and fun 70-minute cruise.

pride and heritage, travelers can learn how to catch their own shrimp and other Gulf Coast seafood with Captain on the . Each species in the catch is identified and presented for inspection in this lively and fun 70-minute cruise. One of the most exciting and important events in the Coastal Mississippi region, The Annual Blessing of the Fleet , will be held on July 7 and features a premier shrimp festival on the Great Lawn in Biloxi . This event invokes a safe and prosperous season for the shrimping fleet and all fishermen, with a variety of decorated boats forming at the west end of the Biloxi Channel and parading east  creating a mesmerizing view of ships as they receive their blessing for all the coast to see.

, will be held on and features a premier shrimp festival on the Great Lawn in . This event invokes a safe and prosperous season for the shrimping fleet and all fishermen, with a variety of decorated boats forming at the west end of the Biloxi Channel and parading east  creating a mesmerizing view of ships as they receive their blessing for all the coast to see. In Pascagoula, travelers can visit the LaPoint Krebs House & Museum . Built in 1757, it is the oldest structure in Mississippi and a rich cultural experience where visitors can learn about the history and the diverse people who lived in the region. Among the many things on display for museum visitors is the largest shrimp ever caught, measuring over 10 inches.

Seafood Festivals and Celebrations

Coastal Mississippi offers an array of events that pay homage to the local seafood of the area, from fishing to festivals and more, travelers can find an event celebrating the diverse destination, including:

For family fun that celebrates the Mississippi wildlife, habitats, and heritage, Sand Jam 2024 | Forces of Nature , will include everything from kayaking to youth fishing to giveaways to treasure hunts and more. Pascagoula, MS , June 1 .

wildlife, habitats, and heritage, , will include everything from kayaking to youth fishing to giveaways to treasure hunts and more. During the week of July 4th , travelers can enjoy the Our Lady of the Gulf's 40th Annual Crab Festival , featuring all kinds of seafood, live music, amusement park rides, and local craft and vendor booths. Bay St. Louis, MS , July 4 - July 6 .

, travelers can enjoy the , featuring all kinds of seafood, live music, amusement park rides, and local craft and vendor booths. For the largest family-friendly fishing rodeo in the world, travelers can attend the Annual Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo & Music Festival. The three-day event, celebrating its 76th year, will feature fireworks, fishing and local vendors, including competitions and cash prizes for contestants. Gulfport, MS , July 4 to July 7 .

"Once known as the Seafood Capital of the World, Coastal Mississippi is proud to showcase the bounty of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi Sound through our fabulous Gulf-to-table seafood and rich maritime history," said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism. "We invite all travelers, especially seafood lovers, to come and experience the gamut of fine dining restaurants, toes-in-the-sand beachfront bars and restaurants, and everything in between."

For more information and to plan your stay, visit CoastalMississippi.com .

About Coastal Mississippi: Coastal Mississippi is the organization charged with promoting South Mississippi as a tourism and convention destination worldwide. Its mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure, convention, sports, and business visitors to the area. It is dedicated to maximizing the travel and tourism industry for South Mississippi. Visit CoastalMississippi.com to learn more.

SOURCE Coastal Mississippi
LUXEMBOURG, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ferrero Group has today announced the latest progress in its sustainability journey, with the release of its 15th Sustainability Report.

Guided by Ferrero Group's long-standing commitment to having a positive impact throughout its value chain, the report demonstrates the considerable headway across its key sustainability pillars: Protecting the Environment, Sourcing Ingredients Responsibly, Promoting Responsible Consumption and Empowering People.

"Ferrero Group recognises the critical role that the company plays in safeguarding nature for future generations. We reaffirmed through concrete engagements that sustainability is embedded in Ferrero's long-term strategy. All four pillars of our sustainability framework guide every strategic decision we take" said Giovanni Ferrero, Executive Chairman of the Ferrero Group.

"As Ferrero grows and diversifies its portfolio, we continue to value our long-term partnerships, in particular those dedicated to the communities where we operate and where our raw materials are sourced. We believe in the importance of partnerships to achieve progress, to move forward our sector's social and environmental agenda, and finally to create societal value."

The latest Sustainability Report, for the 2022/23 financial year, highlights Ferrero's continued focus on driving greater transparency across its core-ingredients supply chain, in line with its responsible sourcing approach. In its hazelnut supply chain, Ferrero has now achieved 90% traceability  a significant increase from the 79% reached in previous year 2021/22  sustained by its continued work with farmers, suppliers, institutions, universities, and research centres to promote and share sustainable farming practices.

In collaboration with partners on the ground, Ferrero has also helped address complex supply chain challenges, like deforestation, across the areas from which it sources ingredients. For example, using satellite mapping to help increase traceability of cocoa back to farm level to 93% in 2022/23. As well as working extensively with cutting edge technology, Ferrero is a long-standing member of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI).

Collaboration has also played a key role in accelerating progress on tackling the causes behind child and forced labour. Ferrero continues to partner with Save the Children, working with 65 communities in the Haut-Sassandra Region in Ivory Coast, one of the main sourcing countries for cocoa, reaching over 18,000 people. Ferrero is also working with Earthworm Foundation and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) across its palm oil and hazelnut supply chains respectively to help support responsible labour practices.

Other highlights from the Ferrero Group's Sustainability Progress Report include:

90.7% of Ferrero packaging is now designed to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable - up from 88.5% in 2021/22.

Achieved a 20% reduction in water intensity at Ferrero plants, through reduction and reuse initiatives since base year 2017/18 (9.6% vs 2021/2022.

Kinder Joy of moving project has involved more than 60 million children since its inception in 2005 (3,4 million children in 22/23 alone).

You can read more about Ferrero's latest Sustainability Report here.

About Ferrero Group

Ferrero began its journey as a pastry shop in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world's largest sweet-packaged food companies, with much loved brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved products including Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, and Ferrero Rocher.

About 47,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life's special moments. The Ferrero Group's family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate.

For more information, please visit www.ferrero.com

Media Contacts

[email protected]

SOURCE Ferrero Group
Lucky Brides in Participating Cities Will Buy a Couture Dress for Less

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodwill Industries International, the largest nonprofit workforce development network in North America, announced that Galia Lahav, a renowned luxury bridal and evening wear designer, generously donated seven wedding gowns from its collection to local Goodwill retail stores.

The donation stemmed from a viral TikTok, sharing that a student found a couture Galia Lahav wedding dress at a local Alabama Goodwill Industries (Birmingham) retail location at a thrift shop price. Galia Lahav then donated seven additional custom gowns for distribution in select stores, offering brides-to-be the opportunity to experience magical "Cinderella moments" as they discover their dream dress.

"We are incredibly excited to partner with Galia Lahav to empower individuals through fashion," said Onney Crawley, chief marketing officer at Goodwill Industries International. "This collaboration not only provides access to high-quality designer dresses at discounted prices but also promotes sustainability by extending the life cycle of luxury clothing while fueling the Goodwill mission of workforce development."

The project aligns with the Goodwill New Lives public service campaign, which focuses on how donated goods create opportunities for individuals to transform their lives through the Power of Work. All proceeds from the dresses will help Goodwill organizations fund local job training and placement initiatives.

"This collaboration is not just about dresses; it's about making a meaningful difference in people's lives while promoting charitable giving and sustainability," said founder Galia Lahav. "We are proud to support Goodwill and look forward to seeing the positive impact this donation will have."

"When individuals donate or purchase bridal attire at Goodwill, they are helping members of their community start on a path to career training and advancement," said Crawley. After the big event, Crawley encourages wedding parties to consider donating bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses or men's fashions to their local Goodwill store. "Donating your wedding gown is a great way to pay it forward, and donated bridesmaids dresses or tuxes can be repurposed as affordable prom wear or special occasion attire," she said.

About Goodwill Industries International:

Goodwill is the largest nonprofit workforce development network in the country. It works to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, building bridges to opportunity and helping people in need reach their potential through learning and the Power of Work.

For more than 120 years, Goodwill organizations across North America have helped people find jobs, support their families and feel the satisfaction that comes from working. There are 154 local Goodwill organizations that assist people through a variety of employment placement services, job training programs and other community-based services. Thousands of people receive employment and other human services through Goodwill, and, in 2023, local Goodwill organizations helped more than 1.7 million people build skills, access resources and advance their careers.

Goodwill sells donated items in more than 3,300 outlet and retail stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as through online marketplaces. The revenue creates job placement and training programs to help people earn paychecks and build their careers.

For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org. Follow us on Twitter/X: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: GoodwillIntl.

About Galia Lahav:

Over the past four decades, Galia Lahav has established itself as one of the leading couture fashion houses, with garments characterized by high-end fabrications, meticulous sewing techniques and unique technology, which enables the design house to make each garment meet the wearer's exact measurements from overseas.

These values have been instilled in the fashion house for several generations and have resulted in its worldwide popularity. Today, Galia Lahav is proud to have over 70 retailers and five flagship stores worldwide and to be able to take part in life's most significant moments for brides, red-carpet stars and all those fascinated by the art of fashion's craft.

SOURCE Goodwill Industries International
BEIJING, May 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 22 extended a warm welcome to US tourists to travel to China, meet Chinese friends, experience Chinese culture, visit beautiful landscapes and experience the real China, in a congratulatory message to the 14th China-US Tourism Leadership Summit held in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The summit, a crucial platform for officials and industry players from both countries to promote cooperation in the tourism sector, convened for the first time since 2019, is adding to the increased interactions between the world's two biggest economies as they seek to stabilize bilateral ties. The event is set to boost bilateral tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, officials and industry players said.

Under the theme of "Expanding China-US Travel and Tourism and People-to-people Exchanges," the summit officially kicked off in Xi'an on May 22 with about 400 representatives from the two countries participating. Highlighting the increased enthusiasm among Chinese and US tourism industry players to boost cooperation, the number of participants this year is triple that of the last summit in 2019, according to official data.

Warm welcome

In the message to the summit, Xi stressed that tourism is an important bridge for exchanges and mutual understanding between the people of China and the US, according to the Xinhua News Agency. "We warmly welcome American tourists to travel to China, meet Chinese friends, experience Chinese culture, visit beautiful landscapes and experience the real China," Xi said.

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 the China-US friendship with cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and help the San Francisco vision turn into reality, Xi said.

US President Joe Biden also sent a letter to the summit, saying that "this annual event plays a critical role in harnessing power of travel and tourism to strengthen important ties between our peoples." He also said that "the US welcomes the people of China to discover our cities, learn about our history and engage with our people in destinations across the country."

Enthusiasm for boosting cultural and people-to-people exchanges is on vivid display at the summit in Xi'an. Students from Brigham Young University sang the Chinese song "Jasmine," while students from Shaanxi performed the song "Moon River" - both songs are familiar to the people of the two countries.

"Chinese kids can sing American songs so well and it is done in such a fine style," Rowena E Minott, CEO of Unlimited Connections, a Florida-based travel agency, told the Global Times on the sidelines of the summit on Wednesday, adding that she was impressed about Chinese city Xi'an and its rich culture like the Tang Dynasty and the world-known terracotta warriors.

"I could not tell you how good it is to be back," Todd Davidson, board chair of Brand USA, a co-organizer of the summit, said in a speech on Wednesday. "The summit is especially full of hope and optimism for me."

The US is expecting rapid increases in Chinese visitor numbers to the US, a major source of tourism revenue for the country. "According to our latest forecast, we anticipate that Chinese visitation to the US will increase 150 percent from 2023 to 2025. That's 4.7 times faster than the rise in overall overseas visitations to the US during this time," Grant Harris, assistant secretary for industry and analysis of the US Department of Commerce, said at the summit.

With joint efforts to further boost tourism cooperation, industry players also expect a rise in trips. On Chinese booking platform Tongcheng Travel, Chinese tourist bookings to the US surged by 200 percent in the first five months of 2024, with the number jumping 247 percent since the start of May. Demand is expected to further rise with further resumption of China-US flight routes and opening of new routes, the company told the Global Times on Wednesday.

While Chinese and US industry players have high hopes for growth in tourism cooperation, Chinese officials and experts urged Washington to remove obstacles to travel, including visa restrictions on Chinese nationals traveling to the US.

Facilitating tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations results in win-win cooperation with high reciprocity, which will not only foster economic gains for both sides, but also help dispel misunderstandings amid grave global challenges, Xin Qiang, a deputy director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Xin added that if the US further resumes flights, relaxes visa policies and adopts a positive attitude, it would not only help boost tourism but also set a positive example for other countries to follow.

On its part, China has recently taken effective steps to simplify visa applications for foreigners traveling to China and promote the facilitation of payments for foreigners, Zhang Zheng, deputy minister of the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said at the summit.

Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said that there is still great willingness among the people in both countries and massive potential for cooperation in areas such as tourism.

"Although the US has intensified its competition with China, there are complementary demands in both markets. As the bilateral economic link becomes more intertwined, the potential for cooperation increases," Zhou told the Global Times, adding that such a huge demand and potential could prompt policy shifts from Washington in certain areas.

In the tourism sector, for example, US industry relies heavily on Chinese visitors. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the US welcomed nearly 3 million Chinese visitors annually, who spent $33 billion while visiting the country. Restoring Chinese visitation to 2019 levels would add over 50,000 direct American jobs. Including indirect jobs and students studying in the US, that number increases to an estimated 400,000 American jobs, according to the International Trade Administration under the US Department of Commerce.

SOURCE Global Times
JERSEY CITY, N.J., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global High-performance Computing for Life Sciences Market- (By Component Type (Hardware, Software, and Services), By Application (Drug Discovery and Development, Genomic Analysis, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, and Others), By End User (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Academic and Research Institutions, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), Hospitals and Clinics, and Others)), By Region, Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2031."

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the Global High-performance Computing for Life Sciences Market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.

Get Free PDF Report Brochure: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/report/high-performance-computing-for-life-sciences-market/2497

The high-performance computing (HPC) sector has emerged as a vital component in advancing life sciences research and applications, offering unprecedented computational power and capabilities to tackle complex biological and medical challenges. Key drivers of market growth include the exponential growth of biological data, fueled by advancements in genomics, proteomics, and imaging technologies, as well as the increasing demand for computational resources to model biological processes and simulate drug interactions.

Moreover, collaborations between technology companies, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies are driving innovation in HPC solutions tailored to the specific needs of the life sciences industry. However, challenges such as data integration, privacy concerns, and the complexity of biological systems pose significant hurdles to market expansion. Nonetheless, the high-performance computing for life sciences market is poised for continued growth as advancements in computing power, data analytics, and artificial intelligence continue to revolutionize biomedical research and healthcare delivery, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

List of Prominent Players in the High-performance Computing for Life Sciences Market:

HP Enterprise

AWS Inc.

Advanced Clustering Technologies

Rescale

IBM Corp.

Alibaba Cloud

Dell, NVIDIA Corp.

BIO-HPC

Microsoft Azure

NVIDIA Corp.

CGG

Nimbix

High-performance Computing for Life Sciences Market Report Scope:

Report Attribute Specifications Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 11.6% from 2024 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Bn and CAGR from 2024 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Component Type, By Application, By End-user and By Region Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa

Order Full 180 Pages Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/buy-report/2497

Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

One of the primary drivers is the exponential growth in biological and biomedical data generated by various sources such as genomic sequencing, medical imaging, and electronic health records. This explosion of data necessitates advanced computational capabilities to process, analyze, and derive meaningful insights, driving demand for HPC solutions tailored to life sciences applications. Moreover, the increasing complexity of biological research questions and the quest for precision medicine are driving the need for sophisticated computational models and simulations. HPC enables researchers to perform complex simulations, molecular modeling, and drug discovery studies with greater accuracy and speed, accelerating the pace of discovery and development in life sciences.

Additionally, the convergence of multi-omics data, including genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, is driving demand for integrated computational platforms capable of analyzing and integrating diverse datasets. HPC systems equipped with advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms enable researchers to uncover hidden patterns, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets from large-scale omics datasets, paving the way for personalized medicine and targeted interventions.

Challenges:

There's the challenge of cost associated with implementing and maintaining HPC infrastructure. High-performance computing systems require a substantial initial investment in hardware, software, and skilled personnel, making them financially prohibitive for some organizations, particularly smaller research institutions, and laboratories with limited budgets.

Moreover, there's the issue of data management and storage. Life sciences research generates enormous volumes of data, including genomic sequences, imaging data, and simulations, which can quickly overwhelm traditional storage systems. Ensuring efficient data management, storage, and accessibility while maintaining data integrity and security poses a significant challenge for HPC systems in the life sciences. Furthermore, software and algorithm development are complex.

Designing and optimizing algorithms for HPC systems to analyze large-scale biological datasets efficiently requires specialized expertise in both computational biology and high-performance computing. Additionally, ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of results generated by HPC systems is essential for gaining insights into complex biological processes and advancing scientific knowledge.

Regional Trends:

In North America, the high-performance computing (hpc) for life sciences market is characterized by advanced technological infrastructure, a strong presence of leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies, and significant government investments in life sciences research.

The region witnesses extensive adoption of HPC systems for tasks such as genomic sequencing, drug discovery, and biomedical simulations. Moreover, favorable regulatory frameworks and robust funding opportunities further propel market growth in North America. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the HPC for Life Sciences Market is experiencing rapid expansion driven by factors such as increasing healthcare expenditure, growing investments in research and development, and rising collaborations between academic institutions and industry players. Countries like China, Japan, and India are emerging as key players in the APAC market, leveraging HPC systems to accelerate advancements in genomics, personalized medicine, and drug development. Additionally, government initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and strengthening healthcare infrastructure contribute to market growth in the APAC region.

Curious about this latest version of the report? @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/2497

Segmentation of High-performance Computing for Life Sciences Market-

High-performance Computing for Life Sciences Market- By Component Type

Hardware

Software

Services

High-performance Computing for Life Sciences Market- By Application

Drug Discovery and Development

Genomic Analysis

Proteomics

Bioinformatics

Others

High-performance Computing for Life Sciences Market- By End User

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies

Academic and Research Institution

Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Hospitals and Clinics

Others

High-performance Computing for Life Sciences Market- By Region

North America-

The US

Canada

Mexico

Europe-

Germany

The UK

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific-

China

Japan

India

South Korea

South East Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America-

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa-

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of Middle East and Africa

For More Customization @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/2497

Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for global High-performance Computing for Life Sciences market

To receive industry overview and future trends of global High-performance Computing for Life Sciences market

To analyze the High-performance Computing for Life Sciences market drivers and challenges

To get information on the High-performance Computing for Life Sciences market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031

Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisition in global High-performance Computing for Life Sciences industry

Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

Life Sciences Next Gen Customer Engagement Platform Market

AI In Life Science Analytics Market

Life Science Tools Market

Healthcare Middleware Market

About Us:

InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Contact Us:

InsightAce Analytic PVT. LT

Tel.: +1 551 226 6109

Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd
FRANKFURT, Germany, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 25, the First Frankfurt Dragon Boat Festival 2024, sponsored by HONGQI, took place on the Main Riverside in Frankfurt, Germany. The event welcomed esteemed guests including Wu Ken, the Chinese Ambassador to Germany; Huang Yiyang, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Frankfurt; and Mike Josef, the Mayor of Frankfurt. This activity reflect the significance of the event, which symbolizes the friendship between the two nations and further enhances cultural exchanges between China and Germany.

On the day of the event, 22 teams from China, Germany, France, Italy and other countries participated. The tranquil banks of the Main River in Frankfurt came alive with the energy and rhythm of dragon boats. The event also featured a variety of vibrant performances, including martial arts, Peking opera, traditional Chinese Hanfu parades, dragon and lion dances, adding a multicultural flair to the festivities.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Wu Ken emphasized that this dragon boat race provides a valuable platform for cultural exchange between China and Germany. He expressed the hope that China and Germany can work together, propelling their relationship forward like a dragon boat cutting through the waves.

Consul General Huang Yiyang said:

"Germany boasts the leading automotive industry and the largest automotive market in Europe. Hosting the dragon boat race and showcasing the HONGQI brand here not only builds a new bridge for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Germany, and even between China and Europe, but also significantly enhances the visibility of Chinese brands, including HONGQI, in Europe. Both China and Germany are major automotive nations with a long history of mutually beneficial cooperation". The recent entry of HONGQI's new energy vehicles into the German market marks a significant step in Sino-German efforts towards green transformation and joint action on climate change.

As a Chinese automotive brand, HONGQI showcased its exceptional elegance as the main sponsor of this event. At the race, the HONGQI E-HS9 attracted significant interest from German citizens. Its uniquely Chinese design and exquisite exterior and interior craftsmanship garnered widespread admiration, with many spectators praising both HONGQI and Chinese manufacturing.

In 2024, HONGQI will continue to expand its presence in the European market, introducing new models including the HONGQI EH7 and EHS7. These additions aim to provide users across Europe, including Germany, with the exclusive luxury experience of HONGQI and the promise of "better ride, better life".

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2423037/HONGQI_Sponsors_First_Frankfurt_Dragon_Boat_Festival_2024.jpg
"We are incredibly grateful to the Cummings Foundation for this amazing grant," said Hope & Comfort CEO Kerry Carter. "At Hope & Comfort we provide basic hygiene products, like soap and toothpaste, to people in need in Massachusetts. Basic hygiene essentials are not covered by SNAP and these items are critical for health, school attendance and job prospects. In addition to helping thousands more people, this grant helps highlight the hidden crisis that is hygiene insecurity."

This grant will be used to purchase thousands of hygiene products, including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, and menstrual products for people who can not afford them. With the help of this grant, this year we will increase the number of products distributed by a whopping 40%. Because of the generosity of the Cummings Foundation, thousands more people will have the health, dignity, and confidence to walk out into the world every day.

The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program primarily supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties, plus six communities in Norfolk County: Brookline, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Quincy, and Wellesley.

Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.

"Greater Boston is fortunate to have a robust, dedicated, and highly capable nonprofit sector that supports and enhances the community in myriad ways," said Cummings Foundation executive director and trustee Joyce Vyriotes. "The entire Cummings organization is thankful for their daily work to help all our neighbors thrive."

The majority of the grant decisions were made by nearly 100 community volunteers. They worked across a variety of committees to review and discuss the proposals and then, together, determine which requests would be funded. Among these community volunteers were business and nonprofit leaders, mayors, college presidents, and experts in areas such as finance and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).

"We believe strongly that grant decisions will be more equitable when made by a diverse group of community members," said Vyriotes. "We're incredibly grateful to the dozens of individuals who participated in our democratized philanthropic process."

The Foundation and volunteers first identified 150 organizations to receive three-year grants of up to $300,000 each. The winners included first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings grants. Twenty-five of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected by a panel of community volunteers to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $300,000 to $1 million each.

This year's grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including housing and food insecurity, workforce development, immigrant services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 49 different cities and towns.

Cummings Foundation has now awarded $500 million to greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year's 150 grant winners, plus nearly 2,000 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

About Hope & Comfort

Established in 2011, Hope & Comfort is the only exclusively focused hygiene product hub in Massachusetts. Hope & Comfort focuses on providing sustained access to essential hygiene products - such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and menstrual products - to support the health, dignity, and confidence of children and adults in need in Massachusetts. Hygiene insecurity, or not having access to essential hygiene products, impacts physical and mental health, school attendance, employment, and community engagement, and affects an estimated 2.3 million people in MA. Hope & Comfort works to solve this hidden crisis by distributing more than 3 million hygiene products completely free of charge to over 500 diverse partner recipient organizations - including schools, health centers, shelters, food pantries, recovery centers and more - across the state each year.

About Cummings Foundation

Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, MA and has grown to be one of the largest private foundations in New England. The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities, in Marlborough and Woburn, and Cummings Health Sciences, LLC. Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

Contact: Tanya Capawana, Hope & Comfort, 617-795-1608, [email protected]

Contact: Alison Harding, Cummings Foundation, 781-932-7093, [email protected]

SOURCE Hope & Comfort
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai recognizes Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month throughout May with a series of partnerships, digital engagement, and grassroots initiatives that celebrate the culture and influence of the AAPI community. The programming series includes the Los Angeles premiere and screening of the documentary 'Songs of Love', World Journal's digital campaign "Celebrating Heritage - Exploring Stories, and experiential vehicle displays to complement the ad campaign launch of the rugged and stylish all-new 2024 Santa Fe SUV.

Film still from the AAPI Film Festival, Songs of Love from Hawaii. William Tong, Connecticut Attorney General, shared his story in 2023 campaign. Hyundais Ruggedness Asian American Campaign | Screen grab of Hyundais TV ad with TEN Advertising Creative Santa Fe Campaign, Feb. 16-17, 2024.

"Hyundai is honored to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the AAPI community. Our commitment to recognizing and uplifting the significant contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders extends beyond mere acknowledgment; it is a continuous, year-long effort," said Angela Zepeda, CMO, Hyundai Motor America. "We actively seek to foster deeper connections and understanding through our initiatives, and we are dedicated to celebrating the vibrant cultures and traditions within these communities. By supporting AAPI voices and stories, we hope to contribute to a more inclusive and appreciative society."

"Songs of Love from Hawaii" Documentary Premier

Hyundai sponsored the Los Angeles premiere and screening of the documentary 'Songs of Love,' a film directed by Jin-young Lee that explores the history of the Korean diaspora through music and photography. This event, held May 17th to 19th at CGV cinemas in Los Angeles and Buena Park, honored the efforts and spirit of the first Korean immigrants to the United States. The film festival showcased the three-part music documentary for the first time, featuring renowned musicians and offering a deep dive into the historical narrative of Korean immigration to Hawaii.

"Celebrating Heritage  Exploring Stories" Digital Series

Hyundai partnered with World Journal for an enriching digital campaign under the theme "Celebrating Heritage - Exploring Stories," to honor the significant contributions, achievements, and impact of Chinese Americans on American history and culture. The campaign throughout May features inspiring stories of successful Chinese Americans, and an exclusive interview with Chinese American designer Gary Lin, Interior Designer at Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. reinforcing representation in American society.

"At Hyundai, we are deeply committed to celebrating the rich diversity, cultural heritage, and significant contributions of the of the AAPI community," said Erik Thomas, director experiential and multicultural marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "By sponsoring the 'Songs of Love' film festival and supporting World Journal's AAPI Heritage Month campaign, we aim to honor the achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our society and strengthen our connections within these vibrant communities."

Hyundai's All-New Santa Fe Experiential Vehicle Display

Hyundai and its Asian American marketing agency, TEN Advertising, bring to life their campaigns "Ruggedness" and "Wide Open Space," for Asian American couples and families seeking exciting experiences in their everyday moments. Two locations in Los Angeles, California, targeting enclaves where Asian American consumers gather provide opportunities for consumers to experience the all-new Santa Fe, boasting ruggedness and a spacious terrace-concept tailgate, offering consumers the opportunity to experience it firsthand in May during AAPI Heritage Month.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, May 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high quality medicines for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune and other major diseases, today announced that picankibart (R & D code: IBI112), a recombinant anti-interleukin 23p19 subunit (IL-23p19) antibody injection, has met all the primary endpoints and key secondary endpoints in the Phase 3 registrational study (CLEAR-1) in Chinese subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

CLEAR-1 is global the first Phase 3 registration study in IL-23p19 class that reported over 80% of subjects achieved PASI 90 after 16 weeks of treatment in psoriasis patients. Innovent plans to submit a new drug application (NDA) for picankibart in the treatment of psoriasis to the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of National Medical Product Administration (NMPA).

Dosing interval set to 12 weeks

CLEAR-1 (NCT05645627) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of picankibart in subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. A total of 500 subjects were enrolled and randomized in a 1: 2: 2 ratio to receive placebo or picankibart 200 mg every 4 weeks at week 0, 4 and 8 followed by 200 mg or 100 mg every 12 weeks. Co-primary endpoints were the proportion of subjects achieving  90% improvement from baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 90) and the proportion of subjects achieving a static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) score of clear (0) or almost clear (1) at week 16.

The co-primary endpoints were successfully met, showing a rapid and significant efficacy of picankibart

The study results showed that co-primary endpoints of CLEAR-1 were successfully met: at week 16, significantly higher proportion of subjects receiving picankibart achieved PASI 90 and sPGA 0 or 1 compared with placebo (80.3% vs. 2.0% for PASI 90 and 93.5% vs. 13.1% for sPGA 0/1, both p<0.0001). CLEAR-1 is global the first Phase 3 registration study in IL-23p19 class that reported over 80% of subjects achieved PASI 90 after 16 weeks of treatment in psoriasis. The rapid and significant efficacy demonstrate the best-in-class potential of picankibart on a global basis.

High level of skin clearance was maintained through one year

The strong efficacy was maintained through week 52 in both groups of picankibart. The proportions of subjects achieving PASI 90 and sPGA 0/1 who received picankibart 200 mg every 12 weeks were 84.9% and 85.9%, respectively, at week 52. These results underpin the long-term robust efficacy of picankibart in treating moderate to severe psoriasis.

All key secondary endpoints were met, significantly improving patients' quality of life

In addition, all key secondary endpoints of the study were successfully met in both groups of picankibart, including the proportion of subjects achieving  75% improvement from baseline PASI score (PASI 75), the proportion of subjects achieving 100% improvement from baseline PASI score (PASI 100), the proportion of subjects achieving a sPGA score of clear (0), and the proportion of subjects with Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 0 or 1 at week 16. Picankibart showed superiority compared to placebo in improving all of these parameters and improvements maintained through 52 weeks.

Picankiabrt showed a favorable safety profile with no new safety signals

The overall safety profile of picankibart was favorable during the study, and no new safety signals were identified compared with previous clinical studies. Follow-up of the current study is ongoing and complete data will be published at future academic conferences or in peer-reviewed academic journals.

Professor Yulin Shi, the principal investigator of the clinical study, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, stated," Psoriasis is a lifelong disease, which has a great impact on the physical and mental health and quality of life of patients. Existing evidences show that IL-23p19 targeted antibodies have advantages in maintaining long-term efficacy and medication convenience. As one of the investigators of picankibart, the first anti-IL-23p19 antibody independently developed by a domestic company, I am very excited to see that co-primary and all key secondary endpoints were met in CLEAR-1 study. These results demonstrate significant short-term onset and long-term maintenance of efficacy for picankibart; every-12-week administration also improves convenience and adherence, bringing patients with significant clinical benefits and quality of life improvements with favorable safety. I wish its successful application for marketing, which will provide a differentiated treatment option for Chinese patients with psoriasis."

Dr. Lei Qian, Vice President of Clinical Development of Innovent, stated, " Achievement of all primary and key secondary endpoints in CLEAR-1 has supported picankibart's outstanding efficacy and favorable safety as a new generation of IL-23p19 target drugs. Moreover, picankibart can be administered only 5-6 times per year, adding convenience value as a new treatment option compared to the current mainstream marketed drugs (7-16 times per year). At present, there is no IL-23p19 target drug independently developed by Chinese enterprises in the domestic market. We will actively prepare to submit the new drug application of picankibart based on the CLEAR-1 results, and strive to provide more convenient, friendly and effective treatment regimen for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Meanwhile, we emphasis on product lifecycle management and will validate more clinical value of picankibart in multiple clinical studies and hope to fulfill unmet needs for patients that have developed drug-resistance or relapse."

About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory and systemic disease mediated by both genetic and environmental factors, which can occur in all age groups with no gender preference. The typical clinical presentation includes scaly erythema or plaque with non-infections, localized or widespread distribution. It is a life-long noninfectious condition, which is very difficult to treat. Psoriasis can be classified into psoriasis vulgaris (including guttate psoriasis and plaque psoriasis), pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and arthropathic psoriasis. Approximately, 80~90% of patients have plaque psoriasis, and nearly 30% of the cases are moderate and severe. There are significant differences in the prevalence of psoriasis around the world, with more than 6 million patients in China. At present, in China, the main systemic treatments include methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporine A, retinoic acids and biological agents. Since 2019, psoriasis treatment in China has gradually entered the era of biological agents.

About picankibart (IBI112)

Picankibart (IBI112) is a monoclonal antibody independently developed by Innovent, with independent intellectual property rights. This product specifically binds to IL-23p19 subunit, thereby preventing IL-23 from binding to cell surface receptors. Picankibart may provide a more effective treatment option for patients with psoriasis or other autoimmune diseases.

In May 2024, picankibart has met all the primary endpoints and key secondary endpoints in the Phase 3 registrational study (CLEAR-1) in Chinese subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

About Innovent

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to provide high-quality biologics that are affordable to all. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that treat some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has 10 products in the market, 4 new drug applications under the NMPA review, 4 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 18 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare leaders, including Eli Lilly, Roche, Sanofi, Adimab, Incyte and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement: Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s).

Forward-looking statement

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent Biologics ("Innovent"), are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of the Company with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, the Company's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

The Company, the Directors and the employees of the Company assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialise or turn out to be incorrect.

SOURCE Innovent Biologics
Leading IT Managed Services Provider InterVision Climbs to #94 on CRN's Solution Provider 500 list

SAN JOSE, Calif. and ST. LOUIS, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- InterVision , a leading information technology (IT) managed services provider, is proud to announce that CRN , a brand of The Channel Company , has ranked InterVision on its 2024 Solution Provider 500 list.

CRN's annual Solution Provider 500 recognizes North America's largest solution providers by revenue and serves as a prominent benchmark for many of the channel's most successful companies. This year's list of companies represents a combined revenue of more than $500.7 billion, and the honorees are among the top influencers driving momentum in the IT industry and the global technology supply chain.

InterVision has consecutively ranked among other leading IT managed service providers on the prestigious list. Over the past year, InterVision has improved by five positions, securing the #94 spot  its highest placement to date.

"InterVision is proud to be recognized, once again, as one of the premier solution providers in the industry," said Jonathan Lerner, President and CEO of InterVision. "Earning a place on this list is a testament to our team's ability to address our customers' evolving needs. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on delivering tailored services that empower organizations to navigate the rapidly changing landscape and overcome their most pressing challenges."

InterVision's cutting-edge solutions, unparalleled services and unwavering support for customers make it one of the most comprehensive partners in the IT industry. With a relentless focus on exceptional customer experience, InterVision enables businesses to achieve their desired outcomes, fostering increased competitiveness, stringent compliance, and robust security postures.

"Ranking on CRN's 2024 Solution Provider 500 recognizes the service innovations and market responsiveness of the list's leading technology integrators, managed service providers, and IT consulting firms," said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, The Channel Company. "These companies have shown a commitment to business agility, continued growth, and future success through a period of rapid IT channel change, including the expansion of Everything as a Service and GenAI disruption. Our congratulations go to each company named to this year's Solution Provider 500!"

CRN's 2024 Solution Provider 500 list will be available online at www.CRN.com/SP500 , and a sampling of the list will be featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine.

To learn more about InterVision and its services, visit www.intervision.com .

About InterVision

InterVision is a leading IT managed services provider, delivering and supporting cloud, security and innovation for mid-to-enterprise and public sector organizations throughout the US. With 30 years of experience and one of the most comprehensive solution portfolios, InterVision drives business outcomes with an unparalleled focus on the customer and employee experience to help organizations be more competitive, compliant, and secure. The company has headquarters in St. Louis with locations in Boston, Richmond, Roanoke, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, San Jose, Kosovo and India. Experience us at intervision.com .

Media Contact:

Alyssa Rinehart

BLASTmedia for InterVision

[email protected]

317-806-1900

SOURCE InterVision
A New Solar Installation Electrifies Justice Center, Courts, Town Hall, and More

BALA, Uganda, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new solar microgrid promises to improve legal and municipal services in rural Uganda. The "Justice Microgrid," a 14.25-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system located in Bala, provides power for a legal support center, local government buildings, and community spaces. The pilot project, a partnership between the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) and BarefootLaw , aims to foster a more accessible and equitable justice ecosystem using clean, distributed energy.

Celebrating the completion of the Justice Microgrid

Despite being connected to the national electric grid, Bala experiences frequent, often weeks-long power outages. This became a problem for BarefootLaw, a Uganda-based legal justice nonprofit. Their BarefootLaw Box (LawBox)a community center in which people can receive free legal supportwas established in 2022. Its reliance on computers, internet, and video conferencing meant that when the power went out, services also ceased.

BarefootLaw reached out to SELF for a solution. SELF developed a solar-powered microgrid for the LawBox and expanded the system to meet other legal and municipal needs.

"You can have an incredible resource like the LawBox, but without reliable power, it doesn't matter," says Robert Freling, SELF's executive director. "Unreliable grids are all too common in these rural communities, and it obstructs access to crucial services. It's a major problem, but fortunately, it's one we can solve."

The microgrid provides power for lights, computers, internet, device charging, printing, and more. Staff can now serve more people with better resources, and keep their doors open through local blackouts.

"It is very important to have constant power at the LawBox," says Midi Awor, a Bala resident who received legal help after her livestock were stolen. "Whenever I come, I can easily be connected to a lawyer in Kampala using a television."

The microgrid also provides power for the courts, town council, police station, and community development office. In addition, solar streetlighting has been installed to improve safety and extend the hours available for commerce and community gatherings. All of this aims to create a more collaborative, transparent, and inclusive justice process.

"People can now tell their stories. Town officials are listening and have the resources to make change. There is support and collaboration," says Gerald Abila, founder of BarefootLaw. "Change is possible, and Bala is the blueprint."

About the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)

The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that uses solar energy to fight poverty and climate change. Since its founding in 1990, SELF has worked in dozens of countries, bringing clean energy where it's needed most. Whether powering schools in South Africa, or health clinics in Haiti, SELF uses the power of the sun to drive lasting change. Learn more at: www.self.org.

About BarefootLaw

BarefootLaw is a nonprofit organisation, which uses technology and innovation to bridge the gap between people and justice. The organisation was founded in 2013 and has since provided simplified legal information and guidance to remote communities in Uganda, Malawi and Kenya through technology-enabled legal support and recently via "The BarefootLaw Box"  mobile offices and mediation centres. Through tools such as SMS, toll-free numbers, and AI-powered systems, BarefootLaw's efforts attract people, especially women, in rural areas and youth in urban and semi-urban areas.

BarefootLaw believes that if the law is made more readily available, people will use it to peacefully prevent and resolve their problems, leading to better livelihoods for themselves and their communities. Learn more at: www.barefootlaw.org.

SOURCE Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)
DALLAS, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LateralCare, a new player in the healthcare technology industry, is proud to announce its official launch. The company aims to transform organizations by using generative AI and large language models to deliver innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of healthcare executives.

LateralCare's flagship product, alai, built with advanced Generative AI technology, brings artificial intelligence to Revenue Cycle Management (RCM).

About LateralCare:

Founded in 2023, LateralCare is a forward-thinking company committed to responsibly integrating new technologies in the healthcare industry. Our flagship product, "alai", built with advanced GenAI technology, brings artificial intelligence to Revenue Cycle Management (RCM). This single-software solution enhances RCM by offering higher first-time pass rates, increased revenue realization, and improved billing accuracy.

Executive Team:

LateralCare is thrilled to announce the appointment of the following healthcare executives:

Roger Davis, Chairman of the Board

Scott Smith, Chief Executive Officer

Sowri Krishnan, Founder and Chief Technology Officer

Chris Joiner, Chief Revenue Officer

Sunya Chandi, Chief Marketing Officer

Robert Macko, VP Revenue Cycle Operations

This seasoned team of professionals brings decades of healthcare experience to LateralCare as the company focuses on delivering innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of our industry. We look forward to introducing our team in the coming weeks and hear their thoughts on the "alai" solution.

Note to Editors: For additional information, interview, or high-resolution images, please contact [email protected].

SOURCE LateralCare
TORONTO, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Mandalay Resources Corporation ("Mandalay" or "the Company") (TSX: MND) (OTCQB: MNDJF) is pleased to announce the results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") held today virtually. All the resolutions presented at the Meeting were approved by the shareholders, with the votes cast by proxy representing 39.14% of the total shares outstanding as of the record date.

Election of Directors

The number of directors was fixed at seven members and each of the seven nominees listed in the Company's Management Information Circular dated April 18, 2024, were re-elected to the Company's Board of Directors. Abraham Jonker remains the lead independent director and Bradford Mills continues as Chair. Results of the votes cast by proxy are set out below.

Resolution Votes Cast by Proxy

For % For Votes Cast by Proxy

Withheld % Withheld Bradford A. Mills 36,400,647 99.91 % 34,611 0.09 % Abraham Jonker 36,412,170 99.94 % 23,088 0.06 % Amy Freedman 36,289,155 99.60 % 146,103 0.40 % Dominic Duffy 36,302,582 99.64 % 132,676 0.36 % Frazer Bourchier 36,410,390 99.93 % 24,868 0.07 % Julie Galloway 36,411,330 99.93 % 23,928 0.07 % Robert Doyle 35,882,067 98.48 % 553,191 1.52 %

Appointment of Auditors

KPMG LLP was appointed as the auditor of the Company to hold office until the close of the next Annual Meeting of the Shareholders, or until their successor is otherwise appointed, and the directors were authorized to fix the auditor's remuneration. Results of the votes cast by proxy are set out below.

Resolution Votes Cast by Proxy

For % For Votes Cast by Proxy

Withheld % Withheld Appointment of Auditors 36,413,358 99.94 % 21,900 0.06 %

About Mandalay Resources Corporation:

Mandalay Resources is a Canadian-based natural resource company with producing assets in Australia (Costerfield gold-antimony mine) and Sweden (Bjorkdal gold mine). The Company is focused on growing its production and reducing costs to generate significant positive cashflow. Mandalay is committed to operating safely and in an environmentally responsible manner, while developing a high level of community and employee engagement.

Mandalay's mission is to create shareholder value through the profitable operation and regional exploration programs, at both its Costerfield and Bjorkdal mines. Currently, the Company's main objectives are to continue mining the high-grade Youle and Shepherd veins at Costerfield, and to extend Mineral Reserves. At Bjorkdal, the Company will aim to increase production from the Eastern Extension area and other higher-grade areas in the coming years, in order to maximize profit margins from the mine.

SOURCE Mandalay Resources Corporation
Rita M. Gardner and three other honorees were celebrated for their impact on the autism and behavioral health communities.

ANDOVER, Mass., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Melmark President and CEO Rita M. Gardner recently received the Mental Health News Education's Excellence in Autism Award during a reception held at New York University's Kimmel Center in New York City. The annual event celebrates and brings awareness to exceptional leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and their families in the autism and behavioral health communities.

Melmark Executive Vice President of Clinical Services Frank L. Bird presented the Mental Health News Education's (MHNE) Excellence in Autism Award to Melmark President and CEO Rita M. Gardner at a reception held at New York University's Kimmel Center in New York City on May 16, 2024.

Mental Health News Education (MHNE), publisher of Autism Spectrum News and Behavioral Health News, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to improving the lives of individuals living with autism, mental illness, and substance use disorders while also supporting their families, caregivers, and the professional communities that serve them by providing a trusted source of science-based information, education, advocacy, and quality resources in the community.

"I am honored to be among a group of such inspiring leaders for mission-first work in a community that I have had a lifelong connection to, both personally and professionally," stated Gardner. "I am so proud of what our leadership teams have accomplished at Melmark and what we are building for future generations to ensure that individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are treated equitably, receive the highest level of care, and can reach their best outcomes."

Along with Gardner, this year's reception honored Bruce E. Feig, Senior Healthcare Consultant at Sachs Policy Group with the Healthcare Leadership Award, Dr. Rosa M. Gil, President Emeritus of Comunlife, Inc. with the Diversity and Community Health Leadership Award, Harvey Rosenthal, CEO of The Alliance for Rights and Recovery with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and workforce enablement solutions company Relias with the Corporate Leadership Award.

Rita M. Gardner, M.P.H., LABA, BCBA, CDE leads Melmark, a nationally-recognized non-profit human services provider, with more than $125-million multi-state operations across its divisions in New England, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas. Melmark's programs include premier private special education schools, professional development, and training and research centers. The organization's clinically-sophisticated, evidence-based programs serve individuals with the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, acquired brain injuries, medical fragility and severe challenging behaviors.

Gardner, who is the co-founder of Melmark New England and Melmark Carolinas, is an accomplished legislative advocate and her work has positively impacted services for individuals diagnosed with autism throughout the United States. One of her most notable accomplishments as an advocate is her involvement in the establishment of multiple public policy pieces that improve access and the quality of services for students and adults with autism and their families.

Melmark is a multi-state non-profit human service organization providing clinically sophisticated evidence-based special education, residential, vocational and therapeutic services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological and genetic disorders. All specialized special education services are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and are designed based on each student's individual needs.

Recognized as one of the leading providers in the country, Melmark has a combined staff of over 1,200 at its service divisions in Pennsylvania, New England, and the Carolinas and serves 500 individuals from across the country. To learn more, visit www.melmark.org .

SOURCE Melmark
By Pamela Swoyer and Dr. Mark Covelle

May 2024

JAMISON, Pa, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Philanthropy Today Club (PTC), a student-run philanthropic club where students learn the process of evaluating grant applications and culminate their work with $20,000 of grant awards annually. The only known organization with exclusively student-managed philanthropic giving, the club started with the help of a $5,000 grant from the Raab Foundation in 2014. Growing in popularity and interest each year, the club now manages two distinct $10,000 grants, one from the Raab Foundaton and one from the Heenan Foundation, each with specific guidelines to which the students must adhere.

Each year, a new group of students at MBIT is taught the language and meaning of Philanthropy. Stephen F. Raab, Board Chair Emeritus, Norman Raab Foundation shared; "I was inspired to initiate the Philanthropy Today club in Bucks County high schools after meeting another foundation that operated a similar program in their home community. It seemed like an ideal program for high school students to learn about their community and work collaboratively to make decisions to create impact. Our goal has always been for the clubs to be student led, so that student voices are heard. Over ten years at MBIT, with the thoughtful advising of Pamela Swoyer and her team, the Philanthropy Today club has grown and evolved to lift up student voices and connect students to organizations working on issues important to them in their community. We thank Ms. Swoyer for her stewardship of Philanthropy Today at MBIT."

With the Raab grant, students identify needs in the community, narrow down their focus, and develop a unique mission statement to guide their evaluations and giving. They conduct thorough research, develop a questionnaire, and go on site visits to identify local organizations that align with the Philanthropy Today Club mission. Through a democratic process, the students exclusively determine who will receive a grant and who will be declined. The students must complete a proposal, interim report, and a final report for the Raab Foundation's approval.

In 2024, the mission statement reads; The MBIT Philanthropy Today Club believes all youth in our community should have equity and access to the resources they need; for educational and extracurricular activities for disadvantaged and special populations, and a safe and accepting environments for all students to meet and address their mental health needs. Their vision encompasses not only facilitating access but also providing a safe, accepting environment where students can address their mental health needs. Central to the club's mission is learning and sharing the values of charity, altruism, and benevolence by engaging in meaningful community service and grant-funding activities. The Raab Grant, approval facilitated their ongoing commitment to ensuring all youth in their community have the resources they need for educational and extracurricular activities, particularly those who are disadvantaged or from special populations.

For the Raab Grant, the students voted to fund 6 organizations based on specific criteria they developed. These organizations included the following:

The Comprehensive Learning Center: $1,500 to support the inclusion of a new student with tailored educational resources.

to support the inclusion of a new student with tailored educational resources. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County : $1,500 to aid in their mentoring programs, providing vital enrichment activities.

: to aid in their mentoring programs, providing vital enrichment activities. Bucks for Kids: $1,000 to support extracurricular activities for children in foster care or being assisted by Children and Youth.

for Kids: to support extracurricular activities for children in foster care or being assisted by Children and Youth. Sunshine Foundation: $1,000 to support a Bucks County resident's wish meeting the Sunshine Foundation criteria.

to support a resident's wish meeting the Sunshine Foundation criteria. NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness: $2,500 to be used for the Small Talk program to push early intervention for mental health for children before they transition to middle school.

to be used for the Small Talk program to push early intervention for mental health for children before they transition to middle school. Lenape Valley Foundation: $2,500 to use toward the new crisis building for comfortable furnishings for the rooms, furniture, toiletries for clients, and bedding for inside the crisis facility.

The Heenan grant has a distinct set of requirements for the students to follow. For this grant, students face a specific and unique challenge posed by the Heenan Foundation. The challenges change annually and often have required students to utilize the career and technical skills learned in their programs at MBIT. In 2023-2024, the Heenan challenge was to redesign and refinish two waiting areas for Bucks County Family Court and Children and Youth. Collaborating across disciplines, students from various career and technical programs worked together to create welcoming spaces designed to be comfortable and comforting for families.

Student Addie Lautz said, "Mrs. Heenan provided the challenge and we had to work through the levels and channels to make it happen. Before visiting the courthouse, Mrs. Swoyer, our advisor, met with Bucks County Solicitor Amy Fitzpatrick. She gave us permission to work with the team and proceed. She referred Mrs. Swoyer to Mr. Ted Rice, a Deputy Court Administrator and Mr. Robert Yocum, Director of Children and Youth. Mr. Yocum shared an analytical report completed on the courthouse's environment and climate for individuals with sensory challenges, including many suggestions."

The dedication of the newly redesigned spaces in May 2024 was attended by many influential members of the Bucks County administration and Justice departments who recognized the students for their work. Student Barry Cleaver said, "This event was attended by our MBIT team, Bucks County Commissioner Harvie and representatives from the other county commissioners, Judges, and Board of Directors of Children and Youth. Our Bucks County District Attorney, Jennifer Schorn, Amy Fitzpatrick our Bucks County solicitor, representatives from Congressman Fitzpatrick's office and Representative Kristin Marcell's office. We received a Proclamation in honor of our work and certificates. As students we do not usually get to see our government and representatives at work. It was great to see them, and they made us feel really like we matter because they took time out to attend the dedication and review our work."

The work of the Philanthropy Today Club culminates with a breakfast to award each grant recipient and report on the research and findings of the group. Dr. Mark Covelle, Administrative Director of MBIT, said, "It is hard to put into words the amazing work these students have done to support the community; what is just as amazing is the experiential learning provided by this opportunity. Students learn all sides of the philanthropic process including the joy of giving and the agony of having to decline an applicant. The growth and maturity they show throughout the process is a true joy to witness. We are profoundly grateful to the Raab's and the Heenans for helping our students learn these lifelong lessons."

The MBIT Philanthropy Today Club remains committed to their mission of giving back and making a difference in the world, aiming for a more inclusive and supportive future for all young people. In honor of the ten-year anniversary of the club, the Raab Foundation made a generous donation to MBIT to be used toward the purchase of a new vehicle to transport students. The club advisor, Pamela Swoyer, stated; "The Philanthropy Today Club means so much to our students. They start out reticent, shy, and quiet, and those who put in time and work make many friends and find it life changing. They learn about their community, how to effect change and learn how to find their voice. The club has fed my soul for the past ten years and together we have created a small army of budding philanthropists. It is our duty to make the world a better place and this club has enabled our Middle Bucks Family to work toward this goal. The gratitude I have for our grantors, the Raab's and the Heenan's is immeasurable."

About Middle Bucks

Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) is located in Warwick Township on York Road (Route 263) in Jamison, Pennsylvania. The picturesque high school campus sits on 58 acres and is supported by Centennial, Central Bucks, Council Rock, and New Hope-Solebury School Districts. MBIT operates as a school of choice designed for students who are seeking to enhance their educational program with a highly relevant career and technical experience connected directly to the real world of business and industry. Over 400 business and industry advisors review and update the school's educational program annually. The MBIT experience provides students with a blend of classroom theory, technical applications in state-of-the-art laboratories, and off-campus work-based experiences. Students learn and apply reading, writing, mathematics, science, communications, and technology in a way that has personal meaning and career relevance.

SOURCE Middle Bucks Institute of Technology
Author Jonathan Vankin Puts Power of Knowledge in Reader's Hands

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- California Local, a digital outlet for trusted local news and community resources, today announced the availability of its first published book, How California Works: Building Democracy in the Golden State, an essential, definitive and entertaining guide that explains the inner-workings of California's government systems. The book is now available for purchase on Amazon.

Written by award-winning journalist and author Jonathan Vankin, How California Works demystifies the often-hidden systems of government that shape everyday life for all Californians. The book is organized into five subject areas and serves as a guide that delivers essential knowledge and access to resources needed to understand and impact life in every community in California.

"Democracy is messy, often frustrating and always requires compromise. But with enough work and a little smarts, it delivers," said Vankin, author of How California Works, and senior writer at California Local. "We hope this book will enable a deeper understanding of how California's democracy works, whether you work in state or local government, or are a student, teacher, an advocate or member of a civic group. How California Works makes information that would normally take years to acquire available in an easy-to-understand format, with something of interest for everyone."

"Making sense of public policy within our constitutional system of self-governance is a daunting task," said State Senator John Laird. "Whether it's our state government structure, or the issues of criminal justice, diversity, environment, education, and much more, How California Works breaks these subjects into manageable pieces to help Californians know their government and grapple with the major issues that face it. It's a must read for anyone trying to understand our state and its challenges."

"How California Works offers a concise, yet comprehensive, exploration of the intricate mechanisms driving democracy in the Golden State," said Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. "From its historical roots to modern governance, the book delves into the state's administration and its impact on everyday life. It provides great stories of California's unique political landscape, addressing key issues and innovations. This is definitely an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the dynamic workings of California's democracy."

"Wishing that things worked one way or another is not the same as knowing how things work," added Fred Keeley, Mayor of Santa Cruz and former Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly. "It is when we all know how things work that we can impact things, from democracy itself to a local development project in your neighborhood. I commend How California Works to all Californians. It is our power."

The book unravels the mysteries of government in 57 clear and entertaining chapters, explaining how the state operates, how and where it all originated, and how our systems of government shape the existence of everyday Californians.

A five-part guide:

Part one, "California's Civic Infrastructure," grounds readers in important forces that shape our state's government including our education system, libraries, justice system, grand juries, local agency formation commissions (LAFCO), joint powers authorities (JPA) and more.

Part two, "Forces That Shaped California," explains the roles played over time by immigration, transportation, the military, Silicon Valley, agriculture, suburbia, Hollywood and more.

Part three, "Powering California," discusses where energy comes from and covers oil, natural gas, nuclear power, hydroelectric, coal, wind, solar and community choice energy agencies.

Part four, "California In Crisis," offers a clearheaded analysis of the most difficult issues the state confronts today, including homelessness, mental health, drought, climate change, wildfires, and more.

Part five, "California's Politics and Policy," covers a range of topics including abortion rights, gun safety legislation, single-payer healthcare, affordable housing, gerrymandering and more.

Available on Amazon: https://bit.ly/How-California-Works

ABOUT JONATHAN VANKIN

Jonathan Vankin is a senior writer for California Local and an award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in such publications as The New York Times Magazine, Wired, Salon, L.A. Weekly and many others. He is the author of four previous nonfiction books, including Conspiracies, Cover-Ups and Crimesthe first comprehensive, journalistic investigation of America's conspiracy-theory underground, foreshadowing the current state of sociopolitical affairs by two decadesand more recently Close to Zero, a full account of Donald Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vankin has also written comic books, TV, screenplays, and even the "book" for a hit Off-Broadway musical, Forever Dusty, about the great British pop star Dusty Springfield. He has made numerous media appearances on such networks as CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, the BBC and the CBC, as well as numerous podcasts and hundreds of radio stations.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LOCAL

California Local is your digital home for daily local news, government resources and connection to the people and groups making a positive impact in your community. Learn more at www.californialocal.com.

Contact:

Paula Maxfield

Miller Maxfield, Inc.

831-246-0425

SOURCE California Local
MIT Conducts Accelerated Bone Loss Research Through ISS National Lab

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 650 million people worldwide are affected by osteoarthritis, and few treatment options exist. However, new promising results from an International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory-sponsored experiment detail a tissue chip model that accurately reproduces the conditions under which post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is initiated. Published in Frontiers in Space in March, these findings mark an important step forward in understanding and testing treatments for the underlying causes of osteoarthritis and related conditions.

In the latest issue of Upward, the official magazine of the ISS National Lab, study author Alan Grodzinsky, a biological engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), discusses experiments on the space station using his team's innovative tissue chip model. The model effectively replicated a joint environment with viable human cartilage, bone, and synovium cocultures, establishing a baseline for understanding and testing treatments for PTOA, which can occur after a traumatic injury to a joint and affects around 20 percent of the millions of people with osteoarthritis. Despite its prevalence, no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs exist to treat or prevent osteoarthritis and related conditions.

Grodzinsky commented on the significance of these findings in Upward, stating, "This opens up new possibilities for testing drugs and interventions for osteoarthritis and other joint disorders. It could also aid in developing preventative treatments."

The space environment was essential to the experiment's success, as it appeared to simulate osteoarthritis characteristics quicker than similar experiments on Earth, with past research demonstrating accelerated bone loss in microgravity. Key findings from the study show the tissue chip's capability to emulate the initiation and progression of PTOA and the effects of various treatment modalities. Notably, the device accurately simulated the impact of drugs commonly used to alleviate inflammation and pain in patients. Additionally, it showed potential for evaluating a drug designed to stimulate cartilage growth and repair, offering promising avenues for therapeutic intervention.

By providing a platform for precise and controlled experimentation, the tissue chip model offers researchers a powerful tool to explore the mechanisms underlying joint diseases and develop targeted therapeutic strategies, says Grodzinsky.

To download a high-resolution photo for this release, click here.

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:

The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page.

Media Contact Patrick O'Neill

904-806-0035

[email protected]

International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS) 6905 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 500, Melbourne, FL 32940  321.253.5101  www.ISSNationalLab.org



SOURCE International Space Station National Lab
NEWARK, Del., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) has published "Vaccine process technologya decade of progress" in Biotechnology and Bioengineering. The paper serves as an update to a 2012 review titled "Vaccine process technology" authored by NIIMBL Executive Director Barry Buckland and explores transformations in vaccine development over the past decade.

Since 2012, the industry has seen advancements in DNA and RNA vaccine technologies, including the approval of 10 new viral vector and two new mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated advancements for mRNA vaccines. Unlike traditional vaccines such as those which contain a weakened form of the target virus to trigger an immune response, or a surface protein, DNA and RNA vaccines carry instructions for cells to produce antigens. The review discusses the many innovations over the past 10 years in microbial fermentations, cell culture, cell-free systems, formulation, purification, stability, analytics, and changes in the regulatory landscape.

"The past 10 years have been a transformative time for vaccine development and production," said Barry Buckland, NIIMBL Executive Director. "These advancements and continued progress over the next decade will allow the industry to bring new vaccines to the market to prevent many conditions. Progress in analytical characterization has been enabling these improvements."

Since its launch in 2017, NIIMBL has invested in a portfolio of over 40 vaccine-focused collaborative projects, including the development of testbeds, formulation, stability, and analytics.

"It's been exciting to work with our community of industry, academic, nonprofit and government partners to contribute to the innovations happening within the vaccines space," said Kelvin Lee, NIIMBL Institute Director. "We are looking forward to more contributions in the years to come."

Read "Vaccine process technologya decade of progress" in Biotechnology and Bioengineering.

About NIIMBL

The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is a public-private partnership whose mission is to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness in this industry. NIIMBL is part of Manufacturing USA, a diverse network of federally sponsored manufacturing innovation institutes, and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. Department of Commerce with significant additional support from its members.

News Media Contact:

Daniel Maiese

Communications Manager

302-831-3824

[email protected]

SOURCE National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL)
Classroom of the Future Foundation's Innovation in Education program recognizes San Diego County school initiatives modeling the future of K-12 education

SAN DIEGO, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Premier Sponsor of the Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF), North Island Credit Union Foundation recently presented the organization's prestigious 2024 Innovation in Education Impact Award to Grossmont Union High School District for its Patient Care Pipeline Program.

North Island Credit Union Foundation presents the 2024 Innovation in Education Impact Award to Grossmont Union High School District for its Patient Care Pipeline Program at the 21st Annual Classroom of the Future Foundation Awards event on May 16, 2024.

In recognition of the award, North Island Credit Union Foundation provided Grossmont Union High School District with $10,000 to support student participation in its Patient Care Pipeline, a unique program that prepares high school students for a variety of healthcare career opportunities. By providing access to health pathways, hands-on learning and certification programs, Patient Care Pipeline facilitates social mobility for students, removes barriers for under-represented students and prepares future healthcare workers that are in demand in the region.

"We congratulate the outstanding educators at Grossmont Union High School District for receiving CFF's Impact Award, which is well-deserved recognition of their innovative Patient Care Pipeline program," said North Island Credit Union Foundation President Marvel Ford. "This unique program models the benefits that a collaborative approach to learning and education bring to our students and the future of our communities. We continue to be inspired by the important work CFF is doing in our shared commitment to support our education community and students."

Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Mary Beth Kastan said, "We are honored to receive the Classroom of the Future Foundation's Innovation in Education Impact Award for the Patient Care Program. This award is a testament to the unyielding efforts of our Career Technical Education leaders and teachers who provide our students with real-world experiences that are preparing them to build the best future."

The CFF annual Innovation in Education Awards program honors innovative classroom programs, educators, and students in San Diego County schools that model the future of K-12 education. Following an intensive application and selection process, four classroom programs are recognized for their ability to get students excited about learning and enhance outcomes through the effective use of technology. The Impact Award is given to the program that exceeds all others in its ability to impact students and teachers.

In its sixth year as Premier CFF Sponsor, North Island Credit Union and its Foundation have provided $20,000 annually to support the organization's mission. Since 1997, CFF has united business, community, and educational leaders to create innovative learning environments in San Diego County public schools that prepare students to thrive in a competitive, global society.

About North Island Credit Union Foundation

North Island Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that serves as the philanthropic arm of North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union operating in San Diego and Riverside Counties. California Credit Union is a state chartered full-service credit union with assets of nearly $5 billion, approximately 200,000 members and 25 retail branches. North Island Credit Union Foundation works to strengthen the financial well-being of our communities by providing targeted resources to non-profit partners effecting meaningful change across San Diego and Riverside counties. California Credit Union funds all administrative costs of the Foundation, enabling it to return 100% of donations back into community programs. Please visit ccu.com/foundation to learn more or make a tax-deductible donation, or follow the Foundation on Instagram @northislandcufoundation.

SOURCE North Island Credit Union
SHENZHEN, China, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. ("OneConnect" or the "Company") (NYSE: OCFT and HKEX: 6638), a leading technology-as-a-service provider for financial services industry in China, today announced the results of its annual general meeting of shareholders held in Shenzhen on May 28, 2024.

At the meeting, the shareholders of OneConnect approved, ratified and/or confirmed the following resolution:

To receive and adopt the audited consolidated financial statements and the reports of the directors of the Company (the "Directors") and auditor for the year ended December 31, 2023 . (i) To re-elect Mr. Chongfeng Shen as an executive Director.

(ii) To re-elect Mr. Michael Guo as a non-executive Director.

(iii) To re-elect Ms. Wenjun Wang as a non-executive Director.

(iv) To re-elect Mr. Wing Kin Anthony Chow as an independent non-executive Director.

(v) To re-elect Mr. Koon Wing Ernest Ip as an independent non-executive Director.

(vi) To authorize the board of Directors (the "Board") to fix the remuneration of the Directors. To re-appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditor and to authorize the Board to fix its remuneration.

About OneConnect

OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. is a technology-as-a-service provider for financial services industry. The Company integrates extensive financial services industry expertise with market-leading technology to provide technology applications and technology-enabled business services to financial institutions. The integrated solutions and platform the Company provides include digital banking solution, digital insurance solution and Gamma Platform, which is a technology infrastructural platform for financial institutions. The Company's solutions enable its customers' digital transformations, which help them improve efficiency, enhance service quality, and reduce costs and risks.

The Company has established long-term cooperation relationships with financial institutions to address their needs of digital transformation. The Company has also expanded its services to other participants in the value chain to support the digital transformation of financial services eco-system. In addition, the Company has successfully exported its technology solutions to overseas financial institutions.

For more information, please visit ir.ocft.com.

Contacts

Investor Relations:

OCFT IR Team

[email protected]

Media Relations:

OCFT PR Team

[email protected]

SOURCE OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd.
Chinese motorcycles redefine riding experience in Istanbul Pub Date:24-05-28 10:12 Source:Xinhua

A motorcycle gallery in Istanbul exhibits a collection of Chinese brands, capturing the attention of both seasoned riders and curious enthusiasts. Editor:Qin Shuying

Related News GLOBALink | China-Japan-ROK business summi... Policies to lift market demand by 1 trilli... Auto exports accelerate at Xinjiang port GLOBALink | U.S. businesses eye more oppor...
New mmWave Horn Antennas Achieve Precision in Test and Measurement

IRVINE, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pasternack, an Infinite Electronics brand and a leading provider of RF, microwave and millimeter-wave products, has announced the launch of its new series of millimeter-wave horn antennas. They were designed to meet the evolving needs of test and measurement applications in the fast-paced tech industry.

The new line includes a variety of waveguide probe antennas and dual polarized horn antennas, offering enhanced flexibility and performance in the 22 GHz to 170 GHz frequency range.

Pasternack's new millimeter-wave horn antennas cover frequencies from 22 GHz to 170 GHz.

The mmWave horn antennas come in sizes ranging from WR-6 to WR-34, equipped with U-round, U-square, U-mod and U cover flanges. They deliver a nominal gain of 6.5 dBi for probe antennas and 15 dBi for dual polarized antennas, ensuring high precision in characterizing antennas and wireless systems.

The antennas offer a wide selection of frequency options and a rectangular waveguide interface for optimal performance. They are constructed from high-grade copper with a gold plating finish, reflecting Pasternack's commitment to quality. They are linearly/circularly polarized, ensuring versatility for various testing scenarios.

The precision machining to high industry standards guarantees consistent gain versus frequency as well as low VSWR (less than 1.3), offering improved accuracy and reliability in test and measurement tasks.

"These mmWave horn antennas are set to enhance the way professionals in the industry conduct tests and measurements," said Product Line Manager Kevin Hietpas. "They offer a blend of performance and flexibility."

Pasternack's millimeter-wave horn antennas are in stock and available for same-day shipping. For inquiries, please call +1 (949) 261-1920.

About Pasternack:

A leader in RF products since 1972, Pasternack is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer and supplier offering the industry's largest selection of active and passive RF, microwave and millimeter-wave products available for same-day shipping. Pasternack is an Infinite Electronics brand.

About Infinite Electronics:

Infinite operates a global portfolio of leading in-stock connectivity solution brands. The brands help propel the world's innovators forward by working urgently to provide products, solutions and real-time support for their customers. Backed by Warburg Pincus, Infinite's brands serve customers across a wide range of industries with a broad inventory selection, same-day shipping and 24/7 customer service. Learn more at infiniteelectronics.com.

Press Contact:

Peter McNeil

Pasternack

17792 Fitch

Irvine, Calif. 92614

+1 (978) 682-6936

SOURCE Pasternack
The Air Quality Test Includes a Detailed Report about the Indoor Air Quality in the Home, as Well as Solutions for Any Issues that are Discovered During the Test

MORRISVILLE, N.C., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brian Pysz, comfort specialist of the HVAC repair company Peace Heating and Air Conditioning, is pleased to announce the launch of a special promotion that will help homeowners in Mooresville, North Carolina and the surrounding areas to breathe a little easier.

To view the current promotion please visit https://peaceheatingandairconditioning.com/2024/05/27/breathe-easier-this-june-with-peace-heating-air-conditionings-99-99-air-quality-test-promotion/

Peace Heating & Air Conditioning will conduct a thorough Air Advice air quality test that will detect and identify pollutants in the home.

Indoor air pollutants are an invisible threat that could be lurking in the corners of virtually any living space. Whether it's a silent accumulation of mold spores or the unnoticed presence of carbon monoxide, the air inside a home can have a profound impact on the occupants' health and well-being.

This knowledge inspired Pysz to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to receive a thorough and accurate report about what they and their loved ones are breathing in day after dayas well as suggestions on how to improve their indoor air quality.

"Peace Heating & Air Conditioning will use the M5200 professional IAQ monitor for the air quality test," Pysz said, adding that this device is not an everyday or average air quality monitor.

"It's a calibrated, all-in-one powerhouse trusted by contractors for over 20 years. With its top-notch accuracy, user-friendly interface, and rugged durability, you can trust it to deliver precise results every time."

As Pysz noted, the M5200 air quality monitor generates three types of reports, all of which are geared towards action.

Health: particulate matter, chemicals, carbon dioxide

Comfort: temperature, relative humidity

Safety: carbon monoxide

"The report includes ratings of No Action Necessary, Action Recommended, Action Recommended for Sensitive Individuals, Action Required," Pysz said, adding that the report also explains what each of these pollutants are, what health concerns they can cause, and recommendations for different types of air purifiers for the home.

"These reports not only tell you what's been measured and why it matters, but they also provide solutions to any concerns found. Whether it's a health, safety, or comfort issue, we've got you covered with the right product recommendations."

The air quality test is quick and easy. A friendly and professional employee of Peace Heating & Air Conditioning will simply:

Plug in the monitor

Wait thirty minutes while it does its magic and collects data and samples

Show the homeowner the detailed report of your home's air quality

Pysz said he and everyone at Peace Heating and Air Conditioning are looking forward to a busy June, and helping to improve indoor air quality, one home at a time.

"Don't miss out on this opportunity to take control of your indoor environment. Grab your Air Advice air quality test today and breathe easier tomorrow!" Pysz said.

About Peace Heating and Air Conditioning:

At Peace Heating And Air Conditioning, they are proud to be the local heating and AC & Heat Service experts, and they have the tools and expertise to install, repair and maintain all the climate control systems people need to breathe easily. Their highly qualified technicians provide only the best service, and they always work with each family's needs and long-term comfort in mind. For more information, please visit https://peaceheatingandairconditioning.com/

Peace Heating And Air Conditioning

131 Overhill Dr #110,

Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 746-9723

SOURCE Peace Heating and Air Conditioning
NEW YORK, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global population health management market size is estimated to grow by USD 22.55 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.03% during the forecast period.

For more insights on the forecast market size and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Request a sample report!

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Population Health Management Market 2024-2028

Population Health Management Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 12.03% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 22.55 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 11.37 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 63% Key countries US, Canada, China, UK, and Germany Key companies profiled ALLSCRIPTS HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS INC., Arcadia Solutions LLC, athenahealth Inc., Cotiviti Inc., eClinicalWorks LLC, Health Catalyst Inc., HealthEC LLC, i2i Systems Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Lightbeam Health Solutions, McKesson Corp., NextGen Healthcare Inc., Omnicell Inc., Oracle Corp., Press Ganey Associates LLC, Siemens AG, Tenet Healthcare Corp., ZeOmega Inc., and Innovaccer Inc.

Market Driver

The global population health management market is experiencing significant growth due to the emergence of personalized medicine. Genetic testing, driven by decreasing costs and increased availability, plays a key role. Healthcare providers use genetic information for more accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning.

Pharmaceutical companies invest in R&D for targeted therapies, focusing on specific genetic profiles. Notable examples include Roche and Novartis in oncology drug development, providing personalized cancer care. These factors are expected to drive market expansion during the forecast period.

The Population Health Management market is currently experiencing significant growth, with a focus on improving healthcare outcomes for large groups of people. Care programs, technology solutions, and analytics are key areas of investment. Telehealth and remote monitoring technologies are trending, enabling healthcare providers to deliver care more efficiently.

Data-driven insights are essential for identifying and addressing health disparities and managing chronic conditions. Analytics help in predicting and preventing diseases, improving patient engagement, and reducing healthcare costs. Additionally, coordinated care and community engagement are crucial for addressing social determinants of health and improving overall population health.

Market Challenges

Population health management market growth may be hindered due to high implementation costs for healthcare organizations. These costs include software licensing, hardware infrastructure, customization, and continuous maintenance.

Smaller providers in the US, for instance, face significant financial constraints, making it challenging for them to adopt these advanced technologies. Consequently, a digital health technology adoption gap exists, potentially limiting market expansion during the forecast period.

The Population Health Management market faces several challenges in delivering effective care and improving patient outcomes. These include the need to decipher complex data and deliver personalized care to large populations (Data, Analytics, Patient, Outcomes). Costs and resources are also significant concerns (Costs, Resources).

Additionally, integrating care across various settings and coordinating efforts among multiple providers can be challenging (Coordination, Providers). Lastly, ensuring equity and access to care for all populations is a critical issue (Equity, Access). Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions and a commitment to continuous improvement (Innovation, Improvement).

Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend, driver and challenges - Request a sample report!

Segment Overview

Component

1.1 Software

1.2 Services

Deployment

2.1 Cloud

2.2 On-premises

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 APAC

3.4 Middle East and Africa

and 3.5 South America

1.1 Software- The population health management market's software segment is a vital and expanding sector. It enables healthcare organizations to effectively manage and enhance health outcomes for diverse populations. The software component includes data collection, analysis, and utilization solutions. Population health management platforms consolidate data from various sources, such as electronic health records, claims data, and patient-generated data.

These platforms utilize advanced analytics to generate valuable insights, allowing providers to identify at-risk populations, address chronic conditions, and enhance patient outcomes. They also facilitate care coordination, streamline workflows, and implement preventative measures. Key players in this market include Koninklijke Philips NV, McKesson Corp., and ZeOmega Inc.

These software solutions benefit not only healthcare providers but also payers and accountable care organizations. With the shift towards value-driven care models, the demand for advanced population health management software will persistently increase. Consequently, the software segment will fuel the expansion of the global population health management market.

For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2017-2021) - Download a Sample Report

Research Analysis

The Population Health Management (PHM) market encompasses various solutions and services aimed at improving health outcomes for large groups of patients. These offerings include Healthcare Analytics for identifying trends and patterns in patient data, Patient Engagement tools for fostering communication and collaboration, Care Coordination systems for managing patient care across multiple providers, and Value-Based Care models that incentivize quality and efficiency.

Risk Stratification and Chronic Disease Management are crucial components of PHM, enabling early identification and intervention for high-risk patients. Health Information Exchange and EHR Integration facilitate seamless data sharing among healthcare organizations, while Data Analytics and Predictive Analytics provide insights for Quality Improvement and Health Metrics.

Remote Patient Monitoring, Telehealth, and Disease Prevention are additional services that expand the reach of PHM and enhance patient-centered care. PHM also addresses Health Disparities and Public Health concerns by providing Managed Care organizations with the tools to assess and mitigate Health Risks. Interoperability and Clinical Decision Support systems further enhance the effectiveness of PHM solutions.

Market Research Overview

Population Health Management (PHM) is a proactive approach to healthcare that focuses on managing the health of large groups of people, rather than individual patients. It utilizes data analytics, engagement tools, and interventions to identify and address health risks and improve overall population health. PHM goes beyond traditional disease management by addressing social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, education, and environment.

It aims to prevent disease, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes. PHM employs various strategies, including care coordination, disease management, wellness programs, and community outreach. It also leverages technology, such as electronic health records and telehealth, to facilitate care delivery and patient engagement. PHM is gaining increasing importance in the healthcare industry due to the rising cost of healthcare and the need to improve population health outcomes.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Component

Software



Services

Deployment

Cloud



On-premises

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



Middle East And Africa



South America

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
PLANO, Texas, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Repairify , the global leader in remote diagnostics, calibrations, programming, and automotive intelligence for the collision and mechanical repair industries, announced today its significant donation of diagnostic tools worth over $180,000 in support of Collin College's Automotive Technology program . As part of an initiative with the Repairify Institute to support automotive training, the donation will help bolster Collin College's training efforts and enable students to utilize professional diagnostic tools as part of their curriculum.

Repairify's donation will help bolster Collin College's training efforts and enable students to utilize professional diagnostic tools as part of their curriculum.

Providing robust training and top certifications to students, the Automotive Technology program is housed at the Collin College Technical Campus located in Allen, TX. The program aligns with the Repairify Institute's mission to partner with the automotive service industry in new and meaningful ways that ensure service readiness. The donation by Repairify will significantly expand the program's current offerings and capabilities by establishing opportunities for hands-on experience with world-class diagnostic tools. With the introduction of the newer technology, Collin College will in turn be able to donate additional tools to local high school programs.

"I am a big believer in sharing the wealth, and with these donations, we'll be able to make an impact not only on our students, but also throughout the DFW metro area and beyond," shared Elias Alba, Director of Automotive and Collision Technology at Collin College. "My goal is to use the necessary tools to train our students at Collin College, and then re-donate the remaining diagnostic tools to training programs all over the state. We are thankful to Repairify for their support of our program and the automotive industry at large."

The Repairify Institute will continue to explore ways to partner with and enhance automotive training programs to prepare the next generation of technicians. In addition to its support of growing training programs, the Repairify Institute offers its own world-class curriculum and key industry certifications to technicians following the opening of the Repairify Institute's first Center of Excellence in DFW earlier this year. The partnership with Collin College further establishes DFW as a growing hub of automotive repair excellence and reinforces Repairify's dedication to preparing the industry to provide comprehensive and efficient repairs.

"In the midst of the ongoing technician shortage and as vehicles continue to become more complex, providing best-in-class training to the next generation of repair technicians is absolutely vital to our industry," said Chris Chesney, Vice President of Training and Organizational Development at Repairify. "As a growing program right in our backyard and with a number of alumni working with Repairify today, Collin College was the perfect fit for us to partner with for this donation. We are proud to support this program, and look forward to seeing what future graduates achieve equipped with the knowledge and experience these diagnostic tools will provide."

About Repairify Inc.

Repairify, Inc. and its family of brands empower the automotive repair industry to master today's modern, data-intensive vehicles. By providing revolutionary OEM tool and validated OEM-Compatible technology, services, and intelligence, Repairify helps automotive professionals run better businesses through improved diagnostics, calibrations, programming, and workflows. Repairify's brands are committed to vehicle and driver safety by providing repairers with excellent service, supported by the highest quality and precision tools, technology, and data.

Repairify, Inc. is a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC. The Repairify family includes asTech, adasThink, AutoMobile Technologies (AMT), Automotive Training Group (ATG), BlueDriver, FleetGenix, MobileTechRX, and One Guard Inspections. For more information, please visit repairify.com.

About Kinderhook Industries

Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that manages more than $5.4 billion of committed capital. It has made in excess of 400 investments and follow-on acquisitions since its inception. Kinderhook's investment philosophy is predicated on matching unique, growth-oriented investment opportunities with exceptional financial expertise and its proprietary network of operating partners. Its focus is on middle market businesses with defensible niche market positioning in the healthcare services, environmental/business services, and automotive/light manufacturing sectors. It has a track record of successfully and consistently building industry leaders. For more information, please visit kinderhook.com.

About Collin College

Collin College serves more than 58,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Construction Management, and a new Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Clinical Operations Management. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government, and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visit www.collin.edu.

SOURCE Repairify, Inc.
Rivada's Outernet, the world's first global private network for enterprise and government is key for the region

Highlights:

Rivada to launch a constellation of 600 ultra-secure, networked low-earth orbit satellites

Deployment starts in 2025 with global coverage by 2026 and full deployment expected by mid-2028

Unique network combines satellite and terrestrial capabilities for ultra-low latency, high speed, unparalleled security, and true global coverage

Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets

SINGAPORE, May 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rivada Space Networks, a global network company launching a constellation of 600 low-earth-orbit satellites (LEO) to enable secure, global connectivity for governments and enterprises, has announced a series of new partners in the Asia Pacific region. Rivada has now lined up over $US9 billion of business globally for its unique LEO network.

Welcome to the Outernet. Rise Above. Rivada's Outernet, the first unified global communications network.

As the first unified global communications network, Rivada's outernet is transformative. A global low-latency point-to-point network of 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, it is a unique next-generation constellation combining inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing and routing to create a ubiquitous optical mesh network in space. This "orbital network," in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure, private satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over long distances. And by routing traffic on a physically separated network, it provides a layer of defense for any enterprise or government organization that needs to securely share data across Asia and beyond.

For Enterprise and Government customers, the key attributes of the outernet are ideal for a variety of applications, for example, to give banks and global companies secured networks with distributed offices, provide significantly more bandwidth for oil & gas exploration than is available today, enable seamless connectivity for shipping & fleet management, or provide 5G satellite backhaul connectivity network expansion for cellular operators. Connectivity providers in Asia can offer a competitive advantage by expanding these markets, enabling new opportunities through secure, multi-gigabit bi-directional performance, combined with worldwide reach.

KT SAT  Korea

KT SAT, Korea's national satellite communications provider will deploy Rivada's outernet to provide ultra-secure connectivity to Enterprise, Government and Maritime companies looking for scalable and resilient solutions for their expanding networks. And with Asia's subsea cables increasingly becoming a focal point of geopolitical tensions, the region now, more than ever, needs resilient infrastructure, which is fast, secure, and reliable.

Connecto Network Systems Inc. (CNSI)  Philippines

Connecto Network Systems Inc, will work with Rivada to improve connectivity for enterprise and government customers across the Philippines, ensuring seamless coverage, even in remote provinces. Connecto is spearheading the transformation of communities into smart cities, harnessing cutting-edge technologies to boost operational efficiency, facilitate public access to information and elevate the quality of government services.

NiAT  Brunei

NiAT is a key provider of connectivity services for the Oil & Gas sector in Brunei. The company is experiencing an increased demand for high bandwidth connectivity from its customer base and sees Rivada's outernet as the ideal solution to provide enterprise-grade, secure bandwidth combined with the high availability and guaranteed Service-Level-Agreements which underpins business for premium customers.

AT Communications - Japan

AT Communications provides national agencies with secure communications infrastructure for their sites across Japan and supports telcos with international connectivity. AT Communications will harness the outernet's seamless connectivity to ramp up performance, improve security, and increase customer efficiency. Rivada's outernet is particularly well suited for the low latency and secure connectivity required by national and local government and defense sectors.

Teleport Access Services - Taiwan

TAS will deploy Rivada's outernet to enhance the connectivity infrastructure in Taiwan, providing coverage of remote and underserved areas and ushering in a new era of secure communications and technological innovation. For telecoms services providers, government agencies and media companies, the deployment of LEO satellite services in Taiwan will drive positive change and empower communities through enhanced connectivity.

Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Space Networks, said: "We are seeing a huge uptake in our business in Asia, underlining the growing appetite for our unique space-based network. The outernet's ability to meet the requirements of Asia's connectivity providers in terms of security, latency, capacity, and coverage is a game-changer for the region. Our completely new type of LEO constellation will provide the whole of Asia with a transformative next-generation infrastructure for secure, resilient communications and network expansion."

Rivada's Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, Donald Chew, will be at the Satellite Industry Forum and AsiaTechX from 28-31 May, exploring the opportunities for NGSO networks to provide data sovereignty and security and support enterprise connectivity in Asia Pacific, including:

How the potential of LEO can be unlocked for data networks and services and the opportunities for new business models and end-user services

An ultra-secure network is the ambition for global enterprise and government communications and the dynamic powers of a Rivada's outernet gateway-less architecture is key

Partnering with LEO enables satellite and telecom operators in Asia to complement and expand services that cannot be supported by GEO alone

Donald Chew said: "I am delighted to be participating once again at AsiaTechX in Singapore. The outernet is what data communications has been waiting for  a next-generation data infrastructure providing unrivalled secure and resilient connectivity and fueling new opportunities for network expansion." To find out more, meet us at stand 5A1-3 at AsiaTechX from 29-31 May.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Rivada Space Networks representatives will be at AsiaTechX from 29-31 May. To arrange an interview, please contact Melanie Dickie at [email protected]

About the Outernet:

The outernet is the first unified global communications network. Rivada's global low-latency point-to-point network of 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites is a unique next-generation constellation combining inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing and routing to create a ubiquitous optical mesh network in space. This "orbital network," in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over long distances. And by routing traffic on a physically separated network, it provides a layer of defense for any organization that needs to securely share data between widely distributed sites. The first satellite launch is set for 2025, with global service available in 2026.

Follow Rivada Space Networks on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rivada-space/

Twitter: @rivadaspace

Media Contacts

Melanie Dickie, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Rivada Space Networks GmbH

Tel: +31 6 14 22 97 62

Email: [email protected]m

Brian Carney, SVP Corporate Communications

Rivada Networks, Inc

Tel: +1 (207) 256-0386

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Rivada Space Networks
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Inland Empire Health Plan's (IEHP) Riverside Community Wellness Center (CWC) celebrated its first cohort of the 24/7 Dads program with a graduation ceremony for 22 participants on April 26.

Inland Empire Health Plans Community Wellness Center in Riverside recently completed its first cohort for 24/7 Dads, a program intended to help local fathers and father figures develop a stronger bond with their children. Center leaders and representatives from Sigma Beta XI honored 22 participants during a graduation ceremony on April 26. Cohorts last for six weeks and meet Fridays at the center off Tyler Street.

Established by Moreno Valley-based nonprofit Sigma Beta XI (SBX) Youth & Family Services, 24/7 Dads is a six-week program which introduces dads and father figures to curriculum intended to create a stronger bond between them and their children. By partnering with SBX, the Riverside CWC connects its community to an organization with strong ties in Riverside County and a mission of breaking the cycle of poverty and violence through mentoring, education and community organizing.

"We want to connect the community to support programs and tools that ensure both parent and child are growing up healthy and creating strong bonds with one another," CWC Supervisor Violeta Clarke said.

At the late-April ceremony, participants such as Van Houston of Riverside reflected on the program's importance, telling staff he hopes to spread the word about its benefits to his friends, neighbors and even strangers.

"The value of the program was the variety of topics discussed and the people brought in who were really engaging," said Houston. "For men, it's often a struggle to be vulnerable and show emotions outside of this type of environment, but this a great program to learn how."

A new 24/7 Dads cohort began on May 10, but registration remains open for future sessions, which meet every Friday from 4-6 p.m. until program completion. There is no cost to participate.

To register for the program or to learn more, visit the Riverside Community Wellness Center at 3590 Tyler St., Suite 101, or call 866-228-4347.

About IEHP

With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans, the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid public health plan in the country, and for the third year in a row, certified as A Great Place To Work. Founded in 1996, IEHP supports more than 1.5 million Riverside and San Bernardino County residents enrolled in Medicaid or IEHP DualChoice (those with both Medi-Cal and Medicare). As of 2024, IEHP also offers Covered California plans, further ensuring health care access for even more IE residents. Today, IEHP has a robust network of quality doctors throughout our two counties and nearly 4,000 team members who are fully committed to the vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health. To learn more, go to iehp.org.

SOURCE Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)
SAN JOSE, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentinel Resource Group (SRG), a premier firm specializing in comprehensive security risk advisory, assessments and complex investigations services, and Training Systems Design (TSD), an experienced innovator in training development, announce their strategic collaboration to provide turnkey solutions for employers required to comply with California's SB 553 workplace violence prevention program mandate.

Training Systems Design

Effective July 1, 2024, many California employers must have implemented comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plans (WVPP) to meet newly enacted statutory legal requirements. SRG and TSD now offer a full spectrum of compliance solutions, from scalable e-learning modules to fully developed and supported program deployments, ensuring businesses can meet these demands effectively.

Wesley Bull, CEO of Sentinel Resource Group, underscored the strategic significance of this collaboration: "Partnering with Training Systems Design represents a pivotal advancement in delivering holistic solutions to California employers, equipping them to meet the rigorous requirements of workplace safety and comply with the extensive preliminary elements mandated by the workplace violence prevention program."

Bull further clarified, "There is a widespread misunderstanding that SB 553 merely calls for a training program. This is a misconception. SB 553 mandates a robust, comprehensive workplace violence prevention program, with training being just one integral aspect. Our alliance with TSD harnesses our combined expertise, offering a spectrum of tailored solutions to our clients."

Max Holvik, CEO of Training Systems Design, added, "We are thrilled to partner with Sentinel Resource Group to address the critical need for effective workplace violence prevention programs. The combination of SRG's strong domain expertise and TSD's experience in creating high-quality training programs will enable businesses to meet compliance requirements with ease and confidence, while also fostering a safer work environment. This is an important concern for employers, employees, and society at large. We are highly motivated to help companies stay compliant with this new law, primarily to keep their employees safe, but also to help them avoid high fees for lack of compliance.

Key Offerings:

E-Learning Modules : Customizable and scalable e-learning programs for workplace violence prevention, designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Learning Management Systems (LMS), allowing for light customization and branding.

: Customizable and scalable e-learning programs for workplace violence prevention, designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Learning Management Systems (LMS), allowing for light customization and branding. Comprehensive Program Development : End-to-end support in developing, implementing, and maintaining a holistic Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, ensuring compliance with SB 553 requirements.

: End-to-end support in developing, implementing, and maintaining a holistic Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, ensuring compliance with SB 553 requirements. Tiered Solutions: Three product tierssilver, gold, and platinumcater to different compliance needs, from basic training modules to fully customized program development and implementation.

For more detailed information on our offerings and to book a consultation, please visit explore.sb553courses.com.

Through this collaboration, SRG and TSD provide California employers with expert-driven, purpose-built solutions to address their workplace violence program legal compliance obligations effectively and efficiently.

Media Inquiries:

About Sentinel Resource Group Sentinel Resource Group (SRG) specializes in comprehensive security risk management, threat assessments, intelligence and investigations services for global corporations, law firms, and high-profile individuals. The firm is entrusted to advise several of the world's most iconic brands, law firms, and people, on their most critical and sensitive matters.

Sentinel Resource Group Website: www.srgrisk.org

About Training Systems Design

Training Systems Design is a leading provider of learning and development solutions for corporations. The firm has created more than 1,000 training solutions on everything from safety and compliance to leadership and sales training; and in many modalities, including eLearning, in-person training, train-the-trainer programs, VR solutions, and more. The firm is dedicated to creating innovative training programs rooted in strong learning science that enhance business training initiatives across various industries and functions. Training Systems Design Website: www.trainingsystemsdesign.com

SOURCE Sentinel Resource Group
A Portion of Proceeds from the Limited-Edition to Support Nonprofit

To Write Love on Her Arms with Funding LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Programs

PARK CITY, Utah, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Pride Month, Skullcandy unveils its limited-edition All Love Terrain XL Wireless Bluetooth Speaker in partnership with To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), a nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. The limited-edition speaker is decked out in doodles to celebrate individuality, self-expression, and creativity, while the ombre colorway puts a fresh spin on the traditional rainbow. Each speaker comes with a beaded lanyard for easy carry. The limited-edition All Love Terrain XL will begin selling May 28, exclusively on Skullcandy.com. A portion of proceeds will help To Write Love on Her Arms fund mental health support programs designed specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Skullcandy Unveils Limited-Edition Terrain XL Speakers in Celebration of Pride Month

"Skullcandy actively champions mental health, with a focus on supporting programs dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community during this time of year," said Justin Regan, VP of Marketing, Skullcandy. "Through our longstanding partnership with To Write Love on Her Arms we're able to raise awareness, provide critical mental health resources and advocate alongside the LGBTQIA+ community."

The LGBTQIA+ community faces higher-than-average rates of depression, PTSD and anxiety disorder. TWLOHA is dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with these and other trauma and stress-related conditions. Skullcandy is committed to raising awareness, providing critical mental health resources and advocating alongside the LGBTQIA+ community. The brand has been a consistent partner with TWLOHA for over four years, and to date, the company has donated over $100,000 for the nonprofit organization.

Tech specs tied to the Skullcandy Limited-Edition Terrain XL Wireless Bluetooth Speakers include:

Skullcandy Limited-Edition Terrain XL Wireless Bluetooth Speakers  $89.99 MSRP

Up to 18 Hours Battery Life

IPX7 Water Resistant  Fully waterproof design means this Bluetooth speaker is able to withstand full immersion down to 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. Acoustically transparent waterproof fabric mesh is engineered to maximize the passthrough of high frequency audio waves, keeping the speaker's sound bright and crystal clear. Perfect for traveling, camping, boating, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures.

 Fully waterproof design means this Bluetooth speaker is able to withstand full immersion down to 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. Acoustically transparent waterproof fabric mesh is engineered to maximize the passthrough of high frequency audio waves, keeping the speaker's sound bright and crystal clear. Perfect for traveling, camping, boating, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures. Supreme Sound  Exceptional sound quality with powerful bass even at home, the park, or on the beach.

 Exceptional sound quality with powerful bass even at home, the park, or on the beach. Connect to Multiple Source Devices  Connect to two devices at once and easily switch between the audio source with a click of the BT button.

 Connect to two devices at once and easily switch between the audio source with a click of the BT button. True Wireless Stereo  Create an immersive stereo sound experience by connecting two Terrain speakers to each other wirelessly!

 Create an immersive stereo sound experience by connecting two Terrain speakers to each other wirelessly! SKDY Multi-Link  Wirelessly connect up to 99 Skullcandy speakers.

 Wirelessly connect up to 99 Skullcandy speakers. Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 Streaming  Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 chip, ensures stable transmission up to 33 ft ( 10m ) long range.

To Write Love on Her Arms exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. For more information, please visit twloha.com .

For more information on Skullcandy, Skullcandy.com or follow the brand on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube , Twitter and Facebook .

About Skullcandy

Skullcandy is the original, irreverent, lifestyle audio brand, born of action in 2003 on a chairlift in Park City, Utah. On a mission to connect the fearless ones and amplify experiences while unleashing creativity on the mountains, beaches, and streets. With a deep commitment to boardsports communities, Skullcandy products deliver killer sound and performance with unique style. A full assortment of headphones, earbuds and portable speakers are created, tuned and tested to deliver music you can feel, specially engineered to provide a deeper, more immersive listening experience. Skullcandy designs, markets and distributes its audio products through a variety of distribution channels globally. The company's website can be found at www.Skullcandy.com.

About TWLOHA

To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and invest directly into treatment and recovery. Since its start in 2006, they have donated over $2.6 million directly into treatment and recovery and have answered over 210,000 emails from over 100 countries, and traveled more than 3.8 million miles to meet people face-to-face at nearly 3,000 events. Each month, they connect with 10 million people online through social media and their FIND HELP Tool fields 3,500 searches made by people seeking mental health resources.

SOURCE Skullcandy
Info-Tech Research Group's latest blueprint emphasizes the crucial role of Smart Manufacturing 5.0 in modernizing production and offers key strategies for integrating advanced technologies and human-centric practices. The newly published research provides actionable insights to enable manufacturers to enhance operational efficiency, improve product customization, and ensure sustainable practices. By leveraging these strategies, organizations can effectively address challenges such as legacy system integration and workforce skill development to ultimately achieve a competitive and technologically advanced production environment.

TORONTO, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Global manufacturers are facing increasing demands for greater efficiency, customization, and sustainability, making the integration of advanced technologies essential. The shift to Smart Manufacturing 5.0 addresses these challenges by combining the innovations of Industry 4.0 with a focus on human-centric, resilient, and sustainable practices. While many organizations are still struggling to achieve Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing 5.0 offers a more efficient approach to modernizing production, enhancing workforce skills, and overcoming legacy system obstacles. Info-Tech Research Group's latest blueprint, Bring Your Factory to Life With Smart Manufacturing 5.0, provides a comprehensive guide for manufacturing leaders to navigate this evolution. This blueprint offers strategies to integrate cutting-edge technologies and create a technologically advanced and competitive production environment.

Info-Tech Research Groups Bring Your Factory to Life With Smart Manufacturing 5.0 blueprint offers actionable insights to enable manufacturers to enhance operational efficiency, improve product customization, and ensure sustainable practices. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group)

"Throughout the evolution of industry from 1.0 to 4.0, we have seen major industrial changes that have significantly impacted the strategic decisions being made by organizations," says Kevin Tucker, research advisory practice lead at Info-Tech Research Group. "Most manufacturing organizations have now achieved some level of implementation that includes Industry 4.0 technologies, with cloud services being the most widely adopted. Now that we are in the midst of the next evolution  Industry 5.0 and Smart Manufacturing 5.0  integrating technology and people has become crucial."

Info-Tech's research highlights how Smart Manufacturing 5.0 can revolutionize the manufacturing industry by integrating advanced technologies with human-centric practices. By leveraging AI, IoT, and robotics, manufacturers can enhance operational efficiency, improve product customization, and ensure sustainable practices. The firm's blueprint provides an actionable framework to implement these technologies cohesively, addressing challenges such as legacy system integration, workforce skill development, and data management. Embracing Smart Manufacturing 5.0 enables manufacturers to stay competitive, meet evolving market demands, and drive long-term growth.

"Organizations must embrace Industry 4.0 tools and technologies and begin to focus on Smart Manufacturing 5.0 if they hope to achieve exponential growth or protect their market share from competitors who are doing so," explains Tucker. "A more rapid adoption of Smart Manufacturing 5.0 and Industry 5.0 than of Industry 4.0 is anticipated due to the widespread acceptance of the integration of AI, ML, and humans as an essential component of any successful business model that prioritizes sustainability, quality, efficiency, and the wellbeing of employees."

In the blueprint, the firm emphasizes the critical role of Smart Manufacturing 5.0 in modernizing manufacturing practices. By seamlessly integrating advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics, manufacturers can achieve greater operational efficiency, enhanced product customization, and sustainable practices. The research advocates for a strategic approach, highlighting the importance of addressing legacy system integration, workforce skill development, and data management. Implementing these strategies allows manufacturers to respond more effectively to market demands, ultimately leading to improved competitiveness and long-term growth.

The goal of Smart Manufacturing 5.0 is to combine the best of Industry 4.0 with the attributes of Industry 5.0, creating solutions that are cyberphysical, mass-customizable, collaborative, cognitive, and environmentally friendly. Info-Tech's blueprint outlines the following 12 key attributes of Industry 5.0, which include human-centricity, resilience, and sustainability, integrated with Smart Manufacturing 5.0 practices:

Autonomous Manufacturing: Leveraging AI and robotics for self-operating production systems. Focus on Customer Experience: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and engagement. Personalization of Functions and Processes: Customizing manufacturing processes to meet individual needs. Responsive Supply Chain: Adapting supply chains swiftly to market demands. Resilience to Adapt to Market Shifts: Building systems that can withstand and adapt to changes. Creation of a Sustainable Healthy Environment: Reducing environmental impact through sustainable practices. Demonstration of Exceptional Value to Society: Contributing positively to societal wellbeing. Quality in Craftsmanship: Ensuring high standards in product creation. Human-Centricity Internally and with Customers: Focusing on the wellbeing and involvement of workers and customers. Safe Collaborative and Cognitive Robotics: Utilizing robots that safely interact and collaborate with humans. Dynamic and Transparent Customization: Offering customizable solutions with clear communication. Interactive Decision-Making: Engaging stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Info-Tech advises that achieving Smart Manufacturing 5.0 requires more than just integrating advanced technologies; it demands a strategic transformation of manufacturing practices. By adopting these strategies, manufacturers can achieve greater efficiency, enhance product quality, and promote sustainable operations. This forward-thinking approach enables manufacturers to meet current market demands and adapt to future challenges effectively. Investing in Smart Manufacturing 5.0 and following this structured framework and principles ensures that manufacturers can deliver innovative, high-quality products while maintaining a strong competitive edge in the dynamic industrial landscape.

For exclusive and timely commentary on this topic from Info-Tech's experts and access to the complete Bring Your Factory to Life With Smart Manufacturing 5.0 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 to 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
International collaboration highlights simulation's critical role

in addressing global healthcare challenges.

HARRISON, Ohio, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), in collaboration with the Society for Simulation in Europe (SESAM), is proud to announce the release of the "Global Consensus Statement on Simulation-Based Practice in Healthcare."

This groundbreaking statement, developed also in collaboration with representatives from 50 simulation societies across 67 countries, underscores the transformative power of simulation in healthcare education, training, and practice.

The Global Consensus Statement highlights simulation's impact on addressing global healthcare challenges, including education inequities, safety culture, and workforce resilience. It outlines how simulation is used across diverse healthcare domains, from clinical disciplines to quality improvement initiatives. The statement also emphasizes ethical considerations, such as equitable access, safety, and sustainability, in simulation practice.

Key Recommendations and Call to Action:

Adoption into Everyday Practice: Integrate simulation into daily learning and practice, promoting its use in patient safety initiatives and workforce development.





Integrate simulation into daily learning and practice, promoting its use in patient safety initiatives and workforce development. Curriculum Integration: Harmonize simulation curricula across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, fostering interprofessional learning opportunities.





Harmonize simulation curricula across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, fostering interprofessional learning opportunities. Quality Assurance: Develop and utilize evidence-based quality assurance tools, invest in faculty development, and evaluate simulation activities rigorously.





Develop and utilize evidence-based quality assurance tools, invest in faculty development, and evaluate simulation activities rigorously. Equitable Access: Ensure equitable access to high-quality simulation learning opportunities, particularly in low-resource and underserved areas.





Ensure equitable access to high-quality simulation learning opportunities, particularly in low-resource and underserved areas. Research and Scholarship: Promote research and scholarship in simulation to advance the field and improve patient outcomes.

The Global Consensus Statement calls upon policymakers, healthcare leaders, education institutions, and simulation practitioners to take decisive action to advance simulation in healthcare. This includes advocating for sustained resources, mandating the use of simulation, promoting best practice standards, and fostering research collaborations.

"As the SSH enters its third decade, we view this consensus paper as a reflection of our missionto serve a global community of practice enhancing the quality of healthcare through simulation," said Dr. Barry Issenberg, SSH President. "This document not only marks a milestone to reflect on what has been accomplished through healthcare simulation in a brief period but also serves as a sober reminder of the journey ahead to fully realize simulation's potential in enhancing patient safety and improving patient outcomes."

"This statement will act as a North Star, guiding us, our partner simulation organizations, higher education institutions, healthcare organizations, governmental and foundational groups, and the public."

The full Global Consensus Statement can be accessed through the Simulation in Healthcare Journal.

About the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH)

The largest healthcare simulation organization in the world, the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) is a 501(c)3 organization with 5,000 members from nearly 70 countries. SSH was established in 2004, and its purpose is to serve a global community of practice enhancing the quality of healthcare.

SOURCE Society for Simulation in Healthcare
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Spaceport Company (TSC) was awarded a contract by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to deliver cargo and enable greater access to space by leveraging a unique, sea-going mobile space launch complex. This prototype is intended to demonstrate delivery to a mission-designed orbit and test autonomy-like features of the sea launch vessel.

In Phase 1 of the Novel Responsive Space Delivery (NRSD) project, TSC will construct and demonstrate foundational maritime launch technologies within the next 12 months. Depending on TSC's Phase 1 outcome, DIU may award future modular phases to TSC. DIU's objective in this phased approach is to work with TSC as it constructs its self-contained, ocean-going space launch complex and creates the complex's capability to quickly deliver satellites to orbit from wide swathes of the ocean on a regular, commercial basis.

TSC builds infrastructure to solve the problem of launch site congestion. Founded in 2022, the team has over 30 years of combined experience in the space industry. Leveraging their extensive expertise as well as prior support from DIU's National Security Innovation Capital program, TSC developed a cost-effective, self-contained, and scalable rocket launch and landing site concept using ubiquitous commercial maritime vessels.

"Demand for launch sites exceeds supply, and building new launch sites on land is blocked by environmental concerns and community opposition. Furthermore, commercial launch companies seek a future with fleets of rockets delivering tons of cargo to and from orbit on an hourly basis. The only viable way to build enough launch site infrastructure to support such a vision is to build it on ships at sea. We are specialists in this area, having successfully launched four sounding rockets in one day from a commercial vessel," said Tom Marotta, CEO of The Spaceport Company. "I'm excited to deepen our partnership with the DOD to realize our shared vision of cost-effective, scalable, and reliable launch site access for both U.S. and allied partners."

DIU is an office within the U.S. Department of Defense that strengthens national security by accelerating the adoption of commercial technology throughout the military and bolstering our allied and national security innovation bases. DIU partners with organizations across the Department of Defense (DoD) to rapidly prototype and field dual-use capabilities that solve operational challenges at speed and scale. Upon completion, successful prototypes may transition to follow-on production-Other Transaction (OT) agreements or Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based contracts.

For more information about The Spaceport Company, visit www.thespaceportcompany.com

For more information about the Defense Innovation Unit, visit www.diu.mil/about

SOURCE The Spaceport Company
Deep-dive Into What Perpetuates Period Stigma and How We Can Work to Put An End to It

NEW YORK, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Period stigma may sound like something unfair, but actually, there are harmful consequences associated with it. And because it can come about in a variety of ways, many of which lead to a lower quality of life, illnesses, and worse, these societal issues are widespread and often debilitating.

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, INTIMINA Calls on the Importance of Breaking the Period Stigma for Good (PRNewsfoto/INTIMINA)

This shouldn't be the case when, in fact, period stigma is merely a product of myths, miscommunication, misconceptions, and misinformation. It doesn't serve a useful purpose but harms those who suffer because of it. After all, menstruation is a normal, natural, and healthy part of the reproductive cycle.

So, on this Menstrual Hygiene Day, let's talk about period stigma, how it affects some menstruating women, and how everyone could work towards making a change.

What Is Period Stigma?

Period stigma is a broad term for the discrimination faced by those who menstruate. And there are many different ways that this discrimination can read its ugly head. To name a few: lack of access to sanitation supplies, financial difficulties, reduced education and fewer job opportunities, verbal shaming such as using the words "dirty" or "unclean", and women feeling embarrassed or ashamed of their period.

In the bigger scheme of things, however, how does period stigma affect the women who menstruate?

The Harmful Effects Of Period Stigma

Women feeling embarrassed and ashamed, being called names because of their period, and not having proper access to menstrual products is only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many profoundly harmful effects of period stigma that can change the trajectory of people's lives for the worse. Here are some of the harmful effects of period stigma:

1. Implications Due To A Lack Of Education

Did you know that 1 in 10 girls across Africa miss school during their period (10-20% of school days)? This can carry a number of negative consequences.

For example, many school-going girls might drop out of school altogether because they're falling behind and unable to get the adequate education they need with so many missed days.

This could lead to a greater risk of them becoming child brides and/or falling pregnant. Not only that, but they'll likely struggle to find work because of their lower levels of education.

The result is often life-threatening economic issues and hardships, and possibly the cycle repeating itself.

2. Unsafe & Unsanitary Living Conditions Aka Period Poverty

In some developing countries, there is a lack of or no access to adequate toilets or clean water. And while this affects everyone involved, girls and women have an even bigger burden to carry as they're unable to manage their monthly period in a safe and hygienic way.

Additionally, many of these developing countries lack a reliable source of supplies and solutions, making it difficult for girls and women to leave home for school or work. This can have significant implications on one's mental and physical health, among other things.

But the thing is, period poverty exists in both developing and developed countries. For many, choosing between food or menstrual products is a reality. And for others, access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities is not even an option.

The World Bank estimates that at least 500 million women and girls across the globe don't have access to things they need to manage their menstruation.

The UN Women added to the consequences of period poverty with their statistics. It was found that, in 2019, 1.25 billion women and girls had no access to a safe, private toilet, and 526 million did not have a toilet at all.

Truth be told, this is a human rights issue, resulting in a lack of dignity and the removal of the right to bodily autonomy .

3. Medical Implications

It's been estimated that half of women and girls who lack access to period products and women's health services in some developing countries often have to make use of rags, grass, or paper during menstruation. This can be dangerous and can cause infections.

Additionally, female genital mutilation (FGM) is still rife in some African countries today. This will contribute to the dangers and medical issues associated with not having adequate products and facilities during menstruation.

And then let's talk about ancient rituals in some countries. Chaupadi , for example, is practiced in some parts of rural Nepal and involves girls and women being shunned to hut sheds during their period because menstruation is seen as "bad luck". There, they have no access to the things they need, which can lead to a range of health issues as well as physical and psychological hardships.

Despite this, however, many people around the world still view things such as menstruation and PMS as a joke, telling girls and women that they're "moody" because it's "that time of the month" when, in fact, it is a medical issue and a women's health issue.

4. Body Shaming

Period stigma can have a profoundly negative effect on the way in which a girl or woman sees herself. For example, this stigma can lead to decreased levels of physical and mental well-being, lower levels of sexual satisfaction and expectations, and make them feel as if they have a lower social status. This is only made worse by certain rituals that see menstruation as "dirty" or "unclean".

Take religion for example. There is a traditional Jewish term called "niddah", which is when a woman sleeps separately from her husband when she has her period. And in Islam, women are seen as "impure" during menstruation and are thus excused from prayers.

And then there are harmful myths that have body shaming effects. One being that some still believe that using a tampon will take away a girl's virginity.

5. Shame & embarrassment

While we just touched on body shaming, there is more to be said here: period shaming.

In an article written by Valerie Seibert called, Nearly Half of Women Have Experienced 'Period Shaming', it mentions that "58 percent of women have felt a sense of embarrassment simply because they were on their period."

Take period product advertisements, for example. Are these adverts a realistic depiction of monthly periods? Firstly, not only do the women in these ads look as though they love their period, but the text in menstrual ads often portrays themes of secrecy, shame, and purity.

Even Kotex, a popular brand of female hygiene products, once said in their 2013 ad, "Don't worry. Even your biggest crush won't know you're on your period".

Then, of course, girls and women have been socialized to believe that asking for, using, or buying menstrual products is embarrassing and shameful. Think about school girls who try to hide their pads or tampons by putting them up their sleeve before leaving class to visit the restroom. Or what about women at work who feel as though they have to do the same or feel embarrassed when they take a small bag with them to the bathroom?

The thing about period shaming, though, is that it prevents open conversations at school, at home, and in the media. This, in turn, prevents acceptance and creates more harm to a bodily function that is healthy and necessary.

6. Tampon Tax

One should consider something called "tampon tax" . In some countries, period products are seen as a luxury or a non-essential item for VAT purposes. FYI: it's not! For that reason, menstrual products are even more expensive than they should be.

And while many countries have now abolished tampon tax , it is still "a thing" in some countries.

Why? One reason is that VAT can be an important source of revenue for governments. Think about that for a minute.

A lot can be done to help remove the period stigma. For one, adequate period education in schools for all genders, open conversations with parents and their children (including their sons), and avoiding code words such as "Aunt Flo". But also advocating for improved access to menstrual products, better facilities, and better support. Everyone can play a role in trying to remove the period stigma and celebrate this life-giving monthly occurrence. To learn more about menstruation and to help shatter period stigma, check out Intimina's Period 101 guides .

About Intimina: Established in 2009, Intimina is Swedish brand complete line of products for women's intimate well-being. With three care ranges  Menstrual Care, Pelvic Floor Strengthening, and Feminine Wellness  Intimina has products for women of all ages. Every product is made from the highest quality body-safe materials, and has been designed and tested with the support of a worldwide group of medical consultants and gynecologists.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2423659/INTIMINA.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2018148/4729514/INTIMINA_Logo.jpg

SOURCE INTIMINA
LOS ANGELES, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP announced today that Real Estate Practice Group Chairs Joan Velazquez and Albert Valencia have been recognized by Los Angeles Times as Commercial Real Estate "Visionaries," and are profiled in the annual Commercial Real Estate Magazine, published May 19, 2024. This is the fourth consecutive year Velazquez and Valencia have been listed.

"Commercial real estate, not unlike numerous other industries, has gone through unprecedented challenges over the past few years," states the publisher. "Current trends indicate a strong, steady recovery and it's thanks to the resolve and savvy of CRE professionals that there is cause for an optimistic outlook."

Velazquez "is renowned for her innovative approach and unwavering focus on clients' business objectives," says the profile. "With a robust background representing diverse stakeholders in real estate, including owners, developers, investors, lenders and asset managers, she navigates complex projects seamlessly." Her expertise spans various property types, from office buildings to mixed-use developments, and she excels in structuring partnerships, joint ventures and intricate financing arrangements. Leveraging her tax acumen, Velazquez maximizes clients' returns while mitigating legal risks. Notable achievements include orchestrating the acquisition and financing of a $6.3 million hotel-to-apartment conversion in Madison, Wisconsin and facilitating the sale of a $150 million apartment complex in San Bernardino, California. She has received numerous accolades, including recognition as a Commercial Real Estate Visionary and Women in Real Estate Award recipient. She has been listed in both Best Lawyers in America and Southern California Super Lawyers.

Valencia "specializes in diverse real estate and business transactions," states the publication. "With a client base ranging from developers to commercial banks, he excels in acquisitions, joint ventures, financing and leasing across various asset classes." Prior to law, Valencia honed his expertise as a business consultant at global firms Arthur Andersen LLP and Deloitte Consulting LLP, working with Fortune 500 companies. Recent highlights include leading the recapitalization of a 113,991-square-foot office property in Agoura Hills, California and co-leading the purchase of a 25,410-square-foot mixed-use property in Park City, Utah. He has been recognized as a Commercial Real Estate Visionary, Minority Leader of Influence, Southern California Super Lawyer, and Connect Media Top Real Estate Lawyer.

Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP is a full-service firm that provides a broad range of business-related legal services including corporate law; litigation; intellectual property & technology law; real estate transactions and finance; construction & environmental law; tax planning and controversies; employment law; health care law; bankruptcy, receivership and reorganization; and estate planning. For more information, visit http://www.ecjlaw.com/

SOURCE Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP
Top landscape designs from UC Berkeley highlight

the importance of wildfire resilience for Wildfire Awareness Month

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Wildfire Awareness Month, the winning designs have been announced for a wildfire-resilient landscaping contest conducted at the University of California, Berkeley. A partnership with CSAA Insurance Group and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the contest was designed to produce innovative, affordable ideas for homeowners that emphasize wildfire defense while preserving attractiveness.

The winning designs have been announced for a wildfire-resilient landscaping contest conducted at the University of California, Berkeley. The contest was designed to produce innovative, affordable ideas for homeowners that emphasize wildfire defense while preserving attractiveness.

$10,000 : Grace Diebel / Shayda Rashidi

$5,000 : Madeira BooydeGraaff / Florencia Sepulveda Yanyao Cui Rebekah Cammack / Alison Dooley Nicolas Lira / Anna Niubo Bermejo

$1,000 : Grayson Curtis / Elias Demosthenes / Harrison Raine Mostafa Sedky Elisa Woodham



The winning designs are available for review at https://wildfireprepared.org/csaa-uc-berkeley-wildfire-prepared-home-design-winners/.

The contest was administered by UC Berkeley's Director of the Institute for Urban and Regional Development Kristina Hill, PhD, and contest judges included experts in landscape design and wildfire science and defense:

Elizabeth Boults  Faculty in Landscape Architecture & Environmental Design at UC Davis, Trustee of the American Society of Landscape Architects

 Faculty in Landscape Architecture & Environmental Design at UC Davis, Trustee of the American Society of Landscape Architects Steve Hawks  Senior Director for Wildfire, IBHS

 Senior Director for Wildfire, IBHS John Morgan  Staff Chief for Wildfire Risk Reduction, CAL FIRE

 Staff Chief for Wildfire Risk Reduction, April Owens  Executive Director, Habitat Corridor Project

 Executive Director, Habitat Corridor Project Steve Quarles  Advisor Emeritus, UC Cooperative Extension; former Chief Scientist for Wildfire and Durability, IBHS

 Advisor Emeritus, UC Cooperative Extension; former Chief Scientist for Wildfire and Durability, IBHS Bill Tyler  Fire Chief, Novato Fire Protection District

 Fire Chief, Fire Protection District Yana Valachovic  Forest Advisor and County Director, UC Cooperative Extension

"The goal of this contest was to inspire our students to apply their advanced knowledge of design and show that beauty and safety can be compatible goals, which they clearly achieved," said Dr. Hill. "While a changing climate may increase our wildfire threat, these award-winning designs illuminate that the visual draw and practical function of a home can go hand in hand."

The winning ideas feature full-landscape designs, with special emphasis placed on the zero-to-five-foot home ignition zone, consistent with the Wildfire Prepared Home standard developed by IBHS. Based on the latest wildfire research, this system of mitigation actions can meaningfully reduce the likelihood that embers will ignite a home.

"The science behind Wildfire Prepared Home proves that taking a system of actions to protect one's home from wildfire can dramatically reduce risk," said Alister Watt, chief product officer for IBHS. "As reflected in these landscape designs, the home ignition zone is crucial to establishing a line of defense against wildfire, and the good news is that it does not require sacrificing curb appeal."

The top designs addressed varying budget levels (low, medium, high) and in addition to establishing a completely noncombustible home ignition zone  which focuses on placing soils and hardscape rather than vegetation around a home's perimeter  emphasize removing flammable mulch, yard debris, trees, and bushes.

"We are thrilled to share these compelling landscape designs and hope they inspire property owners to embrace these ideas that protect and beautify," said Linda Goldstein, executive vice president of customer experience and marketing at CSAA Insurance Group. "By continuing to support innovative ideas that reduce risk, we remain committed to protecting our customers and our communities."

For more information about improving a home's wildfire resilience visit https://wildfireprepared.org/.

About CSAA Insurance Group

CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer, offers automobile, homeowners and other personal lines of insurance to AAA Members through AAA clubs in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1914, the company has been rated "A" or better by AM Best for more than 90 years and, with over $6 billion in revenue, is one of the top personal lines property casualty insurance groups in the United States. The company has been repeatedly named one of the 50 most community-minded companies in America by Points of Light. More information is available at http://csaa-insurance.aaa.com and on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and YouTube).

About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)

The IBHS mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss. Learn more about IBHS at ibhs.org.

About Wildfire Prepared Home

Wildfire Prepared Home is the first-ever wildfire mitigation designation program. Based on the latest wildfire research conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), it offers California homeowners a path to take the system of science-based actions shown to meaningfully reduce a home's wildfire risk. Learn more at wildfireprepared.org.

About the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

UC Berkeley is a public land-grant research university in Berkeley, California. It was established in 1868 as the University of California and is the state's first land-grant university and the founding campus of the University of California system. Berkeley is frequently ranked among the top universities worldwide. The College of Environmental Design (CED) stands among the nation's top environmental design schools. It is one of the world's most distinguished laboratories for experimentation, research, and intellectual synergy. The first school to combine the disciplines of architecture, planning, and landscape architecture into a single college, CED led the way toward an integrated approach to analyzing, understanding, and designing our built environment.

Press Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE CSAA Insurance Group
Leaders bring deep experience, innovative thinking at pivotal moment for international cooperation

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Nations Foundation today announced the appointment of Marc-Andre Blanchard of Canada and Susana Malcorra of Argentina to its Board of Directors. With experience spanning geographies, sectors, and institutions, they bring diverse expertise to the Foundation's Board at a critical time for the multilateral system and our shared future.

"It's my great pleasure to share that Marc-Andre Blanchard and Susana Malcorra have joined the UN Foundation's Board of Directors," said Ted Turner, Founder and Chair of the Board, UN Foundation. "We need bold ideas and leadership to reboot global cooperation for 21st century challenges. Their expertise will be invaluable to the Foundation at this make-or-break moment for our collective future."

"We are delighted to welcome Marc-Andre and Susana to our Board," added Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the UN Foundation. "These leaders bring an incomparable track record of fresh thinking, institutional creativity, and foresight. Their depth of experience and astute vision are tremendous assets, especially at a time when we are working to shape a more effective multilateral future for all amid fierce headwinds."

Marc-Andre Blanchard is Executive Vice-President and Head of CDPQ Global and Global Head of Sustainability, where he is responsible for coordinating CDPQ's international operations. In this capacity, he oversees CDPQ's international offices, ensuring the organization's positioning as an investment partner of choice, and supports the international growth and development of Quebec companies. He also oversees the organization's sustainability orientations and activities and leads CDPQ's strategy to integrate ESG factors into all investment activities. He sits on the Executive and Investment-Risk Committees.

Before joining CDPQ, Mr. Blanchard served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York from 2016 to 2020. From 2017 to 2020, he sat on Canada's North American Free Trade Agreement Council. Prior to that, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of McCarthy Tetrault, one of Canada's leading law firms.

"I'm honored to join the UN Foundation's Board of Directors," said Marc-Andre Blanchard. "I'm looking forward to working with my fellow Board members to tap the full potential and power of the private sector as we look to new partnerships and modes of cooperation to secure a better, fairer future for all."

Susana Malcorra is President and co-founder of GWL Voices, an association dedicated to advancing women's leadership in global cooperation. She is also a Senior Advisor at IE University in Madrid and previously served as Dean of IE School of Global & Public Affairs.

Ms. Malcorra was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Argentine Republic between 2015 and 2017. After stepping down, she served as Minister Advisor to President Mauricio Macri, coordinating and presiding over the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference and preparing for the 2018 G-8 Summit in Buenos Aires.

Prior to her service in Argentina's Government, Ms. Malcorra had an extensive UN career, which began in 2004 when she joined the World Food Programme as an Assistant Secretary-General and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing emergency and humanitarian operations in more than 80 countries. From 2008, she led the Department of Field Support for Peace Missions as Under-Secretary General of the UN where she provided logistics, communications, personnel, and financial support to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide. Between 2012 and 2015, Ms. Malcorra was Chief of Staff to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. In this role she coordinated the Mission on the Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons and the first Health Mission for Ebola Emergency Response in West Africa.

Before joining the UN, Ms. Malcorra's career in the technology and communications sectors spanned 25 years  from a systems engineer at IBM Argentina to Telecom Argentina where she retired as Chief Executive Officer in 2002.

"After seeing the Foundation's impact firsthand throughout my time working with the UN, I'm proud to join its Board of Directors," said Susana Malcorra. "We desperately need more  and more effective  global cooperation and I'm eager to help chart a course toward a revitalized multilateral system that can meet this moment and deliver for everyone, everywhere."

The UN Foundation Board of Directors includes the following global leaders with a range of expertise:

Ted Turner ( U.S.A. )  Founder and Chair of the Board, UN Foundation

 Founder and Chair of the Board, UN Foundation Valerie Amos (UK)  Vice Chair, UN Foundation Board; Master, University College Oxford

 Vice Chair, UN Foundation Board; Master, University College Oxford Elizabeth Cousens ( U.S.A. )  President & CEO, UN Foundation

 President & CEO, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah ( Jordan )  Chair, Jordan River Foundation

 Chair, Jordan River Foundation Fabio Colletti Barbosa ( Brazil )  Chairman of the Board, Natura &Co

 Chairman of the Board, Natura &Co Marc-Andre Blanchard ( Canada )  Executive Vice-President and Head of CDPQ Global and Global Head of Sustainability

)  Executive Vice-President and Head of CDPQ Global and Global Head of Sustainability Kathy Calvin ( U.S.A. )  Former President and CEO, UN Foundation

 Former President and CEO, Julio Frenk ( Mexico )  President, University of Miami

 President, Charles O. Holiday ( U.S.A. )  Chair, Global Federation of Councils on Competitiveness

 Chair, Global Federation of Councils on Competitiveness Naoko Ishii ( Japan )  Professor and Executive Vice President, University of Tokyo

 Professor and Executive Vice President, Frannie Leautier ( Tanzania )  Senior Partner, Southbridge Group

 Senior Partner, Southbridge Group Susana Malcorra ( Argentina )  President and Co-Founder, GWL Voices

 President and Co-Founder, GWL Voices Mark Malloch-Brown (UK)  President, Open Society Foundations; Former Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations

 President, Open Society Foundations; Former Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations N. R. Narayana Murthy ( India )  Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Infosys Limited

 Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Infosys Limited Edward Ndopu ( South Africa )  Founder and CEO, Beyond Zero; Founder and Chair, A Billion Reasons

 Founder and CEO, Beyond Zero; Founder and Chair, A Billion Reasons Laura Turner Seydel ( U.S.A )  Chair, Captain Planet Foundation; Director, Turner Foundation

 Chair, Captain Planet Foundation; Director, Marti G. Subrahmanyam ( India )  Charles E. Merrill Professor of Finance and Economics, Stern School of Business at New York University ; Global Network Professor of Finance at NYU Shanghai

 Charles E. Merrill Professor of Finance and Economics, Stern ; Global Network Professor of Finance at NYU Shanghai Hans Vestberg ( Sweden )  Chairman and CEO, Verizon

 Chairman and CEO, Verizon Timothy E. Wirth ( U.S.A )  former United States Senator; founding President, UN Foundation

About the UN Foundation

For over 25 years, the UN Foundation has built novel innovations and partnerships to support the United Nations and help solve global problems at scale. As an independent charitable organization, the Foundation was created to work closely with the United Nations to address humanity's greatest challenges and drive global progress. Learn more at www.unfoundation.org .

SOURCE United Nations Foundation
Organizing Streak Continues as 75 Drivers Become Third Group to Unionize in a Month

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Drivers at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) in Harrisburg, Pa., have voted nearly unanimously to join Teamsters Local 776. The 75-worker group overcame a nasty union-busting campaign by the food distributor, taking their fight to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to beat back efforts to outsource their jobs to notorious nonunion company J.B. Hunt.

UNFI Teamsters are seeking strong representation to address years of worker concerns amid company mismanagement.

"Organizing to become Teamsters helped bring us together for the greater cause. With Teamsters representation, we are now more confident knowing that everyone will have a say in our future," said Carlos Lugaro, a UNFI driver who helped lead the organizing effort. "I am proud that we held together in the face of the turmoil and discomfort of an unknown future. We can now move forward with the confidence of knowing we are not alone."

Lugaro and his co-workers are seeking a strong Teamsters contract that will improve wages, health care and retirement benefits, job security, and working conditions.

"Despite challenges, UNFI drivers at the Harrisburg facility were committed to become Teamsters since day one. They refused to fall for the company's union-busting tactics and stood arm-and-arm with Teamsters Local 776 to fight back. Workers proved to the NLRB that UNFI was trying to outsource their jobs to a third party to break up union organizing efforts," said Ed Thompson, President of Local 776.

The organizing victory in Harrisburg is part of a national worker-led movement to unionize UNFI and follows recent wins in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Washington. In May alone, more than 250 UNFI workers joined the Teamsters at three different UNFI locations. Since 2022, over 1,500 workers at the company have become Teamsters nationwide.

"Drivers in Harrisburg showed courage and put it all on the line to secure this crucial victory," said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. "UNFI workers know that the Teamsters are relentless in our fight for a better workplace. This victory in Harrisburg is just another example of workers' resolve to take control of their future. We will not rest until every UNFI worker in this country has the representation and respect they deserve."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Daniel Moskowitz, (770) 262-4971

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Initiation of global clinical development program for RVL-001 in Rett syndrome underway, with recently announced Rett studies in the US led by Vanderbilt and in Colombia led by Unravel.

BOSTON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Unravel Biosciences, Inc., ("Unravel"), an AI-enabled therapeutics company established to advance drugs for complex diseases, today announced that it has received Orphan Drug Designation from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for vorinostat (RVL-001) as a treatment for Rett Syndrome.

Unravel's proprietary BioNAV drug discovery platform identified RVL-001 as a promising therapeutic for Rett Syndrome. Over the past 18 months, Unravel has moved efficiently and rapidly towards clinical testing of RVL-001 in Rett patients. Last year, Unravel announced that it had received positive pre-IND meeting feedback from the FDA for its proposed proof of concept Rett study. In March of this year, Unravel announced the initiation of RVL-001 clinical trial material manufacturing for use in upcoming Rett syndrome clinical trials in the US and Colombia. And last month, Unravel announced its collaboration with Vanderbilt University on a landmark multicenter US clinical study that will evaluate RVL-001 in Rett syndrome patients.

"Receiving an Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA is a validation of our team's commitment to developing new treatment options that can benefit the lives of patients with rare diseases," said Richard Novak, Ph.D., Unravel Co-Founder and CEO. "Today's milestone, along with our recently announced Rett clinical trial collaboration with Vanderbilt and our upcoming POC Rett study in Colombia, illustrates the paradigm-shifting speed by which Unravel can rapidly prototype drugs and evaluate their efficacy in patients."

Rett syndrome is a rare neurogenetic disorder starting in early childhood and leading to debilitating cognitive, motor and autonomic disability. With a global incidence of one in 10,000 female births, Rett Syndrome represents an orphan disease with widespread impact and only one FDA-approved treatment, with a continued unmet need for novel treatments having meaningful efficacy and acceptable safety and tolerability. In addition to Unravel's RVL-001 program, the company has also initiated development work on RVL-002, a first-in-class novel molecule for Rett syndrome.

About Unravel Biosciences

Unravel Biosciences is the first rapid prototyping therapeutics company, integrating AI systems biology computation with rapid in vivo screening and clinical validation of discovered targets with unprecedented efficiency. Unravel leverages its proprietary BioNAV platform combining target and drug discovery, preclinical screening and patient stratification to find treatments for complex diseases. Unravel's platform has led to four clinical trials starting in 2024. Unravel's platform developed RVL002, a first-in-class new small molecule targeting mitochondrial metabolism, and RVL027, a molecule targeting a novel mechanism to treat dystonias. The rareSHIFT program provides platform access to foundation and biotech partners to accelerate and clinically derisk therapeutics. www.unravel.bio and www.rareshift.org

SOURCE Unravel Biosciences, Inc.
Leveraging Data to Drive Maintenance-first actions that improve overall supply chain throughput across the DAF.

NEW YORK, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ThroughPut.ai , the Supply Chain Decision Intelligence Pioneer, announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a (SBIR Direct-to-Phase II contract) in the amount of $1,248,627.00 focused on "AI-Powered Proactive Supply Chain Capabilities" to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on April 17th, 2024, ThroughPut.ai will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

"ThroughPut.ai looks forward to supporting efforts to accelerate inventory flow across the United States Air Force," said Ali Raza, CEO & Founder of ThroughPut.ai. "By driving inventory/materiel management changes at the maintenance endpoint first, supply chain improvements can then be amplified across the greater industrial base to create aircraft capacity."

"The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government."

About ( ThroughPut.ai )

ThroughPut.ai is a Silicon Valley-based supply chain optimization & predictive replenishment company. The company's software AI platform has the ability to identify location-, product-, and customer-based demand changes sooner in order to adjust order frequencies, vendor sources, and parts buffer levels at a global and local scale. ThroughPut's platform was designed by Fortune 500 & technology executives with real-world experience managing demand & supply chain disruptions and war-zone logistics across the Middle East.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com .

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,100 new contracts worth more than $4 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: www.afwerx.com .

Company Press Contact:

Ali Raza

CEO/Founder

[email protected]

SOURCE ThroughPut Inc.
Hyundai secures the most brand wins; multiple hybrids awarded across new and used-car categories.

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, today announced the 2024 Best Cars for Teens . The awards recognize new and used cars that come highly recommended by critics and score well in factors including predicted reliability, safety features and crash scores.

Hyundai secured the most wins in the Best New Cars for Teens categories, with four awards. Hyundai was also recognized for three awards in the Best Used Cars for Teens categories, a testament to the brand's reputation for producing safe and feature-packed models across both new and used car segments.

Hybrid vehicles claimed three wins across eight new-car categories and three wins across five used-car categories. These award winners should appeal to environmentally and financially conscious teenagers.

"Amidst the excitement of summer break, the 2024 Best Cars for Teens awards serve as a tool for families, ensuring their teen hits the road with confidence and safety," explains Liz Opsitnik , executive editor, U.S. News. "Each winning vehicle offers active safety features and strong crash test ratings, empowering new drivers behind the wheel and reducing accident risks."

All 2024 Best New Cars for Teens include safety features such as forward collision and lane-departure warnings, forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Select winners are also equipped with teen driver controls or available smartphone apps that send alerts when the car exceeds a set speed or is driven after designated curfews or outside of specified geographic areas. These features enable parents and guardians to set limits for teen drivers while simultaneously guiding them toward responsible and mindful driving habits.

The 2024 Best New Cars for Teens

The 2024 Best Used Cars for Teens

Each Best New Cars for Teens winner has the best combination of predicted reliability ratings, crash test scores, available advanced driver-assistance features and top critics' recommendations in its price category. Read more about our new-car ranking methodology here .

To be named a Best Used Car for Teens, a vehicle must be from the 2019 through 2021 model years and have the best combination of dependability and safety ratings, projected ownership costs, positive reviews from critics and available crash-prevention tech in its category. Read more about our used-car ranking methodology here .

For more information on the Best Cars for Teens , explore Instagram , Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok using #BestCarsForTeens.

About U.S. News Best Cars

Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings of the majority of new vehicles sold in America. Each year, U.S. News also publishes the Best Cars Awards, including Best Vehicle Brands , Best Cars for the Money and Best Cars for Families . U.S. News Best Cars supports car shoppers throughout the entire car buying journey, offering advice for researching cars and finding cars for sale . U.S. News Best Cars helped more than 61 million car shoppers in 2023.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.
HONG KONG, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- XTransfer, the World's Leading & China's No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with TerraPay, a leading global money movement company. This new alliance aims to revolutionise payment solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in international trade, providing them with secure, compliant, fast, and cost-effective cross-border payments and fund collection solutions.

Through this partnership, XTransfer will be able to leverage TerraPay's global payments infrastructure to enhance its service offerings, enabling its customers to execute local payments on a global scale, and settle payments in local currencies across 136 countries and regions, including emerging markets such as Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This partnership will be instrumental in boosting cross-border trade while significantly broadening the spectrum of payment methods available to SMEs.

Violas Xiao, Local CEO of Singapore at XTransfer, said, "This partnership is a significant milestone for XTransfer, as it greatly enhances our global payment capabilities. By leveraging TerraPay's extensive global payments network, XTransfer has achieved significant cost savings and accelerated our market entry time, eliminating the need for local rebuilding efforts. This collaboration further exemplifies our dedication to empowering SMEs in their global expansion and enhancing global competitiveness through innovative trade payment solutions".

Sukesh Malliah, Vice President - Asia Pacific at TerraPay, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with XTransfer to enhance cross-border payment solutions for SMEs globally. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing innovative and reliable financial solutions that drive efficiency and inclusivity. Together, we aim to empower SMEs with the tools they need to succeed in the global marketplace, fostering economic development and connectivity in emerging markets."

This partnership aligns with TerraPay's goals of pushing the boundaries for global businesses and driving financial inclusion, especially in inaccessible markets. By collaborating with XTransfer, TerraPay strengthens its position as a key player in the global payments industry, enhancing its ability to serve a diverse range of clients across various regions.

About XTransfer

XTransfer, World's Leading & China's No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, is dedicated to providing SMEs with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost foreign trade payment & fund collection solutions, significantly reducing the cost of global expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Shanghai and has branches in countries and regions such as Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Singapore. XTransfer has obtained local payment licenses in countries and regions such as Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. With more than 450,000 enterprise clients, XTransfer has become the industry No.1 in China.

By cooperating with well-known multinational banks and financial institutions, XTransfer has built a unified global multi-currency clearing network and built a data-based, automated, Internet-based and intelligent anti-money laundering risk control infrastructure centred on small and medium enterprises. XTransfer uses technology as a bridge to link large financial institutions and small and medium enterprises around the world, allowing SMEs to enjoy the same level of cross-border financial services as large multinational corporations.

XTransfer completed its Series D financing in September 2021 and achieved unicorn status. The Company possesses a diverse composition of international investors, including D1 Capital Partners LP, Telstra Ventures, China Merchants Venture, eWTP Capital, Yunqi Capital, Gaorong Capital, 01VC, MindWorks and Lavender Hill Capital Partners.

For more information: https://www.xtransfer.com/

About TerraPay

TerraPay simplifies the movement of money everywhere  providing a single connection to the most expansive cross-border payments network regulated in 31 global markets and enabling payments to 144+ receive countries, 210+ send countries, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts and 2.1Bn+ mobile wallets. TerraPay is on a mission to connect a borderless financial world, making moving money everywhere instant, reliable, transparent and fully compliant. TerraPay pushes the boundaries for global businesses  ranging from banks, fintechs and money-transfer operators to travel businesses, creator economy platforms and e-commerce marketplaces  while driving financial inclusion in even the most inaccessible markets. Founded in 2014, TerraPay is headquartered in London, with global offices across Dubai, Miami, Bogota, Dakar, Joburg, Nairobi, Milan, Singapore, Bangalore and is expanding rapidly, having received funding from leading investors, including the IFC (the World Bank), Prime Ventures, Partech Africa and Visa.

For more information visit: terrapay.com

SOURCE XTransfer
BETHLEHEM, Pa., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Young Women's Christian Association of Bethlehem PA ("YWCA Bethlehem"), a community services organization, confirmed today that it experienced a data incident in February 2024 and will issue notices to affected individuals and relevant state and federal agencies about the Incident.

On February 26, 2024, YWCA Bethlehem discovered suspicious activity involving two (2) of the organization's email accounts (the "Incident"). YWCA Bethlehem immediately began an investigation and took steps to contain the situation, including changing passwords and expanding the use of multi-factor authentication, engaging cybersecurity and privacy professionals to assist the investigation, and engaging additional experts to improve security and privacy practices going forward.

At this time, and due to the nature of the Incident, the investigation remains ongoing into the types of data and identity of individuals who were affected by the Incident. The investigation has found evidence that unauthorized actors potentially acquired data from the affected YWCA Bethlehem email accounts in February 2024. While there is currently no indication that the unauthorized actors have misused any information for identity theft or fraud in connection with this Incident, YWCA Bethlehem is providing this notice so any individuals who may be potentially affected are made aware of the situation.

While the investigation is ongoing, there is a possibility that the following types of information may have been impacted: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number or other government-issued identification number, financial account information, payment card number, username/email address and password, clinical or treatment information, medical provider name, medical record number, patient account number, medical procedure information, health insurance information, and/or prescription information. Note that this describes general categories of information identified as present within the affected systems during the Incident and includes categories that are not relevant to each individual whose information may have been present.

Although YWCA Bethlehem is unaware of any misuse or identity fraud related to this Incident, it encourages individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud, to review account statements, explanation of benefits forms, and to monitor free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. Under U.S. law, individuals are entitled to one (1) free credit report annually from each of the three (3) major credit reporting bureaus. Additional information and resources are outlined below.

Equifax Experian TransUnion https://www.equifax.com/personal/cred

it-report-services/ https://www.experian.com/help/ https://www.transunion.com/

credit-help 1-888-298-0045 1-888-397-3742 1-833-395-6938 Equifax Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 105069

Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 Experian Fraud Alert, P.O. Box

9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Fraud Alert,

P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA

19016 Equifax Credit Freeze, P.O. Box

105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 Experian Credit Freeze, P.O.

Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Credit Freeze,

P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA

19094

Moreover, information regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, security freezes, and the steps an individual can take to protect personal information may be obtained by contacting the consumer reporting agencies, the Federal Trade Commission, or the appropriate state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission can be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Individuals can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by calling 1-877-438-4338. Individuals should file a police report if they are a victim of identity theft or fraud. To file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, an individual will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim.

If you have questions for YWCA Bethlehem, you can contact YWCA Bethlehem's Executive Director, Delia Marrero at 610-867-4669 ext. 102 or by email at [email protected].

SOURCE YWCA Bethlehem
The Buffalo Diocese abruptly canceled an upcoming concert at St. Joseph Cathedral that was to feature performances by the Buffalo Gay Mens Chorus and five other choral groups.

A diocese spokesman issued a statement to The News on Monday afternoon stating that the cathedral will not host the concert because one of the choirs set to perform is a group whose values are inconsistent with Catholic teaching. The spokesman confirmed that the choir referenced in the statement is the Buffalo Gay Mens Chorus.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church has offered its sanctuary on Main Street for the Summer Choir Festival, which had been scheduled for 5 p.m. June 9 in the cathedral.

The festival was organized and planned for months by Greater Buffalo Friends of Music.

Tim Socha, artistic director of Greater Buffalo Friends of Music and music director at the cathedral, on Wednesday notified participating choral groups of the cancellation.

Socha told The News that the dioceses decision prompted him to resign from his post at the cathedral after more than 17 years.

I just find it totally unacceptable, he said.

Socha said he anticipated maybe a few voices might object to a gay chorus singing in a Catholic church but never figured it would lead to the concert being canceled.

It just should not be a problem, he said. Its just singing, and two songs at that. I mean, good heavens.

Socha said the Rev. Sean Paul Fleming supported the free concert, and the cathedral helped send out 8,000 postcards inviting community members.

He objected to this decision very strenuously but was overruled, said Socha.

Robert Strauss, artistic director for the Buffalo Gay Mens Chorus, said he and other members of the organization were angered and disappointed by the cancellation but also buoyed by the community support they received in the wake of the cancellation.

Theres a huge number of Catholics who are chiming in to say, This isnt what I believe, said Strauss.

Catholic Church teaching does not condemn a person for their sexual orientation, but it considers sexual activity between people of the same gender to be gravely immoral and it remains strenuously opposed to same-sex marriage.

Strauss said the choruss concerts are family friendly, and he believes any concerns the diocese might have could have been addressed through a discussion.

People can host what they want to, and we understand that. People need to feel comfortable having us in their space, he said.

Canceling the event less than three weeks out was strange timing, however, he said.

To think, isnt this 2024? Havent we moved past this already? I think that was everybodys first reaction to it, said Strauss. But Holy Trinity Lutheran stepped right up, so that was very reaffirming.

The Buffalo Gay Mens Chorus, which has been around for more than two decades and currently has about 40 members, has sung inside Catholic churches before, although never in St. Joseph Cathedral, the chief church of the Buffalo Diocese and home of the bishops seat.

Its first performance at a Catholic church in Buffalo in 2005 at Blessed Trinity prompted criticism from some conservative Catholics who at the time claimed that the chorus was part of a broad campaign by gay and lesbian activists to make their lifestyle widely acceptable throughout the country and open the door to gay marriages, which had not yet been legalized in New York.

The diocese maintained in its statement that it hadnt received all the details on what choirs would be performing at the concert when it was originally scheduled. It made the decision to cancel when all participants had been confirmed.

The other groups that were set to perform were: Buffalo Girlchoir, Harmonia Vocal Jazz, Holy Trinity Lutheran Choir, New Beginning Choral Ensemble and Vocalis Chamber Choir.

The full lineup, including the Buffalo Gay Mens Chorus, was listed in the Cathedral bulletin on May 12 and 19.
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Tel Aviv, May 28 : Amid growing international condemnation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the strike which killed scores of displaced Palestinians in Rafah on Sunday was a "tragic mishap".

At least 45 people were killed and hundreds of others injured in the Israeli strike, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Speaking in the Israeli parliament on Monday, Netanyahu said it was vital that Israel took "every precaution possible" to protect civilians caught up in the fighting in Gaza, the BBC reported.

But he insisted the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) used their "best efforts not to harm those uninvolved" in the conflict and vowed to keep fighting against Hamas.

"I don't intend to end the war before every goal has been achieved," Netanyahu said during his address.

"In Rafah, we already evacuated about one million non-combatant residents and despite our utmost effort not to harm non-combatants, something unfortunately went tragically wrong," he said, adding "We are investigating the incident".
Sanaa, May 28 : A military spokesman for Yemen's Houthi group has announced that the group had launched attacks on three ships in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

"The first (attack) targeted the American ship Larego Desert in the Indian Ocean, the second targeted the Israeli ship (MSC Mechela) in the Indian Ocean. The third targeted the ship (Minerva Lisa) in the Red Sea," Yahya Sarea said on Monday in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

Sarea said that his group also launched drone attacks against "two US warships in the Red Sea, and the hits were accurate," vowing to continue attacks until Israel stops its war in the Gaza Strip.

No public information could be found for the first two ships, but multiple maritime traffic trackers showed a Marshall Islands-flagged Largo Desert tanker en route from Durban, South Africa to Beira, Mozambique had been active in the area, Xinhua news agency reported.

Online tracker Marine Traffic showed Minerva Lisa was a crude oil tanker located in the Red Sea earlier in the day.

On Friday, the Houthi group claimed they launched a missile attack against Israeli ship Essex in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Houthis began last November to launch anti-ship ballistic missiles and drones targeting what they said were Israeli-linked ships transiting the Red Sea, to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

In response, the US-British naval coalition stationed in the waters has since January conducted air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to deter the group, but only led to an expansion of Houthi attacks to include U.S. and British commercial vessels and naval ships.
San Francisco, May 28 : At least 20 people have been killed after storms hit the US states of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky over the Memorial Day weekend.

In Texas, the storm destroyed a roadside travel stop and a community of mobile homes in Cooke County. Texas Governor Greg Abbot said at a press briefing on Sunday that seven people were killed and more than 100 others injured.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed at a press conference at the Benton County Sheriff's Office Sunday night that eight people have died in the storms

In Kentucky, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed one death following Saturday night's storms. Another person was killed in Mercer County, Kentucky, according to Mercer County Emergency Management Director Brad Cox. The third death was confirmed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. He declared emergency zones in five Kentucky counties.

In northeastern Oklahoma, two people were killed and others were injured after a tornado hit Mayes County, according to emergency management officials.

This is the deadliest tornado in Texas state history since 2015. The National Weather Service gave it a preliminary rating of EF-2 with 135 mph winds. Texas Governor Greg Abbot issued disaster emergencies across four counties.

Nearly 400,000 people in Missouri, Arkansas and Kentucky have no power after severe storms and tornadoes swept through the region, according to poweroutage.us.

Forecasters reported on Monday that the storms could shift east and impact the states such as New York and Alabama.
EU flags are seen outside the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 6, 2023.(Xinhua/Zheng Huansong/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

Brussels, May 28 : The Council of the European Union (EU) has announced a new framework for restrictive measures against Russia over the alleged poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

The sanctions regime involves trade restrictions on equipment, technology and software intended primarily for use in information security and the monitoring or interception of telecommunications, the Council said in a statement on Monday.

It also sanctioned one entity and 19 individuals alleged to have played key roles in the imprisonment and ultimate death of Navalny, Xinhua news agency reported.
New York, May 28 : The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday, following the deadly airstrike by Israel near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

The emergency meeting was requested by Algeria and supported by Slovenia, diplomats said on Monday.

The Hamas-run health authority in Gaza said 45 people were killed and dozens injured in the Sunday airstrike that hit tents housing displaced people.

Most of the victims of the airstrike were women and children, the health authority said, describing the incident as a "massacre".

--IANS/DPA

int/sha
Cairo, May 28 : Countries in the Middle East and the European Union have condemned Israel's airstrike on tents housing displaced civilians in northwestern Rafah of the Gaza Strip, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians and injuries to numerous others.

The Israeli airstrike targeted on Sunday evening the tents in a newly established camp for the displaced civilians in the southernmost Gazan city, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported. Local security sources said the area was supposed to be safe based on the classification by the Israeli army.

In response to the attack, Hamas has informed mediators that it will not participate in any negotiation for a ceasefire in Gaza or a prisoner exchange deal, a source in the movement said on Monday.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry on Monday issued a strong-worded statement condemning the attack as a severe violation of international laws that would worsen the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian enclave, Xinhua news agency reported.

It also expressed deep concern that the operation would complicate ongoing mediation efforts and hinder progress toward an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The ministry called on the Israeli authorities to comply with the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s decision to end military attacks on Rafah, urging the international community to take immediate action to prevent further atrocities and protect civilians.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the Israeli attack has led to another "horrendous" killing of Palestinian civilians, especially women and children.

In a post on social media platform X, he said the strike was a flagrant instance of "war crimes" and "in conspicuous violation" of the ruling by the ICJ ordering Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah.

Kanaani said whenever Israel faced "humiliating defeats" in the field, it would resort to committing such "insane war crimes" against Palestinian civilians.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called the deadly strike in Rafah a "massacre."

The operation, which took place amid the ICJ's call for a halt to the attacks in Gaza, "once again exposed the bloody and treacherous nature of the terrorist state," he said on social media platform X.

The Turkish leader also accused the Israeli government of resorting to further bloodshed in a desperate bid to extend its political tenure. "We will do everything in our power to hold these murderers accountable," he said.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said that "the attack was a crime against humanity and systemized state terrorism requiring accountability by international criminal law", according to WAFA.

The OIC reiterated its call for the international community to assume its responsibilities in obliging Israel to implement the ICJ orders to immediately stop the Rafah offensive.

European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also issued a stern condemnation. "Horrified by news coming out of Rafah on Israeli strikes killing dozens of displaced persons, including small children. I condemn this in the strongest terms," the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressed through social media platform X.

"There is no safe place in Gaza," he said, urging the immediate stop of the attacks and adherence to the orders of the International Court of Justice and international humanitarian law by all parties involved.

The targeted displacement camp in Rafah is located near the warehouses of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Wellington, May 28 : Australia and New Zealand have pledged millions of dollars of aid to Papua New Guinea in the wake of a deadly landslide.

Several villages in the province of Enga were hit when part of a mountain collapsed in the early hours of Friday in the remote central highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea's disaster agency has said more than 2,000 people could be buried under the rubble.

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said on Tuesday the government had approved an offer of practical and financial assistance, worth about New Zealand $1.5 million (US $923,000), to help with the response.

"The landslide in Enga Province in Papua New Guinea is an absolute tragedy. Our thoughts remain with all of those directly affected and the people and government of Papua New Guinea," Peters wrote on social media platform X.

"The precise nature of our assistance will be shaped by the needs of affected communities, as determined through ongoing discussions with PNG [Papua New Guinea] authorities," Peters added.

Overnight, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said it would provide an initial Australian $2.5 million (US $1.6 million) in humanitarian assistance.

"As a close neighbour and friend, we will be doing all we can to provide support," he wrote on X.

The Australian Defence Force was working closely with its counterparts in Papua New Guinea, Marles said. "This work is yet another demonstration of the close partnership between our nations and militaries."

--IANS/DPA

int/sha
Seoul, May 28 : United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will make a state visit to South Korea on Tuesday to discuss ways to expand cooperation in energy, defence and other areas.

Mohamed will visit South Korea for a summit with President Yoon Suk Yeol and meetings with business leaders on Tuesday and Wednesday. It marks the first state visit to the country by a UAE President, Yonhap news agency reported.

Four Air Force fighter jets will escort the UAE's presidential jet, and Yoon will host a welcome dinner.

On Wednesday, an official welcome ceremony will feature an air show by the Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatic team and traditional performances.

Yoon and Mohamed will then hold a summit to discuss cooperation in sectors that include energy, defence and investment.

During the two-day visit, the UAE President is expected to meet business leaders, including Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Euisun Chung of Hyundai Motor Group and Chey Tae-won of SK Group, according to industry sources.

Yoon made a state visit to the UAE in January 2023, the first such visit by a South Korean leader since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1980.

During the summit, Mohamed announced his country's plan to invest $30 billion in South Korea and signed 13 memorandums of understanding covering energy, arms and climate change, among other sectors.
Tel Aviv, May 28 : Republican party leader and former US envoy to the United Nations, Nikki Haley has blamed Iran, China and Russia for the October 7 attack in southern Israel in which 1,200 people were brutally killed and 250 taken as hostages by the Hamas terror organisation.

The top US leader, who is on a tour of Israel, in a statement on Monday said that Iran orchestrated the attack with the support of Russian intelligence and China funded the entire operation. Haley said that Russians provided the intelligence on the locations and China has been funding Iran.

Nikki Haley in the statement said, "They are all murderers and accomplices. If we really mean it is not going to happen again, we have to be honest and truthful to ourselves about who did this."

She also said, "if America became complacent and arrogant the same thing would happen in the US also".

Nikki Haley, however, did not present any proof of the involvement of the superpowers China and Russia.

However, it may be recalled that the Russian president, Vladamir Putin had hosted Hamas leaders in Moscow after the October 7 massacre. Hamas leaders Moosa Abu Marzouk, head of Hamas' International Relations Office, and Basem Naim, former health minister of Hamas. The Russian deputy foreign minister, Mikhail Bogdanov had met the visiting Hamas leaders along with Iran deputy foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani.

The Republican leader, who is likely to become the running mate to the party's Presidential candidate, Donald Trump, visited the southern Israel region. She also visited the Sderot police station that was destroyed in the October 7 massacre of Hamas.
New Delhi, May 28 : An IndiGo flight bound for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh received a bomb threat at Delhi airport on Tuesday morning, prompting authorities to declare an emergency, police said.

According to airline officials, IndiGo flight 6E2211 operating from Delhi to Varanasi had received a specific bomb threat at the airport. The threat call was received at around 5.40 a.m., said officials.

"All necessary protocols were followed and the aircraft was taken to a remote bay as per guidelines by airport security agencies. All passengers were safely evacuated via the emergency exits," said an airline official.

"The flight is currently undergoing inspection. Post completion of all security checks, the aircraft will be positioned back in the terminal area," the spokesperson added.

More details are awaited.
New Delhi, May 28 : A highway can sometimes transform the dining scene of a city. Two expressways definitely can.

In the case of New Gurgaon, the once-sleepy outpost of the Millennium City on NH-48, the Dwarka-Gurugram and Delhi-Mumbai expressways are bringing it closer than ever to both Delhi and Manesar's Japanese-dominated industrial townships.

These expressways, and the residential condominium complexes coming up around them, are dramatically transforming the area's landscape and presenting new opportunities to its solitary five-star hotel, Hyatt Regency Gurugram, which opened in 2013 and was last in the news when the Ministry of Home Affairs selected it as the venue for the G20 Conference on Crime & Security.

To celebrate New Gurgaon's increasingly international profile and re-establish its first-mover advantage, the hotel opened an izakaya-style Japanese casual dining restaurant-cum-bar named Shin'Ya this past week on May 23.

The 40-seater restaurant with minimalist decor and Japanese cafeteria-style seating, and music that gets pumped up as the evening progresses, does not need a lot of decorative embellishments because it is the food that does the talking here.

And in the hands of its presiding chef, Adi Melaz, an Indonesian master of Japanese cuisine previously with The Oberoi New Delhi, the classics are served just the way they're meant to be. So, if you're Japanese, it will bring tears of nostalgia to your eyes, and if you're a local in search of authentic -- and not Californicated -- fare, Shin'Ya, which means 'midnight', by the way, has to be your next pit stop.

From the gyoza (seared prawn dumplings) with a drizzle of a sweet and tangy sauce (tangy, because of the yuzu juice in it), to the addictive sweet miso-glazed melt-in-the-mouth black cod served with 'hajikami' (pickled ginger) sticks and 'umeboshi' (sour pickled plum) to balance the sweetness of miso, Shin'Ya doesn't let you down.

In between, you can progress from the classical miso soup, just the pick-me-up you need after a long drive from Delhi to New Gurgaon, with the vegetarians having the option of digging into a creamy soup of roasted kabocha pumpkin and leeks.

Your next step should be the prawn tempura (vegetarian option: seasonal vegetables) dusted with shichimi salt; the accompanying light and warm 'tentsuyu' sauce will add zing to your experience.

Next on the menu were the sushi, and the chef, being a sushi master, decided to surprise us (pleasantly!) with the Black Dragon, which combines the crunch of soft shell crab tempura with the oiliness of slivers of unagi (eel).

Combined with cucumber, tobiko (flying fish roe) and mayonnaise, it's an unusual sensory experience that you bite into.

Incidentally, the alternative for vegetarians, spicy avocado rolls, may not be as exciting, but even they score high in the taste test.

The chef's selection of sashimi -- 'maguro' (tuna), 'hamachi' (yellowtail), 'sake' (salmon) and 'hotate' (scallop) -- presented artistically on ice shavings, will make you fall in love with raw fish. Dipped into soy sauce charged up with wasabi (horseradish paste), the sashimi are indeed quite a treat.

For vegetarians, the alternative is asparagus and sesame 'wafu' dressing, which are not quite the same as sashimi!

From sashimi, progressing to the miso-glazed black cod (king mushrooms for vegetarians) is just what you'd want to do to go back home with a pleasant high (even if you have not had a couple of cups of sake!), but the chef had another plan for us.

Japanese meals do not end on a memorably sweet note, but the culmination of our meal was sesame pudding with azuki beans and a generous topping of 'kuromitsu' brown sugar syrup (similar to but thinner than molasses).

As you'd expect after a good Japanese meal, you feel satiated yet light, and go back home with a supreme sense of satisfaction.

Shin'Ya is a welcome addition to Delhi-NCR's rather limited number of Japanese restaurants. Its minimal look disguise a languid dining experience loaded with gustatory pleasures.
Chennai, May 28 : The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has directed the state power utility TANGEDCO not to conduct a technical feasibility study for solar rooftop proposals of up to 10 kilowatts.

The regulatory commission in the state in an order dated May 23, has directed the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) to exempt consumers using solar rooftops of up to 10 kilowatt power based on Rule 7(A) of Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2004.

The TNERC came out with the directive after TANGEDCO ordered an exemption on solar rooftops with a capacity of up to only 3 kilowatts.

The directive was required after several households complained that there was a delay in installing rooftop solar systems in households by the TANGEDCO.

The regulatory commission also directed TANGEDCO that the sanction power of the Grid Interactive Solar Photovoltaic Power System capacity of up to 10 kW should be delegated to the lower-level field officers.

While TANGEDCO has to conduct the study and produce the feasibility report for a solar rooftop project in households within a fortnight, consumers told IANS that there has been an inordinate delay.

Meenakshi Sundaram, a retired College professor, who wanted to install a solar rooftop connection of 8 kW, told IANS that there has been a long delay from Tangedco and several consumers like her were dejected.
Patna: A Patna-Delhi IndiGo flight which was forced to make an emergency landing at the Patna airport. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, May 28 : An IndiGo flight bound for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh received a bomb threat at Delhi airport on Tuesday morning, which later turned out to be a hoax, police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport) Usha Rangnani said that at around 5 a.m., information was received regarding a paper found in the lavatory of an Indigo flight scheduled to depart for Varanasi, with the word 'bomb@5.30' written on it."

"Following the standard security protocols, a thorough inspection was conducted, and no suspicious items were found," said the DCP.

According to airline officials, IndiGo flight 6E2211 operating from Delhi to Varanasi with 176 passengers onboard, had received a specific bomb threat at the airport.

The threat call was received at around 5.40 a.m., said officials.

"All necessary protocols were followed and the aircraft was taken to a remote bay as per guidelines by airport security agencies.

All passengers were safely evacuated via the emergency exits," said an airline official.

In a similar incident on May 16, a tissue paper, with the word "bomb" written on it, was found in the Air India flight AI819 lavatory at Delhi airport, prompting security agencies to conduct an inspection, but it turned out to be a hoax.
Seoul, May 28 : Nuclear envoys of South Korea, the US and Japan on Tuesday strongly condemned North Korea's latest attempt to launch a military spy satellite, casting it as a blatant violation of UN resolutions and a serious threat to peace.

Lee Jun-il, director general for Korean Peninsula policy, discussed the North's botched space rocket launch in three-way phone talks with his US and Japanese counterparts, Jung Pak and Yukiya Hamamoto, respectively, Seoul's foreign ministry said in a release.

"The three sides strongly condemned that North Korea, despite the repeated warnings from the international community, went ahead with the launch of the military reconnaissance satellite," the ministry said, reports Yonhap news agency.

The envoys "stressed that it was a blatant violation of UN Security Council resolutions banning the North from any such launches using ballistic missile technology and that its provocations pose serious threats to peace and security in the region and beyond."

The three sides vowed to continue coordination trilaterally and with the international community to prepare for the North's potential additional provocation, saying such acts will "only strengthen the three-way security cooperation."

The phone talks came after the North said it launched a new rocket carrying a military reconnaissance satellite from a launching site on its northwest coast on Monday. The launch failed due to the air blast of the rocket during the first-stage flight.

It was the first launch attempt by Pyongyang after it successfully put its first military spy satellite into orbit in November last year, following the two previous botched attempts in May and August, respectively.
Foreign nationals living in Canada on work and study visas can wait more than nine months to have their work permits renewed online or by mail.

Or, they can enter the United States, turn back around and trigger the process in-person with Canadian border personnel and see their paperwork process resolved in days or weeks.

Thanks to a Canadian loophole, its perfectly legal.

Its also a major headache for U.S. border personnel who have to spend at least 30 minutes processing each of those foreign nationals on their way back over to Canada. It causes backups on the bridges and ties up workers. And its about to get worse as the tourism season begins and the traffic hits it maximum volume.

Its putting the Niagara Falls and Western New York economy at risk by increasing traffic and wait times here at the border, hampering smooth commerce between nations and hampering tourism, said Sen. Chuck Schumer, who spoke out against the practice at the Rainbow Bridge on Tuesday.

The practice is called flagpoling because those who do it merely have to make a trip around the flagpole on the American side of the border, then circle back to Canada to start the process.

In January, typically a slow month, there were nearly 1,700 instances of flagpoling at the Rainbow, Lewiston and Peace bridges.

Every single one of those people uses an officer who cant do their usual job for a half an hour or more each time, Schumer said.

That takes time and energy away from important work border agents should be doing, like protecting against terrorism and other illegal activity, he said.

The temporary Canadian residents often are dropped off by taxi and wait on foot, sometimes in groups, said Ken Bieger, CEO of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.

They many times show up stressed, confused and unprepared, and not familiar with border processes, he said. Individuals can be found lining up in the middle of night and sitting on the concrete on the center of our pedestrian walkway just to be first in line or baking in the hot sun for hours during a hot summer day so that they could get processed and not turned away at the border.

Sometimes they wander into restricted areas looking for information and can cause security issues. Sometimes they try to cross busy traffic lanes. There is no way to tell how many people may show up on a given day, so staffing agents to deal with the extra processing times has been difficult.

You can imagine the safety concerns and the stress that this places on our bridge operators and customs agencys resources, he said.

Schumer and Bieger urged Canadian officials to close the loophole, make its paperwork process more efficient with improved technology.

Ensuring seamless, secure and swift travel between our countries is vital for the economic prosperity of both the U.S. and Canada, Schumer wrote in a letter to Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller. Delays significantly affect retail outlets, dining establishments, malls and various tourist spots on both sides of our shared border.
Brussels, May 28 : European Union defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss military aid to Ukraine, as well as efforts to strengthen Europe's defence industry.

The EU has pledged $5.4 billion in military aid to Ukraine through an off-budget fund called the European Peace Facility. But payments are being held up by Hungary. Each EU member state has a veto.

"This delay can be measured in terms of human lives," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday after a meeting of EU foreign ministers. "We have agreed that the Hungarian contribution to the European Peace facility will not be used to supply military support to Ukraine."

Ministers will discuss the battlefield situation in Ukraine. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will also participate in the discussions.

Also on the agenda is a 1.5 billion euro plan set out by the European Commission in March to strengthen the EU's armaments industry in order that it might be better equipped to defend itself and arm Ukraine.

--IANS/DPA

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New Delhi, May 28 : A 22-year-old alleged 'lady don', also a member of Deepak Agrola and Karamveer Kaala gang, was arrested from Fatehpur area in the national capital, said a Delhi Police's Special Cell official on Tuesday.

The accused was identified as Kaili Tanwar, a resident of Ghaziabad district in Uttar Pradesh and was also carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on her head.

According to police, specific input was received regarding one Kaili Tanwar, who was wanted in a murder case in Loni police station and living in the area of village Mandi, was going to be near the bus stand in Fatehpur, Delhi.

"On the basis of the above said information she was apprehended from the Fatehpur area on Monday," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Amit Kaushik.

During interrogation, she disclosed her involvement in the murder case and subsequently was arrested in Kalandra under section 41.1 (ba) Cr.P.C. and produced before the court.

The officer said that an old rivalry between two groups in Loni led to the murder.

"The accused of this murder belongs to Deepak Agrola and Karamveer Kaala gang. UP Police had declared a reward of 25,000/- on the arrest of Kaili," said the officer.

"Earlier on May 3, Md. Faijan a.k.a Nanhe, who was also wanted in the same case was also arrested by the team of Special Cell after a brief exchange of fire," the DCP added.
Bengaluru, May 28 : IT services major Wipro on Tuesday announced a partnership with the Centre for Brain Research (CBR), a non-profit research organisation, hosted at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to develop personalised AI-based health innovations.

The partnership will harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics and develop new technologies to prevent and manage long-term health disorders.

Wiproas research and development (R&D) team will design and develop an AI-based personal care engine that will focus on an individualas health history, desired health state, and other behavioural responses.

This will help promote healthy ageing, positive lifestyle changes, and psycho-social well-being, as well as focus on reducing and managing the risk of cardiovascular disease and correlated neurodegenerative disorders, by using AI.

The engine will be tested via a digital app-based trial in collaboration with CBR at IISc.

Dr Ajay Chander, Head of Research and Development, Wipro Limited, said that the collaboration "will pioneer personalised care support for some of the most chronic health challenges globally."

He noted that cardiovascular conditions that are of global concern "are a particular focus for us because of their strong association with long-term cognitive issues and the potential for broad health and wellbeing benefits at lower costs."

According to Professor K.V.S. Hari, Director of the Centre for Brain Research, the collaboration will "accelerate the path from research to real-world solutions in cognitive and overall health."
New Delhi, May 28 : AI-powered mixed reality (MR) publishing platform Flam on Tuesday said that it raised Rs 38 crore ($4.5 million) in a pre-series A funding round led by Turbostart, AI-focused Twin Ventures, Alphatron Capital, and notable angel investors, along with several family offices.

Existing backers such as US-based Inventus Capital Partners, SVQ, and 9Unicorns also invested.

The company said that the new funds will support Flam's global expansion into North America, Europe, and the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.

"Following the viral success of Britanniaas MR ad featuring Ranveer Singh, we've attracted interest from 100s of global brands across various industries. Just like video ads, MR will become permanent in the brandas marketing strategies worldwide," Shourya Agarwal, Founder, and CEO of Flam, said in a statement.

According to the company, Flamas technology is designed for scalability and is capable of serving billions of users. The platform features the fastest image recognition and top-tier image and ground tracking, powered by sophisticated AI algorithms.

"We havenat come across any other platform exposing consumers to MR so effortlessly," said Ganesh Raju, Founder of Turbostart.

"Flam eliminates friction -- with no need for headsets, app downloads, or web AR, making MR accessible through a simple link embedded anywhere -- social media, websites, and even offline channels," he added.

Flamas device-agnostic platform operates smoothly on all Android and iOS mobile devices, enabling rapid creation and deployment of MR content.
Mumbai, May 28 : In the upcoming episodes of 'Pushpa Impossible', viewers will see Prarthana (Indraxi Kanjilal) admitted to the hospital. When the police arrive to take her statement, she recalls that they might have hit a bike in the accident but doesn't disclose this to the police.

Mumbai, May 28 (IANS) In the upcoming episodes of 'Pushpa Impossible', viewers will see Prarthana (Indraxi Kanjilal) admitted to the hospital. When the police arrive to take her statement, she recalls that they might have hit a bike in the accident but doesnat disclose this to the police.

Instead, she confides in Bapodara (Jayesh Barbhaya), who advises her to keep this information secret. The media arrives at the chawl with the news, and Bapodara stands by his daughter, Prarthana, defending her during the media trial.

The previous episode showed Prarthana going to the market with her driver. While driving, the driver had a heart attack, prompting Prarthana to take control of the car. In the process, she accidentally hit a bike and then crashed into a tree.

Speaking about the upcoming sequence, Indraxi shared: "Prarthana is a very innocent person who is shocked to be accused by the media of a death in the accident. She is also facing deep emotional turmoil because she can't remember the entire incident."

"However, she eventually recalls what happened and bravely tells her father, Bapodara. He advises her to keep it a secret until they find any evidence. Despite Prarthana's good intentions, the situation makes it hard to prove her innocence. The upcoming episodes will show how Prarthana handles everything and how Bapodara stands up for her, fighting everyone to protect his daughter," she added.

The show stars Karuna Pandey in the titular role.

'Pushpa Impossible' airs at 9:30 p.m. on Sony SAB.
Los Angeles, May 28 : Hollywood star Jeremy Renner has faced significant challenges following his snow-plough accident. After the near-fatal incident, medical professionals told the actor that he wouldn't be able to run again.

The actor was seriously injured in the accident in January 2023, but Jeremy has managed to defy expectations by learning to walk and run again, reports aFemale First UKa.

Jeremy told aPeoplea magazine: "For me, it meant so much because to go from a wheelchair and limping around with the cane and (being) told youare never going to walk right again and you're never going to run again, it was pretty hopeful for me. It gave me an ally."

The actor recalled feeling hugely encouraged by his early progress.

Jeremy said, quoted by aFemale First UKa, "You got something on your side. When you get hope, hope is a powerful ally. A lot of things help us build hope, and progress helps us build hope. That's the easy one."

"Failures don't feel like they do, but they also really fuel hope because you could get progress out of failures. You can't really keep progressing without failing. You got to have both. You have to fail to succeed," he added.

Jeremy was injured when he tried to remove a stranded family member's car from the snow near his home.

The 'Hurt Locker' star broke more than 30 bones in the accident.
Amaravati, May 28 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that party founder and former chief minister N. T. Rama Rao had dedicated his life to free the state from poverty, and for the glory of Telugu people.

The former chief minister on Tuesday paid rich tributes to NTR on his 101st birth anniversary.

Sharing his thoughts on aXa, Naidu recalled the services of the actor-turned-politician, who had floated TDP in 1982 on the slogan of Telugu self-respect.

Chandrababu Naidu, who is the son-in-law of NTR, termed him an inspiration and glory of the Telugu people.

Discipline, perseverance, sincerity and a desire to do good to the people shaped an ordinary farmeras son Taraka Rama Rao into a great leader, the TDP chief said.

NTR, who firmly believed that society is a temple and people are gods, initiated the welfare regime for the first time in the country by establishing TDP, he said.

NTR not only stated that the meaning of power is to give food, clothes and shelter to the poor but demonstrated this. Along with welfare, he paved the way for development and governance reforms.

The TDP chief said that by taking governance to the doorsteps of people, NTR also showed that a ruler is their servant. NTR, who worked with the sole aim of people's progress, became a close friend of people of all sections.

Chandrababu Naidu called for a resolve to take every step for the sake of people to realise the ambition of NTR.

Meanwhile, former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has also paid tributes to NTR. He described the late leader as the heartbeat of the Telugu people and a symbol of Telugu self-respect.

Venkaiah Naidu recalled that after becoming a household name with his acting skills and by playing the legendary characters, NTR started a new era and changed the very face of the country's politics.

The former Vice President called NTR a great nationalist who stood against autocratic politics and planted the seeds of an alternative political system in the country, and became a guide and earned the laurels as a great leader.

Venkaiah Naidu said NTR was a great reformer who brought many revolutionary changes including the right to property for women and decentralisation of power.
New Delhi, May 28 : An IndiGo flight bound for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh received a bomb threat at Delhi airport on Tuesday morning, which later turned out to be a hoax, police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport) Usha Rangnani said that at around 5 a.m., information was received regarding a paper found in the lavatory of an Indigo flight scheduled to depart for Varanasi, with the word 'bomb@5.30' written on it.

"Following the standard security protocols, a thorough inspection was conducted, and no suspicious items were found," said the DCP.

According to airline officials, IndiGo flight 6E2211 operating from Delhi to Varanasi with 176 passengers onboard, had received a specific bomb threat at the airport.

The threat call was received at around 5.40 a.m., said officials.

"All necessary protocols were followed and the aircraft was taken to a remote bay as per guidelines by airport security agencies.

All passengers were safely evacuated via the emergency exits," said an airline official.

The official further said that an alternate aircraft was arranged to operate flight 6E2211 from Delhi to Varanasi, which was delayed due to a specific bomb threat at Delhi airport.

"The passengers were provided with refreshments and were boarded. The flight departed for Varanasi at 11:10 a.m.," the official added.

In a similar incident on May 16, a tissue paper, with the word "bomb" written on it, was found in the Air India flight AI819 lavatory at Delhi airport, prompting security agencies to conduct an inspection, but it turned out to be a hoax.
New Delhi, May 28 : A fire broke out at an eye hospital in Delhi's Paschim Vihar area on Tuesday.

No one was injured in the incident, a fire department official said.

Delhi Fire Service (DFS) Director Atul Garg said that a call regarding a blaze at Eye Mantra Hospital in Paschim Vihar was received at 11.35 p.m.

"The fire broke out on the second floor of the hospital and six fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames," said Garg.

Garg said that the fire had been doused.

"The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained," he added.

This comes days after seven children were killed in a massive fire at a Baby Care New Born Hospital.
Tel Aviv, May 28 : Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq have reportedly attacked the port city of Eilat in southern Israel with drones.

The group Islamic Resistance in Iraq said early Tuesday morning that it had attacked military targets in the area with three drones.

The attack took place on Monday.

The Israeli army said late on Monday evening that it had intercepted two enemy objects in the area around Eilat. There were no casualties.

The objects had come from the east and had not reached Israeli territory.

Islamic Resistance in Iraq is a kind of umbrella group for pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, which have been operating together under this general name since the terrorist attacks by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement in Israel on October 7.

One of the groups is Kataib Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran.

It is one of the strongest militias in Iraq.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has already attacked Eilat several times with drones since the outbreak of the war.

--IANS/DPA

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A lawyer for Peter Gerace Jr. is no longer under investigation and will not be prosecuted for his role in crafting a witness list that caused a judge to recuse himself from the Pharaohs strip club case.

But federal prosecutors still want attorney Eric Soehnlein removed as a defense attorney for Gerace, the owner of Pharaohs Gentlemens Club.

Prosecutors say his actual and potential conflicts of interest should disqualify him from Geraces bribery, sex- and drug-trafficking case, which has been delayed since November when they first suspected a corrupt motive behind the witness list and investigated his actions.

Whats more, prosecutors are raising the issue of Soehnleins potential conflicts in other cases as well, given that he represented clients being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office while he was under investigation himself by the office.

In at least seven other federal cases, prosecutors have filed written motions to determine the extent of potential conflicts, if any, that Soehnlein had representing the clients while he was under investigation between last November and May 16. The charges his clients faced or are still facing include drug dealing, kidnapping, cyberstalking and the murder of a federal witness.

The governments motions have come since Soehnlein gained a favorable ruling last month from U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo, who has presided over the Gerace case since replacing the judge who recused himself from the case last summer. Vilardo ruled there is no reasonable possibility Soehnlein committed a crime when he and then-co-counsel Steven M. Cohen put two relatives of U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. on the defense witness list for Geraces trial. Vilardo also ruled that Soehnlein was not a witness to procuring allegedly false affidavits related to Crystal Quinns death.

Prosecutors said they saw a corrupt motive behind putting the two relatives on the witness list, calling it an orchestrated recusal.

While Vilardo absolved Soehnlein of anything criminal, his ruling did not resolve whether he had actual or potential conflicts of interest that could either force him off the case or be considered waivable by Gerace.

Three weeks after Vilardos ruling, U.S. Attorney Trini Ross revealed her office had closed the investigation into Soehnlein.

Although the government does not agree with the determinations reached by Judge Vilardo, in light of the decision and order, be advised that the U.S. Attorneys Office will not prosecute Mr. Soehnlein for any federal criminal offenses committed in the Western District of New York related to the alleged orchestrated recusal of Judge Sinatra or the filing of allegedly false affidavits by attorney Steven M. Cohen, Ross wrote in her May 16 letter to Rodney O. Personius, the ethics counsel for Soehnlein.

In a May 17 letter to Personius, Ross confirmed there are no remaining investigations regarding Soehnlein.

The formalized pronouncement by the U.S. Attorneys Office that its investigation of Mr. Soehnlein has been closed, and he will not be the subject of prosecution, confirms what we have repeatedly argued over the past six months, Personius told The Buffalo News. As found by Judge Vilardo as a matter of law, Eric took appropriate steps to defend his client. The record shows that the governments ill-advised effort to interfere with Mr. Geraces Sixth Amendment right to counsel of his own choosing was, from the outset, devoid of merit.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office declined to comment.

A judicial disagreement

Sinatra weighed in on Vilardos ruling earlier this month, when he addressed Soehnleins conflict issue during a court proceeding for one of Soehnleins other clients.

At the May 6 hearing, Sinatra said he disagreed with Vilardos ruling concerning Soehnlein.

Sinatra mentioned Vilardos ruling during a hearing for Waleed Abughanem, at the time a client of Soehnleins. Abughanem faces a kidnapping charge over an alleged plot to kidnap his sister to prevent her from marrying a man his family disapproved of. Soehnlein represented Waleed Abughanem, and attorney Brian Melber, who provided legal representation to Soehnlein during the recusal investigation, represented Waleeds brother, Adham Abughanem, who also faces a kidnapping charge.

Sinatra voiced concern whether Soehnlein and Melber representing the Abughanem brothers posed a conflict because the U.S. Attorneys Office investigation into Soehnlein had not been closed yet, which meant Soehnlein was representing Waleed Abughanem at the same time he was under investigation by the same office.

This isnt to suggest that I think there is anything wrong with the motives of your lawyers, Sinatra told the Abughanem brothers. Its not like Im sitting here believing there is going to be a problem or that your lawyers are going to make wrong choices or anything like that.

But Sinatra said legal rules required him to make sure the defendants had a full understanding of the actual or potential risks they would take if Soehnlein and Melber continued as their lawyers, and the judge would have to decide whether the two could waive the conflict if they wanted to stick with the lawyers.

Sinatra disclosed to the two brothers the nature of the investigation into Soehnlein.

Personius, who was at the Abughanems hearing, spoke up about how Vilardo ruled.

He did find in that case that, as a matter of law, Mr. Soehnlein had not committed the crime of obstruction, Personius said.

And you mention that by way of suggesting that that ought to drive the outcome here? Sinatra replied.

Personius said no, but added, It was my thinking that both defendants should know the judge determined, in that decision, as a matter of law, that the crime had not been committed, Personius said.

So I guess what Im saying is, I dont know the answer to that question, Mr. Personius, Sinatra responded. I dont know whether that is, as a matter of law, a crime or not. But what I know is I read the decision and I disagree with it. All of it.

Pulling punches

Sinatra delivered a cautionary message to the Abughanem brothers  the same one he and other judges will make to other defendants who were represented by Soehnlein while he was under investigation.

The interests of any lawyer under investigation could diverge from the interests of the clients being prosecuted by the same office, the judge said. And that could affect their representation.

The lawyer may believe that he has an interest in tempering his defense in order to curry favor with the prosecution, perhaps fearing a spirited defense would prompt the government to pursue the case against him with great vigor, Sinatra said. And the lawyer may be tempted to pull his punches in defending his client, lest the prosecutors office be angered by an acquittal and retaliate against the lawyer.

The two Abughanem brothers eventually decided to get new defense lawyers.

But others represented by Soehnlein may stick with him.

On Wednesday, Sinatra determined an actual conflict existed as to Soehnleins representation of Ramone Walker, who faces narcotics charges. Sinatra appointed attorney Carla Benz as independent counsel to Walker to advise him on the conflict issue, so that Walker can make a knowing and intelligent decision regarding any waiver of the conflict.

Sinatra asked Walker to recite back to him the conflict issue, so that the judge could be sure Walker understood the risk of Soehnlein pulling his punches.

Walker did so, and then said, I doubt that happened.

Soehnlein declined to comment, but Personius, his attorney, said it was appropriate to inform Soehnleins clients.

Whenever there is a possibility that an attorneys interests and a clients interests may diverge  regardless of whether or not they do actually diverge  the Constitution mandates what is called a Curcio inquiry, Personius said. It is a process which is undertaken to ensure fairness and integrity in all criminal prosecutions. As with all other proceedings that are designed to protect the constitutional rights of the accused, it is a process we endorse.

Calculated campaign

Complete coverage: The case of Peter Gerace Jr. Peter Gerace Jr., the owner of Pharaoh's Gentlemen's Club in Cheektowaga, is awaiting trial on charges of bribing a DEA agent, drug traffickin

Urging Vilardo to remove Soehnlein as Geraces counsel, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tripi has filed a motion that called the defense lawyer a witness in the case against the strip club owner, who is charged with conspiring with others to murder Quinn, a federal witness.

And there are ethical considerations that will likely make Mr. Soehnleins interests adverse to his clients interests, Tripi said in the court filing.

Tripi urged the judge not to allow Gerace to waive the conflict and let Soehnlein remain on his legal team.

Undeniably, Mr. Soehnlein  in signing the witness list and defending the legitimacy of including (the) witnesses on the list to Judge Sinatra  must have relied on information provided by someone else, namely his client, Gerace, Tripi said. As a result, Mr. Soehnlein has an actual conflict for which this court should not permit a waiver.

Tripis court filing acknowledged Vilardo ruled Soehnleins conduct was not criminal, but the prosecutor said the ruling neither commended the ethical or tactical methods that culminated in Judge Sinatras recusal, nor explicitly rejected Judge Sinatras observation that the placement of the witnesses on the list appeared to be gamesmanship.

Tripi added Soehnleins conduct may come under the scrutiny of the New York State Bar Association, but acknowledged it is unknown whether anyone, including Sinatra, has or will make any ethics referrals.

In a reply to Tripis motion, the two lawyers representing Gerace  Soehnlein and Rochester attorney Mark Foti  urged Vilardo to reject it.

The motion should be viewed for what it is  another play in the governments calculated campaign to prevent Mr. Gerace from preparing for trial or defending himself with well-qualified counsel of his choosing, the two lawyers wrote in their filing. It should be denied.

Vilardos ruling established that the filing of the defense witness list was not a criminal act, and the decision arguably forecloses any further argument on that point, according to the defense reply. The government does not allege the witness list was a crime. The facts otherwise demonstrate there was a wholly legitimate, non-nefarious basis for its filing.
New Delhi, May 28 : London-based consumer tech brand Nothing on Tuesday announced the appointment of Vishal Bhola as President for India business.

Bhola, in his new role, will play a key role in accelerating the company's growth trajectory in India, leveraging his expertise in consumer tech and strategic business management.

"The company's iconic products and inspiring vision to make tech fun again resonate with me. I am eager to contribute to Nothing's next phase of growth and innovation," Bhola said in a statement.

The company said that Bhola's appointment underscores Nothing's commitment to expanding its presence and offerings within the Indian market.

"Vishal's vast experience and leadership in the global consumer goods industry make him a valuable addition to our team. We are excited to welcome him aboard and look forward to his contributions as we continue to innovate and redefine the tech landscape," said Carl Pei, CEO and Co-founder at Nothing.

Bhola's journey includes over two decades at Unilever, where he held various key positions starting in India and expanding across Southeast Asia, the US, Africa, China, and the global headquarters in London.

After his tenure at Unilever, he joined Whirlpool as Managing Director, responsible for driving profitability and growth across the Indian subcontinent for Whirlpool Corporation.
New Delhi, May 28 : Over the past year, India has found itself at the epicentre of Western allegations, coupled with old friend camaraderie with Pakistani generals accusing Indian officials of undermining the sovereignties of nations by purportedly engaging in the termination of terrorists in Canada, the US, and Pakistan.

This intimidating interest in alleged Indian clandestine security operations, raises pivotal questions about the underlying motives and the broader global dynamics at play. Concurrently, it signals India's ascendance in the realm of global security as a revitalised and influential force, unsettling the traditional West-centric world order.

In an era where the global threat landscape is increasingly complex, global and interconnected, India's extraordinary criminal justice measures to neutralise terrorists over the past decade - such as the September 29, 2016 surgical strike on terror launchpads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and the 2019 airstrike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan - are particularly significant.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these operations had shed the "outdated and reluctant" image of Indian security agencies of the past, showcasing new India's capability and resolve. The operations were conducted with a notable degree of professionalism, responsibility and transparency, as the Indian PM informed his Pakistani counterpart before disclosing them to the world. These actions not only announced Bharat's arrival as a formidable security force, but also challenged the traditional West-centric world order.

Recent Western allegations, devoid of substantive evidence as seen in opinion-heavy reporting of 'The Guardian' claiming India's role in tens of terrorist terminations in Pakistan, a covert unseen Five Eyes network intelligence report regarding the killing of Canadian terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and subsequent local vote-bank influence as evidenced in Canada, along with the case involving the alleged attempted assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the US-based face of the proscribed terrorist entity Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), appear to be part of a broader strategy aimed at exerting collective pressure and undermining India's assertive stance against terrorism.

India which has long been a victim of cross-border terrorism orchestrated by Pakistan and its extensive global terror network, which includes Canadian and American terrorists.

Canadian terrorists like Talwinder Singh Parmar of Babbar Khalsa masterminded the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, claiming 329 innocent lives.

Similarly, American terrorists like David Coleman Headley and his Canadian accomplice Tahawwur Rana played pivotal roles in the dastardly 2008 Mumbai attacks by Lashkar-e-Taiba, resulting in 175 deaths and over 300 injuries.

More recent attacks, such as the 2016 Uri assault by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed, which killed 19 Indian soldiers and injured 30, and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing by Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which took the lives of over 40 Indian police personnel, underscore the persistent threat India faces.

In this context, India's measures acknowledged criminal justice measures like those listed above to protect itself are not only moral and lawful but also a national security imperative. However, the coordinated Western and Pakistani allegations involving unravelings like Nijjar's assassination in Canada, an attempted assassination of Pannun, and tens of terrorist killings in Pakistan appear more fixed on challenging the newfound capabilities of India's security apparatus under Prime Minister Modi. This stance appears discordant with traditional security superpowers that often perceive national security as their exclusive domain.

Most importantly, India's strategic partnerships with various nations, including those in the West, are built on mutual respect and shared interests. These alliances are grounded in a mutual commitment to promoting global stability, economic development, and security. However, for these relationships to thrive and be truly effective, they must be free from unwarranted accusations and intimidation that can undermine trust and cooperation.

Unsubstantiated allegations and politicised narratives not only strain diplomatic ties but also detract from the collaborative efforts needed to combat terrorism effectively.

By fostering an environment of mutual trust and respect, Western nations and India can work together to dismantle terrorist networks, prevent radicalisation and enhance global security.

In conclusion, it is imperative that Western nations avoid actions that could be perceived as coercive or dismissive of India's security concerns. Instead, they should prioritize engagement that is based on equality, respect, and a shared commitment to eradicating terrorism. By doing so, they not only reinforce their alliances with India but also bolster the collective ability to address and overcome the multifaceted challenges posed by terrorism in the 21st century. It is time for the international community to support India's efforts to create a secure and stable world, acknowledging that a strong and secure Bharat is beneficial for global peace and prosperity.

(The author is the research director of Delhi based think-tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)
Amit Sadh shares his travel hack: Throw away the GPS, get lost in nature. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, May 28 : Actor Amit Sadh, who is known for 'Sultan', 'Breathe', 'Duranga', and others, has shared his travel hack.

Mumbai, May 28 (IANS) Actor Amit Sadh, who is known for aSultana, aBreathea, aDurangaa, and others, has shared his travel hack.

The actor, who is an avid biker, expressed his love for embarking on long rides on his bike to explore various corners of the country.

Talking about his favourite destinations, Amit told IANS: aMy favourite destinations are Ladakh again, Uttarakhand, and Punjab for their amazing food."

aWeight badh jaayega toh kya hua (Weight might increase, but that doesn't matter)," he added as he seemed confident in shedding the extra pounds quickly owing to his rigorous fitness regimen.

The actor also said that the newly opened areas in Kashmir are his favourite places to explore in addition to his film sets.

When asked about one travel hack, the actor said: aThrow away the GPS, and get lost in the arms of nature."

Last year, Amit decided on taking a break from his hectic work schedule, and embarked on a month-long motorcycle trip around India, covering a total of 5288 kilometres.

The ride proved to be an introspective journey for the actor and redefined his own definitions of adventure, culture, and personal transformation.

During his bike ride, Amit interacted with his fans on highways, farmers, villagers, truck drivers, and even the royal family of Balasinor. He took a halt at Balasinor and had dinner with the royal family.
Bhopal, May 28 : The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered the closure of 66 nursing colleges across the state, three months after the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order over 'irregularities' in affiliation.

The state's medical education department has issued a circular to district administration asking them to comply with the order. The action follows the directives of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, to take strict action.

The state government said that the Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared these colleges 'unsuitable', and subsequently, action for shutting them has been taken.

The government, however, has also made it clear that students enrolled with these 66 colleges would not be affected. "Students of these colleges would not be affected. Their exams would be conducted," a statement from the medical education department, read.

The development came even as the nursing college scam case is being heard in the high court. The case is about large-scale irregularities and corruption in nursing colleges. The CBI has been carrying out the investigation.

The CBI had submitted its reports (charge sheet) on 308 nursing colleges, while the probe in another 300 nursing colleges was underway.

Meanwhile, two officials of Madhya Pradesh Police -- inspectors Sushil Kumar Majoka and Rishikant Asathe, who were earlier attached to the CBI -- were arrested two weeks ago. Their arrest on an alleged bribery charge has raised multiple questions about the authenticity of the probe.

The nursing college scam was exposed in 2021 and it reached the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2023.
Jaunpur, May 28 : An FIR has been registered against two named and 50 unidentified people in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur district for allegedly creating a ruckus when a vehicle loaded with reserve EVMs reached the counting venue

The district administration said the vehicle had reached the counting venue by mistake.

The incident took place on Saturday when SP workers created a ruckus after stopping the EVM-laden DCM which had reached the counting venue.

According to the police, action has now been taken for obstructing the government work.

The vehicle with reserve EVMs reached the counting venue of Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University after the completion of the Jaunpur and Machhilishahr Lok Sabha voting on Saturday evening. After this, SP workers stopped the DCM and started creating a ruckus.

The district magistrate had given a statement that those EVMs were to be taken to the Collectorate in a private vehicle but due to negligence in the duty of the concerned officer, the EVM had reached the counting venue of Purvanchal University instead of the Collectorate.

The SP workers alleged that this was done to tamper with EVMs.

SP candidate Babu Singh Kushwaha had explained to his workers and urged them not to create a ruckus.

According to Parmanand Kushwaha, Circle officer (CO) Sadar, since Section 144 was imposed in the district, a case was registered against councillor Jagdish Maurya a.k.a. Gappu and Ramesh Maurya and 50 unknown people in Saraikhwaja for disrupting peace and government work.

SP candidate Babu Singh Kushwaha said that the police have filed a fake case against the workers under the pressure of the government. "We demand that the case be withdrawn or else we shall go to the Election Commission," he said.
Keshod, May 28 : Over 90 highrise buildings in Keshod city in Gujarat's Junagadh district are operating without the necessary fire safety no objection certificates (NOC), said officials on Tuesday.

This was revealed after an inspection was done following the Rajkot fire tragedy that claimed over 35 lives.

The Gujarat government has initiated an intensive fire safety inspection across the state. These inspections have unveiled numerous lapses, particularly highlighting the negligence of the Keshod Fire Department.

Detailed reports by officials indicate that the fire department has issued NOCs to only four highrise buildings in Keshod.

Approximately 90 multi-storeyed buildings are operating without these critical safety approvals. The fire department has issued notices to these non-compliant buildings, failing to enforce stringent measures.

Several hotels and restaurants in the city also continue to operate without fire safety NOCs.

Meanwhile, on Monday the Panchmahal District Collector dispatched a team to inspect four game zones in Godhra. The inspection team included officials from the Godhra City Mamlatdar, the fire department, civil and mechanical engineering departments, the electricity distribution company, and the city police department.

The investigation revealed that four-game zone operations are under investigation as they did not match safety standards. One was in an open tent in the Vavadi area on the Godhra-Dahod main road that had not had a fire safety NOC for the last two years, resulting in its closure.

--IABNS

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Mumbai, May 28 : In the upcoming episodes of the show 'Aangan Aapno Kaa', viewers will witness Akash (Samar Vermani) discovering that the money did not come from his mother, Aparna (Kashish Duggal), which leaves him furious.

Following a heated argument with Pallavi (Ayushi Khurana), Aparna tells her son Akash to leave the house. Meanwhile, Pallavi meets with an investor who misbehaves, prompting Akash to intervene. Although he rescues her, he later scolds Pallavi for being reckless and going alone.

The tensions between the couple heighten even more after this incident. Jaidev and Aparna attempt to reconcile Akash and Pallavi by locking them in a room together, insisting they resolve their issues before coming out.

However, Akash announces that he has gotten a job in the US, leaving the entire family shocked.

It will be interesting to see whether this is the ultimate separation of Akash and Pallavi.

Talking about the new sequence, Ayushi said: "Pallavi is determined to support her family in every way she can. Ever since Akash lost his job, she has strived to become their pillar of strength. However, Akash finds her methods offensive, leading to growing tensions between them."

"In the upcoming episodes, viewers will see how Akash and Pallavi choose to stay apart and face new challenges in their relationship when Akash announces he is leaving the family and going to the US for a new job," she added.

'Aangan Aapno Kaa' airs on Sony SAB Monday to Saturday at 7.30 p.m.
New Delhi, May 28 : Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) -- a rare, yet treatable type of blood cancer -- is significantly rising among young adults, aged 30 to 40 years, in India, warned doctors on Tuesday.

CML affects the bone marrow and is characterised by the uncontrolled growth of white blood cells (WBC), specifically granulocytes, in the bone marrow.

Globally, CML affects a significant number of people, with estimates ranging between 1.2 to 1.5 million individuals.

Despite its prevalence, CML remains relatively rare compared to other forms of leukaemia, comprising nearly 15 per cent of all leukaemia cases.

A recent study published in the journal Lancet showed that the condition is found in much younger persons, with the majority of patients being diagnosed between the age of 30 to 40 years, in India.

In comparison, the average age of diagnosis in Western countries is 64 years.

"In my practice, I see about 5-10 new patients being diagnosed with CML every month, with an additional 10-15 patients coming in for follow-up," K.S. Nataraj, Senior Haematologist and Haemato-Oncologist, HCG Comprehensive Cancer Care Hospital, Bengaluru, told IANS.

"This high number is largely because more people are nowadays diagnosed on time, as they regularly go for general check-ups and doctors advise testing, for example, when suspiciously high WBC counts are detected," he added.

CML is largely curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.

The common symptoms of CML include night sweats, weight loss, fever, bone pain, and an enlarged spleen.

"CML is indeed a treatable form of blood cancer. However, achieving treatment success requires a delicate balance. Consistent medication intake and regular checkups are important in this journey. With vigilant monitoring and personalised treatment strategies CML can be managed," Tulika Seth, Professor Haematology, AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS.

"Living with CML is a journey that comes with unique challenges at each stage. Prioritising frequent monitoring, compliance with treatment aiming for optimal treatment goals, and embracing advancements in therapy is key," she added.
New Delhi, May 28 : Fans are trembling in anticipation in the wait for Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe's arrival to Real Madrid with the move being all but confirmed. One of the most talented midfielder in the world Jude Bellingham also shared the excitement of playing with someone as good as the French forward.

Mbappe's transfer saga with the Los Blancos has been ongoing for nearly a decade and it appears that the move is imminent with only the announcement pending.

"You ask me about the position next year, I don't pick the team and I certainly don't make the transfers but you know, Kylian Mbappe, what a player," Bellingham told beIN sports.

The announcement is expected to be made after the Champions League final that is scheduled to be played on June 2 (IST) at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, England.

Real Madrid will be taking the field with the hopes of winning their record extending 15th Champions League title against Borussia Dortmund.

"Who wouldn't want to play with someone as good as him? I don't want to kind of put any more pressure on the situation, I know for him it's probably difficult having everyone always talking about him, but yeah it would be really nice [to play alongside him," added the 2023 Kopa Trophy winner.

The Champions League final is expected to be an emotional encounter with Toni Kroos and Marco Reus, two German legends playing their final matches with their respective clubs in what will be the perfect fairytale ending for one of the two midfield Maestros.
Chennai, May 28 : The DMK will take strict action against those district secretaries of the party who have failed to perform in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

A senior leader of the DMK told IANS that DMK would take strict action against those district secretaries who have not performed according to party expectations.

"M.K Stalin had directed all the district secretaries to make sure that the party and INDIA bloc candidates should win in their constituencies," the senior leader said.

He said that the party feels that it cannot repeat the 2019 Lok Sabha performance where the DMK had won 38 seats out of 39.

"We may not get as many seats as we had expected. The party president is holding an urgent online meeting of district secretaries to make each one of them accountable for the election results," the senior leader said.

DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin along with the DMK General Secretary (Organisation) and Minister for Water Resources S. Duraimurugan will chair a meeting of party district secretaries on June 1 to review the performance of the party leaders.

Sources said that some of the district secretaries would be removed if their performance will not be up to party expectations.
A convicted sex offender who sued over the nutritional information on mustard packets among more than 80 other lawsuits he filed last year learned his fate Tuesday in a court case that will have a far more dramatic effect on his life: 20 years in prison.

A federal judge called the sentence of David Lettieri, 36, of Broome County, necessary to protect young girls. He also ordered him to register as a sex offender when he leaves prison and start 40 years of supervised release.

A jury last year convicted Lettieri of enticement of a minor, after Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Maeve E. Huggins presented evidence that Lettieri traveled to Wyoming County in October 2020 to attempt to have sex with a 13-year-old girl, with whom he communicated on Facebook and exchanged sexually explicit text messages. He did not have sexual contact, because two others who know the girl confronted him at the park where they arranged to meet.

While in custody during the past 42 months, Lettieri filed dozens of lawsuits against those involved in his criminal case, including FBI agents, New York State Police investigators, federal marshals, prosecutors, the judge who presided at his criminal trial and his own defense lawyers.

Jailed sex offender sues over mustard packets among his 51 lawsuits. Frustrated judge sees 'abuse of the judicial process' David Lettieri faces 10 years to life in prison for enticement of a minor. But the convicted sex offender has another issue he wants the federal courts to examine: the nutritional information on mustard and ketchup packets.

Forty-four of the lawsuits have been dismissed, including one against Bonanno two weeks ago. Five of his lawsuits against U.S. District Judge Vilardo have been dismissed.

Lettieri mentioned the lawsuits once when given the chance by Vilardo to speak on his own behalf during the sentencing hearing. Lettieri described the lawsuits as his only way to overcome what he called the injustices he alleges he has faced during his prosecution.

His lawsuits also complain the ketchup and mustard packets he was given for his jail meals did not include sodium amounts or other nutritional information. And he said he couldnt tell from the packaging what spices are in a bag of Whole Shabang potato chips.

The police investigation recovered communications between Lettieri and the then-13-year-old girl, including photos of her on Lettieris phone. Investigators searched Lettieris Facebook account and recovered conversations between Lettieri, the girl and the girls sister, which were sexual in nature. The victims age was revealed during the conversations.

Lettieri was 33 years old at the time of the offense, while the victim was only 13, Bonanno told the judge.

She was a child when the incident happened, the prosecutor said.

When she testified at the trial, she was a child, and shes still a child, Bonanno said.

She chose not to be here today, he said. She is trying to move on from this whole thing.

She was not the only underage female Lettieri exploited, Bonanno said.

FBI agents interviewed two other young females he contacted through social networking apps. He requested nude images of a 14-year-old girl and asked her to perform sexual acts during their video chats, and eventually traveled to her home in Illinois, where he had sex with her, according to a court filing from the U.S. Attorneys Office. He also expressed sexual interest in a 15-year-old girl in Florida, and impregnated her after she had turned 18.

Bonanno called Lettieris criminal conduct frightening.

Lettieri did not apologize or take responsibility for his crime, but he said he has had a hard life and still grieves over the death of his grandfather.

I have to pick up the pieces, he said, and Im trying to day by day.
Seoul, May 28 : North Korea appears to have indirectly expressed its complaint against Beijing when it slammed a joint declaration issued after the latest trilateral summit among leaders of South Korea, China and Japan, Seoul's Unification Ministry said on Tuesday.

The North Korea's Foreign Ministry denounced South Korea on Monday for stating its commitment to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in the joint declaration with Japan and China, rejecting it as "wanton interference" in North Korea's internal affairs, Yonhap news agency reported.

The angry reaction came hours after President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang met in Seoul, marking the resumption of a long-stalled trilateral summit after four-and-a- half years. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and stability on the peninsula.

The Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs said Pyongyang's condemnation seems to be aimed at marring Seoul's diplomacy with Tokyo and Beijing, and hampering the spirit of the joint declaration of the trilateral summit.

"Though the North Korea's rebukes were focused on South Korea, it was rare for North Korea to publicly denounce a (diplomatic) meeting attended by China," a Ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

North Korea has not publicly denounced summit meetings involving China's top officials, except the 2015 summit between South Korea and China.

The Ministry official noted that North Korea dubbed the latest trilateral summit as the South Korea-Japan-China summit, not as the summit involving China, Japan and the South Korea in its previous order of countries.

North Korea also warned on Monday that if "anyone" tries to preach the benefits of denuclearisation, the country will regard it as the most serious infringement upon sovereignty. Some experts said "anyone" here could mean China.

North Korea's strong reaction rather illustrates the significance of the joint declaration, Lim Soo-suk, Seoul's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, said.

"As confirmed by numerous UN Security Council resolutions, North Korea's complete abandonment of nuclear weapons and its denuclearisation are the consensus and unified goal of the international community," Lim said in a briefing.

"The strong backlash from North Korea shows that the joint declaration of the summit was significant," Lim added.

"North Korea will never be recognised as a nuclear-armed state," Lim added, urging Pyongyang to return to the path of denuclearisation.

For North Korea, it could be disturbing to see that China has held a three-way summit with South Korea and Japan at a time when Beijing appears to be cautious about joining Pyongyang's drive to deepen trilateral solidarity with Russia and China.

Still, other observers said North Korea might have taken into account China, as the country launched its military spy satellite on Monday night after Li left Seoul. A new rocket carrying the satellite exploded in a mid-air flight.

Meanwhile, the Ministry official said it will likely take time for North Korea to determine the cause of the failure in the latest satellite launch, given that it did not disclose the timing of its future launch.

Pyongyang earlier said it will fire three more spy satellites in 2024, after it successfully placed its first spy satellite into orbit in November.
Madrid, May 28 : Spain's left-wing government formally announced the recognition of a Palestinian state on Tuesday, after the decision was made, along with Norway and Ireland last week.

"This is a historic decision that has a single goal -- to help the Israelis and the Palestinians achieve peace," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a statement outside his official residence, Moncloa Palace, in Madrid.

Sanchez spoke before the government's Council of Ministers gave its official approval.

In view of the debate on the question of the borders of the state of Palestine, the Prime Minister said that it was not for Spain to "define the borders of other countries".

The Socialist leader said the state of Palestine "must first and foremost be viable".

He also said, "The West Bank and the Gaza Strip must be connected by a corridor, with East Jerusalem as its capital and united under the legitimate government of the Palestinian Authority."

Sanchez added that his government's decision was not directed against Israel, which he called "a friendly nation that we respect, that we value and with which we want to have the best possible relations".

He said his government is opposed to the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and strongly condemns the attacks the militants launched on Israel on October 7.

However, recognition is "the only way to a two-state solution".

--IANS/DPA

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Kolkata, May 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Congress, CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress of looting West Bengal in phases.

"First the Congress looted West Bengal. The CPI(M) did the same thing. And now Trinamool Congress has crossed all limits of plundering the state," he said while addressing an election meeting at Barasat Lok Sabha constituency.

While campaigning in support of Swapan Mukherjee, the BJP candidate from Barasat, the PM said, "Under the facade of opposing each other, Left parties and Trinamool Congress are clandestine partners. The West Bengal Chief Minister has openly declared support for the Congress and the Left parties at the national level.

"So each vote in favour of the Left will actually go into the kitty of Trinamool Congress. But the people of West Bengal have now understood their game."

He claimed that the Trinamool Congress and allies of the INDIA bloc were not interested in development.

"They are only interested in pampering their vote bank. Those who are always talking in favour of protection of the Constitution of the country should come to Bengal and see what is happening here," PM Modi said.

He attacked the Trinamool Congress for slamming Calcutta High Court judges following a recent order by a Division Bench cancelling all OBC certificates issued in West Bengal after 2010.

"Anyone who reveals the dirty truth becomes the enemy of the ruling party. Now my question is whether the Trinamool Congress will unleash its goons against the judges.

"Even great institutions like the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha and ISKCON and their monks have come under attack by the Trinamool Congress," the PM said.

Accusing the INDIA bloc of spreading falsehoods about CAA, the PM said that citizenship for people from the Matua community was a reality now.

"Forget Trinamool Congress, there is no power in the world which can stop Modi from implementing CAA now," he said.
Brussels, May 28 : The Dutch government has said it will lead an initiative among some European countries to supply a Patriot air defence missile system to Ukraine.

"Ukraine, of course, is still under attack. Airstrikes continue," said Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren in Brussels on Tuesday.

"Patriot systems are scarce in Europe and NATO, but we are now taking a step forward, so we will supply components of Patriot systems," she added.

A press release from the Dutch Ministry of Defence said, "The Netherlands has identified which countries could offer additional Patriot parts and munitions in order to deliver a complete system to Ukraine. It does not mention which countries are involved."

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, said air defence is the "most urgent need".

He added that EU countries are "stepping up the delivery of ammunition, air defence systems, and in particular, the most advanced ones, the Patriot systems".

--IANS/DPA

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New Delhi, May 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Kanyakumari for meditation, soon after the conclusion of the high-octane poll campaign. He is likely to spend at least three days there, before leaving Kanyakumari on June 1.

PM Modi is set to visit Kanyakumari and meditate day and night at the Rock Memorial, the same place where Swami Vivekananda did meditation.

Notably, Kanyakumari is the place where Swami Vivekananda had a vision of Bharat Mata. This rock had a major impact on Swami Vivekanandaas life. People believe that like Sarnath holds a special place in the life of Gautam Buddha, this rock also holds a similar place in the life of Swami Vivekananda. It was here that he arrived after wandering across the country and mediated for 3 days and attained a vision for a developed India.

Meditating at the same place shows PM Modias commitment to bringing Swami Jias vision of a Viksit Bharat, to life.

Goddess Parvati also meditated at the same place on the one foot as she waited for Lord Shiva.

Notably, PM Modi is known to undertake spiritual journeys at the end of election campaigns.

In 2019, he had visited Kedarnath.

PM Modi had gone to Uttarakhand in 2019 (before the Lok Sabha results) and meditated at a cave. The cave situated at a height of 11,700 feet in the Himalayas became popular after PM Modi spent a night there doing meditation, after finishing the high-decibel campaign.
Seoul, May 28 : Samsung on Tuesday said that it has agreed to set up a joint venture (JV) with a leading provider of climate solutions Lennox for a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) business in the US and Canada.

According to Samsung, the newly-established JV, named Samsung Lennox HVAC North America, will sell ductless AC and heat pump products in the countries.

The JV is 50.1 per cent owned by Samsung, with the remaining stake being held by Lennox, Yonhap news agency reported.

However, Samsung did not reveal the amount of investment for the JV.

"Our collaboration, focused on advanced HVAC product offerings and customer networks in the growing ductless segment, will bring new solutions to the market. We look forward to launching innovative technologies together in the future," said K.S. Choi, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics America.

The JV will be distributing Samsung ductless AC and heat pump products, as well as "Lennox powered by Samsung"-branded products for Lennox, which will be sold through Lennox stores and a direct-to-dealer network, according to the company.

"It is an honour to work with Samsung as we invest in solutions to meet our customers' HVAC needs," said Alok Maskara, Lennox CEO.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 28 : A Delhi court on Tuesday denied bail to activist and former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid, in the "larger conspiracy" case related to the 2020 riots.

Khalid's bail application was based on arguments of delay in proceedings and parity with other accused who had been granted bail.

Special Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Courts had reserved the order on the bail application on May 13 before delivering the rejection on Tuesday.

Khalid's advocate Trideep Pais had last month challenged the Delhi Police's repeated mention of his client's name in the charge sheet in the "larger conspiracy" case, questioning "whether repetition could turn a falsehood into truth".

Opposing the "media trial", citing instances of anchors reading from the charge sheet on news channels, he had stressed the need for a thorough examination of witnesses and evidence to determine the validity of the terror charges against Khalid. He also criticised the prosecution for "lack of substantial evidence".

He had also underlined the chilling effect of anti-terror laws on freedom of expression, saying that individuals who speak out are being silenced under the pretext of national security.

The Delhi Police had objected to granting bail to Khalid, alleging that he has a history of manipulating social media narratives to influence bail hearings.

Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad had informed the court that Khalid engaged with actors and politicians to amplify his narrative to create public sympathy, framing it as part of a "larger conspiracy".
New Delhi, May 28 : Procter & Gamble (P&G) Hygiene and Health Care on Tuesday announced the appointment of Mrinalini Srinivasan as the company's Chief Financial Officer from June 29.

She will be taking over the role from Prashant Bhatnagar, who will leave the company after about 28 years of service.

"This role gives me an opportunity to work with various stakeholders to bring our integrated growth strategy to life and delight our consumers with superior propositions. I look forward to contributing to the growth of P&G in India," Srinivasan said in a statement.

In her 16-year career, Mrinalini has held a variety of finance roles.

She joined P&G in 2008 and worked across three geographies -- Singapore, India, and Dubai, leading transformational projects and delivering outstanding results for several important P&G businesses, the company said.

An alumnus of FMS Delhi, Mrinalini currently leads Corporate Finance and is also the Executive Sponsor of Gender Equality for P&G India group.

Before this role, she was serving as the Senior Director, Sales Finance for P&G India.

She has also served as the Regional Business Planning Director for the Asia, Middle East and Africa businesses, and Finance Director for the Feminine Care business in India, the Middle East and Africa business based out of Dubai.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, May 28 : Police in Greater Hyderabad have busted an inter-state child-selling racket and rescued 11 babies.

Medipally Police under Rachakonda Police Commissionerate arrested 11 persons including eight women who had bought the children from three accused from Delhi and Pune.

Rachakonda Police Commissioner Tarun Joshi told media persons on Tuesday that the accused were selling the children to issueless couples.

The rescued children are aged between one month to two-and-a-half months. Nine of them are baby girls while the remaining two are baby boys.

Police said the accused used to get babies from Kiran and Preethi of Delhi and Kannaiah of Pune. The trio supplied nearly 50 babies to those arrested. The agents of the accused were selling them to the persons who are in need of babies in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for a price ranging from Rs 1.80 lakh to Rs 5.50 lakh per baby with the help of mediators.

The racket came to light after police launched an investigation following the arrest of Shobha Rani, a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) on May 22 for selling a child for Rs 4.50 lakh.

The Police Commissioner said Swapna and Shaik Saleem who were helping Shobha Rani were also arrested and two babies were rescued from them.

The accused were booked under sections 370, 372,373 r/w 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 81,87 and 88 Juvenile Justice Act 2015. On interrogation, Shobarani revealed that she was working in coordination with Hari Hara Chetan, who was selling the babies.

Based on the confessions of the accused, police arrested Bandari Hari Hara Chethan, Bandari Padma, Balgam Saroja, Mudavath Sharadha, Mudavath Raju, Pathan Mumtaz alias Haseena, Jaganadam Anuradha and Yata Mamatha.

All the arrested are residents of Telangana and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Their interrogation revealed that the babies were being supplied to them by three persons from Delhi and Pune for Rs 50,000 each.

Kiran, Preethi, Kannaiah and other accused are absconding. The Commissioner said further investigations were on into the case.
Gaza, May 28 : Israeli troops have been sighted in the city centre of Rafah in southern Gaza, two days after an Israeli airstrike in the area reportedly killed dozens.

Eyewitness reports from Rafah on Tuesday suggest the Israeli army has advanced into the city centre.

The Israeli news website ynet reported that Israeli tanks were deployed in the Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood, which was hit by the airstrike on Sunday.

The Israeli military has not confirmed the reports.

According to the Hamas-run health authority in Gaza, at least 45 people were killed, and dozens were injured in the Israeli strike on a camp for displaced people, sparking international horror and outrage.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was investigating "an incident".

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had earlier said two senior officials of the Palestinian militant group Hamas were killed in the airstrike.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said around one million people have fled Rafah since Israel launched its latest offensive three weeks ago.

The aid organisation said on the social media platform X that the displaced people had "nowhere safe to go amid bombardments, lack of food and water, piles of waste and unsuitable living conditions".

It said, "Providing assistance and protection becomes nearly impossible."

The airstrike follows a ruling last week by the UN's International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to end the operation in Rafah immediately.

Israel has so far refused to obey the ruling.

--IANS/DPA

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Ludhiana, May 28 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday appealed to the people of Punjab to give them all 13 seats, asserting that then only the state will reverberate in the Lok Sabha.

Campaigning for party's AAP candidate in Ludhiana, Ashok Parashar Pappi, Kejriwal said that a year ago he and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann had held several meetings with traders in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Mohali.

He said before his party's government was formed, the condition of business and industry in Punjab was so bad that the industries were leaving Punjab and going to Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and the surrounding states.

"Within the last two years, the trend of industries leaving Punjab has stopped and new industries are coming to Punjab. Punjab, under the Mann government, got investments of Rs 56,000 crore. Foreign companies are also now buying land for industries here. After Jamshedpur, Tata Steel's biggest plant is now being set up in Punjab," Kejriwal added.

Punjab will go to the polls for all 13 parliamentary seats on June 1.
Kolkata, May 28 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday ordered the immediate removal of the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, Aminul Islam, just three days before polling in nine Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal on June 1.

Sandeshkhali is one of the seven Assembly segments under the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat where polling is scheduled on Saturday.

The ECI also ordered the removal of Koteshwar Rao, the SP of Sundarbans in South 24 Parganas district, which covers parts of two Lok Sabha constituencies -- Jaynagar and Mathurapur.

The Commission also ordered the replacement of Debasish Sarkar, the inspector-in-charge of Rahara police station, which comes under the Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency in North 24 Parganas district.

Sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that there are clear instructions from the poll panel that these officers cannot be assigned any election-related duty.

The Commission has asked the state secretariat to send names for their replacements.
New Delhi, May 28 : Edtech company Byju's, which has been struggling for months to pay salaries on time to its thousands of employees and clear their pending dues, apparently has a plan to pay monthly salaries on time for at least the next six months.

The company is yet to pay the remaining salary dues of February and March to thousands of its employees, amid ongoing legal battles with investors and vendors.

Jiny Thattil, Byjuas chief technology officer, has sent an email to his team, saying that outstanding clearances for February and March for active employees would be cleared between June 15 and June 30 with the "worst case" date being July 8.

"These commitments are based on the cash flows and funds allocated (future availability of cash)," he clarified.

Thattil also gave his team an assurance that there will not be "disruption to monthly salary credit" for the next six months.

Other statutory compliances like tax deducted at source (TDS) and provident fund (PF) "would be cleared" before the deadlines.

On full and final settlements for those who have quit the company, the Byjuas CTO said this would be settled "when we have liquidity (access to rights issue fund)".

He further said that funds allocated (for salaries) are based on the assured fund that would be available to them "month on month to credit salaries, not cash-in-hand".

Meanwhile, Byju's is exploring out-of-court settlements with two of its creditors, Teleperformance and Surfer Technologies. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has adjourned the cases to June 26.
New Delhi, May 28 : With the arrest of two men, the Delhi Police's Special Cell on Tuesday claimed to have busted an illegal manufacturing unit of psychotropic substance 'Alprazolam' operating in Uttar Pradesh's Gajraula.

The accused were identified as Sanjay Kumar Sharma (42), a resident of district Bijnor and Rajvir a.k.a Rajiv Kumar (38), a resident of Baghpat district in Uttar Pradesh.

The official said that Rajvir was a supplier of raw materials used for making Alprazolam.

According to the police, on April 25, the Special Cell busted an inter-state psychotropic substance supply cartel, arresting three individuals: Namit Chaudhary, Rachit and Vanga Rajendra Goud.

During the probe, it was revealed that the mastermind of this syndicate set up an illegal factory for manufacturing the psychotropic substance Alprazolam near Tapkeshwar Temple, in Village Salempur Gousai, Gajraula.

"A search of the factory, conducted in the presence of local police and officials from the Amroha drugs department, resulted in the recovery of a large number of raw materials used for manufacturing Alprazolam, totaling 1570 kg (1170 kg of salt and 400 litres of chemicals)," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Amit Kaushik.

The DCP said that this factory was operating illegally and was fully equipped for the production of Alprazolam.

The factory was seized, but the owner and the supplier of the raw materials were at large.

"During the investigation, the owner of the factory, identified as Sanjay, was arrested on May 14. He did not possess any licence from the drug department for the manufacturing of any medicine or Alprazolam," said the DCP.

Based on information provided by Sanjay, two mobile phones used to contact his associates and run the cartel were seized from his house.

"Subsequently, at his instance, raw material supplier Rajvir was arrested on May 18," the DCP added.
Mumbai, May 28 : Asset manager SBICAP Ventures Ltd on Tuesday announced investment in climate-tech company Solinas, which provides robotic and AI solutions for the water and sanitation industry, but did not disclose the sum.

The investment was made via the Neev II Fund, managed by SBICAP Ventures which is a State Bank of India (SBI) group company.

Established in 2018, Solinas provides solutions with a focus on detecting defects and leakages in water and sewer pipelines, assessing their condition, and eliminating manual scavenging through mechanised cleaning of manholes and septic tanks.

"This aligns with the country's vision of providing clean water and sanitation to every household. Our support for this transformative initiative, through Neev II Fund, also aims to empower the sanitation workers in India," said Suresh Kozhikote, MD and CEO, SBICAP Ventures.

Solinas has three major products under its portfolio with multiple patents  Endobot, Swasth AI, and HomoSEP.

Endobot is a crawler robot designed for internal condition assessment and defect detection in water, sewer and drainage lines. It is enhanced by Swasth AI, an AI-based digitisation platform storing and analysing all the data collected by Endobot.

HomoSEP is a robot designed to completely clean manholes and septic tanks, said the company.

"We are committed to innovate within the water and sanitation issues across all industries," said Divanshu Kumar and Moinak Banerjee, Founders, Solinas.

Nicola Beer, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), said they welcome the NEEV II fund's investment in Solinas.

"The funding of Solinas is aligned with the European Union's Global Gateway initiative, supporting sound projects that improve global and regional connectivity in the digital, climate, transport, health, energy and education sectors," said Beer.

The Neev I Fund and Neev II Fund are supported by global and domestic investors such as the EIB, the UK government, SIDBI, JICA, SRI Fund, and SBI Group.
Panaji, May 28 : With cases of "hurting religious sentiments" increasing in the coastal state, Goa Director General of Police Jaspal Singh on Tuesday urged people to refrain from posting derogatory content.

"Social media is a digital invention of the civilised world to spread information, knowledge, and interactions. Please don't make it 'unsocial' by posting derogatory posts about individuals, groups, sects, creeds, and religions. Learn to respect each other. No disharmony, please," Jaspal Singh said on 'X'.

In the last four months, several incidents of hurting religious sentiments have taken place.

Recently in two different incidents, people from Hindu religion had agitated demanding action against those who had hurt their sentiments.

Last week, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that irresponsible statements against any religion, which creates tensions, will not be tolerated and action will be taken according to law.

The remarks were made following the complaints by devotees at two temples in the coastal state against social worker Shreya Dhargalkar for allegedly uttering disrespectful statements against goddesses.

Referring to the incidents, Chief Minister Sawant said that after he instructed the police, she was booked in both cases and has been sent to judicial custody till June 4.

"I condemn the acts of such individuals who utter irresponsible statements against gods... Shreya Dhargalkar has been booked at two police stations and sent to judicial custody till June 4. This has sent a good message that if someone tries to create tensions unnecessarily by using social media platforms then action will be initiated. Such acts should be stopped," he added.

"We will take action as per law against such acts of irresponsible criticism. Statements against any religion will not be tolerated," Chief Minister Sawant said.
Mumbai, May 28 : Accusing the ruling Mahayuti government of attempting to derail the probe into the Porsche car crash that claimed two lives in Pune, the Maharashtra Congress on Tuesday demanded that the sensational case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

State Congress President, Nana F Patole, also reiterated his demand for the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as disturbing political links have emerged in the police probe.

"The common people are being ruthlessly crushed under speeding cars driven by people after consuming alcohol and drugs. Such accidents have taken place in Pune, Nagpur and Jalgaon. The most infuriating aspect is that efforts were made by the government system to help secure bail for the accused," said Patole, demanding that the CBI take over the matter.

Accusing the government of ignoring the rampant illegal sale of drugs in Pune and the thriving unauthorised pubs/bars in the city and Nagpur, Patole said that 36 such outlets have been razed after the Porsche case hit national headlines.

Two girls were killed after being hit by a car in Nagpur recently and the accused secured bail in just 10 hours, and in a similar accident case in Jalgaon, all-out attempts were made to save the accused.

The Pune Porsche case, which has been throwing up fresh twists almost daily, has become murkier with a Mahayuti ally, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)'s MLA Sunil Tingre's role coming under the scanner.

Among other things, Tingre had allegedly visited the Yerawada Police Station in the early hours of May 19  barely hours after the accident in which the minor boy was arrested.

Additionally, Tingre had written a letter to his party leader and Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif recommending the name of Dr. Ajay Taware, the arrested Head of Forensics Medicine Department of Sassoon General Hospital, as the Medical Superintendent (MS) of the government-run institution.

Copies of the letter have gone viral on social media embarrassing the NCP top brass, though the government has not commented on it even as Dr. Taware, his colleague Dr. Shrihari Halnor and a peon Atul Ghatkamble were arrested for changing the blood sample of the minor accused against pecuniary benefits.

Mushrif has assured that strict action would be taken against the errant doctors, as the government contemplated suspension and departmental enquiry against them, besides a probe by a special three-member team led by Dr. Pallavi Saple which started its work on Tuesday.

Present at Patole's briefing were RS MP Chandrakant Handore, Minority Department President Wajahat Mirza, ex-MP Hussain Dalwai, Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe and others.
Bangkok, May 28 : Thailand on Tuesday announced longer visa stay periods for tourists, postgraduate students, remote workers, and retirees as part of the government's policy to rev up the tourism sector amid a slowing economy.

Bangkok, May 28 (IANS) Thailand on Tuesday announced longer visa stay periods for tourists, postgraduate students, remote workers, and retirees as part of the governmentas policy to rev up the tourism sector amid a slowing economy.

The measure is aimed at promoting the tourism sector which is a key growth driver of Thailandas economy and a major source of employment.

Beginning in June, travellers from as many as 93 countries will be eligible travellers to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, an increase from the current list of 57 nations, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke.

The governmentas strategy includes extending stay limits for on-arrival visas from 30 days to 60 days.

More visitors will qualify for visas on arrival, further facilitating entry into the country.

Foreign postgraduate students will benefit from an additional year of stay upon graduation, and insurance requirements for foreigners seeking retirement in Thailand will be relaxed. These changes are designed to attract a broader range of visitors and residents, contributing to the nation's economic revival.
Mumbai, May 28 : Days after the weather bureau forecast 96-106 per cent rainfall in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday asked the administration to be on guard to effectively tackle the situation arising out of heavy rains and floods in the state.

Chairing a pre-monsoon review meeting here, CM Shinde insisted that all the government agencies and civic bodies should maintain proper coordination in handling nature's fury.

The Chief Minister also directed that the number of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams be increased from the present eight, all municipalities should make operational teams along the lines of the Target Disaster Response Force, besides forming department-wise SDRF teams.

These measures along with others are necessary as Mumbai is likely to witness rains from June 10-11, while the rest of Maharashtra will see rains from June 15 onwards.

To avoid flooding of railway tracks causing disruptions in suburban train services, Shinde urged the general managers of Central, Western, and Konkan Railways to be prepared with all possible measures.

Keeping in mind the loss of human lives due to the collapse of an unauthorised hoarding at Ghatkopar in Mumbai earlier this month, Shinde asked the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other civic bodies to immediately remove all the unauthorised billboards in the state and register cases against the violators.

He also said that BMCas permission will be mandatory for putting up hoardings in areas under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the Railways in Mumbai.

To avoid flash floods due to the discharge of water from the reservoirs due to heavy rains, Shinde asked the administration to coordinate with three neighbouring states -- Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.

He also directed that technical inspection of each dam in the state should be completed by May 31, and the wireless system should be functional at each dam site by May 31.

Also, the power department should take necessary steps to ensure that the electricity supply remains safe and secure during stormy weather.

The danger notification system should be kept on alert, public awareness should be created among the citizens, and manhole covers and girders should be installed on Mumbai roads to avoid any mishap, the Chief Minister said.
Anushka Sen gives a peek into her 'shoot day in Bangkok; drops pic munching chips. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, May 28 : Actress Anushka Sen on Tuesday shared glimpses from her visit to Bangkok, Thailand, as the diva is in the vibrant city shooting for her upcoming project.

Taking to Instagram, Anushka, who enjoys 39.2 million followers, shared a series of photos, where we can see her wearing a breezy half sleeves magenta pink colour dress, with a sweetheart neckline and a thigh-high slit in between.

She has opted for a no-makeup look and tied her hair in a messy bun. Anushka accessorised the look with black sunglasses and white sneakers.

The 'Jhansi Ki Rani' fame diva can be seen munching upon some chips.

The post is captioned as: "Shoot day in Bangkok".

On the work front, she was last seen in the web series 'Dil Dosti Dilemma' in which Anushka portrayed the role of Asmara. Directed by Debbie Rao and produced by Jahanara Bhargava and Seema Mohapatra, the show also stars Shishir Sharma, Mahesh Thakur, and Priyanshu Chatterjee.

Anushka has also featured in web show 'Crashh', and music video 'Teri Aadat 2'. She also participated in 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 11'
Recently, reporters learned from Hefei Customs that in April this year, Anhui Province exported 3.01 billion yuan worth of "New Trio" products (photovoltaic products, lithium-ion batteries, and electric vehicles), accounting for 6.8% of the province's total export value for the same period. In recent years, Anhui automobile companies have seized the growth opportunities in the new energy vehicle industry, relying on the local industrial and supply chains to continuously accelerate the pace of electric vehicle exports, with a promising market outlook. Among the export increases of "New Trio" products, the export of electric vehicles maintained significant growth. In April, Anhui's exports of electric vehicles amounted to 630 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 123.7%. From the perspective of trade partners, the export of Anhui's "New Trio" products has noticeably shifted towards the Asian market, with strong expansion into emerging markets. In April, Anhui's exports of "New Trio" to Asian countries amounted to 870 million yuan, an increase of 80.8%; exports to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries and regions reached 930 million yuan, growing by 24.8%; exports to other RCEP member countries reached 440 million yuan, up by 38.5%. Anhui's foreign trade network is gradually extending from traditional markets such as Europe, the United States, and Japan to emerging markets in BRI countries and other RCEP member countries. Anhui's efforts to explore and consolidate emerging markets have shown stronger performance and more significant results.

Source: Anhui Daily


Mumbai, May 28 : Actor Vineet Kumar Choudhary has recounted an incident where an elderly fan expressed her heartfelt desire to visit the set of his show "Karmadhikari Shanidev" all the way from Delhi.

Vineet, who plays Shanidev in the mythological show, recalled the elderly fan's encounter, and said: "Recently, while shooting for aKarmadhikari Shanideva I received a special surprise from a very sweet fan on the set. An elderly fan had come with her son all the way from Delhi just to meet me."

"During a conversation with her, she expressed her belief that I am not just an actor but a medium through which she could spiritually connect with Shanidev. She insisted that her journey was not just to meet me but to immerse herself in the divine energy that my portrayal of Shanidev conveyed. Hearing that completely amazed me," he shared.

Vineet said portraying characters like Shanidev is unique because people build a divine connection with you through your character.

"I was deeply touched by the elderly fanas belief and the realisation that I am more than just an actor in the eyes of audiences, is inexpressible," he added.

'Karmadhikari Shanidev' airs Monday to Saturday at 8:30 pm on Shemaroo TV.
Mumbai, May 28 : After a video of leakage in the recently-inaugurated Mumbai Coastal Road tunnel went viral, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday visited the spot along with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner and representatives of L&T and asked them to ensure permanent repairs.

Though BMC officials had made repairs after the video went viral, the CM insisted that the issue needs to be addressed permanently, on a priority basis.

The Mumbai Coastal Road's first phase of 11 kms between Worli Sea Face and Marine Drive was inaugurated for vehicular traffic on March 11.

This phase comprises a 2.07 km-long-tunnel in which the leakage was noticed.

Thereafter the BMC team swung into action on Monday night and conducted repairs.

"The leakage is from the grouting and not from the main construction of the tunnel. There is no danger to the basic structure. I have directed the BMC and the company representatives that the repairs should be permanent and not temporary," said CM Shinde after visiting the spot.

A BMC officer connected with the Mumbai Coastal Road said, "These are not cracks but expansion joints located at every 20-30 meters, allowing for contraction and expansion. The leakage is occurring through these joints. We will employ injection waterproofing and grouting to seal the leaks immediately.

"This issue arises during construction or due to equipment use, but once addressed, no further leakage will occur. The water has dispersed, which is why the colour has also come off."

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader and former environment minister Aaditya Thackeray lashed out at the Mahayuti government over the leakage and delay in the commissioning of the second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road.

"The Mumbai Coastal Road would have been completed and opened to citizens by December 2023, had the Maha Vikas Aghadi been in government. However, after the corrupt regime toppled our regime, they slowed down the work and worked on cost escalation," he claimed.

Aaditya Thackeray said inaugurations were planned multiple times in February, only for one lane.

"Finally the one lane was opened hurriedly, to claim electoral credit for our project before elections. That one lane works from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. Then we were given timelines that the entire road would be opened by March, then April, then May. Now it's almost June. Will the BMC give an official update on the final date of opening it up to citizens?" he asked.

"More so, when we form the government, we will investigate the delay, in detail," said Aaditya Thackeray.
Varanasi : , May 28 (IANS) Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav addressed a joint rally here on Tuesday, saying the BJP launched a negative campaign but the INDIA bloc would bring 'happy days for the people' once voted to power.

Stating that the Prime Minister is repeatedly addressing him and Rahul Gandhi as 'Shehzade', Akhilesh Yadav said, "This time, the Shehzade will checkmate the BJP."

"We will also waive farmers' loans, ensure legal guarantee for MSP of various crops, and ease GST norms for weavers and small traders," said Rahul Gandhi.

The two leaders also promised to abolish the Agnipath scheme and ensure permanent employment in the army.

Addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi said that MNREGA wages would be increased to Rs 400 per day while the remuneration for Asha and Anganwadi workers would be doubled if the INDIA bloc is voted to power.

"BJP leaders have attacked the Constitution, saying that they will change it if they get 400 seats. This is their biggest mistake. This election is between the super-rich and the poor and we are with the poor," the Congress leader said.

Akhilesh Yadav, meanwhile, said that the much-awaited defence corridor in Uttar Pradesh has not even produced a 'sutli bomb' till now.

"There has been no investment at the ground level. Even the milk plant in Varanasi was sanctioned during my regime," he said, as the two leaders appealed to the people to vote for Ajay Rai, the INDIA bloc nominee in Varanasi from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking re-election.
Aizawl, May 28 : At least 21 people, including two minors, were killed and seven others were missing as a stone quarry collapsed in Mizoram's Aizawl district on Tuesday following incessant rain triggered by Cyclone Remal, officials said.

Meanwhile, in different incidents across the state, at least two people were killed and a few went missing in landslides, which also affected transport and even left Aizawl cut off from the rest of the country.

Disaster management and police officials said that 21 bodies had been recovered so far from the quarry site between Melthum and Hlimen in the Aizawl district while several others are still trapped under the debris following the collapse in the morning.

Disaster management personnel, police and local people continued hectic efforts to rescue the trapped people or recover the bodies. Heavy rain and intense winds were affecting the rescue operations, a disaster management official said, adding that seven of the victims are locals, while the remaining are from outside the state.

A minor boy and a minor girl were among the victims of the stone quarry collapse, while two persons were rescued alive.

Rain-triggered landslides were reported in several other districts, leaving two dead and a few others missing in different places and disrupting the movement of vehicles between the districts.

Aizawl has been cut off from the rest of the country due to multiple landslides on National Highway 6, the lifeline of the mountainous state.

Several buildings, houses, roads, and bridges were either damaged or swept away due to landslides and the heavy rain.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma held an emergency meeting with Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Chief Secretary Renu Sharma and other senior officials to review the situation. The government has also ordered all schools to be closed and government employees, except those involved in providing emergency and essential services, to work from home.

The Chief Minister and the Home Minister, accompanied by senior officials, also visited the stone quarry site. Lalduhoma announced a fund of Rs 15 crore to provide relief to the affected people and an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to be given to the kin of those who died in the landslides.

President Droupadi Murmu and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed their grief over the deaths at the stone quarry mishap. "Saddened to learn about the loss of lives in a stone quarry collapse near Aizawl in Mizoram. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish for a speedy recovery of the injured", the President said in a post on X. "Deeply saddened to know about the tragic accident at a stone quarry in Mizoram. My sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," the Home Minister said in a post on X.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 28 : From Barasat in West Bengal to Dumka in Jharkhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday vowed to launch a thorough investigation against corrupt leaders once the results of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections are out on June 4.

This, he promised, was a "Modi ki guarantee" and an "X-ray so powerful" that it will deter future generations from indulging in corruption.

"Ten years ago, I pledged to eradicate corruption, and I've upheld that promise. Now, I assure the nation that 'na khaunga, na khaane dunga'! The mountains of notes that have been recovered from TMC leaders will be accounted for, every single penny of it. Legal measures are being implemented to ensure justice," said Prime Minister Modi during the election rally in Barasat.

In Dumka, as he slammed Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress of "looting Jharkhand from all sides", the Prime Minister said that the resource-rich state is now infamous for its mountains of currency notes.

"After June 4, action against corrupt leaders will accelerate, and this is the Modi ki guarantee," he said while reiterating his commitment to combating corruption in the country.

On Monday, while speaking exclusively to IANS, Prime Minister Modi elaborated on how his government has been working tirelessly to weed out rampant corruption from the system.

"Today, when the big fish are being caught, questions are being raised by vested interests. It's difficult to understand what is the motive of the Khan Market Gang and why it is framing such narratives to save the criminals from facing the law," he said.

He had also made it clear that the independent agencies take action based on facts which are gathered after a lot of hard work.

"It is the Independent investigative agency which apprehends the accused and the judiciary which decides on their conviction or trial. The Prime Minister has no role in this," said Prime Minister Modi.

While addressing multiple election meetings in different parts of the country over the past many weeks, the Prime Minister has emphasised that the next five years will prove to be extremely important in the country's fight against corruption.

Last August, while speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi had mentioned that corruption, nepotism and appeasement are the three major challenges that have suppressed the aspirations of people in the country.

"Freedom from corruption, fight against corruption in every area and in every sector is the need of the hour. And countrymen, my dear family members, this is Modi's commitment; it is my personal commitment that I will continue to fight against corruption," said the Prime Minister on August 15, 2023.
Mumbai, May 28 : RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Tuesday launched three major initiatives of the Reserve Bank of India which include the PRAVAAH portal, the Retail Direct Mobile App and a FinTech Repository.

The PRAVAAH portal will make it convenient for any individual or entity to apply online for various regulatory approvals in a seamless manner. This portal will also enhance the efficiency of various processes related to the granting of regulatory approvals and clearances by the Reserve Bank, according to an RBI statement.

The Retail Direct Mobile App will provide retail investors seamless and convenient access to the retail direct platform and provide ease of transacting in government securities (G-Secs).

With the launch of the retail direct mobile app, retail investors can now transact in G-Secs using the mobile app on their smartphones. The mobile app can be downloaded from the Play Store for Android users and App Store for iOS users. The mobile app can also be downloaded using the following QR code.

The Fintech Repository will contain information on the detailed repository of data on Indian FinTech firms for a better understanding of the sector from a regulatory perspective and facilitate in designing appropriate policy approaches.

These three initiatives were earlier announced as part of RBIas bi-monthly Statement on Development and Regulatory Policies in April 2023, April 2024 and December 2023 respectively.
Chennai, May 28 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and President of DMK M.K. Stalin will attend the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on June 1.

The meeting has been called by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The INDIA bloc is yet to decide on its Prime Minister candidate and it is most likely that this topic will come up for discussion during the meeting.

M.K. Narasimhan, Political Analyst and Director of the Centre for Electoral Studies, Coimbatore told IANS that during the two UPA governments, the DMK played an important role and Late Kalaignar Karunanidhi was a decisive figure in the formation of both UPA governments.

He said that DMK would again be a crucial member of the bloc and M.K. Stalin would play an important role if the INDIA bloc reaches the magical figure of 272 or even if the results led to a hung position.

DMK contested all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu in the 2019 Lok Sabha election where they managed to win 38 seats.
Hyderabad, May 28 : With a former police officer's arrest in the phone tapping case making startling revelations, the BJP's Telangana unit on Tuesday demanded former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao's arrest and prosecution.

BJP Spokesman N. V. Subhash asked why the Congress government is not arresting the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader despite the evidence of his involvement in phone tapping.

Describing phone tapping as the biggest scam of the BRS, he alleged that the KCR family and police officers close to them were involved.

He said that the lack of action by the Congress government in the case shows that BRS and Congress have colluded.

The BJP leader said the confessions of the police officers show that the BRS government harassed several BJP leaders. He said a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) can bring out the truth.

BJP General Secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar called KCR's actions a "disgrace" to democracy.

"Phone tapping done under the BRS regime is worse than the emergency. This is a violation of Constitutional and human rights," he said, adding that KCR's fear of the BJP is now out in the open.

He was reacting to the reported confession of former Deputy Commissioner of Police Radha Kishan Rao, an accused in the case.

The former DCP revealed details of how the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) was used by the previous BRS government headed by KCR to tap the phones of leaders of opposition parties, businesspersons and even the dissidents within BRS.

Sanjay said Radha Kishan Rao's confession has confirmed his previous statements on the involvement of KCR.

"It is evident now that KCR wanted to fabricate the MLA poaching case as a quid pro quo to protect his own daughter, caught in the liquor scam. Such a shame that KCR and his gang have not even spared private conversations between couples. As someone who took an oath on the Constitution, KCR has not only betrayed the law but also has crushed the basic rights of citizens," he said.

The BJP leader said that the BRS Chief is unfit to hold any constitutional position, including that of an MLA and needs to be banned from contesting elections.

Along with KCR, all those involved in phone-tapping from the BRS party need to be prosecuted and removed as public representatives from their posts. It is imperative to also think about banning BRS membership.

"Despite the clear evidence, why isn't the Congress government arresting KCR? Why hasn't the main accused, Prabhakar Rao, been brought back from the USA?" he asked.

Sanjay said former SIB Chief Prabhakar Rao's arrest could reveal more facts about the corrupt practices of the BRS government.

The BJP leader stated that if Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has faith in democracy, he should write to the CBI, seeking a detailed investigation.

He also demanded that the Assembly Speaker disqualify KCR as the MLA.
Chennai, May 28 : The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Tamil Nadu Police has taken three persons into custody from different parts of the state in connection with a kidney racket based out of Kerala with international connections.

Those taken into custody were allegedly involved in connecting kidney donors with recipients, police sources said.

On May 19, Kerala Police arrested a person named Sabith Nasar (30) after he returned from Iran following inputs from central intelligence agencies, which were monitoring his whereabouts for the past couple of months.

While Nasar admitted to being involved in the illegal sale of kidneys of around 20 people in Iran, the police suspect the involvement of more people in this case.

During questioning, the accused disclosed the involvement of another person named Sajith Shyam, a resident of Kochi, who Nasar claimed was the person behind the money transactions in the kidney racket.

Nasar and Shyam, who was arrested later, revealed the presence of many agents in various parts of the country, including in several north Indian states.

The Tamil Nadu Police began a parallel investigation into the case and directed all the DSPs to conduct a probe into the missing person cases in their respective jurisdictions.

Based on this probe, three persons were taken into custody from Coimbatore and Pollachi, who, according to the police, admitted to having connections with Nasar.

The Tamil Nadu Police are also probing the involvement of certain persons in the coastal regions of the state who went to Middle Eastern countries recently.
New Delhi, May 28 : Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on Tuesday ordered a comprehensive probe by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) into the registration of nursing homes in the national capital after seven newborns were killed in a massive fire at a children's hospital on Saturday night.

As per the police, the licence issued to the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital in Vivek Vihar by the Delhi Government Health Services (DGHS) expired on March 31. Also, the doctors at the hospital were not qualified/competent to treat the newborns in need of neonatal intensive care as they were just BAMS degree holders.

In his note to the Chief Secretary, L-G Saxena said, "I have taken a very stern view in the matter. Though this is a transferred subject, in a larger public interest, I am forced to step in on account of the lack of seriousness on the part of the authorities entrusted with these responsibilities."

The ACB probe will assess how many nursing homes are functioning without valid registrations and whether those having valid registrations are complying with the prescribed norms as provided under the Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953, and the rules made thereunder.

Pointing out that the incident put a serious question mark on ministerial responsibility in a matter directly related to the health and lives of the residents of Delhi, the L-G said, "Even after a tragedy of this magnitude, which should have stirred the conscience of the political leadership, I am disappointed that the Chief Minister and Ministers have paid only lip service and given sound bites, finding alibis and shirking responsibility. Administration cannot be run on social media, nor by brushing such serious matters under the carpet."

"I am given to understand that there are 1,190 nursing homes, of which more than a quarter are operating without valid registrations. Also, there are many nursing homes in the city which never applied for registration but are still operating. Even those nursing homes which have valid registrations may not be meeting the safety and regulatory standards as prescribed in the Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953, and the rules made thereunder," the L-G said.

"The very existence of such nursing homes that serve the poor and not so well off sections of the society speaks volumes on the larger issue of severe lack of public health infrastructure in the national capital as well. This is a larger issue which has been left neglected, contrary to the claims in the public domain," he added.

As per the L-G, the ACB is directed to undertake a comprehensive inquiry into the registration of nursing homes in the city to assess how many of them are functioning without valid documents.

The L-G also directed the Chief Secretary to advise all the district magistrates to get a field verification done of their respective areas within two weeks to ascertain the actual number of functional nursing homes, which can then be compared to the list of the Health Department.

"It has also come to my notice that even in this day and age, the registration procedure for nursing homes in Delhi is conducted manually, which leaves a lot of room for discretion, ambiguity, and corruption. The Chief Secretary may accordingly ensure that an online portal is made operational with all data of compliances, registration, and validity, which is open for public scrutiny," the L-G said.
Paris, May 28 : Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, advanced to the second round of the 2024 French Open after a commanding victory over Felipe Alves 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in the men's singles opening round. Demonstrating why he is regarded as a formidable contender, the world No. 7 relied on his powerful groundstrokes and strategic play to keep Alves at bay throughout the match.

From the onset, Ruud's dominance was evident. Serving at close to 90% on his first serves, the Norwegian quickly established control, breaking Alves' serve to go up 5-3 in the first set after a prolonged battle on his seventh break opportunity. The first set was secured with a decisive 6-3 finish, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

In the second set, Ruudas tactical prowess shone through as he did not allow Alves a single break point, maintaining consistent pressure with his aggressive baseline play.

An early break in the third set further solidified Ruudas grip on the match, and despite Alves matching his power game initially, errors began to creep into the Brazilian's play. Ruud's relentless consistency saw him through to a straight-sets victory, sealed in just under two hours.

Fresh off his recent victory in Geneva, Ruudas confidence was palpable on the Paris clay. Reflecting on his performance, he expressed his deep affinity for the French Open, stating, "This is one of the biggest tournaments for me and for everyone every year. One of my highlights. I'm always looking forward to it. The last two years have given me so much here in Paris. I hope I can make it another good year."

He acknowledged a satisfactory clay season despite some setbacks in Madrid and Rome, adding, "All in all, I'm happy."

Looking ahead, Ruud will face either Monacoas Valentin Vacherot or Spainas Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round.
Brussels, May 28 : European Union defence ministers on Tuesday agreed five broad priorities for Europe's defence, including support for Ukraine.

The "EU's unwavering support to Ukraine" is the first priority mentioned in the member states' announcement, which was agreed at a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels.

"The EU will use all tools at its disposal," a press statement said.

Among these tools is an off-budget fund called the European Peace Facility, under which the EU has pledged a5 billion ($5.4 billion) worth of military aid to Ukraine.

However, payments are being held up by Hungary.

Each EU member state has a veto over the legislation required to begin payments.

"This delay can be measured in terms of human lives," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday, after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

"We have agreed that the Hungarian contribution to the European Peace facility will not be used to supply military support to Ukraine."

The Dutch government announced on Tuesday that it will lead an initiative among some European countries to supply a Patriot air defence missile system to Ukraine.

"Ukraine, of course, is still under attack. Airstrikes continue," said Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren as she arrived at the defence ministers' meeting.

"Patriot systems are scarce in Europe and NATO, but we are now taking a step forward, so we will supply components of Patriot systems," she added.

A press statement from the Dutch Ministry of Defence said "the Netherlands has identified which countries could offer additional Patriot parts and munitions" in order to deliver a complete system to Ukraine.

It does not mention which countries are involved.

Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary-General of the NATO military alliance, said air defence is the "most urgent need".

He said EU countries are "stepping up the delivery of ammunition, air defence systems, and in particular, the most advanced ones, the Patriot systems".

Stoltenberg took part in the defence ministers' meeting on Tuesday.

Next on the defence ministers' priority list is strengthening the EU's industrial capacity to produce armaments and defensive technologies.

The declaration "stresses the vital need to improve access to public and private finance" for the European defence industry.

In March, the European Commission proposed a a1.5 billion plan to strengthen Europe's armaments industry, in order that it might be better equipped to defend itself and to arm Ukraine.

Third on the list is allowing the EU itself to do more in the domain of security and defence policy, which is mostly a national matter.

The EU points to the recently-launched EU naval mission ASPIDES, which aims to protect commercial shipping from attacks by Houthi militants operating in the Red Sea.

Fourth is bolstering the EU against hybrid warfare, such as foreign disinformation and cyber warfare.

Fifth, defence ministers want to see the EU "strengthen, deepen and expand" defence partnerships with organisations such as the UN and NATO.

Ministers also agreed to renew existing sanctions against the regime of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria, extending the expiry date by another year to June 1, 2025. The sanctions target 316 people and 86 organisations.

--IANS/DPA

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Amsterdam, May 28 : Dick Schoof, the former head of the Dutch intelligence service, is set to become the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands, the incoming right-wing government announced on Tuesday.

Schoof, 67, is the top civil servant at the Justice Ministry and has no current party affiliation.

He is regarded as an expert on security and migration -- two burning issues for the four coalition partners.

Schoof was head of the intelligence and security service AIVD, coordinator in the fight against terrorism, and also director of Immigration Services.

The Netherlands has been in political limbo since November's general election, which sent shockwaves across Europe.

Geert Wilders' nationalist and right-wing Party for Freedom (PVV) scored a dramatic victory, but not enough to govern outright.

It took months for the "anti-Islam, anti-immigration and anti-EU" firebrand to persuade other parties to join him in a coalition.

Wilders has promised "the strictest asylum policy ever" and drastic curbs on immigration.

His programme also includes relaxing environmental regulations for farmers and cancelling subsidies for sustainable energy.

In a concession to make the coalition possible, Wilders said he would not seek to be Prime Minister and renounced some of his most controversial demands, such as the ban on mosques.

Wilders finally announced two weeks ago that his PVV had agreed a four-way coalition with the liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the conservative New Social Contract (NSC) party and the populist Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB).

Wilders said Schoof, who was once a member of the centre-left Labour Party, "stands above the parties and has our trust".

It is expected to take several weeks before a Cabinet line-up will be finalised and King Willem-Alexander swears them into office.

Rutte, who has been Prime Minister since 2010, is on track to become NATO's next Secretary General toward the end of the year.

--IANS/DPA

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Islamabad, May 28 : Former Pakistan minister Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday wished "good luck" to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, hoping that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his "extreme ideology" is defeated in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

"In Pakistan, everyone wants to see Narendra Modi lose the elections... It is important that he faces defeat," Chaudhry, who was a Federal Minister in the erstwhile Pakistan government led by Imran Khan, told IANS.

"An Indian voter's benefit lies in having good relations with Pakistan and that India moves ahead as a progressive nation. This is why Narendra Modi and his extremist ideology need to be defeated. Whoever defeats him -- be it Rahul ji, Kejriwal ji, or Mamata Banerjee -- our good wishes should be with them," he added.

Chaudhry was responding to the comments made by PM Modi during an exclusive interview with IANS on Monday where he mentioned that consistent messages of support from Pakistan for some Indian political leaders merit an investigation.

Expressing shock and surprise over Pakistani voices of endorsement and praise for a select few Indian counterparts in the middle of the Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi asserted that Indian voters are mature enough to see through their gimmicks.

"I don't understand why some select group of people, apparently those who harbour animosity against us, get endorsements from Pakistan, why voices of support emanate from there for certain individuals," he said in the exclusive chat with IANS.

The PM added: "This is a grave matter and calls for an investigation. I think I shouldn't comment on such issues, given the position I hold, but I do understand the concern."

Chaudhry, who's no stranger to controversies, has been expressing his point of view on the ongoing Indian elections.

On May 1, the former minister wrote on X, "Rahul on fire" while tagging his video, where the latter was seen criticising the BJP, targeting the Prime Minister in particular.

The Pakistani politician also reacted after Delhi CM Kejriwal was granted bail, even though it drew sharp condemnation from the AAP chief himself.

However, political leaders commenting on Indian elections is not a common sight in Pakistan.

In fact, many Pakistani politicians have refrained from reacting to the developments taking place during the ongoing elections in the neighbouring country.

Fawad Chaudhry has been by far the most vocal of the political lot so far.

Many believe Chaudhry's frequent statements are a result of him not being associated with any political party in the country right now, or holding any position in the government, thus giving him the leverage to express himself in his individual capacity.

--IANS

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Taipei, May 28 : Taiwan's Parliament, dominated by the China-friendly opposition, on Tuesday amended a controversial law to expand the lawmakers' investigative powers, which opponents have slammed as an erosion of democracy.

Outside the Parliament building, more than 30,000 protesters showed their outrage by giving the move a thumbs-down.

"This is a law that is most difficult to operate and enforce because it had never been fully discussed," Puma Shen, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said at the legislative session after the passage of the amendment, adding that the legislative procedure lacks transparency.

Protesters said the amendment's passage would hinder the normal functioning of the government under new President Lai Ching-te of the independence-leaning DPP, who took office last week, and create chilling effects on Taiwan's democracy.

In Taiwan, the directly-elected President appoints the premier to head the Executive Yuan, which formulates policy.

The Legislative Yuan then reviews policies and enacts laws.

The DPP lost its majority in the Legislative Yuan in January's elections.

The opposition lawmakers have moved to increase their powers over the work of the president and the executive. Now the president should deliver the state-of-the-nation report during the legislature's annual assembly and he must appear himself in person, according to state-run Central News Agency.

The new rules also stipulate that counter-questions are not allowed when being questioned by lawmakers, and the person being questioned may not refuse to reply or else they will be considered in contempt.

Violators can be fined up to NT$200,000 ($6,215).

In addition, lawmakers have expanded the number of people they can call in to question to include government agencies, military units, legal representatives, groups or other relevant people.

Those who refuse to appear can be fined up to NT$100,000 by resolution of the legislature.

Tuesday's demonstration was the fourth since mid-May.

The protesters have expressed concerns about what they see as a dysfunctional legislature and the violation of procedures by China-friendly opposition parties, including the Chinese Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT), and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP).

KMT chairman Eric Chu said on Facebook on Tuesday that this reform is not only in line with public opinion after the 2024 presidential election, but is also a milestone in Taiwan's third wave of democratic reforms.

Chu called on President Lai to abide by the constitutional system, respect the Legislative Yuan, and comply with the expectations of the majority.

KMT legislative caucus whip Fu Kun-chi said on Tuesday that, with the amendment, opposition lawmakers will soon launch investigations into certain corruption cases as soon as possible.

"We will bring sunlight into Taiwan," Fu told reporters.

But DPP legislator Kuo Kuo-wen said, "The Parliament will become a platform for secret leakage because Beijing can gain key information through China-friendly lawmakers."

"We, as people from the civil society, will urge the Executive Yuan to ask the legislature to reconsider the amendment," Taiwan Economic Democracy Union convener Lai Chung-chiang told the crowd outside Parliament, saying that the government is entitled to do so in accordance with the constitution.

"Why are the adults in power unable to practise the rules and spirit of democracy?" Chiu She-ching, a high-school student said on the stage to the crowd.

"I cannot tolerate irresponsible lawmakers skipping the procedure to review the bill clause by clause. I'm so worried about the gradual erosion of democracy and freedom," a woman surnamed Lai, 39, with her two-year-old girl sleeping in a baby cart, told dpa at the protest.

On stage, Wu Rwei-ren, a researcher at the prestigious Academia Sinica's Institute of Taiwan History, told protesters that foreign observers had pointed out that Taiwan's opposition-controlled Parliament was seeking to rebalance power.

"The third reading passed today in Taiwan will ultimately benefit the Beijing regime," Wu said, citing a new article in the current affairs magazine -- The Diplomat.

--IANS/DPA

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Mumbai, May 28 : Industry Minister Uday Samant on Tuesday rebutted the Opposition's charge that Maharashtra has lost a Rs 50,000 crore petrochemical project by the state-run GAIL India to Madhya Pradesh.

"Opposition should not blame the state government for GAIL India's decision. The company had not submitted a complete proposal to the Maharashtra government. It had requested land in Ratnagiri district but the necessary land was not available at that time with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). When the land became available, the company officials referred to the protests that took place in the case of the mega refinery project (Nanar Refinery project in Ratnagiri district). Thereafter, the company did not make any proposal with the state government," the Industry Minister said.

His response came days after the Leader of the Opposition Ambadas Danve targeted the MahaYuti government over GAIL India's decision to set up the petrochemical project in Madhya Pradesh

"The GAIL India was to come up in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar or in Dabhol with an investment of Rs 50,000 crore. Now the project will be set up in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh. How did the company choose Madhya Pradesh when it had earlier thought of setting up the project in Maharashtra? How did Maharashtra's share of employment go out easily?" Danve asked.

Industry Minister Uday Samant has announced to constitute a high-level committee comprising of principal secretaries of the Industry and Environment Departments to probe the Dombivli chemical company blast in which at least 10 persons died and 60 others were injured.

"The committee will submit its report in three weeks. They will also review the industries of A, B, and C categories. The companies who have violated the rules or have done unauthorised constructions will also be reviewed. The committee will follow the instructions given by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde," the minister said.

He said that the Dombivli blast caused a loss of around Rs 13 crore comprising a commercial loss of Rs 12 crore and a residential loss of Rs 1.66 crore. He added that the Maharashtra government is positive to recover all these losses.

He added that a decision was taken two years ago to relocate chemical companies from Dombivli to other places. The process of land acquisition begun at Patalganga and Jambhavali last year but it was stopped due to the code of conduct.

"Efforts are underway to relocate the companies to other MIDC-run industrial estates and Chemical Zones in Maharashtra. The government is taking steps for that. The state government will take care that these companies do not suffer any loss while migrating to other places," the minister said.
Hyderabad, May 28 : With a former police officer arrested in the phone tapping case making startling revelations, the Telangana unit of the BJP on Tuesday demanded former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao's arrest and prosecution.

Party spokesman N.V. Subhash asked why the Congress government is not arresting the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader despite the evidence of his involvement in phone tapping.

Describing phone tapping as the biggest scam of the BRS, he alleged that the family of KCR, as Chandrasekhar Rao is popularly known, and police officers close to them were involved in the case.

He also said that lack of action by the Congress government in the case shows that BRS and Congress have colluded.

The BJP leader said the confessions of the police officers show that the BRS government harassed several BJP leaders during its rule, adding that a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) can bring out the truth.

Calling KCR's actions a disgrace to democracy, BJP General Secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar said, "Phone tapping done under the BRS regime is worse than the Emergency. This is a violation of Constitutional and human rights. KCR's fear of the BJP is now out in the open."

Kumar was reacting to the reported confession of former Deputy Commissioner of Police Radha Kishan Rao, an accused in the case.

The former DCP revealed details of how the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) was used by the previous BRS government headed by KCR to tap the phones of leaders of opposition parties, businessmen, and even dissidents within the BRS.

Kumar said Radha Kishan Rao's confession has confirmed his previous statements on the involvement of KCR in the case.

"It is evident now that KCR wanted to fabricate the MLA poaching case as a quid pro quo to protect his daughter (K. Kavitha), who is caught in the liquor scam now. Such a shame that KCR and his gang have not even spared private conversations between couples. As someone who took an oath on the Constitution, KCR not only betrayed the law, but also crushed the basic rights of the citizens," he said.

The BJP leader believes the BRS chief is unfit to hold any constitutional position, including that of an MLA, and needs to be banned from contesting elections.

"Along with KCR, all those involved in phone tapping from the BRS need to be prosecuted and removed as public representatives from their posts. Despite clear evidence, why isn't the Congress government arresting KCR? Why hasn't the main accused, Prabhakar Rao, been brought back from the USA," he asked.

Kumar also said that former SIB chief Prabhakar Rao's arrest could reveal more facts about the corrupt practices of the BRS government, adding that if Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has faith in democracy, he should write to the CBI seeking a detailed investigation.

He also demanded that the Assembly Speaker should disqualify KCR as an MLA.
Kolkata, May 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in the Kolkata Uttar Lok Sabha seat in support of BJP nominee Tapas Roy on Tuesday evening touched three destinations associated with three iconic personalities of the state -- Maa Sarada, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Swami Vivekananda.

Kolkata, May 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modias roadshow in the Kolkata Uttar Lok Sabha seat in support of BJP nominee Tapas Roy on Tuesday evening touched three destinations associated with three iconic personalities of the state -- Maa Sarada, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Swami Vivekananda.

The Prime Minister first reached the residence of Maa Sarada, the wife and spiritual consort of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, at Bagbazar in North Kolkata.

After offering floral tributes, the Prime Minister also interacted with the monks residing there.

After that, the roadshow reached the Shyambazar five-point crossing where he garlanded the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose.

Moving on from there, the roadshow ended in front of the residence of Swami Vivekananda on Simla Street.

From Shyambazar to Simla Street, the Prime Minister travelled in an open-hood vehicle, accompanied by state BJP President Sukanta Majumdar, leader of opposition in the Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, and the party candidates from Kolkata Uttar and Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituencies, Tapas Roy and Shilbhadra Dutta, respectively.

The roadshow drew a massive response with thousands of people gathering on both sides of the road as the Prime Minister waved at the crowd throughout the journey.

Political observers view the move to start the roadshow from Maa Saradaas residence and end it at Swami Vivekananda's residence as a political masterstroke by the Prime Minister, given the recent statements made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing a section of the monks associated with the Ramakrishna Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, and ISKCON of acting on BJP's behalf.

The Chief Ministeras comments evoked strong criticism from all sections of the society in Bengal, with the Prime Minister accusing her of making attempts to please her partyas dedicated vote bank.
Hyderabad, May 28 : In a new twist to the phone-tapping row in Telangana, two police officers arrested in the case have alleged that the previous BRS government snooped on the funders of opposition Congress and BJP.

The police officers, in their reported confession statements, revealed that the entire phone-tapping operation was orchestrated to monitor the political rivals to ensure that Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) win the third consecutive Assembly election (held in November 2023).

Day after former Deputy Commissioner of Police P. Radha Kishan Raoas sensational confession, the statements of two more police officers surfaced on Tuesday, throwing fresh allegations against the previous government headed by K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).

Additional Superintendent of Police Bhujanga Rao and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Tirupathanna revealed how the special team in the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) conducted the operation, targeting leaders of Congress, BJP, dissidents within BRS and also businesspersons funding the opposition parties.

They also provided details of how the information gathered from phone tapping was used to track and seize money from those close to the leaders of Congress and BJP during the elections.

The two officials, who had earlier served in SIB, also alleged that at the instance of BRS leaders, disputes between companies, businesspersons and VIPs were settled. Phones of opposition leaders, their family members, student leaders and journalists were tapped.

Phones of Congress and BRS supporters were also tapped during elections to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, and by-elections to Dubbaka, Huzurabad and Munugode Assembly seats.

The political information was provided to the team tasked with phone tapping by then SIB chief Prabhakar Rao, journalist Sravan Kumar and another private person.

A plan was prepared to somehow make it sure that BRS wins a third term in power.

Huge funds were also allegedly mobilised from two private hospitals. Businesspersons were also arm-twisted to purchase electoral bonds. Those refusing to fall in line were threatened with criminal cases. Realtor Sridhar Rao was made to purchase electoral bonds to the tune of Rs 13 crore.

During the recent Assembly elections, a special team operated in the Kamareddy constituency where KCR was in the fray. Tirupathanna alleged that the BRS government used the anti-terror agency to track political opponents including BJP candidate K. V. Ramana Reddy and present Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddyas brother Kondal Reddy.

Counter-intelligence agents were deployed as part of the plan to check Congress and BRS candidates.

However, in a big upset both KCR and Revanth Reddy had lost to the BJP candidate in Kamareddy.

The cops also alleged that phone calls of those who criticised the BRS leader and then minister K. T. Rama Rao over question paper leakage in Telangana State Public Service Commission. Their details were forwarded to Praneeth Rao, who was heading the team in SIB.

Tirupathanna allegedly revealed that on the direction of SIB DSP Praneeth Rao and Bhujanga Rao, he along with others tracked the movements of political opponents of BRS during the polls and seized money from them. His team had two circle inspectors and 20 constables to execute the plans. He also revealed that every day they were tapping the phones of 40 people.

A specialised WhatsApp group was formed, comprising members of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB), focused on anti-Naxal operations, and the Counter Intelligence (CI) cell.

Another WhatsApp group named "Poll 2023" was established to track and seize the money from the funders of the Congress party.

In Kollur, Rs 90 lakh was seized from Revanth Reddyas friend Gali Anil Kumar. Similarly, Rs 1.95 crore was seized from Revanth Reddyas another friend K. Vinay Reddy.

The team also seized Rs 10.5 crore cash from Raghava Infra of Congress leader Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, who is now a minister.

The official revealed that Rs 3 crore was seized from Venu, a friend of Congress candidate Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy.

The Tirupatanna team also seized Rs 50.45 lakh from Visaka Industries of Congress leader Gaddam Vinod. It also seized Rs 35 lakh from Giridhar, a friend of Congress leader Uttam Kumar Reddy, who is now a minister

The team also seized Rs 90 lakh from Congress leader Jhansi Reddy and Rs 10 lakh from another friend of Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy.

Tirupatanna alleged that the phones of 300 people were tapped. With the BRS losing power to Congress, he destroyed data in three computers and nine loggers.

The disclosures by two police officers came a day after a confession by former Deputy Commissioner of Police P. Radha Kishan Rao.

He claimed that KCR wanted to arrest BJP National General Secretary B. L. Santosh in BRS MLAs poaching case to force a compromise and get rid of the Enforcement Directorate case against his daughter K. Kavitha.

The former cop revealed that in the last week of October 2022, then SIB chief Prabhakar Rao discussed with him that CM KCR got information from one MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy that some persons claiming to be influential in BJP are in touch with him asking him to leave BRS and join BJP along with some more MLAs.

KCR wanted to use it to corner the BJP and he asked the SIB to put surveillance on those private persons and the MLA. As per the plan, the MLA enticed the private persons to come to a farmhouse near Moinabad, where spy cameras were fixed.

Radha Kishan Rao revealed that due to the inefficiency of some Cyberabad police officers, KCR did not succeed in its plan to arrest Santosh so that BJP would come for a compromise and it could be used to get rid of the ED case against Kavitha.

Radha Kishan Rao was arrested as a conspirator along with other suspended police officials D. Praneeth Rao, Bhujanga Rao and Tirupathanna.

The phone tapping came to light in March when a case was registered with the Panjagutta police after a petition was filed by additional SP, SIB D. Ramesh.
New York, May 28 : Hearing final arguments from lawyers for the defence and the prosecution on Tuesday, jurors prepared on Tuesday to decide the fate of former President Donald Trump in the historic criminal case charging him with faking business ledgers during an attempt to buy a porn star's silence.

Trump is the first former President to face a criminal trial and his conviction or acquittal could impact the closely fought presidential election pitching him against President Joe Biden.

This is the only one of four criminal cases pending against him that will be decided before the November election where early opinion polls show them virtually tied with Trump having a 1.1 per cent lead, according to the aggregation of polls by RealClear Politics.

Trump's lawyers took aim at the credibility of his former attorney and fixer Michael Cohen who paid off the porn star Stormy Daniels to keep her from going public with allegations that she had a sexual encounter with him. The case hinges on a payment of $130,000 to Daniels that was recorded in Trump's business ledgers as legal fees to Cohen.

The prosecutors, who were to follow Trump's lawyers, allege that it is a criminal falsification of business records as the money was a payoff to avoid a scandal during the 2016 election campaign and the money was not lawyer's fees, and, therefore, the payoff was also an election interference.

Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche in his closing arguments on Tuesday countered that the business records were accurate as the payments were made directly to Cohen and the former President was not aware of what Cohen did with the checks. He said that the prosecution's star witness Cohen, who admitted on the witness stand to stealing $30,000 from Trump and made contradictory statements, was not a credible witness.

Blanche said that the sexual encounter claimed by Daniels 18 years ago and denied by Trump was not an issue in the case.

The panel of 12 jurors made up of ordinary citizens under the New York State legal system are expected to begin deliberating the case in private on Wednesday.

Each juror has a veto because a unanimous verdict is required to convict or acquit him and if they cannot agree on a united verdict, Judge Juan Merchan will have to declare a mistrial, which will not amount to an acquittal, and allow the prosecution to retry him.

The jury could also convict him unanimously on some parts of the charges. If convicted, Trump faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

That would create the strange spectacle of Secret Service agents accompanying him to prison to provide protection mandated for him as a former President by US law.

He would certainly appeal a conviction, keeping him out of prison during the presidential campaign and the Republican Party Convention in July that will officially make him the party candidate.

Merchan, however, has threatened Trump with being sent to prison for contempt of court if he continued to criticise persons connected to the case, which Trump has defiantly continued.

Before entering the court, Trump told reporters: "This is all election hunting, election interfering, going after Joe Biden's opponent because he can't do it himself."

The prosecutor waited seven years to bring the case in the middle of the campaign, he said.

Manhattan Public Prosecutor Melvin Bragg, who brought the case, is a Democrat elected to the post in a partisan election. While the lawyers made their final arguments, outside a raucous scene played out with his supporters and opponents holding demonstrations with colourful banners and posters. President Joe Biden's campaign added to the drama, bringing Actor Robert DeNiro outside the courthouse to denounce Trump accusing him of wanting to "destroy not only this city and country, but the whole world" and reciting an obscenity-laced litany of the former President's failings.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Hyderabad, May 28 : The final voter turnout in Monday's by-election to the Telangana Legislative Council from the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda graduates' constituency was 72.44 per cent, election officials said on Tuesday.

Out of 4,63,839 voters, 3,36,013 cast their votes in the constituency spread over 34 Assembly segments in 12 districts.

Among the districts, Yadadri Bhongir recorded the highest polling at 78.59 per cent. The lowest, at 67.62 per cent, was in Khammam district.

According to poll officials, 68.65 per cent of voters cast their votes by 4 p.m., when the polling came to an end. However, those standing in queues were allowed to cast their votes.

The Election Commission had set up 605 polling centres with the highest (118) in the Khammam district.

A total of 52 candidates were in the fray for the by-election but the main contest was among the Congress, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates.

The vacancy arose after Palla Rajeshwar Reddy of the BRS resigned following his election to the Assembly from the Jangaon constituency in the November 2023 polls. He was elected as MLC in the election held in 2021.

The ruling Congress, which has 33 out of the 34 MLAs in the graduates' constituency, fielded Chintapandu Teenmaar Mallanna, who had contested as an independent and finished second in the 2021 election. He is locked in a three-cornered contest with Rakesh Reddy of the BRS and G. Permender Reddy of the BJP.

Counting of votes will be taken up on June 5, a day after counting of votes polled in Lok Sabha elections.
Mumbai, May 28 : A day after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) unilaterally announced the nomination of Abhijit Panse for the June 10 legislative council polls in the Konkan Graduates' constituency, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar announced on Tuesday that the party will contest the elections as he wished luck to the MNS.

Shelaras remarks are important after the MNS became an ally of the ruling MahaYuti in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in the state and extended support to the candidates of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.

MNSa announcement to independently contest the legislative council elections surprised the BJP, which is expected to renominate sitting legislator Niranjan Davkhare.

Meanwhile, Panse met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday to seek his support.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has already announced the nomination of former minister Anil Parab from the Mumbai Graduates constituency and J.M. Abhyankar from the Mumbai Teachersa constituency for the June 10 legislative council polls.

Meanwhile, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has announced the nomination of senior leader Shivajirao Nalawade from the Mumbai Teachers' constituency.
Mumbai, May 28 : A Mumbai sessions court on Tuesday sentenced a man and a woman, convicted of the sensational murder of a woman colleague in 2018 as they feared losing their jobs for a romantic liaison at the workplace, to life imprisonment.

Siddhesh S. Tamhankar, 42, and his female colleague, Khushi A. Sajhwani, 46, were found guilty of murdering Chartered Accountant Kirti Vyas, 28, though her body was never recovered.

Observing that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, Additional Session Judge M. G. Deshpande had pronounced Tamhankar and Sajhwani guilty of the gruesome crime and posted the matter for quantum of punishment on Tuesday. While Tamhankar has been in custody for nearly seven years, Sajhwani had secured bail from the Supreme Court in 2021 but was taken into custody by the police again on Monday after being held guilty.

Special Public Prosecutor Avadhut M. Chimalkar, arguing for the most stringent punishment, said that the murder was committed with the "coolest of minds" and ended the budding career of the young CA who was the financial pillar of support for her family.

The court has convicted the duo for murder, kidnapping, wrongful restraint and destruction of evidence among other charges, in a rare criminal case where the court had to determine the murder charge despite the absence of the victimas body.

Vyas was reported missing by her family at the D. B. Marg Police Station late on March 16, 2018, when she did not return from her suburban workplace to her south Mumbai home at her usual time of around 9.30 p.m.

After investigating for over two months, the police claimed that two of her colleagues Tamhankar and Sajhwani were responsible for her disappearance and the murder, though her mortal remains were never found, and the case was handed over to the Crime Branch.

The prosecution argued that circumstances pointed to her two colleagues killing her in a moving car after they picked up Vyas from her home to go to the office, but both the accused denied picking her up, causing her disappearance, or murdering her.

The police lodged an FIR against them and arrested them on May 24, 2018, after the investigators found blood stains in Sajhwanias car and discrepancies in their replies on what happened on March 16.

After the detailed probe, the police filed a charge sheet running into over 950 pages detailing the murder case against the accused duo, statements of witnesses like the victimas family members, office colleagues and others. The prosecution relied on traces of Vyasa blood found in Sajhwanias vehicle in which she and Tamhankar had offered to take her to the office, the CCTV footage, mobile records and other evidence.

The prime motive behind the murder was that Vyas was aware of the relationship of the Tamhankar-Sajhwani duo and they did not want her to expose them.

The trial started in 2019 and Sajhwani steadfastly claimed she was innocent, that there was no evidence against her, and along with Tamhankar, sought leniency as they had no criminal backgrounds, and their families were dependent on them.
New Delhi, May 29 : Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Tuesday landed his party in a fresh row by terming the 1962 Chinese invasion "alleged".

"In October 1962, the Chinese allegedly invaded India," he said at the release of Kallol Bhattacherjee's book 'Nehru's First Recruits: The Diplomats Who Built Independent India's Foreign Policy' at the Foreign Correspondents Club here.

The BJP hit out at the Congress over the latest gaffe of its senior leader, who has frequently left his party embarrassed with his outspoken remarks against PM Narendra Modi to his views on Pakistan, asking it to explain its "love for the Chinese".

BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya said in a post on X: "Mani Shankar Aiyar, speaking at the FCC, during the launch of a book called Nehruas First Recruits, refers to Chinese invasion in 1962 as aallegeda. This is a brazen attempt at revisionism.

"Nehru gave up Indiaas claim on permanent seat at the UNSC in favour of the Chinese, Rahul Gandhi signed a secret MoU, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation accepted funds from the Chinese Embassy and published reports recommending market access for Chinese companies, based on them, Sonia Gandhias UPA opened up Indian market for Chinese goods, hurting MSMEs and now Congress leader Aiyar wants to whitewash the Chinese invasion, post which the Chinese have been in illegal occupation of 38,000 sq km of Indian territory.

"What explains Congressas love for the Chinese?"

Later, in a brief statement, Aiyar, who had also recounted that his entry into the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) was reversed after reports that he, studying in the UK then, was engaged in fund collection for the Chinese making him rush to India to clarify matters, said, "I unreservedly apologise for having mistakenly used the word 'alleged' before 'Chinese invasion' at the Foreign Correspondents Club this evening."
Jaipur, May 29 : The Rajasthan government on Tuesday took action in a case in which a doctor removed the functional kidney of a patient instead of the non-functional one by cancelling the registration of the hospital with immediate effect.

The state government has also initiated the process to cancel the empanelment of the hospital in various government health schemes.

Additional Chief Secretary in the Medical and Health Department, Shubhra Singh, said that a serious case of removal of the left kidney of a female patient instead of the right kidney had come to light at the Dhankar Hospital in Jhunjhunu.

"Taking the matter seriously, the Medical and Health Department has taken strict action against the hospital. The clinical establishment registration of the hospital has been cancelled with immediate effect.

"Action is being taken to cancel the empanelment of the hospital from different schemes of the Rajasthan government. Besides, the action to seize the hospital is also under process," Singh said.

She added that as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court, a five-member investigation team has been formed to probe the matter.
United Nations, May 29 : Indian Army Major Radhika Sen has been selected to receive a UN award recognising her advocacy for women and girls while serving as a peacekeeper, Stephane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, announced here.

Dujarric said that Guterres will present Sen with the 2023 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award on Thursday, which is observed as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

The award recognises the efforts of a military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of the 2000 Security Council resolution that calls for protecting women and girls from conflict-related sexual violence and sets gender-related responsibilities for the UN.

Congratulating her, Guterres called her "a true leader and role model. Her service was a true credit to the United Nations as a whole".

Sen served with the Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) where she helped create the Community Alert Networks in North Kivu as a platform that brought in community leaders, young people, and women "to voice their security and humanitarian concerns", according to the UN.

With her MONUSCO colleagues, she worked to address those concerns.

Guterres said that "with humility, compassion and dedication", she earned the trust of "conflict-affected communities, including women and girls" as her troops engaged with them "in an escalating conflict environment in North Kivu".

Sen said, "Gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everybody's business - not just us, women. Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity."

"This award is special to me as it gives a recognition to the hard work put in by all the peacekeepers working in the challenging environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and giving their best to bring a positive change in the society," she added.

Hailing from Himachal Pradesh, Sen is a biotech engineer who was studying for a master's degree at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay when she decided to join the Army.

She was assigned to MONUSCO in 2023 as the Engagement Platoon Commander with the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion, and completed her tenure in April 2024.

Sen is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive the honour after Major Suman Gawani, who served with the UN Mission in South Sudan and received the award in 2019.

Of the 6,063 Indian personnel in UN peacekeeping operations, 1,954 serve with MONUSCO, 32 of them women.

The UN said that Sen, who led mixed-gender engagement patrols and activities, became a role model for both men and women by fostering "a safe space for men and women to operate together under her command".

She also made sure that peacekeepers under her command operated with sensitivity to gender and sociocultural norms in the eastern DRC "to help build trust and thereby increase her team's chance of success", the UN said.

Among the activities she launched for women were English language classes for children, and health, gender, and vocational training for adults.

"Her efforts directly inspired women's solidarity, providing safe spaces for meetings and open dialogue", the UN said.

She encouraged women in the village of Kashlira, near Rwindi town, to organise themselves to advocate for their rights, particularly in local security and peace discussions.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Guwahati/Aizawl, May 28 : At least 36 people were killed in heavy rains and landslides in four northeastern states on Tuesday under the impact of Cyclone Remal while normal life came to a grinding halt in all the eight states of the region with road and rail links affected, officials said.

While 27 people were killed in Mizoram, including 21 in a quarry collapse in Aizawl district, four deaths were reported in Nagaland, three in Assam, and two in Meghalaya.

The rains, accompanied by gusty winds, triggered landslides, uprooted trees and electric poles, and disrupted power and internet services.

In view of waterlogging between the New Haflong-Jatinga Lampur section and Ditokcherra yard under the Lumding division of Northeast Frontier Railway, many trains were either cancelled or partially cancelled and rescheduled.

In Mizoram, at least 27 people, including 21 in a collapsed stone quarry, were killed and 10 others were missing in multiple landslides in Aizawl district.

Disaster management and police officials said that 21 bodies had been recovered so far from the quarry site between Melthum and Hlimen in the Aizawl while several others were still trapped under the debris following the collapse in the morning. Six died and many others were missing following incidents of landslides at Salem, Aibawk, Lungsei, Kelsih, and Falkawn in the district.

In Nagaland, at least four people died in different incidents while more than 40 houses have been damaged in various parts of the state.

A minor boy drowned at a river near Laruri village under the Meluri subdivision of Phek district, while two other incidents of drowning were reported from Doyang Dam in the Wokha district, an official said. An elderly man was crushed to death after a wall collapsed in Phek.

In Assam, three persons were killed while 17 others were injured in Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), and Morigaon districts. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), a tree branch fell on a school bus in Dhekiajuli of Sonitpur district, injuring 12 students. Five others were injured in different incidents in Morigaon.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the loss of lives.

ASDMA officials said that heavy storms occurred in the Bongaigaon, Chirang, Darrang, Dhubri, Hojai, Kamrup, Kamrup Metro, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, Morigaon, Nagaon, Sonitpur, South Salmara and West Karbi Anglong districts.

In Meghalaya, two persons died and over 100 others were injured as heavy rain lashed the state, officials said on Tuesday. Officials said one death was reported from East Jaintia Hills and another in a car accident in East Khasi Hills district. The relentless downpour damaged a large number of houses in 17 villages. Landslides were reported on the Shillong-Mawlai Bypass and at Bivar Road in Oakland, while flashfloods took place in Langkyrding, Pynthorbah, Polo, Sawfurlong, and Demseiniong areas.

In Tripura, heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds of 50 to 60 km per hour lashed most parts of the state during the past 24 hours, damaging 470 houses and forcing 750 people to take shelter in 15 relief camps in different districts.

Briefing media in Agartala, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushant Chowdhury said that during the past 24 hours, the state recorded an average of 215.5 mm rainfall with Unakoti district recording the highest, at 252.4 mm.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a high alert with a forecast of extremely heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Pema Khandu requested the people to take all precautionary measures and avoid vulnerable and isolated locations.
Purdue joins Elanco in a shared vision of a research park dedicated to solving pressing issues impacting animal, plant, human and environmental health

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.  Purdue University will partner with Elanco Animal Health Inc. and become part of Indianas new One Health Innovation District. The announcement was made Thursday (May 23) at Indianas 2024 Global Economic Summit after Purdue President Mung Chiang and Elanco President and CEO Jeff Simmons signed a shared memorandum of understanding with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to establish a globally recognized research innovation district dedicated to optimizing the health of people, animals, plants and the planet.

Purdue and Elanco have committed to develop a new shared-use facility on 3 acres in the One Health Innovation District near the future Elanco global headquarters on the western edge of the White River in Indianapolis. The facility is designed to deliver and scale up innovation where industry and academia can collaborate including office, wet lab and incubator space. This is in addition to the nearly complete 220,000-square-foot corporate headquarters of Elanco Animal Health, with an expected opening date in the second quarter of 2025. Elanco also announced its commitment to purchase an additional 12 acres to the north of its existing footprint for future expansion and the development of the Epicenter for Animal Health.

Purdue President Mung Chiang, alongside Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (right) and Elanco CEO Jeffrey Simmons (center), discusses the new One Health Innovation District during Thurs

Totality of Purdue to the totality of Indianapolis  thats our pledge as the Indianapolis part of Purdues main campus officially launches on July 1, Chiang said. In the coming years, all programs at Purdue will find homes throughout our states capital city. Todays announcement carries a special excitement for the partnership and the location. Purdue is excited to partner with Elanco and other collaborators to build out the ecosystem of One Health Innovation District, starting from the building announced and expanding to an entire district. Human health, animal health, plant health will be jointly advanced by the nations leading companies and our states top-ranked university.

The facility will help extend Purdues substantial research arm into the heart of Indianapolis, coinciding with the launch of the universitys urban extension, Purdue University in Indianapolis, on July 1. Research interests will include understanding of the microbiome, antimicrobial resistance, computational biology, comparative genomics and livestock sustainability, among others. Indianapolis is home to the biotech companies that are on the cutting edge of the revolution in animal health (Elanco), human health (Eli Lilly and Company) and plant health (Corteva Agriscience). The One Health Innovation District will be less than 1 mile from Lillys world headquarters, creating a unique and direct link between the two entities.

The One Health Innovation District will propel the states vision for our regional technology hub aimed at accelerating collaborative innovation in our life sciences, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said. The partnership marks a rare and noteworthy move wherein a global health company, a university and a government come together with a shared vision. The district will create an ecosystem that is focused on talent, applied research and innovation that can be sustained for generations to come.

Developing the One Health Innovation District surrounding the new Elanco global headquarters presents a unique opportunity to enable a coordinated partnership among public, private, government, university and community that will attract and retain top talent and drive growth and development for downtown Indianapolis. One Health is recognized by scientific institutions including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being a preferred approach where the interconnection among human, animal and plant science can help solve complex global health problems.

For life-changing innovations to move from idea to reality, they must grow in the right environment, Simmons said. The many partners in the Indianapolis One Health Innovation District will set Indianapolis apart as an area where innovators will find a vast ecosystem of support  including one of the worlds leading universities, funding, lab space, collaboration with many other innovators and companies  and most significantly, shared technical development and pilot plant facilities to manufacture and scale innovations. We believe connecting innovators with access to world-class, state-of-the-art resources will help bring solutions to some of the worlds most pressing issues facing people, animals and the environment. This is a key milestone in bringing to life our goal of creating an animal health epicenter to reach the worlds animals from our new global headquarters in the heart of Indianapolis.

The unique partnership is designed to increase the ability to prevent, predict, detect and respond to health threats. One Health integrated approaches are widely recognized as the new frontier in biosciences. Purdue and Elanco, in collaboration with Applied Research Institute, AgriNovus, BiomEdit and others, are planning a One Health Summit for fall to showcase the ecosystem of capabilities and draw the first era of innovators to the One Health District.

This new announcement is yet another step forward to bring to fruition Gov. Holcombs goal of developing a regional technology hub in Indiana. Following the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, through the newly constituted Applied Research Institute (ARI), Indiana stood up Heartland BioWorks and was designated as one of 31 Tech Hubs in October of last year by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Purdue University was part of a consortium of Indiana stakeholders successful in securing that Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub) designation, which recognizes regions poised to ensure the U.S. is globally competitive in areas that are key to national security. The One Health Innovation District is part of that consortium, and any implementation funding from the EDA would support and greatly accelerate the districts capability to translate innovative ideas into real-world products and job opportunities. With awards expected this summer, Heartland BioWorks now awaits word on whether it will be chosen for the next phase of funding that will invest another $50 million to $75 million in five to 10 designated hubs around the country. This Regional Tech Hub Program was authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, of which U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., was a co-sponsor.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution demonstrating excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, including nearly 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition for 13 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap  including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes  at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.

About Elanco

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose Sustainability/ESG Initiatives  all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com.
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In Phase 6, indications are that the BJP, which is defending 40 seats, will lose in double digits and gain in single digits.

Not good, if you are the ruling party scrambling to earn a working majority, with just one phase left to go, argues Prem Panicker.

IMAGE: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narendra D Modi during a public meeting for the Lok Sabha polls at Ghosi in Mau, Uttar Pradesh, May 26, 2024. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo

Two events between phase five and phase six provide a frame for the larger narrative -- and no, neither of them is Modi claiming that he is not just God's gift to mankind, but that to the best of his knowledge and belief, he was un-biologically Dunzo-ed to earth directly by the Almighty. (More recently he has claimed (external link) to be avinashi, immortal -- an adjective applied to divine beings).

In the first, Rajat Sharma (external link) organised what purports to be an interview (external link) but was designed more on the lines of a rock concert, complete with an audience primed to cheer every vapid utterance.

In course of an event of Goebbelsian proportions, Narendra Modi explained (external link) that there was a deep strategy behind the use of the char sau paar slogan. His words, my freehand translation:

What happened? The Opposition had to go around saying 400-plus is not possible. They did not realise I was leading them by the nose in the direction I wanted them to go.

This is clearly profound, as evidenced by Modi's gleeful giggle -- Khee-khee-khee -- at his own cleverness, and the admiring laughter of the crowd.

It is also revisionist -- that slogan was launched not around the first phase as Modi claimed, but as early as January when the BJP, flush with its presumed success over India's G20 presidency, prepared for its grand electoral coming out party in Ayodhya, well before the opposition became an Opposition. (You don't hear of G20 these days, do you? Another propaganda ploy gone bust).

Facts aside, Modi's point escapes me -- no one, in the Opposition or on the sidelines, seriously believed the BJP had any hope of getting anywhere near that figure, but what do I know?

Equally, what does Amit A Shah know -- even a day before Modi's big reveal, his consigliere was saying that the BJP has already crossed 310 seats in the first five phases and is on course to top 400.

Modi's latest salvo has put pollsters in a bit of a fix. Starting in January and accelerating through the polling cycle, some pollsters had rushed to compliant TV studios where they outdid each other in proclaiming how the BJP would cross 400, just how big a bump the Ram temple inauguration would fetch, and how far above the mark the party could possibly go.

It now turns out that they've been had. Khee-khee-khee.

That brings me to the second of the two events: Pollsters turning apostate, sort of. Between phases five and six, the likes of Pradeep Gupta of Axis My India and Sanjay Kumar of Lokniti/CSDS have downgraded the BJP's prospects. They now set the bar at 272. Gupta thinks the BJP will fall slightly below that mark; Kumar suggests that the BJP might just scrape over the bar.

Both have had teams out in the field doing exit polls at the end of each round. Even though Election Commission rules prevent them from talking of their findings, the conclusions they are drawing are clearly derived from the results their teams have collated and tabulated.

The most logical conclusion is that pollsters had counted on Maharashtra, with an assist from Uttar Pradesh, in the fifth phase giving the party the gains that have largely failed to materialise in the south.

Maharashtra, by all accounts, has not obliged and UP is proving far tougher than anyone thought possible, and therefore the pollsters are adjusting their prophesies accordingly. They have a reputation to maintain; equally they have a living to earn -- so they can neither keep up the rah-rah optimism of earlier, nor can they suggest that the BJP is falling significantly short of even the bare minimum target.

So here is where we are: The South and the West are now locked down. In the sixth and seventh phases, it is all about whether the BJP will hold, gain, or lose seats -- and where.

***

IMAGE: Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal with his wife Sunita and parents at his residence. Photograph: Kind courtesy Arvind Kejriwal/X

Arvind Kejriwal knows a stick when he is handed one; he knows, too, where and how to apply that stick to maximum effect. The Delhi police, which reports to Home Minister Amit A Shah, handed him a hefty stick when on May 23 it asked for time to visit his residence and question his parents in relation to the Swati Maliwal assault case.

On the morning of May 24 Kejriwal told the media that he would not leave his ageing, ailing parents alone, and that he was waiting with them for the police to arrive. In a message to Modi, Kejriwal said 'Your fight is with me. Today, you crossed all limits as you targeted my parents. My mother is very ill. She came home from the hospital on the day you arrested me, March 21. My father is 85 years old and has hearing issues. Do you think they have done something wrong? Why will the cops interrogate them?'

The Aam Aadmi Party released a video (external link) of Kejriwal and his wife with his parents.

Word is that the BJP brass was advised that there was no way this would end well; that the Maliwal case was not giving the party the boost it was hoping for, and for the police to be seen 'harassing' Kejriwal's parents would merely solidify the sympathy Kejriwal was already getting over his ill-timed arrest.

The upshot was that the police backed off -- they will, the police said, be questioning his parents and also Kejriwal, but not just now.

The Maliwal case has boiled down into a he-said/she-said situation through affidavit and counter-affidavit. In the normal course it would drag on, as such cases do.

What makes this special -- and has raised eyebrows even among the BJP rank and file -- is the alacrity with which the BJP jumped on it and sought to make political capital. Modi, Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani and other luminaries have been excessively vocal and captive media has run incessant coverage -- all of which contrasts markedly with the party's attitude towards the Prajwal Revanna case of alleged sustained sexual abuse.

IMAGE: Arvind Kejriwal with Kanhaiya Kumar, the Congress candidate from the North East Delhi constituency at the roadshow in Bhajanpura. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo

Delhi's seven seats polled on Saturday, May 25, in heatwave conditions. In 2019, the BJP won all seven seats, making Delhi yet another of those states where the ruling party has nothing to win, everything to lose.

In five of those seats, the Congress had come second in 2019, and AAP placed second in two. This time, both parties are fighting in alliance, with the INC contesting three seats and AAP the remaining four.

Curiously, though its candidates had all won big, the BJP this time has opted to retain only Manoj Tiwari (in the North East Delhi constituency, where he faces Kanhaiya Kumar of the INC) while dropping Harsh Vardhan, Gautam Gambhir, Meenakshi Lekhi, Hans Raj Hans, Sahib Singh Verma and Ramesh Bhiduri.

What the cumulative impact will be of the consolidation of Opposition votes comprising largely the working class, Muslims and Dalits, and an undercurrent of sympathy for Kejriwal, versus the diminished aura of Modi and ground-level discontent at the wholesale changes in BJP's candidates list, cannot be quantified.

What is sure is that the BJP will not repeat its 2019 sweep. In an optimistic scenario, the BJP will lose three, possibly four of the seven -- and we are at a stage where every seat lost is going to hurt.

***

Haryana is a bigger tripwire for the BJP than even Delhi. In 2019, the BJP swept all ten -- which puts Haryana in the category of states where there is nothing to be won. The BJP has retained Krishan Pal in Faridabad, Rao Inderjit Singh in Gurgaon, Dharambir Singh in Bhiwani-Mahendragarh and Arvind Kumar Sharma in Rohtak, while switching out its other six candidates in favour of turncoats.

Naveen Jindal from Kurukshetra; Devi Lal's son Ranjit Singh, an Independent turned BJP convert, from Hisar; and Ashok Tanwar who switched from the Congress to the Trinamool Congress to AAP to the BJP from Sirsa are recent converts. To add to this, Dharambir Singh, Raj Inderjit Singh and Arvind Sharma are also imports, though not recent.

Haryana is where the anger of farmers' and of the Rajput community is at its most visceral -- during this election cycle, village after village has put up 'No entry for BJP' signs (external link) and chased away campaigning candidates.

Recently a group of farmers surrounded former state minister Anil Vij in protest, (external link) and forced him to admit to, and apologise for, ordering police to fire on protesting farmers.

Former chief minister M L Khattar, removed from office to mitigate anti-incumbency and now contesting for the Lok Sabha from Karnal, was greeted with protests (external link) during his campaign.

The BJP-run government is in a state of stress following the recent upheaval when, on May 7, three Independent MLAs withdraw support to the government. The double-engine government's highhandedness against the Haryanvi farmers both during the farmers' protests and during the protest of India's ace wrestlers against the alleged sexual abuses by then Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh; Dalit unease at the hinted-at possibility that the BJP will take away reservations if it returns to power; widespread anger directed at the patent unfairness of the Agniveer scheme... the stress factors are many, and they have worked in concert to ensure that all the Congress has to do to decimate the BJP is make sure it doesn't trip over its own feet.

Bottomline, the best case scenario for the BJP here is that it splits the seats with the Opposition alliance -- and that right there is a loss of five seats; ground reports indicate that the backlash is likely to be even more severe.

***

IMAGE: Modi with the BJP's Uttar Pradesh leader Yogi Adityanath greets crowds during a public meeting for the Lok Sabha polls in Mirzapur, May 26, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Uttar Pradesh should have been a case of holding the existing nine seats which polled on Saturday, May 25, and maybe adding two or three more -- but it isn't.

Adityanath's campaign has centered around how the sound ('shriek' is his preferred term) of the azaan is no longer being heard; the BJP brass have hammered away at the theme that a Congress government will bulldoze the Ram temple and put the deity back in a tent.

Neither trope is firing up the voter to any noticeable extent, say regional journalists embedded in the region -- on the ground, rising prices of essentials, falling returns from agriculture, rampaging cows destroying crops, and unemployment forcing mass migration are top of mind for voters.

This, coupled with the Samajwadi Party/Congress alliance running a very strong campaign, has put several of the BJP's nine seats in play. A less noticed problem for the BJP is that despite a clear Modi wave in 2019, it not only dropped seats (from 71 in 2014 to 62 in 2019), but its winning margin in several of the seats polling today are wafer thin: 1.45% in Sultanpur, 8.8% in Ambedkar Nagar, 0.53% in Shravasti, 2.8% in Basti, 3.3% in Sant Kabir Nagar, 0.02% in Machchlishahar and 4.2% in Badohi.

The disenchantment with the BSP (which won four seats last time from this lot), the consolidation of the Opposition, and the sub-surface anger against the double-engine government means that the slightest swing away from the BJP can gut the party's prospects.

***

IMAGE: Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee at an election rally in Kolkata, May 25, 2024. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo

Four seats polled in Jharkhand on May 25 with the BJP defending three of those -- and in a case of hubris, the needless arrest of then chief minister Hemant Soren could be what comes back to haunt the ruling party.

If the BJP struggles to hold its seats (it has nothing to gain here), much of the credit will go to Kalpana Soren, who by all local accounts has run an excellent campaign characterised particularly by her restraint when invoking the sympathy factor. She has avoided overt emotionalism -- her presence on stage is in itself a constant reminder of the state's well-liked Adivasi leader behind bars -- and focussed on issues, as in this election-eve speech (external link).

West Bengal has, expectedly, has descended into a vicious street fight between the BJP and the TMC. In this round, it is the BJP defending most seats -- five of the eight which polled on Saturday, May 25.

In three of these seats, the BJP's winning margin in 2019 are under 10: Jhargram which it won by a 0.84% margin, Bishnupur with 5.4% and Medinipur 6.31%. The TMC has maximised its campaigns in these seats in a flat-out bid to flip them.

The seat that is of particular interest in this round is Tamluk, which the TMC won in 2019 with a 13.15% margin. This time, the BJP has fielded former Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, at the insistence of Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari.

The ex-jurist infamously asked TMC chief Mamta Bannerjee what her 'rate' was, and suggested it was around Rs 10 lakh. Even the most compliant Election Commission in India's history found this a touch too much and benched Gangopadhyay for a day.

Modi had earlier found out to his cost what the consequences are of such attacks against Bannerjee, vide the 'Didiii-ooo-Didii' catcalling he tried out during the assembly elections. Ground reports say the TMC pulled out all stops to teach Gangopadhyay the consequences of crossing that red line, and the anger TMC has stoked is spreading well beyond the boundaries of Tamluk constituency.

Another factor is the Calcutta high court's cancelling 500,000 OBC certificates. The BJP and its media machinery has ridden this issue for all it is worth, arguing that Mamta Bannerjee's pro-Muslim bent has been exposed by the court. On the ground, though, the court action appears to not only have consolidated the Muslims behind the TMC, but also alarmed other Dalit communities who wonder if it is going to be their turn next.

Given the factors in play, the BJP's best-case scenario in West Bengal is to hold its existing seats -- chances of gains are slim to none. Word from the ground is that the BJP will likely lose one seat, possibly even two.

The other major states in play on Saturday was Bihar, with eight seats on offer of which the BJP is defending in four, and Odisha where the BJP is defending two out of six, and hopes to gain on the back of an increasingly vicious anti-Tamil campaign centered on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's long-time aide V K Pandian.

On the eve of polling, the BJP's Odisha unit wrote to the state police chief asking him to 'rescue' Patnaik from Pandian's captivity, and to do so in the presence of a judge and a few eminent personalities.

I'm not entirely sure what the BJP hopes to gain with such stunts -- Patnaik has been out and visibly about, campaigning across the state. Likely it is one of those inscrutable-to-mortals strategies that Modi will gleefully reveal some other time.

Expect tight fights in Odisha: Of the two seats the BJP was defending, it won Sambalpur in 2019 with a 0.81% margin, and Bhubaneshwar with 2.37%. By the same token, the BJD had scraped through in Puri with 1.03%, Dhenkanal with 3.13% and the Keonjhar reserved constituency with 5.63%. Flips are very much on the cards in this state.

I'll avoid detailed comment on Bihar and Odisha, though, because for reasons of paucity of time and resources, I haven't been able to gather as much feedback from the ground from those two states.

For data junkies, here is an excel sheet (external link) with seat by seat details of all 58 seats in contention on May 25. (I am indebted to Deshdeep for help with the research).

Bottomline, in this phase indications are that the BJP, which is defending 40 seats, will lose in double digits and gain in single digits. Not good, if you are the ruling party scrambling to earn a working majority, with just one phase left to go.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
In a further setback to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, the Opposition party has lost about 15 municipal chairperson posts and around half a dozen posts of municipal vice-chairperson to ruling Congress due to no-confidence motions moved against them and resignations since the national party came to power six months ago, official sources said on Tuesday.

IMAGE: BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao gets a traditional welcome as he arrives to address a public meeting, Karimnagar, March 13, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The number of no-confidence motions is seen as unprecedented and the Congress bagging the posts of chiefs of Urban Local Bodies is expected to strengthen the party in urban areas.

The BRS (then TRS) swept the municipal elections held in the state in 2020, winning 107 out of 120 municipalities.

BRS suffered a major setback in the state capital when Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation mayor Vijaya Laxmi R Gadwal and her deputy Mothe Srilatha Shoban Reddy had quit BRS and joined Congress about two months ago.

Vijaya Laxmi R Gadwal had joined the Congress in March this year. Her father K Keshav Rao, who was BRS Rajya Sabha member and party's secretary general, had also returned to the Congress fold.

BRS chairpersons in about 15 municipalities have been voted out following no-confidence motions moved against them, official sources said.

The series of no-confidence motions began in February this year with Burri Srinivas Reddy of Congress getting elected as chairperson of Nalgonda municipality.

The Congress secured the posts of vice-chairperson as well in several municipalities following no-confidence motions against sitting BRS leaders.

However, the BRS managed to retain the posts of chairperson and vice-chairperson in some municipalities after winning the trust vote.

The number of municipalities at present is 129, while there are 13 municipal corporations, including GHMC.

The municipal elections are due to be held in January 2025.
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks using the word "alleged" for the Chinese invasion in 1962 kicked up a political row late Tuesday with the BJP calling it a "brazen attempt at revisionism".

IMAGE: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed out that Aiyar had subsequently apologised "unreservedly" for using the term "alleged invasion" "mistakenly," and that the party distances itself from the "original phraseology".

Ramesh also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of giving a "clean chit" to the Chinese for their incursions in May 2020.

According to a purported video of an event at the Foreign Correspondents Club this evening, Aiyar, while narrating an anecdote, said, "...In October 1962, the Chinese allegedly invaded India."

Later, in a brief statement, Aiyar said, "I unreservedly apologise for having mistakenly used the word 'alleged' before 'Chinese invasion' at the Foreign Correspondents Club this evening."

Aiyar, who has stoked controversies in the past with his comments, made the remarks at the launch of the book Nehru's First Recruits.

BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya slammed the Congress over Aiyar's remarks.

"Mani Shankar Aiyar, speaking at the FCC, during the launch of a book called Nehru's First Recruits, refers to the Chinese invasion in 1962 as 'alleged'. This is a brazen attempt at revisionism," the BJP leader said on X.

"Nehru gave up India's claim on permanent seat at the UNSC in favour of the Chinese, Rahul Gandhi signed a secret MoU, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation accepted funds from the Chinese Embassy and published reports recommending market access for Chinese companies, based on them, Sonia Gandhi's UPA opened up Indian market for Chinese goods, hurting MSMEs and now Congress leader Aiyar wants to whitewash the Chinese invasion, post which the

Chinese have been in illegal occupation of 38,000 sq km of Indian territory," he alleged.

What explains "Congress's love for the Chinese?" Malviya asked.

Ramesh, in the wake of the controversy, said, "Allowances must be made for his (Aiyar's) age. The INC distances itself from his original phraseology."

"The Chinese invasion of India that began on October 20 1962 was for REAL. So too were the Chinese incursions in Ladakh in early May 2020 in which 40 of our soldiers were martyred and the status quo disturbed," he said.

"The outgoing PM, however, gave a clean chit publicly to the Chinese on June 19th 2020, seriously weakening our negotiating position. 2000 sq km of territory including Depsang and Demchok remain out of bounds for Indian troops," Ramesh said in a post on X.

He also reposted his old remarks in which he had accused PM Modi of giving a clean chit to China.
Investigators of the West Bengal central investigation department on Tuesday claimed to have recovered pieces of flesh and strands of hair from the septic tank of a flat in New Town area near here, where Bangladesh MP Anwarul Azim Anar was suspected to have been murdered.

IMAGE: Bangladesh MP Anwarul Azim Anar, who was found murdered in a Kolkota flat. Photograph: Courtesy Facebook

An arrested person, who police claimed is a butcher by profession, allegedly chopped the body of the Bangladesh lawmaker into 80 pieces and mixed them with turmeric before disposing them of at different locations including a canal around New Town.

A total of around 3.5 kg of flesh and some strands of hair were recovered from the septic tank. Forensic tests will be conducted on these items to confirm whether they belong to Anar or not," the officer told PTI.

Assuming that blood was drained out of the washroom bathroom of the flat, where the lawmaker of the Bangladeshi ruling party, was suspected to have been murdered, a team of police officers had examined the drain pipes and the septic tank, he said.

"We had requested the authorities of the housing complex to help us examine the sewage pipes and the septic tank," he said.

The Disaster Management Team of the Kolkata Police on Tuesday resumed search in the Bagjola canal adjacent to an amusement park near Rajarhat, an officer said, adding that drones were also employed in the search.

Kolkata Police officers had earlier said that finding the body parts would be a tough job due to heavy rainfall following Cyclone Remal on Monday.

"It's been over a fortnight that the crime was carried out. The body parts were chopped into smaller parts and there was a high chance that those were eaten up by aquatic animals. The Bagjola Canal has dirty water and the body parts could be swept away by the flow," the police officer said.

Divers were employed to spot the body parts as well as the murder tools from the canal, he added.

Earlier, the Bangladesh Police said that they may conduct DNA tests of the blood specimen found in a flat in New Town near here and match the results with that of one of the relatives of the Bangladeshi MP to confirm that the politician was murdered.

The DNA tests would be conducted as the last option in case the body parts of the Awami League MP could not be found, an officer of the Dhaka police visiting Kolkata as part of the investigation said.

"In case the body parts are not found, then we will conduct DNA tests on the blood samples and match the result with the DNA of one of Anar's family members to establish the identity and start a case according to the law," the officer said.

A three-member team of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch is in the city to investigate the death of Anar. The team is being led by the Detective Branch chief Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid.

The search for the missing MP, who reportedly arrived in Kolkata on May 12 to undergo medical treatment, 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.

Anar had stayed at Biswas's house upon arrival.

In his complaint, Biswas stated that Anar left his Baranagar residence for a doctor's appointment in the afternoon of May 13 and that he would be back home for dinner.

Biswas claimed that the Bangladesh MP went incommunicado on May 17, which prompted him to file a missing complaint a day later.
The Punjab and Haryana high court Tuesday acquitted sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in 2002 murder of sect's former manager Ranjit Singh, citing "tainted and sketchy" investigations in the matter.

The high court also held that media trials must not make objective evaluations of evidence on record.

The Sirsa-headquartered sect chief, who is also serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples, is currently lodged in Sunaria jail in Rohtak, Haryana.

"The high court has acquitted him and four others in the Ranjit Singh murder case," the Dera chief's lawyer Jitender Khurana had said earlier in the day.

He said the arguments in the case were over earlier and the matter came up for pronouncement of verdict before the high court on Tuesday.

Khurana said a division bench of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Lalit Batra pronounced the decision on the appeals filed by Ram Rahim and four others who had been convicted by a special Central Bureau of Investigation court in Panchkula, Haryana, in October 2021.

The court had sentenced the five to life imprisonment in the nearly 20-year-old murder case of Ranjit Singh. Ram Rahim had been held guilty of hatching a criminal conspiracy with his co-accused.

"Media trials are not at all required to be the guiding regimen for the making of objective evaluations of evidence on record, as the making of objective evaluations vis-a-vis the evidence as exist on record, is required to be rested on applying to the evidence on record, thus the strictest principles of evidentiary logic," said the court order.

"How the intellectual strength of the investigating officer appears to become staticised by the glare of media publicity, where under came the crime event. Resultantly, for reasons, the investigating officer(s) carried out a tainted and sketchy investigation into the crime event, besides also they collected evidence which is unworthy of credence becoming meted thereto," it said.

Meanwhile, Ranjit Singh's brother-in-law Prabhu Dayal in Kurukshetra said he will move the Supreme Court to challenge the order.

Ranjit Singh, a follower of the sect, was shot dead on July 10, 2002, at Khanpur Kolian village in Haryana's Kurukshetra.

He was allegedly murdered for his suspected role in the circulation of an anonymous letter, which narrated how women were being sexually exploited by the sect head, Ram Rahim, at the Dera headquarters.

According to the CBI charge sheet earlier, the Dera chief believed that Ranjit Singh was behind the circulation of the anonymous letter and hatched a conspiracy to kill him.

In 2017, Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for raping two disciples.

The Dera chief and three others were also convicted in 2019 for the murder of a journalist more than 16 years ago.
Intense downpour accompanied by gusty winds on Tuesday wreaked havoc in central and south Kerala, as landslides, widespread water-logging and the destruction of houses forced several people to shift to relief camps.

IMAGE: Vehicles wading through a water-logged road after heavy rains in Kochi, Kerala, May 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI on X

Tourist centres have been closed in many districts, including Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram, and a night travel ban has been imposed in the hilly areas of Idukki district.

The landslide caused widespread destruction in the Chokkallu area of Bharananganam village in Kottayam.

In Ernakulam district, particularly Kochi city, extremely heavy rainfall lasted for hours, submerging roads in many areas.

Experts said cloudbursts could be the reason for the heavier-than-usual rainfall that pounded various parts of the port city of Kochi, especially the Kalamassery locality, where flood water entered hundreds of houses.

Both Kottayam and Ernakulam districts were placed on red alert by the Indian meteorological department on Tuesday.

With the weather agency predicting heavy rainfall in the coming hours, the district administration banned tourists from entering famed holiday destinations like Illikkal Kallu, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Marmala stream in Kottayam, and Ponmudi eco-tourism centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

As the water level in the Meenachil River in Kottayam and Killiyar in Thiruvananthapuram steadily rose, authorities urged local people living on its banks to pay extra vigil and shift to safer places if necessary.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a Facebook post, warned that the extremely heavy rainfall is likely to trigger dangers such as landslides, mudslides, flooding, and so on.

He said that the chances of waterlogging and inundation are high in low-lying areas and along riverbanks.

The CM also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and urged them to remain in safer places.

Officials said shutters of dams like Aruvikkara and Malankara dams were raised at particular intervals.

Several families were shifted to relief camps, especially in rural and coastal areas in various districts, they said.

South and central districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, and Ernakulam mainly bore the brunt of the continuous downpour, which caused waterlogging, damage to houses, trees to be uprooted, and tiny water bodies to overflow, cutting across towns and villages.

Earlier in the day, many narrow lanes and busy roads in Kochi city and adjacent areas were submerged due to continuous downpours.

People could not venture out of their homes in many areas of the port city as roads were flooded. Vehicles were seen moving at snail's pace on highways following the rain.

Normal life was hit in the Kakkanad-Infopark, one of the IT hubs of the state, and Aluva-Edappally areas due to waterlogging.

An uprooted tree fell on a state-run KSRTC bus at Thoppumpady in Kochi. Luckily, passengers escaped unhurt.

Intense rains caused mudslides and disrupted traffic on Erattupetta and Vagamon roads in Kottayam district.

The city and rural areas of the capital district of Thiruvananthapuram have witnessed heavy rains since Monday night.

In nearby Neyyattinkara, a house was severely damaged after an uprooted tree fell on it during heavy rains accompanied by winds.

Nedumangad, Neyyattinkara, Kattakkada, and Amboori areas, located in the high ranges of the district, received widespread rainfall.

According to the local residents, a portion of a hill behind the famous Bali mandapam at Papanasam in nearby Varkala caved in because of heavy rains.

High tides and rough seas were witnessed in coastal areas, posing a threat to fishing vessels.

Two incidents of boat capsizing were also reported off the coasts of Muthalapozhi fishing hamlet, located about 30 kilometres away from here.

In one incident, a fisherman died after his boat overturned due to high tidal waves this morning. Three others, who also fell into the sea, were rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital, police said.

State Revenue Minister K Rajan said the central Kerala region witnessed heavier rainfall, and the Palluruthy region in Ernakulam district alone received 95 mm of rainfall in one-and-a-half hours, which has been rare in recent times.

Kalamassery received 57 mm of rainfall in one-and-a-half hours, he pointed out.

Rajan said steps have been taken to open 3,597 relief camps in the state, in view of the situation arising out of the rains.

Preparations are underway to set up camps that can accommodate over five lakh people during emergencies, he said.

An orange alert was sounded in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Idukki, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode were placed under a yellow alert, as per the latest IMD update.

A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.
As Chandigarh braces for a fierce contest between Congress candidate Manish Tewari and the BJP's Sanjay Tandon, its industry leaders harbour a fervent wish: Replicate the success of the National Capital Region model in this Union Territory.

IMAGE: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra with Manish Tewari and others during the Nyay Sankalp Sabha in Chandigarh, November 26, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

As the political landscape heats up in Chandigarh ahead of the Lok Sabha polling on June 1, its industry leaders -- seeking to revitalise the region's economic landscape -- harbour a fervent wish: Replicate the success of the National Capital Region (NCR) model in this Union Territory and its surrounding areas.

The NCR, comprising Delhi and its neighbouring districts in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, stands as a testament to inter-state regional development.

Now, industrialists in Chandigarh believe that a similar success story can be retold in the UT by creating its own version: The Chandigarh Capital Region or perhaps a Greater Chandigarh Region.

But why this urgency? Industrial growth in Chandigarh has stagnated in recent years, hampered by the city's original blueprint, they argue.

The meticulously planned urban layout inadvertently restricted space for industry, allocating only 1,450 acres to small-scale enterprises in a bid to mitigate pollution.

But Chandigarh is no ordinary city. It wears multiple hats: Joint capital of Haryana and Punjab, a UT overseen by the Centre, and India's first planned post-Independence urban hub known for its ease of living.

Advocating for a Chandigarh Capital Region akin to the NCR, Rupinder Singh Sachdeva, chair of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Punjab chapter, says the region besides Chandigarh, should comprise districts of Punjab (including SAS Nagar, Ropar, Patiala, and Fatehgarh Sahib), Haryana (Panchkula and Ambala), and Himachal Pradesh (Solan).

Investors flock to Chandigarh and Mohali, but land scarcity and inter-state complexities persist, he laments, suggesting "developing road infrastructure and widening of the roads would reduce intercity travel time. Many activities can be extended to adjoining districts. This will give a boost to regional connectivity and productivity."

Echoing Sachdeva's views, Anurag Gupta, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry, Chandigarh, underscores the interdependence of Chandigarh and its neighbouring cities -- Panchkula, Mohali, Zirakpur, Baddi/Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh), Pinjore (Haryana), and Derabssi and Kharar (Punjab).

Movement of people and goods weaves an intricate web, necessitating a Regional Planning Board for the Greater Chandigarh Region (GCR), on the lines of the NCR Planning Board, for uniform and cohesive development of this region, he says.

"The primary objective of the (GCR) board would be to harmonise and improve facilities across the region and coordinate with local administrations.

This will help uniform application of government policies across Greater Chandigarh," Gupta said.

But the path forward requires a collective effort, with the Centre taking the lead, securing consensus among all the states and the UT involved.

Beyond greater integration with neighbouring districts, Chandigarh's business community clamours for improved air connectivity, renewed trade with Pakistan, and national-level subsidies to offset high export freight costs.

According to the CII, enhanced flight options would benefit not only the economy but also the convenience of residents, tourists, and businesses spanning Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.

In his vision document, Manish Tewari, the Congress candidate backed by the Aam Aadmi Party, has promised a radical shift: A 'city-state' model for Chandigarh with its own elected government.

Critics, however, fear that this move could strip Punjab's claim of its capital rights.

Tewari, however, has clarified that Chandigarh shall remain a UT and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.

'The problems of Chandigarh stem from lack of participation of its residents in running the affairs of Chandigarh beyond the remit of the Municipal Corporation, given that the city is run by the Ministry of Home Affairs and their representatives, Tewari recently posted on X.

'My objective is to ensure greater and effective participation of the residents of Chandigarh in managing the affairs, matters, concerns, and problems of Chandigarh.

'A legal architecture to enable this participation is imperative.'

As the Chandigarh Lok Sabha constituency braces for a fierce contest between Tewari and the Bharatiya Janata Party's Sanjay Tandon, the questions around the city's growth are moot.

"Chandigarh's growth slowed down in the past 10 years... Be it the state office or municipal corporation, approvals have been taking more time. It's a sorry state of affairs," said a Chandigarh-based industry official, requesting anonymity.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday held two road shows in support of Trinamool Congress candidates in Dum Dum and Kolkata, walking nearly nine kilometres in a day.

IMAGE: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee waves to the supporters during an election rally in support of the TMC candidate from Barasat constituency Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar for the Lok Sabha polls, in Kolkata, May 26, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

In the first roadshow, the Trinamool Congress supremo walked from Birati Banik More to Airport gate number two on Jessore Road, a distance of nearly four kilometres, along with party leaders and workers.

The roadshow in Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency was held in support of the TMC's veteran leader and candidate Saugata Roy, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term from the seat.

Apart from Roy, TMC ministers Sujit Bose and Chandrima Bhattacharya accompanied Banerjee in the Dum Dum roadshow, while in south Kolkata, city mayor and minister Firhad Hakim walked along with her.

In the second road show, Banerjee walked nearly five kilometres from Entally Market to Ballygunge Phari in south Kolkata, treading a total of nearly nine kilometres in a single day.

This rally was in support of TMC's Kolkata Dakshin candidate Mala Roy, who is seeking a second term from the constituency, and Kolkata Uttar candidate Sudip Bandyopadhyay, fighting for a straight third term from the seat.
Maharashtra minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday demanded that his party be given 80-90 seats to contest in the assembly elections due this year.

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis, second from right, greets Nationalist Congress Party leaders Ajit Pawar, second from left, Praful Patel, left, and Chhagan Bhujbal. Photograph: ANI Photo

The BJP is the largest party and will contest in more seats, said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Speaking at a party's meeting in Mumbai, Bhujbal said, When we joined the alliance (BJP-Shiv Sena), we were assured of getting 80 to 90 seats to contest in the assembly elections. However, for this Lok Sabha polls, we got very few seats to contest. We must tell them (BJP) that we want more seats to contest so that we could win around 50 to 60 seats, he said.

Of the 288 seats in the state, BJP had won 105 in 2019 state polls, while the undivided NCP had bagged 54 seats.

If we get 50 seats to contest because of the current number of MLAs with the party, how many will actually get elected out of those 50, he wondered.

He also expressed displeasure over reports that Manusmriti, an ancient Hindu text, will likely be taught in schools.

We spent a lot of energy convincing Dalits that the BJP's call for winning more than 400 Lok Sabha seats doesn't mean the party will change the Constitution to remove reservation benefits. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi refuted those claims by the opposition. Now, there are reports of Manusmriti likely to be introduced in schools, said Bhujbal, a prominent OBC leader.

About Bhujbal's comments, Fadnavis said BJP is the largest party and will contest more seats in this election.

However, the seat-sharing formula will be finalised only after leaders of the three parties meet and discuss, he added.
India currently does not have any XBB 1.5 variant-based vaccines available.

IMAGE: A healthcare worker prepares a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Photograph: ANI Photo

New-generation Covid vaccines may soon be available in India as many companies prepare to launch them amid a rise in new cases in some parts of the world, particularly Singapore.

Hyderabad-based Biological E has begun clinical trials of a next-generation Covid vaccine to combat the XBB1.5 variant of the Sars-CoV-2 virus and expects preliminary results in June.

A Subject Expert Committee last month recommended granting permission to the Pune-based Serum Institute of India for an Omicron XBB1.5 variant-based COVID-19 vaccine, with a local clinical trial waiver for emergency use.

Currently, India does not have any XBB 1.5 variant-based vaccines available.

"None of the vaccines available are protective against the currently circulating COVID-19 strains or those likely to emerge," senior epidemiologist Dr Jayaprakash Muliyil told Business Standard.

"On the other hand, the Omicron group has turned out to be mild, requiring no protection. Omicron also imparts good immunity against COVID-19," Dr Muliyil added.

These new-generation vaccines align with the World Health Organisation guidelines, which recommended a monovalent XBB1.5 antigen composition for the Covid vaccine antigen in December.

WHO said the SARS-CoV-2 virus continued to evolve with important genetic and antigenic changes in the spike protein.

Given the current Sars-CoV-2 evolution and the breadth of immune responses demonstrated by monovalent XBB1.5 vaccines against circulating variants, the WHO Technical Advisory Group (TAG) had in December recommended retaining XBB 1.5 as the COVID-19 vaccine antigen.

Biological E received approval from India's drug regulator to start clinical trials for this new-generation vaccine in December-January.

A company source told Business Standard it had already begun clinical trials at several sites and expected to come out with the initial results in June.

The SEC had granted permission for a prospective single-blind randomised phase 3 comparative study to evaluate immunogenicity and safety of Biological E's XBB 1.5 receptor binding domain subunit Covid-19 vaccines in individuals aged 5-80 years on December 7.

Meanwhile, the SEC recommended grant of permission to SII's XBB 1.5 variant-based vaccine for restricted use in emergencies with a local clinical trial waiver.

This vaccine, based on the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine that SII makes but using a different strain (XBB 1.5), is recommended for use in individuals aged 12 years or older.

The SII presented preclinical study reports and interim reports of the ongoing clinical trials in the US to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of an XBB1.5 booster dose.

Novovax has approval from various countries, such as the US, and the European Union (EU) bloc.

The SEC noted in its report that around 42 million doses had been exported to the US and the EU till April and 200,000 doses were administered in the US with no safety concerns to date.

The Subject Expert Committee also noted that there was an 'unmet medical need' in the country.

'Presently, there is no vaccine with XBB 1.5 strain approved in the country,' it said.

The Serum Institute has been asked to conduct a Phase 4 study in India and submit the protocol for the study in three months.

Phase 4 studies are done to check a drug or vaccine's performance in real-life scenarios to study the long-term risks and benefits of using the product.

These developments are significant as COVID-19 resurges in some parts of the world. Singapore is monitoring a new wave of infections, with weekly cases doubling to 25,900 in mid-May and average daily hospitalisations rising to 250.

The Singapore government has asked public hospitals to reduce non-urgent elective surgeries to increase bed capacity.

As the Sars-CoV-2 virus continues to mutate, WHO came out with another recommendation on April 26, saying the virus is expected to continue to evolve from JN.1, and therefore, the WHO TAG advises the use of monovalent JN.1 lineage as the antigen in future formulations of COVID-19 vaccines.

This is similar to the guidance WHO issues on influenza strains, and which antigen to be used in developing the flu shots.

Experts suggest maintaining a contingency stockpile of vaccines Dr Shahid Jameel, virologist and research fellow at Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, told Business Standard recently: "India has covered enough population with vaccine and infection, but protein vaccines should remain available on payment basis for elderly and those with comorbidities."

Dr Jameel clarified that even if the elderly had taken their three shots, these vaccines need to be available, but the government should not be required to make it free.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
The penultimate phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections recorded 63.37 percent voter turnout with 7.05 crore out of 11.13 crore eligible voters exercising their franchise, the Election Commission of India on Tuesday said.

IMAGE: Security personnel stand guard as voters wait in a queue to cast their vote during the sixth phase voting of the Lok Sabha elections, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, May 25, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

As many as 58 seats in eight states went to polls in the sixth phase on May 25.

Of the 87.54 crore electors in the first six phases of the Lok Sabha polls, as many as 57.77 crore voters turned up at the polling stations to cast their votes.

India has the largest electorate in the world at 96.88 crore.

The citizens, who are enrolled in the electoral rolls, are described as electors while those who actually cast their votes are called voters.

In the 2019 general elections, the turnout in the sixth phase (59 seats in seven states that went to polls) was 64.4 percent.

According to the Election Commission, the voter turnout in the fifth phase of the ongoing polls held on May 20 was recorded at 62.2 percent.

The turnout in the fourth phase stood at 69.16 percent, 3.65 percentage points higher than the corresponding phase in the 2019 general elections.

The voter turnout figure for the third phase of polling was 65.68 percent. In the third phase of the 2019 elections, the turnout was 68.4 percent.

In the second phase of the 2024 elections, the turnout was recorded at 66.71 percent as against the 69.64 percent in the second phase of the 2019 polls.

In the first phase of the ongoing general elections, a 66.14 percent turnout was recorded. In the 2019 polls, the turnout in the first phase was 69.43 percent.
First of three editorials

As New Yorks 2023-24 legislative session winds down, theres always a last minute rush to get bills passed and signed. Many of these will be deferred for future sessions and others will fade into history.

But some pieces of legislation address long-standing, serious issues and shouldnt wait.

Among them is a much-needed fix for flavored e-cigarette prohibition.

An insidious health threat

With the best of intentions, New York State has not been able to rein in the illegal sales of flavored e-cigarettes. Young people still have access to candy- and fruit-flavored vapes that can ensure nicotine addiction for decades.

Legislation (S.8531/A.9110) to strengthen the states authority to stop these sales is proposed. It can and should be passed and signed into law this session.

In 2020, a bill was enacted that banned the sale of flavored vapes. Unfortunately, enforcing it was handicapped by the pandemic as well as by loopholes in the law that allowed retailers to ward off inspections by claiming that they were selling them online to out-of-state buyers or by simply refusing inspectors access to backrooms where the e-cigarettes were stored.

New legislation would prohibit retailers from keeping any flavored vapes anywhere on their premises, impose fines if they do and strengthen the ability of inspectors to search retail outlets.

These regulations would not impact legitimate smoking cessation products like nicotine gum, lozenges and nasal sprays. And while e-cigarettes are also touted as alternatives to smoking tobacco, this ban only applies to flavored varieties. Products that promise to taste like bubble gum, cotton candy and gummy bears are clearly intended to lure young smokers  as young as 10 years old, says Ashley Gedra, whos a mom as well as a program specialist at Kids Escaping Drugs.

Stopping kids from using e-cigarettes in school bathrooms is using up staffing resources that are needed elsewhere. In some schools, teachers are now spending much of their time as bathroom monitors, and even kids who dont use vapes are hesitant to enter bathrooms, lest they become rounded up with those who are vaping.

According to Kevin OFlaherty of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, New York has the highest retail availability of flavored e-cigarettes of any state that has prohibited their sale, and 85% of kids who use e-cigarettes use flavored products. Many of these kids become so addicted to nicotine that they subsequently start smoking tobacco  even as they continue e-cigarette use.

Flavored e-cigarettes are already prohibited in the state. Legislation to make that ban enforceable needs to be enacted.

Aid in dying

This bill has been deferred too many times. New Yorks Medical Aid in Dying Act (A.995C/S.244B) allows terminally ill, mentally competent adults with a prognosis of six months or less the option to obtain prescription medication they can take to die peacefully in their sleep if their suffering becomes unbearable. Since its first introduction in 2015, this legislation has been stalled in Albany, even though 10 other states and Washington, D.C., including nearby states New Jersey, Vermont and Maine, have passed similar bills.

New Yorks proposed law includes carefully crafted safeguards. Patients must have the full capacity to understand what they are asking for, and must communicate that decision to their primary physician. After the primary physician agrees to prescribe the medication, a second physician must confirm the patients mental status and terminal illness. Finally, patients must be able to ingest the life-ending medication on their own.

In a November 2023 Siena College poll, 58% of New York voters supported medical aid in dying, with 30% opposed.

This is not a political or partisan issue. It is about giving those who will imminently die the chance of relieving their agony, so they can pass from this world in peace.

Albany has waited long enough to provide them their chance.

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.
A three-member committee conducting inquiry into alleged manipulation of the blood samples of the juvenile driver involved in the Porsche car crash on Tuesday visited the Sassoon General Hospital in Pune, and also met the police officials who are probing the case.

IMAGE: The Porsche and motorcycle involved in the accident being kept at the Yerwada police station in Pune. Photograph: ANI Photo

In a related development, a local court remanded the father of the 17-year-old in police custody till May 31 in the case of 'kidnapping' of the family driver.

The committee headed by Dr Pallavi Sapale, dean of the Grant Medical College and J J group of hospitals, arrived at the Sassoon hospital earlier in the day.

"We will examine the sequence of events after the accident. The probe will be conducted as per the rules, and a report will be submitted to the government," Dr Sapale told reporters.

The police have arrested Dr Ajay Taware, head of the state-run hospital's forensic medicine department, chief medical officer Dr Shrihari Halnor and staff member Atul Ghatkamble for allegedly throwing away the minor's blood samples, taken after the accident on May 19, and replacing them with the samples of another person's blood which had no traces of alcohol.

The committee also visited the office of the Pune crime branch which has taken over the accident case.

"We will submit our observations to the state government and it is the prerogative of the government as to what action it wants to take," said Dr Sapale.

"We have been directed by the government to submit the report at the earliest," she added.

Sources said the committee members visited the casualty department and also understood the process of blood sample collection, its preservation and dispatch to the forensic science laboratory.

Two IT professionals were killed after their motorcycle was hit by a speeding Porsche car allegedly driven by the 17-year-old boy in the early hours of May 19 in Kalyani Nagar area in Pune.

The blood report is a key piece of evidence as police claim the teenager had visited two pubs prior to the incident.

On Tuesday, judicial magistrate first class AA Pande remanded builder Vishal Agarwal, the teenager's father, in police custody till May 31 in a case where he and his father Surendra Agarwal are accused of putting pressure on the family's driver to take blame for the accident to shield the boy.

Surendra Agarwal, the minor's grandfather, was already arrested in this case for allegedly kidnapping the driver and putting him in illegal confinement. On Tuesday, Magistrate Pande extended his police custody till May 31.

Vishal Agarwal (50) was earlier arrested under the Juvenile Justice Act for allegedly exposing the minor to danger by giving him a car.

Following Dr Taware's arrest, a 2023 letter from local Nationalist Congress Party MLA Sunil Tingre to Maharashtra medical education minister Hasan Mushrif, recommending that the doctor be given additional charge of medical superintendent, has surfaced.

In the letter dated December 26, 2023, Tingre said he knew Dr Taware who had worked as superintendent and discharged his duties well during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I request you to kindly consider giving the additional charge of medical superintendent to Taware," the letter stated.

The letter also had a handwritten note from Mushrif, directing the Sassoon hospital's dean to give the additional charge to Dr Taware.

Mushrif's note mentioned that, according to rules, a person of professor rank should be considered for the position, and the (then) medical superintendent did not fulfil the criteria.

On Tuesday, Tingre in a statement said that as he is an MLA, many people approach him for recommendation letters, and such letters issued by him always include a note that action should be taken according to the rules.

Questions were also raised after it emerged that Tingre visited the Yerawada police station after the May 19 accident. Police admitted that he visited the station, but claimed it did not have any impact on the probe.

State Congress chief Nana Patole, meanwhile, alleged that the Sassoon hospital was a "five-star hotel for criminals," and the Central Bureau of Investigation must investigate the car crash case as there seemed to be political interference to save the "rich accused." The juvenile was accompanied by an MLA's son in the car, he further claimed.

Patole also demanded the resignation of deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who holds the Home portfolio.
The Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday opposed in the Delhi high court the bail pleas of Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha in the corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged excise policy scam, saying she was "highly influential and powerful" to influence the witnesses.

IMAGE: BRS leader K Kavitha leaves from Rouse Avenue Court after the hearing in connection with Delhi excise policy case, in New Delhi,May 7, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Countering the submission made on behalf of Kavitha that she, being a woman, be released on bail, the probe agencies contended she played a key role in the conspiracy behind the "scam" and, being an active politician and a member of the Telangana legislative council, she cannot seek parity with "vulnerable" women.

After hearing the arguments of the counsel for the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation, and Kavitha, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma reserved the orders on her bail applications.

During the hearing, CBI's counsel argued that Kavitha was "not just a woman but a very influential woman and was powerful enough" to influence witnesses one of whom has even claimed she threatened him.

The ED's counsel also contended that Kavitha was a co-conspirator and a beneficiary of the excise "scam" and the proceeds of crime were directly going to her.

The counsel claimed that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader, who was accused of a white collar crime, was involved in destruction of evidence and coercing people to retract from their statements.

The ED, in its reply to Kavitha's bail application, has claimed her release would adversely affect further investigation to unearth the "deep-rooted, multi-layered conspiracy".

It has contended that the Telangana lawmaker is a "highly influential" individual and stands accused of having committed a grave economic offence.

K Kavitha has conspired with other people and actively involved in payment of kickbacks to the tune of Rs 100 crore and then in establishing the money laundering ecosystem, that is, M/s Indo Spirits through her proxy which generated proceeds of crime of Rs 192.8 crore. By such acts, K Kavitha is involved in various processes and activities relating to proceeds of crime (POC) to the tune of Rs 292.8 crore, the probe agency said in its counter affidavit.

Kavitha has challenged the trial court's May 6 order by which her bail applications in the CBI's corruption case as well as the ED's money laundering case were dismissed.

Her lawyer submitted that out of the 50 accused in the excise matter, she is the lone woman, and urged the court to consider granting her bail as law keeps women on a different pedestal.

Elaborating on the alleged role of Kavitha, the ED said the statements of co-accused Arun Ramchandran Pillai, her alleged associate, revealed that he represented her interests in M/s Indo Spirits which was formed as part of an understanding between AAP leaders and her that in exchange for payment of Rs 100 crore to the Delhi's ruling party she will get stakes in some wholesale companies.

It is established that K Kavitha is the ultimate in-charge of the share of Arun Pillai in M/s Indo Spirits and was intrinsically involved in the conspiracy of policy formulation, conceptualisation of kickback scheme and the final profits generated/POC laundered through M/s Indo Spirits, the ED has said.

Kavitha is in judicial custody in the two cases lodged by the ED and the CBI.

The "scam" pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 which was later scrapped.

The ED arrested Kavitha (46) from her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad on March 15. The CBI arrested her from Tihar jail.

In her bail plea in the ED case, the BRS leader, daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, has asserted she has "nothing to do" with the excise policy and there is a criminal conspiracy against her "orchestrated by the ruling party at the Centre with the active connivance of the ED".
'The aged with retina and fingerprint issues are not getting access to pension and ration.'

'If all becomes digital -- what'll happen to the poor?'

All Photographs and Videos: Rajesh Karkera for Rediff.com IMAGE: Anshul Avijit, the Congress candidate from the Patna Sahib constituency, worships at the temple.

The small group of Congress members are seated in plastic chairs outside the one-room modest party office in Kadamkuan, Patna. They had been waiting for Congress candidate Anshul Avijit, son of former Lok Sabha Speaker and 5-time MP Meira Kumar and grandson of former defence minister Jagjivan Ram.

Cambridge-educated Avijit begins his campaign for the day with a temple visit close to the Congress office, and then drops into the office.

The waiting group gets up and surrounds him. They are a mix of elders and middle aged men and women. They all have party sashes hung around their necks.

It is 9 am and the punishing heat scorches the scalp and burns the skin. It is impossible to remain outdoors unless the head is wrapped with a cotton gamacha or stole. In Bihar, party offices and candidates' campaign quarters always have people passing trays of water and tea. A water dispenser is always in sight.

IMAGE: Anshul Avijit's convoy passes through the street.

Defying the heat, a man dressed in shiny golden pants, coat and hat beats the dhol as Anshul Avijit walks into the Congress office.

The drumming stops as Avijit picks up a megaphone to speak. In a short message, he primes up the workers, exhorting them to work hard to ensure their party's victory.

The Congress last won from Patna in 1984. The constituency was split into two -- Patliputra and Patna Sahib in 2008.

Anshul Avijit is contesting his first election from Patna Sahib which is a Bharatiya Janata Party stronghold. He is pitted against former Cabinet minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, the current MP.

IMAGE: INDIA Bloc supporters wait outside the office.

"Ek taarikh, ek number, panja chhap," Anshul Avijit makes them chant after him.

June 1 is the date of the election, Avijit's is the first name on the EVM and the hand is the Congress symbol.

"You are all number one and you will make my victory a certainty," he says and the assembled Congress women and men cheer him loudly when he says that.

He later goes into the one-room office to talk to them and leaves to continue with his campaign in the city.

IMAGE: Lady Congress workers at the office.

The Congress workers then settle down in the room under the lone fan which provides no respite from the heat.

"This humble office has existed for decades; it is not a seesh mahal [glass palace] like the BJP's offices. We are the real karyakartas who have been working in the field for 10-15 years," says Pratibha Kumari in a high-pitched tone.

IMAGE: Congress worker Pratibha Kumari.

She vociferously opposes the Aadhar card and says digitisation has resulted in depriving a large number of people from accessing government schemes.

"The aged with retina and finger print issues are not getting access to pension and ration. No one is raising this issue."

"If everything becomes digital -- what will happen to the poor. They say they are removing poverty, but they are wiping out the poor."

Hear what Pratibha Kumari says about Aadhar and how Modiji would not have to give 5 kg free ration if he had provided jobs instead.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
BRATTLEBORO  The hip-hop MC Killah Priest is known for his work with the Wu-Tang Clan and for writing mystical, almost psychedelic lyrics. Visual artist John Newsom is known for creating richly detailed paintings of the natural world. The two men joined forces for an exhibition currently on view at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, which features the original artwork Newsom created for Killah Priests 2023 album Forest of the Happy Ever After.

In connection with the exhibition, which is titled "Painting the Forest of the Happy Ever After" and runs through June 16, Killah Priest will perform at Brattleboros The Stone Church at 8 p.m. June 4. Tickets can be purchased at stonechurchvt.com. The night before  June 3 at 6 p.m.  Killah Priest and Newsom will take part in a meet-and-greet at BMAC. All are welcome, and there is no charge to attend.

The music of Forest of the Happy Ever After is layered with a wild variety of sounds and lyrics, and Newsoms paintings capture the same mood, depicting colorful landscapes teeming with plants and creatures, each one taking its cue from the album. In one painting, a Tree of Life camouflages a gnome, a mythical spirit said to be the guardian of Earths energy systems. In another, a river represents the knowledge that Newsom sees flowing through Killah Priests rhymes, which are a masterpiece of penmanship and lyrical wonderment, Newsom says. A portrait of Killah Priest, which appears on the albums cover, shows the musician surrounded by flora and fauna, like a natural deity or shaman existing in both an imaginary realm and the physical world.

As a devoted student of hip-hop, Newsom connects deeply with the meaning of Killah Priests music, and his art reflects that connection, says museum director Danny Lichtenfeld. His intricate depictions of flora and fauna represent primal forces, psychological states, and ways of being in the universe.

In the museum gallery, Newsoms paintings are complemented by walls painted two shades of green, a small library of books on nature and mysticism for visitors to peruse, a seating area with naturalistic wooden furniture handcrafted by Vermont artist David Holzapfel, and Killah Priests music playing in the background. Rather than simply exhibiting the paintings, Lichtenfeld says, we sought to create a holistic environment, a multi-sensory experience.

Newsoms artwork is included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the New York Public Library, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and many others. He finds inspiration in other artists who have balanced the making of fine art and album art, such as Raymond Pettibon, who illustrated albums for Sonic Youth, Iggy Pop, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the late Mati Klarwein, who made album art for Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, and Carlos Santana.

While Newsom made the paintings for Forest of the Happy Ever After during the singular experience of the pandemic, it wasnt his first time creating art to accompany a hip-hop album. In 2015, he contributed original artwork to Fly International Luxurious Art, a solo album by Raekwon, another Wu-Tang Clan musician, who ended up connecting Newsom with Killah Priest. When Newsom collaborates with musicians, he has a clear objective: Im like a visual scribe, he says. I look and I listen.

Founded in 1972, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center presents rotating exhibits of contemporary art, complemented by lectures, artist talks, film screenings, and other public programs. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is on a pay-as-you-wish basis. The museum, in historic Union Station in downtown Brattleboro at the intersection of Main Street and routes 119 and 142, is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 802-257-0124 or visit brattleboromuseum.org.

The museum is supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by Brattleboro Savings & Loan, C&S Wholesale Grocers, the Four Columns Inn, Sams Outdoor Outfitters, and Whetstone Beer Co.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Mainly clear. Low 47F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 47F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
News / National

by Staff reporter

No. 53 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare. This is the address from which IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd - which is linked to controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo - will be providing Zimbabwean clients with Starlink satellite high-speed internet services as an agent.IMC Communications, a newly-registered company, shares offices with Chivayo's Intratrek Zimbabwe at Karigamombe Centre on the same address at the heart of the capital.This shows that Chivayo is the one who will be the agent for Starlink services. The company was recently created, showing that it is a brief case entity only established to cash in on Starlink.Chivayo is close to President Emmerson Mnangagwa who took it upon himself to announce that Starlink has been licensed, simultaneously appointing Chivayo's company as the agent. Last weekend, Chivayo was at Mnangagwa's Pricabe Farm in Sherwood, Kwekwe, visiting the President.Insiders say the deal was sealed there.While individuals may choose to subscribe directly with Starlink, state enterprises, institutions and government departments will be directed to subscribe with Chivayo and his company for him to mint money from virtually doing nothing beyond broking, while he provides vendor or enabling technologies, sources say.Chivayo, who is close to Mnangagwa, makes money through state tenders, contracts and leveraging proximity to power.Announcing that he has now approved Starlink's licence, Mnangagwa said: "I'm pleased to announce that i have approved the licensing of Starlink by POTRAZ to provide advanced internet and related digital processing services in Zimbabwe through its sole and exclusive local partner, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd. Starlink @Starlink is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite operator wholly owned by global conglomerate Space X led by promiment multi-billionaire @ElonMusk."Chivayo is already running a Zesa tender for US$173 million.As revealed by The NewsHawks in our main story in this edition, Chivayo is also minting money through a US$40 million Zimbabwe Election Commission deal.Leading a flamboyant style, wearing designer clothes and driving top-of-the-range cars, building palatial mansions and living large, while donating cash and vehicles, Chivayo is a typical tenderpreneur who thrives on leveraging political connections to make a fortune.He is currently milking his relationship with Mnangagwa to the fullest.
News / National

by Staff reporter

POLITICAL analyst Rashweat Mukundu says the short lifespan in office of political commissars in Zanu-PF reflects how the position has become increasingly unsafe, amid growing infighting fuelled by succession politics.The office of political commissar is important to Zanu-PF as it is responsible for political education and mobilising new members for the party.On 21 May, former Industry minister Mike Bimha was the latest to be removed from the commissariat role, and was replaced by Munyaradzi Machacha, a former principal of Zanu-PF's Chitepo School of Ideology, in a reshuffle of the politburo.Bimha is now an ordinary politburo member, and becomes the latest entry in a long list of commissars who have taken the walk of shame. Others have been involved in mysterious road accidents.Mukundu told The NewsHawks that the position of a political commissar is now increasingly becoming unsafe in the party."Well, I think the commissar position in Zanu-PF is a poisoned chalice in that one has to contend with divergent and rival political views, more so those that are pushing for succession politics," Mukundu said."So, every time that we get into a new phase in the Zanu-PF leadership contest, the commissar tends to be a victim, because whoever had been aspiring will be looking at them with suspicion. So, it is the most unsafe position in the Zanu-PF politburo and it is a reflection of power dynamics and shifts that will be taking place at any given time."Since 2021, former commissars have suffered a gruelling fate, with the position usually linked to and synonymous with internal contradictions, factionalism, power struggles, a high turnover and sometimes misfortunes like death, especially after the turn of the millennium.After Border Gezi died on 28 April 2001 on his way to Masvingo, his successor Moven Mahachi quickly followed hardly a month later, on 26 May.This shocked Zanu-PF leaders to the core amid infighting and talk of dark forces and eliminations.Gezi had become unpopular in and out of Zanu-PF for his reign of terror as he spearheaded the late former president Robert Mugabe's fight for political survival.But within some party circles and his social base, Gezi, commonly known as "Madzibaba", was seen as representing a new generation, energetic and vibrant in defence of the party and its leader.When a local journalist called the late veteran Zanu-PF political maverick Edison Zvobgo on a late afternoon on 28 April 2001 to confirm Gezi's death, he said: "Ichokwadi afa, anga atumwa kuno shungurudza maKaranga kumaMasvingo. Mwari vamutora asati asvikako (Literally - it's true, he has died. He was sent to go and terrorise Karangas in Masvingo, but God stopped him in his tracks before he got there.)Zvobgo had no sympathy at all for Gezi as he had unleashed violence across the nation on Zanu-PF and opposition activists alike.It was a reign of sweeping terror led by Zanu-PF youth activists geared for the 2002 presidential election after the party was shaken to its foundations by the 2000 constitutional referendum defeat and parliamentary elections that it won by merely five elected seats against a nine-month old party, the MDC under Morgan Tsvangirai.Gezi was also against Zvobgo openly doing Mugabe's bidding. Zvobgo, who had fallen out of favour with Mugabe and his young turks like Gezi, died on 22 August 2004.Mahachi subsequently came in, but did not hold the position of commissar for long  it was only for four weeks and he died on 26 May 2001 when his Land Rover Discovery collided with an Alfa Romeo sedan which did not give way to him travelling along the Mutare-Nyanga road.Mahachi was succeeded by Elliot Manyika.Similarly, Manyika, famous for his "Nora" mobilising song, also died seven years later in a road accident on 6 December 2008 while travelling to Gwanda.He was succeeded by Webster Shamu (formerly known by his liberation struggle nom de guerre Charles Ndlovu) until 2014.Shamu could not survive the ruling party's congress even though Zanu-PF had won the 2013 elections overwhelmingly amid vote-rigging allegations by Israeli intelligence-linked outfit Nikuv International Projects that was paid US$10 million just before the polls.After the volatile December 2014 congress, which ousted Joice Mujuru as Vice-President  possible Mugabe successor  replacing her with Emmerson Mnangagwa, youth leader Saviour Kasukuwere took over.It was also not a smooth sail for him on that "cursed" position.Kasukuwere ran into serious problems in early January 2017 amid accusations of political disloyalty and calls for his removal.He survived by the skin of his teeth until the November coup.After the coup, Mnangagwa, now President, in December 2017 then appointed retired Lieutenant-General Engelbert Rugeje as commissar.He did not last long as well and was removed in 2019.Then after that came in Victor Matematanda.He served for two years, before being shunted to Mozambique as Zimbabwe's ambassador and was replaced in 2021 by Mike Bimha.On 21 May 2024, Mnangagwa replaced Bimha with Machacha, who was principal of the Zanu-PF Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology and formerly director of publications.
14 warships including 3 from China took part in the naval stage of annual Golden Dragon exercise.

Cambodian and Chinese naval ships join exercises in the Gulf of Thailand, May 27, 2024.

The Cambodian and Chinese navies have wrapped up their largest joint drills to date in the Gulf of Thailand which included a mock hostage rescue, Cambodias defense ministry said.

This is the first time the two militaries held naval drills on the high seas as part of the annual Golden Dragon exercise, the ministry said in a statement.

Fourteen vessels, including three from the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) took part in the exercise. The Chinese ships were the landing dock Qilianshan (Hull 985) and two corvettes  Bazhong (625) and Wenshan (623)  which have been in Cambodia since December, 2023.

During the naval section of Golden Dragon 2024, Chinese and Cambodian ships conducted a formation movement training session and sessions on ship communication, damage control and battlefield medical care.

For the first time, they also practiced an operation to rescue hostages from a cargo ship kidnapped by a terrorist group in the waters around Koh Tang and Koh Rong Sanloem, islands in Cambodias Preah Sihanouk province.

The Chinese defense ministry said the joint exercise helped hone the troops' military skills and enhanced their coordination and cooperation.

Cambodian and Chinese naval ships take part in Golden Dragon drills in the Gulf of Thailand, May 27, 2024. (Cambodia Ministry of National Defense)





The land section of the exercise continues in the province of Kampong Chhnang until May 30.

This year is the sixth iteration of the Golden Dragon joint exercise between China and Cambodia and is also the largest with more than 1,300 Cambodian troops and more than 700 Chinese personnel.

The two countries have been holding the annual exercise since 2016, the same year Cambodia held its last joint military drills with the United States.

The annual U.S.-Cambodia drills Angkor Sentinel began in 2010 but Cambodia called them off in 2017, citing domestic reasons, and they have not been held since. The suspension of exercises with U.S. forces came as Cambodia built closer ties with China.

Inseparable relationship

Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen on Monday, describing relations with China, said the two countries were inseparable.

The former prime minister, who has retained much political power, said during a meeting with outgoing Chinese ambassador Wang Wentian that bilateral relations had grown to an inseparable level with mutual trust, according to a release from the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party.

Hun Sen reassured the ambassador that even though he was no longer prime minister, his son had succeeded him and Cambodias stance on relations with China will not change. Hun Manet took over as prime minister in 2023.

Chinas assistance to Cambodia not only helps socio-economic development but also strengthens Cambodias political independence, the Senate president said.

For his part, ambassador Wang was quoted as saying that China and Cambodia were old and ironclad friends.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea has just visited Beijing where he met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.

China is Cambodias biggest source of investment and is involved in numerous development projects, including the planned Funan Techo canal that connects Phnom Penh with the Gulf of Thailand.

The project is expected to be launched later this year and will cost an estimated US$1.7 billion.

Edited by Mike Firn.






People wave flags of Cambodia (R) and China (L) as Chinese training ship Qijiguang prepares to dock with a banner reading "Bring peace and friendship to meet good friends" during a welcome ceremony at the Sihanoukville port in Preah Sihanouk province, Cambodia, May 19, 2024.

Just days before a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen said Tuesday his sons new government will maintain Phnom Penhs steel ties to Beijing.

After attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore this week, where he will hold talks with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, Austin will on Saturday travel to Phnom Penh, where he is set to meet with Prime Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father in office in August.

The 46-year-old Hun Manet graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1999 and received a masters in economics from New York University in 2002, leading some pundits to predict he might be more open than his father to cordial ties with the United States.

But in a post to Facebook on Tuesday, Hun Sen called the close relations to China that he fostered over the last decade of his 38 years in office a historic long-term relationship that cannot be broken.

In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, left, holds talk with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, right, in Peace Palace, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, April 22, 2024. (AKP via AP)

He said he and Hun Manet had reiterated as much to Chinas outgoing ambassador to Phnom Penh, Wang Wentian, in a meeting Tuesday, and that the ambassador had likened their relationship to steel.

Although there was a reshuffle of the cabinet, theres been no change in the policy about Cambodia-China relations, which is to maintain the Cambodia-China friendship eternally, Hun Sen wrote in the post.

The relationship has earned the two countries political trust, the former premier added. Chinese aid not only helps social development but also strengthens Cambodias political independence.

Lloyd Austin

A statement released by the Pentagon on Friday said that Austin hopes to build on meetings he had with senior Cambodian officials when he last visited Phnom Penh for a summit of Association of Southeast Asian Nations defense ministers in November 2022.

But it also seems likely Austin, who himself graduated from West Point in 1975, will attempt to sway Hun Manets government from the close embrace of Beijing to instead consider a more neutral stance.

Speaking to the Financial Times over the weekend, an anonymous U.S. official said the defense secretary would see whats possible.

We remain clear-eyed about some of our concerns in Cambodia, but at the same time we see the arrival of the new leadership allowing us to explore new opportunities, the official told the newspaper.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, center, Vietnam Minister of Defense Phan Van Giang, right, and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, left, listen to a speech by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, during the 9th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to make an official visit to Cambodia, one of China's closest allies in Southeast Asia, after holding talks with his Chinese counterpart at an annual security conference in Singapore, officials said in a statement issued Friday, May 24, 2024. (Heng Sinith/AP)

The United States has criticized a Chinese-led expansion of the Ream naval base near the port city of Sihanoukville, which Washington says has the appearance of a permanent Chinese naval base and would allow Beijing to project power across the Gulf of Thailand.

Phnom Penh denies China is building a permanent base, which would violate Cambodias 1993 Constitution, but repeated naval drills by the countries navies has done little to dissuade its critics.

Em Sovannara, a Cambodian political commentator, said that Cambodia benefited from its ties to China but still had a closer trading relationship with the United States, to which many of the countrys garment exports go.

He said that was reason enough for an official stance of neutrality.

We benefit from the U.S. markets  we profit from the United States, he said. We have more economic benefit from the West, so Cambodia should be neutral for the sake of development.

Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Tiananmen vigil organizer Chow Hang-tung is among the arrestees, the first under the Article 23 security law.

Chow Hang-tung, vice-chair of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, is seen inside a vehicle after being detained in Hong Kong, China, Sept. 8, 2021.

Police in Hong Kong on Tuesday arrested jailed human rights lawyer Chow Hang-tung and five other people  the first arrests to be made under the recently passed Article 23 security law  for making social media posts with "seditious intent" ahead of the anniversary of the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen Square massacre.

National security police in the city arrested five women and one man aged between 37 and 65, for suspected violations of Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which deals with offenses related to "seditious intent," according to a statement on the government website.

The events of the spring and early summer of 1989 are still a hugely sensitive topic in China, where public discussion is heavily censored and public mourning for victims is banned. Tuesday's arrests suggest that similar political sensitivities are now being applied to Hong Kong.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang later confirmed to journalists that Chow, who is currently awaiting trial at the Tai Lam Centre for Women under a separate security law, was among the arrestees.

When asked to clarify whether it's now illegal under the Article 23 security legislation to mention the anniversary or the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, Tang claimed it wasn't, and that only mentions deemed to "incite hatred" of the authorities would be regarded as criminal.

Screenshot from the Chow Hang-tung Club Facebook page showing recent posts marking the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. (RFA)

However, neither he nor any of the journalists present at the briefing mentioned June 4, 1989, or the Tiananmen massacre by name, referring to it as "the sensitive date."

The police statement said the arrests were based on "seditious" social media posts.

"Police investigations revealed that a woman who is currently in custody, through the other five arrested persons, has been anonymously posting seditious posts on a social platform page since April 2024, taking advantage of a sensitive date that is approaching, with the intention of inciting hatred among the public against the Central Government, the [Hong Kong] Government and the Judiciary, and intending to incite netizens to organize or participate in illegal activities," the police statement said.

Police also searched the homes of the five people accused of helping Chow make the posts, which Tang said were posted to the Chow Hang-tung Club Facebook page.

"The general public must ... not be deceived by false and distorted content or even incited to take part in illegal activities and behaviors that could threaten national security," the police statement said.

Photos and memories

Since April, Chow's Facebook page has displayed a different set of photographs and memories relating to commemoration of the 1989 pro-democracy movement on Tiananmen Square and the subsequent crackdown by the People's Liberation Army on unarmed protesters and civilians, using machine guns and tanks, each day.

The arrests came after the latest post showed the "Goddess of Democracy" statue  a replica of the one seen on Tiananmen Square in 1989  referring to its prominent display in 2010 outside the Times Square shopping mall, on several university campuses and at Victoria Park, where the now-banned candlelight vigils for the massacre victims were held for more than three decades.

"Dedicated to the students on hunger strike in the square and to the pro-democracy movement, the Goddess of Democracy is a symbol of the student protest movement," the post said. "Once upon a time, the Goddess of Democracy could be seen [in parks and universities], but today she has disappeared."

"Another goddess of democracy wearing a gas mask appeared in Hong Kong in 2019," the post said in a reference to the Lady Liberty effigy that came to symbolize the 2019 protest movement against the erosion of Hong Kong's rights and freedoms.

The Chow Hang-tung Club Facebook page. (RFA)

"That has also disappeared," the post said, referring to a citywide crackdown on public dissent, including symbols and images of the protest movement, under the 2020 National Security Law.

Behind bars since September 2021, Chow faces a potential 10 years in jail if convicted of inciting subversion of state power in a trial that is expected to begin in late 2024. She has already served a 15-month jail term relating to the 2021 vigil.

The overseas-based Hong Kong Democracy Council said via its X account that the arrests are the first under the Article 23 legislation.

It said Chow's Facebook page has been "making daily posts about #June4 in HK down through the years since Apr 30 across 35 days, one for every year that has passed since the massacre.

"If HK national security police believe the posts to be "seditious," why've they waited a month to act?" the group wanted to know.

The hugely controversial Article 23 legislation prompted global protests and warnings of an extended crackdown from rights activists when it was passed on March 23.

Hong Kong lawmaker Paul Tse, who was among dozens of pro-government legislators who voted in favor of the Article 23 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, removed posts from his Facebook page for fear that comments he had posted there earlier could be used to prosecute him under the new law.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Roseanne Gerin.


State security police place dissidents, activists under guard or take them on enforced 'vacations.'

Members of the Tiananmen Mothers victims group make offerings to loved ones killed in the June 4, 1989, crackdown at Beijings Wanan Cemetery, June 4, 2023.

Chinese authorities have ordered relatives of those who died in the 1989 Tiananmen massacre not to give media interviews, while veteran activists who took part in the pro-democracy movement that year are slapped with restrictions as part of a nationwide "stability maintenance" operation ahead of the 35th anniversary of the bloodshed, Radio Free Asia has learned.

A security guard has been posted outside the home of Zhang Xianling, a founding member of the Tiananmen Mothers victims group whose 19-year-old son died in the military assault on Beijing, group spokesperson You Weijie told RFA Mandarin.

"Most of the victims' families haven't been placed under guard for the 35th anniversary this year," You said. "Only Zhang [Xianling] has -- there are guards outside her door."

"We have all been told not to give interviews to journalists in our homes because the anniversary of June 4 is nearly here," she said.

The move is part of the ruling Chinese Communist Party's "stability maintenance" system that aims to control the words and movements of anyone they think might cause some kind of trouble for the authorities on politically sensitive dates.

Public mourning for victims or discussion of the events of spring and summer 1989 are banned in China, and references to June 4, 1989, are blocked, filtered or deleted by the Great Firewall of government internet censorship.

Hunger strike

Xu Guang, a former student leader of the 1989 protest movement at Hangzhou University stood trial in the eastern province of Zhejiang in April 2023 for picking quarrels and stirring up trouble, a charge frequently used to target peaceful critics of the Communist Party, after he refused food and drink in detention to commemorate the Tiananmen massacre.

You said the group plans to lay offerings to their lost loved ones at the cemetery privately, as they have on past anniversaries, under the watchful eye of state security police.

She said Zhang and group founder Ding Zilin are elderly, with age-related health issues, but "aren't doing too badly."

Tiananmen Mothers spokesperson You Weijie. (You Weijie)





Meanwhile, former 1989 student hunger-striker and rights lawyer Pu Zhiqiang has been taken out of Beijing on an enforced "vacation" by state security police ahead of the anniversary, a person familiar with the situation told RFA.

Dissident journalist Gao Yu could soon follow suit, the person said.

A Beijing-based rights activist who gave the pseudonym Mr. Qin for fear of reprisals said it's hard for anyone with ties to human rights activism or the pro-democracy movement to go anywhere at this time of year.

"The atmosphere in Beijing is very tense right now," he said. "It's hard to get together for a meal with friends if you're on the list of so-called sensitive figures."

"They will stop people from getting together to cook and eat together in their homes, even if they're not on the list," Qin said. "Naturally, it's more sensitive here in Beijing, because that's where [the massacre] happened."

"I think a lot of people in Beijing will be taken on 'vacations' this year," he said.

Taken out of town

Ji Feng, an independent commentator who led student protests in the southwestern province of Guizhou in 1989, said he is also being taken out of town ahead of the anniversary, despite no longer living in Beijing.

"Every anniversary ending in 5 or 0 is a bigger one, and there will be quite an uproar overseas this year, for the 35th anniversary," Ji told RFA Mandarin in a recent interview.

"This year, we're not allowed to mention the anniversary or June 4, and we're not allowed to go far," Ji said. "In the past, they would take me anywhere, even around Beijing."

"Now, we have to stay in the vicinity of Zunyi city," he said, adding that the local authorities seem less willing to spend money on "stability maintenance" measures this year.

"Maybe finances are tight, and they have no money," Ji speculated, in a reference to recent reports of cash-strapped local governments.

In Shanghai, rights activist Shen Yanqiu said she has been called in to "drink tea" with state security police almost daily in the run-up to the anniversary, and warned off going anywhere or meeting anyone.

"Rights defenders and dissidents alike are under tight surveillance around June 4," Shen said. "We can't arrange anything because they're afraid we'll contact foreign media organizations or hold citizen gatherings."

"It's basically because the authorities are afraid," she said.

Shen said she had postponed plans to try to visit pandemic citizen journalist Zhang Zhan following her May 13 release from Shanghai Women's Prison, because she expects Zhang to be under particularly tight surveillance.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Wu Qiang is now unable to move around Beijing freely, while contact with foreigners is 'dangerous.'

Former Tsinghua University lecturer Wu Qiang is photographed at his apartment in Beijing in June 2021. (Leo Ramirez/AFP)

Since he published an open letter criticizing "Cultural Revolution-style" ideological controls of China's higher education system, former Tsinghua University politics lecturer Wu Qiang has found it a little harder to move around Beijing.

Wu, whose former school is the fictional location for the gruesome Cultural Revolution political 'struggle session' scene that opens Liu Cixin's popular science fiction trilogy The Three-Body Problem, told RFA Mandarin in a recent interview that he is now regarded as a "sensitive person" by the country's state security police, which means restrictions on his day-to-day activities.

"The Beijing police stop me from entering the embassy district because I have a lot of contact with foreign journalists and diplomats," Wu said. "I get identified through facial recognition technology, then my ID card gets checked at the next intersection, and I'm told to leave."

"Ten minutes after that, I may get a call from state security police telling me not to remain in the area," he said.

Wu studies mass protests and demonstrations, a highly sensitive topic termed "mass incidents" by the increasingly security-obsessed ruling Chinese Communist Party.

He was suspended from his lectureship at Tsinghua University in 2015 for researching the 2014 Occupy Central pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, as well as protests and land-related campaigns in the rebel Guangdong villages of Taishi and Wukan.

Since the Chinese Communist Party enshrined Xi Jinping's personal brand of ideology -- Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era -- into the party charter in 2017, colleges and universities have scrambled to launch research programs and institutes to study "Xi Jinping Thought."

Stepped up surveillance

In January, RFA reported that the ruling party was taking more direct control over colleges and universities, with the ongoing mergers of university-level Communist Party committees with university presidents' offices, something that didn't even happen during the political turmoil of the 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution.

It is also using technology to step up surveillance and monitoring of anyone deemed a potential threat to state security, including Wu Qiang.

People walk near the gate of Tsinghua University in Beijing in 2016. (Thomas Peter/Reuters)





Just a decade ago, it usually took the authorities at least a few days to put an end to Wu's research activities, Wu told RFA.

"Now it takes them just 10 minutes," he said. "Even normal communication with foreigners has become dangerous, even though I have no access to any secrets -- the system is highly sensitive."

The increased restrictions came after Wu penned an open letter in March to newly appointed Tsinghua University President Li Luming calling on him to drop a lawsuit against him which the school is pursuing despite its having been rejected by a Beijing court in 2021.

Wu, who was placed under house arrest around the same time, also took the opportunity to note that many former politics lecturers and professors at top schools in Beijing, Shanghai and across China have fled overseas to escape the political repercussions of doing their jobs.

Intimidation

A friend of Wu's who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals said he believes the lawsuit against Wu is a form of intimidation.

"I believe that the plaintiff is trying to make an example of Wu Qiang by repeatedly suing him, so as to tame other Tsinghua lecturers," the friend said.

A former colleague who gave only the surname Hu for fear of reprisals said the authorities have targeted Wu entirely due to his academic interests.

"Tsinghua University blacklisted Wu Qiang in the spring of 2020, and continues to do so to this day," Hu told RFA Mandarin. "They have banned him from living on campus, and they are demanding so-called liquidated damages of more than 1 million yuan."

Former Tsinghua University lecturer Wu Qiang is interviewed at his apartment in Beijing in June 2021. (Leo Ramirez/AFP)





"A court has already ruled that the school has no jurisdiction, but Tsinghua University just keeps filing these trumped-up lawsuits, which means that this a form of persecution," he said.

The school has also targeted Wus colleagues, including the outspoken sociology professor Guo Yuhua, who was last year stopped by border guards while trying to leave China, and former law professor Xu Zhangrun, who was fired from his post in July 2020 after he called online for political reforms.

Truth has been ripped to pieces

Wu has continued with his research despite being banned from lecturing, but is finding it more and more difficult to make headway, something he blames on an overriding obsession with the political security of the regime under Xi Jinping.

"There is no regular field research happening any more," Wu said. "Everything is performance-based from top to bottom."

"Just as communities were locked down during the three years of zero-COVID, China has been shut off from the rest of the world, and the truth has been ripped to pieces," he said. "Isolation is what is happening to China, and it's also what's happening to me."

Wu started studying social movements for his PhD in political science at Germany's University of Duisburg-Essen, and was able to continue fieldwork for a few years on his return to China, although the authorities began obstructing his work as early as 2003 in various ways.

"It became increasingly difficult to obtain that kind of material [first hand]," he said. "I was followed by police while carrying out fieldwork and had them carry out checks on me in the middle of the night at my hotel."

"I even got expelled from one city," said Wu, who studies popular protest and resistance to the government, including spontaneous mass demonstrations and long-running attempts to redress grievances through official channels by petitioners.

Xia Ming, a professor of political science at New York's City University, confirmed Wu's account.

"Major universities in China are all infiltrated and tightly controlled by the state security police, the regular police, the political security police ... and so on," Xia said.

He described Wu as a rare and professional scholar capable of facilitating communication between China and the rest of the world.

Yet that's precisely what makes him a target.

"What Tsinghua has done to Wu Qiang is an indicator for the tightening of controls over colleges and universities in China generally," said Xia, who has previously worked at Fudan University in Shanghai. "Influential universities in China are always subject to selective control by the Chinese Communist Party."

"Very active and influential academics with international academic connections are monitored, warned, and eventually heavily persecuted," he said.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
A rocket carrying spy satellite Malligyong-1 is launched at a location given by the North Korean government as North Gyeongsang Province, North Korea in this handout picture obtained by Reuters on Nov. 21, 2023.

UPDATED on May 28 2024 at 2:43 p.m.

North Koreas latest attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite was unsuccessful because of a problem with the reliability of a new rocket, which led to a mid-air explosion during the first-stage flight, state media reported on Tuesday.

The launch came just hours after leaders of South Korea, Japan and China reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in their first summit in five years, in Seoul.

North Korea had earlier notified Japan of its plan to launch a satellite sometime before June 4, in violation of U.N. sanctions, and designated three areas where rocket debris could have fallen.

The rocket carrying the satellite exploded after its takeoff from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station on North Koreas northwest coast on Monday, said the vice general director of the Norths National Aerospace Technology Administration, or NATA, the Norths Korean Central News Agency reported.

The launch failed due to the air blast of the new-type satellite carrier rocket during the first-stage flight, the NATA official was quoted as saying.

A preliminary examination by experts from the Norths launch preparatory committee concluded that the accident was attributable to the operational reliability of a new liquid oxygen plus petroleum engine, said the official, adding that other causes of the failure would also be examined.

A North Korean flag flutters on top of the 160-meter tall tower at North Koreas propaganda village of Gijungdong, in this picture taken from Tae Sung freedom village near the Military Demarcation Line, inside the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, in Paju, South Korea, Sept. 30, 2019. (Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo/Reuters)

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command criticized North Koreas rocket launch, saying it was assessing the situation in close coordination with allies and partners.

We are aware of the DPRKs May 27 launch using ballistic missile technology, which is a brazen violation of multiple unanimous UNSC [U.N. Security Council] resolutions, raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond, the command said in a statement, using an acronym for the North Korean state.

At a press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller also slammed the failed launch, saying the technologies used satellite are virtually identical to those used in its unlawful ballistic missile program that violate multiple U.N. Security Council sanctions.

Russian support

The launch came amid speculation that deepening military cooperation with Russia might have helped North Korea advance its space rocket launch capabilities and other military programs.

A senior South Korean government official told the media on Sunday that a large number of Russian experts had entered North Korea to help with its spy satellite efforts after Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to support such a program last year.

A South Korean military official told reporters on Tuesday that Russia may have provided the first stage propellant for the new launch vehicle.

We have to keep open the possibility of technical assistance at all levels, said the official. I think we have to look at the time frame, whether it was just technical assistance, whether they provided parts, and so on.

The official added that unlike during the two failures last year, the North has not announced plans for additional launches and has said that they have reached only preliminary conclusions about the cause of this failure, so further launches are likely to take some time.

North Korea successfully launched its first satellite in November.

Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at the East Asia Nonproliferation Project at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said it appeared Pyongyang tried to use a mixture of liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellant.

That mixture has been used by NASA for moon missions, he noted, and is still used by Russia to propel its Angara and Soyuz-2 rockets.

It is possible that Russia has helped North Korea to some extent. The rocket that Kim Jong Un viewed during his meeting with Putin uses liquid oxygen and kerosene, Lewis told Radio Free Asia.

The North Korean statement implies that aerodynamic forces tore the rocket apart. This could have been caused by a structural deficiency in the rocket or by a loss of control that contorted the missile, he said.

Markus Schiller, a North Korean missile expert from Germany-based ST Analytics, also pointed the finger at Russia.

North Korea had shown no indications that they were pursuing this technology, not to mention mastering it. It takes many years and hundreds, or thousands of static engine tests to get a new engine for a satellite launcher up and running, Schiller told RFA.

Therefore, one has to assume that North Korea got some help here. By whom, and what kind of help, remains unknown so far. My guess though would be that Russia shipped over some of their engines, he said.

Unusual move

North Korea also condemned the trilateral summit declaration on the denuclearization of the peninsula as a grave political provocation and sovereignty violation, which South Koreas Ministry of Unification said was an unusual reaction.

While [the Norths criticism] was focused on South Korea, it was unusual for it to publicly malign a meeting attended by China, a ministry spokesperson told reporters in Seoul on Tuesday.

It was hard to find a precedent for public North Korean criticism of a summit attended by China, the official said, with the exception of a 2015 China-South Korea summit.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang leave after a joint press conference in Seoul, South Korea, May 27, 2024. (Kim Hong-Ji/Pool/Reuters)

At Mondays summit, the three neighbors first since 2019, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida denounced the Norths planned satellite launch as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban its use of ballistic missile technology.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on all related countries to exercise restraint to mitigate tensions, without referring to North Korea directly.

Edited by Mike Firn. Updated to include comments from analysts and the U.S. State Department spokesperson.
A resident of Ywar Thit village in Pale township, Sagaing region who was arrested by troops and junta-backed Pyu Saw Htee members on May 27, 2024. One villager told RFA the woman was interrogated and tortured.

Junta troops and members of an affiliated militia killed four civilians in central Myanmar shortly after they and 19 other people were rounded up in a sweep as troops hunted for insurgents battling to end military rule, residents told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.

The villagers were detained and taken away for questioning in the Sagaing regions Pale township as they headed to nearby farms on Friday.

The group of men and women, mostly residents of Ywar Thit village, were taken to In Ma Htee village about 3 km (2 miles) away and tortured, said one Pale resident, who declined to be identified for fear of reprisals. Witnesses reported that four of the detainees were killed.

The villager identified one of the dead as Tun Naing from In Ma Htee, who was in his thirties.

He had been on the run for a long time because he did not want to join the Pyu Saw Htee, the villager said, referring to a pro-junta militia made up of supporters of the military, Buddhist nationalists, and army veterans that is frequently accused of terrorizing villages.

But now, hes been arrested and killed. Those who were freed also had injuries from the beatings and are now being treated.

Nineteen people were released on Monday, he added. He identified the other dead men as Thint Zaw Oo, 25, Tun Naing Linn, 24, and Kyaw Khaing, who was in his fifties. The bodies had not been returned to their families, he said.

RFA phoned the Sagaing regions junta spokesperson, Nyunt Win Aung, for more information on why villagers were arrested but he did not return the call by the time of publication.

The military has faced unprecedented opposition in Myanmars central heartlands, which are dominated by members of the majority Burman community, since seizing power from an elected government in early 2021.

While ethnic minority groups have battled for autonomy in border hills for decades, central areas like Sagaing had been peaceful until the coup triggered outrage and an insurgency waged by pro-democracy activists in league with the ethnic minority rebels.

Junta troops have cracked down harshly on communities in response to the uprising, aiming to root out supporters of the activists Peoples Defense Forces.

According to a tally compiled by the independent media outlet Burma News International and its Myanmar Peace Monitor, junta forces have killed 1,446 civilians in the past two years in massacres, which the group defines as five or more people killed at the same time.

Thousands of people were killed when the security forces crushed mass protests against the 2021 coup and thousands have been killed in fighting across the country since then.

The Sagaing region has faced more attacks by the military than any other region or state, the monitoring group said in a statement on Monday.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.
It wants the junta to detail circumstances of the victims detention and the identities of those responsible.

The United Nations investigative unit has called on Myanmars ruling junta to provide information about two young men in Magway region who were burned alive by junta forces, to build a criminal case against the perpetrators.

In February, a video of the burning deaths of rebel fighters Phoe Tay, 23, and Thar Htaung, 22, was widely viewed by Burmese people on social media. The two young men were captured Nov. 7, 2023, in fighting between pro-junta forces and guerillas at Myauk Khin Yan village in Magway regions Gangaw township.

On Monday, the U.N.s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar sent a request to the military for details of the capture and killing of the two as part of a probe seeking accountability for their deaths.

The body was created by the U.N. Human Rights Council in 2018 to collect and analyze evidence of serious international crimes and other violations of international law committed in Myanmar since 2011.

In an accompanying statement, Nicholas Koumjian, head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, urged the military to fully cooperate with the request by giving his unit access to the country and sharing requested information.

The mechanism is conducting an impartial and independent determination of the facts surrounding this incident, including the identity and affiliation of the perpetrators, Koumjian said.

As part of this investigation, the mechanism has asked the Myanmar military to share with it any information about the units in the area and their commanders, the circumstances of the victims detention and treatment, and the persons seen committing the torture and killings.

Since the military seized power in a February 2021 coup, reports of torture, beheadings and burning of corpses by junta forces have become commonplace, but the graphic nature of the Nov. 7 video has triggered a wave of revulsion in Myanmar and beyond  and sympathy for the dead.

The video showed the two alleged members of the anti-junta Yaw Defence Force fighters in shackles as they were interrogated by armed men. They were then dragged to a nearby tree where they were suspended as a fire was set underneath them. The two young men screamed as flames rose up and engulfed them.

The video was taken by a villager who fled Myauk Khin Yan in December, according to a local official from the administration of the shadow National Unity Government. Its unclear who first posted the video that began circulating in early February.

A chance to respond

RFA Burmese contacted a resident of Gangaw township who said that his community was glad to hear the case is under investigation and wants a resolution as soon as possible.

"They [the perpetrators] burnt two young men alive and threw their bodies into the water, said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. It happened upstream from our village. We witnessed it and were outraged. They were brutally killed.

The families of the two young men are currently sheltering in the jungle as internally displaced persons.

In February, their parents told RFA that they were proud of the sacrifices their sons had made for Myanmar and its people.

Human rights lawyer and legal expert Kyee Myint said that the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmars request has given the junta the chance to clarify the details of the case.

The junta has supported its militia members in killing people and this act was carried out by its Pyu Saw Htee militia, so it was indirectly committed by junta troops, he said. The Mechanism has asked the junta to name the preparators, otherwise it will proceed with the case to a U.N. court.

Junta has never confessed

Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the prime ministers office of the shadow National Unity Government  made up of former civilian leaders in exile or hiding  told RFA that the junta was unlikely to respond to the mechanisms request.

"They [the junta] have committed mass killings, war crimes, brutal beheadings, and arson attacks all over the country, he said. However, the junta never confessed to any of the crimes it committed. Instead, it accuses rebel forces  and ethnic armed groups of committing such crimes.

Nonetheless, it is impossible to hide such cases in todays age of technology, he added.

Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Htun and Myo Myint, the juntas social affairs minister and spokesperson for Magway region, for a response to the Mechanisms request went unanswered Tuesday.

In his statement, Koumjian noted that the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar has made numerous requests to the military for information related to the many serious crimes it is investigating, including those allegedly committed by Myanmar security forces and by armed groups.

To date, the military has not responded to any of these requests, he said.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
A Tibetan monk prays in the rain as he circumambulates clockwise around Tsuklakhang, also known as Dalai Lama's Temple complex, in Dharamsala, India, March 12, 2024.

Chinese authorities have instructed Tibetan students, government workers and retirees to refrain from engaging in religious activities in Tibets capital Lhasa during the Buddhist holy month of Saga Dawa, four sources said.

The Saga Dawa festival occurs during the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar and runs from May 9 to June 6 this year.

For Tibetan Buddhists, it marks the period of Buddhas birth, enlightenment and parinirvana  the state entered after death by someone who has attained nirvana during their lifetime.

During the holy month, thousands of religious pilgrims visit temples and walk sacred kora routes around Lingkhor and Barkhor streets in Lhasa, encircling the revered Jokhang Temple.

The ritual kora  making a circumambulation around sacred sites or objects as part of a pilgrimage  holds immense significance for Tibetan Buddhists who believe that virtuous deeds performed during Saga Dawa are magnified based on their location.

A video obtained by Radio Free Asia showed heavy police presence surrounding the Barkhor area  the heart of the capital with its famed pilgrimage circuit  on May 22, the eve of the 15th day of the fourth month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar, considered one of the holiest days during Saga Dawa.

Since the start of Saga Dawa, Chinese police have tightened security around key religious sites, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the Barkhor area, the sources told RFA.

The measures illustrate the deterioration of religious freedom in Tibet under the Chinese governments suppression and Sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism  a policy that seeks to bring the religion under the control of the Chinese Communist Party.

Police everywhere

While devotees were seen on pilgrimage on the other days of Saga Dawa, the 15th day on May 23 saw heightened restrictions, with police stationed along the pathways leading to the Sera, Gandhen and Drepung monasteries, said the sources who declined to be named out of fear of retribution by authorities.

There isnt any place where you dont see police and interrogation stations, one of the sources told RFA.

Tibetans line up to offer prayers as they mark the day of Buddha's birth, death and enlightenment at the Tsuklakhang temple complex in Dharamshala, India, May 23, 2024. (Ashwini Bhatia/AP)

The Chinese government has increased the number of police checkpoints in and around Lhasa, and authorities have been interrogating Tibetans spontaneously, the person said.

Individuals who do not have a shenfenzhang, or Chinese resident identity card, are prohibited from visiting temples, leading to the heightened restrictions now in effect, said a second source.

During our visits to circumambulate the holy sites, Chinese police regularly inspect everyone's identity cards and engage in arguments, said a third source.

Having to engage in disputes with the Chinese police takes an emotional toll on us, and this is one of the reasons why many are afraid of engaging in religious activities as often as theyd like, he said.

A Nepalese monk lights a butter lamp during Saga Dawa at Swayambhunath, one of the holiest Buddhist stupas in Nepal, in Kathmandu, May 24, 2013. (Prakash Mathema/AFP)

Facial recognition technology is pervasive at key pilgrimage sites and authorities regularly frisk Tibetans making pilgrimages, said a fourth source.

Flag-raising festival

Additionally, during the Ngari Flag Raising Festival in Purang county, called Pulan in Chinese, of Ngari Prefecture in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, Chinese authorities increased security as people gathered on May 23 for the annual ceremony, and banned the use of drones during the event, according to the sources.

The annual tradition of hoisting a large central prayer flag pole in front of Mount Kailash in Tibet began in 1681 during the time of the 5th Dalai Lama.

Buddhist monks and Hindu holy men sit by a roadside expecting alms as Tibetans mark the day of Buddha's birth, death and enlightenment in Dharamsala, India, May 23, 2024. (Ashwini Bhatia/AP)

In a government notice dated May 16, the Pulan County Public Security Bureau in Talqin said the use of drones and other aircraft during the Saga Dawa flag raising festival was prohibited and that violators would be punished.

Tibetans who attended the event were subjected to extensive questioning and coerced into agreeing to uphold social order and refraining from causing discord, said one of the sources.

Police instructed people not to share photos or videos of the festival on social media, he said.

Translated by Tenzin Dickyi for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan and by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
The 17-year-old became depressed after being sent to government-run school instead.

A 17-year-old Tibetan Buddhist monk who was forced to leave his monastery and join a government-run school committed suicide after authorities said he could no longer wear his maroon robes, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Radio Free Asia.

Kunzang Longyang died in mid-April in Qinghai provinces Drakkar County, the sources said on condition of anonymity, citing safety concerns.

The death comes as young Tibetan monks are facing immense pressure because of growing restrictions on practicing Buddhist religious and cultural traditions.

The restrictions include a requirement since 2018 that young monks below the age of 18 be removed from monasteries across the Tibetan region. Chinese authorities have said that young monks are too immature to think for themselves and should serve society instead.

Chinese authorities have long sought to restrict the size and influence of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, traditionally a focus of Tibetan cultural and national identity.

Even during their school winter and summer break, the young monks are not allowed to return to their monasteries or go on visits, one of the sources told RFA.

Government officials send people to monitor if monasteries are allowing young monks to visit or return, and monasteries are threatened of severe consequences if they allow the children to return, the source said.

Depressed at school

Three years ago, Longyang was removed from Yulung Monastery in Drakkar County after Chinese government officials enforced the under 18 rule, the three sources said.

Afterward, Longyang was made to join a local school where he was told he couldnt continue wearing his monks robe and would have to wear regular clothing while attending class.

At the school, he became severely depressed, stopped eating for many days and became ill, the source said.

This happened several times and each time, school authorities called his family to take him home, the source said.

Initially, school administrators made some exceptions. Longyang wasnt required to be present throughout the school year, and he was allowed to wear his robes when he was at the school for examinations and inspections run by government officials, the three sources said.

The exceptions ended a few months ago when school authorities again mandated that Longyang and other young monks disrobe and stay permanently in school. This caused much distress for Longyang, the sources said.

He was adamant that he would not take off his monks robes, one of the other sources said. He had said that if he would be permanently stripped of his robes and required to go to school in his plainclothes, then he would kill himself.

Longyang was again sent home from school in April, shortly after falling into depression following the recent announcement. Thats when he took his own life, the sources said.

Additional reporting by Thaklha Gyal and Lhuboom and editing by Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Kalden Lodoe, Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) says there is significant progress in reducing smuggling through undesignated entry points using drone technology.ZIMRA introduced drones in January 2024, with a pilot project launched at the Beitbridge Border Post, a notoriously porous border. The technology aims to improve border surveillance and boost revenue collection.Speaking at a Bulawayo Editors Breakfast meeting co-organised by ZIMRA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ZIMRA ICT Director Shami Moyo highlighted the effectiveness of the drones."The drones are highly effective," Moyo said. "They have night vision, so they're not limited by daylight hours, and they can withstand harsh weather conditions."Moyo explained that drones have helped detect previously unknown smuggling methods."We've identified abnormal loads,'" Moyo said. "We discovered people were hiding goods within large machinery that bypassed scanners. Drones allowed us to spot these anomalies."Drones are also being used to locate illegal entry points created by smugglers, particularly in remote areas."Smugglers have created hidden crossing points in difficult-to-reach areas," Moyo said. "By launching drones, we can identify these locations and address the issue."ZIMRA officials announced plans to expand drone technology to other ports of entry, with Plumtree Border Post slated as the next location.Smuggling along Zimbabwe's borders has reportedly cost the nation millions of dollars annually.
Belgium will deliver 977 million euros ($1 billion) in military aid and 30 F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine under a 10-year bilateral security agreement signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on May 28 in Brussels.

The agreement is the second of its kind signed by Zelenskiy in as many days as he continues a whirlwind tour to secure more military aid for Ukraine's outgunned and outmanned troops as they struggle to fend off a Russian offensive and relentless strikes on civilian targets in the northeastern region of Kharkiv.

"For the first time, such an agreement specifies the exact number of F-16 fighter jets -- 30 -- that will be delivered to Ukraine until 2028, with the first arriving already this year," Zelenskiy wrote on X, formerly Twitter.



De Croo said at a joint news conference that Brussels will do "everything possible" to deliver the first fighter jets by the end of the year.



Asked by RFE/RL to specify how many warplanes will be delivered this year, De Croo did not answer, saying just that efforts of the aircraft coalition for Ukraine were ongoing.



De Croo stressed that the planes are to be used only above the territory of Ukraine. "The security agreement stipulates that military equipment will be used by the armed forces of Ukraine and on the territory of Ukraine," he said.



The Belgian prime minister added that training was already under way for Ukrainian pilots on Belgian F-16s.



"Today, our planes are used to train new Ukrainian pilots. Our technical teams are used to provide technical support to keep aircraft in the air. Our teams are training Ukrainian technicians how to perform [technical support]," he said.

WATCH: Zelenskiy Visits Belgian Military Base As Brussels Pledges F16s



Zelenskiy, asked by RFE/RL about the progress of negotiations with partners on obtaining permission to strike targets on the territory of Russia, replied that he was "confident of a positive result both from some partners and from our production."



Ukraine has been frustrated by the lack of permission from some of its allies, mainly the United States and Germany, to hit military targets inside Russia with Western weapons systems.

The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has backed Kyiv's request.



"According with the law of war, it is perfectly possible and there is no contradiction. I could retaliate or I could fight against the one who fights against me from his territory," Borrell told journalists ahead of a meeting with EU defense ministers.



"You have to balance the risk of escalation and the need for Ukrainians to defend," he said.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has also thrown his weight behind Ukraine's plea, saying concerns that the use of Western weapons inside Russia would implicate the alliance in the war are unfounded.



"Ukraine's use of weapons supplied by its Western allies against targets inside Russia would not make NATO and its members part of the conflict," Stoltenberg said in Brussels on May 28.

French President Emmanuel Macron added his voice, saying on May 28 that Kyiv should be allowed to "neutralize" Russian military bases from which Moscow troops have fired missiles into Ukraine.

"We think that we should allow them to neutralize military sites where missiles are fired," Macron said on a state visit to Germany.

He stressed, however, that Ukraine should not be allowed to hit other targets in Russia or civilian facilities.

But the White House on May 28 again rejected ending restrictions on Kyiv using U.S.-supplied arms to strike Russian territory.

"There's no change to our policy at this point. We don't encourage or enable the use of U.S.-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told a briefing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned earlier on May 28 that hitting Russian soil with Western-supplied long-range weapons could set the war on a dangerous new path.

Speaking to reporters while on a trip to Uzbekistan, Putin said the use of such weapons would rely on Western intelligence data and imply the involvement of NATO military personnel.

Representatives of countries that are NATO members, particularly in Europe, should be aware of what they are playing with, Putin said, adding that countries with small territory and dense populations should be particularly careful.

With reporting by AP and AFP
TBILISI -- Georgian lawmakers approved an override of President Salome Zurabishvili's veto of the so-called "foreign agent" law, angering protesters gathered outside parliament and jeopardizing the country's drive toward the European Union.

The ruling Georgian Dream party, as expected, pushed through the override on May 28. Its alliance with the Democratic Georgia party holds 84 of the chamber's 150 seats. A simple majority of 76 votes was needed to cancel Zurabishvili's veto.

Lawmakers then voted 84-4 to pass the bill. Most opposition deputies had walked out of the chamber ahead of the vote.

The approval came despite last-minute appeals from the European Union and several member states to Georgian lawmakers not to override the veto of a law frequently referred to as the "Russian law" because of its resemblance to legislation introduced by the Kremlin to silence opposition and free speech.

The law now goes back to Zurabishvili to be signed. If she refuses, the speaker of parliament, Georgian Dream member Shalva Papuashvili, can sign the law and publish it.

Hundreds of mostly young protesters chanting "No Russian law!" and "Slaves!" while waving Georgian and EU flags massed peacefully at the back entrance of the legislature amid a heavy presence of riot police. Further protests were expected later in the day.

Zurabishvili told the crowd not to let the 84 parliamentarians who voted for bill have the final say.

The 84 deputies who voted for the law are "nobody compared to those who are here today -- the new Georgia, the Georgia of the future," she said, encouraging demonstrators to save their anger and energy for nationwide elections in October.

"We must now do everything we can to prepare for October 26, which will be our answer to today. Are you angry today? Get angry, but let's get down to business," she said, calling for a campaign to collect signatures for a referendum.

A referendum isnt possible, however, because it would have to be held across all Georgian territory, and currently 20 percent is occupied by Russia. A plebiscite would be possible, but its not binding.

The law requires civil society and media organizations that receive more than 20 percent of funding from foreign sources to submit to oversight that could encompass sanctions for as-yet-undefined criminal offenses.

Critics have said the legislation was introduced by Georgian Dream, founded by Russia-friendly Georgian tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, in order to cement the party's grip on power ahead of elections later this year seen as crucial for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic path.

Georgian Dream has insisted that it remains committed to joining Western institutions and the law was only meant to increase transparency on NGO funding.

Georgia's civil society has for years sought to move the country away from the influence of Russia, which still maintains thousands of troops in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, two breakaway Georgian regions that Moscow recognized as independent states following a five-day war with Tbilisi in 2008.



Both the United States and the European Union have warned Georgian Dream that ignoring criticism and cracking down violently on protesters will have negative consequences.

After the party pushed the bill through, a U.S. State Department spokesman said the United States condemns the parliament's decision and told reporters that Georgian Dream's actions and anti-Western rhetoric threaten the country's democratic trajectory.

The European Union said it "deeply regrets" the decision to override Zurabishvili's veto.

"The EU has stressed repeatedly that the law adopted by the Georgian Parliament goes against EU core principles and values. Its enactment leads to a backsliding on at least three out of the nine steps (on disinformation; on polarization; on fundamental rights and involvement of Civil Society Organizations) set out in the Commission's recommendation for candidate status endorsed by EU leaders and will negatively impact Georgia's EU path," the statement said.

"We urge the Georgian authorities to reverse this trend and to return firmly on the EU path. There is still time to change the dynamics -- but a strong commitment by the governing authorities is needed," the statement said.

It also said its member states "are considering all options to react to these developments."

Georgia obtained the coveted status of EU candidate country in December, but it has yet to start actual accession talks, which could last for years. There had been hope such talks could start later this year, but Brussels has warned that the "foreign agent" law could endanger the path toward Europe.



Parliament speakers from seven EU member countries -- the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, France, Netherlands, and Poland -- on May 27 issued a joint statement calling on the Georgian lawmakers to scrap the legislation.



The statement addressed to Papuashvili says recent developments in Georgia are "disturbing" and the Georgian government's actions contradict the values and principles that Georgia undertook to respect.



"The spirit and content of the Law on Foreign Transparency adopted by the Parliament of Georgia are incompatible with European norms and values. The law as it stands seeks to silence media and civil society organizations that play a vital role in a democratic society and are instrumental in helping Georgia on its path to the EU," the statement said.

"We urge you to withdraw this law and engage in a meaningful and inclusive dialogue with organized civil society and citizens. We also urge you to respect the fundamental values by upholding the rights of people to assembly and discontinue the use of violence and intimidation against peaceful demonstrators."



EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on May 27 that the bloc had started weighing options should Georgia enact the law. He said a decision will be made next month.



Georgian Ombudsman Levan Ioseliani also warned on May 27 that the law needs changes to limit the damage it will bring to civil society.
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
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.
By Cate McCurry and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

The Dail was suspended after protesters inside the chamber interrupted statements on Palestine to call for sanctions to be imposed on Israel.

The group of demonstrators, who were sitting in the public gallery, got to their feet and chanted pro-Palestinian messages.

It came as politicians were making statements in the Dail following Irelands formal recognition of the Palestinian state.

One man held up a sign that said divest, while another person carried a Palestinian flag.

This morning, Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine.



It is an occasion of deep significance to the people of Ireland. And many Palestinians have told me that Irelands decision has provided hope at what is a very dark time in Palestine. pic.twitter.com/kmt0YSjW02  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 28, 2024

The protesters chanted stop arming Israel, sanctions now and close Shannon (airport) to the US military.

Security staff in Leinster House removed around nine demonstrators who waved the Palestinian flag and called for immediate sanctions against Israel.

The demonstrators spent some minutes chanting at the politicians who had gathered in the Dail to make statements in support of Palestine and to condemn the ongoing attacks in Gaza.

A number of Palestinian people were also watching from the public gallery, including Palestines ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid. They were not involved in the brief demonstration.

Earlier, Taoiseach Simon Harris said there is an onus on every country and on the European Union to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.

In a statement to the parliament as Ireland formally recognises the state of Palestine, Mr Harris said: I welcome the decision of the Belgian presidency to convene a meeting on the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The human rights clauses in that agreement are and must be meaningful and when theyre not being adhered to, that too must have consequences.

We need to look at all the levers at our disposal to bring about a cessation of violence before Netanyahus next tragic mistake.

Formal recognition of the State of Palestine here today is an act of powerful, political and symbolic value. I hope it sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that in this, their darkest hour, Ireland stands with them.

Members of the public take photographs as the flag of Palestine flies outside Leinster House in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

It is an expression of our view that Palestine holds and should be able to vindicate the full rights of the state, including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security, as well as recognising Palestines own obligations under international law.

Mr Harris said that generations of Palestinians have endured occupation, dehumanisation and humiliation.

In todays West Bank we see an extreme form of Zionism fuel settler violence and appropriation of land, illegal actions that largely go unchecked, he added.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is confident other European countries will join Ireland, Norway and Spain in their recognition of the state of Palestine.

It has long been my view that recognising Palestine would be most impactful if done in a co-ordinated manner with other partners, Mr Martin told the Dail.

That we have taken the decision to recognise the state of Palestine together with Norway and Spain  and in the wider context of a regional peace initiative  is important.

I am confident that there is a growing consensus among like-minded partners that Palestinian statehood can no longer wait until the end of a process of final settlement negotiations between the parties.

I anticipate that other European partners may decide to recognise Palestine in the coming weeks and months.

The challenge now is to maintain this momentum. We need a fundamental paradigm shift in the way all of us in the international community view the solution to this conflict. We need urgency and we need concrete steps.

We have said many times that an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access are essential. That remains essential and we will not rest until we have achieved this.

Mr Martin was also critical of the Israeli government reaction to Irelands decision to recognise the Palestinian state.

Last week, ambassador Sonya McGuinness was summoned to the Israeli foreign affairs ministry and reprimanded over Irelands decision.

As proceedings started, Ms McGuinness was shown footage of Hamas that Israel claimed was filmed on October 7th.

 Today must be Ireland's first step in pushing for an end to the occupation, to apartheid, to the generations of human rights violations.



Palestinians cry out for freedom, for justice, for human dignity. They cry out for life.



Ireland and the world must see that they have pic.twitter.com/Jq8qleb1CY  Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) May 28, 2024

Mr Martin said the treatment of Ms McGuinness fell far short of what we would expect from any country, irrespective of our political differences.

I have and will continue to treat Israels ambassador to Ireland with professional courtesy and respect. I expect the same in return. We wish to maintain functional diplomatic engagement and dialogue with Israel, he added.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said he shares the frustration of the Jewish community of the one-sided approach that some people are taking to the conflict on the Middle East.

Let me also reiterate to Israel: the Irish people recognise your rights to exist as a nation, recognising Palestine does not in any way diminish your rights as a state, in fact it is the opposite, he said.

Our dearest wish is that establishment of a Palestinian state solidifies your existence and allows you to prosper and flourish in peace and harmony with your neighbours.

I particularly want to offer reassurance to Jewish friends living here in Ireland, the last seven months have not been easy, and many may feel that there is a change in attitude towards them or people of their religion.

We need to assure them they are welcome here, they belong here, they are as Irish as all of us.

Long may Ireland be a home to Jewish people so they can continue their outstanding contribution to our nation in art, in science, in business and in politics. This house has benefited so much from people from our Jewish community.

I share their frustration at the one-sided approach that some people take to the conflict. That some would appear to think that Israels governments appalling actions mean they can be silent on Hamass atrocities  I do not.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horror on an unimaginable scale.

Ms McDonald told Irelands parliament that world leaders continue to draw a false equivalence between the impoverished occupied and the oppressive occupier.

She accused Israel of brazenly, repeatedly breaking international law, adding: Palestine is a nation threatened by annihilation.

The Dublin TD added: The world was always going to face a moment of reckoning on Palestine, and as Israel continues its brutal onslaught on the refugee population of Gaza and launch horrific madness and attacks on Rafah, I believe the moment of reckoning is now.

Recognition of the Palestinian state cant be the end, it has to be just the beginning: a new departure in pursuing freedom and justice for the Palestinians.

Labours Aodhan O Riordain said that the EU can and must act further by suspending its trade agreement with Israel.

He said: The EU is Israels largest trading partner with 32% of Israels imports coming from the EU and the Irish government can send a further message of solidarity by passing the Occupied Territories Bill to ban any goods and services produced in Israeli-occupied settlements in the West Bank.

However, the reality is that there is one man with unparalleled influence to bring the disaster in Gaza to an end. His name is Joe Biden and he has to do better.

We know things about peace processes in this country. We know that if there is to be peace it has to be premised in the absence of violence.

We know that if there has to be peace, there has to be compromise. We know that if there is to be peace then one side cannot win absolutely.
Uisce Eireann is working to maintain normal water supply to homes and businesses served by the Castlerea Public Water Supply Scheme.

This is following mechanical issues at the Longford Springs Water Treatment Plant over the last 48 hours. As a result, water production at the treatment plant is significantly impacted leading to reservoirs running low across the scheme.

Repair crews are at the treatment plant working to restore normal water supply as quickly as possible to avoid outages to customers.

In the meantime, customers in Castlerea town and surrounding areas including Ballintober,Trien, Kilmurray, Castleplunkett may experience reduced water pressure and/or water outages over the course of the day.

Ger Greally, Operations Lead for Uisce Eireann, said: "We understand the inconvenience this issue is causing and are working to restore normal water supply as quickly as possible.

We are also asking the public to do what they can to conserve water during this time by turning off taps and checking for leaks in outside taps or unoccupied premises. If anyone notices a leak in the public network they should report it to Uisce Eireann via www.water.ie or by calling 1800 278 278. Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Eireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.

Uisce Eireann understands the inconvenience when an outage occurs and thanks customers for their patience while we work to restore normal supply to impacted customers. The Uisce Eireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

Uisce Eireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie
May 28, 2024 UPDATE

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 28.05.2024, 20:00

SALARIES. The Romanian Government is to adopt, this week, a decision to increase the minimum wage to 3,700 lei (approx. 740 euros), starting July 1, the leadership of the PSD-PNL ruling coalition has decided, according to political sources. The coalition also discussed means of reducing budget spending by limiting it to what is strictly necessary, but also maintaining the cap on trade mark-up and extending it to all Romanian food products. Traders do not reject this idea, PM Marcel Ciolacu said, explaining that in France the measure has already proven its effectiveness in protecting domestic producers.

ELECTIONS. In Romania, over 200,000 candidates have registered for the local elections and 494 for the European Parliament elections, both due on June 9. The youngest candidate is just over 23 years old, and the oldest is 100 years old. Over 18,900,000 voters can vote in the elections, in over 19,800 polling stations in the country and abroad. 30 associations and foundations were accredited by the Permanent Electoral Authority to have observers at the European parliamentary and local elections on June 9. They can assist in all the operations of the electoral offices of the polling stations.

PENALTIES. The Romanian MPs have increased the severity of penalties for several crimes and introduced other acts into the scope of criminal penalties. For example, those who terrorize their neighbors, or exert pressure of any kind to force them to sell their homes, risk four years in prison. It is one of the provisions included in the two draft laws that bring changes to the Criminal Code and which received a favorable vote in the plenary on Tuesday. On the other hand, the town hall employees who issue false authorizations certifying that there are more than 15,000 inhabitants in the administered localities, risk imprisonment from six months to three years. The offense is also provided for the owners of gambling halls, which operate on the basis of false certificates. In Romania, gambling halls are prohibited in localities with less than 15,000 people. Deputies also adopted the increase in penalties for the crimes of trafficking in persons and minors, slavery or child pornography. They can reach up to 12 years in prison, without the possibility of suspending execution under supervision, and up to 20 years, if minors are involved.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS. The Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, emphasized, at a meeting of her EU counterparts, the importance of rapid military assistance to Ukraine and the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia. The Romanian official also signaled Russias hybrid attacks on the Republic of Moldova. The meeting in Brussels also addressed developments in the Middle East. Minister Odobescu stressed the need to resolve the crisis in Gaza by continuing efforts to release all hostages, cease fire, provide comprehensive humanitarian assistance and resume the political process leading to a lasting peace, based on the two-state solution.

VISIT. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is on a visit to Chisinau for talks on the United States support for the Republic of Moldovas EU accession, as well as energy security. Antony Blinken was in the Republic of Moldova two years ago, at the beginning of March, just a few days after Russia invaded the neighboring country, Ukraine. After the visit to Chisinau, the American official will go to Prague, in the Czech Republic, to participate in an informal meeting of the NATO foreign ministers, where the priorities of the Alliances next summit in July, in Washington, will be analyzed. The Republic of Moldova applied for EU accession in March 2022 and three months later it was granted the status of candidate country. In December 2023, EU leaders decided to open accession negotiations.

THEATRE. Anthology of Disappearance, directed by Radu Afrim, staged at the National Theatre in Iasi (north-east), was designated best show at the 2024 UNITER Awards Gala, an event that rewards excellence in Romanian theatre. The awards for leading parts went to Cerasela Iosifescu and Tudor Cucu-Dumitrescu, the award for debut went to the actress Ramona Nicolae, and the Ion Caramitru award of excellence was received by actor Valer Dellakeza. Oana Pellea and Dan Condurache were honored with awards for their entire activity. The winner of Best Radio Drama show was The summer in which my mother had green eyes, directed by Diana Mihailopol, which was broadcast last year on the Radio Romania Culture Channel. (MI)
Romania and European diplomacy

Romania calls for the continuation of support provided to Ukraine, and for the resumption of peace talks in the Middle East

Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu (Credits: mae.ro)

Stefan Stoica, 28.05.2024, 13:50

With few exceptions, Russias war against Ukraine dominates the meetings of EU member states at the level of foreign ministers. Such was also the case of the Foreign Affairs Council that took place on Monday in Brussels. Romanias Foreign Minister, Luminita Odobescu, emphasized the need for swiftly providing military assistance to Ukraine, while at the same time adopting the 14th package of sanctions against Russia. The Romanian Minister also expressed support for the introduction of a new regime of sanctions for Russias hybrid actions. She condemned the recent unacceptable challenges to some EU member states in the Baltic Sea region and expressed Romanias solidarity in that regard. The Romanian official also highlighted Russias hybrid attacks on the Republic of Moldova, which generate vulnerabilities in the context of the electoral processes in this country.

Luminita Odobescu emphasized the need to continue and strengthen support for Ukraine and condemned Russias intense and repeated attacks on its civilian and energy infrastructure. Bucharest has offered substantial support to Ukraine in the field of energy and is willing to continue doing so, Minister Odobescu said. The Romanian chief of diplomacy also reiterated our countrys support for the European integration efforts of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova and the organization of the first Intergovernmental Conferences by the end of June. With regard to president Zelenskyys peace plan, Minister Odobescu emphasized the importance of coordination at European level and with global partners to ensure the success of the Conference slated in June in Switzerland.

The Foreign Affairs Council also tackled developments in the Middle East, with informal exchanges between European ministers and counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States. The Romanian Foreign Minister hailed the role of regional states in maintaining regional stability, de-escalating security developments and helping broker peace, as well as facilitating the provision of urgent humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Luminita Odobescu emphasized the need to solve the crisis by continuing efforts to ensure the release of all hostages, secure a ceasefire, provide comprehensive humanitarian assistance and resume the political process leading to a lasting peace, based on the two-state solution, in coordination with the USA, Great Britain and regional partners. Minister Odobescu reasserted Romanias constant commitment to improving the humanitarian situation and announced a new humanitarian assistance transport to Gaza via the humanitarian corridor in Cyprus. (VP)
Two scientists have been awarded the World Health Organization's Award for Global Health for their outstanding contributions to the development of mRNA vaccines against Covid-19.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the award to Professor Katalin Kariko and Professor Drew Weissman of the University of Pennsylvania at the opening of the annual World Health Assembly.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley also has been awarded for her leadership in climate action and and her work as the Chair of the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance.

"Professors Kariko and Weissman played a key role in alleviating the burden of COVID-19 and saved lives during the pandemic," said Dr Tedros. "Their leadership in this field has the potential to play a critical role in improving health worldwide."

Notably, they discovered a novel nucleoside-modified mRNA platform that bypasses adverse immunologic response.

Both the scientists are winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023. Their discovery "fundamentally changed our understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system," the Nobel prize panel wrote at that time.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Health News
Australia will on Wednesday release Q1 figures for construction work done, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Forecasts suggest an increase of 0.6 percent on quarter, easing from 0.7 percent in the three months prior.

Japan will see May results for its consumer confidence index, with forecasts suggesting a reading of 39.1 - up from 38.3 in April.

New Zealand will see May results for the ANZ Business Confidence Index and the NBNZ Activity Index; in April, their scores were 14.9 and 14.3, respectively.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
For the first time in about 35 years, Chippewa Falls will offer a public transit route to Eau Claire starting June 3.

City planner Brad Hentschel said Tuesday the Chippewa Falls Shared Ride Transit will offer a connection to two Eau Claire Transit bus routes.

The expanded service will help people like Tom Berg, a 75-year-old Chippewa Falls resident who lives with his daughter.

Berg said his daughter's work schedule sometimes prevents her from offering him a ride to medical appointments outside the city.

Berg doesnt drive any more. That leaves him in a difficult position when he needs to get to Eau Claire to see a doctor.

They only have one car, and between my daughters work schedule and the kids who are teenagers needing to use the car, sometimes they cant get me where I need to go, Berg said. It didnt used to be so bad, back when all I had to do was head over to St. Joes, but now I am going to Eau Claire for some of my appointments. It can be stressful.

Berg said May 1 he believed the city of Chippewa Falls should do something to address the needs of people like him who seek health care in Eau Claire.

We used to have a bus. A long time ago. But, of course, back then I didnt need to go far to see my doctor. Now I do, he said.

Hentschel said situations like Berg's are the reason for the new service, which will operate on a trial basis.

In the wake of the HSHS and Prevea closures, Chippewa Falls residents have lost the ability to utilize Chippewa Falls Shared Ride to get to some of their medical appointments, Hentschel said in a press release. While remaining providers are doing what they can to fill service gaps, we understand that all gaps are not being met in Chippewa Falls and therefore have partnered with Eau Claire Transit to offer connections to limited designated stops on Eau Claire Transit routes 3 and 4.

The Chippewa Falls transit board and city council approved the expansion, which will operate on a trial basis from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

If you go What: Chippewa Falls Shared Ride When: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays starting June 3 Chippewa Falls Transit  https://www.chippewafalls-wi.gov/your-government/transit Eau Claire Transit  https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/our-divisions/transit

The biggest reason for getting this going right now is because of the closure of HSHS St. Josephs Hospital. People lost access to those services, and while we applaud the efforts of providers to ramp up services in Chippewa Falls, there are still a lot of people who need to get to Eau Claire now for medical services, and thats not likely to change anytime soon, Hentschel said.

Customers will need to pay base fares for both transit services. There will also be a $10 surcharge for trips out of Chippewa Falls city limits to the designated stops. No other points outside Chippewa Falls will be served.

So a one-way transit for Chippewa residents is going to be $13, and I think Eau Claire is $1.75 per ride so it's going to be I think $14.75 for a full fare adult going one way, Hentschel said.

Both transit services offer reduced fares for eligible riders.

After 90 days, Chippewa Falls plans to re-evaluate the route. Hentschel said the program will not face a hard stop should the city decide to make changes, though there could be some adjustments after that time.

Our priority will always be to serve rides in the city limits first. So we have to make sure it's not impeding that, he said.

The Chippewa Falls Transit Board and city council administer the program. The city is responsible for determining fares, days and hours of service and program operation. The city contracts with a private transit company selected through a competitive bidding process that occurs once every five years to provide the service.

Currently the program has eight shared ride vans.

They are completely wheelchair accessible, which is a major benefit, Hentschel said.

Funding for the service comes from the Federal Transit Administration, the state of Wisconsin, the city and passenger fares.

Weve been working on this for a while, and Im really glad its working out now, Hentschel said. Everyone is trying to do their part to help in the wake of the hospital closures.
Escondido  Rebeccah Glisson will never forget the day in 2010 when her dad and brother showed up at the San Diego preschool where she worked with the news that her sister was dead.

Glisson, then 17, said her goodbyes to her co-workers, picked up her things and walked out to the parking lot. Then she collapsed to her knees in grief.

It was horrible, she said. Earth-shattering.

It was also the experience that started Glisson down the path she walks today as a volunteer group facilitator for The Elizabeth Hospice Childrens Bereavement Centers in Escondido and Mission Valley.

Grief is not something you outgrow, she said. There are days when I dont have the energy to put my feet on the floor. What helps is that I have the skills to get me through those kinds of days. I want to use my story to help kids cope with their grief when they have days like that.

Over the past year, the 25-year-old San Diego State University psychology student has spent six hours a week helping facilitate peer-to-peer grief support groups for children ages 3 to 18.

Shes one of 45 volunteers who help run the evening group sessions, which serve more than 200 children countywide. But Melissa Lunardini, childrens bereavement manager for The Elizabeth Hospice, said Glisson is one of the best facilitators shes seen in her 15 years in the business.

Beccah is so genuine and authentic but still tied to her grief, Lunardini said. When you talk about gifts and instincts, shes just universally good at reaching even the most nonverbal kids. They will always fold to her and let her in.

Glisson said she hopes one day to open her own center for youths recovering from all forms of trauma, including the deaths of loved ones, abuse, gang violence and sex trafficking.

On Tuesday evening, Lunardini and Glisson toured visitors through the Childrens Bereavement Center in Escondido. Theres a room with low-to-the-ground couches for group talking sessions, an arts-and-crafts area, a game room, a music room filled with instruments and a fully decorated hospital room.

Lunardini said some children find great comfort role-playing their stories in the hospital room because for many thats the last place they saw their loved one before they died.

Theres also a newly opened volcano room, filled with colorful thick foam cushions, a punching bag and padded walls decorated with a big embroidered erupting vocano.

Its the big energy room, Lunardini explains. Kids who arent as comfortable verbalizing, particularly boys, can deal with their rage, frustrations and anxiety in there without getting hurt.

The centers walls are lined with childrens art projects. Theres one wall of photos of lost loved ones and another wall featuring Before/After drawings showing how childrens lives were changed by death. One Before drawing shows a smiling stick figure mother holding her childrens hands. In the After, the mother is in a coffin and the children are weeping.

Theres also a wall of childrens stories titled How I Found Out  One explained how the childs mother found her husband hanging from a computer cord in the closet of their home office. His suicide, the child wrote, didnt come as a surprise to anyone.

Before a group session for grade school-age children on Tuesday, Glisson played with siblings Nathan Roberts, 10, and Emily Roberts, 7, of Rancho Bernardo. Their dad, Scott Roberts, died two years ago from a heart attack at the age of 49.

Teresa Roberts said her children handled their fathers death in different ways. Emily is an exuberant child who processes her grief through talking. But Nathan, whos more introspective, wouldnt talk about it all. A year after Scotts death, Roberts brought the kids to the bereavement center in Escondido, where theyve both made dramatic progress, particularly Nathan.

Theyre able to express themselves more now in words and pictures, she said. Talking about their dad isnt just about his death anymore, its about love and memories.

Glisson said she tries to meet kids where theyre at by reflecting their behavior at the meetings. If they arrive like Emily, full of energy and enthusiasm, Glisson does the same. If theyre angry and sit silently with their arms crossed in a corner, shell sit beside them and we can just be angry together.

Beccah has the get it factor, Lunardini said. She knows how to use her story to help kids tell their story and shes really cool. Kids love her. They flock to her.

Glisson said she knew from an early age she wanted to work with kids, though initially thought it would be in the field of early childhood development.

After high school, she was working full-time at the preschool and mulling a move to Boca Raton, Fla., where she could live with her 29-year-old sister Chasity Glisson while she attended college. But then her sister died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

A few years later, Glisson also lost her father, who had multiple sclerosis and Parkinsons disease. Over the years, she said she has lost more than three dozens other family members and friends to age, illness, accidents and suicide.

We all have our paths of hardship, she said. We dont get to choose our cards. I feel l can use all of those experiences to help children have an opportunity to heal.

The Elizabeth Hospice Childrens Bereavement Center opened four years ago and now serves more than 500 children through group sessions, school programs and a summer camp. The sessions are free, with all costs supported through donations and grants.

After undergoing an assessment, children are separated into age groups (3-6, 6-12, 10-13 and 13-18) and attend 90-minute evening meetings twice a month. These begin with a 30-minute group talking session followed by an hour of activities. Each group has 10 to 15 children, one paid staff member and six to seven facilitators. While the children are in private sessions, their parents and caregivers have their own support meetings.

Lunardini said the children learn coping tools from adults and use them to help each other through heavy patches of grief. Boys tell other boys in group that its OK to cry. And at her grandfathers funeral, 7-year-old Emily Roberts gave her mourning uncle a notepad he could use to write down his feelings.

Children usually attend the program for two years, though some have stayed for less and some for longer. The program mirrors the school year, running September through May.

Glisson said her greatest reward is seeing how the children transform to help themselves and each other.

Sometimes, Ill meet my mirror when I see someone going through what I went through, she said. I end up crying my eyes out when I see the support that comes from their peers.

For information on The Elizabeth Hospice Childrens Bereavement Center, visit elizabethhospice.org.

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
Oceanside  When Dave Pike opened Jalisco Cantina in Oceanside last summer, he and his team expected it would be a tequila bar that served a little Mexican food. Instead, the food at the 50-seat venue on North Coast Highway has become just as popular as its drinks.

Michael W. Brown, who serves as head chef for Jalisco Cantina as well as Pikes three Barrel Republic restaurants, said everyone was surprised when Jaliscos food sales equaled those at the bar, which serves more than 75 varieties of tequila and mezcal.

Brown attributes the menus success to the fact that while Oceanside is chockablock with taco shops and traditional Baja-style Mexican eateries, theres nothing like the fresh Mex concept hes developed at Jalisco Cantina.

Oceanside is growing with a big culinary scene, Brown said. Downtown San Diego may have some great cocktail and tequila bars but theres nothing like what were doing in Oceanside. Were a standout up here.

Jalisco Cantina, which shares a wall and part of a kitchen with Pikes Oceanside Barrel Republic bar, doesnt have a freezer. So, all of the dishes on the 20-item menu are prepared from scratch each day.

Browns menu is inspired by the regional dishes of Jalisco state, but with a modern twist. An example is his take on elote, a popular Mexican snack where an ear of grilled corn is brushed with a mix of mayonnaise, sour cream and spices and then sprinkled with Cotija cheese. Browns saladlike elote dish comes in a bowl filled with fire-roasted corn freshly cut from the cob mixed with veggies and topped with a mayo mix, a dusting of chile spices, Cotija cheese and fried tortilla strips.

Other specialties are a spicy shrimp guacamole, topped with jalapeno olive oil poblano chiles and Cotija and the fresh-corn tamale bites, which are a corn/masa mixture prepared in tamale style but then rolled and fried in bite-size balls. Theres also a Spanish-inspired meat and cheese board.

Jalisco Cantina is one of many tequila-centric bars that has opened in San Diego County in the past year. It offers a full bar, custom cocktails and nine margaritas, but the focus is on two Mexican spirits, tequila and mezcal.

Tequila made from blue agave plants grown only in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Nayarit, Michoacan, and Guanajuato. Mezcal, often characterized as having a smoother, smokier flavor, can be made from any of up to 30 kinds of agave grown in a larger area of Mexico.

Jalisco Cantino serves the spirits in margaritas and cocktails, but many customers order them in shots, which start at $5 and range up to $75 for the Herradura Seleccion Suprema Tequila Extra Anejo, which is cask-aged for four years. Brown said Jalisco Cantina is the first bar in San Diego County to serve CaliFino Tequila, which is made in Jalisco state.

The bar also sells the spirits in flights, where patrons can sample three different brands of tequilas or mezcals or do a vertical tasting of the different aged grades, from the youngest, blanco, to the middle-aged, reposado, to the oldest anejos.

Jalisco Cantina is open for happy hour and dinner on weekdays and for lunch and dinner on the weekends. There are plans to expand the restaurant next year by adding a rooftop dining or cocktail deck that will offer a sunset view over the ocean.

There are no immediate plans to expand Jalisco Cantina beyond its original location in Oceanside, but Barrel Republic is set to grow in 2019. Pike opened his first Barrel Republic  which is known for its self-service beer taps  in 2013 in Pacific Beach.

In 2015, he opened his second location at 215 N. Coast Highway in Oceanside, which has 60 taps, including 48 beers, eight wines and several non-alcoholic drinks. A Carlsbad location followed in November 2016 at 2461 State St. Brown said future locations are planned next year in Escondido and Temecula.

Because the liquor license for the Oceanside Barrel Republic required food be served on the premises, Pike brought in Brown, a 30-year restaurant industry veteran who previously worked for a Tucson company with 14 restaurants.

Just as he did at Jalisco Cantina, Brown came up with dishes for Barrel Republic that couldnt be found anywhere else. His seasonal Barrel Republic menu, which has also been introduced at the Carlsbad location, features unusual dishes like a house-smoked shrimp chowder and a vegan wild mushroom French dip sandwich.

Jalisco Cantina

Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Mondays-Thursdays. 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays. 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturdays. 11:30 a.m. to midnight Sundays.

Where: 213 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside

Phone: (760) 429-1679

Online: thejaliscocantina.com

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
A nursing student arrested during a May 4 anti-war protest at the University of Virginia is still being denied access to Grounds, a prohibition that has already cost him a job and could result in him failing his academic program.

A total of 27 people were arrested when Virginia State Police broke up an encampment of protesters opposed to Israels monthslong war with Palestinian terror group Hamas, which has killed tens of thousands of people since Hamas launched a surprise attack on the country on Oct. 7. That total arrest number includes some who say they were never part of the protest but were in the area of the encampment when state police arrived. UVa issued all 27 who were arrested no trespass orders, or NTOs, preventing them from legally returning to Grounds. Most of those orders have since been lifted or modified.

Mustafa Abdelhamids has not.

Abdelhamid, who plans to file a lawsuit against the university, claims he was not participating in the protest but completing a delivery order near the encampment. And multiple UVa faculty have expressed concern that the 35-year-old nursing student is being unfairly targeted because of his race.

Abdelhamid originally hails from a Middle Eastern country, the name of which The Daily Progress is withholding due to concerns its government may seek retribution against his family.

After graduating from medical school there, he moved to Charlottesville in 2014 to complete a research fellowship at UVa Health with hopes of eventually completing a medical residency so he can get his full medical doctorate in the U.S. Currently an award-winning student at Piedmont Virginia Community College, he has no criminal record and was granted political asylum by the U.S. government in 2023 after undergoing intensive vetting by federal authorities.

But despite repeated pleas from UVa faculty members and the American Association of University Professors, UVa Police Chief Tim Longo has so far declined requests to modify Abdelhamids order, citing continued concern for the overall health, safety, and well-being of the UVa community. UVa has declined to offer details on how Longo made that determination.

Before receiving the NTO, Abdelhamid had been accepted as a summer extern at UVa Medical Center, UVas flagship hospital in Charlottesville where he was scheduled to do paid work in the intensive care unit.

This is something Im looking forward to because its going to give me a good chance to proceed in the field that Im interested in, Abdelhamid told The Daily Progress.

But due to the order, and despite efforts from UVa law professor Anne Coughlin, he was forced to miss orientation.

After learning of Abdelhamids circumstances, Coughlin emailed Longo offering to personally escort Abdelhamid to orientation, remaining with him throughout the day and then escorting him off Grounds at the end of the session.

I was trying to educate the administration about who he was and what he had been invited to do on our Grounds, Coughlin told The Daily Progress. My big concern was to make sure administration was aware of the timing and that if they didnt act quickly to modify the NTO they would in effect be destroying his career and they would need to weight that very heavily, losing the community his services as a nurse.

Her repeated requests were denied.

On Friday, Abdelhamid received a letter from UVa Health telling him that his externship offer has been rescinded.

It had been his last opportunity to participate in the paid program. The externship is only available to nursing students in the summer, and by next summer, he will have already graduated from the PVCC nursing program.

His graduation assumes, however, that the NTO will be lifted.

When the fall semester begins, Abdelhamid will be required to complete clinical rotations at UVa Health. If his NTO is not modified, he will not be allowed to attend and will necessarily flunk out the program, despite maintaining top grades and winning PVCCs Distinguished Student Award, the highest student honor presented by the school.

Any person issued an NTO can have it modified by submitting a timely appeal to Longo.

I humbly ask to appeal against the trespass warning so I can attend my training, which will help me tremendously as a future nurse serving the community of Charlottesville/Albemarle County, Abdelhamid wrote in his May 6 appeal letter which he delivered in person, via mail and via email.

Abdelhamid, who works as a driver for DoorDash, included two brief sentences about his involvement on May 4.

I was delivering food near the Rotunda. I was unaware of the unlawful assembly order issued in the area, he wrote.

He went on to say hes required to attend daily nursing training at the medical center, but Longos sole focus appears to have been on those two preceding sentences. In denying Abdelhamids appeal on May 16, Longo said Abdelhamid was actively participating in the protest. He made the claim based on law enforcement records that he has not shared with Abdelhamid, the public or The Daily Progress.

I am deeply concerned about the wholly inconsistent account that you offered in your appeal that stands in stark contrast to law enforcement records, Longo wrote.

The appeal was denied.

Mustafa was not part of the encampment and didnt wake up on the morning of May 4 intending to protest, UVa law professor Kelly Orians told The Daily Progress. When he found himself in the area and saw friends from PVCC who were out there observing the police response to the encampment, he decided to join them.

Orians is among a number of UVa faculty members helping people who were arrested on May 4 navigate the legal process. Orians said that, unlike Abdelhamid, other individuals who appealed their NTOs did not include any information about their involvement in the protest, and their NTOs were modified anyway.

Candor did not matter in those cases, Orians said.

She also noted that NTOs include a list of boxes that the university police can check off. One of those boxes: the individual demonstrated conduct that threatens the safety of the UVa community. For Abdelhamid, that box was never checked, indicating university police did not consider him to be a threat.

Two other arrestees, Cierra Biel and Evan Urquhart, shared their appeal letters with The Daily Progress. Neither letter included an explanation for why they were at the protest, despite the requirement that they offer a complete and candid explanation for the conduct that precipitate[d] the Trespass Warning.

Both Biel and Urquhart said theyd been advised by attorneys to withhold that information.

Biel went so far as to write Longo that the universitys response against protesting students was an overreaction as well as unjust and unwarranted.

Both Biels and Urquharts NTOs were lifted.

Longo wrote them that NTOs are meant to mitigate a threat to health and safety. He concluded that any risk from Biel or Urquhart had been sufficiently mitigated.

He did not reach the same conclusion with Abdelhamid.

Its a conclusion with which the U.S. government disagrees.

Abdelhamid first arrived in the U.S. on a visa that required he return to his home country every six months. He did so until one trip home in the fall of 2015 when he was detained by his home governments authorities.

They found it suspicious that he was traveling to and from the U.S. every six months. They believed he was a spy. And they found out that during the 2011 Arab Spring, Abdelhamid had been a part of the protests, where he had provided medical assistance to injured protesters. During the revolution, his home government is alleged to have committed many human rights abuses and murdered hundreds of demonstrators.

There would be two million people in one square, and police were just shooting at us, Abdelhamid recalled.

He was detained and brutally tortured for more than a week, deprived of sunlight and subjected to torture sessions three to five times per day. It is difficult for Abdelhamid to talk about, and he became choked up when recalling the traumatic period in an interview with The Daily Progress.

Authorities only released him under the condition that he be strictly supervised and told him that if he ever returned to the U.S. he would be killed.

They made it very clear, Abdelhamid said.

He took the risk anyway, fleeing his home country in 2015.

Upon arriving back at UVa, he told a professor what had happened. He did not understand the complex U.S. immigration system but was terrified of returning home. He wanted to know if he could change his visa so that he would not be required to fly back home every six months, which he feared would effectively be a death sentence.

In the spring of 2016, Abdelhamid was ordered to go to the UVa Police Department where he was questioned by an agent with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. He was released after the interview.

After not receiving a response on how to change his visa status, and fearful about returning home, Abdelhamid overstayed his visa. The day after he passed the six-month mark without returning to his home country, he was in the emergency room with his now ex-wife. She was having a miscarriage.

While in the ER, Abdelhamid received a call from the same ICE agent who had questioned him previously. She demanded to meet with him immediately. A UVa police officer met Abdelhamid in the ER, forcing him to leave his wife behind. He was escorted from the building, taken to the ICE officer and detained.

Soon after, he was in immigration court for removal proceedings, a hearing where a judge determines whether an individual may remain in the U.S.

I stood in front of the immigration judge and told him my situation and why I cannot go back home, Abdelhamid said.

He also got in touch with a nonprofit group that recommended he apply for political asylum. Abdelhamid was released on bond and was granted asylum in October of 2023, after being thoroughly vetted by U.S. law enforcement. The vetting was especially thorough because he had previously been on the removal docket; asylum seekers who have been involved in removal proceedings are subjected to heavier scrutiny than those who have not.

The asylum process is extremely extensive in terms of credibility standards you have to meet to qualify for asylum and the background checks you have to meet with the Department of Homeland Security, Karla McKanders, director of the Thurgood Marshall Institute at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, told The Daily Progress.

Authorities investigate if asylum seekers have any criminal record in the U.S. or abroad; even loose connections with anyone associated with a terrorist organization will result in a denial. And an applicant must also get a green light from an immigration judge.

Even if you meet all the criteria, its in the judges discretion to deny asylum, McKanders said.

Abdelhamids yearslong ordeal with immigration authorities effectively prevented him from doing a medical residency in the U.S.; priority is given to prospective residents who are within three years of graduating medical school, and it had been eight years since Abdelhamid had graduated from his home university.

In the fall of 2022, he chose to enroll in the PVCC nursing program.

He wanted to do a medical residency to get his full MD here in the United States. And that was completely derailed by what happened with ICE, Orians said. So he found another way to contribute to the health care sector, which is to go into nursing.

Multiple faculty members have made repeated requests to UVa administration and to Longo that Abdelhamids NTO be lifted.

UVa told The Daily Progress it does not comment on individual NTOs and would not provide details on why Longo has refused to modify Abdelhamids. UVa also has not released who has and hasnt had their NTOs modified after the events of May 4.

With his future at stake, people in the UVa community are making regular efforts to have the university reconsider its decision.

On May 20, the UVa chapter of the American Association of University Professors penned a letter to UVa President Jim Ryan. It asked that the NTO be dropped, or at least modified so Abdelhamid can pursue his education.

We are deeply concerned that the denial of Mr. Abdelhamids NTO appeal grossly infringes on his student rights, reads the letter, and unjustly impairs his ability to pursue his education.

It also floats the same possibility that people familiar with Abdelhamids case have considered: that his appeal was denied because he is Arab.

This extremely punitive state of affairs, selectively applied to him, as it appears to us, is prejudicial to his minority status, reads the letter.

Neither Biel nor Urquhart, two arrestees who had their NTOs lifted, understand why Abdelhamid is being treated any differently. Unlike Abdelhamid, Urquhart doesnt spend much time on Grounds.

It wasnt super high urgency for me to get back on campus, Urquhart, who is a local freelance journalist who says he was covering not participating in the protest when he was arrested, told The Daily Progress.

Abdelhamid has been incredibly nice in all the interactions shes had with him, said Biel, who is an administrative coordinator in the schools Department of Pharmacology. As a UVa employee, she said shes done significant research on local history and is skeptical of Longos reasoning.

Im suspicious why Longo would deny him and not anyone else, said Biel. Longo has a really long history of racist decisions in various positions.

Biel said she was referring, in part, to a 2011 episode when Longo was police chief for the Charlottesville City Police Department. While searching for a serial rapist, Longo authorized a policy where officers could approach Black men on the street and request DNA samples. The dragnet deeply strained relationships between Charlottesvilles Black community and its police department.

With the university so far showing no appetite to amend Longos decision, Abdelhamid is considering turning to a last resort: filing a lawsuit.

Mustafa does not want to sue UVa. Its been a decade since he first got here, and all he has wanted to do is contribute to the health and well-being of UVa and the greater Charlottesville community, Orians said. UVa has left him in a position where hes run out of options except to sue to have his rights respected so he can fulfill his dream to be a health care provider in this community.
North Korea's latest effort to launch its second spy satellite failed.

North Korean Rocket Carrying Second Spy Satellite Explodes

North Korea informed Japan's coast guard earlier on Monday about its intentions to launch "a satellite rocket," along with a warning to be cautious in the waters east of the major Philippine island of Luzon and between the Korean Peninsula and China during a launch window that runs from Monday through June 3.

Nevertheless, on Monday, the North Korean rocket carrying its second spy satellite burst midair. The North's official Korean Central News Agency reported that it had successfully launched a spy satellite on a brand-new rocket at its primary northwest space site. However, KCNA reported that a suspected engine malfunction caused the rocket to explode during a first-stage flight shortly after liftoff.

Later, the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea announced that at 10:44 p.m. on Monday, they had seen a launch trajectory that appeared to be that of a spy satellite launched from the North's main space complex. Afterward, "many fragments of the projectile were detected in North Korean waters, and the U.S. and South Korea are analyzing whether it had an operational flight," according to the JCS.

Following North Korea's launch, the Japanese Prime Minister's Office issued a missile alert for Okinawa. Shortly later, the alarm was withdrawn.

An orange light could be seen in the sky, followed a moment later by what appeared to be an explosion, according to a previous report from Japan's NHK public television. The camera was located in northeastern China.

The National Aerospace Technology Administration of the United States stated that the satellite "exploded in the air during the first flight stage and failed to launch."

The official Korean Central news agency said in a statement that an "expert review concluded that the cause of the accident was the operational reliability of the newly developed liquid oxygen and oil engine."

ALSO READ: Korea's Artificial Sun KSTAR Receives Upgrade to Withstand Temperature 6 Times Hotter Than Center of the Sun

South Korea and North Korea In a Race To Launch Spy Satellites

South Korea and North Korea have both launched spy satellites. North Korea succeeded in putting a spy satellite into orbit in November.

In response to North Korea's increasing missile and nuclear threats, South Korea planned to launch four more surface-to-air reconnaissance (SAR) satellites will be launched into orbit by 2025, starting with an EO/IR satellite in December. South Korea said it would launch two military surveillance satellites this year, and it successfully launched its second spy satellite in April, just weeks before North Korea's failed attempt.

Two failed liftoffs already followed North Korea's successful November launch.

On the first attempt, the satellite-carrying North Korean rocket plunged into the water shortly after takeoff. According to North Korean officials, the rocket's propulsion was lost after its first and second stages separated. As for the second attempt, North Korea claimed that a fault occurred in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight.

RELATED ARTICLE: South Korea to Launch 2 Reconnaissance Satellites With SpaceX to Monitor North Korea

Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times.
John McGuire has secured the golden endorsement in his Republican primary battle with Bob Good: Former President Donald Trump has sided with the Virginia state senator over the incumbent representative after recent urging from a McGuire supporter.

Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA, Trump wrote Tuesday morning on his social media platform Truth Social. John McGuire has my Complete and Total Endorsement!

In Virginias bright red 5th Congressional District, a Trump endorsement carries substantial weight. But its especially valuable in a race in which McGuires main line of attack has been to accuse Good of disloyalty to Trump, regularly calling him a Never Trumper and highlighting Goods decision to endorse Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over Trump in the Republican presidential primary.

Good, who heads the far-right Freedom Caucus in the House of Representatives, has tried to flip the attack against his opponent, calling McGuire a liar and accusing him of being backed by dark money and the Washington, D.C., swamp. His friends in Congress, including Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and Texas Rep. Chip Roy, have joined him on the campaign trail in Central Virginia, trying to assure voters that Good is fully on board with Trumps MAGA movement.

Both Good and McGuire were recently in New York City to attend Trumps hush money trial, in which the former president is alleged to have falsified business records to pay off a porn star and lover.

Many of Goods campaign signs include his and Trumps name side by side, and a photo with the pair is featured prominently on his campaign website. It boasts that Trump endorsed Good in 2022, much to the chagrin of McGuire supporters. It was perhaps complaints from those supporters that led the Good campaign to add a footnote: President Trump has not endorsed in this election cycle.

The photo and outdated footnote remain on Goods website as of this writing.

Continuing to align himself with Trump will be difficult after the presumptive Republican presidential nominee bashed Good on Tuesday morning.

He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and loving Endorsement  But really, it was too late. The damage had been done! Trump wrote in his signature style. I just want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that can most help me do that is Navy Seal and highly respected State Legislator, John McGuire, a true American Hero.

McGuires campaign seized on the moment almost immediately, sending out a campaign email less than an hour after Trumps post.

Ive been with Trump since he came down the escalator and when Im in Congress, Ill back his agenda and put America First! Trump is exactly right about Bob Good, McGuire said in a statement.

He may owe the endorsement to one of his closest supporters: Ramona Christian.

Christian told The Daily Progress she spoke with Trump in Washington on Saturday, where Trump was attending the Libertarian Partys nominating convention. Trump was in front of a hostile crowd, and Christian, who leads Buckingham Countys Republican Party Committee, attended to offer the former president some support.

I knew it wasnt going to be a welcoming environment, and it was not, said Christian of the event where Trump was booed.

It gave her an opportunity to speak with Trump for several minutes, and the presumptive Republican nominee wanted to know about the race in the 5th District.

Tell me about this John McGuire guy, Christian remembers Trump saying.

She vouched for McGuire, whom she considers a good friend, and when Trump asked how hes polling, Christian cited a poll released by the McGuire campaign which shows him leading by 14 points. Good has called the poll ridiculous.

We know thats absolutely not true. He knows thats not true. Theyre trying to create some false sense of optimism for his campaign, Good previously told The Daily Progress.

According to Christian, Trump was heartened by the poll, because Good hadnt be very good for the past three years and now all of a sudden hes trying to warm up to Trump.

My response was, You know why hes doing that. And he said, Oh, I know, Christian recalls.

He said, I cant endorse anyone that might lose. I said, Well sir, if you endorse Senator McGuire, I promise hes going to win and I promise hell never betray you and hell do whatever you need him to do to save the country, said Christian. He shook my hand, patted me on the shoulder and said, I think youre going to be very happy.

She said she waited anxiously for two days, hoping to see the endorsement come, and was ecstatic to see the Tuesday morning post on Truth Social.

Its a great feeling to know he recognizes the problems weve been having here in the 5th. We need to make sure we have someone in Congress that when Trump gets reelected for the third time will absolutely help him save our country, Christian said, parroting the debunked conspiracy theory that Trump beat President Biden in 2020. Trump wont ever have to worry about McGuire going behind his back or putting his own needs first. McGuire will always put President Trump and the country first.

For months, Republicans in the 5th District had been waiting to see if Trump would choose a side in the race. With the June 18 primary just weeks away, Trump has chosen to wade into the bitter intraparty battle. It could be a seminal moment in the race and  in a district where Trump is idolized  a death blow for Goods reelection prospects.

I have never been the choice of political power brokers in Washington. The people of Virginias 5th District know me better than anyone, and I trust them, Good said in a statement to The Daily Progress. I believe they will renominate me on June 18, because they understand and appreciate that I have fought for them during my 3 years in Washington.
Charles T. Lewis went 80 years without recognition.

But last month, that clerical mistake was corrected, and Lewis, a Newport News soldier who died fighting in Normandy during World War II, finally had his name etched in the Virginia War Memorial's glass Shrine of Memory.

His legacy  and that of nearly 12,000 other Virginians who died in combat  was at the heart of the 68th Memorial Day Ceremony held by the Virginia War Memorial.

Today and every day, let us not forsake that reminder or any of those names, said Clay Mountcastle, a U.S. Army veteran and director of the Virginia War Memorial. Let us cling tightly to that solemn and inspiring truth, that freedom comes at a monumental cost.

The ceremony began with speeches from several veterans and Gov. Glenn Youngkin, as well as a musical tribute to each of the military's five main branches, which saw veterans stand and be recognized.

The event was brought indoors due to inclement weather conditions.

It is appropriate that it is raining today this Memorial Day, as a symbol of the tears that we shed in remembrance of those who passed before us, said Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, Virginias adjutant general.

Ring told a crowd of veterans and their families that their fallen comrades exemplify the very best of our country.

We remember these men and women for their honor, for their courage, for their ultimate sacrifice, said Ring, who served tours in Iraq in 2005 and in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2001.

Craig Crenshaw, Virginias secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, said it falls on current generations to teach the future ones about that sacrifice.

We must help future generations understand that the act of committing yourself to your country, of being willing to fight  fight for the freedom of others  is one of the most noble of all endeavors, Crenshaw said.

Youngkin delivered the ceremonys keynote address.

These men and women lived with courage, faith and an undeniable belief that this country stood for something great, the governor said.

He said America owes it to the fallen to have the strongest military, sing the national anthem boldly, and honor our flag daily.

Several veterans who attend the event annually said they appreciated the tribute.

Bruce Virbila of Powhatan County said he felt like Youngkin was speaking to him. Virbila served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Panama in Christmas 1989 during an operation to depose Gen. Manuel Noriega.

Virbila said he remembers everything from his time in Panama, including a city of leftover tents erected to house refugees after the conflict.

People dont know about that, said Virbila, who, at 57, says hes still working to qualify for benefits from Veterans Affairs. Virbila was later embedded with the U.S. Marines in other operations around South America.

Virbila said he is anxious about Americas ability to wage war, which he feels may be imminent  citing the war in Gaza.

Standing by his side, however, was Sgt. Maj. Anthony Banks, a 61-year-old Marine who struck a more optimistic note. Banks said he believes the military can benefit from the processing power of younger generations that grew up inundated with technology.

We, the older people, need to meet them where they are and take advantage of that processing power instead of putting them down, said Banks, who served a number of tours with the Marines  including manning an artillery station in Guantanamo Bay and two tours in Kuwait as part of Operation Desert Storm, plus a tour in Iraq. He first deployed in 1984.

Banks said his squadron did a significant amount of humanitarian work, particularly in the Middle East. Banks asked that American leaders be clear about the militarys values. Those values?

Humanity. Human values, he clarified. Regardless of your views on this or that. This is where people get into that political division. Stop. They need to stop.
Photo Courtesy of Vicky Rowinski.

Photo Courtesy of Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Photo Courtesy of Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Photo Courtesy of Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
Boohoo is reportedly facing a potential investor revolt over plans to pay out millions in executive bonuses at its June annual general meeting.

According to The Times, the fast-fashion online retailer - which owns brands including Karen Millen and Oasis, among others - plans to pay 1m each to executive chair Mahmud Kamani, co-founder Carol Kane and chief executive John Lyttle.

This is despite full-year losses widening to 159.9m in the year to 28 February from 90.7m a year previously. Revenues fell 17% to 1.46bn, while net debt rocketed to 95m.

The company acknowledged in its annual report that none of the executives were eligible for bonuses after financial targets were missed.

But the remuneration committee subsequently agreed the payouts as, The Times reported, it felt "the formulaic outcome is not an accurate reflection of the excellent work carried out during the year".

One unnamed top five shareholder told the newspaper they were "furious". The Times said "several" leading investors planned to vote against the payouts as a result at the AGM on 20 June, and would also vote against a new long-term incentive plan.

Investors are understood to be unhappy that the proposed scheme has not been discussed with shareholders first. One said it was "outrageous" they had not been consulted.

Boohoo declined to comment on the report.

Kane, who is an executive director, co-founded Boohoo in 2006 with Kamani. The retailer thrived during the pandemic, but since then it has been hit by customers returning to shops as well as the cost of living crisis.

As at 1015 BST, shares in the AIM-listed firm were up 1% at 35.02p.

Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said: "Boohoo never seems to do itself any favours from a governance perspective. The fast fashion company has faced criticism over its supply chain and greenwashing claims during a scandal-hit stay on the stock market.

"Now reports suggest it could face major shareholder opposition to plays to rewards [Kane, Kamani and Lyttle] with sizeable bonuses despite the business racking up losses.

"The stage is set for a sizeable revolt at the AGM."
Caleb Carr

Caleb Carr, a military historian and author "whose experience of childhood abuse drove him to explore the roots of violence--most famously in his 1994 bestseller, The Alienist, a period thriller about the hunt for a serial killer in 19th-century Manhattan," died May 23, the New York Times reported. He was 68.

Carr was 39 when he published The Alienist, a book he had first pitched as nonfiction. It wasn't, but read that way because of the exhaustive research he had done into the period and the historical figures who featured as characters. The Alienist was an immediate hit and earned glowing reviews. Even before it was published, the movie rights were acquired, though the project never made it to the big screen. In 2018, however, a 10-episode mini-series was released on TNT.

Magazine writers were captivated by Carr's "downtown cool--he lived on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, had been in a local punk band, wore black high-top sneakers and had shoulder-length hair--and by his literary provenance. His father was Lucien Carr, a journalist who was muse to and best friends with Beat royalty: the writers Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg. Beautiful and charismatic as a young man, 'Lou was the glue,' Ginsberg once said, that held the group together," the Times wrote.

Lucien Carr was also an alcoholic, and his son grew up in bohemian chaos, with his father raging at his wife and three sons but directing his most terrifying outbursts at Caleb, his middle child, whom he singled out for physical abuse.

"There's no question that I have a lifelong fascination with violence," Caleb Carr told Stephen Dubner of New York magazine in 1994, just before The Alienist was published. "Part of it was a desire to find violence that was, in the first place, directed toward some purposeful end, and second, governed by a definable ethical code. And I think it's fairly obvious why I would want to do that."

His father had been sexually molested by his Boy Scout master, David Kammerer, who followed Lucien Carr when he entered Columbia University. In 1944, Lucien Carr killed his longtime predator in Riverside Park, stabbing him with his Boy Scout knife and rolling him into the Hudson River. Kerouac helped him dispose of the knife. Carr turned himself in the next day and served two years for manslaughter in a reformatory.

Kerouac and Burroughs wrote about the incident in a novel, And the Hippos Were Boiled in Their Tanks, which was rejected by publishers and then mired in legalities before finally being published in 2008, when all the principals were dead. In 2013, the incident was the subject of a film, Kill Your Darlings, starring Daniel Radcliffe as Ginsberg.

Before The Alienist was published, Caleb Carr had been writing on military subjects, including a book with James Chace about national security and, on his own, a biography of an American soldier of fortune who became a Chinese military hero in the mid-19th century. In 1997, Carr published The Angel of Darkness, a sequel to The Alienist. His other works include The Italian Secretary (2005), Surrender, New York (2016), and Lessons of Terror: A History of Warfare Against Civilians (2002). His last book, published in April, was My Beloved Monster: Masha, the Half-Wild Rescue Cat Who Rescued Me.

"I have a grim outlook on the world, and in particular on humanity," he told Joyce Wadler of the Times in 2005. "I spent years denying it, but I am very misanthropic. And I live alone on a mountain for a reason."
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has announced a strategic collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to develop India's first Quantum Diamond microchip imager, an advanced sensing tool designed to enhance the quality control of semiconductor chips. This innovative project, spearheaded by experts from TCS at IIT Bombays PQuest Lab, aims to be completed within the next two years.

The Quantum Diamond microchip imager is expected to revolutionize the semiconductor industry by reducing the likelihood of chip failures and boosting the efficiency of electronic devices. The imager will employ quantum diamond microscopy integrated with AI/ML-powered software imaging to detect and characterize anomalies in semiconductor chips. This breakthrough will ensure better quality control, leading to increased product reliability, safety, and energy efficiency in electronic devices.

Dr. Kasturi Saha, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, PQuest group at IIT Bombay is excited to collaborate with TCS on developing a quantum imaging platform for the nondestructive examination of chips. Leveraging our extensive expertise in quantum sensing, we aim to drive innovation and transform various sectors, including electronics and healthcare, propelling India forward through groundbreaking technologies and products.

quantum technology. By developing an indigenous Quantum Diamond microchip imager, India aims to make significant strides in the ongoing quantum revolution. The partnership between TCS and IIT Bombay aligns with the National Quantum Mission, an initiative by the Indian government to establish the nation as a global leader in. By developing an indigenous Quantum Diamond microchip imager, India aims to make significant strides in the ongoing quantum revolution.

Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer at TCS, highlighted the urgency of advancing quantum technologies, stating, The Second Quantum revolution is progressing at an unprecedented speed, making it imperative to pool our resources and expertise to build cutting-edge capabilities in sensing, computing, and communication technologies.

Traditional sensing methods are increasingly inadequate as semiconductor components continue to shrink in size. The new imager will utilize the unique properties of Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds to perform precise and nondestructive examinations of semiconductor chips. This technology is expected to have broad applications beyond microelectronics, including biological and geological imaging and fine-scale imaging of magnetic fields.

The development of the Quantum Diamond microchip imager marks a significant milestone in India's technological advancement, promising to enhance various industries and reinforce the country's position in the global quantum technology landscape.
India's gross production of natural gas reached 2,958 million standard cubic meters (MMSCM) in April 2024, marking a notable 7.8 percent increase compared to the same month last year, according to a report by the Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. This uptick highlights the nation's concerted efforts to enhance domestic production capabilities within the energy sector.

In addition to the rise in domestic production, total imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) stood at 2,650 MMSCM for the month, reflecting a 5.4 percent increase from April 2023. These import figures underscore India's continued reliance on LNG to meet its growing energy demands, despite the increase in domestic output.

Combined, the total available natural gas for April 2024 was 5,087 MMSCM, showing a year-over-year growth of 7.1 percent. This increase in availability has been critical in supporting various economic sectors, especially as India embarks on more energy-intensive industrial activities.

"The integration of increased domestic production with strategic imports ensures that India is well-positioned to meet its industrial and commercial energy requirements", stated a senior official from PPAC. "These efforts align with the government's objective to increase the share of natural gas in India's energy mix, contributing to more sustainable economic growth".

The sectoral breakdown of natural gas consumption for April 2024 revealed that the fertilizer industry remained the largest consumer, utilizing 28 percent of the total gas supplied. This sector heavily relies on natural gas as a feedstock to produce urea and other fertilizers, which are crucial for India's agricultural sector.

City Gas Distribution (CGD) accounted for 20 percent of the consumption, reflecting the government's push towards adopting natural gas as a cleaner fuel for cooking and vehicular use. The power sector, consuming 16 percent of the total, uses natural gas to generate electricity, benefiting from its relatively lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal and oil.

Refineries and petrochemicals were other significant consumers, using 11 percent and 2 percent of the total natural gas respectively. These industries depend on natural gas as a feedstock for producing a range of products, including gasoline, diesel, plastics, and synthetic fibers.

The report also highlighted the robust processes involved in the collection and storage of data on gas production and importation, ensuring accuracy and transparency. "The meticulous approach to data handling reflects our commitment to providing reliable and timely information to all stakeholders", added the PPAC official.

Looking ahead, the PPAC report emphasized the strategic initiatives undertaken by the government to further increase domestic production of natural gas through new exploration and enhanced recovery techniques at existing fields. These initiatives are expected to gradually reduce India's dependency on imports and stabilize the supply for the growing domestic market.
Stocks to watch on Tuesday, May 28, 2024: Indian equities are poised for a positive start, as indicated by GIFT Nifty. The GIFT Nifty futures were trading 37 points higher than the Nifty 50 futures, at 23,018. In the Asia-Pacific region, markets showed mixed performances on Tuesday morning. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell by 0.30 percent, while the broader Topix index saw a slight decrease of 0.05 percent. South Korea's Kospi inched up by 0.12 percent, and the small-cap Kosdaq increased by 0.35 percent. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose by 0.15 percent. Additionally, futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index were trading 0.40 percent higher, at 18,902 points.

Timken India: Timken Singapore plans to sell a 6.6 percent stake in Timken India, which amounts to approximately Rs 1,775 crore ($213 million). The shares are being offered at a discounted floor price of Rs 3,550 per share. This isn't the first time the promoters have considered a stake sale; a previous sale took place on 20 June last year.

LIC: Life Insurance Corporation of India managed to achieve a 12 percent increase in annual profit, despite selling fewer policies this fiscal year. The company attributes its net profit of Rs 40,676 crore in FY24 to higher income from renewal premiums, improved income from investment activities, and a slight increase in the value of new business (VNB).

NMDC: National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) reported a 37.8 percent year-over-year decline in consolidated net profit for the March quarter due to increased expenses, interest, and penal charges. The companys consolidated revenue increased by 10.9 percent.

Inox Wind: The companys promoter entity IWEL might sell up to 5 percent stake in the company through block deal soon.

SpiceJet: The Delhi High Court has granted SpiceJet an additional three weeks to return two Boeing aircraft, three engines, and technical records to its lessor, TWC Aviation Capital Ltd. The airline now has until 17 June to return these assets.

Dish TV India: The company's net loss increased to Rs 1,989.7 crore from Rs 1,720.6 crore the previous year. Revenue decreased by 19.4 percent to Rs 407 crore from Rs 504.8 crore. Additionally, the company reported an exceptional loss of Rs 402.7 crore.

Goodyear India: The company's revenue was reported at Rs 550.53 crore, which is a 15.64 percent decrease from the previous year. The company incurred a quarterly net loss of 4.21 crore, marking a decrease of 112.53 percent from the previous year. The EBITDA stood at 9.06 crore, down 85.05 percent from the previous year. The company's revenue was reported at Rs 550.53 crore, which is a 15.64 percent decrease from the previous year. The company incurred a quarterly net loss of4.21 crore, marking a decrease of 112.53 percent from the previous year. The EBITDA stood at9.06 crore, down 85.05 percent from the previous year.

Cochin Shipyard: The company has received another international order from North Star Shipping for the construction of a hybrid Service Operation Vessel (SOV). The vessel will be used at the Scottish Power Renewables East Anglia THREE offshore wind farm, situated off the Suffolk coast.

Tata Motors: Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by Tata Motors, anticipates faster growth than the luxury car segment in the current fiscal year. The company aims to double its business in India over the next three years by focusing on initiatives such as increasing the localization of products and expanding its sales network in the country.

Nalco: Navaratna PSU miner Nalco recorded a net profit of Rs 996.70 crore in Q4FY24, doubling its profit from the previous year. Despite a slight 2.5 percent YoY decrease in revenue, the companys margin remained strong at 30.9 percent.

Concord Biotech: The company is set to undergo a block trade of 3.4 percent equity as shareholder Ontario Inc plans to sell shares worth Rs 468.40 crore.

AstraZeneca India: The company recorded a standalone net profit of Rs 39.47 crore for the March quarter of FY24, marking a 128 percent increase from the previous year.

Adani Energy Solutions: The company announced that its board has approved a fundraise of up to Rs 12,500 crore through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) or another permissible mode.

TVS Supply Chain Solutions: The company improved its financial performance with a net profit of Rs 5.4 crore, a significant turnaround from the previous year's loss of Rs 12.4 crore. Revenue also saw a 4.5 percent increase to Rs 2,426.3 crore from Rs 2,321.6 crore.

Housing & Urban Development Corporation: HUDCO reported a revenue of Rs 2,065.22 crore, marking an 11.49 percent increase from the previous year. The company also posted a quarterly net profit of 700.16 crore, indicating a 9.55 percent rise from the previous year. Additionally, EBITDA stood at 2,185.90 crore, reflecting an 8.36 percent increase from the previous year. HUDCO reported a revenue of Rs 2,065.22 crore, marking an 11.49 percent increase from the previous year. The company also posted a quarterly net profit of700.16 crore, indicating a 9.55 percent rise from the previous year. Additionally, EBITDA stood at2,185.90 crore, reflecting an 8.36 percent increase from the previous year.

Kirloskar Industries: The company reported a revenue of Rs 1,728.60 crore, which is a 9.77 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the company posted a quarterly net profit of 62.46 crore, marking a 42.38 percent increase from the previous year. The EBITDA was reported at 248.09 crore, showing a 3.63 percent increase from the previous year. The company reported a revenue of Rs 1,728.60 crore, which is a 9.77 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the company posted a quarterly net profit of62.46 crore, marking a 42.38 percent increase from the previous year. The EBITDA was reported at248.09 crore, showing a 3.63 percent increase from the previous year.

Borosil Renewables: The company recorded a net loss of Rs 53.3 crore, a significant decrease from the previous year's profit of Rs 10.5 crore. Additionally, revenue dropped by 8.4 percent to Rs 283.1 crore from Rs 309 crore.

Automotive Axles: The company's profit declined by 13.2 percent to Rs 44.1 crore from Rs 50.8 crore the previous year, while revenue fell by 17.5 percent to Rs 571.5 crore from Rs 693 crore. The board recommended a final dividend of Rs 32 per share.

S H Kelkar and Company: The company's profit surged 30-fold to Rs 33.4 crore from Rs 1.13 crore the previous year, while revenue grew by 12.8 percent to Rs 533 crore from Rs 472.4 crore.

Jubilant Industries: The company's profit soared by 128 percent to Rs 22.2 crore from Rs 9.7 crore the previous year, but revenue decreased by 12.5 percent to Rs 300.3 crore from Rs 343.4 crore. In addition, the company recorded exceptional gains of Rs 13.13 crore.

Vishnu Prakash R Punglia: The company reported a significant 44.38 percent year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching Rs 657.21 crore in March 2024. The quarterly net profit surged by 74.73 percent to Rs 67.13 crore, while EBITDA increased by 68.4 percent to Rs 108.38 crore.

Oriental Aromatics: The company experienced a 10.82 percent year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching Rs 216.48 crore in March 2024. The quarterly net profit surged by 633.74 percent to Rs 10.20 crore, and EBITDA rose by 125.91 percent to Rs 22.84 crore.

Sumitomo Chemical India: The company's revenue saw a 1.96 percent year-over-year increase to Rs 664.37 crore in March 2024. The quarterly net profit surged by 50.79 percent to Rs 109.28 crore, and EBITDA also increased by 70.26 percent to Rs 165.82 crore.

Dhoot Industrial Finance: The company experienced a 113.22 percent year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching Rs 19.95 crore in March 2024. The quarterly net profit surged by 388.44 percent to Rs 34.27 crore, and EBITDA grew by 1283.79 percent to Rs 40.13 crore.

Vardhman Polytex: The company's revenue decreased by 54.83 percent YoY to Rs 73.69 crore in March 2024. However, the quarterly net profit increased by 111.99 percent to Rs 0.95 crore, and EBITDA rose by 127.77 percent to Rs 3.56 crore.

Nandan Denim: The company experienced a 26.68 percent year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching Rs 579.12 crore in March 2024. The quarterly net profit surged by 793.51 percent to Rs 27.11 crore, and EBITDA rose by 121.81 percent to Rs 64.79 crore.

Sri Chakra Cements: Revenue of Rs 52.88 crore decreased by 16.29 percent year-on-year. The quarterly net loss was 13.94 crore, a 35.68 percent decrease from March 2023. EBITDA is negative at 10.48 crore, down 679.01 percent from March 2023. Revenue of Rs 52.88 crore decreased by 16.29 percent year-on-year. The quarterly net loss was13.94 crore, a 35.68 percent decrease from March 2023. EBITDA is negative at10.48 crore, down 679.01 percent from March 2023.

Elgi Equipments: The company reported a revenue of Rs 539.93 crore, which is an 18.39 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the company posted a quarterly net profit of 92.58 crore, marking a 14.82 percent increase from the previous year. The EBITDA was 133.85 crore, up 14.21 percent from the previous year. The company reported a revenue of Rs 539.93 crore, which is an 18.39 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the company posted a quarterly net profit of92.58 crore, marking a 14.82 percent increase from the previous year. The EBITDA was133.85 crore, up 14.21 percent from the previous year.

Electronics Mart India: The company reported a revenue of Rs 1,524.23 crore, which is a 14.79 percent increase from the previous year. The company also posted a quarterly net profit of 40.55 crore, marking a 12.29 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the EBITDA was 110.59 crore, up 14.74 percent from the previous year. The company reported a revenue of Rs 1,524.23 crore, which is a 14.79 percent increase from the previous year. The company also posted a quarterly net profit of40.55 crore, marking a 12.29 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the EBITDA was110.59 crore, up 14.74 percent from the previous year.

Anjani Portland Cement: The company reported a revenue of Rs 157.88 crore, which is an 18.75 percent increase from the previous year. The company also posted a quarterly net loss of 4.39 crore, marking a decrease of 73.79 percent from the previous year. Additionally, the EBITDA was 10.25 crore, showing a significant increase of 268.71 percent from the previous year. The company reported a revenue of Rs 157.88 crore, which is an 18.75 percent increase from the previous year. The company also posted a quarterly net loss of4.39 crore, marking a decrease of 73.79 percent from the previous year. Additionally, the EBITDA was10.25 crore, showing a significant increase of 268.71 percent from the previous year.

HBL Power Systems: The company reported a revenue of Rs 610.09 crore, which is a 51.53 percent increase from the previous year. The company also posted a quarterly net profit of 81.45 crore, marking a significant increase of 134.03 percent from the previous year. Additionally, the EBITDA was 138.04 crore, showing an impressive growth of 176.91 percent from the previous year. The company reported a revenue of Rs 610.09 crore, which is a 51.53 percent increase from the previous year. The company also posted a quarterly net profit of81.45 crore, marking a significant increase of 134.03 percent from the previous year. Additionally, the EBITDA was138.04 crore, showing an impressive growth of 176.91 percent from the previous year.

Lumax Auto Technologies: Revenue amounts to Rs 354.37 crore, marking a 16.86 percent increase year-on-year. Quarterly net profit reaches 40.60 crore, showing a 210.81 percent rise from March 2023. EBITDA is at 63.02 crore, up 91.96 percent from March 2023. Revenue amounts to Rs 354.37 crore, marking a 16.86 percent increase year-on-year. Quarterly net profit reaches40.60 crore, showing a 210.81 percent rise from March 2023. EBITDA is at63.02 crore, up 91.96 percent from March 2023.

West Coast Paper Mills: Revenue is Rs 700.58 crore, down 8.63 percent YoY. Quarterly net profit is 82.46 crore, down 50.33 percent from March 2023. EBITDA is at 148.32 crore, down 45.51 percent from March 2023. Revenue is Rs 700.58 crore, down 8.63 percent YoY. Quarterly net profit is82.46 crore, down 50.33 percent from March 2023. EBITDA is at148.32 crore, down 45.51 percent from March 2023.

Diamond Power Infrastructure: The company reported a revenue of Rs 134.41 crore, which is an increase of 852.77 percent from the previous year. Additionally, the company posted a quarterly net profit of 14.42 crore, marking a 205.82 percent increase from the previous year. The EBITDA was reported at 18.56 crore, up 403.76 percent from the previous year. In addition, the companys promoters Monarch Infraparks and GSEC will be selling 12.86 lakh equity shares, or a 2.44 percent stake each, in Diamond Power Infrastructure via an offer-for-sale on May 28-29. The company reported a revenue of Rs 134.41 crore, which is an increase of 852.77 percent from the previous year. Additionally, the company posted a quarterly net profit of14.42 crore, marking a 205.82 percent increase from the previous year. The EBITDA was reported at18.56 crore, up 403.76 percent from the previous year. In addition, the companys promoters Monarch Infraparks and GSEC will be selling 12.86 lakh equity shares, or a 2.44 percent stake each, in Diamond Power Infrastructure via an offer-for-sale on May 28-29.

Krystal Integrated Services: The company reported a revenue of Rs 273.68 crore, which is a 47.18 percent increase from the previous year. The company also posted a quarterly net profit of 14.83 crore, showing a 62.11 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the EBITDA was 19.84 crore, up by 73.88 percent from the previous year. The company reported a revenue of Rs 273.68 crore, which is a 47.18 percent increase from the previous year. The company also posted a quarterly net profit of14.83 crore, showing a 62.11 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the EBITDA was19.84 crore, up by 73.88 percent from the previous year.

Ruchira Papers: The company's revenue was reported at Rs 160.02 crore, reflecting a decrease of 11.44 percent from the previous year. The quarterly net profit was 9.64 crore, down by 48.87 percent from the previous year. EBITDA stood at 16.38 crore, marking a reduction of 45.47 percent from the previous year. The company's revenue was reported at Rs 160.02 crore, reflecting a decrease of 11.44 percent from the previous year. The quarterly net profit was9.64 crore, down by 48.87 percent from the previous year. EBITDA stood at16.38 crore, marking a reduction of 45.47 percent from the previous year.

Stylam Industries: The company reported a revenue of Rs 239.88 crore, which is a 1.29 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the company posted a quarterly net profit of 37.56 crore, marking a significant increase of 40.22 percent from the previous year. EBITDA was reported to be 48.99 crore, showing a notable 18.85 percent increase from the previous year. The company reported a revenue of Rs 239.88 crore, which is a 1.29 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the company posted a quarterly net profit of37.56 crore, marking a significant increase of 40.22 percent from the previous year. EBITDA was reported to be48.99 crore, showing a notable 18.85 percent increase from the previous year.
10 Best Immigration Attorney Firms 2024

Indian immigration attorneys play a crucial role in the U.S., reflecting the substantial impact of the Indian immigrant population. With approximately 2.7 million Indian immigrants in the U.S. as of 2019, they form the second-largest immigrant group in the country. Indian immigrants in the U.S. are notable for their high education levels, prominent management positions, and substantial incomes. This economic clout has been a driving force in various sectors, from technology and healthcare to education and entrepreneurship, highlighting the robust economic contributions of the Indian American community. Indian immigration attorneys have facilitated this success, guiding their clients through the complex U.S. immigration system and advocating for their rights and interests. Indian immigration attorneys' impact is not confined to legal victories. As advocates, legal experts, and community leaders, they embody the spirit of perseverance and progress that defines the American dream. This edition on Immigration Attorney 2024 is dedicated to inspiring the journeys of Indian attorneys who have contributed to the U.S.'s broader economic growth and stability by ensuring that highly skilled Indian diaspora can successfully navigate the immigration system. Our panel of accomplished founders, CXOs, and VCs, along with SiliconIndias editorial team, has curated a list of the leading immigration attorney firms to assist you in locating the best-in-class services to fulfill your immigration requirements. Among these is Gehi & Associates, a leading immigration law firm offering tailored legal solutions in areas like asylum, citizenship, and family reunification. We also present you with thought leadership articles and industry insights by expert CXOs like Amit Shivpuja, Director of Data Governance and Strategy - Merchandising at Walmart [NYSE: WMT], and Manjuri Sinha, VP Talent Success & DEI at OLX Group, and more, offering their opinions on the currently used business practices. We hope that these exclusive insights and solutions featured in this edition help you make well-informed decisions for the growth and success of your business. Let us know your thoughts.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) is hoping to improve the digital presence of 500 small businesses throughout the city, expanding on its Open + Online initiative to offer free website builds and a full year of hosting.

Its crucial that your small business has a strong online presence to compete in todays marketplace, the organization noted on its website, detailing that this free service can typically cost a small business owner thousands.

A dedicated project manager will collect your materials and guide you through the program, [and] youll have two sessions with your web designer to plan out and review your custom website, according to the SBRN website.

Originally launched as a pandemic recovery effort, the SBRN supports small businesses via a collaborative partnership between the five boroughwide chambers of commerce. They receive funding for their efforts from corporations like Amazon, Bank of America, Capital One and Meta. This particular project is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

WHATS INCLUDED?

The SBRN will pay for your first full year of website hosting using the Squarespace.com builder and platform.

After building, the organization can help register a domain name for the new website, if the business does not own one already.

For logo and branding projects, all designs are done from scratch and businesses will have full ownership of the final files.

TYPES OF PROJECTS:

Basic website. A professional website built for the purpose of displaying information about the business. The site will be four to five pages and can offer email signups and custom contact or order forms. This option is geared toward service-based businesses. The first year of hosting is paid for by the program, and the cost will be $276/year or $33/month starting year two. There is no commitment, and the site can be cancelled at any time.

E-commerce website. A professional website built for the purpose of selling products that are ready to be shipped. The program can build 20 products to start, and the business can add more later. The site will allow email signups, custom contact or order forms, and product reviews to be collected. This option is tailored toward businesses that are already selling products and are ready to venture into online selling. The first year of hosting is paid for by the program, and the cost will be $324/year or $36/month starting year two. There is no commitment, and the site can be cancelled at any time.

Logo & branding. A professionally designed business logo and brand style guide. The logo will be available in multiple files formats, for use digitally and for printing. The style guide will include two font selections and a color palette, helping to define brand identity. The business will own all designs it receives. There is no cost associated with this offering. A great option for startups or businesses that are looking to rebrand.

All small businesses are welcome to apply for these services, but priority will be given to Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises. You do not have to be a member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce to receive assistance.

According to the Chamber, about 50 Staten Island businesses have already completed projects through Open + Online. To view those websites, visit https://www.nycsmallbusinessresourcenetwork.org/openandonline.

Questions about the program can be directed to Michael Anderson, SBRN Supervisor at manderson@sichamber.com or 718-727-1900 ext. 1007.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York City has announced plans to reduce class sizes in public schools for the next academic year.

New York City has been shrinking the size of classrooms in public schools across the five boroughs as it works to comply with the new state law that lowers class sizes in every grade over the next several years.

On Tuesday, the city Department of Education (DOE) released a draft version of the second annual Class Size Reduction plan. It includes district-level targets set to improve the percent of classes at or below the new class size caps by 3%.

Our draft class size reduction plan for the 2024-2025 school year outlines clear, actionable steps to ensure we remain in compliance with the class size law, said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks.

The plan aims to ensure continued compliance with class size regulations and to further enhance the learning environment across the five boroughs, according to the DOE.

All classes must be in compliance by 2028.

City public schools have maintained a rate of 40% of classes at or below the caps for the 2023-2024 school year, surpassing the then-required benchmark of 20%.

The draft provides the support necessary to maintain compliance with the law  which now requires 40% of classes to be at or below the new class size caps for the 2024-2025 school year.

The law limits kindergarten through third-grade classes to 20 students; fourth through eighth grade to 23 students, and high school classes to 25 students. Physical education and performing groups (such as band, choir, musical theater, etc.) are limited to 40 students in one classroom.

Staten Island public schools continue to have the lowest rate of classes at or under class size caps at 24%.

Under the plan, school principals will receive optional implementation strategies to select from to meet this new goal  including using new funding to hire staff, repurposing space, optimizing teacher programming, reallocating existing funding, and utilizing virtual learning. Principals will have flexibility to utilize these strategies or others, working with superintendents and school communities.

To help support implementation, the DOE is providing an additional $45 million in Contracts for Excellence funds and $137 million exclusively for class size reduction, focused on high-need schools with space availability.

Schools with the most need have the highest class sizes overall  with 62% of classes at or below the caps. Only 25% of classes in schools with the least need are at or below the caps, according to the DOE.

An estimated approximately 540 schools require additional space for full compliance by the 2027-2028 school year. The city anticipates a need to hire 10,000 to 12,000 teachers, including 3,000 to 4,000 special education teachers, to support the reduced class sizes.

Enhanced teacher recruitment efforts include an earlier application window for high-needs schools, peer recruiters, school tours, and increased early recruitment stipends. The DOE is also expanding pathways for students, paraprofessionals, and teacher aides to transition into teaching roles.

The city is also collaborating with the School Construction Authority to increase the number of available seats in high-need areas. The plan includes the addition of 27,000 seats from previous capital plans and recommendations for converting spaces in 25 schools to achieve compliance.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Zachary Lombardi, an elementary school arts teacher at PS 29 in Castleton Corners, has been chosen as a New York City winner in the prestigious Big Apple Awards program for the 2024-2025 school year.

The awards celebrate the exemplary performance of public school teachers throughout the city who inspire students, model great teaching and enrich school communities. The Big Apple Awards program is a citywide recognition program celebrating New York City public school teachers, who are directly nominated by district leaders and principals.

Lombardi was named the Community School District 31 Award Recipient. District 31 encompasses the entirety of Staten Island public schools.

Lombardi is one of three arts teachers at PS 29 and teaches visual arts to students of all grade levels. Students at the elementary school receive a multifaceted arts education  centered on STREAM (science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts and math) and sustainability.

Lombardi was named the Community School District 31 Award Recipient. (Courtesy/Victoria Stuto)David Possner

Lombardi is the sustainability coordinator and is a citywide arts education leader, bringing together visual arts teachers from across Staten Island. He also leads citywide arts professional developments for the city Department of Education (DOE) arts department in the Division of Teaching and Learning.

His visual and digital arts partner, Vicky Stuto, handles the technical aspects of the arts. The pair run a vigorous after-school program and help bolster the schools afternoon English as a New Language (ENL) program.

As a Big Apple Award Fellow, Lombardi will continue his work in the classroom, while also engaging in a unique professional development experience. (Courtesy/Victoria Stuto)David Possner

The schools fifth-grade Advanced Art Club studies the art of journalism and bookmaking and participates in the Morgan Book Project, learning about illuminated manuscripts. Students also use chemistry and traditional bookmaking techniques to create handmade original stories.

Prior to teaching at PS 29, Lombardi taught arts at PS 200 in Brooklyn. Lombardis mother, Janet Lombardi, is also a recently retired art teacher who worked for the DOE.

As a Big Apple Award Fellow, Lombardi will continue his work in the classroom, while also engaging in a unique professional development experience. Throughout the school year, Big Apple Fellows have the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, expand their expertise in education, and participate in transformative initiatives. This includes active involvement in leadership development sessions and engagement in the Chancellors Teacher Advisory Council, where they can contribute their insights and expertise to shape educational policies and programs.

The Big Apple Awards program is the culmination of a rigorous selection process that includes community nominations, principal recommendations, classroom visits, an interview, and a review by a board of judges. The awards are made possible in part by private support through the Fund for Public Schools  the city DOE non-profit fundraising partner  which facilitates sponsored awards and ensures all recipients receive a classroom grant.

Next school year, the award winners will serve as Big Apple Fellows and will meet monthly with one another to share ideas and strategies. They will also be invited to serve on the Chancellors Teacher Advisory Group, which meets bi-monthly and contributes to Department of Education policy.

The Big Apple Teacher Award and subsequent appointment as a Big Apple Fellow serve as a testament to Lombardis achievements and underscore his commitment to excellence in education.

The three Staten Island finalists for the Big Apple Award were: Stacie Crabbe from PS 55, Eltingville; Nicholas Ferraro from Paulo Intermediate School (I.S. 75) in Huguenot, and Zachary Rosch from Tottenville High School, Huguenot.
The latest poll in the 2024 bid for the White House shows just how tight the race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump remains.

Marquette Law Schools nationwide poll of registered voters shows Biden and Trump are tied with 50% each in a two-way candidate matchup. Trump inches ahead slightly in a five-way contest, leading Biden 40% to 37% with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at 17% and Jill Stein and Cornel West each receiving 3%. The 50/50 split for Mays poll is identical to Marchs results among the top two contenders, pollsters said.

Results from the poll fall sharply along party lines. Among Republicans, 94% said they backed Trump compared to 90% of Democrats who said they would vote for Biden. Independents remain divided 57% for Biden and 43% for Trump in a two-way race. In a five-candidate field, Kennedy was the top choice for independents, coming in at 39% compared to 29% for Biden and 15% for Trump. Stein and West were the choice for 8% and 10% of independents, respectively.

Trump edged out Biden slightly in favorability ratings, with 41% saying they had a favorable impression of the former president compared to 39% who said the same about Biden.

Marquettes Law School poll was conducted May 6-15 among 902 registered voters with a margin of error of plus/minus 4.6%.
[Editors note: This is the first entry from the courtroom diary of reporter Luke Peteley, who will be present for summations and deliberations in the trial of former President Donald Trump in Manhattan Criminal Court.]

**

NEW YORK, N.Y.  Something to tell the kids about one day.

Youre witnessing history.

The emphasis on the weight of this case has loomed over me for a week, since I found out Id be replacing a vacationing colleague to cover summations and deliberations in the trial of Donald Trump.

Among an eclectic group of esteemed journalists at Manhattan Criminal Court, here was I, a 23-year-old breaking news reporter for the Advance/SILive.com.

I must admit, heck of a time to tag in: At the crossroads of history.

And history it is, the former president of the U.S. standing trial in Manhattan Criminal Court. Certainly a note in the textbooks of tomorrow.

Former President Donald Trump walks back into the courtroom after a break during closing arguments in his criminal hush money trial at Manhattan criminal court in New York, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (Spencer Platt/Pool Photo via AP) APAP

Like any other worker, I hopped an express bus into the city Tuesday morning, the sunshine kissing the statues of old that adorn the structural titans piercing the clear blue skies.

Navigating my way to the courthouse, I caught a glimpse of daily New York City life.

White collar office workers scampered about in the customary rat race. Coffee their substance of choice to keep the clock ticking.

Multiple individuals experiencing homelessness sought shelter in the nooks and crannies where they could rest unbothered, just a block from the site where all eyes were fixated.

Approaching the court, it was no secret that Trump was in town.

Law enforcement established barricades well away from the entrance to the courthouse. Security checkpoints monitored each passerby while additional officers directed traffic.

Across the street was a park. A stream of cameras lined the sidewalk, with lenses fixated on the talking heads rehearsing their lines for the morning broadcast.

Beside the park were a moshpit of reporters.

Yet, surprisingly, it was quiet  well, quiet for New York City. The hum of vehicles accompanied the song of birds in the morning melody. The park lay bare of protesters with the exception of one individual with a large sign urging reporters to Google the casualty count of children in Gaza.

Moments later, the mumble of the media was disrupted by a passing car playing a song with lyrics saying F--- Biden.

I was one of the lucky ones, the ones with the duty of reporting what unfolds within the hallowed halls of the courthouse.

It was strange, in one moment you feel as though youre walking the red carpet with all those cameras aimed in your direction. The next, youre falling in line and filing in as though youre there for your own sentencing.

Once the reporters made their way through the first set of doors it was every journalist for themself; a massive rush to be the first to snag a seat. The elegant blazers can only serve as a guise for so long before the true nature of the inside scoop journalist shines through.

There were two checkpoints, metal detectors and eyes watching your every move.

An index card designating me as a journalist acted as my key to the world; think Willy Wonkas golden ticket.

I made it into the courtroom.

Television reporters gather outside Manhattan Criminal Court for closing arguments in the trial of former President Donald Trump on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)Staten Island Advance

It was a stuffy room, bordered with old wood and filled with long benches, much like the pews at one of the Islands many Roman Catholic churches.

Journalists clambered to grab a seat, though I had no trouble getting a spot just a few rows behind the defense.

At the front of the room stood Justice Juan Merchans chair, flanked by a U.S. flag and the New York State flag. The words In God We Trust cast in a copper metal of sorts hung overhead, keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings.

About a half hour passed before the prosecution came in. District Attorney Alvin Bragg, sporting a stern look, found his seat.

Thats when he walked in.

The former president led his entourage, including his sons, into the courtroom. Donning his signature red tie, Trump made his way down the aisle. All heads snapped to catch a read of the man.

For Trump, it was all business. The man with energy abundant at his rallies remained resolute in his expression. Silent, his eyes the only window into his inner thoughts, and even then, business.

All Rise, a court officers voice boomed.

The attendees shot up from their seats for Merchan, who took his place. Not long after, the jury was welcomed in.

Plainly judging by appearance, the jury was a mix of races, both women and men, young and old.

A platoon of photographers came in and swarmed around Trump. Their mission? Get the shot. No mind was given to anyone else in the room, all cameras on Trump, all angles, and if someone was in the way? A little nudge doesnt hurt.

Soon after, we were underway.

The defense took the stand to lay out their closing argument and I sat there, a part of history.
Tigers Realm will take steps to delist from the Australian Stock Exchange after shareholders approved a fire sale of its Russian coal mines to a Russian businessman the chairman conceded may have had former connections to oligarchs sanctioned by the federal government.

The ASX-listed miner will sell its operations  two coking coal mines and an export terminal in Russias far east  to APM Invest, owned by Mark Buzuk, for $US49 million ($74 million) after the Federal Court in April ruled Tigers Realm was in breach of sanctions against Russian interests following the Ukraine invasion.

Tigers Realm trucks transport coal in Russias far east. Credit: Tigers Realm

Tigers Realm chairman Craig Wiggill told investors at a meeting in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon the company had received much higher offers from multiple other businesses, but were forced to settle on the sale to Buzuk because of Australias strict sanctions laws and Russias cap on the sale price.

He said Tigers Realm was walking a tightrope because it was under pressure from the Putin government to sell its assets to a Russian business as Australia was deemed a hostile entity, while simultaneously under pressure by the Australian government which had sanctioned the trading of Russian coal.
On Sunday, the Cricket Australia top brass, including chief executive Nick Hockley were in Chennai to watch $4.4 million fast-bowler Mitchell Starc lead his Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the Indian Premier League final.

A day earlier, the CA executives joined Australian diplomats, the Board of Control for Cricket in Indias (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah (who just happens to be son of the countrys feared Home Minister Amit Shah) and a smattering of former test greats, including Aussie opener Matthew Hayden and ex-India stars Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar, at a special event put on by the Centre for Australia-India Relations to preview this summers test series.

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But CBD was intrigued to spot former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh (aka The Turbanator) also getting in the spirit of sport-infused diplomacy at an event sponsored by the Australian government, no less.

Its a sharp turn from Harbhajans playing days, when his relations with Australians were a little less friendly. Seasoned cricket fans might recall his lead role in the 2008 Monkeygate saga where the spinners alleged racial abuse of the late Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds during that years controversial Sydney Test triggered a minor diplomatic incident.
Almost half of Australian year 10 students are failing to reach proficiency standards in science literacy, while about a third of final-year primary students say they do not have science lessons every week.

The latest National Assessment Program report on science literacy, released on Wednesday, shows the proportion of students meeting the expected standard for science has flatlined over the past two decades.

The 2023 National Assessment Program  Science Literacy found two-thirds of year 6 students reported having science lessons once a week.

Only 57 per cent of year 6 students hit the science proficiency benchmark, meaning they correctly answered a set of challenging but reasonable science questions.

About one in three year 6 students nationally were taught science less than once a week. In Victoria, 14 per cent of students said they never did science lessons.
James Harrison, who killed his two-year-old son and himself last week, opposed an apprehended domestic violence order his former partner sought to place on him.

Three months ago, Lismore doctor Sophie Roome took out the ADVO against her former partner.

Sophie Roome and her son Rowan, 2.

Roome sought the ADVO because of Harrisons coercive behaviour; sources familiar with the matter say he criticised her parenting and tried to control her life following their breakup.

Last winter, police in the NSW Northern Rivers city of Lismore took out an interim ADVO on Roomes behalf; in February, it made its way to court.
The motive the offender had at the time of the act was his anger at the prospect of Ms Hayat leaving him and the end of the marriage, the 14-page document, signed by Zafar, states. This was in the context of Ms Hayat being pregnant at the time [of] her death. The North Parramatta apartment block where Arnima Hayat was killed. Credit: AAP/Bianca De Marchi The couple met while Hayat was still in high school and later married in a private Islamic ceremony in October 2021 without the support of their families, before moving into a North Parramatta unit. Hayat migrated to Australia from Bangladesh as a child and had been studying medical science at the University of Western Sydney.

In the months before her marriage, Hayat complained to friends about Zafars violence, but did not report it to police. She said they had argued because he thought he had seen her with another man, and that he put his hands around her neck, rendering her unconscious and leaving her bruised. When Zafar approached Hayats family on October 8, 2021 to talk about marrying her, an argument ensued, and he abused her father Abu Hayat over the phone that night, stating: I will kill you. The next day, an interim apprehended violence order was made for the protection of Abu Hayat from Zafar. The facts state Arnima Hayat called her father that same day and advised she wanted to marry the offender and wished to collect her belongings, which she did in the following days. After this time, Hayats parents did not have any further contact with her for the remainder of her life, the court documents read. Ms Hayats parents also had no contact with the offender. Hayat sent a photograph of a facial injury to her university friend in late November 2021 and told him that she regretted marrying Zafar who had bashed her.

In December 2021, she told a woman she was upset there were photographs of Zafar on another womans Instagram account, said he had lied to her about cheating, and she wanted a divorce. On the night of January 29, 2022, Hayat again told her friend she regretted marrying Zafar. The facts state Zafar arrived back at the home with groceries at 8.15pm and killed Hayat between her final text at 9.10pm and when he left home at 9.55pm. He told a friend he had argued with his wife, that she had scratched him and their relationship was toxic, before he returned at 1am on January 30. Zafar, who was a labourer, drove to Bunnings Northmead in his work truck at 10.24am and was captured on CCTV buying a 20-litre tub of hydrochloric acid.

The offender decanted the hydrochloric acid into the bathtub in the unit and moved the body of Ms Hayat into the bathtub, the facts state. He did so in an attempt to dispose of Ms Hayats remains. He bought four more 20-litre tubs of acid from Bunnings that afternoon and poured them into the bathtub. Police released this image as part of their appeal to speak to Meraj Zafar. Credit: NSW Police Zafars internet searches included querying can hydrochloric acid burn through skin and how many years do you get in Sydney for murder. He told his mother he had fought with his wife, and she was not breathing, but that he was not going to call the ambulance, was scared and that he did not want to go to jail.

The offender also asked his mother how much a ticket to go overseas was, the facts state. Zafars mother called emergency services to the unit, where they found Hayats body, but not Zafar. While on the run, he told a friend, I married this girl last year, her parents didnt like me, I married her to have kids, and said, I just killed someone, I swear to God that I killed someone and laughed, according to the facts. After a public appeal to find him, Zafar handed himself in on January 31, 2022. He told police: I dont want to do 20 years. I was like, you know what, I have done a mistake, I have to do it. Hayats parents faced the unimaginable task of providing DNA to help authorities identify their daughter. After her death, her father told SBS Bangla: This is the biggest loss in my life.
It would be hard to imagine a state of North Queensland having an economy of scale to fund the infrastructure and personnel needed to service a relatively small population spread out across a relatively gigantic region. But that doesnt mean there wouldnt be a few advantages, including for those of us left behind in the south. First up, we could finally be in sync with our southern neighbours in the summer months. Like daylight saving or not (and Im on the fence), navigating the time zones during the summer months can be a lot more difficult than it has any right being. In a separated state, it would make a lot more sense for southern Queensland to be time-aligned with Sydney and Melbourne, than with Cairns and Townsville. In the winter months, having a North Queensland side thrown into the State of Origin mix might finally give the Maroons some competition. Though it never really gets tired beating the Blues year after year after year after year after... (and so on).

Theres community safety, too. If Bob Katter snr has taught me anything, its that a person is torn to pieces by a crocodile every three months. All in my own state! How am I supposed to sleep easy knowing this is going on within these very borders? But if the north goes its own way, I wont need to spend any time on it. And it could even be good news for Premier Steven Miles, who insisted on Friday Queensland was stronger together.

As the KAPs Nick Dametto quipped in parliament last week: If you separated the state of Queensland right now, the Labor Party might actually have a chance of winning government in the next state election. History shows its not that easy to create a new Australian state. In 1967, a referendum on statehood for NSWs New England region was defeated with a no vote of 54 per cent. Provisions exist in the constitution for New Zealand to become a state, but the likelihood of that happening would be even less than the Wallabies winning the Bledisloe Cup. So how easy would it be for a North Queensland to be welcomed into the Commonwealth fold? To answer this, I asked renowned constitutional law expert Anne Twomey, from the University of Sydney.

As luck would have it, as I reached out to Twomey she was about to upload a new video about the renewed debate to her informative YouTube channel, Constitutional Clarion (take a look below). Twomey told me the federal parliament could admit new states to the Commonwealth under section 121 of the constitution, imposing such terms and conditions, including with respect to representation in either house of parliament, as it thinks fit. In addition, section 124 requires the consent of the parliament of an affected state, she says. So both parliaments must consent, and the use of the term parliament indicates that this needs to be done by legislation.

Loading One of the major problems, Twomey says, is that a new state has never been created in post-federation Australia. This means that we have no court precedents to rely upon, she says. ... The constitution guarantees the original states, being those that joined at the time of federation, equal Senate representation and a minimum of five seats in the House of Representatives, regardless of their population. If a state were to be divided in half or cut into thirds, there could be a dispute as to which of the resulting states was the original state, with guaranteed rights, or whether all parts would lose those rights.
A solution for the Melbourne Airport Rail standoff could be delivered within weeks despite the Victorian government and airport owners not meeting with mediators in the same room to hash out their differences over the $13 billion project.

Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson on Tuesday declared there was no guarantee a compromise would be reached before the 2026 election, even though the mediators report is imminent.

An artists impression of a proposed elevated rail station at Melbourne Airport. The project remains in limbo.

Former Queensland transport department director-general Neil Scales, who was in April appointed by the federal government to mediate the dispute, has met with the airport once and met separately with Victorian government officials.

While the parties have not been in a room together to hash out a solution, Scales final report will be delivered within weeks, Commonwealth transport bureaucrats told a Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday.
More than 400,000 West Australian women will benefit from a new trial making the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill available over the counter.

From Tuesday, WA women aged between 16 and 39 years will be able to get a repeat prescription at participating pharmacies, even if the prescription has expired, for up to 12 months.

Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales introduced similar schemes in 2023, with South Australia starting a trial earlier this month. Credit: Credit: iStock

Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA branch senior vice president Natalie Willis said the announcement marked a significant step forward for womens health in WA.

WA women are incredibly busy and this allows them to take greater control of their reproductive health and be able to access services at a time and location convenient to them, she said.
The number of West Australian public high school students continuing their education through to year 12 has seen the most dramatic drop out of all states and territories across the country over the past decade.

New data has revealed WA had the best retention rate in the country bar the ACT in 2014, sitting at almost 96 per cent for students from year 7/8 through to year 12.

But figures for 2023, from the latest Report on Government Services released on Tuesday evening, show this number has plummeted to just over 75 per cent.

Meanwhile, retention rates climbed for WA non-government schools, from 82.3 per cent in 2014 to 87.2 per cent in 2023.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has demanded that Israel halt its military campaign in the southern Gazan city of Rafah after dozens of civilians were killed in an air strike, as a global medical charity called for Australia to implement sanctions on Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his nations military had made a tragic mistake in an air strike that set fire to a camp housing displaced Palestinians and killed at least 45 people, according to Reuters.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the death and destruction in Rafah was horrific. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Wong said the events of the past 24 hours had shown why world leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, had forcefully warned Israel against launching a military campaign in Rafah, a city where over a million Palestinians from elsewhere in Gaza have sought refuge during the war.

The death and destruction in Rafah is horrific, Wong told Senate estimates hearings in Canberra.
Australians worth less than $1 million are more likely to have most of their wealth tied up in their family homes than the top 10 per cent, new research shows.

Experts say the countrys wealthiest households are more able to afford to diversify their investments beyond housing. They warn as housing affordability worsens, more Australians will be denied the opportunity to build wealth through their homes.

Equity in the family home made up half the net worth of Australians in the six and seventh decile of households that are worth $500,393 up to $925,461, the largest proportions of wealth tied up in property in the country, the Productivity Commissions Snapshot of inequality in Australia research paper found.

That was followed by households in the eighth decile, worth $925,461 to $1,343,001, where they had 48.78 per cent of their wealth built up in their family home.
A series of random head knocks during track work has convinced Michelle Payne to retire from race riding almost nine years after she rewrote the history books by becoming the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.

Payne has informed Racing Victoria that she will not be reapplying for a jockeys licence beyond this season, which ends on July 31, bringing to a close one of this countrys most inspirational sporting careers.

Michelle Payne after winning the 2015 Melbourne Cup on Prince Of Penzance. Credit: Justin McManus

Payne, who had her first race ride as a 15-year-old in 2001, said she knew it was time to call it quits after suffering three successive black eyes from training accidents at the end of last year.

I had three horses, one took fright and gave me a really decent whack in the head, another one did the same thing and it gave me a blood nose, and then another one of my young horses bucked me off, but with quite a nasty knock to the head again. So I got three black eyes all in a row, Payne said.
Champion mare Imperatriz smashed the record sale price for an Australian broodmare as Yulong splashed a cool $6.6 million to land the 10-time group 1 winner at the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast on Tuesday.

Imperatriz wasnt on the market until she reached the previous record of $5 million, set by Milanova in 2008, as Yulong went head-to-head with Coolmore for the worlds highest-rated mare and sprinter.

Imperatriz in full flight winning the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley last year. Credit: Racing Photos

Bidding opened at $4 million and stepped up in $250,000 increments until $6.5 million when a final online bid of $6.6 million from Zhijun Zhao, a friend of Yulong owner Yuesheng Zhang, did not have a reply.

These are rare commodities, Yulong boss Vin Cox said. There are very few horses that win 10 group 1s. So shes in the top half-dozen, certainly, the top 10 mares of all time. The Zenyattas, the Sunlines, and things like that come to mind, but she punches with there with them.
Foreign visitors must get a little confused when they arrive in Australia and ask locals here about the destinations theyre considering visiting.

Whats Sydney like, they might ask. Should I go to Brisbane? What do I need to know about Perth?

And they will get a whole lot of answers from Australians that are absolutely untrue. Because though Im sure we all mean well, unless youve visited certain places in this country recently, you probably wouldnt realise that some of the old cliches and stereotypes about our favourite cities just arent true any more.

If youre telling foreign visitors any of the following, youre giving them the wrong information.

Myth 1: Perth is the worlds most isolated capital city
Singapore/Jakarta: Indonesian investigators expect to extradite Gregor Haas from the Philippines very, very soon for his alleged role in the attempted importation of enough drugs to qualify a convicted person for the death penalty.

Haas, an Australian citizen and the father of NRL star Payne Haas, has been in detention in the Philippines since his arrest this month in a dramatic sting involving local and Indonesian police, who had been hunting him for months.

Gregor Johann Haas poses for a mugshot following his arrest in Cebu province. Credit: AP

The latter are desperate for him to face justice and questioning in Indonesia. Australia, though mostly silent on this case, is against any outcome that opens the possibility of execution.

The Indonesians accuse Haas of links to the notorious Sinaloa Cartel of Mexico and of attempting to import more than five kilograms of methamphetamines, hidden in consignments of ceramic flooring, through Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in December.
(Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands):--- the Tortola Toastmasters Club of the BVI elected the 2024-2025 Executive Committee Members prior to the commencement of the new Toastmasters year on July 1, 2024.

The Immediate Past President, Weslene Walters, congratulated the new Executive Committee for the 2024-2025 term and encouraged them to embrace the challenges ahead. She concluded her remarks with a quote by Simon Sinek: "Leadership is not about the next election, it's about the next generation. The 2024-2025 Tortola Toastmasters Club Executive Committee are:

President Joshua Edwards Vice President Education Ernald George Vice President of Membership Christine Stapleton Vice President Public Relations Yvonne Thomas Secretary Rena George Treasurer Patricia Thomas Immediate Past President Kristal Collins Outgoing President Kristal Collins expressed her gratitude to the outgoing Executive Committee for their support during her tenure. She also thanked the club for their contributions in achieving the 2023-2024 goal of being President Distinguished for the third consecutive year. Incoming President Joshua Edwards conveyed his appreciation to the club and challenged the new executive to begin with the end in mind. He also encouraged the club to aim for Presidents Distinguished in the upcoming year. The mission of Toastmasters Club is to provide a supportive and positive learning experience where members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. The Toastmasters International motto is Where Leaders Are Made. Tortola Toastmasters is proud to be a part of District 81 which serves the Caribbean Region. Division E Director Yvonne Thomas represents all the Toastmasters Club in Division E include Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Maarten, St. Martin, St. Kitts & Nevis, Virgin Islands of the United States (USVI) and the Virgin Islands (BVI).

The Tortola Toastmasters Club meets every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday of the month at 6 pm (GMT -4) via WebEx and in person. Feel free to keep in touch with the Tortola Toastmasters Club of the BVI via the following media:

Toastmasters Websites: https://tortola.toastmastersclubs.org or https://www.toastmasters.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TortolaToastmastersClub/ Toastmasters Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Images attached

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, the organization's membership exceeds 270,000 in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The reconstruction of the Terminal Building at Princess Juliana International Airport will be completed by this October, management of the airport assured Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication when she toured the facilities on Friday.

In her discussions with the airport management (PJIAE) team, the minister emphasized the critical importance of completing the terminal building which has been ongoing for the last seven years.

This project is vital not only for the residents of St. Maarten but also for visitors and neighboring islands that rely on SXM as a hub airport, Heyliger-Marten said.

The minister expressed concern about the delays in reconstruction which has resulted in a significant $7 million cost increase due to an oversight. Of particular concern to her was the issue of travelers opting for direct flights to Anguilla or choosing routes via Puerto Rico to St. Barths instead of using St. Maarten as a hub.

Min. Heyliger-Marten noted that American Airlines has increased its direct service to Anguilla and other neighboring islands, further diminishing the hub function of SXM Airport. The minister is awaiting detailed figures and responses to several inquiries she made during the previous week.

The current state of the arrival hall negatively impacts the islands first impression on visitors, Heyliger-Marten continued. She said poor arrival experiences can contribute to a decline in repeat visitors and a potential loss of market share.

Furthermore, as St. Maarten prepares to host the upcoming Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference in October, the Minister highlighted the necessity of ensuring that cruise industry partners and visitors have a seamless and positive first and lasting impression of the island. Over 500 delegates are expected to attend the conference.

Heyliger-Marten also expressed concerns regarding employee satisfaction at PJIAE and the turnover rate. The management of PJIAE informed her that they are actively recruiting St. Martiners from the Netherlands. Detailed hiring figures will be provided to the minister shortly.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Board of the National Alliance (NA) is deeply concerned about the false narratives being spread by the outgoing 2x4 coalition. These misleading claims undermine public trust in elected officials.

When the National Alliance took office in November 2019, they inherited a budget for fiscal year 2019 that had just been approved after nearly a year's delay by the previous DP Minister. This delay halted new policy implementation and left the budget unbalanced, with a shortfall of approximately NAF 71 million guilders, necessitating a request for liquidity support from the Netherlands.

Despite the challenges left by Hurricane Irma, the NA-led Government did not complain. Then, in March 2020, St. Maarten, along with the rest of the world, faced the global COVID-19 pandemic. The government quickly created and executed the St. Maarten Stimulus and Relief Plan, providing direct financial support to over 1,600 companies to help pay employees. Additionally, bus drivers, taxi drivers, independent taxi drivers, and individuals who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 received stipends. For eighteen months, the NA/UPP-led Government provided critical support during these trying times.

St. Maarten was one of the first islands to safely reopen to the world, recognizing tourism as its primary income generator. Airlines and cruise ships soon returned, a process that takes time. By the end of 2022, normalcy had returned, allowing the Government to focus on the island's numerous challenges.

Key accomplishments included forming task forces to collect payments from individuals and companies owing years of domain land fees and casinos in arrears. The government also ensured that the Justice Chain received their rightful positions and payments. Additionally, over ten years of financial statements were cleaned up, the budget was balanced, and NAF 90 million guilders were secured for capital expenditures for the first time in over a decade. Capital expenditure is crucial for national development, and the inability to invest each year has significant ripple effects. These critical milestones were achieved under the NA-led Government, despite the distorted picture the outgoing Council of Ministers attempts to paint.

The National Alliance remains committed to transparency and progress, standing by the achievements and integrity of their ministers.
Lai calls on troops to make Taiwan 'safer' after China drills



Hualien, Taiwan, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te thanked troops on Tuesday after China held military exercises around the self-ruled island, as he urged them to help make it "safer".

Three days after Lai was sworn into office, warships and fighter jets encircled Taiwan in drills China said were a test of its ability to seize the island it claims as part of its territory.

Lai vowed in his inaugural speech to defend Taiwan's democracy and freedom, which Beijing said amounted to a "confession of independence".

Speaking during a visit to an air force base in eastern Hualien on Tuesday, Lai toasted the troops for their hard work "in response to China's military exercises" -- his first direct reference to the war games on Thursday and Friday.

"Let's work together and continue to work hard to make our country safer," he said.

"Everyone is on standby 24 hours a day to perform air patrol missions... All brothers and sisters use their firm determination and outstanding combat skills to demonstrate their air combat capabilities and protect our airspace," he added.

Lai also visited an army base where he watched artillerymen demonstrate loading and discharging a howitzer.

He gave the soldiers a "red envelope" -- a tradition during holidays -- as a token of appreciation and took group photos with the troops.

The Hualien air force base saw dozens of fighter jets take off on Friday, the second day of China's military drills.

China has upped military and political pressures on Taiwan in recent years, and its naval vessels, drones and warplanes maintain a near-daily presence around the island.

On Tuesday, Taiwan's defence ministry said three Chinese warplanes, and 11 naval and coastguard ships were detected in the past 24 hours -- down from the 21 aircraft and 15 ships it reported on Monday.

Experts say these are "grey zone tactics", which stop short of outright acts of war but serve to exhaust Taipei's military.
Belgium commits to deliver 30 F-16 jets to Kyiv by 2028



Brussels, Belgium, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



Belgium on Tuesday committed to delivering 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028 to help Kyiv battle Russia's invasion, at the start of a visit by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

The pledge was made as part of a bilateral security and long-term support accord signed by Zelensky and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, the latest in a string of similar Ukrainian accords with Western allies.

"For the first time, such an agreement specifies the exact number of F-16 fighter jets -- 30 -- that will be delivered to Ukraine until 2028," Zelensky wrote on X.

Zelensky said the first aircraft would be "arriving already this year" -- though Belgium's Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib was more cautious, saying earlier that "we hope deliveries will start at the end of this year".

The bilateral security agreement, Zelensky said, "includes at least 977 million euros in Belgian military aid to Ukraine this year," in addition to a commitment of support over the next 10 years.

The Ukrainian leader jetted into Brussels from Spain late on Monday as part of a whistlestop tour to several European countries in a bid to rally support for Kyiv.

He was to hold a press conference with De Croo and visit a military airbase in the Belgian capital, where he will meet instructors helping to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s.

Belgium had previously pledged to supply F-16 aircraft to Kyiv as part of a broader initiative by European allies.

Overall, Brussels says it has committed 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) to providing military support for Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion.

Spain, a day earlier, pledged one billion euros in military aid as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Zelensky signed their own security deal in Madrid.

Zelensky's latest tour comes as Ukraine is struggling to hold back a Russian ground offensive in the Kharkiv region, where Moscow recently has made its largest territorial gains in 18 months.

Following his trip to Belgium, Zelensky is set to head to Portugal later on Tuesday.

With the Russian assault now in its third year, Ukraine has been pleading for more weapons for its outgunned and outnumbered troops, notably seeking help to address its lack of air defence systems.

The Ukrainian leader is also trying to whip up support for a peace conference due to be held in Switzerland next month, as Kyiv has rejected any push to invite Russia.

mad-ec/bc
Iraq's Sadr demands closure of US embassy after Rafah strike



Baghdad, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



Influential Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr renewed his calls to close the US embassy in Baghdad Tuesday after an Israeli strike killed dozens of civilians in a camp in Gaza.

Health officials in Gaza said the Sunday night strike killed at least 45 people in a displaced persons' camp in Rafah, the south Gaza city where Israel launched a controversial offensive earlier this month.

Sadr condemned the Israeli strike and Washington's "shameless" support for the "genocide" he charged was under way in Gaza.

"I reiterate my demand to expel" the US ambassador and "close the embassy through diplomatic means without bloodshed," he said in a statement on X.

He said that would be a more effective deterrent than the use of force and would mean US officials "don't have an excuse to destabilise Iraq".

Sadr once led a militia fighting US-led forces after the 2003 invasion that toppled longtime dictator Saddam Hussein.

He retains a devoted following of millions among the country's Shiite Muslim majority community, and wields great influence over Iraqi politics.

The Iraqi foreign ministry condemned the "criminal acts that the occupation continues to commit" in Gaza, and urged the international community to take "deterrent" steps and impose sanctions on Israel.

The Israeli strike prompted a wave of international condemnation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a "tragic accident" but vowed to push on with the military campaign to destroy Hamas.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in the death of around 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 36,050 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

All of Iraq's political parties support the Palestinian cause. Like its neighbour Iran, Iraq does not recognise the Israeli state.
Poland should not rule out sending troops to Ukraine: foreign minister



Warsaw, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



Poland should not rule out sending ground troops into Ukraine to help fight Russia, the government said on Tuesday, in the latest sign of divisions between Kyiv's Western backers on the issue.

Kyiv has been dependent on Western military aid in its fight with Moscow's forces but many of its allies remain uneasy about the prospect of sending troops into battle with Russian soldiers.

In February, French President Emmanuel Macron created uproar among fellow members of the US-led NATO defence alliance when he refused to rule out the despatch of Western troops to Ukraine.

But with Ukraine ceding ground in the face of a Russian offensive in the east, there are signs others among Kyiv's allies, including Poland, have begun to reconsider the idea.

Questioned on the prospect of sending Polish troops to fight in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Warsaw should "not rule out any option".

"Let (Russian President Vladimir) Putin guess what we are going to do," he said in an interview with three European newspapers, including Poland's Gazeta Wyborcza.

This was not the first time Sikorski has raised the possibility of sending NATO soldiers into Ukraine.

In March, he described the prospect as "not unthinkable".

"I appreciate French President Emmanuel Macron's initiative because it's about making Putin afraid, not us being afraid of Putin," Sikorski said on X.

In May, Macron reiterated his comments, saying the question of sending Western ground troops into Ukraine would "legitimately" arise if Russia broke through Ukrainian front lines and Kyiv made such a request.

Poland has been a staunch supporter of its neighbour Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Biden absence from Ukraine peace summit would be like 'applauding Putin': Zelensky



Brussels, Belgium, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



US President Joe Biden's absence from a Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland would be akin to giving Russian leader Vladimir Putin a standing ovation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday, urging maximum participation.

Biden has yet to confirm whether or not he will attend the conference, set for mid-June.

"If he is not present, it will be just like applauding Putin: personally applauding and doing so standing," Zelensky said during a visit to Brussels.

"I believe that the Peace Summit needs President Biden, and other leaders who are looking at the US response also need him," he added.

Zelensky has said dozens of world leaders will attend the summit. He said Tuesday that attending or not is a "choice" between wanting peace or war in Ukraine.

"If you want peace, you will be there and you will speak, even if you don't agree with something," he said.

"And if you want war, you will go to the mob that Russia wants to organise," he added, saying that countries who will skip the summit are "satisfied with war."

Zelensky has ruled out Moscow's participation and accused Putin of trying to derail the summit.

"Putin is very scared of the peace summit," he said. "He has been trying to thwart this summit and continues to do so."

He said the Kremlin is "doing everything" for the "further expansion of the war."

Russia has made gains in eastern Ukraine in recent weeks, launching a renewed ground offensive in the northeast of the country.

The summit will take place almost 28 months into Moscow's invasion.
'Risk averse' West torn over Ukraine push to strike Russia: analysts



Paris, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



As calls multiply to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia using Western-supplied longer-range weapons, analysts said Tuesday that Kyiv's allies remained "risk-averse" and deterred by Moscow's nuclear sabre rattling.

The issue is deeply divisive among Ukraine's supporters, with the United States and Germany reluctant to permit Ukraine to strike over the border out of fear it could drag them closer to direct conflict with Moscow.

On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin warned of "serious consequences" if Western countries allowed Ukraine to use their weapons to strike Russia.

The Kremlin has also gloated over the persisting differences in the West.

"We see that there is no consensus on this issue in the Western camp," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian daily Izvestia on Tuesday.

He slammed the "hotheads who are making absolutely irresponsible and provocative statements."

"But there are also those who ask themselves the question 'Is it necessary to escalate further?'"

- Discord -



On Monday, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged Western powers to reconsider the restrictions as they were hampering Kyiv's ability to defend itself.

But Washington and other allies are reluctant, fearing a possible escalation could prompt Putin to use nuclear weapons.

"I think this is unfair," Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said about western restrictions on use of their weapons.

French military historian Michel Goya said there is little past evidence suggesting that a country providing lethal aid would get dragged into a conflict.

Western weapons have already been used on several occasions against Russia's territory, most recently against the southern town of Krasnodar, several Western sources said.

Moscow, Goya said, had claimed that Crimea annexed from Ukraine in 2014 was "untouchable."

"The Ukrainians hit it with American weapons and nothing happened", the former French colonel told AFP.

- 'Limitations' -



The stakes are huge. Ukraine is struggling to hold back a Russian ground offensive in the Kharkiv region, where Moscow recently made its largest territorial gains in 18 months.

With Russia's war against Ukraine in its third year, Ukrainian soldiers are exhausted and outgunned.

"Ukraine complains that the limitations imposed by the allies make it easier for Russia to establish a strategic, operational and tactical advantage," James Everard, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told AFP.

Military experts say it is hard for Ukraine to defend itself if it cannot hit military targets on the other side of the border.

"Ukraine has been striking behind enemy lines since the start of the full-scale war," said analyst Ivan Klyszcz of the Estonia-based International Centre for Defence and Security.

Such strikes are essential to wear down enemy forces, disrupt their supply and logistics chains and engage in counter-battery fire, he said.

The question now is "whether these strikes should also take place inside Russia," said Klyszcz.

"The reality is that Russia's nuclear sabre-rattling and conventional armed forces have deterred many Western decision-makers from decidedly helping Ukraine in its war of self-defence."



- 'Self-deterred by Russia' -



The Western response to the invasion has been driven by fears of escalation, with Kyiv's allies initially hesitating to supply long-range missiles, heavy tanks and fighter jets.

Many of the initial red lines have eventually been crossed, but a lot of time has been lost as Western leaders dither, military experts say.

"In retrospect, we realise that if they had given in from the outset, it would have been more effective," said Goya.

He pointed out that "international law authorises a country under attack to strike the aggressor country provided that it respects humanitarian law."

"Our leaders are mainly risk-averse and financially challenged, and so self-deterred by Russia," said Everard.

He added that restrictions on the use of weapon systems are made by each of Ukraine's allies, not NATO, which complicates the situation further.

"Unsurprisingly this produces an uneven set of freedoms and constraints that are difficult to interpret."



- 'Follow Macron's lead' -



Many Kyiv allies also remain uneasy about the prospect of sending Western troops to Ukraine.

In February, French President Emmanuel Macron sparked an uproar among NATO members when he refused to rule out dispatching troops to Ukraine.

But with Ukraine ceding ground, signs are multiplying that countries like Poland, the Czech Republic and the Baltic States are warming to the idea.

"Macron's breaking of the taboo on discussing Western deployments of troops inside Ukraine was a watershed moment in Russia's diminishing deterrence," said Klyszcz.

Many allies, he added, are now "cautiously hinting at the possibility of deploying some sort of on-the-ground presence in the form of trainers or technical assistance."

Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, wrote that more European leaders should "follow Macron's lead."

"Publicly ruling out a Western troop presence in Ukraine makes no sense, whether or not it's a realistic proposition for some NATO countries," he said.

"Just the possibility is one of the Kremlin's greatest fears."
Putin warns of 'serious consequences' if Western arms strike Russia



Moscow, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that there would be "serious consequences" if Western countries allowed Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets in Russia, as sought by Kyiv.

Putin's warning came in response to calls within some NATO members as well as the alliance's chief Jens Stoltenberg to allow Ukraine to use their arms to step up attacks on Russian soil, in an attempt to end more than two years of fighting.

"This constant escalation can lead to serious consequences," Putin said during a visit to Uzbekistan.

"In Europe, especially in small countries, they should be aware of what they are playing with," he said, noting that many European countries had "small territory" and a "dense population".

"And this factor, which they should keep in mind before they talk about striking deep into Russian territory, is a serious thing," he said.

He added that even if Ukraine's forces carried out the strikes, responsibility for them would lie with Western suppliers of the weapons.

"They want a global conflict," he said. Western countries have long been wary of being deemed a belligerent in the Ukraine conflict as they provide support to Kyiv.

Putin also said that while he believed Western military instructors were already in Ukraine operating undercover as mercenaries, any move by countries to send them officially would be another "escalation".

Ukraine's top commander announced Monday that talks were being held with France on sending military instructors to the country.

"It is another step towards a serious conflict in Europe, towards a global conflict," Putin said.

"There are specialists there under the guise of mercenaries," he said, adding that "this was nothing new".

He said they would be "defeated" by the Russian army, as "we will do what we think is necessary regardless of who is on the territory of Ukraine".

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said after a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels that European countries were split on sending military instructors to Ukraine.

Countries including Germany oppose taking a step they fear could potentially drag them closer to direct conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia.

EU countries have trained 50,000 Ukrainian troops outside the war-torn country under a bloc-wide mission set up in 2022.



- June summit goal -



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pressing Western allies to provide longer-range missiles and other material for striking deeper into Russia in a bid to cripple its military and industrial capacity.

With the Russian assault now in its third year, Ukraine is also pleading for more weapons for its outgunned and outnumbered troops, notably seeking help to address its lack of air defence systems.

So far Kyiv's partners have demanded that their arms not be used to attack Russian soil, which Kyiv forces have instead been doing with local-made explosive drones.

Belgium on Tuesday committed to delivering 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028 to help Kyiv battle Russia's invasion, at the start of a visit by Zelensky.

The Ukrainian leader was in Spain on Monday and then later in Portugal on Tuesday as part of a whirlwind tour of European capitals.

Spanish Premier Pedro Sanchez pledged one billion euros ($1.1 billion) in military aid and signed a security deal with Zelensky in Madrid.

Portugal said it would provide at least 126 million euros of aid this year and also signed a bilateral security agreement, Zelensky said in a post on social media.

The Ukrainian leader is trying to whip up support for a peace conference due to be held in Switzerland next month, as Kyiv has rejected any push to invite Russia.

On Tuesday, he urged US President Joe Biden to attend a June peace summit in Switzerland, accusing Putin of trying to derail the gathering.

"If (Biden) is not present, it will be just like applauding Putin: personally applauding and doing so standing," Zelensky said at a press conference with Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

Putin is "very scared" of the peace summit aimed at agreeing the terms needed to end the conflict, Zelensky said, adding that "He has been trying to thwart this summit and continues to do so".

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said any such conference was "hopeless" without Russia's participation

Sweden said Tuesday that it was suspending plans to send Gripen jets to Ukraine, as its partners want to prioritise the delivery of US-made F-16s fighter jets to Kyiv.
Israel army says its munitions alone 'could not' have caused Sunday's deadly Rafah blaze



Jerusalem, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



Israel's army said Tuesday its munitions alone "could not" have caused a deadly blaze that Gaza health authorities reported killed 45 people in the Palestinian territory's far-southern city of Rafah.

"Our munition alone could not have ignited a fire of this size," military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a press briefing on the preliminary findings of an army probe into Sunday night's deadly inferno that drew international condemnation.

Israel's military said it had targeted and killed two senior Hamas militants in northwest Rafah in the strike, which sparked a blaze that tore through an encampment full of displaced Palestinians.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday called it "a tragic accident".

Hagari told reporters the army had gathered "precise intelligence" before the strike, including aerial surveillance, as part of an effort to "minimise civilian harm".

The strike targeted a compound "outside the area that we designated as a humanitarian area".

Hagari was referring to an area in Al-Mawasi that the army had ordered people in Rafah to go to when it launched its ground assault on the city.

Aircraft dropped two 17-kilogramme munitions on the target, he said, adding that was the smallest-sized munition that Israeli jets can use.

"We know that in the compound that we attacked there were only Hamas members," he said.

Hagari said the cause of the fire following the strike was still undetermined.

"We are looking into all possibilities, including the option that weapons stored in a compound next to our target... may have ignited as a result of the strike."

The spokesman aired a recording of a phone call he said Israeli intelligence had intercepted, which raised "the possibility that weapons stored in a nearby compound caught fire".

"We are also assessing footage documented by Gazans on the night of the strike, posted on social media, which appear to show secondary explosions, indicating that there may have been weapons in the area."

Hagari also showed satellite imagery that he said showed Hamas rocket launchers about 40 metres (yards) from the structure that had been targeted in the strike.

"Despite our efforts to minimise civilian casualties, the fire that broke out was unexpected and unintended," he said.

Hagari pledged that the army would carry out a "swift, comprehensive and transparent" investigation.

ibz-lba-mca-jd
Digital infrastructure company Equinix officially opened its first two International Business Exchange (IBX) data centres in Malaysia on Monday  one in Johor and the other in Kuala Lumpur.

The Johor facility  billed as JH1  has been in the works since Equinix first announced plans to build it in late 2022 with an initial investment of approximately US$40 million. JH1 provides 500 cabinets and 1,960 square meters of colocation space.

Meanwhile, the new facility in Kuala Lumpur  KL1, which was announced in June 2023  is located in Cyberjaya, and is designed to provide an initial capacity of 450 cabinets and colocation space of 1,300 square metres. Once its fully built, KL1 will be at the same scale as JH1.

According to the Bernama news agency, Equinix said in a statement that the carrier-neutral data centres will give Malaysian-based businesses access to a global ecosystem of over 10,000 enterprises, networks and cloud service providers, while global businesses can capitalise on digital developments and opportunities in Malaysia  especially those related to development of AI.

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation and cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence, their need for a network-dense, cloud adjacent and on-demand digital infrastructure becomes paramount, Equinix said.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) CEO Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said Equinix's advanced data centres will create significant opportunities for businesses especially local enterprises to innovate and grow as they integrate with the global ecosystem.

MIDA is dedicated to facilitating investments like Equinixs, which not only drive economic growth but also foster innovation and create sustainable employment opportunities in Malaysia, he told Bernama.
We remain committed to doing the best by our workforce who deliver essential local services in every community across Scotland and understand our trade unions seeking the best deal possible, but this years settlement from Scottish Government means that going any further will mean job losses and service cuts.
An example of her live cinema concept, which she developed in Germany and feels is greeted with misogyny and rage by critics here, it's a bold opening statement for David Byrnes tenure as the new artistic director of the Royal Court. I found it captivating, though not always for the right reasons.
But the most interesting comment we have in those parts comes from her first manager, Nick Shymansky, who says, Maybe the first record [Frank] hadnt fulfilled her. And that was the moment this void opened up and as an artist I think she wanted to be seen as a little bit more exciting and edgy. Camden at that point was probably a dangerous place for someone like her at that moment in time to live. She started to go out to the pubs, the drink turned into a line, the I can drink anyone under the table, I can do more drugs, I can be more wild I can be more dangerous. She got lost in it.
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LEO satellite operator Starlink has been cleared for a licence to offer services in Zimbabwe by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who said he has given the countrys telecoms regulator approval to do so.

In a post on X (a.k.a. Twitter) on Saturday, Mnangagwa said that the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has been cleared to licence Starlink to offer advanced internet and related digital processing services via its exclusive local partner, IMC Communications.

The entry by Starlink in the digital telecommunications space in Zimbabwe is expected to result in the deployment of high speed, low cost, LEO internet infrastructure throughout Zimbabwe and particularly in all the rural areas, Mnangagwa said.

The announcement comes after POTRAZ spent much of this year cracking down on illegal usage of Starlink services. In January, reports surfaced that POTRAZ was conducting nationwide raids to arrest people using Starlink kits, and warned that anyone running ads to sell Starlink kits or subscriptions in Zimbabwe could be arrested.

Similar stories have played out in other countries across Africa, including Cameroon, Cote dIvoire, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Senegal, Mali and Sudan, according to Ecofin Agency, as well as some Pacific island states.

Starlink disconnected services in Zimbabwe in mid-April at POTRAZs request. Also last month, Starlink said it would halt its roaming service to countries where it did not have an operating licence, following reports that people in such countries were buying Starlink subscriptions and equipment overseas and importing them for local use.

That said, the recent fiasco over subsea cable cuts causing internet outages across Africa over the last couple of months has shed light on the benefits of satellite-based options. After four subsea cables were severed off the coast of Cote dIvoire in March, Ghana  which banned sales of Starlink kits last year  issued a licence to Starlink the following month.

Mnangagwa said that allowing Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe would not only bridge the countrys digital divide, but also boost enough confidence in the countrys telecoms infrastructure to encourage investment.

I encourage more investment by foreign conglomerates in Zimbabwe as we are an investment destination of choice, he said.
If you look at coal, if you look at  as I have got  the slate quarries, we have got granite quarries. We have poor housing, built cheaply, in which people still have to live, and yet we are paying in North Wales some of the highest standing charges for electricity.
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 2022-23 school year compared to 2021-22.

During the 2022-23 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 2021-22 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 2022-23 school year is not yet available, data from 2021-22 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 2022-23 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.
The first edition of the Romania-Brazil Business Forum organised by the Brazilian Embassy in Bucharest will take place on Wednesday, May 29, according to the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB).

The forum focuses on entrepreneurship in Brazil and Romania.

Brazil is the largest country in South America in terms of land size, population and economy. In its turn, Romania is the 12th largest economy in the EU. Despite this, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), trade with Brazil accounted last year for only 1.65% of Romania's trade with non-European countries and less than 1% of trade with non-EU countries.

Romania imports from Brazil mainly raw materials and semi-finished products, especially soybean residues (used as animal feed), sugar, crude oil, coffee, tobacco, beef and construction materials.

Romania's exports to Brazil consist of products with higher added value, especially automotive components, beverages, medicines and IT services.

"The current negotiations on a free trade agreement between Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay) and the EU will mark a new era between the two regions with clear common values. This region-to-region agreement, once signed, will represent more than mere trade concessions; it will be a testament to our commitments to doing business and developing together," according to Brazil's ambassador in Bucharest.

The first edition of the Brazil-Romania Business Forum is said to ask a key question for the relationship between the two countries: what can be done in the coming years to improve bilateral trade and investment ties between Romania and Brazil?

Bilateral trade has hovered around an average of USD 750 million in recent years, but these figures from Brazilian sources do not yet reflect the full potential of trade ties between Brazil and Romania.

What the May 29 event is said to expect in terms of strengthening and promoting the strategic partnership between the two countries is establishing a more comprehensive trade dynamic, supporting the bilateral business environment, promoting partnerships between Brazilian and Romanian companies, creating a platform for regular trade forums in the future, intensifying and diversifying bilateral trade.

Last but not least, the Brazil-Romania Business Forum will serve as a platform linking the two economies, encouraging trade and sustainable investment to the benefit of both countries.
Health Minister Alexandru Rafila is attending the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA77) in Geneva this week.

"In the plenary of the assembly, the minister of Health delivered a speech in which he supported the need for a coordinated approach to health reforms, in which investments must be coupled with measures to ensure sufficient, well-trained and motivated human resources," informs the Ministry of Health.

The 194 member states are discussing important issues such as antimicrobial resistance, non-communicable diseases and access to health services.

"Regarding the draft Agreement on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, member states have not reached a consensus and an extension of the negotiations on this document is being considered," the same source says.

Romania's delegation also includes representatives of young doctors and medical students.

The Romanian delegation also had a series of technical meetings with representatives of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, GE Healthcare and other actors interested in developing concrete projects in Romania
Senate chair Ciuca on Tuesday told a press conference in Timisoara that the highest peak of foreign direct investments in Romania was recorded in 2022, when their level reached 10.3 billion RON, although this was the year when the invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine began and there was a certain insecurity among foreign investors.

"When we talk about foreign direct investments, we only talk about capital that comes from foreign investors. I can say that the highest peak of foreign investments in Romania was achieved in 2022, when, the very year in which the invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine began and there was a certain uncertainty, we managed to achieve the largest amount of foreign direct investment in Romania, 10.3 billion RON. We are only talking about money from foreign investors. Now, the programs aimed at the use of European funds and the money from the budget to support and consolidate the Romanian capital are heading in this direction," said Nicolae Ciuca, who was head of the Government between November 2021 and June 2023.

He mentioned that in 2007, when Romania joined the European Union, the turnover of the Romanian business milieu reached 490 billion RON, and currently this indicator stands at 2,700 billion RON.

"The consolidation part of the Romanian capital is absolutely necessary. The Romanian capital, in terms of profitability and contribution to the budget, has a figure of 7.8%, given that it is 3.7% for foreign investors. We can notice that it was not by chance that I said that the Government and the state institutions must be partners of the business milieu, because the Romanian capital is the one that has the most consistent contribution to the state budget, it has stability and I have not heard of it leaving under the conditions of difficulty in the country. When the war started in Ukraine, business people from Romania stayed here and even looked for solutions to consolidate themselves better, to stabilize themselves", said Nicolae Ciuca.
The Hungarian minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Peter Szijjarto, told a press conference in central Targu Mures, the Mures County on Monday evening that one of the important objectives of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is for Romania to obtain Schengen membership and that Hungary will do its utmost to achieve this.

"One of the important objectives of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is for Romania to obtain Schengen Area membership. It is also in Hungary's national interest and in the interest of the whole nation (...). Along the Romanian-Hungarian border there are 10 border crossing points that can be used only once a week by citizens of the two countries, because you are not a Schengen member state. Once you have joined Schengen, we can immediately have a closer link between our citizens, and living along the borders will get a new meaning, cross-border communities will get a new meaning and new possibilities, which is why we will do our best to have you join the Schengen Area," said minister Peter Szijjarto.

As regards the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union, the Hungarian minister said that his country supports this desire of Chisinau, to which they will offer all their support to make progress on the path to integration.

The Hungarian minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Peter Szijjarto, attended a political forum in Targu Mures on Monday evening, alongside the leader of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania, Kelemen Hunor.
Minister of Labour and Social Solidarity (MMSS) Simona Bucura Oprescu discussed in Iasi, at the meeting of the Social Dialogue Commission, the new pension law, the course of the new public sector pay law, labour, employment and vocational training, the work of social welfare institutions, as well as other topics of broad interest.

"Strengthening social dialogue is one of the priorities of my mandate, and in this regard we have had and continue to have consultations at the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity with all social partners because only together we can find the best solutions to the problems faced by a particular sector of activity or society as a whole. Today (Tuesday, editor's note) we had an open dialogue in Iasi, applied in what I consider to be a social partnership between the administration, employers' organisations and trade unions. As Minister of Labour and Social Solidarity I believe that social dialogue is essential if we really want to ensure the much needed balance in society, to ensure the right balance between needs, resources and strategies to be followed to maximize results for the benefit of citizens," said Minister Simona Bucura-Oprescu, according to a post on the Facebook page of the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity (MMSS).

According to the quoted source, the minister of Labour attended the meeting of the Social Dialogue Commission on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Prefect's Institution of Iasi County, where representatives of the Prefecture, the County Council, deconcentrated public services, trade unions and representative employers' associations were present.
An impact study before taking any decision regarding a new ceiling extended to all Romanian products is absolutely necessary to correctly understand the implications in the functioning of the agri-food market in Romania, support the representatives of the association of small and medium-sized traders and those of the large commercial networks in Romania.

"In the context in which the Ministry of Agriculture communicated in the public space about the intention to operate a sixth ceiling - much more extensive than all the others and which would concern all Romanian products - the need for an impact study becomes critical. Carrying out a study is practically the only way to obtain clear information and evaluations, for all economic operators in the agri-food sector, about the implications that such a decision may have, both in the short term, and in the context of the common competitive market clearly expressed the opportunities, risks and responsibilities of the successive ceilings so that we do not all enter into an adventure with an extremely uncertain end", reads a press release of the National Association of Small and Medium-sized Traders in Romania (ANCMMR) and the Association of Large Retail Networks from Romania (AMRCR).

According to the same source, there is currently no evaluation or approximation of the concrete effects in the market for consumers, farmers, producers or retailers, nor the objective that such a measure could pursue.

The minister of Agriculture, Florin Barbu, announced, in the middle of this month, that they are working on the project regarding the limitation of the commercial addition to all products processed in Romania, noting that "there is an unfair commercial practice, so that there are Romanian products with a very high commercial addition, and the imported products have a very small commercial value."

He explained, at the Victoria Palace, that all categories of imported products that are not processed or slaughtered and are sold as raw materials will have a 5% commercial surcharge.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is helping build HOPE throughout the St. Louis area.

Housing Options Provided for the Elderly (HOPE) in University City, Mo., is a recipient of $123,264 as part of $11 million being granted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments (HUD) Office of Housing Counseling.

The funds are earmarked to facilitate counseling services catering to the needs of homebuyers, homeowners, and renters across America.

Among HOPEs services is reverse mortgage counseling. Its counselors assist seniors who are considering a reverse mortgage, offering accurate information from an unbiased source.

The agency also allows clients with low income or other hardships to finance the counseling fee, paying it from loan proceeds.

As stated on its website, HOPEs mission is Helping older adults live with dignity and independence in the housing most appropriate to their circumstances. It is the only Missouri organization to receive the current boost in financing.

Many organizations receiving grants can use the funds to help bolster home ownership  a key to wealth building in Black and minority communities.

Vice President Kamala Harris said during a Milwaukee stop on her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour, Homeownership represents more than just a roof over our heads.

It represents financial security, the opportunity to build wealth and equity, and a foundation for a better future for ourselves, our children, and future generations.

Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the pivotal role of HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, which served nearly 1 million Americans last year alone, providing crucial advice on financial literacy, home maintenance, and foreclosure prevention.

This past year, HUD-approved housing counseling agencies reached almost 1 million Americans, providing them with invaluable advice on important topics like financial literacy, maintaining a home, and avoiding foreclosure, Todman said.

The awarded grants are poised to benefit more than 165 housing counseling agencies and intermediary organizations.

Notably, 14 grantees will collaborate with 60 historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions to support new homeowners of color and other marginalized communities.

The White House said the allocated funds will bolster counseling services covering various topics, including financial management, homeownership, and affordable rental housing.

For instance, UnidosUS aims to pave pathways for Latino homebuyers to enhance credit, access down payment assistance programs, and secure sustainable mortgage loans.

In Wisconsin, HUD estimates that over $300,000 of the new funding will aid consumers, with nearly 35,000 Americans already assisted by the program, 19,000 of whom reside in Milwaukee.

Officials said those counseling services, currently serving nearly 12,000 families in Wisconsin, including 40% Black families, play a crucial role in navigating housing challenges amid rising costs and limited inventory.

David Berenbaum, deputy assistant secretary for housing counseling, said it is important to have HUD-certified housing counselors as the first point of contact for those seeking housing support.

Since 2020, HUD has been at the forefront of supporting housing counseling initiatives, aiding over 3 million individuals and families to obtain, sustain, and retain their homes.

Berenbaum added that HUDs ongoing initiatives, such as the introduction of programs aimed at historically underserved communities and the distribution of grants to bolster housing counseling services nationwide, underscore its commitment to extending housing counseling.

Given the rising costs of housing, coupled with limited available inventory, housing counseling is a critical resource for homebuyers and renters seeking to navigate challenging processes and decisions, he said.
JEFFERSON CITY  Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is facing a possible ethics investigation following the filing of a complaint involving his campaign for governor.

In a May 22 letter to the Missouri Ethics Commission, lobbyist and attorney Jane Dueker alleges that a political action committee formed to raise money on behalf of Ashcroft made an unlawful and unreported contribution associated with a fundraising appeal in March.

Dueker, who lobbies for police organizations in the St. Louis area, notes that the Committee for Liberty PAC split the cost of the mailing, resulting in a contribution of $5,244 to Ashcrofts personal fundraising committee.

That committee cannot accept amounts over $2,825 per election under state law.

Ashcroft for Missouri has filed false campaign finance reports and the (Ethics) Commission should take appropriate action, said the complaint, which was first reported by the Missouri Scout political newsletter.

An Ashcroft campaign spokesman rejected the accusation.

This is 100% fundraising activity and has only been mailed to GOP donors from specific donor lists, so theres nothing to her complaint, said campaign manager Jason Cabel Roe.

Ashcroft, the son of former U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft, is leading in GOP primary polls against Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and state Sen. Bill Eigel of Weldon Spring.

But Kehoe has raised more money and has received a bevy of endorsements from farm organizations and law enforcement groups, including police organizations represented by Dueker.

In April, Ashcroft announced the St. Louis Ethical Society of Police, an organization representing primarily Black St. Louis police officers, had endorsed him for governor.

Its not clear when or if the commission will take up the complaint.

The MEC currently does not have enough members to meet because the state Senate did not take up a series of appointments to various boards and commissions before adjourning earlier this month.

At least five complaints against other campaign committees were dismissed in recent weeks by the MEC because of a lack of a quorum.

According to the most recent fundraising report, Kehoe continues to dominate the money race. In the quarter ending March 31, Kehoe took in more than $556,000. His affiliated American Dream PAC raised more than $1.8 million.

During the same time period, Eigels campaign committee and PAC took in more than $572,000.

Ashcrofts combined campaign and PAC totals accounted for around $509,000.

The liberal Democrat behind this phony complaint is using the same kind of lawfare we see Democrats using nationally to target Republicans, Roe added.

The winner of the August Republican primary will face either House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, or southwest Missouri businessman Mike Hamra.
JEFFERSON CITY  A proposal to create a cyberstalking task force in Missouri awaits action by Gov. Mike Parson.

In one of the last votes of the Legislatures annual session, the House signed off on a package of crime-related laws that includes the Stop Cyberstalking and Harassment Task Force.

The proposed task force has been pushed by Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, and, before her, former Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur. If signed into law, the panel would be charged with developing best practices for preventing cyberstalking and harassment and for treating victims.

The task force also could recommend law-enforcement training and tools, coordination between police departments, victims rights and services and public education on the issue.

This issue is extremely complex, with cases often crossing state lines, McCreery told a Senate panel earlier this year.

McCreery added that tightening state laws is critically important in our online world with the rise of social media, AI image depictions and rapidly changing technology.

The task force would consist of at least 16 members, including law enforcement, prosecutors, victims advocates and state lawmakers.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly one million U.S. residents fell victim to cyberstalking in 2019.

In Missouri, one case stands out.

In August 2023, Robert Merkle of St. Louis was sentenced to 71 months in prison for repeatedly harassing and threatening to rape five women.

After his release from prison, Merkle will be on supervised release for three years, during which he will be barred from using or possessing electronic devices and accessing the internet without permission.

Merkle admitted harassing women in the St. Louis area and across the country for months, while he was on parole for similar crimes with different victims. Merkle met several of the women on dating sites and worked with another woman. He used email, multiple cellphones and a service that can send texts anonymously to threaten the women.

The new law, if approved, would require the task force to hold an initial meeting before Oct. 1.

The panel is required to submit a report to the governor and General Assembly each year until the task force is disbanded on Dec. 31, 2026, unless the Missouri Department of Public Safety determines the committees work should be extended until 2028.

The legislation is Senate Bill 754.
Feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly endless budgets big corporations allocate to digital marketing? Youre not alone. Many small businesses and entrepreneurs struggle to compete in the online space without a hefty financial investment.

But fear not! Effective digital marketing strategies can be implemented even with a limited budget. Effective marketing doesnt have to break the bank.

Whether youre a small business owner, a startup entrepreneur, or a seasoned marketer looking to maximize ROI, this session is dedicated to exploring innovative, cost-effective digital marketing strategies. Well delve into practical tips, tools, and techniques that can help you reach your target audience, boost engagement, and drive growthall while keeping your budget in check.

Join us as our experts uncover the secrets to successful digital marketing on a shoestring budget in this weeks edition of Lets Talk.

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Tanja Williams, Head of Client Success, Nexxen

Tanja Williams, Head of Client Success, Nexxen

Were seeing increased investment in CTV advertising, especially in the free (and ad-funded) services as the economic situation forces people to evaluate their expenditures. Free Ad streaming TV (FAST) services will continue to grow exponentially as users see the benefits in niche channels, as well as their savings. These services will also evolve, better engaging users and keeping them coming back. Advertisers will see the benefits by leveraging programmatic and data-driven targeting and converged insights.

Especially when it comes to grabbing then holding the attention of digitally native audiences, businesses are now in a CX arms race. In the past, theres been a focus on gamification, and that will likely continue, but its likely there will be a lot more interest in things like interactive video content and possibly AR, VR and the metaverse. And there will, at least initially, likely be cheap deals on offer for marketers open to trying new things.

Billy Loizou, Area VP APAC at Amperity

Billy Loizou, Area VP APAC at Amperity

With the decline of third-party cookies, the emergence of Generative AI (GenAI), and the increasing importance of first-party data, businesses are facing new challenges and opportunities. By developing smart strategies and being mindful of budget constraints, Australian businesses can successfully navigate this evolving landscape.

Unlike third-party data, which is collected by external sources, first-party data comes directly from your customers. This data is more accurate and relevant, providing valuable insights into your customers preferences, behaviours, and needs.

When effectively leveraged, first-party data can enhance customer experiences, increase engagement, personalise marketing efforts, and drive revenue that requires a solution that unifies data from both online and offline touchpoints. By consolidating, de-duplicating, and cleansing this data, you can gain a comprehensive view of your customers. Thats a solid foundation for creating well-targeted and impactful ad and marketing campaigns.

The best CDPs let organisations take control of their customer data, systematically improve customer relationships and foster brand loyalty. Brands adopting a first-party data strategy have seen great results, including match rates as high as 85 per cent on key channels, improved return on ad spend (ROAS) by up to 5x, and up to 90 per cent faster activation time for new campaigns.

Lara Barnett (Vanderluis), Head of Marketing, Australia at Logicalis

Lara Barnett (Vanderluis), Head of Marketing, Australia at Logicalis

To ensure the success of any strategy, you need to establish clear goals from the outset. To keep your plan within budget, you should define the specific objectives and desired outcomes, and align key metrics.

Be mindful of the varying timelines required for each digital channel to become effective. For instance, SEO represents a cost-effective long-term strategy, though it requires patience to gain your return on investment. On the other hand, PPC and SEM can be switched on quickly, but come with higher costs.

There is also often a tipping point when it comes to the effectiveness of digital marketing, so make sure you dont spread your investment too thin, and provide each channel with sufficient budget.

If your team lacks the necessary expertise in-house, partnering with a professional agency can be a great option. Although their services may come with fees, the potential savings in budget youll gain from employing their best practices will usually outweigh these additional costs. By leveraging their specialised knowledge, you can ensure that your digital marketing efforts are both efficient and effective, ultimately driving better results while adhering to your budget constraints.

Gavin Watson, Retail, Marketing, Creative & Manufacturing Senior Industry Lead at monday.com

Gavin Watson, Retail, Marketing, Creative & Manufacturing Senior Industry Lead at monday.com

For digital marketers today, budgeting should be about planning, removing duplication, and generating results within your allocated resources. Numerous tools are available to manage this as well as strategy and execution, but ultimately there needs to be a single, central source of truth to streamline operations, curb campaign overspending, and adhere to risk and compliance governance. Centralising information improves visibility and transparency, allowing marketers to work closely with internal departments and external agencies to drive deliverables whilst tracking results and spending. These real-time insights enable swift, data-informed decision-making. Centralised platforms also support investment decisions about the right marketing mix of channels suited for your business, helping prevent overspending or over-indexing on ineffective channels. Prioritising a single source of truth for all planned marketing campaigns is an effective way to maintain budgets, and should be front of mind for modern marketers.

Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia

Digital marketing is more important than ever.

Customers are increasingly digitally savvy and spending more time researching products and services online.

With the explosion of channels and the evolving expectations of customers for a seamless digital experience with brands  having the right digital marketing strategy in place will ensure your business remains top of mind.

But when budgets are tight, how can a small business implement a low-cost strategy to gain visibility in a competitive digital landscape?

Here are my top three digital marketing strategies for small businesses on a budget:

Leverage social media. Social media users in Australia are some of the most active in the world. Facebook is the leading platform, followed by YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram and LinkedIn. These are powerful tools to connect with potential customers, increase brand awareness and drive traffic to your website. Email marketing. Email marketing is a cost-effective way to reach a large audience and share regular communications about promotions to drive loyalty and repeat business. Australia-wide, over 8.1 billion emails are sent daily, offering your business a direct line to your customers. Content creation. Creating content is a must for small businesses. Dont limit yourself to one type of content  mix it up with blog posts, videos and infographics. The best part of content creation in 2024 is that often only a mobile phone is required to create compelling content that has the potential to gain similar (or more) exposure than paid ads  ideal for businesses on a budget.

Emily Bencsics, Marketing & Digital Specialist at Megantic

Emily Bencsics, Marketing & Digital Specialist at Megantic

Content marketing is a valuable source of marketing that can be executed regardless of budget.

You can create useful and engaging content by writing blog posts and articles, creating videos or guest starring in a podcast. When creating these types of marketing content, the most important thing to remember is that the information shared should resonate with your target audience. Whether this means you are sharing something that is new to the field, exciting to the reader or putting your personal spin on a hot topic, it is a great way to position your brand in a positive light.

The main reason that I say content marketing is a great option for budget-friendly marketing, is that you can create one piece of long-form content and reuse it in many other ways. For example, you can create a podcast and video the session to upload to YouTube. Next, edit the video into short snippets to upload as TikToks or Instagram Shorts. Finally, you can create a blog based on this content, and then shorter blogs or Linkedin posts about each individual topic.

The same content can be reused in multiple ways, making more bang for your buck.

Daniel Cortezi, Head of Digital Marketing at BioPak

Daniel Cortezi, Head of Digital Marketing at BioPak

Effective digital marketing doesnt require a massive budget, it requires strategic thinking. These are some key strategies to maximise impact without breaking the bank:

Develop content that resonates with your target audience and addresses their needs. This will drive organic traffic, enhance your online visibility and improve your SEO. Use the data you already have to better understand your customers. Analyse their behaviour, preferences, and feedback to optimise their website experience. Personalised experiences lead to higher engagement and conversions. Ensure your CRM data flows seamlessly into your digital marketing tools, including analytics and paid channels. This enables efficient and precise targeting and effective campaign management. Have a budget? Prioritise paid search. It will help you capture customers who are actively searching for products like yours, leading to higher conversion rates and immediate results. For e-commerce businesses, take advantage of free tools like Google My Business, Meta Commerce, and Microsoft Bing Shopping. These platforms can help increase your online presence without additional costs. Implement email marketing campaigns with tailored content. Personalised emails that offer value to the recipient can significantly boost open and click-through rates, fostering customer loyalty and driving sales.

Leonardo Wilhelm, Head of Performance and Insights at Interactive

Leonardo Wilhelm, Head of Performance and Insights at Interactive

Digital marketing is essential for SMEs to engage their target audience. Here are budget-friendly strategies and benchmarks:

SEO : Optimize content, keywords, and metadata to improve organic search rankings. Target 15-25% of total site traffic from organic sources.

: Optimize content, keywords, and metadata to improve organic search rankings. Target 15-25% of total site traffic from organic sources. Content Marketing : Create scalable content like blog posts and videos. Measure success by shares and time spent on page.

: Create scalable content like blog posts and videos. Measure success by shares and time spent on page. Social Media : Establish a presence on relevant platforms. Share engaging content and interact with your audience. Track follower growth, engagement rates, and click-through rates.

: Establish a presence on relevant platforms. Share engaging content and interact with your audience. Track follower growth, engagement rates, and click-through rates. Email : Build a targeted email list and send personalised emails. Aim for an open rate of 15-25% and a click-through rate of 2-5%.

: Build a targeted email list and send personalised emails. Aim for an open rate of 15-25% and a click-through rate of 2-5%. PPC advertising : Use targeted ads to drive traffic, focusing on high-intent traffic. Aim for a click-through rate of 2-5% and a return on ad spend of 200-300%.

: Use targeted ads to drive traffic, focusing on high-intent traffic. Aim for a click-through rate of 2-5% and a return on ad spend of 200-300%. Website optimisation : Ensure your site is user-friendly and fast. Aim for an engagement rate above 60%.

: Ensure your site is user-friendly and fast. Aim for an engagement rate above 60%. Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics to make data-driven decisions. Set KPIs and regularly compare performance.

Remember, benchmarks can vary based on industry, target audience, and business goals. Its important to continually monitor performance and adjust.

Sophia Sherwin, Brand and Marketing Manager at Moments

Sophia Sherwin, Brand and Marketing Manager at Moments

There are many digital marketing tactics a business can explore on a budget, however creativity is key. A couple of things businesses could look into include:

Incorporating low cost, high reach tactics such as Meta Ads which can help drive brand awareness and traffic.

Reviewing and improving website SEO on a regular basis as it will increase website views and ensure the business stays front of mind and top of search engine result lists

For e-commerce businesses, exploring self-managed apps or plugins to help automate upselling and increase average basket size can also be really powerful.

At Moments we place a lot of emphasis on our content marketing strategy as its a really great way to prove expertise and build credibility and trust  it can also really be cost effective.

Vandana Kumar, Technical Project Manager at Megantic

Vandana Kumar, Technical Project Manager at Megantic

Understanding omnichannel performance is essential for strategic budget allocation in digital marketing. Utilize Google Analytics 4 (GA4) or analytics tools, to assess channel performance, identifying where traffic and revenue are generated across various platforms. Analyze data insights to prioritize budget allocation towards channels with the highest return on investment (ROI). For instance, if SEO efforts drive substantial revenue, consider increasing resources allocated to content creation, product optimisation, and technical SEO enhancements.

Moreover, implement a Marketing Efficiency Ratio (MER) calculator to evaluate marketing effectiveness. The MER calculator compares revenue generated to marketing costs, offering insights into campaign ROI. By leveraging GA4 insights and the MER calculator, make informed decisions to optimize budget allocation. Emphasize prioritising cost-effective strategies aligned with business goals.

Regularly review and adjust budgets based on performance metrics and MER calculations to maximize ROI. This iterative approach ensures resources are allocated to channels driving revenue and engagement. By integrating these tools and practices, your digital marketing budget becomes a strategic asset in achieving long-term business objectives.

Keeran Sritharan, Account Director at Mahlab Media

Keeran Sritharan, Account Director at Mahlab Media

At Mahlab, we deliver work that works and while a budget sets the parameters, it should never constrain our creativity or effectiveness.

Define what success looks like, understand your parameters and the levers you can pull. Use this as an opportunity to become more targeted and strategic in your approach.

When it comes to a tight budget, try the following tactics:

Email marketing

Dont underestimate your existing database. Segment your audiences and create tailored content curated for them. Test & optimise

Use previous campaign data or A/B test on a small budget to determine what works best for your audience. Content marketing

Leverage organic tactics. For example, create a blog to establish thought leadership and improve your SEO. Elevate this further by repurposing this content in different formats. Paid tactics

Strategically place a budget behind the right tactics depending on where your audience is in their journey  right message, right time and right place. Collaborations and partnerships

Partner and cross-promote  its a win for everyone.

At the end of the day, you know your business, and your business goals best. What avenue works best for your customers?

Hayley Osborne, Founder & Digital Marketing Strategist at Hayley Osborne Consulting

Hayley Osborne, Founder & Digital Marketing Strategist at Hayley Osborne Consulting

Consistency on social media is the perfect strategy to implement inside your business with the least amount of investment and a thousand percent payback. Instagram alone has 2.3B monthly active users. Imagine if you can reach and capitalise on 1% of that audience? Would you be able to service them? Chances are, probably not.

When you get clever on your telling your businesses story, crafting your creative content pillars and caption categoriesthis will set you up to story tell your way to selling your product or service. Selling on your social media is like throwing water ballons at a porcupine, it wont work.

Secondly, focus on Search Engine Optimisation. There are so many strategies and tactics you can do on your own to uplevel your website to appear on page 1 of Google. Make sure all your headings are consisting of key words to optimise your page ranking. Google can read words, it cannot read images, so including a weekly blog or podcast to your repertoire is one of the best things you can do for your SEO.

Jodi Lee Duncan, Marketing and Buyer Psychology Strategist at Fletch & Co.

Digital marketing on a budget requires creativity, strategic thinking and smart tactics. Before anything else, you need to (deeply) understand your target audience beyond just demographics. Learn about their interests, values, pain points, trigger events, buying behaviours, and decision-making processes. If youre a B2B business, focus on the individuals making decisions within the business, not just the business entity. This in itself will help with wasting time, and money, on ineffective strategies.

From there, focus on creating consistent content that is valuable, relevant and addresses your audiences needs, and taps into their emotions. Ensure your content goes beyond just discussing your products and services. Tell engaging stories, showcase client successes, illustrate how you enhance lives, provide useful tips and insights, and engage (the key) in conversations that build trust and loyalty. Get into your audiences mind.

Email marketing is also highly effective and budget-friendly way to reach a wide audience with personalised, targeted messages. With segmentation, you can tailor your content to specific audience groups, ensuring relevance and higher engagement and conversion rates. Additionally, the measurable nature of email marketing provides valuable insights into campaign performance, helping you refine your strategies and maximise your return on investment.

By tapping into psychological insights and strategic content, you can achieve significant impact with your marketing without a hefty budge.

Megumi Fukunaga, Marketing Manager at IPscape

Megumi Fukunaga, Marketing Manager at IPscape

In todays competitive landscape, compounded by economic challenges and tightening budgets, cost-effective digital marketing is crucial. As Marketing Manager at IPscape; a Customer Experience and AI technology organisation, here are my top strategies to maximise impact, while on a budget:

Leverage Existing Content: Turn existing blog posts into a captivating video or an engaging eBook. This saves precious time and extends your contents reach. Producing valuable content that addresses pain points and offers solutions builds trust. Creating content designed to address each stage of the buyers journey, removes concerns and ultimately drives higher quality leads.

Level up your SEO: Conduct keyword analysis and update your metadata and website copy. Use the EAT framework  Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness to improve your Google rankings. You can also secure backlinks from reputable sources by proactively engaging clients and partners for mutual linking opportunities.

Understand your Metrics: Regularly monitor traffic, bounce rates, conversion rates, and Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). Utilise these datapoints to reallocate resources effectively. For example, revise high-bounce content or amend calls-to-action to improve engagement and conversions. Test one element at a time for methodical progress and clearer learnings.

Through creativity, planning, and effective measurement, businesses with limited budgets can achieve impressive results.

Amanda Lacey, Founder of Popcom PR

Concentrate on your owned channelssocial media, website, content marketing, e-newsletters and your email signatureall the channels you control.

Social media is a prominent place to invest your time. You can easily tailor content that directly speaks to your audience by showcasing your products or services. I love organic content for building a brand, especially if you are comfortable filming reels. Remember, each social channel has a slightly different audience  change your tone for the medium and audience.

Unleash the untapped potential of email signatures as a digital marketing strategy. Often overlooked, they can add significant value. Consider the sheer number of emails you send daily; each one of those emails is an opportunity for a branding activity, waiting to be harnessed.

Building an email database from the beginning will pay off in the long run. See it as an opportunity to speak directly to a qualified audience who are already interested in your product or service. Plenty of free tools like MailChimp and Hubspot will enable you to keep a free CRM and send regular, beautifully designed campaigns. Keep the discipline of writing a monthly update with an offer. It will only cost you your time!

Jason May, Marketing Chief at Amaze

Jason May, Marketing Chief at Amaze

A great way to boost exposure with a smart and budget-friendly digital marketing strategy involves leveraging the reach of larger brands by engaging with their content in social channels;

Start by identifying key industry leaders and brands that align with your business but are non-compete. Where you can find relevance, share their news stories, insights, and updates in your own channels, adding your perspective to demonstrate your expertise and relevance. When you share these posts, be sure to tag the original brand or author.

This not only acknowledges their work but also increases the likelihood of your post being seen by their extensive network, thereby extending your reach. Craft thoughtful and engaging comments or analyses to add value to the conversation, positioning your brand as a knowledgeable player in the industry.

Gianluca Bazzon, CEO & Founder at Sharketing

Gianluca Bazzon, CEO & Founder at Sharketing

When Small Businesses dont have big budgets to spend on digital marketing, there are still several strategies they can use without breaking the bank, while making a measurable impact:

Define your goals: Evaluate your marketing objective. I.e what you want to achieve  acquiring new leads, increasing online sales or brand awareness, becoming the thought leader in a specific niche, and so on. Choose your channels wisely: The top digital channels in 2024 are still Google and Meta Ads, but there are emerging platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn and others that should be considered too. Craft compelling messaging: Define your key messages and think about creative ways to convey them. Always keep customers in mind and never talk about the product but talk about how the product solves problems in your market. Budget based on goals and value: Budget should always be dictated by your objectives and the price of your product or service. A media monthly budget of $2k-$3k is a good starting point in almost any niche. Leverage free tools: Take advantage of AI tools such as Bard or Adobe Firefly to create outstanding copy and creatives that resonate with your brand while you build your revenue. Test and optimise: Give yourself at least 2 months to test a channel and see if it works for your business. SEO will definitely take more time, so allow 6 to 12 months before seeing any traction.

Remember, consistency is key! Track your progress and adapt your strategy for continued success.

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When the Supreme Court last year enacted a new ethics policy with no enforcement mechanism, this editorial page and many others called it out as a toothless charade intended to silence critics of the courts ever-escalating examples of clear conflicts of interest.

Recent revelations that Justice Samuel Alitos properties have flown flags symbolizing solidarity with the mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, drives home the urgency of putting some teeth into those standards.

Congress could potentially force the issue by pressing ahead with long-simmering efforts to impose mandatory, enforceable ethics rules on the high court. Its a solution that many legal scholars and even some justices say would be constitutionally valid. But thats by no means a universal view, and such a move could well spawn a constitutional crisis.

A better solution, by far, would be for Chief Justice John Roberts to lead the court itself in creating a transparent and real enforcement mechanism for the ethics standards it announced last year.

It would be a Nixon-to-China moment for Roberts, who has so far shown little indication that he understands the dire crisis of confidence that faces the court with the American public. The judgment of history, if nothing else, should motivate him to come around on that issue and salvage this courts battered credibility.

The Supreme Court consists of the only nine jurists in America who arent legally mandated to recuse themselves from cases in which they have demonstrable conflicts of interest. Roberts and others have long insisted that such a mandate isnt necessary because the justices voluntarily hold themselves to the same ethics standards that other judges must adhere to.

That always-iffy argument has, in the past few years, become a disturbing punchline, given the various ethics revelations that have emerged involving various justices.

The most glaring examples involve Justice Clarence Thomas, who has refused to recuse himself from cases involving the plot by Donald Trump and his supporters to overturn the 2020 election, despite the active involvement in that plot by his spouse, Virginia Thomas.

Among other actions, Mrs. Thomas sent emails to state officials in Arizona and Wisconsin pressing them to fight back against fraud by putting forth slates of fake electors to throw the results to Donald Trump.

How is the public supposed to believe that level of delusion in the Thomas household was unrelated to, for example, Justice Thomas sole dissenting vote in the courts 2022 decision forcing Trump to turn over documents to the House committee investigating Jan. 6?

Less ideological (though grubbier) examples of conflict of interest abound. Thomas has for decades accepted lavish vacations, a luxury motor home and other gifts from billionaires. Justice Alito took a trip to an Alaskan fishing lodge  complete with a private jet ride there  on the dime of a hedge fund manager with business impacted by the court.

Its not just the courts right-wing majority engaging in questionable conflicts, either. Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayors tax-funded staff has sold her books to universities, something other government employees would be barred from doing.

And now comes the revelation that an upside-down American flag flew over Justice Alitos Virginia home shortly after Jan. 6, when that traditional symbol of distress was being used by the MAGA movement to push its false narrative of a stolen 2020 election.

It subsequently came out that a Revolutionary-era Appeal to Heaven flag  another symbol commandeered by MAGAs insurrectionist movement  was seen flying at Alitos Long Island beach house last year.

Alito has attributed the first episode to his wifes conflict with neighbors, and apologists have noted both flags had symbolic significance long before Jan. 6.

Such obfuscation misses the point: This Supreme Courts credibility is already hanging by a proverbial thread because of the strained logic and from-whole-cloth legal theories its right-wing majority has used to gird Americans rights regarding abortion and other explosive issues. As such, its more important than ever that even the appearance of conflict of interest be avoided at all costs.

Predictably enough, Alito last year told an interviewer that Congress cannot constitutionally force an ethics code on the court, in his view. Talk about a conflict of interest.

Were with Justice Elana Kagan, who has noted that our whole system is one of checks and balances, and that it just cant be that the court is the only institution that somehow is not subject to any checks and balances from anybody else. Were not imperial.

Still, a preferable solution would be for the court itself to impose an enforceable, binding ethics code that would ensure that justices recuse themselves from cases in which they have clear conflicts of interest (or even the strong appearance of it), regarding not just money, but ideology.

By that standard, Alito and Thomas belong nowhere near the cases headed to the court involving Jan. 6 and the various legal questions that have arisen from it. That is crystal clear to a great many Americans. Roberts court refuses to see it at peril of its own continued decline in legitimacy.
Returning for its third year, CommBank SmallBiz Week offers more opportunities than ever for suppliers from diverse industries to connect with small business owners and leaders.

This free event, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, will spotlight emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. It continues to draw support from major companies, including Salesforce, Nine Ad Manager, Cisco, and Optus, who proudly partner with CommBank SmallBiz Week.

Opportunities will be presented through workshops and the live stages to learn about the latest products, services, and technologies. Delegates will hear from over one hundred thought leaders, business leaders, and industry experts covering topics directly affecting small businesses.

Nine Ad Managers objective is to support and champion SMBs and their business growth, said Ben Campbell, Nines Director of Data and Advertising products, who will be a keynote speaker at the event.

Utilising the power of one of Australias most recognisable Free To Air Broadcast Video On Demand platforms in 9Now, and Artificial Intelligence, Nine Ad Manager allows small businesses to reach highly targeted, local premium audiences at easily accessible rates. We are thrilled to be associated with the CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024.

The CommBank Live Stage will cover topics relating to the latest AI technologies, operations, human resources, and marketing. The annual event is a must-attend for small and large businesses and attracts thousands of visitors with delegates provided the opportunity to jump the queue and get up close with industry leaders and professionals. The CommBank Young Hero Awards dinner will kick the week off on Tuesday 28th May at The Langham Hotel and will be hosted by Tony Nikolakapoulos. Awards include the CommBank Entrepreneur of the Year, Nine Ad Manager Rising Star Award, Optus Sustainable Entrepreneur Award and Salesforce Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year.

The final day will start with the CommBank Business Leaders Breakfast on Thursday 30th May. Keynote speakers at the breakfast include the newly appointed Lt. Gen. Michelle McGuiness, Head of Cyber Security, Australian Government, and Rebecca Warren, Executive General Manager, Small Business Banking, CommBank with others to be announced.

The success of Australias small business sector relies on government, industry and business working together with a shared goal to see small businesses prosper, each doing our part to remove barriers and angst, and moments of stress, for small businesses. Said Rebecca Warren, CBA Executive General Manager Small Business Banking.

Small Business Week is all about coming together to partner with a common goal to facilitate growth in Australias small business sector. This is why were really proud to once again be a naming sponsor for CommBank SmallBiz Week. Its a small part of how we deliver on our broader commitment to support our SME customers to achieve their goals.

Small businesses are the lifeforce of the Australian economy with so much opportunity to adopt the capabilities of leading-edge trends such as cybersecurity, AI, innovation and digitisation. Cisco is here to support small to medium enterprises to accelerate and capitalise on the opportunities that technology presents us. Said Kelly Sabo, Ciscos Head of Small and Medium Enterprise business.

Cisco is also proud to sponsor the innovative tech product of the year award which is focused on recognising and celebrating the achievements of small to medium businesses and how they are leading the way.

A press conference will be held on Wednesday 29th May, from 9.30am with a morning tea and short, presentation offering the opportunity to hear from sponsors and exhibitors. Entry is free, registration is essential.

Entry is free, registration is essential. To find out more visit www.smallbizweek.com.au

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Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart leaves the courthouse following his arraignment at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on Jan. 18, 2024. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes )

A request from Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart to retire from the Air Force instead of facing a court-martial for sexually assaulting a subordinate officer has been denied by service Secretary Frank Kendall, according to the generals legal team.

Stewart pleaded not guilty during a March hearing where the secretarys decision, which was made a month earlier, was not discussed.

The Air Force had a very difficult call to make here  take a man to trial for sexual assault after a seasoned Air Force judge at [a preliminary hearing] found all the evidence points to a consensual encounter or allow him to retire and take appropriate administrative action as a part of that process, said Sherilyn Bunn, lead attorney for Stewart. The Air Force leadership chose poorly, and well demonstrate that in court.

A jury trial will begin June 17 and take about 10 days at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, according to the Air Force court docket.

Stewart is charged with two counts of sexual assault for actions that occurred April 14, 2023, at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, according to Air Education Training Command and court documents. He also faces charges of dereliction of duty, conduct unbecoming an officer and adultery.

The Air Force declined to comment on Kendalls decision.

Col. Brian Thompson, the military judge who presided over a preliminary hearing in October, recommended the sexual assault charge not be referred to a court-martial because of a lack of evidence from Air Force prosecutors, according to Stewarts previous legal team. Instead, Thompson recommended the sexual assault charge be dropped and the other minor offenses be handled with administrative punishment.

Evidence presented during a preliminary hearing described a sexual encounter between Stewart and a subordinate officer that occurred during travel to Altus AFB. Stewart, the alleged victim and two other military personnel were drinking alcohol on April 13-14. Once Stewart and the woman were alone, they had sex. Prosecutors argued the woman used social cues and tried to politely discourage Stewart because he was her senior officer and had power over her. Defense attorneys have argued the encounter was consensual.

Later on April 14, Stewart participated in a training flight and sent a photo of himself in the aircraft to the woman. The flight occurred within 12 hours of drinking alcoholic beverages, which is not permitted, and what led to the charge of dereliction of duty.

Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, convening authority and commander of Air Education Training Command, chose to move forward with formal changes against Stewart in December after reviewing Thompsons report.

Stewart, a career fighter pilot who served in Afghanistan, is only the second general officer in the services history to face a court-martial, according to the Air Force. Maj. Gen. William Cooley was convicted of abusive sexual contact in a court-martial last year at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. He was sentenced to a reprimand and a forfeiture of nearly $55,000.

At the time of the allegations, Stewart commanded the 19th Air Force, which is headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Air Force Base in Texas and responsible for the services pilot training.
An E-3 Sentry assigned to the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron operates at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, June 24, 2022. (Tylir Meyer/U.S. Air Force)

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa  Officials on Okinawa want the Air Force to take preventative measures after a Boeing E-3 Sentry leaked about 42 gallons of fuel over the weekend at the home of the 18th Wing.

The U.S. military discovered the leak Saturday during a post-maintenance inspection on the aircraft, according to a Tuesday post on X, formerly Twitter, by the island prefectures Base Countermeasures Division.

Fuel from the leak flowed into a stormwater drain, the division said. The prefecture has asked the Okinawa Defense Bureau  an arm of Japans Ministry of Defense  to urge the U.S. military to implement preventative measures.

However, the government has yet to receive details about the leak, a spokesman for the prefectures Environment Division told Stars and Stripes by phone Tuesday.

We carried out visual investigations at six sites in the rivers surrounding Kadena Air Base yesterday and detected no contamination or odors, he said. Japanese government spokespeople are often required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

Spokespeople with Kadenas 18th Wing acknowledged but did not respond to questions emailed by Stars and Stripes on Tuesday.

E-3s  commonly called AWACS, or airborne warning and control systems  can hold about 21,000 gallons of fuel, according to the Air Force.

Kadenas E-3s are assigned to the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron. The unit gathers information that visiting forces can use to maneuver throughout the Indo-Pacific region, the wing said in a news release on June 29, 2022.

The AWACS provides situational awareness of friendly, neutral and hostile activity with radar and computer subsystems that allow surveillance of the Earths surface up into the stratosphere, over land and water, with a range of more than 250 miles, the release said. This information can be forwarded to major command and control centers, on land or sea, to get a clear picture of the battlefield and deter enemy advancement.
An Army special operations soldier based at Fort Liberty, N.C., fatally shot a Chechen man outside his North Carolina home earlier this month, service and law enforcement officials said. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)

An Army special operations soldier who fatally shot a man outside his North Carolina home earlier this month has not been charged with a crime amid an ongoing investigation, Army and law enforcement officials said Tuesday.

The soldier shot 35-year-old Ramzan Daraev at about 8:15 p.m. on May 3 after reporting a trespasser on the property in Carthage, N.C., according to the Moore County Sheriffs Department. Deputies responding to the call found Daraev, a native of Chechnya in Russia, dead of multiple gunshot wounds, according to sheriffs department officials.

The soldiers name has not been made public. Army Special Operations Command confirmed Tuesday that the soldier was a member of the elite organization and based at Fort Liberty, N.C. A spokeswoman for the command declined to provide additional information, citing the ongoing investigation. Carthage is about 35 miles northwest of Fort Liberty.

The soldier who shot Daraev and others interviewed after the incident were all cooperating in the investigation, the sheriffs department said.

It was unclear Tuesday what led to the deadly incident. Moore County deputies were responding to a call of an intruder on the soldiers property who was reportedly taking photographs and who became aggressive to another resident at the soldiers home when confronted, according to the sheriffs department.

Sheriffs deputies were told Daraev was a subcontractor for a local utility company and was working on that job when he was confronted and killed. The sheriffs department said it was still working Tuesday to confirm Daraevs employment status.

Daraevs body was found by deputies about 250 yards from the road near a power line on the soldiers property. He did not have any identification on his body, nor was he wearing utility company clothing or in possession of utility equipment or tools, according to the sheriffs office.

Family members and an international identification found in his vehicle were used to identify Daraev, sheriffs officials said.

After the shooting, Moore County deputies called in an FBI special agent who supplied a translator to speak to others who claimed to be Daraevs coworkers. An FBI spokesperson said the bureau was not currently involved in the investigation.

The local investigation has not uncovered evidence of a federal crime, the spokesperson said Tuesday. The FBI is in regular contact with sheriffs office investigators and are prepared to investigate if a federal matter comes to light.

The Armys Criminal Investigation Division was helping the Moore County Sheriffs Department in the investigation, but it could not provide additional information Tuesday, according to a CID statement.

Members of Daraevs family, meanwhile, have launched a petition to see the soldier who shot Daraev charged in his death. In a Change.org petition to the Justice Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the family accused the unnamed soldier of killing Daraev in cold blood.

Daraev, his family members wrote, was unarmed and unaggressive and photographing his completed work when he was approached by the soldier. They claimed he was shot at least four times, including in his hand, his back and his face.

Ramzan left Russia not realizing that the greatest injustice against him would be done in a free country, where, in theory, he should have received protection, Daraevs family wrote in the petition, which had received more than 11,600 signatures by Tuesday.

Moore County deputies said the probe was continuing, and they had not ruled out charging the soldier.

Once all facts have been collected and reviewed, the case will be presented to the district attorneys office for a determination on whether criminal charges will be pursued, sheriffs officials said in a statement. The Moore County Sheriffs Office is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.
Army 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind receives a final salute during a dignified recovery of remains ceremony at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center chapel in Germany on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. U.S. Army and German honor guard members paid their respects to Baskind, whose remains were recently recovered from a World War II mass grave in France and identified by a team of experts. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

LANDSTUHL, Germany  The remains of a Jewish-American soldier who died in 1944 and was buried in a mass grave with soldiers who fought for the Nazis in occupied France were given to U.S. officials Tuesday during a ceremony at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

The case of Army 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind, 28, marks only the second time that a group outside the Defense Department has identified a missing U.S. service member.

The German War Grave Commission in 2023 partnered with two American organizations, the PFC Lawrence Gordon Foundation and Operation Benjamin, to disinter and identify Baskinds remains, which had first been co-mingled in a mass grave in Cherbourg.

I am profoundly thankful for the extraordinary lengths that all of those groups have gone to do the unbelievable, Baskinds great-niece, Samantha Baskind, said by phone Thursday. The burial will be a beautiful day for my uncle.

A resident of Pittsburgh, Baskind survived D-Day but died in a German air force hospital the same day in late June 1944 that he was ambushed and briefly taken prisoner. He was buried with others who perished at the facility.

The remains of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind, a Jewish-American buried with in a mass grave with soldiers who fought for the Nazis, were transferred to U.S. custody during a ceremony at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center chapel in Germany on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (Jed Henry)

Baskind was a platoon commander assigned to the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion. According to his personnel file, he and another soldier were performing reconnaissance on a road junction south of Cherbourg on June 23 when they were ambushed.

The other soldier, who thought Baskind had died, was seriously wounded but made it back to the unit, the file states. Baskind was reportedly taken to the German military hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.

After the war, the Germans filed a death and burial report for Baskind, a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency statement said May 10. The report said he had died while being treated in an air force hospital at Cherbourg. He was buried in a local military cemetery.

In 1957, the German War Grave Commission, the Volksbund, disinterred remains of what it believed to be 24 Germans from a mass grave in Cherbourg, the DPAA statement said. There, they found items belonging to Baskind.

The name of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind can be seen in the upper left corner of a tablet marking a mass grave at the Marigny German War Cemetery in Thereval, France. (Jed Henry)

His name was put on a plaque when all the remains were reinterred in another mass grave at the Marigny German War Cemetery in Thereval, 40 miles south.

Baskinds burial site was a well-known secret among tour guides and researchers operating in the area, said Jed Henry, director of the PFC Lawrence Gordon Foundation, which ultimately identified Baskinds remains.

The move to disinter and identify Baskind began to pick up steam last year after another U.S.-based nonprofit, Operation Benjamin, successfully lobbied the German ambassador to Israel.

The Germans chose to work with the Gordon Foundation and not the U.S. government because they had no open line of communication with DPAA and were familiar with Henry, who had helped them identify Army Pfc. Lawrence Gordon in 2014, Arne Schrader, Volksbund director of war graves services, said at the ceremony.

Members of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command honor guard stand next to the remains and an enlarged photograph of Army 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind during a dignified recovery of remains ceremony at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center chapel in Germany on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes) The remains of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind are placed in a hearse Tuesday, May 28, 2024, following a dignified recovery of remains ceremony at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center chapel in Germany. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

Henry helped the French and Germans identify Gordon, who was buried as an unknown in a German cemetery in France, after the U.S. government refused to participate.

Henry believes the Germans chose to work with him on Baskind because they were pressing to complete the task quickly.

They wanted this done by D-Day, Henry said. DPAA is never going to get results that fast.

In a response Tuesday to a request for comment, a DPAA spokeswoman didnt specifically address Henrys remarks.

Henry enlisted a team of specialists, including an anthropologist, a forensic odontologist and DNA firm Bode Technology.

In December, they disinterred 52 sets of remains from the consolidated mass grave at the Marigny German War Cemetery. The grave contained the 24 sets of remains from the original site in Cherbourg.

A team of specialists contracted by the PFC Lawrence Gordon Foundation disinters remains from a mass grave at the Marigny German War Cemetery in Thereval, France, in December 2023. (Jed Henry) A team of specialists contracted by the PFC Lawrence Gordon Foundation disinters remains from a mass grave at the Marigny German War Cemetery in Thereval, France, in December 2023. The grave contained remains that were later identified as those of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind. (Jed Henry)

No skulls were found in the grave, and although the remains were severely degraded, Bode identified a femur and a humerus using DNA comparison.

DPAA accepted the ID on March 8, the statement said. In all, the identification took three months and cost around $50,000, which was paid for by Operation Benjamin.

On Tuesday, Baskinds remains were carried into the base chapel with a folded American flag resting on top. They were handed over to Army mortuary affairs.

Air Force Capt. Levy Pekar, a Jewish chaplain with the 86th Airlift Wing, provided an invocation while German and U.S. service members looked on. The remains were then carried to a waiting hearse.

For 80 years, he hasnt been laid to rest, Operation Benjamin chief historian Shalom Lamm said after the ceremony. It was just a matter of finding that needle in the haystack. Gods hand is in this one.

Baskind will be reburied on June 23 at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer.

Stars and Stripes reporter Jennifer H. Svan contributed to this report.
China's new Wing Loong-10 surveillance and strike drone is photographed west of northern Okinawa, May 27, 2024. (Japan Air Self-Defense Force)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Japanese fighter jets have scrambled to intercept a Chinese surveillance and strike drone seen operating for the first time north of Okinawa.

A Wing Loong-10 was spotted Monday over the East China Sea by members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, according to a statement that day from the countrys Ministry of Defense.

The drone was initially clocked heading east, as if it were traveling from mainland China, the statement said. After flying over waters west of Amami Oshima, the drone appeared to reverse course back toward its homeland.

It did not violate Japanese airspace, the statement said.

Red marks show where China's new Wing Loong-10 surveillance and strike drone was spotted over the East China Sea, May 27, 2024. (Japan's Joint Staff)

A spokesman for Japans Joint Staff declined to say by phone Tuesday which type of fighters had been dispatched.

The Wing Loong-10 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Design & Research Institute, a division of the Aviation Industry Corp. of China, according to the AirForce Technology website on Feb. 2, 2021. It was unveiled at the Nanchang Airshow in November 2020.

China is rapidly developing a variety of domestic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAVs for reconnaissance and other purposes as well as those capable of carrying weapons such as missiles, said an annual white paper issued last year by Japans Ministry of Defense. It is suggested that the Chinese Air Force has created a UAV unit for attack missions and frequently used UAVs for reconnaissance and other purposes in waters and airspace surrounding China.

China in recent years has stepped up challenges to its neighbors maritime claims in the East and South China seas. Its coast guard frequently enters waters around the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military is growing its drone presence in the area by deploying MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance aircraft to Okinawa, according to the Japanese government. The Guam-based Tritons will fly out of Kadena Air Base until October.

Those drones will conduct intelligence missions in the Nansei region and its surrounding areas, strengthening surveillance and reconnaissance, a spokeswoman for Okinawa prefectures Military Base Affairs Division told Stars and Stripes by phone earlier this month.

The Nansei islands stretch from Kyushu  the southernmost of Japans main islands  to Taiwan.
This screenshot from a video footage shows a North Korean satellite launch, May 27, 2024, which failed and scattered debris over the Yellow Sea. (South Korean Ministry of National Defense)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Seoul for the first time has released video footage of a Pyongyang satellite launch, which failed Monday night and scattered debris over the Yellow Sea.

The black-and-white footage shows the satellites rocket exploding over the sea at 10:46 p.m., two minutes after launch, a Ministry of National Defense spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone Tuesday. The video was taken from a South Korea military vessel sailing northwest of the Korean Peninsula.

The spokesman declined to elaborate on the footage but said it was the first time the military publicly released a video of a North Korean satellite launch.

U.S., South Korean and Japanese destroyers equipped with Aegis missile-defense systems were operating in the area to collect and share information about the launch, the Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a text message to news reporters Tuesday.

North Korea had notified Japans coast guard that it planned to launch a satellite sometime between Monday and June 3, a coast guard spokeswoman said by phone Tuesday.

The notice is based on an agreement by the International Maritime Organization, which requires members to give prior warning to any activities that could affect navigational safety, the spokeswoman said.

South Korean and Japanese officials customarily speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

Japanese broadcasters NHK and TV Asahi captured separate videos of the explosion; cameras were set up in southern China, according to their reports.

The rocket carrying the satellite exploded in its first stage of flight, an unnamed National Aerospace Technology Administration official said in a state-run Korean Central News Agency report Monday.

The U.S., South Korean and Japanese militaries separately condemned the launch.

North Korea is banned by the U.N. Security Council from testing the ballistic missile technology used to launch its satellites, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement Tuesday.

This brazen violation of multiple unanimous U.N. Security Council resolutions raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond, according to the statement.

Mondays launch marked the communist regimes fourth attempt to place a satellite into orbit over the past 12 months. Of those launches on May 31, Aug. 24 and Nov. 21, only the November try was successful.

North Korea will continue advancing its weapons program and launch three spy satellites this year, leader Kim Jong Un said during a New Years Eve speech in Pyongyang, KCNA reported at the time.
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell during a news conference in Guatemala City on Jan. 13, 2024. (Johan Ordonez, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  European Union member states are growing increasingly exasperated by Hungarys stonewalling of more than $7.1 billion of urgently needed military aid for Ukraine as its military struggles to fend off Russian assaults.

Budapests intransigence is prompting discussions among diplomats about how the EU fund could be shielded from Hungarys veto when it soon receives another influx of cash from the profits of immobilized Russian assets.

I have seven legal texts pending approval to mobilize resources to support militarily Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a news conference Monday afternoon when asked about Hungary. This delay can be measured in terms of human lives.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told reporters earlier Monday that his country is continuing to block all funding for Ukrainian weapons despite strong objections from other EU foreign ministers at a meeting in Brussels.

This caused a huge uproar, Szijjarto said, adding that Hungary faced huge pressure to yield. He said his colleagues yelled and spoke out of turn at the meeting.

As long as Hungary continues to block the disbursement of funding for military weapons donated to Ukraine, the bloc cant use the money to help Kyiv despite a political agreement among all 27 countries back in March to enlarge the fund with billions in additional financing.

We cannot accept a blockade of military aid. Agreements are made to be respected, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said on social media platform X. Belgium currently holds the EUs rotating presidency until July, when Hungary takes over.

Hungary is blocking three separate 500 million tranches of funding from the European Peace Facility destined to help Ukraine.

In addition, EU member states in March had agreed to add 5 billion euros for 2024 to a weapons fund for Ukraine in an effort to reform the vehicle and ensure a steadier supply of support to Kyiv. The newly dubbed Ukraine Assistance Fund aims to meet Kyivs most urgent needs for artillery, specialized munitions, drones and air defense, as well as in non-lethal areas such as demining.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Spain on Monday as continues to press his European allies to provide more military equipment. Hes scheduled to visit Portugal on Tuesday.

Budapests blocks are prompting even greater anxiety as the EU fund is due to receive as much as billion in euro cash in July from the profits of frozen Russian assets. That money, which would be used directly instead of reimbursing member states, is due to finance the purchase of weapons for Ukraine.

Discussions are underway to try to insulate that money from Hungarys vetoes and get it to Ukraine more quickly, according to a senior EU diplomat involved in the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

In a meeting of EU ambassadors last week, Hungary said it couldnt back the funds disbursements due to concerns about negative discrimination toward Hungarian companies in Ukraine, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Greece and Cyprus also continue to press for limits to purchases abroad despite the March agreement specifying that non-EU weapons could be purchased through the fund, according to diplomats familiar with the discussions. Still, Hungary is alone in outright blocking the fund.

We have to be transparent as to what Hungarys position currently is and has been, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told reporters ahead of Mondays meeting, adding that by his count 41% of EU files on Ukraine have been blocked by Hungary.

Szijjarto said that Hungary is also opposed to a possible 14th sanctions package on Russia, as well as even opening a debate on a proposal to allow Western nationals to train Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine.

They keep coming up with crazier and crazier ideas and a majority of countries cant be convinced otherwise, Szijjarto said.

A proposal to start accession talks with Ukraine is due to be discussed by EU ambassadors as soon as this week, with diplomats expecting further friction from Hungary.

Almost all of our discussions and needed solutions and decisions by the EU are being blocked by just one country, Landsbergis said. It has gone very, very far.

With assistance from Alberto Nardelli and Megan Howard.

2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
An apartment complex under construction is seen in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 30, 2016. Photo by Reuters

For a decade, Park Hyeon-su lived in a windowless micro-apartment in Seoul, working double shifts and saving every penny for a deposit on a nice home. Then real estate scammers took his money.

South Korea's rental housing market features a unique system known as "jeonse" in which tenants pay huge deposits -- sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars -- then get to live rent-free for years, before getting all their money back when they move out.

The idea is that landlords get access to interest-free cash for speculation, and tenants get free housing, with the property as collateral. But the system is now rife with fraud -- police data suggests more than a billion dollars is lost to jeonse scams every year.

The system once accounted for two-thirds of the rental market in the 90s, but has fallen in popularity, partly due to growing awareness of the risks.

Park told AFP he often worked 9:00 am to midnight in menial delivery-related jobs to save up $73,000. But after he'd paid a deposit and moved in, his purported landlord -- who it turns out had never had the authority to lease the property -- vanished and Park was evicted, with no way to get his money back.

It was not just cash, he told AFP, but "my entire 20s and early 30s" that was stolen, and while legal proceedings are ongoing, he is highly unlikely to get restitution.

"My dream of owning a home has vanished, and I've given up on dating, not to mention getting married or having a child," said Park, 37, who uses a pseudonym for his jeonse activism to protect his privacy.

Official data indicates at least 17,000 people like Park -- around 70 percent of victims are in the 20s and 30s -- have been hit by jeonse fraud in recent years.

And activists say authorities are not doing enough to help victims or punish fraudsters, who often manage to hide and keep the money. The maximum sentence for fraud in the South is 15 years in jail.

Suicides

At least eight jeonse scam victims have killed themselves, activists say.

Many tenants take out bank loans to cover the huge jeonse deposit, intending to repay once they move out and the money has been returned. But after they've been scammed, they're still on the hook to the bank.

South Korea's parliament passed a special bill last year aimed at helping victims, with the Financial Services Commission offering interest-free loans which can be repaid within up to 20 years.

But jeonse scam victims say they should not have to repay the stolen bank loans at all -- unless authorities get their deposits back from the fraudsters.

"Telling young people to spend the next 20 years repaying money lost to fraud is akin to telling them to stop living," Ahn Sang-mi, a victim, said at a recent rally in Seoul.

The other option is to seek debt "rehabilitation", which is a similar process to bankruptcy and wipes out some debt, but has long-term impacts on credit scores and is particularly damaging for young people, activists say.

The government should not "stigmatize young people, who are just beginning their (adult) lives, with the mark of poor credit", Jang Sun-hoon, a jeonse scam victim from Daejeon, told AFP.

'Jeonse Hell'

Four years ago, Choi Jee-su, 33, used his life savings plus a bank loan to move into a jeonse apartment to escape life in a cockroach-infested dorm room.

But his apartment was sold out from under him and the landlord vanished with his deposit, leaving him saddled with debts.

To repay his original bank loan, Choi took out high-interest credit card loans and sold off his stocks, working grueling shifts in restaurants and living on cheap food to save cash.

He spent days making delicious meals for customers, but would "hesitate to buy a single pack of instant noodles" for himself.

"I would end up choosing the cheaper pack of noodles, only to cry while eating it because it just tasted terrible," Choi, who wrote a book titled "Jeonse Hell", told AFP.

The opposition Democratic Party has proposed a bill allowing the state to reimburse tenants for deposits lost to fraud. But the government has pushed back citing cost concerns, with Land Minister Park Sang-woo saying that young tenants may have been "playing fast and loose" when they signed the contracts.

The National Assembly will vote on the bill on May 28.

Choi, who is now working on an LNG tanker to save up money for pilot training -- a dream scammers forced him to put on hold -- says the government needs to act.

Jeonse fraud is destroying lives, he said: "Victims lose it all, (our) lives, dreams, and joy are shattered."
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is welcomed by France's President Emmanuel Macron upon his arrival at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris on Sunday, May 14, 2023. Training troops inside Ukraine has been one of the options discussed since a conference that Macron convened in Paris in February 2024, according to a French defense ministry official. (Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Ukraine is preparing for a possible initial visit from French military instructors as the government asks NATO allies to help train Kyivs troops to the fight against the Russian invasion, according to commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

The statement on Monday came after a phone call that the army chief and Ukraines Defense Minister Rustem Umerov held with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Syrskyi praised France for its initiative to send instructors to train Ukrainian troops, without saying when they would arrive or for how long. Paris has given no public indication yet that such a visit was imminent.

Ive already signed the documents that will allow the first French instructors to visit our training centers soon and familiarize themselves with their infrastructure and staff, Syrskyi said on Telegram.

Training troops inside Ukraine has been one of the options discussed since a conference that President Emmanuel Macron convened in Paris in February, according to a French defense ministry official. France continues to work with Ukraine to understand their exact needs, the official said.

With Russia advancing on the battlefield, Ukraine has pushed the U.S. and other NATO allies to send instructors to train its depleted forces and to deliver more weapons and ammunition.

Macron sparked tensions with allies earlier this year when he said nothing should be ruled out when asked about sending Western troops to Ukraine.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, who was reelected for a second term on Sunday, has said repeatedly that his country is prepared to send professional soldiers for training missions to Ukraine should Kyiv request it. Czech President Petr Pavel said in March that sending instructors would be possible, but ruled out combat troops.

The New York Times reported earlier this month that member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are moving closer to sending instructors into Ukraine to train its troops.

(Ania Nussbaum contributed to this report.)

2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A vintage British Spitfire arrives at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, in May 2018. Britains Royal Air Force will ground a fleet of World War II-era aircraft following a deadly crash of one of its Spitfire fighters, the warplane famous for resisting the German Luftwaffe in the 1940 Battle of Britain. (Matthew Plew/U.S. Air Force)

Britains Royal Air Force will ground a fleet of World War II-era aircraft following a deadly crash of one of its Spitfire fighters, the warplane famous for resisting the German Luftwaffe in the 1940 Battle of Britain.

A Spitfire flown by squadron leader Mark Long crashed in the English town of Coningsby on Saturday afternoon, according to British officials. The plane was preparing for a flyover when it went down. Although emergency rescuers responded quickly, Longs injuries were deemed not survivable and he was declared deceased at the crash site.

The cause is under investigation, the British Royal Air Force said in a statement Monday, adding that it will not be offering any comment on the accident until that investigation has concluded, and likewise, we ask others not to speculate.

The air force will also impose a temporary pause in flying for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, according to a British Defense Ministry statement.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is an air force unit tasked with maintaining World War II-era aircraft such as the Spitfire in airworthy condition. The planes usually fly in ceremonies between May and September. The unit had six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster bomber, a C-47 Dakota and two Chipmunk aircraft in its fleet.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flights Visitors Center will remain closed, officials said.

Spitfires and Hurricanes were the primary fighters that resisted the German Luftwaffes Messerschmitt Bf 109E fighters during the 1940 Battle of Britain. They performed admirably even though the German warplanes could outclimb and outgun their British counterparts. The Spitfires were the most-produced aircraft by Britain in the Second World War, with more than 20,000 manufactured.

Long had been serving as a pilot for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for the last four years, said Robbie Lees, a group captain in the British Royal Air Force. A great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator he will be sorely missed, Lees added.

The Prince and Princess of Wales said they were sad to hear of the crash. Our thoughts this evening are with the pilots loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family, they wrote in a social media statement. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the news as awful and tragic.
A plaque commemorating American soldiers who lived and trained in Swanage, England, during World War II was unveiled at Swanage railway station on Monday, May 27, 2024. (Andrew P.M. Wright)

For several months starting in late 1943, American soldiers with the 1st Infantry Division made their home away from home in Swanage, England, living and training there before leaving to invade Nazi-occupied France on D-Day.

Eighty years later, the English Channel town is honoring the soldiers with a plaque at the place where they began the first European leg of their journey to Omaha Beach in Normandy.

Forevermore now, we will have a memorial at Swanage railway station to commemorate their bravery and what they did all those years ago, said Robert Patterson, a spokesman for Swanage Railway Trust, which unveiled the plaque at a ceremony Monday.

Soldiers from the divisions 26th Infantry Regiment arrived in Swanage as part of the so-called friendly invasion of thousands of American troops who passed through the United Kingdom during World War II.

The people of Swanage played an indispensable role in bolstering the spirits and fortitude of the soldiers, according to 1st Infantry Division spokesman Lt. Col. Jefferson Grimes.

The hospitality and care that the residents of Swanage afforded the soldiers of the 26th lessened the anxiety of being away from home during a difficult time, Grimes said, adding that the division was deeply honored by the memorial.

A plaque commemorating American soldiers who lived and trained in Swanage, England, during World War II was unveiled at the town's railway station on May 27, 2024. Troops with the 1st Infantry Divisions 26th Infantry Regiment were in the town for several months prior to D-Day. (Andrew P.M. Wright) Soldiers with the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division disembark from a Coast Guard landing craft while under machine gun fire on June 6, 1944, on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. Omaha Beach was the most heavily defended of the beaches in Normandy. (Robert F. Sargent/U.S. Coast Guard)

The relationship between the soldiers and the local population was particularly amicable, according to historical accounts. Residents referred to the division by its nickname, the Big Red One, based on the color of the numeral on their unit patch.

They became part of our community, part of our lives, Patterson said.

Access to Swanage was restricted at the time, as it was part of a large training area that also included Studland, a few miles up the coast.

In April 1944, Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and King George VI traveled to Studland to watch the combined power of Allied forces preparing for D-Day.

Shortly afterward, the 26th Infantry Regiment soldiers were given orders to leave Swanage by train. Weeks later, soldiers would embark on boats for Normandy and storm Omaha Beach on June 6.

The late Albert Weekes, a junior porter at the Swanage station, recalled years later how the troops had hung out of train windows as they were transported away.

They were cheerful and gave me the thumbs up, and I smiled and returned the gesture, Weekes was quoted as saying in a Swanage Railway Trust statement released ahead of the plaques unveiling. I always wondered what happened to them and whether they came back.

Casualties on Omaha Beach were the worst of any of the five landing beaches on D-Day. Some 2,400 American troops were killed, wounded or went missing there.

The soldiers left this station in April 1944, bound for Omaha Beach in Normandy where many died in the assault, the new plaque reads. They gave their lives for our freedom.

British D-Day veteran Peter Lovett, 99, unveiled a plaque at the railway station in Swanage, England, on May 27, 2024. The plaque honors American soldiers with the 1st Infantry Divisions 26th Infantry Regiment, which was billeted in the town for several months prior to D-Day. (Andrew P.M. Wright) People in World War II military attire attend a plaque unveiling ceremony in Swanage, England, on May 27, 2024. The plaque commemorates American soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Divisions 26th Infantry Regiment who lived and trained in the town prior to D-Day. (Andrew P.M. Wright)

British D-Day veteran Peter Lovett, 99, unveiled the plaque during Mondays ceremony, at which some people dressed in World War II military attire.

Its important that people remember and learn from the sacrifices of the past to defend freedom Lovett said in remarks emailed to Stars and Stripes on Tuesday.

D-Day remains the largest amphibious invasion in history. It paved the way for the surrender of Nazi Germany less than a year later.

This tribute not only reflects the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers but also celebrates the profound support and camaraderie extended by the town of Swanage as these young men prepared for their critical role in D-Day 80 years ago, Grimes said.
Ukrainian attack helicopters return to Kharkiv from a sortie north of the city on May 17. (Ed Ram for The Washington Post)

KYIV, Ukaine  Washington is facing mounting pressure from NATO and several key European allies to lift restrictions and allow Ukraine to use the full force of U.S.-provided weapons to strike military targets inside Russia.

The demands reflect new alarm in the West over Russian battlefield advances in recent days, including the seizure of several villages in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions and brutal bombings that have killed dozens of civilians.

If you cannot attack the Russian forces on the other side of the front line because they are on the other side of the border, then of course you really reduce the ability of the Ukrainian forces to defend themselves, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the alliances top political official, said during a visit to Bulgaria on Monday.

NATOs parliamentary assembly, meanwhile, issued a declaration urging that the restrictions be lifted.

The United States and other NATO allies, including Germany and Italy, have long refused to let Ukraine use their weapons to strike inside Russias borders, fearing that such attacks could escalate the conflict. Senior Russian officials repeatedly have brandished Moscows nuclear arsenal in response to suggestions of greater Western involvement in the war.

Kyiv for months has argued that the limitations have blocked its military from destroying key Russian hardware to prevent deadly attacks  a view now being voiced by several major European leaders.

Ukraine instead has relied on homemade drones to strike inside Russia  a tactic that has yielded some results, including apparent damage to a Russian radar battery near the city of Orsk this weekend, some 1,100 miles from Ukraine.

We need to work together and put pressure not only on Russia but also on our partners to give us the opportunity to defend ourselves against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday in Spain, where he signed a 10-year bilateral security deal that will provide Ukraine with more than $1 billion in Spanish aid.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said Tuesday that restrictions on Ukraines ability to strike inside Russia have left Kyiv fighting with one hand tied behind its back. Lifting these limits should not be a subject of debate, Ollongren said. I hope that other countries with a different position will change it.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics told CNN on Monday that partners who oppose Ukraine using their weapons to strike targets on Russian soil should reconsider that decision as soon as possible.

The recent attacks on Kharkiv are the consequence of our inability to provide Ukraine with weapons and also putting restrictions [on using] those weapons to strike military targets in Russia, Rinkevics said.

There is not any rational, pragmatic reason not to allow Ukraine to use those weapons against Russia in a way that is most efficient, he said. Claims that such strikes could cause Russia to further escalate the war, he added, are not grounded in [a] really sound assessment of the reality.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, during a visit to Kyiv this month, appeared to give the green light for Ukraine to use British weapons on Russian territory, saying Ukraine should decide how best to use the weapons. Just as Russia is striking inside Ukraine, you can quite understand why Ukraine feels the need to make sure its defending itself, he said.

A Ukrainian military official, however, said the British government had never formally communicated the lifting of restrictions.

There is no official permission, the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive security matter. The official added that British Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles, which have a range of more than 150 miles, have never been used to strike a target outside sovereign Ukrainian territory. (They have been used to hit Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.)

First, [politicians] throw this idea into the information space to see the reaction of their people, the official said. After that, they decide: Yes, we allow, or No, we do not allow.

European Union defense ministers at a meeting Tuesday were also set to discuss the issue of allowing strikes inside Russia, said the blocs foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell. Do we allow our arms to be used, further, in Russian territory? Well, some member states have started deciding that  taking this constraint out, Borrell said. Another important thing to discuss today.

The issue remains contentious in Europe, where some nations fear that Russia will retaliate and spread the conflict beyond Ukraine if Western equipment is used to strike Russias sovereign territory.

I dont know why Stoltenberg said such a thing  I think we have to be very careful, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in an interview with Italian television Sunday, replying to comments by Stoltenberg pushing for a policy shift that were published Friday by the Economist.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Sunday that he did not support any change to Germanys policy on strikes inside Russia. We have clear rules agreed with Ukraine for the arms deliveries we have made so far, Scholz said. And they work. At least thats my theory.

Stoltenberg has insisted that any decision to expand Ukraines ability to strike Russian targets should be made by individual nations, not NATO, allowing the alliance to keep some distance from the war.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has already accused NATO of direct involvement in the war and described Stoltenbergs remarks as an absolutely irresponsible position.

Even as the debate plays out in Europe, various countries are pledging new support to Ukraine. After his trip to Spain, Zelenskyy made an appearance Tuesday in Belgium, where he was promised $1 billion in assistance and 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028.

Meanwhile, Ukraines military announced this week that France planned to send military trainers to Ukraine, but later walked back the statement, saying Ukraine is still in discussions with France and other countries on this issue.

When asked about the remark, the French Defense Ministry pointed to the Ukrainian clarification and said only that it continued to work with Kyiv on the issue. French President Emmanuel Macron has said previously that Western countries should not rule out sending troops to Ukraine.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski echoed Macrons comments this week, saying in an interview published Tuesday that Poland should not rule out such a move.

We need to keep Putin guessing about our intentions, Sikorski said.

Speaking from Spain on Monday, Zelenskyy said Russia has dropped some 3,200 guided aerial bombs on Ukraine this month alone.

How do you fight that? There arent enough air defense missiles to stop thousands of bombs a month, Zelenskyy said. Those partners who are afraid to give us this or that weapon should understand that air defense is defense, not offense.

Isabelle Khurshudyan in Kyiv and Emily Rauhala in Brussels contributed to this report.
(Joseph Barron/U.S. Air Force)

LONDON  A U.S. military service member detained in Russia on suspicion of theft has also been charged with threatening to kill his girlfriend, Russian independent outlet Mediazona reported on Monday, citing the local prosecutors office.

Prosecutors in Vladivostok in Russias Far East said they had approved an indictment of a U.S. citizen born in 1989. It did not name the U.S. citizen but the details matched Staff Sgt. Gordon Blacks. Black, who is married, was stationed in South Korea and traveled through China to Russia to visit his girlfriend, U.S. officials said.

The prosecutors statement said the two had quarrelled and the American had subsequently forcibly grabbed the girl by the neck, which she perceived as a real threat to her life. It did not say how or whether the accused had responded to the new charge.

Black, 34, was detained on May 2 by police in Vladivostok on suspicion of stealing from a Russian woman he was in a relationship with.

He has pleaded guilty to the theft charges and is cooperating with investigators. A Russian court ruled last week to keep him in pre-trial detention.

The United States warns its citizens against all travel to Russia, citing an array of reasons, including the potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials and the arbitrary enforcement of the law.
A gondola plies the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. The city is charging day-trippers a 5-euro tax on certain days in an effort to limit tourism, but U.S. military families stationed in Vicenza can request an exemption. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

U.S. military families stationed in Vicenza, Italy, who want to make a day trip to Venice can spend their money on things other than the citys 5-euro experimental tourism fee, according to garrison officials.

As Veneto region residents, they are eligible for an exemption and just need to enter Caserma Ederle in the address field of the form on the citys fee payment website, U.S. Army Garrison Italy spokeswoman Anna Ciccotti said Wednesday.

Those living off base in the Veneto region can also use their street address. Family and friends who are not assigned to U.S Army Garrison Italy are required to pay the fee, as are service members stationed in other parts of Italy, Army officials said.

Between now and the mid-July end of the test phase for the tourism fee, there are 12 dates on which it will be charged for people over 14 who visit from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tourists walk across St Mark's Square in Venice, Italy. The city is charging day-trippers a 5-euro tax on certain days in an effort to curb overtourism. U.S. military families stationed in Vicenza can request an exemption from the tax. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

The days remaining in the fee assessment period are June 8-9, June 15-16, June 22-23, June 29-30, July 6-7 and July 13-14.

Once users of the website are registered, they will receive a QR code by email. Local police do spot checks, so exempt day-trippers need to have their identification card and QR code with them.

Without the documentation, they face fines up to 300 euros.

More than 13 million people visited Venice in 2023, according to the city. The tax is meant to manage the flow of tourists and generate income from day-trippers. Overnight guests already pay a city tax as part of their hotel fee.

The tourism tax pilot program took effect April 25. In the first 11 days the fee was collected, it brought in nearly $1.08 million, according to city data. But so far, the fee has not reduced tourist numbers.

The entry ticket measure in Venice has failed miserably because the numbers count and they say that the ticket has in no way lowered the flow of tourists or staggered the arrivals, but instead the arrivals are numerically superior with respect to previous years, City Council member Giovanni Andrea Martini said at a news conference earlier this month, various news outlets reported.
Army veteran Danny Keay holds a dog tag belonging to Pfc. DeVerl Stevens, who was killed in Simmerath, Germany, on Dec. 16, 1944. (Danny Keay)

Susan Trammell never knew her father, Army Pfc. DeVerl Stevens, an Idahoan who was just 19 when he was killed fighting the Nazis in western Germany in December 1944.

Stevens grew up in the tiny town of Montpelier, in Idahos southeastern corner near the borders with Wyoming and Utah. He married his sweetheart Juley De Dunn in December 1943 and shipped out a month later.

Trammell, 79, was born less than two months after her fathers death. Over the years, relatives told her that she resembled her father and that they both had the same small hands. She also inherited his musical ability, but besides a few medals and personal mementos, his life and legacy largely remained elusive.

I know that he was kind. Other than that, I really dont know a whole lot about him, Trammell said. You dont leave much of a footprint when youre only 20 years old.

Now, however, she has something else to remember him by, thanks to retired U.S. soldier Danny Keay, who orchestrated the return of one of her fathers dog tags from the battlefield.

A dog tag belonging to Army Pfc. DeVerl Stevens, who was killed in Simmerath, Germany, on Dec. 16, 1944, is now in the possession of the daughter he never knew, 79 years after his death. (Danny Keay) Army Pfc. DeVerl Stevens was killed in Simmerath, Germany, on Dec. 16, 1944. (Danny Keay) Susan Trammell holds a photo of her father, Army Pfc. DeVerl Stevens, outside her Texas home on May 24, 2024. Her father died in Germany shortly before she was born. (Susan Trammell)

A retired U.S. Army sergeant first class, Keay was gifted the tag over a decade ago in a bag of military paraphernalia purchased at a flea market at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, about 30 miles north of the town where Stevens died, he said from his home in South Korea.

Thinking that the majority of the items were from the postwar period, the history enthusiast put the bag on a shelf, where it stayed until the summer of 2021, when Keay started cleaning house prior to moving to South Korea.

Keay is now a conflict archaeologist who looks for missing service members on past battlefields. On inspection of Stevens dog tag, he immediately knew what he had.

There is corrosion on it, but its not coming off, he said. Blood eats into the metal and leaves this pitting, and its identical (to other items Ive studied).

According to Stevens personnel file provided by Keay, he was assigned to the 309th Infantry Regiment and died from a chest wound in Simmerath on Dec. 16, 1944. His body was repatriated to his hometown in 1947.

His death came the same day the Germans launched their Ardennes offensive, referred to as the Battle of the Bulge, just south of his position along the Belgian border.

Keay, 59, believes that Stevens was wearing the tag when he was wounded. He wanted to return it but had trouble finding relatives.

Ryan Kelly, a friend and amateur genealogist from Utah, offered to help after Keay posted about the tag on Facebook in July.

Kelly looked up Stevens name on FamilySearch.org, a genealogy site maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There, he found Trammell, who also happens to be a member of the church.

Keay was studying in England at the time, but he kept in touch with Trammell until he could return home and ship the tag, which arrived at her home in Texas on Thursday.

Trammell is waiting for local media to document her opening the package over the holiday weekend, Keay said Friday.

With the return of Stevens dog tag coming in the run-up to Memorial Day, Trammell believes it is divine intervention.

Its going to be exciting to see it and have it in my own little hand, she said.
The United States is deeply troubled by the reports of increased violence and intercommunal tension in [Burmas] Rakhine State, including reports of towns being burned and residents, including Rohingya, being displaced, said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller in a written statement. These developments follow concerning reports of forced conscription of Rohingya, as well as the spread of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech.

Since 2017, the Muslim ethnic minority Rohingya have been victims of horrific violence, when the Burmese military launched a genocidal campaign against them. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled across the border to Bangladesh. In 2021, after the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the regime brutally put down peaceful protests. The result has been the growth of armed resistance and accompanying communal violence throughout the country.

Once again, the Rohingya in Rakhine State are suffering, and in recent weeks, thousands have fled their homes due to the violence. The town of Buthidaung and a number of surrounding villages, home to thousands of Rohingya, were set on fire as the regimes military forces battled the Arakan Army, a predominantly Buddhist ethnic insurgent group.

Spokesperson Miller noted that the Burmese militarys previous acts of genocide and other crimes against humanity targeting Rohingya, along with the regimes history of stoking intercommunal tensions in Rakhine State and elsewhere, underscore the grave risk to civilians.

We call on Burmas military, as well as all armed actors, to protect civilian populations and allow for unhindered humanitarian access, he said. We encourage international partners to condemn this increased violence, take action to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable, and provide protection to those fleeing violence to prevent future atrocities.

The United States, Spokesperson Miller declared, remains committed to promoting justice for victims and survivors, as well as to holding accountable those responsible for atrocities, and will impose costs on the military and other armed actors who commit abuses.
A truck carries humanitarian aid across the U.S.-built temporary pier off Gaza on May 19, 2024. (U.S. Army Central)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. military will remove the temporary pier that operated for less than two weeks off the coast of Gaza after suffering damages from rough seas and bad weather, the Pentagon announced Tuesday.

Due to high sea states and a North African weather system, earlier today a portion of the Trident pier separated from the pier that is currently anchored into the coast of Gaza. The rebuilding and repairing of the pier will take at least over a week, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said. Upon completion of the pier  the intention is to re-anchor the temporary pier to the coast of Gaza and resume humanitarian aid.

In the next two days, the pier will be removed from its anchored position and towed back to the Israeli port city of Ashdod where U.S. Central Command forces will conduct repairs.

The pier was fully functional as late as Saturday when heavy seas unmoored four U.S. Army vessels that were being used to ferry pallets of aid from commercial vessels to the pier, which was anchored into the beach and provided a long causeway for trucks to drive that aid onto the shore.

A video screen grab shows a U.S. military vessel that ran aground in Ashdod, Israel, due to heavy seas. (Reuters)

As of Tuesday, one vessel that was beached on the coast of Israel near Ashkelon has been recovered, Singh said. The second vessel beached near Ashkelon will be recovered in the next 24 hours. The remaining two vessels that were beached near the pier are expected to be recovered in the next 48 hours.

The pier costs about $320 million and involves roughly 1,000 American forces.

The Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, or JLOTS, pier is meant to provide another way to deliver 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 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. One day later, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the top Pentagon spokesman, said the temporary pier would be operational within about 60 days.

The temporary pier was installed after being delayed due to weather conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and delivery of aid began nearly two weeks ago.

Ryder told reporters last week that more than 569 metric tons of humanitarian assistance had been delivered through the temporary pier to the shore of Gaza to be distributed to humanitarian partners. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said last week that some aid had been delivered to Palestinians that specifically need it.

Overhead imagery shows the U.S.-built temporary pier off the coast of Gaza being used to deliver humanitarian aid. (U.S. Central Command)

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy commander of CENTCOM, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, said last week that three service members suffered noncombat-related injuries helping deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Singh said Tuesday that one service member remains in critical condition.

The suspension of the pier comes as more than 1,000 metric tons of aid have been delivered.

The flow of aid starts in Cyprus, where it is inspected and loaded onto ships to travel about 200 miles to the floating pier in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Once it arrives, the aid is transferred by U.S. military vessels to the causeway attached to the Gaza coast. From there, trucks driven by a third party take the aid into Gaza, not the U.S. military.

Some of that aid that is currently in Cyprus is being loaded onto vessels. So, when the pier is re-anchored back onto the Gaza shore, that aid will already be prepositioned and roll off pretty immediately, Singh said.
Displaced Palestinians inspect their tents destroyed by Israels bombardment near Rafah in the Gaza Strip on May 28, 2024. (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli shelling and airstrikes killed at least 37 people, most of them sheltering in tents, outside the southern Gaza city of Rafah overnight and on Tuesday  pummeling the same area where strikes triggered a deadly fire days earlier in a camp for displaced Palestinians  according to witnesses, emergency workers and hospital officials.

The tent camp inferno has drawn widespread international outrage, including from some of Israels closest allies, over the militarys expanding offensive into Rafah. And in a sign of Israels growing isolation on the world stage, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday.

The Israeli military suggested Sundays blaze in the tent camp may have been caused by secondary explosions, possibly from Palestinian militants weapons. The results of Israels initial probe into the fire were issued Tuesday, with military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari saying the cause of the fire was still under investigation but that the Israeli munitions used  targeting what the army said was a position with two senior Hamas militants  were too small to be the source.

The strike or the subsequent fire could also have ignited fuel, cooking gas canisters or other materials in the camp. The blaze killed 45 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials count. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the fire was the result of a tragic mishap.

Israels assault on Rafah, launched May 6, spurred more than 1 million people to flee the city, the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees said Tuesday. Most were already displaced multiple times in the nearly eight-month war between Israel and Hamas. Families are now scattered across makeshift tent camps and other war-ravaged areas.

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The strikes over the past few days have hit areas west of Rafah, where the military had not ordered civilians to evacuate. Israeli ground troops and tanks have been operating in eastern Rafah, in central parts of the city, and along the Gaza-Egypt border.

Shelling late Monday and early Tuesday hit Rafahs western Tel al-Sultan district, killing at least 16 people, the Palestinian Civil Defense and the Palestinian Red Crescent said. Seven of the dead were in tents next to a U.N. facility about about 200 yards from the site of Sundays fire.

It was a night of horror, said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Tel al-Sultan since December. He said he heard constant sounds of explosions overnight and into Tuesday, with fighter jets and drones flying above.

He said it reminded him of the Israeli invasion of his neighborhood of Shijaiyah in Gaza City, where Israel launched a heavy bombing campaign before sending in ground forces in late 2023. We saw this before, he said.

The United States and other allies of Israel have warned against a full-fledged offensive in the city, with the Biden administration saying this would cross a red line and refusing to provide offensive arms for such an undertaking. On Tuesday, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller gave no indication the administration sees Israel as crossing any of the red lines for Rafah, saying the offensive is still on a far different scale than assaults on other population centers in Gaza.

The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive last week as part of South Africas case accusing Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.

A proposed U.N. Security Council resolution demanding a halt to the fighting in Rafah was being circulated by Algeria on Tuesday, with plans to potentially bring it to a vote this week. The U.S. has vetoed multiple Gaza cease-fire resolutions.

On Tuesday afternoon, an Israeli drone strike hit tents near a field hospital by the Mediterranean coast west of Rafah, killing at least 21 people, including 13 women, Gazas Health Ministry said.

A witness, Ahmed Nassar, said his four cousins and some of their husbands and children were killed in the strike and a number of tents were destroyed or damaged. Most of those living there had fled from the same neighborhood in Gaza City earlier in the war.

They have nothing to do with anything, he said.

Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead in Rafah, saying Israeli forces must enter the city to dismantle Hamas and return hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

In its investigation of Sundays deadly strike and fire, the Israeli military released satellite photos of what it said was a Hamas rocket launch position about 40 yards from an area of sheds that was targeted. In the photo, the alleged launcher itself did not appear to have been struck.

He said Israeli warplanes used the smallest bombs possible  two munitions with 37-pound warheads. Our munition alone could not have ignited a fire of this size, he said.

Hagari said that the fire was a devastating incident which we did not expect and ignited due to unforeseen circumstances.

Still, the strikes have triggered a flight of people from areas west of Rafah. Sayed al-Masri, a Rafah resident, said many families were heading to the crowded Muwasi area or to Khan Younis, a southern city that suffered heavy damage during months of fighting.

The situation is worsening in Rafah, al-Masri said.

Gazas Health Ministry said two medical facilities in Tel al-Sultan are out of service because of intense bombing nearby. Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charity operating throughout the territory, said the Tel al-Sultan medical center and the Indonesian Field Hospital were under lockdown with medics, patients and displaced people trapped inside.

Most of Gazas hospitals are no longer functioning. Rafahs Kuwait Hospital shut down Monday after a strike near its entrance killed two health workers.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organization said the casualties from Sundays strike and fire absolutely overwhelmed field hospitals in the area, which were already running short on supplies to treat severe burns.

That requires intensive care, that requires electricity, that requires high-level medical services, Dr. Margaret Harris told reporters in Geneva. Increasingly, we are struggling to even have the high-level skilled doctors and nurses because theyve been displaced.

The war began when Hamas and other militants burst into southern Israel in a surprise attack on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 civilians and abducting around 250. More than 100 were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel responded to the attack with a massive air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 36,096 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. Around 80% of Gazas population of 2.3 million has been displaced and U.N. officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.

The fighting in Rafah has made it nearly impossible for humanitarian groups to import and distribute aid to southern Gaza.

The Israeli military says it has allowed hundreds of trucks to enter through the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing since the start of its operation, but aid groups say its extremely difficult to access that aid on the Gaza side because of the fighting.

The U.N. says it has only been able to collect aid from around 170 trucks over the past three weeks via Kerem Shalom. Smaller amounts of aid were also entering through two crossings in the north and by sea through a U.S.-built floating pier, but its nowhere near the 600 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed. And the pier is being removed for repairs.

Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
An Israeli army tank rolls along Israels southern border with the Gaza Strip on May 28, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas. (Menahem Kahana, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Israeli tanks have reached the center of Rafah, a sign the military could be nearing its goal of taking full control of the southern Gaza city.

Residents reported clashes between Israeli and Hamas forces in the center of town on Tuesday, AFP said, suggesting troops have advanced beyond their initial incursions in the outskirts. An Israeli military official said tanks were being used as part of what he called a limited and precise set of operations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long said the country needed to start a ground invasion of Rafah to seek out the thousands of Hamas fighters and some leaders it says are based in the city, as well as some hostages. The plan has drawn international condemnation  including from the U.S.  even after Israel insisted it would first allow civilians to leave.

The United Nations says roughly one million civilians have fled Rafah, having sought shelter there during fighting elsewhere in Gaza. Devastation caused earlier in the near eight-month war means there are limited places for them to go, a predicament made clear on Sunday when an Israeli airstrike killed an estimated 45 Palestinians at a tent camp northwest of the city.

Israel said the attack was based on precise intelligence and that it killed two senior officials from Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and European Union. Netanyahu called the incident a tragic mistake.

Another Israeli strike on Rafah on Tuesday killed 20 Palestinians, Gazas civil defense service reported. The death toll from the war as a whole is now more than 36,000, according to officials in the Hamas-run enclave.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israels chief military spokesman, said an ongoing probe into the fire that killed 45 Gazans during the Sunday night airstrike suggests it was caused by a secondary explosion, possibly as a result of arms stored by Hamas in a separate structure.

He said the warplanes that killed the two Hamas commanders used the smallest munitions they have, and those alone couldnt have ignited the fire. He added that Hamas rocket launchers had been found some 43 meters away and Hamas has embedded itself in that part of Rafah among sheltering civilians since Oct. 7.

Hagari also played an intercepted phone call that he said was between two Gazans discussing the explosion and fire. One speaks of ammunition that started exploding and the other responds, This is an ammunition warehouse. I tell you it exploded. I mean, the Jewish bombing wasnt strong, it was a small missile because it didnt create a large hole.

Egypt tunnels

Israels military has found a number of tunnels from Rafah into Egypt and destroyed them, Hagari said, adding that Egypt was being kept informed.

Israel had pledged to invade Rafah while limiting civilian casualties, even as the citys population swelled to about 1.4 million mostly displaced people. The U.S. and other allies fear mass deaths, and have urged Israel to cancel or sharply curtail plans for the assault.

The war has inflamed the region and led to widespread criticism of Israel. The International Court of Justice published a ruling on Friday that most interpreted as ordering a halt to military activities in Rafah, while the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court is seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as leaders of Hamas.

On Tuesday, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state, in defiance of Israels wishes.

The conflict began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250.

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Irena Zadvaska told the court that she had been living in Ireland for 18 years and was an Irish passport holder

A 61-year-old woman who directed offensive remarks towards two Ukrainian women in a Cork supermarket has been been found guilty of threatening and abusive behaviour.

Court presenter Inspector Tony OSullivan told Midleton District Court that the two injured parties, Yaliia Kolomiites, 39, and Cholah Zinaida, 26, had gone to the Aldi supermarket in Carrigtwohill on October 2, 2022 to buy food to prepare a meal for a friend who was visiting.

Giving evidence Cholah Zinaida told the court that as they were browsing near the store entrance a woman later identified as Irena Zadvaska, 61, of An Faill, Cul Ard, Carrigtwohill, Co.Cork also entered the store.

Ms Zinaida said that as she was looking at the vegetables Ms Zadvaska turned to her and her friend and called them refugee bitches.

Yaliia Kolomiites also gave evidence to the court. She said that at first the two friends were shocked by what happened but they decided to approach Ms Zadvaska and ask her why she spoke to them in that way.

She said that Ms Zadvaska directed further slurs towards them and said that more of you should have been killed in Kyiv and you should burn in hell.

Solicitor Dennis Healy acting for defence solicitor Aiden Desmond said that it was in fact Cholah Zinaida and Yaliia Kolomiites who had directed slurs at Ms Zadvaska and not the other way around.

He said that Ms Zadvaska was herself originally from the Russian-speaking part of eastern Ukraine and that the two women had followed her around the store and made her feel threatened.

Irena Zadvaska told the court that she had been living in Ireland for 18 years and was an Irish passport holder. She said that she had moved from Ukraine to Ireland because she held strong pro-life views and was a devout Christian.

Mr Healy said that Ms Zadvaska lived with her husband, had three educated sons and was a valued member of her local community.

After viewing CCTV footage of the incident Judge Colm Roberts said it was clearly from the footage that Ms Zadvaska said something to the two women as she entered the store.

Ms Zadvaska claimed she simply said something to herself about the vegetables she was looking at. Judge Roberts said: Was she insulting some vegetables? Its clear from the footage she said something to these two women and to deny it is not credible.

He added: The CCTV totally corroborates the complainants version of events. I find their evidence to be credible and consistent. The defendant on the other hand is inconsistent and evasive. Judge Roberts said that he was satisfied that Ms Zadvaska was guilty of the charge of threatening and abusive behaviour.

The court heard that Irena Zadvaska had no previous convictions. She was ordered to make a 250 donation to the charity Chernobyl Children International and was given the benefit of the Probation Act.
"As a male has been arrested in relation to this incident, we ask people to refrain from comment

Appeal: witnesses who may have noticed suspicious behaviour in or around the HSE Modular Site, Upper Heywood, Clonmel between 8.30pm on Monday, May 20, and 1.30am on Tuesday, May 21, are asked to contact Gardai (stock image)

Gardai say they are aware of online misinformation being widely circulated surrounding the arrest of a man in the Parnell Square area of Dublin following alleged threatening behaviour.

The Irish man (30s) was allegedly brandishing a knife outside a school, but did not gain access to the school.

The incident occurred at around 9am this morning.

He is currently in custody in a Dublin city centre garda station.

Gardai say he has been arrested for alleged offences under the Firearms and Offences Weapons Act.

While there are no injuries reported, gardai said they had been conducting regular patrols in this area and these patrols will continue.

Gardai are liaising with the local community and anyone impacted by the incident, gardai said.

Gardai have also issued a warning about misinformation online surrounding the incident and appealed to the public to independently verify any information on social media and messaging apps.

"As a male has been arrested in relation to this incident, we ask people to refrain from comment, the statement added.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has called on any witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward to assist the garda investigation into the incident.

"I am conscious that the people who witnessed this, particularly children, will be very distressed, he told the Dail.

Mary Lou McDonald told the Taoiseach she was a "proud Dubliner," but that the city centre was not safe.

The Sinn Fein leader said: "People who live in the inner city of Dublin are sick and tired of the ongoing anti-social behaviour, the sense of threat and dread, and the lack of support and services.

"They are sick and tired of government hollowing out these communities, and sick and tired of the fact that garda resources are stretched beyond imagination."

She said they were also "absolutely incredulous at the fact that your Government's claims that the city centre is safe".
In response to unfair trade practices by the Peoples Republic of China, including state-supported overcapacity of goods that flood markets and wipe out competition, the United States has announced additional tariffs on a variety of products and industries targeted by the PRC for dominance.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan underscored why such measures are needed:

Chinas distorted practices, nonmarket economic practices, subsidizing at a dramatic scale industries where they are going to produce so much quantity of good and then flood the global market with it threatens to create global imbalances that are not stabilizing.

The additional U.S. tariffs will be imposed on Chinas critical manufacturing and mining sectors, including steel and aluminum, semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, and certain critical minerals, said U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

The increased tariffs are expected to cover approximately $18 billion of trade, she said. This strong action by the President is strategic. As he has said, we do not seek to constrain Chinas economic development, but we will insist on fair competition and defend American workers from the PRCs unfair practices.

Ambassador Tai said the move by the United States should come as no surprise to the PRC. U.S. officials over the past three years have been clear about the challenges that we are facingand the need for us to act:

This is not about escalation.  The types of support that were talking about here are defensive in nature. Theyre about creating the space to compete, the space to thrive, the space to survive the kind of onslaught that we are seeing across the board.

During recent remarks in Frankfurt, Germany, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the global nature of the challenge posed by the PRC, and the need for coordinated action. Industrial overcapacity not only poses a threat to firms in the U.S. and Europe, she said. It could also prevent countries around the world, including emerging markets, from building the industries that could power their growth.  If we do not respond strategically and in a united way, the viability of businesses in both our countries and around the world could be at risk.
People think Im some kind of monster and I am not. I will prove it

Irelands strongman Sean OHagan claims he has been trolled and harassed since pleading guilty to domestic abuse charges.

Speaking to the Sunday World this week ahead of a hearing that could land him behind bars when sentenced next month, he denied he was a monster.

And he claimed his mental health is suffering as a consequence of his current circumstances and that he now takes medication for anxiety.

The 34-year-old, who stands just under seven foot tall, claimed he had been suffering since the court case.

My life is a mess at the minute, I am being harassed, I have people outside my house at night, my car was destroyed and I am being trolled on the internet, yeah, trolled is the right word.

People think I am some kind of monster and I am not. I will prove that, he told the Sunday World.

This is so stressful, I have had to go to the doctors for diazepam because Im so anxious.

O'Hagan won the Irelands Strongest Man contest in 2015

Thats all I can say about it now, its in the hands of my solicitor who I will get to contact you, he said.

OHagan was due to go on trial two weeks ago, but after a jury was sworn in, defence KC Eugene Grant requested for his client to be rearraigned on six of the charges against him.

OHagan, from Laurencetown, Co Down, entered guilty pleas to two counts of common assault of his ex-partner and two of causing criminal damage to her car, as well as single charges of harassment and driving dangerously on Meadow Bank in Banbridge, all committed between June 10-15 last year.

Following the admissions, prosecuting KC Geraldine McCullough asked for further charges of robbery and a domestic abuse offence to be marked as left on the books, which was granted.

OHagan was freed on bail to allow probation to compile a pre-sentence report, and will face sentencing on July 1.

Before ending the conversation, Sean OHagan spoke of his pride as a Strongman of Ireland and boasted of his achievements.

I am an Irishman through and through, there is no north or south to me, he said.

To me my sport is like rugby, its one island. I compete for the whole of Ireland and I am proud and good at it. I am a record breaker.

I have competed worldwide as a Viking and as a Strongman. I am unbeaten and I want to keep on competing for my country, he added.

Sean O'Hagan

Just last month Judge Ramsey, sitting in Newry Court, varied OHagans bail conditions to allow him to travel to the Caribbean to compete in the strongman champions league (SCL) which is shown on Amazon Prime TV.

The competition in Fort-de-France on the beautiful Caribbean island of Martinique was the first of a dozen rounds of the SCL and could potentially see OHagan travel around the world to compete in the Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia, Cyprus, England, Finland and South Africa before the final in November.

If he manages to top the league, OHagan stands to win $350,000.

His first major success was becoming Ulsters Strongest Man in 2014 when he was 24 years old, making him the competitions youngest winner. He followed that up by winning Irelands Strongest Man in 2015.

In 2017, he qualified for the Strongman Champions League World Finals in Mexico.

After 18 matches across the globe, with his best finish being forth, he finished ninth in the world final and jumped to 20th strongest man in the world rankings.

OHagan won the 2020 Worlds Strongest Viking competition in Fefor, Norway.
Ms McLoughlins niece, Rebecca Leydon was also struck by the train and received a broken leg.

Coroner Eamon MacGowan returned a narrative verdict at the inquest into the death of Sligo woman Jessica McLoughlin (40) who was killed after being hit by a train at Knoxpark, Co Sligo last summer.

After hearing the evidence at the inquest on Monday at Sligo Courthouse, the coroner said he was bringing in a narrative verdict that Ms McLoughlin of Rusheen Ard, Sligo, died on June 14 2023 on the rail line at Knoxpark from injuries sustained from colliding with the train on the background of her having alcohol and drug intoxication.

Ms McLoughlins niece, Rebecca Leydon was also struck by the train and received a broken leg.

Her deposition was read out by Sgt Derek Butler. She said she remembered the day of the train crash. Both her and her aunt went to the train station in Sligo.

Her mother left them to the train station and they were going to get the train to Dublin for a day out. She said she thought it was one oclock. They had a few drinks.

They got off the train in Collooney because she left her phone in the shop in Sligo. She said she felt guilty about this. They were walking back to Sligo on the train line. She said they didnt realise there was a train due from Sligo. They heard the train horn and she said when she looked she didnt think it was going to hit them but the steps hit them.

The scene of the accident near Ballisodare last summer.

Ms Leydon said she did not remember much else after that. She broke her leg and got staples in two spots. I miss my auntie Jessica. She helped me a lot. When I was homeless, she gave me her bed, Ms Leydons deposition concluded.

The second witness was the driver of the train, Padraig OGara. He said that on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 he was the driver of the 3:05pm Sligo to Dublin train. After the train passed over the Ballisodare water bridge, it was going around a long sweeping bend to the left. He saw two women in the distance in the middle of the track walking towards him. He immediately blew the horn and applied the train brakes to the emergency position. The two ladies moved to the side of the track. One lady jumped clear. The other lady didnt. She stood on the outside of the rail track while still standing on the track. She was crouched forward.

Mr OGara continued to blow the train horn as he knew she wasnt clear. She collided with the side of the train. As the train was coming to a halt, he rang the Controller Signal man in Dublin Connolly Station. He informed them of the situation and requested an ambulance, fire brigade and gardai to attend the scene. He informed them of his exact location and on the nearest access points for the emergency services to access the scene.

His colleague, Ticket Inspector Greg Flanagan, contacted him from the rear of the cab of the train and he told him what happened. Mr Flanagan got off the train and went back to where the ladies were.

Mr OGara said he heard the ambulance coming and he went back to the access point to guide them back to the scene. He assisted them with their equipment and brought them to where his colleague and the two ladies were.

The Coroner asked Mr OGara about when he saw the two women if he hit the emergency brake and he replied he did and blew the horn. He said the train was travelling at 60 miles per hour.

The Coroner told him he did all that he could do to stop his train and he couldnt move left or right. Mr McGowan said it was an unfortunate thing to happen and he hopes he mends and does not carry it into the future and the train driver thanked him.

The next witness was Greg Flanagan. He said he was working on the 3:05 train from Sligo to Dublin. They left Sligo and just after Ballisodare suddenly the emergency brakes came on and the horn sounded.

He was in the back cab and there were 100 passengers on board. Padraig OGara the train driver and himself were the only two Irish Rail staff on board. The train them came to a complete stop and he contacted Padraig on the intercom and asked him if he was alright.

Mr Flanagan said he knew what was after happening as he looked out the window and saw a woman about 100 metres back lying on the side of the line. He told Padraig that if he wanted to stay where he was and contact the emergency services that he would go back to the woman. Padraig stayed where he was and when Mr Flanagan went down, he seen there were two women.

One woman was crying and trying to stand up. The other woman was moaning lying on the ground and he could see she had serious injuries to her stomach. He told the women not to be moving and that the emergency services were coming.

He went back to the train and got a drink of water for the women and he told Padraig the two women were injured and one was very serious. He went back to the women and the girl with the bad leg drank the bottle of water. The Fire Service came then and he went back to the train to make the passengers comfortable.

A deposition from Paramedic Kieran Currid was read out by Sergeant Grainne Fagan to the inquest. He said they received a call about persons hit by a train. They brought the ambulance as far as they could at the scene in Ballisodare.

They went on foot down the railway line to the injured parties. One patient was speaking so they knew she was alive. Along with his colleague Michael McGonigle, they treated the other female. The patient was unresponsive with a major open wound to her lower left side. Initially she had a pulse and they treated the wound.

Then the patient went into cardiac arrest. They started CPR and a doctor attended the scene. The doctor pronounced Ms McLoughlin deceased at the scene.

Sgt Fagan read out her deposition. She said she was on duty at 3:45pm at Collooney Garda Station and she was informed of an incident on the rail line between Ballisodare and Collooney that two females had sustained injuries. She travelled to the scene and accessed through Parkes Garage and had a brief conversation with the train driver, Padraig OGara who said the train had collided with two females walking on the line.

He said he had applied the emergency brakes and sounded the horn but the females didnt clear the line in time to avoid contact. The train had four carriages stationary on the track. She was informed there were 100 passengers on board and they had been instructed by Iarnrod Eireann not to disembark.

Sgt Fagan continued further down the line and met Dt Gda Sandra Deery, Gda David Hannon and Gda Tom Dooner who were on the scene upon her arrival. The Ambulance service, Fire Service and representatives of Iarnrod Eireann were there. The two females were being treated by the emergency response personnel.

Dt Gda Deery identified Jessica McLoughlin to her as she was known to her. Dr Sean Underwood pronounced her deceased at the scene at 4:28pm. Rebecca McLoughlin was stretchered onto a rail trolley platform and brought to Sligo University Hospital.

The passengers were escorted from the train and brought to waiting buses at 5:30pm. Sgt Fagan boarded the train and viewed CCTV footage at the time of impact. She observed Rebecca Leydon and Jessica McLoughlin step off the track. Jessica McLoughlin then leant forward but remained in the path of the train and was ultimately struck.

She remained at the scene until 8:50pm when the body of Jessica McLoughlin was removed and escorted to Sligo University Hospital by Gda Seamus McGowan. Garda Brian Fowley and Garda Derek Healy both Scene of crime Examiners finished examination of the scene at 10:36pm. Gda Fowley gave her two bags of exhibits.

On Saturday, June 17 and Friday, June 22, Sgt Fagan called to Rebecca Leydon at Sligo University Hospital to check on her progress and return personal items to her including 150 cash, her passport and a bag with make up and personal items.

Sgt Fagan told the inquest she wanted to take the opportunity to convey her sincere condolences to Jessicas family.

Dt Gda Sandra Deery of Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station read out her deposition to the inquest. She said on Wednesday June 14 at 3:30pm she heard a request from control seeking any available units to assist at a report of two females having been hit by a train near Parkes Garage in Ballisodare. She indicated to control she was available and dispatched to the scene and arrived at the scene at Knoxpark at 4:05pm.

She made her way onto the train tracks to the scene of the incident. The first person she met was Padraig OGara. He said that he blew the horn but the girl didnt clear the track. She enquired as to his welfare and he said he was ok.

She spoke to Mary Connolly who identified herself as the Station Manager in Sligo train station. Incident Officer Paddy Donnelly was on route. Paramedics were working on the two casualties.

At approximately 4:30pm Rebecca Leydon was moved from the scene. Paramedics had stopped working on the other casualty, she was Jessica McLoughlin and she was known to her. Dt Gda Deery informed Sgt Fagan and Sgt McGrath of the identity of the deceased.

She preserved the scene and kept a log.

Garda Seamus McGowan of Coolaney Garda Station told the inquest he was on duty from 4pm and was made aware of an incident that had taken place on the railway line between Ballisodare and Collooney where two people had been injured. He arrived at the scene at 4:40pm. He entered the railway line from the Ballisodare side where he met Dt Gda Sandra Deery where he was informed that the female that was fatally injured was Jessica McLoughlin who was known to him.

He took up preservation of the scene and escorted the body of Jessica McLoughlin to the mortuary at Sligo University Hospital at 8:50pm. At 9:31pm, the body of Jessica McLoughlin was formally identified to him by her brother, Jason McLoughlin.

Depositions were also read at the inquest by Sgt Butler from Mary Connolly, Station Manager, Sligo Train Station, Dr Sean Underwood who was working at the Emergency Department of Sligo University Hospital and attended the scene and who pronounced Ms McLoughlin deceased at 4:28pm and also treated Ms Leydon and accompanied her in the ambulance to Sligo University Hospital. Depositions were also read from Gda Brian Fowley, Crime Scene Investigator who assisted fire personnel gain access to the field to where an air ambulance had landed.

He took photographs of the scene and he then took photographs of the train and the front left step as pointed out to him by the train driver. He informed him that the step appeared to be bent back. He also viewed the CCTV from the train.

The autopsy was carried out by Dr Erich Langner at Sligo University Hospital on June 15, 2023. Dr Langer said the deceased died of multiple injuries related to trauma from colliding with a train. The toxicology showed presence of alcohol, cocaine, diazepam and prescription drugs which may have been a major contributory factor.

The Coroner said that in relation to a verdict and cause of death, he was bringing in a narrative verdict that Jessica McLoughlin died on June 14 2023 on the rail line at Knoxpark from injuries sustained from colliding with a train on the background of her having alcohol and drug intoxication.

Mr MacGowan said he wished to give his sympathies to Jessicas family, present at the inquest, and particularly her niece Rebecca who was with her and who he said was sure it was a difficult time for her.

He said that Jessica was a young woman and it was such a shame.

He said he also wanted to mention Padraig the train driver and wish him the best for the future.

He said he did all that he could and could do nothing else.

Sergeant Derek Butler on behalf of An Garda Siochana also expressed sincere condolence to the family.

Mr Declan Hegarty (solicitor) on behalf of Iarnrod Eireann also offered sympathies to the family.
Darren Foster (44) is accused of assaulting an officer

A man broke into the grounds of the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters where he spat blood in an arresting gardas face and told him he had Aids, it is alleged.

Darren Foster (44) is accused of assaulting an officer who responded to a call that there was an intruder at the building in central Dublin.

The accused allegedly got onto the grounds after smashing through a window at a neighbouring hostel.

The case against him was adjourned after a judge said she needed medical evidence on the alleged victims treatment before deciding on a court venue.

Mr Foster, of Belcamp Green, Priorswood, Coolock, appeared in Dublin District Court charged with assault with intent to resist lawful apprehension.

Garda Sergeant Michelle Lynch told Judge Monika Leech the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was consenting to the case being dealt with in the district court on a plea of guilty only, subject to the issue of jurisdiction being considered. Judge Leech asked for an outline of the proposed evidence.

Sgt Lynch said the incident was alleged to have happened on February 7 last year, when gardai responded to a report of an intruder at the department at St Stephens Green.

The accused had allegedly broken out through a window at another address on St Stephens Green which led directly onto the grounds of the departments property.

When the gardai arrived, they found Mr Foster on the grounds, bleeding heavily. It was alleged he became verbally abuse and aggressive to the gardai and had to be arrested. While the officers were dealing with him, it was alleged the accused turned his head and spat blood.

This landed on the eyes, face and mouth of one of the gardai. According to the prosecution, the accused then began shouting that he had Aids.

Mr Foster was arrested but later released pending an investigation file which was sent to the DPP, who directed the charge before the court.

The prosecuting garda was not in court and there were no written details of any treatment the alleged victim may had received, or long-term consequences.

The judge said she needed this information before deciding on jurisdiction and Sgt Lynch said the prosecuting garda would be contacted.

If the judge accepts jurisdiction, the case can be dealt with in the district court, provided Mr Foster pleads guilty. Otherwise, he will be sent for jury trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Stephen Lynch (31) suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a vehicle at Brookview Close, Tallaght on April 13, 2017.

/28/05'24 Vera Donovan, mother of the late Stephen Lynch pictured leaving the Dublin District Coroner's Court this morning after the opening of the inquest into the death of Stephen Lynch (31) who was killed in a hit and run incident in Brookview Close, Tallaght on 13th April 2017...SEE COPY SEAN McCARTHAIGH....Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

The mother of a young Dublin man killed in a hit-and-run incident in Tallaght seven years ago has expressed upset and disappointment at ongoing delays in holding an inquest into his death.

Stephen Lynch (31) suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a vehicle at Brookview Close, Tallaght on April 13, 2017.

Gardai launched a murder investigation after forming the view that the victim was deliberately run over by the driver of a Ford Focus which was later found abandoned a short distance away.

Gardai believe Mr Lynch  a father of three from the Glenshane estate in Tallaght  became involved in an altercation with the occupants of the vehicle before the fatal incident after he had earlier asked the driver of the car to slow down because of children playing in the area.

At a brief hearing at Dublin District Coroners Court on Tuesday, the coroner, Crona Gallagher, noted that the case had already come before her court on numerous occasions over the past seven years.

Dr Gallagher acknowledged that gardai were involved in a complex investigation into Mr Lynchs death.

Detective Inspector Jason Miley applied to the coroner for an adjournment of the inquest on the basis that a file on the case was currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Det Insp Miley explained that a review of the original Garda investigation into Mr Lynchs death had resulted in a supplementary file being forwarded to the DPP and a direction was awaited on the matter.

It is still under consideration, said Det Insp Miley.

The witness said he had contacted the DPP on numerous occasions but confirmed that no charges had been brought in the case to date.

Det Insp Miley said he anticipated he would get a decision from the DPP in the near future if a short adjournment was granted.

A solicitor for Mr Lynchs family, Brian Doyle, said the victims mother, Vera Donovan, was disappointed at the delay in the inquest into her sons death being held.

Nothing has been advanced for seven years, said Mr Doyle.

He also complained that there had been two or three false starts in the case which had left Ms Donovan very upset and very disappointed.

In reply, Dr Gallagher pointed out that she was obliged to adjourn an inquest under legislation if informed by gardai that there were outstanding matters in relation to their investigation into a death.

My hands are tied. I have no choice, the coroner remarked.

She added: I cant go forward while a file rests with the DPP.

Dr Gallagher said she had no discretion about when the inquest could be held until there was an outcome to the process involving the DPP.

Mr Doyle also sought clarification over why Mr Lynchs death certificate only listed a head injury due to a road traffic collision as the cause of death in the case.

The coroner pointed out that a death certificate usually only lists the medical cause of death and does not reflect all the circumstances of how someone died.

Dr Gallagher adjourned the case until a date to be fixed in early July on the basis that a decision by the DPP might be available by then.

She acknowledged that Ms Donovan had to wait a very long time for progress in the case and that it had been extremely difficult for her and her family.

Following the hearing, Ms Donovan was too upset to comment on the case.

A previous sitting of the inquest in July 2022 heard that a Garda investigation was not expected to result in criminal proceedings.

The coroner was also informed at the time that a review of the original Garda file on the case was being overseen by an assistant Garda commissioner but it was not expected to add anything that would further the investigation.

Since his death, Mr Lynchs family have made several public appeals for people to help to identify his killer as well as any other occupant in the car.

On RTEs Crimecall programme in 2021, his eldest son, Craig, said his father's death had affected his familys lives in the worst way possible.

Everyday its killing us, he added.

Ms Donovan has vowed to continue to return to the area where her son was killed to persuade witnesses to come forward.

In an interview three years ago, Ms Donovan stated: It's important to remind people what we are still going through. We can't move on because we don't have closure.

She had described the people involved in her sons death as a pack of monsters and expressed a wish that they would reap what they sow.

In a social media post, Ms Donovan said she would never give up and hoped her family would one day get justice for her son.

On his anniversary last month, she issued a fresh appeal for people with information about her sons death to come forward to gardai.

Just give us some kind of closure  a bit of peace. I know nothing is ever going to bring Stephen back, said Ms Donovan.

Id like a bit of closure and for somebody to be held accountable for taking his life, she added.

Ms Donovan said she understood why eyewitnesses to the fatal incident might have fears about coming forward but urged them to contact the confidential Crimestoppers line anonymously with any information.

In a public appeal, gardai revealed that one of the suspects cut his hand after being tripped by a resident after running away from the vehicle before escaping the scene via Brookview Avenue.

One of the suspects is described as being a tanned male, approximately 5ft 8 inches in height with black hair and wearing a green or navy rain jacket.

A second suspect is described as being very thin with a gaunt face, dark brown hair and wearing a red puffer jacket.
CRIME WORLD | Episode 577: CAB raids on properties related to Ireland's 'biggest cocaine logistics' gang

Significant Criminal Assets Bureau raids were carried out on more than 20 properties last week.

File photo

Nicola Tallant Tue 28 May 2024 at 12:46






The bust occurred at the weekend

Gardai in the east of the country have uncovered a cannabis stash worth 90k after a planned search at the weekend.

The Louth Divisional Drug Unit conducted the planned search under warrant at the residential property in Drogheda on Saturday.

During the search, gardai discovered and seized 4.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis, with an estimated street value in excess of 90,000.

The operation took place as part of ongoing investigations into the sale and distribution of controlled drugs and related crime in the area.

These suspected drugs will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for further investigation and analysis.

No arrests have yet been made during this phase of the investigation, a garda spokesperson stated.

The operation was carried out with support from the Drogheda Crime Unit and the Drogheda Community Policing Unit.

This seizure is part of Operation Tara, an intensified national anti-drugs strategy launched by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in July 2021.

Operation Tara aims to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute drug trafficking networks operating at all levels - international, national, and local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, and local sale and supply of controlled drugs, according to gardai.
Young man flees to Australia after gang here swears revenge over gun

Gardai say the monkey gang is involved in selling firearms to gangs around the country. Photo: Getty

One of Irelands most notorious organised crime gangs have threatened to track down and punish a young man who fled to Australia after he allegedly lost a machine gun controlled by them.

The young north Dublin man fled to the other side of the world after his family home was burnt to the ground by members of the so-called monkey gang during the Christmas period.

Sources say that before this happened the Finglas-based mobsters stole an expensive watch from the young man after the dispute arose about the gun.

They first took an expensive watch, then smashed up his family home and then burned it to the ground

He was tasked with bringing a machine gun to monkey gang associates in Limerick, who are involved in a feud in that city, but it seems he sold the weapon to someone else, a source explained.

This did not go down at all well with the organised crime group. They first took an expensive watch from the individual, then smashed up his family home and then burned it to the ground during two separate arson attacks over the Christmas period. 

The boarded-up property in north Dublin is still gutted and remains unoccupied. Shortly after it was burned out, the man  who is aged in his mid-20s  left for Australia. However it has now emerged that the Finglas-based leader of the monkey gang has put it out there that his associates will find the individual in Australia.

They have associates out there who are involved in a number of organised scams and burglaries  but it is a very big country, so perhaps it is a bit opportunistic on his part to think they will find this man, a source explained.

Either way, because of the calibre of these criminals it is certainly a matter causing anxiety to those who are close to the individual who felt the need to flee to the other side of the world.

The gang have links to crime organisations in the UK and hav e previously been associated with the Kinahan cartel.

One of his closest associates would previously have had alleged links to the IRA

Gardai suspect that they have long been involved in the distribution of firearms to gangs around the country, as well as throughout the capital.

The wider gang has been the subject of a number of operations by the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) including a massive raid in Co Meath in November 2018, when officers seized 1.5m in cash, as well as other items. It is understood that the man who was tasked with delivering the machine gun to Limerick was due to travel from the capital to Munster on a high-powered motorbike.

This is an individual who is known to gardai but not necessarily for involvement in the drugs business, or even for close associations with this organised crime group. He does not have much in the way of previous convictions.

One of his closest associates would previously have had alleged links to the IRA but this is not a factor in this case.

Weapons like that are worth a high four-figure sum in the criminal market and of course it is a serious matter when it is not brought to where it was meant to go, a source explained.

The monkey gang gained their nickname when gardai seized a small monkey in a cage as well as a huge haul of weapons and ammunition during a search operation in Finglas in April 2019.

They are also heavily involved in drug debt intimidation as well as the supply of drugs.
You always had a new joke to tell or a story about one of your grandchildren whom you loved so much

Tributes have been paid to veteran criminal Fran The Lamb Cunningham ahead of his funeral this week after he died in an accidental fall at his south Dublin home.

Cunningham, who was considered a central cog in Irelands underworld for decades, is believed to have fallen from the second floor of his Ballyfermot home after trying to climb through a window.

On his notice on RIP.ie it states that Francis (Fran) Cunningham of Ballyfermot, Dublin/Meath/Kildare passed away unexpectedly, at home.

It adds that the beloved son of the late Lily and Frank and brother of the late Mick is also the cherished father of Suzanne, Anita, Robert and Sarah.

Fran will be sadly missed by Geraldine and Denise, his loving children, adored grandchildren Hayley, Cian, Kayla, Freya, Kali, Demetris and Mina, adored great-granddaughter Heidi, daughter-in-law Sharyn, sons-in-law Philip and Chris, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends, the notice reads.

May his gentle soul rest in peace."

Fran the Lamb Cunningham (from RIP.ie)

His funeral will take place on Thursday with Requiem Mass at 11.30am in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Ballyfermot, followed by burial at Palmerstown Cemetery.

In the condolences section, one person has written that they were sorry to hear of Fran's passing.

I will miss pots of tea in Palmerston, Ballyfermot and many other cafes around Dublin, they wrote. You always had a new joke to tell or a story about one of your grandchildren whom you loved so much.

Taken too early from your beautiful family and your many friends. Rest in Peace, Fran.

Cunningham was reputed to be one of Irelands top conmen at one stage and was behind frauds worth millions of pounds,

He was an integral part Irelands crime scene and specialised in the disposal of stolen bank drafts and travellers cheques stolen in heists both here and in Britain.

He was also involved in a forged garda pay cheque ring and helped organise heists and frauds for other criminals.

He made so much money from fraud that he helped bankroll numerous other gangsters activities.

Originally from Le Fanu Road in Ballyfermot, he was a brother of Michael and John Cunningham who gained notoriety for the kidnapping of Jennifer Guinness in 1986.

John Cunningham went on to become a key player in the Kinahan cartel while Michael died of natural causes nine years ago.

Frans list of associates reads like a whos who of Irish gangsters of yesteryear including John Traynor, John Gilligan, Martin the Viper Foley, Martin the General Cahill, Sean the Fixer Fitzgerald and Noel Kingsize Duggan.

He ran a front operation of a bad debts agency and lived in an exclusive apartment in Ranelagh for a time but his real income came from criminality.

Gardai were well aware of his activities but described him as slippery like an eel in the way he dodged several convictions on legal technicalities and using down-on-their luck patsies to carry out frauds he had masterminded.

In the late 1990s, he was behind a bid to cash IR1.5m worth of stolen bank drafts which were stolen in a London raid.

He flew out to Amsterdam with a man he had recruited to cash the drafts but kept his distance while the man went to the bank.

Gardai, Dutch police and Interpol were aware of the operation and Dutch cops arrested the other man but Cunningham was able to fly back to Dublin without problem.

However, in 1999 his luck ran out when he was sent down for five years for masterminding a 45,000 fraud.

He had tried to avoid prison by faking a heart attack while he was supposed to be in court. He was taken to hospital and tried to escape but was caught by gardai.

When they stopped him he was in the company of Martin the Viper Foley.

Being behind bars failed to stop Cunningham from committing crime and in 2002 he was behind the forgery of fake driving licenses in Mountjoy Prison which were smuggled out and sold for 200 each.

He also became the prisons unofficial bookie operating gambling rackets via a mobile phone.

He was also nabbed for several other offences over the years including in 2012 when he was found guilty of involvement in a 315,000 cigarette delivery van heist.

It is understood that foul play is not suspected in Cunninghams death.

A garda spokesperson said: Gardai and emergency services attended a residential premises in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, on Friday 24th May 2024. The body of a male, aged in his 60s, was discovered and removed to Dublin City Mortuary for a post mortem.
We almost forgot about the CR-V, but the latest version is back with a bang

The new CR-Vs exterior has now been brought bang

The Honda CR-V has been improved in almost every way, with extra space, great tech and good looks... but the starting price is now 68k

Remember the Honda CR-V? Yepits still going and now on its sixth generation with an all-new PHEV powertrain.

There is a lot of pressure on this car to help the four-wheel branch of the company survive the increasingly claustrophobic motor industry.

So whats new about the SUV and why are both of us here at Motormouths testing it?

For starters, neither of us was overly impressed with the 5.0 version of the CR-V.

It was grand. It was big and safe and easy to drive but it didnt wow us. And while grand is fine with a lot of car buyers, the reason we are here is because we expect a bit more than grand from our cars.

While the Japanese super brand released the gorgeous Honda e, and rolled out plans for an unpronounceable e:NY1  they left the old reliables (Civic, Jazz and CR-V) alone and hoped they would simply continue to plod along.

The new CR-Vs rear seats recline

Then came time to reimagine them and first up is their big SUV.

Like a few new SUVs in recent months the curves of the older version have been hardened into sexy lines and angles to give an altogether more rugged feel in keeping with what we, as consumers, want from a SUV.

They have abandoned their tendency to go wild from time to time and have kept these changes business-like. Which will suit the market they are aiming for.

Looks-wise its not bland, but its not wow either. Its handsome but could get lost in the traffic.

Luckily, and wisely, the interior does get some more pizazz and has borrowed design features from the Civic and ZR-V, which is a good thing. Its really built with a host of premium materials that all complement each other and are broken up nicely by a touch of metal-effect in the trim line.

The contemporary makeover offers a wide, clean dashboard that houses all the new modern technology. And that is one of the biggest upcycles in this latest version.

The best way to describe the last CR-Vs in-car tech was underwhelming, in keeping with the grand motif.

But now we can celebrate as the new touchscreen and digital instrument cluster (both of which come as standard and are also seen on the Honda Civic and ZR-V) have been tweaked and improved sufficiently to no longer be a problem.

In fact, its really impressive and came as a huge shock to us both.

Competitors take noteyou dont have to overcomplicate your infotainment system. Flashy can be fun but easy is more important.

The digital display here is the perfect example of that as it is clear and user friendly.

There are also extra safety features under the umbrella term Honda Sensing 360 which uses sensors around the entire car to create a wall of defences designed to help the driver avoid accidents.

A few car companies claim to have similar and have been doing it for longer, but we need to let you know this system is very effective and came as a refreshing surprise.

One big change for the latest CR-V is that it does not come in a seven-seater option anymore, which means that the five-seat offering is extremely spacious.

And there is a giant panoramic sunroof, as standard, which makes it feel even roomier than it actually is.

The new CR-Vs exterior has now been brought bang

The kids (13 and 10) had bucketloads of space but even when adults were sitting in row two they commented on the amount of headroom and legroom they were afforded.

Interestingly it was the younger passengers who discovered the fact that the rear seats recline (eight different settings), making them very comfortable on long journeys.

And the boot is as big as you need or expect. Our PHEV model came with an impressive 635 litres of space, although we imagine that gets devoured the further back the kids put the seats. Something has to give!

Both powertrain options are based on the same 2.0-litre petrol engine and a good transmission that includes the electric motors.

It doesnt matter if you are the HEV or the PHEV  they offer exactly the same peak 184hp power output and 335Nm of torque.

The e:PHEV tested last week had a 17.7kWh battery mounted under the floor, which gave us an estimated 80km on EV power before the e:HEV engine kicked. So here you get to drive the car as an EV for short journeys and a conventional hybrid for the rest.

We reckon you should opt for the all-wheel-drive e:HEV if you live in remote places or need a bit of off-roading in your weekly driving, but for urban dwellers the PHEV is a great option.

Its a quiet drive (hushed at worst) and, due to its size and weight, it is a very grounded drive too. We found it responsive on corners and has a lofty driving perch making it very easy to drive.

There is a big problem here though, and it is important to keep all the previous positives in checkbecause to have one of these in your driveway would cost a minimum of 68k.

Our test vehicle crept higher, which means you are being asked to part with a lot of money for a car that has a Honda badge on the front and not a premium German brand.

Would we choose it? Nope, but remember what we said at the topwe are looking for more wow.

This is a good-looking car that has finally been brought up to par with modern cars. It is practical and easy to drive and has bucket loads of space and easy-to-use tech. Its just too pricey for our liking.
The Healey (sic) Raes welcome the plantation and replacement of the Irish on their own soil

Former Xpose presenter Aisling OLoughlin used the hashtag traitors in a post criticising the Kerry politicians Michael and Danny Healy Rae speaking at a mosque in Killarney.

The 45-year-old anti-vaxxer posted the video clip of Deputy Michael Healy Rae as he speaks to the local Muslim community with the hashtags roguegovernment, votethemout, and traitors.

She also posted under the video: The Healey (sic) Raes welcome the plantation and replacement of the Irish on their own soil.

In the video Michael Healy-Rae addresses those gathered in the Mosque in Kerry as he thanks them for "having children in our county"

They will be the fabric of this town and this county, Deputy Healy Rae says.

And I appreciate that very much, if you hadn't made the decision to come here and rare your families here we would have been denied the right of having those children in this county.

Deputy Michael Healy Rae in the video

He adds that this is so important because the more people that we can have, the better. And they're very nice and theyre very respectful and I believe they will play an integral part of our community in the years ahead when none of us adults will be there any more.

He added that he was delighted that the mosque here is going so well, and said it was a credit to each and every one of you and your families who work so hard and who saved up money because it couldn't be here only for work and for money.

Last September, OLoughlin joined protests outside the Dail where far-right protesters shouted various chants against transgender rights, migration and planned hate speech laws.

Some 200 people had gathered outside Leinster House ahead of the return of the Dail session where protestors held signs featuring slogans such as Irish lives matter and Ballybrack says no as they chanted: Youll never beat the Irish.

Mock gallows featuring a hanging effigy were also held up by the crowd, surrounded by portraits of political leaders including then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald.

Thirteen people, 11 men and two women, were arrested over the course of the protests.

OLoughlin was among the demonstrators outside the Dail, posing for photos alongside Dr Vincent OCarroll and anti-migrant activist Derek Blighe.

Taking to her Telegram channel after the protest, she shared some images and footage from the scene with her 10,200 subscribers.

In one snap, OLoughlin took a selfie with the crowd, where a sign in the background reads Silence replace indigenous Irish. She captioned the photo: Traitors out!

The 45-year-old, who is vocal online about her anti-vax views, also filmed fellow protester Dr Vincent OCarroll in an interview-style clip at the protest.

Were here outside the Dail giving our TDs a welcome back after the summer recess. Ive got Dr Vincent Carroll here with me. Dr Carroll, how are you feeling about the turnout today? she asked.

Dr OCarroll responded that he was very happy with the turnout as he spoke of how the people of Ireland were rising against the government.

Peoples moods have changed. If you compare this to one year ago, theres no comparison. People now are beginning to realise theres a sense of betrayal, he said.

The mood of the country is changing. Politicians need to be aware of that. People need to be aware that we will no longer tolerate whats been happening for the last couple of years.

The mood of the nation is changing. The people are rising and Im very happy with the turnout and it is improving as the minutes roll on.

Aisling added: Were always told protests dont matter, what does it prove, theres no point in begging politicians, we dont need their permission  so what is the point of protests? Why should we turn out?

Dr OCarroll continued: Protests are democracy - direct democracy and action - and thats very, very important. Were the voice of the people, were the will of the people.

Politicians are there to serve us so therefore politicians need to know that theres palpable anger within our nation. Theres a sense of betrayal within our nation. Theres a sense of, This is not good enough within our nation and our people are rising and protesting.

That is the purpose of a protest: to demonstrate that will, the peoples will, the democratic will of the people.

OLoughlin also shared a video of Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae being escorted away from Leinster House by gardai on her Telegram channel.

The mum-of-three condemned protesters who shouted profanities and shoved the politician as he left the Dail and suggested that there may have been infiltrators present.

O'Loughlin joins the protests outside the Dail

Im a firm believer in peaceful protest. We can convey our message much better with reason and measured tones. We have enough evidence to put forward a very strong case, no need for violence. Its a total turn-off for middle Ireland and gives ammunition to those who conspire against us, she wrote.

Im trying to figure out if theyre infiltrators purposefully wrecking a peaceful protest to create nasty headlines or if theyre really peeved. It ruins the message were trying to convey.

When one of her supporters theorised that the Healy-Rae clip was a set-up as cameras were present before he walked out, OLoughlin agreed: Something fishy about the whole thing alright, James.

The protest was advertised on Telegram as a Call to the Dail demonstration, with a makeshift poster reading:

This is time. We have the god-given right to free speech! We will not be silenced. Have your voice heard.

Several politicians and staff including Michael Healy-Rae were verbally abused as they were prevented from leaving Leinster House until gardai escorted a convoy of politicians' cars out of the gate.

Mr Healy Rae later told Independent.ie: I come to Dublin to represent the good people of this country.

Nothing will ever deter me from doing my job.

Ive no issue with protesting, never have, never will but you can see the videos circulating and judge for yourselves if that behaviour and use of language is acceptable.
ELKO  Sunny skies brought approximately 250 people to honor Elko Countys fallen troops at Mondays annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Led by past VFW 2350 Post Cmdr. Gil Hernandez, the 40-minute ceremony included patriotic selections by the Elko High School band and a tribute to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

The ceremony is sponsored by the VFW and Auxiliary.

Auxiliary members handed out programs and red poppies in honor of the poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae.

Janet Peck of the Elko Veterans Administration clinic, who was listed as a guest speaker, could not attend due to illness, Hernandez said.

Extended musical selections by the band and impromptu remarks by Elko Mayor Reece Keener, who apologized for his casual dress, filled in the time.

Keener reminded the audience of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied Forces invasion of Normandy Beach during World War II on June 6.

The largest landing in mankinds history, Keener said. There will probably be a lot of good documentaries playing. 

Past Elko POW/MIA Awareness Association chaplain Lee Foster led the invocation and benediction prayers.

The Elko POW/MIA chapter closed in April.

We hated to see them go because of lack of participation, Hernandez said of the closure, adding that it was a reminder to train the younger generation to follow in their footsteps.

If we dont do that, we lose sight of what we have, Hernandez said.

He admitted he feels tempted to retire from the VFW, but I think its important to remain.

And if not, me  like a little gal said one time  then who? So Im still here as long as my health holds up, and, hopefully, you guys will all stay healthy and be here to celebrate this occasion, Hernandez said.

Hernandez called Desert Storm veterans to the front, a gesture he said he believed was important because of the way Vietnam veterans were treated when they returned home.

Vietnam veterans made a pledge we would never let another generation of men and women serving in our military get treated like we did, he continued.

Hernandez recognized several people, including VFW Post Cmdr. Jim Sutherland, who was reelected for another term; Post Auxiliary President Bonnie Rigsby for her service; Leonard and the groundskeeping team with the City Cemetery; and City Councilman Chip Stone, who provides sound for the event each year.

Hernandez also presented EHS Band Director Jared Herald with a $500 donation from the VFW.

Your Elko band loves being here in support of the community, Herald said. Thank you for your continued support.

Hernandez gave an update on the Elko National Cemetery, stating a groundbreaking event should occur this year, and invited the community to attend and participate.

He thanked many people who made the cemetery possible, including members of the community, the city of Elko and U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., who backed legislation in Congress for the National Cemetery.

Deb Hernandez read the names of the servicemen who died in U.S. military conflicts. There were 23 from World War I, 50 from World War II, nine from the Korean War, six from the Vietnam War and one from the Iraq/Afghanistan War.

The ceremony closed with the three-member VFW Firing Party shooting a volley of three shots into the air and a rendition of taps sounded by VFW Bugler and Senior Vice Cmdr. Wayne Smith.
Simon Harris told the Dail that recognising the state of Palestine is a proud day for Ireland

The Dail was suspended after protesters inside the chamber interrupted statements on Palestine to call for sanctions to be imposed on Israel.

The group of demonstrators, who were sitting in the public gallery, got to their feet and chanted pro-Palestinian messages.

It came as politicians were making statements in the Dail following Irelands formal recognition of the Palestinian state.

One man held up a sign that said divest, while another person carried a Palestinian flag.

The protesters chanted stop arming Israel, sanctions now and close Shannon to the US military.

Security staff in Leinster House removed around nine demonstrators who waved the Palestinian flag and called for immediate sanctions against Israel.

The demonstrators spent some minutes chanting at the politicians who had gathered in the Dail to make statements in support of Palestine and to condemn the ongoing attacks in Gaza.

A number of Palestinian people were also watching from the public gallery, including Palestines ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid. They were not involved in the brief demonstration.

Earlier, Taoiseach Simon Harris said there is an onus on every country and on the European Union to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.

In a statement to the Dail, as Ireland formally recognises the state of Palestine, Mr Harris said: "I welcome the decision of the Belgian presidency to convene a meeting on the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

"The human rights clauses in that agreement are and must be meaningful and when they're not being adhered to, that too must have consequences.

"We need to look at all the levers at our disposal to bring about a cessation of violence before Netanyahu's next tragic mistake.

"Formal recognition of the state of Palestine here today is an act of powerful, political and symbolic value. I hope it sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that in this, their darkest hour Ireland stands with them.

"It is an expression of our view that Palestine holds and should be able to vindicate the full rights of the state, including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security, as well as recognising Palestine own obligations under international law."

Applause broke out in the public gallery and distinguished visitors' gallery, where many Palestinian dignitaries are attending the Dail, as the Taoiseach told the Dail that "it is a proud day for Ireland recognising the state of Palestine".

Mr Harris had just before acknowledged their presence, lifting his eyes to where they sat, saying that "the fighting, the killing, the barbaric actions, need to stop.

The Palestinian flag has been flown at Leinster House today.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is confident other European countries will recognise the state of Palestine.

Micheal Martin reacts as Ireland formally recognises the state of Palestine

It has long been my view that recognising Palestine would be most impactful if done in a co-ordinated manner with other partners, Mr Martin told the Dail.

That we have taken the decision to recognise the state of Palestine together with Norway and Spain  and in the wider context of a regional peace initiative  is important.

I am confident that there is a growing consensus among likeminded partners that Palestinian statehood can no longer wait until the end of a process of final settlement negotiations between the parties.

I anticipate that other European partners may decide to recognise Palestine in the coming weeks and months.

The challenge now is to maintain this momentum. We need a fundamental paradigm shift in the way all of us in the international community view the solution to this conflict. We need urgency and we need concrete steps.

We have said many times that an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access are essential. That remains essential and we will not rest until we have achieved this.

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horror on an unimaginable scale.

Ms McDonald told the Dail that world leaders continue to draw a false equivalence between the impoverished occupied and the oppressive occupier.

She accused Israel of brazenly, repeatedly breaking international law, adding: Palestine is a nation threatened by annihilation.

The world was always going to face a moment of reckoning on Palestine, and as Israel continues its brutal onslaught on the refugee refugee population of Gaza and launched his horrific madness and attacks on Rafah, I believe the moment of reckoning is now.

Ms McDonald added: Recognition of the Palestinian state cant be the end, it has to be just the beginning: a new departure in pursuing freedom and justice for the Palestinians.

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has welcomed the formal recognition of Palestine as he said Israel is a profoundly illiberal state which does not share our values any more  if it ever did.

Speaking in the Dail, he said for too long, those of us in the western world have allowed ourselves to be convinced that Israel is a liberal democracy.

He said it has imposed a different set of rights on Palestinian people, adding that there is no democracy in the world that operates on that basis.

Mr Varadkar called the ongoing conflict a war of revenge that has seen gross violations of international humanitarian law.

He said the war is a total military and political failure for Israel, not just a humanitarian catastrophe.

The former Taoiseach also addressed the issue of anti-Semitism and said Ireland is a safe country for Jewish people.

He said it is sad that some Irish-Jewish people have been made to feel conflicted in their identity for the first time.

We must say today that we also unequivocally reject anti-Semitism.

He said Irish Jewish people and Jewish people in general are not responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.

Mr Varadkar condemned Hamas and said the organisation cannot be involved in any future solution in the region.

Taoiseach Simon Harris (Niall Carson/PA)

Meanwhile, speaking as he arrived for the Cabinet meeting this morning, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the EU has the power to sanction Israel but that it needs to do more to bring an end to the violence.

"Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more and Europe needs to do a lot more in relation to this," the Fine Gael leader said.

It comes as EU foreign ministers engage in significant discussions this week on sanctioning Israel if it fails to comply with international humanitarian law.

"We have an association agreement that is effectively a trade benefit agreement between Europe and Israel, and I am very confident that the overwhelming majority of people in this country would like to see that agreement reviewed from a human rights point of view," Mr Harris added.

He described the decision to recognise the Palestinian state as "historic and important".

This is an important moment and I think it sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope and destination of a two-state solution alive at a time when others are trying to sadly bomb it into oblivion," he said.

"I am conscious though, as we take this historic and important decision today, of the ongoing human catastrophe unfolding in the Middle East, in Gaza, in Rafah. I am conscious of the devastation being caused by people being deprived of food, starvation, and hunger being used as a weapon of war.

"Unfortunately we now have a new despicable and disgusting trend emerging where, every now and again, in particular when absolute horror seems to take place, the prime minister of Israel (Benjamin Netanyahu) comes out and describes it as a 'tragic mistake'.

"April's 'tragic mistake' was the bombing to death of aid workers trying to provide food to starving mouths, May's 'tragic mistake', yesterday, was children being blown to death while seeking protection in a displaced centre.

"What will June's 'tragic mistake' be? And more importantly what does the world now intend to stop it happening?

"For many weeks, I have consistently been making the point at every meeting I have been at, including the European Council meeting, and my meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, and in many conversations with European prime ministers, that we need to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire and to stop the violence."

Earlier, opposition politicians said Ireland needs to go further than the formal recognition of Palestinian statehood and introduce sanctions against Israel.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said the decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is brave in the context of other world leaders but it does not go far enough.

"We have stood out because the bar is low. It is incumbent upon us to go so much further, he said.

The call for sanctions against Israel come as the EU is looking at possible sanctions if the country does not comply with an order from the International Court of Justice.

Speaking outside Leinster House this morning, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said: "If we take the decision today recognising the Palestinian state  as we should have long ago  we also need to recognise that thats not nearly going far enough.

"This situation that we have witnessed in Gaza over the last seven months has been nothing short of horrific. What were witnessing in Rafah every single night now is nothing short of barbaric.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon

"The only thing that will bring that horror to a close is for Israel and the Israeli government to be sanctioned.

Mr Gannon said the Irish Government must be unrelenting and once again go further than EU counterparts, enact the Occupied Territories Bill and introduce sanctions against Israel.

He said the recognition of the Palestinian state should not in itself be seen as a punishment for Israel and there must be consequences, such as trade sanctions at an EU level.

"The fact that (Benjamin) Netanyahu came out and said it was a tactical error when they literally bombed a tent village and didnt so much realise that there would be children and women who would be burned as part of that? Thats not a tactical error. That was blatant.

Meanwhile, Labour Senator Annie Hoey welcomed the formal recognition of Palestine that will take place today, but also called on Government to do more.

She described the footage emerging from Rafah in the last 48 hours and the cries and screams for mercy and called on Government to go beyond even the Occupied Territories Bill.

"We need full blown sanctions and a full blown boycott of Israel in the same way we had against South Africa in order to tackle apartheid, she said.

"What we are doing is not enough because we continuing to see burnt bodies, burnt children, burnt women, burnt men. Footage that I cannot believe I am seeing in 2024.

"We simply need to go further than just recognising the statehood of Palestine.

People Before Profit TD and European election candidate Brid Smith echoed calls to sanction Israel.

She said it was very significant that the Palestinian flag is now flying at Leinster House.

"We believe that flying the flag and declaring the recognition of the Palestinian state is very welcome but it does not go far enough, particularly in light of the events in Rafah, she said.
Evan Meade (28) was arrested on arrival in Dublin

Evan Meade from Clondalkin was fined 2,000 for flight incident

An air passenger who refused to co-operate with cabin crew when caught smoking in the toilet during a flight was given a lifetime ban by Ryanair and fined 2,000 by a court.

Evan Meade (28) was arrested on arrival in Dublin from Greece after the captain notified air-traffic control about his disruptive behaviour.

Judge John Hughes fined him when he appeared in Dublin District Court charged under the Air Navigation and Transport Act.

Meade, of Greenfort Lawns, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty to behaviour likely to cause offence or annoyance on board an aircraft in flight, having been requested by a member of crew to cease.

The court heard the accused was on board a plane that was scheduled to arrive in Dublin on June 1 last year when the incident happened.

The captain contacted air-traffic control at 11pm about a disruptive passenger who was refusing to comply with the crew and was smoking in the toilet, a garda told the court.

The accused was arrested on arrival at 12.01am. The court heard the flight was not diverted.

Meade had 72 previous convictions for other offences.

He had been drinking at the time of the incident, his barrister Lydia Daly said, adding that he had received a lifetime ban from Ryanair for smoking on the plane.

Meade was working as a scaffolder and had no drink problem or drug-addiction issues, the court heard.

Ms Daly asked the judge to be as lenient as possible. Judge Hughes gave Meade three months to pay the fine.
Police and paramedics were called just before 3pm yesterday afternoon

AN IRISH holidaymaker has died during a visit to a famous Algarve tourist attraction.

The 57-year-old is said to have gone into cardiac arrest after taking a dip at the Benagil Sea Cave, near the popular resort of Lagoa.

Police and paramedics were called just before 3pm yesterday afternoon after he was taken to dry land on a boat.

Emergency responders attempted to save his life but were unable to do so and he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members understood to have been with him at the time are now receiving psychological support.

A spokesman for Portugals National Maritime Authority confirmed overnight: A 57-year-old Irish national died yesterday afternoon having gone into cardiac arrest after swimming at the Benagil Sea Cave.

An alert was received just before 3pm, informing us that a person was unwell after being taken to the nearest strip of sand.

Officers from Portimaos Maritime Police local command, as well as paramedics and other emergency responders, were mobilised along with firefighters from Lagoa.

"Upon arrival at the scene, they found the holidaymaker had been removed from the cave by a tourist boat and taken to the beach area where he was assisted by medical experts who carried out CPR. It was unfortunately not possible to save the mans life.

He was declared dead at the scene and his body subsequently taken to the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Portimao by Lagoa voluntary firefighters.

The Maritime Police Psychology Office was activated and is providing support to the victim's family.

The dead man has not yet been named.

The Benagil Sea Cave is regularly described as Portugals most famous sea cave and is regarded as a must for holidaymakers visiting the Algarve.

Many boat tours leave from the bustling resort of Albufeira 15 miles west. The cave has a giant opening at the top allowing sunlight to flood in.

Yesterday's afternoons drama comes just five weeks after an Irish tourist drowned on the Algarve in front of his partner.

The 52-year-old got into difficulties at Inatel beach in Albufeira, next to the hotel complex that gives it its name.

The alarm was raised just before 1pm local time on April 20.

Two Portuguese locals jumped into the sea to try to help but also got into difficulties. They were rescued alive by lifeguards but the Irish tourist couldnt be saved.

Police said at the time his partner, who was on the beach, was being supported by psychologists after the traumatic experience.

In March last year British and Irish holidaymakers cheated death after their tourist boat capsized near the Algarve resort of Carvoeiro as they returned from a visit to the Benagil sea cave.

Five British and two Irish holidaymakers were among the 36 people on board at the time.

The vessel came close to sinking after taking on water. Dramatic pictures showed the boat upturned and mostly below water after a dramatic rescue operation involving firefighters, coastguard, police and civil protection workers.

Tourist Troy French, from London, said afterwards: "I was on the phone to some of my colleagues back in England and then I looked behind me and there was lots of water coming into the boat.

The crew started to panic and they started lifting some emergency things up and the water started going into the engine and it was smoking.

They got everyone to move to the front of the boat and then the back of the boat was sinking, sinking, sinking to the point where everyone just started jumping into the water.

A lot of peoples lifejackets were failing and werent activating when people were going into the water.

It was a really bad experience and very scary."

On April 15 a 30-year-old Brit was found dead at the Orada Tourist Apartments near Albufeira Marina.

He is believed to have been out partying the night before. Police sources said at the time he was found on the floor of his apartment by the toilet and there was a lot of vomit around him.

A man believed to be a British friend he was sharing the apartment with called the emergency services to report there was a problem but left before help arrived.

Local reports on the day said police believe he went to the airport to catch a flight home, knowing the dead man was having problems but not necessarily realising they would be fatal.

The results of an autopsy have not been made public but the death was linked to a health problem by police who were not treating it as a crime.
Peter Sweetman, of Wild Ireland Defence CLG, replied, So what? when asked if he considered the fact that the project is already 75pc complete.

Senator Lisa Chambers said the planning system needs to be overhauled. Photo: PA

Workers on a 30m pier development project that is 75pc complete were forced to down tools after a serial environmental planning objector successfully challenged the extension planning.

The key infrastructure project saw the construction of the 200-metre deepwater quay at the State-owned harbour and island ferry port of Rossaveal, Connemara, Co Galway.

Earmarked as a strategic hub for the floating offshore wind sector with potential for 900 jobs, the project was announced by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue in February 2022.

While already near completion, the project is set to bring the Connemara harbour closer in line with the leading fishing ports of Killybegs in Donegal and west Corks Castletownbere.

However, the environmental objector who successfully caused the project to stall told the Irish Independent they might have to remove it all.

Peter Sweetman, of Wild Ireland Defence CLG, replied, So what? when asked if he considered the fact that the project is already 75pc complete. It is not done. They might have to remove it all. Its European law, he said.

What they were doing was illegal. The council, they offered no defence. There was an extension of time on the planning which was done illegally.

They failed to have regard to the habitats directive. They were trying to get around the law.

Asked if he accepted the pier expansion was vital in terms of the future of renewable energy he said: Its not our problem.

Renewable energy has to comply with the law. It is not exempt from the law.

The application for extension of time by the minister was illegal. Galway County Council granted permission and we took a judicial review of that decision because it wasnt in accordance with the law. Its not our problem.

The Department of Agriculture and Marine confirmed all works at the site had to cease immediately on legal advice.

The Department signed a 30m contract with Ward & Burke Construction Ltd (Contractor) on December 22, 2022 to construct the deep water wuay in Ros an Mhil (Rossaveal) Fishery Harbour Centre, Co Galway, the Department said. Planning permission for this project was granted in 2018 and due to expire in July 2023, i.e. before the works would be completed.

Consulting engineers for the department prepared and applied for an extension to the planning authority of Galway County Council in May 2023. An extension of five years was granted on July 11, 2023.

In November 2023, the department received papers from the Chief State Solicitors Office regarding a judicial review of the decision to extend the planning period. The applicant is Wild Ireland Defence CLG, the respondent is Galway County Council. This department is a notice party.

The department understands that the matter was most recently before the court on May 14 and at that hearing the court directed that Galway County Council set out its position in writing and submit to the court within one week.

Galway County Council has confirmed that it was not going to defend the proceedings. Consequently, legal advice received by the department is that work on site should cease immediately.

While the departments legal advisors are considering the best way forward it is likely that a substitute consent will be required. It is the departments objective to complete the project and we are working closely with our consulting engineers to ensure that the required steps will be taken as quickly as possible.

Senator Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fail European election candidate for Midlands-North West, described the situation as ludicrous. The development of our ports and harbours is crucial, not only for tackling climate change and harnessing off-shore renewable energy, but also as key infrastructure for our coastal communities, Ms Chambers said.

The fact that environmental blocks can halt such a vital development is a ludicrous situation.

We need to reassess our green policy and overhaul our planning system. This is precisely what the Planning and Development Bill, currently going through the Oireachtas, aims to address. However, there is a huge urgency to get this bill passed before the summer.

Our coastal communities and the future of our renewable energy capabilities depend on these developments. We cannot afford to let bureaucratic hurdles stand in the way of progress.

Fianna Fail TD Eamon O Cuiv said that an error was made in good faith when granting the extension planning.

Basic infrastructure in Connemara like roads and so much development seems to get held up by the environment, he said.

There is so much work done and a huge amount of that was done when the original planning was in place so that cant be touched.

I think it is ridiculous we have a three-quarter built pier.

There always needs to be a balance but it seems to me the balance has tilted completely in the other direction and got tied up in an absolute morass of bureaucracy.
Former DUP leader wont leave empty-handed after July elections

sir Jeffrey Donaldson is set to get a 30,000 golden handshake when he stands down as an MP.

It was announced this week the former DUP leader, who has been charged with a series of sex offences, will not be standing for re-election in the Lagan Valley constituency in the general election on July 4.

However, he will not be walking away from Westminster empty-handed.

Under a new system introduced last year, MPs who stand down at election time are eligible for a winding-up payment equal to four months of their salary.

The current salary for an MP is 91,346  meaning Sir Jeffrey, who has been the MP for Lagan Valley since 1997, will receive a payment of just over 30,000.

He will also be eligible for money to cover the costs of closing down his constituency office and possible redundancy payments to his staff.

Among the eight people employed by Sir Jeffrey is his wife, Lady Eleanor, who is also accused in connection with the charges faced by her husband.

Lady Eleanor was paid between 25,000 and 30,000 a year for her job as a senior secretary for her husband.

Eleanor Donaldson, who is also facing charges

A spokesperson for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), which regulates the business costs of MPs, said once parliament is dissolved, MPs can continue to claim for costs relating to their parliamentary duties during dissolution.

After the election, they have four months to close down their office and parliamentary affairs, which we refer to as the winding-up period, the IPSA spokesperson told the Sunday World.

They can still make claims during the winding-up period, but only in relation to closing down their affairs.

The legal cases involving the Donaldsons are due back before a court in Newry on July 3  the day before the general election.

Sir Jeffrey faces one count of rape, one count of gross indecency and nine counts of indecent assault.

The charges relate to two complainants and are alleged to have occurred between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 2006.

His wife is charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault, as well as two counts of cruelty to a person under the age of 16.

The charges relate to alleged incidents between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 1991.

Both Donaldsons are contesting the charges.

On court documents, Jeffrey Donaldsons address is listed as Old Town Hall, 29 Castle Street, Lisburn  his constituency office.

However, since first being charged with the offences in March he is understood to have been staying at a property in London which he rents as part of his MP allowances.

Latest figures show Mr Donaldson has been claiming 1,600 a month for the London property.

However, he will not be able to claim rent for this property after the July election.

DUPs Lagan Valley constituency office

The DUP has been reeling in recent months after Mr Donaldsons resignation over the sex offence charges.

However, the party, under the interim leadership of Gavin Robinson, is now focused on the upcoming election.

It was announced on Friday that Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley will stand for the DUP in the Lagan Valley constituency in a bid to hold on to the seat held for so long by Mr Donaldson.

However, the DUP are worried about the impact the charges against their former leader will have on their support in the constituency, and face a strong opponent in Alliance Party candidate Sorcha Eastwood.

In the last Westminster election in 2019, Mr Donaldson topped the Lagan Valley count with 19,586 votes, with Ms Eastwood in second place on 13,087 votes.

The battle in Lagan Valley is one of the many intriguing contests in the July 4 election.

In the last Westminster election in 2019, the DUP won eight seats, Sinn Fein seven, the SDLP two and the Alliance Party won one.

Most commentators predict Sinn Fein will hold on to their seven seats.

A nervous SDLP will be delighted to keep their two seats in Foyle and the new constituency of Belfast South and Mid Down, previously South Belfast.

The main focus in the election will be the performance of the DUP following their recent difficulties, particularly their battle with the Alliance in a couple of close-fought constituencies.

As well as Lagan Valley, there will be great interest in the East Belfast constituency where current DUP boss Mr Robinson will be fighting hard to hold on to his seat.

In the 2019 election, he topped the count with 20,874 votes.

However, Alliance leader Naomi Long was a close second with 19,055 votes.

Mrs Long has not yet revealed if she will be standing in the July 4 election, but if she does it is expected it will be a close-run contest once again.

While most recent elections in Northern Ireland have been billed as a battle for supremacy between the DUP and Sinn Fein, there is a clear shift this time around to the fight between the DUP and Alliance for these key seats.

As well as the potential continued rise of the Alliance Party, the DUP is facing a battle to hold on to its seat in South Antrim, according to new analysis.

The prediction by analyst firm Electoral Calculus is based on the results of a new LucidTalk poll, the findings of which were revealed in yesterdays Belfast Telegraph.

Electoral Calculus suggest UUP candidate Robin Swann could take the South Antrim seat off incumbent DUP MP Paul Girvan.

All eyes will be on the DUPs performance as they face Alliance opposition

The analyst company predict the other 17 seats will be retained by the respective parties.

The LucidTalk poll shows Sinn Fein as the largest party ahead of the July election, with 26% support among the electorate.

The DUP is on 20%, which is a huge 11-point drop on the last similar poll.

The Alliance Party is on 15%, followed by the UUP on 13% and the SDLP on 10%.

The TUV is on 8%, Aonte on 2%, and both People Before Profit and the Green Party have the support of 1% of the electorate.

Others and independent candidates are on 4%.
I found out off someone else which is really disappointing

Influencer Charleen Murphy has described finding out the man who attacked her in a Dublin hotel last year has been released on good behaviour as like a slap in the face.

The 25-year-old Dubliner ended up in hospital after a thug tracked her down to a hotel bar she was socialising in with a friend and punched her in the back of the head in February of last year.

Craig OBrien (28) was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in November, after pleading guilty to assault causing harm to her at the Grafton Capital Hotel on February 10.

However, Charleen has now revealed her attacker has already been released on good behaviour.

Speaking on the latest episode of Doireann Garrihys podcast Doireann and Friends, the Dubliner revealed how her attacker went to prison then but hes out now, he got out early on good behaviour.

I found out off someone else which is really disappointing, she said. I found out off someone whose auntie works somewhere being like weve seen him around. I wasnt rang, I wasnt alerted, which is really bad I think.

Charleen Murphy

Because Im already hyper aware of where I am when Im there, but then when you know that someones out when they attacked you, youd kind of want to know like.

So that was really disappointing, and to hear someones out on good behaviour is just like a slap in the face, because you dont get much time anyway in Ireland.

Charleen was having dinner with her friend when from behind her attacker punched her full force to the back of the head.

A later court case heard her head rebounded off the glass she was drinking from, resulting in a two-inch laceration on her face.

Charleen shows her injuries

The social media influencer recalled being taken away in an ambulance, but said: The whole thing is a bit of blur, like I remember it but I dont. I think your brain tries to protect you from trauma a lot of the time.

It was claimed she and her friend recognised her attacker from previous online abuse and that afterwards, he sent her a voice message via social media saying: Hows the head?

However, 24-year-old said she didnt think anything of the messages at the time because she thought the gardai wouldnt take it seriously, and that she would be told this isnt America.

So its kind of disappointing that were let down in the sense that we dont have that protection straight away of people taking it seriously, she told listeners.

Because I know if I had went to [the police] about messages previous, I would have got that answer because my friend had got that answer before.

When asked how she goes about protecting herself now, Charleen explained: Just not posting where I am when Im there, really.

A guard came to my house after it happened and they obviously have to be really thorough so he was like you can get someone to seal your letterbox up like telling me all these security measures so that kind of freaked me out but it was nice that they came and told me.

But then he was like make sure you dont have a routine, and I was like its so unfair that Im not allowed have my own routine.

Now Im sure they have to tell everyone that and its more for people being proper (sic) stalked, but just things like that as well, like I feel like I cant share it affects my work in a way because I feel like Id love to share more but then I have to think of my safety, and that is priority.

Since the attack Charleen moved into a new apartment but felt that she couldnt show off her new place on social media out of fear.

Charleen Murphy

I cant have anyone even knowing the angle of my apartment, like Ive never taken a picture of the view from my balcony even though the sun is so nice every evening, she said.

It sounds so stupid, but its just little things like that that you shouldnt have to think about but you do.

Earlier this month, Charleen and her influencer pal Ellie Kelly warned people about posting information about their movements on social media.

Charleen told the Sunday World she is still recovering from the attack.

Its something that will stick with me, but its been nearly 18 months now, so Im just getting healing and I went to therapy and stuff, and feel much better about it, but its still a difficult thing to cope with, she explains.

Her attacker was able to find out where Charleen was after she included her location on a posting, and she warns others to be wary.

I think like its something everyone needs to do, whether youre an influencer or not, we just have to be more savvy about being online, because its so new that people can know our locations from where we post, she says.

That would never have happened in the past, so its just really important that we be careful.

Ellie (28) backs up this stance: I think everybody should be [aware] anyway, regardless of who you are on social media.

I think you should always be wary of posting things on social media and the repercussions of that as well. I think everybody should mind themselves a little bit more.
Jose Luis Piedra Seville Tuesday, 28 May 2024, 11:20 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The President of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, met last Friday at the regional government's San Telmo Palace in Seville with Yin Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, to strengthen cooperation between China and Andalucia across a number of areas of mutual interest. Key topics covered were mostly economic and commercial, but they also discussed collaboration in other areas such as technology, science, culture and tourism.

Among the issues addressed were those related to aerospace, heavy industry, energy, tourism, agri-food, cultural and educational sectors. According to a Junta spokesperson, the regional government has claimed the strengthening of relations with other countries as "a key opportunity", arguing that "we are going through times of great economic transformation" that favour the opening of new fields for "the diversification of the Andalusian economy and also of the business profile."

The Junta de Andalucia also highlighted in this meeting the region's position as a "leader in the technology and innovation industry, in renewable energies", as well as its status as a "place of history that is also interesting" for activities such as the naval and aerospace industries.

Potential

The regional government has set out Andalucia's potential in the automotive industry, an area where it has "green energy supply, excellent communications and a large number of universities with potential for investment in R&D." Coupled with that is "a large number of local players", who are specialised in the development and implementation of mobility solutions and could therefore collaborate in the development of projects.

The meeting between Moreno and Yin Li was also attended by Antonio Sanz (regional minister of the Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue and Administrative Simplification), Carolina Espana (regional minister for the economy), the Chinese Ambassador to Spain Yao Jing, and additional members of the CPC's delegation from the Politburo's Standing Committee.

Andalucia's exports in the first quarter of this year reached 10.48 billion euros and the Chinese market was one of the top ten destinations for Andalusian products with 265 million euros, 2.5% of the total, according to data provided by Andalucia TRADE (Agency for Economic Transformation and Development - a Junta-supported initiative).
Chus Heredia Malaga Tuesday, 28 May 2024, 09:40 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Obtaining water fit for human consumption involves a veritable collection of procedures from the source until it comes out of the tap. Poor quality, untreated water can be transformed into almost mineral water standards after dozens of complex steps involving physics, chemistry and transportation. Everyone does what they can within their means because it is not the same to have a powerful desalination plant, as in Malaga city, as it is to have to make do with traditional processes, as in smaller towns and villages.

As if that were not enough, the ongoing drought situation complicates this small daily miracle that flows from our taps, as water from the wells in the province often has very high levels of salt and lime, even some chemical residues.

SUR has analysed the data on the water that comes out of the taps of the 16 most populated municipalities in the province based on analyses done to 23 May by Sinac, the national drinking water system (Ministry of Health). In addition, in the case of multiple supply networks, the most central or those with the greatest population coverage were taken. In general, all are made up of quite hard water (lime deposits) and with high levels of conductivity (salinity), but all are clearly within the parameters set by public health standards. The analyses are the latest available for Estepona, Marbella, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Malaga, Rincon de la Victoria, Velez, Nerja, Antequera, Ronda, Cartama, Alhaurin el Grande and Alhaurin de la Torre. The municipalities not explicitly mentioned in the text present intermediate and fairly homogeneous values in general.

The importance of the desalination plant

In general terms, it can be concluded that the water in Malaga city is the best, with just 88 hardness and a moderate 579 in conductivity. It is followed by Velez-Malaga, although its 128 hardness in the last published analysis will probably have increased because the analysis is from the time when the Axarquia was receiving 270 litres per second from Malaga city. This fact, for example, was confirmed in Rincon, which has now reached more normal and higher levels of hardness after these transfers stopped. Another town with notable water quality is that of Antequera, which is semi-soft (160) and by far the least saline (265) in the province. In view of the data, it is probably among the best, if not the best, water extracted at source (from El Torcal natural park).

At the other extreme is the water coming out of the taps in Cartama, with a high salinity (2,220) and hardness (505) and Mijas (852 and 679). In earlier analyses Fuengirola was of very low quality, reaching 1,072 in salinity, probably due to the mixing of water from wells. The situation has been reversed in the last analysis, with a salt score of 550.

In the case of Cartama, and this is something its mayor Jorge Gallardo regularly complains about, the municipality serves a population of 30,000 with no recent regional investment apart from the fact that a transfer of 100 litres per second from the Aljaima wells, managed by Emasa (Malaga city's water company), is now going to be guaranteed. The quality of the aquifers in this area and those of Alhaurin El Grande are declining due to the drought, and this would explain the data. A solution for this case and for others is the connection to the Malaga network, as is going to happen for Alhaurin de la Torre, and the future conversion of the Pilones water treatment plant into a desalination plant, similar to El Atabal, which would guarantee good water for taps from poor quality at source.

Zoom A close-up view of one of the water-control processes at El Atabal. Migue Fernandez

The case of Mijas, with data taken from its most important water works in Las Lagunas, may be due to the mixing of the water served at high levels at source by the suppliers Acosol with other water taken from wells and even, according to technical sources consulted by SUR, due to some saltwater incursions.

The spectacular figures for Malaga attest to the soundness of El Atabal to deliver good drinking water, which has also recently had its capacity increased and is going to add ozone treatment capacity. It has been a surefire way of coping with the drought and is now prepared to treat very poor quality, untreated water such as that from Bajo Guadalhorce. This has broken the traditional myth that one could not drink the tap water in Malaga because of its hardness, a belief that is still inexplicably held by large sections of the population.

Water hardness, the problems

Hardness or limescale is a problem in large quantities and in combination with other phenomena such as high temperature and high pH levels in the tap water. It produces salt deposits in pipes, leaving them heavily encrusted, reminding us of those classic advertisements for limescale removers to clean household appliances. In theory, the more limescale the worse it is for cooking food, the drier the skin and the more laundry products to be used. High limescale can also be detrimental to people with a tendency to form kidney stones.

El Atabal has broken the traditional myth that in Malaga you couldn't drink tap water because of its hardness

High levels of lime have a negative effect on how the water tastes. We can regard water below 150 as soft, semi-soft up to 200, hard up to 400 and from there upwards very hard up to 550.

Total hardness or lime, popularly speaking, determines the amount of calcium and magnesium ions dissolved in water, usually expressed as mg/l calcium carbonate.

Conductivity or salt

There is no quality parameter for conductivity or salt, but sources consulted warn that from 800 or 1,000 it starts to be noticeable in the taste. It is a parameter measured in S/cm and is limited to 2,500. "Low conductivity values indicate good water quality, as it will have low levels of dissolved salts such as chlorides, sulphates, sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium", states Emasa's website (Malaga's municipal water company), which posts the results of its analyses on a daily basis.

Another factor that affects the taste of water is the best possible sanitiser, chlorine, which is required by health regulations. It has to be between 0.2 and 1, so that the ideal, according to other sources, are intermediate values. In this area the limits are set by Rincon de la Victoria and Fuengirola, with 0.2 mg/l of free chlorine, and Cartama, Alhaurin de la Torre and Torremolinos, with 0.8.

Turbidity, odour and taste

If we look at how cloudy the water is that comes out of the tap, the best indicators are in Estepona, Rincon, Cartama, Torremolinos, Velez, Ronda, Nerja and Marbella, with 0. At the other end of the scale, Fuengirola (1).

Other indicators reported in the analyses consulted concern odour and taste. In this respect, not all water companies use the same settings. For some the base is 1 and for others it is 0, but we can say that none of the water in the province presents problems according to either of these parameters.

All the above data, other than those relating to lime and salt, are as of analyses done up to 17th May.

The water that comes from the reservoirs also varies in quality. It is well known that the Guadalhorce can become a little salty due to the Meliones spring that flows into the main reservoir. In the past, the water had to be mixed until the levels were acceptable, but with El Atabal plant now in place, those problems are over.

With regard to lime, the water of La Vinuela is around 220 and that of La Concepcion 270 respectively. In the case of Acosol (water supplier for Western Costa del Sol), it also has a great ally to refine water quality in the guise of the Marbella desalination plant that is now being expanded in two phases.

Municipalities such as Marbella and Alhaurin El Grande show semi-soft water values. The rest of the province shows high levels, with Ronda as the third municipality with the highest levels of limescale in tap water.

In terms of pH, the most alkaline waters are Antequera, Rincon, Mijas and Fuengirola (above 8). The most neutral - there is no acidic water in the province - are Cartama, Coin, Marbella and Ronda (around 7.5).

Differences within the same municipality

In the study it is the main networks that have been examined, but even within one municipality there are abysmal differences. For example, in Alhaurin el Grande the main network gives an excellent level of lime, but this rises to 340 in the Ardalejos network.

In Cartama, for example, there are some much better indicators (659 for conductivity and 357 for hardness in Gibralgalia). A special case is Mijas, a very diverse municipality in terms of its supply network, with more than 30 measuring points. In El Pueblo, 274 of lime and 469 of salt are present, whereas in Calahonda it is 174 and 517 respectively.

Andalucia: Granada wins on low salt and Almeria, with its desalination plant, on less lime

Desalination treatments achieve such good results that it is normally necessary to re-mineralise the water after treatment because our bodies reject water that is almost distilled. The analysis of data from Sinac, the Ministry of Health's National Drinking Water System, shows Almera as the Andalucian provincial capital with the best rating for hardness (45). It is followed by Huelva (63) and Malaga (88), also with a desalination plant in this case.

In the case of water quality at source, the myth of the springs in Granada is true. The provincial capital, home to the Alhambra, provides tap water with a hardness of just 88 and very low salt (160), the lowest by far in Andalucia. In Cordoba (269) the salt levels are very spot on. On the other hand, the waters with the highest levels of salt in the region are Jaen (599), Malaga (579) and Cadiz (456).
Jennie Rhodes Benalmadena Tuesday, 28 May 2024, 22:09 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Around 170 representatives from foreign and Spanish businesses, authorities and organisations based on the Costa del Sol attended SUR in Englishs second Top International Business Guide and Awards event on Tuesday 28 May, at the Beach Club - Holiday World Resort in Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol. The guests reflected the wide range of nationalities living together in the south of Spain.

The glittering event was sponsored by CaixaBank in the presence of the UK ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliott and the mayor of Benalmadena Juan Antonio Lara Martin.

In his welcome speech which he gave in English, editor-in-chief of the SUR group, which includes Diario SUR, SUR in English and SUR Deutsche Ausgabe, Manolo Castillo recalled the early days of SUR in English and thanked SUR in English team for the event. Today is a very special day. It is the 40th anniversary first English-speaking newspaper on the Costa del Sol. We are very proud of these 40 years, he said.

Click here to download the pdf version of the SUR in English Top International Business Guide 2024.

Gerardo Cuartero, sales director CaixaBank in Malaga, Cordoba, Almeria, Ceuta and Melilla, thanked SUR in English, the ambassador and the mayor of Benalmadena and recognised the importance of the foreign business community on the Costa del Sol. He went on to say that the bank has more than 200 branches in Spain that are specialised in businesses: financing, real estate with a website in English, Spanish and German as well as internet banking in more than 20 languages.

UK investment in Andalucia

Hugh Elliott congratulated the prize winners and went on to talk about the special relationship the UK has with Malaga province and with the Costa del Sol. He said that as well as the 120,000 UK residents living here, over 2.6 million people visited the area from the UK last year, spending 5.9 million nights and over 42 billion euros.

Karl Smallman

The ambassador went on to say that over 80 per cent of British investment in Spain is in Andalucia: We have an extraordinary British community here contributing so much to the convivencia [foreign and Spanish residents living together side by side]. He paid special mention to the wealth of businesses, entrepreneurs and volunteers all contributing to life on the Costa del Sol and indeed the the fantastic hospitality we are afforded by our Spanish hosts.

Karl Smallman

Lara Martin also spoke in English and congratulated the newspaper on the guide and award and offered his gratitude to the companies that have collaborated in the guide. He thanked the international businesses and entrepreneurs who have invested in the Costa del Sol.

Helicopteros Sanitarios

The first award of the evening went to Helicopteros Sanitarios, a Spanish company used by foreign residents and visitors on the Costa del Sol. In 1988, the N-340 road which ran between Sotogrande and Malaga was an accident black spot where more than 38 per cent of people who required urgent medical assistance died before reaching the hospital due to delay and lack of professional assistance.

At the time there was no service, public or private, able to transport patients quickly and safely from the different towns along the Costa del Sol to the main hospitals in Malaga city. The President and CEO of Helicopteros Sanitarios, Maria Jose Canete, was just 23 when she saw that Malaga province needed an emergency-transport service. She was determined to establish a company capable of saving lives and offering the most cutting-edge medical care.

Inmaculada Lanzas, sales manager at Helicopteros Sanitarios, received the award on behalf of the company which weas presented by Gerardo Cuartero. After thanking him and everyone involved in the event, Lanzas said that the company is growing constantly" and said that at the moment the company has a hospital in Puerto Banus and two clinics Manilva and Fuengirola which provide services to residents and non-residents.

Zoom Ben Smith of Check-in Scan and Imaculada Lanzas, sales manager at Helicopteros Sanitarios. Karl Smallman

Check-in Scan

The second award went to Ben Smith, founder and CEO of Check-in Scan, an App that provides instant legal compliance for vacation rentals, hotels, bed and breakfasts and all types of tourist short-term accommodation by providing a no-hassle, fast and secure system: 'Scan, Sign & Send'.

Through the innovative platform now used by over 5.000 subscribers in Spain, Portugal, Italy & Croatia, guests can scan their ID cards, sign on screen and this data is sent to authorities in real-time so that property owners and managers can have peace of mind and focus on running the business and not on the red tape.

Check-in Scan is looking to expand their current team of 12 as they enter new international markets. They currently have 25,000 properties using their system and this year are expected to process 3.5 million guests.

After accepting the award from the ambassador, long-term British resident in Spain Ben recalled, When I was a kid my parents were involved in tourism here and I remember seeing SUR in English on the coffee table so its an honour to be receiving an award from them. Thank you.

Guide

Following the success of the inaugural edition last year, the Top International Business Guide and Awards continues to showcase the international business community in the south of Spain.

The guide, which will be published inside SUR in English and online on 31 May, will feature firms in a wide range of sectors and industries from healthcare and education to banking, real estate and technology.

The ideal publication to keep on the coffee table, readers will have at hand the most comprehensive directory of professional services for the international community in the south of Spain, from financial advisers to healthcare.

As the newspaper celebrates 40 years on the Costa del Sol, SUR in English once again stressed its commitment to "linking communities and supporting local businesses".
Artists perform at the opening of the 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts in Cairo, Egypt, on May 26, 2024. Egypt's 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts kicked off here on Sunday night, attracting participants from 30 countries and regions.

Under the slogan of "Drums for Peace Dialogue," the festival, which runs through June 1, calls on artistic groups from many countries to share their musical vision, encourage cultural dialogue and embrace peace and inclusiveness worldwide. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts kicked off here on Sunday night, attracting participants from 30 countries and regions.

Under the slogan of "Drums for Peace Dialogue," the festival, which runs through June 1, calls on artistic groups from many countries to share their musical vision, encourage cultural dialogue and embrace peace and inclusiveness worldwide.

The festival's events will be held in various venues in Cairo, including the Northern Wall Theater, the Cairo Opera House, the Sinnari House in Sayyida Zainab neighborhood, and Prince Taz Palace.

During the opening ceremony at the Northern Wall Theater in old Cairo, Intisar Abdel-Fattah, president and founder of the festival, held an artistic workshop in the presence of all participating teams.

Noting that the festival reflects Egypt's openness to others throughout history and is a journey through which different cultures meet, Abdel-Fattah said the heritage of drums is evoked and presented in renewed artistic forms.

"The festival represents a distinguished artistic platform that seeks to promote positive spiritual values, by embracing traditional arts and presenting them as a means of strengthening relations between people," Rafiq al-Tawil, head of Palestine's Falouja troupe for traditional arts, told Xinhua.

He said that his team had participated in the festival over the past six years, and the event is a perfect platform to show the traditional Palestinian arts to the whole world.

Artists perform at the opening of the 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts in Cairo, Egypt, on May 26, 2024. Egypt's 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts kicked off here on Sunday night, attracting participants from 30 countries and regions.

Under the slogan of "Drums for Peace Dialogue," the festival, which runs through June 1, calls on artistic groups from many countries to share their musical vision, encourage cultural dialogue and embrace peace and inclusiveness worldwide. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Artists perform at the opening of the 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts in Cairo, Egypt, on May 26, 2024. Egypt's 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts kicked off here on Sunday night, attracting participants from 30 countries and regions.

Under the slogan of "Drums for Peace Dialogue," the festival, which runs through June 1, calls on artistic groups from many countries to share their musical vision, encourage cultural dialogue and embrace peace and inclusiveness worldwide. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Artists perform at the opening of the 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts in Cairo, Egypt, on May 26, 2024. Egypt's 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts kicked off here on Sunday night, attracting participants from 30 countries and regions.

Under the slogan of "Drums for Peace Dialogue," the festival, which runs through June 1, calls on artistic groups from many countries to share their musical vision, encourage cultural dialogue and embrace peace and inclusiveness worldwide. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Artists perform at the opening of the 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts in Cairo, Egypt, on May 26, 2024. Egypt's 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts kicked off here on Sunday night, attracting participants from 30 countries and regions.

Under the slogan of "Drums for Peace Dialogue," the festival, which runs through June 1, calls on artistic groups from many countries to share their musical vision, encourage cultural dialogue and embrace peace and inclusiveness worldwide. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Artists perform at the opening of the 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts in Cairo, Egypt, on May 26, 2024. Egypt's 11th International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts kicked off here on Sunday night, attracting participants from 30 countries and regions.

Under the slogan of "Drums for Peace Dialogue," the festival, which runs through June 1, calls on artistic groups from many countries to share their musical vision, encourage cultural dialogue and embrace peace and inclusiveness worldwide. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Editor: WXY
Miguel Angel Alfonso Madrid Tuesday, 28 May 2024, 13:37 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Spanish diplomacy took a historic step forward this Tuesday (28 May) with the recognition of Palestine as a state by the government, headed by Pedro Sanchez.

The prime minister appeared at 8.30am at the Moncloa Palace in a symbolic institutional gesture that seeks to give flight to a decision that is consistent with the unanimous agreement adopted in 2014 by congress in favour of the two-state solution - the Israeli state already in place and the new Arab state yet to be established. The agreement is a way of trying to put an end to almost seven decades of conflict in the Middle East, but which does not count the current war in Gaza, nor with the consensus of Partido Popular, the main opposition party, nor has the backing of the United States, or the two great powers of the European Union, Germany and France.

The prime minister, after the rebuffed reaction this recognition caused in Israel, including the withdrawal of its ambassador in Madrid, said this decision "is not against anyone" and that the "only objective" is to seek peace between Israelis and Palestinians. "We are not taking this decision against anyone, least of all against Israel, a friendly people we respect. This decision shows its absolute rejection of Hamas, which does not believe in the two-state solution. Spain condemned the attacks from the outset," Sanchez said.

With regard to the borders recognised by the council of ministers, Sanchez said the aim of the so-called two-state solution is for Palestine "to be viable", with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor and with the capital in East Jerusalem.

Sanchez has rushed the move, persuaded that it is understood by most Spanish citizens, in the wake of the latest brutal wave of violence in the region and made it conditional only on trying to secure the cushion of broad European support. But nothing has stopped his plans and on Tuesday his resolution, endorsed by Ireland and Norway with a joint photo of their foreign ministers and Spain's Jose Manuel Albares in Brussels on Monday, will become a reality, opening a stage of hostility towards Israel whose consequences are yet to be seen.

The government's minority partner, Sumar, has welcomed the decision announced by Sanchez. However, deputy prime minister Yolanda Diaz said in an interview on TVE the recognition of Palestine "is not enough". In her opinion, and with the current situation, "the Spanish ambassador in Tel Aviv must be called to consort, we must join South Africa's demand and place an embargo on arms sales to Israel".

After the government selected 28 May as the date to recognise Palestine, Benjamin Netanyahu's government responded by recalling its ambassador to Madrid, Rodica Radian-Gordon. It has also prohibited the consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinian citizens, a diplomatic reprisal that is no small thing considering Spain has no plans to open an embassy in Ramallah (West Bank) and that its intention is to continue operating with its offices in the Holy City.

Clash between government

Although Tel Aviv has limited its response to these two measures, at least in the last six days since Sanchez made it official when he would speed up Spain's strategy in the region, what has been in crescendo has been the tone of the clash between the two governments. The unprompted remarks on Saturday by defence minister Margarita Robles on Armed Forces Day, accusing Israel of committing "real genocide" in Gaza - a terminology with profound humanitarian repercussions, and legal repercussions that had been reserved for Sumar and Podemos, that not even the prime minister or his foreign minister have used - provoked an angry response from the Hebrew embassy that same night. The embassy accused the Spanish representative of adopting "Hamas's false story".

.@sanchezcastejon, Hamas thanks you for your service. pic.twitter.com/Pkdp5diHRX    Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 26, 2024

From there, the escalation has been led by Netanyahu's foreign minister, Israel Katz. He did so with a video posted on Sunday on his account on X, which emphasises the thesis his government has been putting forward for the past week that Sanchez's gesture "rewards" the terrorism of the Palestinian militia and the threat that his country will return "the damage" to whoever causes it.

The council of ministers will ratify Albares' words this Tuesday - "no one is going to intimidate us" - and will sanction his decision, which culminates the president's determination to tackle a conflict that already resulted in a tense meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem on 23 November. It was a face-to-face meeting in which Sanchez expressed his condemnation of the terrorist offensive launched on Israeli soil by Hamas on 7 October that triggered this latest crisis in the Middle East, but also showed him the Spanish government already saw the Israeli repression of Gaza as excessive.

Zoom The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, greets the head of the Spanish government. Pedro Sanchez, after their meeting in Ramallah on 23 November. EFE

In the eyes of the PSOE-Sumar coalition government, the 35,000 deaths, a significant number of them children, caused by the relentless entry of the Israeli army into Gaza in these seven months of war offer more than enough reasons to hasten the recognition of Palestine. A commitment that is now going to be sealed in the midst of the campaign for the European elections on 9 June and which has led the PP to wonder about the electoral intentions of the tenant of the Moncloa.

Electioneering overtones

Feijoo, the pressures and the unmarking

Alberto Nunez Feijoo has reiterated in parliament that he maintains the party where it was a decade ago, in the two-state solution. And this despite the pressures from sectors on the right and the departure of former president Jose Maria Aznar, who maintained, with more or less nuances, the historic line of Spanish diplomacy - from Adolfo Suarez to Mariano Rajoy via Felipe Gonzalez (host of the Madrid peace conference that raised hopes of pacifying the region) and Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero - of acting as a factor of understanding between the warring parties in the Middle East powder keg.

What the opposition leader disagrees with is that Sanchez has decided to go ahead with his resolution, without consensus either in Congress or with the big EU countries, while warning that the measure, at this time, could harm the Palestinians and "empower" Hamas, considered a terrorist organisation by a large part of the West. The government is hoping for a sort of domino effect that will end up proving it right in its conviction that this step puts Spain on "the right side of history". For now, Spain will join Ireland, Norway and Slovenia on the list of 140 states in the world that have already recognised Palestine.
A popular waterfront venue in Central New York is shifting away from big concerts with national acts to focus more on community events.

Paper Mill Island in Baldwinsville has long been known for hosting summer concerts, including a variety of artists like Blackberry Smoke, Ani DiFranco, Rusted Root, Bright Eyes, Bring Me the Horizon, Dickey Betts, The Wailers, Jonny Lang, All That Remains, Little River Band, and nationally touring tribute acts. The amphitheater also hosted 93Qs Summer Jam, 95X Fest and performances by local artists.

This summer is notably quieter. Thats intentional, according to Baldwinsville Mayor Bruce Stebbins.

The Baldwinsville Center for the Arts has taken over booking events for the venue, Stebbins said. The non-profit organization came forth with a proposal to try something a little different thats more community-based.

Jim Dell, president for the Baldwinsville Center for the Arts, said theyre booking a variety of events, including a Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park performance of Hamlet on June 12; a Homebrewed Comedy show featuring comedians Brian Enck, Cindy Arena, and Mike Peters on Aug. 10; and smaller concerts by local bands like The Dirty Doves on June 15 and Exit 11 with the Elden Elementary Orchestra on June 14. Admission is free to all of them.

The goal is to create events that are free or more affordable for the community, Dell said, unlike a for-profit promoter.

Were trying to reinvent it, in essence... make it more community-centric, said Baldwinsville village board member Eric Reinagal. Other events could include yoga on the island.

Stebbins told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that a contract with Creative Concerts wasnt renewed after the promoter failed to deliver the number of concerts they expected last year. There were also little issues, as he understood it, with police complaints and small damage, like a vendors truck backing into a fence.

Creative Concerts did not respond to a syracuse.com request for comment. Dan Mastronardi, who previously promoted events at Paper Mill Island, said he is currently only working with Westcott Theater and Wonderland Forest shows.

Stebbins said he had limited knowledge of the trouble. He became acting mayor in December when longtime Mayor Dick Clarke stepped down for health reasons. Stebbins was elected Baldwinsville mayor for the first time in March.

Paper Mill Island, located at the Erie Canals Lock 24 on the scenic Seneca River at 136 Spensieri Ave., previously faced issues in 2013 when noise complaints halted concerts for the most part. A concert by Grammy-winning band Alabama Shakes allegedly violated the village noise ordinance that summer and a request to turn down the volume was ignored by a roadie who instead turned it up, the village board said at the time.

Weve gotten over that bridge, Stebbins said.

Noise violations havent been an issue since, Stebbins said, though he noted residents across the water sometimes complain if they dont like a particular type of music. Reinagal said there were also issues with certain acts in the past that were swearing too much.

The venue shifted to free community-based shows in 2016 and 2017, but soon returned to ticketed events with national acts. After the Covid pandemic disrupted live events everywhere, a limited number of shows were booked in 2022 and 2023, including Stolen Dance rock band Milky Chance, jam band Umphreys McGee, and tributes to Sublime, Led Zeppelin, Zac Brown Band and the Allman Brothers Band.

In this 2013 file photo, fans cheer at 93Q's Summer Jam concert at Paper Mill Island in Baldwinsville. Gary Walts | syracuse.comGary Walts

Stebbins said he liked the Baldwinsville Center for the Arts proposal to do a bigger variety of activities where revenue is not always the ultimate goal.

It may not work, Stebbins admitted. It may be a quieter summer than in the past.

Dell said the Baldwinsville Center for the Arts has 20 ticketed and non-ticketed events scheduled already, including Seneca River Days (June 7-8) and the annual 4th of July fireworks show.

More than 20 Paper Mill Island events are listed on the Baldwinsville Center for the Arts Facebook page at facebook.com/BaldwinsvilleCenterForTheArts. The schedule will also be posted on its official website at baldwinsvillearts.org, Dell said.

Im excited for this summer, Reinagal said. Theres some really cool ideas, and itll be a refreshing change... Itll take some time to get it up and running.

Paper Mill Island 2024 Summer Entertainment Schedule

June 12, 6-9 p.m.: Hamlet performed by Syracuse Shakespeare-In-The-Park

June 13, 5-8 p.m.: Food Trucks and Music

June 14, 6-8 p.m.: Exit 11 and Elden Elementary Orchestra

June 15, 6-9:30 p.m.: The Dirty Doves (folk-rock concert) with Modafferi

June 20, 5-8 p.m.: Food Trucks and Music

June 27, 5-8 p.m.: Food Trucks and Music

July 1-Aug. 19, 10 a.m.-noon - Community Jazz Band every Monday

July 4, 7 p.m.: Independence Day concert by Atlas with fireworks at dark; tickets at Eventbrite

July 6, 7-8:30 p.m.: Salt City Jazz Collective (concert)

July 11, 5-8 p.m.: Food Trucks and Music

July 13, 6-9 p.m.: Amber Fly (punk) with Fondu (disco) concert

July 18, 5-8 p.m.: Food Trucks and Music

July 20, 1-9 p.m.: ShakesBeer; Shakespeare acts paired with beer from WT Brews; $10 ticket includes half off first drink

July 25, 5-8 p.m.: Food Trucks and Music

July 27, 7-9 p.m.: Marie DeSantis Orchestra concert

Aug. 1, 5-8 p.m.: Food Trucks and Music

Aug. 3, 1-9:30 p.m.: Pat Tato & The Baked Potatoes, Elephants Dancing, Harbor Boys and Jess Novak concert; tickets at Eventbrite

Aug. 8, 5-8 p.m.: Food Trucks and Music

Aug. 10, 7-9 p.m.: Home Brewed Comedy show

Aug. 23-25: Youre a Good Man, Charlie Brown at 7 p.m. on Friday & Saturday, 3 p.m. on Sunday; tickets at Eventbrite

Aug. 31, 3-10 p.m.: Labor Day Celebration with Pony Tail James, Frank & The Reliables, Psychedelic Sushi, Salt City Getaway concert and fireworks at dark; tickets at Eventbrite

Sept. 7, 7-10 p.m.: Harvest Fest and Dance; tickets at Eventbrite

Sept. 21, 12-10 p.m.: Taste of Bville; $2 at gate

Note: Admission is free to all Paper Mill Island events unless otherwise noted.
Oswego, N.Y.  An event honoring a newly released U.S. quarter with Central New York Dr. Mary Walker on it will be held at Oswego High School.

The quarter is part of a series by the U.S. Mint honoring the achievements of women in America. Other honorees include Bessie Coleman, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Wilma Mankiller.
Oxon Hill, Md.  Simran Sanders asked almost every question that she could Tuesday when she stepped up to the microphone for her turn at the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Sanders, a seventh grader at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, had to spell an obscure word: phloem.

She was given the definition but asked again.

Phloem is a complex tissue in the vascular system of higher plants, consisting mainly of sieve tubes or companion cells, and usually also of fibers and parenchyma cells, and functioning chiefly in translocation but also in support and storage, a Spelling Bee official replied.

Simple, right?

Sanders asked the language of origin: It went from Greek to German, she was told. After confirming the pronunciation  FLOW em  Sanders asked for the definition one more time. And then she methodically spelled out the word: p-h-l-o-e-m.

The crowd at the Gaylord National Resort outside of Washington, D.C., applauded as Sanders remained on stage for her second-round question.

The 13-year-old was asked to correctly define a vocabulary word used in chemistry  titration  from three multiple-choice definitions. She correctly chose: A determination of the reactive capacity of a solution.

Among those watching in the crowd were her parents  Shane Sanders and Bhavneet Walia-Sanders. They both teach at Syracuse University, where her father is a data scientist. Her mother is an associate professor of public health.

Simran will now advance to the third round of the competition, due to start late Tuesday afternoon.

She is making her second appearance at the Scripps National Spelling Bee after winning The Post-Standard | Syracuse.com Spelling Bee in March.

Sanders is among 245 regional spelling champions from across the United States who started the competition Tuesday. By 2 p.m., 49 of those students had been ousted from the competition after spelling a word incorrectly or choosing the wrong answer on the vocabulary question.

Sanders will compete in the third round between 4:20 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. today.

Related: Syracuse champ prepares for Scripps National Spelling Bee by spelling 2,000 words a day

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
Hoka has new markdowns this week on the mega-popular Mach 5 and Clifton 8 shoes.

Youve probably seen these shoes at the gym, during neighborhood walks, or going to the grocery store, but did you know you could also rock HOKAs at a lower price this week? Get the deal while they last.

Related: So many Herschel Supply Co. bags are on sale right now with Nordstrom Rack

The Mach 5 is on sale today.Courtesy of HOKA

Mach 5 - $111.99 (was $140)

Combining elements from the Mach 4 and Mach Supersonic, this dynamic road runner is designed for high performance and racing. Featuring a minimalist creel mesh upper and a flat-lay tongue, the new Mach 5 provides a more responsive ride with PROFLYs stacked midsole configuration. This setup includes lightweight, responsive foam directly underfoot and rubberized EVA below for added durability.

Clifton 8 - $111.99 (was $140)

The newest addition to the acclaimed Clifton series, the Clifton 8 maintains its reputation for combining softness with lightweight performance. It features a lighter and more responsive midsole while retaining the same smooth ride qualities. The Clifton 8 showcases a sleeker profile and an updated engineered mesh upper for enhanced comfort and breathability.

Kawana - $111.99 (was $140)

Named after the renowned beach break on the Sunshine Coast, the Kawana advances HOKAs foam technology and designs. Innovating with a dynamic new foam that offers excellent rebound and durability, this versatile trainer provides a well-balanced and responsive ride.

So why HOKAs? Well, The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance acknowledges products that contribute to foot health. Each product undergoes evaluation by a panel of APMA podiatrists to ensure it supports and promotes foot health.

Check out the HOKA sale here.
Smooth-coated otter pups are seen near the Singapore River in Singapore on May 19, 2024. World Otter Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of May, which falls on May 29 this year. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Smooth-coated otter pups learn to swim in a pond next to Singapore's Marina Bay Financial Center on May 12, 2024. World Otter Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of May, which falls on May 29 this year. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Smooth-coated otters are seen in Singapore's Marina Bay Promenade on May 9, 2024. World Otter Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of May, which falls on May 29 this year. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Smooth-coated otters are seen in Singapore's Marina Bay Promenade on May 12, 2024. World Otter Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of May, which falls on May 29 this year. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Smooth-coated otters are seen near the Singapore River in Singapore on May 18, 2024. World Otter Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of May, which falls on May 29 this year. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Smooth-coated otters are seen in Singapore's Marina Bay Promenade on May 12, 2024. World Otter Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of May, which falls on May 29 this year. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Editor: WXL
WTF?! In what sounds like another step toward the inevitable Cyberpunk 2077-style dystopia humanity is heading for, several law enforcement agencies in Colorado are planning to use drones as first responders to 911 calls instead of police officers.

Drones are already used by at least 20 agencies in Colorado's Front Range for different tasks, such as locating missing people, crime scene mapping, providing overhead surveillance during SWAT operations, and tracking fleeing suspects, writes The Denver Post.

The drones could soon find themselves responding to 911 calls, too, allowing them to gather information about an incident ahead of the arriving officers. They could also be sent out to less urgent calls, allowing police to attend more immediately life-threatening situations.

According to the Post, even the Denver Police Department, which has long resisted the use of drones, is launching its own program, and eventually intends to deploy them to respond to 911 calls.

The department, which shelved its only drone in 2018 after its former Chief said no to drones five years earlier, plans on using a $100,000 grant from the Denver Police Foundation to start the drone program. Several drones will be bought using the money, with the program starting within six to 12 months.

"This really is the future of law enforcement at some point, whether we like it or not," said Sgt. Jeremiah Gates, who leads the drone unit at the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.

The idea is that a drone could fly to the location of the 911 call and send livestreamed video back to the operator, who then communicates the scene and situation to the police officers as they make their way to the incident.

The drones could also be used to determine if police need to respond to less serious calls. Gates gave the example of dispatching drones to calls about a broken traffic light or a suspicious vehicle to confirm if something is wrong without having to send over an officer.

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, which has 14 pilots and 20 drones, says it is in the very early stages of considering using the drones as first responders and has not yet considered factors like cost, equipment, and public input.

"We would never simply replace calls-for-service response by police officers," Phil Gonshak, director of the department's Strategic Initiatives Bureau, told The Denver Post. "The DPD would respond to any call for service where someone is physically requesting a police officer on scene. But if there was a fight at Colfax and Cherokee and we put a drone in the air and there is no fight and nothing causing traffic issues, then we would reroute our police officers to other emergent calls."

Colorado wouldn't be the first place where drones are used as first responders. They have been dispatched ahead of officers in Chula Vista, California, since 2018, resulting in 4,000 incidents in which officers were able to avoid going to 911 calls. The drones arrived at priority calls in Chula Vista in just under four minutes on average, while officers arrived in about seven minutes.
TL;DR: Traditional desktop and server editions of Windows 11 have surprisingly high system requirements, making it impossible to install newer versions of the OS on older PCs. However, Microsoft has released a more compact version of Windows for IoT devices, theoretically providing Windows enthusiasts with Enterprise licenses new modding opportunities.

Microsoft recently released the official ISO images for Windows 11 LTSC 2024, the latest version of the company's operating system designed for enterprise customers requiring longer support periods. LTSC editions of Windows are intended for companies that prefer to avoid frequent updates and new features, unlike "regular" PC consumers. The "IoT Enterprise" variants offer the same Windows consumer edition but can theoretically be installed on older systems.

Modders recently confirmed a neat trick to install the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC OS on unsupported PCs, bypassing system requirement checks during the installation process. According to Microsoft, the IoT Enterprise LTSC edition of Windows 11 is designed for "specialty devices and use cases" where the operating system features must remain consistent throughout a device's entire lifetime.

IoT devices eligible for Windows 11 LTSC installation are typically found in specific industries such as banking, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail, Microsoft says. The corporation developed the IoT Enterprise edition with these use cases in mind, offering a 10-year support period without additional consumer-grade features installed during the system's lifecycle.

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 includes significant improvements for security and applications, making Microsoft Edge the default browser and removing Internet Explorer 11 permanently. Compared to the desktop and server versions of Windows, the official system requirements for IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 are noticeably lenient, no longer forcing users to install the OS on cutting-edge PC hardware.

The new LTSC OS can be installed on systems with less than 4GB of RAM, a basic solid-state drive, or even a slow hard disk drive or hybrid drive with 16GB of storage space. UEFI firmware and a TPM 2.0 chip are not required, while API support can go down to DirectX 10 (from DirectX 12) or none at all. A display is entirely optional, with preferred requirements including at least a 720p, 9-inch screen.

The OS can essentially run on minimal hardware, bringing some of the best under-the-hood improvements of the Windows 11 architecture to lesser machines. Interested users will need to acquire an Enterprise license from Microsoft or explore some well-known unofficial methods to test the stripped-down Windows 11 IoT experience.
Most threats in any digital environment come from bots or botnets. While some bots are useful, some mimic human behavior with evil intentions. These malicious bots hoard resources, perform account takeovers, launch DDoS attacks, or steal intellectual property, raising the importance of bot detection and mitigation.

Bots now make up nearly half of all internet traffic. Many rely on their ability to deliver web services at scale and low cost. However, threat actors exploit them to launch digital attacks, typically for monetary gain.

Bot detection prevents these attacks by identifying and distinguishing automated bots from human users through various techniques like behavioral analysis, CAPTCHAs, threat intelligence, and so on to mitigate the threats bots carry. Bot mitigation blocks these threats in the internet traffic before they cause problems like false metrics, stolen credentials, or outages.

This article outlines five of the best solutions for bot detection and mitigation. Read further to find out how each platform can defend businesses and organizations against attacks or other unauthorized activity involving bots.

#1 HUMAN Bot Defender

Overview

HUMAN Bot Defender safeguards websites, mobile applications, and APIs from bot attacks. It is a behavior-based bot management solution that leverages advanced machine learning techniques, predictive models, and security research to block a wide range of automated attacks, preserve page load performance, and optimize security resources, including infrastructure costs.

It works by collecting and sending hundreds of client-side indicators to determine human against bot activity. It continuously learns the normal range of human interactions and correlates it with policies defined by organizations. The bot detector tags and mitigates bot traffic according to the established policies for threat response to block bots from attacking.

HUMAN Bot Defender runs on the HUMAN Defense Platform, which contains modules to combat specific risks businesses face like client-side attacks, unwanted data extraction, fraudulent financial transactions, etc. It grants full visibility and control of various environments.

This bot detection and mitigation software also integrates with other solutions like load balancers, e-commerce platforms, CDN, and more to provide friction-free digital experiences for businesses and their customers. Leveraging its insights ensures only real humans interact with online applications and services.

HUMAN offers a modern defense strategy so organizations have protection against bot attacks and frauds. The company also offers a human verification service called BotGuard that prevents invalid traffic from entering ad targeting systems, CRM, and downstream marketing systems.

This bot protection service is made for marketers who want to visualize fraudulent traffic, analyze bot audiences, and detarget them from active marketing campaigns. It maintains clean, efficient data and downstream marketing and improves lead quality as well as conversion rates.

Features

Detect Bots at Scale

HUMAN combines several methods to detect bots at scale, across web, mobile applications, and API endpoints. It minimizes user friction and ensures a safe customer journey, without collecting or storing PII data. If required, the Bot Defender provides a verification feature to protect businesses against CAPTCHA-solving bots to avoid costs associated with bot-related security issues.

Enforcement Actions for Bot Mitigation

Bot Defender performs a range of enforcement actions for bot mitigation. It can block bots completely, rate-limit them, or redirect them to decoy sites, thus preventing them from compromising the metrics of a site and reducing its analytics' accuracy. It supports over 40+ integrations and integrates within an existing infrastructure, thus preserving application performance and extending bot protection across environments.

Rich Analytics

The bot management solution also offers rich analytics through a portal where pre-built and customizable dashboards are accessible. These dashboards provide actionable insights to help benchmark site traffic against competitors. Integrating Bot Defender with leading analytics platforms like Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics can improve the accuracy of the data and result in better business decisions.

Reasons to consider:

Integrations

Custom dashboards and reports

High accuracy for bot detection

Reasons to avoid:

Dashboard sometimes slow to respond

Native portal UI is a bit clunky

Not easy to implement/set up

#2 Cloudflare Bot Management

Overview

Cloudflare improves visibility across cloud environments and Internet domains, including on-premises so businesses can regain control of their technology and security environment. It leverages several bot detection methods: behavioral analysis, machine learning, and fingerprinting.

Cloudflare Bot Management analyzes behavior and detects anomalies in the Internet property's specific traffic. It scores every request by how different it is from the baseline. Since its machine learning is trained on a curated subset of billions of requests per day, it can create a reliable bot score for every request.

It pairs well with Cloudflare Firewall, so users can block IPs with the lowest scores and even adjust the score threshold in firewall rules, depending on their sensitivity to false positives/negatives. This intuitive score allows bot management software to extend its detection capabilities under the hood without manual configuration from the user.

Moreover, this bot management solution also uses fingerprinting to accurately classify bots. It does not generate nor store device fingerprints, ensuring no violation of user privacy. It complies with local regulations for data locality and storage, ensuring data protection for businesses with the most potential for monetary gain like financial services, travel, and hospitality.

Cloudflare Bot Management is fast to deploy. It automatically recommends rules to manage bots out of the box. It requires no instrumentation with third-party JavaScript, removing complex configuration and maintenance.

Cloudflare Bot Management also detects bots fast with a median latency of 0.3 milliseconds or less. It also integrates with other solutions from the provider, enhancing security, user experience, and performance.

Features

Visual Rule Builder

Cloudflare lets users tune bot management rules to fit their specific needs. It provides a visual rule builder where they can adjust rules based on path or URI pattern, request method, score sensitivities, and mitigation methods, such as log, challenge, or block.

Automatic Allowists

Cloudflare Bot Management allows good bots like those that belong to search engines to keep reaching the site. It can protect SEO ranking while preventing malicious traffic.

Threat Intelligence At-Scale

This bot detection software accurately identifies bots by applying several detection methods to a diverse and vast volume of globally distributed data. Each login, request, and response that goes through its network strengthens its machine learning so it can detect and block bot-driven threats before they can disrupt business operations.

Mobile App and API Protection

Cloudflare Bot Management extends its protection for mobile applications and APIs, ensuring businesses have governance and visibility over any IT environment. It protects mobile apps from impersonation and emulation attacks without using mobile SDK and APIs that are accessed via web browsers.

Reasons to consider:

Integrated security and performance

Lowest latency

Simple deployment

Free service for simple bots

Reasons to avoid:

A bit pricey for extra features

Long learning curve

#3 DataDome

Overview

DataDome leverages artificial intelligence (AI) for bot detection. It processes in real-time as every single request gets analyzed and subjected to a blend of AI and machine learning models to determine in 2 milliseconds whether or not to provide access.

It boasts a false positive rate of 0.01%. It has designed its response strategy and blocking/challenging mechanisms tailored for each endpoint: mobile apps, websites, and APIs, keeping businesses secured and the user experience seamless.

This bot management software gives unprecedented insights into threats, including dedicated KPIs, for effective bot mitigation. Businesses can analyze 30 days of live traffic and access real-time attack reports, along with notifications, through a comprehensive dashboard.

Features

Bot Mitigation on Autopilot

This bot mitigation software does not require frequent human intervention. Once the allow list is set up, DataDome takes care of all unwanted traffic on its own.

Services, SOC, and Support

Two of its subscription plans include a full set of professional services that cover deep-dive, crises, and ad hoc events. It also offers 24/7 technical support for most subscription plans. When needed, its Bot SOC (Security Operations Center) experts can step in to monitor and mitigate traffic to ensure optimal security and performance at all times.

Customization Options

Businesses can customize DataDome's response decisions to endpoints. They can either whitelist, add a CAPTCHA, or block and the data mitigation software follows the custom rules once added manually.

Powerful Analytics Tools

DataDome contains powerful analytics tools so businesses can get detailed insights to mitigate bots with malicious intent like account takeover, intensive scraping, or vulnerability scanning. It displays attack reports and sends out notifications in real-time.

Reasons to consider:

Low false positive rate

Unlimited users

Detailed insights

Reasons to avoid:

Expensive

Premium features exclusive to higher subscription plan

#4 CHEQ Essentials

Overview

CHEQ Essentials is designed to help website owners detect and block bots accessing their sites. It uses a combination of techniques to identify malicious bots accurately. It leverages advanced algorithms and over 2000 behavioral tests in real-time for each visit. Anything suspicious or malicious gets blocked automatically.

Features

Detailed Reports

Businesses can get detailed reports on bot activity, including bot type and behavior patterns. CHEQ Essentials helps them understand website traffic and make informed decisions to improve website performance and security.

Paid Marketing Protection

CHEQ Essentials also offers paid marketing protection by blocking invalid traffic that compromises the metrics of an ad. Implementing click fraud and ad fraud protection safeguards budgets and improves the overall effectiveness of the ad campaigns, especially on Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Meta Ads. This feature saves businesses ad spending and marketing efforts for genuine human traffic only as it prevents click fraud and ad fraud in real-time, ensuring an accurate representation of data for analytics.

Invalid Traffic Protection

CHEQ Essentials also protects ad campaigns and websites against various types of invalid traffic, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of marketing performance. It incorporates bot mitigation techniques to identify and block malicious bots from accessing the site or interacting with ads, ensuring that traffic and leads come from genuine users. Blocking bad bots and eliminating fake leads minimizes the strain on server resources, bandwidth, and processing power, resulting in better website performance.

Reasons to consider:

Straightforward functions

Multilayered protection

Customizable

Reasons to avoid:

No assisted onboarding for fixed subscription plans

Bot mitigation limited web applications

#5 GeeTest

Overview

GeeTest provides a defense against bot attacks while maintaining a good user experience. It leverages machine learning models to combat constantly evolving internet threats. It has 12+ years of anti-bot experience and has served 360,000+ companies all over the world. This bot management software works by collecting and analyzing 100+ parameters, including environmental and biometric data, to evaluate the risk level of a user who clicks a CAPTCHA button to interact with a site or an app.

GeeTest accurately detects and blocks fraudulent bot traffic in real time as its machine learning models are fed with a rich risk database, which enables its Risk Analysis Engine to pinpoint all angles of attack. It also develops custom solutions to serve unique business needs and security requirements. It can also interoperate with a prior security bot detection, further strengthening an organization's security posture.

Features

OneTap

GeeTest offers a zero-friction customer verification approach called OneTap. It removes the hassle for users when interacting with an app or website, as they can simply click to verify each visit instead of dealing with time-consuming old CAPTCHAs.

The bot management provider also offers a mixture of multiple types of CAPTCHA, depending on the use case. This feature supports the majority of existing devices and operating systems.

Device Fingerprinting

Companies can gain critical insights into traffic patterns through device fingerprinting. GeeTest monitors traffic credibility from behavioral and device dimensions to identify and prevent malicious bot activity originating from them. It weeds dubious devices, ensuring bot attacks remain at bay, keeping websites and applications secure and losses minimal.

Reasons to consider:

Ease of use

Quick deployment

Cross-platform compatibility

Proven track record

Data security

Reasons to avoid:

A bit expensive

Conclusion

Bot attacks can disrupt services, steal data, and damage reputations. Businesses of all sizes must seek solutions to identify and manage bot traffic while mitigating threats. As bot technology continues to evolve, companies have become more vulnerable to bot attacks. Some bots can easily bypass CAPTCHAs, evading cyber defenses and increasing security risks. Choose from the top 5 best bot detection and mitigation software to secure access points to a business website, application, and APIs.
Experts see artificial intelligence (AI) as a solution to address the growing problem of loneliness in society.



Tony Prescott, a University of Sheffield cognitive robotics professor, believes AI might help reduce loneliness. Prescott compares AI friendship to pet connections and doll use by children, urging adults to be receptive to AI's worth, according to The Guardian.



Prescott proposes that AI might help socially isolated people practice discussions and social interactions. These activities may boost self-esteem and lessen social isolation. In his latest book, The Psychology of AI, Prescott noted that "AI companionship" may offer "reciprocal social interaction that is simulating and personalized" in this period when many consider themselves lonely.



Prescott noted that loneliness usually results in a "downward spiral" that negatively impacts self-esteem and social interaction. He believes AI companionship may help break the cycle by improving social skills and self-esteem.

Growing Problem of Loneliness in The US

The loneliness problem has grown in recent years. Nearly four million Brits suffer from chronic loneliness. A 2021 Harvard study found that over a third of Americans experience "serious loneliness," especially young individuals and women with young children.



The health effects of loneliness are also becoming more apparent. Last year, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy termed loneliness and isolation an "epidemic," tying them to heart disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and early mortality. Murthy cautioned that ignoring this issue might further split society.



Notably, there is ongoing debate about the relevance of AI in reducing loneliness. MIT social science professor Sherry Turkle warns that robotic partnerships may degrade human ones. Brunel University gerontology and public health professor Christina Victor doubted AI could solve loneliness, highlighting the significance of reciprocal human connections.



Duke University psychology and medical professor Murali Doraiswamy said AI companionship cannot replace human friendships, which are the best cure for loneliness. Doraiswamy noted that while robots offer solutions for loneliness, it is important to make sure that they are "moral trustworthy, and protect privacy."



In an earlier TechTimes report, an expert warned about the serious threat posed by AI to humanity's existence.



Max Tegmark, a major AI supporter and scientist, warns that big tech is ignoring AI's fatal danger. At the AI Summit in Seoul, Tegmark argued that concerns about AI's power to kill hinder legislation.

Tegmark compared AI's threat to Enrico Fermi's 1942 nuclear reactor invention, which led to nuclear weapons. The Guardian reported that he said, "AI models passing the Turing test are a similar warning," quoting Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio.

The physicist also linked large tech lobbying to "how tobacco companies delayed smoking regulations." He demanded immediate action due to public concerns and government safety regulations.

AI Needs to be Regulated Despite Its Advantages

Amid the rising concerns about AI's safety, Garry Tan, CEO and President of Y Combinator said AI would need regulation.



Tan said he backed the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) GenAI risk methodology and thought much of the Biden Administration's executive order was right.



NIST recommends designating GenAI as a corporation that must comply with data privacy and copyright laws, disclose how GenAI is utilized, and restrict it from creating child sexual abuse materials.



Moreover, he suggested that AI companies must give safety data to the government, and small developers must have equal access, among other provisions in US President Joe Biden's executive order.



Tan also expressed concern about regulatory changes as the AI-related bills included in the San Francisco and California legislatures. which he finds disturbing.
A new AI-powered underwater drone called 'Hydrus' from Advanced Navigation is now tasked with mapping shipwrecks off the coast in Western Australia. This new drone is an autonomous diving robotic drone that was developed in Perth for several years before finally achieving its final form, equipped with top-spec tech, and ready for its exploration.

Researchers are now employing Hydrus to gather valuable data from the treacherous waters, offering more insight into what is below.

AI-Powered Underwater 'Hydrus' Drone Looks to Map AUS' Shipwrecks

Advanced Navigation's AI-powered underwater drone, Hydrus, was recently sent to the Rottnest ship graveyard, an infamous region in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Western Australia known for its many shipwrecks. The drone is given a plan before it dives deep into uncharted territory, and it does its mission autonomously, claims the company, and can spot a 64-meter shipwreck on the seafloor.

The company said that there are three million undiscovered shipwrecks in the world, and as many as 1,819 of these are said to be located on Western Australia's coast.

Additionally, the data gathered by Hydrus has already helped in creating maps and a high-resolution replica of the wrecked ship for further study.

Hydrus Comes Prepared: Top-Spec Technology for Autonomous Drone

Hydrus is fully equipped for underwater exploration with top-spec technology, including a 4K camera for images and videos, log-precise GPS coordinates, and the AI powering its operations.

It can deliver clear and precise outputs with geo-reference imagery and video, offering valuable data that discovers shipwrecks and gives more information about the unknown depths.

Underwater Drones: Diving Deeper for Better Exploration

The deep waters are dangerous for humans, but there have been many developments centering on underwater drones that can dive deeper and easily gather more intelligence. While they have different goals, their main purpose is to go beyond a person's limitations, with little to no risk present apart from losing the tech.

Some underwater drone projects may have focused on finding lost or destroyed remnants or treasure, but others are also looking to help marine life. Germany's EvoLogics recently upgraded the Quadroin, also known as the penguin-based autonomous underwater vehicle, to enhance its capabilities in monitoring the life beneath the waters.

Many questions are left unanswered in areas or regions that humans cannot reach or are beyond their physical and mental limitations, but that does not mean technology also faces this problem. Advanced Navigation's Hydrus AUV is now looking to do wonders for researchers and Australia to search its western coast and map the shipwrecks, seeking more answers and data than is possible with the AI-powered drone.
A rocket by North Korea meant to deploy the country's second spy satellite exploded shortly after taking off on Monday, May 27.

This unexpected event casts doubt on North Korea's efforts to enhance its satellite surveillance capabilities and raises concerns about the reliability of its aerospace technology.

Satellite Launch of North Korea Fails

North Korea's attempt to launch its second spy satellite faced a setback as the rocket exploded shortly after liftoff. The Associated Press reported that this represents a significant blow to leader Kim Jong Un's aspirations of utilizing satellites for monitoring activities in the United States and South Korea.

Following the unsuccessful launch, leaders from South Korea, China, and Japan convened in Seoul for their first trilateral meeting in over four years. The timing of North Korea's provocative action amid China's active engagement in regional diplomacy is highly unusual, given the close ties between the two countries.

The launch prompted criticism from neighboring countries, as North Korea's actions contravene the United Nations' prohibition on such launches, which are often seen as veiled attempts to test long-range missile capabilities.

The rocket, carrying a spy satellite, was launched from its primary northwestern space center. However, shortly after liftoff, the rocket reportedly suffered an engine malfunction, resulting in its failure during the initial stage of flight.

An unnamed vice director of the National Aerospace Technology Administration suggested that the explosion may have been caused by reliability issues with the newly developed liquid oxygen-petroleum engine. Investigations will be conducted to explore other potential causes of the explosion.

Previously, North Korea informed Japan's coast guard about its scheduled launch and warned about potential risks in the waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula, China, and the eastern region of the Philippines' Luzon island from May 27 to June 3.

Before the launch, North Korea informed Japan's coast guard about its intended rocket launch and highlighted possible dangers in the waters with the advisory effective from Monday through June 3. North Korea has consistently asserted its entitlement to conduct satellite launches and missile tests.

Read Also : North Korea Hackers Target South Korean Chipmakers Ahead of Elections

Regional Reactions to Satellite Launch of North Korea

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara labeled North Korea's satellite launch a significant global challenge. On the other hand, South Korea's Unification Ministry described it as "a provocation that seriously threatens our and regional security," the AP reported.

In a trilateral meeting earlier Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the necessity of firm international measures should North Korea proceed with its launch intentions.

While Kishida urged North Korea to reconsider its launch plans, Li made general remarks about fostering peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through diplomatic means without specifically addressing the launch plan.

Known for its careful management of its global image, China has aligned with Russia in obstructing US-led initiatives at the UN Security Council to tighten sanctions on North Korea.

However, China has been more subtle and reserved in its support for Kim's agenda of a new Cold War. In response to a joint statement issued by Li, Yoon, and Kishida, North Korea's Foreign Ministry issued a strong rebuke, condemning it as unwarranted meddling in its internal affairs.

The ministry particularly objected to aspects of the statement that reiterated the leaders' established positions on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Even though North Korea mainly blamed South Korea for the statement, it is rare for the country to criticize a statement signed by China.
A volunteer ride program in New Brunswick is reportedly set to use artificial intelligence to optimize bookings and driver dispatches and manage operations in general.

By the end of the year, the software will be available throughout the province thanks to Urban/Rural Rides, a nonprofit that offers transportation services to seniors, low-income families, and individuals with mild disabilities.

Executive Director Kelly Taylor says the technology will greatly increase the efficiency of the volunteer driver assignment and ride-booking processes.

The government of New Brunswick declared on Monday that it will commit $2 million over four years. Blaise Transit, a Montreal-based software provider for transit networks, will collaborate with Urban/Rural Rides on the project.

The program is made to assist regional service commissioners in overseeing volunteer ride services, helping them with anything from dispatching to real-time operation monitoring.

AI for Transportation Efficiency

In addition, a driving app that directs the volunteers on their trips is available. The app provides turn-by-turn directions, information about who to pick up, and the passengers' specific mobility needs.

Riders will now have more options for scheduling rides. They can make a request either online or using the Blaise Transit app. However, for a dispatcher to enter a request into the system on behalf of someone unable to use a device, they must still call and speak with a dispatcher.

Blaise Transit CEO Justin Hunt said the platform would provide consumers with more flexibility in travel arrangements.

Hunt claims that since artificial intelligence would handle the "tedious" chore of scheduling rides, volunteers will have more time to dedicate to other activities.

Blaise Transit first introduced the system in 40 communities in the US and Canada and 24 municipalities in Nova Scotia.

Increasing access to transportation is crucial, especially in rural areas, according to Minister Rejean Savoie of the Regional Development Corporation. The concept has been under development for the past year by Urban/Rural Rides.

As per Taylor, the program will facilitate collaboration and resource sharing among the province's current regional volunteer riding programs.

AI-Powered Cameras in Metro Buses

This is not the first time AI has been used in transportation; plans for Los Angeles Metro Buses to use AI-powered cameras to easily ticket vehicles illegally parked in bus lanes were recently reported.

Metro states that the program will launch by the end of 2024 after two months of community engagement to ensure that the general public is informed about this new endeavor's objectives, timetable, and outcomes. Testing is planned for this summer.

The government states that drivers will be given a 60-day notice when cameras are installed. Warning citations are not grounds for infractions and are meant to be used as educational notices for the first sixty days.

The Hayden AI tech startup's program aims to enhance bus schedules, boost ridership, and address mobility issues. Last year, Metro's board of directors gave the business permission to deploy 100 camera systems as part of a $11 million agreement.
Recent findings from NASA's Magellan mission reveal ongoing volcanic activity on Venus, marking the second instance of direct evidence of such activity on the planet's surface, according to the space agency.

Rock Formations from Lava Flows

Italian scientists identified surface changes indicative of new rock formations resulting from lava flows associated with volcanic eruptions that occurred during the spacecraft's orbit of Venus in the early 1990s.



NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California manages Magellan mission and it provided detailed mapping of 98% of Venus' surface from 1990 to 1992, offering unprecedented insights into the planet's geological features.



Lead researcher Davide Sulcanese from d'Annunzio University in Pescara, Italy, highlighted the significance of the discovery, suggesting that Venus might be more volcanically active than previously assumed.



The study builds upon the 2023 revelation of volcanic changes observed near Venus' equator, providing further evidence of recent volcanic activity. These findings contribute to a better understanding of Venus' geological history and its divergence from Earth's evolutionary path, according to NASA.



The study focused on archival data from Magellan's synthetic aperture radar, which penetrated Venus' dense cloud cover to capture surface features.



By analyzing radar signals reflected from two specific locations on Venus - the volcano Sif Mons in Eistla Regio and the western part of Niobe Planitia - the researchers detected increased signal strength over a two-year period, suggesting the solidification of lava flows from volcanic eruptions.



The analysis ruled out alternative explanations, such as micro-dunes or atmospheric interference, confirming the presence of new lava flows.

Read Also : NASA James Webb Space Telescope Catches Formation of 3 of the Earliest Galaxies in Universe

NASA's Upcoming VERITAS Mission

Marco Mastrogiuseppe from Sapienza University of Rome explained the interpretation of the radar signals as lava flows along slopes or plains, circumventing obstacles like shield volcanoes.



Comparisons with lava flows on Earth allowed the researchers to estimate the depth and extent of the new rock formations on Venus, with the eruptions covering significant areas comparable to terrestrial volcanic events.



The study's findings not only highlight the dynamic nature of Venus' surface but also inform future exploration missions. Scott Hensley from JPL, a co-author of a previous study on Venus' volcanic activity, expressed excitement about the implications for NASA's upcoming VERITAS mission, designed to comprehensively map Venus' surface and investigate its geological processes.



VERITAS, equipped with advanced radar and spectrometry instruments, aims to provide unprecedented insights into Venus' geological composition and volcanic activity.



"These new discoveries of recent volcanic activity on Venus by our international colleagues provide compelling evidence of the kinds of regions we should target with VERITAS when it arrives at Venus," Suzanne Smrekar, a senior scientist at JPL and principal investigator for VERITAS, said in an official statement.



"Our spacecraft will have a suite of approaches for identifying surface changes that are far more comprehensive and higher resolution than Magellan images. Evidence for activity, even in the lower-resolution Magellan data, supercharges the potential to revolutionize our understanding of this enigmatic world."
Deepfake scams are increasingly targeting businesses, resulting in significant financial losses worldwide.



Cybersecurity experts warn that these scams, using advanced artificial intelligence to create convincing fake videos, audio, and images, are becoming more common and sophisticated, according to a report by CNBC.

The Rise of Deepfake Scams

One alarming incident cited by CNBC involved a finance worker in Hong Kong who was tricked into transferring over $25 million to fraudsters. The criminals used deepfake technology to impersonate colleagues on a video call, convincing the worker to make the transfer.



UK engineering firm Arup, involved in the Hong Kong case, confirmed the incident but withheld details due to an ongoing investigation. According to David Fairman, Chief Information and Security Officer at Netskope, the public accessibility of AI tools has made it easier for cybercriminals to conduct sophisticated scams without advanced technical skills.



Generative AI can produce realistic text, images, and videos, making it a powerful tool for manipulating digital content. An Arup spokesperson told CNBC that their operations face regular attacks, including invoice fraud, phishing scams, voice spoofing on WhatsApp, and deepfakes.



In the Hong Kong incident, the finance worker attended a video call with individuals he believed were the company's chief financial officer as well as staff members.



These participants were deepfakes created to deceive him into transferring a large sum of money. Arup confirmed the use of fake voices and images in this scam and reported a sharp increase in such attacks recently.



A similar incident occurred in Shanxi province, China, where a female financial employee was deceived into transferring 1.86 million yuan ($262,000) following a video call with a deepfake of her boss.



In August 2023, researchers at the Google-owned cybersecurity firm Mandiant documented cases of cybercriminals using AI and deepfake technology for phishing scams and misinformation. The use of such technology for these purposes is expected to accelerate with new generative AI tools.

Read Also : Online Hate Content Authors are Increasingly Using AI to Supercharge Propaganda, Experts Claim

Deepfakes Could Worsen and Accelerate for a While

Jason Hogg, a cybersecurity expert at Great Hill Partners, noted that deepfakes of high-ranking company members could spread false information, manipulate stock prices, damage reputations, and disseminate harmful content.



Hogg, a former FBI Special Agent, explained that generative AI could create deepfakes using digital information from social media and other platforms.



Hogg predicts that the broader issues will worsen and accelerate for a while because effective cybercrime prevention needs careful analysis to create systems, practices, and controls to combat new technologies.



To counter AI-powered threats, cybersecurity experts suggest enhancing defenses by enhancing staff education, conducting regular cybersecurity tests, and implementing multi-layered approval processes for transactions.
Nubank, a leading Brazilian neobank traded on the NYSE, has entered the mobile network industry with the launch of its eSIM service.

If you're a tourist who is having a hard time switching a SIM card for your phone, the new offering from this bank will provide 10GB of free-roaming internet. It will serve over 40 countries globally.

Nubank as MVNO

The launch follows the quiet approval from Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL), allowing Nubank to become a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in collaboration with wireless giant Claro.

While Nubank has yet to confirm specific details about this MVNO plan, the introduction of the eSIM service marks the company's initial step into the mobile network sector, aligning with a broader trend among fintech companies.

Not Just a Neobank Anymore

Neobanks, digital-first challengers to traditional banking institutions, are expanding their services to attract new customers. These services include budgeting tools, financial insights, and easy stock market access. Similarly, the MVNO market is growing, driven by the rise of eSIM technology, cloud computing, and third-party software that facilitates all-digital distribution strategies.

With Nubank's vision to target more people, the burgeoning trends in mobile networks are expected to boom further.

Nubank's Impressive Growth

Founded a decade ago, Nubank has experienced remarkable growth. Its valuation surged by 170% over the past year, reaching an all-time high of $58 billion in March.

Impressively, the company reported a net profit of $1 billion in 2023, a significant turnaround from a $9 million net loss in 2022. With record revenues in Q1 of 2024, Nubank continues to grow, now boasting over 100 million customers across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.

The neobank offers various services, including bank accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance, investments, and now, mobile data for travelers.

Targeting Premium Subscribers

The new eSIM service targets customers of Nubank Ultravioleta, a premium subscription service launched three years ago. Ultravioleta offers benefits such as insurance, higher credit limits, cashback, and family accounts.

Back in April, Nubank expanded into the travel sector by introducing a "global account" in partnership with European fintech Wise, offering low-fee international money transfers. The new eSIM service, providing 10GB of data for travelers in the U.S., Latin America, and Europe, can be activated through the Nubank app.

What's more, the service's infrastructure is powered by Gigs, a platform backed by investors like Google's Gradient Ventures and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

Trends in the Fintech Industry

Nubank's move mirrors trends in the broader fintech industry. In February, the U.K. neobank Revolut launched a similar eSIM service for premium subscribers. Last year, Indian neobank Zolve added mobile networks to its services, enabling immigrants to set up banking and mobile services before arriving in the U.S.

We've also seen telecom companies like T-Mobile launch banking services, while traditional banks such as Brazil's Banco Inter and South Africa's Standard Bank have launched their own MVNO services.

Expert Insights on Neobanks and MVNOs

Allan T. Rasmussen, a telecoms industry consultant, notes the growing intersection between banking and mobile services.

"Mobile operators are moving into banking, and traditional banks and fintechs are becoming MVNOs," he explains to TechCrunch.

Both neobanks and MVNOs are digital-first, offering lower overheads and greater agility compared to traditional players. The rise of eSIM technology is further driving this cross-pollination as companies compete for customer attention, revenue, and data.

Regulatory Considerations

While neobanks like Nubank and Revolut are entering the mobile network space, they avoid positioning themselves as traditional MVNOs to sidestep additional regulatory oversight.

MVNOs operate on carriers' infrastructure, and companies like 1Global and Gigs facilitate the launch of mobile services by handling SIM provisioning, billing, and regulatory compliance. This allows fintech companies to offer mobile services without the legal stuff of becoming telecom providers.

Nubank's Future in Mobile Networks

Nubank's travel eSIM service is easier to implement due to its partnership with Gigs, which manages regulatory compliance.

According to Hermann Frank, Gigs CEO, the firm "abstracts away all regulatory complexity" for the customers inside the telecom industry.

In other news, Elon Musk's xAI has officially secured $6 billion in funding to have an edge over other AI platforms.
TIANJIN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A stroke patient who donned a brain electrode cap was attempting to lift a bottle from the table using her fingers and an additional "sixth finger" device mounted on the wrist.

"Try again, focus your attention, and see if you can lift the bottle," said a neurological physician encouragingly.

With each attempt -- once, twice, thrice, -- the patient who had been unable to grip a pen witnessed the bottle slowly detach from the tabletop. The expression transformed from initial despair to incredulous astonishment, culminating in a moment as tears brimmed in her eyes.

Wang Zhuang, a third-year doctoral student and a member of the neural engineering team at Tianjin University, intently watched the patient and the "sixth finger" device on her hand, while meticulously recording every fluctuation in the data.

The team has crafted an innovative finger-worn device, leveraging non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to harness the patient's brainwaves, enabling stroke patients to mentally "command" an extra digit.

Also, the device serves to revitalize the patients' compromised central and peripheral nervous systems, thereby facilitating the rehabilitation of hand motor functions.

The BCI, a technology heralding the future, is swiftly emerging as a focal point for global investment. Scientists and engineers are eager to integrate this pioneering tech into the realm of medical practice, embracing a new era of therapeutic possibilities.

"Stroke stands as a significant threat to the health of our nation's populace, often leaving patients with varying levels of physical impairment," said Wang.

"Our aspiration is to harness the power of technology to offer them enhanced opportunities for a life of completeness and fulfillment," he added.

In January, a Chinese clinical team from Xuanwu Hospital had implanted a wireless processor into the skull of a paralyzed man, and this significantly assisted him to recover his motor skills, including drinking a bottle of water on his own.

China has unveiled guidelines to support the technological innovation, industrial cultivation and safety governance of future industries, including the BCI industry.

According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology's report on the development and application of BCI (2023), medical treatment stands as the predominant application domain for BCI technology in China.

Approximately 200 medical BCI enterprises operate in China, with a quarter of them pioneering in the field of implantable technology, while the remaining are dedicated to the development of non-implantable technologies, according to the report.

Mei Jie, a colleague of Wang, has uncovered additional potential within the BCI system. After six months of dedicated effort, he has successfully engineered a drone that can be controlled by brain signals.

"We have achieved for the first time the continuous brain control of a drone in four degrees of freedom," said Mei. "This technology holds expansive potential for applications in various fields, including the identification of distant targets, thorough environmental surveillance, and the monitoring of anomalies."

In pursuit of evaluating and fine-tuning the operational capabilities of the "brain-controlled drone," Mei dedicated an entire three-month period to conducting experiments at the outdoor research facility.

"Scientific research mirrors the process of cultivating crops that demands patience and persistence as the fruits of one's labor are not instantly harvested, but rather mature over an extended period of growth and fruition," said Mei.

Editor: ZAD
Nokia is reportedly close to obtaining a 5G radio equipment deal with Portuguese telecom provider MEO.



According to an internal blog post and sources per Reuters, Nokia is poised to win the agreement despite Huawei being MEO's only provider of 2G, 3G, and 4G RAN equipment. However, sources claimed the deal remains unsigned, with an announcement expected next month.



Altice, a French company, owns Portugal's main mobile operator, MEO, which was previously owned by Telecom Portugal. In recent years, Huawei has been MEO's sole RAN supplier. In 2G, 3G, and 4G, Huawei has a 100% market share.



However, Tommi Uitto, president of Nokia's mobile networks, noted in an internal blog that the company has been chosen "to replace Huawei in some key markets in Portugal," as reported by Reuters.



The two companies have not commented on the report as of present reporting.



RAN equipment has been a major income generator for Huawei, Nokia, and Ericsson. Nokia and Ericsson have lost many jobs due to a drop in telecom operator demand for new equipment since last year.



Huawei remains a key player in China's growing telecom sector but it is banned in the United States and some European countries due to security concerns.



The deal would bring Nokia back to Portugal's RAN market after Huawei took it years ago. Since then, Nokia has not provided RAN equipment to national telecom companies, according to Uitto.

Nokia Accelerates 5G Development in Europe

The report follows Nokia's announcement last week that it is expanding network programmability and monetization collaboration with Orange. Nokia's Network as Code platform will allow developers to use Orange's 5G network to create new apps for French and European users.

Orange, a global telecommunications company with over 280 million mobile users, offers commercial-grade network APIs through the Orange Developer Portal. According to the firm's media release, the extended alliance intends to expedite worldwide developer involvement and enable 5G features including dynamic bandwidth allocation, real-time location analytics, predictive maintenance, and event-driven security responses.

The Nokia Network as Code platform will include SDKs, network API documentation, a sandbox for code simulation and testing, and code snippets for application development. Orange designed this connection to enhance developers' capabilities, stimulate new use cases, and enhance consumer value.



Nokia's Network as Code platform unites telecom networks, systems integrators, and software developers worldwide to accelerate 5G and 4G software application development. Nokia and Orange collaborate on industry projects, including the GSMA Open Gateway and Linux Foundation CAMARA, which set technical standards for the platform.

Nokia To Go to The Moon This 2024

Nokia collaborates with 12 global network operators and ecosystem partners to use its Network as Code platform. Orange has launched France and Spain's first commercial-grade APIs following Linux Foundation CAMARA principles.



Amid these collaborations, Nokia also aims advance space communications technology by launching an LTE/4G network on the moon by late 2024, as previously reported by TechTimes.



This project is part of NASA's Tipping Point effort to build the first lunar cellular network for future lunar missions, including NASA's Artemis. The Artemis program plans human activities on the moon as a preliminary to Mars missions.



Nokia's mission hardware will launch late this year. A "network in a box," the Finnish company's technology will connect Intuitive Machines' Nova-C lunar lander, Lunar Outpost's MAPP rover, and Micro-Nova hopper.



The mission's goals are to install and test the first lunar LTE/4G network over several weeks. The technology will be tested for its ability to withstand the environmental challenges of space travel, including launch and landing procedures, as well as the severe temperatures, vacuum, and radiation on the lunar surface.
Chinese scientists have made significant breakthroughs in Ebola research by genetically modifying a virus to mimic Ebola infection.

The experiment has resulted in severe eye ulcers and the eventual death of an entire group of hamsters. Researchers hope that the new model will pave the way for advancements in understanding and treating Ebola-related eye disorders.

The Experiment: Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and Ebola Glycoprotein

In this groundbreaking study, researchers used vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), typically found in livestock, and incorporated a part of the Ebola virus known as glycoprotein (GP). This glycoprotein facilitates the virus's entry and infection of cells.

When introduced to the hamsters, the modified virus caused all ten subjects-five males and five females, each up to three weeks old-to die within three days.

Related Article : Blood Test Identifies Immune Response in Multiple Sclerosis Patients, Paves Way for New Treatments

Symptoms and Effects on Hamsters Similar to Ebola Patients

The hamsters exhibited symptoms akin to those seen in Ebola patients, including weight loss, multi-organ failure, severe eye inflammation, and ulcers.

As Interesting Engineering wrote in its report, the virus proliferated rapidly within their bodies, leading to high viral loads and swift mortality. Researchers observed that this model closely mimicked the disease progression in humans, making it a valuable tool for studying Ebola.

Potential for Future Research and Vaccine Testing

Scientists are optimistic that this new model could give their research a boost into deep-diving Ebola-related eye disorders.

"All animals died within 2-3 days after infection," noted the researchers, highlighting the model's potential for testing Ebola vaccines.

According to the scientists, the surrogate model allows for quick preclinical testing of Ebola virus countermeasures in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions, which are less stringent and more accessible than the high-level BSL-4 facilities traditionally required for Ebola research.

A Safer, Cost-Effective Tool for Rapid Evaluation

The researchers emphasized the model's safety, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. They explained that the model is considered ideal for rapid preclinical evaluation.

Hurdles in Ebola Research

Ebola virus, known for causing internal bleeding and tissue damage, spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated objects.

Due to the high level of biological security required for handling Ebola-typically BSL-4 facilities-research has been limited. The development of effective countermeasures has been hindered by the lack of suitable animal models that can be studied under less stringent conditions.

Insights from the Study

The study also provided valuable insights into the virus's impact on various organs.

Researchers found that the virus accumulated in critical tissues such as the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, intestines, and brain. The liver had the highest viral loads, while the brain had the lowest. This distribution pattern is crucial for understanding the virus's pathology and developing targeted treatments.

Lab Leak Involving the Virus

Rutgers University's chemical biologist Dr. Richard Ebright told DailyMail that a VSV-related lab leak could result in alarming public infection.

Ebola, caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses, was first identified in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, there have been 29 outbreaks or case reports of Ebola virus disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa was the largest and most complex, with 28,646 reported cases and 11,323 deaths.

The findings of this research, published in Science Direct, represent a step forward in Ebola research. By providing a safer, more accessible model for studying Ebola-related eye disorders, scientists are now better equipped to develop effective countermeasures and vaccines. This innovative approach could ultimately lead to improved treatments and a greater understanding of one of the world's most lethal viruses.
Google has recently announced a major update to its Chromebook lineup, unveiling new models that come with advanced AI features.

Google Launches New Chromebooks

The highlight of Google's announcement is the introduction of the "Chromebook Plus" category. The new Chromebooks are manufactured by third-party partners Acer, HP, and Asus. Notably, 6 new models were announced.

On the higher end, the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 ($699) boasts a 360-degree hinge and powerful Intel Core Ultra processor, while the HP Chromebook Plus x360 ($429) provides a 14-inch screen, 360-degree hinge, and impressive 10+ hour battery life.

The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 ($499) includes a 14-inch display, 180-degree hinge, WiFi 6E support, and an optional touchscreen.

For those seeking more affordable options, the Asus Chromebook CM30 ($299) is a compact 10.5-inch model with a detachable keyboard, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage.

The HP Chromebook 14-inch ($249) is the most budget-friendly, packing an Intel Pentium processor and 128GB storage, though a Plus version starts at $449. Interestingly, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE ($649) caters to cloud gaming with its 16-inch 120Hz display.

New AI Features Available with Chromebook Plus

One of the standout features of the new Chromebook Plus devices is the 'Help me write' assistant. This tool aids users in writing, reformatting, or emojifying text.

Another interesting addition is the Wallpaper Creator. Using generative AI, this feature allows users to create custom wallpapers and video call backgrounds through guided prompts.

Chromebook Plus devices also offer easy access to Google's Gemini Chatbot, providing users with an advanced AI assistant at their fingertips.

Additionally, new Chromebook Plus buyers will receive 12 months of Google One AI Premium, which includes access to Gemini Advanced, 2TB of cloud storage, and the use of Gemini in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail.

For photo enthusiasts, the Magic Editor in Google Photos is a game-changer. This feature allows users to shift or resize objects within photos, with AI regenerating the background accordingly.

New Features for All Chromebooks

Google has not limited these upgrades to the new Chromebook Plus models alone.

TechCrunch tells us that all Chromebooks will benefit from an enhanced setup process that includes QR code scanning from an Android phone to share Wi-Fi credentials and Google account details. This makes the initial setup more streamlined and user-friendly.

Integration of Google Tasks within the calendar view is another useful feature, showing to-do items from all Google Workspace apps.

Additionally, users can now save screen recordings as GIFs, making it easier to share and view content in a more dynamic format.

Meanwhile, the new game dashboard enhances the gaming experience by allowing users to map mobile controls to keys.

Google Teases Future Updates for Chromebooks

Looking ahead, Google has teased several upcoming features like one allowing users to control their Chromebook interface through face and head movements.

Another one: The Gemini-Powered Reading Summaries will soon provide summaries of websites and documents and allow users to ask questions about the content.

Another exciting future update is the Task Continuity Feature, which enables users to resume tasks like reading an article from where they left off on their phone.

Additionally, a focus-related feature is coming soon to help users pick a task and a timeframe to complete it, accompanied by a YouTube Music playlist, while enabling "Do not disturb" mode to minimize interruptions.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will get a camera-fixing software upgrade, as per a report.



Users of the Galaxy S24 flagship have reported shutter latency and motion blur. While previous One UI upgrades for the device have improved the camera and user experience, Samsung has not announced a new software update.



Ice Universe on social media X reports that Samsung is testing the Galaxy S24 Ultra One UI 6.1.1 upgrade. The smartphone's photography should improve significantly with the upgrade.

What's Wrong with Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra One 6.1.1 upgrade, the major update since its debut, is being tested, per Gadget 360. Since its introduction, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has struggled with shutter slowness, zoom issues, and motion blur when recording fast-moving objects. Despite multiple upgrades, including a noteworthy April one, these vulnerabilities continue.



According to reports, the One UI 6.1.1 upgrade is in early testing and will undergo thorough testing before release. The upgrade should be available when Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 debut in July 2024.



In related news, the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch7 series may contain a premium model called the "Samsung Galaxy Watch X," designed to compete with Apple's Watch Ultra series and focus on diving, per GSMArena.



Similar to the Apple Watch Ultra, the Galaxy Watch X will be water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet). Like Apple, its practical usage depth is 40 meters (130 feet).



The Galaxy Watch X is expected to have a 100-hour battery life, greater than its predecessors and competitors. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic lasts 40 hours, the Watch 5 Pro 80 hours, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 36 hours.

Read Also : Google Launches New Chromebooks Packed with Tons of AI Features

The Samsung Galaxy Watch X will debut on July 24, per reports. Tech aficionados also expect Samsung's upcoming foldable devices and Galaxy Ring to be unveiled at the event.

Chinese Premier Says Samsung is Welcome to Expand in China

Separately, a high-ranking Chinese official recently met with Samsung's chairman. A news from the Inquirer stated that Premier Li Qiang told foreign enterprises that China would stay open and highlighted efforts to enhance their trust in the world's second-largest economy.



The Chinese official met with Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong in Seoul ahead of a trilateral summit between South Korea, China, and Japan on Sunday.



Samsung, the world's largest chipmaker and smartphone maker, has invested billions in Chinese semiconductor and electronics factories.



During the conference, Li noted that the Chinese government values enterprises funded by foreign investors as "indispensable" for China's progress and its "mega-market will always be open to them," the official said.



Li also stressed that China will strengthen the business climate, particularly market access, so foreign businesses "can rest assured in their investment and development in China."



Premier Li also said that South Korean firms, "including Samsung", are welcome to expand their business in China.



Li also encouraged Chinese and South Korean companies to collaborate in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, during his meeting with Samsung's chairman.



Samsung is one of the few businesses that can make superior semiconductors for AI technology.



This development follows the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China reporting market access and regulatory hurdles for its members.
Bratislava, May 28 (TASR) - The Justice Ministry sees no reason to form a commission to investigate the assassination attempt on Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD).



The ministry reacted in this way to a proposal by the opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party presented at a news conference on Tuesday. According to the ministry, the given proposal has no backing in any of the Slovak laws, and therefore the commission would have no investigatory powers, either.



The ministry noted that the matter is being investigated by the institutions designated for it by law. At the same time, the ministry has called on representatives of political parties to refrain from such public statements that could contribute to the increase of society's polarisation.



The SaS party on Tuesday presented a proposal to form an international commission to investigate the assassination attempt on the premier with the role of preventing or investigating disinformation and misinterpretations regarding the assassination attempt, as well as examining potential misconduct by the police or the Office for the Protection of Constitutional Officials.



The Interior Ministry reacted that the commission could only be formed after the investigation by the law-enforcement authorities is completed. Prosecutor-General (PG) Maros Zilinka views the proposal to form the commission inappropriate. He pointed out that the above commission has no backing in Slovak law.
Bratislava, May 28 (TASR) - The Slovak political scene is ripe to an extent for the defusing of tension and this is perceived by Voice-SD as its main mission, seeing as party leader Peter Pellegrini called for the calming down of society already before the attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) life and it was one of the key messages of his presidential campaign, MEP candidate Branislav Ondrus (Voice-SD) told TASR TV on Tuesday.



In Ondrus' view, Pellegrini rightly estimated even before the 2024 presidential election that one of the main problems bedevilling the Slovak society is its excessive polarisation and too much political tension. "I feel that there is a consensus on the Slovak political scene that the attempt [on Fico's life] is the result of unsustainable and unacceptable radicalisation in the language used by politicians and the way they present their messages to public," he stated.
Bratislava, May 28 (TASR) - The Slovak political scene really needs the defusing of tension and this is perceived by Voice-SD as its main mission, seeing as party leader Peter Pellegrini called for the calming down of society already before the attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) life and it was one of the key messages of his presidential campaign, MEP candidate Branislav Ondrus (Voice-SD) told TASR TV on Tuesday.



In Ondrus' view, Pellegrini rightly estimated even before the 2024 presidential election that one of the main problems bedevilling Slovak society is its excessive polarisation and too much political tension. "I feel that there is a consensus on the Slovak political scene that the attempt [on Fico's life] is the result of unsustainable and unacceptable radicalisation in the language used by politicians and the way they present their messages to the public," he stated.



When asked whether he expects a similar stance also from Fico, Ondrus replied that he cannot speculate how such a trauma might change a person. However, Ondrus expects that Fico will try to contribute towards the calming down of the societal climate, too. Ondrus added that the era of "vilification" of selected politicians by the media should end and the public needs to realise that even though political parties change in power, democracy and its institutions stay unchanged.



As for the government's dialogue with European institutions, Ondrus stated that Slovakia has received critical letters from two European commissioners, who, however, belong to the same European political family as opposition Progressive Slovakia. "Simecka used to be a longstanding European Parliament vice-president on behalf of the same party as Didier Reynders, the commissioner in the European Commission," claimed Ondrus, who added that PS leader Michal Simecka knew the contents of Reynders' letter even before the time he could officially learn about it.



One of the Voice-SD's goals in the European Parliament will be to inform MEPs truthfully and objectively about the situation in Slovakia. The overarching message of all its candidates will be the promotion of peace in Europe. In Ondrus' view, the role of peacekeeper should fall naturally to the EU, yet it has shown "militaristic tendencies" instead that only serve to prolong the conflict in Ukraine.
Bratislava, May 28 (TASR) - Prosecutor-General Maros Zilinka considers the proposal to form an international commission to investigate the attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) life inappropriate.



Zilinka said this on Tuesday in response to a proposal tabled by the opposition's SaS party earlier in the day.



Zilinka pointed out that the forming of an international investigation commission has no backing in the Slovak law. "The Slovak Penal Code defines rather clearly the bodies of pre-trial criminal procedures: police investigator who carries out investigation, prosecutor who oversees the legality of pre-trial procedures and pre-trial judge who makes decisions on interventions in some constitutionally-guaranteed rights," claimed Zilinka.



The Prosecutor-General pointed out that the Slovak law enforcement is already prosecuting the case and noted that societal reconciliation would benefit from showing respect for and trust in Slovak bodies.



Earlier in the day, SaS party unveiled its proposal to form an international investigation commission to investigate the attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico's life. The aim of such a commission would be to prevent or even investigate disinformation and misinterpretations concerning the assault but also to investigate potential miscues committed by the Office for Protection of Constitutional Officials and police.
Papua New Guinea says evacuating 7,900 people under threat of new landslide



Port Moresby, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



Papua New Guinea is evacuating an estimated 7,900 people living near the site of a deadly landslide, a top provincial official said Tuesday, as fears grew of further slips.

"We're trying to evacuate," Enga provincial administrator Sandis Tsaka told AFP.

"Every hour you can hear rock breaking -- it is like a bomb or gunshot and the rocks keep falling down," Tsaka said.

The hillside community in Enga province was almost wiped out when a chunk of Mount Mungalo collapsed early Friday morning, smothering scores of homes and the people sleeping inside them.

Papua New Guinea's national disaster centre fears more than 2,000 people were buried, but only five bodies and the leg of a sixth have so far been pulled from the rubble.

Rescue workers are trying to remove 7,900 people from the area to be sure "the ongoing landslide is not going to take any more lives than those already lost", Tsaka said.

The area has been "completely devastated" and the community is "traumatised", he said.

"Entire families buried under debris," he said. "Everyone in the Enga province has a friend or family (member) that was killed, is missing or was impacted by this tragedy," he added.

"People are digging with their hands and fingers."

Tsaka said the area was heavily populated with homes, businesses, churches and schools.

"It has been completely wiped out. It is the surface of the moon -- it is just rocks," he said.

Tsaka said he spoke at an emergency online meeting with foreign governments on Tuesday morning and asked for immediate assistance to deal with the landslide risks, manage the response and ensure the rapid delivery of supplies.

"I am not equipped to deal with this tragedy," he said.

Relief efforts have been delayed by the remoteness of the site in Papua New Guinea's rugged highlands as well as severed road links and tribal fighting nearby.
Tribal violence, rain and mosquitoes: making sense of the PNG landslide



Port Moresby, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



A landslide in Papua New Guinea is feared to have buried more than 2,000 people, with experts pointing to colossal tectonic forces, tribal clashes and mosquitoes to make sense of the crisis.

One of the most disaster-prone nations in the world, Papua New Guinea occupies a slice of the southwest Pacific that is frequently battered by earthquakes, flooding and volcanic eruptions.

But even by these volatile standards, the emergency unfolding in the highlands of Enga province could rank among the country's most lethal natural disasters.

Here's why:



- Ring of Fire -



The bustling highlands community on the shoulder of Mount Mungalo was destroyed when a landslide struck in the early hours of Friday morning.

Scores of homes and the people sleeping inside them were buried beneath an avalanche of boulders, mud and uprooted trees.

Papua New Guinea sits atop the seismic Ring of Fire, an arc of intense tectonic activity that stretches through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

"Papua New Guinea sits right on a plate boundary, where these large, rigid parts of the earth plough into each other," University of Adelaide geologist Alan Collins told AFP.

"This creates mountains, steep slopes and other extreme topography.

"You have these steep slopes located in an area of heavy rainfall, and this can rot the minerals in the rocks, and gradually weaken them."

Human influences, such as the clearing of native forests, made the slopes of these highland mountains even more precarious.

"You put all of those things together, and you can create a very unstable environment," Collins said.

Lying just south of the equator, Papua New Guinea has one of the wettest climates in the world.

Research has found shifting rainfall patterns linked to climate change could further exacerbate the risk of landslides.



- Tribal violence -



As disaster workers entered the remote disaster zone, they realised population estimates failed to account for dozens of families seeking sanctuary in the area.

Serhan Aktoprak, chief of the United Nations' migration agency in Papua New Guinea, said the "internally displaced" Tulpar people had moved into the village "as they escaped from another tribal conflict elsewhere".

Highland clans have fought each other in Papua New Guinea for centuries, but a recent influx of mercenaries and automatic weapons has inflamed tensions.

The Red Cross estimates as many as 30,000 people are displaced by tribal violence in Papua New Guinea every year.



- Highlands home -



Papua New Guinea has one of the least concentrated urban populations in the world.

Some 40 percent of people are thought to eschew its coastal cities in favour of highland regions in the country's interior.

The highlands are a mix of rolling jungle mountains, dense tropical rainforests and twisting river valleys.

Nestled amongst this unforgiving terrain are some of the fastest growing and most densely packed communities in the country.

There are myriad factors that could explain this, including high rates of polygyny, falling death rates and long-formed attachments to ancestral homelands.

Most highland communities occupy a kind of "goldilocks zone", sitting at altitudes between 1,400 metres (4,600 feet) and 2,600 metres high.

Researchers have found this helps them stave off the risk of malarial infections that run rampant through lower-lying areas.







- 'Buried alive' -



Reliable census figures are notoriously difficult to get in Papua New Guinea, hampered by the difficult terrain, severe weather, and remoteness of many communities.

While the country's official population is given as 10 million, some demographers suggest the number of citizens could be almost twice as high.

Enga provincial administrator Sandis Tsaka said officials had first gauged the size of the disaster-struck community using an outdated electoral roll that only counted those 18 and older.

These initial underestimates of the community's population helped to explain why death toll figures have jumped around so much.

Early estimates in the immediate aftermath of the landslide suggested a death toll between 100 and 500 people.

Days later these figures would be drastically revised by the country's National Disaster Centre -- which stated "more than 2,000 people" were feared to be "buried alive".

It could take weeks before anything near a definitive number emerges.

Papua New Guinea's northern coast was swamped by a 10 metre (30 foot) tsunami in 1998, killing more than 2,200 people in one of the country's worst natural disasters.
US to unveil 'guardrails' needed for carbon markets to succeed



Washington, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



President Joe Biden's administration is set Tuesday to unveil "guardrails" it says will ensure that carbon offset markets effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a significant win for advocates of the contentious schemes.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will lay out the government's first broad guidelines for "high-integrity" carbon markets, aimed at boosting confidence in a system that critics have panned as greenwashing.

To transition to a low-carbon economy, "We need to use all the tools at our disposal -- creatively, thoughtfully, and at scale," she will declare in an event with other senior officials, including White House senior climate adviser John Podesta.

"I believe that harnessing the power of markets and private capital is critical. This includes efforts to grow high-integrity voluntary carbon markets."

Carbon credits enable corporations and countries to offset their greenhouse gas emissions, with each credit representing the reduction or removal of one tonne of CO2, often in developing countries through projects combating deforestation.

The carbon offsets market is currently worth around $2 billion, but has come under intense fire recently after research has shown that claims of reduced emissions under the schemes are often hugely overestimated -- or simply non-existent.

Yellen will outline principles emphasizing integrity in three key areas: supply-side credits tied to genuine emissions reductions or removals; demand-side corporate accountability that prioritizes emission reduction; and market integrity through greater transparency and reduced complexity.



- US imprimatur -



The release of the guidelines signal the US government is throwing its weight behind the controversial climate financing mechanisms.

Prominent advocates of carbon markets, including former US climate envoy John Kerry, argue that government funding alone is insufficient to meet the Paris accord's goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Kenya's President William Ruto has hailed Africa's carbon sinks as an "unparalleled economic goldmine" with the potential to generate billions annually.

The UN special envoy on climate ambition and solutions, business tycoon Michael Bloomberg, welcomed the announcement.

"These will help increase investment in projects that reduce emissions and help more businesses grow while reducing their carbon footprints," he said in a statement with UN special envoy on climate action and finance Mark Carney, and Mary Schapiro, former chair of the US securities and exchange commission.

But scientists emphasize that offsetting should not be used as a license to continue polluting, as emissions must fall by nearly half this decade to meet global warming goals.

A recent global scientific review found that market-based approaches to forest conservation, including carbon offsets and deforestation-free certification schemes, have largely failed to protect trees or alleviate poverty.

Earlier this month, the United Nations introduced rules allowing individuals harmed by carbon credit projects, mostly in the developing world, to file formal appeals.

Activities linked to carbon markets include renewable energy generation, protecting carbon-absorbing environments like forests or peatlands, and replacing coal-fired cookstoves with cleaner alternatives.

But as these schemes have proliferated, allegations of local communities being exploited or displaced have also grown.
US announces 'guardrails' for controversial carbon markets



Washington, May 28 (AFP) May 28, 2024



President Joe Biden's administration announced new "guardrails" to help ensure carbon offset markets are actually effective, in a big boost for the controversy-dogged schemes intended to reduce planet-warming emissions.

Cabinet officials including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen laid out the government's first broad guidelines for "high-integrity" carbon markets, aimed at dispelling distrust in a system panned by critics as greenwashing.

"It's about building the confidence to be able to use this tool more effectively at scale," White House national climate adviser Ali Zaidi told AFP.

"Four years into the decisive decade for climate action, we're not in a position to sideline any set of tools that will help us move faster."

Carbon credits enable corporations and countries to offset their greenhouse gas emissions, with each credit representing the reduction or removal of one tonne of CO2, often in developing countries through projects combating deforestation.

Other examples of carbon projects include replacing cookstoves, and directly capturing carbon dioxide from the air.

The carbon offsets market is currently worth around $2 billion per year. But recent research has raised concerns that claims of reduced emissions under the schemes are often grossly exaggerated, or in some cases, entirely unfounded.

Yellen outlined principles emphasizing integrity in three key areas: supply-side credits tied to genuine emissions reductions or removals; demand-side corporate accountability that prioritizes emission reduction; and market integrity through greater transparency and reduced complexity.



- US imprimatur -



The release of the guidelines, detailed in a 12-page policy statement, is an important signal the US government is throwing its weight behind carbon markets, Nat Keohane, of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, told AFP.

"Right now, the problem we have is not that all credits are bad -- some are really, really good, and some are bad, and it's hard to tell the difference," he said.

That's where the administration's guidelines come in, he added, "creating convergence and alignment about what good looks like."

Accountability, he said, would be market-driven and come from companies seeking high-quality carbon credits to avoid a public backlash.

While the Biden administration doesn't explicitly endorse emerging sets of standards developed by the two most prominent industry-led bodies -- the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) and Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) -- it says these play "an essential role."

Prominent advocates of carbon markets, including former US climate envoy John Kerry, argue that government funding alone is insufficient to meet the Paris accord's goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Kenya's President William Ruto has hailed Africa's carbon sinks as an "unparalleled economic goldmine" with the potential to generate billions annually.



- 'Walk the talk' -



But Gilles Dufrasne of Carbon Market Watch told AFP that the US government must "walk the talk" and ensure transparency and integrity in its promises.

"There is currently no public data to transparently measure how much finance is flowing to climate action through carbon credits, and how much is staying in the pockets of global north intermediaries and consultants," he added.

Barbara Haya of UC Berkeley noted that while the published guidelines are "excellent," they bear a strong resemblance to existing rules already in place at major offset registries, which have failed to yield satisfactory results.

"I don't think we should be advocating for the use of offsets until we see that quality can be reasonably assured," Haya, a researcher with two decades of experience studying offset markets, told AFP.

Environmentalists are also concerned about a provision in the guidelines that appears to endorse offsetting pollution from businesses' value chains.

The United Nations COP28 climate talks held in Dubai last year failed to agree on a unified set of global rules governing carbon markets, leaving countries to come up with their own bilateral and regional guidelines -- a situation ripe for greenwashing, according to critics.
Honeywell said it will expand its Baton Rouge plant so it can increase production of a chemical used in foam insulation, refrigerators and air conditioners that has low global warming potential.

The company did not disclose the price tag of the expansion in a press release Wednesday and did respond to request for comment. But Honeywell filed paperwork with Louisiana Economic Development in July and said it planned on investing up to $154 million in the Lupine Avenue plant.
Lendleases strategy of selling $4.5 billion in offshore assets and cutting staff by a third was welcomed by key investors but analysts say the property behemoth may struggle to build its Australian project pipeline beyond Barangaroo and score enough wins in the globally competitive funds management business.

Facing its toughest time in decades, the company crumpled to investor pressure on Monday unveiling the most significant change to its operations since former chief executive Steve McCann took it global, a shift that will mean it sells its overseas construction and development projects and returns cash to shareholders.

A shadow hovers over Lendlease boss Tony Lombardo as he executes a tactical retreat from the companys overseas operations. Credit: Louie Douvis

Running down certain segments  i.e. divesting assets  whilst reducing 35 per cent of total staff will not be easy, said Morgan Stanley analysts Simon Chan and Lauren Berry. Refocusing on Australia is good, but its pipeline post Barangaroo/Melbourne Quarter/Victoria Cross is merely $6-7 billion, with limited projects due for completion in financial year 2026, they said.

Lendlease chief executive Tony Lombardo is moving swiftly to simplify the ASX-listed group and bring it back to its Aussie roots, but if his pitch and pace fails to live up to expectations, high-profile dissident investors may be baying for his resignation.
Student organisers of Sydney Universitys pro-Palestinian encampment have rejected an offer to review the institutions ties to defence companies in exchange for shutting down the sprawling camp.

Five weeks after the student protest camp began, the university on Tuesday made an offer to protesters which it said was more comprehensive than others accepted by encampments around the country.

Sydney University encampment has voted to reject the universitys offer to review its defence ties. Credit: Kate Geraghty

In a letter to staff, vice chancellor Mark Scott promised to review the universitys investment portfolio related to defence and security industries prior to a senate divestment discussion.

He said this was the same process that led to its decision to divest from fossil fuels, tobacco, modern slavery and cluster munitions.
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Food writer Dani Valent recently looked at the spate of restaurants and cafes closing across the country.

So dire is the situation in the industry that one in 13 Australian hospitality businesses is predicted to fail in the next 12 months.

With just over 36,000 restaurants in Australia, according to international research agency IBISWorld, the projection would mean nearly 5000 could shut between now and June 2025.

Restaurant owner Billy Wong explained: Costs have increased a lot: ingredients, rent, wages, everything that goes into running a restaurant, and the prices people are paying at venues havent kept up.

NABs Consumer Sentiment Survey for the first quarter of 2024 showed that Australians are reducing overall spending, and eating out is the most common area of cutbacks: 57 per cent of consumers spent less on dining (compared with 54 per cent in the previous quarter), with an average monthly saving of $122 (versus $115 in the last quarter of 2023).

Cuts were most common in the 30 to 49 age group, with 63 per cent reducing dining spend because of cost-of-living pressures. Higher-income diners were more likely to trim their eating-out budget (59 per cent) than those on lower incomes (56 per cent), suggesting that restaurants at every level are feeling the pinch.
A manhunt continues for the driver of a Ford Mondeo that ploughed into an Uber vehicle, killing a passenger and injuring another.

As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not tracked down the driver of the Mondeo that crashed into the Uber vehicle at the intersection of Boundary and Progress roads in Wacol.

Ryan Grafton, 30, who was a passenger in the Uber, died at the scene of the crash in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

His fellow passenger Amelia Vinden, 26, was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital in a serious but stable condition with chest and abdominal pain.
Elizabeth Gluck and Richard M. Sherman with Mickey and Minnie Mouse at the ceremony honouring the Sherman Brothers with the renaming of Disney Studios Soundstage A in 2018. Credit: AP The making of Mary Poppins was dramatised in the 2013 movie Saving Mr. Banks, which starred Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers and Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. The script is ghastly, Travers says early in the film. Although the movies version of Travers never learns to love the dancing cartoons, she becomes quite taken with the Shermans (Jason Schwartzman as Richard, B.J. Novak as Robert) and their songs. Those Sherman boys, she tells Disney  they have quite turned my head. After Disneys death in 1966, the Shermans wrote for others. Debbie Reynolds with the Academy Awards winners for best music, Richard (right) and Robert Sherman in 1965. Credit: AP Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), a fantasy film based on a childrens book by Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, starred Dick Van Dyke as an early 20th-century inventor, and was produced by Albert R. Broccoli, who also produced the Bond films. The Shermans memorable score included a lullaby, Hushabye Mountain; a novelty number, Chu-Chi Face; and the title song, a tribute to a car (Our fine, four-fendered friend).

Snoopy, Come Home! (1972), a film featuring Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang, was enhanced by some really nice tunes, The Times critic Howard Thompson wrote. They included No Dogs Allowed, The Best of Buddies and, with the Shermans up to their old word-inventing tricks, Fundamental-Friend-Dependability. Charlottes Web (1973), the animated film based on E.B. Whites tale of a likeable pig and a highly literate spider, was a Hanna-Barbera and Paramount production. The songs included Mother Earth and Father Time and Chin Up, both sung by Debbie Reynolds. Back at Disney, the Shermans wrote the songs for two animated features, The Jungle Book (1967) and The Aristocats (1970), and for the largely live-action Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), starring Angela Lansbury. Richard Morton Sherman was born on June 12, 1928, in Manhattan, the younger son of Al Sherman, a Jewish immigrant from Russia who became a Tin Pan Alley songwriter, and Rosa (Dancis) Sherman, an actor. When Richard was nine, the family moved to Southern California. He graduated from Beverly Hills High School, where he studied piano, flute and piccolo, and then from Bard College in upstate New York, where he was a music major.

In 1951, Richard and Roberts father bet them that they couldnt write and sell a song. Accepting the challenge, they wrote Gold Can Buy Anything (But Love), which was recorded by the cowboy star Gene Autry. In 1960, their Youre Sixteen (Youre Beautiful, and Youre Mine), recorded by Johnny Burnette, became a Top 10 hit. (Attitudes toward the lyrics later changed when listeners no longer automatically imagined a 17-year-old boy singing to a peer.) Composers Richard (left) and Robert Sherman talk about the music they wrote for the Broadway version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 2005. Credit: AP A year earlier, the brothers had their first big hit when Annette Funicello, who had been a Mouseketeer on Disneys The Mickey Mouse Club, recorded Tall Paul (1959), which reached No. 7 on the Billboard singles chart. Their work for Funicello led to a meeting with Walt Disney himself, and that day he asked them to write a song for the movie that would become The Parent Trap (1961). They delivered: Lets Get Together, sung by Hayley Mills in the dual role of spunky adolescent twins, was their third Top 10 hit. Disney soon put the brothers under contract.

In their first decade with the studio, the Sherman brothers wrote music for almost a dozen features, including The Sword in the Stone (1963), an animated tale of Merlin and King Arthur; an Oscar-winning short cartoon, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968); and the television series The Magical World of Disney. Loading They also wrote the screenplays for four live-action Disney films, including Tom Sawyer (1973) and The Slipper and the Rose (1976), a musical version of the Cinderella story. The Shermans had theatre hits on both sides of the Atlantic. The stage version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang opened in London in 2002 and ran for three years. The great joy of the show, a review in The Guardian said, is the way it returns the Sherman brothers excellent tunes to their theatrical origins. The Shermans had written new songs for the show. Ben Brantley, writing in The Times when it opened in New York in 2005, did not care for them. The numbers, he wrote, were adhesively rhythmic, repetitive and chipper, not unlike what you might hear in singalong hour in a pre-K class. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang closed eight months later.

Music consultant/composer Richard M. Sherman attends the U.S. premiere of Saving Mr. Banks, 2013. Credit: AP Then came the stage version of Mary Poppins. Joyous, spectacular and heart-tugging, said The Independent in London, where the show ran from 2004 to 2008. Handsome, homily packed and rather tedious, Brantley wrote in The Times when the show opened in New York. But all was not harmonious with the Sherman brothers. Over the years, sibling rivalry developed into serious tensions. Some suggested that the mens military experiences were a factor. In 1945, Robert Sherman was one of the first American soldiers to enter Dachau, the brutal Nazi death camp. A few years later, Richard Sherman served stateside, leading the Armys glee club and orchestra. Bob and I are two-and-a-half years and about five eons apart, Richard Sherman said in The Boys: The Sherman Brothers Story, a 2009 documentary about their careers.

They presented a united front in interviews, but at screenings they sat with their families on opposite sides of the theatre. They never saw each other socially. Loading In 1948, Sherman married Corinne Newman. They divorced in 1956. He married Elizabeth Gluck in 1957. Sherman is survived by his wife; a son, Gregory, and a daughter, Victoria Wolf, from that marriage; a daughter from his first marriage, Lynda Rothstein; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Robert Sherman died in 2012. I always wanted to be a songwriter, he said in a 2014 video interview, recalling his early days. It was a calling for me.
In the zoology building at the University of Melbourne, a discreet plaque points to a lecture theatre named after professor and geneticist Wilfred Agar.

Theres no citation on the sign, but in 1998, when the request to name the building first suggested Agar, it simply noted he was the first professor of zoology at Melbourne.

The Wilfred Agar plaque at the University of Melbourne. Credit: Engraving by Andor Meszaros, photo by Robyn Grace

However, the same man, as president of the Eugenics Society of Victoria, called for measures to restrict the breeding of mentally deficient Australians, which by definition of his peers included full-blood Aboriginal people and other coloured races.

As part of his racist science, Agar championed the sterilisation of races unfit to breed under a white Australia.
The knifepoint rape of a young boy 33 years ago has led to the arrest of a man this week, and WA Police say they have groundbreaking DNA technology to thank.

The incident occurred in Carine Open Space, in Perths north, in October 1991 when a 13-year-old boy was riding his bike to a friends house when he was confronted by a man police now allege is 54-year-old Gavin Jeffery Durbridge.

WA police officer Chloe White.

Durbridge allegedly threatened the boy with a large kitchen knife before allegedly restraining then sexually assaulting him.

He grabbed the victim and pulled him along a dirt path, police prosecutors said during Durbridges court hearing on Tuesday morning.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch has responded to Ariel Bombaras scathing criticism of police actions weeks before her father Mark murdered two Floreat women with one of his 13 legally owned firearms.

In a press conference, Blanch confirmed that Bombara and her mother asked police for a temporary 72-hour restraining order to protect them from Mark in the weeks before the murders took place, but said the idea was rejected because the circumstances would not have met the threshold of the order.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch. Credit: Hamish Hastie

He said a full internal investigation had been launched into all of the familys requests for help but revealed the investigation had already begun before Ariel Bombaras statement was made public.

A police order is issued where we are concerned about an imminent threat to people, he said.

This [request for help] happened some seven weeks earlier [than the murders]. Its what we knew at the time. Were all standing here today with the benefit of hindsight.

Blanch said a family violence incident report was submitted, but that where that report went and what action was taken as a result of it, would form part of an investigation.

The investigation will determine what we knew at the time and whether those decisions were appropriate, he said.

Its important that we do this thoroughly.

The Bombara women did not have a violence restraining order on Mark and had not applied for one.

Speaking generally Blanch urged anyone fearing for their safety from a gun owner should apply for a VRO.

If you are in a violent relationship with a person, a family violence restraining order, immediately will remove firearms from a person, he said.

Blanch deflected whether police rejection of the Bombaras request for a 72-hour restraining order would have discouraged them from applying for a full VRO.

My job today is not to cause more grief to the family involved. The discussions that were had on that night about a range of things should form part of the investigation, he said.

But again, I can only reinforce getting a family violence restraining order wouldve removed guns from any person.
Plumbers, bricklayers, cabinetmakers and other tradespeople needed to tackle Australias housing crisis have not yet made the cut on the federal governments list of core occupations for its new skills-in-demand visa, despite pleas from the construction industry to make it easier to recruit from overseas.

As part of the governments December 2023 migration strategy, which aims to halve net migration from 510,000 within two years, Jobs and Skills Australia has been asked to categorise occupations that will be eligible for the core skills occupations list.

Migrants who are plumbers, roof tilers and painters are at risk of not being eligible for a core skills visa. Credit: Wolter Peeters

Under the current draft, tradespeople including bricklayers, painters, roof tilers, stonemasons and cabinetmakers are listed as targeted for consultation, rather than guaranteed a spot on the core skills list.

A case will have to be made for these occupations to be included, which Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said was bizarre given the industrys mammoth task of building 1.2 million homes by 2029.
In the 2020-21 financial year, the government funded about $8.1 billion worth of policy decisions using the advance, rising to about $10 billion the following year. Loading But with the pandemic now fading into the background, the government has continued to fund hundreds of its policy decisions using the obscure financial mechanism, which effectively acts as a multibillion-dollar approved line of credit. This months budget predicted the state would be in deficit by $2.2 billion in the next financial year, with net debt expected to hit $188 billion by mid-2028  leaving taxpayers with a $26 million-a-day interest bill. A state government spokesman said Treasurers Advances were routinely used by the government for urgent or unforeseen events, such as natural disasters or emergencies, and to respond to external events such as Commonwealth government decisions.

He said the advance provision had increased to support the governments response to the pandemic, and it had decreased in the past three budgets. The latest budget, delivered earlier this month, set aside $12.1 billion for a Treasurers Advance next financial year. In last years budget, covering the current 2023-24 financial year, the government set aside $13.7 billion, although it now predicts it will spend less than one-third of that amount. Former Liberal treasurer Michael OBrien said the huge increase in the use of the advance since the pandemic represented equal parts laziness and covering up. They dont want to do the hard work in the budget forecasting where the spending pressures will be, OBrien said. Instead of doing that work, they stick a huge amount in the Treasurers Advance. Its also another way to make the budget far less transparent. It doesnt give ... any real sense of what the governments financial priorities are or what the budget position is.

According to the state Treasurys final tally of Victorias finances for the 2022-23 financial year, 335 spending decisions were paid for using the advance, worth $12.2 billion. That included payments for contingencies such as flood recovery and COVID-19, as well as policy decisions taken during the year to tackle family violence. Loading However, the tally also reveals billions of dollars of other spending decisions that could be stretching the definitions of urgent and unforeseen, including $300 million for the governments controversial Breakthrough Victoria fund, $106.7 million for Labors free kinder policy and $642.4 million for the $250 power saving bonus. The tally also includes $72.4 million for the governments Big Housing Build, almost $1.2 billion for its level crossing removals, $200.8 million for the Metro rail tunnel, $283.8 million for the Suburban Rail Loop and $58.3 million for commuter car parks. The Victorian auditor-general found in a November 2020 report that parliament could authorise the use of the Treasurers Advance only after any funds were spent. It said because of this, there should be strong processes and controls over access to this funding and clear accountability to Parliament and the community on its use.

In response to that report, the Treasury argued a literal definition of urgent should not be applied. It suggested that any funding announced by the government not previously sanctioned by parliament should be regarded as urgent. Otherwise, it said, government departments would be in breach of the states Constitution because they would effectively be accessing government money with no legal authority. The Victoria Auditor-Generals Office declined to comment when asked by The Age if it was concerned that the Treasurers Advance was being used for spending decisions that stretched the definition of urgent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of the advance increased dramatically as the government was forced to deal with billions of dollars worth of health-related and economic contingencies. Credit: Darrian Traynor Our office does not discuss emerging issues or provide views on compliance, except through our reports to parliament, a spokesperson said. RMIT emeritus professor David Hayward said there was a need to clarify the purpose of the advance, and whether it was now being used appropriately.
How to decide where to get your takeaway from? Look for the queues. A delicious example: A freshly grilled tuna fillet served in a burger, with chips, from Mahes Leos Food Bus at popular tourist beach Beau Vallon set me back 125 rupees ($14). Its also common to find small, deep-fried snacks such as samosas in convenience stores for around 10 rupees ($1), perfect for a quick tide-me-over before the next meal. Island-hop the Vanilla Islands Seven Coloured Earths, a spectacular geological formation on Mauritius. Credit: iStock Make the most of an expensive flight route to Seychelles by discovering the rest of whats been dubbed the Vanilla Islands: the other island nations Comoros, Madagascar and Mauritius, and the French territories of Mayotte and Reunion. Mauritius is the easiest to access from Australia and is a convenient stopover when visiting the Seychelles.

Air Mauritius flies direct from Perth three times weekly and takes just over eight hours to arrive in Mauritius. (You can fly from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney via Perth with Virgin Australia.) Mauritius, the former home of the dodo, is famed for its weirdly pointed peaks, rainbow-coloured volcanic terrain, sugar cane plantations, waterfalls, sublime diving and, yes, beautiful beaches all around. Then fly Air Seychelles to Seychelles capital, Victoria, on Mahe Island. The direct flight operates three times weekly and takes 2 hours, which is less time than it takes to watch any Lord of the Rings movie. The remaining Vanilla Islands are likewise only a short flight away. Stay local with a local Family-run guesthouses are a more economical alternative to resorts. Credit: Getty Images

Enjoy paradise without the high costs by choosing a simple nights sleep. Family-run guesthouses are common in Seychelles and are a budget-friendly option compared with luxe beachside resorts and villas. They also enable you to mingle with locals and gain insight into everyday life and practices. Expect room furnishings to be simple, homely and equipped with the basics. Some fixtures or interiors may even provide an enduring time warp, such as dated photography or dainty curtains, but it all adds to the charm and authenticity. You may miss out on luxury comforts and an unfiltered view of a crystal-clear beach from your doorstep, but the willingness to walk an extra few metres can save you hundreds. I stayed at a guesthouse less than 400 metres from Beau Vallon  Mahes most famous beach  for just over $100 a night per room. The short walk to the coast allowed me to appreciate a sense of place and be immersed in the local beachside community. Most importantly, guesthouses serve the same function as a hotel  a place to drop your bags, shower, sleep and repeat.

Consider your transport options The cost of beach excursions can add up quickly when using taxis and tours. Credit: Getty Images If youre a solo traveller, this is where costs hit hardest  getting around. Taxi hire is expensive, so if youre travelling with multiple people, consider renting a car. Its a cost-effective way to get around Mahe or Praslin and could also save you on escorted tours. Visit waterfalls, local markets, heritage buildings, hiking trails and, of course, beach-hop on your own terms. Not wanting to hire a car or taxi? Get around like a local by hopping on a big, blue bus. Buses are the cheapest way to get around Mahe and Praslin, and are operated by the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC). Buses have recently become cashless: an STPC bus card is required with fares from 7 rupees (78). By far the cheapest option, the compromise of getting around by bus is experiencing a little discomfort. Expect to get up close and personal with locals as buses are usually packed, so if you score a seat, consider it hitting the jackpot. Do note that because of high loads, suitcases or big bags are not permitted on buses. If travelling to La Digue, forget the need for a taxi or car hire together. Bikes rule on the 10 square-kilometre territory and are 150 rupees ($16) a day to hire, although there is room to negotiate for multiple-day hire.

As for island-hopping, Cat Cocos is the main fast ferry service provider offering economy and business class seating. Travel Mahe to Praslin one way (1 hours direct) from 840 rupees ($87) or Praslin to La Digue (15 minutes) from 170 rupees ($18). Explore Seychelles natural assets La Digues Anse Source dArgent is one of the worlds most photographed beaches. Credit: Getty Images Seychelles biggest attraction is nature. Most famously, its beaches. Mother Nature really did spoil Seychelles with a paradisal coastline. The country boasts the worlds most photographed beach, La Digues Anse Source dArgent, and theres not much guessing why  it is a Shangri-La. While you have to pay 150 rupees ($17) to gain access to LUnion Estate Park, where youll find the famous beach, there are many other beautiful beaches that are free. Under the sea is just as spectacular. The countrys glistening warm waters are teeming with marine life corals, with entry into this colourful universe a few flipper strides from shore. Avid snorkelers and divers will be impressed: The 41 Inner Islands are some of the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on Earth, while the Outer Islands comprises 74 coral atolls, which offers divers a chance to explore pristine reefs and ancient landscapes.

Back on land there are more unique sights. For the ever-patient and adventurous, theres Aldabra Atoll. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest raised coral atoll and has the largest population of Aldabra tortoises in the world. While trips to the far-flung island via dive boats, expedition cruise ships and yachts are sporadic, its possible to see these giant tortoises at LUnion Estate Park. Now thats two incredible sights  Anse Source dArgent and giant tortoises  for the price of one! Double-dipping at its finest. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve on Prasil. Here, youll find the rare palm species, coco de mer. It produces the worlds largest nut, famed for looking like a double coconut or, cheekily, a bottom. Seychelles botanical icon is only found on two islands, with a visit to the nature park 450 rupees ($50). It couldnt get more exotic than that. THE DETAILS Fly

There are no non-stop services to Seychelles from Australia. Air Mauritius flies three times weekly, direct from Perth to Mauritius, with connections from Australian cities via partner airline Virgin Australia. Air Seychelles flies three times weekly from Mauritius to Mahe in Seychelles. See airseychelles.com; airmauritius.com Stay

Rooms at Zerof Guesthouse start from 1261 Seychellois rupees ($138) a night, minimum two-night stay. See zerofguesthouse-seychelles.com
Pier closed In a further blow to aid efforts, the US-built temporary pier that has been taking humanitarian aid to starving Palestinians for less than two weeks broke apart in rough seas and will be removed from the coast of Gaza to be repaired, the Pentagon said. Over the next two days, the $US320 million ($480 million) pier will be pulled from the beach and sent to the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, where the fixes will take at least over a week and then the pier will need to be anchored back into the beach in Gaza. The pier, used to carry in humanitarian aid arriving by sea, is one of the few ways that free food and other supplies are getting to Palestinians who the UN says are on the brink of famine. A US Army landing craft is beached in Ashdod, Israel, after being swept from the humanitarian pier. Credit: AP

The setback is the latest for the pier, which has already had three US service members injured and had four vessels beached due to heavy seas. Two of the service members received minor injuries but the third is still in critical condition. Deliveries also were halted for two days last week after crowds rushed aid trucks coming from the pier and one Palestinian man was shot dead. Israel releases initial findings The Israeli military suggested the blaze in the tent camp on Monday may have been caused by secondary explosions, possibly from Palestinian militants weapons.

The results of its initial probe into the fire were issued, with military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari saying the cause of the fire was still under investigation but that the munitions used  targeting what the army said was a position with two senior Hamas militants  were too small to be the source. Palestinians at the site of an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced people in Rafah on Monday. Credit: Bloomberg The Monday strike or the subsequent fire could also have ignited fuel, cooking gas canisters or other materials in the camp. The blaze killed 45 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials count. World leaders reacted angrily to the strike, saying such strikes could not continue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that fire was the result of a tragic mishap. The strikes over the past few days have hit areas west of Rafah, which had not been ordered by the military to evacuate.

The Biden administration said it was closely monitoring the probe into the Monday airstrike. Vice President Kamala Harris said: The word tragic doesnt even begin to describe what happened. But White House spokesman John Kirby said there was nothing in the incidents the two incidents that would prompt the US to halt its military aid to Israel. Israeli ground troops and tanks have been operating in eastern Rafah, in central parts of the city, and along the Gaza-Egypt border. Displaced Palestinians inspect their tents destroyed by Israeli strikes at a UN facility west of Rafah. Credit: AP Shelling also late on Monday and early on Tuesday hit Rafahs western Tel al-Sultan district, killing at least 16 people, the Palestinian Civil Defence and the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

Seven of the dead were in tents next to a UN facility about 200 metres from the site of Mondays strike and fire. It was a night of horror, said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Tel al-Sultan since December. He said he heard constant sounds of explosions on Tuesday, with fighter jets and drones flying over the area. He said it reminded him of the Israeli invasion of his neighbourhood of Shijaiyah in Gaza City, where Israel launched a heavy bombing campaign before sending in ground forces in late 2023. We saw this before, he said. The International Court of Justice called on Israel to halt its Rafah offensive last week, an order it has no power to enforce.

Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead, saying Israeli forces must enter Rafah to dismantle Hamas and return hostages taken in the October 7 attack that triggered the war. Loading The war began when Hamas and other militants burst into southern Israel in a surprise attack on October 7, killing some 1200 civilians and abducting about 250. More than 100 were released during a weeklong ceasefire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israel responded to the attack with a massive air, land and sea offensive that has killed at least 36,096 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. About 80 per cent of Gazas population of 2.3 million has been displaced and United Nations officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.
Cheyenne, WY (82003)

Today

Mainly clear. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 49F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 49F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
6 die as Cyclone Remal ravages parts of Bengal





KOLKATA :

CYCLONE Remal claimed six lives in West Bengal and inflicted substantial damage to infrastructure and property in the States coastal regions, officials said on Monday. A man died of his injuries when a wall collapsed due to relentless downpour on Sunday evening at Bibir Bagan in Central Kolkata, a State Disaster Management official said. An elderly woman from Mousuni Island near Namkhana, situated adjacent to the Sundarbans delta, succumbed to her injuries on Monday morning after a tree fell on her hut, leading to the collapse of the roof. Two more women, one a resident of Maheshtala in South 24 Parganas and another from Panihati in North 24 Parganas, also lost their lives as a result of the calamity. In Purba Bardhaman districts Memari, a father and son died from electrocution, officials said. Several people were injured in various parts of the State after being hit by debris.

The State Government evacuated over two lakh people to relief camps and cyclone shelters. According to a communication by the State Government, more than 1,700 electric poles were damaged and many trees were uprooted by the cyclone. More than 2,500 houses have been completely damaged, whereas 27,000 houses have been partially damaged. More than 1,400 relief camps are presently operational in the affected districts, the Government said. While several pockets of Kolkata remained waterlogged, suburban train services from Sealdah resumed late in the afternoon. After tearing through the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal, Cyclone Remal left a trail of destruction, with pictures of devastation emerging across the States coastal areas, showing extensive damage to infrastructure and property soon after daybreak on Monday. The State Government has initiated relief operations, providing food, drinking water, and medical assistance to the affected people. The cyclone ravaged adjacent coasts of the State and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara, near the South-West of Mongla in the neighbouring country, after its landfall process began at 8:30 pm on Sunday and lasted for a good four hours. Weathermen have forecast more rain in Kolkata and the southern districts, including Nadia and Murshidabad, with one or two spells of intense downpours, along with gusty surface winds till on Tuesday morning.

Relief materials, including dry food and tarpaulins, have been dispatched to the coastal areas, and quick response teams comprising trained civil defence volunteers with equipped vehicles are in place, officials said. 48 polling stations in Bengal damaged by Cyclone Remal: Official; IN ALL, 48 polling stations, mostly located in North and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal, were damaged due to the impact of Cyclone Remal, a senior poll official said on Monday. The disaster also adversely affected preparations for the upcoming seventh and final phase of polling scheduled on June 1, he added. heavy Rain lashes Tripura, 11 flights cancelled: Heavy rain lashed Tripura on Monday under the influence of cyclonic storm Remal while 11 flights were cancelled from Agartala airport due to bad weather, officials said. IMD had issued a red alert in two districts  Sepahijala and Gumati  and an orange alert in the remaining six districts in view of the possible impact of cyclone Remal, they said.

Tripura received average rainfall of 40.73 mm on Monday with West Tripura district recording the highest of 59.50 mm. There is no report of any substantial damage or loss of life from any district except uprooting of trees and blockade of roads, said an official of the Revenue department. "Altogether 11 flights to and from MBB Airport here have been cancelled on Monday due to cyclone Remal. One Agartala-Delhi flight was diverted to Guwahati airport because the wind speed was more than the normal range," MBB airport director K C Meena told PTI. The NFR had cancelled a few trains for Monday and Tuesday on account of the cyclonic storm but today (Monday) it restored all its service taking into account of overall improvement in the situation, said a Transport department official.
Apple Hospital, Garha raided, found operating without registration, license





Staff Reporter

To ensure compliance of rules at the vocational units, hotel, restaurants, private hospitals and nursing homes, medical stores and academic institutions, the team constituted by the District Administration, led by SDM Kundam, Monika Baghmare, conducted inspection by Garha-based Apple Hospital. After finding that Apple Hospital was operated without registration and license, the investigation team restricted the admission of new patients in the hospital. Not even a single doctor was present there during inspection. The team comprised of CSP Garha, Devendra Pratap Singh, Dr. Naveen Kothari from Health Department and officers from other departments.

SDM, Baghmare informed that in absence of doctors, the patients were attended by the nursing staff when surprise inspection was carried out. In contrary to the fixed standards, beds in ICU were closely installed. The transformer in the hospital was out-of-order while there was no electrical safety certificate. The team member also found that the electrical wiring inside the hospital was not of proper guage while there was no arrangement for emergency exit in the hospital. In view of lack of registration and other drawbacks, the hospital management was instructed to shift the patients admitted there to other hospitals with the help of Health Department.

Simultaneously, the management was advised not to admit new patients until they obtain license. The team also inspected the medical store attached to the hospital and in lack of documents, the Drug Department sealed the same. The SDM Kundam further informed that after Apple Hospital, the team conducted inspection at Rajasthan Mishthan Bhandar, Madan Mahal. The team collected samples of Khowa, food colours, mixed fruit jam and other edible. The samples were sent to the State Food Lab, Bhopal for testing. The team also seized 25 packets of bread, pizza base and paav from Rajasthan Mishthan Bhandar.
At least 19 killed as tornadoes rip through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas





By Seema Hakhu Kachru

HOUSTON,

AT LEAST 19 people, including two children, have been killed in powerful storms that ravaged the states of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas in the central US, destroying homes and plunging thousands into darkness amid rising temperatures. Seven fatalities were reported in Cooke County in Texas, near the Oklahoma border, where a tornado on Saturday night ripped through a rural area near a mobile home park, officials said. Its just a trail of debris left. The devastation is pretty severe, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington said. The dead included two children, aged two and five, and three members of a family, the sheriff said.

Sappington said the death toll was likely to rise as search and rescue operations were underway for some people who remained missing on Sunday morning. Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Sunday said that about 100 people were injured by the Saturday tornado, noting that the exact toll was hard to tell with certainty, CBS News reported. More than 200 houses as well as other buildings were destroyed and more than 100 others were damaged, Abbott said. Id be shocked if those numbers do not increase, the Governor added.

A tornado tore apart houses and businesses, flipped mobile homes and knocked down trees and power lines. Areas near the community of Valley View were especially hard-hit. Valley View is about an hour north of Dallas by car. The tornado overturned vehicles and shut down a stretch of highway in the greater Dallas area. Officials said multiple people were transported to hospitals by ambulance and helicopter in Denton County, but the extent of their injuries was not immediately clear.
Congress won't get main opposition status after June 4: Union minister Pankaj Chaudhary





By Anand Rai

Gorakhpur (UP), May 28 (PTI)

The Congress would not win enough seats in the Lok Sabha polls to get the main opposition party status, Union minister and BJP candidate from the Maharajganj seat in Uttar Pradesh Pankaj Chaudhary has said.

In an interview with PTI, Chaudhary -- a six-time MP and prominent leader of the Kurmi community that comes under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) -- claimed that the BJP will bag more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha out of which 80 will be from Uttar Pradesh.

Asked if the BJP did not want a strong opposition, Chaudhary, who is the Union Minister of State for Finance, said it is the people of the country who have decided to wipe out those opposing the saffron party.

"It is not the BJP's job to strengthen the opposition. The numbers that the Congress is bringing will not be enough to become the main opposition party. We are not doing this, the people of the country are doing this," Chaudhary said.

He claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav "will definitely lose in UP" as the people have decided to "teach them a lesson."

Both the Congress and SP are part of the opposition INDIA bloc. Rahul Gandhi is contesting from the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat, vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi, while Yadav is fighting from the Kannauj seat -- currently with the BJP.

With a sizeable number of Kurmi voters in the constituency, Chaudhary, who has got a BJP ticket for the ninth time, is facing a challenge from the INDIA bloc's Virendra Chaudhary, a Kurmi leader and MLA from Farenda assembly constituency of Maharajganj district.

Asked if the Kurmi votes will get divided in the constituency as the INDIA bloc candidate belongs to the same community, Chaudhary said, "I have been associated with the people for 33 years."

"Today, the question is who will be the prime minister. People from all castes and classes like PM Modi. So, a rival from the same caste does not make any difference," he said.

Chaudhary credited the BJP for giving due respect to the community which was once "isolated". "The Kurmis are with the BJP on most of the seats, so the opposition is plotting to divide the community by following the policy of divide and rule... I am confident of winning this seat by a substantial margin," he said.

The BJP first named Chaudhary as its candidate for Maharajganj Lok Sabha seat in 1991 and he won the election. He bagged the seat again in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2014 and 2019 polls, losing only in 1999 and 2009.

Kurmis are in the majority in Maharajganj with experts saying that there are about 10 per cent voters from the community in the constituency. There are about 6 per cent Kurmi voters in Uttar Pradesh and the community plays an important role in deciding the fate of candidates on 48 of the 80 seats in the state.

The INDIA bloc of the SP and the Congress has fielded about 10 candidates from the Kurmi community in UP while the BJP has named more than half a dozen Kurmi candidates. In the 2019 Lok Sabha, seven MPs of the BJP alliance in UP were from the Kurmi community.

On the BJP's '400-paar' slogan, Chaudhary said, "In 2014, the prime minister had said that the BJP will cross 272 and we crossed 272. In 2019, he said the party would cross 300 and we crossed 300.

"This time, the PM has said 400-paar and this is not a jumla (rhetoric). He has said this based on studies, surveys and development work. We will definitely cross the 400 mark," he said.

Slamming the opposition parties over its remarks that the BJP would tamper with the Constitution if it wins more than 400 seats, Chaudhary said, "In 2014, the PM bowed, with his forehead touching the stairs, as he entered Parliament for the first time. He called it a temple of democracy and said the Constitution is worthy of worship".

He also hit out at the Congress and the Trinamool Congress accusing the parties of indulging in appeasement politics by promoting religion-based reservation.

"It is written in the Constitution itself that there cannot be reservation on the basis of religion, but the Congress raised the issue of reservation for SCs STs, and OBCs in the Karnataka Assembly," he said.

"Four per cent was given to a particular religion. Somewhere they want to do the same in the country too. Trinamool Congress too gave reservation to a particular religion out of the SC/ST quota but it was cancelled by the high court," he added.

Voting will be held in Maharajganj in the seventh phase on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.
Corporator of Maharana Pratap Ward asks JMC to take strict conginzance of matter





Staff Reporter

Expressing concern over conversion of Dhanvantari Nagar Community Hall playground into a dumping station and its commercial use, Jittu Katare, Corporator of Maharana Pratap Ward has urged the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation to take strict action into the matter. Katare said there are already very few playgrounds left for children and the elderly. There is hardly any space for women to walk, and planting trees has become a significant challenge. Ecological crises arise because of irresponsible actions being taken like a private company is doing in Maharana Pratap Ward. Katare alleged that Dhanvantari Nagar Community Hall playground has been encroached upon by a private company. He said this is the same firm that has haphazardly dug up the entire city in the name of sewer work. The company have occupied the playground for the past ten years, using it to park their vehicles, machines, store pipes, sand, gravel and also allegedly axed trees for the same.

The Corporator alleged that it is unclear under whose permission the encroachment has occurred and who is favouring the company. Furthermore, he said the establishment of a sewer treatment plant in a residential area like Dhanvantari Nagar raises doubts. The future consequences of sewage from nearby colonies being processed in this plant remain uncertain, but it is a matter of great concern. He said the company is carrying out indiscriminate digging in areas like Bhukamp Colony, Chandan Colony, Ganga Nagar, Garha and Bada Pathar under the guise of sewer work, while responsible officials remain silent. No one inspects this reckless digging, no penalties are imposed on the company and no measures are taken to control the disorganized work, he questioned. The BJP Corporator emphasized that the company must be asked to plant trees to replace those they have cut down. He said despite multiple discussions with officials regarding these issues, no action has been taken. He said soon he along with area residents will bring the matter to the attention of senior authorities.
Intense heat wave in 46 distts, red alert for 21 cities





Staff Reporter

The third day of Nautapa, considered as hottest nine days of year, troubled people since morning and mercury remained above 47 degrees mark. While highest day temperature in State was recorded as 47.2 degrees Celsius, Bhopal saw maximum temperature of 45.4 degrees Celsius. A red alert of heat wave has been issued for Ratlam, Dhar and Rajgarh. At the same time, there is possibility of intense heat in 46 districts including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Others. City roads almost remained deserted during day. Apart from day temperature, Bhopal recorded all-time high night temperature that broke record all records of past 40 years. On Sunday-Monday night, minimum temperature was recorded as 32.7 degrees Celsius. Meteorological Department, Bhopal said that on Monday early morning temperature crossed the figure of 35 degrees Celsius (5 am) and till 11 am, temperature was recorded 41.4 degrees Celsius in Bhopal.

Entire State is grilling under heat wave with temperature of 46.2 degrees Celsius in Datia following with 46.0 degrees Celsius in Khajuraho. Meteorology Department said that in past 10 years, this is the highest temperature in Madhya Pradesh. Earlier in year 2015, temperature touched 45 degree Celsius. On first day Nautapa (May 25), maximum temperature in Bhopal was 42.9 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature was recorded as 29.4 degrees Celsius. On second day of Nautapa, maximum temperature in Bhopal was 45.5 degrees Celsius and minimum 29.5 degree Celsius. IMD has released severe heat wave warning for 21 districts in State for next two days. Heat stroke has hit the normal life and city roads remained deserted throughout day. Number of patients in hospital OPD is rising everyday with complaints of heat stroke symptoms. Health department has suggested people to stay indoors during day hours if there is no necessary work.
Mah SSC results: Pass percentage 95.81; Latur has most students with 100% marks





PUNE/LATUR,

THE Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education on Monday declared the results for Class 10, or SSC, recording a pass percentage of 95.81, with Latur division producing the most number of students, including a pair of twins, with 100 per cent marks. In what has become a customary show, girls have once again outshone boys posting an overall pass percentage of 97.21 against 94.56 per cent of boys clearing the exam. Of the eight divisions in the state, the Kokan division topped the list with 99.01 per cent of students passing the exam. Nagpur division stood at the bottom with a pass percentage of 94.73, said board chairperson Sharad Gosavi.

Among the other divisions, Kolhapur recorded a pass percentage of 97.45, Pune (96.44), Mumbai (95.83), Amaravati (95.58), Latur (95.27) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (95.19). Altogether, 15,60,154 students had registered for the SSC board exam, which was held in March-April. Of these students, 15,49,326 wrote the papers, while 14,84,441 passed. Board officials said 100 per cent result was recorded in 18 subjects. Across the state, 183 students have scored 100 per cent marks. Of these, 123 are from the Latur division, which is known for the Latur pattern of producing academic excellence.

Twin brothers Sarthak and Swapnil Saudagar Chavan are among those who have scored 100 per cent marks. Students of Gyan Prakash Balvikas Kendra in Latur city, Sarthak got 9 extra marks for participation and victory in chess competitions, while Swapneel was given 10 additional marks for winning music events. The extra marks pushed up their score to 100 per cent. The twins said they are keen to join the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and have started preparing for it. Their father is a former headmaster and mother is a teacher at a Zilla Parishad school.
No more influence of affluence, we will fight till conviction: Dushyant Dubey





By Sanyogita Agrahari

Justice is the cornerstone of any society, its importance cannot be overstated as justice ensures equality, fairness and right protection of every individual. However, whole nation witnessed the travesty of justice, when a 17-year-old in Pune, who was accused of driving drunk and causing a fatal accident that killed two. Teenager got bail on condition that he must write a 300-word essay. Later, when the incident grabbed peoples attention, It was alleged that as the boy belongs to the affluent family many evidences related to the case was misplaced including the blood samples of the boy. The victims, Aneesh Awadhiya and Ashwini Kosthar were IT professional from Madhya Pradesh, working in Pune. Both were the breadwinner of their respective families. Many individuals relocate to new cities for career advancement, education, and better earning opportunities, but this journey often comes with numerous challenges and injustices. While they may not be able to have their families with them everywhere, one thing that should always be accessible is justice.

It was disheartened to see our system failing in recent Pune car accident case. However, Government system may fail but the peoples voice will always keep justice alive and on view of that hundreds of citizens in Pune gathered to conduct non-political protest to demand justice for the deceased on May 26 which was led by Dushyant Dubey. I am also from Jabalpur, and I understand that it is hard for people to demand complete justice coming from middle class family. So, when I heard of the case I decided that I will fight for the victims family no matter what, said Dushyant Dubey, a renowned social worker from Bengaluru. He mentioned that despite caring about the deceased, the fuss has become centric about the accused and his family. But what I care is only about the family of deceased. This case raised question on many, how did a 17 year old was allowed to drive a car and that to be in high speed, then he gets bail on absurd condition such a write a essay.
Preparations for D-day in final stage





Staff Reporter

Raipur,

All preparations for the smooth counting of votes for the Lok Sabha General Election-2024 to be held on June 4 are in the final stage. Alongside the votes recorded in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), postal ballots will also be counted. The counting of postal ballots will be centralised in the headquarters districts of the respective Returning Officers (ROs) for 11 parliamentary constituencies. The transportation of postal ballots from other districts to these headquarters has been successfully completed. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Chhattisgarh, Reena Babasaheb Kangale, informed that so far, a total of 41,877 postal ballots have been received in the State. This includes 26,936 postal ballots from employees and officers on election duty, 2,761 from voters over 85 years old under home voting, 1,453 from disabled voters, and 779 from the essential services category. Besides, 9,948 Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballots (ETPBs) have been received from service voters, with more expected until the commencement of the vote counting.

On the day of counting, ETPBs received before 8 AM will be delivered by the Postal Departments representative to the counting venues, with proper ID cards or passes issued for entry. The counting of postal ballots will begin at 8 AM on June 4 in the headquarters districts of the 11 ROs, with all necessary arrangements and preparations in place. These postal ballots are currently secured in the strong-room located in the district treasury, and will be transported to the counting centers under tight security at 6 AM on the counting day, in the presence of the contesting candidates or their representatives. The counting of EVM votes will commence at 8:30 AM, half an hour after the start of postal ballot counting, in the 11 district head quarters. In the remaining 22 districts, EVM vote counting will start at 8 AM. Separate counting halls have been prepared for postal ballots in the district headquarters, with a maximum of 500 postal ballots counted per table.

Each table will have an additional Assistant Returning Officer (AARO), a counting observer, two counting assistants, and one micro observer. According to the Election Commission of Indias instructions, daily updates on postal ballots received are being provided to all contesting candidates at the district level. The postal ballots received from various Lok Sabha constituencies in the first phase: Bastar - 3,264 postal ballots, in the second phase second phase: Rajnandgaon - 1,568, Mahasamund - 4,242, Kanker - 6,326 postal ballots, third phase: Surguja - 2,440, Raigarh - 3,585, Janjgir-Champa - 5,682, Korba - 2,789, Bilaspur - 3,607, Durg - 3,525, Raipur - 4,849 postal ballots.
Rajkot game zone fire: Axe falls on 7 officials





RAJKOT,

The Gujarat Government on Monday ordered the suspension of seven officials in connection with the Rajkot game zone fire that claimed 27 lives. The officials have been held responsible for their gross negligence in allowing the game zone to operate without necessary approvals, a Government release stated. Earlier in the day, Rajkot Municipal Corporations (RMC) Town Planning Department Assistant Engineer Jaideep Chaudhary, Assistant Town Planner for RMC Gautam Joshi, Rajkot Roads and Buildings Departments Deputy Executive engineers M R Suma and Paras Kothiya, and police inspectors V R Patel and N I Rathod, were suspended, as per orders passed by the respective departments. The Rajkot Municipal Corporation later ordered the suspension of Rohit Vigora, the station officer of the RMCs Kalavad Road fire station.

ONE OF THE PARTNERS IN GAME ZONE ARRESTED: The police on Monday arrested one of the partners of the ill-fated game zone in Rajkot, an official said. The police have registered an FIR against six partners of the TRP game zone on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and had earlier arrested two persons in connection with the incident. Court remanded three accused in police custody for 14 days. Meanwhile, the identities of nine bodies recovered from the fire-ravaged TRP Game Zone in Rajkot have been established through DNA analysis, said Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi on Monday. Eight samples are currently under analysis. TRP Game Zone never applied for fire NOC, says Fire officer: The management of the TRP Game Zone had never applied for the mandatory fire NOC (No Objection Certificate), Rajkot city chief fire officer IV Kher said on Monday, countering the claim made by city Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava.
The Antarctic Treaty





By Shirley Scott

THE Antarctic Treaty System has long been hailed as an example of successful international cooperation. But could that be at risk? Its been hot in Kochi, in southern India, where representatives from at least 60 nations have gathered for two important meetings on the future of the worlds coldest continent, Antarctica. The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and accompanying 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection also attracts observers from several non-governmental organisations with an interest in the regulation of Antarctic tourism and the protection of its environment. But unlike the temperatures outside, the atmosphere inside the meeting venue has been frosty following recent reports Russia has discovered vast amounts of oil and gas in the British Antarctic Territory. Mining activities in Antarctica are banned under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, which was adopted in 1991, with Australia playing a lead role. Russias activities are worrying other countries that fear they will essentially be ripping up the treaty if prospecting goes any further. Which all sets the stage for an interesting meeting about a part of the world more critical to Australias national interests than you might realise.

The Antarctica Consultative Meetings are regular annual meetings of the states party to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty. The meetings are where states conduct the business of collectively implementing the treaty, which is the cornerstone of the governance system for Antarctica, known as the Antarctic Treaty System. The Antarctic Treaty was considered a diplomatic triumph at the height of the Cold War. Concerned that the continent might become a place of conflict, the original 12 states meeting in Washington DC who signed the treaty agreed to use Antarctica for peaceful purposes only. The treaty does permit the use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purposes, but prohibits measures of a military nature such as the carrying out of military manoeuvres or weapons testing. Perhaps the most fundamental question addressed by the treaty is that of the geopolitical status of the continent. Seven states had made claims to specific portions of Antarctica  Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Some of the claims overlap. The situation was complicated further by the fact that neither the United States nor the then-USSR had made a formal claim.

Australia has territorial rights to the Australian Antarctic Territory, which covers 42 per cent of the Antarctic continent. Contrary to popular opinion, the fact that few other countries have explicitly recognised Australias title does not detract from its legal validity. The treaty includes an agreement to disagree on the question of territorial sovereignty. Australia is not required to renounce its sovereignty but neither are other states required to respect our territorial title during the life of the treaty. The Antarctic Treaty is therefore of particular importance to Australia because it protects Australias legal rights in respect of the Australian Antarctic Territory. Australia is an active and strong participant within the treaty system. The treaty has been widely hailed as an example of successful international cooperation. It is easy to assume that harmony in respect of Antarctica was  and will continue to be  guaranteed by its remoteness, and to underestimate the significant achievement of the treaty system. But shifting geopolitics and a changing climate could both impact this final frontier, which would have implications for the whole world.

The 2023 meeting adopted a Declaration on Climate Change and also agreed to new wording for the website of the treaty system  both of which can be understood in part as responding to the common misapprehension that the prohibition on mineral resource activities, other than scientific research, will come to an end in 2048. The prohibition has no end date. Any party can request its review from 2048 onwards, but overturning the ban would involve a relatively complex process that is by no means guaranteed to succeed. Political tensions are felt at the meetings, although more in respect of those issues with higher stakes. Both Russia and Ukraine are parties to the treaty and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has caused some antagonism. Russia prepared a paper for the 2023 meeting, which addressed what it referred to as the politicisation of the gathering. There are concerns that even before we reach 2048, greyzone activities  nefarious or coercive activities that stop short of overtly breaching established rules and norms  may weaken the force of those norms or even lead to a complete breakdown of the treaty system. One of the most obvious rules in relation to which there could be greyzone activities is that of prospecting versus scientific research.

The alarm greeting Russias reported oil and gas activities can be understood in this light. There are also concerns regarding Chinas Antarctic ambitions, both in respect of dual use technology and also in terms of Chinas aim for far greater access to the resources of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Earlier this year China opened its fifth Antarctic facility, the Qinling Station, on Inexpressible Island in the Ross Sea. Australias official Antarctic priorities or interests are set out in the 2022 update of the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 10 Year Action Plan. There is also a current federal Government inquiry into the importance of Antarctica to Australias national interests. Due to our proximity to Antarctica, climatic changes there like the melting of Antarctic ice sheets and resulting rising sea levels, could have a profound impact on geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific. There is even concern that the spread of bird flu to Antarctica could impact Australian poultry farms. A strong Australian voice when it comes to matters of Antarctic governance remains critical for ensuring a peaceful and sustainable future for Antarctica. (360info)
URBAN NAXALS





THE drastic reduction in presence of Left Wing Extremists (LWE) from hitherto hotbeds of Naxalism in the last seven-eight years forms the basis of Home Minister Mr. Amit Shahs assertion that the Maoists problem in the country would end in the next two-to-three years. Mr. Shah is continuously reiterating that the LWE is on its last legs in the country and it is just a matter of time before the scourge is totally eliminated. His claims have strong backing of figures that show a big fall in the number of Naxal groups in erstwhile corridors in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. Some pockets in Chhattisgarh and neighbouring areas still have Maoists operating from deep jungles but they, too, are finding it hard to survive after foolproof operations launched by special forces and police in the affected States. The high number of casualties suffered by Naxals in the last few months in Chhattisgarh is another indicator of the fight against the menace reaching its last stage. While the overall scenario in the Naxal-affected regions provides a big relief to the residents, another front is steadily stemming concerns for the administration and policy-makers. The rise in urban Naxalism is becoming prominent in recent years as the Maoists are changing their strategies to influence urban populations.

The sudden rise in activism through mass organisations peddling propaganda against the State cannot be called a mere coincidence. It is a systematically planned programme designed by the Maoist ideologues to target certain sections of the urban society. Many such organisations are being used as fronts by the urban network of Maoists to peddle their dirty agenda. Intelligence agencies, too, are constantly raising red-flags on many such rallies and protests which have a clear footprint of Naxal ideology. The recent event at Delhi University (DU) where graffiti and posters were found commemorating the Naxalbari Uprising of 1967 serves as a stark reminder of the reach of urban Naxals who are out to brainwash young minds. Such events remained on the radar of the Intelligence sources and security agencies as their number was small and they were mostly concentrated at known notorious places in the capital. What rings an alarm bell is the spread of such thinking in the DU campus which normally remains untouched by such events. The Intelligence agencies have also found connection of two pro-Maoist outfits working in Chhattisgarhs restive Bastar region.

The reported involvement of student organisation Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta Manch is concerning as it finds strong links with Chhattisgarh-based pro-Maoist civil society Moolniwasi Bachao Manch Bastar. The connection is disconcerting and is also a strong indicator of the invasion of urban Naxals into the university ecosystem. Their modus operandi is clear -- pursue civil rights issues in the name of democratic process and exploit loopholes to their advantage. The Chhattisgarh connection adds special significance to the DU incident. The State has seen a major offensive against LWE under the current dispensation. The number of encounters has gone up and Naxals are being dealt mighty blows. There is also a major movement under way where Naxals are laying down their arms. All these factors add an intriguing layer of curiosity to the DU incident. There seems to be a tactical shift in the strategy of the Maoists, especially in Chhattisgarh, to divert resources through urban channels to tap the vulnerable young minds in the society while keeping political and security mechanisms engaged in on-ground activities. It is imperative to deal with the covert front with the same ferocity as with the visible front.
Dr. Jacqui Bend, third left, CIBC Caribbean managing director presents last years proceeds  $66,000  to representatives from Sister Sister (Breast) Cancer Support Groups of New Providence and Grand Bahama, Cancer Society of The Bahamas (CSOB), the Cancer Societies of Abaco, Eleuthera, and Grand Bahama, Cancer Association of Grand Bahama and GD Sharing and Caring, during the banks launch of Walk for the Cure 2024. Standing from left are Anita Rolle, GD Sharing and Caring executive board member; Shantell Cox-Hutchinson, Sister Sister president; Bend, CIBC Caribbean managing director; Susan Roberts, CSOB founder; Glenda Whylly, CIBC Caribbean senior manager in the managing directors office and Dr. Williamson Chea, CSOB president. CIBC CARIBBEAN
Minister of justice and the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has urged the National Assembly (NASS) not to pass the law on Nigeria reverting to the old National Anthem through legislative order.

Recall that there is a move by NASS members to expeditiously pass a Bill for an Act on National Anthem with the major aim of replacing the current one with the old.

Speaking during the public hearing on the bill, organised by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, the minister warned that the issue of National Anthem should not be treated with legislative fiat.

He said as commendable as the move by both Chambers of the legislature may be, on enacting law on the National Anthem or replacing the current with the old, Nigerians must be carried along for their required buy in.

In his words: In some cases, the national anthem emerges from open national competition among interested citizens. In other instances, the proposed national anthem is subjected to plebiscite or referendum, before its eventual adoption or declaration.

The essence of the foregoing is to secure the buy-in and confidence of the people and to ensure that the anthem meets their collective aspirations and suits their contemporary socio-political conditions.

Against the background of the foregoing, I am of the considered opinion that the revered issue of choice of a national item should not come into being only by legislative fiat or presidential proclamation alone

Consequently, it is my considered view that the decision to change Nigerias National Anthem whether by replacing it with the old one or a new one, should be subjected to a wider process of citizen participation through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Council of State, National and State Assemblies, etc.

The outcome of this process is bound to be a true reflection of the wishes of the generality or majority of Nigerians, he said.

In his submission, the minister of information and national orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, recommended that the scope should be expanded to include a robust issue on national identity rather than limiting it to the change of national anthem.

The minister who was represented by the director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, said some lines in the old national anthem do not make a complete meaning.

The issue of the national anthem is just a sub-sect. What we should be looking at is the National Identity Act.

The challenge we have today is that we do not value national identity, of which the national anthem is one of them. It is not about singing in schools, it is about learning it and imbibing it, he said.
Nobody expects Nigerian security agents to be paupers as a proof they are not corrupt. Neither could anybody have imagined a serving police officer owning a N20 billion business. Hence the disclosure of tens of billion Naira investment by Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, the immediate past Commissioner of Police of Anambra State, dropped jaws, left mouths agape and tongues wagging. Much as the erstwhile public servant tried to shake off an indictment of conflict of interest, his attempt was forforn owing to fears about actual sources of his humongous wealth.

Even if we were to overlook debilitating conflict of interest, only the gullible would believe serving security agents can simultaneously run profitable businesses in the volatile Nigerian economy when even shrewd investors are divesting. However, what are the sources of capital and types of businesses fetching Nigerian security agents billions of Naira? We might not know but past indictments of security agents could supply invaluable clues.

On assumption of duty in 2021, the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru debunked a claim of $1 billion arms procurement for the army. Earlier, in 2015, there was arraignment of defense chiefs including the Late Air Marshal Alex Badeh, retired Col. Ibrahim Dasuki, et al on allegation of misappropriation of defense funds. And ironically, Nigeria's one and ever super cop ACP Abba Kyari is our next case study on probable sources of capital and business types by Nigerian security agents.

Much as Mr. Kyari was celebrated as the nemesis of criminals, his stupendous wealth was traced to crime by the FBI and the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) respectively. Those two indictments blew the lid off his extra-judicial activities and so, gave voice to numerous victims who narrated damning cases of mindless extortions mostly on trump up charges. That is largely characteristic of the average Nigerian security agent. Hence it is not surprising that the FBI indictment was stylishly ignored by Mr. Kyari's colleagues in the police while they blackmailed the NDLEA as a hypocrite waging an inter-agency war to ward off seeming work area encroachment.

However, branches of the same national security architecture should be seen as integral and not as desparte fiefdoms to be defended against perceived territorial encroachment. But strangely, that has been the case in Nigeria since 2015 when incoming presidents replace over 100 of their predecessor's security chiefs with those largely of their own ethnicity. Thus, placing the emphasis on spoils of office and not on competence and work performance. That is the avenue for corrupt enrichment fueling inter-agency rivalry and hindering synergy among Nigeria's security agencies.

Otherwise, personnel of the country's correctional service and staffers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would not have fought publicly over custody of wealthy erstwhile Central Bank governor. Again, the EFCC would meet a stiff resistance from the police who ultimately stalled arrest of a high profile suspect - an ex-state governor. No sooner, the police themselves were at the receiving end of inter-agency rivalry - forced to appear in court without crude oil bunkering suspects whom the army was accused of dragging away from police custody. Earlier, the two security agencies faced off in Adamawa State with a casualty apiece over a right to conduct stop and search on highways.

The duo - conflict of interest and inter-agency rivalry naturally inhibits official work performance. Also, security agents reveling in billionaire pleasures can never stake their lives as sworn, in defense of their country. Besides, involvement in crime by security agents themselves is the huge motivation that is swelling the ranks of criminals.

Worse, you can neither predict nor dictate how and where billionaire security agents invest their cash. Should they choose to invest on arsenals of arms for control of swarts of the country's natural resources or overthrow a government, it could be armaggeddon like in Northern Sudan. By the way when would Nigeria unravel employers of illegal miners including Chinese nationals? Or are the Chinese straying innocent migrants even with no common borders (international or continental) between China and Nigeria?

Therefore, security agents could be part of the problem and not solution to insecurity in Nigeria. And talk of national security in Nigeria would remain a huge joke until restructuring to true federalism to break the beaureucracy serving as cover for large scale official crime by supposed public servants including law enforcement agents.

John Uwaya writes from Oto-Awori, Lagos State.
The chances of Narendra Modis return to power are slim and the saffron party will get around 200 seats in the ongoing general election, Trinamul Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee said today. She was addressing a rally in Burrabazar in support of the partys nominee, threetime MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay. BJP has fielded Tapas Roy, who left Trinamul and joined the saffron brigade while Congress has fielded veteran leader Pradip Bhattacharya. Miss Banerjee urged the people not to vote for the BJP as it has failed to give employment to the youth and control spiralling price rise. Modi will come and tell so many lies but he never speaks on unemployment.

IIT graduates have failed to get jobs. Unemployment is at an all time high. Modi is not concerned at all he will come and speak volumes of lies. I have never seen a Prime Minister telling such lies. He has failed to keep promises and now is talking about guarantees. Rest assured these are all lies. He comes to disturb peace in Bengal. Here people from different communities and faith live peacefully and happily. This is our culture and tradition. We respect all religions and go to attend the religious festivals of every religion. I personally go to temples, mosques and churches. We believe that religion is personal but festivals are universal. BJP does not believe this and lets loose one community against the other. Miss Banerjee assured the cyclone-hit people that the state government would take care and those whose houses have been either fully or partly damaged will be built or repaired. Crops have been damaged.

From yesterday evening I have been monitoring the relief work and kept constant touch with the disaster management department. She said the ECI has deliberately made seven phase election so that Modi could go to different places to do campaign. His election is scheduled on the last day, she said adding, in Bengal seven phase election has been deliberately done just to keep pressure on the government. If in Tamil Nadu which has 40 Lok Sabha seats, an election could be held in a day then why not in Bengal?she asked. She said BJP has conspired with Congress and CPM to defeat Sudip Banerjee. A media close to the BJP has distorted my speech and circulated it. In many areas fake videos against Sudip Banerjee have been shown to woo the voters. Please do not misunderstand me. If you do not like me, its fine, but do not form any opinion against me on the basis of fake news. She urged people to vote for Banerjee to form a strong, sensible and secular government at the Centre. Vote for Trinamul as it would be a powerful component in the INDIA bloc. Miss Banerjee later took part in a roadshow in favour of Sudip Banerjee.

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Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered a comprehensive ACB probe into the registration of private nursing homes in Delhi. The order came days after six infants died in a devastating blaze that engulfed Baby Care New Born Hospital in the Vivek Vihar area here.

In his note to the chief secretary, the LG said, The recent fire incident at Baby Care Centre at Vivek Vihar, which left seven newly-born babies dead has left everyone shocked and dismayed. What is even more heart-rending is that parents belonging to lower income groups were being duped by this nursing home which was operating without a valid registration.

He said the whole episode has brought out the sheer mismanagement, criminal neglect and connivance of officials of the health department, in granting and renewing registrations of nursing homes.

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At the same time, it puts a serious question mark on the ministerial responsibility, in a matter directly related to the health and lives of hapless residents of Delhi.To say the least, it is a sad reflection on the total absence of ministerial oversight in regulatory management of private health facilities in the city, Saxena said.

Attacking the AAP government, he said, Even after a tragedy of this magnitude, which should have stirred the conscience of political leadership, I am disappointed that the Chief Minister and Minister have paid only lip service and given sound bites, finding alibis and shirking responsibility. Administration cannot be run on social media, nor by brushing such serious matters under the carpet.

Stating that he had taken a very stern view in the matter, Saxena said, Though this is a transferred subject, in larger public interest, I am forced to step in, on account of the lack of seriousness on part of authorities entrusted with these responsibilities.

Pointing out that there are 1,190 nursing homes, of which more than a quarter are operating without a valid registration, the LG said, Also, there are many nursing homes in the city which have never applied for a registration but are still operating. Even those nursing homes, which have a valid registration, may not be meeting the safety and regulatory standards as prescribed in The Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953 and the Rules made there under.

He said the ACB is directed to undertake a comprehensive inquiry into the registration of nursing homes in the city to assess how many nursing homes are functioning without valid registrations and whether those which have valid registration are complying with prescribed norms as provided under Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953 and the Rules made there under.

Apart from this, the LG directed the chief secretary to advise all district magistrates to have a field verification done of their respective areas within two weeks to ascertain the actual number of functional nursing homes, which can then be compared with the list of the Health Department.

He said this would give a sense of the magnitude of the problem and the extent of violations prevalent in the city.

It has also come to my notice that even in this day and age, the registration procedure for nursing homes in Delhi is conducted manually, which leaves a lot of room for discretion, ambiguity and corruption. The Chief Secretary may accordingly ensure that an online portal is made operational with all data of compliances, registration and validity, which is open for public scrutiny, the LG added.
Congress candidate Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh took a dig at BJP candidate Kangna Ranaut over her alleged ignorance about the development of the Mandi parliamentary constituency in the Congress rule.

Addressing election meetings in the Charkhadi, Nehri, and Dehar of Sundernagar assembly segments of the constituency, Singh said the Bollywood actress has no knowledge of the establishment of IIT, a Medical College, and the Kiratpur four-lane project by the Congress. The credit for all this goes to the previous Congress government and six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh, he added.

Accusing the BJP candidate of being more focused on her film career in Mumbai than on the issues of the constituency, he questioned her commitment and connection to the area, adding that she would get busy in her film world after the elections.

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Singh pointed out that despite calling herself the daughter of Mandi, she has not demonstrated loyalty to her own family, particularly in times of disaster, thus raising doubts about her ability to understand and address the publics concerns.

Outlining his development agenda, he said Mandi would be developed into a smart city; a medical college would be established in Kullu, tunnels for Bhubhu and Jalori for tourism, and formation of a Himachal regiment in the Indian Army.

He emphasised the ongoing Congress efforts to fulfill its promises like implementing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and providing a monthly honorarium to women.

Speaking in support of Singh as the future of the state, former MLA Sohan Lal Thakur highlighted the contribution of the Congress government and Virbhadra Singh to Sundernagars development. He said the development of the Sundernagar area would accelerate under his leadership after he was elected MP.

Party observer Dr. Monica, appointed by the All India Congress Committee, contrasting the film world with the political arena, said Kangna should realise that there is a lot of difference between the two. The celebrities stay away from the common man because they live in a glamorous world and Kangna is one of them.

Criticising the language the BJP candidate uses on various platforms, she said no daughter of the state would use such language. Praising Singh, she said he is a young, capable, and experienced leader who would be a strong representative of Mandi and the state in Parliament.
Actor Avneet Kaur, recently made a splash at the 77th Cannes Film Festival with her debut international film, Love In Vietnam. Sharing her excitement about attending such a prestigious event and discussing her new project, Kaur described the experience as exhilarating and historic.

The festival saw the unveiling of the first look for Love In Vietnam, a film produced by Omung Kumar. This project marks a significant milestone as it is the first movie collaboration between India and Vietnam. Its an exhilarating feeling, Kaur said. Im very excited to be a part of this historic moment. India and Vietnam have had very good relations over the years and Im glad to be representing India.

Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Avneet Kaur (@avneetkaur_13)

Kaur expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support. Never did I ever think this would happen so soon and wed create history. Its all because of my fans and their love and support, she said. Im blessed and grateful for so much love at such a young age. And I promise to continue to break the barriers and keep surprising audiences with new endeavors.

At Cannes, Kaur turned heads in a stunning navy blue outfit with a train, complemented by heels. She gracefully walked the red carpet, performing a traditional Indian gesture of respect by touching the ground and then her forehead, which captivated the audience. She also posed for the cameras, smiling, waving, and blowing kisses.

Kaur shared her red carpet moment on Instagram, captioning her post, And we created history last night at the Cannes Red Carpet! #Cannes2024 #CannesFilmFestival #AvneetInCannes #CannesRedCarpet #LoveInVietnam.

Love In Vietnam, features Kaur alongside Shantanu Maheshwari and renowned Vietnamese actress Kha Ngan. The film is supported by the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai, and Vietnam Airlines.

Directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, Love In Vietnam is based on the bestselling novel Madonna In A Fur Coat. The films poster unveiling at Cannes was attended by the films stars, including Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, director Rahhat Shah Kazmi, producer Captain Rahul Bali, and co-producers Tariq Khan and Zeba Sajid.

Kaurs appearance at Cannes and her involvement in Love In Vietnam highlight a significant moment in her career, showcasing her ability to bridge cultures and create history through cinema.
As the 18th Parliamentary Elections head towards the seventh and last phase in West Bengal, the Kolkata South constituency, often touted as Mini India, gears up to exercise its right to adult franchise on 1 June. The seat holds immense significance, as it is not only the ruling partys bastion but also the home of the incumbent chief minister, Mamata Banerjee. Interestingly, in the ongoing polls, the three prominent political partiesthe ruling Trinamul Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Partyhave all put up strong women as candidates.

CPIMs Saira Shah Halim is contesting against TMC veteran Mala Roy, who is the sitting Parliamentarian from the South Kolkata seat and also the chairperson of Kolkata Municipal Corporation. She is also contesting against BJP candidate Debasree Chaudhury, who is a former Union minister of state and the Raiganj MP from the saffron party. Saira Shah Halim rose to prominence when she was fielded against TMCs Babul Suprio and BJPs Keya Ghosh for the Ballygunge seat in 2022. Securing 30,971 votes against Babul Supriyos 51,199, she emerged second by a margin of 20,228 votes. In a candid interview with The Statesmans Nishat Nizami, the CPI(M) candidate, who is being supported by the other opposition party in the state, Congress, opens up about her partys strengths, its chances in the ongoing elections, and other issues.

Following are the excerpts:

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Q: You have a fascinating trajectory. You went from being a homemaker to a theatre personality who went on to join the corporate world, and now you have entered politics. What was the driving force behind your coming into politics?

A: I was in the corporate sector for 17 years, working for multinational organisations. I started writing when I felt democracy was being curtailed in the country. It was then that the national media started approaching me about participating in various political debates. So I have been debating and talking about issues like bills, policy governance and other issues for the past ten years. It was in 2022 when the party approached me about contesting the bypolls for the Ballygunge seat, and I readily accepted the offer.

Q: Though you are married to a political family, you have spent years taking care of your family as a homemaker. What made you decide to join active politics at this point in time?

A: Actually, I did not choose to enter politics, nor was there any particular plan for timing. The fact is, the party leadership chose me as the by-poll candidate even though I was not a member, perhaps having noticed my proactive political activism and writing. Having said that, however, I have been actively associated with the Left through my family, as my father-in-law, Mr Hashim Abdul Halim, was the longest-serving Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly. Although I was not a card-holding member of the party, I always supported it. I have also campaigned for my husband since 2011, and it was then that I started getting interested in politics. I have launched authors and have also participated in peace initiatives and gotten awards for them. Because of my contribution to peace initiatives and in the sphere of literature, the party approached me in 2022 for the Ballygunge bypoll as they wanted a face that was associated with civic rights movements, and I agreed to it.

Q: As far as these elections are concerned, you have a TMC veteran on one side and a former Union minister on the other. The seat is known as the ruling partys bastion. Despite the tough fight, what gives you the confidence to remain firmly in the fray?

A: My candidature is very cosmopolitan. I am a very good debater and can speak in four languages. It is my energy that makes me different from the others. I think people are realising that one needs to look beyond the party symbol and vote for the candidate who can raise their issues in Parliament.

Q: During your campaign, you have often claimed that CPI(M) is the only alternative for the people of West Bengal, while many are of the opinion that the ongoing Lok Sabha Election is a fight between the BJP and the TMC. What would you say to that?

A: This binary was created, but we broke it. When we look at the civic polls, the panchayat polls, and the bypolls, we have broken the binary of BJP versus TMC.

Q: What, according to you, is your partys path of revival?

A: The party feels that they need to infuse fresh faces and younger blood so that the old image of the Left somehow sheds off. This has shown very good results when we look at candidates like Srijan, Minakshi and Dipshita, who are honest, hard-working, and principled people. Also, having Mohammed Salim at the helm of affairs has really boosted the morale of the party. He is the general secretary and has made some critical decisions that have enabled the resurgence of the Left.

Q: On one side, the BJP at the Centre has a strong base, while the TMC in the state is the largest party. Why should voters opt for CPI(M)?

A: We are offering a very clean and honest campaign, which is something that is attracting the youth, the middle class, and first-time voters who do not vote blindly and are well-read.

Q: What kind of performance of your party do you see in the ongoing polls and the state assembly elections?

A: We, that is, the Left and the Congress, are fighting the elections together. Both parties combined are reading up to gain at least 11 to 12 seats and many more in the Assembly elections. This is how the resurgence is happening. We are doing it very gradually.

Q: Talking about your Lok Sabha seat, what are the top three areas where you would like to focus if you become the next MP?

A: Urban poverty alleviation is a big issue in Kolkata South. I have been spending a lot of time in the slum areas and know the kinds of problems that the people face. Other areas that I would like to focus on are employment, healthcare, improvement in living standards, creating a better air index, better roads, and sanitation. I would also like to debate in Parliament on issues like price hikes if I become the next MP.

Q: What advice would you like to give the voters of your constituency?

A: I would say to vote for someone who is visible, who is a debater, and who is passionate about causes. I would appeal to them to vote for the candidate and not for the party because it is the MP who will work in your area and highlight and amplify your voices.
At least 14 people were killed in a stone quarry collapse triggered by landslide in the capital city of Mizoram as Cyclone Remal caused havoc across the northeastern states, officials said on Tuesday.

Another person was killed in a storm in Assams Morigaon district and 12 children were injured in Dhekiajuli after a tree fell on them due to a storm, they said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a post on X, Heavy storms are lashing parts of the State and is expected to continue. Ive instructed officials to be alert to respond to exigencies at the earliest. Request citizens to not venture out unless there is an emergency and be safe. We are constantly monitoring the situation. #CycloneRemal.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted extremely heavy rainfall across the region as an impact of the cyclone.

According to officials, the stone quarry collapse took place on Monday and 14 people have died so far.

Heavy rainfall began on May 27 due to Cyclone Remal and it intensified on May 28, causing landslides in many areas across the state.

The Mizoram government has announced Rs 4 lakh as ex gratia for families of the dead.

The state government has also ordered closure of all schools, banks, financial institutions, public sector undertakings, and government offices, except those rendering essential services.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhawma has called for an emergency meeting with heads of all the departments to take stock of the situation.

In Meghalaya also the impact of the cyclone was widespread as trees were uprooted and roads were blocked as strong winds lashed with rains swept across the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that his government would expedite action against the corrupt after the Lok Sabha election results on 4th June, and he wont allow Congress, the JMM and the RJD to succeed in their campaign of hatred against him to loot rights of the poor.

Addressing a BJP election rally in Dumka, Jharkhand, the prime minster said while his government in the last 10 years took several welfare steps for the poor and deprived sections, Congress and the JMM have been indulging in corruption unscrupulously.

He said, The JMM and Congress are looting the people in every way. There are beautiful mountains in Jharkhand, but the State is in news not for these mountains, but for the mountains of cash. I had never seen such huge mountains of notes. These mountains crossed Rs 19 crore, more than Rs 35 crore and Rs 300 crore in different incidents.

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The prime minister said the unaccounted money was seized from the JMM and the Congress. He said the collections were the output of the liquor scam, scams of tenders of crores of Rupees and mining and minerals scams.

He said just in Sahibganj, a scam of Rs 1,000 crore in mining has come to light. Just to appropriate land, these people changed names of their parents, he said. Now land of the poor and tribals are being looted. They even looted the Army of its land. It is time, you get Jharkhand freed of such people, he said.

He told the rally that the JMM looted ration from your plate. The Jal Jeevan Mission was started to provide water to people, but they found ways to do corruption in this scheme also. I send free ration for you from Delhi; it reaches black to market instead of reaching you, he said.

A truckload of food was seized but there was hardly any action, files were closed, he said. Everybody knows JMM is involved. Modi will not allow anyone to steal food and water for the poor, he said.

They dont understand Modi will not allow their negative propaganda of hatred to succeed, he said. Modi will not allow them to undo reservation for the SCs, STs, OBCs, this is Modis guarantee, he said.

The prime minister said soon after the Lok Sabha election result on 4th June, action would be expedited against the corrupt, this is Modis guarantee.

The BJP is devoted to Dalit, Vanchit and adivasis, serves them with a sense of service, maximum possible, he said. For adivasi welfare, the budget was increased more than four times. In tribal areas, construction has been started of more than 400 boarding Eklavya schools.

What has the Congress done, it only opposed BJP schemes, did not allow tribal history to come out. The INDI alliance opposed Mrs Droupadi Murmus election as President of the country. For it, its vote bank is supreme, it does not care for tribal welfare, the Prime Minister said.

Wherever it came to power, tribal society and culture was in danger. Its weapons against the tribals are naxalism, infiltration and appeasement. As long as the Congress was in power, naxalism flourished. Lives of children were lost. The tribal families suffered the most, he said.

The INDI alliance gives reservation to Muslims on the basis of religion, he said. Modi says he will protect reservation given to SCs, STs and OBCs by the Constitution. I tell the INDI alliance that they cannot transfer their reservation rights to the Muslims on the basis of religion. When I expose their communal mask, anti-tribal and anti-Dalit activities, they cannot sleep, he said.

They say Modi is doing Hindu-Muslim. They think they can spoil Modis image by charging him with Hindu-Muslim, they dont know if they throw mud at Modi, it will only blossom lotuses (BJPs election symbol). They dont understand Modi will not allow their negative propaganda of hatred to succeed. Modi will not allow them to undo reservation for the SCs, STs, OBCs, this is Modis guarantee, he said.

Mr Modi said, I asked them they should give it in writing they will not loot the existing reservation beneficiaries share and give it to the Muslims; they will not change the Constitution for this; and they will not implement the Karnataka formula in other parts of the country. They dont respond, why they are silent, he said.
AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed on Tuesday that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has threatened that Punjab government would be removed after June 4 (when the Lok Sabha results are declared), and alleged that the BJP government wants to stop free electricity given in the AAP ruled states.

Two days ago, Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Ludhiana. He threatened that after 4th June, the Punjab government would be removed and Bhagwant Mann would be removed from the post of Chief Minister How will he do this? We have 92 seats (in the assembly) out of 117. How can you topple the government chosen by 3 crore people? There is a dictatorship in the country, Kejriwal said, while addressing a Town Hall meeting in Ludhiana, a significant industrial hub in Punjab where 13 Lok Sabha constituencies are at stake.

Kejriwal asked: What plan do you (Shah) have to topple the government? Will you scare the people of Punjab with ED and CBI? The way You have broken NCP, Shiv Sena, Will you break the Punjabis also?

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The Delhi CM said that Punjabis are large hearted people. If you have asked with love, we would have given you (ek-aadh) seat, but if you (Amit Shah) threaten us, you will get into difficulty, Amiy Shahji, he said.

He said that earlier he came to know about peoples problems, but this time, he has come to ask for votes. Today, I have come to ask for your votes These are elections for the Centre; we are weak at the CentreWe have only one MP. If we have power at the Centre, our hands will get strongerThere are 100 problems which cant be solved at the state level. We need to be strong at the Centre. You give all 13 seats from Punjab so that we can get your rights from the Centre, he said.

He said that all 13 Lok Sabha seats should be won by the AAP this time. Give 13 Lok Sabha seats to the AAP so that we can bring your rights from the Centre, he added.

Kejriwal alleged that there was a dictatorship going on in the country, pointing that that Rs 9,000 crore of Punjabs rights have been withheld by the BJP-led Centre.

He further alleged that the BJP wants to stop free electricity and alleged that the BJP is bothered that the AAP was providing free electricity in Delhi and Punjab  the AAP ruled states.

Kejriwal said the AAP governments made electricity free in Delhi and Punjab. Power tariff is highest in BJP ruled states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Still BJP calls me corrupt. You tell me whether the one who gives free electricity is corrupt or the one who gives electricity at the costliest rate is corrupt? he asked.

Kejriwal said a vote to the BJP would mean that zero power bills in Punjab would stop.

Yesterday, Kejriwal led two roadshows  one each in Jalandhar and Ludhiana, where he campaigned for party candidate Pawan Kumar Tinu.

The Ludhiana Lok Sabha constituency comprises nine assembly segments  Ludhiana East, Ludhiana South, Atam Nagar, Ludhiana Central, Ludhiana West, Ludhiana North, Gill (Reserved), Dhaka, and Jagraon (Reserved).

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Ravneet Singh Bittu of the Congress won the seat, defeating Harvinder Singh Phoolka of the Aam Aadmi Party amid a national BJP wave. The BJP-Akali alliance candidate was placed third.

In the 2019 General Elections, Ravneet Singh Bittu retained his seat, defeating Simarjeet Singh Bains of the Lok Insaaf Party (LIP).
After 48 hours of search operations, there has been no trace of three coal miners who got trapped inside a rat hole mine in Pataki hills in Tinsukia town of Assam, officials said on Tuesday.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are engaged in the rescue operations.

On Sunday, three coal miners identified as Dawa Sherpa, a native of Nepal, and two workers from Meghalaya  John and Fenaal  got trapped when the rat hole mine caved in due to a landslide.

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Tinsukia District Commissioner Swapneel Paul told local media, The three coal miners are still missing. One team each from the NDRF and SDRF, and local rescue workers are trying to locate the missing miners. Excavators are being used to dig the rubbles to locate the miners.

This is the second such incident in the last two years. In September 2022, six coal miners were buried alive in one such illegal rat hole mine.

Such tragedy has struck various states of the northeast where unscientific mining has led to the death of several workers.

The National Green Tribunal had in 2014 banned the rat hole mining in the region.

Local organizations claim despite the ban, coal is being extracted from different parts of the region, putting the lives of the mine labourers at highest risk.

In neighbouring Meghalaya, there have also been numerous incidences of labourers getting trapped inside the rat hole mine and embracing deaths. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had recently advocated for resuming coal mining in a scientific manner. He had said coal mining would resume in the state with the help of a proper scientific process after the Lok Sabha polls.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the facilities which the rich people get should also be available to the poor.

As the bank loans of big traders are being waived off, the same of small traders and farmers should also be waived off. Student loan should also be waived off, he said.

Rahul Gandhi along with SP President Akhilesh Yadav was addressing a joint meeting of the INDIA bloc in Kashi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi against whom the Congress has fielded Ajay Rai.

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He said that the INDIA bloc has made up its mind to deposit lakhs of crores of rupees in the bank accounts of the poor people of India.

Gandhi said that a list of all the poor families of India will be made and the name of one woman from each family will be selected.

If you check your bank account on July 5, also the people of Varanasi, you will find Rs 8500 in your account. This is what the INDIA bloc is going to do if we form the government at the Centre, he said.

SP president and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said: Till now I was claiming the victory of INDIA bloc on all the seats except one in Uttar Pradesh, but today I can say that while the people of BJP were considering Kyoto (Varanasi) as their seat, this one also they are going to lose.

He said that those who had promised to clean Ganga river have not fulfilled their promise but have certainly cleaned the budget earmarked for the purpose.

Taking a jibe at the state government, Yadav said that neither investment has come nor factories were set up.
Delhi Water Minister Atishi complained that the Haryana government has not released the share of water due to the national capital since May 1 as a result of which the water level of the Yamuna constantly going down.

Delhi being a riparian state is dependent on the neighbouring state for water.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, the minister said, Since the beginning of May, Haryana has not released our share of water to Delhi. On May 1, water level in Yamuna at Wazirabad was 674.5 feet, which has fallen to 669.8 feet today. Due to this, there is a shortage of water at many places in Delhi.

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She said her government was in talks with Haryana on the issue but if no solution is found, the Delhi government might think of approaching the Supreme Court on the matter.

Atishi informed that the government has taken several steps to the shortage, and would be implementing a slew of measures including rationing the supply of water across the city. Since many areas in the city are facing scarcity of water, she appealed to the residents of the national capital to make judicious use of the precious natural resources.

Stating that the authorities are monitoring the situation, she asked people not to waste water as the government might impose fines for excess use of water and wastage in days to come. Pointing out that there is wastage of water with tanks overflowing, and people washing their vehicles with the supply water using open hoses, she warned the people against such practices.

According to the minister, at the places where water is being supplied twice a day, it would be available once to provide water to those areas where supply is affected.
Alappuzha Crime Branch Dy SP MG Sabu, who attended a party hosted by a goon leader in Angamaly, has been suspended for breach of discipline and tarnishing the image of police.

The suspension order was issued on Tuesday based on the report of Ernakulam Rural SP, highlighting that Sabus actions amounted to serious breach of discipline.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier directed the State Police chief to suspend the erring police officer from service. The order stated that the reputation of the police and the government had been tarnished due to the incident.

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A police team in Angamaly, part of Operation AAG (Action Against Goons), found that their superior officer, Alappuzha Crime Branch DySP MG Sabu accepting the hospitality of a local goon leader at his house during a raid on Sunday evening.

The cops led by Angamaly Sub-Inspector found Sabu and three other policemen accepting the hospitality of Thammanam Faizal at his house in Angamaly.

The police officers including the DySP tried to flee when Angamaly SI and team came to Faizals house.

In an attempt to escape, the DySP hid in the washroom. The police received intelligence input suggesting the arrival of unidentified individuals at Faisals residence, prompting swift action.

Two police officials were suspended on Monday by the District Police Chief following the incident. The suspended officials include DySPs driver and an official from the AR camp.

Thammanam Faisal, also known as George, is one of the first criminals slapped with KAAPA (Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act) in the state.

The Dy SP Sabu had only four days left to complete his service as he was slated to be retired from service on May 31. Now, the police officer has been suspended before retirement.
BJP leader and party candidate against AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi in Hyderabad Madhavi Latha asserted that the strong government that abolished Article 370 would bring back PoK. Today, the youth of Kashmir are happy because they are no longer being called terrorists. If Rahul Gandhi can go to Kashmir, it is because of the changed environment there, she said.

Delivering a lecture at a national discussion on the return of PoK to India after the abrogation of Article 370 as chief guest, she said, A strong government will be formed and PoK will come back. Reservation will not be given in the name of religion but will be given to the poor, Dalits, and women and this will apply to all religions and sects, she said.

The discussion was held here at Subhash Bhawan under the joint aegis of Vishal Bharat Sansthan and the Muslim Mahila Foundation.

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Madhvi Latha further said that now, everyone is confident that a new BJP-led government at the Centre would fulfill the aspirations of every Indian.

Speaking on the occasion, National President of the Muslim Women Foundation Nazneen Ansari said the country would develop only when we elect a nationalist government. Under the leadership of Modi ji, the law to abolish Triple Talaq was brought for the empowerment of Muslim women. We will take PoK back. This is possible only when a strong government is formed.

Mohd. Faiz Khan, the special guest at the event, said the party of Razakars would lose in India, and the party of nationalists would win. Kashmir is ours, will always remain ours. The country will never forgive those who spread hatred and divide the country based on religion. Social harmony is being established in the country under the leadership of Modi ji, he stressed.

Belal Ahmed, Sarpanch of Tahab village of the Pulwama district in Kashmir, said, Till yesterday, the Central government could not take any decision on Kashmir. The lives of Kashmiris were ruined in 70 years. There was no development, no electricity. Kashmiris suffering from hunger were given only bullets. Regional parties ate up the Centres funds. In the name of Article 370, common Kashmiris were only exploited. They neither got education nor employment but the label of a terrorist. This was our pain, which has now ended.

Dr. Rajeev Shriguruji, National President of Vishal Bharat Sansthan, said that the abrogation of Article 370 has prepared a roadmap for the return of PoK. The atrocities of Pakistan did not spare even the children of PoK. They are looking towards India. Every Indian is ready to hoist the tricolour there. Now, Kashmiris are yearning for the return of PoK. There are Indians on both sides, we just have to meet, he claimed.

Raja Raees, a social activist from Kashmir, said with the abolition of Article 370, the winds of development are blowing. The Central money is reaching villages in Kashmir. However, the people of PoK are still in pain. They want to meet us, Kashmir is incomplete without them, but soon we get the part of Kashmir as the people living in PoK are raising the flag of India.

He said the work done in Kashmir during the BJP era was not done by successive governments in the last 70 years. There is an atmosphere of peace in Kashmir after the removal of Article 370. Kashmir is continuously moving forward on the path of development.
The Delhi Meetei Co-ordinating Committee (DMCC) on Tuesday appealed to the central government to restore peace, rule of law, and ensure peaceful co-existence in strife-torn Manipur.

In the last one year, the Meetei community, an ethnic group to native Manipur, has been selectively targeted, attacked, isolated and victimized, it said.

Manipur is a part of India and its law and order is on the shoulder of the central government. Since they have failed to protect life and liberty, it is a complete failure on their part, says journalist Yambem Laba.

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On May 28 2023, 13 Meetei villages went through a brutally coordinated attack by the Kuki militant group, injuring nearly 44 people.

This security lapse occurred when the Chief of Army staff, General Manoj Panday was stationed in Imphal, before the arrival of Home Minister, Amit Shah, the journalist said.

The first major attack where houses were burned down was carried out on May 3, 2023. This attack also happened while the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankar was visiting Manipur, he said.

The bigger question which depicts the complexity of the conflict is, who is responsible for these attacks and why arent they being stopped? Laba replied, If the Government wanted to control the violence, they couldve done it within weeks by deploying an army like that in Gujarat Riots. Instead, they have just created artificial buffer zones in the state unlike anywhere in India.

The DMCC members collectively feel that the government is sleeping for one year 29 days, and this a conspiracy theory to make the two communities (Kuki and Meetei) clash against each other.

Hijam Rajen, advisor to DMCC, commented on the Centres negligence and said, It is questionable how Prime Minister Narendra Modi is using the M factor during the elections by using words like Muslims, Mangalsutra and Machli , but is never focusing on Manipur.
More than 10,000 illegal weapons have been seized in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the last phase of Lok Sabha elections so far. The seizure is part of the state governments efforts to ensure compliance with the Election Commission of Indias guidelines regarding maintaining free, fair and peaceful polls in the state.

In compliance with the directives of the Election Commission, continuous actions are being taken by the Police, Income Tax, Excise, Narcotics, and other departments of the state.

Notably, several checkposts are in operation to prevent circulation of illegal items into the state, while many people have been detained on suspicion of disturbing the peace. Additionally, the police have busted several illegal weapon manufacturing centres and recovered thousands of illegal arms, cartridges and explosives from them.

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With the announcement of the election dates for the General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2024 on March 16, 2024, the Model Code of Conduct is in effect to ensure free, fair, peaceful, fear-free, inducement-free, inclusive, and secure voting across the entire state.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa stated here on Tuesday that 464 interstate check posts and 1,730 check posts are being operated for intensive inspection in the state. From March 16 to May 27, 2024, the police department has seized 537 licensed weapons from criminals. Additionally, the licences of 4,766 licensed weapons have been cancelled and deposited.

He said that similar notices have been served to 28,28,174 people including 26,82,469, who have already been rounded up for preventive action to maintain peace. Additionally, the police department has seized 10,099 unlicensed weapons, 10,258 cartridges, 3,099.32 kilograms of explosives, and 604 bombs. The police have also raided 5,289 illegal weapon manufacturing centres, of which 188 have been sealed.

The Chief Electoral Officer stated that all responsible departments are taking continuous actions. In this sequence, on May 27, a significant number of actions were taken by the police.

He reported that on May 27, under the CrPC, the police department took preventive actions and arrested 5,923 people. Additionally, 42 unlicensed weapons, 48 cartridges, and 9 bombs were recovered and seized.

Furthermore, to curb illegal weapons, the police raided 37 illegal weapon manufacturing units.
The two accused doctors in the Pune Porsche incident were reportedly offered Rs 3 lakh for replacing the teen drivers blood samples with another persons samples that showed no traces of alcohol, police said on Tuesday.

Ajay Taware, head of Sassoon General Hospitals forensic medicine department, and Shrihari Halnor, the chief medical officer, were arrested by the Pune Police on Monday for allegedly manipulating the blood samples of the teen.

The hospital peon, Atul Ghatkamble, who works under Taware, was later arrested. They were remanded in police custody until May 30.

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Two young IT professionals were killed after their motorcycle was hit by a speeding Porsche allegedly driven by the 17-year-old boy in the early hours of May 19 in Kalyani Nagar area of Pune city. The police claim the teen was drunk at the time of the accident.

The Maharashtra government has established a three-member committee to probe the incident.

In an order issued on May 27 by Medical Education Commissioner Rajiv Nivatkar, Pallavi Sapale, dean of Grant Medical College and JJ Group of Hospitals, has been appointed chairperson of the committee.

The committee also includes Gajanan Chavan, professor of the forensic medicine department at Grant Medical College, and Sudhir Chowdhary, special duty officer at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Government Medical College and Super Speciality Hospital.

A committee has been formed including me We have to investigate the incident that happened in Sassoon Hospital regarding the Kalyani Nagar incident. We have to find out whether it was carried out according to the rules or not We will submit the report to the government Sapale told ANI.

Meanwhile, some reports also claimed links of the grandfather of the juvenile to underworld don Chhota Rajan.

The police are investigating all claims related to the incident, including the possible links to the underworld, Mumbai Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters.

The police has arrested the teen drivers father and builder Vishal Agarwal (50), Cosie Pub owner Naman Prahlad Bhutada (25), manager Sachin Ashok Katkar (35), Blak Pub owner Sandeep Ramesh Sangle (35), employee Nitesh Dhanesh Shewani (34) and manager Jayesh Satish Gawkar (23), in the case.

The Pune police also suspended two officers due to delays in performing their duties during the initial stages of the accident. Police inspector Rahul Jagdale and assistant police inspector Vishwanath Todkari have been suspended pending investigation. They failed to report the incident to wireless in a timely manner.

Initially, the Yerwada police investigated the matter, but it was later transferred to the crime branch.

D L Dhanwade, a member of the Pune Juvenile Justice Board, had granted bail to the minor accused on a Sunday, a non-working day for the board. This move bypassed the standard protocol requiring two members to be present for a hearing.

Due to his age of 17 years and 8 months, he was granted bail on the condition that he write a 300-word essay on traffic rules, assist the police in traffic regulation, and abstain from alcohol. The swift granting of bail within 12-15 hours had sparked widespread outrage across the state.

The decisions of both the board and the police were widely criticized.
In a major blow to the INDIA bloc ahead of the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls, former UP minister Narad Rai left the senior Samajwadi Party (SP) expressing his annoyance with party president Akhilesh Yadav.

Speculations about the prominent Bhumihar leader from Ballia joining the BJP are doing the rounds after he met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Varanasi, along with another SP leader, former MLA Ram Iqbal Singh, among others, last night. Both the leaders are expected to join the saffron party soon along with their supporters.

The two leaders can join the BJP at an election rally Shah is slated to address in Ballia tomorrow.

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Narad Rais grouse is that he was not given the attention due to him by Akhilesh Yadav in a public meeting organised in Kataria village of Fefana in support of Sanatan Pandey, the candidate of India Alliance from the Ballia parliamentary constituency on Sunday.

Resentment against the party among the supporters of Narad Rai is not new. It came out on Monday when he had called a meeting. On the occasion, Rai made it clear that he no longer has any relation with the Samajwadi Party. He accused SPs District President and Fafna MLA Sangram Singh Yadav and Sanatan Pandey of a conspiracy to humiliate him.
After mafia-turned politician Mukhtar Ansaris death around two months back, his brother and sitting MP Afzal Ansari, riding on the sympathy wave, is engaged in a fierce political battle of ballots in the much sensitive Ghazipur Lok Sabha seat, going to polls on June 1.

There are two major aspects in Ghazipur constituency elections  the caste factor and secondly, the influence of the Ansari family after the death of Mukhtar Ansari.

In this election, the saffron camp has placed its bets on Parasnath Rai, considered close to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. At the same time, Afzal Ansari, brother of Mukhtar Ansari, who left the BSP in 2019, is riding a bicycle (SP symbol) this time under changed circumstances.

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Dr Umesh Kumar Singh, a former BHU students union leader, is in the fray from the BSP. It has turned clear that there is a direct contest between the BJP and the SP. However, BSP is trying to make the fight triangular.

When there is mention of Ghazipur, the land of Param Vir Chakra winner Veer Abdul Hameed, people remember Vishwanath Singh Gahmari. The way Gahmari, who became MP in 1962, had expressed the pain of not only Ghazipur but the entire Purvanchal, hunger and unemployment in Parliament, people still talk about it. Hearing his speech, the eyes of every member including Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru became moist. It was due to the success of Gahmari that the Patel Commission was formed on the same day to assess the economic and social situation, which laid the foundation for the development of Purvanchal.

People here say that even though Mukhtar has died, the elections are being fought in Mukhtars name only.

The BJP had surprised everyone by giving a ticket to Parasnath Rai, who is said to be close to Manoj Sinha. When the ticket was announced, Parasnath Rai was teaching in his school. Then he said he has not even applied for the ticket. After this, it was discussed that Manoj Sinha had got the ticket. However, later Parasnath Rai himself said that no one had given him the ticket, rather the organization was contesting the elections.

Afzal Ansari, the sitting MP, during his tenure of five years, remained busy in his ongoing cases in the courts. In these five years, he was punished by court, went to jail, his Lok Sabha membership was terminated and then reinstated on the court orders.

In the 2019 elections, BJPs Manoj Sinha was defeated by BSPs Afzal Ansari. If Afzal wins this election, he will be the second MP after Manoj Sinha to reach the Lok Sabha thrice. He will also become the fourth MP who will win this seat twice in a row.

In April last year, a Ghazipur court had sentenced Afzal Ansari to 4 years in jail and declared him ineligible for the post of MP. His sentence was suspended by the Supreme Court in December 2023. The Supreme Court had directed the Allahabad High Court to resolve Afzal Ansaris case by June 30, 2024. Everyones eyes are fixed on that case too.

The BJP is relying mainly on Hindu votes while the SP candidate is trying to infuse a communal harmony with the support of PDA  Picchde (backward classes), Dalits and Alpsankhyak (minorities)  and the traditional Muslim-Yadav combination.

There was a time when Mafia Mukhtar Ansari had influence in the world of politics and crime. Be it his own election or that of his brother, son or nephew, his strong management and enthusiasm among the public use to pave the way for victory. After his death, this will be the first election that his elder brother Afzal Ansari is contesting without his management.

For the first time in the 40-year political history of the Ansari family, Mukhtars dominance is not visible. Famous people who were once close to Mukhtar are now standing against Afzal Ansari, because the mafia, which is no longer scaring them.

Mukhtar Ansari was MLA five times. Spent more than 15 years in jail. Mukhtar Ansari won the assembly elections held in 1996, 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017. Mukhtar Ansari had won three assembly elections while in jail.

However, on other hand, the BJP has gone for high level campaigning led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attacking the mafias and raking up the communal issues including reservation.
Delhis Tis Hazari Court on Tuesday sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals aide Bibhav Kumar to police custody for three days in connection with the AAP MP Swati Maliwal assault case.

Bibhav Kumar was produced before the court after the expiry of his four-day judicial custody today. Kumar is accused of assaulting Maliwal at Delhi CMs residence on May 13.

Earlier on Monday, Ms Maliwal broke down during a hearing on Bibhav Kumars bail.

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Ms Maliwal told the court that there is a threat to her life if Kumar is granted bail.

She has alleged that Kumar slapped her on the face several times and kicked her on the stomach and pelvis area.

However, Kumars counsel questioned the Delhi Polices investigation in the case and told the court that Ms Maliwal trespassed the CM house and an FIR was registered against him (his client).

She directly entered the Chief Ministers residence. This amounts to trespass. This is a Chief Ministers home, can anyone come like this? She was asked to wait outside, but she barged and crossed the security zone. Being an MP gives you the licence to do anything. This is trespass, and the FIR is against us. What kind of investigation is this? he told the court.

She came with something in her mind, she had premeditated thoughts before coming. She kept asking security personnel if they had spoken to Bibhav Kumar, he added.

The lawyer said that Kumar was responsible for the Chief Ministers security and he had to ask why she was allowed inside.
Congress candidate from the Mandi parliamentary constituency, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, alleged that former BJP Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur does politics of regionalism.

He charged Thakur with trying to play with peoples emotions by raising slogans of regionalism. The people of the Mandi parliamentary constituency had given a befitting reply to it in the by-elections in 2021 and the same will happen this time as well, he added.

While addressing election meetings in Janjehli and Balichowki of Seraj assembly constituency, Vikramaditya Singh said the foundation of development was laid by six-time chief minister Late Virbhadra Singh in the Seraj area has borne fruit.

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He said Virbhadra Singh never did do politics of regionalism nor did he discriminate against any region. Whatever Jai Ram Thakur in the capacity of an MLA had asked for the constituency, Virbhadra Singh gave it wholeheartedly without any discrimination, he said.

Singh said this time the BJP has given a ticket to an actress, Kangna Ranaut, from the Mandi parliamentary constituency, who neither has any understanding nor any knowledge about the area. Failing to make public her vision, she is entertaining people only by praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he alleged.

Being a woman, she uses such abusive language which is very unfortunate and does not behove the culture and traditions of the state, he added.

She deserted Mandi at the time of disaster last Monsoon. Today she is asking for votes from the people by calling herself the daughter of Mandi, Singh said.

Praising the Congress government in the state, he said during its 15-month tenure it has created more than 22 thousand posts to provide employment for the youth in the government sector. The Congress government has fulfilled the guarantee of restoring old pensions to the employees and giving honorarium of Rs 1,500 every month to women.

Accusing the BJP of neither being employee-friendly nor women-friendly, he said Jai Ram Thakur had even approached the Election Commission to stop this scheme of Rs 1500 being provided to women. Congress fulfills whatever it says in any situation. The state government has kept a budget of Rs 800 crore for this scheme and all the eligible women of the state will start receiving this amount from June 6, he asserted.

The BJP is trying to mislead the people of the state, he cautioned, urging the people to refrain from any inducement and vote for Congress to ensure the development of the area.

Appealing to the people to vote for him to ensure his victory with a good margin, Singh said after becoming MP, he would usher in a new saga of the development of the Mandi parliamentary constituency by rising above any party politics.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday commended the unwavering support of the public of Mirzapur towards NDA candidates despite scorching temperatures reaching a staggering 48 degrees Celsius.

He assured the public that the BJP and the NDA government will return the gratitude for their efforts by carrying out development works.

The Chief Minister was addressing a public meeting in Bihasra in front of Mahashakti Inter College in Mirzapur.

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He said, In 2014, you elected a good representative, and now Mirzapur is progressing at the speed of a bullet train. This area, once struggling for every drop of water in the intense heat, now has the Har Ghar Nal (tap water in every home) Yojana being implemented. Very soon, there will be a permanent solution to the water problem. 

He further mentioned that before 2014, having a medical college in Mirzapur was a dream, but today it has turned inti a reality. Next year, a university will also be inaugurated in Mirzapur, he added.

CM Yogi was seeking votes in favor of Union Minister and NDA (Apna Dal S) candidate from Mirzapur, Anupriya Patel. He said that all people of the Kol community in Chhanbe have been provided with houses. We have moved forward with the target of 100 percent saturation, he remarked.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by the youth in pursuing education outside Mirzapur during previous governments, the Chief Minister said that whether it was Defence Minister Rajnath Singh or BJPs National General Secretary Arun Singh, they had to migrate from Mirzapur to pursue higher studies for lack of facilities in the district.

But now, people from Mirzapur can proudly say there is a university here. Relatives can come here for a quality education. Whether its the ropeway project in Maa Vindhyavasinis triangle or improving connectivity to Haldia via Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ballia to link Kolkata and Haldia through waterways, Mirzapur is no longer lagging behind. Choosing a good representative brings positive results, Yogi added.

CM Yogi further mentioned that when Mirzapur elects Anupriya Patel, PM Modi gets strengthened. As PM Modi leads the nation, Indias global respect grows, while the terrorist-supporting Pakistan gets cornered. Pakistan understands that the new India, through the Air Force and surgical strikes, can effectively target enemies both underground and on the ground, he stated.

He highlighted that Pakistans population of 23 crore is starving, while under PM Modis leadership, 25 crore people in India have risen above the poverty line in the last 10 years. So those who sing paeans to Pakistan should no longer burden India, and rather go to Pakistan to settle down there, he remarked.

Addressing the public, the CM said: When you and your ancestors chanted slogans like Ramlala hum aayenge, mandir wahin banayenge, you faced harassment and false charges. But now, Lord Ram is seated in Ayodhya, and the international airport there has been named after Maharishi Valmiki.

The government rest house built for 5000 pilgrims is named after Nishadraj. Free food shelters in Ayodhya are running in the name of Mata Shabari. You should stand with the devotees of Lord Rama, not with those whose sypmathies lie with the mafia, Yogi added.

CM Yogi highlighted that a grand corridor of Maa Vindhyavasini is being built. He said that this time 35 lakh devotees came to visit Maa Vindhyavasini during Navratri. After the corridor is built, this number will reach one crore. As a result, taxi drivers, hotels, flower shops, stores, and boat operators will also earn while the district will become famous globally, he added.

The CM also praised Anupriya Patel for nationwide branding of Mirzapurs ODOP of brass products. CM Yogi accused the Indi alliance of propagating falsehoods and advocating divisive policies. He said that the INDIA bloc wants to give reservation meant for the OBCs, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes to Muslims, but the BJP will never allow this.

They want to bring Taliban rule by implementing personal law, but the BJP will not allow this. India will be governed by the Constitution, not by Sharia, he asserted.

The SP-Congress insulted Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, but PM Modi respected him. In West Bengal, Trinamool Congress, an ally of INDIA bloc, gave the OBC reservation to 118 Muslim castes, which was rejected by the High Court. Congress has also done the same in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. SP had also mentioned it in its manifesto in 2012-2014, Yogi added.

The CM said that the SP had disbanded 54 companies of the PAC, which tackled the menace of rioters in the state. We reinstated all these companies. Whenever there is a riot in the country, UP-PAC is called to deal with the rioters. Just hearing their name makes rioters retreat into their homes. And when riot stops, they ask me to send bulldozers too, he said.

Highlighting the developmental works, the Chief Minister stated that in 2014 and 2019, Mirzapur witnessed implementation of various projects such as Har Ghar Nal Yojana, the Bansagar Project, the Maa Vindhyavasini Corridor, the establishment of a University and Medical College, construction of a bridge over Maa Ganga, and enhancements in railway and highway connectivity, along with village-to-village connectivity improvements.

Mirzapur and Sonbhadra are poised to fulfill additional developmental aspirations and are on track to modernize akin to Lucknow and Varanasi, radiating a new vitality across the country, he stated further.
The US based Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI), recently published a report on illegal funding of ongoing anti-Israel protests in US universities. The report titled, How CCP (Chinese Communist Party) influence and radical ideologies threaten critical infrastructure and campuses across the US, implied a Chinese hand behind these protests. These are organized under the banner of Shut it down for Palestine (SID4P). They commenced with demonstrations in support of Gaza in Times Square four days after the 7 October attacks, well before Israel launched its assault on 27 October.

Convenors include seven organizations including a few pro-Palestine activist organizations, whose antecedents are well established. In early November, SID4P officially registered its domain shutitdown4palestine.org. Three of the listed convenor organizations are part of a network linked by close financial, interpersonal, and ideological ties to Neville Roy Singham and his wife Jodie Evans. The couple, currently based in Shanghai, are known to have close ties with CCPs propaganda departments. Singham is also being investigated in India for similar activities. As per the NCRI report, The Singham Network comprises a wide range of nonprofit alternative media outlets and donor organizations that have been funneling undisclosed funds and disseminating CCPsupported agendas and narratives. The report mentions eight media houses, linked to the network, pushing Chinese narratives in the US.

In India, Singham is accused of funding NewsClick, which was vigorously promoting a pro-China narrative based on his directions. One of USs networks, BT media, had published YouTube videos titled, How China will win: capitalism inherently collapses, Chinas rise, and Xi Aims for Common Prosperity. Post 7 October, these networks began pushing pro-Palestine, pro-Hezbollah narratives. Their intention was to positively project anti-Israel groups, Hamas and Hezbollah. There were reports of outsiders participating and guiding US protests. India Today, in an article in early May, quoted a City University of New York (CUNY) official as saying, only five of the 31 people arrested were affiliated with CUNY as students or staffers, and at least 10 didnt even live in New York.

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Another report stated that a majority of the 300 arrested in Hamilton Hall of Columbia University were professional agitators, not students. Similar inputs emerged from other institutions in the US, Canada as also Europe. The Jewish publication Tablet states that shortly before masked assailants stormed Columbia Universitys Hamilton Hall and barricaded themselves inside, Peoples Forum  a Manhattan event space affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, funded by Neville Roy Singham  urged its activists to rush up to Columbia to support our students. In India, outsiders were involved in inciting violence in multiple protests. Thus, peaceful CAA/NRC protests turned violent and on occasion even resulted in clashes between religious groups resulting in police firing and casualties. Neville Singham has been summoned for questioning by the Delhi Police special squad investigating the NewsClick case, but he refuses to respond.

NewsClick is alleged to have received large sums through offshore companies established by Singham to propagate Chinese propaganda in India. Investigative inputs mention that it received approximately Rs 92 crore between 2018 and 2023. A New York Times investigation of last year commented that Singham has been behind promoting Chinese government agenda in many nations, including India. India Today quotes their report to say, Hundreds of millions of dollars in donations have been traced to groups linked to him that mix progressive advocacy with Chinese government talking points. Singham, after making his fortune in software, sold his company but continued dabbling in radical politics. His partner, Jason Pfetcher, and wife, Jodie Evans, have similar leanings. Though he denies it, intelligence inputs confirm his close links to CCPs propaganda machinery.

Once his case came into limelight, Singham published a rebuttal against both the New York Times investigation and the FIR lodged by the Enforcement Directorate against him for money laundering in The Hindu, in October last year. In his rebuttal, he claimed innocence while rubbishing all allegations. What further came to light in the Indian investigation were email exchanges between Prabir Purkayastha, founder and editor-inchief of NewsClick, and Singham. These emails cover subjects like defending Chinas position on Covid, supporting farmers protests, promoting Chinese interests and justifying its border clashes with India. The Delhi Police mentioned in a local court hearing recently that NewsClick was also involved in funding the 2020 Delhi riots, the CAA/NRC protests, the Naxal movement and the farmers protest. The police traced Rs 36 lakh which were expended for fuelling the Delhi riots. A Kashmir cell was also created by NewsClick to re-ignite violence in the valley. Evidently, Singham gave directions on where funds were to be expended, implying indirect involvement of China. Delhi Police further claim that NewsClick was peddling Chinese thoughts apparently at the behest of Nevilles paymasters who, at this stage, by way of deduction, can be referred to as being either China-sponsored or part of the Chinese Deep State.

Criticism of the governments actions against NewsClick flowed from media houses and political parties. These included accusing the government of cracking down on the press, ignoring Chinese funding and the role of Singham. While the court case against NewsClick is ongoing, the investigation report by NCRI indicates that China is indirectly involved in building unrest in nations it considers as its adversaries, which India and the US definitely are. There is a need to consider if apart from Singham, there are other channels also being exploited by China. The SID4P have impacted vote banks compelling Biden to adopt a cautious path. This interference by China could have been discussed by the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, during his recent visit to Beijing, which, of course, would have been denied by the Chinese.

In a diverse nation like India, creating unrest would be far easier. In India, social media influencers and global media networks are busy projecting the ruling dispensation in poor light while commenting on Indian democratic sliding as elections remain underway. They appear to warn the public against voting for them. Their impact may not be much as most issues being debated are internal. Evidently someone has to be funding them. China, which has been backing insurgency movements in the North East, will definitely attempt to fund unrest through sources like Neville Singham and others, unless investigative agencies shut them down.

(The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.)
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, now stretching into its eighth brutal month, presents a landscape of bleak options for both sides. As the war drags on, the initial optimism from early tactical advances by Israel has given way to a grinding and costly stalemate. The situation calls for an urgent rethinking of strategies, as none of the current trajectories promise a clear path to lasting peace. One proposed option is a fullscale military occupation by Israel.

This scenario envisions a decisive victory that would dismantle Hamass military capabilities and secure the release of hostages. However, historical precedents caution against this approach. The 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon saw the rise of Hezbollah, and similar patterns could emerge in Gaza. A long-term military presence would be costly, not only in terms of financial resources but also in human lives. Moreover, it would likely be met with international condemnation and increased responsibility for the welfare of Gazas 2.3 million residents. Another proposal involves a lighter occupation, with Israel maintaining security control while delegating civilian administration to local Palestinians unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, with support from Arab nations. This plan faces significant obstacles, notably the lack of willing and credible local partners.

Efforts to identify cooperative local leaders have thus far failed, and Arab states have shown little interest in legitimising an Israeli presence in Gaza. The idea of a grand bargain, supported by the United States, seeks a broader resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This would involve a reformed Palestinian Authority governing Gaza, backed by Arab nations, and Israel committing to a path toward Palestinian statehood. While theoretically promising, this plan demands substantial concessions from all parties involved. The Israeli leadership, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his key allies, have firmly opposed any move that could be perceived as rewarding Hamas or paving the way for a militant-run state. Hamass proposal, which includes the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli withdrawal, and a ceasefire, might seem more palatable to some Israelis. It offers the prospect of immediate relief, particularly for the families of hostages.

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Yet, this approach risks leaving Hamas in control and potentially stronger in the long term, as it would have time to regroup and rearm. Nevertheless, the rising public pressure within Israel for such a deal reflects the deepening war fatigue and the desperate desire for a resolution. Ultimately, each of these scenarios carries significant risks and trade-offs. A full-scale occupation could plunge Israel into a quagmire reminiscent of US experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. A lighter occupation or reliance on local governance faces practical and ethical hurdles. The grand bargain requires unprecedented political courage and compromise, while negotiating directly with Hamas could embolden the militant group. What is clear is that the current impasse cannot continue indefinitely without severe humanitarian and political repercussions. A creative and sustainable solution must be found, one that acknowledges the complex realities on the ground
At the dead of night, Cyclone Remal, still circling around the Bay of Bengal at speeds of hundreds of kilometres per hour, will crash land off the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. Days ago, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued the following alert: Depression formed over central Bay of Bengal is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm (scs) by the night of 25 May. It is then likely to cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara around 26 May midnight.

The dread of cyclones still haunts Kolkata, which witnessed two devastating and back-to-back super cyclones in the middle of the pandemic. Cyclone Amphan stampeded through the city between 16 and 21 May 2020, destroying anything that came in its path, uprooting trees, taking down overhead electrical wiring and blowing away asbestos rooftops of shanties in slums. Cyclone Yaas ripped through the eastern coastline between 23 and 28 May 2021, causing similar and untold damage.

Indeed, May seems to be the preferred month for these superstorms. Who can forget the evil Aila, which arrived unannounced on 25 May 2009, ripping through the unsuspecting Sunderbans, wiping out entire villages, and killing an estimated 339 people?

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At that time, there was less dissemination of information than now, and the cyclone caught islanders in the Bay of Bengal off guard, explains an environmental scientist. Now the cyclone alerts are much more proactively issued, and it allows the administration to take precautionary safety measures and lets islanders in the vulnerable areas prepare beforehand.

Indeed, summer is a time of intense worry for residents of the Sunderbans delta area. The dread of another cyclone keeps us awake at night, Gouranga Mete tells me. He is a resident of Ghoramara Island, which is disintegrating into the sea day by day anyway. Ghoramara, the closest island to Sagar Island, will be right in the middle of Cyclone Remals path.

Cyclones are more man-made than meets the eye. These twisters, though thought to be largely natural phenomena, are closely linked to climate change and global warming.

When the surface of the sea or the ocean gets excessively heated, hot air rises, causing a depression to occur, the environmental scientist explains. This creates a hollow centre from the depth of the waters to the surface of the sea or ocean, and this vacuum pulls water into its centre as it twists and twirls around the sea or ocean, only stopping when it crashes into a coastline or land.

This hollow is known as the eye of the storm and when it passes through a region, there is a stillness of sound, almost like a numbing silence, which is popularly called the lull before the storm.

I want to share a story from survivors who witnessed the eye of the storm during a cyclone. This account is from Ambarish Nag Biswas, president of the West Bengal Radio Club (Ham Radio), which was deployed as a disaster management team to coastal West Bengal for rescue work during Cyclone Foni in May 2019, quoting one of the boys present during the operation.

We were cowering in our car at the side of the road, which had turned into a river that was swelling every second. It was too late for us to move to safety. The super cyclone had landed near Digha, where we had been deployed for rescue work. The sky had turned completely black, and visibility was zero. Rain pounded the ground, and winds, blowing at over 190 kilometres per hour, swished around us, sweeping everything into the vortex. We just had to anchor our vehicle, which became like a boat, bobbing up and down on the coastal street that had merged with the sea. It is a miracle that we lived through the ordeal to tell the story, narrating which still gives us goosebumps.

They fell into the path of the extremely severe cyclonic storm as it was called, and they saw the eye, the hollow centre of the cyclone, with their own eyes. According to one of the men who had witnessed the twister as it passed them, it was like a giant with a massive, spherical body that stretched up to the sky. We could not take our eyes off it, he says, recalling the terrifying moment. It is truly a miracle that we survived.

It is ironic that the brunt of the adverse impact of cyclones is borne by those who least contribute to the production of greenhouse gases, which have caused the earth to heat up over the decades and punched holes into the ozone layer. Such as the poor people of the delta areas of the Bay of Bengal: they who do not even own refrigerators or air conditioners, which give off environmentally damaging heat; they who dont travel in vehicles, which give off environmentally harmful fumes; that they whose lifestyles are closest to nature should bear the brunt of natures fury is something I cannot fathom. Says Joydeep Gupta, South Asia director of international environmental organisation The Third Pole, Part of the damage to the Sunderbans post or during cyclones is a result of excessive deforestation. He too points out the irony that the local population, which contributes almost nothing to the carbon footprint, bears the brunt of climate change-related superstorms. He explains that the indigenous mangrove forests of the Sunderbans have always served as a natural buffer for cyclones, blocking off high winds and water inundation.

Recently, the state administration has taken steps to plant mangrove trees in the coastal region to try and minimise the damage caused by cyclones. The Mamata Banerjee government is committed to preventing damage to localities in the delta and has initiated a number of projects in the delta area, says Dola Sen, a Rajya Sabha member of the Trinamul, the states ruling party.

In the meantime, in anticipation of Remal, the islanders have been evacuated to safe buildings and shelters.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday, following the deadly airstrike by Israel near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

The emergency meeting was requested by Algeria and supported by Slovenia, diplomats said on Monday.

The Hamas-run health authority in Gaza said 45 people were killed and dozens injured in the Sunday airstrike that hit tents housing displaced people.

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Most of the victims of the airstrike were women and children, the health authority said, describing the incident as a massacre.
Gurucharan College, established on July 15, 1935, is recognised as one of the leading institutions in collegiate education. It has established a unique identity in higher education in the eastern part of India. The colleges esteemed reputation is not derived solely from its expansive grounds, impressive buildings, or large student body, but rather from its rich academic and intellectual legacy, cultivated over 88-years through the relentless efforts and sacrifices of dedicated individuals who spared no effort or sacrifices in building this monumental institution of higher learning in the Barak Valley. Today, this institution of potential excellence takes pride in its numerous alumni who have distinguished themselves in various professions and vocations of life both within India and on the global stage.

Initially, the college was housed in a Bungalow belonging to the late Promode Chandra Datta in Rongpur, situated alongside the Barak River. However, as riverbank erosion threatened the college's premises, it was temporarily relocated to the campus of the Silchar Normal School, conducting classes in the morning shift. Nevertheless, this temporary accommodation challenge was swiftly overcome as Gurucharan College received substantial support from various sources, enabling it to secure a permanent location in its current state.

Gurucharan College owes its existence to the visionary initiative of the late Bishnu Charan Dey Purkayastha, Deputy Inspector of Schools posted at Silchar in the early thirties of the last century. In his endeavor to establish a college in Silchar, he garnered the support of the late Kiron Sashi Nag, widow of late Guru Charan Nag, who generously donated Rs. 10,000 in 1934, for its establishment. The college was named in honor of Kiron Sashi Nag's late husband, Gurucharan, with a particular emphasis on promoting female education. The college was privileged to have Arun Kumar Chanda, a Bar-at-law and the son of the late Kamini Kumar Chanda, as its founding principal. Initially affiliated with Calcutta University, Gurucharan College later shifted its affiliation to Gauhati University in 1949, and following the establishment of Assam University (Central) in Silchar in 1994, it became affiliated with the latter. Presently, the college boasts an enrollment of over 5500 students across Arts, Science, Commerce, Business Administration and Higher Secondary section.

The course curricula and examinations of H.S Course are conducted as per rules and regulations of the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council. Starting from the academic session 2023-2024, the college has adopted the NEP-2020 curriculum through the FYUG programme. Additionally, since the academic year 2005-06, the college has initiated three UGC approved Career Oriented Programs (value-added courses) through the Department of Commerce. The introduction of various self-financing courses in subjects such as Biotechnology, Computer Science, Ecology & Environmental Science, Mass Communication, Business Administration, Diploma courses in Bioinformatics, Library and Information Science, Bengali Recitation, Spoken Sanskrit, and Manipuri Folk Dance enriches the college's illustrious history. Moreover, the college has dedicated study centers of IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) and KKHSOU (Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University) catering to the needs of distance education, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, further enhancing its educational offerings. In addition to these, the college recently established a Civil Services Study Centre, funded by State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA), providing resources and support for students aspiring to pursue careers in the civil services.

The year 2016 marked a significant milestone in Gurucharan College's history, as it achieved reaccreditation as 'A' Grade with a CGPA of 3.11 under cycle 2 by NAAC, Bangalore. It had also been recognised as a College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) by UGC. Notably, the college boasts a well-equipped library stocked with a diverse range of books, journals, magazines, e-journals, and INFLIBNET facility. Moreover, the library collaborates with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, contributing to the development of the Manuscript Resource Centre and National Manuscript Conservation within its premises.

Gurucharan College features several state-of-the-art facilities, including sophisticated Computer Labs, a splendid auditorium, Smart Conference Hall, Smart Classrooms, an enriched Anthropological Museum, a Bioinformatics Centre, and a Biotech Hub. It also includes two well-constructed hostels for male and female students, along with a well-developed playground. Moreover, the college houses two units of NSS, NCC wings for both genders, and other amenities such as separate gymnasiums, a health center, a cafeteria, common rooms for male and female students, and its own printing press. In alignment with government directives, the college has initiated cashless transactions and proudly participates in the Digital India Campaign.

Since its establishment, Gurucharan College, under the adept leadership of our founding principal A.K. Chanda has embraced a notable legacy of work ethic and unwavering commitment. This ethos continually motivates both teaching and non-teaching staff to offer wholehearted support for the uninterrupted progress and advancement of the institution. The objective of the college is: To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield underscores its dedication to relentless pursuit of excellence.

Gurucharan College boasts of a vibrant cohort of alumni who play the role of major stakeholders in the overall development of the institution. The G.C. College Alumni Association is a non-profit making registered society under the Societies Registration Act XXI, 1860, New Delhi, bearing the Registration No. District/East/Society/556/2013 and has been functional since 2005. The Association maintains a close working relationship with the alma mater by providing useful feedback and collaborating wholeheartedly in its growth and development. The college has always taken great pride in its alumni who have scaled great heights in various fields and made impactful contributions to the society at large. The members of the Association contributed an amount of Rs 99600.00 for the flood affected people who sought refuge in the Model Flood Relief Camp at GC College in the month of July 2022.

The recent upgradation of the college to the status of a State University by the Government of Assam marks a significant milestone in the institution's history, initiating a new era of growth and development for Gurucharan College.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, passed in 2016, has been one of the most ambitious reforms of the Narendra Modi government. Earlier, insolvency cases used to drag on for years, and success was limited. The IBC was intended to solve this with cases expected to be completed in a time-bound manner, which was expected to aid recoveries too.

It has been almost eight years since the IBC was passed, but a study on IBC cases in 2023-24 reveals that a lot of issues remain. Importantly, resolutions still remain low and cases closed through liquidation remain high. Furthermore, haircuts or losses that financial creditors have to incur on their exposure also remain high.

In the financial year that ended on March 31, 2024, a total of 987 cases were admitted to the insolvency process. This is a nearly 22 per cent decline compared with the 1,263 cases that were admitted in 2022-23, according to a report by Kotak Institutional Equities.

Out of the total admitted cases till the March quarter of 2024, 38 per cent were from the manufacturing space, 21 per cent from real estate, 12 per cent from construction and 10 per cent from retail/wholesale trade.

"Corporate India continues to be in a healthy shape with no new signs of stress as most companies have gone through a fair amount of deleveraging. As a result, the direction of cases and outstanding claims will likely stay low as legacy stress gets resolved," said Kotak analysts MB Mahesh and Nischint Chawathe.

The total amount of debt resolved through IBC is around Rs 10.5 lakh crore. However, financial creditors have faced haircut of as much as 68 per cent on admitted claims, the report pointed out. While recoveries are low, many cases end up in liquidation.

Key reasons include the fact that by the time a company is admitted to the insolvency process, its financials are already weak. Many times, the value of the assets has also deteriorated or there are hardly any assets at all. In such a scenario, prospective buyers will certainly not want to offer a lot of money or there won't be any buyers at all.

"As we work through some of the weaker assets where there are incomplete projects or sectors with very poor demand from buyers, the realization values are relatively poorer," noted the analysts.

Under the IBC, the settlement procedure had to be completed within 180 days. A 90-day extension was allowed on that. Later, rules were revised and the timeline to complete the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) was extended to 330 days.

The Kotak analysts note that the average time taken for CIRPs, which ended with a resolution plan has also been steadily inching up. As of March 2024, it stood at 679 days. In the March quarter of 2023, the average time taken was 614 days and as of June 2022, it was 550 days.

While the IBC was expected to lead to faster resolutions, closure of cases by way of liquidation still remains dominant. Of the 5,640 cases that were closed till the March quarter of 2024, only 17 per cent were resolved, while 45 per cent faced liquidation, the Kotak report further noted.

"Liquidation remains the most common path of closure for cases under the insolvency resolution process," noted Mahesh and Chawathe.

Given that a significant amount of time has already passed in a large number of the ongoing cases, the number of cases facing liquidation is likely to remain high, the analysts added.

As of March quarter, 68 per cent of the ongoing cases have crossed 270 days since admission, and another 10 per cent have crossed 180 days, according to the Kotak report.

The analysts noted that one-third of liquidations happened because no resolution plans were received in those cases. Also, most cases ending up in liquidation were already defunct or were with the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR), they added.

Uday Kotak, the founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, cites the delay in the admission of cases to the NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) and the time taken there as the main reason behind the low resolutions.

"If we quicken that recovery percentage improves," he said on social media platform X.

Kotak, however, stated that IBC had brought benefits of creditors being in control and corporate accountability.






After KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran said on Monday that they will seek Rs 1,323 crore in damages from SpiceJet and its chief Ajay Singh and would also challenge a recent Delhi High Court order in the ongoing dispute, SpiceJet refuted the claims made against it.

Speicejet said in a stock exchanges filing: "These assertions are not only legally untenable but also a regurgitation of previously rejected claims by the Arbitral Tribunal and then the Delhi High Court."

The case dates back to early 2015, when Singh, who owned the airline earlier, bought it back from Maran after it was grounded for months due to resource crunch. As part of the agreement, Maran and KAL Airways had claimed to have paid SpiceJet Rs 679 crore for issuing warrants and preference shares.

Maran approached the Delhi High Court in 2017, claiming that SpiceJet had not issued convertible warrants and preference shares nor returned the money.

On May 17, a division bench of the court set aside a single judge bench order that had upheld an arbitral award asking SpiceJet and its promoter Ajay Singh to refund Rs 579 crore plus interest to Maran.

The bench allowed the appeals filed by Singh and SpiceJet challenging the single judge's order, passed on July 31, 2023, and remanded the matter back to the court concerned to consider the petitions challenging the arbitral award afresh.

Following this, Maran and his firm KAL Airways have decided to challenge the ruling.

On May 22, SpiceJet said it would seek a refund of Rs 450 crore out of the total Rs 730 crore paid to Maran and KAL Airways following the Delhi High Court ruling.
Popular Telugu actor Chiranjeevi urged the Centre to honor late actor and politician NTR (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao) with Bharat Ratna. The actor said this as he paid homage to NTR on his 101st birth anniversary on Tuesday.

"The fame of some is immortal. Generations are eternal. An example for future generations. Remembering Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao today, I think the Bharat Ratna award is a fitting tribute to his services in public life. I hope that the central government must forgive this long-standing wish of the Telugu people, Chiranjeevi said in a tweet in Telugu.

Hailed as one of the most influential actors in Telugu cinema, NTR was popular for playing Robin Hood-esque hero characters. Some of his most notable movies include Pathala Bhairavi (1951), Mayabazar (1957), and Nartanasala (1963).

N. T. Rama Rao served as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. In 1982, he founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and in the year next, the party won the legislative assembly elections and NTR became the chief minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too paid tributes to NTR on his birth anniversary, saying his contributions to film and politics continue to inspire generations.

"Remembering the legendary NTR on his birth anniversary. He was a remarkable icon of Telugu cinema and a visionary leader. His contributions to film and politics continue to inspire generations."

"From his unforgettable roles on screen to his transformative leadership, he is fondly remembered. We will keep working to fulfil his vision for our society," the prime minister wrote.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has slammed Mamata Banerjee-led TMC once again, stating that the party was fighting for its existence in West Bengal. Expressing confidence that the party will make significant gains in the state, the Prime Minister said the elections were "one-sided" in the state.

"In Bengal elections, TMCis fighting for existence. You must have seen it in the last Assembly elections, we had three seats. The people of Bengal took us from three to 80. We got a lot of support in the Lok Sabha in the last elections. This time, the best-performing state in India is going to be West Bengal. BJP is getting most success in West Bengal," the Prime Minister told ANI in an exclusive interview.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP made significant gains in the state, winning 18 seats while the ruling TMC's run ended with 22 seats.

He took a dig at TMC, saying the party was panicked seeing the public support for the BJP in West Bengal. "There are constant murders and attacks. The BJP workers are being locked in jails before the elections. Despite all these atrocities, the public is coming out in large numbers to vote," PM Modi added.

On the Calcutta High Court's order cancelling all OBC certificates issued in West Bengal after 2010, the Prime Minister said the TMC was "abusing judiciary" by stating that they won't accept the HC verdict.

He slammed Congress for giving religion-based reservations, which are not allowed in the Constitution. "They have a modus operandi. First, they gave it to the minorities by making a law in Andhra Pradesh, which they lost in the courts since it was unconstitutional. So, they cleverly started a backdoor game, making the community OBCs, thereby robbing the OBCs of their rights. When the High Court's judgement came, the fraud became clear. But what is even more unfortunate is that for vote-bank politics, now they are also abusing the judiciary," he said.

On Odisha, the Prime Minister opened up about his relationship with BJD supremo and chief minister Naveen Patnaik, stating that he was willing to sacrifice his friendship for the welfare of Odisha.

Explaining his decision to not align with BJD, despite the warm relations shared by both parties, Modi said he had no enmity with anyone. "We have good relations with the leaders of all the political parties of India. In a democracy, we do not have enmity. Now the question is whether I should maintain my relations or worry about the fate of Odisha. I chose to devote myself to the bright future of Odisha and if I have to sacrifice my relations for that, I will do that. After the elections, I will convince everyone that I have no enmity with anyone," he said.

The Prime Minister lamented that there has been no progress for the past 35 years in Odisha. Stating that a group has taken over the Odisha system, he said: " The biggest concern is that a toli (group) has taken over the entire Odisha system. It seems the whole system has been taken hostage. It is very natural that if Odisha comes out of it, then it will flourish," PM Modi added.

"Odisha has so many natural resources. It is sad to see the poor people of such a prosperous state. The government is responsible for this. That is why the people of Odisha should get their rights. Odisha should get its identity," he added.
The Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday demanded a CBI probe into the Porsche crash incident in Pune, in which two persons died, and said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should step down.

Two IT professionals lost their lives when a Porsche allegedly driven by a 17-year-old in an inebriated state ran over them in the Kalyani Nagar area of Pune city on May 19.

The incident sparked outrage after the Juvenile Justice Board granted bail to the teenager and asked him to write an essay on road accidents, but he was later sent to an observation home till June 5.

The police have since arrested the teenager's father, grandfather, and Dr Ajay Taware, head of the Forensic Medicine department of the Sassoon General Hospital and its chief medical officer, Dr Shrihari Halnor, for allegedly manipulating the blood samples of the juvenile.

Addressing a press conference here, state Congress chief Nana Patole alleged that the Sassoon General Hospital was a five-star hotel for criminals.

While the state is reeling under severe drought, instances of drunken driving and drugs are on the rise, he charged.

"Such incidents have been reported in Nagpur, Jalgaon and Pune, but what is infuriating is that efforts were made through the government system to ensure that the privileged accused get immediate bail," the Congress leader alleged.

The CBI must investigate the car crash case as there seems to be political interference to save the rich accused, he said.

He further alleged that the juvenile involved in the car crash was accompanied by an MLA's son.

Demanding the deputy chief minister's resignation, Patole claimed in Fadavis's hometown Nagpur, two girls crushed two youngsters to death with their car and got bail within 10 hours and said a similar incident was reported in Jalgaon, where an attempt was made to save the accused.

"Illegal drug racket is operating in Pune. Illegal pubs are rampant in Pune and Nagpur. After the car accident case, 36 illegal pubs in Pune had to be demolished. The BJP has ruined the youth by bringing large quantities of drugs from Gujarat to Maharashtra," he alleged.

"A minister and an MLA recommended that Dr Taware should be made the superintendent. People should know their names. The interference of the ruling party has increased, and criminals are roaming freely in the city. A tehsildar was fatally attacked in Indapur. From where do criminals get so much courage? It cannot happen without political blessings," Patole claimed.

Following the arrest of Sassoon General Hospital's Dr Ajay Taware in the car crash case, a 2023 letter written by NCP MLA Sunil Tingre has surfaced, in which he recommended the doctor be given an additional charge of medical superintendent.

Patole leader also claimed that the BJP plans to introduce Manusmriti in the curriculum for schools, but Congress will not let this happen.

"Women have no place in Manusmriti. An attempt to replace the Constitution with Manusmriti will never succeed," he said.
After an extensive 40-day journey crisscrossing the nation, the seven-phase electoral juggernaut has finally arrived in Kolkata. In the last phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls on June 1, a total of 57 constituencies will head to the polls.

Among these, nine crucial constituencies in south Bengal, primarily in Kolkata and its neighbouring regions, will also cast their ballots. Other than Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal is the only state where polling has been ongoing since the opening phase.

As a result, politically rich citizens of Indias cultural hub have had to wait anxiously to take part in the greatest festival of democracy.

On Tuesday, though, the wait truly ended. Following a day of sluggishness due to heavy rains and strong winds caused by cyclone Remal, Kolkata burst into a political frenzy. In what could easily be called the clash of political titans, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did roadshows in the heart of the City of Joy within a span of an hour.

As a result, traffic was heavily restricted on several roads in northern and central parts of Kolkata. Bidhan Sarani was made completely non-operational between 3 pm and 9 pm.

Mamata Banerjees meetings and rallies in and around Kolkata have been a daily feature ahead of the last phase of the polls. For the BJP, however, PM Modis roadshow holds extra significance given that the saffron party has eyed 30 seats from West Bengal as part of its '400-par' project.

The PM has made extra efforts to visit almost every constituency in the state and campaign for all 42 candidates physically. It remains to be seen if his claim of West Bengal providing the best outcome for the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls comes true on June 4.

PM Modi arrived in the state after a rally in Jharkhands Dumka. He did a roadshow and addressed a rally in Barasats Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas district in support of the partys Barasat Lok Sabha constituency candidate Swapan Majumder and Basirhat candidate Rekha Patra. He then addressed a meeting in Jadavpurs Baruipur in support of the partys Jadavpur candidate Anirban Ganguly and Kolkata South candidate Debashri Chaudhary and paid his tribute at Sarada Mas residence in Kolkatas Bagbazar.

Mamata Banerjee, on the other hand, started her day with a march in Dum Dum in support of the partys candidate Saugata Roy.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee dances with artists during a road show for Lok Sabha elections, in Kolkata | Salil Bera

Both the leaders then made their way to the heart of Kolkata. The Trinamool supremo started her program from Entally in central Kolkata before marching her way towards Ballygunje, seeking a vote for her Kolkata Dakshin candidate Mala Roy.

PM Modi, meanwhile, did his roadshow in Kolkata Uttar constituency where the party has fielded TMC-turncoat Tapas Roy. Before starting he paid floral tribute to a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The excitement among the crowd in both the leaders events was apparent. While a large group of people, including party workers and supporters walked behind the Bengal chief minister, a thick crowd lined up on the footpaths to catch a glimpse of the prime minister.

From his rally in Barasat on Tuesday, he attacked the TMC on the issues of Sandeshkhali, corruption, alleged religious appeasement and vote-bank politics. He said, Main objective of the opposition is to appease the vote bank. Trinamool has cheated the OBCs in Bengal. The Calcutta High Court said declaring 77 Muslim communities as OBCs is unconstitutional. So, Trinamool has taken away the rights of millions of OBCs.

He added, The saints of Ramakrishna Mission are being insulted. [Trinamool is] just doing it to please the vote bank. Sandeshkhali's sisters wanted justice. Trinamool has targeted them.

In Jadavpur, he attacked the CPI(M) and Trinamool together. He said, The politics of TMC and CPI(M) have finished Bengal. Just by the name they are two different parties. Their shop is the same and all items are also similar.

PM Modi is scheduled to stay the night at Raj Bhavan.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, on Tuesday, took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had recently congratulated director Payal Kapadia, who became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for her Malayalam-Hindi movie All We Imagine as Light.

Responding to the congratulatory message of Modi to Payal Kapadia, the Congress leader, in a tweet, said, "Modi ji, if India is proud of her, should your government not immediately #WithdrawTheCases against her and fellow FTII students protesting against your governments arbitrary appointment of an unqualified Chairman?"

PM Modi, in his tweet congratulating the director, had mentioned her institute.

"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," Modi said.

Cases against Payal Kapadia

In 2015, Payal Kapadia led a student protest against Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) over the appointment of actor-turned-politician Gajendra Chauhan as the chairman of the institute.

The protesting students had said Chauhan, best known for playing Yudhisthir in the TV serial 'Mahabharat', did not match the vision and stature of past chairmen of the FTII governing council and alleged that the appointment was politically coloured.

During the strike that lasted over 130 days, police entered the campus and arrested some of the students. As many as 35 students, including Payal 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 Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to approach the bench of the Chief Justice of India to extend his interim bail in the liquor policy case.

When Kejriwals plea was mentioned, a bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and K.V. Viswanathan were not inclined to accept the plea and observed the matter had already been heard and judgment was reserved on it. The bench however directed the Delhi CM to approach the bench of Chief Justice of India for appropriate orders, LiveLaw reported.

The Aam Aadmi Party leader approached the apex court on Monday, seeking an extension of his interim bail by seven days on health grounds. The plea said the chief minister is required to undergo some medical tests and thus needs the interim bail, which is ending on June 1, to be extended.

On May 10, the Supreme Court granted the AAP convener interim bail for a period of 21 days to enable him to campaign for the Lok Sabha polls. It, however, had barred him from visiting his office or the Delhi secretariat and signing official files unless absolutely necessary for obtaining the lieutenant governor's approval.

The Delhi CM was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case registered in connection with alleged scam in scrapped now scrapped Delhi liquor policy.
The Baby Care New Born Hospital at Delhi's Vivek Vihar, where seven children died after a fire tore through the building, functioned without necessary safety precautions, according to a report. An inspection by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) team revealed that the building had no emergency exits, non-functional fire extinguishers, fire alarms or water sprinkler system.

The NCPCR team, led by member Preeti Bharadwaj Dalal which visited the site on Sunday to assess the situation, found grave safety lapses, a clear violation of the National Building Code of India, 2016, and guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority.

Six newborns died at the hospital on Sunday after a massive fire broke out which soon The fire broke out in the Baby Care New Born Hospital at around 11.30 pm on Saturday and soon spread to two other adjacent buildings.

The commission also found that the hospital lacked preparedness for an emergency as it was the local people who alerted the fire and rescue services, not the hospital staff. This suggested a severe lack of emergency training among the staff.

The NCPCR, in a report shared with the Delhi LG and Police Commissioner, also claimed the incident occurred due to negligence on the part of the nursing home authorities. The commission has also demanded from the hospital the No Objection Certificate from the Fire department, its operating licence, its registration certificate, a list of all staff with their qualifications, the sanctioned capacity of NICU beds/incubators, a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) related to the incident, the post mortem reports, and the licence for refilling the oxygen unit.

The police have launched an investigation into why 27 oxygen cylinders were kept in the hospital. Five of these had exploded during the deadly blaze

Meanwhile, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Monday said the hospital had been refilling oxygen from a bigger cylinder to a smaller one. He added that it was illegal for a hospital to have a refilling system since it could lead to a fire.

Several residents too allege that the hospital carried out refilling oxygen from big to small cylinders. However, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdra) Surendra Choudhary said they have not found any clues so far to corroborate the claims.

At the same time, he said the police are trying to ascertain why 27 oxygen cylinders were stored in the five-bed hospital. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

Police said that the private neonatal hospital was operating despite the expiry of its licence on March 31. It also did not have qualified doctors and no clearance from the fire department.

There are also complaints that many parents whose newborns were admitted to the facility had no clue what was going on.
The CBI has filed a charge-sheet against suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shahajahan Sheikh and six others in connection with the January 5 attack on an Enforcement Directorate team at Sandeshkhali, officials said on Tuesday.



The agency filed its first charge-sheet in the case on Monday before a special court, they said.

The ED team had come under attack from a 1,000-strong mob when they went to raid the house of Sheikh in connection with the multi-crore ration distribution scam in West Bengal.

The team had gone to arrest Sheikh because of his alleged close links with arrested former state food minister Jyoti Priya Mallick under scanner in the scam, they said.

Sandeshkhali, a riverine island around 80km from Kolkata, has been in the news after local women alleged land grabbing and sexual abuse by Sheikh and his men, who are involved in fish farming and trading. The CBI has taken over investigation in three cases related to incidents on January 5, they said.

Sheikh was arrested by the state police on February 29 and the CBI took him under its custody on March 6, they said.
As many as 10 persons died and several are feared trapped as a stone quarry collapsed in Mizorams capital Aizawl. Rescue operations are progressing at the accident site.



The collapse occurred at around 6am on Tuesday due to incessant rains, officials said. According to officials, the collapse happened in an area between Melthum and Hlimen on the southern outskirts of the Aizawl town.

Earlier, Senior police officials told PTI that the bodies of five persons have been recovered and heavy rains are hindering the rescue operations. Mizoram police DGP Anil Shukla said police personnel are engaged in rescue operations.

According to officials, rains triggered landslides at several places in the state. Aizawl has been cut off from the rest of the country due to a landslide on National Highway 6 at Hunthar, they said.

Besides, several intra-state highways have also been disrupted by landslides. Because of the rains, all schools were closed and government employees, except those involved in providing essential services, were asked to work from home.

-with inputs from agencies.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the war will continue till the completion of the military's goals, though the Rafah camp strike was a "tragic mishap". His statement comes amid an international outcry over the Rafah camp strike that killed 45 people.

"Despite our best effort, not to harm those not involved, unfortunately, a tragic mistake happened last night. We are investigating the case," Netanyahu said about the strike in a speech at the Israeli Knesset on Monday.

He, however, added that Israel would not surrender or end the war before all its objectives were completed. "The pressure directed at home and abroad towards the Israeli government, which is fighting with all its might to return the hostages, only hardens the positions of (Hamas leader Yahya) Sinwar, who demands from Israel surrender conditions that endanger its existence, and therefore we cannot agree to them," Netanyahu said.

The Israel Defence Forces also said that the Israeli militarys General Staff's Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism is investigating an airstrike carried out in Rafah on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the tent camp strike has triggered a massive outrage against Israel, with the UN calling on Israel to stop the horror. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said "the horror had to stop" and that there was "no safe place in Gaza". The UN Security Council will also hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the strike in the city at the request of Algeria.

The strike also triggered reactions from the Western nations, including the US which urged Israel to take more care to protect civilians. Washington stopped short of calling for a halt to the Rafah incursion. "Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians," a National Security Council spokesperson said. "But as we've been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians."

French President Emmanuel Macron too said he is "outraged" over Israel's latest attacks. "These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians," he said on X.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the International Court of Justice ruling must be respected. "International humanitarian law applies for all, also for Israel's conduct of the war," Baerbock said.
The Papua New Guinea government had ordered evacuations on Tuesday after a massive landslide buried over 2,000 people under the mud. Further fears of a second landslide and disease outbreak also loom in Enga province.

According to officials, the still-active landslides are posing a major challenge to the rescue operations.

It has been difficult to access the northern Enga region of the Pacific nation since Friday, said officials. The treacherous terrain was making it difficult for the heavy equipment and aid to arrive in the landslide-hit areas as well.

Residents are using sticks, shovels and their bare hands to search for the survivors. "The landslide area is very unstable. When we're up there, we're regularly hearing big explosions where the mountain is, there are still rocks and debris coming down," Enga province disaster committee chairperson Sandis Tsaka told Reuters.

According to the United Nations, only six bodies have been recovered so far. The total affected population, including those needing possible evacuation and relocation, was estimated at 7,849.

A bridge collapsing on the main highway has again forced the aid convoys to take the longer route.

Reportedly, around 8,000 people need to be evacuated. "My biggest fear at the moment is corpses are decaying, ... water is flowing and this is going to pose serious health risks in relation to contagious diseases," Aktoprak was quoted by Associated Press.

The Papua New Guinea government on Sunday officially asked the United Nations for additional help and to coordinate contributions from individual nations.

An Australian disaster response team is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday to assist the relief efforts. Australia's minister for the Pacific, Pat Conroy, said the government would also provide long-term logistical support for clearing debris, recovering bodies and supporting displaced people. The government announced an initial aid package of 2.5 million Australian dollars (USD 1.7 million).

India on Tuesday announced an immediate financial aid of USD 1 million to provide relief and assistance.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences and conveyed India's readiness to extend all possible support and assistance to the Pacific island country in its time of difficulty.

"As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, the government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of USD 1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts," MEA said in a statement.
Pope Francis allegedly used a homophobic slur to describe gay men during a closed-door meeting with bishops in Rome, several Italian newspapers reported. The pontiff reportedly used the highly derogatory term while reiterating that gay people should not be allowed to become priests.

According to two prominent Italian newspapers 'La Repubblica' and 'Corriere della Sera', the 87-year-old Pope said seminaries were already too full of "frociaggine", a vulgar Italian term roughly translating as "faggotness".

The incident is said to have happened on May 20, when the Italian Bishops Conference (CIE) opened a four-day assembly with a non-public meeting with the pontiff. The discussion centred on the amendment of guidelines to accept candidates to seminaries, a topic the CIE is said to have been deliberating for some time. On whether gay men should be admitted to Catholic seminaries, the Pontiff is said to have reiterated his vehement opposition to the idea.

Stating that while it was important to embrace everyone, he said "it was likely that a gay person could risk leading a double life." He is then alleged to have added that there was already too much "frociaggine" in some seminaries.

Though the report first appeared in the political gossip website 'Dagospia', major dailies 'La Repubblica' and 'Corriere della Sera', and news agency 'Adnkronos' followed them up. The reports quoted unnamed Bishops.

The source mentioned in 'Corriere' said the Pope, being an Argentine, might not have realised that the Italian term he used was offensive. However, the slur left those around the Pope surprised and perplexed.

Since he took over as Pope, he has sought to adopt a favourable approach towards the LGBTQ+ community. In 2013, at the start of his papacy, he famously said, "If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?".

Last year, he allowed priests to bless unmarried and same-sex couples couples, marking a significant change in the position of the Catholic church. However, the Pope has also been clear about not allowing gay people to join the clergy. In a 2018 interview, he said he aired his views on homosexuality, stating he was "concerned.

"In our societies, it even seems that homosexuality is fashionable and that mentality, in some way, also influences the life of the church," he said.
rael has strenuously denied. Spain and Norway moved to formally recognise a Palestinian state with Ireland to follow suit on Tuesday in a coordinated effort by the three western European nations. Israel slammed the diplomatic move that will have no immediate impact on its grinding war in Gaza but adds to international pressure on Tel Aviv to soften its devastating response to last year's Hamas-led attack.

Prime Minister Pedro Snchez said the Spanish Cabinet will recognise a Palestinian state at its Tuesday morning meeting.

This is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace, Snchez, standing at the gates of the prime minister's palace in Madrid, said during a televised speech.

Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz lashed out at Spain on X, saying Snchez's government was being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement that for more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a Palestinian state. Today, when Norway officially recognises Palestine as a state, is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.

While dozens of countries have recognised a Palestinian state, none of the major Western powers has done so. Still, the adherence of three European countries to the group represents a victory for Palestinian efforts in the world of public opinion.

Relations between the EU and Israel have nosedived with the diplomatic recognitions by two EU members, and Madrid insisting on Monday that the EU should take measures against Israel for its continued deadly attacks in southern Gaza's city of Rafah.

After Monday's meeting of EU foreign ministers, Irish Foreign Minister Michel Martin said for the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, I have seen a significant discussion on sanctions for Israel.

Norway, which is not an EU member but often aligns its foreign policy with the bloc, handed diplomatic papers to the Palestinian government over the weekend ahead of its formal recognition.

At the same time, the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell threw his weight behind the International Criminal Court, whose prosecutor is seeking an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, including leaders of the Hamas militant group.

The formal declaration and resulting diplomatic dispute come over seven months into a grinding war waged by Israel against Hamas in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas-led attack in which militants stormed across the Gaza border into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostage. Israel's air and land attacks have killed 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Last week's joint announcement by Spain, Ireland and Norway triggered an angry response from Israeli authorities, which summoned the countries' ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the Foreign Ministry, where they were filmed while being shown videos of the October 7 Hamas attack and abductions.

Some 140 countries more than two-thirds of the United Nations recognise a Palestinian state. The addition of three western European countries to that group will likely put pressure on EU heavyweights France and Germany to rethink their position.

Slovenia's Prime Minister Robert Golob said Monday his government will decide on the recognition of a Palestinian state on Thursday and forward its decision to parliament for final approval.

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. Netanyahu's government says the conflict can only be resolved through direct negotiations.

In his speech on Tuesday, Snchez said that the recognition of a Palestinian state was a decision that we do not adopt against anyone, least of all against Israel, a friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.

The Socialist leader, who announced his country's decision before parliament last week, has spent months touring European and Middle Eastern countries, including stops in Oslo and Dublin, to garner support for the recognition of a Palestinian state and a cease-fire in Gaza.

He called for a permanent cease-fire, for stepping up humanitarian aid into Gaza and for the release of hostages that Hamas has held since the October 7 attack that triggered Israel's response.

Snchez said that the move was to back the beleaguered Palestinian Authority, which lost effective political control of Gaza to Hamas. He laid out his vision for a state ruled by the Palestinian Authority that must connect the West Bank and Gaza via a corridor with east Jerusalem as its capital.

Norway's Barth Eide added that it is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively.

The recognition is a strong expression of support for moderate forces in both countries," Norway's top diplomat said.

The Western-backed Palestinian Authority administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, cooperates with Israel on security matters and favours a negotiated two-state solution. Its forces were driven out of Gaza by Hamas when the militants seized power there in 2007.

The Palestinians have long sought an independent state in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war. The idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but no serious or substantive peace negotiations have been held in over 15 years.

We will not recognise changes in the 1967 border lines other than those agreed to by the parties, Snchez added.

Furthermore, this decision reflects our absolute rejection of Hamas, a terrorist organisation who is against the two-state solution, Snchez said. From the outset, Spain has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks of October 7. This clear condemnation is the resounding expression of our steadfast commitment in the fight against terrorism. I would like to underline that starting tomorrow we would focus all our efforts to implement the two state solution and make it a reality.

Israel is also under pressure from the International Criminal Court after its chief prosecutor said he would seek arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his defence minister. The ICJ is also considering allegations of genocide that Israel has strenuously denied.
After reports of Pope Francis using vulgar term to describe gay men, the Vatican on Tuesday issued an apology.

Reportedly, the Pope made the 'derogatory comments' during a closed-door meeting with bishops in Rome on May 20.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a statement acknowledging the incident. In a statement, the Vatican said that the Pope did not intend to use homophobic language and apologised to anyone offended by it.

The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms and apologises to those who felt offended by the term reported by others," read the statement. Bruni said Francis was aware of the reports and recalled that the Argentine Pope, who has made outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy, has long insisted there was room for everyone in the Catholic Church.

According to two prominent Italian newspapers 'La Repubblica' and 'Corriere della Sera', Pope said seminaries were already too full of "frociaggine", a vulgar Italian term roughly translating as "faggotness".

The comments were made at the Italian Bishops Conference (CIE), where the discussion was centred on the amendment of guidelines to accept candidates to seminaries. On whether gay men should be admitted to Catholic seminaries, the Pontiff is said to have reiterated his vehement opposition to the idea.

Stating that while it was important to embrace everyone, he said "it was likely that a gay person could risk leading a double life." He is then alleged to have added that there was already too much "frociaggine" in some seminaries.
A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a retired New York Police Department officers conviction and 10-year prison sentence for assaulting a police officer during the Jan. 6, 2021, siege at the U.S. Capitol.

A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected Thomas Websters claims that he was convicted by a biased jury.

Webster, a 20-year NYPD veteran, argued that the entire jury pool in Washington, D.C., was presumptively prejudiced against him. But the panel found no evidence that the jury pool had any preconceived notions about Webster, or even knew who he was.

Jurors rejected Websters claim that he was defending himself when he tackled Metropolitan Police Department officer Noah Rathbun and grabbed his gas mask. They convicted Webster of all six counts in his indictment, including a charge that he assaulted Rathbun with a dangerous weapon, a flagpole.

Webster drove to Washington from his home near Goshen, New York, to attend then-President Donald Trumps Stop the Steal rally near the White House on Jan. 6. Webster was wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a Marine Corps flag on a metal pole when he joined the mob that stormed the Capitol.

Trump nominated two of the three judges who decided Websters appeal.

The appellate court panel said Webster hadnt shown that the jury pool in Washington was structurally incapable of producing fair juries for Capitol riot defendants.

Webster asserts that the District overwhelmingly voted for President (Joe) Biden and historically votes for Democratic candidates, the ruling says. That may be. But the political inclinations of a populace writ large say nothing about an individuals ability to serve impartially in adjudicating the criminal conduct of an individual.

Websters 10-year prison sentence is one of the longest among hundreds of Capitol riot cases. He was the first Jan. 6 defendant to be tried on an assault charge and the first to present a self-defense argument.

Over 850 people have been sentenced for Capitol riot convictions. Only 10 of them have received a longer prison sentence than Webster, according to an Associated Press review of court records.

The panel rejected his argument that the length of his sentence was substantively unreasonable compared to other Capitol riot defendants.

(AP)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was spotted reading a book while sitting in the Knesset plenum on Monday evening.

What was the book?      a book by Rabbi Simon Jacobson explaining the eitzos and views of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to lifes challenges.

The book was originally written in English and was translated into Hebrew several years ago.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
President Joe Bidens administration is urging European allies to hold off on plans to censure Iran over its nuclear program, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The U.S. is allegedly attempting to persuade the United Kingdom and France to avoid censuring Iran at the upcoming meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) member state board in June. Multiple diplomats informed the Journal that the U.S. is also encouraging several countries to abstain from voting should a censure motion arise.

However, U.S. officials have denied these reports. One unnamed official described the claims as totally false. Another American official emphasized that Washington remains tightly coordinated with its European allies and stated, Any speculation about decisions is premature. The official added, We are increasing pressure on Iran through sanctions and international isolation.

Despite Irans assertions that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, it has consistently refused to allow the IAEA to investigate undeclared nuclear material within the country.

Irans level of cooperation with the agency remains unacceptable, U.S. Ambassador to the IAEA Laura Holgate remarked during a board meeting in March. The board must be prepared to take further action should Irans cooperation not improve dramatically.

Kelsey Davenport, director for nonproliferation policy at the Arms Control Association, told the Journal, The board needs to send a message to Iran that there are consequences for stonewalling. But it needs to be part of a broader strategy. The goal should be pressuring and incentivizing Iran to cooperate with the IAEA and expand their access.

The Journals report came just ahead of a report by the IAEA on Monday that Iran has increased the amount of uranium it has that is already enriched to 60%  just a short technical step away from being weapons-grade.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A survey conducted by the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs (JCFA) has revealed that a significant 64 percent of the Israeli public opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of the normalization process with Saudi Arabia.

The comprehensive report is scheduled for release at the 13th Annual Jerusalem Post Conference in New York next week. Conducted in collaboration with the Panels Politics research institute, led by Menachem Lazar, the survey provides insight into the perspectives of both Jewish and Arab Israelis on this critical political issue.

The survey highlights considerable political divides: 84 percent of right-wing voters, 54 percent of centrist voters, and 24 percent of left-wing voters oppose the creation of a Palestinian state. Conversely, a similar percentage of left-wing voters support the idea unconditionally.

Support for a Palestinian state, conditional on recognition and demilitarization, saw a notable decline among respondents aged 60 and above, dropping from 44 percent to 32 percent. Similar decreases were observed among those with academic education (from 29 percent to 20 percent) and high-income individuals (from 33 percent to 20 percent). Opposition was particularly pronounced among younger respondents (70 percent of those aged 18-29), individuals with lower education levels (72 percent), and traditional, religious, and Charedi respondents (74 percent, 88 percent, and 91 percent, respectively). Among secular respondents, the opposition rate stood at 54 percent.

Dr. Dan Diker, president of the JCFA, is set to present the survey findings at the conference. He will also engage in discussions with Mosab Hassan Yousef, known as The Green Prince, addressing the potential dangers posed to Israel by the creation of a Palestinian state, particularly in light of strategic and security concerns following the October 7 massacre.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A small protest by Neturei Karta outside Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim (Scheiners Shul) on Forshay Road in Monsey has sparked a massive counterprotest, with hundreds of people calling out the wicked reshaim for their public pro-Hamas stance.

The Neturei Karta protest was prompted by a special event at the shul, in which Yehuda Alon, a shemitta farmer and IDF veteran, provided a first-hand account of the October 7 atrocities by Hamas, as well as an eye-opening discussion with him about the silent war that is threatening the existence of Israel as we know it, according to a flyer announcing the event.

The small band of Hamas-supporting, Jew-garb wearing terror-lovers was met with a fierce counterprotest. Numerous local, county, and even state police agencies are at the scene due to the huge crowds standing up against the evil baby-killer-kissers protesting in their own community.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israeli security forces shot down two explosive drones headed toward Eilat from the east close to midnight on Monday.

Sirens blared in the city and following the interceptions, residents heard loud explosions although the drones were downed before crossing into Israeli airspace.

The IDF later issued a statement saying that the drones were successfully intercepted by a fighter jet and air defense systems.

The Iranian-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Israeli officials told the Biden administration overnight Monday that the fire at the tent camp in Rafah that sparked an international outcry was most likely caused by shrapnel from the IDFs airstrike on two Hamas leaders, a US source told ABC News.

Israeli security officials estimate that shrapnel from the airstrike hit a fuel tank near the tent camp, located about 100 meters (.06) miles] away from the attack site.

The report added that the US lacks information to confirm or deny Israels estimate and is waiting for the results of the investigation the IDF launched. The fire killed dozens of innocent Gazan civilians.

The strike, carried out with precise warheads, took place after Israel received intelligence that the two Hamas commanders were in the area. The slain terrorists, the head and a senior member of Hamass Shomron Division, were responsible for the planning and execution of numerous terror attacks, including ones that caused the deaths of Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The countries of Norway, Spain and Ireland officially recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday after declaring their intention to do so last week.

Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz excoriated Spain for the move on Tuesday, stating: Khamenei, Sinwar, and deputy PM Yolanda Diaz call for the elimination of Israel and for the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian terror state from the river to the sea.

Sanchez, when you dont fire your deputy and declare recognition of a Palestinian state  you are a partner to incitement to the genocide of Jews and to war crimes.

Katz singled out Spain after deputy prime minister Yolanda Diza said in a speech last week: From the river to the sea Palestine will be free.

Katz also summoned the ambassadors of Spain, Norway and Ireland last week and forced them to watch grueling footage of Hamas terrorists abusing and abducting female IDF soldiers.

While some 140 countries have recognized a Palestinian state  more than two-thirds of the United Nations  none of the major Western powers has done so. Still, the adherence of three European countries to the group represents a victory for Palestinian efforts in the world of public opinion, and will likely put pressure on EU heavyweights France and Germany to rethink their position.

Relations between the EU and Israel have nosedived with the diplomatic recognitions by two EU members, and Madrid insisting on Monday that the EU should take measures against Israel for its continued deadly attacks in southern Gazas city of Rafah.

After Mondays meeting of EU foreign ministers, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said for the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, I have seen a significant discussion on sanctions for Israel.

Harris, the Irish leader, insisted Tuesday the EU should consider economic sanctions for Israel, saying Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more.

Norway, which is not an EU member but often aligns its foreign policy with the bloc, handed diplomatic papers to the Palestinian government over the weekend ahead of its formal recognition.

Slovenias Prime Minister Robert Golob said Monday his government will decide on the recognition of a Palestinian state on Thursday and forward its decision to parliament for final approval.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem & AP)
Hezbollah is prepared to continue the war until the US elections and possibly until next spring, according to unnamed sources quoted by the Lebanese news agency El-Nashra.

On Friday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah delivered a televised speech to commemorate Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died last week. In his address to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Nasrallah promised more surprises.

These surprises, as reported by El-Nashra, are weapons that Hezbollah has not yet deployed. The terror group will reveal these weapons only if Netanyahu miscalculates and escalates the war.

Additionally, the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida reports that Hezbollah possesses long-range precision missiles and Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles with Iranian modifications. The group is also training to ambush Israeli patrols, surround them with fire, and conduct operations on Israeli soil, including capturing IDF soldiers.

Hezbollahs current strategy, according to Al-Jarida, is to increase military pressure on Israel to induce domestic pressure on the Israeli government, forcing Netanyahu to negotiate for a truce.

The report also mentions that all possible scenarios were discussed in Tehran last week during Raisis funeral by leaders of Iran-backed terror groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Sources close to Hamas and Hezbollah told Al-Jarida that Hamas will maintain a strict negotiating position, refuse to make concessions to Israel, and not release hostages until Israel stops the war and withdraws its troops from the Gaza Strip.

The two terror groups reportedly believe that Washington will increase pressure on Israel to end the war as the US presidential elections approach.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organization published a brief propaganda video on Tuesday of Alexander [Sasha] Trufanov, who was abducted on October 7th.

It is the first sign of life from Trufanov but there is no evidence that the video was filmed in recent days.

Trufanov, a resident of Tel Aviv, was visiting his parents on Kibbutz Nir Oz and was abducted along with his mother and grandmother, who were released in November.

His father was murdered in the assault.

To see him today on television is very happy, but also heartbreaking because he is still in captivity, said his mother, Yelena, following the release of the video. I call on all decision makers, please do everything to bring him and all the hostages home now.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Strict new EU regulations for pedestrian safety have outlawed the unique feature

Italian car maker Alfa Romeo has been forced to scrap a 70-year design tradition on its stylish vehicles, due to a new safety law introduced by the European Union.

The manufacturer will no longer sell new models with off-centre front number plates, because they do not conform to pedestrian safety rules brought in by the EU.

It means the brand will have to revert to centrally-mounted plates, as used by the majority of car makers.

Alfa Romeo's customary offset registration plate on the front bumper dates back to the 1955 Giulietta Spider and is a design feature synonymous with the company and one that is still used on today's cars, including the Giulia, Stelvio and Tonale.

Alfa Romeo has been forced to ditch its offset front number plate position for its future models due to the introduction of new EU regulations for car makers

For 69 years, Alfa Romeo has favoured the off-centre front number plate placement.

This allows for the brand's iconic 'Scudetto' triangular grille to run from the top of the bonnet to the lowest section of the bumper without being obscured in any way.

But the cars in showrooms today are likely the last to have this unique feature, bosses said.

Speaking to automotive specialist title Autocar, Alfa Romeo's design chief, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, confirmed its next-generation models - and those beyond - will have conventional centrally-position front plates.

He told the publication that the offset plate has been outlawed by 'homologation regulations' introduced as part of the European Union's General Safety Regulations to provide better protection for pedestrians if they are struck by a car.

'Some die-hard Alfisti, who think an Alfa Romeo isn't an Alfa Romeo unless it has the number plate on the side, won't be happy,' Mesonero-Romanos said.

The Italian manufacturer will no longer sell new models with off-centre front number plates because they do not conform to pedestrian safety rules brought in by the EU

Alfa Romeo's customary offset registration plate on the front bumper dates back to 1955. It is a design feature synonymous with the company that is still used on today's cars, including the Stelvio (pictured)

Some of Alfa Romeo's most recognisable cars of previous eras feature the off-centre number plate, including the 156 family saloon (pictured)

He added that there are 'plenty of beautiful Alfa Romeos in history which have the number plate in the middle'.

Despite what fans might think, the chief designer says the move will have benefits.

'[The regulation] will allow us to have symmetry anyway, so I am happy - I'm one of the guys who likes the plate in the middle,' he told Autocar.

Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Alfa Romeo's design chief, says there are a number of examples of models from the past with centrally-mounted front number plate, including the GTV (pictured)

Alfa Romeo has recently unveiled its first all-electric model, called the Junior (previously Milano, though this was vetoed by Italian law makers). As you can see, the brand has already switched away from its traditional offset number plate position

The Junior has a smaller version of Alfa Romeo's shield-shaped 'scudetto' grille that's available in two different designs. 'Leggenda' (left) is a traditional vented grille in a nod to classic models and 'Progresso' (right) is a sportier, contemporary look created by a blocky reinvention of the Alfa Romeo badge

Already, Alfa Romeo has made the change to centrally-positioned front plates on its new Junior - the company's first fully-electric model that's been engulfed in its own controversy.

The SUV was revealed in April, though it was dramatically vetoed by Italian lawmakers due to the fact calling it Milano breached domestic laws that block manufacturers from suggested products are built in Italy.

The electric SUV is being produced in Poland - the first Alfa to be made outside Italian borders - and therefore has been banned from using the name of the fashion capital where Alfa is based.

The Junior has a smaller version of the scudetto grille available in two different designs: 'Progresso' or 'Leggenda'.

The former is a sportier, contemporary look created by a blocky reinvention of the Alfa Romeo badge while the latter is a more traditional ventilated design that pays homage to its historic vehicles.

The first Alfa Romeo to have its front plate set over to one side (which is almost always offset to the nearside) was the 750/101-Series Giuletta Spider debuted in 1955

Alfa Romeo engineers wanted the number plate moved away from the grille of the Spider to allow for more airflow to the radiator to cool the engine

The first Alfa Romeo to have its front plate set over to one side (which is almost always offset to the nearside) was the 750/101-Series Giuletta Spider debuted in 1955.

Because the radiator was placed directly behind the shield-shaped scudetto grille, Alfa's design team positioned the number plate to the side to prevent it from compromising engine cooling, which could have triggered the car to overheat.

Given that car makers will soon be forced to sell only electric cars, there typically will no longer be a need for vented grilles to provide cooling for internal combustion engines.

Alfa Romeo is likely the only major car firm affected by the EU's changes to pedestrian safety rules.

Bugatti also uses off-centre front plates on its hypercars, while models from the past - such as the Mercedes-Benz SLR and Mitsubishi Lancer - have also deployed side-mounted front registration plates.

Back in 2017, British car maker Land Rover hit headlines for its controversial offset rear plates on its Discovery 4x4.

Having traditionally placed the plate on the nearside section of the boot door, the current version has it only slightly off-centre to the left.

Why the asymmetrical design of the latest model was a tip of the hat to previous-generation Discoveries, its designer Gerry McGovern in 2017 blamed car dealers for making it look worse by fitting larger number plates.
Fewer than one in seven cryptocurrency firms that tried to register with the City watchdog were approved after it found high risks of money laundering.

Just 47 companies were successfully registered between January 2020 and April this year, figures from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) show.

Out of 344 applications received by the FCA, 233 were withdrawn and 48 rejected  while 16 were still pending at the time the figures were compiled.

The latest annual Treasury report on efforts to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing said the FCA did robust assessments when firms first registered, which identified significant weaknesses in money laundering controls.

That resulted in a large number of companies withdrawing their applications or being rejected or refused by the FCA.

Crime fears: Just 47 cryptocurrency firms were successfully registered between January 2020 and April this year, figures from the Financial Conduct Authority show

The data underlines the regulators high bar for allowing businesses that provide services such as consumer trading in digital currencies like Bitcoin.

Companies who have been given the green light include the trading platform eToro, Bitstamp and Revolut.

But the figures also appear to deal a blow to the Governments hopes to make the UK a global hub for crypto.

The FCA has been the anti-money laundering supervisor for crypto asset businesses operating in the UK since the start of 2020.

It is the latest example of the watchdogs cautious approach to the crypto industry  which has run up against friction with ministers.

Fan: City minister Bim Afolami spoke at a crypto conference

The watchdogs former chairman Charles Randell has previously warned that investors could be harmed if crypto assets were labelled as regular investments  effectively bringing them into the mainstream even though, he said, fraud is a feature, not a bug in much of the industry.

But City minister Bim Afolami told a recent crypto conference that Randell was completely wrong.

He described the comments as arrogant and dangerous, adding: The job of government is to give as many opportunities for ordinary people to have a stake in their society, and to have a stake in their economy, as possible. Crypto is a key part of that.

Afolami said, however, that while he had not agreed with every single one of the FCAs decisions broadly, they are working with us.
AstraZenecas lung cancer drug has showed improved survival rates in trials.

The results were a boost for the pharma giant as it seeks to bolster its pipeline.

The British firm said yesterday that the drug, being developed with Japans Daiichi Sankyo, could be an important new treatment for patients.

The FTSE 100 drugmaker last week outlined plans to almost double revenues by the end of the decade.

In its biggest investor update in 10 years, AstraZenecas boss Sir Pascal Soriot hailed a new era of growth with the launch of 20 new medicines, with a focus on cancer drugs.

Trials boost: AstraZeneca said its lung cancer drug, being developed with Japans Daiichi Sankyo, could be an important new treatment for patients

Trials of datopotamab deruxtecan showed clinically meaningful overall survival improvement in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who had received previous treatment.

Susan Galbraith, AstraZenecas executive vice president of oncology research, yesterday said: These results reinforce the potential for the treatment to replace conventional chemotherapy in this late-line setting and underscore our confidence in ongoing trials.

But the firm said in the wider trial group, the treatment did not show statistically significant improvement in survival rates.

Shares dipped 2.2 per cent amid fears that could cast a shadow over regulatory discussions in the US and the EU.

AstraZeneca, meanwhile, is pushing ahead with plans to boost revenue to 60billion by 2030.

Sales hit 36billion in sales last year  a target set in 2014 shortly after Soriot defeated a takeover bid from US rival Pfizer.

The new revenue goal was set after he faced an investor revolt over his 18.9m pay packet.

Soriot has revived the firms fortunes since taking charge in 2012, with shares soaring more than 300 per cent.

He is credited with rebuilding the drugs pipeline with blockbuster cancer treatments.

Some of the medicines in the pipeline have the potential to generate around 4billion of revenue in a peak year, he said.

As part of its growth plans, AstraZeneca this month announced it will open a 1.2billion factory in Singapore to make a cancer drug that could replace traditional chemotherapy.
One of the rarest and most valuable British coins in existence has sold for 817,929 or $1million at an auction.

It is now the most expensive silver British coin ever to be sold at auction.

The Petition Crown was expected to fetch 595,000 - or $750,000 - when it went under the hammer but smashed its estimate

Only 16 of these Petition Crowns exist, this one is part of the Cope collection

Worth a mint: A Petition Crown has sold for 817,929 or $1million at an auction, making it the most expensive silver British coin ever to be sold

The ultra rate Petition Crown of King Charles II - or Petition Crown as it is known - was minted in 1663 and was part of a collection of British and Roman coins.

This particular Petition Crown is part of the Cope collection, which was owned by reknown numismatist Geoffrey Cope.

The collection in its entirety sold for a total of 6.9million or $8.8million.

The Petition Crown in the multimillion dollar Cope collection is one of just sixteen in existence.

There's no chance you'll find one wedged between the sofa cushions though, as the other fifteen Petition Crowns have fallen into the hands of millionaire private collectors or museum collections.

Coin experts at the Classical Numismatic Group said: 'Our understanding is that there are eight examples of the Petition Crown in museum collections and a further eight in private hands.'

The Petition Crown in the Cope collection is one of the best examples of the coin in the world.

It was graded Mint State 63+ by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), a third party grading and authentication service. This is the highest grade awarded to any Petition Crown by any third party grading service.

The Petition Crown coin is considered a masterpiece and has always been extremely collectible. Records show the sale of one dating back to 1742 for 20, which is around 3,600 today.

The Petition Crown is one of the rarest and most valuable British coins in existence

(Reverse) The Petiton Crown was struck in 1663 by celebrated medallist and coin-designer Thomas Simon, who worked for the Royal Mint

In 2007, a Petition Crown sold for 207,100 and in 2018 another one sold for $649,000 in New York. Earlier this year, another Petition Crown sold in New York for $960,000.

The Petition Crown has a patriotic history behind it. It was struck by celebrated medallist and coin-designer Thomas Simon, who worked for the Royal Mint, in 1663.

The coin was created by Simon to 'petition' King Charles II to reinstate him as the sole chief engraver at the Royal Mint and also as a petition against the contemporary coins designed by the Flemish brothers John and Joseph Roettiers.

Using new mechanical coin machinery, Simon printed message around the edge of the coin asking the King to 'compare this his tryall piece with the Dutch', a dig at the Femish engravers.

The coin features a striking portrait of King Charles II so detailed that even a shadow of the veins on the King's neck can be made out.

David Guest, director of Classical Numismatic Group said: 'Widely regarded as the most beautiful machine-made coin ever struck and undoubtedly the most important coin in the British series, we are delighted to have seen the 1663 Petition Crown realise a world record price.

'The overwhelming success of the sale of the Cope collection further underlines the confidence in the market for superb and rare British coins.'

The Oxford Crown was minted in 1644 and shows King Charles I in battle at Oxford during the English Civil War

Oxford Crown

The auction saw a number of other records broken.

An Oxford Crown, the only coin in the British series featuring a depiction of a city, sold for 382,798 or $486,000, making a record for any coin, gold or silver, depicting Charles I.

This coin was expected to fetch 132,400 but experts at the Classical Numismatic Group said it would very likely sell for more.

The coin shows King Charles I in Oxford during the English Civil War. It was minted in 1644.

Only eleven original Oxford Crowns are known to be in existence, eight of which are in museum collections.

Regal: The King Henry VIII Testoon is one of the most sought after coins aside from the petition Crown

King Henry VIII Testoon

The King Hergy VII Testoon in the cope collection sold for 100,819, a record for its type.

It was expected to fetch fetch the equivalent of 35,300 but again experts at the Classical Numismatic Group predicted it would likely sell for far more.

This coin was struck in 1544. It has always been popular with collectors because of the striking portrait of King Henry VIII.

It represents a key moment in Henry VIII's reign, when a lack of funds in the treasury led the Tudor government to introduce cheap metals into coins previously made of sterling silver - known as the Great Debasement.

The King Henry VIII Testoon in the Cope collection is viewed by experts as the finest of any in existence and is a coin which Cope himself spent his whole life searching for.

David Guest, director of Classical Numismatic Group said: 'Widely regarded as the most beautiful machine-made coin ever struck and undoubtedly the most important coin in the British series, we are delighted to have seen the 1663 Petition Crown realise a world record price.

'The overwhelming success of the sale of the Cope collection further underlines the confidence in the market for superb and rare British coins.'
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. The US aims to work closely with the Azerbaijani government to ensure the success of the COP29, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in particular in his letter to the Azerbaijani people on Independence Day, Trend reports.

We value our relationship with Azerbaijan, having built a partnership over the last 32 years on mutual interests relating to security and energy cooperation. We appreciate the opportunity to deepen our engagement in these areas, and also on increasingly critical global issues, such as climate change and the green energy transition.

The United States welcomes Azerbaijan hosting COP29 in Baku, and we look forward to working closely together with the government of Azerbaijan to make the COP a success to deliver a more sustainable and resilient climate future for our children and grandchildren, the letter reads.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. The UK is proud to stand alongside the Azerbaijani people, said Fergus Auld, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, in his congratulatory message on the occasion of Independence Day, Trend reports.

"Today, Azerbaijan is celebrating its Independence Day. We in the British Embassy are happy to celebrate the day together with the people of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has overcome many challenges over the past 33 years. In the past year, Azerbaijan has taken steps towards achieving peace with Armenia and received the great honor of being named the host of COP29. So, is contributing as a sovereign nation to regional security and to climate change, the greatest challenge facing the world. The UK is proud to stand alongside the Azerbaijani people. I want to wish Azerbaijan a happy Independence Day and may fruitful independent days ahead. The flag once raised shall never fall," he said.

Today, Azerbaijan celebrates the Independence Day. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic became the first democratic republic not only on the territory of modern Azerbaijan, but also in the whole East. It was a parliamentary republic. Its state attributes were adopted - a flag, an anthem. However, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic lasted only 23 months. On April 28, 1920, Azerbaijan was occupied by the 11th army of the Bolsheviks, and the republic fell.
A new food and drink spot is proving 'really popular' with passengers travelling through Dublin Airport since its opening.

Phoenix Lane is the latest food and drinks outlet to open at the airport's south gates, offering holidaymakers and visitors alike hot breakfasts, draught beer and Guinness, coffee and salads.

Great news for passengers! The new Phoenix Lane outlet at our South Gates is now open for business. And its already proving really popular with everything on offer from hot breakfasts and salads, to fresh coffee and draught pints.  pic.twitter.com/wBWNouvpFI  Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) May 28, 2024

This is just one of the many new places to open at the airport, with 23 new and improved bars, cafes and restaurants to open over the course of the year.

These will include big names such as Supermacs, Papa Johns, Pret A Manger and Insomnia Coffee.

When the 23 new food and beverage places are established, it will bring the total number of outlets to 42.

Passengers will soon be able to enjoy everything from Italian, Asian and Mexican outlets through to loved local favourites and up-and-coming Irish brands, said Vincent Harrison, chief commercial and development officer at daa, the operator of Dublin Airport.

The news of a revamped food hall throughout terminals 1 and 2 of the airport came at the beginning of the year, with more than half of the new units expected to be opened by June.
Birdwatchers near and far are making their way to the village of Belcarra, near Castlebar, following the sighting of a rare North American bird.

A yellow crowned night heron nestled in the trees above the village riverside sparked excitement among locals and bird enthusiasts in the area.

The sighting of the bird is the first of its kind in the UK and Ireland, with only a couple of sightings recorded across mainland Europe.

The rare heron in Belcarra

Almost 50 bird watchers arrived in the Mayo village from the UK over the weekend in hopes of catching a glimpse of the animal.

The village's Facebook page shared details this morning about the rare sighting of the beautiful creature.

Lorraine Ryan Jennings was first to spot the bird, with Geraldine Nee snapping some amazing photos of the bird.

The duration of the herons stay in Belcarra is unclear, however, the excitement is sure to linger over the coming days.

Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Eric Dempsey of Birds Ireland photography said this is Ireland and the UK's first sighting of the bird.

While it likely won't make, according to Mr Dempsey, it is "the coolest bird you'll ever meet", adding that the bird's area is sealed off and it cannot be disturbed by the public.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 28. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan has congratulated Azerbaijan on Independence Day, Trend reports via the ministry's official page on X.

"We extend our warmest congratulations to our colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and best wishes to the people of brotherly Azerbaijan on the occasion of Independence Day," the post reads.

Today, Azerbaijan celebrates Independence Day. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic became the first democratic republic not only on the territory of modern Azerbaijan but also in the whole East. It was a parliamentary republic. Its state attributes were adopted - a flag, an anthem. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, however, was only in power for 23 months. After the 11th army of the Bolsheviks captured Azerbaijan on April 28, 1920, the republic was overthrown.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. French Ambassador Anne Boillon has congratulated the Azerbaijani people on Independence Day, Trend reports via the diplomat's official page on X.

On behalf of the French Embassy, I congratulate the Azerbaijani people on Independence Day. I wish Azerbaijan a future full of peace and prosperity. Happy National Day, the publication says.

Today, Azerbaijan celebrates Independence Day. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic became the first democratic republic not only on the territory of modern Azerbaijan but also in the whole East. It was a parliamentary republic. Its state attributes were adopted - a flag, an anthem. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, however, was only in power for 23 months. After the 11th army of the Bolsheviks captured Azerbaijan on April 28, 1920, the republic was overthrown.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of the Turkish Baykar company Selcuk Bayraktar has congratulated Azerbaijani on Independence Day, Trend reports via the CTO's official page on X.

Once raised, the flag never falls. Happy Independence Day, brotherly Azerbaijan! May our unity and solidarity be eternal! the publication says.

Today, Azerbaijan celebrates Independence Day. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic became the first democratic republic not only on the territory of modern Azerbaijan but also in the whole East. It was a parliamentary republic. Its state attributes were adopted - a flag, an anthem. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, however, was only in power for 23 months. After the 11th army of the Bolsheviks captured Azerbaijan on April 28, 1920, the republic was overthrown.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. The Israeli Embassy has congratulated Azerbaijan on Independence Day, Trend reports via the embassy's official page on X.

Happy Independence Day to the people of Azerbaijan! May the friendship between our nations grow stronger each year. You are joined in this celebration by the Israeli people, the publication says.

Today, Azerbaijan celebrates Independence Day. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic became the first democratic republic not only on the territory of modern Azerbaijan but also in the whole East. It was a parliamentary republic. Its state attributes were adopted - a flag, an anthem. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, however, was only in power for 23 months. After the 11th army of the Bolsheviks captured Azerbaijan on April 28, 1920, the republic was overthrown.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The oil game might have hit its peak long ago . . . But now the Midwest must clean up the aftermath.



Accordingly, here's quote about the situation confronting the Sunflower State and more deets about one family's effort to come up with a sustainable solution . . .



In a report from the Kansas Corporation Commission, there are 5,285 abandoned wells requiring action, meaning the KCC gave them a priority of one or two. Thats only five fewer than last year, despite active plugging operations. Thats because more wells are found every year.



Capping them takes time and money. In 2021, the federal government provided $4.7 billion for orphaned or abandoned well capping. More than $58 million of that went to Kansas.



However, it costs between about $6,000 to $14,000 to plug each well, and there is nothing simple about the problem or how to fix it.



Part of the problem is many wells are so old that there arent even records of who is responsible.



In many cases, the people who own the land never wanted or profited from the wells and are now left with the mess.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Here are the deets from last night's runaround and deadly confrontation on local streets . . .



Check the main quote and more reporting . . .

Police pursued suspects connected to an armed vehicle robbery that took place near E. 24th Street and Highland Avenue in KCMO, per KCPD.



The shooting, involving KCKPD and KCPD officers, took place around 8:20 p.m. Monday near U.S. 69 Highway and 18th Street Expressway, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.



One male was shot and killed, the KBI said.



No police officers were injured in connection to the shooting.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

KCKPD, KCPD officers involved in fatal shooting Monday night in KCK Officers with the Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, police departments were involved in a fatal shooting Monday night in KCK.

18th Expressway reopens after hours long closure KCTV5 is on scene where there was a heavy police presence at 18th Street Expressway and Kansas Avenue, since at least 10 p.m. Monday.
Kansas City Light Up: Taxes, Tactics & Home Team Slide



For late night & early morning denizens of the discourse we share a worthwhile look at pop culture, community news and top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Summer Drop Starts

Royals fight back, but couldn't overcome mistakes in 6-5 loss to Twins Close, but not close enough

Second Guessing Northland Good Intentions

Think Twice before Supporting a New Tax - Show Me Institute Everyone wants to help kids thrive, right? Who could be against a new tax in

Show-Me Lawsuit Tactics

St. Louis Public Radio makes unprecedented sovereign immunity claim in defamation case * Missouri Independent St. Louis Public Radio is making an unprecedented legal claim of sovereign immunity in a defamation lawsuit.

Avoid Rock Chalk Misdirection

Kansas Turnpike warns drivers of text scam The Kansas Turnpike is warning drivers about a text, smishing scam claiming residents haven't paid toll bills.

Subsidized Cowtown Creativity

2024 Art In the Loop Project: Visual & Performing Artists Announced - Downtown Council of Kansas City Art in the Loop is pleased to announce the 2024 Art in the Loop visual and performing artists. Meet them at the Kick-Off Event on June 12.

Diva Styles Vacay

Irina Shayk Models Teeny-Tiny Black Bikini During 'Weekend Away' with Her Daughter and Her Dog Shayk posted a carousel of images to Instagram on Monday from a beachy location

Prez Check Ahead Of Court

Joe Biden Visits Daughter-in-Law Hallie Ahead of Testimony at Hunter Biden's Gun Trial | National Review Joe Biden visited his daughter-in-law Hallie Biden, the widow of Beau Biden and ex-girlfriend of Hunter Biden, according to the White House pool report.

MAGA Moment Awaits

Opinion | America isn't ready for a Trump trial verdict The jury in former President Donald Trump's criminal begins to deliberate soon. America is not ready to live in a world where he is guilty or acquitted.

Progressively Outraged

AOC calls Israeli attack on Rafah camp 'an indefensible atrocity' Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) blasted an Israeli strike on Rafah that killed at least 45 people over the weekend as "an indefensible atrocity," as criticism rises of the Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza city. The Israeli strike on the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah targeted a humanitarian zone filled with tents, where Israel's...

Holy Land Confronts Clamor



Israel faces global outcry over Gaza strike that set tent city ablaze Israel faced a wave of international condemnation Monday over a strike that Gaza officials said killed 45 people when it set off a fire that ripped through a tent city for displaced Palestinians.Gaza's civil defence agency said the strike ignited a fire that tore through a displacement centre in northwestern Rafah near a facility of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

Europe Aligns Against Vlad

Baltic officials say they could send troops to Ukraine without waiting for NATO if Russia scores a breakthrough: report Baltic officials told German representatives they and Poland could send troops to Ukraine if Moscow gained the upper hand, Der Spiegel reported.

Hot Mic Captures El Papa?!?

Pope used vulgar Italian word to refer to LGBT people, Italian newspapers report Pope Francis used a highly derogatory term towards the LGBT community as he reiterated in a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops that gay people should not be allowed to become priests, Italian media reported on Monday.

Tech Questions For Dirty Discourse

What Happens When Sex Dolls Can Talk? - Ms. Magazine During her testimony in Donald Trump's criminal trial, adult film star Stormy Daniels didn't mince words: At one point, she acknowledged she had once called him an "orange turd." Daniels' language was

New America Pastime Emerges

Daily marijuana use outpaces daily drinking in the US, a new study says Millions of people in the U.S. report using marijuana daily or nearly every day, and those people now outnumber those who say they are daily or nearly-daily drinkers of alcohol.

Local Sound Debuts

KC Soundcheck: Khrystal. The multi-talented musician and artist from Kansas City, Kansas, chats about her creative process, going back to school and showing up as her full authentic self.

Good Cause After Gunfire

Ralph Yarl honored at Going the Distance for Brain Injury run Ralph Yarl was honored at this year's 'Going the Distance for Brain Injury' run. KSHB spoke to his family and runners about who they participated for.

Forecast Going Forward

Breezy and pleasant to close out Memorial Day Humidity is low as well

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. Germany hopes this year could be decisive for peace and stability in the Caucasus, Trend reports via the publication of the Director for Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Matthias Luttenberg on X page.

"Congratulations to the people of Azerbaijan celebrating Independence Day today! 2024 is an important year for Azerbaijan and our shared planet's climate, with COP29 coming to Baku. We hope it can also be a decisive year for peace and stability in the Caucasus. Germany is ready to support it," the publication says.

Today, Azerbaijan celebrates Independence Day. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic became the first democratic republic not only on the territory of modern Azerbaijan but also in the whole East. It was a parliamentary republic. Its state attributes were adopted - a flag, an anthem. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, however, was only in power for 23 months. After the 11th army of the Bolsheviks captured Azerbaijan on April 28, 1920, the republic was overthrown.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Here's what's important about this story . . .

Typically, any kind of vandalism or outburst that interrupts a local event is downplayed.

However . . .

Kansas City media mention of this protest might reinforce the FACT that younger Americans are more likely to sympathize with the Palestinian people than the Israeli people according to recent opinion research.

Meanwhile . . .

BOTH Democratic & Republican mainstream leaders are mostly still aligned with allies in Israel.

Nevertheless . . .

We take a worthwhile glimpse of activism, outbursts and opinion on Kansas City's biggest stage.

Check-it . . .



"Last night, during the city's annual Memorial Day ceremony and fireworks display, Celebration at the Station, someone projected an outline of Palestine along with the words 'Free Palestine' and 'Ceasefire Now' onto the side of the National World War One Museum and Memorial."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

"Free Palestine" projected onto National WWI Memorial during Celebration at Station in Kansas City The pro-Palestinian message was projected along with the words 'Ceasefire Now!' and an outline of the country

Developing . . .
QatarEnergy announces that the consortium partners in the Sepia joint venture have taken the final investment decision (FID) for the second development phase of the Sepia field, located in the prolific pre-salt Santos Basin, offshore Brazil.

The Sepia joint venture is a partnership between QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, Petronas, Petrogal Brazil, and Petrobras (the operator).

The FID was marked by the signing of a contract with Seatrium O&G Americas Limited to construct a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit to operate in the ultra-deep waters of the Sepia field.

The FPSO will have a crude oil production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day, and a gas processing capacity of ten million cubic meters per day.

Saad Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, welcomed the award of the contract as an important landmark in QatarEnergys activities in Brazil.

The FPSO is expected to result in reducing greenhouse gas emission intensity per barrel of oil equivalent by 30 per cent.

The reduction is due to the benefits of an all-electric configuration and optimizations in the processing plant to increase energy efficiency.

The FPSO also incorporates several environmental technologies, such as: zero routine ventilation (recovery of ventilated gases from cargo tanks and the processing), deep seawater capture, use of speed variators in pumps and compressors, cogeneration (Waste Heat Recovery Unit), routine zero burning (torch gas recovery  closed flare), valves with requirements for low fugitive emissions and the capture, use and geological storage of CO2 from the gas produced.

The FPSOs construction will be carried out in shipyards in Brazil, China, and Singapore. It will be the second FPSO in the Sepia field (in addition to the already operating Carioca FPSO) and will target the northern part of the Sepia field. --OGN/TradeArabia News Service
Vietnam is set to reintroduce two vintage steam locomotives for scenic tours along the coast, expected to start between late 2024 and early 2025. Managed by Wafaifo Optimisers, these trains, dating back to the 1960s, are the last operational steam locomotives in the country.

The routes will connect the central city of Da Nang and the historical city of Hue, offering views of the Hai Van Pass and coastal mountains.

Vietnam's Historic Train Journeys Promise Luxurious Escape

Originally built during Vietnam's French colonial era, these locomotives have been meticulously restored using original parts by the last steam engineers in Vietnam's national railway system.

CNN shared that each train will feature two retro-styled passenger carriages, a kitchen car, and a baggage carriage, with interiors that reflect the colonial past, including mahogany furnishings and gold accents.

Passengers will be treated to expansive views of the coastline and landscapes, including the green hills of the Hai Van range and Lang Co's fishing villages. The journey is a travel experience and a deep dive into Vietnam's rich history.

The trains will also offer themed dining experiences at each station, with settings that reflect the imperial and colonial history of the regions they serve.

Adding to the historical ambiance, staff will wear period costumes, and guests will be greeted by a brass band in army regalia.

Wafaifo Optimisers and Indochina Rail Tourist Service, under the leadership of Michael Gebbie, aim to celebrate Vietnam's heritage from its imperial and colonial days through its struggle for independence.

This project promises a unique blend of luxury, history, and scenic beauty, inviting tourists to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts.

Related Article : Vietnam Travel Agency Faces Fine After Leaving 292 Tourists Stranded

Vietnam Tops List for Korean Tourists

Vietnam has become the favorite destination in Southeast Asia for tourists from South Korea. In April, records showed that approximately 847,000 South Korean tourists visited Vietnam.

This figure represents 31.1% of all South Korean travelers to the region, as reported by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Tourists are drawn to Vietnam's scenic spots such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Lat. These cities are known for their beautiful beaches, rich culture, and luxury that's easy on the wallet.

As per Travel and Tour World, the number of visitors to Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc during April reached 173,865, 141,130, and 53,680 respectively.

To cater to the increasing demand, South Korean budget airlines are boosting their services. T'way Air, for instance, added a daily flight from Busan to Nha Trang in May 2024, making it their third direct route to Vietnam.

Starting June 19, T'way Air will also resume flights from Daegu to Nha Trang, a route paused since May 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, Eastar Jet has expanded its operations, now flying from Incheon to Nha Trang and soon, launching a new service to Phu Quoc on July 19, offering seven round trips weekly.

With enhanced flight connectivity and its appealing destinations, Vietnam continues to attract a significant number of South Korean visitors.
Thailand has been a hotspot for travelers seeking unique and enriching experiences, and its hill tribe tourism is a standout attraction. You might have heard mixed reviews about this type of tourism, but let us set the record straight with the real scoop.

Many think hill tribe tourism in regions like Chiang Mai exploits local communities, but that's a misconception shaped by one-sided media portrayals.

In reality, visiting these tribes can be a powerful way to support and understand diverse cultures that have thrived on Thailand's lush landscapes for centuries.

Here are the must-know things about Hill Tribe tourism in Thailand.

The Truth About Thailand's Hill Tribes

Thailand offers a range of cultural experiences, but none are quite as captivating as hill tribe tourism. While some may question the ethics of visiting these remote communities, the reality often defies expectations.

Far from the exploitative scenarios often depicted in sensational stories, many hill tribe tours are rooted in respect and mutual benefit. These tours offer a rare chance to experience the enduring cultures that have survived and adapted over centuries.

When planned responsibly, they contribute positively to the local communities, preserving their heritage and ensuring their sustainability.

What to Expect on Your Visit

If you decide to explore Thailand's hill tribes, you're in for an experience that's both eye-opening and rewarding. You'll move through the heart of the country's green landscapes, where these communities have thrived for generations.

Along the way, you'll encounter welcoming smiles, colorful attire, and traditions that are as old as the hills themselves. Every visit supports local economies, providing a vital source of income for many families.

Plus, you get to learn firsthand about their way of life, which is a far cry from the usual tourist path.

Related Article : Why Thailand Is the Ultimate Destination for Mango Sticky Rice Lovers

Cultural Exchange at Its Best

Visiting a hill tribe village allows for genuine cultural exchange, where learning goes both ways. You'll observe and participate in daily routines, from weaving and farming to traditional cooking methods. This interaction provides a closer understanding of the challenges these communities face and the beauty of their enduring traditions.

It's about sharing moments that build bridges between different worlds, fostering a greater appreciation for each other's ways of life. This kind of tourism supports cultural preservation, ensuring that these practices are not lost to time.

Why This Matters

Travel is more than just seeing new places. It's about experiencing them in ways that are meaningful. Hill tribe tourism in Thailand offers a chance to do just that. It helps protect cultural identities by providing them with the economic means to thrive in a modern world.

For many visitors, these experiences redefine what travel should be-more about connection and less about just passing through. As travelers seeking richer, more responsible adventures, supporting these communities allows us to contribute to a wide range of cultural diversity.

Take the Road Less Traveled

For those ready to venture beyond the typical tourist destinations, Thailand's hill tribes offer a distinct journey into the heart of the country. You will come away with more than just photos. You'll have stories of personal interactions and understandings of a way of life that few get to see.

These tours challenge the conventional, turning travel into an act of discovery and respect. So, pack your bags and prepare for an experience that will not only change the way you see Thailand but perhaps the way you see the world.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. An investigation is underway on the mine incident in Aghdam resulting in the injury of an employee of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), the press service of the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan told Trend.

The Prosecutor's Office is investigating the injury of Hasil Yusubov (born in 1997), an employee of ANAMA, on May 28 in the Sirkhavand village of Aghdam district. The incident occurred while he was carrying out his duties and was injured in a mine explosion in the recently liberated area.

Prosecutor's Office personnel examined the incident site, and other necessary procedural measures were taken.

Currently, Yusubov's condition is stable, and he continues to receive treatment in the hospital, stated the press service.

10:55

Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) employee has been injured in a mine explosion in Sirkhavand village, Aghdam district, Trend reports via a joint statement from the Interior Ministry and ANAMA.

According to the statement, an anti-personnel mine exploded when agency employee Hasil Yusubov (born in 1997) was on duty.

The injured employee was evacuated to the district hospital, where his left foot was amputated.

Currently, his condition is satisfactory," added the statement.

To note, after the second Karabakh war in 2020, nearly 80 percent of the people who died from mine incidents in Azerbaijan were civilians. Since November 10, 2020, landmines have claimed the lives of over 350 people in the liberated areas, resulting in over 60 fatalities and 290 injuries.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Ukraine urgently needs more air defense systems and NATO Allies are currently working on this issue.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this before a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in defense ministers' format in Brussels on Tuesday.

"The most urgent need now is more air defense. And we are working with NATO Allies, and many of them also of course EU members, on stepping up the delivery of ammunition, air defense systems, and in particular the most advanced ones, the Patriot systems. So, we have seen some progress. But more progress and more air defense systems are urgently needed in Ukraine. And this is also the message from the NATO-Ukraine Council, which is meeting at NATO today," Stoltenberg said.

He added that Allies are now working on how NATO can coordinate the provision of equipment and training to Ukraine.

"We have received a proposal from our Supreme Allied Commander, SACEUR, on how to organize this. So, NATO coordinates the support of military equipment and training to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.

According to him, the participants in the meeting in Brussels will discuss his multi-year financial pledge of long-term support for Ukraine so that "we prevent gaps and delays, as we have seen recently, and that Ukraine gets predictable, accountable support for the long haul."

"We are also working with industry to ramp up production. We have seen some important decisions lately on more investments, more production. But we need more and we are working closely with the transatlantic defense industrial base to ramp up production," Stoltenberg added.

Photo: Europa Press
The number of combat engagements on the front has increased to 76, with the Pokrovsk sector remaining the hottest along the entire front line.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Facebook, publishing operational information as of 16:30 on Tuesday, May 28, according to Ukrinform.

In the Kharkiv sector, combat engagements are ongoing in the Lyptsi area.

The Russian army continues to destroy Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, by striking it with guided aerial bombs. Since the beginning of the day, the invaders have dropped six aerial guided bombs on the city.

In this sector of the front, the Ukrainian defenders are strengthening their defenses and repelling enemy attacks.

In the Kupiansk sector, there were 14 combat clashes. Ten attempts by the Russian army to advance have already been repelled. Fighting is currently ongoing in the areas of Synkivka, Petropavlivka and Nevske.

In the Lyman sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 8 out of 10 enemy attacks in the areas of Serebrianka Forest and Torske. No positions were lost. Two combat clashes are ongoing near Terny.

In the Pokrovsk sector, Russian troops have launched 20 attacks on the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces since the beginning of the day, 14 of them were repelled by the Ukrainian defenders, and the rest - near Novooleksandrivka and Progres - are still ongoing.

The Russian army attacked Yevhenivka with two guided aerial bombs. The invaders also struck Novoselivka Persha with unguided aerial missiles.

In the Kurakhove sector, the Russians are also deploying guided aerial bombs: four were dropped on Yelyzavetivka and three on Yevhenivka. Four combat clashes have occurred in this sector since the beginning of the day. One is still ongoing near Vodiane.

In the Vremivka sector, Russian troops continue to attack near Staromaiorske. Three enemy attacks have already been repelled, and one is ongoing. The defense forces control the situation.

In the Dnipro River sector, seven attempts by the Russian army to push back the units of the Defense Forces in the Krynky area failed. One combat engagement is still ongoing.

In other areas, the situation has not changed significantly.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the General Staff said that the intensity of fighting in the Pokrovsk sector had almost doubled.

Photo: 148th separate artillery brigade
In the evening of 28 May, Russian troops increased the intensity of attacks along almost the entire frontline, with the number of combat engagements rising to 108.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Facebook, publishing operational information as of 20:00 on Tuesday, Ukrinform reports.

As of now, fighting is still ongoing in 18 areas.

"The most tense situation remains in the Pokrovske direction. The defence forces are holding back the onslaught and giving a decisive rebuff to the invaders," the General Staff said.

It is reported that in the Kharkiv sector, Russian troops have attacked Ukrainian positions six times since the beginning of the day. Two assault operations are ongoing in the area of Vovchansk.

The Russian army continues to use guided aerial bombs (KAB), launching them from its territory without entering Ukrainian airspace. The invaders launched four more KABs at Vovchansk and three at Buhayivka from the direction of Shebekino, and twice hit Mala Danylivka with KABs from the direction of Belgorod.

In the Kupiansk sector, Russians attempted to storm the positions of the Ukrainian Defence Forces 19 times. 17 attempts failed, two assaults near Petropavlivka and Druzhelyubivka are still ongoing. The situation is under control.

The enemy's losses in manpower in the Kupyansk sector since the beginning of the day have reached 35 people. Ukrainian defenders also destroyed one Russian artillery system in the same area, damaged one enemy tank, a vehicle and another artillery system.

In the Lyman sector, the Ukrainian Defence Forces repelled all 16 attacks by the Russian army. No positions were lost.

In the Siversky sector, Russian troops are active in the area of Bilohorivka. The number of combat engagements here has increased to eight. Ukrainian defenders have already repelled seven enemy attacks, and one more is ongoing. The situation is under control.

In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian proxies have tried to improve their tactical position six times since the beginning of the day. All their attempts to advance were successfully repelled. The invaders dropped one guided aerial bomb on Druzhkivka.

 : Death toll in Russian airstrike on hardware store in Kharkiv rises to 11

10 out of 25 battles are still ongoing in the Pokrovske sector. The Russian army is attacking near Novooleksandrivka and Sokol.

Nine combat engagements took place in the Kurakhove sector since the beginning of the day. Eight of them have already been repelled by the Defence Forces, and one more is ongoing.

In the Vremivsk sector, Russian troops continue to try to push Ukrainian defenders in the area of Staromayorsk. Five enemy attacks have been repelled and one is still ongoing. Ukrainian defence forces are in control of the situation.

In the Prydniprovskyi sector, since the beginning of the day, Russians have been trying to force Ukrainian defence units from their positions on the left bank of the Dnipro. A total of 10 combat engagements were registered there. Another battle continues in the area of Oleshky Pisky.

In other areas, the situation has not changed significantly.

As reported by Ukrinform, as of 16:30 on Tuesday, 76 firefights took place at the front.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Belgium on Tuesday, May 28, to meet with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and sign a security agreement.

According to The Brussels Times, this was stated by De Kroo, Ukrinform reports.

As noted, the agenda of President Zelenskys visit includes the signing of a bilateral security agreement and the delivery of F-16s, which Belgium has pledged to supply to Ukraine.

President Zelensky will meet with Prime Minister De Croo to sign the security agreement before an audience with the King. He will then head to the Melsbroek military airport around noon to meet Belgian F-16 pilots, instructors and technicians.

Read also: Ukraine signs a bilateral security cooperation deal with Spain

Since January, a memorandum has been in place linking Belgian defence and industrial sector and Ukrainian authorities with the purpose of nurturing their relations, although a security agreement was not yet formalised.

Belgium is a member of the F-16 coalition formed at the initiative of the Netherlands and Denmark. Brussels hopes to deliver the first planes, if possible, before the end of the year. The number of aircraft to be delivered is yet to be confirmed.
4 killed, 1 injured in residential building collapse in east China's Anhui

Xinhua) 08:29, May 28, 2024

HEFEI, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and another is receiving intensive medical treatment after a residential building partially collapsed on Monday afternoon in the city of Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, according to local authorities.

The western side of the five-story building, located in Datong Township in Jiaoqu District, collapsed at around 1:40 p.m. Monday. An initial investigation suggested five people were unaccounted for.

Following a thorough search and rescue operation, all five missing individuals were found by 1:28 a.m. on Tuesday. Four were confirmed dead, while a 12-year-old girl is currently receiving intensive medical treatment, according to the district government.

Authorities have evacuated other residents as parts of the building remain at risk of collapse. On-site risk removal, aftermath handling, and the investigation into the cause of the collapse are proceeding in an orderly manner.

The city of Tongling had experienced heavy rain between Saturday evening and Monday morning.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
GAZAKH, Azerbaijan, May 28. The visit of reporters to four villages in Azerbaijan's Gazakh district, which was liberated after 30 years of occupation, has started, Trend reports.

The media tour is organized by the State Border Service of Azerbaijan.

During the visit, reporters will be apprised of the present status in the newly liberated territories and given details regarding the State Border Service's activities.

To note, following the delimitation activities, the 12.7 km long border line was determined, thus ensuring the return of territories (6.5 square kilometers) of four villages of the Gazakh district of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Baganys Ayrim, Ashagy Askipara, Kheyrimli and Gyzylhajily to Azerbaijan.

Today, the villages of Baganys Ayrim, Ashagy Askipara, Kheyrimli and Gyzylhajily of Gazakh district of Azerbaijan have been taken under the control of the State Border Service.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
| By Jon Kelvey

The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) hosted the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicines Inaugural Research Symposium on May 6 at the schools Baltimore campus.

The symposium featured a keynote presentation by Margaret Haney, PhD, professor of neurobiology at Columbia University, on cannabis use disorder as well as more than a dozen researchers and addiction experts from UMSOM and other universities and research institutions. They presented talks and posters on the current state of the science in addiction research. Alyssa Lord, deputy secretary for behavioral health at the Maryland Department of Health, gave opening remarks.

The depth and breadth of scientific research showcased by the world-renowned presenters certainly speaks to the critical need to address every aspect of addiction medicine, said Ellen Myers, executive director of the Kahlert Foundation. The Kahlert Foundation is proud to support this comprehensive institute promoting collaboration, research, and treatment to uncover new therapies and, someday, a cure for the devastating disease of addiction.

The University of Maryland School of Medicine hosted the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicines Inaugural Research Symposium on May 6.

UMSOM presenters included Seth Ament, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry and researcher at the Institute for Genome Sciences, who discussed how studying the genetics of individual brain cell types could lead to better medications to treat addictions. Neurobiology research associate David Martin, PhD, discussed how psychedelic drugs could affect opioid use disorder in humans. Mary Kay Lobo, PhD, professor of neurobiology, discussed research on prenatal cannabis exposure. Brian Mathur, PhD, associate professor of pharmacology, and Melanie Bennett, PhD, professor of psychiatry, presented their research into the systems neuroscience of alcohol use disorder and the treatment of tobacco addiction in psychiatric settings, respectively.

There is a real need for more medications for treating substance use disorders, Ament said in his presentation, and that means identifying new areas of the brain to target when developing medications. We need more tools to do a more precise job of treating peoples addictions, he said. The challenge is that most of the drugs we are working with are based on the idea that the brain is like a bag of chemicals, and that doesnt get at all the complexity of all the changes happening in the brain.

Specific neuronal cell types play unique roles in brain function. Over the past few years, Ament explained, researchers have used a relatively new technology called single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) that allows them to identify gene expression in individual neurons from sampled brain tissue. For instance, more than 5,000 individual brain cell types have been identified in the mouse brain and ongoing research is mapping the variation of cell types in the human brain, which likely has more variation than what is found in a mouse brain.

Ament and his colleagues, including Lobo and Mathur, have been using snRNAseq in preclinical research into what genes change in mice in the context of substance use disorders. They identified around 100 genes that are modified in certain brain cell types in animals exposed to alcohol. Further research may show similar genes in humans to be the most promising targets for new medications, Ament said. One of the goals of the Kahlert Institute will be to establish a human brain tissue bank for conducting the same kind of addiction research with human brain samples.

This first symposium exemplifies how the Kahlert Institute will uniquely bring together physicians and neuroscientists to study the brain mechanisms underlying substance abuse and its consequences," said Mark T. Gladwin, MD, who is the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and dean of UMSOM, and vice president for medical affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Based on the research presented, we need to learn more about the triggers for epigenetic changes and whether we can manipulate these alterations of gene expression to better understand what gives rise to alcohol or drug dependence in some individuals but not in others.

Martin addressed his ongoing research into how classical psychedelics  drugs that produce similar subjective experiences to and operate in similar ways in the brain as LSD  may affect the course of addiction. Martins research utilizes 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, also known as DOI, to see whether use of the psychedelic can be helpful at curtailing cravings for opioids in the addicted brain.

Martin explained that rats reduce their consumption of the opioid drug fentanyl after being given DOI. He further showed that DOI acts by binding to the 5-HT2a receptor, a type of receptor that binds the neurotransmitter serotonin.

This suggests that psychedelics are actually reducing the motivation for opioids, Martin said while cautioning that the work doesnt yet prove psychedelics can attenuate opioid use in humans, and that a short-term reduction in opioid drug seeking may not translate into long-term abstinence. Future experiments are going to be required to flesh out this idea and to see what kinds of long-term changes in behavior might result.

Lobos presentation described the signs of the rising prevalence of prenatal cannabis use among pregnant women, noting an increase of 170 percent between 2009 and 2016. The rate of prenatal exposure in the United States is estimated at between 10 percent and 23 percent of pregnancies, she said, with self-reporting women citing the management of anxiety, mood disorders, and morning sickness nausea as reasons for using cannabis.

While many pregnant women who use cannabis think the drug is harmless, Lobo pointed out research showing that delta-9-THC, the active component of cannabis, can cross the placenta and cause abnormalities for exposed people in infancy and adulthood. There are deficits in memory, verbal and attention deficit, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression, she said. And theres a psychosis vulnerability in males.

Through preclinical animal research, Lobos lab found that prenatal cannabis exposure alters the expression of genes, including those associated with mitochondrial function, which produces energy in cells. Her lab previously reported changes in mitochondrial function after prenatal cocaine exposure.

But not all changes in gene expression are inherently associated with pathological changes, Lobo noted. Some research, she explained, found sex differences in how prenatal cannabis exposure affected the expression of genes related to mitochondrial function, with only male mice seeing impairment. In females, the upregulation of genes we saw may be a protective mechanism.

Fundamental research on the mechanisms that make individuals susceptible to addiction, and that drive addictive behaviors and relapse, and research on the biological changes caused by use of addictive substances  across the lifespan  are a critical mission of the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine, said Asaf Keller, PhD, the Donald E. Wilson Distinguished Professor and chairman, Department of Neurobiology, and associate director of the Kahlert Institute. Our mission is to harness this fundamental research, in both animal models and in humans, to develop novel therapies to address this generational challenge of addiction.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. The Iranian Embassy in Baku congratulates Azerbaijan on May 28, Independence Day, Trend reports, referring to the publication on the social network of the Iranian Embassy.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baku congratulates all Azerbaijani people on May 28Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, wishes peace and prosperity, the publication says.

May 28 is Independence Day in Azerbaijan.

The revolution in Russia in 1917 put an end to the rule of the Romanov dynasty. As a result, the Russian Empire disintegrated. The people had to decide their own fate.

Thus, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was proclaimed on May 28, 1918.

ADR became the first democratic republic not only on the territory of modern Azerbaijan, but also in the whole East.

It was a parliamentary republic. Its state attributes - flag, anthem, emblem - were adopted. The colours of the republic's flag reflected the formula "Turkism, Islamism and Modernity.".

However, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for only 23 months. On April 28, 1920, Azerbaijan was occupied by the 11th Bolshevik Army, and the republic fell.

Until 2022, the date 28 May was celebrated as Republic Day in Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. I cordially congratulate our Azerbaijani friends on the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Deputy Speaker of Ukraines Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratyuk wrote on her page on X, Trend reports.

"106 years ago, the independent secular Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was created for the first time and the Parliament of Azerbaijan was formed. We highly appreciate Azerbaijan's continued position in supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," she said.

Kondratyuk thanked Azerbaijan for the humanitarian aid sent to Ukraine.

"Thank you for your constant humanitarian assistance. We are grateful for the warm and hospitable welcome to the rest and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children affected by the war. We appreciate Azerbaijans tangible contribution to humanitarian demining of the territory of Ukraine.

Azerbaijan celebrates this day in a particularly joyful atmosphere - with restored sovereignty within internationally recognized borders. I wish the Azerbaijani people long-term peace, security, rapid restoration and reintegration of the territories liberated from occupation," she wrote.
Pope Francis has been vocal in his criticism of gender ideology, recently calling it the "ugliest danger of our times." Cardinal Victor Fernandez, head of doctrinal orthodoxy under Pope Francis, has solidified this stance in the newly released Vatican document *Dignitas Infinita* (On Human Dignity).

The document cautions that seeking personal self-determination, as advocated by gender theory is comparable to the temptation to assume the role of God. Cardinal Fernandez argues that any sex-change intervention threatens the unique dignity bestowed upon a person from the moment of conception.

This strong stance from the Vatican underscores the Catholic Church's belief that the concept of changing one's gender is fundamentally confused and morally wrong. The Church teaches that the idea of fluid gender identities contradicts the intrinsic dignity and purpose given to each person by God.

The Biden Administration's New Title IX Regulations

In contrast, the Biden administration has recently codified support for gender identity through revised Title IX rules released by the Department of Education. These new regulations interpret "sex discrimination" to include "gender identity." While the new rules postpone the issue of men participating in women's sports, they aim to eliminate single-sex private spaces such as locker rooms and bathrooms. Additionally, by defining "misgendering" as a form of sexual discrimination, the Biden administration mandates that students, faculty, and staff refer to individuals by their chosen gender pronouns under the threat of investigation and potential dismissal. These changes affect all schools receiving federal funding, including most colleges and universities.

This move by the administration represents a significant shift in how gender identity is legally recognized and protected in educational institutions. It places Catholic institutions in a difficult position, as complying with these regulations would conflict with their religious teachings and moral principles.

READ MORE : Biden Administration Updates Title IX Harassment Standards In Humanist Issue To Protect LGBTQ+ Students

How Catholic Institutions Should Respond

Catholic colleges and universities face a dilemma. Compliance with the new Title IX regulations would directly violate Catholic moral teachings and put these institutions at odds with Pope Francis and the Vatican. St. Thomas Aquinas famously wrote, "An unjust law is no law at all," and many within the Church view Title IX's new provisions as a prime example of an unjust law.

Some Catholic institutions have preemptively sought religious exemptions from parts of Title IX. For example, the Franciscan University of Steubenville has stated that it does not need to comply with the new regulations due to existing protections. Other schools, such as Christendom College in Virginia, have opted out of federal funding entirely to avoid state interference. However, these approaches have limitations. Securing an exemption can be a lengthy and uncertain process, and opting out of federal funding is not feasible for most schools that rely on students who pay tuition with federal loans.

Catholic institutions need to take a more proactive stance. They should support states like Florida and Oklahoma, which refuse to abide by the new Title IX regulations. Additionally, they can declare their campuses as sanctuaries for those who respect biological reality, presenting themselves as unapologetically pro-woman, pro-man, and pro-freedom of conscience, even at the cost of losing federal funding.

Moreover, Catholic institutions should recognize that this issue is not just about religious freedom but also about defending rational principles. By appealing solely to religious exemptions, they risk reinforcing the notion that rejecting gender ideology is a matter of faith rather than a stance grounded in shared rationality. This perspective allows the state to redefine religious freedom and undermine the rights of all individuals, not just those within religious communities.

The Call to Action for Catholic Institutions

Pope Francis's condemnation of gender ideology calls Catholic institutions to action. They must do more than seek shelter from state overreach; they have a duty to actively oppose gender ideology wherever it is found. This opposition includes fighting against Title IX's compelled-speech provisions to ensure that no one is forced to say something they believe to be false. Catholic institutions should advocate for the protection of all individuals' legal status, not just their right to opt out of gender ideology.

Ultimately, the fight against gender ideology is about preserving human dignity and freedom of conscience. Catholic institutions must stand firm in their principles, pushing back against policies that threaten these core values. By doing so, they can uphold their mission and respond to Pope Francis's call to defend the inherent dignity of every person against modern dangers.
In a comprehensive and damning report, Sir Brian Langstaff, former High Court judge, concluded the extensive inquiry into the UK's infected blood scandal.

The scandal, which he termed the "worst treatment disaster" in NHS history, saw over 30,000 people infected with diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C during the 1970s and 1980s due to contaminated blood products, leading to nearly 3,000 deaths. The inquiry shed light on the critical failures of government advisors and the broader medical community, emphasizing how such a catastrophe could have been largely, though not entirely, avoided.

The Role of Experts and Avoidable Failures

The inquiry's findings underscore the significant responsibility held by the experts who advised the government at the time. Among those criticized was Arthur Bloom, a leading professor in haematology at the University of Wales College of Medicine, now part of Cardiff University. Professor Bloom's influential voice consistently downplayed the risks associated with contaminated blood products, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. The report highlighted an "uncritical acceptance of his line of thinking and a failure to probe his advice," suggesting that had Bloom been more faithful to the facts, the tragic outcomes might have been different.

This reliance on singular expert opinion, without sufficient scrutiny or diversity of perspective, was a critical failure. The inquiry revealed how the practices of the past allowed dominant voices to overshadow dissenting opinions, preventing a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the risks involved. The experts' failure to adequately address and mitigate these risks ultimately contributed to the scale of the disaster.

READ MORE : Republican Senator Launches Inquiry Into Tutor.Com Over Data Privacy Concerns

Impact on Medical Research Practices

One of the most troubling aspects revealed by the inquiry was the unethical research practices of the period. Many of the patients who were unaware they were participating in medical trials were subjected to experimental treatments without their informed consent. This lack of transparency and ethical consideration not only compromised patient safety but also eroded public trust in medical research and the healthcare system.

Modern medical research practices have evolved significantly since then, with a greater emphasis on ethical standards and patient consent. However, the inquiry's findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous ethical oversight and the need to prioritize patient welfare over scientific advancement. The report advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to medical research, incorporating diverse perspectives to prevent the dominance of single viewpoints and ensure more balanced and ethical decision-making.

Implications for Higher Education and Medical Training

The inquiry's findings have profound implications for higher education, particularly in the fields of medicine and healthcare. The model developed by Sir Brian Langstaff, which involved setting up seven expert groups to investigate various aspects of the scandal, demonstrated the value of multidisciplinary collaboration. This approach stands in stark contrast to the insular practices of the past and highlights the need for broader expertise in addressing complex medical issues.

Higher education institutions are now encouraged to adopt more interdisciplinary curricula, integrating insights from fields such as sociology, ethics, and public health into medical training. Emma Cave, professor of healthcare law at Durham University, emphasized the benefits of this approach, noting that it promotes transparency and allows for a wider range of perspectives to inform medical practices. Similarly, Bobbie Farsides, professor of clinical and biomedical ethics at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary input in modern medical education, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are better equipped to make informed and ethical decisions.

Furthermore, the report underscores the need for higher education institutions to foster a culture of critical inquiry and openness to criticism. The medical profession must move away from insularity and embrace a more collaborative and accountable approach to healthcare. By doing so, institutions can help prevent the recurrence of such tragedies and ensure that medical advancements are made with the highest ethical standards.

Sir Brian Langstaff's report on the UK's infected blood scandal provides a sobering reflection on the failures of past medical practices and the critical role of expert advice. The findings highlight the need for greater scrutiny, ethical oversight, and multidisciplinary collaboration in medical research and practice. For higher education, the implications are clear: fostering a culture of interdisciplinary learning and ethical responsibility is essential to prevent future healthcare disasters. As the medical community continues to learn from these lessons, it is hoped that such tragedies can be avoided, and patient trust in the healthcare system can be restored.
In the midst of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, a global movement has emerged, advocating for justice and support for Palestinian education.

Led by the Palestinian Authority's Minister of Education, Amjad Barham, and buoyed by the solidarity of the global student movement, efforts and initiatives to salvage higher education in the region are underway.

The Impact of Conflict on Palestinian Universities

The recent escalation of violence in Gaza and the West Bank has exacerbated an already dire situation for higher education institutions in the region. The Israeli "war machine" has left a trail of destruction, with every university in Gaza reportedly destroyed by military action. This strategy, labeled "educide," has not only claimed the physical infrastructure of education but has also resulted in the loss of academic lives. Scores of academics and thousands of students have been reported killed, leaving behind a shattered educational landscape.

Amjad Barham, speaking from the heart of the crisis, paints a grim picture of the devastation wrought upon Palestinian universities. He laments the years of effort invested in building these institutions, only to see them reduced to rubble in a matter of days. The heavy toll on Palestinian society is palpable, as the loss of educational opportunities compounds the already dire humanitarian situation.

Global Solidarity: Standing with Palestinian Universities

In the face of such adversity, the global student movement has emerged as a beacon of hope, standing in solidarity with Palestinian universities and their students. Pro-Palestinian encampments, originating in US institutions but now spanning the globe, have called for universities worldwide to do more to support those affected by the conflict. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, with Minister Barham expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support.

The movement extends beyond mere rhetoric, triggering tangible actions such as divestment from Israeli companies and boycotts of Israeli universities. While these actions have sparked controversy and division on Western campuses, they underscore the depth of commitment to the cause of justice for Palestinians. Students and professors alike are lending their voices to the call for accountability and an end to the occupation.

Rebuilding Palestinian Education: Challenges and Opportunities

As the dust settles from the latest round of violence, the daunting task of rebuilding Palestinian education lies ahead. Minister Barham speaks of a determined effort to salvage the academic year for remaining students, exploring options such as online classes and enrollment in neighboring countries. The goal is not only to mitigate the immediate impact of the crisis but also to lay the groundwork for a brighter future.

However, the challenges ahead are immense. The physical infrastructure of universities must be rebuilt from the ground up, while the psychological scars of conflict will take time to heal. Moreover, the ongoing occupation presents a formidable obstacle to the realization of Palestinian aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future.

Yet amidst the challenges lie opportunities for solidarity and collaboration. Dr. Barham emphasizes the importance of standing together with Palestinian universities, advocating for short-term courses and exchanges to prevent students from losing out on their education. By investing in the education of Palestinian youth, the international community can contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of the region.

In the face of adversity, the global community must not waver in its support for Palestinian education. The solidarity shown by the global student movement is a testament to the power of collective action in the pursuit of justice. As we look to the future, let us heed the call to action and stand in solidarity with Palestinian universities. By supporting education, we can sow the seeds of hope and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow in Gaza and the West Bank.
Loneliness, often overlooked or dismissed as a fleeting emotion, is emerging as a significant concern among college students, with profound implications for their mental well-being.

A recent report by TimelyCare and Active Minds sheds light on the alarming association between loneliness and negative mental health outcomes among college students, urging a proactive approach from higher education institutions and mental health advocates.

Loneliness: A Silent Struggle

The report, titled "Loneliness, Resilience, and Mental Health: A Call for Campus Action," draws attention to the stark reality faced by many college students. The research shows that students who indicate they are lonely are four times as likely to report experiencing severe psychological distress. This alarming statistic underscores the deep-seated impact of loneliness, transcending mere emotional discomfort to manifest in severe mental health challenges.

The prevalence of loneliness among college students is further highlighted by the report's data, which indicates that 70.3% of non-straight students reported feeling lonely, compared to 60.6% of their straight peers. This disparity underscores the intersectional nature of loneliness, influenced by factors such as sexual orientation and identity.

READ MORE : Survey Reveals Escalating Workloads Impacting Mental Health Of Higher Education Professionals

The Mental Health Toll

The repercussions of loneliness on mental health extend beyond the individual, impacting the broader campus community. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's characterization of loneliness as an "epidemic" resonates with the findings of this report, indicating a pressing need for intervention.

The report also delves into students' perceptions and priorities regarding mental health. While 63% of respondents prioritize having good mental health, a smaller percentage prioritize taking care of their mental health (54%). This discrepancy suggests a gap between intention and action, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to bridge this divide.

Addressing the Issue: A Call for Action

In response to the growing concern surrounding loneliness and mental health among college students, the report offers actionable recommendations for higher education leaders and student-facing roles. These recommendations include:

Increasing Awareness and Education: Implementing programs that educate students about the impact of loneliness on mental health, and destigmatizing seeking help for mental health concerns. Enhancing Social Connections: Creating opportunities for students to build meaningful social connections, both on-campus and virtually, to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. Promoting Mental Health Prioritization: Encouraging students to prioritize their mental health, and providing resources and support to help them maintain emotional well-being. Supporting Marginalized Communities: Recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, such as non-straight students, in combating loneliness and mental health issues. Fostering Open Dialogue: Creating a culture of open dialogue around mental health, where students feel comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking support from their peers and campus resources.

The TimelyCare and Active Minds report serves as a wake-up call for higher education institutions and mental health advocates to address the growing issue of loneliness among college students. By understanding the profound impact of loneliness on mental health and implementing targeted interventions, we can create a more supportive and inclusive campus environment where all students can thrive emotionally and academically.
One of the priority areas of the Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy is to ensure the well-being of the people through sustainable economic growth and the rule of law. To achieve these goals, the Government of Uzbekistan is working to build effective public administration and a system for preventing corruption risks, as well as creating a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in society.

Uzbekistan continues to advance anti-corruption reforms across all spheres of government management. Numerous anti-corruption legislative initiatives have been launched, such as amendments to the Criminal Code to strengthen liability for corruption, and the adoption of a new law on corruption proofing of legislation, enhancing transparency of public agencies. Strong political commitments provide Uzbekistan with a unique opportunity to reduce corruption risks, thereby improving the prospects for a better future for the people and businesses of Uzbekistan.

One of the important areas of this work is strengthening the countrys asset recovery framework in line with the requirements of the UN Convention against Corruption. In recent years, Uzbekistan has introduced a number of important legislative reforms in this area and invested efforts in increasing the capacity of its asset recovery practitioners. Uzbekistan is hosting Asset Recovery Inter Agency Network in West and Central Asia (ARIN-WCA) and is also a member of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (theGlobE Network). These efforts resulted in recent reported returns of stolen assets from a number of financial centers.

To support this important work, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Central Asia and the General Prosecutor's Office, with support from the United States Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, initiated a 2-years project intitled "Improving the Effectiveness of the Asset Recovery Framework in Uzbekistan." The overall objective of the project is to support Uzbekistan in enhancing an asset recovery framework that provides necessary institutional, legal, and operational capacities to effectively trace, recover, and manage assets diverted through the practice of corruption and other economic crimes.

The project consists of the following main components:

Developing of a robust legal framework and mechanisms for asset recovery. Establishing effective asset recovery institutions. Strengthening the professional capacities of national practitioners to effectively conduct asset recovery processes. Establishing an integrated database on asset recovery for use by national stakeholders. Facilitating Uzbekistans international cooperation in asset recovery cases.

As the custodian of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), UNODC builds the project framework on the principles of the UNCAC, focusing on the requirements and standards enshrined in the Convention and best international practices including those collected by the flagship Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR - Initiative) of UNODC and the World Bank.

During the project launch ceremony on 7 May, UNODCs Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, Mr. Vladimir Kozin, and National Project Officer, Mr. Azat Irmanov, presented the project goals to national partners.

UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia Ms. Ashita Mittal emphasized, It is very important that all recovered assets are well accounted for and managed for the benefit of the people of Uzbekistan.

The General Prosecutor of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Nigmatulla Yuldashev, said, The activities of the General Prosecutor's Office are aimed at enhancing the rule of law; therefore, the return of illicit assets and the prevention of corruption risks is one of priority functions of prosecutor authorities.

The US Ambassador to Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Jonathan Henick noted the importance of digitalization and deployment of technology to improve the efficacy of Uzbekistans justice sector, including through more efficient criminal investigations, secure and expeditious communication with partner countries, and modern database management system.

During the project presentation, heads of GPO departments and leading prosecutors shared their vision on the best ways of implementing the project activities and pointed out key issues that should be covered within the analytical work of the project.

For cooperation, please contact:

Mr. Vladimir Kozin

UNODC ROCA Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser

Phone: +998 78 120 80 50

Mr. Azizbek Yusupov

Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

U.S. Embassy Tashkent

Phone: +998 78 120 54 50
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday commended the efforts of Pakistan Navy in thwarting narcotics smuggling attempt in the Northern Arabian Sea.

The prime minister appreciated the crew members including offices and Jawans of PNS Aslat for intercepting the vessel used for drug smuggling, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The Pakistan Navy had been working round the clock to safeguarding the maritime frontiers; and controlling pirates and human trafficking, he observed.

The prime minister further said that he along with the entire nation lauded the officers and personnel of Pak Navy who had been performing duties away from their near and dear ones.
(@FahadShabbir)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday assuring all-out facilitation by his government, invited Chinese companies, particularly related to the textile sector, to establish their industry in Pakistan.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting to discuss the promotion of Pakistan-China cooperation, said China was a key partner in Pakistan's development. Pakistan desires to enhance cooperation with China in agriculture, information technology, and energy besides enhancing its exports to China.

In the meeting, different ministries presented their proposals to promote the Pakistan-China economic relationship, a PM Office press release said.

The prime minister reiterated that the government would provide foolproof security to Chinese nationals working in Pakistan as a comprehensive security plan had already been formulated.

He told the participants of the meeting that the government was preparing for the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and expressed the hope that with China's cooperation, Gwadar Port would become a logistics hub.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the CPEC second phase would also feature the establishment of Agriculture Demonstration Zones, and instructed the ministries to prepare for the launch of new projects with Chinese cooperation and enhancing business-to-business linkages.

He told the meeting that China could also assist Pakistan in formulating a strategy to boost its exports.

Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Dr Musaddik Malik, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Awais Ahmed Leghari, and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, State Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Jahanzeb Khan and relevant senior officers attended the meeting.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) Rawalpindi District Administration here on Tuesday organized a rally to celebrate Youm-e-Takbeer and pay rich tributes to all those who made Pakistan an atomic power.

The rally was led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rawalpindi, Hasan Waqar Cheema.

A large number of people belonging to different walks of life including students, district administration officers, and officials, carrying national flags, banners inscribed with Youm-e-Takbeer slogans, and nuclear blasts, participated in the rally to celebrate the day with immense zeal and enthusiasm.

The participants of the rally raised the slogans Takbeer and Pakistan Zindabad.

On May 28, a nuclear explosion made the country's defense system impregnable, the DC said.

Hasan Waqar Cheema addressing the participants said, Today we salute the heroes who played an important role in making Pakistan a nuclear power.

The nation is proud of its heroes who have rendered their services for the security of the country, the DC said adding, that no sacrifice would be spared for the security and defense of the nation.

Another rally was held on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer from the main city area. The participants of the rally were carrying national flags.

They also raised slogans in support of the Pakistan Army.

People belonging to different walks of life attended the rally.

The participants said that it was a day of great joy and happiness for them.

The citizens on the occasion said that the explosion of nuclear weapons by Pakistan had created a balance of nuclear power in the region.

To celebrate May 28 in memory of the historic nuclear tests, Pakistan celebrates this day as Youm-e-Takbeer every year to pay rich tributes to all those who made Pakistan an atomic power.

Like other parts of the country, Youm-e-Takbeer is also being celebrated in the Rawalpindi division with great national enthusiasm.

The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, independence of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and eternal peace of all the martyrs of Pakistan.

Rich tributes were paid to the political leadership including former Prime Ministers Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, scientists and officials of all the relevant organizations for making Pakistan an atomic power by the speakers in the rallies and debate competitions.

A local PML-N leader, Ch Tayyab said that Pakistans defense was made invincible on May 28, 1998.

He said it was a day to pledge to work tirelessly for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave security forces of Pakistan to destroy nefarious designs of the inimical forces.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday, following the brutal airstrike by Israel near Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, that left dozens dead.

The meeting was requested by Algeria, a non-permanent member of the 15-member Council, and backed by Slovenia, diplomats said.

The Palestinian health authority in Gaza said at least 50 people were killed and dozens injured in the Sunday airstrike that hit tents housing displaced people.

Most of the victims of the airstrike were women and children, the health authority said, describing the incident as a "massacre".

On Sunday, Israeli warplanes fired eight missiles towards makeshift shelters housing internally displaced persons in Rafahs northwest, killing at least 50 Palestinians.

Many world leaders and international organizations have vehemently condemned the attack, citing the already desperate situation of the victims.

There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres posted on social media.

ActionAid UK, the British chapter of an international relief organization, noted that the shelters struck during the assault were supposed to be safe havens for innocent civilians, yet they became targets of brutal violence.

Children, women, and men are being burned alive under their tents and shelters, it noted.

Reacting to the Israeli strike, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas called it an egregious affront to a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice, which ordered the Israeli regime to immediately halt its offensive against Rafah.

Since Oct. 7, the Israeli war in Gaza has claimed the lives of more than 36,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, throughout the coastal enclave.

APP/ift
Chisinau, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Moldova on Wednesday with plans to show robust support for the front-line country's Western aspirations amid Western alarm over Russian gains elsewhere.

Blinken will spend a day in Moldova at a time when Russia is scoring a series of battlefield victories in neighbouring Ukraine.

The visit coincides with an expected move by Georgia, another former Soviet republic, to ram through a law against "foreign influence" seen as inspired by the Kremlin.

Russian troops have been stationed for decades in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria, where speculation grew earlier this year that Moscow would attempt outright annexation.

Blinken will announce "a robust package of support" for Moldova, said Jim O'Brien, the US assistant secretary of state for Europe.

He said the aid would focus in part on energy. Moldova until recently imported nearly all its natural gas from Russia but has been seeking to diversify.

O'Brien said Blinken would also announce measures to boost democracy and counter disinformation ahead of elections later this year in which pro-European President Maia Sandu is seeking a new term.

O'Brien described Sandu's track record as a "success" but said she has been "a target of Russian disinformation and aggressive operations" since the moment she took office.

"Obviously the people of Moldova will have a chance to decide. We want them to decide in a free and fair environment with as little interference or disinformation as possible," O'Brien told reporters.

Blinken's trip comes a week after the European Union signed a security and defence pact with Moldova that is also aimed at helping the country defend against Russian threats, including in cyber security.

- Moldova back on agenda -

Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi called Blinken's visit a "strong signal of political and financial support" to the country.

"While some do everything to put us in difficulty, others come and help us and extend us this hand of friendly help to overcome these difficulties that others create for us, for which we are extremely grateful," he said, likely alluding to Russia.

Blinken last visited the tiny country weeks after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when some made gloomy predictions that Moscow would also strike Moldova.

US officials say they no longer see an imminent threat from Russia, which has around 1,500 troops in Transnistria, but they are taking no chances.

Russia launched an assault on Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region two weeks ago, seeking to press its advantage before US weapons reach the front lines.

The clock is ticking down to the US presidential election in November.

President Joe Biden's Republican challenger, Donald Trump, has voiced admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Andrei Curararu, a security expert and co-founder of WatchDog.md, a think tank based in Moldova, said Blinken's 2022 visit had come at a time of "extreme alert" and uncertainty.

He said the latest trip could lay the groundwork for a more formal bilateral security agreement with the United States of the sort Moldova has reached with France.

"A visit of this level also speaks to the fact that the Republic of Moldova is back on the US agenda," he said.

"(It is) also about possible risks and threats to national security," he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. Turkiye wants positive progress in negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia to lead to an agreement that will ensure peace, a statement issued following a meeting of the National Security Council of Turkiye says, Trend reports.

The Council stated that Turkiye stands ready to support all efforts aimed at establishing permanent peace.

The 9th regular meeting of the commissions on the border between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia was held on May 15, 2024, where th Technical Protocol was agreed upon and the relevant protocol of the commissions was signed.

As a result of delimitation works, the 12.7 km border line was determined, thereby ensuring the return to Azerbaijan of the territories (6.5 square kilometers) of four villages in the Gazakh district of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Baghanis Ayrim, Ashagi Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gizilhajili.
(@FahadShabbir)

Lima, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) Peru's attorney general on Monday accused President Dina Boluarte of accepting bribes in the form of Rolex watches, in the latest twist of a corruption scandal shaking her unpopular government.

Attorney General Juan Carlos Villena said that her receiving the luxury items from a governor amounted to accepting bribes.

Villena "presented a constitutional complaint against Dina Boluarte as the suspected author of passive corruption," his office said on X, formerly Twitter.

The scandal erupted in March with the discovery of a trove of undeclared luxury Rolex watches and jewelry in the president's possession.

Boluarte told prosecutors last month the Rolex watches had been loaned by a friend, the regional governor of Ayacucho, Wilfredo Oscorima. She is being investigated on suspicion of "passive corruption" for receiving improper benefits from public officials.

The attorney general's accusation, presented to Congress, does not amount to an indictment because the president has immunity while in power.

Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen criticized the accusation as "persecution" of Boluarte.

"This is nothing more than an example of the systematic persecution in fiscal matters that is carried out against the president in an improper, unconstitutional, and illegal manner," Adrianzen told television Canal N.

A congressional committee must now debate the accusation before the whole chamber does so. Ultimately, it would be up to the courts to decide whether to put her on trial after her term ends in July 2026.

The president, who has an approval rating of 12 percent according to an Ipsos poll, does not have or lead a party in Congress, requiring her to secure backing from conservatives.

Peru suffers from chronic political instability and has had six presidents in the past eight years.

Boluarte took office in December 2022, replacing left-wing president Pedro Castillo, who was impeached and imprisoned for unsuccessfully trying to dissolve Congress. She was his vice president.

In 2023, prosecutors opened an investigation in which she stands accused of "genocide, homicide and serious injuries," for the deaths of more than 50 protesters during a crackdown on demonstrations demanding she resign and call fresh elections.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Madrid, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) Spain, Ireland and Norway will formally recognise a Palestinian state Tuesday in a decision slammed by Israel as a "reward" for Hamas more than seven months into the devastating Gaza war.

The three European countries believe their initiative has strong symbolic impact, which will likely encourage others to follow suit.

They also point to Norway and Spain's historic role in advancing Israel-Palestinian peace efforts: in 1991, the two sides sat down together for the first time at a Madrid peace conference that paved the way for the 1993 Oslo Accords.

"Recognising the state of Palestine is about justice for the Palestinian people," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said on Monday in Brussels.

It was also "the best guarantee of security for Israel and absolutely essential for reaching peace in the region", he said alongside his Irish and Norwegian counterparts.

The plans were unveiled last week in a coordinated announcement by their prime ministers, with formal recognition to take place in all three countries on Tuesday.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will give an address at 0630 GMT before his cabinet meets to adopt a decree recognising Palestinian statehood. The Irish government will also meet during the morning.

- Differences within the EU -

Norway informed Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Mustafa at the weekend that its recognition would also take effect on Tuesday.

Although Slovenia has also started the process of recognising a Palestinian state, the issue has provoked sharp disagreement within the 27-nation European Union. Spain and Ireland are part of the bloc.

For decades, formal recognition of a Palestinian state has been seen as the endgame of a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Washington and most Western European nations have said they are willing to one day recognise Palestinian statehood, but not before agreement on thorny issues like the status of Jerusalem and final borders.

The spiralling bloodshed in Gaza has revived calls for Palestinians to be given their own state, with a growing number of European countries expressing a desire to do so.

Within the EU, states like France believe it is not the right time to do so, while Germany only envisages recognition following negotiations between the two sides.

Tuesday's move by Spain, Ireland and Norway will mean 145 of the UN's 193 member states now recognise Palestinian statehood.

These include many middle Eastern, African and Asian countries, but not the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan or South Korea.

In 2014, Sweden became the first EU member to recognise a Palestinian state, following six other European countries that took the step before joining the bloc: Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania.
Madrid, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) Spain, Ireland and Norway will formally recognise a Palestinian state on Tuesday in a decision slammed by Israel as a "reward" for Hamas more than seven months into the devastating Gaza war.

The three European countries believe their initiative has strong symbolic impact, which is likely to encourage others to follow suit.

They also point to Norway and Spain's historic role in advancing Israel-Palestinian peace efforts.

In 1991, the two sides sat down together for the first time at the Madrid peace conference that paved the way for the 1993 Oslo Accords.

"Recognition of the State of Palestine is not only a matter of historic justice... Is it also an essential requirement if we are all to achieve peace," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said before meeting his cabinet.

The move, he said, was "not against anyone, least of all Israel".

"It is the only way to move towards the solution that we all recognise as the only possible way to achieve a peaceful future -- that of a Palestinian state living side-by-side with the state of Israel in peace and security."

Sanchez also said the decision reflected Spain's "outright rejection of Hamas, which is against the two-state solution" and whose October 7 attacks led to the Gaza war.

The plans were unveiled last week in a coordinated announcement by the prime ministers of the three countries.

Formal recognition was to take place in all three on Tuesday.

Both the Spanish and Irish cabinets were to meet to approve the step on Tuesday morning, while Norway informed Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Mustafa at the weekend its recognition would also take effect on Tuesday.

Although Slovenia has also started the process of recognising a Palestinian state, the issue has provoked sharp disagreement within the 27-nation European Union.

Spain and Ireland are part of the bloc.

For decades, formal recognition of a Palestinian state has been seen as the endgame of a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Washington and most Western European nations have said they are willing to one day recognise Palestinian statehood, but not before agreement on thorny issues like the status of Jerusalem and final borders.

The spiralling bloodshed in Gaza has revived calls for Palestinians to be given their own state, with a growing number of European countries expressing a desire to do so.

Within the EU, states like France believe it is not the right time to do so, while Germany only envisages recognition following negotiations between the two sides.

Tuesday's move by Spain, Ireland and Norway will mean 145 of the United Nations' 193 member states now recognise Palestinian statehood.

These include many middle Eastern, African and Asian countries but not the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan or South Korea.

In 2014, Sweden became the first EU member to recognise a Palestinian state.

It followed in the steps of six other European countries that took the step before joining the bloc -- Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania.
Noumea, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) France on Tuesday lifted a state of emergency in its Pacific territory of New Caledonia but is maintaining a curfew and sending hundreds of paramilitary reinforcements after two weeks of unrest in which seven people died and hundreds were injured.

The French presidency said restrictions had been eased to let the main pro-independence FLNKS party hold meetings and for local representatives to try to get road barricades removed.

Paris enforced the state of emergency after riots erupted over French plans to reform voting rights in the territory. Several hundred police and military reinforcements have already been sent to New Caledonia.

Authorities said another 480 paramilitary gendarmes would leave France for the territory "within hours". A night curfew from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am and a ban on alcohol sales will remain, the French government office in New Caledonia said.

While the archipelago has been quieter, some disturbances were reported in Vallee-du-Tir district of the main city Noumea. There have been nearly 500 arrests since the unrest started.

Long queues of traffic have built up in daylight hours but many roads, including to the international airport, are still closed with hundreds of burned out cars. The airport is to remain closed until June 2. Authorities said 600 police would be used to clear access to the Medipole hospital.

The lifting of the blockades is "the necessary condition for the opening of concrete and serious negotiations", the French presidency said in a statement, which announced the lifting of the state of emergency from 5:00 am Tuesday (1800 GMT Monday).

President Emmanuel Macron flew to the Pacific archipelago on Thursday in a bid to defuse the crisis.

The first French tourists were evacuated Saturday from Noumea aboard military aircraft headed for Australia and New Zealand. Australia and New Zealand had already begun repatriating their nationals on Tuesday.

In total, around 3,500 troops have been deployed to the archipelago, where two police have died.

New Caledonia has been ruled from Paris since the 1800s, but many indigenous Kanaks resent France's power over their islands and want fuller autonomy or independence.

France is planning to give voting rights to thousands of non-indigenous long-term residents, something Kanaks say would dilute the influence of their votes.

During his lightning trip to New Caledonia, Macron pledged that the voting reforms "will not be forced through".

"Violence should never be allowed to take root," Macron said at the end of his visit.

The CCAT pro-independence group organising the protests has not called off the roadblocks but offered to ease the chaos so that fuel and medicines could be delivered.

The FLNKS party reiterated on Saturday its demand for the withdrawal of the voting reforms after meeting with Macron.
El Bosque, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) Waves wash over abandoned homes in a Mexican village slowly being swallowed by the sea -- a symbol of the climate change effects being felt by the major fossil fuel producer.

The school where Adrian Perez used to attend classes in the community of El Bosque in the southern state of Tabasco now stands in ruins.

Each time he passes it going fishing, he is reminded of what has been lost to the sea.

"It's hard. I studied there and look at what it became," the 24-year-old said.

"The climate's destroying us," he added.

This year, heat waves have sent temperatures soaring in Tabasco and much of Mexico, stoking the climate change debate as the country prepares for a June 2 presidential election.

According to environmental group Greenpeace, El Bosque is the first community in Mexico to be officially recognized as displaced by climate change.

In February, the Tabasco state congress approved its relocation.

"We hear about climate change all the time but we never thought that it would come to us," said 34-year-old Cristy Echeverria, who lost her home.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, ocean warming as well as the melting of glaciers and ice sheets caused the global sea level to reach its highest point on record last year.

Around 700 people once lived in El Bosque, which sits on a small peninsula jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico and exposed to Atlantic storms and hurricanes.

In the waters offshore, rigs extract the oil and gas on which Latin America's second-largest economy so heavily depends.

Down the coast, the government of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has built a major new oil refinery in Tabasco, his home state -- part of his efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

Tabasco is one of the areas of Mexico hit hardest by this year's heat waves, with temperatures in the state reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Since March, 48 heat-related death have been registered across the country, according to the government.

Even Mexico City -- whose altitude has traditionally given it a temperate climate -- recorded its highest-ever temperature of 34.7 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

The heat and below-normal rainfall last year have stirred fears of worsening water shortages.

The average annual availability of water per capita in Mexico has already fallen by 68 percent since 1960, according to the Mexican Institute of Competitiveness.

Despite international pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Lopez Obrador has promoted fossil fuel production during his six-year term in a bid to ensure energy independence.

The government says it is offsetting the impact by planting one million hectares of trees, which Lopez Obrador has called "the world's most important reforestation program."

Pablo Ramirez, a climate campaigner at Greenpeace Mexico, warned that there was "no public policy that can address the serious impacts that climate change is having and that are going to get worse."

Claudia Sheinbaum, the ruling party candidate leading the race to replace Lopez Obrador, has promised to invest billions of Dollars in clean energy while also supporting state oil company Pemex.

"We're going to promote the energy transition," said Sheinbaum, a scientist by training who was a contributing author for the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Sheinbaum would take a different approach to Lopez Obrador on energy, according to Pamela Starr, a professor at the University of Southern California.

"She's going to encourage much more active investment in clean energy," Starr told AFP.

Opposition presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez has said that Mexico needs "to end our addiction to fossil fuels" and proposed to close some refineries.

The campaign promises to give little comfort to Echeverria.

"We're not responsible for everything that's happening, but we're paying for it," she said.

"We're not going to be the only ones."
Tbilisi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th May, 2024) Thousands of Georgians rallied Tuesday outside parliament after ruling party MPs adopted a divisive "foreign influence" law, overcoming a presidential veto on the bill despite Western warnings the move could jeopardise the country's path to the European Union.

The law, which critics have compared to repressive Russian legislation used to silence dissent, forces groups receiving at least 20 percent of funding from abroad to register as "organisations pursuing the interests of a foreign power."

The proposal has drawn fierce opposition from Western governments including the United States, which said the measure risked "stifling" freedom of expression in the Black Sea Caucasus nation.

Brussels warned the measure was "incompatible" with the ex-Soviet republic's longstanding bid for EU membership, which is enshrined in the country's constitution and supported -- according to opinion polls -- by more than 80 percent of the population.

Lawmakers voted 84 to 4 to pass the bill on Tuesday, after overriding pro-EU President Salome Zurabishvili's veto.

Most opposition MPs walked out of the 150-seat chamber ahead of the vote.

The EU said that it deeply regretted the law being adopted, and foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said the bloc was "considering all options to react to these developments".
London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2024) The UK's Labour opposition vowed Tuesday to be both "pro-worker and pro-business" after winning the backing of 120 industry leaders as the party tries to oust the Conservatives in the upcoming general election.

In a speech at a Rolls Royce factory in central England, Rachel Reeves -- who is set to become finance minister if Labour wins power on July 4 -- argued it was now "the natural party" of business.

"I'm not one of those politicians that thinks that the private sector is a dirty word, or a necessary evil," Reeves, centre-left Labour's finance spokesperson since 2021, told an audience of business figures.

"I know that economic growth comes from success of business -- large, medium, and small. Indeed, there is no other way.

"I want to lead the most pro-growth, the most pro-business Treasury that our country has ever seen with a laser focus on delivering for working people."

Her speech came hours after the 120-strong coalition of CEOs and other senior business figures endorsed Labour in a joint letter, saying that it was "time for a change".

The grouping argued the UK economy had been "beset by instability, stagnation and a lack of long-term focus" and the country lacked "the skills and infrastructure it needs to flourish".

"Labour has shown it has changed and wants to work with business to achieve the UK's full economic potential," the letter published in The Times stated.

"We should now give it the chance to change the country and lead Britain into the future."

Its signatories include senior figures in various industries, from banking and advertising to retail and technology.

Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, and Tom Kerridge, the restaurateur, are among the notable Names on the list.

Labour has been at pains to show it has moved decisively away from a less business-friendly period under former leftist leader Jeremy Corbyn.

He presided over its worst election result in decades in 2019, and quit as leader soon after.

Corbyn's successor Keir Starmer and Reeves have spent the subsequent four years wooing business figures.

The Conservatives -- in power for 14 years -- have traditionally been more trusted by Britain's business community, but have seen that reputation dented post-Brexit.

Ex-prime minister Liz Truss's disastrous 49-day tenure in 2022, when her tax-cutting agenda spooked markets, has been blamed in particular for shredding confidence in the party's reputation for economic competency.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the election with the Tories lagging well behind Labour in the polls.

His campaign has made a faltering start, with a post-WWII record number of its MPs announcing they will not run and signs of infighting erupting into public view.

Also campaigning in central England Tuesday, Sunak touted the Conservatives' latest policy announcement, billed as a 2.4 billion ($3 billion) tax break for pensioners.

Older voters are typically far more likely to vote for his party, and have been protected from the country's crippling cost-of-living crisis in recent years more than others.

The policy follows the Tories announcing Sunday they will bring back a form of national service if they retain power, in an apparent bid to maintain the support of its disgruntled right-wing base.

In his stump speech Tuesday, Sunak sought to utilise his underdog status in the race while attacking his Labour rivals.

"(They) want you to think that this election is over. Well, you know what? I don't think this election is a foregone conclusion," he insisted.

"We're going to keep putting bold actions on the table that I think are going to transform this country for the better."
(UroToday.com) While attendees to this years American Urological Association meeting in San Antonio can stream the Key Takeaway sessions through the conference website, other Urologists or Advance Practice Providers wont have immediate access to this information. I had the pleasure of highlighting sexual dysfunction with Dr. Tobias Kohler MD, MPH from Mayo Clinic Urology.

Dr. Dave Penson, AUA Secretary, piloted a new way of sharing key takeaways. A more conversational, podcast-style conversation between a more senior Urologist and junior attending was used to highlight high-impact topics.

Testosterone Deficiency

Reassurance about the safety of testosterone therapy (TRT) was a common theme. The TRAVERSE trial published last year highlighted the cardiovascular and prostate safety of testosterone replacement therapy.

In the Sunday plenary moderated by Dr. Morgentaler, Dr Larry Lipshultz and Dr Mike Hsieh highlighted the data supporting the safety of using TRT in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer (PCa), not only those who have undergone definitive treatment. One of the key studies referenced in the active surveillance space, Oncologic Outcomes of Testosterone Therapy for Men on Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer was a podium presented by Dr. Elie Kaplan-Marans with PI Dr. Jim Hu. Using SEER-Medicare data, the authors demonstrate that there was no difference in prostate-cancer specific mortality, overall mortality, and the TRT group actually had lower conversion to definitive PCa therapy. The study is now published in European Urology.

Lastly, a group from Johns Hopkins led by Dr. Taylor Kohn presented Testosterone Therapy in Women is not associated with Increased Cardiovascular Risk. In this large claims-based analysis, the authors compared rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, DVT, and PE in women on testosterone therapy vs a control group. Similar to the data in men, systemic testosterone therapy was not associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Erectile Dysfunction - Surgical

A large portion of the Sunday plenary sessions was dedicated to the surgical management of erectile dysfunction with inflatable penile implants (IPP). One key aspect of these sessions was the low use of Salvage techniques for dealing with infected penile implants. The historical teaching has been that if an IPP is infected, it is an emergency and must be removed. As Dr. Charles Welliver highlighted, this is an oversimplification and doesnt take into account the long-term impact on patient outcomes. For any patient that doesnt have systemic symptoms of sepsis or significant tissue necrosis, IV antibiotics for 24-48 hours, coordination with surgeon(s) who perform implant surgeries, and replacement with a malleable penile implant can significantly improve outcomes for men who wish to remain sexually active. Despite data going back as far as 1998 showing that 81-93% effectiveness of salvage protocols, in the real world only about 17% of infected implants are managed this way. This presents a huge opportunity for improving the management of this rare but feared complication of penile prosthetic surgery.

In addition, we highlighted a podium presented by Dr. Navid Leelani from an ongoing Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) collaboration: Surgeon Volume in Penile Prosthesis Implantation Impacts Re-Operation Rates. Our group was able to access Medicare patient data and compare outcomes based on the surgical volume of prosthetic surgeons thanks to data obtained by Boston Scientific. This is the first national study to show that highest quartile surgeons (performing > 31 implants per year) had lower re-operation rates for penile implant cases, both inflatable and malleable. This data highlights that for patients with severe ED, Urologists and APPs should identify local or regional prosthetic surgeons to whom they can refer patients when they fail medical therapy.

For folks in southern California, I am happy to serve as a resource for these cases  both for infected cases who may be candidates for salvage or patients with severe ED who are interested in learning more about surgical treatment. Outpatient referrals can be facilitated via UCLA Health phone: 310-825-2631, fax: 310-301-5391 [triggers phone call to your patient in 24 business hours], or email ; for inpatients/transfers can call UCLA Transfer Center 310-825-0909.

Erectile Dysfunction - Medical

The newest development in pharmacologic treatment for ED was highlighted in the podium presentation from Dr. Wayne Hellstrom and group of thought leaders in sexual medicine including Drs. Gerard Brock, Arthur Burnett, Tim Holland, and Ken James Efficacy and Safety of MED3000, a novel topical therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. MED3000 (Eroxon) is the new, over-the-counter ED treatment recently approved by the FDA.

The gel is thought to work by stimulating nerve endings in the glans through subtle and quick temperature changes that lead to nitrous oxide released and required vasodilation needed for erections. 60% of patients had a clinical response to topical gel, defined as a 4 point or greater increase in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score. 32 to 55% of patients were able to engage in penetrative activity after 10 min. Finally, it had a good safety profile with only mild side effects noted  3% headache, 1% penile burning, and 0.7% nausea. Time will tell where this new agent fits in the current paradigm of ED management.

Peyronies Disease (Acquired Penile Curvature)

We concluded our session talking about Peyronies disease. The poster Comparison of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) to Surgery for the Management of Peyronies Disease: A Randomized Trial  1 Year Outcomes summarized study led by Dr. Landon Trost. The initial study was published in the Journal of Urology and highlighted similarity in patient satisfaction when randomized to CCH (or Xiaflex) vs surgery, despite differences in objective measures such as curvature, length, and adverse effects. However, in this interim update  there seemed to be a shift towards higher satisfaction in the CCH group at 1 year of follow-up possibly driven by restoration of penile length with CCH. However, as a co-author Dr. Kohler highlighted that given the small sample size, the loss of follow-up of a few patients could be skewing the results. Stay tuned for peer-reviewed publication to come.

Written by: Juan Jose Andino MD, MBA, UCLA Urology Assistant Clinical Professor, MLK Community Healthcare Urology
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. The visit of reporters to four villages in Azerbaijan's Gazakh district, which was liberated after 30 years of occupation, has started, Trend reports.

The media tour is organized by the State Border Service of Azerbaijan.

During the visit, reporters will be apprised of the present status in the newly liberated territories and given details regarding the State Border Service's activities.

To note, following the delimitation activities, the 12.7 km long border line was determined, thus ensuring the return of territories (6.5 square kilometers) of four villages in the Gazakh district of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Baganys Ayrim, Ashagy Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gyzylhajily to Azerbaijan.

On May 14, 2024, the villages of Baganys Ayrim, Ashagy Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gyzylhajily in the Gazakh district of Azerbaijan were taken under the control of the State Border Service.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
While some voters know who they'll be casting their ballots for on Wednesday's elections in South Africa, others are still undecided.

One voter on the streets of Johannesburg told VOA he wants continuity and will cast his ballot for the African National Congress, the party that has been governing in South Africa since 1994, when Nelson Mandela was elected president following the end of apartheid in the early 1990s.

Thirty years of democracy is probably 30 years of policy. We need another 30 years of implementing those policies and seeing them come through to fruition, Thabo Molobi said.

But for Karam Ezzideen, the ANC has not delivered on its promises. Enough is enough, he said, adding that hell vote for the Democratic Alliance because that party is all about change.

Analysts told VOA that parties like the DA, the IFP [Inkatha Freedom Party], and a few others have strong core support bases in certain ethnic groups and certain regions.

Many of the opposition candidates have accused the ANC of being corrupt and lacking a strategic vision for the country, which they said is in crisis and needs to be rescued.

In a promo video released earlier in the campaign, ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa, whos seeking a second term, said theyve made progress in meeting the basic needs of the people of South Africa.

We are putting South Africa to work by investing in our people to ensure that no one is left behind, he said in the video. And in a televised address to the nation Sunday, Ramaphosa reiterated the steps his administration has taken to improve the country's economic prospects.

Those prospects were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the world at a global level and exacerbated high levels of inequality in South Africa, Lloyd Kuveya from the University of Pretoria told VOA earlier this year.

Daryl Glaser, associate professor in political studies at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg said this years election is going to be the closest since the era of inclusive democracy began in South Africa three decades ago.

All the opinion polls are suggesting theres a very serious chance the ANC is going to fall below 50% of the vote and that its going to be forced into some kind of coalition, he said.

That, he said, would be exciting for those who feel the ANC has mismanaged the country, but he notes South Africa has not had good experiences with coalitions at a local level.

Glaser, Kuveya and other analysts told VOA that anger over power outages, allegations of corruption, and disunity within the ANC - the liberation movement that once led the struggle against racism and oppression by the countrys white minority rule - have helped the opposition gain ground. That includes the Economic Freedom Fighters party led by Julius Malema, a former ANC youth leader, and a newly formed party, for which former president Jacob Zuma has been campaigning.

Zumas party uMkhonto we Sizwe or MK has been a completely unexpected surprise. It arrived on the scene quite late in the run up to the elections and completely scrambled everything The EFF certainly appeals to a certain audience, and its been growing  In some ways, MK is much of a threat to the EFF as it is to the ANC because its capturing some of the discontented, Glaser said.

Nine days before the election, South Africa's top court ruled that Zuma was not eligible to run for parliament because of a past criminal conviction.

The ruling came two days after Zuma told thousands of supporters at a rally in Soweto that his MK party would help ease joblessness among other issues if it won.

South Africa's unemployment rate has reached 32% according to the World Bank, making it issue No. 1 for many voters, including Kathryn Defenn, who told VOA, our biggest challenge as a country is our rate of unemployment, which is one of the biggest in the world.

Another voter, Oupa Muhadi will be voting for "Action SA because its a party that has got what we want in the country. Right now, we have a problem with crime there is no work.

Kurmola Manilall is still undecided, but for her, the problems facing her country that matters the most are poverty and joblessness, plus the lack of maintenance of infrastructure is another pressing issue, she said.

Nearly half of the countrys 62 million people have registered to vote, said Thabo Masemola, an Independent Electoral Commission official.

We have the highest voters roll since the voters roll was established in 1999. The certified voters roll is currently sitting at 27.7 million and we use the voters roll as the basis to prepare and plan for the elections. So, all the relevant materials are in place.

He said the IEC has accredited 160 organizations, both domestic and international, to observe the election and ensure its transparency.

South Africans in the diaspora have already voted in 111 missions abroad, he said.
The run-up to South Africas general elections Wednesday has been mostly peaceful but not without incident. In Western Cape province, the opposition Democratic Alliance, or DA, accused rival parties of trying to intimidate voters in February by chanting violent slogans and brandishing weapons at voter registration locations. For years, some black voters in the province have been scared of being attacked if they admit to supporting the white-led DA.

This supporter of the Democratic Alliance is a single mother who works in a restaurant.

I dont want to identify because most of the people in my area is a black people. I dont know, maybe I can get hurt because they dont like a DA member. They still vote for the ANC even (though) ANC doesnt give them nothing. ANCs too much corruption. Thats why we get fed up with that, she said.

The woman says she believes that the track record of the DA, South Africas main opposition party, speaks for itself.

According to reports from South Africas Auditor-General, the Western Cape, which the DA party governs at the provincial level, is the best run province in the country.

Despite this achievement, the DAs critics say it protects only white business interests.

The voter, whom VOA spoke with, disagrees.

To me the DAs for everyone. Even if you are black or white or colored, you are in a rainbow nation, she said.

The womans mother, who is in her late eighties, does not agree and remains a staunch ANC supporter, ever grateful to that party and its former president, Nelson Mandela, for the state-sponsored house she received in 1996.

When Mandela was coming outside then I was voting ANC because ANC then, they give me a house because I was stay(ing) in a shed, she said.

However, both women are afraid they will be targeted if people know whom the daughter votes for in the general election.

Political analyst Cherrel Africa, associate professor at the University of the Western Capes Department of Political Science, believes that attitudes will change when political leaders stop harping on race to win votes.

That can often lead to inflammatory rhetoric, particularly racially divisive rhetoric where theres an attempt to play on the anxiety of particular voters, said Africa.

While intimidation is a legitimate concern for voters, the Western Cape is not known for political killings. They are far more common in KwaZulu-Natal province, where according to the National Police Minister Bheki Cele, at least 155 officeholders and city councilors had been killed between 2011 and September last year.

And with former President Jacob Zumas uMkhonto we Sizwe Party making its debut in this election, tensions in that province, Zumas home, are heightened.

For this election, police have put more boots on the ground countrywide and urged political parties to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct, which makes intimidating candidates or voters an offense.

Parties that break the code can be fined up to 200,000 rand (about $11,000) or sent to prison for up to 10 years.
Cameroon is observing World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28) with caravans visiting schools and public spaces to educate people about social taboos that women should not be seen in public during their menstrual periods. Organizations are also donating menstrual kits to girls displaced by terrorism and political tensions in the central African state.

Scores of youths, a majority of them girls, are told that menstruation is a natural part of the reproductive cycle.

Officials in Cameroons social affairs and health ministries say the monthly flows are not a curse and girls and women should never be isolated from markets, schools, churches and other public places because of their menstrual cycle.

The government of the central African state says it invited boys to menstrual health day activities because boys often mock girls in schools when they see blood dripping on their legs or skirts.

Tabe Edwan is the spokesperson of Haven of Rebirth Cameroon, an association that takes care of victims of sexual and gender-based violence. She says she participates in in activities to mark World Menstrual Health Day to battle taboos about menstruation that persist in Cameroon.

"We are looking at instances of stigmatization such as prohibition from cooking, prohibition from attending religious ceremonies or visiting such spaces," she said. "Most often a young girl who is having her menstrual flow is considered to be unclean and so anything that she touches becomes unclean or it also becomes contaminated."

Cameroons government says World Menstrual Day activities took place in many towns and villages, especially in the northwest and southwest regions, where a separatist conflict, now in its seventh year, has displaced about 750,000 people.

The countrys Social Affairs Ministry says displaced women and girls have lost nearly everything and lack even the $2 needed to buy sanitary pads each time they are on their monthly cycle.

Mirabelle Sonkey is founder of the Network for Solidarity Hope and Empowerment, a founding member of the International Menstrual Hygiene Coalition.

Sonkey says she is disheartened when women and girls use rags, papers and tree leaves or just anything unhealthy to stop blood flow because they cannot afford sanitary pads.

"We usually give about 1,000 dignity kits which include buckets, soap, pants and reusable, washable menstrual pads," she said. "We are still advocating for pads to be free. Our mission is to have an environment where pads will be accessible, that is why we are opening pad banks now where vulnerable women and girls can go there and have pads."

Sonkey pleaded with donors to provide sanitary pads to give to several thousand northern Cameroonian girls and women displaced by Boko Haram terrorism.

Cameroons government says 70% of menstruating women and girls lack access to regular basic sanitation products but it has not reacted to pleas from NGOs to distribute sanitary pads free of charge.

The central African states officials say families and communities should help put an end to stigmas by openly discussing menstrual flow and letting everyone know that menstruation is a normal and natural biological function.
The Hong Kong government objects to calls by activists for the citys economic and trade offices to be closed in the United States.

Hong Kong activists at a congressional roundtable on May 23 called on U.S. lawmakers to pass legislative measures as soon as possible to close the three offices in Washington, San Francisco and New York, describing them as arms of the propaganda machine in Beijing.

A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or HKSAR, Government spokesperson told VOA on Wednesday that the duties of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices, or ETOs, are to maintain relationships with entities that include local governments and businesses in different sectors to enhance bilateral ties and to promote the economic interests of Hong Kong.

Responding to questions from VOA by email, the HKSAR spokesperson said, ETOs have always been conducting activities righteously and lawfully. The HKSAR Government strongly objects to any unwarranted accusation and malicious slander against the HKSAR Government. Our ETOs will continue to carry out its duties and activities.

Chinas Embassy in Washington also dismissed calls to close Hong Kongs economic and trade offices in the U.S.

As overseas economic and trade organizations set up by the HKSAR [Hong Kong Special Administrative Region] Government, HKETOs [Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices] have run smoothly, which is win-win to the economic and trade cooperation between Hong Kong and relevant countries and regions. Currently, there are more than 1,200 US companies investing and operating in Hong Kong, and almost all major US financial companies operate in Hong Kong. To politicize the relevant issues will only harm the interests of both sides, said spokesman Liu Pengyu in an emailed response to VOA.

Activists who attended the discussion May 23 hosted by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party urged the passing of the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office Certification Act.

The bill has been approved by the Foreign Affairs Committees of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, but it is unclear when it will be voted on.

If voted into law, it would require the U.S. executive branch to certify whether the three Hong Kong offices are worthy of extending the diplomatic privileges, exceptions and immunities they currently enjoy within 30 days.

If the White House removes the diplomatic rights, the offices would be forced to cease operations within 180 days. If the government allows them to continue to function, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade offices rights would be extended for one year or until the next time an assessment is conducted.

Francis Hui, policy and advocacy coordinator at the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, argued, "Since Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China, the Chinese Communist Party should not have two diplomatic representations in the United States.

"They (the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices) have been promoting some untrue stories about Hong Kong all over the world. They will say that Hong Kong is very developed, charming and bright. They also say that we are an international financial center. Come and trade with us. In fact, they are whitewashing the fact that they are committing some human rights violations and undermining the rule of law in Hong Kong," she told VOA.

Joey Siu, a Hong Kong human rights activist, said, "[Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices] are the extended branches of the CCP.  They are the arms of the propaganda machine. They are the overseas police stations of the Hong Kong government that surveils and spies on Hong Kong activists and American citizens."

Both Hui and Siu are on the Hong Kong government's wanted list, accused of inciting secession, inciting subversion and colluding with foreign forces. Siu is an American citizen born in the U.S.

Members of Congress from both parties at the roundtable expressed concerns about the deteriorating rights situation in Hong Kong.

Rep. John Moolenaar, the Michigan Republican Chairman of the committee, opened the meeting by stating that many people may be curious: With so much happening in the world, why should Americans care about Hong Kong? Why should we worry about what the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is doing?

He then replied, "The answer is that the core values of the American people are at stake. When the CCP breaks its word to respect the freedom of Hong Kong through one country, two systems, it is breaking its word to the entire world."

One country, two systems was the political structure Beijing agreed to uphold when Hong Kongs colonial ruler, Britain, transferred the city back to China in 1997.

Critics say Beijing has violated that deal in forcing harsh security laws on Hong Kong that have seen independent media shut down or leave the city, and dissidents arrested or flee abroad.

Beijing says Hong Kongs 2020 National Security Law was needed to maintain stability, but has used it to arrest, jail and try hundreds of pro-democracy activists, stifling Hong Kongs once vibrant civil society and tradition of public speech.

Illinois Democrat Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi criticized Beijing for breaking its commitment to Hong Kong.

"We were promised one country, two systems. Instead, what we see is one country, one system, one party, one ruler: (President) Xi Jinping. One man has decided that Hong Kong is no longer going to abide by what was promised to the rest of the world," he said.

Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu also dismissed those concerns, in the Embassys reply to VOA. Since Hong Kongs return to the motherland, the principles of one country, two systems, Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong and Hong Kong enjoying a high degree of autonomy have been effectively implemented, it read. Hong Kong has a solid position as an international financial, shipping and trading center, and enjoys rapid development of innovative and technological industries, great freedom and openness, and a world-class business environment. The achievements in the practice of one country, two systems are globally recognized.

In March, Hong Kong lawmakers unanimously and quickly approved their own sweeping national security law known as Basic Law Article 23, strengthening the government's ability to silence dissent.

The law supposedly aims to combat "treason, rebellion, sedition, theft of state secrets, espionage, sabotage, and foreign interference" with punishment of up to life imprisonment, if found guilty.

But critics say authorities will use the national security measures to further restrict Hong Kong's freedoms at Beijing's behest.

On Tuesday, Hong Kong authorities made the first arrests under Article 23, charging six activists with incitement with intent.

Jonathan Price, one of the lawyers for imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, attended the Thursday roundtable. He said, "A robust rule of law and free media are essential for Hong Kong's future.  Hong Kong can seek to demonstrate these values by releasing Jimmy Lai immediately, and that's what we call upon it to do."

Lai, the 76-year-old founder of Hong Kong's Next Media, was charged under the Hong Kong version of Chinas National Security Law with "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces" and "conspiracy to publish incitement for supporting Hong Kongs 2019 pro-democracy movement.

If found guilty, he could be sentenced up to life in prison. Lai, who is also a British citizen, has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

New Jersey Republican Rep. Chris Smith and New York Democrat Rep. Tom Suozzi introduced a bill in April to rename the short section of the street in front of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, D.C. to Jimmy Lai Way to honor Lai.

Separately, Britain on Friday charged the manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, 63-year-old Chung Biu Yuen, and another man with spying for Hong Kong and set a trial date for next February. A third suspect also charged in the case was found dead Sunday in a park. British police have indicated they are investigating it as a suicide.

Chinas Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin, at a regular briefing May 24 in Beijing, lambasted the charges as Britains attempt to vilify China in the name of national security.

VOAs Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
Georgias parliament on Tuesday overrode the presidents veto of a controversial foreign agent law, despite protests at home and criticism in Western capitals, including a U.S. threat to impose sanctions.

The new measure is officially called the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence. However, opponents have dubbed it the "Russian law," a reference to Russias foreign agent law, which requires anyone who receives support from outside Russia, or is seen as acting under foreign influence, to register as a foreign agent.

I was watching the live broadcast of the vote with my mother. Till the last moment, we still had a hope. We hoped that their consciences wouldnt allow it. But it happened, and I am really saddened. However, what gives me hope are the demonstrators, said Nana Jikia, a student. We want European future; we do not want to be a Russian province.

The Georgian law requires civil society organizations, media and other entities receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign interests. The law primarily targets U.S. and European Union democracy assistance programs.

President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed the legislation on May 18, but it was widely expected that the ruling Georgian Dream partys parliamentary majority would override the veto.

There's only one way forward for Georgia. For its sovereignty and freedom and liberty, and that is to remove this government democratically through next elections, to continue this protest, to have an overwhelming moral majority and, like 30 years ago in 1990 when communists were defeated even before elections, they have to accept that they have to give up power, Giga Bokeria, head of the opposition European Georgia party, told VOA.

Georgian Dream reintroduced the law in April, a year after it abandoned in March 2023 after it sparked mass protests.

Protesters view the law as a move by the government to tilt the country toward Moscow, even though polls show more than 80% of Georgians support Georgias path toward EU membership and 73% endorse the countrys bid to join NATO.

General elections in October will determine whether the Georgian Dream party remains in power for a fourth term. Georgian nongovernmental organizations say the foreign agent law may hinder international organizations' ability to observe the October vote. While the government claims the law promotes transparency, local NGOs and Georgias Western partners view it as targeting Western funding for Georgian civil society.

Having no chances of victory in the upcoming general elections in October if they are conducted freely and fairly, [Bidzina] Ivanishvili  Georgian Dreams shadow leader  is tightening his grip on power through harsh authoritarian measures and is openly driving the country into Russian influence, former Georgian ambassador to the United States David Sikharulidze told VOA outside the parliament building in Tbilisi.

Its very much in line with Putins tactics, he said.

This law is a Russian law in essence and spirit, which contradicts our constitution and all European standards, Zourabichvili said in her veto statement.

Zourabichvili, whose election as president in 2018 was supported by Georgian Dream, has increasingly found herself at odds with the party.

Apprehension over the domestic and foreign policy trajectory of Georgias government has grown since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Official Tbilisi refused to side with Ukraine publicly or to join sanctions against Moscow, while attacking Ukrainian officials publicly and echoing anti-Western rhetoric.

In addition, U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns about Georgias role in helping Russia evade Western sanctions.

For more than a month and a half, tens of thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets to protest the foreign agent law, the largest protests the country has seen since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Georgian people have erupted in protest. They deserve more than just statements from the Western partners, Sikharulidze said.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions against those "responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia."

The Department of State is implementing a new visa restriction policy for Georgia that will apply to individuals who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia, as well as their family members, Blinken said in a statement. This includes individuals responsible for suppressing civil society and freedom of peaceful assembly in Georgia through a campaign of violence or intimidation.

Georgian Dream officials dismissed the visa restrictions as interference in Georgias internal affairs.

The blackmail with visa restrictions are nothing but a crude attempt to limit the independence and sovereignty of Georgia," the Georgian Dream party said in a statement, labeling the move "anti-Georgian."

For their part, European Union officials have warned that adopting the foreign agent law would jeopardize Georgias bid for EU membership.

"The law of foreign influence is not in line with EU values. If the law is enacted, it will impact Georgias EU path," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Georgian officials have dismissed the critical voices in Washington and Brussels as part of what they call the Global War Party, which one Georgian Dream MP described to a British podcaster as a force akin to the Freemasons.
U.N. officials warn medicine and fuel supplies in Gaza are drying up as humanitarian workers struggle to provide life-saving care to an ever-expanding population of sick and wounded.

The medical supplies and fuel supplies are running very, very low, World Health Organization spokesperson Dr. Margaret Harris told journalists Tuesday in Geneva.

She said only three WHO trucks carrying aid have entered the besieged city of Rafah since the Israeli incursion began there in early May.

We have 60 WHO supply trucks waiting at al-Arish unable to cross into Rafah due to the closure of the border, she said.

Fuel is particularly critical, she said, noting that an estimated 200,000 liters a day are needed to run the 14 officially functioning hospitals in Gaza. We have been able to get in 60,000 liters per day at best. Some days none. So, all the hospitals are really struggling and making decisions about what they can do  particularly in Rafah where only Emirati hospital remains barely functional.

This means that key health services are no longer available in Rafah, including dialysis, surgery, and maternity care, she said.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said because of the lack of fuel, the desalination plants in Central and Southern Gaza have been shut for at least eight hours every day, dramatically shrinking the water supply.

On average, in Rafah, a person is getting around one liter of water a day, which is catastrophically below any emergency level, he said. The WHO says people need a minimum of 15 liters per person per day to cover hydration and sanitation-related needs.

Israel has faced heavy international pressure to step up the flow of aid into Gaza, where relief groups have warned of a severe humanitarian crisis threatening a population of more than 2 million people.

Israel has repeatedly denied allegations that it is preventing aid from reaching the territory and accused U.N. aid agencies of failing to properly distribute the relief supplies that get in. However, Israeli protesters have been captured on video blocking aid trucks and throwing supplies from the trucks onto the ground.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, at least 45 people sheltering in a camp for displaced Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike Sunday. Since October 7 when Israel began its invasion of Gaza in response to a brutal attack on Israel by Hamas militants, Gazas health ministry reports more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 81,000 injured.

Amid all this death and destruction, WHO spokesperson Harris said one little bright spot in Gaza is the return of dialysis services in Nassar General hospital and the reported return of similar services soon in al-Shifa hospital.

It is extraordinary how despite the massive destruction and the difficult circumstances people are working under, is that the people keep on coming back and restoring services as best they can to keep on serving the people, she said.

Dr. Akihiri Seita, director of health for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, echoed this sentiment.

I am very proud to say that UNRWA never stopped health services, he said. We continue to provide services and they include vaccinations. We started vaccinations from the beginning of the year and so far, we have 100,000 children vaccinated. So, it is quite a good catch-up to the pre-war level.

We provide primary health care. At this point we have seven health centers and 105 medical points that are all in the shelters.  Every day, we treat 15,000 to 20,000 people, and sometimes 25,000, he said.

However, this comes at a heavy cost. UNRWAs Department of Health Annual Report 2023, issued Tuesday, notes that as of April 2024, UNRWA has lost over 188 staff members including 11 health care professionals.

In the last three months of 2023, the report says medical consultations in Gaza dropped rapidly as UNRWA was forced to close 14 of its 22 health centers and power outages shuttered access to telehealth systems.

Not only did access to basic healthcare become near impossible, but the hostilities also created dozens of new health catastrophes, with mounting war injuries, internal displacement, mental health crises, the destruction of sanitation infrastructure, and the probable conditions for epidemic and famine, the report said.

Seita said UNRWA has had great difficulty providing health and other humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza since 16 countries suspended financial aid early in the year due to Israeli allegations that the organization was harboring Hamas terrorists.

While 14 countries have since resumed financial aid, he said hardships in providing aid persist because we have still not yet reached the sustainable financing level.

That sentiment was echoed by WHOs Margaret Harris, who described the enormous struggle for all the medical teams in Gaza who are unable to meet the needs of the critically ill and wounded.

This is one of the hardest things for a doctor or a nurse. You know you want to help but you do not have what it takes, and you are watching people who should not die, die in front of you because you simply either lack the tools, the skill, or the supplies to do what need to be done, she said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. Under the instruction of the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, a number of events were held in the Azerbaijan Army on the occasion of May 28Independence Day, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

At the events held with the participation of military personnel, representatives of the public, and the offices of the military attaches of the Republic of Azerbaijan accredited to foreign countries, the memory of the National Leader and the heroic sons, who became Shehids for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Motherland, was honored by observing a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, accompanied by a military orchestra, was performed.

Classes on socio-political training, round tables, and conferences were organized for servicemen at the events. Congratulations to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, and the Minister of Defense on the occasion of May 28Independence Day were conveyed to the military personnel.

The speakers spoke about the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of Azerbaijan on May 28, 1918, and the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first parliamentary republic in the Muslim East.

It was noted that the state independence and international positions of modern Azerbaijan strengthened as a result of the successful domestic and foreign policy of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev. It was emphasized that thanks to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, who successfully continues the wise policy of the National Leader, Azerbaijan has restored territorial integrity and developed in all spheres.

Excursions, exhibitions of books, photographs, and pictures, as well as demonstrations of documentaries and feature films, were organized for military personnel on the occasion of Independence Day. House museums of historical figures of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, monuments, and other historical sites, as well as the graves of martyrs, were visited.

As part of the "Letter to a Soldier" project, letters written by citizens were delivered to the defenders of the motherland. Servicemen read the letters addressed to them with great interest.

Literary-artistic compositions and various patriotic music pieces were presented in military units by creative teams of the Army Ideological and Cultural Center named after Hazi Aslanov, the Ideological and Cultural Center of the Ganja Garrison.

At the end of the events, a group of distinguished servicemen were awarded honorary certificates.

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The Hong Kong national security police on Tuesday arrested six people for alleged seditious intent under a new security law. The group includes five women and one man.

According to Security Secretary Chris Tang, the individuals allegedly used Facebook to promote hatred against the judiciary and governments of Hong Kong and China.

Tang stated that Chow Hang-tung was one of the individuals arrested, and the Facebook group the Chow Hang-tung Club, is focused on her work. Chow is a well-known lawyer and pro-democracy activist. Since September of 2021, she has been behind bars in a maximum-security womens prison.

In March, Hong Kongs pro-Beijing legislature passed the new national security measure, Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The decision came with criticism from countries including the United States, which stated that the laws could negatively impact Hong Kongs international financial hub credentials. Countries in the European Union, Japan, and Britain have been critical of the law.

An ongoing crackdown since 2020 has quieted dissenting parties, closed liberal media outlets, shut down NGOs, and hurt the citys economy. The crackdown comes after a series of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests throughout the streets that occurred in 2019. The governments of Hong Kong and China have said that the new laws have restored stability.

This week, Hong Kongs high court will issue a verdict in the case of 16 prominent Hong Kong democrats, who may be jailed for allegedly plotting against the government.

Hong Kong Security Secretary Tangs statement said that Chow allegedly used the five other individuals to "publish posts with seditious intent" focused on an "upcoming sensitive date and that the group had the "intention of inciting netizens to organize or participate in illegal activities in a later period." The sensitive date may be June 4, according to local media, the anniversary of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in China in 1989.

Tuesday's arrests appeared "to showcase that any public -- including online -- discussion or opinions... could be deemed seditious or endangering national security," said Eric Lai, a legal scholar at Georgetown University.
Pope Francis apologized Tuesday for using vulgar language about gay people when talking about the Catholic Churchs ban on gay priests.

The comments, spoken in a private setting, were delivered to an assembly of Italian bishops on May 20. The discussion came after the Italian bishops approved a document on seminary training in Italy.

The unpublished document, still under review by the Holy See, reportedly may offer some leniency in the Vaticans strict ban on gay priests.

In 2005, the Congregation for Catholic Education wrote a document on the ban and reaffirmed it in 2016. The document states that the church cannot allow men to become priests or join the seminary if they practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture.

After the recent meeting, unnamed Italian bishops stated that Francis jokingly included a derogatory Italian term for gay men during his remarks, according to Italian media.

Matteo Bruni, a spokesperson for the Vatican, acknowledged the commentary and ensuing media coverage in a statement. In it, Bruni said that Francis has made outreach of LGBTQ+ Catholics a large part of his papacy.

The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term that was reported by others, Bruni said in the statement.

The Argentinian Francis, whose first language is Spanish, has made linguistic errors while speaking Italian in the past. He also often speaks casually, using slang and curses in private settings.

Pope Franciss outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics includes his 2013 line, Who am I to judge, referring to a priest who may have had a gay lover in the past.
Spain, Norway and Ireland recognized a Palestinian state Tuesday, joining more than 140 other nations in a step sharply criticized by Israel.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called on the international community to work toward a two-state solution, while praising the Palestinian Authority for working on reforms and faulting the Israeli government for showing no signs of engaging constructively.

Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Tuesday that recognizing a Palestinian state is aimed at contributing to achieving peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

It is the only way to realize the solution that we all recognize as the only possible one to achieve a future of peace, that of a Palestinian state that coexists alongside the state of Israel in peace and security, Sanchez said.

Spain, Norway and Ireland first announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state last week.

Israel responded last week by calling the move a gift to Hamas and recalled its ambassadors from all three countries in protest. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz added Tuesday that Spains government was being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.

Sanchez said Tuesday the decision to recognize a Palestinian state reflects our absolute rejection of Hamas, a terrorist organization who is against the two-state solution.

He further said the move is not against anyone, least of all Israel.

Sanchez said Spains position supports 1967 borders, unless changes are agreed to by Israel and the Palestinians, and a viable Palestinian state that includes the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor and East Jerusalem as a capital.

"We had wanted to recognize Palestine at the end of a peace process, however we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive," Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement.

The Palestinian flag was raised outside Dublins Leinster House, where the Irish parliament meets.

None of the prominent Western powers and more than two-thirds of the United Nations do not recognize a Palestinian state.

Harris said Tuesday that the European Union should consider economic sanctions on Israel. "Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more" to bring about a cease-fire, he said.

The decision comes nearly seven months after Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages, prompting Israels offensive.

More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters.
Taiwans opposition-controlled parliament has passed a set of legal amendments granting lawmakers greater investigative power to scrutinize the government under President Lai Ching-te, who took office on May 20.

Despite days of protests that have attracted hundreds of thousands of people since May 17, the two opposition parties, the China-friendly Kuomintang, or KMT, and the smaller Taiwan Peoples Party, or TPP, used their combined majority to push through the deal on Tuesday. The bills still require the presidents signature to become law.

While the KMT and TPP have repeatedly argued that the bills would ensure checks and balances and give the legislature more power to target corruption, their attempt to pass the bills has triggered widespread concerns in civil society and the academic community.

Now that Taiwans legislature has passed the bills, lawmakers will uncover all corrupt officials and all kinds of malpractices in the future, Fu Kun-chi, the KMT legislative caucus convenor, told journalists on Tuesday. Fu said the opposition parties will form a special investigation team to start looking into corruption cases.

As lawmakers were voting on the legislative amendments, thousands of protesters chanted slogans and passed around a giant white ball bearing the phrase rejecting Chinese political interference.

Some protesters criticized the opposition parties for undermining Taiwans democratic system by fast-tracking the legislative amendments through parliament without thorough negotiations among all political parties.

There is a democratic negotiation mechanism in Taiwans parliament but the opposition parties insistence on pushing the bills through the legislature without proper deliberation has violated the regular democratic practices, Liao Yan-cheng, a 78-year-old retiree, told VOA at the mass demonstration outside the legislature.

Other young protesters said they are worried that the opposition parties will turn Taiwans parliament into a tool to undermine the Lai administrations governance in the next four years.

Since the opposition parties will maintain control over the legislature for the next four years, they can ramp through this controversial bill without following the proper legislative process, Max Wang, an 18-year-old student, told VOA at the protest.

The reforms passed on Tuesday grant lawmakers the power to require the president to deliver annual reports and answer questions from lawmakers. Government officials could also be fined or jailed for behaviors deemed contempt of parliament by lawmakers.

Additionally, the legislature now has more power to control government budgets and investigate government projects, including the power to ask the military, private companies, or individuals to disclose information deemed relevant to parliamentary investigations.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, which advocates for Taiwanese sovereignty, said the reforms would undermine Taiwans democracy because the laws may constitute an overreach of power.

However, the KMT argues that the amendments could help the legislature rein in the presidents power, which they said has been too extensive. Dozens of legal scholars and two major bar associations in Taiwan have expressed concerns about potential violations of the constitution of the Republic of China  Taiwans official name. They argued that the reforms could create many disputes about its applicability in the future.

Huang Cheng-Yi, a legal expert at Academia Sinica in Taiwan, told VOA that since the Republic of Chinas constitution doesnt require the president to be questioned by lawmakers, part of the reform may eventually be viewed unconstitutional by justices when the DPP brings the case to the constitutional court, as the party is expected to do.

In the meantime, some analysts worry that the opposition parties will use the amendments to target the Lai administration.

The legislators enhanced power to investigate government officials could make it easier for the opposition parties to explore possible scandals in the previous government under former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen or the current government under Lai Ching-te, said Austin Wang, an expert on Taiwan politics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

He told VOA that these investigations could slow down the Lai administrations policy implementation and harm his governments legitimacy as well as Taiwans national security.

Some KMT legislators have been accused of leaking sensitive defense information to China, and this investigation power will be a loophole to help the legislators access more sensitive information, Wang added.

Wang predicts that Lai, who is facing both domestic division and growing pressure from China, would choose to exercise his constitutional power to ask legislators to reconsider the reforms. I dont think Lai will easily back down, he told VOA.

And since no political party enjoys a majority in parliament, Wang said Taiwan will likely experience political gridlock over the next few months.

The gridlock may influence defense spending in Taiwan and it will stay there until all three parties agree on some social welfare policies, he added.

Huang at Academia Sinica worries that if political gridlock becomes the defining feature of Taiwans politics over the next four years, it may eventually paralyze the islands democratic system.

If all three political parties repeatedly resort to mobilizing supporters to clash with each other, it may ultimately cause Taiwans democratic system to cease functioning properly, he told VOA.
In coming weeks, tens of thousands of students in Afghanistan are set to sit for university entrance examinations.

Notably absent from the list of candidates will be females.

The upcoming exams are expected to determine the admission of about 70,000 students to public academic and professional institutions this year.

Last week, when officials from the Taliban's Ministry of Higher Education unveiled the specifics of the upcoming exams, they conspicuously omitted any mention of the exclusion of female students from university admissions.

Despite facing widespread domestic and international criticism for their prohibition of women from educational and professional opportunities, the Taliban have persisted in enforcing discriminatory gender policies.

The exclusion of women from higher education significantly limits the country's economic potential, as half the population is unable to contribute effectively to the workforce, David Roof, a professor of educational studies at Ball State University, wrote to VOA.

In December 2022, the Taliban suspended nearly 100,000 female students enrolled in both public and private universities across Afghanistan.

With the nation already grappling with some of the most dire female literacy rates globally, Afghanistan has failed to produce any female professionals over the past two years.

According to aid agencies, the absence of female medical professionals, compounded by other restrictions, has contributed to the deaths of thousands of young mothers in Afghanistan.

The United Nations reports that over 2.5 million Afghan school-age girls are deprived of education.

The interruption in education can result in a generational setback, where entire cohorts of women remain uneducated and unqualified for professional roles, Roof said.

'Hermit kingdom'

The elusive supreme leader of the Taliban, Hibatullah Akhundzada, purportedly responsible for the ban on women's education and employment, has never publicly clarified his directive.

Initially, when secondary schools were shuttered for girls in March 2022, Taliban officials said the action was "temporary," insisting that the Islamist leadership did not fundamentally oppose women's education.

However, more than two years later, Taliban officials have provided no rationale for the continued absence of girls from classrooms.

They have normalized gender-apartheid, said an Afghan womens rights activist who did not want to be named in this article, fearing the Talibans persecution.

This is a new norm in Afghanistan, however insane and destructive it may look in the rest of the world, she added.

In January 2022, the U.S. Department of State appointed Rina Amiri as the special envoy for Afghan women, aiming to garner international backing for Afghan women's rights.

Amiri has actively engaged with Muslim leaders, emphasizing the importance of women's rights in Islam, in hopes of influencing Taliban leaders.

Despite these efforts, there has been no indication from Taliban leaders of any intention to abandon their discriminatory policies against women. There is no indication this will subside, Amiri told a Congressional hearing in January.

Senior U.S. officials have also warned the Taliban that there will be no normalization in their relations with the international community unless they allow women to return to work and education.

Thus far, the Talibans response has been that they value depriving women of basic human rights more than having normal relations with the rest of the world.
With a month to go before Irans snap presidential election to replace ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi following his death in a May 19 helicopter crash, a clearer picture is emerging of other conservatives who may become the only approved candidates in the race.

The Iranian government set the presidential election for June 28, with prospective candidates invited to register during a five-day period beginning Thursday. All candidates must be vetted by the Guardian Council, an unelected body stacked with loyalists of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In reports published Sunday, Iranian state media said the council will announce the approved candidates about two weeks before the vote.

Raisi was elected president in a 2021 vote marred by a record low turnout, with many Iranians disinterested after the Guardian Council barred his most prominent rivals from running. Some observers saw the election of Raisi, a protege of the 85-year-old Khamenei, as a sign of the supreme leader favoring Raisi to become his successor.

One possible candidate for next months race for is acting President Mohammad Mokhber, who had been Raisis first vice president and was next in line to assume the presidency upon the presidents death, according to the terms of Irans Islamist constitution.

Jason Brodsky, policy director for U.S. advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) and a longtime observer of Iranian politics, said he has seen mixed signals about whether Mokhber will register as a presidential candidate. He discussed other likely contenders in an interview for the Monday edition of VOAs Flashpoint Global Crises program.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

VOA: What signals should we be looking for regarding whom Supreme Leader Khamenei wants to be the next president?

Jason Brodsky, UANI policy director: We have to look at which candidates the Guardian Council disqualifies. In this round of presidential elections, there are a few announced and potential candidates who are being spoken about in Iranian media. I'll list them briefly.

One is Saeed Jalili, a hard-line figure who was formerly the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and currently is Khameneis representative in the council. Jalili has been in favor of aggressive moves in advancing Iran's nuclear program [which Tehran says is peaceful and Western powers fear it is aimed at developing nuclear weapons]. He already has announced his presidential candidacy.

Another contender is Ali Larijani, who seems to have a personal desire to run, but is unsure of getting a green light for his candidacy from the ruling governmental system. That is because of his baggage from the 2021 presidential race, when he was disqualified in an embarrassing manner after having served as the speaker of Irans parliament.

Larijani is probably the most qualified potential presidential candidate on the field in terms of the number of positions he has had in the Islamic Republic's bureaucracy: culture minister, head of state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Supreme National Security Council secretary and speaker of parliament.

Among other figures seen as presidential contenders is Mehrdad Bazrpash, Irans minister of roads and urban development. He is an alum of former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads administration. Prior to that, Bazrpash was a member of a student Basij militia organization. He is part of this young generation of hezbollahis [fervent supporters of the Islamic Republic] that Khamenei has been cultivating.

Parviz Fattah, another contender, is head of the state-owned enterprise Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order (EIKO). He also is a former official of Irans top military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and a former head of several state foundations and enterprises linked to the economy.

For example, Fattah led the Mostazafan Foundation charitable trust and the IRGC Cooperative Foundation. He is under multiple U.S. sanctions designations.

VOA: What qualities or qualifications do you think Khamenei is looking for in his next president?

Brodsky: I think Khamenei is laser focused on succession in the Islamic Republic. That is his largest priority. He wants to install someone in the presidency who is a trusted pair of hands during a sensitive moment in the Islamic Republic's history.

Let's not forget that the next Iranian president will be in office for a full four-year term. So, Khamenei is making a long-term placement in this office, and he wants to make sure the presidential office is occupied by someone who will not cause problems for his priorities during a succession process.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated Tuesday that U.S. President Joe Biden should attend a peace summit next month in Switzerland to send a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Brussels, Zelenskyy said the peace summit, scheduled for June 15 and 16 at the Buergenstock Resort near Lake Lucerne, will be organized by the whole world, and other leaders will be looking to the U.S.s response.

Zelenskyy said 90 countries have now committed to the summit, and that Putin fears it because he never believed so many nations would support it.

He [Putin] disrupted this summit and continues to do so. And that is why he is now thinking of setting up a parallel platform, Zelenskyy said, adding that Putin would applaud Bidens absence at the summit.

Zelenskyy sent a video on Sunday appealing to Biden to attend the summit. The Ukrainian president recorded the video in a burned-out printing house in Kharkiv that was destroyed last week by Russian missiles.

The White House has been noncommittal about Bidens attendance. He is the only leader among the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations that has not accepted the invitation.

During a briefing last week, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that said while he planned to attend the summit, he had no statement on Bidens attendance.

Zelenskyy was in Brussels on Tuesday, following a trip to Spain, to secure more than $1 billion in new military aid from Belgium in an agreement that includes delivery of 30 F-16 fighter jets. He was also visiting Portugal on the three-nation trip.

The Ukrainian leader said the 10-year agreement included cooperating with Belgium on intelligence, cybersecurity, countering disinformation and the defense industry.

European Union defense ministers are also meeting Tuesday in Brussels seeking to overcome Hungarys objections to providing billions in military aid to Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch Putin ally, is reportedly blocking about $7 billion in assistance.

The defense ministers expect to hear Tuesday from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who suggested Monday that restrictions on Ukraine should be eased to allow it to use Western weapons on targets outside its borders.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Tuesdays meeting, Stoltenberg maintained that once again, there are legitimate targets outside Ukraines borders that can be fired upon as part of its self-defense. He said using NATO-supplied weapons to fire on those targets would not make the alliance part of the conflict.

We have the right to support Ukraine without becoming a part of the conflict, because we are helping Ukraine to uphold the right for self-defense, Stoltenberg said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the West is risking a direct confrontation with Russia and a subsequent global war, should it allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia with Western weapons.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Press.
The United States expressed deep concern Tuesday over an apparent Israeli airstrike Sunday that killed at least 45 Palestinians sheltering in a refugee camp in Rafah and wounded 200 others. The U.S. said it has urged Israel to conduct a full investigation.

Those images were heartbreaking, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.

He said while Israel has a right to go after Hamas, Israel has an obligation to do everything possible to minimize civilian harm while it carries out its operations.

"We will continue to emphasize to Israel their obligation to comply fully with international humanitarian law, minimize the impact of their operations on civilians and maximize the flow of humanitarian assistance to those in need," Miller said, adding Israels military had promised a swift, comprehensive and transparent investigation.

We will be watching those results closely," he said.

Israels military said it is looking into the possibility that weapons stored in the area hit by the Israeli strike may have sparked a deadly fire at the refugee camp Sunday. A military spokesman said Tuesday the munitions used in the Israeli strike were too small to set off a big blaze.

The Gaza Health Ministry said the attack ignited tent fires in an area sheltering displaced people. Israel said it killed two senior Hamas militants in the attack.

I think this speaks very clearly to the challenge of military airstrikes in densely populated areas of Gaza, including Rafah, because of the risk of civilian casualties, national security communications adviser John Kirby said of the initial Israeli findings of the fire being caused by a secondary explosion and not the initial strike.

The U.N. Security Council met Tuesday afternoon in a closed session requested by Algeria to discuss the attack. After the meeting, Ambassador Amar Bendjama told reporters that Algeria plans to circulate a draft resolution shortly on Rafah.

A short text. A decisive text to stop the killing in Rafah, he said.

The Algerian text, seen by VOA, Decides that Israel, the occupying Power, shall immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in Rafah. It also demands an immediate cease-fire respected by all parties and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Speaking before the meeting, French envoy Nicolas de Riviere told reporters that Israel must stop its operation in accordance with the International Court of Justice ruling, and Palestinian groups must stop rocket attacks on Israel.

This is a matter of life and death, he said. This is a matter of emergency.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement Tuesday that the relentless violence must stop and reiterated his call for a humanitarian cease-fire and the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages.

Gaza medical personnel and residents reported new Israeli airstrikes Tuesday in the area of al-Mawasi on the enclaves coast, where thousands of people have fled to what Israel has said is a designated "safe zone.

The Gaza Health Ministry said at least 20 civilians were killed. The Israel Defense Forces denied striking the area.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said Tuesday that more than 940,000 people have fled Rafah in the past three weeks amid Israels offensive. Another 100,000 have been displaced by fighting in northern Gaza.

U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths issued a statement late Monday calling the Rafah attack utterly unacceptable. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus explanation that what happened was a tragic mistake.

Whether the attack was a war crime or a tragic mistake, for the people of Gaza, there is no debate, Griffiths said. What happened last night was the latest  and possibly most cruel  abomination. To call it a mistake is a message that means nothing for those killed, those grieving, and those trying to save lives, he added.

"Despite our best effort not to harm those not involved, unfortunately a tragic mistake happened last night. We are investigating the case," Netanyahu told the Israeli parliament.

Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel needs to carry out an offensive in Rafah to achieve its goal of ensuring Hamas cannot operate in Gaza and threaten Israel in the future.

Qatars Foreign Ministry said Monday the attack could complicate efforts to mediate stalled cease-fire talks and the return of the hostages held in Gaza.

The Israel-Hamas war was triggered by the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials, and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israels subsequent counteroffensive has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, a death toll that includes both civilians and combatants, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara and United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
The United States announced regulatory changes on Tuesday to increase support for the Cuban people and independent private sector entrepreneurs. The changes will enable more U.S. financial support for small private businesses in Cuba, enhance internet-based services on the island and broaden access to financial services.

The new U.S. measures come as the communist-run island faces a social and economic crisis, including severe shortages of food, fuel, electricity and medicine.

A senior administration official stated that the new authorization allows Cubas independent private sector entrepreneurs to open and remotely access U.S. bank accounts, including through U.S. online payment platforms.

As of 2021, Cuban entrepreneurs can establish small and medium private enterprises under Cuban law. By the latest count, there are over 11,000 registered private businesses in Cuba.

Its important to note that the new definition for independent private sector entrepreneurship excludes prohibited officials of the Cuban government, such as National Assembly members, Cuban military officers, certain ministry staff, regime propagandists and prohibited members of the Cuban Communist Party, the senior official told reporters during a briefing on Tuesday.

New U.S. regulatory measures will benefit the Cuban people while continuing to minimize resources to the Cuban government, said another senior official in President Joe Bidens administration.

We believe that the growth of an independent entrepreneurial private sector in Cuba is fully aligned with our values and is the best hope for generating economic development and employment in Cuba, said the senior official.

The Treasury Department said that Tuesdays regulatory changes will allow Cuban nationals to open, maintain and remotely use U.S. bank accounts, including through online payment platforms, to conduct authorized or exempt transactions, whether the independent private sector entrepreneur is physically located in the United States, Cuba or another country.

Earlier this month, the U.S. removed Cuba from its list of countries "not cooperating fully" in the fight against terrorism. However, Cuba remains on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

The cooperation against terrorism list, which the State Department is required by law to provide to Congress, is not the same as the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

U.S. officials declined to comment on whether the State Department has begun a formal review of Cuba's presence on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. U.S. sanctions against the Cuban government, its military intelligence and security services remain in place.
In his 1796 farewell address, George Washington cautioned the citizens of the United States against forming political parties, which he claimed could undermine national unity, stoke division and even foment insurrections. Despite this advice, much of the countrys history has been shaped by party rivalry, and in the modern era, the Democratic and Republican parties are considered the only viable electoral options at the national level.

However, what each party stands for and which people it represents has changed drastically over time. Once a primarily Southern party that defended the interests of slaveholders, the Democratic Party shifted over the decades to a become a vehicle for labor and civil rights movements. The Republican Party, meanwhile, transformed from a modernizing abolitionist party to one favored by conservative and rural voters in the South. Today, the demographic coalitions that make up each party appear to be shifting yet again, with major implications for the countrys future.

Political coalitions in the 2016 presidential election

While the Democratic Party was long seen as the party of labor unions and the working class, it began to lose blue-collar white voters in the 1990s following Ronald Reagans presidency. Barack Obama successfully compensated for this loss in 2008 and 2012 by bringing together African Americans, Latinos and other racial and religious minorities, as well as progressives, women and younger voters.

Obamas campaign also saw college graduates, previously correlated with higher-income Republican voters, shift toward the Democratic Party in a trend that continues today.

Hillary Clinton sought to maintain this Obama coalition in her 2016 campaign against Donald Trump by embracing progressive policies and stressing racial and gender equality. But Obamas victory also relied on white working-class voters in northern states such as Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, to whom he appealed as an outsider candidate.

Trump successfully peeled away large numbers of these voters with his promises of restoring American industry and rejecting mainstream Republican defenses of free trade. And despite what was often seen as racially divisive campaign rhetoric, Trump outperformed previous Republican candidates among nonwhite voters without college degrees.

Clinton picked up support among affluent and married voters in Republican-leaning suburbs, but many of these gains were concentrated in non-battleground states. At the same time, the former first lady could not match Obama in commanding the same high levels of turnout and enthusiasm among Black and young voters. And despite Clintons emphasis on the historic nature of her candidacy, white women voters preferred Trump by a small margin. In the end, the Obama coalition proved to be unreliable without the Democratic Partys traditional blue-collar foundation.

Political coalitions in the 2020 presidential election

Having unsuccessfully run for president since the 1980s, Joe Biden emerged as an unlikely front-runner in a crowded primary field.

Despite being seen as a conservative choice, Biden quickly secured the support of more progressive candidates once he was nominated and adopted some of their positions in his platform. Bidens bipartisan record and blue-collar background appealed to older voters and suburban moderates, as well as independents and working-class voters. And harnessing Barack Obamas legacy as his former vice president allowed Biden to resurrect the Obama coalition in a way that Hillary Clinton could not.

While Biden may not have been the first choice for many progressive, young and minority voters, the polarizing and controversial nature of Donald Trumps presidency and fear of his reelection was enough to secure their support.

The COVID-19 outbreak also proved to be a factor, with Biden a clear favorite among voters who considered the pandemic to be a major concern  especially in battleground states, where cases spiked before the election.

Bidens appeal as a candidate managed to stem some of Trumps momentum among working-class white voters, where the Republican margin narrowed from 36% in 2016 to 32% in 2020.

But Trump improved his standing with several other voter demographics, some of them unexpected. The Republican candidate solidified his support among white evangelical voters, who were initially divided over his character and personal conduct before coalescing behind him in 2016.

Trumps support among women also increased by about five percentage points, narrowing the gender gap.

Most surprisingly, Trump made inroads with Latino voters in Southern states, despite his anti-immigration rhetoric. His appeal was particularly notable among Latino men, who preferred Biden by a significantly smaller margin than Latino women. The result was that despite his loss, Trump attracted a more diverse coalition than any Republican candidate in decades.

Political coalitions in the 2024 presidential election

The 2024 presidential election will pit presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Bidens reelection campaign against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, despite the legal challenges facing Trumps candidacy.

Biden is expected to try to revive the coalition from his previous run in 2020, with messaging focused on reproductive rights, preventing Trump from returning to office and protecting American democracy from the threat of what he calls "MAGA extremism.

Such appeals resonate strongest with college-educated voters, who have now emerged as the core constituency of the Democratic Party. In fact, education has now fully eclipsed income level as one of the strongest indicators of partisan affiliation.

But although college graduates now make up 41% of the electorate  far more than in previous decades  they are also overwhelmingly white.

The other large bloc that Democrats must rely on are nonwhite voters without college degrees  a group with markedly different economic interests and social views. It is among these voters that the Republicans stand to gain support by emphasizing cultural conservatism, anti-elitism and economic nationalism.

Over the years, analysts have predicted that demographic trends toward a majority- nonwhite population would doom the Republican Party in the long term. However, the dynamics of the Trump coalition and the rise of Republican leaders like Nikki Haley and support for independent candidates suggest that the Democratic Party may no longer be able to take minority voters for granted.

Both parties will face unique challenges with key parts of their coalitions. The Biden administrations support of Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza, which has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, has alienated Arab and Muslim communities and younger Black and Hispanic voters.

Meanwhile, Trump faces multiple criminal cases. And although he has dismissed the charges as partisan, many Republicans say they wont vote for him if he is convicted.
GAZAKH, Azerbaijan, May 24. Media representatives also visited the village of Kheyrimli, liberated from occupation, in the Gazakh region of Azerbaijan, Trend reports from the scene.

The media tour was organized by the State Border Service of Azerbaijan.

During the visit, media representatives were provided with detailed information about the liberated village.

To note, following the delimitation activities, the 12.7 km long border line was determined, thus ensuring the return of territories (6.5 square kilometers) of four villages in the Gazakh district of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Baganys Ayrim, Ashagy Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gizilhajili to Azerbaijan.

On May 14, 2024, the villages of Baganys Ayrim, Ashagy Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gizilhajili in the Gazakh district of Azerbaijan were taken under the control of the State Border Service.
The world is still reeling from an Israeli attack in Rafah that killed dozens of civilians along with the targeted Hamas officials. Recovery efforts are continuing, though are still quite difficult in Papua New Guinea following last weeks landslide. The latest from Tblisi as the Georgian parliament takes up the controversial Foreign Agents law, and an update from Kyiv as President Zelenskyy is in Brussels drumming up European support for Kyiv. The weather has turned deadly and a look at life expectancy.
Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Omnes Films, Shellac Films, Shanna Besson, Condor

This years Cannes Film Festival started off with a lot of pundits and critics speculating that it was an off year for the competition. Yes, there were some weighty titles from famous names but few that seemed like genuine Palme dOr contenders. That all changed, somewhat shockingly, in the last few days of the festival, as banger after banger suddenly premiered and the race heated up. In the end, it was one of the more interesting Cannes lineups in recent years, for both the competition and the festivals many sidebars. Here are the 12 best films we saw at Cannes this year.

Photo: Chibesa Mulumba/A24

The second feature from Zambian Welsh filmmaker Rungano Nyoni, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is completely singular, a surrealistic, pitch-dark comedy about family secrets and the way people close ranks and cover things up to protect one another but ultimately perpetuate serious harm. We see all of this through the eyes of Shula (Susan Chardy) who, dressed inexplicably in Missy Elliots The Rain costume, drives past her uncles dead body on the side of the road. She calls her father to let him know, completely deadpan and unmoved by the whole thing. In the funeral procession following, we learn what kind of man Shulas uncle really was  all the women in the family he abused and the men and women alike who turned their head and protected him from consequences. Its a disturbing film but one shot through with absurdist humor and a distinct visual style that announces Nyoni as a real talent.

Photo: Shanna Besson

Jury Prize winner Emilia Perez is an unbelievably audacious film that feels as if Pedro Almodovar remade Mrs. Doubtfire as a searing musical crime drama. Theres so much going on in this movie  narratively, structurally, musically, theatrically, politically  that it almost shouldnt work, making its quality all the more impressive. The story, which Jacques Audiard loosely adapted from Boris Razons novel Ecoute, begins with Zoe Saldana as Rita, a talented criminal-defense attorney whos overwhelmed, underpaid, and spiritually lost. One day, she gets a phone call from a powerful stranger who turns out to be a cartel kingpin named Manitas (Karla Sofia Gascon). Manitas has a secret, extremely lucrative request for Rita: to help him disappear from his life  including his children and his wife, Jessi (Selena Gomez)  and seek gender-confirmation surgery to live as a woman. What follows is operatic in every sense, at turns melodramatic, heart-wrenching, and endlessly mutative. Saldana and Gomez do some of their best work, and Gascon, a newcomer to the film industry who had previously done telenovelas in her native Spain, is a total revelation.

Photo: Neon

Mikey Madison stole my heart on Pamela Adlons Better Things as her pissed-off, pouty teenage daughter Max. Shes somehow even better in Anora, Sean Bakers latest, Palm dOrwinning entry in his sex-worker dramedy canon (Starlet, Tangerine, Red Rocket). Madison plays the title role, a Brighton Beach stripper with a Brooklyn chip on her shoulder, a great sense of humor, and a secret hope for some starry-eyed romance. She is hired as my horny girlfriend for the week by Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), a Russian oligarchs failson, and soon the two are head over heels for each other and heading to Vegas for a ketamine-fueled elopement. This isnt a fairy tale, though; once Vanyas billionaire parents get wind of what has happened, they send their goons after Anora and Vanya, who runs off at the first sign of conflict. The movie kicks into frenetic, After Hours gear from there with Anora and the Russians chasing Vanya all over Coney Island, including back to her strip club (populated by several incredible real-life strippers). The ending features a surprising emotional gut punch from Madison, who was among the favorites to win Best Actress at the festival.

Christmas Eve at Millers Point

Photo: Omnes Films

Its difficult to make a great Christmas movie, much less one that premieres in May in the middle of a famously pretentious film festival, but this one stole my heart with its unfettered nostalgia, humor, and genuine warmth. Tyler Taorminas Christmas Eve at Millers Point follows a Long Island family during what may be the last Christmas Eve party at their beloved matriarchs home, weaving in and out of conversations, quiet moments, romances, arguments, and strange little side quests. Not much happens, but the vibes are incredible, Fanny and Alexander meets indie Love Actually without all the endemic sexism. The casting is full of subtle surprises: Michael Cera pops up as a silent, lusty cop; Francesca Scorsese plays a suburban cousin.

Photo: MUBI

French writer-director Coralie Fargeats second film after the 2017 thriller Revenge, this body-horror fable follows Demi Moore as a Jane Fondaesque star named Elisabeth Sparkle who is being unceremoniously fired from her decadeslong position as the host of a successful daytime exercise show. Rather than fade into the obscurity to which she has been doomed, Elisabeth takes a gamble on a black-market drug called the Substance, which causes Margaret Qualley to wrench forth from her back. The rest of the film wrenches forth just as bloodily and wildly, an enraged scream in cinematic form. Reviews of The Substance have been mixed with critics disagreeing over whether the movie is an explicitly feminist work or is as objectifying as the industry it critiques, and even Im still wrestling with that question. But I cant stop thinking about it.

Caught by the Tides

Photo: X Stream Pictures

Chinese director Jia Zhangke has been working on this film for the past 20-plus years, though he wasnt originally sure what it was going to look like. Shot in 2001, 2007, 2017, and 2022, the film chronicles the lives of two lovers (Zhao Tao and Li Zhubin) from the northeastern city of Datong as they grow geographically and emotionally apart during a seismic period in modern Chinese history. Against the films mesmerizingly understated drama  Zhaos wordless performance is one of the more moving turns Ive seen in recent years  Jia shows, through period documentary footage shot by his crews over this time, the way the countrys relationship to the West has changed. Think of it as his Boyhood, but hes chronicling not just one person changing but an entire nation and culture. This is a masterpiece from one of the worlds great directors.

Grand Tour

Photo: Shellac Films

Winner of the Best Director prize, Portuguese filmmaker Miguel Gomess Grand Tour was one of a number of entries this year to use reams of documentary footage in interesting ways. A British couple due to be engaged are separated when the man leaves his post as a British administrator in Burma and begins a wayward, drifting journey across East Asia, pulled this way and that by fortune and a gnawing desire to get away from his impending marriage. The woman is comically determined and incapable of taking no for an answer; she follows his path with fierce purpose. The film is set in 1918, but at each step of the way, Gomes uses contemporary documentary footage to place us in a broader, dreamlike context in which past and present blur together. Narrators speaking in the language of each country take up the story as it crosses borders, incorporating local myths and rituals to create something akin to a postmodern fable  one about how two souls with completely different attitudes toward life ultimately wind up on the same journey. Achingly beautiful and mysterious, like all of Gomess films.

All We Imagine As Light

Photo: Condor

Payal Kapadias Grand Jury prizewinner looks at the lives of two nurses living together in a cramped flat in Mumbai, each trying to navigate uncertain relationships: One is in love with a young Muslim man from a devout family; the other hasnt heard from her migrant-worker husband in years. At least they have a place to stay, unlike an older friend who also works at the hospital and is in danger of losing her home. The crowded, sleepless city pushes in all around them, filmed by Kapadia in captivating documentary passages (a common stylistic motif at Cannes this year, in case you havent noticed). Eventually, their worlds shift in unexpected, unreal ways that take this haunting, compassionate film into the realm of magical realism.

Photo: Oscilloscope Laboratories

On the surface, Matthew Rankins film seems like something best appreciated by film geeks, but I suspect it will resonate well beyond the ranks of the pale and pointy. In Universal Languages slightly tilted version of the world, Winnipeg and Iran have melded. Everybody speaks Farsi. They sing Persian songs. They drink their tea by putting a sugar cube in their mouth first. Rankins film unspools with a delightfully disorienting mix of poetic realism (one that naturally recalls the Iranian New Wave), flights of surreal comedy, and wry, deadpan bleakness. Its a magnificent film, one that feels warm and familiar even as we realize just how startlingly original it is.

Photo: Bleecker Street

With Rumours, the legendary Canadian director Guy Maddin, working with his regular collaborators, Evan and Galen Johnson, has made what may be his funniest film to date. But as always with Maddin, the humor is somewhat rarefied. Rumours follows the leaders of the G7 as they get lost in a German forest and are beset by mysterious ancient figures while being consumed by their own strange passions. Thankfully, Maddin and the Johnsons effectively develop their story  goofy and absurd though it may be  so that these constant digs at our ineffectual leaders do coalesce into something meaningful and alarming. Rumours starts off focusing on how the cocoon of leadership is both a privilege and a curse for these people. By the end, we understand that the ones who are truly doomed are the rest of us. But just because were choking on our laughter doesnt mean were not still laughing.

Photo: A24

Paolo Sorrentino has seen all your takes about the male gaze and decided to counter them with a movie about the life of a transcendently gorgeous woman. Thats the provocative logline, I suppose. But in truth, Parthenope is less about one beautiful person than about our idea of beauty itself as its reflected and projected, embodied and perceived. In this episodic film, Parthenope (played for most of it by Celeste Dalla Porta) comes into contact with a number of figures: young lovers, an aging actress, a gangster, a sleazy priest, and (in one odd and charming interlude) a very drunk John Cheever played by Gary Oldman. A few will covet her, a couple wont dare to, but all will adore her on some level. And none will be entirely straight or honest with her because there is something fundamentally withering and alienating about being in her presence  its an emotional curtain that, throughout her life, Parthenope struggles to part. She comes to feel like an avatar of the very ideas of youth and possibility, which also makes her an avatar of the opposite of those things: the idea that life eventually passes us all by. In creating a film about one beautiful person, Sorrentino reminds us that, in our memories, we were all beautiful once.

George Millers Furiosa feels like a personal, perhaps necessary counterpoint to the exhilarations of his previous film in the Mad Max saga, Fury Road. That 2015 masterpiece was so rousing that it was easy to lose sight of the bigger, sadder picture. Furiosa  somber, steady, and supremely twisted  is a reminder that none of this stuff is really supposed to be cool. We are the already dead, Little D, you and me, Chris Hemsworths sadistic warlord Dementus says to Anya Taylor-Joys vengeful Furiosa at one point late in the film, using the nickname he gave her as a child. These are the End Times, and they are the End People. This series was born under the sign of grief and continues to live there.
Madames et messieurs, please welcome to the stage: Justin Kirk doing a funny little voice! Justin Kirk doing a funny little voice, everybody! Kirk is in Dubai in suited-up Jeryd Mencken silver-fox mode, and thank God for that, only now hes got on persnickety little glasses and hes waxing ridiculous about the perils of omakase. (You see, unlike his interview subjects, Daniel prefers his food non-wriggling.) He introduces himself to Daniel at a sushi counter, saying, We cede power to the chef, submit to his whims, to his eye at the fish markets, a series of risks. Its comforting to know that, in this universe, even humans speak like this. Unless hes not human. But he does appear to be firmly anti-vampire. His names Raglan James (deranged), and he seems to know a lot about Daniels reporting on the undead. You were tracking 900 of them a month ago. Were tracking 1,600 now. The great conversion. Its real. Its happening. Raglan James (this sounds like an Instagram-based MLM for sundresses) implies that other journalists who have tried to sniff around these coffins have been offed or turned. He reveals hes hacked Daniels laptop, Daniel makes a scene, no one in the sushi spot cares, and then its back to the interview room. I dont even know if were three minutes into the episode yet. Did you get that all down?

Raglan James (which sounds like the Artful Dodgers boyfriend) has really gotten to Daniel, so he asks Armand how his kind have managed to stay undiscovered in an age of Too Much Internet and So Much Cell Phone. Armand deflects. Your cell phones make you slaves to your fetishes, he says like the most annoying guy you know, and this segues perfectly into the farthest-back flashback weve seen yet: Paris, 1795.

Armand was sent by the Roman coven (Volturi crossover event?) to lead the shambolic Paris coven in 1556, and even then, vampires were behind the times, hewing strictly to a set of religious medieval laws that kept them cowering in the shadows. This strictness is demonstrated by Armand sitting bisexually in a chair in a catacomb, setting a sinning vamp aflame with a bored flick of the wrist. But then came a new breed of vampire metrosexuelle, Lestat, who not only was living out loud in human society, he was playing stadiums. I cant even imagine what notes were given to Sam Reid to produce such a performance in these thespian-Lestat scenes. He is so silly. Armand slams him as prancing and preening like some tarted-up dervish, and we see him onstage with a full clown-beat, essentially babbling French gibberish and wiggling his tush and kicking about in tights to hundreds of adoring human fans, the Alyssa Edwards of his time. Armand heckles him telekinetically and proceeds to stalk him for a while before breaking up his date one night with Nicholas, a human musician in the orchestra. He refers to this as having tolerated his presence, but Armands not fooling us. This is obsession.

The loneliness you feel, he will not reach it, Armand says. He doesnt get your humor like I do. (Okay, not the second part, just making sure youre paying attention.) Armand tells Lestat to live among his own kind.

And give up my patterned waistcoat? My jabot collar? Live as a grub? Why would Lestat trade his Dyson Airwrap for a basement apartment? This makes Armand Ar-mad. Although he may look like a dweeby Harry Potter kid skulking around in his big black cloak, hes able to beat up Lestat (and his boyfriend) with his mind. Before Lestat even notices Nicky on the ground, hes intoxicated by the power on display. Armand explains that Lestat could unlock it, as a child of Magnus (more on this  eventually), if he joins him.

So Lestat stomps into Coven HQ carrying a giant crucifix as a statement piece. The statement: God is dead, but so are we, so lets go be gods. The coven cowers from his cross like the dirty, shameful creatures of Satan they think themselves to be, so Lestat smashes the false idol (a.k.a. the sad man with the nails in his hand) and calls a shard of the cross nothing more than a fallen tree. Whittled by the simple for the simple. Nouveau-atheist Edgelord Lestat is activated, driving the tradcore vamps out of the sewers and curing Armand of his boredom. He storms out with dying Nicky slung over his shoulder. Hes the whole Enlightenment in one guy.

After a steamy mutual suck-off (the vampire kind, although probably the other kind, too, off-camera), Lestat convinces Armand to start the Theatre des Vampires with him, and soon we see the death-play in action, with Nicky, now a vampire, still fiddling in the orchestra. I dont think this is the last well see of him.

In the present day, Louis walks in and summarizes what happened next: They went at it on the floor, Armand taught Lestat the mind gift, and a week later, Lestat was gone. This episode loses a full star for telling rather than showing all of this, particularly the going at it on the floor part. Meanwhile, Daniels computer is remotely hacked and hes getting texts from RJ, short for Raglan James (which I believe is a brand of beard oil?).

Now that Louiss here, were back to the jazzy 40s, where Claudia is trying her hardest to work her way into the coven/troupe, doing gruntwork and getting called puce (flea). She has a couple of funny scenes, including a moment of bonding with Santiago that feels like a Spike and Dawn B-plot. Louis is not spending time with the coven at all outside of Armand, whos courting him at this point. Like a certain vamp who came before him, Louis doesnt want to give up life among the humans to join the coven; hes lit up by the city and its people, and he tells Armand he likes the feeling of whats next? after decades in a controlling relationship. Zaman and Andersons chemistry is absolutely electric in the scene of them walking along the Seine.

The date takes quite the turn when they find themselves in a jazz bar having a spirited philosophical debate about the nature of evil, and a guy leans over from the next table and weighs in with his two cents, and Armand is like, Louis, this is my friend Jean-Paul. As in Sartre?!?! I think theyre implying thats Sartre!!! Okay, so now were playing by Midnight in Paris rules, and frankly, thats great; more of this, please; in fact, Armand and Louis should be friends with all the great Jean-Pauls of the 20th century, and in season three, they should have a threesome with a young Belmondo.

Anyway, Sartre is like, shhh, you guys, so they take their debate to mind-o-sphere, only their chat is drowned out by Ghost Lestat, playing the piano and singing an improvised jazz number about how Louis is a little whore. Its impossibly good, silly shit. Louis snaps and admits that he and Claudia killed Lestat because he fucking had it coming. Armand says that killing another vampire breaks a strict vampire law, and Louis is like, okay, well, no one told me that, so now hes having a full-blown panic attack and leaves the cafe. Out on the street, he confronts Ghost Lestat and bashes his head in, while Ghost Lestat laughs and begs for more. Its a gnarly, gruesome scene, with the extra knife-twist reveal that Louis was actually killing  some dude. Back in the flat at the end of the night, Claudia tells Louis about the trauma she suffered at the hands of the motherfucker vamp on the motorbike from season one. Its heartbreaking to think about how closely she must have been guarding those thoughts from him.

On the night of Claudias coven induction, Louis comes to see her onstage like a dad at a school play (the Theatre des Vampires is only slightly less disturbing than a middle-school production of Seussical), but he cant stay for the ceremony because its strictly members only. Armand death-marches Louis through the sewers in a very intense scene that doubles as exposition (Santiago reads Claudia the five vampire laws as Armand tells Louis which ones he broke). Louis just asks that his executioner take care of Claudia after he dies, only to be told that Claudia wont be alive for much longer, because she was turned too young, which never ends well. Claudia doesnt know any of this, though, as shes fully welcomed into the coven and given a gift: a frilly baby-blue dress intended for a little girl. That will be her role in the theater troupes new play. Youll be their little birdie for the next 50 years, Santiago tells her as her smile disappears and it dawns on her that shes just as stuck as before.

Across town, Armand raises a sewer grate as Louis braces for beheading. This wasnt a death march; Armand was just walking Louis home. Louis confesses the pain hes still carrying from Lestat, and Armand reveals that he, too, dated Le Fuckboy de Lioncourt way back when. A century or so ago. Yesterday. What is time to a vampire? They kiss and Louis invites him upstairs. And that, kids, is the story of How I Met Your Maitre.

Notes on Vamp

 Daniel thinks Raglan James is a spy but notes hes a little pale for Mossad. Although, that could be very Mossad. I wish, Raglan James answers. Id be better funded. Is this the IWTV writers rooms way of sneaking in some commentary about the IOF? Or is he just pale because hes a vamp, too, somehow? Book readers: Dont spoil me on this.

 Michelin fish in the desert sounds like a George Saunders book.

 The way Armand pronounces Amazon like Amazn.

 I was really tickled by Santiago going, Thank you three! while getting ready before the show.

 Also tickled to learn that vampires are susceptible to springtime airborne allergies. Who knew they could sneeze?

 Loved the stupid-funny scene between Claudia and the Irish vamp in the wet room with him explaining their system of the rat box and the body box and talking about how smart rats are. Strong Charlie Kelly vibes emanating off of this one.

 Kill me again. Show me the only way you know how to love! God, these bloodsuckers can be so dramatic!

 Jacob Anderson broke me a bit with: Dont give up on her. Tell her shes beautiful. Tell her that every morning.

 Caught a good glimpse of Daniels desktop folders, which include: Relaxation Shit, Pulitzer Stuff, VICE Years, Shit my Condo Sends me, Snowden, Photos I Like, Dad_s Estate Stuff, Divorce Lawyers Ex-wives, Fuck Taxes, Medical Insurance Stuff File This, and Man Man Bootleg - Oct 05, 2006. More shows need these levels of insane specificity.

 Santiagos arms!!!
Richard Dreyfuss Photo: Mark Von Holden/Variety/Getty Images

When X was bitten by a movie theaters apology for Richard Dreyfusss comments at a Jaws screening on May 25, it begged the question, What the hell could he have possibly said that warranted an immediate email-blast apology? Instead of a Q&A before the screening at the Cabot cinema in Massachusetts, Dreyfuss reportedly went on a sexist and homophobic rant that alienated attendees, causing many of them to walk out. It was supposed to be about the shark, dammit! What was intended to be an innocuous Jaws screening exploded into a controversy that even got Dreyfusss son, Ben Dreyfuss, involved.

What exactly happened?

In footage shared online, Dreyfuss walks onstage wearing a housedress over his clothes, dances to Love Story, by Taylor Swift, then has a duo come rip the dress off, apparently pretending to do a burlesque routine complete with hip shaking. Attendee Diane Wolfe told the Boston Globe Dreyfuss went on, saying, The parents of trans youth, allowing them to transition, was bad parenting and that someday those kids might change their minds. According to another attendee, he also complained about the Me Too movement and Barbra Streisand caught a stray for being a woman.

Did the theater respond?

In a statement addressing the event, Cabot executive director J. Casey Soward wrote, We regret that an event that was meant to be a conversation to celebrate an iconic movie instead became a platform for political views. We take full responsibility for the oversight in not anticipating the direction of the conversation and for the discomfort it caused to many patrons. The venue has now limited commenting on its posts on Facebook.

What about Ben Dreyfuss?

Ben Dreyfuss, Richards son, made a joke on Twitter on May 27 about the event, referring to a family member committing disgusting outrageous behavior  i.e., switching from an iPhone to an Android. Then, more directly, he tweeted, Now you know why I refused to give him the password to his own twitter account for a decade lol. This was promptly misreported by various outlets as Ben directly calling his fathers behavior disgusting and outrageous.

The next day, Ben made a post on his Substack, Calm Down, about the situation. I was not there, he wrote. I am not in a position to judge what he said. But more importantly, its a free country. Hes allowed to have whatever opinions he wants. When discussing his fathers choice to share those opinions, he added, He should have just given the audience what they paid for. No one is terribly interested in the political thoughts of movie stars.

This post has been updated.
Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Babe, wake up. A new Knives Out mystery is afoot! The next installment, Wake Up Dead Man, continues the tradition of naming the films after rock songs. The movie will reportedly begin production in June and will be Detective Blancs most dangerous case yet. Its not set to come out until 2025, when it will ultimately premiere on Netflix. Will Matt Berry finally link up with director Rian Johnson, bringing the danger to a group of presumably wealthy, rich people? Not quite, but we do know most of the people who will be joining Blanc for his latest case, though the setting remains a mystery. Below, find all the suspects (as of now ) in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and what privileged parts we think theyll play, including the latest casting.

Josh OConnor

Challengers star Josh OConnor will definitely play someone dirty, and hopefully also British. Were choosing to remember how great he was in The Crown and hope he plays a really minor member of the royal family who is snarky about Meghan Markle and then gets humiliated. Film Updates snagged a pic of him dressed as a (hot) priest. Or possible a British curate, (who is a minor member of the royal family who yadda yadda yadda.)

Cailee Spaeny

Fresh off ingenue roles in Civil War and Priscilla, we think Spaeny is the most likely choice for the sane girl who Benoit Blanc works with while everybody else is insane.

Andrew Scott

Rooting for Scott, who typically turns in remarkably grounded performances, to go full insane and give a Lord Byronesque take on British aristocracy. Maybe he brings a bear to a party.

Kerry Washington

If Scandal showed anything, its that Washington is at her fullest powers when giving intimidatingly fearsome speeches that may be morally dubious. Let her do that this time as the owner of a Lockheed Martinesque weapons manufacturer.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close was iconically good at being sexual and depraved (Dangerous Liaisons, Fatal Attraction) in the 80s, but now nobody does erotic thrillers anymore. We think Rian Johnson needs to bring that back and let Close be a wealthy, murderous cougar.

Jeremy Renner

Maybe Renner could break type and play someone who creates an app based entirely around himself.

Mila Kunis

Kuniss Russian is entirely underused, so a Russian heiress is really the way to go for her. Yes, shes technically Ukrainian, but Russian heiress is a lot more fun to skewer at this moment in time.

Daryl McCormack

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is young and hot, which means one thing: He should play Glenn Closes houseboy.

Josh Brolin

Brolin is a gritty guy (Dune, No Country for Old Men, and duh True Grit). However, we must not forget that he played two Marvel characters: Thanos and Cable. He should play a third superhuman character, or an actor whos really into playing a supervillain.

This post has been updated throughout.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. Maersk is actively collaborating with key stakeholders involved in the Middle Corridor project, primarily railway companies such as Kazakhstan Railways and Azerbaijan Railways, Irakli Danelia, Central Asia and Caucasus Region Business Development Manager at Maerks, told Trend in an exclusive interview.

"We are also working closely with Chinese counterparts to establish a competitive and efficient corridor for local customers, regional clients, and international companies. Our objective is to facilitate seamless transportation services from east to west, with a particular emphasis on supporting and enhancing logistical solutions for local markets," he said.

According to the development manager, previously, Maersk's main focus was on transit cargoes between China and Europe. However, now the company has expanded its focus to include local markets such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and others.

"In September 2023, we officially launched the ocean-rail connect product, which provides connectivity for Central Asia through the Poti seaport, spanning Georgian, Azerbaijani, and Kazakhstani territories, reaching Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Additionally, we are developing direct solutions from China to Central Asia. Thus, the Middle Corridor initiative is a focal point for us, encompassing both the Western and Eastern ends of the corridor," Danelia noted.

He pointed out that, currently, Maersk has strategic cooperation agreements with countries including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

"This means we are planning to shift our regular business operations to this corridor, which will undoubtedly support the macroeconomic development of these countries and enhance the potential of logistical services in Central Asian and Caucasian countries. When it comes to logistics, our focus is not solely on transportation from point A to point B. Instead, we aim to provide additional services such as first-mile and last-mile solutions within these countries. This approach signifies our commitment to developing the corridor and the countries involved from a comprehensive logistical perspective," he explained.

Danelia further noted that Maersk collaborates with all seaports along the Middle Corridor, including Baku, Alat ports (both Azerbaijan), and Aktau port (Kazakhstan). "Each port determines its own capacity, and as a contributor to the Middle Corridor, we will support them with our cargo flows. This benefits all parties involved".

According to him, when Maersk supports railway companies with their cargo flows, it also indirectly supports the performance of seaports.

"Increasing cargo flows within the corridor is our shared goal, leading to success for our businesses, both ours and theirs, with more scale, more efficiency, and thus more reliability. We are open to discussing and identifying ways to further contribute to initiatives from ports like Alat Port. Currently, this is the solution available to us, and we actively utilize Alat Port for our operations," he said.

Danelia noted that Maersk is primarily focused on developing the Middle Corridor through ports.

"For exports, we transport cargo from Central Asia and Azerbaijan by rail to Poti, a process we have been carrying out for decades. From Poti, the cargo can be shipped directly to various destinations worldwide, including Turkiye, Europe, Africa, the Far East, and the Americas. The same process applies for imports," he said.

The regional manager pointed out that the demand for the Middle Corridor is steadily increasing.

"This demand primarily stems from Caucasian countries seeking to transport cargo from China through the Middle Corridor to Baku. We handle significant volumes of containers from China to various destinations such as Baku, Georgia, Turkiye, and further into Europe. Additionally, there is growing interest from Japan and Korea in connecting through China to the Middle East and delivering to Caucasian countries and Europe. Furthermore, we are also focused on export-import flows from Central Asia, with the Middle Corridor serving as a crucial route," Danelia said.

Further speaking, Irakli Danelia noted that Maersk believes the Middle Corridor will establish a strong position in the West-East and vice versa logistical system, facilitating seamless trade between regions.

The official pointed out that the demand for the Middle Corridor is steadily increasing, stemming from Caucasian countries seeking to transport cargo from China through the Middle Corridor to Baku.

"We handle significant volumes of containers from China to various destinations such as Baku, Georgia, Turkiye, and further into Europe. Additionally, there is growing interest from Japan and Korea, connecting through China to the Middle East and delivering to Caucasian countries and Europe. Furthermore, we are also focused on export-import flows from Central Asia, with the Middle Corridor serving as a crucial route," Danelia explained.

Maersk's main focus is on delivering containerized cargoes, therefore, the company collaborates with cargo owners, transport, and logistical companies locally to handle already containerized cargo, he noted.

"Additionally, we are actively encouraging exporters in the region to containerize and convert their bulk commodities, highlighting the advantages of containerization," Danelia added.

Regarding the World Bank's report and EBRD's research, Danelia pointed out that it is indeed relevant and realistic to consider the costs involved.

"However, the implementation of such initiatives depends on the willingness of markets to act swiftly, as time is of the essence in this matter. The primary focus should be on converting export bulk cargo into containerized shipments. This involves rapidly increasing the use of containers, with the goal of optimizing cargo handling," he said.

Maersk believes that all industry stakeholders should dedicate time and efforts to this endeavor, as it is crucial yet challenging, he added.

"In Central Asia, the majority of exported goods are traditionally transported in bulk. Therefore, there is a need to raise awareness about the advantages of containerization, which include standardization and streamlined operational processes. Additionally, stakeholders should emphasize the economic benefits of containerization, especially within a multimodal transit corridor like the Middle Corridor," Irakli Danelia said.
Italy remembers victims of deadly terrorist attack.

Italy's president Sergio Mattarella attended a commemoration ceremony in the northern city of Brescia on Tuesday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Piazza della Loggia bombing.

The terrorist attack by far-right militants occurred during an anti-fascist rally in the central Piazza della Loggia on the morning of 28 May 1974, leaving eight people dead and more than 100 injured.

Brescia marked the anniversary on Tuesday with the tolling of bells in Piazza della Loggia at 10.12 - the exact moment of the bombing 50 years ago - eight times to remember each victim.

After a minute of silence, bells rang out eight times in churches across the city.

#Brescia, il Presidente #Mattarella depone una corona di fiori nel 50 anniversario della strage di Piazza della Loggia pic.twitter.com/U8s15phCbG  Quirinale (@Quirinale) May 28, 2024

Piazza della Loggia bombing

The no-warning bombing occurred in the central Piazza della Loggia during the so-called Anni di Piombo, or Years of Lead, a period of social turmoil and political violence by both far-right and far-left militants in Italy from the late 1960s until the 1980s.

Investigations into the terror attack uncovered links between far-right militants and secret services and resulted in multiple judicial inquiries over subsequent decades, in one of Italy's longest-running terrorism cases.

The first inquiry in 1979 led to the sentencing of a member of Brescias far-right movement Ermanno Buzzi who was later killed in prison. However this first sentence was quashed in 1983 and the suspect was exonerated in 1987 by the supreme court of cassation.

A second investigation led to charges against three other far-right activists who were acquitted in 1989 due to insufficient evidence.

In 2008 five people were ordered to stand trial in the third investigation, including four leading members of the Ordine Nuovo (New Order) neo-fascist militant group and a carabiniere officer.

The defendants were acquitted in 2012 by the appeals court however three years later the court of cassation overturned the verdict for Ordine Nuovo member Carlo Maria Maggi and former intelligence agent Maurizio Tramonte who were sentenced to life in jail.

Their sentence was confirmed in 2017, with Maggi being charged with ordering the bombing and Tramonte charged with helping to organise the attack.

Tramonte escaped to Portugal but was arrested, extradited to Italy and imprisoned. Maggi died under house arrest in 2018 at the age of 84.

Later this week, exactly 50 years after the bombing, two new trials are about to open against other alleged perpetrators, two neo-fascists from Verona who were very young at the time and who are both living abroad - Marco Toffaloni who is now a Swiss citizen and Roberto Zorzi who lives in the US.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) will host a conference on innovations in the oil and gas development industry in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, on November 2628. Trend reports via SPE.

The conference, which will convene experts from the Caspian Sea countries and other oil-producing regions worldwide, will cover various topics, including advancements in the drilling industry, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, geological sciences, energy transition, decarbonization, offshore operations and logistics, project management, reservoir dynamics, and the development of unconventional fuel resources.

Magzum Mirzagaliyev, Chairman of the Management Board of the Joint Stock Company National Company (JSC NC) KazMunayGas (KMG), serves as the chairman of the conference, with participants including representatives from Tengizchevroil, Fluor, NCOC, and other companies.

To note, the next SPE conference is scheduled for February 2025 in Baku. The previous event in Baku took place in late November 2023.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Muireann Duffy

The Government has formally recognised the state of Palestine following a meeting of the Cabinet.

The historic decision was taken in a joint move with Spain and Norway, who will also recognise the Palestinian state from today.

A statement released following the Cabinet meeting read: "The Government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.

"An Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine will be appointed along with a full Embassy of Ireland in Ramallah."

At a meeting of government today Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine.

The Government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.

Full statement: https://t.co/YpvxXsuKCI pic.twitter.com/ebAyNTVtMD  MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) May 28, 2024

The Government reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken by Hamas from Israel on October 7th, as well as unhindered access for humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said the decision "is about keeping hope alive", adding: "It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security.

"We had wanted to recognise Palestine at the end of a peace process, however, we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive."

Mr Harris again called on Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu "to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza".

Tanaiste Micheal Martin added the move to recognise the state of Palestine represents Ireland's conviction that a political path is the only way to "break the cycle of dispossession, subjugation, dehumanisation, terrorism and death that has blighted the lives of Israelis and Palestinians for decades".

He added: "Prospects for a lasting peace have never been more in peril and it is imperative we act now, alongside our likeminded partners, to protect the viability of a two-State solution and the equal rights of Palestinians and Israelis to self-determination, peace, security and dignity."
Over a hundred people from the local community turned out for a blessing in the estate of Riverstown in Tramore last week.

The event was organised by the Legion of Mary, and was attended by all three priests of Tramore Parish, Fr. Richard, Fr. Mark and Fr. Tadeusz.

Rocky Mills and Martin O Sullivan at the Blessing of Riverstown Estate in Tramore.

Despite being pushed back a week due to inclement weather, crowds came out in strength to support their community and the work of the parish.

One attendee said, It was originally supposed to be on the week before but inclement weather forced us to postpone it till last Thursday. The weather was glorious, and it was as if God was showering us with his blessings.

Pictured at the Blessing of Riverstown Estate in Tramore.

Others commented favourably on the event, saying that it was a fantastic opportunity to reunite with old friends and partake in building bonds within the local community. The work of the local priests was also complimented by attendees.

The priests emphasized that they were here to serve the spiritual needs of the community, and that they are willing to help the parishioners in any way they can, one participant said.

Kevin and Willie at the Blessing of Riverstown Estate in Tramore.

The local priests thanked the Legion of Mary for organising this event and for acting as a liaison between the community and the clergy.

People of all ages gathered, including many children from the community, who received the blessing and additionally claimed free religious medals, holy water, rosaries and holy pictures.

Local election candidate from the area Blaise Hannigan also attended.

There was music provided by a local mens choir, who were in fine voice and contributed greatly to the prayerful atmosphere.

Along with being a successful social occasion with plenty of complimentary refreshments available after the event, there was a short teaching on the importance of the Miraculous Medal and the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Being an employment lawyer for the past 15 years has given me a unique insight into emerging social issues in workplaces. But I was not expecting the next battleground to be over the right for workers and school students to identify as animals.

Yet here we are, and its clear that battle for self-expression at school or work means employers are being increasingly challenged over the right for people to identify as furries.

The number of furries attending Australias annual convention has soared over the past decade. Credit: Getty Images

Furries are, according to Furscience  the public face of the International Anthropomorphic Research Project  a diverse community that creates for themselves an animal character with whom they identify. Some of them wear elaborate costumes, others might simply put on ears or tails, or represent themselves as animals in online communities.

This is not a joke, its a genuine trend, as ballooning attendances at Australias national convention attests. Fewer than two dozen furries attended in 2010, whereas this years event attracted close to 1000. Before last year, Id never advised on these issues, but the questions are now pouring in from puzzled employers and educators: Should we let a student eat lunch out of a dog bowl? Can they wear a tail if its concealed under their uniform? Will we breach our duty of care if we prohibit the wearing of cat ears and they develop anxiety?
The Australian art world is mourning the loss of another leading female contemporary photographer following the death of Rosemary Laing after a short illness.

Laing first captured public attention in 2000 with her breakthrough conceptual series, flight research, in which she photographed a bride suspended mid-air over a mountainous landscape.

The photographs were achieved via complex arrangements with a professional stuntwoman on location in the Blue Mountains.

From Rosemary Laings series bulletproofglass. Credit: Rosemary Laing

Laings death comes in the same week as that of Destiny Deacon, the pioneering First Nations artist and activist who is credited with pioneering the use of the word Blak in Australia.
Other spaces include the bar car, which features curved lounges and serves expertly created cocktails. The dining car is similarly delightful. Meals are served on tablecloths set with vintage silverware and Italian earthenware and are accompanied by regional wines. Its easy to focus on the train, resplendent as it is, but what of the itineraries? There are eight in all, from one to two nights in duration, ranging across Italy from north to south. One of the best is the two-night coast-to-coast journey, which starts in Rome, heads north-east to Venice, crosses Italy to Portofino, and then returns to the capital. En route are off-train excursions, including a private art experience in Venice. Another appealing two-night option is the Palermo to Rome itinerary, which begins on the island of Sicily, crosses to the mainland to call at Maratea, a beautiful village facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, and then heads to Rome. Each trip is a neat balance of beauty within and without, courtesy of an exceptional train. See orient-express.com Take your time across the wide brown land Start Perth

Perth Finish Sydney

Sydney Duration Five days A rail journey to remember. Credit: Andrew Gregory

For the first time since it began operating more than half a century ago, the Indian Pacific is extending its crossing of Australia eastbound, from Perth to Sydney, with four nights of travel, rather than the previous three. Its an all-inclusive rail cruise, and the new 2025 timetable enables more convenient and appealing off-train excursions. Departing Perth on a Saturday afternoon allows a tour of the gold-mining city Kalgoorlie on the following morning, including a visit to the massive Super Pit. Later that night, theres a stop at Nullarbor ghost town Cook for a stargazing experience; the following afternoon and evening are occupied by tastings and dinner at a Barossa Valley winery. The train calls at Broken Hill on day four, with a choice of cultural tours, and the final day offers a Blue Mountains adventure. With a new Gold Premium class of accommodation available, this new itinerary should be a rail journey to remember. See journeybeyondrail.com.au/indian-pacific Endless Scandi days and nights Start Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway Finish Bodo, Norway

Bodo, Norway Duration 12 days Ride through rugged country on the Rauma Railway.

It was difficult terrain for railway engineers, but Norways mix of mountains and fjords is a delight to view from a train. The Arctic Circle Express, a 12-day rail tour, takes in the Scandinavian nations most impressive railways and its spectacular scenery. Starting in Oslo, passengers ride the lofty Bergen Railway, staying overnight at a historic hotel at the lines highest point. The next highlight is the Flam Railway, Europes steepest line, followed by a fjord cruise. A ride through the rugged country on the Rauma Railway is followed by a visit to Trondheim, with its colourful traditional houses. The final two days are spent on the Nordland Railways Polar Express train, which crosses the Arctic Circle on its way to Bodo bathed in the light of the midnight sun. A new option is a three-day extension to the even more northerly Ofoten Railway, which connects Narvik to Sweden. See upnorway.com Back to the future, Nikko-style Start Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan Finish Kinugawa-Onsen, Japan

Kinugawa-Onsen, Japan Duration Two hours Tobu Railway runs between Tokyos Asakusa Station and the Nikko region.

When a new tourist train is devised, its makers tend to reach for Victorian-era designs from the golden age of railways. Not so the designers of Japans Tobu Railway, who have crafted a beautiful train with a unique style: the Spacia X. Running between Tokyos Asakusa Station and the Nikko region with its World Heritage-listed sites and popular thermal baths, this trains sleekly curving carriages have a futuristic vibe, but its more complex than that. Each of the six carriages bears a different design style, frequently incorporating the geometric patterns used in kumiko, a traditional woodworking craft, while the faint blue tint to the trains white exterior represents the sheen of ceramics. In an end carriage, theres a cafe serving food and drink from the Nikko region, adding to the flavour of a rail journey imbued with pure Japanese style. See tobu.co.jp/spaciax Mountainous landscapes in Laos Start Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane, Laos Finish Boten, Laos

Boten, Laos Duration Three hours This smooth ride runs through 75 tunnels and over 167 bridges through fabulously rugged scenery of humped mountains and sluggish rivers.

For most of its history, the South-East Asian country of Laos lacked appeal to train lovers, with very little track running through its mountainous landscape. However, in December 2021, the Lao section of the Laos-China Railway, which connects the Laotian capital Vientiane to the southern Chinese city of Kunming, opened. In Laos, it passes lush foliage and craggy mountains, stopping at traveller favourites such as Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Fast trains take three hours to zip from Vientiane to Boten on the Chinese border, with Luang Prabang just two hours by rail from the capital. Seating is available in business, first and second class, with business seating the most luxurious in airline-style pods. Top tip: the best scenery is on the section between Vientiane and Vang Vieng; the stretch onward to Luang Prabang contains many tunnels. See 12go.asia Q&A: TIM NOBLE, THE LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN CHEF, JOURNEY BEYOND My job involves... travelling across and through the middle of Australia on Journey Beyonds iconic trains. There are early mornings and late nights, working and cooking with local and indigenous ingredients, giving our guests a taste of Australia while travelling across one of the worlds largest continents. My definition of a great journey is... when our guests get truly involved with the journey and immerse themselves in all that is on offer and finish the journey really feeling like they wouldnt have it any other way.

Journey Beyonds Tim Noble. My greatest journey ever was... when actor Margot Robbie and her family travelled with us from Adelaide to Darwin. I didnt get to meet her but it was exciting to have a celebrity of her status on board. I think she liked the food we dished up for her, too. The most amazing thing Ive ever seen on a journey is  a herd of water buffalo between Katherine and Darwin. They really are majestic animals and a couple of them stopped in their tracks and stared at the train. I wonder if they saw us staring back at them? The great journey I still really want to do one day is... visiting Europe to take in the culture and buildings, particularly in France, Spain and Greece. I would love to travel on European trains as well. The worlds next great journey destination is... Costa Rica, where the rainforests meet the ocean. It seems to have a lot to offer, from rainforest and jungles to white-sand beaches. Theres a lot of wildlife to be spotted, too. And the food is all based around local fresh produce, which has to be a good thing.
Warsaw: Poland will introduce restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats on its territory due to Moscows involvement in a hybrid war against the European Union, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Monday.

Relations between Poland and Russia have deteriorated sharply since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022.

Polands Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. Credit: Bloomberg

Warsaw has also accused Moscow of spying activity and taking part in acts of sabotage on its territory.

These are national decisions, but we have evidence that the Russian state is involved in authorising sabotage in our country as well. We hope that the Russian Federation will treat this as a very serious warning, Radoslaw Sikorski told journalists in Brussels.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance funding access for small businesses in emerging markets, with a particular focus on enterprises owned by women and those engaged in agriculture and climate-related activities, Trend reports via the IFC.

The newly launched MSME Finance Platform promises a financing package of up to $4 billion from IFC's own account. This initiative targets banks, non-bank financial institutions, microfinance institutions, and innovative digital lenders, all dedicated to serving micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Both new and existing IFC clients will have access to these funds.

To amplify the impact, the Platform will employ various credit enhancement mechanisms to attract private capital, including a pioneering Catalytic First Loss Guarantee. This strategy aims to mobilize an additional $4 billion in financing from eligible financial service providers, significantly expanding the lending capacity to MSMEs.

The IFC will use its risk capital to offer first loss protection to qualifying financial service providers, which often possess substantial local currency liquidity but are hesitant to lend to MSMEs due to perceived high risks. By leveraging these mobilization techniques, the MSME Finance Platform seeks to optimize capital structures and redirect substantial local currency financing to small businesses.

Support for the Platform comes from the International Development Association's Private Sector Window (IDA PSW), which will help mitigate credit and foreign currency risks in low-income countries. The IDA PSW Blended Finance Facility (BFF) will contribute up to $100 million. Additionally, the Global SME Finance Facility (GSMEF) and the Women Entrepreneurs Opportunity Facility (WEOF) will provide resources to encourage lending to agriculture-focused and women-owned MSMEs.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
The 26th Regional Conference of Directors General of Customs (RCCDG) was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on 13 and 14 May 2024, under the theme "Customs Engaging Traditional & New Partners with Purpose". Hosted by Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), the event was organized in collaboration with the National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT) of Peru, in its capacity as the WCO Vice-Chair for the Americas and the Caribbean Region. The Conference aimed to enhance regional cooperation and innovation in Customs operations.

The opening ceremony featured the participation of Mr. Ian Saunders, WCO Secretary General, Mrs. Velma Ricketts-Walker, CEO and Commissioner of the Jamaica Customs Agency, Mr. Fernando Nunez Jauregui, Deputy National Superintendent of Customs (SUNAT) for Peru, the WCO Vice-Chair for the Americas and the Caribbean Region, and Hon. Mr. Zavia Mayne, State Minister of Finance & the Public Service of Jamaica. The speakers emphasized the importance of cooperation among the regions Customs administrations. They highlighted the Conference as a valuable opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and create new alliances. Secretary General Saunders particularly noted that the commitment of Members and stakeholders is vital in making the WCO a stronger organization.

Throughout the Conference, the Directors General shared their experiences on implementing strategic initiatives discussed in previous RCCDG meetings. They explored topics such as innovative technologies for border security and control, and the promotion of greater inclusion and diversity in Customs initiatives. The WCO Secretariat presented the results of its capacity-building efforts in the region, showcasing the significant progress made in enhancing Customs capabilities.

A key highlight of the 26th RCCDG was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Superintendency of Tax Administration of Guatemala and the National Customs Authority of Panama. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation and information exchange to prevent and combat smuggling and Customs fraud. It reflects the regions commitment to enhancing security and efficiency in Customs operations.

On 15 May, the RCCDG and the Regional Private Sector Group held their 4th Joint Forum, which served as a platform to discuss topics such as fostering synergy for coordinated border management, ethics and transparency in international trade, green trade, and voluntary compliance. The Joint Forum concluded with the signing of a letter of intent on implementing technology to facilitate and secure international trade, reaffirming the public-private engagement in addressing critical issues in Customs and trade.

The 26th RCCDG successfully brought together Customs leaders from the Americas and the Caribbean to discuss and address key challenges and opportunities in the region. The event underscored the importance of cooperation, innovation, and inclusivity in advancing the goals of the WCO and enhancing the effectiveness of Customs administrations across the region.
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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 28. The Central Asian Climate Change Conference (CACCC-2024) is being held in Kazakhstan's Almaty with the participation of delegations from Central Asian countries and international experts to discuss pressing issues around sustainable water and land management, energy, food security, and environmental sustainability in the context of climate change in the region, Trend reports, citing the World Bank.

According to the WB, this conference also serves as a preparatory stage for the countries to discuss the participation of the Central Asian governments at the upcoming 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP29), scheduled for November 1122, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Participants review progress, challenges, and gaps in the implementation of climate commitments by Central Asian countries, issues of carbon neutrality, green transition, and security, and explore collective action to reduce climate-related disaster risks. The participants also review available platforms and capacity for bolstered regional cooperation on climate change adaptation.

Thus, Zafar Makhmudov, Executive Director of the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC), speaking at the conference, noted that Central Asia is vulnerable to the adverse effects of a rapidly changing climate, given its agricultural economy, aging infrastructure, and rapid population growth.

"In these conditions, the need to improve regional cooperation in energy and water resource management alongside approaches to adaptation to climate change is obvious. The conference aims to strengthen this cooperation to increase the region's resilience," he said.

In turn, Tatiana Proskuryakova, World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia, pointed out that climate change is an urgent challenge, and the countries of Central Asia can only address it if they work together.

"This means tackling a broad set of issues simultaneously, from adopting and implementing green policies to deploying green financing and investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource management. We will continue working hand in hand with our government counterparts, sharing our analysis and advice, but also providing financing for priority investment projects for the benefit of people in Central Asia," she noted.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
The Belmullet branch of Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) hosted a meeting yesterday to tell local election candidates just how difficult life can be in Belmullet, and beyond, when confined to a wheelchair.

They presented the candidates in attendance, outgoing councillor Sean Carey of Fianna Fail, Rosaleen Lally of Sinn Fein, and Pat Chambers, Fine Gael, with a comprehensive list of issues which they want addressed.

"There are 17,977 people living with a disability in County Mayo, thats 14% of the population but, we still have a long way to go before we can call ourselves an inclusive and accessible society," the IFA told candidates.

IWA members told of their everyday struggles navigating inaccessible footpaths, misuse of disabled parking bays, cars parking on footpaths, disabled parking bays with no dipped footpath and the fact that the buses travelling into Belmullet are accessible, yet there is no accessible bus stop from which to get onto the bus.

Teresa Gaughan told candidates.

"You need to recognise that a lot of these issues are not limited to people with disabilities. They are also dangerous for people with buggies and those with limited mobility using walking aids.

One other member told of how she fell close to 40 times on an inaccessible footpath outside her house and has been left needing a wheelchair due to long-term hip damage and thanked the staff at IWA for supporting her in the aftermath.

IWA continues to hold a series of hustings around the country so that the voices and concerns of people with disabilities are heard by local election candidates. The organisation is asking candidates to give a commitment to support the issues identified in IWAs Local Elections Manifesto if elected.
Minister Alan Dillon has welcomed the announcement of an additional special needs classroom for a Charlestown school.

Approval has been granted for an extra classroom to provide a special class for children with educational needs at St. Josephs Community College, Charlestown.

Minister Dillon said he received confirmation from the Department of Education that the classroom has been granted approval to progress under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme.

Deputy Dillon said: "This is great news for St. Josephs Community College and their wider community. It will provide much-needed facilities for students with special educational needs in the area.

"I want to wish acting principal Mr. John Bones, his staff, pupils and the Board of Management the very best with this project in the months ahead."
Mayo County Library plans to digitise some of its unique historical records and make them available to the public as a major plank of its 2024 Commemorations programme.

The items will be selected based on their rarity, condition, and interest to a wider public.

Among the items proposed for digitisation are the report of the Erris Survey. Carried out between 1990 and 1994 as part of a community response project, the aim of the survey was to research and compile a comprehensive report on the various features of the Erris area including historical, archaeological, environmental, social, and cultural information.

Four volumes of the Achill Missionary Herald will also be digitised. Founded by Rev Edward Nangle in 1837 as a means of furthering his Protestant evangelical views, the Achill Missionary Herald provides an important insight into the activities of the Achill Mission Colony across several decades and particularly through the Great Famine years.

Also included is 'Land League Boycotting in County Mayo - A Contemporary Police Archive 1880 -1890', which includes boycotting notices and police reports.

The day book for Ballindine RIC Station, a unique 300-page pre-Famine record of the day-to-day workings of an RIC station will be digited as well as an Archaeological Survey of the Belcarra Area.

Poor Law minute books for Catlebar, Claremorris, and Swinford will be given fresh life as well as 10 volumes of the Newport Union Workhouse Ledgers.

A Castlebar Graveyard Survey, carried out in 1988, is likely to be an invaluable resource.

Within the Mullet, a book by Rita Nolan that is out of print and always in demand, is to be digitised as will the Enniscoe Agricultural Credit Bank records. The Enniscoe Agricultural Credit Bank (EACB) was established in 1898 and operated until the late 1930s.

It was one of approximately 300 such small-scale, local lending and savings banks around Ireland which were founded by the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society.
There were celebrations in Erris when SOLAS, a new visitor Experience and Tourism hub for the Erris Gaelacht was officially opened.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys travelled to Eachleim to officially unveil the state-of-the-art project.

The new 4 million building is a spectular addition to the area and landscape.

SOLAS offers visitors, through interactive exhibitions and exciting installations, an enlightening journey through the rich tapestry of the Mullet Peninsulas offshore island communities, the resilience of the Irish language, and the preservation of timeless music, traditions, storytelling, and myths.

In a series of captivating displays, SOLAS also delves into the local whaling industry and narrates the dramatic tales of numerous shipwrecks scattered along the coastline, as well as the formidable pirates who once sailed these waters.

Fully accessible in both Irish and English, SOLAS provides a bilingual voyage into the essence of Irish heritage. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in an experience that not only educates but also engages with the areas unique and precious biodiversity.

Over 2,000 visitors have passed through the doors since it opened just a few weeks ago.

Minister Humphreys addressed the large crowd at at the event. I am absolutely delighted to here in Eachleim for what is a day of great celebration, the Minister remarked.

She said the stunning Mullet peninsula is a very special place.

The Mullet peninsula is a key location on the Wild Atlantic Way. It has a fascinating history and heritage and there are many, many stories to be explored, said Minister Humphreys.

This spectacular project will celebrate the history of this area and enable visitors to learn about the wealth of culture and natural heritage in this region, she added.

At last week's event there was praise for all those who made this incredible project possible.

Deputy Michael Ring provided the first tranche of funding for the SOLAS development.

What I see here is a credit to Eachleim, Deputy Ring stated.

We are here today because I have a great friend. Im in a tight corner where I am speaking today and he had me in a tight corner many a time down in Eachleim! And Im talking about John Gallagher, said Deputy Ring.

He proposed that John be nominated as the next Erris Person of the Year for the work he has done for his community.

Minister of State Dara Calleary praised the project for keeping the incredible stories and history of the area alive.

SOLAS is such a wonderful name because it lights tradition. I want to commend and thank all those who kept that traditional alive.

"All of the stories in this building were kept alive, passed down through the generations, and now they are here, they are prorected they are highlighted," said Deputy Calleary.

Cllr Gerry Coyle, who secured local authority funding for the project, commended the legend that is John Gallagher, for his foresight and determination.

I want to say something about John Gallagher and Mickey Lavelle. Long before you ever came to Government as partners in Dail Eireann, they were partners here. When Eamon O Cuiv was in Mickeen would get everything from the Fianna Fail side and when Fine Gael came in John would do his utmost in that department as well, said Cllr Coyle.

John Gallagher rings me often. But never ever has he rang looking for something for himself. It was only for his community, he added.

Cllr Coyle said the area is steeped in history that deserves to be remembered.

Out there is Blacksod Bay, thats where the coffin ships left to go to America. And that history is captured by the wonderful people here. Those people left but we forget what they achieved. They left without education but they had something more important with them, they had intelligence. And it was when the intelligence met the education, it was onwards and upwards for the Irish abroad, said Cllr Coyle.

Belmullet councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Westport/Belmullet Muncipal District, Cllr Sean Carey heaped praised on the community effort.

Its a great day for the area and tremendous to have a facility like this. So much work and effort has gone into it and I particularly like to pay tribute to the Comharchumman here particularly John Gallagher and his team. I would also like to thank Mickey Lavelle who has worked tremendously hard on this project over the years.
Belcarra is the talk of the birdwatchers' world at the moment thanks to a rare bird that has made its way to the Mayo village.

A yellow-crowned night heron has brought birdwatchers from near and far to get a glimpse of the North American bird.

Plenty of pictures and footage of the bird basing itself at the Belcarra riverside walk has circulated on social media.

Included in those clips is the yellow-crowned night heron settling into the area by indulging a crayfish along the Manulla River.

Watch the video below:

The Yellow-crowned Night Heron catches and eats a crayfish earlier, along the Manulla river, Belcarra, Co. Mayo. pic.twitter.com/m86NWM4NCa  Aidan G. Kelly (@agk10k) May 27, 2024

This is the first time a yellow-crowned night heron has been spotted in Ireland or the UK.
Will Labour definitely win an overall majority in the British General Election, and what would that mean? There is no doubt the Tories are on their way out, but it remains to be seen whether the presumption that Labour will win a comfortable working majority is right. The arithmetic and the politics are not as simple as they appear, but thats for another article.

For the sake of todays argument lets assume Labour end up where they want to be. What would that mean for us here and for Anglo-Irish relations?

In simple terms, it would be good news, in that it would give us a break from all the Brexit excesses of these past eight years. Listening to the Tories whirling themselves into nationalistic knots these past years has not done us good. Their best friends would surely admit it has not exactly been a triumph for them either. Ending all that should lower the political temperature, or reduce the iciness in our relations, whichever metaphor you prefer to use.

Thats how it looks to us, but how do they see it? The Tories in government, and those who support them in the media, are thoroughly fed up with Ireland. They feel they have been lectured to and sneered at since Brexit. They believe we exaggerated the border problem and didnt play fair in how we handled it. Most people here would deny that, but  in an era where feelings trump all  the Tories dont feel great about us at all.

The Labour party is different. Most of their leaders were not Brexiteers. While they are now committed to not re-opening that question, they come with fresh hands and hearts to matters Irish. The new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will likely be Hilary Benn. If you have heard him speak about this island, you will immediately know that would be great news. That said, in fairness to the current Secretary of State, the Brexiteer Chris Heaton-Harris, we should acknowledge that he will be able to leave his job safe in the knowledge that he did a damn good job in putting the pieces back together.

Now, what would that change to Labour amount to in practical terms?

First, a majority Labour government is committed to ending the current governments idea to remove asylum seekers from Britain to Rwanda, where their claims for asylum can be adjudicated on. It has been hugely controversial and has not yet come into effect. But the possibility of it doing so has strained relations between Ireland and Britain.

It has been widely claimed here that this Rwanda plan on the horizon explains why so many International Protection applicants have been coming to Ireland, and doing so across the border. If thats right, the ending of the plan should reduce those numbers, and the political tensions arising, such as the recent pretty unseemly spat between the Irish and British governments. It would also mean that a recent court judgment saying that the law to put the plan into effect could not be applied to asylum seekers in Northern Ireland  because of the post-Brexit deal  no longer matters. That should be a real relief for anyone who thought for more than a moment about how that was going to be managed.

Second, while a new Labour government will not rejoin the EU, it will  as quietly as it can  make moves to stabilise and even enhance relations between Britain and the EU. What that means is that for the next few years Britain will not make any major moves to depart from EU standards and regulations.

In fact, it will most likely move towards what is called a dynamic alignment with the EU. This means Britain will track and implement changes which are made in the EUs Single Market, to ensure that British goods can trade relatively freely into and out of the EU. That is good for all our exporters to Britain. It is likely that this process will include a deal on food and sanitary standards, which will certainly help our farmers. But where perhaps this will be most helpful is again in respect of Northern Ireland. The more Britain aligns with the EU, the less burdensome the border in the Irish Sea which was established under the protocol/Windsor Framework needs to become. That too would be great news. The Windsor Framework, which was and is a great success for us, is a running sore for unionists. You can delight in their discomfort if you like, but many will feel glad about reducing the risks from this destabilising factor on our island.

Third, Labour has indicated it will repeal the Legacy Act, passed by the British government on how to deal with Troubles era violence. The Irish government is challenging this law in the European Court of Human Rights. This issue will remain tricky, but there will clearly be a greater openness to managing it in a bilateral way.

All that will make for a much better environment for relations between Ireland and Britain. But, there is an important but. If Britain has changed a lot these last eight years, so have we. Up to 2016, no British government heard such pro-United Ireland talk from an Irish government and political system since the days of Charlie Haughey.

If the British have gone nationalist because of Brexit, we have gone nationalist in response to it. And this is where Labour might surprise people. Anyone who thinks that a Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer will become a cheerleader for a United Ireland is kidding themselves. The new Labour government will make clear, right from the start, that they support the Union. They will wrap the union flag around themselves even if they do not wave it abrasively in anyones face. They will be clear that in their view the test for a poll on a United Ireland, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement, is nowhere near being met. Hilary Benn has already said this in opposition.

So, do not expect a poll on that question because of a Labour government, but do expect Labour to commit itself, fully and wholeheartedly, to an Anglo-Irish approach to questions involving Northern Ireland. Gone will be the days of meetings being cancelled at short notice, of our most senior ministers being met by much more junior UK ministers. There will be a warmth that will help solve ongoing political, economic and security issues. And I doubt that would change much if Sinn Fein wins our upcoming election, even if the rhetoric picked up a little.

So if Labour wins this general election comprehensively thatll be grand for us for five years. But five years wont be long passing. In opposition, the Tory party will become more rabidly right-wing and nationalist than your ears will believe. There is every chance they will make Trump blush. And when they come back to power  as they have after every disastrous defeat they have had before  that wave will make Brexit seem like a ripple.
Michael McAleer

Volkswagen Group is to sell its new cars directly online to Irish customers from June 2026 in a move that will see its retailers become responsible for new car handovers rather than the sales process.

VW Group Ireland will sell new vehicles directly online to customers across all its six brands - Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Skoda, Seat, Cupra, Audi and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The change will end the Groups current contracts with its Irish dealers. The Irish Times understands that dealers across the Groups brands were informed on Monday that their current contracts were being terminated and that new contracts will be issued, introducing the new agency sales model.

VW Group Ireland has yet to indicate how many of its current dealers will be offered the new contracts and how it will pay dealers who sign up to the new sales model, where they are paid a set fee for managing the handover process for new cars to customers rather than a profit margin on the sale.

The Volkswagen car brand currently has 29 sales outlets in the Republic, Skoda has 27, Seat and Cupra combined have 24, Audi 11 and VW Commercials 21. Many of the Groups dealers would hold franchises for more than one of the brands.

From a customer perspective, VW says buyers across all its brands can either choose and purchase their car entirely online or go to a dealership for a physical experience of the car.

However, it is expected that VW Group will not only manage the new car sale, but also set the initial trade-in value on any deals.

Ireland is one of the first markets for VW to adopt the new direct digital sales - or agency - model. The move is in line with other brands which have rolled out similar digital sales in other States and several car makers have committed to move to direct digital sales across all markets in the future.

Under the current franchised model, dealers are independent businesses, buying their stock of new cars at wholesale prices from importers, who bring them into the State from the various factories. Some of those importers are themselves independent, locally owned companies that have built up relationships with big car manufacturers over the years. Others are local offices of those car makers.

Having bought their stock of new cars, the dealers then sell them on to the consumer, adding on a profit margin. That profit margin can often be used to offer consumers a discount.

Under an agency set-up, the dealer no longer buys their stock of new cars from the car maker, and  technically  the customer is not buying the car from the dealer any more. Instead, the car is bought directly from the company that made it. The dealer, from whom the customer will continue to collect the new car and to whom they will return for servicing and repairs, is now an agent, doing the physical handover of the car for a flat fee rather than a variable profit margin.

Tesla has long operated outside the franchised dealer model, as has Polestar. BMW has said it will go fully agency for all its sales by 2026.

Stellantis, the group that owns the Peugeot, Opel, Citroen, Fiat and Jeep brands, also plans to move its European sales operations to the agency model by 2027. However, others such as Toyota, Lexus, and Mercedes have said they are sticking with the franchised dealer model.

Alicia OConnor, VW Group Ireland director of sales transformation and customer experience, said: Irish customers are comfortable buying online. However, many still want the tactile experience of going to a showroom, getting into a vehicle and taking it for a test drive. She said the new sales model would offer customers the best of both worlds.
Reading, PA (19601)

Today

Mainly clear skies; no frost overnight, and no Northern Lights displays expected like last night either. .

Tonight

Mainly clear skies; no frost overnight, and no Northern Lights displays expected like last night either.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, 28 May. The Netherlands is ready to share experience in green energy with Kazakhstan, Dutch PM Mark Rutte said during a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, Trend reports.

"I was in Astana for the first time in 2010, and it was my first trip outside the EU as a new Prime Minister. Next, there came my 2015 visit. I remember our negotiations very well. I am always amazed at the rapid development of our bilateral relations and I have a deep respect for Kazakhstan's balanced position on the regional and international agenda. I also respect what you are personally doing to take the country to the next level. We will be happy to share ideas and developments that we have in the fields of agriculture, green energy, and water management," he said.

In addition, during the talks, the sides thoroughly discussed ways to strengthen trade and economic, energy and investment cooperation, as well as contacts in the spheres of transport, innovations, nuclear energy, agriculture, healthcare, climate and water management.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, May 28. The President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, discussed bilateral cooperation in the areas of labor migration and security, Trend reports.

According to the press service of the Tajik president, the parties also discussed prospects for interaction between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries.

Rahmon highlighted the importance of further strengthening ties between the interior ministries as well as the fruitful results of the joint work of the relevant departments of both states in preventing and solving crimes, combating terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and other forms of transnational organized crime.

The discussion emphasized the parties' commitment to the practical implementation of agreements reached recently at the highest level regarding the resolution of issues in the migration sphere. Rahmon underscored the importance of taking all necessary measures to strengthen the legal and social protection of Tajik labor migrants residing in Russia.

To note, Vladimir Kolokoltsev arrived in Dushanbe accompanied by a large government delegation as part of the latest round of negotiations on a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation in the migration sphere.
Case Seminar with Dr Judy Dlamini

The Remarkable Story of Khonology Digital Solutions: Values-Driven Entrepreneurship

Wits Business School is hosting a special case seminar with Dr Judy Dlamini, author of the case study: Khonology Digital Solutions: Values-Driven Entrepreneurship. Dr Dlamini will be in conversation with the three South African entrepreneurs featured in the story. This is a unique opportunity to witness a case study come to life and will be an enriching learning experience for entrepreneurs or anyone considering a career in entrepreneurship.
Welcome to Human Genetics

The Human Genetics Division in the Wits School of Pathology provides the largest diagnostic and clinical services to South African private and public hospitals.The division is a joint initiative with the National Health Laboratory Services. The division's research interests cover the entire scope of human genetics: clinical genetics, genetic counselling, monogenic disorders, non-communicable diseases, microbiome and population genetics.

Human Genetics has a vibrant training mandate and offers academic programmes to undergraduate and postgraduate students in health sciences (Honours, MSc, PhD, genetic counsellors, and medical registrars).

"Today, human genetics is for everyone. It is about our variation and about our illnesses, and about the common as well as the rare. Once an obscure science or an explanation for an odd collection of symptoms, human genetics is now part of everyday conversation. At the same time, it is finally being recognised as the basis of medical science, and health care professionals must be fluent in the field's language and concepts." - Ricki Lewis

Figure 1: Professor Amanda Krause, Head of the Division of Human Genetics in the Wits School of Pathology

Professor Amanda Krause, Head of the Division of Human Genetics in the Wits School of Pathology

Professor Krause is a medical geneticist and the Head of the Division of Human Genetics at the National Health Laboratory Services and Wits University. As a medical geneticist, her major role is to assess and counsel patients in genetic clinics with a broad range of genetic conditions. She also supervises the Division's genetics molecular diagnostic service, teaches and trains in medical genetics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Professor Krause conducts research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of genetic disease in South Africa. She has particular interests in Fanconi anaemia, haemoglobinopathies, developmental delays, and spinal muscular atrophy.

African genomic research caters to the most ethnically diverse continent in the world

The field of genomics has the potential to revolutionise healthcare outcomes not just for African populations, but for the world. To realise this potential, it's essential that genomics research be conducted in African populations, with African investigators taking the lead. Africa is home to the most genetically diverse populations in the world, and harnessing this diversity can help us understand physiological adaptation, disease mechanisms, and identify new drug targets.

Figure 2: Fluidics Station based at the National Health Laboratory Services

However, African populations are still underrepresented in genomic studies, which can lead to a compromised quality of care for African patients and constrained public health systems. To address this issue, we need to encourage more investment in African genomics research and development. African clinicians and researchers are now advocating for a more context-specific approach to precision medicine, which individualises diagnosis and treatment for better health outcomes. This is especially important since the genomic profiles that have been well-researched in the Global North cannot be applied to all healthcare contexts.

Figure 3: An Ion GeneStudio machine which is a semiconductor based next generation sequencing system

One promising initiative is Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa (DDD-Africa). This multi-faceted research project aims to evaluate the clinical exome sequencing in an African setting, with co-investigators from the Division of Human Genetics' clinical, counselling and scientist teams, as well as collaborators from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Kingdom. DDD-Africa seeks to create a framework for research and evidence-based healthcare reform, with a long-term goal of developing an effective and sustainable approach for the integration of whole-exome sequencing in developmental disorder diagnostics. This will enable a precision public health approach for Africa, improving outcomes for affected children and their families, and reducing the healthcare and economic burden of developmental disorders, particularly in low-income countries.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, May 28. China's Fuxin Xinyida Agriculture & Industry Trade Company is interested in establishing leather processing enterprises in Tajikistan's Khatlon region, Trend reports.

The region's administration claims that this goal was expressed during a meeting between Davlatali Said, the Khatlon region head, and a delegation led by Gao Jong Tao, the head of Fuxin Xinyida.

The company leader stated that the delegation's goal is to build leather and wool processing plants and greenhouses in Khatlon. Modern equipment is expected to arrive in June, starting factory and greenhouse construction.

The region's strong bilateral relations with influential Chinese enterprises were brought up during the meeting.

"The Khatlon region views the development of regional cooperation as a vital element in economic and trade advancement, investment attraction, and the implementation of modern technologies," Davlatali Said said.

The head of the region also informed the Chinese delegation that in 2023 alone, Khatlon produced 1.140 million pieces of cattle and small livestock leather, along with 5,970 tons of wool.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, May 28. A representative office of the Passport and Visa Service of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has opened in Tajikistan's Dushanbe, Trend reports.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan, the main purpose of establishing this office is to conduct a series of preparatory activities, including pre-departure checks within Tajikistan.

Citizens can also register their fingerprints and check for any entrance prohibitions into Russia. These procedures facilitate further preparation for organized employment.

During the ceremony, it was highlighted that Russia is a strategic partner of Tajikistan, with long-standing and mutually beneficial friendly ties between the two countries.

To note, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, arrived in Dushanbe accompanied by a large government delegation as part of the latest round of negotiations on a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation in the migration sphere.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, May 28. Fitch Ratings will assign an international rating to the State Insurance Organization of Turkmenistan, Trend reports.

This was announced by Deputy Chairman of the Government of Turkmenistan Hojamyrat Geldimyradov at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held.

The insurance company will receive an international rating under the action plan for the 'Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the socio-economic development of the country in 2022-2028'.

Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings is an international rating agency specializing in assessing the creditworthiness and financial stability of various organizations, including corporations, banks, governments, and other financial institutions.

The agency aims to provide business intelligence to facilitate effective decision-making and decrease business risks for its clients.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, May 28. Turkmenistan and Japan plan to sign a number of bilateral documents covering various areas of cooperation, Trend reports.

This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers.

He noted that the documents are planned to be signed within the framework of the meeting of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida within the framework of the upcoming 'Central Asia+Japan' Summit in Astana.

Furthermore, touching upon the topic of cooperation with Malaysia, which is among the significant partners of Turkmenistan, the head of the Foreign Ministry announced a number of proposals aimed at strengthening interstate relations.

To note, the delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov visited Japan in late January 2024.

During the visit, the delegation held meetings in the government, parliament, relevant ministries and departments, as well as with the leadership of financial and export credit agencies and leading Japanese companies, where they discussed further prospects for the development of cooperation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, Iran, will suspend flights for five hours on June 3, Director General of the airport Ebrahim Moradi said, Trend reports.

According to Moradi, flights from Mehrabad airport will be suspended from 08:00 to 13:00 local time in connection with the commemoration of the death of the former Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The director general noted that all airlines have been informed.

To note, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini passed away on June 3, 1989.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village lies at the foot of Leigong Mountain in northeast Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province.

Surrounded by mountains, the village comprises dozens of settlements built along the hillsides. The Miao people utilized the terrain to construct distinct wooden stilted buildings, creating a spectacular vista of structures rising and falling with the slopes.

Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is considered a well-preserved witness to the Miao ethnic group's "primitive ecology" culture. Miao traditions like farming, festivals, costumes, foods, songs and dances have been passed down for generations.

The village offers an optimal destination to explore the Miao's natural beauty, cultural legacy and social customs. It provides insights into an ancient way of life deeply connected to the environment.

Intern Xing Yawen contributed to this story.

An aerial drone photo shows a view of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province. [People's Daily Online/Tu Min]

An aerial drone photo shows an overall view of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province. [People's Daily Online/Tu Min]

The Baishui River divides Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village into two. [People's Daily Online/Tu Min]

An aerial drone photo shows an overall view of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province. [People's Daily Online/Tu Min]

Photo shows an array of wooden stilted buildings in the Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village. [People's Daily Online/Tu Min]

An aerial drone photo shows an overall view of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province. [People's Daily Online/Tu Min]

Photo shows an array of stilted buildings in Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village. [People's Daily Online/Tu Min]

Photo shows the Fengyu Bridge across the Baishui River. [People's Daily Online/Tu Min]

(Source: People's Daily Online)


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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. The Georgian parliament voted against President Salome Zurabishvili's comments on the law on foreign agents, thus overriding her veto, the parliamentary meeting was broadcast live on the website of the legislative body, Trend reports.

According to the information, 66 deputies voted against the presidents veto, with the required quorum of 50.

Then the deputies supported the original version of the law, which was voted for by 84 deputies with a quorum of 76, and 4 parliamentarians were against.
This article is old - Published: Tuesday, May 28th, 2024

Wrexham.com has invited the four North Wales Members of the Senedd to write a monthly column with updates on their work. You can find their updates  along with contributions from the Wrexham and Clwyd South MPs and MSs  here.

In this months column for Wrexham.com, Welsh Labour MS Carolyn Thomas writes:

A rain-drenched Rishi Sunak announcing a UK General Election to the tune of Things Can Only Get Better being blared out of a speaker by a protestor summed up the mood of the country after nearly a decade and a half of Conservative governments.

The last fourteen years have been characterised by a programme of grinding austerity and vicious cuts to public services.

The few services that have survived are too often teetering on the brink of collapse because of deliberate underfunding.

There is little doubt that the UK is a far poorer country as a direct result of austerity policies.

Even many of the economists, who after the 2008 financial crisis, suggested austerity was the only option, now accept that this was an incorrect diagnosis which brought with it deadly consequences.

The results of those policies are impossible to escape  the worst fall in living standards since records began, real terms wage cuts for workers, the NHS struggling, a demoralised public sector workforce, a housing market which is out of control, food prices and mortgages through the roof, local authorities declaring bankruptcy, and more food banks than branches of McDonalds.

By contrast, and despite significant funding restraints caused by Westminster cuts, Wales has continued to lead the way in showing that progressive politics and collaboration achieves tangible results.

Weve seen a groundbreaking trial of Universal Basic Income, the extension of universal free school meals for primary school children, active intervention in the housing crisis by tackling the growth in second homes, and the Real Living Wage for social care workers.

Across the country, the National Health Service, local government, housing, social care, and public transport are desperate for an end to real-terms cuts in funding. These are the building blocks of Britain. Investment in those building blocks leads to a healthier, happier, better educated, and better connected society  all of which is the basis for economic stability.

The general election on July the 4th provides an opportunity to change course, to reject the politics of austerity and cuts, and to start building a country that is fit for both the present, and for the challenges of the future.
Court of Appeal date set for Wrexhams LDP case

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, May 28th, 2024

Campaigners say the second highest court in England and Wales will decide on October 15th whether to overturn a High Court judges insistence on Wrexham Council voting to adopt its Local Development Plan.

Although the paperwork has not been made public they say the Court of Appeal will hear the case to overturn the judgement of Judge Eyre on October 15th in London.

As we previously reported there had been a call to defer any further planning decisions related to the LDP pending the outcome of the hearing.

As readers will have been long following, the LDP has been a thorny issue with multiple fraught votes again the plan in the Guildhall chamber. A consortium of developers challenged that result, with BDW Trading Ltd, Bloor Homes Ltd, Redrow Homes Ltd, Harworth Estates Investment Ltd, Russell Homes UK Limited, Castle Green Homes Limited and SG Estates Limited winning a court order instructing adoption. The final adoption of the LDP was via a minority vote of councillors after a boycott and walk-out.

Now, an update on the campaigners Crowdjustice site states: Pursuant to the order by Lewison LJ dated 7th May 2024. This appeal has been listed on an expedited basis to be heard on 15th October 2024. Time estimate 1 Day.

The councillors behind the appeal stated: This is a great step forward and could also mean the Local Development Plan, which was passed after the judgement by Judge Eyre, is paused  what is known as a technical suspension  until the hearing is concluded. Theres a long way to go but the decision to permit the appeal by Lord Justice Lewison on the basis that it has a real prospect of success and raises an important point of principle is grounds for optimism on our part.

They also note that the judgement is also significant as it could see Wrexham Council recoup the 100,000 costs awarded against it by Eyre. The council failed to attend court and did not contest the costs award. Councillors backing the appeal have been told by their lawyers that success in the Court of Appeal would mean the 100,000 being recouped by the council.

They added: In effect, our appeal is doing what the council could and should have done initially  stand up to the developers. This has not been done lightly and the cost to take it to the Court of Appeal has increased significantly. Were looking to raise a further 10,000 to ensure we have the best legal representation possible in October  if you can support our community-funded campaign please go to https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/wrexham-councillors-threatened.

The fundraiser stands at 9,250 at the time of publication.
On May 18, the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the construction of extensive military fortifications along the countrys border with Belarus. The borders of the wall are also to include the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad and Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during his speech in Krakow [Photo by gov.pl]

Ten billion zlotys, the equivalent of around 2.3 billion, are to be spent on the East Shield project over the next two to three years to build a 400-kilometre-long defence belt along the state border. Construction work has already begun.

Tusks government had previously announced that it would take tougher action against refugees. The border fortifications erected by the previous government in 2021 are to be expanded. The current 10-metre-high steel fence with cameras and patrols is primarily aimed at refugees crossing the Belarusian border into Poland. The entire political establishment has denounced such refugees as weapons in a hybrid war being waged against Poland.

Tusks latest initiative, however, goes far beyond the repelling of refugees. He is planning the construction of extensive fortifications and bunkers, the likes of which have not been seen since the end of the Second World War.

Tusk explained: We are launching a major project to build a secure border, including a fortification system incorporating landscaping and ecological elements that will make it impossible for a potential enemy to cross this border.

The project is reminiscent of the Nazis Ostwall. This was the name the Nazis gave to a similar construction project that not only consisted of tunnels and bunkers, but also reshaped the entire landscape with hills and trenches to create favourable military conditions for conducting war.

Tusk used the anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino in May 1944 to announce the project. Many Polish soldiers who fought in the so-called Anders Army on the side of the Allies lost their lives in the battle, which was characterised by heavy losses. During a military parade in Krakow, Tusk praised their heroism.

During WWII, the Polish soldiers were fighting against fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. Now, however, Tusk is making pacts with fascist elements in Ukraine who honour Nazi collaborators. At the external border of the European Union, Tusk is blatantly disregarding the human rights of refugees in a manner which evokes the legacy of the fascists.

A day earlier, during a visit to a border guard battalion, Tusk had already made it clear that there will be no spending limits on border security. He said that work was also underway on a legislative amendment that will give our soldiers and officers full legal certainty in their activities here, i.e., full protection from punishment in the event of the mistreatment of refugees.

Tusk has been criticised by numerous human rights organisations for seamlessly continuing the anti-refugee policies of the previous far-right PiS government. In fact, Tusk is intensifying the measures introduced by his predecessor and sealing the border even more tightly.

Details of the billion-euro project are not yet known, but numerous comments make it clear that this eastern wallGazetta Wyborcza refers to it as the Tusk Lineis not just about roadblocks, anti-tank ditches and permanent firing positions.

A complex network of roads and bridges for troop movements, barracks and air hangars for the permanent stationing of troops and associated infrastructure measures, from water supply to communications, are planned. It will undoubtedly also incorporate the experience gained from numerous large-scale NATO manoeuvres. Alone the Steadfast Defender exercise required the deployment of tens of thousands of soldiers to the Russian border.

Retired General Waldemar Skrzypczak, who was a member of the former government led by Tusk in 2013, explained in an interview with Wyborcza that fortress formations and specially trained military units would be required to be permanently stationed there. They would have to be newly recruited and know the terrain inside out. In the interplay of artillery, engineer troops and air defence forces, they would have to know exactly what to do.

In his opinion, the 10 billion zlotys are therefore only a start. It is evident that such extensive facilities would entail further operating and maintenance costs in the billions.

Skrzypczak, who was already a general staff candidate in the Stalinist Peoples Republic, has criticised the policies of the PiS party and the Tusk government from the right. He accused both of numerous failings and complained that their patriotism was limited to ceremonies.

Surveys show that Poles would rather leave the country than defend it, the former general complained. He therefore called for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to be more involved in everyday life. Respect for them must be constantly present, he said, and they should appear on talk shows and in schools.

His tirade makes clear that Polands ruling class is not concerned with defence. Those who hold up the heroic deeds in the neo-colonial wars of conquest in Iraq and Afghanistan as a role model are planning to do the same in Eastern Europe. Fortifications, as Germanys East and West Walls have shown, can be used not only for defence but also for offence.

Tusk has spoken of a pre-war period in which it is necessary to prepare for war with Russia. The construction of the Protective Shield East clearly serves this purpose. NATO is in the process of massively escalating its military confrontation with Russia. It is in the process of allowing Kiev to attack targets inside Russia and is preparing to send its own troops to Ukraine.

Representatives of the former and new Polish governments have also repeatedly described direct military intervention in the war in Ukraine as an option. The Tusk government and the PiS opposition are in complete agreement on the main features of their war policy. The government differs from the PiS only in its closer military co-operation with the European Union and Germany. Tusk has announced that he will join the German-led European Sky Shield (ESSI) initiative.

He also announced that the European Investment Bank had approved a 300 million loan for the first two Polish surveillance satellites. Together with two ground stations, the satellites should be operational by 2028. In view of the military disaster of the Zelensky regime, the Tusk government is now apparently accelerating its plans. The Tusk Line should be operational as early as 2027.
The Avenger B01 44 Swiss Air Force Team edition is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of aviators. It encapsulates Breitlings commitment to precision and reliability in the most challenging aerial environments, states Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. While rooted in military excellence, these timepieces are crafted for anyone with an appreciation for superior mechanics and bold design.

Avenger B01 44 Swiss Air Force Team Special Edition  Breitling

Our valued partnership with Breitling dates back a long time and we are delighted to celebrate Patrouille Suisses 60th anniversary with a dedicated Avenger Swiss Air Force Special Edition, adds Nils Hammerli, commander Patrouille Suisse.

The new series is as robust as it is refined, featuring the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01an engine boasting approximately 70 hours of power, a five-year warranty, and the distinguished COSC certification, a mark of the highest precision. A dedicated engraving for the squadron surrounds the open-caseback view of the movement. Constructed with black ceramic cases, titanium hardware, and military leather straps with contrasting topstitching, each of these robust chronographs offers a tactile experience optimized for readability and ease of use.

Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01  Breitling

Breitlings Avenger line has long been synonymous with the pinnacle of aeronautical achievement. The brands ties to the world of aviation date back to the 1930s, when third- generation founder Willy Breitling formed the HUIT Aviation Department, dedicated to creating precision aircraft instruments and pilots chronographs. Its expertise in the then-emerging field of military aviation carried through into the birth of commercial air travel and beyond, resulting in such renowned timepieces as the Navitimer, the AVI Co-Pilot, the Aerospace, the Emergency, and the Avenger. No other watch brand has a more impressive and enduring link to aviation.

With the introduction of the Patrouille Suisse Special Edition, the legacy continues, not only for those at the helm of fighter jets, but for adventure seekers of all stripes.

Air Force Team Patrouille Suisse  Breitling
As part of the European election campaign of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP), the party organised a rally on Stuttgarts Konigstrae, a busy pedestrian zone, on Saturday, May 25, on the topic of Stop the genocide in Gaza: Against world war and social devastation, for international socialism. The SGP had already organised rallies in Berlin, Duisburg and Munich a few days earlier.

Around 50 people listened attentively to the speeches of two SGP European election candidates and the IYSSE spokesperson. Many took flyers and bought books from Mehring Verlag to learn about the partys programme and history.

Marianne Arens, SGP candidate, speaks at the start of the rally in Stuttgart, May 25, 2024

Marianne Arens, SGP European candidate and journalist for the World Socialist Web Site, addressed the recent ICJ judgement against Israel and the ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu. She pointed out that the governments in Tel Aviv, Washington and Berlin do not respect these judgements. In Germany, all the establishment parties, including the Left Party and the Wagenknecht Party, have sided with Israel. They have blood on their hands! Workers must therefore organise to save the Palestinians from annihilation by the Zionist state, Arens said.

She pointed out that the same politicians who supported Israel were also supplying Ukraine with weaponsOnce again, because it is against Russia! She spoke about the imprisonment of the courageous Trotskyist Bogdan Syrotiuk in Ukraine and said, Ukraine is not a democracy. The Zelensky regime has arrested Bogdan Syrotiuk because he is a communist, because he is fighting for social equality and the unity of Ukrainian and Russian workers against the war. The attack on him is an attack on all of us, it is the spearhead of the reactionary state attacks on the working class. It is directed in particular against the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI).

Arens called for the case to be publicised and for everything to be done to win Bogdan Syrotiuks freedom and demanded a halt to the production and transport of weapons. Workers are paying for this war, both with social cuts and poor wages, as well as with their lives and the lives of their children, she said. Here in our country, too, the daily struggle of workers against social cuts, wage theft, speedups and dismissals is closely linked to the fight against war. The question is: who benefits from war? It serves the same social layers that profit from exploitation. The war can only be stopped if the working class rises up.

Clemens Huber from the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE)

On behalf of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), Clemens Huber spoke about the police attacks on students who are currently protesting against the genocide at over 200 universities.

He reported on the brutal assault by Berlin police last Thursday against students who were protesting peacefully at Humboldt University. The pictures went around the world. Clemens said, The capitalists will not be swayed from their course by any pressure from the population. They want to redivide the world, if there is no other way, by military means.

That is why, as he explained, the protests against the genocide were being vilified as antisemitic. Clemens continued, According to bourgeois politicians, Judaism is to be equated with Zionism: a completely untenable assertion! Thousands of our Jewish brothers and sisters around the world are taking part in the protests against genocide.

In order to stop war and genocide, a decisive turn to the working class is necessary, Clemens explained. It is the only social force on this planet that can make a difference because of its position in the capitalist system. The workers load the ships, aeroplanes and trains. He called on all those present to set up rank-and-file action committees and join the SGP.

Karanaratnam Ratnamaheson, SGP candidate in Baden-Wurttemberg

Finally, Karanaratnam Ratnamaheson, a member of the SGP party executive and European candidate, summarised the key issues. He drew attention to the partys programme and perspective, recalling that the ICFI had a long history of defending the struggles of the Palestinian people and other oppressed masses. In the last seven months, articles and analyses in defence of the Palestinian people have been published daily on the World Socialist Web Site. As an important step in the development of the perspective, he presented the recent book by David North, chairman of the International Editorial Board of the WSWS, The Logic of Zionism: From Nationalist Myth to the Gaza Genocide. He said, These analyses expose the attempt to discredit and suppress opponents of the war as supporters of terrorism and antisemitism.

Ratnamaheson continued, Since the beginning of November 2023, the Israeli military has bombed and destroyed the entire Gaza Strip. Nothing is left but rubble and ashes. Thousands of civilians, including babies and children, have been murdered, and the ongoing offensive in Rafah is producing more victims every day. He described Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his cabinet as partners in this crime.

He then turned to the resistance among the population and said, Opposition to the war is deeply rooted in this country. It is well known among the general public that Germanys ruling elite is responsible for two world wars, adding, The EU will alsowhatever the outcome of the electioncontinue to aggressively expand the course of the war. And he explained the close connection between the Gaza and Ukraine wars, as well as the capitalist interests driving the war.

The book table at the Stuttgart rally

The danger of nuclear warand thus the destruction of humanityhas never been as great as it is today, Ratnamaheson warned. The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei is running in the 2024 European elections to build an international movement against war, social inequality and fascism. He also emphasised another focus of the party, namely the defence of refugees and immigrants, and concluded by explaining the partys goal: the United Socialist States of Europe.

During the speeches, many passers-by stopped and listened, asked questions or bought Marxist literature such as The Logic of Zionism from the book table.

Marianne Arens in conversation with young Palestinians

A group of young Palestinians stopped at the SGP rally on their way to a Palestine demonstration in Stuttgart. Husam, Motaz, Mahmoud, Hassen and Mohammed thought it was great that a political party in Germany was taking such a clear stand against the genocide in Gaza. They wanted to know what the SGP was proposing and asked whether the party members were German. In response to the explanation that the SGP, as part of the Fourth International, was mobilising the working class worldwide against this genocide, Mahmoud said, This is the first time Ive heard of this party. I think its a very good idea.

We come from Rafah and Khan Yunis, one of the young workers reported. Our families live there under constant stress. People have a very hard time, they often have no food at all, not even water. Its indescribable. Another said, Now they live in fear of the bombs. Rafah is being massively bombed right now. You can honestly only describe it as a catastrophe. His friend added, From here, from Stuttgart, its hard to imagine what the people there are going through.

Husam said, We hope for justice, that workers here will stand up for Palestine. The government here in Germany stands with Israel. But thats not logical! They kill the children, the women. We hope that the whole world will stand up for Palestine. Germany must also understand that this is Palestine. Motaz added, The most important thing for us is that there is peace. Thats the most important thing, thats what we really hope for. So that our families no longer have to tremble in fear of the bombs. Thats why its good that youre standing here.

Husam, Motaz, Mahmoud, Hassen and Mohammed from Rafah and Khan Yunis

A labourer named Veton, who works at the combined heat and power plant, also listened to the speeches with interest. I think this is a good thing, he said about the SGP rally. It can make a difference. I think you have to start as early as possible. This is the future, organising as workers. Organising is important for workers, both in Germany and in Kosovo (where he comes from). He said, It has to be an international movement.

Veton described the situation in Gaza as very bad, very bad. In this destruction, both parties lose in the end, there is no winner. He believed that the people there were the victims of the greater powers and that it was similar to the Balkan war. These are conflicts between the USA and Russia. And people are being murdered for it. Many still dont understand it.

Veton

Among others, a young woman followed the speeches spellbound. She works in retail and reported that many colleagues in her company were also being made redundant. Everyone who doesnt have a permanent contract has to go, she said. Its a terrible situation.

She had thought for some time that it was important to become politically active, Im at the very beginning now, so Im interested in what you say. I will definitely vote for you and also campaign for you in my family so that you become bigger and have more influence.
25 years ago: Show trial of Kurdish leader, Abdullah Ocalan, begins in Turkey

On May 31, 1999, the trial of PKK (Kurdish Workers Party) Chairman Abdullah Ocalan began before a State Security Court on the Turkish prison island of Imrali. Ocalan was accused of high treason and separatism, both charges which carried the death sentence.

He had been abducted months earlier by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization in Nairobi, Kenya, after an internationally coordinated manhunt. His persecution and trial marked a repudiation by governments around the world of the fundamental democratic right of political asylum.

After the presiding judge rejected a motion that the trial be postponed, prosecutors read the indictment. Ocalan, speaking through a microphone from a sealed glass booth, gave what was described by press reports as a rambling 40-minute statement, in which he acknowledged responsibility for his alleged crimes and pleaded with the court to spare his life. He pledged to transform the PKK into a nonviolent political party and work with the Republic of Turkey toward the goal of peace and brotherhood.

Ocalan clearly showed the effects of more than three months in solitary confinement, including the first 10 days after his October abduction, when he was held incommunicado. The PKK leader was denied all but the most cursory consultation with his lawyers.

The abduction of Ocalan was an act of international banditry. With the help of the American CIA, the Turkish secret police (MIT) whisked Ocalan away from the Greek embassy in Nairobi in a private plane, pumped him full of drugs and, in the dead of night, transported him to Turkey.

There he was presented before television cameras in handcuffs, at times with a blindfold over his eyes, and with two large Turkish flags prominent in the background. Afterwards Ocalan was locked away on the prison island of Imrali in complete isolation. For weeks he was allowed no access to a lawyer despite continuous interrogations. His lawyers were forced to work under impossible conditions. In the discussions with their client, when they were permitted at all, security personnel were always in attendance. Only a few weeks before the start of the trial were the lawyers permitted to see the indictment and file material. Ocalan himself was refused any access to this material.

50 years ago: Sunningdale Agreement collapses in Northern Ireland

A unionist poster opposing the Sunningdale Agreement [Photo by Ardfern / CC BY-SA 3.0

On May 28, 1974, the Sunningdale power sharing agreement for Northern Ireland that had created the Northern Ireland Executive collapsed after a general strike led by right-wing and fascistic Ulster paramilitary organizations. The Executive, headed by Brian Faulkner of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), had lasted less than five months when it came into power at the start of the year.

Signed in December of 1973, the Sunningdale Agreement was an attempt by British imperialism to hand power in Northern Ireland over to the so-called moderate factions of the Irish Nationalist and British Loyalists in a coalition government. The 11-member Executive was comprised of six representatives of the UUP, including Faulkner as chief executive, four from the Social Democratic and Labor Party (SDLP) and one from the Alliance Party (APNI).

Before Sunningdale, Northern Ireland had been governed directly by the British government, which had sent soldiers to occupy the north in 1969 to crackdown on Irish Nationalists and then in 1972 dissolved the Stormont parliament that had ruled in the north since the 1921 partition of Ireland.

Since 1971 the British occupation had carried out a policy of mass internment for anyone suspected of association with the Irish Republican Army or holding personal support for Irish unification. In addition to the thousands arrested without trial and tortured while interned, British soldiers carried out several massacres of Irish Catholics including Bloody Sunday in 1972 and the Ballymurphy massacre in 1971.

The terms of Sunningdale proposed to establish a Council of Ireland comprised of members from both the Northern Ireland Executive and the Republic of Ireland. The body would not have any legislative powers and was conceived of mainly to facilitate police cooperation in arresting militants who operated across the partition border. The agreement also included language which suggested that if the majority of the north supported reunification that the British government would not prevent it.

Even though Sunningdale kept Northern Ireland solidly under control of the British government and did not release any of those interned, the agreement was furiously opposed by the most right-wing Ulster Loyalist groups. The Ulster groups, like the Ulster Workers Council (UWC) and the fascist Ulster Defense Association (UDA), opposed Sunningdale in that it suggested a united Ireland was a possibility.

On May 15 the UWC called a general strike supported by the Ulster paramilitary groups. The strike succeeded in shuttering the northern economy, in particular shutting down critical power stations. While many Northern Irish Protestant workers were undoubtably swept up in the strike being misled by Ulster nationalist propaganda, the character of the strike was less a worker uprising and more a period of unrestrained right-wing terror.

The Ulster fascists carried out a series of bombings in Dublin and Monaghan on May 17 that killed 34 people. Catholics in the north were beaten and attacked by mobs from the Ulster Volunteer Force. In total 39 civilians were killed by Loyalists and over 300 reported injured.

It was clear from the outset that the fascist violence had the full support of the British Army, which did nothing to prevent attacks on Catholic civilians. The Ulster paramilitary organizations had long been known to be armed and supported by the British government to carry out the suppression of Irish Nationalism.

After two weeks of Ulster terror, the strike was called off after Brian Faulkner resigned on May 28, effectively dissolving the Sunningdale government. The British government would resume direct rule over Northern Ireland until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

75 years ago: Dozens killed in clashes between Bolivian miners and government troops

On May 29, 1949, major clashes between Bolivian workers at the Catavi tin mine in the province of Bustillos and government troops resulted in dozens of deaths.

Casualty estimates varied wildly and were politically tinged. Some claimed that hundreds of miners were killed, while the government asserted that dozens died, the majority of them soldiers. It appears that at least 52, likely mostly workers, lost their lives as a result of direct injuries.

A Bolivian tin mine, Siglo XX, photographed in the early 1940s

The clashes occurred in a context of political upheaval. Miners had launched a political strike against the governments deportation of key leaders of the Miners Union, including Juan Lechin, to Chile. Closely associated with the oppositional Revolutionary Nationalist Movement (MNR), they were accused by the conservative Republican Party government of having planned an uprising.

With mining at the centre of the Bolivian ruling elites wealth, the sector had been the scene of repeated explosive struggles. In 1942, an earlier conservative government had responded to a workers strike demanding a 100 percent increase in wages by arresting all union leaders and ordering troops to open fire on workers.

By 1949, conditions in the mines remained dire, with sub-poverty-level pay and the absence of basic safety measures. As in the 1942 dispute, the Republican government responded to the 1949 strike and occupation of Catavi by sending in the troops, with reports that on at least one occasion they opened fire with machine guns. The corporate press internationally, including such publications of American imperialism as the New York Times, branded the miners as the aggressors and published worried articles about the prospects of further instability.

Over the following months what has been described as a low-level civil war between the MNR and the Republican administration ensued. The Bolivian miners represented a powerful revolutionary force in South America. But the MNR advanced a petty-bourgeois reformist program, hostile to an independent struggle for workers power or for the unification of the working class throughout Latin America.

100 years ago: Socialist deputy denounces fascists in Italian parliament

On May 30, 1924, Giacomo Matteotti, the leader of the reformist Unitary Socialist Party (Partito Socialista Unitario, PSU), delivered a speech against the National Fascist Party of Benito Mussolini in which he denounced the violence and intimidation by fascist bands in the national elections in April.

Giacomo Matteotti

He said: The fact is that only a small minority of citizens were able to express their vote freely; most of the time, almost exclusively those [of left and democratic sympathies] ... were prevented by violence 

The fascists, who had come to power in 1922 because of the unwillingness of the Socialist Party to lead a struggle for power by the working class under highly favorable conditions, had not stabilized their grip on the country, and socialist, communist and other workers organizations were still able to function.

The election of 1924 marked a consolidation of fascist power. Fascist bands had suppressed left-wing votes throughout the country and, because of the recently passed Acerbo law that gave two-thirds of the seats in parliament to the party that won the largest number of votes, provided that it was more than 25 percent, the fascists gained a supermajority.

Matteotti had been editor of the socialist daily Avanti! He had opposed the Italian imperialist invasion of Libya in 1911 and Italys entrance into World War I in 1915. In 1919, he was elected to parliament as a representative from the Socialist Party. He was the author of The Fascisti Exposed: A Year of Fascist Domination (1924). Matteotti was also one of the founders of the bourgeois human rights movement.

He had been threatened in Mussolinis newspaper Il Popolo dItalia in 1923. Indeed, if he happened to find himself, one day or another, with his head broken (really broken) he would certainly have no right to complain  the newspaper proclaimed.

The fascists were to make good on these threats in June, when Mattotti was kidnapped by the fascist secret police. After a violent struggle to throw him into a car, the fascists stabbed him to death. The killers were arrested, and the murder was to roil Italy for months and threaten Mussolini with a coup by elements of his own party, whom he was able to suppress.

In a speech in January 1925, he took responsibility for Matteottis murder and justified it as necessary: When two elements are in conflict and are irreducible, the solution lies in force. There has never been another solution in history and there never will be.

The speech is regarded as the beginning of Mussolinis personal dictatorship.
A group of around 25 Zionists mounted a provocation Saturday by temporarily stopping a march by hundreds of anti-genocide protesters in Manchester in northwest England. They did so under the protection of the police.

Zionists block Oxford Street route of Manchester march, May 25, 2024

For seven months, protesters opposing Israels decimation of Gaza, which has seen over 36,000 killed and 80,000 injured, have assembled in the city, the centre of the Greater Manchester county. The county, with a population of over 3 million, is home to many Muslims, including those with family in Gaza.

This weeks protest gathered in St Peters Square to then march a few hundred metres down Oxford Street-Oxford Road to the large encampment set up by students in the University of Manchester campus. A march down one of Manchesters main arterial roads must be approved by Greater Manchester Police, and the necessary number of officers mobilised and traffic stopping measures put in place to ensure safety.

As protesters began arriving in St Peters Square, outside Central Library, a group of Zionists started to congregate across the tramlines, just tens of metres away from the much larger group of anti-war protesters. The Zionists waved Israeli flags, Union Jacks and at least one Iranian monarchist flag. Some came over to where the pro-Palestinian protestors were setting up the stage area and tables adjacent to Central Library and photographed and videoed them.

A speaker from the stage requested that the anti-genocide protesters stay at least two metres away from the line that they had set up in front of the Zionists.

At around 12:50 demonstrators began to assemble for the march, at which point the Zionists started to move away, with some positioning themselves on the left-hand side going down Oxford Street. As the demonstration passed by, the Zionists chanted slogans including describing protesters as fascists. This lasted for around 10 minutes.

Some Zionists then went ahead of the march and set up a line blocking Oxford Street. Instead of removing the Zionists, the police faced off against the protesters. When protesters requested they be allowed to proceed, police pushed them back. At one stage a police officer drew his baton. Meanwhile, a small group of officers formed a line some way in front of the Zionist roadblock (see second video below).

After 5-10 minutes, the Zionists dispersed, allowing the march to continue and meet up with the student encampment.

The provocation in Manchester took place the same day as police in Oxford raided a student occupation on the university campus at 8am. They arrested 17 students on suspicion of aggravated trespass, and some on suspicion of affray. All have been released on bail.

The students, organised in the Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P) group, began their occupation of the vice chancellors office last Thursday in Wellington Square. As with student encampments around the UK, now totalling 33, the protesters demanded the university divest from Israel and hung Palestinian flags outside the university administration building. An OA4P spokesperson said the protest was a peaceful sit-in to demand that the university meet with us after two weeks of non-response. They demanded that the university administration meet with them to negotiate immediately.

The police arrived after being called to the campus by management.

Students tried to stop police departing with their arrested colleagues, with hundreds blocking the exits to the building. Such was the determination of the students that it took the police over six hours to complete their operation, with a police van getting through the blockade and taking the arrested into custody.

The operation also targeted against protesters not occupying the admin building, with a statement from Thames Valley Police saying officers also dealt with protesters in the immediate vicinity of Wellington Square. It added that no arrests were made.

The fact that the Manchester march was temporarily stopped, with the police enabling this, is proof that the Zionists are being emboldened by the Conservative government and Labour oppositions doubling down on support for Israels genocide. The nationwide protests in London, which have also witnessed Zionist provocations, have regularly been described by senior figures within government as hate marches organised by left extremists.

The provocation in Manchester and the repression of the Oxford occupation took place as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced his National Service for 18-year-olds policy. This was backed by a frothing right-wing Tory media, with the Telegraph editorialising that it was necessary to inculcate shared national values under conditions in which The anti-Israel hate marches have exposed the extent to which extremist views have already taken root.

The WSWS spoke to protesters who attended the demonstration in Manchester on Saturday:
Thailands Constitutional Court last Thursday accepted a petition from 40 members of the National Assemblys military-appointed Senate, accusing Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of ethics violations and seeking his removal from office. The case demonstrates the fragility of the unstable coalition government between the Pheu Thai party and military-backed parties and the fraud of Thailands return to democracy.

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, center, at government house in Bangkok, Thailand, April 17, 2024. [AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit]

The ostensible reason for the petition is Sretthas appointment last month of Pichit Chueban as the prime ministers Office Minister, a cabinet-level position responsible for managing and coordinating the governments work. Pichit, an advisor to Srettha, had previously served six months in prison for attempting to bribe the Supreme Court in 2008 while working as a lawyer.

At that time, Pichit represented former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, accused of abusing his power to purchase land for his then-wife, Potjaman na Pombejra. Thaksin was toppled in a military coup in 2006 and went into self-imposed exile in 2008 before being sentenced to two years in prison in the case.

The senators who submitted the petition argued that Srettha violated ethics standards and therefore sections 160 and 170 of the constitution, which state that a minister must be of evident integrity and not be guilty of behavior which is a serious violation of or a failure to comply with ethical standards. The Constitutional Court voted to accept the petition by a 6-3 margin though they voted 5-4 against suspending Srettha from his position while the case is heard.

In response, the prime minister stated, I respect the courts decision. When I entered politics, I was ready to be scrutinized. He has 15 days to submit evidence in his defense.

That Pichit is connected to Thaksin Shinawatra is not unimportant nor coincidental. The reshuffle of Sretthas cabinet last month that led to Pichits appointment also included other key officials close to Thaksin. Maris Sangiampongsa, who previously served as a secretary to Thaksin while prime minister, is now the foreign minister. The new finance minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, has been described as Thaksins former lieutenant.

Thaksin is the de facto head of Pheu Thai, the party he founded in 1998 as Thai Rak Thai. From 2001 to 2006, he served as prime minister and through populist measures and limited handouts, gained a following among Thailands poor. This cut across the interests of the countrys traditional elites in the military, bureaucracy, and monarchy.

The military overthrew Thaksin in 2006 and banned his party, which first regrouped in the Peoples Power Party and then in Pheu Thai in 2008. The military overthrew the Pheu Thai government of Thaksins sister Yingluck in 2014, rewrote the constitution and stacked the Senate and the Constitutional Court with its own appointments.

One of the senators involved in the petition against Srettha, Direkrit Janekrongtham, claimed the case was not directed at any specific figure: We have no intention to act against anyone or treat unfairly anyone or any party in particular. What we are trying to do is to protect the public interest as stipulated in the constitution.

These claims are patently absurd. The military-appointed Senate has used its powers to block last years general election winner, the Move Forward Party (MFP), from forming a government. The senators behind the Srettha petition are also close to the 2014 coup leaders, Prayut Chan-o-cha and Prawit Wongsuwon. Prayut, the former prime minister, is now a member of the kings Privy Council while Prawit leads the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), the ruling party until last year. Both claimed not to be involved in the push to remove Srettha.

The petition also came on May 17 after the Senates five-year term came to an end on May 10. The senators who submitted the petition are acting as caretakers until a new senate is chosen in an upcoming, indirect election taking place in the coming weeks.

In addition, the Constitutional Court is not only hearing a case to remove the prime minister, but will also decide in a separate case whether or not to dissolve the MFP, the largest party in parliament. At the beginning of April, the court accept a petition against the MFP, which claimed that it had violated the constitution by making pledges to reform Thailands draconian lese-majeste law. The party has until June 2 to submit evidence in its defense.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor at Chulalongkorn Universitys Faculty of Political Science and a senior fellow at its Institute of Security and International Studies in Bangkok, described the petition against Srettha as a show of force from unelected powers. He continued: We have a government but actually we are ruled by the judiciary... or the military. The military takes over directly and the judiciary derails whoever is in power.

In fact, Pheu Thai only managed to form a government last August after it agreed to a coalition that excluded the MFP and included the two main military-backed parties, the PPRP and Prayuts United Thai Nation Party. The result was an unstable alliance under worsening economic conditions and growing unrest in the working class, with the military attempting to rule from behind the scenes rather than openly rig the election results as it had done in 2019.

The petition against Srettha points to this alliance coming apart. No doubt sections of the military establishment are not satisfied with Thaksins return to Thailand last August and involvement in politics behind the scenes. His return and avoidance of a lengthy prison term were arranged as part of the coalition agreement between Pheu Thai and the military.

At the same time, the ruling class is sitting on a social powder keg with disputes taking place within the ruling elite over how to prevent an eruption of working-class anger. Wages are low, with the average daily minimum wage only 350 baht ($US9.55). On May 1, the Pheu Thai government pledged to raise the minimum wage to a paltry 400 baht ($US10.91) in October, but even this is seen as too far for big business. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, for example, denounced this proposed increase as unrealistically high.

Workers and farmers also face huge amounts of debt, in part due to low wages. According to the Thai economic think tank TTB Analytics, household debt could reach 16.9 trillion baht ($US461.2 billion), or 91 percent of GDP.

Economic growth is also low. In the first quarter of 2024, GDP grew by only 1.5 percent, less than expected. In April, the World Bank revised its growth projection for 2024, down from 3.2 percent to 2.8 percent. The economy grew by only 2.5 percent last year, the second lowest in Southeast Asia.
Former leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn has announced he will run as an independent candidate for his Islington North constituency in the British general election, standing against Labour candidate Praful Nargund. Running in opposition to Labour means Corbyn has been expelled from the party after 58 years of membership.

Corbyn did not jump from the right-wing, warmongering organisation but was pushed. A two-person shortlist was imposed by the partys leadership on the local Constituency Labour Party, which was denied the opportunity to nominate its own candidates, following a near unanimous motion demanding the right to do so. Corbyn held Islington North for Labour from 1983 to 2021.

Jeremy Corbyn speaking at a protest in London against the genocide in Gaza, February 3, 2024

Corbyns response to his removal sums up his deep opposition to any political challenge to Labour as he continues his lifes mission of subordinating the working class to this pro-imperialist party. Even after being witch-hunted and expelled, he still refuses to mount an offensive against Sir Keir Starmers party of NATO, Zionism and austerity, only a local campaign in support of his own, personal scruples.

Since surrendering the Labour leadership to Starmer, only to have the Labour whip removed over four years ago for refusing to apologise after politely suggesting that bogus claims of left antisemitism had been exaggerated by his enemies, various pseudo-left organisations have held out the prospect that Corbyn would step forward as the leader of a new left-of-Labour party. This was of particular significance as millions of workers and young people turned bitterly against Starmers party due to its backing for Israels genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza.

For month after month, Corbyn did the exact oppositerefusing on the platforms of the Stop the War Coalition to even criticise Starmer or Labour by name as he made vague appeals for all parties to support a ceasefire.

Corbyn has now announced he is standing against Labour without once criticising his former party over its support for mass murder and ethnic cleansing in Gaza, for NATOs de facto war against Russia in Ukraine or pretty much anything else. He has carefully crafted his campaign so as not to clash with Labour, except within the boundaries of Islington North.

In a video posted to X and an article he chose to publish in the local Islington Tribune announcing his candidacy, the word Gaza does not pass Corbyns lips, with the only oblique reference being a pledge of support for global issues of peace and justice, uttered against a two-second backdrop of him speaking to a pro-Palestinian protest.

In lieu of any systematic critique of Labour, Corbyn complains that Members of Islington North have been denied the right to choose their own candidate, concluding, So we have to stand up. We have to stand up and say were not taking this anymore. We will assert our rights.

This is the most animated Corbyn has ever been in the face of a sustained political witch-hunt, initiated the moment he was popularly elected as Labour leader in 2015, that saw hundreds of his own supporters, including some of his closest allies, slandered as Jew haters and driven out of the party.

Corbyn did nothing for the five years he headed the party other than to retreat before his Blairite opponents, whether this involved membership expulsions or key policy issues of political principle such as bombing Syria, NATO membership and renewing Britains nuclear deterrent. Nothing would move Corbyn to wage a struggle against the partys right-wing as they colluded with the Tories and the security services to ensure Labour was fully restored as a nakedly pro-business party of austerity and war.

Jeremy Corbyn (left) and Sir Keir Starmer at an event during the 2019 General Election when Corbyn was party leader and Starmer his Shadow Brexit Secretary [AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File]

Today, with Starmer heading a party indistinguishable from the Tories on any fundamental question, up to and including its praise for Margaret Thatcher, all Corbyn can muster is a personal appeal for a fundamental redistribution of power and of wealth, public ownership of water, mail, energy companies, rent controls, and a health service that isnt the plaything of global corporations. These fundamental demands, Corbyn politely suggests, are not being presented by the official opposition at the moment.

As for Corbyns own plans if elected, he says that Whoever the prime minister is, he will be holding them to account. Decades of Corbyns performances on the backbenches make clear what this means in practice: routine unheard pleas and occasional scoldings delivered to a half-empty House of Commons.

Corbyns reference to holding whoever wins to account means he does not have to say what his attitude is to a Starmer government, or his relationship to it if he is elected. But the fact is that he will continue to back Labour from the opposition benches and to appeal to workers and young people not to give up hope in pushing a Starmer government to the left.

Making his political loyalties clear, he expresses his hope in his election statement that those people that have always supported Labour, and indeed are members of the Labour Party, will understand that I am here to represent and serve the people of Islington North on the same principles Ive always had as the MP for this area.

Corbyn has made no call on any of his fellow members of the Socialist Campaign Group (SCG) of MPs who are still in the Labour Party to join him, and none of them have risked their own membership of the parliamentary party by lending their support.

Perhaps the most notable silence is from one of Corbyns closest allies, Diane Abbott, who has had the party whip withdrawn by Starmer after being accused of racism and will only find out whether she will be allowed to stand as Labours candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, which she has represented for 37 years, on June 4, the day that candidate selection closes.

Meanwhile, John McDonnell, Corbyns former shadow chancellor, and all his fellow SCG members, are all getting on with the job of campaigning for a Labour victory. When it comes to opposing Starmer and his shadow cabinet of right-wing ideologues, a one-sided ceasefire has been called by all those who were supposed to be the leaders of Labour's left-wing transformation.

And Corbyn makes clear that this will be maintained throughout the election. Acknowledging this is going to be a campaign with an awful lot thrown at us, he promises to throw no punches back: We will stick to the policies, to the issues.

What is said of Corbyn holds true for the newly formed Collective organisation, headed by former African National Congress representative Andrew Feinstein. The World Socialist Web Site described Collective last month as a collection of all the flotsam and jetsam of the Corbyn project, cast adrift after the abject failure of its stated goal of pushing the Labour Party to the left.

We noted, It says everything that the formal launching of Collective as a party is to be delayed until after the general election, most likely to accommodate Corbyn, the much-desired figurehead of the party, who wants to contest his Islington North seat as an Independent and not challenge a Starmer election victory.

Although not acknowledged elsewhere, the New Statesman writes that Corbyn is a member of a political grouping of candidates called the Collective, alongside, former Labour MP Claudia Webbe, Shamima Begums lawyer Tasnime Akunjee, and Andrew Feinstein. The magazine adds, In the long term, the Collective aims to become a political party.

Corbyns political cowardice confirms that such a party, if it is eventually set up after the general election is over, would be a left talking shop, operating on the periphery of a Labour Party it has no perspective for ever replacing.

For years, every pseudo-left tendency in the UK proclaimed Corbyn as the man who would transform Labour. And they are still fawning at his feet, while following his lead in refusing to mobilise workers in opposition to Starmers party.

For its part, the Socialist Equality Party and its candidates will utilise the election campaign to prepare the most advanced workers and young people for building the new leadership the working class needs to take forward a political and class struggle against austerity, dictatorship, genocide and war.
At least 23 people were killed across five states in the southern US on Saturday night and into Sunday as severe weather systems destroyed homes, businesses and knocked out power for hundreds of thousands during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

An employee of a body shop collects tools from near damage the morning after a tornado rolled through, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Valley View, Texas. [AP Photo/Julio Cortez]

The storms stretched from the Great Lakes region to the Southeast, with catastrophic and deadly destruction concentrated in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama and Kentucky. According to data published by the Climate and Space Sciences Engineering School at the University of Michigan, as of this writing there were 37 tornadoes reported in the US in the previous 48 hours.

More than 110 million people remained at risk of severe weather on Monday, mainly in the East Coast, as the storms continued moving eastward and threatened the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C areas. Tornado watches were issued from North Carolina to Maryland.

In the immediate aftermath of the storms, more than 25 million people are under heat alerts, mainly across east and south Texas and central and southern Louisiana and Mississippi, over the next two days. Heat index measurements could top 119 degrees in Laredo, Texas, and 113 degrees in Austin, and Houston.

In Texas, at least seven people were killed by tornadoes, including two children ages 2 and 5 from the same family, and nearly 100 people were injured. All of the deaths took place in Cooke County, which is north of Dallas on the border with Oklahoma.

CNN reported that Laura Esparza and her children Marco, 10, and Miranda, 16, died after their trailer was thrown across a street.

The storm was preliminarily rated by the National Weather Service as an EF-2 system with winds as high as 135 miles per hour. According to Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington, the storm tore through the Gateway AP Travel Center truck stop near Valley View, Texas, before moving through a community of manufactured homes.

Sheriff Sappington warned people that conditions in the area remain dangerous. He told news media, I know some people 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.

Most of the deaths occurred at the FRF Estates in Valley View. Drone fly-over video posted on YouTube shows the devastation, including homes and buildings completely shredded and torn off their foundations and debris strewn throughout the area.

Hugo Parra, from Farmers Branch, north of Dallas, told the Associated Press he rode out the storm with 40 to 50 people in the bathroom of the Valley View truck stop. The storm took the roof and walls off the building, mangling metal beams and battering cars outside in the parking lot.

Parra said, A firefighter came to check on us and he said, Youre very lucky. The best way to describe this is the wind tried to rip us out of the bathrooms. Those injured were transported by ambulance and helicopter to hospitals in Denton County to the south of the tornado zone.

In Oklahoma, two people were killed in the city of Pryor, northeast of Tulsa, and several others were injured, according to state officials. Survey teams from the National Weather Service also found damage in Claremore, to the west of Pryor, indicating the tornado was at least a category EF-3 with wind speeds between 136 and 165 mile per hour. CNN reported that three horses were euthanized at Will Rogers Downs, which was in the direct path of that tornado, according to a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Racing Association.

In Alabama, one person was killed by a large tree that fell onto a residential building in Mountain Brook, a suburb of Birmingham, according to the local fire department. The storms brought wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour and large hail.

At least eight people were killed in Arkansas from the storms according to Cindy Murphy, a spokeswoman for the Arkansas Department of Public Safety.

Large amounts of debris were left in parts of the states northwest, the officials said. According to Lori Arnold-Ellis, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas, the storms removed the roofs of houses and left a lot of downed trees.

The New York Times reported that one person died in Benton County and multiple others were injured, according to the local authorities who said on Sunday that the area had likely been hit by tornadoes.

Officials in Harrison said a woman died in a house in Boone County. A local sheriff reported on Facebook that a 73-year-old woman was found dead yards from where her mobile home had stood in Baxter County. The sheriffs office in Marion County said two people were killed there.

In Kentucky, five people were killed according to Governor Andy Beshear. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg reported at least one person was killed in the city when a tree fell on him during the storms. In Charleston, video recordings showed cars tossed into piles of debris along with the remains of houses.

In the aftermath of the tornadoes, the White House released a statement from President Biden that gave typical words about prayers and condolences for the deaths but said nothing about what the US government is doing to either prepare the public for increasingly severe weather events driven by capitalist-induced climate change or give details about what the government is doing to help those in need. He also did not offer any explanation for what is behind the growth of deadly storms across the country.

State officials such as Texas Republican Governor Gregg Abbott made similar statements and told residents to file online reports about the damage they have experienced and to contact their insurance providers.

Meteorologists have been pointing consistently to the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather in recent years. Experts have explained that global warming driven largely by the industrial emission of carbon dioxide is worsening extreme weather patterns and that thunderstorms and record shattering floods are increasingly likely along with tornadoes, hurricanes and droughts.

The months of April and May have already shown an increase in such weather events. April had the second highest number of tornadoes in the US on record, according to the National Weather Service. This year is already 25 percent ahead of the average number of previous year twisters, according to the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

According to weather experts at CNN, the widespread severe storms pounding the eastern half of the US created so much hazardous weather Sunday that it was the most active severe storm day of the year. The report said, There were at least 632 preliminary reports of severe weather Sunday spanning from Wyoming to New Hampshire, according to Storm Prediction Center data. The previous high was 565 reports on May 8.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) Australia is publishing statements from current and former academics and teachers in Australia demanding the immediate release of comrade Bogdan Syrotiuk. He has been arrested and detained by the Security Services of Ukraine (SBU) and the fascistic Zelensky regime on the completely fraudulent claim that he is a Russian agent.

The statements below are part of the global campaign initiated by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) and the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS).

Bogdan is the leader of the Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists (YGBL) in Ukraine, which is aligned with the ICFI. As explained by David North, the chairperson of the International Editorial Board of the WSWS, the real reason for his arrest is that Bogdan called for the unity of the Russian, Ukrainian and international working class on a socialist program against imperialist barbarism, including the US/NATO war against Russia.

We urge all readers to sign the ICFIs online petition here and send in statements demanding his immediate release.

****

Gill H. Boehringer [Photo: https://forsea.co/author/boehringer/]

Professor Gill H. Boehringer is a retired professor and former head of the law school at Macquarie University in Sydney.

Bogdan Syrotiuk was arrested in late April 2024, by the state security service of the Zelensky regime, the SBU.

He is charged with high treason. It is alleged that Bogdan has engaged in the preparation of publications commissioned by representatives of a Russian propaganda and information agency, the World Socialist Web Site.

Bogdan is the victim of trumped-up charges, intended to strike fear into others who are seen to be enemies of the state because of their opposition to the Ukraine government.

But Bogdan has also expressed his opposition to Putins special operation.

Further, the Zelensky government is attempting to intimidate the media by claiming that the World Socialist Web Site is a creature of the Russian government.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The WSWS has consistently opposed the war, criticising Russia and the West for a war that has no benefit and great dangers for the working people of Ukraine and Russia.

Kristian, a lecturer from Australia.

Free Bogdan Syrotiuk! I do not consider myself to be a Marxist but it is clear that the attack on Bogdan is an attack on all of us. He has committed no crime other than to exercise his critical judgement from a Marxist perspective and courageously followed his political convictions to criticise both the Zelensky and Putin regimes and call for an end to the war in Ukraine.

David, a retired academic in Brisbane, and SEP Electoral Member.

The life of Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk, 25, is at risk because of his opposition to the war with Russia and the vicious Zelensky dictatorship. He and the World Socialist Web Site have attacked Putin and his invasion of Ukraine from day one, but they have been framed with the false charge of support for Russia: treason, which in Ukraine means slow death in prison. The working class in Australia and around the world is rising to his defence. Join us!

Mandy, a Melbourne primary school teacher

With all the violence and war happening in the world right now, it is completely abhorrent that someone can stand up for the unification of Ukrainian and Russian workers, the people most affected by the proxy war in Ukraine, and then be put in jail. We need to take a stand and call out the Ukrainian government in defence of Bogdan Syrotiuk.

Mandy

The appalling frame up by the SBU against Bogdan deserves highlighting. What a bogus yet revealing turn of events. This occurring in a backdrop of anti-democratic dictatorship, with voices from the left being silenced.

Members of the Committee for Public Education rightly highlighted these events at the recent public meeting, and I was compelled to be part of the unanimous vote for the extremely important resolution to be passed. I completely agree with the important links made to the governments in US, UK, and Australia supporting this war along with the genocide in Gaza. Links can also be made to the plight of Julian Assange, another anti-war hero subjected to abuse for standing up against war criminals.

Martin Mantell, retired teacher Melbourne, Australia.

I wish to add my support to the campaign by the International Committee to demand the immediate release of Socialist Internationalist Bogdan Syrotiuk! The Zelensky regime which enjoys no popular support amongst the Ukrainian workers and peasants, a fact attested to by its cancellation of the 2024 national elections, has imprisoned Bogdan on the false charge of treason, in that, he is supporting the Putin regime in its reactionary invasion of Ukrainian.

Martin Mantell

This charge is false and Bogdans writings and actions as a member of the Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists completely refute this slanderous accusation. Bogdan is a selfless and brave fighter for the unity of the Ukrainian, Russian and international working class.

The article by David North on WSWS on 18/5/24 entitled Stop the political frame-up of Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk! exposes the utter falseness of this charge against Bogdan. The Ukrainian secret policethe SBUschooled in the brutality and baseness of their Stalinist forbears resort to completely baseless amalgams of lies and filthy slanders against, not only Bogdan, but also the ICFI and WSWS!

Their lies and slanders will fool no one. With the persecution of Bogdan, and the attack on the ICFI, the Zelensky regimes democratic facade is in tatters, and it stands exposed as a willing accomplice in the US-NATO war plans against Russia and China.

Free Bogdan Syrotiuk!
December 11th, 2019 aerial view of TPS plant and surrounding area [Photo by groupmesa98 / CC BY-SA 4.0

On Tuesday, Texas Petrochemical Company (TPC Group) pleaded guilty to one criminal count of violating the Clean Air Act before the US District Court for Eastern Texas for its criminal negligence that led to its Port Neches plant experiencing two explosions in November 2019.

The devastating blasts, occurring 13 hours apart, left three workers injured and necessitated an emergency evacuation of more than 50,000 residents from the surrounding area. The impact of the blasts were reportedly felt as far as 30 miles away.

The TPC Groups Port Neches petrochemical facility is one of three plants the Houston-based corporation operates along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The companys other facilities are located in Houston and Lake Charles, Louisiana.

According to an investigation into the industrial disaster by the US Department of Justice, the explosions released more than 11 million pounds of extremely hazardous chemical substances, caused more than $130 million in offsite property damage, and inflicted enormous impacts to human and environmental health.

The Port Neches facility is responsible for 20 percent of butadiene production in the US, a central ingredient in the manufacture of rubber. Butadiene is a colorless gas with a gasoline odor that is extremely flammable and known to cause respiratory illnesses and cancer if one is exposed to it for long periods without proper equipment.

For more than three months leading up to the explosions at the facility, a dangerous chemical material began to build up inside of a 16-inch diameter steel pipe critical to the facilitys production, forming a highly pressurized and toxic popcorn that pushed against the pipes walls. Finally, the pipe gave way to tremendous pressure and exploded. The fierce explosions blasted from the plant after igniting 6,000 gallons of the highly flammable butadiene, stored in liquid form, in less than one minute, engulfing a large section of the facility in flames.

The criminal negligence of the company is demonstrated by its own internal report in 2016 that exposed TPC Groups foreknowledge of the hazardous threat posed by the popcorn polymer building up in the pipe. The report, categorized as an Internal Hazard Analysis, was conducted three years before the explosions in November 2019.

The report specifically documented the safety concerns at the Port Neches facility, which recommended periodic cleaning and flushing of the piping, warning of its potential dangers if not properly maintained.

The US Chemical Safety Board (CSB), a federal agency that conducts investigations of chemical incidents, concurred with the US Department of Justice investigation. With the conclusion of their inquiry of the 2019 incident, the CSB found that TPC Group willfully ignored the safety hazards of popcorn polymer build-up within the 16-inch pipe.

Steve Owens, the chair of the CSB, told media, The incident at TPC was the result of a known safety hazardpopcorn polymerthat was poorly managed and controlled at the facility, the result was a catastrophic incident.

Illustrating TPC Groups flagrant disregard for public safety and health, the World Socialist Web Site documented in 2019 that the Port Neches facility had been in violation of carrying out what is termed as an emission event according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An emission event is when a production facility emits more air pollution than is allowed by its permit, which the EPA declared TPC Group to be in violation in every quarter since 2017.

In pleading guilty, TPC Group released a statement: TPC Group sincerely regrets the damage and disruption caused by the November 2019 incident at our Port Neches facility. Since the event, TPC Group has cooperated fully with all federal, state, and local investigations.

As part of its guilty plea, TPC Group agreed to pay $30 million in criminal and civil fines and penalties. Additionally, the company promises to invest $80 million toward the improvement of the companys risk management program and to improve safety issues at the Port Neches and Houston facilities.

TPC Groups criminal negligence is hardly an isolated instance. The subordination of safety to profit concerns is the operating principal of Corporate America.

Recent years have brought several examples of big businesss criminal neglect of safety and health protocols, leading to one catastrophe after another.

In February 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed near East Palestine, Ohio, causing 38 cars to tip over and spill their toxic contents. Emergency crews, acting at the behest of Norfolk Southern, carried out a controlled burn of the chemicals at the site. The fires blazed for two days, releasing concentrated amounts of hydrogen chloride and phosgene in the air.

The derailment came as a consequence of Norfolk Southerns criminal negligence in conducting the routine maintenance necessary to ensure that its trains are in safe working order. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), determined the cause of the disaster to be a defective axle on one train car which, after overheating, caused a fire that led to the subsequent derailment.

After one of the worst environmental disasters in history, residents of East Palestine had to be evacuated, as fiery toxic chemicals poisoned the town of more than 4,600 residents. An investigation by NewsNation found that 80 percent of area residents within one mile of the disaster suffered from upper respiratory complications.

Norfolk Southern settled a $600 million class action lawsuit in April, a sum that totals less than the railroad giants $808 million in profits in the final quarter of last year, and is dwarfed by its total profits of $8.08 billion for 2023.
Officials from Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit, Michigan, have ordered students to take down their encampment against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The move is part of the national crackdown being spearheaded by the Biden administration on campus protests that has seen the arrest of more than 3,000 students.



Student leaders rejected the universitys ultimatum and urged community members to defend protesters against a police raid and mass arrests, which, they say, could come during the early morning hours Tuesday.

As of this writing, more than 200 people have gathered at the encampment. The decision to send in the police is no doubt being discussed by leading Democrats, including Mayor Mike Duggan and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.



Last Tuesday, police used pepper spray in an early morning raid at the encampment at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, arresting four students and hospitalizing another two.

Encampment at Wayne State University

Wayne State student organizations, including from Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), set up the encampment last Friday. Their demands include that the WSU Board of Governors divest from all military and corporate entities that profit off the genocide; end the training of university police by the Israel Defense Forces; and guarantee the protection of students free speech rights.

On Monday afternoon at 3:00 p.m., Patrick O. Lindsey, the vice president of Community Affairs in the Department of University Relations at Wayne State, ordered the students to disband the encampment by 6:30 p.m. He said student representatives could meet with the university president on Tuesday to discuss their demands but only if the encampment was abandoned.

Earlier in the day, Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib came to the encampment and appealed to university officials to negotiate with the students. In her comments to protesters, she said nothing about her fellow Democrats coordinating the nationwide attack on campus protests.

In a statement outside the camp on Monday evening, Socialist Equality Partys candidate for US vice president, Jerry White, urged workers to mobilize their industrial and political strength to defend the democratic rights of students and to oppose US imperialisms wars.

Pointing to the strike by University of California academic workers to defend protesting students against mass arrests, he said:

This has been a struggle initiated by the rank-and-file workers themselves, not the UAW apparatus, which has endorsed the reelection of Biden. I urge autoworkers, teachers and logistics workers to mobilize your strength against the attack on the democratic rights of these students and to defend their right to free speech and their right to oppose these wars. All workers have a stake in this. It will be workers and their sons and daughters dragged into these wars, not only the horrific war in Gaza, but even bigger wars against Russia and China. It will be workers who are forced to pay for these wars. So, we urge workers to take a stand, defend the democratic rights of these students and take up the struggle against war.

Students, along with workers at the encampment who support them, spoke with the WSWS about their struggle.

One WSU student explained to the WSWS on Sunday, The police tried to intimidate not only us yesterday, but also the people donating to the encampment. The police followed the people sending food and water and even questioning them to try to get people to stop donating. They told us that we could not put pallets on the grass to support the water bottles and surrounded the encampment and sped off and even called the fire marshal.

Students said they had complied with any requests by the fire marshal to remove any hazards and rejected the claims by WSU officials that the encampment threatened public safety.

One University of Michigan student from Kashmir described the police assault last week. I was pepper sprayed and pushed over even as I threw up. I am older and have asthma, so I was sent to the hospital. They were terrible to us. They started watching us with the drones and then the police moved in. They said they gave us 10 minutes. They didnt even give us that.

A nurse who spoke to the WSWS denounced the US-backed war crime in Gaza.

They want us to accept death as normal, she said, comparing the Israeli genocide with the criminal response of the ruling class to the mass death from the ongoing pandemic. People are still dying from COVID, and we are still spreading COVID in healthcare settings, even with the PPE. They want the normalization of death not just from war but also from COVID.

A WSU professor expressed his solidarity with the political strike of the University of California academic workers to defend their students from the police crackdown. She said 100 faculty members had signed a petition condemning the WSU administrations response to an earlier protest, when police violently attacked students at a Board of Regents meeting. More teachers and professors should join the fight against genocide. I sent the letter out to as many professors as I thought would sign it, she said.

A retired water and sewage worker supporting the students also spoke to the WSWS. When asked if he supported workers taking collective action like the UC academic workers to oppose police repression, he said, They are a part of the UAW and that means all autoworkers should be on strike. [UAW President] Shawn Fain wont do it. He is on the other side. He wants them to be the arsenal for democracy. You know what that means? Young people being exploited to fight the warsfor the capitalists.

A retired social worker in Detroit added, The students voices are not being heard, and thats just not fair. How the universities dealt with the situation is not acceptable. They [the UC workers on strike] are our heroes to do that, to put their livelihood on the line to do whats right. Maybe we need to follow suit on that. It just seems like everyones afraid, but we are not going to support our government, which is sending tax dollars over to kill people.

When asked about workers taking collective action to stop the wars and police repression, a public school teacher at the protest said, We wish that would happen. We wish all teachers and workers would go out on strike, absolutely, and shut down the economy! That would really help the people in Gaza, Palestine and Israel. And it would help people here across North America. Thatd be great for the environment and for social justice too. What happened at University of Michigan, thats a fascist action. Theyre trying to crush the spirit of our youth, our next generation thats going to take care of the planet.
Anti-genocide protesters at the UC-Irvine encampment, May 15, 2024.

The strike by University of California academic workers against campus protest crackdowns is expanding Tuesday to two more campuses, UCLA and UC Davis. The widening of the strike, after the United Auto Workers initially called out only UC Santa Cruz last Monday, is due to the mass determination by the rank and file. It became clear by the end of last week that the union bureaucracy could not keep workers on the job at both campuses.

The expansion of the UC strike is an important step in the growing entry of the working class as the basic force against war and police repression. But workers must act independently of the union apparatus to expand the strike to all 10 UC campuses, as well as the entire UAW membership, including in the auto factories.

The growing movement against war pits rank-and-file workers against both pro-war parties and the union bureaucracy, which functions as an extension of the White House and the Democrats. Under the guise of the so-called standup strike tactic, which was used last year to ram through mass layoffs in the auto industry, the UAW is deliberately limiting the struggle at UC as much as possible. The UAW bureaucracy has endorsed Genocide Joe and even worked with riot cops to shield him from protesters in a visit earlier this year to Detroit.

The Democratic Party, in turn, is working to bolster the credibility of the apparatus. On Friday, a press conference on Capitol Hill headlined Unions Defend Free Speech on Campus was addressed by officials from UAW Local 4811, as well as Democratic congresswomen Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, who is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

It was similar to another press conference last December, where Omar and Tlaib spoke alongside UAW President Shawn Fain, only minutes before the Democrats voted by 2-1 to approve a massive new military spending bill.

Tlaib and Omar, who are both Muslim, have been the target of racist political attacks. Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, was censured in Congress last November for speaking against the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Omars daughter was one of many students suspended for participating in protests at Columbia University. These measures are an attack on the rights of the whole population and must be opposed.

But together with the UAW bureaucracy, Omar and Tlaib are focused on loyally covering for the role of the Democratic Party in the genocide and the attack on free speech. At the press conference, the speakers denounced the attacks on students without indicating that this was being organized and directed from the Biden White House.

Above all, their concern is that the genocide and police assaults do not result in workers and youth breaking from this imperialist party. In an earlier speech, Omar put this most directly when she said last year, The brand of our party, a party that prides itself on our defense of democracy and the most vulnerable at home and abroad is being damaged as the United States continues to support this massacre, this war.

Tlaib was also a central figure behind the vote uncommitted campaign in the Michigan primary, claiming that a protest vote against Bidens nomination would pressure him into backing off from support for Israel. Instead, in the weeks after the primary, the Democrats joined hands with Republicans to unleash the assault on campus protests.

Trump threatens to crush protests if elected

The bipartisan attack on students opposed to the genocide also contributes to an environment favorable for the growth of the extreme right. This was shown in a leaked speech by Donald Trump to donors, first reported Monday by the Washington Post.

Trump called the protests a radical revolution and pledged to the donors that if you get me elected  were going to set that movement back 25 or 30 years. He also threatened to deport international students involved in the protests. As soon as they hear that, theyre going to behave, he growled. This was a repeat of a pledge he made last October.

Trump also praised the New York Police Department for violently dispersing the protests at Columbia University. This operation was organized by Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat and ex-cop.

Trumps speech is a serious warning of the types of measures that are being prepared against domestic opposition. The proposal to deport protesters recalls similar measures enacted after the Russian Revolution in 1917, to which American capitalism responded with furious attacks on socialists and left-wing organizations.

It also shows how the police state methods against protests have emboldened the would-be Fuhrer, who already attempted once to overthrow the Constitution and install himself as dictator on January 6, 2021. Trump currently leads Biden in the overall polls and in key battleground states and even among younger voters.

This is more an indication of the scale of disgust over the Democrats support for genocide than it is for support for Trump. But it also exposes as a fraud the claim that the Biden campaign is a bulwark against Trump and the extreme right.

According to a legislative tracker from the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, five bills have been introduced in both houses of Congress specifically targeting pro-Palestine protests.

A bill introduced by J.D. Vance (Republican-Ohio) would bar federal funding for universities that do not quickly shut down protests. Another Senate bill would cut financial aid for students convicted of protest-related offenses, and a House bill would bar protesters from wearing masks to protect themselves from doxxing.

Two bills in the House sponsored by Andy Ogles (Republican-Tennessee) would deport students who took part in protests, with one bill sending protesters to the Gaza Strip, where they would face death by starvation or Israeli bombs.

In a statement to the Post, a Trump spokeswoman doubled down, absurdly attacking Biden for siding with radical leftist Democrats like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib and supporting antisemitic [protesters] destroying our college campuses and threatening to undermine our democracy.

In response, the Biden campaign attacked Trump from the right, declaring that Biden stands against antisemitismin reality, peaceful protests against genocideand the security of Israel. It added, Donald Trump does not.

But what is most striking is that Trumps proposals are in basic continuity with what Biden and the Democrats are already doing. The attack on students also recalls Trumps own assault on the George Floyd anti-police violence protests in the summer of 2020.

The bipartisan assault on opposition to genocide also bolsters genuine antisemites such as Trump himself. In 2017, he backed a neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville, Virginia, which featured chants of Jews will not replace us. Charlottesville police stood by as the fascists dominated the town, while police reacted violently to pro-Palestinian protests this year at the nearby University of Virginia.

The Democratic Party supports the genocide in Gaza because it is seen in ruling circles as one front in a global war to reassert declining American dominance. The main targets of this emerging World War III are Russia and China, raising the danger of nuclear war.

When he first took office only days after the failed coup attempt, Biden declared his support for a strong Republican Party. This meant the ruling class needed a bipartisan alliance to prepare American society for war. From the beginning, the Democrats main line of attack against Trump is not that he is a fascist but that he is seen as too soft on Russia. They have refused to seriously prosecute Trump or anyone else over their role in January 6 because they are terrified it would legitimize and encourage mass opposition to the whole pro-war political system.

But that is precisely what has to happen. A mass movement against imperialist war must be built in the working class.
British Princess Kate Middleton has been spending more time with her family since the news of her cancer was announced in March this year. She hasn't gone out in public since Christmas, but fans of the royal family are trying to support the Duchess in every way possible, regularly sending cards wishing her a speedy recovery.

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According to the Daily Mail, there are "tens of thousands" of letters to the princess. So while Kate Middleton is fighting cancer, her team is "fighting" with the mail.

Earlier, the princess said in a video message that her family needed "time, space and privacy" until she was completely cured of her cancer. Middleton has started going out with her family to the countryside, which may indicate that she is feeling better.

According to OK, the walks became known after Prince William and his eldest son George attended the FA Cup final.

It was at this time that it became known about the massive amount of mail arriving at Buckingham Palace, which used to be up to 1,000 a week. Today, the volume of letters has increased many times over.

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Kate Middleton will not return to the public eye soon. However, she is remotely learning more about her life's work  helping children. She is currently studying a report by the Royal Foundation's Early Childhood Center, which encourages businesses to invest in the development of children in the UK.

The Duchess will appear in public when doctors allow her to go out.

In January, the princess underwent abdominal surgery, after which doctors discovered that she had cancer. For several months, Kate Middleton recovered from the consequences of the previous surgery and began oncology treatment. It is not known what kind of disease the princess has.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Will Alexander, a teacher and former actor on the popular New Zealand TV series Shortland Street is over a week into a hunger strike which he has vowed to continue until the government stops supporting Israels genocide in Gaza.

Will Alexander announcing his hunger strike at a Christchurch protest on May 18, 2024 [Photo: Instagram william.alexander153]

Alexander, who is part of the Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA), began the action at a rally in Christchurch on May 18 and has since been promoting it on social media and appearances around the country.

In a press statement, he explained that he had been moved by the killing of six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind who saw her family die when an Israeli tank hit their car. Hind managed to call the Red Crescent, which sent an ambulance. The Israeli forces attacked the ambulance, killing everyone inside.

The young girl was found dead two weeks later in the car surrounded by the decomposing bodies of her family members. Alexander noted that Hind was one of more than 14,000 Palestinian children killed by Israel so far, not including those still buried under the rubble.

Alexander said in his statement: I can no longer stand by while my own government is complicit in an on-going genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. Innocent children are being killed in the thousands. Israel has violated international law for decades with full impunity granted by Western governments like New Zealand.

He laid out three demands for the National Party-led government: withdraw NZ troops from the Red Sea, stop NZ-based company Rakon from supplying components for weapons used by Israel, and resume and then double humanitarian funding for UNRWA.

New Zealand troops have been deployed to the Red Sea to support its ally, the United States, in bombing Yemen for disrupting commercial shipments linked to Israel. It doesnt matter whether our troops are cleaning latrines or pressing the button. Their presence there means that New Zealand is actively supporting the bombing of Yemen just to keep weapons flowing into Israel, Alexander said.

Rakon is a multinational company headquartered in Auckland that manufactures components used in bombs and missiles. Alexander noted that Israel has rained down some of the most advanced weaponry on 2.3 million captive civilians for seven long months.

Not only is New Zealand supporting Israel, but we have also suspended humanitarian funding to UNRWA despite a famine caused by Israels months long siege on Gaza. We shouldnt be pausing fundingwe should be doubling it, he said. NZ suspended funding to UNRWA in January.

Alexanders action has generated a considerable amount of support, including at recent pro-Palestine protests in Wellington and hundreds of posts, for and against, on social media. Some right-wing pundits, led by broadcaster Sean Plunket have denounced him as engaging in narcissistic virtue signalling.

The government, a coalition of the National Party and the far-right ACT and New Zealand First, is clearly worried about the widespread opposition to the genocide, and support for the demands raised by Alexander. Speaking to Newshub, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended the governments positions and said it was a real shame Alexander felt the need to go on a hunger strike.

Luxon refused to directly address Alexanders demands, stating that the government had called for a ceasefire and for peace and stability in the region. The calls for a ceasefire are entirely cynical given the governments endorsement of Israels assault on Gaza and its ongoing practical support for Israels war machine and US imperialism. Alexander received a similarly dismissive response from Foreign Minister Winston Peters when he met with him last Thursday.

The government is fully aligned with the US-led wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and the escalating confrontation with China in the Pacific. Luxon told Radio NZ on May 21 that New Zealand supports international law, but refused to specifically endorse the recommendation to the international Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over their horrific war crimes.

Alexander admitted after meeting Peters and several foreign affairs officials that he was not convinced it had made any difference. He told Radio NZ: I feel as though they did a lot of nodding and smiling and writing things down, however, I dont know whether it will have made any difference or whether the message will have got through.

He said the discussion focused mainly on UNRWA and why NZ hadnt funded UNRWA sooner when other countries like Japan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland and most of the countries who withdrew their funding had reinstated it. I was saying we need to bring that funding forward because UNRWA doesnt need it in June, or late June, they need it now, Alexander said. Peters has not announced a decision on whether New Zealands next contribution to UNRWA will go ahead on June 30.

There is no doubting Alexanders idealism and sincerity. Clearly, along with people around the world, he has been genuinely moved by the massacre of thousands of children in Gaza and is seeking to do something practical to try and stop it. Should he follow through with his determination to continue the hunger strike, he is placing himself in danger of a medical emergency or even death.

The WSWS urges Alexander and those who support his protest to take a different political path: namely, to turn towards the mobilisation of the working class based on a socialist program to stop imperialist war and genocide. As Alexanders appeals to the New Zealand government have already shown, individual protestseven in the extreme form of a hunger strikewill not change the minds of the war criminals.

Chairman of the WSWS editorial board David North elaborated on this issue in a lecture on the tragic death of Aaron Bushnell, who committed suicide on February 25 in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC. Bushnell, an active-duty serviceman immolated himself having earlier declared: I have been complicit in the violent domination of the world, and I will never get the blood off my hands.

Addressing those who endorsed Bushnells suicide, including Cornel West and Chris Hedges, North said: They are contributing to the demoralization and political disorientation of the opposition to the Gaza genocide and the broader struggle against imperialist war. They are counterposing the protest of the individual martyr to the building of a politically conscious mass movement of millions that is necessary to stop and put an end to imperialist barbarism and the capitalist system upon which it is based.

While ongoing protests by millions of people worldwide point to deeply-felt opposition to war and genocide, they have been ignored by the US and its allies, which continue to back Israel. It is no coincidence that Alexanders actiona sign of growing frustration and disorientationshould emerge just as the protest activities promoted by the PSNA and various pseudo-left groups in New Zealand have reached an impasse.

Protest organisers have promoted the perspective of placing pressure on parliament, through petitions and letter-writing campaigns, and calls for boycotts and divestment from Israel. They have also invited MPs from the opposition Labour Party and its allies, the Greens and Te Pati Maori, to address protest rallieseven though Labour MPs have at times been booed off the platform, since the previous Labour government endorsed Israels genocidal assault on Gaza as self-defence.

Appeals are being directed to the very parties responsible for integrating New Zealand into US-led imperialist wars, including the criminal wars against Iraq and Afghanistan, and supporting the US-NATO war against Russia over Ukraine. This is a political dead end.

The anti-war movement can only move forward to the extent that the working class takes its own action, in opposition to Labour and the entire capitalist political establishment, including the trade union apparatus and the pseudo-left organisations that promote it.

The International Committee of the Fourth International, which publishes the WSWS, supports the demand of the Palestinian trade unions for strikes and other actions by workers to shut down the production and supply of weapons for Israel. In every country, including New Zealand, the trade union bureaucracy has played a key role in preventing any such actions.

The way forward is shown by the recent strike vote by 48,000 workers at the University of California in support of students protesting against the Gaza genocide. This has brought workers into direct confrontation with the Biden administration and its servants in the United Auto Workers union, which is seeking to limit the strike and render it harmless, if it cannot be shut down entirely.

This shows the urgent need for new organisations: rank-and-file committees led by workers themselves and independent of the pro-imperialist trade unions. Above all, what is needed is a political leadership, based on the socialist perspective of uniting the working class internationally in mass political strikes to cripple the capitalist war machine.
Students demonstrate against the Gaza genocide on March 28, 2024 at the University of Michigan.

On May 16, six months after a sit-in by students at the University of Michigan protesting Israels genocidal assault on Gaza, the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office announced charges of resisting/obstructing/assaulting a law-enforcement officer against four of the participants. The charges are felonies, punishable by two years in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

The names of the accused have not been released, but in language similar to recent statements by Biden and fascistic Republican politicians, a press release from the prosecutors office alleged that the behavior of the four crosses every conceivable line that might be drawn.

The circumstances of the police attack on the November protest make clear the arbitrary and vindictive character of the charges. On Friday, November 17, students at UM marched to the office of university President Santo Ono to demand that he discuss the university divesting from Israel.

The administration called in police from the universitys Division of Public Safety and Security, the Ann Arbor Police Department and seven other local departments. One report said there were 56 police cars outside Ruthven, the administration building housing Onos office. Students trying to enter the building were kicked, grabbed by the shoulders and shoved out of the way when they tried to object.

Initially, 40 students were arrested and cited for trespass. Charges are currently not being pursued against 36 of the students, but the police are continuing to examine video and say they may announce more charges in the future.

Five days after the announcement of the assault charges, on Tuesday, May 21, at 5:30 a.m., police in riot gear and armed with batons and pepper spray tore down a protest encampment set up on the campus on April 22. In the course of the police attack two students were hospitalized and four were arrested.

Michael Mueller, a UM graduate student, told the Detroit News the universitys actions were terrible. He said:

Unfortunately, they were not unexpected, given the universitys response to the divestment movement. But its unconscionable that the university would react this way to a nonviolent protest trying to stop the university from funding a genocide.

The stepped-up police repression, ordered by the UM administration in coordination with the White House, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and local Democratic officials, coincided with the announcement of a strike by student workers at the University of California in defense of student protesters who had come under attack by police and right-wing Zionists.

The prosecutor bringing the felony charges against the students at UM, Eli Savit, a lecturer at the universitys School of Law and a member of the Lecturers Employee Organization (LEO), is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Michigan Democratic Party.

The goal of the repression is to bring to an end not only the demonstrations against Israels murderous actions and Washingtons financing and equipping of it, but of the right to demonstrate against any government policy at all.

This was made clear in a letter from President Ono to university students, faculty and staff immediately after the attack on the encampment. Ono claimed the police assault was ordered because of a fire danger. This is a transparent subterfuge. Several protesters told Michigan Public there were never any open flames and that students had asked to meet with the fire marshal to discuss any concerns. The raid, in fact, was of a piece with almost 70 similar police operations so far throughout the country.

Onos letter also claimedfalselythat the administration had a history of honoring freedom of speech, the right to assemble, and the right to protest peacefully, and then gave the standard disruption pretext for doing precisely the opposite, i.e., that the university can and must regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure one groups right to protest does not infringe on the rights of others, endanger our community or disrupt the operations of the university.

Ono then denounced what can only be described as an assault on law enforcement officers during a demonstration May 3 at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Video of the event shows a cop repeatedly pushing one of the demonstrators against a plate glass window.

In Michigan, a key battleground state in the upcoming presidential election, over 100,000 voted uncommitted in the state Democratic primary in February in protest at Bidens ironclad support for the genocidal policies of the Netanyahu government.

A crisis has also developed in the auto and logistics industries in Michigan and other states. An avalanche of auto job cuts has followed contracts hailed as historic by the trade union bureaucracy, its supporters in the pseudo-left and Biden himself.

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has not only backed United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain, promoting him fraudulently as a militant, but DSA members have been brought into the upper ranks of the UAW bureaucracy in an effort to prevent a rank-and-file rebellion, promote the Democratic Party in the 2024 elections and support the Biden administrations war-mongering foreign policy. Examples are Communications Director Jonah Furman, strategist Chris Brooks and Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla.

On the UM campus, three weeks ago the LEO prevented industrial action in the face of an overwhelming strike authorization vote of the membership following the expiration of their contract with the university. This resulted in a betrayal, not only of the economic interests of the lecturers, but also of the democratic rights of the protesting students, with whom the lecturers had made a point of fraternizing. A strike by lecturers to secure a living wage and at the same time to defend the student protesters would have received powerful support not only on the UM campus, but nationally and, indeed, internationally.

The LEO is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), whose president, Randi Weingarten, a member of the Democratic National Committee, is a prominent voice in the bipartisan slandering of student protesters as antisemitic, opening them up for attack by police and right-wing Zionist forces.

The announcement by the LEO officials that they had succeeded in pushing through their deal with the administration came on Friday, May 10. Less than a week later the prosecutors office moved ahead with the new charges against the protesters. Five days after that, the university called in the police to take down the encampment.

This years sellout of the lecturers followed the betrayal last year of a months-long strike by graduate student workers at UM, members of the AFT-affiliated Graduate Employees Organization (GEO), in which the DSA is prominent. The GEO leadership has made no move to call out its members in support of the lecturers or the embattled students.

In the city of Ann Arbor, the school board announced this week the elimination of 141 staffing positions. The response of the teachers union was to sign a severance agreement with the board for teachers with more than 10 years seniority.

The attack on public school jobs in Ann Arbor is part of the tsunami of job cuts currently rolling through the public school system nationally. Funds are being diverted from social programs to finance the expansion of the US/NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, arm Israel in its genocidal war in Gaza, target Iran for military attack and prepare for war against China. Biden recently signed a record military budget of more than $825 billion.

In the face of all these attacks, the protests continue. Two days after the police raid at UM, students at Wayne State University in Detroit established their own encampment.
The Israeli regimes deliberate massacre of at least 45 displaced people in a tent camp in Rafah marks yet another act of barbarism in its genocide against the Palestinians. Dozens of men, women and children, who had already fled multiple times in the past seven months, were massacred and maimed in a firestorm of American-supplied missiles fired by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

Palestinians react next to the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Monday, May 27, 2024. [AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi]

Sundays bombardment was a direct response by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fascistic government to Fridays order from the International Court of Justice calling for an end to Israels military intervention in Rafah. The Zionist regime wanted to make clear that it will not be bound by any restrictions imposed by international law. It feels able to act so provocatively because it has full confidence in the unflinching support of the imperialist powers, first and foremost the United States, for its final solution of the Palestinian question.

The strike was carried out with precise ammunition and on the basis of precise intelligence, the IDF asserted. Its statement blandly noted that the military was aware that several civilians in the area were harmed. The incident is under review.

The most commonly used precise ammunition fired by the IDF at Gaza are weapons fitted with US-produced Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bomb kits, which transform standard weapons into GPS-guided munitions. US aerospace company Boeing accelerated the dispatch of at least 1,800 such kits to Israel in October 2023, as the Netanyahu regimes genocide got underway. Since then, they have played a major role in slaughtering well over 36,000 Palestinians, the current official death toll.

The Tal as-Sultan neighbourhood of western Rafah, where the camp was located, was supposedly a safe zone for Palestinian civilians. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, many victims were burned alive in their tents. An estimated 249 people were injured in the strike, which eyewitnesses told CNN included at least eight missiles. One survivor, who made it to the Kuwaiti hospital, stated, The air strikes burned the tents, the tents are melting, and the peoples bodies are melting.

With Gazas healthcare system collapsing after months of repeated attacks by the Israeli regime, many of the injured will not survive. A doctor who spoke to Al Jazeera after returning to Britain from an aid mission in Gaza stated that hospitals in the enclave are providing medieval medicine to patients.

It is what you would hear about or read about what would be happening in Europe maybe 300, 400 years ago, commented Dr. Khaled Dawas, the head of gastrointestinal surgery at University College London. He added that injured Palestinians often avoid going to hospital because it means pretty much a death sentence.

One day after the massacre, the director of the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah, where many of the injured were treated, announced the closure of the facility due to Israeli attacks. Earlier in the day, two healthcare workers were reportedly killed in a strike on the facilitys gates. The al-Aqsa hospital in Deir el-Balah was also set to suspend all services due to a lack of fuel triggered by an IDF blockade that was initiated on the same day as the refugee camp massacre.

This latest atrocity has the Biden administrations fingerprints all over it. The IDFs onslaught on Rafah has proceeded over the past three weeks after the White House gave it the green light. Just two weeks before Israel attacked Rafah, Biden signed a supplementary military assistance bill passed with bipartisan support that included $26 billion in funding for Israel.

Biden has asserted that Israel is doing all it can to ensure civilian protection, while National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan insisted that the IDFs assault has not involved major military operations into the heart of dense urban areas. This line has been maintained even as over 800,000 people have fled the city. Likewise, administration officials continue to claim that killing civilians in Rafah is a red line, even as the IDF does this every day with impunity.

The Biden administrations lying claims that no major operations are taking place in Rafah and that it opposes killing civilians are no more credible than Netanyahus attempt to present the bombing of the refugee camp in comments Monday as a tragic mistake. The fact of the matter is that as horrific as Sundays massacre was, it is part of a pattern of systematic targeting of defenceless civilians by the IDF.

From the bombardment of the al-Ahli hospital, killing upwards of 500 people, to the storming of the al-Shifa hospital, and the destruction of Khan Younis, millions of workers and young people know all too well the brutality of Netanyahus regime and what it is capable of doing with imperialist backing.

The imperialist governments in the United States and Germany, Israels two most important weapons suppliers, reiterated their backing for the Zionist regime after Sundays massacre. Adopting the Israeli governments propaganda wholesale, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said:

Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we all understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists, who are responsible for attacks on Israeli civilians.

German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit labelled the strike a mistake, echoing Netanyahu. Hebestreit also noted that the Israeli military had launched an investigation to determine what happened, adding, according to Der Spiegel:

First of all, investigate what happened and then judge. And dont come to an immediate judgement on the basis of pictures.

In other words, let the murderers investigate the crime scene and cover up any evidence that implicates them before we say anything about it.

No investigation is needed to determine what the motivation for Sundays massacre was. Israeli government and military officials have repeatedly asserted since the genocide began that their plan is to ethnically cleanse Gaza of Palestinians by killing them, starving them to death, or forcing them to flee the enclave, so that Israel can seize the territory.

Gazas inhabitants are viewed by the Zionist regime as human animals, as Defence Minister Yoav Gallant put it in October. Fascist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who recently declared that he would like to live in Gaza, celebrated Sundays slaughter with a post on social media urging an intensification of the attacks. Rafah with full force, he wrote.

The imperialist powers support this barbarism because they view the Gaza genocide as a critical component of their plans to redivide the world in a rapidly escalating Third World War. The same indifference to the savage massacre of human beings in Gaza by the IDF with its never-ending supply of US-manufactured bombs is on display in Ukraine, where the US and its NATO allies have sacrificed some 500,000 Ukrainians in a war for imperialist plunder.

It was not for nothing that US Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked in his denunciation of the application of the International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor for arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant last week, If the ICC is allowed to threaten Israeli leaders, ours could be next.

The key lesson that must be drawn following the Rafah refugee camp massacre is that appeals to the powers that be, whether to imperialist governments, the United Nations, or international courts, to stop the genocide will fall on deaf ears.

The millions of workers, students and young people who have joined anti-genocide protests and encampments over recent months around the world must turn to the international working class, the only social force capable of leading a genuine struggle to halt the genocide against the Palestinians.

The mass political mobilisation of the working class, which produces all of societys wealth, is the only way to stop the Israeli war criminals and their imperialist accomplices in their tracks. As workers are told in every country to accept sweeping attacks on conditions and public services to pay for militarism, war and genocide, a powerful basis exists to rally workers in struggle to stop the production and delivery of all conceivable military equipment to Israel and its allied imperialist war machines in North America and Europe.

The fight to build such a movement requires arming the working class with a socialist programme to defeat capitalist barbarism. That is the most urgent task of all for those who want to bring the genocide in Gaza to an end.
Under the cover of combatting purported foreign interference, the Canadian government, led by Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is planning to dramatically expand the domestic spying powers of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and curtail the freedom of association and right to protest.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to the media at a hotel in Beijing, China on Dec. 5, 2017 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

Bill C-70, titled An Act respecting countering foreign interference, was tabled for its first reading in parliament on May 6 by Public Safety and Democratic Institutions Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Justice Minister Arif Virani. We're taking action to adapt and to respond to our world where life, and consequently threats, are increasingly moving to the online realm, LeBlanc said at a press conference that same day.

Our government is taking action to protect all people in Canada, our institutions and our democracy from foreign interference, Virani declared. These reforms to criminal and national security laws are carefully crafted to tackle these threats in an appropriate, balanced, and fair manner.

Bill C-70 is modeled in part on anti-democratic foreign interference laws which have already been adopted in Australia, the UK and the United States and that effectively illegalize cooperation with international political organizations. This marks a new stage in the assault on democratic rights as the imperialist powers pursue a war for global hegemony on multiple frontsfrom their war against Russia in Ukraine and their support for Israels genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza and aggression and threats against Iran, to their all-sided military-strategic offensive against China across the Indo-Pacific.

Over the past year-and-a-half, a furor has been whipped up by CSIS, the corporate media and the political establishment over lurid, unsubstantiated claims of Chinese interference in the last two federal elections and more generally the threat that China purportedly constitutes to Canadians democracy and way of life.

Bill C-70 is being politically framed as a response to this threat, although its measures go far beyond anything remotely connected to foreign interference. The proposed legislation consists of four components which revise and expand multiple existing laws with far reaching implications for democratic rights in Canada.

Three days before Bill C-70 was unveiled, Justice Marie-Josee Hogue, the commissioner of a much ballyhooed public inquiry into alleged foreign interference, declared that China represents, the most persistent and sophisticated foreign interference threat to Canada. The Hogue inquiry was impaneled last year after CSIS reports were leaked to the media alleging China interfered in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections and that the Liberal government didnt act despite being aware of these efforts.

Despite the immense amount of innuendo and ink spilled in the press over supposed foreign interference, including by Russia, India and Pakistan as well as China, and lack of action over it, no evidence has emerged which shows that any such activity actually influenced the outcome of Canadas elections. And Hogue was compelled to admit as much in her report earlier this month.

Nonetheless, the issue is being used to push forward with the adoption of the draconian new law. Those sections that directly deal with foreign interference are couched in vague language, so as to provide them the widest ambit, and would effectively create a new category of crime to illegalize behavior that would otherwise be legal.

Its provisions would apply not only to the actions of foreign governments and their counterintelligence agencies but to all foreign principals, a catch-all designation which includes foreign-based businesses and political parties in foreign countries not currently in power. According to the bills summary, individuals would be required to register as a foreign agent, if they enter into arrangements with foreign principals under which they undertake to carry out certain activities in relation to political or governmental processes in Canada.

Every person commits an indictable offence, the introduced legislation declares, who, at the direction of, for the benefit of or in association with, a foreign entity, knowingly engages in surreptitious or deceptive conduct or omits, surreptitiously or with the intent to deceive, to do anything if the persons conduct or omission is for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the State or the person is reckless as to whether their conduct or omission is likely to harm Canadian interests.

The bill would establish a registry of foreign agents, with severe penalties for those who do not declare their associations with foreign entities, and would create a commissioner to oversee the registry.

Two other sections of Bill C-70 pertain to expanding the spying power of CSIS and its sharing of intelligence with other government agencies, levels of government, and non-government actors, including businesses, universities, and political parties.

CSIS has long complained that it is hampered in providing specifics about its intelligence to anyone but the federal government. If Bill C-70 becomes law, it would have carte blanche to finger socialists and others its identifies as threats to the Canadian state to their employers, and to work with big business and university administrations to victimize them.

Canadas most important big business lobby group, the Business Council of Canada (BCC), was quick to endorse the proposed law, including the provisions that would allow CSIS to work more closely with employers. At a time of heightened geopolitical risk, wrote BCC CEO Goldy Hyder in a May 7 statement, Bill C-70s modernization of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Actincluding to authorize CSIS to share threat intelligence with Canadian companiesis urgently needed to protect Canadians lives and livelihoods.

The legislation would also establish a new definition of sabotage that would make it a crime to block or interfere with roads, rail lines, pipelines and other essential infrastructure with the intent to harm Canadian interests.

The section on sabotage is clearly aimed at blocking the growing number of protests across Canada, which have used blocking critical infrastructure to draw attention to issues ranging from the violation of Indigenous rights to Ottawas ongoing support for Israels genocide in Gaza. It is also aimed at enshrining in law the measures which were used under the Emergencies Act to clear out the far-right Freedom Convoy from Parliament Hill and border crossings in 2022.

The bill contains an explicit exception to the new anti-sabotage law for work stoppages and protests where there is no explicit intention to harm Canadian interests. However, this is far less than meets the eye. Under conditions where workers job action paralyzes one or more key sectors of the economy and especially in the case of strikes of an overtly political character, the reference to an intention to harm Canadian interests could and will serve as a convenient loophole to invoke the new sabotage provisions as part of a vicious state crackdown. As it is, the federal government and provinces have placed increasing restrictions on workers legal ability to strike, including through use of back-to-work legislation and the invocation of the essential nature of broad sectors of the economy.

The bill contains punishments of life in prison for those convicted of foreign interference and ten years for those convicted under the expanded definition of sabotage.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has raised concerns over the punitive nature of the law, with Shakir Rahim, Director of the CCLAs Criminal Justice Program noting:

The expansion of the offence of sabotage to include interference with essential infrastructure is a serious risk to freedom of expression. Essential infrastructure is defined too broadly, and the interference offence could suppress protests. The Criminal Code already contains offences that adequately address harms to public safety and security. The availability of life imprisonment for certain offences introduced under Bill C-70 is disproportionate and excessive. For example, a person convicted of an indictable offence under the Criminal Code, even as minimal as theft under $5,000, could be sentenced to life in prison if they acted for the benefit of a foreign entity.

Stephanie Carvin, an associate professor at Carleton University and a former Government of Canada national security analyst, told the Globe and Mail, that Bill C-70 is arguably the most significant attempt at updating Canadas national-security laws since 1984. Carvin further noted, this grants a lot of what the intelligence community has asked for.

A May 6 press release from the government notes that the bill would lower the threshold for obtaining warrants in relation to electronic surveillance and accessing devices, placing on a legal footing activities in which CSIS is more than likely already regularly engaging.

Amendments would address growing gaps caused by evolving threats and technological advancements. Safeguards have been built in and are strongthe legislation was developed to ensure that CSIS activities comply with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the press release assures its readers, before noting, Proposed warrant powers, while new to the CSIS Act, are not new tools; they are modelled on powers routinely relied on by Canadian law enforcement and intelligence agencies in other democracies. The threshold for accessing these tools is still high.

CSIS was established in 1984 as the successor to the RCMP Security Service, following the findings of the McDonald Commission, which exposed the illegal activities of Canadas intelligence agency including the theft of party membership lists, break ins, opening mail, forging documents, warrantless electronic surveillance and arson. The transfer of spying powers from the RCMP to CSIS was aimed at granting the national security apparatus renewed legitimacy, and placed on a legal footing much of what had been done illegally.

Canada is one of the components of the Five Eyes global spying network. Alongside spy agencies in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand, its national-security apparatus carries out a dragnet operation which collects global electronic data. Leaks by Edward Snowden showed that members of the Five Eyes spy on each others citizens and share the information as a way of getting around domestic surveillance restrictions.

Snowdens documents showed that the Communications Security Establishment, a partner of the CSIS and a critical competent of the Five Eyes, was engaged in the mass surveillance of millions of uploads and downloads on file sharing websites through its Project Levitation.

The opposition Conservatives and the NDP, which props up the minority Liberal government through a confidence and supply agreement, both welcomed the tabling of Bill C-70. Conservatives have called on Justin Trudeau to implement a foreign influence registry for years. Instead of protecting Canadians and diaspora communities, he blocked, delayed, and obstructed a foreign influence registry at every turn, Sebastian Skamski, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievres spokesperson, gloated. NDP House Leader Peter Julian meanwhile asserted that the measures should have come sooner, declaring both the Conservatives and Liberals dragged their feet and failed to treat these threats with the urgency required.
As the strike by university non-academic workers in Sri Lanka for increased wages and allowances enters its fourth week, the government and university authorities are preparing to suppress the industrial action.

Non-academic workers demonstrate near Sri Lankan higher education ministry in Colombo on May 7, 2024

The Kandy district court is due to hear a case today filed by Dr. Prabhath Ekanayake, Dean of the Arts Faculty at the Peradeniya University, against the universitys striking non-academic staff. He has called on the court to issue an order banning the current strike.

The court case is clearly a test case for similar repressive measures at other universities. An editorial on May 24 in Dinamina, a government mouthpiece, declared its support for the court case and attacked the striking workers. Now non-academic workers have become a headache that has led to waste the childrens lives for a fault that they have not committed, it stated.

The Sunday Times on May 19 reported that the government has decided to enforce strict disciplinary action on non-academic staff of universities currently on strike, as undergraduates continue to face the impact of the trade union action. In particular, it has called on the deans of all faculties to ensure that all services are carried out.

According to the article, the government has advised that a 2007 circular allowing pay deductions for striking workers to remain in force. The repressive circular issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) declares that the working days of university employees involved in any form of industrial action are to be considered unpaid.

On June 4, 2007, workers from the countrys 15 universities participated in a one-day strike. Employees at the University of Colombo, however, continued the strike against administrations decision to increase workload and introduce fingerprint machines to check attendance. University authorities suspended several workers and, on the basis of the UGCs notorious circular, cut the wages of striking employees by nine days.

The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) vehemently condemns the preparations for a crackdown on the strike by non-academic employees and call on all workers to defend them. About 13,000 workers from all universities are involved in the industrial action.

The University Non-Academic Trade Union Alliance (UNATUA) has made limited demands that are utterly inadequate to meet the skyrocketing cost of living. However, the governments rejection of even these small amounts shows that it will not deviate from the austerity program dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe recently told parliament that there were various demands for higher salaries, but government income had not increased enough to implement them in 2024 and they could only be considered in 2025. Workers should place no faith in the utterances of Wickremesinghe, whose only concern is to repay foreign debts and boost big business profits.

The UNATUA leadership is the main obstacle to a political struggle by non-academic staff to defeat governments repression, win a decent wage increase and oppose the cuts to public education. The unions present wage demand is the same as it was eight years ago. In a letter to the education minister on May 1, the UNATUA made clear that it felt compelled to call the strike by the pressure of membership.

During the strike, Mangala Dabarera, president of Non-Academic Union Joint Committee (NUJC) made clear that the unions have accepted that the government cannot afford pay increases. He told a Ada Derana news telecast on May 14: We know that there is a financial crisis in the country and therefore we said that they [the government] can grant salary increases when money is available. We have never said to increase salaries.

The unions called off a demonstration of all university non-academic workers in Colombo yesterday on the basis of bad weather. In reality, the union apparatus is determined to avoid any confrontation with the government.

If this protracted struggle is left to the pro-capitalist trade union bureaucrats, it will be betrayed. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) calls on striking non-academic workers to take matters into their own hands by forming democratically-elected action committees, independent of the unions and the capitalist political parties to which they are aligned.

These action committees should turn to students, academic staff and other sections of workers to wage a political struggle against the Wickremesinghe government and its use of state repression. It has already imposed draconian service orders in a number of industrial sectors, and deployed armed police to violently attack workers demonstrations.

With the governments backing, the Ceylon Electricity Board has suspended 62 employees who participated in a three-day protest campaign in January against privatisation. They are facing disciplinary action and the loss of their jobs.

CEB workers protesting near Kelanithiss plant on February 7, 2024 over government victimisation of 66 workers. [Photo by CEB workers]

Working people everywhere are confronting deep inroads into their jobs, wages, working and living conditions. Driven by the demands of the IMF and big business, the Wickremesinghe government is determined make workers, young people and the poor pay for the crisis of capitalism.

Non-academic workers have shown their willingness to fight, but determination and militancy are not sufficient. What is necessary is a struggle encompassing the entire working class, harnessing its industrial and political strength against IMF austerity and the government. In other words, the preparation of a political general strike against the attacks of the capitalist government is essential.

The struggle to defend and improve the living and social conditions of workers and the poor is intimately bound up with the repudiation of foreign debt and the fight to nationalise the big corporations, large estates and banks under the democratic control of the working class.

The government and the ruling class are haunted by the AprilJuly 2022 popular uprising that forced President Gotabhaya Rajapakse to flee the country and resign. Yet the treachery and collusion of all the parliamentary parties and the trade unions enabled Wickremesinghe to come to power. What is necessary is not another capitalist government as proposed by the opposition parties, but a workers and peasants government to implement socialist policies to meet the pressing needs of the vast majority of the population.

This can only be taken forward by building the unity of the international working class. Workers in the major capitalist countries are also engaged in struggles to defend their wages and jobs. The International Committee of the Fourth International has initiated the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to coordinate these struggles globally.

The SEP is ready to advise workers on forming action committees and to discuss our political program.

Contact us by phone at 0773562327 or by writing to:

Socialist Equality Party

716 1/1, Kotte Road,

Athul Kotte

Kotte
The aggressor country Russia is looking for new partners for cooperation in the defense sector, which would provide components or weapons for warfare. As part of these efforts, the Kremlin may sign an agreement with the Sudanese armed forces.

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It provides for the exchange of weapons for the Russian logistics center in Port Sudan in the Red Sea. This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The other day, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese forces, Yasir Al-Attah, said that their delegation would soon travel to Russia to sign the relevant contracts.

He characterized the planned Russian hub on the Red Sea coast as "not exactly a military base." According to media reports, the parties agreed to establish a Russian Navy base in Sudan back in 2020, but postponed it indefinitely due to the political crisis in the country and the local government's inability to ratify the agreement with the Kremlin.

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However, ISW emphasized that just last month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Representative of the Russian President in Africa and the Middle East Mikhail Bogdanov met with Sudanese Armed Forces leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and a number of other officials. This is part of his two-day visit to the country on April 28 and 29.

"Russia may be switching sides in the Sudanese civil war to support its armed forces in their quest to acquire a naval base on the Red Sea. Russian support for the Sudanese forces will greatly benefit Iran by harmonizing their bilateral policies and strategies in the region," the analysts said.

Earlier, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine warned that Russia was preparing provocations against Ukraine related to the illegal trafficking of Western weapons in Africa. The Kremlin planned to accuse Ukrainian special forces of allegedly using US weapons in the fighting in Sudan, and to use fabricated photos of "trophies" captured by Wagner's men as evidence.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, Iran continues to supply Russia with various weapons for the war against Ukraine. Recently, Iranian Qaem-5 guided bombs were spotted on the battlefield.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Russian occupants have destroyed another airport in Ukraine. They launched a missile attack on the airport in Zaporizhzhia.

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MP Musa Magomedov was the first to report this on Telegram. He said that Ukraine would rebuild everything and take revenge. The information was later confirmed by the Southern Defense Forces and the Office of the Prosecutor General.

"We will rebuild, f*ckers, and we will take revenge for them too. For Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia..." the MP wrote, posting a photo of the destroyed airport.

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The Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine reported on May 27 that the enemy launched a Kh-59 cruise missile attack on Zaporizhzhia International Airport. The terminal was damaged, but no one was injured.

The Office of the Prosecutor General's Telegram channel emphasized that an investigation had been launched into the consequences of an enemy missile hitting the Zaporizhzhia airport terminal.

"According to the investigation, on May 25, 2024, at about 16:00, Russian army servicemen fired at a civilian infrastructure facility in Zaporizhzhia. As a result of an enemy missile hit, the airport terminal building was destroyed," the statement said.

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As a reminder, a video of the first minutes after the Russian troops attacked the Epicenter in Kharkiv on May 25 was published online. It shows patrol police officers running to the scene and helping people who had suffered from the enemy attack. Everything around is shrouded in smoke, and the hypermarket building is visible.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy reported that explosives were found at one of the distribution system operator's substations in Dnipropetrovs'k region. Police and sappers were called to the scene to neutralize it.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- During the day on May 24, the occupiers struck almost 350 times in Zaporizhzhia region. The Russians fired at seven settlements in the region with drones, MLRS, artillery and bombs.

- On May 20, in Zaporizhzhia, the occupiers dropped a drone munition on rescuers who were eliminating the consequences of a previous enemy attack. As a result of the war criminals' actions, one of the firefighters was injured.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Its been tricky making movies about September 11 and the ensuing Afghanistan War. Weve seen some distasteful attempts, straight-up propaganda, and then the bizarre tacking on of the tragedy to a Robert Pattinson romance movie (Remember Me). However, the 12 Strong 4K release of the 2018 movie, which was directed by Nicolai Fuglsig, is a solid effort that celebrates a team of remarkable soldiers who were eager to defend their country after a terrorist attack, which is something easy to celebrate regardless of the many complications that followed with the war.

Buy 12 Strong on 4K UHD

12 Strong is set in the harrowing days following 9/11 when a U.S. Special Forces team, led by their new Captain, Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth), is chosen to be the first U.S. troops sent into Afghanistan for an extremely dangerous mission. There, in the rugged mountains, they must convince Northern Alliance General Dostum (Navid Negahban) to join forces with them to fight their common adversary: the Taliban and their Al Qaeda allies. In addition to overcoming mutual distrust and a vast cultural divide, the Americans accustomed to state-of-the-art warfare must adopt the rudimentary tactics of the Afghan horse soldiers. But despite their uneasy bond, the new allies face overwhelming odds: outnumbered and outgunned by a ruthless enemy that does not take prisoners, reads the official description.

What immediately stands out about watching the 12 Strong 4K release is how great the cast is. Chris Hemsworth is the heart and soul of the film as Captain Mitch Nelson, which is a strong dramatic portrayal  far removed from the eccentricities of Thor and Furiosas Dementus. The supporting cast also shines, with Michael Shannon and Navid Negahban delivering really good performances, with many other talented actors popping up throughout  Taylor Sheridan even shows up for a good sequence. Its the glimpses into these soldiers personal lives and the sacrifices they are willing to make to put their country first that really drive the story forward. The film also does a good job of showing the political landscape of Afghanistan at the time, with multiple wars and allegiances playing out at once, without becoming too inaccessible.

As with nearly any war movie, there are plenty of big action moments throughout. Thankfully, this is an area where 12 Strong delivers. Tension is always high as you grow to like the group of soldiers, and there are quite a few memorable sequences, including a particularly nasty suicide bombing. The gunfights are aided by some intense airstrikes and the usage of horses throughout, which help separate it visually from a lot of modern-day war movies.

The 12 Strong 4K release is an audiovisual treat. The picture looks great, allowing the action sequences to really captivate, with the nighttime sequences really looking incredible on my OLED screen. The sound design also stands out, as the battle sequences are all the more immersive thanks to Dolby audio.

Faring much better than the Magic Mike 4K release, theres a worthwhile amount of special features on offer. There are two featurettes: the 22-minute The Making of an Incomparable Mission Finally, which goes into how the film was made, and the 10-minute Monumental Effort, which focuses on the creation of the Americas Response Monument that honors the 12-man Operational Detachment Alpha 595 team. Both are well worth watching and its actually pretty incredible how the film took advantage of New Mexicos geography to make it convincingly look like Afghanistan. It includes the theatrical trailer as well, so youve got over 30 minutes of interesting bonus content.

12 Strong 4K Review: Final Verdict

The 12 Strong 4K release is a welcome one. The Chris Hemsworth-led action movie tells an interesting post-9/11 story of a really remarkable true story that led to the fall of Mazar-i-Sharif. Bolstered by a strong cast and some great action on horseback, this is a war movie worth checking out again.

Disclosure: ComingSoon received the product from the publisher for our 12 Strong 4K review.

The post 12 Strong 4K Review: An Underrated War Movie Worth Revisiting appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Here are 5 Wisconsin flea markets to check out this summer

Flea market season is here and vendors across Wisconsin have goods ready for you to purchase at an affordable price.

Here's what you need to know for flea market season this summer whether you're a customer or vendor.

Did we miss any flea markets you'd like for us to include? Email Milwaukee Journal Sentinel intern reporter, Chesnie Wardell at CWardell@gannett.com.

South Milwaukee Downtown Market

Find yourself browsing through the South Milwaukee Downtown Market as its flea market will be kicking off soon. This outdoor street market will not only have farmer merchants, but expect to see several arts and crafts sellers present too, said Tony Bloom, the market manager of South Milwaukee Downtown Market and owner of Tony the Candyman.

Bloom explained how two years ago the market moved locations and now includes renovations such as a bandshell, concession stands, and bubblers.

Music will be played every week during market hours and the first band to play will be the American Graffiti Band.

When: Every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. beginning Thursday, May 30 and will run through Thursday, October 3.

Where: 1101 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee

Admission and parking: Free and pets are allowed.

The South Milwaukee Downtown Market is open from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays.

Vendors: Click here to view the 2024 summer application if you want to be a participating vendor. You must read the rules beforehand. Feel free to call Bloom for more information at 414-499-1568.

LGBT+/BIPOC vintage and goods market with 414Flea

414Flea is a vintage thrift market that has resellers and artists ready to sell their merchandise . Over 1,000 customers come to shop a day, according to organizers from 414Flea. With Pride month approaching in June, a special vintage and goods market will be dedicated to vendors and individuals in the LGBT+ and BIPOC community.

MaKenzie Huchthausen holds some of the clothing from her flea market named 414Flea on Friday, March 11, 2022. Huchthausen moved to Milwaukee less than a year ago and has started a successful flea market, connecting vintage resale shop owners from Milwaukee and across the state.

When: It will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 2.

Where: Check it out on Milwaukee's south side at the Zocalo Food Park, 636 S. Sixth St.

Admission and parking: This is a free event and open to all.

Vendors: Applications are now closed, but some of the featured vendors during this event will be Tres Ojos, Rust and Bones Vintage, Silly Goose Vintage, Love U Candle, Mclovins Vintage, and Rose of Jericho

Union Grove Flea Market

Zurko Promotions is the organizer of the 2024 Union Grove Flea Market. Small businesses will gather for you to browse new and old items to buy.

When: Market hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 22; Aug. 24; and Sept. 14

Where: Customers can go to the Racine County Fairgrounds, 19805 Durand Ave.

Admission and Parking: There will be a $2 charge upon your arrival; parking is free.

Vendors: Text 530-214 6577 for information on vending.

Elkhorn Antique Flea Market

Reserve a full day for picking at the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market at the Walworth County Fairgrounds.

The Elkhorn Antique Flea Market has been around since 1982 and has arrived with its 43rd season. Amy Nottestad is the owner of the market and is expecting approximately 8,000 customers to attend the outdoor and indoor event. These customers will shop for vintage and antiques like glassware, mid-century to modern decor, architectural pieces, and more. All items are original pieces that have never been recycled or repurposed; each one is from the 1970s or older, according to Nottestad.

When: Shoppers can go from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, Sunday Aug. 11, or Sunday Sept. 29.

Where: It will be held at the Walworth County Fairgrounds and Campgrounds, 411 E. Court St. in Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Admission and parking: A $5 admission fee will be charged and free parking will be at the main gate and at the East Market Street parking lot.

Vendors: Prices range from $100 to $130 for indoor or outside spaces. There will also be $10 table rentals. If interested in becoming a vendor, email nlpromotionsllc@gmail.com or call 414- 525-0820. More information here.

7 Mile Fair

The 7 Mile Fair is a family- owned business that's been running since 1961 in Caledonia, Wis. The indoor and outdoor market attracts customers from Milwaukee, Green Bay, Madison and even the Chicago area. This flea market is known to be one of the largest in Wisconsin.

When: It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Where: Customers can find this flea market on 2720 W. 7 Mile Rd.

Admission and parking: Children 11 and under are free; 12 and up must pay $3; and seniors 60 and up are charged $1 entry. However, there are online tickets that can be purchased for discounted prices. Parking is also free, but if you would like to a spot reserved for you, VIP parking tickets are $10.

Vendors: There will be a $10 registration fee charged to vendors. Prices vary for indoor and outdoor vending, click here. For more information on vending feel free to email 7milefair@execpc.com or call 262-835-2177.

More: Aug. 17 is National Thrift Shop Day. Check out these 10 Milwaukee-area thrift stores

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 5 Wisconsin flea markets to visit in summer 2024 in, around Milwaukee
Chelsea Manalo, a Filipino American model, has become the first Black woman to be named Miss Universe Philippines. The 24-year-old rising star, who is the daughter of a Filipino mother and Black father, competed against 52 contestants from around the world who came together at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Philippines. Manalo fought for the crown as a representative of Bulacan, a province in the Philippines, CNN reported.

As she competed for the title, Manalo was asked to explain how she plans to impact the world. She said she hopes to inspire other women with her beauty and confidence.

As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually, she said during the Miss Universe contest. Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by manalochelsea (@manalochelsea)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe Philippines (@themissuniverseph)

Giving credit to her mother, Manalo added that she was always taught to believe in herself; she started modeling at age 14. Despite facing insecurities in her younger years, the trailblazing star persevered.

I grew up having insecurities as I was always bullied because of my skin and my hair type, Manalo said in a YouTube video, per CNN.

The Miss Universe star added that it was her friends and family who helped her realize that shes beautiful in her own extraordinary way.

Manalo will look to add to her resume when she represents the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico in September. The Filipino model will try to earn the fifth title for the Philippines, competing against representatives from over 100 countries.

Manalo is aiming to redefine the perception of beauty in the Philippines, a country that has been known for upholding Western images as the standard of beauty. While its common to see various media platforms in the Philippines often promoting light-skinned actors and models, Manalo is determined to bring diversity on a larger scale.
Rose Delaney (played by Kirsty Marillier) is still angry that her boyfriend, Mali Hudson (Kyle Shilling), interfered with an official Police investigation on Home and Away (1:45pm - see our TV Guide for listings)



Mali and local social worker, Harper Matheson (Jessica Redmayne), secretly tracked down Tane Parata (Ethan Browne) after he went on the run with abandoned baby, Maia (aka Poppy).

Now that Tane is in Police custody, Senior Sergeant Rose must decide whether she will press charges against Mali and Harper for obstructing justice.



Mali is standing his ground against girlfriend Rose, and has annoyed her further by defending his mate Tane.



But now she's been left with the dilemma over whether to press those charges...



However, SOMEONE in Summer Bay is determined to argue Mali and Harper's case.



Will they manage to convince Rose not to punish Mali and Harper's own "private detective" work?

A post shared by Home and Away (@homeandaway) A photo posted by on

Theo Poulos (Matt Evans) has been left shaken-up by the turn of events involving his girlfriend, Valerie Beaumont.



Despite troubled Valerie being responsible for getting band Lyrik arrested after she hid a bag of "party pills" in one of their guitar cases, Theo continued to stand by her.



However, Theo's aunt Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou) has now taken matters into her own hands...



Leah was shocked to discover from new husband, Justin Morgan (James Stewart), how her friend Valerie had been leading Theo astray since coming to stay at the Morgan house.



But now Leah and Justin are concerned about the effect all of this had on Theo.



Is it time for him to seek some help for a possible drug addiction?



Theo claims he is done with taking drugs.



But could Theo's guilt over how he stole money and lied to his own family still send him down a dark path...

Home and Away spoilers, Theo Poulos

Home and Away continues weekdays at 1:45pm on Channel 5

Switch over for FIRST LOOK episodes at 6:30pm on 5STAR

The series is also available to stream on My5
We do not want nakedness in our culture: Nigerias first lady slams US celebs after Meghan Markle visit

In a bold address just weeks after Meghan Markles high-profile visit, Nigerias First Lady issued a stern warning to the nations women: Dont lose yourself trying to emulate American celebrities.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, didnt hold back as she took aim at the pervasive influence of Hollywoods risque fashion trends.

Speaking in Abuja to mark the first anniversary of her husbands administration, Tinubu urged teenagers and young people to dress more modestly and reject the scantily-clad styles popularized by US stars.

Meghan Markle gestures as she and Prince Harry visit children at the Lights Academy in Abuja, Nigeria, Friday, May 10, 2024. AP

We have to salvage our children, she declared. We see the way they dress. We are not having the Met Gala. And everyone, the nakedness, is just everywhere and the men are well-clothed.

She continued, Tell them we dont accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful. Its not beautiful at all.

While Tinubu didnt explicitly criticize Meghan Markle, she referenced the Duchesss recent visit to Nigeria where Markle emphasized her Nigerian roots, revealing she is 43% Nigerian according to a DNA test.

Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with [us]. We know who we are. Dont lose who you are, Tinubu stated.

First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu slams the influence Hollywood women have on girls in Nigeria. Anadolu via Getty Images

Markle and Prince Harrys trip to Nigeria, intended to promote the Invictus Games, garnered mixed reactions.

Some experts criticized Markles choice of expensive and revealing outfits, suggesting she could have shown more modesty in a country where just over half of the population are Muslim.

One fashion expert noted that Markle bared too much skin and would likely have dressed more conservatively had the trip been organized by Buckingham Palace.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photo as they attend the program held in the Armed Forces Complex in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024. Meghan is wearing a strapless tight-fitted dress. Anadolu via Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ttend a polo fundraiser event in Lagos, Nigeria, May 12, 2024. REUTERS

During her speech, Tinubu emphasized Nigerian womens beauty and urged them to be confident in their identity.

Theyre all beautiful girls, but they should be confident in who they are, she said. We are fashionable, we see what is going on.

The First Lady also called on Nigerian women to become unifying forces in their homes and communities, promoting greater prosperity for the nation.

Nigeria Chief of Defense Staff Christopher Musa (L), his wife Lilian Musa (2ndL), Lagos State Governor wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu (3rdL), Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (3ndR), Britains Prince Harry (2ndR), Duke of Sussex, and Britains Meghan (R), Duchess of Sussex, pose for a photo at the State Governor House in Lagos on May 12, 2024 as they visit Nigeria as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary. AFP via Getty Images

When mothers stand with you, the house is in order, she asserted. Looking ahead, we must endeavor to become the unifying force in our homes and our communities, to bring about greater prosperity for our nation.

The Sussexes three-day visit to Nigeria marked their first official trip to Africa since stepping down as working royals and relocating to California.

Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games, the couple received warm welcomes despite the controversy surrounding Markles wardrobe choices.

Meghan Markle speaks at a Women in Leadership event co-hosted with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on May 11, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria wearing a spaghetti-strapped red dress. Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation

Prince Harry praised Nigerian athletes, saying they represented their country extraordinarily at the last competition, winning medals and returning with smiles.

The royal was moved by plans for a new Invictus Games center in Nigeria.

At a reception hosted by Nigerias Chief of Defense Staff Christopher Musa, Harry expressed excitement over the upcoming facility in Abuja, aimed at assisting war veterans with rehabilitation.

Meghan Markle receives flowers from a girl upon her arrival with Prince Harry for an exhibition sitting volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquered, a local charity organization that supports wounded, injured, or sick servicemembers, in Abuja on May 11, 2024 as they visit Nigeria as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary. AFP via Getty Images

Seeing the plans for the new Invictus Centre gives me goosebumps, he said.

The Duke and Duchess now reside in California with their children, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie.
In the afternoon of May 28, an explosion occurred in Odesa. At that time, a ballistic threat was announced for the southern regions from the temporarily occupied Crimea.

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The explosion was reported by Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov. Details about the consequences of the explosion in the regional center are currently unknown.

Thus, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warned of a ballistic threat to the southern regions of Ukraine from the temporarily occupied Crimea at 16:19. Within minutes, the warning was made more specific.

"Odesa  take cover!" the Ukrainian Air Force called at 16:22.

Trukhanov made a similar warning.

"Odesa, please stay in safe places! Ballistics in the direction of Odesa region again!" he called at 16:21, reminding Odesa residents about the interactive map of shelters in the city.

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A minute later, Trukhanov said that a powerful explosion was heard in Odesa, and at 16:25 he reported that the shells were launched again in the direction of the city.

Details on the consequences of the attack are currently unknown.

Meanwhile, at 4:48 p.m., the threat of ballistic missile attacks in Odesa region was reported to have been abated.

Earlier in the day, it became known that Russian occupants had attacked the outskirts of Druzhkivka in Donetsk region. Five civilians were injured in the attack. A child is among the wounded.

It is also known that the Russian shelling damaged about 60 private houses on three streets. The local administration noted that the enemy attacked the private sector, and the bomb landed on residential buildings.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Wu-Tang Clan's unreleased 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' is headed to an Australia museum

FILE - RZA attends "A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre" screening at Walter Reade Theater on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in New York. The sole physical copy of the Wu-Tang Clan's unreleased "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" is headed to Australia's Museum of Old and New Art. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, file)

NEW YORK (AP)  The sole physical copy of Wu-Tang Clan's unreleased Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" is headed to Australias Museum of Old and New Art.

Only a handful of ears have listened to Wu-Tang Clans seventh studio album to date. But next month, lucky MONA visitors may be able to hear part of it, too.

In addition to putting the famed piece of music history on display, MONA said it would host private listening sessions featuring select tracks from the album between June 15 and June 24. Tickets, set to be released Thursday, are free  but there's only a small number available.

Run don't walk, bring da ruckus, etc. MONA wrote on Instagram Tuesday. The album will be a part of the Tasmania museum's larger Namedropping exhibition that opens next month.

Once Upon a Time in Shaolin has been called the world's rarest album.

After spending six years creating the 31-track double album, the multiplatinum hip-hop group put the single copy up for auction in 2015, on the condition that it not be put to commercial use. At the time, Wu-Tang Clan member RZA said he wanted the album  packaged in a hand-crafted silver and nickel case that includes a 174-page book wrapped in leather  to be viewed as a piece of contemporary art.

Entrepreneur Martin Shkreli bought the album at the auction for $2 million  but was later convicted of lying to investors and cheating them out of millions of dollars in two failed hedge funds he operated.

Once Upon a Time is Shaolin was sold to satisfy some of Shkreli's court debts in 2021. Authorities did not immediately release information about the buyer or the price, but The New York Times reported that cryptocurrency collective PleasrDAO paid an intermediary $4 million for the album.

Shkreli, who is also known for jacking up the price of a life-saving drug and his Pharma Bro persona, was released from prison in 2022 after serving much of a seven-year sentence.
US aid pier to be moved from Gaza for repairs after damage from rough seas

The flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza over the U.S. Army's temporary Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) system has been paused after rough seas Tuesday caused parts of the pier to detach requiring repairs that will take it out of operation for at least a week, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

"Due to high sea states in the North African weather system earlier today, a portion of the Trident pier separated from the pier that is currently anchored into the coast of Gaza," Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon's deputy press secretary, told reporters. "As a result, the Trident pier was damaged, and sections of the pier need rebuilding and repairing," she said.

The specific part of the pier that broke off from the causeway is the larger platform where small Army vessels unloaded the trucks that would be driven onto the causeway anchored to the beach in Gaza towards a marshaling area where aid is transferred to other trucks for distribution inside Gaza by the United Nation's World Food Program.

The pier will be removed from its place near the Gazan coast and towed back to Ashdod, Israel "over the next 48 hours," where Singh said U.S. Central Command will make repairs.

PHOTO: A truck carries humanitarian aid across Trident Pier, a temporary pier to deliver aid, off the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near the Gaza coast, May 19, 2024. (U.S. Army Central via Reuters)

MORE: Biden's military pier to deliver aid to Gaza off to slow start

"The rebuilding and repairing of the pier will take at least over a week," Singh said, adding that after repairs, it will need to be re-anchored to the Gazan shore.

The damage was attributed to "an unfortunate, unique pattern of events with high seas and another storm that came in that caused the JLOTS to become inoperable during that time," said Singh.

The mishap was the latest setback for the JLOTS system which was expected to serve as a maritime corridor for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. U.S. officials have stressed that JLOTS can only partially meet the need to flow aid into Gaza noting that the full opening of the land routes into Gaza is what is needed most.

"To date, over 1,000 metric tons have been delivered from the pier to the marshaling area for onward delivery by humanitarian organizations and into the hands of Palestinians," since the JLOTS system became operational on May 17.

U.S. officials had described a "crawl, walk, run" scenario to describe how the pier's operations were always intended to begin slowly and then ramp up as more international aid arrived from Cyprus where it is being gathered for shipment to Gaza.

The sea conditions in the eastern Mediterranean off the coast of Gaza have already caused issues for the U.S. Army's temporary pier system in the weeks since it arrived in the eastern Mediterranean.

PHOTO: Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates and the United States Agency for International Development cross the Trident Pier before arriving on the beach on the Gaza Strip, May 17, 2024. (Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley/U.S. Army via AP)

MORE: 3 US service members treated for injuries related to pier off Gaza: CENTCOM

Over the weekend, U.S. Central Command confirmed that four small U.S. Army vessels involved in the transport of cargo from sea to the 1,500-foot causeway attached to a beach in Gaza had broken free as a result of rough seas.

"The vessels broke free from their moorings and two vessels are now anchored on the beach near the pier," said a statement issued on Saturday. "The third and fourth vessels are beached on the coast of Israel near Ashkelon. Efforts to recover the vessels are under way with assistance from the Israeli Navy."

At the time, CENTCOM said that the Israel Defense Forces would support the recovery efforts near the pier and that the pier remained fully functional, but as of Tuesday Singh said that only one of the four vessels had been recovered.

The rough seas off of Gaza had earlier led to delay in the initial deployment of the JLOTS systems, forcing the U.S. military to eventually set it up in calmer seas off of Ashdod, Israel, before moving it down to waters off of Gaza.

It is unclear whether this latest setback will lead to consideration of other alternative ways of transporting the aid from Cyprus into Gaza though Singh said that while the pier is being rebuilt aid from Cyprus will be stockpiled onto a U.S. ship offshore so it can be quickly transported to Gaza via JLOTS once it is operational in a week's time.

The JLOTS system is expected to cost $320 million for three months of operation, but Singh said the Pentagon had not put "an end date" on how long it would be operational off of Gaza.

"We're going to continue to operate this temporary pier for as long as we can in terms of other routes or ways for the aid to get in," said Singh.

.

US aid pier to be moved from Gaza for repairs after damage from rough seas originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Although there isnt currently a cure, you can find ways to live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)thanks to bronchodilators, steroids, pulmonary rehabilitation, and supplemental oxygen. The trick is finding the right treatment plan for you.



COPD can come in a few different varieties. Some people have just emphysema, some have just chronic bronchitis, and a lot of people have little bits of both, says Elliot D. Backer, M.D., a pulmonologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. So what helps one person manage their COPD may not work for another person.

Meet the experts: Elliot D. Backer, M.D., a pulmonologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, in Lebanon, New Hampshire; Nathaniel Marchetti, D.O., medical director of the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit at Temple University Hospital, in Philadelphia.

Its up to you to monitor your symptoms and note when things start to worsen. If you experience a progression of symptoms, and these are persistent, that may be an indication that you dont have adequate control of the disease, Dr. Backer says. Thats a good opportunity to see your primary care provider or be referred to a pulmonologist to look at the medications youre on and see if areas for improvement can be offered.

In particular, be mindful of these five signs, which may indicate its time to make an appointment to revisit your care plan.

1. Persistent shortness of breath

COPD makes it difficult to breathe because of one or both of following:

The air sacs in the lungs (which exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood) cant expand and contract like they used to

Inflammation and mucus narrow the airways

Both of these mean its harder to move air in and out of the lungs. People with COPD often dont notice any difficulty breathing when theyre sitting or lying down. But when they walk a flight of stairs, they may feel like they cant get enough air in their chest or are suffocating. Or they may discover their stamina isnt what it used to be, and they have to cut short their normal outdoor walks, or mow the front yard one day and the back another rather than doing both the same day.

For any of these scenarios, this could be a sign of a flare-up; it could also be an indication that your therapy isnt working for one reason or another, explains Nathaniel Marchetti, D.O., medical director of the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit at Temple University Hospital, in Philadelphia. And in people 60 and older with a history of smoking, there may be other disease processes, such as heart disease or lung cancer.

2. Increased mucus production

Many people with COPD produce excess mucus (also called phlegm or sputum). Also called chronic bronchitis, this can lead to a buildup in the airways. And you often cant cough all of it out, because COPD also weakens the respiratory muscles and damages the cilia, the hair-like structures that help clear mucus.

If you feel like you have more mucus than previously, or theres a change in the color of the sputum, it may indicate youre having a flare-up or that you have a bacterial infection.

3. Frequent exacerbations

If you experience an intensification of wheezing, mucus production, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms suddenly, and these problems last for two days or longer, youre having whats called a COPD flare-up or exacerbation. You go from feeling crappy to feeling really crappy, Dr. Marchetti says.

Often caused by exposure to irritantssuch as wildfire smoke, air pollution, or dust in a work environmentor by respiratory infections like the flu, exacerbations are common. However, if theyre occuring more often than before, your disease may be progressing, Dr. Backer says. Dont neglect talking to your doctor about them, as COPD exacerbations are associated with worse outcomes, including more flare-ups and death.

4. Chronic cough that worsens

Cough is a common symptom of COPD, due to the inflammation and mucus in the airways. If it starts worsening, it can increase the risk of exacerbations and mortality, and may indicate your disease is progressing. At the same time, the reasons why your cough is intensifying could be many. Trust your gut: If your cough feels different from normal, see your provider, Dr. Backer says.

5. Recurrent wheezing and chest tightness

Wheezing, which can sound like whistling when you breathe (though you may need a stethoscope to hear it), and chest tightness often go hand-in-hand. This happens because the airways are constricted, and you need to open them up for better airflow. So wheezing that keeps coming back may indicate you need a different inhaler or other medication to dilate your airways. It could also possibly indicate heart problems, which can be diagnosed with testing such as a CT scan of the chest or an echocardiogram.





What to do about these signs

If you notice anything different about your COPD symptoms, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. This may be your primary care physician, or it may be a pulmonologist. Either way, be prepared to discuss with them what you are experiencing. The best way to do so is to record your daily symptoms in a journal, according to experts, which can make it easier to identify flare-ups versus longer-term issues.

In addition, Dr. Backer suggests establishing a baseline based on how you felt six months, a year, or five years ago, and then comparing that to how you currently feel. That starts to paint the picture, and we may start to connect the dots of a downward trend, he explains. It helps us think about where this is heading and how aggressive we need to be, in terms of treatment.

At your appointment

Be prepared to speak to your doctor. Bring your symptom journal, your inhaler(s), and any other medicationsfor one thing, if you use several, you may forget the names of some of them if you dont have them with you. For another, your doctor can watch you use them. Oftentimes, there are tweaks or additions we can give for more effective use, Dr. Backer says.

When its time to discuss whats happening with your COPD, dont exaggerate things, but also dont cover up how your symptoms impact your day-to-day functioning. The point of inhalers is: Do they make you feel better? Are they improving your quality of life? Dr. Backer explains. If not, we may need to keep searching or add to that medication.

In the end, it all comes down to advocating for yourself. If you dont feel like your doctor is adequately addressing your concerns, you could say something like, Things dont seem to be moving in the right directionIm not feeling better. Then you might ask about:

Other inhalers

Further testing (such as a CT scan of the chest, an ultrasound or echocardiogram of the heart, or a stress test)

A referral to a pulmonologist

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Whether you qualify for free lung-cancer screening

There are usually other treatments that can be offered to lower the risk of disease progression. But you need to be mindful of your symptoms, so you can note when things are off, and then work with your care team to find the solution.

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Beyond top Asian, Indonesian spot Yeni's Fusion is one of the best food trucks in Austin

Yeni Rosdiyani moved to Texas in 2011 and opened her first food operation, Yeni's Fusion, in 2021.

Yeni Rosdiyani says the cuisine of her native Indonesia is underrated and underappreciated in Austin. She has a point. The city has no shortage of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Thai restaurants, but I only know of one Austin restaurant (Twin Panda) serving a menu of Indonesian dishes.

The native of Java has spent the last three years putting the food of her native country on the Austin food map, and nobody could be a better ambassador for the cuisine than the affable but serious Rosdiyani, who brings an evident joy to sharing the food of her country with diners.

She greeted me with a heads up when I placed a dinner order recently. Her trademark grilled chicken and yellow rice dish would probably be about a 20-minute wait. Peeking inside her tidy trailer, which she operates with one employee, I could see a grill full of splayed chickens just starting to take on their first onyx stripes.

Good sign.

Yenis Fusion's most popular dish is a traditional plate of grilled chicken and yellow rice.

It doesnt take more than one bite of Rosdiyanis food to know that time goes into everything she prepares. The seeming simplicity of the top-selling chicken dish is belied by a depth of flavor that speaks to the thought that goes into the flavor building.

The juicy dark meat is flavored with a traditional sauce packed with garlic, cumin, coriander and brown sugar for an aromatic sweetness that carries a slight licorice tingle from fennel seed. That last ingredient is not commonly found in the Indonesian dish.

You know, Im a cook. Im creative," Rosdiyani told me following a recent dinner.

The sliced chicken sits aside a bed of supple rice, breathy of lemongrass and lightly citrusy and earthy Indonesian bay leaf, and rich with Indonesian coconut milk. She insists on importing the bay leaf and the sweet and creamy coconut. Otherwise, the flavor isnt where she wants it to be.

Rosdiyani is a stickler for process and doing things the right way. She learned it growing up visiting markets and cooking alongside her father. One of seven children, Rosdiyani, was the sole sibling tapped to learn the techniques and flavor profiles.

My dad treated me so special, Rosdiyani said. He was so specific and picky. If the taste wasnt there, my dad would criticize me.

The hands-on training helped her learn, and decades later the training translated to her first food endeavor. Rosdiyami, who worked in business administration for Siemens in Indonesia before moving to Texas with her late first husband (an American) in 2011, opened her food truck at the bar in 2021 after being introduced to Aristocrat owner Austin Kalman. She brings an obvious joy to a passion that she turned into a career.

Batagor, fried fish and chicken dumplings, are a common street food in Indonesia.

Every day I go to work, Im so happy. Sometimes I dont care if its going to be busy or not, Rosdiyani said. I dont want to rush my quality.

You can taste the care and patience in two Indonesian street food dishes: a rice porridge with shredded chicken that is topped with a deeply flavored curry soup, and the fried batagor. That dish is made with a blend of chicken that Rosdiyani works to an almost creamy smoothness before wrapping them into dumplings, frying them and finishing with roasted peanut sauce.

While she advocates for her native cuisine, as the trucks name (Yenis Fusion) implies, she also pulls inspiration from other cuisines. Texas brisket smoked over post oak is incorporated in a warming and wintry beef rendang that would feel at home on a Malaysian restaurant menu. The fork-tender beef also shines in a coconut broth soup.

Yeni Rosdiyani makes Indonesian cuisine, along with dishes from other Southeast Asian countries, like this Singapore-inspired laksa.

And a laska special brimming with lime leafs sour punch and packed with fried shrimp and meaty grilled mahi represents the kind of Singaporean dishes Rosdiyani hopes to incorporate more of in her cooking.

Thats maybe too strong. I still want people to enjoy it, Rosdiyani says with a laugh.

The biggest reminder that youre closer to Mexico than Malaysia comes in the form of a small side of green chili that accompanies many of Yenis Fusion dishes. Bright serranos and tomatillos take the place of Thai chilies in a fiery sauce traditionally made with fermented shrimp. While she wants to introduce guests to her native cuisine, she taps the breaks at times.

Yeni Rosdiyani, owner of Yeni's Fusion, left, talks to cook Stanlee Welan while he grills chicken in the food truck located outside The Aristocrat Lounge

No problem there.

Yeni's food has led multiple regulars to approach Rosdiyani about opening her first restaurant. While she plans on having a brick-and-mortar and is appreciative of the interest, she's not planning to take them up on their offers.

"I want to do it on my own and do it my way," Rosdiyani said.

If you go ...

Yeni's Fusion sits out front of the Aristocrat Lounge on Burnet Road.

Yenis Fusion

6507 Burnet Road, yenisfusion.com.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. daily.

Highlights: Grilled chicken and yellow rice; Singaporean laksa; rice porridge with chicken.

Expect to pay: $20 (Price per person before drinks and tip.)

Notes: Alcohol can be purchased from the Aristocrat Lounge.

The Bottom Line: Yenis Fusion blends Indonesian cuisine with Texas and other Southeast Asian influences to create some of the best food at any Austin food truck.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Indonesian food truck Yeni's Fusion is one of the best in Austin
DOOR COUNTY - Cruise the bars and clubs on State Street in Madison? Hit the casinos in historic Deadwood? Explore the music, food and culture of Harlem?

All fun places for a night on the town, but for a more highly rated place to enjoy the nightlife, experienced travelers prefer  Door County.

Patrons at Peninsula Players Theater in Fish Creek gather around a bonfire outside the playhouse on the shore of the bay of Green Bay on a dusky evening. The natural evening charms of the Peninsula are among the reasons Door County was ranked as the best spot for nightlife in Wisconsin, and 25th nationally, in a recent national survey.

That's according to a new survey that ranked Door County not only as the 25th-best spot for night owls in the U.S. but also the best in Wisconsin. Yes, ahead of Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, which ranked 73rd nationally, and Madison's State Street in 95th.

The survey was commissioned by Mixbook, a California-based maker and producer of photo books, photo cards, calendars and other personalized memorabilia. It polled 3,000 adult "seasoned travelers," as described by Mixbook, to find the 150 top spots for nightlife in the country, and Door County, the Third Ward and State Street were the only places in Wisconsin to make the list.

It might seem strange that a vacation spot known more as a place to escape the noise of the big city and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquil settings should rank so highly on such a list, when "nightlife" usually is considered to mean hustle and bustle, bright lights, crowds, clubs, sounds, cultures and 24-hour action. Downtown Las Vegas and New Orleans' legendary French Quarter placed first and second in the survey and the SoHo district in Manhattan was fourth, for example.

But that beauty and tranquility is among the reasons Door County made it so high on the list.

"While known for its daytime scenic beauty, Door County also offers tranquil evening experiences with local wineries and waterfront dining options that provide a serene setting for nightlife amidst the natural landscape," a press release announcing the results said.

Julie Gilbert, president/CEO of Destination Door County, agreed with those factors while noting several others that offer a different experience from almost all the other nightspots on the list.

Door Countys nightlife experiences reflect our laid-back and relaxing vibe, offering a variety of traditional options such as live music, lively pubs and local brews or craft cocktails with friends," Gilbert said. "Many are also drawn to our live theater, amazing sunsets, drive-in movies or spending time under the stars at Newport State Park, our certified Dark Sky Park.

Door County found itself in some heady company with its No. 25 spot on the list. Not far ahead in the rankings were the River Arts District in Asheville, North Carolina, at No. 20; San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, 21st; downtown Chicago's The Loop, 22nd; and another historic French Quarter, this one on the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina, in 23rd.

And, trailing the Peninsula in the rankings were some other well-known, very popular nightlife spots with national and international reputations. Those included Pike Place Market in Seattle, in 26th place; Manhattan's Greenwich Village, 30th, and Harlem, 63rd; Beacon Hill in Boston, 51st; Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, 61st; the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, 78th; the casinos and history of Deadwood, South Dakota, in 79th; and Old Town in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Alexandria, Virginia, 85th.

Meanwhile, the survey cited Milwaukee's Third Ward as "a vibrant arts and fashion district at night, with chic lounges, theater performances and the lively Milwaukee Public Market, making it a prime destination for nightlife enthusiasts."

State Street was noted as "a bustling corridor of nightlife in Madison, linking the University of Wisconsin with the State Capitol. The area is lively with bars, music venues, and eateries that cater to both students and locals."

The Top 10, after Vegas and the French Quarter, are Kailua-Kona on the "Big Island" of Hawaii; SoHo; downtown Anchorage, Alaska; the Historic District in Savannah, Georgia; Old Colorado City in Colorado Springs; downtown Nashville; the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas; and the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Door County as a nightlife spot? Here's what this national survey says
Nirmal Purja made bold claims on Sunday, posting on Instagram that ropes on Everest had been cut shortly below the summit, just as he was about to lead a team there. But a Pioneer Expedition team, which summited today, reported to ExplorersWeb and others that the ropes were in place. Nepals Department of Tourism will investigate.

The video

In an Instagram video posted Sunday, May 26, the Elite Exped leader spoke into the camera from above Camp 2 on Everest.

They [not identifying who] have cut the rope just below the South Summit, above the Balcony. Everyone knew my team is going for the summit push, he said.

Purja blamed the dirty politics on the mountain and said that he had remained quiet until now to protect the industry but was so fed up that he decided to speak out.

I have lived with disgusting and dirty politics and tactics since 2019 simply because I have disrupted the industry and been extremely successful, he said on the video. People are always trying to bring me down.

His post is embedded below:

In a second video in the same post, Purja recorded a conversation in Nepalese between someone called Mingmar and Babu Sherpa in Base Camp. In the subtitles of the video, Mingmar confirms, The ropes seem to be cut and thrown to the other side [of the mountain].

A Peak Promotion team was in the summit area of Everest carrying out a cleanup campaign, outfitter and guide Mingma G told ExplorersWeb. They are conducting cleaning programs, and they have brought down three or four bodies this year, and they went up to bring [down] one more, he said.

During that mission, the team reported the allegedly cut ropes to their leader, Babu Sherpa. ExplorersWeb has asked Babu Sherpa for confirmation, and we await his reply.

The reaction

The video went viral among the climbing community, and many comments on the post supported Purja. But one sherpa pointed out some issues.

No one would havedeliberately cut a fixed line in the mountains, wrote Nga Tenjin Sherpa of The Summit Force. If someone did, the government would be ready to impose severe penalties, [but] Nims cannot accuse others without proof. If his claims are untrue, it could cause significant problems for him.

The massive summit waves on the mountain peaked in the middle of last week. Summit numbers have tapered since then. But a handful of climbers reached the top of Everest on Saturday. Among them was Purnima Shrestha of Nepal, outfitted by 8K Expeditions. It was her third summit this season, a record for women. She didnt report any issues with the ropes.

Purnima Shrestha on the summit of Everest on Saturday, May 25. Photo: Everest Today

Monday summiters report all well

Today, a Pioneer Expedition team also reached the summits of both Lhotse and Everest. Indian climber Satyadeep Gupta summited Everest shortly after midnight today and then Lhotse at noon local time. Gupta was supported by Pastemba Sherpa and Nima Ungdi Sherpa.

It was not only a rare double-header, but a double-double, since Gupta had already summited both Everest and Lhotse last week. He first reached the top of Everest on May 21 at 4:25 am and Lhotse on May 22 at 7:00 am. This second time, he wanted to summit both in under eight hours.

We asked Pioneer about the state of the ropes today, and they confirmed the ropes were fixed and in place.

Purjas video prompted Pioneer expedition leaders to advise the summit team to take extra caution.

We warned my members and sherpas to be aware [of potential difficulties with the ropes] and it caused them to go slower, spokesperson Nivesh Karki told ExplorersWeb.

Karki confirmed that guides and climbers had no issues with the ropes. Gupta finally made it to both summits in 11 hours, 15 minutes, falling short of his eight-hour goal.

We have asked Elite Expedition for further details about the ropes and their thoughts about what could have happened. They said an Elite Exped team led by Purja is currently on a summit push. They will provide a full explanation once the team is back down.

Nepal DoT opens an investigation

Everest expedition leaders and operators are commenting on the issue, but mostly off the record. There is a general concern that Purjas comment might harm the expedition industry.

The issue quickly reached Nepals Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. Today, the Department of Tourism issued a press release announcing a legal investigation against Nirmal Purja for disseminating misinformation with the intention of getting popularity.

The press release also confirms the facts stated in this story.

Press release published today by Nepals Department of Tourism.

The post Everest Dirty Politics Leads To Claim Of Rope Cutting, Gov. Investigation appeared first on Explorersweb.
Bourbon has earned its place in American folklore. Not only is it the only spirit native to the United States, bourbon is also the country's only official spirit, thanks to a Congressional resolution passed in 1964.

We're accustomed to tasting bourbon in our Old Fashioneds and Mint Juleps, but bourbon has also made its way from behind the bar into the kitchen with recipes for dishes like a bourbon marinade for steaks, chocolate bourbon cherry cookies, and candied pork with a bourbon glaze becoming increasingly popular.

Bourbon is made with a mixture of corn, rye, wheat, and barley. To bear a bourbon label it must contain a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn. It can be no stronger than 160 proof and when it's aged in new oak casks, bourbon can contain no more than 62.5% alcohol and only 40% alcohol when it's bottled.

Even within these parameters, there are scores of bourbon varieties available today, which can be overwhelming to novices and connoisseurs alike. We've tapped two bourbon experts to help us distill the facts from the fiction regarding America's spirit. Craig Limon and Kevin Malta are giving us the skinny on every type of bourbon. Limon is the president and head of spirits archeology at The Bourbon Concierge, a boutique rare spirits store in Washington, D.C., and Malta is a Master of Bourbon at The Council of Whiskey Masters, a spirits education and certification organization.

Read more: 13 Underrated Cuts Of Meat You Should Be Grilling

Single Barrel & Small Batch

barrels of bourbon - Danita Delimont/Shutterstock

Single barrel and small batch are two completely different approaches to making bourbon. Unlike other bourbon terminology, they don't hold legal definitions so there is no regulatory oversight for either term. However, they are used in the industry to describe the process by which each is produced.

Single barrel bourbon, also known as single cask bourbon, is made and aged like most bourbon, but as its name implies it involves just one barrel. It's a bourbon aged in a single barrel instead of a mix of bourbons from numerous barrels. When distillers find a barrel special enough to stand on its own, without blending it with other barrels, it's often bottled as a single barrel bourbon. "A single barrel can be used to showcase products that might be considered 'off-profile' from the corresponding batch or are even considered to be better tasting than the batch," according to spirits expert Craig Limon.

Small batch bourbon is made by blending bourbons from different barrels to create a uniquely-flavored whiskey. It can be made with whiskey from a handful of barrels or as many as 200 barrels. "By blending across a number of barrels, blenders can carefully craft a unique profile or hone in on a familiar flavor profile, replicating that same profile batch over batch," says master of bourbon Kevin Malta.

Straight

row of bourbon barrels - Dziggyfoto/Getty Images

In addition to the strict requirements alcohol has to adhere to in order to be labeled bourbon, straight bourbon carries with it an even more stringent set of rules. Distillers cannot add any additional ingredients to straight bourbon for added flavor or coloring. Straight bourbon must also be aged for at least two years in charred oak barrels. The law also requires all straight bourbon aged for less than four years to include the actual age of the whiskey on its label. This age is based on the age of the youngest bourbon in the mix.

Aging is an integral step in the process of making bourbon. In fact, aging is what gives straight bourbon its unique rich flavor. When the mix of grains is distilled and then added to charred oak barrels, it's the barrels that transform it into the bourbon we know and love.

The barrels are burned to varying degrees to create different levels of flavor. The insides are exposed to fire for 55 seconds to achieve what's known as a level four char, which is the level most distilleries use. Once the distillate of straight bourbon is added, it begins to seep into the wood, absorbing flavor from the charred casks. The level of char and length are the only things imparting flavor to straqight bourbon. The longer the bourbon ages, the more flavor it will absorb. The result is the smoky, sometimes sweet taste that this type of bourbon is known for.

Blended

bourbon pouring into glass - barmalini/Shutterstock

Blended bourbon gets mixed reviews. Think of it as bourbon diluted or blended with other alcohols. According to regulations enforced by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), the government agency that regulates the country's alcohol industry and products, blended bourbon must contain at least 51% straight bourbon. There are no rules in place governing what the remaining 49% can consist of.

The first blended whiskeys became popular in the 1800s. As more people began to enjoy spirits, producers couldn't keep up with demand. The aging process slowed down their ability to bring bourbon to consumers quickly.

"Historically, blended whiskey was created as a low-proof, low-cost product where whiskey (or bourbon) was blended with grain-neutral spirits to create a blended whiskey product that in today's market is not a popular approach," says bourbon expert Craig Limon. Producers at the time blended bourbon and other whiskeys with other lesser quality ingredients like iodine, tobacco, or sherry. These blended bourbons were less expensive but also lower in quality in terms of taste.

Bourbon master Kevin Malta believes blended bourbon is currently rising in popularity and shaking off the negative stigma it once carried. "Non-distilling Producers (NDPs), such as Barrell Craft Spirits and Pursuit United, are increasingly using blending as a way to differentiate themselves," he says. Blending allows bourbon producers to combine flavor profiles with whiskeys from various states and distilleries.

Wheated & High Rye

ears of wheat - Kaanates/Getty Images

Wheated and high rye bourbon are perfect examples of the spirit's versatility. They can encompass a wide range of flavor profiles based on the whiskey's mash bill. A mash bill is the specific mix of grains used to create bourbon. Consider it a distiller's whiskey recipe. Besides the 51% corn requirement, the remaining grains in bourbon are left to the producer's preference. They can adjust the mash bill to create the flavor notes of their choosing.

Wheated and high rye bourbon are the result of mash bills featuring higher amounts of cereal grains rather than corn, which greatly influence the taste of the final product. How do you know which one you'll prefer? Craig Limon recommends thinking about how each grain would taste in food. "Rye is generally spicier, corn is sweeter, and wheat is softer and smoother," he says. Food made with wheat will have a much milder flavor than those made with rye. The same holds true for wheated and high rye bourbon.

Kevin Malta agrees. "Bourbons with higher percentages of rye in the mashbill tend to exhibit more pronounced spiciness and herbal flavors compared to those with lower rye content," he says. He also explains that wheat "imparts a softer mouthfeel and sweeter taste than bourbons made with rye." If you're looking to try these bourbons, Malta recommends Four Roses and Bardstown Bourbon Company's White Label for high rye. Limon suggests the Pappy Van Winkle and W.L. Weller brands for high wheat options.

High Corn

rye corn and barley in bottles - Dr Faulkner/Shutterstock

All bourbon is made with a mash bill made up of at least 51% corn. Wheat and rye may be the industry go-to for the remaining 49%, but that's not always the case. High corn bourbon features a higher corn content, but follows the other rules of bourbon. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) requires corn bourbon to be made with a mash bill containing 80% corn. It's an excellent choice for those who enjoy a sweeter bourbon.

"Corn is generally considered to be a sweet grain so distillers will typically add other grains into their mash bills to balance out the sweetness," says Craig Limon. This is typically where the rye and wheat come in. Bourbon with a lower corn content makes it easier for cereal grains with a bolder flavor to shine through. A higher corn content creates a bourbon with a softer taste that often bears notes of vanilla or caramel.

High corn bourbons are sweeter for two reasons according to Kevin Malta. "Firstly, corn itself is naturally sweet. In rye-bourbons, as the corn content in the mash bill rises, the proportion of rye decreases, leading to a reduction in spicy flavoring notes." Don't mistake corn bourbon for corn whiskey. Corn bourbon must meet all of the specifications for bourbon. In contrast, corn whiskey can be produced anywhere with no aging requirements and can only be stored in either un-charred oak barrels or previously used charred oak barrels .

Kentucky

stacked rows of bourbon barrels - Michael Watz/Getty Images

Kentucky bourbon is cemented in American history as the heart of all things bourbon due to the craftsmanship and tradition built into the state's history. To be labeled Kentucky bourbon, it must meet all the standard bourbon requirements while being both distilled and aged within the state with no additional flavoring or coloring added to it. "Kentucky bourbon's distinction lies in its deep-rooted heritage, epitomized by multi-generational families, thriving bourbon tourism, and strong community ties surrounding the production facilities," says Kevin Malta.

When distillers migrated from the east coast in the 1780s they adapted their whiskey, trading rye, the grain of choice in Pennsylvania and Maryland, for corn, which was plentiful and easier to grow in Kentucky. Geography also plays an important role in the production of Kentucky bourbon. "The main distinction between Kentucky bourbon and bourbon produced elsewhere is the fact that Kentucky sits on top of a massive limestone shelf which creates natural water filtration, but also adds minerals needed for yeast to thrive during the distillation process," says Craig Limon.

The weather in Kentucky also plays a role in the quality of its bourbon. The state's hot summer temperatures cause the barrels bourbon ages in to expand, making it easy for the bourbon to penetrate the wood. In winter, the wood contracts, pulling the whiskey out of the wood. Both of these allow the bourbon to absorb the flavors in the barrel better.

Cask Strength Bourbon

inside of a charred oak barrel - Srdjanpav/Getty Images

Bourbon is sold in a range of expressions that are determined by factors like how long it's aged, the climate where it's produced, and the other ingredients added to it before it's bottled. The strength of the bourbon also impacts the way it hits your palate. Bourbon has to be at least 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), before it's bottled. While most bourbon is watered down until it measures 40 to 45% ABV, or 80 to 90 proof, cask strength bourbon is bottled at the ABV or proof it is when it's taken directly from the barrel.

Cask strength bourbon, also known as barrelproof bourbon, can vary greatly depending on the barrel but no matter the proof, they are bottled undiluted. Whatever proof the bourbon is after aging is the proof it is when it's bottled. Barrelproof bourbon is typically 50% ABV, 100 proof, or higher.

The higher proof yields a bourbon that is fuller in flavor and much stronger, which many bourbon drinkers prefer. "Whiskey enthusiasts will tell you it has more flavor and being able to taste the product in its most pure form, at barrel strength, is how it should be consumed," says Craig Limon. Kevin Malta warns drinkers to enjoy cask strength bourbon with caution: "The added proof can also increase the intensity of the 'burn' and can lead to palate fatigue more quickly, which some consumers may not be able to look past."

Sour Mash

corn mash in barrel - Arne Beruldsen/Shutterstock

All bourbon is made with either a sweet or sour mash, the mix of grains used to start the process. Sweet mash is a fresh mash that's never been used and sour mash is leftover from a previous batch of bourbon. For most sour mash bourbon, two-thirds to three-quarters of the mash is new or sweet mash, and the remaining one-quarter to one-third is sour. Think of sour mash bourbon like sourdough bread, which requires a starter from a previous batch.

"The sour mash method was implemented as a way for distilleries to have a consistent base for their products," says Craig Limon. It helps producers maintain the appropriate acidity levels as the mash ferments and "leads to a more robust and bold taste," compared to the softer, more floral tasting bourbon sweet mash produced.

Though the terms sweet and sour might lead you to believe bourbon made with these two processes would be at opposite ends of the flavor spectrum, that's not typically the case. According to Kevin Malta, "While there aren't noticeable flavor distinctions between sour mashing and sweet mashing, the enhanced consistency achieved through sour mashing helps prevent the development of off flavors." According to Limon, sour mash "leads to a more robust and bold taste."

Bottled In Bond

bottles labeled bottled in bond - The Image Party/Shutterstock

At the end of the 19th century, the alcohol industry was very much like the Wild West with no regulations or protections in place to ensure alcohol was actually what it was sold as. To save money, unethical producers could easily add artificial flavors or dyes to stretch alcohol or disguise a less expensive alcohol for its more expensive counterpart. Both consumers and bourbon producers alike joined forces with the federal government to create and pass the Bottled in Bond Act in 1897. This was the very first consumer protection law passed in the United States.

"The historical use of the Bottled in Bond designation was to protect both the consumer, as well as the 'real' distilleries trying to make great product on the market," says Craig Limon. Today, the designation serves as more of a notification to consumers that the bourbon has been aged for at least four years.

To achieve the Bottled in Bond (BIB) designation alcohol must be aged for at least four years in a bonded warehouse, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), and produced by one distiller at one distillery. It must also be made up of bourbon produced in the same distilling season. The designation is mostly symbolic today. "Many distilleries still release Bottledin Bond products as ways to honor the history of the Bottled in Bond act of 1897, but that does not necessarily signify a premium product over anything else they release," Limon reports.

Tennessee Whiskey

bottle of tennessee whiskey - Q77photo/Shutterstock

Tennessee whiskey is more than just a Chris Stapleton song. On the family tree of spirits, bourbon and Tennessee are offshoots of the same branch. Tennessee whiskey must meet all of the same requirements as bourbon plus two additional distinctions that set it apart. It must be distilled in Tennessee and it must also go through the Lincoln County Process.

The Lincoln County Process is a filtering process where whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before it's placed in charred oak barrels. "By filtering through charcoal the intent isn't to add any flavor, and it doesn't, but rather extracts some of the oily mouthfeel and young corn grain flavor," Craig Limon asserts. The technical term for this is charcoal mellowing. In addition to removing excess oils from the whiskey, it is also done to used to soften the whiskey's flavor.

"The resulting spirit is often characterized as lighter and smoother with a diminished presence of fruity esters," Kevin Malta adds. There's only one Tennessee whiskey that can be labeled as such without undergoing the Lincoln County Process. Benjamin Prichard's distillery was granted an exemption from the rule when its owner argued that charcoal filtering was not the process his forefathers used to produce their whiskey, long before the Lincoln County Process was invented.

Read the original article on Tasting Table
Hiker tries to snap close-up photos of elk at Grand Canyon National Park  it doesn't go too well

A hiker got a nasty surprise after trying to snap close-up photos of a cow elk at Grand Canyon National Park recently. In a video shared online this week, the woman can be seen approaching the animal near a parking lot, and being quickly sent packing as it made a bluff charge to drive her back.

The video, which was shot by ultra runner and hiking guide Andrew Tyler, was shared last week via Instagram account TouronsOfNationalParks, which calls out bad behavior at sites of natural beauty in the US and around the world.

Other incidents at the Grand Canyon have included people holding a singalong (complete with ukulele) right on the rim, a family snapping group photos inches from the edge, and a woman nearly kicking an elk in the face while posing for a picture.

A post shared by @touronsofnationalparks A photo posted by on

According to Park Rangers, elk around the Grand Canyon spend a lot of time looking for water near people, and have lost their natural wariness around humans. The animals are not native to Arizona and are not adapted to the hot, dry climate, so they seek out water sources like puddles under bottle filling stations. However, it's important to remember that they are still wild animals.

"Elk are one of the most dangerous animals in Grand Canyon National Park," says the National Park Service (NPS). "They are not usually aggressive, but will defend themselves if people get too close."

It's not clear from the video, but it's possible that the cow may be showing particularly combative behavior to protect a nearby calf. Elk usually prefer to avoid close encounters with people, but females can be unpredictable and more likely to attack when guarding their young in the spring, while males are more likely to become aggressive during the mating season (known as the rut) in late summer and early fall.

If you're planning a vacation later this year, our guide how to enjoy elk rutting season safely will help you make the most of the experience while staying safe.
The highest place on Earth where people live is located in the Peruvian Andes. It is called "The Devil's Paradise". The official name of the city is La Rinconada, and its 50,000 inhabitants live at an altitude of 5,000 m to 5,300 m above sea level.

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Life in La Rinconada is extremely difficult: there is no running water, no sewage, and no garbage dump. Food is imported from lower areas, and electricity was installed in the city only in the 2000s, LiveScience writes.

The city is known for gold mining, having emerged as a temporary mining settlement over 60 years ago. But the price of gold is that residents have to live in extreme conditions with half the oxygen pressure of cities in the lowlands.

If you go up to the altitude where the city of La Rinconada is located, one of the first changes you will notice is an increase in your breathing and heart rate. This is because there is less oxygen in the air, so your lungs and heart need to work harder to nourish your tissues.

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"When you're at an altitude of about 4500 meters, the same breath of air that you take down below contains about 60% oxygen molecules, so it's a lot of stress," explains Cynthia Bell, professor emerita of anthropology at Western Reserve University in Ohio.

Some people may develop a condition called acute mountain sickness (AMS) as the body tries to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. Usually, after a week or two at high altitude, a person's heart rate and breathing calm down a bit as the body begins to produce more red blood cells and hemoglobin to compensate for the low oxygen levels in the air.

However, highlanders, like those living in La Rinconada, seem to have adapted to the low-oxygen environment in many ways. For example, highlanders in the Andes typically have high levels of hemoglobin in their blood, making it thicker. While this allows Andeans to carry more oxygen in their blood, it also means they are vulnerable to developing a condition called chronic mountain sickness (CMS). This occurs when the body produces an excessive amount of red blood cells.

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CMS can occur in people who live at altitudes above 3050 meters for many months or years and causes symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, aches and pains. Approximately one in four residents of La Rinconada suffers from altitude sickness.

"The best treatment for altitude sickness is to travel at low altitudes. However, this is not always a viable solution if one has all the means of subsistence in a particular region. Regular bloodletting and taking a drug called acetazolamide, which reduces the production of red blood cells, can provide some relief for patients with CMS, although the safety and effectiveness of these treatments in the long term are still unknown," says Tatum Simonson, an associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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Fried rice, a delicious dish known across the globe, features stir-frying cooked rice in a hot wok or frying pan with various ingredients like vegetables, meat, seafood, eggs, and seasonings. Fried rice originated in ancient China, some say during the Sui Dynasty between 589 and 618 AD and eventually spread to many other regions. Indonesian, Thai, and other cuisines of Southeast Asia include variations of fried rice that originally came from China, and countries as far away as Nigeria and Peru have created their own takes on this warm and comforting food.

Fried rice is considered a simple dish to make, but it's not easy if you don't know what you're doing. Technique matters of course, and so do ingredients, which must be chosen and prepared carefully for appetizing results. To shed some light on the most important ingredients for fried rice, we reached out to chef Paul Yan, owner and head chef of Tres Yan and Wu Chinese restaurant in Mount Laurel, NJ. Yan, who has been cooking since the age of six, is from Guangdong, China and moved to Hong Kong at a young age. As such, his cooking is Cantonese-style, which differs from cuisines of Northern China and other parts of Asia. His responses have been translated by his daughter Paula Yan, who is also the restaurant manager.

While you can always order takeout, following these key ingredient tips can help you make restaurant-style fried rice in the comfort of your own home.

Read more: 25 Delicious Ways To Use Up Leftover Rice

Rice

jasmine rice in burlap sack - Photoongraphy/Shutterstock

With all the rice varieties on the market, it may be confusing to know which kind to use for fried rice to achieve the right amount of moisture and texture. Chef Paul Yan says that long-grain rice is best, and his preference is Jasmine rice. This follows the Chinese tradition of making fried rice on the drier side.

While medium-grain rice can be acceptable for fried rice, the Chinese style typically avoids short-grain varieties because they retain more moisture and get clumpy and sticky. On the other hand, Japanese-style fried rice uses Japanese short-grain rice, and the final result is intentionally moist and sticky. Since regional preferences vary, choose the grain length that fits your recipe.

Apart from the rice selection, Yan's daughter, Paula Yan, believes the secret to absolutely delicious-smelling fried rice is to make sure the pan gets hot enough for the rice to develop something called wok-hei, which she translates to "aroma of the wok." In fact, this may be the reason why fried rice tastes better at a restaurant than at home. Both the woks and restaurant-grade gas ranges that reach high heats as well as the specialized tossing techniques used by professional chefs create a Maillard reaction responsible for wok hei, which is characterized by not just a delectable aroma but heightened browning, crispiness, and flavor that normally can't be achieved at home.

Leftover Rice

fried rice in white bowl - Veselovaelena/Getty Images

Fried rice is made with rice that's already cooked, so don't try to make it with uncooked rice  it just won't work. Paul Yan says the cooked rice should be leftover and cold  never use freshly made hot rice  and it's fine if it's a few days old. His reason is that cold long-grain rice gives the final dish a better texture. It won't get mushy once it's cooked like hot rice will, and the grains of rice will remain separate and not clump together. As a bonus, he says the fried rice will look better too. We know that's important since the appearance of our food can do a lot to increase our appetites.

Cooling cooked rice overnight in the refrigerator is a good way to achieve the ideal texture in the dish. As it slowly cools, the starch in the rice undergoes a process called retrogradation, which causes the rice to release water and firm up, and this drier rice won't form mushy clumps. This means you'll have to plan ahead to make sure your rice isn't too fresh when you're ready to break out the wok. It also gives you a good reason to use leftover rice that you didn't know what to do with.

Liquid Seasonings

fried rice served at table - Michaelnero/Shutterstock

Liquid seasoning can be an important tool in heightening the aroma and flavor of fried rice, but since it's important to keep fried rice on the drier side, make sure you don't use too much. Excess cooking liquid can make the ingredients steam in the wok instead of fry.

Chef Paul Yan seasons his fried rice with salt instead of soy sauce, which he says is used in Americanized versions of fried rice. As a result, his fried rice is white, not brown.

Depending on your recipe and what style of cooking is featured, you may encounter different kinds of liquid seasonings. Besides soy sauce, recipes may call for oyster sauce, fish sauce, and even Worcestershire sauce in recipes from Osaka, Japan. Some recipes use mirin as a secret fried rice ingredient. This fermented rice wine adds a touch of sweetness and, since the alcohol evaporates, it won't make the rice wet. As far as spicy ingredients, Yan says it depends on your personal preference and recommends adding hot chili oil or your favorite hot sauce when stir-frying the rice.

Dry Seasonings

Sichuan peppercorns arranged on table - Kellyvandellen/Getty Images

Dry seasonings are also a matter of your own liking or regional style. Paul Yan likes to use Cajun spice or curry powder in his versions. Your recipe may recommend different kinds of seasonings, but in addition to the two recommended by Yan, common dry spices include garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and of course, salt.

Some seasonings are region-specific. Sichuan peppercorns are a unique spice often used in Sichuan-style fried rice. They have a mild intensity and a subtle citrus flavor. Japanese fried rice may feature katsuobushi, a form of cured, shaved, and crunchy skipjack tuna, which is known as bonito in Japanese. These umami-rich bonito flakes are a common ingredient in Japanese dishes, likened to salt and pepper in American cuisine. Japanese cooks may also include dried strips of nori, a type of seaweed. Nigerian fried rice features spices like turmeric, curry powder, thyme, black pepper, and chili powder alongside meat, seafood, and vegetables cooked in broth or coconut milk.

While it isn't a spice, cornstarch is a dry ingredient that is sometimes sprinkled on dry rice before it's added to the wok. It helps break up the rice into individual grains and keep them separate throughout the process.

Aromatics

aromatic ingredients on white background - Iquacu/Getty Images

One secret to making restaurant-quality fried rice at home is using aromatics. Common aromatics for fried rice include garlic, ginger, red pepper, scallions, and lemongrass. Paul Yan highlights onions and scallions as his personal favorites for fried rice. As the name implies, aromatics give special aromas to the dish, but they also add complexity to flavor.

It's not enough to simply include aromatics, it's also important to know how to use them. For the best flavor, cook aromatics in hot oil at the beginning of the process before adding any other ingredients. The aromatics will infuse the oil with flavor, and the oil will act as an excellent carrier of this flavor once tossed with the other ingredients, which is why you won't get the same depth of flavor if you add the aromatics later.

While fried rice is cooked on high heat, you can keep the aromatics from burning by cooking them on a lower heat for this first step of the process. It takes different amounts of time to transfer flavor into the oil, so give onions about five minutes, garlic two to three, and ginger and dried chili peppers just 30 seconds in the oil before moving on to the next step of the recipe.

Fermented Ingredients

homemade kimchi in small bowl - Ollo/Getty Images

Fermented ingredients are no strangers to fried rice, and like seasonings, these ingredients range by region. Naem, a fermented pork sausage used in Southeast Asia, is made from chopped pork that's left to cure and sour for several days at room temperature. Although it's often served as a raw appetizer, it can be found as an ingredient in Thai fried rice. Pla som, or fermented carp, is another ingredient sometimes seen in Thai fried rice. Other fermented ingredients like miso paste and tempeh make an appearance in various recipes.

A unique and popular fermented ingredient is kimchi, a Korean dish made from salty fermented vegetables  often cabbage  and other ingredients like ginger, herbs, chili flakes, and fish sauce. Kimchi fried rice has been eaten in Korea for thousands of years. You can opt to save leftover kimchi juice to add to fried rice or include the kimchi itself as a vegetable in the dish. The juice will be more flavorful if it's from kimchi that's aged at least two weeks, because kimchi ferments more over time, and the sour, tangy, umami flavor will become more pronounced. Kimchi fried rice often includes bacon and gochujang, a spicy Korean chili paste also made with fermented ingredients, in this case, soybeans.

Oil

soybeans and oil on table - Fcafotodigital/Getty Images

Since fried rice is cooked with high heat, it's important to choose an oil with a high smoke point when choosing the best oil for fried rice. Some choices are peanut oil, canola oil, and unrefined avocado oil. Otherwise, the oil will break down in high heat, releasing harmful free radicals and imparting a bitter taste to the dish, so this certainly isn't the time to pull out that expensive extra virgin olive oil, no matter how good it tastes out of the bottle.

Another consideration is the flavor. Oil can have a neutral taste or have an actual flavor that adds complexity to the dish. The choice depends on your personal taste. Some cooks prefer to use oil with a more pronounced flavor like peanut oil or light sesame oil, both of which taste mildly nutty. Just be careful because the smoke point of light sesame oil can vary based on the processing method and quality. Dark, or toasted, sesame oil on the other hand has a strong flavor and a low smoke point and should only be used at the end as a finishing oil.

Other chefs, including Paul Yan, prefer neutral-tasting oils that let the taste of the ingredients shine. Yan uses soybean oil, an unflavored oil with a high smoke point. He gives an additional tip  make sure the pan is hot before adding the oil and stir-frying.

Butter Or Lard

fried rice on black plate - Viviang/Getty Images

According to chef Paul Yan, the tastiest fat to use in fried rice is lard. He adds that many people are health conscious these days so they don't usually make it like that anymore, which is why he uses soybean oil in his restaurant. That's not to say similar pork fats aren't still used. For example, chef Rocco DiSpirito cooks fried rice in bacon fat to enhance the flavor, giving it a richness not found in oil.

Butter is another option for fried rice. It's not found in Chinese-style recipes, but some versions of Japanese fried rice do call for butter. Since butter has a much lower smoke point than high-heat oils like soybean, canola, and peanut oils, you can choose to cook Japanese fried rice on medium high instead of high heat or mix it with oil to use at a higher temperature. Keep an eye on the pan, stirring often so the butter doesn't burn. If you use butter, you'll end up with a creamier result that complements the moist texture of Japanese fried rice.

Egg

tuna fried rice with egg - Kritchai7752/Shutterstock

Fried rice usually includes scrambled eggs mixed evenly throughout the dish. Some even say it's the best part. While the general consensus is that the egg is important, there are two schools of thought about when to add it to the wok. In Chinese-style fried rice, the egg is cooked separately from the rest of the dish and added back in at the end right before serving. Chef Paul Yan uses this method. His advice is to heat the pan and add oil, and once it's hot enough, add the eggs and scramble them lightly. Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside before stir-frying the onions. This method gives you noticeable and distinct chunks of scrambled eggs throughout the finished rice dish.

The Japanese method is to cook the egg with the rice. You can opt to mix the raw beaten egg with the rice before adding it to the pan or you can heat the rice in the pan first. Then, once the rice is hot, pour the beaten egg onto the rice to cook. This gives the rice a uniform golden hue.

High-Protein Ingredients

chicken fried rice in bowl - Fudio/Getty Images

High-protein ingredients are the main features of fried rice. Chef Paul Yan doesn't recommend any particular protein source, as it's up to the individual. A great thing about this dish, he points out, is that you can use whatever leftover proteins you have in the refrigerator, including rotisserie chicken, steak, and ham, among other choices.

While it varies among chefs, Chinese fried rice often includes both red meat and seafood. Japanese fried rice, on the other hand, tends to give seafood more prominence, with fish roe, salmon, and octopus making appearances. Plant-based eaters can opt for protein-rich ingredients like tofu, tempeh, edamame, peas, or other legumes.

No matter which proteins you choose, follow Yan's advice to cook them before adding them to the fried rice. He emphasizes that if you cook raw meat in the rice, the juices will make the rice mushy and soggy. Raw meat will also take too long to cook, so either the rice will end up overdone or the meat will be undercooked, which is a food safety risk. A final tip is to choose firmer proteins that won't fall apart when mixed or tossed. That's why flaky fish is rarely seen in fried rice.

Vegetables

colorful raw vegetables in wok - Kajakiki/Getty Images

There's no shortage of vegetable options for fried rice. Popular choices include carrots, onions, broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, beansprouts, corn, and mushrooms. And if you'd like something different, try using more unique choices like in this fried rice with pickled carrots and mustard greens recipe. Vegetables add beautiful color to fried rice as well as a nutritious dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The guidelines we've just seen for meat apply to the vegetables too. Make sure they're cooked before they're mixed with the rice. Cooking times for vegetables vary, but they often take longer than the time it takes to heat and toss the rice, so if you don't precook them, you'll run the risk of serving crunchy vegetables with a noticeably different texture from the rest of the dish.

Chef Paul Yan advises blanching the vegetables before adding them to the rice. He says any vegetables are great for fried rice but recommends using fresh vegetables instead of canned or frozen ones and dicing them into bite-sized pieces. He points out two exceptions to the precooking rule  scallions and beansprouts  which should be added last and tossed with the finished rice so they stay crisp.

MSG

fried rice serving on plate - Yumehana/Getty Images

We asked Paul Yan if there were any other key ingredients that people could add to fried rice to make it better, and he named MSG. He said MSG gets a bad rap but, while it isn't necessary, just a pinch will enhance the flavor.

MSG is a misunderstood and often feared ingredient, but just what is MSG and is it bad for you? The initialism stands for monosodium glutamate, which is the most common form of MSG, but it also comes in the forms of disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate. It's a common flavor enhancer that has received its share of controversy. While MSG is found naturally in certain foods like tomatoes, the kind we're discussing here is created in a lab. Just a little bit gives dishes a delicious umami flavor, but it's important not to use too much because overdoing it is associated with nausea and headaches.

Exaggerating with MSG can also be counterproductive because instead of making a dish taste better, it will give it an aftertaste. Use less than you think you might need and taste the rice before adding any more. Since MSG is a powder, it will season fried rice without adding any liquid that could make the rice too moist and mushy.

Sugar

Indonesian fried rice on dish - Sgaphoto/Getty Images

When it comes to a secret ingredient for fried rice that rivals takeout, some people will say it's sugar. You may not have guessed that some restaurants use sugar in a savory dish like fried rice, but it's sometimes included for added complexity. When heated, sugar undergoes caramelization, a process in which sugars break down and release moisture, and foods brown and take on added flavor, texture, and color.

While there are definitely some sugar aficionados, not everyone uses it. Paul Yan says that some Chinese cuisines do add sugar to fried rice but it's not used in the Cantonese cooking style he uses. According to Yan, fried rice should be savory, not sweet. He notes that white rice already has natural sugars in it.

If your recipe includes sugar, but you'd rather avoid it, you can feel free to leave it out. If you're curious to try it but are afraid of turning your fried rice into a dessert, just use a very small amount. Add it at the same time you add salt and other dry seasonings to the pan.

Read the original article on Tasting Table
Vietnam has restored to old steam trains featuring "retro-style" carriages reminicent of an Orient Express-style set from the "Poirot" detective stories. (archive photo) Sebastian Willnow/dpa

Recent visitors to Vietnam have likely marvelled at the newly-soaring skylines of capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, the biggest urban area in what has been for two decades one of the worlds fastest-growing economies and a hub for the likes of Intel and Samsung.

But holidaymakers will soon be treated to a blast from the past, after two old steam trains were refurbished by engineers from state operator Vietnam Railways for commercial use in the centre of the 1,650-kilometer-long country.

Built in the 1960s, shortly after the end of French colonial rule and as the Vietnam War was intensifying, the locomotives are to be used from next year to run from Da Nang, Vietnams third city and site of a US military base during the war, to Hue, a UN-designated World Heritage Site due to its temples and palaces.

Called "Revolution Express", the throwback train partly evokes the Communist Viet Cong, which seized control of the country after defeating the US in the mid-1970s.

The trains are to feature "retro-style" carriages reminicent of an Orient Express-style set from the "Poirot" detective stories.

Engineers worked on rebooting the engines for more than a decade, according to the team behind the venture, which is jointly-operated by Indochina Rail and Wafaifo Optimisers, a hospitality business.

Passengers are to be treated to not only to scenery such as bays, mountains and lagoons during the day-long trip, but also to "themed dining" during an hour-long stop at Lang Co, before the last stop at the refurbished train station in Hue, royal seat of imperial Vietnam prior to the French invasions of the 19th century.

Vietnam hosted over 18 million tourists in 2019, before the Covid border closures and lockdowns. Last year the number topped 12 million.

Vietnam is famous for its so-called Train Street: On the approximately 50-metre thoroughfare in central Hanoi, locomotives thunder down a railway line that runs perilously close to residential buildings, many of which have been turned into cafes, bars and souvenir shops. Chris Humphrey/dpa
Retro Indy: Nearly a century of summers on Indiana Beach, from bathing to rollercoasters

Ballroom area in the background of the midway area of Indiana Beach in 1950.

Ballroom area in the background of the midway area of Indiana Beach in 1950.

Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2020.

Indiana may not be known for its beaches but one of its most popular amusement parks, Indiana Beach, sits on the shores of Lake Shafer, created in 1923 along with Freeman Lake by the backwater of the hydroelectric Norway dam on the Tippecanoe River, two miles north of Monticello.

Earl Spackman, an accountant for the Ideal Furnace Company, saw the potential for Lake Shafer to be an ideal vacation spot, so Ideal Beach it was. The park opened in 1926 with a small bathhouse, a drink stand and 10 rowboats. A hotel, rental cottages and a toboggan water slide were added the following year.

Known for its crystal-clear water and great fishing, the shoreline became home to the White Point Resort, Ideal Beach hotel, cottages, and eventually a casino and dance pavilion. There were several campgrounds, lodges, bait shops and boat docks surrounding the lake.

Briggs: Why do you live in Indiana? Here's what you said.

During the Great Depression Spackman secured a loan and continued to expand his holdings until he had purchased the entire Indiana Beach peninsula. It was a gamble that paid off.

When Big Band music became popular, The Shafer Lake Ballroom was always a stop on the circuit with the likes of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.

In 1945 Earls son Thomas Spackman Sr. became CEO of Ideal Beach and changed the name to Indiana Beach in 1952.

Throughout the '40s and '50s, competition for vacation dollars, especially in Northern Indiana, was fierce. Cedar Lake, Bass Lake, Lake Manitou, Winona Lake, Lake Webster, Lake Wawasee, Sylvan Lake and Lake Maxinkuckee all offered summer resort living.

To stand out, Thomas Spackman created a miniature Coney Island of sorts with amusement rides that included a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and a Roll-O-Plane ride (better known as the Bullet), a roller rink and horseback riding. The park began billing itself as the Riviera of the Middle West.

While the Shafer Queen paddleboat, launched in 1972, became the iconic trademark of Indiana Beach, it was the black crow, cawing the clever slogan: Theres more than corn in Indiana, that stuck in Hoosiers' minds.

Retro Indy: When Hulman bought IMS, his mom told him to 'tear it down and start all over'

By the late 1990s, the resort and complex attracted approximately 700,000 visitors and an estimated $50 million to the White County area each year.

Thomas Spackman remained intensively involved, regularly walking the grounds to inspect them for cleanliness. In 1998 when the park added a bungee jump, he insisted on taking the first leap. He was 85 at the time.

The Spackman family sold the park and two campgrounds to Morgan Recreation Vacations of Saratoga, New York, in 2008. Five years later, Thomas Spackman died at the age of 100.In 2015, California-based Apex Parks Group purchased Indiana Beach, adding it to its stable of amusement and water parks. Apex invested in park improvements and upgrades.

On Feb. 18, 2020, Apex abruptly announced it was closing Indiana Beach and three other amusement parks it owns across the country due to financial reasons.Just a few months later Chicago businessman Gene Staples bought the park and reopened it in time for the summer season. This season the park opened with a new triple looping rollercoaster, one of seven coasters at the park, which has more than 50 rides and attractions.

IndyStar's Shari Rudavsky contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Retro Indy: Indiana Beach amusement park survives for nearly 100 years
Straight from farms to your arms: Sweet Georgia peaches to come to Kroger

Krogers Columbus Divisions new "Kroger Sweet Georgia Peaches" initiative brings the sweet fruits straight from Georgias farms to your arms.

Among these farm providers is Pearson Farms, which has been a supplier of Kroger for over 50 years.

The Kroger Sweet Georgia Peaches events begin May 31 and run until Aug. 15. Customers have this seasonal opportunity to purchase 12-pound crates off the truck for $19.99. If you are curious when the truck is to come to your local Kroger, you can find out at kroger.com.

Were excited to host Kroger Sweet Georgia Peach events across the area and bring the freshest peaches around, straight from the farm to the truck with guaranteed freshness, said Bruce.

Kroger Sweet Georgia Peaches is a new initiative that brings ripe, juicy peaches straight from Georgia to customers in central Ohio.

Krogers Columbus Division has pledged to donate 144 crates of peaches to a local charity, not named as of yet. They also boast crates made from entirely recycled materials, in line with Krogers Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative.

Krogers Sweet Georgia Peaches are a seasonal experience, from the juicy flavor to total freshness, hand-picked and hand-packed, we know our customers are going to feel just peachy over their great taste and new crate size at a wallet-friendly cost, said Mark Bruce, corporate affairs manager for Krogers Columbus Division.

Nfishman@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Division of Kroger brings southern peaches to the area
We ate a disgusting amount of salted butterand were not salty about it at all.

Serious Eats / Jordan Provost

I look back now and I laugh: How naive I was! To think we could publish an unsalted butter taste test and just walk away from it assuming you would be happy. I remember the day I hit publish and the relief I felt as I crossed another item off my to-do list. But that was quickly followed by annoyed Instagram comments, and then the exasperated emails rolled in. Youyou prefer salted butter. Because our preference is almost always to cook with unsalted butter, we forgot that eating it is much more pleasurable when there's salt involved.

Here's the good news: I've now made everyone eat a disgusting amount of salted butter.

On a recent test kitchen day, the SE team pulled together 13 brands of salted butter that you're likely to find in your local supermarket, and methodically, empirically, scientifically! tasted its way through them all in a quest to identify the very best. And we had a delicious blast doing it. I hope you enjoy our findings! (Said without a hint of saltiness, I promise.)

Serious Eats / Jordan Provost

The Contenders

Amish Country Butter, Salted, Roll

Breakstone's All Natural Salted Butter

Cabot Salted Butter Quarters

Challenge Butter, Salted

Finlandia Imported Butter, Perfectly Salted

Grassland Non-GMO, Salted Sweet Cream Butter

Kerrygold Butter, Pure Irish

Land OLakes Butter, Salted

Natures Promise Organic Sweet Cream Butter Salted Sticks

Plugra Premium European Style Salted Butter

Truly Grass Fed Natural Creamy Irish Butter, Salted

Urban Meadows Salted Butter

Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter With Sea Salt

The Criteria

A good salted butter iswait for itsalty. That saltiness shouldnt overwhelm the butter's dairy sweetness (with or without a cultured tang), but it should highlight it in pleasantly seasoned bursts.

To assess the butters, testers evaluated each in randomized order and without knowing which brands were which. They scored the butters on specific criteria like flavor, aroma, and texture, as well as overall preference.

Butters were allowed to sit at room temperature for one hour before tasting to take the chill off and make spreading on bread possible. We didnt want the color of the butter to affect anyones opinion, so we flipped all the buttered bread upside down and conducted the tasting without peeking at the product underneath. As always, this is important work that I took very seriously, annoying no one at all during the process.

Serious Eats / Jordan Provost

The Big Picture

Similarly to the unsalted butter taste test, we concluded thatwe like almost all salted butter!

While the below results are ranked in order of score, all the samples' average scores fell within a narrow 1.5-point range, which means there was not a dramatic difference from one to the next (this was also true in our unsalted butter taste test). Our top-ranking selections were packed with positive notes from testers, but everything toward the bottom got, at most, few gently, minimally critical notes.

One interesting difference from our unsalted butter taste test was that, with the noteworthy exception of the highest-scored butter, all our other top selections overwhelmingly had at least 82% butterfat, making them all fall under the umbrella of European-style butter. This indicates that the presence of salt, which is a "flavor enhancer," makes other qualities of the butter more pronouncedthe muted flavors of unsalted butter apparently made it more difficult to suss out qualities like fat percentage that, in theory, might correlate with perceptions of quality. With salt added, that was less the case.

As for aroma, we found it to be a less preference-defining quality across these samples than we did with the unsalted butters, but mild nature smells (grass, mushrooms, cream) were received well by tasters.

Its worth noting wed hoped to include Vital Farms (our unsalted winner!), Kates, Isigny Ste Mere Beurre D'Isigny, Les Pres Sales, Hotel Bar, and Organic Valley butters, but could not find them across four supermarkets.

TL;DR: Salted butterits good! Wild out in a salted butter aisle near you!

Serious Eats / Jordan Provost

The Rankings

Cabot Salted Butter Quarters, 3.9/5

80.6% butterfat

The way I triple-checked to make sure this was the butter everyone was raving about!! Grassy and fresh, Kelli wrote: This tastes like exactly what you want first thing in the morning. It reminded Genevieve of a really nice butter you get at a French restaurant, bread basket and all. Jordan loved everything about this butter. No one explicitly made note of the salt content of this butter, so Im going to assume it was neither too salty nor too not-salty, but instead quietly just right (very much a Goldilocks moment as far as salted butters go).

Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter with Sea Salt, 3.87/5

82% butterfat

And just like that, saltiness entered the equation! Not only did most everyone call out an ideal salt-to-sweet ratio, but they also enjoyed the clean, cultured flavor of this butter. It might be the only one I actually want to eat consistently out of the pack, per Genevieve.

Amish Country Butter, Salted, Roll, 3.33/5

84-85% butterfat

Theres a lot to love about anything edible that makes its way to you in the form and size of a sunshine-y yellow cylindrical brick. Of course, my coworkers did not know this was said brick while eating it, but this Amish offering yielded the most interesting tasting notes. Daniel called it slightly barnyardy, (affectionately, I think?), while Genevieve said it tasted halfway to garlic bread. Kelli called it floral, noting it was the most complex flavor [she] experienced during this test, and Jordan tasted lemon in each bite. I would be remiss if I didnt mention Megans fantastically scathing this tastes like salty fridge note, but others rankings were so high it didnt nudge this placement down.

Plugra Premium European Style Salted Butter, 3.32/5

82% butterfat

Not only did salt hit hard in this sample, but the butter tasted creamy and nutty to most testers, some of whom said they felt nostalgic eating it.



Natures Promise Organic Sweet Cream Butter Salted Sticks, 3.22/5

82% butterfat

Tasters noted that this butter had salt woven through it in seeming ribbons, rather than spread evenly throughout. It was milky! It was creamy! It was fancy-feeling! It was a really nice option!

Kerrygold Butter, Pure Irish, 3.21/5

82% butterfat

All testers pointed to a pleasant fatiness present in their beloved Kerrygold (reallythis team talks organically about their fondness for Kerrygold a lot). Mentions of fresh movie theater popcorn, rich olive oil, and unskimmed cream, etc. It's a lovely option with a rich texture.

Truly Grass Fed Natural Creamy Irish Butter, Salted, 3.21/5

82% butterfat

Nice and salty! Genevieve wrote. In fact, this butter saw the most instances of salty! written verbatim throughout testing notes. Do you like salt? Do you like butter? You will like this salty butter!

Finlandia Imported Butter, Perfectly Salted, 3.15/5

82-83% butterfat

One of the very few butters with a smell described by those who noticed it as distinctly buttery. There are worse things to be called than buttery, if you're a block of butter.

Serious Eats / Jordan Provost

Breakstone's All Natural Salted Butter, 3.15/5

At least 80% butterfat

Megan was the first one to describe this butter as quite salty, while Daniel took it to: maybe too salty! Still, it tasted neutral and not not as rich as some of the other butters in this tasting, likely due to it being on the lower end of the butterfat spectrum.

Land OLakes Butter, Salted, 3/5

Not much to say here except it's a totally neutral option for those looking to eat a lot of salty butter but not feel like they are digesting a ton of salty butter; once again, lower butterfat is probably to thank for this being the overarching description.

Challenge Butter, Salted, 3/5

80% butterfat

Many enjoyed this butter's smoothness. Kelli mentioned she would be hesitant to add more salt if she were cooking with this, though no one else pointed to the salt level as too much.

Grassland Non-GMO, Salted Sweet Cream Butter, 2.9/5

80% butterfat

Very mild and pleasant. Softened quickly, spread easily. Sunk into my hands like molten lava cake when I attempted to put it back in the fridge around four-and-a-half hours at room temp. Thats OK! I love for colleagues to see my laptop and think: Ew!

Urban Meadows Salted Butter, 2.8/5

80% butterfat

Despite its 80% butterfat, three tasters described this as a clearly fatty butter. Urban Meadows also came through sweeter than it did salty to many. Thats also OK! I love for my colleagues to think: Did she mix up the taste tests? On purpose?? I ate six baguette bites coated in this stuff just to feel something.

Our Testing Methodology

All taste tests are conducted completely hidden and without discussion. Tasters taste samples in random order. For example, taster A may taste sample 1 first, while taster B will taste sample 6 first. This is to prevent palate fatigue from unfairly giving any one sample an advantage. Tasters are asked to fill out tasting sheets ranking the samples for various criteria that vary from sample to sample. All data is tabulated and results are calculated with no editorial input in order to give us the most impartial representation of actual results possible.



Read the original article on Serious Eats.
Every Saturday, children under 18 can receive a free $5 vegetable coupon to use at the Waynesboro Farmers Market.

WAYNESBORO  Every Saturday, children under 18 years old can receive a free $5 vegetable coupon to use at the Waynesboro Farmers Market, according to a press release from Project GROWS.

Thanks to Project GROWS and Molina Healthcare, this Veggie Bucks program allows children the opportunity to purchase fresh, locally grown produce, for free.

On each visit, children are given a coupon, worth $5 dollars, which can only be redeemed for fruits and vegetables, from any of the vendors selling produce. Bring your family and stop at the Project GROWS table at the entrance of the market to receive a coupon for each child.

The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through October, at the Constitution Park pavilion in downtown Waynesboro.

The Waynesboro Farmers Market also offers everything from meat and eggs to bread, honey, fruits and veggies. Crafts such as handmade baskets, tie-dye from Nana's Dyes, pottery and baked goods are also available. The market is a vibrant place where people come together to celebrate their local farmers and producers by purchasing healthy, affordable food and other products.

The farmers, producers, and organizers of this market set out to improve the food security and family health in the community. As part of this mission, every food vendor doubles SNAP-EBT benefits and accepts WIC and Senior Farm Market Fresh vouchers.

The Waynesboro Farmers Market is organized by the Staunton non-profit, Project GROWS and is supported by the Waynesboro Economic Development and Tourism, Virginia Fresh Match, Waynesboro Parks and Recreation and the Virginia Farmers Market Association. The market is proud to be sponsored by the Milton Hershey School and the Almato Clinic.

The Veggie Bucks program is also available at any of the Project GROWS mobile markets, which visits six sites each week around Staunton, Fishersville, and Waynesboro. A weekly market schedule can be found at the Project GROWS website.

More: Landfill fee increases, and joint social services: THE AGENDA

More: Pride Month, art shows, and traffic alerts: THE DIGEST

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Waynesboro Farmers Market gives $5 veggie coupon to every child
Kimberly Turbin thought she was going to be a happy mom. But that was snatched from me, she says, the first time she gave birth.

Up until then, I had a perfect pregnancy. I didnt have any nausea. Nothing was wrong with me, she says.

Her water broke while she was at her friends house, and she went home to shower before going to the hospital. Once there, she let the staff know shed previously been raped and asked them to be communicative with her throughout her delivery. She remembers them giving her a pill to help calm her down because she was growing anxious.

And I did calm down, she says. I thought I was going to push the baby out, and everything was great. Everybody was really nice still.

But shortly after she began pushing, her obstetrician, Alex Abbassi, told her he was going to perform an episiotomy, or cut into the sensitive skin between her vagina and anus  known as the perineum  to widen her vaginal opening.

Turbin repeatedly objected to the procedure, which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends doing only when absolutely necessary.

What? Why? We havent even tried! she can be heard saying in a video of the birth taken by her mother that she later posted online. Why cant we just try?

Abbassi said the baby wasnt coming out and if she continued to try to push, its going to rip the butthole down clean. When she protested  more than once telling him no and pleading, Dont cut me!  he told her he was the expert and that she could go home and do it or go to Kentucky.

He then cut into her perineum a dozen times.

Turbin, who went on to sue Abbassi for assault and battery, says shes still grappling with the physical and emotional toll of his actions more than a decade later.

Dr. Abbassi snatched my decisionmaking for my body from me because of what he did, she says. And he left me with PTSD for life and nerve damage.

Mothers mistreatment at the hands of the very health care workers meant to help them through pregnancy and childbirth is a rampant  and dangerous  problem in maternity care.

One in 5 mothers in the United States report being ignored, threatened, forced to accept treatment they didnt consent to, physically abused or otherwise mistreated by their providers during pregnancy and delivery, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among Black, Hispanic or multiracial mothers and those who have public insurance or no insurance, the rates are higher still: closer to 1 in 3. Turbin, who is Latina and was insured through Californias Medi-Cal, belonged to both groups.

And American health care workers are far from the worst offenders. A 2019 study led by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria and Myanmar, for instance, found that more than 40 percent of mothers whose deliveries researchers observed were mistreated during childbirth.

These experiences of disrespect and abuse can have a devastating impact, heightening risks for mothers and their children during an already vulnerable period and continuing to affect them long afterward.

Mistreatment has been linked to an increased likelihood of dangerous delivery complications, such as obstructed labor and excessive bleeding, as well as postpartum hemorrhage and abdominal pain.

It can also deal a blow to parents mental health, as can the complications and physical pain it contributes to. Mothers who have been mistreated are at greater risk of developing postpartum depression. Their mistreatment can fuel childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

And when they turn back to health care professionals for help or try to seek justice through hospitals, medical boards or courts, they can find themselves confronting a lack of care or awareness  if not more disrespect and abuse.

The reverberations of trauma

Postpartum depression, the most common perinatal mood disorder, affects about 17 percent of mothers around the world and 20 percent in developing nations. Mothers who have been mistreated appear to grapple with it at significantly higher rates: about 50 percent higher, according to one recent study.

Information on the relative prevalence of childbirth-related PTSD following disrespect or abuse is harder to come by. But researchers have identified mistreatment as a significant risk factor for the condition, and poor experiences with health care workers loom large in descriptions of traumatic deliveries: One widely cited study found that roughly two-thirds of mothers who suffered birth trauma, regardless of whether it resulted in PTSD, said their providers actions were what made the experience traumatizing.

Childbirth-related PTSD, like other forms of the disorder, usually stems from a person experiencing an event as a real threat to their life, or potential threat, says Sharon Dekel, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and the founding director of the Postpartum Traumatic Stress Disorders Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. That feeling could arise from physical complications during labor, she says, or from something psychologically being violated.

Dekel and her colleagues have found that roughly 5 percent to 6 percent of mothers develop PTSD after a successful birth, while as many as 17 percent display clinically significant symptoms.

The effects of traumatic births arent limited to the mothers at their center, either. People who bear witness can be traumatized as well, Dekel says, and parents with PTSD can experience difficulties caring for their babies, whom they may associate with their trauma.

PTSD, postpartum depression and other perinatal mental health conditions have been found to negatively affect parenting quality and early relationships between parents and children, which in turn can impair childhood development. Research has also indicated that trauma can reverberate through generations, possibly even leaving a tangible mark on families genes.

This is something Turbin thinks about: how her mistreatment and its lingering effects may impact her children.

I would cry a lot, or maybe I would scream more than I would like to, she remembers. I had to get hypnotized to stop screaming at my kids. Years after her traumatic delivery, she says everything she feels is raw, and at times, she experiences panic or shuts down. Sometimes, when her children are screaming, she just ignores them.

Because of Abbassis actions, she says, I never became the mom I wanted to be.

Parents affected by childbirth-related PTSD may feel like theyre reliving the birth through intrusive thoughts or flashbacks, try to avoid reminders of the experience  including pregnancy  and grapple with depression and negative alterations in mood and cognition, Dekel says.

They may also be gripped by guilt and shame, she says, believing theyve failed their children or that their bodies have failed them. The same feelings often plague parents with postpartum depression, along with helplessness, hopelessness, restlessness, sadness, anxiety and emptiness. Some have suicidal thoughts. Some translate those thoughts into suicide attempts.

And if they reach out to professionals for help, parents already struggling with their mental health again face the risk of mistreatment  with potentially dire consequences.

We see and hear of many cases of care that we could characterize as mistreatment when individuals are seeking help for mental health during pregnancy, postpartum and post-loss, says Wendy Davis, the executive director of the nonprofit Postpartum Support International. That often takes the form of belittling, demeaning, blaming the individual, sometimes really overt name-calling.

Davis, who previously worked as a psychotherapist and specialized in perinatal mental health after recovering from postpartum depression and anxiety herself, says this kind of treatment from health care professionals can have a dangerous effect.

Their existing mental health symptoms have already made them think they cant do this. I shouldnt be a mom and, at worst  My baby would be better off without me. That thought is already swirling around in somebody whos dealing with a perinatal mood disorder, she explains.

So if you go to a professional, and if they give the same message, she says, perinatal patients have an extremely high risk of suicide.

Mental health conditions are the leading underlying cause of maternal mortality, according to the CDC, accounting for more than 20 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. Most of these deaths are determined to be preventable.

Davis says perinatal mental health care has taken baby steps toward improvement in recent years. At this point, in the 21st century, the resources do exist for social support, peer support. We have more and more informed perinatal mental health providers, and we have more and more informed OB and primary care providers, she says.

Dekel, too, sees progress. She points to the growing body of research on the subject and notes that the National Institutes of Health, which supports her work, has made maternal mental health a high priority. Which is terrific, she says, and I think is raising a lot of awareness among the scientific and also critical communities.

But both caution that theres still work to be done, specifically stressing the need to better educate and train providers.

The gap that exists that we really need to close, Davis says, is the gap between the resources that exist and medical care.

Broken trust

As well as exacerbating both physical and mental health risks, mistreatment can fracture mothers trust in health care workers, making them leery of receiving treatment in the future.

When somebody experiences mistreatment of any kind from a medical provider, really specific things happen, Davis says. Theres now a decrease in trust. Theres a decrease in confidence on the part of the individual. They second-guess themselves. They might blame themselves for problems that are going on. Mostly, they dont want to have the same negative experience they had before.

This can cause people to stop going to appointments, she says, or to put on a mask to try to appear better and healthier and less weak to avoid the terms of the experience before if they do return to a provider.

Mothers who suffer mistreatment have been found to be less likely to seek care throughout their pregnancies and in the wake of giving birth, a critical period for ensuring the long-term health, and even survival, of both mothers and their children. Medical mistrust can also contribute to women of color in particular eschewing perinatal mental health services, and it can cause people to put off care or decline to take medical advice for health issues extending far beyond maternity and postpartum care.

To this day, I really dont feel comfortable going to hospitals, says Sebrena Tate, citing the ways her doctors treated her during labor and postpartum care in the pandemic. I always have this sense of, whoever walks in, is everyone going to be able to walk out? Im always questioning medical providers.

After Tate went into early labor roughly six months into pregnancy, the doctors at the hospital she was admitted to werent answering her questions and were brushing the situation off, she says. She remembers being told these things just happen and we just have to wait and see.

One doctor from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) told Tate, who is Black, Dont worry about it. Black females are the strongest babies in the NICU, she recalls. The comment made her think about the harmful biases surrounding Black womens pain that have long affected their medical treatment. It made her worry what else her providers might be thinking.

Due in part to implicit and structural bias in the medical system, Black mothers in the United States face deadly disparities when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. Theyre three times as likely as their white counterparts to die due to pregnancy-related causes, according to the CDC. Theyre also about 50 percent more likely to give birth preterm  one of the leading causes of infant mortality.

I just remember being in that hospital room and being like, I dont feel safe. I feel like none of these people have my best interests at heart right now, Tate recalls. Like either myself or my daughters not going to make it out of this hospital.

She decided to leave and went to another hospital the following day. The care she received there was totally different and more attentive, she says, but her daughter ultimately passed away.

The last time Tate went to a medical provider was her six-week postpartum checkup, during which a midwife  who had not read her chart  asked her, Hows the baby?

I just feel like they dont really care, Tate says.

She did see a therapist in the wake of her experience, whom shed already been connected with when she previously dealt with postpartum depression. But she says she wasnt really able to find a lot when she searched for other support resources. Not wanting other parents to experience the same loneliness she felt, she has worked to become a resource herself by going through bereavement doula training, building her own doula service, and becoming a birth trauma group leader at Postpartum Support International.

Turbin, too, has sought to help other parents. In the years since her traumatic delivery, she has plunged into advocacy on medical board reform, maternal mortality and mistreatment. While discussing her own experience, she speaks passionately about the cases of several other women who suffered mistreatment or died in childbirth and about Latinas invisibility in conversations surrounding maternal mortality.

My advocacy just keeps on growing, because I have a lot of work to do, she says.

The fight for awareness and accountability

Disrespect and abuse in maternity care, also in some cases referred to as obstetric violence, has in recent years been recognized as a human rights violation by international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations, and explicitly outlawed by several Latin American nations.

Most countries still have no laws expressly prohibiting it, however. In fact, the law sometimes serves as an instrument for mistreatment, as in the case of court-ordered cesarean sections. And efforts to combat providers disrespect and abuse or hold them accountable for their actions are an uphill battle.

Storm OBrink seeks to do both as a full-spectrum birth worker and advocate with the University of Iowas Rape Victim Advocacy Program.

OBrink, who uses they/them pronouns, provides counseling throughout the perinatal period and accompanies survivors of obstetric violence and sexual violence to medical appointments and procedures, among other services.

They describe mistreatment theyve witnessed firsthand: patients being coerced or forced into pelvic exams or treatments they didnt want; providers completely trampling on patients boundaries.

As a doula and as an advocate, its my job to amplify the survivors voice when theyre not being heard, they say. In the case of mistreatment, I try to intervene. I try to speak up as much as I can. But theres only so much I can do before the providers will attempt to kick me out of the room.

OBrink also works to help people who want to seek some form of justice for their mistreatment complain to the hospital or state medical board, and will occasionally assist them in finding a lawyer if they think they have grounds to sue.

But they say most of these efforts end in disappointment, and it can open a wound for people as they navigate months- or even years-long processes that often involve hospitals, providers, courts or other entities invalidating the experience they had and basically saying it needed to happen this way.

Turbin filed complaints against Abbassi with the hospital and the Medical Board of California, in addition to suing him. Two years after performing her delivery, he surrendered his medical license, acknowledging physical and mental deterioration related to his age. He and Turbin later settled her lawsuit out of court.

She hopes she set a precedent with the case, in which a California judge ruled Abbassis actions could be tried as potential assault and battery. But at the same time, she says she doesnt recommend other people follow in her footsteps.

The psychological and the mental anguish isnt just from the assault. Its from everything, along with the assault that happened to me. For me, I wasnt just assaulted. I was also part of a movement to spread awareness. And yeah, I didnt have to be  but then I had to be. There was no going back, Turbin says.

I always said, Im going to do it. And I did, she says. But Im telling you, I paid the price for it. My kids paid the price for it.

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1 dead, another hurt in crash on busy Huntersville road, MEDIC says

A man died and another driver was hurt in a crash on a busy Huntersville road Tuesday, MEDIC said.

>> Channel 9s LIVE traffic map

First responders were called around 4:30 p.m. to Sam Furr Road near Old Statesville Road.

ALSO READ: I-77 North reopens after deadly crash in north Charlotte

At the scene, Chopper 9 Skyzoom could see a pickup truck and a Volkswagen sedan, both with heavy damage to their fronts. It appears they collided head-on.

MEDIC said one person died in the crash. Police said the driver of the truck was taken to a Charlotte hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Huntersville police identified the victim as 25-year-old Shakeem Chaney. He was driving the Volkswagen, they said.

Sam Furr Road was blocked in both directions while crews worked to clear the scene.

*ROAD CLOSED* Sam Furr Road is currently closed between Old Statesville and Westmoreland Roads; following a serious crash. Avoid the area & please select an alternate route. Look for traffic direction from @HuntersvillePD. #CLTtraffic #RoadClosure #Crash pic.twitter.com/0GN1bbALRn  Huntersville Fire (@Huntersville_FD) May 28, 2024

Police are still investigating what caused the crash.

Neither vehicle had any passengers inside.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: Videos show street takeovers, fireworks in Uptown Charlotte, NoDa)




BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A driver is dead after a two-vehicle crash in the Delano area Saturday morning.

According to Delano police, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Albany Street on May 25 around 8:05 a.m.

The driver of a maroon Hyundai SUV was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated. They were uninjured.

Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash.

Anyone with information related to this crash is asked to call the Delano Police Department at 661-721-3377.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
The names of one person killed and two others injured in a crash Saturday in Muscatine County have not been released.

According to an Iowa State Patrol report, the crash happened shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday at 120th Street and Taylor Avenue when a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee collided with a 2017 Chevy Equinox.

The Jeep was eastbound on 120th Street and failed to stop at a stop sign, the report says. It proceeded through the intersection of Taylor Avenue.

The Jeep collided with the Equinox, which was southbound on Taylor Avenue. The Jeep broadsided the Equinox, and caused it to roll.

One person was killed, according to the report. Another person was transported by Aircare to University Hospitals, Iowa City, and another person was transported by EMS to Genesis Medical Center  East Campus. No names of anyone involved have been released.

The crash remains under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Over the past day, 115 combat engagements took place on the frontline, with 45 enemy attacks recorded between the start of the day on May 28 and noon. At the same time, the invaders did not launch any assaults in the north of Kharkiv region. In the Pokrovsk sector, the Defense Forces repelled the enemy and are trying to stabilize the situation.

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At the same time, the enemy is suffering losses. Air defense, missile, and artillery units hit 24 areas of concentration of the RAF personnel over the past day. Details of the situation at the front as of 12:00 on May 28 were reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The past day was marked by fierce fighting in various sectors of the frontline: 115 combat engagements were recorded. The invaders also actively attacked the positions of Ukrainian soldiers and civilian settlements.

In particular, three missiles, 93 UAVs, 1050 kamikaze drones, and more than four thousand strikes from various types of weapons, including 138 from multiple launch rocket systems, were recorded.

The defense forces continue to give a powerful rebuff to the enemy. Over the past day, air defense, missile, and artillery units hit 24 areas of concentration of the RAF personnel over the past day.

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The situation at the front is still difficult today. Since the beginning of the day on May 28, 45 combat engagements have already taken place.

"The occupants carried out seven air strikes using nine combat aircrafts, and fired at the positions of our troops using various types of weapons 656 times. Russian terrorists also used 43 kamikaze drones for attacks," the General Staff said.

In the Kharkiv sector, the occupants did not conduct any assault operations since the beginning of the day. Units of our troops are reinforcing the defense and keeping the Russian invaders under fire control.

In the Kupiansk sector, seven fierce fights have already taken place since the beginning of the day. In the areas of Petropavlivka, Druzheliubivka and Nevske, six attacks were repelled. Another fight in the area of Nevske is ongoing.

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In the Lyman sector, as of 12 p.m., five hostile attacks continued in the areas of Terny, Torske and Bilohorivka. Our defenders successfully repelled one attack in the area of Torske and Bilohorivka. No positions were lost.

The enemy is also trying to be active in the Siversk sector Ukrainian troops repelled one attack and four more are ongoing. The General Staff called the situation controllable.

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In the Kramatorsk sector, the enemy has tried to improve the tactical situation four times since the beginning of the day. They are conducting assault operations near Hryhorivka, Klishchiivka and Andriivka. Three enemy attempts to advance were successfully repelled by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Fighting continues in the area of Andriivka.

"No positions were lost. The situation is under control," the General Staff assured.

The fiercest fighting has been taking place in the Pokrovsk sector for the last day. Since the beginning of the day, 15 combat engagements took place there: seven attacks near Novooleksandrivka, Prohres and Novoselivka were repelled by Ukrainian troops. Eight more were ongoing as of 12:00.

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"Defense forces continue to make efforts to stabilize the situation in this area," the General Staff emphasized.

In the Kurakhove sector, one attack near Kostiantynivka has been repelled. The battle in the vicinity of Vodiane continues.

"The enemy is trying to push our defenders from their positions with intense fire. The Defense Forces units, in turn, are making every effort to stabilize the situation," the report says.

Since the beginning of the day, Ukrainian troops have been repelling an attack in the Vremivsk sector near Rozdolne. The situation is under control.

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In the Prydniprovsk sector, the enemy made three unsuccessful attempts to push Ukrainian troops back from Krynky.

According to the General Staff, the situation in other areas has not changed significantly.

As a reminder, on the morning of May 28, the General Staff said that the day before, the Ukrainian Armed Forces had eliminated another 1,460 occupants, dozens of armored personnel carriers and artillery systems. In total, the Russians lost 175 pieces of military equipment and weapons over the course of a day.

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Russia's losses in manpower during the full-scale invasion reached 503,800 people.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
UPDATE: TUESDAY 5/28/2024 6:07 a.m.

The Colorado Springs Police Department said 12-year-old Jamier Green was found safe

ORIGINAL STORY: 12-year-old last seen in Knob Hill area

MONDAY 5/27/2024 9:10 p.m.

(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A 12-year-old boy is missing from the Downtown Colorado Springs area, and the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is asking the community for help locating him.

12-year-old Jamier Green was last seen around 4 p.m. on Monday, May 27 in the area of East Platte Avenue and East Boulder Street, in the Knob Hill neighborhood northeast of Memorial Park. He was last seen heading east toward Union Boulevard, CSPD said.

Jamier is described as black, standing 57 and weighing around 240 pounds. He was last seen wearing a navy long thermal shirt with a red logo, black track pants with a grey stripe down the sides, and all-black New Balance shoes.

If you see Jamier or know where he is, you are asked to contact CSPD at (719) 444-7000.

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 FOX21 News Colorado.
A single-vehicle crash Memorial Day in El Dorado County killed a 14-year-old driver and sent two passengers  including an 8-year-old girl  to the hospital with major injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officers were called about 2:10 p.m. Monday to Mormon Emigrant Trail, west of Park Creek Road in Pollock Pines. A Ford Ranger pickup truck, headed west on Mormon Emigrant Trail, left the road and crashed into a tree, said Officer Hugh Council, a spokesman for the CHPs Placerville office.

The passengers included an 8-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man, Council said.

Firefighters with the El Dorado County Fire Protection District said one person was taken to a hospital while another was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center after the truck overturned.

Council didnt immediately know the relationships between the victims or the cause behind the crash. It wasnt known why the boy was behind the wheel  California motor vehicle law says a driver must be at least 15 to have a learners permit.

The investigation into the crash was ongoing, Council said.
Kamila Stewart has been missing since Monday in the early afternoon hours, the Milwaukee Police Department said in a news release. She was last seen on the 6500 block of West Florist Avenue.

A 16-year-old girl and her baby who had been missing since Monday afternoon were found safe.

Police said they were found safe shortly after 9 p.m.

The two were described as critically missing. That term is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Police locate 16-year-old Milwaukee girl missing with her baby
18-year-old NC woman killed when tree falls on trailer during Memorial Day storms

An 18-year-old woman was killed when a tree fell on a trailer in Clay County, North Carolina, during severe weather on Monday.

Clay County is just above Towns County in Georgia.

EMS and Clay County fire emergency services were dispatched to the Penland Point Community Monday after a tree had fallen on a trailer. The woman was found dead inside.

An investigation determined that a a tree had been pushed over by the wind before landing on the teen inside the trailer.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Winds in Clay County reached as high as 70 miles per hour on Memorial Day.

Friends identified the teen on a GoFundMe as Kara Bryson, a senior at Tuscola High School in Haywood County, NC.

She had been in Clay County with friends over Memorial Day Weekend.

TRENDING STORIES:

Kara was a senior at Tuscola High School, and was recently pinned as a CNA and enjoyed working with the residents at Skyland Terrace, friends wrote on GoFundMe. She planned on attending HCC in the fall and pursuing a degree in the medical field! Kara is loved by many, especially by her mother, father, and 3 younger brothers!.

Skyland Terrace Rehabilitation also posted about Brysons death, writing:

We were lucky enough to work with Kara and get a chance to see what an amazing young lady she was. We will miss her dearly.

You can contribute to the GoFundMe HERE.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
About a million people have fled Rafah in recent weeks, the United Nations refugee agency helping Palestinians, known as UNRWA, said Tuesday as Israel steps up its attacks on the southern Gaza city.

The city was believed to be sheltering more than a million Palestinians who had fled south as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensified in Gaza.

UNRWA said the movement of Palestinians happened with nowhere safe to go and amidst bombardments, lack of food and water, piles of waste and unsuitable living conditions.

The agency added that supplying aid for those in the city is now nearly impossible, citing the rising fighting and logistical concerns. Palestinian refugees in Gaza are now facing an unprecedented health emergency, the organization said in its annual report, also released Tuesday.

Most of those who have fled have moved to an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone nearby, though aid groups have remarked that the area is undersupplied and overcrowded.

As we can see, there is nothing humanitarian about these areas, Suze van Meegen, head of operations in Gaza for the Norwegian Refugee Council, told The Associated Press.

The area has no central kitchen, marketplace or hospitals, with the only medical service coming from small tents. There is also limited access to water and sewage infrastructure.

Its just a matter of time before people begin to suffer greatly from food insecurity, Mercy Corps, a nongovernmental organization focused on providing humanitarian aid, said.

The Israeli military has slowly encroached on Rafah, despite strong warnings from the Biden administration. President Biden warned earlier this month that he would stop military aid shipments to Israel if it invaded Rafah without a plan approved by U.S. leaders to limit civilian casualties.

More than half of Gazas population of 2.3 million people were believed to be sheltering in Rafah, and more than 80 percent of the territorys population overall are displaced from their homes. The U.N. said famine has begun in parts of the region as civilians struggle to get access to humanitarian aid.

More than 120 aid trucks entered the city Sunday from Egypt, the first since the Israeli military seized the crossing earlier this month. It was not immediately clear if local aid groups could access the humanitarian supplies, however, per the AP, as fighting in the area has made humanitarian work difficult.

Much of southern Gaza, including Rafah, has been mostly cut off from aid since the Israeli military began what it described as a limited operation into the area early this month. Humanitarian convoys with supplies for aid groups to distribute for free have now fallen to nearly their lowest levels in the war, the U.N. said.

An American-built floating pier has begun to deliver some aid to the area, though aid groups say it is much less than promised and that there are not enough trucks to adequately distribute supplies.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An excavation within Laodicea uncovered a 2,100-year-old statue head of the goddess Hygieia.

Revered as the goddess of health and cleanliness, statues of Hygieia were often located at key healing centers and temples.

Discovering a piece of a Hygieia statue further cements Laodiceas status as a prominent cultural center in the first century B.C.

The goddess of health, Hygieia, must be thrilled to have her headin this case, the head of a statuepulled from the dusty ruins of an ancient amphitheater after 2,100 years.

As an archeological team helped with the restoration of the amphitheater in Laodicea, a project that started in 2003, Pamukkale University researcher Celal Simsek says unearthing the ancient statue head of Hygieia was an incredible find. Writing on X, Simsek calls the discovery the meeting of the Sun and Hygieia with us in Laodicea after 2,100 years.

Hygieia played prominently in both ancient Greek and Roman mythology as the daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine. Hygieia, where we get the word hygiene, was known as the goddess of health and cleanliness and statues of her cropped up in healing centers and alongside temples dedicated to Asclepius.

The work in Laodicea had previously unearthed a statue of Aslepius, so discovering the head of Hygieia added another level of excitement. Both statues were made in the late Hellenistic-early Augusts Period in the classical style, Simsek says, according to Hurriyet Daily News. The statues of the god and goddess of health reveal the presence of the Herophileion medical school in the ancient city of Laodicea and the ancient writer Strabo, one of the important doctors trained there. All statues have very fine workmanship and are of high artistic quality.

Originally known as Laodicea on the edge of the Lycus, the ancient Greek city, now in southwestern Turkey outside of modern-day Denizli, rose to prominence likely after its founding by Antiochus II around 261 B.C. Tucked against the south side of the Lycus River, the citys success was in part thanks to its location near the river and along a major overland trade route. It didnt stay in Greek hands long and was soon conquered by the Romans. Laodicea is also well known as one of the seven churches discussed in Revelation in the Bible and shares proximity to other prominent Biblical cities, such as sitting roughly 100 miles east of Ephesus.

In its heyday, the city was believed to house the largest stadium in Asia Minor, two theaters, four baths, five fountains, and a bounty of temples, churches, and decorative streetscapes. Archaeologists have said that the splendor of the city was largely in the Roman style, heavy with colonnades and extravagance.

But none of it lasted, likely thanks to earthquakes. One struck the city in 60 A.D., while Nero ruled, and while the city largely rebuilt, additional earthquakes in 494 A.D. and after 602 A.D. made living in the area difficult, especially as the political landscape shifted with the ground. It is later believed Laodicea was destroyed fully during the invasion of the Turks and Mongols.

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HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Two people from Horry County are facing several charges after two abnormally skinny boys in their care were beaten and locked in a room without food and bathroom privileges, according to police records obtained by News13.

Aleesha Michele Washington, 33, was charged with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of abandonment of children and two counts of abuse inflicting great bodily injury upon a child.

Davon Lamont Moore, 35, was charged with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of abuse inflicting great bodily injury upon a child and three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. Both Moore and Washington remain in the J. Reuben Long Detention Center after being booked May 22.

The boys, who were found abandoned at about 12:30 a.m. May 7 at the Seacoast Youth Academy on Bay Road, had lacerations, scars and bruising when police arrived, according to an incident report. They were taken into protective custody.

Police talked to one of the boys on May 10, who told them that since December, Washington and Moore would lock him in his bedroom from the outside for hours. They also tied his hands and feet together with a zip tie, an arrest warrant shows. The boy was locked inside without food, clothing or bathroom privileges and was even assaulted beyond reasonable corporal punishment.

One of the boys also recounted how Moore forced him to lock his adopted brothers in their room without food or bathroom privileges. He also forced him to make sure orders were followed, according to an arrest warrant. The boy also told police Moore and Washington would excessively physically punish him, resulting in permanent disfigurement and bodily function that would have killed him if he had not been treated.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services told News13 on May 14 that it was investigating alongside Horry County police.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read 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.
Air Command East showed one of the FrankenSAM projects, a hybrid air defense system that the United States has redesigned for Ukraine, for the first time. It is a Soviet Buk anti-aircraft missile system with American RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles.

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The first enemy target was shot down by the defenders back in January 2024, but only now is it possible to see what this SAM looks like. More details about this were provided by Defense Express.

The pictures of the vehicle in the East military industrial complex illustrated the story of Major S., who shoots down Russian cruise missiles, airplanes, and helicopters in his area of responsibility. He explained that the most difficult targets to hit are those flying at extremely low altitudes.

Although the photo shows the 9A310 self-propelled gun covered by a camouflage net, analysts noted that some details of the integration have now become publicly known. In particular, the fact that its launcher remained original or with minor changes. But instead of four 9M38 missiles, it holds the same number of RIM-7s in transport and launch containers.

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In the photo from another angle, the experts saw that the radar equipment of the 9A310 has not undergone significant changes either. For example, the 9C35 radar's radar hood remained in the same place.

"It is not known whether there is a Soviet radar underneath, which is responsible for detecting, tracking and illuminating the target. But, most likely, the 9C35 has remained unchanged... It operates in the centimeter range, as does the target illumination radar for the RIM-7 missile: Mk 115, Mk 95 or Mk 23. But this does not mean that the Soviet radar did not have to be modernized or reconfigured to the necessary frequencies and modulations," the publication says.

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The experts also drew attention to the marks of downed targets that the defenders had put on the installation. In particular, they destroyed two enemy reconnaissance drones and a Lancet attack UAV.

"That is, this air defense system works quite effectively even against small targets," the analysts added.

They also noted that with the RIM-7 missiles, the range of the Buk has decreased. According to some reports, it is 20 km. For example, the range of the three times heavier Soviet 9M38 is up to 30 km, but such missiles are probably produced only in the aggressor country Russia.

Therefore, experts are convinced that the transition to the RIM-7 is an absolutely pragmatic and fairly quick solution because otherwise all the Buk missile systems available in Ukraine without missiles would have to be "sent to a warehouse or converted into tractors."

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As a reminder, hybrid air defense systems of the FrankenSAM project have advanced Western-caliber surface-to-air missiles with modernized launchers or Soviet-era radars. FrankenSAM has three combinations: a hybrid of Buk and RIM-7 missiles; Soviet radar and AIM-9; and Buk with Patriot elements (the most powerful). On the night of January 17, our defenders used this system for the first time and shot down a Shahed kamikaze drone from a distance of nine kilometers.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
20-year-old shot to death by 16-year-old in attempted armed robbery in Athens

A 20-year-old father was shot to death in what police said was an attempted armed robbery in Athens.

The shooting happened around 10:25 p.m. on May 27 at the Rolling Ridge Apartments.

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The victim, Cameron Manago, was found with a gunshot wound and rushed to the hospital, where he died.

Zyquavious Thomas, 16, has been arrested and charged with felony murder, attempted armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Thomas is being charged as an adult.

TRENDING STORIES:

A woman on social media identified Manago as the father of one of her children.

Every time she seen her dada she brightens up real bad, Mykiah Stephens wrote. I love you and your name will still be alive as long as Im standing.

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This is an ongoing, active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Lister at 762-400-7333 or via email at Hovie.Lister@accgov.com.




85 TVs for $60: Hundreds of televisions from Paycor Stadium to go up for sale

Whether youre looking to own a piece of Paycor Stadium or just looking for a new television, you might want to head to the stadium this weekend.

Hamilton County is selling gently used TVs that have been removed from Paycor Stadium as part of ongoing renovations, according to our news partners at WCPO in Cincinnati. The public sale will take place this Saturday.

>> Were so proud of you! Miami Valley native crowned Miss Ohio 2024

The price range for the televisions will be $30 and $60. Here is the breakdown of the pricing for the televisions:

24  39 for $30

40  49 for $40

50  55 for $50

56  85 for $60

The televisions were in working condition when they were removed from the walls of Paycor Stadium. They do not come with remote controls, so buyers will need to get a universal remote.

Anyone interested in going to the sale will need to bring cash in the exact amount of their purchase, WCPO reported.

>> Ohio father indicted after allegedly using cattle prod to discipline children

All televisions must be picked up immediately by the buyer, who must also bring their own loading help.

The sale will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 1, or until the televisions sell out, WCPO reported. The sale will take place at Gate D at the stadium.

This may not be the only sale the county holds this summer. As WCPO reported, the Hamilton County Stadia and Parking Department is considering a second sale later in the summer after more TVs are replaced at the stadium.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The You Can in Michigan marketing campaign has won 11 Telly Awards.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation won four Gold Awards and seven Silver Awards for a TV spot thats part of the $20 million national campaign, it said in a Tuesday release.

It won gold in the Use of Generative AI, B2C: Business-to-Consumer and Regional TV and Editing categories; it won silver in the Recruitment, DEI, Art Direction, Digital Environment, 2D Animation, Visual Effects and Directing categories.

We know that Michigan is home to the best people and opportunities, and the You Can in Michigan campaign aims to share our great states story with the rest of the world, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer Hilary Doe said in the release. I am proud to see our efforts recognized as we continue the work of growing our population and attracting talent to Michigan.

The TV spot that earned the MEDC the 11 awards touts career opportunities in the tech, medicine and auto industries. It also touts the states outdoor offerings and ends with a shot of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
A 4-year-old boy drowned in a residential pool in North Brunswick, New Jersey on Saturday night, local officials said.

First responders found the boy after police received a 911 call at 7:46 p.m. reporting that the child was found in the homes pool and was not breathing, according to a joint statement Sunday from Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and North Brunswick Police Chief Joseph Battaglia.

Officials performed CPR but were unable to save the boy, authorities said.

The child, whose name wasnt released, was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

First responders performed CPR on the boy but could not save him, officials said. stock.adobe.com

Our hearts are heavy with this tragic loss, Ciccone and Battaglia said in the statement. We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this incredibly difficult time. We also urge everyone to ensure the safety of all children when near water.

Authorities did not provide details about the tragedy, including the address where it happened, how the boy ended up in the pool, and whether the boy lived at the home.

Both the North Brunswick Police and Middlesex County prosecutors office are investigating.

In a news release about the death, officials linked to guidelines from the Red Cross about Home Pool and Hot Tub Safety.

The boy was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Christopher Sadowski

The nonprofit organization urges families to secure your pool with appropriate barriers, and to designate a water watcherand stay in arms reach of young children. It also advises to check the water first if a child is missing.
4-year-old girl drowns in pool near apartment, York County coroner says

A 4-year-old girl drowned over the weekend in York County, the coroner confirmed Tuesday.

It happened Saturday. The county coroner said the girl, Rose Blankenship, was reported missing from her apartment in Clover before she was found in a nearby swimming pool.

ALSO READ: 2 children drown at Gaston County home, police say

The case is under investigation by the York County Sheriffs Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the coroners office.

The coroner didnt share any more information about what happened, but the York County Sheriffs Office said there was nothing suspicious about her death.

The news comes after two children drowned at a Gaston County home the same weekend. County police are consulting with the district attorneys office, but at this time, foul play isnt suspected in that case.

(WATCH BELOW: First responders recover missing person from Mountain Island Lake)
BRAINTREE, Mass. (AP)  A Massachusetts man will be arraigned Tuesday on multiple charges including assault with the intent to murder after six people, including four girls at a movie theater, were stabbed in separate attacks, officials said.

Jared Ravizza, 26, of Chilmark, a town on Marthas Vineyard, was arrested Saturday night after a police pursuit.

Police said a person entered the AMC Braintree 10 south of Boston about 6 p.m. Saturday and went into one of the theaters without paying.

The girls, ages 9 to 17, were inside the theater when the individual suddenly attacked them without saying anything and without any warning before running out, the Braintree Police Department said in a news release.

At least 22 dead in Memorial Day weekend storms that devastated multiple states

The four suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospitals.

Video footage showed the suspects vehicle and a license plate, and that information was broadcast to law enforcement, police said.

A vehicle matching that description was later seen in Plymouth, about 27 miles (43 kilometers) south of Braintree. Police said it had left a McDonalds restaurant, where a 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were found stabbed. Both were taken to hospitals with injuries.

Surveillance video appears to show Ravizza allegedly reaching through the drive-through window and stab the man with a large knife, according to the district attorneys office.

State police found the vehicle another 20 miles (32.19 kilometers) south, in Sandwich, and unsuccessfully attempted to pull it over. The vehicle later crashed.

Ravizza, the driver, was taken into custody shortly afterward and was being treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Ravizza is being charged in the restaurant attack and is being investigated in the theater stabbings, officials said.

Ravizza was arrested in April on Marthas Vineyard and charged with assault and battery on a family or household member, as well as vandalism, after he allegedly attacked his father, according to court records, The Boston Globe reported.

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Ravizzas father told officers that Ravizza had just had a mental break and attacked him inside his home, according to the police report.

The newspaper reported that Ravizza was sent to Marthas Vineyard Hospital for a mental health evaluation, but did not meet their standards to be held, the report said. The Edgartown case was sent to pretrial diversion.

It was not immediately known if Ravizza has an attorney who can speak on his behalf. No phone listing could be found in Ravizzas name.

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.
5 arrested after metro Atlanta man shows up to hospital kidnapped, shot, stabbed

Five people in Bartow County are facing serious charges after a man showed up at the hospital claiming he had been kidnapped, beaten, shot and stabbed.

Deputies were called to Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center on Joe Frank Harris Pkwy. when a 32-year-old man showed up with a gunshot and stab wound.

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He told investigators that the incident happened at a home on Wagon Wheel Drive in Acworth, nearly 15 miles from the hospital.

The man, whose identity has not been released, told deputies that he was held against his will and was shot, stabbed and then repeatedly beaten by a group of people.

After the assault, he told investigators that his attackers let him leave.

TRENDING STORIES:

Those arrested include:

Jaleyne Elymar Vivas-Blanco, 20 - charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and tampering with evidence

Jerry Scott Taylor, 42 - charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Austin Reed Sedlaczek, 24 - charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence and obstruction

Michael Charles Wade, 33 - charged with tampering with evidence

Stephanie Lynn Holbrook, 52 - charged with tampering with evidence

All are being held in the Bartow County Jail.

Bartow County Sheriff Clark Millsap says everyone involved knew one another and they dont expect to arrest anyone else.

The victim is expected to survive his injuries.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
A shooting on Memorial Day wounded five people, including a teenager, at a Meadowview neighborhood apartment complex, Sacramento police said.

Officers were alerted about 8 p.m. Monday of gunfire breaking out amid a large group of people who gathered at Villa Jardin and Coral Gables Apartments, an affordable housing complex bordering Coral Gables Court, according to archived audio dispatches. The location is across from Genesis Church.

The age of the victims ranged from a person in their 40s to a girl in her late teens, according to police. Each victim  two women and three men  was hospitalized in stable condition as of late Monday, said Officer Cody Tapley, a spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department.

Officers have not announced any suspect description. The incident remains under investigation, police said.
I was just trying to get in the store, minding my own business, and next thing I know just all hell breaks loose. It was a vicious attack, something I never thought I would experience in my life. It was just one person to start with, but out of nowhere there were seven or eight people just kind of gang up on me. Some from the front, some from the back.

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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Six drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence during Memorial Day Weekend, according to the Clovis Police Department.

Police say officers were specifically on patrol looking for DUI drivers. The enforcement was from Friday to Sunday.

Police are asking if you see a suspected DUI driver call 911. This DUI Saturation detail was paid for by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Iran continues to supply the terrorist country Russia with various weapons for its war against Ukraine. Recently, Iranian Qaem-5 guided aerial bombs were spotted on the battlefield.

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The carriers of these weapons are Mohajer-6 strike and reconnaissance drones. This is reported by the BILD publication.

It is noteworthy that such a UAV with bombs on suspensions recently crashed in the Kursk region. It is likely that the Russian occupiers intended to drop Qaem-5 bombs on the territory of the Sumy region.

Iran put these bombs into service only in 2019. Moreover, Russia has not previously used Qaem-5 in the war against Ukraine. German journalists note that the use of such weapons indicates a "new level" of military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.

Qaem5 bombs can destroy targets at a distance of 12 to 20 km, depending on the altitude of the drone. Iran also claimed to have developed a new version of the bomb with a range of up to 40 km. The Qaem5 is equipped with a television guidance system.

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As a reminder, an Iranian-made Mohajer-6 ER-858 reconnaissance and strike drone was spotted carrying Qaem5 aerial bombs in the Kursk region.

Earlier, it was reported that the aggressor country Russia produces artillery shells about three times faster than Ukraine's Western allies, and these munitions are about four times cheaper.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A 61-year-old woman was arrested for murder in Henderson County after she allegedly shot her boyfriend.

According to the sheriffs office, Patricia Childs, 61 of Eustace, called them around 8:15 p.m. on Monday and said she had shot her boyfriend and he was not breathing.

Suspected explosion causes damages to Zavalla church

Deputies responded to the scene in the 15,000 block of Morning Star Circle were officials said they found Troy Aldredge dead with gunshot wounds outside the home. Officials said Childs was found sitting inside the home with a handgun on the floor of the living area.

A search warrant was later issued for the home.

Childs was taken to the emergency room at her request, according to authorities, and after being released was placed under arrest for murder and booked into the Henderson County Jail.

Mugshot of Patricia Childs courtesy of the Henderson County Jail.

Officials with the Henderson County Sheriffs Office, EMS, Henderson County District Attorneys Office and Texas Rangers responded to the scene.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
RODANTHE  An unoccupied, privately owned house located at 24131 Ocean Drive in Rodanthe, just south of Rodanthe Pier, collapsed into the ocean early Tuesday morning. This is the sixth house in that stretch of Hatteras Island to collapse in the past four years, according to a National Park Service press release.

A white door floated under Rodanthe Pier on Hatteras Island early morning Tuesday, along with pieces of house pilings and a large chunk of what appeared to be wooden siding.

The heavy debris occasionally knocked into the pilings holding up the pier, which has seen its own fair share of damage from the Atlantic Ocean and can be felt swaying at times.

The debris from the house were scattered across the beach to the north of the house and north of the pier.

Around 8:45 a.m., a handful of onlookers on the beach and on the pier viewed the piles of broken wood of various sizes, pillows and an assortment of furniture on the beach, with more washing up as the tide came in.

All that was left of the formerly two-story house on pilings was a small chunk of its top floor. The ocean had turned it 90 degrees, so that the roof seam was parallel with the ocean instead of being perpendicular as it used to be.

House debris in the waterpieces of siding, insulation, pilings and morevisibly extended beyond the length of the pier.

The house likely collapsed around 2:30 a.m. on May 28, according to a National Park Service (NPS) press release sent around 9 a.m.

To help ensure the safety of visitors and allow for cleanup activities to occur, an approximately one-mile section of beach is closed from Sea Haven Drive to South Shore Drive, the press release said.

With debris drifting northward, the press release urged visitors to avoid the beaches north of Sea Haven Drive into the southern portion of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Dangerous debris may be present on the beach and in the water, the release said. Additional beach closures may be necessary as the debris spreads and cleanup efforts proceed.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore anticipates a debris removal contractor hired by the property owner to arrive Tuesday afternoon, according to the release.

The property owners mailing address is listed as in Arvene, New York, according to online Dare County property records.

It is unclear why they did not remove furniture or contract with a company to tear the house down before it met its demise.

The house has been on the brink of collapse for a while and was just ready to go, according to a neighbor several rows of houses to the west.

Last Friday, we noticed it leaning forward and to the left, Becky Young Todd said in a message. We called and the NPS put a danger of collapse sign on it. It fell in the middle of the night.

The ocean previously claimed five unoccupied, privately owned houses in Rodanthe since May 2020, with four falling in a 13-month period. Two houses on Ocean Drive fell on the same day  May 10, 2022  during a multi-day noreaster.

The park service bought two houses on East Beacon Road in Rodanthe last September and contracted with a Powells Point-based company for them to be demolished in planned events in mid-November.

David Hallac, superintendent of the National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, said before the first demolition that the erosion rate in that stretch of Rodanthe is about 10 feet a year.

Cleanup can take over a month after unplanned house collapses, according to Mike Dunn, the owner of W.M. Dunn Construction, which was awarded the park service contract. Dunn said Nov. 15 before the first planned demolition that he expected most of the debris from the first house to be removed by the end of that day.

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For more information about the threatened oceanfront structures that border Cape Hatteras National Seashore, visit go.nps.gov/cahatos.
73-Year-Old Man Survives 5 Days in the Wilderness After His Raft Flips Over in Idaho River

Thomas Gray was found safe on Wednesday, May 22  five days after he launched a cataraft from Marsh Creek

Custer County Sheriff Idaho/Facebook Custer County Marine Deputy John Haugh (left) and 73-year-old Thomas Gray

An Idaho man has opened up about being lost in the wilderness for days after his raft flipped over in a local river.

Thomas Gray, 73, was found safe on Wednesday, May 22, five days after he launched a cataraft from Marsh Creek, according to a news release from the Custer County Sheriffs Office (CCSO).

Gray found himself in trouble when a series of log jams caused his vessel to break apart and led him to sustain a leg injury.

Authorities said Gray attempted to raft down Dagger Falls the next day, but was flipped and ejected from his boat at the base.

Related: Teen Sustains Only Scrapes After 400-Foot Fall into Washington National Forest Canyon

Luckily, Gray was able to swim to shore. He climbed the nearby mountain and hiked toward the Boundary Creek Launch site, where he remained for the next two nights due to his injury.

Gray stayed in the boat ramps outhouse for two days before making his way toward Fir Creek Pass. By Tuesday, May 21, he found shelter in the Bruce Meadows Snowmobile Club trailer.

On Wednesday, Gray continued down Bear Valley Road, but grew too exhausted to continue about three miles below the pass, according to the sheriffs office. That same morning, two people spotted Gray in the snow while traveling into Boundary Creek.



Several first responders who were on board the vehicle at the time immediately began to render aid, per the CCSO.

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"If they hadn't come along, he probably wouldn't have lasted much longer," said Custer County sheriff's marine deputy John Haugh, per NBC affiliate KSL-TV. "He was in pretty bad shape when they got him."

After meeting with authorities at the Mountain Village Restaurant in Stanley, Gray was reunited with his wife at the sheriffs office.

Related: Bear Mauls 15-Year-Old Boy as He Watches TV in Arizona: Got Him on the Nose and the Cheek

Gray walked an estimated 23 miles between May 19 and May 22, according to the CCSO. He had no food throughout the ordeal, and was only able to drink out of creeks and eat snow.

He was resigned that this was not going to end well, Haugh explained, per KSL-TV.

The CCSO thanked all who helped create a positive ending to this situation. Meanwhile, Haugh reminded those venturing into the wilderness to never go alone, and be as prepared as possible.

The sheriff's marine also recommended having a satellite communicator for such excursions.



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Eleven people are facing charges related to two shootings in Cartersville that police have connected to one another.

Cartersville police say they were called to a shooting on Lee and Walker streets in late April. They didnt find a victim, but later a man arrived at Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center with a gunshot.

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Three people were arrested related to that shooting, including Ronald Michelle Osburn and MaKayla Ann Tanner.

Tanner was released from the Bartow County Jail the next day, but Osburn is still being held there.

Earlier this month, officers found a car that had been shot up on Stokley Street. Luckily, the driver and passenger escaped serious injuries.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says this shooting was related to the first one, but did not comment on how.

TRENDING STORIES:

Seven more adults and a juvenile, whose identity has not been released, have been arrested in connection to both shootings.

Deon Shaquille Burton, Joseph Kennemore, Jeremiah Keith Lambert, Jaylen Reece Sisson, Zakavious Slocum and Jesus Deshawn Williams were arrested and face two counts of aggravated assault. All of them are being held in the Bartow County Jail.

Naudia Renee Carter was arrested and charged with hindering apprehension. She was released from jail the day after her arrest.

Its unclear what charges the juvenile faces.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
80 NJ Transit train stations aren't accessible to the disabled. Money is on the way

EAST ORANGE  City residents and their local representatives have been fighting since at least 2018 to get accessibility improvements and repair work done at the two NJ Transit stations that serve the city of about 70,000.

Thanks to a new federal grant program, they are halfway there.

An $83.3 million grant was announced Tuesday morning for wide-ranging repairs and upgrades to NJ Transits Brick Church station, one of eight awards announced through the All Stations Accessibility Program, a federal grant program created two and a half years ago when the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act was signed into law.

Story continues below photo gallery

NJ Transit is chipping in $20.9 million for the local match, which made the agency eligible to compete for the grant.

For Kevin Corbett, CEO and president of NJ Transit, the investment in Brick Church goes beyond one station.

This is really a great example of not just a station improvement but really revitalizing a whole neighborhood, Corbett said, noting the mixed-use residential development rising next to the station.

May 28, 2024; East Orange, N.J.; NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett speaks during a press conference to announce Federal Transit Administration support for rail systems including funding to modernize public transportation in New Jersey on Tuesday morning.

This kind of project is one of the best investments we can make in New Jersey, this project will stand the test of time for decades to come, improving the lives of countless commuters, promoting a cleaner, more sustainable planet by enhancing public transits accessibility, supporting economic growth and vitality for generations to come.

State Sen. Britnee Timberlake, whose hometown is East Orange, described how modernizing the citys transit stations were among her first priorities after getting elected to the state Assembly in 2018.

Related: Gov. Murphy sends scathing letter to Amtrak after 'disaster' rush hour commute

She said she and Mayor Ted Green had long wanted to improve access to terminals for those with disabilities, and recalled the community's older residents "who came with a PowerPoint presentation and said, We have disparities that exist. And they went and took pictures of train stations all around the region and came back and said, Will you help us? Timberlake said. We did not stop until this day was realized.

May 28, 2024; East Orange, N.J.; State Senator Britnee N. Timberlake speaks during a press conference to announce Federal Transit Administration support for rail systems including funding to modernize public transportation in New Jersey on Tuesday morning.

A four-year construction program will take place at the station and include the following upgrades:

Installing two elevators

Installing high-level platforms

Adding security cameras and other safety measures

Renovating a pedestrian tunnel and stairways.

Many rail stations in the U.S. are not accessible to the disabled

For NJ Transit and other transit agencies around the country that inherited rail infrastructure several decades old, it is a costly endeavor to bring these facilities into compliance with modern day code and accessibility requirements.

That is why this five-year, $1.7 billion federal competitive grant program was created, said Veronica Vanterpool, acting administrator of the Federal Transit Administration that oversees the program.

May 28, 2024; East Orange, N.J.; Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool speaks during a press conference to announce FTA support for rail systems including funding to modernize public transportation in New Jersey on Tuesday morning.

We have many transit systems, particularly our older ones, that are not accessible to everyone that needs them and that means transit cannot be the lifeline of opportunity for everyone, only for some  and what were trying to do here is level that playing field, Vanterpool said, noting that 951 of the 3,720 rail stations in the country are inaccessible to those with disabilities.

In addition to Timberlake and Green, Vanterpool was joined by U.S. Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Rob Menendez and posthumous mentions were given to U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, who died earlier this month  all of whom voted in favor of the IIJA bill or have helped ensure that dollars from competitive grant programs like this one get back to New Jersey districts.

Of the 166 rail stations that serve NJ Transit trains and customers, more than 80 stations are not accessible, per the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. And of those stations that are considered accessible, five were identified by the U.S. Attorneys office in 2022 for falling out of compliance with the ADA, requiring a settlement agreement to make more than 200 fixes and address violations.

May 28, 2024; East Orange, N.J.; Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill speaks during a press conference to announce Federal Transit Administration support for rail systems including funding to modernize public transportation in New Jersey on Tuesday morning.

Since Gov. Phil Murphys administration took over in 2018, more than $6 billion in capital projects has gotten underway at NJ Transit, including rehabilitation programs at 20 rail stations. The $83 million that will be invested in Brick Church station is more money than was spent on the agencys entire capital program in 2017, Corbett noted.

Timberlake applauded the progress, but reminded the dignitaries and agency officials in attendance that more work  and money  will be needed to continue that momentum.

While yes, this is a dream, I have another one and its right down the street and Kevin knows all about it, Timberlake said, referring to the citys other station that also isnt ADA compliant. Next, she said, Were going to go after more money for the East Orange station.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Transit funding to make train station more accessible to disabled
A westbound off-ramp on Interstate 84 east of Boise will be closed for construction on Wednesday, May 29.

Westbound drivers looking to exit at the Simco Road interchange will be rerouted to Mayfield, which is Exit 71. The Simco Road off-ramp will reopen Thursday if everything goes according to plan, the Idaho Transportation Department said in a press release.

Construction to replace the bridge over I-84  originally built in 1959  began in July 2023. Work is expected to wrap up this summer.

At the end of next week, traffic on the eastbound lanes will shift to the left before Exit 71. The westbound lanes will remain open, with intermittent daytime closures. The Simco Road Bridge will remain open as one lane. Drivers can expect reduced speeds when approaching the interchange.

The Idaho Transportation Department asked drivers to be patient, slow down and obey all posted signs in the construction zone. Travelers can check 511.idaho.gov before driving in the area.
Boston Police recently recovered a stolen childs bicycle, but a team of officers and detectives didnt stop there.

The group decided not only to return the damaged bicycle to the child, but also to repair it, police said in a statement on Tuesday. The bicycle was reported stolen from the Hyde Park area on May 18, police said.

Their dedication shone through as they arranged for the necessary fixes, aiming to restore not just the physical integrity of the bike but also the joy it brought to its young owner, police said.

When the bike was finally returned to the child, their excitement and gratitude were palpable, underscoring the profound impact small acts of kindness can have within a community, police said. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the compassion and commitment exemplified by Bostons finest, embodying the true spirit of service and camaraderie.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
A man accused of shooting at passing vehicles, damaging at least a dozen, with a slingshot has been arrested, Oregon cops say.

The 28-year-old Forest Grove man was arrested the evening of Friday, May 24, Forest Grove police said in a May 27 news release. Authorities said he hit a passing car with a ball bearing just minutes before he was arrested.

Investigation into the crime spree began in October 2023, police said.

Multiple drivers told police their vehicle windows had been shot at by BBs, ball bearings and other unknown objects near E Street and Pacific Avenue.

A month passed, but police said they were not able to find a suspect.

No further incidents were reported until May, when again multiple drivers told police their vehicle windows had been struck near the same area.

At this point, 12 drivers had reported vehicle damage to police.

After coming up with a plan to find the suspect, officers found the man on E Street near Pacific Avenue at about 10:30 p.m. Friday, May 24, police said.

When he was arrested, the man had a slingshot and a container of ball bearings, according to police.

The man is facing multiple charges, including first-degree criminal mischief, unlawful use of a weapon, reckless endangering and assault in the third and fourth degree, according to police.

Forest Grove is about a 25-mile drive west from Portland.

81-year-old terrorized neighborhood with slingshot for 10 years, California cops say

Woman killed when rock crashes through car, CO cops say. Now three 18-year-olds arrested

Driver killed after thrown rock smashes windshield, cops say. A friend found her dead
In Kharkiv, law enforcement officers identified another person killed in the Russian strike on the Epicenter. It was a 38-year-old man who worked in a construction hypermarket.

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The day before, his 8-year-old son Mykhailo took a DNA test, which helped to identify the victim. This was reported by the press service of the Kharkiv regional police.

The body of the deceased was identified on the night of May 28 by DNA analysis taken from the child. The boy and his mother came to the headquarters of the investigative department because they could not wait for their father to come home from work. DNA samples were taken from the child because he is a direct relative of the deceased man.

Now forensic experts can confirm for sure that the found body belongs to Mykhailo's father. Oleksandr, 38, worked in a hypermarket, and the Russians killed him by dropping two bombs on the hypermarket in the middle of the working day.

As of 6 a.m. on May 28, the police had identified 16 of the 17 dead bodies. Search operations continue. Citizens who have lost contact with their loved ones can call the police at 0934943162 or 102.

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As a reminder, an unexploded Russian bomb was found in Kharkiv, 80 meters from the Epicenter construction hypermarket, which was subjected to enemy air strikes on May 25. It is also a D-30 unified interspecies planning munition (UMPM).

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the West reacted to another Russian terrorist attack in Kharkiv and condemned the actions of the terrorist country Russia in the strongest possible terms. The United States and Europe pledged to bring Russia to justice for its war crimes.

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Willie Vereen, one of the Wilmington Ten, sits among other members and their families at Gregory Congregational United Church of Christ on Feb. 1, 2006. In 1971 the church was a focal point of the push to integrate schools in Wilmington amid racial strife that ensued and led to the incarceration of the Ten.

Willie Earl Vereen, who with nine other activists served jail time as members of the Wilmington Ten before being pardoned in 2012 by N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue, has died. Vereen was 70 years old.

His death was confirmed by John H. Shaw's Son Funeral Home of Wilmington. According to an obituary on the funeral home's website, Vereen died May 25 in Wilmington.

The University of Michigan's National Registry of Exonerations said that Vereen had recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Visitation at the funeral home is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. May 28, with a service of remembrance to be held at noon May 29 at the Temple of Truth, Light and Life, 2166 Kent St. in Wilmington.

"He was a dear friend," said Islah Speller, founder and executive director of Wilmington's Burnett-Eaton Museum of African-American history.

Speller said Vereen's legacy can be summed up in three words: "Justice will prevail."

She added that "he wanted us to continue the work of making sure that Black people are free."

In a post to the X social media platform, former NAACP director Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.  Chavis, Reginald Epps and Wayne Moore of Wilmington are the final surviving members of the Wilmington Ten  called Vereen a "freedom fighter" and "a courageous political prisoner  Rest in Power Comrade Willie Earl."

I extend profound condolences to the family of Freedom-Fighter Willie Earl Vereen who was a courageous political prisoner member of the Wilmington, NC Ten. Rest in Power Comrade Willie Earl. God bless. #ALutaContinua @NAACP @WhiteHouse @amnesty @CBCInstitute @BlackPressUSA pic.twitter.com/BRnbCKjTYn  Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. (@DrBenChavis) May 26, 2024

The seven deceased members of the Wilmington Ten are Marvin Patrick, William Joe Wright Jr., Connie Tindall, James McKoy, Jerry Jacobs, Anne Sheppard Turner and Vereen.

Vereen was born in Wilmington on Dec. 5, 1953. Speller said he grew up in a part of Wilmington that is now part of the Hillcrest public housing community and that his family was forced out of their home via imminent domain when Hillcrest was built.

"In those days, boys took pride in wearing Afros," Speller said. Along with his brothers, Frank and Donnie Vereen, "Those boys wore real nice Afros."

Willie Vereen, 1976.

By the fall of 1970, Vereen and other Black high school students were protesting the New Hanover County Board of Education's closure of Wilmington's historically Black Williston High School as part of a local response to the forced, long-delayed integration of public schools.

In February of 1971, Vereen and others participated in a school walkout to protest what many Black students saw as unfair treatment, including a racially driven fight at New Hanover High School that resulted in the suspension of Black students involved in the fight while white students were not suspended.

On Feb. 6, two days after a Black church, the Gregory Congregational United Church of Christ, had been fired on by carloads of white men, a white-owned store, Mike's Grocery, was burned. Violence in Wilmington became so rampant that the U.S. Army National Guard was called in.

In 1972, Vereen, Chavis and eight others were charged with burning Mike's Grocery and with shooting at firefighters trying to put out the fire.

After a trial that included testimony by witnesses who later recanted, all 10 were convicted of conspiracy and arson in 1972 and were given prison sentences of a combined 282 years. Vereen, just 18 at the time of his conviction, was sentenced to 29 years in prison.

Amnesty International was among the prominent organizations that called the Wilmington Ten political prisoners.

In 1978, Gov. Jim Hunt shortened the terms of the Wilmington Ten and in 1980 a federal court overturned their convictions. In 2012, Gov. Bev Perdue pardoned all 10 of the Wilmington Ten, four of whom had already died.

In 2013, the living members of the Wilmington Ten were awarded compensation by the state of North Carolina, with Vereen getting about $175,000, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.

After his release, Speller said, Vereen "had a hard time," having spent several years in prison when he was "young and not knowing what to expect, being around real criminals."

Vereen struggled with drug addiction for years, though he told the StarNews in 2006, when he was living in Atlanta working as a tax associate with H&R Block, that he had been clean since 1996.

"I had to actually rebuild my whole life structure because of this Wilmington Ten case," Vereen said in 2006, adding that he still felt anger over what he'd been through.

I feel today just like I did 35 years ago when they came and arrested me, Vereen said in 2006. Its deep-rooted  It doesnt subside."

After he was pardoned in 2012, Speller said, "He was relieved and happy." To some extent, "His bitterness turned into a sense of pride."

Willie Vereen, left, and Marvin Patrick, second from left, stand next to the unveiling of a Wilmington Ten historical marker in 2016 following a dedication ceremony in front of Gregory Congregation United Church of Christ in Wilmington.

In 2016, at a ceremony unveiling a historical marker at Gregory Congregational United Church of Christ, 609 Nun St., Vereen lamented to the StarNews that the marker "reminds me of the unity we had back then that we don't have now. Everyone is afraid now."

Vereen told the paper that his experiences had left him with post-traumatic stress disorder and that he worried, "If they did it one time they will do it again, and that makes me afraid."

In 2020, Vereen published a book, "Wilmington Ten Willie: Guilt by Association."

Despite his ordeal, Speller said, Vereen maintained his sense of humor and love of music (he was a drummer).

"He was so funny," Speller said. "With my husband, we've been laughing all weekend about the stories he told us over the years. So we can't really be sad."

Speller said Vereen was steadfast in maintaining his innocence, but was sometimes able to joke about it.

"He always said he could not have been the one who firebombed Mike's Grocery because he was too busy chasing girls," she said.

Vereen is survived by two brothers, two sisters and a daughter.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Willie Vereen, pardoned member of the Wilmington Ten, dies at age 70
Adams County woman tries to avoid arrest by fighting constable in creek, police say

ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A woman who tried to avoid being arrested by a Pennsylvania constable by leading them into a creek while she had her child with her is facing charges.

Chris Lloyd, 52, of New Oxford, tried to run through the creek with her 10-year-old child to avoid being taken into custody, and led a foot chase through woods after being handcuffed, Reading Township Police said in the charges filed.

According to the criminal complaint, the constable was chasing Lloyd in a creek, located in the area of South Browns Dam Drive, on Tuesday, May 21, around 1:20 p.m. and requested police assistance.

Police saw Lloyd, who was handcuffed, resisting arrest at the far end of the creek and grabbing at the constables equipment belt, near his weapon, according to the complaint.

Suspended Pennsylvania State Trooper charged for burglary, assaulting man: PSP

Lloyd was having a warrant served on her when she ran down to the edge of the creek with her son and got in when the constable got closer to them.

Police say she also had a backpack with her that had drugs and paraphernalia inside it.

Lloyd would lead a foot chase for about 50 yards after her handcuffs were moved to the front of her to sign the warrant. The complaint says Lloyd took off through the woods after signing the warrant and a taser was deployed to stop her but it missed. Eventually, she was tackled and taken into custody.

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Lloyd faces multiple felony charges of escape, disarming a law enforcement officer, and endangering the welfare of children along with misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest, possession of marijuana and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lloyd is currently locked up in Adams County Prison with her bail set at $1,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

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.
A group of Adelanto High School students were recipients of the first cannabis-related scholarship program in California.

Adelanto Mayor Gabriel Reyes and city council recently announced the winners of the 2024 City of Adelanto Green Futures Cannabis Scholarship Program, which included:

TOnna Chappell

Isis Ramirez

Arianna Windust

Adelanto Green Futures Cannabis Scholarship recipients, left to right, Isis Ramirez, Arianna Windust, and TOnna Chappell, are flanked by Adelanto Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Ramos and Councilwoman Joy Jeannette.

City leaders said the Green Futures Cannabis Scholarship Program is an investment in the citys future.

The scholarship funds, disbursed directly to educational institutions, aim to alleviate financial burdens and support students in pursuing higher education, City Manager Jessie Flores said. It is an honor for the city to support these remarkable students in their pursuit of higher learning.

Mayor Reyes commended Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Ramos for initiating the program, marking it as the first cannabis-related scholarship program in California.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such a robust cannabis industry that is not only supportive of our local schools and youths future but also contributes significantly to our community's well-being, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos said.

Colorado's Pueblo County was the genius behind the scholarship program, according to Ramos.

A group of Adelanto High School students were recipients of the 2024 City of Adelanto Green Futures Cannabis Scholarship Program, the first cannabis-related scholarship program in California.

Colorado-inspired cannabis scholarship

In 2017, Scholarships.com reported that Colorados $1.3 billion marijuana industry is tackling the $1.3 trillion national student debt crisis by using its tax revenue to help fund college-bound students.

Pueblo County was reported to be the first to use cannabis-funded college scholarships for education funding, money that once "fueled criminal empires, the article stated.

The cannabis-funded college scholarship program includes every qualifying student in Pueblo County to receive about $1,000 for college for attendance at either Pueblo Community College or Colorado State University-Pueblo.

The remaining funds would be given to students based on merit and need.

"It is so critically important to make college affordable for our youth if we want to provide long-term economic opportunity to our community, the Pueblo County Commissioner's office stated. Too many kids cant afford to go to college, with this program we are taking cannabis tax revenue and using it to provide a brighter future in Pueblo."

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Adelantos Cannabis Scholarship Program recognizes academic excellence
GENEVA, Ala (WDHN)  Over a million dollars is being invested in a new agriculture complex for Geneva County.

The new Geneva County Agriculture Complex will cost around $1.4 million to build on the property of the current Geneva County Farm Center in the 2000 block of East Highway 52 between Hartford and Geneva.

Senator Donnie Chesteen and Representative Jeff Sorrells, both Hartford natives, announced during the Geneva County Commission meeting Tuesday morning that they secured around $1 million in state funds for the project.

The pavilion will be approximately 50,000 square feet. It will be used by local school systems, the Cattlemans Association, the Auburn Extension office, and more organizations for agricultural events such as calf shows.

Geneva County Commissioners expect the project to be finished by fall 2025.

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 WDHN - wdhn.com.
Editors note: This story was updated May 28 at 7:55 p.m. E.T. to include updates from AP.

The U.S.-built temporary pier taking humanitarian aid to starving Palestinians will be removed from the coast of Gaza to be repaired after getting damaged in rough seas and weather, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

Over the next two days, the pier will be pulled out and sent to the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, where U.S. Central Command will repair it, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters. She said the fixes will take at least over a week and then the pier will need to be anchored back into the beach in Gaza.

US Army vessels supporting Gaza aid break free, beach on Israeli coast

From when it was operational, it was working, and we just had sort of an unfortunate confluence of weather storms that made it inoperable for a bit, Singh said. Hopefully just a little over a week, we should be back up and running.

The pier, used to carry in humanitarian aid arriving by sea, is one of the few ways that food, water and other supplies are getting to Palestinians who the U.N. says are on the brink of famine amid the nearly 8-month-old war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The two main crossings in southern Gaza, Rafah from Egypt and Kerem Shalom from Israel, are either not operating or are largely inaccessible for the U.N. because of fighting nearby as Israel pushes into Rafah. The pier and two crossings from Israel in northern Gaza are where most of the incoming humanitarian aid has entered in the past three weeks.

The setback is the latest for the $320 million pier, which only began operations in the past two weeks and has already had three U.S. service members injured and had four of its vessels beached due to heavy seas. Two of the service members received minor injuries but the third is still in critical condition, Singh said.

Deliveries also were halted for two days last week after crowds rushed aid trucks coming from the pier and one Palestinian man was shot dead. After that, the U.S. military worked with the U.N. and Israeli officials to select safer alternate routes for trucks, the Pentagon said Friday.

The pier was fully functional as late as Saturday when heavy seas unmoored four of the Army boats that were being used to ferry pallets of aid from commercial vessels to the pier. The system is anchored into the beach and provided a long causeway for trucks to drive that aid onto the shore.

Three US troops on Gaza pier mission sustain noncombat injuries

Two of the vessels got stuck on the coast of Israel. One has already been recovered and the other will be in the next 24 hours with the help of the Israeli military, Singh said. The other two boats were stranded on the beach in Gaza and were expected to be recovered in the next two days, she said.

The suspension of the pier comes after the new sea route had begun to pick up steam, with more than 1,000 metric tons of food aid delivered.

U.S. officials have repeatedly emphasized that the pier cannot provide the amount of aid that starving Gazans need and said that more checkpoints for humanitarian trucks need to be opened. At maximum capacity, the pier would bring in enough food for 500,000 of Gazas people. U.S. officials stressed the need for open land crossings for the remaining 1.8 million.

The U.S. has also planned to continue to provide airdrops of food, which likewise cannot meet all the needs.

A deepening Israeli offensive in the southern city of Rafah has made it impossible for aid shipments to get through the crossing there, which is a key source for fuel and food coming into Gaza. Israel says it is bringing aid in through another border crossing, Kerem Shalom, but humanitarian organizations say Israeli military operations make it difficult for them to retrieve the aid there for distribution.
The Space Force on Saturday will begin accepting applications from Air Force reservists to join the newest service as full-time guardians, the service said in a release.

Bringing reservists who already work in space-related jobs into the fold will mark the Space Forces next step toward what it hopes will be a more flexible system for managing troops across full-time and part-time roles.

Space Force reimagines training, operations as conflicts intensify

This is an important first step toward fully integrating critical space expertise from the Reserve into our force, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said in the release. Weve been serving side-by-side together, supporting the same mission, for longer than the Space Force has existed.

Those invited to apply span officers and enlisted airmen across multiple fields, up to the rank of colonel for officers and chief master sergeant for enlisted.

Reserve officers who may join the Space Force include those in space operations (13S); cyberspace operations (17X); intelligence (14N); developmental engineering (62E); acquisition management (63A); and scientists (61X).

Scientists and others whose roles dont exist in the Space Force will need to become a developmental engineer or acquisition manager, the service said.

Enlisted reservists who may apply to join include space systems operators (1C6); intelligence specialists (1N0); imagery analysts (1N1), signals intelligence analysts (1N2); cryptologic language analysts (1N3); network intelligence analysts (1N4); targeting analysts (1N8); cyber defense operators (1D7X1); spectrum operations technicians (1D7X2); and cable and antennae defense operators (1D7X3).

The application window runs through Nov. 30. The Space Force will consider applicants at three selection boards held in September and November 2024 and January 2025. Transfers will begin in fiscal year 2025.

People chosen to join the Space Force must agree to at least two years of active-duty service, or up to six years for enlisted troops, among other eligibility requirements.

Joining the Space Force may also require the former reservists to move to a new base, the service said. That could prove difficult for current part-timers who need to stay put because of family, educational or career obligations.

If a transfer applicant is assigned at or near a Space Force location and an authorized vacancy exists, it may be possible for the member to remain local for their first assignment if that is their stated preference, the Space Force said. Members that are not assigned at or near a Space Force location, or members assigned at or near a Space Force location, but no authorized vacancy exists, will likely be reassigned, which may require [a permanent change of station].

The Space Force  which remains the smallest branch of the armed forces by far  has grown to around 9,000 troops, all of whom serve on active duty.

The Air Force Reserve did not immediately answer Tuesday how many of its airmen still serve in space missions. That includes the Reserves only space wing: the 310th Space Wing, which handles space surveillance, missile warning and a host of other missions from Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.

The Space Force is about to integrate some of the most talented space operators, Air Force Reserve boss Lt. Gen. John Healy said in the release. I have no doubt they will be key to advancing security in the space domain.

Reserve airmen who work in space operations must transfer to the Space Force as a full- or part-time guardian or jump to a different career field within the Air Force, the release said. The Air Force plans to discontinue its space operations field because the Space Force now oversees those units.

Part-time spots in the Space Force are slated to open in 2026 once the service has established the infrastructure and policies needed to bring troops into those jobs.

The Space Force hopes to create a new personnel system under which troops can switch between full-time and part-time jobs, potentially offering more options to people who, for instance, want to cut their hours to care for family or pursue a civilian job opportunity. The service hopes consolidating those troops into a single component will streamline the assignment process and prove less bureaucratic than the traditional active-duty Guard and Reserve components.

If the Department of the Air Forces plan to move space-focused Air National Guard units under that same umbrella takes effect, the Space Force said, Guardsmen can expect a similar transfer process as their reserve counterparts.
An airline kicked a family off the plane after they made their own no-peanut announcement when the crew refused to

An airline kicked a family off the plane after they made their own no-peanut announcement when the crew refused to

A family was removed from a flight over an incident regarding a peanut allergy.

The cabin crew refused to ask passengers not to eat nuts, so the family made its own announcement.

Airlines refusing to make nut-allergy announcements is common and frustrates many.

A family was kicked off a flight for orchestrating an announcement over one member's peanut allergy, according to multiple reports.

Georgie Palmer was flying with her husband and two daughters from London to Dalaman, Turkey, with SunExpress on May 21 when the dispute broke out, MailOnline reported.

Palmer's daughter Rosie has a severe peanut allergy that could result in a fatal anaphylactic reaction, she told the outlet.

But airline staff refused to make an announcement asking other passengers not to eat peanuts. According to an Instagram post seen by MailOnline, Palmer took matters into her own hands.

"We gently asked the passengers at the front of the plane to share our request," she wrote. "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."

She added that none of the passengers minded.

But, she told the outlet, it enraged the pilot. She said he began to yell at them and ultimately ordered them to leave. As a result, she said, the family spent about $6,400 booking alternative flights and hotels.

In a statement to the Mail, a spokesperson for SunExpress said the airline did not make announcements like this as it "cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment on our flights."

Passengers have to notify the airline of special requirements 48 hours in advance, the spokesperson told Business Insider in a statement. They said Palmer didn't do that.

Palmer, in response, told the BBC that she had tried to make contact but could not reach anyone.

The airline also told the Mail that Palmer's husband, Nick Sollom, was "aggressive" to the crew and "tried to gain access to the cockpit."

Palmer told the BBC that claim was "absolute nonsense."

Speaking with the Mail, Sollom said that he knocked on the cockpit door to discuss the situation with the pilot but denied being aggressive.

In response to these denials, the airline's spokesperson told BI that it "stands by what it has said about this."

The incident highlights the amount of planning frequent flyers with allergies need to undertake, with only a handful of major airlines  including British Airways, Air Canada, Southwest, Delta, and JetBlue  making accommodations like this a standard part of their policies.

An advocate for people with serious allergies said SunExpress was at fault.

Nadim Ednan-Laperouse, a cofounder of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, said in a Facebook post that SunExpress should "immediately" revisit its policies.

"Food allergies are an illness not a lifestyle choice, and the experience of this family on board a plane is shocking and unacceptable," he said.

"Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident," he added.

It's true  SunExpress is far from the only airline that has refused to make an allergy announcement, which could be lifesaving.

Passengers of United and Lufthansa have described unpleasant encounters over the issue.

In August, one passenger with allergies resorted to spending $185 to buy her flight's entire peanut supply.

Read the original article on Business Insider
If you traveled by air this Memorial Day weekend you may have seen one of three Alaska Airlines airplanes dedicated to the U.S. Military and carry the phrase Honoring Those Who Serve.

These airplanes are part of the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program and represent one of many ways the airline pays respect to service members past and present.

In 2011, Alaskas maintenance and engineering teams designed and customized carts, known as Fallen Soldier Carts, to be used specifically to transport fallen loved ones to their final resting place.

These carts are available at 16 airports across the country and are available to any airline that is transporting the remains of service members.

The carts have American flag curtains and carry the service insignia of each branch of the service.

In 2023, Spokane received one and Nashville is expected to receive the newest cart next month.
Albuquerque man facing up to 10 years in prison after drunk driving crash

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  An Albuquerque man, Lionel Medina, has pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury after a 2021 crash. The 29-year-old man admitted to driving while under the influence during the incident.

Media was driving drunk when he crashed into another vehicle. The woman in that vehicle suffered fractures to her spine, sternum, arm, leg, and foot, according to the federal plea agreement.

Sheriff making real time crime center with new Bernalillo County tech investments

The crash happened within the exterior boundary of the Santa Ana Pueblo. Now, Lionel Medina is awaiting sentencing, and he faces up to 10 years in prison.

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.
The Netherlands wants to provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air and missile defense system. For this purpose, they will allocate the main components from their own stocks and call on European countries to join.

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The press service of the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced this on its official website on May 28. The government has already identified which countries could potentially provide Patriot parts and ammunition for Ukrainian air defense. Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren called on allies to contribute.

"We are negotiating with countries on the assembly of the Patriot system, as well as on training Ukrainian crews. With our proposal, and if other potential partner countries can supply parts and ammunition, we will be able to provide Ukraine with at least one complete system in the short term," Ollongren expects.

The Dutch government is aware of the lack of air defence systems in Ukraine, but it is also fighting for Europe, with its military capabilities, energy production and vital infrastructure being under attack every day.

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"The NATO Secretary-General recently said that as an alliance we can temporarily fall below the minimum requirements for our defense capabilities. So there is room for creativity," the Defense Minister explained.

Her department expects the defense industry to speed up the production and supply of spare components.

As reported, the Spanish government recently decided to send another package of military aid to Ukraine. It will include missiles for Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems and Leopard 2A4 tanks. The total amount is $1 billion 230 million.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
TEL AVIV, IsraelThe May 19 death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi brought renewed attention to Irans looming succession crisis. After more than three decades of consolidating his own power as Irans final decision-maker, 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have laid the groundwork for regime infighting and popular unrest in the event of his death.

Raisis death in a helicopter crash earlier this month left Iran without its top contender to replace Khamenei. A hardline cleric with experience heading the judiciary before claiming the presidency in 2021, Raisi was also considered a loyal lieutenant to Irans supreme leader, Jason Brodsky, the policy director for the think tank United Against Nuclear Iran, told The Dispatch. And no other person in the Islamic Republics political elite has been able to claim they presided over two branches of government like Raisi has, so that is a loss for the system.

Now, the supreme leaders hope for a smooth succession to protect both his legacy and the long-term stability of the Islamic Republic is far from assured. Khameneis second-eldest son, Mojtaba, has been named as his fathers possible replacement, but his appointment could cause divisions among the regimes elite and pushback from its core support base. And among the Iranian people, no candidate can overcome decades of intensifying opposition to the revolutionary government.

Accordingly, the question of Khameneis heir apparent is one of the most classified issues in Iran, Meir Javedanfar, Iranian politics lecturer at Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel, said in an interview with The Dispatch. The very fact that the regime is keeping the issue of Khameneis succession a top secret shows that its very worried about the consequences of revealing the candidates before Khamenei dies, because it will lead to infighting.

Khameneis own ascent to Irans supreme leadership may prove instructive. The once-fringe figure was not the first choice of revolutionary leader Ruhollah Khomeini, who in 1985 named Ayatollah Hussein-Ali Montazeri as his deputy supreme leader and successor. But Montazeri became disillusioned with the regime near the end of Khomeinis life, leading to his falling out with the ayatollah and leaving the Islamic Republic without a clear choice for supreme leader after its founders death in 1989. Khamenei, who held the ceremonial position of president at the time, came to power as a compromise candidate.

In the years that followed, however, Khamenei systematically purged his potential rivalssome through political bans, and others via suspected assassinations. Ahmad Khomeini, son of the late ayatollah and a powerful player in the supreme leaders office, was sidelined by Khamenei before dying at age 49 of reported cardiac arrest in 1995under what many believe were suspicious circumstances. Akbar Rafsanjani, Irans president between 1989 and 1997 and one of the revolutionary governments most influential figures, likewise died suddenly of suspected poisoning in 2017.

Look at it as Lenin versus Stalin. Khamenei really became the Stalin of the Islamic Republic, Shay Khatiri, a vice president and senior fellow of the military affairs think tank Yorktown Institute, told The Dispatch. Khomeini was the guy who created the revolution and died soon after. And then it became Khameneis regime, and a much more oppressive one.

With Khamenei having spent decades molding the supreme leadership into a position of virtually unchecked power, the precedent he set makes picking the next leader all the more difficult. Power brokers within the regimeforemost among them the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the clergyare unlikely to agree on a compromise candidate who could turn on them after he assumes the post.

With Raisi out of the picture, the likeliest outcome following the supreme leaders death may be the creation of a council to assume his responsibilities, Khatiri argues. Unless one side, such as the IRGC, really manages, through intimidation and other means, to force his guy through, it is very unlikely that any of the current actors would make compromises on one person, he said. What theyre going to say is, Khomeini and Khamenei were otherworldly men. Their virtues are clear to all of us. Is there anybody on earth who reaches the level of their virtues? No, of course not. So we need a group of men who combined have the wisdom and the virtues that these two men had.

But if running Iran remains a one-man job, Mojtaba Khamenei may be the likeliest contender to replace his father. The 55-year-old holds no official title but has grown his power within the regime as a close confidant of the elder Khamenei. He also has an extensive clerical background, a prerequisite for the job, and deep connections to the countrys security and intelligence apparatus.

In 2009, Mojtaba helped rig Irans presidential contest in favor of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose reelection set off a series of protests known as the Green Movement as supporters of second-place finisher Mir-Hossein Mousavi took to the streets. Mojtaba Khamenei also was allegedly involved in violently suppressing the demonstrations. He was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2019 for working with the IRGC Quds Force and the Basija plainclothes paramilitary force known for violently suppressing proteststo advance his fathers destabilizing regional ambitions and oppressive domestic objectives.

But Mojtabas selection as supreme leader would risk isolating the regimes already small base of supporters, which may see it as a continuation of the deposed shahs hereditary system of rule. Such a move may also provoke another mass uprising of the kind Iran has witnessed nearly every year since 2018. The regime has to take into consideration the question of stability once the new successor is announced, Javedanfar said.

But Khatiri, himself a participant in the 2009 Green Movement, thinks the death of Khamenei alone will be enough to bring Iranians to the streets.

Such a gigantic event would undoubtedly cause a huge popular uprising. Now, it is possible that the regime has already prepared for such a scenario to immediately crack down on it. So whether it will be successful or not is a separate question, he said. But it will happen regardless of whom they announce, because the people are not fed up with Khameneithe people are fed up with the system. It is the theocracy they oppose.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Police in Australia say they were able to arrest an alleged child rapist this week after almost 33 years thanks to groundbreaking investigative techniques using DNA to build a family tree of the suspect.

Gavin Jeffery Durbridge, 54, appeared in court Tuesday on a count of deprivation of liberty and two counts of aggravated sexual assault in relation to an alleged 1991 attack on a 13-year-old boy, WAtoday reports. Durbridge was arrested a day earlier in connection with the incidentthe details of which a judge described as being among the worst hed ever heard.

Alleged Mushroom Murderer Mom Pleads Not Guilty in Killer Lunch Case

The alleged assault took place on Oct. 25, 1991, when the young boy was riding his bicycle in the Carine Open Spacea park and recreation area in a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Authorities say the boywho has not been namedwas traveling to a friends house when he was confronted by a man who allegedly threatened the child with a knife before restraining and assaulting him.

The boy reportedly informed police about the incident immediately and a swab was taken from his clothing which was stored for the last 33 years.

New investigative techniques using genetic genealogy coupled with good old-fashioned detective work led to the result we have today, Chloe White of the Western Australia Police Force said of the process which led to Durbridges arrest.

She added that an investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) team became involved in this case earlier this year and their research led to a family tree of nearly three-and-a-half thousand people being identified. Hard work narrowed down to this day, when the man was arrested by the team, she added, saying the alleged victim was elated with the result of the investigation.

Although the force did not provide a precise breakdown of the process that led police to Durbridge, IGG involves identifying suspects by comparing DNA samples collected from crime scenes with the genetic information on genealogy databases. By finding even distant relatives, investigators can then use other sources of information like birth and marriage records to build up a family tree which, in turn, can ultimately be used to identify possible suspects.

Such techniques were famously used to catch Joseph James DeAngelo, the so-called Golden State Killer who pleaded guilty in 2020 to a string of murders and kidnappings in California in the 1970s and 1980s.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Alleged drunk driver accused of smashing into several Clinton homes to be arraigned

Authorities identified a man Tuesday afternoon they say drove drunk and slammed into several homes before fighting with officers on Sunday morning.

Sean Dobson, 22, of Clinton, was arrested and charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, assault and battery on a police officer, speeding, operating under the influence of drugs, operating under the influence of liquor and four counts of wanton and malicious destruction of property.

Police: Intoxicated driver crashes into 3 Clinton homes, causes gas leak

According to Clinton Police, Dobson recklessly drove his Ford Explorer along Main Street around 7 a.m., crashing into a utility pole, and three homes, along with causing electrical outages and a gas leak.

We are very fortunate that this incident didnt result in a much worse outcome, and that nobody was injured as a result of the crash, police said in a social media post.

Police: Intoxicated driver crashes into 3 Clinton homes, causes gas leak

Residents in the area had to be evacuated due to the damage caused by the collision.

Officials say Dobson was uncooperative and combative with police during his arrest. Clintons Police Chief is crediting officers poise during the tense situation.

The officers and firefighters did a great job maintaining scene safety, while at the same time dealing with an uncooperative and assaultive person, he said. Our thoughts go out to the residents affected, who not only had their property damaged but were displaced from their homes due to loss of electrical power and gas service.

WHEAT Community Connections and the American Red Cross are assisting the displaced residents.

The incident remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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UPDATE: 5/28 7:21 A.M. ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  AHPS says all schools will be closed on Tuesday, May 28, because of possible incremental power outages throughout the day.

The district says power went out at multiple schools overnight; however, they have been in contact with Dominion Power.

The school division says Dominion will work throughout the day to complete repairs on damage caused by the recent storms that hit the region.

UPDATE: Salem tornados path of destruction two miles long, 300 yards wide



ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  Alleghany Highlands Public Schools (AHPS) has announced that it will operate under a two-hour delay on May 28.

This comes after power went out at multiple schools overnight.

The school division encourages families to monitor media and the schools website for updates.

Thousands of AEP customers without power after storms roar across region

WFXR News will continue to monitor school closures and delays. We will update this story as additional announcements are made.

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 WFXRtv.
Allies asked Sweden to pause plans on Gripens for Ukraine to focus on F-16s, minister says

Sweden was asked by partners to wait with possible plans on sending Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, as the focus is now on providing Kyiv with F-16 aircraft, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson told the TT news agency on May 28.

The minister told the Kyiv Independent in March that discussions on a possible supply of its Gripen jets to Ukraine are underway after Sweden's entry into NATO, but made no definite pledge.

"We have been urged by the other countries in the coalition to wait with the Gripen system," Jonson told TT in Brussels, adding: "This has to do with the fact that the focus is now on introducing the F-16 system."

Jonson added that the pause does not mean the transfer of Gripens will not become relevant again in the future but explained that the coalition does not wish to introduce two different fighter jet systems simultaneously.

Several NATO countries  Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway  have pledged to deliver dozens of U.S.-made F-16 fighters from their stocks. Most recently, the Belgian government said it would deliver 30 of the planes by 2028, with the first ones bound to arrive by the end of this year.

Danish F-16s are expected to arrive as early as this summer, whereas Dutch fighter jets should begin arriving in the autumn.

Denmark, the Netherlands, and the U.S. are spearheading the fighter jet coalition that aims not only to provide Ukraine with the F-16s themselves but also with the necessary training for Ukrainian pilots and other personnel.

Read also: First group of Ukrainian pilots passes F-16 training in US

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Almost all defendants in Feeding Our Future fraud trial will rest their case without calling any witnesses

In a surprise move, attorneys for six of the seven defendants in the Feeding Our Future trial said Tuesday that they'll rest their case without calling any witnesses.

Federal prosecutors finished their case Tuesday after four weeks of testimony from more than 30 witnesses. They presented 1,300 exhibits to the jury in the high-profile case, seeking to show that defendants defrauded the federal government out of millions of dollars meant to feed children in need.

Defense attorneys indicated in court documents that they had their own reams of paperwork as well as photos and videos of meal distributions to show that their clients  who all have ties to a Shakopee restaurant  provided real food to real children across Minnesota.

But on Tuesday, six of the seven defense teams said they will tell the jury Wednesday that they're resting their case without calling any witnesses. The trial is the first one in a broader investigation that's led to charges against 70 people in what prosecutors say is one of the largest pandemic-related fraud cases in the country, totaling more than $250 million.

Frederick Goetz, who represents Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, said he will call witnesses starting Wednesday, including a University of Minnesota professor, representatives from a national wholesaler, members of a Bloomington mosque that Shariff allegedly distributed food to and investors in Shariff's business, Afrique Hospitality Group, which opened a Bloomington event center.

Goetz told U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel that, instead of the case stretching another two weeks if all seven defense teams had called witnesses, his case will be presented over a few days. That means closing arguments in the trial could start early next week.

Prosecutors allege the defendants defrauded the government by creating shell companies to launder money, submitted rosters of made-up children's names and inflated meal claims to receive more than $40 million for 18 million meals at 50 food sites spanning from Rochester to St. Cloud.

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 spent the money on lavish expenses, including a $1 million lakefront Prior Lake property, luxury cars and gold jewelry.

Prosecutors have called FBI and IRS agents and accountants to testify along with bankers and meal program experts, witnesses 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.

One FBI forensic accountant testified that she traced defendants' 300 bank accounts and other records to discover 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, including to supply the restaurant, not feed kids.

On Tuesday, Goetz said Shariff will decide whether to take the stand in his own defense after witnesses testify. The other defendants  Said Shafii Farah, Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, Mohamed Jama Ismail, Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin and Hayat Mohamed Nur  told Brasel they will not testify.

They were charged in 2022 with 43 counts, including wire fraud and money laundering. Their 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.

Throughout the five-week trial, defense attorneys have shown photos of bags of groceries defendants gave out, with cereal, juice, potatoes and other produce matching invoices, and 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, and sought to discredit some witnesses.

On Tuesday, defense attorneys cross-examined the prosecution's final witness, FBI forensic accountant Lacra Blackwell, questioning her testimony about tracing $41 million received by the defendants back to $8 million in personal expenses, including buying real estate, new cars and a $11,000 vacation to a Maldives ocean villa, mostly derived from federal funds.

Defense attorneys sought to distance their clients from the allegations, pointing out that their client didn't initiate overseas wire transfers or signed forms. Several attorneys asked her whether there was any evidence defendants concealed their financial activity. She answered "no."
American Father Held in Turks and Caicos Over Ammunition Says He Prepared for Doomsday Before He Was Released

Bryan Hagerich was held in Turks and Caicos for three months after hunting ammunition was found in his luggage

AP Photo/Matt Freed Bryan Hagerich talking to reporters on Friday, May 24, 2024

Bryan Hagerich, a father of two who was held in Turks and Caicos for three months after police found ammunition in his luggage, is speaking out after being released.

Hagerich was arrested in February after hunting ammunition was found in his checked luggage while returning home from a family vacation. Although he pled guilty to possession of 20 rounds of ammunition, which he said he forgot was in his luggage, Hagerich was forced to stay in the Caribbean until his court case was completed, reports ABC News.

According to the outlet, the long-awaited date came on Friday, May 24, when a judge sentenced Hagerich to a suspended 52-week sentence. He was allowed to return to the U.S. after paying a $6,700 fine.

"Home is obviously easy," Hagerich, who was facing a mandatory minimum of 12 years, said in a sit-down interview with ABC News after arriving back to his home state of Pennsylvania. "Prison is a whole different feeling that even to this day right now, I don't think you can ever prepare yourself for it."

AP Photo/Matt Freed Bryan Hagerich hugs his wife and children after returning home to America

Related: Okla. Man May Face 12-Year Sentence in Turks and Caicos for Traveling with Ammunition: 'Bonehead Mistake'

During the interview, Hagerich sat alongside his wife Ashley, who recalled packing two suitcases for her husband in preparation for his sentencing.

"He sent me a list of everything that he would've needed for prison. We brought down the green suitcase, and that was the 'not good suitcase,' " she said. The couple both referred to the green suitcase as the "doomsday" suitcase.

"The black suitcase was home. The green suitcase was doomsday," added Ashley.

Turks and Caicos Premier Washington Misick spoke out after Hagerich's sentencing, expressing in a press release that "justice has been served as the law intended."

Getty Aerial view of Turks and Caicos

Related: Another American Arrested in Turks and Caicos for Allegedly Having Ammunition, Could Face 12 Years

"As we have said, The Firearms Act includes consideration for exceptional circumstances and todays decision reflects our commitment to judicial independence along with upholding the law. Residents and visitors can be confident that the Turks and Caicos Islands are dedicated to safety and compassion as we protect the safety and rights of all," Misick said

He continued by stating that "in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the law stands firm and applies to everyone equally, without exception."

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who previously met with Hagerich and the four other Americans detained on similar charges, said that Turks and Caicos officials "made clear that they wanted this situation resolved."

Getty Stock image of Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Cacos

"They recognized that Bryan and the other detained Americans are not gunrunners  they are just people who made a mistake. Im grateful that the judge recognized that the right thing to do was to send Bryan home," said Fetterman in a press release statement.

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The other detained Americans include Ryan Watson of Oklahoma, Tyler Wenrich of Virginia, and Sharitta Shinise Grier of Florida. They are out on bail and are not allowed to leave Turks and Caicos as they await sentencing, reports ABC News.

According to the outlet, the other detained American is Michael Lee Evans of Texas, who is also out on bail and awaiting sentencing but was able to leave the Caribbean due to a medical condition.

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Read the original article on People.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Amanda Hogan remembers pulling dinner out of the oven one night last October when she was suddenly overcome by dizziness.

I got confused, said Hogan. I didnt pass out, but it was like, Whoa, this is not right.

As her face started to droop, speech garbled and the left side of her body became paralyzed, Hogans confusion turned into panic.

Edmond couple left without wedding reception venue, out $1,500 until News 4 steps in

I was literally on the floor crying for my mom, said Hogan.

Hogan, only 29 at the time, was having a stroke.

She was rushed to the hospital, a familiar place for her.

Ive been in and out of the hospital since I was three days old, said Hogan.

She was born with neonatal lupus which oftentimes leads to a heart defect. It required her to have a pacemaker put in as a newborn.

Its basically when the heart doesnt form the way it usually does, said Dr. John Barghols, MD., a neurologist at Integris Health. When speaking about stroke, those abnormal connections can increase your risk of forming a blood clot and having that blood clot travel to the brain causing a stroke.

After months Hogan is thrilled to be able to walk again. But her recovery has been long and grueling.

Sometimes I get slurred speech when I speak because I get tired and my brain wants to kind of shut down, said Hogan. The depression and anxiety have intensified.

Headlines

Hogan says this near death experience has changed her life and now shes on a mission to educate others. Shell be taking part in this years American Heart Association Heart and Stroke Walk.

I want to be there for the survivors and were not only walking for a good cause. Were raising money for, you know, new research that could be the high tech, you know, cure for strokes, said Hogan. Ive got a second chance since the stroke and I want to make it count.

The walk is Saturday, June 1. Registration is at 8 a.m. The walk starts at 9 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
American sentenced to time served, fined $9,000 for bringing ammo to Turks and Caicos

A Virginia man was sentenced to time served and fined $9,000 for bringing ammunition to Turks and Caicos, avoiding a potential 12-year sentence under the islands' strict gun laws.

Tyler Wenrich, from Richmond, traveled to Grand Turk on a cruise ship for a bachelor party in late April when ammunition was found in his possession while going through a security checkpoint, police said.

The 911 operator and emergency medical technician has remained on the island since being arrested and pleaded guilty on May 21 to two counts of possession of ammunition, for two 9 mm rounds.

PHOTO: Tyler Wenrich, who was arrested in Turks and Caicos for illegally bringing ammunition to the islands, stands with his wife Jeriann Wenrich after being sentenced to time served and a $9,000 fine on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (ABC News)

A judge handed down a three-week prison sentence Tuesday morning -- which amounted to time served when factoring in the time Wenrich spent in jail following his arrest.

The 31-year-old father can return home once he pays a $9,000 fine.

He and his wife, who was there for the sentencing, plan to fly home on Thursday, Wenrich told ABC News.

"I feel very, just relieved," he said following the sentencing. "A weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and my wife."

MORE: What to know about Turks and Caicos' strict gun laws after US tourists charged with possessing ammunition

Wenrich has been separated from his 18-month-old son since his arrest.

"I'm glad I get to go home and be with my son again," he said.

PHOTO: Tyler Scott Wenrich, 31, of Virginia, was charged with possession of ammunition in Turks and Caicos when trying to return to his cruise ship in April. (Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force)

Wenrich had gone shooting at a gun range with friends and said he forgot he was carrying the ammunition.

The penalty for traveling to Turks and Caicos with a firearm, ammunition or other weapon can result in a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison. However, the judge has the discretion to issue a more lenient sentence if the court finds there are exceptional circumstances.

"I have a lot of fear and anxiety as to what's going to happen and I'm hoping that the judge finds some compassion and leniency in the situation that I'm in," Wenrich told ABC News earlier this month.

Justice Davidson Baptiste "cited exceptional circumstances" in Wenrich's case and "highlighted that enforcing the mandatory minimum would have been arbitrary and disproportionate, and would not serve the public interest," the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands said in a statement following the sentencing.

"The Turks and Caicos Islands Government remains committed to enforcing its laws to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors," the statement continued. "This case underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to local regulations by all visitors."

MORE: American held in Turks and Caicos over ammunition speaks out after returning home

Wenrich is one of five Americans charged under the firearms ordinance for having ammunition in the past five months.

Bryan Hagerich -- a Pennsylvania father who pleaded guilty to possessing 20 rounds of ammunition -- was sentenced on Friday to a suspended 52-week sentence with a fine of $6,700, which he promptly paid and has since returned to the U.S.

Ryan Watson of Oklahoma, Michael Lee Evans of Texas and Sharitta Grier of Florida have also been charged after ammunition was found in their luggage.

Each of the defendants said they did not intentionally pack the ammunition. Evans was able to leave the island due to a medical condition while out on bail and is awaiting sentencing.

Watson and Grier are also out on bail but aren't allowed to leave Turks and Caicos as their cases proceed.

ABC News' Matt Rivers, Wilkie Arthur and Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.

American sentenced to time served, fined $9,000 for bringing ammo to Turks and Caicos originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
American Tyler Wenrich sentenced to time served and $9K fine after arrest on illegal ammunition charge in Turks and Caicos

American Tyler Wenrich was sentenced to three weeks in jail and fined Tuesday after he pleaded guilty earlier this month to possession of ammunition while traveling to Turks and Caicos.

The Virginia resident was fined $9,000, Kimo Tynes, the director of communications for the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, said in a statement. Since he had already served three weeks in jail, the court recognized it as time served, so his prison sentence is complete, the release said.

The 31-year-old American faced as much as a 12-year prison sentence. But the Hon. Justice Davidson Baptiste cited exceptional circumstances in Wenrichs case and said, Enforcing the mandatory minimum would have been arbitrary and disproportionate, and would not serve the public interest.

Wenrich returned to Virginia on Thursday, arriving at the Richmond International Airport, CNN affiliate WWBT reported.

Another American charged with possession of ammunition, Ryan Tyler Watson, pleaded guilty Tuesday, according to Tynes. Watsons sentencing is scheduled for June 21.

Watson and Wenrich are among five Americans arrested in Turks and Caicos in recent months, all accused of bringing various amounts of ammunition to the 40-island chain southeast of the Bahamas.

Bringing firearms or ammunition into Turks and Caicos without prior permission from police is strictly forbidden, according to a statement from its government.

In the Turks and Caicos, possession of firearms or ammunition carries a minimum 12-year sentence, though the law allows reduced sentences under exceptional circumstances.

Even though the territory doesnt manufacture firearms or ammunition, the number of firearms finding their way to the islands has increased, Misick said. Meanwhile, the United States has more guns than people.

On Friday, American Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and received a 52-week sentence suspended for one year and a $6,700 fine, his representatives said. He returned to the United States after paying the fine.

In addition to Hagerich and Wenrich, one other American  Michael Lee Evans  pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition while traveling in Turks and Caicos, according to the territorys government.

Evans was allowed to return to the US over a severe medical situation, but will be required to return to Turks and Caicos for his next hearing, attorney Oliver Smith told CNN. The rest remain in Turks and Caicos.

A fifth American, Sharitta Shinese Grier, was arrested last week and is awaiting trial after making bail, according to Tynes, with the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.

The mandatory minimum 12-year sentence for possession of firearms or ammunition is in place to protect those on the islands, and judges may use their discretion to impose reduced sentences, Turks and Caicos Gov. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said.

US citizens are not being targeted, Turks and Caicos officials said. Of the 195 people sentenced for firearm-related offenses over the past six years, only seven were US citizens, Misick said Thursday. No US citizen has received the 12-year sentence to date.

CNNs Michael Rios, Holly Yan, AnneClaire Stapleton and Raja Razek contributed to this report.

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The European Union is currently considering seven legal acts, the adoption of which is necessary to provide Ukraine with 5 billion in military aid. In order to approve them, unanimity is required, which cannot be achieved because of Hungary's position.

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This was stated by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell at a briefing following the EU Council of Ministers on May 27, Ukrinform reports. He emphasized that this delay is measured in human lives.

"These are seven legal texts that will mobilize resources to provide military support to Ukraine. Everyone says we are not fulfilling our obligations, we are not doing it on time. I have seven legal documents waiting to be adopted to mobilize about 5 billion in military support for Ukraine. This delay is measured in human lives. It is not a financial problem, it is a problem of human lives," Borrell emphasized.

He noted that there is an agreement that no Hungarian contributions to the European Peace Fund will be used for military assistance to Ukraine. At the same time, decisions on the use of this fund should be made by consensus.

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Borrell emphasized that any EU member may have reasons to disagree with something. However, according to the top diplomat, there should be a proportionality between such concerns and the weight of issues that cannot be addressed by other participants in the process as a result of such a position.

The head of European diplomacy emphasized that Ukraine needs weapons now, "not next year."

"We already have a long delay, which has a specific reason: the lack of agreement among member states, in particular with one of them, where consensus must be reached," Borrell added.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Sex therapist and social worker Stefani Goerlich sits in her office in Detroit. Goerlich says her hard-won relationships with clients are upended when they move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. An increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice in multiple states. (Amy Feick, courtesy of Stefani Goerlich)

Stefani Goerlich, a certified sex therapist and social worker with a private practice in Detroit, sees several dozen clients a month, most of them from underserved and minority backgrounds. She speaks to them about sensitive matters such as gender-affirming care, and building trust takes time.

Those hard-won relationships often are upended when clients move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. Finding another therapist who is a good fit isnt easy, especially since many areas of the country have a shortage of mental health providers.

States that have joined the Social Work Licensure Compact

Alabama

Connecticut

Georgia

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Maine

Missouri

Nebraska

Ohio

South Dakota

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

It takes them such a long time to find somebody that they feel safe with, Goerlich said. To have a spouse get transferred in their job and to lose all of that? Statistically, people are more likely to just stop therapy entirely, because they dont want to have to go through that again.

Amid what many Americans are calling a mental health crisis, an increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice across state lines.

Under the Social Work Licensure Compact, social workers can get a multistate license, which clears them to care for patients in a participating state, even if they dont live there. Social workers must abide by the laws of the state where the patient resides.

Missouri was the first state to approve compact legislation, in July 2023. Since then, 14 other states have signed on. And at least 17 more, including Rhode Island, are considering bills to do the same, according to the nonpartisan Council of State Governments, a nonprofit organization that promotes the exchange of ideas across state lines.

The compact is the result of a collaboration among the council, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Association of Social Work Boards, which develops social work licensing exams. The National Association of Social Workers and the Clinical Social Work Association, both membership organizations for social workers, are partners in the effort.

The Defense Department is involved because military families move frequently, and many of them include social workers. Getting a new license every one or two years is burdensome. The social work compact is one of 10 multistate licensing agreements the Defense Department agreed to fund a few years ago, ranging from teaching to cosmetology, according to Matt Shafer, a deputy program director at the Council of State Governments.

It takes them such a long time to find somebody that they feel safe with.

 Stefani Goerlich, a certified sex therapist and social worker in Detroit

Shafer told Stateline it likely will take one to one and a half years until licenses are issued under the social work compact.

This isnt the first compact to allow mental health providers to practice across state lines. Thirty-six states have passed legislation to allow psychologists to practice elsewhere by joining an interstate compact known as PSYPACT.

It works, Robin McLeod, a senior director at the American Psychological Association, said of PSYPACT. It allows for people who have specialized practice to provide care, or for people who need specialized practice to receive care.

For example, McLeod said, a therapist might specialize in serving patients with autism and also speak Arabic. Under the interstate compact, a practitioner could serve more people with those specific treatment and language needs, via telehealth.

However, McLeod noted, therapists practicing under the compact still have to navigate differing state laws. She pointed to Texas, where providers need to be aware of laws prohibiting abortion and gender-affirming medical care.

Those are times where it can be really tricky, she said. If youre practicing in that state from another state, its the Texas health and safety laws that you would have to follow.

But Alabama Democratic state Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, who sponsored successful compact legislation in his state, thinks the benefits outweigh the potential complications. A 2023 report from Mental Health America, a nonprofit that focuses on issues of mental illness, ranked Alabama 48th among the states in its effectiveness addressing mental health and substance use issues, citing its high prevalence of mental illness and limited access to care.

I know, as a state, we need to put more money into the health department to deal with mental health, from schools to workplaces, Hassell told Stateline. We defunded some of the mental health hospitals that we had in the state. And it became a problem.

In Colorado, where a bill that would allow the state to join the compact is on the governors desk, Democratic state Rep. Emily Sirota  a social worker herself  noted the issue is bipartisan. Compact bills also are awaiting governors signatures in Minnesota, New Hampshire and Tennessee, according to the Council of State Governments.

Its not a partisan issue to recognize a need in the workforce, Sirota told Stateline. She said the licensing compact is a way to make connections between patients and social practitioners more streamlined and more effective.

For Goerlich, who sees clients in at least four states, anything that can make licensure easier for therapists is a good thing. In addition to Michigan, Goerlich went through the licensing process in Arizona and Ohio so she could continue to treat patients who moved to those states. She also works in Florida, where she says she doesnt need a full license because she is a registered telehealth provider.

I went through all the hoops, I got licensed, she said. But that ended up costing me money. And Im fine with it, because Im able to help people. But if we had something like a compact, I would have been able to see them without needing to do that.

The post Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
Sex therapist and social worker Stefani Goerlich sits in her office in Detroit. Goerlich says her hard-won relationships with clients are upended when they move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. An increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice in multiple states. Amy Feick, courtesy of Stefani Goerlich

Stefani Goerlich, a certified sex therapist and social worker with a private practice in Detroit, sees several dozen clients a month, most of them from underserved and minority backgrounds. She speaks to them about sensitive matters such as gender-affirming care, and building trust takes time.

Those hard-won relationships often are upended when clients move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. Finding another therapist who is a good fit isnt easy, especially since many areas of the country have a shortage of mental health providers.

It takes them such a long time to find somebody that they feel safe with, Goerlich said. To have a spouse get transferred in their job and to lose all of that? Statistically, people are more likely to just stop therapy entirely, because they dont want to have to go through that again.

Amid what many Americans are calling a mental health crisis, an increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice across state lines.

Under the Social Work Licensure Compact, social workers can get a multistate license, which clears them to care for patients in a participating state, even if they dont live there. Social workers must abide by the laws of the state where the patient resides.

Missouri was the first state to approve compact legislation, in July 2023. Since then, 14 other states have signed on. And at least 17 more are considering bills to do the same, according to the nonpartisan Council of State Governments, a nonprofit organization that promotes the exchange of ideas across state lines.

It takes them such a long time to find somebody that they feel safe with.

 Stefani Goerlich, a certified sex therapist and social worker in Detroit

The compact is the result of a collaboration among the council, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Association of Social Work Boards, which develops social work licensing exams. The National Association of Social Workers and the Clinical Social Work Association, both membership organizations for social workers, are partners in the effort.

The Defense Department is involved because military families move frequently, and many of them include social workers. Getting a new license every one or two years is burdensome. The social work compact is one of 10 multistate licensing agreements the Defense Department agreed to fund a few years ago, ranging from teaching to cosmetology, according to Matt Shafer, a deputy program director at the Council of State Governments.

Shafer told Stateline it likely will take one to one and a half years until licenses are issued under the social work compact.

Social Work Licensure Compact states

Alabama

Connecticut

Georgia

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Maine

Missouri

Nebraska

Ohio

South Dakota

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

This isnt the first compact to allow mental health providers to practice across state lines. Thirty-six states have passed legislation to allow psychologists to practice elsewhere by joining an interstate compact known as PSYPACT.

It works, Robin McLeod, a senior director at the American Psychological Association, said of PSYPACT. It allows for people who have specialized practice to provide care, or for people who need specialized practice to receive care.

For example, McLeod said, a therapist might specialize in serving patients with autism and also speak Arabic. Under the interstate compact, a practitioner could serve more people with those specific treatment and language needs, via telehealth.

However, McLeod noted, therapists practicing under the compact still have to navigate differing state laws. She pointed to Texas, where providers need to be aware of laws prohibiting abortion and gender-affirming medical care.

Those are times where it can be really tricky, she said. If youre practicing in that state from another state, its the Texas health and safety laws that you would have to follow.

But Alabama Democratic state Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, who sponsored successful compact legislation in his state, thinks the benefits outweigh the potential complications. A 2023 report from Mental Health America, a nonprofit that focuses on issues of mental illness, ranked Alabama 48th among the states in its effectiveness addressing mental health and substance use issues, citing its high prevalence of mental illness and limited access to care.

I know, as a state, we need to put more money into the health department to deal with mental health, from schools to workplaces, Hassell told Stateline. We defunded some of the mental health hospitals that we had in the state. And it became a problem.

In Colorado, where a bill that would allow the state to join the compact is on the governors desk, Democratic state Rep. Emily Sirota  a social worker herself  noted the issue is bipartisan. Compact bills also are awaiting governors signatures in Minnesota, New Hampshire and Tennessee, according to the Council of State Governments.

Its not a partisan issue to recognize a need in the workforce, Sirota told Stateline. She said the licensing compact is a way to make connections between patients and social practitioners more streamlined and more effective.

For Goerlich, who sees clients in at least four states, anything that can make licensure easier for therapists is a good thing. In addition to Michigan, Goerlich went through the licensing process in Arizona and Ohio so she could continue to treat patients who moved to those states. She also works in Florida, where she says she doesnt need a full license because she is a registered telehealth provider.

I went through all the hoops, I got licensed, she said. But that ended up costing me money. And Im fine with it, because Im able to help people. But if we had something like a compact, I would have been able to see them without needing to do that.

DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST
Sex therapist and social worker Stefani Goerlich sits in her office in Detroit. Goerlich says her hard-won relationships with clients are upended when they move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. An increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice in multiple states. Photo credit: Amy Feick, courtesy of Stefani Goerlich

States that have joined the Social Work Licensure Compact

Alabama

Connecticut

Georgia

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Maine

Missouri

Nebraska

Ohio

South Dakota

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Stefani Goerlich, a certified sex therapist and social worker with a private practice in Detroit, sees several dozen clients a month, most of them from underserved and minority backgrounds. She speaks to them about sensitive matters such as gender-affirming care, and building trust takes time.

Those hard-won relationships often are upended when clients move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. Finding another therapist who is a good fit isnt easy, especially since many areas of the country have a shortage of mental health providers.

It takes them such a long time to find somebody that they feel safe with, Goerlich said. To have a spouse get transferred in their job and to lose all of that? Statistically, people are more likely to just stop therapy entirely, because they dont want to have to go through that again.

Amid what many Americans are calling a mental health crisis, an increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice across state lines.

Under the Social Work Licensure Compact, social workers can get a multistate license, which clears them to care for patients in a participating state, even if they dont live there. Social workers must abide by the laws of the state where the patient resides.

Missouri was the first state to approve compact legislation, in July 2023. Since then, 14 other states have signed on. And at least 17 more are considering bills to do the same, according to the nonpartisan Council of State Governments, a nonprofit organization that promotes the exchange of ideas across state lines.

The compact is the result of a collaboration among the council, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Association of Social Work Boards, which develops social work licensing exams. The National Association of Social Workers and the Clinical Social Work Association, both membership organizations for social workers, are partners in the effort.

The Defense Department is involved because military families move frequently, and many of them include social workers. Getting a new license every one or two years is burdensome. The social work compact is one of 10 multistate licensing agreements the Defense Department agreed to fund a few years ago, ranging from teaching to cosmetology, according to Matt Shafer, a deputy program director at the Council of State Governments.

Shafer told Stateline it likely will take one to one and a half years until licenses are issued under the social work compact.

This isnt the first compact to allow mental health providers to practice across state lines. Thirty-six states have passed legislation to allow psychologists to practice elsewhere by joining an interstate compact known as PSYPACT.

It works, Robin McLeod, a senior director at the American Psychological Association, said of PSYPACT. It allows for people who have specialized practice to provide care, or for people who need specialized practice to receive care.

For example, McLeod said, a therapist might specialize in serving patients with autism and also speak Arabic. Under the interstate compact, a practitioner could serve more people with those specific treatment and language needs, via telehealth.

It takes them such a long time to find somebody that they feel safe with.

 Stefani Goerlich, a certified sex therapist and social worker in Detroit

However, McLeod noted, therapists practicing under the compact still have to navigate differing state laws. She pointed to Texas, where providers need to be aware of laws prohibiting abortion and gender-affirming medical care.

Those are times where it can be really tricky, she said. If youre practicing in that state from another state, its the Texas health and safety laws that you would have to follow.

But Alabama Democratic state Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, who sponsored successful compact legislation in his state, thinks the benefits outweigh the potential complications. A 2023 report from Mental Health America, a nonprofit that focuses on issues of mental illness, ranked Alabama 48th among the states in its effectiveness addressing mental health and substance use issues, citing its high prevalence of mental illness and limited access to care.

I know, as a state, we need to put more money into the health department to deal with mental health, from schools to workplaces, Hassell told Stateline. We defunded some of the mental health hospitals that we had in the state. And it became a problem.

In Colorado, where a bill that would allow the state to join the compact is on the governors desk, Democratic state Rep. Emily Sirota  a social worker herself  noted the issue is bipartisan. Compact bills also are awaiting governors signatures in Minnesota, New Hampshire and Tennessee, according to the Council of State Governments.

Its not a partisan issue to recognize a need in the workforce, Sirota told Stateline. She said the licensing compact is a way to make connections between patients and social practitioners more streamlined and more effective.

For Goerlich, who sees clients in at least four states, anything that can make licensure easier for therapists is a good thing. In addition to Michigan, Goerlich went through the licensing process in Arizona and Ohio so she could continue to treat patients who moved to those states. She also works in Florida, where she says she doesnt need a full license because she is a registered telehealth provider.

I went through all the hoops, I got licensed, she said. But that ended up costing me money. And Im fine with it, because Im able to help people. But if we had something like a compact, I would have been able to see them without needing to do that.

The post Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
Sex therapist and social worker Stefani Goerlich sits in her office in Detroit. Goerlich says her hard-won relationships with clients are upended when they move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. An increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice in multiple states. (Amy Feick/Stateline, courtesy of Stefani Goerlich)

Sex therapist and social worker Stefani Goerlich sits in her office in Detroit. Goerlich says her hard-won relationships with clients are upended when they move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. An increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice in multiple states. (Amy Feick/Stateline, courtesy of Stefani Goerlich)

Stefani Goerlich, a certified sex therapist and social worker with a private practice in Detroit, sees several dozen clients a month, most of them from underserved and minority backgrounds. She speaks to them about sensitive matters such as gender-affirming care, and building trust takes time.

Those hard-won relationships often are upended when clients move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. Finding another therapist who is a good fit isnt easy, especially since many areas of the country have a shortage of mental health providers.

It takes them such a long time to find somebody that they feel safe with, Goerlich said. To have a spouse get transferred in their job and to lose all of that? Statistically, people are more likely to just stop therapy entirely, because they dont want to have to go through that again.

Amid what many Americans are calling a mental health crisis, an increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice across state lines.

It takes them such a long time to find somebody that they feel safe with.

 Stefani Goerlich

Under the Social Work Licensure Compact, social workers can get a multistate license, which clears them to care for patients in a participating state, even if they dont live there. Social workers must abide by the laws of the state where the patient resides.

Missouri was the first state to approve compact legislation, in July 2023. Since then, 14 other states have signed on. And at least 17 more are considering bills to do the same, according to the nonpartisan Council of State Governments, a nonprofit organization that promotes the exchange of ideas across state lines.

South Dakota lawmakers endorsed House Bill 1015 during the 2024 session, which enabled South Dakota to join the compact. Gov. Kristi Noem signed HB 1015 into law on Feb. 5.

The compact is the result of a collaboration among the council, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Association of Social Work Boards, which develops social work licensing exams. The National Association of Social Workers and the Clinical Social Work Association, both membership organizations for social workers, are partners in the effort.

Social Work Licensure Compact states

Alabama

Connecticut

Georgia

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Maine

Missouri

Nebraska

Ohio

South Dakota

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

The Defense Department is involved because military families move frequently, and many of them include social workers. Getting a new license every one or two years is burdensome. The social work compact is one of 10 multistate licensing agreements the Defense Department agreed to fund a few years ago, ranging from teaching to cosmetology, according to Matt Shafer, a deputy program director at the Council of State Governments.

Shafer told Stateline it likely will take one to one and a half years until licenses are issued under the social work compact.

This isnt the first compact to allow mental health providers to practice across state lines. Thirty-six states have passed legislation to allow psychologists to practice elsewhere by joining an interstate compact known as PSYPACT.

It works, Robin McLeod, a senior director at the American Psychological Association, said of PSYPACT. It allows for people who have specialized practice to provide care, or for people who need specialized practice to receive care.

For example, McLeod said, a therapist might specialize in serving patients with autism and also speak Arabic. Under the interstate compact, a practitioner could serve more people with those specific treatment and language needs, via telehealth.

However, McLeod noted, therapists practicing under the compact still have to navigate differing state laws. She pointed to Texas, where providers need to be aware of laws prohibiting abortion and gender-affirming medical care.

Those are times where it can be really tricky, she said. If youre practicing in that state from another state, its the Texas health and safety laws that you would have to follow.

But Alabama Democratic state Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, who sponsored successful compact legislation in his state, thinks the benefits outweigh the potential complications. A 2023 report from Mental Health America, a nonprofit that focuses on issues of mental illness, ranked Alabama 48th among the states in its effectiveness addressing mental health and substance use issues, citing its high prevalence of mental illness and limited access to care.

I know, as a state, we need to put more money into the health department to deal with mental health, from schools to workplaces, Hassell told Stateline. We defunded some of the mental health hospitals that we had in the state. And it became a problem.

In Colorado, where a bill that would allow the state to join the compact is on the governors desk, Democratic state Rep. Emily Sirota  a social worker herself  noted the issue is bipartisan. Compact bills also are awaiting governors signatures in Minnesota, New Hampshire and Tennessee, according to the Council of State Governments.

Its not a partisan issue to recognize a need in the workforce, Sirota told Stateline. She said the licensing compact is a way to make connections between patients and social practitioners more streamlined and more effective.

For Goerlich, who sees clients in at least four states, anything that can make licensure easier for therapists is a good thing. In addition to Michigan, Goerlich went through the licensing process in Arizona and Ohio so she could continue to treat patients who moved to those states. She also works in Florida, where she says she doesnt need a full license because she is a registered telehealth provider.

I went through all the hoops, I got licensed, she said. But that ended up costing me money. And Im fine with it, because Im able to help people. But if we had something like a compact, I would have been able to see them without needing to do that.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

The post Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Sex therapist and social worker Stefani Goerlich sits in her office in Detroit. Goerlich says her hard-won relationships with clients are upended when they move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. An increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice in multiple states. (Amy Feick | Courtesy of Stefani Goerlich)

Stefani Goerlich, a certified sex therapist and social worker with a private practice in Detroit, sees several dozen clients a month, most of them from underserved and minority backgrounds. She speaks to them about sensitive matters such as gender-affirming care, and building trust takes time.

Those hard-won relationships often are upended when clients move away from Michigan, because most states bar social workers from providing telehealth services across state lines. Finding another therapist who is a good fit isnt easy, especially since many areas of the country have a shortage of mental health providers.

It takes them such a long time to find somebody that they feel safe with, Goerlich said. To have a spouse get transferred in their job and to lose all of that? Statistically, people are more likely to just stop therapy entirely, because they dont want to have to go through that again.

Amid what many Americans are calling a mental health crisis, an increasing number of states are trying to address the problem by empowering social workers to practice across state lines.

Under the Social Work Licensure Compact, social workers can get a multistate license, which clears them to care for patients in a participating state, even if they dont live there. Social workers must abide by the laws of the state where the patient resides.

Missouri was the first state to approve compact legislation, in July 2023. Since then, 14 other states have signed on. And at least 17 more are considering bills to do the same, according to the nonpartisan Council of State Governments, a nonprofit organization that promotes the exchange of ideas across state lines.

The compact is the result of a collaboration among the council, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Association of Social Work Boards, which develops social work licensing exams. The National Association of Social Workers and the Clinical Social Work Association, both membership organizations for social workers, are partners in the effort.

The Defense Department is involved because military families move frequently, and many of them include social workers. Getting a new license every one or two years is burdensome. The social work compact is one of 10 multistate licensing agreements the Defense Department agreed to fund a few years ago, ranging from teaching to cosmetology, according to Matt Shafer, a deputy program director at the Council of State Governments.

Shafer told Stateline it likely will take one to 1 years until licenses are issued under the social work compact.

This isnt the first compact to allow mental health providers to practice across state lines. Thirty-six states have passed legislation to allow psychologists to practice elsewhere by joining an interstate compact known as PSYPACT.

It works, Robin McLeod, a senior director at the American Psychological Association, said of PSYPACT. It allows for people who have specialized practice to provide care, or for people who need specialized practice to receive care.

For example, McLeod said, a therapist might specialize in serving patients with autism and also speak Arabic. Under the interstate compact, a practitioner could serve more people with those specific treatment and language needs, via telehealth.

However, McLeod noted, therapists practicing under the compact still have to navigate differing state laws. She pointed to Texas, where providers need to be aware of laws prohibiting abortion and gender-affirming medical care.

Those are times where it can be really tricky, she said. If youre practicing in that state from another state, its the Texas health and safety laws that you would have to follow.

But Alabama Democratic state Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, who sponsored successful compact legislation in his state, thinks the benefits outweigh the potential complications. A 2023 report from Mental Health America, a nonprofit that focuses on issues of mental illness, ranked Alabama 48th among the states in its effectiveness addressing mental health and substance use issues, citing its high prevalence of mental illness and limited access to care.

I know, as a state, we need to put more money into the health department to deal with mental health, from schools to workplaces, Hassell told Stateline. We defunded some of the mental health hospitals that we had in the state. And it became a problem.

In Colorado, where a bill that would allow the state to join the compact is on the governors desk, Democratic state Rep. Emily Sirota  a social worker herself  noted the issue is bipartisan. Compact bills also are awaiting governors signatures in Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Tennessee, according to the Council of State Governments.

Its not a partisan issue to recognize a need in the workforce, Sirota told Stateline. She said the licensing compact is a way to make connections between patients and social practitioners more streamlined and more effective.

For Goerlich, who sees clients in at least four states, anything that can make licensure easier for therapists is a good thing. In addition to Michigan, Goerlich went through the licensing process in Arizona and Ohio so she could continue to treat patients who moved to those states. She also works in Florida, where she says she doesnt need a full license because she is a registered telehealth provider.

I went through all the hoops, I got licensed, she said. But that ended up costing me money. And Im fine with it, because Im able to help people. But if we had something like a compact, I would have been able to see them without needing to do that.

This story was originally published by Stateline, which like the New Hampshire Bulletin is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

The post Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  Two are dead after a weekend murder-suicide in northern Covington County.

On Sunday, May 26, Covington County Deputies, along with Andalusia and Gantt Police, rushed to a home on Stillman Road after receiving a call from a woman identified as Cindi Jordan, who was in great distress. Contact with Jordan was lost shortly after the call was made.

According to Sheriff Blake Turman, when deputies arrived on the scene, they found Jordan dead.

In a press release, Turman said Jordans ex-husband, Robert Ribarin Sr., had broken into her home and killed her before taking his own life.

Court records show Ribarin Sr. and Jordan were married in late 2015. Jordan filed for divorce after claiming they grew apart, causing the marriage to suffer. The divorce was finalized in mid-February.

This was a tragic event and totally uncalled for, said Sheriff Turman. Thank you to all the responders who assisted, and please keep our citizens dealing with this loss in your thoughts and prayers.

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 WDHN - wdhn.com.
Animal-rights group PETA has filed a complaint against Eastern Virginia Medical School, alleging abuse against baboons that went through Caesarian sections for pregnancy research.

PETA sent the complaint with the Norfolk Commonwealths Attorneys office last week, and the letter states the school has a longstanding, willful disregard of the well being of animals within its custody. The school, however, has maintained that the animals were always cared for, and the research is vital for maternal and baby care.

As part of research, pregnant baboons were given varying combinations of estrogen and an estrogen inhibitor, and their fetuses were delivered via C-section at different stages of pregnancy, according to documents provided to The Virginian-Pilot. The placenta and fetal tissue were collected for study, according to the protocol objective for the experiment submitted by EVMS to the schools Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

A total of 156 baboons were requested for the experiment over three years. Death of the mother, the fetus or both were accepted outcomes of the study as described in the documents.

According to a statement from Dr. Alfred Abuhamad, president, provost and dean of the school, the research primarily focused on studying preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. The CDC states it can lead to seizure, stroke, preterm birth or even death in the mother and/or baby. About 5-7% of all pregnancies are effected by preeclampsia. The condition is responsible for more than 70,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 fetal deaths each year worldwide.

Daphna Nachminovitch, senior vice president of cruelty investigations for PETA, said the organization has been aware of the experiments at EVMS but a 2021 report from the USDA was what triggered the more recent actions.

The report stated that the USDA found three baboons had multiple caesarian sections without scientific justification or approval. Special approval is needed for animals to go through more than one major operative procedure, such as a caesarian section. EVMS appealed the citation, but the USDA later denied the appeal in 2021.

In June 2022, after the school provided additional details and corrective actions about the experiments, USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) allowed for five baboons to receive six C-sections each.

The federal agencys involvement, and the repeated expression of concern for animal welfare from the federal government, certainly raised a red flag for us  other than just the fact that these animals were in laboratories being experimented on with invasive surgeries, Nachminovitch said. That alone, of course, were concerned about, but its very unusual for the USDA to take this kind of action.

Then in 2023, the administration withdrew EVMSs exception, citing concerns that procedures necessary to ensure animal welfare were not followed. Later that summer, state legislators brought up concerns regarding several state universities, including EVMS. An APHIS administrator said the office had no choice but to withdraw the exception after one baboon lost 18% of her body weight after her first pregnancy and C-section. The baboon had a second pregnancy while still underweight, and subsequently died after the second C-section.

Abuhamad said attacks about the research have been unfair. In recent years, multiple groups have had public demonstrations regarding the experiments. He said the on-site veterinarian at the school provides utmost reverence and care.

The research cannot be performed directly on humans, through laboratory simulations, or using other animal models, has resulted in significant novel discoveries that substantially advanced the field toward understanding the cause of preeclampsia and its complications, including preterm birth and fetal growth restriction, an April 14 statement from the school read, in part. The research has employed targeted gene therapy and other treatment modalities with the ultimate goal to help save mothers and babies.

Abuhamad said when compared to humans, baboons have an extremely similar process for development of placentas and fetuses in early pregnancy. This, Abuhamad said, makes this model highly suitable for learning more about how the placenta and preeclampsia develop during pregnancy. EVMS did not respond whether or not the school still had baboons.

Nachminovitch said records, which were shared with The Pilot, showed at least one female baboon displayed behaviors of self injury during the experiments, including tearing off her own fingernail, rubbing the top layer of her skin off and breaking her teeth. At least one finger on her left hand was amputated. Some received injuries from other baboons used at the school. Nachminovitch said PETA offered to arrange sanctuary for the baboons, since they were considered older. Nachminovitch said the organization never heard back.

Abuhamad said critical data for the research can only be collected after the baboons are euthanized. He said the treatment of women with preeclampsia and the survival of human babies is the top priority.

My colleagues and I hope that the time will come when enough is learned so that the vital research being conducted is no longer necessary, so that the millions of families who are affected by preeclampsia can be spared the hardship and heartache that often accompany it, Abuhamad said. Until that time arrives, we are committed to participating in this crucial research, part of a larger effort to close the womens health gap, a worldwide disparity that results in part from under-investment in research on diseases that affect women or affect women differently from men.

Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk commonwealths attorney, declined to comment on the complaint.

Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  A local Army Veteran is going the distance again.

In 2021, James Greer founded Ride for Veterans after reading an article that said 22 Veterans commit suicide everyday in the United States. In 2022, Greer drove to the Artic Circle and back to Kansas on a motorcycle in 22 days.

Every year since he has done an annual trip to honor veterans and raise awareness for the issues they face after their service.

This years ride will begin on June 12th in Casper, Wyoming. Greer and a team will drive along the historic Highway 20 Medal of Honor Highway for three days before ending their journey in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Harley Davidson Museum.

27 news spoke to Greer in Manhattan and he shared why a specific part from that article motivated him to start Ride for Veterans.

Topeka to become the set of upcoming music video

I am a Combat Veteran and when I read that article it talked about 70% of those Veterans that commit suicide every year were ages 50 and older, he said. That was in 2016 and that meant those were the people I fought with. Those were my comrades in arms. That hit me pretty hard.

If you want to participate in the ride and dont have a motorcycle, Greer says you are more than welcome to make the trip in your car.

To sign up to participate in the trip click here.

To donate to Ride for Veterans click here. All the money goes directly to Veterans who need help.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Another day, another cancelled British Airways flight. This one was BA56 from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport to London Heathrow and involved the deplaning of 360 adult passengers and 10 infants from an Airbus A380 late into the night, and an extra two nights in the South African city before normal service was restored.

Given the apparent frequency of BAs aircraft going technical, the frustrated customers, many of whom were high-paying BA frequent fliers, expressed anger at the confusion and chaos that followed the cancellation.

It unfolded like this. The overnight flight was due to depart at 19.20 and at 18.20 we were told to go to Gate 9 and that boarding would begin immediately. After standing in the passageway to the aircraft for half an hour we were then told there would be a 15-minute delay before we boarded. At 19.15 we were told that the technical problem had not been resolved and we should return to the lounge and await further announcements.

We waited, and waited, and finally two hours later at 21.15 we were told to return to the gate and that boarding would start. By 22.00 all passengers were on board and the doors were closed.

At this point, the pilot announced over the intercom that there had been problems with the weather radar system, and they had run tests that so far had seemed satisfactory. However, he declared he needed to move the aircraft away from the terminal to conduct final tests. We would be taxiing for a short time.

With the calm, reassuring tones one expects from BAs excellent pilots, our captain made it clear he would only take off if he was absolutely certain that this A380 was safe to fly. And so we pushed back and taxied away from the terminal. At 23.00, we were told the flight was cancelled. The flight crew told us that the ground crew would direct us to our baggage and to the buses that would take us to Johannesburg hotels for the night, and that they would answer any of our questions. This turned out to be wildly optimistic.

At midnight we trooped back through the immigration station, now understaffed and thus creating long queues of weary travellers, and on to baggage reclaim. Here there was but one ground staffer, a junior who seemed to be as bewildered by it all as the bumped travellers fired a fusillade of questions at her. At just after midnight we were standing, as instructed, at carousel 8. Then we were moved to carousel 10 and, 15 minutes later, back to carrousel 8.

By now the passengers, particularly those with young children, were demanding that this junior ground staffer give them more information. One could not help feeling sorry for her as she was clearly ill-equipped to deal with the situation and she took to rolling her eyes as the avalanche of questions engulfed her.

Standing around waiting for luggage gave this disgruntled gang of BA clients time to complain about the airline they had long regarded as the benchmark of service and reliability. One young woman who worked with wildlife conservancies told me that this was the third time in the last six months Ive had to put up with flight cancellations like this. Others pointed to other recent A380 failings, BA12 in Singapore with a similar weather radar failure, and on a recent Johannesburg-London flight when the air conditioning failed, and the passengers were similarly offloaded. These were not happy customers.

Finally at around 01.30, we were able to collect our luggage and head for the bus queue that would take us back into Johannesburg. By the time I got to bed it was 03.30 and I had stopped caring when we would eventually fly to London.

Many of the passengers had been bivouacked at the Southern Sun Rosebank, a perfectly decent central Johannesburg location. However, at 10.30, the following morning they were advised that BA had not confirmed a further nights accommodation and that they had to be checked out by midday. At 10.45, they were obediently sitting in the hotels foyer, bags packed. Precisely 45 minutes later they all received an email from BA telling them their flight would only be leaving the following day. They trooped back to their rooms.

BA56 finally took off the following morning at 10.00 with most of the original passengers  some of the more sceptical had booked alternative flights. So, we all got back to London, albeit 39 hours late.

This is a strange story to tell. As the captain stated clearly, he was not prepared to fly an aircraft that was not safe. Appropriately reassuring. However, the organisational shambles that followed, not all of it the airlines fault, left a planeload of passengers angry and disillusioned with BA.

Jane Baddely, a Gold card holder who was flying in business class, said she was furious, not only at the treatment over the cancelled flight but also with the meagre service on the delayed flight  breakfast was served soon after take-off, dinner just before landing and nothing, no snacks or drinks, in between. It was very poor, and after that delay Id have expected better, she said.

Equally, Mark and Charmaine Olivier, who had spent R150,000 (around 6,250) on their business-class tickets, felt let down both by the chaos around the postponed flight and also by the service on the delayed flight: We got a rushed breakfast after take-off, then nothing for eight and a half hours, then a hurried dinner just before we landed. It really isnt good enough.

British Airways responded by issuing this statement: Were sorry for disrupting our customers travel plans following a technical issue with their aircraft. We know that this delay was frustrating, but we would never operate an aircraft unless it was safe to do so.

In the cool light of day, the delay, the chaos, the inconvenience, the poor service on the delayed flight and, of course, BAs boilerplate apology, all seem par for course these days.

It was not hell, nobody died and eventually we all got home. However, the authority and skill of the captain was undermined by BAs lack of organisation and disappointing service.

Within 10 days of returning home, BA had at least paid for out-of-pocket expenses totalling just over 300 as well as 520 for delay compensation. Ah, the highs and lows of modern air travel.

What our consumer expert says

Two key points strike me about Graham Boyntons experience. The first is the value of the flight delay and cancellation compensation regulations set up by the EU and still retained in British law (our guide to your rights is here). It at least gives a measure of financial recompense to those who suffer when an airline lets its passengers down.

But it hasnt been enough to resolve a fundamental failing which seems to afflict all airlines, not just BA: the often appallingly bad communication with passengers when things go wrong. Rolling technical problems are never easy to deal with, but airlines  and airports  need to have staff on call to deal with them far better than generally happens now. Surely it is not beyond the wit of such a massive industry to improve its performance in this area. We are not cattle. We are customers.

 Nick Trend

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LONDON  Dazed Media is joining forces with Huasheng Media to launch the Chinese edition of Another Man, a title recently revived after pausing publication for four years.

Backed by one of Chinas most prominent media conglomerates, CMC Inc., Huasheng Media is the publisher of the Chinese editions of T Magazine, The New York Times Travel Magazine, Kinfolk, Wallpaper and Nylon.

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Hitting newsstands from Saturday, the inaugural issue will have four covers. On Tuesday, a cover featuring Balenciagas creative director Demna will be released as a teaser, building up to the brands spring 2025 womens and mens coed show in Shanghai on Thursday.

Unlike the biannual global counterpart, the local edition will publish 12 issues a year. It will feature local content and stories syndicated from the U.K. edition.

Huasheng Media owner and chief executive officer Feng Chuxuan will serve as group editorial director of Another Man China. Tian Zhiwei and fashion designer Xander Zhou will take over the roles of editorial director and fashion director, respectively.

The China edition is going to be a cool media brand for men, covering topics from mens fashion, photography, and arts, to multiculture omnimedia expression. I believe Another Man China is going to become one of the most important content and creative platforms, said Feng.

Demna on the cover of Another Man China

Jefferson Hack, cofounder of Dazed Media, added: Were thrilled to work closely with the Another Man China team and Huasheng Media to bring the most elevated expression of luxury mens fashion to China. They are one of the most trusted publishers in the market and have big ambitions to make Another Man the most talked about launch in media this year and the most important menswear title in the region.

The launch of the China edition will be accompanied by a series of parties and photography exhibitions in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Shenzhen in the coming months.

The original Another Man published 30 issues between 2005 and 2020. Due to the pandemic and a challenging media landscape, the mens title was merged into Another magazine in June 2020.

In April, the title was relaunched under the direction of editor in chief Ellie Grace Cumming and art director Lina Kutsovskaya. It comes with a drastically different logo which resembles a Snellen chart.

Another Man marks Dazed Medias third China partnership.

In 2017, it formed a successful joint venture with Chinas Modern Media to operate Nowness after LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton sold its majority share in the video-first platform to Modern Media owner Thomas Shao. In January, Nowness unveiled plans to undergo drastic changes to expand its presence in Asia Pacific.

Through the introduction of Adrian Cheng, the Chinese edition of Dazed was launched in partnership with Yoho!, a Chinese media, e-commerce, and event platform, in 2019. However, Dazed China paused publishing shortly after Yoho! got into financial troubles during the pandemic. Its Weibo account was last updated in November 2022.

On a side note, Huasheng Media has decided not to renew its five-year publishing licensing agreement with News Corp. to run the Chinese edition of WSJ Magazine, the monthly fashion and luxury-focused insert for The Wall Street Journal.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine must defeat Russia on the battlefield. At the same time, the head of state emphasized that a diplomatic solution to the conflict was proposed.

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According to him, justice can only come if our country defeats the aggressor. Zelenskyy said this during a press conference in Brussels.

The President noted that Ukraine wants the war to end as soon as possible. However, it must be a fair end to the war. The head of state noted that for this, Ukraine needs weapons to defend itself against the occupation and Russian evil.

At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasized that in order to prevent the war from dragging on for decades, Ukraine proposed a diplomatic way, namely a peace summit.

"If we want justice, then Ukraine must win. But I want it to be without loud statements. We need to know that people see that Ukraine really wants the war to end as soon as possible but fairly. Therefore, we need weapons to prevent us from being completely destroyed, to prevent us from being occupied, we need to fight back against this evil," the president said.

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The president also added that Russia is not fighting against Ukraine alone as it is supported by Iran and North Korea, which supply drones, missiles and artillery shells.

"There are some things that we do not talk about publicly, but we see these supplies, we see them from our intelligence, and we do not speak out about it until we have 100% confirmation about the supplies from a particular state to Russia," Zelenskyy said.

As a reminder, as Ukraine prepares for the June peace summit in Switzerland, where the Ukrainian Peace Formula will be discussed, two of Russia's BRICS allies have proposed holding an alternative summit. Brazil and China believe that peace talks should include both parties of the "armed conflict."

Earlier, it was reported that China has not yet been able to confirm the participation of its delegation in the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. They assured that they are "ready to maintain" communication with the international community and "have always maintained a fair and objective position" on the "crisis in Ukraine," but did not give a specific answer.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The bomb squad was called to an Ohio garage after a hand grenade was found on Monday.

>>1 hospitalized after vehicle crashes on its top in Greene County

Findlay Police officers were called to a home on Kellybrooke Court at around 1:42 p.m. on initial reports that someone found a grenade, according to TV station WTVG in Toledo.

The grenade is believed to have belonged to a dead relative.

Police described it as an apparent WWII-style hand grenade, according to CBS affiliate WTOL in Toledo.

The Lima Bomb Squad was contacted.

They safely collected and transported it for safe detonation/disposal, Findlay Police told WTOL.

No injuries were reported.
Appeals court asked to decide on confession in 'The Innocent Man' murder case

In this file photo, Karl Allen Fontenot, left, and Tommy Jesse Ward, arrive for a hearing in 1985.

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals is being asked to let prosecutors use a controversial confession as evidence in a murder case featured in the Netflix series, "The Innocent Man."

Karl Allen Fontenot faces a retrial in the infamous 1984 case if the videotaped confession can be admitted. A Tulsa County judge in February suppressed the confession.

"Such evidence is necessary for the State to proceed with this retrial," Attorney General Gentner Drummond told the appeals court last week.

The AG asked the court to reverse the order suppressing the confession and instruct the judge to admit it at the retrial.

Fontenot, now 59, claims he is innocent. A federal judge in Muskogee threw out his murder conviction in 2019, months after the Netflix series renewed national attention on the case.

U.S. District Judge James H. Payne agreed police had coerced a false confession from Fontenot who was particularly susceptible to suggestion because of his abnormally low intelligence.

The federal judge gave prosecutors 120 days to seek a new trial or permanently release Fontenot from custody. That deadline was pushed back by an appeal that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

A special prosecutor decided in 2022 to try Fontenot again after talking to the victim's family.

Who was the victim?

The victim, Donna Denice Haraway, disappeared from the McAnally's convenience store in Ada on April 28, 1984. The newlywed college student worked as a clerk there at night. She was 24.

Two Ada men, Fontenot and Tommy Ward, were sentenced to death at a 1985 murder trial even though the body of the victim had not yet been found.

Both confessed involvement, saying the clerk was kidnapped and fatally stabbed after the store was robbed of $150. Fontenot told police the body had been burned and buried near the Ada power plant.

Ward later claimed he only had been recounting a dream to police. Fontenot claimed police coerced a confession from him after telling him what Ward said.

Their confessions turned out to be wrong in key details.

Most significantly, the victim's skull and other remains were found more than a year after her disappearance. She had been shot in the head and dumped in a field near Gerty, about 30 miles away.

In 1987, the Court of Criminal Appeals ordered separate new trials after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled defendants with interlocking confessions could not be tried together.

Tommy Ward is shown in this image from Netflix documentary series, "The Innocent Man."

Fontenot was retried in 1988 and again sentenced to death despite the inconsistencies in his police statement. Because of a retrial error, he later was resentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Ward was retried in 1989 and sentenced to life in prison.

Why was confession suppressed?

Tulsa County Associate District Judge Clifford Smith pointed to a federal appeals court ruling in suppressing Fontenot's confession.

In 2021, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found Fontenot's confession "rang false in almost every particular." Judges in the 2-1 decision spent eight pages describing how the confession differed from "the actual facts."

The special prosecutor, Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka, had asked the Tulsa County judge in August for a ruling on the admissibility of the confession.

The DA noted the Court of Criminal Appeals in 1994 found Fontenot's confession "to be corroborated in nine separate ways."

"Unfortunately for the court, the only, I guess, law I have to give you is Oklahoma law saying that the Court of Criminal Appeals has looked at this and they've decided it is trustworthy," he argued at a hearing in November.

"I hate that we are here because ... evidence was not turned over. ... But the fact is what was known, the court found credibility and trustworthiness," he said. "And so all those things that are now known to the defense at the time of trial can be used to attack the credibility of the confession to convince a jury why this was a bad confession, but it doesn't mean that it doesn't come in at all."

Fontenot was freed from prison late in 2019 after the federal judge ruled in his favor. He filed a federal civil rights case against the state, Ada police and others in 2021. That case is on hold until his criminal case is over.

Ward, 63, has remained locked up. He is now challenging his conviction in federal court in Muskogee.

The case has been intensely scrutinized for years  starting with the 1987 book, "The Dreams of Ada."

John Grisham book was source of Netflix series

The 2018 Netflix series is based on novelist John Grisham's only nonfiction book. The victim's family has complained both the book and series are one-sided.

Both are commercial enterprises designed to feed off of peoples desire to see and read about conspiracies, the family said. We could write an entire book refuting the falsehoods and distortions contained in the book, series and briefs filed by the attorneys.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Appeals court asked to make key ruling in 'The Innocent Man' murder case
A federal appeals court, including two Donald Trump appointees, ruled Tuesday that the Democratic-lean of Washington, DCs, population does not make its jury pool too biased to try a January 6 Capitol rioter case.

Thomas Webster, a former New York Police Department officer who was found guilty in 2022 of assaulting a police officer during the riot, had challenged his conviction on that and other grounds. His legal arguments echoed public comments about the partisan bent of DC from Trump and his allies about the criminal case the former president faces in the nations capital for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The DC US Circuit Court of Appeals, in an opinion written by Barack Obama-appointed Judge Patricia Millett and joined by Judges Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao, both Trump appointees, rejected the version of the argument put forward by Webster.

Webster asserts that the District overwhelmingly voted for President Biden and historically votes for Democratic candidates.  That may be, Millett wrote. But the political inclinations of a populace writ large say nothing about an individuals ability to serve impartially in adjudicating the criminal conduct of an individual.

She pointed to the prosecution of aides to President Richard Nixon for their role in the Watergate cover-up, and wrote that the appeals court held that District juries could impartially adjudicate other criminal cases arising out of political matters, including Watergate.

Her opinion also brushed off polling data Webster had offered about the sentiments that the district jurys pool have about the Capitol attack. The survey of 400 people registered to vote in DC found that they had a decidedly negative impression of individuals arrested in conjunction with the activities of January 6, 2021.

The DC Circuit said that Websters focus on the jury pools opinion of January 6th and its perpetrators misses the point.

We expect jurors to view significant criminal events in their hometown with an unapproving eye, whether it is the January 6th attack on the Capitol, a murder, or an armed robbery spree, Millett wrote. Generalized disapproval of criminal conduct  even the specific conduct at issue in a defendants case  says nothing about a jurors ability to be impartial in deciding whether a particular individual committed a crime or not.

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(Bloomberg) -- President Javier Milei replaced his cabinet chief as the governments major economic reform plans languish in Argentinas congress, hoping a seasoned negotiator can get them over the finish line.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Milei accepted Nicolas Posses resignation on Monday night, marking the most high-level departure since the libertarian leader took office Dec. 10. Interior Minister Guillermo Francos, who coordinated negotiations between the president and congressional leaders over the reform package, replaced Posse as cabinet chief.

Though its one of the earliest departures of a top cabinet post in any recent presidency, investors appeared at peace with the move. Argentinas sovereign dollar notes edged higher across the curve Tuesday, erasing earlier losses. Bonds due in 2029 rose 0.4 cents to trade as high as 56 cents on the dollar, according to indicative pricing data compiled by Bloomberg.

Francos immediately distinguished himself from Posse  who never spoke to the press  by hosting a news conference Tuesday morning. The new cabinet chief said hed spend his first day on the job talking with Senate leaders about the status of Mileis so-called omnibus bill and fiscal reform.

The president has asked me to give a boost to our governing amid this political situation, Francos told reporters. Were navigating a path to seek consensus on a bill in Congress.

Milei warned last week that his entire cabinet would be put under analysis depending on whether Congress approves the bill. Posse resigned right before Milei departed Monday for a week of meetings in the San Francisco area with top executives from Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc., among others.

Investors were becoming nervous about Mileis delayed reforms that promise wide-ranging economic measures, which the libertarian initially hoped to have signed by May 25. The president recently conceded that the package, and a symbolic pact with governors, may not happen until June or July.

Posse became a key figure during Mileis campaign and later a top negotiator in the early months between the government and the International Monetary Fund over Argentinas $44-billion program. With a corporate background and no formal political experience, Posse kept a low profile and avoided public speaking outside of required remarks before Congress.

Before joining Mileis campaign, he climbed the executive ranks for several years at Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, a part of the Corporacion America holding company where Milei once worked for billionaire Eduardo Eurnekian. Posse was lauded by politicians and diplomats for adding structure to Mileis campaign after the outsider stunned the nation by winning a primary vote last August.

--With assistance from Kevin Simauchi.

(Updates and recasts with market reaction.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
For AR Kids spokesperson Bill Kopsky points out polling data the group collected regarding a proposed constitutional amendment it hopes to submit to voters during a press conference on Dec. 21, 2023 in the Old Supreme Court chamber of the Arkansas Capitol. (John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)

Supporters of an Arkansas education ballot initiative said theyve been successful in gathering thousands of signatures and remain confident they can qualify for the November ballot despite opposition groups raising significantly more money.

The primary goal of the Arkansas Educational Rights Amendment of 2024 is to hold private schools that receive state funding to the same standards as public schools. Supporters have until July 5 to collect 90,704 signatures from at least 50 counties to qualify the measure for the 2024 election.

The proposed constitutional amendment is backed by For AR Kids, a ballot question committee consisting of several groups, including the Arkansas Conference of the NAACP, Arkansas Education Association, Arkansas Public Policy Panel, Citizens First Congress, Arkansas Retired Teachers Association and Stand Up Arkansas.

During a virtual press conference last week, Stand Up Arkansas founder Steve Grappe said the coalition has 25,000 signatures reported, but he estimates theyve collected between 45,000 and 50,000 in total. He also said theyve reached the minimum signature requirement in 11 counties and are approaching that threshold in 10 more.

While an admittedly daunting task, Grappe said hes confident volunteers can collect the remaining signatures by the deadline because he participated in a way less organized petition drive last summer that gathered nearly 54,000 signatures in 50 days.

According to financial documents filed on May 15, For AR Kids has raised $4,560 dollars since December. Meanwhile, Arkansans for Students and Educators, a ballot question committee focused on the disqualification and/or defeat of the proposed constitutional amendment, has raised $636,000 since forming in April.

Arkansas Public Policy Panel Executive Director Bill Kopsky said signature collection, not fundraising, has been For AR Kids priority.

We are confident we will get enough money, once the signature phase is over, in hand to be competitive in the fall, Kopsky said. Were not going to spend dollar for dollar with the Walton family, but were going to be well enough resourced to be able to reach voters, educate voters and do what the campaign needs to pass.

Arkansans for Students and Educators largest contributor is Walmart heir Jim Walton who donated $500,000. The Walton Family Foundation is no stranger to education, having invested more than $407 million to grow high-quality charter schools since 1997, according to the foundations website.

Arkansans for Students and Educators also received a $100,000 contribution from Stronger Arkansas, a separate ballot question committee that opposes the education ballot initiative, as well as proposed constitutional amendments focused on medical marijuana and abortion access.

Our opposition clearly sees how much support the measure has with our Arkansas voters  thats obvious by how much money theyve raised to try and stop our progress, Arkansas Education Association President April Reisma said.

Cost concerns

Arkansans for Students and Educators and Stronger Arkansas both have close ties to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who championed the passage of the LEARNS Act. The wide-ranging 2023 law made sweeping changes to the Arkansas education system, including increasing the states minimum teacher salary to $50,000 and creating a school voucher program that provides state funding for allowable educational expenses, such as private school tuition.

The proposed education amendment stems from the new Educational Freedom Account program, which critics argue is unfair because private schools receiving state funding dont have to follow the same requirements as their public counterparts, such as admitting all students, providing transportation and administering certain standardized tests.

The LEARNS Act does require private schools to administer approved annual exams for EFA students.

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In addition to equal standards, the proposed constitutional amendment would guarantee voluntary universal access to pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds, after-school and summer programming, quality special education and assistance for children in families within 200% of the Federal Poverty Line ($62,400 for a family of four).

The measure would also establish the minimum quality standards ordered in the Lake View School District No. 25 v. Huckabee court decision. That case, which lasted 15 years, established a process for Arkansas public schools to be adequately funded.

Earlier this month, Opportunity Arkansas, Arkansas Learns and The Reform Alliance launched For AR Families, an initiative to ensure Arkansans know the truth about the misleadingly named Education[al] Rights Amendment of 2024, according to a press release.

Nic Horton, founder and CEO of policy organization Opportunity Arkansas, said his goal is to educate voters about the policy impact of the ballot initiative and noted hes not advocating for or against the measure.

One of Hortons biggest concerns is a lack of identified funding for proposed programs like universal pre-K and afterschool programs that his organization estimates could cost taxpayers more than $1 billion.

Without a funding mechanism or income and duration limits for participants, Horton said the measure would cement a blank check into the state Constitution.

Opponents of the states voucher program have been critical of using state funds to finance wealthy families private school education. Without income restrictions for pre-K and afterschool participants, Horton said, the ballot initiatives proposed programs would be doing the same thing.

Talk about doublespeak, he said. That is to me exceptionally inconsistent and hypocritical with everything else that theyve said in their opposition to education freedom, and theyre turning around and doing the exact same thing at a significantly higher cost.

For fiscal year 2025, $97.5 million has been appropriated for the states voucher program. Lawmakers approved a $65.8 million increase for the program during this years fiscal session. A Department of Finance and Administration official told lawmakers last year that the EFA program could cost $175 million its third year, the first year its available to all students.

For AR Kids representatives said they dont yet have an estimated cost for their amendment, but a team of economists are working on a cost-benefit analysis, which they said will be available before the election. While provisions like universal pre-K have a cost, Kopsky said, they have a huge return on investment and will improve Arkansas status in national rankings.

Let us know what you think...

The state had a roughly $1 billion surplus for the last three fiscal years, and those funds could support the ballot measures provisions, Grappe said.

Horton said the surplus theoretically is an option, but questioned the wisdom of using one-time funding to support permanent programs. Additionally, Horton said a better use of the funding, and something many Arkansans are interested in, would be phasing out the state income tax, which Gov. Sanders has promised to do, if it can be done responsibly.

Im not sure its good budgeting to use one-time money for these permanent, universal welfare programs that we have no idea how much theyre going to be used, whos going to enroll, how much theyre going to cost, what are all the benefits going to be, he said.

Horton also criticized creating these programs through a constitutional amendment. By writing them into the states constitution, it will be more difficult to alter them and allows for less public input than if this proposal went through the legislative process and was debated and passed by lawmakers, he said.

If For AR Kids collects the minimum number of required signatures, the group could still face legal challenges that could prevent the measure from making it to the November ballot. Kopsky said the coalition has a really strong legal team prepared to defend the measure if necessary.

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No, this isn't a Bible fable; armadillos may be the cause of a leprosy outbreak in Florida

Dont eat the armadillos.

Thats a useful advisory, one youre not likely to hear despite its urgent nature.

Thats because people who are allegedly in charge of Florida are up to their usual antics, doing silly, self-serving things when theyd be doing us a real public service by talking about armadillos.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has been auditioning as the guest host on Sean Hannitys radio show, one of the best ways to make you stupid in a hurry.

Attorney Gen. Ashley Moody threatens to use her office to sue Starbucks, a private company, for setting employment goals leading to a diverse workforce. I guess you could say shes doing her best to stop people from having their coffee Black.

And Floridas quack Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo is still spreading his dangerous anti-vax message, trying to get hospital websites in the state to post warnings about COVID-19 inoculations that say these vaccines are not appropriate for use in human beings.

Wed all be better off if they were talking about armadillos.

The nine-banded armadillo is found in most of Florida. [UF/IFAS]

Fortunately, I stumbled upon Rachel Feltman, a Popular Science journalist who hosts an entertaining podcast called The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week.

I guess you could say that Feltman is one of the leading voices against eating armadillos in Florida.

You can get leprosy from touching or eating an infected armadillo, Feltman said on her show. Dont eat armadillos.

Especially if you live in Florida, she said. Thank you, Rachel. Well take our voices of reason wherever we can get them.

Theres a growing acknowledgment that leprosy, an often misunderstood and extremely rare disease formally named Hansens Disease, is linked to human interactions with armadillos  the critter that happens to be Floridas leading entre on the menu of roadkill cuisine.

Florida has become a hotspot for the disease, with 81 percent of the states cases reported in Central Florida, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

A CDC examination of an infected Floridian seems to indicate that the disease was contracted through environmental factors here, rather than the result of foreign travel.

In summary, our case adds to the growing body of literature suggesting that Central Florida represents an endemic location for leprosy, the CDC report concluded. Travel to this area, even in the absence of other risk factors, should prompt consideration of leprosy in the appropriate clinical context.

Researchers at the University of Florida have zeroed in on armadillos, while other research has found that as many as 20 percent of armadillos naturally carry leprosy. Theres also a strain of leprosy found only in Florida from armadillos living in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The good news is that 95 percent of people arent susceptible to it, and for the 5 percent who are, its difficult to spread from person to person.

Dont be weird about it, Feltman said on her podcast. Its just an infection.

People who are infected develop patches of their skin that are treatable with antibiotics. Some of those infected dont even realize they have the disease. The Biblical rotting-limbs conception of leprosy just isnt accurate for the most part.

The Kaiser Family Foundation Health News published a piece last week that highlighted the link between armadillos and Floridas growing leprosy infections.

The public should not panic about leprosy, nor should people race to euthanize armadillos, researchers warn, the piece said.

Yes, the public shouldnt panic. But Floridians ought to be warned to keep their hands off armadillos.

Armadillos are legal to shoot year round by Florida hunters, and the animals are often yard pests for homeowners due to their penchant for digging elaborate burrow networks.

We kill a lot of armadillos in Florida, and its not hard to go online and find YouTube videos that show the steps for making armadillo chili.

Even if youre not a hunter or a frustrated homeowner, its easy to get your hands on dead armadillos due to the animals unfortunate survival instinct.

Rupert the Space Armadillo is kind of mascot for the museum. The 27-foot fragment of the Gemini-Titan 5 booster was brought to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum (CCSFM). The U.S. Space Force Historical Foundation secured and funded this historic artifact form the early space program. It had been located at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and will now be on display at Hangar C at the CCSFM.

When threatened  like from the roar of an approaching car  armadillos jump four feet in the air. Right into the grill of the vehicle. Its why there are so many armadillos that end up as roadkill.

With all these dead armadillos lying around, it might be worth advising Floridians to make a protein substitution to some other critter in their chili.

(Although, probably not the red squirrel. They may be vectors for leprosy too.)

Not eating armadillos is a simple, useful message.

Its way more needed than a governor who spends his workday spouting hyperbolic nonsense on talk-radio about the mortal threat posed by millions of Floridians hes supposed to be serving.

Or a chief medical officer whose so on the margins of sound medical advice that his edicts are ignored by responsible doctors on hospital boards. Or a state attorney general who is waging an imaginary civil rights battle for white baristas.

More: Cerabino: Since when must school library books "convey the government's message"?

More: Holy hell! Florida Surgeon General goes "Antichrist" on COVID vaccines

Theres way too much harping in Florida about the wrong things, if you ask me.

Lets get back to the basics.

Dont eat the armadillos.

Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, part of the Gannett Newspapers chain.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach natives beware of leprosy infected armadillos in Florida.
Army may let recruits with autism or mental health troubles join up

Recruits with autism or a history of depression could be allowed in the Armed Forces for the first time, The Telegraph can reveal.

Under plans being drawn up by Capita, the outsourcing giant which has the contract for Army recruitment, potential recruits who would normally face a blanket ban are to be considered in an attempt to stem the militarys hiring crisis.

Currently, applicants who have autism or ADHD  attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder  are rejected outright from joining the Army.

The Telegraph understands that this results in more than 500 candidates being turned away each year, while nearly 4,000 candidates last year were rejected because they had psychiatric conditions which classed them as ineligible.

A reassessment of the medical requirements for recruits, including refining questions on ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and mental health, has been put forward.

A recruitment crisis is threatening to engulf the military, with all three services suffering from falling employment.

Is there shades of grey?

Official government figures found that in the 12 months to March, intake for the Army dropped by almost 15 per cent.

Meanwhile, in the past 10 years, 83 per cent of the 707,000 people who applied to join the Army voluntarily withdrew their application, with fewer than 80,000 recruited.

A defence insider told The Telegraph: Our medical understanding over the last 30 years has increased markedly.

But we havent really changed the entry standards to match our medical understanding.

So what were doing is using data to challenge the question, Is it a blanket ADHD [ban]?

They asked: Is it, are there shades of grey in this? Autism is the same.

The rules are black and white about ADHD. If you have a clinical diagnosis on ADHD or autism, youre not able to join.

The Army stipulates that joining can be challenging both physically and mentally.

It states that while health problems may not affect an individuals everyday life, such a medical history may prevent them from being able to join.

It is estimated that there are up to 1.2 million autistic people and 2.2 million with ADHD in England. People with ADHD may experience problems with impulsivity and difficulty concentrating.

Referrals for both have risen fivefold since the pandemic, according to research published by the Nuffield Trust think tank last month.

More than 172,000 people were waiting for a diagnosis in December 2023, more than five times higher than the 32,220 four years earlier, amid fears that doctors may be overdiagnosing the conditions.

Diagnoses of ADHD and autism have risen sharply over the last few decades.

A report from health think tank Nuffield Trust has shown that the number of people in England awaiting an autism or ADHD diagnosis has risen fivefold in four years.

In April 2019, just 17,409 people had an open referral for suspected autism. In December that year, the figure was 32,233 and by December 2023, this had risen to 172,022.

While there is no national data on referrals for ADHD, it has been reported that between 2019-20 and 2022-23, there was a 51 per cent increase in the number of people prescribed with medication for the condition.

The Telegraph understands that senior military figures are keen to recruit candidates who are neurodivergent as they are often rich in digital skills.

However, current rules preclude them from being considered.

Were challenging that theory, they said.

The source added that mental health is also an issue.

We now put upon every Tube station entry, Its okay to not be OK, but its not okay to not be OK if you want to join the Army, they said.

Lord Dannatt, the former head of the Army, said it was right to revisit the criteria by which people are accepted or rejected.

It makes quite a lot of sense, in terms of medical conditions and mental health, he said.

We should accept a little bit more risk and if the risk turns bad, we can discharge them.

It may be that serving in a collegiate way with someone with a not too severe mental illness is what they need.

Its right to be more flexible

He added: Take loneliness, which can be a precursor to depression, you dont get that in the Army.

Sitting in your own room staring at your iPhone can be soul-destroying.

But in the Army, you have routine, you make mates, it could be life-changing. I think its right to be more flexible on this.

Recent initiatives to attract more potential soldiers and officers include granting troops permission to grow beards after the Army overturned a 100-year ban on facial hair.

The initiative, which was signed off by the King, who is Commander in Chief, was launched to promote inclusivity and encourage men with beards to sign up.

Earlier this year, senior figures from Capita told MPs before a Commons defence select committee that soldiers with visible tattoos, hayfever or a record of asthma should be taken on to help solve the recruitment crisis.

However, recent government figures also showed three quarters of would-be recruits drop out of the militarys application process because it takes too long.

To counter this, a form of artificial intelligence called the Natural Language Processing (NLP) capable of reading doctors handwriting was introduced last summer, in order to accelerate the processing of hard copy medical records for all new Army applicants.

Typically, each applicants health record, of which there are around 40,000 documents a year, is on average between 50-100 pages long, taking up to an hour to evaluate manually.

The NLP assists medical professionals in assessing health records, reducing manual processing time by 30 per cent.

Meanwhile, a Medical Records automation pilot was recently launched in order to stop requesting paper medical records from GP surgeries, which takes on average 29 days to reach the Army.

However, under the pilot, this time has been reduced on average to five days, with the slowest return date recorded having been 23 days.

It is understood that the Army now plans to roll the process out across England and Wales.

Capita and the Ministry of Defence declined to comment.

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 federal judge sentenced an Army veteran Friday to 25 years in prison after the former soldier was convicted of teaching someone how to make homemade bombs for the express purpose of killing law enforcement officers.

Christopher Arthur, 40, was convicted in North Carolina last year on nine counts of providing explosives training and possessing unregistered weapons, including a short-barreled rifle, silencer, improvised hand grenades and an improvised claymore mine. According to court documents, Arthur owned Tackleberry Solutions, which sold training manuals on making explosives. The brand also had a YouTube channel, where Arthur posted a three-part series about how to overthrow the government, in addition to hundreds of other videos that the FBI described as militaristic.

Arthur was arrested after the FBI received recordings from a confidential informant who underwent training at Arthurs North Carolina residence. The informant had first reached out to Arthur, claiming that officers with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had confiscated weapons from their house. The informant asked for help to prepare in case more officers returned.

Arthur taught the informant a home defense strategy he called the spiderweb, a tactic he described as stupid lethal. It included surrounding a residence with IEDs and remote-activated firearms.

He also instructed the informant about how to evade arrest after killing law enforcement officers, and he provided the trainee with several components to construct an IED, court documents say.

The jury took only an hour to deliberate before convicting Arthur in July 2023, the Associated Press reported. His charges carried a maximum sentence between 14 and 18 years, but an enhancement for terrorism extended the possible maximum to life in prison. U.S. District Court Judge James C. Dever decided on 25 years, saying he took Arthurs military service into account.

Violence directed towards police, judges, and public servants will never be tolerated in a free society, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley said in a statement. This defendants property was wired with IEDs, the same design he sold to help others kill American law enforcement. Anyone teaching bomb-making to target American heroes gets a lesson today: 25 years in federal prison.

Before sentencing, the defense pointed to Arthurs military service as a reason he should receive a lighter sentence. Arthur enlisted in 2007 and served as an infantryman. According to court records, he deployed twice to Iraq in 2007 and 2008. His unit sustained several casualties and saw mortar attacks and suicide bombings, wrote G. Alan Dubois, Arthurs public defender.

The second deployment changed Arthurs trajectory and served as the beginning of his descent into paranoid beliefs, court records say.

His military service has impacted Mr. Arthur immensely. He constantly reflects on his experiences and acknowledges that those experiences played a role in his appearance before this court today, Dubois wrote in a sentencing memorandum.

Arthur separated honorably as a specialist in 2019. Federal law enforcement learned of Tackleberry Solutions just one year later, after Virginia trucker Joshua Blessed led police on a high-speed chase through multiple counties in upstate New York. Blessed was killed during a gunfight with police. He was later described by law enforcement as a militia extremist.

During searches of Blesseds car and home, officers found multiple instruction manuals from Tackleberry Solutions, including one titled Quick Reaction Force-Modern Day Minutemen-Improvised Explosives. They also found emails between Blessed and Arthur about styles of claymore mines, as well as evidence that Blessed had attended training with Tackleberry Solutions in North Carolina earlier that year.

At a time when law enforcement officers are being feloniously killed at an alarming rate, it is appalling to know what Christopher Arthur did, said FBI Special Agent Robert DeWitt. He made a living training people how to kill or injure those who proudly wear the badge. Now he will spend time in federal prison for his dangerous and deadly lessons.

This story was produced in partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism. Please send tips to MVJ-Tips@militarytimes.com.
N.C. Senate Bill 821, also known as the "Train Infrastructure Acceleration Act," was introduced by a group of eight Democratic senators on May 2. The bill calls for an additional $1 million in state funding for each of the routes that recently received federal funding through the FRA Corridor Identification and Development program.

ASHEVILLE - While the effort to bring passenger rail back to Western North Carolina has gained steam in recent months, funding has remained a question for local officials and state legislators as the project requires more non-federal funding to stay on pace.

Nathan Ramsey, executive director of the Land of Sky Regional Council, said during LOSRC's May 22 meeting that the role of the council would be to help organize community government partners to obtain the remaining funding for the plan.

"We're in discussions about trying to raise that match," Ramsey said during the meeting. He expects an additional $50,000 in state funding for the project, which is still in the early stages of development.

Currently, the Asheville-to-Salisbury route is in the development phase of the Corridor ID process in which there are two stages requiring a funding match from local, state and non-federal sources.

Land of Sky Regional Council Executive Director Nathan Ramsey said the regional council plans on facilitating local government conversation in order to produce funding for the Asheville-to-Salisbury rail corridor.

Advocates for the Asheville to Salisbury route recently said the next step for the project would be an additional "$250,000 to $300,000 non-federal match" in funding for the "project planning" stage of the Corridor ID program, which would be used alongside the $500,000 grant announced by the Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration in December.

For project planning stage, the additional non-federal match is 10% of what the FRA has put into the process. The process is expected to take "around six months," NCDOT Rail Programs Manager Jason Myers said to the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization Feb. 19.

However, the next step in the process is the project development stage, which will require a much higher 20% local match to the FRA's funding.

A slide on the Corridor ID program from a Feb. 18 North Carolina Department of Transportation presentation on the project.

Ramsey told the Citizen Times the new plan aligns with the council's goal to put the region in the "best possible position," and noted that if members can obtain funding the "the federal process is very favorable."

Marion Mayor Steve Little, chair of the Western North Carolina Rail Committee, said the most likely solution to finding the funding match for the project would come from a collection of county governments and partners. Little called Land of Sky the "natural" choice to take a leadership role in securing the funding.

Little, along with other WNC rail advocates, has long fought for the return of the Asheville to Salisbury route, with a variety of options  including a bus fare that took travelers from Asheville to Salisbury to ride an Amtrak train and alternative funding sources  being proposed over the last 20 years. Passenger rail to Asheville ended in 1975.

With the recent North Carolina rail expansion gaining traction, some state legislators have proposed fast-tracking additional funding for rail projects.

Senator Julie Mayfield

N.C. Senate Bill 821, also known as the "Train Infrastructure Acceleration Act," was introduced by a group of eight Democratic senators on May 2. The bill calls for an additional $1 million in state funding for each of the routes that recently received federal funding through the FRA Corridor Identification and Development program. The funds approved through the bill would help with "comprehensive engineering, feasibility studies, and initial development efforts" for the seven routes.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's 2024-2025 budget adjustments also include an additional $10 million in matching funds for the FRA grants, which would "ensure the department remains competitive for these grant programs," according to the April 2024 proposal.

Little believes the legislature will likely contribute to the effort, but believes the local city, county and town governments will need to play a role in producing and procuring funding for the project.

"They're not going to pay for the whole thing," Little said of the state's involvement in the process. "And what will probably carry the most weight with the legislature is for counties  Buncombe through Rowan  to participate financially."

Democratic Sen. Julie Mayfield, who represents Asheville and most of Buncombe County in the 49th District, told the Citizen Times she supports the bill and any additional funding for North Carolina passenger rail.

"We know there is demand, and I would certainly love to take the train to Raleigh if I could," Mayfield wrote to the Citizen Times May 22.

Rep. Sen. Warren Daniel, who represents Morganton and other towns that will see passenger rail as a result of the corridor, did not respond to the Citizen Times May 22.

"If it doesn't happen  this opportunity  it may be a long time before that ever comes back around," Ramsey said.

More: How can Asheville improve its public bus system? $300K study proposed

More: Woodfin's Whitewater Wave likely to be completed in 2024 as only wave in WNC

Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville Amtrak plan finds local support, more funding still required
Athens man convicted in fatal shooting of woman during concert in South Carolina

Jarquez Cooper, right, was convicted of murdering a woman at a Foogiano concert. He is shown at a 2020 bond hearing in Greenville, S.C.

An Athens man recently was sentenced to 50 years in prison after a jury convicted him of fatally shooting a woman during a gunfight at a Greenville, South Carolina nightclub, where two people were killed and seven others wounded.

Greenville County Circuit Court Judge Darrell Fisher imposed the sentence on Jarquez Kezavion Cooper, 24.

The jury convicted Cooper of killing Mykala Bell, a Greenville mother of two who was attending the July 4, 2020, concert by rapper Foogiano.

However, the jurors acquitted Cooper of the murder charge stemming from the death of Clarence Sterling Johnson Jr., 51, of Duncan, South Carolina, who was working as a security guard at the Lavish Lounge on Whitehall Road.

Eight other criminal charges against Cooper, including attempted murder, were dismissed after the trial based on "prosecutorial discretion," according to the records filed with the Greenville Clerk of Court.

Fatal shooting: Teenage suspect charged in fatal shooting of Athens man on Memorial Day

The Lavish Lounge never reopened after the violence of that night. The victims in the shootings ranged from 21 to 51 years old, with six victims admitted to a hospital due to the severity of their wounds.

The weeklong trial ended Friday.

Prosecutors had alleged the shooting stemmed from a gang dispute, according to earlier reports from the Greenville County Sheriffs Office. Cooper was part of the crew working for Foogiano, whose real name is Kwame Khalil Brown. He is originally from Greensboro, Georgia.

Brown was not charged in the Greenville shootings, but he did serve a prison term in Georgia for an unrelated conviction of tampering with evidence.

Spartanburg, South Carolina TV-7 reported that the solicitors office, which prosecuted the Cooper case, said the split verdict was a result of the complexity of the case.

Videos of the shooting shown in court were dark and difficult to see, and multiple people brandishing weapons, making it difficult to discern exactly who fired into the crown, according to the news report.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens man convicted of murdering woman at Foogiano concert in S.C.
Western weapons supplied to our country already belong to Ukrainians. Therefore, it is up to Ukraine to decide whether or not to strike the territory of the occupying country.

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This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a meeting of the Alliance's Parliamentary Assembly in Bulgaria. He noted that Ukrainians have the right to self-defense, and this includes strikes against legitimate military targets outside our country, including the territory of Russia.

"It's time to think about whether some restrictions should be lifted. We see that in the Kharkiv region, the front line and the border are practically in the same place, and Ukraine cannot attack military facilities in Russia. This means that Ukrainians have their hands tied. They are being attacked from the territory of Russia, and they cannot respond because there are restrictions on their use of weapons," the Secretary General said.

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Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called on the Alliance to lift "some restrictions" on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine. According to him, Ukraine has the right to defend itself, and this defense should include strikes on military targets in Russia.

Poland and Sweden supported this position, while Germany and Italy spoke out against it. For example, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Berlin provided weapons to Ukraine on the condition that they would not be used for attacks outside of Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recently said that the United States does not encourage the use of Western weapons to strike Russia, but Ukraine has the right to decide how to wage war.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!

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The Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort on Feb. 27, 2024. Photo by Arden Barnes

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Colemans office ruled Tuesday that some of Gov. Andy Beshears recent line-item vetoes are void, upholding the General Assemblys move to make all of House Bill 8 a law.

At the end of this years legislative session, Beshear issued two line-item vetoes on HB 8, a Republican-backed bill with wide-ranging provisions affecting state revenue, including paving the way for income tax cuts in future sessions.

However, Republicans in the legislature did not attempt to override the vetoes, instead calling them unconstitutional and forwarding the bill to the secretary of states office for filing. Kentucky governors may issue line-item vetoes to appropriations bills, and House Bill 8 was not an appropriations bill, lawmakers argued.

The attorney generals opinion, written by Executive Director of the Office of Civil and Environmental Law Aaron J. Silletto, agreed with that distinction. HB 8 was about generating income for the state and local governments, not spending public funds, Stiletto wrote.

The Governors attempted line-item vetoes of House Bill 8 were nullities, as they exceeded his constitutional authority, the opinion says. Therefore, those portions of the bill against which the Governor purported to use his line-item veto became law with the rest of the bill when it was filed with the Secretary of State on April 12, 2024.

James Hatchett, a spokesperson for the governors office, said the attorney general never contacted our office about this request or opinion. The AGs opinion is incorrect, as the very title of the bill at issue says it makes an appropriation.

When it was filed, the bills original title said it was an act relating to revenue. It was later amended to say the bill was about to fiscal matters, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.

The Governor properly exercised his constitutional authority to veto parts of the bill, and previous legal opinions have upheld similar line-item vetoes, Hatchett said. In the future, and in basic fairness, we hope the AGs office will reach out to the Governors Office before issuing any advisory opinions on the Governors authority.

Beshear had attempted to veto sections of the bill that create a sales tax exemption for currency and bullion and what he called an unfunded mandate for tax amnesty.

The opinion was requested by the General Assemblys top Republicans  House Speaker David Osborne and Senate President Robert Stivers.

Typically, when governors do not sign or veto a bill, they become law without their signatures. Thats the last action recorded on HB 8.

The post Attorney general sides with GOP lawmakers on voiding some of Beshears line-item vetoes appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
Thirty-six days ago, prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorney's office set out to convince a jury of twelve New Yorkers that Donald Trump broke the law by hiding damaging information from voters.

During closing arguments Tuesday, they'll attempt to convince that jury to convict the former president on 34 felony counts -- a historic decision in what could be the only one of Trump's criminal cases that reaches a verdict before the 2024 election.

Prosecutors built their case across four weeks of testimony, calling 20 witnesses including Stormy Daniels, the adult film actress whose hush money payment sits at the center of the case; Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer who made the payment to Daniels just days ahead of the 2016 election; and multiple Trump Organization employees who helped orchestrate Cohen's alleged reimbursement in 2017.

MORE: Ahead of summations in Trump trial, here's a brief look at what every witness said on the stand

With the burden on prosecutors to prove the case, Trump's lawyers put on a brief defense case -- calling just two witnesses -- and sought to discredit key witnesses like Cohen and Daniels.

Some of the key events at the center of the case -- that Daniels was paid $130,000 for her silence and that Cohen was paid $420,000 by Trump in 2017 -- are undisputed by defense lawyers. As a result, the closing arguments are likely to focus on Trump's awareness of Cohen's conduct, and Trump's motivations for allegedly approving the payments.

Prosecutors argue that Trump approved Daniels' hush money payment to influence the election, while defense lawyers pin the arrangement on Cohen and say Trump was simply trying to protect his family. Defense lawyers attempted to cast Cohen's alleged reimbursement after the election as legitimate payments processed by accountants at the Trump Organization, but prosecutors say the payments were disguised to hide their true purpose from voters.

The jury -- comprised of seven men and five women including two lawyers, a schoolteacher, and a physical therapist -- are expected to begin deliberating on Wednesday morning after Judge Juan Merchan instructs them on the law related to the case.

The prosecution's case

The state's case centers around what they argue was a pressing concern for Trump as he announced his candidacy in the 2016 election.

"There's going to be a lot of women coming forward," Cohen testified Trump warned him at the start of the campaign.

As the campaign gained momentum, prosecutors say Trump engaged in a criminal conspiracy that began with an August 2015 meeting at Trump Tower.

Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified that during a meeting with Trump and Cohen, he agreed to help the Trump campaign by running positive stories about Trump, pushing negative stories about his opponents, and acting as the campaign's "eyes and ears" by flagging negative stories about Trump related to women.

"If I hear anything about women selling stories ... I would notify Michael Cohen and then he would be able to have them killed in another magazine or have them not be published or somebody would have to purchase them," Pecker testified.

Acting on his agreement with Trump and Cohen, Pecker said that his company paid for two stories, including a $30,000 payment to a former doorman who falsely alleged that Trump had an illegitimate child, and a $150,000 payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal who alleged a months-long affair with Trump, which Trump has steadfastly denied.

PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a charge hearing with his defense lawyers Emil Bove and Todd Blanche before Justice Juan Merchan, during Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan state court in New York City, May 21, 2024. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

Pecker told jurors that he had already spent too much on those agreements when he got word in October 2016 that Daniels was selling her story of an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump that Trump has denied. Pecker testified that he flagged the story to Cohen, who told jurors that he brought the matter directly to Trump.

"This is really a disaster. Women will hate me. Guys may think it's cool, but this is going to be a disaster for the campaign," Cohen testified about Trump's reaction to the story.

Prosecutors called Daniels to the witness stand to describe her alleged sexual encounter with Trump, offering details that prosecutors said were necessary for the jury to understand Trump's motivation to kill the story.

"I told very few people that we had actually had sex because I felt ashamed that I didn't stop it, that I didn't say no," Daniels told jurors.

The possibility of Daniels' allegations becoming public came as Trump's campaign was in crisis mode after the release of the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape, which prompted some prominent Republicans to withdraw their support for Trump and the Republican National Committee to consider finding a new candidate to replace him, former Trump aide and one-time RNC staffer Madeleine Westerhout testified.

MORE: What are the potential outcomes of Trump's hush money trial?

Cohen told jurors that he spoke with Trump about the Daniels matter more than 20 times in October 2016. According to Cohen, Trump authorized him to make a $130,000 payment to Daniels pursuant to a nondisclosure agreement, effectively killing the story just days before the 2016 election.

Cohen also said that in January 2017, he attended a meeting with Trump and former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg where they agreed on a plan to reimburse Cohen for the Daniels payment and the taxes he would owe on the reimbursement -- as well as his bonus and another expense reimbursement -- through twelve $35,000 payments.

Jurors saw each of the invoices submitted by Cohen for legal services pursuant to a retainer agreement, as well as the internal vouchers generated by the Trump Organization to pay Cohen, and the checks signed by Trump and the representatives of his trust. Prosecutors allege that the business records were falsified to disguise the reimbursement for Cohen's payment to Daniels, further hiding the existence of the hush money payment from the public.

The defense's case

Defense lawyers have sought to distance Trump from the allegedly falsified documents and limit the suggestion that the former president acted with fraudulent intent -- beginning with discrediting the prosecution's star witness Michael Cohen.

"He has a goal, an obsession with getting Trump, and you're going to hear that," defense lawyer Todd Blanche said during his opening statement. "I submit to you that he cannot be trusted."

Across three days of cross-examination, defense lawyers painted Cohen as a spiteful employee intent on revenge by highlighting his criminal history, past lies under oath, and animosity toward Trump.

Cohen also admitted to stealing $30,000 from the Trump Organization by overcharging the company for an IT expense, and defense lawyers say he lied on the witness stand about an October 2016 phone call that he said he made to confirm with Trump the plan to pay Daniels $130,000.

PHOTO: Michael Cohen is cross examined by defense lawyer Todd Blanche before Justice Juan Merchan, as former President Donald Trump watches during Trump's trial in Manhattan state court in New York City, May 14, 2024, in this courtroom sketch. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

Defense lawyers also attempted to distance Trump from the creation of the allegedly falsified documents, arguing that the payments were orchestrated by accountants within the Trump Organization after receiving invoices from Cohen.

For the nine checks that bear Trump's signature, defense lawyers elicited testimony from Westerhout saying that Trump, at times, signed checks without examining them.

Another former White House aide, communications director Hope Hicks, offered testimony to support the defense's argument that the nondisclosure agreement with Daniels was prompted by Trump's desire to protect his family -- and not done to influence the election.

"I don't think he wanted anyone in his family to be hurt or embarrassed by anything that was happening on the campaign," Hicks said. "He wanted them to be proud of him."

Closing arguments to begin in Trump hush money trial originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Christies has confirmed it has been hacked by a gang with possible ties to Russia that claimed to have the private details of half a million of its clients.

The London-based auction house sells billions of pounds worth of art and luxury goods in cities across the world each year.

On May 9, it was forced to take down its site ahead of key auctions in New York as a result of what it described as a technology security incident.

Its main website was offline for around 10 days in total, with auction catalogues posted on a separate site and registered collectors given links to bid online.

However, ransomware group RansomHub has now claimed responsibility for the hack.

A statement posted on the dark web and seen by The Telegraph read: While utilising access to Christies [sic] network we were able to gain access to their customers [sic] sensitive personal information.

The group added that the names, nationalities, dates of birth and other data were in its possession for at least 500,000 of their private clients from all over the world.

We attempted to come to a reasonable resolution with them [Christies] but they ceased communication midway through, the statement continued.

It is clear that if this information is posted they will incur heavy fines from GDPR as well as ruining their reputation with their clients and dont care about their privacy.

The gangs dark web page, also seen by The Telegraph, says: We do not allow CIS [former Soviet states], Cuba, North Korea and China to be targeted.

Cyber security experts believe there could be a link to Russia, long known as a country that turns a blind eye to criminal hackers activities on condition they do not target Russia or its allies.

Brett Callow, a cyber security researcher from anti-ransomware company Emsisoft, told The Telegraph: Who RansomHub are isnt entirely clear. The operation emerged in February, and we know that they appear to have a connection to Alphv  the ransomware gang that went dark after the February attack on Change Healthcare  but the exact nature of the connection is unclear.

We took swift action

A Christies spokesman said: Earlier this month, Christies experienced a technology security incident.

We took swift action to protect our systems, including taking our website offline.

Our investigations determined there was unauthorised access by a third party to parts of Christies network.

They also determined that the group behind the incident took some limited amount of personal data relating to some of our clients.

There is no evidence that any financial or transactional records were compromised.

The spokesman added: Christies is currently notifying privacy regulators, government agencies as well as in the process of communicating shortly with affected clients.

Last year, the auction house reported global sales of approximately $6.2 billion (4.8 billion).

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A dire housing shortage means that people experiencing homelessness may languish for months and years on the waitlist  even if they have urgent needs.

On a particularly hot May afternoon, Rose Landrum sat cross-legged at the entrance of her yellow tent, near abandoned railroad tracks in South Austin. Under a tarp sat a camping chair, a wheelchair and all of Landrums worldly possessions.

Despite Landrums best efforts at keeping the space clean, flies buzzed everywhere.

Landrum, 58, has been homeless since 2020, when her boyfriend died of COVID-19. She has multiple mental and physical health diagnoses, including ulcerative colitis (a form of inflammatory bowel disease), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a lung condition that makes breathing difficult) and schizophrenia.

A few weeks ago, Landrum was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia  a trip that has become a regular occurrence. In the four years that she has been homeless, her health has progressively worsened.

If she remains homeless, Landrum said, Ill probably die out here.

Landrum has severe social anxiety, which makes her a poor candidate for a homeless shelter, and she feels that her only option is to get into a housing assistance program. But the longer Landrum sits on the housing waitlist, the more she feels left behind by the system.

Even as the city of Austin has built more units and funded more rental assistance programs in recent years, its housing capacity has not been able to keep pace with the growing homeless population. The housing waitlist prioritizes people by vulnerability, but the dire shortage means that even people with urgent needs  like Landrum  can languish for months and years without housing.

As the housing backlog grows, service providers say more immediate interventions are needed to divert people out of homelessness. The longer someone is homeless, the more likely they are to experience mental and physical health issues, engage in substance use and interact with the criminal justice system. In turn, these factors make it more difficult for someone to leave homelessness.

In the meantime, Landrum has been leaning on her cat, Neener, a community of other people experiencing homelessness  and her faith.

God tells me I have to have hope, Landrum said.

Rose Landrum, 58, who has been homeless for four years, cries in her encampment near South Congress Avenue last month. Landrum, who has found it difficult to seek homeless services because of her severe social anxiety, is on the city's long waiting list to get into a housing assistance program.

Rising demand for services and housing

The number of people seeking homeless services in Austin has doubled in three years, according to data provided by the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, known as ECHO.

While Austin participates in a federally mandated in-person count of homelessness, officials believe a more accurate tally comes from the number of people who have signed up for homeless services.

During the pandemic, ECHO began estimating the homeless population with the Homeless Management Information System, a database that service providers use to track clients. This method counts people who have completed a housing assessment and have recently engaged homeless services. That tally shows a bit over 3,000 in January 2021 but more than 6,000 this past January.

Akram Al-Turk, senior director of public policy at ECHO, cautioned that the data dont necessarily mean that the homeless population has doubled. Organizations that work with homeless people have boosted their outreach efforts in recent years and are reaching more people than before.

Housing has increased  but not enough

There are two forms of long-term housing programs:

Rapid rehousing programs last six to 24 months, but some enrollments can be renewed. In these programs, rental assistance will slowly decrease, with the aim of a recipient eventually becoming self-sufficient. Permanent supportive housing has no time limit and comes with intensive services, such as mental health treatment. Generally, people stay in these programs for several years.

Monica Estrada, who is homeless, stands in her makeshift shelter next to old railroad tracks on Radam Lane in South Austin earlier this month. "You can't get rid of us by sweeping us under the rug," she says.

The capacity of both rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing has improved in recent years, due to a concerted effort to increase funding, Al-Turk said. Money from local public funds, the private sector and the American Rescue Plan Act went into making more rapid rehousing vouchers available and building more permanent supportive housing projects.

City officials expect capacity to continue to grow over the course of 2024. In February, the city opened a 171-unit permanent supportive housing development in North Austin. A 78-unit development for older adults in Northwest Austin is set to open in July.

In an interview with the American-Statesman, David Gray, the city of Austin's homeless strategy officer, said that adding more permanent supportive housing units is a priority for the city. The city expects more than 1,000 units of permanent supportive housing to be constructed by 2026, and some of those will be available by the end of this year.

The city of Austin allocated $42.5 million from American Rescue Plan Act toward rapid rehousing. At a recent City Council meeting, Gray said this was specifically intended to address a backlog that existed at the time.

In 2023, the 13 rapid rehousing contracts overseen by Austins Homeless Strategy Office were primarily funded by the rescue act  more than three-quarters of $23 million came from the federal aid package. According to a recent presentation to the City Council, about 2,200 clients were served through these contracts.

As a result of the increased capacity, more people have been moving into apartments through housing programs. However, move-in rates are still relatively low compared with the total number of people in the homeless services system.

Because of the length of housing programs, these units dont often turn over and become available for new residents.

Low move-in rates mean that housing programs dont make much of a dent in the rising homeless population. As a result, the housing waitlist grows longer  and people spend years on it.

Housing prioritization, and who gets left behind

Harold Hicks, 45, considers Zilker Park his home. He has become a regular at the nearby Chuys and often sleeps near the creek, where the rushing water soothes him. Before city workers cleaned out his camp and took most of his belongings, Hicks said, he would play his drum set on a rock slab near Barton Springs Pool.

Hicks has been homeless in Austin since 2018, arriving in town after Hurricane Harvey destroyed his trailer in Corpus Christi. He sought out homeless services almost immediately. But, after repeatedly completing the housing assessment and never hearing from a service provider, Hicks said, I gave up.

Hicks does construction and maintenance at a boat rental business in Zilker Park, which allows him to buy food, camping supplies and, occasionally, materials to make a painting. But its not likely that, without help, Hicks will be able to cobble together enough money to pay for an apartments application fee or deposit.

Harold Hicks, sleeping last month at the Barton Springs spillway, has been homeless in Austin since 2018, arriving in town after Hurricane Harvey destroyed his trailer in Corpus Christi.

In Austin, a person experiencing homelessness enters the housing pool by completing a coordinated assessment. The questionnaire takes into account someones current situation (like age and health conditions) and the circumstances that shape it (like how they grew up and whether they have a criminal history). It results in a numerical score.

The tool is trying to prioritize clients who would be less likely to resolve on their own, without the support of these housing programs, said Al-Turk, the ECHO public policy director.

For most housing programs, people are prioritized by their score on the coordinated assessment. Some programs are targeted toward certain subpopulations, such as veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

The housing waitlist is dynamic, meaning that the list shifts as new coordinated assessments are completed. People experiencing homelessness are asked to complete new assessments every six months, though they don't leave the system if they haven't.

Harold Hicks says he sought out homeless services almost immediately after arriving in Austin in 2018. But, after repeatedly completing the housing assessment and never hearing from a service provider, Hicks said, I gave up.

Someone like Hicks, who is relatively young, healthy and able to work, is likely to score low on the coordinated assessment. Unless his circumstances change for the worse, Hicks will likely never rise to the top of the housing list.

The reality is that we have a lot of people whove been waiting on the list for a very long time and have done all the things that they were supposed to do, and still arent getting picked up for referrals, said Mark Hilbelink, executive director of Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center.

This is the unfortunate result, Hilbelink said, of an overburdened system.

Harold Hicks sits with some of his belongings near Barton Springs Pool after he was forced to move from his nearby campsite on April 25. Hicks does work for a boat rental business in Zilker Park, but it's likely that, without aid, he can gather enough money to pay for an apartments application fee or deposit.

The need for other interventions

Though more housing is certainly needed, service providers say that some people might be able to leave homelessness through quicker and cheaper avenues. Someone like Hicks, who has a low housing score but still needs help leaving homelessness, might be a good candidate for a diversion and rapid exit program.

These programs provide short-term financial assistance, which often comes in the form of a one-time payment for things like identification, apartment deposits, back rent and transportation. They are generally targeted toward people at imminent risk of becoming homeless and people who have recently become so  though anyone experiencing homelessness is eligible for them.

In recent years, Austin has seen more funding for such programs. In spring 2023, ECHO began distributing $500,000 from the WoodNext Foundation to community organizations for rapid exit and diversion programs. In 2022, ECHO used $2 million from the St. Davids Foundation to establish the Austin Street Outreach Collaborative, which included $500,000 for rapid exit and diversion.

Earlier this month, the Homeless Strategy Office put out a request for proposals for diversion programs.

David Gomez, director of outreach and diversion at The Other Ones Foundation, said interventions are most effective when they come early into someones experience of homelessness.

The longer they are homeless, the harder it is" to leave homelessness, Gomez said. The despair sets in.  It goes from trying to solve this issue to just surviving.

The view from inside

Deborah Martinez, 63, got her South Austin apartment with the help of a rapid rehousing program though the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Since she moved in at the beginning of the year, Martinez has been slowly accumulating furniture, mostly from family and friends. Her apartment is meticulously clean and sparsely decorated.

Martinez has now been sober for a year, but her struggle with substance use led to two burglary convictions in 2005. She spent several years in prison and returned for a parole violation. After being released in 2021, Martinez was intermittently homeless. She had periods of sleeping outside of a McDonalds and in an abandoned van, which was particularly dangerous for Martinez, who is transgender.

Deborah Martinez, 63, who was homeless, got her South Austin apartment with the help of a rapid rehousing program though the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

As a veteran, Martinez was eligible for special programs and moved into her apartment within months of completing a housing assessment. Martinez told the Statesman that she knows how fortunate she is  one of her friends is still living outside of a McDonalds.

I know what its like to sleep like that  on the cement, Martinez said.

Earlier this year, the advocacy organization VOCAL-TX began raising concerns that rapid rehousing programs do not give residents enough time or support to find stable housing when their assistance ends. Organizers have been pushing for rapid rehousing assistance to be extended to two years.

Some people are really being failed by this program and returning to homelessness, said Eli Cortez, a VOCAL-TX advocate.

Of the 1,200 people who left rapid rehousing programs in 2023, about a 10th returned to homelessness, according to data provided to the Statesman by ECHO. Sixty percent went to stable housing.

After moving into her apartment, Martinez struggled for several months to find a stream of income. She reapplied for disability benefits, wading through a confusing and bureaucratic system, and made an unsuccessful attempt to get a waitressing job.

In May, Martinez had a series of breakthroughs. She got a part-time job as a caretaker for an older man and was finally approved for disability benefits. Her first check will come in June and, soon, she will begin contributing to her rent.

On her mantel, Martinez had a vision board, which she pulled out of a case to show the Statesman. She had cut out, from a magazine, photos of a house, a stove and a hundred-dollar bill. She also had a photo of light shining through trees.

I would like the good Lord to always be  smiling his blessings upon me, Martinez said. A lot of stuff has been falling into place.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin's homeless experience long waitlists for assistance, lost hope
Researchers have found growing evidence linking air pollution exposure with various psychiatric disorders, and say air pollution early in life may be linked to mental health problems in teens. Arne Immanuel Bansch/dpa

Air pollution and excessive noise could leave babies vulnerable to mental health struggles when they hit their teenage years, new research has shown.

Researchers led by Joanne Newbury of the University of Bristol found "early-life air and noise pollution exposure," including before birth, to be "prospectively associated" with "psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety" among adolescents and young adults.

The findings were published by the American Medical Association and have prompted the researchers to suggest that "interventions to reduce air and noise pollution exposure could potentially improve population mental health" and mention so-called "clean air zones" as a possible option for policymakers and urban planners.

The team said although there is "growing evidence" linking air pollution exposure with "various psychiatric disorders," the connection between "early-life" and prenatal air pollution and mental health later in life remained "poorly understood."

"Air pollution could negatively affect mental health via numerous pathways, including by compromising the blood-brain barrier, promoting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and directly entering the brain and damaging tissue therein," the researchers warned in their paper.

The team, which included doctors and scientists from University College London, Kings College London and the University of Cardiff, examined data covering 14,000 people born in the UK between 1991 and 1993 who were "subsequently followed up into adulthood."

Researchers have found growing evidence linking air pollution exposure with various psychiatric disorders, and say air pollution early in life may be linked to mental health problems in teens. Mascha Brichta/dpa
Severe weather in Texas has forced officials at one of the nations largest airports to ground flights, affecting airline traffic between Sacramento and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Areas of North Texas continued Tuesday to deal with severe storms, including thunderstorms and the chance for flash flooding, a day after a tornado wreaked havoc in Denton and Cooke counties, just north of the cities. At least seven people were killed, and at least 100 people were injured, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said. Rain totals from the storm had already tallied 3 inches in some locations while more than a half-million around the Metroplex were without power by noon Central time, according to officials.

Officials at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the second-busiest in the world by passenger volume, decided early Monday to hold flights for several hours amid the bad weather, sparking a cascade of cancellations and delays around the nation, including at Sacramento International Airport.

With a strong storm in the area this morning passengers should check their flight status with their airline as delays are likely, the airport said in a social media post. Please use caution if traveling to/from the airport this morning with strong winds and rain impacting travel.

Flights were also held back for a time at Love Field in Dallas.

According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, more than 200 flights into or out of DFW and DAL had been canceled by noon Pacific time with close to 450 flights delayed. The disruptions were about equally split between departures and arrivals, according to FlightAware. Several cancellations and delays also affected Houstons two commercial airports: William Hobby and Bush Intercontinental.

Most of the disruptions were between two of the Dallas areas biggest airlines: American and Southwest. According to FlightAware, the two airlines suffered the most cancellations and delays  as of 1 p.m. Pacific, American had tallied nearly 190 cancellations across the U.S. while Southwest had more than 260 flights put on hold. The cancellations accounted for roughly 6% of the airlines total flights for the day, according to FlightAware, and each airline had tallied more than 700 cancellations across their networks.

Debris surrounds a home in Valley View, Texas, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, after severe storms moved through Denton and Cooke counties. Severe weather continued to hamper the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

That included flights out of Sacramento, where five flights out of SMF  three from Southwest and two from American  had been canceled and another 34 flights were delayed Monday, according to FlightAware. Twenty-two of the delayed flights were aboard Southwest, which has its flagship hub at Love Field. DFW, which is situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, is the home of Americans operations and is its largest hub.

Across all of Californias airports with commercial service, 66 flights had been canceled, according to FlightAware, while more than 400 flights had been held back. The most delays in the state were at San Francisco International, San Diego International and Los Angeles International, FlightAware reported.

According to FlightAwares Misery Map, many of the flights called off in the Dallas and Houston areas triggered more delays at some of the nations busiest airports including Seattle-Tacoma, Denver and the New York areas LaGuardia, Kennedy and Newark airports.

Officials from both airlines did not immediately respond to questions about the disruptions. Airport officials at DFW were optimistic that the afternoon slate of flights would go on as scheduled. The flight board at Love Field, known as DAL, showed many flights were scheduled to depart later in the afternoon.

Travelers or family members with questions about disruptions were encouraged to visit the airlines websites or call customer service  American can be reached at 800-433-7300 and Southwest can be reached at 800-435-9792.
BBC News boss Deborah Turness proclamation late last week that we will make mistakes during the election period appears to already be coming true, with a leading news presenter being forced to apologize to Nigel Farage this afternoon.

Geeta Guru-Murthy said the Honorary President of British political party Reform UK had used customary inflammatory language this morning during a report on a Reform UK press conference.

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Several hours later, she appeared on BBC News to apologize, stating: Earlier today we heard live from Nigel Farage speaking at that election event and when we came away from his live speech I used language to describe it which didnt meet the BBCs editorial standards on impartiality. Id like to apologize to Mr Farage and viewers for this.

Farage is not running for anti-immigration party Reform UK but he is by far and away its best known member. A key voice in the victorious Brexit campaign and a former Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! contestant, he came under fire over the weekend for saying a growing number of Muslims do not share British values.

The apology taking place a few days into the general election campaign is reflective of just how difficult the campaign is going to be to cover for the broadcasters.

In a post titled How we are covering the UK General Election late last week, Turness wrote: During a six-week campaign, with the hundreds of hours of programmes we will broadcast, and the thousands of words we will publish, its inevitable we will make mistakes. And when we do we will hold our hands up to them, we will correct them, and we will transparently explain.

As Guru-Murthy was apologizing, the BBC was unveiling its election night lineup, which will be led by Laura Kuenssberg and Clive Myrie. Along with ITV, it is one of two broadcasters that will host election debates between incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Keir Starmer, potentially with smaller parties such as Reform UK. The election will take place on July 4.

Earlier this month, Guru-Murthy withdrew her legal action against the BBC over a botched hiring process to the rebooted BBC News channel. Four other women have proceeded with their action, although complaints over gender pay discrimination were thrown out by a judge.

BBC newsreader Geeta Guru-Murthy apologises on-air after accusing Nigel Farage of customary inflammatory language during his speech at a Reform UK press conference in Dover today pic.twitter.com/FU6UYC2d9d  Charlie Watts (@char1iewatts) May 28, 2024

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New Bedford Whaling Museum artifact thief is going to prison. Here's what he had to say.

NEW BEDFORD The man who stole 190 artifacts from the New Bedford Whaling Museum worth $150,000 while working as a maintenance man was sentenced to three to five years in state prison Friday.

Robert M. Burchell, 44, pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to one count of larceny over $1,200 and six counts of larceny under $1,200.

He must serve two years of probation after his prison sentence, and pay restitution to pawnbrokers in New Bedford and Taunton where he sold some of the items.

Robert M. Burchell, 44, pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to one count of larceny over $1,200 and six counts of larceny under $1,200.

Judge William White Jr. asked Burchell if he had anything to say prior to sentencing.

Robert Burchell scrapes the paint from the small white whale, which is usually found at the entrance to the Whaling Museum, before putting on a fresh coat of paint in this Standard Times file photo. In the background is a set of tiles depicting various Azorean islands and the iconic boats made there.

Burchell apologizes to Museum CEO, staff

Burchell turned around to face the courtroom where New Bedford Whaling Museum President and CEO Amanda McMullen was sitting.

"I would like to apologize to the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Amanda, I'm very sorry for what I've done. And to the whole Whaling Museum, I'm truly sorry. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. So sorry."

Assistant District Attorney Michael Scott said most of the items had been recovered and returned to the museum, though 30 remain missing and six were melted down or destroyed.

He made less than $14,000 for the stolen items

He said Burchell made $13,871 from the thefts.

How it started: Suspect in Whaling Museum's $75,000 artifact theft 'seemed likable'. How he got caught.

Scott said Burchell was hired at the Museum in late 2021 as a maintenance worker.

He had keys and general access to all areas, including where the artifacts and historical items were stored.

Roughly a year later he began stealing and selling items, including paper currency, gold jewelry items, antique pocket watches and other artifacts to a coin and jewelry shop in West Bridgewater.

He told the shop owner he had came across the items cleaning out a relative's storage unit.

Shop owner became suspicious after scrimshaw sale

The owner became suspicious when Burchell sold him scrimshaw carvings.

The owner went online and learned that Burchell worked for the Museum, and the pieces were from the Museum. He called police.

Burchell was approached by police at the Museum, Scott said, and essentially caught red-handed.

He acknowledged making the thefts in a subsequent police interview and selling them in local pawn and jewelry shops.

Burchell violated trust put in him

Scott said Burchell was remorseful for what he did, but did have a significant criminal past, and had violated the trust put in him.

"He was given a chance to move his life in a positive direction, but he blew it," Scott said.

Attorney Brian Fahy, who represented Burchell, said he had a difficult upbringing and had developed a drug addiction after being prescribed pain killers.

Burchell remorseful about the thefts

But Burchell was deeply remorseful about the thefts, Fahy said. "He's here to accept responsibility."

The investigation: Whale's tooth points way to $150,000 in thefts from New Bedford Whaling Museum

Judge White said Burchell failed to appreciate where he was working.

"People don't go to the Museum just to walk through. People go there to learn and be inspired," he said.

The Whaling Museum provides access to history - "one of the doors we can peer through."

Each item stolen has its own history

He added, "The items, the watches, the jewelry, the historical currency, the artifacts, they're all direct links to the past."

Burchell violated the trust of those who were charged with their care.

"The people who hired you expected the best from you and you took advantage of that," he said.

White said he hoped Burchell had read victim letters from Whaling Museum staff. They note that each of the items comes with a personal story.

"None of those items you pawned were junk. There were precious stories associated with each of those items."

New Bedford Whaling Museum Chief Curator Naomi Slipp wrote, "Each item has a story. Every single artifact in our collection is connected to a person."

The artifacts come with fascinating stories

One of the items wasn't just a scrimshaw, she added. It was the product of a young whaler on his first voyage depicting a sperm whale's capture off New Zealand in 1836.

A miniature portrait of a sea captain on ivory from 1810 was a memento he had made for his wife and children if he was lost at sea.

One of the pocket watches commemorated the daring aid provided by a ship master to rescue imprisoned Irish revolutionaries from an Australian prison in 1876, Slipp stated.

Judge says it's now up to Burchell

White said that he was impressed by letters given to him in support of Burchell. He said the authors saw some good in him.

"I don't think they're going to give up on you."

But, he said, it's up to Burchell.

"This is a crossroads for you. I hope when you finish the sentence you get on the right path."

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Whaling Museum artifact thief sentenced to prison
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said her country would supply Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028.

Source: European Pravda with reference to RTL

Details: Lahbib said that Belgium would offer Ukraine 30 of its F-16 fighter jets by 2028, and the first aircraft should be delivered "by the end of this year."

She indicated that this commitment would be formalised in an agreement to be signed on Tuesday, 28 May in Brussels on the occasion of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the Belgian capital.

The Belgian Defence Ministry will also obtain ammunition from its stockpile to equip F-16 fighter jets destined for Ukraine.

Lahbib said that such support for Kyiv is necessary to stop Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who, in her opinion, intends to push back the borders of European countries.

"If we allow Putin to follow his path, this is not an impossible scenario," she said in response to a question about whether Russian tanks could one day invade Brussels.

Background:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Belgium on Tuesday, 28 May to sign a security agreement with Prime Minister Alexander De Kroo.

It was reported earlier that Ukraine and Belgium had started negotiations on a security cooperation agreement.

Prior to that, it was reported that the Belgian government had decided to accelerate the supply of its own F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and do so by the end of 2024, without waiting for the formation of a new cabinet.

Belgium is one of thirteen countries participating in the coalition to provide Ukraine with fighter jets. It had previously planned to start delivering these F-16s, which it is gradually replacing with more modern F-35s, in 2025.

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Iran has increased its enriched uranium reserves again this quarter - by 20.6 kg compared to February 2024. We are talking about uranium enriched to almost weapons-grade levels - up to 60%.

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According to the Associated Press, this is stated in a confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). So now Tehran's stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% has reached 142.1 kg.

In addition, according to the IAEA, the total stockpile of all types of enriched uranium increased by 675.8 kg over the quarter and amounted to 6201.3 kg in May.

It should be noted that the production of nuclear weapons requires uranium enrichment of up to 90%.

The agency emphasized that uranium enriched to 60% is a "short technical step" from the 90% weapons-grade level. About 42 kg of uranium enriched to 60% can theoretically be used to make one nuclear bomb if it is further enriched to 90%.

In December 2023, the IAEA said that Iran had again increased its production of enriched uranium and had enough enriched uranium to create three nuclear bombs, bringing the enrichment level to 90%.

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Tehran denies suspicions of intentions to build an atomic bomb.

As a reminder, in the nuclear deal concluded in 2015, Iran committed itself not to exceed the level of uranium enrichment by 4%. However, after the U.S. withdrew from the deal under Donald Trump's presidency, Tehran announced a gradual abandonment of its obligations under the agreement.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the United States believes that Iran has enough resources to create a nuclear device. If Tehran decides that it needs nuclear weapons, the state may need no more than two weeks to create them.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo (R), Defence Minister of Belgium Ludivine Dedonder (L), and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) stand in front of an F16 fighter plane during a visit at Melsbroek military airport. Zelensky is visiting Belgium to sign a bilateral security agreement in Brussels. Eric Lalmand/Belga/dpa

Belgium is to supply Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028 as part of a bilateral long-term security pact signed on Tuesday in Brussels.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo welcomed the delivery of the fighter jets as part of Belgium's "unwavering support" for Ukraine.

The security accord is over a 10-year term and will see 977 million ($1.06 billion) in financial support from Belgium to help in Ukraine's defence against the full-scale Russian invasion.

Zelensky announced the pact on the social media platform X. He said Ukraine expects the first delivery of fighter jets by the end of the year.

De Croo said in a press conference that Belgium "will do everything" possible to deliver the first fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2024.

Pressed on whether the aircraft are supplied to Ukraine with conditions attached, De Croo stressed that the fighter jets are for Ukraine's defence forces to use on Ukraine's territory.

Zelensky hit out at the restrictions placed on military aid, specifically that some countries do not allow the weapons they supply to be used to strike Russian territory in case it makes them a party to the conflict. He detailed Russia's long-range attacks and Ukraine's inability to respond due to conditions attached to weapon supplies.

"I think this is unfair, but we, and this is a fact, cannot risk the support of our partners," he said. Zelensky called for the restrictions to be lifted so Ukraine can respond to Russia.

Ukraine's security pact with Belgium also contains provisions to support the country's economic recovery and reconstruction after the war.

Belgium was one of the countries that pledged to provide aircraft to Ukraine.

The security agreement goes back to a decision by NATO leaders at a summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius in July.

It was agreed there that the individual member states would conclude bilateral agreements to ensure Ukraine's long-term security.

Britain, Germany and France reached an agreement with Kiev in January and February.

The agreements ensure that Ukraine will receive arms supplies and financial aid to help bridge the gap until the country's intended accession to NATO.

The United States and Ukraine have not yet finalized their negotiations.

On Monday, Zelensky signed a bilateral security agreement with Spain, which provided more than 1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) in aid for Kiev, including anti-aircraft missiles, Leopard tanks and ammunition.

Zelensky is scheduled to visit Melsbroek military airport to be briefed on the preparations for Belgium's delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

An F16 fighter plane is pictured ahead of a visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Melsbroek military airport. Zelensky is visiting Belgium to sign a bilateral security agreement in Brussels. Eric Lalmand/Belga/dpa
Belgium to provide Ukraine with 30 F-16 aircraft by 2028, first to arrive in 2024

Belgium will supply Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib told the Belgian broadcaster RTL on May 28.

First of these planes should arrive already "by the end of the year," she added.

The announcement accompanies news that President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Belgium on May 28 to sign a bilateral security agreement.

Lahbib said that the agreement on F-16 fighter jets will be signed on May 28 in Brussels.

Belgium was among the first countries to join the coalition established in the summer of 2023 to bolster Ukraine's Air Force. The initiative has been spearheaded by the U.S., Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Last October, Belgium said that it would provide Ukraine with several F-16 fighter jets, without specifying a number, and help with the training for Ukrainian pilots in EU countries.

Apart from Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have also pledged to supply Ukraine with dozens of U.S.-made fourth-generation jets.

The Danish Defense Ministry announced in February that Ukraine will receive the first batch of F-16 fighter jets already this summer.

Read also: F-16s for Ukraine: When will they arrive and what can they do?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Center R), stands next to Emmanuel Macron (Center L), France's President, at the family photo at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

After changes to Europe's security situation, France and Germany plan to strengthen European defence capabilities, a joint council said after a meeting near Berlin.

"The European Union must become a true geopolitical player and guarantor of security that can respond to today's security challenges and strengthen the international order," the Franco-German Defence and Security Council said after meeting at Meseberg Palace north of Berlin on Tuesday.

They issued a paper calling for better and faster defence production in Europe. "By strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base, we will increase our overall defence readiness and provide capabilities that meet our needs and requirements in the face of increasing threats and security challenges," the council said.

Stronger and more capable European defence will make a positive contribution to global and transatlantic security, the two states said.

They also pointed to "the central importance of nuclear deterrence for the security of Europe and NATO as well as the deterrent role of the independent French strategic nuclear forces and their essential contribution to the security of the Alliance as a whole."

They advocate a mix of nuclear, conventional and missile defence capabilities, complemented by space and cyber capabilities.

They also reaffirmed their intention to enter into "long-term, comprehensive and inclusive cooperation with partners in the field of long-range weapons."

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C), sits next to Boris Pistorius (2nd L), Germany's Defence Minister, and Annalena Baerbock (R), Germany's Foreign Minister, opposite Emmanuel Macron, France's President, during the working session at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa-Pool/dpa

Emmanuel Macron, France's President, shows a graphic on the attack on Ukraine at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) and France's President Emmanuel Macron on at a table in the garden of Schloss Meseberg, the Germab Government's guest house, ahead of the Franco-German Ministerial Council. Ebrahim Noroozi/Pool AP/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) and France's President Emmanuel Macron on at a table in the garden of Schloss Meseberg, the Germab Government's guest house, ahead of the Franco-German Ministerial Council. Ebrahim Noroozi/Pool AP/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) and France's President Emmanuel Macron walk through the garden of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government, ahead of the Franco-German Council of Ministers. Ebrahim Noroozi/Pool AP/dpa
French President Emmanuel Macron (L), of France, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier walk through the park of Wilkinghege Castle. Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. David Inderlied/dpa

Germany and France plan to boost European defence, security and the economy, according to statements that came at the close of a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron and government consultations near Berlin.

Amid an altered security situation in Europe, France and Germany plan to strengthen European defence capabilities.

"The European Union must become a true geopolitical player and guarantor of security that can respond to today's security challenges and strengthen the international order," the Franco-German Defence and Security Council said on Tuesday.

They issued a paper calling for better and faster defence production in Europe. "By strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base, we will increase our overall defence readiness and provide capabilities that meet our needs and requirements in the face of increasing threats and security challenges," the council said.

Stronger and more capable European defence will make a positive contribution to global and transatlantic security, the paper said.

It also pointed to "the central importance of nuclear deterrence for the security of Europe and NATO as well as the deterrent role of the independent French strategic nuclear forces and their essential contribution to the security of the Alliance as a whole."

France and Germany advocate a mix of nuclear, conventional and missile defence capabilities, complemented by space and cyber capabilities.

They also reaffirmed their intention to enter into "long-term, comprehensive and inclusive cooperation with partners in the field of long-range weapons."

Support for Ukraine

Germany and France want the major Western industrialized nations to provide further billions in aid for Ukraine, Scholz said at the consultations.

The possibility of using interest income from the frozen assets of the Russian central bank was being examined, he said at Meseberg Palace.

"We want to give Ukraine access to billions in additional funding so that it can reliably provide its defence and thus further increase the security of the whole of Europe," Scholz said.

Boost economy

The two also seek reforms to boost economic growth in Europe, calling for more innovation, more investment, less bureaucracy and fairer competitive conditions.

"Europe will need a new economic dynamic over the next five years," they warn in a paper adopted at the gathering near Berlin.

The European Commission estimates that additional private and public investment of more than 620 billion ($670 billion) per year is needed for climate neutrality and energy policy projects.

Germany and France seek targeted support for European companies in strategic industries including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, aerospace, biotechnology, robotics and chemicals.

They also said the EU must provide adequate support for national investments in the green and digital transition, competitiveness and strategic sovereignty.

More optimism

Earlier, Macron called for more optimism and drive in Europe. "I believe we need to be more optimistic," he said in an acceptance speech after receiving the International Award of the Peace of Westphalia.

"Being optimistic as Europeans means being sure that Europe is the right answer." This refers to the major current challenges such as the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis and the threat to democracy.

"We are too divided, too slow and too timid in Europe, that is the reality," said Macron. The EU needs to simplify processes, act faster and invest more, he said. Europeans need to join forces on security and defence and establish joint armed forces, according to Macron.

The European states would also only have a chance of overcoming the climate crisis and developing future technologies and artificial intelligence together and not on their own, also in the face of competition from China and the United States, he said.

Highlights of three-day visit

Macron commemorated victims of the Holocaust in Berlin on Monday during the second day of his official state visit to Germany.

Along with Steinmeier, the French president visited the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, located near the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building in the heart of Berlin's government district.

He gave a well-received major policy speech in Dresden on Monday evening in which he called for a sovereign Europe.

Macron called for Europe to defend its values of peace, prosperity and democracy.

Speaking alternately in French and German in front of the city's Church of Our Lady, Macron called for a strong and sovereign Europe. "We have to retrieve the strength, and the engagement to defend (Europe) everywhere," he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks in the ballroom of Muenster's historic town hall during the award ceremony for the International Peace of Westphalia Prize. Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, speaks in the ballroom of Muenster's historic town hall at the award ceremony for the International Peace of Westphalia Prize. French President Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
An illustration photo showing a woman protecting herself. Police in Berlin registered 111 cases of rape by more than one perpetrator last year. Fabian Sommer/dpa

Police in Berlin registered 111 cases of rape by more than one perpetrator last year.

This marks an increase compared to previous years, when the number fluctuated between 89 and 106, the Berlin Senate said.

Eighteen of the 111 victims were in the 14 to 15 age group. There were also 10 victims aged 16 to 17 and 13 between 18 and 20.

Of the 106 suspects identified, 25 were under the age of 18 and 28 suspects were aged between 18 and 24.

Forty-one of the offences took place in flats and apartment blocks; 16 occurred in parks.

The proportion of suspects with a foreign nationality was 54%. In the previous year it was 65%, before that 44% and 51%.

The police assume there is a significant number of unreported cases of sexual offences and rape because many victims stay silent out of shame or fear of the perpetrator.

The fact that the offences become known "is clearly dependent on the willingness of the victims to report them and the actual course of the offence is often very individual," the Berlin Senate said.

The Senate provided the data upon request by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

A case in September 2020, in which a 15-year-old girl was raped by several men in a park in Hamburg, caused particular outrage. Nine men were sentenced to prison in a trial, some of whom have appealed.

In Berlin, three men were recently charged with an alleged gang rape in Gorlitzer Park. According to the indictment, the men allegedly attacked a married couple in June 2023 and raped the then 27-year-old woman. The trial was initially cancelled because the woman did not appear in court.
BET has revealed special programming to keep audiences informed as the presidential race heats up. Exclusively reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the network is set to air Whats At Stake: 2024 Election Special, the first of multiple broadcasts planned for its political coverage. The special is set to debut on June 4 at 10 p.m., on BET, BET Her, and VH1.

Whats At Stake is hosted by BET correspondent Ed Gordon, and will feature a roundtable discussion with Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX). All three women are members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

According to the outlet, Gordon says that the roundtable will discuss issues that are important to Black voters, including the state of the economy, gun violence, and more.

Maxine Waters and Anthony Top Dawg Tiffith at the 10th Annual TDE Christmas Concert hosted by Top Dawg Entertainment and Jay Rock held on December 19, 2023 in Compton, California.

I think clearly its an interesting time for the nation, Gordon explained to THR. Not just for the Black electorate, but for all of us, this question of democracy and where we stand and so BET felt it doubly important to make sure that we got in front of giving the Black viewer in particular what is needed to think about to engage in this very important political time.

According to The Pew Research Center, Black voters remain overwhelmingly Democratic and support current President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump by a wide margin. Bidens advantage is not as wide as it was four years ago. Additionally, 49 percent of Black voters say they would replace both Trump and Biden with different candidates if they had the ability to do so.

President Joe Biden speaks to the Class of 2024 during commencement exercises at West Point on May 25, 2024 in West Point, New York. The West Point graduation is held at Michie Stadium and includes roughly 1,000 cadets graduating and commissioning into the Army as second lieutenants.

Earlier this month, the New York Times reported Trump led Biden among registered voters in five of six key states: Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, with Biden taking the lead in Wisconsin.

Per NBC News, the current presidential ballot lists Trump, with no confirmed vice president candidate, Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris, Robert F. Kennedy with running mate Nicole Shanahan, Cornel West with running mate candidate Melina Abdullah, and Jill Stein with no listed running mate.

Hopefuls who have ended their campaign for the White House include Nikki Haley, Ron Desantis, Asa Hutchinson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christine, Doug Burgum, Tim Scott, Mike Pence, and more.

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(BEULAH, Colo.)  The Beulah Fire and Ambulance District announced on Tuesday, May 28, that it was awarded a grant to help Beulah property owners in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) with wildland fire mitigation around their homes.

The grant will also fund the creation of a shaded fuel break along private properties bordering Highway 78 in the 12-mile section. The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded Beulah Fire $7,010,750 to complete the project over five years.

Wildfires are now a year-round threat in Colorado, said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper. Investments  like this grant  help communities and homeowners prepare for wildfires by thinning nearby trees and preparing safe evacuation routes.

This grant was made possible by President Bidens Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program (CWDG). The 158 projects across 31 states, two territories, and 11 tribes will help reduce the risk of living in high-risk wildland fire areas.

The CWDG program is investing $1 billion over five years to assist at-risk communities nationwide.

We are thrilled to be awarded this grant and offer our residents the opportunity to create a Fire Adaptive Community, said Chief Bryan Ware, Beulah Fire Chief. The impact that the CWDG program will have on Beulah will be one that lasts for generations.

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 FOX21 News Colorado.
The Biden administration announced a series of measures Tuesday to allow independent small businesses in Cuba access to the U.S. financial system and certain internet-based services, amid a deep economic crisis on the island.

The targeted relaxation in sanctions comes days after a fracas over a visit by Cuban officials to Miami International Airport and weeks after the United States removed Cuba from a list of countries not cooperating fully against terrorism but left the island on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

We believe that the growth of an independent entrepreneurial private sector in Cuba is fully aligned with our values is the best hope for generating economic development and employment in Cuba, a senior administration official told reporters Tuesday.

Under the new rules implemented by the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Cuban small businesses will be able to access video conferencing, social media, maps and other online services, and U.S.-based entities will be allowed to provide cloud-based services to those companies.

OFAC is also expanding the definition of a self-employed individual in Cuba to include independent private sector entrepreneur, a move that will allow a greater number of companies to benefit from the reduced sanctions. Only companies, cooperatives and sole proprietorships of up to 100 employees, without partners who are government officials or Communist Party members, will be included in the program.

The benefitted companies will also have access to U.S. bank accounts and payment platforms, including for U-turn transactions, or operations through the U.S. financial system where neither party is under U.S. jurisdiction.

Cuban officials dismissed the changes as a U.S. attempt to drive a wedge between private and public enterprise to pursue regime change on the island.

They are fickle measures with limited effects that seek to artificially segment the Cuban business sector. The private sector, the state-owned sector and the population in general will continue under the general effects of the economic blockade, of the presence of Cuba in the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism, and of a policy that seeks to depress standards of living for Cubans, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Fernandez de Cossio told The Hill.

But Biden administration officials said the moves are intended to ease economic suffering, as well as the migration that has come as a result.

We know the Cuban economy is in dire straits amid recurring shortages of fuel, electricity, increasingly even food. Its clear the communist experiment of Cuba has failed, the government is no longer able to provide for its citizens most basic needs. A country where there are no free elections, Cuban people are voting with their feet including by using dangerous irregular migration routes, an administration official said.

Yet the measures are all but certain to have a limited effect on tourism, a key industry thats taken a beating by Cubas inclusion on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

That designation, for instance, makes it harder for European travelers to go to the island and keep their U.S. visa exemptions.

After the State Department removed Cuba from the list of noncooperation on terrorism but maintained the country as a sponsor, Cuban officials criticized the unilateral designations.

To recognize that a country cooperates with the anti-terrorist efforts of the United States, and at the same time to accuse them without evidence of sponsoring terrorism seems like a contradiction and it is one. The only explanation can be found in the arbitrary and political way in which the State department creates these rating lists, said Fernandez de Cossio in an email to The Hill.

Biden administration officials said the two lists respond to different internal processes  the State Department conducts an annual review for inclusion or removal of countries in the cooperation list, but inclusion in the sponsorship list is separately determined by statutory criteria established by an ad-hoc review.

Administration officials declined to provide updates on a review of Cubas presence in the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

Removal from that list has explicitly been the Cuban governments top priority in relations with the Biden administration.

Cuba was put on that list in the waning days of the Trump administration, in a move that forced the incoming Biden administration to choose between exerting economic pressure on the island  and spurring migration  or taking a major public measure supporting the communist regime.

The Biden administration has picked a cautious, middle of the road approach, collaborating with Cuba on routine bilateral issues while avoiding major moves like removal from the state sponsors of terrorism list.

Yet even that approach has drawn the ire of Republicans.

Last week, a visit by Cuban officials to Miami International Airport was met with severe criticism from Florida Sens. Marco Rubio (R) and Rick Scott (R), as well as Florida Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R), who voiced their complaints in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Transportation Security Administration Administrator David Pekoske.

But Cuban officials insisted the visit was routine and reciprocal, part of the two neighboring countries collaboration on civil aviation.

The visit to the airport forms part of the existing bilateral cooperation geared toward making sure air traffic between the two countries is safe and in line with international regulations. Its known that the Miami airport is the source of most traffic to Cuba from the United States and that most of the flights from Cuba to the United States head to Miami, said Fernandez de Cossio, adding that U.S. officials visited five Cuban airports in January and February 2023 as part of the same program.

Updated May 29 at 9:56 a.m. ET

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 Biden administration on Tuesday announced new guidelines for ensuring the integrity of carbon credits or offsets.

While the practice of buying carbon offsets or credits is voluntary, the administration says it hopes to help ensure that credits being sold are actually credible.

Individuals, businesses and other entities can buy these credits to try to offset their emissions as part of an effort to achieve net-zero. This can entail things like paying organizations to plant trees or prevent them from being cut down.

But, markets for carbon credits have been plagued by issues including double counting. Questions have also been raised in some markets that preserve trees about whether they would have been cut down otherwise or how long they will be protected.

The guidelines issued by the Biden administration say that these credits should represent actual and additional reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. They should be permanent emissions reductions and be validated by an accredited and independent third party.

The administration also said that corporate purchasers should also make efforts to cut down their own direct emissions and publicly disclose the nature of their credits.

These principles will help us counter glossy greenwash and other real risks in a nascent and voluntary market and, instead, catalyze mountains of capital to rigorously take on emissions and create good-paying jobs, said National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi in a written statement.

The principles put forward by the Biden administration Tuesday are largely in line with those put forward by non-profit entities like the Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Markets (IC-VCM).

Nat Keohane, president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, said the White Houses backing gives a boost to such efforts.

By the White House coming out with principles that are really aligned with the principles that the IC-VCM is implementing, I think that sends a very strong signal to the market that there is really weight behind and alignment behind what the integrity council is doing, said Keohane, whose organization is affiliated with the IC-VCM.

In remarks at Bloomberg Philanthropies, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the voluntary markets should represent real emissions reductions or removals and there should be guardrails to avoid negative environmental and social impact and to support co-benefits like local economic development and biodiversity.

In the past, Yellen added, weve seen too many examples where credits failed to meet these criteria. We know this market can do better, and were committed to helping strengthen it.

Zack Budryk contributed reporting.

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.
On Tuesday, May 28, Israeli tanks advanced into the center of Rafah in the Gaza Strip for the first time. Armored vehicles were spotted near the Al-Awda Mosque, the city's central landmark.

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This was reported by Reuters. The Israeli military said it was continuing to operate in the Rafah area, but did not comment on reports of an advance into the city center.

Local residents said that at night the IDF carried out air strikes and tank fire on the city, despite the significant international outcry over the May 26 airstrike on the tent city that killed dozens of Palestinians. Following the attack, world leaders expressed horror at the fire in the designated "humanitarian zone" where entire families were seeking refuge. They called for the implementation of the World Court's order to stop the Israeli attack.

One local resident told reporters: "Tank shells are falling everywhere in Tel al-Sultan. Many families have fled their homes in the western part of Rafah under shelling throughout the night."

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The media outlet noted that Israel continues its attacks despite a ruling by the International Court of Justice that ordered it to stop. At the same time, Israel claims that it wants to root out Hamas militants who have taken up residence in Rafah and rescue hostages, who, according to it, are being held in the area.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the air strike on a tent camp in the Rafah area, which killed dozens of Palestinians, was not intended to cause civilian casualties. According to him, Israel is investigating the incident.

 On May 27, a firefight between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers took place at the Rafah checkpoint on the border of the Gaza Strip and Egypt. An Egyptian border guard was killed in the shooting.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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The Biden reelection campaign has enlisted three police officers  all of whom were working at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, when rioters overtook the building  to stump for Biden across battleground states in the coming weeks, the campaign told CNN.

Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, Officer Harry Dunn and Officer Danny Hodges plan to tell voters across key swing states that former President Donald Trump poses a threat to democracy and to their fundamental rights as Americans. Dunn and Gonell sustained injuries during the attack on the Capitol and have since retired from the Capitol Police. Hodges continues to serve with DCs Metropolitan Police Department.

We were the victims, we lived through it, Dunn, who mounted an unsuccessful bid for Congress, told CNN in an interview. If I can tell that story a million times, I will. If I can do that, Ill just be doing my part to save democracy.

The effort will see the surrogates travel to Nevada and Arizona this week and Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and New Hampshire in the weeks to follow. The campaign expects to hammer the first-person, threat-to-democracy message in the weeks leading up to the first debate between Biden and Trump that is set for June 27 and hosted by CNN.

Some of that messaging has already been tested. In a fundraising email to Biden supporters last week, Gonell described sustaining career-ending injuries and being trampled in a tunnel  and noting he would continue fighting for America after being in uniform.

That includes doing everything I can to make sure Donald Trump  the man who calls the January 6 insurrectionists who nearly took my life patriots and literally salutes them, is never elected president again, the email read.

The move underscores a critical pillar of the Biden teams messaging strategy on the trail and on the debate state in Atlanta: channeling the events of January 6 into a broader argument about Trumps mental stability  and goading Trump into an outsized response.

When Trump lost the 2020 election, he snapped, wrote Biden-Harris campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon in a memo released Friday alongside a new ad with the same message. He tried desperately to cling to power, and encouraged a violent assault on our nations Capitol, cheering on a mob that threatened to hang his own vice president.

The democracy-centric messaging at home will also coincide with a series of democracy-focused summits with international allies, including a trip to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, an annual gathering of leaders from the Group of Seven developed democracies and a NATO summit in Washington, DC, thats expected to be focused on defending Ukraine against Russia.

CNNs Priscilla Alvarez contributed to this report.

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Aftermath of an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced people, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip

By Jarrett Renshaw and Moira Warburton

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration told Israel to take every precaution to protect civilians after a military strike in Rafah killed dozens of Palestinians, as it faced calls from some fellow Democrats to halt military shipments to Israel.

"Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians," a National Security Council spokesperson said. "But as weve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.

Biden has faced increasing pressure from within his own party to scale back support for Israel, even before the airstrike on Sunday night that set tents and rickety metal shelters ablaze in a Rafah camp, killing 45 people.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent Democratic lawmaker in the House of Representatives, on Monday called the strike "an indefensible atrocity", adding in a social media post that "it is long past time for the President to live up to his word and suspend military aid."

"Horrific and gut wrenching images coming out of Rafah last night," Representative Ayanna Pressley said in a social media post. "How much longer will the U.S. stand by while the Israeli military slaughters and mutilates Palestinian babies?"

Representative Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American serving in Congress, called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "genocidal maniac".

Netanyahu on Monday said the strike was not intended to cause civilian casualties but went "tragically wrong."

The NSC spokesperson said the U.S. government was "actively engaging" with the Israeli military and others on the ground to assess what happened.

Almost half of Democratic voters disapprove of Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war, according to a recent poll from Reuters/Ipsos.

Weeks of campus protests about the war have added to the pressure, and wider demands for a permanent ceasefire have put Biden's reelection campaign on the defensive.

(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Moira Warburton; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Stephen Coates)
If you're a big fan of the Big Boy burgers and Slim Jim sandwiches, mark your calendars for a big celebration.

In June, the Southfield-based chain that has long been noted for its iconic Big Boy statue holding up its signature double-decker burger is marking 88 years in business this summer.

A weeklong celebration is scheduled for June 10-16, with daily restaurant specials and a Big Boy birthday party to honor the chain's nearly 90 years in business. On June 15, the day the chain has designated as Big Boy Day, a Big Boy Birthday Party is taking place and the public is invited.

The iconic Big Boy statue holding its signature hamburger.

The party is a carnival-style celebration, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 15 at the Big Boy Arena, 34400 Utica Rd. in Fraser. At the event, the Big Boy Food Truck will offer free Big Boy burgers to the first 50 people (one per person), with $5 Big Boy and fries available with a Pepsi purchase afterward. On tap are Big Boy-themed games plus activities that include a video game truck, inflatable obstacle course, foam party, open ice skate, and carnival-style Big Boy-themed games where you win prizes.

During the weeklong celebration, fans of the restaurant's signature Big Boy, a double-decker sandwich with two beef patties between two bottom buns, are in for a big treat.

On June 12, the classic Big Boy burger is 99 cents (served with fries and a pop, the regular price averages $13.78) with a Pepsi purchase. The offer is valid for dine-in or carryout.

Daxton Hotel: Birmingham hotel's ice cream pickup window now open for the summer season

The Big Boy signature burger from Big Boy Restaurants will be celebrated in honor of the restaurant chains 88 years in business.

As we celebrate the iconic Big Boy and kick off our Birthday Celebration Week, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible journey our brand has taken for the last 88 years, said Big Boy CEO Tamer Afr in a news release. The Big Boy Sandwich has become a beloved classic, a symbol of quality and tradition that has delighted generations of our customers."

Big Boy Restaurant was founded in 1936 in Glendale, California. Based in Southfield, the Big Boy Restaurant Group operates and manages Big Boy and Bob's Big Boy restaurant franchises, with most in Michigan. Other locations are in California, Ohio, Nevada, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Thailand.

Here are the other specials Big Boy is offering June 10-16 at participating restaurants:

June 10: Supercharged Bingo Monday with $25 and $50 gift card prizes, free Big Boy and fries, and custom Big Boy Bingo Winner Keychains. Senior breakfast is $5 (regular price is $6.99) all day.

June 11: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal and get a free kids' dessert. A special edition Big Boy Birthday comic book is offered with a chance to win an Xbox in a special sweepstakes.

June 12: Big Boy burger is 99 cents, dine-in or carryout, with a purchase of a Pepsi. Served with fries, the regular price with a drink is $13.78.

June 13: Sandwich and fries are $7, dine-in or carry-out.

June 14: Free slice of pie with any purchase of $8.99 or more for dine-in only.

June 15: Celebrate National Big Boy's birthday with $5 Big Boy and fries with a purchase of a Pepsi offer started after noon at all Michigan and Ohio restaurants.

June 16: Half off any dessert after 4 p.m. for dine-in only.

Note: Some California and North Dakota restaurants have different special offers.

Specials vary by participating location. For a list of participating locations visit: bigboy.com.

During the celebration week, the Big Boy Food Truck will be on tour, stopping at six Michigan locations.The first 50 people at each location receive a free Big Boy sandwich. A special food truck menu features a $5 Big Boy, fries and pop combo and Slim Jim sandwiches and chicken nuggets.

Food truck tour stops are in these cities with updates and schedules provided on Big Boy's social media outlets:

June 10: Ypsilanti

June 11: Ann Arbor

June 12: Kalamazoo

June 13: Lansing

June 14: Romeo

June 15: Fraser

During its celebration week, Big Boy fans can share their Big Boy stories on social media for a chance to win a merchandise basket or take a picture next to a Big Boy statue and use the #NationalBigBoyDay hashtag and tag @itsyourbigboy for a chance to win a free Big Boy for a year.

Bumpy Cakes: Sanders treats to return as owners find new production partner

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Big Boy restaurants plan food specials, party for 88th birthday
Belgium plans to send 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but it must avoid using them over Russia.

Zelenskyy has emphasized Ukraine's need for enhanced air defenses against Russia.

The F-16s are part of a $1 billion aid package, with delivery over four years.

Belgium has agreed to send 30 US-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as long as they aren't flown within Russian territory.

"F-16 jets will be provided to Ukraine as soon as possible. Our aim is to be able to provide first aircraft before the end of this year, 2024," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced Tuesday while hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Everything which is covered by this agreement is very clear. It is for utilization by the Ukraine Defense Forces on Ukraine['s] territory."

Zelenskyy has been vocal about Ukraine's need for improved air defenses against Russia and to rebuild its air force, which has been battered by two years of war. The 30 F-16s are set to be delivered over the next four years as part of a promised $1 billion aid package from Belgium, boosting the number of pledged F-16s to Ukraine to an estimated 85.

The total number is important because Ukraine is expected to lose many F-16s on what may be its most dangerous battlefield in five decades of flying.

In addition to defending Ukraine's airspace, F-16s customized with long-range missiles can improve Ukraine's strike capacity  a useful step as Kyiv tries to halt Moscow's momentum on the battlefield.

"Our task is to use the first F-16 on the battlefield this year and in such way fortify our positions," Zelenskyy said.

The Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have previously offered up dozens of F-16s to support Ukraine. The US Air Force is training Ukrainian pilots to fly them.

Ukraine could still strike into Russia from its own airspace with the F-16, but the usage restriction limits the plane from deeper attacks and prevents the sighting of a US-made plane overflying Russian land; the US has imposed similar caveats on other weapons.

As Ukraine awaits the gradual flow of military aid from the US and other allies, Russia's summer offensive has kicked off.

Ukraine's air-defense deficiencies have allowed Russia to launch continuous barrages of deep strikes beyond Ukraine's lines.

Experts from the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington, DC, think tank, have said that Russia may have started its offensive too early and lacks the adequate personnel on its front lines needed to "conduct a successful operation to envelop, encircle, or seize Kharkiv City."

Despite Russia's soldier shortage, Ukraine continues to struggle to make up for its own troop and resource deficits.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A bill in Congress would permit dependents to access unused benefits if their veteran family member has died.

WASHINGTON  When a Purple Heart recipient named Pat reached out to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray in November to inform her that he couldnt transfer his GI bill benefits to his children, he wasnt expecting congressional action to solve the problem.

He simply just wanted to let the Washington state Democrat to know, he told States Newsroom in an exclusive interview.

With a child about to head to college, Pat, who didnt want his last name used, had recently been told by the Army that he couldnt transfer his education benefits to them because he received the Purple Heart after he was medically discharged. This rule does not apply to those who receive the medal while still in service.

Murray and Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, introduced a bipartisan bill Thursday aimed at closing that loophole.

The legislation, titled the Purple Heart Veterans Education Act, would permit retroactive award recipients who served on or after Sept. 11, 2001, to transfer their education benefits to one or more dependents. It was unveiled just ahead of Memorial Day, when the nation honors its deceased service members.

As the daughter of a Purple Heart recipient, Ive seen firsthand the enormous sacrifices Purple Heart veterans make to defend our freedoms, and I feel strongly that we should be doing absolutely everything we can to help all veterans and their families thrive, Murray said in a statement Thursday.

It doesnt make any sense that service members who are awarded a Purple Heart after their service cant transfer their GI benefits to their dependents, while those who receive it during their service can  and I am grateful to Pat, my constituent in Washington state who brought this gap in the law to my attention, continued Murray, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.

Our legislation will close this loophole and allow more children of Purple Heart veterans to further their education. I want to thank Senator Tillis for joining me on this legislation and Ill be working hard to get it passed into law.

Glitch in education benefits

Pat was medically discharged from the U.S. Army and retroactively received a Purple Heart for his actions during Irans retaliatory missile barrage in January 2020 on an Iraq airbase, after a U.S. drone strike killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

The Army later approved 39 Purple Hearts for service members who experienced the attack, according to a December 2021 report by the Army Times.

As his teenager looks to enroll at Central Washington University next year, Pat found out that by law his education benefits would only be available for transfer if he had received the award while still in service.

My thought was, I doubt that legislators would have done that intentionally. I just thought, you know, people probably just didnt think about how that happens  that some people are going to get retroactive Purple Hearts, or for whatever reason in evaluating them, theyre delayed. So its not like an unusual thing, Pat said in a phone interview.

I wasnt thinking much was going to happen, but I just wanted to write Senator Murray, who is my local senator, and let her know the issue. They responded by saying, Thats an oversight on our part, and we want to make good on that.

Pat said hes grateful for Sen. Murray and hopes his action is able to help other Purple Heart veterans. For now, his family is moving forward with the college enrollment process for his child, he said.

More: See photos from the Memorial Day ceremony at Oklahoma National Guard Museum

Benefits and dependents

Among the provisions in the legislation, Murray and Tillis bill would also allow veterans to split up 36 months worth of benefits to each of their dependents. For example, they could transfer 20 months to one and 16 months to another.

The bill, if enacted, would also prohibit the benefits from being treated as marital property or a marital estate asset.

And, the bill would permit dependents to access unused benefits if their veteran family member has died.

Purple Heart recipients are heroes who honorably served our country at great costs, and this oversight that prevents servicemembers who received this distinguished award after their service from transferring their GI bill benefits to their dependents needs to be corrected immediately, Tillis said in a statement Thursday.

I am proud to co-introduce this commonsense legislation with Senator Murray to close this loophole and ensure every Purple Heart recipient and dependents are able to further their education, continued Tillis, who also sits on the Senates Veterans Affairs Committee.

The number of veterans who retroactively received the Purple Heart after their post-9/11 service is unclear. The bill is estimated to cost $500,000 in mandatory spending over 10 years, according to an informal analysis provided to Murrays office by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

The bill has received praise from veterans groups, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Unfortunately, not every veterans service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States of America is fully recognized while theyre still in uniform, IAVA CEO and Iraq War veteran Allison Jaslow said in a statement Thursday.

The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act ensures that those veterans whove endured bodily harm on behalf of our nation, but werent recognized for it until their service concluded, are able to turn that recognition into an investment in the education of their loved ones.

More Purple Heart recipients

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have greatly increased the number of Purple Heart recipients as the Department of Defense has added some traumatic brain injuries as a recognized condition for the award, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.

It wasnt until a 2017 law that Purple Heart recipients were able to receive full post-9/11 GI Bill benefits regardless of their length of service. Previously, the recipients had to have 36 months of active service.

The Department of Defense does not maintain a record of the number of recipients, according to the CRS, but by law they do maintain a publicly accessible list with the permission of the veteran or next of kin.

Military historians and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor estimate about 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded since 1932. The Army Historical Foundation estimated as of 2016 that 30,000 Purple Hearts had been awarded since 2001. The CRS cited this statistic.

Ashley Murray covers the nations capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Her coverage areas include domestic policy and appropriations. Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Bill unveiled in Congress to assist Purple Heart recipients
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  A bill is heading to Governor Pritzkers desk that would protect people from retaliation by their landlords. But not everyone is on board with it.

The Landlord Retaliation Act would prohibit landlords from knowingly terminating or refusing to renew a lease, increasing rent, decreasing service or threatening a lawsuit after tenants seek assistance to ensure their housing is safe and habitable. Protected actions by the tenant include:

Making a requests for repairs

Making a complaint of code violations

Organizing a union or being a member of one

Testifying in an official proceeding

Seeking assistance from elected officials

Exercising any other right provided by law

Carbon Capture regulations pass Senate, head to Governors desk

With fear of retaliation, tenants would rather stay in inadequate living conditions than speak up  this cannot continue, said State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago), the bills chief sponsor in the Senate. Tenants spend their hard earned money on rent. At minimum, they should be confident when taking actions to ensure that their home is properly maintained.

These unjust methods of retaliation lead to housing instability, financial insecurity and ultimately homelessness which further harms our communities, Villa added. It is the responsibility of landlords to maintain a property and we must protect tenants who are simply holding their landlords accountable.

The Illinois Rental Property Owners Association stands opposed to the bill, believing it would create a slippery slope that would result in fewer options for affordable housing.

Housing providers are presumed guilty of retaliation if they raise rent, do not renew a lease, or even change terms one year after a tenant requests a repair, Paul Arena, the associations Director of Legislative Affairs, explained in a statement. This forces housing providers to fight expensive legal battles to prove their innocence.

Insurance directories under stricter audit rules with health insurance reform plan

Arena said this presumption of guilt would discourage landlords from entering or remaining in the market. Competition would drop, leading to higher rents and less incentive for property upkeep.

This, Arena suggested, would leave tenants with fewer choices and potentially lower-quality housing.

The Illinois Rental Property Owners Association also claimed that they had offered the bills sponsors compromise language to incorporate, but were rebuffed.

The Landlord Retaliation Act passed the Senate on Wednesday 34-19 with two present and four not voting. It passed the House on Saturday 63-38 with one present and four not voting.

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 WCIA.com.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A group of Kansas wildlife biologists on the hunt for invasive species made a surprising discovery in April when they found a fish thousands of miles away from where it spawned.

Biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Aquatic Invasive Species Crew were conducting sampling operations on the Kansas River near Kaw Point in April when they came across a rarely seen native fish species. The fish in question is known as an American eel.

These fish are not often seen in Kansas waters, mostly due to the many dams which get in the way of their ability to move freely through U.S. streams and rivers. The last time the KDWP made note of the appearance of one of these eels was in 2015 when a Kansas angler caught one while fishing below the Bowersock dam near Lawrence, Kansas. At the time, this was the first confirmed sighting of an American eel in Kansas in a decade.

(Photo Courtesy/KDWP)

Despite their rarity in Kansas, the species is not considered endangered and the KDWP does keep a fishing record for the elusive eels. The current state record for American eel in Kansas was set on June 23, 1987 by Ralph B. Westerman on the Kansas River. He landed an American eel weighing 4.44 pounds and measuring 35 and a quarter inches in length while using a rod & reel.

American eels make an astounding 3,500-mile migration from their spawn point in the Sargasso Sea, located in the Atlantic Ocean, to the rivers and streams of North America where they live for around 10-25 years before returning home to reproduce. They are also the only species of freshwater eel found on the continent, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS).

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.
Bird flu in Florida? Safe to consume chicken and milk? How the outbreak can affect you

A bottlenose dolphin. A bald eagle. The Everglades beloved white Ibis.

More than 4,670 animals in Florida have been killed since the bird flu outbreak began in 2022, either because they were infected with the virus or were part of an infected flock, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The widespread virus has affected more than 90 million birds in the country, including some in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. And while the virus has long been associated with poultry and wild birds, scientists have detected it in other species in the U.S., including cows, foxes, skunks, big cats and bears.

In Florida, bird flu was even detected in a dead bottlenose dolphin, making it the first known cetacean to fall ill with the virus, according to researchers from the University of Florida. And while the U.S. has confirmed three cases of people infected with H5N1, federal officials say the transmission risk for the general public remains low.

Bird flu is no longer just infecting wildbirds and poultry. Other animals in the U.S. have fallen ill with the disease, according to the USDA.

But theyre still closely monitoring the disease and are urging people to take precautions if theyre interacting with possibly infected animals.

This outbreak has shown that the U.S. needs to improve its ability to respond to new and emerging infections in order to minimize the chances of a new pandemic, said Andrew Pekosz, professor and vice chair of the W. Harry Feinstone department of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Pekosz investigates the replication and disease potential of respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and other emerging viruses.

Heres what to know:

What is the risk level of bird flu infections in humans?

The U.S. has confirmed three cases of humans infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus known as H5N1. The two most recent cases were reported this year and involve dairy farm workers. The most recent case, reported in May, occurred in Michigan, the other happened in April in Texas. Both people worked on farms that had infected cows.

The first human case of H5N1 recorded in the U.S. during this outbreak happened in 2022 and involved a worker in Colorado who was involved in killing possibly infected poultry.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the countrys top public health agency, says theres a low risk that the disease will spread to more people.

The National Institutes of Health on Friday also noted that the virus, called H5N1, which has circulated in the country for the past several years and has infected more than 50 animal species, has so far shown no genetic evidence of acquiring the ability to spread from person-to-person.

However, officials say they are closely monitoring the disease spread and are urging people to avoid contact with sick or dead animals to reduce the risk of infection. Theyre also urging people to avoid unprotected exposures to animal poop, litter, raw milk or other items that have been touched by birds, cows or other animals that are suspected or confirmed to be ill with the virus.

Florida has confirmed cases of Avian influenza A (H5N1), or bird flu, in 35 counties since January 2022, including in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, according to a January 2023 update from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Bird flu is infecting cows. Is it safe to drink milk?

If the milk is pasteurized, it should be safe to drink and cook with, according to Dr. Meghan Davis, a former dairy veterinarian and an associate professor in the department of environmental health and engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Nearly all milk youll find at the grocery store has undergone pasteurization to reduce contamination, a treatment process federal regulators say is effective against killing the bird flu virus.

Experts like Davis are cautioning against drinking and using raw milk however, as the product could be contaminated with the virus and lead to illness. Mice given droplets of raw milk from infected cows as part of a study, for example, fell ill and were later found to have high levels of the virus in their respiratory organs, similar to H5N1 infections in other animals. The study was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine and suggests that consumption of raw milk by animal poses a risk for H5N1 infection and raises questions about its potential risk in humans, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Raw milk could also increase the infection risk for pets, with experts from Johns Hopkins noting that there are reports of cats on dairy farms falling ill after consuming raw milk from infected cows.

What about pasteurized milk and other dairy products?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently tested 297 samples of dairy products, including milk, cheese, cream and yogurt, collected from stores across 17 states including Florida, and were produced at processing locations across 38 states.

The samples, which were collected in April, were selected to be representative of processors in states that have and have not had infected cows. Tests did not detect any live, infectious virus in the products, the FDA said in its May 10 update.

According to the most recent data from the USDA there have been no reported inflections in Florida dairy cows. But its important to remember that just because you buy milk in a Florida store, it doesnt mean the milk came from a Florida cow or was pasteurized in the state. Milk can come from cows on farms in different states and be pasteurized in other states before making it onto your grocery stores shelves.

Commercial milk is typically pooled from many dairy farms, pasteurized in bulk and distributed to a variety of states, the FDA said. Even if a sample was collected in one particular state, the milk in a consumer package could have come from cows on several farms located in several states, pasteurized in a different state from the states where the milk was produced, and available for purchase in yet another state.

While nearly all commercial milk, cheese and other dairy products are pasteurized, look for the word pasteurized on the label to double check. If you dont see it, theres a chance the product contains raw milk. There are other milk alternatives you can turn to as well including soy, almond, oat and coconut milk.

Is it safe to eat meat, eggs, chicken and other poultry?

Its safe to eat meat, eggs, chicken and other poultry as long as the food is properly prepared and cooked, according to the Johns Hopkins experts and the U.S Department of Agriculture.

The USDA says it has several safeguards in place, including testing of flocks, to ensure that infected birds do not make their way into the countrys food supply. The agency has similar safeguards in place for cattle and requires for poultry and cattle to be inspected for signs of disease before and after slaughter.

Its also important to make sure your food is cooked properly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. USDA recommends using a food thermometer to make sure the poultry your cooking has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. This heat can kill any foodborne germs that might be present, including the avian influenza viruses.

What about beef?

The USDA has not found traces of the virus in ground beef samples collected from retail outlets where cows have tested positive, according to the New York Times.

The federal agency on Friday announced that beef tissue from a sick dairy cow had tested positive for the bird flu but reiterated that because the cow was condemned due to signs of sickness, its meat had not entered the food supply.

The positive test was part of a study the USDA conducted on beef safety. It tested beef tissue from 96 sick dairy cows and only one tested positive. The agency has also conducted a study to test how much heat would be needed to kill high levels of H5N1 in ground beef patties.

What it found: No virus was present in the burgers that were cooked to the recommended temperatures of 145 degrees, which is medium, or 160 degrees, well done. Rare burgers cooked to 120 degrees  which is well below the USDAs recommended cooking temperature  still had traces of the virus present but it was at greatly reduced levels, the NYT reported.

These are the minimum internal temperatures the USDA recommends your food should be cooked to kill bacteria and viruses.
Poland will sign a contract with the United States for the supply of AGM-158 JASSM-ER cruise missiles with a range of up to 1000 kilometers for F-16 fighter jets. This will cost Warsaw approximately $735 million.

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On Tuesday, May 28, the contract will be signed by Polish Defense Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. This is stated on the website of the country's defense ministry.

The Polish military already possesses these missiles, but, as our neighboring country's Defense Ministry noted, the war in Ukraine has shown how important it is to be able to hit targets far from the front line.

"The war in Ukraine has shown how important it is to be able to hit targets located even very far from the front line, so the range of the missiles to be purchased is approximately 1000 kilometers," the Polish Defense Ministry said.

The ministry noted that these missiles will be delivered in 2026-2030.

"This is a kind of addition to the BARBARA balloon system, the delivery of which was signed last week," the ministry added.

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The JASSM is an American precision air-to-ground cruise missile developed by Lockheed Martin Corporation. It is designed to engage important, highly protected both stationary and moving targets in all weather conditions and at any time of the day.

The AGM-158 modification differs from the basic version by having larger fuel tanks and a more economical twin-circuit turbojet engine. This allows the missile to hit targets at a distance of up to 1000 kilometers from the launch site.

Currently, the operators of these missiles are Poland, Finland, Australia and the Netherlands.

As reported, Poland has supported Ukraine's permission to use Western weapons on the territory of the Russian Federation. This was stated by Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski. He believes that the West should stop constantly limiting itself in supporting our country.

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Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Bird propaganda is everywhere, once youre trained to recognize it. Since the Cold War, children have eaten their breakfast cereals with Toucan Sam and spent their after-school hours learning at Big Birds oversize feet. Television has streamed into our homes and onto our smartphones under the strutting sign of NBCs rainbow peacock. Penguins gaze out at us from our bookshelves. Eagles, the government insists, are patriotic symbols of strength and freedom. Duolingo uses an earnest but irritating green owl to engineer our digital behavior and shame us into learning rudimentary Portuguese.



As you catch your breath from this unnerving revelation, you should also know that there is a growing movement online determined to reveal the truth: that none of this is benign, none of it accidental. That Americans are being birdwashed into docility and obedience.

Calling itself Birds Arent Real, this group of primarily Gen Z truthers swaps memes and infographics on social media (the official accounts boast more than 800,000 followers on TikTok and 400,000 on Instagram), challenges the powers that be with combative media appearances, and holds rallies across the country. They explain that the U.S. government secretly ran a mass bird genocide starting in the late 1950s, replacing the real avian population with sophisticated surveillance-drone look-alikes. Bird-watching now goes both ways.



If ever youve feared that the internet has become less weird, this should ease your mind. Birds Arent Real had its first dose of major mainstream attention in late 2021, thanks to a surreal New York Times feature by Taylor Lorenz. Now, the groups two leaders, Peter McIndoe and Connor Gaydos, have published their manifesto in book form. Over nearly 300 pages, they reveal how the bird genocide plot was hatched by notorious CIA director Allen Dulleswhen he wasnt spearheading the MK-Ultra mind-control program. Using stolen documents and confidential transcripts, they also show the complicity of presidents from Eisenhower to Biden. Alongside this revisionist American history, the book offers a field guide for recognizing bird-drones in the wild as well as instructions for resistance. Theres also a word search (AVICIDE, CIA KILLED JFK).

Know one last thing: Its not real. Birds Arent Real is an elaborate and successful prank. Everyone is in character, from McIndoe and Gaydos down to the TikTokers going off on Thanksgiving (a suspiciously bird-centric holiday) in the comments. Every document in the book is total fiction. Id even go so far as to say that birds are probably real, after all. But none of this should imply that what the bird truthers are up to isnt serious or helpful. Our dragon-ridden age needs its wise fools.

Cosplaying the paranoid fringe, Birds Arent Real delivers a knowing satire of American conspiratorial thinking in the century of QAnon. Beneath the collegiate humor, however, lies a profound grasp of conspiracisms psychic appeal, and a valuable provocation. How to best fight false claims and conspiracies online is currently the subject of fierce debate among social and computer scientists, policymakers, even the Supreme Court. (McIndoe has called his faux movement an experiment in misinformation.) The rest of us wonder how we can bring our family members and fellow citizens back to reason, dampening the influence of what Richard Hofstadter, some 60 years ago, termed the angry minds of American politics. Could it be, as a consequential election looms and violent online fantasies spray into real life, that we are going about it all entirely the wrong way?





Nearly one in five Americans believes, according to a recent poll, that Taylor Swift is an asset of the deep state, her celebrity manufactured by a Pentagon psyop meant to help Joe Biden win reelection. This is only the latest conspiratorial spasm from a right-wing media ecosystem that has fully embraced the QAnon creed. The book of QAnon tells us that the government is controlled by a global cabal of satanic pedophilesmostly elites in Hollywood, finance, and the Democratic Partywho traffic in and molest children for sport, and that Donald Trump has been anointed by God to save the children and punish the powerful. Whether they identify as QAnon supporters or not, millions of Americans believe this to be true, and see themselves as heroic soldiers in a Manichaean struggle of absolute good over fathomless evil.

Against this backdrop, Birds Arent Real feels downright old-fashioned, more chemtrails than adrenochrome. For all its baroque social media lunacy, it is paranoid but not violent. It doesnt ask its followers to murder anyone. (This is a feature that sets QAnon apart from its quainter predecessors.) In many other ways, however, Birds Arent Real is the perfect conspiracy theory, built on an astute understanding of how they work and what makes them so compelling. Four qualities are particularly important.

Birds Arent Real offers, first of all, a theory of everythinga way for people to make sense of the worlds complexity and contradictions, to tie up all the loose ends. The group can explain the JFK assassination (murdered by a hummingbird drone after he challenged Dulles), the U.S. invasion of Vietnam (to secure bauxite, a mineral needed for drone building), the Flight 1549 Hudson River crash (a failed bid to kill secret bird truther Sully Sullenberger with a goose robot), and even why so few of us have ever seen baby pigeons (they emerge from the factories as adults). That youve seen so little evidence is merely a sign of how deep the plot goes. Airtight logical systems are created in many conspiracies, like QAnon. They appeal to people who prefer certainty over ambiguity, who see I dont know as a discomforting answer. Psychologists call this the need for cognitive closure, and have found it associated with anxiety, authoritarianism, and conspiratorial thinking.

Much like Covid deniers, bird truthers are also masters of what we might call argument by adjacency. Related credible facts are adduced as proof of wilder claims, offering just enough truth to make you wonder. Do your own research into the bird-genocide plot, for instance, and youll find that the United States did spend the Cold War running a range of secret operations, from coups to surveillance of civil rights leaders to attempts at drug-induced brainwashing. Birds Arent Real observes that these are not conspiracy theories, but conspiracy facts, proving that Washington does indeed conspire behind the scenes to do insane and illegal things. Its widely accepted, too, that we are ensnared in a form of surveillance capitalism in which technology companies closely track our behavior as a means of astronomical profit. And isnt it suspicious that animal-free eggs are now for sale on grocery store shelves? In a world where these things are incontrovertibly true, an elaborate system of secret bird-drone surveillance makes a certain logical sense.

Finally, successful conspiracy theories are able to perform a kind of psychic alchemy for their followers. On the one hand, they drain pleasure from everyday life. Nothing can be innocent; everything is wrapped up in the plot. QAnon supporters pull away from friends and family, convinced that the people they most love have become satanic cultists. Birds Arent Real tells you that you cant enjoy simple joys like nature walks and bird-watching, family Christmases (eating turkey is ritualized bird worship), or even your pets. People with birds at home are advised to calmly pack your things in the middle of the night and leave. Make sure your bird does not see you leave. Your pet bird never loved you, for it was merely a government drone-robot, but at least now the imminent danger has passed.

In exchange, believers are haloed with heroism. They are recognized as being among the elect and told not only that they have the power to act for truth and justicebut that they have a responsibility to do so. As one ex-QAnon follower told journalist Mike Rothschild for his book The Storm Is Upon Us, believing in Q makes you feel important and gives you meaning and self-esteem. You are saving the world when youre in Q. McIndoe and Gaydos tap into similar ideas in their bird-drone manifesto, inviting their followers into a fellowship of martyrs and winkingly praising their courage. With the deep state arrayed against bird truthers, their book is the most dangerous  in the history of literature, and you are putting yourself in great danger by reading it. Ordinary actions are draped with epic significance and hidden danger. We will never stop pushing, they theatrically vow. We will never stop violating community standards.

In his much-maligned (yet scarcely read) 1992 bestseller, The End of History and the Last Man, Francis Fukuyama claimed that political and social change was driven primarily not by economic conditions, but psychological motivations. Its the innate human desire to be recognized, to be seen by other people and institutions as worthy of respect and dignity, he wrote, that moves political historyand can always upend even the most stable states. Fukuyama called this drive thymos. Modern conspiracy theories, like QAnon, may satisfy it. It doesnt hurt that weve been conditioned to expect the democratization of power and celebrity by social media: Upload the right video or do some internet sleuthing or make a viral hashtag, and you, too, can shape historical events.

But its widespread despair that has made the psychic bargain promised by conspiracies so compelling. As McIndoe has explained, a lot of people feel like theyre the victims in this tragic story of themselves as the main character. I dont feel purpose. I dont have identity. I dont have people that love me. By embracing conspiracism, however, you reposition yourself from the victim to the hero. What the bird truthers understand so well is that paranoiac misinformation cults make people feel not powerless or vulnerable, but valuable. Needed.





McIndoe is not a conspiracy theorist himself. Not really. But his personal biography offers some clues to his performance as well as the serious purpose behind his work. You wouldnt know it by reading the book, which is written fully in character; the fourth wall remains intact. This is a shame, because the real Peter McIndoe is worth listening to. One thing he knows better than most of us is just how literally, as Don DeLillo observed in his novel White Noise, the family is the cradle of the worlds misinformation.

McIndoe, now in his mid-twenties, passed his teenage years in Arkansas under what he has called conditions of ideological loneliness. In the conservative religious community that raised him, conspiratorial thinking was rampant: that vaccines contained microchips, that Barack Obama was the Antichrist. McIndoe was homeschooled (he recalls being told that it was to avoid brainwashing by the government), but he grew increasingly skeptical of the paranoid tales around him. His peers saw him as a black sheep and voted him most likely to end up in jail. McIndoe felt that he was on the fringes of normal society because he refused to accept their beliefs.

Then he went online. Rifling around on Reddit and YouTube, he was pulled from the far reaches of conspiracism into the mainstream. Incredibly, he found not rabbit holes to fall down, but wide-open landscapesfull of fact-based news and information, populated with different perspectives than the ones swirling around him at home. The internet gave McIndoe his whole understanding of the world, and the comforting knowledge that he was not alone in trusting science or seeing the president as human. Finally, he belonged.

He started Birds Arent Real by accident in early 2017, while in Memphis. At a womens march organized to protest Trumps inauguration, he dashed the infamous three words on a poster as a joke. Someone recorded it and posted it online, the clip went viral among teens in the South, and McIndoe left school to focus on his newfound fake movement. He stepped into character as the groups public information officer, drawing on his memories of conspiratorial Arkansas. I used the same cadence, logic, and arguments as those I grew up around, he observed in a 2023 TED talk, just with a different theory swapped in.

Teens and twentysomethings, like McIndoe and the bird truthers, are frequently chastised by policymakers and academics for failing the test of online misinformationsingled out for being apathetic about current events or insufficiently critical of the claims and content they consume. The broader critique is that Gen Zers are, like the millennials before them, too much in their phones, too online, too detached from reality to be fine critical thinkers and good citizens. In fact, young people are more sophisticated and savvy than this grave portrait indicates. But their reactions to this torrent of digital detritus may look unfamiliar or even nihilistic to those of us raised in a slightly more orderly and manageable world.

The explicit purpose of Birds Arent Real, McIndoe told The New York Times in 2021, is about holding a mirror to America in the internet age. He and his peers have grown up in a world of dopamine hits and deepfakes and endless scrolling, where what happens on social media is just as real as what happens offline. Bird truthing is both satire and a kind of generational catharsis, a therapeutic reaction to the sense of being trapped on platforms that reinforce our worst instincts and watching serious adults descend into madness. Like real conspiracies, Birds Arent Real offers people agency in a world fallen to pieces. One organizer has called it fighting lunacy with lunacy. McIndoe has evocatively described his performance-art project as building an igloo in a snowstormcreating shelter out of the same type of material thats causing the chaos and providing a space for people to safely process misinformation rather than succumbing to it.





Over the past 10 years, its become clear that online misinformation (to say nothing of state-sponsored disinformation campaigns) is capable of undoing our shared reality and tipping public life into disarrayfrom Trumpian lies to QAnon to the Covid infodemic. How to fix it is less obvious. One paradigm puts the onus on government to force social media companies to remove false information from their platforms, or make algorithms less likely to amplify conspiracies. The Supreme Court will soon tell us how directly the government can be involved in content moderation (a ruling is imminent in Murthy v. Missouri), but the failure of government agencies to meaningfully regulate Big Tech firms in the United States means that most experts are focused instead on getting individual people wiser to fake news.

Misinformation experts are currently working out three different approaches. The oldest and most familiar is information literacy. This field focuses on arming citizens with the critical thinking skills they need to identify false or poorly sourced claims, overheated rhetoric, or opinions playing as facts. People are inclined to be rational, in this view, but need the right education and training in order to do so.

More recently, behavioral psychologists have investigated ways of nudging people into thinking more about accuracy and their own biases when consuming information on social media. (Recall how then-Twitter introduced a feature in 2020 that invited users to read articles before resharing them.) This mode assumes that human beings are mostly irrational, but can be tricked into overcoming their own cognitive flaws.

The most novel and promising approach, however, is known as prebunking. Pioneered by Cambridge social psychologist Sander van der Linden, this mode pulls from the metaphor of virality to suggest that people can be inoculated against misinformation. Studies have found that exposing people in controlled ways to false claims can help them acquire psychological immunity to misinformation when they confront it next.

Although these modes make different assumptions about human psychology, they have a common understanding of the problem and a shared vision of what success will look like. For the most part, researchers are focused on the interaction between an individual person and a single piece of (mis)informationthe moment of critical judgment. And they agree that strengthening peoples rational faculties is the solution, whether we get there through skills education or gentle misdirection or both, by hook or by crook.

As thoughtful as these interventions are, its hard not to wonder if they are commensurate with the problem we faceif they reflect the world as it is, in full. One immediate wrinkle is that most peoples experiences with information are not solo but rather intensely social.

In a study I co-wrote last year, for instance, we learned first of all that Gen Zers tend to digest information together with others: in group chats with family and friends, on Reddits and Discord servers, and in the comments sections beneath TikTok and YouTube videos. The value of that information is often social, too. All of us (but especially young people) metabolize information about the world not just because we want to seek the truth, but to know who we are and what we believe in relation to those around us. What this means is that people are often familiar with anti-misinformation tactics, particularly in a classroom or professional setting, but may choose not to deploy them in their daily lives.

Indeed, theres reason to doubt that greater rationality and more critical thinking will get us back to the world of shared reality weve lost. The sociologist and internet researcher Francesca Tripodi has brilliantly shown that religious conservatives who believe in false claims and conspiracies consume a wide variety of news sources and apply close critical habits of textual analysis to what they readtactics recommended by academic experts. Purveyors of Covid misinformation, too, as MIT professor Crystal Lee and her co-authors have revealed, are using data visualization tools and the trappings of scientific analysis to lead people away from mainstream public health. QAnon itself is the twisted embodiment of this tendency, a cult movement built by citizen-researchers (known as bakers) who are doing nothing more than just asking questions. As Richard Hofstadter had it in the mid-1960s, facing the conspiratorial Goldwaterian right, the paranoid mind is nothing if not scholarly in technique. Rationalitys greatest weakness, perhaps, is that it is a procedure more than a commitment. Teaching people critical thinking and rational argument is the easy part; the less comfortable and more difficult work involves creating social and political consensus, establishing (and defending) the shared values that reason is meant to serve.

McIndoe and his Dadaist troupe of bird truthers are raising this deeper and more troubling challenge, inviting us to wonder if the crusade against misinformationfocusing on truth and accuracy and critical reasoninghasnt somehow missed the point. Whats appealing about Birds Arent Real and QAnon, McIndoe has suggested, isnt the promise of truth so much as the feeling of community. We have to consider that conspiracy theorists are not just joining these groups for no reason, he argued last year. Theyre getting rewards out of these, things that we are all looking for. Identity, purpose, meaning, a sense of agency and recognition and solidarity. The rise of conspiracism and misinformation is not a crisis of belief, observe the bird truthers, but belonging.

As the philosopher and historian Justin Smith-Ruiu has written, it is irrational to seek to eliminate irrationality. Were determined to do it anyhow. This is the founding fiction of modern liberalism as well as its tragic flaw. We know that human beings are not rational in reality, but wouldnt it be better if they were? In every national election cycle since the explosion of the Tea Party, Democratic leaders and voters alike have found this to be the most natural and comfortable response to the extreme right. Its satisfying to believe that the right-wing fever will eventually break, that being the adults in the room is enough, that being a good citizen means erasing our feelings and returning to a lost era of rational deliberation. But its all a mirage, and not a helpful one. In fact, we have always been, as DeLillo had it, fragile creatures surrounded by a world of hostile facts, doing our level best to reason together about what we feel most strongly.
Rep. Byron Donalds shakes hands with former President Donald Trump at a Moms for Liberty Joyful Warriors summit on June 30, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. - Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images (Getty Images)

Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds doesnt have the name recognition of Sen. Tim Scott, his South Carolina Republican colleague in the Senate, or former HUD Secretary Ben Carson. Yet Donalds, a 45-year-old rising star in the conservative constellation, is reportedly on Donald Trumps list of possible vice presidential running mates.

What are his qualifications? First, as far as Trump is concerned, Donalds is a blind loyalist who will say anything to defend him in the face of 88 charges over four criminal cases.



Second, hes Black, and Trump hopes to snatch as many Black voters as he can from President Biden in the 2024 election. In fact, Donalds is beefing with Joy Reid after she recently commented that the GOP is using him as a prop.

Hes the one Black guy that Republicans love to roll out as fake proof that Black people, the Blacks, are just MAGA, theyre MAGA  its a joke, Newsweek quoted The ReidOut hosts remarks on Friday about Donalds attendance at Trumps political rally in the Bronx.



Donalds responded on Fox News that Reids comments were nothing more than crabs in a barrel, meaning that she is jealous of his success and wants to block his progress.



According to The New York Times, Trump has spoken with advisers about selecting Donalds as a potential running mate. Donalds has already said that he would accept the nomination if offered.



Donalds, whose mother was a public school teacher, grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Florida State University with an undergraduate degree in finance and marketing. In college, Donalds met his future wife, Erika, who drew him into evangelical Christianity.



Since then, the Christian conservative couple has waged war against what they view as dangerous liberal ideas and lifestyle seeping into public school classrooms. As a Florida state House lawmaker, he supported reforms that would give far-right groups leverage to change school curricula and ban books from school libraries. The bans have targeted books on race, racism, LGBTQ+ and transgender identities.



After joining Congress in 2021, Donalds wasted no time reinventing himself as a Trump loyalist.



According to CNN, Donalds attacked Trump for his birtherism lies that President Barack Obama was born in Kenya. Donalds also posted numerous social media comments in 2011 and 2012 criticizing Trump, including expressing relief that Trump wont run for president against Obama.



Yet, one of his first votes in Congress was against certifying electors for Arizona and Pennsylvania so that Republicans could attempt to block Bidens 2020 presidential victory, falsely claiming that Dems stole the election.



Donalds is now a full-blown conspiracist in Trumps camp. He was among the GOP lawmakers who pushed false theories about an FBI plot against Trump. Heres a video clip of his interview with CNNs Abby Phillips.

I pressed Trump ally @RepDonaldsPress on why he and other Republicans are pushing conspiracies about the FBI's search of Mar-a-Lago by calling it an assassination attempt. pic.twitter.com/Wu2R1VrT5d  Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) May 24, 2024

He also signaled to Phillips that he wouldnt accept the 2024 election results if Trump loses again. Donalds refused to give her a yes or no answer, saying that he would only accept the results under certain conditions.



Its plain to see that Donalds is making every effort to win the Trump Veep sweepstakes  even if he has to embarrass himself.



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Fighting to keep himself out of prison has cost Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) a lotbut not his appetite, campaign finance records show.

The embattled Democrat, now on trial for allegations he accepted gold bars and envelopes of cash from New Jersey businessmen in exchange for favors for them and their patrons in Egypt and Qatar, spent $2 million on legal fees in April, the latest filings show. This figure represents more than a third of his entire warchest accrued over 18 years in the U.S. Senate, and comes on top of $1 million the campaign gave the firm in Novemberall before the actual courtroom action started earlier this month.

But these swelling expenses, and the anemic $95,538.86 the campaign has raised so far this year, hasnt kept the senator from dining on his donors dime: his New Millennium Political Action Committee has picked up eight checks totalling $7,012.51 this year at Mortons Steakhouse in D.C., a favorite Menendez hangout where the filet mignon starts at $56 and the tomahawks top out at $139.

Thats in addition to a $286.56 bill the campaign covered at the chain beef joint in March, $1,489.22 the two committees spent at three Jersey eateries in January, $1,500.00 allocated to catering from Carmines Italian Restaurant in the District that same month, and $464.24 blown at the hyper-private 116 Club near Capitol Hill on May 6.

A Menendez spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about what his go-to order is, who has joined him for these meals, and whether he put the whole check on the campaign card or split the bills with his companions.

But thanks to lax federal campaign finance rules and enforcement, theres no reason that the staggering cost of counsel or the threat of a prison sentence for operating as an agent of authoritarian foreign powers should take a bite out of Menendezs lifestyle any time soon.

A campaign finance lawyer told The Daily Beast that so long as Menendez can claim his meals were meetings serving some campaign or government purpose, he can continue to put them on his committees taband the definition of what constitutes an official meeting is very elastic, Brett Kappel of the firm Harmon Curran said.

In fact, even if expenses devoured the entire campaign fund, Menendez could continue to run up charges on the committees cards (the two have paid $29,076.17 to Chase and American Express in 2024) and welsh on the bills. The companies could cancel the accounts, and complain to the Federal Election Commission, but probably would never get their money back.

The FEC typically rejects those kinds of complaints, Kappel said. The candidate is not personally liable for the debts of the campaign.

In fact, little in federal campaign finance regulations prevents Menendez from doing the same to his lawyers. Kappel noted that the failed 1984 presidential campaign of the late Sen. John Glenn (D-OH) racked up millions in debt and never paid it off.

If Menendez burns out his campaign account, either on his own defense or on lawyers for his wife, who is being tried separately for her part in the conspiracy due to health reasons, he could similarly report the attorney fees as outstanding campaign debtsince, after all, these are criminal charges arising out of his status as a federal officeholder, Kappel said.

"He could theoretically list them as campaign debts and never pay them, just file FEC reports every four months, the veteran campaign finance attorney said. The actual deadline is when the lawyers refuse to do any more work, because they need to get paid.

But even to extricate themselves from the case, Kappel noted, the attorneys would need permission from the judge.

For now, however, Menendezs campaign has $3.57 million to draw on for lawyers and steaks alike.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Body found near pond in Georgia over Memorial Day weekend

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources released a report of incidents over the holiday weekend.

Georgia DNR said in the early afternoon hours on Monday, game wardens were told that a body was found in a private pond in Muscogee County.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The victim was wearing a swimsuit in a pond in a wooded area.

The Muscogee County Coroner pronounced the victim deceased around 3:10 p.m.

DNR is reporting it as a drowning but the victim may have been in the pond for two to three days.

The cause of death is unknown.

TRENDING STORIES:

There was another drowning over the weekend where a 33-year-old mans body was recovered from a water line in Glynn County.

Georgia DNR reported a total of two drownings, 25 BUIs, two boating incidents, and three injuries.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
The "body has since been recovered," announced Pete Piringer, spokesman for Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service on Monday

Getty Stock image of the Potomac River

A body found in the Potomac River is believed to be that of a missing swimmer.

On Monday, May 27, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service spokesman Pete Piringer explained in a video on X, formerly Twitter, that the search began on Friday, May 24, after "receiving a report of a couple of swimmers that attempted to swim from Virginia to Maryland."

"One of them became distressed and went underwater and has been missing ever since, presumed to be drowned. Search has been taking place for the last couple of days," added Piringer.

Piringer shared on X that authorities were initially dispatched to the scene around 8:45 p.m. on Friday and conducted an "exhaustive search by land, water, [and] air."

x Warning sign near Potomac River

Related: Mich. Mom Dies While Saving Her Toddlers Life from Oncoming Out-of-Control Jeep: Authorities

On Sunday, May 26, search teams used sonar and located what appeared to be a body "under the water stuck amongst some rocks in the vicinity of Sandy Landing, which is just south of the Great Falls," said Piringer in his video.

"This morning, [search and rescue crews] were going to go back down there and deal with that situation, recover the body, but a local kayaker did come by and report that the body was in the water and that body has since been recovered," added Piringer.

Noting that there is an ongoing death investigation, the spokesperson added, "We believe it to be the swimmer that was presumed drowned and missing since Friday."

The swimmer has not been identified by officials.

Update (8a Monday 5/27) Body Recovery - Potomac River (IAO Great Falls) Wet Bottom/Sanding Landing, local kayaker reported body in water, @mcfrs SWR boats located body, MoCo PD MSOT (Managed Search Operations Team) on scene conducting death investigation pic.twitter.com/yy1XmFnDOU  Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) May 27, 2024

Related: At Least 21 Dead, Including Mom and 2 Kids, from Severe Memorial Day Weekend Weather: Reports

According to the National Park Service, the Potomac River, on average, is 27 feet deep and has an average flow rate of 10,000 cubic feet per second.

The agency states on its website that swimming or wading in the river is illegal, and those who commit the offense may be fined $200, appear in federal court, and be arrested.

On Friday, the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service kicked off its annual Potomac River Safety Campaign. Captain Andrew Bell, with the MCFRS Water Rescue Team, also pointed out what makes the river dangerous in an interview shared on the organization's blog site.

NOTE: This 24 Memorial Day @mcfrs Swift Water Rescue crews are continuing efforts to remind people of dangers IAO Potomac River & what precautions you can take to enjoy this wonderful local resource @COcanalNPS & beyond- MCFRS Swift Water boats & crews will be engaged all summer pic.twitter.com/f5WP3tRB0v  Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) May 25, 2024

"The river is moving fast and there are a lot of hazards that you can get pinned up against, get your feet trapped in. And the trees, they create what we call a strainer effect where, if you get swept into them, you can very easily get caught and trapped by your body. Even wading into the river can lead to a dangerous situation," he said.

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"Mud and silt and pollutants make it impossible to see more than a few inches below the waters surface. The rivers bottom is too often underestimated," Bell added.



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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Sunland Park Fire Department assisted in recovering a body from the desert on Sunday, May 26.

According to Sunland Park Fires X social media account, the body was found by Border Patrol about a mile northwest of Memorial Pines Lane and Tierra Madre Court.

El Paso woman dies after striking median on I-10 East

The fire department assisted the Office of Medical Investigator with the recovery of the body.

The initial call came in minutes before 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Large fire in Alpine destroys local businesses

No other information has been released at this moment but we will update this story when we learn more.

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.
Border Patrol celebrates 100 years: First agents were issued badge, pistol and little else

Photograph taken in 1937 at Camp Chigas located in the Chamizal area.

May 28 marks the 100th anniversary of the Labor Appropriation Act of 1924, which officially established the U.S. Border Patrol to secure the borders between inspection stations.

The following information is from a May 1974, El Paso Times three-part series by Hugh E. Williams, then deputy regional chief of the Southwest Region of the U.S. Border Patrol:

The first group of agents was made up of 450 former Mounted Guards, policemen, sheriffs, gunslingers and appointees from the Civil Service Register of Railway Clerks.

Patrol Inspectors were issued a badge, a pistol and little else. There were no uniforms until 1928 and they provided their own horse and saddle, the government provided oats and hay. For pay of $1,680 a year, they were responsible for combating illegal entry and smuggling.

A written examination was first given Feb. 27, 1925. All agents were required to take and pass the exam or be fired. The exam consisted of math, writing, English and knowledge of Spanish as spoken along the Mexican border.

The physical requirements for applicants were that they be five feet, seven inches tall without boots and weigh within 10 pounds of the normal weight for their height.

More: Mounted immigration inspectors ordered to patrol the international boundary in 1911: Trish Long

1st site of Border Patrol training was in El Paso

A question in 2010 from David Ham, president of, Board of Governors, National Border Patrol Museum, prompted this June 19 Tales From the Morgue article:

The first Border Patrol Academy was held at Camp Chigas in El Paso. It was also the site of the El Paso Sector, or as it was called originally, the Bi-District Headquarters of the El Paso District. At the Border Patrol Museum, we have been scanning and digitizing literally thousands of newspaper articles related to the Border Patrol going back to the 1920s. In one of those articles, I think I read that Camp Chigas was named after an Army private who was killed during Pershing's Punitive Expedition into Mexico, chasing Pancho Villa. I would appreciate any information on this that you might have  David Ham, President, Board of Governors, National Border Patrol Museum.

The War Department named guard camps after two soldiers killed in the June 15, 1919, fighting with Villa's rebels. Pvt. Sam Tusco, Headquarters Company, 82nd Field Artillery, was killed by a sniper while standing near the Santa Fe bridge just before crossing into Mexico. Sgt. Pete Chigas, Troop L, 7th Cavalry, was shot in the chest during the fighting in Mexico and later died from his wound.

The Border Patrol Academy started its first training class at Camp Chigas Dec. 3, 1934, with 32 men reporting for training. Classroom instruction was four hours a day, and there was no physical training program. The first class graduated on March 17, 1935.

More: As 'Don Chuy,' Border Patrol agent risked life, reputation

History of the U.S. Border Patrol

Here is some additional information about the history of the U.S. Border Patrol from the Times archive:

1904-24  U.S. commissioner general of immigration assigns a mounted guard of about 75 men to patrol the southern border, with headquarters at El Paso. Commissioner is concerned with Chinese immigrants prohibited from entering the United States under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and Europeans unable to pass inspection at Ellis Island.

1917  Immigration Act of 1917 imposes head tax of $8 on Canadians and Mexicans. The act subjects them, like others, to a reading test. The act contributes to widespread illegal border crossings and increases in smuggling.

1920  Prohibition begins, marking the start of liquor smuggling. El Paso and Juarez both profit from prohibition. Juarez establishes bars for thirsty Americans, and El Pasoans begin to advertise a visit to the border as a two-nation vacation.

El Paso Border patrol Agents paid tribute to agents who have fallen in the line of duty with a 21 gun salute during a memorial ceremony at the Border Patrol Museum in May, 1999.

Rumrunners ruthless, prohibition ends

1920s  Rumrunners of the 1920s prove to be ruthless; by the time prohibition ends in 1929, 30 officers lose their lives.

1921 and 1924  The Immigration Quota Acts of 1921 and 1924 establish the nation's first limit on the number of people legally admitted annually.

May 28, 1924  Congress passes an act that creates the U.S. Border Patrol, 450 "patrol inspectors" with headquarters in El Paso and a sector in Marfa, Texas, followed by sectors in Gainesville, Fla., in 1925; Rouses Point, N.Y., in 1926; and Grand Forks, N.D., in 1939.

December 1924  An official uniform is adopted. Spanish-speaking border residents nickname the Border Patrol agents los planchados, the ironed ones, for their spiffy uniforms and hard, drill-sergeant hats.

1934  Patrol officers attend first "training school" at Camp Chigas, El Paso.

1935  Border Patrol installs and uses radios in vehicles and stations.

1945  Border Patrol begins using fixed-wing aircraft.

K-9 Blue prepares for U.S. Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) candidates' last field training course on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, at McGregor Training Area, Range 11 in Ft. Bliss, before graduating the following day.

Border Patrol canine units helpful

1956  Agents begin using drug-sniffing dogs. Canine units prove helpful in many aspects of Border Patrol work.

1956  Training schools become known as "Border Patrol Academies." Agents attend a 19-week course with eight-hour training days, which include a two-hour physical training program.

1961  Border Patrol agents are deputized as U.S. marshals during nation's first airline hijacking in El Paso.

1975  Border Patrol Academy "Session 107" graduates first group of female agents.

1980  Border Patrol begins using helicopters. The agency now employs the most modern law enforcement techniques such as closed-circuit television and electronic sensors.

Currently, agents ease the flow of legal immigration and goods while preventing illegal traffic of people and contraband. They patrol the border by foot, air, vehicle, boat, bicycle, snowmobile, canoe and horseback.

To learn more about the history of the Border Patrol visit the National Border Patrol Museum, 4315 Transmountain Drive, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Trish Long may be reached at tlong@elpasotimes.com or 915-253-6817.

May 25th at 9 a.m., National Centennial Parade route. The parade will start and stop at the El Paso Convention Center and circle San Jacinto Plaza.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Border Patrol established 100 years ago in 1924
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp sat out the 2024 presidential primary as other ambitious Republicans tried to topple Donald Trump. Now, the popular swing-state governor is building up his political operation, not only helping a handful of candidates in tight across the country, but cultivating influence ahead of his own possible future run.

And he will attend the Republican nominating convention in Milwaukee this summer, according to a person familiar with Kemps plans who was granted anonymity to discuss the matter.

The Georgia Republican, a rare GOP politician who stood up to Trump and emerged from the tangle unscathed, has maintained that he would support the Republican nominee for president, but had not disclosed any plans to attend the partys convention this July. Kemp has been particularly selective about his political activities over the last several years, and hasnt attended a Trump rally since 2020.

He has not been approached about speaking at the convention, and has no plans to do so, the person said.



Meanwhile, Kemp is offering his help to several Republicans down ballot across the country this year, maintaining a national profile as he eyes his own political future. That includes being the likely next chair of the Republican Governors Association, where he currently serves as vice-chair.

But there are other potential political plans looming larger: Kemp, according to his advisers, is continuing to mull a Senate run in his critical purple state in 2026, or a presidential bid in 2028  when voters in both parties will likely be selecting new leadership.

Kemp is obviously a very savvy and adept politician. He's one of the very few Republican elected officials who went up against a Trump-endorsed primary challenger and came out smelling like a rose, said Whit Ayres, a longtime Republican strategist, adding that Kemp had been effective and popular as a governor. And generally, doing a good job in your current position is the best calling card for a future position.

In the meantime, Kemp continues to strengthen his political operation. Collin Cummings, who was deputy campaign manager for former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies presidential campaign this past year, has returned to Kemps team as a senior adviser after serving as executive director of Kemps 2022 reelection leadership committee. The governors political team is helmed by Cody Hall, a longtime aide and spokesperson.

The governor this fall will embark on a multi-state fundraising tour to raise money for his federal super PAC, with planned stops in Texas, California and Florida. Next month, Kemp will host a fundraiser in Atlanta for former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican and at times vocal Trump critic running for Senate. That follows fundraisers Kemp recently appeared at for Senate candidates Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, who is Trump-endorsed, and Sam Brown of Nevada, the person familiar with the plans told POLITICO.

The governor also plans to spend seven figures from his state leadership committee to boost Republicans in legislative races in Georgia this year, efforts that are expected to indirectly help the GOP at the top of the ticket too.

And Kemp in September will speak for the first time at the Republican Jewish Coalitions annual convention, a gathering that draws some of the GOPs highest profile leaders and donors.

Kemp won reelection in 2022 by more than 7 points, despite his Democratic rival, Stacey Abrams, outraising him as she brought in $113 million for the race. After winning the election, Kemp decided not to enter the Republican presidential primary and take on Trump for the 2024 nomination, as some had speculated that he would do.



Having sat out the Republican presidential primary this past year, some Kemp allies suggest, could put him in a stronger position in the next presidential election cycle  unlike those who entered the race and publicly criticized Trump, before turning around and offering him their endorsements.

Kemp in 2020 resisted Trumps demands to help him try to overturn the election results in Georgia, where Biden won by less than 12,000 votes. The governor declined Trumps pressure to call the legislature back for a special session to attempt to block Bidens victory, with Kemp instead signing to certify Bidens victory in the state.

When Trump went on a rampage against Kemp, vowing to take him out as governor and putting up former Sen. David Perdue as a primary challenger against Kemp in 2022, the former president was dealt an embarrassing blow. Republican primary voters propelled Kemp to victory by a stunning 52 points, and Kemp went on to win the state that fall by much higher margins than the Trump-endorsed Senate candidate, Herschel Walker, who was defeated by Democratic Rev. Raphael Warnock.

What he has done over the last few years is he successfully navigated tricky waters, said Kevin McLaughlin, a Republican strategist who also serves as an adviser to Kemps federal super PAC. Not only did Kemp survive politically as he handled Trumps wrath, but his numbers have gotten better.

According to internal polling conducted by Cygnal in mid-April for Kemps political team, the governors favorability rating is at 58 percent in the state, up from polls they conducted in February and June of 2023. And its significantly higher than both Trump and Bidens underwater approval ratings in Georgia  with 44.5 percent of the state viewing Trump favorably, and 36.2 with a positive view of Biden.

Trump and the Georgia governor have not spoken since 2020, though Trump over the past two years has largely left Kemp alone .

He has put himself in a position thats really enviable for a lot of Republicans, McLaughlin said.
Sheriff Calvin Hayden of Johnson County, Kansas, has admitted that a warrant he claimed to have allowing him to seize election ballots was not signed by a judge. Since 2019, Hayden claimed to be investigating election fraud, focusing on a software company the county used to manage poll workers. No charges have come from that investigation. While state law requires the county to destroy the ballots, the elections office had held off because of Hayden's purported investigation. But when they never received that warrant, and after being reminded of the law by the secretary of state's office, they destroyed the ballots, leading Hayden to accuse them of destroying evidence. During a candidates' forum, former Kansas GOP Chairman Mike Kuckelman asked Hayden which judge signed the warrant he claimed to have had. "There's no judge," Hayden replied. Kuckelman pointed out that a judge has to sign a warrant for it to be valid. "I didn't say it was valid," Hayden said.

The post Brickbat: Just a Piece of Paper appeared first on Reason.com.
A spawning male sockeye salmon is seen in July 2010 in the Wood River, part of the Bristol Bay watershed. Bristol Bay is the site of the world's largest sockeye salmon runs. (Photo by Thomas Quinn/University of Washington, provided by the Environmental Protection Agency)

A spawning male sockeye salmon is seen in July 2010 in the Wood River, part of the Bristol Bay watershed. Bristol Bay is the site of the world's largest sockeye salmon runs. (Photo by Thomas Quinn/University of Washington, provided by the Environmental Protection Agency)

As we write, tens of millions of salmon are swimming their way back to Bristol Bay. And for the second year running, those who work the 15,000 jobs the salmon provide each year can celebrate that the proposed Pebble mine no longer threatens to contaminate the headwaters of the greatest wild sockeye salmon fishery in the world.

At least for now.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued Clean Water Act protections for this amazing fishery in January 2023. That news was welcomed by residents of the region and scores of businesses that are reliant upon the Bristol Bay fishery, along with its $2.2 billion annual economic impact. Since then, Pebble and the state of Alaska have filed four lawsuits in an attempt to keep this ill-conceived, acid-producing mine on life support. Math and science arent on their side  not only would the mine irreversibly harm a fishery that could, if not contaminated, continue to produce and provide jobs for centuries to come, but the state of Alaska made a basic math error in one of its lawsuits, leading it to inflate the amount theyre suing American taxpayers for by $630 billion. Clearly, those seeking to exploit Bristol Bay at the risk of its sustainable fishery arent taking no for an answer.

Fortunately, on May 1, Rep. Mary Peltola introduced the Bristol Bay Protection Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would codify EPAs Clean Water Act protections, which protect the headwaters of Bristol Bay, where the Pebble deposit is located, from mining activity. Rep. Peltolas bill makes the protections Tribes, fishermen and Alaskans fought for in a decades-long battle over the fate of the worlds greatest sockeye salmon fishery more difficult to overturn by administrative action alone. Thank you, Rep. Peltola, for this much-needed legislation.

Weve each been involved in Bristol Bays fishery for decades, one in the lodge business and one running a commercial fishing and direct marketing business. One of us brings people to the fish and the other brings the fish to people. Between the two of us, weve got nearly 70 years of hard-won experience in Bristol Bay. Were not antidevelopment. Weve both worked in Alaskas oil fields. And weve both traveled to our nations capital to testify in front of Congress about the wonders of Bristol Bay and how its too valuable to risk losing.

The proposed Pebble mine is an issue that not only cuts across party lines: it obliterates them. The late Sen. Ted Stevens called Pebble the wrong mine in the wrong place, and Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan have both expressed their opposition to Pebble. The Army Corps of Engineers denied a key Pebble permit in 2020, during the Trump administration. These are historic positions for Alaska politicians to take, but facts, science, and public opinion are in Bristol Bays corner. In addition to Alaskas leaders (absent our current governor, Mike Dunleavy), the last three presidents of the United States have all taken actions to protect Bristol Bay and prevent the advancement of the Pebble mine. The EPA began its Clean Water Act review under Obama; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied Pebbles permit under Trump; and the EPA finalized Clean Water Act protections under Biden. Rep. Peltolas bill is the next, desperately needed step. It also reflects that the majority of Alaskans have consistently opposed this uniquely dangerous project.

For roughly 20 years, the dark cloud of uncertainty that Pebble cast over the region has united local residents, subsistence, recreational and commercial fishers. That coalition, born in Bristol Bay, is backstopped by organizations, businesses and individuals from coast to coast. Over the course of this campaign, more than 4 million public comments have supported protections for Bristol Bay. Whether youre a catch and release angler, a big game hunter, someone who loves watching the brown bears snatch salmon mid-air, or whether you just enjoy eating delicious, nutritious wild Bristol Bay sockeye, all those who have spoken in favor of protecting this amazing region can support the Bristol Bay Protection Act.

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The post Bristol Bay salmon would benefit from added protection in federal law appeared first on Alaska Beacon.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin talks about "peace" talks while his occupation army has launched another offensive in Ukraine - in the northern Kharkiv region. By continuing his barbaric attacks, the Russian president wants to undermine the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland.

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This was stated by the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, at a briefing following the EU Ministerial Council on May 27. He stressed that the European Union fully supports the holding of such an event, Ukrinform reports.

"Its purpose is to promote the future peace process. We are working on the widest possible participation in this event," Borrell said.

The European top diplomat also spoke about the massive shelling of Ukrainian cities by the Russian occupiers, which resulted in "catastrophic damage" to the power grids. As a result, electricity is being cut off in Ukraine.

According to him, this is already having a great negative effect and will have a negative effect next winter.

"Yes, we are now approaching summer. But the number of power plants and electrical capacities destroyed by the Russians continues to grow," Borrell said.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the international community could force Russia to end the war in Ukraine. That is why Putin is afraid of the peace summit in Switzerland and is trying to disrupt the event.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Brookdale Jackson Oaks, a senior living facility in North Jackson and home to approximately 30 veterans, hosted its Memorial Day program on Tuesday morning.

In a ceremony following the national observance on Monday, patriotic tunes like the "Star Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful" echoed in the halls of Brookdale as residents gathered to honor past and present veterans.

Pam Thompson points to a portrait of her husband Eddie Wallace Thompson on a wall commemerating veterans during the Brookdale Senior Living Memorial Day event in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

More: 'You were worth it': Retired Navy Cpt. Roy Cash shares experience at Veteran's Day program

More: Veterans honored at Memorial Day ceremony at Ebenezer Cemetery

Resident poet Gert Rosenau read two original poems, one based on her childhood and growing up with the three brothers who served in the Marines and Navy during World War II.

Of Brookdale's 160 residents, about 40 are the spouses of veterans.

Previous regulations stipulated a $300 fee for spouses to be buried in a veterans cemetery. Since 2018, there has been no fee for a veteran's spousal or dependent children's burial in the same cemetery.

Attendees stand up and recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the Brookdale Senior Living Memorial Day event in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Eddie Long is the Director of Parkers Crossroads Cemetary in Henderson County, one of five veteran cemeteries operated by the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services.

As Brookdale's guest speaker for the program, he detailed that the 131-acre cemetery has 49,000 plots, each designed to hold two people.

Attendees salute the flag as the National Anthem plays during the Brookdale Senior Living Memorial Day event in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

"The very first thing the morning of a burial, my crew will use a sod cutter. We have beautiful Bermuda sod that's just as smooth as this carpet right here and I'm proud of that. I'm proud of that because it's something special for our people, people who served our country," he said.

A 160-year plan was initiated in 2018 when Parkers Crossroads was established, assuming its execution of 250 burials per year.

Brookdale resident Gert Rosenau recites her poem during the Brookdale Senior Living Memorial Day event in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

However, due to its rural location, annual burials average about half that number, and plots are now projected to be filled in closer to 300 years.

"We call it hallowed grounds because it is hallowed grounds," Long said. "It is what it is and it is taken care of the way it is because of who it's about and we're so thankful we get to serve."

Cemetery Director at Parkers Crossroads Eddie Long speaks during the Brookdale Senior Living Memorial Day event in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Brookdale Jackson Oaks hosts Memorial Day program for residents
A speeding Brooklyn Mercedes driver fleeing NYPD cops for the second time in seven months ran a red light and crashed into an SUV, critically injuring a health care professional who was riding inside, authorities said Tuesday.

Officers in a marked NYPD vehicle tried to pull over Juan Lopez at Gates and Wilson Aves. in Bushwick when they spotted him speeding in a black Mercedes-Benz sedan about 5:25 a.m. on Sunday, officials said.

But Lopez, 32, kept going west on Gates Ave., blowing the light and crashing head-on into a Honda Pilot a block away, according to police. The Pilot driver had a green signal and was heading south on Central Ave. when she entered the the intersection at Gates Ave., cops said.

Micah Dukes, riding in the back seat of the Pilot, was ejected upon impact, cops said.

Dukes, 29, suffered skull and facial fractures, brain bleeding, a punctured lung, internal bleeding, liver damage and body trauma in the crash, according to prosecutors.

Medics rushed her to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where she was in a coma in critical condition, according to police.

Authorities initially reported that Dukes was killed in the crash.

A 34-year-old woman driving the Pilot that Dukes was in was not hurt, nor were two other passengers: a 31-year-old woman in the front passenger seat and a 30-year-old man riding in the back.

After striking the Pilot, Lopez lost control of his Mercedes and jumped the sidewalk, with officers arresting him moments later, police said.

He was hit with a raft of charges including reckless endangerment, vehicular assault, leaving the scene of an accident, unlawfully fleeing police, reckless driving and driving while ability impaired.

Dukes lives in Albany, according to cops, and graduated from Hudson Valley Community College in May 2023 with a degree in community health navigation, according to the upstate Troy school.

I knew that I wanted to work to help people, Dukes said in a promotional video posted to YouTube by the college. I wanted to work with marginalized communities  low income, people of color, mental health, women seeking asylum  so I knew I wanted to help people and I think this is a good start in terms of my career.

After a four-month internship with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County during her senior year at the college, Dukes landed a job working on the Home Energy Assistance Program helping people to heat and winterize their homes, according to Hudson Valley Community College.

She also worked with the Healthy Neighborhoods Program, a state initiative that aims to improve the health and safety of residents in high-risk communities in their homes.

Lopez, who refused to take a breath test, was taken to Brookdale University Hospital in stable condition, where he admitted hed had a few drinks, Assistant District Attorney Lesley Oseep said at his arraignment Tuesday afternoon.

This was a tragic accident, said Lopezs attorney Iris Ying. Its the kind of case that while very tragic, can be worked out.

Criminal Court Judge Keisha Espinal set the mans bail at $50,000 and suspended his license pending prosecution.

Lopez lives in Cypress Hills, according to cops.

The crash was nearly a repeat performance of a Queens incident in which Lopez also tried to flee police, officials said. On Oct. 1, he was arrested for reckless endangerment and reckless driving after he sped away from cops on a Suzuki motorcycle.

Officers were trying to pull Lopez over near Farmers Blvd. and Dunkirk Drive in St. Albans, Queens, because the motorcycle didnt have a license plate, Queens prosecutors said.

The cops had their lights and sirens going but Lopez refused to stop, speeding off north on Farmers Blvd., according to court documents. He was going 45 mph in a 25 mph zone and failed to stop at several red lights before cops finally stopped him at 104th Ave.

Other drivers had to swerve to avoid being hit by [Lopez] and there were several pedestrians in the crosswalks as [he] drove through, prosecutors noted at the time.

That was Lopezs first arrest in New York City, prosecutors said. On Jan. 24, a Queens Criminal Court judge allowed him to plead guilty to disorderly conduct and he was released without any additional jail time.

The Mercedes he was driving Sunday, according to public records, racked up nine violations between April 17 and May 10  seven for speeding in a school zone, two for running a red light and one for a bus lane infraction. Records dont indicate who was behind the wheel during those incidents.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Brooklyn came together on Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who died serving their country.

The 157th annual Memorial Day Parade and service provided a solemn backdrop for veterans and families to pay their respects.

Retired Vietnam veteran Ralph DiSpirito attended the parade with his family.

More Brooklyn News

Were here to celebrate the memory of our soldiers, he shared, expressing a hope for more peace in the world.

Mary Guadagni, another spectator, watched the parade with pride.

Im glad they have the parade, she said, acknowledging its status as the longest-running in the United States. It just means so much to me about the military of all wars, not just the present one.

The days events included a parade, a memorial service with bagpipes, a flag-raising, a wreath-laying ceremony, and a 21-gun salute.

Grand Marshal Dean Thompson, Commanding General for the 353rd Civil Affairs Command, emphasized the importance of remembrance.

We cannot forget that past, present, nor future, he declared.

He viewed his role as ceremonial and a solemn duty to ensure the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and their families are never forgotten.

More Local News

Thompson highlighted the ongoing impact of war on families who have lost loved ones.

Memorial Day, were memorializing those that weve lost, he said, But also, I wanna make sure that we dont forget the gold star families that we have right now.

Vietnam veteran Ralph DiSpirito spoke about the enduring bond between those who served.

He explained that his annual attendance at the Memorial Day events is a testament to supporting the troops.

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.
DENVER (KDVR)  Heads up Broomfield residents: An emergency notification test will go out on Wednesday.

On May 29, LookoutAlert will be conducting a test of its emergency notification system. All landline numbers and residents who registered for the LookoutAlerts in Broomfield will receive the test alert via text, email or phone.

But remember, this is just a test.

All residents are encouraged to sign up for the alerts so they can be notified immediately about emergencies in their area.

Alert issued for missing Indigenous woman last seen in February

According to LookoutAlert, emergency responders can send official and real-time alerts with information about potentially life-saving actions they may need to take to keep themselves and their families safe.

Previously, Broomfield used the CodeRED system. Anyone who was registered with that system is asked to go to LookoutAlert and update their information. The sign-up is simple. Residents will submit their information and create a user ID and password before being placed in the system.

While the city did not say when the alerts will be sent, residents should be on the lookout for a test notification on Wednesday.

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.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Buffalo Bishop Michael Fisher and other local Catholic leaders announced plans Tuesday to rightsize and reshape the diocese by merging or closing approximately one-third of Western New Yorks 160 parishes.

The plans did not specify any particular parishes across Western New Yorks eight counties that could be in line for downsizing. Rev. Bryan Zielenieski, Vicar for Renewal and Development, said the proposed reshaping would leave the region with approximately 106 parishes, a decline of 34%.

The list of parishes slated for closures and mergers is expected to be finalized by Sept. 1, with mergers beginning in October.

The Diocese of Buffalo is facing multiple challenges including a significant priest shortage, declining Mass attendance, aging congregations and ongoing financial pressures brought about by our Chapter 11 filing, Bishop Fisher said. This plan resulted from the lessons learned as we brought parishes together in the parish family model and determined rather quickly that scaling back the number of parishes would best allow us to use our limited resources to help reenergize a spiritual renewal in the diocese.

The diocese stressed that the actual number of parishes merged will not be determined until clergy and parish leadership have an opportunity to review recommendations that will be proposed.

They may either agree with the recommendations, or present an option for an alternative parish (or parishes) within their family for merger. Those determinations will be made between August 15 and September 1, 2024, the diocese said in a statement.

Buffalos Catholic churches have been organized in a parish family model since 2022 to help optimize diocesan resources, rotating masses and priests through nearby churches in groups or families of three to six. (A map of parish families can be seen here.) Some parishes have also announced plans to close recently, including St. Lawrence in Buffalo and St. Andrews in Tonawanda.

Zielenieski, who leads the dioceses Road to Renewal effort, added that the 34% reduction in parishes would come alongside a 38% drop in worship sites, with the difference explained by the fact that some parishes include multiple buildings. Bishop Fisher said examining how local Catholic schools fit into this structure is still being reviewed by a task force.

To make the recommendations that will be presented to pastors, we examined parish demographics, sacramental participation, and financial support, Zielenieski said. We also looked at the variations of our urban, suburban and rural parishes because factors like poverty rates, availability of transportation, proximity and limited resources impact overall parish long-term vitality.

The reshaping comes amid a challenging period for the diocese, with declining numbers of priests and parishioners compounded by their October announcement that settling nearly 900 claims of childhood sexual abuse will cost at least $100 million. Roughly 600 of those cases involved clerics, including some with multiple allegations.

At the end of the day, what it will cost will be painful, Richard Suchan, chief operating officer for the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, told News 4 Investigates during a three-part series about the dioceses financial future. Its not going to be a number that leaves the diocese or any of our parishes in a good financial situation.

The diocese released its own FAQ sheet about the proposed restructuring, which can be seen below. The entire press can also be seen at the end of this article; we apologize for some technical difficulties resulting from the internet connection.

Explore News 4 Investigates three-part series on the Buffalo Diocese

Diocese FAQ on restructuring

Full press conference

* * *

Nick Veronica is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team as the Digital Executive Producer in 2021. He previously worked at NBC Sports and The Buffalo News. You can follow Nick on Facebook, Twitter and Threads. See more of his work here.

Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on 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 News 4 Buffalo.
Burglary suspect arrested after breaking into occupied West Seattle home

On Tuesday, Seattle Police arrested a man after he broke into an occupied home in West Seattle.

Around 9:25 a.m., police answered a 911 call about an active burglary in a home near Alki Avenue Southwest.

When police arrived, the suspect was arrested for burglary and threatening to kill the victim.

The victim was found unharmed.

The suspect was carrying pepper spray and two knives, police said.

The 47-year-old suspect was booked into King County Jail for suspicion of burglary and felony harassment.

Detectives in the General Investigation Unit lead the investigation.
Burlington police identified a few suspects in connection to the threatening phone call made against the middle school on Friday saying there is no threat at this time.

Police and school officials were made aware of threats made against Marshall Simonds Middle School around 2:55 p.m. on Friday, police say. An anonymous caller threatened to harm at the school on Tuesday, May 28.

But, Monday night police announced, there is no credible or ongoing threat to the middle school community at this time.

Officers will increase the security at all the Burlington schools Tuesday morning to provide peace of mind for the community, the police department wrote on Facebook.

As the investigation continues, the school department will continue to receive necessary updates from the police department.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Its been a busy spring for Mississippis public university system.

The close of the 2024 legislative session saw a total appropriation for FY25 of nearly $893 million, which represents a modest 0.4% increase over FY24. Within the total appropriation, a 6.5% increase was included for campus operations to address rising costs related to health insurance, employer retirement contributions, inflation, and salaries.

The states continued investment in our system demonstrates confidence in the work our universities are doing and the return on investment that has been seen over the years.

Al Rankins Jr.

These funds will be utilized to reinforce existing programs and kick off exciting new initiatives in data science and artificial intelligence.

They will be put into bricks and mortar projects to provide students and faculty with the spaces needed to live, teach, and learn.

They will reinforce our efforts to provide students from across the state (and beyond) with the skills to excel in the new industries that are coming to Mississippi, such as Amazon Web Services, and to continue the rich traditions of business, medicine, arts and culture that have been built over time. Looking back over the past four months, I am struck by the volume of important work done during the legislative session, and I am grateful for the work of our elected officials in their ongoing support for their Mississippis universities.

There are also challenges facing our system  this is not unique to Mississippi or any particular university within the state. Those challenges, whether related to enrollment or finances or free speech, are being taken on with confidence and energy by university leadership and turned into learning opportunities and foundations for future growth.

We experienced the transition of outgoing and new trustees on the IHL Board. For the past nine years, we benefited from the time and energy of Tom Duff, Dr. Alfred McNair Jr., Chip Morgan and Dr. Walt Starr.

They made a positive and lasting impact on Mississippis universities, and our appreciation of their work will be long lasting. Now, we have welcomed the newest members of the IHL Board  Don Clark Jr., Jimmy Heidelberg, Jerry Griffith and Charlie Stephenson. They attended their first official meeting in May and are already actively engaged in the work they have been asked to do.

And, as we have seen in recent weeks, thousands of graduates crossed stages around the state and were handed their diplomas  tangible reminders of what they have accomplished and the promise they each hold for the future. Every year, this process is repeated at our universities and, every year, I am reminded of the strength of Mississippis university system and how it consistently contributes to the growth of our state.

Yes, its been a busy spring, but the work never stops at your Mississippi universities. Theres always more to be done.

 Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr. was appointed commissioner of higher education by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and began serving in this role in July 2018.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Busy times for Mississippis universities
CA bill would ban foods with common dyes from sale at schools

(FOX40.COM)  A bill making its way through the California legislature would prohibit schools from selling food with certain common dyes to students.

Assembly Bill 2316 would prevent the sale of dyes such as Red 40 and titanium dioxide, found in many common snack foods on campus during school hours.

California bill would require new cars to beep at speeding drivers

Banned products would include Skittles, strawberry Pop-Tarts and some flavors of Doritos.

Here is a full list of dyes that would be banned:

Blue 1

Blue 2

Green 3

Red 40

Titanium dioxide

Yellow 5

Yellow 6

The law allows for two exceptions for fundraising purposes. The ban does not apply to foods sold away from school premises or food sold thirty minutes after the end of the school day.

AB 2316 passed the State Assembly with a slight bipartisan mix of 59 members voting in favor, zero voting against and 21 abstaining.

Titanium dioxide was banned as a food additive in the European Union in 2022 and, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, food manufacturers adapted by selling versions with the prohibited dye removed.

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.
(KRON)  Solano County officials issued an alert to residents on Tuesday to inform them of the ballot qualification timeline ahead for California Forever, a group behind a proposed utopian community in the county. The formal initiative county officials are referencing is labeled as Rezoning of 17,500 acres of land in east Solano County to allow the development of a new community.

This initiative to redesignate a large tract of land in eastern Solano County from agriculture to urban land uses has and will continue to generate a robust debate about the future of Solano County if it qualifies for the November ballot, said Bill Emlen, Solano County Administrator. The Board of Supervisors wants to ensure the community understands the process and the Boards role in the weeks and months ahead.

California Forever donates $500K to Solano County nonprofits

April 30 to June 12

Solano County voters have 30 business days, not including holidays or weekends, to conduct a random sample of 3% of signatures submitted to see if it can be projected that there are at least 14,369 valid signatures (110% of the total required).

By June 12

The Registrar of Voters will announce if the random sample of signatures meets the threshold to qualify the initiative to be placed on the November 2024 ballot. If it does not meet the threshold, the registrar can take an additional 60 business days to count and verify all signatures. If it does meet the threshold, the Registrar will present it at the next regularly scheduled Solano County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 25, 2024.

June 25

The board would then have three options:

Adopt the initiative (change the countys land use as outlined in the initiative) Place the initiative on the November ballot Order a report assessing the impacts of the initiative before placing it on the ballot. If ordered, that report would need to be presented to the Board within 30 days

July 23

The impact report will be presented at the board meeting. Depending on its consideration, the board could then adopt the initiative or place it on the November ballot. (The agenda for the ballot will be available on July 19).

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 KRON4.
Unionized academic workers, upset about the University of California's response to pro-Palestinian protests at various campuses, strike at UCLA in Los Angeles

Unionized academic workers, upset about the University of California's response to pro-Palestinian protests at various campuses, strike at UCLA in Los Angeles

By Steve Gorman

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Discord from last month's mob attack on pro-Palestinian student activists encamped at the University of California, Los Angeles, flared again on Tuesday as academic workers staged a strike on campus protesting UCLA's response to the violence.

Unionized academic researchers, graduate teaching assistants and post-doctoral scholars at UCLA walked off the job over what they regard as unfair labor practices in the university's handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in recent weeks, organizers said.

They were joined by fellow academic workers at two other University of California campuses - UC Davis near Sacramento, and UC Santa Cruz, where the protest strike began on May 20.

The strikers are demanding amnesty for grad students and other academic workers who were arrested or face discipline for their involvement in the protests, which union leaders say were peaceful except when counter-demonstrators and other instigators were allowed to provoke unrest.

The state Public Employee Relations Board ordered the University of California and the strikers to take part in mediated talks. A representative for the strikers said the parties met once over the weekend.

The strike was organized by the United Auto Workers union Local 4811, which represents some 48,000 non-tenured academic employees total across 10 University of California campuses and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The UAW local includes about 6,400 academic workers at UCLA, 5,700 at Davis and about 2,000 at Santa Cruz. A union representative said thousands were withholding their work as of Monday. Several hundred attended a march and midday rally on the UCLA campus on Tuesday.

The expanding work stoppage marks the first union-backed protest in solidarity with the recent wave of student-led demonstrations on dozens of U.S. campuses against Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Union leaders said a major impetus for the strike was the arrest of 210 people, including campus-employed grad students, at the scene of a Palestinian solidarity protest camp torn down by police at UCLA on May 2.

About 24 hours earlier, on the night of April 30-May 1, masked assailants armed with sticks and clubs attacked the encampment and its occupants, sparking a bloody clash that went on for at least three hours before police moved in.

The university has since reassigned the chief of the campus police department and opened an investigation into law enforcement's reaction to the violence.

Last week, three weeks after the melee, campus police announced their first, and so far only, arrest of someone accused of taking part in the attack - a man they say was seen in video footage beating victims with a wooden pole.

Separately on Tuesday in Detroit, Wayne State University suspended in-person classes and directed staff to work remotely to avoid any disruptions that might be posed by a pro-Palestinian encampment there.

U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat of Palestinian descent, joined those protests on Monday and Tuesday.

(Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Omar Younis in Los Angeles and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Aurora Ellis and Michael Perry)
California Democrats arent sold on Gavin Newsoms plan to cut the budget deficit. How they disagree

Assembly Democrats are at odds with California Gov. Gavin Newsom on a handful of big issues  including proposed cuts to Medi-Cal provider rate increases and tax deduction suspensions  as lawmakers negotiate a budget to close an estimated $45 billion deficit.

The Legislature must pass a spending plan by June 15 for lawmakers to receive their paychecks. That means Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, and Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, will need to reach a deal soon.

Rivas, McGuire and Newsom administration officials are not talking publicly about any deals. But some lawmakers and budget subcommittee chairs have been more open about their feelings toward Newsoms proposed budget. Here are some of the potential budget debates Assembly members are already having.

Changes to Medi-Cal provider rate increases

Newsoms revised budget, which he presented earlier in the month, cuts $6.7 billion in Medi-Cal provider rate increases that were planned for January 2025.

The rate hikes were to come from higher taxes on managed care organizations, or insurers, that lawmakers approved last year and in March. The MCO tax allows California to draw down additional federal money to help fund Medi-Cal, the states version of the Medicaid program that provides health insurance for low-income residents.

Assemblywoman Akilah Weber, D-San Diego, who chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health, said during a May 15 meeting that some lawmakers took very hard votes last year and in March on MCO tax increases and now are quite upset and feel like this process has not been very honest.

Weber asked for solutions from Department of Finance representatives who presented the changes. She said hospitals and clinics are losing services and labor and delivery units and pediatric wards are closing.

So, we know its happening, Weber said. This was one part of the solution to that issue, and were taking that away.

Suspending tax deductions

The governors revised budget would suspend a net operating loss tax deduction for businesses with California income of more than $1 million during tax years 2025, 2026 and 2027. It would also cap businesses tax credit usage at $5 million per company.

Assemblyman Chris Ward, D-San Diego, during a May 16 meeting of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration, expressed concerns about suspending the credits.

He said the deduction suspension solves something in the short run, but it creates, I think, incredible uncertainty for the business community that translates into potential impact for future economic opportunity, which itself is going to generate tax base for future years as well.

Ward expressed similar concerns about the tax credit cap.

Somethings got to give, of course, in this budget, he said. And a broad brush sort of overture  that were going to suspend all of these credits  I worry might be a little bit of penny wise, pound foolish.

Discontinuing homelessness grants

Newsom wants to cut $260 million in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention, or HHAP, grant program money promised to cities and counties to help address homelessness.

His revised budget also does not contain money for a sixth round of the program, worrying local leaders who have come to rely on the funding to pay for shelters and other services.

Fullerton Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, a Democrat who chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration, said HHAP is among the housing programs she and her colleagues are working to protect.

Declining to close additional prisons

Progressive Assembly members are pushing Newsom to close more prisons, as the independent Legislative Analysts Office has suggested.

The LAO in February said closing five additional prisons would save California $1 billion per year. Newsoms administration has moved to close three prisons and end a lease with a private prison company on an additional facility, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

His revised budget would deactivate 46 prison housing units with 4,600 beds, resulting in $80.6 million in savings.

The LAO reported prisons will operate with 15,000 empty beds during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, reaching 19,000 by 2028.

Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles said the state is running a 15,000-person empty hotel through the state prisons.

He and other lawmakers would like to see Newsom close more facilities rather than cut funding from subsidized child care and social safety net programs.
Like Californias social safety net? New report says its paid for by the tech industry

Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

TECH SECTOR CASH KEEPS CALIFORNIA SOCIAL SAFETY NET ALOFT, REPORT SAYS

In these cash-crunched times, when California lawmakers are dealing with a skyrocketing deficit, the tech industry would like to remind everyone of its contributions to state coffers.

The industry funded Chamber of Progress on Tuesday unveiled a new report showing just how much the tech sector underpins Californias economy.

Assuming a five-year average growth rate, the tech industry adds, on average, a minimum of $2.6 billion to Californias annual state government revenue and over $14.3 billion across a five-year period, the report says.

From that $2.6 billion, K-12 education receives $916 million annually, health services receive $614 million, higher education receives $266 million and human services receives $270 million, according to the report.

Overall,the $2.6 billion in additional annual tax revenue from the tech industry supports 20,577 additional jobs in California each year, according to the report.

The report author, economist Kaitlyn Harger, writes in the report that although the tech sector is accused of increasing income inequality in the Golden State, less attention is paid to how Californias social safety net relies on the tech economy.

Given that importance, Harger writes that lawmakers should consider the impact of policy on the tech industrys performance.

Thats a not-so-veiled warning to lawmakers as they consider a raft of bills that would impact the tech industry, including a bill to give local jurisdictions the power to regulate autonomous vehicles.

You can read the report here.

WILL NETANYAHU ADDRESS CONGRESS?

Via David Lightman...

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to get an invitation to address a joint session of Congress. Some California Democrats are not pleased.

I think it is cynical and I wouldnt do it during the war, said Rep. Ami Bera, D-Sacramento, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Bera told C-SPAN last week that We have seen what this (conflict over the war) does on college campuses and how divisive this is.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, had similar thoughts. I think its a bad idea. I think it would just be divisive and unhelpful., Schiff, the Democratic candidate for a California U.S. Senate seat, told The Bee

Schiff, a strong supporter of Israel, said Netanyahus government and policies have really put Israel in this untenable position. And so I think that would be a political exercise to have them come speak to Congress now, which would not be in the interests of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Republicans have been trying to show their strong support for Israel at a time when Democrats are divided over U.S. policy regarding the Israel-Hamas war. Steve Garvey, Schiffs Republican opponent, says hes a strong supporter of Israel.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told an Israel Independence Day reception last week that a Netanyahu speech, which has not been scheduled, would be a strong show of support for the Israeli government in their time of greatest need, Reuters reported.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Dont forget to breatheTaking care of yourself is a form of resistance when youre fighting to change and survive the systems that were designed to break you.

- Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan, D-Los Angeles, via X.

Best of The Bee:

An apology is the cornerstone of reparations bills in California. What would it do? Via Darrell Smith .

Delta pumps likely killed over half a million fish in two decades. This year was extra deadly, via Ari Plachta .

California would face larger future budget deficit if savings lag, analysis finds, via Vik Jolly .

California lawmakers speed retail theft bills ahead of Prop. 47 ballot measure deadline, via Lindsey Holden.
A group of police officers who were injured during the violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, will travel to battleground states to stump for President Bidens reelection, his campaign announced Monday.

Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, Officer Harry Dunn and Officer Daniel Danny Hodges will make stops in Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and New Hampshire to emphasize former President Trumps conduct after the 2020 election and warn of the dangers Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, poses to democracy.

The officers are expected to meet with local officials, law enforcement and community members in each state, the Biden campaign said.

Gonell and Dunn have since retired from the Capitol Police. Hodges is an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington.

Donald Trump and his unhinged quest for power and retribution pose an existential threat to our democracy, said Dunn, who ran for Congress but finished second in the Democratic primary in Marylands 3rd Congressional District, in a statement.

He continues to embrace political violence, going as far as saying there will be a bloodbath if he loses again and promising to be a dictator on day one and pardon January 6 rioters, Dunn added. Donald Trump only cares about Donald Trump, which is why come November, Americans will reject his extremism once and for all and reelect the only candidate in the race committed to protecting our democracy and standing up for law enforcement: Joe Biden.

The three officers who will campaign for Biden are among the dozens of law enforcement members who were injured during the Jan. 6 insurrection, when pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol to try to stop the certification of Bidens 2020 victory.

Biden has made Trumps conduct around Jan. 6 and the violence at the Capitol that day central to his reelection bid as he seeks to warn voters the former president poses an urgent threat to democracy.

The incumbent and his campaign have also made the case that Trumps disregard for officers on Jan. 6 undermines his stated support for law enforcement.

Updated at 10:14 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.
An attorney for columnist E. Jean Carroll suggested further legal action against former President Trump could be on the table following his latest denial of Carrolls rape and defamation claims.

We have said several times since the last jury verdict in January that all options were on the table. And that remains true today  all options are on the table, attorney Roberta Kaplan said Tuesday in a statement to The Hill.

Trump, in a Truth Social post marking Memorial Day on Monday, ripped into U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who oversaw the civil case in which Trump was found liable for sexually assaulting Carroll, as well as a later case in which a jury found Trump liable for defaming her.

Happy Memorial Day to All, including the Human Scum that is working so hard to destroy our Once Great Country, & to the Radical Left, Trump Hating Federal Judge in New York that presided over, get this, TWO separate trials, that awarded a woman, who I never met before (a quick handshake at a celebrity event, 25 years ago, doesnt count!), 91 MILLION DOLLARS for DEFAMATION,' Trump wrote.

A federal jury in Manhattan ordered the former president pay an $83.3 million award earlier this year for defaming the writer in 2019 when he denied her allegation that he sexually assaulted her in the mid-1990s.

In the weeks that followed the court order, Trump published a series of posts and articles on social media denying Carrolls allegations.

Trump has maintained Carroll was lying and fabricated the accusation to sell her book and has demanded a new trial. Kaplan last month rejected Trumps attempt for a new trial, ruling Trumps arguments were without merit.

Carroll earlier this year said she would absolutely sue the former president should he defame her again. In March, Roberta Kaplan, who is not related to the judge, noted to CNBC the statute of limitations for defamation in most jurisdictions is between one year and three years.

As we said after the last jury verdict, we continue to monitor every statement that Donald Trump makes about our client, E. Jean Carroll, Kaplan told CNBC at the time.

The January verdict was the second time Carroll won damages from Trump. A separate jury last year found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her in other remarks. The former president was ordered to pay $5 million.

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 self-described constitutional conservative, Cascade County Commissioner Rae Grulkowski found it frustrating to have a primary challenger from her own party.

Im pretty confused about why theres another Republican running against me, Grulkowski said. It just shows how screwed up this Republican party is.

That challenger, Eric Hinebauch, is not only a fellow party member but the chair of the Cascade County Republican Central Committee. Close watchers may have seen this contest coming after a tumultuous year for the Cascade County government that saw Grulkowski at the center of prominent conflicts.

Grulkowski has been a staunch supporter of Sandra Merchant, the Cascade County clerk and recorder. Merchants handling of local elections led to lawsuits, accusations of mismanagement and, ultimately, the decision to strip Merchant of elections oversight altogether and appoint another administrator to take over.

Hinebauch said that the climate in county government motivated him to run for the District 3 seat.

Its no surprise to anyone, I think, that the county right now is pretty dysfunctional, Hinebauch said. Everybody across the state of Montana has seen the news about the Cascade County Elections Office. I just think theres a lack of trust right now with county leadership, and that office has really highlighted that.

Eric Hinebauch

This primary race may shed light on how local Republicans feel about Grulkowskis actions in office and her clashes with the two other Republican commissioners. Its also a local example of a larger Republican fault line. Hinebauch is a more traditional Republican who preaches small government but has said he isnt afraid to gather bipartisan support. Grulkowski runs to the right of that position with a more Trumpian strain of GOP politics that is often adversarial to government.

Both candidates hope to win their first full term on the Board of Commissioners.

Commissioners in the spotlight

Normally held for six-year terms, the District 3 commissioner seat has been occupied by three people since 2021 when Democrat Commissioner Jane Weber resigned. Commissioners appointed Don Ryan to hold the position until the 2022 election, which Grulkowski won over Ryan. But the law requires another election for the seat in 2024, which marks the end of Webers original term and restores order to the staggered elections of commissioners.

Grulkowski described her first year in office as pretty awful. She felt targeted last November when the two other commissioners, Jim Larson and Joe Briggs, voted to change the ordinance that established a schedule for rotating board chairpersons. Having assumed Webers term, Grulkowski was the designated chair at the time. At a public meeting, Briggs noted Grulkowskis lack of experience before presenting the new ordinance that would remove Grulkowskis chair title. Briggs and Larson voted against Grulkowski to make the change. Larson is the board chair today.

Soon after, grievances against Grulkowskis ally, the county clerk and recorder, reached their peak. Merchant faced complaints of election mismanagement all year, which included lawsuits and a formal request from Great Falls Public Schools to remove Merchant from election administration.

Grulkowski remained Merchants steadfast ally.

I was staying in tune with the elections office, she told Montana Free Press. I know that she was doing a good job.

Newly sworn-in Cascade County Clerk of Court Sandra Merchant (left) is congratulated by Cascade County Commissioner Rae Grulkowski (center) and District Judge David Grubich at Friday's swearing-in ceremony.

On Dec. 12, the commission voted to strip Merchant of her election duties during a public meeting that had to be held at the Montana ExpoPark to accommodate the crowd. More than 100 public commenters spoke for and against Merchant. Grulkowski was the lone vote against the motion, which also led to the appointment of Terry Thompson as a staff elections administrator.

That episode isnt water under the bridge for Grulkowski, though she explained her position as a reflection of those who elected her in the first place.

If the people continue to let me know what theyre telling me, which is that was a dirty deal, then I will absolutely be all in for rescinding that resolution, she said.

If she wins the primary and retains her seat in the general election, Grulkowski noted that she wants to strengthen county criminal justice services such as drug counseling, mental health services and detention.

Growth in the county is anticipated with coming projects like a new Montana State University nursing school building and the Air Forces Sentinel missile update that could bring thousands of workers to the area. Grulkowski said that she would work to ensure that county infrastructure gets attention to handle the added strain. On the topic of growth, she also spoke about being careful about who ends up joining the Cascade County community.

One of the focuses is safety. We dont know who our neighbors are so much these days, she said. With that, just safety in general. Who are the people who are coming into our communities?

An establishment challenger

Hinebauch runs an insurance agency but has some public service experience. After a third-place finish for the Great Falls City Commission in 2021, he was appointed to a city commission seat following the resignation of Terry Houck.

Hinebauch also ran unsuccessfully for the Great Falls Public Schools Board of Trustees in 2020 and to retain his city commission spot in 2023.

He said that the drama over elections administration was a bad look for county government, especially with the interruption of duties for someone in the middle of an elected term. But hes not interested in revisiting the issue.

Whats happened has happened, and now we have a hired elections administrator, he said. And we need to get behind her and get her the resources and support that she needs to make sure that office gets back to a level of stability.

Like Grulkowski, Hinebauch has his eye on the impact of population growth in Cascade County.

He said he wants to improve the city-county relationship so that Great Falls growth doesnt negatively impact the county. He also hopes to make compensation packages more attractive to recruit key staff, starting with insurance offerings. Hinebauch also said that key infrastructure needs to be looked after.

While were talking about the impact of the Sentinel Project, make sure that were planning accordingly, he said. Were going to need some housing production around here. I know a lot of that needs to be done in the city of Great Falls, but there are also opportunities to do this in the county.

Contract among Republicans

Grulkowski said that her style of conservatism promotes a bottom-up, participatory approach.

I would be more conservative than a lot of other Republicans that I know in values, money, finances, recreational pot issues, she said. Im not for recreational pot.

She added property rights and federal land management to her areas of interest. Grulkowski was a key figure against the national heritage area proposals of 2020, a saga that was featured in The New York Times.

Among Grulkowskis primary contributors are Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras, the Great Falls attorney who has also endorsed Grulkowski.

Hinebauch said that hes fiscally conservative and in favor of small government, but he has relationships across the spectrum of political ideology. This infighting between traditional Republicans and newer, more partisan GOP opponents is not uncommon in national, state and local politics.

They want to call us RINOs or whatever. I think thats hogwash, he said. If you think theres a problem in government, the answer isnt to burn it down. The answer is to make things more efficient, more cost-effective.

Among Hinebauchs contributors is current County Commissioner Joe Briggs.

The winner of Junes Republican primary will see Ryan return to the Democratic ticket for the general election in November. Grulkowski won by a 10-point margin over Ryan in 2022.

District 3 covers the central southern areas of Cascade County, generally south of the Missouri River. The county mailed ballots to voters on May 10, and they must be returned by the close of polls on Election Day, June 4.

This story was originally published by Montana Free Press at montanafreepress.org.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Incumbent Cascade County commissioner draws Republican challenger
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority has decided not to renew its agreement with a contractor that manages its Section 8 housing choice voucher program, serving around 13,000 households in central Ohio.

The move comes after several years of complaints about the contractor from tenants and landlords, and amid a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development investigation into alleged civil rights violations.

CMHA will not renew its three-year contract with CGI Federal, Inc., a multinational corporation, when it expires in March next year, according to a housing authority spokesperson. CMHA staff used to manage the program  which involves everything from certifying tenant eligibility to sending out rental payments  using its own staff. However, it subcontracted those responsibilities to CGI in 2022.

A CGI spokesperson said the company is proud of its joint accomplishments with CMHA. The CGI Federal team remains committed to supporting the (housing choice voucher) program and the community of Franklin County.

The front door of the CGI offices at 107 S. High Street in Columbus. The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority says it will not renew the company's contract to administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program beyond March 2025.

The housing authority has offered little explanation for its decision not to renew the contract beyond March 2025.

CMHA is committed to continually assessing and optimizing our service delivery to better serve our residents, the spokesperson said.  Our focus remains on enhancing service efficiency and effectiveness.

Voucher holders and landlords told The Dispatch they would be happy to see the company go.

I don't have anything good to say about CGI, said Jacqueline Stuckey, a single mother of four who has been a voucher holder for over a year.

She said that after the company failed to pay her landlord rent on time, it took months of phone calls and correspondence to fix the problem.

(Housing choice vouchers are) supposed to be the best option for housing security that we have. But right now, it's not so secure.  Every day is like living on a wish and a prayer, she said.

Matt Jolson, a Columbus-based landlord with about 20 tenants on vouchers, said CGI has delayed processing forms, lost paperwork, made inaccurate payments and been very difficult to communicate with.

Dealing with CGI has been very frustrating.  I frankly view it as a violation of the public trust. These are public dollars. It seemed to be horribly mismanaged, said Jolson, part-owner of Arch City Investors, LLC.

The front door of the CGI offices at 107 S. High Street in Columbus. The company has lost its contract to administer Section 8 housing through the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority.

Dispatch investigation found serious problems in CGIs unit processing, tenant recertification and communications

Over recent decades, public housing authorities across the country have subcontracted more and more administrative responsibilities to private companies like CGI in the name of cutting costs and improving efficiency.

CMHA said it paid CGI $7,996,586 in administrative fees during the first year of the contract, which is about 70% of what it received from the federal government.

This does not include the actual rental subsidies  which today total over $120 million. The subsidies help pay rent for people earning less than 50% of the local median income ($44,650 for a family of three in Greater Columbus).

When CMHA contracted with CGI over two years ago, it laid off dozens of its own case workers. Instead of solving problems as they arose at CMHAs headquarters in South Linden, tenants and landlords instead had to submit tickets to CGI by phone or email, or they could visit CGIs small office in downtown Columbus.

In 2022, a landlord group filed a class-action lawsuit against the housing authority and CGI for late payment of voucher holders' rents, but a Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge dismissed it, saying the plaintiff lacked legal standing.

A Dispatch investigation in 2023 uncovered many problems under CGIs management, including tenants who were mistakenly dropped from the program, sent the wrong persons voucher, and whose paperwork went missing. Voucher holders told The Dispatch that CGIs reputation for delays and mix-ups made it more difficult to find landlords willing to rent to them  compounding the problem of Columbus already tight housing market.

Voucher holder Christopher McConnell, pictured here in Feb. 2023, told The Dispatch that CGI mistakenly sent him another tenant's voucher.

Earlier this year, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development said it was investigating allegations that CMHA, under its contract with CGI, engaged in discrimination by failing to meet the needs of non-native English speakers. According to the complaint by the Legal Aid Society of Southeastern and Central Ohio, voucher holders were not provided with necessary translation services.

Christa Herouvis -- pictured here in Feb. 2023 --lost her Section 8 housing voucher in 2022 after it expired amid delays in processing. When asked about the case, CMHA told The Dispatch that CGI had withdrawn Herouvis voucher erroneously.

Tenants want a say in what comes next for Section 8 program

CMHA has not decided whether it will find a new contractor to manage the housing choice voucher program or resume managing some of the tasks itself, according to its spokesperson.

We are carefully considering all potential options to determine the best approach for managing the Section 8 (housing choice voucher) program moving forward, he said.

Matilda Moussa, a longtime voucher holder, said it seems like major decisions are made about the Section 8 program without considering the needs of families like hers.

The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority headquarters at 880 E. 11th Ave in the Linden neighborhood.

I wish (there were) committees, focus groups of the people who actually use the services.  Why not have the people who actually utilize the service have input somehow? she said.

Stuckey, the other voucher holder, said she hopes CMHA will go back to having in-house caseworkers.

We absolutely need people that are familiar with our cases. With the system  now, it's impossible to get anything done, she said.

Jolson, the landlord, said he is glad to see CGI lose its contract, but is a little scared of what the next transition will be.

I am hopeful that CMHA moves his program in a better direction, he said.

More: In Columbus, thousands in need of Section 8 housing could wait years: What's going on?

Peter Gill covers immigration, New American communities and religion for the Dispatch in partnership with Report for America. You can support work like his with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America.

pgill@dispatch.com

@pitaarji

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: CMHA will not renew Section 8 housing contract with CGI
The thought of crossing the stage for graduation often brought Emory Gloner to tears. The then-junior feared how the day would unfold, including his safety as a transgender man.

Used to getting hate and having people stare at him or talk about him for his gender identity, Gloner had worried something would ruin any happiness of completing a major life milestone.

One year later, facing a fast-approaching commencement ceremony in June, the 18-year-old Concord High School senior now excitedly awaits the celebration.

I couldnt look forward to it. It was more anxiety. ... Anytime I thought about it, I just wanted to, like, cry cause I didnt think about it in a positive way, but now that thats changed." he said. "Im looking forward to it a lot.

So, what changed within the past year to drastically impact Gloners outlook on graduation? Not everything that some students wanted, namely adopting a single graduation gown color to neutralize gender association. But, speaking out led students down the rabbit hole of other cultural changes, efforts that are seeing success.

Issues faced by LGBTQ+ students

Gender nonconforming students who typically identify as nonbinary, genderqueer or genderfluid do not identify with any gender and subsequently do not use terms like boy/man or girl/woman to describe themselves.

Although the Brandywine School District permits students to choose between two graduation gown colors, this doesnt eliminate the gendered labels already upon the colors, creating an uncomfortable environment in which nonbinary students say they feel excluded.

It also does little to quell the bullying and gender dysphoria (a sense of unease a person may feel due to a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity) experienced by trans and gender-nonconforming students. Announcing graduates in an alternating male/female pattern at commencement further alienates and ostracizes the population of students who do not fit these labels.

These conditions have led to students outing themselves, feeling unsafe and facing harassment from peers and parents, advocates of one gown color said.

Wilmington celebrates Pride Month with flag raising at Rodney Square, Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Students in Concords Gay Straight Alliance, also referred to as GSA, along with other LGBTQ+ students, have fought for their safety and visibility, and advocated for less binary graduation ceremonies, for more than a decade, but some remediation came only in recent years.

In 2018, Concord students went to school administration to share their grievances about a school policy that forced students to wear gown colors based on gender. The school then changed its policy to allow students to choose which gown color they wanted but told students any other changes would need to be addressed by district administration.

The GSA continued to push for one gown, reaching out to the Brandywine School District school board multiple times between 2019 and 2021, but was met with silence. The two groups met in June of 2022, where the GSA was told that if each of the three district high schools  Concord, Mount Pleasant and Brandywine  could all vote in favor of one gown color, it would be allowed. The vote was not unanimous.

In 2023, still with no solution and one day left before graduation gown order forms were due in January, the GSA created the Choose Maroon campaign, spreading the word about the issue and asking the class of 2023 to unite and all choose maroon for graduation.

Too little time was left, and the effort was unsuccessful, but Choose Maroon was just the beginning.

Original reporting: LGBTQ students fight for inclusion: 'We don't need to keep experiencing these 'hardships'

Concord High Schools 2023 commencement

In recent years, Concord High School lined students up by gown color during graduation, an alternating male/female pattern.

In 2023, the schools commencement ceremony lined graduates up alphabetically, a small but impactful step forward for the GSA and queer students among the student body, although formal communication to the GSA or otherwise about the alteration has yet to be made, said English teacher Joseph Consiglio, who has been the GSA adviser for seven years and at Concord for 24.

It just made it more of a private thing than a question of what side will you line up on? said Consiglio, who calls last years ceremony a much better event than in years past. Cause when you lined up by color, it was like, OK, you have to choose sides, and the sides are by gender, so you have to tell everybody youre this, youre that, you know? So now you can say, I just like this this color.

Concord High School graduates 231 students in front of family and friends during its 53rd commencement exercises Sunday, Jun 5, 2022.

Gloner, who attended the ceremony to celebrate his sister, also noticed that the practice of handing women students flowers at graduation, which dates back to the schools founding in 1969, didnt happen, he said.

Although the lack of communication about the ceremony change feels like a slight given the GSAs long and continuing fight for visibility, it takes a weight off Consiglios shoulders now that he doesnt have to be in a defensive posture or constantly look around to make sure the students he looks out for are safe. He also has noticed less anxiety from students about graduation, he said.

I just want to give hugs, he said. I just want to celebrate what theyve done, so for me personally, it becomes just a relief to think theyre gonna just get to enjoy the day.

After the GSA asked the district last May to change the language on the graduation gown order forms from Jostens, a memorabilia manufacturer, the school board agreed with the clubs findings that, out of the three district high schools, Concords order form was the only one asking students to choose male or female. The options are now maroon or white.

According to Consiglio, this change should alleviate tension between graduates and families who disagree with their childs gender identity and prevent them from choosing the gown they wish to wear. This year, he heard students discuss wearing the gown they prefer, regardless of what the gendered undertones of the color are.

Student Advisor Joe Consiglio sits at his desk at Concord High School in Brandywine Hundred on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Consiglio is advisor to students who have been advocating for the school to switch from a gendered gown color to a single color gown to stop the bullying of trans and non-binary students.

But it still doesnt completely take away the gender issues present. Instead, it just puts it into the background instead of the foreground, Consiglio said.

Looking ahead, the GSA still wants one gown to be adopted by the district to make graduation as inclusive and safe as possible.

So far, thats out of our hands, because when we tried that last year, the district said that all three high school have to agree in unison that theres only one color graduation gown, said Gloner, current president of Concords GSA. So, because of that, we couldnt go one color and thats kind of where our hands are tied.

When contacted by Delaware Online/The News Journal for comments about recent or upcoming changes to graduation ceremonies, Kenneth Rivera, assistant superintendent of the Brandywine School District, said in an email, The three high schools have not informed me of any changes to the graduation program. I anticipate that they will run very similarly to last year.

Changing school culture

The Choose Maroon campaign still proved fruitful.

Gloner sees a more accepting student environment. Peers seem more content and want to understand one another, and he hasnt had any issues with classmates misgendering him this year.

A QR code and sign encouraging the Class of 2023 to choose a single color for their graduation gown is featured at Concord High School in Brandywine Hundred on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. SLGTBQIA+ students have been advocating for the school to switch from a gendered gown color to a single color gown to stop the bullying of trans and non-binary students.

Gloner adds that teachers continue to show support for the GSA after they went public with their concerns and that having open discussions with school staff about LGBTQ+ issues and inclusivity has led to impactful changes like asking students to share their pronouns and preferred names on the first day of classes.

To raise awareness, Concords new principal, Kevin Palladinetti, even delivered a weeklong morning announcement about Nex Benedict  a nonbinary Oklahoma high school student who was bullied for their identity and died of suicide, the day after a physical altercation in the girls bathroom with peers, Gloner said.

Concord High School students work on laptops in November of 2016.

Vivian Hevalow, 17, a junior at Concord and a member of the GSA, describes Concord as a place where students can celebrate their differences and staff are accepting and supportive, a shocking contrast to the school board. Both Hevalow and Gloner say the GSA hasnt had much contact with the district board due to its previous reactions to issues broached by the student group. Instead, the club addresses school administrators or other officials who can help with their requests.

From his side of the desk, Consiglio has also cataloged the GSAs impact.

I think we affected a change in school culture. I think that theres a greater level of tolerance, he said. It got a lot of attention. Theres a lot of talk about what it meant, and how it felt and why it was important, and I think that the relative peace and calm of last years graduation may have been a product of that.

Concord GSA continues fighting for change, inclusivity

The GSA has since put the Choose Maroon campaign on the back burner and set their sights on other issues.

Earlier this year, the GSA worked with the schools Make a Change club, a gathering of Concords minority student clubs, to attempt to change school rules about only wearing academic stoles at graduation. Although the school held firm, Gloner cites the experience as a collaborative effort that saw a diverse group of students fighting for the same cause.

One of the issues at Concord still plaguing other LGBTQ+ students is the lack of gender-neutral bathrooms.

Students and advisors are featured at Concord High School in Brandywine Hundred on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. The students have been advocating for the school to switch from a gendered gown color to a single color gown to stop the bullying of trans and non-binary students.

Some queer students dont feel safe using the restrooms designated for men or women, often asking a friend to tag along or opting to use the private bathroom in the nurses office. With the latter being the popular option, Gloner said the line is long and has made him late for class.

Still, its better than risking the mens room, where he and a friend once had pictures taken of them without their consent and a peer telling other classmates that there were two girls in the bathroom, he previously told Delaware Online/The News Journal.

During the winter, the Brandywine School District addressed a now-passed referendum that would provide repairs and maintenance, support programming and curriculum and otherwise improve education spaces in the district. With gender-neutral bathrooms on the GSAs radar, a costly endeavor, club members rallied support for the referendum to push their agenda forward.

People of any gender orientation can use gender-neutral bathrooms, a more inclusive options for transgender and nonbinary individuals.

This was the most the club has communicated with the district this year, and not enough time has passed to tell if the responsiveness from the district is a permanent change, Consiglio said. The club eventually met with a district facilities manager and proposed short-term and long-term plans for adding gender-neutral bathrooms to the school and workshopped their ideas.

In the meantime, students are meeting with their principal to brainstorm gaining supervised access to a private, unused bathroom in the school, a temporary gender-neutral bathroom until official renovations can be made.

They were giving us real numbers, so the kids were also able to see that they have been heard. There is a plan in place. The obstacles are not attitude, its financial and logistical, but theres commitment to addressing them, Consiglio said.

A tremendous sense of empowerment

A vibrant pride flag gracefully dances in the wind along Delaware Street, symbolizing inclusivity, love, and the celebration of diversity, as New Castle embraces and supports the LGBTQ+ community on June 20, 2023.

While the changes in the halls of Concord High School are the most tangible product of the GSAs efforts, the movement, as Consiglio calls it, changed club members, too.

They've developed a tremendous sense of empowerment. Like, they know they can make change, he said. I watched them grow so much in resilience, in confidence, in compassion.

Consiglio recalls a meeting where current GSA members welcomed the ninth graders who joined this year and emphasized the urgency of the work they do, telling the underclassmen, You guys need to understand who we are and what weve done because this is yours now to carry forward.

Or when Gloner implored new club members to remain respectful to everyone, even those who dont respect them, because it's the only way to get things done. Afterward, the adviser gave Gloner a hug and told him how proud of him he was, he fondly remembers.

After last years story about Choose Maroon ran and University of Delaware professor Jane Case caught wind of it, she invited Hevalow and another GSA member to share their story in her leadership class, already cementing their status as trailblazers.

High schools tough enough, but I also think that, when the change is earned, its just so much more real, Consiglio said. Because they actually wanted to change something, they had to learn how to do it. And once theyve learned how to do it, now theyve got it for life.

Concord High School graduates 231 students in front of family and friends during its 53rd commencement exercises Sunday, Jun 5, 2022.

Consiglio has also noticed more students coming to his room for GSA meetings, however involved or uninvolved they wish to be, because they recognize it as a safe space to be themselves and be among like-minded peers.

Hevalow, who usually describes herself as more of a listener than a speaker, said the GSA proved to be a great opportunity to hear new perspectives and become more open-minded about others life experiences and identities while educating others, something she sees as a crucial and formative part of high school when it comes to the developing minds of youth.

I think that is probably the most important thing that GSA can do, because a lot of people dont have that environment, she said. And I really think that I was able to at least make a small change in welcoming students who sometimes feel unsafe or unwelcomed because of their gender or sexual orientation.

Through the club, she has helped raise awareness about Pride Week, which the club annually hosts, and recognize the Day of (No) Silence, an annual day organized by human rights organization GLSEN that spreads awareness about the effects of harassment and bullying of LGBTQ+ youth.

Educating people about how theres different gender identities kind of stops the taboo-ness of being slightly different than everyone else and [tells] children that its OK to be different, Hevalow said.

"I think our school is able to make a difference

Vivian Hevalow, 16, is featured at Concord High School in Brandywine Hundred on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Hevalow is part of the group of sttudents who have been advocating for the school to switch from a gendered gown color to a single color gown to stop the bullying of trans and non-binary students.

Concords GSA has plenty of issues to tackle, but for now, graduation is less of a daunting day than before.

I mean, I am still a little bit nervous, but Im at the point in my transition where I just dont really care. If someones going to misgender me, theyre going to misgender me, and Im just going to look at them like theyre stupid, Gloner said.

Gloner will cross the stage June 2, turning his tassel and throwing his cap skyward with the rest of the class of 2024. He will look back on his high school experience proud of his efforts fighting for change.

And for the GSA students who have yet to graduate, theyre eager to carry on the torch  a footprint of empowerment, change and inclusion that holds them to the standard not just of being the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today.

Its just so great because, I remember them as ninth graders coming in, going like, Yeah, everything sucks, people are mean, Consiglio joked. Now, theyre coming in going like, This is how you change things. This is what you need to do. This is your legacy, so Im just so proud of them.

Hevalow approaches a senior year filled with lasts and her upcoming reign as one of the GSAs three newly elected leaders, a triumvirate for inclusivity.

I do have hope still because things like these really start out from the grassroots, and I think our school is able to make a difference, hopefully, she said. The more that we talk about it ... the more that they will think about it.

"And thats something at least.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Concord HS GSA continues fights for LGBTQ+ students. What's next
Changes may be coming to these Salt Lake City roads  Heres what you should know

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Every year, the Salt Lake City streets division aims to resurface 130 miles of Salt Lake City roads. In some cases, surface treatments provide an opportunity to change lane configurations and improve the roadway striping.

As part of its 2024 surface treatment plan, the streets division is planning on lane reconfigurations on three Salt Lake City roads: 1700 South, 700 East, and 500 North.

In each plan, sections of each street will be reconfigured to include dedicated bike lanes. But before the city moves forward with any changes, they want the publics feedback.

1700 East

(Courtesy: Salt Lake City)

Currently, 1700 East has only a vehicle traffic lane in each direction. The eastbound side has a dedicated bike lane while cars and bikes share a westbound lane with the extra space being used for dedicated parking.

Salt Lake City is looking to change that by removing on-street parking and giving the westbound lanes a dedicated separate space for bikes and cars.

700 East

(Courtesy: Salt Lake City)

Bigger changes are proposed for 700 East with different proposed lane configurations for South Temple to 100 South and for 100 South to 300 South.

Currently, South Temple to 100 South has three vehicle lanes in each direction. The new concept would convert one of the car lanes in each direction to a wide buffered bike lane. The Salt Lake City Streets Division said this section of road has a lower traffic volume and could easily be downsized to include a bike lane.

Meanwhile, the car lanes that run between 100 South and 300 South would be slightly narrowed to make room for a dedicated bike lane in each direction.

500 North

(Courtesy: Salt Lake City)

The Salt Lake City Streets Division proposes adding new bike lanes on 500 North from 800 West to 1200 West. The street reportedly has more than 60 feet in width and has ample room for new bike lanes in either direction.

City officials said adding the bike route would connect existing north-south bike routes in the Fairpark neighborhood.

Whats next?

Salt Lake City officials are asking the public to provide feedback on their proposals for new bike lanes throughout the city. A survey can be found and filled out on the projects webpage, found here.

About three to four weeks before surface treatment begins, a final striping layout will be made available and residents will be notified with door hangers so they know what to expect during the treatment project.

In the Summer of 2024, the Salt Lake City Streets Division will complete its resurfacing of the citys streets and restripe the lanes as needed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Like thousands of others moving to the Charleston region every year, Rick Siebold left his New Jersey home in search of paradise.

When it came time to get away from the snow, I decided Id make the move, he said.

Now he spends much of his retirement fishing, walking, and enjoying the same things that make Charleston one of the top tourist destinations and the fastest-growing cities in the country: its beautifully preserved historic districts, sunny skies, and access to water.

Yet, Siebold is also well aware Charlestons water comes with a major tradeoff, street flooding.

It gets deep in some places, you have to leave your car and take your shoes off, he said.

Sinking land and rising seas

According to Scott Harris, a geology professor at the College of Charleston, nuisance flooding has always been a part of Charlestons geography, but its gotten worse in the past few decades due to two simultaneous issues.

The water is rising and the land is sinking.

We have land issues, and we have ocean issues, he said. And some of that land sinks more than others.

ALSO READ: Charlottes roads are crowded. Is the solution more roads or fewer drivers?

Ground compaction, or subsidence, is a natural process underway across the entire East Coast, but research out of Virginia Tech found Charleston is one of the fastest sinking cities in the country, with an average rate of around 4 millimeters a year or an inch every six to seven years.

It sounds small on its own, but as the water rises around it, Charlestons Chief Resiliency Officer Dale Morris says it compounds the impact of the areas other geological concerns.

Sea level rise is going to make that even worse going forward, he said.

Charleston has experienced 13 inches of sea level rise in the past 100 years and Morris said the city expects the water to rise another foot by 2050. With large portions of the peninsula less than eight feet below sea level, every inch counts.

We have this really complex challenge of how do we stay here, he said.

Water wants to go where water once was

The best way to understand the citys future risk is to look at its past. Significant portions of Charlestons peninsula didnt exist when settlers arrived more than 300 years ago.

After building up much of the high ground, those settlements expanded over the centuries and where they couldnt find suitable land, Low Country Hazards Center Director Norman Levine said they made their own.

All of the marsh and water features that are on the peninsula had to be filled in, he said. It all built up within the city then it started to move out into the suburbs, further and further with the development pressures.

SPECIAL SECTION: Channel 9 Climate Stories

Now, Levine said, those fill areas are some of the fastest sinking spots in the city and the most vulnerable when the tide comes in or rains pour down.

Water wants to go where water was before, he said.

The citys medical district, built entirely on fill, is of particular concern.

[The buildings] are rooted in the deeper material so theyre very stable, Harris said. But the land is sinking around them.

In 2023, Charleston saw 75 flood events. By 2045, NOAA predicts Charleston will see 180.

Keeping the water at bay

Morris said the city has worked to improve drainage in those vulnerable districts and the Low Country Hazard Center has developed tools to help locals track and predict daily flood threats. Levine said by looking at precipitation and tidal data, the Chucktown Floods portal can predict which streets might close by the end of the day.

We have to plan our travels around our tides. That happens a lot here, Harris said. Every morning when I wake up before I come into work I turn on my apps, I look at Waze, I look at Google Maps just to see whats going on in case Im gonna have a ten-minute drive in to work or a three-hour drive in to work.

>>Can individuals make an impact on climate change? Heres where local experts say to start

Ultimately, Morris said the city is going to need a more permanent solution to manage the near daily threat of high water. The Charleston Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Study determined a $1.3 billion, 12-foot storm surge wall could be the most cost-effective, long-term solution.

So that it can help us manage storm surge and hopefully help us manage tides too, he said.

As for Siebold, he said he believes his new home needs to do what it takes to keep people safe, but he said he chose to live by the water and understands the risks.

Everybody seems to be prepared, he said. Theres no perfect place to live.

If the city is going to do something as dramatic as building a sea wall, he said it has to be done without passing the cost onto taxpayers and without destroying what makes Charleston unique.

Its gotta be right, he said. Its quite an undertaking.

(WATCH: Woman describes surviving tornado after wind flips her car near Charleston)
Tens of thousands of dollars pumped into organizations involved in recent anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses originated in the fortune of one of Americas most venerable and politically active Jewish familiesone that includes a sitting U.S. congressman and a former contender for ambassador to Jerusalem, and which owes its wealth to the Levi Strauss denim dynasty.

A much-publicized recent report by the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, an Israeli-backed think tank, ranked the Bafrayung Fund as the single largest sponsor of pro-Palestinian activist groups involved in campus demonstrations and adjacent actions.

The Institutes tabulations appear to include donations to any organization that has ever supported or promoted pro-Palestinian events. Nonetheless, The Daily Beasts own research confirms that the Bafrayung Fund, based in Covina, California, ranks among the most consistent supporters of the Palestinian Youth Movement, which played a major role in the rash of encampments that spread through U.S. colleges this year. The Fund has also contributed substantially to two of the Palestinian Youth Movements allies: the Arab Resource and Organizing Center and Critical Resistance.

Notably, each of these organizations has employed the controversial slogan from the river to the sea, which critics interpret as calling not for two coexisting states between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean, but for Israels extinction as a polity. Some, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), dispute this characterization.

Behind the Bafrayung Fund is a 33-year-old Bay Area resident, Rachel Gelman, scion of the family behind the Levi Strauss company and cousin to Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY). The money for the Bafrayung Fund comes from just two sources: Gelman herself, and the Morningstar Philanthropic Foundationthe personal charity of her parents, a pair of major Democratic Party donors who own a chain of publications catering to East Coast Jewish communities, have been long active in organizations promoting American-Israeli relations, and even got engaged on a kibbutz.

The thread connecting Rachel Gelman to the congressman and to the clothing empire runs through her mother, Susie Gelman, who President Joe Biden appointed last summer to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom after reportedly considering her previously for U.S. ambassador to Israel. Born Susan Goldman, the elder Ms. Gelmans grandfather was Walter Haas, the businessman who spun up Levi Strauss from a small San Francisco wholesaler into a global denim brand. Her father, Richard Goldman, was the founder of a major insurance concern and made the Forbes billionaire list a few months before he sold the company in 2001. Her late brother, also Richard, was a federal prosecutor and father to the now-U.S. representative.

The Daily Beast reached out to more than a dozen members of the Gelman, Goldman, and Haas families, none of whom responded to phone calls or text messages. This includes the congressman. Rachel Gelman similarly replied to neither repeated cellphone calls nor an emailed inquiry, though her out-of-office message noted that she is currently on maternity leave.

According to a 2013 profile in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Susie Gelmans involvement in Jewish issues started early, and she met her husband through a youth group of the organization now called the Jewish Federations of North America, in which both would later hold leadership roles. The couple co-owns the Mid-Atlantic Media Group, which publishes the Baltimore Jewish Times, the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, and Washington Jewish Week.

The same profile notes that Susie Gelmans attachment to Israel also began when she was young, as she made her first trip to the Jewish state in 1970, the year she turned 16. Haaretz also recalled that during the Second Intifada of the early 2000s, a wave of violence characterized by suicide bombings targeting Israeli civilians, Gelman found she could not sit idly by while Israelis were experiencing such trauma and volunteered at a Jerusalem hospital.

More recently, Susie Gelman served from 2016 through 2023 as chairwoman of the Israel Policy Forum, an organization launched in the 1990s to support Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Gelman used the platform to criticize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and elements in his right-wing coalition, to such an extent that Haaretz argued that her appointment as ambassador to Israel would have sent an undeniable message from the Biden administration to the current government.

But even amid these tensions with the countrys current leadership, the Gelmans have ranked among the biggest bankrollers of the Birthright Israel Foundation, which sponsors free trips for Jewish young adults to Israeland which she also once chaired.

Meanwhile, the Gelmans have simultaneously bankrolled the Bafrayung Fund, their daughter Rachels charity, pouring in $3,470,000 between 2019 and 2022the last year for which disclosures are availableall from Morningstar Philanthropic, the same outfit through which the Gelmans support Birthright and the Israel Policy Forum.

Bafrayund has in turn disbursed money to a wide range of left-wing causes, including those tied to pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli activism. That includes $60,000 for the Palestinian Youth Movementdoled out in annual earmarked tranches to the groups sponsor WESPACand $40,000 for the Arab Resource and Organizing Center.

The Palestinian Youth Movement extensively chronicled its involvement in the proliferating campus encampments this spring, including the flagship protest at Columbia University.

Meanwhile, the Arab Resource and Organizing Committee has been active in encampments at state schools near its home base in the Bay Area, including at UC Berkeley and, most recently, UC San Francisco.

The Palestinian Youth Movement and the Arab Resource and Organizing Committee were also both listed among the convening organizations behind the Peoples Conference for Palestine held in Detroit this past weekend, where Rep. Tlaib attacked Biden as an enabler of Netanyahu.

The Bafrayung Fund has also given $298,000 to Critical Resistance, which launched primarily as a prison abolition organization, but more recently has participated in multiple pro-Palestinian events in conjunction with the Palestinian Youth Movement and AROCincluding protests that temporarily paralyzed San Francisco Airport, the Bay Bridge, and the Port of Oakland.

A review of Federal Election Commission records reveals Rachel Gelmans political giving departs greatly from that of her parents. Susie and Michael Gelman are major contributors to Democratic politicians, having donated more than $800,000 to committees supporting Bidens re-election.

The duo posed for a photo outside the White House in April:

Other politicians to receive hefty gifts from the Gelmans this cycle include House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Nancy Pelosiand their nephew, Rep. Dan Goldman, to whose committees they have contributed $23,200.

Rachel Gelman, by contrast, has given nothing to her cousin, but has kicked thousands to two of his left-wing colleagues: Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), both Israel critics.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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China calls for Red Sea attacks on civilian ships to end

BEIJING (Reuters) - China called for attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea to end and for safe navigation there, when China Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Yemen counterpart in Beijing on Tuesday.

Wang said China is ready to continue to play a constructive role in the matter, according to a foreign ministry statement.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Ethan Wang; Editing by Tom Hogue)
Travel season ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year, at an airport in Shanghai

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Assertions that all arrivals in China will face mobile telephone checks from July 1 are false, authorities said on Tuesday, dismissing them as distortions of the truth made by "anti-China forces".

On April 26, the state security ministry issued documents it said broadened the reach of law enforcement regulations and helped combat illegal activities that risk national security.

"However, some hostile overseas anti-China forces have seized on the opportunity to distort the truth by making scandalous and false allegations," the ministry said in a statement on its public Wechat account.

In particular, it dismissed as "absolutely preposterous" a claim that all arrivals would undergo phone checks upon entry.

The new national security rule drew wide public attention and positive feedback, it said, adding that the newly amended counterespionage law sets specific regulations on lawful inspection of electronic equipment and facilities.

Targets of such inspection must be "individuals or organisations related to counter-espionage work, such as suspected spies who take pictures or videos in military restricted areas or classified units," the ministry said.

The incident comes after Chinese lawmakers expanded a state secrets law this year, for the first time since 2010, widening the scope of restricted sensitive information to include what were described as "work secrets".

(Reporting by Farah Master and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
(Bloomberg) -- Chinas biggest cities including Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou eased requirements for home downpayments and mortgages, following through on the central governments aid for the embattled property sector.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Shanghai and Shenzhen reduced downpayment requirements by 10 percentage points to a minimum of 20% for first-time buyers and 30% for second-home purchasers, according to two separate statements on Monday and Tuesday. The floor for mortgage rates was also lowered.

The southern city of Guangzhou said it will cut the required down payment for first-time homebuyers to as little as 15% of the price, according to a statement from the local branch of the Peoples Bank of China on Tuesday. The city will also relax the rules for social security or individual tax payment records required for home purchases.

The easing follows Chinas most forceful rescue package earlier this month, when the central bank unleashed 300 billion yuan ($41 billion) of funding to help local governments buy unsold homes. Officials are trying to revive homebuyer confidence, which has been crushed by falling prices, unfinished apartments and job insecurity.

Analysts including John Lam at UBS Group AG and Stephen Cheung at Morgan Stanley expect other top-tier cities to follow Shanghais lead, improving the outlook for market sentiment and sales.

Read more: Chinese Property Stocks Rise After Shanghai Easing: Street Wrap

A Bloomberg gauge of Chinese developer shares rose as much as 2.4% on Tuesday before erasing gains. Shimao Group Holdings Ltd., which operates in big cities including Shanghai, jumped as much as 16% in Hong Kong.

The central government recently allowed local authorities to reduce minimum downpayments and make their own decisions for mortgage rates.

WATCH: Inside Chinas Property Crisis

Shanghais latest easing comes after the city in September reduced downpayments and eased the threshold for some types of housing to be qualified for lower mortgages. Since then, it had only announced a marginal loosening in January to allow some non-local residents to purchase one property in the outskirts.

Shenzhen, a city of about 18 million people near Hong Kong and home to Tencent Holdings Ltd., made the move after the ruling Communist Party vowed in late April to study measures to tackle excess housing inventory thats exacerbating the property slump. The relaxation is an escalation of the citys incremental step to lower homebuying thresholds in early May.

It remains to be seen whether the loosening will bolster sentiment among homebuyers, who remain wary of falling values and the risk that builders wont be able to finish properties. Home sales at major developers dropped about 45% in April.

(Updates with Shenzhen, Guangzhou relaxing rules throughout)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
China, US agree to manage maritime risks through continued dialogue

FILE PHOTO: Chinese and U.S. flags flutter outside the building of an American company in Beijing

HONG KONG (Reuters) - China and the United States held consultations on maritime affairs in which both countries agreed to maintain dialogue and manage risks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

China said both sides exchanged views last Friday on the maritime situation, agreed to maintain communication, and avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations.

The foreign ministry said China expressed serious concern over the United States' infringement of and provocations in nearby waters, and urged the Washington to refrain from intervening in disputes between China and its neighbours, or "use the sea to control China".

The United States should immediately stop supporting and condoning "Taiwan independence" forces, the ministry added.

The United States maintains direct interactions with Taiwan, including arms sales, which Beijing opposes. China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, but Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

China has also urged the United States to not take sides in South China Sea, after Washington in March extended a security deal with the Philippines to include attacks on the Southeast Asian nation's coast guard.

(This story has been refiled to restore a dropped letter in paragraph 5)

(Reporting by Farah Master and Liz Lee; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Gerry Doyle)
(Bloomberg) -- For most of his 30 years running a Chinese-owned company in the US, Ni Pin felt welcomed.

Most Read from Bloomberg

He set up auto parts maker Wanxiang America Corp.  a unit of a Chinese conglomerate founded by his late father-in-law  in Chicago back in 1994 when he was studying for a PhD. The company came to supply parts for half of all cars made in America and employ around 10,000 people. In 2002, Illinois named Aug. 12 Wanxiang Day in recognition of its contribution to the local economy.

But Wanxiang America now finds itself caught up in a wave of anti-China sentiment. Ni said he had three deals worth billions of dollars fall apart in the past few years because of worries about geopolitical risks or delays from foreign investment reviews.

Business partners dont feel comfortable to deal with a company that has a Chinese background because they feel that sooner or later theyre going to have a government issue, Ni said. Major business opportunities were killed by those concerns.

As lawmakers in Washington place closer scrutiny on TikTok and other Chinese-linked technology companies over national security threats, the experience of Wanxiang shows that suspicion has seeped into much less contentious sectors.

A Washington-based lawyer who represents Chinese clients said an increasing challenge is how every Chinese industry is being pulled into a national security narrative. It doesnt matter if its mining or health care, even Chinese furniture could one day be seen as a national security issue, said the lawyer, who asked not to be identified discussing a sensitive topic.

US officials worry that Chinese regulations can force local companies to surrender information gathered in America. They also cite concerns about supply chain security, espionage and the absence of equal treatment from Beijing, which restricts foreign investment in certain sectors, as reasons to increase scrutiny of Chinese firms.

Ni, whos also chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce Chicago, said members are very worried about how difficult the business environment has become and question if Chinese companies are still welcome in the US.

Chinese investments in the US have trailed behind smaller economies like Spain and Singapore in recent years, according to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, with Chinas own efforts to limit irrational outbound investment also contributing to the steep drop. Chinese firms hired almost 140,000 Americans as of 2021, down 40% from a peak five years prior and a fraction of the workers employed by Germany and Japan, according to US government data.

We used to be like a panda  no harm, very cute, can help people save money and create new jobs, Ni said. Now, I hate to say this, were more like the skunk, and people dont want to get too close.

In a sign of how distrust has grown, US customs agents have barred entry to at least 20 Chinese students holding valid visas since November, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News. Even Chinese officials invited by the US for a friendly visit have been harassed and interrogated when entering or leaving the country, the Chinese embassy said in April.

Chinese companies are bracing for even tougher times ahead as Joe Biden and Donald Trump gear up for a rematch in the November presidential election. Both are taking a hard line on Beijing to win over voters worried about trade, national security and safeguarding jobs.

Biden has already unveiled sweeping tariff hikes on a range of Chinese imports, the culmination of a review of the trade measures under Trump, and accused Chinese firms of stealing, cheating and dumping underpriced goods into international markets. Last month, he signed legislation requiring TikTok to be sold by its Chinese parent ByteDance Ltd. or face a ban in the country.

Theres of course an immediate blow to relations from US actions against Chinese firms, said Christopher Beddor, deputy China research director at Gavekal Dragonomics. But theres also a more long-term and indirect cost: geopolitical tensions are chipping away at cross-border business, which ultimately lowers the guardrails to a further worsening of geopolitical tensions ahead.

Proposals from Chinese firms that were once welcomed for creating jobs have been halted or delayed, including plans to build a corn mill in North Dakota and an electric vehicle battery components plant in Michigan. Farmers protested the latter in tractors adorned with American flags and signs saying No Commie or No CCP, a shorthand for Chinas ruling Communist Party.

China for its part has rolled out retaliatory measures, including an anti-foreign sanctions law in 2021, although its response so far has primarily consisted of symbolic sanctions on US companies with little exposure to the Chinese market. It has also tightened foreign access to sensitive information by passing a new counter-espionage law last year, increasing risks for foreign firms.

The critical question now is how much pain each side is willing to endure and whether short-run pain means long-term competitive advantage in future technology battles, said Ren Liqian, director of Modern Alpha at WisdomTree Inc., a New York-based asset management firm. While the impact on the US economy may be minor in the short term, it will impact Americas direct access to Chinese expertise in the long run, she added.

Some American companies are seizing on the anti-China sentiment to gain an edge over their competitors, linking them to China and lobbying the government to sanctions those firms, according to a Washington-based communications strategist, who asked not to be identified speaking on client matters.

A Bloomberg report in January revealed that Dell Technologies Inc. and Micron Technology Inc. funded a research and advocacy group called China Tech Threat, which has consistently painted laptops by Lenovo  one of Dells biggest competitors  as nefarious tools of the Chinese state, allowing potential entry points for cyberespionage.

As firms seek to mitigate geopolitical risks, some have tried to shed their China affiliations. Many Chinese firms contemplating operations in the US ask if they should set up their businesses in Singapore or America first because they fear they wont be treated fairly otherwise, said Chris Pereira, Chief Executive Officer of consultancy iMpact.

One employee at a US-listed firm said while the company is headquartered in Singapore to avoid being caught up in US-China tensions, it still largely operates out of China. It dispatches staff to work in Singapore on short-term stints, said the person, who asked not to be named as the information is private.

A study by Pew Research Center found that more Americans now see China as an enemy, and most believe that reducing Beijings power and influence should be a top foreign policy goal. As the US presidential election approaches, candidates are expected to align with this view.

For politicians, theres no cost in using the China topic to achieve their own goals, Ni said. I compare the China topic to ketchup. Its free, easy to get, and everybody can use it.

--With assistance from Jacob Gu, Amanda Wang, Josh Xiao, Marie Monteleone and Rob Fenner.

(Updates with details in 11th paragraph)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Dear reader. More than two years have passed since the voice of Julie Andrews welcomed viewers to the second season of Bridgerton. The series  based on Julia Quinns romantic novels, and one of Netflixs biggest hits  has taken its time before returning with a third season. Whats more, this season will force fans to be patient, as it is divided into two parts: the first four episodes were released on May 16 and the next four will arrive on June 13. Neither part, however, is short on the expected flirtation, romance, sexual tension and, unlike the previous season, sex.

Produced by Shonda Rhimes, the queen of addictive TV, the series creates its own version of London high society in the Regency period, one that is stylized, racially diverse and with a contemporary perspective. The show focuses on the marriage market, in which young women look for the best possible husband. Each season follows one of the eight Bridgerton siblings, but the real main character of the new season is Penelope Featherington, who until now had remained in the background. After all, she is the character behind the pseudonym of Lady Whistledown, the mysterious woman who writes the pamphlets detailing secrets that are the talk of high society.

The new episodes begin with the start of another season of pairings and Penelopes decision to turn her life around. With her friendship with Eloise Bridgerton broken after she discovers her secret identity, and heartbroken after hearing her crush, Colin Bridgerton, say he would never dream of courting her, Penelope gives herself a makeover and goes on the hunt for her husband. Colin  who returns from a trip to Europe as one of the most sought-after singles on the marriage market  even offers to help her. Logically, the situation is set to get complicated quickly, with unexpected suitors, twists and secrets revealed.

Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, in the third season of 'Bridgerton.' LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

Like her character, actress Nicola Coughlan, 37, has also gone from being in a supporting role to the lead. A lot of Penelopes journey is a journey I had to go on myself. Right before finding out I was going to be the leader of series three, I was very much like, Oh, its so fun to be the character in the background whos weird and doing his stuff and being funny. Then I got the call from Jess Brownell [head of the new season, replacing Chris Van Dusen, creator of the series] who told me, Its going to be you and Luke [Newton] and I felt sort of not ready and a bit terrified and I had to learn how to step into the spotlight the same way Penelope does, Nicola Coughlan told EL PAIS a year ago in a short interview held as part of the Tudum Fan Event organized by Netflix in June 2023. Despite lasting a few minutes, the speed at which Coughlan speaks meant she was able to provide many insightful reflections on the third season, which she had just finished shooting.

This is a series that so many people like and has such passionate fans that you want to do it as well as possible, she says of the responsibility she felt of leading the plot. When we film, for example, the big balls, which can five days, normally youll do your moments and then you step off to your trailer while the leads get filmed. But soon Luke and I realized that, oh, it wasnt someone elses responsibility, it was ours, she says. In the now classic balls of Bridgerton, this season will feature instrumental versions of contemporary songs such as Happier The Ever by Billie Eilish, Give Me Everything by Pitbull and Snow On the Beach by Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey.

Nicola Coughlan, in the third season of 'Bridgerton.' LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

Known thanks to the comedy Derry Girls  which about a group of teenagers in the turbulent Northern Ireland of the 1990s , Coughlan believes that one of the reasons for the success of Bridgertons is how diverse and inclusive the casting is, a job that fell to Kelly Valentine Hendry. Contrary to what happens in the books, which insisted on explaining that Penelope lost a lot of weight by the time she becomes the lead, Jess Brownell wanted the character to keep her curvaceous shape. In the show, Penelopes change is more about her attitude and confidence.

Coughlan says it is important that her body image not be an obstacle to her value as a performer. In 2018, when she rose to fame with Derry Girls, she wrote an article in The Guardian demanding that she be judged as her work as an actor, not on her weight after she was described in a review as an overweight little girl. Everything Id done to create my character had been reduced to a hurtful word and casual comment on my appearance [...] He was meant to review my work. Instead he reviewed my body. That is not acceptable, she wrote, referring to reviewer Philip Fisher.

Rosa Hesmondhalgh, Kathyn Drysdale and Nicola Coughlan in 'Bridgerton.' LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

In Bridgerton, the challenge for Coughlan went beyond leading the plot (I was used to doing plays where 10 people would show up. So to be part of this global show that I so much love was a privilege, she says); it was also starring in sex scenes. You know, Bridgertons quite a racy series. That was very intimidating, but Luke was amazing and I had a great person holding my hand the all along way, we talked all the time and we supported each other a lot. I dont think I could have done it without him, to be honest.

For the actress, her character has gone from being almost a child in the first season to being prepared to show herself as she is, with her pros and cons. She and Colin go on that journey together. They both have to come to a point where they realize who they really are as people and fully see each other for the first time, she adds. Each season has its own identity. In my mind, the first season was about passion, the second was about longing, and the third I think is about romance. Its so romantic. It takes your breath away. Theyve written it so beautifully. I hope weve done justice to the script.

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The ease with which personal banking is conducted in the modern West would surely cause some envy to our mattress-stuffing ancestors. Cashpoint machines abound, plastic is easy to carry, and, most comforting, ones money is backed by the full faith and credit of the government. Importantly, unless one fundamentally transgresses the legal order, we can be sure our capital is always at a moments access.

Put another way, except in cases usually pertaining to national security, banks are rather indifferent to a clients private life. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all welcome provided they have the right decimal count. And so, it pains me to report that in America, a peculiar phenomenon dubbed de-banking is beginning to occur with increasing visibility.

De-banking (or de-risking) is what it sounds like. A bank will, for legal, liability, or reputational risk, terminate  with notice  an individual account. Normally, this does not grab our attention. Criminal organisations and terrorists, we all agree, should be frozen out. And, of course, banks may choose with whom to conduct business.

Recently over a dozen Republican attorneys general  the main legal advisors to our state governors  wrote a letter to Brian T. Moynihan, the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Bank of America (BOA) noting that the institution appears to be conditioning access to its services on customers having the banks preferred religious or political views. In a seven-page memo, the attorneys generals outline BOAs partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the US Treasury to profile conservative and religious Americans as potential domestic terrorists.

The seeming weaponisation of our banking institutions to target Americans guilty of wrongthink is of a piece with the targeted censorship from certain behemoths in Silicon Valley. It was not too long ago that the New York Post, a paper founded by Alexander Hamilton, found its reporting on Hunter Biden limited by Facebook and Twitter. In effect, this meant that the story would not gain traction on two of the largest news platforms on earth.

Banking, like our modern news consumption, is by and large transacted through a digital medium. If an organisation is de-platformed from a webserver or de-banked, from, say, the second-largest bank in America, claiming nearly 15 per cent of all domestic deposits, there are not many options left. And that is by design.

So, conservatives should be worried. It was not too long ago that Lois Lerner, head of the IRS Exempt Organisations Unit under President Barack Obama, used her power to specifically target conservative non-profits. This clear government malfeasance was met with outrage, and she was forced to resign. The private sector, especially the large banks, are not so easy to take to task. This is a problem.

A strong banking system is built, above all else, on transparency. Opaque account-cancellation policies based on subjective standards of reputational risk  whatever that means  not only cut against the spirit of free-enterprise but it super empowers an elite few to control the lives of most citizens. (Ironically, the very same citizens who are forced to provide bailouts to banks like BOA when times get tough.)

We often scoff at the notion that a social credit regime could never happen in America or the UK. This form of tyranny, we believe, is surely not the stuff of democratic regimes devoted to liberty. But it is happening here  with increasing success.

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This article was produced for ProPublicas Local Reporting Network in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.

Cameras in the common areas of Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center were supposed to make the troubled southern Illinois facility safer for the approximately 200 people with developmental disabilities who live there.

But in mid-February, a camera caught a mental health technician grabbing a patient by the shirt, throwing him to the floor and punching him in the stomach, according to court records.

Although the worker has since been indicted, for 11 days following the incident, the employee continued to work on the same unit without consequence or restriction until an anonymous letter prompted an investigator to go looking for the video. During that time, no one at the facility, including witnesses to the event, reported the abuse, according to public records.

Gov. J.B. Pritzkers administration announced in March the plan to install cameras in the wake of an ongoing news investigation by Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica that unearthed a culture of cruelty, abuse, neglect and cover-ups at Choate. The administration also announced it would move 123 individuals from the facility. So far, 34 Choate residents have moved, mostly to other state-operated developmental centers.

The cameras were supposed to deter employees from mistreating patients or to quickly dispel false allegations of abuse by keeping a record of interactions. But a little-discussed provision, intended to protect workers rights and patients privacy, almost kept the incident from coming to light: The video can only be reviewed if there is an allegation of abuse or neglect.

The anonymous letter that sparked the investigation accused mental health technician John Curtis Curt Spaulding of attacking a patient on Feb. 12. The allegation led investigators to access video from that day to determine if the accusation was valid. Records show that it took until Feb. 23 for Choate security to review the video.

Within hours of that review, Spaulding submitted his resignation. Another employee, Shushya Salley, was placed on paid administrative leave after the video emerged. Though her involvement isnt clear, the form referring the case to the state police, from the Illinois Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector General, noted that there were witnesses. If Salley witnessed the abuse, she was required to report it within four hours. She did not respond to requests for comment.

During a phone interview on Thursday, Spaulding denied abusing any patients. He said he resigned because he was tired of the poor working conditions and difficult schedules at Choate.

The OIG, which is charged with looking into allegations of abuse and neglect, investigated Spaulding five times in the past three years, records show. None of the prior allegations were substantiated.

I was better to those guys than 90% of the people who work there, Spaulding told a reporter. But I was never one to let them walk all over me.

Spaulding, who has worked at Choate since 2015, said he believed that policy revisions have kept patients who have had emotional outbursts from facing any consequences, and that in turn has led to the facility going to shit.

Tyler Tripp, the states attorney in Union County, where Choate is located, did not respond to questions about the incident, though Illinois State Police records indicate the agency presented the case to him in March. A grand jury indicted Spaulding on Thursday on a felony charge of aggravated battery and a charge of misdemeanor battery.

INSERT INDICTMENT GRAPHIC

Spaulding has not appeared to enter a plea. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 1.

Of the more than 20 employees identified as being charged with felonies on suspicion of abusing patients at Choate or covering it up during the news organizations ongoing investigations, only two were convicted of a felony. One of those defendants was later allowed to withdraw his plea and plead down to a misdemeanor. Not one employee, even those who caused serious injuries, has received prison time for abusing a patient.

The governors office  which pushed for the cameras when it announced a plan to transition many residents out of Choate  credited them with bringing the incident involving Spaulding to light.

Thanks to the addition of the cameras in the facility, the offenders were caught and promptly removed for their entirely unacceptable misconduct, Alex Gough, spokesperson for Pritzker, said in a statement. The vast majority of workers at the states 24/7 facilities perform their duties with compassion, but anyone who violates the sacred trust between care provider and patient should be held accountable.

The OIG has repeatedly called for the installation of cameras. At least 21 times in six years, the OIG asked for cameras so it could more quickly assess the credibility of abuse and neglect allegations, but these recommendations were rejected because of budget and privacy concerns.

Last year, then-IDHS Secretary Grace Hou announced the cameras would be installed at all state-operated developmental centers, starting with Choate.

Barry Smoot, a longtime IDHS and OIG employee who also served as head of security at Chester Mental Health Center and Choate, said it is important for employees to be able to report without fear of retaliation or repercussions since video can only be accessed after an allegation is made and footage is not continuously monitored.

Has it affected the culture? No. Has it been used to catch abusers? Yes. The only way the cameras can do their job is if someone reports it. And the staff that are identified as present and not stopping the abuse or reporting the abuse need to be severely dealt with, Smoot said.

If staff and residents are fearful of speaking out, Smoot said, they can report their allegation anonymously to the inspector general and include the time, date and location so the video can be accessed.

Choates employee head count was full as of Tuesday, but IDHS records showed that 65 employees  nearly 14% of the workforce  were on administrative leave or reassigned to other duties while the inspector general investigated allegations of abuse against them.

AFSCME Local 141, the union that represents most Choate employees, did not respond to written questions. But eight days before the video was pulled and reviewed by the OIG, the union posted on its Facebook page: Be professional when interacting with our individuals and please keep yourself safe. We know the cameras can be beneficial in our daily operations. Remember, you may be reviewed by cameras when allegations are presented. Again, be professional. You may be seen even though you are not a target of the accusations. Remember, you may be reviewed.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct an error about the city administration's notification to the city council about the negotiations with public safety representatives.

MUNCIE, Ind.  Even though no overall contract agreement has been reached between the city administration and the union representing civilian municipal employees, Mayor Dan Ridenour ordered the city to start paying out a 10% raise to those employees beginning this month.

The raise is on par with the percentage pay increases given to city police and firefighters before the city election last year. Ridenour told The Star Press that he went ahead and gave members of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3656 the pay increase because they deserve it.

Negotiations for a new contract with the union started last year and have yet to reach a resolution. Ridenour, a Republican, declined to say what areas of disagreement between the union and administration have held up an agreement. Nate Burgess, president of the union local, did not return calls seeking comment.

City Hall in downtown Muncie

Muncie City Council member Nora Powell brought the matter up during the May 6 council meeting by asking City Controller Craig Wright if a raise had been granted. Wright confirmed the raises started May 3.

Powell, a Democrat, told The Star Press she had heard about the raises from outside the administration and she was concerned that the mayor took the action in violation of the city salary ordinance, which sets pay for city employees during the year. The ordinance was passed in December.

We will be doing a salary ordinance (amendment), Wright told Powell during the public meeting.

So, youre outside of city ordinance right now? Powell asked.

Wright said the ordinance would be dealt with. An amendment to the salary ordinance has now been prepared for the June 3 council meeting.

Powell said the Ridenour administration spent money without authorization from the council.

Ridenour said that Indiana statute gives the city executive authority to spend outside the salary ordinance if the ordinance is updated during the year of spending.

Powell said the employees, who work in the parks department, street department and at Prairie Creek Reservoir, deserve the raise, and she has no issue with the pay increase itself. But she objects to the mayor failing to follow what she considers proper procedure and avoid spending in violation of the city ordinance.

She said Ridenour used to be on council and is aware of how things are to be properly done.

I have no ax to grind, Powell said.

She has asked Council President Jerry Dishman to call a special meeting of council to deal with the spending issue. To this point, Dishman has not responded.

Ridenour said the city and the union had not yet been able to reach agreement on a contract, which includes issues beyond salary. So he said he wanted to go ahead and give them the raise now rather than wait for a contract agreement and ratification.

The 10% pay increases given to police and firefighters heading into the general election raised eyebrows last year.

"Maybe it's just a coincidence that within four weeks (of the negotiations), the mayor had been endorsed by the unions  after they were given the biggest raise ever," said Jeff Robinson, who used to be the city council president and was the Democrat candidate running against Ridenour in the November election.

Ridenour said the increases were meant to boost recruitment for both public safety departments.

Negotiations that led to the public safety raises were done outside of city ordinances that proscribe how the contract talks are to take place. Brandon Murphy, then attorney for the council, said that if no member of the council is on the negotiation team for the city, a member of the negotiating committee is to report on negotiations to the chairman of the councils finance committee. The chairman of the finance committee was Robinson, Ridenours election opponent.

Ridenour said his administration did report on the negotiations to the council's finance committee, but he admitted it wasn't timely.

At the time of the police and firefighter raises, Robinson asked the administration if there was language in the city workers' union contract that require similar raises for those employees.

"They do have clauses in there. Like I say, it's all negotiable,' Wright told council members in September.

Ridenour said the annual cost for the 10% civilian employee raises was between $200,000 and $300,000. It applies to full-time employees only and does not include elected officials.

The mayor said the city can afford the raises because he deliberately is promoting economic development without use of tax increment financing. When TIF is used on development projects, the resulting increase in property taxes goes toward economic development. By not using TIF, the resulting tax increase feeds into the citys general fund and salaries as well as into funding for local schools.

Wright told The Star Press that contract negotiations with AFSCME 3656 are set to resume June 12.

David Penticuff is a freelance writer.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Muncie mayor orders raises for city workers without council's approval
UPDATE: The City Helena-West Helena city council has voted out Mayor Christopher Franklin, but he refused to resign.

Reports say it was a unanimous decision from the council.

******

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The City of Helena-West Helenas city council announced it is requesting the immediate resignation of Mayor Christopher Franklin.

This comes days after a viral Facebook Live broadcast that Mayor Franklin conducted was deemed unbecoming of the office of Mayor.

The matter was addressed in the agenda for Tuesdays city council meeting.

In the document, it states that the city council determined that Mayor Franklin has recorded, published and disseminated a derogatory Facebook Live video in which he tells his adult daughter and adult niece to Eat his d and made other foul-mouthed statements using what they describe as a litany of profanity and antagonistic language.

It adds that the video of Mayor Franklin is prurient, grotesque, misogynistic, narcissistic, nauseating and in no wise expressive of all the people of our city (Helena-West Helena).

Therefore, the city council resolved that it strongly censures Mayor Franklin for his conduct and undeniably requests his immediate resignation.

The document also demands an immediate, complete and contrite apology to all persons impacted by the Mayors actions.

Arkansas state police are not investigating this matter and the Attorney Generals office told WREG that they could neither confirm nor deny any investigation related to this matter.

We will update this story as more 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 WREG.com.
Free parking spaces fill up along Benjamin Franklin Drive, next to Lido Beach in Sarasota. Soon, the city will charge to park in dozens of those spots.

Paid parking will cause havoc on Lido

If Memorial Day weekend was a sign of things to come, instituting an additional 80 paid parking spaces along Benjamin Franklin Drive on Lido Key is going to be a disaster.

There were clear signs along South Boulevard of the Presidents that there is No Parking on the median. However, more than 100 cars packed the unauthorized areas.

Side streets were also packed like sardines on both sides, making passage nearly impossible. All of this with the 80 designated spots on Ben Franklin still free.

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It doesnt take a genius to predict what will happen when those spaces become paid and the amount of illegal parking on streets and medians becomes an untenable situation. The city commissioners need to reexamine their obvious error in approving this paid parking plan.

Obviously, the city missed the mark by not heavily promoting the Bay Runner, Breeze OnDemand and other micro-mobile transit options during a holiday weekend.

Christopher Stolz, Lido Key

Ex-president disrespects armed forces

Rebekah Sanderlin is an American hero, and the longtime Army spouse deserves thanks for her recent column titled Trumps callous insult of military not forgotten this Memorial Day.

America has major and concerning issues today. We will be going to the polls to vote for the next president of the United States on Nov. 5, 2024.

May 26, 2024; Concord, North Carolina, USA; Former President Donald Trump salutes during the national anthem with Richard Childress and the team of NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon (3) at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Thankfully, the readiness of the U.S. armed forces has never been at issue. They are the finest fighting men and women the world has ever known. Some were drafted, some volunteered, some were killed. Some are buried in cemeteries across our nation and some are buried overseas.

None of them were suckers or losers, as then-President Donald Trump called them. Yet Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio support Trump.

America should be humbly thankful for every shot fired defending our nation. America should also be honored to defend those who defended us.

Americas finest also defended Trump and yet he called them losers.

I call them heroes  each and every one.

Doug McClaugherty, Sarasota

Kudos to Biden for nursing home mandate

I must comment on Jodi Jackson's guest column May 26 on recent changes in nursing home staffing (Fla. already seeing health care worker shortages).

Yes, there is a staff shortage and I applaud the Biden administrations policy to improve the life of nursing home residents.

Do your research on pay for the direct care staff (CNAs), which is often quite low. Then check the compensation of the corporate staff from the administrators to the top, including incentives for large profit margins.

Yes, this pay structure is true of most corporations, but this industry is caring for the most vulnerable.

If homes cannot attract staff, then they will have to leave beds empty. If the CEOs are making six figures, they may have to go without their bonus.

Pay the folks who bathe, dress, feed and toilet the residents a few dollars more! I am referring to the CNAs, LPNs and RNs, an overworked and underpaid segment of the industry.

Staffing levels would have never changed without the Biden administration policy intervention.

I worked in these settings for more than 20 years. Seldom did I see the administration at a facility keep an extra staff member on for a shift unless it was mandated.

Robert Richard, Sarasota

Republicans follow Trump like lemmings

An excellent letter was printed May 23 regarding Republicans continuing to deny human-caused climate change (Put heads in sand or work on saving planet). However, the author stated that only ignorance could lead to such thinking.

I beg to differ. A large subset of this group is not ignorant but, even worse, thinks denial will serve them well politically. They are craven opportunists who are pathologically selfish.

They are also wedded to the positions of their partys leader. They will cultishly even dress like him and show a similar disrespect for law and order, womens rights and the results of an election.

Too many political leaders are ignoring climate change and the rising temperatures that are caused by it.

If the leader appears to be a serial criminal, they will blame it all on politics. If he wants to abandon democracy and pardon rioters who beat up cops and defaced the Capitol, thats fine.

Adulterous affairs? Buying the silence of porn stars? Stealing classified documents? Lying like most people breathe? No problem if our guy did it.

Which camp do you want to be in? What is the legacy you want to leave behind? Do you want to leave the environment in a livable condition for your heirs? Keep all this in mind when you vote in a few months.

Peter Burkard, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Parking problem at Lido will increase with more paid parking spots
City Watch issued for woman who left child at hospital, loved ones concerned about her safety

UPDATE, May 28: Shantrell Bush Steele has been located unharmed, according to Memphis Police.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Police have issued a City Watch for a woman who dropped off her seven-year-old son at Methodist University Hospital and was seen leaving in an Uber.

MPD said officers also spoke to Shantrell Bush Steele, 30, over the phone, but Steele hung up because she thought they were asking too many questions.

Police said they were called to Methodist at around 11 p.m. Thursday by Steeles mother, who said her daughter had left her son at the hospital for her to watch. She said her daughter did not suffer from any mental illnesses.

According to police, Steele was recently involved in a domestic incident with her husband.

A family friend, who did not want to be identified, said Steele also has a teenage daughter. She said Steele has never left her children before and she is worried about her safety.

City Watch in effect for missing Memphis man, last seen at car dealership

She has always contacted her family, the friend said. Please help find her. Get the word out.

Steele was last seen wearing a bonnet on her head, a black shirt with writing on it, multi-colored leggings, and white slip-on shoes.

If you have seen her, call the Missing Persons Bureau at (901)636-4479 or (901)545-COPS.

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.
Climate expert responds to critic who believes concern over ozone layer was one big scam: 'We fixed it because people listened'

To a climate skeptic who thinks the story from the '90s about the big hole in the ozone layer that was "going to kill us" might itself have some holes in it and wants to know what happened to the supposed danger, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe has one thing to say: "We fixed it because people listened to scientists."

In a video for The Cool Down, Dr. Hayhoe, a renowned climate scientist, addresses the skeptic's question and accusation that she is "just a climate grifter like the rest of them." In it, she explains to her critic why we don't hear much about the hole in the ozone layer these days.

"Within just a few years of scientists identifying the causes of the ozone hole  which were human-made chemicals that we were using in like our spray-cans and our air conditioners  within a few years, all the governments in the world got together, [and] signed the Montreal Protocol, banning the production and use of those substances," she said.

The substances in question  known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS)  were chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. Had we done nothing, the ozone depletion would have continued, causing major harm to every living thing on Earth.

However, Dr. Hayhoe says, "Thanks to that swift action, listening to scientists, and responding to our warning, the ozone hole is finally on its way to recovery."

More specifically, as a result of this swift action and changes made in the Montreal Protocol, atmospheric levels of the banned ODS have dropped by nearly 99%, and the two biggest holes in the ozone layer are expected to be healed by 2066.

Listening to scientists works, and Hayhoe and many others are now calling on governments and people around the world to pay attention to air pollution from greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane that are leading to increased temperatures worldwide. Many countries have taken that seriously while others have not, but the trend has headed in a stronger direction in recent years, with news like the G7 countries agreeing to shut down all "unabated" coal power plants by 2035. The United Kingdom is already turning its last off in September.

While we may not have the power of governments to make sweeping global change on an individual level, there are many things we can do that add up and make a difference. We can vote for pro-climate candidates, give up polluting single-use plastic, and choose transportation options that limit the amount of planet-warming pollution, just to name a few.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Wolfgang Metzeler-Kick sits in front of a banner at the new location of the hunger strike camp of the "Hungern bis ihr ehrlich seid" alliance in the government district. One of the climate protesters on hunger strike to demand the German government take more action is in acute danger of dying, according to the campaigners. Sebastian Gollnow/dpa

One of the climate protesters on hunger strike to demand the German government take more action is in acute danger of dying, according to the campaigners.

After 83 days without eating, 49-year-old Wolfgang Metzeler-Kick is still responsive, but physically very weak, activists from the "Starve until you are honest" campaign announced on Tuesday.

His volunteer medical team has handed over responsibility for his medical care. Nevertheless, he is determined to continue the hunger strike, they said.

Three other men are currently on hunger strike alongside Metzeler-Kick. Two others have ended their strike. The activists are living in a camp set up near the Economy Ministry in Berlin.

They want German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to make a statement on the dangers of climate change and to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

According to a government spokesman, Scholz does not want to comply with the demands. On Friday, Scholz himself said at a citizens' dialogue: "It is my greatest wish that the action be stopped."

It is a mistake "to use violence against others, but also to use violence against oneself," the chancellor said.

Metzeler-Kick began his hunger strike on March 7. Initially, he did not eat any solid food, but still took juices, electrolytes and vitamins. Since May 24, he has been abstaining from juices in order to intensify his hunger strike.
Former President Clinton will join a fundraiser for President Bidens reelection bid in Virginia in June, a source familiar confirmed to The Hill.

The event, which Axios first reported, will take place June 18 and will be hosted by former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and first lady Jill Biden are also expected to attend.

Virginia, which Biden won in 2020, is a state former President Trump has his sights on flipping back to red in November. Biden is leading Trump in Virginia by less than 2 points, according to polling averages from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill.

The event with former President Clinton will follow a high-profile fundraiser scheduled for June in Los Angeles with former President Obama and actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts.

Clinton, along with Obama, gave Bidens campaign a boost in April when they held a major New York City fundraiser in March. That event brought in $26 million in one night for Bidens campaign.

The presidents campaign is stepping up its high-donor events after it raised $51 million in April, which fell short of the $76 million Trump raised at the same time. Biden has $192 million in cash on hand entering June, topping Trumps numbers.

The next few months are critical in determining whether Trump will be able to close the presidents fundraising advantage over him. For now, Democrats are largely brushing off Trumps April fundraising performance as a one-time event.

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.
Beatriz Serrano was locked in her home, like half the world, due to Covid-19 restrictions. She couldnt meet her friends or go for a walk, but she had to work at an exhausting pace. After a video conference, she went out to a small interior courtyard, and heard the silence: I remembered all the stories I had heard about the end of the world, from H.G. Wells aliens to the Mad Max water wars, and I thought: Wow, it seems like its the end of the world, and its going to catch us working, explains Serrano, who worked in the communication sector.

She found that depressing, but also inspiring, so she began to write about the experience. It was the seed of El Descontento (The Discontent), a novel about disillusionment and capitalist work culture. The book was published a few months ago and has become a small publishing phenomenon (with translations underway in Italy, France, England and the U.S.). The author attributes its success to the fact that the story of Marisa, her protagonist, is the story of many people. Its the story of the Serrano, who left her job and today is a writer and journalist at EL PAIS. And that of many readers. Many people write to me to tell me that they identify with it. Its not that they tell me I am Marisa, its that they tell me we are all Marisa, she says.

Writer and computer scientist Cal Newport has called it The Great Exhaustion, describing a society where everyone is tired, burned out, and feeling that they cannot survive. Against this backdrop, people are seeking to redesign their relationship with work and prioritize their personal lives  a trend confirmed by a recent 40dB survey for EL PAIS. In this survey, respondents were given seven options and asked to rank them from most important to least. The first was mental health, followed by family and having free time. Having a good job was ranked in fourth place, and having a good economic level in seventh.

If burnout syndrome reflected an individual phenomenon, The Great Exhaustion points to the collective problem behind it. Culture and the internet have played a crucial role in spreading this idea, appearing in memes, literature and music. Serranos book is a good example. For me there are two key moments to understand all this. One was the [financial] crisis of 2008, which forced us to find a way to make ends meet. And another was the pandemic, which forced us to bring our lives to a halt, explains the author. When life when back to normal, something had broken. The world forced people to resume heir previous rhythm, but many people simply did not want to.

This led to several social phenomona related to work. The first was The Great Resignation, when 47 million people voluntarily left their jobs in the U.S. alone, according to the Department of Labor. Then there were union struggles for remote working and more work-life balance. Finally, last year people began to talk about quiet quitting: working just enough, without doing overtime or putting in extra effort. A paradigm shift began to take shape.

But the workplace did not adapt. The nature of the workplace, however, did undergo important changes during the pandemic. In the first few months, there was an exponential increase in digital communications: Zoom and Slack became a lifeline amid the work tsunami. The use of these platforms increased by 350% and 400% respectively. It became normal to use more informal communication channels such as WhatsApp to discuss work issues. And so, work began to seep into workers homes and private lives. Technology helped blur the borders between both worlds.

After the pandemic, workers returned to the office, but the amount of digital communication remained the same. According to a Microsoft report, time spent in online meetings increased more than 350% between February 2020 and 2022. Users of the Microsoft Office suite now spend about 60% of their time using digital communication tools  email, chat and video conferencing, and the remaining 40% to creation programs, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. One in four workers spends nine hours a week on email alone. Almost two in three people (64%) say they have difficulty finding the time and energy they need to do their work, according to this report.

The problem with this new reality is that the rise in digital communication is associated in research with a fall in satisfaction. And this is reflected in the numbers. The latest report from the Gallup consulting firm on employment, published in 2023, provided historical data: 44% of workers felt stressed. The figures are unprecedented and cant be explained just by the greater use of email. For Yolanda Garcia Rodriguez, professor in the department of Social, Work and Differential Psychology at the Complutense University of Madrid, work demands are now greater. The complexity of the tasks is greater, the qualifications required in jobs are increasing. Very quick decision-making, continuous and rapid adaptation to new technologies and greater competition and productivity are required.

On the other hand, successive crises, unstable work conditions and precarious jobs have created a volatile environment that has helped change how workers think about their relationship with their employers. Workers job expectations and their level of job self-esteem are stymied. Syndromes such as imposter syndrome have emerged and the probability of emotional exhaustion or burnout syndrome has risen, explains the expert. Jobs are no longer what they were, so neither are our relationships with them.

To retain a worker, companies have chosen to create a new narrative that sees work not only as a way to earn money, but also to gain status. Suddenly, jobs are exciting, they define us, they fulfill our dreams, says Juan Evaristo Valls Boix, professor of Philosophy of Culture at the Complutense University of Madrid. All these team-building practices are emerging, the mantra is that in this job we are like a family, he adds. And so, in our private lives, we begin to imitate a business mindset.

When leisure is also tiring

The Great Exhaustion starts at work, but it also transcends it. Terms such as burnout  traditionally associated with work  have begun to be applied to parenting in recent years. According to a report from Ohio State University, 66% of working parents reported being burned out. Exhaustion is beginning to spill over into other social spheres such as leisure. Meeting up with friends has to be planned weeks in advance, everyone is exhausted and no one has time.

Valls Boix says that this is because the capitalist logic of work, that is, of investment and profit, is expanding and saturating other spheres of life. The philosopher believes that we have become small entrepreneurs of our free time. There is a cult of productivity that begins in the office, but permeates our private lives. A kind of overlap has been happened between the logic of work and the affective space and emotions, he explains. Friends are seen as social capital, dating as job interviews, with dating apps operating as castings and social networks that push us to create content to boost our personal brand.

Leisure is no longer about doing nothing, but rather about filling our scarce free time with experiences: reading the books that need to be read, watching the series that are being talked about, going to the trendiest party or trying the latest viral restaurant, if you manage to get a reservation. This is the most perverse part, says Valls Boix. We are not working, but we continue with the work dynamic. This leads to a stressed-out society, where even leisure is no longer about relaxation and disconnecting. WhatsApp audios and TV series are played at 2x speed, hobbies are monetized and syndromes such as FOMO become a problem. A culture that glorifies being always busy is starting to form: hustle culture. We live in constant excitement, overstimulated, and that can be frustrating and exhausting, says Valls Boix.

In this way, not only work, but also leisure can also lead to the feeling of exhaustion. According to a recent report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the number of hours worked has fallen by 3.8% compared to 2008. The OECD also indicated in different reports that, in recent decades, effective working hours have decreased by gradually.

We work less, but we are more tired. This apparent paradox has sparked the interest of experts and social psychologists, who are investigating the dynamics that influence our perception of time. Hal E. Hershfield is one of them. This professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making at the University of California, author of the essay Your Future Self, believes that the problem is not so much about quantity, but rather quality. Actually, I think we have a lot more time. But what do we use it for? If we spend it on the phone, watching TV or doing things without meaning or purpose, I dont see how it will benefit us.

To investigate this idea, Hershfield conducted a macro study with data from 35,000 people. The research analyzed whether there was a direct relationship between the amount of free time a person has and their subjective well-being. The expert and his colleagues found that having little free time leads to increased stress and discomfort. It wasnt a big surprise. More striking was the realization that having too much time is not positive either. There is an exact point of free time, around five hours a day, after which unease begins to rise. Although this discomfort was reduced if free time was filled with social activities.

In the classic 1930 essay Economic Possibilities of Our Grandchildren, John Keynes predicted a 21st century with a 15-hour work week. It seems that the economist missed the mark, but in that text, he shared a reflection that can be applied to the current context: There is no country and no people, I think, who can look forward to the age of leisure and of abundance without a dread. For we have been trained too long to strive and not to enjoy. This idea, expressed almost a century ago, may be at the root of what has come to be called The Great Exhaustion. Work continues to be at the center of society, of conversations, of cities. And although many people have rethought their relationship with it, work dynamics have permeated every corner of our lives. Technological advances have helped streamline work and delocalize it, but they are blurring the boundaries between work and personal life, creating a perpetual state of connectivity. This can be stimulating. But it is also exhausting.

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BOISE, Idaho (ABC4)  Closing arguments in the Chad Daybell murder trial are scheduled to take place Wednesday morning as the state called its last rebuttal witness to the stand today.

Lieutenant Hermosillo returned to the stand as the states final rebuttal witness Tuesday afternoon, bringing the court full circle as he was the first witness to testify in the trial nearly seven weeks ago.

READ NEXT: A complete timeline for the Daybell, Vallow murders

The defense rested its case Thursday, May 23, after calling several witnesses to the stand  including two of Chad Daybells children and his son-in-law. Chad Daybell himself did not take the stand. The state was then given the opportunity to rebuttal before moving on to closing arguments.

Chad Daybell is being tried for the murder of Tylee Ryan and Joshua JJ Vallow  two of Lori Vallows children. Chad Daybell is also on trial for the murder of his former wife Tammy Daybell. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

The case has received national attention since 2020 when Lori Vallows children were found buried on Chad Daybells property in Idaho following a months-long investigation. Lori Vallow was convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and grand theft. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2023.

Chad Daybells trial is taking place a year later as he waived his right to a speedy trial.

To see the most recent updates, visit the ABC4 Daybell trial page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Its the final stretch of former president Donald Trumps hush money trial out of New York.

After more than four weeks of testimony and witnesses, the case will soon be in the hands of the jury.

Prosecutors and lawyers for former president Trump will each make their closing arguments in the case. Its their final opportunity to address the jurors.

Unlike Joe Biden, I dont throw people in jail for disagreeing with me. I dont do that, said Trump.

Trump took shots at his democratic rival Joe Biden as he continued on the campaign trail over the weekend and looked ahead to his fate in the hush money trial.

Imposing a strict gag order in order to keep me from talking about their crimes and their unconstitutional acts, said Trump.

The jury must consider 34 charges against the Republican nominee and if he is found guilty, he could face prison time.

Theres no crime so Im assume that they will actually find him innocent, said Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott defended the former president saying Trump is not guilty.

The only person guilty in that courtroom is Da Bragg, guilty of corrupting the justice system, guilty of not doing his job and guilty of trying to frame an innocent man, said Scott.

If the jury finds Trump not guilty on all 34 counts the prosecution will not be allowed to try the former president again.

We want to see fairness. No thumb on the scales if thats the case. He will be found innocent, said Scott.

Deliberations are expected to start Wednesday. Theres no way of knowing how long it could take for the jury to reach a verdict.

If the jury cant reach a verdict, then the judge will declare a mistrial. The Manhattan D.A. can then choose to retry the case with a new jury but that might be difficult with the political calendar as the November election draws near.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

Today: Spotty showers, high 73

Tonight: Scattered showers, low 55

Wednesday: Showers & cooler, high 68 (47)

Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 70 (47)

Friday: Plenty of sun, high 74 (52)

Saturday: Partly cloudy & warmer, high 80 (60)

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

A trough of low pressure continues to approach central Ohio bring more chances for rain showers across the area. There are a few chances for a rumble of thunder or two, but no severe weather is expected.

Today clouds will continue to fill in the skies. Spotty shower chances begin later in the afternoon. Highs will be in the low 70s. That is below average for this time of year. Winds will be a bit breezy at times blowing from the WNW at 10-15 mph.

Tonight more chances for scattered rain. A brief downpour cannot be ruled out, but the vast majority will see light showers. Temperatures will be a bit cooler as well in the mid 50s. Winds will be much lighter overnight.

Wednesday brings almost chilly temperatures by comparison. High temperatures are not expected to warm up past the upper 60s for most of central Ohio. Afterwards a ridge of high pressure settles over the state and the short work week ends with plenty of sunshine and pleasant weather all around.

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The missing person alert for a 90-year-old man has been canceled, according to the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons.

On Monday, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department announced that they were searching for Gorden Bryant Lewis.

He had last been seen in Charleston County, South Carolina.

However, on Tuesday morning, CMPD announced that the missing person alert for Lewis had been canceled.

Anyone with questions regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Frazita at (704) 336-7600.
















Coca-Cola bottles.

Coca-Cola is debuting a new product, and the brand promises it offers "electrifying flavors."

The latest creation, Coca-Cola Wozzaah Zero Sugar, is a "new limited-edition flavor" inspired by the beating heart of African culture. The Blazing Fruit flavor is said to "provide the refreshing Coca-Cola taste fans know and love, remixed with vibrant, tropical flavors inspired by Africa."

As for the can design, it is just as vibrant as the taste of the drink, with colorful and bright pops of yellow, blue, red, purple, and green.

A press release shared directly with Parade gave insight that through product innovations along with digital experiences, talent partnerships, and fashion drops, fans will have the opportunity to experience the "expressive nature of the continent firsthand."

Coca-Cola

"We are thrilled to introduce Coca-Cola Wozzaah Zero Sugar, a new Coca-Cola Creation that not only celebrates the rich tapestry of African culture but also embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity, said Silke Bucker, Senior Director, Coca-Cola Category Lead, Africa.

In honor of the new flavor, the brand has also partnered with global music sensation and proud Eswatini citizen, Uncle Waffles, who has been tapped to help bring Coca-Cola's Wozzaah Zero Sugar to life.

Additionally, the soda beverage company will be bringing forth exclusive merchandise available for purchase in select markets.

According to the news release, the new flavor is available to purchase for a limited time only in select markets including Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, and Morocco.

Next: Coca-Cola Debuts Brand New Soda Flavor With a Twist
MONTROSE, Colo. (KREX)  Tearful eyes and loving hugs filled the Montrose Pavilion Center Wednesday as families, spouses, and friends said goodbye to their sons, daughters, fathers, and brothers.

Captain Evan Pitchford, commander of the 947th Engineering Company with the Colorado National Guard, is preparing to ship out to the Middle East with his 90 soldiers. Its the first time the unit has deployed in about 20 years. Their Title 10 orders started on May 23.

The company then heads to Fort Bliss to go through roughly a month of pre-mobilization training, then heads overseas to Central Command.

The company will support Operation Spartan Shield for one year in the Middle East to provide general engineering services like clearing roads, moving debris, and helping build and repair various structures.

The last time this unit deployed was back in 2005 for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pitchford tells WesternSlopeNow that even though its been 20 years since this unit has deployed overseas, he assures us its nothing to worry aboutjust purely rotational.

After the 947s year in the Middle East is up, the National Guard will not ask their unit to deploy for another three years.

Though Pitchford says theres nothing to be concerned about, spouses, friends, and family still worry for their loved ones safety and arent looking forward to the time alone.

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 WesternSlopeNow.com.
An oil and gas field in Kiowa County, Colorado, is pictured on Oct. 5, 2022. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

This story originally appeared in Capital & Main.

Oil and gas companies claim their production in Colorado is among the cleanest and least polluting hydrocarbons in the country  if not the world. Are they right?

The assertion  from a fact sheet by the Colorado Oil & Gas Association, an industry trade group  has legs. PDC Energy, an oil and gas firm recently purchased by Chevron Corp., cited it in an application to drill hundreds of wells, which was approved by regulators in late 2022. Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado and his Republican rival Joe ODea repeated it in televised debates during their 2022 campaign. And the U.S. Bureau of Land Management referenced it in a 2023 federal supplemental environmental impact statement. Fossil fuel advocates leaned into it in the spring to justify why Colorado legislators should kill a bill that would have phased out fossil fuel drilling.

We like to say these are among the cleanest energy molecules in the world, said Dan Haley, chief executive of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association, at a March hearing of the state Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

We are the only sector thats meeting our greenhouse gas goals right now. In fact, we are exceeding our greenhouse gas goals, Haley said, adding, We are making up for other lagging sectors.

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Haleys argument in part persuaded the committee to vote 5-2 to reject a measure that would have prohibited state regulators from issuing drilling permits starting in 2030. The vote came after Republican state Sen. Paul Lundeen set up Haleys response, saying: I think Colorado does oil and gas better than any other state in the nation  I believe we produce in a cleaner, better way, a better molecule.

A Capital & Main investigation found that Colorados fossil fuel industry has made strides to reduce emissions that trap heat and warm the planet. Yet it will fall short of future greenhouse gas reduction goals without additional efforts to curb pollution, according to interviews and public records.

To back up its clean molecule campaign, the industry touted progress on reducing toxic compounds that contribute to ozone pollution  a claim thats difficult to verify, given widespread disagreement on the best metrics to quantify such emissions. The nine-county Denver metropolitan area has repeatedly failed to meet federal air quality standards for ozone pollution, which scientists have said causes health issues.

The states oil and gas trade group relies on its Colorado molecule messaging in part to help deflect attempts by legislators, conservationists and residents to rein in drilling. Energy Citizens, an initiative of the American Petroleum Institute, launched a $1 million TV ad on April 10 that claimed emissions reduction bills in the Legislature posed a choice between foreign energy, or cleaner, Colorado-made oil and natural gas.

Energy companies argue that producing oil and gas in Colorado under a series of first-in-the-nation rules designed to reduce environmental effects ensures that the United States doesnt need to buy fossil fuels from countries with poor environmental practices. The assertion raises questions about which communities must bear the brunt of pollution created by drilling and its extensive use of limited natural resources such as water, environmental justice advocates agree.

What we need is a transformation to a clean energy system  its not enough to make fossil fuel production marginally less polluting.

 Kathy Mulvey, climate accountability campaign director, Union of Concerned Scientists

At the time of the hearing (on the permit ban bill) there were already 70 spills at oil and gas sites in Colorado, said Ean Thomas Tafoya, Colorado state director for GreenLatinos, in an interview.

The cleanest molecule doesnt mean we arent contributing to the ozone problem and there arent spills impacting water and that there arent industrial activities impacting communities, Tafoya said.

Operators are drilling closer to dense suburban neighborhoods, including counties that account for most of the states Latino population, according to the Colorado Latino Climate Justice Policy Handbook produced by Conservation Colorado, an environmental nonprofit. Some 58% of the states oil and gas wells are in counties with high concentrations of Latinos, the handbook said.

The industrys successful use of its clean molecule campaign to combat threats to its longevity comes as scientists warn that the world must stop burning fossil fuels to limit greenhouse gas emissions that cause more extreme floods, heat waves and drought.

Governments plan to produce about 110% more fossil fuels in 2030 than is consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, as specified in the Paris Agreement, according to a November report by the United Nations Environment Programme and others.

In Colorado, regulators have greenlit plans for hundreds of wells since legislators enacted a law in 2019 to change the mission of the states Energy and Carbon Management Commission from promoting production to protecting public health and the environment. The state was the nations fourth-largest oil producer in 2022 and its eighth-biggest gas supplier.

The energy industrys clean molecule messaging in Colorado is part of a decades-long national campaign by the fossil fuel industry to persuade consumers it is doing its part to fight global warming and to divert attention from the need to transition away from oil and gas, scientists say.

Clearly, they are feeling some pressure to be seen as more green. Its a kind of greenwashing, said Kathy Mulvey, climate accountability campaign director at the Union of Concerned Scientists. What we need is a transformation to a clean energy system  its not enough to make fossil fuel production marginally less polluting.

The misinformation campaign became so pervasive that Congress subjected it to a two-year bipartisan investigation that resulted in subpoenas to companies for information and a report that documented the industrys reliance on trade associations to spread confusing and misleading narratives and to lobby against climate action.

The Colorado Oil & Gas Associations clean molecule narrative, spelled out on its web site, said that more than 300 of its member companies use state-of-the-art technology and innovation to decrease emissions, reduce leaks, limit venting and flaring and disturb less land.

A Capital & Main investigation found that several of the claims are true but that there is scant publicly available data to verify others. Colorado is a national leader when it comes to reducing its overall greenhouse gas emissions, as well as methane emissions from oil and gas operations, according to data from state and federal agencies.

The Colorado Oil & Gas Association did not return Capital & Main requests for additional statistics to back up its messaging campaign.

The fossil fuel industry is exceeding its GHG (greenhouse gas) reduction targets compared to other sectors, according to the 2024 Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0. State rules require producers to reduce such emissions by at least 36% by 2025 and 60% by 2030.

Even so, the Energy and Carbon Management Commission, the states oil and gas regulator, said in a February report: Additional future actions will be needed to achieve the 2050 net zero goal. While the industry has reduced pollution from its operations, it hasnt made a dent in the greenhouse gases produced when its products are burned, which are responsible for more than 70% of energy companies carbon footprint, according to the World Economic Forum.

Fossil fuel firms in the state also reduced methane leak rates at their facilities to 13% in 2018 from 28% in 2013 after the state enacted precedent-setting rules requiring the industry to fix leaks and cease venting and flaring natural gas, according to a pilot project conducted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Nationwide data showed that producers in Colorado vented or flared the second-lowest amount of natural gas  of which methane is the main component  of any state in 2022.

Through overflights we definitely see better performance in the Denver Julesburg basin than in the neighboring Permian basin, said Mark Brownstein, senior vice president, energy transition, at the Environmental Defense Fund, a nonprofit that worked with others to develop technology to better measure methane emitted by fossil fuel operations.

The idea that gas exports from the U.S. are the cleanest, or that gas exports from the U.S. are a net positive for the environment or the climate, simply hasnt been demonstrated.

 Mark Brownstein, senior vice president, energy transition, Environmental Defense Fund

Methane traps more heat in the atmosphere and dissipates more quickly than carbon dioxide, leading scientists to develop powerful new devices, such as a series of new satellites, to better detect greenhouse gases as a way to rein them in.

MethaneSAT, a new satellite sponsored in part by the Environmental Defense Fund, will verify methane emissions figures collected by energy companies and the state, Brownstein said. Such figures often understate the actual amount of emissions, he said.

The idea that gas exports from the U.S. are the cleanest, or that gas exports from the U.S. are a net positive for the environment or the climate, simply hasnt been demonstrated, Brownstein said.

Another metric the Colorado oil and gas trade group cited to back up its cleanest molecule argument is the decrease in the number of acres disturbed during construction and reclamation. The amount fell to about 400 acres per oil and gas location in 2024 from about 8,000 in 2011, according to the Energy and Carbon Management Commission. But the acreage cited, which was taken from forms filed with the agency by energy firms, might not all be developed, the commission said in an email.

Its difficult to independently verify whether the industry is using state-of-the-art technology to decrease emissions. State regulators do not require electric drill rigs or track when operators deploy them, although it encourages their use, the agency told Capital & Main.

Some operators are able to do this, but it frequently depends on the availability of highline power, which is not widely available in rural or less-populated areas where drilling is occurring, the commission said.

Also opaque is the industrys claim that Colorado oil and gas companies operate with lower so-called emissions intensity  a measure of how much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are emitted per unit of production  than companies in other oil and gas regions.

The states Air Quality Control Commission has not historically calculated that figure, said Zachary Aedo, a spokesman for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in an email. But the commission recently adopted rules to require operators to meet greenhouse gas intensity requirements and account for carbon emissions, including methane. Separate directives require companies to reduce toxic compounds that contribute to ozone pollution over the next six years.

In the meantime, conservationists say encouraging competition between energy firms to see who can produce hydrocarbons with less environmental pollution is worthwhile in the run-up to tougher federal and state emissions restrictions that are set to take effect in the next few years.

Im more than happy to have the workers of Colorado compete against the workers in Pennsylvania and Texas and New Mexico to see who can produce a product with the least amount of methane emissions possible, Brownstein said. Thats a competition worth having.

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Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa in Ramallah, West Bank, in April. Anadolu (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Palestine and the Arab countries are mobilizing to turn the axis of discussion on the war in Gaza towards Europe in the face of U.S. support for Israel. Washington is the most influential partner in Benjamin Netanyahus government, but it has been much less forceful about the Israeli armys human rights violations in Gaza and in imposing its demands for containment. With that premise, Mohamed Mustafa  the prime minister of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), a technocratic government with which the U.S. and the European Union aspire to convince Israel to allow him take the reins of the post-war Strip  has presented to several European countries a reform plan to lead the reconstruction after a permanent ceasefire, according to a document to which EL PAIS has had access.

The head of the Palestinian government presented the plan on Sunday to the foreign ministers of several EU member states, representatives of the United Nations and the United Kingdom and Norway, in addition to several Arab countries  Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan  at a meeting of donors and at another to promote a forthcoming peace conference. The ultimate goal of the plan, which includes a timeline for each step of the broad reforms needed, is to reunify West Bank and Gaza institutions under a single administration and reopen the Strip to the world; something that clashes head-on with the future outlined by Netanyahu.

Major donors pledged to intensify support for the PNA  currently paralyzed and discredited  and to push for a Gaza peace conference in the near future. Meanwhile, Israel continues its attacks on Rafah, against the demands of international justice. On Sunday night, as Arab and European ministers met in Brussels with EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, an Israeli bombing killed 45 people, 23 of them minors, sheltering in a displaced persons camp. They join the more than 36,000 people killed during the Israeli offensive, and the thousands missing in the rubble of Gaza.

Israels war in Gaza  in response to the Hamas attacks of October 7  is dividing EU partners. Some, such as Austria and the Czech Republic, maintain an almost ironclad support for the Jewish state. Others, such as Spain and Ireland, have been protesting from the outset against violations of international humanitarian law and will recognize Palestine as a state on Tuesday. As the Israeli army advances in the Strip, the tone against Netanyahus government has risen and Spains position is beginning to gain weight.

This hardening of discourse toward Israel and the fact that the EU is one of the biggest donors to the Palestinians is one of the main reasons why Mustafa and his technocratic administration is looking to Europe. The plan he presented in Brussels includes emergency reforms worth $1.311 billion. It received unanimous support and offers of technical and economic support. In addition, they will press Israel to reverse last weeks announcement by ultra-conservative Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding the withholding of taxes it collects on behalf of the PNA and which it is obliged to transfer to it, made in retaliation for the announced recognition of the State of Palestine by Spain, Ireland, and Norway.

The day after the war in Gaza

The idea of the reforms is to turn the PNA into an acceptable alternative to manage the day-to-day life of Gazans, a task that Israel does not want to take on and for which there is a dearth of other volunteers. It is legally entitled to do so, and did so until Hamas forces expelled the PNA from the Strip in 2007, a year after its election victory.

In the plan for the Palestinian state, it has been proposed that the PNA lead the reconstruction in two phases after a permanent ceasefire. The first, an emergency response and the beginning of recovery, will cover the initial 36 months after the cessation of hostilities. This would focus on covering the basic needs of the population and start to provide housing in the Strip, where entire neighborhoods have been wiped off the map and more than six in 10 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, the document explains.

The second phase would last at least a decade and would consist of taking advantage of the reconstruction to transform Gaza so that it is fully integrated politically, socially, and economically into the State of Palestine and, through it, with the rest of the world. This is the exact opposite of what Netanyahus government wants. Israel did not technically cease to occupy Gaza after the withdrawal of its soldiers and settlers in 2005 and it now plans to carry out the actions it deems necessary, including controlling the border with Egypt and maintaining a military buffer zone inside the Strip.

Ensuring full judicial transparency and independence; transforming institutions; eliminating duplicities; contemplating a progressive tax system; updating the legal code... The language of the plan sounds good in Brussels. And it displays awareness of disaffection with the PNA by pointing to the need to gain public trust through an absolute focus on serving citizens.

According to the most recent poll by the Arab Barometer, conducted before the war, 77% of West Bankers do not trust the government and 94% believe there is corruption in the PNA. However, only 10% cite corruption as their main concern  behind the war in Gaza (50%) and the Israeli military occupation (23%)  in an April poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.

As such, the PNA document speaks of improving governance, transparency and accountability, as well as combating corruption at all levels of government, by adopting a policy of zero tolerance. It also talks of promoting partnerships with civil society, the media and the private sector to detect and expose corruption.

Joe Biden has spoked of a revitalized PNA governing Gaza and the West Bank, while Borrell used the terms strong and functional on Sunday. Whatever the words used, the idea is to turn around the sclerotic and discredited PNA so that it can assume civilian control of Gaza after the war. It is quite a challenge for the government that was born of the 1993 Oslo Accords; it only exercises limited sovereignty over a third of the West Bank, which is militarily occupied by Israel.

A 69-year-old economist, Mustafa was sworn in last April at the head of a new government of technocrats with the reconstruction of Gaza among its chief priorities. He was chosen because he appeals to both PNA President Mahmoud Abbas and the West, which is seeking to convince Israel that the PNA should manage Gaza. Mustafa is close to the president, under whom he served as deputy prime minister and head of the Investment Fund. At the same time, he was educated in the U.S., has held important positions in the World Bank and maintains contact with official representatives in Washington.

Experts, though, are skeptical of Mustafas ability to make a difference because Abbas retains broad powers and because he clashes with Israels interests. Only 8% of West Bankers are satisfied with Abbas and 84% want him to resign, according to the April poll.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus police are asking for assistance in identifying two persons of interest in connection to a mass shooting that occurred on the citys north side.

Police are looking for two individuals, one man and one woman, who were captured on an area business security camera after a shooting the killed three occurred near Weiland Park and Italian Village on May 18.

Man run over by Hummer in Olde Towne East

Columbus police are searching for two persons of interest in connection to a mass shooting that occurred on May 18, 2024 in north of Downtown, Columbus.

Police said the six people total were shot at 2:35 a.m. at the intersection of East Fifth Avenue and Summit Street. The three people who died were identified as:

Malachi Pee, 27

Daondre Bullock, 18

Garcia Dixon Jr., 26

Two of the men were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third died at the hospital. The three other victims are expected to survive their injuries, police said.

Police ask anyone with any information on either of the pictured individuals to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio CrimeStoppers at 614-461-8477 (TIPS).

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Badri Wright signs an abortion rights petition in Phoenix as Ruth Lambert, a volunteer for the ballot measure campaign, looks on. Arizona is one of nearly a dozen states that may vote on abortion initiatives in November. (Mark Z. Barabak / Los Angeles Times)

On a recent sunny morning, Riley Heesch stopped outside a coffee shop and signed her name to a petition aimed at putting the abortion issue on Arizona's November ballot.

She was glad to do so.

I am really passionate about abortion access," Heesch said. "It is, especially in Arizona, something that's being threatened and it shouldnt be. It needs to be available to everyone and anyone that needs it.

But her passion fizzled when it came to the presidential race.

The 22-year-old childcare worker, who just graduated from Arizona State University in Tempe, has paid little mind to the contest. And while she definitely won't back Donald Trump, she's not at all certain she'll support Joe Biden, as she did in 2020.

She couldn't say why. "Maybe he's not the best candidate?" Heesch ventured, before tepidly pledging a maybe-vote for the president.

"I will if I have to," she said. "I think.

As Biden battles for a second term, he's counting on reluctant voters like Heesch to eventually come around  and ballot measures like the abortion rights initiative in Arizona to help prod them in his direction.

Ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, and with it a 50-year-old constitutional right to abortion, the issue has played to Democrats' considerable advantage.

It helped the party avoid a widely predicted wipeout in the 2022 midterm elections and has also forced Republicans, including Trump, to contort themselves as they try to satisfy social conservatives without alienating the majority of Americans who believe abortion should be legal in most cases.

Read more: Meet Arizonas most powerful political couple, who are on opposite ends of an abortion ban

Voters in seven states  including such GOP strongholds as Kansas, Kentucky and Montana  have either upheld abortion rights at the ballot box or rejected efforts to restrict access.

The issue has yet to be tested, however, in a presidential election year, when turnout will be significantly higher and any number of issues  the economy, border security, the war in Gaza  will compete for voters' attention.

That doesn't diminish the importance of the abortion issue. "It's just a matter of priorities, given all the other ones that matter," said Republican pollster David Winston.

Nearly a dozen states could have abortion rights initiatives on their ballot in November. (Efforts to place antiabortion measures before voters in Iowa and Pennsylvania fell short.)

Democratic strategists see the issue as vital not just to keeping hold of the White House, but boosting their candidates for Congress and statehouses across the country, in part by engaging voters  in particular Democrats and independents  who might otherwise sit out the election.

"I hear all the arguments about the border and immigration and the economy," said Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, a national abortion rights organization. "But we can motivate voters on this issue and we can motivate young voters who are, frankly, a little disaffected right now and don't feel like they're being listened to."

Most of the abortion measures that have reached the ballot, or might, are in states such as Maryland, New York and South Dakota that are not seriously contested in the presidential race.

In Florida, voters will decide whether to repeal a six-week abortion ban and codify a right to abortion in the state's constitution. But Florida is no longer the political battleground it was, having moved decisively toward Republicans in recent years. It is only marginally competitive in November.

Read more: How suburbanites, Latinos and the ghost of John McCain turned Arizona into a presidential battleground

That leaves two important swing states, Arizona and Nevada, where Democrats hope abortion rights and measures enshrining them into law will help put Biden over the top.

Both were narrowly decided in 2020, but Arizona was the closer of the two; Biden won by fewer than 11,000 votes, a margin of 0.3%.

The state has since become a focal point of the abortion debate, after its Supreme Court upheld an 1864 law imposing a near-total ban. (Bowing to pressure, the Republican-run Legislature passed a measure defaulting to a 15-week limit, with few exceptions. It was swiftly signed into law by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.)

The court's decision "rocked the body politic, said Stan Barnes, a GOP strategist in Phoenix, and gave a big boost to Democrats up and down the ballot  though he expects the sentiment to dissipate by fall.

Chuck Coughlin, an independent pollster in Phoenix, isn't so sure.

The abortion issue "unquestionably helps Democrats" as a "motivational thing to turn people out and hang around [Trump's] neck," said Coughlin, who used to work for Republicans but left the party after Trump's election.

"It's a major tsunami in American political life to take away a right that people have assumed they've had," Coughlin said. "And so the electoral response is, 'Get your government off my body!'"

On the far north side of Phoenix, where scraps of desert are still visible amid the relentless urban sprawl, Ruth Lambert was collecting signatures to put the abortion question before voters.

It was already nearing 80 degrees at 8:30 in the morning and Lambert was seated in the corner of a strip mall, sheltered beneath the partial shade of a palo verde tree.

The 73-year-old retiree moved to Arizona in 2004, just as her daughter was about to give birth. That grandchild is now 20, Lambert said, and "can't wrap her head around" the countrywide rollback of abortion rights.

"It's almost like a foreign concept," said Lambert, who has volunteered for the initiative campaign since September.

She's surprised at how easy it's been gathering support  organizers expect to turn in the most signatures in state history  and struck by the number of Republicans and self-described conservatives who've affixed their names to petitions.

"I really don't like to talk party. It's good policy," Lambert said of the Arizona Abortion Access Act, as the measure is formally known. "It's not necessarily political."

Proponents of an abortion rights initiative expect to turn in the most signatures gathered in Arizona history. The question is whether the measure can survive an anticipated legal challenge. (Mark Z. Barabak / Los Angeles Times)

But, of course, it very much is. The ballot measure engenders strong resistance from abortion opponents and others who feel it goes too far.

The initiative would amend the state constitution to ensure a fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability  or roughly the 24th week of pregnancy  and beyond that if a healthcare professional deemed it necessary to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual.

Opponents say that would amount to abortion on demand and that is why Coughlin, among others, intends to vote against the initiative  provided it makes the ballot.

That is by no means certain.

After Arizona voters passed a 2016 measure raising the minimum wage, Republican lawmakers pushed through legislation making it much tougher to qualify ballot initiatives, imposing a number of nitpicky rules.

If, for instance, a signature on a petition extends into the one below, both can be disqualified. If someone who is registered to vote as "Jonathan" signs their name "John," that, too, can be rejected.

And so on.

Read more: Column: Kari Lake talked smack about John McCain. Now she wants to take it back

Organizers say they have already collected well in excess of the roughly 400,000 signatures needed to make the ballot, with more than a month left before the July 3 deadline. The cutoff to start printing ballots is late August.

That opens up "a seven-week gantlet where every imaginable line on the petition sheets will be challenged," said Stacy Pearson, a Democratic strategist who has run several initiative campaigns. The final arbiter will the same conservative-leaning Supreme Court that upheld the Civil War-era abortion law.

Polling suggests if the initiative makes the ballot, it will likely pass. And it would probably help Biden and boost the rest of the Democratic ticket at least some.

While abortion may not be top of the mind for most voters, the issue could engage those like Heesch, the 22-year-old childcare worker who otherwise has little use for the president.

"In a lot of ways, Democrats are going to be fighting against the couch"  that is the stay-at-home indifference of voters the party is counting on, said pollster Natalie Jackson.

"In a close election, you'd rather be on the side of the vast majority of the population," said Jackson, a Democrat who has extensively researched attitudes on abortion. While it won't be "the top driver" for most, Biden would definitely rather have "the issue at his back."

It could make all the difference.

Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak

Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CONCORD, Calif. (KRON)  The Concord Police Department responded to two separate barricaded subjects on Monday night. People have been detained in both cases.

First incident

CPD responded to an apartment complex on the 1400 block of Detroit Avenue at about 3 p.m. after receiving calls that a man had broken into an apartment and barricaded himself inside.

Neighbors told police that the suspect was armed with multiple knives. He was seen pouring liquid inside the apartment and trying to light the patio on fire with a blowtorch, according to police.

Concord police detain two separate barricaded suspects Monday night

Police learned that the suspect and his friends had been evicted from the apartment by the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office and property management several weeks ago. The unit he broke into was empty at the time.

The suspect was bitten by a K-9 Unit and arrested at 8:45 p.m. He was identified as 35-year-old Ahmad Davis.

Second Incident

Police responded to a home on Rosebrook Court just off Cowell Avenue at about 6:10 p.m. for the report of a man barricaded inside a home. The man barged into his neighbors home while armed with a gun, police said.

A mother and three daughters were inside, and police said the man threatened the family and displayed erratic behavior.

The family was able to escape the home and call police. Officers heard three gunshots after arriving, prompting them to call for a shelter-in-place in the area and evacuate neighbors.

The armed man exited the home and complied with police. He was identified as Christian Stuart, 47, and was detained at 8:22 p.m.

Police are investigating to see why the man created this disturbance.

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 KRON4.
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)  U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) toured the American Merchant factory in Bristol, Virginia Tuesday morning.

The factory produces bath towels and employs 53 people.

Its good to see American products being made in the United States of America, Griffith said. A lot of times, people go to the store and theyre just looking at price. Theyre not looking at the fact that maybe their neighbor down the street helps to make these towels, and maybe they should be looking for that Made in America logo.

American Merchant employees work four 10-hour shifts during the week before taking a three-day weekend. Plant manager David Ortega said business has increased, leading the company to add an additional shift.

Weve seen our business increase over the last year pretty good, Ortega said. And we have started up a weekend waiving shift.

Ortega told News Channel 11 that American Merchant only uses 100% American cotton to make towels and does not outsource any part of its production.

Griffith applauded having an employer like American Merchant in Southwest Virginia.

It helps us as a community to have jobs like this and facilities like this, Griffith said. Theyre buying products of all different types, not just the yarns that go into making the towels, but the chemicals and other products that are necessary. And theyre buying them, all right. As close as they can get them. Its cheaper.

Griffith said the factory has been able to hire more workers after weathering the COVID-19 pandemic and hopes American Merchant will be able to look toward a third shift down the line.

Anyone hoping to apply for a position at American Merchant can do so 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Photo illustration by Getty Images.

As a maternal-fetal medicine physician, I work to ensure the health and well-being of expectant mothers and their unborn children. I see firsthand how comprehensive reproductive health care, including contraception, is essential for the well-being of families and communities.

By recognizing contraception as a right, women gain greater autonomy to shape their lives in alignment with their personal, medical and socio-economic circumstances. This, in turn, contributes to healthier families and communities, as women and their partners can plan pregnancies that suit their unique situations, fostering stability and prosperity.

Contraception also plays a role in treating various health conditions. For many women, contraception is a tool for managing endometritis, alleviating symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and mitigating the risk of gynecologic cancers. Moreover, by promoting safe-sex practices and providing access to contraceptives, we can reduce sexually transmitted infections, reinforcing the broader health benefits of contraception.

Contraception reduces the strain on healthcare systems by preventing unwanted pregnancies and by mitigating health risks associated with high-risk pregnancies. In places where abortion bans have led to the closure of clinics and a shortage of healthcare professionals, the repercussions are severe, further emphasizing the importance of comprehensive reproductive care that includes contraception.

Sadly, in the wake of the Dobbs decision, we have seen the groundwork being laid to challenge not just abortion access but contraception as well. Two years ago, 195 Congressional Republicans voted against the Right to Contraception Act, which would have codified this essential healthcare in federal law. It only passed the House thanks to the support of all 220 Democrats then in the majority. Senate Republicans then proceeded to block all action on the measure in the Senate in 2022 and again last year.

There can be no confusion about what these Republican politicians did: They simply dont want you to have any contraception, including condoms, IUDs, and the pill. Meanwhile, Republican state lawmakers across the country have started introducing legislation to ban common forms of birth control, including IUDs. And some states have enacted laws allowing health care providers to refuse to provide or cover contraception.

As if that werent bad enough, in his concurring opinion of Dobbs, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas voiced support for overturning the constitutional right to contraceptiona right established in Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965.

The Right to Contraception Act is our stand against these threats. It leaves the choice of contraceptives to a woman and her doctor. Americans, especially Montanans, believe in individual liberty. We need to protect it.

Our exam rooms are sacred spacesa sanctuary where patients confide in us, seek guidance, and make deeply personal decisions. Politicians have no place in these intimate conversations. The Right to Contraception Act draws a clear boundary, ensuring that healthcare providers can offer contraception and other evidence-based information and care without fear of political interference. When patients trust us with their reproductive health, we owe it to them to protect that trust.

As healthcare providers, we have an ethical responsibility to advocate for accessible contraception. This is part of comprehensive healthcare that ensures patients rights and well-being. The Right to Contraception Act reflects the medical communitys commitment to safeguarding reproductive health and rights.

Members of Congress are again considering the Right to Contraception Act. Its supported by more than 80 percent of the electorate, including Democrats (94%), Independents (76%), and Republicans (68%), and resonates equally with various genders, ages, and racial groups.

I support this landmark legislation. Its time for our elected leaders to listen to their constituents and protect the right to contraception, not just for individual women but for the benefit of families and communities.

Dr. Timothy Mitchell is a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Missoula who provides care to women with high-risk pregnancies.

The post The Right to Contraception Act stops politicians from invading our exam rooms appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Convicts to serve in separate units of Ukrainian forces, justice minister says

Convicts released under a new law will serve in separate units of the Ukrainian military, Justice Minister Denys Maliuska said on national television on May 27.

Ukraine's parliament passed a bill on May 8 permitting those convicted under certain charges to serve in the Armed Forces, paving the way for the voluntary mobilization of prisoners. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the bill into law on May 17.

Maliuska said earlier in May that Ukraine could fill its ranks with as many as 20,000 convicts in a move that would also help ease overcrowding in Ukrainian prisons.

Units with former prisoners will be established for assault operations and not involve other military personnel, Maliuska said.

Read also: Justice Minister: Nearly 350 prisoners have been released to join army after new conscription law

The minister added that the Ukrainian command could mix former prisoners with other military units in the future, considering their performance on the battlefield.

At least 613 prisoners had been released thanks to the new conscription law as of May 27, according to Maliuska. The newcomers are currently undergoing training that will last "at least a couple of months," the minister said.

The judiciary has received 4,300 applications so far and is already considering most of them, according to the Justice Ministry.

Those released will reportedly be supervised by the military units they enlist in and cannot leave their units without their commanders' permission.

Under the new rules, the list of convicted citizens who were allowed to be drafted does not include those convicted of premeditated murder, sexual violence, drug trafficking and production, or crimes against national security.

Based on suggestions of the anti-corruption parliamentary committee, the measure will also exclude lawmakers and top officials imprisoned for corruption.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  With triple digit temperatures approaching and the National Weather Service issuing an excessive heat warning, city officials opened some cooling centers in Austin on Memorial Day when public buildings are typically closed.

COOLING CENTERS: See a list of extended hours cooling centers in Austin

I wanted to go to the library, the central one, but its closed, said Hadrien C., who came to the Little Walnut Creek library instead. And this is like open, which is perfect.

KXAN visited the Little Walnut Creek Library on Memorial Day and saw Hadrien typing on his laptop. The cooling center offered free snacks, water, and an air-conditioned room with a movie playing on a screen.

Hadrien C. works on his laptop inside the Little Walnut Creek librarys cooling center on Memorial Day (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant)

It feels really hot outside, he said. I think its really cool. The library system here is really niceI like to come here, even on Memorial Day.

Just to get out of the heat and be in the AC for a bit? KXAN asked.

Free snacks and water available at the cooling center (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant)

Exactly. Exactly, said Hadrien. And this is, you know, going to boost my productivity today.

Austin Parks and Recreation facilities and public libraries can be used as cooling centers during regular business hours. On the Memorial Day holiday, a small list of libraries were identified available this weekend to put together staffing along with a handful of PAR facilities, according to David Wiechmann with Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

We will continue to look at what facilities are availableto see if theres any more that might be available to serve as those extended hours in the future if we need it, said Wiechmann.

Heat-related incidents

KXAN investigators found there were 43 heat-related incidents over the holiday weekend. Thirty-one of those calls came on Friday and Saturday. By lunchtime on Memorial Day, there were seven.

Friday May 24: 14

Saturday May 25: 17

Sunday May 26: 5

Memorial Day: 7 (as of 1 p.m.)

Most of them are heat exhaustion from exertion, said Capt. Christa Stedman with Austin-Travis County EMS, so people hiking or working or working out.

The numbers could go up when the data is finalized Tuesday.

Free transportation

CapMetro is offering free rides to anyone traveling to a cooling center who cant pay the fare when theres a heat advisory saying, in an advisory: Nothing is more important than your safety.

KXANs Matt Grant spoke with Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management Public Information Officer Senior Specialist David Wiechmann about cooling centers opened on Memorial Day

The following locations operated under extended hours until 8 p.m. over the holiday weekend and will return to normal hours Tuesday:

Little Walnut Creek Branch Library (Memorial Day only)

Terrazas Branch Library (Memorial Day only)

Ruiz Branch Library (Memorial Day only)

Gus Garcia Recreation Center

Turner-Roberts Recreation Center

Givens Recreation Center

Montopolis Recreation Center

Dove Springs Recreation Center

Ditmar Recreation Center

We want people to take advantage of it to take that temporary reprieveto step in and cool off. We dont want people to get overheated, said Wiechamnn. We know from data from Austin Public Health that when the first 100 degree heat index day happens in Austin that thats when we start to see a spike in heat-related hospital visits.

Wiechmann said its important to be heat aware. He recommends wearing sunscreen, loose-fitting light-colored clothing, staying hydrated and taking shade breaks as often as possible when outdoors.

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 KXAN Austin.
County says election interference defendants request for voting info would take thousands of hours

Attorneys for one of the election interference racketeering case defendants are complaining Fulton County is dragging its feet giving them access to the 2020 presidential election data.

But Fulton County says that such big a job it could take decades to comply.

Harrison Floyd once headed up Black Voices for Trump. Now hes under indictment in this massive election interference racketeering case.

READ: Greene blasts Dems saying they weaponized legal system as closing arguments made in Trump NY trial

He still insists former President Donald Trump won in Georgia, so he wants to recount the vote in Fulton County.

Channel 2s Richard Elliot spoke exclusively with Floyds attorney Tuesday as he and Floyd stepped out of the Fulton County courthouse.

Despite multiple investigations showing otherwise, they still insist that Fulton County failed to count the vote in the 2020 presidential election properly.

The case is really all about whether Fulton County properly administered the election. They did not, Chris Kachouroff said.

Floyd is accused, alongside co-defendant Trevian Kutti, who made a Zoom appearance in court Tuesday, of trying to pressure former Fulton County elections worker Ruby Freeman in a meeting to lie about voter fraud.

RELATED STORIES:

She refused and was later totally cleared by the state elections board.

Inside the courtroom, Fulton Countys attorney Chad Alexis argued that Floyds data request is so broad, it could take thousands of hours and cost more than $1 million.

He argued that Floyd didnt have the election data before allegedly committing the crime, so it shouldnt be a defense.

If theyre saying that this information was the basis, reason, or cause for the statement, that cannot be because they did not have this information, Alexis said.

READ: Former employee says Fulton County DAs office misused federal funds in Trump investigation

But Floyds attorney believes the county is fighting back because they dont want that data released.

They know darn well they didnt do all these things, and its going to come out in the light, and theyre just trying to delay as much as possible, Kachouroff said.

Multiple local, state, and federal investigations showed no voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

RELATED NEWS:




With the utmost solemnity, on the steps of La Moncloa, the seat of government, alone and without taking questions, Pedro Sanchez on Tuesday confirmed the biggest leap in Spanish foreign policy since he came to power in 2018. After more than 70 years of conflict, Spain recognized the Palestinian state simultaneously with Ireland and Norway, and will thus expand the list of countries around the world that have taken the step to 145. The Spanish prime minister announced that Spain will not recognize  unless agreed between the parties  any borders other than those of 1967, when Israel gradually began to occupy larger and larger areas of Palestine after the Six-Day War. Since then, Israel has been carving up Palestinian land through areas controlled by settlers that are reducing the living space of the inhabitants of the occupied territories.

Sanchez made clear the formula proposed by Spain in its recognition: A viable state with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor and unified under the government of the Palestinian Authority. One of the consequences of Israels occupation has been that the Palestinian territory has been split in two with no communication between Gaza and the West Bank. In the face of criticism from Israel and the political opposition in Spain, who have accused him of siding with Hamas, Sanchez was categorical: recognizing Palestine goes against the designs of Hamas, which opposes the two-state solution, and to which the international community is committed. It is not a decision we take against anyone, certainly not against Israel, a friendly people whom we respect and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship. We want to show our categorical rejection of Hamas. Spain condemned from the very first moment the attacks of October 7. The Palestinian Authority is our partner for peace, the Spanish prime minister said.

This is a historic decision. We are acting in accordance with what is expected of a great country like Spain. It is not only a question of historical justice, it is the only way of moving toward what everyone recognizes as the only possible solution to achieve a peaceful future, one of a Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in security and peace, Sanchez added. Following his statement, the prime minister presided over the Cabinet that ratified the decision. When Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares officially communicated the recognition of Palestine as a subject of international law, there was a long applause from all the ministers.

Yolanda Diaz, second deputy prime minister and leader of the leftist Sumar alliance that forms part of Sanchezs coalition government, gave an interview on state broadcaster TVE shortly afterward to lay out the position of her party and to highlight that although the decision was taken by the coalition government, foreign policy is directed by the prime minister. It is a historic day; this is the road to peace. But with what we are seeing in Palestine, it is not enough, Diaz said. We have to call the ambassador for consultations, we have to join South Africa in an arms embargo of Israel. This is genocide. We are facing an extreme right-wing government, that of [Benjamin] Netanyahu, which violates human rights, which impugns all the institutions of the world, including the United Nations. Something must be done. We must act against Netanyahu, she added.

Minutes after Sanchezs announcement, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused the Spanish prime minister of being complicit in incitement to genocide against the Jewish people and in war crimes for recognizing Palestine and for not removing Diaz, who Katz earlier said had issued an antisemitic call to not just recognize a Palestinian state but to liberate Palestine from the river to the sea.

Albares described Katzs statements as provocations and despicable hoaxes and said that Spain, Ireland, and Norway will provide a firm and coordinated response to what the minister said was an effort to divert attention from the recognition of Palestine and focus it on diplomatic tension. My Israeli colleague seeks that today instead of talking about what we should be talking about, the existence of a Palestinian state, we were talking about tweets and provocations. We will respond when we decide and not when others decide, insisted Albares.

A question of time

While France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have not yet given any indication they may follow the lead of Spain, Ireland and Norway, other European countries such as Slovenia have already announced they will also take the step of recognizing Palestine, and the Spanish government believes it is only a matter of time before others do the same as Israels indiscriminate bombardments on Gaza, which have already caused more than 35,000 deaths, half of them children, are increasingly isolating the Netanyahu administration. For the first time since the war broke out, EU foreign ministers have decided to summon their Israeli counterpart to discuss the situation in Gaza. This was a request from Spain and Ireland, which is now making headway.

The devastating images coming from Rafah of Israeli attacks on defenseless refugees in tents, which prompted even Netanyahu to state that something unfortunately went tragically wrong, places Spain on the right side of history, said Sanchez, reiterating a phrase he often uses to defend the recognition of the Palestinian state.

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Court filing: Investigation into in-custody death of Alexandria woman could be done in June

The mother of Rose Marie Taylor (pictured here) has filed a federal lawsuit accusing three Alexandria Police Department officers of being responsible for her death. Taylor died on May 30, 2022, after being found unresponsive in her jail cell 11 days before.

A Louisiana State Police investigation into the in-custody death of an Alexandria woman should be ready to turn over to the Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office sometime in June, according to a filing in a federal lawsuit filed by the woman's mother.

Rose Marie Taylor's death on May 30, 2022, was ruled a homicide by a forensic pathologist. She was arrested on May 17 and was found unresponsive in her cell two days later. She was taken to Rapides Regional Medical Center, where she remained until her death.

Her mother, Rosa Taylor, filed a federal lawsuit last year against the city of Alexandria, Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood and the two Alexandria officers who arrested her, Brian Frost and Matthew Frost.

Another officer who was involved, Alexander Helminger, also was named as a defendant.

The lawsuit blames both Frosts for Taylor's death, stating the injuries she sustained during the arrest were responsible for her death. The autopsy report, prepared by Dr. Christopher Tape, ruled her manner of death was caused by complications from blunt force injuries "with contributions of hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and obesity," it reads.

Hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a condition that can develop over years and can restrict blood flow to the heart and other organs, as well as damage artery walls.

Tape ruled Taylor's manner of death to be homicide.

In documents filed earlier in May with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, all parties agreed to a stay in the case until the Louisiana State Police criminal investigation is done.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph H.L. Perez-Montes directed all the defendants to file compliance notices with the court to communicate their positions on the stay and to update him on the status of the criminal investigation.

Attorney Misty Antoon, representing the city and the three officers, included a May 15 letter from Louisiana State Police in her response, which stated there had been "unforeseen delays" with the investigation.

"We do anticipate completion in the month of June," reads the letter. "This timeline is dictated by the ability of our investigators to locate some involved individuals for interview."

Antoon wrote that her clients had been interviewed "some time ago," so she didn't know who might still need to be interviewed. She suggested the stay should be in place until at least July to give the DA's office time to review the investigative report.

Rose Marie Taylor death: Mother files federal lawsuit alleging daughter's 2022 death caused by Alexandria officers

First, a lawsuit. Now, an investigation: Louisiana State Police investigating May 2022 in-custody death of Alexandria woman

Taylor, 39, had been arrested outside a MacArthur Drive hotel while visiting her girlfriend, a hotel guest, and Taylor was sitting in the driver's seat of a GMC Yukon while the girlfriend was standing beside it, reads the lawsuit.

Both Frosts pulled into the parking lot in separate police cars and blocked her in, it reads. Matthew Frost allegedly misidentified her as a man and asked for identification, which Taylor didn't have. Both men ended up removing Taylor from the vehicle and handcuffing her.

Taylor told them they were hurting her wrist, and she was shoved chest first onto the hood of a patrol car twice, states the lawsuit. Drugs allegedly were found on her, but the lawsuit contends she wasn't given a reason for her arrest.

The lawyer representing Taylor's mother, Jermaine Harris, has said body camera video of the arrest does exist.

The lawsuit also contends that she was denied medical care and that Matthew Frost and Helminger told medical personnel at Rapides Regional Medical Center that Taylor refused treatment when she actually wanted to be seen because she thought her left wrist and hand could be broken.

"Defendant Helminger signed a written refusal of medical care on behalf of RM Taylor without her consent and Defendant ... Frost signed the document as a witness," reads the lawsuit.

After they left the hospital, Taylor allegedly kept telling Helminger she wanted an X-ray, but the officer didn't respond and turned up some music instead. She also told jail staff that she wanted treatment and that the two officers had refused it for her even though she wanted it, reads the lawsuit.

Two days later, Taylor was found unresponsive in her cell. Deputies administered Narcan because they thought she overdosed on something. While waiting for Acadian Ambulance to arrive, Taylor had a seizure that lasted up to 10 minutes, it reads.

Before she arrived at Rapides, she went into cardiac arrest and had no pulse. At Rapides, she was placed on a ventilator. Her mother signed a do-not-resuscitate order, and Taylor died on May 30.

Narcotics were found in her system, according to the lawsuit. An exam also found brain and acute kidney injuries, it reads.

A jury trial currently is set for Aug. 19, but it's not immediately known if the stay will change that.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: State Police: Probe into Rose Taylor death could be done in June
Court sets bail for ex-deputy head of Presidential Office Smyrnov at almost $250,000

Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court set the bail for Andrii Smyrnov, the former deputy head of the Presidential Office at Hr 10 million ($247,000), the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) said on May 28.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said the former deputy head had been charged on May 22 with illicitly enriching himself by Hr 15.7 million ($388,000) while in his former position, but did not name the suspect. Later in the day Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing sources, that it was Smyrnov.

Beyond the bail, the defendant will be unable to leave Kyiv and is required to regularly report on his whereabouts to the court and other relevant authorities.

Smyrnov held the position of deputy head from September 2019 until March 2024, when President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed him without naming a reason.

According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), the suspect acquired assets worth more than Hr 17 million ($426,000) between 2020-2022, although he officially reported his salary and savings for the time period as Hr 1.3 million ($32,500).

Smyrnov reportedly purchased two luxury cars, two motorcycles, several parking spaces, an apartment in Lviv, and plot of land in Zakarpattia Oblast.

In an apparent effort to obfuscate his ownership of the assets, NABU said that he transferred the majority of the property assets to his brother, but secretly retained access.

Read also: Law enforcement agencies search State Judicial Administration premises

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Court upholds 10-year conviction of former NYC cop who claimed DC jury was too biased at Jan 6 trial

A retired New York police officer has had his conviction for rioting on January 6 upheld by a federal appeals court in Washington DC after he claimed that the jury in his trial was biased against him.

Thomas Webster was found guilty on six charges by a jury in the district in May 2022. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for what prosecutors described as confronting and assaulting a Metropolitan police officer with a flagpole.

But a three-judge panel for the US Court of Appeals, DC Circuit ruled on Tuesday that his conviction on five felony counts and one misdemeanor was sound.

Webster argued that the jury was biased because most residents of DC voted for President Joe Biden in 2020, many are connected to the government and had preconceived notions about him due to the limited media attention he received.

But the court rejected his argument.

Retired New York Police Department officer Thomas Webster (AP)

Nothing in the record suggests that the Districts jury pool had any preconceived notions about Webster or his guilt or innocence, or even knew who he was. The record lacks any evidence of pervasive (or much of any) media coverage aimed at Webster and his conduct, the ruling from the appeals court said.

The federal appeals court insisted that Webster received a fair jury selection process during his trial, noting that two jurors who claimed some bias toward President Biden and the federal government were struck from the panel.

Webster argued that the high-profile nature of January 6 would have given jurors preconceived notions about the events but the court rejected that claim.

We expect jurors to view significant criminal events in their hometown with an unapproving eye, whether it is the January 6th attack on the Capitol, a murder, or an armed robbery spree, the court stated.

During his trial, Webster argued that his actions toward a police officer on January 6 were in self-defense  however, the jury was unconvinced.

Prosecutors said Webster, planned to attend Donald Trumps Stop the Steal rally near the White House that day and came prepared with a bulletproof vest and carrying a Marine Corps flag.

When a mob of Mr Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol, Webster joined and confronted Noah Rathbun, a Metropolitan Police Department officer near a bike rack separating the mob from the Capitol.

This still frame from Metropolitan Police Department body worn camera video shows Thomas Webster, in red jacket, at a barricade line at on the west front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, (AP)

Webster wielded his flag pole at Officer Rathbun in a chopping motion.

Then when the mob broke through the police line, Webster charged at Officer Rathbun, tackled him to the ground and pushed his gas mask into his office.

Websters sentencing was one of the longest of any convicted January rioter.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and the first lady Abby Cox call on Utahns to consider foster care amid biggest shortage of licensed families in decades on May 28, 2024. (Screenshot of livestream)

It has been decades since Utah had a similar crisis; the number of foster parents is at an all time low, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said on Tuesday. Now, he and the first lady Abby Cox are calling on Utahns to consider opening up their doors for foster children

There are 1,756 children needing foster care in Utah, Nikki MacKay, CEO of Utah Foster Care said. But, only 822 families are licensed to foster them. This is the lowest number the state has experienced in 25 years.

Cox is following in the steps of former Gov. Mike Leavitt, he said, who responded to that crisis by calling a news conference and sending letters to faith leaders to share the message with their congregation.

We live in the most generous state in the nation. We live in the most religious state in the nation. Whether youre religious or not, we live in a state that cares about giving back and taking care of our neighbors, Cox said.

He hopes that with the help of the communities, Utah can reverse a trend ubiquitous in the nation.

We truly believe that Utah can become the first state where there are families waiting for kids, instead of kids waiting for families, Cox said, highlighting that while it may be one of the toughest jobs, its rewarding.

Abby Cox added that while fostering may not be for everyone, a foster parent can come from any background; they could be single or married, homeowners or renters, LGBTQ, religious or non-religious, families with or without children, or empty nesters.

I think it would shock so many of you to know that there are children without families in this state, in Utah, she said. And thats our call today.

Children older than 9 years old and those in sibling groups experience the biggest need for foster care in the state, she said.

The majority of the kids have siblings, 1 in 3 are teenagers, 1 in 4 are Latinos, and 1 in 3 identify as LGBTQ, MacKay said. Many of them are hoping to return home to their family, whereas others wait to be adopted.

When theres a shortage of families to care for them, the kids end up staying in dormitories. In other states, children have stayed in hotels or at their caseworkers offices.

Let us know what you think...

We do not want to see that here in Utah. Outcomes are better for children when they have options to best fit their individual needs. And we know that children do better when theyre with families, MacKay said. The kids in Utah need you and we need you.

During the news conference, advocates, faith leaders, foster parents and former foster kids spoke about the challenges and joys of the experience. Natalie Clark was one of them.

Clark spent some essential years between foster homes. She learned to clean a house, wash her laundry the right way, and to condition her hair halfway down and not from the scalp from families that took her into their homes, she said.

There are impacts on each side of the equation, she said. She had a space to grow and learn. Her families got a stellar big sister, and an active participant at all games at the park.

Her community showed up when she needed it the most and now shes an advocate for other kids in the foster care system.

It doesnt necessarily mean forever and I think thats the beauty of it. If even just for a season, the learning, the bond, the trust can be unbreakable, unforgettable and irreplaceable, Clark said. Its not forever, but foster care to me is my forever village. My forever people and my lifelong cheerleaders.

More information about foster care is at Utahfostercare.org.

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The post Cox calls on Utahns to consider foster care amid biggest shortage of licensed families in decades appeared first on Utah News Dispatch.
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  A Crestview man was arrested Monday night on multiple charges related to child pornography, according to his Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office arrest report.

Okaloosa County deputies searching for missing woman

The OCSO arrested 41-year-old Jordan Jamison Fisher around 8:13 p.m. after receiving a tip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children, according to the report.

Deputies searched Fishers home in February, where they seized an Apple MacBook laptop.

According to the arrest report, the Department of Homeland Security found at least seven child pornography files on the laptop.

DJ shot four times at party: Escambia County Sheriffs Office

Fisher is charged with four counts of possession of obscene material of a child.

Fisher has not received a bond.

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.
Crime victims may get fewer services as federal aid drops. States weigh how to help.

An attendee looks at a series of banners for the 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. (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.

But in fiscal year 2023, Congress lowered it to $1.9 billion, according to data from the U.S. Department of Justice.

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 percent. 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 percent, of the groups budget, according to Cheryl Marcell, the organizations 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 attorneys 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. Its 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 percent 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 percent 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 countrys 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 percent decrease from 2023 and a 77 percent 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.

Its the places that already dont 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 percent to 30 percent, according to the attorney generals office.

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 theyre going through, said Lott, a Democrat. This loss of funding, Im 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.

This story was originally published by Stateline, which like the New Hampshire Bulletin is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

The post Crime victims may get fewer services as federal aid drops. States weigh how to help. appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
CTA could provide up to 250 buses for use during the DNC. Will that leave enough for regular bus service?

The CTA has committed to providing as many as 250 buses for use during the Democratic National Convention this summer, even though the agency has faced staff shortages that led to service cuts in recent years.

The head of the union that represents bus drivers says he anticipates having enough staffing for both the DNC and regular scheduled bus service. But designating buses for the convention has some advocates concerned.

Pulling CTA operators from their regular routes to a specified task that doesnt serve all of Chicago is of tremendous concern, said Kyle Lucas, with the transportation advocacy group Better Streets Chicago. And what will service look like for everyday people during that time?

Transportation is just one of the ways the city is likely to feel the effects of the four-day convention, which is expected to bring a slew of politicians, visitors and protesters in August. Though many details about plans for the convention have yet to be publicized, officials have already begun telling residents and downtown businesses to brace for the effects of heightened security around McCormick Place and the United Center, key convention sites.

The CTA has agreed to provide the buses, maintenance staff, drivers and other employees needed to transport convention participants as part of a secured transit system, according to a copy of an ordinance approved by the Transit Board. In return, the DNC host committee will pay the CTA $4.24 million if all 250 buses are used.

The designated buses would make up about 13% of the CTAs roughly 1,900 total buses. And that proportion could be significant, advocates said.

I think if its over 10% (of the fleet) theres a potential that it could put pressure on the ability to deliver regular service, said Audrey Wennink, transportation director for the Metropolitan Planning Council.

Already, the CTA has struggled to provide frequent and reliable service as it grapples with a shortage of operators to run buses and trains. By one measurement of service levels, CTA buses were scheduled to drive more than 3.9 million miles in March, down from 4.3 million in March 2020, federal transit data shows.

The CTA has added some 400 bus operators to its staff over the past year and recently added service on some routes. Still, in April the agency was about 120 bus drivers short of 2019 staffing levels, according to CTA data.

The CTA did not answer questions about whether it would have enough staffing and buses to provide both DNC and regular service or how it planned to do so. In a statement, the agency said only that it has committed to providing buses, planning was still underway, and CTA has a long history of successfully providing supplemental service during special events.

Keith Hill, president of the union that represents bus drivers, said he expected to be able to meet the CTAs service plan during the convention. Every CTA garage has a pool of fill-in drivers, known as extra board, who can cover summer events, any reroutes, the DNC and regular service, he said.

The CTA is not planning to pull 250 bus drivers from regular service for the entire four days of the convention, he said, adding its too early to determine whether the agency will rely on overtime to meet staffing needs.

But in discussions with the CTA, the union said it had an obligation to provide service to the city regardless of the DNC, Hill said.

The CTA also provided buses during the 1996 DNC. That year, the agency caused a stir by pulling up to 100 of its newest, air-conditioned buses from regular service to shuttle credentialed guests between downtown hotels and the United Center during the evening rush, according to Tribune reporting.

This year, extra drivers could help cover the needs of the DNC, and other transportation options could also keep the buses running smoothly, Wennink said. For example, temporary dedicated bus lanes to the United Center could ensure attendees have a smooth experience getting around town.

If were providing all these buses, youd better make sure they can operate efficiently and not be stuck in traffic, she said.

Improvements like temporary bus lanes are also a chance to show what the future of transportation in the city could be, Lucas said.

That would have been a wonderful opportunity for us to demonstrate how we can move more people quickly and efficiently and to places of high traffic volume, he said.

The citys Transportation Department said it was working with the CTA, and local and federal law enforcement, including the Secret Service, on route options for United Center shuttles. More information, including about traffic and parking impacts, will be made public once the security perimeter for the DNC is finalized, the department said.

But some CTA riders will likely see one benefit before the DNC. The long-awaited Damen Green Line station, a little less than half a mile from the United Center, is set to open in July, the Transportation Department said.

The station, which will fill a 1.5-mile gap between stations on the train line, was initially expected to open in 2020. Construction was pushed back several times, and was recently targeted to be finished in the first quarter of this year.

Now, if all goes according to plan, it will be open in time for the DNC.
Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, sits in his seat during a panel discussion at a science conference. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

The Czech government has reacted favourably to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's call for Ukraine to be allowed to use Western weapons to strike inside Russian territory.

"As a country under attack, Ukraine certainly has every right to use all means of defence," Prime Minister Petr Fiala said in Prague on Tuesday, describing the position as "simply logical."

Attacks on military targets in Russia by Ukraine are covered by international law as part of its defence, experts on the laws of war generally agree.

But some Western countries that support Ukraine, like Germany, are reluctant. These capitals fear that allowing Kiev to use the advanced weapons supplied by them to attack Russian territory will be interpreted by Moscow as their becoming a direct party to the war.

Further military support for Ukraine is the topic of a working dinner in Prague on Tuesday evening, to which Fiala had invited representatives of several NATO partner states as well as Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Polish President Andrzej Duda, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte were among those expected to attend.

Fiala said Ukraine was facing a perilous moment as Russian forces launch attacks across the Ukrainian border north of Kharkiv, potentially looking to open a new front in the war.

Fiala said the talks in Prague will focus on removing any remaining obstacles to Western arms deliveries and coordinating them better.

The Czech Republic is leading an initiative to procure 800,000 artillery shells for Ukraine from countries outside the European Union.
Illegal immigration is one of the issues that most concerns Americans. It has also become the flagship of Donald Trumps campaign to return to the White House. The former president successfully used immigration as the centerpiece of his campaign in 2016, but after the record border crossings registered during Joe Bidens tenure, he has doubled down on his bet. While Trump maintains his xenophobic and authoritarian rhetoric, Senate Republicans last week rejected a bill to reinforce the border for the second time. Less than six months before the presidential election, they prefer to ride on the back of the problem than to put forward means to solve it.

In February, the Democrats reached an agreement with a section of Republican senators to bring forward a package of some $20 billion to tackle illegal immigration. At the time it was tied to aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan and, in fact, the border package had been a Republican demand. However, before it was voted on, Trump moved to have it boycotted. Although Democrats have control of the Senate, a strengthened majority is needed in a procedural vote to approve the vast majority of legislation. Without Republican votes, the bill was shelved.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer decided to push back last week, not so much because he was hopeful of a change of heart from Republicans, but because of how Republicans would be portrayed in view of their reticence. We gave Republicans a second chance to show where they stand, Schumer said after the failed vote. Do they want to fix this so-called emergency, or do they want to show blind allegiance to the former president, even when they know hes wrong?

In last Thursdays vote, a majority of Senate Democrats again supported a procedural vote to begin debate on the bipartisan border security bill but the Republican bloc  with the exception of Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski  voted against it. Were nearing the end of President Bidens term. And the American peoples patience for his failure to secure our southern border is running thin, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday.

The president responded via a statement: 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, Biden said. By blocking the bipartisan border agreement, Republicans in Congress said no to legislation that would hire more Border Patrol Agents, add more immigration judges and asylum officers to process cases in months and not years. They said no to new technology to detect and stop fentanyl from entering the United States, and no to resources to go after drug traffickers. They rejected an agreement that would give me, as President, a new emergency authority to temporarily shut down the border when the system is overwhelmed, he added.

The bill would have allocated more than $20 billion to staff and equip immigration and border services. It included funds for border patrols, asylum officers, immigration judges, and reception facilities. In addition, it introduced a legal amendment that would have allowed Biden to authorize hot returns  suspending asylum rules when certain thresholds in inflows are exceeded. The legislation allows immigrants to apply for asylum regardless of how they arrive, and they arrive in such numbers that they overwhelm the capacity of an underfunded immigration system. This effectively allows immigrants to settle while their cases are delayed for years. The law would have triggered the immediate repatriation of migrants when the daily average of 4,000 illegal crossings for a week was exceeded.

The Biden administration has introduced some changes to the asylum system to speed up the processing and possible removal of migrants. In addition, it is analyzing the possibility of approving a decree including measures to make the passage of immigrants more difficult, or to facilitate their expulsion. Among the measures being considering is invoking powers under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which gives the president broad leeway to block certain immigrants if their entry is considered detrimental to national interest.

Trump repeatedly resorted to that rule during his presidency, including to impose his controversial ban on the entry of travelers from Muslim-majority countries, which Biden repealed immediately after taking office. The Biden administration is analyzing whether that provision can be enforced above a certain number of illegal crossings, in line with the provision that was included in the proposed law. But if the law is not changed, any decree against border crossings can be challenged in court.

The former president promises much tougher measures at his campaign rallies and in interviews he has given. He refers to immigrants as criminals and terrorists and has promised mass deportations, even using the military if necessary. In a recent interview with Time magazine, when asked if he would be willing to bypass the law that prohibits using the military against civilians, he replied: Well, these arent civilians. These are people that arent legally in our country. This is an invasion of our country. An invasion like probably no country has ever seen before. Theyre coming in by the millions. I believe we have 15 million now. And I think youll have 20 million by the time this ends. At some of his rallies, Trump has even gone so far as to say that undocumented immigrants cant be called people.

When asked again if he saw himself using the military to carry out mass deportations, he replied: I can see myself using the National Guard and, if necessary, Id have to go a step further. We have to do whatever we have to do to stop the problem we have [...] you have to do what you have to do to stop crime and to stop whats taking place at the border. In that same interview he refused to rule out setting up detention camps for immigrants. We wouldnt have to do very much of that, he said. Because well be bringing them out of the country. Were not leaving them in the country. Were bringing them out. Its been done before.

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Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, sits in his seat during a panel discussion at a science conference. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

The Czech government has reacted favourably to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's call for Ukraine to be allowed to use Western weapons to strike inside Russian territory.

"As a country under attack, Ukraine certainly has every right to use all means of defence," Prime Minister Petr Fiala said in Prague on Tuesday, describing the position as "simply logical."

Attacks on military targets in Russia by Ukraine are covered by international law as part of its defence, experts on the laws of war generally agree.

But some Western countries that support Ukraine, like Germany, are reluctant. These capitals fear that allowing Kiev to use the advanced weapons supplied by them to attack Russian territory will be interpreted by Moscow as their becoming a direct party to the war.

Further military support for Ukraine is the topic of a working dinner in Prague on Tuesday evening, to which Fiala had invited representatives of several NATO partner states as well as Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Polish President Andrzej Duda, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte were among those expected to attend.

Fiala said Ukraine was facing a perilous moment as Russian forces launch attacks across the Ukrainian border north of Kharkiv, potentially looking to open a new front in the war.

A Russian airstike on home improvement store in the city of Kharkiv killed at least 14 people at the weekend.

Fiala said the talks in Prague will focus on removing any remaining obstacles to Western arms deliveries and coordinating them better.

The Czech Republic is leading an initiative to procure 800,000 artillery shells for Ukraine from countries outside the European Union.

Meanwhile, Kiev had to row back a claim that French military instructors would soon arrive in the country.

Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said late Monday that negotiations with Paris on the issue were ongoing.

Hours earlier, the Ukrainian military's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said it was a done deal and France would begin training Ukrainian army personnel.

Kiev has been asking since February that Ukrainian soldiers no longer be sent abroad for training, but instead be trained in their own country, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.
The Czech government supported allowing Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia using Western arms, the Czech Press Agency (CTK) reported on May 28, citing Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

U.S. officials, as well as German ones, have repeatedly said that they do not support or encourage Kyiv's strikes with the Western-supplied arms inside Russia.

The tide nonetheless appears to be shifting amid arguments 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 early May.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was one of the latest high-profile Western leaders to call for an end to the ban.

Fiala backed Stoltenberg's call, describing the Ukrainian position as "simply logical."

"As a country under attack, Ukraine certainly has every right to use all means of defense," Fiala said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky urged on May 26 Ukraine's partners to allow Kyiv to use Western weapons to strike military targets in Russia.

"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.

Some countries, such as the U.K., Lithuania, Sweden, and Finland, have said they do not oppose Ukraine using their arms to strike inside Russian territory.

Read also: Updated: Ukrainian drone strikes Russian early-warning radar, traveling record-breaking 1,800 kilometers

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Czechia initiates summit on shells for Ukraine, planning to discuss permission to hit Russia

Prague will host an unannounced gathering of leaders from the countries that supply the majority of Ukraine's armaments.

Source: Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, on his visit to Prague, as reported by European Pravda

Details: In a brief message on his official Telegram channel, Shmyhal disclosed the event's participants. He stated that at the invitation of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, a "broad working meeting on Ukraine's needs should be held together with the leaders of Poland, Latvia, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the representative of the United States."

European Pravda adds that in the correspondence concerning preparations for the event, this gathering was referred to as the AMMO Summit.

Czechia started the initiative to acquire shells from foreign nations for Ukraine's Armed Forces.

Before the multilateral meeting, Shmyhal spoke with his Czech counterpart, Petr Fiala. "We discussed the implementation of the artillery initiative, which has already raised over 1.6 billion", he said.

"It is critical for us that ammunition arrives on time, systematically, and according to schedule, beginning in June," said the Ukrainian Prime Minister.

Among other proposals under consideration and described by Shmyhal, there is "the possibility of using partners' weapons for protection on the territory of the aggressor." Shmyhal stated that he received Fiala's assistance in this subject. This topic should be considered in a broader context.

"Among the topics of conversation [with Peter Fiala  ed.] are joint production in the defence industry, joining efforts to increase pressure on Russia, sanctions, confiscation of Russian assets, peace formula and topical issues of cooperation," Denys Shmyhal added.

Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, claims that individual EU countries allow their weaponry to be deployed against Russian territory.

Furthermore, the European Union began to examine the possibility of training military personnel in Ukraine with the presence of Western armed forces.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg asks that the allies review the constraints on Ukraine's ban on using Western weaponry against the Russian Federation in the midst of border fighting in Kharkiv Oblast.

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Damage found from 6 tornadoes, including one that hit 150 mph in southern Illinois

Six tornadoes, including one with wind speeds of 150 mph, touched down in southern Illinois Sunday, the National Weather Service reported Monday.

One person was injured in a home in Johnson County, where an EF3 tornado hit.

Survey teams from the National Weather Service checked areas Monday and found trees knocked down and buildings damaged on Sunday. Thousands of metro-east residents lost power during the storm.

Here are the confirmed tornadoes:

 EF3 tornado near Lake of Egypt in Johnson County. Wind speeds of 150 mph and five miles long. One person was injured in a home.

 EF1 tornado from New Baden to Damiansville. 90 mph wind and 10.5 miles long. Started at 6:34 p.m.

 EF1 tornado north of Carlyle Wind. 97 mph wind and 11.3 miles long. Started at 6:50 p.m.

 EF 1 tornado west of Forbes Lake. 104 mph wind and 1.1 miles long.

 EF 1 tornado south of Forbes Lake. 90 mph wind and about five miles long.

 EF 1 tornado started in Missouri and ended near Columbia in the metro-east. It was 8.8 miles long.

This is the Enhanced Fujita Scale the National Weather Service uses to grade the severity of tornadoes:

EF0: 65 to 85 mph

EF1: 86 to 110 mph

EF2: 111 to 135 mph

EF3: 136 to 165 mph

EF 4: 166 to 200 mph

EF 5: Greater than 200 mph
By Louise Rasmussen

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Denmark's parliament rejected a proposal to recognise a Palestinian state on Tuesday, backing the government's view that the necessary conditions were not in place, despite a decision by Spain, Ireland and Norway to endorse independence.

Israel, which has found itself increasingly isolated after more than seven months of conflict with the Palestinian militants of Hamas, which rules Gaza, has reacted furiously to the European moves.

The Danish bill had been proposed by four left-wing parties.

Sascha Faxe, member of parliament for The Alternative, said recognising a Palestinian state was the only way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.

"The vast majority of Danish politicians agree that there will be no lasting peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution," she said in parliament, adding that she saw recognition as a way to give rights to ordinary Palestinians.

Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen had previously said the Danish government could not recognise a Palestinian state because it did not have a single functioning authority or control over its own territory.

Rasmussen did not take part in Tuesday's debate but has said he hopes Denmark will one day be able to give its backing to a Palestinian state.

(Reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen, editing by Terje Solsvik, Stine Jacobsen and Kevin Liffey)
Donald Trump returns today to a Manhattan courtroom where his attorneys are set to conclude their defense in the ex-presidents election interference trial. Trump did not testify in his own defense.

As leading historian Heather Cox Richardson notes in her newsletter: "Trump's refusal to take the stand encapsulates the MAGA approach to politics. Since the 2020 presidential election, he and his surrogates have made repeated accusations and statements about how the system is rigged against them and alleged there is evidence that proves them right. Crucially, they make those arguments only in front of television cameras or on podcasts and radio. They refuse to make them under oath in a court of law, where there are penalties for lying."

Donald Trumps three other criminal trials have encountered significant delays. This means that the only chance to hold Trump somewhat responsible for his decades-long crime spree is a lurid hush-money trial. Public opinion polls and other research show that a guilty conviction in the hush-money trial (or the other three criminal trials) may sway enough Americans to either vote against or otherwise not support Trump in the 2024 election. Many legal experts have concluded that it is much more likely than not, given the extreme preponderance of the evidence and lacking quality of his defense, that Donald Trump will be found guilty in this first, and perhaps only, criminal trial.

That the future of Americas multiracial democracy could ultimately be decided by a jurys decision in a hush-money trial, is a condemnation of Americas political culture and larger society. Such a reality should cause all reasonable Americans a great amount of anxiety and concern about the future of their country and its democracy.

Ultimately, Donald Trumps criminal trial and possible conviction should not be celebrated. That the country elected such a man who was and is demonstrably unfit for the presidency (and who is trying to take back the White House and is now tied with President Biden in the early 2024 election polls) should be a source of national shame and embarrassment.

In an attempt to make better sense of Donald Trumps hush-money trial, what happens next with the jury and sentencing, if the much-discussed walls have finally closed in on Trump and how the corrupt ex-president is processing this reality, and the possibilities of violence by political cultists, I recently spoke with David Cay Johnston. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and bestselling author who teaches at Syracuse University College of Law, although he is not a lawyer. He has written three books about Donald Trump, who Johnston has covered for 36 years.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity:

Given your decades of experience with Donald Trump, how are you feeling given the imminent verdict in the hush-money trial, and the historic nature of these events more broadly? How are you making sense of this?

Donald Trump hurt his own cause during his hush-money trial. Trump did much the same thing during the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial. Instead of accepting the advice of his counsel  and there's a reason we refer to lawyers as "counsel"  he told them what to do. You could see this in the cross-examinations of both Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen. Instead of asking the questions that would hurt their claims and credibility in front of the jury and do some real damage, and then sitting down, Trump's attorneys went on and on and on. In the process, they created opportunities that were taken advantage of by both Daniels and Cohen to damage Donald Trump. Trump clearly ordered his attorneys to take that approach.

In my opinion, Donald Trump's conviction is as close to a certainty as you will ever get in a trial. I'm not surprised that he did not take the stand. Trump would never do that. His lawyers would have told him that it was suicide. And had Trump taken the stand and testified he would have absolutely talked himself straight into a conviction. His whole life is built on lies, and he can't keep those lies straight.

What about your emotions?

For me, this is all professional. All I want to do is hold Trump responsible for what he has done. I don't really care about him personally. That's always been my attitude. I cover Donald Trump because 36 years ago, I realized that this guy is going to be a big force in American culture. I started building files on him and carefully covering him for long periods of time. My approach to Donald Trump is to expose and counter his myths with old school, solid, shoe-leather reporting.

Where are we with the narrative that the much-discussed "walls" are finally closing in on Donald Trump?

If Donald Trump is in fact convicted in the Manhattan criminal case as I expect will happen, we are going to see support for him drop in the polls. Much Trump polling support is soft. There are a lot of Americans who cannot stomach the notion of a convicted felon being president. But at this same time, it's become very clearto the point that even Utah Senator Mitt Romney is saying thisthat a large segment of the Republican Party doesn't believe in democracy, and they're perfectly happy to live under a dictatorship. Now, that tells me that these people do not know what a dictatorship means.

Let me be very clear here. If the United States becomes a dictatorship there will eventually be firing squads and other massive violence against "enemies" of the state. I know that Im probably going to be one of the people in front of those firing squads because Trump has said he hates me more than any other journalist. Killing people is what dictators do. Dictator Trump and his successors would be no different. Donald Trump shared a video on his Truth Social site which stated that he was going to establish a "unified Reich." He's since taken that video down and is blaming it on a junior staffer. Trump always wants plausible deniability. But people shouldn't mistake what's going on here. I've been telling people for at least nine years that Trump intends to become America's first dictator. He doesn't know what's in the Constitution. He claims to have the power to do anythingincluding murdering peopleas president.

How are you assessing the mainstream news media's coverage of the hush-money trial?

I think there's been a great deal of variation in the quality of the coverage and commentary. It's mostly dependent on the quality of a given journalist's knowledge of the law. Most journalists are generalists; they don't know everything. When you see lawyers like Lisa Rubin and Andrew Weissmann, who are being paid by MSNBC, talk about what happened in the courtroom, you're getting a serious discussion. Yes, it may sometimes get more into the weeds than I think is necessary but, you are going to have a very serious discussion. Much of the general interest coverage is by reporters who do not understand the basics of how trials work. In my opinion, the cable stations have done pretty well. By comparison, the three network newscasts have depended entirely on the quality of the journalist covering the hush-money trial.

You have repeatedly said that Donald Trump is basically done for and will be convicted in this first criminal trial. I have had other experts, both on and off the record, counsel that the American people  and those of us publicly discussing and writing about Trump and these trials and the democracy crisis  should be much more cautious given the technical nature of the charges and how mercurial juries can be. Your intervention?

The elements of the hush-money case have all been established at trial. The prosecution has established the falsification of the records, the payment of the checks. They've introduced into evidence, tape recordings showing that Donald Trump knew exactly what was going on. Furthermore, Trump's mindset was not that he was protecting his wife Melania. Trump literally disavowed that as a defense by saying he didn't care, and he tried to delay paying Stormy Daniels roughly a week before the election. Trump's reasoning was that I won't have to pay her because either I'll be president and I can take care of it or I won't be president and it won't matter.

Also, this jury is unusual in a very important way. It is a highly educated jury that includes two lawyers. Of note, there are six alternates. Normally a criminal trial has two alternates. This tells us that Judge Juan Merchan was concerned that there'd be a ringer, a Trump MAGA supporter. If there is a single juror holding out who won't pay attention to the facts, the judge can replace that juror and order the new jury to start deliberations over. On the evidence, the best Donald Trump can hope for is a hung jury. But the judge has already taken care of this by having six alternates.

What is your assessment of Michael Cohen's "performance" during the trial?

I actually thought Michael Cohen did very well on the witness stand. He got some sharp points in on cross-examination because Trump's lawyers instead of sitting down asked all gratuitous additional questions at Trump's insistence. It is common for law enforcement to use criminals to go after other criminals, including people who are hitmen and major drug dealers. My experience as a journalist has been that some of the best sources I've had were people whose reputations were that they lie all the time. Michael Cohen was paid by Donald Trump to lie. But once it became in their interest to tell the truth, these types of crooks have been among the best sources of my entire career, because they had an interest in being truthful with me. Of course, Michael Cohen has nothing but bad things to say about Donald Trump given how the Justice Department under Trumps administration went after him. Cohen is biased against Trump  and with good reason. But that does not matter. In the end, it is the truth of the matter, not Michael Cohen's attitude. That is what matters to the jury.

What do the reactions of the jury tell us about the hush-money case?

I haven't been in the jury room or the overflow room. So, my reporting here is second-hand. The reporters and journalists who are physically there have said that the jury has been quite attentive and that they've paid close attention to some of the key elements of proving the case. The prosecutors, for example, went through the details of each check. The jurors were paying close attention to those details. Trump has repeatedly fallen asleep in the courtroom, rolled his eyes and made other facial expressions in disgust. That doesn't go over well with jurors. They feel disrespected as jurors.

Is this strategic? Trump just being his regular horrible self? Something else?

Trump is clearly showing his contempt for the jury. Juries pay attention to how you react, if you're sitting at the defense table. If someone says something important about a case they look to you, the defendant, to see how you react. Are you stone faced? Are you smiling? Are you cowering? Donald hurts himself here. It is important to understand that Donald Trump has no empathy for anyone. That includes his children. We are objects to Donald Trump, not people. That includes the people closest to him. This is a man who has lived a miserable life. Trump's bad behavior in court cost him real money in the second E. Jean Carroll defamation case. Likewise, Trump's bad behavior is going to cost him big in the hush-money trial too. The big question is, how long will the jury be out? Because there are two lawyers on this jury, they're not going to go out and come back in 20 minutes. But I'd be surprised if the jury is out more than one full day, or two at the most. If it goes on beyond that I would be surprised and that suggests something else is going on.

I am a lifelong comic book and graphic novel reader. What is in the thought bubble over Trump's head? You know him. What's going on in his mind?

How can these insignificant nothings pass judgment on me, the greatest person who's ever lived, the world's leading expert on everything? How dare they!

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Does Donald Trump really believe such things?

Donald Trump knows that he is a fraud. He has persuaded himself to believe in the narrative about himself that he has created, however untrue it is. The problem with Donald Trump's personal narrative is that it is a reaction to the monster his father was, to the desperate emptiness inside that he tries to fill with claims that he has all this wealth that he doesn't actually have. Bullying other people is a big part of Trump that makes sense of his life too. Trump has threatened me many times. When Donald Trump is alone at night with his thoughts, he is deeply terrified. The hush-money trial is just the start. Trump knows that at the end of the road, he is going to end up in prison.

What do you think will happen with the resolution of the hush-money case?

Judge Merchan, having been so careful all the way through, will follow the normal procedure. He will not have Trump immediately taken into custody. He will order a probation report, which is the standard thing you do before sentencing. Judge Merchan will then set a date for sentencing. Because of the ten criminal contempt charges, Trump may get a harsher sentence than he would have gotten otherwise if he hadn't been so recalcitrant.

What do you think will happen when Donald Trump's fantasies meet the reality of a verdict in the hush-money trial? To reiterate, do you truly believe that Donald Trump ends up in prison? A former president?

Absolutely. But not necessarily for the hush-money case.

The criminal case where Trump will get a prison sentence is the Jan. 6 case. The precedent with the other convictions in the Jan. 6 case and the attack on the Capitol shows that Trump is going to get a prison sentence. As for the classified documents case, that is more uncertain. Who knows what's going to happen with Judge Aileen Cannon, who is clearly biased in favor of Trump. She may get removed at some point. If Trump is convicted and Cannon is not the judge, he will absolutely get a prison term in the classified documents case. There are people saying that the logistics of putting Donald Trump in prison are too difficult. That is not true. There are many ways to put Trump in prison. You can put him in a wing of a prison and close the rest of it. You can put Trump in a military stockade. There are many ways to do this. The Secret Service will be with Trump, and he will be in isolated confinement. In the end, Donald Trump will go to prison and there is a reasonable chance he will either die in prison or be released on a compassionate release basis as his life is coming to an end.

There is a great deal of concern from experts in domestic terrorism, civil wars, insurgencies, and other forms of political violence that if Donald Trump is found guilty there may be significant violence by his MAGA followers and other right-wing forces. Your thoughts?

I'm not worried about that. Because of the successful prosecutions in the January 6 cases, you're not seeing crowds turning up for Donald Trump, and screaming for murder, and other acts of violence. There aren't very many people who are willing to destroy their lives or go to prison for Donald Trump, in what's clearly will be a losing effort. Will there be some violence if Donald Trump is convicted and jailed? Yes, probably. And I feel very badly for what will likely be the members of law enforcement who will be murdered by Trump's followers. But, as a nation we do not back down in the face of speculative threats or even clear and direct threats. That's not what a free people do. That is what cowards do and people who do not believe in the principles of our Constitution. If we see some violence, I believe it will be a "lone wolf" or just a couple of people. There is not going to be an insurgency or civil war over Donald Trump or some effort to overthrow the government at Trump's command.
Daycare employee in Wisconsin arrested after child found with cocaine in system

OAK CREEK, Wis. (WFRV)  An employee at a childcare facility in southeastern Wisconsin was arrested after bringing cocaine inside the building where a child reportedly got into it and consumed some.

According to the Oak Creek Police Department, officers were contacted by staff at Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin about a possible child abuse victim at their facility on Wednesday, May 15.

National Weather Service confirms yet another tornado in northeast Wisconsin from May 21s severe weather outbreak

Local law enforcement responded to the hospital and spoke with staff and the childs parent. The parent noticed several scratches and marks on the child and took them to the hospital for evaluation.

Between Thursday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 21, the Oak Creek Police Department investigated the incident thoroughly, and a breakthrough was made after a toxicology report.

Childrens Hospital Wisconsin notified Oak Creek Police that a urine toxicology screen taken by the child on May 15 showed a positive indication for cocaine metabolites in the urine.

Detectives followed up with Child Protective Services and met with the childs family at home. There was no indication of any cocaine at the house, so detectives shifted their focus to the daycare facility attended by the child.

On Wednesday, May 22, detectives and a K-9 unit conducted an open-air sniff of vehicles in the childcare facilitys parking lot and the infant room. The K-9 gave a positive indication within the infant room, which contained an employees backpack on the floor.

Detectives searched the backpack and located a plastic baggie with a small amount of white powder, which later tested positive for cocaine.

The employee was arrested and transported to the Milwaukee County Jail. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families was also notified of the incident.

Marinette County wholesale dealer has license revoked by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

The Oak Creek Police Department did not name the childcare facility or the employee involved in the incident. Felony criminal charges, including neglecting a child, possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places, and possession of cocaine, are being referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office.

Law enforcement continues to investigate this incident, and no additional details were 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.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it arrested a store security guard who was accused of threatening and pointing a gun at a man in a business in Northeast D.C.

MPD said that on May 26 at about 4:55 p.m., the victim and the suspect were arguing in a business on the 1600 block of Maryland Ave.

Police said that the situation escalated when the suspect pointed a gun at the victim and threatened him.

Man wanted for sex crimes in Prince William County found dead in creek in Alleghany County

Police arrested the suspect and recovered an unregistered gun nearby.

MPD arrested and charged 33-year-old Trayonta McCrea, of Bel Alton, Md. with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) and possession of an unregistered firearm.

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.
KYODO NEWS - May 28, 2024 - 18:47 | All, Japan

Toyota Motor Corp., Mazda Motor Corp., and Subaru Corp. said Tuesday that they will each develop engines to enhance the performance of their electrified vehicles, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, as part of efforts to increase the competitiveness of their gasoline-electric line-ups.

With the shared goal of achieving carbon neutrality, the three Japanese automakers aim to develop smaller, more efficient engines with higher output than existing models while also collaborating on the use of carbon-neutral fuels, they said.

Such engines will enable vehicles to carry more batteries and emit less carbon dioxide, allowing them to operate like EVs most of the time while providing engine power for long-distance travel, they said.

"We will develop engines that perfectly fit the era of electrification," Toyota CEO Koji Sato said at a joint press conference.

"As technologies for all-electric vehicles advance, we need to think about plug-in hybrid vehicles that center around electric power rather than internal combustion engines," he said.

The announcement comes as global EV sales have been slowing. Despite early adopters driving a rapid rise in the genre, many consumers remain hesitant to buy all-electric vehicles due to their limited range and a lack of charging stations.

To achieve carbon neutrality, the three companies are concentrating on offering a diverse range of green vehicles rather than solely focusing on manufacturing all-electric cars.

Toyota Chief Technology Officer Hiroki Nakajima emphasized at the press conference that the new engines will lead to more flexibility in vehicle development, enabling the firms to strike the right balance between electric and gasoline power, depending on each market's energy situation.

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has highlighted the need to maintain the development of engines despite the industry's rapid shift toward EVs, saying they still play an important role in the era of decarbonization by expanding power train options.

The effort will benefit Japan's auto supply chains, which were built around gasoline-powered cars and are currently struggling with the global shift to EVs.

"We won't leave anyone behind in our effort to achieve carbon neutrality," Subaru CEO Atsushi Osaki said at the press conference.

Toyota is working on 4-cylinder engines that are smaller than its existing engines but just as powerful. Subaru, meantime, aims to launch a new hybrid system utilizing its horizontally opposed engine technology.

Mazda is developing new engines based on its iconic rotary engine. The automaker said the rotary technology will help ensure flexible vehicle development by enabling engines to burn a wide range of fuels.

"We will provide a new value in the era of electrification," Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro said at the press conference.

Related coverage:

Toyota to end top-tier Olympic sponsorship contract after Paris Games

Japanese firms offer highest pay hike in 32 yrs in spring wage talks

Honda to spend 10 trillion yen on EVs through fiscal 2030
The Biden administration has decided Israels weekend strike in Rafah that reportedly killed nearly 50 displaced Palestinians did not cross the red line President Joe Biden set two months ago, a U.S. official said Tuesday.

The administration made clear in public and in private on Tuesday that the incident, while devastating, would not trigger any serious reprimand from Washington. Its the strongest indicator yet that Israel is conducting a military operation that the administration can accept, even if U.S. officials dont like every aspect of it.

A senior administration official, granted anonymity to detail sensitive internal thinking, said the attack that successfully took out two Hamas operatives while killing 45 civilians and injuring dozens more did not cross Bidens red line described first on March 9.

The operation as a whole shows Israel has heeded U.S. warnings to go into Rafah with a more targeted, precise operation, the senior official and two spokespeople said.

That assessment matches what senior administration officials have said for months. Despite multiple high-profile incidents that killed Western aid workers and Palestinian civilians, the U.S. has backed Israels stated goal of defeating Hamas throughout Gaza, including sending troops into the southern city of Rafah to attack remaining fighters. Israels decision to conduct targeted operations rather than a large-scale invasion involving thousands of troops has been enough for the administration to say that steps are being taken to protect civilians.



In briefings with reporters Tuesday, U.S. government spokespeople broadly confirmed the senior officials assessment, though they refrained from directly addressing red lines.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the U.S. expects Israel to conduct a full, transparent investigation that holds those at fault to account, if necessary. But he also stressed that the Rafah operation so far was not on the scale of operations in Gaza City and Khan Younis, where Israel sent large numbers of forces and dropped many bombs. "This so far is a different type of military operation.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters later: I have no policy changes to speak to following the Rafah strike. He added that the administrations view of a major ground operation features thousands and thousands of troops moving in organized columns against central, populated targets.

Asked about what number of civilian casualties the administration would find unacceptable, Kirby said there's not, like, a measuring stick here or a quota. As we've said many times, the right number of civilian casualties is zero.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the strike as a tragic accident. Vice President Kamala Harris, responding to that remark Tuesday, said the word tragic doesnt even begin to describe it.



The attack has led to ferocious criticism of the administration, with Democrats and human rights advocates calling for Biden to halt arms sales to the ally.

The Biden administration continues to have a very high tolerance for Israel killing Palestinian civilians in Gaza  including with U.S. weapons, said Brian Finucane, a senior adviser to the International Crisis Group.

The administration has spent the last week praising the way Israel has conducted its Rafah operation as 1 million Palestinians fled the city.

A senior administration official told reporters on May 21 that Israel had updated its Rafah plans and incorporated many of the concerns we have expressed about civilian safety, even though Israel has presented no such credible plan publicly. Asked about that remark the next day, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who had just returned from a trip to Israel, said his counterparts briefed him on refinements to their Rafah plans.

What we have seen so far in terms of Israels military operations in that area has been more targeted and limited, has not involved major military operations into the heart of dense urban areas, he said, adding the administration would continue to watch what unfolds. "What were going to be looking at is whether there is a lot of death and destruction from this operation or if it is more precise and proportional.

On Tuesday, Israeli tanks pushed into central Rafah, reaching the strategic zone three weeks after the invasion of the city began. Gazan health authorities later said Israeli tanks shelled a tent camp in a western Rafah evacuation zone, killing at least 21 people. Those moves came just four days after a United Nations court ordered Israel to halt its military operation there.

Miller, the State Department spokesperson, said he had seen reports of the Israeli tank movements but couldnt confirm them.

Miller also confirmed, as other U.S. officials have, that Israel did not present the U.S. with a credible plan to protect civilians ahead of the Rafah invasion. Aid workers say a lack of those measures keeps Palestinians near fighting zones without safe access to food, water and sanitary facilities.

Israels Rafah operation made that even harder by forcing the closure of the citys crossing with Egypt for weeks, leaving trucks carrying assistance to languish on the other side of the border.
Deans List: In a first, UNC System board officer roles to be held entirely by women

For the first time in its 50-plus-year history, the UNC System Board of Governors will be led by an officer team composed entirely of women.

The board, which oversees all of North Carolinas public universities, held officer elections Thursday, the same day it voted to repeal the university systems diversity, equity and inclusion policy. Randy Ramsey, the boards longest-serving chair, will remain on the board to complete his term, which ends in 2025.

After a unanimous vote by the full board, the new officers are: Wendy Murphy, chair; Kellie Blue, vice chair; and Pearl Burris-Floyd, secretary. Murphy had been serving as the boards vice chair, and Burris-Floyd was reelected as secretary. Blue had been the chair of the boards university governance committee.

Board member Reginald Holley noted the historic moment following the vote to elect the group, calling it remarkable.

I dont want to let this moment pass without recognizing the significance of this moment, Holley said. And speaking of diversity, I dont know that theres ever been a time in the history of the university system that weve had three dynamic women leading at the helm of our university system. This is a remarkable day in our university system.

So, what are the new officers backgrounds, and what should you know about them?

Welcome to Deans List, a regular roundup of higher education news in the Triangle and across North Carolina from The News & Observer and myself, Korie Dean.

This edition takes a deeper look at the Board of Governors new officers, the NC State University professor who was awarded the UNC Systems highest honor for faculty and a new doctoral program at UNC Pembroke.

Wendy Murphy reacts after being elected chair of the UNC System Board of Governors during a meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Raleigh, N.C.

Board of Governors to be led entirely by women

Each of the women elected to officer positions bring several years of experience on the Board of Governors. Two of them also served on campus-level Boards of Trustees in the UNC System.

 Wendy Murphy, who was elected chair, has served on the board since 2017, and previously served 10 years on the UNC Wilmington Board of Trustees. She holds a bachelors degree in elementary education from UNCW and is a former teacher.

On the board, she has emphasized the UNC Systems role in preparing future teachers to teach North Carolinas students, showing particular concern in the past year over a progress report that showed a majority of teacher-preparation programs at the systems universities failed to make adequate progress toward implementing the science of reading framework into their curriculum.

Murphy, a registered unaffiliated voter, is the daughter-in-law of Wendell Murphy, a former state legislator and pork mogul. She is involved in the hospitality arm of Wendell Family Ventures, which includes more than 10 companies ranging from a car dealership and boat company, to a restaurant and inn, to farm management services.

Originally from Rose Hill, she currently lives in Wallace. Her current term on the board expires in 2025.

 Kellie Blue, who was elected vice chair, has also served on the board since 2017, and previously served on the UNC Pembroke Board of Trustees. She holds a bachelors degree in accounting from UNCP, and is a recipient of the universitys Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Blue, a registered unaffiliated voter, is the county manager of Robeson County. She has worked in county government since 1997, also holding the position of finance director. She previously worked in both public and private finance positions.

Blue lives in Pembroke. Her current term on the board expires in 2025.

 Pearl Burris-Floyd has served on the board since 2015. She was reelected as the boards secretary.

Burris-Floyd holds a bachelors degree in biology from UNC-Chapel Hill and also received cytology training at the UNC School of Medicine. She received a masters degree in health administration from Pfeiffer University. She has a professional background in health affairs, working as chief government affairs officer at Partners Behavioral Health in Gastonia and as an administrator for the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Burris-Floyd is a registered Republican and previously served in the state House of Representatives, representing Gaston and Cleveland counties. She also served on the Gaston County Board of Commissioners and was the first Black person elected to the board. She was also Gaston Countys first DEI officer before retiring at the end of last year.

Burris-Floyd lives in Dallas, North Carolina, and is an ordained minister.

She spoke prior to the boards vote Thusday to repeal DEI requirements across the system, saying that she hoped the campuses would not feel as though we have turned our backs on them.

The group will serve in their officer roles for a two-year term. The board will hold elections again in 2026.

Pearl Burris-Floyd, secretary of the UNC System Board of Governors, hugs Wendy Murphy after Murphy was elected chair of the board during a meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Raleigh, N.C.

NC State professor receives Gardner award from BOG

Also Thursday, the Board of Governors awarded the 2024 O. Max Gardner Award to Craig Yencho, an NC State University professor and renowned plant breeder whose research on sweet potatoes has greatly influenced the crops cultivation and resilience around the globe.

The Gardner Award, named for the former North Carolina governor, is the boards highest honor given to faculty. It honors faculty members who have made the greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race.

Yencho, a distinguished professor in NC States College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, in 2005 developed and introduced the Covington variety of sweet potatoes. The variety is known for its high yield, flavor, nutritional value and appearance, and now accounts for 90% of sweet potato production in North Carolina and 20% of production worldwide.

Yencho is also committed to enhancing the global welfare of humanity, especially in regions grappling with food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies, a news release said. That commitment includes breeding and developing sweet potatoes for tropical and subtropical climates, which are prevalent in developing countries.

Dr. Yenchos work in sweet potato research not only helps drive economic prosperity for our state, it also helps fortify the health of populations across the globe, NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson said in a news release. His research is a shining example of work that improves the world around us, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved, prestigious honor.

UNCP to establish doctor of optometry program

UNC Pembroke will become the states only public university  and one of just 24 schools nationwide  to offer a doctorate degree in optometry.

The Board of Governors approved the program Thursday. The university plans to welcome its first class of students to the program in the fall of 2027.

The program will play a key role in addressing a shortage of optometrists in rural communities in the state, including the 12 counties with no optometrist, according to a news release from the university. In addition to the academic degree program, the university plans to establish a community clinic for uninsured and low-income patients that will provide students with hands-on patient experience under the supervision of experienced clinical faculty, the news release said.

The optometry program will have an exponential impact not only on UNC Pembroke, but on southeastern North Carolina and the state as a whole, state Sen. Danny Britt, a Lumberton Republican, said in a news release. By adding an in-demand doctoral program that is not available at any of the other UNC System schools, UNCP is elevating its profile and helping to positively impact the healthcare landscape of southeastern North Carolina. This is a historic moment for the university, optometry, other health science career fields and especially for rural North Carolina.

The optometry program will be the universitys second, following the addition of a doctor of nursing practice to the universitys offerings in January.

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US President Donald Trump speaks at the start of a bilateral meeting with Chancellor Merkel after the working session of the NATO summit. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Donald Trump's lawyer proclaimed his client's innocence as the first criminal trial of a former US president entered its final phase on Tuesday.

"You cannot convict President Trump on any crime beyond a reasonable doubt on the words of Michael Cohen," defence lawyer Todd Blanche told the 12 jurors in the New York courtroom who will decide Trump's fate in the hush money case, according to reporters inside.

Blanche, making his closing argument to the jury, was referring to Trump's former lawyer turned star prosecution witness.

Blanche attacked the credibility of Cohen, who pleaded guilty in 2018 of lying to Congress, among other charges. He spent just over 13 months in jail.

The closing arguments are the last opportunity to influence the opinion of the jurors. The jury will retire for deliberations after the prosecution's closing presentation. A verdict was expected later Tuesday or Wednesday.

Trump, who is seeking the White House again in this November's election, is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of a scheme involving Cohen to conceal a $130,000 pay-off made to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Daniels said the money was given to keep her quiet about an affair she had with the Republican in 2006. He has admitted to paying her on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her "false and extortionist accusations" but denies any sexual encounter.

At the trial, Cohen testified over the course of several days that he worked at Trump's direction to orchestrate the payments to buy the silence of Daniels.

Cohen made the $130,000 payment out of his own pocket. At the crux of the case is how Trump's real estate company falsely logged the reimbursements to Cohen in its financial records and whether Trump had full knowledge of the scheme.

Crucially, the prosecution argues that because the pay-off was made to keep the public from learning about the alleged sexual encounter ahead of the election, the cover-up involving the financial records amounted to illegal campaign financing. This allegation elevated what would have been a lower-level misdemeanour case to felony charges.

Trump faces a maximum of several years behind bars, but most legal experts expect a fine if he is convicted.

Trump claims without any evidence that he is a victim of political persecution orchestrated by Democrats to keep him from the White House. Even if he is convicted, the Constitution does not prevent a felon from running for the presidency.
Defense minister: Ukraine may receive first F-16s 'very soon' but half of military aid arriving late

The first batch of F-16 fighter jets will be delivered to Ukraine hopefully very, very soon, but around half of the military aid from Western partners is arriving late, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in an interview with Reuters published on May 28.

Several NATO countries  Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway  have pledged to deliver dozens of U.S.-made F-16 fighters from their stocks. Danish F-16s are expected to arrive as early as this summer, whereas Dutch fighter jets should begin arriving in the autumn.

We need as much as we may get," Umerov said when asked about the number of aircraft Ukraine expects to receive, adding that the country is focused mainly on training pilots and personnel now.

Ukraine also continues to increase its own production of weapons and drones, as well as its electronic warfare capabilities, according to the minister.

Russia has 500,000 troops in Ukraine and near its borders and is preparing to involve another 200,000-300,000, aiming to "open a new front in the north to start using all their manpower, firing power," Umerov said.

"We are withstanding, but of course we need more weapons, we need more firing power, we need long-range missiles, not to allow them to enter our state," he added.

In recent months, Russia has maintained the initiative on the battlefield, taking advantage of delays in defense aid to Ukraine from Western allies and Kyiv's troop shortages.

Moscow 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.

Read also: Belgium to provide Ukraine with 30 F-16 aircraft by 2028, first to arrive in 2024

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
OLIVE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  The Ottawa County Sheriffs Office will soon have body and patrol car cameras.

The idea has been discussed for many years, but now the department has selected a company to provide the technology.

Some departments fall behind as police bodycam use increases

The county is adding about 200 body cameras and about 120 cameras to patrol vehicles.

Body cameras have become commonplace with many law enforcement agencies, and Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker says the technology has become a necessity.

We do owe it to our community, and Ive always said that, the transparency for the body cameras and car cameras, Kempker said.

After Kempker won the primary for Ottawa County sheriff in 2016, he told News 8 he wanted body cameras in place by the following year. But the project has seen some delays in getting a plan for the system in place.

7 years after promise, Ottawa Co. deputies still without bodycams

We started out several years ago and started to move forward, and then we got hit with COVID, Kempker said. Part of the disappointment was it wasnt moving as fast as I wanted it to, but the other part of this is, I think, weve benefited because of the technology changes that have taken place.

The size of the department and multiple locations deputies are stationed at also required additional planning.

Technology-wise, we have to connect all those branch offices to here. How do we get the data from some places that only have internet access to our other locations that have fiber optic access? Kempker said. So it was a big challenge there.

The Ottawa County Sheriffs Office has selected a bid from Axon of approximately $4 million over five years to provide the equipment along with video storage.

Its gonna tie into our Tasers that we carry which are also made by Axon, so this has all come together as a great package deal. Its coming out for actually cost savings. Its coming a little bit less than what we thought, Kempker said.

The amount of video the office has to process also requires additional staff.

We did hire a manager thats going to run and oversee the system, Kempker said. But then we also had to hire several record clerks to handle the (Freedom of Information Act) requests from news media, from attorneys, from private parties that means redaction.

He says the board has been supportive of the initiative.

Just over a year and a half ago, I sat down with the board chair and the vice chair and said to him and her that my number one project is we need body cameras. We need the in-car cameras, Kempker said. And to their credit, they fully agreed.

The sheriff plans to start rolling out the cameras over the next several months once the systems are in place.

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.
Democrats will virtually choose President Joe Biden as their nominee after Ohio lawmakers dragged their feet in changing a state deadline that clashed with the party's convention.

The Democratic National Committee will hold a virtual roll call ahead of its Aug. 19 convention in Chicago and before Ohio's Aug. 7 deadline to certify the ballot, party officials told the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau on Tuesday. The announcement came the same day the Ohio Legislature convened a special session at Gov. Mike DeWine's behest to get Biden on the ballot.

A DNC committee will meet next week to greenlight virtual proceedings, and all members will vote on the change sometime after that. Democrats have not yet set a date for the roll call, which they also held virtually in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Joe Biden will be on the ballot in Ohio and all 50 states, and Ohio Republicans agree," DNC chair Jaime Harrison said. "But when the time has come for action, they have failed to act every time, so Democrats will land this plane on our own. Through a virtual roll call, we will ensure that Republicans can't chip away at our democracy through incompetence or partisan tricks and that Ohioans can exercise their right to vote for the presidential candidate of their choice."

President Joe Biden speaks to supporters and volunteers during a campaign event in Atlanta on May 18.

The issue with Ohio's ballot surfaced in April when Secretary of State Frank LaRose told Democrats that the certification deadline is 12 days before the DNC. That left the party and Biden campaign with three options: Change convention procedures, sue Ohio or let state lawmakers move the deadline, as they have for past elections.

Alabama and Washington faced the same problem and resolved it. The Alabama Legislature voted to change the deadline, while Washington's secretary of state agreed to provisionally certify Biden. Democrats also sought provisional certification in Ohio, but state officials struck down that idea.

The prospect of a legislative solution dimmed earlier this month when lawmakers deadlocked on a plan to change the certification date. While the Ohio House proposed a standalone Biden fix, Senate Republicans tacked on separate legislation to ban foreign citizens from contributing to state and local ballot issues. The House didn't vote on either bill.

Democrats contend the foreign money measure is a "poison pill" that will hinder citizen-initiated ballot campaigns. GOP lawmakers saw it as a tradeoff for helping the DNC and Biden campaign solve a problem of their own making. It's already illegal for foreign nationals give money to Ohio candidates or contribute to federal, state or local elections.

Following inaction at the statehouse, a frustrated DeWine ordered lawmakers to return this week and address a Biden ballot fix and foreign campaign spending. But Democrats opted to pursue their own path in case lawmakers fail to reach a deal.

"In addition to being an unprecedented distraction, this petty partisanship is bound to fail," said Justin Levitt, a former Biden White House adviser and law professor at Loyola Marymount University. "Both candidates will inevitably be on the ballot; the only real question is whether Ohio's legislators and secretary of state will feel any shame for lighting their constituents' tax dollars on fire in the meantime."

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Democratic Party to nominate Joe Biden virtually to meet Ohio deadline
KYODO NEWS - May 28, 2024 - 15:34 | All, World

Cambodia conducted a maritime drill with China on Monday off its coast in the southwest, amid U.S. concerns that Beijing could use a Cambodian naval base to expand its influence in the region.

The maritime drill, conducted as part of a joint military exercise called "Golden Dragon 2024," was joined by two Chinese ships that have been docked at the Ream Naval Base, which is being upgraded with Chinese financial assistance, since last December.

Gen. Ith Sarath, chief of joint staff of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, said the maritime drill was conducted to expand relations, strengthen the capacity of their armed forces and exchange experience, noting, "This drill is not at all threatening any country."

The drill took place around the coast of Preah Sihanouk Province and simulated a mission rescuing hostages from a hijacked cargo ship. It took five hours to complete and involved some 800 Cambodian personnel alongside Chinese forces.

On the two Chinese warships that are allegedly allowed to navigate freely in the Ream Naval Base area, senior Cambodian military sources said they are halfway through a nine-month program to help train the Cambodian navy.

The annual Golden Dragon exercises in Cambodia were first held in 2016. Cambodia canceled similar exercises with the United States, named "Angkor Sentinel," in 2017.

The latest Golden Dragon military exercise, the sixth of its kind, involved about 1,300 military personnel from Cambodia and 760 from China.

Related coverage:

Japan, Malaysia leaders agree to boost cooperation amid China's rise

Australia, ASEAN urge against unilateral actions in South China Sea

Japanese, Cambodian leaders vow to bolster security cooperation
Dems say they will get around Biden Ohio ballot issue by holding virtual roll call before deadline

President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House on Oct. 19, 2023 in Washington, D.C. Biden discussed the U.S. response to the Hamas-Israel conflict, humanitarian assistance in Gaza, and the continued support for Ukraine during Russias ongoing invasion. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst  Pool/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst  Pool/Getty Images)

The Democratic Party is set to nominate President Joe Biden to be on Ohios ballot after a month of controversy, their spokesperson said.

The Biden campaign is going to make an announcement today that they have a path to put Joe Biden on the ballot working through the Democrats and the Democratic National Committee to assure that Joe Biden is on the ballot, Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio said.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said the party will use a virtual roll call, which would have to take place ahead of its Aug. 19 convention in Chicago and before Ohios Aug. 7 deadline to certify the ballot. There is a precedent for this. A virtual roll call was held in 2020 because of the pandemic.

Joe Biden will be on the ballot in Ohio and all 50 states, and Ohio Republicans agree, said Harrison, but when the time has come for action, they have failed to act every time, so Democrats will land this plane on our own.

This comes as the lawmakers in Ohio entered their first day of a special session called by the governor to fix this problem.

Ohio requires parties to confirm their presidential candidates 90 days before the Nov. election, which would be Aug. 7. But Biden wont be the official nominee until the Democratic National Convention, which is on Aug. 19.

While I understand the Democratic National Committee has just today proposed a work-around to help get President Biden on the Ohio ballot, it is prudent legislation be passed to get this done. As I previously said, we do not want to leave something so basic as having the sitting President of the United States on the ballot to others when this canand shouldbe done legislatively. Its the right thing to do, Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement.

Antonio is grateful to the DNC, but is concerned about the second reason why DeWine called special session. The governor asked for the lawmakers to address the issue of foreign money in ballot campaigns  something that the Ohio Elections Commission reports is already illegal. However, there is no enforcement aspect, Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said.

Tuesday, the Senate passed H.B. 271 and the House introduced H.B. 2  each meant to address the donations. For both of these options, Democrats say that the Republicans are just mad that they were outraised on the abortion rights amendment last year. That isnt entirely wrong.

Its been a problem for a long time; It certainly went into overdrive on ballot issues last year. We mentioned in the 10s of millions of dollars that were spending, Huffman said. You cant say on one hand, Of course, I dont want foreign money affecting Ohio ballot issues, but I dont want to do anything about it right now.'

Both H.B. 271 and H.B. 2 would ban foreign contributions, but also gives more power to the attorney generals office to investigate alleged foreign contributions  including a possibility to fly internationally to question people, according to the Democrats.

To be clear what I oppose are components of the bill that have absolutely nothing to do with foreign money but are about giving more power for example to the attorney general to play favorites, House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said.

H.B. 271 would also make it harder for groups to access the statewide ballot. It requires any group rallying for a cause to register as a PAC, meaning filing disclosures with the government and making it more difficult to collect signatures.

Last week, the Ohio House said it didnt like these type of rules.

We have language that has input from campaign finance experts and important interested parties to deal with the issue. This is language that squarely and directly bans foreign influence in Ohios issue campaigns, while not also inadvertently limiting the rights of citizens to have their voices heard, House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) said last week.

During a gaggle with Stephens Tuesday, I asked him if he plans to stick by his statement of not limiting the will of the people, or if he would compromise on that.

I think its always important that when youre looking at language  and this is why I think its good to have these hearings, to understand so everybody can get a chance to read a piece of language that can be interpreted one way or the other, Stephens said, not answering the question.

He did say that this was now being evaluated from a legal standpoint  explaining the lawmakers need to figure out how to interpret the bills.

The Senate provision on PACs isnt in the bill  but Stephens seemed to suggest that he isnt ruling it out.

I think youll hear from different members all over the political spectrum, how they feel about changing the law for ballot access, Stephens said. I think theres some who think its the right thing to do. Theres others who think its not the right thing to do. Its going to be interesting dynamic here in the house this week and we look forward to the discussion and the debate.

Following this comment, and as his team was trying to get him out of the gaggle, I asked him if he thought it was the right thing to do. He did not answer me, so I asked again. He was then able to walk away from press.

Governor DeWine is asking for legislation from the lawmakers on his desk by the end of this week. Although Stephens acknowledged that it is holding up bills because they could limit the voters voice, Huffman says the lack of movement is related to his relationship with the other party.

The problem is that we have a House, in my opinion, that has 67 Republicans, that in many ways is controlled by the Democratic Party, Huffman said. And as Ive said, when you have that situation  its going to be very difficult to get decisions.

The relationship between Stephens and Huffman is contentious at best  as the pair are rivals and do not like each other. This Biden debacle has very clearly exacerbated the GOP infighting. Click here to learn more.

This is the second time that Huffman and his team have publicly called out Stephens for his relationship with Russo regarding the Biden ballot debacle.

We encourage the Speaker and Minority Leader to allow a vote, Senate GOP spokesperson John Fortney had said in a larger statement about the call of special session.

Fortney seemingly suggests that Russo is preventing Senate bills from hitting the floor  despite Stephens having a supermajority of Republicans. Stephens has been accused of being too close with the Democrats and allowing Russo to make decisions. The speaker has denied this, and so has Russo.

How did we get here?

Here is a timeline.

April 5: LaRoses legal team emailed Statehouse Democratic leadership and Ohio Democratic Party Chairperson Liz Walters that there was an apparent conflict between the nominating deadline and the DNC event, according to an email I obtained.

April 6-16: For the following weeks, lawmakers went back and forth on what to do.

April 17: Ultimately, Republicans agreed to actively help the Democrats by making sure Biden was on the ballot.

May 7: A House committee passed their bipartisan ballot fix proposal out of committee.

They completely stripped and amended Senate Bill 92 making it a clean bill. It changed the nomination deadline to 74 days, which is Aug. 23. This would likely be a permanent fix. It also allowed for less formal declarations of candidate nomination.

The main reason why lawmakers often choose to amend bills at the last minute is due to timing. By revising an already passed piece of legislation, one that typically is ready to be passed by the second chamber, the lawmakers fast-track the process of getting it to the governor.

It enables the notification to be a lot more flexible, whether its email or whatever, Stephens said about his bill. This gives the flexibility.

This doesnt just help the Democrats, Stephens added.

Just four years ago, we had this issue, the speaker said. The party in power in the White House usually goes last for the convention, so hopefully this will take care of that issue.

Russo, who has a good relationship with Stephens, was pleased.

I think everyone agreed this is good for democracy, Russo said. We want people to have full access to the ballot, and thats good for both parties.

May 8: The Senate passed H.B. 114 out of the chamber. It changed the nominating deadline from Aug. 7 to Aug. 23  but only for 2024, so it wasnt a permanent fix.

The lawmakers also added in S.B. 215, a campaign finance bill. In early March, Republican senators passed legislation meant to stop foreign donations to state and local ballot-issue campaigns. This could be by directly donating from outside the country or by donating to an entity, like a political action committee (PAC).

Most Ohioans would agree that we shouldnt have foreign dollars affecting our ballot initiatives, Huffman said. Foreign money needs to be out of these statewide elections.

This addition was unacceptable to the Democrats, Antonio said.

The language that has been embedded into 114 is yet another attempt to try to silence the voters of Ohio when they disagree with the supermajority of Republicans and go on their own to put together a ballot initiative, Antonio said.

It has provisions that could make it harder for grassroots movements to get on the ballot  even with U.S. dollars.

It would require all groups rallying for a cause that is receiving donations and spending money to register as a PAC. This means that groups would have to file disclosures with the government, and it could make it more difficult to collect signatures to get a proposal on a township ballot.

The bill also prohibits a lawful permanent U.S. resident, also known as a green card holder, from making contributions or expenditures regarding ballot issues or candidates.

All the Democrats voted no because of S.B. 215. Still, it passed 24-7.

Republicans in both the House and the Senate arent going to vote for a standalone Biden bill, Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said, defending why he put the bills all together.

Across the Statehouse, the House informally passed its version of the Biden fix, S.B. 92. This means it stays on the calendar but doesnt actually pass and isnt put up for a vote. It can be brought up for a vote at a later date.

The Senate sent over their bill to the House, who ignored it.

We had those conversations and ended up not doing it today, Stephens said about not concurring.

May 20: House lawmakers introduced H.B. 609. The bill prohibits the committee in charge of a statewide initiative or referendum petition from asking for or knowingly accepting money from a foreign entity or person. It also declares the bill as an emergency.

This bill has bipartisan support, as it doesnt have significant negative impacts on local community members, House Minority Whip Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) said.

May 22: When the Senate saw that the House wasnt taking their bait with H.B. 114, they amended yet another bill to further their elimination of foreign contributions in state ballot campaigns.

H.B. 305, when it comes to campaign finance, does relatively the same as S.B. 215 and H.B. 114.

May 23: DeWine staged a surprise evening press conference, calling for a special session.

This is an extraordinary situation when we have [a] ridiculous situation that we have not taken action to deal with a problem, DeWine said.

Session will last from Tuesday through the special voting session on Thursday.

Siding with the Senate, the governor urged the House to take up any of their three bills. However, his proclamation did state that legislators can also consider S.B. 92. He did not include H.B. 609, but the document states that lawmakers can review other similar legislation effectuating this purpose.

The House leaders  both Democrats like Isaacsohn and Republicans like Stephens  continue to say that it isnt the foreign interference ban that they are rejecting; it is the new restrictions to access to the ballot for citizens.

Stephens says he is willing to compromise  by making sure that a bill doesnt limit the rights of citizens to have their voices heard.

For weeks, we have been pushing to find a legislative solution to having President Biden on the ballot. Ultimately, the will to do so wasnt there in the Republican caucus. Everyone agrees that we need to ban foreign political contributions from ballot issue campaigns in Ohio, and we have been driving towards a solution. We have language that has input from campaign finance experts and important interested parties to deal with the issue. This is language that squarely and directly bans foreign influence in Ohios issue campaigns, while not also inadvertently limiting the rights of citizens to have their voices heard. We look forward to real solutions that will actually pass both chambers next week and solve problems.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

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The post Dems say they will get around Biden Ohio ballot issue by holding virtual roll call before deadline appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
DENVER (KDVR)  Denver has continued heating up through the end of May, but temperatures have not reached past the high 80s just yet.

Denver is far past the record for the earliest 90-degree day in history, which was on April 30, 1992, according to National Weather Service records. That said, Denver is not late either. The latest 90-degree day in history for Denver hit on July 21, 1967.

View the latest Weather Alerts in Denver and across Colorado on FOX31

Denver usually hits 90 degrees around June 10, according to weather records from the NWS. However, the first hot day could be as far as a month away.

For example, in 2023, Denver hit the first 90-degree day on June 27, but in 2022, the city hit the first 90-degree day on May 11. While the first 90-degree day can vary, Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels said he believes it is coming soon.

When will Denver hit 90 degrees?

The weather is going to continue heating up through the end of May.

The last week of May will stay in the high 70s and 80s, but the forecast will not be close to 90 degrees until Sunday, which is when Michels expects Denver to hit 87 degrees.

Michels said the first day Denver could see 90 degrees could be in the next week or two as the warmer trend continues.

While the forecast could change as it is still seven days out, the data shows that Denver is most likely going to hit 90 degrees in the first few weeks of June, which is right around the average time for the Mile High City.

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 front page of the Deseret News on May 29, 1934, announcing the birth of the Dionne quintuplets.

A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

Many of us can relate to having siblings and having to share. Its another to be one of five children who share everything, including a birthday.

On this day in 1934, the Dionne quintuplets  Annette, Cecile, Emilie, Marie and Yvonne  were born to Elzire Dionne at the family farm in Ontario, Canada. They are the first quints known to have survived infancy, and, in fact, all survived to adulthood.

Born on May 28 in a small village in the Canadian province of Ontario, coverage of their premature birth, battle to stay alive and chaotic lives was heavy for many years.

The family was poor, and the girls needed care just to survive and thrive. The first series of articles in most newspapers of the time told the saga of rushing an incubator to the hospital where the children were to help them grow stronger.

In fact, the Red Cross took over their care, and a year later they became wards of the government until they turned 18.

DNews-Dionnes3

Unfortunately, that meant turning the children into a quasi tourist attraction. According to news of the day, the compound where they grew up was called Quintland.

According to reports, Emilie Marie Jeanne died in 1954. Marie Reine Alma died in 1970. Yvonne Edouilda Marie died in 2001. Annette Lillianne Marie and Cecile Marie Emilda are still living.

A TV miniseries, Million Dollar Babies, was supposed to set the record straight.

Here are some Deseret News articles to peruse:

3 Dionnes seek compensationI

Film to tell saga of the Dionne quints

3 Dionnes turn thumbs down

Dionnes tell of abuse by their dad
How did Moms for Liberty end up on WAs approved list of groups training teachers?

An empty classroom. (Richard Ross/Getty Images)

By law, Washington teachers must complete 100 hours of professional development every five years to keep their licenses.

But there are nearly no state rules for who offers these continuing education credits, known as clock hours. And there are few enforcement tools to guide what content they cover. In just a few simple steps, just about any group can register with the state online to be a clock hour provider.

In fact, Moms For Liberty  a conservative group against teaching about race and gender in schools and labeled far-right extremist by the Southern Poverty Law Center  is on Washingtons official list of approved providers for this school year. Thats despite the states commitment to ensuring clock hours align with diversity, equity and inclusion standards.

No teachers have reported clock hours from Moms for Liberty to the state, and Ann Streit, chair of the groups King County chapter, says the organization doesnt yet have a curriculum in place should a teacher choose to get clock hours from the group.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction says theyve raised concerns about Moms for Libertys place on the list, but the responsibility to approve clock hours belongs to the Professional Educator Standards Board, a governor-appointed panel responsible for policy and oversight of Washingtons educator preparation, certification, assignment and development.

The standards board points out that state lawmakers never gave them the authority to review what clock-hour providers teach.

But now, thats set to change.

By the boards request, the Legislature passed a bill this year to allow the board to create a process to not only review clock hour content, but to kick subpar providers off the list.

The push to set standards for clock hour providers was helmed by Erica Hernandez-Scott, the first educator ever to lead the Professional Educator Standards Board.

Moms for Liberty is not the story, she said. I want [teachers] to be in the classroom for 10, 15, 20 years. If were not doing the right things with clock hours in the first three or four years, then we get this churn. Then we have underprepared people teaching.

My personal belief is education is a profession in the same way medicine and law are, Hernandez-Scott added. They would never allow doctors and lawyers to be trained in such a loose way.

A checkbox system

To get approved, an aspiring clock hour provider simply attests to following state laws around minimum requirements like recordkeeping, gives the state some contact information, and confirms theyre a nonprofit (clock hour providers cannot be for-profit).

It really is a checkbox system, said Lindsey Stevens, who leads the Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession.

Clock hour providers have some standards they must meet under state law, such as creating clock hour committees to oversee courses and collecting course evaluations from participating teachers.

Its not necessarily that the expectations werent there before, Stevens said. But it was sometimes left up to providers, you know, how closely they could align to those expectations.

The professional standards board can deny providers for a missed deadline, incomplete application or because of a for-profit status  but thats about it.

Im shocked by that, said Francene Watson, a former high school humanities teacher who now researches educator professional development at Washington State University.

Watson said that for her entire teaching career, clock hours have been the backdrop. Clock hours are not just a baseline expectation for teachers, but the primary way they get training as they advance professionally, she said. Clock hours can be used to obtain salary increases, too.

That there isnt a process to review who and how were offering that professional growth is a great question thats sort of hidden in plain sight, Watson said.

Hernandez-Scott said with the new legislation, PESB will have more resources, giving the board the capacity to hold clock hour providers to a higher standard.

Our agency has been kind of sidelined for a long time, relatively small, pretty under-resourced, Hernandez-Scott said. Its my responsibility along with the team tobe able to do the work that could have been done years ago, but for whatever reason, wasnt.

What will the new standards look like?

The professional standards board is still setting up its review system. Theres a March 1, 2025 deadline to have it in place.

It would be nearly impossible for the board to review the content of every clock hour course, Stevens and Watson said. Whats more feasible  and what the board plans to do  is review whether providers offering clock hours should be accredited.

The board is creating an application that will ask clock hour providers for their mission and vision, experience and expertise in education and equity-based practices, what subject matter they may offer, clock hour class pricing and more.

By Sept. 1, the board is also supposed to establish a process to revoke clock hour provider status due to complaints, or if a provider is out of compliance with state law or diversity, equity, inclusion and cultural competency standards.

School districts are automatically approved to be clock hour providers. Under the new rules, if the professional standards board discovers that a district isnt offering credits that meet its standards, the district might lose its ability to offer clock hours for its teachers. In that case, the school district would be required to pay an outside group to provide training, Hernandez-Scott said.

As for whether Hernandez-Scott thinks Moms for Liberty will meet the new standards?

Some folks might stay on the list, some folks may decide they no longer have the capacity to be a clock hour provider, Hernandez-Scott said. But I dont have a problem asking for more, when this is about supporting educators, students and families.

The post How did Moms for Liberty end up on WAs approved list of groups training teachers? appeared first on Washington State Standard.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man is accused of elbowing a teenage girl in the head and yelling Die, Jews, die! to a Jewish couple in a series of misogynistic and antisemitic incidents in Manhattan, authorities said.

Brooklyn resident Skiboky Stora, 40, was indicted Tuesday for assaulting, stalking, and harassing strangers in four separate hate-crime incidents from September 2023 to March 2024, according to the Manhattan District Attorneys Office.

In the most recent attack, Stora allegedly punched a 23-year-old woman in the head while she was walking near West 17th Street and Seventh Avenue in Chelsea on March 25. The woman, TikTokker Halley Kate, suffered head swelling after falling on the ground.

More Local News

Stora allegedly harrased a Jewish couple last November after the woman, 28, saw him tearing down posters of Israeli hostages in Union Square. The wife took a picture of him before the defendant allegedly yelled antisemitic and anti-white remarks. Stora then allegedly followed the couple until a good Samaritan let them hide inside her apartment, authorities said.

Die, Jews, Die! Stora said as the husband and wife ducked into the building lobby, according to court records.

The defendant is also accused of elbowing a 17-year-old girl in the neck and pushing a 37-year-old woman in the shoulder in Chelsea, prosecutors said.

You people think you can do whatever the f you want, Stora told the teen, authorities said.

Stora was charged with three counts of assault as a hate crime, stalking as a hate crime and aggravated harassment, officials said.

Much of what defines our city is respect and acceptance of all people. Nobody should have to fear for their safety because of their identity, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her 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 PIX11.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is planning to virtually nominate President Biden ahead of the partys convention after the Ohio state Legislature deadlocked on a fix last week to get the president on the ballot in November.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison announced Democrats would be holding a virtual roll call to ensure Biden gets on the ballot in all 50 states  an announcement made on the same day Ohio state lawmakers returned to the Capitol for a special session to solve Bidens ballot access issue.

Joe Biden will be on the ballot in Ohio and all 50 states, and Ohio Republicans agree. But when the time has come for action, they have failed to act every time, so Democrats will land this plane on our own, Harrison said in a statement.

Through a virtual roll call, we will ensure that Republicans cant chip away at our democracy through incompetence or partisan tricks and that Ohioans can exercise their right to vote for the presidential candidate of their choice, he added.

Democrats were notified earlier this year that the timing of their convention didnt meet a state deadline to certify the partys presidential nominee. Democrats needed to certify Biden by Aug. 7 in order to make the Ohio ballot, but the Democratic National Convention kicks off beginning Aug. 19.

Ohio legislators struggled to reach a legislative fix; Senate Republicans passed a bill that would allow a one-time fix that would move the certification deadline back so Democrats could make it. But it was also paired with a provision that would ban foreign contributions in ballot initiatives, which Democrats rejected.

Top Stories from The Hill

The state House had worked on a more permanent solution that would change the certification deadline, but ultimately neither of those bills was officially voted on in the lower chamber.

Liz Walters, chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, accused Republicans of playing politics with our democracy in a statement Tuesday.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) ordered lawmakers last week to return to the Capitol this week to find a solution to get Biden on the ballot, expressing support for a solution similar to what the Senate proposed, which included the foreign contribution provision.

That raised questions around how Democrats in the state would proceed, given their opposition to the state Senates proposal. The DNCs solution offers Biden an avenue onto the ballot while avoiding an expensive lawsuit.

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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Darby Li Po Prices great-grandfather had a store in Portland in the late 19th Century. When his wife died, he needed help with his young children. So he returned to China to find a new wife.

But the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stood in the way of his return to Portland and his children.

He came back from China a month later after finding a wife, and they told him, You cant come back in because you dont have proper documents saying that you ever entered the US legally, Price told KOIN 6 News. He said, when we arrived here in 1872, we just walked off the boat and nobody asked us for any documents at all. Not even an ID.

Joe Chin is the great-grandfather of Darby Li Po Price, a professor of Asian American studies at Merritt College and a docent at Portland Chinatown Museum, May 2024 (KOIN)

Despite living and working in the US for many years, Prices great-grandfather Joe Chin and his new wife were forced to go back to China.

For a lot of us its easy to be like, Thats a painful part of my familys past. I dont want to touch that. You look at it a different way, Price said. I grew up not knowing much about the Chinese family history and I encountered elders who didnt want to talk about it. They said, Well, that was really unpleasant. That was then, this is now, lets just talk about now and the future. But then there were other elders that would talk about it and I would ask them a lot.

That curiosity grew into his career  a professor of Asian American studies at Merritt College.

Its not just his familys stories. He discovered many others are also well documented.

I was really fortunate to get enough information from elders to get names and dates that I could bring up to the Seattle archives, and they have an incredible collection of immigrant records on Chinese. Because of the Exclusion Act and the intensive interrogations and documentation required record keeping, the Chinese in America are the most documented ethnic group for immigration purposes, he said.

Darby Li Po Price is a professor of Asian American studies at Merritt College and a docent at Portland Chinatown Museum, May 2024 (KOIN)

Price poured through documents that chronicle troubling times for many Chinese American families. Yet he saw they also opened up personal accounts that provide insight into who they were.

I found hundreds of pages on them. I found all these incredible photographs and now read the interviews and just get full histories, he said. I was approaching it like a detective, like an investigator, like wow, like a researcher.

Through that research, Price also discovered his great-grandfathers determination to return to the US.

He found white witnesses that had done official business with him, like the tax collector, the person who had collected the bill for the cemetery for his wife. And they came forth and they said, yes, weve known this man for 15, 20 years. He is who he says he is. So two years later he was allowed to come back in.

But his children, who had been without parents for two years, had already been placed with others to take care of them. It tested his resiliency.

Resiliency is something that we can learn from the difficulties of the surviving family that we had, he said. And it was a great opportunity for America because of the contributions that they have made and continue to make.

A photo at the Portland Chinatown Museum, May 2024 (KOIN)

Darby Li Po Price is one of many docents who lead tours at the Portland Chinatown Museum, which is open Tuesdays through Sundays.

The more I learn about the past, the more I appreciate the sacrifices and the challenges that my ancestors overcame to come across to a whole new country and become successful here. So my working at the museum here is to me, honoring the ancestors.

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.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  Doctors from throughout the country posted a public letter last week, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to ensure health care professionals can perform abortions in every state when that procedure is essential stabilizing treatment under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act.

Thousands of doctors, organized by the advocacy group The Committee to Protect Health Care, signed the letter that calls on the justices to decide in favor of the Biden administrations interpretation that the law protects doctors who provide abortions in emergency circumstances.

We know firsthand how complications from pregnancy can lead very quickly to a medical crisis, requiring immediate care and treatment, the letter states.

These patients complications can range from a miscarriage to heavy bleeding, from placental abruption to a stroke from severe preeclampsia  and doctors and health professionals in emergency departments must be allowed to use the full range of medical options to save these patients lives, including abortion, the doctors wrote.

The Committee to Protect Health Care writes on its website that through earned and paid media, grassroots advocacy campaigns, and other tools, we help pass policies that expand health care and abortion access, elect health care champions, and hold anti-health care politicians accountable.

A letter is not the official way for experts or interested parties to weigh in with the justices when they are considering a case.

Typically, individuals or organizations file an amicus curiae, or friend of the court, brief before oral arguments. The publication of the letter, however, comes a full month after that took place in this case and likely after the majority has begun writing the ruling.

The Committee to Protect Health Care confirmed Friday the group didnt file an amicus brief.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case, Idaho v. United States, on April 24. The justices are expected to release their ruling before the Fourth of July break.

Biden administration interpretation

The case centers around whether a federal law, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act or EMTALA, protects doctors and other healthcare professionals who provide abortions as stabilizing treatment during a medical emergency, even when those doctors actions might go against state bans or restrictions.

The case in front of the Supreme Court, in part, stems from the Biden administrations interpretation of the 1986 law.

That law requires emergency departments to either provide stabilizing care or transfer a patient with an emergency medical condition, regardless of their insurance status.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced in July 2022 that under EMTALA no matter where you live, women have the right to emergency care  including abortion care.

Today, in no uncertain terms, we are reinforcing that we expect providers to continue offering these services, and that federal law preempts state abortion bans when needed for emergency care, Becerra wrote in a statement. Protecting both patients and providers is a top priority, particularly in this moment.

The announcement came shortly after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide, constitutional right to an abortion that was established in the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling and the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision.

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The post Doctors urge U.S. Supreme Court to include abortion as stabilizing care under federal law appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
KYODO NEWS - May 28, 2024 - 21:19 | All, Japan

Some Kyushu Shinkansen line services in southwestern Japan will adopt dynamic pricing for advance tickets after a recent trial eased congestion, the operator said Tuesday, becoming the first bullet trains in the country to use the system.

The change applies to online sales of tickets for journeys starting July 1 that are purchased between a week and a month in advance for travel between Hakata Station in the city of Fukuoka and Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture, said Kyushu Railway Co., also known as JR Kyushu, said.

As a result, customers will pay one of three prices -- 4,200 yen ($27), 3,800 yen or 3,400 yen -- for an advance adult one-way ticket including seat reservation on the section of the line.

Dynamic pricing means the amount charged is allowed to go up and down depending on demand and the timing of the purchase. The decision follows a trial of the system that began March 1.

Before the trial began, advance tickets for the same route were set at 3,800 yen for adults. If bought within a week of departure, a standard ticket costs 5,230 yen.

The route is the most popular bullet train service in the southwestern Japan region, and links the cities in as little as 32 minutes.

JR Kyushu said it currently has no plans to introduce dynamic pricing to other parts of the line, or to the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen line that currently connects Nagasaki to Takeo-Onsen Station in Saga Prefecture.

Related coverage:

Japan's maglev project in focus as Shizuoka election campaign starts

Extension of Hokuriku Shinkansen line opens, tourism hopes boosted
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

Doctors from throughout the country posted a public letter last week, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to ensure health care professionals can perform abortions in every state when that procedure is essential stabilizing treatment under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act.

Thousands of doctors, organized by the advocacy group The Committee to Protect Health Care, signed the letter that calls on the justices to decide in favor of the Biden administrations interpretation that the law protects doctors who provide abortions in emergency circumstances.

We know firsthand how complications from pregnancy can lead very quickly to a medical crisis, requiring immediate care and treatment, the letter states.

These patients complications can range from a miscarriage to heavy bleeding, from placental abruption to a stroke from severe preeclampsia  and doctors and health professionals in emergency departments must be allowed to use the full range of medical options to save these patients lives, including abortion, the doctors wrote.

The Committee to Protect Health Care writes on its website that through earned and paid media, grassroots advocacy campaigns, and other tools, we help pass policies that expand health care and abortion access, elect health care champions, and hold anti-health care politicians accountable.

A letter is not the official way for experts or interested parties to weigh in with the justices when they are considering a case.

Typically, individuals or organizations file an amicus curiae, or friend of the court, brief before oral arguments. The publication of the letter, however, comes a full month after that took place in this case and likely after the majority has begun writing the ruling.

The Committee to Protect Health Care confirmed Friday the group didnt file an amicus brief.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case, Idaho v. United States, on April 24. The justices are expected to release their ruling before the Fourth of July break.

Biden administration interpretation

The case centers around whether a federal law, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act or EMTALA, protects doctors and other healthcare professionals who provide abortions as stabilizing treatment during a medical emergency, even when those doctors actions might go against state bans or restrictions.

The case in front of the Supreme Court, in part, stems from the Biden administrations interpretation of the 1986 law.

That law requires emergency departments to either provide stabilizing care or transfer a patient with an emergency medical condition, regardless of their insurance status.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced in July 2022 that under EMTALA no matter where you live, women have the right to emergency care  including abortion care.

Today, in no uncertain terms, we are reinforcing that we expect providers to continue offering these services, and that federal law preempts state abortion bans when needed for emergency care, Becerra wrote in a statement. Protecting both patients and providers is a top priority, particularly in this moment.

The announcement came shortly after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide, constitutional right to an abortion that was established in the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling and the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision.

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The post Doctors urge U.S. Supreme Court to include abortion as stabilizing care under federal law appeared first on Maine Morning Star.
How does Wisconsin measure up in fight against the spread of bird flu? Here's what to know

So far Wisconsin dairy herds have managed to escape the circulating avian influenza virus that infected both poultry flocks and dairy herds. Wisconsin State Veterinarian Darlene Konkel warns dairy producers to beef up biosecurity measures on farms and continue to be vigilant for clinical signs of the illness.

For the past nine weeks, news of dairy cattle infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, a type of bird flu, has captured the public's attention.

Questions regarding how cattle became infected with the virus and whether or not the nation's milk and meat supply are safe have been on the minds of producers and consumers alike.

Here's what to know.

Where did this avian influenza come from?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, dairy cows from a herd in the Texas panhandle become infected by the virus shed from wild birds. Dairy farmers in several herds became concerned when cows' appetites and milk production fell off rapidly.

Although this bird flu has been circulating around the world for nearly 30 years, it was first reported in dairy cows on March 25.

Dr. Rosemary Sifford, chief veterinary officer and deputy administrator of veterinary services at USDA, believes the virus has been circulating in the Texas panhandle since late 2023, according to a USA TODAY report.

According to the CDC, this bird flu was first identified in domestic waterfowl in southern China in 1996. Over the years the virus spread, mutating as it moved across Asia and into Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Wisconsin State Veterinarian Darlene Konkel says the virus was first discovered in North America in 2021.

By February 2022, the virus began causing outbreaks in both commercial and backyard flocks in the U.S.

Darlene Konkle

"We saw a big bump in outbreaks in the spring of 2022, including a large commercial operation in Jefferson County," said Konkle. In March 2022, a large-scale commercial egg laying flock of 3 million hens near Fort Atkinson had to be destroyed after the virus was detected.

How many farms in Wisconsin have large chicken populations?

According to Dun & Bradstreet, a corporation which provides commercial data, analytics, and insights, Wisconsin has 64 large-scale egg production facilities  operations with more than 150 birds.

Since last fall, 349,456 birds have been infected with the flu in four counties: Washburn, Trempealeau, Barron and Taylor. All outbreaks occurred at commercial facilities except for one backyard flock in Washburn County.

"Since the virus entered the U.S. in late 2021 we have seen peaks between the spring and fall bird migrations. This year we have not had any new detections of (bird flu) in poultry flocks since Jan. 4," Konkle said, noting that the virus never goes away.

How many states have infections, and how did it spread?

In the weeks following the news of the first infections in dairy cattle, the virus spread to dairy animals in nine states: Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Idaho, South Dakota, North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio and Colorado. Animal health officials first believed that the virus was transmitted to cows by wild birds.

As the illness spread among animals in the same herd, scientists detected high virus levels in the milk, believing the milking equipment may have played a role. When cows in Idaho and Michigan tested positive for the disease, it was discovered that cows shipped across state lines from herds with infected cows were the culprits.

In a move to curb the spread of bird flu in cattle, in late April the USDA issued a federal order that lactating dairy cows be tested for the virus before moving to another farm across state lines. The announcement came after the Food and Drug Administration announced that fragments of the virus were detected in samples of pasteurized milk on store shelves.

How safe is the U.S. milk and beef supply?

In May, the agency also ordered that nationally representative samples of beef be tested for the virus. Officials emphasized that pasteurization and proper heating of milk kills the virus, confirming that both the national milk and beef supply was safe.

The second case of a dairy farm workers becoming infected with bird flu has prompted calls for dairy farms to provide personal protective equipment for their employees.

How are we protecting the dairy industry and its workers?

According to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the dairy industry has a $45.6 billion economic impact in Wisconsin each year, supporting 100,000 jobs. That's why Konkle and her team are on high alert regarding the entrance of bird flu into the state's dairy herd.

Konkle has worked closely with state and federal veterinarians to assess and gather the latest information on the prevalence of the virus around the country and to contain a disease outbreak quickly.

So far, 21 states are restricting the import of cattle from states with a confirmed outbreak. Wisconsin is not among them. As of May 24, the Badger state has not had a confirmed case in a dairy herd.

"We feel that the national system and our import requirements are already robust concerning the health status of incoming animals and traceability," Konkle said. "However, we are watching the USDA site closely and monitoring that in case we need to make changes."

While there have been new outbreaks among dairy cattle in states reporting outbreaks, Konkel says no new states have been added to the list.

Konkle is aware that some scientists fear that bird flu in dairy cattle will become endemic, with cows becoming a reservoir for adaptable viruses to mutate and jump to humans.

"We are in close contact with the USDA veterinarians, following all the federal orders and guidance with the goal being to prevent this from becoming endemic in cattle," Konkle said. "The USDA is taking steps to do the research and initial development of a vaccine for (bird flu) for both poultry and cattle. So far, no decision has been made on whether that would be used."

What should you do if you keep chickens or cows?

As with poultry operations large and small, Konkle stressed the importance of education and biosecurity on dairy farms.

"Biosecurity means different things and it's going to look different depending on the size of the operation and the people employed and those moving onto and off the operation," Konkle said. "For small backyard poultry operations it may mean washing your hands and changing your clothes, keeping dedicated equipment and feeding supplies for their flocks and keeping their birds from having any contact with wild birds.

"We like to remind people that good biosecurity certainly will protect against (bird flu), but it also protects against other common diseases to keep flocks healthy."

Have people managed to catch bird flu from the cows?

This week, the CDC documented the second case of a human becoming infected with bird flu linked to U.S. dairy cows. A Michigan dairy farm worker developed the virus while working closely with dairy cows. Another farm employee at a Texas dairy was also infected. Both workers complained of an eye infection.

Konkle said that people working closely with animals should also adhere to biosecurity measures including washing hands, and not eating or drinking around livestock.

"Farm owners and workers can request PPE (personal protective equipment) from Wisconsin's stockpile. Right now it is available at no cost as long as supplies last," she said. To request PPE, visit tinyurl.com/4fa65x7p.

Konkle says Wisconsin has provided many opportunities to connect with and educate producers, veterinarians and other stakeholders to share information about the spread of the virus.

"We're trying to keep the lines of communication open between our producers, vets and livestock markets. We've even done some testing on herds," Konkle said. "We want people to be extra observant and watch for any clinical signs."

USDA reaches out with more assistance for dairy herds

Since the detection of bird flu in dairy cattle in March, USDA has worked to help impacted farms meet the challenge of containing the virus, providing several financial assistance options. This week USDA has announced the expansion of some of these options to include dairy producers whose herds have not tested positive.

These new options are expected to further equip producers with the tools they can use to keep their herds and workers healthy and reduce the risk of the virus spreading to additional herds. These tools include:

USDA will provide financial assistance up to $1,500 per premise to help farmers develop, and implement a biosecurity plan on existing secure milk supply plans.

Cover veterinary costs associated with sample collection for testing.

Offset shipping costs for Influenza A testing at laboratories in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.

Compensate producers for loss of milk production.

To learn more about the USDA's response, visit tinyurl.com/mjyx7usw.

This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: What is Wisconsin doing to keep dairy herds safe in wake of bird flu?
Donald Trump is all about keeping his head above water despite his mounting legal troubles. The former president has reportedly sold one of his private jets to an American business magnate for $10 million as his pockets continue to take a hit due to his surging legal costs.

This recent jet sale comes as his New York hush money trial enters its penultimate phase. Lawyers are expected to make their closing arguments in court today before the jury makes a verdict that could make history.

Donald Trump Sells Private Jet

MEGA

The former president has resorted to selling off some of his prized assets as the costs of his legal bills continue to spike.

According to the Daily Beast, Trump's DT Air Corp company sold his 1997 Cessna jet to a Texas outfit called MM Fleet Holdings LLC, which is tied to Iranian-American construction mogul Mehrdad Moayedi. The jet's selling price is set at $10 million, although the terms of the transaction were not shared publicly.

On the Trump Aviation website, the billionaire mogul bragged about the Cessna, describing it as a "very special feature within the Trump Aviation fleet."

Moayedi is a big Republican party donor. He gave about $250,000 to a political committee for Trump's 2020 campaign and has also handsomely donated to other GOP candidates, including the RNC, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Nikki Haley.

Trump's sale of his jet comes amid his struggle to stay afloat with his mounting legal bills. The billionaire politician has been embroiled in several legal battles - ranging from assault charges to hush money allegations - since he left office and has spent over $100 million in legal fees.

How Long Will Donations Suffice For The Ex-President's Legal Bills?

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According to Newsweek, a large portion of Trump's legal bills have been bankrolled by his supporters following donations made to his political action committee. However, that begs the question of how much longer the donations would suffice and whether they'll keep coming in just to pay his lawyers.

In March, Bloomberg reported that his campaign only had access to $6.8 million. He has since been fined several times, including a $10,000 charge for flouting the gag order in his ongoing hush money trial.

Trump was slammed with a $454 million civil fraud judgment in February but was allowed to post a bond of $175 million in April after he appealed to lower the bond, with his lawyers noting that it was a "practical impossibility" to post the original fine.

He has also been indicted in several other federal cases, including alleged election interference in Georgia, attempting to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and mishandling of classified documents.

The Former President's Hush Money Trial's End Draws Near

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The end of the billionaire mogul's hush money trial is near. The Republican presidential hopeful is accused of falsifying company records to cover up an alleged $130k payment to former adult film star Stormy Daniels.

According to CNN, lawyers are set to make their closing arguments in the case on Tuesday before the jury makes a verdict.

If convicted, Trump would become the first U.S. president in history to be convicted of a crime. His lawyers only need one of the seven men and five women jurors to stand firm against a unanimous guilty verdict for that possibility to be overturned.

Michael Cohen's Questionable Testimony Might Help Donald Trump

MEGA

Trump's defense team is expected to double down on the credibility of the former president's associate, Michael Cohen, who admitted on the stand that he was a liar and benefitted financially from mainstream media targeting Trump at the time.

His lead lawyer, Todd Blanche, argued in court earlier this month that Cohen is a conflicted witness and that the case shouldn't go to the jury.

"He testified. And he lied under oath in this courtroom. And the consequences of that lie, if accepted by the jury, is a conviction, potentially," Blanche stated.

Legal experts have also questioned Cohen's testimony, with many noting that it did not help the prosecutors' case much.

Donald Trump Promises To Crush Pro-Palestinian Protesters

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While conversing for support from deep-pocketed individuals on May 14, Trump said that he'll crush Pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses if his reelection bid becomes successful.

Speaking to a group of predominantly Jewish donors, the former president called the protests against Israel's war on Gaza a "radical revolution," adding that such demonstrations would be frowned upon if the group, which he joked were "98 percent of my Jewish friends," helped him beat Biden.

"If you get me re-elected, we're going to set that movement back 25 or 30 years," Trump said, per the Washington Post.

"One thing I do is, any student that protests, I throw them out of the country," he added. "You know, there are a lot of foreign students. As soon as they hear that, they're going to behave."
Former President Donald Trump sits in court for the hush money trial against him at the Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday. Pool Photo by Steven Hirsch/UPI

May 28 (UPI) -- Former President Donald Trump's first criminal trial is in its final days but more days in court may lie ahead as he campaigns for president.

The trial in Manhattan over Trump's alleged hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels will move to final arguments on Tuesday. The 12-person jury will then mull over its decision on the 34 charges against the Republican nominee.

Trump has denied the affair and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the more than 90 charges he faces.

Trump's campaign has already received some favorable news on other fronts. The Supreme Court ruled in March that states cannot disqualify him from appearing on their ballots.

Here is a look at the trials Trump still faces after the ruling in Manhattan is made.

Former President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he arrives for his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York on Tuesday. Trump has pleaded not guilty to more than 80 criminal charges against him across four cases. Pool photo by Justin Lane/UPI

Classified documents

The next trial in line was scheduled to be the trial over Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents in Florida. That trial was most previously scheduled to begin on May 20, but Trump remained in a Manhattan courtroom.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon held a hearing on Wednesday -- the first in more than a month -- to hear arguments on Trump's bid to throw out the case.

During the last hearing, Cannon -- a Trump appointed judge -- heard arguments from the defense and the government over the trial schedule. She has delayed the trial without setting a new start date.

The prosecution proposed starting the trial on July 8, then proposed an alternate date of Aug. 5. Trump has pushed for all of the trials against him to be delayed until after the election.

Trump faces 40 charges related to holding and failing to surrender more than 100 classified documents, including national security secrets.

Capitol riot, election interference

The trial in Washington, D.C., over Trump's role in inciting the Jan. 6 riot at the Capital and attempting to overturn the results of the election has been put on hold with no trial date set.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan put the trial on hold in February while the Supreme Court considers Trump's presidential immunity argument. The trial was scheduled to begin in early March.

The Supreme Court heard arguments over Trump's immunity claim in April. Trump's defense argued that he has broad immunity that protects him from prosecution for acts committed while he was president. The prosecution argues that this immunity is limited to acts related to his duties as president and immunity expires when he leaves office.

It is unclear when the high court will make its ruling on presidential immunity. Conor Gaffney, legal counsel with nonprofit organization Protect Democracy, told UPI that a decision may not come down until June.

Trump is charged with four counts in this case: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding -- the certification of the election, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights -- the rights of voters.

Election subversion in Fulton County, Ga.

Trump is one of 19 defendants who have been charged in a conspiracy to subvert the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. Four of the other defendants have pleaded guilty and the court has weighed how it will proceed with a trial of the rest.

Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee has indicated that he is hesitant to try more than a dozen defendants at once. He suggested that the defendants be split into at least two groups with both prepared to go to trial.

A trial date has not been set. The prosecution proposed starting the trial last fall but due to the numerous defendants and pretrial motions it has remained on hold.

Trump joined co-defendant Michael Roman's motion to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case, effectively ending the prosecution. Lead prosecutor Nathan Wade resigned from the case after a hearing on the motion. McAfee ruled that Willis may stay on the case if Wade resigned.

The Georgia Court of Appeals announced earlier this month that it will hear Trump-attorney Steve Sadow's appeal to disqualify Willis. This is after McAfee said in his decision that the defense failed to prove that Willis benefited financially from her relationship with Wade.

A date has not been scheduled for the hearing on the appeal.

Trump was arrested last August in Fulton County, facing 13 counts related to an alleged campaign to overturn the results of the election. In total, the 19 defendants faced 41 charges. The indictment also noted 30 unindicted co-conspirators.

Trump and others, including his former attorney Rudy Giuliani, are accused of undertaking multiple schemes to subvert Georgia's elections. This included a "fake elector" scheme and Trump calling Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, asking him to "find" 11,780 votes.
Palestinians inspect the destruction after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Palestinian medics on Tuesday said dozens of people have died in fresh Israeli attacks on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, two days after 45 people were reportedly killed in an airstrike which sparked international condemnation.

The Israeli military said it was investigating reports of an attack on a shelter for displaced persons in western Rafah. Hamas authorities said the attack featured at least four grenades, with unconfirmed estimates putting the death toll at more than 20.

Earlier on Tuesday, a spokesman for the Hamas-run health authority in Gaza said a further 18 people were killed overnight in separate Israeli attacks in Rafah. The information could not be independently verified.

Eyewitness reports from Rafah on Tuesday suggested the Israeli army has advanced into the city centre. The Israeli news website ynet reported that Israeli tanks were deployed in the Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood, which was hit by the airstrike on Sunday.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that troops were still being deployed around Rafah and were endeavouring to prevent harm to innocent bystanders.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said around 1 million people have fled Rafah since Israel launched its latest offensive three weeks ago.

The aid organization said on the social media platform X that the displaced people had "nowhere safe to go amidst bombardments, lack of food and water, piles of waste and unsuitable living conditions." It said "providing assistance and protection becomes nearly impossible."

The latest attacks come in the wake of a ruling last week by the UN's International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to end the operation in Rafah immediately. Israel has so far refused to obey the ruling.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said Israel was investigating Sunday's airstrike, which provoked outrage from neighbouring Arab countries and Israel's Western allies. The IDF previously said two senior officials of the Palestinian militant group Hamas were killed in the bombing.

According to the Hamas-run health authority, at least 36,096 people have been killed and more than 81,000 injured since the beginning of the current conflict in Gaza, which was triggered by the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

The war has repeatedly threatened to escalate into a broader Middle Eastern conflict.

Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq on Monday reportedly attacked the port city of Eilat in southern Israel with drones.

Islamic Resistance in Iraq - an umbrella group for pro-Iranian militias in Iraq - said early on Tuesday that it had attacked military targets in the area with three drones.

The Israeli army said that it had intercepted two enemy objects in the area around Eilat. No casualties were reported.

Palestinians inspect their destroyed tents after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Palestinians inspect their destroyed tents after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Driver dies after crashing into tree, light pole on Monday: KCPD

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  One person is dead after a one-car crash on Memorial Day in Kansas City, Missouri, according to the Kansas City Police Department.

KCPD said that just after 7 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to a life-threatening injury crash near Gregory Boulevard and Troost involving a GMC SUV.

Kansas City police cracking down on illegal street racing

According to investigators, the SUV was speeding westbound on Gregory Boulevard, just west of Troost, when the SUV ran off the roadway, hitting a large tree and a metal light pole.

The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the SUV and taken to a hospital where they later died, KCPD said.

Motorcyclist killed in tow truck crash on Memorial Day in Kansas City

This is traffic accident fatality 44, compared to 32 at this time last year. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

KCPD has not released the identity of the SUV driver. Stay tuned to FOX4 News for the latest updates and 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
(FOX40.COM)  Auburn Folsom Road just south of Horseshoe Bar Road is temporarily closed on Tuesday morning after a person crashed into a power pole that fell across both lanes of traffic, according to the California Highway Patrol Auburn office.

Sometime around 4:38 a.m., a Chevrolet truck traveled off the roadway at an unknown speed and crashed into the pole.

Quad crash turns fatal on Nevada County property

Along with the CHP, County Roads and Pacific, Gas and Electric are on scene as they work to clear the road and reestablish power to the area.

Drivers traveling along this area of Auburn Folsom Road are advised to expect delays and try to seek alternate routes.

According to the PG&E Outage Map, just one person is affected by the outage. Power is expected to be restored by 9:45 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 FOX40.
By Tomoyuki Tachikawa, KYODO NEWS - May 28, 2024 - 18:38 | World, All, Japan

While relations between Japan and South Korea have been improving for years, concerns have also been mounting that bilateral ties might worsen again in the future, casting a shadow over the security environment in East Asia.

Recently, Japan and South Korea have been bolstering security relations with the United States, as China, Russia and North Korea have been deepening military cooperation, especially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

But trilateral ties among Tokyo, Seoul and Washington may be shaky, given that South Korean politicians have often used anti-Japan sentiment to increase their popularity at home, which brings up negative memories between the two Asian countries.

As the minority ruling party of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has extended an olive branch to Japan since taking office in May 2022, suffered a crushing defeat in April's general election, he might change his favorable attitude toward the neighboring nation.

In South Korea, Yoon's conservative People Power Party has been regarded as pro-Japan, while the left-leaning Democratic Party has adopted a hardline stance against the country that colonized Korea from 1910 through the end of the war in 1945.

"There is a risk" that Yoon's ability to "promote policy will decline significantly down the road with his political standing weakening," said Atsushi Ijuin, a senior researcher at the Japan Center for Economic Research.

Among the countries in the triangle, the Japan-South Korea relationship is "inherently fragile" as each of them have alliances with the United States but are not allies of each other, Ijuin said.

A Japanese government source well-versed in East Asian affairs said a worsening of ties between Tokyo and Seoul would "definitely benefit" China, Russia and North Korea, which would be "the worst-case scenario" for the region.

On Monday, Japan, South Korea and China held their trilateral summit for the first time in more than four years. The last time that the leaders of the three countries met was in December 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020.

Yoon, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who took up the current position in March 2023, agreed to work together in addressing common challenges, including epidemics and the graying of their populations.

Kishida, who became premier in October 2021, said at a joint press announcement with Yoon and Li, "Our three countries, which share a great responsibility for peace and prosperity in the region, reaffirmed our determination to cooperate in a wide range of fields."

Japan, South Korea and China 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 spats.

Some analysts point out that even though trilateral summits take place, the outcomes only cover what the three nations can easily agree on, meaning such gatherings have become more meaningless as a way to resolve serious regional issues.

The latest summit was held as Tokyo and Beijing have been at odds over the Chinese ban on all Japanese seafood imports following the start of the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant in August 2023.

During their bilateral talks on Sunday, Kishida and Li traded barbs over China's increased military activities, days after Beijing conducted two-day drills around Taiwan, which it called a "strong punishment" for those seeking the island's independence.

Japan-South Korea ties, meanwhile, have recovered after Seoul proposed a solution in March 2023 for a long-standing wartime labor compensation dispute. Kishida and Yoon resumed reciprocal visits by countries' leaders for the first time in 12 years.

On Sunday, Kishida and Yoon agreed at their bilateral summit to join hands in further developing Japan-South Korea relations ahead of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties in 2025, demonstrating a personal rapport between them.

At the previous trilateral summit in December 2019, Japan had been in a position where it had been "bullied by China and South Korea," but this time China was apparently "grilled" by the other two nations, a senior government official said.

However, even if the wartime labor dispute is resolved, Tokyo and Seoul are likely to keep facing several bilateral issues, such as a territorial row in the Sea of Japan and the treatment of Korean women in Japanese military brothels during World War II.

Japan has claimed that all problems stemming from its colonization of the Korean Peninsula were "completely and finally" settled under a bilateral agreement signed in 1965, but South Korea's anti-Japan politicians continue to brush aside the argument.

South Korea's majority opposition Democratic Party criticized the government in a statement released after Yoon's meeting with Kishida on Sunday, saying, "Is President Yoon Suk Yeol planning to sell out not only our past but also our future?"

The party added, "South Koreans have been expressing their frustration with President Yoon's unrequited love for Japan, saying that it has gone too far and is pathological."

Tomoki Iimura, a fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs, said South Korea's president, who serves a five-year term with no opportunity for reelection, is "prone to becoming a lame duck" after the ruling party loses the general election.

Given the possibility that a policy shift by South Korea's president could "directly affect" relations with Japan, Tokyo must continue "managing" issues with Seoul "in a cautious manner," the researcher said.

Japan needs to maintain close communication with South Korea "at various levels" in a bid to strengthen their trilateral cooperation with the United States, Iimura added.

(Dahee Kim contributed reporting)

Related coverage:

Japan, South Korea, China businesses groups to study cooperation

Japan, South Korea, China to pursue North Korea denuclearization: Kishida

Japan, South Korea to deepen ties ahead of 60th anniv.: Kishida
E. Jean Carrol attorney says "all options" are on the table after Trump posts "human scum" rant

Donald Trump has again denied rape and defamation claims against him by writer E. Jean Carroll, posting a holiday rant that garnered the attention of her lawyer, CNBC reported.

In a Memorial Day post on his website, Truth Social, the former president spent little time dwelling on the holiday itself. His Happy Memorial Day to All greeting was swiftly followed by attacks against federal Judge Lewis Kaplan and the woman he was previously found guilty of defaming.

Trump extended his holiday greeting to the Human Scum that is working so hard to destroy our Once Great Country, & to the Radical Left, Trump Hating Federal Judge in New York that presided over, get this, TWO separate trials, that awarded a woman, who I never met before (a quick handshake at a celebrity event, 25 years ago, doesnt count!), 91 MILLION DOLLARS for DEFAMATION.

Judge Kaplan presided over the May 2023 case in which a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing the writer in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. In January 2024, the judge also presided over another civil defamation case, brought after the former president continued attaking Carroll; the writer was awarded $83.3 million in damages in that case, a verdict that Trump is appealing.

Carrolls lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, responded to Trumps post: We have said several times since the last jury verdict in January that all options were on the table. And that remains true today  all options are on the table.

Kaplan had previously told CNBC that lawyers "continue to monitor every statement that Donald Trump makes about our client, E. Jean Carroll.

The Biden campaign did not miss the opportunity to add its two cents, either, noting on X: Trump posts Memorial Day message with zero mention of fallen American service members, instead calling those who dont support him Human Scum.
E Jean Carrolls lawyer hints new lawsuit is on the table after Trump attacked her again

E Jean Carrolls lawyers have hinted that a new defamation lawsuit could be on the table after Donald Trump attacked her yet again in one of his latest Truth Social rants.

On the eve of closing arguments in his hush money trial, the former president took to Truth Social to fire off a Happy Memorial Day message to all the human scum.

Happy Memorial Day to All, including the Human Scum that is working so hard to destroy our Once Great Country, & to the Radical Left, Trump Hating Federal Judge in New York that presided over, get this, TWO separate trials, that awarded a woman, who I never met before (a quick handshake at a celebrity event, 25 years ago, doesnt count!), 91 MILLION DOLLARS for DEFAMATION, he wrote, adding to his growing list of defamatory statements made about Ms Carroll.

She didnt know when the so-called event took place - sometime in the 1990s - never filed a police report, didnt have to produce the dress that she threatened me with (it showed negative!), & sung my praises in the first half of her CNN Interview with Alison Cooper, but changed her tune in the second half - Gee, I wonder why (UNDER APPEAL!)?

The Rape charge was dropped by a jury! Or Arthur Engoron, the N.Y. State Wacko Judge who fined me almost 500 Million Dollars (UNDER APPEAL) for DOING NOTHING WRONG, used a Statute that has never been used before, gave me NO JURY, Mar-a-Lago at $18,000,000 - Now for Merchan!

Robert Kaplan, Ms Carrolls lawyer, quickly responded in a statement first posted by The New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman on X.

Writer E Jean Carroll leaves federal court after the verdict in her defamation case against former Donald Trump in New York on January 26 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

We have said several times since the last jury verdict in January that all options were on the table, she said.

And that remains true today  all options are on the table.

Despite Mr Trumps false claims in his Truth Social post, a civil jury last year found that he did sexually abuse Ms Carroll in Manhattans luxury Bergdorf Goodman department store back in 1996.

Ms Carroll said that she and Mr Trump randomly bumped into each other and they got chatting, before Mr Trump pinned her against a wall in a dressing room and sexually assaulted her.

The jury also found that he defamed the former Elle magazine columnist when she came forward with the allegations. She was awarded $5m in the verdict.

In a second civil defamation trial in January, Mr Trump was found to have defamed Ms Carroll when he accused her of lying about the attack.

The former president was ordered to pay Ms Carroll $83.3m in damages in that trial.

Despite the rulings, Mr Trump cant seem to stop lashing out at Ms Carroll and has lodged an appeal.

Donald Trump sits at the defense table in his hush money trial (AP)

His rant came hours before closing arguments were set to begin in his criminal hush money trial in Manhattan.

The former president is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records over a payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election  in a move to silence her about an alleged sexual encounter in 2006, months after Melania Trump gave birth to Barron.

Prosecutors allege Mr Trumps fixer Michael Cohen made the $130,000 payment on his behalf and Mr Trump then reimbursed him after entering the White House. He allegedly fraudulently recorded the reimbursement payments as legal expenses.

The charges have been stepped up to felonies as prosecutors allege the former president committed the crimes in commission of another crime: to influence the outcome of the 2016 election.

After weeks of testimony, the trial is now nearing its end, with jurors set to begin deliberations as soon as Wednesday and decide Mr Trumps fate.
Few of the state's congressional primaries are expected to be competitive, though political observers are watching the 3rd and 8th districts. (Daniella Heminghaus for New Jersey Monitor)

New Jersey voters will begin casting machine votes in Junes primaries when early voting begins Wednesday, but it remains to be seen whether the practice meaningfully impacts the states congressional races.

Despite a federal court order barring the use of county lines in this years Democratic primaries, few of the states races are expected to be highly competitive. Marquee contests in the 3rd and 8th congressional districts are expected to be close, but early voting isnt likely to play a significant role in those races.

Early voting in New Jersey, for the most part, has been cannibalized by mail voting, said Dan Cassino, director of Fairleigh Dickinson Universitys poll. The people who want to vote early, who dont want to show up at the polls, who want to a more convenient way are doing it by mail, and were just not getting a lot of uptake in early voting.

In the 8th Districts Democratic primary, Rep. Rob Menendez faces a challenge from Hoboken mayor Ravi Bhalla as the congressmans father, Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, faces trial on charges of bribery and acting as a foreign agent.

Hudson Democrats have stuck with the incumbent, though the potency of their support absent county lines remains untested. Bhallas candidacy also represents a rarity in New Jersey primaries, Cassino said, because hes a high-quality challenger.

When we have a high-quality challenger like Andy Kim or like Ravi Bhalla, the line and institutional support might not matter nearly as much, he said.

Farther south in the 3rd District, Assemblyman Herb Conaway and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, Burlington County Democrats both, are facing off in the contest to replace Andy Kim, that districts congressman. Kim is running for the elder Menendezs Senate seat and is considered the favorite since first lady Tammy Murphys withdrawal from the race.

Three others  civil rights attorney Joe Cohn, small business owner Sarah Schoengood, and teacher Brian Schkeeper  are also seeking the Democratic nod.

Though early voting turnout has paled in comparison to mail voting since its introduction in 2021s general election, the practice could afford Republicans an avenue to get votes banked before Election Day, Cassino said.

The partys rank-and-file has remained resistant to mail voting despite efforts to warm them to the practice, which some party operatives say is key for New Jersey Republicans electoral hopes. National GOP leaders, like former President Donald Trump, have done little to assure their voters about the reliability of mail voting.

Early voting is something we are seeing Republicans try and focus on a little more to try to encourage early voting because its in-person voting, so they think their voters will like it more and therefore they can bank those votes early, Cassino said.

County lines remain in effect for this years Republican primaries in all counties that normally use them except for Burlington. There, County Clerk Joann Schwartz will print office-block ballots, which group candidates by the office they are seeking instead of by which won the endorsement of county party leaders.

That means few of the states GOP races for federal office will be especially competitive, though Republicans vying for the nomination for Menendezs Senate seat could see a tight race.

In that contest, hotelier Curtis Bashaw and Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner are vying for their partys nod. Bashaw has received county lines in 13 counties, including Ocean County, the largest single source of GOP primary votes, while Serrano Glassner has six lines and an endorsement from Trump.

Former Tabernacle Deputy Mayor Justin Murphy and Navy veteran Albert Harshaw are also in the race.

Whoever emerges from that primary faces an uphill climb to a November victory. New Jersey hasnt elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 1972.

This years primaries will be only the third to see early in-person voting, and they are the first to see an extended five-day early voting period provided for elections that include a presidential primary. Typically, primary early voting lasts only three days.

A separate law Gov. Phil Murphy signed in January that would allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they turn 18 by the next general election will not be in effect for this years primaries. That law is set to take effect in January.

The post Early voting begins Wednesday as House, Senate primaries loom appeared first on New Jersey Monitor.
(Elena Sunagatova/ iStock/Getty Images Plus)

COLUMBIA  Early voting for South Carolinas June 11 primaries has begun.

The early voting period started Tuesday and runs through Friday, June 7, except for weekends. Polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, as required by law, each county has at least one early voting location.

Two counties, Greenville and Richland, are opening seven locations, according to information posted by the South Carolina Election Commission. Seven is the maximum places per county allowed under the states 2022 early voting law.

Click here for all locations available to voters in each county. (In the Democratic and GOP presidential contests earlier this year, no county opened more than four.)

Registered voters who do not vote early in person or absentee by mail can make their choices on primary day itself, June 11, when precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The deadline for registering to vote for the primaries is already past.

Voters dont register by party in South Carolina. So, every registered voter can vote in either the Democrat or Republican primary. But voters must pick one. They just cant vote in both.

They also cant cross between parties for primary runoffs. For example, someone who votes in the Democratic primary would be ineligible to vote in a Republican primary runoff, and vice-versa.

In South Carolina, a candidate must get at least one vote over 50% to win a primary. Otherwise, the top two vote-getters advance to a runoff June 25.

Any race that goes to a runoff will also have an early voting period from Wednesday, June 19, to Friday, June 21, again open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There are a few days left for voters to request an absentee ballot  the deadline is May 31.

To request an absentee ballot, voters must give a reason why they cant vote in person. Allowed reasons include being out of town for the entire early voting window as well as the day of the primaries, serving in the military, being 65 or older or having a physical disability. Ballots can be returned by mail or in person. People returning a ballot in person must show a photo ID.

There are no statewide offices on the ballot this year.

But voters will decide all seven U.S. House districts and all 170 seats in the Legislature, though whether theres a primary contest will depend on the district and party. Local offices up for election include 10 of the states 16 solicitors.

Across the state, over 250 people filed to run for 124 state House seats, while over 100 people filed to run for the 46 Senate districts. Dozens of candidates are running with no opposition in the primary or general election in November.

To check your polling place and see sample ballots by district, visit the South Carolina voter page.

The post Early voting is under way for SCs June 11 primaries appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  East Lansing Police Chief Kim Johnson has resigned, according to the city.

In a news release sent Tuesday afternoon, the city said his resignation was effective on May 20, more than a week ago.

On April 11, 6 News reported an internal complaint against Chief Johnson led to his paid administrative leave and an internal investigation.

The city of East Lansing said, Deputy Chief Chad Pride has been named as ELPDs interim police chief, effective immediately.

Pride has been with the East Lansing Police Department since January 2000.

Before being hired as Chief, Johnson served 30 years with the East Lansing Police Department. He started with the city in 1982 as an officer and gained ranks through the years. He left the city in 2012 with the rank of Captain, a news release from 2020 announcing his hiring as chief says.

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 WLNS 6 News.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, right, stands with Metro leaders including Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins, left, to introduce a motion to make Metro safer for riders and operators, at Metro headquarters on May 16. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Hoping to end a recent spike in violent and deadly assaults, Metros governing board last week formally approved a surge of public safety personnel on buses and trains. The goal is to prevent crime and keep riders from abandoning trains and buses by flooding the system with more police officers and sheriffs deputies, along with Metros own security officers and customer-service ambassadors.

Its worth a try. Metro cannot afford to lose passengers or public support if Los Angeles wants to have car-free Olympics in 2028.

Read more: Editorial: L.A. Metro is doomed if it can't keep bus and train riders safe

But the surge is a temporary strategy to deal with the increase in violent crime, Mayor Karen Bass, who is the current chair of Metro, has said. Whats next? Yes, theres been a frightening spate of assaults, stabbings and killings in the last month, however riders have been ditching transit for years because they felt unsafe  even when violent crime was low. The vast majority of safety concerns cited by riders are about comfort and cleanliness, as well as code of conduct violations.

Metro needs a long-term plan to make transit feel safer.

That should start with a hard look at the current policing contracts. Since 2017, Metro has spent nearly $1 billion on law enforcement contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and the Los Angeles and Long Beach police departments to patrol the system. But it's unclear whether Metro is getting its moneys worth from those contracts.

Read more: Ex-Metro security chief says police patrols were so lax, they didn't notice a dead man at station

A 2022 audit by Metros Office of Inspector General found that law enforcement agencies had poor visibility in the system. For example, sheriffs deputies worked mostly from patrol cars outside stations and bus stops.

Metros former chief safety officer, Gina Osborn, tracked law enforcement performance over two years and told Times reporter Rachel Uranga that she became convinced the agencies were failing at basic patrols and not acting proactively to keep the system safer. Osborn said she was fired in March from Metro after reporting her concerns to the inspector general.

Read more: They want to ride buses and trains, but they're afraid. For riders old and young, Metro must be safer

But her complaints were not new. Last year when Metros governing board voted to extend the law enforcement contracts for up to three years, leaders said they were frustrated that the agency couldnt monitor or even direct where and how officers were deployed on the system. And again last week, Bass and other board members complained that Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins did not have authority to direct officer deployment.

As part of Bass surge motion, the governing board ordered the creation of a unified command controlled by Metros security team that will coordinate law enforcement, security and social services deployment. But even with the unified command, Metro will not have authority to direct law enforcement deployment. That's a huge problem. How can Metro effectively manage security when it cannot assign officers to patrol specific areas to prevent and respond to crime on the system?

Read more: Opinion: They traveled on Metro for a week and loved it. Can two dozen German journalists be wrong?

Making sure Metro is getting its money's worth will be even more important this summer when its law enforcement costs rise. The cost of the contracts will increase 10% in the fiscal year that starts July  and that was before the surge increased officer deployment. That prompted L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to call for a cost comparison between law enforcement agencies, security officers and ambassadors to figure out how we can achieve the most effective, visible presence with the dollars we have to spend .

Besides cost, Metro also has to grapple with how to maintain security and order on the system.

In the past, Metro tasked sworn officers with enforcing fare evasion and code of conduct violations, such as littering and playing loud music. But there were complaints and a federal investigation into racial bias in fare enforcement. During a code of conduct crackdown in 2018, an LAPD officer dragged a young woman off a subway train because she refused to take her foot off the seat. (The city of L.A. paid her $50,000 last year to settle the lawsuit against the LAPD, her lawyer told The Times.)

Metro transferred fare and conduct enforcement to civilian security in recent years to help address long-standing complaints of racial bias in the policing of the system. Sworn officers were focused on enforcing the penal code and responding to crime.

Theres now a call from riders and local elected officials to ramp up fare and conduct enforcement, including by police officers. Metro leaders should tread carefully as they decide how to build a comprehensive public safety response that may include creating an in-house transit police force. In making the buses and trains safer today and into the future, they dont want to repeat the mistakes of the past.

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.
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE)  21-year-old Patrick Guizar likes a good game of pickleball. He also likes working at the grocery outlet in Kerman. What makes Patrick different is that he was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.

Hes been going to school since he was three. Now hes 21 and hes still getting an education. He is learning, said Patricks mother.

Patrick is enrolled in the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Adult Transition program located at Kerman High School. His mother says he has come a long way -the first five years of his life, Patrick was nonverbal.

Its hard to believe we used to do pictures he would show me a picture of what he wanted to eat or snack or sign language. He knew some sign language just to get through, his mother said.

His mother says he has always wanted to excel in whatever he does.

His teachers call him a go-getter.

We sit down we set a goal and Patricks not only going to get the goal, but hes going to exceed that goal.

One of Patricks goals is to participate in Future Farmers of America. He has always loved animals and wanted to follow in the footsteps of his mother and uncle.

I asked my Mom if I could show an animal, If one day I could show an animal. She says probably or maybe. Then I did, said Patrick.

But Patrick wanted to do more and he set the goal to earn the American FFA degree, the highest honor achievable in the national organization. It required hours and hours of community service and earning at least $10,000.

Patrick accomplished that by selling animals at the Fresno Fair. His hard work paid off.

It was a huge honor. Not only just the FFA Degree but meeting the CEO is a big honor, he said.

More recently, Patricks family, his teachers, and community members all showed up when he was named Superintendents Superstar by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. His mother says this support makes it possible for students with special needs to achieve.

Give them a chance, youd be surprised how much they can do. Dont count them out just because they do have a diagnosis, said Patricks mother.

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.
An 8-year-old girl was killed and eight others were injured in a Memorial Day holiday weekend collision in Lexington, according to the Fayette County Coroners Office and Kentucky State Police.

The crash happened at approximately 11:57 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Leestown Road and Citation Boulevard, according to KSP crash data. The wreck involved two vehicles and nine people.

The Lexington Police Department said a vehicle was flipped onto its top and was smoking.

Daleyza Ortiz Garcia, of Lexington, died in the crash, according to the coroners office. She was pronounced dead at roughly 12:33 a.m. Sunday at University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital from multiple blunt force injuries.

The manner of Garcias death was labeled as an accident, according to the coroners office.

Eight other people were injured in the crash, according to KSP data. The extent of their injuries are unknown.

There have been nine fatal crashes in Lexington this year.

In 2023, 52 people died in fatal collisions in Fayette County, according to KSP data. That is the highest number of deaths from crashes recorded in a single year in Fayette County since KSP began tracking deadly crashes in 2010.
El Mirage voters said no to City Hall, police expansion. Elected officials are moving ahead anyway

Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this article gave an incorrect date for when the El Mirage City Council approved the city's budget.

El Mirage is forging ahead with projects to add more space to City Hall and its police station despite widespread objections from voters.

They were asked last year whether the city could take out a $41.5 million bond and raise property taxes.

The funds would have expedited the city's plans of expanding its existing City Hall and police station, neither more than 10 years old, and building a new city courthouse and fire station. That meant the city wouldn't have to wait years to complete the projects until it had budgeted enough money.

The projects, city officials said, were meant to accommodate El Mirages anticipated growth.

Voters, however, overwhelmingly rejected the measure, with more than 81% of them saying no.

It sent a loud and clear message, said Councilmember Anita Norton-McDaniel.

It wasnt just that (voters) didnt want to pay more taxes  they just didnt want to see (their taxes) spent on those types of projects, she said. They couldnt understand it.

El Mirage City Hall, a 22,000-square-foot facility at El Mirage and Mountain View roads, was completed in late 2016 for $7.6 million. City officials want to expand the facility by 8,500 square feet accommodate a growing city staff.

Months after that decisive vote, the city is proceeding with the two expansion projects.

City leaders had asked that those projects be added to El Mirages Fiscal Year 2025 budget as part of the capital improvement plan  the slate of projects to construct, maintain, or update public facilities and infrastructure in the coming years.

They approved the budget last week in a 6-1 decision, with Norton-McDaniel casting the dissenting vote.

For the next five fiscal years, the city is budgeting over $61.6 million for capital improvement projects, nearly $9 million of which will be spent on the expansions. Cities have a general fund for annual operations and services and a separate capital projects fund for facility improvements.

First, the city is earmarking $773,00 in the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1, for the projects' design. Nearly $8.2 million in construction costs will be set aside in Fiscal Year 2026.

The need for public safety and city facility improvements were outlined in recent studies and included in the previous fiscal year budget, city spokesperson Kari Silva said.

The reports showed that the police department had outgrown its existing building, while the citys aging courthouse was too small to handle personnel and visitors.

Another study found that a second fire station would improve the departments response times in the southern part of the city.

El Mirage Fire Department, at El Mirage and Thunderbird roads, meets the National Fire Protection Association standards of responding to most calls within four minutes in the northern part of the city.

While there wasnt a serious gap in service when covering the citys south and east ends, there was a gap nonetheless. A second fire station in south El Mirage, the study suggested, would allow the department to maintain the four-minute response time in both halves of the city.

And like the police station, space at City Hall has gotten tighter over the years with a growing staff, Silva said.

It was constructed to allow for 10% expansion, she said. But weve hit that.

Mayor Alexis Hermosillo did not respond to numerous requests for comment this week. Other council members didnt immediately answer calls.

What projects would the bond money have funded?

The four projects the city had hoped to complete with the $41.5 million bond measure included:

The construction of a 17,000-square-foot fire station on 2.5 acres of land in the southern part of the city, costing $18.5 million.

Expansion of the citys police station by 5,000 square feet at a $3 million cost.

Construction of a new 18,000-square-foot courthouse next to the new fire station, costing $14 million.

Expansion of city hall by 8,500 square feet for $6 million.

To pay for the debt incurred from the bond, the city would have also raised secondary property taxes, with rates varying based on property values.

The total cost of the bonds, including interest, was estimated to be about $75.13 million.

Why did the city want the projects?

The projects were intended to accommodate the citys growth and the increasing staff at City Hall and the police station.

El Mirage had 35,805 residents tallied in the 2020 Census. According to the Maricopa Association of Governments estimates for 2023, it grew to 36,536, a 2% increase.

MAG projects El Mirages population to grow another 3.5% by 2030, reaching 37,825.

El Mirage City Hall, a 22,000-square-foot facility at El Mirage and Mountain View roads, was completed in late 2016 for $7.6 million. It represented a considerable improvement from the citys previous digs, a strip mall building.

When the new headquarters opened in early 2017, it accommodated 30 employees.

As of 2023, 40 employees worked there, according to Silva. By 2043, she said, the city anticipates its staff to grow to 60.

Adapting to the staff increases, the city converted storage areas and conference rooms into office space. During elections, when City Hall serves as a vote center, council meetings are moved over to the police departments community room.

When you consider the fact that moving those kinds of meetings involves not just rearranging chairs, but audio-visual, those kinds of things, it becomes more labor intensive and complicated and technical, Silva said this week.

Similarly, she said, the police station saw its staff grow since 2013 when the department started using its station. At that time, the department had 57 employees and two volunteers. Last year, it had 82 employees and three volunteers.

But, the study continued, the 20,000-square-foot facility was already surpassing its useful capacity, and should be expanded by 5,000 square feet, or 25%.

These (projects) are based on where we anticipate the needs in services expanding, Silva said.

Why did voters reject these projects?

El Mirage Citizens Against Bond 2023 was the opposition group, encouraging residents to vote no.

The group argued that the proposed projects represent wasteful, runaway, and unnecessary spending of our tax dollars.

Regarding the police station and City Hall, the group noted that both buildings were relatively new after being built in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Both were also completed with anticipated growth already in mind, the group added.

These new buildings and expansions of existing buildings would be frivolous spending of our tax dollars, and put an even greater burden on us for the next 30 years, the group said in the bonds informational materials.

El Mirage resident Scottie Gentry was the treasurer of the group. Shes now among the seven candidates vying for one of the three open council seats in the July 30 election.

Three incumbents, Vice Mayor David Shapera and Councilmembers Roy Delgado and Bob Jones are seeking reelection.

Gentry did not respond to requests seeking comment.

How did the projects get added to the budget?

The council met for a workshop session in late January to discuss the proposed projects in the capital improvement plan.

Initially, Norton-McDaniel recalled, the plan presented to the council members didnt include the projects from the failed bond. It had projects for city departments to maintain or improve services.

I supported those, I agreed with those projects, she said.

Near the end of the meeting, she said, some of her colleagues asked to see the two expansion projects included.

During that meeting, I did not give my stamp of approval on it, Norton-McDaniel said.

I was actually shocked and not really happy when I was hearing this, she added. I was surprised that they would even be discussing this in light of less than two months prior to this there was a very strong voice from the citizens.

How is the city paying for these projects without bond money?

Without the bond money, the city will dip into its coffers to pay for the two expansion projects.

The city had already planned to do so, as the capital improvement plan for the current fiscal year included the four bond projects. The council had approved the slate of projects after calling for the special bond election.

Getting the voters approval for the bond meant the city would have had the funds to pay for the projects now and pay for it over time, rather than waiting until the money became available, Silva explained.

The more time that passes, then those needs continue, the need does not go away, she said. So those needs continue to grow as the city grows.

Shawn Raymundo covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Peoria and Surprise. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: El Mirage leaders pass budget to fund failed bond measure projects
KYODO NEWS - May 28, 2024 - 21:49 | All, Japan

Japanese researchers said Tuesday that they have successfully constructed the world's first wooden satellite, with the tiny cube-shaped object expected to be sent into space aboard a SpaceX rocket launched from the United States, possibly in September.

"LignoSat," a blend of the words ligno, a prefix meaning wood, and satellite, is the outcome of about four years of development efforts by a team involving Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Co., with the aim of harnessing the environmental friendliness and low cost of wood in space development.

Wooden satellites are seen as better for the environment when burning up upon reentering the Earth's atmosphere at the end of their operation, compared to conventional satellites made of metals, as they can create alumina particles, which may adversely affect weather and communications, according to the team.

The latest development is "an extremely valuable step for both the space and wood industries," Kyoto University and the Tokyo-based wood products company said in their joint press release, noting that it will help "open up the possibilities of the use of wood, which is a sustainable resource."

LignoSat is a 10-centimeter cube made from 4 to 5.5 millimeter-thick magnolia wood panels, with a frame partially constructed from aluminum. It has solar panels affixed to some sides and weighs roughly 1 kilogram.

It is built based on a traditional Japanese technique that does not use any screws or adhesive materials.

The team said it has confirmed the durability of the wooden material even in the harsh environment of outer space.

"We would like to create a satellite, including the electronic substrate portion (contained inside), entirely made from wood in the future," said Takao Doi, an astronaut serving as a program-specific professor at Kyoto University.

The satellite will be turned over to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on June 4. It will be launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, bound for the International Space Station.

It will be released into space about one month after arriving at the orbiting laboratory, according to the press release. The team plans to explore the potential of wood by analyzing data sent from the novel satellite, it said.

Related coverage:

China wary of SpaceX's Starlink service during Taiwan contingency

Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket a year after failure

Japan startup launches satellite on mission to monitor space debris
HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WETM)  An Elmira woman was arrested on Monday after police said she was involved in a theft at a beauty store in Horseheads in January.

According to the New York State Police, Catherine L. Walker was arrested on Monday, May 27, after being indicted by the Chemung County Grand Jury on a sealed indictment, for felony grand larceny in the third degree.

Police say that Walker stole more than $3,000 from Ulta Beauty in January. Walker was seen in court Tuesday morning in Chemung County Court where court documents say she pleaded not guilty.

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The right to a trial by jury was designed to be part of "the heart and lungs of liberty," enshrined into the Constitution to protect people "against being ridden like horses, fleeced like sheep, worked like cattle, and fed and clothed like swine and hogs," according to John Adams.

It is, in theory, still supposed to do that. But the Founders would likely be dismayed by the ways in which the government has watered down that right since their passing.

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch rebuked one such way today: the use of six-member juries, as opposed to the historical practice of 12-person panels.

His opinion was pegged to Cunningham v. Florida, a case concerning Florida woman Natoya Cunningham who was sentenced to eight years in prison after a six-person jury found her guilty of aggravated battery and retaliation against an informant to whom her nephew sold crack. Florida is one of six statesthe others are Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Utahthat permits either six- or eight-person panels for such criminal trials.

The Court declined to hear Cunningham's appeal. Yet it was the Supreme Court itself, Gorsuch noted in his dissent today, that greenlit governments to shrink juries in its 1970 decision Williams v. Florida, which initially approved the six-person set-up. That "revolutionary" ruling, Gorsuch said, was "an embarrassing mistake" that "turned its back on the original meaning of the Constitution" and "centuries of historical practice." The 12-person requirement had indeed been the standard for centuries prior to the high court's about-face 54 years ago.

"Pointing to academic studies, Williams tepidly predicted that 6-member panels would 'probably' deliberate just as carefully as 12-member juries," wrote Gorsuch. "But almost before the ink could dry on the Court's opinion, the social science studies on which it relied came under scrutiny." Eight years later, in Ballew v. Georgia, the Court conceded that "recent empirical data suggest that progressively smaller juries are less likely to foster effective group deliberation."

Most people today are unlikely to get a jury at all, smaller or otherwise, with the advent of mass plea bargaining. About 98 percent of federal convictions are reached with a plea deal; the same can be said for about 95 percent of convictions in state courts. Though plea bargaining is widely seen in pop culture as giving defendants a break, it is also why some innocent people end up in prison for crimes they did not commit: Prosecutors routinely overcharge defendants and hang extreme sentences over their heads, only offering to pump the brakes if the accused will agree to forego a jury trial. Some roll the dice anyway. Many do not. Why exercise your Sixth Amendment right when it could cost you your life?

The post 'An Embarrassing Mistake': Neil Gorsuch Rails Into Florida's Use of 6-Person Juries appeared first on Reason.com.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A Southwest flight heading to Tampa from Denver diverted to Colorado Springs and evacuated passengers onto the tarmac, after flight attendants reportedly smelled smoke in the cabin.

The Colorado Springs (COS) Airport confirmed to FOX21 News that a Southwest flight was diverted to COS and passengers were evacuated then bussed to the terminal. COS said no other commercial airline operations were impacted.

Southwest sent FOX21 News a statement, which you can read in its entirety below:

Southwest Flight 1070 diverted safely to Colorado Springs Monday evening after the Flight Attendants reported a possible smell of smoke in the cabin. The aircraft was flying from Denver to Tampa. The Flight Crew followed established procedures and Customers safely exited the aircraft. We are working to accommodate Customers on another aircraft to Tampa while maintenance personnel evaluate the original aircraft. We apologize for the inconvenience; nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees. Southwest Airlines

This is a developing story. FOX21 News will provide updates as information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
GAYLORD  When voters in District VII look over the ballot in the upcoming Aug. 6 primary they will not find the name of Douglas Johnson among the Republican candidates for county commissioner.

Johnson is currently the longest-serving county commissioner in Michigan, having first taken office in 1981 following his first win in the 1980 election, which saw Ronald Reagan capture the presidency. After nearly 44 years he has decided not to seek another term.

"It used to be a lot more fun and enjoyable. Now it's more like a struggle," Johnson said. "Politics has changed ever since Covid and it's a lot different now. I am also at the point in my life where I want to do some traveling. My wife (Sherry) and I are not getting any younger."

When Johnson joined the board in 1981, there were Democrats and Republicans on the panel. In fact, the then board chairman was a Democrat, Richard Yuill. Even though they were from different political parties, Johnson said Yuill became a mentor.

Doug Johnson

"Dick had been chairman of the board for a long time and I was a young punk. He kind of took me under his wing and I gained a lot of respect for him. He was informative and helpful and always encouraged me to do the right thing. He taught me it was OK to disagree but once the decision was made that meant the majority had decided and you needed to accept it whether you liked it or not," Johnson said.

"We worked well together and that is what Dick was all about. I have always strived to find common ground and do what is best for the people. That is something Dick taught me and I never forgot it," he added.

Now the county board is comprised entirely of Republicans.

"I think this has always been a conservative Republican area in Northern Michigan," said Johnson. It's like in Escanaba in the U.P. where I come from, that was traditionally a Democratic area. There are areas of the state that are Democratic and there are areas that are Republican."

"When it comes to local government such as the city councils and in townships, I don't think the Republican or Democratic tag is as important as it is on the national scene," he continued.

Reflecting on some of the significant milestones he has been involved in during his career, he points to the acquisition of the Alpine Center and the surrounding property from the state. In 1982, Otsego County purchased the 160 acres and six buildings for $1. Ironically, the Alpine Center is officially named after Yuill.

"There was some controversy over that and even my father wasn't in favor of it but I voted for it," Johnson recalled. "While the center is now too old it did house many county offices for over 40 years. More importantly the property around the center now contains the high school, the University Center, the health department and EMS. They all sit on land that the county didn't have to go out and purchase."

When Johnson joined the board, municipalities, community colleges and other municipal units like water departments were having trouble getting affordable property and casualty and liability insurance from commercial carriers. In response, the county joined a self-insurance pool that still exists today.

"Otsego County was the fourth member to join and there are over 400 now. This has been a very successful program. Unlike traditional insurance, the members own it so we actually get money back," Johnson said.

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Otsego County Administrator Matt Barresi noted that Johnson provided a calming presence to county government.

Chairman Johnson, or Doug, is whats still great about the American form of government. He is the kind voice of calm in heated arguments and the guy that may not agree with your position, but will still be happy to have coffee with you after heavy debate. He has been a great mentor to me for almost 18 years and I suspect I will reach out for his wise counsel even after he leaves his seat in office," said Barresi.

Stephan Currie, executive director of the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC), said Johnson's departure marks the end of an era.

"Doug epitomizes the public servant model of someone who, year after year, simply wants to give back to his community. Along with being a voice of prudence and moderation in Otsego and within MAC itself, Doug has given even more of his time to board service for our workers comp fund. Whatever the ask has been when MAC has called, Doug Johnson has said, Yes. For decades of such service, Id say hes earned some time to rest and relax with Sherry and his family," said Currie.

 Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: After over 40 years, Doug Johnson to conclude Otsego County commissioner service
This years committee of conference season will be as busy as ever. (Dana Wormald | New Hampshire Bulletin)

The New Hampshire House and Senate finished their last traditional voting days Thursday, taking action on hundreds of bills as they seek to wrap up the year.

Now comes the messy part.

While the hearings, floor debates, and major amendments to the bills are done, most of the legislation that has passed is still not ready for Gov. Chris Sununus desk. And many of the headline bills this session are not guaranteed to pass.

Thats because of the committee of conference process. Over the past several weeks, both the House and Senate have made amendments to each others bills. A bill that originated in the House might have passed that chamber and crossed over to a Senate committee, which might have any number of changes. Now, that same bill must return to the House, whose members need to decide whether they will accept the changes, reject them, or request a negotiating session with the Senate to come up with a compromise.

Heres a guide to this years committee of conference season  and which bills have the trickiest paths forward.

What is a committee of conference?

A committee of conference is a body convened at the end of the legislative calendar to resolve disputes between the House and Senate over bills.

When one legislative chamber receives back one of its bills with amendments from the other chamber, lawmakers have a few choices. If they vote to concur with the changes, they are accepting the amendments and the bill will head on to the governors desk. If they vote to nonconcur, they are rejecting the amendments and the bill dies immediately. If they vote to request a committee of conference, they are asking to negotiate.

If both chambers agree to negotiate, the committee is formed. Each committee is tasked with considering one bill only and is staffed with seven lawmakers: four representatives chosen by the House speaker and three senators chosen by the Senate president.

In less than a week, that committee must discuss the House and Senate differences with the bill, and try to find a compromise. All seven members must sign off on a compromise in order for it to advance. But the House speaker and Senate president are free to replace members of the committee up until the deadline, allowing them to select lawmakers who might be more amenable to compromise. The original sponsor of the bill is also allowed to speak to the committee to give input on what they would like to see.

If all seven committee of conference members agree, the bill with its proposed compromise amendment will move forward as a report. That report will be voted on by the full House and Senate, either of which can reject the bill, ending its progress.

The process is fast-moving and complex, and often laden with political maneuvering. But there are some constraints: The committees of conference cannot consider any amendment that is not germane, or relevant, to the underlying bill, meaning that lawmakers cannot attempt to tack on bills off their wishlist at the last minute.

When is all of this happening?

There are three key deadlines. On Thursday, May 30, lawmakers in both chambers must vote on whether they are accepting, rejecting, or requesting committees of conference for the remaining amended bills. Any committees formed will have until Thursday, June 6, to find a compromise and sign off on it.

Then, the House and Senate will have until Thursday, June 13, to vote to accept or reject the final reports.

What are the bills to watch this year?

With an eye to the committee of conference process, the House and the Senate spent last week inserting a number of amendments into bills that could lead to committees of conference.

Many of those changes came from the Senate. The Republican-led chamber took House Bill 1370, a bill originally intended to require extra secure containers for election ballots, and added in their version of legislation eliminating exceptions to the states voter ID laws and requiring a birth certificate or other documentation to register to vote. HB 1370 now contains the Senates bill, which would still require a birth certificate or passport to register to vote, but would direct the Secretary of States Office to create a hotline in which town election officials could ask state employees to confirm whether a voter has citizenship documents.

The Senate made a number of changes to House Bill 318, a bill aimed at strengthening the states bail laws, including by lowering the standard of evidence allowing judges to hold someone accused of a major felony without bail. The House version required that judges find clear and convincing evidence that a felony defendant is a danger to their community; the Senate version requires only that the judge find a preponderance of the evidence.

The Senate has also made significant alterations to the Houses cannabis legalization bill, House Bill 1633, including an amendment to increase the amount of state control over the proposed retail cannabis outlets. Those changes have already led some Democrats and Republicans who support legalization to vow to reject the bill when it comes back to the House.

Senate Republicans have disagreed with House Republicans over how much to expand the states education freedom accounts, the voucher-like program that allows income-eligible families to use state education funds toward private and home school expenses. The program is currently available to people making up to 350 percent of the federal poverty level; in House Bill 1665, the House has proposed raising that cap to 500 percent of the federal poverty level, but the Senate has amended that number to 400 percent.

The House meanwhile added a major last-minute amendment to Senate Bill 476, which would direct $40 million to the Department of Corrections toward a new prison. On Thursday, House representatives tacked on a controversial gun bill the Senate had earlier tabled that would require certain mental health records be added to gun background checks. That amended bill will now be taken up by the Senate and could go to a committee of conference.

What is different about this year?

The Houses near-even division of Democrats and Republicans has affected how it has conducted business this session, both at the committee level and full chamber level.

One notable effect is a rise in votes to indefinitely postpone bills. Traditionally, when the the full House meets to vote, they will pass a bill, table it, or kill it with a motion of inexpedient to legislate.

But there is a more dramatic option: the indefinite postponement. When the chamber votes for this, the bill is killed and also may not return in substantially similar form for the entire two-year session.

That move is considered by many lawmakers as a nuclear option to kill a bill, and it used to be rarely used. An analysis by Citizens Count, an organization that tracks legislation in New Hampshire, found that for most of the 21st century, lawmakers indefinitely postponed bills only a handful of times every year.

Using the motion is designed to really make a statement, said Anna Brown, executive director of Citizens Count: Not only do we dislike this legislation, we hate it. We want to make sure theres not a chance it can come back.

This year is different. With thin margins that mean a few sick lawmakers can tip the balance to either party on voting days, House lawmakers have used the indefinite postponement option 40 times in 2024, according to the General Court website  the highest in the 35 years for which online records are available. The move has been used largely by Republicans, but Democrats have also used it on rare occasions when they have assumed the majority of the chamber.

It was like it kicked off a trend, Brown said. Were seeing indefinite postponement left and right.

The result is that in many cases this year, Senate lawmakers are unable to try to resurrect bills during the committee of conference process because they have already been voted to be indefinitely postponed in the House.

Its not going to be just dead, Brown said. Its going to be dead dead.

Even so, with major topics like bail reform, voter ID laws, and cannabis legalization on the line, this years committee of conference season will be as busy as ever.

The post The end of the legislative calendar, explained appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
NEW YORK  In a break with custom, New York City Mayor Eric Adams is keeping tight control over his newly announced Charter Revision Commission, rather than relying on outside experts.

Administration officials on Tuesday said they have no plans to hire outside staff to assist with the endeavor, which entails cracking open the citys governing document and suggesting changes that will be presented to voters on the November ballot.

The move will help ensure the mayors wishes are met, and bolsters a widely held view that the commission, announced last week, is meant to block the City Council from increasing its role in approving mayoral appointees.

Shortly after news broke of the Councils intentions, Adams announced his own commission that would effectively usurp the legislative bodys. His spokesperson insists the two are unrelated.

Government reform advocates were troubled by the latest machinations.

You really have to have staff if you are at all serious about it, John Kaehny, head of the organization Reinvent Albany, said in an interview. [The mayors commission] lacks any sort of seriousness, and the mayor is really giving ammunition to critics who say it is a fatuous political exercise.

Like his predecessors, the mayor tapped loyalists to sit on the commission. Longtime ally Carlo Scissura will chair the body; one of Adams' early mentors, Herbert Daughtry, will sit on it.

But mayors usually hire external staff to oversee potential amendments to the City Charter.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Adams argued his predecessors have spent too much money on their charter revision efforts.

I believe in lean, and quick, and getting stuff done, he said. We spend too much money on window dressing. We can do a better job.

And the mayors chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg, said the commission will be run by capable city employees.

We're blessed to have people who work in the administration who have served  city government for a long time and who have experience with prior charter revision commissions, she said. So we're tapping into existing experience for the running of it.

Past Charter Revision Commissions have generally been staffed with both administration employees and outsiders with expertise in law and government.

Running the commission exclusively with city employees is unusual, according to Louis Cholden-Brown, a staffer on the 2019 Charter Revision Commission and former lawyer for the Council speaker.

A Charter Revision Commission is supposed to review the entire charter, he said. And staff generally interested in pulling things apart seem more attuned to that mandate, rather than a team coming in with the mayors press release ringing in their ear.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said on May 28 that the EU's training program of Ukrainian soldiers should increase its capacity from 60,000 to 100,00 personnel.

The European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was established in October 2022 to provide individual, collective, and specialized training for the Ukrainian military.

Pevkur said that the EU previously promised to increased EUMAM's capacity from 40,000 to 60,000, but said that it is "not enough."

"I believe that is okay to send a very clear signal that we will go to 100,000 (soldiers)" in response to increased Russian pressure and the renewed Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, Pevkur said.

"But of course that means that Ukrainians (will be able to) give us the soldiers to train," he added.

Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said on May 27 that he had already signed documents "that will allow the first French instructors to visit training centers (in Ukraine) soon."

Ukraine's Defense Ministry later clarified, and said that Ukraine has been discussing with France and other countries the presence of foreign instructors on the ground to train the Ukrainian soldiers since February 2024.

France's Defense Ministry told Reuters that training in Ukraine is one of the projects that is still being discussed, which was later confirmed by Kyiv.

"As of now, our discussions with France and other countries on this issue are still ongoing," Ukraine's Defense Ministry said.

Read also: Wests response to Macron comments on troops to Ukraine reveal discord, weakness, experts say

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Ministers of defence of the EU member states adopted the conclusions concerning security and defence of the EU at the meeting on 28 May where five priorities of a corresponding policy, including the support for Ukraine, were determined.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the statement by the EU Council

Details: The heads of defence institutions of the EU countries agreed that the EU needed further increase of the level of defence capability and strengthening the sovereignty due to a number of crises worldwide  from the war in Ukraine to the escalation in the Middle East.

The first priority listed in the statement was the "unwavering support for Ukraine by the EU", specifically in the context of using the European Peace Fund (EPF) for supplying military aid and training the troops under the EUMAM mission.

The EU Council also agreed to increase the investments into the defence industry and to conduct joint procurements in order to increase the scale of the corresponding production.

The conclusions stress the necessity to facilitate the development of rapid deployment forces of the EU, facilitate military mobility within the union, strengthen resistance against hybrid threats and establish partnerships with countries outside the EU.

At the meeting of the EU Council, the ministers discussed Ukraines use of Western weapons for strikes on targets in Russia.

The possibility to train Ukrainian troops in the territory of Ukraine by Western instructors was also discussed but there is no unanimity concerning this issue.

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A Ukrainian serviceman patrols an area heavily damaged by Russian military strikes in the town of Orikhiv

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union defence ministers on Tuesday debated the idea of training Ukrainian forces inside the country but did not reach a common position on the sensitive issue, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

The 27-nation bloc already has a training mission for Ukrainian troops but the training takes place in EU countries.

In February, France said the West should not rule out deploying troops to Ukraine, even as the war with Russia rages, and suggested training could be one possible role for them.

That move won support from Poland and Baltic states but alarmed other European nations such as Germany, which voiced fears that it raised the chances of a direct conflict with Russia.

"About doing part of the training in Ukraine, there has been a debate, but (there) is not a clear common European position on that," Borrell said after the ministers met in Brussels.

He said some EU members believed training inside Ukraine would be more practical, while others stressed that having military personnel in Ukraine - even as trainers - would carry more risk.

On Monday, Ukraine's top commander said he had signed paperwork allowing French military instructors to visit Ukrainian training centres soon.

The French defence ministry said the idea of conducting training in Ukraine "continues to be the subject of work with the Ukrainians, in particular to understand their exact needs".

Speaking after the Brussels meeting, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said there was no concrete proposal on the table at the moment.

But he said Ukrainian officials have stressed they plan to mobilise many more troops so there would be advantages in training them as close to Ukraine as possible.

"They're probably going to be training and equipping up to 14 brigades," Jonson said.

(Reporting by Andrew Gray and Diana Mandia; Writing by Andrew Gray; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten and David Holmes)
KYODO NEWS - May 28, 2024 - 21:07 | Arts, All, Japan, World

The government said Tuesday Japan will strengthen coordination with foreign investigative authorities to thwart online piracy of the country's anime and manga, as overseas sites hosting such media content remain hard to crack down on.

The government also said it will speed up the deletion of pirated materials and blocking of connections to them through cooperation with large technology firms providing digital infrastructure or platforms for the sale of products and services.

The latest measures will be included in the government's intellectual property strategy to be compiled in early June. The move comes as the authors of such popular manga series as "One Piece" and "Jujutsu Kaisen" have faced huge estimated losses from pirated copies.

Efforts by Japanese authorities were highlighted in April 2018 when the Mangamura, or manga village, website was disabled after hosting unauthorized copies of popular manga series. But similar sites continue to operate abroad, including in China, Vietnam and Brazil, government officials said.

They said the government hopes that through enhanced cooperation with the overseas investigative authorities, it can grasp the situation of copyright infringement abroad and possibly penalize perpetrators who have fled Japan after abusing copyrights.

Related coverage:

Japan court orders ex-head of illegal manga site to pay 1.7 billion yen
Defence Ministers of EU states take their seats during a meeting. European Union defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss military aid to Ukraine, as well as efforts to strengthen Europe's defence industry. Francois Lenoir/EU Council/dpa

European Union defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss military aid to Ukraine, as well as efforts to strengthen Europe's defence industry.

The EU has pledged 5 billion ($5.4 billion) in military aid to Ukraine through an off-budget fund called the European Peace Facility. But payments are being held up by Hungary. Each EU member state has a veto.

"This delay can be measured in terms of human lives," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday, after a meeting of EU foreign ministers. "We have agreed that the Hungarian contribution to the European Peace facility will not be used to supply military support to Ukraine."

Ministers will discuss the battlefield situation in Ukraine. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will also participate in the discussions.

Also on the agenda is a 1.5 billion plan set out by the European Commission in March to strengthen EU's armaments industry, in order that it might be better equipped to defend itself and to arm Ukraine.
EU foreign affairs official speaks of need for balance in question of Ukraine striking Russian territory

In response to the decision to enable Ukrainian forces to strike Russia, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that a balance must be maintained between the risk of escalation and Ukraine's need to protect itself.

Source: Borrell before the meeting of EU defence ministers, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to Borrell, the question today is whether Western powers will authorise Ukraine to employ their weapons against targets outside of Ukrainian territory, as recently advocated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Quote: "Do we allow our arms to be used, further, in Russian territory? Well, some Member States have started deciding that  taking this constraint out. Another important thing to discuss today," Borrell said.

He believes that the rules of warfare allow for strikes outside of Ukrainian territory.

"There is no contradiction. I could retaliate or I could fight against the one who fights against me from [their] territory. [The] risk of escalation, I am sure, will be put on the table by some. But you have to balance the risk of escalation and the need for Ukrainians to defend [themselves]," Borrell said.

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.

This position is shared, in particular, by Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren, and Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke out against Ukraine using weapons provided by Western allies to strike Russia.

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The European Union is considering placing Israel under sanctions unless it stops its military operations in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, Irelands foreign minister has said.

For the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, Ive seen significant discussion on sanctions and what if, Micheal Martin told Politico.

He added that there is some distance between people articulating the need for a sanctions-based approach if Israel does not comply with the ICJ [International Court of Justice] ruling  to agreement in the Council meeting, given all of the different perspectives there.

An Israeli strike on a displaced persons camp in Rafah killed dozens on Sunday - Eyad Baba/AFP

Last week, the ICJ issued provisional orders calling on Israel to cease its military operation in Rafah.

Israel was told 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 ruling has been interpreted in Jerusalem as giving the Israeli Defence Forces leeway to continue a limited operation in Rafah.

What they are asking us, is not to commit genocide in Rafah. We did not commit genocide and we will not commit genocide, Tzachi Hanegbi, Israels national security adviser told broadcaster Channel 12.

The site of the air strike on Sunday in Rafah which killed at least 40 displaced people - Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg

Nonetheless, Israeli air strikes on the southern city are causing huge friction with the EU.

On Tuesday, Spain and Ireland, as well as non-EU member Norway, are formally recognising a Palestinian state.

Pedro Sanchez, prime minister of Spain, described it as a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.

Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain - Anadolu

But the step led to a furious reaction from Jerusalem, where Israel Katz, the foreign minister, accused Mr Sanchez of being a partner to the incitement of genocide against the Jewish state.

In light of comments by Yolanda Diaz, Mr Sanchezs deputy, that Palestine would be free from the river to the sea, Mr Katz said: When you dont fire your deputy and declare recognition of a Palestinian state, you are a partner to incitement to the genocide of Jews.

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Hungary's chief of diplomacy received sharp criticism from his EU colleagues on May 27 over Budapest stalling 6.5 billion euros (around $7.1 billion) in military aid for Ukraine, Le Monde reported, citing its sources.

Hungary is blocking three separate 500-million-euro ($540 million) tranches under the European Peace Facility (EFF) fund, as well as 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) allocated for the EFF's Ukraine Assistance Fund.

Budapest approved the cash infusion for the Ukraine Assistance Fund in March, but it now refuses to sign off on documents needed to disburse the aid.

As European foreign ministers hoped to finalize the step during their meeting in Brussels on May 27, some criticized Hungary's top diplomat, Peter Szijjarto, over Budapest's opposition.

"The exchange was short but intense," an undisclosed minister told Le Monde.

"I believe that the Hungarian minister understood the exasperation of his colleagues," another source said.

"Tempers ran quite high," a diplomatic source told Reuters, which reported that according to many officials, "the exchanges were among the most heated in years among EU foreign ministers."

Read also: Opinion: Orban is plain wrong on Ukraine

Others voiced their frustration publicly.

"Almost all of our discussions and needed solutions and decisions by (the) EU are being blocked by just one country," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told reporters, adding that "about 41% of resolutions by (the) EU on Ukraine have been blocked by Hungary."

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the delay "can be measured in terms of human lives."

According to Reuters, several diplomats said that Hungary's position is in line with Russia's interests, while Hungarian leaders claim they merely advocate for peace.

The situation also prompted discussion among diplomats about how to shield the EU fund from Hungary's veto, especially after the expected influx of around 3 billion euros from frozen Russian assets revenue, Bloomberg wrote.

Budapest has repeatedly opposed Ukraine's accession to NATO and the EU, sanctions on Russia, undermined Western aid efforts for Ukraine, and maintained close relations with Moscow throughout the full-scale war.

Szijjarto told reporters on May 27 that Hungary faced "huge pressure" but maintained its position. Budapest's agreement is necessary as the additional financing cannot be approved without unanimous support.

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(Bloomberg) -- European Union member states are growing increasingly exasperated by Hungarys stonewalling of more than 6.5 billion ($7.1 billion) of urgently needed military aid for Ukraine as its military struggles to fend off Russian assaults.

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Budapests intransigence is prompting discussions among diplomats about how the EU fund could be shielded from Hungarys veto when it soon receives another influx of cash from the profits of immobilized Russian assets.

I have seven legal texts pending approval to mobilize resources to support militarily Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a news conference Monday afternoon when asked about Hungary. This delay can be measured in terms of human lives.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told reporters earlier Monday that his country is continuing to block all funding for Ukrainian weapons despite strong objections from other EU foreign ministers at a meeting in Brussels.

This caused a huge uproar, Szijjarto said, adding that Hungary faced huge pressure to yield. He said his colleagues yelled and spoke out of turn at the meeting.

As long as Hungary continues to block the disbursement of funding for military weapons donated to Ukraine, the bloc cant use the money to help Kyiv despite a political agreement among all 27 countries back in March to enlarge the fund with billions in additional financing.

Read more: Macron and Scholz Plan Joint Push to Boost European Air Defense

We cannot accept a blockade of military aid. Agreements are made to be respected, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said on social media platform X. Belgium currently holds the EUs rotating presidency until July, when Hungary takes over.

Hungary is blocking three separate 500 million tranches of funding from the European Peace Facility destined to help Ukraine.

In addition, EU member states in March had agreed to add 5 billion for 2024 to a weapons fund for Ukraine in an effort to reform the vehicle and ensure a steadier supply of support to Kyiv. The newly dubbed Ukraine Assistance Fund aims to meet Kyivs most urgent needs for artillery, specialized munitions, drones and air defense, as well as in non-lethal areas such as demining.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited Spain on Monday as continues to press his European allies to provide more military equipment. Hes scheduled to visit Portugal on Tuesday.

Budapests blocks are prompting even greater anxiety as the EU fund is due to receive as much as 3 billion in cash in July from the profits of frozen Russian assets. That money, which would be used directly instead of reimbursing member states, is due to finance the purchase of weapons for Ukraine.

Read more: Zelenskiy to Sign Security Deal With Spain During Madrid Visit

Discussions are underway to try to insulate that money from Hungarys vetoes and get it to Ukraine more quickly, according to a senior EU diplomat involved in the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

In a meeting of EU ambassadors last week, Hungary said it couldnt back the funds disbursements due to concerns about negative discrimination toward Hungarian companies in Ukraine, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Greece and Cyprus also continue to press for limits to purchases abroad despite the March agreement specifying that non-EU weapons could be purchased through the fund, according to diplomats familiar with the discussions. Still, Hungary is alone in outright blocking the fund.

We have to be transparent as to what Hungarys position currently is and has been, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told reporters ahead of Mondays meeting, adding that by his count 41% of EU files on Ukraine have been blocked by Hungary.

Szijjarto said that Hungary is also opposed to a possible 14th sanctions package on Russia, as well as even opening a debate on a proposal to allow Western nationals to train Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine.

They keep coming up with crazier and crazier ideas and a majority of countries cant be convinced otherwise, Szijjarto said.

A proposal to start accession talks with Ukraine is due to be discussed by EU ambassadors as soon as this week, with diplomats expecting further friction from Hungary.

Almost all of our discussions and needed solutions and decisions by the EU are being blocked by just one country, Landsbergis said. It has gone very, very far.

Read more: Ukraine Sends Older Soldiers to Front But Army Needs Young Men

--With assistance from Alberto Nardelli and Megan Howard.

(Updates with Borrell quote in third paragraph)

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Ukraine gets more military aid from Europe but Putin warns of consequences if Russian soil is hit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy steps down from a plane on arrival at the military airport in Lisbon, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

LISBON, Portugal (AP)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a second $1 billion promise of military aid in as many days Tuesday during a whirlwind tour of three European Union countries, while President Vladimir Putin warned that hitting Russian soil with Western-supplied weapons could set the war on a dangerous new path.

The aid pledge for 2024 came from Belgium, which topped up the money with a commitment to give Ukraine 30 F-16 fighter jets in the next four years.

Our task is to use the first F-16 on the battlefield this year and in such way fortify our positions, Zelenskyy said.

He later traveled to Portugal, where he said it was important that Ukraines supporters dont allow themselves to be misled by Russia and that we dont grow tired of the war.

The onslaught by the Kremlin's better-equipped forces that is unfolding in eastern and northeastern Ukraine as summer approaches has brought Ukraine its biggest military test since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Slow deliveries of support by its Western partners, especially a lengthy delay in U.S. military aid, have left Ukraine at the mercy of Russias bigger army and air force.

European countries have been discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine in support roles, while talk of giving seized Russian assets to Ukraine has further angered Moscow.

Putin has repeatedly warned the West against deeper involvement in the fighting, holding out the specter of a nuclear conflict.

The use of Western-supplied long-range weapons by Ukraine to strike Russian territory could bring a dangerous escalation, Putin said Tuesday, speaking to reporters while on a trip to Uzbekistan.

The use of such weapons would rely on Western intelligence data and imply the involvement of NATO military personnel, Putin said, warning the alliance that they should be aware of the possible consequences.

Representatives of countries that are NATO members, particularly in Europe, should be aware of what they are playing with, he said, adding that countries with small territory and dense populations should be particularly careful.

The Netherlands promised to quickly assemble with key EU partners a Patriot air defense system, which Zelenskyy sees as key in stopping Russia from hitting Ukraine's power grid and civilian areas, as well as military targets, with devastating glide bombs.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the move but insisted much more work was needed.

We have seen some progress, but more progress and more air defense systems are urgently needed in Ukraine, Stoltenberg said as he headed into a meeting of EU defense ministers.

Before returning to Ukraine, Zelenskyy visited Portugal and signed another bilateral agreement. Portugal is one of Western Europes poorest countries and has a small military compared with its bigger EU partners. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Portugal is sending a further 126 million euros ($137 million) in military and financial aid to Kyiv as part of a broad cooperation plan.

On Monday, Zelenskyy signed a security agreement with Spain that allocates 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) of military aid to Ukraine in 2024, and 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) by 2027.

The bilateral aid is essential since the 27-nation bloc is again struggling to overcome Hungary's objections to the EU itself providing billions of euros in military aid to Kyiv.

An estimated 6.5 billion euros ($7 billion) are stalled by the Hungarian government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, considered Russias staunchest ally in the EU. Single member states have wide veto powers, and Hungary has long held up funds aimed at boosting Ukraines defenses.

Thats the sad thing that we have the cash, we have the capacity, but we are still pending decisions to implement aid decisions for Ukraine, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Zelenskyy met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and as well as the immediate money, he obtained a security agreement aimed at providing guarantees of military help until Ukraine joins NATO.

Since Russia launched a spring offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region, Zelenskyy has insisted Ukraine urgently needs seven more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems.

Putin says the Kremlin's forces are seeking to establish a buffer zone in Kharkiv to prevent Ukraine launching attacks across the border there.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, meeting with her EU colleagues, said a Patriot system will be built in a short time frame. The Netherlands has the core components for a Patriot system and other EU nations will contribute other key parts and munitions.

Ukraine is also fighting Europe's fight, she said.

Zelenskyy was to visit Belgium and Spain earlier this month but postponed all his foreign trips after Russia launched its Kharkiv offensive and left Ukrainian forces reeling.

In other developments, the U.N.'s atomic agencys chief was in Russia's westernmost territory of Kaliningrad to talk about safety issues involving the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.

The plant has been occupied by the Russian forces since early in the war, and all of its reactors have been in a cold shutdown. Frequent shelling around Europe's largest nuclear plant has raised global concerns over nuclear security.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi met with Alexei Likhachyov, head of Russias state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom. The Russian state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Grossi as saying that common understanding has been reached on the steps that are necessary to enhance the plants security, but restarting it seems impossible at the moment.

Likhachyov echoed his sentiment on restarting the plant, but also vowed its current state is absolutely safe.

___

Casert reported from Brussels.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, speaks to the media upon his arrival to attend the EU defence ministers meeting. Francois Lenoir/European Council/dpa

The Georgian parliament passed a law to tighten checks on non-governmental organizations funded from abroad despite mass protests and a presidential veto, dismaying critics and leading the EU to vow consequences.

Lawmakers in Tbilisi overruled a veto by President Salome Zurabishvili opposing the law on Tuesday. A simple majority is sufficient to reject the veto and 84 of the 150 members of parliament voted in favour of the law.

Zurabishvili said the law, which requires organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents," was "Russian in its essence and spirit."

Critics say the law runs counter to European values and the aspirations of Georgian people but Georgia's parliament passed the controversial legislation last week despite angry protests in Tbilisi and pleas by the European Union and the United States not to adopt it.

Tuesday's parliamentary debate again saw fierce accusations between the government and opposition.

Opposition lawmaker Anna Zitlidze accused the governing Georgian Dream party of pursuing a "thoughtless policy" that would block Georgia's path to the EU and cause numerous problems for the country.

But parliamentary leader Shalva Papuashvili said the opposition was acting not in the national interest, but in the interest of other countries, calling their actions an "open betrayal."

Later, the European Union announced consequences, on concerns the government is acting against common European values and the aspirations of the Georgian people.

"The EU has stressed repeatedly that the law adopted by the Georgian Parliament goes against EU core principles and values," EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell and the European Commission said on Tuesday evening.

The decision will have a negative impact on Georgia's path towards the EU, he said, adding that the EU and its member states were examining all possibilities to react to the developments.

The statement specifically focused on the fact that the law's enactment leads to a backsliding on at least three out of the nine steps set out in the Commissions recommendation for candidate status, naming disinformation, polarization, on fundamental rights and involvement of civil society organizations.

"We continue to stand with the Georgian people and recognise the choice of overwhelming majority of them for a European future for their country," Borrell and the European Commission said.

Thousands of people gathered outside the parliament in a renewed protest against the law, and a large police contingent was on hand, a dpa correspondent reported. The demonstrators insulted Georgian Dream lawmakers as "slaves," "traitors" and "Russians."

Critics say the regulation, slammed as the "Russian law," seeks to silence critical organizations and resembles a law passed in Russia to contain so-called foreign agents that the Kremlin has used for years to suppress the opposition and independent media.

Thousands of people have been demonstrating against the law and a further rally is planned in Tbilisi later this evening.

Georgia acquired the status of an EU candidate country last year, but critics fear the new law will block the path to EU membership.

Council of Europe experts also criticized the law, saying it has fundamental flaws in its current form that would have significant negative consequences for freedom of expression and assembly, the right to privacy and the right to engage in social activities.

A general view of the Georgian parliament in the city of Tbilisi. The Georgian parliament passed a law to tighten checks on non-governmental organizations that are funded from abroad, despite weeks of mass protests and a presidential veto. Ulf Mauder/dpa
The closing arguments at former President Trumps hush money trial in Manhattan Tuesday focused on a central question the jury will have to consider as deliberations near: Can Trumps former fixer Michael Cohen be trusted? How jurors view testimony from Cohen, who was disbarred and imprisoned for tax evasion and lying, will be critical in determining whether they believe prosecutors proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Trump attorney Todd Blanche spent the bulk of his closing arguments attacking the credibility of Cohen, who was the prosecutions star witness. Blanche called Cohen the MVP of liars and the embodiment of reasonable doubt. You cannot convict President Trump of any crime beyond a reasonable doubt on the words of Michael Cohen. Cohen lied to him. Cohen. Lied. To. You. During the trial, Cohen admitted to stealing money from the Trump Organization. The defense says that Cohens claim he spoke to Trump by phone to greenlight a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels was a lie. The defense previously cast Cohen as an opportunist who has raked in millions from media deals since he turned on Trump Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said during closing arguments that the jury should use commons sense when it comes to Cohens testimony. Michael Cohen is understandably angry that, to date, hes the only one whos paid the price for his role in this conspiracy. Trumps defense team also questioned the theory at the heart of the prosecutions case  that Trump altered bank records in furtherance of another crime. In this case, the alleged crime is that Trump sought to deceive voters ahead of the 2016 election by burying a story that would be harmful to his campaign. Blanche argued that every political campaign is a conspiracy to promote a candidate. He noted that Daniels allegations had appeared online in 2011, so there was no concern that news of the affair would impact the election. He did not commit any crimes, and the district attorney has not met their burden of proof. Period. Steinglass fired back in his closing remarks. The prosecution contends that Daniels allegations would have been a death blow to Trumps 2016 campaign after the leak off the Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump can be heard bragging about grabbing women. Democracy gives people the right to elect their leaders, but that rests on the premise that voters have access to accurate information about the candidates. The entire purpose of this meeting at Trump Tower was to deny that access. To manipulate and defraud the voters. To pull the wool over their eyes in a coordinated fashion. Filing from the courtroom, The Hills Ella Lee notes the jurors energy is waning as closing arguments drag on: Several jurors have begun peering around the courtroom as prosecutor Joshua Steinglass makes his final pitch. At least one juror is struggling to keep her eyes open, putting her head in her hands. Another has rested his eyes for several seconds at a time. Once the prosecution concludes its final arguments, Judge Juan Merchan will give instructions to the jury. Those instructions have been litigated by both sides, and will determine how the jury interprets the case against Trump. The prosecution is expected to finish closing arguments this evening, sending the jury to deliberate. Once that happens, a verdict could be returned at any time. Stay up to the minute with The Hills live blog here. Read more: Here are the possible outcomes of the Trump trial.

Trumps former White House attorney Ty Cobb predicts a guilty verdict.

E. Jean Carroll lawyer says all options are on the table following Trumps Memorial Day post on social media.
A former Georgia Department of Corrections officer has been arrested after the death of an inmate.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officials said Augusta State Medical Prison inmate Roderick Hayes died after an altercation. Hayes was serving a 10-year sentence for cruelty to children out of Fulton County.

Former Officer Lloyd Hopkins was terminated on Saturday after authorities said he failed to follow policies and procedures while working at the prison.

Hopkins has been charged with party to the crime of murder, party to the crime of aggravated assault, and violation of oath of office. He is being held at the Columbia County Detention Center without bond.

Two other inmates Brenon Moore and Ulysse Andy have been charged with murder and aggravated assault.

TRENDING STORIES:

Hayes body was turned over to the county coroner and the GBI Medical Examiners Office will determine the official cause of death.

The GDCs Office of Professional Standards is investigating Hayess cause of death.

The GDC maintains a zero tolerance policy for individuals who choose to ignore their oath and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety. The actions of this individual does not reflect the hundreds of Officers who are committed each and every day to ensuring the safety of the public and the safe operations of our facilities, the department said.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
BUENOS AIRES, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Argentine President Javier Milei's cabinet chief Nicolas Posse has resigned, the presidency said Monday.

Current Interior Minister Guillermo Francos will succeed Posse "with the aim of providing greater political weight" to the office of the cabinet chief, the presidency said in a statement.

Posse, a 58-year-old industrial engineer, has served as chief of the Cabinet of Ministers since Dec. 10, 2023, when Milei took office.

Posse's resignation was due to a "difference in criteria and expectations in the progress of the government and the tasks entrusted to it," according to the office of the cabinet chief. 
Experts urge people to fish and eat crab species putting entire fishing industry at risk: 'An animal of unacceptable intelligence'

Invasive species can wreak havoc on an ecosystem. But in Italy, NBC New York reported that fishermen, lobbying groups, and environmentalists have agreed on a delicious solution to problems posed by the invasive blue crab: eat 'em up.

Blue crabs are native to the coasts of North and South America, but in recent years, they have made their way across the Atlantic and spread throughout several lagoon-like locations in Italy, as the Guardian reported.

As the crabs are predatory, reproduce quickly, and have no predators in the region, they have decimated populations of eels, clams, and mussels, threatening Italy's fishing industry and economy as a whole.

One Italian fisherman described the blue crab like a villain from a science-fiction movie, saying: "He is aggressive; he is fast; he is an animal of unacceptable intelligence. We fight this blue crab, but he is stronger than us because there are so many of them."

As the Italian fishing industry is at a loss for how to stop the spread of the invasive species, it has now turned to a different tactic: integrating blue crab into more Italian foods.

Farm lobby group Coldiretti has held a series of events to introduce blue crab to the Italian palate. And considering that so much Italian fare includes seafood, it isn't too much of a stretch.

At one recent event, the menu included rosemary crab salad, crab Venetian-style (with onion and vinegar), and pasta with garlic-tossed crab. Rarely has a solution to an invasive species sounded so delicious.

This is not the first time people have sought to control invasive species by eating them. One chef in Maine recently detailed how he uses green crabs, which are invasive to the American Northeast, in his cuisine. And the Hmong people have been turning invasive species into tasty dishes for generations.

At La Peschereccia, a fishermen's cooperative on the Tuscan coast, chefs grill the blue crabs or toss them in linguine with tomatoes, onions, basil, and chili pepper sauce, which are favorites among locals, per NBC.

"It's very popular with people and runs out in the first half hour," chef David Sergio from La Peschereccia said.

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FILE PHOTO: Trucks stand at the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip

By Aidan Lewis

(Reuters) - The death of an Egyptian soldier in an exchange of fire near the Rafah crossing has added to tensions that have undermined Egypt's relationship with Israel since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip.

HOW DEEP ARE TIES?

After fighting wars with Israel in 1948, 1956, 1967 and 1973, Egypt became the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty and establish relations with Israel in 1979.

The treaty led to what has often been termed a "cold peace", under which economic, cultural and popular ties remained limited and marked by distrust.

However, energy and security cooperation has been extensive and has intensified under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt began importing Israeli gas in 2020 and has hosted the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, of which Israel is a member.

The two countries also upheld a blockade on Gaza from 2007 when the territory came under the rule of Hamas, an offshoot of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood movement that is outlawed in Egypt.

WHAT CAUSED RECENT TENSIONS?

Egypt has been alarmed by Israel's military offensive in Gaza and the possibility that it could cause the mass displacement of Palestinians into Egypt's Sinai Peninsula - an idea floated by some Israeli politicians but strongly opposed by Arab states.

Egyptian officials and state-linked media have used increasingly blunt language to criticise the Israeli campaign, launched in response to an attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Egypt has warned in particular against a large-scale military operation close to the Egyptian border in Rafah, where many of Gaza's residents had taken shelter from violence elsewhere in the enclave.

When Israel stepped up operations around Rafah in early May and took control of the Gazan side of the Rafah crossing, humanitarian aid deliveries were halted, with Israel and Egypt blaming one another. Egypt says Palestinian management of the crossing must be restored.

Israel has angered Egypt by suggesting that Hamas has used tunnels running under the border into Sinai to smuggle arms. At the International Court of Justice this month, an Israeli delegate said about 50 such tunnels had been identified in Rafah.

Egypt says it destroyed tunnel networks leading to Gaza years ago and created a buffer zone and border fortifications that prevent smuggling.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Most immediately, humanitarian aid flows into Gaza, where parts of the population face extreme hunger and a critical lack of healthcare.

Though some aid has been sent through alternative routes including a U.S.-built pier, most international aid has arrived in Sinai and was being routed through Rafah.

Late last week, Sisi and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to restart aid through Israel's nearby Kerem Shalom crossing. Deliveries have resumed along this route but it is unclear how much they can be scaled up.

Egypt has also been at the centre of negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at agreeing a phased truce and releases of Israeli hostages held in Gaza as well as Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The talks stalled as Israel moved into Rafah. Egypt threatened to withdraw from its mediation role after CNN cited anonymous sources suggesting Egyptian intelligence was responsible for scuttling a deal. Egyptian sources later said Egypt remained committed to negotiations.

Ultimately, regional stability could be threatened if the relationship between Egypt and Israel frays. But while Egypt has warned that its peace treaty with Israel could be undermined by events in Gaza and has said it would join South Africa's case against Israel at the ICJ, it has not followed Jordan in withdrawing its ambassador to Israel or taken other formal steps.

WHY WOULD EGYPT AND ISRAEL PROTECT TIES?

Both countries have an interest in keeping channels open as they try to manage the fallout from the war in Gaza as well as domestic and international pressures.

For Egypt, the peace treaty has been a cornerstone of foreign policy for decades, generating $1.3 billion in annual military aid from the United States. Israel aims to build its ties with the Arab world rather than see them shrink.

The two countries will also be central to post-war plans for Gaza and will have to come to an arrangement for managing security along the Egypt-Gaza border, including the Rafah crossing and a buffer zone known as the Philadelphi corridor.

(Additional reporting by Ahmed Mohamed Hassan; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Claim:

A 1979 photograph authentically depicts a person fixing an antenna on the World Trade Center.

Rating:

Rating: True

An image that appears to defy gravity has circulated the internet for years. Shared on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit, the grainy photo shows a man wearing a red hard hat as he leans over the edge of an enormous structure, a cityscape below.

This photograph is genuine and we've rated the claim that it captured a worker fixing an antenna on top of one of the World Trade Center (WTC) towers in Manhattan as "True." The 9/11 Memorial & Museum confirmed to Snopes that as of this publication, the photo, taken by Peter B. Kaplan, was on view in the museum's South Tower Excavation and an accompanying note read:

In 1979, Kaplan obtained permission to photograph the ironworkers installing the antenna on top of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. He was the only photographer who was granted permission to do this. He spent 12 days in the company of the ironworkers who worked to install the antenna.

Snopes conducted a Google keyword search for further information on Kaplan, the photographer responsible for the historic image. We determined that the photo showed ironworkers from New York Local 40 and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey erecting a 360-foot antenna atop the North Tower of the original World Trade Center, writes The Skyscraper Museum in New York. According to the architectural heritage museum website:

Antennas provide a significant revenue source for building owners. The antenna atop Tower 1 replaced the transmitter from the Empire State Building for all New York TV channels. And in one measure of vertical height, according to the CTBUH, antennas count. Until its destruction on 9/11, the 1,741-foot height to the top of the antenna of Tower 1 made it the tallest in the world. The original twin towers of the World Trade Center were flat-topped, with slightly different heights. The North Tower, the first to be completed, in 1971, was the taller of the two at 1,368 feet, so remained the world's tallest building even after the South Tower was completed at 1,362 feet in 1973. Both were surpassed by the Sears Tower in 1974 at 1,451 feet.

The photograph is also hosted by Wayback Machine, an internet archive database. It similarly identifies the photographer as Kaplan and describes the image as:

Workers moving a section of the World Trade Center antenna into place in 1979. Photographed about 1700 feet above the streets of New York

Similar photographs are found on Kaplan's profile, published by the American Photography Archives Group. They also showed hard hat-adorned men perched atop skyscrapers stretching above clouds and cityscapes.

Kaplan died in 2019 at 70, according to his obituary published in The New York Times. Describing his work, the publication noted that Kaplan "would scale precarious perches with construction workers and point his lens toward the ground hundreds of feet below, or mount his camera, sometimes equipped with a fisheye lens, on poles as long as 42 feet, so he could snap the shutter remotely and even photograph himself."

Sources:

Homepage | National September 11 Memorial & Museum. https://911memorial.org/. Accessed 22 May 2024.

Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CxgXXmDR2iX/?ref=nl-rep-a-scl&hl=en. Accessed 22 May 2024.

Kaplan World Trade Center Photograph - Google Search. https://www.google.com/search?q=kaplan+world+trade+center+photograph&sca_esv=69d501c9217a3f8b&sca_upv=1&ei=DTtOZoWJEtqx0PEP8MO3kAM&ved=0ahUKEwjFw76k86GGAxXaGDQIHfDhDTIQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=kaplan+world+trade+center+photograph&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiJGthcGxhbiB3b3JsZCB0cmFkZSBjZW50ZXIgcGhvdG9ncmFwaDIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFI1hNQhgVY7A5wAngBkAEBmAHJAqAB_QyqAQcwLjkuMC4xuAEDyAEA-AEBmAILoAL8C8ICChAAGLADGNYEGEfCAgUQIRirAsICBhAAGBYYHsICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIIEAAYogQYiQWYAwDiAwUSATEgQIgGAZAGA5IHBzIuOC4wLjGgB58t&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#ip=1. Accessed 22 May 2024.

Log in or Sign up to View. https://www.facebook.com/login/. Accessed 22 May 2024.

Peter B. Kaplan. World Trade Center (1979). Internet Archive, http://archive.org/details/world-trade-center-1979_202307. Accessed 22 May 2024.

"Peter B. Kaplan | APAG - American Photography Archives Group | Resource Group for American Photographers Archive Managers |." APAG - American Photography Archives Group, 23 July 2019, https://www.apag.us/peter-b-kaplan/.

Roberts, Sam. "Peter B. Kaplan, a Photographer With Altitude, Is Dead at 79." The New York Times, 25 Mar. 2019. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/25/obituaries/peter-kaplan-dead.html.

"The Skyscraper Museum." The Skyscraper Museum, https://skyscraper.org/. Accessed 22 May 2024.

The Skyscraper Museum: TIMES SQUARE, 1984: The Postmodern Moment WALKTHROUGH. https://old.skyscraper.org/EXHIBITIONS/TEN_TOPS/twintowers.php. Accessed 22 May 2024.
Claim:

The world's shortest international bridge connects a homeowner's property that spans both Canada and the U.S.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

The bridge is real, connecting Ontario's Zavikon Island with a smaller island. However, the passageway is not the "world's shortest international bridge" because it does not cross the Canada-U.S. border. Rather, the bridge and the islands are located exclusively in Canada. Also, the claim that one person's residential property spans both islands was unsubstantiated.

For years, posts across social media have claimed that a short bridge  just 32 feet long  connecting a homeowner's property spanning two islands is the "world's shortest international bridge" because one of the islands is in New York and the other is in Canada. It links "a homeowner in Canada to his backyard in New York," according to an image shared on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/LifeOfCanada/posts/772925541632723

The bridge, which connects Ontario's Zavikon Island with a smaller island, is indeed real. However, it is not the world's shortest international bridge because it is entirely in Canada. For that reason, Snopes determined this claim is "False."

While the property does exist, Snopes was not able to confirm or disprove the claim that one person's residential property spans both islands.

Snopes reached out to the Canadian government (specifically, the agency that helps the federal government manage properties) for more information about the islands, including whether it was true they are one person's residential property. We also asked whether it was possible that the U.S.-Canadian border may have changed over the decade and at one point the islands were separated by it. We will update this article if we receive a response.

That said, Alexandre Baillairge-Charbonneau, a spokesperson for the Canadian government, confirmed the "bridge between Zavikon Island and the smaller one is within Canadian boundaries."

A look at Google Maps and the Canadian Geographical Names Database  Canada's official database of locations' names and their attributes  showed Zavikon Island within the boundaries of Ontario in the Saint Lawrence River. Meanwhile, Zavikon Island is about 1,800 feet from Huguenot Island, one of the nearest parcels of land in the neighboring U.S. (New York state, specifically).

(Google Maps)

Zavikon Island, known previously as Aspasia Island, is located in the Thousand Islands  which, according to the 1000 Islands Tourism Council in the U.S, is a "sightseer's paradise" that is "located along the peaceful border" between New York and southeastern Ontario. Despite the region's name, it actually covers 1,864 islands that span more than 50 miles of water. According to the tourism website:

To be considered an island, it has to stay above water 365 days a year and support a living tree. Many are open to the public and are home to parks, campgrounds and cottage rentals. Wellesley Island (United States) is connected to the U.S. and Canadian mainland by the Thousand Islands International Bridge. Wolfe, Howe and Simcoe islands (Canada) are reachable by ferries. Thousand Islands Islands National Park (Canada) is a group of 21 islands along the 1000 Islands Parkway, Ontario, that are open to the public.

According to the Gananoque 1000 Islands Visitor Center in Canada, the notion of Zavikon Island's bridge straddling two nations is a "popular but incorrect tale." Zavikon Island is "entirely located in Canadian territory."

As the travel journalism website Atlas Obscura reported in June 2013, the story of Zavikon Island "goes back to the late 19th century with the tiny bridge between the two islands said to be the shortest international crossing in the world." For instance, a 1910 image that's in the public domain purportedly shows the two islands "with Canadian and American flags" on their respective islands:

(Public Domain)

According to Sovereign Limits, a database that provides information on international borders, the U.S.-Canada border was originally established by the 1783 Treaty of Paris. Since then, it's been revised nearly a dozen times. It's possible that the boundary near Zavikon Island may have shifted at some point during the 20th or 21st centuries.

In addition to the Canadian government, Snopes contacted the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to ask questions about the bridge and nearby border. We will update this article accordingly.

That said, a flag flying on a private residence does not necessarily indicate the property's country.

Another image hosted by Wikimedia Commons showed the bridge in a 2016 photo. The image did not show any signs of digital manipulation  that is, it appeared to be an authentic documentation of the bridge. In that photo, the bridge's railing displayed Canadian and American flags, as well as what appeared to be Hungary's flag. The latter country is located on another continent entirely.

(Public Domain)

Sources:

"Contact Us." Visit 1000 Islands, https://visit1000islands.com/about/contact/. Accessed 14 May 2024.

"First-Time Visitors." Visit 1000 Islands, https://visit1000islands.com/experiences/first-time-visitors/. Accessed 14 May 2024.

Government of Canada, Natural Resources Canada. Place Names - Zavikon Island. https://geonames.nrcan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique?id=FDFZU. Accessed 14 May 2024.

---. Place Names - Zavikon Island. https://geonames.nrcan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique?id=87f7a91fd05211d892e2080020a0f4c9. Accessed 14 May 2024.

---. Place Names - Zavikon Island. https://geonames.nrcan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique?id=FDFZU. Accessed 14 May 2024.

Meier, Allison. "Curious Fact of the Week: The World's Shortest International Bridge." Atlas Obscura, 17 June 2013, http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/curious-fact-of-the-week-shortest-bridge.

Wannamaker, Bonnie. "Fun Facts About the 1000 Islands." 1000 Island Tourism, 23 June 2020, https://www.1000islandstourism.com/fun-facts-about-the-1000-islands/.

---. "Fun Facts About the 1000 Islands." 1000 Island Tourism, 23 June 2020, https://www.1000islandstourism.com/fun-facts-about-the-1000-islands/.

"Zavikon Island  Leeds and Grenville United Counties, ON K0E 1L0, Canada." Zavikon Island  Leeds and Grenville United Counties, ON K0E 1L0, Canada, https://www.google.com/maps/place/Zavikon+Island/@44.3692412,-75.917738,16z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x4ccd3ee7e8516ae1:0x26346352b96384d4!8m2!3d44.3695256!4d-75.9136627!16s%2Fm%2F02z9x8z?entry=ttu. Accessed 14 May 2024.

https://earth.google.com/web/search/zavikon+island/@44.36921829,-75.91595832,73.34661907a,1879.18209022d,35y,360h,0t,0r/data=CigiJgokCWkzOhG4tjdAEWkzOhG4tjfAGaqQsjjENkJAId_RCo-of1HAOgMKATA. Accessed 14 May 2024.
What will failed Indiana primary candidates do with outstanding campaign loans, contributions?

Indiana political candidates have an unlimited window to settle campaign loans and decide what to do with any unspent contributions. (Getty Images)

In the aftermath of the most expensive primary in Indiana history, how will unsuccessful candidates settle millions of loaned dollars?

The campaigns have so far kept mum about next steps for debts. That includes Republican gubernatorial competitor Brad Chambers, who loaned his 2024 campaign more than $10 million.

The businessmans campaign did not reply to multiple requests for comment regarding his personal lending.

Eric Doden, who additionally sought the states top executive seat, received a seven-figure campaign loan and similarly large contributions from his mother and father. His campaign declined to comment about post-election plans for loaned monies.

Per the Indiana Election Division, committees can either repay their loans, or the person or entity that made the loan can choose to forgive it.

Angie Nussmeyer, the election divisions co-director, noted that all loans owed to or by a committee must have a zero dollar balance  and the cash-on-hand must also be zero  to ultimately disband a candidates committee.

But theres no deadline on disbanding, she said  that can be done at any time. So far, no candidates who failed to earn statewide nominations in the May primary have filed the necessary paperwork to officially disband, according to the Indiana Secretary of States office.

Second quarter reports indicating campaign contributions, spending and other financial activity from April 1 through June 30 arent due until July 15.

But its also possible for candidates to delay loan settlements and keep hold of their political contributions for a later campaign run.

It was a notable move by former Democratic governor Evan Bayh, who had $9.2 million ready to spend in his campaign coffer when he announced his run for U.S. Senate in 2016. Although Bayh hadnt been in office for six years, his previous campaign funds had been left untouched.

Even so, he ultimately lost his bid to Republican Todd Young, now Indianas senior senator.

In the same election cycle, Tennessee Republican Trey Hollingsworth spent more than $3 million of his own money, and his father added $1.5 million through a political action committee, to win Indianas 9th Congressional District.

Once elected, however, Hollingsworth looked to his new colleagues for donations to repay nearly a quarter million dollars he owed to his pollster and other political consultants.

Self-funding not enough for governors race victory

Despite pouring millions of dollars into their own campaigns, Chambers and Doden fell short at the polls earlier this month, losing to U.S. Sen. Mike Braun.

Now the GOP pick in the governors race, Braun will face off against Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater in the November election.

Campaign finance reports indicate Chambers  who paid for the bulk of his bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination  fronted a total of $10.5 million for his campaign between Sept. 1, 2023 and May 3, just days before voters took to the polls.

State campaign finance records further show Doden gave $200,000 to his campaign, and his family members chipped in $4,875,000 in both loans and direct contributions.

That included several $1 million donations from his father, Daryle Doden, and his mother, Brenda Doden. A separate $1 million loan from his parents is still outstanding, records show.

The other candidates who ran in the crowded Republican primary for governor  Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, former Attorney General Curtis Hill and faith-motivated Jamie Reitenour  did not take loans from themselves or others, according to the latest state filings.

To date, Braun has raised close to $13 million. His campaign has not reported any loans or outstanding debts.

Any unspent campaign donations by candidates cant be used for personal expenses but can be put towards other political or charitable uses. Among the those options is forwarding any leftover monies to other candidates.

Big spending in other Indiana races

Republican candidates in the 5th and 6th Congressional District primaries additionally funneled millions of dollars to their own campaigns.

In the 5th District, Gaylor Electric CEO and exiting state Rep. Chuck Goodrich loaned $4.6 million to his campaign since March 2023, according to federal election reports. Goodrich lost his nomination bid to incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz.

In the Republican primary for the 6th District, wealthy businessman Jefferson Shreve loaned $4.5 million to his successful primary campaign. Indianapolis state Rep. Mike Speedy, who is leaving his post at the Statehouse, threw $1.3 million to his campaign. Richmond businessman Jamison Carrier, meanwhile, self-funded $750,000 to his campaign for the 6th District.

Significant self-spending among Indiana candidates appears to be part of a national trend.

From 2002 to 2022, the amount of self-funding in congressional races  the total dollar figure across all races  has quadrupled, according to nonprofit OpenSecrets, which tracks election spending.

The practice has been boosted, in part, by the U.S. Supreme Courts repeated decisions to protect candidates unlimited ability to lend or donate to themselves.

The post What will failed Indiana primary candidates do with outstanding campaign loans, contributions? appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Even on a mountain known for complex politics, the latest Mount Everest kerfuffle is strange.

It started on Sunday when Nirmal Nims Purja posted a video on Instagram claiming that someone had cut a line of fixed ropes set up by his expedition company, Elite Exped. That would be a major problem, as many expeditions share the ropes to take clients up the Himalayan mountain.

I have lived with disgusting and dirty politics and tactics since 2019 simply because I have disrupted the industry and been extremely successful! Purja said in the video. People are always trying to bring me down!

Soon after, other expeditions reported that the ropes were still in place, allowing them to reach the summit. Within a day, the Nepalese Governments tourism department announced an investigation into Purja for disseminating misinformation with the intention of getting popularity.

A spokesperson for Purja said on Tuesday that he would release a statement once everyone in his team had safely descended the mountain.

Mount Everest: A Crowded Mountain

Every May, hundreds of climbers line up to ascend the worlds highest mountain. On the best weather days of the month, many expeditions send their teams up simultaneously, resulting in long, bottlenecked lines of climbers following the same fixed rope.

So, any expedition on the mountain would quickly notice if the rope had gone missing. In Nims video, which remains publicly available on his Instagram, another team member says that the rope was cut and thrown to the other side [of the mountain].

ExplorersWeb reported that Purjas video led Pioneer Expeditions leaders to advise their summit team to exercise extra caution when summiting the following day. However, on Monday, Pioneer Expeditions reported that its client reached the top using the fixed ropes.

It caused them to go slower, spokesperson Nivesh Karki said.

Tourism remains an important part of Nepals economy, so its not too surprising that, according to a Monday statement, government officials swiftly announced an investigation of Nims for allegedly defaming Nepals mountaineering tourism.

The strange turn of events marks a bizarre end to another busy tourism season on Everest. Just a week earlier, a cornice toppled along the main route, killing at least one climber and bringing the death toll this season to six people. Kami Rita Sherpa, 54, also set a new record by summiting the mountain for the 30th time.

And about a week before he posted the inflammatory video on Sunday, Purja recovered the bodies of a Sherpa and an American climber from another Himalayan mountain.

The post Famed Mountaineer Nims Purja Clashes With Nepali Govt. Over Everest Rope Cutting Controversy appeared first on GearJunkie.
My family of 3 paid $650 to enter early and skip the lines at Universal Studios Japan. Similar perks would've cost us double back home in Florida.

I'm at the Universal theme parks in the US all the time. Amanda Adler

My family of three recently paid $650 for upgraded tickets to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.

Having early access to the park and express passes for rides saved us hours of waiting in lines.

Tickets to Universal parks in the US can cost twice as much, so it was a great value.

As a longtime Florida resident, I've been to Universal Studios Orlando many times. So, on a recent trip to Japan, my family decided to explore the Universal theme park in Osaka.

We only had one day to see everything  and it's one of the most popular theme parks in the world  so we wanted to make the most of our vacation. The best way to do that was splurging on early entry park tickets and express line passes for all of us.

Here's everything we accomplished during our visit.

Park tickets with early entry were surprisingly cheap.

We paid extra to get into the parks before opening. Amanda Adler

I purchased our park tickets through the third-party website Klook. My husband and I paid $84 each, and my 10-year-old's ticket cost $58.

The tickets were about $20 more than buying directly from the Universal website, but they included early entry into the park. That meant we were able to access the theme park via a special entrance 15 minutes before the official opening time.

Getting into the park was a smooth process.

Employees held signs reminding the crowds to walk, not run. Amanda Adler

Although quite a few people were entering early, it only felt crowded for a moment as people raced toward the park's most popular attractions.

But overall, it was organized and easy to navigate.

My family took advantage of early entry to ride the "Demon Slayer"-themed roller coaster.

My son loves anime, so he was excited about the roller coaster. Amanda Adler

My son is a huge anime fan and wanted to ride the park's "Demon Slayer"-themed roller coaster. I'd heard that the popular ride frequently has a five-hour wait, so I was skeptical.

We headed for this attraction first to beat the crowds, and it worked  we only waited about 10 minutes.

Later in the day, the ride was displaying a staggering 300-minute wait time, so getting in early was definitely worth $20 a person.

After our first ride, much of the park remained empty.

Even popular lands, like Minion Park, were empty. Amanda Adler

We made it through our first attraction so quickly that, upon exiting the ride, the walkways throughout the park were still empty.

This gave my family even more time to enjoy low wait times as we explored popular areas like Minion Park.

We also paid $140 a person for express line passes.

We walked right on Minion Mayhem. Amanda Adler

Universal's express line passes allowed us to skip the line at seven of the most popular attractions, including Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

They also granted us speedy access to the rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and popular roller coasters like the "Jaws" boat ride.

Even though the line-skipping passes were more expensive than our actual park tickets, they saved us a ton of time.

One of the biggest perks was reserved entry to Super Nintendo World.

Our passes came with an entry time for the popular land. Amanda Adler

Accessing the park's Mario-themed land can be stressful because visitors need to secure a same-day reservation via the Universal Japan app.

Timed entry into the land fills up fast. But prearranged access was included with our express passes, so we didn't have to stress.

Zooming past the long lines for the land's attractions saved us hours.

Koopa's Challenge is probably the most popular ride in the land. Amanda Adler

Wait times for the main attraction in Super Nintendo World, Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge, topped 100 minutes during our visit. Skipping past this wait with our express passes saved us tons of valuable time.

We also zoomed through the kid-friendly Yoshi's Adventure, which had an hourlong wait in the standard line.

We enjoyed meet-and-greets with the lands characters before big crowds grew.

My son got to take a photo with Toad. Amanda Adler

Walking right onto the rides in Super Nintendo World gave us plenty of time to play the land's interactive games and take photos with characters.

Toad is my son's favorite.

Our longest wait was for lunch.

The star-shaped rice was very cute. Amanda Adler

Rather than waiting in line for attractions, my family queued up to enter the popular Mario-themed Kinopio's Cafe.

The eatery had a line before it even opened. We waited about 45 minutes to order and an additional 20 minutes to get our food.

The theming was incredible and the food was cute to look at. But for $81, we found the meal a bit pricey and underwhelming.

Because we saved so much time, we were able to leave the park early.

We lucked out because we got to skip a rainy afternoon in the park. Amanda Adler

Rainstorms rolled through the area in the early afternoon and dampened our fun.

Due to the weather, the park's daily parade was canceled, and ride wait times stretched even longer.

Since we'd already ridden everything we hoped to experience, we left for the day around 3 p.m. It was nice to return to our hotel before even bigger storms drenched the park.

Overall, our $650 tickets ended up being an incredible deal.

Universal Orlando is usually more expensive. Amanda Adler

In total, we spent almost $650 on early entry park tickets and express passes. As a Florida resident who lives only a few miles from Universal Orlando, I'm used to paying much higher prices.

When I priced out our three single-day, one-park tickets with express passes in Florida for the same day we visited Universal Japan, it came to a whopping $1,211.

In the end, we loved the opportunity to experience the unique offerings found in Japan, and it felt like a great value compared to the US parks.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A conservative advocacy group building a new headquarters near Bondurant has accused Polk County of denying a key tax exemption for political reasons.

The Family Leader Foundation, a nonprofit Christian group led by prominent activist Bob Vander Plaats, filed suit May 17 against the Polk County Board of Review. The suit concerns a 21-acre plot in rural Bondurant where the group plans to establish an office, event center and possibly an amphitheater, incorporating an existing barn and multipurpose building on the property.

The group already had won rezoning approval for the project, but now says the county has put up a new roadblock. The complaint alleges that the group applied for a property tax exemption, to which it believes it is entitled under state law as a nonprofit religious and charitable organization. The Polk County Assessor's Office denied the exemption, and the group appealed to the Board of Review, which after what the suit alleges was a "five-minute" hearing rejected its case.

Bob Vander Plaats, president of the Family Leader, speaks during a National Day of Prayer event in the Iowa State Capitol rotunda on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Des Moines.

The lawsuit claims not only that the exemption was improperly denied, but that county officials did so to retaliate against the organization's political views. The Family Leader Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit and is associated with The Family Leader, a 501(c)(4) "social welfare" advocacy group that lobbies for restrictions on abortion and other conservative policy goals.

The petition, filed by leading Iowa conservative attorney Alan Ostergren, accuses the county of violation U.S. and Iowa constitutional guarantees to free speech, as well as the Iowa Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Via a spokesperson, the Polk County supervisors and board of appeals both declined to comment.

Liberal groups have been treated differently, Family Leader claims

Ryan Benn, an attorney with The Family Leader, said in a statement that the assessor's office, led by Polk County Assessor Randy Ripperger, denied the foundation's tax exemption request because of its association with the 501(c)(4) group's policy advocacy, a position he said had "no basis in Iowa law."

"The assessor's written decision doesn't specify his reasons," Benn said. "But that was the reason he gave" the Board of Review during the hearing.

In fact, he said, it's common for organizations to operate as both 501(c)(3) and (c)(4) entities and to get tax exemptions for property owned by their charitable arms. Both Planned Parenthood and the Des Moines Area Religious Council receive tax exemptions on their Polk County property, Benn said, despite both having robust policy advocacy operations, in many cases on the same issues where The Family Leader advocates, though generally from different viewpoints.

"As far as we are aware, The Family Leader Foundation stands alone in Polk County as the only organization to be denied a property tax exemption because of our views on policy," he said. "This unfair treatment violates Iowa law and the First Amendment."

Under Iowa law, county assessor is a nonpartisan position appointed to a six-year term by a conference board made up of representatives of local tax jurisdictions, typically mayors, school board members and county supervisors. Ripperger has served as assessor since 2014 and before that worked for the office for 34 years.

A 2019 bill filed by then-state Sen. Jake Chapman, a Republican, sought to require public retention votes on assessors every four years. It failed to advance.

The conference board also appoints the 10-member board of review.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service, addressing the issue of tax exemptions and political activity, says on its website that federal law prohibits political campaign activity by charities and churches by defining a 501(c)(3) organization as one "which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office."

However, it says that 501(c)(3) organizations "can engage in a limited amount of lobbying (including ballot measures) and advocate for or against issues that are in the political arena," so long as they don't engage in campaigning for or against a candidate.

Vander Plaats has hosted Republican presidential candidates during caucus season at Family Leader forums, and has made endorsements. But in doing so, he has said his endorsements are personal, and not on behalf of the organization.

Lawsuit challenging zoning vote on Family Leader complex is on appeal

The new lawsuit isn't the first against Polk County over the Bondurant project. Nearby landowners and a nonprofit called 1000 Friends of Iowa sued the Board of Supervisors in 2023, alleging its approval of the project  after a zoning board recommended rejecting it  violated county zoning laws because there are no similar mixed-use projects near the site.

A judge dismissed the lawsuit in July, finding the plaintiffs had not met "heightened pleading requirements" for lawsuits against government entities set by a 2021 law. The case is currently pending on appeal.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa's The Family Leader claims tax ruling violates First Amendment
In this far-flung Arizona neighborhood, residents dream of the arrival of a gas station or grocery store

Terrell Hannah and his family enjoy living in Tartesso, a master-planned community in northwest Buckeye. But when he needs to fill up his car or get a gallon of milk, he does wish that it came with basic city amenities.

Like a gas station or a grocery store. The nearest gas station is 15 minutes away; the nearest Walmart, 15 minutes away; the nearest Costco, 20 minutes away.

Hannah and his wife also have two young children and drive them about 25 minutes to school near downtown Buckeye. On top of that, Hannah has a 35- to 45-minute commute to Luke Air Force, where he works.

Hannah, who moved into the community in 2022, said he likes the residential feel.

"One of the attractive features of that neighborhood is that it's away from all of the heavy industry that is really coming up at every corner in Phoenix," Hannah said.

Realtor Martin Partida has been a Tartesso resident since 2020. He and his family moved from Phoenix because they wanted to live somewhere quieter, and Tartesso fit the bill. Partida said he also needs to drive about 15 minutes to get to the nearest grocery store or gas station.

A big frustration among Tartesso residents has been the pace of development. The community now has about 10,000 residents and 3,400 houses but so few amenities, they say.

Many residents feel Tartesso has been left out as other areas of the city develop more quickly.

"When we compare what we have to other communities that have been developed like Verrado, it just seems unbalanced. We're not sure why it's taking so long to get things moving out here," Partida said.

Partida said he also hopes for a high school to be built. Currently, Tartesso's schools only go to the fifth grade. It also would be nice to have a recreational center in Tartesso, Partida said.

Residents also hope for coffee shops, jobs

Cameron James has lived in Tartesso since 2009. At this point, James said he and other residents are used to commuting for work and stopping at places like Costco on the way home.

"You get used to it after about a year. I mean, we feel spoiled now because we have food trucks," James said.

James said he understands why the community needs more rooftops before commercial development follows.

Paige Stein, who works in the hospitality industry in Goodyear, has lived in Tartesso for about four years after moving from from Festival Foothills neighborhood, also in Buckeye. Stein said she and her family always have preferred to live in places that are more isolated.

Southwest Valley: Buckeye panel pitches almost $300M in bonds for public safety, roads and parks

Stein said the most important thing to her is that more jobs come to Tartesso for the people who live there, particularly young people still at home with their parents who don't have the option to move. Stein currently commutes about 30 minutes to her job in Goodyear.

"I don't see that as something that someone just getting out of school should have to do," Stein said.

After a gas station, she would like Tartesso to get a coffee shop.

"Something where the students that get out of school can go hang out, so they don't have to go straight home or hang out in the heat," Stein said.

Stein said she currently spends a lot of her free time in Tempe to go to new shops and favorite places.

Residents hope for less industrial development

Chris Barr, principal of Buckeye Tartesso LLC, said he hears the complaints. A controversial new rezoning of land to industrial from residential is part of a potential solution, he said. The change axed some 6,000 planned homes.

While some residents are skeptical and hope the plan shifts away from industrial zoning, adding jobs is necessary for creating both rooftops and the commercial and retail development Tartesso residents are asking for, Barr said.

Accelerating economic growth will in turn accelerate the growth of community amenities, including grocery stores and gas stations, he said.

Tartesso, along the southwestern part of the Sun Valley Parkway, is projected to have about 100,000 residents at build-out.

Hundreds of thousands of residents eventually will live along Sun Valley Parkway, Barr said. It once was known as the "Road to Nowhere," with not much around it. But communities are slowly growing, including Festival Ranch along the northern part of the parkway.

A vast majority of Buckeye's residents commute east for work. Barr hopes to change that by adding more employment opportunities along the parkway.

The Tartesso community development borders the desert in Buckeye. It's one of the last noticeable developments on the way out of the Phoenix area.

Obtaining the necessary certificates for industrial development is easier than getting approval for residential from a water standpoint. But Barr said that's not the reason the land was rezoned.

"We just wanted to create some employment opportunities and really good-paying jobs for people in that region that don't want to hop on the freeway and potentially have to leave the city of Buckeye to drive to and from their job every day," Barr said.

Tartesso LLC bought the development in 2016. When Barr came in, the community was still recovering from the Great Recession, which had greatly slowed down growth, Barr said. Right now, Barr said the focus is on housing, which will later bring in retail amenities.

While some land is zoned for commercial use and was purchased years ago, Barr said many projects were halted by the recession.

"They had a lot of rooftop projections that took a long time to materialize because the market got effectively shut down for a couple of years," Barr said.

Ultimately, it is up to the purchasers of the land to decide what to do with it and when. Additional amenities like a recreation center also would come with additional HOA fees, and not everyone would be happy to pay those.

"The demand is, we need affordable housing in the Valley. And we've got a big problem staring us down if we don't come to some solutions that allow for building on Sun Valley Parkway, which is going to be a great place for affordable housing," Barr said.

In a statement to The Arizona Republic, a Buckeye spokesperson said the city's development teams were actively collaborating with brokers, developers and service providers to attract growth in Buckeye, including in Tartesso and Festival Ranch.

"While commercial development is currently thriving in the eastern parts of Buckeye, our growth trajectory is set to extend westward along Sun Valley Parkway. This will foster expansion and development in those areas," the city statement said. "This growth trajectory is already attracting new investment, including a recent commitment from QT (QuikTrip) to develop a new location south of Tartesso."

What's still to come at Tartesso?

The QuikTrip announcement means Tartesso residents' wishes for a gas station soon will come true, although a timeline for the opening was not set.

The gas station will be located about a mile from the community's main entrance. The nearest gas station is currently a Love's Travel Shop located nearly 10 miles away from Tartesso on Miller Road.

As for what's next aside from industrial development, Barr said Tartesso currently has applications for certificates of assured water supply pending with the Department of Water Resources for about 5,700 homes.

Those certificates are necessary for the next phase of construction to begin.

Barr said Tartesso has begun discussions with major builders for those homes. Once the development figures out its water certificates, Barr said the launch would be relatively quick.

And those homes, combined with new jobs to the area, should make way for the amenities that Tartesso residents have been asking for, such as grocery stores, more gas stations, movie theaters and hospitals, most of which look to have a certain number of rooftops within a certain radius.

"I don't think we're quite there," Barr said. "But I believe activity breeds more activity."

Reach the reporter at ahardle@gannett.com or by phone at 480-259-8545. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @AlexandraHardle.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These Arizona residents carry on without nearby gas station, grocery
A month after a deadly shootout with police erupted at a Galway Drive house in east Charlotte, the front of the badly damaged home and its windows are boarded up. Its white plank siding is pockmarked with what appear to be bullet holes.

Thats evidence of one of the deadliest days in North Carolina law enforcement history, a day that claimed the lives of four officers. A U.S. Marshals Task Force was there to serve a warrant on Terry Clark Hughes Jr., who died in the shoot-out during a three-hour standoff at the rented home.

Among the many questions remaining: What happens next to the rented house and neighboring homes on Galway Drive in need of repair?

The answer is not clear. City officials have refused to answer questions from The Charlotte Observer about whether the house will be demolished or who would be liable to pay to fix all the damage.

The city did order the homeowner of the rental house to secure the property and clean up the debris, according to a statement emailed May 2 from city spokesperson Lawrence Corley III. The homeowner declined to comment.

The homeowner of 5525 Galway Drive in east Charlotte, shown May 21, 2024, was responsible for securing the property according to the city of Charlotte, after it was severely damaged during a police shootout April 29 serving a warrant.

Generally speaking, if a government agency  from police to road maintenance  carries out its duties under the law and without negligence, it would receive sovereign immunity, said Scott Mooneyham, director of political communications and coordination for N.C. League of Municipalities.

Courts have routinely held that the police may damage or destroy property when it is objectively necessary to prevent imminent harm to persons, said Abraham Rubert-Schewel, a civil rights attorney at Tin, Fulton, Walker and Owen in Durham. The legal question here will likely be whether the damage done to the property was necessary to prevent imminent harm to persons.

Across the country, property owners have sued local governments seeking compensation after police actions destroy their homes. This comes at a time when departments are using more military gear such as armored trucks, experts say.

This type of damage to personal property during police raids has increased as law enforcement has become increasingly militarized, Rubert-Schewel said.

Signs on a badly damaged home

On April 29, Hughes fired at least 100 rounds from a high-powered rifle outside the Galway Drive home as a U.S. Marshal Task Force, including Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department officers, tried to serve him a warrant, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said during a news conference April 30.

In addition to the four officers killed, four more were shot but survived. Two other people in the home during the shooting were questioned by police.

As part of their effort to stop the standoff, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police deployed a dark gray armored vehicle to smash into the front of the house.

The front of the red brick house where the shooter was holed up suffered extensive damage. The exterior wall was crumbled, providing a shattered vista into the entrance, a bedroom and part of the living room.

On May 21, the front of the house at 5525 Galway Drive and all of its windows were boarded up. At the top of the front steps, near a mangled black railing, the city Code Enforcement Office has posted a sign on plywood where the front door would have been that states: Unsafe Keep Out.

A sign for Terry Clark Hughes Jr. is stapled to the boarded-up house on May 21, 2024, at 5525 Galway Drive in Charlotte. Hughes was killed in a shootout April 29 with U.S. Marshals Task Force serving him a warrant. Four officers were killed and four injured.

Despite much public grieving and too many funerals, someone posted another, jarring sign on the boarded-up front right window. It read: Rest In Power Terry Clark Hughes, along with FTP, an apparent slang phrase cursing police.

The Shannon Park community was quiet on May 21 as neighbor Bernie Kuebler drove by showing a coworker the battered house.

People come by every day. Its an eyesore, said Kuebler, who lives just around the corner.

Shutting his eyes and putting his head down, Kuebler talked about the four officers killed as part of the task force that tried to serve Hughes with a warrant. And about the families of the men: Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott with N.C. Department of Adult Correction, Deputy U.S. Marshal Tommy Weeks Jr. and Joshua Eyer with CMPD.

Four U.S. Marshal peer support team members from out of town also stopped by to access the scene but they declined to comment.

What the city told the homeowner

The four-bedroom house at 5525 Galway Drive was built in 1965, Mecklenburg County property records show.

The 2,272-square-foot, 1.5-story home on just over a quarter-acre was purchased in 2003 for $93,000. The latest tax value is $326,300, records show. The Observer is not naming the homeowners because they are not facing any violations or charges related to gunfight.

On May 2, the city emailed a statement to the Observer that said the homeowner would be responsible for removing yard debris and securing the property.

The statement said: To ensure the safety and security of the neighborhood, Code Enforcement is taking the following proactive approach:

 The property owner has seven to 10 days to bring the yard into compliance.

 The owner must secure the home within seven to 10 days to help prevent unauthorized access and further damage.

 There will be an inspection to ensure all minimum housing code violations are addressed.

On May 8, City Attorney Patrick Baker told the Observer he was aware there would be inquiries and claims from property owners related to the law enforcement activities. That includes the 5525 Galway Drive home and neighboring homes damaged during the shootout.

We are working with our risk management division to manage those claims, Baker said. The policy on how to handle those claims would come from risk management with legal support from us.

The citys risk management office referred questions from the Observer about the policy back to Baker.

In a May 14 email to news outlets regarding questions about the status of the Galway house, Corley said the code enforcement and risk management process is underway. CMPD will also share details at the appropriate time once the investigation is complete.

The Observer has filed Freedom of Information Act requests for information about policy and protocols when private property is damaged by police, as well as the number of times CMPD has deployed a SWAT vehicle. The Observer also reached out to Mayor Pro Tem and District 1 city councilman Dante Anderson, whose district includes the Galway Drive house. She did not respond to requests for comment.

The white plank siding is pockmarked with bullet holes on the boarded-up house at 5525 Galway Drive in Charlotte shows bullet holes on May 21, 2024.

How other states handle the issue

In Texas, the appellate court has ruled the government was not required to compensate a homeowner if it was necessary for officers to damage or destroy property to ensure public safety, according to the Police 1 website, which focuses on law enforcement issues.

The homeowners insurance also refused to pay for intentional damage caused by the police and the city of McKinney refused to pay for any damage.

But as long as suspects hide or circumstances warrant no-knock actions, there will be property damage, Ken Wallentine, chief of the West Jordan, Utah, Police Department and former chief of law enforcement for the Utah Attorney General, wrote in the Police 1 article.

In a 2015 Colorado case following a 19-hour SWAT operation, the wooden frame of a house was exposed and much of the interior was reduced to rubble after police used explosives to blast holes in the walls and breached doors with an armored vehicle, The Denver Post reported. An armed shoplifting suspect had barricaded himself at random in the house.

The homeowners insurance covered some of the damage, but it wasnt enough to cover the total costs for demolition and incidentals, including nearly all of the belongings inside that were damaged, the newspaper reported.

The U.S. District Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled police were acting in their lawful role and not liable for property damages, even if the damage occurred to property owned by someone not involved in a crime.

After a deadly shootout with police erupted April 29 at a Galway Drive house in east Charlotte, the front of the badly damaged home and its windows are boarded up on May 21, 2024.

Damage to nearby homes

A neighbors house also sustained damage during the Charlotte shoot-out.

Saing Chhoeun and his son Jay were shocked when looking at the damage to their property next door. Police used parts of their house for cover during the firefight, and drove an armored vehicle through the backyard, damaging parts of the property on the way to the shoot-out, Chhoeun said.

Jay Chhoeun walks through the damaged area of his yard Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Chhoeuns home is located directly next to 5525 Galway Drive where three members of the U.S. Marshals task force were killed on Monday, April 29, 204 when they were serving a warrant in the Shannon Park area of east Charlotte. U.S. Marshals used Chhoeuns yard as a pathway to try and gain access to the shooter at 5525 Galway Drive on Monday, April 29th. Officers also sought prospective setup points and cover from Chhoeuns garage.

Deep tire tracks carved a path from the front yard to the back, crushing a stone patio and destroying a wood awning on the side of their house. Fencing in the front and backyard was also run over, as well as several of Chhoeuns plants and other items in the backyard.

The son and father told the Observer the day after the shooting, they understood the damage was necessary but unfortunate. They said then that they were researching how they could get help.

We came out and looked at the aftermath and it was just crazy, Jay said. We didnt ask for none of this.

Neighbors like Kuebler are anxious to see what happens next.

They probably need to knock that (house) down and rebuild because thats a bad memory, he said. The tarnishes what Kuebler said has been a great a place to live since he moved to the Shannon Park neighborhood in the late 1990s from New Jersey.

There are people around here that want answers about whats going on, Kuebler said.

Advice for homeowners

Most police agencies have policies and procedures for when officers damage private property, said Christopher Mercado, adjunct assistant professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a retired New York Police Department lieutenant.

With most departments today, you will be able to get some payment or repayment, but you may have to lay out the money first, Mercado said. I would make the claim right away.

Looking at photos of the Galway house damage, Mercado said to say Swiss cheese is probably an understatement.

But is the damage excessive? It depends on several factors, Mercado said, including the actions of all parties involved and the reasonableness of the officers actions at the time.

Saing Chhoeun stands in his garage looking at the 5525 Galway Drive home where three members of the U.S. Marshals task force were killed on Monday, April 29, 204 when they were serving a warrant. CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer died from wounds suffered at the scene Monday evening. Four other officers were wounded during the shooting. Chhoeun stood behind the refrigerator/freezer at left as officers attempted to stop the shooter inside the home. Chhoeun was video taping the situation.

Assessing the damage and how everything unfolded, Mercado said the situation likely necessitated such force.

Typically, homeowners have two options to cover homes damaged by authorities. File a claim with their insurance companies or file a civil claim to sue for damages.

Here are five steps for homeowners that Mercado suggested:

 Take photos and video of the damage as soon as possible.

 Get official estimates for repairs.

 Get witness statements (notarized if possible), and write what you witnessed along with a timeline of events.

 Request body-worn camera footage for all officers involved.

 File a public records request for all paperwork associated with your case.

Dont wait and dont be foolish about taking a proactive position to reclaim funding to pay for damages, Mercado said.

Also, be careful speaking with lawyers who may promise a payday to recoup funds, Mercado said. No ethical attorney would make grandiose promises about getting a room or a house rebuilt. Paydays take a long time.

Observer reporter Jeff A. Chamer contributed to this report.

NC Reality Check reflects the Charlotte Observers commitment to holding those in power to account, shining a light on public issues that affect our local readers and illuminating the stories that set the Charlotte area and North Carolina apart. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@charlotteobserver.com
Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attends and delivers a speech at a seminar on Xi Jinping Thought on Culture in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- A seminar on Xi Jinping Thought on Culture opened in Beijing on Tuesday, with leading officials of central cultural and publicity institutions, experts and scholars holding discussions on the study and interpretation of the Thought.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the event and delivered a speech.

Experts at the seminar agreed that the introduction of the Thought demonstrates that the CPC has reached a higher level in its understanding of the right way to develop socialist culture with Chinese characteristics, and that the Thought provides scientific guidance for the work in public communication, ideology and culture.

It is the responsibility of the social sciences and cultural circles to study and interpret the Thought, said experts at the seminar, urging efforts to expand the depth and breadth of research.

They also called for coordinating research resources and strengthening academic dialogue and exchanges, thus delivering more valuable research results.

The Thought, formally put forward in October 2023, encompasses several key aspects, including strengthening the Party's leadership over the work in public communication, ideology and culture and promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture. 
Tyler Atchley, 14, left, and his father Matt Atchley, 42, right. The father and son died in a drowning incident at Lake Anna, Virginia, on 25 May, 2024 (Atchley family)

A Pennsylvania father and son died as the parent desperately trying to save his 14-year-old son from drowning in a Virginia lake over the Memorial Day weekend.

Around 1pm Saturday, teen Tyler Atchley was spotted struggling to stay afloat in Lake Anna, a Virginia reservoir approximately 66 miles north of Richmond.

Witnesses who spotted the boy called emergency responders for help. While responders raced to the scene, the boys father, Matt Atchley 42, leapt in to try to save his son, according to the Luisa County Sheriff's Office.

"It was reported that witnesses observed the father struggling, just before losing sight of him as well," the sheriff's office said in a press release. "Several people went into the water in an attempt to locate them but were unsuccessful."

Once the emergency crews arrived, officials located and recovered both the fathersand the son's bodies. They were pronounced dead on the scene.

Tyler Atchley, 14, left, and his father Matt Atchley, 42, right. The father and son died in a drowning incident at Lake Anna, Virginia, on 25 May, 2024 (Atchley family)

An investigation is ongoing, but police said in a statement that foul play is not suspected.

A GoFundMe has been established for Susan Atchely  Tyler's mother  to assist her and her family. Heidi Johnson, a relative of the Atchley's, told WTVR that both the father and the son "loved the Steelers" and called the elder Atchley a man who "loved his family dearly" and was "very humble."

The Harbor Creek School Superintendent Kelly Hess confirmed to Erie News Now the district would have counselors available to talk with students.

"It is important to remember that everyone grieves differently, and it is okay to seek help and lean on one another. Please do not hesitate to reach out to teachers, staff, or counselors if support is needed," Ms Hess wrote in a letter to parents. "On behalf of Harbor Creek, we once again extend our sincere condolences to the family on this tragic event."

The family was visiting Virginia for a graduation celebration over the holiday weekend, Fox66 reports.

The incident happened in a somewhat isolated cove on the north side of the lake, which is where private renters and lakefront homeowners typically have their properties. The south side of the lake is where public swimming and boating typically occurs, according to WTVR.

Lake Anna is approximately 17-miles long and has approximately 200 miles of shoreline, according to the county. The lake's "cold side"  it's public side  has roughly 9,000 acres, while the "hot side"  private side  has approximately 4,000 acres divided by three dikes, CBS News reports.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A father was sentenced to life in prison for the death of his 2-year-old son in 2020, according to the Shelby County District Attorneys office.

Antonio First received a guilty verdict from the jury on Friday for aggravated child abuse, murder in the perpetration of aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect, and murder in the perpetration of aggravated child neglect. The jury deliberated for one hour.

Father charged with first-degree murder after child dies in Frayser

On June 24, 2020, First called police after his two-year-old son Brayton Brooks became unresponsive. He was at his fathers house that day for Fathers Day.

Paramedics say the toddler was cold to the touch when they arrived at the scene. Shortly afterward, he was pronounced dead at Lebonheur Childrens Hospital.

Reports state that the 2-year-old had extensive bruising on his face, arms, legs, and abdominal area, along with ligature marks on his neck.

According to the autopsy, he had suffered multiple areas of subdural and subgaleal hemorrhage in his head, a lacerated liver and hemorrhage, and perforation in his large and small intestines.

Medical examiners say that the toddler had been hit at least 24 times across his 34-pound body.

Woman accused of stabbing, biting restaurant security guards in fight

In Firsts initial report, he stated that his son choked on cookies before changing his story three different times. He blamed the toddlers mother, the dogs, and then his 10-year-old son.

First finally admitted to hitting his two-year-old multiple times with a closed fist and a sandal. It began when the toddler knocked over a WiFi box.

Reports state that even though the toddler was struggling to breathe, First waited over two hours before calling the police.

It was difficult material to review and show the jury, but we had to do it for Brayton, said Eric Christensen, Chief Prosecutor who handled the case along with Chief Prosecutor Devon Dennis. What Antonio First did to him absolutely had to be punished to the fullest extent of the law, and we are proud to have accomplished that and achieved justice for Brayton, his mother, and his grandmother.

Antonio First has received a life sentence for the murder. He will be sentenced for the abuse and neglect charges on June 27.

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.
Father and teenage son drown as dad tries to rescue him from lake

A father and his teenage son have drowned at a lake in Virginia after the child's father tried to rescue him, according to authorities.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:10 p.m. on Saturday afternoon when authorities from the Louisa County Sheriff's Office responded to a call regarding a drowning child in the area of Carrs Bridge Road in Lake Anna, Virginia  some 60 miles northwest of Richmond, according to a statement from the Louisa County Sheriff's Office released on Sunday.

MORE: Priest bites woman's hand during altercation over Holy Communion, officials say

"While en route deputies were advised that the father of the child had attempted to locate/rescue his son," according to police. "It was reported that witnesses observed the father struggling, just before losing sight of him as well. Several people went into the water in an attempt to locate them but were unsuccessful."

Louisa County Sheriff's Office Marine Units, Mineral Volunteer Fire, Lake Anna Volunteer Rescue, the Department of Wildlife Resources, and Spotsylvania County Fire & EMS Dive Team divers helped with locating and recovering the bodies of the 42-year-old father and his 14-year-old son, who were pronounced dead on the scene.

PHOTO: A father and his 14-year-old son drowned in Lake Anna in Virginia on Saturday, May 25, 2024, after the 42-year-old jumped into the water to try to pull out his son. (Google Maps Street View)

Both of the victims were subsequently transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Richmond for examination.

MORE: 2 people shot after California high school graduation ceremony

Authorities have not yet identified the victims but did confirm that neither of them were from the area and that their names were being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Louisa County Sheriff's Office does not suspect any type of foul play.

Police say that this is currently an active investigation and anyone who has information about this incident is asked to call the Louisa County Sheriff's Office CID Unit at (540) 967-1234 or anonymously at Louisa Crime Solvers at (800) 346-1466. All calls to LOUISA CRIME-SOLVERS are confidential and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.

Father and teenage son drown as dad tries to rescue him from lake originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
***Learn about swimming safety in the video above.***

LOUISA COUNTY, Virginia (WJW)  Sheriffs deputies are investigating after a father and son drowned in a Virginia lake over the weekend.

According to the Louisa County Sheriffs Office, deputies and other first responders were called to a reported child drowning at Lake Anna just after 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Crews respond to downtown Youngstown for report of explosion

While heading to the scene, deputies learned that the boys father went into the water to rescue his son, but a witness said he was also struggling and they lost sight of him.

Others at the scene went into the water but couldnt find them, the sheriffs office said.

First responders and dive team divers found and recovered the victims bodies from the lake. The father, 42, and the son, 14, both from out-of-state, were pronounced dead at the scene.

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Their bodies were being taken to the medical examiner in Richmond, investigators say.

Deputies do not believe foul play was involved in the drowning, which remains under investigation at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Louisa County Sheriffs Office CID Unit at (540) 967-1234.

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.
After the FBI raided both the business and the office of Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens last week, reports surfaced the feds also paid a visit to Jackson's City Hall.

On Tuesday, city officials confirmed the FBI's trip to City Hall, but Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba declined to offer any information when he was questioned about it by reporters.

"I have no information whatsoever on the District Attorney or anybody else," Lumumba said.

The office and business of Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, seen here in this Feb. 13 file photo with Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba in the background, were recently raided by the FBI. City officials also confirmed the feds paid a visit to Jackson's City Hall after the raids, but Lumumba offered no information on what was discussed.

The raids took place in the morning on May 22. Crime scene tape was wrapped around Downtown Cigar Company LLC on Pearl Street, a business owned by Owens, according to the Mississippi Secretary of State's website. The FBI also raided Owens' office inside the Hinds County Courthouse.

City officials confirmed the FBI also talked with Safiya Omari, the mayor's chief of staff, at Jackson's City Hall.

Shortly after the raids, Owens released a statement on his Facebook page:

"This morning, FBI agents came to our office," the statement reads. "We are fully cooperating with their efforts. The Hinds County District Attorney's Office is fully functioning and continues its work on behalf of the citizens of Hinds County. That has been and will continue to be our primary focus. Currently, we have not further statements."

Other issues discussed at Tuesday's press conference

Lumumba's Tuesday press conference was held at one of the new office buildings for city employees, located on the third floor at 633 North State Street.

Lumumba, as well as Toya Martin, the city's director of human resources, announced the reopening of the City Employees Health Clinic, which is available to all city employees free-of-charge.

A new health clinic, located at this office building on 633 North State Street, has been reopened for the City of Jackson's employees to use free-of-charge. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced the reopening of the City Employees Health Clinic on Tuesday.

Problems at the Metrocenter Mall: City employees describe "inhumane" working conditions at Metrocenter Mall. See what happened

The clinic, which has been operating for seven years, was originally located at the city's offices at the Metrocenter Mall. But last July, the Jackson City Council voted to terminate the lease with the mall's owners after city employees shared concerns of "inhumane" working conditions.

"This is a much better set up than Metrocenter. Like the mayor said, it helps with employee morale, it helps with employee health. So yes, this is a much better place than where we were," Martin said.

The city, council and Lumumba are now facing a discrimination suit for terminating the lease. The suit was brought on by the mall's owners, Retro Metro LLC, which is headed by Socrates Garrett and Howard Catchings, two Black business owners in Jackson.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS mayor has no information on Hinds DA Jody Owens FBI raid
With just over four months before trial is scheduled to begin for the four officers charged with violating Tyre Nichols' civil rights, a federal judge is now set to rule on whether certain evidence will be admitted to trial.

Tuesday morning's hearing followed months of sealed filings over the contents of Nichols' car the night he was stopped by Memphis police officers. The original filing by attorneys representing the officers accused of fatally beating Nichols, which was not sealed at the time, alleged Nichols had a hallucinogenic substance in his car along with stolen debit and credit cards.

After that allegation was made in October, federal prosecutors moved to have all subsequent filings sealed. They also filed a motion to limit evidence that would attack Nichols' character, arguing that Nichols' mental state was irrelevant to the current case and that officers could have only acted on what they knew when they beat him in January 2023.

Whether or not the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation vehicle index of Nichols' car will be entered into evidence was the longest-argued motion at Tuesday's hearing. Federal Judge Mark Norris did not rule from the bench, so any ruling will be made via a court order.

Demetrius Haley (right), Emmitt Martin III (left), and Justin Smith (center), three of the now-former Memphis police officers indicted both at the federal and state levels in connection to the beating and death of Tyre Nichols, wait to enter an elevator after a report date at Shelby County Criminal Court in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Defense attorneys argued that the former Memphis police officers who have been charged in the case could lose credibility, should they decide to testify, without the index being entered into evidence. Stephen Ross Johnson, one of the attorneys representing Emmitt Martin III, said that the index can corroborate what the officers perceived in the moment, with another attorney saying the evidence "completes the picture."

Why does this ruling matter?

Since the beginning of the criminal cases, both state and federal, defense attorneys had briefly alleged that Nichols was high the night he was beaten.

Johnson also said he was not arguing that Nichols deserved to be beaten, but said that the evidence would remove doubt about the amount of force officers thought was needed to subdue and detain Nichols.

Another attorney, Kevin Whitmore, said that Norris' ruling could impact whether his client, Tadarrius Bean, is able to testify. Whitmore argued that Bean could testify to what he saw when interacting with Nichols, but that his credibility could be harmed on cross-examination by prosecutors if the index were not admitted.

The prosecution Tuesday argued the evidence should not be admitted because, whether or not it existed, it would not have been known to police officers at the time they pulled Nichols over and beat him.

In emphasizing that point, Forrest Christian, a prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice's civil rights division, said this interpretation of federal law could be both a benefit, and a detriment, to the defense and prosecution. Christian gave the example of an officer having what was thought to be a gun pointed at him, firing and killing that person, only to find out the person shot was carrying a water gun.

Under the defense's theory, Christian said, the officer would immediately be guilty because  in hindsight  the man was not carrying an actual weapon. In using that hypothetical, he said the arguments made by the defense went against the spirit of entering this type of evidence.

In audio captured by body-worn cameras the night Nichols was beaten, MPD officers could be heard saying that Nichols started fighting with officers after he was pulled over. Officers repeated that he seemed very strong and must have been on some type of substance.

Nichols' autopsy report, and toxicology reports within it, show that Nichols had a blood-alcohol level of .049%, well below the Tennessee legal limit of .08%. The reports also show Nichols had a trace amount of marijuana in his system. Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance defense attorneys alleged was in his vehicle, was not listed in that report.

More: Interim MPD chief said she enforced pretextual stop ordinance. Document shows otherwise

Related: City of Memphis subpoenas DA's office records, communications between Nichols family, DOJ

When asked for comment about the contents of Nichols' car and the allegations levied against Nichols in the filings, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said "the information previously released as part of our investigation is the extent of what we are able to provide." That did not include any reference to drugs or stolen credit and credit cars.

The defense team for the officers on Tuesday did not claim that Nichols deserved to be treated with excessive force but said the evidence was essential in showing that the accused officers felt they needed to act with that amount of force. They argued this evidence should be admitted because it lends credibility to what the police were perceiving in that moment.

Other motions argued Tuesday

Defense attorneys also argued two different motions to dismiss. The first motion requested counts one and two of the indictment be dismissed, with Johnson arguing that the statutes were unconstitutionally vague, a claim Norris seemed skeptical of.

Counts one and two of the indictment alleged excessive force and deliberate indifference against the officers.

The second motion to dismiss requested counts three and four of the indictment be dismissed. In arguing this, Johnson said that the specific, factual actions laid out in the indictment did not adequately explain the federal government's position.

Rodney and RowVaughn Wells, the parents of Tyre Nichols, and State Senator Raumesh Akbari listen as a speech of Martin Luther King Jr.s is played a few minutes before 6:01 PM, the minute Martin Luther King Jr. was shot, during the Remembering MLK: The Man. The Movement. The Moment. event to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. on the 56th anniversary of his assassination in front of the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

This was also met with skepticism by the judge, with federal prosecutor Kathryn Gilbert saying the indictment provided "far more notice than required" of what the prosecution's arguments would look like.

The final motion heard Tuesday morning was whether defendants would each be tried separately. The motion also asked for separate trials for each count of the indictment. Defense attorneys said this would be needed as evidence introduced for one defendant, or for one charge, could be prejudicial to another.

Gilbert also rebuked this assessment, saying that a jury could simply be instructed on how to weigh evidence. The jury, she said, could also be told what evidence could not be considered for each defendant, and for each count of the indictment.

Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, or (901)208-3922, and followed on X, formerly known as Twitter, @LucasFinton.

Nell Rainer is a news intern with The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at Nell.Rainer@commercialappeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Federal judge to rule on admission of Tyre Nichols character evidence
A Kentucky laboratory that got paid for doing medically unnecessary drug tests reneged on a pledge to pay nearly $1.5 million, the federal government has alleged in a lawsuit.

The company at issue, VerraLab JA LLC, filed a notice to dissolve itself the day after receiving notice it was on default on the agreement, according to a complaint by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Lexington.

VerraLab, which did business under the name BioTap Medical, was based in Louisville but handled urine drug tests for a Lexington company called Blue Waters Assessment & Testing Services, according to the court record.

Blue Waters collected specimens from people who had been ordered by a judge to undergo drug testing in Fayette and other counties as part of court cases, and had them tested by BioTap.

BioTap billed the Kentucky Medicaid and Medicare programs for doing the work, federal authorities said.

Medicaid and Medicare will pay for tests used for medical diagnosis and treatment, but not for tests ordered by courts.

As a result, federal authorities alleged BioTap and Blue Waters took part in submitting false bills to the taxpayer-funded insurance programs.

In May 2023, BioTap agreed to pay $1,490,620 to the government to settle the allegations and Blue Waters and its owner, David Waters, agreed to pay $250,000.

Submitting false claims to Medicare or Medicaid wastes taxpayer dollars and undermines the integrity of those programs, Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, said in a release at the time.

The settlement agreement required BioTap to pay $10,000 within a few days, with the next payment of $190,000 due by Dec. 31, 2024.

The remainder of the money was due in payments in 2025, 2026 and 2027, according to a complaint written by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Corndorf.

BioTap made the first payment of $10,000, but didnt pay the $190,000 due by the end of 2023, according to the complaint.

The U.S. Attorneys Office mailed notices of the alleged default on Jan. 11 to the companys address and the home address of its registered agent, Russell B. Scott Jr., but the letter to the business address came back undelivered, according to the complaint.

The letter to Scotts house was delivered on Jan. 18 and Scott signed for it, but BioTap hasnt responded to the notice, the complaint said.

The next day, BioTap filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State to dissolve the company, according to the complaint.

The companys telephone number is out of service; its web site is not available; and mail sent to the business address has been returned as undeliverable, with no forwarding address, according to the federal complaint.

Story continues

Because BioTap defaulted on the settlement agreement, it owes the federal government the rest of the money right away, a total of $1,480,620, plus 12 % interest building up since Jan. 1, 2024, according to the governments complaint.

The complaint asks U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove to order the company to pay the government.

The U.S. Attorneys Office filed the complaint earlier this month.

BioTap has not answered the lawsuit, and efforts to reach the company were not successful.
Former Ohio House speaker Cliff Rosenberger is no longer the target of a federal investigation, prosecutors told him in a letter.

Six years after he resigned as Ohio House speaker and FBI agents searched his property, Cliff Rosenberger received notice that the federal investigation against him is closed.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Ken Parker sent a letter May 22 to Rosenberger's attorney, David Axelrod, saying Rosenberger is no longer a target or subject of investigation by his office.

"It's been an experience. We're talking six years of my life with that hanging over my head," Rosenberger said. "It's extremely liberating."

In April 2018, Rosenberger told the Dayton Daily News that he hired Axelrod because the FBI had been asking questions. Days later, Rosenberger resigned his powerful post. He was the first Ohio speaker to resign in more than 50 years.

In the letter, Parker said the FBI investigation became public knowledge based solely on Rosenberger's actions.

U.S. Department of Justice policy gives Parker discretion to notify someone if they're no longer being investigated.

Such clearance letters are rarely issued but the Department of Justice sent one in 2006 to Republican Larry Householder. Householder had been under investigation for allegations of pay-to-play in his first tenure as Ohio House speaker.

Householder later made an epic comeback, recapturing the speaker job and its political power, in 2019. His comeback was financed by Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp., which wanted a public bailout of its aging nuclear power plants. In exchange for the financial support, Householder passed House Bill 6 and worked to defeat a referendum campaign.

In July 2020, he was arrested with four co-conspirators and accused of accepting $61 million in bribes pumped through dark money groups. The money was used to acquire political power and protect House Bill 6. Householder is now serving 20 years in prison.

Evidence in Householder's trial showed that Householder and his co-conspirator, lobbyist Neil Clark, wanted to damage Rosenberger and his allies. Householder wanted to be speaker, but Rosenberger and his hand-picked successor, Ryan Smith, stood in his way. They are all Republicans.

Axelrod argued that lies and misinformation pedaled by Householder and Clark misled the FBI into launching an investigation into Rosenberger.

Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Cliff Rosenberger investigation closed by feds
Sen. Eric Lucero, R-St. Michael, and several GOP members stand in protest to procedural rules on the Senate Floor as the 2024 Session draws to a close. Photo by A.J. Olmscheid, Senate Media Services.

The Senate filibuster is one of the worst features of modern American governance and a key cause of federal dysfunction. It creates a supermajority requirement that was never intended, thus slowing government to the pace of cold honey. It also eliminates true accountability, as it allows U.S. Senate majorities to throw up their hands and blame the filibuster for inaction, while enabling the minority to blame the majority for problems whose solutions the minority blocked.

Alas, the Senate, which is known as the worlds most exclusive club, is highly resistant to change no matter who is in charge, so this anti-democratic malignancy lives on, and the public doesnt know or doesnt care.

Unfortunately, the filibuster  or some weak tea version of it  has arrived in Minnesota.

This is a rare column in which I do not affix blame, or at least Id say everyone should share some blame for the rumpus that marked the end of the recent legislative session. Democrats sought to pass their agenda, and Republicans wanted to stop them. Sure, it got ugly, but were a polarized country and a polarized state, and its to be expected.

House and Senate Republicans droned on in an obvious effort to stop Democratic majorities from passing their bills. For instance, Senate Democrats say two debates on some relatively minor adjustments to the cannabis legalization law went on for 12 hours total. Same with judiciary.

On the House side, DFL researchers put together a video of Republicans wasting a lot of everyones time talking about cheeseburgers. (Based on the fast cut video, they have mostly terrible taste in burgers, but maybe it was an editing trick.)

That said, Democrats had all session to get their work done, and they didnt. Which is why they had to cram everything into a 1,430-page bill and pass it in the final moments of the session, while Republicans hollered at the rostrums like inebriated spectators at a ballgame.

The Senate froze up for a work week after the Passover break because one of its members, Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, had been arrested, and Democrats didnt want to deal with a media frenzy. And they hardly met on the final Saturday of the session because Sen. Omar Fateh, DFL-Minneapolis, used his considerable leverage  Democrats one-seat majority means each of them can hold everything up  to negotiate the best deal he could on minimum pay for Uber and Lyft drivers.

A couple days prior to that, most of the Reformer team gathered at the Capitol, but the place felt strangely empty. The Senate had pulled an all-nighter the night before, so they were in no condition to get anything done. I used to come up with great ideas during my college all-nighters, but we should all be thankful they didnt become laws.

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, a St. Paul Democrat who once held the same role in the House, said Democrats in the upper chamber are strongly considering time limits on debates next year, which is common across the country and in the U.S. House. Although current rules allow the majority to end debate with a parliamentary maneuver known as moving the previous question, House Speaker Melissa Hortman calls it the nuclear option, and its rarely wielded.

Murphy called Republican behavior extraordinary filibustering outside the norms of the Legislature.

Interestingly, she seemed to be telling the press about potential rule changes before she informed Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks.

Relations seem awfully chilly.

Johnson called the charge of filibustering ridiculous, pointing to the Democrats inability to manage their legislative calendar. He called Murphys management of the session hyper-partisan and said that was the real cause of the slowdown.

Murphy alleged that Johnson refused to negotiate on anything: In every conversation I had, the goal I kept hearing was, Lets go home.

Johnson told me that if the minority cant use parliamentary tactics, well have more of a winner-take-all environment, with majorities able to pass their agenda without input from the minority.

Which is mostly fine by me. Elections should have consequences. Otherwise, voters wont know how to hold the government accountable. If the policies dont work, the voters should know who to blame.

Doing away with endless debates has other, more concrete advantages. It would ensure the press and public can actually witness the sessions, which is more likely when theyre not taking place in the middle of the night. (To her credit, Hortman has rarely allowed sessions to go past midnight, but even that is far too late.)

Finally, the legislative staff and the people who keep the Capitol clean and safe should not be forced to work endless hours for the sake of parliamentary delay.

If we end debates at a reasonable hour, legislators can go enjoy a cheeseburger together. Throw in a martini and a weed gummy, and who knows what solutions to the worlds problems they might dream up together.

The post The filibuster comes to Minnesota appeared first on Minnesota Reformer.
BARCELONA, Spain, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Spanish customers will be able to learn more about Chinese car brands through a new collaboration between two major automobile dealers' associations from China and Spain.

Marta Blazquez, head of the Federation of Automotive Dealers Associations (Faconauto), told Xinhua in an interview on Monday: "We don't know the new Chinese brands very well and so through Faconauto and this agreement our dealers can get closer to these brands and interact with them."

The collaboration between Faconauto and the China Automobile Dealers Association was announced in April.

According to Blazquez, the "quickest and most profitable way" for Chinese automakers to get their products to Spanish consumers is "to go through those who have the expertise, in the almost 6,000 points of sale Faconauto has all over Spain."

"Everything that deepens mutual knowledge and encourages dialogue between China and Spain is included ... as well as promoting the participation of dealers from both countries in the trade events held in China and Spain," Blazquez told Xinhua.

"At the auto show in Beijing, we met Chinese manufacturers who are building vehicles that are made with fantastic innovation and technology of the highest level, but also with the level of safety that Europe demands," said Blazquez.

Blazquez also pointed out that Europe's "ambitious" goal of eradicating vehicles that run on fossil fuels provides a unique opportunity for Chinese car brands.

As Chinese electric vehicles continue to increase in popularity in countries like Spain, Faconauto hopes that more Chinese automakers will begin producing vehicles in Europe.

"What we want to see is what's starting to happen: for Chinese brands to build vehicles in Europe," Blazquez said. 
Alexander Stubb at a press conference in Kyiv on 3 April 2024. Stock photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has visited Estonia on a working visit, where, among other things, he discussed assistance to Ukraine.

Source: Finnish public service media company Yle, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Stubb expressed the belief that all security policy should focus on supporting Ukraine. In his opinion, Europe is lagging behind in providing military assistance to Kyiv.

Quote: "Talk of sending troops [to Ukraine] is speculation at this stage and Finland's position has not changed. Finland will do everything it can to ensure that Ukraine wins."

On the agenda of Stubb's visit to Estonia were bilateral relations between the countries, security and defence, as well as energy issues and critical infrastructure.

During a joint press conference with his Estonian counterpart, Alar Karis, Stubb noted that they also discussed Russia's hybrid attacks, events in Georgia and the importance of supporting Ukraine.

Background:

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that Russia may be testing NATO member countries along its western border, where Moscow has intensified provocations towards neighbouring Alliance member states.

He said this after Russian border guards had removed buoys marking the navigable channel from Estonian waters on the Narva River. Estonia is awaiting explanations regarding this matter.

EU diplomat Josep Borrell said the European Union expected Russia to explain the removal of buoys on the Estonian-Russian border on the Narva River and demanded that they be immediately returned to their place.

On Tuesday, 21 May, a draft law was noticed on the Russian government's website indicating its plans to unilaterally change maritime borders with its neighbours in the Baltic Sea. After the proposal gained attention, it was removed from the website.

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First batch of Czech "shell" initiative to reach Ukraine "in the coming days"

The first batch of artillery shells under the Czech initiative will arrive in Ukraine "in the coming days".

Source: European Pravda, citing Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala at an informal meeting of Ukraine's allies in Prague

Details: Fiala said that as of now, 15 EU and NATO countries have already provided more than 1.6 billion for the Czech initiative, and these efforts "will soon improve Ukraine's defence capabilities".

Quote: "As I promised, the first tens of thousands of 155 mm ammunition will be delivered in June. Ukraine can expect the first batch in the coming days," the Czech Prime Minister added.

Background:

In mid-April, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Czechia had signed contracts to supply 180,000 artillery rounds for Ukraine as part of its initiative and is currently working on contracts for another 300,000 rounds.

The official later stated that 1.5 million artillery projectiles could potentially be procured for Ukraine in this way within a year.

Earlier, European Pravda reported that Czechia had organised a meeting of the leaders of several countries among those leading in the supply of weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which would be devoted to the supply of ammunition and permission to hit targets in Russia.

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Multiple lightning strikes under a supercell thunderstorm at a ranch farm in Nebraska, USA. (Photo credit: John Finney Photography/Getty Images)

A Colorado man was killed by a lightning strike on his ranch Saturday, marking the first lightning-caused death in 2024. The ranch is located near Rand, about 120 miles northwest of Denver.

According to Action News 5, 51-year-old Mike Morgan had just finished branding his cattle and was starting to feed them when the lightning struck him, according to Jackson County Coroner George Crocket. Crocket said the storm blew in just northwest of Rand, and the lightning knocked 100 head of cattle off their feet, 34 of them were killed.

Morgan died at the scene "despite life-saving efforts performed by bystanders and first responders," the sheriff's office stated. Morgan's father-in-law and wife were nearby but survived the blast, according to The Associated Press.

The cattle gathering closely around Morgan's trailer, as he was feeding them hay, is likely what caused their death. Lightning's deadly charge can travel long distances through the ground or metal objects.

"Our western ranching community will feel this for a long time," fellow rancher VanWinkle Ranch posted on Facebook. "We all know what we do has a high degree of risk. We do it anyway. We do it for the livestock. We do it for the landscape. We do it for food security. We do it for our family, past, present and future. We do it because it feels right. We do it because it is right."

According to the National Lightning Safety Council, 14 people were killed by lightning in the U.S. and its territories in 2023.
First Syrian jet in over a decade transports Muslim worshippers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage

FILE - Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. For the first time in over a decade, 270 Syrians traveled on a direct flight early Tuesday from Damascus to Saudi Arabia for the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, the Syrian Transportation Ministry said. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  For the first time in over a decade, 270 Syrians traveled on a direct flight early Tuesday from Damascus to Saudi Arabia for the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, the Syrian Transportation Ministry said.

The development is part of an ongoing thaw in relations between Damascus and Riyadh, which days ago appointed Saudi Arabia's first ambassador to war-torn Syria since severing ties in 2012.

Syria was readmitted to the 22-member Arab League in 2023, after it had been suspended from the group for more than a decade over President Bashar Assads brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters in 2011. Most countries in the Arab world have since restored diplomatic ties with Damascus.

A second plane of pilgrims is set to depart from Damascus to Jeddah late Tuesday, the ministry said.

1.8 million Muslims from around the world took part in last year's Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, making it one of the world's largest religious gatherings. This year, it's scheduled to begin on the evening of June 14.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so.

The uprising-turned-civil war in Syria, now in its 14th year has killed nearly half a million people and displaced half of the countrys prewar population of 23 million. The war has largely remained frozen and so have the efforts to find a viable political solution to end it. Poverty is rampant across the front lines, with aid dwindling and a growing number of countries sounding the alarm on surging migration.



Associated Press writer Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed to this report.
Plan to redevelop Fisherman's Wharf at Channel Islands Harbor advances: What to know

Boats line a dock in Channel Islands Harbor near the Seabridge community in January.

A proposal to redevelop the dilapidated Fisherman's Wharf at Channel Islands Harbor reached a milestone this week as plans advanced with a German company.

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, which owns the Oxnard property, unanimously approved an option for Karls LLC to lease the site. Plans call for developing a village with a mix of retail, food markets, restaurants, a small hotel, playgrounds and children's rides.

The agreement allows up to three years to finalize plans and receive required approvals from other agencies, harbor Director Michael Tripp told supervisors. The board also signed off on a proposed 30-year lease agreement, contingent on the other work being completed.

"The lease and the lease option that I'm bringing to you today have been a long time coming," Tripp said.

For roughly 20 years, the county has tried to redevelop the property, he said. Efforts failed in the past, largely over plans to add new housing. The Karls project also faced criticism when it was first proposed two years ago.

"We did get some substantial opposition in the beginning of this project," Tripp said. "One of the reasons was because the public didn't clearly understand what was being proposed there."

Several changes were made after a series of public workshops. During a second round of meetings, reviews were more favorable, he said. The company's current proposal includes:

Constructing a pedestrian pier.

Renovating or replacing buildings at the aged Fisherman's Wharf.

Free entry and parking for visitors.

Adding a couple amusement rides and developing a small hotel using upcycled materials.

Karls is expected to spend at least $16 million on the project and pay a minimum of $500,000 annually in rent. The county's harbor department also would upgrade the area's commercial fishing wharf.

Before a lease is signed, the project requires approval from the California Coastal Commission and building permits from the city of Oxnard. Before those steps, officials also have to develop more extensive plans and complete studies on traffic, parking and any other potential impacts.

Rene Aiu, of the Harbor & Beach Community Alliance, urged supervisors to approve the lease option with Karls, saying the company had worked to build trust with the community.

"It will promote revitalization of the harbor and rehabilitate a dilapidated Fisherman's Wharf  something we all want to see happen," she said.

Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0260.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Fisherman's Wharf redevelopment plan advances with Karls LLC
How 'Flirting' at a Wedding Celebration Led to Best Man Being Shot and Grooms Arrest

The groom, Corey Parker, and his guest, Jonathan Goff, are each charged with criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon and battery resulting in bodily injury

Indiana State Police (2) Groom Corey Parker (Left) and wedding guest Jonathon Goff (Right).

A wedding celebration took a turn after a guest was accused of flirting with the best mans fiancee.

The night of Saturday, May 18, ended with the groom and guest behind bars and the best man in the hospital with a gunshot wound to the hand.

The case, Carey Huls of the Indiana State Police tells PEOPLE, is very convoluted from the get-go.

For starters, all individuals appeared to be highly intoxicated with alcohol, Detective Steven R. Peyton writes in his affidavit for probable cause, which was obtained by PEOPLE.

And, like many drunken fights, some allegations  like how the groom, Corey Parker, became involved in a fight about flirting that did not allegedly involve him  seem unclear even to police.

It all started, the detective writes in the affidavit because Jonathan [Goff] was flirting with [the best man's] fiancee, and Jonathan and his wife got into an argument.

Jonathan Goff is the husband of the brides friend. The best man was shot after Goff allegedly flirted with his fiancee, who herself ultimately reported the shooting to police.

Indiana State Police Corey Parker, the groom, in his May 2024 mugshot.

In an interview with police, the groom, Parker, later claimed that Goff and Goff's wife argued over the alleged flirtation, and Goff became, "extremely aggressive," per the affidavit.

The bride and Goffs wife later left for Cobblestone Hotel in Salem, Ind.

Thats when, Parker claimed  and police say his narrative of events squares with video surveillance footage  that Goff started fighting and arguing with him.

As the groom walked to his car, Goff pushed him. Parker pushed back, police claim.

The groom got into his car and Goff allegedly attacked him, police allege.

As they fought, the groom later claimed to police, Goff lunged for the console where he keeps his handgun, police allege.

Parker later said that while he had no intention of shooting anyone, he tried to beat Goff to the console, reaching for his gun, because he told police, his wedding guest was beating the c--- out of him.

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The groom was not sure when his best man intervened, per the affidavit, but believed he stepped in because he was attempting to get the gun from them.

The three men tussled, for lack of a better word, says Hulls.

And, Parker later told police, per the affidavit: In the rustle and bustle of it all the gun went off,

The groom claimed he had not pulled the trigger.

Huls says police cant say who or how the gun went off, but that the best man had entered the fray to stop the fight and help the situation.

The best man sustained a graze wound to the hand, per Huls, who said that the best man was hospitalized and left the hospital the same day.

Indiana State Police Wedding guest, Jonathan Goff, in his May 2024 mugshot.

Meanwhile, Parker and Goff were each booked into Washington County Jail.

Perhaps lucky for both bride and groom, they were not actually apart on the actual day of their marriage  which occurred two years prior.

Marriage license records obtained by PEOPLE show Corey Parker legally married his bride two years earlier on May 25, 2022. The couple was belatedly celebrating their union in the hours before gunfire erupted, Huls tells PEOPLE.

Parker and Goff are each charged with criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon and battery resulting in bodily injury, according to the Washington County Clerks Office. They have not entered a plea in the case. Their lawyers could not be immediately reached for comment.

Goffs next court appearance is set for June 6 at 10:30 a.m. Parker is due in court June 13 at 10:30 a.m.



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Read the original article on People.
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Florence County deputies are asking for help finding three people after a vehicle was stolen last week in the Johnsonville area.

Deputies responded Friday at about 2:30 a.m. for a stolen vehicle on Vox Highway, the sheriffs office said. The vehicle is a black 1987 Buick Regal with a South Carolina license plate QMT570.

Photo: Florence County Sheriffs Office

Photo: Florence County Sheriffs Office

Photo: Florence County Sheriffs Office

Surveillance footage captured photos of three persons of interest in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriffs office at 843-665-2121.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read 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.
Florida man known as Sedition Panda convicted of assaulting police on Jan. 6

Florida man known as Sedition Panda convicted of assaulting police on Jan. 6

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Lecanto man dubbed Sedition Panda after he was caught on camera wearing a panda mascot head at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot was found guilty of two felony offenses.

Jesse James Rumson, 38, was convicted of assaulting a Capitol police officer and civil disorder in a Washington D.C. courtroom on Friday.

On Jan. 6, 2021, when supporters of then-President Donald Trump breached the Capitol building to stop the certification of votes in the 2020 election, Rumson was caught on police body camera video grabbing an officers face shield and jerking their head around.

















His fellow rioters helped him escape from handcuffs. He was captured on video shortly after yelling Get a ram outside one of the Capitol doors.

Rumson was arrested in Lecanto on Feb. 27, 2023. The sentencing phase of his trial begins on Sept. 5.

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.
WINDHOEK, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Namibian government, in collaboration with the City of Windhoek municipality, is progressing with electrification projects, aiming to connect over 700 households by the end of August in the capital city's informal settlements, a government official said Tuesday.

Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni made the announcement at the ground-breaking ceremony for the high mast lights project in the informal settlement of the Samora Machel Constituency in Windhoek, which is expected to fully function by the end of July.

In the statement, Uutoni emphasized the importance of the electrification project, particularly the installation of high mast lights in informal settlements in Windhoek, as a means to improve the quality of life for residents.

The minister commended the municipality for its commitment to providing electricity to underserved communities, aligning with the government's priorities.

"I am pleased to learn that the municipal council of Windhoek also recently approved the revised Electrification Plan to guide the implementation of the electrification projects for the next five years," he said.

The project plans to electrify about 4,000 households in the next five years which will cost the Windhoek Municipality about around 20 million Namibia dollars (about 1.1 million U.S. dollars) every year.

The City of Windhoek commenced with the electrification of informal settlements around Windhoek in the 2017/2018 financial year.

According to UN institutions in Namibia, nearly 40 percent of the country's population lives in informal settlements, with little or no access to infrastructure and basic services, including water, sanitation, electricity and hygiene. 
Florida is offering C-sections outside of hospitals, sparking fears of complications

Florida has passed a bill that will allow advanced birth centers to perform low-risk C-sections (stock image) (Getty Images)

Florida has passed a law that will allow some cesarean sections to take place outside of a hospital setting but doctors have warned that it poses serious safety risks to patients.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation in March to allow advanced birth centers to perform planned, low-risk, C-sections as part of an effort to expand access to maternal healthcare in the state.

Some 19 per cent of Florida counties were classed as maternity care deserts in a 2023 report after multiple hospitals closed their maternity wards.

But medical professionals are warning of the potential risks of the new scheme, part of Floridas Live Healthy legislation package.

We have serious concerns about the impact this model has on our collective efforts to improve maternal and infant health, Mary Mayhew, CEO of the Florida Hospital Association told KFF Health News. Our hospitals do not see this in the best interest of providing quality and safety in labor and delivery.

Floridas maternal death rate was 40.2 per 100,000 births in 2022, nearly twice as high as the national average of 22.3 per 100,000 births.

The states C-section rate was 35.9 per cent in 2022, also slightly higher than the national average of 32 per cent.

Under the new law, an advanced birth center can operate so long as it has a board-certified obstetrician and board-certified anesthesiologist as its medical directors; enters into a written agreement with an emergency blood bank service; has written protocols for managing obstetrical hemorrhaging; and follows the states healthcare agency rules.

The law also requires the birth centers to have an obstetrician with admitting privileges at a nearby hospital - but does not indictate how close that must be to the center.

Along with low-risk C-sections, an advanced birth center can also perform vaginal deliveries between 37 and 41 weeks gestation, and vaginal deliveries on patients who have previously had C-sections.

Those with high-risk pregnancies are not allowed to use advanced birth centers for C-sections, and could be turned away due to potential complications.

But even low-risk patients can suddenly need lifesaving care, Dr Cole Greves, chair of the Florida chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists told KFF Health News.

Even with increased regulation, [advanced birth centers] cannot guarantee the level of safety patients would receive within a hospital, he said.

So far, no advanced birth center has opened in Florida but at least one facility, Womens Care Enterprises, is exploring the option. The facility helped propose amendments to the new legislation.

Freestanding birth centers are becoming a more popular option for low-risk pregnant individuals to give birth in the US, offering an in-between experience of a home birth and hospital birth.
VERO BEACH  The owner of a pool company, whose victims were from Palm Beach County and other areas, was convicted of numerous felony charges related to operating a multimillion-dollar pool contracting scheme following a five-week trial, according to Indian River County court officials.

A jury seated in April found that Amore Pools owner Chrystal Washburn, 42, concocted a scheme to defraud homeowners by taking large deposits to build in-ground residential swimming pools, but never completed the projects, court records show.

Victims of the scheme were from Palm Beach, Brevard and Okeechobee counties and the Treasure Coast.

Washburn, who lives in Vero Beach, was convicted on May 24 of seven counts of identity fraud, two counts of money laundering, insurance fraud, contracting without a license, false statement of compliance and organized scheme to defraud, records show.

Her sentencing is scheduled for June 25.

Reached after her court, Washburns lawyer Roger Azcona declined to comment.

Her husband, Bryan Washburn, 37, who identified himself as a company employee, was convicted by a jury in June 2022, and is serving 30 years in prison. He was found guilty of nine felony counts, including organized scheme to defraud, identity theft and money laundering of more than $100,000.

Chrystal Washburn appears in court, May 9, 2024, before Senior Judge Dan Vaughn at the Indian River County Courthouse.

Brian Washburn

He also was ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution to 121 customer victims, according to sentencing records.

Hes appealing his conviction and sentence, court filings show.

Debra Neger of Hobe Sound looks at her unfinished pool in 2021. She was one of a several homeowners across Florida accusing Amore Pools of stalling on pool construction.

Both Washburns were prosecuted by the Florida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Unlicensed contractors

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement accused the couple of systematically defrauding customers by fraudulently establishing the business, then agreeing to building backyard swimming pools but never completing them.

A criminal investigation launched in July 2021 after receiving numerous claims of fraud about a Treasure Coast pool contractor that would take significant deposits and then either abandoning the victims or leaving them with an unfinished, poorly constructed shell in their back yards, FDLE agents reported.

The company also forged documents and fraudulently obtained credentials to become registered pool and spa contractors in 2017, investigators concluded.

Upon receiving deposit checks from homeowners, the Washburns used a third-party check-cashing store to convert the checks into cash, in an attempt to conceal the illicit funds, law enforcement agents said when the couple was arrested in October 2021.

Chrystal Washburns trial lasted 22 days as jurors heard from 51 state witnesses and 24 defense witnesses, including Washburn, who testified May 22, records show.

Chrystal Washburn appears in court, May 9, 2024, before Senior Judge Dan Vaughn at the Indian River County Courthouse.

Her trial was scheduled after a different judge last year rejected the terms of a plea deal struck between Washburn and statewide prosecutors, according to court filings.

An email seeking comment from the Office of Statewide Prosecution was not returned Friday.

After Brian Washburn's conviction, Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a statement saying the Amore' scheme approached nearly $3 million, often leaving dangerous debris piles and gaping holes in the victims backyards.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Amore' Pool guilty in multimillion-dollar Florida pool building scheme
With flags, salutes, laying of wreaths and the national anthem, people gathered to honor veterans on Memorial Day during a ceremony Monday in front of the Flagler County Government Services Building in Bunnell.

The ceremony also included a speech from Mark Thieme, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, who was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis as the executive director of the Florida State Guard.

An honor guard of Junior ROTC cadets from Flagler Palm Coast High School and Matanzas High School posted the colors, carrying the flags of the United States, the State of Florida and the military branches as well as the POW/MIA flag.

Melanie DeMartino, the daughter of Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin, sang the national anthem. Later, attendees sang along to a recording of "God Bless America."

Thieme was the "special guest speaker." The Florida State Guard is building a training center in Flagler County, which will also be used by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. Groundbreaking is anticipated to take place this year.

Thieme asked those in attendance to recognize the sacrifices of families who had lost a loved one serving in the military. And he asked people to prepare to come together as a nation to face future challenges.

Admire, ladies and gentlemen, Gold Star families for their strength and their perseverance through adversity, and look to them as examples for the coming years when some, perhaps many among us here today, must share in their burden on a more personal level. Those days are coming.

Junior ROTC cadets from Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas high schools post the colors during a Memorial Day ceremony in front of the Flagler County Government Services building in Bunnell, Monday, May 27, 2024.

He praised veterans for their courage.

Absolutely celebrate this great day for everything it signifies, Thieme said. A great school year behind us. Great vacations on the horizon. Great families who raised children to become extraordinary men and women who valorously perished in combat thinking of others, not themselves, while defending Old Glory and our great democracy.

Mark Thieme, executive director of the Florida State Guard and a retired colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, spoke during a Memorial Day ceremony in front of the Flagler County Government Services Building in Bunnell on Monday, May 27, 2024.

He suggested that people visit a national cemetery or volunteer to help organizations.

Go celebrate Memorial Day this weekend for its darkness and its brightness, Thieme said. Without the Americans we celebrate today, there wouldnt be a day like July Fourth or any of the other 364 days of freedom a year that mean so much to us all.

After the ceremony, Thieme declined to speak about the Florida State Guard, saying he was there for Memorial Day.

When asked about his comment during speech, that days are coming when more will share in the adversity of Gold Star families, he said that adversaries have challenged the United States throughout the country's history and he said that would happen again. He said he didnt want to go into specifics of any particular adversary, saying that it would be irresponsible, but he said it would happen within a decade.

Memorial Day ceremony in Bunnell recognizes soldier killed in Vietnam

The ceremony also included recognition of Cpl. Owen Garnet, who was 20 when he was killed on Jan. 31, 1968, in Vietnam at the start of North Vietnams Tet Offensive. Garnet was from Miami.

Flagler County Judge D. Melissa Distler and her mother, Julia Moore, spoke at a Memorial Day ceremony in Bunnell. Moore's brother and Distler's uncle, Cpl. Owen Garnet, a U.S. Army soldier killed in Vietnam, was recognized during the ceremony Monday, May 27, 2024.

Garnet was the uncle of Flagler County Judge D. Melissa Distler. Garnets sister, Julia Moore, who is Distlers mother, spoke at the ceremony.

Thank you all for coming here today. I know among you there are many veterans or their parents, wives, husbands, siblings or other relatives of these veterans, Moore said. Those among you that, like me, grieve for a loved one, my honor goes to you as well, knowing what we have suffered. To those among you who are active duty, stay safe, know that we are proud of you and all you did for our country.

Thank you again for honoring my brother. I love you, Moore said blowing a kiss toward the heavens and her brother.

Distler then spoke saying that her mother always blows a kiss during the playing of the national anthem. She said they understand the pain of those who have lost a loved one.

We see your suffering, Distler said. We know the pain that youre feeling if you lost a loved one or a friend and we are here for you. We are. We want to support you and we will do everything in our power to do that.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida State Guard leader speaks in Flagler County for Memorial Day
Floridas trying to ignore obvious threats; theyre closer to hand in Britain

A picture of a grandchild is placed on the grave of a deceased soldier at a Kharkiv cemetery, where a large and growing section is devoted to soldiers' graves, on January 24, 2023 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

LONDON  Social media, the 24-hour news cycle, and cellphones notwithstanding, Americans often find it hard to be interested in the world beyond our borders.

Unless, of course, people that dont look or sound like us are actually crossing our borders; then, we pay attention.

But while the horrors of Gaza have grabbed the attention especially of young people, the U.S. feels comfortably distant from the horrors of the rest of the planet.

We have our own horrors, thank you very much.

But here in Britain, you dont have the luxury of ignoring whats going on in other countries.

The distance from Kyiv to the south coast of England is about 1,200 miles, which sounds like a lot until you consider thats not even Tallahassee to Boston  and those two towns are in the same country.

But should Putin prevail in Ukraine, he could get tanks to Warsaw in less than 10 days. Then to Berlin in less than two days.

Then on to the shores of the North Sea where, on a clear day, you can see the White Cliffs of Dover.

Everyone in Britain understands that if Putin were to strike a NATO nation, there would be a war, and it would be fought on European soil.

There are some crazy people in Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks government, but none like the breathtakingly stupid Marjorie Taylor Greene, who thinks Putin would stop his imperialistic march if he takes Ukraine.

The memory of World War II, as well as the Cold War, lives on.

Bombings

When I moved here as a student in 1981, we all worried about a nuclear strike  from the U.S. or the USSR.

We worried about IRA bombing campaigns, too  throughout the 1980s, the IRA hit parks, department stores, and, in 1984, the hotel in Brighton where most of the British cabinet was staying for the Conservative Party Conference.

It was frightening. I learned not to walk close to a parked white van or stand near a trash can (a favorite place for the IRA to plant explosives).

That was a local problem: The global problem, a potential mushroom cloud, was far more nightmare-inducing and felt far too much like a realistic possibility.

The USSR had invaded Afghanistan, Ronald Reagan talked of the evil empire, and Margaret Thatcher, maybe the most virulent of anti-communists, accused Russia of seeking world domination.

The British had nuclear weapons, which was scary enough, but Thatcher invited the U.S. to park nuclear cruise missiles at two RAF bases.

This did not make anyone feel safer. If there was a war, Britain would surely be hit.

Nobody thinks the Gaza war will spread as far as Europe, but it doesnt feel remote, either.

Its personal to many Americans, I know; its also personal to many Brits.

And with a general election coming on July 4, the major political parties here will find out just how personal.

The U.K. has been involved with the aspirations of both Jews and Palestinians for their own lands for more than a century, what with the British Empire controlling much of the Middle East as the Ottoman Empire lost power.

In 1917, the British Foreign Office issued the famous Balfour Declaration promising Jews a national home.

Theres still debate over whether they meant an independent Jewish state or some kind of autonomous territory in what was then universally known as Palestine.

Decades of conflict

The Balfour Declaration also said, nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine.

In any case (and after much messiness) Israel was born in 1948 and the Palestinians were dispossessed.

The resulting decades of conflict and death illustrate the problem with using a 3,000-year-old book of stories as a roadmap to statehood.

Non-Jewish Americans dont know much about the background: how the British more or less drew the lines that created Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other nations in the region.

Americans have tended to support Israel no matter what. Politically influential evangelicals (lots of them are in Congress, remember) think the Second Coming will kick off with the birth of a red heifer which will (somehow) enable the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, at which point Jesus shows up.

Despite Messianic prophecy, U.S. support for Israel is dropping like a stone. Same in the U.K.

Turns out genocide is not popular on either side of the Atlantic.

But here the sense of historical guilt is palpable across the political spectrum.

These reverberations still shake not just governments in the Middle East but here, too. An MP accused of antisemitism could lose his or her seat.

On the other hand, if a candidate for office is seen as anti-Palestinian or anti-Muslim, he or she might also be in trouble.

The Labour Party won big in recent local elections but lost significant support amongst Muslim voters because its leaders refused to call for an immediate and total ceasefire.

Ground Zero

Back in my dear, unavoidable Florida, Ron DeSantis is simultaneously stomping around trying to prove hes the most pro-Israel guy on the entire planet while ignoring dangers to the planet.

He just scrubbed any mention of climate change from Florida law.

A friend in London asked me how this can be: I mean, everyone knows Florida is ground zero for sea level rise, ocean warming, and all the other monstrous effects of promiscuous carbon consumption.

Tallahassee just got hit with three tornadoes, the whole state is experiencing the hottest temperatures on record, and predictions are that were likely to have a horrendous hurricane season.

As an enraged meteorologist in Miami said, Florida is on fire, underwater, and unaffordable, yet state government is rolling back climate change legislation and language.

Good plan, Ronbo.

Green targets

Theres no way you can live in South Florida and refuse to admit the climates changing  despite the governors pronouncements.

You cant be in Britain for longer than a week and not personally experience the climate crisis.

In 2023 and 2024, the U.K.s had freakishly hard rains, killer floods, and weather so unnaturally warm when it should be cold that flora and fauna cant figure out what season it is.

Major highways are regularly shut down all over England and trains are delayed: Theyre under water.

Kind of like Fort Lauderdale.

You really cant ignore it. You cant close your front door and pretend everything is fine. This is a small country.

A small country with increasingly destructive storms.

Republicans in the U.S. deny anthropogenic warming; the sitting Conservative government in Britain does not. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak even established green targets to achieve carbon zero by 2050.

Then he reneged on them.

Good plan, Rishi.

This is one of many reasons why hes projected to lose in a landslide.

Much as I love being here in the U.K.  its supposed to be a sort of mental health break from Florida  its not uniformly relaxing.

Flowers still bloom, cups of tea are still made, princesses still cut ribbons at new shopping centers, and Shakespeare plays are still performed.

But too often it feels too much like a front line. The only rational response short-term?

Head for the pub.

The post Floridas trying to ignore obvious threats; theyre closer to hand in Britain appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Black Democrats and other party members disrupted debate over Gov. Ron DeSantis' proposed congressional redistricting map on April 21, 2022. (Photo by Michael Moline/Florida Phoenix

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

A lawsuit filed by the ACLU Foundation of Florida asks a federal judge to invalidate four congressional districts and seven state House districts on the ground that they represent unconstitutional racial gerrymanders.

In a 38-page complaint filed last week, the organization argues the Legislature grouped diverse populations of Hispanic Americans into unwieldy districts, treating them as a monolithic group based on ethnic stereotyping.

South Floridas Hispanic community is not politically cohesive  , the complaint asserts.

Rather, it is nuanced, multifaceted, and diverse with respect to political behavior and preferences. But in crafting the challenged districts, the Legislature ignored this diversity and assumed that Hispanic voters in South Florida were politically homogenous and monolithic. This assumption was false. The Legislature was not entitled to draw race-based districts based on uninformed assumptions of racial sameness, the document says.

The complaint asks the court to declare the districts unconstitutional racial gerrymanders, enjoin the state from using them to run elections, and order special elections if the state uses the map during the November elections  as seems likely given that Floridas primary elections are set for Aug. 20.

The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra in Miami, who joined the court in February. The defendants are the Florida House of Representatives and Cord Byrd, Floridas Secretary of State.

As a proud Cuban American, Im standing up for my community and against the politicians who are suppressing our diverse voices through racial gerrymandering, Michael Rivero, co-founder of Cubanos Palante and an individual plaintiff in the case, said in a written statement.

From my native Miami to my current home in Southwest Florida, these maps divide cohesive communities and lump other distinct areas together in districts that just plain dont make sense, Rivero said.

Other challenges

Additional challenges have been filed against the redistricting plans that emerged following the 2020 U.S. Census. In one, a three-judge federal trial panel upheld a map, which Gov. Ron DeSantis forced the Legislature to accept, that erased a Black-controlled congressional district in North Florida. Plaintiffs Common Cause Florida, FairDistricts Now, the Florida State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Branches, and 10 individual voters have asked the court to reconsider.

A separate challenge to that map is pending before the Florida Supreme Court. A third lawsuit, this one in federal court, accuses the Legislature of packing Black voters into a Senate district spanning Tampa Bay to favor white control of a neighboring Senate district.

Cubanos Palante is a progressive Cuban-American nonprofit and a plaintiff in the lawsuit. Other plaintiffs are Engage Miami, representing largely Gen Z and Millennial Black and Latino residents of Miami-Dade County, according to the complaint; the ACLU Club at Florida International University; and five individual members of various Hispanic American communities.

The complaint alleges violations of the Fourteenth Amendments Equal Protection Clause, which prohibits redistricting in which race predominates, subordinating traditional, race-neutral redistricting considerations to racial decision-making.

Causes of action

The document cites Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which bars dilution of minority votes when the political process is not equally open to minority voters and the minority group is sufficiently large and geographically compact to constitute a majority in a reasonably configured district; the minority group is politically cohesive; and the white majority votes sufficiently as a bloc to enable it usually to defeat the minoritys preferred candidate.

And it cites the Florida Constitutions Fair Districts Amendments, which was modeled after the VRA and which bans partisan gerrymandering and drawing districts that diminish minority voting power. The provision requires that districts be drawn as nearly equal in population as is practicable; be compact; and where feasible, utilize existing political and geographical boundaries, the complaint says. But those requirements are secondary to respect for minorities ability to elect candidates of their choosing.

The complaint challenges congressional districts 19, 26, 27, and 28 and state House districts 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 118, and 119.

Legal precedents allow using race to guide redistricting only if narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling governmental interest.

These prerequisites include that the minority group is politically cohesive and the white majority votes sufficiently as a bloc to enable it usually to defeat the minoritys preferred candidate, the complaint says.

Those preconditions were absent when the Legislature drew the districts, the document continues. For example, different Hispanic communities differ strongly on political priorities, and whites have voted in sympathy with Hispanics more often than not, it says.

Hispanic cohesion

The Legislature was on notice  but ignored  that the  preconditions were absent. Prior court decisions and published scholarship revealed a lack of Hispanic voting cohesion, and during legislative sessions on redistricting, individual legislators questioned leadership about their assumptions of Hispanic voting cohesion and white bloc voting, the complaint asserts.

These seats form noncompact shapes, connect disparate neighborhoods, and divide established communities. In drawing these districts, the Florida Legislature subordinated traditional redistricting criteria and state constitutional requirements to race without narrowly tailoring the district lines to advance a compelling government interest. This racial gerrymandering unconstitutionally abridges plaintiffs rights to the equal protection of the laws, it says.

Plaintiffs are further harmed because the enacted plans split up their communities and group their communities with dissimilar ones, simply because of their race. If the enacted plans are not enjoined, these individuals and the members of Cubanos Palante, Engage Miami, and the FIU ACLU Club will be harmed by living and voting in unconstitutionally racially gerrymandered districts, the complaint says.

Congressional District 26 stretches 100 miles across the Everglades from Biscayne Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, scooping up diverse Latino communities from Hialeah to Immokalee. One glance tells you its gerrymandered, said Enrique Cruz, president of the ACLU Club at FIU, citing one example of an allegedly flawed district.

Were going to court because the Latino community deserves better than racially gerrymandered districts that slice through communities and deny representation, Cruz added.

These maps determine whether we are fairly represented in Tallahassee and D.C., said Rebecca Pelham, executive director of Engage Miami. We will keep fighting until we have fair maps.

The post Following North FL, Tampa Bay redistricting concerns, ACLU lawsuit targets South Florida maps appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley speaks during a press conference on reproductive rights for people with disabilities outside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, May 23, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  Three members of Congress introduced a resolution last week intended to bring attention to the experiences and challenges people with disabilities face when it comes to reproductive rights, pointing to a 1927 forced sterilization ruling that still stands.

Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley announced the resolution during a press conference with advocates just steps from the U.S. Capitol, saying that under a Supreme Court ruling still in effect, people with disabilities can be sterilized without their consent.

Buck v. Bell is a decision of the United States Supreme Court in which the court ruled on May 2, 1927, affirming the constitutionality of Virginias law allowing state-enforced sterilization, Pressley said.

Pressley said people outside of the disability rights community often arent aware of the ruling or the fact it has never been challenged.

Theyre in disbelief that this even happened and that this ruling authorizes involuntary sterilization of people with disabilities and has never been overturned, Pressley said.

Unique barriers

The four-page resolution would designate one day in May as Disability Reproductive Equity Day.

The resolution says that people with disabilities face unique barriers when accessing reproductive health care, including harmful stereotypes, communication barriers and a lack of accessible health care facilities, among other obstacles.

It adds that Congress pledges to advance the right of people with disabilities to reproductive and sexual health, autonomy, and freedom.

Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray introduced the companion resolution in that chamber.

Murray wrote in a statement announcing the introduction that Americans with disabilities have long had to jump through extra hoops and faced real discrimination when it comes to accessing the health care they need, including abortion care.

Access to reproductive health care has been in crisis since the Dobbs decision, making it even harder for people with disabilities to access high-quality care from providers who understand their health care needs, Murray wrote. Its important that we recognize the barriers millions of women face in accessing reproductive health care, and this resolution is an important marker for us all to recommit to the fight for reproductive justice for all.

Co-sponsors in the House include New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Pennsylvania Rep. Madeleine Dean and Washington Rep. Adam Smith. All are Democrats.

Access to full slate of care

Rebecca Cokley, program officer for disability rights at the Ford Foundation, told a story during the press conference about how after having her middle child, the anesthesiologist told the OB-GYN to tie her tubes, adding that people like her dont need to have any more babies.

Cokley said her OB-GYN could have advocated for that and it would have been perfectly legal.

When we talk about reproductive justice, its about the idea that all women, all people have the right to have children, the right to not have children. Cokley said. The right to nurture the children we have in a safe and healthy environment.

Jess Davidson, communications director at the American Association of People with Disabilities, discussed how access to the full slate of reproductive health care, including abortion, is crucial for people with disabilities.

Members of the community, she said, have an 11 times greater risk of mortality from pregnancy.

I know all too well the fear that comes with living with that kind of risk, Davidson said. I felt deep in my bones as a young woman that I was made for motherhood.

After being diagnosed with an illness in her mid-20s that significantly increased her chances of miscarriage or maternal mortality, Davidson said she spoke with her doctor about whether or not she should ever get pregnant.

I was devastated when I first learned this, but my doctor assured me that if I was willing to get an abortion if it were necessary to save my life and work closely with a high-risk obstetrician, that I could try and see how it went, Davidson said. After all, every person and every pregnancy is different.

That was all before the Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the constitutional right to an abortion that had stood for nearly 50 years under two prior rulings.

Now when I think about attempting a high-risk pregnancy, I feel so fearful that it feels like I cant breathe, she said. And I am someone who lives in Colorado and Washington, D.C., two places where my right to that life-saving care is still intact.

Many people with disabilities who want to have children, Davidson said, now live in states that ban or significantly restrict abortion access, even if continuing a pregnancy threatens their life or health.

Forced sterilization in state laws

Maayan Anafi, senior counsel for health equity and justice at the National Womens Law Center, said that 31 states have laws in place that allow forced sterilization of people with disabilities.

These laws give judges the power to disregard a disabled persons wishes and make the decision for them, supposedly for their own good, Anafi said.

In doing so they echo many of the same harmful narratives that fueled forced sterilizations  that disabled people cant or shouldnt make decisions about their bodies and parenting, Anafi added. And that its justifiable to take those choices away to protect disabled people from themselves.

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The post Forced sterilizations for people with disabilities decried by members of Congress appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley speaks during a press conference on reproductive rights for people with disabilities outside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, May 23, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  Three members of Congress introduced a resolution Thursday thats intended to bring attention to the experiences and challenges people with disabilities face when it comes to reproductive rights.

Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley announced the resolution during a press conference with advocates just steps from the U.S. Capitol, saying that under a Supreme Court ruling still in effect, people with disabilities can be sterilized without their consent.

Buck v. Bell is a decision of the United States Supreme Court in which the court ruled on May 2, 1927, affirming the constitutionality of Virginias law allowing state-enforced sterilization, Pressley said.

Pressley said people outside of the disability rights community often arent aware of the ruling or the fact it has never been challenged.

Theyre in disbelief that this even happened and that this ruling authorizes involuntary sterilization of people with disabilities and has never been overturned, Pressley said.

Unique barriers

The four-page resolution would designate one day in May as Disability Reproductive Equity Day.

The resolution says that people with disabilities face unique barriers when accessing reproductive health care, including harmful stereotypes, communication barriers and a lack of accessible health care facilities, among other obstacles.

It adds that Congress pledges to advance the right of people with disabilities to reproductive and sexual health, autonomy, and freedom.

Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray introduced the companion resolution in that chamber.

Murray wrote in a statement announcing the introduction that Americans with disabilities have long had to jump through extra hoops and faced real discrimination when it comes to accessing the health care they need, including abortion care.

Access to reproductive health care has been in crisis since the Dobbs decision, making it even harder for people with disabilities to access high-quality care from providers who understand their health care needs, Murray wrote. Its important that we recognize the barriers millions of women face in accessing reproductive health care, and this resolution is an important marker for us all to recommit to the fight for reproductive justice for all.

Co-sponsors in the House include New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Pennsylvania Rep. Madeleine Dean and Washington Rep. Adam Smith. All are Democrats.

Access to full slate of care

Rebecca Cokley, a disability advocate and former executive director of the National Council on Disability, told a story during the press conference about how after having her middle child, the anesthesiologist told the OB-GYN to tie her tubes, adding that people like her dont need to have any more babies.

Cokley said her OB-GYN could have advocated for that and it would have been perfectly legal.

When we talk about reproductive justice, its about the idea that all women, all people have the right to have children, the right to not have children. Cokley said. The right to nurture the children we have in a safe and healthy environment.

Jess Davidson, communications director at the American Association of People with Disabilities, discussed how access to the full slate of reproductive health care, including abortion, is crucial for people with disabilities.

Members of the community, she said, have an 11 times greater risk of mortality from pregnancy.

I know all too well the fear that comes with living with that kind of risk, Davidson said. I felt deep in my bones as a young woman that I was made for motherhood.

After being diagnosed with an illness in her mid-20s that significantly increased her chances of miscarriage or maternal mortality, Davidson said she spoke with her doctor about whether or not she should ever get pregnant.

I was devastated when I first learned this, but my doctor assured me that if I was willing to get an abortion if it were necessary to save my life and work closely with a high-risk obstetrician, that I could try and see how it went, Davidson said. After all, every person and every pregnancy is different.

That was all before the Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the constitutional right to an abortion that had stood for nearly 50 years under two prior rulings.

Now when I think about attempting a high-risk pregnancy, I feel so fearful that it feels like I cant breathe, she said. And I am someone who lives in Colorado and Washington, D.C., two places where my right to that life-saving care is still intact.

Many people with disabilities who want to have children, Davidson said, now live in states that ban or significantly restrict abortion access, even if continuing a pregnancy threatens their life or health.

Forced sterilization in state laws

Maayan Anafi, senior counsel for health equity and justice at the National Womens Law Center, said that 31 states have laws in place that allow forced sterilization of people with disabilities.

These laws give judges the power to disregard a disabled persons wishes and make the decision for them, supposedly for their own good, Anafi said.

In doing so they echo many of the same harmful narratives that fueled forced sterilizations  that disabled people cant or shouldnt make decisions about their bodies and parenting, Anafi added. And that its justifiable to take those choices away to protect disabled people from themselves.

Clarification: After publication, Rebecca Cokleys affiliation was changed at the request of Pressleys office and the Center for American Progress. Both said Cokley was appearing in her personal and not her professional capacity.

The post Forced sterilizations for people with disabilities decried by members of Congress appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley speaks during a press conference on reproductive rights for people with disabilities outside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, May 23, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  Three members of Congress introduced a resolution Thursday thats intended to bring attention to the experiences and challenges people with disabilities face when it comes to reproductive rights.

Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley announced the resolution during a press conference with advocates just steps from the U.S. Capitol, saying that under a Supreme Court ruling still in effect, people with disabilities can be sterilized without their consent.

Buck v. Bell is a decision of the United States Supreme Court in which the court ruled on May 2, 1927, affirming the constitutionality of Virginias law allowing state-enforced sterilization, Pressley said.

Pressley said people outside of the disability rights community often arent aware of the ruling or the fact it has never been challenged.

Theyre in disbelief that this even happened and that this ruling authorizes involuntary sterilization of people with disabilities and has never been overturned, Pressley said.

Unique barriers

The four-page resolution would designate one day in May as Disability Reproductive Equity Day.

The resolution says that people with disabilities face unique barriers when accessing reproductive health care, including harmful stereotypes, communication barriers and a lack of accessible health care facilities, among other obstacles.

It adds that Congress pledges to advance the right of people with disabilities to reproductive and sexual health, autonomy, and freedom.

Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray introduced the companion resolution in that chamber.

Murray wrote in a statement announcing the introduction that Americans with disabilities have long had to jump through extra hoops and faced real discrimination when it comes to accessing the health care they need, including abortion care.

Access to reproductive health care has been in crisis since the Dobbs decision, making it even harder for people with disabilities to access high-quality care from providers who understand their health care needs, Murray wrote. Its important that we recognize the barriers millions of women face in accessing reproductive health care, and this resolution is an important marker for us all to recommit to the fight for reproductive justice for all.

Co-sponsors in the House include New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Pennsylvania Rep. Madeleine Dean and Washington Rep. Adam Smith. All are Democrats.

Access to full slate of care

Rebecca Cokley, program officer for disability rights at the Ford Foundation, told a story during the press conference about how after having her middle child, the anesthesiologist told the OB-GYN to tie her tubes, adding that people like her dont need to have any more babies.

Cokley said her OB-GYN could have advocated for that and it would have been perfectly legal.

When we talk about reproductive justice, its about the idea that all women, all people have the right to have children, the right to not have children. Cokley said. The right to nurture the children we have in a safe and healthy environment.

Jess Davidson, communications director at the American Association of People with Disabilities, discussed how access to the full slate of reproductive health care, including abortion, is crucial for people with disabilities.

Members of the community, she said, have an 11 times greater risk of mortality from pregnancy.

I know all too well the fear that comes with living with that kind of risk, Davidson said. I felt deep in my bones as a young woman that I was made for motherhood.

After being diagnosed with an illness in her mid-20s that significantly increased her chances of miscarriage or maternal mortality, Davidson said she spoke with her doctor about whether or not she should ever get pregnant.

I was devastated when I first learned this, but my doctor assured me that if I was willing to get an abortion if it were necessary to save my life and work closely with a high-risk obstetrician, that I could try and see how it went, Davidson said. After all, every person and every pregnancy is different.

That was all before the Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the constitutional right to an abortion that had stood for nearly 50 years under two prior rulings.

Now when I think about attempting a high-risk pregnancy, I feel so fearful that it feels like I cant breathe, she said. And I am someone who lives in Colorado and Washington, D.C., two places where my right to that life-saving care is still intact.

Many people with disabilities who want to have children, Davidson said, now live in states that ban or significantly restrict abortion access, even if continuing a pregnancy threatens their life or health.

Forced sterilization in state laws

Maayan Anafi, senior counsel for health equity and justice at the National Womens Law Center, said that 31 states have laws in place that allow forced sterilization of people with disabilities.

These laws give judges the power to disregard a disabled persons wishes and make the decision for them, supposedly for their own good, Anafi said.

In doing so they echo many of the same harmful narratives that fueled forced sterilizations  that disabled people cant or shouldnt make decisions about their bodies and parenting, Anafi added. And that its justifiable to take those choices away to protect disabled people from themselves.

The post Forced sterilizations for people with disabilities decried by members of Congress appeared first on Michigan Advance.
Ryan Salame, the former co-chief executive of FTX Digital Markets, exits the Federal Court in New York

By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Ryan Salame, the former co-CEO of FTX's Bahamian subsidiary and a top lieutenant to the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange's founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, was sentenced on Tuesday to 90 months in prison, U.S. federal prosecutors said.

Salame pleaded guilty in September to making tens of millions of dollars in unlawful campaign donations to boost causes supported by his boss. His prison sentence was longer than the five to seven years sought by prosecutors.

Bankman-Fried was sentenced earlier this year to 25 years in prison for stealing $8 billion from FTX customers. A jury found him guilty in November on seven fraud and conspiracy counts stemming from FTX's 2022 collapse, which prosecutors have called one of the biggest financial frauds in U.S. history.

Prosecutors say Salame, Bankman-Fried and former FTX engineering chief Nishad Singh used FTX customer funds to donate to political candidates supporting crypto-friendly legislation.

Salame's lawyers have tried to distance him from the FTX fraud. "He was duped, as was everyone else, into believing that the companies were legitimate, solvent and wildly profitable," they said in a filing earlier in May ahead of the sentencing.

In addition to the prison term, Salame, 30, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay more than $6 million in forfeiture and more than $5 million in restitution, prosecutors said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Salame's involvement in two serious federal crimes undermined public trust in American elections and the integrity of the financial system," said Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Salame gave more than $24 million to Republican candidates and causes in the 2022 election cycle, according to Federal Election Commision data, making him one of that year's top donors.

He had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make unlawful political contributions and one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Rami Ayyub and Matthew Lewis)
OSLO, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Norway officially recognized Palestine as a state on Tuesday, the government said in a press release.

"For more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a Palestinian state. Today, when Norway officially recognizes Palestine as a state, is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine," Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in the release.

On Sunday, Eide handed over a formal document on the state recognition when he met Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Mustafa in Brussels, Belgium.

"It was important to be able to hand over a formal letter personally to Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. He greatly appreciates Norway's commitment to Palestine and our work for a two-state solution. The recognition is a strong expression of support for moderate forces in both countries," said Eide.

During this trip, Eide also chaired two meetings focusing on the urgent situation in Palestine and the need for a two-state solution.

"It is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively. The international community must increase its political and economic support for Palestine and continue the work for a two-state solution," he said. 
Rick Scarbrough, longtime law enforcement leader and former Clinton police chief, recently kicked off his campaign for state representative in front of a crowd of more than 100 supporters at Hoskins Drug Store.

Its been 39 years since Rick, at the time a young deputy with the Anderson County Sheriffs Department, spent a lot of time in booth No. 10 at Hoskins courting his now wife, Mollie. Mollie, a daughter of founder, R.C. Dudley Hoskins, is a co-owner of Hoskins today.

Rick and Mollie Scarbrough can be seen outside Hoskins Drug Store in Clinton with their grandson George. Hoskins was the site for Rick's campaign kickoff for the District 33 seat for Tennessee's House of Representatives. District 33 includes most of Anderson County.

I spent a lot of time in there trying to earn a date, Scarbrough is quoted as saying in a news release announcing his candidacy. He is seeking the state representative seat for District 33, which includes most of Anderson County.

Its been a busy year in the Scarbrough family. Rick and Mollie recently became grandparents  with three grandsons born in the last 12 months. Becoming a grandfather sparked a passion in Rick to increase his already high level of community service.

Becoming a grandparent changes your perspective. Working in law enforcement, Ive worked hard to keep our community safe. As a father and a husband, Ive been blessed to raise a family in Anderson County. Now, as a grandfather, I worry for the future that my grandchildren will have, Scarbrough said. My opportunity to make an impact for them, and every child in Tennessee is now, and I dont want to waste my time.

At the May 20 kickoff, the large crowd enjoyed music by the Parrott Brothers and barbecue sandwiches. After Rob Leach, childhood friend and pastor of Beech Park Baptist in Oliver Springs, kicked off the festivities in prayer, several local dignitaries spoke in support of Ricks candidacy. Those speaking included former Clinton City Councilman Zach Farrar, former Anderson County Mayor Myron Iwanski, and County Commissioners Shain Vowell and Tracy Wandell.

Rick leads by example, not by title. We need a state representative who will listen and represent our needs in Nashville. Thats Rick, Wandell said in the release.

Scarbrough became the executive director of the University of Tennessees Law Enforcement Innovation Center on in 2018. Before joining the university, Rick served 23 years for the Clinton Police Department, and the last 16 years as police chief. He began his law enforcement career serving six years at the Anderson County Sheriffs Department.

We need thoughtful leaders who listen and work to solve problems, not chase headlines. Ive spent my career working with others to serve and protect our children and our community. I know I can use that experience in Nashville, Scarbrough stated.

Rick and Mollie have two daughters, Natalie and Rachel. Natalie and her husband, Jeff, have two sons, Jack and Eli. Rachel and her husband, Burton, have a son, George.

I want my grandkids to grow up in Tennessee and have every opportunity possible to live a prosperous and free life. That should be our aim for every child in Tennessee. I am committed to listening to the concerns and needs of the people of Anderson County and to working tirelessly to find solutions that benefit everyone," he said.

The Republican Primary is Aug. 1. People can learn more about Rick Scarbrough at rickscarbrough.com.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Former Clinton police chief launches campaign for state representative
Former county employee stole thousands of publics money, South Carolina cops say

A former county official was arrested for stealing thousands of public funds, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

Sherrie Wallace Footman, a 57-year-old Kingstree resident, was recently charged with embezzlement of public funds (more than $10,000), SLED said in a news release.

On May 20, Footman was booked at the Williamsburg County Detention Center, according to the release. Bond was set at $10,000 and posted the same day she was arrested, court records show.

Between August 2015 and January 2023 Footman worked as the office manager for the Williamsburg County Water and Sewer services, where she was responsible for the safekeeping, transfer and disbursement of public funds, an arrest warrant said.

From January 2018 to November 2022, Footman embezzled $150,000.94 of public funds, according to the arrest warrant.

Information about how the money was embezzled was not available.

There was no word about what was done with the money or if it was spent.

The embezzlement was confirmed through an investigation of financial records and statements from witnesses, records show.

SLED called Footman a former county employee, but information about how and when she left the job was not available.

The 3rd Circuit Solicitors Office will prosecute the case.

If convicted on the felony embezzlement charge, Footman faces a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison, according to South Carolina law.
UPDATE May 29, 2024: The story was updated to reflect conflicting information about the gender of the purported victim.

A former band director at Freeburg Community High School was arrested in Oklahoma for allegedly soliciting sex with a minor, among other charges.

Keith Mitchell, a 70-year-old Freeburg resident, allegedly drove from Illinois to a motel in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to meet a teenager he had been messaging with online. The child was actually a group that lures predators and turns them over to police.

Superintendent Greg Frerking confirmed that Mitchell was formerly employed as the band director at Freeburg Community High School District 77 for 36 years before retiring in 2012.

At about 5:47 p.m. on May 17, Shawnee police officers responded to the Super 8 at 5104 N. Harrison St. for a possible sex crime, according to the incident report. A group called the Oklahoma Predator Prevention had called the police department to report a predator that was supposed to meet a 15-year-old girl at the motel, the report stated.

Video posted on social media by Oklahoma Predator Prevention shows the confrontation its members had with Mitchell in the hotel room. In their discussions, they identify the fictional victim as a 15-year-old boy named Josh and read back portions of the alleged messaging exchange between the two.

Mitchell acknowledges in the video sharing messages with Josh, but claims the boy told him he was 18 years old.

Its not clear why police identified Josh as a female in its report.

The group told police that it had been messaging Mitchell pretending to be the juvenile victim, that he had been messaging back to say he was going to drive from his Illinois residence to the Super 8 so they could meet.

The group also informed police that it wished to speak with the predator and would call the police back to share the room number they were in, which they did at about 5:44 p.m.

Police arrested Mitchell and transported him to the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center, the county jail.

According to the jail, Mitchell was booked for soliciting sexual conduct with a minor by use of technology, lewd or indecent acts/proposals to a child and violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. He made his $20,000 bond on May 20.
Former head of Odesa Oblast enlistment office detained again after posting bail

Yevhen Borysov, the former head of Odesa Oblast's military enlistment office, was detained again on May 28 after being released on a Hr 12 million bail ($297,000), Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation said.

The bureau said that Borysov was detained again after it had received information that he was planning to hide and possibly flee the country after his release.

Borysov has been under investigation for corruption since July 2023 and is accused of illegally enriching himself with more than Hr 142 million ($3.5 million) through his official position.

Following an investigation by Ukrainska Pravda that alleged Borysov had bought a property in Marbella, Spain, during the full-scale war valued at almost four million euros ($4.4 million), he was dismissed from his position. Borysov claimed that the property was for his retired mother.

The fallout from the news prompted President Volodymyr Zelensky to order a probe into the practices of military enlistment offices throughout the country, which revealed widespread abuses. Zelensky ordered the heads of all the regional offices to be dismissed as a result.

Beyond the charges of illegally enriching himself, Borysov is also accused of failing to show up for military duty and evasion of military service through deception.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

Read also: Former head of state tax service accused of taking bribes released on $1.4 million bail

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A federal judge sentenced a Marfa woman to 30 years, or 360 months, in prison for production of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas.

Sonya Conchita Murillo, 33, is a former substitute teacher for the Marfa Independent School District who possessed child sexual abuse materials, including videos of Murillo sexually abusing a prepubescent child, according to the news release by U.S. Attorneys Office.

Murillo was arrested on June 7, 2023 and pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography in January, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Murillos former boyfriend, Patricio Javier Serrano, was sentenced in March to more than eight years in prison (97 months) for one count of possession of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography, aiding and abetting.

The fact that the judge delivered the maximum allowed 30-year imprisonment to this defendant for producing child pornography, is indicative of the utterly horrendous predatory acts Murillo

committed. I am very grateful to our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their work on this case. Rest assured, protecting the children in our communities is undoubtedly a top priority in this district, and child predators will be brought to justice, said U.S. Attorney for West Texas Jaime Esparza.

Children trust their teachers and caretakers and Murillo betrayed that trust. No child should ever have to question the motives of an adult they interact with at school or at home. A child should feel safe and not be subjected to sexual abuse. I want to thank the FBI Special Agents in our Alpine Resident Agency and our partners at Homeland Security Investigations, Marfa Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety who worked together to remove a child predator from our schools and neighborhoods, said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for FBI El Paso.

Homeland Security Investigations aggressively pursues child predators, and cases involving people in positions of trust are particularly disturbing. In this case, the punishment is fitting of the crime. Today we are once again reminded of the need for constant vigilance  online and in our schools  to protect the most vulnerable among us, said Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric McLoughlin for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
(Getty Images)

A former Centerville mayor and one-time Turner County sheriffs deputy reportedly shot and killed three men Monday night upon learning that one of the men allegedly sexually assaulted his wife.

Jay Edward Ostrem, 64, is currently in custody at the Minnehaha County Jail on a $1 million cash-only bond as he awaits an initial appearance in court.

Attorney General Marty Jackley, through a press release, confirmed that Ostrem is charged with three counts of first-degree murder. Each count carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.

There is no further threat to the public, Jackley wrote in the press release.

Ostrem served as a Turner County sheriffs deputy through the early 2000s after a two-decade career in law enforcement in Wyoming. He was among the deputies involved in investigating the death of Dep. Chad Mechels, who was shot and killed by Ethan Johns in March of 2009. Johns is serving a life sentence for that crime.

In 2010, while serving as mayor of Centerville, Ostrem was sued for sexual harassment in federal court by former Police Chief Rachel Kopman, who claimed shed been subjected to unwelcome sexual comments for more than a year before her dismissal as chief. The suit was settled in 2012.

Ostrems law enforcement certification expired in 2016, Jackley spokesman Tony Mangan told South Dakota Searchlight.

A complaint filed against Ostrem on Tuesday in Turner County names the three victims. South Dakota Searchlight is withholding their names, because the Attorney Generals office says next of kin have yet to be notified. One of the men was the alleged perpetrator of the sexual assault. Another was a relative of that man, who called police to report the shooting before being shot himself.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed Tuesday in Turner County, Ostrems wife told police that the fatal events of Tuesday evening came after her disclosure to him that one of the victims had sexually assaulted her by rubbing his erect penis against her at the couples Centerville home Thursday evening, as Ostrem slept.

The man lived across the street from Ostrem.

Upon learning of the incident, the affidavit said, Ostrem got up and went raging out of the house. His wife stayed inside until police arrived, which happened shortly after Ostrem was found walking near his home with an AR-style rifle and a .380 pistol.

A South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks conservation officer was the first to encounter Ostrem after the shooting, the affidavit said, and the officer noted an odor of consumed alcohol from Ostrem. The one-time deputy complied with the officers commands to stop walking, and he told the officer he had a pistol in his pocket.

The date for Ostrems initial appearance on the Turner County charges has yet to be set, according to the Turner County Clerk of Court.

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The post Former mayor, sheriffs deputy charged in Centerville triple homicide appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
A South Florida woman who reportedly interned for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) was indicted this month for her alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

A federal grand jury indicted Barbara Balmaseda, 23, on charges related to storming and entering the Capitol on Jan. 6 alongside at least one Proud Boys member, according to a court filing posted to the docket May 22.

Balmaseda, from Miami Lakes, has years-long ties to the Florida Republican Party and interned for Rubio from 2018 to 2019, the Miami New Times reported. The Hill reached out to Rubios office for comment.

Federal investigators said Balmaseda chatted with Gabriel Garcia, a member of the Proud Boys, in the weeks leading up to the insurrection, in which she expressed the belief the 2020 election was stolen from former President Trump. The two coordinated travel arrangements to Washington, D.C., for days surrounding Jan. 6, authorities said.

Garcia was found guilty last year of two felony charges in connection with the Capitol breach. He is slated to be sentenced in September.

Messages obtained by authorities showed pictures of Balmaseda wearing a Trump 2020 hat with Garcia and others in D.C. on Jan. 6., while phone records showed her cellphone was in the area of the Capitol around the time of the riots, per court documents.

While in D.C. on Jan. 6, Balmaseda was photographed with Garcia in the Black Lives Matter Plaza before she walked in a large crowd toward the Capitol, federal investigators said. She and Garcia allegedly climbed on equipment staged near the Capitol before entering the building as the crowd chanted Our House! and USA.

After leaving the inside of the Capitol, Balmaseda continued to take photographs of herself on the Capitol grounds and later sent memes about the insurrection, court filings stated.

She was arrested in December in Miami Lakes. She faces five criminal counts including corrupt obstruction of an official proceeding, knowingly entering and remaining in a restricted building, and engaging in disorderly conduct in a Capitol with the intent to impede a session of Congress.

In a statement to The Hill, Balmasedas attorney Nayib Hassan said, We look forward to presenting a vigorous defense on her behalf as we have entered a plea of not guilty.

It is our position that the Government is overzealously presenting charges against individuals that have very little to no connections to what occurred on January 6, 2021 in Washington DC, Hassan continued.

Hassan noted Balmasedas team is also awaiting the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling on a challenge to an obstruction law used against several Jan. 6 rioters and Trump, as it may have a direct impact on Balmasedas case.

The Miami New Times reported Balmaseda was previously listed as the director at-large for the Miami Young Republicans and served as regional director for Young Conservatives for Carbon Dividends, which describes itself as an advocacy organization in support of the pro-growth, pro-innovation Baker-Shultz Carbon Dividends Plan.

More than 1,420 people in nearly all 50 states have been charged for their alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 riot.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
JUBA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Tuesday appealed to the Sudanese warring parties to allow engineers to fix the ruptured oil pipeline for continued oil flow to Port Sudan for export to the international market.

William Anyak Deng, undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum, said the export of South Sudan oil to the international market through Port Sudan stopped on Feb. 6 when the pipeline suffered from leaks and pressure drops and the engineers are trying to fix them but are faced with numerous challenges.

Anyak said South Sudan's President Salva Kiir directed Presidential Advisor on National Security Tut Gatluak to engage the Sudanese warring parties to allow oil engineers to fix the ruptured oil pipeline as fighting has escalated.

Anyak told journalists in Juba, South Sudan's capital, that the engineers are facing challenges of lack of communication, accessibility, and delivery of materials to the sites especially the pump stations and some essential facilities in Sudan although they have already fixed the ruptured pipeline and are now struggling to remove the wax in the pipeline.

South Sudan is the most oil-dependent nation in the world, with oil accounting for almost the totality of exports, and around 60 percent of its gross domestic product, according to the World Bank. 
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A formal social worker accused of sexual conduct with a minor has pleaded guilty in court Tuesday.

Payton Shires, facing eight felony counts, including four counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, pleaded guilty to seven of eight charges against her in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Shires, who was also charged with two counts of intimidating a witness/victim, and one count each for discharging a firearm and inducing panic, was scheduled for a trial hearing before entering the plea.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 27, when Shires could face up to 28 1/2 years in prison. She will also have to register as a Tier II sex offender every 180 days for the next 25 years. The charge for discharging a firearm was dropped, but the inducing panic charge includes a one-year firearm specification.

EF1 tornado confirmed in Jackson County during Sunday storms

Shires was accused of having sex with a 13-year-old boy, who she was assigned to provide mental health counseling services through the National Youth Advocate Program. She admitted to police that she participated in multiple sex acts with the boy. Court records indicated the incidents took place on Sept. 16, Sept. 22 and Sept. 27 of 2023.

Payton Shires. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police)

Shires was also charged with two counts of witness intimidation when, according to Columbus police, she violated the terms of her $500,000 bond and went to the victims home. There, she threatened to kill the mother of the victim and herself. She reportedly was in possession of a gun and fired a shot when she arrived at the home on Oct. 26.

Columbus police first got involved when the teens mother called them to report text messages she found between him and Shires. The social worker had asked the 13-year-old if he deleted videos, and if his mother had seen them or messages between them, a detective wrote in a criminal complaint document.

The mother gave her sons phone to the Columbus Division of Police as evidence. After getting a warrant, investigators found a video of Shires engaging in sexual acts with the teen on the device. The criminal complaint said CPD then joined the mother for a phone call with Shires, where she admitted to participating in sexual acts with the 13-year-old.

Why a Hilliard attorney is billing over $20,000 a month from South-Western City Schools

The victims mother filed a civil complaint against Shires and the National Youth Advocate Program, accusing it of failing to remove her son from Shires care when she alerted the nonprofit of the inappropriate sexual relationship.

The lawsuit detailed that from August to September 2023, Shires engaged in sexual acts with the teen victim in multiple places in Franklin and other Ohio counties within the course and scope of her employment with NYAP. The mother informed the nonprofit of what was happening on Sept. 22, two weeks before police would take Shires into custody.

State records confirmed that Shires social work license remained active as of May 28, 2024. There were no details available regarding a possible suspension or forfeiture.

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.
The former mayor of a South Dakota city was arrested Monday for allegedly shooting dead three people in the community he once represented, including a man who was still speaking with a 911 dispatcher at the time of his death.

Jay Ostrem, 64, faces a trio of first-degree murder charges and is being held on $1 million bail in Sioux Fallsabout 45 minutes northeast of where police said the shooting took place, in rural Turner County.

The South Dakota Attorney Generals office said in a statement that shots were fired at a home in Centerville, a town of less than 1,000 inhabitants, around 10 p.m. Monday. Authorities did not provide a motive for the crime, but local news outlets, including South Dakota Searchlight, reported that a probable cause affidavit said Ostrem justified the shooting by claiming it was in retaliation to a sexual assault on his wife.

That document reportedly added that Zach Frankus called 911 to report that his brother had been gunned down by a guy from across the street, and that the gunman had returned home. Police said Frankus remained on the phone with a dispatcher when a gunshot rang out and Frankus yelled that he was shot. After that, police said Frankus went silent.

After some time on the phone with the dispatcher, the male calling party then reported he had been shot, the affidavit said, reported Sioux Falls Live. Shortly after he reported he had been shot, the male stopped communicating with the dispatcher.

The outlet reported that the first officer to arrive on the scene was a game warden with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks. That officer said he witnessed Ostrem leave the shooting scene. A second officer arrived shortly after, having traveled 12 miles from nearby Beresford, and helped take Ostrem into custody after he initially refused commands. Those officers reported that Ostrems breath smelled of alcohol, and that there was blood on his left hand, reported Sioux Falls Live.

Feds Accuse Ozy Founder of Sneaky Last-Minute Move Before Trial

Police reportedly added that Ostrem possessed three guns at the scene, including a handgun, a shotgun, and an AR style rifle. Spent shotgun shells were also found on the ground.

The affidavit identified the victims as Paul Frankus, 26, Zach Frankus, 21, and Timothy Richmond, 35. Its unclear what Richmonds relationship to the Frankus brothers was, if any, but each reportedly died inside the same home on Centervilles main street.

The Argus Leader reported that Ostrems wife told police that Paul Frankus had been drinking with her on Thursday when he allegedly exposed his genitals to her and tried to kiss her.

It was that alleged assault that appears to have set Ostrem off, the Leader reported. Citing his wife, the affidavit claims he was seen raging out of the house just moments after learning of the alleged incident on Monday and the three men were fatally shot shortly after.

Photos from the scene showed that Ostrems front yard had a grill, lawn chair, American flag, and British flag. A profile on X in Ostrems name showed he regularly re-shared conservative memes, pro-gun posts, and was an avid supporter of Donald Trump.

BS in Political Science, Veteran, Retired LEO, happily married to my British Lass, his bio reads. #MAGA #NRA #BREXIT An actual real person.

Reports said Ostrem worked in law enforcement for more than two decades in Wyoming and South Dakota, and that he was mayor of Centerville approximately 15 years ago.

In that role, Searchlight reported that he was sued for sexual harassment in federal court by the towns former police chief, who claimed shed been subjected to unwelcome sexual comments for more than a year before she was fired from the gig. That lawsuit was settled in 2012.

If convicted on the murder counts, Sioux Falls Live reports that state law would make Ostrem eligible to be sentenced to death.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Crowds gathered at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver to mark Memorial Day.

More than 100,000 people are buried there. Volunteers decorated graves with flags, flowers and coins.

Coins on a soldiers headstone: What do they mean?

We come every year to honor the fallen, said Jeffrey Green who was leaving flowers at multiple graves, including his fathers.

He was at Normandy. He survived that, although most of his friends did not, Green said.

The 2024 Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony annually offers a meaningful way to remember the fallen.

May we never forget the sacrifices of the past and may we always strive to honor them with our actions in the present and in the future, speaker Brian Pearl said to the crowd.

With a 21-gun salute and flyover, the event meant a lot to one Colorado veteran who lost too many friends in Vietnam.

It means a lot that everybody honors the fallen and they are not forgotten, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Free burgers up for grabs as Habit Burger finally opens in new Fresno shopping center

Its been a long time coming, but The Habit Burger Grill in northwest Fresno is about to open  and there are free burgers involved.

The popular California burger chain known for its Charburgers will open to the public Wednesday, June 5 at the northwest corner of Shepherd and Willow avenues. Thats in the The Row at Heritage Grove, near restaurant Saizon and Ampersand Ice Cream.

But you can get in as early as this weekend  and get a free burger or meal  if you jump through a hoop or two.

The restaurant is holding three VIP events this weekend where the first 200 people will get free food. But you need to be a CharClub member first and show an invite. Sign up at https://www.habitburger.com/fresno/.

Once customers have that, the first 200 can get a free hamburger, fries and a drink from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 1. Or, the first 200 customers can get a free chargrilled meal from one of the pre-set menus from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 4.

This will be the fifth Habit Burger location in Fresno (sixth if you count the one on the Fresno State campus).

The 2,800-square-foot restaurant has a drive-thru and dining room, in addition to the traditional ordering counter, customers can also use self-serve kiosks.

Details: The Habit Burger is at 2896 E Shepherd Ave., Suite 101.
French LGBT+ groups have filed a complaint with the Paris Public Prosecutor against far-right politician Marion Marechal-Le Pen accusing her of transphobic insult for comments she made about Karla Sofia Gascons Best Actress win at the Cannes Film Festival over the weekend.

Gascon made history as the first transgender actress to win the Cannes Best Actress prize alongside co-stars Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz for their performances in Jacques Audiard gangster musical Emilia Perez.

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In response to the win, Marechal Le Pen posted on X: So a man has won the Best Actress prize progress for the left is the erasure of women and mothers.

Spanish actress Gascon, who plays a Mexican drug lord undergoing a sex change, dedicated the prize to all trans people who suffer every day and evoked the struggles of trans people in the face of prejudice.

French LGBT+ orgs Mousse, LGBT Families, Adheos, Quazar, LBGTI+ Federation and STOP homophobia said they had filed a complaint against Marechal-Le Pen on Monday with the Paris Public Prosecutor for insult due to gender identity.

They noted in a statement that the offence is punishable by one year of imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros under French law.

Marechal Le Pen dismissed the filing in an interview with French radio station France Inter on Tuesday morning, saying: Im not going to let myself be intimidated by legal threats from LGBT militant- activists the truth is that being a man or a woman is a biological reality, whether you like it or not. The XX and XY chromosomes cannot be undone.

Marechal Le Pen is currently on the campaign trail for European Parliament elections in June, as head of Reconquete!, the far-right party founded by former failed presidential candidate Eric Zemmour.

The LGBT+ groups noted that Zemmour had previously been charged and found guilty of homophobia in September 2023, in relation to comments he made on the populist news channel CNews in 2019.

Marion Marechal Le Pen denies the existence of transgender people, as well as the violence and discrimination these people are the victim of every day, said Etienne Deshoulieres, the lawyer representing the LGBT group collective.

STOP homophobie General Secretary Terrence Khatchadourian suggested that Marechal-Le Pens comments  which he qualified as illegal behaviour reinforced a climate of violence for LGBT+ people in France.

Marion Marechal-Le Pens speeches are also heard by those who take action, he said. Since 2016, violence against LGBT+ people has exploded by more than 129%, with the largest increase affecting transgender people. We are therefore more determined than ever to protect them.

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French President endorses Ukraine's right to strike at military targets in Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron supports Ukraine's right to strike military bases in Russia from which Ukraine is being shelled.

Source: Macron at a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his trip to Germany on 28 May; European Pravda, citing n-tv

Details: The TV channel quoted Macron saying that "we must allow them (Ukraine  ed.) to neutralise (Russian  ed.) military bases from which missiles are launched". He stressed that attacks on Ukraine are carried out from the territory of Russia.

It is not clear from these comments whether the French president was talking about the use of Western weapons against targets in Russia.

The German Chancellor, in turn, stressed that Ukraine "has every opportunity under international law to do what it is doing", and that Western countries that provide Ukraine with weapons "have discovered all the rules for their use, which are based on international law.

Background:

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has urged the allies to reconsider the restrictions on Ukraine striking Russia with Western weapons amid border fighting in Kharkiv Oblast.

Earlier, EU diplomat Josep Borrell said that some EU countries do not object to their weapons being used to strike targets in Russia.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposes the idea of authorising Ukraine to use weapons provided by Western allies to strike Russia.

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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The website to sign up for free swim lessons at seven Fresno Unified schools is back online after high traffic stopped the website from functioning Tuesday morning.

Registration started on Tuesday, and users trying their best to access the site on the first morning were met with an error message stating that due to the high traffic, our website may be experiencing some difficulties.

A Fresno resident who was trying to access the site to register for free swim lessons told YourCentralValley.com that she was battling the site for nearly an hour while experiencing slow-loading pages and dead-ends.

While the outage was in progress, the City of Fresno said it was working to resolve the issue. At around 11:40 a.m., the City of Fresno sent an updated statement to YourCentralValley.com revealing that the website was fully functional again.

Anyone interested in lessons can click here to reserve a space. More information about the program can be found here.

Lessons will be available at:

Bullard High School, 5445 N. Palm Ave. (93704)

Edison High School, 540 E. California Ave. (93706)

Fresno High School, 1839 N. Echo Ave. (93704)

Hoover High School, 5550 N. First St. (93710)

McLane High School, 2727 N. Cedar Ave. (93703)

Roosevelt High School, 4250 E. Tulare Ave. (93702)

Sunnyside High School, 1019 S. Peach Ave. (93727)

City officials say one free session will be available for City of Fresno residents between three and 17 years of age  as well as Fresno Unified School District students. Adults and non-residents will be charged $50 (according to the master fee schedule).

The lessons will take place between June 17 and continuing until July 26.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Memorial Day is a holiday traditionally to honor the lives of members of the United States Armed Forces who died in service to their country.

On Monday, while many families heeded the tradition of honoring fallen servicemen and women, some others came together to remember the lives of loved ones murdered in the metro.

The family of Annetreuna Bowden gathered for their third annual Memorial Day vigil of remembrance for the 17-year-old who was killed at Stonegate Meadows Apartments in 2021. The case has not been solved.

Family, friends, and loved ones of Boweden, along with representatives from several anti-violence groups, united to pay respect to all those who have died from crime around Kansas City. The gathering of over 20 people, many wearing t-shirts with Bowdens image on them, assembled outside the apartment building where Bowden was murdered.

Bowdens aunt, Massia Releford, organized the vigil as a way to keep the case in the minds of the community so her nieces death will hopefully not remain just another unsolved murder.

These things happen all the time but really dont hit home until it happens to you, said Releford. We want answers, we want justice and the opportunity at closure.

The event opened with a prayer from Bishop Frank Douglas, of Beth Judah Ministries, whos son was shot and killed in 2019. He believes that many in the community have become desensitized.

My son was not a victim, he was victimized, said Douglas. I lost my son to gun violence 5 years ago and stand with this family here today.

Douglas works with the AdHoc Group Against Crime and started the Heart of the Father Initiative, which focuses on helping young men get involved in the community.

Gayle Williams, founder of the Ray-Ann Memorial Foundation, also came to speak and show solidarity with the Bowden family. She urged anyone with information about any of Kansas Citys unsolved murders to come forward. Williams, the mother of two murdered daughters, killed in 2017, has spent the years since their deaths campaigning against domestic violence within the community.

We are going to be that voice for those who can not speak for themselves, said Williams. There should never be a child, niece or daughter loss to violence.

Douglas and Williams hope these displays of unity, centered on the pain caused by gun violence, will show area youth who have been traumatized by the loses, that they are not alone.

Damon Daniel, President of the AdHoc Group Against Crime, says that his organization hosts dozens of vigils like the one for Bowden. Working in his position for the past decade, Daniel is thankful to be able to spend this day of remembrance with people who also are dedicated to stopping the violence and bringing about real change.

I have seen a lot more efforts from the community to confront these issues because so many people have been impacted by gun violence, said Daniel. We have to keep the memories of these victims alive and want the community to come together to change the culture of violence and generational trauma.

As the vigil concluded, Releford said they would spend the day putting up flyers asking for information about Bowdens death. They will spend time together as a family.

Each year we seem to grow and it isnt just our family anymore, said Releford. All of our hearts are broken and we have come together to find comfort and support and be here for each other.
CAPE TOWN, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The South African parliament issued a statement here on Tuesday, urging all eligible citizens to cast their votes in the upcoming national and provincial elections.

General elections will be held in South Africa on Wednesday to elect a new National Assembly as well as the provincial legislature in each of the nine provinces.

More than 27 million South Africans have registered to vote, signaling a strong turnout and engagement in the democratic process.

The 2024 elections are set to be the most hotly contested since apartheid ended in 1994, with a series of opinion polls indicating that the ruling ANC is at risk of losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in the country's history.

In the statement, the parliament emphasized the need for all eligible voters to exercise their constitutional right and participate in the electoral process.

"We encourage all registered voters to exercise their right to vote, as it is crucial for shaping the future of our nation. By participating in the electoral process, you ensure that our democracy continues to evolve and address the needs and aspirations of all citizens," said the statement.

"Your vote is your voice -- use it to secure a brighter future for yourself and generations to come. Your vote is your only opportunity to choose who will represent you. Do not let others decide your future for you. Be part of the decision," it said.

The parliament added that preparations are well underway to seamlessly integrate newly elected members, ensuring a smooth transition to the seventh parliamentary term. 
Jared Ravizza is accused of assaulting his father on Marthas Vineyard, weeks before prosecutors allege he went on a weekend stabbing spree on the South Shore and before he was tied to a Connecticut homicide investigation, court documents show.

Last month on Marthas Vineyard, police charged Jared Ravizza with assault and battery on a family/household member and vandalizing property, according to a criminal complaint filed by West Tisbury police in Edgartown District Court on April 16.

Ravizza, 26, of Chilmark on Marthas Vineyard, was ordered held on Tuesday morning pending a competency hearing as requested by his defense attorney, Sean ONeill, following his arraignment in Plymouth District Court on charges stemming from Saturdays stabbing incident in Plymouth. He is charged with armed assault to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and indecent exposure.

He is accused of of stabbing four young girls at a Braintree movie theater and two McDonalds employees at the Route 3 rest area in Plymouth before crashing his Porsche in Sandwich on Cape Cod on Saturday, prosecutors said. Ravizza is accused of publicly urinating in the McDonalds drive-thru in Plymouth before stabbing two employees there.

He is also charged with four counts of assault to murder and four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with Saturdays stabbing incident in Braintree. He will be arraigned on those charges in Quincy District Court at a later time.

Weeks earlier, on Sunday, April 14, at around 2:40 a.m., West Tisbury police were called to a State Road address in West Tisbury for a report of a domestic assault and battery and property damage.

When police arrived, they found Ravizzas father, who told officers that his son, Jared, had just had a mental break and attacked him, West Tisbury Police wrote in their criminal complaint.

When officers went inside, they knocked on Jared Ravizzas bedroom door and he opened it, and seemed clearly intoxicated, police wrote.

When responding officers asked Ravizza what happened, he approached the officers and began to scream Cuff me! police wrote. The two officers called for an additional unit to respond.

Ravizza then began speaking to us about non sensical (sic) things such as the deep state and claiming that his family helped start the country with John Adam (sic) but that his father didnt love him and that his father wanted him dead, police wrote. He also included such groups as the Masons in his rants.

Mr. Ravizza began screaming that he hopes his father dies and began frothing out the mouth as he spoke, police wrote in their report.

Police later took Jared Ravizza, in a police cruiser, to Marthas Vineyard Hospital for a mental health evaluation.

His father, the alleged victim, told police that he tried to block his sons violent behavior towards him and suffered scratches on his face and thumb. Police noted fresh marks on his face and thumbs and wrist. The father also told officers that his office upstairs was wrecked because of Mr. Ravizzas violent outburst.

Upstairs, police noted bureaus knocked over, documents scattered on the floor, a broken door, and stools that had been thrown across the room and had damaged the walls.

A short time later, at Marthas Vineyard Hospital, police signed a form to involuntarily hold Jared Ravizza at the hospital. He was examined by a mental health professional, who told officers he did not meet their standards to be held, police wrote. He was discharged from the hospital and then booked at the Dukes County jail.

Ravizzas father declined to get a protection order, police wrote.

Boston 25 has reached out to Ravizzas family for comment about Saturdays events and the reported assault on the Vineyard.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested a Bainbridge woman accused of exploiting and intimidating disabled adults and committing financial transaction fraud.

Bainbridge Public Safety requested the agency investigate LaShanda Johnson after receiving multiple complaints at Johnsons Personal Care Home and Johnsons Private Care Home, located on Hall Street.

The GBI was asked to help investigate on March 21, and a day later Johnson was arrested.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The GBI said the investigation showed that Johnson was allegedly illegally using the finances of some of the residents staying in her homes on Hall Street. Johnson was in the Decatur County Jail on unrelated charges when she was served with arrest warrants and booked.

Johnson was charged with 10 counts of financial transaction fraud and two counts of exploiting and intimidating disabled adults, according to the GBI.

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Additional records from the Decatur County Jail show Johnson was also charged with probation violation involving perjury and multiple counts of transmitting nude or sexually explicit materials.

The case remains active and anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Thomasville GBI Investigative Office at 229-225-4090 or Bainbridge Public Safety at 229-248-2038.

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucuss campaign arm will make its first major general election ad buy on Wednesday, dropping $1.1 million on Spanish broadcast, radio and digital ad reservations for September to support Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) in his Senate bid.

The ad buy is the single largest purchase in the history of Bold PAC, the Hispanic Caucuss campaign arm.

As the son of immigrants from Colombia and Mexico who grew up poor and took any job he could to help his family make ends meet, Ruben understands what Arizona families are going through. He turned to service, first as an infantryman in the Marine Corps and then as an elected official, because he wanted to give back to the country and communities that gave him so much, said Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), a former Marine, like Gallego.

This investment is designed to help ensure that the Latino voters in Arizona who will make the difference in this race know that hes the one who will never stop fighting for them.

Gallego, a former Bold PAC chairman, is running against Republican Kari Lake for the seat being vacated by Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who won the seat as a Democrat but later left the party to become an independent.

Democrats are bracing for a difficult Senate election, where theyre all but certain to lose at least one seat of their already-slim majority, and will be defending six other competitive seats where Republicans will be on the offensive.

Though 11 seats held by Republicans are up for reelection, they are all in reliably red states: Only Sens. Rick Scott (Fla.) and Ted Cruz (Texas) are facing any sort of substantial Democratic challenge.

Beyond the Senate race, Arizona is also a competitive state for the presidential race, and Democrats are on the offensive in the House districts held by GOP Reps. David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani, both rated as toss-ups by the Cook Political Report.

A lot of people see Arizona as competitive this election cycle, and no doubt it is, but that is because of years and even decades of work on the ground. It is also very competitive this cycle because we have such a strong candidate on the ballot, said Victoria McGroary, executive director of Bold PAC.

Though Gallego fought an uphill battle to get buy-in from national Democrats to take on Sinema, he planted a flag early to edge her out to run as an independent  rather than in the Democratic primaries  if she decided to launch a reelection bid.

Now party leadership is all in behind Gallego, a candidate tasked with raising turnout in a critical presidential battleground state.

That buy-in, with investments in English-language media, is allowing Bold PAC to target their resources on Spanish and Spanglish media, an arena currently monopolized by the group.

According to McGroary, the Bold PAC investment is the only Spanish broadcast campaign buy currently in the books in Arizonas media markets, and reservations are filling up fast.

We know that the Latino community is going to decide the outcomes of races up and down the ballot, including the Arizona Senate race. And so as we are placing our reservations and designing our strategy, everything is focused on how are we communicating directly with the Latino voters that are going to make the difference in this race, said McGroary.

Spanish is a huge priority for us. Spanglish is also a huge priority for us, and making sure that were reaching out to the Latino community, especially online, digitally, you know, where folks are getting their news, where theyre getting their information, so that we are connecting with them directly where they are, how they want to consume.

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We may have a verdict this week in the case of The People v. Donald J. Trump.

After closing arguments in Manhattan today, the jury will start its deliberations Wednesday on the 34 criminal counts against the former president. More than a year after his indictment and arraignment and following a six-week trial, Trump will probably have to wait only a couple of more days before he hears from the jury.

Friday afternoons get more than their fair share of verdicts, as jurors tend to find consensus more readily when theyre missing out on weekends, not time on their jobs.

He could get a hung jury, sure. But getting to a mistrial takes a lot longer. In my years covering the courts, especially in high profile cases, judges do not yield lightly to a forepersons claims of impasse. As hard and as long as the lawyers in this case have worked to empanel a jury for the most famous man in the world and present the complicated evidence, Judge Juan Merchan would surely make the members of the panel stew for some time before he released them.

Thats how you get to a partial conviction. The holdouts agree to vote guilty on some of the charges in exchange for not guilty votes on the rest. Each of the 34 counts relates to a specific document prosecutors say was falsified by Trump or at his behest. They could, for instance, reject the charges based on actions by former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen but still convict on Trump ledger entries or checks.

I have been uniformly impressed by the seriousness with which jury members take their jobs in every case I covered, but also noted their willingness to get to a deal. And here, while the political implications are significant, the penalties are light. Even a conviction on the full boat of charges would probably mean only a couple of months in prison, and quite possibly just probation, for an elderly defendant with no prior criminal record. The stakes feel high based on press coverage, but as a matter of crime and punishment, no ones life is on the line. A good foreperson might understand, ahem, the art of the deal.

I dont know how the betting odds on a Trump conviction have been running, but it would hardly be a long shot for him to be found guilty. This is Manhattan, in a county where Trump got 12 percent of the vote four years ago. Hes behaved boorishly throughout the proceedings and attacked a process that by now, jurors probably feel pretty proud to be a part of, even if theyre ready to go home.

But the question the world has really been asking isnt about the disposition of the case, but the disposition of the electorate about it. The most recent Marquette University Law School poll in key battleground Wisconsin suggests a logical conclusion by voters: Without a conviction, Trump led President Joe Biden by a robust 6 points. With a conviction, Biden led by 4 points.

The way Marquette did the poll was to break the respondents into two groups: half were asked about their vote if Trump was found guilty, the other half if he was found not guilty. In both groups, the share of respondents saying they would vote third party or not vote was the same at 18 percent. With a conviction, Trump went from 44 percent to 39 percent, while Biden went from 38 percent if Trump were found not guilty to 43 percent if Trump is found guilty.

That 10-point swing tells us that there is a significant chunk of the electorate that would actually switch its vote based on a conviction, or at least they think right now that it would.

But lets imagine on a mild and sunny afternoon this Friday, Trump gets popped. Guilty, guilty, guilty. Then what? Its not like hes going to be led through the sally port in handcuffs and taken to Rikers Island. In any case, sentencing would take months, and in this case there would surely be a mountain of appeals. If he is convicted, it might be years before Trump is sentenced, even if he doesnt win in November.

So Trump would be a felon  probably maybe. Having evidently delayed the trials on the other, more serious charges against him until after the election, this seedy case will stand alone in the court of public opinion. Even many of Trumps harshest critics have acknowledged that it was quite a bit of bootstrapping by an ambitious district attorney, so the Republicans would have a pretty easy time spinning the verdict.

Weve seen this judge reversed before, and we are going to see it again here, they will tell us. And as the news media dives into the particulars of New York appellate law and the nature of pre-sentencing bonds, it will start to feel like a fizzle.

Thats probably exactly what Republicans should be hoping for: a conviction followed by a question mark.

One of the ways that the trial has most benefited Trump is that it has kept him busy and scared. Whatever Trump says about the judge and his gag order, this trial has consumed the former presidents attention. If hes going to act crazy, better for Republicans that he act crazy about his personal problems rather than politics and policy.

Imagine how much more his administration could have done if Trump had been consumed in court cases rather than blundering into policy questions via pre-dawn tweets and impromptu press conferences.

With months to turn the case into a muddle to the public and Trump walking around free on appeal, a conviction wouldnt be so bad for his chances. Its not that it would help, its just a harm that could be mitigated and come with some ancillary benefits in the way of offering some check on Trumps bad behavior.

What Republicans should worry much more about is a Trump acquittal. Beyond the reach of the judge and jury and primed for revenge, an emboldened Trump would be hell on wheels. Ahead in the polls and having beaten the rap, Trump would come careening into the general election, as always, his own worst enemy.

Trump won the presidency in 2016 in substantial part because of the Access Hollywood scandal. The tape of Trump bragging about grabbing womens genitals and forcing them to kiss him came out exactly one month before the election. It sent his numbers through the floor, but it also made him afraid enough of a humiliating landslide defeat that he became willing to behave just a little better, to be just a little more disciplined in his messaging, to be just a little more normal.

When then-FBI Director James Comey dropped the Anthony Weiner laptop story into the campaign narrative 11 days before the election, Trump had already been running scared for three weeks. His relative discipline had left the space clear for a story that, until it was debunked, seemed to reaffirm all the worst suspicions persuadable voters had about the sneaky, sleazy Clintons.

Americans have forgotten a lot of the exhaustion they felt about Trump and his antics, his cruelty, and his chaos. A post-acquittal Trump who is ready to settle scores and take no heed of warnings to behave himself would remind voters only too well why they got rid of him in the first place.

Its never good to have a nominee who Americans think is a crook and a lout, but its even worse to have one who doesnt know that they see him that way.

Read more at The Dispatch

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SACRAMENTO, California  Gov. Gavin Newsom and the states largest teachers union have reached a deal that would provide California schools billions more in future funding and resolve a bristling public feud over the state budget.

The agreement, first reported here, comes less than a week after the California Teachers Association released an ad needling Newsom over his education spending proposal  part of an intense campaign to publicly and privately pressure the administration and Legislature not to cut school spending.

The Democratic governors previous plan would have lowered the amount of money guaranteed to schools by nearly $12 billion over two years to help close a massive state budget deficit. The new deal promises a more generous calculation of the guarantee, known as Proposition 98, in which the state would pay schools an added $5.5 billion in the future that would be difficult to afford now.

This agreement is a smart and balanced policy solution that incorporates feedback from Californias educators, Newsom said in a statement. Working together, we are protecting Californias students, families, and educators and putting the state on a fiscally sound and sustainable path.



The two-party deal, confirmed by both sides, underscores the teachers unions unmatched role in negotiating education budget and policy agreements in Sacramento, particularly with a longtime ally in Newsom. But it will not immediately head off a public advocacy campaign by the teachers that has included digital and broadcast ad buys on the budget.

The union plans to keep airing ads while it lobbies the Legislature  which would need to approve one aspect of the deal by a supermajority vote.

The agreement "ensures that students, educators and families arent impacted by cuts to the classroom this year while protecting future year education funding," said union President David Goldberg.

The development marks substantial progress toward a final budget deal, unifying Newsom and the key union around a $100 billion-plus education budget that comprises around 40 percent of state spending. Legislative leaders are yet to publicly endorse any one approach to the education budget, and building consensus with them will be a key next step for the Newsom administration.

The governors new plan would suspend the Prop 98 guarantee, an action California officials took during past revenue downturns but had avoided under Newsom. Doing so allows the state to pay schools less in the near-term than it would otherwise have to, as long as it later repays those funds to schools.

That move requires a two-thirds vote by the Legislature, where Democrats hold a supermajority.

The state would still effectively take out a zero-interest loan from itself to cover previous school spending above the guarantee, a controversial idea Newsom proposed in January. But the size of that loan would shrink from $8.8 billion to $6.2 billion under the agreement.

The education lobby has only escalated its opposition to Newsoms proposal since he first detailed it in January. The California School Boards Association has assailed the idea for months, most recently calling it a ticking time bomb that would shield school budgets now but fleece them later  in addition to setting a damaging precedent.

The teachers union offered one of its first public rebukes of the proposal the day Newsom stood by it in his updated May 10 budget plan, warning against eroding the money guaranteed to schools. The union announced its public awareness campaign a week later, throwing the full force of the education lobby behind the effort.

I feel like we were the lead, carrying the banner, said CSBA spokesperson Troy Flint. But obviously, when a powerful organization like CTA joins forces, that makes your arguments so much more compelling.

The most contentious component of the proposed loan would be axed under the deal. California would no longer ignore $6.2 billion in school spending from last year when calculating the education funding guarantee, which factors in prior-year budgets  granting schools more money in the long term.

The CSBA and other education lobbying organizations were briefed on the agreement Monday afternoon, but the group had not yet endorsed the deal as it waited for additional details, including proposed budget legislation.

While we appreciate the Administration's movement on this critically important issue to our 5,000 locally elected members and the 5.8 million students they serve, we must reserve comment until we see the details given we are talking about a constitutional issue that could have ramifications on our schools for years to come, Vernon M. Billy, CEO & Executive Director of the California School Boards Association, said in a statement after the briefing.
Gaza Aid Pier Lasted Less Than Two Weeks Before Breaking Apart

America's pier that is being used to deliver aid to Gaza broke free and is now being recovered.

The Biden administrations $320 million floating pier broke apart in heavy seas earlier today less than two weeks after being installed, delaying the flow of badly needed humanitarian aid to war-ravaged Gaza, the Pentagon announced.

"Over the next 40 hours, the Trident Pier will be removed from its anchor position on the coast and towed back to Ashdod where US Central Command will conduct repairs," Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokesperson, told reporters, including from The War Zone. "The rebuilding and repairing of the pier will take at least over a week." The pier will then be towed back and reinstalled, she added.

A satellite image taken Monday by Maxar, provided to The War Zone, shows the section of the Trident Pier furthest from the beach is missing. This landing area is where vessels drop off goods which are then transported by trucks across the long floating causeway and taken into Gaza. That section was recovered, Singh said.

A section of the Trident Pier in Gaza became dislodged. Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies

The missing section of the pier was still in place as of May 26, according to Maxar imagery.

That section of the pier was still in place as of May 26. Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies

Additionally, a short video posted to YouTube by an Israeli soldier on Monday purports to show part of the pier floating semi-submerged off the coast.

The Israeli Defense Forces soldier who shot the video is overheard saying: This is what happens when you help the enemy, according to the Jewish Press .

The War Zone cannot confirm that the video actually shows the pier "T" section that dislodged. but it certainly looks exactly like it. The heavy seas left parts of the pier and smaller vessels strewn across the Gaza and Israeli shoreline. We've reached out to the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command for more details and will update this story with any pertinent information provided.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uod1iudbrEk

To date, 1,000 metric tons of aid has been delivered through the pier. Singh said she did not have any specific figures on how the delay will affect that flow. In addition, three U.S. troops have been injured, one critically, in non-combat incidents during the aid effort, she added.

The critically injured soldier "was working on the staging platform two miles off the coast of Gaza, where trucks filled with aid packages are driven from cargo ships onto Army watercraft," according to USNI News . "At the time of the injury, the roll-on roll-off cargo ship MV Benevides was attached to the platform."

The U.S. military finished building the floating pier on May 16, though the basic construction work on the temporary pier was completed nearly two weeks earlier. However, poor weather delayed it being placed into its final position. Construction of the Joint Logistics Over-The-Shore (JLOTS) capability was ordered two months ago .

The Trident Pier was completed earlier this month. IDF

The satellite image of the storm damaged pier was taken days after CENTCOM officials acknowledged that four U.S. Army vessels supporting the maritime humanitarian aid mission broke free from their moorings, CENTCOM said in a May 25 media release.

At the time, two vessels were anchored on the beach near the pier, CENTCOM stated.

The third and fourth vessels are beached on the coast of Israel near Ashkelon, according to CENTCOM. Efforts to recover the vessels are underway with assistance from the Israeli Navy.

No U.S. personnel will enter Gaza, CENTCOM added. No injuries have been reported and the pier remains fully functional.

"As of today, one of the Army vessels that was beached on the coast of Israel near Ashkelon has been recovered," Singh told reporters on Tuesday. "The second vessel that was also beached near Ashkelon will be recovered in the next 24 hours, and the remaining two vessels that were beach near the Trident Pier are expected to be recovered in the next 48 hours."

You can see video and images of the beached vessels below.

Even though aid has been delivered to the beach, issues on the ground prevented some of that precious cargo from being delivered, Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy CENTCOM commander, told reporters on May 23.

Despite being miles away from the pier, a recent Hamas drone attack on the IDF prompted a swift counterattack, leading to the temporary shutdown of humanitarian convoys around Gaza for safety reasons, Cooper said. In addition, we were alerted to potential looting along a prearranged distribution route, necessitating the development of an alternate, safer path.

The Trident Pier is one of three methods aid is coming into Gaza. There are also land routes and humanitarian aerial aid drops. Singh said that the land routes are the most important and that more needed to be opened as soon as possible.

It is unclear at the moment how long it will take to repair the pier and when the flow of badly needed aid into Gaza will resume.

The Trident Pier before it was damaged. CENTCOM.

However, it is another example of the difficulty of bringing in aid through a beach that U.S. troops are not supposed to set foot on. Time is another challenge, with only a few more months of relatively decent weather remaining.

"Historically, by early September, the seas begun to rise and Mother Nature gets a vote here," said Cooper.

This is a developing story.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Georgetown County deputies are investigating after shots were fired Monday night into a home on Britton Avenue in Oatland.

It happened at about 10 p.m. Residents told deputies they heard two gunshots.

Deputies said one bullet hit a house, went through the wall and into a bedroom door. No injuries were reported.

No additional information was immediately available. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Taylor Ford is a digital journalist for News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2023. Taylor is a Florence native and covers the Pee Dee out of News13s Florence Bureau. Read more of Taylors work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Georgia man found guilty in LaGrange murder after evidence reveals the killing was to impress the Gangster Disciples

The District Attorneys Office for the Coweta Judicial Circuit shared through social media that a man accused of another mans murder was found guilty on several charges after evidence revealed the victim was killed for the suspect to gain status with the Gangster Disciples.

According to the DAs Office, 24-year-old Lateef Jamil Moreland aka Mosta Black 74, of Valdosta, Georgia, was found guilty on May 17 of the following charges listed below:

Malice murder

Felony murder

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Possession of a firearm during commission of a felony

Four violations of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

During Morelands trial, the DAs Office said evidence presented showed that right before midnight on Jan. 28, 2023, 30-year-old Alan Hugley Jr. sat in the drivers seat of his vehicle in the parking lot of the Quality Inn on Jameson Drive in LaGrange.

While sitting in his car, two masked gunmen approached Hugley Jr., fired at least 21 shots into the vehicle, and then ran off the property. Hugley Jr. suffered from 12 gunshot wounds. The DAs Office says evidence also proved that Moreland was associated with the Gangster Disciples and that Hugley Jr.s murder was part of the gangs interest and to increase Morelands status within the gang.

Update: Phenix City police make quick arrest in overnight restaurant and bar capital murder case

Investigators also obtained video footage from a convenience store in LaGrange showing Moreland without a mask on the same day of Hugley Jr.s murder wearing the same clothes as one of the two shooters. At the time authorities reviewed the footage, they did not know who Moreland was, but in June 2023 law enforcement identified and arrested him on June 10 in Valdosta, Georgia.

The GBI crime lab and investigators later matched ballistics evidence from the murder to a teal-colored Taurus handgun. During an investigation, authorities also found digital evidence including social media images showing Moreland in possession of the Taurus handgun. Moreland was previously released just a little over 4 months before Hugley Jr.s murder after serving a five-year prison sentence in Lowndes County for a robbery by force conviction on Sept. 19, 2022.

The DAs Office released the following statement after Moreland was found guilty.



This is another tragic reminder that gang violence remains present in our community. The District Attorneys Office remains committed to seeking substantial prison sentences for gang crime. District Attorney John Cranford Jr.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Georgias parliament has voted to override a presidential veto of the foreign agents bill that has prompted huge public protests in the South Caucasus country.

It has ignored criticism from the West which says the legislation is authoritarian and Russian-inspired.

The vote on Tuesday to ignore the objections of Salome Zourabichvili, the Georgian president whose powers are mostly ceremonial, sets the stage for the speaker of parliament to sign the bill into law in the coming days.

Georgian opposition parties supporters protest against the 'foreign agents' bill - David Mdzinarishvili/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgias prime minister, speaking at an Independence Day ceremony in central Tbilisi on Sunday, accused the pro-West president of treason.

Mr Kobakhidze took aim at Ms Zurabishvili, who was seated a few feet away, saying: 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.

The dispute about the newly-minted law has come to be seen as a key test of whether Georgia, for three decades among the most pro-Western of the Soviet Unions successor states, would maintain its Western orientation, or pivot instead to Russia.

The bill would require organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from overseas to register as agents of foreign influence, while also introducing punitive fines for violations, as well as onerous disclosure requirements.

Opponents of the bill have for more than a month mounted some of the largest protests Georgia has seen since independence from Moscow in 1991 as the Soviet Union crumbled.

The United States, Britain and the European Union have all criticised the bill, which Georgian opposition groups have dubbed the Russian law, saying it is modelled on Russian legislation used to target opponents of Vladimir Putins Kremlin.

Russia is unpopular among many Georgians for its support of the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, with public opinion broadly supportive of membership in the EU and Nato.

Georgia has seen some of the largest protests since independence from Moscow in 1991 - David Mdzinarishvili/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The US has threatened to sanction Georgian officials who vote for the bill, a turnaround in US policy towards what had been among the most pro-Western countries to emerge from the Soviet Union.

The Georgian government has accused Western countries of blackmail over their opposition to the bill, and says that it is necessary in order to stop them from dragging Georgia into a war with Russia.

Russia denies any role in backing the bill, which it has defended from Western criticism.

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BRUSSELS, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Belgium announced its commitment on Tuesday to deliver 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by 2028.

Visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo held talks here on Tuesday. The two sides signed a bilateral security agreement, which also includes an additional military aid from Belgium to Ukraine.

The F-16s will be delivered gradually over several years, with the first batch expected this year.

This commitment is part of Belgium's broader support for Ukraine. 
Georgias parliament has voted to override the presidential veto of a Russian-inspired foreign agent law, defying fierce protests at home and criticism abroad.

Tuesdays vote to bypass the objection of Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, whose powers are mostly ceremonial, was widely expected and clears the way for the parliaments speaker to sign the bill into law.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has for weeks tried to force through the foreign agent law, likened by critics to a measure introduced in Russia to stifle dissent.

The Georgian law, which has passed each of its three rounds of voting in parliament, would require organizations in the former Soviet country that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents or face crippling fines.

Georgian Dream argues the law is necessary to promote transparency and resist pseudo-liberal values fomented by foreigners, but its critics have said it could derail the countrys bid to join the European Union and tip it into the Kremlins orbit.

The European Union deeply regrets that the Georgian Parliament decided to override the Presidents veto, the bloc said Tuesday in a statement, saying the law goes against EU core principles and values.

The United States last week sanctioned Georgia, implementing a new visa restriction policy in response to the repressive law and crackdowns on protests.

As a longtime supporter of Georgia and its Euro-Atlantic integration, Im deeply concerned and disappointed by the passage of the foreign agents bill and the rapid political shift taking place in the country, which is at odds with the wishes of the Georgian people, US Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, said in a statement introducing the legislation.

Protesters stare down riot police outside the Georgian Parliament. - Irakli Gedenidze/Reuters

Responding to Tuesdays vote, Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said it marked a very sad day for Georgia and the rest of Europe.

The passing of this law effectively puts Georgias accession to the EU on hold, with no benefit for anybody, he said.

Natalie Sabanadze, Georgias former ambassador to the EU, described the governments attempt to pass the law  just months before scheduled parliamentary elections  as a coup detat.

The Georgian government is clearly siding with the Putinist, anti-liberal forces of the world Sabanadze told CNN. Its turning into an instrument in the hands of Russia. I cannot speculate. I have no idea whether theyre working on Russias instructions, but they certainly are fulfilling their interests.

Tuesdays vote nearly completes a process Georgias government began 14 months ago. Georgian Dream tried to pass the same law last year, but was forced into an embarrassing climbdown after a week of intense protests, which saw citizens waving EU flags buffeted back by water canons.

In a move widely seen as an effort to reward Georgias citizens  of whom about 80% support joining the bloc  the EU granted it candidate status in December.

But the government reintroduced the same bill in March and this time refused to cave to public pressure, despite a month of renewed protests.

CNNs Xiaofei Xu contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A general view of the Georgian parliament in the city of Tbilisi. The Georgian parliament passed a law to tighten checks on non-governmental organizations that are funded from abroad, despite weeks of mass protests and a presidential veto. Ulf Mauder/dpa

The Georgian parliament passed a law to tighten checks on non-governmental organizations that are funded from abroad, despite weeks of mass protests and a presidential veto.

In a final step, lawmakers in Tbilisi overruled a veto by pro-European President Salome Zurabishvili opposing the law on Tuesday.

She said the law, which requires foreign-funded organizations to register as "foreign agents," was "Russian in its essence and spirit."

Georgia's parliament passed the controversial legislation last week despite angry protests in Tbilisi and urging by the European Union and the United States not to adopt it.

Thousands of people have been demonstrating against the law, fearing it threatens Georgia's path to EU membership and the silencing of organizations and media critical of the government - as in Russia, which has passed similar legislation.

But the governing majority approved the law that seeks to limit foreign influence on non-governmental organizations, tightening accountability for aid organizations and independent media that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.
The Georgia Power Plant McIntosh Combined Cycle Unit in Effingham County. Across the property from this facility sits one of Georgia Power's earliest coal plants to be decommissioned.

As the U.S. Supreme Court considered hearing a case about how members of the Georgia Public Service Commission are elected this past week, a long-time member of the panel offered a dubious assessment of the energy portfolio he and his colleagues regulate.

Where we are today in the state of Georgia as energy goes, we have the cleanest and most reliable of any state in the nation, Commissioner Lauren Bubba McDonald wrote in an emailed response to questions from E&E News, an online national publication covering the energy industry.

Georgia Public Service Commission member Lauren "Bubba" Caldwell

While Georgia is experiencing an unprecedented economic boom fueled primarily by the clean-energy industry, it is nowhere near the top nationally in terms of the percentage or total output of emissions-free power. That would be Vermont, which gets nearly all of its energy from renewable sources.

Georgia Power, the states largest utility, still produces 60% of its energy by burning coal or gas, whose heat-trapping pollution is the primary cause of climate change. Its a statistic critics of the PSCs recent support of Georgia Powers plan to add more gas-fired facilities were quick to point out when told of McDonalds comments.

Georgia's electricity is neither the cleanest nor the most reliable, said Maggie Shober, research director at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. In fact, by approving new fossil fuel resources in the 2023 Georgia Power (Integrated Resource Plan), the (GPC) made it harder for Georgia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its electricity generation, made it harder for Georgia to attract businesses that demand clean energy, and put ratepayers at risk of higher bills in the future as gas prices continue to be volatile.

Burning questions: New EPA rules subject Georgia Power to severe emissions restrictions at planned plants

The case that was appealed to the Supreme Court involves a challenge to the states use of statewide voting to select district representatives to the five-member PSC. The plaintiffs in the case argued that the system violated the federal Voting Rights Act because it dilutes the votes of Black citizens.

McDonald, a PSC member since 2009 who also served from 1998 until 2002, did not respond when asked for an explanation of his cleanest and most reliable claim.

PSC Vice Chairman Tim Echols, whose district includes the Savannah area, declined to respond directly to McDonald's claims but did provide an emailed comment.

With the recent approval of another 6,600 megawatts of capacity, in addition to the (Plant) Vogtle capacity of 2,200 megawatts that recently came onto the system, Georgia is in a unique position to serve load that other states cannot, said Echols. The states power grid continues to transition away from coal utilizing more natural gas, new nuclear, big solar, storage, and more and more virtual power plants.

Georgia Power's Vogtle nuclear facility is the largest single producer of emission-free energy in the nation.

The E&E reporter who wrote the story, Niina Farah, confirmed the accuracy of McDonald's quote and clarity of the questions that prompted it.

I asked each of the commissioners for comment about the lawsuit and what they thought of the current voting system and possible changes to it, Farah, who covers legal issues for E&E News, wrote in an emailed response. The quote I included in the story was the full extent of his response to me, so there wasnt any additional context about the states energy mix.

Because the PSC makes decisions about the mix of energy sources that fuel the states electric grid, its members are expected to have a firm grasp of how that power is produced.

The generation of electricity in Georgia is not clean, not reliable and certainly not affordable, said Mark Woodall, legislative chair for the Sierra Club, when told of McDonalds statement. While we commend Commissioner McDonald for insisting Georgia Power add utility scale solar, rooftop solar and community solar lag far behind the rest of the United States. Georgia (also) is far behind Texas in battery storage that would make solar more reliable.

John Deem covers climate change and the environment on the Georgia coast. He can be reached at jdeem@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia regulator's 'cleanest energy' comment misses mark, critics say
A demonstrator shouts in front of police during an opposition protest against the foreign influence bill at the Parliamentary building in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)

TBILISI, Georgia (AP)  The Georgian parliament on Tuesday overrode a presidential veto of the foreign agents bill that has prompted weeks of massive protests by critics who say it will restrict media freedom and obstruct Georgias chances of joining the European Union.

The legislature, controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party, dismissed the veto of President Salome Zourabichvili, an independent. The president now has five days to endorse the bill. If she doesnt do so, the parliament speaker will sign it into law.

The bill that was approved by the parliament earlier this month requires media, nongovernmental organizations and other nonprofit groups to register as pursuing the interests of a foreign power if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.

Zourabichvili, who is increasingly at odds with the governing party, vetoed the bill on May 18. She has accused the governing party of jeopardizing the countrys future and hindering the path toward becoming a full member of the free and democratic world.

The veto was rejected by an 84-4 vote in a contentious parliament session, during which a Georgian Dream deputy doused the leader of an opposition party with water while he spoke from the rostrum.

Opponents of the bill thronged outside the parliament building and some shouted Slaves! as the vote was announced. The crowd swelled in the evening and a lengthy procession of protesters marched past Georgian Dream headquarters.

We have realized that our government is ready to throw this country off a cliff. The feeling, when I talk to my friends and people here, is that in the 21st century, our country is once again going under Soviet occupation, said demonstrator Giorgi Natroshvili

The government says the bill is needed to stem what it deems to be harmful foreign actors trying to destabilize the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million, but many Georgian journalists and activists argue that the bills true goal is to stigmatize them and restrict debate ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

Opponents denounce the legislation as the Russian law because it resembles measures pushed through by the Kremlin to crack down on independent news media, nonprofits and activists. Critics say the measure may have been driven by Moscow to thwart Georgias chances of further integrating with the West.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, however, contended the law will aid that integration.

The law on transparency will create better grounds for ensuring the membership of Georgia in the EU, he told a news conference after the vote, adding that the law would strengthen Georgia's sovereignty.

But opposition parliament member Khatia Dekanoidze said: Now we have an absolutely new reality ... Probably, the window for integration into European Union will be closed.

The bill is nearly identical to one that the ruling party was pressured to withdraw last year after massive street protests. Renewed demonstrations again gripped Georgia as the bill made its way through parliament. Demonstrators scuffled with police, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.

The European Unions foreign policy arm has said that adoption of the law negatively impacts Georgias progress on the EU path.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that travel sanctions would be imposed on Georgian officials who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia. He noted that 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.

The EU offered Georgia candidate status last December, while making it clear that Tbilisi needs to implement key policy recommendations for its membership bid to progress.

The opposition United National Movement has described the bill as part of efforts by Georgian Dream to drag the country into Russias sphere of influence  claims it vehemently denies. Georgian Dream was founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and billionaire who made his fortune in Russia.

Zuka Elbakidze, a student who was among protesters rallying in Tbilisi ahead of Tuesdays vote, said this day will determine the fate of our country, adding that we are making a choice between Europe and Russia, and all the people gathered here, except the policemen, want Europe and the West.

We are physically witnessing, literally witnessing, how Georgian citizens, how members of the Georgian Parliament are selling out our country, said another protester, Mariam Geguchadze.

Russia-Georgia relations have often been rocky since Georgia became independent after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

In 2008, Russia fought a brief war with Georgia, which had made a botched attempt to regain control over the breakaway province of South Ossetia. Moscow then recognized South Ossetia and another separatist province, Abkhazia, as independent states and strengthened its military presence there. Most of the world considers both regions to be parts of Georgia.

Tbilisi cut diplomatic ties with Moscow, and the regions status remains a key irritant even as Russia-Georgia relations have improved in recent years.
Georgia's parliament voted on May 28 to overrule President Salome Zourabichvili's veto of the controversial foreign agents law, moving the legislation closer to its likely enactment.

The bill requires organizations that receive foreign funding to be labeled as "foreign agents" and mirrors repressive Russian legislation used to crack down on Kremlin regime critics. Zourabichvili vetoed the law on May 18, but Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili announced two days later that the ruling Georgian Dream party planned to overrule her vote.

The legislation will now be sent back to Zourabichvili, who will have five days to sign into law. In the likely situation that she refuses, Papuashvili will be able to sign it into law, after which it will be enacted.

The main provisions of the legislation will not come into force for another 60 days after it is enacted, likely occurring shortly before the parliamentary elections in October that are widely seen as a referendum on the foreign agents law and the direction that Georgian Dream is taking the country.

While the parliament's move to overrule the veto was not unexpected, the vote came days after the U.S. announced it was implementing travel restrictions on lawmakers who are responsible for "undermining democracy" in the country. The restrictions will also apply to their family members.

U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson also introduced legislation on May 23 that would provide Georgia with a package of military, trade, and visa liberalization incentives for Georgia if it reverses the trend of democratic backsliding and abandons the controversial foreign agents law.

Several EU countries are reportedly pushing for sanctions against Georgia over the bill, including suspension of the visa-free travel regime. Some European Parliament members also called to suspend Georgia's EU candidacy in response.

Georgian Dream has nonetheless remained undeterred and proceeded with the legislation, and has increased its accusations and vitriol toward the U.S. and EU.

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, who also serves as secretary general of Georgian Dream, said on May 25 that the U.S. and Georgia are "enemies" in response to the introduction of travel restrictions.

"I think that the existing relations (between Georgia and the U.S.) need to be restarted," Kaladze said.

The protesters who have been in the streets for over a month have also remained determined to continue demonstrating against the foreign agents law and Georgian Dream, with thousands showing up almost every day in front of the parliament building and around the city center.

Police blocking the back entrance to Georgia's parliament building among ongoing protests on May 28, 2024. (Nate Ostiller/the Kyiv Independent)

A large group of protesters gathered behind the parliament building throughout the day on May 28 as lawmakers discussed overruling the veto.

Protesters have vowed to continue demonstrating.

Shortly after the vote was announced, the European Commission issued a statement reiterating previous concerns about the legislation and the impact it will have on civil society in Georgia and the country's process of EU accession.

"We urge the Georgian authorities to reverse this trend and to return firmly on the EU path. There is still time to change the dynamicsbut a strong commitment by the governing authorities is needed," the statement said.

"The EU and its Member States are considering all options to react to these developments."

Read also: Explainer: Whats behind ongoing protests in Georgia?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Insights from The Guardian, Reuters, Eurasianet, Civil Georgia, and the Atlantic Council

The News

Georgias parliament approved a controversial foreign influence bill on Tuesday, overriding a presidential veto. Critics believe the law will be used to crackdown on dissent and stifle civil society.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the street to protest what the opposition called the Russian law for its similarity to legislation passed by the Kremlin that has been used to harass journalists and civil rights groups.

European officials warned the law will jeopardize Georgias ambition to join the European Union as the law is incompatible with its values.The US State Department and a number of senators also warned that Georgian lawmakers responsible for pushing the bill through could face sanctions.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Georgians overwhelmingly support joining the EU

Sources: National Democratic Institute, The Guardian, Strategic Europe

The foreign influence law has effectively put Georgias EU accession efforts on ice, despite being a key priority since independence in 1991. Georgia is staunchly pro-EU, with almost 80% of the countrys population supportive of membership, and EU accession is also enshrined in the countrys constitution. Pro-EU sentiment is especially strong among Georgias youth, who see embracing Europe as a means to transform the country. Unlike previous demonstrations, the current protests are distinguished by the prominent participation of the Zoomers generation, or Gen Z, an expert wrote for Carnegies Strategic Europe.

Even dog shelters fear being stamped as foreign agents

Source: Reuters

The law will require all media and non-governmental organizations to register as foreign agents if more than 20% of their budget comes from abroad. Even non-political NGOs that offer support for drug addicts and other services the state does not provide worry that the law will put their work at risk. The head of an animal shelter told Reuters she feared her organization would have to register as a foreign agent, potentially cutting off funding and incurring extensive administrative fees. The only interest that we pursue is the interest of these dogs, and I challenge anyone to tell me which one of them is actually a foreign power, she said.

Opposition tries to unite ahead of elections to repeal foreign agents law

Sources: Civil Georgia, Eurasianet, Open Caucasus Media, Atlantic Council, Eurasia Daily Monitor

President Salome Zurabishvili unveiled a roadmap for returning the country to a pro-European path, and to galvanize the opposition against the foreign agent law on Sunday. Georgias opposition parties share a strong antipathy to the law, but have so far failed to present a united front, Eurasianet reported. So far, several smaller opposition parties have agreed to sign Zurabishvilis charter, although tensions remain. As Georgia heads toward parliamentary elections in October, Georgias president said she would aim to repeal the legislation if the opposition wins a majority. Even so, concerns persist that Georgian Dream or the Kremlin itself could spread misinformation that undermines any emerging coalition or directly intervene in the elections.
Emmanuel Macron (L), President of France, is presented with the International Peace of Westphalia Award by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the ballroom of Muenster's historic town hall. French President Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has praised French President Emmanuel Macron as a driving force behind European development and Franco-German friendship.

"You are not just a doer, you are an encourager. Where others speak of borders, you speak of horizons," Steinmeier said in Munster, where Macron was awarded the International Award of the Peace of Westphalia.

"I am convinced that the fact that France and Germany are so close today is not least due to people like you. You are always ready to approach Germany, open up discussions and try to draw us out of our shell here and there," Steinmeier told Macron.

Steinmeier drew particular attention to Macron's plea for a common European security policy, common European defence and joint action on internal security.

Macron had invoked European sovereignty long before Russia launched its attack on Ukraine in 2022, the German president said. "A Europe that defends its interests proactively and independently - politically, technologically and militarily."

Macron was awarded the prize on the third day of his state visit to Germany, ahead of talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz centring on European competition policy and cooperation in defence.

The Franco-German relationship has been problematic over the past two years of the Scholz government, with differences over Ukraine and over economic links with the United States and China.

Emmanuel Macron (L), President of France, is presented with the International Peace of Westphalia Award by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the ballroom of Muenster's historic town hall. French President Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

Emmanuel Macron (L), President of France, is presented with the International Peace of Westphalia Award by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (C) and Reinhard Zinkann, Chairman of the Economic Society of Westphalia and Lippe, in the ballroom of Muenster's historic town hall. French President Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
Boris Pistorius, Germany's defence minister, meets Air Force servicemen. In a meeting this week he reportedly watered-down a version of the original national service plan - TOMS KALNINS/SHUTTERSTOCK

Germany has reportedly abandoned plans for military conscription in favour of optional military service, fearful that it might lose Left-wing voters.

In a meeting this week with leaders of the ruling SPD, Boris Pistorius, Germanys defence minister, unveiled a significantly watered-down version of the original plan that will also include enticements like student discounts and free language courses, Germanys Spiegel reported.

The new model will be largely voluntary, sources told Spiegel, and look to lure in recruits with special perks, such as waiving fees for driving licences, free language courses or discounts on student loan repayment.

Germany is on a mission to drastically expand its army, with ambitions to become Europes biggest military spender.

This week Rishi Sunak, too, floated the idea that his Conservative Party would introduce mandatory national service for 18-year-olds if it wins the election in July.

A German return to conscription had been feted as a sign that Berlin was serious about these plans in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

But with EU parliamentary elections next month, the revised policy appears to be motivated by domestic politics and the concern that conscription would alienate young people and Left-wing voters.

According to Spiegel, there was no mention of the phrase compulsory military service during the presentation by Mr Pistorius to SPD allies. However, over-18s may be required to fill out a medical questionnaire to assess their physical fitness under the new scheme.

Soldiers of the Bundeswehr - which the German government is looking to drastically expand - at a training session at a Romanian Air Base - DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP

The new version of the scheme appears so watered down that it has become more of an expansion of the Bundeswehrs existing recruitment programmes, the magazine noted.

The apparent U-turn by the German defence ministry, which under Mr Pistorius has been trying to transform the country into a kriegstuchtig, or war-ready nation, comes despite Mr Pistorius championing the Swedish model of conscription.

There a hundred thousand youngsters are screened for service each year, but then only 5 per cent join the military.

The Bundeswehr already sends postcards to young people as soon as they turn 18 in an attempt to get them thinking about military service as an early career option. But Mr Pistorius had previously said he was convinced conscription was necessary.

Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, has been one of those against the idea, which was deeply unpopular among young Germans even before it was scrapped in 2011.

Earlier in May, Mr Scholz poured cold water on the Swedish model during a visit to Stockholm, as he called for a balanced idea that was tailored to Germanys needs.

Little appetite to reintroduce military service

German political insiders and analysts said the report in Spiegel did not come as a major surprise.

Rafael Loss, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said the SPD was likely trying to scale back ambitious talk about the German military as it could turn off their left-wing voters in the forthcoming EU parliament elections.

There is little appetite in the government coalition to present any sort of comprehensive proposal for the reintroduction of military service, certainly not ahead of the European elections, he said.

Sergej Sumlenny, a Berlin-based security expert and founder of the European Resilience Initiative Center, said the Bundeswehr was also not ready to receive an influx of new recruits under a conscription model.

The problem with conscription is the German army is not capable of adjusting to all the young people who would get conscripted; there is no structure for that. Its not only about the money, its about structure, he said.

In an interview with The Telegraph earlier this year Carsten Breuer, the Chief of Defence of the Bundeswehr, said Germany was ready to increase our efforts in a world characterised by multiple crises.

That includes Germany playing a role as a major European power, he added.

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Germany and France call for an end to Israeli offensive in Rafah

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Following reports of dozens of deaths during the Israeli ground offensive in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip, Germany and France have called for an end to the attacks.

The situation in Rafah was "appalling," French President Emmanuel Macron said at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at Meseberg Palace outside Berlin on Tuesday. "The Israeli operations in Rafah must come to an end," Macron insisted.

France had condemned Hamas' attacks on Israel from the outset and supported Israel's right to self-defence - "but - like any democracy - in compliance with international law," Macron said.

Scholz also demanded: "Israel must respect international law in its actions." The chancellor called the shelling of a refugee camp with many fatalities a "tragic incident."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said there will be an investigation into the incident. "This is as important as it is necessary," Scholz emphasized during the meeting with Macron at the German government's guest house north of the capital.

"This case shows once again why Germany, like many other countries, has repeatedly spoken out against a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah - because there can be no adequate protection for civilians there," Scholz asserted.

No scenario, no variant of military action there is conceivable "that would not be associated with an irresponsible number of civilian casualties," he underscored.

The German chancellor once again called for the release of the hostages still being held by Hamas - but also for sufficient humanitarian aid to reach Gaza by land.

"Israel has a responsibility to make this possible." We are talking about 500 lorries per day, emphasized Scholz. Together with Macron, he also argued in favour of a two-state solution as a long-term perspective for settling the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Palestinians fleeing unsafe areas in Rafah arrive with their belongings on Trucks and cars in Khan Yunis, further north in the southern Gaza Strip, following Israeli strikes. Naaman Omar/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
New citizens with their certificates stand on the stage at the 57th naturalization ceremony in Hamburg's City Hall. The number of people granted German citizenship reached the highest level last year since records began in 2000. Christian Charisius/dpa

The number of people granted German citizenship reached the highest level last year since records began in 2000.

The number of naturalizations rose by 19% compared to the previous year, having already risen by 28% in 2022, the Federal Statistical Office reported on Tuesday.

In absolute figures, around 200,100 people were naturalized in 2023.

People from 157 different nationalities were granted German citizenship in 2023, the most common being Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Romania and Afghanistan. Together, these countries accounted for over half of all naturalizations.

Naturalized citizens were 29.3 years old on average and therefore significantly younger than the population as a whole. At 45%, the proportion of women was lower than in the population as a whole.

Former Syrian nationals made up the largest group of naturalized citizens, accounting for more than a third of all naturalizations. Their number increased by a further 56% compared to the previous year. In 2022, this figure had already more than doubled compared to the previous year and even increased sevenfold in 2021.

"The high number of naturalizations of Syrians is therefore related to the high immigration of Syrian asylum seekers in the years 2014 to 2016, who now increasingly meet the requirements for naturalization," the office reported.

The number of naturalizations of Ukrainians rose by 6% to 5,900 in 2023, after almost tripling from 1,900 to 5,600 from 2021 to 2022 in the wake Russia's full-scale invasion of their country. Naturalizations of Ukrainian citizens accounted for 3% of all naturalizations in 2023.
David Bahati, Uganda's minister of state for trade, industry and cooperatives, speaks during an interview in Kampala, Uganda, on April 6, 2024. According to authorities of the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. David Bahati told Xinhua that China, an important cooperation partner of Uganda, has been providing capital as well as sharing skills and technology to develop energy and transport infrastructure, which are key drivers of industrialization. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

MBALE, Uganda, May 28 (Xinhua) -- As dawn breaks, Hellen Mugala, 27, joins hundreds of her colleagues on their way to work at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, located in the eastern Ugandan district of Mbale.

"This industrial park has helped many local people. I have acquired skills and earned a living from the Chinese company," Mugala said.

According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel.

Small businesses and neighboring villages are also reaping benefits from the influx of employees. Charles Nyeko, a resident of Doko village, said his community has been transformed as the population has grown from 2,000 to about 4,000, most of them workers at the industrial park. Since opening a small shop in the village, Nyeko's life "has become better and better."

By the end of 2022, in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) alone, Chinese enterprises had invested over 692 million U.S. dollars in Uganda, according to the Chinese embassy. In 2023, China's FDI in Uganda reached 55.7 million dollars. These investments, mainly channeled through the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, have created tens of thousands of local jobs.

Ugandan officials said this exponential investment is catalyzing the country's industrialization and the ultimate goal of modernization. David Bahati, Uganda's minister of state for trade, industry and cooperatives, told Xinhua that China, an important cooperation partner of Uganda, has been providing capital as well as sharing skills and technology to develop energy and transport infrastructure, which are key drivers of industrialization.

"The development of the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park is doing wonders. We have seen the FDI coming through the industrial park, helping us in terms of import substitution. Most of the things we were importing, such as televisions and clothes, are all being produced at the park," Bahati said.

He also noted that China is financing the expansion of Entebbe International Airport, the East African country's main gateway to the world. "As infrastructure grows, it helps with marketing and trade within Uganda and outside Uganda. So China is playing an important role in improving household incomes."

Evelyn Anite, Uganda's state minister of finance for investment and privatization, said the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, operating in the Kingfisher Oil Field, will also drive the development of the country's petrochemical industry.

Uganda has discovered 6.5 billion barrels of oil in the western region, of which 1.4 billion barrels are commercially viable, according to Uganda's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Economic analysts and the Bank of Uganda have predicted that the oil sector will significantly accelerate Uganda's economic development, contributing to 30 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

"We are going to see the manufacturing of petrochemical products with the help of Chinese investment. It will reduce our import bill and increase our export earnings," Anite said. 

People work at Ujia Innovation Technology Ltd. at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 4, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

People are seen on their way to the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Photo taken on April 4, 2024 shows the gate of the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A woman works at Ujia Innovation Technology Ltd. at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 4, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Photo taken on April 4, 2024 shows the gate of the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A woman works at Grace textile (U) Ltd. at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

People work at Chint Meters & Electrical Uganda Electric Co., Ltd. at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

People work at Pearlight Technology Co., Ltd. at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

People work at Pearlight Technology Co., Ltd. at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Workers are pictured at the construction site of Unisteel Investment Uganda Ltd. at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Workers are pictured at the construction site of Unisteel Investment Uganda Ltd. at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A man works at Chint Meters & Electrical Uganda Electric Co., Ltd. at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A woman works at General Wares (U) Ltd. at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, on April 4, 2024. According to park authorities, about 5,000 young people pass through the park gates daily, heading to various factories. The industrial park, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 40 companies that manufacture a range of products, including smartphones, televisions, textiles and steel. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
Speaker of the Parliament of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf delivers a speech during video conference meeting between the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei and the representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. Ghalibaf re-elected speaker of Iranian parliament. -/Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/dpa

The former general and current Iranian parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has been re-elected to head the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

A total of 198 of the 290 members of parliament voted in favour of the 62-year-old politician on Tuesday, the state news agency IRNA reported.

Ghalibaf's re-election comes as a surprise. Observers had expected him to run for the presidency following the death of Ebrahim Raisi.

Born in 1961 in the north-eastern city of Mashhad, Ghalibaf was appointed general at a young age and served as commander of a division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War.

Due to his political ambitions, he also studied political geography and received a doctorate from Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran in 2001.

In 2005, Ghalibaf gave up his military duties and devoted himself entirely to politics. In the same year, he took part in the presidential election, but lost to the eventual winner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In 2005, he became mayor of Tehran.

His work in the capital was overshadowed by allegations of corruption.

Ghalibaf failed again in another attempt for the presidency in 2013. He finally withdrew his candidature in 2017.

Critics of the Iranian system and moderate politicians are likely to remember his supportive role in the suppression of the student protests in 1999 in his role as commander at the time.

The parliament is Iran's legislative institution. However, the real power is concentrated in the state leadership, with religious leader Ali Khamenei at the top in the role of supreme leader.

Iranian lawmakers take an oath during the opening ceremony of the new parliament term in Tehran. 27 May marked the start of Iran's newly elected parliament, which followed a March election with the lowest turnout since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Hard-liners now hold over 230 of the 290 seats. Rouzbeh Fouladi/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Insights from Haaretz, The National, Reuters, and the Financial Times

The News

Global diplomatic pressure on Israel to halt its onslaught in Rafah mounted as Israeli forces persisted in bombarding the southern Gaza city, entering its central quarters for the first time on Tuesday.

Over the weekend Israeli strikes killed dozens of people at a Rafah displaced-persons camp, intensifying international outrage against the countrys increasingly isolated government. On Tuesday Ireland, Norway, and Spain formally recognized the state of Palestine, with several other European nations mulling similar moves. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is set to debate the Sunday Rafah attack, which Israels prime minister called a tragic accident.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Civilian deaths could push Israel into a ceasefire deal

Sources: Haaretz, The National

The civilian deaths in Rafah could force Israel into a ceasefire with Hamas even without a hostage deal, Haaretz military analyst Amos Harel noted. However, Qatar, a mediator in presently stalled truce negotiations, has warned the strikes could hamper discussions about the nearly eight-month wars end. Cairo, another instrumental truce mediator, has said it will keep working on the talks even as Israeli-Egyptian ties have plummeted after the death of an Egyptian soldier along the border, The National reported.

Israel argues ICJ ruling not a blanket prohibition

Source: Financial Times

The International Court of Justice on Friday ordered Israel to immediately halt its operations in Rafah in a landmark emergency ruling. But Israel argues that the order does not apply to it: Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told local media that the ICJ order calls for Israel to not commit genocide in Rafah and claimed the ruling therefore did not prevent it from operating in the city. We did not commit genocide and we will not commit genocide, 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.
House Republicans are pressing forward with aggressive plans to mark up and pass their 12 annual funding bills for fiscal 2025 before the August recess, but some are dialing back expectations after intraparty divisions over spending plagued the process last year.

House Republicans took a key step this week in passing legislation out of committee to fund military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs for most of next year.

The bill marked the first of the 12 partisan funding plans for fiscal 2025 that Republicans hope to move out of committee and across the floor by the end of July  when Congress gears up to take its monthlong August recess.

The proposed schedule was detailed by House GOP leadership to members earlier this week.

But despite optimism from parts of the conference, some are tempering expectations given the late start.

If we dont hit any speed bumps, it could work, Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chair of the funding subcommittee that oversees dollars for the Department of Agriculture, said this week when asked about leaderships proposed floor schedule. But we usually hit speed bumps.

He added that he thinks the partys goal of passing all 12 bills across the floor wont be any easier than last year  when intraparty divides over spending and policy areas such as abortion dominated public attention as the conference struggled to unify behind its appropriations bills.

Were saying were going to get our 12 appropriation bills done, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), another spending cardinal, told The Hill, while adding that hes optimistic and excited as the party ramps up the annual funding process.

Fleischmann and other GOP members of the House Appropriations Committee said getting bills passed by the powerful panel that crafts the measures will be easier than getting them done on the floor.

The floor poses some very interesting dynamics, he said. You got to be able to pass a rule. If you cant pass a rule, and youve got to do it on suspension, and youre not going to get Democratic votes. Inherently, there were some challenges there that were going to have to overcome.

Last year, the House GOP passed more than half of their partisan appropriations bills through the chamber, but five others were held up when hard-line conservatives tanked procedural votes amid internal disagreements on spending.

Republicans who were upset with those tactics say that ended up giving Democrats more leverage, since the party needed help from the minority to pass rules that got them to the substance of the bills on the floor.

Before bringing bills to the floor this time around, Fleischmann also said he thinks the conference will need to have an intrafamily meeting with all three wings  and see where we are before we get to the floor  after leadership suffered some embarrassing blows last year when it had to repeatedly pull floor votes on the conferences funding bills largely due to intraparty divides.

The House Appropriations Committee has only released two bills this week, including legislation to fund the legislative branch. Democrats have come out strongly against the measures over so-called poison pill riders and Republicans overall proposed funding levels due to cuts to nondefense programs.

In remarks to reporters Thursday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said the annual funding bills that have come from the Republican side so far have zero chance of becoming law, accusing the party of pursuing cuts and right-wing policies that wont pass the Democratic-led Senate.

He criticized legislation as stripping away reproductive freedom from military women, attacking the LGBTQ+ community and trying to eliminate programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Such efforts will be dead on arrival, Jeffries said.

He also accused Republicans of trying to shut down the government ahead of the November presidential election  as lawmakers expect the outcome of the race to have a major impact on the appropriations process for fiscal 2025.

Another key disagreement to watch for in the months ahead is how both sides interpret a previous bipartisan deal to suspend the debt limit last year. The deal, which kept the nation from what experts say could have been an unprecedented default, included a budget limits agreement that lawmakers are still grappling with as they work out fiscal 2025 funding.

Republicans have sought to sidestep what lawmakers have described as a handshake deal between the White House and then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) that would plus up spending for nondefense programs beyond the caps signed into law.

Many Republicans say Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is not beholden to McCarthys deal. Democrats say the handshake agreement was key to locking down support from their side of the aisle at the time and have accused Republicans of reneging on the overall deal.

Senate Democrats have already fired a warning shot over the matter, with Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) recently saying the upper chamber will include the full resources that House Republicans and the president agreed to last year.

At the same time, senators on both sides have signaled more dollars are needed for defense spending beyond the modest increase in the budget caps agreement  which could mean a wider gulf when it comes time for both chambers to bring their own bills to the bargaining table to produce the final compromise measures for fiscal 2025.

The Senate also has yet to decide on a top-line number for fiscal 2025 spending, as Republicans in the upper chamber have also brushed off calls for parity in increases to defense and nondefense levels.

We have two major competitors: the Russians and the Chinese. We have the Iranians, and we have their proxies. This is the most dangerous time since the Berlin Wall came down, and the defense spending needs to reflect the needs of our country, which clearly argues against having an arbitrary line that doesnt spend more on defense than domestic, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) said earlier this month.

Congress still has more than four months on the calendar until a Sept. 30 deadline to pass legislation keeping the government funded for the next fiscal year. But it is likely to miss that deadline, and to have to approve a short-term funding measure to prevent a shutdown.

This is just something that has always been challenging for Congress, to get these bills done in full and on time, Andrew Lautz, a fiscal policy analyst with the Bipartisan Policy Center, said in an interview.

He also noted that, since the enactment of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, there has only been a handful of instances in which lawmakers have had all 12 bills signed into law on time.

Its not something thats going to be solved overnight or even in a six-month period or even over a year, Lautz said Friday. But I think they need to have conversations  really over the next couple of years  to assess whats not working, because pretty much any lawmaker and most of their constituents, the general public, can see that the process is not working right now.

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.
Natalie Clark, a former foster care young adult, gets a hug after speaking during a Utah Foster Care press conference in Lehi on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Gov. Spencer Cox called on Utahns to erase a historic deficit in foster care parenting during a joint press conference with state faith leaders on Tuesday.

Utah currently has 1,756 children in the foster care system but only 822 licensed foster families  the lowest number in over 25 years, according to Utah Foster Care CEO Nikki MacKay.

To meet this demand, Cox announced a formal invitation will be sent out to faith congregations across the state asking members to consider caring for foster children. A similar push occurred under former Gov. Mike Leavitt 24 years ago when several Utah area regional presidencies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement encouraging members to enter the program.

In response, a record number of Utahns offered up their homes for foster care, Cox said at the press conference. Now, with the number of foster parents in the state at an all time low, Cox said he is calling on Utahns to do the same thing again today.

When we say were the best state in the nation and the most generous state in the nation, now its time to put our actions where our mouths are. This is how we prove that we really are the most generous state in the nation, Cox said.

Utah regularly ranks No. 1 in the country on metrics of charitable giving, economic outlook and religiosity. Because of this, Cox said in coming weeks he expects Utahns to set a new record for the number of people visiting utahfostercare.org and requesting to become a foster family.

I do believe this is pure religion and undefiled before God, taking care of the fatherless, those who are struggling, those who do not have parents, Cox said, quoting from the Bible. We love our most vulnerable and were calling upon all of you to help us take care of our most vulnerable.

Gov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox speak during a Utah Foster Care press conference in Lehi on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Cox said he believes Utah can turn its foster-parent-to-foster-child ratio on its head, becoming the first state in the nation to swap a waiting list of children looking for families, with a waiting list of families looking for children.

First lady Abby Cox said the biggest need in Utahs foster care system is homes for children older than nine and sibling groups. Foster parents can be single individuals or married, homeowners or renters, childless or already parents, the first lady said.

Each one of us need to look in our hearts, and in our homes, and in our situation and see, Can I be a foster parent? Is that in my situation right now? And if not, how can I support?, the first lady said. One caring adult can make a huge difference in the life of a child. So please find it in your heart today to be a part of this system.

Elder Hugo E. Martinez, the first counselor of the Utah Area presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called the press conference held at the request of the governor a marvelous event for a wonderful cause.

I testify to you that these are Gods children, and that he loves them dearly, and that we have the opportunity to help, to foster and that is an invitation that we extend to you, Martinez said, clarifying, This is an invitation to the community at large.

Rev. Jamie White, the pastor of Salt Lake Citys First Presbyterian Church, recounted the experience of her and her husband becoming foster parents. Her message for Utahns was to not let fear or doubt keep you from entering foster care.

We just have to do all we can to address the shortage of foster homes in Utah, White said. And so whatever we have to do, lets make room.

The event also featured short remarks from MacKay, Entrata CEO Adam Edmunds, a current foster parent and a former foster care young adult.

Elder Hugo E. Martinez of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints talks with Jamie White, foster parent and First Presbyterian pastor, and her adopted daughter Mila White during a Utah Foster Care press conference in Lehi on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
SPRINGFIELD  The Illinois Senate and Gov. J.B. Pritzker remain divided over changes to the states embattled parole board, even as the Democratic-controlled legislature and the Democratic governor move toward a belated state budget deal.

Over opposition from the governors office, Senate Democrats, joined by their Republican colleagues, voted without opposition late Sunday to codify a series of changes to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, a body that has been a source of long-running bipartisan tension between the legislative chamber and the Pritzker administration.

The discord, which began two years ago when the Senate rejected some of Pritzkers appointments to the board, most recently flared earlier this spring after the panel released 37-year-old parolee Crosetti Brand. After his release, he was charged with killing 11-year-old Jayden Perkins and attacking the childs mother, with whom he once had a relationship.

The attack occurred March 13 at the womans residence on Chicagos North Side, a day after Brand was released from state custody.

Days after the attack, the boards chairman, Donald Shelton, and board member LeAnn Miller, who drafted the order authorizing Brands release, resigned.

We here in the Senate have wrestled for several years with the Prisoner Review Board and some of the consequences of decisions made there, Senate President Don Harmon said while explaining the proposal on the Senate floor ahead of Sundays vote.

While the Oak Park Democrat said the recent tragedy of Jaydens death had spurred the House to pass a measure seeking changes to the board, the Senate modified it to include several provisions Pritzker opposes.

The Senate proposal, which must return to the House for approval before being sent to the governors desk, would, among other provisions, require the panel to publish on its website information for victims about how to submit victim-impact statements for the board to consider in its deliberations. This would apply to victims of domestic violence whove filed orders of protection against their abusers, who may be considered by the board for early release.

The measure would create more robust requirements to notify victims before hearings and when prisoners are released, and it would require board members to go through special training related to domestic violence issues.

Among the main points of contention from Pritzker, theres also a provision that would require the board to make certain open hearings available to the public via live broadcast on the boards website, where recordings of the hearings would have to remain available for at least 18 months.

This is a bill that has unified Democrats and Republicans across the ideological spectrum because it imposes commonsense discipline on the prisoner Review Board, Harmon said.

Indeed, Senate GOP leader John Curran of Downers Grove was a co-sponsor of the Senate proposal.

Curran, a former Cook County assistant states attorney, said a task force created in the legislation to review policies and procedures would be an important force for driving changes to the board. The task force would be made up of administration officials, state legislators, advocates and representatives from the criminal justice system.

We are not just leaving to a department, Curran said. We are independently acting and exercising to help reform.

The governors office supported the original House proposal, which contained similar provisions related to training on domestic violence and was approved last week without opposition.

But Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said the Senates version amounts to an unfunded and completely unworkable mandate on the PRB given the volume of work they are expected to process every month.

The Senate ignored requests from the governors office to allow the task force created in its proposal to take up the issue of how to increase transparency at the board, Abudayyeh said.

The parole board is committed to increasing transparency. Hearings are currently open and records of the hearings are available via public-records requests, she said.

It is an immense challenge to do nearly 5,000 parole revocation hearings a year and we would prefer to be a part of the conversation on how best to increase transparency instead of having requirements the board will not be able to fulfill foisted upon them, Abudayyeh said.

Whether the Senate proposal makes it to Pritzkers desk remains to be seen.

After lawmakers blew past a self-imposed Friday deadline, the House is scheduled to return to Springfield on Tuesday to take up the state budget plan approved late Sunday in the Senate.

Democratic state Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago, who sponsored the original version of the parole board changes that had Pritzkers support, did not respond Monday to a request for comment on whether shes on board with the changes.

Tensions between Pritzker and the Senate over the parole board first came to a head during the 2022, when Democrats in the chamber joined with Republicans to reject two of the governors appointments during an election year when the GOP in Illinois and nationally sought to paint opponents as soft on crime.

The appointees the Senate rejected  Jeffrey Mears and Eleanor Wilson  had voted to grant early release to convicted murders. Some Democrats objected in particular to Wilsons votes to release two men who were each convicted of killing a police officer.

Two other appointees, Oreal James and Max Cerda, who were serving on an interim basis, resigned before their nominations came to the Senate floor for approval.

This April, Pritzker appointed James Montgomery, a Massachusetts sheriffs office official and former Illinois mayor, to a newly created position as executive director of the board, with a mandate to expand domestic violence training for board members. The Senate has yet to take up the appointment.

____
Gov. Laura Kelly and bipartisan group of legislators propose a property, sales and income tax reduction bill on the first day of the 2024 session. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

Gov. Laura Kelly launched the 2024 legislative session by revealing a bipartisan tax reform package in January. After Kelly vetoed three major tax bills, the Kansas Legislature is headed for a not-yet-scheduled special session in June to resolve gridlock on tax reform. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Gov. Laura Kelly didnt meet a self-imposed deadline for announcing the date of a special session of the Kansas Legislature to seek an elusive compromise on a package of major sales, income and property tax reforms.

Legislative factions and the Democratic governor have struggled since January to piece together a bill reducing the tax burden without raising the risk of exhausting the states cash surplus and plummeting state government into a budget quagmire.

Governor Kelly plans to announce the date of a special session soon, said Grace Hoge, a Kelly spokeswoman, on Tuesday. Although Governor Kelly anticipated announcing the date of a special legislative session last week, she continues to have ongoing conversations with legislative leaders about the availability of their caucuses in order to determine the best date.

Throughout the 2024 legislative session, Kelly met with Republican House and Senate leaders to share her views of proposed tax legislation. That type of conversation was expected to continue ahead of the special session to narrow divisions centered on the overall cost of tax reform.

Kelly vetoed three massive bills combining income, sales and property tax reductions since the session began in January. She warned Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, that she would reject unsustainable bills even if gridlock led to a special session.

We can deliver comprehensive, sustainable tax cuts, Kelly said in a veto message. If we all work together, an affordable, bipartisan tax plan can be passed in less than a day.

The entire Legislature  all 125 House seats and the 40 Senate seats  will be up for grabs in the August primary and November general election. Time devoted to debate on tax reform during the special session pulled candidates away from the campaign trail and interfered with fundraising.

If the Legislature succeeded in repackaging the most-recently vetoed Senate Bill 37, House Bill 2096 and House Bill 2097 during the special session rather than pursue compromise, a report from the state budget division said the treasury could end up with a $488 million deficit in four years and a $1.3 billion deficit in five years.

GOP lawmakers have argued proposed reductions in revenue wouldnt damage the state budget.

Business of taxes

During the past month, a coalition of 15 Kansas business organizations as well as a business-friendly think tank in Washington, D.C., applied pressure on the governor and others to dedicate themselves to compromise during the not-yet-scheduled special session.

In a May 22 letter to Kelly, a coalition that included the Kansas Chamber, Kansas Farm Bureau and several construction and agriculture lobbying groups asked the Democratic governor to not let property and sales tax changes slip through her fingers if an agreement on divisive individual income tax rate reductions couldnt be reached during the special session.

Signers of the letter were convinced broad-based property tax relief coupled with repeal of the state income tax on Social Security benefits, elimination July 1 of the states 2% sales tax on groceries and linking banking taxes with corporate tax rates would enjoy strong, bipartisan support among legislators.

The sticky politics and economics of lowering the states personal income tax rates shouldnt be allowed to undermine other good tax policy, the letter said.

Under this approach, the business groups said, money would remain available to you and the Legislature to pursue income tax relief, whether that occurs during the special session or the next session in 2025.

Kelly told legislators she wouldnt sign tax-cut bills that would drive the budget into the ditch in the manner that occurred after GOP Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill in 2012 aggressively reducing state income taxes, especially for businesses. The loss of state revenue led to cuts in core government services, prompted heavy borrowing and increased the states sales tax before Brownbacks policy was repealed in 2017.

A think tank view

The Tax Foundation, a Washington think tank devoted to reducing business taxes and a target of criticism by progressives, published guidance for Kansas lawmakers that concluded the state was long overdue for tax changes capable of promoting economic growth.

Katherine Loughead, Tax Foundation senior policy analyst and research manager, said Kansas sat idly since 2021 while 26 states cut individual income tax rates. Across the United States, she said, the median top marginal rate dropped to 5.12%, but Kansas maintained a rate of 5.7%.

She argued Kansas could afford to invest in tax reform because state revenue forecasters predicted the state could end the current fiscal year in June with a $2.6 billion budget surplus in addition to a $1.7 billion rainy-day fund.

Of the tax changes that were vetoed, reductions to the top marginal individual income tax rate would provide the most bang for the buck in terms of promoting long-run economic growth and competitiveness, Loughead said.

She said proposals to pair income tax rate reductions with increases in the personal exemption would meet the pro-growth model while delivering tax relief to low- and middle-income Kansans.

Removal of Social Security benefits from the states income tax base would do little to promote economic growth and would exacerbate the discrepancy between the tax treatment of Social Security income and alternative forms of income, she said.

Narrowing the base in this way would make it more difficult to reduce the rates that apply to all taxable income, including wage income and all forms of taxable retirement income, Loughead said.

The post Gov. Laura Kelly not ready to declare date of Kansas special legislative session on tax policy appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
As closing arguments were getting underway in a New York City courtroom in former President Donald Trumps hush money trial, Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene took to social media to blast Democrats, claiming they have weaponized the justice system.

Greene has long been a staunch supporter of Trump.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Greene said The only argument that needs to be made is that Democrats have weaponized justice systems and are abusing power in order to attempt to steal the election again.

Closing arguments begin today in the New York case against Pres Trump.



The only argument that needs to be made is that Democrats have weaponized justice systems and are abusing power in order to attempt steal the election again.  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) May 28, 2024

The closing arguments, which were expected to last the entire day, gave attorneys one last chance to address the Manhattan jury and to score final points with the panel before it starts deliberating the fate of the first former American president charged with felony crimes.

After more than four weeks of testimony, the summations tee up a momentous and historically unprecedented task for the jury as it decides whether to convict the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in connection with the payments.

After closing arguments, the judge will instruct the jury on the law governing the case and the factors the panel can take into account during deliberations.

RELATED NEWS:

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, charges punishable by up to four years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. Its unclear whether prosecutors would seek imprisonment in the event of a conviction, or if the judge would impose that punishment if asked.

The case centers on a $130,000 payment Michael Cohen made to Stormy Daniels in the final days of the 2016 election to prevent her from going public with her story of a sexual encounter she says she had with Trump 10 years earlier in a Lake Tahoe hotel suite. Trump has denied Daniels account, and his attorney, during hours of questioning in the trial, accused her of making it up.

Trumps lawyers contended throughout the trial that they were legitimate payments for actual legal services.

The New York prosecution is one of four criminal cases pending against Trump as he seeks to reclaim the White House from Democrat Joe Biden. Its unclear if any of the others will reach trial before Novembers election.

RELATED NEWS:
DENVER (KDVR)  On this weeks Colorado Point of View, Republican candidate Greg Lopez talks about his priorities should he win the election to fill the rest of Ken Bucks term in the 4th Congressional District, including on border policy and more.

Meanwhile, the Colorado GOP urged parents to remove children from public schools because of a new state law, and jury deliberations are ahead in former President Donald Trumps criminal trial.

Watch the full episode in the video player above. Colorado Point of View airs weekends on Colorados Very Own Channel 2.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)  Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) expects tension in Washington D.C. as the presidential election draws near.

Griffith was in Bristol, Virginia Tuesday morning touring the American Merchant factory. While there, Griffith answered several questions regarding the upcoming election and nuclear power in Southwest Virginia.

Congressman Griffith tours American Merchant factory in Bristol

In November, the country will vote to decide the presidency. In the meantime, Griffith said legislators are already wound tight on either side of the aisle.

Its a little tense, Griffith said. Both sides are, you know, gearing up for the campaigns. And that always makes it harder to get good legislation that doesnt get big attention passed because a lot of times the good stuff that we do is the stuff you never hear about. But well get through this.

Griffith told News Channel 11 that he is looking forward to the time after the election when he hopes Congress will be especially productive.

Its going to be a contentious year until the election, he said. After the election, hopefully, we get a lot done in whats commonly known as the lame duck because then all that tension is gone and you can look forward to the next administration.

Griffith also voiced support for bringing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to Southwest Virginia.

In March, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that contrary to previous expectations, the first of the SMRs would not be in the region. However, legislators told News Channel 11 in March that they still expect the reactors to make their way to the area eventually.

I am for it. I do believe that weve got to make sure you do all your testing, Griffith said. You have to make sure that the ground is right underneath it. The interesting thing is the technology is there. And were actually in a little bit of a zone where we have a lot of the technology around us to do a small modular nuclear reactor.

Youngkin reverses course on plans to build first SMR in Southwest Virginia

Griffith said its likely the first of the SMRs in Virginia will be located somewhere near an existing nuclear facility where testing and infrastructure will be simpler.

The only real question for us would be make sure youre on the right piece of rock because we dont necessarily want to be on porous karst formation from a geological standpoint, he said. But other than that, were well poised. Were right smack dab in the middle of all that technology, and we could take advantage of it. And I hope we will.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Editors note: This report contains discussion of suicide. Troops, veterans and family members experiencing suicidal thoughts can call the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net.

I felt like a failure. Theres no point in living anymore. Im just going to end it, Cyrus Norcross, 35, contemplated after he left military service.

Norcross, a member of the Navajo Nation who served as an Army Ranger and separated in 2013, credited mentors from a peer support group he connected with in 2019 for helping him resolve personal obstacles and recognize self-worth.

Peer support is very, very important, he said. You have to be able to connect with somebody.

But many other veterans in the Indigenous community struggling with thoughts of suicide have not readily received needed help.

The devastating prevalence of suicide among American Indian and Alaska Native veterans has not decelerated. In fact, the latest data from the Department of Veterans Affairs shows a historic rise. Now, Televeda, a group with a recently launched program to address that startling reality is hoping their work can offer an upstream approach to tackle the multilayered challenge.

A Warrior Tradition: Why Native Americans continue fighting for the same government that tried to wipe them out

This Memorial Day, Televeda launched the first phase of an in-person and online initiative called Heros Story through a community event with the Navajo Nation.

Were hoping these efforts can really help with social connectedness and community building and thereby help lower suicide, Televeda co-founder Mayank Mishra said.

Mishra described the project as a reimagining of peer support in a culturally competent manner, leveraging the practice of talking circles so Native veterans can candidly discuss issues plaguing their community, from social isolation to post-traumatic stress.

The company also kickstarted a specially designed virtual meeting option for Native veterans to connect, an opportunity that may come with its own challenges, as it looks for ways to stem the trend.

The latest unadjusted suicide rate for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans is 46.3 per 100,000, according to the VAs most recent national suicide report, which was released last fall and based on data from 2021.

Its the highest rate among racial and ethnic groups of veterans, both for that year and for all other years dating back to at least 2001. While the actual number of deaths is lower in comparison to totals from other demographic groups, given the smaller overall population of Indigenous veterans, it marks a jump from a rate of 29.8 per 100,000 just one year prior for the demographic  one that serves in the military at a higher rate per capita than any other ethnic group.

A Penobscot Nation member attends a ceremony at the U.S. 1st Infantry Division memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Were really looking at all of these things that coalesce to create a less than ideal environment for them to reach out and say, Hey Im having a hard time, or I feel isolated, or Im not relating to my family as well as I could at this moment, said Jordanna Saunders, a member of Navajo Nation who founded a trauma recovery services group and has collaborated with Mishra to combat the endemic issue.

How Heros Story aims to reach Indigenous vets

Televedas project opened over Memorial Day weekend with a community building event for veterans on the Navajo Nation, located within the southwestern United States.

As one of the largest and most populous reservations, Navajo Nation was considered by Televeda to be a sensible starting place for the first phase of its initiative. Once selected, the company began working on building trust with local leaders to ensure sustainability.

Founded in 2018, Televedas success with the VAs Mission Daybreak competition catapulted the for-profit social venture toward developing its in-person and virtual peer-support sessions, which will be available via its website.

With guidance from a facilitator, veterans will partake in roundtable discussions, a group model of healing that comes in contrast to the traditional Euro-centric doctor-patient approach. This approach, according to those connected to the project, aligns more closely to the interests of Native Americans as they more evenly allocate the distribution of knowledge.

Some of them have never opened up about their experience, but now being able to unpack all of that in their emotional rucksack is a blessing, said Bobbie Ann Baldwin, a Marine Corps veteran and member of the Navajo Nation who serves as the executive director of her tribes veterans administration.

There are upwards of 30,000 Navajo military veterans, noted Baldwin, about 15,000 to 20,000 of whom reside on the reservation and about 2,800 of whom are women veterans.

Rose McFadden leads the Native American Women Warriors, a group that seeks to help Native American female veterans. (Courtesy of James Skeet Photography, NAWW Volunteer Member, Navajo)

Baldwin described the current state of mental health care resources for Navajo veterans as few and far between, with minimal access to qualified specialists on and off the reservation.

Between 2016 and 2021, an average of about 60 people per year called regional Navajo government offices to say they were contemplating suicide, Baldwin added.

While traditional healing, prayers and other methodologies like the practice of using sweat lodges are put into practice, Baldwin explained how, as a supplement, she sees value in also prioritizing approaches from Western medicine.

For the Memorial Day weekend event, Mishra wanted his team to have a booth available with tablets to access the modern, online product, with hopes such resources will provide a new avenue to reach veterans in a way that continues to honor their culture while creating a safe space for conversation.

Those online, audio-default meetings  given the low-tech environment of many reservations  resemble Zoom or Microsoft Teams calls, Mishra noted. But from the circular layout of participants on the screen to an ability for users to list their Indigenous affiliations in their basic biographical information, the interface was designed with culturally-informed microdetails meant to build trust, he said.

There is not a clinical component to the conversations or medical advice provided, though the platform lists a handful of resources users can take advantage of outside the group dialogue if desired.

Baldwin shared that she took part in one of Televedas virtual talking circles, specifically for women veterans, and described the option as outstanding for younger veterans, while acknowledging the hurdles that older individuals  or those with limited internet access  may face.

Mishra recognized that point, noting that he and his team have been working with various state agencies to attempt to expand broadband availability to the tribe.

Youre looking at reaching these various generations, and this whole population, that has not had access to this support before, Saunders said, noting that there has to be Indigenous involvement in the solutions in order to make the technology viable and sustainable.

Much is still being designed and tested with the product, Mishra said, adding that the group is still figuring out the next steps to organically scale the program to other tribes.

Leading causes of suicide among Indigenous veterans

Saunders grew up close to her uncle, Al Montes, a former Army paratrooper, on the Navajo Nation reservation and still remembers how he struggled adjusting to civilian life after he left service.

We knew that he suffered with depression. We knew that he struggled with identity development after getting out of the military. And it was really hard ... to see him struggle after all the things that he did for our community, she said.

When Montes died by suicide, it was a gut punch to Saunders, who considered her older relative her champion.

A sea of overlapping factors have long pummeled Indigenous veterans returning from service with waves of challenges, leaving them to grapple with their various identities after being entrenched in different value systems.

An Air Force veteran sits during a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on Capitol Hill. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Limited cell service and broadband internet, scarce housing, high unemployment, minimal grocery options, travel barriers as well as generational and historical traumas, including from the boarding school era, each play a role, Baldwin said, likening a return to reservation life to learning how to swim again.

A lack of qualified practitioners as well as a lack of awareness on where and how to find those which do exist adds another level of difficulty, Saunders said.

Of the studies conducted on suicide among veterans who identify as American Indians and Alaska Natives, one published in 2021 emphasized that Indigenous veterans may be at elevated risk for suicide, but little is known about the issue among the population.

After an analysis of Indigenous veterans who received health care services provided or paid for by the Veterans Health Administration between 2002 and 2014, researchers from that study concluded that suicide is not only an increasing problem among American Indian and Alaska Native veterans, but that those who were younger were at particularly high risk.

The studys researchers added that the risk for suicide was especially highest during the first year post-discharge from military service and that the most frequently used lethal means of suicide was a firearm, which was used in over half the cases examined.

Acknowledging limitations to their data, the authors from the study contended there is still a compelling need to review and strengthen the VAs suicide prevention efforts directed toward Indigenous veterans.

I dont have a high degree of confidence in the valid counting of the population as a whole across the nation, said Dr. Matthew Miller of the VA suicide prevention office, especially with regard to suicide.

Miller, however, attributes the jump in the number of known deaths by suicide for the population from 2020 to 2021, from approximately 48 to 69 deaths, to risk factors that surged amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said were exacerbated for vulnerable groups like the Native veteran community. That time period showed increases in depression, anxiety, the misuse of alcohol, access to firearms and isolation.

The heartbreaking truth about the pervasiveness of suicide among American Indian and Alaska Native veterans is that the disproportionate phenomenon is often mirrored in the broader Native American community.

The age-adjusted suicide rate among U.S. adults who identified as non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native in 2021 was about 28.1 per 100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the highest among all other demographic groups.

How is the government tackling the issue?

There is nothing more important to VA than preventing Veteran suicide  nothing, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough said during the release of the last annual report. One Veteran suicide will always be too many, and we at VA will use every tool to our disposal to prevent these tragedies and save veterans lives.

Miller, the VA suicide prevention lead, just returned from a trip to Anchorage, Alaska, where he spoke with Native veterans about ways to increase services and outreach.

He noted that while gaps in community care do exist, including in one prevention initiative known as the Governors Challenge Miller said may not be as adaptable to a Native veteran population, the department has taken action to address the ongoing challenge.

The VA has awarded millions to community organizations that coordinate suicide prevention services for veterans and their families, including those serving tribal lands. Its also looking to increase access to services for Native veterans, many of whom find themselves in rural environments with limited access to care.

Members of the Klamath Tribes attended a November 2022 event hosted by the 173rd Fighter Wing to honor or American Indian Heritage Month. (Master Sgt. Jefferson Thompson/Air National Guard)

A 2021 White House national strategy on reducing military and veteran suicides included a goal to evaluate creating American Indian and Alaska Native-specific crisis call centers to meet the mental health needs of the population.

Meanwhile, the Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives, runs various initiatives to confront the issue.

Dr. Pamela End of Horn, a suicide prevention consultant with IHS, told Military Times in a statement that the agency supports grants to tribes and Urban Indian organizations that provide substance abuse and suicide prevention resources that are culturally appropriate  an important measure because not all American Indians or Alaska Natives live on a reservation.

There are currently a few crisis text or call lines available to Indigenous populations. Members can text NATIVE to 741741 to speak to a culturally trained crisis counselor. Additionally, members of all nations can text SUPPORT to 33464 to receive crisis assistance.

American Indians and Alaska Natives in Washington state, meanwhile, are able to use the first tribal-specific crisis call center branch of the Suicide & Crisis Call Network under 988 by dialing 4 for the free, confidential resource available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Still, while there have been recent strides in providing care and accommodations to the Native American military and veteran community  including waiving copayments and specific religious dress approvals for those in service  much work to combat the suicide problem remains.

What can Native vets expect?

McDonough said in April that the department is working to address the disproportionally high rates of suicide among Native vets, and that with advice from the recently created VA Tribal Advisory Committee its crafting an enhanced model of community-based suicide prevention to better support this specific population.

In August, the VA suicide prevention team plans to host a suicide prevention gathering that will allow for important discussions that incorporate, elevate and respect Indigenous knowledge to better focus on culturally appropriate care.

Were going to put pen to paper, Miller said.

A federal action plan for 2024 outlined that IHS will develop an American Indian and Alaska Native strategic plan for suicide prevention over a three-year period. That plan will then be implemented over the course of the subsequent five years.

Leaders in Congress have and are continuing to push to strengthen mental health care support for Native American veterans.

Native veterans deserve culturally competent mental health care from VA, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., said in a statement to Military Times when asked about Televedas project.

While theres no easy solution to suicide, tailored resources like this make a big difference in being able to connect our fighting men and women in Indian Country with the life-saving mental health care and services they need.
MADRID, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Spain officially recognized Palestine as a statehood on Tuesday, following approval in a Council of Ministers (cabinet) meeting chaired by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

"We have adopted recognition because it is fair to the Palestinian people, the only way to ensure security for Israel and ensure peace in the region," Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares told a news briefing.

In a declaration before the meeting, held at Moncloa Palace (presidency headquarters) in the Spanish capital, Sanchez said, "It is a historic decision with the sole objective of helping Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace."

Spain will recognize a "viable" Palestinian state, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank "connected by a corridor," unified by the Palestinian Authority and with East Jerusalem as its capital, he said.

"We will not recognize changes to the 1967 borderlines other than those agreed upon by the parties," he added. 
North Carolina residents sued their county in federal court to remove a Confederate monument that thanks faithful slaves and celebrates the Confederacy.

The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County, a Black community organizing group, claim the Tyrrell County Confederate Memorial violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment because of its racist language.

The more than 20-foot-tall monument features a Confederate soldier standing atop a tall pedestal in front of the county courthouse.

Tyrrell Countys monument communicates, on behalf of local government, the idea that Black people who were enslaved in Tyrrell County preferred their slavery to freedom, reads the lawsuit against the county filed last week, adding that it also communicates the idea that Tyrrells institutions regard Black peoples rightful place as one of subservience and obedience.

The 1902 monument was erected by the county as a gift from a local former Confederate officer, the suit claims. Its reliefs memorialize the patriotic sons who fought and died for the Confederacy and is in appreciation of our faithful slaves.

Concerned Citizens has led a protest campaign against the monument for years, claiming the monument is the only one in the country at a courthouse that expresses a racial discriminatory message.

Members of the group claim they have faced harassment and intimidation for their efforts to remove the monument, including one of the plaintiffs saying a man attempted to run her off the road due to her advocacy.

The suit comes up against a 2015 North Carolina law that was intended to prevent local government from removing Confederate monuments, though the plaintiffs claim the law only applies to monuments owned by the state government, and not counties.

More than a dozen Confederate monuments have been taken down by local governments within the last five years, the suit claims. Others were also taken down by force, including one toppled by protesters at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2018.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) has previously supported removing similar Confederate monuments in the state.

The issue has proved divisive nationwide. An attempt to remove a Confederate monument from Arlington National Cemetery faced fierce pushback from GOP members of Congress, though the monument was taken down in December.

The Hill has reached out to the Tyrrell County manager for comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The New Mexico Secretary of State's Office has sent a list each year for the last four years with names of hundreds of officials who failed to file financial disclosures. The lists contained 18 boards where at least one member failed to file each of those years. (Photo by Krisanapong Detraphiphat / Getty Images)

A significant and growing number of government officials in New Mexico are failing to submit paperwork disclosing their personal finances, despite a state law that opens them up to removal or lawsuits and a recent partnering of two state agencies that aimed to improve the laws enforcement.

According to a Source New Mexico review, one or more members of 18 statewide boards and commissions did not submit annual financial disclosure information every year for the last four years. That inaction violated state requirements and prompted referrals for potential fines or lawsuits.

In total, 25 state agencies or boards had top staff or board members who consistently did not file in that four-year period.

Combined, the boards oversee billions in New Mexico taxpayer dollars, manage universities, oversee law enforcement training, and regulate hospitals, museums, gambling and near-space travel, among other important functions.

A spokesperson for the State Ethics Commission said shes seen no evidence that non-compliant officials or board members are hiding something or deliberately trying not to disclose conflicts of interest.

The increasing lack of transparency occurs as the New Mexico budget has increased 30% over the last four years, a roughly $3 billion increase since 2019 that coincides with new state agencies and boards created to manage it. Increasingly, state lawmakers are investing budget surpluses into investments or endowments overseen by boards and commissions whose members fall under the Financial Disclosure Act.

Each spring since 2021, the New Mexico Secretary of State has submitted lists of hundreds of statewide government leaders and appointees to prominent boards who did not voluntarily comply with the Financial Disclosure Act. The number of individuals on that list has increased over time.

Growing lack of disclosure

# of officials referred by the Secretary of State to the Ethics Commission for the past 4 years:

2021: 85

2022: 154

2023: 118

2024: 176

In 2021, the Secretary of States Office and the newly created State Ethics Commission joined forces by striking an agreement they hoped would lead to better enforcement of the Financial Disclosure Act.

A 2019 amendment to the law requires legislative candidates and some public officials to publicly file personal financial information about themselves and their spouses, along with real estate holdings and other potential conflicts of interest. Those who fail to file the forms could face disqualification as a candidate or removal from their position, according to the act.

The agreement requires the Secretary of State to send a notice to a board member or public official who did not file their form by a January deadline, and allow for 10 days for a response. If theres no response, the Secretary of States Office sends the Ethics Commission a list of all non-compliant officials, which is then tasked with seeking compliance or even filing a lawsuit against anyone that continues to flout the law.

Disclosure by the numbers

Since 2021, the Secretary of State failed to get voluntary compliance from 533 officials, according to records the office provided to Source New Mexico. In that time, the office has submitted four lists each containing between 85 and 176 names.

The four lists contained at least 345 names that appeared 533 times. Of them, 16 officials have failed to file every year for the last four years, and 20 officials failed to file three of the last four years, according to a Source New Mexico review.

On the lists are high-ranking officials at state agencies and boards, plus leaders of lesser-known statewide entities like the Miners Colfax Medical Center, the Intertribal Ceremonial Office in Gallup and the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission.

The 18 New Mexico boards where at least one member didnt file a disclosure every year since 2021*:

Bioscience Authority

Border Authority

Childrens Trust Fund

Colonias Infrastructure Board

Employers Mutual Company

Institute of Mining and Technology

Law Enforcement Academy Board

Lottery Authority

Miners Colfax Medical Center

Museum of Natural History and Science

Northern New Mexico College

Occupational Health and Safety Review Commission

Parole Board

Personnel Board

Spaceport Authority

State Land Trusts Advisory Board

Tourism Commission

Water Trust Board

*according to Source New Mexico review of Secretary of State records

Maybe people arent taking this seriously

Jane Kirkpatrick, spokesperson for the State Ethics Commission, said Friday the commission, created in 2019 with nine full-time employees, is too short-staffed to go after everyone on the lists. So it prioritizes its enforcement efforts on state agency leaders and board members who oversee significant amounts of state funds.

Kirkpatrick said the commission has successfully brought officials into compliance without the need for a lawsuit, though she said the commission has only gone after a small minority of the hundreds of names its received for the last four years.

She did not know offhand the exact number of officials it deemed targets for enforcement, but she provided an October 2023 commission news release touting its success obtaining disclosures from unnamed officials at the Office of the State Engineer, the State Board of Finance, the State Investment Council and elsewhere.

Still, the number of officials referred by the Secretary of State has increased since 2021, as has the number of boards and commissions with members in violation.

In mid-April of this year, the office sent over a list that contained 176 names, the highest such total since the new process began four years ago.

The commission estimated in October 2023 that 675 officials and candidates statewide are required to file the disclosure forms, meaning at least a quarter of officials statewide failed to disclose in 2024.

State law requires financial disclosures every January from state agency heads and members of boards whose appointments are contingent on state Senate approval.

Statewide legislative candidates are required to file their forms when they file to run for office, typically in March of an election year.

So far, none of the names on the lists provided by the Secretary of State has belonged to a candidate or elected lawmaker. It is unclear based on a review of the Secretary of States website if thats because they all complied with the law or because they somehow evaded the attention of the Secretary of State in its compliance review.

UPDATE 1:10 p.m. on May 28

Secretary of States Office spokesperson Alex Curtas told Source New Mexico on Tuesday that all candidates have filed Financial Disclosure Statements:

All of those people complied with the law in order to be placed on the ballot, he said. We have a number of proactive measures we take throughout the year to ensure every required FDS filer does so  this involves emails, in person meetings, and other outreach efforts to ensure voluntary compliance with the law. When deadlines appear to have been missed, we reach out again to filers to pursue voluntary compliance.

I just want to make it clear that our review process is robust and ongoing.

Kirkpatrick said, in her view, none of the officials the Ethics Commission has pursued for violations seemed to be hiding something or deliberately sought to avoid disclosure.

Instead, those the commission has reached out incorrectly thought theyd filed the disclosure form as required, or they thought they werent obligated to file a disclosure.

The Secretary of States Campaign Finance Information System (CFIS), the online portal where candidates and officials file, can be wonky or hard for filers, she said.

CFIS has some issues, where people think theyre filing, and its not going through, she said. Were calling these people up to get in compliance, and they completely think that theyre compliant.

Kirkpatrick also said the commission regularly encounters officials who dont seem to take the Financial Disclosure Act seriously, treating more as a paperwork process than a meaningful effort to provide the public with relevant information about the people who run the government.

Maybe people arent taking this seriously, because we havent made them take it seriously, or we havent done something more stringent, she said.

The commission has endorsed two similar bills in the 2022 and 2023 legislative session that would beef up the requirements for filers, to include additional requirements like disclosure of assets, stock holdings, outstanding debt and gifts received. It would also create criminal penalties and hefty fines.

Both bills failed.

In January of 2023, the city of Albuquerque adopted its own version of the Financial Disclosure Act, drawing heavily from the failed legislation, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

In many ways, Albuquerque adopting those principles made it a a model in the area of financial disclosure law, Jeremy Farris, the executive director of the state Ethics Commission, told city councilors at the time.

The current state law, while somewhat easy to ignore, is also ambiguous in some respects.

For example, candidates for district attorney are not required to file disclosures, even though their incumbent opponents are required. Also, its not clear who enforces disclosure rules when it comes to some state boards and commissions, including the Water Quality Control Commission, when they have additional requirements to disclose under the law.

A lot of people are realizing that some of our statutes are not as clear as we would like them to be, Kirkpatrick said. And theyre not as stringent as they could be.

The post Growing number of state officials failing to file personal finance disclosures appeared first on Source New Mexico.
GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG)  Gulf Shores officials are preparing to host their annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo next week.

The expo is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, located at 1930 West 2nd Street.

Jon Pardi set to perform at The Wharf this fall

EXPO LOCATION:

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Area residents will have the chance to learn how to properly prepare for a hurricane and the many products and services available before, during, and after a storm.

News 5 Chief Meteorologist Ed Bloodsworth will be on-site and to give a special presentation at 11:30 a.m.

Aspiring anglers: Learn to fish for free at upcoming fishing clinic

Several federal, state, and local agencies and businesses specializing in storm-related products and services will attend the event.

A vital part of being prepared is understanding what resources are available, Franklin said. This event is set up to provide a one-stop-shop to learn helpful tips and be introduced to the many products and services available to help protect families and their property.

Baldwin EMC, Baldwin EMA, Island Enclosures, Riviera Utilities, Paris Ace Hardware, Disaster Smart, Gulf Shores Utilities, Alabama Small Business Development Center, American Red Cross and Crowder Gulf are among the businesses and services attending the event.

Several city departments will also be on hand to answer questions.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
When the New York Times reported last week that Samuel Alito, an associate justice of the Supreme Court, had been flying an Appeal to Heaven flag at his vacation home on the New Jersey shore last summer, the legal world was confronted with yet another classic case of how to deal with the current warring textual methodologies for interpreting the law. One could either read this obscure-to-some pine-tree flag in the way the New York Times and its experts didas a signifier of insurgent Christian nationalism. Or you could read it as a kind of benign 18th-century foam finger: Gooooo George Washington!

In the week since, most defenders of the flag have doubled down on the foam-finger defense. In much the same way they claim that the right to bear arms is codified in the Second Amendment and has not acquired any new popular understanding since ratification, they urge that the Appeal to Heaven flag means only what it meant to the founders, because history ended on that day. Welcome to the world of flag originalism, in which the only winning answer is  1775!

Most commentators understand that flags, like words, have changing meanings over time. Until about a decade ago, notes the Times, the Appeal to Heaven flag was mostly a historical relic. That meaning shifted fairly recently, when it was revived to represent a theological vision of what the United States should be and how it should be governed, according to Matthew Taylor, a religion scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies.

Per the Times, Dutch Sheets, a right-wing Christian author and speaker, and a leader in the New Apostolic Reformation, rediscovered the almost forgotten flag in 2013 and made it the symbol of his ambitions to steep the country and the government in Christianity. As Sheets laid it out in his 2015 book: Rally to the flag  God has resurrected it for such a time as this. Wave it outwardly: wear it inwardly. Sheets has since made it his business to present the flag to people like Donald Trump, Sarah Palin, and others. When Trump lost in 2020, Sheets and a team of others formed an instant, ad hoc religious arm of the Stop the Steal campaign, blitzing swing state megachurches, broadcasting the services at each stop and drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers. At that moment, one might contend, were one being truthful, the flag took on a new, lets call it evolving meaning. And of course on Jan. 6, the Appeal to Heaven flags were everywhere. We know this because the Times has photos. As do others.

This suggests that a clear look at rather recent history reflects precisely what this flag means. But that assumes recent history holds value to you. The problem is that there is a second interpretive methodology being deployed to read the Appeal to Heaven flag. And, surprise! Its originalism. Mike Johnson, for instance, hung it at his office last fall shortly after becoming speaker of the House. A spokesman for Johnson explained, amid the outcry, that Johnson has long appreciated the rich history of the flag, as it was first used by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Johnson himself told The Associated Press that he did not know the flag had come to represent the Stop the Steal movement. Never heard that before, he said, because mumble, mumble, George-Washington-and-the-Sound-of-History roaring in his ears. Instead, as Johnson then explained, I have always used that flag for as long as I can remember, because I was so enamored with the fact that Washington used it. Originalism Translator: Lets all agree to ignore the contemporary meaning of this flag in favor of broad, outlandish claims that the centuries-old meaning is the only reasonable one.

In 2023, when Arizona Sen. Janae Shamp flew the Appeal to Heaven flag, she used the same justification. After she roundly rejected the notion that her use of the flag supported Christian Dominionism or incitement to violence, she insisted it reflected her fervent need to protect our liberty and freedoms from the too many wanna be kings who inhabit elected office and (government) bureaucracies. In an email she sent to the Arizona Mirror at the time, Shamp further explained: Something that has had a particular meaning for 250 years retains its original meaning, no matter which fringe group might seek to co-opt it. And then she landed, of course, on the old foam-finger defense: I hope and pray that my fight enjoys a similarly favorable outcome as (George) Washingtons original struggle, and that I will succeed in restoring at least some small measure of liberty before Im done.

In her own apparently poker-faced defense of poor, beleaguered Justice Alito, the Wall Street Journals Kimberly Strassel similarly offers the following critique of the Times effort to explain current publicly shared understanding of the flag:

The Times somehow fails to let readers know that the flag is a longtime symbol of independence; that it was designed by George Washingtons secretary; was flown on ships commissioned by Washington; has been honored, commemorated, and flown over state capitols; and is the official maritime flag of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Oh. Its a symbol of independence. Well then, bygones. No need to think about the fact that it also hangs at Leonard Leos house.

It would seem, then, that as long as you root the symbology of this flag in what George Washington thought the flag meant in 1775, youre gold, Ponyboy. The original public meaning of the statement was set in stone by George Washingtons secretary of the Navy. And, hand on heart, if you opt to stop time on that very day, you can arrive at the conclusion proffered by Speaker Johnson, and Arizona state Sen. Shamp, and the WSJs Kimberly Strassel. The flag means merely I <3 George Washington. Yall who think otherwise are just the fantasists and haters.

Flag Originalism has many uses. For example, the swastika can be merely a benign ancient Hindu symbol. Pepe the Frog is a cuddly cartoon character. The Appeal to Heaven flag has nothing to do with Dutch Sheets, or the Proud Boys, or the Jan. 6 insurrection, or this chilling and violent flirtation with Christofascism. George Washingtons secretary of the Navy was the last word on public meaning.

This analysis is of course stupid for all the same reasons originalism itself is stupid. Its a feeble attempt to pick the moment in time in which linguistic meaning stops, and to disregard the many moments in time in which meaning changed and grew and morphed into something else. Its a sorry effort to impose certainty and predictability by pretending to be objective, even though it is completely malleable and outcome driven. But perhaps most importantly, the originalist reading of the Appeal to Heaven flag ignores all the ordinary ways in which humans make and understand shared political meaning: Through centuries of movements, public statements, shifting collective understanding, technological innovations, and a broader sense of whose voices matter.

Its indeed a strange and wondrous coincidence that Justice Alito and Speaker Johnson and Leonard Leo and Dutch Sheets all hoist the same flag; a flag thats been used for a decade to signal support for the notion that the United States is a Christian nation and that mans justice is always subordinate to Gods. Its an enduring political mystery that they want to keep that claim a big wink-wink secret and also fly it from a flagpole as if it means nothing at all.
Garry Conille, UNICEF's Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, attends an interview with Reuters, in Port-au-Prince

By Harold Isaac

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -Haiti's transition council on Tuesday tapped former Prime Minister Garry Conille, who briefly led the country over a decade ago, to return to the role as the Caribbean nation works to restore stability and take back control from violent gangs.

The transition council voted 6-1 to install Conille as interim prime minister, a member told Reuters.

Conille's extensive resume in development, working largely with the United Nations, is considered key to shoring up international support as Haiti prepares to launch a U.N.-backed security mission led by Kenya, though its deployment has faced hurdles.

"I feel very honored that the Presidential Council has chosen me as the new Prime Minister of Haiti," Conille said on X. "Together, we will work for a better tomorrow for all the children of our nation."

The transition council, which holds some presidential powers, and its head, Edgard Leblanc, acting as a de facto president, are now tasked with holding elections before Feb. 7, 2026, as laid out in Haiti's constitution.

"Following discussions within the transition council after hearings with the candidates for prime minister, Dr. Garry Conille was chosen by consensus to lead the government during this transition period," Leblanc said on X.

The presidency's press office later published a statement saying the transition council, together with the new prime minister, would now move forward with choosing people for the new government's cabinet.

Conille's appointment underscores long-awaited progress in Haiti's political process following Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation in March after he left Haiti to seek support for the Kenyan security mission and was unable to re-enter the country.

President Jovenel Moise, who named Henry, was assassinated in 2021. Haiti has not had a president since.

"My sincerest congratulations," business leader Alix Didier Fils-Aime, who had also put his hat in the ring for the role, said on X. "I'm still a patriot who believes in this country. Long live Haiti!"

Conille was prime minister for just seven months, resigning in February 2012 after losing the support of his cabinet and clashing with then-President Michel Martelly.

Conille and Martelly butted heads over reconstruction contracts following a deadly 2010 earthquake and a parliamentary investigation into politicians holding dual citizenship, which is illegal in Haiti.

Conille most recently held the post of regional director at U.N. children's agency UNICEF.

"We wish him every success in his delicate and historic mandate," said Roberto Alvarez on X, the foreign minister of the neighboring Dominican Republic, which has tense relations with Haiti and deported over 200,000 migrants from there last year.

Conille will now be tasked with fighting off rampant insecurity as gangs have cemented their influence over the capital. More than 360,000 people are already internally displaced due to the conflict, according to U.N. estimates, mostly from capital Port-au-Prince.

(Reporting by Harold Isaac; Additional reporting by Sarah Morland; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Valentine Hilaire, Anthony Esposito, Kevin Liffey and Jonathan Oatis)
Palestinians inspect a burnt car after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

A further 18 people have been killed in fresh Israeli attacks in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, a spokesman for the territory's Hamas-run health authority said on Tuesday.

The victims reportedly died overnight. The information could not be independently verified.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday that troops were still being deployed around Rafah. Soldiers carried out "precise operations" near the border to Egypt on the basis of intelligence information about terrorist targets, the IDF stated.

"The troops are fighting battles with terrorists and identifying tunnel entrances, weapons and other terrorist infrastructure in the area," the IDF added.

The IDF also said that it was endeavouring to prevent harm to innocent bystanders, two days after an Israeli airstrike in the area reportedly killed dozens.

The Hamas-run health authority said at least 45 people were killed and dozens injured on Sunday in the Israeli strike on a camp for displaced people, sparking international horror and outrage.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said Israel was investigating "an incident." The IDF had earlier said two senior officials of the Palestinian militant group Hamas were killed in the airstrike.

According to the Hamas-run health authority, at least 36,096 people have been killed and more than 81,000 injured since the beginning of the current conflict in Gaza, which was triggered by the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

Palestinians inspect the destruction after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Palestinians inspect the destruction after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Police: 1 hospitalized after shooting on Clyde St. in Hampton

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  A person went to the hospital after a Tuesday afternoon shooting in Hampton, police said.

Hampton Police is currently on scene of a shooting complaint in the 100 block of Clyde Street. pic.twitter.com/heRpHCQnWc  Hampton VA Police (@HamptonVAPolice) May 28, 2024

Around 12:10 p.m., officers responded to a call for a shooting on the 100 block of Clyde Avenue.

We are working to learn what led up to the shooting, how the person is doing and if police have a suspect in this case.

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.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, center, takes an oath during the opening ceremony of the new parliament term in Tehran, Iran, Monday, May 27, 2024. Iran's parliament re-elected hard-liner Qalibaf on Tuesday as its speaker, reaffirming its hard-right makeup in the wake of a helicopter crash that killed the country's president and foreign minister. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Iran's parliament re-elected hard-liner Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf on Tuesday as its speaker, reaffirming its hard-right makeup in the wake of a helicopter crash that killed the country's president and foreign minister.

Of 287 lawmakers voting, 198 backed Qalibaf to retain the position he first took in 2021. He initially became speaker following a string of failed presidential bids and 12 years as the leader of Irans capital city, in which he built onto Tehrans subway and supported the construction of modern high-rises.

Many, however, know Qalibaf for his support, as a Revolutionary Guard general, for a violent crackdown on Iranian university students in 1999. He also reportedly ordered live gunfire to be used against Iranian students in 2003 while serving as the countrys police chief.

In Tuesday's vote, challenger Mojtaba Zonnouri, a hard-line Shiite cleric who once led the parliament's national security commission, won 60 votes. A former foreign minister to hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Manouchehr Mottaki, received five votes.

Qalibaf called on lawmakers to find a way to address their constituents' demands after being re-elected.

In order to create hope in the people, we must reach a common understanding and act in a converging and empathetic way, and we must agree on prioritizing the solution of the peoples problems, regardless of our political inclinations and tastes, he said.

The March parliament election saw the countrys lowest turnout since its 1979 Islamic Revolution. Of those elected to the 290-seat body, hard-liners hold over 230 seats, according to an Associated Press survey.

A trained pilot, Qalibaf served in the paramilitary Guard during the countrys bloody 1980s war with Iraq. After the conflict, he served as the head of the Guards construction arm, Khatam al-Anbia, for several years leading efforts to rebuild.

Qalibaf then served as the head of the Guards air force, when in 1999 he co-signed a letter to reformist President Mohammad Khatami amid student protests in Tehran over the government closing a reformist newspaper and a subsequent security force crackdown. The letter warned Khatami the Guard would take action unilaterally unless he agreed to put down the demonstrations.

Violence around the protests saw several killed, hundreds wounded and thousands arrested.

Qalibaf then served as the head of Irans police, modernizing the force and implementing the countrys 110 emergency phone number. However, a leaked recording of a later meeting between Qalibaf and members of the Guards volunteer Basij force, included him claiming that he ordered gunfire be used against demonstrators in 2003, as well as praising the violence used in Irans 2009 Green Movement protests.

Qalibaf ran failed presidential campaigns in 2005, 2013 and 2017, the last of which saw him withdraw in support of the hard-liner Ebrahim Raisi. Raisi later became president and died in the May 19 helicopter crash that also killed Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and six others.

Irans parliament plays a secondary role in governing the country, though it can intensify pressure on a presidential administration when deciding on the annual budget and other important bills. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 85, has the final say in all important state matters.

Iran will hold presidential elections on June 28 to replace Raisi. On Thursday, a five-day registration period for candidates will open.
A large diesel spill that sent more than 2,000 gallons of the pollutant into Haywood County waterways from a potential equipment failure at Haywood Regional Medical Center is 100% contained as of May 28, officials say, although a recreational water advisory remains in effect.

A 911 caller around 8 p.m. May 25 reported seeing fuel coming down Jones Cove Branch, a creek in Clyde that flows into the Pigeon River. Junaluska Fire Department, as well as members of the Clyde Fire Department, responded and found a fairly large and recent diesel fuel spill in the creek, according to a news release from Haywood County.

Fire personnel traced the fuel to the storm water system at Haywood Regional Medical Center. First responders and hospital staff discovered a possible equipment failure caused about 2,200 gallons of dyed diesel fuel to enter the storm drain system, eventually making its way into the Jones Cove Branch. The active spill was stopped at 9:10 p.m., according to the release.

Haywood County first responders and environment protection agencies worked to contain a substantial diesel fuel spill from Haywood Regional Medical Center over Memorial Day weekend.

Allison Richmond, spokesperson for Haywood County, told the Citizen Times most of the affected area is on private and agricultural land. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and local agricultural representatives were contacted to support affected farmers.

All water in Haywood County feeds into the Pigeon River, Richmond said, which is a popular recreation area frequented by kayakers, rafting companies and others.

While it's possible some of the spill reached as far the Pigeon, we feel confident that the majority was contained before it got very far downstream, Richmond said.

Andie Robbins, spokesperson for Haywood Regional, said the hospital is conducting an internal investigation with their contractor to get a full understanding of where the leak originated and to make sure any corrections are made.

The EPA, Junaluska Fire Department, Haywood County Emergency Services and (Hepaco) were all on site within just a couple hours, Robbins said. Theyve been on site all weekend working very diligently, and I think that quick response, that collaboration, has been extremely positive for the cleanup effort.

Jones Cove Branch, located near Haywood Regional Medical Center, was the site of a substantial diesel fuel spill over Memorial Day weekend.

More: Canton mill receives DEQ violation for toxicity, black liquor seeping into Pigeon River

Containment efforts ensue over Memorial Day weekend

The night the spill was reported, Asheville Fire Departments North Carolina Regional Response Team 6, or RRT-6, created a containment plan. In the meantime, Junaluska Fire Department and three other agencies deployed absorbent spill booms  floating barriers used to contain spills  across Jones Cove Branch and Richland Creek.

Crews deployed additional absorbent booms and constructed an underflow dam at Jones Cove Branch near Summit Boulevard once Ashevilles RRT-6 arrived.

We are grateful to the swift assistance of all the partner agencies who helped contain the spill as quickly as possible. Due to their significant assistance, the majority of the spill was successfully contained above the constructed underflow dam, Travis Donaldson, Emergency Services Director, said in the news release.

Haywood Regional Medical Center contacted Hepaco, an environmental hazmat contractor, whose vacuum trucks started removed spilled fuel by 4 a.m. An agent with the Environmental Protection Agency was also contacted and arrived onsite at 4 p.m. May 26.

More: Missouri demolition, redevelopment company may buy closed Canton paper plant

Recreational water advisory in effect

On the morning of May 26, a recreational water advisory notice was issued in affected areas downstream from the creek by Haywood County Department of Health and Human Services, and will remain in effect until additional water testing can be conducted, Richmond said.

Until the water is tested and declared safe for all of Jones Cove Creek, Richland Creek below Jones Cove Creek and Pigeon River below Richland Creek, environmental and public health officials recommend that people:

 Avoid swimming, wading or fishing in these areas until further notice.

 Avoid skin contact with water, soil and sediment in or near the river.

 If skin comes in contact with contaminated sediment or water, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water.

 If you are concerned you, your family and/or pets have been exposed to these waterways contact your health care provider or veterinarian.

N.C. Department of Environmental Qualitys Water Resources Division was also on site monitoring cleanup measures throughout the day. NC DEQs water resources division in Asheville is leading the cleanup, according to Richmond.

Both Richmond and Robbins are not aware of any notices of violation from NC DEQ. The Citizen Times reached out to the DEQs water resources personnel for comment.

Rainfall on Memorial Day caused creek levels to rise, flushing remaining fuel in the spill area into the containment booms, the release said. Contractors helped remove the fuel throughout May 27.

Additional cleaning, remediation efforts and hazard monitoring will continue over the next several weeks, the release said.

More: Delayed trout fishing season starts in June; the last before 2025 'reduction' in stockings

More: Tests find 6 Buncombe County waterways have 'poor' water quality; which are they?

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Diesel oil spills into waterway from Haywood Regional hospital
BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tunisian President Kais Saied will pay a state visit to China from May 29 to June 1.

During the visit, President Saied will also attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

Saied, 66, is an expert in constitutional law. He had served as secretary general of the Tunisian Association of Constitutional Law and vice president of the association. In 2014, he was a member of the expert committee to review the draft of the new constitution. He was elected as president in October 2019.

The visit marks President Saied's first trip to China since taking office. 
The Heinz History Center has launched a new digital archive that details a Pittsburghers efforts to help Jews escape the Holocaust.

The Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives at the History Center created the archive, which features more than 500 letters from the papers of U.S. Congressman Henry Ellenbogen.

Born in Austria, Ellenbogen immigrated to Pittsburgh and graduated from the Duquesne University Law School. He held a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and served on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas from 1938 until 1977.

Ellenbogen received letters from Jewish people who were trying to escape during the early years of Nazi rule. The American government required anyone immigrating into the U.S. to obtain an affidavit from an American citizen.

The new digital collection, made possible by a grant from Ellenbogens daughter, documents this process.

Thanks to the generosity of the Ellenbogen family, the digitization of these important letters will allow Holocaust researchers in Western Pa. and beyond to better understand how a Pittsburghers efforts helped Jewish people escape Nazi-occupied Europe, said Eric Lidji, director of the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives.

The Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives collects, preserves and provides access to the documented history of Jews and Jewish communities of Western Pennsylvania.

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is set to receive Yeshiva Universitys highest honor for his service and global leadership, with the university proclaiming him as the Hero of Israel.

Fetterman, a staunch supporter of Israel in its war against militant group Hamas, will be awarded the schools Presidential Medallion during the institutions 93rd annual commencement ceremony Wednesday, the school said in the news release.

Senator Fetterman is one of the true heroes of our time for his unwavering and courageous commitment to moral clarity, which has fortified our community and been a clarion call for our country, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, the president of Yeshiva University, said in a statement.

The private Orthodox Jewish universitys commencement, which will be held later this week at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York City, will celebrate more than 1,700 graduates. The event is set to be attended by over 5,000 students, families, faculty, alumni and friends, according to the school.

At this critical moment in Jewish and American history, our commencement exercises mark not just an enormous accomplishment for our students, but also for the global community, Berman, said. During this dark period of rampant antisemitism and polarization across college campuses, Yeshiva University students stand out for their academic excellence, character and commitment to service.

Fettermans strong pro-Israel stance has, at times, alienated the left wing of his party, for often publicly voicing his support for the Israeli militarys actions in the Gaza Strip. His unwavering support of Israel has also placed him at odds with Democratic lawmakers in both chambers.

The Pennsylvania Democrat criticized President Bidens decision to pause shipments of some bombs to Israel, saying the decision was deeply disappointing.

The senator responded to the schools announcing, saying he was humbled to be nominated for the award.

It is truly humbling to be invited to share in this milestone with the graduates of Yeshiva University, Fetterman said in a statement. As we gather to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class, we must also acknowledge the profound significance of their journey within the context of the recent surge in antisemitism across the country.

I thank Yeshiva University for the opportunity to join these students on this momentous day, he 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.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is based on an important principle: any document that the public pays for belongs to the public. Whenever a government official writes or records something as part of their taxpayer-funded duties, ordinary citizens have a right to request a copy, with some exemptions for privacy and security.

Politicians, of course, hate that kind of accountability. And every so often, they get caught hiding their official correspondence from FOIA requesters. Hillary Clinton's attempts to stash State Department emails on a private server were a major scandal during the 2016 election. Last week, FOIA became a part of the controversy surrounding coronavirus origins.

In emails uncovered by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic last week, government scientist David Morens apparently plotted with a FOIA officer at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on how to hide his emails. Morens, an adviser to former NIH official and White House Coronavirus Task Force member Anthony Fauci, wrote in February 2021 that "i learned from our foia lady here how to make emails disappear after i am foia'd but before the search starts. Plus i deleted most of those earlier emails after sending them to gmail."

Elsewhere in the emails, he named the source of advice as "an old friend, Marg Moore, who heads our FOIA office and also hates FOIAs."

Intentionally destroying or removing government records is very illegal, and there's no magic grace period while a FOIA request is being processed. At a Thursday hearing, Morens told the House subcommittee that he was "not aware that anything I deleted, like emails, was a federal record" because his workplace FOIA training had "defined a federal record in a very different way than you may be thinking of it. None of it defined it as an email."

The Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the NIH, told The Nation that it "is committed to the letter and spirit of the Freedom of Information Act and adherence to Federal records management requirements. It is HHS policy that all personnel conducting business for, and on behalf of, HHS refrain from using personal email accounts to conduct HHS business."

To be fair, it seems that Morens was really getting bad, almost superstitious FOIA advice from his colleagues. According to another November 2021 email, Morens was under the impression that some "ant-hacking" (anti-hacking?) software installed by his IT staff would make his Gmail account "safe from FOIA and hacking on all of my devices, including government computer and phone, and my private computer and iPad."

Subcommittee chairman Rep. Brad Wenstrup (ROhio) also claims to have evidence suggesting that NIH officials purposely misspelled words to hide from FOIA requests. When members of the public request all documents on a certain topic, FOIA officers often ask them for specific keywords to search, so misspelling important names could keep a message out of the search results.

It isn't the first time the House subcommittee caught Morens trying to get around transparency laws. "I always try to communicate on gmail because my NIH email is FOIA'd constantly," he wrote in emails revealed by the subcommittee last year. "Don't worry, just send to any of my addresses and I will delete anything I don't want to see in the New York Times."

The NIH claimed that it had investigated Morens, but Wenstrup demanded more inquiries on Tuesday, stating that the newly revealed emails suggest that "the NIH's investigation missed important information" or even that there was "a potentially orchestrated coverup by the NIH FOIA office."

The investigation into Morens' FOIA practices spun off of a broader investigation into whether the coronavirus pandemic could have originated from a laboratory experiment.

In 2021, scientists enraged by reporting in The Intercept and other newspapers about the coronavirus discussed how they could counter the lab leak coverage. Morens, who was on the email thread, wrote that the NIH seemed interested in pushing back on the lab leak theory "but that Tony [Fauci] doesn't want his fingerprints on origin stories." And he discussed how to deal with journalists' FOIA requests. Those emails caught the attention of House investigators.

Ironically, Morens' tactics have made the story look much worse for the scientists. The emails suggest that he and his colleagues genuinely believe that the lab leak theory is misinformation and that the science points to a natural origin for coronavirus. But trying to hide documents makes it look like they have something to hide. It's a classic case of the Streisand effect.

Let the story be a lesson to government officials everywhere. The one weird trick to evade FOIA doesn't exist. Things that an official writes on the job are the people's business, whether they're recorded on paper or an email server. And although some tactics can slow down journalists, anything scandalous enough will leak and spread like an infectious disease.

The post Hey, Fauci's Staff: You Can't Just 'Make Your Emails Disappear' appeared first on Reason.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A treasured Oregon diner has bid farewell to the polar bear-like figures known for greeting customers  and holding soft-serve ice cream  over the past several decades.

Polar Kings mascot duo was removed by volunteers with the Gresham Historical Society earlier in May.

Gresham Historical Society volunteers remove polar-bear-like figures from Polar King. (Courtesy GHS)

Gresham Historical Society volunteers remove polar-bear-like figures from Polar King. (Courtesy GHS)

Gresham Historical Society volunteers remove polar-bear-like figures from Polar King. (Courtesy GHS)

OHA: Harvested mussels on Oregon coast sicken 20

Museum Director Silvie Andrews told KOIN 6 the Gresham spot was opened in 1952 by Geraldine Maxell and Howard Maxwell, who owned it until 1974. The business serves diner classics like pancakes, burgers, and onion rings to this day.

It was part of a strip of drive-in restaurants and movie theaters that once lined Powell Boulevard, many of which closed or moved when the road was widened in the 1970s  including Deas In-n-Out, Andrews added in an email.

She estimates the over-8-foot-tall plywood figures were installed around the same time the diner was founded. According to a social media post, GHS now plans to store and conserve the pieces that have seen pervasive grime, dents and flaking paint thanks to years of deterioration.

Andrews said the organizations collections committee met on Friday to discuss the future of the figures. The group will focus on restoring the pieces before determining how to display them for future generations of Gresham residents.

VIDEO: Floating whale carcass washes ashore on Oregon Coast

Since weve never dealt with something this large and with so many condition issues, we need to research industry standards and best practices for restoration and display. Once we determine the work that needs to be done (e.g. cleaning, repainting) well seek quotes and explore funding options, Andrews wrote.

The Historical Society isnt sure whether the mascots are polar bears or mice, or who originally created them. Anyone who is able to identify the artist is encouraged to contact the organization.

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.
Former President Donald Trump's historic criminal hush money trial will reach a critical peak on Tuesday when the prosecution and defense will present their closing arguments to the jury. Each side will weave together five weeks of evidence and testimony to make a case for the first-ever conviction or acquittal of a former U.S. president.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in order to conceal or commit another crime. Prosecutors argue Trump falsified records tied to reimbursing his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, for an unlawful $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Closing arguments can be crucial for helping jurors understand whether the testimony and evidence they have heard adds up to a compelling case.

Finally, jurors will hear the judge's instructions on the law they should apply in the case.

New York, NY, USA; Former US President Donald Trump returns to the courtroom after a break during the first day of his trial for allegedly covering up a hush money payment linked to an extramarital affair, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024.

To win a conviction, prosecutors have to prove not only that Trump falsified business records, but also that his motivation was to hide the violation of federal campaign finance laws in 2016 or hide a plan to violate New York tax or election laws. The alleged campaign finance violation was the $130,000 hush money, which prosecutors say was a campaign contribution that exceeded the $2,700 legal limit. Cohen pleaded guilty to that federal crime in 2018.

These are the key questions the closing arguments will address and jurors will be asked to decide:

Is Trump responsible for falsifying records tied to hush money?

The 34 allegedly falsified records in the case are checks, vouchers, and invoices tied to a series of $35,000 payments to Cohen in 2017. Prosecutors say the payments were mischaracterized as 2017 legal expenses under a non-existent agreement to retain Cohen's services. The payments were actually reimbursing Cohen for the hush money and another expense, as well as giving him an extra bonus.

Michael Cohen was a star prosecution witness for a reason: he had more to say than anyone else in the trial about Trump's alleged participation in both paying the hush money and covering it up. Cohen testified that Trump approved the falsified reimbursement scheme during a meeting with Cohen and then-Trump Organization executive Allen Weisselberg in early 2017. Cohen also testified that Trump authorized the hush money to Daniels  saying "Just do it"  in October of 2016.

Prosecutors are likely to point to evidence from trial that bolsters Cohen's testimony, such as Trump's own signature  according to testimony from multiple witnesses who worked with him  on many of the checks to Cohen.

Prosecutors will probably also point to statements by Trump that suggest he would be paying attention to invoices from Cohen and to what his own checks were for. For instance, a book publisher read aloud these statements from Trump's 2005 book, "Trump: Think Like a Billionaire":

"I always sign my checks, so I know where my money's going" and "I also always try to read my bills to make sure I'm not being over-charged," Trump said.

"Pay attention to the small numbers in your finances, such as percentages and cents," Trump said.

"Always look at the numbers yourself," Trump said.

"(Even) though various payments always need to be made, always question invoices and never accept a contractor's first bid," Trump said.

"When you sign a check yourself, you're seeing what's really going on inside your business, and if people see your signature at the bottom of the check, they know you're watching them, and they screw you less because they have proof that you care about the details," Trump said.

Prosecutors are also likely to remind jurors of notes they saw that former Trump Organization executive Jeffrey McConney said were drafted by Weisselberg and outlined the calculation of payments to Cohen, including doubling the $130,000 hush money payment to account for taxes.

And prosecutors may try to bolster the notion that Trump was kept abreast of the Stormy Daniels hush money deal by pointing to an audio recording from the trial that allegedly involves Cohen and Trump talking about an earlier $150,000 hush money deal to quiet former Playboy model Karen McDougal.

In the somewhat cryptic conversation, Cohen references "our friend David" and "financing," while Trump appears to ask about paying "150" and instructs not to pay with cash. Cohen testified he made the recording to reassure tabloid publisher David Pecker that Trump planned to re-pay him for the hush money.

What will Trump's defense tell jurors about records?

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche gave a preview last week of what his team may argue to jurors. Blanche urged Judge Juan Merchan to toss out the entire case, saying the business records "were not false" because Cohen agreed he supplied Trump with legal services in 2017.

Trump's team is also likely to tell jurors that Michael Cohen is a liar  so they can't trust his testimony that the payments were actually reimbursing hush money, not paying for ongoing legal services. They may remind jurors that Cohen previously pleaded guilty to lying to Congress and making false statements to a bank.

Robert Costello  one of just two witnesses the defense called in the trial  may be a key focus in challenging Cohen's testimony. Costello quoted Cohen as having said: "I swear to God, Bob, I don't have anything on Donald Trump." Meanwhile, Cohen said Costello was trying to create a back channel of communication to Trump, and he didn't trust the "sketchy" lawyer.

Was this an attempt to hide unlawful election interference?

Prosecutors need to prove not just that Trump falsified business records, but also that he was trying to commit or conceal another crime. Their leading argument throughout the trial has been that Trump was trying to hide unlawfully interfering in the 2016 election. "It was election fraud, pure and simple," prosecutor Matthew Colangelo told jurors in his opening statement.

That argument turns on whether the hush money payment to Daniels violated federal campaign finance laws. A key issue in answering that question will be whether the hush money was about the campaign, as opposed to protecting Trump's marriage or family life.

In fact, former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards escaped conviction in his own criminal case on campaign finance charges by arguing that nearly $1 million from donors that was used to conceal an affair and illegitimate child during his campaign was aimed at shielding his actions from his cancer-stricken wife.

The prosecution in Trump's case may point to a series of statements from witnesses at trial to make their case:

Michael Cohen testified that Trump urged him to delay paying Daniels until after the election, and then not pay her at all, saying if he lost the election, he "wouldn't care" about the story.

Daniels' former lawyer, Keith Davidson, backed up the testimony about Cohen delaying payment so much that he questioned whether they would get the money at all. Davidson said Cohen only paid less than two weeks before the election, at a time when Davidson believed Daniels really was going to go public, potentially with ABC News.

Jurors also heard a recording of Davidson claiming to Cohen that Daniels told him he "better settle this God damn story" because if Trump loses the election, "we lose all (expletive) leverage."

Kinsey Crowley  F17 - E

Cohen also testified that Trump wasn't thinking about his wife, Melania. Trump said, according to Cohen, that if she left him over the Daniels scandal, he wouldn't be on the market long.

David Pecker testified "the conversations that I had directly with Mr. Trump, his family wasn't mentioned." Pecker said of one conversation in particular: "It was basically, what would be  the impact be  to the campaign or election."

Former top White House aide Hope Hicks testified about a post-2016 election story about the hush money to Daniels. She said Trump asked for her thoughts on how an earlier story before the election would have compared had Cohen not paid the hush money. "I think Mr. Trump's opinion was it was better to be dealing with it now, and that it would have been bad to have that story come out before the election," she said.

What will the Trump defense team say?

Trump's defense team appears poised to argue Trump didn't know about the hush money payment ahead of time. In his cross-examination of Cohen, Blanche displayed text messages suggesting a call from Cohen to Trump's bodyguard was to talk about harassment from a 14-year-old, not to get Trump on the phone about the Daniels hush money deal. Cohen said he believed he also discussed the deal with Trump.

In addition, the defense team could say there's no clear evidence the hush money payment was focused on the election. Hope Hicks testified that Trump was "concerned" about how a November, 2016 story on the hush money deal involving McDougal would be viewed by Melania Trump, and wanted Hicks to make sure newspapers weren't delivered to the Trump residence that morning.

Another former Trump White House aide, Madeleine Westerhout, also testified to admiring Trump's relationship with his wife, although she also said she didn't observe any change in the relationship after the Wall Street Journal reported on the Stormy Daniels hush money deal broke in 2018.

Was this an attempt to hide a plan to violate state election and tax laws?

Prosecutors are likely to also argue there are alternative options for convicting Trump, even if jurors don't find that he falsified records in order to cover up the violation of federal campaign finance laws.

In pre-trial filings, prosecutors said Trump was also planning on violating a New York election law by using "unlawful means" to promote Trump's presidential election. And they said he was planning on committing tax fraud by doubling the reimbursement to Cohen to account for taxes.

The Trump team, on the other hand, will likely say the business records weren't covering up any crime.

"There is simply no evidence that there is any effort to conceal anything by  not only by President Trump, but also by any of the others involved," Blanche already told Merchan in his unsuccessful attempt to get the case tossed out.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Historic Trump criminal trial reaches critical day: closing arguments
CANANDAIGUA, NY  The six-foot concolor fir planted last week on Holiday Lane in Canandaigua wont resemble the Christmas tree placed annually at Rockefeller Center in New York City any time soon, as neighbor Bob Stolze put it.

But the new tree will help the neighborhood continue a long-standing year-end tradition, one that was threatened after the city in January removed the 50- to 60-foot spruce tree in the circle at the end of the Canandaigua cul-de-sac that provided holiday cheer for years.

Most everyone in the neighborhood off North Pearl Street seems to be happy with the compromise, not that the tree was removed in the first place but with how the situation was resolved and that city officials recognized that the Holiday Lane tree is an asset to the street and to Canandaigua, according to neighbor Rhonda Destino.

We appreciated that we were able to be at the table for the discussions about the next tree in the circle, Destino said in an email. We were impressed with the City Council's willingness to listen to their constituents that reached out to see how we could move forward after the tree was cut down.

What neighbors said started with a lack of communication over the trees removal turned into a beautiful give-and-take" of dialogue with neighbors and city officials.

This concolor fir tree replaces a much larger spruce tree, which was removed in January from Holiday Lane in Canandaigua. Neighbors had decorated the tree for the holidays for years and are hoping to continue the tradition.

For many neighbors, this went beyond just a tree, Destino said.

Canandaigua City Manager John Goodwin said that citizens had a concern, they came before their local government and asked to work with them, which was done.

"It seems to have worked out, just the way it should," Goodwin said.

A refresher: What happened on Holiday Lane in Canandaigua NY

Here is how the spruce tree on Holiday Lane in Canandaigua looked over the holidays.

The tree removed in January  which was 20 years old or so  was believed to be the second tree in this neighborhood near Woodlawn Cemetery that neighbors decorated for the holidays.

The tree was believed to be dying and so was removed, prompting neighbors and members of City Council, the citys tree advisory board and city arborist Stephanie Crim to debate over what should be planted there next.

Neighbors wanted another evergreen tree, preferably a large one that could be transplanted. City officials said the soil condition in the neighborhood is not ripe for evergreens and expressed concerns about the safety of residents, should a large tree fall in a storm.

A compromise for the holidays to come in Canandaigua NY

The new tree is a compromise, in that it is an evergreen like neighbors wanted but obviously not a mature one, which they would have preferred.

According to the Cornell University Woody Plants Database, the concolor, or white, pine can grow to a height between 50 and 80 feet with a spread of 15 to 30 feet. The tree does well in consistently moist, well-drained soil, but can withstand occasional periods of dry soil.

The long life of the spruce and the conditions in the Holiday Lane circle gives Stolze confidence that the new tree will thrive.

Im also told that a six-foot tree is an ideal size to adapt successfully and thrive, and that itll likely end up taller within a few years than if we planted a 10-foot tree, Stolze said.

The city will take care of all feeding and watering. Neighbors will continue to mow and maintain the circle, Stolze said.

Neighbors will not be able to use electric lights as they have in the past, but battery- or solar-powered lights can be used, Stolze said.

One thing I do believe is that they would not have put in another evergreen without our speaking up and giving it some visibility, Stolze said.

Goodwin said, "although its not the best practice to plant the tree we planted, I think everyone seems to be satisfied with the results."

Why this was an important debate in Canandaigua NY

The ongoing dialogue is an example of the passion in the community for trees, Goodwin said, and of the importance Canandaigua places in its urban forest.

The city has been designated a Tree City USA for over 30 years and plans to be one for many years to come, Goodwin said. Each year, more trees are planted than are removed.

Trees are vital to the citys infrastructure and character, but they must be managed smartly, Goodwin said.

"In the process, we learned a great deal about trees and about how special Canandaigua really is in that regard, Stolze said.

Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Holiday tradition endures in Canandaigua NY with planting of new tree
(KTLA)  A Hollywood makeup artist and special effects producer known for her work on feature films including Rebel Moon, Mean Girls and Babylon, is slowly recovering after she was viciously stabbed over 20 times in an attack earlier this month.

After enduring three surgeries in the last three days, friends of 35-year-old Allie Shehorn told Nexstars KTLA that the makeup artist is in good spirits and is pushing through after the incredibly harrowing attack.

Allie Shehorn seen in this undated photo of her working with special FX makeup. (Brook Hubbs)

Allie Shehorn seen in this undated photo of her working with special FX makeup. (Brook Hubbs)

Shehorn had recently filed a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, who is suspected of breaking into her Shadow Hills, California, home on May 23, stabbing her repeatedly and fleeing.

This is not the kind of thing that should happen to anybody, said Christine White, the 35-year-olds surrogate mother. You dont think this is ever going to happen to you.

White was staying with her surrogate the night of the attack.

I found her and I had to go into the bedroom where it happened, she said. That wasnt a pretty sight.

Shehorn suffered multiple slashes to her neck and cuts up and down her arms and across her abdomen. As of Monday, friends said she has made progress and has been able to talk, eat and even crack a few jokes.

The fact that she was able to get through what she did that night and how fast shes recovering is really amazing, friend Christopher Wayne told KTLA.

Emily MacDonald, another of Shehorns friends, said while she will likely require a month-long hospital stay and a lot of post-operative physical therapy, the makeup artists resilience, humor and strength of character are carrying her through this difficult time.

Shes been in really good spirits, MacDonald said. I feel like shes comforting all of us, which is kind of how Allie is. Even when shes at rock bottom, shes still looking to see how she can lift other people up.

Stabbing reported at Metro stop hours after bus driver attacked

Officials with the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to KTLA that her alleged attacker fled the state after the violent assault. According to the 35-year-olds friends, her ex-boyfriend was eventually arrested in Texas.

In the meantime, Shehorns tight-knit group of friends are by her side in the intensive care unit where she continues to undergo surgeries to stop the bleeding and repair the tendons in her hands.

A GoFundMe has been organized to help with her mounting hospital bills.

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.
YANGON, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar exported 143,559 tons of black grams during April and May of the 2024-25 fiscal year, earning over 138 million U.S. dollars, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday.

From April 1 to May 17 this year, the country shipped 143,493 tons of black grams via sea route, while it exported 66 tons via land border, the ministry's figures said.

In Myanmar, black gram is grown in winter that starts in October, and is harvested from March to April, according to Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association.

Myanmar exported black grams to China, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries, according to the association.

During the 2023-24 fiscal year, Myanmar earned 724.9 million U.S. dollars from the export of 783,949 tons of black grams, the commerce ministry's figures showed. 
A Hollywood makeup artist and special effects producer known for her work on feature films, including Rebel Moon, Mean Girls and Babylon, is slowly recovering after she was viciously stabbed more than 20 times in an attack earlier this month.

After enduring three surgeries in the last three days, friends of 35-year-old Allie Shehorn tell KTLAs Rachel Menitoff that the makeup artist is in good spirits and is pushing through after the incredibly harrowing attack.

The violence unfolded on May 23rd when Shehorns ex-boyfriend, who she had just recently filed a restraining order against, allegedly broke into her Shadow Hills home, stabbed her repeatedly and fled.

This is not the kind of thing that should happen to anybody, Christine White, the 35-year-olds surrogate mother, said. You dont think this is ever going to happen to you.

White was staying with her surrogate the night of the attack.

I found her and I had to go into the bedroom where it happened, she said. That wasnt a pretty sight.

Shehorn suffered multiple slashes to her neck, was cut up and down her arms and across her abdomen during the brutal assault.

As of today, friends say she has made progress, has been able to talk, eat and even crack a few jokes.

The fact that she was able to get through what she did that night and how fast shes recovering is really amazing, friend Christopher Wayne told KTLA.

Allie Shehorn seen recovering in the hospital in this undated photo. (viewer picture)

Allie Shehorn seen in this undated photo of her working with special FX makeup. (Brook Hubbs)

Allie Shehorn seen in this undated photo of her working with special FX makeup. (Brook Hubbs)

Allie Shehorn seen in this undated picture. (viewer image)

Emily MacDonald, another of Shehorns friends, said that while she will likely require a month-long hospital stay and a lot of post-operative physical therapy, the makeup artists resilience, humor and strength of character are carrying her through this difficult time.

Shes been in really good spirits, MacDonald said. I feel like shes comforting all of us, which is kind of how Allie is. Even when shes at rock bottom, shes still looking to see how she can lift other people up.

Officials with the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to KTLA that her alleged attacker fled the state after the violent assault.

According to the 35-year-olds friends, her ex-boyfriend was eventually arrested in Texas.

In the meantime, Shehorns tight-knit group of friends are by her side in the intensive care unit where she continues to undergo surgeries to stop the bleeding and repair the tendons in her hands.

A GoFundMe has been organized to help with her mounting hospital bills.

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.
Insights from the Financial Times, Hong Kong Watch, and The Diplomat

The News

Hong Kong police on Tuesday arrested six people accused of violating a new national security law, marking the first time the government has used the legislation to crack down on freedom of expression.

The six suspects are accused of [advocating] hatred" against the governments of Hong Kong and China, Hong Kongs security secretary said. One of the suspects is lawyer Chow Hang-tung, a prominent pro-democracy activist who is already in a maximum security prison and was re-arrested on new charges while in prison. Chow was incarcerated in 2021 for violating Beijings national security reforms, implemented in 2020.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Hong Kong wants to move on from security to focus on economy

Source: The Diplomat

Hong Kongs own national security law was passed to deflect international criticism of Beijing interfering in the citys domestic affairs, according to political scientist Kurata Toru, and the Hong Kong government now no longer has to keep dealing with the issue of national security, and can focus on the economy. But it is unrealistic to think Hong Kongs economy can prosper under an intense political crackdown, Toru argued. To maintain a healthy economy, Hong Kong must improve its relations with the West and restore local trust in government, Toru wrote.

People who flee Hong Kong to UK cant access their pensions

Sources: Hong Kong Watch, Al Jazeera

When Beijing imposed its 2020 security law on Hong Kong, the United Kingdom amended its visa rules so Hong Kongers with British passports would be able to permanently relocate to the UK. But hundreds of Hong Kongers now living in the UK have been blocked from accessing more than $3.8 billion in retirement savings in Hong Kong, according to rights group Hong Kong Watch. The change came after Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs ordered Hong Kong to no longer recognize British National Overseas passports, which were given to Hong Kong civil servants during the former British colonial rule. They dont like people moving out of Hong Kong and they will do whatever to punish them, said one Hong Konger now living in London.

For mainland Chinese, Hong Kong is still more free

Source: Financial Times

More than 93,000 talent visas to Hong Kong for mainland Chinese have been approved since 2023, according to the Financial Times. While the city has struggled to retain other foreign talent amid a broader political crackdown and shift toward Beijing, many Chinese mainlanders still see Hong Kong as less restrictive and young entrepreneurs are drawn to its open market and looser rules on internet access. Access to internet platforms like YouTube  inaccessible in China  is crucial, they told the FT, for successful marketing and international outreach.
(Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong shelved a waste-charging plan that had been discussed for almost two decades, putting in doubt its target for reducing rubbish sent to landfills and undermining its environmental efforts.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Most people were against the proposal, which was seen placing businesses under pressure in a difficult economic situation, according to a government statement on Monday.

The polluter pays plan, which was first put on the table by officials in 2005, was passed into law in August 2021. Over 5 million tonnes of waste are disposed of annually in the citys landfills, which are close to capacity, according to the government.

Under the scheme, residents would be forced to buy special bags costing 11 HK cents a liter to put their garbage in, or face a fine of HK$1,500 ($192). For larger items that didnt fit into the bags, they would need to buy HK$11 labels to put on them. One official earlier suggested people could saw awkwardly shaped items such as old mops in half in order to fit them into the bags.

The plan, which was to start in August, had already been postponed twice before the government suspended it.

Greenpeace program director Leanne Tam told local broadcaster RTHK on Monday the government would be irresponsible if it failed to take the lead in waste charging.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
How hot did it get over holiday weekend? Florida broke several records. Will cold front help?

As promised, the Memorial Day weekend brought plenty of heat to Florida, and several cities set records when it came to temperatures.

Most of the state won't get much relief today, although there is a "cold" front moving into the state.

Humid conditions are making conditions feel even warmer, with heat indices hitting triple digits over the three-day weekend and expected to get as high as 105 in some locations today.

Here's what happened over the weekend and what to expect in the coming days.

Several Florida cities set heat records over the Memorial Day holiday

Record high temperatures set in Melbourne and Fort Pierce over the Memorial Day weekend May 2024.

Records were made to be broken and unfortunately, in this case, several were broken during the unofficial start of summer across Florida. Record broken included:

Saturday, May 25 Windermere: 96



Sunday, May 26 West Palm Beach: 95 Fort Lauderdale: 96 Miami: 96 Winter Haven: 98 Orlando: 97 Sanford: 97 Leesburg: 96



Monday, May 27 Melbourne: 98 Fort Pierce: 98; Second warmest May temperature since records began Orlando: 97 Sanford: 97 West Palm Beach: 97 Clermont: 100 Windermere: 96



Florida high heat index: What's the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat?

Why is it so hot?

An area of high pressure building over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Peninsula means few clouds, according to AccuWeather. sinking air associated with the system will result in sparse cloud cover.

"This will allow intense late-May sunshine to expand and bake areas from southern and central Texas to much of Florida, South Carolina and Louisiana, as well as the southern and central portions of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia," AccuWeather said.

Will the heat continue across Florida?

Expect temperatures to trend 5 to 10 degrees above historical averages, AccuWeather said. More records may be broken.

The extreme heat will linger along much of the Interstate 10 and 20 corridors into midweek, forecasters said.

Keeping cool: 6 easy air conditioner tips to keep the cool air coming in the Florida heat

Will 'cold' front approaching Florida provide any relief to heat?

Approaching front could increase chances of showers and storms tonight and tomorrow!! The highest chances are expected along the Nature Coast and interior areas of the FL Peninsula, so bring the umbrella with you! 



Highs should still climb into the 90s on Tuesday#FLwx pic.twitter.com/96hljjEroC  NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) May 27, 2024

A "cold" front is approaching Florida and could increase the chances for showers and storms. Don't expect temperatures to drop by much.

Early Tuesday, the front was along the Interstate 10 corridor and expected to drift south through the day before stalling just off the coast tonight, according to the National Weather Service Mobile.

Storms are expected to reach the Nature Coast Tuesday night and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay and reach East Central Florida Wednesday and linger through the remainder of the week.

Panhandle: Mostly clear skies will mean temperatures in the low to mid 90s. Heat index is expected to be below triple digits with drier air in place. Friday and Saturday look to be the best chances for rain and chance for thunderstorms.

Tallahassee, North Florida: A chance for showers and thunderstorms Tuesday morning then dry until a chance for storms again Friday and Saturday. Highs are generally in the upper 80s to mid 90s each afternoon in Tallahassee but in the low to mid 90s with a heat index around 100 in North Central Florida Tuesday before drier air moves into the area Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville. High temperatures Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to be a bit above normal, around 90 to lower 90s.

Central Florida: Isolated thunderstorms are possible north of Interstate 4 Tuesday morning and could bring strong wind gusts and locally heavy downpours. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the mid to upper 90s, with peak heat indices between 100 to 105 across East Central Florida before residents see some relief late in the week, according to the National Weather Service, Melbourne.

South Florida: Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible today, with the highest coverage expected over the eastern half of Florida. Some storms could be strong, capable of gusty winds, small hail, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall, according to the National Weather Service, Miami. Heat indices will approach 105 and could reach as high as 110 briefly over portions of the east coast this afternoon. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible through the remainder of the workweek. Any storm will be capable of gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours. Peak Heat Indices of 100 to 105 are possible through mid week.

Southwest Florida: As the cold front lingers over the Florida Peninsula during the middle of the week, scattered showers and storms will continue to be possible over Southwest Florida Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. Temperatures will remain warm through Friday, with highs in the mid to upper 90s over the interior and low to mid 90s along the coast, according to the National Weather Service, Tampa Bay. Higher rain chances arrived Friday and through the weekend as temperatures drop a few degrees back down to near normal.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida temperatures break heat records. Cold front won't help much
U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., at left, and State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha are running for the 2nd District seat in the Omaha-area. (Courtesy of Photos/House of Representatives and Unicameral Information Office)

OMAHA  Congressional Leadership Fund, a top fundraising arm of U.S. House Republicans, recently announced that it has reserved $2.8 million in Omaha-area television advertising time for the fall rematch between U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and Nebraska State Sen. Tony Vargas.

The funds ad reservations for Bacon were part of a $141 million first wave of spending nationally by the GOP group that invests in swing districts held by Republican incumbents. The group said it reserved $20 million more this time around than at this point in 2022.

The fund, which has ties to House Speaker Mike Johnson, had been polling and helping Bacon fend off a populist GOP primary opponent in Nebraskas 2nd District, a competitive district covering Douglas and Saunders Counties and parts of Sarpy County.

Fewer races, more spending

The groups president, Dan Conston, called the investment a significant early down payment on Republicans holding the House majority. In this cycle, the fund narrowed the number of races it is helping but increased its spending on them.

Its 2nd District tally is up sharply from the $1.3 million it reserved in early 2022 and up from the $700,000 in early 2020.

The map is undoubtedly small, and we are in a dogfight, Conston said. Yet we are in a stronger position than the mainstream narrative suggests, with a promising political environment and standout members and candidates in the toughest races.

CLFs investment in the 2nd District comes on the heels of a $2 million pledge by the Democratic-led House Majority PAC to reserve TV ad time in support of Vargas, a Democratic lawmaker representing South Omaha in the Legislature.

House Dems also spending in NE-02

That group, tied to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, has announced reserving a total of $186 million in TV ads. It is competing in a larger number of House races and markets.

Both the CLF and House Majority PAC head into the fall with more than $60 million in cash on hand, with CLF nearer to $70 million. Republicans hold about a five-seat edge headed into the fall, CLF leaders have said.

Bacon has already raised nearly $3.5 million for his campaign and listed $1.72 million in cash on hand as of late April. Vargas has raised $2.4 million and listed $1.6 million in campaign cash on hand.

The post House Republicans ride to Bacons aid with $2.8 million ad reservation appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
Every year, the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) places thousands of animals into loving homes, but now, its work and this years Day of Giving go well beyond adoption.

Its a lofty goal, but a necessary one. On May 29, the 150th day of 2024, HARP is hoping to collect $150,000, commemorating a milestone of 150 years. The money will help HARP to continue its mission, which includes a pet pantry, collecting donations and a mobile unit that goes out into the community.

There may be transportation or issues actually bringing their animal here, so our mobile unit helps and assists, said Michele Frennier, HARP director of marketing.

Behavioral programs for dogs and cats who need extra training are offered at a discounted rate, along with wellness care, vaccines, spay and neuter. Adopting an animal from HARP isnt a requirement. Anyone can take advantage of the low-cost programs.

HARPs wildlife center in Verona will also benefit from this campaign. People can bring injured or orphaned animals for treatment and care with the goal to ultimately release them back into the wild.

It is truly animal season, so our wildlife center has seen a great influx in all kinds of baby animals: baby squirrels, baby raccoons, rabbits, Frennier said.

If you find those babies in their natural habitat but are not sure if the mother will return, experts say put a circle of grass around them.

See if that gets disturbed. If it is undisturbed and the animals dont look like theyre thriving, something may have happened to mom, Frennier said.

HARP kicked off its 150th anniversary celebration with the PAWSitively Pittsburgh: 150 Years of Humane Animal Rescue at the Heinz History Center on May 19. Among the days highlights was the presentation of a special proclamation by City of Pittsburgh Councilman Bobby Wilson declaring Sunday, May 19 as HARP 150 Day.

PHOTOS: Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh celebrates 150th anniversary at Heinz History Center

Donations can be made online at humaneanimalrescue.org/dog, by phone at 412-345-7300, or in person.

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As humanitarian need in Syria soars, U.S. and EU announce billions in assistance

A general view shows the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region in the European Council in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday, when the United States and the European Union announced billions in assistance for Syrians. Photo by Olivier Matthys/EPA-EFE

May 27 (UPI) -- The United States and the European Union announced billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance for Syrians on Monday as the number of people in need in the war-torn country reaches a new grim height.

The assistance was unveiled in Brussels during the eighth conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, with the United States announcing nearly $593 million in humanitarian aid and the EU pledging $2.3 billion over the next two years.

The State Department said in a statement that its funding includes $360 million from its Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, as well as some $233 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

"The United States remains committed to assisting the Syrian people and encourages other donors to continue their support for Syrians who face severe challenges from years of war, terrorism and natural disasters," the department said.

A breakdown of the U.S. funding states the assistance will be provided through partner organizations to aid refugees, internally displaced Syrians and host communities.

Similarly, the EU, which hosted the conference, said its funding will go toward aiding Syrians inside and outside the country as well as host communities in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.

"The EU and the international community showed once again that we stand with the Syrian people and their host communities," EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement.

"The international community must further intensify their efforts to create the conditions for a sustainable solution to the conflict. This is the only hope to give the Syrian people the future they deserve."

Syria has been besieged by civil war since 2011 when the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a crack down on pro-democracy protesters. According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, the war has resulted in the deaths of more than half a million people and displaced half of the country's roughly 22 million residents.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a video message broadcast at the conference that 16.7 million people requiring humanitarian assistance in Syria right now is the highest since the war began 13 years ago.

"This level of prolonged suffering cannot fail to produce terrible anguish and hopelessness. And we, as the international community, cannot let this go unchallenged," he said, stating $9 billion is required to respond to the humanitarian disaster in the country.

"If we are to provide the life-saving, life-changing support that Syrians and host communities need, we need this funding."

The conference in Brussels comes after the Day of Dialogue held on April 30 where the nations interacted with Syrian civil society.

Last year, the conference raised more than $6 billion for Syria and member states, it said.

According to the State Department, the funding it announced Monday lifts the United States' total assistance for Syria to nearly $2 billion for the fiscal year of 2023 and more than $17.8 billion since the war began.
UPDATE, 7:45 P.M.: Gavin has returned home.

ORIGINAL, 5:55 P.M.: TOLEDO BEND, La. (KLFY)  The Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office are searching for a runaway juvenile.

According to the Sheriffs Office, they need help from the public in locating Gavin Berard. Gavin was last seen Monday around 4 p.m. at his familys residence in the 7100 block of East Hwy. 90 in Iberia Parish.

Gavin Berard is a 13-year-old, male, 5 ft. 8 in. tall, approximately 160 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a yellow shirt and grey or black pants or shorts.

Anyone with information regarding the location of Gavin Berard is asked to contact the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office at 337-369-3711 or submit a tip on the Iberia Sheriffs App.

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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 KLFY.com.
PHNOM PENH, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's anti-drug police have arrested a gang of four men for smuggling drugs from a neighboring country into the country, seizing over 254 kg of narcotics, the Anti-Drug Department (ADP) said in a news release on Tuesday.

The suspects, three Thais and one Cambodian, aged between 26 and 51, were apprehended on May 25 while they were transporting the drugs in northeast Stung Treng province's Borei O'Svay Sen Chey district.

"A total of 254.7 kg of crystal methamphetamine and ketamine was seized from the suspects' possession during the crackdown," the ADP said.

The police also confiscated four cars, two grenades, 12 telephones, three walkie-talkies and cash from them during the raid, the ADP added.

The Southeast Asian country has no death sentence for a drug trafficker. Under its law, someone found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs could be imprisoned for life.

According to the ADP, the kingdom detained 7,128 drug-related suspects, including 237 foreigners, during the January-April period this year, seizing a total of 3.87 tons of narcotics.

Most of the seized drugs were ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine tablets, heroin, ecstasy and cocaine. 
An alleged dark web ringleader and identity thief is claiming to be behind the mysterious attempted foreclosure auction of Elvis Presleys Graceland, according to emails to The New York Times.

We figure out how to steal, the unknown writer said in one bombshell message to The Times. Thats what we do.

The writer, a self-described leader of a group of worms that steal from the deceased and elderly through birth certificates and other documents, told the outlet that his rings latest target was the estate of Lisa Marie Presley. Last January, Lisa Maries daughter, actress Riley Keough, was named heir to Elvis estate after her mothers death. About eight months later, a company called Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC presented documents that purported to show they had loaned Lisa Marie $3.8 million and that she had listed the iconic home as collateral.

Last Sunday, the purported company took out an ad in the Memphis newspaper The Commercial Appeal, notifying of their plans to auction Graceland in a foreclosure sale.

To stop the sale, Keough filed a lawsuit alleging Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC used fraudulent documents to stake a claim on the iconic property. The lawsuit alleged Kurt Naussany claimed to represent the creditor and sent Keoughs lawyers numerous emails seeking to collect the purported $3.8 million debt and threatening to conduct a non-judicial sale of Graceland. The company also allegedly presented a deed of trust with Lisa Maries signature.

Judge Puts Brakes on Graceland Sale, Signals Win for Elvis Granddaughter

Keoughs attorneys, however, said that Elvis daughter never took out the loan in the first place and that Naussany Investments is not a real entity, the lawsuit alleges. It added that Keough did not give a deed of trust to Graceland or any other property to Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC.

While the documents bear signatures that look like the signatures of Lisa Marie Presley, Lisa Marie Presley did not in fact sign the documents, the lawsuit said, noting that a Florida notary also confirmed she has never met Lisa Marie Presley nor notarized any document for her.

The Times reported that on Friday, it received an email response from an address that Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC listed in a Tennessee court filing about the case. In a series of emails, the writer confirmed his groups effort to shut down Graceland as a scam.

I had fun figuring this one out and it didnt succeed very well, said the writer, who claimed to be from Nigeria and wrote the email in Bantu.

The Times reported that the email address was faxed from a North American toll-free number and included documents sent to the local courthouse where the pending foreclosure is stalled after a Tennessee judge agreed at a hearing last week to delay the sale.

While nobody represented the company at the hearing, the court received a filing from a proposed representative named Gregory E. Naussany. The filing disputed Keoughs lawsuit and asked for more time to mount a defense. It also included the same Hotmail email address.

Priscilla Presley Sued by Self-Titled Company She Co-Created

The Associated Press reported receiving an email that the company is withdrawing its Graceland claim. NBC News also reported that it received emails from others claiming to have ties to the company.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said his office is looking into the attempted auction to determine the full extent of any misconduct that may have occurred, and identify what we can do to protect both Elvis Presleys heirs and anyone else who may be similarly threatened.

Graceland is one of the most iconic landmarks in the State of Tennessee, and the Presley family have generously shared it with the world since Elviss passing, Skrmetti added in a statement last week. My office has fought fraud against homeowners for decades, and there is no home in Tennessee more beloved than Graceland.

In their emails to the Times, the writer did not offer any further clarification or explanation about taking credit for the alleged scam.

I am the one who creates trouble, they wrote.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Ill. Girl, 5, Is Fatally Shot in Front of Her Father While Sitting in Parked Car

Relatives say Reign Ware was sitting in a parked car next to her father when she was fatally shot around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 26

Raven Adams/GoFundMe Reign Ware

A 5-year-old girl was fatally shot in front of her father while sitting in a parked car in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend.

The girl, identified by family members as Reign Ware, brought life to our life, to outsiders lives, to everybody that met her, said her mother, Raven Adams, Fox 32 reports. She was a real sweet kid.

Relatives say Reign was sitting in a parked car next to her father when she was fatally shot around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 26, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Her father was unharmed while an unknown 24-year-old man was wounded, per the outlet.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Adams said that her family was leaving a party when the shooting took place and believed they were at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Police say no arrests have been made in the shooting, per ABC 7 Chicago. A witness told the outlet that people standing outside were ambushed by a group who jumped out of a car and started opening fire.

According to Fox 32, police believe the shots were fired from a Jeep Cherokee.

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.

Meanwhile, Reigns mother is asking those responsible to turn themselves in.

I just want justice for my baby, Adams told the Chicago Sun-Times. The violence just has to stop. How long is this going to go on? Until everybody kills everybody? Just let people live.

The girls family has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset funeral expenses.

It has broken our heart completely, Adams wrote on the fundraiser, which has garnered more than $3,000 in donations as of Tuesday, May 28.



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Read the original article on People.
David DePape, shown in 2013, was resentenced Tuesday to 30 years in prison for trying to kidnap former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and brutally assaulting her husband with a hammer in October 2022. (Associated Press)

The man convicted of attempting to kidnap former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and violently attacking her husband with a hammer in an October 2022 assault issued an apology on Tuesday before a federal judge again sentenced him to 30 years in prison.

Wearing his orange jail jumpsuit and reading from a white sheet of paper while standing next to his attorneys, DePape said he felt "horrible for hurting Mr. Pelosi," and pledged to "never do anything violent like that to anyone ever again."

"I'm sorry for what I did, especially what I did to Paul Pelosi," DePape said. "I should have never hurt him."

Read more: David DePape sentenced to 30 years in attempted Nancy Pelosi kidnapping, hammer attack on husband

DePape had already been sentenced to three decades in federal prison by Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley during a May 17 hearing that should have concluded a high-profile case of political extremism.

But Scott Corley agreed to reopen the sentencing hearing after federal prosecutors noted that she had forgotten to give DePape, 44, an opportunity to make a statement. Federal criminal rules of procedure require the court to address the defendant personally in order to permit the defendant to speak or present any information to mitigate the sentence.

Scott Corley apologized to DePape, the attorneys and victims at the start of the Tuesday hearing, saying she was "truly sorry for my mistake."

"I want to apologize for you having to be here this morning," she said. "It's completely on me."

The judge pledged to set aside her original sentencing and consider DePape's statement in her new ruling, before ultimately reimposing the 30-year sentence.

Scott Corley called the crime "unprecedented" and said it was imperative to deter "copycats" and ensure they get the message that "you cannot go and break into the speaker of the House's home and hold her spouse hostage and then assault him. Or any politician for that matter."

"The message has to be out there that it is absolutely unacceptable to our democracy," she said.

The Pelosis' daughter, Christine Pelosi, had already read victim-impact statements by her parents during the original sentencing.

Read more: Ex-Trump White House official reports to prison to serve contempt of Congress sentence

In her letter, Nancy Pelosi said her husband continues to suffer physically and emotionally from the attack, and that the violent incident has had a devastating effect on three generations of our family.

DePape had traveled from his Richmond, Calif., home into San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2022, in a conspiracy-fueled plan to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and "break her kneecaps" if she didnt admit to corruption and other bogus claims of human trafficking and child abuse.

He carried a backpack full of zip ties, tape, rope and a hammer, which he used along with his own body force to smash his way into the house. But instead of finding Nancy Pelosi, who was in Washington at the time, DePape wandered through the home before stumbling upon a sleeping Paul Pelosi in the couple's bedroom.

The door opened and a very large man came in, with a hammer in one hand and some ties in the other hand, Paul Pelosi testified during the November 2023 trial. And he said, Wheres Nancy? And I think thats what woke me up.

Paul Pelosi, then 82, was able to stall DePape long enough to dial 911 on his cellphone that he kept in the bathroom. When police arrived, the two men were struggling over DePapes hammer. Prosecutors showed jurors graphic police body-camera video of DePape bludgeoning Paul Pelosi, fracturing his skull and seriously injuring his right arm and left hand.

A jury convicted DePape after a four-day trial on attempted kidnapping and assault charges that were narrowly focused on whether the federal crimes were directly tied to then-Speaker Pelosi's official duties in Congress. His federal public defenders, Jodi Linker and Angela Chuang, had attempted to argue their client was motivated not by Nancy Pelosi's legislative role in Congress, but by admittedly bizarre conspiracy theories that politicians and other public figures were engaged in child trafficking and sexual abuse.

In his statement to the court, DePape said he should have left the house immediately after realizing Nancy Pelosi was not at home, and added, "Looking back, I can see I was not doing well."

DePape also faces several decades in state prison on separate, local charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, burglary and threats to a public official and her family. A jury was selected in that case last week, and opening arguments are set to begin Wednesday in San Francisco.

Read more: Letters to the Editor: The worst Jan. 6 offender hasn't spent a second in prison

Linker and Chuang asked for a more lenient 14-year federal prison term, saying their client has since been diagnosed with an undisclosed mental illness and that he was traumatized from a long-term romantic relationship with the mother of his two biological children.

Linker and Chuang immediately filed an appeal of the 30-year sentence and argued against the new hearing in a sharply worded court filing that claimed the sentencing issue should be resolved in the appeal process. They also requested a new judge, accusing Scott Corley of bias against DePape when she expressed "strong views" on the crimes and their impact on the safety of public officials during the original hearing.

They also said the hearing was an unfair burden on DePape's attorneys in his state trial, and that the rescheduled sentencing hearing would cut into much-needed time for their client to consult with his new legal team.

DePape had faced a combined 50 years in federal prison: 30 years on the assault charge and 20 years for the attempted kidnapping. Scott Corley sentenced him to the maximum term on both counts, but ordered him to serve them concurrently for a total of 30 years. He will get credit for the roughly 19 months he has spent in state custody.

He faces deportation to Canada upon his release.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Image shows a 7-layer defensive line planned for the border between NATO and Russia

Image shows a 7-layer defensive line planned for the border between NATO and Russia

Poland unveiled a plan for new defenses along its borders with Russia and Belarus.

Poland and other European NATO members are warning that Russia could launch an attack.

An image showed a wall, barbed wire, anti-tank obstacles and vegetation.

A NATO country unveiled a new plan for its border intended to defend against attacks coming from Russia.

Poland's defense ministry on Monday touted its "east shield," an operation to strengthen its eastern border with Russia and Belarus.

It said the effort would be the largest defensive effort on NATO's eastern flank since World War II ended in 1945.

A diagram released as part of a policy document showed one segment of the planned "border zone."

It featured at least eight distinct types of defense:

A permanent fence

Barbed wire

An anti-tank ditch

A field of anti-tank obstacles (known as hedgehogs)

Mines

Another ditch

A layer of vegetation

Officials also stated plans for increasing warning and tracking systems and anti-drone systems as well as preparing forward operating bases.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, General Wiesaw Kukua, said the project would strengthen Poland's resistance, limit the mobility of enemy troops, and protect Polish soldiers and civilians.

The Russia-Poland border is with Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave to its north. It also shares a frontier with Belarus, a dictatorship considered a Russian puppet state that has aided Russia with the invasion.

Further south, it borders Ukraine, where Russia has been executing a full-scale invasion since 2022.

The plan said not all border areas would be fortified to maximum strength  but did not give a detailed breakdown. Poland has around 140 miles of border with Russia and around 250 miles with Belarus.

It said the "east shield" plan will cover 435 miles of border in total.

Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland's defense minister, said work on the defenses would start this year and end by 2028.

Poland's deputy prime minister estimated the cost at $2.56 billion.

Polish armed forces' Chief of Staff. Gen Wieslaw Kukula and Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk speak about the plan to strengthen NATO's eastern flank in Warsaw, Poland on Monday. AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski

The project is being done in cooperation with the nearby Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, which Poland is working with to increase security in the region.

All four countries used to be dominated by the Soviet Union and have been outspoken about the prospect of Russia attacking again.

Poland and the Baltics have been Ukraine's most forthright allies, advocating for more dramatic responses than most Western countries.

Poland spends a higher percentage of its GDP on defense than any other NATO member, including the US.

Warnings Russia could attack

Poland is one of many European NATO members that warning that Russia may attack elsewhere in Europe if it is not defeated in Ukraine. Because of NATO's collective defense clause, that would likely also bring the US into a wider war.

The head of Poland's national security agency said at the end of last year that Russia could attack NATO countries within three years  by 2026.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also said in March that Europe was in a "pre-war era" and needed to prepare urgently.

Other Russian neighbors are boosting their borders

Other countries near Russia are also increasing their border defenses.

Baltic countries also plan big fortifications on their borders with Russia and Belarus, including bunkers.

Six NATO countries  Poland, Finland, Norway, and the three Baltic states  are also reportedly planning a "drone wall" to defend against Russia.

Poland already has a border wall between it and Belarus, built by its previous government last year to prevent migration.

Poland and its neighbors say Russia is targeting them by sending migrants across their borders and by launching cyberattacks, describing the actions as Russian efforts to destabilize Europe.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program enrolled a record 70,095 students in 2023-2024, according to the latest statewide report. (Getty Images)

Indianas private school voucher program enrollment jumped about 32% in the most recent school year, marking a historic single-year jump, according to the states latest voucher report.

The state-funded program enrolled a record 70,095 students in 2023-2024, costing taxpayers $439 million  which is around 40% higher than the $311 million spent on vouchers in the year prior.

Even so, the report noted that  had all Hoosier voucher users attended their traditional public schools  the state would have paid around $516 million in education expenses. Thats because vouchers are paid at a lower amount than public school funding.

After widening the Choice Scholarship Program in 2022, state lawmakers further expanded the voucher system in 2023 to be nearly universal and open to almost all Hoosier families.

Since the changes took effect, eligibility for the scholarships  which allows families to receive vouchers to attend private schools  have expanded to include households with incomes up to 400% of the amount required for a student to qualify for the federal free or reduced price lunch program, equal to about $220,000.

The latest numbers

The new statewide report released on Friday indicates that the latest surge in voucher participation was largely driven by students from wealthier families.

The average family income for a voucher student in 2023-24 was $99,121  an increase of more than 20% from the previous year. Thats well above the states median household income of about $67,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Almost 8,000 students in the latest cohort came from households making between $150,000 to $200,000 annually  up from 2,800 in 2022-23.

Voucher students from families making more than $200,000 increased even more  roughly tenfold  from 354 students in 2022-23 to about 3,700 in 2023-24.

Story continues below.

2023-2024-Annual-Choice-Report

Across other income brackets, around 2,000 more students came from families with incomes of up to $50,000, while another 2,000 came from households making between $50,000 and $100,000. More than 4,000 additional students came from families with incomes between $100,000 to $150,000, according to the report.

Two-thirds of voucher recipients in the last school year had never attended an Indiana public school, an increase of about four percentage points from 2022-23.

In total, 6.1% of all Indiana public and private-school students received a voucher in 2023-24, up from around 4.7% the year before, according to the report.

Data shows white students make up the majority of voucher users at 64%. Hispanic students account for 17.3% of voucher participants, while Black students make up just shy of 9%.

The average award amount was $6,264 and the average tuition and fees at a private school was $7,749, according to the report. Vouchers provide 90% of the amount of state-funding a public school corporation receives for each student, or covers all tuition and fees, whichever is lesser.

An ongoing push to increase vouchers

Indiana voucher participation has grown rapidly since the program began in 2011, when less than 4,000 students used a Choice Scholarship. Spearheaded by then-Gov. Mitch Daniels, the program intended to help children from poor families find alternatives to low-performing public schools.

Indiana is now one of 16 states with publicly funded vouchers, according to EdChoice, an Indianapolis-based group that backs voucher programs.

But critics have long argued that most Choice Scholarship students will attend private schools with or without a voucher, meaning their tuition is an added expense for taxpayers and only the states wealthiest will benefit.

Public schools officials and teachers unions also remain opposed to Choice Scholarship expansions, arguing that its projected cost over the next two years will stymie K-12 education funding increases for public schools. They point to state law, too, that allows voucher schools to reject students for their religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or academic ability, among other reasons.

In a Friday statement, the leader of Indianas largest teachers union said he was deeply concerned about the growth of the private school voucher program in the last year.

This expansion, extending vouchers to wealthier families, funnels public funds to those who can already afford private schools. This shift adds a financial burden on the state without reducing public school costs, undermining claims of state savings, said Keith Gambill, president of the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA). Instead of helping wealthy families attend private schools at the expense of public school kids, we should be investing these tax dollars in our public schools.

Still, change could be on the horizon for the states voucher system.

During the most recent 2024 legislative session, Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, previewed his own proposal to completely overhaul Indianas private school vouchers with a grant program that would allow all Hoosier families  regardless of income  to choose where their students get educated.

Although the bill did not advance, discussion at the Statehouse previewed likely legislative momentum in 2025, when the General Assembly reconvenes to craft the next state budget.

The post Indiana private school voucher participation sees historic boost, according to new report appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Infamous Universe 25 'Rodent Utopia' Experiment Is Not a Sign of the Apocalypse. Here's What It Was

People predicting the end of world generally make those predictions without scientific evidence to support them. So when an animal-behavior researcher ran experiments in the 1960s that described "utopian" rodent societies pushing themselves into extinction, scientists and the general public alike took notice. That attention never fully went away.

Ever since the original "Universe 25" rodent utopia experiment took place, countless people have discussed the study and its findings, with some suggesting it could be an apocalyptic prediction for the future of humanity. The story pops up online every so often, and Snopes readers have written many emails over the past few years asking us about the notorious rodent utopia experiment.

The Background

Before explaining the experiment, it's important to understand why it was performed. While environmentalism as a political theory had been around in bits and pieces since the early days of the Industrial Revolution, it was not until just after World War II that people truly began to politically organize around the environment.

One of the largest fears at the time was overpopulation  sometimes called Malthusianism after an 18th-century demographer, Thomas Malthus, who proposed that population would eventually grow faster than food production, meaning that, eventually, humanity would be unable to feed everyone. Many early environmentalists proposed similar ideas.

In the 1950s, an animal behaviorist named John Calhoun started working at the National Institute of Mental Health. He had long worked with rats, the subject of his Ph.D. thesis, and was interested in studying how a rat society would develop over time when it was limited only by space. In other words, he wanted to test the effects of overpopulation.

In order to run his experiment, Calhoun designed complexes, which he named "Universes," that would provide his rodent subjects all they needed to survive  food, water and protection from predators and disease. The only thing that would limit the population growth would be space.

As he watched the rodent societies grow, he began noticing strange trends:

Pregnant females began having problems raising offspring. Dominant males became incredibly territorial and overactive, while subordinate males increasingly withdrew from the larger group, coming out "to eat, drink and move about only when other members of the community were asleep." Rats became so conditioned to eating with others that they would refuse to eat alone. Some males became hypersexual and attempted to mate with anyone and everyone. Fighting was frequent. Rats began cannibalizing other rats. At one point, the infant mortality rate reached an astonishing 96%.

As one of Calhoun's assistants put it, "utopia" had turned into a "hell."

The Experiments

Calhoun published the results of his early experiments in the February 1962 edition of Scientific American, with the title "Population Density and Social Pathology," coining the term "behavioral sink" to describe the most-crowded spots, where he observed the highest rate of antisocial behavior. In the 1960s, at the height of political discourse about so-called "social decay" in American cities, the study was a natural discussion topic. In the meantime, Calhoun continued his work.

And now we arrive the 25th version of this study Calhoun ran, and the one he would become most well-known for: Universe 25. It was the only one of Calhoun's habitats fully studied from beginning to end. Universe 25 was populated with mice instead of rats, but most everything else remained the same. Mice had everything they needed to survive and were limited only by space.

Calhoun constructed a square box with a side length of 54 inches. He built nesting boxes, water bottles and food hoppers into the walls, with each side of the universe having 64 different nesting boxes located at various heights, 16 water bottles and four food hoppers. All of the "utilities" were accessible via a series of mesh tunnels running from the floor up the side of the wall.

Calhoun published the results of Universe 25 in 1973 in a paper called "Death Squared: The Explosive Growth and Demise of a Mouse Population." He broke down the development and collapse of the society into four phases:

Phase A, consisting of the first 104 days, was the adjustment phase, with "considerable social turmoil" between the eight original mice placed into the habitat. Phase A ended once the mice had their first offspring.

Phase B, which Calhoun named the resource exploitation phase, lasted from Day 105 to Day 315. During this phase, the population grew rapidly, reaching more than 600 mice before growth began slowing. Social stratification also began to happen, with different groups of mice living in certain areas and self-selecting into their own independent groups.

Phase C, called the stagnation phase, lasted from Day 316 to Day 560. Male mice who were not able to find room in the pre-existing social structure began to withdraw from society, violently attacking one another. Their female counterparts retreated into the highest boxes, also isolating themselves. Socially dominant males began to lose control over their territory, leaving mothers to aggressively defend their young, sometimes even abandoning them. "For all practical purposes there had been a death of societal organization by the end of Phase C," Calhoun wrote.

Phase D was the death phase. The death rate outpaced the birth rate, and the society began to shrink. Mothers raised newborn mice for a very short time, and Calhoun proposed that the young generation's strange behaviors were a direct result of a very abnormal social upbringing that did not allow some of the more "complex behaviors," including mating rituals, to develop. Females rarely gave birth, and a large group of males, which Calhoun named the "beautiful ones," did nothing other than eat, drink, sleep and groom themselves. During Phase D, a few mice were placed in newly established universes to see whether they would relearn those social behaviors. They did not.

Calhoun's 1973 paper was not subtle. "I shall largely speak of mice, but my thoughts are on man, on healing, on life and its evolution," he wrote. He made frequent references to the Book of Revelation in the Bible and almost all of his wording aimed to personify his rodent subjects. The mice in Universe 25 lived in "walk-up apartments," and Calhoun described subgroups like "somnambulists" or the "bar flies," terms that could easily be mapped to urban life.

The conclusions felt grim, and the fears of overpopulation made their way into pop culture, like the movie "Soylent Green." There's even a book for children very loosely based around Calhoun's mouse cities (although without the doom and gloom of societal breakdown): "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH."

The Conclusions

In modern times, Calhoun's Universe 25 experiment is often used as a way to talk about some kind of "degradation of Western society." These analyses look at Calhoun's experiments and say, "He predicted this would happen to humans, and look at all the cultural degeneracy we see today!" For instance, here's an excerpt from a comment about the experiment we've seen repeatedly on Facebook:

According to Calhoun, the death phase consisted of two stages: the "first death" and "second death." The former was characterized by the loss of purpose in life beyond mere existence  no desire to mate, raise young or establish a role within society. As time went on, juvenile mortality reached 100% and reproduction reached zero. Among the endangered mice, homosexuality was observed and, at the same time, cannibalism increased, despite the fact that there was plenty of food. Two years after the start of the experiment, the last baby of the colony was born. By 1973, he had killed the last mouse in the Universe 25. John Calhoun repeated the same experiment 25 more times, and each time the result was the same. Calhoun's scientific work has been used as a model for interpreting social collapse, and his research serves as a focal point for the study of urban sociology. We are currently witnessing direct parallels in today's society ... weak, feminized men with little to no skills and no protection instincts, and overly agitated and aggressive females with no maternal instincts.

Scientists have repeatedly pushed back against these ideas since Calhoun's research came out. Researchers who attempted to replicate Calhoun's studies in humans found mixed results, and other scientists chastised him for extrapolating rodent behavior to humans. While the popular conception of Universe 25 focused on the apocalyptic death of society because of overpopulation, other psychologists suggested otherwise.

In an 2008 interview with the NIH Record, Dr. Edmund Ramsden, a science historian, explained the results of a similar 1975 experiment by a psychologist Jonathan Freedman:

Freedman's work, Ramsden noted, suggested that density was no longer a primary explanatory variable for society's ruin. A distinction was drawn between animals and humans. "Rats may suffer from crowding; human beings can cope Calhoun's research was seen not only as questionable, but also as dangerous." Freedman suggested a different conclusion, though. Moral decay resulted "not from density, but from excessive social interaction," Ramsden explained. "Not all of Calhoun's rats had gone berserk. Those who managed to control space led relatively normal lives." Striking the right balance between privacy and community, Freedman argued, would reduce social pathology. It was the unwanted unavoidable social interaction that drove even fairly social creatures mad, he believed.

But what the modern critics often carelessly and conveniently leave out is how Calhoun's research evolved after Universe 25: Up until his death in 1995, Calhoun looked for solutions to the problem he had discovered, altering his designs and controls to try to avoid the societal collapse of Universe 25. He described rodents coming up with creative solutions to daily tasks. And it was in this way that his experiments have actually proven more useful. Architects and urban designers have taken Calhoun's experiments into consideration when designing buildings and cities. Prison researchers and reformers have also found Calhoun's studies surprisingly helpful.

So yes, while Universe 25 and Calhoun's "rodent utopias" were real experiments, they're not the apocalyptic predictions that some people make them out to be.

Sources:

Arnason, Gardar. "The Emergence and Development of Animal Research Ethics: A Review with a Focus on Nonhuman Primates." Science and Engineering Ethics, vol. 26, no. 4, 2020, pp. 227793. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-020-00219-z.

Britannica Money. 18 Mar. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/money/Malthusianism.

Calhoun, John B. "Death Squared: The Explosive Growth and Demise of a Mouse Population." Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine, vol. 66, no. 1P2, Jan. 1973, pp. 8088. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1177/00359157730661P202.

Calhoun, John B. "Population Density and Social Pathology." California Medicine, vol. 113, no. 5, Nov. 1970, p. 54. PubMed Central, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1501789/.

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Environmentalism | Ideology, History, & Types | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/environmentalism. Accessed 17 May 2024.

Fredrik Knudsen. The Mouse Utopia Experiments | Down the Rabbit Hole. 2017. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgGLFozNM2o.

Garnett, Carla. "Medical Historian Examines NIMH Experiments In Crowding." NIH Record, Vol. LX, No. 15, 25 July 2008, https://nihrecord.nih.gov/sites/recordNIH/files/pdf/2008/NIH-Record-2008-07-25.pdf.

Magazine, Smithsonian, and Maris Fessenden. "How 1960s Mouse Utopias Led to Grim Predictions for Future of Humanity." Smithsonian Magazine, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-mouse-utopias-1960s-led-grim-predictions-humans-180954423/. Accessed 17 May 2024.

Magazine, Smithsonian, and Charles C. Mann. "The Book That Incited a Worldwide Fear of Overpopulation." Smithsonian Magazine, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/book-incited-worldwide-fear-overpopulation-180967499/. Accessed 17 May 2024.

Paulus, Paul. Prisons Crowding: A Psychological Perspective. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.

Ramsden, Edmund. "The Urban Animal: Population Density and Social Pathology in Rodents and Humans." Bulletin of the World Health Organization, vol. 87, no. 2, Feb. 2009, p. 82. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.09.062836.

The Calhoun Rodent Experiments: The Real-Life Rats of NIMH. https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/mathematics/calhoun-rodent-experiments/. Accessed 17 May 2024.

"Universe 25, 19681973." The Scientist Magazine, https://www.the-scientist.com/universe-25-1968-1973-69941. Accessed 17 May 2024.

Woodstream, Woodstream. What Humans Can Learn from Calhoun's Rodent Utopia. https://www.victorpest.com/articles/what-humans-can-learn-from-calhouns-rodent-utopia. Accessed 17 May 2024.
NEW YORK  After six weeks of staying clear of the courthouse at 100 Centre Street, Joe Bidens campaign on Tuesday showed up to hold their own event  a dramatic reversal of the presidents strategy in the final days of Donald Trumps trial.

The change comes as Biden tries to catch up with Trump, who has been leading in most key battleground state polls even as he has been mostly confined to New York for the duration of the trial.

Much like Trump has done through part of the trial, Bidens campaign team brought their own set of surrogates to parade before the mob of television cameras that have camped out outside the courthouse each day to hear from Trumps allies.

Asked by a reporter why the presidents reelection campaign decided to hold an event at Trumps trial, his communications director had a simple answer: Because you all are here, Michael Tyler said.

Youve been incessantly covering this, day in and day out, Tyler continued, later saying the Biden team would seek to remind voters of the stakes of this election.



More so than any other day of the trial  fueled by the Biden campaign's involvement  the courthouse and its immediate vicinity on Tuesday became a center of litigation for something besides the hush money trial: the November election.

The Biden campaign decided over the weekend to authorize a "guerrilla-style" campaign event near the courthouse in an effort to break through the non-stop cable news coverage of the Trump trial, according to two people familiar with plans and granted anonymity to describe them.

Biden campaign officials acknowledged that holding the surprise press conference was a change in tactics, but said it was not a change of their overall strategy. They also made the decision over the weekend in Wilmington, Delaware, where the Biden campaign is headquartered, to plan more surprise events in the weeks ahead. They plan to be "nimble and creative," according to one of the people with knowledge of the strategy, as a means to go on offense and break through the media cycle.

On Tuesday, that meant bringing out actor Robert De Niro.

As a car alarm rang out and a group of nearby Trump supporters shouted loudly outside the courthouse Tuesday morning, De Niro, who recently voiced a campaign ad for Biden, and former police officers Michael Fanone and Harry Dunn, who responded to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attacks, railed against Trump before the crowd of cameras.



De Niro, who has made no secret of his distaste for Trump, was eager to bracket the moment with a stunt news conference, the people familiar with the plans said. But the Biden surrogates seemed careful not to directly mention the ongoing legal case against Trump  the very issue that has resulted in a month-and-a half-long media bonanza for the former president.

Instead, while introducing the three men, Tyler said the president was looking forward to talking to Trump about three other topics at their June 27 debate  abortion, threats to democracy and economic policies for working families.

That's what this campaign is going to be focused on and talking about over the course of the next month, Tyler said.

Stashed in a white trash bag on the ground near the microphones was a blue Biden-Harris placard, a prop that was apparently never set up ahead of the campaigns press event.

Many close to Biden have expressed private frustration that the media is obsessed with Trump, making it difficult at times to garner attention for the incumbent. But the people familiar with the decision disputed that the stunt was born out of desperation, even as Biden has narrowly but consistently trailed Trump in the polls.



Trumps press team stood in the crowd of reporters and watched as the Biden surrogates addressed the media, quickly jumping at the opportunity to rebut as De Niro and the others walked away, chased by a crowd of cameras.

President Trumps numbers continue to rise, and the best that Biden can do is roll out a washed up actor, said Trump adviser Jason Miller.

When a reporter asked about the Biden campaigns decision to make the most of all the press gathered for Trumps trial, Karoline Leavitt, another Trump spokesperson, muttered theyre pathetic as she walked away.

The Trump campaign followed with its own press conference during the lunch break, that time featuring Trumps sons Don Jr. and Eric  and daughter-in-law and Republican National Committee co-Chair Lara Trump. They were among the Trump supporters who have attended the trial to lend their support, including some two dozen members of Congress, notably House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Sens. Rick Scott and J.D. Vance.

Trump himself seemed to take note of the Biden stunt  with someone posting on his Truth Social account just before returning to court from lunch a video of De Niro arguing with a Trump supporter as he walked away from the press conference.

You are gangsters, De Niro shouted at what appeared to be Trump supporters yelling at him, with one man replying that De Niro was washed up.



Fuck you, the video captured De Niro yelling back as he was led away.

Inside the courthouse, meanwhile, Trumps defense attorney Todd Blanche sought to undermine the prosecutions case, slamming the states key witness  Michael Cohen, Trumps former attorney and fixer  as dishonest and a money hungry thief.

Hes literally like an MVP of liars, Blanche told the jury, later adding that Cohen is the GLOAT  the greatest liar of all time.

Prosecutors spent hours Tuesday  with the judge keeping the jury later than usual  reiterating their evidence in an attempt to show that Trump was in on the plans, as told by Cohen earlier in the trial.

At times laughing and frequently employing snark, assistant district attorney Joshua Steinglass walked jurors again through a flurry of exhibits, acknowledging that Cohen was not their ideal witness, but was close to Trump at the time.



"We didnt choose Michael Cohen to be our witness. We didnt pick him up at the witness store, Steinglass said. The defendant chose Michael Cohen to be his fixer because he was willing to lie and cheat on Mr. Trumps behalf. Mr. Trump chose Mr. Cohen for the same qualities that his attorneys now urge you to reject his testimony because of.

While the trial is expected to continue at least through Wednesday and Thursday, Biden and his campaign still do not intend to directly address the trial until a verdict is reached.

The president's first remarks about the trial are expected to be about the need to respect the outcome and will not be overtly political. And they will likely be given in an informal White House setting  like answering a question from a reporter on the South Lawn  rather than in some sort of official address, according to the two people familiar with the plans.
WELLINGTON, May 28 (Xinhua) -- More than 300 people have been flown out of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia in a series of New Zealand government repatriation operations.

As of Tuesday, seven New Zealand government aircraft flights to the capital Noumea have assisted around 225 New Zealanders and 145 foreign nationals to travel from New Caledonia to New Zealand.

"It has been a complex but successful operation since the first flight on May 21," New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Tuesday.

The dispatched flights not only assisted Kiwis in New Caledonia, but also transported foreign nationals from countries that had sought New Zealand assistance," said Peters, also deputy prime minister.

New Zealand was also pleased to assist New Caledonians, stuck in New Zealand due to the unrest and the closure of Noumea's international airport, to return home, Peters said.

A proposed voting reform sparked protests and riots in New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, which have left six dead and hundreds injured since May 13, according to media reports. 
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland confirmed in a Friday memo that National Park Service (NPS) staff will be permitted to participate in LGBTQ Pride Month activities in uniform, reversing an NPS memo from earlier this month that sparked fierce backlash.

In the memo, shared with The Hill, Haaland did not directly name Pride Month but wrote that in addition to the Special Emphasis Months observed within the Interior Department, some outside activities and events can be considered in service of the same goals. LGBTQ Americans are among those listed as covered by the Interior Departments Special Emphasis Programs.

I am directing Bureau leaders or their designated officials to determine how and when bureaus should participate in these externally organized events, she wrote. This could include marching units in parades, booths at parades, events etc. This would allow employees to participate in uniform representing their respective bureau. This direction takes effect immediately.

The initial, unsigned May 17 memo stated requests from employees asking to participate in uniform in a variety of events and activities, including events not organized by the NPS, are not in keeping with NPS policy. LGBTQ advocates vocally criticized the move, including Pattie Gonia, an environmentalist and drag queen who marked LGBT History Month with Haaland last year. She wrote This is NOT what allyship looks like in an Instagram post last week.

LGBTQ rights organization GLAAD praised Haaland for reversing the decision.

Our National Parks and the public servants who work there are treasures valued by every American. Employees should be able to express support for Pride and all celebrations that bring people together to reflect the beautiful diversity of our country and people, GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement.

We owe thanks to Park Service employees who spoke up about the discriminatory policy and who work every day to make all feel welcome to enjoy the parks that belong to all of us.

The Stonewall National Monument, the New York City bar that was the site of the 1969 uprising considered the start of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, is maintained by NPS.

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.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  On Monday, the Intrepid held its annual Memorial Day commemoration ceremony.

They honored men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States armed forces and discussed how New York City was particularly impacted.

I think its a time to instill hope. And when you see all the Sailors and Marines and Coast Guardsmen around today, to think about that we are still the greatest country in the world. We did that because of the ultimate sacrifice those that went before us gave, said Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces.

More Manhattan News

New York City Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the importance of patriotism and pride for the United States.

When I go to our borders, no one is lining up to leave America. People are lining up to come to America. Because America represents the greatest thing that you could have in a country, Adams said.

Four ceremonial wreaths were placed in the Hudson River to honor those we have lost.

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.
Iran has grown its supply of enriched uranium in the last few months, according to the latest confidential quarterly report from the United Nations watchdog group, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The latest report  seen Monday by news outlets including The Associated Press and Reuters  shows Iran has increased its overall stockpile of enriched uranium, as well as its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, since the latest report in February.

According to the IAEA, uranium needs to be enriched to 90 percent to be considered at a weapons-grade level, but 42 kilograms (92.5 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent is considered enough theoretically to create one atomic weapon, once its enriched to 90 percent.

The latest report, according to the AP and Reuters, shows Iran, as of May 11, has 142.1 kilograms (313.2 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, up from 121.5 kilograms (267.8 pounds) in February.

February saw a decrease since its previous report in November 2023, when Iran had 128.3 kilograms of enriched uranium. The AP reported at the time that the decrease was the result of Iran diluting its 60 percent-enriched uranium with a lower-grade level.

As of May 11, Irans overall stockpile of uranium enriched to any point is 6,201.3 kilograms (1,3671.5 pounds), up from 5,525.5 kilograms (12,182 pounds) in February, the report said, according to the AP.

In February, the overall stockpile of enriched uranium had increased from November 2023, when Iran had 6,564.2 kilograms of enriched uranium.

The latest report comes as Iran ups the pressure on the international community to lift the sanctions imposed over its nuclear program. The AP reports that Iran is seeking to have the sanctions lifted in exchange for slowing the program.

Iran has said its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes, but as the stockpile grows, experts have raised concerns that the country has enough enriched uranium to make multiple weapons, in theory.

Former President Trump withdrew from the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, which let Iran enrich uranium up to 3.67 percent purity and required the country to shrink its stockpile by 98 percent. UN officials were also permitted to monitor the program. Iran has since barred the inspectors from the sites.

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.
Irans intervention in Sudans civil war advances its geopolitical goals  but not without risks

Irans role in funding and arming proxy groups in the Middle East has been well documented and has gotten extra attention since the Hamas-led attack in Israel in October 2023. Similarly, Tehrans arms shipments to Russia are well known and have prompted complaints and sanctions from the West.

But Tehran has received little coverage of its military intervention in another deadly conflict: Sudans civil war.

Since that conflict started in April 2023, it has killed at least 13,000 people, injured over 33,000 others and displaced millions more. After years of relative peace, people are once again being massacred in the southern region of Darfur.

In the immediate aftermath of fighting breaking out between two rival factions of Sudans military government, Iran limited its involvement to supplying humanitarian aid.

But that policy didnt last long. Between December 2023 and January 2024, Tehran supplied several Mohajer-6 midrange reconnaissance and combat drones to President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his Sudanese Armed Forces, or SAF.

In February, the drones helped the SAF take territory from Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, during an offensive in the city of Omdurman.

While the conflict in Sudan has gotten less global attention than those in Ukraine and Gaza, it is strategically significant for Tehran. As an expert on Irans foreign policy, I see how Tehran is increasingly using involvement in African conflict zones to advance the countrys military, commercial and particularly geopolitical goals. It follows a similar trajectory as Irans involvement in Ethiopia during the Tigray war of 2020-22.

Projecting power

Militarily and commercially, drone exports to the SAF have been a continuation of Irans actions since the expiration of a U.N. arms embargo against Tehran in October 2020.

Since then, Iran has delivered surveillance and attack drones not only to its quasi- and nonstate proxies and partners in the Middle East  such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis in Yemen  but also increasingly to states outside the region such as Ethiopia, Russia, Tajikistan and Venezuela.

Iran has done this to project power, strengthen alliances and influence conflicts in the Middle East and other regions. At the same time, it can prove a lucrative source of income for the Iranian economy, as well as a showcase for the countrys technology. While it is difficult to determine the precise revenue Iran has received from military drone exports, the estimated value of the global market in 2022 was US$12.55 billion, a figure expected to reach $14.14 billion in 2023 and $35.60 billion in 2030.

In regards to Sudan, arming the SAF helps both Irans wider geopolitical goals and its competition with regional rivals, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

Rogue states

Iran-Sudan relations date back to 1989, when Tehran backed the coup led by Omar al-Bashir, who later became the president of Sudan. During the 1990s and 2000s, Iran offered development assistance and military aid to Sudan. It exported tractors there and stationed naval vessels at Sudanese ports in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, right, meets with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 2006. IRNA/AFP via Getty Images

Along these strategic routes and shipping lanes, Tehran exported oil to African countries and smuggled weapons to regional clients, including the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Palestinian militants in Gaza.

As a fellow so-called rogue state subjected to U.S. sanctions and embargoes, Sudan provided diplomatic support to Tehran throughout the period.

It recognized Irans right to pursue a nuclear program and voted against U.N. General Assembly resolutions condemning Tehrans human rights record. From 1979 to 2021, Sudan ranked as Irans third-largest trading partner in Africa and accounted for 3% of its average annual trade with the continent.

But between 2013 and 2016, Iran-Sudan relations suffered a series of severe setbacks. In 2014, Sudan closed Irans cultural center and expelled its diplomatic officials for purportedly proselytizing Shiism in a predominantly Sunni country. Two years later, in 2016, it and other countries in the Horn of Africa cut formal ties with Tehran.

These setbacks resulted from Iran disengaging from Sudan and Africa to concentrate on nuclear diplomacy with the United States and other world powers. They also coincided with growing military, diplomatic and economic assistance from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Sudan and other states in the Horn of Africa in exchange for joining the Saudi-led coalition against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

This assistance was especially enticing to Sudan as it confronted isolation and economic adversity as a result of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for al-Bashir, the secession of oil-rich South Sudan and the imposition of intensified sanctions by the U.S.

Despite Iran and Sudan subsequently participating in multilateral meetings on agricultural cooperation, the bilateral relations between the countries never fully recovered.

Making inroads in the Horn

The civil war has provided an opportunity for Iran to correct course with Sudan. Supporting the SAF can help Tehran salvage relations with Sudan while also countering or containing Saudi and Emirate influence in the country and the wider continent.

Tehran aspires to assist al-Burhan and the SAF win the war and take back control of the state.

Giving assistance to the SAF also fits a dynamic that predates the war and again relates to Irans battle for influence with Saudi Arabia. In 2019, while Hemedti served alongside al-Burhan in the Transitional Military Council after al-Bashirs ouster by a coup, he visited Saudi Arabia and pledged support for it against Iran and the Houthis.

Nonetheless, supporting the SAF is not without risks for Iran.

For starters, a victory for al-Burhan and the SAF is far from certain. Since October 2023, the RSF has taken some key states, including the capital of Khartoum and the breadbasket of Gezira. In February 2024, the SAF launched an offensive in Omdurman and made gains there. However, the overall balance may still tilt in the RSFs favor.

And unlike the wars in Syria and Ukraine, in Sudan, Tehran has found itself in the awkward position of supporting an adversary of Russia, which sponsors the RSF.

And contrary to the Ethiopia conflict, in which Iran supported the government against rebel groups alongside Turkey and the UAE, Tehran and Abu Dhabi are competing for influence in Sudan by backing the SAF and RSF, respectively. Outside the military realm, the UAE has a sizable economic edge over Iran as Sudans largest export partner and second largest import partner.

Fueling conflict

Even if al-Burhan were to emerge victorious, its not a given that Irans position in Sudan would significantly improve or its influence grow.

Iran is constrained by being a Shiite power; Sudan is a Sunni-majority country. And even before Sudan severed ties with Iran and descended into another civil war, it had long accepted agricultural, commercial, developmental and military assistance from Irans regional rivals, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

After Khartoum joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, it normalized relations with Tel Aviv through the Abraham Accords in return for diplomatic and economic incentives from the U.S.

Time will tell whether Irans military intervention in Sudan marks a turning point in bilateral relations, or whether its nothing more than a weapons transfer in another civil conflict fueled by foreign intervention.

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: Eric Lob, Florida International University

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Eric Lob is affiliated with the Middle East Institute.
Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris speaks to the media following a launch event for his party's European and local election manifestos in Dublin. Niall Carson/Press Association/dpa

Ireland formally recognized the state of Palestine on Tuesday, a decision that has angered Israel but which Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said is a sign of faith in the two-state solution.

Last week, the Irish leader joined his counterparts in Spain and Norway in announcing that the three countries would formally recognize an independent Palestine.

All three made good on that promise on Tuesday.

"This decision of Ireland is about keeping hope alive. It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security," Harris said in a statement.

"We had wanted to recognize Palestine at the end of a peace process however we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive. I again call on Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu of Israel to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza."

Full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah will be established, the Irish government said in a press release. This includes appointing an an ambassador of Ireland to the state of Palestine.
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.
Fire rages following an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced Palestinians, in Rafah

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Israeli military is investigating the possibility that munitions stored near a compound in Gaza hit by an air strike on Sunday may have caught fire, killing more than 40 civilians, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said it was still unclear what set off the deadly blaze in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, but added that the 17 kilogram munitions used in the strike were believed to be too small to have set off such a big fire.

"We are looking into all possibilities including the option that weapons stored in a compound next to our target which we did not know of may have ignited as a result of the strike," he told a televised briefing, adding that footage of the incident indicated there were secondary explosions following the strike.

The incident, coming just days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its operation in Rafah, triggered international outrage, deepening the global isolation facing Israel over the war in Gaza.

Hagari said the operation on Sunday targeted two senior Hamas operatives in a compound in which no civilians were present but "due to unforeseen circumstances, a fire ignited tragically taking the lives of Gazans nearby."

He said a number of steps had been taken before the operation to avoid civilian casualties.

(Reporting by James Mackenzie and Emily Rose; Editing by Peter Graff)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel said on Tuesday it was moving to an electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from visa-exempt countries starting in August, joining Britain, the United States, Canada and other countries that have such systems.

Visitors from non-visa countries will need the ETA to stay for up to 90 days in Israel having previously been able to visit the country without it. Entry will continue to be determined by a border control officer, it said, as in other countries with a similar system.

The government says the new system will help keep track of tourists to maintain security.

A pilot programme for the ETA-IL system will start on June 1 for holders of U.S. and German passports and it will be open to visitors from other visa-exempt countries on July 1.

The ETA-IL will become mandatory from Aug. 1 "and visitors will not be able to board a plane to Israel without it", the Population and Immigration Authority said in a statement.

It will cost 25 shekels ($6.80) and stay valid for up to 2 years, or until the current passport expires.

Obtaining a new passport or a name or gender change would require an application for a new travel authorisation.

Visitors from non-eligible countries still need a visa at an Israeli consulate prior to their travel, and do not need to obtain an ETA-IL.

($1 = 3.6702 shekels)

(Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa)
Smoke rises during a renewed Israeli strike on Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday. Photo by Haitham Imad/EPA-EFE

May 28 (UPI) -- Israeli tanks penetrated the center of Rafah Tuesday as Israel Defense Forces continue their drive to root out remaining Hamas battalions in the southern Gaza Strip.

IDF armored forces advanced during the night and were seen by Rafah residents in several areas in the city's center, including near the Al-Awda mosque, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The tanks are part of a "targeted" and "precise" move on Hamas battalions that fired rockets from Rahaf into Tel Aviv late last week, IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told media Tuesday.

He said four IDF brigades during the past 24 hours expanded ground operations into new areas in Rafah, including the central area.

The 401st Armored, Bislach, Nahal and 12th brigades entered Rafah during the nighttime hours after IDF forces helped evacuate an estimated 950,000 Gazans since May 6, Israeli officials said.

Israeli Merkava tanks and an armored personnel carrier pull into a front line staging area in southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on May 13 as Israel continues its limited offensive in the Rafiah area of the southern Gaza Strip. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI

The IDF maneuvers come two days after a fire killed an estimated 45 civilians in a tent city after IDF forces fired two artillery shells at Hamas targets Sunday.

The IDF fired two 17-kilogram munitions at two senior Hamas militants after intelligence indicated no women or children were in the compound and no tent shelters were nearby, Hagari told media Tuesday.

Israeli soldiers prepare munitions near tanks and armored personal carriers in a staging area in southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI

Hagari showed video of the alleged targets and said the two munitions could not have ignited a fire of that size. He suggested Hamas had weapons stored in the area.

Israeli officials earlier assured U.S. officials only precision munitions were used in the strike Sunday and suggested shrapnel or the initial explosion ignited a fuel tank that caused the civilian casualties.

The IDF controls up to 40% of Rafah after evacuating between 60% and 70% of the city's population.

Also, the IDF offensive caused the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry to close two of the city's three hospitals. The Indonesian Field Hospital and the Tal Al-Sultan Clinic are closed while the Tal Al-Sultan Maternity Hospital remains open.
ISLAMABAD, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that China is a key partner in his country's development and growth, bringing socio-economic benefits to the people of Pakistan.

Pakistan desired to further enhance its cooperation with China in various sectors including agriculture, information technology, and energy under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, the prime minister said while chairing a meeting on Pakistan-China cooperation here.

After the successful completion of the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar CPEC project, Sharif said that the Pakistani government is preparing for the second phase of high-quality construction of CPEC, which involves launching new projects with Chinese cooperation and enhancing business-to-business linkages.

He said that Pakistan has a lot to learn from China in formulating strategies to boost its exports, saying agriculture demonstration zones are being established and the Gwadar port would become a logistics hub with China's cooperation.

All-out facilitation will be ensured to the Chinese companies, particularly those related to the textile sector, to establish their industries in Pakistan, he said.

Launched in 2013, the CPEC is a corridor linking the Gwadar Port in southwest Pakistan's Balochistan province with Kashgar in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport, and industrial cooperation in the first phase, while the new phase expands to fields of agriculture and livelihood, among others. 
Israeli tanks were spotted Tuesday in the center of Rafah for the first time, according to a report, after weeks of attacks on the city in southern Gaza where over a million displaced people had sought refuge from the war.

Witnesses told Reuters tanks and armored vehicles armed with machine guns and had been seen close to Al-Awda mosque, a notable landmark in the center of Rafah. The report comes the day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a tragic mistake had occurred in an airstrike on a camp for displaced people in the city over the weekend which, according to local health officials, killed at least 45 people.

Israeli PM Calls Deadly Rafah Strike a Tragic Mistake

Residents say tank fire and airstrikes continued in Rafah overnight even after the international condemnation of the tent camp fire Sunday which left dozens of Palestinians dead, Reuters reports. The news agency said the Israeli military confirmed only that its forces continued in the area of the city without specifically commenting on the claims of tanks in central Rafah.

Around 1.5 million people had been sheltering in the city before Israel launched ground operations in eastern areas of Rafah in early May, according to the BBC. Over the course of the past three weeks, roughly one million people have fled the city, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported Tuesday, adding that providing assistance and protection is becoming nearly impossible.

After seizing the Palestinian side of the vital border crossing between Rafah and Egypt earlier this month, Israels tanks have reportedly advanced westwards in recent days. On Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces said its troops had operated overnight in the Philadelphi Corridorthe strip of land separating Egypt and Gaza.

The operations came in response to intelligence indicating the presence of terror targets in the area, the IDF said, adding that efforts are continuing to be made in order to prevent harm to uninvolved civilians in the area.

The military action has continued seemingly unabated despite growing international pressure on Israel over the manner in which it is fighting its war against Hamas. President Joe Biden said earlier in May that he would stop supplying certain weapons to Israel if they go into Rafah, while the International Court of Justice last week ordered Israel to immediately halt its offensive in the city.

Netanyahu has consistently vowed to press on with the operations in Rafah, construing the city as being among the few remaining Hamas strongholds. He has promised to deliver a total victory over the group which led the Oct. 7 terror attacks in southern Israel and has seemingly been undeterred from achieving that goal despite the International Criminal Courts top prosecutor seeking a warrant for his arrest in connection with alleged war crimes committed over the course of the conflict, which has now raged for almost eight months.

Netanyahu reiterated his intention to continue the war on Monday even amid the furious response to the weekends deadly fire in a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah. Antonio Guterres, the U.N. secretary general, said he condemned Israels actions which killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict. There is no safe place in Gaza, Guterres said Monday. This horror must stop.

Addressing the Israeli parliament Monday, Netanyahu stressed the importance of his military taking precautions to avoid harming civilians and said the camp attack would be investigated, according to the BBC. But he nevertheless reaffirmed his commitment to his objectives. I dont intend to end the war before every goal has been achieved, he said.

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JERUSALEM  An Israeli strike that set fire to a displaced persons camp in Rafah  killing an estimated 45 Palestinians and wounding another 200  has fueled international outrage toward Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and further divided his country over the war efforts.

On top of the global condemnation, Netanyahu is also under attack at home from Israeli officials inside and outside his party calling for a vision to end the war, as he expands a campaign into the southern Gazan city of Rafah despite the U.S. and other allies urging restraint.

The Israeli public is largely supportive of the Israeli military and its campaign to ensure the threat from Hamas is eliminated and hostages kidnapped from Israel during Hamass attack on Oct. 7 are returned.

But they are deeply divided over the conduct of the war, as illustrated by the response following the tragedy in Rafah. Amid grisly images of charred bodies and dead children, some segments of Israeli society put the blame on Hamas for operating near civilian sites. But others said the carnage must stop.

Protests against Israels war in Gaza took place Tuesday at Jerusalems Hebrew University, with Jewish and Arab students protesting against the war, and counterprotesters for it, the Times of Israel reported.

This followed protests Monday night in the mixed Jewish and Arab city of Haifa, where Hebrew media reported that about 100 people called for an immediate end to Israels military operations. Eight people were arrested in that protest.

Some far-right personalities made fun of the fire as part of the Jewish holiday of Lag BaOmer  where bonfires are the traditional custom  that took place on the same night as the Rafah strike.

Toddlers go up in flames, and the public in Israel celebrates, ignores, babbles or yawns  this is what our hell looks like, Yoana Gonen wrote in an opinion piece for the left-leaning Haaretz newspaper.

Israel is slowly sinking into a dark abyss, hand in hand with the devastated Gaza.

Netanyahu described the Rafah fire as tragic, and said Israel is investigating it thoroughly and will learn from it, as is our policy and longstanding conduct. Israeli officials reportedly told the U.S. that shrapnel from a targeted strike on senior Hamas leaders struck a fuel tank near a displaced persons camp.

But the resulting carnage underscored international alarm over the conduct of Israels military operations, and came only days after a top United Nations court had issued a ruling for Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah.

These attacks must stop immediately. ICJ [International Court of Justice] orders and IHL [International Humanitarian Law] must be respected by all parties, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote in a statement on the social platform X.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was outraged by the Israeli strikes that killed so many people in Rafah.

These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians, he wrote on X.

I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire.

The ICJ ruling is technically binding but largely unenforceable, as Israel is not a party to the court. The U.S. and Israel also argue the ICJ does not have jurisdiction in Gaza.

At the United Nations, Algeria, backed by Slovenia, requested an emergency session of the Security Council to take place Tuesday to discuss the situation in Gaza.

The closed-door meeting could put the U.S. on the spot, where it typically stands as one of Israels staunchest defenders  vetoing resolutions it says are biased against Israel. But the administration has also abstained from resolutions calling for Israel to implement a cease-fire, over concern that Israels operations in Gaza have gone too far.

By Tuesday morning, the White House had yet to publicly comment on its assessment of the Israeli strike on Rafah. President Biden had earlier warned he would hold back weapons deliveries for Israel if protection for civilian lives are not prioritized in Rafah.

Still, Netanyahu is rejecting calls to halt the war, and on Tuesday Israeli tanks reportedly rolled into central Rafah for the first time. A separate strike killed 21 Palestinians in a cluster of tents near Rafah, in an area where Israel had advised civilians to move for safety, according to Reuters.

Israeli leaders argue that international condemnation is strengthening Hamass position in cease-fire negotiations, which are aimed at securing the release of about 125 hostages the U.S.-designated terrorist group has held since it attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

Let me be clear: I will not yield or surrender. I will not end the war before achieving all our goals. Our fallen heroes will not have died in vain, Netanyahu said in a speech to the Knesset, Israels parliament, Monday night.

But the U.S. is reportedly working with Qatar to revive negotiations that fell apart earlier this month due to what Israel said were unacceptable terms by Hamas, calling for a full Israeli military withdrawal and a permanent cease-fire.

Other Israeli officials are leaving open the possibility of negotiations to release the hostages  with earlier American proposals calling for a six- to eight-week cease-fire.

We are making tremendous efforts and will continue to do so, via both kinetic activities and by reaching agreements, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Sunday, referring to hostage negotiations.

But the launch of at least eight rockets toward Tel Aviv on Sunday, which Hamas shot from Rafah about 75 miles away, reinforced among the public and soldiers that Hamas  and its threat to Israel  is far from being eliminated.

We need to take a deep breath, an Israeli combat commander overseeing the security of the Netzarim corridor in Gaza told The Hill during an interview Monday.

We understand that this is going to take long; if we really want to take out the roots of the Hamas, its clear that its going to take long.

The Israeli military has established the Netzarim corridor bifurcating the north of the Gaza Strip from the south, which is meant to prevent Hamas from regrouping in the north.

But the strategy is under strain as troops continue to battle pockets of Hamas fighters in the northern city of Jabalia, despite months of operations intended to kill members of the group and destroy their infrastructure.

You come to the region, you come to one area, youre clearing it. As soon as you get out, they are going to start and build again some of the momentum, said the Israeli commander, whose name is withheld under Israeli security protocols. So this is why its going to take long, and thats part of it.

Israelis also view the war against Hamas as necessary to deter threats from Iran and its proxy groups in the region, in particular Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Hezbollahs arsenal  with more than 200,000 munitions, according to the Alma Research and Education Center  is viewed as posing one of the most serious threats to Israels safety and security than Hamas.

An estimated 60,000 Israelis are evacuated from communities along the northern border under constant attack from rockets, mortars, drones, antitank missiles and more.

We have Hezbollah in the north. They need to understand that if they dare to do something, that we can do to Lebanon what we did in Gaza, said an Israeli deputy commander, speaking through a translator to The Hill on Monday, shortly after exiting the Gaza Strip after a few weeks of combat duty.

But along with the resolve to continue the war, there is fatigue.

Israels war against Hamas in Gaza is almost unprecedented in its length  nearly eight months of active combat. Netanyahu has so far held back from describing a vision for a postwar Gaza, roiling debate and political tensions about what direction the war is heading and when it might end.

Signals so far are that Israel is preparing for a long-term security presence in the strip, similar to how it operates in Palestinian territories in the West Bank.

I dont think this will be the end of all the wars. It wont end, the deputy commander continued.

[Hamas] chose this war, and we need to pay the price for this. The price for the war, it is always to lose; everyone loses in war, he said. But added that defeat depends on who will lose more.

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.
New Israeli strikes killed 16 people in Rafah on Tuesday, first responders said, as an incursion into the southern Gaza city, which once had more than a million Palestinians, expands.

The latest attacks occurred in northwest Rafah, according to The Associated Press, citing the Palestinian Red Crescent and the Palestinian Civil Defense. The strikes, which took place overnight in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, were conducted in the same area as the deadly Israeli attack over the weekend, which killed at least 45 Palestinians, sparking international outrage.

The Sunday attack targeted a humanitarian zone, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that the strike on civilians was a tragic mistake and called for an investigation.

Tuesdays strike, which occurred in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, presents further escalation in Rafah, an area that was once considered one of the last remaining places for Palestinians fleeing the military operation to shelter.

Since the beginning of Israels steady incursion toward Rafah, once seen as a place of refuge for displaced Palestinians, around 1 million civilians have fled the southern city, according to the main humanitarian agency providing relief to Palestinians in Gaza, known as UNRWA. Those who have fled the city are scattered around in tents.

The U.S. and other Israel allies have cautioned Tel Aviv against executing a full-throttled invasion into Rafah, with President Biden warning he would halt offensive weapons transfers.

Israel has argued the operation needs to proceed in order to eradicate militant group Hamas and return the remaining hostages that were taken on Oct. 7, when more than 1,100 Israelis in the south of the country were killed by a Hamas-led attack.

Following the onset of the war, Israel launched an offensive into Gaza that, so far, has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, a total count that does not differentiate between civilians and fighters.

The latest movement also comes after the U.N.-backed International Court of Justice ruled Friday that Israel must immediately stop its military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

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.
Israeli tanks seen advancing further into Rafah despite international calls to halt offensive

Israels tanks were seen in central Rafah on Tuesday for the first time since its military entered Gazas southernmost city earlier this month, two eyewitnesses told CNN, signaling a new phase in its offensive despite mounting global pressure.

They arrive two days after a strike on a Rafah camp killed dozens of displaced Palestinians on Sunday and as the international community urges Israel to stop its assault on the city.

Israeli strikes over the past two days in Rafah have forced more displaced people to flee. Two further attacks in Rafah killed at least 29 Palestinians on Tuesday, according to authorities in Gaza.

The first hit a displacement camp just 150 meters from the site of Sundays strike. The second hit a displacement camp in the southern coastal town of Al-Mawasi, an area designated by Israel as a safe zone where it had earlier ordered thousands of people to evacuate to.

Israel has denied striking a humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi.

Staunch ally the United States said President Joe Biden is not altering his policy toward Israel, suggesting the strikes had not yet crossed a red line that would force changes in American support. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby asserted on Tuesday there were no indications yet that Israel had waged a military campaign that would prompt Biden to withhold aid or weapons.

Biden had said in a CNN interview earlier this month that he wouldnt allow certain US weapons to be used in a major offensive in Rafah.

His administration has warned against a large-scale ground invasion in Rafah unless the well-being of civilians can be guaranteed.

Some 1.3 million Palestinians were sheltering in Rafah before Israel began its operation there, having fled from other parts of Gaza since the conflict began seven months ago. Around 1 million have fled the city since, according to UN figures.

Israels advance deeper into Rafah comes despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering it to immediately halt its military operation there. The UN and some of Israels European allies have called on it to abide by the ICJs order, saying it is binding.

In Khan Younis, north of Rafah, people attempting to evacuate told CNN they do not know where else to go as they try to head north toward Deir El-Balah in central Gaza. Video shows mattresses, wooden panels, chairs, and various other belongings piled on top of vehicles and donkey carts.

Whats happening now, whether in Rafah, Khan Younis or Gaza in general, is the disastrous displacement of people. There is no shelter, no life, no future, said Ansar Mahdi, a Palestinian who said she has now been displaced four times.

Walking on crutches, Mohamed Jarbou, said: The elderly have been humiliated. Children humiliated. Whats wrong? They are all civilians.

Tanks in Rafah

Alaa Abu Ibrahim, a Rafah resident, told CNN that Israeli tanks were seen at the Al Awda roundabout in the center of the city. Another resident, Salma AlKadoomi, said she saw armored vehicles in the downtown area.

These vehicles advanced in the middle of the night, AlKadoomi told CNN.

Asked about reports of tanks advancing in the city, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told a media briefing on Tuesday that the military is operating in Rafah in a targeted and precise way.

There are still Hamas battalions in Rafah. A couple of days ago launchers from Rafah fired (rockets) to Tel Aviv. Millions of people went into bomb shelters, he said.

Israel began a limited ground operation in Rafah on May 7, crossing the Philadelphi Corridor  a 14-kilometer (about 8.7-mile) buffer zone on the Egypt-Gaza border  and seizing the Palestinian side of the border with Egypt.

Egypt has strongly opposed the operation at its border. On Monday, an Egyptian security worker was killed on the border with Gaza in a shooting that involved Egyptian and Israeli soldiers. Egypts state-affiliated Al-Qahera News outlet said Palestinian resistance fighters were also involved.

Displacement camps hit again: Palestinian officials

Palestinian officials said Tuesdays fresh Israeli strikes had killed 29 people  at least eight at the Tal al-Sultan camp and 21 at a camp in Al-Mawasi, though the IDF has denied striking a humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi.

CNN has followed up, asking if the IDF has struck elsewhere in Al-Mawasi, such as the UN warehouse that is in the vicinity of the camp, but has not received a reply.

The first strike hit three tents at Tal al-Sultan at around 3 a.m. local time, according to residents and a CNN stringer in Rafah. At least eight people were killed and transferred to a field hospital in Tal al-Sultan, according to the Emergency Committee of the Rafah Governorate. CNN has reached out to the IDF for comment on the strike at Tal al-Sultan.

The camp hit on Tuesday is approximately 150 meters from another displacement camp where an Israeli strike and ensuing fire on Sunday killed at least 45 people.

Video from CNNs stringer in Tal al-Sultan shows displaced people dismantling their makeshift living arrangements, gathering their belongings and evacuating the area on trucks and donkey carts.

Al-Mawasi, north of Rafah, is supposedly a safe zone. In early May, the Israeli military ordered people in eastern Rafah to immediately head to the expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, as it stepped up its operations in the area. The Al-Mawasi camp was already crowded with displaced people before civilians in Rafah were ordered to move there. The UN has said it is not quite suitable for habitation.

Videos obtained by CNN show several dead bodies lying on sand covered in bloodied blankets with dozens of people shrieking and gathering around them. Children are seen crying next to the bodies of women whose faces are covered in blood.

Israeli investigation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said the civilian casualties caused by Sundays strike on the camp in Rafah were a tragic error.

Israel launched an investigation into the event, and on Tuesday the IDF claimed the deadly fire at the camp could not have been caused solely by the weaponry used by Israel.

Our munitions alone could not have ignited a fire of this size. Our investigation seeks to determine what may have caused such a large fire to ignite, Hagari said. We are looking into all possibilities, including the option that weapons stored in a compound next to our target, which we did not know of, may have ignited as a result of this strike.

He showed aerial footage of a strike on a structure in which he said senior Hamas commanders were meeting and said that the military used two munitions with 17-kilogram (37 lbs) warheads. This is the smallest munitions that our jets could use.

We are working to verify the cause of the fire, it is still too early to be determined, Hagari said. Even when we do find the cause of the fire that erupted it wont make this situation any less tragic.

CNNs Nadeen Ebrahim and Mostafa Salem contributed to this report. Journalist Tareq El Helou reported from Rafah.

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Palestinians inspect a burnt car after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Israeli troops have been sighted in the city centre of Rafah in southern Gaza, two days after an Israeli airstrike in the area reportedly killed dozens.

Eyewitness reports from Rafah on Tuesday suggest the Israeli army has advanced into the city centre. The Israeli news website ynet reported that Israeli tanks were deployed in the Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood, which was hit by the airstrike on Sunday.

The Israeli military has not confirmed the reports.

According to the Hamas-run health authority in Gaza, at least 45 people were killed and dozens injured in the Israeli strike on a camp for displaced people, sparking international horror and outrage.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said Israel was investigating "an incident." The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had earlier said two senior officials of the Palestinian militant group Hamas were killed in the airstrike.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said around 1 million people have fled Rafah since Israel launched its latest offensive three weeks ago.

The aid organization said on the social media platform X that the displaced people had "nowhere safe to go amidst bombardments, lack of food and water, piles of waste and unsuitable living conditions." It said "providing assistance and protection becomes nearly impossible."

The airstrike follows a ruling last week by the UN's International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to end the operation in Rafah immediately. Israel has so far refused to obey the ruling.

Palestinians inspect the destruction after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
The array of stolen goods seized in the US was put on display in the historic centre of Rome on Tuesday - Antonio Minerva/Italian Culture Ministry

Ancient artefacts including mosaics stolen by tomb raiders, ancient bronze statues, and a silver coin trafficked through Britain have been returned to Italy after joint operations with US investigators.

More than 600 stolen artefacts, some dating back to the 9th century BC, and worth at least 47 million, were unveiled in Rome on Tuesday at an event attended by braided Carabinieri police colonels and the US ambassador to Italy.

They were seized from museums, collectors and private homes in the US over the last couple of years in joint operations between agents from Homeland Security Investigations and a specialist unit of the Carabinieri.

The artefacts were put on display by Italy's Carabinieri, a specialist unit of which worked with US investigators to return the stolen goods - Antonio Minerva/Italian Culture Ministry

The recovered items include a 6ft-tall mosaic that depicts the ancient Greek hero Orpheus playing a lyre to an enchanted bestiary of animals including lions, tigers, leopards, bulls, antelopes, a snake and a tortoise.

A rare 4th century BC silver coin from Sicily fell into the hands of Richard Beale, the director of London auction house Roma Numismatics. It was then recovered in New York where it was on sale for 400,000.

Beale pleaded guilty in a New York court last September to charges of conspiracy and criminal possession of stolen property linked to the unlawful sale of rare coins. He faces up to 25 years in prison.

The collection of recovered antiquities on show on Tuesday included brightly coloured vases decorated with battle scenes, Etruscan wall paintings, a golden laurel crown and a life-size bronze statue of a Greek prince.

A marble artefact dating back to the 1st century AD - Antonio Minerva/Italian Culture Ministry

Ceramics attributed to Pittore de Priamo, the name given to an artist working in Athens in the 5th century BC - Antonio Minerva/Italian Culture Ministry

Some of the objects were trafficked by Robin Symes, a disgraced British antiquities dealer who hid his vast collection of illegally acquired artefacts in 29 storage facilities around the world.

Investigators recently found what they believe is to be the last of the facilities, in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Symes died in October at the age of 84.

The recovered treasures were either stolen from museums and galleries in Italy or excavated illegally by tomb raiders who are known in Italian as tombaroli.

Matthew Bogdanos, of the New York District Attorneys Office, who led the US team of investigators, said: In many countries around the world, just dig and you will eventually get to an archaeological site or an archaeological treasure.

No law enforcement agency in the world can provide 24/7 security over all those sites, whether it is Italy, Greece, Syria, Egypt, Iraq or Lebanon. It cant be done.

Looting is not going to stop

Looting is local  it is done by individuals who know where the sites are, they know when the security guards come on and off duty, they know when there are archaeological excavations going on and when they close for the winter or for lack of funding.

Looting is not going to stop. Our job is to minimise it and increase the risk to those who engage in this trafficking.

Looters, traffickers and unscrupulous collectors are constantly trying to find and sell illegally acquired ancient artefacts, providing an unending challenge for investigators.

We have to continue doing our job. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you stop the traffickers? One trafficker at a time, said Mr Bogdanos.

The trade in antiquities trafficking is worth around $6 billion a year, according to Interpol, but US investigators are sceptical of that figure, saying that it is hard to quantify because it is by nature clandestine. How do they know? Whats the data? All that I know is, Im busy, said Mr Bogdanos.

Gennaro Sangiuliano, the Italian culture minister, said: Bringing back to Italy these artefacts helps heal the wounds of the places from where they were stolen, where local communities were deprived of an important part of their identity.

Gianmarco Mazzi, the deputy culture minister, said the recovery of so many items was testimony to the strength of cooperation between Italy and the US.

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I've been a tour guide in Rome for 16 years. Here are 5 tourist attractions that are worth it and 5 you can skip.

I live and work as a tour guide in Rome. Paolo Gallo/Shutterstock

After 16 years of working as a tour guide in Rome, I've figured out the best attractions.

I always recommend visiting the Park of the Aqueducts and the Ostia Antica archeological site.

But I think the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Mouth of Truth attractions are overcrowded.

Rome is pretty crowded  the city welcomed a record-breaking 35 million tourists in 2023. Any gorgeous photos you see of breathtaking and empty piazzas were likely taken long before most people have woken up.

As a seasoned Roman tour guide for the past 16 years, I would never say certain attractions have no merit. But after years of interacting with travelers, I understand that people want alternatives.

Luckily, Rome has priceless art and artifacts around every corner.

Here are five popular attractions that are worth visiting, and five you might want to skip.

The Capitoline Museums offer plenty of art and archeological finds.

You can explore all kinds of history at the museums. Sarah May Grunwald

Located on Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums offer a treasure trove of ancient Roman art and artifacts.

Despite their historical significance as some of the oldest public museums in the world, they're often overlooked by tourists.

The well-curated collections include masterpieces by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Caravaggio, ancient bronzes, and frescoes. It's a must-visit for any art enthusiast seeking a quieter, more intimate experience.

Don't miss the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano.

San Giovanni in Laterano is the oldest papal basilica in Rome. Takashi Images/Shutterstock

As one of Rome's four major basilicas, San Giovanni in Laterano (also known as the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran) boasts a stunning display of baroque architecture and intricate frescoes.

It may not be as famous as some of Rome's other churches, but its grandeur and historical importance as the oldest papal basilica in the city make it a hidden gem worth exploring.

The Park of the Aqueducts is beautiful and full of history.

I love the beautiful vistas of the aqueducts. Sarah May Grunwald

Escape the crowds and stagnant air of the city center and venture into a tranquil Park of the Aqueducts (Parco degli Acquedotti).

Here, you'll see towering arches of 11 aqueducts that once carried water to the heart of ancient Rome. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll on the ancient Latin Road or a picnic away from the crowds.

The attraction also offers a unique perspective on the ingenuity of Roman engineering.

There's incredible art in the Basilica of SantAgostino.

There are famous Caravaggio works in the church. Karl Allen Lugmayer/Shutterstock

Art lovers shouldn't miss the exquisite "Madonna dei Pellegrini" housed within the Cavalletti Chapel at Basilica di Sant'Agostino in Campo Marzio.

The dramatic interplay of light and shadow in Caravaggio's painting comes alive in the serene church, providing a captivating glimpse into the artist's unparalleled talent and revolutionary style.

A Roman vacation isn't complete without a trip to Ostia Antica.

There's so much to explore at the archeological site. Sarah May Grunwald

Step back in time and explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins of Ostia Antica, Rome's ancient seaport.

The archaeological site offers a quieter and less time-consuming alternative to the crowds of Pompeii a little farther south. Visitors can wander through ancient streets, houses, and Roman theaters in a more peaceful setting than the Roman Forum.

Plus, you can enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea after your visit.

On the other hand, the Vatican Museums are overcrowded.

There are beautiful frescos in the museums, but no one gets a chance to really admire them. byggarn.se/Shutterstock

Although the Vatican Museums are undeniably home to some of the world's most renowned art collections, they're almost always swarming with tourists.

The crowds and long queues can detract from your overall experience. In peak season, the Vatican easily sees 20,000 to 30,000 visitors a day.

It's virtually impossible to admire the art as you're shuttled through each gallery until everyone spills into the Sistine Chapel. Even the bathroom lines can be a 30-minute wait.

Unless you are willing to spend a lot of money on an official tour before the museums are open to the public or visit in the offseason, you should consider alternative attractions.

You can get a good view of the Colosseum without going inside.

It can be difficult to secure tickets for the Colosseum. Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock

As iconic as it may be, the Colosseum can be overwhelming, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Its historical significance is undeniable, but exploring the ancient amphitheater can be a challenge among the swarms of visitors.

Acquiring tickets is also tricky. We often have to time our online purchases perfectly, refreshing the page in 10-minute intervals. Tickets sell out quickly and are sometimes resold by large companies.

Consider alternative viewpoints or guided tours for a more personalized experience. I also like taking in the exterior around 9 a.m. or in the evening when it lights up.

Walking the Appian Way might be a letdown.

There are usually a lot of bikers along the path. ValerioMei/Shutterstock

The Appian Way is significant in Roman history as the oldest and most important road. But its appeal may be lost on the average tourist.

Nowadays, there are loads of bike and bus tours to the Catacombs along the road  making it crowded  and public transport there is difficult.

I suggest visiting the Park of the Aqueducts instead. It's an easy metro ride from Termini Station and offers a glimpse into what the Roman countryside would've been like.

Everyone wants a photo in front of the Trevi Fountain  and that's the problem.

You can hardly see the fountain through the crowd of tourists on a busy day. Sarah May Grunwald

Although undeniably one of Rome's most famous landmarks, the Trevi Fountain is often teeming with tourists jostling for the perfect selfie.

The sheer volume of visitors can detract from the fountain's beauty and significance, making it challenging to appreciate it in peace.

If you insist on throwing a coin in, go as early in the morning as possible  otherwise, it's a zoo.

I wouldn't wait in line for the Mouth of Truth.

The popular artifact was likely just a drain cover. vrsasi/Shutterstock

Made famous by its appearance in classic films like "Roman Holiday," the Mouth of Truth may not live up to the hype for many visitors.

According to medieval legend, the stone mask will bite off the hand of any liar who enters its mouth, which has made it popular with tourists.

But the brief photo opportunity doesn't justify the long queues. Plus, it was probably just used as a drain cover in the Temple of Hercules.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WINDHOEK, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Cabinet has proclaimed May 28 as Genocide Remembrance Day, marking a significant move in the nation's journey toward acknowledging and addressing its painful past.

Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi made the announcement Tuesday during a press conference held in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.

According to Katjavivi, the decision stems from a motion tabled by the late Kuaima Riruako in 2006, who served as a National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) representative in Parliament and was the paramount chief of the Herero people, and further efforts by Usutuaije Maamberua, a former member of parliament and the president of the South West Africa National Union (SWANU) from 2007 until 2017, to establish a dedicated day for remembrance.

"The topic of genocide and the necessity of addressing its implications, particularly concerning the German authorities, has been a continuous concern for our nation," he said.

It is imperative to acknowledge the diligent efforts of the National Assembly Standing Committee, which undertook extensive consultations with our diverse communities across the country, he added.

Katjavivi said their efforts culminated in a comprehensive report, which was ultimately accepted and recommended to the Cabinet, leading to the establishment of this significant day, he added.

Acknowledging the challenges encountered during the process, Katjavivi emphasized the importance of meticulous verification and thoughtful consideration in selecting the day as the most appropriate day for Genocide Remembrance.

"The proclamation of Genocide Remembrance Day is not merely a symbolic act; it signifies the beginning of an important journey of healing, reconciliation, and education," he further said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus said the commemoration of the day will commence from May 28, 2025.

Theofelus further said that the Cabinet directed the country's Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, to utilize the Genocide Remembrance Day as a unifying factor, and identify significant sites where monuments should be constructed.

Over 100,000 local people were killed as a result of a mass extermination policy initiated by German colonial troops between 1904 and 1908, according to Namibian authorities. 
Florida is launching a new pregnancy and parenting website that will not include any information on abortion access. (Photo by John Fedele/Getty Images)

Abortion-related bills continue to be introduced and debated in legislatures across the country, especially in states where the procedure is already banned. It can be hard to monitor them all, so States Newsrooms Reproductive Rights Today team tracks certain bills that could become law in their respective states in a biweekly legislative roundup. Depending on the partisan makeup of a states legislature and other state government officials, some bills have a higher chance of passing and becoming law than others.

Florida

With few exceptions, abortion is now banned after six weeks of pregnancy in Florida, before many individuals know they are pregnant.

House Bill 415: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed this bill into law to create a state pregnancy and parenting resources website that will include anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers and will not include any information on abortion access. Florida health agencies will maintain the site, but it will be created by a third-party company and will launch by July 2025, Florida Phoenix reported. The site will cost $466,200 and include information about maternal health, prenatal and postnatal services, and adoption. Democrats have criticized the idea as merely a tool for anti-abortion groups, since the state already has a website with information for those who are pregnant.

Status: Law, signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis

Sponsor: Republican Rep. Berny Jacques

Louisiana

Nearly all abortions are banned in Louisiana.

Senate Bill 276: A new law categorizing mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled dangerous substances is headed to Republican Gov. Jeff Landrys desk. He is expected to sign it, according to the Louisiana Illuminator. The two drugs are used to terminate a pregnancy before 10 weeks and to treat miscarriages. Louisiana is the first state to criminalize the drugs. After Oct. 1, anyone who possesses either medication faces up to five years in prison, and those distributing the drugs face up to 10 years. The penalties do not apply to a pregnant person who takes the medication. More than 200 Louisiana doctors asked lawmakers not to proceed with the action.

Status: Passed both chambers, awaiting action by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry

Sponsor: Republican Sen. Thomas Pressly

House Bill 833: This bill would shield doctors, clinics and other health care providers from lawsuits and criminal prosecution if embryos created during the IVF process were unintentionally lost. After passing the House by a wide margin, the Senate passed it with only one no vote, and it is now awaiting final approval in the House, Louisiana Illuminator reported. The Senate added an amendment to the bill that blocks the transfer of embryos created through IVF to an out-of-state storage facility for the purpose of destruction, which may occur because the embryos are nonviable or no longer needed, according to the Illuminator. Louisiana is the only state that does not allow IVF patients to dispose of embryos in state. Its unclear if that amendment would be enforceable or if it threatens the bills final passage.

Advocates also say the bill does not adequately shield providers from criminal liability, and it still characterizes embryos as human beings, which is the language that some IVF providers in Alabama said forced them to stop providing the service because of liability concerns. The Illuminator also reported that Republican Gov. Jeff Landry has not committed to signing the legislation if it comes to his desk, saying only through a spokesman that he is reviewing it alongside many other bills passed by the legislature.

Status: Passed both chambers, awaiting final approval in the House

Sponsor: Republican Rep. Paula Davis

Michigan

Abortion is legal in Michigan without gestational age restrictions.

Senate Bill 767: Despite opposition from Republican lawmakers, Democrats passed an appropriation bill for the state health department that includes a provision to shield the medical records of those who seek reproductive health care in Michigan from out-of-state investigations where the procedure may be banned, Michigan Advance reported. Six other states, including Colorado, New York, Massachusetts, California, Vermont and Washington already have similar shield laws in place.

Status: Passed the House and Senate

Sponsor: Democratic Sen. Sylvia Santana

The post IVF bill in question in Louisiana, Florida to spend $460,000 on new pregnancy resource website appeared first on NC Newsline.
JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS)  Community members and officials gathered at the African American Veterans Memorial Garden for their annual Memorial Day Celebration.

The event started with a prayer from a local pastor, followed by some words from Mayor Daniel Mahoney.

When you go into service, you dont go out alone, said Mahoney. That family member, that wife, that husband, those children who stay behind, they are serving right along with you.

Jackson community honors African American veterans on Memorial Day. (WLNS)

Diane Washington was in charge of the event, and she says that the goal is to educate people on the important history of black soldiers that is commonly overlooked.

We want to make sure our people know about their history, Washington said. The history of our colored troops. The history of our African-American veterans that have served and all of the wonderful things that they have brought to our country.

Linda Hass of the Jackson County Historical Society spoke about a few notable black veterans from Jackson and their contributions to our freedoms.

Jerome Washington, a veteran himself, presented several veterans and their families with portraits to thank them for their service. Katrina Johnson, Master Sergeant in the Air Force Reserve, was one of those recognized.

You dont know where youre going if you dont know where you come from. You have to know who has come [and] who has paid the ultimate sacrifice, she said.

Diane Washington says she hopes to recognize the sacrifices of these veterans whose stories have not always been told.

Many of our veterans have not been honored in the past and we want to make sure we honor our veterans as wellwere here to stand up and help our veterans look strong and be strong just like they are and have been, said Washington.

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 WLNS 6 News.
(L-R) Sgt. Aquilino Gonell of the U.S. Capitol Police, Officer Michael Fanone of the DC Metropolitan Police, Private First Class Harry Dunn of the U.S. Capitol Police and Officer Daniel Hodges of the DC Metropolitan Police pose for a photo after testifying before members of the Select Committee to investigate the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on July 27, 2021. Gonell, Dunn and Hodges will campaign for President Joe Biden in key battleground states ahead of next month's presidential debate with former President Donald Trump. File Pool Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI

May 28 (UPI) -- Three police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the deadly riot on Jan. 6, 2021, will campaign for President Joe Biden in key battleground states ahead of next month's debate with former President Donald Trump, the Biden campaign announced Tuesday.

Former Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who suffered injuries in the attack; U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who is a 15-year veteran with the force; and D.C. police officer Danny Hodges, who testified before the House Jan. 6 Committee, will begin campaigning in Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and New Hampshire to warn voters about a second Trump term in the White House, the campaign said.

"Donald Trump and his unhinged quest for power and retribution pose an existential threat to our democracy," Dunn said in a statement, released by the campaign. "He continues to embrace political violence, going as far as saying there will be a 'bloodbath' if he loses again and promising to be a dictator on 'day one' and pardon Jan. 6 rioters."

Trump's "bloodbath" comment came during a speech in Michigan as he discussed the potential loss of U.S. auto manufacturing jobs to foreign countries, warning that if he is not elected, "it's going to be a bloodbath for the country." While the Biden campaign accused Trump of calling for "political violence," the Trump campaign said the term was used to describe an "economic bloodbath."

Trump has also responded to dictator accusations during campaign speeches, saying he would be a "dictator on day one only" of a second term. "We're closing the border, and we're drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I'm not a dictator," Trump said.

Actor Robert De Niro hugs one of the officers following a press conference Tuesday outside of the courthouse where former President Donald Trump's hush-money trial is in closing arguments at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City. The former president has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

On Tuesday, Dunn joined former D.C. Metropolitan Police officer Michael Fanone -- who suffered a heart attack and brain injury during the Capitol riot -- and actor Robert DeNiro for a press conference outside of the New York courthouse where reporters had gathered for closing arguments at Trump's hush money trial.

"The fight for a lot of us didn't end on Jan. 6, that evening when we went home. The fight still continues now," Dunn told reporters.

Actor Robert De Niro speaks at a press conference Tuesday outside of the courthouse where former President Donald Trump attends closing arguments in his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City. DeNiro called Trump "a clown" and accused the former president of "sowing total chaos," as Trump supporters shouted nearby. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

"What happened that day was an attempt to halt, to overthrow an election. Donald Trump is the greatest threat to our democracy and the safety of communities across the country today. He has encouraged and continues to encourage political violence," Dunn added.

Fanone said he was "brutally assaulted" on Jan. 6 by Trump supporters who were "fueled by Trump's lies and the lies of his surrogates that the 2020 election was stolen."

Actor Robert De Niro departs Tuesday after blasting former President Donald Trump at a press conference outside of the courthouse where closing arguments in Trump's hush money trial are underway at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City. The former president has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

The Justice Department has charged more than 1,200 people with crimes related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. "More than 1,265 defendants have been charged in nearly all 50 states and the District of Columbia," the department wrote in an analysis three years after the attack.

DeNiro, who spoke outside the courthouse Tuesday and referred to Trump as "a clown," has voiced a new Biden campaign ad that shows images from the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol as he claims "Trump wants revenge and he'll stop at nothing to get it."

"That's why I needed to be involved and wanted to be involved in the new Biden-Harris ad, because it shows the violence of Trump and reminds us that he'll use violence against anyone who stands in the way of his megalomania and greed," DeNiro told reporters.

The Trump campaign responded Tuesday with its own statement to the press gathered at the courthouse.

"This is a disgrace. President Trump has been locked up in that courtroom for six weeks," Karoline Leavitt, a Trump campaign spokesperson, told reporters.

"They're making a political mockery of this entire thing," Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung added. "The fact remains that President Trump will overcome, he will fight these charges up and down, and there's nothing to stop the truth from coming out."
A Chinese supersonic spy drone was intercepted by Japan over the East China Sea.

The WL-10/WZ-10 drone is a reconnaissance/attack drone with electronic warfare capabilities.

The drone's flight path indicates it was flying near a Japanese base key to US airpower in the region.

Japan intercepted the Chinese supersonic WL-10/WZ-10 drone over the East China Sea for the first time on Monday.

The drone, which appears to mainly serve as a reconnaissance and electronic warfare platform with some strike capabilities, was flying near Japanese air defenses and a key base hosting US airpower.

Japan's Joint Staff Office, which oversees ground, maritime, and air self-defense forces, released a statement on Monday confirming the interception of the Chinese WL-10, or WingLoong-10, drone. China also appears to designate the drone the WZ-10.

The office said this was the first time the aircraft was spotted in an airspace violation. Japanese fighter jets responded to the drone, monitoring its flight.

According to the office's post, the WL-10 drone's flight pattern showed it traveling in the East China Sea north of Taiwan and near Japan's Okinawa prefecture, a grouping of southwestern islands in the area. It's home to multiple Patriot Advanced Capability-3 surface-to-air missile defense systems, as well as the Kadena Air Base.

Located in Okinawa, Kadena is a key hub for US airpower in the Pacific. Most recently, US 18th Wing and Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft conducted bilateral exercises at both Kadena and Naha Air Base from May 13-17 as part of an annual exercise "to enhance interoperability between US forces and host nation partners."

Japanese F-15J Eagles and US F-22A Raptors were involved.

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron prepares to receive fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during exercise Southern Beach over the Pacific Ocean, May 15, 2024. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan R. Sifuentes

China unveiled the WZ-8 reconnaissance drone during a military parade in 2019. The drone looked strikingly similar to a US drone that crashed into China's southwestern Yunnan province in 1971. The WZ-8, about 37 feet long with a 22-foot wingspan, was reported by Chinese media to be capable of flying 160,000 feet at speeds as fast as Mach 6.

US intelligence documents leaked last April revealed that China has "almost certainly" established its first operational WZ-8 unit. One document from the leak claimed that one of the drone's missions was to conduct high-altitude reconnaissance flights of the South Korean coast and Taiwan using "electro-optical" cameras and sensors and synthetic aperture radars to map territory at night or in low visibility.

A WZ-8 reconnaissance drone is on display at the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition on September 28, 2021, in Zhuhai, China. Chen Xiao/Getty Images

The WZ-10 spotted by Japan appears to be a variation of that drone model, likely larger than the WZ-8 in length and wingspan. The WZ-10 appears to also host electronic warfare capabilities, per The Aviationist, and like the WZ-8, could be capable of being modified to launch strikes.

Japan's news of the WZ-10 flight comes just days after China conducted massive, two-day military drills surrounding Taiwan. The exercises were a joint military effort partially in response to the inauguration of Taiwan's new president. They were also a show of force, identified by experts as a clear rehearsal for some sort of assault or blockade.

Read the original article on Business Insider
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) Were talking about something today that is a big problem, not just in our community, but in society: literacy.

Dr. Betsy VanDeusen, the director of the Harris Literacy Center, commonly known as the AU Literacy Center, is with us today to talk about steps we can take right here in the River Region to ensure that all children and adults know how to read.

Statistics show 21% of adults in the United States, thats about one in five, are illiterate and more than half of adults read below 6th grade level. Georgia ranks in the middle when it comes to reading proficiency- 26th- with nearly 80% of lower income children not reading proficiently. And almost half of higher income kids dont meet the mark.

Its something the folks at Augusta University take seriously. Founded more than 20 years ago, AUs Literacy Center provides children and adults tools to learn reading skills and work independently with small groups. The center is located in the historic Harrisburg and Laney Walker area, at 631 Chafee Avenue.

JENNIE: Tell me what were seeing post pandemic.

Dr. Betsy VanDeusen: So, certainly were seeing some things post pandemic that have made things worse for sure. Ive been involved in two or three very large scale literacy initiatives where weve had really robust evaluations. And the two factors that seem to be really pronounced when you think of the reasons why our literacy rates are low, are poverty and teachers really coming to some consensus in how to teach reading? And the good news on the second part is we seem to be getting to a point where there is consensus among the community literacy field of how to teach reading. And thats with scientifically based interventions. It means that we base our decisions based on things that work for students. So thats big. The poverty issue, you know, thats how really longer term effects. And we really know a lot about how to remedy that. It just takes awareness. Were really looking at the needs of our community every day, not just stopping in once in a while and giving advice, but rather were working and living down there with them and understand their issues.

JENNIE: At the Literacy Center, youre not just helping children and students. Youre helping adults, too.

Dr. Betsy VanDeusen: The K-12 tutoring that we do is very much connected to the Richmond County School system. We get most of our students from the Richmond County area and then from the school system. We were in 35 buildings in Richmond County. And that really starts with a conversation with teacher and parent, first of all, and then the referral coming to us. Adults really, its more of a call-in basis. Theyre not just learning how to read like you are in school, but they have other needs. For example, the largest population of adults who want our service and want computer assistance, digital literacy skills. Okay, so we are offering that to them. We have some retired teachers, we have other adult instructors who are and we have some modules to do that if they want more formal literacy. We have an agreement with Augusta Tech and they actually offer GED courses out of our space twice a week. And then if they want just  I had a wonderful community member say that she just wanted a tune up. She said she wanted to keep up with her grandchildren. She felt like her vocabulary was slipping.

The 3rd Annual Community Conversation: The Truth About Reading is coming up Wednesday, June 5th, from 9AM  Noon at the AU Literacy Center. A documentary will be shown highlighting the literacy problem in America. It shares proposed solutions for working toward a future where every child learns to read proficiently. The movie will be followed by a discussion on multilevel action steps for our community to take to address the problem.

The Harris Literacy Center is located in the Hub Center for Community Innovation at 631 Chafee Avenue. Hours are Monday-Thursday 9AM-7PM, Friday 9AM-5PM. Call 706-729-2245 for more information or visit their website: literacycenter@augusta.edu

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 WJBF.
Will Joe Biden be on the Ohio ballot? What you need to know about the current situation

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered state lawmakers back to work to find a way to make sure Joe Biden is on the November ballot and the state prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to state or local ballot campaigns.

Calling it ridiculous that Ohio has yet to find a fix to make sure President Joe Biden is on the November ballot, Gov. Mike DeWine ordered lawmakers to return to Columbus this week and get it done.

Ohio law requires candidates to be added to the ballot 90 days before an election, but the Democratic National Convention meets to nominate Biden after that deadline.

Earlier this month, Ohio lawmakers hit a stalemate and failed to pass a law to change the deadline.

The Senate passed a fix but tacked on a provision to ban foreign money going to ballot issue campaigns. Democrats called the add-on a "poison pill" and a "sore-loser" provision. They voted no and the House opted not to take up the bill.

Currently, Ohio is the only state in the country facing the prospect that voters won't be able to vote for one of the two major party candidates for president.

The Ohio Senate is scheduled to be in session Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. The House is scheduled to be in session Thursday at 10 a.m.

Why don't Democrats support the bill?

Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, said the language goes beyond just blocking foreign nationals from contributing money to state or local ballot campaigns. The bill, as written, would add more hurdles for citizen-led efforts to put questions before voters statewide, she said.

Last year, Ohioans rejected a GOP-backed plan to raise the threshold for constitutional amendments and then voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana and protecting abortion access.

Antonio said those losses are prompting the Republicans to change the rules.

"If you lose, you can train harder, you can improve your skill set or you can try to change the rules," Antonio said. "And in the state of Ohio, right now, the supermajority is trying to change the rules."

Democrats also point out that dark money organizations, that don't have to disclose their donors, were instrumental in the biggest public corruption case in state history. The former speaker of the Ohio House, Larry Householder, and former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges are in prison, two others pleaded guilty and two other men died by suicide in the case that has spanned nearly four years. Despite that, state lawmakers have left reform bills on the table.

Details in the bill

Earlier this month, the Ohio Senate voted 24-7 along party lines for House Bill 114. It includes a provision to move the deadline for certifying Biden to the ballot to align with the Democratic National Convention dates. And it bans foreign nationals from raising or spending money in state or local ballot issues.

It's already illegal for foreign citizens to give money to candidates in Ohio. And federal law prohibits foreign nationals from contributing directly or indirectly to any federal, state or local election.

Here is what else the bill would do:

Give the attorney general the power to prosecute violations of the foreign money ban as well as most other campaign finance law violations. Currently, the Ohio Elections Commission sends campaign finance violation matters to the Franklin County prosecutor.

Require committees that spend or receive money to circulate ballot petitions to form political action committees and file the required PAC campaign finance reports.

Prohibit foreign money flowing indirectly into ballot campaigns via other entities.

According to the Legislative Service Commission bill analysis, if an organization had two branches and one branch received foreign donations that were later co-mingled in an account accessed by the other branch for a ballot campaign, they'd be violating the law.

Catherine Turcer, a campaign finance expert with Common Cause Ohio, said banning foreign money in ballot campaigns sounds easy but the bill raises questions about how it would work.

In November, the Catholic Church spent money against the abortion rights ballot issue. Turcer said the proposed bill would prohibit any foreign money  from church plate collections to money raised overseas  going toward a ballot issue.

How can the governor force lawmakers to work?

Ohio has three co-equal branches of government: the executive, judicial and legislative branches. The Ohio Constitution has a seldom used provision that authorizes the governor to call a special legislative session. Basically, he can order lawmakers to meet on a specific topic.

In December 2004, then Gov. Bob Taft used the provision to bring state lawmakers back to Columbus to deal with a campaign finance issue. The House and Senate voted along party lines to increase political contribution limits, require more disclosures, prohibit contributions by children under age 7 and make other changes.

Will it work?

To be determined. Just because the governor tells them to get to work, doesn't mean lawmakers will do what he wants.

In December as Ohio's new recreational marijuana law took effect, DeWine publicly urged the House to adopt regulations that the Senate supported. The House declined.

On Thursday, the governor laid blame on the House for failing to fix the issues and ordered lawmakers back to Columbus on Tuesday to pass legislation that would put Biden on the November ballot and ban foreign money in ballot campaigns.

House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, indicated a compromise could be in the works over the foreign campaign money.

"We have language that has input from campaign finance experts and important interested parties to deal with the issue," he said in a statement. "This is language that squarely and directly bans foreign influence in Ohios issue campaigns, while not also inadvertently limiting the rights of citizens to have their voices heard."

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Joe Biden Ohio ballot challenge focus of special session
The business partner of an accused serial rape suspect allegedly funneled $2,000 in weekly extortion payments for Johnson City police officers to look the other way as the man continued to sell drugs and sexually assault women and children.

Those are some of the explosive new allegations in a class action lawsuit connected to the case of Johnson City businessman Sean Williams, who is accused of sexually assaulting more than 50 women and two young children in incidents he allegedly captured in photos and videos.

The case has roiled the East Tennessee town as the city faces two major lawsuits alleging that for years police refused to investigate Williams despite multiple victims coming forward.

The mountains are seen in the distance from downtown Johnson City, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.

Williams, 52, remains in custody on multiple state and federal charges related to child pornography, child sexual assault and drug trafficking.

In October, he escaped from custody by smashing out the back of a window of a transport van as guards were shuffling him to a federal court appearance in Greeneville.

He was captured over a month later after he was spotted buying a hot dog at a convenience store near Tampa, Florida. His trial on the escape charge is set for August.

An alleged federal public corruption probe

Attorneys last year filed a class action lawsuit representing women who say Johnson City officers refused to investigate their claims that Williams drugged and sexually assaulted them due to a culture of police corruption and gender discrimination.

As the case winds its way through court, a recent filing alludes to a federal public corruption investigation of the Johnson City Police Department, in which the attorneys representing the women said they have turned over 520 pages of emails and attachments to federal investigators.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee declined comment. Johnson City has previously declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit. In court documents, the city has denied police corruption and other allegations. Johnson City in a statement Thursday declined comment on specific allegations in the lawsuit.

There has been no evidence to support allegations of corruption by the Johnson City Police Department, and we welcome any investigation that could dispel such claims, the city said.

$30,000 in police extortion payments

The class action suit also includes allegations that a group of officers conspired to extort Williams glass and concrete contracting business in exchange for turning a blind eye to his narcotics and sex trafficking ventures.

Court documents filed this month allege that Williams business partner, a woman identified as Female 4, laundered funds through a web of limited liability corporations that ultimately paid officers $2,000 a week in cash.

Bank records obtained through discovery showed that the woman withdrew nearly $30,000 in cash from Williams business account during a two-week period in June 2022, according to the suit.

In-depth report: Did police refuse to investigate a serial rape suspect? Inside the case rocking a Tennessee city

She allegedly pulled the funds in increments of $10,000 to avoid alerting the banks, which are mandated to report cash withdrawals of over $10,000 for possible suspicious activity.

At the time of the withdrawals, Williams had been on the run for over a year after police failed to arrest him on an illegal ammunition charge.

The lawsuit said officers were monitoring Williams efforts to liquidate his assets while he was on the lam and provided Female 4 with police protection.

The suit seeks to subpoena additional financial documents from Female 4 as well as financial information from a handful of police officers named in the lawsuit.

In a response in court documents, Female 4 said she met with federal and state law enforcement after Willams arrest.

She said they determined that she had no relevant information regarding his alleged criminal activity.

A Whistleblower case and troves of video footage

In addition to the class action lawsuit, Johnson City is also facing a whistleblower lawsuit from former federal prosecutor Kateri Dahl, who alleges that the police department ignored her repeated pleas to investigate Williams and then fired her after she complained.

Attorney Vanessa Vanessa Baehr-Jones is hugged by the mother of a late Jane Doe, at a news conference held by the Jane Doe victims who are suing Johnson City over the case of alleged serial rape suspect Sean Williams, at the Tennessean Hotel in Knoxville, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. They allege in their lawsuit that the Johnson City Police Department ignored victims who filed police reports as Williams went on to sexually assault more woman. He is now in custody and facing trial this May.

Dhal in her lawsuit said the department had a culture of blaming female sexual assault vicitms. She noted that officers at one point even recovered a handwritten list on Williamss nightstand with the word Raped at the top followed by several female names, but they still failed to investigate.

She said officers in May 2021 finally went to serve a federal arrest warrant for an illegal ammunition charge at Williams home but they left when nobody answered the door.

Williams then fled and remained on the lam for nearly two years until a campus police officer at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, found him sleeping in his car.

Police searched his car and found two dozen ounces of cocaine and methamphetamine, $100,000 in cash and two thumb drives containing more than 5,000 images of child porn and images and videos of 52 women in obvious states of unconsciousness being sexually assaulted by Williams, according to a police affidavit.

The videos and images included some women who had previously filed police reports with the Johnson City Police Department and said their cases were ignored.

The lawsuits allege that the department since 2000 has been in possession of additional digital devices seized from Williams condo that likely have more evidence. The trial for the whistleblower case is set for October.

Williams has not yet been charged with the alleged sexual assaults of dozens of women. In February, several of the women in the class action lawsuit held a news conference in Knoxville where they said police dissuaded them from pressing charges as Williams went on to commit more crimes.

Reach Kelly Puente at kpuente@tennessean.com or @KellyPuenteTN

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Lawsuit: Johnson City Police extorted Tennessee serial rape suspect
Judge allows Trump co-defendant to continue to fight for 500,000 ballots from Fulton County to argue debunked fraud claims

A Fulton County judge will allow a co-defendant of Donald Trump in the Georgia election subversion case to continue his effort to access thousands of 2020 ballots to argue debunked voter fraud theories.

Harrison Floyd, who led the organization Black Voices for Trump in 2020, argued during a hearing Tuesday that he should not have been charged in the racketeering case because his concerns about voter fraud and questions about the election results were legitimate.

Trump lost to President Joe Biden in Georgia by more than 12,000 votes.

Floyds attorneys are pushing to access more than 500,000 ballots from Fulton County, claiming they intend to produce evidence that thousands of votes were improperly excluded from the final vote tally.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee asked Floyds attorneys on Tuesday to file additional information to the court in the coming weeks, including the scope of the expert review of the 2020 votes that theyre seeking. McAfee also said he plans to have another hearing within the next two months to discuss the next steps in Floyds attempt to access the ballots.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, found no evidence of fraud in the 2020 election after overseeing three separate counts of the ballots, conducting many other reviews of the process, and investigating more than 250 claims of voter fraud.

Floyd is one of 15 remaining defendants, including Trump, facing charges related to efforts by the former president and his allies to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia.

A Maryland resident, Floyd has been charged with three counts in Georgia, including racketeering, conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings, and influencing witnesses.

Defendant Harrison Floyd with attorney Christopher Kachouroff in court during a hearing at the Fulton County Courthouse on May 28 in Atlanta. - Dennis Byron/Pool/Getty Images

Chad Alexis, senior assistant attorney for Fulton County, pushed back on 2020 voter-fraud arguments from Floyds attorneys. Alexis also said the process of producing the ballots would take thousands of hours and that this is a busy presidential election year during which the county needs all hands-on deck.

The county shouldnt have to bear the burden of manpower, Alexis argued.

The Fulton County racketeering case against Trump has effectively been at a standstill.

A Georgia appeals court is revisiting the question of whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office should be removed from prosecuting the case because of her romantic relationship with her former lead prosecutor Nathan Wade.

And a legal argument before the Supreme Court over whether Trump has immunity from prosecution also remains an issue in the Georgia case. The high court is expected to issue a decision this summer.

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Judge Aileen Cannon rejected a gag order request in Donald Trumps classified documents trial Tuesday on the basis that the filing wasnt polite enough.

The gag order, filed by special counsel Jack Smith, was wholly lacking in substance and professional courtesy, according to the judge, who noted that the request did not allot enough follow-up time for Trumps legal team to discuss the request.

Because the filing of the Special Counsels Motion did not adhere to these basic requirements, it is due to be denied without prejudice. Any future, non-emergency motion brought in this casewhether on the topic of release conditions or anything elseshall not be filed absent meaningful, timely, and professional conferral, Cannon wrote.

Its just one of many subtle wins that Cannon has handed to the presumptive GOP presidential nominee in the trial. Earlier this month, she ordered a temporary stay on Trumps legal requirement to give the government advance notice of which classified materials will be discussedbut never added an expiration date to it, effectively placing an indefinite hold on the proceedings.

Legal experts have warned that Cannons delayed actions and aversion to expedite the federal obstruction case could delay the trial until after November, and could also be the Trump-appointed judges way of surreptitiously dismissing the trial altogether.

On Thursday, former Trump White House attorney Ty Cobb accused Cannon of incompetence, insisting that theres more than enough evidenceand timeto take the case to trial before Election Day.

And frankly, this is a case that shouldve started trial yesterday or two days ago when the original trial date was set, Cobb told CNN. This case could have easily gotten to trial. Only her incompetence and perceived bias has prevented that.
ULAN BATOR, May 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 2,238,360 Mongolian citizens are eligible to vote in Mongolia's upcoming parliamentary elections, the country's General Authority for State Registration announced on Tuesday.

Nearly half of all voters fall within the age range of 26 to 45 years old, according to the authority.

Meanwhile, voters aged 18-25 comprise 15.8 percent of the total voter population, representing the smallest demographic among the age groups.

Mongolia, with a population of 3.5 million, has scheduled June 28 as the date for its next elections of the State Great Khural, the country's unicameral parliament.

In May 2023, the parliament passed amendments to increase the number of legislators from 76 to 126 in the country's constitution.

Additionally, parliament members will be elected using a mixed electoral system, with 78 members elected by majority representation and 48 by proportional representation. 
Former President Donald Trump speaks to the media outside of his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in New York. (Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP, Pool)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The judge overseeing Donald Trump's classified documents case in Florida on Tuesday denied prosecutors' request to bar the former president from making public statements that could endanger law enforcement agents participating in the prosecution.

Prosecutors had told U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon that the restriction was necessary to protect law enforcement from potential threats and harassment after the presumptive Republican presidential nominee baselessly claimed that the Biden administration wanted to kill him during a search of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, nearly two years ago.

Cannon chided prosecutors in her order denying their request, saying they didnt give defense lawyers adequate time to discuss the matter before it was filed Friday evening. The judge warned prosecutors that failing to comply with court requirements in the future may lead to sanctions. She denied the request without prejudice, meaning prosecutors could file it again.

A spokesperson for special counsel Jack Smith's team declined to comment Tuesday.

The judge's decision came as Trump's lawyers were delivering their closing argument at trial in another criminal case he's facing in New York stemming from a hush money payment to a porn actor during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Its the latest example of bitterness between Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, and prosecutors who have accused the former president of illegally hoarding at his Mar-a-Lago estate 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. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing.

Cannon has chided prosecutors both in hearings and in court papers over a number of matters, including telling Smiths team during one hearing that it was wasting the courts time. Prosecutors have also signaled mounting frustration with Cannons rulings, saying in one recent court filing that a request from the judge was based on a fundamentally flawed legal premise.

Prosecutors' request followed a distorted claim by Trump last 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.

Trump 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 said in court papers late Friday that Trumps false suggestion that federal agents were complicit in a plot to assassinate him exposes law enforcement officers to the risk of threats, violence, and harassment. They had urged the judge to bar Trump from making any comments that pose a significant, imminent, and foreseeable danger to law enforcement agents participating in the case.

Defense attorneys in a court filing late Monday called prosecutors' proposed restriction on Trump's speech unconstitutional and noted that the identities of law enforcement officers in the case are subject to a protective order preventing their public release. Defense attorneys said they asked Smith's team on Friday if the two sides could meet on Monday to give the defense time to discuss the request with Trump before prosecutors filed it.

But prosecutor David Harbach said the situation needed to be addressed urgently, saying in an email to the defense that Trump created a situation that necessitated a prompt request for relief that could not wait the weekend to file. Prosecutors told the judge in their filing late Friday while Trump's lawyers didn't believe there is any imminent danger, Trump had continued that day to make false statements "smearing and endangering the agents who executed the search."

A spokesperson for Trump's campaign, Steven Cheung, said in a statement Tuesday that "the entire documents case was a political sham from the very beginning and it should be thrown out entirely.

Its among 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 unclear that any of the other three will reach trial before the November 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.

___

Associated Press reporter Eric Tucker in Washington contributed.
NEW YORK  Justice Juan Merchan scolded Trumps attorney Todd Blanche for improperly invoking the threat of prison time facing the former president toward the end of the defenses summation at the historic hush money trial.

Its simply not allowed. Period, the judge boomed, saying Blanche should have known better as a former prosecutor and longtime defense attorney.

Its hard for me to imagine how that was accidental in any way.

Blanche brought up the possibility Trump could go to prison toward the end of his summation.

Calling Blanches comment outrageous, the judge granted a request from prosecutors to instruct jurors to disregard it.

Defense tries to refute a key piece of evidence

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche addressed one of the prosecutions most pivotal pieces of evidence: A First Republic Bank statement reflecting Cohens payment to Stormy Daniels lawyer, which prosecutors say was meant to buy the porn stars silence about an alleged sexual tryst with Trump.

The statement includes handwritten notes from Trump Org CFO Allen Weisselberg calculating how much Cohen was owed for the transaction and other expenses.

Blanche zeroed in on Cohens notes on the right side of the page, which said he was owed $50,000 for paying a tech company. Cohen admitted during his testimony that hed actually paid $20,000 for the expense.

The point of this document is it contains lies, Blanche said.

Blanches closing statement

Trumps lawyer, Todd Blanche, threw everything he could at the wall to undercut the prosecutions monthlong case against Trump, taking shots at Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels, her former lawyer Keith Davidson, and asking jurors to question why they didnt hear from other critical players like Allen Weisselberg.

Launching into the 34 criminal counts  encompassing the checks, ledger entries, and invoices recording Trumps 2017 payments to Cohen  Blanche said Trump wasnt connected to any of them.

He said Trump was busy leading the nation when he signed the checks presented to him, that the invoices were Cohens handiwork, and that his company dealt with the rest.

Blanche accused Cohen of lying about Trump knowing he paid off Daniels, claiming Trumps anxious fixer went rogue, hoping it would earn him brownie points with Trump down the line. He also accused Cohen of lying about no verbal agreement with Trump to be his personal lawyer after winning the White House.

Blanche said the jury shouldnt convict Trump just because the prosecution showed that Trump was fastidious about his finances: You cant convict President Trump because sometimes  [he] looked at invoices, that somehow he had full knowledge of what was happening.

Diving into the alleged conspiracy to defraud the electorate with a catch and kill scheme, Blanche said none existed and that Trump was too sophisticated to genuinely believe stories in the National Enquirer would influence the election.

Every campaign in this country is a conspiracy to elect a candidate, Blanche said, arguing that Trumps actions were routine.

Trump sat sideways, arm slung over the back of his chair, appearing to pay close attention as Blanche spoke.

You should want and expect more than the testimony of Michael Cohen, Blanche said as he began his summation, rattling off other witnesses who took the stand against his client, including adult film star Stormy Daniels and her former attorney Keith Davidson, who he then accused of extortion.

You cannot convict President Trump  you cannot convict President Trump of any crime beyond a reasonable doubt based on the words of Michael Cohen, Blanche said.

President Trump is innocent. He did not commit any crimes, and the DA has not met their burden of proof. Period.

What to know

After a weeklong hiatus, both sides will spend the day in Manhattan Supreme Court court making their final pleas to the panel of New Yorkers, who will soon return to the jury room to decide the outcome of the historic case.

By New York law, Trumps side is presenting their summation first, which the GOP frontrunner blasted as a conspiracy in a string of Memorial Day Truth Social posts.

After jurors hear final arguments from both sides, Justice Juan Merchan will instruct them on the law and how to deliberate the case.

Trump walked into court at 9:25 a.m.  for the first time, joined by both of his older sons, Eric and Don Jr., his youngest daughter, Tiffany Trump, an army of lawyers, and various allies and campaign staffers. District Attorney Alvin Bragg was also present in the courtroom.

We have a judge whos conflicted, Trump said outside the courtroom, possibly inching close to a potential violation of his gag order. You know what the conflict is, so do I, but I cant say it because Im under a gag order which is another unconstitutional thing.

Trump, 77, has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records, each tied to his alleged reimbursement to Michael Cohen for paying off porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election  logged in the books as payment for legal fees, not repayment for hush money.

Prosecutors allege the payments capped a scheme first devised by Trump, Cohen, and former tabloid publisher David Pecker in August 2015 at Trump Tower to hide information from the electorate that could influence Trumps chances.

Pecker was the first of 20 witnesses who testified for the prosecution during its monthlong case, testifying that he agreed to be the Trump campaigns eyes and ears by identifying negative stories that could hurt his electoral prospects to be bought and buried, running positive stories about Trump, and hit jobs targeting his competitors.

The defense called two witnesses, a paralegal and veteran New York City defense attorney Bob Costello, who accused Cohen of lying about Trump knowing he paid off Daniels. Prosecutors, on cross-examination, sought to establish the lawyer and longtime associate of Rudy Giuliani was part of a pressure campaign to stop Cohen from flipping on Trump.

The charges against Trump carry up to four years in prison or a sentence of probation and mark the first brought against a U.S. president. He faces the prospect of becoming the first person to lead the nation to be convicted of a crime while positioned as the presumed Republican nominee for president in this years election.

_____
The new order is directed at those arrested for the worst drug crimes, including selling fentanyl like these blue pills that were seized in a recent Multnomah County raid. (Courtesy of Multnomah County Sheriff's Office)

A new order from Oregons chief justice calls for keeping people suspected of the most serious drug crimes in jail at least a few days longer, but its not expected to squeeze county jail space, at least not in Multnomah County.

Chief Justice Meagan Flynn issued an order last week that requires holding people suspected of the worst drug crimes in jail while awaiting arraignment. Previously people arrested for illegal drug dealing, illicit drug manufacturing or a drug crime involving a minor could have been released. This new designation puts them in the same category as others who have to be held pending arraignment before a judge, including those suspected of violent felonies, residential burglary, domestic crimes and possession of a firearm.

The idea is to keep them out of the community while awaiting a judicial decision on whether they can be released on bail.

According to a news release, Flynns change stems from the passage this legislative session of House Bill 4002, which recriminalized drug possession and tightened the law on drug dealing to include possession with the intent of selling and dealing near a park, treatment facility or residential facility. The new law also required Flynn to update pretrial release criteria.

This order allows more people charged with drug crimes that pose the greatest risk to public health and safety to be held until a judge determines whether they can be released with conditions to ensure public safety and future court appearances, Flynn said in a statement.

The order will not affect people caught with drugs for their own use, Phil Lemman, deputy state court administrator, told the Capital Chronicle.

Were focusing strictly on delivery, Lemman said.

He also noted that the order gives local jurisdictions flexibility to write their own judicial orders, potentially further tightening who will be held until arraignment. At that time, a judge decides whether they should be held or released on bail if they arent considered to pose a safety threat to the community.

Lemman said he doesnt expect the order to lead to crowding in jails, and Liz Merah, spokesperson for the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office, agreed.

The drug delivery crimes that we most commonly see referred to us for prosecution are not the ones identified in this order for remaining in custody pending arraignment, Merah said.

The post New judicial order on holding drug dealers not likely to crowd jails appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The hush money trial of former president Donald Trump is wrapping up. Both the defense and prosecution teams delivered closing arguments Tuesday.

The jury will begin deliberations soon to decide whether former president Trump is guilty of an illegal hush money scheme and both sides got a final chance to try to win over jurors.

For hours on Tuesday morning former president Trumps lawyers argued the criminal case against him is built on lies.

This is a dark day in America. We have a rigged court case that should have never been brought, said Trump.

In the afternoon the prosecution had their turn to present closing arguments telling jurors the evidence shows Trump illegally falsified business records to cover up hush money payments to an adult film star.

Next the judge will give instructions to the jury and hand the case over to them.

Well see how it goes, Trump said.

Team Biden brought the drama outside of the courtroom with actor Robert DeNiro joining the campaign to warn voters not to re-elect Donald Trump.

If Trump returns to the White House, you can kiss these freedoms goodbye that we all take for granted, said DeNiro.

Trump campaign advisor Jason Miller called out the Biden campaigns impromptu press conference.

After months of saying the politics had nothing to do with this trial, they showed up and made a campaign event out of a lower Manhattan trial day for President Trump, said Miller.

The Biden campaign says they arent in Manhattan for the trial but instead to re-focus the election conversation.

Were here primarily because of the threat that Donald Trump poses to the United States of America and to our democracy, said Biden Campaign Communications Director, Michael Tyler.

The jury could get the case as soon as Wednesday and it will happen behind closed doors, away from the public and the media.

There is no time limit on the jury and there are 34 criminal charges against the former president that they must consider. To reach a verdict on each count all 12 jurors have to agree.

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Jury hung in case of Abilene tattoo artist accused of sexual assault

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A mistrial was declared due to a hung jury in the case of an Abilene tattoo artist accused of sexual assault.

Kevin Bostick was on trial in Taylor County last week for two counts of Sexual Assault in connection to the allegations.

The jury was unable to reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial.

In February 2022, a woman came forward and claimed she was sexually assaulted by Bostick while he was tattooing her at Happy Dragon Tattoo on S 14th Street.

Documents: Abilene tattoo artist accused of sexually assaulting multiple clients

During the investigation into the February incident, the documents state detectives discovered another victim had come forward in May 2020, claiming Bostick sexually assaulted her while giving her a tattoo as well.

Read more about the allegations here.

Bostick is also facing additional charges related to Indecent Exposure and Indecent Assault.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Justice demands freedom for Kansas woman who killed her rapist, but governor has to make the call

Advocates Dave Ranney and Sharon Sullivan argue that Sarah Gonzales McLinn deserves clemency during a presentation May 20, 2024, at the Lawrence Public Library. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Theres no question that Sarah Gonzales-McLinn killed Lawrence businessman Hal Sasko. She was found guilty by a jury of her peers, and shes serving a minimum 25-year prison sentence.

Yet someone can both be guilty of a heinous crime and also see it as their only way to escape a dire situation. Gonzales-McLinn, in advocates estimation, was the victim of sex trafficking by Sasko. She suffered repeated rape and abuse for his sexual gratification. Those advocates want Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly to understand both truths and to grant Gonzales-McLinn clemency. More than a year into their efforts, they now want the public to contact Kellys office.

Former reporter Dave Ranney has appeared at recent public presentations, and he spoke to me for this weeks episode of the Kansas Reflector podcast.

He said Gonzales-McLinns account of the situation, in which she began living with Sasko at age 17, remains consistent.

Sarahs story has never changed. I mean, from day one, he said. Sara has been evaluated by two forensic psychologists, both of whom reach the same conclusion that shes no longer a risk to society. And her story doesnt change with either one of them. And these are professionals who are very accustomed to detecting whether someone is telling you the truth or making stuff up.

When I wrote about Gonzales-McLinn in January 2023, I put it this way: She was failed on every level by the people in her life.

She was failed by people around her as a child and teen. She was failed by Sasko, who presented himself at first as a kindly parental figure before unfurling a devious scheme to bind her economically and psychologically. She was failed by those who knew about the situation but chose not to act. She was failed by the legal system that didnt allow jurors to hear of her shocking abuse. And she has been thus far failed by a political system that should have redressed her situation long before now.

That fundamental take has not changed in the 16 months since.

Neither has Gonzales-McLinns address.

Michelle McCormick, executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, told me that advocates see similar situations all too often.

The tactics that he used fit into all the categories that we train, when I provide professional training to law enforcement and prosecutors and advocates and health care providers and any person who will ever listen, she said. You know, we talk about the tactics that are used in sexual violence, domestic violence, in the emotional control tactics. The way somebody is identified as vulnerable. How someone will groom them, isolate them from supports, using emotional belittling tactics to try to chip away their self worth like that. The experiences that Sarah describes, in her own words, match the experiences of hundreds and hundreds of Kansans that Ive worked with in the 25 years I have been an advocate.

If we have failed Gonzales-McLinn, as I believe we have, think about all the other victims we have likewise failed along the way. Think of all the stories that we didnt hear or believe. And think of the suffering that resulted.

What bothers me the most, I think, is that none of this information was considered in any of the criminal processes, McCormick said. It wasnt even considered in the early media coverage.

If we dont listen to or believe victims of sexual assault, we help perpetuate it.

That goes for lawyers, judges and journalists.

Writing or talking about injustice too often invites comparisons. What about other cases in which our justice system imprisoned people for crimes they did not commit? What about poverty or climate change or wars halfway around the globe? What about all of those people and their lives? Shouldnt they come first in line? For that matter, what about law-abiding Americans struggling to make ends meet?

I have one answer: Care about this case because it can be addressed right now.

Care about this case because Gonzales-McLinn suffered a gross miscarriage of justice.

Care about this case because we cannot close our hearts to all the women and children who suffer at the hands of abusers.

Unfortunately, Kelly must grapple with politics. With primary and general elections coming up this year, Gonzales-McLinns freedom could well cost Democrats and moderate Republicans seats in the Legislature. I can imagine the mailers from big money groups now. No one takes office with the intention of costing their party or allies, and Kelly has two more years left in office.

I know what I think. But Im not the one who holds the cards.

The final words today come from Gonzales-McLinn herself. She wrote a short note explaining what she hopes to do and accomplish if granted clemency. For those curious about her ambitions in the years ahead, please take a look. That goes for you too, governor.

In a lot of ways, I just want to be normal, she writes. I want to hit the milestones that a lot of people my age do. Work, spend time with my family, finish college, hang out with friends, buy a home, go on vacations, just live my life.

I also know that I have a strong desire to share my story. With the hope that it can help someone who is struggling to make it through something similar. I want people to know that there is life and healing after trauma. Even though it feels like things will never get better I want them to know it does. And your life doesnt have to be defined by it. I want them to know that there is a future and hope.

Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.

The post Justice demands freedom for Kansas woman who killed her rapist, but governor has to make the call appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
A total of 613 prisoners have been released from prisons and joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of the morning of 28 May. They are currently undergoing appropriate training and will subsequently serve in assault units.

Source: Ukraines Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska on the air of the national joint 24/7 newscast

Details: Maliuska said these individuals are scheduled for "several months of training," after which they will serve in assault units.

Quote from Maliuska: "As of now, these will be assault units composed exclusively of individuals who were serving sentences. In other words, these will be monolithic units without mixing with other servicemen."

Details: He added that he is not sure if this is the best option, but in this matter, he relies on the military because they "know better."

"We have not yet reached the point where these units are directly engaged in combat; training is still ongoing. The situation might change later, and the choice regarding mixing or not mixing these units may be reconsidered. But for now, these are separate units. For now, these are assault units," the minister stated.

He also advocates for allowing those convicted of a single murder, whether intentional or accidental, to be mobilised.

"Those with a single murder conviction (should be allowed to join the army ed.), all of them. Our prisoners are going to fight not to catch butterflies;they are going to kill. And experience with killing is not always an obstacle to being a good soldier... If we are talking about murders that were not committed with extreme cruelty or did not involve killing two or more people, then very often these crimes are committed by individuals who are less socially dangerous than those who have committed three or four robberies using, for example, cold weapons.

Purely from a classical standpoint. Because sometimes a person loses control of their actions and, in an emotional moment, does something they should not. But after receiving a sentence and starting to serve their time, their psychological state and self-control change significantly, making them much less socially dangerous compared to recidivists who have made a profession out of taking money using weapons  robberies, attacks on people," Maliuska explained.

Previously: On 21 May, the Khmelnytskyi City District Court released from serving their sentences the first two prisoners who expressed a desire to be mobilised.

On 22 May, the Khmelnytskyi City District Court approved all 50 applications for the conditional release of convicts who have expressed a desire to enlist in the Armed Forces of Ukraine to participate in the war.

Background:

On 8 May, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law providing for the voluntary mobilisation of certain categories of convicts. Persons who have committed premeditated murders, rapists, paedophiles, those convicted of the illegal production, acquisition, distribution or storage of drugs, those who have committed crimes against the national security of Ukraine, and former officials cannot be conscripted into the Defence Forces.

All others who are potentially liable for military service are subject to the same condition: they must have no more than three years left to serve on their sentence.

Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Maliuska believes that 10,000 to 20,000 convicts could be conscripted from the prison system, not least because Ukraine's detention facilities are overcrowded.

On 21 May, it was reported that over 3,000 Ukrainian convicts had applied for conditional early release to participate in the defence of Ukraine.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  As people honor and remember those whove fallen in the armed forces, some folks are celebrating this years Memorial Day out at the lake.

Perry Lake makes Memorial Day a great holiday destination. With multiple restaurants, boat shops and of course, party cove, theres something for everyone to enjoy.

Sally Hamsa says the quality time families have on the water is why its so enjoyable for her.

The families just coming out and being out together and enjoying themselves, it really is a beautiful time, Hamsa said.

Swimming skills crucial during summer months

This lake season will be the first for some boaters, while others, like boat owner Chuck Stover, are returning for their 24th year. Chuck said hes been boating on Lake Perry since 2000.

Thats when I bought my first boat, Chuck said. Weve been coming here ever since.

But, this Monday is not just any other lake day. While folks are out enjoying the sun, theyre also honoring the fallen- and thats exactly what Hope Stover is doing.

Remembering the people who served and lost their lives, its important, Hope said.

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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly hasnt set the start date for a special legislative session on tax cuts, despite previously saying she would announce the date last week.

When the Democratic governor vetoed the latest tax cuts proposal on May 16, she said in a statement provided by her office that she would announce the session date next week. The session is widely expected to begin in June.

But the Memorial Day weekend came and went without an announcement. On Tuesday, the governors office signaled the delay centers on the ability of lawmakers to attend the session.

Although Governor Kelly anticipated announcing the date of a special legislative session last week, she continues to have ongoing conversations with legislative leaders about the availability of their caucuses in order to determine the best date. Governor Kelly plans to announce the date of a special session soon, Kelly spokesperson Grace Hoge said in a statement.

When setting the special session date, Kelly and top lawmakers must consider whether they can maintain quorums of the House and Senate to conduct business. A majority of members of both chambers constitute a quorum.

Kelly has suggested the session could last as little as a day if she reaches an agreement with lawmakers. But the special session, coming ahead of elections this fall, could disrupt lawmakers campaigning if it drags on.

Kelly previously vetoed a plan that would have cost between $462 million and $472 million a year after a first-year cost of $641 million. Kelly has called for the total cost of tax cuts not to exceed roughly $425 million a year, a limit her aides say includes all tax changes passed by the Legislature, not just this bill.

Top Republican lawmakers have said Kansas can afford $500 million a year. They sharply criticized Kellys decision to call a special session instead of signing the latest tax bill. GOP leaders have emphasized that the bill enjoyed the support of most Democratic lawmakers.

The vetoed plan would have set the top rate for married couples filing jointly at 5.57% and the bottom rate at 5.2%, with $46,000 serving as the dividing line between the two rates. All other taxpayers would be taxed at 5.15% in the bottom bracket and 5.55% in the top bracket, with $23,000 dividing the two brackets.

Where to set the income tax brackets  and at what rates  is likely to be at the center of discussions between Kelly and lawmakers because those parameters drive the overall cost of the package.

Less controversial tax changes are expected to remain in whatever proposal is put forward. Those changes include accelerating the elimination of the state sales tax on food to July 1, in addition to ending taxes on Social Security income.
LUSAKA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- It is a bright Tuesday morning, and Chelina Sankila anxiously waits for an important notification to flash on the screen of her small feature phone. She paces up and down in her tiny two-room house, the evidence of her years of hard work as a maid in an affluent neighborhood of Lusaka, Zambia's capital.

Around noon, the 77-year-old woman's face suddenly beams as she gazes at her phone screen. She turns to her five grandchildren, who are eagerly waiting to hear the good news. "Zangena!!" she exclaims.

Zangena is a term locals use, mostly on payday, to indicate that funds have been credited to one's account.

"My grandchildren burst into jubilation whenever they hear me say zangena," says Sankila, a resident of Lusaka's Ng'ombe compound. She begins listing essential commodities to purchase with the 800 Zambian Kwacha (about 30.96 U.S. dollars) that has just appeared in her mobile money account.

Sankila's household is one of the beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) program, a lifeline for the elderly and other vulnerable individuals, such as persons with disabilities, across Zambia. Started by the Zambian government in 2003, this social safety net initiative has made a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable households, especially for those aged 60 years and above who have no source of livelihood and lack the capacity to undertake meaningful economic ventures due to age-related restrictions.

The SCT program provides essential financial assistance to meet basic needs and improve overall well-being. Beneficiary households receive between 400 and 800 Zambian Kwacha (about 15.48 to 30.96 U.S. dollars), with funds remitted into beneficiaries' mobile money accounts once every two months.

"The program has been a blessing for me. It ensures that I can afford essential items such as food, medication and even a few clothes that bring joy to my otherwise simple life," says Bernard Banda, 92, from Chongwe district. Banda, a retired auto mechanic, said that he started receiving SCT funds about three years ago after a team of social welfare workers visited his homestead to assess his situation.

Sara Bwalya, an 88-year-old homemaker from Kapiri Mposhi district in central Zambia, shared her experience as a beneficiary of the SCT program. "Receiving this support has truly changed my life. At my age, with limited means of earning, this assistance allows me to meet my daily needs. I am grateful for the government's initiative that recognizes and uplifts the elderly like myself," she said.

The program, which started as a pilot project in Kalomo district, Southern Zambia, in 2003, is now implemented in all 116 districts of the country. Over the years, several cooperating partners and the World Bank have provided financial assistance toward the program. By 2021, 974,160 vulnerable households had benefited from the program, according to a UN report published in March 2022.

Bwalya, who has been a beneficiary of the SCT for two years, revealed that she uses much of the money to supplement the educational needs of her 15 grandchildren. "I had nine children. Five of them have since passed away. The money from social welfare helps me support my orphaned grandchildren with school books and other school requirements," she said.

By alleviating the economic hardships faced by older citizens, the SCT program is enabling them to lead dignified lives, Bwalya added. 
The murder trial of Karen Read, the woman accused of striking her Boston Police Officer boyfriend John OKeefe with her SUV and leaving him for dead in a snowbank in Canton in January 2022, entered its fifth week of testimony on Tuesday morning.

ATF agent Brian Higgins, who testified about a kiss and flirtatious texts he exchanged with Read, briefly returned to the stand before being excused. The niece and nephew of OKeefe were called next. A court ruling prohibited them from being shown on all live-streaming coverage of this trial. Justin Rice, an emergency room doctor who worked at Good Samaritan Medical Center, then testified about treating OKeefe.

John OKeefes nephew, niece testify about his relationship with Karen Read. Heres what they said

Garrey Faller, a pathologist who worked at the hospital with Rice, is now on the stand.

WATCH LIVE: Day 18 of witness testimony in Karen Read murder. trial WATCH LIVE: Day 18 of witness testimony in Karen Read murder trial with Brian Higgins returning to stand. Posted by Boston 25 News on Tuesday, May 28, 2024

LIVE PLAY-BY-PLAY FROM NORFOLK SUPERIOR COURT (DY: Defense Attorney David Yannetti, BH: Brian Higgins, KR: Karen Read, JO: John OKeefe)

2:25 p.m.

Nicholas Roberts, a field service engineer at ThermoFisher Scientific, takes the stand after Dr. Faller is excused.

He formerly worked at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab and Toxicology Unit.

2:05 p.m.

Judge Cannone asked the prosecutor and witness to keep their voices up as fans have been placed in the courtroom because of the temp in here. Dr. Faller is a low-talker.

Judge orders fans off.

1:45 p.m.

The lunch break ends.

ADA Lally calls Garrey Faller, a pathologist at Good Samaritan.

1:30 p.m.

Wanted to confirm this before posting. The ER doc testified that KRs serum alcohol level was 93 mg/dl. According to interwebs: the BAC is found by moving the decimal point 3 places to the left making it .093.

12:55 p.m.

Dr. Rice is excused. Judge calls lunch break until 1:30 p.m.

12:50 p.m.

Dr. Rice says there is no note in his medical report that says JO was or could have been hit by a vehicle as 1st responders have testified they heard Read say.

Dr. Rice says he may not have documented all the injuries on JO including to his torso/legs because he was focused on resuscitation efforts.

12:45 p.m.

Defense attorney Liza Little is doing the cross on Dr. Rice. He says he doesnt recall treating Karen Read at all or ordering her blood.

12:30 p.m.

Dr. Rice tells ADA Lally he noted, superficial abrasions on right forearm of JO. He tells Lally abrasions are a medical synonym for scratches.

Dr. Rice confirms he also treated KR for a section 12 or involuntarily detention of a person usually for a mental health concern.

12:20 p.m.

Dr. Rice says JOs body temp was 80 degrees and they attempted to warm him.

12:05 p.m.

ADA Lally calls (then) Good Samaritan ER doctor Justin Rice. Its the hospital JO was taken to.

11:40 a.m.

Testimony of 2 minor children is complete.

10:15 a.m.

Chief Court Officer just told all media we cannot tweet or take notes on a computer while minor children testify. Im complying with that directive. Will post after their testimony is done.

9:55 a.m.

Higgins is excused. The judge sends the jury out for 10 minutes. Minor children will be next to testify.

***The stream will be turned off during their testimony to protect them. This is the right call.

This was the previous court order on minor witnesses from Sup. Court Justice Beverly J. Cannone dated May 7.@TedDanielnews @boston25 pic.twitter.com/JbZnVKRp6E  Peter Wilson (@PetesWire) May 28, 2024

9:50 a.m.

BH says he did not see JOs body when he left 34 Fairview. He tells ADA Lally as a trained medic: If I had saw John OKeefe on the side of the road, I would have done something to make a difference.

Higgins says he was more concerned about his number being online than what was on his phone. DY asks BH why he waited 2 months to get a new phone number if he was so concerned about a target having it. DY: Are you familiar with the term consciousness of guilt, Mr. Higgins? AL: Objection Judge: Sustained.

9:45 a.m.

BH on destroying his phone. He was working undercover as an ATF agent and said: A target of an investigation called him on his personal cell, his (target) girlfriend had obtained it off open source internet. He says that in July 2022, he started thinking I had to get rid of the phone itself.

Higgins says the phone and SIM card were thrown away with other trash on the military base.

9:40 a.m.

Higgins says he was informed on 10/31/22 that the order to preserve his phone had been denied weeks earlier.

9:35 a.m.

ADA Lally asking BH about phone records that show the call BA made to him and the 22-second call back at 2:22 am on the night of JOs death. I did not when asked if he spoke with BA by phone. BH does not recall making or receiving a call with BA at that time.

9:30 a.m.

BH tells Lally that KR initiated texts with him and he says KR mentioned that and her kiss of him in texts.

BH says he didnt share his texts with KR or with anyone. BH: On a personal level, I kind of keep things to myself. I was a little embarrassed... not proud of them.

9:25 a.m.

DY ends with questions about Higgins and his phone. ADA Lally is back for a redirect.

9:20 a.m.

Higgins says he didnt transfer anything off his phone including photos and videos when he threw his phone/SIM card away in a dumpster on a military base. Higgins says he was cutting through the base at the time

9:17 a.m.

DY: before you threw your phone away you did a factory reset of it? BH: No, I did not

On Friday, BH testified he discarded his phone after a defense request to preserve it was denied. Today, DY asked him if he had received notice from the court that the preservation order was denied. He said no.

9:15 a.m.

ATF agent Brian Higgins returns to the stand.

Alan Jackson had a family commitment and is back in LA. The jury is told not to read into his absence.

PREVIOUS STORY:

Brian Higgins, one of the men the defense claims is involved in a cover-up of OKeefes death, is expected to take the stand once again.

Higgins is an ATF agent who was at 34 Fairview Road in Canton in the hours before and after OKeefes body was found. The defense has long suggested he and others are part of a cover-up to frame Read.

During his testimony Friday, we learned he and Read exchanged flirtatious text messages but they stopped communicating immediately after OKeefes death.

In one of the messages shared in court, Read texted Higgins, Youre, hot. Are you serious or messing with me? Higgins replied. No, Im serious, Read wrote. Feeling is mutual. Is that bad? How long have you thought that? Higgins asked.

Youre hot: ATF agent Brian Higgins testifies about flirtatious texts he exchanged with Karen Read

Higgins also said Read kissed him outside of OKeefes house, telling the court, As we were walking out, the defendant planted a kiss on meNot like a friend.

Higgins went to 34 Fairview Road, where Brian Albert lived, after being at the Waterfall bar with OKeefe and Read. He testified that he didnt see OKeefes body on the front lawn when he left sometime before 1 a.m.

Higgins was also questioned by the defense as to why he went straight to the Canton police station in a blizzard after leaving the Alberts. He said it was to move vehicles.

During the trial Friday, the prosecution suggested Read had moved on from OKeefe, but the defense suggested Higgins felt snubbed by Read.

Im not proud of these text messages, but I take responsibility at the same time, Higgins said. John was a friend.

Higgins phone records also show a call from him to Albert, with the defense accusing Higgins of destroying his phone.

Tuesday will be the only day of testimony in the trial this week.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The Kent District Library has been recognized nationally with an award.

The library district was one of five in the country to receive the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Its the highest honor the library can receive from the federal government, KDL Executive Director Lance Werner said.

It represents the highest level of achievement, honor that we can get in our industry, he said. It really is a celebration of the community and a celebration of the area and the celebration of the areas love for literacy.  (Were) really excited for ourselves, for the entire community and were looking forward to the future.

Kent District Library finalist for national award

Last year, the library won the 2023 Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize, a national award that came with a $250,000 grant and a profile in the Library Journal.

Werner credited the librarys success to the community and its investment in KDL.

Internally, we all share the same dream of making the world a better place and were all passionate about making that happen and providing the services  the public needs, being transformational and lifting everybody up, he said. The communitys love for the library really puts us over the top.

He also touted resources like the KDL Talking Book and Braille Center, its summer food program and its digital collection. He said the district is No. 49 in the world in digital circulation and saw a 46% increase in in-person programming last year.

More than 2.4 million people came through KDL doors last year, he said.

1.6M digital books: Did you help Kent District Library break this record?

Werner also encouraged people to participate in the upcoming Summer Wonder program, which starts June 3 and goes through Aug. 9.

Come on out, he said. Summer reading is really important to prevent the summer slide. And we have a lot of fun with it, and I think that having fun with it is the most important part.

The team will go to Washington D.C. this summer to receive the medal at a White House ceremony.

IMLS is delighted to announce the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum said in a release. These institutions and their dedicated staff are stepping up to anticipate and meet the needs of their individual communities. From New York to Arizona, these 10 recipients are unparalleled sources of education, health, jobs, and cultural resources, bridging the gaps of distance, resources, and experience for community members. We look forward to honoring their accomplishments in Washington, DC, this summer!

Inside WOODTV.com: West Michigan libraries

The medal will be displayed at the KDL Service Center.

We love Kent County, we love West Michigan and we look forward to seeing everybody, Werner said. Thank you once again for all your support  were excited to bring it home.

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.
Kentuckians access to mental health care lags. Paying providers more would help, says report.

The report recommends that states and health plans expand their behavioral health networks by raising reimbursement rates  as they do for medical/surgical providers. (Getty Images)

Kentuckians are far more likely to pay out of pocket for mental and behavioral health services than for surgical or other medical care.

This insight comes from a recent American Psychological Association report, which examined health insurance claims made by millions of Americans who sought care.

Need mental health care in Kentucky?

If you are in immediate crisis, text or call 988.

To look for a mental health therapist near you, visit: Psychology Today and search by ZIP Code.

Check out the Kentucky Psychological Foundations Behavioral Health Roadmap.

Find a support group through Kentuckys chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The report showed that as COVID-19 peaked in the commonwealth, the number of Kentuckians forced to go out of their insurance network for acute inpatient care also increased.

Eric Russ, the executive director of the Kentucky Psychological Association, told the Lantern the numbers are likely higher than the report reflects because not everyone who seeks out of network care will file an insurance claim.

Overall, the report shows that Americans were 10.6 times more likely to go out of their insurance network for psychological care than they were for medical care. The paper cites lower reimbursement rates for mental health care providers as a major culprit.

The reports findings are gravely disappointing, Arthur C. Evans Jr., the CEO of the American Psychological Association, said in a statement. The federal parity law, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, passed in 2008 and it has still not achieved its goal of equitable access to care for mental health patients.

The fact that so many patients are forced to go out of network to receive mental health and substance use care is unacceptable, said Evans.

We have room to go before we have something that looks like real parity between our mental health and medical systems.  Eric Russ, Kentucky Psychological Association executive director

The report recommends that states and health plans expand their behavioral health networks by raising reimbursement rates  as they do for medical/surgical providers. Having access to more network providers, the report says, would ease the financial burden on patients who now, if they cannot afford to pay out of pocket, may go without care.

The COVID-19 effect: a sledgehammer

Eric Russ

The report showed that from 2019 to 2021, out of network utilization of acute inpatient behavioral health care increased from 2.5% to 4.0% in Kentucky. Thats much higher than 0.4% in 2019 and 0.2% in 2021 for medical and surgical care.

In 2021, Kentuckians were 17.2 times more likely to get out-of network care for behavioral health than they were for medical or surgical care. But the percent of Kentuckians going out of network for outpatient behavioral care care decreased from 2019 to 2021  11% to 5%.

One thing weve seen out of COVID is an increase in behavioral health needs, Russ said. Even before the pandemic, there was an increased need for mental health support. And then COVID just took a sledgehammer to everybodys mental health.

Because there were not enough in-network providers, Kentuckians had to look elsewhere for help, a burden Russ said falls harder on minority populations.

Structural discrimination puts minority populations at an increased risk of mental health issues generally, he said. And then the clinical field tends to be a pretty white dominated field, which makes it more difficult to find providers who are culturally competent to treat someone from a particular background or identity.

Stigma worsened by lack of access: demoralizing

Usually when people seek care for a mental health issue, theyve often already been struggling for a while, Russ said.

Usually theyve been feeling down, depressed, anxious, having relationship problems, having eating disorders for quite a long time before they even start seeking treatment, he said. When you start looking, finally ready to get help, and then call your insurance company or call your primary care provider and say, hey, where do I go? And they give you a list of providers and everybodys full and you cant get in  thats incredibly demoralizing.

This can add to the stigma that already surrounds mental health issues, Russ said. It can also put peoples well being in jeopardy while they wait for help. This can be worse for people with conditions like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), who may already struggle with organization and time management.

Kentucky is doing slightly better than other states, the data show.

No one is doing well though, Russ said. We have room to go before we have something that looks like real parity between our mental health and medical systems.

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KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD)  A woman who was reported missing in Kentwood Monday afternoon was later found safe.

Alice Devries, 84, had left her home around 1 p.m. Monday, the Kentwood Police Department said in a release. Authorities were worried about her because of her medical conditions.

Authorities said early Tuesday that she had been found safe.

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.
Kiev says France wants to send military trainers to Ukraine

According to information from Kiev, France wants to send military trainers to Ukraine.

Ukraine's military Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Monday that he welcomed "France's initiative to send instructors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian army personnel."

In a Facebook post, Syrskyi added that he had already signed documents "allowing the first French instructors to visit our training centres soon and familiarize themselves with their infrastructure and personnel."

There was initially no official confirmation from France that such a training mission was actually planned.

When asked by dpa, the Ministry of Defence in Paris merely stated: "As already mentioned several times, training on Ukrainian soil is one of the areas under discussion." It went on to say: "Like all the topics discussed on this occasion, this issue will continue to be discussed with the Ukrainian side, in particular to understand their precise needs."

Earlier on Monday, NATO called on its member states to authorize Ukraine to use Western weapons against military targets in Russia.

During a spring session in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, NATO's Parliamentary Assembly (PA) adopted a corresponding declaration vowing support of Ukraine until victory is achieved.

"The time has come to consider whether it will be right to lift some of the restrictions which have been imposed," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.

"Because we see now that especially in the Kharkiv region, the front line and the borderline is more or less the same."

Ukraine would be weaker if NATO members continued to support it only halfway, warned the president of the PA, Micha Szczerba from Poland.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov appealed in a video message for the allies to close the airspace over western Ukraine with their air-defence systems.

Umerov reiterated that his country was striving for full NATO membership.

Parliamentarians from NATO member countries and partner states took part in the PA spring meeting. A delegation from the German Bundestag also travelled to Sofia.

Stoltenberg named three topics for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington in July: improving the defence capabilities of member states, support for Ukraine and global partnerships with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

The PA also called for the creation of a centre at NATO headquarters in Brussels to combat disinformation.

Meanwhile, the German government remained opposed to the idea of setting up a defensive shield from NATO territory, a top spokesman said.

"From our point of view, that would be an involvement, a direct involvement in this conflict. And that is something we are not aiming for," government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said in Berlin.

There have been calls from some recently for NATO powers to bolster Ukrainian air defences by establishing some sort of protective shield over Ukraine.

Hebestreit did not want to comment specifically on a question as to whether and in what form Ukraine had given assurances that it would not carry out attacks on targets in Russia with the weapons systems supplied from Germany.

These regulations were subject to confidentiality and had proved their worth, Hebestreit said. He also noted that international law stipulates that a state under attack can also defend itself outside its own borders.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a NATO Parliamentary assembly. -/NATO/dpa
Onlookers aboard a private boat watch as two orcas surface off of Point Loma, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in San Diego. A small group of killer whales have rammed at least 673 boats, including some that sank, off the coasts of Portugal, Spain and Morocco over the past five years. But scientists believe that killer whales ramming vessels isnt the result of aggressive behavior. | Denis Poroy

A small group of killer whales have rammed at least 673 boats, including some that sank, off the coasts of Portugal, Spain and Morocco the past five years.

But more than a dozen experts who have studied the incidents believe the orcas are playing, not trying to cause mayhem. The group, which includes biologists, government officials and marine industry representatives, released a report last Friday theorizing that the whales see the boats rudder as a toy.

Based on the observations and reports on the interaction between orcas and boats off Europes Iberian Peninsula, the scientists concluded that there was no evidence that the interactions between Iberian killer whales and vessels are aggressive on the whales part.

The behavior has more in common with fads seen elsewhere and seems associated with play or socializing, possibly encouraged by a recent increased abundance and availability of prey  reducing the time needed for foraging  and by the reduction in negative interactions with fisheries, according to the 45-page report.

Since 2021, interactions have resulted in the sinking of six vessels: four sailboats and two fishing boats. These interactions appear to be solely attributable to the small Iberian population of killer whales. In many instances, whales ram the rudder, often damaging and even breaking it, rendering the vessel unnavigable and requiring a rescue by local coast guards.

Whales just want to have fun

This looks like play, Naomi Rose, a senior scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute who was part of the working group, told The Washington Post. Its a very dangerous game theyre playing, obviously. But its a game.

The researchers found that, in most cases, the orcas approaching the vessels were among about 15, mostly juvenile, whales. They typically approach slowly, almost as if to just bump the rudders with their noses and heads. But even young orcas average between 9 and 14 feet long, so the rudders would often get damaged or destroyed when the whales touched them, said Alex Zerbini, who chairs the scientific committee at the International Whaling Commission, a global body focused on whale conservation.

Theres nothing in the behavior of the animals that suggests that theyre being aggressive, Zerbini, who is also part of the working group, told the Post. As they play with the rudder, they dont understand that they can damage the rudder and that damaging the rudder will affect human beings. Its more playful than intentional.

Why do whales ram boats?

According to the report, contacting the rudder might have evolved from prop watching  whales placing their head near the propeller wash. Zerbini said it could have started with one curious, young killer whale that became enthralled by the bubbles surrounding a moving ship.

Maybe that individual touched a rudder and felt that it was something fun to play with, he said. And, after playing, it began propagating the behavior among the group until it became as widespread as it is now.

However, it was also noted that the number of juveniles, which are typically the most curious and exploratory in killer whale populations, increased well before this behavior arose. It was suggested that some level of playful interactions began earlier with young juveniles, although these initial interactions did not result in rudder damage. This playful behavior may have escalated as the animals grew older. It was further noted that these same killer whales have been associated with small-scale fishing vessels for decades in Morocco, without damaging them, according to the report.

It was suggested that perhaps the rudders of the Moroccan vessels are not as interesting to the whales. Killer whales are known to play with other objects or animals in their environment to the point of damaging them (in the southern resident killer whale population of Washington state, which feed on salmon, individuals will play with harbor porpoises to the point of killing them, which may be a similar escalation of an initially less harmful interaction), so this behavior seems on that spectrum, the report says.

Scientists also surmised that the behavior may have evolved because the whales, for the first time in a couple of generations, are well-fed, have leisure time and experience reduced negative interactions with fisheries.

What can be done?

According to the report, mariners are using deterrent methods in an effort to stop whales from interacting with their vessels, mostly without success.

The working group proposed several methods for keeping the whales away from boats rudders, including the concept of a hukilau, a series of weighted, vertical lines hanging in the water column, used for fishing. Whales wont swim through the lines in situations where an effort is being made to herd them in a particular direction. The scientists also considered striking metal pipes under the waterline to make a banging noise. They also discussed replacing the typically smooth surface of a rudder with abrasive or bumpy materials. The report suggested testing begin as soon as possible.

We dont want to see more boats being sunk and we dont want to see people in distress, Zerbini told the Post. But we also dont want to see the animals being hurt. And we have to remember that this is their habitat and were in the way.
She was a kid, really, the 28-year-old attorney Karen Conti when she came face-to-face with the serial killer John Wayne Gacy and this is what she saw: His face was ashen, splotchy and bloated. A dimpled chin and several beneath it were wedged against his blue prison-issue shirt.  There was nothing attractive about Gacy and his light blue eyes were somehow flat and lacking in depth or warmth.

That is how Conti recalls her first encounter with Gacy. It was October 1993 and he was locked on death row in the Menard Correctional Center in downstate Chester, Illinois. Conti, along with her partner in law and life, Greg Adamski, had been contacted to possibly represent him in some civil matters, one of which was fighting the prisons attempt to stop him from profiting from sales of paintings he had created while in jail.

Over the next months she, as the only woman on his legal team, and Adamski would come to know Gacy in close fashion. They met with him often, shared meals, phone calls to their home, banter and personal stories. They would eventually represent Gacy in his last set of death row appeals.

Gacy was executed by lethal injection at Stateville Correctional Center on May 10, 1994. Adamski and Conti would carry on, cohosting a radio show and otherwise fashioning high-profile legal careers. He died in 2011 and Conti continues as a weekly WGN-AM720 radio host, TV commentator, practicing attorney and professor.

Happily remarried, she was compelled during the quiet of the pandemic to revisit her time with Gacy and now that, and much more, is packed onto the 250-some pages between the covers of her surprisingly compelling book, Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending Americas Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row.

I say surprising because, frankly, I have had more than my fill of the killer and never expected to revisit his life or crimes or death again. He and his evil have shadowed me ever since the snowy/icy December day in 1978 when, as a young reporter, I watched as some of the dead bodies of young men and boys were removed from the crawl space of Gacys ranch house near Norridge, in an unincorporated village in Norwood Park Township.

I stood in a crowd of stunned and curious neighbors, cops, a couple other reporters, medical technicians and others, many of them crying and all, it goes without saying, trying to grasp this particular manifestation of evil.

Eventually 33 bodies were discovered, 29 in the house and four others nearby. Gacy went on trial, he was quickly convicted and sentenced to death. Even before that came, the foundation of his immortality had begun to form.

As the TV critic for this paper in May 1992, I wrote about his five-part gabfest with WBBM-Ch. 2s Walter Jacobson: (despite) typically hyperbolic promotional messages (The most notorious mass murderer in history talks), the series of interviews was sedate  in fact so dull as to beg the question, Why did you bother to air this? Also WGN-TV and its Steve Sanders at the same time offered a three-part The Gacy File: Unanswered Questions during its nightly newscast.

In that same story, I reviewed Brian Dennehy as Gacy in To Catch a Killer. I wrote that it was a fine, tense and surprisingly reserved film  not the sordid, blood-stained romp that many might have expected. Of Dennehy I wrote, (he is) riveting. More physically imposing than the real killer, he has menace written across his crooked smile.

Most recently, in 2021, I wrote about what I called a a brilliant and provocative six-part, six-hour documentary, John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise on Peacock, handsomely made, judicious in its uses of archival footage.

Evil fascinates and this particular evil has also generated a shelf full of books.

Even though I know Conti, I would not have been drawn to open her book had it not been for Scott Turow, the best selling author and a lawyer who handled big cases as a U.S. attorney, including serving as lead counsel in the Operation Greylord trial and later, in private practice, helping free an innocent man from death row. He has called this book addictively readable[and it] answers some of the laws most fascinating questions and there are few lawyers or writers I respect more than Turow. His is just one voice in a chorus of praise the book has received, such as unique and engaging and powerful.

Those opinions are correct. This book also serves as a memoir and you get to know Contis background, the reasons why she has been a lifelong opponent of the death penalty and why she was able to grasp the humanity (if thats the right word) inside Gacy. He calls her Dollface and she listens as he tells her, only hours before his execution, Youre gonna be glad you represented me. Your careers gonna skyrocket.  Youre gonna be forever connected with me  I love ya.

It is difficult to determine how her encounters with John Wayne Gacy might have forever altered Karen Conti. She writes that she has been asked to participate in a John Gacy seance, to be the judge in a Halloween horror costume competition, and to host a serial killer jeopardy game for charity. Handling this case has made me a legal novelty whether I like it or not.

But it has also, in palpable ways, made her a talented writer, provocative storyteller and decent human being.

rkogan@chicagotribune.com
On Friday, May 24th, tragedy struck in the British Commonwealth. In Papua New Guinea's Enga region, at 3 am local time, a fatal landslide wiped out a large section of the mountainous area, leaving as many as 2,000 people buried under the rubble caused by the natural disaster, destroying homes and food gardens in the process.

Yesterday, King Charles, head of the British Commonwealth, made a heartfelt post on Instagram sending his condolences to those in the nation who were affected by this calamitous moment in the country's history. The King posted on the royal family's Instagram the day of the event with a message for people of Papua New Guinea.

Humanitarian workers reported that the impact of the landslide created a crater the size of four football fields. King Charles began his message acknowledging the grievous and dire situation saying, "My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the devastating landslide in Enga, and the tragic loss of so many lives, homes and food gardens."

His Majesty used the moment to show his sincere concern for the people of Papua New Guinea and share his affection for the people of the country and the strength of their communities.

The King continued by saying, "I have witnessed at first hand and have great admiration for the extraordinary resilience of the peoples of Papua New Guinea and the Highlands. I have faith that your communities will come together to support the survivors and the recovery in these heartbreaking circumstances."

"My wife joins me in sending our most heartfelt condolences to the families and communities who have suffered so much as a result of this appallingly traumatic event. Papua New Guinea is very much in our special thoughts and prayers."

King Charles ended his message by signing off with his personal signature, Charles R. The "R" stands for Rex, which translates to "King" in Latin. This signature is typically used when signing letters to personalize the message and was also something that his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II would do when addressing the Commonwealth as well.

We appreciate witnessing His Majesty's care and consideration for the people of Papua New Guinea in the wake of such difficult situation.

Fiery New King Charles Portrait Revealedand the Monarch Jumped Back as He Unveiled It
What to know from the latest inspection of Wisconsin's only ICE detention center

An inspection report released this month is the fifth time in three years that the immigration detention facility in Dodge County has been rated "good" or "superior" despite lapses in medical care.

Located in Juneau, Dodge County Detention Facility  also known as Dodge County Jail  is the only facility in Wisconsin that holds immigrants for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Heres what to know:

Why does Dodge County hold ICE detainees?

Dodge County has an agreement with ICE to hold non-citizens facing immigration or deportation proceedings. Detainees can include anybody from permanent residents to those living in the U.S. without legal permission.

Dodge County Detention Center pictured in 2019.

Their reasons for being detained vary. Some are in deportation proceedings because they were convicted of a crime and have finished serving their sentence. Others are put in immigration detention after it was discovered at a traffic stop that they do not have proper immigration documents.

According to ICE detention statistics from fiscal year 2024, Dodge County Jail holds around 120 immigrants. Of those, around 30 have no criminal offenses. Their average length of stay is around 40 days.

More: ICE pulls 170 detainees from Kenosha County Jail after sheriff declines to take more

What is covered in inspections of ICE detention facilities?

Inspections are conducted twice a year for any ICE detention facility that houses more than 10 people for over 72 hours.

The agency's Office of Detention Oversight evaluates the detention facility against its National Detention Standards, which include environmental safety, facility security, and medical care. Not all standards are inspected in a given year.

After each inspection, the facility is given a rating from superior to failure, according to a 2022 ICE report to Congress.

What were the main findings from the ICE inspection of Dodge County Detention Facility?

In the latest inspection conducted in March, ICE interviewed 26 people out of about 120 detained at the facility and reviewed the medical records of 25 people.

Out of 21 standards, the facility was found to be deficient in seven, including violations of medical care standards and disorganization in managing detainees' identity documents.

The report notes that none of the 26 detainees made allegations of discrimination, mistreatment, or abuse and that most detainees reported satisfaction with the facility services except for the concern listed below.

Based on the inspection, Dodge was given a rating of good."

What issues did the inspection find regarding identity documents?

Inspectors could not locate the identity documents, such as passports and birth certificates, for some detainees.

ICE requires facilities to keep a copy of each persons identity documents in their file and forward the originals to the ICE field office in Chicago. But inspectors said they were unable to find copies of some detainees' documents, and nothing showed the originals were sent to Chicago, either.

The Dodge County Sheriffs Office declined to answer questions about the identity documents, and ICE did not respond to repeated email and phone calls seeking more details.

Gita Connolly, who works with people detained at Dodge through the University of Wisconsin Law School's Immigrant Justice Clinic, said these documents are extremely important for people to proceed with their immigration cases. Even those who have chosen to leave the U.S. voluntarily cannot leave without their identity documents.

She said detainees she has met at Dodge are often unable to obtain their documents, although it is not always clear whether their documents were lost by Dodge or a previous facility.

The inspection report refers specifically to identity documents that were listed on detainees' property forms at Dodge but could not be located.

Its something that should be so simple, Connolly said. So what are they doing with peoples identity documents?

Q&A: A conversation with Erin Barbato, director of UW's Immigrant Justice Clinic

What issues did the inspection find regarding medical care?

ICE found two violations of medical care standards.

Of the 25 medical records reviewed, the office found that two detainees were released to the jail's general population without having been screened for tuberculosis on separate occasions in January and February. Neither of them received a screening until 11 days later.

ICE follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards, which state that people should be screened for tuberculosis immediately upon arrival.

In addition, inspectors found that a new detainee was not given a physical or mental health examination for 19 days, until the day of the ICE inspection. ICE standards stipulate that medical and mental health screenings should be given no later than 12 hours after (a detainees) arrival."

How did Dodge do in previous inspections?

Over the years, many issues that ICE inspectors have found at Dodge have persisted.

The facility has been found deficient in medical care every year for the past three years.

For example, in March of last year, a detainee submitted two complaints about tooth pain within five days of each other. However, the nurse practitioner noted no severe pain on both occasions. On April 1, the detainee was found to have an infection and possibly in need of a tooth extraction, but was not scheduled for the extraction until May.

Despite the violations, Dodge was consistently given a rating of superior in previous inspections.

Being rated "good" is a step down from "superior." However, ICE revised its rating system in 2023, making comparisons difficult.

What happens after an ICE inspection?

Deficiencies are shared with ICEs regional office in Chicago. The office is supposed to develop a corrective action plan for the facility.

Earlier this year, ICE's Office of Detention Oversight said it could not "assess the effectiveness" of a corrective action plan issued for Dodge based on a 2023 inspection because the standards changed after the plan was issued.

But even when inspection standards remained the same, the office said it could not assess the effectiveness of a previous corrective action plan because it had not received a complete plan after an inspection in April 2023.

In my opinion, a lot of this is just rubber stamping, Connolly said. Inspectors go in and just rubber stamp what they see on the form so they can continue operating. The impression that I get is that people dont really care.

Dodge County Sheriffs Office declined to answer questions about the inspection process. ICE did not respond to inquiries about details in the inspection report.

Eva Wen is a reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at qwen@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: ICE inspection finds 7 deficiencies at Dodge County Jail immigration detention center
This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronaut Ye Guangfu performing extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed the first spacewalk of their mission at 6:58 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu worked for about eight-and-a-half hours in completing multiple tasks, including the installation of space debris protection devices, and were assisted by the space station's robotic arm and a team on Earth.

Ye and Li Guangsu, the two crew members assigned the spacewalk duty, have since returned safely to the Wentian lab module.

This marked Ye's second extravehicular activity (EVA), following his initial spacewalk during the Shenzhou-13 mission, while Li Guangsu embarked on a spacewalk for the first time.

The mission will involve numerous other tasks, with the Shenzhou-18 crew set to engage in a slew of scheduled space science experiments and technical tests, while they will also undertake additional extravehicular activities and install payloads outside the space station, according to the CMSA. 

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronaut Li Guangsu preparing for extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronaut Ye Guangfu performing extravehicular activities assisted by the robotic arm of the space station. The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronaut Ye Guangfu going out for extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronaut Li Cong monitoring the extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronaut Ye Guangfu performing extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronauts performing extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronaut Li Guangsu returning to space station after extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronaut Ye Guangfu taking a photo of Li Guangsu during extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronaut Li Guangsu performing extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Jie)
What to know about Mexico's historic elections Sunday that will likely put a woman in power

A person holds a sign that reads "we are all the same Mexico" at an opposition rally called to encourage voting ahead of the June 2 presidential elections, in the Zocalo, Mexico City's main square, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexicans will vote Sunday in historic elections weighing gender, democracy and populism, as they chart the country's path forward in voting shadowed by cartel violence.

With two women leading the contest, Mexico will likely elect its first female president  a major step in a country long marked by its macho culture. The election will also be the biggest in the country's history. More than 20,000 congressional and local positions are up for grabs, according to the National Electoral Institute.

The number of contested posts has fed bloodshed during the campaigns, as criminal groups have used local elections as an opportunity to exert power. A toxic slate of cartels and gangs have battled for turf and more than 20 people seeking political office have been killed just this year.

Also at play is the political legacy of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Mexico's often tumultuous relationship with the United States.

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES IN MEXICO'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION?

Claudia Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, has maintained a comfortable double-digit lead in polls for months. She promises to be a continuation of populist leader Lopez Obrador and is backed by his ruling Morena party. Trained as a scientist, Sheinbaum has had to walk a fine line to carve out her own image while highlighting her connection to Lopez Obrador, though she lacks the charisma that attracted many to her political ally.

Xochitl Galvez, an opposition senator and tech entrepreneur, represents a coalition of parties that have had little historically to unite them other than their recent opposition to Lopez Obrador. Galvez is a fierce critic of the outgoing president who doesn't shy away from verbal sparring, but who hasn't appeared to ignite much fervor for her Strength and Heart for Mexico coalition.

The third candidate is little-known Jorge Alvarez Maynez, a former federal congressman from the Citizen Movement party. He has focused on trying to scoop up the young vote, but has not gotten much traction.

WHAT HAS PRESIDENT LOPEZ OBRADOR MEANT FOR THIS ELECTION?

Elected in 2018, Lopez Obrador tapped into large swathes of the population like the working-class and poor, rural voters who had long felt forgotten by the political system. He made combatting corruption his top priority. Despite not being on the ballot, much of Sunday's election has revolved around him.

Though he remains highly popular, Lopez Obrador has shown himself to be intolerant of criticism and oversight. And his critics say his moves to attack the judiciary, slash funding to Mexico's electoral agency and expand the military's responsibilities in civilian life have eroded Mexican democracy. The opposition has responded with large protests.

Lopez Obrador is considered Sheinbaum's mentor and if she is elected, it would cement his legacy and show that his Morena party can survive beyond his presidency.

WHEN ARE MEXICO'S ELECTIONS AND HOW DOES VOTING WORK?

Parties selected their candidates well before the official start of campaigning for the presidential, congressional and municipal elections. On June 2, millions of voters will cast for their new leaders in a single round of voting. The winner of the highly anticipated presidential election will serve a six-year term.

While most eyes are on the presidential race, Mexicans will also vote for 128 senators, 500 congressional representatives and for nearly 20,000 local government positions.

WHY HAS THE CAMPAIGN CYCLE BEEN SO VIOLENT?

Under Lopez Obrador's hugs not bullets policy, which emphasizes addressing the societal root causes of violence, analysts say cartels and other criminal groups have expanded their control. Homicide rates have remained stubbornly high despite promises by Lopez Obrador to ease the violence. Lopez Obrador has in many cases refused to confront criminal groups, and activists say his government has tried to reduce the official count of Mexico's forcibly disappeared in the lead up to the election.

Cartels and other criminal groups see elections  particularly local elections  as an opportunity to make power grabs. They've warred for turf and at least 145 people tied to politics have been slain by organized crime this year, according to tracking by the human rights organization Data Civica.

Violence has been particularly severe in states where criminal groups are fighting for territory like Chiapas and Guerrero in the south, and Michoacan in central Mexico.

MEXICO'S FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT

Electing a female president would be a huge step in a country with soaring levels of gender-based violence and deep gender disparities.

Mexico still has a famously intense machismo, or culture of male chauvinism, that has created large economic and social disparities in society. In its most extreme form, the misogyny is expressed in high rates of femicides, and things like acid attacks against women.

Yet a historic number of women in the socially conservative country are taking up leadership and political roles.

Thats in part due to a decades-long push by authorities for greater representation in politics, including laws that require political parties to have half of their congressional candidates be women. Since 2018, Mexicos Congress has had a 50-50 gender split, and the number of female governors has shot up.

Both frontrunner Sheinbaum and Galvez have promised to address high rates of gender-based violence and gender disparities if they win.

___

Follow APs Latin-America coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Kroger to start asking to check your receipt at several Ohio locations

Several Kroger locations in Ohio will now be checking receipts due to an increase in theft, according to our media partner WBNS-10 TV.

A spokesperson for Kroger confirmed the new safety measure on Sunday.

>> Were so proud of you! Miami Valley native crowned Miss Ohio 2024

Six locations in Columbus have started checking receipts, according to WBNS-10.

Although early in implementation, we have received positive feedback from associates and customers, the spokesperson said.

Grocery stores like Sams Club and Costco have been checking customers receipts for years to help keep prices low and stop theft.

News Center 7 reached out to the company to see if any locations in the Miami Valley will start checking receipts.

We will continue to follow this story.
A Kentucky State Police trooper who was assigned to an executive security detail for Gov. Andy Beshear is accused of taking department-owned ammunition, according to Franklin County Commonwealths Attorney Larry Cleveland.

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.

Cleveland confirmed to the Herald-Leader Tuesday afternoon that Forbis was allegedly stealing ammunition owned by the state police near the governors mansion over a period of months.

On the grounds of the mansion is a storage facility containing ammunition, and (Forbis) was allegedly removing ammunition and taking it for personal use and converting to his own use, Cleveland said.

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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.

Both charges are Class C felonies.

State officials called the alleged actions concerning, and said they could have jeopardized the safety of Kentuckys first family.

The Governor believes everyone is accountable for their actions and trusts the judicial system in dealing with this matter, said James Hatchett, a spokesperson for Beshears office.

Forbis has now been suspended without pay pending the conclusion of the internal affairs investigation, according to Sherry Bray, a spokesperson with KSP. If warranted, additional corrective action will be issued, she said.

Forbis had a criminal summons issued on May 22, and his first court appearance is scheduled for July 12. A criminal summons is a court order to appear.

He will not be arrested before his appearance, but a warrant could be issued for his arrest if Forbis did not appear for his court date, according to Cleveland.

He does not yet have legal representation, according to court records.

Politics reporter Austin Horn contributed to this report.

This story will be updated.
The number of people languishing in Missouri jails waiting for hospital beds to open up continues to rise and state lawmakers this year allocated no additional funding to alleviate the crisis.

Across the state, 302 people are stuck in jails waiting to be moved to a mental health facility for treatment, according to a spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

The individuals were arrested and found unfit to stand trial. But they cant be sent to a hospital due to a lack of staffing and shortage of beds.

We put more money towards punishment, but not treatment or prevention, said Rep. Deb Lavender, a Manchester Democrat. As a state, we lack empathy for other peoples life challenges.

The Star in September reported on the crisis for individuals in jail with mental health issues. They are often stuck in limbo in which their legal cases cant progress until they get treated for their mental illness. And they cant get treatment until a spot opens up at a hospital.

Their mental health deteriorates in the process. Some never get better, The Star found.

But as family members, hospital leaders, and law enforcement officials call for action, the situation appears to be getting worse. In May 2023, 238 people were waiting for hospital beds to open up. That number jumped to 253 in September, including a man with schizophrenia who had been in jail for more than a year and a half after allegedly stealing a belt from a Walmart.

The figure has now surpassed 300 and individuals are waiting an average of 11 months in jail to get treated in a mental health facility, a spokesperson for DMH said. Twenty-nine individuals are in the Jackson County Detention Center and nine are in Clay County, according to county officials.

Rachel Plaggenberg, the DMH spokesperson, attributed the crisis to a shortage of mental health workers, saying that it has resulted in people in need of mental health care being unable to access it in a timely manner.

These provider shortages exist both in state facilities, impacting the ability to complete treatment, and the provider community, impacting the ability to access treatment timely and prevent adverse outcomes that result in individuals with mental illness involvement with the criminal justice system, Plaggenberg said in an email.

Despite the concern, Missouri lawmakers approved a $51.7 billion budget for the next fiscal year that did not include any funding to help DMH alleviate the long wait times.

Were so worried about a conservative budget. Were so worried about cutting taxes, said Lavender, the Manchester Democrat. Were not providing services that should be basic for how the government can help provide an opportunity for people to thrive. Missouri is not thriving.

She specifically pointed to a large chunk of money  $829 million  that lawmakers cut from the budget that was intended for three health care departments, including the Department of Mental Health. Republican Gov. Mike Parson had requested that money in January.

Lavender, who sits on the House budget-writing committee, attributed the staffing shortage to low pay for workers.

Its created a situation where lawmakers dont provide additional funding because the agency isnt spending all of its money. But its not spending all of its money because it cant hire people to take the jobs, she said.

It looks like we didnt spend all of our money. Well, we didnt spend the money because we dont have enough in the pot to be able to hire somebody who will do the work, Lavender said.

Missouri lawmakers last year approved funding for a $300 million psychiatric hospital in Kansas City to try to alleviate the bed shortage. But that facility is still years away and expected to open in 2028.

The state also created a pilot program in Jackson County, Clay County, St. Louis, St. Louis County, and Greene County where DMH can send a team of health care providers to treat inmates directly in jail. That program is still in its early stages in Clay and Jackson counties.

A spokesperson for the Jackson County Sheriffs Office said in an email that the program had not yet launched as DMH finalizes details with a local service provider. But Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forte said he was hopeful it would help the community.

We are committed to developing a comprehensive and effective solution that addresses the challenges faced by our population, Forte said in a statement. Despite the current stage of planning, we remain optimistic about the potential benefits this program will bring to our community.

House Majority Leader Jonathan Patterson, a Lees Summit Republican, said in an interview that the rising number of people with mental health issues stuck in jail underscores what a huge problem treating mental health is in our state.

Thats why its important for us to invest in it with projects like the new mental health facility that were building in Kansas City, which cant be completed soon enough obviously, said Patterson, who is poised to be the next speaker of the House.

One of the people affected by the long wait time was Derrick Williams. Williams, who has schizophrenia, was stuck in the Clay County Detention Center for more than a year and a half waiting for a hospital bed to open up.

Williams was arrested after allegedly stealing a belt from a Walmart. A judge ruled that he was not competent enough to stand trial as a result of mental disease or defect and should receive treatment at a mental health facility  but no hospital beds were available.

Patricia Tatum, Williams mother who had been trying to get her son moved out of jail, previously told The Star that she felt helpless. She was largely left in the dark on her sons condition and the status of his case.

I know hes a man, but hes my child, she said then. Hes not getting the help that he needs and it hurts.

Four days after The Star revealed his story, he was transferred from jail to a state-operated mental health hospital in Fulton. Court records show that Williams case is progressing after being found competent to stand trial last week.
Largest Buc-ees in the country to open in Central Texas in June

LULING, Texas (KXAN)  Travelers and residents will soon be able to visit the largest Buc-ees travel center in the country starting next month.

The new center is located in Luling, Texas, and will open its doors to the public the morning of June 10, according to a news release from the company.

The new 75,000-square-foot center is symbolic for the Luling community, as it will replace the citys current Buc-ees store, which was the first Buc-ees travel center built in 2003.

We are thrilled to open the doors to the worlds largest Buc-ees travel center right here in the Great State of Texas, Stan Beard of Buc-ees said in a statement. Its particularly exciting, considering this is the Buc-ees that started it all, so we are really looking forward to celebrating with the incredible people of Luling.

The new travel center will add at least 200 jobs to the Luling area. Once this center opens, Buc-ees will have 50 stores across Texas and the South.

The new Buc-ees can be found at 10070 I-10. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will also be held at noon on June 10.

Local leaders, including Luling Mayor CJ Watts, former Mayor Mike Hendricks, Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden and City Manager Mark Mayo, are planning to attend the 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 KXAN Austin.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  An employee at an adult day care for people living with memory loss allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars in donations, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.

Marisela Perez, 35, faces charges of theft, forgery and unlawful felony act regarding computers, records said.

An employee with Nevada Senior Services filed a complaint with police, alleging Perez, a front desk receptionist, was altering letters that were being sent to patient caregivers requesting donations towards [sic] their scholarship program, documents said.

Nevada Senior Services is an adult day care service for low-income Alzheimers disease and dementia patients.

Perez allegedly would alter the letter to request cash for annual agreements, documents said. According to the employee who reported the allegation, Nevada Senior Services does not accept cash nor does it accept donations on an annual basis.

According to police, Perez allegedly stole nearly $30,000 in donations from 2018 to 2023, documents said. They add the employee told them Perez said one of her children had a medical issue and needed money to pay for care.

Staff became suspicious when a prospective caregiver refused to pay Perez in cash and decided to call the main office instead, documents said. The organization suspended Perez in June 2023.

As [an employee] began contacting multiple caregivers, the caregivers advised that they had either paid in cash as per the letter they received or that Perez had been contacting them on their personal cell phones indicating that their loved ones would lose their spot at the senior center if an additional amount of money was not paid immediately, documents said. [The employee] advised that some caregivers were contacted by Perez stating [her child] required brain surgery or some type of medical treatment and requested donations or loans from caregivers personally.

While Perez was accused of taking tens of thousands of police, police believe approximately $100,000 in donations was lost due to the altered letters, documents said. It was unclear from the report is Perez child was truly ill.

Police attempted to meet with Perez several times before her arrest on May 21, documents said.

Judge Rebecca Saxe released Perez on her own recognizance and did not require her to pay bond. Perez was due to return to court on June 25.

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.
Former President Donald Trump arrives at Manhattan criminal court for closing arguments in his criminal hush money trial in New York, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (Andrew Kelly/Pool Photo via AP)

NEW YORK (AP)  Closing arguments in Donald Trump 's historic hush money trial concluded Tuesday evening in a Manhattan courtroom. It was the final opportunity for prosecutors and defense attorneys to convince the jury of their respective cases before deliberations begin.

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche spoke for about three hours in the morning while prosecutor Joshua Steinglass went for over five hours. Court continued much longer than usual  stretching until 8 p.m.

Jurors will undertake the unprecedented task of deciding whether to convict the former U.S. president of felony criminal charges stemming from hush money payments tied to an alleged scheme to buy and bury stories that might have threatened Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

At the heart of the charges are reimbursements paid to Michael Cohen for a $130,000 hush money payment that was given to porn actor Stormy Daniels in exchange for not going public with her claim about a 2006 sexual encounter with Trump.

Prosecutors say the payments to Cohen, Trump's then-lawyer, were falsely logged as legal expenses to hide the true nature of the transactions.

Trump has denied all wrongdoing.

He pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records, charges which are punishable by up to four years in prison.

Closing arguments lasted all day Tuesday, with jury deliberations beginning as soon as Wednesday.

The case is the first of Trump's four indictments to go to trial as he seeks to reclaim the White House from Democrat Joe Biden.

The other cases center on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents at his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Its unclear whether any of them will reach trial before the November election.

Currently:

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Here's the latest:

CLOSING ARGUMENTS COME TO AN END

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass finished his summation by imploring jurors to find Donald Trump guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Donald Trump cant shoot someone on Fifth Avenue at rush hour and get away with it, Steinglass said, parroting Trumps own long ago remark, prompting an objection from Trumps lawyer. The objection was sustained.

During his closing remarks, Steinglass had sprinted  and, at times, staggered  through the timeline of events covered during Donald Trumps hush money trial, repeating many of the points hes already made, albeit with more emphatic takeaways.

As the judge's 8 p.m. deadline was minutes away, Steinglass acknowledged his summation had been really long.

I apologize for trading brevity for thoroughness, he told jurors, but we only get one shot at this."

Steinglass spoke for over five hours. Todd Blanche, Trumps defense attorney, went for about three.

Judge Juan Merchan told jurors hell give them instructions Wednesday before they start deliberating. Court will start at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the judge said, noting the long day on Tuesday. He said court will go until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and that theyll revisit scheduling and the length of days as the week goes on.

Jurors appeared resilient but relieved to be going home as they marched out of the courtroom after the marathon day of summations.

Following the longer-than-usual day in the courtroom, the former president didnt give his usual post-court remarks to the press in the hallway.

PROSECUTOR CITES EXAMPLES OF INTIMIDATION BY TRUMP BEFORE COURT TAKES ITS FINAL RECESS

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass showed jurors a series of Donald Trumps social media posts lashing out at his former lawyer Michael Cohen after Cohen defected, which the prosecutor argued were not only designed to punish the former fixer, but to signal to other potential witnesses: cooperate and you will face the wrath of Donald Trump.

He also cited lawsuits Trump had filed against Cohen and Daniels as other examples of intimidation.

The defendant wanted everyone to see the cost of taking him on, Steinglass said.

A related argument, regarding threats Daniels said she faced after going public, prompted Trumps lawyers to object. Defense lawyer Todd Blanche called it extraordinarily prejudicial. Steinglass stressed that he wasnt suggesting Trump was behind the threats, but Judge Juan Merchan told him to move along anyway.

The sides argued briefly over that issue while the jury was out of the courtroom for the final recess.

But the day wasn't over. The prosecutions summation, which began around 2 p.m., was still going as of 7 p.m.

Merchan told Steinglass hes facing a hard out at 8 p.m. All day, jurors have said they can work until that time, but not later, the judge said. Merchan suggested the lawyer have his colleagues give him a note to indicate when it reaches that time so he can then wrap up his statement.

Thanks for sticking with me, Steinglass tells jurors as he settled back in at the podium after the break.

PROSECUTION DISCUSSES ASSERTION THAT PAYMENTS TO COHEN WERE FOR HIS LEGAL WORK

During closing arguments in Donald Trump's hush money trial Tuesday, Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said Michael Cohen did little work for Trump in 2017, despite the checks he was receiving.

Trumps lawyers contend the payments were for legal services Cohen provided that year. Steinglass pointed to Cohen testifying he did only about 10 hours of legal work that year.

Mr. Cohen spent more time being cross-examined at this trial than he did doing legal work for Donald Trump in 2017, Steinglass quipped. Do you think theres any chance Donald Trump would pay $42,000 an hour for legal work by Michael Cohen?

Steinglass seized on a 2018 Trump tweet in which the then-president described the arrangement with Cohen as reimbursement while insisting it was unrelated to Trumps candidacy.

Mr. Cohen, an attorney, received a monthly retainer, not from the campaign and having nothing to do with the campaign, from which he entered into, through reimbursement, a private contract between two parties, known as a non-disclosure agreement, or NDA, Trump wrote at the time.

Steinglass said that while the payments didnt come out of campaign funds, the payment has everything to do with the campaign.

And yet they still try to argue that the payments to Cohen in 2017 were for legal services rendered  because to say anything else is to admit that the business records were false, and they cant do that, the prosecutor said of his counterparts at the defense table.

Steinglass said the defenses characterization of the payments to Cohen is also undermined by the fact that Trump didnt pay Cohen anything in 2018, despite Cohen performing legal work for Trump that year.

The prosecutor also argued it would be crazy to think former Trump company finance chief Allen Weisselberg and Cohen devised the payment plan on their own. Trump surely would have asked questions about the $35,000 checks to Cohen that came to him to sign, the prosecutor asserted.

Dont buy this bogus narrative that the defense is selling  that the defendant was too busy to know what he was signing, Steinglass urged jurors. The defendants entire business philosophy was and is to be involved in everything, down to negotiating the price of the light bulbs.

PROSECUTION TURNS TO THE DANIELS PAYOUT AS CLOSING ARGUMENTS RESUME

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass turned from the hush money arrangements before the 2016 election to the alleged effort to mask reimbursement to Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former lawyer, for the Stormy Daniels payout as closing arguments resumed Tuesday in Trump's trial in New York.

Steinglass argued the case has smoking guns  in the form of handwritten jottings by former Trump company finance chief Allen Weisselberg and ex-controller Jeffrey McConney.

The two documents show calculations related to the payments Cohen got in 2017. They included his reimbursement for the $130,000 hed paid Daniels, as well as an unrelated reimbursement, a bonus, and money to cover taxes, according to testimony.

While the defense suggested that Cohen was the driving force in the decision to style the payments as fees for legal services, the Weisselberg and McConney notes are overt manifestations that thats not so, the prosecutor argued.

They are the smoking guns. They completely blow out of the water the defenses claims that the payments were for legal work, Steinglass said.

COURT TAKES A BREAK, BUT IS NOT DONE YET

Court in Donald Trump's hush money trial recessed for a 20-minute break just before 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Before sending jurors out of the courtroom, Judge Juan M. Merchan thanked them for making arrangements to stay later than usual. He said some jurors made child care and other arrangements allowing them to stay until 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.

I think right now were going to try to finish this out tonight, he said.

The judge also noted that all of the jurors still looked alert. I dont think were losing anyone, he observed.

While Manhattan famously has a night court that handles arraignments  first court appearances of those recently arrested  its unusual for state court trials there to run as late as 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. Merchan has been consulting with high-level court security officers, among others, about the plan.

PROSECUTION'S CLOSING ARGUMENT STRETCHES INTO THIRD HOUR

The prosecution's closing argument in Donald Trump's hush money case stretched into its third hour Tuesday afternoon as prosecutor Joshua Steinglass recapped the details of the back-and-forth between Stormy Daniels representatives and Michael Cohen over the payoff deal.

Steinglass supplemented his detailed recitation with phone records, text messages, encrypted communications and excerpts of testimony, seemingly trying to reinforce his theme that theres a mountain of corroboration for the allegations at hand.

Meanwhile, Trump is taking in this leg of the summation with his head back and his eyes closed  a strategy hes employed throughout the trial.

STEINGLASS CONNECTS ACCESS HOLLYWOOD TAPE AND DANIELS PAYMENT

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass stressed late Tuesday afternoon that to understand the hush money case against Donald Trump, jurors needed to understand the climate in which the deal to pay off Stormy Daniels was made  just after the Access Hollywood tape leak had caused pandemonium in the Trump campaign.

Its critical to appreciate this, Steinglass said.

At the same time he was dismissing his words on the tape as locker room talk, Trump was negotiating to muzzle a porn star, the prosecutor said.

Stormy Daniels was a walking, talking reminder that the defendant wasnt only words. She would have totally undermined his strategy of spinning away the Access Hollywood tape, Steinglass said.

PROSECUTION DUBS ACCESS HOLLYWOOD TAPE A CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE

Following a brief afternoon break in closing arguments in Donald Trump's hush money trial, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass turned his attention to the publication of the infamous Access Hollywood tape in October 2016 and the resulting fallout for the then-candidate's campaign.

Steinglass reminded jurors how Hope Hicks, then the campaigns communications director, testified that news coverage of the tape knocked a Category 4 hurricane out of the headlines.

Steinglass dubbed the tape a Category 5 hurricane.

COHEN RECORDING SHOWS TRUMP WAS WILLING TO HIDE THIS PAYOFF, PROSECUTOR ARGUES

Before an afternoon break on Tuesday, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass stressed that Michael Cohens secret recording, in which he was allegedly briefing Trump on a plan to buy the rights to McDougals story from the National Enquirer, shows the defendants cavalier willingness to hide this payoff.

This shows the defendant suggesting paying in cash, the prosecutor said as he showed jurors a transcript of the September 2016 recording. It doesnt matter if that means a bag of cash or no financing, no lump sum. Hes trying to do it in a way that leaves no paper trail, thats the whole point.

This tape unequivocally shows a presidential candidate actively engaging in a scheme to influence the election by reimbursing AMI for the McDougal story, Steinglass added.

He argued thats why the defense tried so hard to discredit it.

PROSECUTION PUSHES BACK ON DEFENSE EFFORTS TO CAST DOUBT ON COHEN'S RECORDING OF CALL WITH TRUMP

The prosecution on Tuesday targeted the defenses efforts to cast doubt on a September 2016 recording that Michael Cohen made of a conversation with Donald Trump in which the two are allegedly heard discussing a plan to buy the rights to former Playboy model Karen McDougals story from the National Enquirer.

Steinglass said the defense had gone to laughable lengths to try to undermine the recording, which he cast as nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Cohen had testified during the hush money trial that the recording, which cuts off before the conversation finishes, was interrupted when he received an incoming call.

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche had tried to cast the recording as unreliable and suggested it was actually about a plan to buy a collection of material on Trump that the National Enquirer had been hoarding  not McDougal.

Blanche also questioned whether Trump mentioned a dollar figure that he might have to spend, as Cohen and prosecutors contend, or whether he said something else.

TRUMP WAS LOOMING BEHIND EVERYTHING THEYRE DOING,' PROSECUTOR SAYS

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said on Tuesday during closing arguments that joking texts between Karen McDougals lawyer Keith Davidson and then-National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard about hypothetical ambassadorships were clear evidence that they knew the deal would benefit Trumps presidential campaign.

Throw in an ambassadorship for me. Im thinking Isle of Mann, Davidson wrote on July 28, 2016, referring to the British territory Isle of Man.

Im going to Make Australia Great Again, replied Howard, who hails from Australia.

All joking aside, Steinglass said: Its a palpable recognition of what theyre doing. Theyre helping Trump get elected. The prosecutor said the text messages underscore that Trump is looming behind everything that theyre doing.

PROSECUTOR ZEROES IN FURTHER ON CATCH-AND-KILL' ALLEGATIONS

Digging further into the two sides dispute over the catch-and-kill allegations, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said during closing arguments Tuesday that it doesnt matter that Karen McDougal preferred a deal that would help her career while not airing her claims of an affair with Donald Trump, as her former lawyer and others testified.

Her motivations are totally irrelevant. The question is: What is the defendants motivation? the prosecutor said, adding that that motivation was to serve the campaign.

Trump denies any sexual involvement with McDougal.

PROSECUTOR SAYS CASE IS ABOUT TRUMP AND NOT MICHAEL COHEN

After Donald Trumps lawyer had insisted to jurors that the hush money case rested on Michael Cohen and that they couldnt trust him, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass sought to persuade the group that there is a mountain of evidence, of corroborating testimony, that tends to connect the defendant to this crime.

He pointed to testimony from David Pecker and others, to the recorded conversation in which Trump and Cohen appear to discuss the Karen McDougal deal, and to Trumps own tweets.

Its not about whether you like Michael Cohen. Its not about whether you want to go into business with Michael Cohen. Its whether he has useful, reliable information to give you about what went down in this case, and the truth is that he was in the best position to know, Steinglass said.

The prosecutor then accused the defense of wanting to make the case all about Cohen.

It isnt. Thats a deflection, he said. This case is not about Michael Cohen. Its about Donald Trump.

STEINGLASS SAYS STORMY DANIELS IS THE MOTIVE

The prosecution on Tuesday homed in on Stormy Daniels' sometimes cringeworthy testimony about a 2006 sexual encounter she says she had with Donald Trump, saying it was vital because it only reinforces his incentive to buy her silence.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass added that Daniels account of meeting up with Trump in his Lake Tahoe hotel suite  replete with details of the decor and what she saw when she snooped in Trumps toiletry kit  was full of touchstones that kind of ring true.

Her story is messy. It makes people uncomfortable to hear. It probably makes some of you uncomfortable to hear. But thats kind of the point, Steinglass said.

He told jurors: In the simplest terms, Stormy Daniels is the motive.

We dont have to prove that sex actually took place, but the defendant knew what happened in that hotel room and the extent that you credit her testimony, that only reinforces his incentive to buy her silence, Steinglass argued.

PROSECUTION TRIES TO COUNTER DEFENSE'S EFFORTS TO DISCREDIT COHEN

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass on Tuesday afternoon tried in his summation to counter the defenses efforts to discredit Michael Cohens testimony.

He said that the jury should take Cohens past dishonesty into account.

How could you not? he asked.

But he says that Cohens anger is understandable given that, To date, hes the only one thats paid the price for his role in this conspiracy.

Cohen, Steinglass argued, did Trumps bidding for years, was his right-hand man, and when things went bad, was cut loose and thrown under the bus.

Anyone in Cohens shoes would want the defendant to be held accountable, he argued.

ALLEGATIONS OF EXTORTION ARE NOT A DEFENSE TO ELECTION FRAUD, PROSECUTOR SAYS

At the outset of its summation in Donald Trump's hush money trial, the prosecution sought to rebut the defense's claim that porn actor Stormy Daniels was trying to extort the then-presidential candidate.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass noted that Daniels' representatives initially sought to sell the story of a sexual encounter between the porn actor and Trump to media outlets  not to Trump. Steinglass also cited Daniels' testimony that she came to believe that going public was the best way to protect herself and her family from pressure to stay silent.

Regardless, allegations of extortion are not a defense to election fraud, the prosecutor said.

You dont get to commit election fraud or falsify business records because you believe youve been victimized, he told jurors.

PROSECUTION BEGINS ITS CLOSING ARGUMENTS

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass has begun delivering his closing arguments in Donald Trump's hush money trial. He speaks from the same podium that Blanche used, looking directly at jurors from a position between the prosecution and defense tables.

This case, at its core, is about a conspiracy and a cover-up, Steinglass said as he began.

Prosecutors have presented powerful evidence of the defendants guilt, he said.

As he continued, Trump sat at the defense table with his body angled toward Steinglass, listening as Steinglass spoke.

DEFENSE IMPL ORES JURY TO RETURN A NOT GUILTY VERDICT

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche finished his summation Tuesday by telling jurors the hush money case isnt a referendum on your views of President Trump.

This is not a referendum on the ballot box -- who you voted for in 2016 or 2020, who you plan on voting for in 2024. That is not what this is about, the attorney told jurors. The verdict you have to reach has to do with the evidence you heard in this courtroom, and nothing else, he reminds them.

He implored the jury to return a quick not guilty verdict.

BLANCHE CALLS COHEN AN MVP OF LIARS

As he neared the end of his summation on Tuesday, defense lawyer Todd Blanche reminded jurors of Michael Cohens admitted fixation on Donald Trump  and his desire to see him behind bars.

Blanche played short clips of Cohens podcast in which he commended District Attorney Alvin Bragg and said that the idea of seeing the former president booked on criminal charges fills me with delight.

The case against Trump is built around testimony from a witness that outright hates the defendant, wants him in jail, is actively making money off that hatred, Blanche said.

While Cohen has testified that he lied to protect Trump, his family and others, Blanche asserted that the ex-lawyer is lying simply to protect Michael Cohen and nobody else. Period.

Blanches voice grew to a roar  the loudest he had been all morning  as he also declared that Cohen had lied about speaking to Trump by phone about the Stormy Daniels arrangement on Oct. 24, 2016.

It was a lie, Blanche said. That was a lie and he got caught red-handed.

Blanche then called Cohen literally like an MVP of liars.

He lied to Congress. He lied to prosecutors. He lied to his family and business associates, he said.

DEFENSE TRIES TO DOWNPLAY ACCESS HOLLYWOOD TAPE

Lawyer Todd Blanche tried on Tuesday to downplay the fallout from the Access Hollywood tape that sent Donald Trumps 2016 campaign into a tailspin, telling the jury: It was not a doomsday event.

Blanche conceded in his summation that Trump was bothered by the story. Nobody wants their family to be subjected to that type of thing, he said. It doesnt matter if youre running for office, if youre running The Apprentice ... Nobody wants their family exposed to that type of story.

Nonetheless, he argued characterizations of the tape as devastating were an exaggeration. He pointed to testimony from Trumps former assistant Madeleine Westerhout, whom he said cast the fallout as a couple of days of frustration and consternation.

Westerhout, who was then working for the Republican National Committee in close coordination with the Trump campaign, had testified that the tape rattled the RNC leadership but that Trump wasnt thrown by it.

Reince Priebus, then-chair of the Republican National Committee, had told Trump after the tape was released that he had two choices: drop out of the race or lose by the largest margin in history, Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon has recounted.

BLANCHE ARGUES PEOPLE ALREADY KNEW ABOUT DANIELS' CLAIMS

Turning to Stormy Daniels story, defense lawyer Todd Blanche noted in his summation that her allegations of a 2006 sexual encounter with Donald Trump were aired on a gossip site in 2011  four years before Trump announced his presidential candidacy. Trump has denied having sex with Daniels.

So how could this issue have influenced the election? Blanche argued. People already knew about the allegations.

At the behest of Daniels and Michael Cohen, the story was taken off the site.

Blanche asserted that the real impetus behind Daniels interest in making a deal in 2016 was that some people wanted to use the election as pressure to extort Trump.

Following a brief morning break, Blanche singled out that Daniels issued two statements in 2018 denying that shed ever had a sexual encounter with Trump. She testified earlier in the hush money trial that she signed off on them at her lawyers urging.

DEFENSE DENIES RECORDED CONVERSATION WAS ABOUT PAYOFF OF FORMER MODEL

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche spotlighted a key piece of prosecution evidence during his summation: the secret recording Michael Cohen says he made of himself briefing Donald Trump on a plan to buy the rights to former Playboy model Karen McDougals story from the National Enquirer.

Blanche said the September 2016 recording, which cuts off before the conversation finishes, is unreliable and was actually about a plan to buy a collection of material on Trump that the National Enquirer had been hoarding  not McDougal. Cohen has said the audio cut off because the iPhone he was using to make the recording was receiving a phone call.

There is no doubt that this recording discussed AMI and discussed Mr. Pecker, Blanche said, referring to the National Enquirers parent company and then-publisher. There is a lot of doubt that it discussed Karen McDougal.

After playing parts of the recording, Blanche urged jurors to trust their ears when deciphering a specific part  whether Trump mentioned a dollar figure that he might have to spend, as Cohen and prosecutors contend, or whether he said something else.

What do we got to pay for this? One-fifty? Trump said, according to Cohen and prosecutors, as in $150,000.

Listen to the recording. See if you hear one-fifty, Blanche told jurors.
Latvia will contribute 20 million in 2024 as part of the drone coalition to support Ukraine, with half of the amount going towards the acquisition of drones from Latvian businesses.

Source: LSM.lv

Details: It is highlighted that the allocated cash would be utilised for both drone purchases and infrastructure development, with at least 10 million coming from Latvian enterprises.

Latvia's Minister of Defence, Andris Spruds, stated that the government plans to invest at least 10 million euros in Latvian-made drones for Ukraine.

Furthermore, the Latvian Defence Ministry invests roughly 20 million in the development of drone capabilities to support its own army.

"Given the importance of drones in warfare and led by Ukraine's experience, we can announce the commencement of the Drone Capability Initiative this year. We can symbolically discuss assembling an army of drones," Spruds said.

He also stated that seven businesses have already tested drones, and that negotiations for the procurement of drones are beginning in June.

"Our aspirations include up to 1000 drones that can be sent to support Ukraine," the minister said.

Background:

Canada will begin transferring 450 SkyRanger multipurpose unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) to Ukraine this summer as part of the Drone Coalition, while Lithuania will invest 3 million in the development of FPV drone technology.

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CAIRO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Countries in the Middle East on Monday strongly condemned Israel's airstrike on tents housing displaced civilians in northwestern Rafah of the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians and injuries to numerous others.

The Israeli airstrike targeted on Sunday evening the tents in a newly established camp for the displaced civilians in the southernmost Gazan city, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported. Local security sources said the area was supposed to be safe based on the classification by the Israeli army.

In response to the attack, Hamas has informed mediators that it will not participate in any negotiation for a ceasefire in Gaza or a prisoner exchange deal, a source in the movement said on Monday.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry issued a strong-worded statement condemning the attack as a severe violation of international laws that would worsen the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

It also expressed deep concern that the operation would complicate ongoing mediation efforts and hinder progress toward an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The ministry called on the Israeli authorities to comply with the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s decision to end military attacks on Rafah, urging the international community to take immediate action to prevent further atrocities and protect civilians.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the Israeli attack has led to another "horrendous" killing of Palestinian civilians, especially women and children.

In a post on social media platform X, he said the strike was a flagrant instance of "war crimes" and "in conspicuous violation" of the ruling by the ICJ ordering Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah.

Kanaani said whenever Israel faced "humiliating defeats" in the field, it would resort to committing such "insane war crimes" against Palestinian civilians.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called the deadly strike in Rafah a "massacre."

The operation, which took place amid the ICJ's call for a halt to the attacks in Gaza, "once again exposed the bloody and treacherous nature of the terrorist state," he said on social media platform X.

The Turkish leader also accused the Israeli government of resorting to further bloodshed in a desperate bid to extend its political tenure. "We will do everything in our power to hold these murderers accountable," he said.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said that "the attack was a crime against humanity and systemized state terrorism requiring accountability by international criminal law," according to WAFA.

The OIC reiterated its call for the international community to assume its responsibilities in obliging Israel to implement the ICJ orders to immediately stop the Rafah offensive.

The targeted displacement camp in Rafah is located near the warehouses of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that an IDF aircraft, "using precise munitions based on precise intelligence ... struck a Hamas compound in Rafah in which significant Hamas terrorists were operating."

The attack 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. 
Latvia to allocate $22 million for drone coalition for Ukraine in 2024

The Latvian government will invest around 20 million euros ($22 million) in the drone coalition for Ukraine this year, the public broadcaster LSM reported on May 27, citing the country's defense minister, Andris Spruds.

Riga will invest a similar sum to also build up drone capacities of its own military, Spruds told journalists on May 27.

Along with the U.K., Latvia is the leader of the drone coalition, an allied initiative established to supply Ukrainian forces with this crucial capability. The coalition has raised over $500 million as of April.

"Our ambition is (to purchase) up to 1,000 drones, which could also be sent to Ukraine," Spruds said when outlining Riga's plans for developing its drone capacities.

The Latvian government previously said it aims to invest at least around $10 million in the drone coalition every year.

Spruds announced on April 16 that Ukraine would soon receive the first batch of drones within the coalition's framework.

Ukraine is also working to scale up domestic production, aiming to produce at least 1 million drones in 2024.

Read also: Baltics, Poland, other countries agree to create drone wall

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An effort to move some of Louisianas public school dollars to private education was nudged closer to final approval Tuesday, although its not the sweeping measure its authors originally proposed.

Senate Bill 313 by Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, gives authority to the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to create the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise Scholarship Program  known as LA GATOR in shorthand. The House of Representatives approved the measure in a 67-29 vote.

Instead of a three-year implementation schedule initially proposed in Edmonds bill, the state can choose just how quickly or slowly they want to make the money available for more public K-12 students to attend private schools.

Legislative staff forecasted the so-called education savings account program would cost the state $260 million annually once it was made available to all families regardless of income, though the nonpartisan Public Affairs Research Council placed the amount closer to $520 million.

The only firm number in the bill now is a $1.8 million allocation to create the program. As to what the state will spend on actual private school vouchers, that will be up to the governors administration to propose and state lawmakers to approve.

Currently, Louisianas private school voucher program is only available to students from low-income households who attend poor-performing schools. More than 5,600 students use the vouchers, costing the state more than $37 million this past school year, according to a fiscal impact note on an earlier version of Edmonds bill.

The legislation originally called for all students to be eligible for LA GATOR money by the 2028-29 school year, but it now allows BESE to craft a program that can be implemented in phases without any firm dates attached.

Fiscal conservatives in the Legislature became increasingly wary of LA GATORs potential price tag after seeing the cost of other states programs skyrocket once they accepted all takers. For example, education savings accounts (ESAs) in Arizona were projected to reach $900 million for the 2023-24 school year, a 1,400% increase from forecasted levels.

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One final attempt was made on the House floor Tuesday to address a bipartisan sticking point: how to hold accountable private schools that accept LA GATOR funds. Rep. Larry Bagley, R-Stonewall, a retired educator, wanted students that accept vouchers to take the same learning assessment exams as their public school counterparts. An amendment he asked fellow House members to approve would have used those test results to give private schools a letter grade, with failing schools potentially prevented from accepting vouchers.

Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, who carried Edmonds bill in the House and wrote her own version, opposed the change. She noted the legislation allows private schools to conduct their own standardized testing to measure LA GATOR students process.

Bagleys amendment failed in a 38-59 vote.

An amendment Emerson successfully added requires the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget to approve the vendor BESE and the state education department choose to operate the ESA program, which will likely entail a debit card system for families to spend state money.

The Senate will have to agree to that change before Edmonds bill is sent to Gov. Jeff Landry, who is expected to sign it into law.

The Louisiana chapter of Americans for Prosperity, a conservative group with financial backing from the Koch family, hosted events for the governor to drum up public support for the LA GATOR program.

The Louisiana House just passed the Gator Scholarship Program! This is now one step from final passage! The Gator Scholarship ensures school choice and empowers parents to choose the learning environments that align with their values and work best for their children! I look pic.twitter.com/yetNc7AUR5  Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) May 28, 2024

Correction: This story was updated to accurately explain Americans For Prosperitys role in supporting education savings accounts in Louisiana.

The post Lawmakers advance LA GATOR private school voucher program with less fiscal bite  for now appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
Lawmakers are moving forward with a plan to boost sheriff salaries. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Legislators are moving forward with legislation that uses state funds to help pay for county law enforcement operations and sets required pay for the sheriffs.

House Bill 2914 appropriates $18 million in the upcoming budget to create the Oklahoma Sheriffs Office Funding Assistance Grant program.

It allows counties to apply for grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 a year to help offset the cost of sheriffs office operations. Grants would be awarded based on the 77 counties property valuation rankings. The poorest counties are entitled to higher amounts.

The measure also sets a base salary requirement for sheriffs ranging from $44,000 to $74,000.

Counties cant use the grants to fund the new salary benchmarks, but supporters said the extra aid would help pay for other operating expenses, freeing up funds to boost sheriff and deputy salaries.

Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, a co-author of the legislation, said he would have loved for the bill to directly fund salaries, but during budget negotiations, senators indicated they wanted funding to pay for operations-related costs.

But he said the measure accomplishes the same purpose, just in a more roundabout way.

Sheriffs offices, they have many other costs outside of salaries  their vehicles, their fuel, their ammo, firearms, Hilbert said. This is going to help alleviate that burden, which frees up more money to be able to pay more for sheriffs and sheriff deputies.

Hilbert said the lowest paid sheriff, who works in Nowata County, made $32,400 in 2023. That meant the countys highest paid deputy could not make more than $32,399.

You can imagine if youre only able to pay $32,000 for a deputy, youre going to have a hard time finding anybody, Hilbert said.

House lawmakers Tuesday advanced the measure by an 89-6 vote.

Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, said he opposed the bill because he was concerned that lawmakers were setting required salaries for county officials.

I just see it setting it up to where every time that something needs to be done, theyre coming back to the Legislature, and I think that should be more of a local issue, he said.

West also said the funding would need to be recurring in future budget years, otherwise lawmakers are passing an unfunded salary mandate on to county taxpayers.

Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, co-author of the bill, said lawmakers want to boost pay in some of the lowest paying counties in the state, like Tillman, Cotton and Jefferson counties, and get deputies up to a livable wage.

He said Tillman County is 871 square miles, but only has two deputies to patrol it.

Caldwell said if legislators are requiring tasks that cost more than the tax revenue a county can produce, we have a duty as a state to step in and help fund those (operations).

He said lawmakers are responsible for ensuring that all constituents in the state have the same level of safety and protection whether they live in inner-city Tulsa or the most rural, desolate place in northwest Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Sheriffs Association did not return a message left seeking comment.

The Senate is expected to consider the budget measure later this week.

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The post Lawmakers allocate $18 million to pay for county sheriff operations, create minimum salaries appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
Del. Amy Summers, R-Taylor, led the House's effort to amend a funding bill for the Department of Human Services with spending mandates. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography)

Last weeks long-awaited special session of the West Virginia Legislature was called a disappointment and a failure, and there was much tension between the Senate and House of Delegates.

Gov. Jim Justice called the special session to address the state budget passed on the last night of the regular legislative session in March. Many lawmakers were unhappy with what they referred to as a skinny budget, and the plan was always to go back and rework it.

Of the 15 items on Justices proclamation, 13 dealt with the budget.

Spoiler alert: Lawmakers passed all 15 of Justices bills.

However, Justice still wasnt happy.

I have been extremely disappointed in the behavior of a few of our legislators over the last few days, he said in a statement. For months now, I have demanded that we need to restore the budgets of our Department of Health and our Department of Human Services, so that hundreds and hundreds of our doctors, hospitals, and other medical providers wont face rate cuts and to ensure that tens of thousands of our people wont see reductions in needed services.

His statement isnt clear on the details of what hes upset about, but it was most likely related to Senate Bill 1001, which would put $183 million in a reserve fund for the Department of Human Services and $5 million in reserves to the Department of Health.

When the bill got to the House, delegates were unhappy that there were no mandates on how the money would be spent.

At the beginning of this year, the Department of Health and Human Resources was split into three departments  the Department of Health, the Department of Health Facilities and the Department of Human Services  to allow more transparency with funding.

Last month, lawmakers learned that the Department of Human Services didnt spend $29 million in fiscal year 2023 that was meant to provide services for people with disabilities, and some of the money was instead used for at-home COVID-19 tests and contract nursing.

This led many legislators in the House to say that they dont trust DoHS to spend the money the way lawmakers intend for them to without mandates.

DoHS has proven over and over again that they dont do the right thing, said Del. Michael Hite, R-Berkeley.

The House amended mandates into the Senates version of the bill, however the Senate never took up the bill before adjourning sine die.The House then begrudgingly took the bill back up and passed the Senates version.

Del. Amy Summers, R-Taylor, led the Houses effort to amend the bill with spending mandates. Summers said she did not think voting for the Senates version of the bill was the best path forward, but the path they needed to take in order to get funding for programs for people with disabilities.

This gives the additional money to the DoHS to fund these programs, if they so choose  we are going to have to blindly trust that theyre going to do that, Summers said.

The West Virginia Democratic Party called the session a failure in a news release, and condemned Senate President Craig Blair for adjourning the Senate without taking up SB 1001 with the Houses amendments, which mandated the money would go to the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver.

Senator [Eric] Tarrs bill doesnt guarantee any of these funds will go to the IDD waiver program, said West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin.  To adjourn without addressing reimbursement rates is inexcusable and does nothing to alleviate the crisis. Families and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will suffer needlessly because of their refusal to do the right thing.

Tarr, the Senate Finance chair, said on MetroNews May 23 episode of TalkLine that the amendments were unnecessary because we have commitment from the department to do those rate increases.

Oh, a commitment? Did no one think to have the department commit to spending the $29 million correctly? You know, the money that was set out as a line item to be used for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, but instead was used to purchase at-home COVID-19 tests.

Tarr said the bill that the Senate passed was a compromise made between the House, Senate and governors office after two months of meetings.

Justices administration lacks transparency, and it seems the House is tired of it, and for good reason. Another special session is expected, possibly in June or August, and maybe lawmakers will continue to express that theyre fed up  the rest of us have been for a while.

The post Lawmakers, governor upset with results of West Virginias special session appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
It could be Christmas in July for the Oklahoma oil and gas industry as it secured $50 million under a tax rebate program for methane-reduction equipment upgrades in a budget agreement struck last week by Republican legislative leaders.

The budget line item, to be put into a revolving fund at the Oklahoma Tax Commission, would let companies claim up to 25% of their costs to retrofit oil and gas equipment covered under new greenhouse gas emissions rules finalized in March by the Biden administration.

Money for the rebate program comes as Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt implored legislative leaders at budget summit meetings this month not to become Santa Claus for every type of program as they scrutinized the budget.

If you go line by line, thats how you get these excessive budgets, Stitt said on May 10. You have to start with how much you can spend, and then you can prioritize. You cant just be Santa Claus to every single program.

Budget negotiators didnt discuss the final costs of the rebate program in the eight budget summits this month, largely because there was already agreement between the House and Senate to put $50 million into the fund. They said it came from one-time funds, so there wont be a recurring budget expenditure unless lawmakers decide to replenish the rebate program. The original version of Senate Bill 1505, by Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, wanted $125 million for the incentive.

'This is nothing close to transparent'

Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa, said she was surprised by the lack of discussion around the oil and gas rebate funding. She said it was especially galling because GOP negotiators were haggling over projects like public television operating expenditures and raises to public defenders in the waning days of budget negotiations. She said the rebate program sounds like corporate welfare.

Weve sat in that building, in person and watching for hours and trying to really lean into this transparent budget process, which I applaud, Blancett said Friday afternoon. I think its the right thing to do, and I am all about the perspective the Senate has brought to the table in this regard. It makes me disappointed in the people I had faith in when we said wed have a transparent process. Because this is nothing close to transparent.

More: House, Senate GOP leaders reach agreement on budget  with no income tax cut

Backers of SB 1505, which was sent to Stitt this week for his consideration, said new Environmental Protection Agency regulations could cost up to $25,000 per site for older oil and natural gas production facilities. Oklahoma has more than 10,000 permitted oil and gas sites in the state, although some estimates show more than 200,000 wells may be covered by the new methane emissions rule. If Stitt approves the bill, it would go into effect July 1.

The bill, which did not have final funding attached to it, was approved by the House 90-3 and the Senate by a vote of 38-6.

An estimate of rebate claims for SB 1505 is currently unknown, however the funds used to pay the rebates are allocated with monies from donations, contributions or gifts or legislative appropriations, said a House fiscal estimate from April. This may result in a reallocation of state funds dependent upon whether and how the Legislature makes an appropriation. There is no funding proposed at this time.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

Lawmakers set up the Oklahoma Emission Reduction Technology Incentive program in 2022 under HB 3568 with a $10 million cap, but they never put any money into the fund. The Department of Environmental Quality finalized rules for the rebate last fall.

DEQ said seven companies have applied for the rebates even though funding was not yet available.

The Legislature has made some changes to the program that DEQ will address in the regulations and form, DEQ spokeswoman Erin Hatfield said Friday in an email. These projects will be reviewed by engineers on staff and considered under the newly funded program. If the projects are approved, DEQ will inform the applicant and generate an approval letter directed to the Tax Commission.

Oklahoma among several states challenging federal regulations

Brook Simmons, president of the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma, said Oklahoma joins Texas and North Dakota among states that are helping the energy industry respond to what he called overbearing environmental regulations from the Biden administration.

Oklahoma is under direct assault from the Biden administration and its unfunded and expensive emissions control mandates, Simmons said. So those mandates will cost Oklahoma businesses in the oil and gas sector hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars, and they will quite simply kill Main Street oil and gas companies in almost every county in Oklahoma.

Several states, including Oklahoma, filed a lawsuit against the EPAs methane regulations in March. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond then filed for a stay in the case on April 15 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

More: Oklahoma plans to spend billions on education. Here's how the money might be used

The pendulum of environmental regulations has swung back and forth in the past decade. The Obama administration proposed methane emissions rules on the oil and gas industry, only to see some efforts stymied by the courts. The Trump administration rolled back other emissions rules when it was in power, only to see the Biden administration scrap those and propose new emissions rules in 2022.

Simmons said oil and gas companies cant rely on any successful legal challenges. Federal rules, once finalized, cannot automatically be negated by an incoming presidential administration.

Anytime that you have rules, they can be challenged, Simmons said. But hope is not a strategy. So companies that want to remain ongoing business ventures are going to have to deal with the emissions control issue, or theyre going to potentially find themselves in a mousetrap.

Paul Monies has been a reporter with Oklahoma Watch since 2017 and covers state agencies and public health. Contact him at (571) 319-3289 or pmonies@oklahomawatch.org. Follow him on Twitter @pmonies.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma oil and gas gets $50M from Legislature's budget agreement
Lawmakers tried to get a Bob Dean nursing home reopened under new owners. It didnt go well.

Louisiana lawmakers' efforts to reopen a nursing home in Lafourche Parish were thwarted by the powerful Louisiana Nursing Home Association. (Canva image)

Golden Meadow, Grand Isle and Lafourche Parish all want to see a 40-year-old nursing home in Cut Off reopen, but they have run into a roadblock: Louisianas powerful nursing home owners.



The Louisiana Nursing Home Association helped quash two bills in the legislative session to revive South Lafourche Nursing and Rehab. The facility was one of seven owned by notorious nursing home operator Bob Dean that closed after a botched evacuation for Hurricane Ida in 2021.

Rep. Joseph Orgeron, R-Cut Off, and Sen. Mike Fesi, R-Houma, sponsored House Bill 632 and Senate Bill 380 at the request of their local officials. The proposals marked the first significant effort to resurrect a shuttered Dean home under a new owner. Both failed early in the legislative process.

Orgeron blamed nursing home owners for derailing his bill. He said he ran into the magnanimous buzzsaw that is the Nursing Home Association because existing owners want to avoid competition from a new operator.

Following Hurricane Ida, 600-plus individuals got distributed from certain homes into other homes that boosted their occupancy and boosted their profit, Orgeron said during a committee hearing on his legislation.

The dispute renews focus on an unusual and controversial law in Louisiana that has capped the number of nursing home beds in the state for more than a decade and given existing nursing home owners control over the states industry.



Supporters of the nursing home moratorium say the state is already awash in long-term care facilities and doesnt have demand for more bed space. Critics complain it stifles the free market and allows poorly-rated nursing homes to stay in business.

Nursing home owners tend to have the upper hand in this argument. They are among the most consistent and prolific political donors to legislators in both parties. Their businesses are particularly dependent on government buy-in because nearly all their funding comes from the publicly funded Medicaid and Medicare health insurance programs.

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In the most recent election cycle, the Louisiana Nursing Home Association political action committee gave almost $350,000 to current legislators and their party delegations, according to a review of campaign finance reports by the Illuminator. That figure does not include large contributions made from individual nursing home owners and their families.



In his public testimony, Orgeron implied there was a direct link between the nursing homes political patronage and the current moratorium on nursing home beds.

People who are supposed to be taking care of our infirmed and elderly are basically utilizing their position basically to be Medicaid and Medicare portals for profit, Orgeron told the Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee. We need to work toward being a better group of legislators who stand up for morality and whats right for people in your district.

The moratorium on adding nursing home beds is in place until July 1, 2027, after a 2021 update to state law.

Representatives from the nursing home association did not respond to phone calls or texts requesting comment for this article. They also declined to speak to a reporter in person at the State Capitol earlier this month.

Moratorium exceptions doubtful

Advocates for seniors said Louisiana already has more nursing home beds than needed to serve the states population. They would like to see the state put more resources toward programs that allow them to stay in their homes with some assistance, rather than promoting institutional care, they said.

Our state already has one of the highest counts of beds per capita as well as one of the lowest occupancy rates, said Andrew Muhl, a lobbyist for Louisianas AARP, who opposed the proposal to reopen the Lafourche facility.

To that end, the Louisiana Nursing Home Association said it has worked with the Louisiana Department of Health to cut 8,300 nursing home beds from the states rolls over the past 20 years. This includes the 981 beds eliminated from Deans homes when they were shut down after Hurricane Ida, Nursing Home Association executive director Mark Berger said at a hearing on Oregerons bill earlier this month.



Berger said opening another home would aggravate an existing worker shortage in the industry. Nursing homes have been struggling for years to hire and retain employees in their facilities.



There are staffing issues in this area, and adding another nursing home will continue to exacerbate staffing issues in the nursing homes, he said.

Legislators also worried making an exception to the nursing home moratorium for Cut Off wouldnt be fair to other communities who also want their own facility. During the hearing on Orgerons bill, state Reps. Rhonda Butler, R-Ville Platte, and Joe Stagni, R-Kenner, said there was interest in opening nursing homes in their areas as well.

It has statewide implications should this bill pass, said Rep. Dustin Miller, D-Opelousas, chairman of the House health committee.

South Lafourche Nursing and Rehab is in a different position, however. It presumably would still be open, but for Hurricane Ida and its owners decisions during the evacuation. The facility, which would be under new ownership, was operating for years when the moratorium was already in place.



Orgeron and Fesi also said the unique geography of South Lafourche, where residents can only travel north in the event of an evacuation, makes the nursing home a necessity. There are four other nursing homes in Lafourche Parish, and most are about an hour away in Thibodaux.



Those locations make it hard for people who work in Port Fourchon or live in Grand Isle to visit their loved ones during the weekdays, like they did when the Cut Off nursing home was an option, Fesi said.



My constituents have to travel two to three hours to go to where their family members are, Orgeron said. The visitation has changed from multiple times per week to pretty much once per month at best.

Quality control

Critics also allege the moratorium has kept the quality of nursing home care in Louisiana low by shutting out competition.

Well over half of Louisianas 268 nursing homes have only received one or two stars on the federal governments five-star rating scale for the facilities, according to a review by the Illuminator. The 110 Louisiana homes with a one star rating are considered to be very much below average, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Youve got more than 50% that I wouldnt want to put my loved one in there, but the moratorium keeps those people in there, said Robert Chris Jordan, a real estate developer who wanted to buy Deans shuttered Lafourche nursing home. So were basically propping up some industry thats doing bad at the expense of your constituents.



Everybody wants to be part of a winner, not a loser, Jordan told lawmakers. But with your legislation, the moratorium, you are sticking people with losers.

Jordan also said he was rebuffed when he tried to join the Louisiana Nursing Home Association. He was told the association members had to vote to accept him before he could be a member.

They got to vote on me? Thats a club. Thats not an association, Jordan told lawmakers.

At the hearing on Orgerons bill, Berger defended the states nursing homes by saying the federal star-rating system doesnt account for client satisfaction.

Our quality is good. Please visit a nursing home if you would like to see it, Berger said. Those metrics that were quoted are based on a CMS algorithm. It has nothing to do with consumer input.

The rating of the four open nursing homes in Lafourche Parish ranges from poor to excellent. Thibodaux Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center has five stars; Audubon Health and Rehab has three stars; Broadway Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has two stars; and the Lafourche Home for the Aged & Infirmed has one star.

While it would be under different ownership if it reopened, South Lafourche Nursing and Rehab was also not performing well in the eyes of the federal government before Hurricane Ida. It had a one-star rating and was identified by federal officials in 2019 as one of 400 poorly performing nursing homes in the country that needed extra scrutiny.

The four remaining nursing homes in Lafourche Parish also have plenty of empty beds. Collectively, their occupancy is just 66%, Berger said.



Lawmakers shocked by former Dean administrators hearing appearance

Even if the ownership was new, legislators had concerns an administrator who had worked for Bob Dean would be hired again to run a reopened nursing home in South Lafourche.

Bob Duet, who was overseeing the home at the time it was closed, has been one of the fiercest advocates for bringing it back online. He testified alongside state Rep. Joe Orgeron, R-Cut Off, on Orgerons legislation this spring.



Duet and people interested in purchasing the nursing home never said Duet would run the nursing home again if it was opened back up, but legislators appeared to assume he might be involved if it moved forward.

House Health and Welfare Committee members were taken aback when Duet, while testifying, said he participated in Deans infamous evacuation of hundreds of nursing home residents to an old pesticide warehouse in Independence for shelter during Hurricane Ida.

The warehouse lost power and was later found to have inadequate food supplies, toilets, showers and staffing for nursing home patients sent there. A few days after the storm passed, state health officials and law enforcement forcibly rescued the nursing home residents from the location and ended up yanking Deans seven nursing home licenses, including the one for the South Lafourche facility.

Seven of Deans nursing home residents died at the warehouse or shortly upon being relocated. The health department attributed the deaths of at least five to the unsafe conditions. Dean now faces criminal charges and a large civil lawsuit settlement over the bungled evacuation.

While advocating for the Cut Off nursing home to be reopened, Duet told lawmakers he had been among the staff at the warehouse after Ida, leaving legislators incredulous.



Im just shocked youre at the table, said Rep. Dustin Miller, D-Opelousas, said during Duets introduction at the legislative hearing.



I guess Im more shocked, state Rep. Joe Stagni, R-Kenner, added.

Duet told lawmakers he shouldnt be held responsible for the problems at the Ida evacuation site.

The nursing home evacuation facility we went to was the responsibility of the owner, Duet said.

Duet said he spent the year after Ida trying to track down his 86 South Lafourche nursing home residents who were taken to Independence and then transferred to other nursing homes around the state during the rescue. The state had not told the residents families where they had been moved.

No one knew where these residents were except the residents themselves, Duet said.

For the first year, I heard calls everyday saying Mr. Bob: When can we come back home? he said.

Orgeron also defended Duet against lawmakers who questioned his role in the Dean home.



Despite the atrocities that happened after Hurricane Ida, you shouldnt take it out on Mr. Bob, Orgeron said. I think its a little bit unfair to be judging him for what happened in Independence.

The post Lawmakers tried to get a Bob Dean nursing home reopened under new owners. It didnt go well. appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
Senate Bill 1014 allows state executive committees to make the rules for nominating presidential electors as long as the rules are consistent with rules of the national political party. If the party rules do not have procedures for nominating presidential electors, the bill says, they will be nominated at a state convention. (Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography)

During last weeks three-day special legislative session, West Virginias Republican-led Legislature passed a bill that removes a requirement that political parties hold statewide conventions to nominate presidential electors.

The change comes after a Cabell County man filed a lawsuit against state Republican party chairman Matt Herridge last month alleging the partys plans to nominate its presidential electors at a summer meeting and not at a state convention violated state law.

Josh Keck, a college professor and member of the Cabell County Democratic Executive Committee, filed the lawsuit April 12 against Herridge and West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner, both in their official capacities.

Josh Keck filed a lawsuit against state Republican Party chairman Matt Herridge alleging the party broke state law with its process for nominating presidential electors. (Josh Keck | Courtesy photo)

They had no legal defense, Keck said of the Legislature passing the bill. If they didnt change the law, then the only option was for the judges to rule against the West Virginia Republican Executive Committee and force them to follow the law to hold conventions, and they just dont want to be bothered to do that. Thats the only explanation, and I say that in all seriousness.

Keck likened changing the bill to weaponizing the government. He said its disappointing to see it happen, especially during a special legislative session.

In a statement Friday, state Republican Party Chairman Matt Herridge said the bill had been introduced in past sessions and that the language in the code was very antiquated and unattainable.

Just as in the past, the Party fulfills the full body of work that a nominal convention would entail at its open executive committee meetings made up of its 130 elected party representatives, also including party platform and national convention delegates, Herridge said in the statement.

Parties enjoy associational rights under the 1st and 14th Amendments, which should be protected and reflected by law, he said. The clarification protects all parties from frivolous litigation over any number of outdated and unattainable specifications in the old law. The law will now reflect something that is in line with the vast majority of states, leaving parties with the discretion their membership deserves.

Gov. Jim Justice requested the legislation and set the agenda for the three-day special session that was mostly focused on budgetary issues. As of Friday the bill was awaiting the governors signature.

Eighty members  mostly Republicans  of the West Virginia House of Delegates and all 31 senators who were present for the vote signed off on Senate Bill 1014, clarifying procedure for political party nomination of presidential electors.

The bill, which was effective at passage, allows state executive committees to make the rules for nominating presidential electors as long as the rules are consistent with rules of the national political party. If the party rules do not have procedures for nominating presidential electors, the bill says, they will be nominated at a state convention.

In the United States, the presidential election is decided by the electoral college process. Voters cast their votes for electors who pledge to vote for the winner of the popular vote in the state. West Virginia has four of the total 270 electoral votes.

According to the process for nominating presidential electors outlined in an interest packet posted on the West Virginia Republican Partys website, a steering committee was to nominate four presidential electors to be presented to the state executive committee and ratified at its summer meeting, held May 18.

Keck said the Republican party changed their bylaws in 2020, when social distancing was important to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

At that point, I can understand why you would need to do a little different process, he said. But in 2024 there was no need for that.

In the lawsuit, Keck argued that as a registered voter in the state who may choose to affiliate with the Republican Party, he would be harmed if unlawfully nominated Presidential Electors are placed on the ballot.

Keck said his biggest issue with the Republicans presidential elector procedure is that by not following the election law, as it was before the bill passed, the party created a broken electoral process.

One party in power doesnt have to follow the law while the other one, the minority party, does, Keck said. Im not cool with that. Thats not appropriate. These conventions are not cheap. They take a lot of time.

In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, filed May 17, Herridge called Kecks lawsuit an attempt to create political mischief.

Despite not being a member of the West Virginia Republican Party with any personal connection to (let alone injury created by) the selection of Republican presidential delegates, Mr. Keck asks this Court to interject itself into that parties internal policies and procedures, the response said. It should not take this bait.

It went on to say that Herridge believes he and the party are in substantial compliance with the law and the partys plans are consistent with past practice in nominating presidential electors.

The response also notes that Justice had included Senate Bill 1014 on the special legislative session call so the challenged language is quite likely to be amended rendering this case moot.

The governors office did not respond to a request for comment.

Del. Mike Pushkin, chairman of the state Democratic Party, said the party will nominate its presidential electors during a state convention June 14 and 15 in Charleston.

It is open to the public and open to the media and we feel thats the way we should be electing our delegates to the national convention and thats how we will choose our electors as well, in broad daylight, Pushkin said. So no matter what the Republicans plan on doing, were going to continue doing it the way it should be done  thats out in the open.

Keck said he has problems with the way the new law is written, including that it doesnt specify when electors need to be nominated or certified.

We dont have a legal specification of who needs to certify these names at the political party and we dont know who theyre supposed to certify them to, Keck said. Technically, the way its now worded, these political parties can wait until Nov. 4 If they want to, before putting their names out.

With the law changed, Keck said he doesnt intend to continue with the lawsuit.

The post After lawsuit against state Republicans, lawmakers change law about presidential electors procedure appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
Lawyers for the ex-president of AT&T Illinois are seeking to bar key evidence in his upcoming bribery trial, arguing in a recent filing that prosecutors have failed to identify any conspiracy to corruptly influence then-House Speaker Michael Madigan to win passage of key legislation in Springfield.

Paul La Schiazza, 66, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October 2022 with conspiracy, federal program bribery, and using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity. His trial is set to begin in September.

Earlier this month, prosecutors filed what is known as a Santiago proffer, detailing the statements of co-conspirators and other evidence they intend to use to prove that there was a scheme by La Schiazza and AT&T to secretly funnel money to a Madigan-connected ex-legislator to gain a competitive edge as the utility was seeking to pass a bill ending mandated landline service.

In their 13-page response filed Friday, lawyers for La Schiazza argued that the governments proffer is devoid of any evidence showing La Schiazza or any other AT&T employee knew that seeking to influence Mr. Madigan was forbidden, as required by current Chicago-area case law.

Doing something to develop or maintain a positive relationship with a politician or politically influential person is not a crime, attorneys Tinos Diamantatos, Megan Braden, Alborz Hassani and John Dodds wrote. Hiring a consultant recommended by a politician or politically influential person in order to build relationships or curry favor is not a crime.

La Schiazzas defense team also pointed out that the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule next month in a case out of northwest Indiana that could redraw the meaning of corruptly in the bribery statute, significantly raising the bar for what prosecutors have to prove.

La Schiazzas filing asked U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman to reject the governments proffer outright, or at least wait until after the Supreme Courts decision to decide what can come into the trial.

The issue is expected to be argued at a final pretrial conference on Thursday.

Jury selection in La Schiazzas case is scheduled to start Sept. 9, just a month before Madigan and his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, are set to go on trial at the same Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on sweeping racketeering conspiracy charges that include the AT&T scheme as well as similar allegations regarding utility giant Commonwealth Edison.

According to prosecutors, La Schiazza and others at AT&T agreed to pay $2,500 a month to former state Rep. Edward Acevedo, a onetime member of Madigans leadership team whod recently left the General Assembly, at the same time the company was seeking passage of a bill known by the acronym COLR.

The payments to Acevedo  allegedly negotiated by McClain  were made via a lobbying contract between AT&T and Thomas Cullen, a former Madigan staffer and longtime political strategist aligned with the speaker, according to prosecutors. Acevedo, who was a registered lobbyist at the time, did no actual work for AT&T in exchange for the payments, prosecutors alleged.

According to the prosecutions Santiago proffer, shortly after the controversial bill passed in Springfield in 2017, La Schiazza received a request from a Madigan relative to sponsor a nonprofit event. He forwarded the request to a colleague in the legislative affairs department, writing this will be endless, according to the filing.

I suspect the thank you opportunities will be plentiful, the colleague allegedly emailed back.

Yep, La Schiazza allegedly responded. We are on the friends and family plan now.

In the same exchange, La Schiazzas colleague highlighted the connection between Madigans and McClains requests and AT&Ts legislative success.

There is a sensitivity in that office about us going away now that we got COLR, the colleague wrote. That is something to keep in mind in rest (of) 17 and in 18 regarding budget and profile with the Speakers office.

La Schiazza allegedly responded he would emphasize that to the companys leadership, especially if we expect to pass a small cell bill, a reference to another piece of legislation the company was seeking to pass in the coming months, according to prosecutors.

That fall, Madigan helped to advance the small cell bill during the veto session of the Illinois General Assembly, and in the spring of 2018, he helped defeat an amendment to the legislation that would have been harmful to AT&Ts interests, according to prosecutors.

In their response Friday, La Schiazzas attorneys accused prosecutors of a temporal bait and switch, arguing there was no evidence that the company knew in advance that Acevedo would do no work for AT&T.

In fact, the evidence shows that the alleged coconspirators hired Mr. Acevedo to perform a service that was genuinely valuable to AT&T, the filing stated.

Madigan, 82, was the longest serving leader of any legislative chamber in the nation who held an ironclad grip on the state legislature as well as the Democratic Party and its political spoils. He was dethroned as speaker in early 2021 as the investigation swirled around him, and soon after resigned the House seat hed held since 1971.

Madigan and McClain were charged in March 2022 in the original 22-count indictment alleging they conspired to participate in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 that allegedly leveraged Madigans elected office and political power for personal gain.

The indictment also accused Madigan of illegally soliciting business for his private property tax law firm during discussions to turn a state-owned parcel of land in Chinatown into a commercial development.

Madigan and McClain have pleaded not guilty. Their attorneys have accused prosecutors of trying to criminalize legal political actions such as job recommendations in a quest to bring down the once-powerful speaker.

McClain is also awaiting sentencing in his conviction for bribery conspiracy last year in the ComEd Four case against him and three other ComEd executives and lobbyists.

Both AT&T and ComEd entered into deferred prosecution agreements with the U.S. attorneys office, admitting their roles in the schemes to influence Madigan in exchange for prosecutors dropping criminal charges. ComEd also agreed to pay a record $200 million fine, while AT&T was fined $23 million.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
YANGON, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's authorities have seized 22.5 kg of raw opium in the country's eastern state of Shan, said a release by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) on Tuesday.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotic police searched a vehicle in Kunhing Township on May 27 and confiscated the drugs, the CCDAC said.

The seized drugs had a street value of 6.7 million kyats (over 3,000 U.S. dollars) and one suspect was arrested, the committee said.

The suspect caught with drugs has been charged under the country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, it added. 
(AP)  A series of powerful storms swept over the central and southern U.S. over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, killing at least 22 people and leaving a wide trail of destroyed homes, businesses and power outages.

The destructive storms caused deaths in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kentucky and were just north of an oppressive, early season heat wave setting records from south Texas to Florida.

Damage is seen at a truck stop the morning after a tornado rolled through, 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)

A man looks at a damaged car after a tornado hit the day before, 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)

Destroyed homes are seen after a deadly tornado 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)

Patti Manley, 69, moves a shredded American flag as she gathers branches from the backyard of her mothers home on Morningdale Place in Mehlville, Mo. on Monday, May 27, 2024, following a violent storm and possible tornado Sunday evening. Manley was staying with her mother Jackie Moloney, 88, when the storm hit. She and her mother rode it out in an interior bathroom. (Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

Damage is seen after a storm the night before, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Pryor, Okla. (Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP)

Forecasters said the severe weather could shift to the East Coast later Monday and warned millions of people outdoors for the holiday to watch the skies. A tornado watch was issued from North Carolina to Maryland.

Takeoff aborted after United Airlines flight reportedly catches fire at OHare

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who earlier declared a state of emergency, said at a Monday press conference that five people had died in his state. The fifth death was a 54-year-old man who had a heart attack while cutting fallen trees in Caldwell County in western Kentucky, the governors office said.

The death toll of 22 also included seven deaths in Cooke County, Texas, from a Saturday tornado that tore through a mobile home park, officials said, and eight deaths across Arkansas.

Two people died in Mayes County, Oklahoma, which is east of Tulsa, authorities said. The injured included guests at an outdoor wedding.

The latest community left with shattered homes and no power was the tiny Kentucky town of Charleston, which took a direct hit Sunday night from a tornado that the governor said appeared to be on the ground for 40 miles (64 kilometers).

Its a big mess, said Rob Linton, who lives in Charleston and is the fire chief of nearby Dawson Springs, hit by a tornado in 2021. Trees down everywhere. Houses moved. Power lines are down. No utilities whatsoever  no water, no power.

Further east, some rural areas of Hopkins County hit by the 2021 tornado around the community of Barnsley were damaged again Sunday night, said county Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey.

Biologists find rare ocean-born fish species swimming in the Kansas River

There were a lot of people that were just getting their lives put back together and then this, Bailey said. Almost the same spot, the same houses and everything.

Beshear has traveled to the area where his father grew up several times for ceremonies where people who lost everything were given the keys to their new homes.

The visits came after a series of tornadoes on a terrifying night in December 2021 killed 81 people in Kentucky.

It could have been much worse, Beshear said of the Memorial Day weekend storms. The people of Kentucky are very weather aware with everything weve been through.

More than 400,000 customers across the eastern U.S. were without power Monday afternoon, including about 125,000 in Kentucky. Twelve states reported at least 10,000 outages earlier in the day, according to PowerOutage.us.

The area on highest alert for severe weather Monday is a broad swath of the eastern U.S., from Alabama to New York.

President Joe Biden sent condolences to the families who had people killed. 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..

Its been a grim month of tornadoes and severe weather in the nations midsection.

Tornadoes in Iowa last week left at least five people dead and dozens injured. Storms killed eight people in Houston earlier this month. The severe thunderstorms and deadly twisters have spawned during a historically bad season for tornadoes, at a time when climate change contributes to the severity of storms around the world. April had the second-highest number of tornadoes on record in the country.

Harold Brooks, a senior scientist at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, said a persistent pattern of warm, moist air is to blame for the string of tornadoes over the past two months.

That warm moist air is at the northern edge of a heat dome bringing temperatures typically seen at the height of summer to late May.

The heat index  a combination of air temperature and humidity to indicate how the heat feels to the human body  neared triple digits in parts of south Texas on Monday. Extreme heat was also forecast for San Antonio and Dallas.

In Florida, Melbourne and Ft. Pierce set new daily record highs Monday. Both hit 98 F (36.7 C). Miami set a record high of 96 F (35.5 C) on Sunday.

For more information on recent tornado reports, see The Associated Press Tornado Tracker.

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.
At least 22 dead in Memorial Day weekend storms that devastated several US states

(The Associated Press)  A series of powerful storms swept over the central and southern U.S. over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, killing at least 22 people and leaving a wide trail of destroyed homes, businesses and power outages.

The destructive storms caused deaths in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kentucky and were just north of an oppressive, early season heat wave setting records from south Texas to Florida.

Forecasters said the severe weather could shift to the East Coast later Monday and warned millions of people outdoors for the holiday to watch the skies. A tornado watch was issued from North Carolina to Maryland.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who earlier declared a state of emergency, said at a Monday press conference that five people had died in his state. The fifth death was a 54-year-old man who had a heart attack while cutting fallen trees in Caldwell County in western Kentucky, the governors office said.

The death toll of 22 also included seven deaths in Cooke County, Texas, from a Saturday tornado that tore through a mobile home park, officials said, and eight deaths across Arkansas.

Two people died in Mayes County, Oklahoma, which is east of Tulsa, authorities said. The injured included guests at an outdoor wedding.

The latest community left with shattered homes and no power was the tiny Kentucky town of Charleston, which took a direct hit Sunday night from a tornado that the governor said appeared to be on the ground for 40 miles (64 kilometers).

Its a big mess, said Rob Linton, who lives in Charleston and is the fire chief of nearby Dawson Springs, hit by a tornado in 2021. Trees down everywhere. Houses moved. Power lines are down. No utilities whatsoever  no water, no power.

Further east, some rural areas of Hopkins County hit by the 2021 tornado around the community of Barnsley were damaged again Sunday night, said county Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey.

There were a lot of people that were just getting their lives put back together and then this, Bailey said. Almost the same spot, the same houses and everything.

Beshear has traveled to the area where his father grew up several times for ceremonies where people who lost everything were given the keys to their new homes.

The visits came after a series of tornadoes on a terrifying night in December 2021 killed 81 people in Kentucky.

It could have been much worse, Beshear said of the Memorial Day weekend storms. The people of Kentucky are very weather aware with everything weve been through.

More than 400,000 customers across the eastern U.S. were without power Monday afternoon, including about 125,000 in Kentucky. Twelve states reported at least 10,000 outages earlier in the day, according to PowerOutage.us.

The area on highest alert for severe weather Monday is a broad swath of the eastern U.S., from Alabama to New York.

President Joe Biden sent condolences to the families who had people killed. 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..

Its been a grim month of tornadoes and severe weather in the nations midsection.

Tornadoes in Iowa last week left at least five people dead and dozens injured. Storms killed eight people in Houston earlier this month. The severe thunderstorms and deadly twisters have spawned during a historically bad season for tornadoes, at a time when climate change contributes to the severity of storms around the world. April had the second-highest number of tornadoes on record in the country.

Harold Brooks, a senior scientist at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, said a persistent pattern of warm, moist air is to blame for the string of tornadoes over the past two months.

That warm moist air is at the northern edge of a heat dome bringing temperatures typically seen at the height of summer to late May.

The heat index  a combination of air temperature and humidity to indicate how the heat feels to the human body  is expected to reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) in parts of south Texas on Monday. Record highs are forecast for Brownsville, San Antonio and Dallas.

In Florida, Melbourne and Ft. Pierce set new daily record highs Monday. Both hit 98 F (36.7 C). Miami set a record high of 96 F (35.5 C) on Sunday.

___

Schreiner reported from Louisville, Kentucky. Associated Press reporters Acacia Coronado in Austin, Texas, and Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, 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.
The North Museum of Nature and Science is expanding its Science & Engineering Fair, becoming one of four regional science and engineering fairs in Pennsylvania by opening it up to students from Lebanon County. .

The 73rd NMSEF will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2025, at Millersville University and invites Lebanon County students from grades 6 to 12 to join Lancaster County students from 20 public, private, charter, online and home schools.

Students who wish to participate in NMSEF must register before the Oct. 2024 deadline. Registration is free.

The top two student projects from the senior division will earn a place at the International Science and Engineering Fair to compete with 1,500 of their peers around the world. The North Museum pays for registration, fees, travel and accomodations for those top two students.

The North Museum is opening its annual Science & Engineering Fair to students from Lebanon County.

The North Museum's leadership will offer support to educators to assist students in finding a project, developing a research plan and supporting student research.

The NMSEF joins three science fairs in the state, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Harrisburg Capital Area as a regional science fair, and is one of six fairs in Pennsylvania associated with ISEF, the world's largest pre-college competition.

North Museums CEO Andrea Rush is a Lebanon County native and a Cedar Crest High School graduate. Through our connections, we are both professionally and personally excited to bring this STEM education opportunity to Lebanon County, North Museums Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships said Scott Downs, who is also a former Lebanon County resident and past publisher of the Lebanon Daily News in a press release. As a leader in STEM education and advocacy, the North Museum believes that every 6th through 12th grade student in the IU-13 region deserves an opportunity to compete. Raising student interest in STEM careers is critically important for the future of our country, and our world.

The NMSEF has been a staple of science education in Lancaster County for more than 70 years, inspiring thousands of young researchers to create, design and discover the joys of science and engineering through their projects. The North Museum has managed the Science & Engineering Fair in Lancaster County since 2009.

Daniel Larlham Jr. is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at DLarlham@LDNews.com or on X @djlarlham.

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: North Museum welcomes Lebanon County to Science & Engineering fair
Fifth-three percent of Missouri voters signed off on a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana on Nov. 8, 2022 (Carol Yepes/Getty Images).

Since recreational weed was legalized in 2022, it has led to more than $19 million going towards three causes  supporting veterans, expanding substance use treatment programs and adding to the Missouri Public Defenders Systems budget.

It is so rewarding to see the impact of this voter-approved program on organizations that provide vital services to Missourians, said Amy Moore, director of the Division of Cannabis Regulation, which is within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The constitutional amendment Missouri voters approved in November 2022 to legalize recreational marijuana also established funds for the three causes.

Last fall, each of these three programs received $1.3 million. Then earlier this month, DHSS transferred an additional $5.1 million for each.

The funds going to the Missouri Veterans Commission are specifically meant to pay for health care and other services for military veterans and their dependent families, according to the division.

The public defender systems funds will pay for legal assistance for low-income Missourians.

And, DHSS will use its fund to operate a grant program to increase access to drug addiction treatment with an emphasis on reintegrating recipients into their local communities by supporting job placement, housing and counseling.

In January, Moore told state lawmakers that recreational cannabis sales had generated $58 million in revenue, which includes sales tax and annual fees marijuana businesses pay the state.

So far, $8.2 million has gone to pay for the states operation costs of regulating the recreational marijuana industry  for things like salaries or professional services.

After operational costs, the next draw on the fund is expenses incurred by the court system for expunging certain marijuana offenses from peoples criminal records.

After that, revenues are split between veterans, substance use treatment programs and public defenders.

We look forward to watching this impact grow, Moore said, and are grateful to be a part of it.

The post Legal cannabis in Missouri has generated $19 million for veterans, treatment, public defenders appeared first on Missouri Independent.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Desmond Green spent nearly two years in a violent Mississippi jail awaiting trial for a murder he did not commit. The sole evidence connecting him to the crime was the statement of another man  Samuel Jennings  who later admitted he lied to get himself out of jail.

When Jennings came clean, he also claimed that the detective hed spoken to about the murder had encouraged him to select Greens photo from a lineup after Jennings had first pointed at someone else.

This article was first published by The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for their newsletters, and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and Facebook.

After his release, Green sued the detective, alleging that the arrest violated his constitutional rights against unreasonable seizure and deprivation of liberty. The detective sought to have the suit dismissed, citing qualified immunity: a legal doctrine that shields government officials performing their work duties  often police  from civil lawsuits accusing them of violating a persons constitutional rights.

In a ruling last week, U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves not only rejected the detectives qualified immunity claim, but took a rhetorical flamethrower to the entire doctrine as an unconstitutional error and unsupportable as a matter of history, text, and policy.

Qualified immunity has come under increased public scrutiny over the past decade, with critics calling it a direct impediment to police accountability. The doctrine has also become a stand-in for the broader legal and cultural norms that allow police to act with impunity in many instances, including in wrongful arrests, erroneous police raids and excessive force cases.

In 2021, my colleague Beth Schwartzapfel wrote that courts appear to be slowly shifting their thinking on the doctrine. Clark Neily, a policy scholar with the libertarian Cato Institute think tank, argued last week that indeed, judicial enthusiasm for qualified immunity is starting to wane. Neily pointed to a recent decision by a panel of judges on the federal 5th Circuit  traditionally one of the countrys most conservative appeals courts.

The appellate judges not only denied a qualified immunity claim filed by two police officers in Houston, they did so with a conspicuous amount of snark. For those who worry that qualified immunity can be invoked under absurd circumstances: Buckle up, the decision begins.

Unlike Reeves, the 5th Circuit panel did not make a philosophical critique of qualified immunity. Rather, they concluded the officers conduct was wrong in clearly established ways. Judge Andrew Oldham, a Donald Trump appointee, explained it in a footnote: It involves a simple, clearly established rule that all officers should know at all times, he wrote. Do not lie.

The notion of clearly established law is central to qualified immunity. It essentially demands that government officials receive immunity unless a previous court case has already found the same conduct to be unconstitutional. Courts have frequently interpreted this aspect of qualified immunity with incredible specificity, for example concluding that officers who stole nearly a quarter-million dollars of cash and property did not have clear notice that it violated the Fourth Amendment prohibition on unreasonable seizure.

Judge Don Willett, another 5th Circuit judge and Trump appointee, has frequently criticized the doctrine down to its core, specifically the clearly established rule. In a dissent earlier this year involving the arrest of a Texas journalist, Willet wrote: In the upside-down world of qualified immunity, everyday citizens are demanded to know the laws every jot and tittle, but those charged with enforcing the law are only expected to know the clearly established ones. Turns out, ignorance of the law is an excuse  for government officials.

Typically, discussions of qualified immunity refer to the ability to file a civil claim in federal court under a legal provision that makes it illegal to deprive someone of their rights under the color of law. Thats because historically, victims of police violence had their best chance of a fair hearing from the federal courts, rather than the state and local courts, which are much closer to the officials they were seeking to challenge.

But while some judges may be poking at the foundations of qualified immunity at this level, a handful of legislators have recently sought to expand similar protections beyond the federal system and law enforcement contexts. Last month, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill extending immunity protection to armed teachers and school staff, who are now eligible to carry firearms on school grounds. In Louisiana, a recent law offers a new kind of qualified immunity to private gun owners who use a firearm in an apparent act of self-defense.

And on the 2024 campaign trail, Trump has promised to create a new protection for police if elected to a second term, repeatedly saying hell grant police immunity from prosecution. While the president has no power to stop local prosecutors or state attorneys general from pressing charges on police, he could pressure the Department of Justice to not pursue federal charges against officers.

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This article was first published by The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for their newsletters, and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and Facebook.

The post A legal doctrine that shields police from many lawsuits may be losing support appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
Graffiti is seen April 29 at the Powell Library on the UCLA campus where pro-Palestinian demonstrators erected an encampment. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

To the editor: Is it antisemitic to be anti-Zionist? The answer should be a resounding no. ("Is Zionism patriotism or racism? Big disagreements over a word in use for 125 years," May 22)

It is important to distinguish between the compelling case for a Jewish homeland after centuries of Christian oppression of Jews in Europe, and the questionable method by which this homeland was established.

Totally absent from current discourse is the time between the ending stages of World War II and 1948, when the state of Israel was established. There is no mention of the Zionist terrorist gangs whose deadly acts were no less hideous and far more effective than those of Hamas. Several future Israeli prime ministers were leaders in these gangs.

I consider myself pro-Jewish, pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian, but anti-Netanyahu, anti-Hamas and anti-Zionist. The campaign of intimidating those who oppose the "keep Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu out of jail" government is doing a great disservice to Israel.

Jamshed Dastur, Newport Beach

..

To the editor: Here is all we need to know about the meaning of Zionism.

Have you ever noticed that Hamas spokespeople never say the word "Israel" or "Israeli"? They do this deliberately because they do not recognize the legality of Israel, and to say the country's name would bestow legitimacy upon it.

They say "Zionist" to refer to Israelis, and they often refer to the country as "the occupation." Non-Israelis who support the legitimacy of Israel are also called Zionists.

In polite society, where people are constrained from using epithets to describe Jews, "Zionist" is an acceptable alternative. This gives people the opportunity to hate Jews under the guise of criticizing Israel.

Larry Shapiro, Calgary, Canada

..

To the editor: At the risk of being called an antisemite, I want to offer an alternative view regarding your article on Zionism.

A genocide is occurring against the Palestinians in Gaza right now, but your article does not mention that. Palestinians in the West Bank are being displaced to make way for Jewish-only settlements.

The article focuses on the Jewish people's right to have a homeland. OK, Israel has a right to exist. But if the Jewish people have a right to a homeland, why not acknowledge that the Palestinians also have the same right?

The consequences of Zionism have been the displacement and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. So to continually highlight the need for a homeland for Jews while diminishing that same need for the Palestinian people has caused enormous outrage and despair.

Jane Demian, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: In one of your articles about UCLA Chancellor Gene Block's testimony to a House committee, we're told the following:

"Almost as soon as activists set up a Palestinian solidarity encampment ... Jewish students and faculty complained that demonstrators established checkpoints restricting access to many students, at times singling out students they identified as Zionists. But other Jewish students helped set up the camp, arguing it was not antisemitic, but anti-Zionist."

The slide from the topic of discriminatory checkpoints to the Jews who helped establish them illustrates Orwells observation, "To see what is in front of one's nose needs a constant struggle."

You don't have to be a Zionist or an anti-Zionist to see that these checkpoints evoked the ghettoizations, expulsions, cleansings and exclusion systems that non-Jewish communities have inflicted upon Jews for thousands of years.

The fact that only some Jews were targeted for dehumanization doesn't absolve these officious, yellow-vested students of publicly abusing and humiliating Jewish students. If that isn't antisemitic, what is it?

Jo Perry, Studio City

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Letters: The Tories have left it too late to start making the right noises on tax

SIR  Jeremy Hunt has described inheritance tax as profoundly anti-Conservative (report, May 25) and Rishi Sunak now says that the state pension will never be taxed under the Conservatives (report, May 28).

Wouldnt it have been marvellous if they had been the Chancellor and the Prime Minister over the past few years? Oh, hang on  they have been. Is there by any chance a general election campaign on?

John Poysden

Leigh-on-Sea, Essex

SIR  Laura Trott, chief secretary to the Treasury (Commentary, May 28), says the personal tax allowance for pensioners will increase so that the state pension never crosses the income tax threshold.

Ignoring for the moment that having two tax thresholds could well be the final straw for HMRC, this move would set a dangerous precedent, with different population groups having different tax rates. If I were a low-paid worker, I might be wondering why a pensioner in a similar financial position to me should pay less tax.

If the Tories had wanted to do this, they should have done it in the last Budget  not as a blatant vote-winner in the run-up to an election.

Why not keep it simple and increase thresholds for everybody?

Dr Michael Pegg

Esher, Surrey

SIR  Promising that nobody whose sole source of income is the state pension will pay income tax is hardly the same as saying that the state pension will not be taxable. But the Tories seem to be morphing into a party like the Liberal Democrats  promising anything, in the knowledge they will never have to implement it.

Brian Gedalla

London N3

SIR  I receive a teachers pension, which began before my state pension. As soon as I started to receive the latter, the tax on my teachers pension rose considerably, and the state pension is included in my annual tax return. I am presumably not alone in this. Here we have yet more evidence that this Government has no idea what goes on in the real world.

Eve Wilson

Hill Head, Hampshire

SIR  My state pension is already 290 above the 2024-5 tax threshold, meaning I will pay 58 in tax on it. I will happily accept a cheque for this sum from Mr Sunak  or has he just made another smoke-and-mirrors election promise?

Patrick Tracey

Carlisle, Cumbria

SIR  Might we be refunded the extra tax we paid after the personal allowance changes made by David Camerons coalition government in 2012?

John Newbury

Warminster, Wiltshire

No to National Service

SIR  Sebastian Monblat (Letters, May 28) claims that Rishi Sunaks National Service plan is a kneejerk policy aimed at attracting Reform UK voters.

As a traditional Conservative who will be voting for Reform at the upcoming election, I can assure Mr Monblat that all my recent exchanges with those supporting the party agree with its president, Nigel Farage, in his description of the plan as a joke. There is no mention of National Service in Reforms published policies and there is no appetite for it in the future.

As an Army veteran, Im also acutely aware that such a scheme would have a detrimental effect on the operational capability and readiness of our already depleted Armed Forces. It would be a bureaucratic nightmare and  given that every candidate would no doubt require a medical assessment before joining  would place an extraordinary extra burden on the NHS.

Few people who understand the practical and societal implications regard the idea as either workable or desirable.

Richard Scott

Kirkbride, Cumbria

SIR  I was among the first cohort of children who left school in 1959 and went straight to university, and was able to see the benefits of the previous system, which created a positive interval between school and university and bestowed a high degree of maturity and life experience on undergraduates, enhancing their tertiary education.

Those of us who came to university at 19 lacked maturity. For those coming directly from state secondary schools, it must have been even worse. Young people need a period of responsibility before embarking on their degrees. They may even decide during this time that an apprenticeship suits them better, taking the pressure off overcrowded universities.

Consideration should certainly be given to offering an appropriate form of National Service today.

Jeremy Chamberlayne

Gloucester

SIR  Many of my friends and I (all in our early 20s) have had experience with the Army or Navy Cadets, and found the skills we gained to be incredibly useful.

There is much talk about the cost of implementing National Service, but such a scheme could in fact save a lot of taxpayers money, as many 18-year-olds would feel better equipped to start their lives rather than doing pointless degrees.

Bobby Angelov

London SW1

SIR  As a former MP, I am happy to assure Bill Galvin (Letters, May 27) that there is indeed a form of uniformed service available to MPs, and that the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme has existed for more than 30 years.

In my experience more could be learnt from a few weeks of such service than from a library full of briefing papers.

Stephen Pound

London W7

Accent tracing

SIR  Having been born in Hungary, then educated in Canada (where I learnt English as my fourth language), upon moving to rural England I was always asked: What part of Ireland do you come from? (Letters, May 28).

After 20 years, however, something snapped, and the next time I was asked the question I replied: Actually Im from Budapest  its a suburb of Dublin. There was no comeback to that.

Andrea Bates

Enstone, Oxfordshire

Labours schools plan

SIR  With regard to Labours education plans (Private school VAT raid is the politics of envy, report, May 27), any political party that is prepared to disrupt the learning of 7 per cent of the school population  including many with special educational needs  is not fit to govern.

David Wedgwood

Newmarket, Suffolk

SIR  How is adding VAT to independent school fees putting country first and party second?

Rhidian Llewellyn

London SW14

SIR  Margaret Chathams letter (May 28) is right on the money. The destruction of the grammar schools was probably the greatest act of peacetime vandalism against Britains working class. It has also had serious consequences for Britain as a whole.

I would not expect the Labour Party to reconsider that policy, any more than I would todays yellow Conservatives. I was, however, deeply disappointed to note that the restoration of grammar schools was not one of Reform UKs 10 pledges.

Alex Finch

Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

SIR  Regarding your headline, Labour is continuing its tradition of hostility to excellence in education (Letters, May 28), I cant say that Ive noticed any of the last five Conservative governments doing anything to improve the quality of state education.

Exam standards have been lowered. School buildings across the country have suffered catastrophic damage, and politicians have failed to hold anyone to account or institute rapid repairs. Schools and local authorities have regularly had their central government grants cut to the bone, and curriculums have been so frequently modified that Im surprised anyone learns anything.

Roger Kendall

Cahors, Lot, France

At home on the farm

SIR  When I was a child we lived on a farm in a remote part of East Anglia, and I was getting on for six before I was sent to school.

At the interview the headmistress asked my parents: Does he know his alphabet? Before they could answer I chipped in: No  but I can drive a tractor! (Letters, May 27).

I have never properly learnt my alphabet to this day.

Simon Playle

London SW10

War and Peace is best enjoyed at full length

Jessie Buckley as Marya Bolkonskaya in the BBC's 2016 adaptation of Tolstoy's epic - Alamy

SIR  I agree that children should be encouraged to read longer books in order that they may one day appreciate great literature (Whats the point in abridging War and Peace? Slow reading is its joy, Comment, May 27).

War and Peace is a pleasure to read not just because of its exquisite prose, but also because it is a long, slow read  which, rather like sucking a boiled sweet, allows one to savour its delicious literary flavour.

Stan Labovitch

Windsor, Berkshire

SIR  I would urge the editor of any abridged version of War and Peace to retain, in its entirety, the section in which certain nations are described as being uniquely self-assured.

A Frenchman is self-assured because he regards himself personally both in body and mind as irresistibly attractive to men and women. An Englishman is self-assured as being a citizen of the best organised state in the world and therefore, as an Englishman, always knows what he should do and knows that all he does as an Englishman is undoubtedly correct. An Italian is self-assured because he is excitable and easily forgets himself and other people. A Russian is self-assured because he knows nothing and does not want to know anything since he does not believe that anything can be known. The Germans self-assurance is the worst of all because he imagines he knows the truth  science  which he himself has invented but which for him is the absolute truth.

What would we do without such concise and accurate descriptions of national characteristics?

David S Ainsworth

Manchester

Left to wait for months after an NHS referral

SIR  One evening, around 30 years ago, my parents received a knock on the door. It was their GP who, having received some blood test results indicating that my father had suffered a heart attack, went straight to their house to make sure he was all right. Fortunately he was, as it was a false positive.

Earlier this year, an ECG test showed that I may have had a minor heart attack. My GP immediately referred me to the local NHS rapid access cardiology team. Six weeks later I was offered a phone consultation, at the end of which I was referred for an echocardiogram  a minimum 12-week wait. I cant afford to go private, because we have already had to pay for two knee replacements for my wife this year.

Envy of the world? I dont think so.

Alisdair Keats-Rawling

Woodford, Cheshire

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After Libertarians reject RFK Jr., what does success look like for third-party candidates?

A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

They booed former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate who currently leads in polling in some swing states. They rejected Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent candidate who is polling at 15% in some polls.

Instead, at its convention over the weekend, the Libertarian Party selected a little-known former congressional candidate, Chase Oliver, who is hoping they can get to 2% of the popular vote on Election Day.

Turns out that Libertarians are motivated by the ultrasmall-government mindset that leads them to be Libertarians as opposed to an uncomfortable alliance to benefit Trump or help Kennedy get on a debate stage.

A match with Kennedy made some sense, at least on paper. Libertarians currently have ballot access in 38 states. Kennedy is currently on the ballot in six, although he promises to be on more by Election Day.

But the idea of simply placing Kennedy atop the Libertarian Party ticket to marry his momentum with their organization left Kennedy with an embarrassing loss at the Libertarian Party convention in Washington. Kennedy did not even advance out of the first round of voting.

Neither did Trump, who could arguably appeal to some Libertarians with his anti-government rhetoric. After his address, Trump was barred from taking part in the nominating process because his campaign failed to fill out the proper paperwork.

Where does Kennedys support come from?

Kennedys politics are unique, melding his history as an environmental crusader, his deeply held belief in conspiracy theories and his notable vaccine skepticism. These views are not necessarily very Libertarian.

He is at odds with his own running mate, Nicole Shanahan, the ex-wife of a Google co-founder and a top benefactor of the campaign. Kennedy and Shanahan disagree on both abortion policy and Middle East policy.

Among those who didnt vote for Biden or Trump in 2020  including both those who supported another candidate and those who didnt vote at all  Kennedy got the support of 37% in CNNs poll conducted by SSRS in April. Trump got the backing of 30% of these voters who either opted for a major party alternative or simply didnt vote. Biden got just 12%.

Kennedy may well take more support from Trump than from Biden, but not by a lot, according to a recent analysis by CNNs Harry Enten (watch it below). As evidence, Enten pointed to Quinnipiac University polling that asked Kennedy supporters who they would support in a two-way matchup. About half  51%  said they would support Trump in a two-way matchup, compared with 37% who said they would pick Biden.

In a written analysis, Enten points to polling that suggests many of Kennedys current supporters are not yet familiar with many of his most notable positions, including on vaccines. Support for third-party candidates has a tendency to flag closer to Election Day.

The recent high-water mark is Ross Perot, who got 19% of the vote in 1992.

The last third-party candidate to win a state and get Electoral Votes was George Wallace, who won Southern states in 1968. The only third-party candidate to outperform a major party candidate was former President Teddy Roosevelt, who outpolled Republicans after he failed to get their nomination in 1912 and then ran as a third-party candidate. Woodrow Wilson, a Democrat, won that election.

What are Libertarians aiming for?

While Kennedy is polling better than recent third-party or independent candidates, most of them barely register. If Oliver can reach 2% in the popular vote, that would be better than the Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen in 2020 but still far short of Gary Johnsons 3.28% of the popular vote in 2016.

CNNs Aaron Pellish was at the Libertarian convention. When I asked him why there was so much opposition to Kennedy and Trump, Pellish sent me these distinct thoughts:

First and foremost, Libertarian opposition to Trump and Kennedy starts with fundamental disagreements on policy. Despite both candidates calling for the US to reduce its involvement in foreign conflicts, many Libertarians feel Trump and Kennedy dont go far enough to prevent wars globally. Many Libertarians also support eliminating the Federal Reserve and oppose the government taxing citizens, extreme measures neither Trump nor Kennedy endorsed in their remarks at the convention.

Several Libertarians I spoke to were frustrated by what they viewed as attempts by both candidates to pander to party members for votes in November.

A few convention attendees linked Kennedy and Trump to Bob Barr, the former GOP congressman who ran as the Libertarian presidential nominee in 2008, and to Bill Weld, the former Republican Massachusetts gov. who ran alongside Gary Johnson as the Libertarian Partys vice presidential nominee. Both Barr and Weld left the Libertarian Party after losing their respective elections.

But the memory of past politicians who used the party for their own gain without fully committing to Libertarian values appeared to undergird the resentment some Libertarians held for the two interlopers.

The inverse comparison is Ron Paul, who ran for president as a Libertarian in the 1980s but found greater success when he ran as a Libertarian-leaning Republican. Paul did not  and never was going to  get the Republican nomination, but he made a calculated decision that he could more effectively influence the policy conversation from within a major party.

Now Kennedys campaign, and the super PAC that supports it, will have to continue the slog of getting on ballots in enough states to make a mark on the election.

The Green Party is the only third party that is consistently on the ballot in all 50 states. It will not officially select a nominee until July. Jill Stein, the Green Party nominee in 2012 and 2016, is seen as a likely bet. The best recent election for the Green Party came in 2000, when Ralph Nader won more than 2% of the vote and arguably kept Al Gore, the Democrat, from winning Florida and the presidency.

Less than 2% can sway an election

The Republican consultant who orchestrated George W. Bushs campaigns, Karl Rove, notes in The Wall Street Journal that the Green Party candidate in 2016, Stein, got more votes than Trumps margin of victory in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. He concludes Stein arguably cost the Democratic ticket, led by Hillary Clinton, the election.

The same thing may have happened in 2020, Rove argues, when the Libertarians Jorgensen got less than 2% of the national vote but exceeded Bidens margin of victory in Arizona, Georgia and Wisconsin.

Those stats are true, but Roves assessment may be flawed. Johnson, the Libertarian candidate in 2016, outperformed Stein in each of those states Rove mentioned. Trump won anyway. The election reform advocacy group FairVote has compiled data on recent third-party candidates here.

But rather than focus on the relatively few people who turn out for a third-party candidate, why not look at the large number of people who dont take part in elections at all?

The 2020 presidential election won by Biden had the highest turnout of any presidential election since 1900. But only about two-thirds  66%  of eligible voters turned out to vote, according to an analysis by Pew Research Center, although turnout was higher in some states than others.

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New list rates the most bipartisan members of Congress  and the least

A newly released analysis from the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University ranks members of Congress on bipartisanship. Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick were the most bipartisan members of Congress last year, according to a newly released analysis from the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University.

The least bipartisan House lawmaker was Ohio Republican Jim Jordan, while Alabamas Katie Britt, a Republican freshman, placed last among senators.

The latest ranking of the most bipartisan lawmakers comes amid one of the least-productive Congresses in the nations history and just months before nearly all House lawmakers and about one-third of the Senate face voters at the polls in November.

Maria Cancian, dean of the McCourt School, wrote in a statement announcing the new rankings that while there is much room for improvement, I am encouraged to see some progress on cross-party collaboration.

In these deeply divided times, and with an increasing amount of misleading information online, we need tools like the Bipartisan Index more than ever  an evidence-based and nonpartisan approach for measuring how well policymakers work across the aisle to get things done, Cancian wrote.

Lugar Center Policy Director Dan Diller wrote that it was especially disheartening that all eight new Senators who took office in January 2023 ranked in the bottom 30 percent of Senate scores.

Bipartisan cooperation on legislation in 2023 was deficient by historical standards, though there were some marginal improvements in scores from the previous Congress, Diller wrote.

Marylands delegation, unsurprisingly, was relatively partisan.

U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D) was ranked 55th in the Senate bipartisan index, while U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D) was 67th of 98 senators ranked.

In Marylands House delegation, U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-6th), who touted his ability to work across the aisle during his recent Senate campaign, was ranked as the 27th most bipartisan of the 436 House members on the list. The rest of the delegation lined up this way:

Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-2nd), 118th most bipartisan

Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-4th), 286th most bipartisan

Rep. John Sarbanes (D-3rd), 337th most bipartisan

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th), 361st most bipartisan

Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-7th), 369th most bipartisan

Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), 407th most bipartisan

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th), 409th most bipartisan

The website states that the Bipartisan Index is intended to fill a hole in the information available to the public about the performance of Members of Congress.

The Lugar Center, founded by the late U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, an Indiana Republican, is a platform for informed debate and analysis of global issues, including nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, global food security, foreign assistance effectiveness and global development, energy security, and enhancing bipartisan governance, according to its website.

The rankings take into consideration the frequency with which a member of Congress sponsors bills that are co-sponsored by at least one member of the opposing party and the frequency with which a member co-sponsors bills introduced by members of the opposite Party.

Who is the most bipartisan?

The top 10 senators were:

Collins

Michigan Democrat Gary Peters

New Hampshire Democrat Maggie Hassan

West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin

Texas Republican John Cornyn

Nevada Democrat Jacky Rosen

Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski

Kansas Republican Jerry Moran

Indiana Republican Todd Young

Montana Democrat Jon Tester

The top 10 House lawmakers were:

Fitzpatrick

New York Republican Marcus Molinaro

New Hampshire Democrat Chris Pappas

New York Republican Mike Lawler

North Carolina Democrat Don Davis

Puerto Rico Republican Delegate Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon

Nevada Democrat Susie Lee

Nebraska Republican Don Bacon

New Jersey Democrat Josh Gottheimer

Iowa Republican Zach Nunn

The Lugar Center and the McCourt School wrote on their website that their aim in publishing this Index is not to promote a specific legislative agenda, as is the case for many indexes, but solely the promotion of a bipartisan approach to governance.

The credibility of the Index is derived from the objectivity of its methodology; Index scores are computed formulaically from publically available data, it states. The Index requires no subjective assessment of specific legislative items.

The least bipartisan House lawmakers following Jordan were New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Missouri Democrat Cori Bush, New York Democrat Jamaal Bowman and Missouri Republican Eric Burlison.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, ranked 423, but will likely be excluded from future scores since he has now occupied one of the top two leadership posts for at least six months.

The least bipartisan senators following Britt were Missouri Republican Eric Schmitt, Washington state Democrat Patty Murray, Wisconsin Republican Ron Johnson and Arkansas Republican Tom Cotton.

Sean Ross, spokesperson for Britt, wrote in a statement that the ranking is absurd.

Senator Britt has cosponsored 68 pieces of legislation sponsored by Democrats, as well as dozens and dozens of bipartisan pieces of legislation led by Republican sponsors, Ross wrote.

The bipartisan efforts she is helping lead span a wide range of important topics to Alabamians, including maternal mortality research and maternal care; youth mental health and social media usage; the fentanyl crisis; affordable insulin access; affordable rural housing; telehealth services; agriculture; domestic manufacturing and supply chains; fair trade; work force development; wildlife conservation; supporting law enforcement; and consumer protections.

Josh Kurtz contributed to this report.

The post New list rates the most bipartisan members of Congress  and the least appeared first on Maryland Matters.
SEOUL, May 28 (Xinhua) -- China, Japan and South Korea on Monday cemented trilateral cooperation and reiterated that amity and mutual trust should be the key tone of the trio's relations to benefit themselves as well as peace and prosperity of the region and beyond.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had in-depth exchanges at the ninth trilateral summit meeting and the eighth trilateral business summit among the three countries in Seoul.

The trilateral meeting, stalled for more than four years due to the pandemic and geopolitical interferences, yielded abundant results on deepening cooperation in various fields.

Major tangible outcomes include the issuance of the Joint Declaration of the Ninth China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Summit, the Joint Statement on a 10-Year Vision for Trilateral IP Cooperation, and the Joint Statement on Future Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, among others.

The trio also agreed to deliver on the Trilateral Cooperation Vision for the Next Decade adopted at the eighth trilateral summit in China's southwestern city of Chengdu in December 2019.

A keynote of this year's trilateral gathering is the three parties' commitment to harmonious coexistence and mutual support based on good neighborliness and close partnership, as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the China-Japan-South Korea trilateral cooperation mechanism.

External disruption should not stand in the way of trilateral cooperation or overshadow solidarity among the three Asian neighbors.

Notably, leaders of the three countries refocused on economic integration as the ballast of their cooperation.

They vowed to strengthen trade connectivity, maintain stable and smooth industrial and supply chains, and resume the negotiations of the China-Japan-South Korea free trade agreement as soon as possible.

The leaders reaffirmed endeavors to foster a free, open, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, inclusive, and predictable trade and investment environment.

Chey Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the summit meeting marks a significant milestone as the three economies have recovered from the pandemic and are now on a growth trajectory.

Ren Hongbin, head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, stressed the importance of improving the investment environment, stabilizing supply chains and advancing industrial cooperation.

These efforts are expected to boost trade and sales, which will further solidify the region's economic resilience and unleash growth potential, Ren said.

As Asian manufacturing powerhouses, the three countries also aim for stronger technological cooperation. Echoing the countries' decision to enhance collaboration in this domain, business leaders from the trio also pledged to jointly drive digital transformation at the business summit.

Recognizing the cultivation of cutting-edge industries and industrial digital cooperation as key engines for economic growth, the trilateral commitment aims to foster a robust regional economy, said Ren.

In addition to economic and trade as well as scientific and technological cooperation, the three leaders hoped that the three countries will take this summit as a new starting point to maintain the stability and continuity of cooperation and deepen cooperation in six key areas: culture and people-to-people exchanges, sustainable development, economy and trade, public health, science and technology, and disaster relief.

Cultural exchanges, for example, are gaining fresh momentum for development to foster mutual understanding and trust.

Monday's meeting witnessed the designation of 2025-2026 as the China-Japan-South Korea Year of Cultural Exchange. The three sides also vowed to increase the number of people-to-people exchanges among the three countries to 40 million by 2030 through promoting exchange including culture, tourism and education.

To chart a sustainable future, the countries reiterated their commitment to carbon neutrality and proposed tangible ways to protect the environment, such as collaborating with Mongolia on reducing dust and sandstorms in East Asia, and promoting collaboration on marine environmental conservation. Managing the aging society is also on their list of expertise sharing.

The three major countries in Northeast Asia play a pivotal role in maintaining regional peace and stability. In the joint declaration of the trilateral summit, the three parties agreed to continue to make positive efforts for the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue. They also highlighted efforts to expand cooperation within ASEAN and other multilateral frameworks.

Commenting on the three countries' declaration of striving to institutionalize trilateral cooperation, Liu Qing, vice president of the China Institute of International Studies, 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. 
The former president was found guilty of falsifying business records on Thursday.

The two leading presidential candidates traded remarks on Friday, a day after former President Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to influence the 2016 election.

Trump once again claimed his historic hush money trial was "rigged" after he was found guilty in a Manhattan court  but President Biden said the verdict proves "that no one is above the law."

"Donald Trump was given every opportunity to defend himself," Biden told reporters hours after Trump spoke from Trump Tower, where he maintained his innocence and slammed Judge Juan Merchan, Biden and prosecutors, among others.

While both presidents have shared opposing responses to the guilty verdict, there's one thing they do agree on: that this November's presidential election will be monumentally important. Trump said the "real verdict" will come on Election Day, while Biden's camp warned, "There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box."

After deliberating over two days, a New York jury found Trump guilty on all 34 counts related to a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The prosecution had alleged Daniels was paid to keep secret a 2006 tryst she had with Trump in order to influence the results of the 2016 election, which Trump ultimately won.

Trump vowed to appeal the verdict. His sentencing has been scheduled for July 11.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER 120 updates Biden reaffirms Trump's guilty verdict: 'No one is above the law' President Biden on Friday commented on former President Donald Trump's guilty verdict in his criminal hush money trial, reaffirming that "no one is above the law." Biden acknowledged that his political rival can appeal the decision "just like everyone else has that opportunity." Trump spoke to reporters earlier in the day from Trump Tower in New York, asserting, "This is a scam. There's a rigged trial. It shouldn't have been in that venue. We shouldn't have had that judge." In his remarks on Friday, Biden excoriated the former president, saying "it's dangerous, its irresponsible" to claim that the trial was rigged.

Trump's legal team plans to appeal his guilty verdict. How could the timeline play out? Trump attends a press conference on Friday, the day after a guilty verdict in his criminal hush money trial, at Trump Tower. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters) Hours after Donald Trump was found guilty Thursday on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, his legal team vowed to appeal. Trumps lead defense attorney Todd Blanche said on CNN Thursday evening that the appeal of the convictions would be filed as soon as we can. Blanche also told NBCs Today that they expect to win on appeal. Read more from Yahoo News here about what an appeal timeline could look like.

House Judiciary chair calls for Manhattan DA, top prosecutor to testify House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan is demanding that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and prosecutor Matthew Colangelo testify about Trump's trial. Jordan's subcommittee on weaponization wrote in an X post on Friday that a hearing on "the unprecedented political prosecution of President Trump" is set for June 13. #BREAKING: @Jim_Jordan will demand Alvin Bragg and Matthew Colangelo to appear for hearing on June 13, 2024 to testify about the unprecedented political prosecution of President Trump.  Weaponization Committee (@Weaponization) May 31, 2024 This is not the first time Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, has gone after Bragg or Colangelo. Jordan first requested testimony from Bragg back in March 2023, which Bragg resisted appearing for. Jordan also looked into Colangelo's hiring in April 2023 and tried again last month. Colangelo's resume lists numerous cases that involve Trump.

Trump verdict dominates headlines around the world Trump's guilty verdict, announced by the Manhattan jury on Thursday evening, dominated front-page headlines worldwide. It is the first time a U.S. president has been convicted of criminal charges. Via Freedom Forum Via Freedom Forum Via Freedom Forum Via Freedom Forum Via Freedom Forum

Trump says he will appeal the verdict Trump said he will be appealing the guilty verdict, which aligns with what his defense lawyer Todd Blanche has said. After Trump's sentencing in July, his defense team will have 30 days to file a notice of appeal, and then theyll have six months to file the appeal. Yahoo News has more on the appeals process here.

Trump slams Biden, judge, prosecutors and more Donald Trump speaks at Trump Tower on Friday. (Julia Nikhinson/AP) Trump has continued to verbally attack people including President Biden, Judge Juan Merchan, his former lawyer Michael Cohen and the prosecutors. He also criticized the case and its conclusion, insisting it was a "rigged" trial.

Trump speaks to press at Trump Tower Donald Trump attends a press conference, the day after a guilty verdict in his criminal trial at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters) Trump is currently speaking to reporters and supporters at Trump Tower in Manhattan after he was found guilty of 34 felony counts on Thursday. So far, he has repeated the complaints he made about Judge Juan Merchan throughout his trial and lamented being under a gag order, which he incorrectly said was imposed by President Biden.

Trump campaign says it has raised over $34.8 million following verdict The Trump campaign said it received $34.8 million since yesterday's guilty verdict. In a statement, Trump campaign senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles said, "President Trump is fighting to save our nation and November 5th is the day Americans will deliver the real verdict."

Here's a look at what happened yesterday After deliberating over the course of two days, the 12-member jury in Manhattan found Donald Trump guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Just before 4:30 p.m. ET, Judge Juan Merchan was set to send the jury home for the day if they didn't have a verdict. The day started with portions of witness testimony being reread to the jury The jury then spent the rest of the day deliberating It looked like the jury was going to be sent home  but Merchan received a note saying jurors had reached a verdict Trump was convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records The judge scheduled Trump's sentencing for July 11 at 10 a.m. ET Following the jury's decision being read, Trump called the trial "rigged" and "a disgrace," and said the "real verdict" will be decided on Election Day.

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche: 'As soon as we can appeal, we will' Attorney Todd Blanche (Michael M. Santiago/Pool via AP) Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche, who delivered the closing argument for the defense, said in a Thursday interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins that the former president would appeal the jury's guilty verdicts handed down in the hush money trial. "As soon as we can appeal, we will," Blanche said, noting that the defense still had court issues to resolve with Judge Juan Merchan before they would file their appeal. While Blanche complimented the jury as hard-working and attentive, he said it was "very hard for us to get a fair trial" because "every single person on that jury knew Donald Trump." Asked whether it was a mistake not to have Trump take the witness stand in his own defense, Blanche noted that it was "ultimately" Trump's decision. "I don't think there was a conviction because he did not take the stand," Blanche added. As to the prospect that his client could be sentenced to prison by the judge in the case, Blanche continued to defend his client. "Somebody like President Trump should never, never face a jail sentence," he said, adding that he planned to keep working on Trump's legal team in the other criminal cases in which the former president is charged.

Cohen: 'Donald needed to be held accountable' In an interview Thursday on MSNBC, former Trump lawyer and key witness Michael Cohen said he was not surprised by the jury's guilty verdicts on the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, and called the case "important" and "legitimate." "Donald needed to be held accountable," Cohen said of his former boss. Asked by MSNBC host Rachel Maddow about the withering attacks on his character by Trump's lawyers during the trial, Cohen acknowledged that he sometimes got "hot-tempered," but added that he was able to remain calm during his testimony. "I was nervous because so much was riding on the result of this," Cohen said, while praising the prosecutors who called him to testify despite his past convictions on tax evasion and bank fraud charges. Cohen had a less glowing appraisal of Trump lawyer Todd Blanche, who coined the acronym "GLOAT"  greatest liar of all time  to describe Cohen during his closing argument. "I was going call him a 'SLOAT,'' Cohen said of Blanche, "the stupidest lawyer of all time." In part, Cohen said, that was because Blanche seemed to base the bulk of Trump's defense on attacking him. EXCLUSIVE: Michael Cohen speaks for first time about the historic Trump guilty verdict. pic.twitter.com/f49gqcD0YU  MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 31, 2024

Republican leaders angry at Trump conviction Republican leaders reacted with anger Thursday evening at the conviction of former President Donald Trump. According to the Associated Press: House Speaker Mike Johnson said it was a shameful day in American history and the charges were purely political. Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance said the verdict was a disgrace to the judicial system. And Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican, said that the decision was a defeat for Americans who believe in the critical legal tenet that justice is blind. Read more about the Republican reaction.

Video: Trump guilty on all 34 counts in hush money trial  what happens now? Yahoo News political reporter Andrew Romano weighs in on what's next following the guilty verdict against former President Donald Trump, who remains the leading Republican contender for the White House in 2024.

Trump to hold press conference Friday morning Trump announced on Truth Social that he will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. ET tomorrow at Trump Tower in New York City.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg speaks after Trump's guilty verdict Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office brought the 34 felony charges against Trump, delivered a statement following the guilty verdict decided by 12 Manhattan jurors and thanked them for their service. "While this defendant may be unlike any other in American history, we arrived at this trial and ultimately today at this verdict in the same manner as every other case that comes through the courtroom doors," Bragg said. When asked by reporters about a potential prison sentence for the former president, Bragg noted that sentencing is set for July 11 but declined to comment further, adding that the hush money case is still ongoing and active.

Read the jury's verdict sheet Here is the complete verdict sheet filled out by the jury, indicating the verdicts on each of the 34 felony counts against Trump. This embedded content is not available in your region.

Photos: Scenes from outside the courthouse After the guilty verdict was announced, people were seen gathering to celebrate. The New York Police Department restricted access to the area around the courthouse as helicopters circled above. Photos show demonstrators cheering in lower Manhattan, waving signs that read "Trump Convicted" and simply: "Guilty." A demonstrator reacts to the guilty verdict on Thursday in New York. (Julia Nikhinson/AP) (Mike Segar/Reuters) (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Trump donation website back online after reports of it crashing The Trump campaign's online portal to accept donations, run by Republican platform WinRed, reportedly crashed shortly after the guilty verdict came down. So many Americans were moved to donate to President Trump's campaign that the WinRed pages went down," the Trump campaign posted on X. The website appears to be up and running again, with a picture of Trump's mug shot from his criminal case in Georgia with "Never Surrender" as the caption.

Trump Media shares sink following guilty verdict in hush money case Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) fell 9% in after-hours trading following the announcement that a jury had found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, CNN reported.

Michael Cohen: 'Today is an important day for accountability and the rule of law' Michael Cohen. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters) Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney turned key trial witness in the case against him, responded to the jury's guilty verdict, per New York Magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi: Today is an important day for accountability and the rule of law. While it has been a difficult journey for me and my family, the truth always matters. I want to thank my attorneys Danya Perry and Joshua Kolb for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this process," Cohen, who served jail time for tax evasion and bank fraud, said. Cohen's testimony about paying adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to buy her silence about an alleged extramarital affair with Trump was at the center of the prosecution's case.

FAQ: Can Trump still run for president? Can he still vote? Here's what the guilty verdict means Trump appears at Manhattan criminal court in his criminal hush money trial on Thursday. (Mark Peterson/Pool via AP) Donald Trump has become the first former or sitting U.S. president to be convicted of a felony. In a historic decision, a 12-person Manhattan jury found the former president guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in an effort to disguise a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump is also the first major party candidate  he's the 2024 presumptive Republican presidential nominee  to run for president as a convicted felon. Judge Juan Merchan scheduled Trumps sentencing for July 11 at 10 a.m. ET. The judge will then decide whether the former presidents punishment will include prison time, fines, probation or a combination of those. Read more from Yahoo News here for the answers to frequently asked questions, like whether Trump can still run for president or if he'll be allowed to vote for himself in November.

Biden campaign responds to Trump verdict President Biden's campaign spokesperson released a statement following Donald Trump's conviction, according to the New York Times, saying "no one is above the law." "There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box, Michael Tyler, the Biden campaign's communications director, told the Times. "Convicted felon or not, Trump will be the Republican nominee for president." The campaign posted a similar statement on X.

Bragg marks Trump's guilty verdict on X Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. (NDZ/STAR MAX/IPx via AP) Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the criminal charges against Trump, marked the jury's guilty verdict in a post on X on Thursday afternoon. "Today, a jury found Donald J. Trump GUILTY on ALL 34 felony counts," Bragg, whose decision to charge Trump had been second-guessed by some legal analysts, wrote. Today, a jury found Donald J. Trump GUILTY on ALL 34 felony counts.  Alvin Bragg (@ManhattanDA) May 30, 2024

A breakdown of each of the counts against Trump

Trump calls trial 'a disgrace' after verdict read Donald Trump comments to members of the media after being found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree at Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday. (Seth Wenig/Pool via Reuters) Speaking from the courthouse after the guilty verdict was announced, Trump said: "This was a disgrace. This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt." "The real verdict is going to be November 5," he said, referencing the 2024 election. "I'm a very innocent man," Trump said, claiming he didn't get a fair trial.

Trump to be sentenced on July 11 Moments after the jury's guilty verdict was read in court, Judge Juan Merchan announced that Trump would be sentenced on July 11 at 10 a.m.

Trump found guilty on all 34 counts The former president has been convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records. Here's a breakdown of each of the charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Court is back in session Judge Juan Merchan has taken his seat on the beach and the jury is filing into the courtroom.

Manhattan district attorney enters the courtroom Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has entered the courtroom, alongside his team of prosecutors, according to reporters in the courtroom.

Jury requests 30 minutes to fill out verdict forms The Associated Press reports that the 12-member jury has asked Judge Juan Merchan for 30 minutes to fill out the appropriate forms.

Jury has reached a verdict Judge Juan Merchan announced that the jury had sent him a note saying that they had reached a verdict. "Please let there be no reactions, no outbursts of any kind," the judge told the courtroom audience.

Judge set to excuse jury for the day Judge Juan Merchan will excuse the jury at 4:30 p.m. ET if they haven't reached a verdict, the Associated Press reported.

Trump supporters await a verdict outside the courthouse Trump supporters gathered outside of Manhattan criminal court on Thursday as the jury continues to deliberate in the former president's historic criminal case in which prosecutors allege he covered up hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Photos from the scene in lower Manhattan show pro-Trump supporters waving flags and wearing MAGA gear. Trump supporters outside Manhattan criminal court on Thursday. (Mike Segar/Reuters) A devout Christian shows his support for Donald Trump. (Julia Nikhinson/AP) A demonstrator at the courthouse sports "Trump 2024" sneakers. (Julia Nikhinson/AP)

It has been 11 hours since the jury got the case The jury that will decide whether Trump is guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records stemming from his $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels has now been deliberating for 11 court hours.

Even if convicted, Trump is unlikely to go to jail anytime soon Trump arriving at Manhattan criminal court on Wednesday. (Doug Mills/Pool via AP) As we await the jury's verdict in Donald Trump's hush money trial, it's worth remembering that even if he is convicted, he is unlikely to be sent to jail anytime soon. Throughout the course of the trial, Trump has been free on bail. If he is found guilty, there's little reason to believe Judge Juan Merchan would change that status ahead of handing down Trump's sentence, especially given the fact that this would be the 77-year-old's first felony offense. In the event of a guilty plea, Merchan will have to decide whether to fine Trump, put him on probation or supervision or sentence him to prison. The maximum sentence for the felonies Trump is charged with is four years. Trump would almost certainly appeal a guilty verdict and that process could take months or years to play out, possibly further delaying the possibility that he would ever spend time behind bars.

Trumps supporters vent anger over judges jury instructions Judge Juan Merchan as seen in a courtroom sketch on Thursday. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters) Supporters of former President Donald Trump, many of them commentators on right wing news outlets like Fox News and Newsmax, have taken issue with the instructions Judge Juan Merchan gave to the jury, sometimes falsely claiming that the judge is allowing them to convict Trump without coming to a unanimous decision. On Wednesday, Fox News host Jesse Waters proclaimed that Merchan had told the jury they can pick whatever crime they want, and they can all disagree on the crime and its still a unanimous decision. ... Its like a buffet! Fox News co-host Jeanine Pirro, a former judge, said his jury instructions were unheard of. But in his remarks to the jury, much of which he repeated on Thursday, Merchan told jurors that they "must conclude unanimously that a defendant conspired to promote or prevent the election of any person to a public office by unlawful means. What he did leave partially open to interpretation, however, was the specific means jurors could conclude Trump had used when he carried out his alleged conspiracy. While falsifying business records is usually a misdemeanor charge, it rises to a felony when the false reporting is done in furtherance of another crime. In this case, the judge told the jurors that while they needed unanimous agreement that a second crime had been committed, they could choose from one of three options: violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act, the falsification of other business records or the violation of tax laws. Because Trump is not specifically charged with those crimes, jurors do not have to vote unanimously on them. Instead, he is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records relating to the $130,000 hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. For those charges, the jury must vote unanimously. University of Texas law professor Lee Kovarsky explained the judges instructions to the jury this way: If a law says NO VEHICLES IN THE PARK & list of vehicles includes mopeds and motorcycles, all the instruction means is that you need unanimous conclusion of vehicle but not unanimous on whether vehicle was moped or harley, he wrote in a post on X.

Why the names of the jurors in the trial have been kept anonymous Former President Donald Trump sits in Manhattan criminal court in New York on Wednesday. (Jabin Botsford/Pool via AP) It is now up to a New York jury to determine whether former President Donald Trump is guilty on 34 felony counts brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, but the public may never learn the identities of those who will make that decision. That's because Judge Juan Merchan ruled in March that their names would be revealed to the lawyers in the case but, out of safety concerns, not be made public. Anonymous juries are somewhat rare in the U.S. Out of more than 100,000 jury trials in the country, just about a dozen a year keep the identities of jurors hidden from the public, USA Today reported in 2021. Read more from Yahoo News.

As the jury deliberates, Trump claims Pecker testimony backs him up After the jury was read testimony given by former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker about a June 2016 phone conversation he had with Trump, the former president posted a message on his social media network claiming that it showed he did not pay hush money to keep negative stories about him from being published. "Testimony conclusively showed that I clearly stated, 'I DONT BUY STORIES!' Not that there would be anything wrong with doing that  NDAs are PERFECTLY LEGAL AND COMMON!" Trump wrote Thursday. The testimony in question concerned Pecker alerting Trump to former Playboy model Karen McDougal's claim that she had an extramarital affair with Trump. Pecker, who later paid McDougal for the exclusive rights to the story, initially advised Trump to purchase it. Here is what Pecker said on the witness stand about the conversation: "'This story about Karen, since she's claiming that she has a relationship with you, should be taken off the market.' And Mr. Trump said, 'I don't normally  I don't buy stories because it always gets out.' And then I said, 'I still think you should buy the story.' And Mr. Trump said to me, 'I'll speak to Michael [Cohen], and he'll get back to you.'"

Trump exits the courtroom Donald Trump walks out of the courtroom as the jury in his criminal trial continues to deliberate at New York State Supreme Court in New York. (Justin Lane/Pool via Reuters) Following the read-back of testimony requested by the jury and their exit to continue deliberations, Trump, his legal team and some of his closest confidants also left the courtroom, heading to a holding room where they will have to wait to see what comes next.

Jury excused to continue deliberations With the read-back of testimony concluded and the judge having repeated his instructions on rendering a verdict, the jury left the courtroom to resume deliberations.

Jurors hear Michael Cohen's testimony about Trump Tower meeting The jury requested to rehear another portion of testimony concerning Michael Cohen's account of a meeting between himself, Trump and thenNational Enquirer publisher David Pecker in August 2015. It was at this meeting, both Cohen and Pecker testified, that the "catch and kill" agreement was hatched. Pecker testified that he told Trump he would keep an eye out for anything negative" and work to keep such stories from public view. Cohen corroborated that account.

Portions of David Pecker's testimony read to the jury David Pecker, in this courtroom sketch. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters) Court stenographers are rereading portions of testimony from David Pecker, the former National Enquirer publisher. Here's what he said when he took the stand during the trial: Pecker revealed a 2015 plan he reached with Trump to assist his presidential campaign The National Enquirer published negative stories about Trump's rivals that were fed to the publication by members of Trump's team The publication would buy the rights to a story to ensure it wouldn't be published, in an arrangement known as "catch and kill" Pecker spent $30,000 on a story that was ultimately fake because of the potential embarrassment it could've caused Trump

Court behind the scenes Trump sits in the courtroom on Thursday morning. (Michael M. Santiago/Pool via Reuters) Cameras are not allowed in court, but photographers are given a small window (less than a minute) each morning to take photos of Donald Trump once he enters the room. Yahoo News' David Artavia spoke to Spencer Platt of Getty Images about what that moment is like. It's kind of weird and awkward too, because the court gets really quiet. Its just the sound of cameras and jostling photographers. You can hear a pin drop," Platt said. Read more on the process of photographing Trump in his historic trial each morning here. Mark Peterson/Pool via Reuters

Jury has multiple requests in morning note In a note submitted this morning, the jury is asking for Judge Juan Merchan to reread his instruction on how it should consider facts and what it can infer based on the evidence presented, according to CNN. The jury also asked to hear the instructions related to the charges for count one, and requested headphones to use with an evidence laptop.

What to expect today Before deliberations kick off, Judge Juan Merchan is expected to reread instructions to the jury, which jurors had requested on Wednesday, according to the New York Times. The jury also asked to hear portions of testimony read back to them, so actual deliberations are expected to start in about an hour.

Court is back in session; jurors have sent a new note Court is back in session this morning, and Judge Juan Merchan said jurors have submitted a third note, according to reporters in the courthouse.

Trump's lawyers hoping for lengthy deliberations, hung jury: ABC News Donald Trump arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court, Thursday, May 30, 2024, in New York. (Seth Wenig/Pool via AP) As day one of jury deliberations wrapped up yesterday, Donald Trump's lawyers were reportedly happy court was dismissed without a verdict. Sources told ABC News that Trump's legal team believes the longer jurors deliberate, the more likely the case would lead to a hung jury. One person close to Trump's defense told the outlet: "We want chaos ... we want evidence of strong disagreements." ABC News reports: While it wouldn't be surprising to Trump's team for there to be a verdict Thursday, their hope is that deliberations will extend into next week as an indication there could be serious doubts among jury members that could result in a hung jury, the sources said.

Here's what happened on Wednesday Day one of jury deliberations in Trump's hush money trial ended without a verdict. But the 12 jurors on the panel that will decide whether Trump is guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records did get down to work. Here's a recap of what transpired: Before court resumed, Trump attacked Judge Juan Merchan and appeared to again violate his gag order by going after witness Michael Cohen. "Kangaroo court! A corrupt and conflicted judge," Trump wrote in all caps on Truth Social. "There was no crime, except for the bum that got caught stealing from me!" When court began, Merchan instructed the jury on how they should go about rendering a verdict in the case. "You and you alone are the judges of the facts," he said. Jurors should not "speculate about matters related to sentence or punishment," Merchan said, adding that he alone would be responsible for deciding those questions if Trump was found guilty. "If you are not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the charged crime, you must find the defendant not guilty," Merchan told the jury. Merchan then went over the specific charges Trump is facing. "A person is guilty of falsifying business records in the first degree when with intent to defraud, which includes the intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof, he makes or causes a false entry in the records of a business enterprise." He then sent the jury to begin their deliberations. After nearly four hours, the jury sent the court two notes. One requested that portions of the testimony be reread. The second asked the judge to repeat his instructions.

Judge dismisses jury for the day Judge Juan Merchan has dismissed the jury for the day. Jurors had been brought back into the courtroom to have testimony they requested reread, but the court had not finished compiling all of that material. Merchan advised them not to discuss the case or to read about it. And with that, the first day of deliberations ended without a verdict. Deliberations will pick back up again at 9:30 a.m. ET on Thursday.

Jurors return to courtroom The jury has returned to the courtroom to hear portions of the trial testimony read from the transcripts. Show more updates
The grocery giant has been a target of a May-long boycott started on Reddit, where many users vow to continue shunning the brand indefinitely

Loblaw chairman Galen Weston is frequently subjected to direct criticism by those taking part in the boycott. Over the years, hes taken a public-facing role, appearing in ad campaigns for the companys various in-house brands.

Boycotters of Loblaw-affiliated stores in Canada plan to extend their shunning of the country's largest grocery chain indefinitely as the discourse and impacts around the cost of living crisis intensifies. This, after a month-long boycott started on Reddit has yielded at least one major win: The Loblaw-owned No Frills stores plan to eliminate multi-buy discounts, which forces customers to purchase multiples of the same item in order to receive a discount.

The "Loblaws Is Out of Control" Reddit forum, started in November by Emily Johnson of Milton, Ont., now boasts 85,000 members. The group's reach has ballooned since they organized a May-long boycott of stores like Loblaws, No Frills, Zehrs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Maxi, Real Canadian Superstore and Dominion.

Boycott organizer: People don't understand 'drastic reach' of grocery giant Loblaw

Some Canadian users on Reddit have wondered why Loblaw and its affiliated stores became the target for the month-long May boycott when other major retailers like Sobeys or Metro also have retail footprints across the country, and also have been targets of customer ire over high prices.

Mental health and addictions worker Emily Johnson of Milton, Ont. started the Reddit forum and helped organize the boycott. She says Loblaws was targeted because of its range, which the grocery empire isnt shy about: "More than 90 per cent of Canadians live within 10 kilometres of the 2,400 Loblaw-affiliated" stores.

She says there are no plans to rotate grocery giants to boycott as organizers felt such a move might water down their efforts.

I dont think people understand the drastic reach particularly when you see folks popping up and saying 'I cant actually avoid Loblaw, theres only a Loblaws or an Atlantic Superstore or a Real Canadian Superstore or a Zehrs or a No Frills in my town,' she tells Yahoo Canada. Its that illusion of choice that gets to you.

Johnson says she is open to ongoing dialogue with Loblaw CEO Per Bank, who she met with earlier in the month. At that meeting, which she characterized as great, Johnson was told by Bank that the company would be removing multi-buy discounts from No Frills stores. That means customers won't have to buy multiples of the same item in order to receive a discount.

Its that illusion of choice that gets to you.

Personalization of Galen Weston as company face backfires

Loblaw chairman Galen Weston is frequently subjected to direct criticism by those taking part in the boycott on Reddit. Over the years, hes taken a public-facing role, appearing in ad campaigns for the companys various in-house brands.

Hes also been criticized and questioned by members of Parliament, whove pressed him and other grocery leaders in the House of Commons over allegations of profiteering in the grocery business, something he's denied. Weston also described the current boycott as "misguided."

Using a real person to publicly represent a giant corporation is a common branding strategy, says Brad Davis, associate professor of marketing at Wilfrid Laurier University. Its a way for big institutions to feel less impersonal, though its a move that can backfire.

The problem is you also become a little bit of a target, he says. When you personalize the brand, and people feel the brand betrays you, it becomes a personal betrayal. Its a little easier to focus a sense of resentment or a sense of betrayal against a person than it is a faceless institution.

Davis suspects Weston will be kept as the face of the brand, which continues to be successful, but will keep a low profile for now.

Maybe some of the advertising [will] phase him out personally but keep the tone of Loblaws as family oriented and caring about customers, he says. I wouldnt be surprised if his profile is reduced somewhat for a while but what theyre saying as a brand will probably stay where it is.

When you personalize the brand, and people feel the brand betrays you, it becomes a personal betrayal.

What's next for the Loblaws boycott?

As for the future, members of the forum on Reddit voted to extend the boycott indefinitely. Johnson says they are also shifting focus to education and advocacy efforts. Plans include organizing Ask Me Anything threads with professors of economics and business, letter-writing campaigns to spread awareness and educating consumers about foods that are available during different seasons.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  The Raleigh County Veterans Museum is finding a new home.

Honoring those lost: The meaning of Memorial Day

They are relocating to the old State Police Barracks in Beckley.

The Raleigh County Veterans Museums original goal was to host a soft-open by Memorial Day, but they are taking their time to make some major additions.

Raleigh County Veterans Museum President, Ron Hedrick told 59News, We want people to be able to come in from the public and remember what it used to look like and see how nice we made it into a museum and how you transform a building into something thats going to serve this community now in a different way. But honor the history of the building, the history of the veterans, and also our new addition will be all the first responders.

Woman cycles across the states to support veterans

The new Veterans Museum is set to open new displays, a theater, and they are bringing along the 20-foot-long model West Virginia battleship to their new location.

Not only are they opening up their space to honor local first responders, but they also intend to continue their service to veterans as well.

Were going to offer the space for other organizations out there so that they can have a space to come and meet and stuff. Theres a lot of organizations that deal with veterans and other community things that dont actually have a home, and we want to make that building not just a museum but a home that they can come and still serve the community with what they do. added Hedrick.

Governor Jim Justice orders U.S. and State flags flown at half-staff on Memorial Day

Hedrick also told 59News that the new Veterans Museum location is set to host their soft open by late June.

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 WVNS.
A look inside the big bucks and key players in Idahos 2024 primary election spending

Residents take part in the voting process for the primary election on May 21, 2024, at Hillcrest High School in Idaho Falls

Residents take part in the voting process for the primary election on May 21, 2024, at Hillcrest High School in Idaho Falls. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

On May 21, Idahoans cast their ballots in one of the states most expensive primary elections.

According to campaign finance records as of May 21, Idaho legislative candidates raised more than $4.6 million to their campaigns, including individual reports of donations that exceed $1,000.

That is almost a million dollars more than what candidates had raised three weeks ago.

With all the money involved in Idaho politics, here is a breakdown of the top 10 candidates who ran for Idaho House of Representatives and Idaho Senate who raised the most money during the primary election:

These PACS were the major players in Idahos primary election

In addition to the surge in campaign funds Idahos legislative candidates received, political action committees operating in Idaho, or PACS, spent nearly $3.5 million ahead of the primary election.

But two political action committees in particular stand out for spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to campaign in favor of certain Republican candidates.

Click here to see the results of Tuesdays primary election.

First, the Citizens Alliance of Idaho, a group based in North Idaho  spent nearly $400,000 campaigning in favor and against legislative candidates.

Below is a list of candidates the PAC spent money on to campaign in favor of and against:

Supported: Julianne Young, Glenneda Zuiderveld, Scott Herndon, Bryan Smith, Jacyn Gallagher, Brian Lenney, Cornel Rasor, Tammy Nichols, Chris Trakel, Lucas Cayler, Jarome Bell, Josh Keyser, Brenda Bourn, Tina Lambert, Clint Hostetler, Joshua Kohl, David Leavitt, Lyle Johnstone, Kally Schiffler, Kirk Jackson, James Lamborn, Karey Hanks, Kelly Golden, Brett Skidmore, Douglas Toomer, Elaine Price, Kyle Harris, Larry Dunn, Christy Zito, Rob Beiswenger, Faye Thompson, Brandon Shippy

Out of those the PAC supported, Young, Herndon, Smith, Gallagher, Trakel, Bell, Bourn, Lambert, Johnstone, Schiffler, Jackson, Lamborn, Hanks, Golden, Skidmore, Toomer, and Dunn lost their races.

Opposed: Mark Sauter, Lori McCann, Kenny Wroten, Julie Yamamoto

Out of those the PAC opposed, Wroten and Yamamoto lost their races.

According to its website, the Citizens Alliance of Idaho prioritizes the right to self defense, medical freedom and privacy, election integrity and education freedom.

Campaign finance records show the Idaho PAC received money from two entities: Citizens Alliance Political Action Committee Inc., a federal PAC registered with the Federal Election Commission; and Doyle Beck, an Idaho Falls resident who serves as a legislative district chair for the Bonneville County Republican Party and sits on the board of directors for the Idaho Freedom Foundation, a far-right lobbying organization.

Beck donated $10,000 to the Idaho committee while the federal PAC donated $390,000 it.

No other donors to the Citizens Alliance of Idaho, besides Beck, came from Idaho. Records on the Federal Election Commission website show the remaining 25 donors of the federal version of the PAC came from Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Maine and California  giving amounts ranging from $500 to $100,000.

The second PAC that stands out is the Idaho Federation for Children, which spent $303,000 of its funds on printing materials and media advertising to campaign in favor and against the following candidates:

Supported: Julie VanOrden, Wendy Horman, Chuck Winder, David Cannon

Opposed: Kenny Wroten, Melissa Durant, Richard Cheatum

VanOrden, Horman, Cannon and Cheatum won their races in the primary election, while Winder, Wroten and Durant lost their races. All of these candidates are incumbents.

According to the political committees website, its main issue revolves around school choice, or using public funds to subsidize private school tuition.

Despite its name, campaign finance records on the Idaho Secretary of States website show none of the committees money came from Idaho.

All $400,000 of the contributions the Idaho PAC received ahead of the primary came from the American Federation for Childrens Victory Fund, a Dallas-based national super PAC dedicated to spending money to support lawmakers in favor of using taxpayer dollars to support private education and to oppose those who dont.

That amount is double what the federal PAC gave to the Idaho Federation for Children during the 2022 primary, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported.

According to campaign finance records on the Federal Election Commission website, some of the American Federation for Childrens Victory Funds top donors include Jeff Yass, a billionaire TikTok investor and the richest person in Pennsylvania; and former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

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The post A look inside the big bucks and key players in Idahos 2024 primary election spending appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun.
Lost Caravaggio goes on display after almost being sold at auction for just $1,600

A lost Caravaggio painting that was almost mistakenly sold at auction for a bargain price has gone on display at the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain, after being rescued and restored.

Ecce Homo, which was painted by the Italian master around 1606-09, will feature in a special one-piece exhibition from Tuesday, according to a statement from the museum.

The oil on canvas work depicts Jesus wearing a crown of thorns with blood running down his face and onto his chest. In front of him to the left is Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor in Judea, while a third figure stands behind Jesus holding a red robe over his shoulders.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, better known simply as Caravaggio, is known for his visceral depictions of violence.

A photographer taking a picture of "Ecce Homo." - Susana Vera/Reuters

Caravaggio painted Ecce Homo toward the end of his life when he had fled Rome, accused of murder, and was living in exile in Naples, where his work underwent a marked shift in style, becoming darker and more somber.

The painting is one of around only 60 known works by Caravaggio in existence, and thus one of the most valuable old master artworks in the world, said the museum.

Formerly part of King Philip IVs art collection, the painting was passed on to the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, which then exchanged it for another artwork with a politician named Evaristo Perez de Castro in 1823, according to the museum.

It then remained in the same family, but its significance went unnoticed until it surfaced at auction house Ansorena in April 2021 with a starting price of 1,500 euros ($1,600), attributed to a pupil of Spanish painter Jose de Ribera.

Experts from the Prado Museum highlighted the misattribution to Spains Ministry of Culture, which placed an export ban on the work and declared it a national treasure, Jorge Coll, CEO of Colnaghi Gallery in Madrid, which has had the painting in its care since its real origin came to light, told CNN on Tuesday.

Coll then coordinated the authentication of the work by leading experts, as well its restoration, before it was sold to the current owner. Coll told CNN that he cannot reveal the identity of the buyer or the purchase price for legal reasons.

The painting represents one of the greatest discoveries in the history of art, inspiring an unprecedented speed of consensus around its authentication, said the museum.

It has also been restored in an informed and rigorous manner, reads the statement.

Ecce Homo will be displayed at the Prado Museum until October 13.

Both the previous owner and the buyer were keen for the painting to go on public display at the Prado, said Coll.

It means the world, he said. Everybody has to go and see it.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
This article was originally published in Louisiana Illuminator.

Children who ride school buses without climate control will have to continue to endure Louisianas extreme heat and occasional cold snaps. State legislators shelved legislation last week to require buses to have heating and air conditioning throughout the vehicles.

The Louisiana House of Representatives voted 56-43 to kill Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Sen. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, that would have mandated climate control measures on all buses serving public schools by 2032.

House Republicans, mostly representing rural areas, said their school districts would not be able to afford such a requirement.

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This is an unfunded mandate that a lot of school boards just cannot bear, Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, said.

Louisianas school year begins in August, when the heat index can regularly exceed 100 degrees. Many public school systems do not have air conditioning on all of their buses, according to a legislative fiscal analysis.

Only two of 44 school buses in Calcasieu Parish have air conditioning, and they are used specifically for special education students. Just a third of the school buses in East Baton Rouge Parish and 79 of 278 school buses in Rapides Parish have air conditioning.

Some jurisdictions  including Baton Rouge, Jefferson Ouachita, Tangipahoa and Morehouse parishes  recently used federal grants to purchase new buses with air conditioning. Ascension, Lafayette and Grant parishes also paid this year to air condition their fleets.

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State law already requires school buses to be replaced once they reach 25 years old. Purchasing a new bus costs between $50,000 and $200,000, legislative staff said. Heating and air conditioning on a bus increases its cost by $10,000 to $15,000, according to the Louisiana Department of Education.

My poor little town is broker than the Ten Commandments, said Rep. Dewith Carrier, R-Oakdale, who opposed the legislation.

Other legislators said the state needs to be concerned more about the health and welfare of school children.

Let me ask this question: Who serving in this House doesnt have air conditioning in their car? said Rep. Robby Carter, D-Greensburg, during House floor debate on the legislation. We get it for ourselves. Why not get it for our kids?

Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com. Follow Louisiana Illuminator on Facebook and Twitter.
Gov. Spencer Cox gives remarks during a Memorial Day commemoration at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday. | Marielle Scott, Deseret News

Memorial Day isnt just about picnics, relaxation and sun for John Jackman.

Significantly, it brings to mind military comrades who have died while serving the United States, the focus of the day, and generates a tinge of sorrow. "I'm still torn up that I'm here and they're there," he said.

It also reinforces his sentiments toward the United States and the importance of serving the country.

"The most important thing I can tell you is I love my country," said the U.S. Air Force and Vietnam War veteran. "I love my country."

Jackman and maybe 200 others gathered Monday at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake for a ceremony to mark Memorial Day, with Gov. Spencer Cox  the main speaker  offering a message similar to Jackman's focused on the importance of service.

Cox lauded the service of those who have died fighting for the nation, noting the story of four Borgstrom brothers from Thatcher in Box Elder County. Four of five military-age brothers in the family died within six months of each other in 1944 while serving in the war, and Cox took part in a Memorial Day ceremony earlier Monday in Tremonton, near Thatcher, focusing on them.

"They gave their lives for America, this country, for all of us as Americans," Cox said in the Salt Lake City address. A memorial at a cemetery honoring the Borgstrom brothers was dedicated as part of the Tremonton event.

Cox also sounded a message about sacrifice and the importance of serving the nation without regard to political ideology.

A 21-gun salute is performed during the Memorial Day commemoration at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday. | Marielle Scott, Deseret News

"When we serve, something magical happens ... we stop caring about the political persuasions of our neighbors and we just start caring about our neighbors," he said. "I think service is what makes America different and great."

Service and patriotism, moreover, don't just have to be about the military, he said.

"Patriotism is about building our communities and making them better and, if called upon, being willing to give our life for this idea," Cox said. "I hope that every one of us is willing to die for the idea of America. But if not called upon to give our lives, it's my prayer that we will wear out our lives giving back to this place that has given us so much."

U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, also addressed the crowd at Monday's event, held on the south steps of the Utah Capitol. She noted that similar sorts of ceremonies are occurring around the country. "We're still united as a country when it comes to the things that truly matter and this is one of the things that truly matters," she said.

Community members salute as the National Anthem is played during the Memorial Day commemoration at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday. | Marielle Scott, Deseret News

Monday's crowd included military veterans wearing hats noting their branch of service and the wars they fought in, parents with children and others.

For Jackman, the day reminds him of fellow service members who died while serving in the Vietnam War. "They were good guys, every one of them," he said.

In particular, he recalled a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which features the names of service members who died in the war. "An hour of that and I went to pieces," Jackman said.

Tom Bacca, of Taylorsville, a U.S. Navy and Korean War veteran, offered similar sentiments. Memorial Day, he said, is about "honoring the fallen, the heroes."

For Bob Souter of Park City, also a U.S. Navy and Korean War veteran, his military service is central to his identity. I just appreciate every day Im alive that I got to serve my country, he said.
ROME, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. accusing of China's "overcapacity" is actually an act of trade protectionism, a former Italian ambassador to China has said.

"'Overcapacity' is an empty label. It is well known that China is not producing goods beyond the market's capacity to absorb," said Alberto Bradanini.

"The United States (U.S.) uses this as a pretext to initiate a trade war against China, which in itself is an act of trade protectionism," added Bradanini, now chairman of the Contemporary China Study Center in Italy, in an interview with Xinhua on Monday.

Bradanini said that the real purpose of the U.S. is to support its domestic industries through trade protectionism, especially key industries such as new energy vehicles and solar panels. Besides, the U.S. aims to prevent China's development, as China has become the "biggest competitor" in the eyes of the U.S.

"For this reason, the U.S. is undoubtedly exerting pressure on Europe through mechanisms such as the Group of Seven (G7), urging Europe to follow its lead," Bradanini said. "Under U.S. pressure, it is challenging but still very possible for China and Europe to maintain friendship and cooperation."

Bradanini called for European politicians to remain clear-headed, increase autonomy, and not be easily influenced by the United States.

He emphasized that China and Europe should strengthen cooperation despite U.S. pressure. "We hope China to continue to communicate with different European countries and invest widely across Europe. As both sides promote closer China-Europe relations like an intertwined network, the U.S. pressure will be ineffective," Bradanini said. 
A rendering of what rooms will look like at Monarch Manor northwest of Columbia. (Provided/Transitions Homeless Center)

COLUMBIA  A six-figure donation from a Columbia church will help with renovations at Transitions Homeless Centers new apartments for older adults and veterans with disabilities.

All told, the apartment complex will provide permanent homes for 55 eligible people for a low-cost rental fee. The first of three buildings, slated to open in late summer, will include 11 apartments and an adult daycare. The nonprofit has yet to announce the timeline or cost for the remaining apartments.

Once were done, well have (the units) filled within a week, Gavin Brown, Transitions vice president of advancement, told the SC Daily Gazette on Tuesday. Theres that big of a need.

The apartments will all comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including ramps instead of stairs and showers with seats and grab bars. The first residents will be people who have federal housing vouchers and can afford the reduced rent but cannot find an apartment that suits their health needs, Brown said.

We have options for people who are ambulatory, Brown said. The goal of this is that we reduce trips and falls.

Eastminster Presbyterian Churchs $100,000 donation will help with $5.5 million in renovations to the building. So far, Transitions has raised $2.6 million, on top of the $2.3 million it spent to buy the former office building northwest of downtown Columbia, Brown said.

We pray the support we are able to provide will have a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and seniors facing homelessness in our community, the church on Trenholm Road in Columbia said in a statement.

The hope is that other churches will follow suit after seeing Eastminster donate, Transitions CEO Craig Currey said in a release.

Their significant contribution will help the elderly and disabled while also encouraging other churches to give to this worthwhile effort, he said.

Most of the people who came to Transitions last year  56%  had a chronic health issue or disability, according to the nonprofits most recent annual report. Of the 1,316 people who stayed at the Midlands largest shelter last year, 9% were veterans and 17% were 62 or older. Those categories are not mutually exclusive, meaning one person could fall in all three.

Adults 50 and older are the fastest-growing age group without housing nationwide, according to a report commissioned by the federal Office of Behavioral Health, Disability, and Aging Policy.

They make up nearly half of the nations homeless, according to the report released last fall, and their numbers are expected to triple by 2030. Many of them are living on fixed incomes that dont cover all of their expenses, particularly housing costs, the report found.

At the same time, the country has a shortage of affordable housing units. And many of the affordable apartments offered are not accessible for people with disabilities, such as those who use wheelchairs or walkers, Brown told the SC Daily Gazette.

While Transitions Monarch Manor apartments will not have as many resources as the homeless shelter, it will have at least one case worker to help connect people to aid such as grocery benefits, Brown said.

Along with helping get people into permanent housing, the new apartment complex will free up crucial space for more people at Transitions existing facilities downtown, allowing the center to help more homeless people find permanent solutions, according to a news release.

The apartment complex will also offer an adult daycare, run through Prisma Healths SeniorCare Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, also known as PACE.

Transitions already runs an adult daycare, but SeniorCare PACE will offer additional services, including transportation, medical care and recreational therapy, according to the hospital systems website. People will be able to drop off their adult relatives who need extra care during the day, allowing them to go to work or run errands.

Its a good fit for us, Brown said.

Gov. Henry McMasters budget proposal for the coming fiscal year included putting $10 million toward a new Columbia hub for homeless services, at the request of Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. The idea involved Transitions and Oliver Gospel, the citys two primary nonprofits serving homeless people, moving out of their downtown buildings.

Legislators said no. Neither the House nor Senate put any money into the project in their separate spending plans.

The post Low-cost apartments for SC homeless veterans, disabled adults opening this summer appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
Low turnout, added costs and Jim Crow roots: why does NC still have runoff elections?

North Carolina spent millions of dollars this month to organize and execute runoffs from the primary elections, a relic of the Jim Crow era that most states do not have.

Originally intended to decrease the likelihood of Black candidates winning elections, according to an expert on North Carolina politics, runoffs allow the top two vote-getters in a primary to essentially get a rematch if neither candidate reaches a certain threshold of votes.

When this happens in statewide races, as it did this year in Republican primaries for lieutenant governor and auditor, every county in the state must quickly organize another election to figure out which candidate will go to the general.

But turnout in these races is low, theyre not cheap to organize and most states dont even bother doing them  so why do we?

Why does North Carolina have runoff elections?

North Carolina is one of only nine states that conduct runoffs in primary elections, most of which are in the South.

Its like RC Cola and boiled peanuts  you dont find it north of the Mason-Dixon line, Chris Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University, said.

Other states that have runoffs include Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and South Dakota  one of the only non-Southern states to have them.

Cooper said that runoff elections in North Carolina emerged from the Jim Crow era of the American South, where the conservative Democratic Party dominated general elections  making primaries the most important competition.

In crowded Democratic primaries, the white vote could get split between several candidates, giving Black candidates a greater chance of winning. To avoid this, lawmakers implemented runoffs, Cooper said.

They thought, Hey, if we get another crack at this thing, we can basically coalesce our votes around the single White candidate, he said.

Since then, most states that adopted runoffs have kept them as part of their electoral system.





How do runoffs work?

In most states that have them, runoffs are triggered instantly if no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote. But North Carolinas runoff requirements are entirely unique.

Here, a runoff can be called if no candidate wins more than 30% of the vote  but it doesnt happen automatically. The second-place candidate has to request a runoff to set the wheels in motion.

The decision to ask for that primary is an important one, Cooper said. ... Its an important one for your opponent, important one for the people you represent and an important one for the taxpayers in North Carolina.

North Carolinas runoff threshold was originally 50%, but it has been gradually lowered, with lawmakers reducing it to 30% in 2017.

As the threshold has been reduced, runoffs have become less common  and turnout has remained extremely low.

This month, less than 3% of eligible voters participated in the second primary.

Speaking to reporters earlier this month, House Speaker Tim Moore said he didnt know of a good alternative to runoffs, but that turnout was abysmal.

Certainly having a second primary where the turnout is anemic  its just not a good way to do it, he said.

Sen. Paul Newton, chair of the Senate Elections Committee, told The News & Observer the committee hadnt discussed reforming runoffs, but he was potentially open to the idea.

What are the consequences of runoff elections?

Runoff elections dont necessarily have the same racial impact now that they did when first implemented, but they do often have notable consequences for elections.

In a study of North Carolina runoff elections from 2010-2022, Cooper and political scientist Michael Bitzer found that runoffs resulted in new winners 38% of the time.

Several notable figures in state politics owe their wins or losses to the fact that North Carolina has runoff elections.

The scandal-plagued former U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn would never have made it to Congress if the state had stopped after his first primary in 2020, in which he lost to Lynda Bennett by a few thousand votes.

And state Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger Jr. would have been elected to Congress instead of the high court if not for the fact that he won only 34% of the vote when he placed first in a 2014 primary.

At that time, the threshold to win outright was 40%, so his opponent, Mark Walker, called for a runoff and won.

The legislature  which is led in the Senate by Berger Jr.s father  lowered the threshold to 30% a few years later.

Runoffs also present an additional financial burden for the state.

The State Board of Elections doesnt collect data on the amount spent by each county to conduct runoff elections, so there isnt an estimate on how much was spent statewide to conduct runoffs this month.

However, the states largest county, Wake, allocated $1.3 million to the Board of Elections to conduct the second primary, according to the boards communications officer, Marcus Thompson.

Alternatives to the runoff system

The most common alternative to a runoff is to accept whichever candidate wins a plurality of votes as the winner. With a plurality system, there is no vote threshold a candidate must reach to win  they only have to get more votes than every other candidate.

In crowded primaries, this could mean that a candidate who won only 10% of the vote could still win, so long as every other candidate got less than that.

Most states use a plurality system to determine the winners in primary elections.

Another alternative is ranked choice voting, also called an instant runoff.

In a ranked choice voting system, voters can rank all candidates in a race in order of their preference. If no candidate wins a majority of votes in the first round, then voters second- and third-choice votes can be counted without them having to return to the polls.

Moore told reporters hes not a fan of ranked choice voting, saying it could lead to people winning elections without earning a substantial share of the vote.

Capitol Bureau Chief Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan contributed to this report.

NC Reality Check is an N&O series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com
DENVER (KDVR)  Colorado Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera was released from the hospital on Monday after she was admitted Wednesday night.

According to the Colorado Governors Office, Primavera returned home Monday after being treated for an arm infection.

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While I had different plans in mind for Memorial Day weekend, Im grateful for the doctors, nurses, and staff who provided me with incredible care during my treatment for an unexpected infection, Primavera said in a press release Monday. I came home today in good spirits and filled with gratitude.

Thank you for all the well wishes and to the many dedicated health care professionals statewide who continually answer the call to serve their community. Im looking forward to continuing my work alongside Governor Polis to ensure that all Coloradans have access to high quality and affordable healthcare, Primavera said.

Gov. Jared Polis previously called his lieutenant governor one of the strongest and toughest people I know, and said on Thursday that she had plans to continue working in the hospital.

We are all glad that Dianne is recovering at home and know shell be back stronger than ever, said Polis in a release.

Among other responsibilities, Primavera leads the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, the Office of eHealth Innovation, the Colorado Disability Funding Committee and Disability Policy, the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, Serve Colorado and Aerospace and Defense.

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.
Lukashenko wants to strengthen propaganda in Belarus because he doesn't believe in independent media

Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, at a meeting with local media, called for increased propaganda and said that independent media and democratic values are just talk.

Source: Belarusian state-owned news outlet BelTA

Quote from Lukashenko: "We need to strengthen propaganda and counter-propaganda, ideological work. I want young journalists to learn this. There is no need to be shy about such words and concepts."

Details: Lukashenko claimed that the concepts of propaganda and PR are one and the same. "The essence is the same. So let them work with public opinion on their territory," Lukashenko said.

Lukashenko also said he "should not be fed with talk about allegedly independent media and democratic values".

He began to lie about the West allegedly persecuting and closing media outlets that do not agree with the actions of the authorities, and journalists being "thrown into prison". At the same time, Lukashenko did not name any specific cases, although he stated that "there are many examples of such actions".

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Macron calls for more optimism in Europe at end of Germany visit

French President Emmanuel Macron (L), of France, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier walk through the park of Wilkinghege Castle. Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. David Inderlied/dpa

French President Emmanuel Macron called for more optimism and drive in Europe after receiving the Peace of Westphalia Award at the end of his three-day state visit to Germany on Tuesday.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who presented the award, praised the French Prime Minister as a "passionate European" and thanked him for his affection for neighbouring Germany.

Macron is to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for talks in the government guest house in Schloss Meseberg north of Berlin later in the afternoon, focusing on European competition policy and cooperation in defence.

Steinmeier: Macron is a 'doer'

Steinmeier praised Macron as a driving force behind European development and Franco-German friendship during his speech in Munster, where Macron was awarded the International Award of the Peace of Westphalia.

"You are not just a doer, you are an encourager. Where others speak of borders, you speak of horizons," Steinmeier said.

Steinmeier drew particular attention to Macron's plea for a common European security policy, common European defence and joint action on internal security.

Macron had invoked European sovereignty long before Russia launched its attack on Ukraine in 2022, the German president said. "A Europe that defends its interests proactively and independently - politically, technologically and militarily."

More optimism

Macron has called for more optimism and drive in Europe. "I believe we need to be more optimistic," he said in his acceptance speech.

"Being optimistic as Europeans means being sure that Europe is the right answer." This refers to the major current challenges such as the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis and the threat to democracy.

"We are too divided, too slow and too timid in Europe, that is the reality," said Macron. The EU needs to simplify processes, act faster and invest more, he said. Europeans need to join forces on security and defence and establish joint armed forces, according to Macron.

The European states would also only have a chance of overcoming the climate crisis and developing future technologies and artificial intelligence together and not on their own, also in the face of competition from China and the United States, he said.

Franco-German relationship

The Franco-German relationship has been problematic over the past two years of the Scholz government, with differences over Ukraine and over economic links with the United States and China.

While Macron has called for greater European autonomy and measures to protect the European economy from US and Chinese competition, Scholz has maintained Germany's traditional Transatlantic posture and sought to retain German access to Chinese markets.

Scholz has also been deeply sceptical of Macron's suggestion that European ground troops might become involved in the Ukraine War.

Competitive EU

In a joint article in the Financial Times published on Monday, Scholz and Macron called for a competitiveness agenda to be at the centre of the EU's next five-year term after the European elections in June.

Europe must be a strong global industrial and technological leader and at the same time realise its goal of making the EU the first climate-neutral continent, according to the article.

In order to fulfil these ambitions, the EU needs "more innovation, more single market, more investment, more level playing field and less bureaucracy." Together, they will work to strengthen the EU's sovereignty and reduce critical dependencies, the leaders wrote.

Scholz and Macron called for the EU's technological capabilities to be strengthened by promoting cutting-edge research and innovation as well as the necessary infrastructure.

One of Europe's greatest strengths is the single market, which enables companies to develop innovative products and services, grow and compete while ensuring high standards, they wrote.

"We have to make full use of and significantly accelerate existing EU instruments, from important projects of common European interest to the role of public procurement, considering a more strategic approach in relevant sectors, and to modernise our competition rules in view of global competitiveness," the leaders wrote.

Peace protest

Peace activists were planning a protest in Munster to demonstrate against arms deliveries to Ukraine, and anti-nuclear protestors are to demonstrate against France's plans to expand its nuclear power stations.

"We are counting on several hundred participants," police spokesman Jan Schabacker said ahead of the ceremony. But he added that police were expecting the protests to pass off peacefully.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks in the ballroom of Muenster's historic town hall during the award ceremony for the International Peace of Westphalia Prize. Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, speaks in the ballroom of Muenster's historic town hall at the award ceremony for the International Peace of Westphalia Prize. French President Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L), sits next to Annalena Baerbock (R), Germany's Foreign Minister, opposite Emmanuel Macron, France's President, at the working session at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the Germany's Government's guest house. Michael Kappeler/dpa-Pool/dpa

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke out in favour of allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons to attack Russian positions on Russian territory, as the question was discussed elsewhere in Europe.

"We think that we should allow them to neutralise the military sites from which the missiles are fired and basically the military sites from which Ukraine is attacked," Macron said on Tuesday after talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz near Berlin.

"We should not allow other targets in Russia to be hit, civilian capacities of course, or other military targets," he added.

"Ukrainian soil is de facto being attacked from bases located in Russia. How do you explain to the Ukrainians that they must protect their cities?" said Macron. "If you tell them: 'You must not reach the point from which the missiles are fired, then you are basically saying: We are supplying you with weapons, but you must not defend yourselves."

Macron also showed a map of the current frontline in Ukraine and underlined that France does not want any further escalation.

Scholz emphasised that Ukraine had every option under international law for what it was doing. "We have to say this explicitly: it is under attack and can defend itself."

The use of the weapons supplied by the US, France and Germany is subject to compliance with international law, he said. "This has worked well in practice so far and will certainly continue to do so," Scholz said.

Germany and other countries have linked the transfer of weapons to Ukraine to strict conditions for their use, stipulating they may not be used to attack targets in Russia, fearing otherwise NATO could otherwise become a party to the war.

However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently proposed lifting restrictions on Ukrainian attacks.

Emmanuel Macron, France's President, shows a graphic on the attack on Ukraine at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa
Macron to meet Scholz at climax of three-day state visit to Germany

French President Emmanuel Macron takes part in an event at the French embassy in Berlin. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

French President Emmanuel Macron is to hold talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday on the final day of his three-day state visit to Germany, along with government ministers from both countries.

The talks are to centre on European competition policy and cooperation in defence.

Before the talks, being held in the government guest house in Schloss Meseberg north of Berlin, Macron is to be awarded the International Peace of Westphalia Prize in the western city of Munster.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to speak at the ceremony in the Munster City Hall, marking the formal end to Macron's state visit, the first by a French president in 24 years.

The talks in Meseberg pick up the political aspects of the Franco-German relationship, which has been problematic over the past two years of the Scholz government, with differences over Ukraine and over economic links with the United States and China.

While Macron has called for greater European autonomy and measures to protect the European economy from US and Chinese competition, Scholz has maintained Germany's traditional transatlantic posture and sought to retain German access to Chinese markets.

Scholz has also been deeply sceptical of Macron's suggestion that European ground troops might become involved in the Ukraine War.

Peace activists are planning a protest in Munster to demonstrate against arms deliveries to Ukraine, and anti-nuclear protestors are to demonstrate against France's plans to expand its nuclear power stations.

"We are counting on several hundred participants," police spokesman Jan Schabacker said ahead of the ceremony. But he added that police were expecting the protests to pass off peacefully.
Macron says he will meet Zelenskyy in Normandy on 6 June

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend festivities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied forces' arrival in Normandy on 6 June, says French President Emmanuel Macron.

Source: Macron at a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on during his trip to Germany on 28 May, writes AFP, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Macron confirmed Zelenskyy's visit to France next week while speaking with reporters.

Quote: "I will have the opportunity, when President Zelenskyy goes to France next week for ceremonies on the occasion of the Allied Landing Day in Normandy, to welcome him and then discuss very explicitly what we are going to do [to support Ukraine]," Macron said.

The Ukrainian side did not confirm Zelenskyy's trip to France, despite media reports that it was definitely planned.

Last month, it was reported that France had invited a Kremlin representative, but not Vladimir Putin, to attend ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Allied mission in France on 6 June, 1944, widely known as the D-Day. This raised the potential of a Russian government official meeting with European leaders and US President Joe Biden.

The decision sparked an uproar among some European countries because Russia has been fighting a full-scale war against Ukraine for more than two years, but the Normandy measures are intended to commemorate the Allies' collective sacrifice in World War II for the preservation of democracy.

It is worth noting that the USSR did not directly participate in the Allies' landing in Normandy on 6 June 1944 despite still being part of the anti-Hitlerite coalition.

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Emmanuel Macron, France's President, shows a graphic on the attack on Ukraine at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

French President Emmanuel Macron aims to present a plan in the coming week on a possible deployment of French military trainers to Ukraine, as Kiev seeks to fend off Russia's attacks.

Macron plans to do so during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Normandy to commemorate the Allied landings in World War II, he said.

He will "speak very precisely at that time to announce what we are going to do," Macron said, referring to "uncoordinated and unfortunate communication" on the issue beforehand.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov had said late Monday that negotiations with Paris on the issue were ongoing.

Hours earlier, the Ukrainian military's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said it was a done deal and France would begin training Ukrainian army personnel.

Kiev has been asking since February that Ukrainian soldiers no longer be sent abroad for training, but instead be trained in their own country, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.

Ukrainian soldiers have been receiving training in France and other European countries for some time but there has been much recent discussion of the possibility of sending Western military trainers to the war zone to provide more effective support for the Ukrainian army, though no official programmes have been established.

Macron also raised the possibility of sending ground troops to Ukraine earlier this year, sparking debate among Kiev's Western allies.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa
Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives Puan Maharani in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with Speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives Puan Maharani on Tuesday in Beijing.

Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Indonesia relations have opened a new chapter in jointly building a community with a shared future.

China is ready to work with Indonesia to consolidate political mutual trust, deepen cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges, Wang said, adding that the CPPCC National Committee is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Indonesian side to better serve both the development of their respective countries and bilateral ties.

Indonesia firmly abides by the one-China principle and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in various fields such as economy, culture and climate change, and jointly cope with various challenges and promote world peace and stability, Maharani said, adding that Indonesia's House of Representatives is willing to strengthen exchanges with China and contribute to the development of bilateral relations. 

Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives Puan Maharani in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling has shared another health update amid her ongoing cancer battle.

The relationship expert was diagnosed with colon cancer at the end of last year and has since undergone surgery and chemotherapy, updating fans on her health along the way.

Candidly discussing the challenges of going through chemo during a new interview with OK! Magazine, Mel revealed that she's "about halfway through and it's getting hard".



Channel 4

Related: MAFS UK's Mel Schilling promises 'relatable and down-to-earth' 2024 cast

"Feeling fatigued and nauseous is a bigger part of my everyday life. It feels like I'm hungover or pregnant every day, which is not fun," she said.

"In true 'me' fashion, the day we moved was the day I started chemotherapy  I don't do things by halves," added Mel, who recently relocated from Australia to the UK with her husband Gareth and daughter Maddie.

"It's been a tricky time as I've been adjusting to going through that and moving house. But Gareth has been doing most of the move so I'm very lucky he's happy to pick up the slack."

Red Arrow/Nine - Channel 4

Related: MAFS Australia's Mel Schilling calls out "absolutely abhorrent" cast members

The reality star has continued to work while going through treatment, which she said has had a positive impact on her mental health.

"I've had to adjust my work schedule so the chemotherapy isn't near when I'm filming something  I like to make the most of my energy," she shared.

"Working is so important to me, and while it does take energy from me, it gives me energy too  I get so much out of my work and I need it. If I had to sit on the couch and watch TV all day I'd probably go crazy. So I'm juggling not just my physical health but my mental health too."

Married at First Sight UK airs on E4 in the UK. Married at First Sight Australia airs on Nine Network in Australia and E4 in the UK.

Interested in talking about Married at First Sight? Visit our dedicated sub-forum



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Former Trump White House attorney Ty Cobb believes that Donald Trump can expect a guilty verdict in his New York hush money-trial.

I expect a GUILTY verdict, but only because the jury instructions as urged by the DA and adopted by the judge, over strenuous and well founded defense objections, virtually require conviction, Cobb told Semafor Tuesday.

In order to find Trump guilty of felony-level falsification of business documents, the jurors must unanimously agree that he did so in order to further an underlying or separate crime. But last week, against the best efforts of Trumps legal team, Judge Juan Merchan ruled that the jury will not necessarily need to agree on what those separate or underlying crimes are.

I reach this legal conclusion because of my long experience as a federal prosecutor and white collar defense lawyer, my reverence for the rule of law, and despite my view that Trump remains the greatest threat to Democracy in our nations history, Cobb said.

The former White House attorney also expects the jury to deliver its verdict by the end of the weekassuming the deliberations follow an old rule of thumb.

Jury deliberations are always difficult to predict, of course, but one marginally useful rule of thumb is assume one day for each week of trial, Cobb explained. Here even though there were five weeks of evidence, they were short weeks due to the Court not sitting on Wednesdays and to other days or partial days off. So think of it as 4 weeks of evidence. If the jury begins deliberations Tuesday afternoon, expect a verdict no later than Friday afternoon.

Trump is accused of using his former fixer Michael Cohen to sweep an affair with porn star Stormy Daniels under the rug ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The Republican presidential nominee faces 34 felony charges in this case for allegedly falsifying business records with the intent to further an underlying crime. Trump has pleaded not guilty on all counts.
7 injured after major explosion in eastern Ohio

Several injuries have been reported after a major explosion in Youngstown Tuesday afternoon.

Around 3:30 p.m. Youngstowns fire department posted on social media Please AVOID downtown Youngstown. Major explosion from possible natural gas leak with injuries.

>> PHOTOS: Several injured after major explosion in eastern Ohio

Seven people are receiving treatment related to the explosion at Mercy Health, with one patient in critical condition, a Mercy Health spokesperson confirmed to WKBN.

Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley said there is one person who is unaccounted for.

He later confirmed a second missing person.

The front of the Realty building on E. Federal Street is damaged and the facade is blown off, according to CBS affiliate WKBN.

We will continue to follow this story.








ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A man accused of using homophobic slurs while attacking two elderly men and punching a woman out jogging will be held behind bars. Brian Eisenbeis is facing battery and tampering with evidence charges.

Law enforcement asking for help in Albuquerque hit-and-run crash

The state said they are pursuing hate crime charges. The incident is quite violent in nature. Its also a hate crime, the state would submit. Its gonna proceed forward with the enhancement as well, said Prosecutor Henry De La Garza. They filed for pretrial detention based on the violent nature of the crime.

According to the criminal complaint, a woman was jogging near Silver and 12th Street on April 10. She saw a speeding truck drive through a stop sign and waited at the intersection for it to pass. The driver, later identified as Eisenbeis, stopped and motioned for her to cross. When she didnt, investigators said he got out of his truck and punched her in the face.

Albuquerque man facing up to 10 years in prison after drunk driving crash

About 40 minutes later, two 80-year-old men were going into a thrift store near Central and 14th Street when Eisenbeis, driving in his truck, is accused of yelling homophobic slurs at them and threatening to kill them. He gets out of his vehicle then and attacks both elderly men. Defendant strikes HF, who is seated behind me, breaking his leg and also breaking his lower jaw, said De La Garza. The other man also needed medical attention.

Police found the truck the following week and discovered Eisenbeis tried to change it to avoid being caught. He was arrested earlier this month in St. Louis where he is also facing numerous charges for assault and resisting arrest.

Eisenbeiss lawyer said their client has not been convicted of any violent crime and asked that he be allowed out of jail until trial. Judge Cindy Leos ordered him to remain behind bars saying Eisebneis fleeing to Missouri and picking up new charges shows he could be a danger to the community if released.

Eisenbeis was recently connected with another battery from 2022. According to the criminal complaint, he attacked a man on Central, smashed his belongings, and took off in the same truck from the April attack.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Man arrested in connection with shooting in Dallas, police say

A man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred in Gaston County on Saturday afternoon.

Around 3 p.m., the Dallas Police Department was dispatched to Eden Glen Drive after receiving reports about a shooting. At the scene, police found two suspects, who were later taken into custody.

An investigation later revealed that the two suspects were inside a vehicle when they exchanged gunfire with another vehicle. The occupants of the other vehicle fled the scene before abandoning the car, according to police.

ALSO READ: 16-year-old hospitalized following shooting in south Charlotte, MEDIC says

Police said one of the suspects was found on Dallas High Shoals Highway by the Gaston County Police Department and taken into custody.

On Wednesday, police announced that Alvin Whitworth Jr. had also been arrested in connection with this shooting. He has been charged with attempted murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied property, and damage to real property, according to police.

He is being held in Gaston County jail under a $250,000 bond.

VIDEO: 16-year-old hospitalized following shooting in south Charlotte, MEDIC says












SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  A San Angelo man charged with murdering resident Eric Talton, transporting his body to a location near Junction and burning it in a grass fire took a plea deal on Friday, May 24, court records show.

Kenneth Harvey pled guilty to one first-degree felony charge of murder and another second-degree felony charge of tampering with evidence with intent to impair a human corpse. In exchange, Harvey will be confined in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for 20 concurrent years.

Harvey was booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center alongside Brittany Schoonmaker on Aug. 9, 2023, after being taken into custody in Deklab County, Georgia, on Aug. 3, 2023. The arrests came after Harvey and Schoonmaker became suspects in Taltons disappearance.

PREVIOUSLY: Two indicted after burning body found in grass fire

According to court records, the San Angelo Police Department began a missing persons investigation on Aug. 24, 2022, after learning from Taltons mother that Talton had been murdered by two individuals identified as Harvey and Schoonmaker. Investigators also learned that his body was transported to San Antonio to be disposed of.

Later that day, detectives spoke with a Texas Ranger who had responded to a murder investigation after a body had been discovered in a grass fire on United States Highway 83 South near Junction at approximately 4:35 a.m. on Aug. 18. Evidence taken from the scene of the fire confirmed the body to be Talton.

During an interview with law enforcement, a witness claimed that Harvey had gone to a residence for a short time on Aug. 16 before returning that afternoon. After kicking on the door, Harvey pushed Talton into the house where he began to hit and kick Talton until he was unconscious, after which he threw Talton into the bathtub. Talton did not regain consciousness but was reportedly moaning.

Another witness claimed in an interview with detectives that Schoonmaker told them that Harvey had killed Talton and that the pair were going to travel to San Antonio to dispose of the corpse. The witness also stated Schoonmaker told her that she and Harvey had wrapped the body in a bag and planned to burn it with gasoline while traveling to help someone move in San Antonio.

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.
MEXICO CITY, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Monday that he was optimistic Sunday's general elections would proceed smoothly.

"I am very optimistic that people will behave as always, rising to the occasion," said the president during his daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City.

"The Mexicans are respectful, good, participatory people," he said. "I don't see anything that could be a cause for concern."

Lopez Obrador, who took office in December 2018, said Mexico is among the countries with the highest salary increases, lower unemployment, and reduced poverty and inequality.

The coming electoral process "is more than an election," he said, adding that it is a referendum in which Mexicans will choose the direction they want the country to go.

Sunday's general elections are considered the largest in Mexico's modern history, with the presidency, legislative seats, governorships and local government positions up for grabs. 
The man convicted of attacking the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) with a hammer apologized to his victim during a resentencing hearing Tuesday.

Im sorry for what I did, especially what I did to Paul Pelosi, David DePape reportedly told the court in San Francisco. I should have never hurt him.

A year after his October 2022 attack, DePape was found guilty of assault on an immediate family member of a federal official and of attempted kidnapping of a federal official.

On the night he broke into the Pelosis San Francisco home, DePape, armed with a hammer and cable ties, had plans to kidnap and violently interrogate Nancy Pelosi, according to his own testimony. Instead, he confronted then-82-year-old Paul Pelosi and was captured on video swinging his hammer at the venture capitalist when officers arrived at the scene.

In this image taken from U.S. Capitol Police surveillance video, David DePape is seen standing outside the San Francisco home of U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi and husband Paul Pelosi on Oct. 28, 2022. United States Capitol Police via Associated Press

DePape, whos said that he was influenced by far-right conspiracy theories to carry out the attempted kidnapping, was sentenced to 30 years in prison earlier this month. But U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley had forgotten to give DePape an opportunity to address the court before his sentencing, leading to this weeks hearing.

The judge on Tuesday apologized to DePape, as well as the victims and attorneys in the case, for the oversight.

I want to apologize for you having to be here this morning, she said, according to the Los Angeles Times. Its completely on me.

DePape was resentenced to 30 years in prison, with credit for approximately 19 months that he has already served in custody.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  One of two people accused of attacking a woman inside her California City business has been found competent to stand trial, prosecutors say.

A judge on Tuesday determined Shelton Hickman is competent  meaning he understands the criminal proceedings against him and can assist his attorney in preparing a defense. A preliminary hearing is scheduled June 5.

Co-defendant Lita Barnes has a hearing June 13 to determine if shes competent.

Both Hickman, 47, and Barnes, 59, are charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon other than a gun and false imprisonment with violence. They are each being held on $500,000 bail.

On April 30, California City police were called to a report of an attempted robbery in the 9000 block of California City Boulevard and found a 56-year-old woman being treated for injuries to her face and head.

Police said the victim told them two people  a man and woman  who daily ask her for money entered the business and asked for photocopies. While she made the photocopies, the man grabbed her from behind and tried to drag her into the bathroom.

The woman hit her about 30 times with a pole as they tried to force her into the bathroom, the victim told police.

Hickman and Barnes were detained nearby. Barnes had blood on her clothing. She told police she wanted kill the business owner because she is evil.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A 67-year-old man was seriously hurt by a vehicle on Monday in the Kearny Mesa neighborhood, authorities said.

The crash occurred around 2:20 p.m. in the 6900 block of Clairemont Mesa Blvd., the San Diego Police Department said in a news release.

The pedestrian was walking westbound on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. along the south curb when he crossed the road as the driver of a 2012 Ford F-150 truck on the off-ramp of northbound Interstate 805 to Clairemont Mesa Blvd. had a green light, according to authorities.

Seaside Candy in Imperial Beach closing after 13 years

The pickup truck driver struck the pedestrian who was taken to the hospital with a skull fracture, police said.

The pedestrians injuries were considered non-life-threatening. Investigators determined alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to call the listed Command handling the investigation or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

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.
Man hospitalized after shooting in southwest Atlanta

Atlanta police are investigating a shooting in southwest Atlanta that left a man injured.

On Monday night, APD officers were called out to Myrtle Drive Southwest about a person shot.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

They arrived at the scene and found a 41-year-old man who had been shot.

Police said he was taken to the hospital.

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The cause of the shooting is unknown at this time.

Police have not released information on a possible suspect.

The investigation is ongoing.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
A man has been killed following an officer-involved shooting in the parking lot of the Catawba County Government Center early Tuesday morning.

At about 12:35 a.m., the Newton Police Department received a call from a 38-year-old woman who said she had been shot on Government Drive.

Police arrived at the scene, but she had already left the area.

Emergency officials eventually found the victim in the parking lot of Planet Fitness on Northwest Boulevard and began working to provide aid.

ALSO READ: Serious red flag: Mother of 21-year-old found dead says he was victim of domestic violence

Channel 9s Dave Faherty confirmed Clanton was already inside the ambulance with the EMS crew when 33-year-old Jamar Franklin Robinson pulled into the parking lot in a van.

Police said Robinson then jumped out of the vehicle and began firing at the officers and the ambulance, striking it once. The van kept rolling through the parking lot, striking the victims car, according to reports.

Police said they then returned fire and eventually struck Robinson, which caused him to drop his firearm.

Both the woman and Robinson sustained several gunshot wounds. They were both taken to Catawba Valley Medical Center before being flown by helicopter to Atrium Health Medical Center in Charlotte, according to police.

Police said the woman is currently in stable condition; however, Robinson died from his injuries.

At this time, it has been established that the woman and the man had previously been in a relationship. Police said the woman had gone to the Catawba County Government Center to press charges against him.

ALSO READ: Calls to domestic violence hotlines soar as demand increases

However, the identities of the officers involved in this incident are not being released at this time.

Those officers have also been placed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations.

This morning we had several first responders, including police, fire, and EMS, caught in the middle of this tragic situation while trying to save a life. It is unfortunate that officers had to take a life in order to save several lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with our officers, the victim, and others affected by this senseless act of violence. Domestic violence continues to be a serious matter and needs to be addressed immediately, said Newton Police Chief Vidal Sipe.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence abuse, there is help available. Assistance is available 24/7 at the Safe Alliance of Greater Charlottes Hope line at 980-771-HOPE.

VIDEO: Serious red flag: Mother of 21-year-old found dead says he was victim of domestic violence
Ronald Burns

A Cherryville man accused of molesting children has pleaded guilty.

Ronald Lee Burns was sentenced to 10 to 17 years in prison for attempted statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult and multiple counts of indecent liberties with a child.

Once released, he will serve three years of probation and be added to the Sex Offender Registry for the rest of his life including satellite-based monitoring.

Burns, now 68, was first arrested in Cleveland County in October of 2016.

Burns posted bail after his arrest and then, when he failed to appear in court on his scheduled date in July of 2017, an order for his arrest was issued. He fled the state and, according to Teddy Bail Bonds at the time, was thought to be in New York.

For years, Burns was on the Cleveland County Most Wanted list, and U.S. Marshalls were hunting Burns. In December of 2022, he was discovered in Washington State after he being accused of a new child sex offense.

He reportedly was living under a new name, but his real identity was discovered after he was fingerprinted.

Burns was first taken into custody under the name Paul Davis after a Mason County child accused him of a sex offense, according to a press release from the Mason County Sheriff's Office.

He had a valid Washington driver's license, but inconsistencies led investigators to believe something didn't add up. Despite Burns continuing to say he was Davis, it was eventually determined he was using the identity of an infant who died in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1957, according to the press release.

"We didn't even know if he was alive," Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Lari said in a court hearing earlier this year.

Burns had his cases in Washington resolved, then experienced medical issues before he was finally transported back to Cleveland County in November 2023, according to a previous court hearing.

Burns was a former Cleveland County Schools employee, although the charges against him do not involve contact with children at school, according to investigators.

Lari said during a previous hearing that Burns said they had no contact with him while he was on the lam.

A special thanks to the brave victims who came to court and were willing to testify. And finally, thanks to ADA Beth Lari for her professional handling of this case, the District Attorneys Office said in a social media post.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Man who ran before trial pleads guilty to child sex abuse
Man Who Reported His Dad Missing Was Coerced into Confessing to Murder  Yet Father Was Alive

A California city has agreed to pay Thomas Perez, Jr. a $900,000 settlement after he filed a lawsuit for being mistreated during an interrogation

Fontana Police Department/KCAL News/YouTube Thomas Perez Jr. being interrogated by the Fontana Police Department

For 17 hours in 2018, police in Fontana, Calif., mercilessly interrogated Thomas Perez, Jr., about his missing father, telling him repeatedly that he murdered his father, whose body they claimed was laying in the morgue, court records show.

You murdered your dad, one of the officers said, according to a video of the interrogation obtained by the Los Angeles Times. Daddys dead because of you.

After telling him his beloved Labrador Retriever would be euthanized as a stray, and even bringing the dog into the interrogation room so Perez could say goodbye, Perez became so distraught that he falsely confessed to killing his father, according to court records, the Orange County Register reports.

Remanded for three days to a psychiatric ward for allegedly trying to take his own life in the interrogation room, Perez later learned his father was alive  something police had withheld from him, court records show, according to the Register.

Now, nearly six years later, the city of Fontana has agreed to pay a $900,000 settlement to Perez, who filed a federal lawsuit alleging that he was mistreated during the interrogation, his attorney announced, the Register reports.

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, Perezs attorney Jerry Steering said, the Register reports.



On Aug. 7, 2018, Perez called police when his father, Thomas Perez Sr., 71, failed to return home after walking their dog at about 10 p.m., court records show, CBS News reports. The dog came home, he said, but his father did not.

The next day, detectives with the Fontana Police Department questioned him about his fathers disappearance at police headquarters, according to court records, the Register reports.

Perez told police he and his father had gotten into an argument that night. Police said they found blood stains in their home, as well as his fathers wallet and phone, court records show.

Perezs father, it turns out, was at Los Angeles International Airport because he was flying to visit his daughter in northern California, the Register reports.

According to a summary of the case written by U.S. District Court Judge Dolly Gee, Perez was so upset by the line of questioning that he pulled out his hair, hit himself and tore off his shirt, the Register reports.

He was sleep deprived, mentally ill and significantly undergoing symptoms of withdrawal from his psychiatric medications, Gee wrote.

A reasonable juror could conclude that the detectives inflicted unconstitutional psychological torture on Perez, Gee wrote. Their tactics indisputably led to Perezs subjective confusion and disorientation, to the point he falsely confessed to killing his father, and tried to take his own life.

Perez was able to get his dog back by tracking the microchip implanted inside the animal, the Register reports.

The city of Fontana and the Fontana Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.



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KANSAS CITY, Kan.  One man is dead after an officer shot him following an armed car robbery in Kansas City, Kansas, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Officers from the KCK and Kansas City Police Departments were involved in a shooting on Monday, around 8:20 p.m. near Highway 69 and 18th Street Expressway.

Westport public safety officer shot and killed 24-year-old man

Police said at around 6:45 p.m., a citizen told KCPD that two male suspects stole her blue GMC Terrain SUV at gunpoint from the area of East 24th Street and Highland Avenue, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 8 p.m., KCPD spotted the stolen SUV on the 1500 block of Paseo, and a chase began when the driver refused to stop.

Around 8:10 p.m., the chase led into Kansas City, Kansas, where officers from KCKPD joined. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Mission Police Department also joined the pursuit.

At 8:17 p.m., a passenger in the stolen car, a 21-year-old man, exited the SUV and ran from the area of 18th and Steele. Then, around 8:20 p.m., a KHP trooper used a tactile technique to spin the SUV, causing it to strike a guard rail. Police said this ended the chase near Highway 69 and the 18th Street Expressway.

According to police, a 41-year-old driver started to shoot at the responding officers. Police said it is believed that two officers from KCKPD and five officers from KCPD shot back at the man. The man was struck multiple times.

Police say the man was taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead.

The KBI is investigating this shooting.

This is a developing story, FOX4 will provide updates when more are 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Man stabbed in neck during fight with coworker in Orange County

Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly stabbed a coworker in the neck during an altercation at a restaurant in Orange County Monday night.

Officers responded to an altercation reported at the Flaming Buffet Fullerton located at 104 W. Orangethorpe Ave. around 11 p.m.

While we were responding, one employee did stab the other employee in the neck, Fullerton Police Department Sgt. Ryan ONeil said.

stabbing victim treated in Fullerton

Investigators were told that two employees were involved in a fight when it escalated into one worker stabbing the other and then fleeing the area.

Video recorded shortly after the incident showed several employees talking to investigators outside the restaurant as the victim was being treated nearby for the stab wound.

First responders were overheard saying the wound was very close to the victims carotid artery.

The unidentified victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, ONeil said.

The owner of the business told KTLAs Annie Rose Ramos that he had visited the employee who was up and in good spirits.

It was unclear what led to the fight, but the owner said the incident occurred as the restaurant was getting ready to close after a busy and somewhat stressful Memorial Day.

Stabbing reported at Metro stop hours after bus driver attacked

No one else was injured or hurt in the incident.

The suspect is still on the loose but police described the fight as an isolated incident and did not believe the community was in danger.

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.
CANBERRA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Student protesters at the Australian National University (ANU) have agreed to move a pro-Palestinian encampment to a nearby site.

The protesters on Monday night voted in favor of moving their encampment at ANU's main campus in northern Canberra to a new site approximately 50 meters away from the original site in the center of campus.

Earlier on Monday the protesters defied an order to disband the encampment from university administrators who cited serious safety concerns that the camp was obstructing the primary emergency evacuation site for ANU facilities.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Police attended the site on Monday evening and warned the protesters that failure to comply with the order to leave by midday on Tuesday could result in further police action.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, encampment organizers called for ANU vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell to accept their invitation to engage with the protesters.

"Our goal has always been to, and continues to be, to ensure our ANU degrees are no longer contributing to genocide," they said.

"By relocating, we have demonstrated our willingness to cooperate with vice-chancellor Bell's demands. It is now time for vice-chancellor Bell and the ANU leadership to start engaging with ours."

The encampment was one of several set up at Australian universities in late April as an act of protest against ties with Israeli institutions. 
Manhattanhenge returns to New York City: where and when to watch

Manhattanhenge, a phenomenon that sees the setting sun perfectly align itself with Manhattans grid of roadways, will once again dazzle New Yorkers over the next two days.

The solar event occurs twice a year, the first about three weeks before the summer solstice, and then another about three weeks after.

Neil de Grasse Tyson, head of the Hayden Planetarium, coined the term Manhattanhenge in 1997. He said it leaves a radiant glow of light across Manhattans brick and steel canyons, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street of the boroughs grid.

It begins this year on Tuesday, when about half the sun lines up with the islands roadways, with the sky expected to be clear and cloudless and temperatures forecast for the low 80s.

On Wednesday, the full sun will align with the grid, casting a unique glow through the boroughs east-west streets. The weather however is slated to be less than pleasant. Meteorologists have warned of potential thunderstorms on Wednesday, while temperatures will hover around the upper 70s.

The next time the event takes place will be Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13, though the order will be reversed: full sun on the 12th and half sun on the 13th.

Here are some of the best times and places to see Manhattanhenge this year:

Half sun on the grid:

Tuesday, May 28 at 8:13 pm ET

Saturday, July 13 8:21 at 8:21 pm ET

Full sun on the grid:

Wednesday, May 29 at 8:12 pm ET

Friday, July 12 at 8:20 pm ET

Where  Manhattans thoroughfares:

14th Street

23rd Street

34th Street

42nd Street

57th Street

Other spots to watch:

Tudor City Overpass in Manhattan

Hunters Point South Park in Long Island City
Lunatic ex-con who torched NYC straphanger grimaces as judge sets bail at $250K

The crazed firebug who allegedly torched a straphanger on a subway train over the weekend gave a vacant grimace in Manhattan court Monday as a judge set his bail at $250,000  and prosecutors revealed hes an ex-con with a lengthy rap sheet.

Nile Taylor, 49  whos accused of tossing a flaming can of alcohol at Petrit Alijaj, 23, Saturday  has previously done prison time for gun and forgery busts, prosecutors said in Manhattan Criminal Court.

Evidence in the case of his latest fiery attack is overwhelming, assistant District Attorney Aryan Ahmadian said.

Nile Taylor gave an icy stare as a Manhattan judge set his bail Monday. James Messerschmidt

This is a strong case, Ahmadian told Judge Cori Weston. The defendant was arrested shortly after the incident on Saturday afternoon, and he was in possession of multiple lighters, a bottle containing rubbing alcohol.

During the wild assault, Taylor allegedly set the floor of a No. 1 train ablaze when he tossed the flaming liquid at Alijaj  leaving him with severe burns on his face and chest, authorities said.

Wearing a gray sweatshirt and sneakers, Taylor didnt say a word as Weston set his bail.

He stared straight ahead blankly and, at times, down at the floor during the brief hearing.

Considering the defendants activities and history of charges here, his criminal-conviction history Im going to set what the people asked, which is $250,000 cash, Weston said.

Taylor was previously convicted of criminal possession of a loaded firearm and forgery and was sentenced to more than two years in state prison, Ahmadian said.

Nile Taylor is accused of tossing flaming liquid at Petrit Alijaj on a Manhattan subway train. James Messerschmidt

In a separate case, Taylor was allegedly captured on surveillance camera footage hurling two cans of flammable liquid at a group of people at the West 28th Street subway on Feb. 5.

Taylor allegedly identified himself in the video footage and the police investigation is ongoing, Ahmadian said.

Alijaj and his fiancee were riding a No. 1 train at the West Houston and Varick streets station at 2:45 p.m. Saturday when Taylor allegedly chucked the flaming liquid at him, setting his shirt on fire and burning up to 30% of his body.

Petrit Alijaj, 23, suffered painful burns on his face, neck and chest. Marie Pohl

The victim later told The Post that he used his body to block his fiance from the flames.

In total, Taylor was hit with two assault charges and a menacing charge in the subway fire attack case.

Without warning[He] attacked two strangers inside of that subway train by throwing the burning liquid onto them, Ahmadian said in court Monday. Burning liquid lands on the floor of the subway station, causing the floor of the subway station to catch on fire.

Nile Taylor was allegedly captured in surveillance camera footage hurling flaming cans of liquid. dcpi

A homeless man living at the Harlem shelter where Taylor had recently stayed told The Post the pyromaniac was a quiet loner who likely had a dangerous side bubbling below the surface.

He just sat and waited for meals. He wasnt social. He just sat by himself, said the unhoused man, who gave his name as Stefan, 61.

Usually on the [meal] line youll say, Hey, how was your day? or Hey, did you read any good books lately? . [But] he was just always quiet, said Stefan, who said he never saw Taylor act out at 55 Central Park North.

The quiet ones  still waters run deep. You see the guy whos quiet and nice  and hes the guy thats got 32 bodies buried, he said.

In court Monday, Taylor was also arraigned on a petit larceny charge for allegedly stealing an iPhone inside of the subway station.

Taylors lawyer, Gretchen Resser, was silent in court aside from asking the judge about the date of the next hearing.

She didnt return The Posts request for comment Monday.

Taylor is due back in court on May 31.
A federal judge recently sentenced a Marine Corps veteran who breached the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to two years in prison.

Marine veteran Alex Kirk Harkrider, 36, was convicted in a bench trial on Jan. 2 of felony charges of civil disorder and entering a restricted building with a deadly weapon, and misdemeanor charges of theft of government property, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading or picketing in a Capitol building, according to a Department of Justice release. His sentencing took place on May 23.

Harkrider wore body armor and carried a tactical tomahawk on Jan. 6, 2021, as he and Ryan Taylor Nichols entered the Capitol through a broken window.

Nichols, 32, was sentenced on May 2 to more than five years in prison for assaulting a law enforcement officer during the breach.

Marine veteran agrees to plea deal in January 6 Capitol riot case

Harkrider traveled from his home of Carthage, Texas, to Washington, D.C., with Nichols in a show of solidarity for former President Donald Trump, according to court documents. They both believed that Trump won the 2020 election despite President Joe Bidens victory. According to court documents, Harkrider thought the election was rigged.

By Jan. 6, 2021, the former president had filed 62 lawsuits in state and federal courts in the aftermath of his 2020 defeat, alleging widespread voter fraud, according to USA Today.

Despite his attempts to overturn the election results, out of those 62 lawsuits, Trump only won one.

A full list of all cases involving the 2020 presidential election results can be found at Ohio State Universitys Major Pending Election Cases database, which provides case summaries for election law cases.

Harkrider and Nichols planned for combat in the days leading up to Jan. 6, 2021, according to the justice department release, with Nichols sending Harkrider a text message about the importance of body armor for protection from bullets.

A Snapchat photo Harkrider allegedly uploaded during the Capitol breach. (Department of Justice)

When Nichols texted Harkrider that he had intelligence that Washington would be a war zone and that a battle would ensue, Harkrider said he was looking forward to it and would bring every freedom blaster he owned, according to court documents.

The same documents show they both brought two firearms with them to Washington.

Harkrider and Nichols arrived on Jan. 5, 2021, to protest the election results as Congress sought to verify the vote count for the Electoral College of the 2020 presidential election the following day.

They attended Trumps speech during the Jan. 6, 2021, Save America rally at the Ellipse, a park south of the White House fence, then began their march to the Capitol.

After Nichols gave a long impassioned speech about dragging politicians through the streets, Harkrider chimed in, according to court documents.

Cut their freaking head off! You can do it, said Harkrider, according to court documents.

Harkrider appeared to be doing a Cajun accent in reference to Rob Schneiders character in the 1998 film The Waterboy starring Adam Sandler, according to court documents.

They joined rioters in front of the Lower West Terrace doors, an area where the most violent assaults on law enforcement officers took place, according to the DOJ press release.

They then illegally entered the Capitol building, according to court documents.

A court affidavit alleges that Harkrider shared a photograph on Snapchat of himself while inside the Capitol.

Were in. 2 people killed already. We need all the patriots of this country to rally the fuck up and fight for our freedom or its gone forever, read the caption for the photograph provided in the affidavit.

Twenty minutes later, they both left the building.

On his way out, Harkrider took a wooden arm from a piece of government furniture, according to court documents.

He kept the souvenir in his nightstand back home.

FBI agents arrested Harkrider nearly two weeks later on Jan. 18, 2021, in Carthage, Texas.

A booking photo of Alex K. Harkrider. (Gregg County Sheriff's Office)

Harkrider was a veteran at the time of his arrest.

He served as a rifleman from 2008 to 2012 and deployed twice. The lance corporal received multiple awards, including the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among others. He was also a two-time recipient of the Navy Unit Commendation and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

He was last assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

An estimated 1,424 individuals have been charged for their part in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach, according to the justice department. Five hundred of those individuals have been charged with assault of a law enforcement officer. The investigation into January 6 violence at the U.S. Capitol is ongoing, according to the FBI website.

Harkriders defense attorney, Kira Anne West, argued during the District Court for the District of Columbia trial that Harkrider was unaware of a march to the Capitol until the very moment Trump encouraged attendees at the Ellipse rally to do so. She said Harkriders tomahawk was for self-defense against Antifa and Black Lives Matter protesters that reports informed him would be there.

West argued that Harkrider only entered the Capitol at the behest of individuals behind him who yelled for him to jump in to avoid tear gas from canisters that were set off.

She said her client and Nichols only stayed inside the Capitol for a few minutes, then walked to their Uber pick-up zone, got in a car, and returned to their hotel.

There was a great deal of confusion that day, said West in court documents, defending Harkriders actions as those of a patriot protesting for his county.

Mr. Harkriders taken responsibility for his actions and thats it, West told Marine Corps Times on May 24 in a phone interview.

She commended him for being a great American and said the judge acknowledged it in the sentencing.

Harkrider suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression because, West said, he served the country in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Overall, she was proud of her time defending Harkrider.

It was an honor and pleasure to represent a native Texan and a U.S. Marine, said West.
Undergraduate students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore help build an artificial beach platform for spawning horseshoe crabs in the 94th Street canal in Ocean City in July.

The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit Wednesday against the Maryland Department of Natural Resources over what they call "thousands" of horseshoe crab deaths.

The suit revolves around issues the group has with the department under the states Public Information Act for failing to release information detailing exactly how thousands of horseshoe crabs are killed, bled or injured by pharmaceutical companies and fishermen annually.

Its outrageous that a shared treasure like horseshoe crabs can be killed and injured at such high levels and that details of these slaughters are then hidden from the public. Were wiping out one of the worlds oldest and toughest creatures through indifference and brutality," said William Snape, an attorney representing the organization.

According to the center, horseshoe crabs are threatened with extinction, but because "Maryland shrouds in secrecy the process it uses to determine when crabs can be harmed, the Center and other parties cant meaningfully participate in protecting the imperiled animals"

More on Unions in Salisbury City of Salisbury workers approve union contract in landmark first for Eastern Shore

'Nearly 1 million' horseshoe crabs already harvested in Maryland

The lawsuit was filed in Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, but biomedical companies harvest horseshoe crabs from the Eastern Shore as well and drain their blue blood, which is used to detect toxins in drugs and medical devices.

According to lawsuit data, horseshoe crab blood harvests have virtually doubled since 2017, with nearly 1 million horseshoe crabs harvested for their blood in Maryland in 2022. Synthetic alternatives to horseshoe crab blood tests are already being used in Europe, but companies in the United States have been slow to adopt the alternatives.

Lesson one in saving wildlife is to make all take data available to the interested public, Snape said. By shielding huge corporate interests from accountability, the Department of Natural Resources is severely harming the horseshoe crab, Marylands shared beaches and the residents of Maryland.

A 2021 horseshoe crab die-off in Ocean City, Maryland, resulted in thousands of horseshoe crabs clogging canals. The die-off was specific to horseshoe crabs: No other aquatic species were associated or observed with the horseshoe crab die-off.

Mass horseshoe crab mortality events were observed in Ocean City again in 2022 and 2023. Another horseshoe crab die-off was reported at Brigantine Beach, Maryland, in 2022.

Horseshoe crabs are brown, body-armored arthropods with 10 eyes and a long, spiked tail. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are completely harmless to humans. Each spring along the Atlantic coast, horseshoe crabs lay their eggs in massive beach spawning events.

Nearly twice as old as the dinosaurs, horseshoe crabs have been crawling ashore for more than 450 million years. In the past decades, however, horseshoe crab populations have declined steeply in all states, including Maryland.Several horseshoe crab mass mortality events have occurred along the Atlantic coast in recent years.

Blue crab numbers dip: Maryland crab numbers dip in latest Chesapeake Bay survey. A dive into the numbers.

Endangered species protection for horseshoe crabs

The Center petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service earlier this year to protect horseshoe crabs under the federal Endangered Species Act.

In February, a petition to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries to extend endangered species protection to horseshoe crabs gained traction, with a bevy of organizations now backing the plan. The Center for Biological Diversity, which was joined by 22 other environmental advocacy groups, claims horseshoe crab populations have steeply declined in recent decades due to overharvesting and habitat loss.

According to NOAA, petitioners will be required to notify each state wildlife agency in which the species occurs at least 30 days before submitting the petition. This change will provide states an opportunity to submit pertinent information on petitioned species.

Petitions will be limited to only one species per petition, but they may still address any members of a single species as defined by the Endangered Species Act, including the full species and one or more subspecies or varieties. For vertebrate species, this includes one or more distinct population segments.

After receiving the petition, NOAA will evaluate whether it presents substantial information that the petitioned action may be warranted. Within 90 days, to the maximum extent practicable, they publish the findings and their decision.

More on CBA difficulties Tempers flare over Wicomico Sheriff's Office collective bargaining agreement

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Horseshoe crab deaths focus of lawsuit vs. Maryland DNR. All to know.
Mass. fugitive known as Bad Breath Rapist arrested after nearly 20 years on the run, source says

A Massachusetts fugitive known as the Bad Breath Rapist has been arrested after nearly 20 years on the run, a law enforcement source told Boston 25s Bob Ward.

Tuen Kit Lee, who vanished during his rape trial in 2007, was captured in California after a lengthy manhunt that included work by U.S. Marshals, Quincy police officers, and a special task force, the source confirmed to Ward.

Lee, whose family owned the Kagawa restaurant in Quincy, raped a waitress from the restaurant after he broke into her home on Feb. 2, 2005, authorities said.

Lee was masked, held the victim at knifepoint, zip-tied her to a bed face-down, and sexually assaulted her, according to investigators. He left the victim zip-tied to the bed where she was found several hours later by her boyfriend, who went to her house after being unable to reach her by phone.

Among the evidence establishing Lee as the assailant was his foul breath, which the victim recognized. Officials say he was subsequently dubbed by media as the Bad Breath Rapist.

Following Lees arrest in 2007, he posted $100,000 cash bail.

After he testified at trial in Norfolk Superior Court in 2007, Lee did not return to court for closing arguments where he was convicted in absentia and faces life in prison.

In August 2023, Massachusetts announced a $10,000 cash reward for tips leading to Lees arrest.

Breaking: LE source tells me Tuen Lee, so called Bad Breath Rapist caught in CA after 17 yrs on run. Lee vanished during rape trial in 2007. Lee was on trial for breaking into victim's Quincy home, & raping her. MSP, US Marshals, Quincy PD, CA Task Force on case. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/Q1MFknkA31  Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) May 28, 2024

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento Police Department responded to a mass shooting where at least five people were shot.



Around 8:18 p.m. on Monday, officers said they responded to the area of Coral Gables Court and Meadowview Road in South Sacramento where several people, including a minor, were struck by gunfire. The victims were taken to the hospital while a heavy police presence canvassed the scene.

As of 10:30 p.m. SPD said the victims  three men, one woman and a teenage girl, are expected to survive. No arrests have been made.

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.
Massachusetts stabbing suspect to face criminal charges in connection with Connecticut killing, police say

Jared Ravizza, the suspect linked to stabbings this weekend at a Massachusetts movie theater and a McDonalds, also will face criminal charges in Connecticut in connection to a killing in the town of Deep River, authorities said Tuesday.

Ravizza was arraigned Tuesday in Plymouth District Court on four charges stemming from the McDonalds attack Saturday evening, including armed assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and indecent exposure.

The prosecution filed a motion for Ravizza, 26, to be held without bail, alleging the defendant was tied to another stabbing Saturday of four girls at a Braintree movie theater, as well as facing pending charges in Connecticut related to a homicide.

By Tuesday afternoon, Ravizza had appeared in court a second time, where a doctor who evaluated the defendants mental health said Ravizza did not demonstrate the rational capacity to work with a defense attorney. The court subsequently ordered Ravizza sent to Bridgewater State Hospital and ordered a further evaluation.

Sean ONeill, an attorney for Ravizza, said he had no comment at this time.

The victims at McDonalds and the movie theater all suffered non-life-threatening injuries, authorities previously said.

Connecticut State Police on Tuesday morning said Ravizza will face criminal charges stemming from a homicide in Deep River, which was also discovered Saturday.

State troopers, responding around 3:30 p.m. to a reported disturbance, discovered a man identified as Bruce Feldman, 70, outside a home on Maritone Lane in Deep River, Connecticut State Police said in a news release. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the initial investigation, Troopers developed information indicating that a second individual, who was no longer at the scene, had been present at the address earlier in the day, the release said. The second individual was identified as Jared Ravizza.

The investigation in Deep River remains ongoing, it added.

Unprovoked theater stabbing preceded McDonalds attack

The two other attacks unfolded later that evening, beginning around 6 p.m. Saturday at an AMC movie theater in Braintree, some 10 miles south of Boston.

Without saying anything and without any warning, (the assailant) suddenly attacked and stabbed the four young females. The attack appeared to be unprovoked, Braintree police said in a news release, noting the girls were taken to Boston hospitals.

The suspect then fled in what appeared to be a black SUV, police said, and video footage allowed authorities to capture its license plate.

Soon after, a vehicle matching the description was reportedly involved in (a) similar assault in Plymouth, Braintree police said.

In that incident, reported about an hour after the movie theater attack, a 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were stabbed at a McDonalds. Assistant District Attorney David Cutshall identified both victims as employees at Tuesdays arraignment, telling the court Ravizza allegedly entered the restaurants drive through in a black Porsche, stepped out of the vehicle and publicly urinated.

Ravizza was argumentative with a male employee, then allegedly stabbed the employee in the forearm with what appeared to be a long kitchen knife. Ravizza parked the car, Cutshall said, before going inside and allegedly stabbing the female employee in her arm.

Both victims are in stable condition, Cutshall added.

Minutes later, Massachusetts state troopers identified the vehicle and tried to pull it over, but the driver failed to stop, state police said previously. A chase ensued, and the vehicle eventually crashed in Sandwich, south of Plymouth.

Suspect is a self-described philanthropist and business owner

Meanwhile, more details about Ravizzas background are emerging, including the fact the defendant was arrested last month in Marthas Vineyard, accused of assault and battery of a family member and vandalism, according to court records at Edgartown District Court. Records show the case has not been adjudicated.

Ravizzas father told officers Jared had just had a mental break and attacked him inside his home, The Boston Globe reported, citing a police report on file with the court.

The report also said Ravizza allegedly wrecked the fathers home office, according to The Boston Globe. Ravizza was sent to Marthas Vineyard Hospital for a mental health evaluation, but did not meet their standards to be held, the Boston Globe reported, citing the report.

Ravizza is a self-described philanthropist, professional skier, business owner and artist, according to Ravizzas social media pages and newspaper reports.

According to Ravizzas business website, Ravizza owns a digital marketing and social media management agency called Ravizza Jones, which is registered in Massachusetts. On its website, the business is described as a leading global digital marketing & social media management agency representing leading companies, brands and individuals in digital media and online marketing.

Media outlets such as the Marthas Vineyard Times and SNOW Magazine have previously interviewed Ravizza, who recalled past philanthropy, activism and career as a professional skier.

In a 2021 article, the Martha Vineyards Times described Ravizza as a professional skier who created a global initiative as a resource for people with autism, disabilities, and illnesses and said Ravizza works with adults and athletes, providing mentorship and exercise, among other things.

We spend a lot of time on the Vineyard, in Massachusetts, and I just want people to know the accessibility to me, Ravizza told The Martha Vineyards Times in 2021.

I also hope this story will inspire someone to start an initiative of their own  maybe youre someone on the Vineyard and you want to start helping people, Ravizza said.

The suspects Instagram account also includes several photos of Ravizza driving around in expensive cars, including the same kind of Porsche Ravizza allegedly drove from the AMC theater to the McDonalds.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Nic F. Anderson and Holly Yan contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
This year, for the first time, the U.S. Air Forces Black Flag large-scale test and evaluation exercise involves a Virtual Black Flag (VBF) test event, bringing together Navy, Army, and Space Force capabilities. This is just the latest development for an exercise that continues from strength to strength, and which is now overtly postured toward preparing for a potential future conflict with China. TWZ spoke with exercise directors from the Air Force and Navy during the most recent iteration of the live-fly exercise, Black Flag 24-1, last month.

In the past, TWZ has explored the origins and major expansion of Black Flag, including the addition of international partners . Black Flag 24-1, out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, was again run by the Air Forces 53rd Wing , the operational test arm that covers most of whats new in Air Combat Command (ACC) and much of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). Now, TWZ is the first to report on the upcoming large-force Virtual Black Flag test event, which takes place later this summer.

An F-15EX pilot prepares for a Black Flag 24-1 sortie. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro

This time, the 53rd Wing partnered with the U.S. Navys Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9), The Vampires, which is home stationed at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, California. The squadron is responsible for the operational test of the F/A-18E/F , EA-18G , and F-35C  all of which came to Black Flag  and is also well familiar with working alongside its Air Force counterparts.

We work together all the time, even outside of these major exercises, Capt. Matthew Davin , VX-9 chief operational test director, explained to TWZ. But getting our teams together to test in the most realistic environment possible is really core to what we do. Its all about being effective together by validating our capabilities together in that joint integrated environment. And the more we understand how our collective capabilities complement each other, the more effective we will all be.

Capt. Matthew Brasso Davin, Chief Operational Test Director, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9). U.S. Navy

Integration across both the joint force and our coalition partners is becoming more and more important over time, Capt. Davin added. And we are doing more and more purposeful integration throughout our test flight enterprise.

On the Air Force side, the 53rd Wing brought its full range of assets to Black Flag, including B-1s , B-2s , B-52s , F-16s , F-22s , and, taking part for the first time in the exercise, the F-15EX .

Responsible for leading the team that brought this all together was Col. Daniel Lehoski , 53rd Wing commander. He explained that the live-flying portion of Black Flag was broken down into two main components. The first and most impressive of these were the large-force test events, large-scale maneuvers in which all participants were brought together to execute tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

Members of the 53rd Wing render a first salute to Col. Daniel Lehoski, welcoming the new commander to the 53rd Wing during the change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 21, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Mr. Dave Shelikoff

Smaller but no less important were the so-called banner events, in which a single system was under test. While all large-force test events were conducted at night, in a maritime domain, some of the smaller-scale missions were flown during the day. With the focus so firmly on China, it is no surprise that training to fight over the expanses of the ocean is a fundamental part of this and other large-scale exercises .

One of the key things were working on is the F-15EX, Col. Lehoski explained. We have just started inclusion of the F-15EX in the fight and as we bring that aircraft on board, were making sure its ready to go.

An F-15EX on the ramp at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, during Black Flag 24-1. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro

In the past, the Black Flag exercise has been billed as an environment in which established and emerging capabilities can be exposed to an operationally relevant scenario including replication of the kinds of high-end threats and challenges that might be encountered in a future conflict with China .

This year, the signaling was even more explicit.

In a backgrounder provided to TWZ, the 53rd Wing stated that Black Flag 24-1 was focused on joint-service tactical integration in a maritime environment, and under conditions expected against the Pacing Challenge, the Peoples Republic of China Armed Forces.

Specifically, the exercise looks at operations countering Chinese long-range air-to-air kill chains and electromagnetic spectrum operations , the statement added.

On the topic of the Chinese threat, Col. Lehoski admitted that the fight has changed dramatically over the past few years, and itll change even more as we go forward, both on the challenger side and also from a U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy side.

The J-20 stealth fighter, representative of the fast pace of Chinese military developments. PLAAF

He continued: Black Flag is the critical operational test event that assures we can deliver war-winning joint tactics, techniques, and procedures that we have vetted in that operational environment, so in case deterrence fails, were ready to go night one.

Without getting into specific capabilities, what Ill say broadly, is the competitor has advanced rapidly in the past few years, Col. Lehoski said. And theyre pretty clear on what their goals are with their investments across both their air and maritime forces.

Black Flag is especially critical bearing in mind this pace of change and this also brings up one of the key differences between this exercise and other large-force aerial maneuvers like the well-known Red Flag series out of Nellis.

A VX-9 F/A-18E at Black Flag 24-1. Note the podded Infrared Search And Track System (IRST) on the centerline. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro

Whereas Red Flag is broadly centered around exposing a new pilot to around 10 sorties that are designed to closely replicate the realism of a real-world combat mission, Black Flag is focused on not just current TTPs, but the kinds of TTPs that are likely going to exist in two or three years from today.

In general, test and training are increasingly embracing the potential of the virtual world, and Virtual Black Flag 24 is no exception, with the new VBF component being inserted to allow units to complete test objectives that simply cant be accomplished through regular live-flying operations. The step-change that virtual  as well as constructive, and blended types of training  are bringing to the world of air combat is something that TWZ has explored in depth in the past .

The virtual environment will be a key component in our test enterprise, Col. Lehoski said. It will allow for more joint asset involvement, and well be able to accelerate tactics development and evaluation support to the warfighter.

Airmen participating in an earlier Virtual Flag event at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. U.S. Air Force

Following the live-fly Black Flag 24-1 event, VBF will run out of an undisclosed Virtual Warfare Center complex with a 100 percent virtual exercise involving the same players as in the previous live-flying part.

From Col. Lehoskis perspective, the challenge is to ensure the live-flying and virtual elements are truly complementary, something that takes a lot of finesse. But I think weve got a good plan to balance the strengths and weaknesses of both the live and virtual.

Live flight test, or training for that matter, is still absolutely critical, Col. Lehoski elaborated. Theres something to be said about getting out over the water in the middle of the night with a bunch of airplanes flying around and putting the human beings through those stresses so that that does not change.

That being said, live-fly test or training has some fundamental constraints caused by both airspace restrictions, operational security challenges, and threat replication, that we just cant mitigate. For those things, we go to the zone, where I can fight a full-up flight anywhere in the world. If Im going to do a South China Sea scenario, I can go fly the mission in the South China Sea, I can have the scope and scale of the adversary that we would expect on night one.

F-22s and F-16s from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron refuel from a KC-135 over the Nevada Test and Training Range in November 2020 for the Large Force Test Event 20.03  a beta version of Black Flag. U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt Savanah Bray

Meanwhile, from an operational security perspective, there are plenty of aspects of these kinds of night one plays that the U.S. military simply cant risk an adversary learning about.

Doing those things in a virtual environment allows us to do our full tactics without the watching eye of our competitors, Col. Lehoski added.

The other huge advantage of a virtual exercise is the potential to have almost limitless reps and sets, as Col. Lehoski described it. The limitations of live flying are such that a two-week Black Flag exercise is typically able to generate five large-force test events, which is still a massive undertaking. This contrasts with a VBF, over five days, in which the same kind of large-force mission can be repeated 30 times. It gives us the ability to scale our dataset in ways we just cant do in Black Flag, Col. Lehoski explained.

An F-15EX is prepared for a Black Flag 24-1 mission. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro

Having the same units take part in a VBF means that everything that has been learned in the previous live-flying scenarios can be expanded upon, with multiple iterations to further refine TTPs and increase the confidence in the data that is being gathered and then pushed out to operational units.

As well as increasingly embracing the virtual realm, the test exercise is also alert to the growing importance of unmanned aircraft and the development of the doctrine needed to achieve the Pentagons ambitious plans around manned-unmanned teaming, something you can read more about here .

Col. Lehoski said that an experimental operational unit within the 53rd Wing is already up and running to this end and they are laser-focused on developing the doctrine, if you will, for how well integrate unmanned assets into these fights. For this Black Flag theyre auditing and looking to see where it would fit in.

Lockheed Martin concept art showing an F-35 flying with various types of uncrewed aircraft. Lockheed Martin



I think you will rapidly see over the next few months the inclusion of those [unmanned] capabilities in our fight, starting with Virtual Black Flag, where we can constructively put those into the fight and start to develop those tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Another key focus of the U.S. military  as well as China  at this point is the development of hypersonic weapons .

Overall were laser-focused on how to ensure we can deliver effects at a time or place our choosing anywhere in the world. To that end, lessons from the recent end-to-end test launch of a live AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon hypersonic missile, or ARRW, out of Andersen Air Force Base in Guam are being rolled into Black Flag  and especially the forthcoming VBF. You can read more about this unprecedented test launch in our previous report .

A live AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile under the wing of a B-52H bomber at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam on February 27, 2024. U.S. Air Force

Of the Pacific test, Col. Lehoski explained: Instead of executing that test in CONUS, we pushed it into theater to put it in the operational environment. And we spent a lot of time and energy to get the target set correct. A lot of work went into it. Using some very special equipment that we had deployed to make sure we got a hyper-realistic test was really key.

Well take that data and put it into our Virtual Black Flag, for all the reasons listed previous. We will build on the test data we gathered back in March, and our lifelike hypersonic weapons test we conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

The rapid pace of development in the field of hypersonics and unmanned aircraft, to name just two, and the challenges that come from inserting those capabilities into a live-flying exercise make the new Virtual Black Flag all the more important. At the same time, the organizers of this premier test-based exercise stress the vital importance of having a balance of both live and virtual environments. With that in mind, the future for Black Flag  live and virtual  looks bright.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
BUSHNELL, Fla. (WFLA)  A massive search is underway for a missing 16-year-old boy in Bushnell.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a Missing Child Alert for Peyton Pickard who was last seen in the 2900th block of County Road 575 on Monday.

Peyton was last seen wearing black underwear. Officials said he is non-verbal and autistic. He also has a burn scar on his right leg.

(Sumter County Sheriffs Office)

Anyone with information on Peytons whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Sumter County Sheriffs Office at 352-793-2621.

Deputies with the Citrus County Sheriffs Office are assisting in the search along Bushnell Road in the Floral City area.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Michelle Reddish was named the chief operating officer for the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority in June 2023 after previously serving as its chief regulatory officer. (Courtesy of Office of the Governor)

One of Oklahomas top medical marijuana regulators is Gov. Dan McKees choice to become Rhode Islands first cannabis administrator.

Michelle Reddish was named to lead the states Cannabis Office  a position tasked with coordinating the oversight and administration of cannabis use in Rhode Island, per the statute that legalized recreational cannabis in 2022  McKees office announced Thursday, May 23.

Im thrilled to move to beautiful Rhode Island with my children and step into the role of inaugural administrator, Reddish said in a statement. I am eager to build strong partnerships across the state in support of safe and equitable access to cannabis.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary is scheduled to consider Reddishs nomination Thursday, May 30. If confirmed by the whole Senate, Reddish would receive an annual salary of $162,270, said Christina OReilly, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Administration.

Reddish would also have to report directly to the states Cannabis Control Commission  the three-member panel that regulates and gives licenses to businesses looking to get in on Rhode Islands growing marijuana industry.

The commission was formed last June, just a little over a year after recreational cannabis was legalized. Commissioners spent their summer on a listening tour, hearing the concerns of community members and cannabis workers, which include ensuring the commission prioritizes social equity measures.

The commission is still in discussion mode, with input from an 11-member Cannabis Advisory Board, and expects to finalize rules and regulations this year.

Commission chairperson Kimberly Ahern celebrated Reddishs nomination.

Her regulatory and industry experience will help ensure our Commission continues its thoughtful and thorough progress as we carefully expand the adult-use market in Rhode Island, Ahern said.

At the moment, Reddish serves as the chief operating officer for the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority  a position she has held since June 2023, according to her resume. Before that, she spent over a year as the authoritys chief regulatory officer.

As regulatory officer, Reddishs resume notes she helped refine Oklahomas compliance inspections, audits, complaints, notices of violation and administrative actions regarding medical marijuana.

Medical marijuana was legalized in Oklahoma in 2018, and the state now has 7,114 licensed cannabis businesses. The state last year extended a moratorium on new medical marijuana business licenses through 2026, according to Oklahoma Voice. A report for the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority published last June found the state had 32 times more regulated cannabis than necessary to meet patient demand.

From April 2021 to March 2022, Reddish was the director of compliance for C3 industries  a Michigan-based cannabis grower and retailer with facilities in Massachusetts and Missouri. She was also a regulatory compliance officer for Orlando-based Ravago Chemicals and SLB, a Houston-based global technology company.

Michelles significant expertise in regulatory compliance, development, and technological advancement position her to hit the ground running on day one, McKee said in a statement. Im confident Michelle will effectively continue Rhode Islands commitment to promoting the safe usage and responsible regulation of cannabis in our state.

Reddish holds two masters degrees from Tulane University  one in occupational health and safety and the other in cell and molecular biology. Reddish has a third masters degree from the University of New Orleans in health care management.

The post McKee names Oklahoma medical marijuana regulator as his pick to lead new R.I. Cannabis Office appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
ISLAMABAD, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan condemns in the strongest terms Israeli bombardment and targeting of tents for the displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that has resulted in multiple casualties, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry has said.

"Targeting of individuals who were displaced earlier because of Israeli bombardment and were sheltered in a refugee camp is yet another breach of international humanitarian law by the Israeli forces," the ministry said in a late-night statement.

The attack is also a blatant defiance of the additional provisional measures of May 24 by the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah in conformity with its obligations under the genocide convention and the worsening humanitarian conditions faced by civilians, it added.

"We call on the United Nations Security Council to play its role in preventing Israel from any further attacks against the civilians in Rafah and taking effective measures to protect the people of Gaza," said the ministry.

On Sunday, Israel Defense 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, leaving at least 40 people killed. 
Satellite imagery from 28 May shows traces of a large fire north of the runway of an aviation school in the occupied city of Luhansk.

Source: Radio Liberty's Russian Service

Details: The image of the same location, taken on 10 May, shows parts of the Nebo-M radar system, designed to detect aerodynamic and ballistic targets at medium and high altitudes.

Local authorities claimed that the fire occurred "in the area of the infrastructure facilities of the former Higher Military Aviation School of Navigators".

Background:

Explosions were heard in temporarily occupied Luhansk on the evening of 27 May, followed by a fire in the city.

The so-called head of Luhansk Oblast said that the city was hit by cluster munitions, which caused a fire. Meanwhile, local residents reported that explosions had occurred near a military aviation school and an aircraft repair plant. Russian propaganda media reported another attack on Luhansk at around midnight.

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Eight North Carolina middle schoolers will compete this week in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which started in 1925 and is now the nations largest and longest-running educational program.

Three of them are from the Charlotte area. One additional student is from just across the NC border in Clover, South Carolina. Theyre among 245 total spellers who will converge on National Harbor, Maryland for the competition, with competitors drawn from all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Ghana, the Bahamas and American schools in Europe.

The semifinals air at 8 p.m. on May 29 on ION, and the finals air live the following night at 8.

There are multiple rounds of the competition, and spellers move forward each time they spell a given word correctly within the given minute and 30 seconds. When they spell a word incorrectly, they are eliminated. All spellers eliminated within the same round are tied for the same place. The champion is awarded a $50,000 cash prize.

Two spellers hail from Concord, alongside one speller from Mooresville. The other North Carolinians in this years cohort represent Durham, Wake, Harnett, Cumberland and Johnston Counties, respectively.

No one from North Carolina has won the competition since 1970.

Heres a look at the eight spellers from North Carolina, and one Charlotte-area speller from Clover, South Carolina, based on their bios on the spelling bee website:

Aishwarya Kallakuri

Aishwarya Kallakuri, 13, is in seventh grade at Valor Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in Concord. She enjoys reading, writing and learning new languages in her spare time. She also likes to sing classical south Indian music with her mom and play badminton with her dad. She hopes to one day pursue a career in psychology or neurology as well as help future spellers achieve their dreams.

Ananya Rao Prassanna is competing in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Ananya Rao Prassanna

Ananya Rao Prassanna, 13, is in seventh grade at Davis Drive Middle School in Cary. This isnt her first rodeo: she previously competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2022 and 2023, tying for 49th and 74th place, respectively. Prassanna has been a voracious reader from a young age, and she particularly enjoys books by Rick Riordan. In her free time, she enjoys practicing kathak, a type of Indian classical dance, and trying new foods.







Harini Jayakumar

Harini Jayakumar, 11, attends sixth grade at The Brawley School in Mooresville. Shes an avid fan of the Harry Potter books and is a member of her schools Battle of the Books team, where students read books and test their knowledge on the texts theyve read in a competition. She also enjoys participating in science and math fairs. Jayakumar loves playing softball in her spare time. She previously competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2022, tying for 89th place.







Phaneendra Bulusu

Phaneendra Bulusu, 12, is in sixth grade at Harris Road Middle School in Concord. He enjoys reading, playing chess and playing the flute. He also enjoys listening to music by his favorite musician, Northern Irish flutist Sir James Galway. In his spare time, Bulusu likes playing outdoors with his friends. His favorite word is caoutchouc  a type of rubber.







Johannes Roxburgh

Johannes Roxburgh, 13, is in seventh grade at Voyager Academy, a public charter school in Durham. His greatest passion is cooking: he once made a 13-course tasting menu for his family, complete with pan-seared duck with shaved asparagus and five-spice ice cream with almond tuiles. When Roxburgh isnt spelling, he loves performing in musical theater productions and watching horror movies.







Angelo Aldoph

Angelo Aldoph, 14, is an eighth grader at R. Max Abbott Middle School in Fayetteville. He plays several instruments, including piano, violin and Okinawan drum. Aldoph and his little brother, Danielo, love to play computer coding games together, and Aldoph hopes to one day become a computer programmer. Hes back at the Scripps National Spelling Bee after also competing last year, when he tied for 173rd place.







Ethan Dunlap

Ethan Dunlap, 12, is in eighth grade at Overhills Middle School in Harnett County. Hes something of a math whiz. For the past three years, hes tutored others in math and has his own YouTube channel where he posts his problem-solving strategies. In his spare time, he enjoys reading adventure, fantasy and mystery books as well as playing volleyball. Dunlap is also a proud Boy Scout.







Orrin Lam

Orrin Lam, 14, is in eighth grade at McGees Crossroads Middle School in Johnston County. While this is Lams first appearance at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, hes practiced since second grade and is thrilled to get his shot at the national competition. Lam loves math and science, and in his free time, he enjoys playing Minecraft and running track.







Mallory Greene

Mallory Greene, 14, is an eighth-grader at Clover Middle School just across the state border in Clover, South Carolina. She loves playing word games, shopping and spending time outdoors with friends and her three outdoor cats, Milky, Buttertoast and Cloudy. Greene also plays the flute in her regional band.
Montana Public Service Commission (via PSC Twitter account).

The Montana Public Service Commission is slow-walking a petition that would require the utility regulator to consider climate change in its decisions and acting outside Montana law, a representative of the group that brought the petition said Tuesday.

Currently were in a process that is not contemplated under the law, and were not comfortable operating within that, said Nick Fitzmaurice, with the Montana Environmental Information Center.

At a meeting of the Public Service Commission, Fitzmaurice said the MEIC seeks clarity from regulators on how to move ahead. According to MEIC, the PSC is more than one month past its allotted 60 days to respond to the proposal by either denying it or launching the rulemaking process.

In an email after the meeting, Fitzmaurice said the MEIC suspects foot-dragging by the Public Service Commission because rulemaking stops on Oct. 1 before a legislative session, and the legislature is in session in 2025.

It would appear the commission is using this as a stall tactic to run the rulemaking into the rule adoption moratorium beginning three months prior to a legislative session, he said.

A spokesperson for the Public Service Commission, however, said it is following administrative procedures and responding to the significant interest. PSC spokesperson David Sanders said 730 members of the public had submitted comment as of Friday and roughly 100 more comments came in during the Memorial Day weekend.

In February, 40 organizations and businesses filed the petition asking the Public Service Commission to adopt a new rule that requires consideration of the adverse climate impacts of greenhouse gas emissions in utility regulation.

Proponents argue doing so will benefit power customers, help Montanans who are hurt by bad air, and support the Montana economy. An economic report from 2023 valued visitor spending on outdoor recreation at $2 billion including on big game hunting and sport fishing.

Opponents, however, argue such regulation is outside the authority of the Public Service Commission, and the proposed rule was devised without input from labor and will lead to job losses.

Last month, Public Service Commissioners held a public hearing on the proposal and later voted to extend the period to accept feedback through July 1, 2024. The PSC also raised questions about the proposal for petitioners to address.

Tuesday in a phone call, the PSCs Sanders said MEIC is making a pretty sweeping request for rulemaking, and he said commissioners hope they will get answers from petitioners about how to move ahead on the proposed rule.

There are a lot of questions about how to do that, Sanders said. There may be answers.

Sanders said the PSC opened up informal rulemaking under Section 304 of the Montana Administrative Procedures Act, and he believes MEIC is familiar with it since the nonprofit has participated under it before.

But Fitzmaurice, with MEIC, said in an email the informal rulemaking the PSC believes commissioners are operating under is only available to it once they have initiated rulemaking.

In the PSCs April 30 business meeting, they were very clear that by extending public comment through July 1 and asking petitioners further questions, they were not accepting or denying the petition, which is not an option available to them, Fitzmaurice said.

Montana Code Annotated 2-4-315 outlines the way agencies handle petitions. It reads in part:

Within 60 days after submission of a petition, the agency either shall deny the petition in writing or shall initiate rulemaking proceedings in accordance with 2-4-302 through 2-4-305, it says. A decision to deny a petition or to initiate rulemaking proceedings must be in writing and based on record evidence.

In its own filing, MEIC said the statute doesnt offer the option to extend the 60 days or to extend public comment absent a decision to initiate rulemaking. The filing noted Commission President James Brown clearly articulated on April 30 the PSC wasnt rejecting the petition or starting rulemaking.

The Commission has not taken either available pathway under Mont. Code Ann. 2-4-315 and is therefore violating that statutes clear legal directive, the filing said.

The petition is dated Feb. 28, the public hearing was held April 8, and commissioners voted on April 30 to extend the comment period. Fitzmaurice said petitioners will not be responding to the PSCs questions under the circumstances.

We will not be expending resources to respond to these questions posed outside of the lawful processes for petitions and rulemaking, Fitzmaurice said. If the Commission indicates it is serious about the petition and initiates rulemaking, we will work on our response to these questions.

On behalf of the PSC, however, Sanders said the March 19 notice of public comment initiated the rulemaking process, which he said is currently underway. The document refers to the commission contemplating rulemaking, not initiating rulemaking, but Sanders said theres little point in taking public comment otherwise.

We generally do not ask for public comment on things the commission is not considering, Sanders said.

At the meeting Tuesday, Commissioner Annie Bukacek proposed a motion to deny the petition, but no other commissioner seconded it, and it died without discussion.

The post MEIC: Montana PSC using stall tactic with climate petition appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Melinda French Gates, American philanthropist and ex-wife of tech mogul Bill Gates, has pledged $1 billion through 2026 to advance the global power of women via her Pivotal Ventures Foundation. In the May 28 announcement made on the Pivotal Ventures website, French Gates broke down how the $1 billion would be donated.

$200 million will go toward organizations in the U.S. fighting to advance womens power and protect their rights, including reproductive freedom. $240 million will be distributed amongst 12 global leaders, who will each receive $20 million to donate to charitable organizations of their choosing. The final $250 million will be awarded this fall through Lever of Change to organizations that work to improve the mental and physical health of women worldwide.

More from Variety

For too long, a lack of money has forced organizations fighting for womens rights into a defensive posture while the enemies of progress play offense, French Gates said. I want to help even the match.

French Gates founded Pivotal Ventures in 2015 to advance equality and opportunity through high-impact donations, partnerships, advocacy and philanthropy. Since its inception, Pivotal has partnered with the Center for Inclusive Computing, Paid Leave for All and the Center for American Women and Politics. French Gates and her team have also worked towards improvements in caregiving, education and mental health.

For more than 20 years, French Gates was a co-chair and trustee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which works to improve the health of children across the globe. Associated Press recently reported that French Gates will soon leave the Gates Foundation and receive $12.5 from Gates as per their divorce agreement.

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Melinda French Gates announced Tuesday that she will donate $1 billion over the next two years to charities and other groups that focus on women and families.

Earlier in May, she said she would step down from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and pursue new philanthropic pursuits.

French Gates, who divorced Microsoft founder Bill Gates in 2021, wrote in The New York Times that now is the time to invest in womens issues.

Decades of research on economics, well-being and governance make it clear that investing in women and girls benefits everyone, she wrote.

French Gates said her work will focus on a variety of issues facing women, including sexual violence in conflict zones abroad, the role of women in government and maternal health. She specifically outlined a need to work against maternal mortality in the U.S. and toward reproductive freedom.

Women in 14 states have lost the right to terminate a pregnancy under almost any circumstances, she wrote. We remain the only advanced economy without any form of national paid family leave. And the number of teenage girls experiencing suicidal thoughts and persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness is at a decade high.

When we allow this cause to go so chronically underfunded, we all pay the cost, she continued. As shocking as it is to contemplate, my 1-year-old granddaughter may grow up with fewer rights than I had.

French Gates said her giving is organized through her organization Pivotal Ventures, and has already worked toward grants for the National Womens Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

As a young woman, I could never have imagined that one day I would be part of an effort like this, she said. Because I have been given this extraordinary opportunity, I am determined to do everything I can to seize it and to set an agenda that helps other women and girls set theirs, too.

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Melinda French Gates Giving $1B to Womens Rights Efforts After Resigning from Foundation She Started with Ex Bill

In an op-ed for The New York Times, Melinda French Gates said she is looking forward to opening a new chapter in my philanthropy

Lisa Lake/Getty Images Melinda French Gates

Melinda French Gates has pledged $1 billion to support women's rights in the United States as she prepares to leave the foundation she co-founded more than two decades ago.

In an op-ed for The New York Times, published Tuesday, May 28, French Gates revealed she will spend the money on people and organizations working on behalf of women and families around the world, including on reproductive rights in the United States, over the next two years.

French Gates, who is leaving the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on June 7, said she is looking forward to opening a new chapter in my philanthropy nearly 25 years after co-founding the foundation with her now-ex-husband, Bill Gates.

As part of the new funding, Melinda has delivered funding to various groups that work to protect and strengthen womens rights, including the National Womens Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the Center for Reproductive Rights, PEOPLE can confirm.

Related: Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates' Relationship Timeline

"With the rollback of womens rights and headwinds to social progress in the U.S. and around the world, Melinda believes that now is the time to provide urgent capital to people and organizations fighting to protect and further equality and remove the barriers that hold women back," read a press release from French Gates' Pivotal Ventures. "This includes investing in the health and well-being of women and families, in line with her belief that health is a critical lever in enabling women to have their full power in society."

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.

French Gates hopes the funds will help address some of the struggles and concerns women face in the U.S. on a daily basis  including increased maternal mortality rates, loss of reproductive rights, a lack of national paid family leave and mental health issues.

Only about 2% of charitable giving in the U.S. goes towards womens and girls organizations, according to the Women and Girls Index.

When we allow this cause to go so chronically underfunded, we all pay the cost, the philanthropist and advocate wrote in her op-ed.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Part of the $1 billion commitment will also be awarded through an "open call," which will launch in the fall.

Because I have been given this extraordinary opportunity, I am determined to do everything I can to seize it and to set an agenda that helps other women and girls set theirs, too, she wrote in the op-ed.

Related: Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates Celebrate Daughter Jennifers Medical School Graduation

Speaking with CBS Mornings in 2022, French Gates said billionaires can and should give up half of their wealth through philanthropy.

I believe the only responsible thing to do with a fortune this size is give it away  as thoughtfully and impactfully as possible, she told Gayle King at the time.

She later added. We should have a society where if for whatever reason wealth is in your hands, you put it back in society so that you change and you lift up others.



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Philanthropist Melinda French Gates announced Tuesday that over the next two years, her charity will dole out $1 billion to initiatives focused on women, including those working to protect reproductive rights in the United States.

The news, which French Gates revealed in a New York Times essay, comes a week before shes scheduled to step away from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the philanthropy she started with her now-ex-husband, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, in 2000.

The contributions are a direct response to the U.S. Supreme Courts June 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which wiped out abortion access for millions of Americans, she said.

While I have long focused on improving contraceptive access overseas, in the post-Dobbs era, I now feel compelled to support reproductive rights here at home, French Gates wrote. For too long, a lack of money has forced organizations fighting for womens rights into a defensive posture while the enemies of progress play offense. I want to help even the match.

Melinda French Gates speaks at the Empowering Women as Entrepreneurs and Leaders forum at a global banking meeting on April 13, 2023, in Washington. French Gates says she will donate $1 billion over the next two years to individuals and organizations working on behalf of women and families globally, including on reproductive rights in the United States. Jose Luis Magana/Associated Press

Funding will come through Pivotal Ventures, the philanthropy she launched in 2015.

As shocking as it is to contemplate, my 1-year-old granddaughter may grow up with fewer rights than I had, French Gates wrote in her essay.

The National Womens Law Center and the Center for Reproductive Rights  two groups fighting the GOPs effort to wipe out abortion access  are among the recipients of some of that $1 billion so far, French Gates said Tuesday.

The 19th, a news outlet focused on gender and politics, said Tuesday theyd also received a multimillion-dollar grant from French Gates charity.

Sometimes dreams do come true, Emily Ramshaw, the news outlets co-founder and CEO, said in her announcement.

Melinda French Gates never mentions abortion directly in her New York Times essay, but shes previously shared much more conservative views.

[W]hen I get asked about my views on abortion, I say that, like everyone, I struggle with the issue, but Ive decided not to engage on it publicly  and the Gates Foundation has decided not to fund abortion, French Gates, who was raised Catholic, wrote in a 2014 blog post that no longer appears to be live on the Gates Foundation website.

Excerpts from the blog post appear in a Daily Beast story from the time.

[I]n the United States and around the world the emotional and personal debate about abortion is threatening to get in the way of the lifesaving consensus regarding basic family planning, she wrote in 2014, saying funding contraception initiatives was a better path.

Related...
Memorial Day weekend marred by severe weather  and it's not over

Memorial Day weekend was marred by severe storms across the US.

More than 20 people died, and tornado warnings are in effect for Maryland, Texas, and other states.

Scientists blame the heat and say the severe weather will continue.

Memorial weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and this year it was marred by a series of severe weather incidents that scientists say could continue as temperatures rise.

Severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornados, swept across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky over the holiday weekend, destroying buildings and killing over 20 people, according to the Associated Press.

Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, declared a state of emergency on Monday after five people died in the state from incidents associated with the severe weather.

The storms moved to the Northeast on Memorial Day, placing the Washington, DC, metropolitan area under a tornado watch on Monday evening. Parts of Texas, the Lower Great Lakes, and the Mid-Atlantic continue to be under a tornado watch for Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.

The NWS warned of flash flooding in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region on Monday, and hail in the Southern Plains and Texas on Tuesday and possibly Wednesday.

Severe weather damages a truck stop in Texas Julio Cortez

Harold Brooks, a senior scientist at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma told the AP that a persistent pattern of warm, moist air is behind the string of tornadoes over the past two months.

Sjoukje Philip, a researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, said that while attributing tornadoes to climate change is not straightforward, there is a link.

"With hotter sea surface temperatures, the air can hold more moisture. So I can also imagine that whenever there is precipitation, whether that's from a tornado or something else, there can be more rainfall, on shorter timescales. So that's a really clear relation," Philip told the AP.

The series of storms comes as temperatures climb in parts of the US, including Texas, where weather forecasters predicted temperatures of up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend in some parts of the state. And just last week, in Mexico, temperatures got so hot that multiple monkeys suffered heat stroke and were dropping from trees like apples.

Philip noted that 2023 was the hottest year on record and that average temperatures are expected to continue to rise, which could trigger more severe weather.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- A slew of measures recently rolled out across China have begun boosting the property market, with different cities adopting specific measures to address the diverse demands of home buyers.

In the latest move, authorities in Shanghai on Monday announced nine specific measures, including easing home-purchase restrictions for non-Shanghai residents and divorced couples, allowing families with two or more children to purchase an additional home, and lowering the minimum down payment ratio for individual commercial housing mortgages.

The property market responded immediately to these measures, with a surging number of inquiries and orders concluded later on the same day.

At the sales office of a real estate project in Shanghai's Jiading District, Zhang Rui paid a deposit for his second home merely half an hour after the announcement of the new housing measures.

"Since the minimum down payment ratio for second homes has been lowered from 50 percent to 35 percent, my limited savings are no longer a concern," said Zhang.

Niu Jianghai, sales and marketing manager of the project, said inquiry calls surged by three times on Monday evening and the sales office extended its opening hours to serve the visiting clients.

These targeted new measures will better meet basic housing demand and diverse desires for improved housing, which will help raise market expectations and boost market confidence, said Jiang Weiru, secretary-general of the Shanghai Real Estate Trade Association.

Apart from Shanghai, cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Xi'an and Chengdu have also adjusted their real estate policies recently, announcing measures such as eased purchase restrictions and the trade-ins of commercial housing.

Incomplete statistics show that more than 70 Chinese cities have rolled out trade-in promotions, encouraging residents to trade their old homes in for new ones.

In the city of Taicang in Jiangsu Province, east China, Chen Libin traded in her 129-square-meter old home for a new one measuring 143 square meters in April, borrowing 790,000 yuan (about 111,000 U.S. dollars) to cover the price difference.

"The trade-in policy has helped save me from paying the agent fee and I also got a deed tax exemption," said Chen, adding that the latest policy saved her nearly 100,000 yuan.

As of late April, 235 new commercial apartments had been transacted through trade-ins in Taicang, with the sales volume of these apartments reaching 802 million yuan.

The traded old apartments will be used as affordable housing or as accommodation for talent relocating to the city, according to the city's housing and urban-rural development bureau.

On May 17, China announced a raft of measures to boost the property market, cutting minimum down payment ratios, setting up a re-lending facility for affordable housing and pledging to deliver unfinished homes.

These national and local measures echoed a Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau meeting on April 30, which demanded research on policies to reduce housing inventory and improve the quality of newly added housing.

Yan Yuejin, research director at E-house China R&D Institute, said that following this round of policy optimization and adjustment, China's real estate market is expected to usher in a wave of destocking commercial housing projects, which will help build up market confidence and promote the recovery of the property market. 
(Bloomberg) -- Mexico has been sweltering under extreme temperatures for weeks, as 98 million voters across the country prepare to elect a new president.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Mexico City posted new heat records for May 17 and 26, with highs above 90F (32C) and overnight lows in the 60s, said Paul Pastelok, a meteorologist with commercial forecaster AccuWeather Inc. Normally at this time of year the capital would have highs in the 70s and overnight lows in the 50s, he said.

Only one night all month has dropped into the 50s. That is impressive, Pastelok said. The city tied heat records on May 23, 24 and 25.

Mexicos presidential candidates have been in the final week of campaigning, with former climate scientist Claudia Sheinbaum polling ahead of opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez to be the countrys next leader on June 2. The candidates have thanked supporters for turning out despite the heat. Both have promised to tackle the threats from climate change.

Last year, we had the hottest summer ever and everything suggests that either we have to give up our addiction to fossil fuels, or the planet will die, Galvez said in a recent TikTok video.

Along with Mexicans, billions of people around the world are voting in elections at a time the planet has never been hotter. Summer has yet to begin in the Northern Hemisphere, and ongoing global heat waves have already pushed oceanic temperatures to new highs for the last 13 months. The first four months of 2024 were Earths warmest on record.

Across parts of India, which is in its final phase of general elections this week, temperatures have neared 50C (122F). Temperatures hit 47C on Monday in northwest India and at least one weather station reported 49.4C, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Summers first day will arrive June 20 in the north half of the planet, but by then new highs will have been set, taxing power grids and crops; adding to civil unrest across the hemisphere; and leading to the possibility that 2024 will see a return of the natural disasters that arrived with the worst of 2023s heat.

This year Mexico has been plagued with not only heat, but also drought, which will continue for at least a few more weeks, according to AccuWeathers Pastelok. The annual monsoon that usually starts in southwestern Mexico in May has been nonexistent this year, which has added to the extreme conditions. There is a chance that tropical moisture coming in off the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico will bring the country much-needed rains and cool temperatures.

At a campaign event in the Mexican state of Durango on May 21, Sheinbaum pledged to reform the national distribution of water to help ranchers and farmers crippled by the drought thats hit agricultural communities. Water will come to the state of Durango and the rest of the country, she said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Michigan mother dies after pushing her 2-year-old daughter away from out-of-control vehicle at drag race

A Michigan mother died after pushing her 2-year-old daughter away from an out-of-control vehicle at a drag racing event on Sunday, police say.

Kadie Price, 33, was a spectator at the racing event, which took place at the Silver Lake State Park Sand Dunes in Michigans western Oceana County.

A Jeep CJ lost control and drove out of the racing area before striking a stationary vehicle, Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast told CNN. That vehicle then slammed into Price  seconds after she had pushed her daughter safely out of the way.

Her husband, Charlie Price  a deputy with the Kent County Sheriffs Office in Grand Rapids  was nearly struck, too, Mast said.

The driver of the Jeep has been cooperative and submitted to a blood draw, according to Mast. Investigators have also been able to collect good witness statements, photos from onlookers and digital evidence  all of which will be sent to prosecutors.

Please keep the Price family in your prayers, Mast said.

A GiveSendGo fundraiser has been set up by Charlie Prices colleague, Sgt. Joy Matthews, to celebrate Kadies life and last act of heroism and support the children in navigating life without her.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, just over $60,000 has been donated. All of the money raised will go directly to the Price family, according to the fundraiser page.

We want our community to unite and show unwavering support to the family, the fundraiser states.

Silver Lake State Park Sand Dunes is a popular destination for its 450-acre off-road-vehicle area, approximately 80 miles from Grand Rapids.

With nearly 2,000 acres of sand dunes along Lake Michigan, the park is the only sand dune riding area east of the Mississippi, according to the Michigan State Natural Resources website.

CNNs Kaila Nichols and Ryan Bergeron contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD)  A bar dubbed Michigans smallest will not reopen this summer in Muskegons seasonal Chalet business district.

The owner of the Peoples Cider Company Muskegon announced on Facebook that it could not reach an amiable lease agreement for the space with the City of Muskegon.

Michigans Smallest Bar has a few seats, drinks to-go

The Muskegon location had three seats with a maximum capacity of seven people, including employees. It was open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the summer months and on Saturdays in October.

Michigans Smallest Bar in Muskegon. (June 2, 2023)

Michigans Smallest Bar in Muskegon. (June 2, 2023)

Jason Lummen, the owner of Michigans Smallest Bar in Muskegon. (June 2, 2023)

Michigans Smallest Bar in Muskegon. (June 2, 2023)

Muskegons Western Market. (June 2, 2023)

Michigans Smallest Bar can now serve alcohol

The company makes hard cider and operates a tap room in Grand Rapids.

The business is looking for a new lakeshore location for next summer.

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.
MINNEAPOLIS  Linda Hood is always on the move. She's a marathoner who has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. In 2018, quadriplegia changed her body, but her will is the same  especially after she realized the basic task of using a public restroom was now alarmingingly complicated.

"We got on the floor and it was wet. It was cold. It was filthy," Hood said. "It was awful and I looked at my husband and thought, this is disgusting."

Babies have changing tables, and so she wondered, why don't kids and adults?

Hood got to work, getting the first adult changing table in U.S. Bank Stadium, helping push for the first one at the Minnesota State Fair. Now it's law in Minnesota for changing tables to be in large, public new builds.

/ Credit: WCCO

This month, Hood set her sights on Washington to talk specifically about airport bathrooms.

"All I could do is say, 'When are they going to listen? I need someone to hear me,'" she said.

And listen they did. Hood says she was warmly greeted by Minnesota congressmembers Betty McCollum and Dean Philips, where she explained the experiences of friends like Prince Cole, a Minnesotan and native Liberian who wants badly to visit home more often.

"Every time I go to the airport, I get huge anxiety. My anxiety is around the bathroom," Cole said. "You have to get changed and get changed on the floor so some people would rather stay at home than go through that. A humiliating experience."

Hood fought back against the norm and the Senate passed the bill. It's soon to be law to have adult changing tables in U.S. airports.

"I got results and if I could have jumped out of this chair and jumped to the moon, I would have done it," Hood said. "I had that much energy and that much joy. I was elated. It made me feel so good and I Just wanted to hug everyone in Washington and say, 'Well done, good and faithful servants.'"

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport already has two adult changing tables, one in Concourse D and the other near baggage claim.

"When I found out that this change was coming in the airport and the bathrooms, I was like, 'Thank God for Linda,'" Cole said.

Hood's next mission is to broaden federal law and she is prompting the International Olympic Committee to have adult changing tables at their venues.

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Ogden's elected highway superintendent is operating under an unusual employment agreement with the town that, because of complaints of "workplace misconduct," forbids him from meeting with most of the town's highway department employees without the presence of another person.

The agreement with Highway Superintendent Dan Wolf appears to greatly restrict what he can do on the job.

For instance, the town's deputy highway superintendent or a foreman must be present when Wolf meets with highway department employees. They also are responsible for communicating to staff many tasks, such as "repair and maintenance of Town highways, roads, sidewalks, and bridges and the removal of obstructions caused by snow."

"The Town Director of Personnel, Town Supervisor, Deputy Superintendent of Highways, Working Foreman and Town Department Heads are the only individuals you may meet with and interact with in person outside of the presence of another individual," the agreement states.

Don't use discriminatory language

The Ogden Town Hall.

The three-page agreement warns Wolf that he should not use discriminatory language that targets individuals because of race, gender, sexual orientation or other protected classes in New York.

It also forbids him from social media postings in his official capacity as well as on town social media accounts. The agreement allows the town's deputy highway superintendent to post.

In a text message, Wolf declined to comment when asked about the agreement.

He wrote, "At this moment, I am unable to provide a comment."

In the agreement obtained by the Democrat and Chronicle, Wolf said that he was not admitting to guilt in relation to the allegations.

Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale also declined to comment, saying the town does not comment on personnel matters.

The allegations against Wolf are not distinctly spelled out in the document but "are sufficient reason to require a response," the agreement states. "The town does not tolerate threatening, intimidating, or demeaning behavior in the workplace, especially when such behavior involves a real (or) perceived power imbalance," the agreement continues.

Agreement began in January

Ogden, NY, is the site of an unusual employment agreement for the elected highway superintendent.

The agreement went into effect in January. Wolf has been active politically in Ogden, chairing the town's Republican committee in the past.

The Democrat and Chronicle has filed public access requests for complaints involving Wolf. Recently, the town informed the Democrat and Chronicle that it needed an extension to compile the records.

However, the Democrat and Chronicle separately obtained the agreement with Wolf. In the agreement, the town acknowledges that it is limited as to what it can do since Wolf is elected.

In New York, there are 933 towns, and the large majority have elected highway superintendents. An exact number is not readily available, and some towns occasionally evolve away or toward the choice of an elected official in the job.

Can you remove an elected NY town official?

State law provides a route for residents to remove an elected highway superintendent through a court process. A judge would have to determine that wrongdoing or malfeasance were substantive enough to justify removal.

"The standard is very high" for removal, said Chris Koetzle, the supervisor of Glenville in Schenectady County and the executive director of the Association of Towns of the State of New York. "There is good reason for that so that people don't try to weaponize the process because they dont like someone or because it's an election year."

A criminal conviction can also lead to removal.

Koetzle, who has been supervisor for 14 years, said he has never heard of the removal process being used in New York while he has held office.

The agreement also asks Wolf for consistent reports on project expenses in the highway department.

"Please understand the Town takes this matter very seriously," the agreement reads. "It is the expectation that you immediately comply with these restrictions."

 Gary Craig is a veteran reporter with the Democrat and Chronicle, covering courts and crime and more. You can reach Craig at gcraig@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Ogden NY highway superintendent faces restrictions amid complaints
This article was produced for ProPublicas Local Reporting Network in partnership with Mississippi Today and co-published with the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, the Sun Herald and MLK50. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one as soon as they are published.

If you or someone you know needs help:

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Text the Crisis Text Line from anywhere in the U.S. to reach a crisis counselor: 741741

When Sandy Jones 26-year-old daughter started writing on the walls of her home in Hernando, Mississippi, last year and talking angrily to the television, Sandy said, she knew two things: Her daughter Sydney needed help, and Sandy didnt want her to be held in jail again to get it.

A year and a half earlier, during Sydney Jones first psychotic episode, her mother filed paperwork to have her involuntarily committed, a legal process in which a judge can order someone to receive mental health treatment. After DeSoto County sheriffs deputies showed up at Sydneys home and explained that they were detaining her for a mental evaluation, Sydney panicked and ran inside. Following a struggle, deputies cuffed and shackled her and drove her to the county jail, where people going through the commitment process are usually held as they await mental health treatment elsewhere.

Over nine days in jail, Sydney Jones said, she believed her tattoos were portals for spiritual forces and felt like she had been abandoned by her family. In an interview, she said that the experience was so traumatic that she became anxious when she drove, afraid she could be arrested at any moment.

The second time Sydney Jones experienced delusions, in 2023, a family member contacted the local community mental health center for help. Police officers with mental health training came and called an ambulance to take Jones to Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, part of a large, religiously affiliated nonprofit hospital system. But because the hospital doesnt have a psychiatric unit, after a few days it sent her to the jail to wait for eventual treatment in a publicly funded facility. Like the first time, she hadnt been charged with a crime.

Sydney Jones

Roughly 200 people in DeSoto County were jailed annually during the civil commitment process, most without criminal charges, between 2021 and 2023. About a fifth of them were picked up at local hospitals, according to an estimate based on a review of Sheriffs Department records by Mississippi Today and ProPublica. The overwhelming majority of those patients, according to our analysis, were at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, the largest in this prosperous, suburban county near Memphis.

That would just be unthinkable here, said Dr. Grayson Norquist, the chief of psychiatry at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, a professor at Emory University and the former chair of psychiatry at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

Norquist was one of 17 physicians specializing in emergency medicine or psychiatry, including leaders in their fields, who said they had never heard of a hospital sending patients to jail solely to wait for mental health treatment. Several said it violates doctors Hippocratic oath: to do no harm.

The practice appears to be unusual even in Mississippi, where lawmakers recently acted to limit when people can be jailed as they go through the civil commitment process. Sheriffs departments in about a third of the states counties, including those that appear to jail such people most frequently, responded to questions from Mississippi Today and ProPublica about how they handle involuntary commitment. They said they seldom, if ever, take people who need mental health treatment from a hospital to jail. At most, said sheriffs in a few rural counties, they do it once or twice a month.

But in DeSoto County, hospital patients were jailed about 50 times a year from 2021 to 2023, according to the news outlets estimate, which was based on a review of Sheriffs Department dispatch logs, incident reports and jail dockets.

At least two people have died soon after being taken from Baptist-DeSoto to a county jail during the commitment process, according to documents submitted for lawsuits filed over their deaths. One person died by suicide hours after arriving at the DeSoto County jail in 2021; the other died of multisystem organ failure after being jailed for three days in neighboring Marshall County in 2011. James Franks, an attorney who handles commitments for DeSoto County, said officials had no reason to believe that the woman who killed herself was suicidal. DeSoto County made a similar argument in a court filing in an ongoing lawsuit over that death, which didnt name the hospital as a defendant. In lawsuits over the other death, a judge dismissed Marshall County and the sheriff as defendants, and a jury found that Baptist-DeSoto wasnt liable.

Baptist-DeSoto officials said the hospital hands some patients over to deputies to take them to jail because those patients need dedicated treatment that the hospital cant provide and nearby inpatient facilities are full. Most people who need inpatient treatment agree to be transferred to a behavioral health facility, according to Kim Alexander, director of public relations for Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. But in a relatively small number of cases, she wrote in an email, patients are deemed dangerous to themselves or others and dont agree to treatment, so they need to be committed. When that happens, she said, its the countys responsibility to decide where to house them.

We discharge mental health patients with the hope they will be transferred to a mental health facility that can provide the specialized care they need, Alexander wrote in a statement. Jailing people who need mental health care is not the ideal option, she wrote. Our hearts go out to anyone who cannot access the mental health care they need because behavioral health services are not available in the area.

But doctors elsewhere said even if psychiatric facilities are full, Baptist-DeSoto doesnt have to send patients to jail. They said the hospital could do what hospitals elsewhere in the country do: keep patients until a treatment bed is available.

This is a principle of emergency medicine: You care for all people, under all circumstances, at any time, said Dr. Lewis Goldfrank, who spent 50 years working in emergency medicine, including at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Sending patients to jail because of their illness, he said, is just unethical and irresponsible.

Sandy Jones said she was in disbelief when it happened to her daughter. If Sydney has another psychotic episode, Sandy Jones said she wont try to get help in DeSoto County. I will tie her up until its over.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto

Headed to Jail in a Hospital Gown and Handcuffs

Baptist, the largest and oldest hospital in DeSoto County, sits right off the interstate amid big-box stores and chain hotels in Southaven, Mississippi. Its the first place many residents think of when they need medical help. Since 2017, it has served as the drop-off point for the countys crisis intervention team, which was established to give law enforcement a way to help people with mental illness without bringing them to jail.

But when people show up in the emergency department needing inpatient psychiatric treatment, they dont get it at Baptist-DeSoto. Instead, a crisis coordinator sets about finding some other place for them. If patients agree to treatment, they may be able to go to a publicly funded crisis unit, the closest of which is 50 miles away, or to a private psychiatric hospital. If they dont, the crisis coordinator pursues commitment, which means turning patients over to the Sheriffs Department. And because the Sheriffs Department usually wont transport patients over a long distance multiple times for a court hearing and eventual treatment, those patients usually go to jail.

That was the case with Sydney Jones. After she arrived at the hospital in April 2023, a psychiatrist contracted by the hospital evaluated her and concluded that she needed inpatient treatment. Jones was prescribed antipsychotic medication, admitted to the hospital, placed in her own room and monitored by a security guard.

Meanwhile, a staffer for Region IV, the local nonprofit community mental health center that works with Baptist-DeSoto to place patients who need treatment, was trying to find someplace for Jones other than the hospital. Catherine Davis, the crisis coordinator, concluded that Jones would need to be committed.

After Sydney Jones was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in the midst of a psychotic episode, a staffer for Region IV, the local community mental health center, filed paperwork to have Jones committed. Catherine Davis, the staffer, wrote that she did so because of Jones psychosis and because she wouldnt comply with treatment recommendations.

The next day, Davis contacted Jones cousin, who had tried to get Jones help, and asked the cousin to initiate commitment proceedings. (Region IVs contract with Baptist-DeSoto requires it to try to get a patients family member or friend to file commitment paperwork before doing so itself.) The cousin refused because she knew Jones would be jailed until a bed opened up, according to Sandy Jones. (The cousin declined an interview request.)

So Davis filed the commitment paperwork herself, writing that Sydney Jones should be taken to DeSoto County jail while awaiting further evaluations, a court hearing and eventual treatment.

On Sydney Jones fourth day at Baptist-DeSoto, two sheriffs deputies arrived. They received discharge papers from a nurse and wheeled Jones out of the hospital, according to her and an incident report. Jones, who said her delusions at the time were like if Satan made goggles and put them on you, was terrified that the deputies would drive her to a field, rape her and kill her.

Sandy Jones said she didnt understand why she had no say in what was happening to her daughter, although thats typical during the commitment process. I felt like she was kidnapped from me, Sandy Jones said. Her daughter spent nine days in jail before being admitted to a crisis unit, where she was treated for about two weeks.

Mississippi Today and ProPublica interviewed five other people who were discharged from Baptist to jail, including two who had been taken to the hospital because they had attempted suicide. One said that when deputies came to his room, he wondered if he had somehow committed a crime after trying to kill himself by overdosing on prescription medication. Another said he felt humiliated to be wheeled through the hospital wearing just a hospital gown. Three of the five said they were handcuffed before being taken away.

Hospital officials noted that all patients are medically stabilized before being released and that some patients are committed by family members. Dr. H. F. Mason, Baptist-DeSotos chief medical officer, said in an interview that he didnt know how often patients who need behavioral health treatment might be discharged to jail, but he has no concerns about the practice. When hospital staff hand patients over to local authorities, Mason said, we feel that theyre going to take the appropriate care of that patient.

The jail, however, offers minimal psychiatric treatment, if any. Region IV staff members visit the jail primarily to evaluate people going through the commitment process or to check on people on suicide watch, Region IV Director Jason Ramey said. Jail officials said medical staff try to make sure inmates have access to their prescription drugs, although some people jailed during commitment proceedings have said they didnt consistently get their medications.

Davis and county officials involved in the commitment process said sending patients to jail as they await treatment is better than allowing them to go home, which they see as the only other option. Jail is not ideal, but weve got to make sure these people are safe so theyre not going to harm themselves or somebody else, Davis said. If theyve had a serious suicide attempt, and theyre just adamant theyre going home, I mean  I cant ethically let them go home. ... We do try to explore all the options before we send them there.

Once in jail, many patients wait days or weeks to be evaluated further, to go before a judge and to be taken somewhere for treatment, according to a review of jail dockets. One 37-year-old man picked up at Baptist-DeSoto in 2022 was jailed for nearly two months, which according to jail dockets was one of the longest detentions between 2021 and 2023.

Desoto County Detention Center

The husband of a 64-year-old woman said that during the evaluation process he was encouraged by someone at Baptist-DeSoto  he doesnt remember who  to pursue commitment proceedings after his wife stopped taking her bipolar disorder medication and overdosed on prescription drugs and alcohol. She was jailed for 28 days.

Im a Jehovahs Witness, said the woman, who asked not to be identified because she doesnt want people to know she was jailed for mental illness. I never known anything like that in my life. Never been arrested. All my rights just stripped from me. To do that to an old woman, because I was having mental troubles!

She said the experience left her terrified to seek mental health care in DeSoto County. Id rather die than go back in there, she said of the jail.

DeSoto County Struggles with a Problem Other Communities Have Addressed

Although DeSoto County has long relied on its jail to house people awaiting treatment, some communities elsewhere in the state have found other options. They rely on nearby crisis units to provide short-term treatment and in many cases have arrangements with local hospitals to treat patients if a publicly funded bed isnt available.

On the Gulf Coast, people who come to hospitals in Ocean Springs or Pascagoula can be admitted to an eight-bed psychiatric unit, said Kim Henderson, director of emergency services for Singing River Health System, which operates those facilities.

Henderson said the psychiatric unit loses money because many patients lack insurance and cant pay. It would be so much easier to say were not going to do this anymore and shut it down, she said. But we dont believe thats the right thing to do.

Over the years, DeSoto County officials have expressed frustration with how many people are jailed during the commitment process, but theyve made little progress in coming up with an alternative.

In 2007, Baptist-DeSoto initiated 152 commitments, according to board meeting minutes and a news story in the DeSoto Times-Tribune; many of those patients went to jail. The hospital sends people as quickly as they can to the Sheriffs Department. They want them out of there, Michael Garriga, then the county administrator, said at the time, according to another Times-Tribune article. (The news stories didnt include a comment from the hospital; Alexander, Baptists spokesperson, said she couldnt comment on practices from years ago because no one who was part of the leadership team then is still around.)

A contractor working for Baptist-DeSoto filed this affidavit in 2009 initiating commitment proceedings against a patient, who was then taken to jail to await treatment. Mississippi Today and ProPublica reviewed about 200 court files from around that time in which someone working on behalf of the hospital filed paperwork to commit a patient; in most of those cases, the patient was taken to jail.

In 2008, the CEO of Parkwood Behavioral Health System, which operates a psychiatric facility in the county, offered to treat people going through the commitment process for $465 per patient per day  many times more than the $25 a day it cost back then to house someone in jail. No contract was ever signed.

Two years later, again aiming to reduce how often people awaiting mental health treatment were jailed, DeSoto County started working with a different community mental health center, Region IV. The number of people held in jail during commitment proceedings fell sharply, but within several years it had risen.

In 2021, the state Department of Mental Health said it would give Region IV money to create a crisis unit in DeSoto, the largest county in the state without one. But the county must provide the building, and it has taken about two years just to move forward with a location, according to meeting minutes.

County officials considered putting the crisis unit in a building a few miles from the hospital and even got an architect to scope out a renovation, according to meeting minutes. By 2023, those plans had been scuttled amid concerns about the cost of renovations and opposition from neighbors, according to Mark Gardner, a county supervisor, and board meeting minutes.

Former Sheriff Bill Rasco said he was told by an alderman for the city of Southaven that residents didnt want people with mental illness in their neighborhood. Rasco, who served from 2008 through 2023, said he believes the rapidly growing county has had the means to build a facility, but supervisors prioritize paving roads and keeping taxes low. We build agricultural arenas, walking trails and ballfields, and we let our mental health suffer, he said.

The county Board of Supervisors inched forward again in February, voting to hire an architect to draw up plans to renovate a different county building. But construction on the 16-bed facility wont start until spring 2025 at the earliest.

Gardner, who was first elected in 2011, said he has always believed that people with mental illness shouldnt be jailed, but the Sheriffs Department and Region IV didnt propose an alternative until recently. We need it today, he said. I hate that we havent been able to find a suitable place till now to put this.

A year after Sydney Jones second psychotic episode, shes doing better. She hasnt experienced another mental health crisis. The sight of a police cruiser no longer triggers a panic attack, though she does get anxious when she sees one in her neighborhood.

But she wants to remind herself of what she survived to get here, so she keeps mementos. The composition book where she wrote notes during group therapy at the crisis unit. The Bible she read in jail. The planner where she wrote Hospital in one square and Jail in the next. And two plastic wristbands: The white one identified her as a hospital patient; the yellow one, with her mug shot and booking number, identified her as a prisoner.

In her planner and Bible, Jones kept track of the time she spent at Baptist-DeSoto, in jail and at a crisis stabilization unit in Corinth, Mississippi, where she eventually received treatment.

How We Reported This Story

To report this story, we obtained DeSoto County Sheriffs Department logs from 2021 through 2023 that showed when deputies were called to two local hospitals to take people into custody for involuntary commitment proceedings to receive treatment for mental illness or substance abuse. Those logs included nearly 200 calls, mostly to Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.

To determine which calls resulted in jail detentions, we needed to cross-reference the logs with incident reports and county jail dockets. We requested incident reports for about half of calls from 2021 through 2023. Although this sample wasnt collected at random, we requested records from a range of months to account for possible variations throughout the year. Patients names were redacted from incident reports, but by using other identifying information in those reports, we matched 76% of the call logs in our sample to an entry in jail dockets. The remaining calls included not just those for which we couldnt match an incident report to a jail docket entry, but also those for which there was no incident report or the patient was taken to a crisis unit or a private psychiatric hospital.

Based on that percentage and the volume of calls during the three-year period, we estimated that about 23% of the roughly 650 people jailed during the civil commitment process in DeSoto County had been picked up at a local hospital. Again, the overwhelming majority were taken from Baptist-DeSoto. To ensure that our estimate was conservative and accounted for any variation due to our sample, we characterized this as about one-fifth of civil commitment jail detentions. We shared our preliminary findings with hospital and county officials; no one disputed them.

To determine how the number of people jailed during commitment proceedings in DeSoto County has changed over time, we obtained jail dockets dating back to 2007. We dont have data for 2009 and 2010 because of a file storage issue at the Sheriffs Department.

Agnel Philip contributed reporting. Mollie Simon contributed research.
A southwest Missouri man charged with two felonies in connection with the Capitol riot  including assaulting an officer  and several misdemeanors pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to all counts.

Kyler Joseph Bard, of Seneca, entered the plea in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Judge Amit P. Mehta set his sentencing for Nov. 1.

Bard, 28, is the 31st of the 37 Missouri residents charged in Capitol riot cases to plead guilty or be found guilty at trial. Of those, 25 have been sentenced. Six other Missouri defendants have been convicted and await sentencing, and the cases of another six are pending.

Bard was arrested in Joplin in January 2023. He was charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding officers and obstructing officers during a civil disorder, both felonies. He also faced four misdemeanor counts: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; and engaging in an act of violence at the Capitol building or grounds.

According to the statement of offense signed by Bard, he attended the Stop the Steal rally with others near the Washington Monument the morning of Jan. 6, 2021. After the rally, it said, Bard went to his hotel for lunch, then made his way to the Capitol.

At about 3:28 p.m., the statement said, Bard was standing on a ledge on the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol, where officers had formed a police line as a barrier. Two minutes later, Bard walked on top of the ledge carrying a megaphone, it said. Shortly after that, another person near Bard charged the police line and pushed into the officers.

In response, the statement said, Bard yelled into the megaphone, Move! Move! Move! We gotta push! We gotta push! Lets go! We gotta go! Lets go!

Bard then turned directly toward the police line, the document said.

And as he yelled, Lets push, he took several steps raising his left arm and leaned forward shoving into the Officer, it said. As the defendant made physical contact with Officer M.G., Officer M.G. raised his baton. At the time the defendant forcibly pushed into the police line, Officer M.G. was wearing full uniform including a riot helmet and standing with a group of similarly dressed officers.

While Bard was in the restricted area, his statement said, he was exposed to chemical irritants and had to clear his eyes with water.

For about four seconds, the statement said, Bard confronted Officer M.G. by physically moving into the Officer.

Bard then lost balance and fell backwards to the ground, it said. While on the ground, Bard was pepper sprayed. As the defendant fell backwards, he yelled to the officers, Youre all a bunch of pieces of s---, and then he got up and ran away.

According to the charging document, a review of a video posted on Twitter showed a man who appeared to be Bard talking on a cellphone outside the Capitol.

Bard can be heard stating, Ive already been maced, punched, they took my microphone away, and, uh, when I punched them, they punched me back. Maced me in the face. But its what we gotta do. We gotta get inside, we gotta take it over. We gotta do it.

These photos were posted on Kyler Bards Instagram account, federal authorities say.

After the Capitol attack, images of Bard participating in the riot appeared online, the charging document said. The FBI created a profile of Bard based on the images, giving him the moniker AFO-447, according to the document. AFO stands for assault on federal officer.

The FBI posted those images on its website and on social media, asking for the publics help in identifying the man, the document said. A confidential source came forward, providing material from the Instagram account of a kyler_bard that appeared to show Bard on the Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, it said.

The user of that account had posted a photo of someone appearing to pour water in Bards eyes and referenced how he had been maced and punched for yelling in a megaphone, the document said.

The FBI contacted Bard at his home, it said, and the agent who interviewed him confirmed that he was the same person as the man in the photos.

During the interview, the document said, Bard admitted to attending the Stop The Steal rally in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, but informed agents that he did not enter the Capitol and did nothing illegal.
Missouri Mayor Resigns After Cop Shot Blind, Deaf Dog That He Was Called To Help

A Missouri mayor has resigned after a police officer fatally shot a mans deaf and blind Shih Tzu when the dog escaped his backyard.

The departure was announced Saturday by the city of Sturgeon after disturbing body camera footage captured the officer repeatedly shooting the dog, who was named Teddy, as he stumbled around in a womans open backyard on Sunday, May 19.

Like you we were just as appalled by what we saw, Sturgeon Alderman Seth Truesdell said in a statement. The actions of the Officer involved are not the values and beliefs of the residents of Sturgeon or the board of Alderman.

Teddy, who was deaf and blind, was stumbling around a woman's backyard when he was fatally shot by an officer on Sunday, May 19. source supplied

Truesdell also shared his temporary appointment as mayor after Kevin Abrahamson resigned from the position on Friday.

This followed the citys Facebook page initially publicly defending the officers use of deadly force, saying the officer acted within his authority.

The officer, who was identified by Truesdell and local news outlets as Myron Woodson, has been placed on leave until further notice, and the neighboring Boone County Sheriffs Department has been contacted about an investigation, according to Truesdells statement.

I personally give my condolences to the owners of Teddy, Truesdell said. I know nothing I do now or in the future will bring Teddy back. The board of Aldermen and myself are committed to helping the City of Sturgeon heal.

Details about Woodsons job status and an investigation into the shooting were not entirely clear. A Boone County Sheriffs spokesperson told HuffPost on Tuesday that it is not involved in an investigation related to the incident, and Truesdell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Sturgeon Police Department also did not respond to emailed requests for comment, and its voicemail box was listed as full as of Tuesday afternoon.

Woodsons body camera footage showed him shooting Teddy after a woman found him stumbling around in her backyard. On Friday, she told HuffPost that she called the city for help locating the dogs owner out of concern for his wellbeing.

The dog drank water from a bowl I provided and licked my arm and leg. He was in no way a threat, said the woman, who declined to share her name publicly out of fear of retaliation.

The dogs owner, Nicholas Hunter, told HuffPost on Friday that Teddy escaped his backyard kennel while Hunter was out with friends and that he was on his way to retrieve Teddy after receiving a call from another friend when the dog was killed.

When Hunter confronted Woodson about what he had done, Hunter said the officer told him he thought Teddy looked injured or abandoned and wanted to put him down.

He carried his head sideways and he walked funny because he cant see or hear. The vet diagnosed him with a neurological issue, which was the cause of him going deaf and blind, Hunter said of Teddy, who was 5.

The woman who found Teddy told HuffPost that she submitted a formal complaint to the city that demanded Woodsons removal and reasoned that his quick turn to violence shows that hes a public threat.

The officer should not be allowed to be an officer. He struggles with power, she said.

Related...
People view a suit of traditional Chinese costumes in Valletta, capital of Malta, on May 27, 2024. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)

VALLETTA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- A lecture titled "Chinese Stories -- Dialogue with the World through the Beauty of Chinese Clothing" was held on Monday night in Malta's capital of Valletta.

Hosted by the China Cultural Center in Malta, the event featured a display of traditional Chinese costumes from various dynasties.

The speaker, Chu Yan, a professor at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, introduced the evolution of Chinese clothing and highlighted the fashion connections between East and West, tradition and modernity.

Chu said that for thousands of years, different Chinese dynasties developed their distinctive clothing styles, such as the simple and elegant Han Dynasty costumes and the graceful and majestic attire of the Tang Dynasty. She also introduced the unique costumes of China's ethnic minorities.

Rita Mallia, a Maltese teacher, talked about the differences between traditional clothing cultures in Malta and China, saying that each has its unique beauty. She expressed hope for more exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in this field.

Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, said the lecture provided an opportunity for the Maltese people to appreciate the rich and long history of Chinese clothing culture. 

Chu Yan (R), a professor at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, gives a lecture titled "Chinese Stories -- Dialogue with the World through the Beauty of Chinese Clothing" in Valletta, capital of Malta, on May 27, 2024. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)

Chu Yan (R), a professor at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, gives a lecture titled "Chinese Stories -- Dialogue with the World through the Beauty of Chinese Clothing" in Valletta, capital of Malta, on May 27, 2024. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)
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. (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 Source New Mexico.
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. (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

Susie Gaffney, 66, who now lives in OFallon, Missouri, holds a packet of papers that she distributed to lawmakers on Capitol Hill on March 22, 2024. The packet contained photos of her son Joey, 45, who developed thyroid cancer at 18, and her husband, Jim, 68, who survived bladder cancer and now lives with myelodysplastic syndrome. Three generations of her family lived along Coldwater Creek, which is contaminated with radioactive waste. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

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.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

The post Missouri residents affected by radiation exposure push Congress to extend benefits appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  The Mobile City Council is investigating former Police Chief Paul Prines allegations against the city.

DJ shot four times at party: Escambia County Sheriffs Office

News 5 has learned that the Mobile City Council completed one step toward the investigation: deciding on a law firm to hire.

Council members introduced the idea to hire Bill Athanas and Daniel Fortune from the Bradley Arant Boult Cummings law firm.

Councilmen Josh Woods and Ben Reynolds led the charge of finding a third-party investigator and dialing the scope of the investigation, according to previous reporting.

Councilman Woods and I feel comfortable with them and their experience, said District 4 Councilmember Reynolds.

About the attorneys

According to the firms website, Athanas has almost 30 years of white-collar experience and has served as a federal prosecutor in Washington D.C. and Birmingham.

Fortune has reportedly represented clients in cybersecurity white-collar defense, government enforcement actions, and regulatory compliance. He has also litigated more than 75 jury trials in federal and state courts, according to the firm.

Councilmember Reynolds provided WKRG with two documents: one outlines the firms investigation capabilities and specialties.

The second laid out the conflict the firm and lawyers may have with Mobile.

Council members selected the law firm during a meeting today.

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.
A rally will be held in Moline to observe the fourth anniversary of George Floyds death on May 25, 2020, according to a news release.

In 2020, his death sparked huge local and nationwide protests against the alarming rate at which Black Americans were being killed by police, the release says.

Progressive Action for the Common Good (pacgqc.org)

Two Quad Cities women, Caryn Unsicker and Glenda Guster, were concerned that all the news coverage would fade away in short order without any solutions. So they decided to enlist members of their local Progressive Action for the Common Good (PACG) group and others to join them in holding ongoing rallies.

On June 13, 2020, three weeks after Floyds murder, they gathered from noon to 12:30 pm on

the Slumberland/Party City Corner across from Southpark Mall in Moline. Holding signs such as

Honk for Racial Equality and Black Lives Matter, the group has continued to meet almost

every Saturday for the past four years and plans to continue indefinitely until racial equality is a

reality in America, the release says.

George Floyd died while in police custody on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo Credit: Courtesy Ben Crump Law Firm

Unsicker says that, despite an occasional detractor, the large number of honks they get each week from passersby of all races is encouraging. This tells us that most people want to keep the conversation about racial equality alive and active, and that many people acknowledge that we need solutions so we can heal as a nation, Unsicker says in the release.

Because June 13 is on a Thursday this year, the group decided to mark the fourth anniversary of

advocating for racial equality and justice from noon until 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at its regular weekly location.

We have extra signs and all are welcome, the release says.

Progressive Action for the Common Group

PACG empowers people to take action for positive change and social justice by coordinating a network of community forums and events aimed at educating and engaging residents to work for the common good of all. Its core values are social justice, empowerment, diversity, sustainability and community.



Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Mom Who Has Already Lost 2 Children Reveals Last Conversation with Daughter Before She Disappeared

Sue Quackenbush's daughter Danielle Lopez, her last surviving child, has been missing since April 13

Courtesy of Sue Quackenbush Danielle Lopez

Danielle Lopez, 37, has been missing since April 13, when she was last seen at a Wawa in New Jersey, according to police

Lopez's mother, Sue Quackenbush, tells PEOPLE that their final conversation was "wonderful" and nothing seemed amiss

Asked if there is one thing that she would like to tell her missing daughter, her last surviving child, Quackenbush replies, How much I love her"

The mother of a New Jersey woman who has been missing for over a month now did not sense anything wrong with her daughter in their last conversation the day before she disappeared.

It was wonderful, a very concerned Sue Quackenbush tells PEOPLE on Tuesday, May 28, of her chat with her daughter Danielle Lopez. It was more of a good conversation. We spoke about a lot of things and she was upbeat and happy at the time.

Lopez, 37, was last seen on April 13, at a Wawa store in Vincentown, New Jersey, according to a statement from New Jersey State Police.

Related: Police Are Concerned About Well-Being of Massachusetts Teen Who Was Last Seen Walking Near Her Home

"She is known to frequent the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pemberton Township, and Willingboro Township, police said.

Quackenbush tells PEOPLE there have been no new updates from authorities other than the investigation is active.

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As for what they know, she says that Lopez was at a campground around the time of the disappearance.

She was with someone and they were camping," says Lopez. "She had a propane heater in her tent, a big eight-person tent, and she was content. She looked content walking out of that Wawa [based on security footage].

Police also added that Lopezs 2008 two-door blue Hyundai Accent was later found disabled in Woodland Township. Quackenbush says she felt "pure fear" when she learned they'd discovered Lopez's car.

I went there and saw where the car was found, she says. There's no way that Danielle drove out there.



NJ State Police Danielle Lopez

Quackenbush, who lives in Pennsylvania, describes Lopez, of Wilingboro, New Jersey, as wonderful, sweet, [and] caring."

Lopez is Quackenbushs only surviving child. Her eldest son Michael died by suicide in 2015, followed 10 months later by her younger son Michael, a Marine who had returned from Afghanistan, in a vehicle incident in Florida.

That's been a lot, Quackenbush says. And then Danielle, shortly after that, lost her grandfather who she had been living with in Delran at the time. She lost him to COVID, and her father a month later.

Related: 16-Year-Old Child of Billionaire Slack Co-Founder Found Alive in San Francisco Days After Going Missing

The concerned mother has been proactive in spreading the word and seeking information from the public about Lopezs disappearance. I have no choice but to hold up, she says of her ordeal. When I'm weak, God is strong. And my children are my motivation. Finding her is my priority.

Quackenbush says that she joined an organization called the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) after the death of her son Michael. I have been able to be a peer mentor to many other moms who have lost multiple children, she says. So over the years, I've given back to that organization by being a peer mentor. Now I'm in need, and TAPS is wrapping themselves around me with all the support that they can offer.

As for whether she believes her daughter will be found or reappear, Quackenbush says that although she can't comment much on what's going on, "the investigation has led me to believe she didn't just wander off."

"They're not looking at her to be returning, but they can't give me any information that would interfere with the investigation," she adds.

Related: Missing 14-Year-Old Girl Found Dead, 7-Year-Old Rescued After Being Caught in a Rip Current Off Texas Island

They don't expect her to just be off the grid, she continues. They use the word suspicious and they are fully investigating this. [But] I would never use my daughter in the past tense if I wasn't led to believe otherwise.

Asked if there is one thing that she would like to tell her missing daughter, Quackenbush replies, How much I love her.

PEOPLE reached out to New Jersey State Police for comment.



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"A moment before the occupation, he rescued 57 people from the line of fire": story of policeman from Donetsk Oblast

"I am here to protect" - this is the vow Dmytro Mazurov made to the residents of Lyman hromada at the beginning of his service. Photo: National Police

Dmytro Mazurov, a police officer in Lyman hromada in Donetsk Oblast, helps evacuate people living near the frontline. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

He has been on duty under heavy fire and evacuated residents of frontline villages even during the Russian offensive. And when the Russian troops were only a kilometre away, he managed to evacuate more than 50 people.

The police officer is a member of the White Angel group, the National Police of Ukraine said.

Dmytro Mazurov serves six frontline settlements: his native Torske, Zarichne, Terny, Yampolivka, Kolodiazi, and Ivanivka.

"I was born in Torske. Before the full-scale war, it was home to about 750 people, a lot of children and young people. Now the village is almost gone, there is complete devastation, up to 120 residents left," the man says.

Dmytro has been a police officer since 2018 and a sheriff since 2020. He considers helping people his main task.

The police officer said that when most of the villages were occupied, and the Russian troops were a kilometre away from the village of Zarichne, more than 50 people gathered near the village centre. They wanted to evacuate.

"I started taking out citizens, especially children, in my official car, a Renault Duster, under fire. We were taking 6-7 people per car. I had to make eight trips to get everyone out.

And then I got a call from the village head: two more elderly women had managed to break through the river from the already occupied Torske and were running towards me in Zarichne. So, I went again and picked them up. There was a battle going on, artillery and tanks were firing, and we could hear machine gun fire," Dmytro recalls.

The officer returned to service immediately after the liberation of the area. Back then, people lived without electricity, shops were closed, and there was no connection with the outside world.

"And this connection, as well as humanitarian aid  food, medicine  people received all this through us, the police. In particular, through the unit where I worked, the White Angel," he says.

Now the villages where the policeman works are suffering from Russian attacks every day. Terny and Torske are located one and a half to two kilometres from the frontline. Torske is also hit by Russian aircraft.

Dmytro says that after the Russians attacked the houses where people were staying, he had to work together with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. They had to remove a lot of rubble and retrieve the bodies of the dead.

"Many lives were saved. Over the past year, we have taken out all the children who lived near the contact line  32 children. The parents did not want to leave until the last moment. We travelled and persuaded them to save their children. We found places all over Ukraine where they could live for free," says the policeman.

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48-year-old Jose Luis Pineda Torres of Monroe, WA pleaded guilty to fentanyl possession with intent to distribute after he was found with over 13 pounds of pills and powder.

The case against Pineda Torres was filed in US District Court in New Jersey.

On Feb. 15, 2023, Pineda Torres traveled to a warehouse in Secaucus, New Jersey, where boxes of fentanyl were loaded into his vehicle.

Pineda Torres now faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million dollar fine.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 29.
More than 400 traffic citations issued along I-15 over Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas valley, including driver doing 131 mph

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nevada State Police joined forces with the California Highway Patrol over the Memorial Day weekend along a stretch of I-15 once considered one of the deadliest stretches of highway in the country.

The goal was to increase safety and have no fatalities over the holiday weekend. In a news release, Nevada State Police said 437 traffic citations were issued, and two DUI arrests were made. One of the DUI arrests involved a driver doing 131 mph before being stopped, NSP said.

On Friday, May 24, NSP and CHP concentrated enforcement efforts between the Primm area, which is near the California border, and St. Rose Parkway.

Troopers said 325 violations were cited for 311 drivers

215 of the violations were for speeding citations

2 DUI arrests were made

On Saturday, Sunday and Monday (May 25-27)

NSP made 118 traffic stops

81 speeding citations were issued

31 other violations were cited

21 drivers received warnings

With the collaborative efforts of our two agencies, we have managed to reduce the number of fatal crashes in this area through enforcement and education, NSP 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 KLAS.
Mikah Whitecloud prepares NativeCare, Red Lake Nation's recreational marijuana dispensary, for the first day of sales on Aug. 1, 2023. NativeCare was the first adult use cannabis dispensary to open in Minnesota. Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer.

Between 30% and 40% of Minnesota adults could plausibly qualify as social equity applicants for cannabis business licenses, according to a Reformer estimate based on the new equity rules approved by the Legislature this year.

Lawmakers initially created the social equity category as a way to prioritize business applications from Minnesotans who have been harmed by marijuana prohibition in the past.

It is the states responsibility to undo the harm of prohibition, Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville, told the Star Tribune in March. That means we have to aim the benefits proportionally at the communities that were harmed, said Port, a chief author in the Senate.

But the social equity criteria written into law now include a number of economic and social measures that go beyond individuals and communities who have been targeted for past marijuana enforcement. They encompass anyone who:

has lived for five years in a neighborhood where more than 20% of people are in poverty or on food stamps, or where the median income is less than 80% of the statewide or metro area;

has lived for five years in a neighborhood with high levels of social vulnerability as defined by the Centers for Disease Control;

is a military veteran or member of the National Guard;

was convicted of a cannabis offense in the past, or had a close family member convicted of an offense;

manages a small farm with less than $100,000 in annual sales;

has lived for five years in a neighborhood that has seen a disproportionate rate of prior cannabis enforcement, as determined in a forthcoming study by the Office of Cannabis Management.

Rep. Nolan West, R-Blaine, was the only Republican member of the conference committee that hashed out differences between the House and Senate versions of this years bill. He says many Republicans supported the idea of granting social equity status to individuals with prior cannabis convictions and military veterans, but then they tried to loop in all these other groups that werent very well defined, and its because they really wanted to put race in the bill.

Numbers for the first three items on the list above can be estimated using federal data from the Census Bureau and CDC. Residents of more than one-third of the states 1,504 census tracts, which are small subdivisions of cities and counties, likely qualify based on the poverty, income, food stamp and social vulnerability criteria, provided theyve lived in those neighborhoods for at least five years.

Roughly 1.1 million people  25% of the states 4.4 million adults  have lived at the same addresses within those tracts for more than five years, according to the U.S. Census data. Adding in the states 327,000 veterans, and then subtracting the roughly 100,000 veterans who live in the qualifying census tracts, brings the total up to 1.3 million adults, or a little over 30% of the total adult population.

This is a low estimate that doesnt include prior cannabis convictions, which number at least in the tens of thousands and likely hundreds of thousands once family convictions are factored in. It also doesnt include hundreds of small farm operators with revenue less than $100,000, or people living in neighborhoods that have experienced disproportionate cannabis enforcement, as the study to determine that hasnt been released yet.

The estimate also uses a strict definition of time in residence that excludes an unknown number of people who move to a different home in the same census tract.

These numbers are hypothetical, and much will depend on how the Office of Cannabis Management interprets the language of the statute. Factors like poverty rate definitions, social vulnerability thresholds, and neighborhood delineations can all affect which geographic areas are ultimately included.

Other states have used similarly broad definitions in setting up their social equity programs, according to the Minority Cannabis Business Association, a trade group. The organization notes that living up to the promise of these programs has proven to be a challenge, and that the use of non-race criteria in the social equity qualifications and definitions has not yielded diverse cannabis markets.

The post More than one-third of adults may qualify for social equity cannabis licenses appeared first on Minnesota Reformer.
MANAMA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The visit of Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to China will open a new era of cooperation and boost bilateral relations, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said on Tuesday.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Bahraini king will pay a state visit to China from May 28 to June 1 and attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

King Hamad's visit to China reflects the depth of relations between the two leaderships and the two friendly peoples, as it coincides with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Al Zayani was quoted by the Bahrain News Agency as saying.

"The Bahraini-Chinese relations have witnessed, in recent years, significant developments, with the support of the two leaderships," said the minister.

The most recent summit between the Bahraini king and the Chinese president was held in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on the sidelines of their participation in the first China-Arab States Summit in December 2022, he recalled.

During King Hamad's current visit to China, the two leaders will address strengthening the longstanding friendly ties and bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, commercial, investment and development fields, said Al Zayani, adding that a number of deals will be signed to expand cooperation in various fields.

Al Zayani noted that the two leaders will also discuss the regional and international developments and challenges, including the situation in the Palestinian coastal enclave of Gaza Strip, the efforts being made at all levels to cease fire and protect civilians, as well as the repercussions of the Gaza conflict on the humanitarian conditions of the civilians. 
A $55,000 reward has been set for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual behind the murder of a Fort Campbell, Kentucky, soldier.

Pfc. Katia Duenas-Aguilar was found dead May 18 in her off-base residence just outside of the installation in Clarksville, Tennessee. On Saturday, the soldier's mother, Carmen Aguilar, and the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, combined to offer the reward as authorities and the Army have offered no updates on Duenas-Aguilar's death. According to a press release from LULAC, $30,000 of the reward for information leading to an arrest in her daughters murder is coming from Aguilar.

Originally from Mesquite, Texas -- a Dallas suburb -- Duenas-Aguilar enlisted in the Army in 2018 as an information technology specialist and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's Combat Aviation Brigade.

Read Next: Austin Back to Work at Pentagon After Brief Medical Procedure for Bladder Issues

"While we do not yet know the circumstances surrounding Katia's death, we call for a thorough and transparent investigation so that all facts about her killing are brought to light," Domingo Garcia, national president of LULAC, said in a statement. "This is the only way that our communities' trust can be fully restored so that our families will support sending their sons and daughters and loved ones into our armed forces."

The additional $30,000 in reward money contributed by Aguilar -- on top of an initial $25,000 provided by LULAC -- shows the mother's "relentless determination to find her daughter's killer and bring them to justice," and her hope that the local community and country will help, according to the group.

Duenas-Aguilar had been set to be separated from the Army in early May after using marijuana, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told Military.com, though her command extended her contract and was set to allow her to reenlist. Marijuana is still forbidden in the military, but it's up to commanders whether to kick troops out of the service.

Duenas-Aguilar earned two Army Achievement Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

Her funeral, where she will receive military honors, is set for Friday. She is survived by her 4-year-old son.

Fort Campbell sits on the Kentucky-Tennessee border and is among the highest-profile bases in the Army's portfolio, where some 30,000 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers are stationed.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about Duenas-Aguilar's death to contact the Clarksville Police Department at 931-648-0656. The anonymous tip line is 931-645-8477. Tips can also be submitted online at this link.

Related: 'I Am Vanessa Guillen' Is a Damning Indictment of Fort Hood Culture
Mother reportedly tries to sell 10-year-old daughter for $20 in Downtown Jacksonville, police say

The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office has arrested a mother reportedly attempting to sell her 10-year-old daughter in Downtown Jacksonville for $20. Police say the woman also offered her daughter for sex for $5.

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According to a released statement, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office District 1 Bike Unit and patrol officers recently responded to several reports of a mother attempting to sell her daughter.

JSO spoke with a local kindergarten teacher who was dropping off food at a nearby homeless shelter and stated the 32-year-old mother told her to Take her [suspects daughter] with you. Give me $20, you can have her.

Investigators then spoke with a man who stated the mother allegedly offered sex with her daughter for $5. The man did not report the case to police until Officers approached him.

The 10-year-old was reported to be hungry, crying, and appeared to have not bathed in days.

Officers arrested the mother, who was not named to protect the identity of the child, on charges of Selling or Surrendering a Minor for Money or Property and Child Abuse. Both are labeled as 3rd-degree felonies.

Detectives from JSOs Integrity and Special Investigations Unit are continuing to work on the case in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The case was also referred to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Child Protection Team (CPT), and the State Attorneys Offices Special Assault Division.

The child was taken to the hospital for treatment after investigators found her to be severely lethargic. She has been temporarily placed in a safe environment as the case moves through the court system.

This is a sad reminder that human trafficking does happen in our community. It often goes unreported, JSO said in a released statement.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, or if you are concerned about someones well-being, please call the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@JaxSheriff.org. You can also submit an anonymous tip to the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or visiting https://humantraffickinghotline.org/.

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A Mother Witnessed the Unthinkable Conclusion to Her Son's Memorial Day Fight With His Girlfriend

Memorial Day was less of a holiday for a Brooklyn mother but more of a horror movie after she told New York police she witnessed an alleged murder-suicide involving her own son.



Authorities say they responded to shots fired at an apartment on Ocean Ave in Midwood Monday morning. Norma Knight told the NY Daily News that she woke up from her sleep to hear her 35-year-old son, Teddy, arguing with his girlfriend, 29-year-old Tanezia Blockwood. The couples 2-year-old son and 3-year-old girl were present in the apartment during the debacle, the report says.

Knight told reporters the children were part of the reason the two were in a disagreement.

They have [had] problems for a long time. The children, the rent, said Ms. Knight. Blockwoods aunt also told The Daily News the woman had plans to move herself and her children away to a new place.

However, things escalated as Blockwood tried to pack her things and make her exit.

Read more from The New York Post:

He went somewhere in the cupboard and I saw he took out a gun and he started shooting her, said Norma, 65, who shares the Avenue I and Ocean Avenue apartment with the couple. He gave her two bullets and she fell on the floor and then he stomped her in her face. Then he shot himself in plain view of his shocked mom, she said. Responding cops found the two lifeless bodies, both with gunshot wounds to the head, around 10:10 a.m. near a kitchen, authorities said.

Blockwoods aunt told The Daily News the couple had been together for eight years before the blow up. Blockwood was just finishing nursing school and worked at a local hospital ahead of the shooting, per the report.

Authorities are still investigating the incident. Though it appears as such, police have not officially ruled the shooting as a murder-suicide.

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MANHATTAN (KSNT)  Police in Manhattan said a motorcycle rider was seriously injured in a crash on Memorial Day.

The Riley County Police Department (RCPD) said the crash occurred at 4:30 p.m. on May 27 in the 6200 block of Wildcat Creek Road. A motorcycle rider lost control near the Manhattan airport and was ejected.

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The 40-year-old Dwight resident received treatment at a local hospital for serious injuries. No other vehicles or individuals were involved in the crash.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A Michigan State Police detective sergeant who hit a man with an unmarked cruiser during a foot chase in Kentwood, killing him, will be charged with murder.

The Michigan Attorney Generals Office on Tuesday filed charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter against Brian Keely, 50, of Grand Rapids, in the death of Samuel Sterling. Its unclear when he will be arraigned.

A file image of Detective Sgt. Brian Keely. (Courtesy Michigan State Police)

My office has reviewed multiple police reports from other officers on the scene, read the accident reconstruction report and autopsy, as well as watched bodycam footage and surveillance videos from neighboring businesses prior to completing our investigation, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a short video statement released on social media. We have found that Detective Sgt. Keelys actions that day were legally grossly negligent and created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm which could have otherwise been prevented.

Video shows man hit by unmarked MSP cruiser

A probable cause document filed with the court argues Keely did make an assault or an assault and battery, using a motor vehicle on Sterling.

Nessel said her office would not be offering more comment outside of what it presents in court, citing respect for the victims family and the legal process.

Public integrity is of top priority and my department remains dedicated to providing a thorough and just review and resolution in each case brought before us. It was equally as important in this matter that our review was swift, both for Mr. Sterlings family, the greater Grand Rapids region and the law enforcement community at large, Nessel said.

If convicted of second-degree murder, Keely could spend the rest of his life in prison. Involuntary manslaughter carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

MOTHER: STILL A LONG JOURNEY

Keely had already been suspended without pay by MSP and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had called for his firing if he was charged.

In a Tuesday statement, Keelys attorney Marc Curtis said he was prepared to argue the case in court and suggested the charges were politically motivated.

It is unfortunate that in this time of political correctness, Michigans Attorney General has chosen to ignore the facts of this incident and rely on political pressure, Curtis said. It is also unfortunate that our Governor, without having seen or heard all the evidence in the case, chose to interject her opinion and side against law enforcement in this matter.

He said Keely is a man of faith who is broken-hearted for Sterlings family.

However, the statement continued, this was an accident that could have been avoided had Mr. Sterling simply turned himself in prior to the U.S. Marshalls Task Force being assigned to apprehend him. This accident could have also been avoided if Mr. Sterling would have simply complied with the commands of the Detectives. Mr. Sterlings action not only put himself in danger but the citizens that were in the area at the time.

The attorney previously told News 8 that Keely had no intention of purposely harming Mr. Sterling.

Sterlings mother Andrica Cage told News 8 that she was very, very happy to learn of the charges from the AGs Office.

Family shows News 8 a photo of Samuel Sterling.

Man, I cried. Thats how happy I was, Cage said. I got a God. So long as I got a God, I knew it was going to happen.

She said she is now setting her eyes on a conviction.

We still gotta fight. Its still a long journey from now, she said. Im just going to let God handle it, because he knows better than I do.

Family wants feds to investigate death of Samuel Sterling

Ven Johnson, who is representing Sterlings family, told News 8 the criminal charges are merited.

The officer in that case clearly used a police car as a deadly weapon, knowing full well that Samuel was right there and by steering into him, by going up and over a curb onto a sidewalk to try to cut him off, he knew that he certainly could hit him. Some would say he intentionally hit him, which it looks like to me on the film, on the video, so absolutely these charges are merited, Johnson said.

WHAT LED UP TO CRASH

On April 17, members of a metro Grand Rapids crime task force found Sterling, a probation absconder who was wanted on felony warrants that police have not enumerated, at a gas station near the intersection of 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue in Kentwood. They say when they approached, Sterling ran away. Several officers chased him on foot into the parking lot of a nearby Burger King, as did Keely in the unmarked vehicle.

Video previously released by MSP shows Sterling running away and then being hit by the unmarked cruiser on the sidewalk leading into the restaurant.

The vehicle Detective Sgt. Keely was driving turned and struck Mr. Sterling, Nessel said.

In the previously released video, Sterling can be heard shouting in pain. He was pinned up against the wall for a few seconds before the cruiser backed away slightly. One of the bodycam videos shows that as he fell to the ground, he clutched his stomach.

The video shows officers called for medical aid and told Sterling to not move and focus on his breathing while they awaited EMTs arrival.

Sterling was hospitalized and died hours later. His death certificate shows he sustained multiple blunt force injuries.

In his statement, Keelys attorney pointed out that the unmarked car had flashing lights and a siren and that both were on.

Expert: Chase that killed Samuel Sterling a criminal matter

Sterling, 25, of Grand Rapids, left behind two young sons, ages 2 and 3, and was preceded in death by a daughter who died shortly after she was born. His family said he worked hard and had a rapping career to support his family.

He touched a lot of people, his mother said. Anybody that needed anything, he would be there for them. He was a good supporter for anybody.

News 8 previously reported that Keely joined MSP in 1998. In 2016, he was honored with a bravery award for saving a woman who had been kidnapped by her estranged husband. The man fired at police and Keely took a hit to his bulletproof vest.

Keely is a highly trained and decorated Trooper, a 25 year veteran of the Michigan State Police, his attorneys statement said. He was assigned to the Emergency Support Team for 10 years where he was given an award for Bravery and Life Saving actions when he was shot in the chest while rescuing a hostage from being killed. D/Sgt. Keely has been assigned to the U.S. Marshalls Task Force for several years, making hundreds of arrests without incident. D/Sgt. Keely has over 12 years experience of safely operating police vehicles without a single at fault accident in the performance of his duties.

RILEY DOGGETT CASE

Earlier Tuesday, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said he would not file charges against a Kent County sheriffs deputy who hit 17-year-old Riley Doggett in Grand Rapids on April 8, leading to his death weeks later. He said he the evidence did not reveal an intent to kill or commit great bodily harm, gross negligence or reckless driving.

Ven Johnson, who is also representing Doggetts family, called the timing of the two decisions ironic and sad. He said the cases had very similar video footage.

Missing from Rileys case is a Burger King right there. But both cars made an immediate right turn right into the path of a pedestrian; admittedly running away, understandably. But that is a deadly force. A car is a deadly weapon under this scenario and  this was not a deadly force situation in either one, he said.

News 8s Ken Kolker contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday it is investigating a deadly natural gas explosion that rocked downtown Youngstown, Ohio.

The explosion occurred near Central Square on Tuesday afternoon, police said, as they urged people to avoid the area.

PHOTO: Smoke fills the air after an explosion in Youngstown, Ohio, on May 28, 2024. (Ron Flaviano/Bliss360 Marketing)

One person was killed and seven people injured -- including one critically -- in the explosion, officials said.

It is unclear what caused the blast, which impacted a building that contains a Chase bank and apartments, Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley said.

The NTSB said its team of pipeline and hazardous materials investigators is arriving in Youngstown on Wednesday to investigate the natural gas explosion.

The Ohio State Fire Marshal is also investigating what caused the explosion, police said. A large perimeter was set up around the blast site on Wednesday as officials continued their investigation.

PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, first responders work at the scene of an explosion in Youngstown, Ohio, on May 28, 2024. (WYTV)

PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, first responders are on the scene after an explosion in Youngstown, Ohio, on May 28, 2024. (WYTV)

The body of a man who was an employee of the bank -- identified as Akil Drake -- was recovered from the basement early Wednesday morning, officials said.

"It's a tough part when you have to tell a mother that her son got up yesterday to go to work and he did not come home," Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown told reporters during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Drake was a 2015 graduate of Penn Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he played football, the school district said. He was a graduate of Youngstown State University, school officials confirmed to ABC Youngstown affiliate WYTV.

Mercy Health said Tuesday evening it is treating seven people who were injured in the incident, including one person in critical condition. The critical patient remained in intensive care on Wednesday, officials said during a midday press briefing.

MORE: 2 people and their dog killed when their mobile home explodes in middle of the night

The Chase Bank is located on the ground floor of the building, with apartment units on the 12 floors above. The floor collapsed into the basement, which was flooded, officials said.

The building and a neighboring hotel have closed and streets in the surrounding area are shut off to traffic indefinitely due to the potential for structural collapse, authorities said.

A Chase spokesperson told ABC News the company is in "close contact with local officials to check on the safety of everyone in the building and area."

"After that, we'll work to determine what happened and to assess the damage," the spokesperson said.

There is no evidence of any suspicious activity at this time, officials said.

NTSB investigating after deadly explosion rocks downtown Youngstown, Ohio originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Nampa mayor says Pride Festival does not reflect her beliefs, but city must allow it

Canyon County is set to host its first Pride Festival next month, but threatening Facebook comments from people who oppose the celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and concerns emailed and called into the Nampa mayors office have cast a shadow over the event.

Its unfortunate that we just want to have a day to hang out in a park and be seen and celebrate nationally recognized LGBTQ Pride Month, said Tom Wheeler, Canyon County Pride Festival organizer, by phone. We also know that in places like Canyon County, this is a first, but its 2024 and unfortunately, were seeing similar sentiment around particular issues as we did in the summer of 1969, back when Stonewall happened in Greenwich Village in New York.

In the Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969, at a gay bar in Manhattan, police raided a bar, and LGBTQ people fought back.

The Canyon County Pride Festival is scheduled for Sunday, June 9, at Lakeview Park in Nampa. In a news release, the city clarified the process of renting a public park in city limits in response to concerns it received from residents who asked them to cancel Canyon Pride.

While this event does not reflect the personal beliefs and convictions of myself, the Nampa City Council, and many living in Nampa who have already reached out to us requesting it be canceled, the advice of our legal counsel was that the city of Nampa must recognize the protected First Amendment rights of those scheduling and involved in this event, Mayor Debbie Kling said in the release.

Amy Bowman, spokesperson for the city, said Nampas response was triggered by the over 2,500 comments on a Facebook post by KTVB about the celebration. Many commenters opposed the event, calling for a counterprotest and cancellation.

Bowman also said the Nampa council members received calls and emails asking them to cancel the event. The city did not immediately provide copies of the emails requested by the Idaho Statesman.

This needs a strong counter protest and then the passing of more legislation that limits these events and visibility. We can reject this Idaho! one commenter said.

Celebrating wrongdoing and pride is sad and wrong, another said.

Wheeler told the Statesman that he had expected pushback from Canyon County residents and said the negative response shows why an event like Canyon Pride is important.

We were very aware, when we had the idea to show up for the community in Canyon County, that it would not be a cakewalk, said Wheeler, a real estate agent in Boise. We feel that even the amount of traction and conversation thats been had in the last few days has been a win in itself in regards to increased awareness of LGBTQ people in Canyon County and in rural areas in Idaho.

Wheeler said he is inspired by positive comments he has read and heard.

It is for those 48,000 (LGBTQ+) people who are in this state and in areas that arent as friendly to their existence who are the real reason for the work, Wheeler said. We do have a First Amendment right to come out and celebrate the month, and we are hoping and crossing our fingers that its going to be a peaceful day. And our No. 1 priority is peace and safety.

The Canyon Pride organization, headed by Wheeler, is funding the Pride festival through donations from GoFundMe at gofundme.com/f/support-canyon-countys-first-pride-festival. He said organizers plan to set up a 6-foot fence around the perimeter of the event and encourage any counterprotesters to demonstrate behind the fence. Wheeler also said the organizers have been working closely with Nampa police, who will be at the festival.

Pride Month is celebrated in the U.S. in June, though Boise celebrates it in September.

This massive Idaho concert and festival guide will rock your summer, Boise

Guards altercation with anti-Boise Pride protester led to lawsuit. What a judge decided
Young people dont feel honoured by this country The needs of young people arent being prioritised here. Reading some of the comments by  youve got it, said young people  in an article on the BBC website about the Tories recent election pledge could, at times, feel like an exercise in self-restraint. Honoured by this country? Are they having a laugh?

On the one hand, though, theyre right. Rishi Sunaks vow to sign up 18-year-olds to some form of national service should his party win the election seems, on the face of it, an appeal to those older voters who are more likely to put a tick next to the Conservative candidate anyway. Stiff upper lip and service to your country, young man! Young people today dont know theyre born. Etc etc. Its easy to see why this particular ruse has been derided as a cynical ploy to shore up the support of Tory voters who are eyeing up Nigel Farages Reform UK party.

And yes, 2.5 billion  the estimated cost of the scheme  is a lot of money that could be spent elsewhere: on, say, education, or restarting the Sure Start scheme, or reinstating proper careers advice for teenagers. Not all 18-year-olds are unemployed drains who would be better deployed elsewhere. And no, they havent really been consulted on this one. But since when did politicians consult on proposed policy changes anyway, if theres an election coming up?

It is true, also, that if this is an attempt to bolster our sadly threadbare Armed Forces, its not one thats guaranteed to work. While theres an alternative to enrolling in a 12-month military scheme, in the form of community volunteering, channelling young people so deliberately in the direction of military service could well backfire: not only do you need to have the capacity to equip and train them, but theres a massive risk you end up with a demotivated workforce feeling as if they had been forced to choose between two bad options. As one former paratrooper wryly told me when discussing this issue recently, Wed end up using the entire Army as a training team for it to grow  and were already undermanned and overcommitted.

Hes not wrong. British Army recruitment has been below target every year for more than a decade. Our Army is currently at its smallest size since the 1700s: just 75,166 soldiers. It has halved in size over the past 30 years. Our full complement of Armed Forces is a mere 183,130 people.

Putin, meanwhile, is doubtless laughing at Britains travails as he amasses thousands of troops on Ukraines northern border, striking the fear of God into the hearts of our European neighbours. He might be sustaining heavy losses in his deluded and illegal campaign, but he simply doesnt care. And should his cosying up to Chinas Xi Jinping bear fruit, hed have access to a further two million Chinese soldiers  which should make us in the West very worried indeed. And this is why Sunaks scheme is at the very least worthy of debate, rather than dismissal as the last desperate plea of a drowning pensioners party.

Other European countries are aware of the very real threat to Western democracy posed by the unholy alliance of Putin and Xi, and have acted accordingly. Finland requires every male citizen between 18 and 60 to do military service (although there is, as there would be here, an option to perform non-military service), after which they become a part of the Finnish Defence Forces Reserve, one of the largest in the world.

Our allies in Norway  where British troops are currently staging a large-scale military exercise  voted in 2013 to extend conscription to women as well as men. In Sweden, where all 18-year-olds are asked by the government if they would consider conscription into the military, anyone between 16 and 70 could be called up to serve their country as part of Swedens total defence service. Its the same in Denmark, Estonia, Austria and even famously neutral Switzerland, all of which mandate military service for men. Crucially, in those countries that have voted on whether to retain the draft, the answer has generally been a yes  even, yes, in Switzerland. Support for Finnish mandatory military service stands at a record high of 82 per cent.

In Britain? Not so much. A YouGov poll last September asking what sort of national service  if any  Brits would support found that no compulsory scheme received overall support; the most popular option, a one-month, community-only scheme, only got the thumbs up from 45 per cent of people. Support for any kind of national service was lowest among 18- to 24-year-olds. Earlier research carried out by the centre-Right think tank Onward found marginally more support for a non-mandatory, mixed form of civil and military service, but it still only stood at just over 50 per cent of support, and again 18- to 25-year-olds were much more likely to oppose any sort of mandatory scheme. So perhaps its not right to say that they havent been consulted, more that the PM doesnt really care what they think.

Well, good for him. I dont think its going to work  not least because the Tories are almost certainly going to be wiped out in July  but the reality is that very few young people in this country have any understanding of a) what the Armed Forces actually do, and b) the potential threat we in Britain and the rest of the West are actually under right now. And the ignorance concerning the first point only exacerbates the ignorance around the second  because we dont understand what the people protecting us do, we dont understand what theyre protecting us from, or why its important.

My generation  the same as that of the PM  and the generations that came after us have grown complacent about the prospect of war in this country. But having such a long period of peace is the anomaly, not the norm. This proposal is not, as some have described it, an act of youth hate. Its a barely radical suggestion to do as many of our European counterparts and allies  liberal, free democracies all  are doing. Because the alternative really would be a grim prospect.

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Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin, also president of the All-China Women's Federation, meets with Natalia Kochanova, chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin met with Natalia Kochanova, chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, in Beijing on Tuesday.

Shen, also president of the All-China Women's Federation, said that China is willing to work with Belarus to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen practical cooperation, and expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges to benefit the two peoples.

China is willing to expand friendly exchanges with Belarus in women development, and jointly promote the development of women's causes in the two countries, Shen said.

Kochanova said that Belarus is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields such as exchanges between legislative bodies and women's causes, to make positive contributions to the development of Belarus-China relations. 
National Service: What is Rishi Sunaks plan, is it mandatory and how will it work?

Rishi Sunak has vowed to bring back National Service for 18-year-olds. Under the mandatory scheme, teenagers will have to enrol in the military for 12 months  or spend one weekend each month volunteering in their community.

A new Royal Commission will design the programme, with a pilot scheme opening for applications in September 2025, ahead of a national rollout by 2029.

Here, The Telegraph takes a look at some key questions about the plans.

What is National Service?

National Service was introduced in the UK in 1949, with all physically fit males aged 17 and 21 having to serve in the Armed Forces initially for 18 months, but lengthened to two years in 1950.

They then remained on the reserve list for another four years and during this time they could be called on to serve with their units but on no more than three occasions for a maximum of 20 days.

Under Rishi Sunaks modern scheme, teenagers will be given the choice of enrolling in the military for 12 months  or undertaking a period of volunteering in their community.

When did UK national service end?

National Service officially ended in 1960 although periods of deferred service still had to be completed. The last national servicemen were discharged in 1963.

A poster for national service in Trafalgar Square

What ages will have to participate?

Under Tory plans, school leavers aged 18 would be required to participate in the scheme.

Will 18-year-olds at university be exempt or allowed to defer?

No. Everyone will have to do National Service and fit it around their lives. There will be very limited deferments and none for university students.

What sanctions could people face for refusing National Service?

During a BBC Question Time special on June 20, Mr Sunak suggested teenagers who refuse National Service could forfeit their driving licence.

Asked what sanctions could be implemented to force those who did not want to take part in the scheme to participate, the Prime Minister said: Youll have a set of sanctions, and incentives, and we will look at the models that are existing around Europe for the appropriate mix of those.

Theres all sorts of things across Europe, whether thats looking at driving licenses, other access to finance, all sorts of other things.

He added: Theres a range of things, and we will have a Royal Commission look at all of those, come back to the Government and recommend what the appropriate mix of incentives and sanctions is.

What if the young person has a job?

There will be no exemption for those who are in work.

What if they are on a gap year abroad?

This will not be a reason for exemption and those abroad will be expected to do their National Service alongside any travel.

What if they already work in the emergency services, prison or care sectors?

The Royal Commission will look at exemptions, including where people are already working in the military. But the starting point remains that all people serve.

What if the young person has unpaid caring commitments?

The Royal Commission will aim to ensure everyone can take part.

Weekend placements could be within the NHS, fire or police service, or with charities supporting older people or tackling loneliness.

Will the royal children be expected to take part?

Yes  everyone will be expected to undergo National Service.

Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, would not be exempt, the Conservative Party told The Telegraph.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also have young children who would be eligible to take part once they reach 18 as well as Prince Edwards son, the Earl of Wessex, who is 16.

Royal children will be expected to take part - Chris Jackson

Will the scheme apply in Northern Ireland?

Yes  although the Royal Commission will consider how to manage any sensitivities surrounding National Service.

What if not enough people apply for the military placement?

The Tories have argued similar schemes in other countries have a very high take-up rate, suggesting they dont expect this to be a problem.

For example, in Scandinavian countries, winning military service programme is highly competitive.

In Norway, 9,840 conscripts were accepted last year; roughly 17 per cent of the available cohort. Around a quarter go on to pursue a career in the armed forces.

There would be a proposed 30,000 places available in the Armed Forces, which represents only about four per cent of 18-year-olds according to todays figures.

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  Leading Republicans in the North Carolina House of Representatives are backing an effort to amend the state constitution by saying only U.S. citizens can vote.

House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) and other top Republicans in the chamber have filed a bill that would put the question to voters this fall.

What wed like to have is clear unambiguous language in the North Carolina Constitution that says only United States citizens can vote, said Andy Jackson, who studies elections at the conservative John Locke Foundation. This is really something to nip this in the bud rather than pushing back an active attempt.

Currently, the state constitution says every person born in the United States and every person has been naturalized, 18 years of age is eligible to vote in the state.

The proposed amendment would re-write that to read, Only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age can vote.

Jackson said the existing language kind of sets the floor, but it doesnt really set the ceiling about who is not allowed to vote.

Critics say the existing language is clear, and its already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections.

Its just not happening here, said Ann Webb, policy director of Common Cause North Carolina. What this is driving is an extremist narrative that there are noncitizens voting in some numbers that could affect this election and ultimately that is just false.

Jackson noted six other states recently have put similar proposed amendments on the ballot. They include North Dakota, Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana and Ohio. They passed by wide margins in each state.

While Jackson said hes unaware of any effort in North Carolina to push for noncitizens to be able to vote in local elections, that is occurring in some cities outside of the state, such as Washington, D.C.

The U.S. House voted last week to block that, with 52 Democrats voting with the Republicans. North Carolina Democrats Kathy Manning, Don Davis and Wiley Nickel voted in favor of the bill.

Following the 2016 election, the NC State Board of Elections released a report showing 41 instances of people voting who were in the country legally but not yet citizens.

This comes as immigration is a top issue, particularly for likely Republican voters, this year.

To put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in North Carolina, it requires a three-fifths vote of the legislature. Then, a simple majority of voters would have to approve it. The governor cannot veto a proposed amendment.

Republicans have a supermajority in the legislature, but some in the party have questioned whether the amendment is needed.

You could make a legalistic argument that something like that is already prohibited. However, I do think I dont see any harm in including that as a constitutional amendment, said Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) in April.

The push for the change to the constitution also comes as former President Donald Trump has talked on the campaign trail about wanting to end birthright citizenship for people born in the United States to parents who immigrated to the country illegally, contradicting the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

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 CBS17.com.
NC veteran takes on powerful Republican. She made history just by getting on the ballot.

When state lawmakers redrew North Carolinas 14 congressional districts and candidates announced their bids, it looked like the states 9th district would feature a familiar narrative: A two-way race between a Republican running in a district drawn to favor his party, and a Democrat with little chance.

Then came Shelane Etchison.

Etchison decided to take a chance and run as an unaffiliated candidate. She is the first congressional candidate in modern North Carolina history to make it on the ballot as an unaffiliated candidate, according to Chris Cooper, political science professor at Western Carolina University.

I want to remind people, that the options that weve been given, what weve been told right now  that its just two parties, and thats the only way itll ever be  theres no basis for that in our Constitution, Etchison said. And theres no basis that thats how it has to be going forward.

The 9th Congressional District stretches up the center of the state and encompasses Alamance, Hoke, Moore, Randolph and parts of Chatham, Cumberland and Guilford counties. It is home to Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg; a large base that employs 52,000 military personnel.

And its how Etchison, a Florida native, came to call North Carolina home.

Fort Liberty

Etchison first came to North Carolina in 2011 while serving in the Army, having been stationed at Fort Liberty.

I very quickly just made this my adopted home, Etchison said. Ive never wanted to live elsewhere.

She added that thats a path shared by many within the district.

Im a veteran, Etchison said. I think were a pretty tight-knit community, and those bonds and relationships forged in the military are really difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Shelane Etchison

Military career

Etchison has a storied career in the Army.

She joined the military after watching the 9/11 attacks unfold.

I dont come from a military family, Etchison said. But I just had this ache in my heart, in my belly, that I needed to serve in some capacity.

Etchison joined the military at a time when women werent allowed in combat, but became one of the first women selected for a combat mission with Army Rangers to Afghanistan. She was also one of the first women fighting in Syria, where she embedded with Kurdish women fighting the Islamic State group.

Etchison said that led her to be a leader, and part of that leadership was selfless service and commitment to something bigger than herself.

So much of my time in the military  in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria  theres no way you go through those experiences without having deep gratitude for our country and the ideals that it stands for, Etchison said. And I decided I need to run for Congress, because our countrys hurting. And theres a dearth of leadership right now in Congress, (with lawmakers) who are not putting the needs of our country and people first, and are more concerned about party politics, partisanship and theatrics.

She includes her Republican opponent, Rep. Richard Hudson, on that list.

Etchison said the same pull she felt to do something after 9/11, she feels now about serving in Congress. She said as a member of Congress she wants to bring back civility and true leadership principles. She wants to get away from division and sowing fear and blame.

When we have the unfortunate example of our leaders in Congress playing into theatrics and partisan games, it almost gives permission to the American people to sort of behave that same way, Etchison said.

Being unaffiliated

Getting on the ballot was an uphill battle for Etchison. Unaffiliated candidates cant just sign up like Democrats and Republicans.

To get on the ballot, Etchison had to get 7,460 residents from her district to sign a petition, have the signatures of each voter verified by local boards of elections and then confirmed by the state board of election.

Shelane Etchison meets with voters around the district gathering signatures to get on the ballot as an independent congressional candidate.

She was the first to pull that off in modern times, Cooper said, and she did it in less than two months.

It is truly impressive, Cooper said. To me, it is a singular feat that she has done this. I think there are functions of running for office, other than just winning, and so she may very well be performing a positive function for democracy by giving people a choice, even though her odds of winning are very, very very, low.

Cooper looked at data dating back to 1978, when unaffiliated became a category on the ballot, and confirmed there werent any previous congressional candidates in that category. He then looked back as far back as he could go.

Now, was there an independent candidate in 1895 or something? Cooper said. Maybe? I havent been able to find anybody.

Etchison was registered as a Republican in Florida, according to a background check through LexisNexis, but is currently registered as unaffiliated in North Carolina. Shes only voted once in the state, this past March, when she asked for the Republican ballot, according to North Carolina State Board of Elections records.

But Etchison said the countrys problems are more nuanced than prescribing it a Republican or Democratic solution. She said thats part of the reason she chose to run as an unaffiliated candidate.

Im proud to be a centrist and a critical thinker who understands that theres applications and good and bad ideas that come from both sides, Etchison said. And I believe that we need more independent thinkers in our halls of Congress and in our legislative bodies.

Etchison added that theres a supply and demand problem when it comes to candidates like her. The unaffiliated voter makes up the largest share of North Carolinas electorate. However, only 3% of candidates have been unaffiliated in the past 10 years, and most of those have been in local races.

The system right now stifles a lot of competition and stifles the ability for people like me to get on the ballot, Etchison said.

Cooper agreed.

The system is set up to make it harder for unaffiliated and third-party candidates to get on the ballot, Cooper said. There is no question that it is easier to be on the ballot if you are of the two major parties.

He said both parties agree that they dont want to let anyone else in. And he said that its ingrained in society from the way the media covers elections to the way elections are administered to favor a two-party system.

But he added that the more people who can get on the ballot like Etchison did, the easier it becomes for everyone else.

Etchison said that she also chose to run as unaffiliated because of the North Carolina legislatures penchant for politically gerrymandering the state, currently making it nearly impossible for Democrats to win.

North Carolina is represented in Congress by seven Republicans and seven Democrats. But state lawmakers, led by majority Republicans, were allowed to redraw the districts going into the 2024 election. They gave their party easy wins in 10 districts and left Democrats with just three. The final district is the states only true swing seat and is made up of the states most far northeastern counties.

If I had wanted to run as a Democrat, theres no conceivable pathway to victory, Etchison said. So the independent decision was really a performance and ideological one. We have to start doing something different. And then also strategic, if you will, with gerrymandering.

Its not easy being unaffiliated. How an NC candidate made it on the ballot

Caucusing

Asked which party Etchison would caucus with, she didnt have an answer.

She said if she does join a party caucus, it will be to give me the most leverage of ability to best serve the people in this district.

That might be with whoevers in the majority of at the time.

Currently, Republicans hold a slim majority in the U.S. House. There are 217 Republicans, 213 Democrats and five vacancies. Last week, Vince Foy, a California Republican, was elected to replace former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who retired after being ousted from his leadership position. Foy is expected to be sworn in shortly, bringing the total number of Republicans to 218.

Republicans have had a hard time functioning in the House this session because of the slim majority, often dysfunctional and deadlocked, unable to move legislation forward.

Theres the problem of independent candidates or unaffiliated candidates getting on the ballot, and then when they do theres also the problem of what they do when theyre in office, Cooper said. Parties dont just structure voters choices, parties also structure Congress, so to try to exist outside of that system is very difficult and would make it very hard for somebody to exert power.

Etchison said shes not disillusioned by whats happening in Congress.

I will absolutely do the best that I can within the power that Im able to, Etchison said. I think that as an independent, my hope would be that I would be able to bridge divides between both Republicans and Democrats.

She hopes to unite lawmakers to reach a consensus and work together.

She added that she would not turn her back on the things she values or cares about.

Policy focus

Among those values are making elections more fair and representative of the people.

I wouldnt have to be running as an independent if we would be electing candidates who are more moderate and representative and have fair competition in our democracy, so I really want to prioritize going to the root of some of those problems, Etchison said.

Including, she said, championing legislation to advocate at the federal level for independent redistricting commissions.

She added that partisan gerrymandering isnt just a Republican problem. Prior to Republicans taking the majority, North Carolina saw partisan gerrymandering under Democratic control.

She also wants to limit corporate money within the elections.

But Etchison said she also wants to get at the heart of whats hurting Americans, whether its their emotional or financial needs.

She hopes to add more protections on social media use.

She wants to incentivize national service coming from the military.

Ive seen firsthand what happens when you take people outside of their bubble, Etchison said. Put them in a new place, with new people from different cultures, different backgrounds, and we work cohesively together for a shared goal and that does beautiful things that I think will be really helpful for getting people more united again.

Shes also concerned about Social Security and its availability to younger generations.

Campaigning

But for now Etchison has to work to convince voters that she would represent them better than Hudson, or Democratic candidate Nigel Bristow, in Congress.

Etchison said having to gather signatures allowed her to talk to many people in her district and really learn and understand their needs. And she said as an independent she wont be beholden to party politics.

Hudson, a six-term congressman, leads the House Republicans campaign arm. As the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Hudson oversees ensuring that Republicans maintain their current seats and secure new ones.

Hes a big player in Congress, Cooper said. Hes somebody whose opinion matters. And hes going to be able to make a good case that when hes in office, the district has a fairly large voice.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a press conference at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid. Spain's left-wing government formally announced the recognition of a Palestinian state on Tuesday, after the decision was made last week along with Norway and Ireland. Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig De La Be/EUROPA PRESS/dpa

Spain's left-wing government formally announced the recognition of a Palestinian state on Tuesday, after the decision was made last week along with Norway and Ireland.

"This is a historic decision that has a single goal: To help the Israelis and the Palestinians achieve peace," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a statement outside his official residence, Moncloa Palace, in Madrid.

Sanchez spoke before the government's Council of Ministers gave its official approval. Their sign off was expected later Tuesday.

In view of the debate on the question of the borders of a state of Palestine, Sanchez said that it was not for Spain to "define the borders of other countries."

The Socialist leader said the state of Palestine "must first and foremost be viable."

To that end, he said: "The West Bank and the Gaza Strip must be connected by a corridor, with East Jerusalem as its capital and united under the legitimate government of the Palestinian Authority."

Sanchez said that his government's decision was not directed against Israel, which he called "a friendly nation that we respect, that we value and with which we want to have the best possible relations."

He said his government is opposed to the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and strongly condemns the attacks the militants launched on Israel on October 7.

However, recognition is "the only way to a two-state solution."
Check your fridge.

Food & Wine / FIJI Water Company LLC.

Natural Waters of Viti Limited has voluntarily recalled over 78,500 cases  amounting to nearly 1.9 million bottles  of its popular Fiji Natural Artesian Water after testing revealed the presence of manganese and three strains of bacteria.

According to Fijis post on X, the recall only affects specific lots of water that were sold solely on Amazon between February 1 and March 3 of this year.

The potentially affected products in this recall were sold in 24-packs of 500-milliliter bottles. The recalled bottles have production dates (PRD) of Nov. 11, 2023, Nov. 12, 2023, Nov. 13, 2023, Nov. 24, 2023, or Nov. 25, 2023. The Case UPC Code on the recalled products is 632565000043. And the bottle UPC code is 632565000012.

Fiji Water remains safe to buy and consume, the company wrote on X. This is a quality issue only affecting the specific lots sold on Amazon.com.

Related: Sparkling Water vs. Mineral Water: What's the Difference?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this is a Class III recall, of which the agency has three  with Class I being the most severe category, as it relates to products that could cause serious adverse health consequences or even death. By contrast, exposure to or consumption of products that are part of a Class III recall is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

Manganese, the element that was found in the potentially affected bottles of Fiji water, is described by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry as a naturally occurring substance found in many types of rocks and soil. It has a number of both chemical and consumer applications, and the agency notes that it may occur naturally in many foods, including beans, grains, nuts, and some teas, and it can also be added to foods or nutritional supplements.

The agency also adds that both tap and bottled water generally contain safe levels of manganese, the FDA has set the maximum allowable concentration of manganese in bottled water at no more than 0.05 mg/L.

A spokesperson for The Wonderful Company, which represents Fiji, told KSNT that the company has collected most of the recalled bottles. The FDA classification [...] relates to a matter from several months ago that never posed any health or safety risk, the spokesperson said.

Related: Are Forever Chemicals In Your Favorite Sparkling Water? Heres What to Know

It affected products that were sold through only one distributor, and 99% of all those affected bottles were reclaimed with the remainder in warehouses to be returned. There is no higher priority to us than the safety and quality of Fiji Water. There is no health or safety risk posed by manganese or bacteria in the recalled lots of Fiji. Moreover, Fiji Water conducts regular testing to ensure consumers enjoy the soft, smooth taste of Fiji Water that they expect and love.

Any customers who have purchased Fiji water and have questions about the recall are encouraged to call 1-866-406-4149.

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Read the original article on Food & Wine.
Sacramentos low-income residents with a so-called golden ticket to housing face losing that Section 8 voucher if they fail to secure a rental in the coming months.

Brenda and Shawn White are among the roughly 175 Section 8 voucher holders who are in the process the of finding housing. Voucher holders have always had four months to start using their benefit but extensions have been relatively easy to secure. The Whites have received extensions since getting their voucher 2022, Brenda White said.

As a result of federal budget cuts, the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency is planning to stop extending vouchers for people who dont secure housing in the allotted time.

The Whites feel the pressure of their June 11 voucher deadline as they only started to search for housing about two months ago after being evicted from temporary housing that they say they were led to believe was permanent.

They received a letter on April 9 that stated, If you are not residing in a subsidized unit at the time of your voucher expiration and/or you do not have a Request for Tenancy Approval (paperwork) submitted, your voucher will be expired, and you will be removed from the program, the letter stated.

Our back is up against the wall, said Brenda White, 49, after receiving the letter. It doesnt give us a lot of time to find a place ... if we cant find a place, theres no way we an afford to survive ... the average rent is $1,600 to $1,800, and thats on the low end.

The couple finally found a landlord to accept the voucher, but it would require $500 out of pocket that the voucher would not cover  money they do not have, Brenda White said.

The Whites cant work and live off a disability check of less than $1,000 a month. Shawn White, 62, is in a wheelchair, and suffers from spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Brenda White, who grew up in Sacramento, is his caretaker. Since the eviction earlier this year, the pair have been staying on a friends couch but will not be able to stay much longer. The eviction was due to nonpayment of rent, but the couple said they were told their rent was covered by the county.

Can Sacramento fight to save its Section 8 vouchers?

The Whites are in the group of about 175 that Mayor Darrell Steinberg said he is intent on housing in the coming months. Part of the reason for the urgency is that if the 175 dont find housing, their vouchers will not go to any of the other 51,000 Sacramento families on the waitlist for a voucher. Instead theyll be returned to the federal government.

Steinberg during a council meeting earlier this month called for an all hands on deck effort to house the 175 families  with Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) working with the county, city, nonprofit Sacramento Steps Forward and private landlords.

Its hard enough to get people off the streets without a golden ticket, Steinberg said during the May 7 council meeting. When people have the ticket, thats 175 people, so what do we need to do to enhance the collaboration among all responsible agencies with regard to this particular cohort of people?

Councilwoman Caity Maple, who represents several south Sacramento under-resourced communities, said it will be very damaging to her constituents.

Its a huge punch in the gut, especially for a lot of the community members I represent, Maple said. I hope all of us can put pressure on our federal partners.

Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan echoed that call, pressing SHRA leaders on whether theyve been talking to Congressman Ami Bera, D-Elk Grove, and Congresswoman Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento. Steinberg, a well-connected politico and former California Senate pro tem, indicated that may not be effective.

The question of increased overall funding for more vouchers is obviously caught up in a broader political context, which Congresswoman Matsui and Congressman Bera are not in the majority party currently, Steinberg said, referring to the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Section 8 program, similar to public housing units, are funded by the federal government through the U.S. Housing and Development Agency. In the last two decades, while the number of homeless people on the streets of the capital city has more than quadrupled, hitting nearly 10,000, the federal government has given Sacramento only an additional 1,000 vouchers.

Part of the reason for the federal governments planned cut to Sacramentos vouchers is Sacramentos rents are increasing rapidly, said MaryLiz Paulson of SHRA during the May 7 council meeting. Since the vouchers pay for rent on the private market, that negatively impacts Sacramentos voucher situation.

Fair market rents increased 55% between 2020 and 2024, Paulson said, referring to Sacramento. And it continues to go up. In Sacramento, were projecting those (rents) will continue to increase. To what extent is really unknown.

The typical rent for the Sacramento region is $2,300  higher than Philadelphia, Denver and Dallas.

Its the first time SHRA has been in this particular shortfall situation in decades, Paulson said

This is a change from the way the project has been managed, Paulson said.
Nebraska abortion initiative with the most votes would become law, if voters pass more than one

(Mario Tama/Getty Images)

LINCOLN  Nebraska voters could face an unusual result from a November election that is likely to see multiple  and possibly dueling  ballot initiatives.

What happens if voters pass more than one competing constitutional amendment on the same issue?

The short answer: The one with the most votes wins if more than one is passed and in legal conflict with one another.

If theyre on the same topic, youre looking for the amendment that received the most raw votes (for passage), Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said. Its not the percentage.

That quirk of state law and constitutional design could come into play this fall on the issue of abortion.

Three potential amendments

Three groups are circulating potential constitutional amendments on abortion for the November ballot. Each appears at odds with the others.

One initiative, put forward by Protect Our Rights Nebraska, would enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution up until fetal viability, which most place between 22 and 24 weeks.

A second, put forward by Protect Women and Children, would allow no abortions after the first trimester, much like current law, but it would let the Legislature restrict abortion further in the future.

A third, put forward by Now Choose Life, would grant personhood under the law to embryos and fetuses in a mothers womb, making the law treat them like a child who has been born.

At least the first two appear to have a chance of passage, based on public opinion and results of elections in other states showing support either for abortion rights or for abortion bans after 12-15 weeks.

The third effort started late, but it could find support among people in communities of faith, raising the possibility of not just two amendments passing that might conflict, but three.

People behind the petition efforts had no immediate comment.

What happens if it happens

Evnen, the states top election official, spoke to the Nebraska Examiner this week about what the possibility of more than one ballot issue passing might mean.

First, he said, the State Canvassing Board would have to meet after the election to certify the election results.

Within 10 days of certification, Evnen explained, Gov. Jim Pillen would decide whether the constitutional amendments were in conflict with one another and to what degree.

In this particular case, these appear to me to be entirely in conflict, Evnen said.

Under state law, the governor has the ministerial duty to convey what constitutional amendments have passed. The one with the most votes would be amended into the constitution.

That power is rooted in Article III, Section 2 of the Nebraska Constitution and clarified in Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1416.

For voters, Evnen said, the calculus changes.

If a voter says, This is what I want to have passed, and I dont want that, the wisest course of action is for them to vote for the measure they want and against the measure they dont want, Evnen said.

How it could happen

Some people might vote for more than one of the amendments, especially the abortion-rights amendment and the Protect Women and Children initiative.

Some supporters of the abortion-rights amendment have said they wanted it to provide a specific number of weeks in which abortions would be allowed. They might be drawn to the Protect Women and Children initiative, because it includes language banning abortion after the first trimester.

Abortion-rights supporters say the Protect Women and Children language was designed to confuse voters so it might seem more moderate than it is.

Supporters of the Protect Women and Children petition acknowledge that it was written to set a maximum number of weeks abortions could be performed. It would still allow abortion to be further restricted by the Legislature.

It was unclear whether a similar issue has arisen previously in Nebraska, although other states, including California, Missouri and Oregon, have previously passed competing amendments.

Petition drive backers have until July 3 to turn in signatures to the Secretary of States Office.

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The post Nebraska abortion initiative with the most votes would become law, if voters pass more than one appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
Construction workers building a residential high-rise. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

LINCOLN  Nebraska business leaders are saying its glaringly apparent that the state wont be able to meet its workforce needs without more immigrants, according to a consultant to the Nebraska Chamber Foundation.

The North Carolina-based Economic Leadership group was commissioned by the research arm of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry to assess the states economic competitiveness.

June 25 Summit

The Nebraska Chamber Foundations immigration report will help set the stage for what is described as a groundbreaking June 25 event in Fremont: the Nebraska Immigration & Workforce Summit.

The all-day conference  hosted by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and nonprofit Immigrant Legal Center + Refugee Empowerment Center  aims to provide tools and information on how to harness the power of diversity and attract immigrant talent to help meet labor demands.

Chamber leaders say they plan to distribute the findings to conference participants, policymakers and others. Registration is required for the summit.

The consulting group in turn produced a trio of reports. One examined how Huskers stack up among peer states in an array of areas. Another zeroed in on the manufacturing industry, and the third looked at immigration as it relates to Nebraskas workforce.

In all three studies, which included focus groups and interviews, immigration surfaced as a top solution to fill the states workforce gaps and ward off economic decline.

According to the researchers, Nebraskans who provided feedback overwhelmingly consider the current federal system that regulates immigration as broken, and they are concerned the topic of immigration has become toxic and confusing.

They understood that theres a stigma around illegal immigration but stressed that legal paths must be improved, the consulting group wrote. They felt that America needs to close the back door but open the front door for a greater volume of legal immigration.

As one participant put it, there is no other subset of available workers.

Headwinds are coming

To be sure, tapping a foreign-born population to address worker scarcity in Nebraska is not a novel concept  and discussions entwining the two have been amplified in the last couple of years within the states business chambers and other groups including Omaha Together One Community.

Chamber president Bryan Slone said the Economic Leadership team was brought in to bring nonpartisan, data-driven information and analysis. He called the workforce shortage one of the states largest impediments to growth and opportunity.

There are headwinds coming, Slone said. We are just at the front end of it.

Nebraskas immigrant (foreign-born) population)works in a variety of jobs. (Courtesy of Nebraska Chamber Foundation)

Fresh off a trip to see Nebraskas congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., Slone told the Nebraska Examiner that the chamber supports the reports general direction and recommendations.

But he also said that the chambers position on more politically charged points, such as creating legal paths for undocumented immigrants in the United States, would wait to be clarified as time goes on and as specific legislation is proposed in Congress.

To start, he said, he can see the chamber getting behind and pushing for proposals to simplify and improve access to various categories of work visas for foreign-born workers.

Immigrant farm workers harvest broccoli south of Yuma, Arizona. (David McNew/Getty Images)

Three top temporary visa programs used in Nebraska are H1-B, H2-A and H2-B visas, which open the door to workers ranging from highly educated foreign professionals to agricultural and construction jobs.

If the federal quotas for these programs were increased, this could help Nebraska companies utilize these programs even more, the report said.

Slone said he sees the chamber also advocating for so-called Dreamers  immigrants allowed to be in the country under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program created by President Barack Obama in 2012. Up to 3,000 younger DACA recipients live in Nebraska (among more than 550,000 nationwide), but their permanent status is tenuous, as they must reapply every two years for protections.

One of the first things Congress should be able to deal with is DACA, the Dreamers  who came here as children  and still dont have permanent status, said Slone.

Supporters of the DACA program rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court. (Courtesy of Robin Bravender/ States Newsroom)

The Nebraska Legislatures handling of a DACA-related benefit earlier this year, however, reflects how conflicting the matter can be. Nebraska lawmakers at one point voted overwhelmingly, 36-8, for a measure to allow DACA recipients to serve in law enforcement in Nebraska, similar to at least three other states.

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood R-Neb., a former state senator, was among those who were critical of the possibility. He raised questions about whether a DACA recipient would be considered a credible witness in court. Within about two weeks, state lawmakers did an about-face and on a 25-11 vote tabled the measure that had aimed to help address the shortage of law enforcement officers across the state.

Nebraska standing out

In its 36-page report analyzing immigration and the workforce, the consulting team acknowledged that a labor shortage is troubling to states nationwide  but it dug into why Nebraska stands out in its workforce woes.

Claiming one of the countrys highest labor force participation rates and one of the lowest unemployment rates, the Husker state consistently lists well over 50,000 job openings, the report said.

And with demographic trends pointing to a continued insufficient supply of domestic and Nebraska-born workers, the team said, bold action is necessary.

Among steps it urged Nebraska to consider:

Launch a high-profile immigrant recruitment strategy that broadcasts the states intent to become the most welcoming place in America for foreign-born residents. Such a campaign, the group said, could appeal to newly arriving migrants and refugees as well as immigrants living elsewhere in the United States.

Create a state welcoming advisory board and regional support teams. They would develop strategies to deliver key services to newcomers who speak a language other than English.

Engage with Nebraskas congressional delegation to push federal immigration reform, which would include additional work visas and a path to U.S. citizenship for undocumented workers already in Nebraska.

The researchers said gaps widened in the workforce during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many baby boomers over age 55, for example, chose not to return to the workplace.

Lurking were demographic trends that further stunted recovery. The aging of the population and a decline in the fertility rate were among them.

Nebraskas economy is feeling the impact as the number of unemployed workers for each job opening is under 0.5 workers, the report said. The states ratio has long been lower than the national average.

(Courtesy of Center for Pubic Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)

Relatively small but growing

While many coastal and mountain states have been able to grow their economies and workforces through people relocating there from elsewhere in the country, in Nebraska more taxpayers have left the state than have moved into it during the last decade.

Meanwhile, the consultants said, the foreign-born population  while still a relatively small slice of the overall state population, about 7% or 140,000 people  was an increasing portion of Nebraskas growth over the past 20 years.

Nebraska was ranked No. 8 among states with fast-growing foreign-born populations from 2012 to 2022 (by percentage change), according to figures compiled by the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

During more recent years, 2020 through 2022, the state fell to No. 29 among states for fast-growing foreign-born populations, CPAR said.

In Nebraska, foreign-born residents in 2022 accounted for about 71 of every 1,000 residents. This rate is lower than the national average but puts the state in the middle of the pack (26/50) and similar to many Midwest peer states. (Courtesy of Economic Leadership and NE Chamber Foundation)

In 2022, the most recent year available, Nebraskas foreign born accounted for about 71 of every 1,000 persons  thats lower than the national average and ranked Nebraska 26th of the 50 states.

Bryan Slone, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (Courtesy of Nebraska Governors Office)

Nebraskans who were born internationally tend to be concentrated in a small number of counties in the state: eight of 93 counties have foreign-born populations greater than 10%.

An advocacy group for area Latinos, the League of United Latin American Citizens, said efforts to broaden employment opportunities for newcomers in Nebraska could be a dream come true for many of them and for worker-starved employers.

But LULAC state director Elsa Ramon Aranda said her national organization is on guard to ensure all voices are represented, including lesser-skilled workers who are newer to the country.

They need a livable wage and workforce protections, she said.

According to the study, foreign-born Nebraskans currently work in jobs ranging from cooks and meat-processing workers to teachers and physicians. Slone cited demand in the state for a wide variety of talent.

He believes Nebraskas economic future depends on its readiness to adapt to the shifting demographics.

Outside of foreign-born individuals, we are not growing very much at all in this state, said Slone. And were not anywhere near the foreign-born worker numbers we could have, given all the jobs that we have.

The post Nebraska urged to become most welcoming place in America for immigrants appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
Crews fought a fire inside an apartment in Downtown Seattle early Tuesday, causing residents to spill out onto the street.

At 3:30 a.m., crews were called to the building in the 1400 block of Madison Street. A fire was found inside a fourth-floor unit.

When firefighters arrived, the flames were under control, thanks to the buildings sprinkler system, according to the Seattle Fire Department. Crews put out the remaining fire.

No one was hurt.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.




The Marthas Vineyard man accused of stabbing six people in Massachusetts over the weekend had reportedly been involved in a heated dispute with neighbors just beforehand that culminated in him hurling a shovel through their window.

Jared Ravizza, 26, appeared in court Tuesday morning on charges of assault with intent to murder, and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Ravizza is accused of going on an unprovoked rampage on Saturday night in which he randomly stabbed four girls inside a movie theater before later attacking two McDonalds employees.

He was also spotted urinating in the McDonalds drive-thru by a woman who told cops he had been making a face like Jack Nicholson in The Shining, the court heard. He was taken into custody later that night after allegedly leading cops on a chase that ended with him crashing his Porsche.

After his appearance in court wearing no shoes, Ravizza was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation.

Mom Says Movie Theater Stabbing Suspect Was Laughing the Whole Time

He has also now been named as a suspect in a homicide that occurred hours before his alleged stabbing spree. Connecticut State Police say 70-year-old Bruce Feldman, identified in reports as Ravizzas roommate, was found dead with visible injuries outside a home in Deep River shortly after Ravizza left the home.

Ravizza had flipped out when his neighbors in Connecticut called the police on Feldman for allegedly trespassing on their property, according to the New York Post. Feldman had been staying with Ravizza at a home he was renting and had been known to walk around the neighborhood with his pet poodle. But some neighbors said Feldman would sit on their porches without permission, leading to police being called Saturday.

When Ravizza found out, he picked up a shovel, went down to their house and threw it at their window, neighbor Charlie Brashears told local outlet WTNH. Another neighbor said the shovel had gone straight through the neighbors window.

Police responding to the scene then found a dead body inside the rental home later identified as Feldman.

This is like the weirdest stuff weve been around, said Brashears. This is like 1970s Scorsese Taxi Driver stuff.

Neighbors told the Post they believed Bruces poodle had also been found dead inside the home, though authorities have not yet confirmed it.

Ravizza apparently moved to the neighborhood after he was arrested on Marthas Vineyard in April for allegedly attacking his father. His father, Jason Ravizza, a psychologist, reportedly told cops at the time that his son had suffered a mental break. Officers noted in their report that the younger Ravizza had been frothing at the mouth as he spoke of nonsensical things, including a string of conspiracy theories. They wanted a hospital to place him on an involuntary hold and he was sent to Marthas Vineyard Hospital for a mental health evaluation, but he did not meet their standards to be held, according to The Boston Globe.

Ravizza reportedly filed paperwork last month to officially change his name to Jared Love Jones. He has boasted of working as a model in the past but bills himself as an artist on Instagram, where hes shared an endless selection of selfies and some images that appear to be of his artwork.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Editor's note:

There has been a fresh round of "forced labor" chorus against China in Washington lately. Against the geopolitical backdrop of U.S. viewing China as the biggest rival it would stop at nothing to contain, this is really nothing new or surprising. But it is still necessary to take a close look at the "forced labor" narrative promoted so hard by Washington and find out what it intends to achieve and what harm it has done to innocent people, businesses and the world at large. This week Xinhua is releasing a series of five commentaries in this regard, and the following is the first piece.

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- "Forced labor" accusations against China have been chorusing around Washington once again, with the Biden administration adding 26 Chinese companies to its blacklist and the U.S. Senate accusing several multinationals of using product components allegedly involving "forced labor."

But this recent coordinated action has not caused much of a stir, as playing all sorts of cards to slander, discredit, disrupt and contain China -- seen as the United States' biggest competitor in the current century -- has become a common practice for the U.S. in recent years. The "forced labor" narrative sold so actively by the U.S. across the globe is obviously just another one of these cards.

With no solid evidence, the U.S. has charged Beijing with accusations of "forced labor" practices in its northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and hastily passed the "Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act," which absurdly demands companies investing and operating in Xinjiang prove their own innocence or face an import ban on all their products.

While multiple companies, including Volkswagen, have conducted independent investigations that have ruled out the existence of forced labor in their Xinjiang factories, U.S. politicians have turned a blind eye to such findings and continue to spread their rumors and lies.

Perhaps these politicians believe a smear campaign -- a tactic that has proved highly effective in various U.S. elections and has thus become deeply embedded in U.S. politics -- can also work well in international politics and major power competitions.

In fact, the "forced labor" accusation is almost nothing compared to another lie of the century about Xinjiang, fabricated by the United States' previous Trump administration: China has supposedly been committing a "genocide" against the Uygurs and other ethnic minorities in the region.

This sensational yet groundless "determination," announced in an extremely hasty manner by then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the eve of the 2021 presidential transition, simply ignored solid census data showing Xinjiang's Uygur population had more than tripled from 3.61 million in 1953 to 11.62 million in 2020.

With "genocide" and "forced labor" as supporting pillars, the Xinjiang card was successfully established for use against China. These accusations joined a long list of others, including those related to Taiwan, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, to name just a few.

Through the introduction of the Xinjiang card, the U.S. seems to be hoping to kill three birds with one stone. First, it can tarnish China's international reputation and keep Beijing busy by forcing it to respond to external criticism and prove its own innocence. Second, it can create a chilling effect that could force foreign capital and companies out of China, or at least scare away potential newcomers. Third, it can deal a hard blow to certain sectors of the Chinese economy closely linked to Xinjiang and hurt the country's growth.

This explains why the Biden administration -- despite its continuous claims of seeking healthy competition with China and having no intention to halt China's economic development or contain China -- has not only fully inherited the previous administration's Xinjiang legacy, but is also playing the "forced labor" card even more frequently and aggressively.

But can a lie really become truth if it's repeated a thousand times? Or are a thousand more lies needed to hide just one?

It has been revealed that in order to solidify its Xinjiang narrative, the U.S. government has in recent years spent millions of dollars financing individuals, organizations and media outlets willing to help produce or spread lies and misinformation about Xinjiang. Washington has even -- both openly and secretly -- supported "Xinjiang independence" groups, many of which endorse extremist doctrines or have notorious terrorism records.

Playing dirty might bring some short-term benefits and give your opponent a headache, but you can't count on such tactics to secure an ultimate win. Whether they really believe in fair competition or just talk the talk, politicians in Washington had better bear two things in mind: For decades, no card played by foreign hands has worked to derail or simply slow down China's modernization drive, and international credibility and global clout are not inexhaustible, even for a country as powerful and manipulative as the United States. 
Neo-Nazi makes it through to second round of German regional election

A neo-Nazi who sells Hitler memorabilia online has made it through to the second round in a key German regional election.

Tommy Frenck, described by German media reports as a nationally notorious neo-Nazi, passed the first round of voting in Sundays district elections in Hildburghausen, Thuringia, and has been allowed to stand in the run-off.

Mr Frenck runs the online shop druck18, which sells Third Reich-themed bed linen and has a restaurant which has offered schnitzel for 8.88, a coded reference to the Nazi slogan Heil Hitler,because H is the eighth letter of the alphabet, Spiegel magazine reported.

His political movement, Alliance for the Future of Hildburghausen, is considered the leading neo-Nazi group in the district by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the German equivalent of MI5.

His popularity comes amid shock in Germany after a video emerged over the weekend of young people chanting far-Right slogans and giving Hitler salutes at a holiday resort in Sylt.

German leaders condemned the Sylt incident, where youngsters chanted foreigners out to the tune of the French song Lamour toujours, with chancellor Olaf Scholz condemning their behaviour as disgusting and unacceptable.

A leading MP for the Greens said she was outraged that Mr Frenck had been allowed to stand in the elections in the first place. Local election laws state that candidates who pose a threat to the democratic order and German constitution are banned from taking part.

It is shocking that a genuine neo-Nazi, who has repeatedly displayed anti-constitutional attitudes up to the present day, was even allowed to run for the district council, Irene Mihalic told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.

Someone with such openly displayed attitudes and obvious advances towards the Nazi era and its symbols should never be allowed to hold such an important office in our democratic constitutional state, she added.

Mr Frenck has been a somewhat notorious figure in Germany since 2015, when he began hosting a string of far-Right events, including concerts, in Hildburghausen.

As of Tuesday evening, Mr Frenck did not appear to have issued a response to the criticism surrounding his electoral progress.

In a 2022 interview with the German tabloid Bild, in which he was confronted about his apparent love of Adolf Hitler and views on the Holocaust, he said: I cannot speak about this topic because in Germany you cannot freely express your opinion.

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Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Monday, May 27, 2024. Palestinian health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 35 people in the area. Israel's army confirmed Sunday's strike and said it hit a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants. | Jehad Alshrafi, AP Photo

During an attack on Sunday in Rafah, a Palestinian city in the southern Gaza Strip, an Israeli strike set fire to an area housing displaced Palestinians, killing at least 45 people, including women and children, according to The Associated Press. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israels parliament regarding the strike.

Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mishap, Netanyahu said during his address. We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy, per AP.

Israels Sunday attack on Rafah occurred shortly after Hamas launched its first missile attack on the Israeli city of Tel Aviv in several months, per BBC, and days after the International Court of Justices ruling that Israel must halt attacks on Rafah.

In Rafah we already evacuated about one million non-combatant residents and despite our utmost effort not to harm non-combatants, something unfortunately went tragically wrong, said Netanyahu, BBC reports. Netanyahu asserted that every precaution possible must be taken by Israel to protect civilians caught in middle of the conflict, and he insisted that the Israel Defense Forces maintains its best efforts not to harm those uninvolved, per BBC.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Monday, May 27, 2024. Palestinian health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 35 people in the area. Israel's army confirmed Sunday's strike and said it hit a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants. | Jehad Alshrafi

As widespread condemnation of the attack from around the world mounted, the Israel Defense Forces initially said that it had targeted two senior Hamas leaders, that it did not strike a designated humanitarian area and that it took steps to reduce the risk of harming civilians, per NBC News. On X, formerly known as Twitter, the Israeli military posted a map of where it says the strike took place.

This massacre is the largest in the city of Rafah in months, the spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defense in Rafah, Muhammad Al-Mughir, told NBC News.

Phillippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, said, I saw images. They are deeply disturbing and horrifying. Lazzarini added, There is no safe space in Gaza.

In a statement responding to Sundays attack, Hamas said the Israeli strike on Rafah was a horrific war crime and demanded the immediate and urgent implementation of the International Court of Justices decision, according to The New York Times.

Palestinians react next to the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Monday, May 27, 2024. Palestinian health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 35 people in the area. Israel's army confirmed Sunday's strike and said it hit a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants. | Jehad Alshrafi

How is the world reacting to Israels strike on Rafah?

The devastating images following an IDF strike in Rafah last night that killed dozens of innocent Palestinians are heartbreaking, a United States National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement on Monday, CBS News reported. Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians. But as weve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.

The U.S. will be watching the results of the Israeli investigation into the deadly strike and subsequent fire in Rafah closely, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Tuesday, per CNN, saying that the findings should be presented openly and transparently to us and to the world.

On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron took to X to voice his concerns over Sundays strike, calling for a cease-fire.

Outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah.



These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians.



I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire.  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 27, 2024

According to The New York Times, Volker Turk, the United Nations human rights chief, said, What is shockingly clear is that by striking such an area, densely packed with civilians, this was an entirely predictable outcome.
Palestinians inspect their destroyed tents after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel was investigating "an incident" in which scores of civilians were killed in Israeli airstrikes near the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

"In Rafah, we have evacuated about one million civilians," Netanyahu said on Monday in an address to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem.

"Tragically, despite our immense efforts to avoid harming non-combatants, an incident occurred yesterday. We are investigating it thoroughly and will learn from it, as is our policy and longstanding conduct."

"For us, any non-combatant hurt is a tragedy, for Hamas, it is a strategy," Netanyahu stated. "That is the core difference."

The Hamas-run health authority in Gaza said 45 people were killed and dozens injured in the airstrike that hit tents housing displaced people on Sunday.

Most of the victims of the airstrike were women and children, the health authority said, describing the incident as a "massacre."

Palestinians inspect their destroyed tents after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Palestinians inspect their destroyed tents after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
The Netherlands, with the support of other countries, wants to assemble and transfer a Patriot air defence system to Ukraine in the short term.

Source: Dutch Defence Ministry, as reported by European Pravda

Details: To this end, the Netherlands is providing the main components from its stocks and calling on European countries to add other parts they have in stock.

The Netherlands has identified which countries can potentially provide parts and ammunition from their stockpiles.

Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren is calling on these countries to join the project.

Quote: "We are engaged in talks with partners to compile a Patriot system, including training for Ukrainian crews. With our offer and consulting with partner countries providing several key parts and munitions, we can provide Ukraine with at least one fully operational system in a short time frame," she said.

The Netherlands wants the Patriot system to be deployed in Ukraine as soon as possible.

Background:

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis recently stated that a condition for providing Ukraine with a Romanian Patriot system is that it should not lead to a weakening of Romanias air defence.

Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, is hoping for "brave decisions" from the United States in anticipation of the much-needed Patriot air defence systems to protect against Russian air attacks.

So far, only Germany has responded to Ukraine's request to provide a Patriot battery, and training for this is already underway.

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(L-R) Minister of Defence of the Netherlands Kajsa Ollongren, Minister for Defence of Luxembourg Yuriko Backes and Defence Minister of Latvia Andris Spruds attend the European Foreign and Defense minister council meeting in Brussels. Alexandros Michailidis/EU Council/dpa

The Dutch government has said it will lead an initiative among some European countries to supply a Patriot air defence missile system to Ukraine.

"Ukraine, of course, is still under attack. Airstrikes continue," said Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren in Brussels on Tuesday. "Patriot systems are scarce in Europe and NATO, but we are now taking a step forward, so we will supply components of Patriot systems," she said.

A press release from the Dutch Ministry of Defence said "the Netherlands has identified which countries could offer additional Patriot parts and munitions" in order to deliver a complete system to Ukraine. It does not mention which countries are involved.

Jens Stoltenberg, secretary-general of the NATO military alliance, said air defence is the "most urgent need." He said EU countries are "stepping up the delivery of ammunition, air defence systems, and in particular, the most advanced ones, the Patriot systems."

A general view of the European Defence Agency Steering Board meeting ahead of the EU defence ministers meeting. Francois Lenoir/European Council/dpa
Netherlands wants to deliver Patriot system to Ukraine jointly with partners

The Netherlands wants to deliver an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine in the short term in cooperation with other countries, the Dutch Defense Ministry said on May 28.

The country has identified which partners could contribute parts and ammunition from their own stocks and called on them to join the initiative.

Ukraine has been calling on its partners to provide additional air defenses amid intense Russian aerial strikes. Over the weekend, a Russian attack against a supermarket in Kharkiv killed at least 18 civilians and injured dozens more.

"We are engaged in talks with partners to compile a Patriot system, including training for Ukrainian crews," Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said.

"With our offer, and consulting with partner countries providing several key parts and munitions, we can provide Ukraine with at least one fully operational system in a short time frame."

Ukraine operates at least three Patriot systems provided by the U.S., the Netherlands, and Germany, with Berlin recently pledging to deliver a fourth one. The Netherlands did not supply a full system but rather two launchers and other supplies.

Previously, the Netherlands contributed funds to Germany's air defense initiative for Ukraine, which reportedly collected close to 1 billion euros as of May 21.

Read also: German FM in Kyiv: Germanys air defense initiative collects close to 1 billion euros

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(BCN)  Newark Police asked for the publics help finding a teenager who was reported missing by his family on Monday. Dungaor Look, 14, is Asian American, five-foot-eight, and weighs about 130 pounds.

Dungaor Look, 14, was reported missing in Newark, Calif. on May 27, 2024. Look is five-foot-eight, about 130 pounds, and was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt, blue gym shorts, gray socks and blue running shoes. (Newark Police Department via Bay City News)

He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt, blue gym shorts, gray socks and blue running shoes, police said in an advisory at 5:33 p.m. Anyone with information about Look is asked to call 911 or call the Newark Police Department at (510) 578-4237.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

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 KRON4.
(NEXSTAR)  So many cicadas have emerged from their long slumber, singing loud and peeing into the wind, that this phenomenon has been dubbed a cicada-geddon.

We have two broods of cicadas to thank  Brood XIX and Brood XIII  which have swarmed a large area of the eastern U.S. Its very hard to take stock of the number of insects involved, experts say, but they estimate its in the hundreds of trillions.

The reason 2024 is so special is because its a year of co-emergence for two very large broods that are geographically adjacent. Periodic cicada species stay buried underground for long stretches of time, and only emerge every 13 or 17 years (depending on the brood) when the ground warms up to 64 degrees.

When will cicadas finally leave?

These two broods havent synced up since 1803, and wont emerge at the same time again for another 221 years.

But another cicada-geddon is scheduled to hit the U.S. sooner than that. An even bigger, adjacent joint-emergence will happen when the two largest broods, XIX and XIV, come out together in 2076.

That is the cicada-palooza, University of Connecticut cicada expert John Cooley told the Associated Press.

The 2076 co-emergence will cover a large area over 16 states.

Abnormally hot summer even more likely in latest NOAA forecast: Heres where

Between now and 2076, there will be several more co-emergences  in 2037, 2041 and 2050, for example  but they wont be geographically adjacent. When theyre separated by more space, the impact is a bit more tame  though still noticeable.

Periodic cicadas dont do subtle, Cooley said. Their collective song can grow to be as loud as a jet engine. Its up in the 110 decibel range. Itd be like putting your head next to a jet. It is painful.

If youre currently plagued by the roaring sounds of mating cicadas, relief is on the way. Cicadas stay active for about four to six weeks after they emerge.

The Associated Press 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.
JAKARTA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo met with Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Mathias Cormann here on Tuesday, discussing OECD's plans to continue Indonesia's accession process toward full membership.

"The goal of this meeting is to provide the latest information regarding the accession process and the steps that have been or need to be taken by the Indonesian government," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said.

Indonesia's bid for the membership was accepted at the Ministerial Council Meeting, which marked the 10th anniversary of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Program (SEARP) in early May, held in Paris, France.

Indonesia plans to establish a special team soon to achieve full membership in three years and to draft an initial memorandum in the next 250 days.

Similarly, in order to boost investment potential in island nations and align it with other OECD members, OECD will survey Indonesia's economic conditions. 
Judge Paul Barbadoro held that the law, known by opponents as the divisive concepts or banned concepts law, violated teachers 14th Amendment rights. (Getty Images)

This story was updated on May 28 at 5 p.m.

Patrick Keefe says he just wanted to teach Toni Morrisons Beloved.

The high school English teacher has long included the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about slavery in his curriculum at Litchfields Campbell High School. And in the past, he had questioned students about whether Morrisons themes about the legacy of slavery applied to the present.

But after a state law passed in 2021 that regulated how teachers may talk about race and other concepts to students, Keefe became more cautious, he testified in a deposition last year. Any student-led discussion about structural racism might lead to a complaint under the new law, and might cause Keefe to lose his teaching license, he feared.

On Tuesday, a federal judge cited Keefe and other teachers examples in an order striking down the law, siding with teachers unions and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire and ruling that the law is unconstitutionally vague.

In his decision, Judge Paul Barbadoro held that the law, known by opponents as the divisive concepts or banned concepts law, violated teachers 14th Amendment rights because it is too vague for them to follow.

The Amendments are viewpoint-based restrictions on speech that do not provide either fair warning to educators of what they prohibit or sufficient standards for law enforcement to prevent arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement, Barbadoro wrote, referring to the statutory changes passed by the law.

The law prohibits K-12 public school staff from any instruction that advocates for four concepts: that a person of any race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristic is inherently superior to another; that any individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive against another for any characteristic; that an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment for any characteristic; and that people of one characteristic cannot and should not attempt to treat others without regard to one of their characteristics.

The characteristics covered by the law are a persons age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin.

The law, which was in part modeled after an executive order by President Donald Trump that applied to federal employees and was repealed by President Joe Biden, was presented by Republican lawmakers as an anti-discrimination statute meant to ensure that all students were treated equally. It came as Republican lawmakers raised concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts implemented in public schools, and argued that teachers were espousing critical race theory in classrooms.

The law allowed parents to bring complaints to the states Commission for Human Rights against teachers and school staff who they believed violated the new anti-discrimination statute. And it gave the State Board of Education the power to revoke educators teaching licenses if they were found by the commission to be in violation.

But teachers unions and others raised concerns that the prohibited concepts were too unclear to follow and would result in educators self-censoring instruction around certain topics such as race or gender for fear of losing their teaching credentials.

In his order Tuesday, Barbadoro sided with the states two teachers unions  the National Education Association of New Hampshire (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers of New Hampshire (AFT)  who had argued that the law violated their 14th Amendment rights because it did not provide clear guidance of what teachers should or shouldnt teach.

Barbadoros ruling grants declaratory relief to plaintiffs, meaning he is ruling that the law is unconstitutional, but it does not grant injunctive relief  a stricter ruling that would have stopped the state from carrying out the law. In his order, Barbadoro wrote that he didnt believe he needed the latter relief because he believed the state would respect the ruling and stop enforcing the law.

The ruling was a setback for the state, which had argued that the Attorney Generals Office had given teachers sufficient guidance in a Frequently Asked Questions document released in 2021 that outlined scenarios in which teachers would violate or not violate the law.

There are no known cases of New Hampshire teachers who have been found by the Commission for Human Rights to have violated the law.

But Barbadoro said there were a number of scenarios that the FAQs did not address. One such unanswered question centered on Keefes attempts to teach Beloved.

According to his deposition, Keefe had asked for clarity from his schools administration but was told there was none available other than the Attorney Generals Frequently Asked Questions, Barbadoro noted.

Barbadoro also noted the example of Jennifer Given, a former high school social studies teacher at the Hollis Brookline High School who felt the need to significantly modify her teaching methods out of fear that [she] would be accused of violating the Amendments, regardless of whether she was actually doing so.

And he argued that the uncertainty applied to extracurricular activities as well, citing the testimony of Ryan Richman, a high school history teacher at Timberlane Regional High School. Richman said as a faculty adviser for the schools Model United Nations team, he felt the law hampered his ability to help students for their competition in fear of saying something that might be seen as a violation.

Barbadoro used the examples to bolster his larger conclusion.

The Amendments are vague not because they subject teachers to severe professional sanctions, but because they fail to provide teachers with sufficient notice of what is prohibited and raise the specter of arbitrary and discretionary enforcement, he ruled.

He also said that the vagueness would allow state officials to apply their own arbitrary interpretations to enforcement.

 Because the Amendments fail to establish minimal guidelines to govern [their] enforcement, officials are free to pursue their personal predilections when applying the law, Barbadoro wrote.

The decision was hailed by the plaintiffs; Gilles Bissonnette, legal director of the ACLU of New Hampshire, called it a victory for academic freedom and an inclusive education for all New Hampshire students.

New Hampshires banned concepts law stifled New Hampshire teachers efforts to provide a true and honest education, agreed NEA-NH President Megan Tuttle in a statement. Students, families, and educators should rejoice over this court ruling which restores the teaching of truth and the right to learn for all Granite State students.

And it was cheered on by Democrats, including the two lead Democratic candidates for governor. Former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig praised the plaintiffs who fought this unconstitutional law. In her own statement, Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington said, Teachers should be free to teach  the truth  and students should be free to learn.

Republicans said they would redouble efforts to pass the bill. In a statement, former state Senate President Chuck Morse, a Republican candidate for governor who had helped push for the law in the Senate, said he was deeply disappointed in the decision but vowed to press on.

As Governor, I will work tirelessly with lawmakers, educators, and community leaders to draft and pass a stronger bill that addresses the courts concerns while keeping our fundamental goal intact: to prevent the dissemination of any materials that promote racial superiority or inferiority, Morse said.

In a post on X, State Rep. Keith Ammon, a New Boston Republican, wrote: Judge Barbadoro just put stopping Critical Race Theory back on the ballot in November.

The post NH federal court strikes down banned concepts teaching law appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
Nigerias First Lady slams US celebs just days after Meghan Markle visit: We dont accept nakedness

Nigerias First Lady slams US celebs just days after Meghan Markle visit: We dont accept nakedness

The First Lady of Nigeria took aim at the nakedness of American film stars just days after Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys visited the country.

The couple, who visited in their capacity as private citizens, spent three days in Nigeria celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, 63, made the comments during a speech celebrating her husbands first year in office and discussed her hopes for the modesty of Nigerian women and girls.

She did so while slamming the nakedness of film stars from America, with representatives for the First Lady later confirming that she was not referring to Meghan specifically.

The First Lady said Nigerian women and girls do not want to mimic and try to emulate film stars from America with their nakedness.

The message here is we have to salvage our children. We see the way they dress, she said.

Meghan wore an open-back dress on her and Harrys unofficial tour of Nigeria (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The First Lady continued: They keep forgetting that Nigeria, we are beautiful. You can see what they showcase on the stage, I said, We are fashionable, we see what is going on.

We are not having the Met Gala. And everyone, the nakedness, is just everywhere and the men are well-clothed.

So we have to do something. Tell them we dont accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful. Its not beautiful at all.

And theyre all beautiful girls, but they should be confident in who they are.

They do not want to mimic and try to emulate film stars from America. They dont know where they come from.

Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with. We know who we are. Dont lose who you are.

Meghans choice of clothing on her recent trip appeared to offend the First Lady of Nigeria (AP)

The First Ladys comment about American film stars comes after Meghan claimed that she is 43 percent Nigerian and described the nation as my country.

She made the revelation on her visit, where she expressed her joy at being able to learn more about her heritage.

The First Lady urged Nigerian women and girls not to be like American film stars (Arise News)

Speaking at an event on women in leadership in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, Meghan said: Never in a million years would I understand [Nigeria] as much as I do now.

And what has been echoed so much in the past day is, Oh, we are not so surprised when we found out you are Nigerian.

It is a compliment to you because what they define as a Nigerian woman is brave, resilient, courageous, beautiful.

The first lady, meanwhile, appeared to wait until after Meghan had left the country to criticise her apparent lack of clothing.
A self-described scammer based in Nigeria has taken credit for a bizarre, failed attempt to auction off Elvis iconic Graceland property.

Earlier this month, a mysterious company with little paper trail, Naussany Investments and Private Lending, contacted Promenade Trust, which controls the Memphis estate, claiming it owed millions for failing to repay a loan.

Riley Keough, Elvis granddaughter who inherited Graceland after her mother Lisa Marie Presley died last year, sued Naussany alleging its documents were falsified. She also asked a judge to block the Graceland auction. The judge granted her request, putting a pause on the sale, one day before it was set to be finalized.

On Tuesday, the apparent perpertrator of the scheme was revealed when The New York Times reported that an individual based in Nigeria with a Naussany-associated email address contacted them and took credit for it.

The individual said he and his associates typically scam the vulnerable and elderly. The Times also reported that the email was written in Luganda, a language spoken in Uganda. We figure out how to steal, the individual told The Times. Thats what we do.

Elvis Presleys Graceland property, pictured, may have been targetted by scammers when a mysterious company tried to auction it off. The New York Times says an unknown individual based in Nigeria has come forward claiming responsibility for the scam (AP2011)

Experts also told the Associated Press that scammers often target peoples assets after theyre dead. Its very difficult for someone to say, Well, no, I didnt take out this loan, I didnt sign these papers, when theyre dead, Mark Sunderman, a University of Memphis real estate professor, told the AP.

The Independent was unable to verify specific details about Naussany Investments and Private Lending due to a lack of public records and unreliable contact information listed online.

No representative for the company appeared at a recent hearing over Graceland, however Naussany filed court papers denying Ms Keoughs allegations and asked the judge for more time to prepare a defense in the case, the Times reports.

Riley Keough, pictured, successfully requested the auction of her grandfathers Graceland property be halted (Getty Images for SXSW)

Nikos Passas, a Northeastern University criminology and criminal justice professor, also told the AP the scammers likely knew that successfully auctioning off Graceland was impossible.

The chance of succeeding in what they were trying to do  that is, to get the property auctioned off and get the proceeds and then use the money  doesnt seem to be the actual intent, unless they are incredibly stupid, Dr Passas said. So, the question is then, What was the intent, and who was behind it?
The failed GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley spent her Memorial Day traveling to Israel, where she was photographed Tuesday writing finish them! on IDF artillery shells that are set to be used in the Gaza Strip.

Haley also wrote America loves Israel! on other bombs along with her autograph, Rolling Stone reported.

The messages came as American support for Israels war against Hamas continues to plummet, with repeated strikes against Palestinian civilians leading to widespread condemnation from the west.

Her artillery message aside, Haley used her Middle East trip to solidify her stance as a staunch backer of Israel. In a press conference, she asserted that the U.S. should continue to arm Israelbut should not tell it what to do with those same weapons.

America needs to do whatever Israel needs and stop telling them how to fight this war, she said. You are either a friend or not a friend.

Finish them!



    ,  ,           .



    -    ,   .



"  ! pic.twitter.com/qvLNCXPl7o  Danny Danon    (@dannydanon) May 28, 2024

Haley posted pictures from a visit to southern Israel, where she met with survivors of Hamas infamous Oct. 7 attack that left over a thousand Israeli citizens slaughtered. Since that massacre, more than 36,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, many of them women and children. Hundreds of thousands of others have been displaced.

Accompanying Haley on her trip to Israels northern border with Lebanon was Danny Danon, a former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations who is a member of the Benjamin Netanyahus Likud party.

Like Danon, Haley is a former ambassador to the UN, but is no longer in public office. Despite this, shes used her celebrity as the final GOP candidate to stay in the race against Donald Trump to pressure U.S. officials into continuing to support Israel.

Haley, who said last week shell vote for Trump in November despite previously railing against him as a dangerous candidate, told reporters that Biden is wrong to withhold weapons from Israel in hopes of stalling its attack on Rafah.

What America needs to understand is if Israels fighting our enemies, how can we not help them, she said.

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Nikki Haley, former presidential candidate turned Trump endorser, spent Memorial Day not commemorating fallen American servicemembers but visiting Israel as it conducts a brutal massacre in Gaza.



On Monday, Haley posted pictures from a visit to southern Israel, where she met with survivors from Hamass attack on October 7. Haley told reporters that the United States needs to do whatever Israel needs and stop telling them how to fight this war.



She also traveled to Israels northern border with a member of the Israeli Knesset, Danny Dannon, who posted pictures to his own X account on Tuesday with the text Finish them! The post also included a picture of Haley signing Israeli artillery shells with the message: Finish them! America loves Israel!

Tweet screenshot

Dannons post also included, in Hebrew, a message alluding to military strikes against southern Lebanon, referencing two Lebanese cities, according to Google Translate.



This is what my friend, the former ambassador, Nikki Haley wrote today about a shell during a visit to an artillery post on the northern border, Dannon wrote.



The time has come to change the equationthe residents of Tyre and Sidon will evacuate, the residents of the north will return.

The IDF can win!

One post from an Israeli peace activist suggested that Haley visited West Bank settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.

Tweet screenshot

Leaving aside the optics of signing bombs when Israel is facing judgment from the International Criminal Court for possible war crimes in Gaza, appearing to endorse military strikes against another country flies in the face of Americas efforts to avoid a wider war in the Middle East. On Monday, an Israeli strike targeting a motorcycle in southern Lebanon landed outside of a hospital, killing the motorcycle driver and a hospital security guard. But more explicitly, Haley is endorsing Israels war in Gaza, which has officially killed at least 36,096 people, including 15,000 children, figures that probably dont include Israels latest assault on Rafah.


Danny Danon, a member of Israel's parliament, and Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, visit a home Monday on Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel that had been torched by Hamas. A quarter of Nir Oz residents were killed or kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7 in attacks that sparked Israel's retaliatory strikes on Gaza, which have so far left an estimated 35,000 Palestinians dead. Maya Alleruzzo/Associated Press

Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley visited Israel over Memorial Day weekend and signed her name on Israeli artillery shells as a show of support for the countrys war with Gaza, where an estimated 35,000 Palestinians have been killed so far.

Haley, a former U.N. ambassador, traveled with Danny Danon, a member of Israels parliament, the Knesset, to an Israel Defense Forces post and interacted with soldiers serving on the northern border with Lebanon. Danon posted photos on social media of Haley signing the artillery shells and including the messages Finish them! and America loves Israel!

This is what my friend, the former ambassador, Nikki Haley wrote today about a shell during a visit to an artillery post on the northern border, Danon wrote on social media, according to Google Translate.

Though its not totally clear where the bombs are intended to be used, the move was decried as insensitive as Israel attacks Rafah in its ongoing campaign in Gaza. Airstrikes on Sunday killed an estimated 50 refugees who were sheltering in tents in Rafah after being evacuated from other parts of the Gaza Strip. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the airstrikes a tragic mistake.

On Tuesday, Haley posted photos of the aftermath of Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel on social media with the caption, No other country would accept this, Israel should not either.

Haley also met Monday with Israeli survivors of the Oct. 7 attack, which left an estimated 1,190 people dead and about 240 taken hostage. She told reporters in Israel that America should not withhold weapons from the nation.

America needs to do whatever Israel needs and stop telling them how to fight this war, Haley, a former governor of South Carolina, said. Until youve lived it, you cant say how to fight it. Youre either a friend or youre not a friend.

After dropping out of the 2024 presidential race in March, Haley endorsed former President Donald Trump last week, despite earlier having called Trump unhinged, diminished and not fit to be president.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article said the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel killed an estimated 12,000 people. The estimated death toll is 1,190.
Days after dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes against displacement camps in Southern Gaza, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley wrote Finish them! on Israeli artillery shells.

Haley, who recently sputtered in her bid to defeat former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination, toured a kibbutz ravaged by Hamas Oct. 7 attack against Israel in the company of current Knesset member and former U.N. envoy Danny Danon.

If you think this will only be in Israel, if we are arrogant enough, this could absolutely happen in America too and this is the moral of this story, Haley said at one point during the visit.

Danon posted a collage of photos on Tuesday showing Haley writing on an artillery shell. Finish them! This is what my friend, the former ambassador, Nikki Haley wrote today on a shell during a visit to an artillery post on the northern border, Danon wrote.

Alongside her chilling note, Haley wrote America loves Israel! and autographed the bomb.

Finish Them, America  Israel Always!



Message from @NikkiHaley, written on an Israeli missile intended for Hamas. pic.twitter.com/DgPQYNvkWM  Team Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaleyHQ) May 28, 2024

Since Oct. 7, more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels brutal retaliatory siege against the Gaza Strip. Millions of Palestinians were displaced into the southern region of Rafah, which Israel presented as a safe zone for civilians fleeing bombardment in the north. Alongside the ongoing threat that famine conditions may spread to Rafah, the area is now the subject of bombardment as Israel continues to escalate its assault on Southern Gaza. The Israeli government called this weekends massacre of displaced people a tragic accident  an excuse that holds little water given the frequency with which civilians are being killed and injured.

Earlier this month, the International Criminal Court issued applications for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and several other Israeli and Hamas officials on war crimes charges and allegations of crimes against humanity. The ICC alleges that Netanyahu and his minister of defense, Yoav Gallant, have committed war crimes of starvation; willfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health; willful killing; intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population; as well as the crimes against humanity of extermination and/or murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.

On Friday, the International Court of Justice, which is currently weighing allegations of genocide against the Israeli government, ordered Israel to halt its assault on Rafah. But with the continued backing of the United States, Israel continues to steamroll over the outcry from the international community as easily as it has obliterated the Gaza Strip.

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PAYSON, Utah (ABC4)  Four adults and five children were displaced Monday after a fire engulfed part of their home in Payson, according to the Payson Fire Department.

Payson Fire officials say they received reports of a house fire just before 6 p.m. and responded to the scene with four engines and two ladders. Officials say no one was home at the time of the fire.

Four adults and five children were displaced Monday after a fire erupted in their Payson home. (credit: Payson Fire Department)

Four adults and five children were displaced Monday after a fire erupted in their Payson home. (credit: Payson Fire Department)

Four adults and five children were displaced Monday after a fire erupted in their Payson home. (credit: Payson Fire Department)

Four adults and five children were displaced Monday after a fire erupted in their Payson home. (credit: Payson Fire Department)

Four adults and five children were displaced Monday after a fire erupted in their Payson home. (credit: Payson Fire Department)

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed at this time as the investigation is ongoing, however, officials estimate there is approximately $200,000 in damages.

Two families lived in the home  one on the main floor and another in the basement  resulting in a total of nine people displaced due to the fire.

The Santaquin Fire Department assisted in extinguishing the flames.

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.
Robert De Niro turned up outside Donald Trumps criminal hush money trial along with members of Joe Bidens campaign team on Tuesday, as lawyers inside began their closing arguments.

The Hollywood star was joined outside the Manhattan Criminal Court by January 6 first responders, police officers Harry Dunn and Michael Fanone, who became outspoken critics of Mr Trump.

Jurors in the trial were hearing final words from prosecutors and defence lawyers. Mr Trump faces 34 charges that he falsified business records to cover up a hush money payment to adult actor Stormy Daniels issued shortly before the 2016 election to cover up a 2006 affair. Mr Trump has denied the affair and has pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution has argued that he did so in furtherance of another crime  election subversion  which elevates the charges to felonies.

De Niro, a longtime supporter of Mr Biden, said Mr Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country and eventually he could destroy the world.

He said Mr Trump would never leave if he wins in November and that Americans can kiss these freedoms goodbye that we all take for granted.

De Niro outside of Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday (AFP via Getty)

As he spoke, Trump supporters shouted anti-Biden chants.

Pointing to Mr Dunn and Mr Fanone, De Niro said, These guys are the true heroes. They stood and put their lives on the line.

When a man interrupted to call Mr Dunn and Mr Fanone traitors who lied under oath, De Niro pushed back, I dont even know how to deal with you, my friend ... They stood there and fought for us, for you!

The actor said that New Yorkers tolerated Mr Trump when he was just another grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot.

We make room for clowns ... But not a person like Trump, he added.

De Niro argued that Mr Trump called for terminating the constitution.

And on January 6, rallied an angry mob to threaten democracy, leaving death and destruction in its wake.

Its a cowards violence, he added. You think Trump ever threw a punch himself or took one? This guy ran and hid in the White House bunker when there were protesters outside. No way.

He doesnt get blood on his hands ... He directs the mob to do his dirty work for him by making a suggestion and inference and his gang grovels and follows his obvious order, De Niro added.

Michael Fanone speaks as Harry Dunn and De Niro looks on (AFP via Getty)

A seemingly emotional Mr Fanone said hes Just one representative of the hundreds of police officers that were assaulted that day by Donald Trumps supporters, inspired by his loss.

This election is about Donald Trump and his vision for the office of the president of the United States, not as a public servant who answers to ... the people who elected him, but as an authoritarian who answers to and serves only himself, he added.

Mr Dunn told Americans to wake up.

This is not a drill, he said.

Trump waiting for court proceedings to start on Tuesday (POOL/AFP via Getty)

I just unsuccessfully ran for office. A lot of people that I met out there said they were afraid. Theyre scared to see what another Trump presidency looks like, Mr Dunn said.

I couldnt say its going to be okay, he added, before arguing that we cant count on these institutions to stop Donald Trump. Its going to take us Americans at the ballot box to defeat him once and for all.

President Biden is planning on finally speaking out regarding Mr Trumps criminal trials after a verdict has been handed down in the hush money case, Politico reported last week.

If his predecessor is convicted, Mr Biden will argue that Mr Trump is not suited to hold office and that it shows the lengths Mr Trump would go to regain the presidency.

Mr Bidens social media team is looking at using a conviction to possibly refer to their opponent as convicted felon Donald Trump online.

It is also expecting volleys of attacks from Mr Trump and his allies if the former president is acquitted or if theres a hung jury.
MALABO, May 28 (Xinhua) -- "Studying in China changed my life and helped advance my career," said Milagrosa Ada Micha, chairperson of Equatorial Guinea's leading magazine, Real Equatorial Guinea, in a recent interview with Xinhua.

China's profound culture and its enormous potential for economic development prompted her decision to pursue higher education there, she said.

In 2013, Ada Micha began her journey at Central China Normal University in Hubei Province to undertake a language preparatory course. From 2014 to 2018, she immersed herself in undergraduate studies in international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

"China has become my second home. My time in China has changed the way I think," said Ada Micha, explaining that the self-discipline and diligent work ethic of the Chinese people have deeply influenced and benefited her throughout her life.

While studying in Beijing in 2015, Ada Micha founded her magazine, Real Equatorial Guinea.

"At that time, many people didn't know much about my country. They always thought Equatorial Guinea was in South America, and there weren't many positive stories about Equatorial Guinea on the internet," she said. "I decided to establish a magazine published in Spanish, Chinese and English to introduce the real Equatorial Guinea to the world."

After graduating, she relocated the magazine to Equatorial Guinea. Today, her magazine is an officially recognized media outlet in Equatorial Guinea and continues to gain prominence.

Ada Micha praised China's role in developing talent in various fields, including technology, agriculture, infrastructure and media, from which many young people in Equatorial Guinea have benefited.

"China is a great country that especially helps African countries, and its support is crucial for Equatorial Guinea's development," she said, highlighting that Chinese infrastructure projects in Equatorial Guinea provide skills training and employment opportunities for the youth.

Ada Micha expressed her hope that young people will take advantage of the opportunity to study in China, become valuable and self-sufficient individuals in society, and contribute to the future of Equatorial Guinea.

"Thanks to my experiences in China, I am who I am today. China is open to everyone if you genuinely intend to learn. Seize the opportunity to study in China; you won't regret it," she added. 
NJ shore town closes boardwalk and declares state of emergency over unruly teens on Memorial Day weekend

The New Jersey shore town of Wildwood closed its popular boardwalk for a few hours early Sunday after hordes of unruly, undisciplined teens descended on the walkway, local officials said.

Police shut the boardwalk to the public just past midnight after receiving an irrepressible number of complaints about an extremely large number of young adults & juveniles visiting the site for Memorial Day weekend, according to a statement from authorities.

City officials did not cite a specific incident that led them to shut down the boardwalk, but claimed that cops were addressing civil unrest. Conditions began to deteriorate despite the presence and efforts of local police officers and multiple mutual aid law enforcement agencies, the statement adds.

Police shut down the Wildwood, New Jersey, boardwalk early Monday, citing civil unrest. Good Day Philadelphia

Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. said the city had declared a state of emergency  which allows it to send an abnormally large police presence to the area  and blamed the situation on unruly teens.

Wildwood will not tolerate unruly, undisciplined, unparented children nor will we stand by while the laws of the state tie the hands of the police, Troiano Jr said in a news release.

We wholeheartedly support the City of Wildwood Police Department in protecting this community from these nuisance crowds on our boardwalk and in the city, the mayor added.

Local officials Monday afternoon released an explanation for their decision to declare a state of emergency. City of Wildwood

Local cops were so busy responding to the unrest on the boardwalk that we were unable to respond to certain calls for service within the city for a period of time, Wildwood city officials said in the statement.

Police reopened the boardwalk around 5:30 a.m., removing police tape that had been set up at the walkways entrances, according to a report from NBC10 Philadelphia.

A rainstorm that erupted overnight also helped disperse whatever crowds remained, video from the scene shows.

Crowds fleeing the boardwalk in Ocean City after a stabbing. jpm5041/TikTok

Local authorities said they would be giving no further statements or interviews explaining why they declared the state of emergency in honor of the solemness of the Memorial Day holiday.

The boardwalk shutdown comes a day after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed on the boardwalk in nearby Ocean City Saturday night, spurring panicked crowds of beachgoers to flee the area.
Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, speaks to the media upon his arrival to attend the EU defence ministers meeting. Francois Lenoir/European Council/dpa

European Union defence ministers meeting in Brussels on Tuesday were unable to reach a consensus on whether Ukraine should be allowed to use the weapons they supply to strike targets on Russian territory.

EU countries had already agreed to collectively provide military aid to Ukraine. But while some member states are supplying arms to Kiev with minimal restrictions, others do so on the condition that they'll be used within Ukrainian territory.

But the Ukrainian government says its forces need to be able to hit targets inside Russia, because Russia is launching attacks from over the border.

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said in a press conference after the meeting that the use of self-defensive strikes against military targets in Russian territory "is a legitimate action under international law when it is being used in a proportional manner."

"But it's also clear that it is a decision for each individual member state," he added.

"Nobody can prevent a member state to provide arms to Ukraine and let the Ukrainians use these arms to target military objectives inside the Russian territory," Borrell said. Similarly, "We cannot oblige them to do it."

EU ministers are also divided over whether military instructors from the EU should be allowed to provide training on Ukrainian territory, or whether Ukrainian conscripts should be brought to the EU for training.

Some fear that putting "boots on the ground" in Ukraine would escalate their involvement in the war and increase the risk of direct conflict between Russia and the West.

"Some member states believe that the advantage of training people on the scenario of the war, avoiding people going back and forth has advantages," Borrell said. "Others believe that at the end, it's sending trainers, and the trainers are military."

However, the defence ministers were able to agree broad priorities for Europe's defence at the meeting on Tuesday.

Foremost among them was "EU's unwavering support to Ukraine." An EU press release said: "The EU will use all tools at its disposal."

Among these tools is an off-budget fund called the European Peace Facility, under which the EU has pledged 5 billion ($5.4 billion) worth of military aid to Ukraine. However, payments are being held up by Hungary. Each EU member state has a veto over the legislation required to begin payments.

The Dutch government announced on Tuesday that it will lead an initiative among some European countries to supply a Patriot air defence missile system to Ukraine.

"Ukraine, of course, is still under attack. Airstrikes continue," said Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren as she arrived at the defence ministers' meeting. "Patriot systems are scarce in Europe and NATO, but we are now taking a step forward, so we will supply components of Patriot systems," she said.

A press release from the Dutch Ministry of Defence said "the Netherlands has identified which countries could offer additional Patriot parts and munitions" in order to deliver a complete system to Ukraine. It does not mention which countries are involved.

Jens Stoltenberg, secretary-general of the NATO military alliance, said air defence is Ukraine's "most urgent need." He said EU countries are "stepping up the delivery of ammunition, air defence systems, and in particular, the most advanced ones, the Patriot systems." Stoltenberg took part in the defence ministers' meeting on Tuesday.

Also on the defence ministers' priority list is strengthening the EU's industrial capacity to produce armaments and defensive technologies. The declaration "stresses the vital need to improve access to public and private finance" for the European defence industry.

In March, the European Commission proposed a 1.5 billion plan to strengthen Europe's armaments industry, in order that it might be better equipped to defend itself and to arm Ukraine.

Ministers also agreed to renew existing sanctions against the regime of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria, extending the expiry date by another year to June 1, 2025. The sanctions target 316 people and 86 organizations.

Defence Ministers of EU states take their seats during a meeting. European Union defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss military aid to Ukraine, as well as efforts to strengthen Europe's defence industry. Francois Lenoir/EU Council/dpa
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (L) and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell attend the European Foreign and Defense minister council meeting in Brussels. -/EU Council/dpa

European Union defence ministers meeting in Brussels on Tuesday were unable to reach a consensus on whether Ukraine should be allowed to use the weapons they supply to strike targets on Russian territory.

EU countries had already agreed to collectively provide military aid to Ukraine. But while some member states are supplying arms to Kiev with minimal restrictions, others do so on the condition that they'll be used within Ukrainian territory.

But the Ukrainian government says its forces need to be able to hit targets inside Russia, because Russia is launching attacks from over the border.

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said in a press conference after the meeting that the use of self-defensive strikes against military targets in Russian territory "is a legitimate action under international law when it is being used in a proportional manner."

"But it's also clear that it is a decision for each individual member state," he added.

"Nobody can prevent a member state to provide arms to Ukraine and let the Ukrainians use these arms to target military objectives inside the Russian territory," Borrell said. Similarly, "We cannot oblige them to do it."

Elsewhere, Macron spoke out in favour of allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons to attack Russian positions on Russian territory.

"We think that we should allow them to neutralise the military sites from which the missiles are fired and basically the military sites from which Ukraine is attacked," Macron said after talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz near Berlin.

"We should not allow other targets in Russia to be hit, civilian capacities of course, or other military targets," he added.

Scholz said Ukraine had every option under international law for what it was doing. "We have to say this explicitly: it is under attack and can defend itself."

Meanwhile Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened Europe with "serious consequences" if Ukraine is allowed to fire long-range precision weapons supplied by the West at Russian territory.

"These NATO representatives, especially in Europe and especially in the small countries, should realise what they are playing with," Putin said in the Uzbek capital Tashkent on Tuesday at the end of a state visit.

Putin, who started the war on Ukraine more than two years ago, accused the West of continuing escalation and said NATO specialists, not Ukrainians, were controlling the modern weapons systems.

According to Putin, such authorization by Western states would amount to a direct confrontation between Russia and the West, and he made mention of Russia's strategic nuclear weapons.

EU ministers also remain divided over whether military instructors from the EU should be allowed to provide training on Ukrainian territory, or whether Ukrainian conscripts should be brought to the EU for training.

Some fear that putting "boots on the ground" in Ukraine would escalate their involvement in the war and increase the risk of direct conflict between Russia and the West.

"Some member states believe that the advantage of training people on the scenario of the war, avoiding people going back and forth has advantages," Borrell said. "Others believe that at the end, it's sending trainers, and the trainers are military."

However, the defence ministers were able to agree broad priorities for Europe's defence at the meeting on Tuesday.

Foremost among them was "EU's unwavering support to Ukraine." An EU press release said: "The EU will use all tools at its disposal."

Among these tools is an off-budget fund called the European Peace Facility, under which the EU has pledged 5 billion ($5.4 billion) worth of military aid to Ukraine. However, payments are being held up by Hungary. Each EU member state has a veto over the legislation required to begin payments.

The Dutch government announced on Tuesday that it will lead an initiative among some European countries to supply a Patriot air defence missile system to Ukraine.

"Ukraine, of course, is still under attack. Airstrikes continue," said Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren as she arrived at the defence ministers' meeting. "Patriot systems are scarce in Europe and NATO, but we are now taking a step forward, so we will supply components of Patriot systems," she said.

A press release from the Dutch Ministry of Defence said "the Netherlands has identified which countries could offer additional Patriot parts and munitions" in order to deliver a complete system to Ukraine. It does not mention which countries are involved.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said air defence is Ukraine's "most urgent need." He said EU countries are "stepping up the delivery of ammunition, air defence systems, and in particular, the most advanced ones, the Patriot systems." Stoltenberg took part in the defence ministers' meeting on Tuesday.

Also on the defence ministers' priority list is strengthening the EU's industrial capacity to produce armaments and defensive technologies. The declaration "stresses the vital need to improve access to public and private finance" for the European defence industry.

In March, the European Commission proposed a 1.5 billion plan to strengthen Europe's armaments industry, in order that it might be better equipped to defend itself and to arm Ukraine.

A general view of the European Defence Agency Steering Board meeting ahead of the EU defence ministers meeting. Francois Lenoir/European Council/dpa

Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, speaks to the media upon his arrival to attend the EU defence ministers meeting. Francois Lenoir/European Council/dpa

Defence Ministers of EU states take their seats during a meeting. European Union defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss military aid to Ukraine, as well as efforts to strengthen Europe's defence industry. Francois Lenoir/EU Council/dpa
No reported bird flu cases in Maryland so far; CDC preps for potential higher human risk

Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images.

No cases of avian flu have been reported in Maryland this year, but recent reports of two incidents of cattle-to-human transmission of the disease have health and agriculture officials in the state on alert.

It goes back to prevention. The goal is to not have this infection in Maryland,said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, who said his agency is monitoring the situation closely. In terms of the poultry industry, weve been lucky this year to not have any infections and viral spreads.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that federal health officials are preparing for the possibility of increased risk to human health,after reports of cattle-to-human infections in Texas in April and in Michigan last week.

Maryland poultry farmers routinely take health and security precautions to protect their flocks from the H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird or avian flu. While the potential risk to human health remains unclear, Marylands chicken farms are being urged to maintain biosecurity measures to keep the disease from threatening one of the states main agricultural industries.

As the name implies, avian or bird flu is typically found in birds, though there have been cases identified in mammals as well. In April, the first cases of H5N1 were found in herds of cattle across the United States, raising flags for public health officials.

That has everybody a little heightened and aware, Atticks said.

In April, a human case of bird flu was believed to be tied to exposure from dairy cows in Texas, one of several dealing with an outbreak of avian flu among cattle. In response, Atticks issued an order restricting the movement of cattle from states with confirmed detection of avian flu, except under certain conditions.

On Wednesday, the CDC announced a second case of a human who appeared to catch avian flu from exposure to dairy cows in Michigan. So far, both human cases have been mild, with eye infections the only reported symptom from the virus.

The CDC is enhancing surveillance efforts over the summer to track the transmission of avian flu and see if any mutations in the virus might pose a larger threat for humans.

Importantly, the risk to the public might change based on whether A(H5N1) viruses acquire genetic changes that increase their transmissibility to and among humans, which could increase the risk of an influenza pandemic, the CDC said Friday in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Currently, the CDC says the risk for the general public remains low. Consuming chicken meat or beef, or drinking pasteurized milk should not pose a great threat to humans, but the CDC recommends that people avoid consuming raw unpasteurized milk.

The agency is urging those who regularly come into contact with chicken and cattle to adhere to enhanced biosecurity measures.

Maryland poultry industry

While much of recent news coverage deals with the novel cattle and human cases, poultry farmers will need to continue to monitor for avian flu for the health of their flocks, said Delmarva Chicken Association Executive Director Holly Porter.

This is definitely an important topic for us. Especially for the livelihood of our farmers in Maryland. The economic impact of the Eastern Shore in Maryland is very much driven around the chicken community, Porter said.

The association represents five poultry companies in Delmarva  Tyson Foods, Perdue Farms, Mountaire Farms, Amick Farms and Allen Harim Foods  as well as their contract farmers.

In 2022, Maryland chicken farmers raised some 269.2 million chickens for meat production valued at nearly $1.5 billion, according to state data.

Sen. Johnny Mautz (R-Middle Shore) said outbreaks of avian flu can be devastating for poultry farmers.

Its a painful process. They dont want to see their flocks harmed, Mautz said.

When a flock is hit by avian flu, the virus can spread rapidly and has a high mortality rate among the chickens.

Within hours, you can have half of a chicken house of birds die, Porter said.

If lab tests confirm avian flu on a commercial farm all of the chickens exposed to the virus must be depopulated, or euthanized, and then the farm needs to be decontaminated before it can operate again, according to Porter.

Thats for two reasons. One, you dont want the virus to spread. But its also for the humane welfare for the birds that are remaining, she said. It spreads quickly, it makes the birds sick, and ultimately they are going to die, unfortunately. So for humane purposes we want to go ahead and do that rather than make the bird suffer through the virus itself.

Porter said the entire process of decontaminating a farm of avian flu can take three to six months.

Our chicken community have been dealing with avian influenza for years. Its always a cause for concern, she said.

Atticks said that people with backyard farms should also keep biosecurity measures up and monitor their smaller flocks to see if their chickens show signs of bird flu. He also said its important to ensure backyard flocks do not come into contact with wild birds, the primary way the virus spreads to domestic chickens, and ensure that there are cleanliness protocols in place.

That youre engaging in biosecurity measures when dealing with the bird, knowing that this is a virus that is transmissible, he said. Wearing a mask, wearing gloves. When youre handling waste, washing your hands. Maybe having a separate pair of shoes and not tracking, potentially, waste in and out of your chicken area.

While farmers need to be alert, Atticks said consumers should not be concerned for now.

The food system, were comfortable saying, is safe, Atticks said. It is really about the animals getting sick, and then the animal being a vector or spreading it.

The post No reported bird flu cases in Maryland so far; CDC preps for potential higher human risk appeared first on Maryland Matters.
On March 5, in the election for Texas 23rd Congressional District, the incumbent Rep. Tony Gonzales was forced into a runoff. Gonzales, whose majority-Hispanic district includes Uvalde, where 19 children and two adults died in a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, ceded nearly 25 percent of the vote to an influencer known as the AK Guy.

The 28-year-old, Brandon Herrera, celebrated by posting a video on his YouTube channel.

Ladies and gentlemen, we got em, he said.

Herrera, a man who makes his living from YouTube, now stands a chance of winning the Republican nomination for the states geographically largest district.

Herrera may be at a disadvantageGonzales received 45 percent of the vote in the primary, has the support of the Texas governor and the Republican congressional leadership in D.C., and has raised significantly more in fundraisingbut he does have the backing of pro-gun figures in an extremely pro-gun state. Rep. Matt Gaetz backs Herrera, as does the Republican Party of Texas, which censured Gonzales over some aisle-crossing votes, including one in favor of expanded background checks and a measure closing the boyfriend loophole for gun purchaseschoices he made after the Uvalde shooting occurred in his district. And the YouTuber, who boasts 3.4 million subscribers as of this writing and who also sells firearms, has some apparently very committed fans.

It seems that Herreras backers hope that the specific kind of edgy comedy that has made him popular with explosives-obsessed young internet users on YouTube will translate into a kind of populist charisma, like a youthful, internet-native version of Trump with a Texas twist. (Despite his everything-is-bigger swagger, Herrera was neither born nor bred in Texas; he moved to the state from North Carolina in 2021 to escape COVID regulations, as he told the publication the Texan.)

The 23rd Congressional District includes most of the states Mexican border and leans comfortably but not dramatically Republican. Herrera, as one might expect, is running on a gun-rights platform, with a secondary emphasis on hard-line immigration policies. But this matchup is more one of personalities: a Republican making appeals for moderate and reasonable leadership, and a swearing, offensive figure who memed his way through the campaign. On Tuesday, voters will decide if the internet bombast holds real-world appeal.

Herreras campaign, to be clear, is not 100 percent online: The candidate claims to have held more than 60 in-person campaign events with voters. He ran TV ads and put out mailers, accusing his opponent of being a RINO. (Gonzales has rejected being characterized as a moderate, asserting that he is solidly conservative.)

And Herrera is not presenting two different personalities: His campaign persona stays true to his internet persona. He shows Vivek Ramaswamy guns. He holds events with Kyle Rittenhouse, who at 17 killed two men at a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was acquitted on charges of homicide in 2021, and has since become a celebrity among very online right-wingers. (If you believe Kyle did nothing wrong, hit that button and subscribe, Herrera says in one video.) He wears shirts that read Make America Texas Again and has auctioned off a gun for donations. His campaign slogan is Lets Go Brandon. And he has rallied his supporters to boost his campaign by trolling his rival.

We are actively bullying a sitting congressman, he proclaims with delight in one YouTube video.

Herrera presents himself, above all, as a voice for his YouTube community, the kind of young men who think of drinking beer and firing guns as not only an ideal afternoon but also the cure for Americas cultural ills. These are the young men of GunTube, as some call it. But in that large ecosystem, built primarily around men shooting different guns at different things, Herrera stands apart from much of the restedgier, funnier, meaner.

With his tight military-coded T-shirts, trimmed beard, and long and well-groomed hair, Herrera aims to look like an action star. His build and facial hair lend him the appearance of being older than he is, allowing him to credibly convey military experience with the background of someone whos been making YouTube videos since the sixth grade. (Herrera has not served.) He addresses his viewers from a gaming chair, and his videos are slickly producedone, celebrating his apparently long-awaited development of an AK-47 scale[d] up to the insanely large .50 BMG, was introduced with studio-quality opening credits (Music by my buddys sister; Made possible by autism). He signs on to every video by greeting his sexy Youtube mother lovers. And he possesses the kind of comedic timing and delivery common among millennial social media stars.

Mostly, Herrera, like every other GunTuber, shoots things. Sometimes he tests antique guns or particularly powerful military weapons or tries to re-create famous shootings. (This he calls demonetized MythBusters.) He has an affinity for firing at White Claws, his drink of choice. (Sometimes he even uses the cans of hard seltzer as ammo.)

Theres a Jackass element to his content, but without the same levels of personal endangerment. Herrera may not produce PSA-like safety warnings, as many other GunTubers do (Theres nothing more serious than gun safety, a septuagenarian, kid-friendly YouTuber with more than double Herreras subscribers says in one video), but he does take reasonable precautions in executing his stunts. He also regularly mocks people who are reckless with their firearm handling. The edginess comes instead from his commentary.

In one video, in which six of his giggling crew watch him fire a Soviet rocket launcher, he quips he was testing it on a dummy, as homeless people are frowned upon and, as it turns out, illegal to shoot at. He tells sex jokes; someone makes a crack about the Challenger space shuttle. In another video, after Herrera shoots a water jug as a way of testing Joe Rogans JFK bullet theory, he crows delightedly that he absolutely butt-fed this water jug. Its pure millennial edgelord material.

Herrera doesnt just blow things up, though. He compiles videos of the worst internet gun fails. (Homeboy was about 30 degrees from making a serious fucky-wucky and having to get in the forever box.) He shares gun memesmemes are a staple of all his content. He walks his viewers through the latest gun-world controversy. He explains the weapons being used in current wars, discusses gun laws, and describes firearm mechanics. He has a whole series of short clips joking that men who like AR-style (as opposed to AK-style) rifles are effeminate and overly fastidious. He even does movie reviews. (He liked Civil War and has speculated that some of the characters in it were inspired by him and his fellow GunTubers.) He is, in other words, an absolute pro at churning out content.

Other popular GunTube figures, some of whom have significantly larger followings than Herreras, dont typically exhibit the same showmanship. Some have their own themes, such as one popular account that focuses on analyzing shootings involving law enforcement. Other channels have more of an emphasis on survivalism and home protection or produce dry educational videos. Herreras is mostly just about having fun.

There is a cohort of San Antoniobased GunTubers who share Herreras sensibilities. Matt Carriker, the man behind the DemolitionRanch YouTube channel, has 11.5 million subscribers. His channel is more varied than Herrerashe sometimes microwaves random things, for exampleand hes a bit more family-oriented than Herrera, but the two share a joy of blowing things up in gimmicky ways. These GunTubers seem to largely support one another, and even though Carrikers account boasts far more subscribers than Herreras does, he puts out content backing Herreras campaign.

But Herrera, with his focus on internet culture, also stands apart from his peers for his political aspirations. And that comes through in his videos. In one, titled I Crashed an Anti-Gun Protest, he tries to make protesters look dumb and ill-informed, with gotcha questions about background checks. In We Got Kicked Out of a Gun Buyback, he tries to buy the guns from people waiting in line to sell theirs to the state. As he waits for sellers, he educates his viewers on the futility of buybacks, mournfully noting, It feels like this is a giant line to euthanize kittens.

The thing about being an edgelord, though, is that outside the context of whatever internet subcommunity in which the person resides, the content is off-putting. Herreras opponent knows this. In April, Gonzales pointed to a video Herrera had made that featured Nazi imagery and jokes. In the video, in which he and a friend test out a submachine gun developed in Nazi Germany, Herrera goose-steps to a German marching song in a playful black-and-white montage. He jokes, If youre one of the few people out there that realizes theres absolutely nothing wrong with the song we just used and its a bunch of soldiers singing about a pretty girl they miss at home, go ahead and hit that subscribe button. At another point, his friend asks him, in a German accent, if hes hiding any White Claws under his floorboards. The best way I know how to make you guys learn about history is to make really fucked-up jokes about it, Herrera says in explanation.

In an interview on CNN, Gonzales referred to Herrera as a known neo-Nazi, a description based, it seems, solely on the content of this video. Gonzales, who is a veteran, has also run ads targeting Herreras other jokes, including one clip in which Herrera quipped, I often think about putting a gun in my mouth, so Im basically an honorary veteran.

The criticism backfired for Gonzalesduring his CNN appearance, he also called other members of the far-right flank of the party scumbags and accused them of being like the KKK, a characterization that earned him serious backlash from conservative media. But that didnt dissuade his big donors: In the aftermath of the interview, a group associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, in response to the Nazi jokes, launched ads against Herrera. And even as Matt Gaetz, whom Gonzales singled out in his rant, chastised him for his unhinged outbursts, House Speaker Mike Johnson traveled to Texas in April to campaign on Gonzales behalf.

This is ground zero of a Republican Party civil war, where the speaker of the House is flying down to campaign for my opponent because hes worried about his job, Herrera says in an April 27 video. Thats a huge impact for one lowly random gunsmith.

But according to Mark P. Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, the national-level attention is not just a matter of establishment Republicans protecting their own. Jones says that congressional Republicans have realized that Herrera would be a huge liability should he win the runoff, in large part because of the Uvalde massacre.

Voters from the city of Uvalde may not make the difference in this election. But images and coverage of the massacre flooded the entire region and proved highly affecting, particularly among women. The Uvalde gunman used an assault rifle; Herrera is known as the AK Guy. Herrera wants to block all efforts at gun control; gun control measures, which are popular even in Texas, could have averted the disaster. (According to Jones, polling shows the Texas GOP to be out of step with the majority of Texans on gun control.)

So, should Herrera win, a district that ought to be a lock for Republicans would suddenly come into play for Democrats. And that would be a problem during an election cycle in which Republicans are trying to hold on to a slim majority in the House.

Even someone as extreme and flawed as Herrera would still likely have a good chance of victory in November, Jones said. But the Uvalde issue would transform Herrera into a significant liability.

This is why, even though Gonzales is, in Jones words, arguably the least conservative member of the Texas GOP delegation in the U.S. House, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, two men who could never be mistaken for moderates, have campaigned on the ground for him.

According to Jones, Gonzales is in a good spot going into the runoff. Abbotts and Patricks support likely makes a difference, as does the significant spending by the national GOP. But theres a wild-card factor: A runoff election like Tuesdays has no other big races on the ballot to drive turnout.

If turnout drops precipitously and skews toward the most conservative activists, Gonzales could find himself in trouble, Jones said.

If Herrera were to win, the Republican Party will be forced to pitch a candidate in November who makes Holocaust jokes, trolls his fellow Republicans, and vows to make life difficult for his partys leadership. Its no wonder leading Republicans have come out for his rival.

They already have Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert, Jones said. Do they really need another?
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  The mother of an 11-month-old boy has contacted city and state authorities after her child was bitten several times at Shining Lights daycare.

Brianna Johnson said she was happy with Shining Lights daycare on Kimball Terrace in Norfolk until the incident.

I think theres a lack of supervision, Brianna said on Tuesday morning.

Photo of Nico with bite mark on his cheek.

Last week, Brianna got a call from Shining Lights saying her son, Nico, had been bitten and was sent a picture of a bite mark on his cheek.

She took Nico to Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters. However, doctors only looked at the cheek because Brianna told them thats where she thought the biting was limited. The next morning she learned that was not the case.

As I was getting him dressed, he rolled over and thats when I saw his back, Brianna said. There were three more bites on Nicos back, plus one on his ankle, for a total of five.

Brianna said that although biting does happen, this was five in one day.

Daycare operator Jennifer Ortiz said she followed protocols and has been operating a daycare for a long time. Ortiz said Briannas story doesnt add up, and said she will file a civil cease and desist action against Brianna for harassment.

The two also dispute how many children Ortiz actually cares for. Ortiz told 10 On Your Side it was only three, but Brianna said she recently saw more than double that number.

There was way more than that in there, Brianna said. There was at least eight kids on cots on the floor.

According to Child Care Aware of Virginia, an unregistered provider may provide care for up to 4 children in their home (not including their own children or children that reside in the home.) Unregistered family day homes that exceed this capacity are operating illegally.

In addition, Norfolk also requires daycares to register with Social Services under the Home-Based Childcare Network  this applies to all daycares providing for at least one child outside of immediate family.



Brianna said shes contacted state and city authorities about Nico, and wishes now that she had contacted more people before choosing Shining Lights to care for her son.

Do I regret not doing my research? Yeah, I do, she said. And it sucks that it had to happen this way. But now I know.

Brianna said she will now stay at home with her son.

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.
The North Carolina Legislative Building in downtown Raleigh (Photo: Clayton Henkel)

The week after the Memorial Day holiday figured to be a short one of very limited activity for North Carolina lawmakers.

Now, word has come down that it will be a week of no action at all due to the passing of the father of state House Speaker Tim Moore.

An obituary posted by Harris Funeral Home indicates that Richard Rick Moore died Monday at his home in Kings Mountain. He was 75. The funeral will take place Wednesday at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain.

Legislators usually return to Raleigh most weeks during the legislative session on Monday evening and commence public work in earnest on Tuesday morning. With the holiday having already pushed that schedule back a day and numerous lawmakers and state officials now planning on being in Cleveland County tomorrow, leaders apparently decided that any attempt at securing good attendance at committee meeting and floor sessions would be very difficult.

The postponement figures to make next week an especially busy one as lawmakers enter the final month of the fiscal year with numerous hot button issues  including the fate of the state budget  still up in the air.

The post North Carolina legislature cancels all action for the week appeared first on NC Newsline.
North Carolina teen wins $1m lottery on $10 scratch card  after sister picked out his ticket

Jalen McLean, 18, won $1 million after he gave his sister, Dasha Silas, money to buy him a scratch ticket (North Carolina Lottery)

A North Carolina teenager has become a millionaire overnight after winning $1m on a $10 scratch card  that his sister picked out.

Jalen McLean, 18, told North Carolina Education Lottery officials that he had given his sister Dasha Silas some money and asked her to buy him a scratch-off lottery ticket on 21 May.

Ms Silas then picked out a $10 Jumbo Bucks ticket from the Valero store in Fayetteville and gave it to him, Mr McLean said.

Ms Silas said she then watched as her brother scratched his winning lottery ticket and realized he had won big.

He had a huge smile on his face, she said. Like so big it looked like the movie character Venom.

Mr McLean, who is the youngest of five siblings, then gave his ticket to North Carolina Education Lottery officials and collected some of his winnings on 22 May.

The teenager said he feels like the luckiest guy in the universe after his win.

How many 18-year-olds win something like this? he said.

He added that he plans to use some of his winnings to buy an Audi.

It is not clear if he will share his winnings with his sister who picked out the ticket.

The Independent has contacted the North Carolina Education Lottery for comment.

According to the NC Education Lottery website, winners can either choose to have $600,000 withdrawn as an initial payment, or they can opt to have their winnings paid to them in yearly instalments.

The NC Education Lottery said Mr McLean opted to receive his prize as an annuity of $50,000 for 20 years, meaning he will receive a check every year until he is 38.

His first check, which he collected last week, came out at $35,753 after required state and federal tax withholdings.

The teenagers win comes after another North Carolina teen  18-year-old Donnie Leviner  won nearly $2m earlier this month, one of the first times he had ever played the lottery.

Mr Leviner told NC Education Lottery he also received the winnings from a scratch-off ticket  something he said he had a gut feeling he should buy.

Something just told me to buy it, he said at the time.

NC Education Lottery benefits local schools. Scotland County, where Mr Leviner lives, has received $1.6m in funding for projects since the Big Cash Payout debuted last July.

The odds of winning something in the scratch-off game are 1 in 3.21, but to win the top prize of $2m the odds rise to around 1 in 1.6 million.

Four people have won that jackpot so far, according to the lotterys website, with two more prizes to be won. Most prizes given out range from $5,000 to $20,000.
(Bloomberg) -- A North Korean rocket carrying a spy satellite blew up shortly after liftoff in a setback for leader Kim Jong Un, who went to Russia last year seeking help to place an array of reconnaissance probes into orbit.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Video footage provided by South Koreas military and Japanese public broadcaster NHK purportedly showed the rocket breaking up in a fireball after its launch on Monday night. Debris from the rocket landed in waters off North Koreas west coast, according to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff.

North Koreas official media said, the launch failed due to the air blast of the new-type satellite carrier rocket during the first-stage flight. The rocket was carrying a military reconnaissance satellite and the trouble was caused by problems with a newly developed engine that used liquid oxygen and petroleum, the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

Weapons expert Jeffrey Lewis wrote in a post on the X social media platform that the failure attributed to an air blast probably means aerodynamic pressure. He added, the rocket structure experiences a lot of stress as it pushes through the atmosphere.

This was North Koreas fourth attempt to launch a spy satellite since last year, with three ending in failure soon after lift-off and a launch in November successfully placing a probe into orbit. It remains to be seen if there was any influence from Russia on the design of the new engine, which was rolled out for use after President Vladimir Putin pledged at a summit with Kim in September to help him with his space program.

Kim intends to launch three spy satellites in 2024, KCNA reported after a policy-setting meeting of top officials in the last days of December. The satellites can help him keep eyes on US troops in the region and improve his ability to strike targets as he upgrades his nuclear weapons arsenal.

North Korea gave notice of the launch early Monday, prompting the US, South Korea and Japan to call on Kim to halt his plans. The three have said the technology used for rockets helps Pyongyangs ballistic missile program and is a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The launch also came hours after China, Japan and South Korea held their first summit since 2019. Tokyo and Seoul called on Beijing, which has been Pyongyangs main benefactor for years, to use its influence to rein in Kims atomic ambitions.

Read More: China Discusses Supply Chains With US Allies Japan, South Korea

The US and its partners have also accused Kim of sending massive amounts of munitions to Putin to help in his war on Ukraine in return for aid that is advancing North Koreas military and economy. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the claims.

(Updates and writes through. An earlier version was corrected to amend the name of North Koreas news agency)

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North Korea said its new liquid oxygen engine caused the downfall of its latest spy satellite and blew it up in midair

North Korea said its new liquid oxygen engine caused the downfall of its latest spy satellite and blew it up in midair

North Korea's latest spy satellite exploded midair, Pyongyang admitted on Monday.

Its state media reported that the problem was likely due to its new liquid oxygen and oil engine.

North Korea has repeatedly been trying to launch satellites in the last year, but almost all have failed.

North Korea said on Monday that its latest spy satellite launch failed, with its rocket exploding during the first stage of flight that evening.

State media Korean Central News Agency cited an unnamed vice director of the country's National Aerospace Technology Administration, who said preliminary analysis pointed to problems with the rocket's new engine.

The vice director said the mishap was caused by the "reliability of operation of the newly developed liquid oxygen and petroleum engine," per a translation by KCNA Watch, a US- and Seoul-based website that tracks North Korea's state media.

The space official said his team would investigate other possible reasons for the failure.

Pyongyang has attempted three other satellite launches in the last year, though two were confirmed to have failed. All were condemned by the US, Japan, and South Korea as provocations and are signs that North Korea has been able to circumvent sanctions to build its space program.

In November, North Korea successfully launched its Malligyong-1 satellite and claims it still functions in orbit.

South Korea assessed in February that the satellite is no longer communicating with the ground. However, several international space experts said that they observed signs of activity on the Malligyong-1 days later.

Monday's failed launch was an attempt to put the Malligyong-1-1 in space.

Seoul said it detected fragments in North Korean waters about two minutes after the rocket was launched toward the Yellow Sea, national broadcaster KBS reported.

South Korean officials released a black-and-white video of the scuppered launch showing what appears to be a fireball in the sky. They said the footage was taken from an observation boat.

The attempted space launch has been blasted by South Korea, which they said North Korea warned them about. Seoul scrambled 20 jet fighters, including F-35As, as a precaution.

Japan also condemned the launch, saying it lodged a strong complaint to North Korea through its embassy in Beijing.

"A few minutes after launch, it disappeared over the Yellow Sea," Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said of the rocket. "Therefore, we presume that no object was launched into space."

Kihara added that North Korea has said it intends to launch three more satellites this year.

The US Indo-Pacific Command called the launch "a brazen violation of multiple unanimous UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond."

It further warned that North Korea appeared to have launched the satellite using technology from its international ballistics missile programs.

North Korea is sanctioned by the US and its allies, with a focus on limiting its nuclear weapons and space programs. But South Korea has been warning that Pyongyang is still able to pull off satellite launches with Russia's help.

The US and Ukraine have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery ammunition and say Pyongyang has been receiving raw materials, food, and assistance from Russian experts. North Korea has denied its participation in any arms exchange with Moscow.

Read the original article on Business Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia unveiled its national semiconductor strategy (NSS) on Tuesday with an eye on boosting the sector in the country, attracting high-value investments and widening collaboration with international partners.

The key thrust of the strategy is to build up collaborations within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping and also multinational companies, democratizing the spread of technology.

"Ultimately, the NSS is a means for Malaysia to advance and democratize technology for the good of all humanity," he said in a special address at the Semicon Southeast Asia 2024 exposition, which aims to boost Malaysia's transformation into a semiconductor powerhouse and regional manufacturing hub.

The NSS strategy will be implemented in three phases: the first focusing on Malaysia leveraging its existing industry capacity to modernize outsourced assembly and testing with advanced packaging.

The second phase focuses on advancing capabilities in cutting-edge logic and memory chip design, fabrication, testing and looking to integrate the purchasers of chips, and the final phase is to support the development of Malaysian firms in semiconductor design, advanced packaging and manufacturing equipment.

"To stay flexible and agile, the NSS will be a living document, evolving as needed, but we remain steadfast in our aspiration to make Malaysia a major global player in accessible technology for all, powered by our semiconductor industry," he said.

Anwar also said the government will allocate 25 billion ringgit (5.3 billion U.S. dollars) to support the strategy and to train and upskill 60,000 high-skilled Malaysian engineers. 
VALLEY VIEW  Support for tornado recovery has not been hard to find for Jeff Collinsworth. His family and loved ones have pitched in as he tackles the damage to his home of twenty years.

The tornado that killed seven hit and struck newly developed homes before continuing its path in the Collinsworth neighborhood on County Rd 2133.

"I looked to the West over here and I saw just a giant flash," he said. "I mean, I don't know, I can't even explain it."

Collinsworth said the windows in his home exploded, so he grabbed his dog, covered them with towels, and held the door. He said he just knew his life was over but hoped for a different outcome.

"And then you could just hear roaring. I mean, I can't even explain the sound. It was deafening," Collinsworth said.

The Valley View man said the storm moved his house from side to side. It became more frightening as the powerful winds started bumping him off the floor.

When the tornado passed, Collinsworth took a while to come out. He kept hearing screams, he said. It was his neighbor, but Collinsworth doesn't speak English.

"And I heard him screaming. And I grabbed a flashlight, and I went over there, three people in the rubble over here," Collinsworth said.

But he could see the need. Collinsworth said his neighbor had a broken arm. The man's mother got trapped under debris. With help from others, she was freed. But the neighbor's grandfather did not survive. Collinsworth said he had broken limbs, too. He said that emergency crews were slammed with calls and could not get there in time.

A body of water authorities call a pond behind Collinsworth's house is where emergency crews found two dead children, a two and a five-year-old. Investigators said a tornado sucked the family out of their house.

"My wife says either you stay or you go," Nicolas Navarez said. "I say... I go!"

Navarez has lived on the same street where the children were killed for 11 years. He said the family has moved in recently.

The 45-year-old father of four and husband said his family left and returned home safely. But the damage was significant.

Navarez sleeps inside his truck at night to protect their belongings. He said they lost food because of the power outage. While community members have brought food by, he's looking for someone to help him cover up his home before forecasted rain moves in.

"And when you see it real, like in person," Navarez said.

Navarez's reflection on the impact brought him to tears.

"The unknown. Just the uncertainty. The power of what's going on," Collinsworth said. "The whole house shaking underneath you."

Even with the help of neighbors and loved ones, the sounds of recovery can still be haunting.

"At night, hearing the guy screaming and hearing the tornado and the roar and all that, that's the hardest thing," Collinsworth said.

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After barely holding on to her seat in last weeks primary over a Liberty Republican, Northern Kentucky GOP Rep. Kim Moser said her party, increasingly divided, needs to decide together on our philosophy in order to rebuild trust among its supporters.

The extremists are strategically pushing traditional conservative values out with hate and vitriolic infighting, Moser told the Herald-Leader Tuesday, a week after Kentuckys primary election.

Moser, a more moderate Republican, is seeking a fifth term after she defeated political newcomer Karen Campbell in Tuesdays primary by 84 votes, or 2 percentage points, according to the Kentucky Secretary of States unofficial results.

Voter turnout statewide was just under 13%. In Kenton County, Mosers district, it was 9.65%.

Campbell was one of several candidates who ran with the support of Liberty Republicans, a growing faction of conservative candidates, lawmakers and political groups intent on pushing policy and legislative leadership farther to the political right on various issues.

A realtor from Independence, Campbell called herself a lifelong Republican patriot and vowed to, if she had won her partys nomination, defend Constitutional liberties and be a voice against overreach of government mandates, as well as protect conservative traditional family values, the unborn, the Second Amendment and religious freedom.

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A handful of Liberty candidates won their primaries, and a few defeated establishment or more moderate incumbents with spending help from outside groups, including the Make Liberty Win political action committee and Conservatives for the Commonwealth Action.

In House District 45, part Fayette and Jessamine counties, incumbent Rep. Killian Timoney, R-Nicholasville, was trounced by Thomas Jefferson.

Both PACs printed dozens of mailers statewide favoring various Liberty candidates, including Campbell.

Criticizing Moser over her no vote on that bill, a mailer from Conservatives for the Commonwealth Action said she voted against protecting children from radical transgender surgeries, before calling her one of the most liberal members of the Kentucky House.

Other mailers from the same PAC called her a fake conservative, a wolf in sheeps clothing, a lawmaker who supports drag shows in childrens classrooms, and who thinks you should be left vulnerable to armed thugs and rapists.

Moser said she thinks part of the low turnout in her district was due to vitriol like this.

I will stay involved because I care about the future of Kentucky, but these types of garbage campaigns affect our ability to get good, solution-oriented people to run and suppresses voter turnout, again, strategically disenfranchising citizens in the long run, she said.

In a concession post to Facebook last week, Campbell said the close margins by which she lost speaks volumes to the voices in our district!

I am forever grateful for every financial contribution and those who volunteered in our unified effort, Campbell said before teasing a future run. The great commonwealth of Kentucky and District 64 remain my focus and future goal. Looking forward to 2026!

Moser raised more than $153,000 ahead of the primary and spent roughly $25,000, according to Kentucky Registry of Election Finance filings. Campbell raised close to $12,000 and spent roughly $5,000.

A former neonatal intensive care unit nurse and chair of the House Health and Family Services Committee, Moser has made public health-related policy a priority during her nearly eight years in office, bringing a more moderate voice within her party on some issues.

This most recent legislative session, Mosers omnibus bill aimed at supporting new moms earned widespread bipartisan support and was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. Dubbed the momnibus bill and set to take effect later this summer, Mosers bill will establish pregnancy as a qualifying life event to be covered by private insurance, as well as require Medicaid to cover the cost of lactation services and breast-feeding equipment.

The Northern Kentucky Republican also successfully passed House Bill 115 this session, a bi-partisan bill that removes out-of-pocket costs for follow-up diagnostic breast examinations. Moser said it was intended to help women detect breast cancer earlier.

While Moser has primarily voted with Republicans on largely partisan measures, like bills to restrict and ban abortion, she split with a majority of her party last year when she voted against a bill, now law, that outlaws all gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Moser was one of four Republicans in the House, including Timoney, who voted against Senate Bill 150.

She at the time called the bill discriminatory and said it eliminated parents ability to choose whats best for their children. A trans-rights group sent out a mailer calling on conservatives to support Moser ahead of the primary.

Her no vote on Senate Bill 150 is one Campbell called out during an April candidate forum hosted by the Kenton County Republican Womens Club and was the subject of multiple PAC-funded fliers backing Campbell.

Moser received an A rating from National Rifle Association and was endorsed by the Northern Kentucky Right to Life political action committee as well as Kentucky Right to Life.

The Kenton County incumbent will now face Democratic challenger Heather Crabbe in the November general election.

Crabbe, an attorney in Independence, got her start as a public defender before becoming assistant dean of Northern Kentucky Universitys Chase College of Law.
The annual Harbor Springs Memorial Day Parade took place on Monday, May 27, 2024 on Main Street.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN  Wet and rainy weather didn't keep Northern Michigan from commemorating Memorial Day with several parades, ceremonies and other events.

Members of the Smith-Hoover American Legion Post 281 Drum & Bugle Corps perform in the Harbor Springs Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, 2024.

Members of the Harbor Springs High School marching band perform in the Harbor Springs Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, 2024.

In Harbor Springs, crowds lined up along Main Street in raincoats and umbrellas to watch the Smith-Hoover American Legion Post 281 Drum & Bugle Corps and Harbor Springs High School marching band perform.

In Petoskey, the Emmet County VFW and Petoskey American Legion joined forces for a parade and ceremony downtown.

Members of the American Legion Post 194 march through downtown Petoskey during the Memorial Day Parade on May 27, 2024.

American Legion Post 194 Commander Eric Kesseler addresses the crowd during the 2024 Memorial Day service at Pennsylvania Park in downtown Petoskey.

Joined by the Petoskey High School marching band and a handful of Boy Scouts, veterans marched from Emmet Street to Pennsylvania Park before kicking off the annual ceremony.

The names of fallen soldiers were read aloud and a prayer was read to the crowd.

The service ended with a rifle salute.

On a rainy Monday morning, veterans and community members made their way to Pennsylvania Park for the 2024 Memorial Day service.

After names of fallen soldiers were read, members of the American Legion Post 194 fired off a rifle salute during the Petoskey Memorial Day ceremony on Monday.

There was a table representing soldiers that are Prisoners of War and Missing in Action set up at the park, with a white tablecloth, single rose and glass facing down.

Prior to the parade and service, the VFW and Legion hosted services at Greenwood Cemetery and a "Lost at Sea" ceremony behind the Petoskey Fire Department.

The Petoskey High School band performed at Pennsylvania Park during the 2024 Memorial Day service.

(Left) Eric Kesseler, American Legion Post 194 commander, and (right) Dakota Averill, Emmet County VFW Post 2051 commander, read off the names of fallen soldiers during the Memorial Day service at Pennsylvania Park.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Northern Michigan commemorates Memorial Day 2024
ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The Northwest Arkansas Food Banks Our Feed Rogers location will be closed until July 9 due to extensive damage from the the severe storms that rolled through Northwest Arkansas on May 26.

According to a press release, those who use the pantry will recieve notification by text and email to reschedule appointments.

Those whishing to use the food banks Order Ahead service can sign up here. Distribution of those orders will take place at Cross Church in Rogers. Exact dates and times for pick up will be sent through email and text.

Where to find help and volunteer in NWA

The release says The NWA Food Bank in Springdale is updating the public on its agency partners as they become available. Many are without electricity or recieved damage in the region.

The food bank says it is sharing any information on area food drives, places that are providing free meals, and other resources that are available to the public on its social media.

The release says a donation page has been set up to help with disaster relief on the food banks website.

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.
Espen Barth Eide, Foreign Minister of Norway, speaks at a press conference with Foreign Minister Baerbock after their meeting at the Federal Foreign Office. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide described his country's recognition of the state of Palestine as a "milestone" moment, as he also offered criticism of Israel.

"For more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a Palestinian state. Today, when Norway officially recognizes Palestine as a state, is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine," Eide said in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

Together with Ireland and Spain, Norway had announced last week that the recognition would come into force on Tuesday. The governments hope that this will give new impetus to the discussion about a two-state solution.

Eide said that the recognition was a clear expression of support for the moderate forces among Israelis and Palestinians.

He said he was confident that the Palestinian government would lay the foundations for a government in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip following a ceasefire in the war that has been raging since October 7.

"It is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively. The international community must increase its political and economic support for Palestine and continue the work for a two-state solution," he said.
Its not easy being unaffiliated. How an NC candidate made it on the ballot

Shelane Etchison meets with voters around the district gathering signatures to get on the ballot as an independent congressional candidate.

Shelane Etchison meets with voters around the district gathering signatures to get on the ballot as an independent congressional candidate.

For the first time in modern North Carolina history, an unaffiliated candidate has made her way onto the ballot to run for Congress.

Thats according to an expert who closely monitors state politics and marvels at the achievement of Shelane Etchison. Chris Cooper says the system is set up for Republican and Democratic candidates to succeed.

It is a Herculean feat to get on the ballot in the first place, if youre an unaffiliated candidate, said Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University, and thats why its not an accident shes the first. If it were easy, we would have had this conversation before.

Etchison gathered the required 7,460 signatures needed to appear on the North Carolina ballot. She will now face off against Republican incumbent Richard Hudson and Democrat Nigel Bristow to represent North Carolinas 9th Congressional District.

The 9th District runs up the middle of the state and includes Alamance, Hoke, Moore, Randolph and parts of Chatham, Cumberland and Guilford counties. It was drawn by state lawmakers to strongly favor a Republican win.

NC veteran takes on powerful Republican. She made history just by getting on the ballot.

Cooper said between 2010-2020, fewer than 3% of candidates have been unaffiliated. Those candidates have won 33 times, but nine of the candidates did not face opposition.

Gathering votes

Thomas Mills, Etchisons campaign adviser, said he learned a lot trying to get her verified as an unaffiliated candidate. One of his key tips is to collect twice as many signatures as needed.

Mills said because of the districts large size they set up two operations: one in Alamance County and one around Moore County.

The campaign would go to highly populated areas and ask for peoples signatures. Once they gathered enough signatures they would deliver them in batches to the state board of elections, which would then send them to the county boards for verification.

They quickly realized that when they went to large populated areas, people often were coming from other parts of the state and signing, but those signatures wouldnt count. Or they would get people from the same county, but outside the district and those would be thrown out. Some people thought they were in the district, but were in a different one. Others would unintentionally use their nickname or misstate their address, and that could cause problems.

That led them to reassess the types of places they would go to to find voters and gather signatures.

Mills said the campaign started collecting signatures in mid-January and had until March 5 to turn them in.

In total, Mills said the campaign gathered around 12,500 signatures, but had to wait to hear if they were verified.

And that process took time.

The waiting game

In all, around 8,000 of the signatures Etchisons campaign collected were verified, but Mills said the process for verification was ill-defined and put the campaign at a disadvantage.

Mills is no stranger to running a campaign. He worked as a political consultant, mostly on Democratic campaigns, for 25 years. Notably, he worked on the direct mail team for John Kerrys presidential campaign and for the Democratic National Committee. He also ran against Hudson in 2016.

Mills said Etchisons signatures were due on March 5, the date of North Carolinas primary.

Mills said the campaigns understanding was that they would be notified within 15 days of canvassing whether the signatures had been verified. He said he mistakenly assumed that meant they would know within 15 days if Etchison made it onto the ballot, but there was a delay.

Mills said while the two parties had chosen their nominees, and both could begin campaigning, Etchisons campaign was stuck in a holding pattern.

Cooper addressed this too.

While Richard Hudson is raising money, while Richard Hudson is getting his name out there, she had to spend her resources just on the ballot in the first place, Cooper said. She had to get the signatures, and its not just any signature.

It would be four weeks before Etchison was told she was on the ballot, but not until the second week of May until it was official.

It put us at a disadvantage, Mills said, because we kept getting pushback when we were talking to the media, when we were talking to donors, because we werent officially on the ballot.

There really needs to be a cleaner process to get it done, Mills said.

NC Reality Check is an N&O series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com
'We have nothing.' As Israel attacks Rafah, Palestinians are living in tents and searching for food

FILE - Palestinians displaced by the Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip walk through a makeshift tent camp in Rafah on Jan. 27, 2024. The tent camps stretch for more than 16 kilometers (10 miles) along Gazas coast, filling the beach and sprawling into empty lots, fields and town streets. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair, file)

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  The tent camps stretch more than 16 kilometers (10 miles) along Gazas coast, filling the beach and spilling into empty lots, fields and streets. Families dig trenches to use as toilets. Fathers search for food and water. Children dig through garbage and wrecked buildings for wood or cardboard for their mothers to burn for cooking.

Over the past three weeks, Israels offensive in Rafah has sent nearly a million Palestinians fleeing the southern Gaza city. Most have already been displaced multiple times during Israels nearly 8-month-old war in Gaza, which is aimed at destroying the militant Hamas group but has devastated the territory and caused what the United Nations says is a near-famine.

The situation has been worsened by a plunge in the amount of food, fuel and other supplies reaching the U.N. and other aid groups to distribute to the population. Palestinians, who relied in part on humanitarian aid even before the war, have largely been on their own to find the basics for survival.

The situation is tragic. You have 20 people in the tent, with no clean water, no electricity. We have nothing, said Mohammad Abu Radwan, a schoolteacher with his wife, six children and other extended family.

I cant explain what it feels like living through constant displacement, losing your loved ones, he said. All of this destroys us mentally.

Abu Radwan fled Rafah soon after the Israeli assault on the city began on May 6 as bombardment neared the house where he was sheltering. He and three other families paid $1,000 for donkey carts to take them to the outskirts of Khan Younis, about 6 kilometers (3.6 miles) away. It took a day of living outside before they could assemble the materials for a makeshift tent. Next to the tent, they dug a toilet trench, hanging blankets and old clothes around it for privacy.

Families usually have to buy the wood and tarps for their tents, which can run up to $500, not counting ropes, nails and the cost of transporting the material, the humanitarian group Mercy Corps said.

Israeli authorities controlling all entry points into Gaza have been letting greater numbers of private commercial trucks into the territory, the U.N. and aid workers say. More fruits and vegetables are found in markets, and prices on some have fallen, Palestinians say.

Still, most homeless Palestinians cant afford them. Many in Gaza have not received salaries for months and savings are depleting. Even those who have money in the bank often cant withdraw it because there is so little physical cash in the territory. Many turn to black market exchanges that charge up to 20% to give cash for transfers from accounts.

Meanwhile, humanitarian convoys with free supplies have fallen to nearly their lowest levels in the war, the U.N. says.

Previously, the U.N. received several hundred trucks a day. That has dropped to an average of 53 trucks a day since May 6, according to the latest figures from the U.N. humanitarian office on Friday. Some 600 trucks a day are needed to stave off starvation, according to USAID.

In the past three weeks, most of the incoming aid has entered through two crossings from Israel in northern Gaza and via a U.S.-built floating pier taking deliveries by sea. But that pier has suspended operations after damage from rough seas, three U.S. officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The two main crossings in the south, Rafah from Egypt and Kerem Shalom from Israel, are either not operating or are largely inaccessible for the U.N. because of fighting nearby. Israel says it has been letting hundreds of trucks through Kerem Shalom. But the U.N. has only been able to collect about 200 of them on the Gaza side over the past three weeks because of Israeli military restrictions, the expanding offensive, Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rocket launches, UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma said Tuesday.

Entry of fuel has fallen to about a sixth of what is needed, Touma said. That makes it more difficult to keep hospitals, bakeries, water pumps and aid trucks working.

The American humanitarian group Anera is having difficulty distributing what we are able to bring in to the people who need it because theres so little fuel for trucks, spokesperson Steve Fake said.

Most of those fleeing Rafah poured into a humanitarian zone declared by Israel that is centered on Muwasi, a largely barren strip of coastal land. The zone was expanded north and east to reach the edges of Khan Younis and the central town of Deir al-Balah, both of which have also filled with people.

As we can see, there is nothing humanitarian about these areas, said Suze van Meegen, head of operations in Gaza for the Norwegian Refugee Council, who is in the Rafah area.

Much of the humanitarian zone has no charity kitchens or food market, and it has no functioning hospitals, only a few field hospitals and even smaller medical tents that cant handle emergencies. They pass out painkillers and antibiotics if they have them, according to Mercy Corps.

The Muwasi area has no water resources or sewage systems. With human waste deposited near the tents and garbage piling up, many people suffer from gastrointestinal diseases such as hepatitis and diarrhea, as well as skin allergies and lice, Mercy Corps said.

One aid worker who fled Rafah said he was lucky and could afford to rent a house in Deir al-Balah. You cant walk in the town from all the tents, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because his agency had not authorized him to speak. Many people he sees in the street are yellow with jaundice.

Israel says its offensive in Rafah is vital to its war aim of destroying Hamas in Gaza after the groups Oct. 7 attack, in which militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted around 250 others from southern Israel. Israels campaign in Gaza triggered by the attack has killed some 36,000 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry.

Aid groups warned for months that an attack on Rafah will worsen Gazas humanitarian disaster. So far, Israels operations have been short of its planned all-out invasion, though fighting has expanded from the eastern parts of Rafah to its central districts.

A strike Sunday hit a tent camp in a western part of Rafah, causing a large fire and killing at least 45 people, according to health officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a tragic mistake had occurred.

From the exodus the assault has caused, satellite photos taken by Planet Labs PBC on May 24 show dense new tent camps running the length of the coast from just north of Rafah to outside Deir al-Balah. The tents and shelters are densely packed in mazes of corrugated metal and plastic sheets, with blankets and bedsheets draped over sticks for privacy.

Tamer Saeed Abul Kheir said he goes out at 6 a.m. every day to find water, usually returning around noon to the tent outside Khan Younis where he and nearly two dozen relatives live. His three children, aged 4 to 10, are always sick, but he said he has to send them to collect wood for the cooking fire.

He worries theyll come across unexploded bombs in the wrecked houses.

His aging father has trouble moving and uses the bathroom in a bucket, and Abul Kheir has to regularly pay to transport him to the nearest hospital for kidney dialysis.

Wood costs money, water costs money, everything costs money, said his wife, Leena Abul Kheir. She broke down in sobs. Im afraid Ill wake up one day and Ive lost my children, my mother, my husband, my family.

___

Magdy and Keath reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Sarah El Deeb in Beirut, Fatma Khaled in Cairo, Tara Copp in Washington and Mohammed Jahjouh in Muwasi, Gaza Strip, contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP's war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
(Reuters) - Novo Nordisk said it retains about 60% of the list price of its popular diabetes and obesity drugs - Ozempic and Wegovy - after rebates and fees paid to middlemen in the United States, according to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday.

The Danish drugmaker's comments, made in a letter to Senator Bernie Sanders on Friday, come amid an ongoing investigation by a U.S. Senate committee into the higher prices of the drugs in the United States compared to other countries.

Novo Nordisk did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The company argued in the letter to Senator Sanders, who has been pressing to lower the cost of Wegovy, that the focus on the list price of the drugs was misplaced because a part of it is paid to middlemen in the complex US health care system, Bloomberg said in its report on Tuesday.

The drugs belong to a class of treatments known as GLP-1s, which help regulate blood sugar and cause the stomach to empty more slowly. Analysts estimate the market for these drugs could be about $150 billion by the early 2030s as their use expands beyond obesity and diabetes and supply constraints ease.

A 2 milligram dose of Ozempic carries a list price of $935.77 in the United States, while Wegovy has a list price of $1,349.02 per package, according to the drugmaker's website.

Novo said "under current market conditions, the company expects that net prices will continue to decline for both Ozempic and Wegovy," according to the report.

(This story has been corrected to add the source in the headline)

(Reporting by Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
An industry lawsuit is urging a federal court to overturn the Biden administrations new mandatory minimum staffing requirements on nursing homes, arguing the federal Medicare agency exceeded its authority.

The complaint argues Congress never gave the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the authority to impose such onerous and unachievable mandates on practically every nursing home in the country, so the rules are a violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.

It was filed last week in the Northern District of Texas by the American Health Care Association (AHCA), its Texas counterpart and the operators of three nursing homes in the state.

Setting one-size-fits-all staffing requirements that will require some four-fifths of the nations nursing homes to hire additional personnel, even though almost no state has deemed those higher levels necessary  is the height of arbitrary and capricious agency action, the complaint stated.

The lawsuit argues the requirements will force facilities to close or downsize, displacing tens of thousands of residents and forcing countless other seniors and family members to wait longer, search farther, and pay more for the care they need.

Under the requirements unveiled last month, all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid will need to have a registered nurse on staff 24 hours per day, seven days per week and provide at least 3.48 hours of nursing care per resident per day.

The rules will cost nursing homes $43 billion over the next decade, according to estimates from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The requirements of the rule will be introduced in phases, with longer timeframes for rural communities. Limited, temporary exemptions will be available for both the 24/7 registered nurse requirement and the underlying staffing standards for nursing homes in workforce shortage areas that demonstrate a good faith effort to hire.

Nonrural facilities must meet the requirements by May 2027, and rural facilities have five years, until May 2029.

But according to the lawsuit, the staffing requirements flunk basic principles of administrative law at every turn.

We had hoped it would not come to this; we repeatedly sought to work with the Administration on more productive ways to boost the nursing home workforce, Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA, said in a statement.

Notably, the lawsuit was filed in federal court in Amarillo, Texas. Texas is a popular venue for groups looking to get favorable rulings against the Biden administration, and the district court in Amarillo has only one judge, Matthew Kacsmaryk.

Kacsmaryk, an appointee of former President Trump, is the same judge who suspended approval of the abortion pill mifepristone and has ruled against the Biden administration on several other issues, including immigration and LGBTQ protections.

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.
GAZA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army on Tuesday advanced into the heart of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, amid clashes with Palestinian militants, according to Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses.

Security sources told Xinhua that Israeli tanks and Israeli army forces reached the city center amid heavy gunfire and airstrikes covering up the ground incursion.

Eyewitnesses said that they saw a group of Israeli soldiers walking towards the western area of Rafah, targeting anyone who walked in the areas they were entering. 
NEW YORK  New York Citys top health officials will have access to fewer than two dozen medical research journals, as the department has turned to outside funding for research articles following Adams administration budget cuts.

City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan told staffers Tuesday that money from an independent nonprofit would be used to buy 23 one-year subscriptions to medical research journals, according to an internal memo obtained by the Daily News.

With resources from the Fund for Public Health in New York, staff will have access to select public health journals for the coming year, Vasan wrote Tuesday. We have selected these journals based on previous use by agency staff.

The list, shared with The News, includes well-respected publications like the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The Fund for Public Health is dedicated to connecting the NYC Health Department to private sector partners and the greater philanthropic community, according to its website.

As first reported by The News, Mayor Eric Adams budget cuts gutted public funding for the Health Departments William Hallock Park Memorial Public Health Library last year.

The Long Island City, Queens, library had provided the departments epidemiologists, as well as the public, with access to peer-reviewed medical journals, databases, books and other research materials for decades.

The library was shuttered in July 2023 as part of 4% citywide spending cuts. Many of the departments subscriptions ran until December 2023 and were not renewed.

Health Department staffers who had been with the agency during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic described easy access to a diverse group of journals as a crucial tool in the citys defense against the disease.

This is going to make it much harder for people to get the information they need to do their job and protect New Yorkers, one staffer said at the time. Its taking a tool out of the hands of the workers.

Spokesmen for the mayor and the Health Department told The News last year that city researchers could rely on alternative resources to continue their work.

A list of such resources  sent to departmental staff and shared with The News  included Google Scholar, the Public Library of Science and other free online databases to access research materials.

At the time, Health Department researchers called that insufficient.

Tuesday, about five months after the departments subscriptions expired, the commissioner acknowledged the importance of journal access, and said he was exploring options to further expand his staffers options despite the lack of city funding.

In addition to this one-year purchase, we are also exploring supplemental journal access through a collaboration with the citys public health schools, Vasans memo continued.

Once all details have been worked through, we will share further information, he added.

One Health Department staffer expressed approval Tuesday, telling The News that access to major journals seemed to be working.

But the nonprofit support will only partially restore journal access, and does not include access to interlibrary loans or searches of medical literature.

Public access to the library ended last July, and there are no plans to restore it.

While we are pleased to be able to offer this access, at this time we are not able to fully restore services, the commissioners memo continued.

We will continue to explore additional ways to ensure access to the range of journals and services used by agency staff to carry out your critical day-to-day work, Vasan wrote.

______
No matter what you think about host and author Charlamagne tha God, theres no denying his influence. With over 2 million followers on X, 4.5 million followers on Instagram and over 4 million radio listeners in over 40 cities who tune in daily to The Breakfast Club, he has a captive audience and a massive platform. So its no wonder politicians see his show as a mandatory stop on the campaign trail to get their message to young voters of color. Its also why The View hosts Sunny Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg pressed him on endorsing President Joe Biden in the 2024 Presidential election when he appeared on their show on May 22.



Here are some of the politicians and political commentators who have sat down with Charlamagne tha God to make their case over the years.

Joe Biden

In 2020, then-presidential hopeful Joe Biden sat down with Charlamagne to drum up support for his campaign. The two covered a wide-ranging set of issues, including his cognitive health, how then-President Trump was handling the COVID-19 pandemic and Bidens decision to choose a Black woman as his running mate.

Joe Biden

Photo: Spencer Platt (Getty Images)

But while he was tooting his own horn, Biden made a statement that raised plenty of eyebrows, telling Charlamagne, If you have a problem figuring out whether youre for me or Trump, then you aint Black. Biden faced criticism from both sides of the aisle for his comments and eventually apologized, saying he shouldnt have been such a wise guy during the interview.



Kamala Harris

In a 2021 interview with Charlamagne on Comedy Centrals Tha Gods Honest Truth, Vice President Kamala Harris took time to lay out what has kept her busy since taking office, including advocating for Black maternal health, student loan forgiveness and securing more capital for minority-owned businesses.

Kamala Harris

Photo: Joe Raedle (Getty Images)

But the conversation took a turn when the two got into an animated exchange when Charlamagne asked the Vice President who the real President of the United States is, seeming to imply that other people may be pulling the strings behind the scenes.



I want to know who the real president of this country is  is it Joe Biden, or Joe Manchin? Charlamagne asked.

Its Joe Biden. And dont start talking like a Republican about asking whether or not hes president, Harris responded.

Bernie Sanders

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders appeared on The Breakfast Club in 2019 to talk about his 2020 Presidential campaign and how his agenda would benefit the Black community, including advocating for tuition-free colleges, prison reform, affordable healthcare and reparations.

Pete Buttigieg

In 2022, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg appeared on The Breakfast Club to talk about the Biden administrations accomplishments since the bipartisan infrastructure bill was signed into law in 2021. He also answered the hosts questions on what still needs to be done to deliver on promises made to the Black community that have not been fulfilled.

Barack Obama

In 2021, former President Barack Obama sat down with The Breakfast Club hosts to talk about his book, A Promised Land. He also reflected on his eight years in the White House and answered the hosts questions on what he did for the Black community.

Elizabeth Warren

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) appeared on The Breakfast Club in 2019 to make the case for her 2020 campaign for President. She criticized Donald Trumps racist and sexist playbook and laid out her plans if elected  particularly those that help close the racial wealth gap, including universal childcare, higher salaries for teachers, canceling student loan debt and investments in HBCUs.

Eric Adams

New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke out on everything from the migrant crisis to the implementation of congestion pricing in the city during a March 29 appearance on The Breakfast Club. But he was put in the hot seat when challenged by lawyer and political activist Olayemi Olurin, who forced him to defend his decision to deploy additional police in the subway system, accusing him of being a fearmonger on the issue of crime in the city.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Former Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy stepped into the hot seat in 2023 when he appeared on The Breakfast Club to make a case for why he should be elected to the highest office in the land. But the hosts pressed him on his lack of political experience, accusing him of trying to go from preschool to President of the United States.

You want people to believe in country and you want people to have civic engagement. I just find it very telling that you havent had any civic engagement at all, said former Front-Page News coordinator Tezlyn Figaro.

Candace Owens

In a March 2024 interview on The Breakfast Club, conservative political commentator Candace Owens covered lots of topics, including why she thinks Donald Trump is a better option for President than his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden. Along with being better for the economy, Owens said she appreciates Trump for being a straight shooter.

Do you want to be politely lied to or have somebody thats at least telling you what they think about you in no uncertain terms? she said.

Larry Elder

Right wing conservative radio host, author and former 2024 Presidential candidate Larry Elder appeared on The Breakfast Club to sell himself to the shows audience. During the interview, Elder called systemic racism a myth and argued that fatherlessness is a bigger issue in the Black community.

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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.

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 myriad 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.

Emergency hospitals not eligible

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.

True safety net providers

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.

Concerns about expanding 340B

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.

This article first appeared in KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), 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 Nebraska Examiner.
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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

The post An obscure drug discount program stifles use of federal lifeline by rural hospitals appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle.
DENVER (KDVR)  Aurora Fire Rescue extinguished a fire in a carport that was threatening other nearby structures on Tuesday morning, and in the process, rescued a dog from the building.

According to the agencys social media, crews were dispatched for a structure fire in the 3600 block of South Fairplay Way in Aurora at about 11:20 a.m. They found a fire at a fourplex residential building, but before they even arrived on scene, an off-duty firefighter was already hard at work.

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The agency said an off-duty Aurora Fire Rescue captain rescued a dog from the structure before fire units could make it to the site. Crews identified the fire in a detached carport that was threatening the nearby homes.

A house fire was reported in the 3600 block of South Fairplay Way, which ended up being in a carport.

A house fire was reported in the 3600 block of South Fairplay Way, which ended up being in a carport.

A house fire was reported in the 3600 block of South Fairplay Way, which ended up being in a carport.

A house fire was reported in the 3600 block of South Fairplay Way, which ended up being in a carport.

They were able to extinguish the fire quickly and searched the building for possible victims. No one reported any injuries, and no one will be displaced by the fire, according to the agency.

At this time, the cause of the fire remains 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 FOX31 Denver.
Randy White (left) is running for 2024-25 Jacksonville City Council president. Kevin Carrico (middle) and Michael Boylan (right) are running for vice president.

City Council members will head to their own polls Tuesday to decide their next leaders  votes that in recent years have had little-to-no competition.

Current Council Vice President Randy White has all but locked up his new position as the only presidential candidate, but two council members are still in the running to serve as his vice president.

The City Council president has the authority to set legislative agenda, appoint other members to council committees and form special committees, which in the past two years have included studies dedicated to affordable housing, homelessness and a new jail.

Whoever wins the vice presidency has a significant chance of becoming president during Mayor Donna Deegans third year in office when collaboration, or division, with council could impact her success at the polls.

President Ron Salem: Ron Salem's immigrant parents shaped his rise to Jacksonville City Council president

Last election cycle: Jacksonville City Council votes on new leaders. Here's what you need to know

Vice president candidate Kevin Carrico, a Republican from District 4, currently has enough pledges to secure the position over Michael Boylan, a Republican from District 6. But, pledges are not binding, and Boylan intends to stay in the race.

Deegan has not taken a public position in either election.

This is a decision that only the council members can make, Phil Perry, a spokesman for the mayor, said in a statement. Mayor Deegan maintains good relationships across the council, and shell work well with the next president and vice president, regardless of who they will be.

Who is Randy White?

White, a Jacksonville Westside Republican, was elected to City Council in a special election for District 12 in 2018. He spent 32 years as part of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and retired in 2011 as the deputy director assistant fire chief.

Council member Randy White thanks the chamber after being voted in as council vice president for 2023-24 Thursday, May 25, 2023 at City Hall in Jacksonville, Fla. The new City Council held a vote for council leadership in the main chamber. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

City Council unanimously elected him to the role of vice president last year. He is the only member of council currently running for president.

White will look to finish the job he started with Salem, the current council president. At a March 1 leadership meeting, White said his goals would be to finish the Jaguars deal and solidify the plans for the construction of a new Duval County jail.

He additionally would prioritize finding ways to recruit and retain public safety officers in the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, among correctional officers and in JFRD.

The city eliminated its pension plan for employees in 2017, and White said he will study how to give public safety officers an option between a 401(k) retirement plan and a Florida Retirement System plan in order for the departments to better compete with surrounding counties.

We have big problems in public safety since we've lost the defined benefit plan, White said in a leadership meeting. Two hundred vacancies in corrections and over 100 in JSO, and even JFRD used to have three times the candidates that apply for the job and now everybody that applies gets hired. Because I think it's a lot to do with the defined benefit plan.

He has received 13 vote pledges, including one from himself, from all Republicans on council except for Mike Gay. He needs 10 votes for the position.

I would use the words quiet power to describe Randy, Council member Nick Howland said of the vice president when he voiced his support. And that's not surprising, coming from a guy who spent 32 years as a firefighter. In the roar and the heat of the flames, he keeps his head and fights that fire, and I think that's a quality that we need in a president over the next year.

What are the vice president candidates priorities?

Though both Carrico and Boylan are Republican members of council, they held different priorities if elected to leadership.

Ahead of receiving pledges, Carrico told council members his goal would be to do some blocking and tackling for the president and that the vice president shouldnt carry much of a personal agenda legislatively. He leaned heavily on his experience leading the Land Use and Zoning Committee for the past two years and the leadership ability shown in the role.

City Council Member Kevin Carrico speaks during a City Council workshop regarding the Office of General Counsels legal memorandum Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 at City Hall in Jacksonville, Fla. City Council questioned city lawyers about the process of crafting the opinion meant to justify the removal of two statues from the "Women of the Southland" Confederate monument in Springfield Park on Dec. 27, 2023. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

The vice president's role to me is about service, Carrico said. It's about being able to serve the president. It's about being able to be flexible to cover the president, to do whatever the president needs you to do, and if you ask Ron [Salem] how many times he's picked up the phone and asked me to do something, I don't think no has ever been an answer.

Without specific goals, Carrico referenced his passion for helping children as something he valued but recognized he couldnt do much legislatively because of his full-time position with the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida. He also cared about parks, neighborhoods and public safety, he said.

At leadership meetings on March 12, Boylan said his primary goal would also be to support the council president, but he also had specific plans he hoped to accomplish that would move the council forward.

District 6 City Council Member Michael Boylan addresses the audience at Thursday evening's community conversation at the Mandarin Senior Center. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan addressed a standing room only crowd at the Mandarin Senior Center as she took questions for two hours at her first of over a dozen community meetings that she has scheduled Thursday, August 3, 2023.

He hoped to start producing video news releases at the end of every council committee meeting in order to give residents a short summary of what happened. He also had started conversations with the director of public works to find out how district council members could carve out a portion of the departments yearly capital improvement plan for the most necessary projects in their areas.

Lastly, Boylan chaired the special committee that studied building the jail this year and said he wanted to continue the journey.

I believe my proven record of being well prepared and fair-minded and the fact that every council president, including the immediate past-president and current one, have entrusted me with a leadership role be it standing or special committees, is evidence of my ability to serve as the Councils next vice president, Boylan said.

Whats next?

Carrico currently has received pledge cards from all council Republicans, including himself, except for Mike Gay, Matt Carlucci and Boylan. He also received a pledge card from Reggie Gaffney Jr., a Democrat, though he said at the time of the pledge he was open to changing his mind ahead of the vote.

Boylan said he did not ask for pledges, but he has received one from Jimmy Peluso. He also received verbal support from Carlucci, who said the voting process needed more competition and transparency in the future.

Council will convene in City Hall chambers to vote May 28 at 4 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: City Council divided in election for new VP between Carrico, Boylan
Officials: Smoking materials likely cause of Woburn house fire where young girl was pulled off roof

A three-alarm house fire that displaced three families in Woburn was most likely started with smoking materials, Fire Chief Donald Kenton announced Tuesday.

The Woburn Fire Department responded to 1 Richmond Park following multiple 911 calls around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday. Crews observed heavy flames on arrival and quickly struck a second alarm, followed by a third.

A neighbors surveillance camera captured the fire pouring from the top floor of the three-unit apartment building.

Chief Kenton said one child escaped through a window and firefighters rescued a young girl over a ground ladder.

The crew from Tower 1 saw a young girl on the roof trapped and immediately threw a ground ladder and was able to rescue her while the engine companies were able to put water on the fire that had her trapped, Woburn Fire said in a Facebook post.

Both children were transported to a Boston hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening. Woburn Mayor Mike Concannon said her and a young boy were both treated for smoke inhalation. No firefighters were hurt, Concannon said.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in about 45 minutes.

3 families displaced after house fire in Woburn

Through an investigation state and local fire officials determined that the fire began on an enclosed porch near the left rear of the second floor, then spread to the third floor and roof.

Investigators believe the most probable cause was the improper disposal of smoking materials. There was no evidence that the fire was intentionally set, according to Chief Kenton.

Smoking materials are the leading cause of fatal fires in Massachusetts and the nation, said Chief Kenton. A fire like this one, in the early morning hours while occupants were sleeping, could easily have turned tragic. I want to thank our Woburn firefighters and mutual aid partners for their decisive action to protect the residents and nearby homes.

All residents were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross of Massachusetts.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Ohio House Democrats have laid out a plethora of bills targeting the education system in the state, impacting everything from teacher pay to oversight of private school vouchers and the overall funding of the public school system.

In a press conference last week, House Democratic leadership and bill sponsors listed off legislation that has been active for a while in the chamber, and newly introduced measures they hope will see light before the end of the legislative session.

Our principles are pretty clear on that front, said House Minority Whip Dani Isaacsohn, D-Cincinnati. There is no better investment we can make in the future of our state than investing in the education of our students, and that every kid, no matter which corner of the state they grow up in, deserves a world class education.

Having that education requires systems of learning that are equally overseen and that have the funding needed to support both the students and the teachers in Ohios school districts, the Democrats said in explaining the many bills they have brought to the table.

At the top of the list is House Bill 10, which seeks to hold legislators to the six year phase-in plan that was assigned to the Fair School Funding Plan, legislation that funds public schools based less on property values and more on the needs of individual school districts.

HB 10 is a bipartisan bill which simply expresses the intent of the General Assembly to continue phasing in the school financing system, which was inserted in the 2021 budget bill, until that system is fully implemented and funded, according to the language of the bill.

The bill was introduced in February 2023 and quickly referred to the House Finance Committee, but has not seen activity since.

Theres no guarantee that the work of the Fair School Funding Plan will continue, said state Rep. Beryl Brown Piccoloantonio, D-Gahanna. We must continue our work to ensure that our system of public education is funded adequately and equitably.

Democrats are pushing for full funding of the public school system while simultaneously aiming for more oversight of private schools, particularly those receiving private school vouchers, for which the eligibility was raised to near-universal levels in the last budget cycle.

Isaacsohn introduced House Bill 575 on May 21, which would require oversight around financial accountability, fair testing transparency and other standards for private schools where 25% or more of their students receive vouchers, according to the Dems.

House Bill 567 is also taking aim at the state of Ohios private school voucher system, attempting to cap the income eligibility limit for the private school vouchers, which its sponsor, state Rep. Phil Robinson, Jr., D-Solon, said would keep the focus on poor families and those who need the help to afford options in education.

Taxpayers deserve to know how is the money being spent, and parents deserve to be able to make a real choice by knowing what is the plan for that schools future, how many students are performing well and at what level, Isaacsohn said.

The bills have the support of the Ohio Education Association and the Ohio Federation of Teachers, two major education unions in the state.

In order for students to be successful, we have to not only support students, but we have to support the system that theyre in, and the staff whos working with them, said Melissa Cropper, president of the OFT.

The unions emphasized the need not only for the public school funding and private school oversight, but also for bills like House Bill 408, which would create a universal public school meals program, and House Bill 387, which would eliminate academic distress commissions, a method of state takeover for low-performing schools.

It is time, once and for all, to end the academic distress commissions and return to local control, said Scott DiMauro, OEA president.

The bills, particularly any bills related to limiting private school vouchers, may have a hard time of it in a legislature with a strong Republican supermajority, and leadership who supports private school vouchers and the idea of school choice, a conservative term used for the effort to push more students into private schools in areas where public schools are considered underperforming.

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The post Ohio Dems lay out education bills to increase funding, target private vouchers and student hunger appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address during a joint meeting of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Washington, DC. This is Bidens last State of the Union address before the general election this coming November. Biden was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA). (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wants Ohio lawmakers to get it together and has called a special session Tuesday to get them to do their jobs  fix an obscure law so President Joe Biden can be on the November ballot. Now, the two chambers must scramble to compromise on each of their proposals. The House, which has been holding up the progress, said it will compromise with the Senate, but only if the anti-democratic provisions are taken out of the bill.

Ohio is running out of time to get Joe Biden, sitting president of the United States, on the ballot this fall, DeWine said during a Thursday evening surprise press conference. Failing to do so is simply not acceptable. This is ridiculous; this is an absurd situation.

Right now, Biden, the presumptive nominee for the Democratic party, wouldnt be on the ballot. He will 100% be on the ballot, every lawmaker has said, but theyve also been skeptical whether it would happen through lawmakers or another avenue.

Ohio requires parties to confirm their presidential candidates 90 days before the Nov. election, which would be Aug. 7. But Biden wont be the official nominee until the Democratic National Convention, which is on Aug. 19.

Democratic leaders were unaware of this, and plenty of other lawmakers across the aisle also didnt know. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose didnt remind Dems until April.

In theory, both the House and the Senate have similar fixes to the ballot problem  but they have failed to get the legislation done and signed into law.

The House version was a clean bill that changed the nomination deadline to 74 days, which is Aug. 23. This would likely be a permanent fix.

But the Senate passed a separate bill. It changed the nominating deadline from Aug. 7 to Aug. 23  but only for 2024, so it wasnt a permanent fix.

While the House version simply changes the nominating deadline, state Rep. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) said the Senates version has unacceptable additions.

The Senate Republicans decided, You know what? We want to extract a cost to get the president on the ballot,' Isaacsohn said.

This is anti-democratic, Isaacsohn, as well as dozens of other Democrats have said.

The lawmakers added in Senate Bill 215, a campaign finance bill. In early March, Republican senators passed legislation meant to stop foreign donations to state and local ballot-issue campaigns. This could be by directly donating from outside the country or by donating to an entity, like a political action committee (PAC).

Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) explains this helps prevent interference.

Most Ohioans would agree that we shouldnt have foreign dollars affecting our ballot initiatives, Huffman said.

That is a red herring, Isaacsohn argued, because the Senate proposal also has provisions that could make it harder for grassroots movements to get on the ballot  even with U.S. dollars.

It would require all groups rallying for a cause that is receiving donations and spending money to register as a PAC. This means that groups would have to file disclosures with the government, and it could make it more difficult to collect signatures to get a proposal on a township ballot.

The bill also prohibits a lawful permanent U.S. resident, also known as a green card holder, from making contributions or expenditures regarding ballot issues or candidates.

All of it is an attempt to make it harder to pass ballot initiatives in Ohio, which as you know, are the way in which voters  in the most pure sense  make their voice heard because it is direct democracy, Isaacsohn said.

Democrats in both the House and the Senate say that the Republicans who introduced this measure are just mad about their 2023 losses.

All three ballot proposals that passed last year were started because voters werent happy with the state legislature and didnt feel like their voices were being heard. The August special election was proposed by lawmakers because they didnt want abortion to become legal  a direct result of the angry voices of citizens.

S. B. 215s bill sponsor, state Sen. Rob McColley (R-Napoleon), said in a previous interview that this wouldnt negatively impact the local advocates trying to get a stop sign.

If youre going to collect and spend money in support of signature gathering, in support of a ballot initiative, you got to report your money, McColley said.

Legislation like this is already in effect federally, and it also applies to candidates in Ohio  just not ballot initiatives, so this is catching the law up, he added.

DeWine agreed.

I dont find it a very controversial issue, DeWine said. We should not have foreign nationals interfering and spending money in Ohio ballot races.

The governor is urging the House to concur on it, seemingly calling them irresponsible for their lack of action in the process.

The House of Representatives has failed to do this  the legislature had session yesterday and again failed to take any action, the governor said. This is simply unacceptable.

Huffman also took a shot at the House in a statement:

We agree with the Governor. It is time to protect Ohios elections by outlawing foreign campaign contributions, while at the same time fixing the Democratic Partys error that kept Joe Biden off the November ballot. We encourage the Speaker and Minority Leader to allow a vote on House Bill 114 which does both.

The Senate Presidents spokesperson seemingly suggests that Minority Leader Allison Russo is preventing the bill from hitting the floor  despite Stephens having a supermajority of Republicans. Stephens has been accused of being too close with the Democrats and allowing Russo to make decisions. The speaker has denied this, and so has Russo.

The House leaders  both Democrats like Isaacsohn and Republicans like House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill)  continue to say that it isnt the foreign interference ban that they are rejecting; it is the new restrictions to access to the ballot for citizens.

Speaker Jason Stephens says he is willing to compromise  by making sure that a bill doesnt limit the rights of citizens to have their voices heard.

For weeks, we have been pushing to find a legislative solution to having President Biden on the ballot. Ultimately, the will to do so wasnt there in the Republican caucus. Everyone agrees that we need to ban foreign political contributions from ballot issue campaigns in Ohio, and we have been driving towards a solution. We have language that has input from campaign finance experts and important interested parties to deal with the issue. This is language that squarely and directly bans foreign influence in Ohios issue campaigns, while not also inadvertently limiting the rights of citizens to have their voices heard. We look forward to real solutions that will actually pass both chambers next week and solve problems.

The speaker is referencing H.B. 609, a new bill regarding foreign money, one without significant negative impacts on local community members, Isaacsohn said.

Introduced by state Reps. Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville) and Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), the bill prohibits the committee in charge of a statewide initiative or referendum petition from asking for or knowingly accepting money from a foreign entity or person. It also declares the bill as an emergency.

In a conference call with state Rep. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), who seems to be the negotiating entity between the House and the Senate, he said that DeWine gave an hour and a half heads up to him about the special session order.

These are snap decisions that have to be made sort of in a big hurry, Seitz said. Our original plan in the House was to have session on June 12  we wanted to give everybody plenty of notice so that they could rearrange their plans and rearranged to be in Columbus on June 12.

For an emergency clause, two-thirds of the representatives must vote yes. That is easily done in the Senate, considering that there would be 22 members and there are 26 Republicans in the chamber. In the House, one in which the GOP is fractured, an emergency would need 66 votes. There are 67 Republicans, and at least four refuse to vote for anything that helps Biden at all, according to Seitz. He doesnt think the Democrats would vote in favor of the foreign money ban, so he has to make sure that 66 Republicans not only show up but also support the bill.

A number of our colleagues, quite a number of our colleagues, said that they would categorically refuse to vote for a bill that simply put Mr. Bidens name on the ballot, Seitz said. Theyre afraid of being tarred and feathered as loving Democrats if they do so.

But there are significant challenges with this. Bills must be heard on three separate days, and with the governor calling the session on Tuesday, that means the bill needs to be done and in committee the same day and then continued on Wednesday and Thursday. They must be done by then when their legal team advises them they must be done by Wednesday, and they dont even have the vehicle to get this done.

There is no way to suspend House rules since that would also require a two-thirds vote from the chambers, the lawmaker said.

The fundamental difference between so far what the Senate wants to do and what we want to do is with the amount of words that the Senate is taking to do it, as opposed to a simpler strategy that that our legal counsel is recommending, he said. I keep urging both sides, Lets get past this argument over who gets to draft the bill.'

It is an understatement to say that Stephens and Huffman are political foes. Click here to learn more about the GOP infighting.

When asked if the rivalry was playing into the debacle. Seitz said no. All the Democrats and every Republican spoken to  other than Seitz, Stephens and Huffman  said it is.

Wouldnt it make more sense politically for the Republicans to want Biden to be on the ballot because if Biden isnt on the ballot, that could slow turnout for Trump? I asked Seitz.

Youre 100% correct, the Republican responded, noting that former President Donald Trump, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno and all Ohio GOP leaders want Biden to be on the ballot.

The special session should begin in the afternoon on Tuesday.

How can Biden be on the ballot?

The DNC can announce early. Or the lawmakers can do something within a tight time frame that even Seitz seems nervous about.

Lawmakers have been suggesting Democrats can go to court to get the president on the ballot.

Case Western Reserve University law professor Jonathan Entin said no court case would work. Learn more about his analysis here.

What seems to be going on reflects yet again how dysfunctional the Ohio government is, Entin said. Theres plenty of faults to be laid on just about everybody.

You can fault the Democrats for not knowing the law, the entire legislative leadership for being uncooperative and constantly bickering, and LaRose for waiting until virtually the last minute to raise the issue, the professor added.

Its hard to imagine that anybody could go broke underestimating the irresponsibility of Ohio officials dealing with this situation, Entin sighed.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

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The post Ohio House agrees to Biden ballot fix compromise if anti-democratic Senate provisions removed appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
Tibetan antelopes migrate in Wudaoliang area in Hoh Xil, northwest China's Qinghai Province, May 27, 2024. The peak season for the migration of Tibetan antelopes to the heart of northwest China's Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve to give birth has arrived, according to the Hoh Xil reserve administration. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

XINING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The peak season for the migration of Tibetan antelopes to the heart of northwest China's Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve to give birth has arrived, according to the Hoh Xil reserve administration.

Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes migrate to Hoh Xil between May and July to give birth, while they will leave the area together with their offspring in August. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" of this species.

"The migration of Tibetan antelopes this year started on May 7, and it has entered the peak period. At its peak, more than 800 Tibetan antelopes cross the Qinghai-Xizang Highway each day," said Karma Yingphel, deputy director of the Wudaoliang protection station of the Hoh Xil reserve administration.

During the migration of Tibetan antelopes, members of the Wudaoliang protection station continue to patrol along the Qinghai-Xizang Highway. Those on patrol use telescopes to visually measure the distance between Tibetan antelopes and the highway, wait for Tibetan antelopes to get near, and then intercept vehicles on the highway, thereby allowing Tibetan antelopes to safely cross the Qinghai-Xizang Highway while vehicles are stationary.

More than 2,500 female Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Wudaoliang area of the Qinghai-Xizang Highway so far this year, according to the administration. "Thanks to traffic control, vehicles and tourists can consciously be kept away from migrating Tibetan antelopes. With our explanation of this need, everyone expressed their understanding," said a member of the patrol staff at Wudaoliang protection station.

Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Their population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve their habitat. 

Tibetan antelopes migrate in Wudaoliang area in Hoh Xil, northwest China's Qinghai Province, May 27, 2024. The peak season for the migration of Tibetan antelopes to the heart of northwest China's Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve to give birth has arrived, according to the Hoh Xil reserve administration. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

Tibetan antelopes migrate in Wudaoliang area in Hoh Xil, northwest China's Qinghai Province, May 27, 2024. The peak season for the migration of Tibetan antelopes to the heart of northwest China's Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve to give birth has arrived, according to the Hoh Xil reserve administration. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

Tibetan antelopes migrate in Wudaoliang area in Hoh Xil, northwest China's Qinghai Province, May 27, 2024. The peak season for the migration of Tibetan antelopes to the heart of northwest China's Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve to give birth has arrived, according to the Hoh Xil reserve administration. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)
Ohio lawmakers want 'apples to apples' comparison between public and private schools

Some Ohio lawmakers want to make it easier to compare student performance at public schools and private schools with voucher students.

Some Ohio lawmakers want to make it easier to compare student performance at public schools and private schools with voucher students.

Rep. Gayle Manning, R- North Ridgeville, and Rep. Bill Seitz, R-Green Township, introduced a bill to change standards for private schools that accept students with EdChoice scholarships.

The bill would require that voucher students at private schools take the same state assessments as public school students. Manning said at a hearing on May 21 that the aim is that parents will be more informed about the education their students will receive in different schools.

Lawmakers want accountability for public money given to private schools

The bill would also require private schools with voucher students to account for the public money they receive separately from their other funds and require the schools to have state report cards like public schools do.

Supporters, which include the Ohio Education Association, say the change will bring more accountability and transparency to schools that receive taxpayer money.

"Ohio taxpayers should be able to see and easily understand how public resources are being used to educate Ohios students and the result of that investment no matter the school setting," Nicole Piscitani with the Ohio School Boards Association said at the May 21 hearing.

How is testing different for Ohio public schools and private schools?

For the class of 2023 and beyond, public school students have to take the ACT or SAT and end-of-course exams in language arts, algebra, science, American history, American government and, in some cases, geometry.

Voucher students at private schools can take the ACT or SAT and all the end-of-course exams or an alternative test the school chooses. There are no testing requirements for non-voucher students at private schools.

Erin Glynn is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio lawmakers want accountability for private schools with vouchers
As Ohio lawmakers convened on Tuesday for a special session to address President Joe Biden's ability to appear on their general election ballot in November, the Democratic National Committee said it would move to conduct virtual party proceedings to certify Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party nominees -- a move that works around Ohio's ballot certification deadline.

Ohio's Senate Republicans ultimately passed a bill that would both allow Biden to appear on their general election ballot in November, but also bar foreign contributions to ballot issue campaigns. The latter was a direct response to GOP objections to the "Issue 1" campaign last year that constitutionally protected abortion in the state. The move came without Democratic support, however, with members seemingly empowered to vote against the legislation following the DNC announcement.

"We don't need your fix. The DNC just released a statement several minutes ago that says we're going to hold a virtual vote of our delegates across the country and nominate President Biden to the ballot," State Sen. Bill DeMora said on Tuesday. "We don't want a legislative fix that holds the voters and their rights to the whim of the majority."

MORE: DNC to nominate Biden and Harris to bypass Ohio ballot issues

Biden's ballot access had been uncertain in Ohio because of a conflict over the president's official party nomination and state election certification deadlines. The DNC's move to hold virtual nominations bypasses the ballot access concerns in the state.

Ohio law mandates that political parties confirm their presidential candidates 90 days before the general election -- on Aug. 7. While Biden wouldn't have been the official nominee until the DNC convenes on Aug. 19, after the deadline -- however the virtual nomination helps ensure that Biden is nominated before the Aug. 7 deadline.

The legislation Ohio Senators passed Tuesday extended the deadline to 74 days, which is Aug. 23, following the DNC. The House still needs to take up the bill.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden drinks coffee as he visits 1820 Candle Co. in East Palestine, Ohio, Feb. 16, 2024. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

MORE: Biden could face challenges getting on Ohio general ballot

Ohio's Republican Gov. Mike DeWine still urges a legislative remedy to the ballot access concerns.

"While I understand the Democratic National Committee has just today proposed a work-around to help get President Biden on the Ohio ballot, it is prudent legislation be passed to get this done. As I previously said, we do not want to leave something so basic as having the sitting President of the United States on the ballot to others when this can-and should-be done legislatively. It's the right thing to do," DeWine said in a statement.

"For these reasons, it is important that a bill or multiple bills that accomplish these common-sense measures come to my desk right away this week. It's the right thing to do," DeWine added.

PHOTO: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks, May 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Patrick Orsagos/AP)

MORE: Will Biden be on the Ohio ballot? Election official still concerned about deadline issue

The Ohio Senate on Tuesday considered just one bill that combined both the ballot issue fix for Biden and also the banning of foreign contributions to issue campaigns. Democrats had objected to Ohio Republicans' efforts to vote push the two issues through during the special session, arguing that the GOP has made a legislative fix to address ballot certification -- a measure that has been granted to both parties in previous election cycles -- a political one.

"This special session and the combination of these two bills is a political trade made to try and extract some price to be paid for President Biden being on the ballot," said House Democratic Whip Dani Isaacsohn during a House Government Oversight Committee meeting on Tuesday morning.

Republicans have denied the assertion that they were being "partisan" in trying to combine the issues.

"Which side is really being partisan? Because if we all agree that foreign election interference and foreign contributions into our elections are a problem, then why would somebody vote no on this bill?" said Republican Sen. Rob McColley.

Ohio is the only state where Biden would not qualify to be on the ballot this November. Alabama had also encountered conflicts between their ballot certification and Biden's official nomination, but their legislature unanimously passed a fix in May that was then signed by Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican.

"The fact that we couldn't -- like Alabama and any other state that had to deal with the issue this time -- just pass a clean bill and put Biden on the ballot and deal with all the other issues ... separately. But to put them together has been the thing of heartburn for all of us," said Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, a Democrat, Tuesday on the floor.

The special session to fix the issue legislatively was urged by DeWine last week.

DeWine also endorsed the GOP-led initiative to bar foreign money from issue campaigns, however.

MORE: Washington rule could leave Biden off the November ballot, but state has a solution

The Biden campaign has maintained that the president 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 -- Alabama, with full Republican support, and Washington State are already taking action to ensure that voters can exercise their right to vote for the candidate of their choice in November," Charles Lutvak, a spokesman for the Biden campaign, said in a statement to ABC News.

ABC News' Mike Pappano contributed to this report.

Ohio Senate passes GOP-led Biden ballot access bill without Democrats' support originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, speaks with reporters. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.)

Theyre playing dirty. Again. Turns out underhanded, undemocratic schemes to consolidate unilateral power are a feature, not a bug of Ohios one-party tyranny in the state. You and I are being systemically disempowered as an electoral check on imperious partisans who seek to rule not represent.

Ohio Republicans, who control every branch of state government and have gerrymandered themselves into unaccountable Statehouse supermajorities, have outdone themselves with their latest stunt: a twisted legislative maneuver to exploit a state ballot issue affecting the sitting president of the United States. Yep. Thats where we are, Ohio.

The ballot question involving candidate certification deadlines has come up twice before in presidential election years (2012, 2020) and been resolved by bipartisan consensus without pre-conditions. Not in 2024. Ohio Senate Republicans made a minor deadline extension for President Biden conditional on partisan gain. Forget bipartisan comity for the sake of democracy.

Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman is a control freak. The Lima Republican didnt hesitate to draft a plan that would subvert the sovereignty of voters (and direct democracy) and roll it into a simple ballot fix. Huffmans nemesis, Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, didnt hesitate to crater the Senate legislation and ditch a clean ballot resolution to certify Biden for the general election because why create a stir thats not necessary. Why??

Why allow Ohioans a choice of major party candidates for the presidency? Theres just not the will to do that from the legislature, said Stephens. Republicans in both the House and the Senate arent going to vote for a stand-alone Biden bill, said Huffman after inserting his unrelated amendments (into what should have been a stand-alone ballot measure) as the GOPs price for allowing a fair election in the fall.

Its the one-party-price-or-else plan for disenfranchising nearly 500,000 Ohioans who handed Biden an overwhelming primary win in March and the millions who may vote for him in November. Sadly, holding democracy hostage to devious legislative riders is emblematic of the self-serving, anti-democratic party presiding over Ohio with a pronounced disdain for voters.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is no outlier in his partys political sabotage machine. And he is no hero for ordering a special session of the General Assembly this week to get Biden on the general election ballot by legislative fiat. It was a cunning performance by the governor to appear as though he had a spine regarding Statehouse Republicans.

DeWine played the unconvincing role of adult in the room corralling misbehaving children. Straighten up and put the prospective Democratic nominee for president on the ballot, he thundered. His moderate role-playing was also a gambit to mitigate the bad national publicity Ohio has been receiving for shamelessly trying to leverage ballot placement of a major party candidate for partisan points.

But DeWines guise about giving a damn over the basic principle that Ohioans should be able to vote for either major party candidate seeking the presidency was blown when he embraced partisan legislation as leverage. He sided with Huffmans ploy to score political paybacks as a condition to grant Biden ballot access.

The Senate leader is still smarting over his smackdown in two statewide referendums last year. So Senate Republicans came up with a red herring designed to prevent what happened in 2023 (with both Issue 1s) from happening again. No more citizen revolt at the polls to circumvent an extremist legislature. No siree. Not if Huffman et al have their way.

Instead of sending a no-strings-attached bill to the Ohio House to ensure Biden gets on the ballot in the fall, the Senate larded the legislation with a provision to ban foreign spending on state ballot issues. The add-on is a smokescreen to throw a wrench into future citizen ballot initiatives  like the one advancing to end gerrymandering in Ohio.

The devil is in the details of this disingenuous move which goes beyond banning foreign nationals (already barred from contributing to candidates and campaigns) with new requirements and hurdles intended to stop grassroots groups in their tracks. It is Huffmans way to make it even more difficult for ordinary citizens to launch a ballot initiative  especially one opposed by the ruling class.

Also slyly folded into the compromised ballot bill embraced by DeWine was another poison pill that is also related to last years successful citizen initiative to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. This one attempts to short-circuit the legal process governing lower courts that temporarily block enforcement of state law while it is being challenged as unconstitutional  like Ohios abortion law. It was put on hold pending resolution of lawsuits that argue it in violation of the Ohio Constitution after passage of Issue 1.

Republicans aim to leap-frog over temporary restraining orders from county courts straight up to the partisan, Republican-majority state supreme court with an expedited appeal to overrule the common-pleas court judges blocking state law enacted by Republicans. Sound on the up-and-up to you? Me, neither. But there it is, along with the bogus foreign nationals ban tucked into Huffmans outrageous tradeoff to put Biden on the ballot.

DeWine endorsed the crass charade in his proclamation calling the legislature into special session. Shame on him. Shame on them all. Playing dirty. Again.

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Is it OK to drive with expired car registration tags? Heres what California law says

The California Vehicle Code outlines what drivers should  and shouldnt do  to avoid getting into trouble with law enforcement.

Sacramento resident Phil Kalstrom asked our journalists with How To California, a new community-driven series to help readers navigate life in the Golden State: Whats the law on expired car registration tags?

Has the Highway Patrol loosened their enforcement? Kalstrom wrote in an email to The Sacramento Bee.

Heres what the law says:

Can I drive with an expired car registration in California?

California Vehicle Code 4000 says you cannot drive, move, or park a vehicle on a highway or in a public parking lot unless it is registered and the fees are paid.

Vehicle code 360 states that a highway is a publicly maintained road open to public use for vehicles.

Highway includes street, the code states.

Vehicles drive eastbound on Highway 50 through a rainy morning commute on Thursday March 22, 2018 in Sacramento.

What are the penalties for driving with an expired car registration?

The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not offer a grace period for paying annual vehicle registration fees.

Be sure to pay your renewal fees on or before the expiration date shown on your current registration card, or the DMV will charge penalties, the DMV website said.

Although your cars license plates only show the month and year, the DMV said to check the registration card for the actual expiration date.

Before your cars registration expires, the DMV will send a billing notice about 60 days before the renewal is due.

The longer you delay payment, the greater the penalty amount will be, the DMV said. Penalty fees are assessed in addition to any other fees due.

Drivers with expired car registrations can face a late fee from both the California Highway Patrol and the DMV, ranging from $10 to $100 each, depending on how overdue the payment is.

The traffic clogging Californias roadways spews streams of greenhouse gases into the air. New regulations on fuel, designed to reduce carbon emissions, are expected to hike gas prices 36 cents a gallon by 2030.

According to Shouse California Law Group, a violation of California Vehicle Code 4000 can be charged as an infraction.

You can be fined $280, not including additional fees and court costs.

These tickets are usually correctable fix-it tickets, the law firm said on its website, which means you will be excused of an offense if you properly register your car after a ticket is issued.

Starting July 1, the CHP said, vehicle registration violations wont be the sole basis for enforcement action until the second month after expiration, as part of Assembly Bill 256.

This law will apply until Jan. 1, 2030.

However, if a vehicle is stopped for any other vehicle code violation, enforcement action for a violation of vehicle registration may be taken before the second month following the month of expiration, the CHP said in a news release.

Can my car be towed for expired tags?

If your parked vehicle doesnt have proper registration, authorities cannot tow or impound it unless they first try to contact you and inform you that it isnt registered in California, according to Shouse California Law Group.

How to California is a guide to help you figure out the laws, culture, recreation and more that make life in the Golden State one-of-a-kind.

Have a question about life in California?

How to California  a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.

Well answer your questions  big and small  about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.

Ask your questions in the form below (cant see it? Click here) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com.
One dead after police chase ends in shooting involving KC and KCK officers Monday

One person is dead after a shooting that involved police from both sides of the state line Monday night in Kansas City, Kansas.

Officers from the Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas, police departments were involved in the shooting around 8:20 p.m. near U.S. Highway 69 and the 18th Street Expressway, according to Melissa Underwood, a spokesperson for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The shooting broke out after police chased suspects allegedly connected to the armed robbery of a vehicle.

One male subject, whose age wasnt specified, was shot and killed. No law enforcement officers were injured.

KBI is investigating the shooting.

This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
Three hospitalized, including one teenager, in two Columbus shootings

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Three people were hospitalized during two separate Columbus shootings Monday night.

The first shooting occurred at around 7:15 p.m. in South Franklinton where officers were called to the 700 block of Canonby Place at the Southpark Apartments. Police said that there were no gunshot victims at the scene, which included approximately 100 people holding a candlelight vigil.

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Witnesses told police that a fight broke out and several people pulled out guns. Approximately 30 minutes later, officers were called to the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center on reports of a woman who walked in with a gunshot wound. She is listed in serious condition.

The highly poisonous plant spreading throughout Ohio; how to recognize and get rid of it

At about 10:26 p.m., Columbus police responded to reports of a fight in progress in the 800 block of Studer Avenue in the Driving Park neighborhood. While in route to the location, officers were advised shots were fired.

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Upon arrival two people were found suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim was taken to Grant Medical Center in stable condition. The other victim, a juvenile, was hospitalized and is in critical condition. Both are expected to survive their injuries

Police are searching for a black SUV that reportedly left the scene and are canvasing the neighborhood for any ring-camera or security footage.

Anyone with information regarding either incident to asked to contact Columbus Police Felony Assault Unit at 614-645-4141 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).

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.
In 2009, I drove 58 mph in a 45-mph zone and got a speeding ticket. Even though I wanted to make amends, I just couldnt afford to pay the $288 in fines and fees imposed. by the court. Because I couldnt afford to pay, my drivers license was suspended.

I spent the next 12 years struggling to get by without a drivers license. I wasnt punished for my actual traffic offense. I was punished for not being financially stable.

There are over 800,000 people in North Carolina who are in the same position I was. Theyve had their license suspended because of court debt or unresolved traffic matters. According to the Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law, half of those folks have not had a license for 10 years.

The North Carolina legislature can change that.

When my license was suspended, I was a single father raising two boys, ages 4 and 6, in Fayetteville. Like many people, I struggled to pay my bills. I was making $17 an hour doing data installation. Rent, groceries and other bills took most of my paycheck. With the little I had left, I made the difficult choice to spend the money on my children rather than paying money to the court.

I lost my job because it required that I drive. Without a license, it was hard to find other work. Most jobs I was qualified for required me to drive. Using the bus system was time-consuming. I asked for help from family, and my mom helped as much as she could, but it still wasnt enough.

I had to take my kids to daycare and after-school programs, whether I had a drivers license or not. That meant sometimes I drove without a license, and I got caught for that, too. I was not alone in that decision. The Wilson Center reports that three of four people with a suspended license continue to drive. Like me, they do not want to break the law, but have no other way to get to work or to the doctor or pick up their kids.

Like me, they are often met with more tickets for driving on a suspended license, adding to the impossible amount they owe.

I started working more often, and I saved up money. When I called the court clerk to confirm how much I owed and asked how I could pay, it seemed no one could help me. The process was so confusing that I got discouraged. I felt trapped.

I finally got my license restored when Pisgah Legal Services represented me pro bono. They got some of my citations dismissed and used a debt relief fund to pay off the remaining balance I owed the court.

Getting my license back is a critical step in my journey. I can support my family and help others. One of my jobs is to drive people to services they need as they reenter our community after incarceration or during recovery from substance use disorder. I pick them up from home and take them to AA, job interviews, grocery shopping, the food pantry, doctor, vocational services, or the YMCA.

So many people are trying to do the right thing to take care of their families. When their drivers license is suspended because they cant afford to pay a ticket, it traps them in a cycle of debt, pushing them into poverty.

But now, the North Carolina legislature has the chance to help people in situations like mine. Several bills have been introduced that would ban drivers license suspensions for not being able to pay fines and fees or appear in court. I urge the general assembly to seriously consider these bills in this legislative session and pass a law that would end drivers license suspensions for court debt to help people like me find jobs and get back on their feet.

Halston Fisher lives in Asheville where he works in community support with Land of Sky Regional Councils Transition Community Living Program, the United Way of Rutherford County, and Haywood Street Congregation.
Donald Trump was flanked by three of his children as he showed up for closing arguments in his hush-money trial Tuesdaybut both Ivanka and Melania were noticeably absent as closing arguments got underway.

Wheres Melania? a reporter yelled at the former president as he headed into the court.

Both Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. had previously shown their faces in court for their fatherEric more frequentlybut Tiffany Trumps presence on Tuesday appeared to underscore the significance of the jury soon entering into deliberations on a verdict. With closing arguments underway on Tuesday, jurors will soon have to decide whether Trump will become the first convicted former U.S. president.

Trump himself hinted at the gravity of the situation while speaking to reporters ahead of the hearing, declaring that this is a very dangerous day for America. Its a very sad day.

That Ivanka and Melania did not show their faces on such an important day is perhaps all the more shocking in light of the revolving door of political allies Trump has brought with him to court. Dozens of members of Congress have put on shows of support for Trump at the courthouse, along with plenty of MAGA wannabes and even comedian Joe Piscopo, but his wife and daughter have not once made an appearance. Nor has his son-in-law and former top adviser Jared Kushner, who is living a lavish life with Ivanka in Florida.

Perhaps that is because they want no part in his potential return to the White House. After all, many of those who have turned up in Trumps entourage are thought to be vying for some kind of political favor.

Ahead of closing arguments Tuesday, her dads trial appeared to be the furthest thing from Ivanka Trumps mind as she shared photos and videos from a night-out in Las Vegas to see Adele with her 12-year-old daughter Arabella. The former White House adviser said back in late 2022 that she was leaving politics behind in order to prioritize her kids.

But even then she vowed to continue to support her father, something she now appears to be doing only in absentia.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A disaster relief organization is providing free barbecue made by professional pit masters to people impacted by storm damage.

Operation Barbecue is a disaster relief organization founded by competition barbecue chefs and brings hot meals to disaster areas around the United States.

Operation BBQ Relief and Wrights BBQ will be at the Rogers District Court parking lot located at 1901 S Dixieland Road to distribute more than 200 meals May 28-29. Distribution at the Rogers District Court location will start at 11:30 a.m. and will end when all food is gone.

Operation BBQs latest meal distribution sites can be found on its Instagram page.



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.
GUANGZHOU, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, has become the latest Chinese city to ease home-buying restrictions and slash down-payment ratios.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, the municipal government of Guangzhou said home buyers in the city will enjoy reduced down-payment ratios.

Non-Guangzhou residents will also be allowed to purchase two homes, the same as local residents, in six districts of Guangzhou, if they have a record of paying social insurance or income tax in the city for at least six months -- down from two years as was previously required.

The six districts, including Yuexiu, Haizhu and Tianhe, previously allowed non-Guangzhou residents to purchase only one home.

A number of Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Chengdu have recently adjusted real estate policies, with measures such as eased purchase restrictions and trade-ins of commercial housing.

On Monday, the eastern metropolis of Shanghai unveiled a set of measures to support home buyers, including further easing home-purchase restrictions for non-Shanghai residents and allowing families with two or more children to purchase an additional home. 
As the Wests political leaders become increasingly preoccupied with the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, they risk losing their geopolitical influence in a small but strategically significant Black Sea country: Georgia.

On April 29, in one of his rare public appearances, Bidzina Ivanishvili  the founder and de facto leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party and a reclusive billionaire  accused the United States and the European Union of being a Western global war party and meddling in Georgias internal affairs.

Taking a page from Russian President Vladimir Putins playbook, Ivanishvili vowed to reintroduce a law on foreign agents, which would label organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad as being under foreign influence. The Kremlin-style law would allow the government to eliminate NGOs working for democracy and the rule of law, suppress independent media, and eradicate the opposition. Given this, the conclusion of Ivanishvilis speech, in which he promised EU accession, sounded like an Orwellian joke.

Read also: Opinion: Is Europe too big for further enlargement?

The speech, which was quickly followed by the laws passage on May 14, marked Georgias turn toward an autocratic regime similar to that of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Tens of thousands of protesters, led by Georgias young people, have taken to the streets to express their dissent, and their numbers continue to grow despite the governments violent attacks on opposition politicians and demonstrators.

Georgia has been here before. The government first introduced a law on foreign agents in March 2023, only to withdraw it following mass protests. Since then, Georgia was granted EU candidate status, which reassured many Georgians of their countrys European future. So why, given his seemingly pro-Western stance, did Ivanishvili make a U-turn now, ahead of parliamentary elections and when 90% of the population support EU accession?

The answer lies in Russia, where Ivanishvili amassed his fortune. As the linchpin of the so-called Middle Corridor, the shortest route connecting Europe to China and Central Asia, Georgia is a valuable prize for Putin.

The trajectory of the deep-sea port project in the Georgian town of Anaklia is illustrative. A joint venture between Georgias TBC Holding and U.S.-based Conti International was awarded the contract to build and operate the port in 2016. But the Georgian government terminated their contract in 2020, presumably under pressure from Russia, and is now considering bids from Chinese investors.

Demonstrators face police officers outside Georgia's parliament building during a protest in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 1, 2024, against the Georgian government's controversial "foreign agents" law. (Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty Images)

Still, preventing the West from making inroads into Georgia requires more than geopolitical maneuvering. The Georgian government must also turn to domestic repression to halt progress on the countrys EU and NATO bids.

It no longer matters whether Ivanishvili, who has been steering the country since 2012 (albeit mostly from the wings), has always been Russias Trojan horse or only recently decided that democracy does not serve his personal and political interests. The outcome remains the same: Putin has found a strong ally in Ivanishvili, who seems just as determined to distance Georgia from the West. This is a particularly dangerous objective as the fight for Ukraines future enters yet another decisive phase.

Russia is playing for high stakes. Burying Georgias European future would strengthen the Kremlins influence in the Caspian Sea region and Central Asia and bring Putin closer to his objective of rebuilding the Russian Empire.

When the EU granted candidate status to Georgia in December 2023, it sent a signal to its neighbors, especially Armenia and Azerbaijan, that the EU is committed to the long-term integration of the region. This has led Armenia  Russias strategic foothold in the Caucasus  to seek closer ties with the EU.

The Central Asian countries, rich in energy and mineral resources, have also expressed a growing interest in cooperating with the EU. Putin understands that crushing Georgias democratic and Western aspirations will likely put an end to these unwelcome developments.

As Georgians resist the re-Russification of their country, the West must also act. The U.S. is moving in the right direction: two bills that would support Georgias democracy and sanction politicians and officials attempting to destroy it have been introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Moreover, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced that visa restrictions will apply to anyone who undermines democratic processes or institutions in Georgia.

Read also: Opinion: Russias shadow fleet strategy draws from Irans playbook

But to ensure that the proposed travel bans and financial sanctions are not empty threats, the U.S. and the EU need to impose restrictions on Ivanishvili and the main players in his circle, including the henchmen who are intimidating demonstrators. This would offer the clearest possible sign of Western support for Georgias democracy.

Meanwhile, Georgia requires an unprecedented level of assistance, including an army of election observers, in the run-up to parliamentary polls in October 2024. The Georgian opposition parties have begun to form a pro-European front to challenge the ruling party, but they will need strong international support.

The upcoming elections are a referendum on Georgias European future, and if they are unfair, the West will likely lose its influence in the region. A coordinated U.S.-EU policy is needed to ensure that Georgias democracy survives this crisis. A victory for Putins allies would have devastating consequences for both Georgians and the West.

Editors Note: Copyright, Project Syndicate. This article was published by Project Syndicate on May 28, 2024, and has been republished by the Kyiv Independent with permission. The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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Editors Note: Bishop Robert Barron is bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester (Minnesota). He founded the Word on Fire Catholic media ministry and is one of the most followed Catholics in the world on social media. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion on CNN.

Bill Maher first came to my attention in the 1980s as a clever, wry and politically alert stand-up comic. But I began to follow him more closely about 20 years ago when, in the wake of the new atheist movement, he dedicated a good deal of his comedy to mocking religion and religious people.

Bishop Robert Barron - Courtesy Word on Fire

Again and again, on Mahers HBO program, Real Time with Bill Maher, he would often present the most extreme and simple-minded version of Christianity, and his audience would derisively laugh with him at the poor rubes who still believed such nonsense. All of this came to full expression in his 2008 documentary film, Religulous, which featured interview after interview with religious people utterly incapable of fending off Mahers rather standard and tired atheist objections. (HBO and CNN share a parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.)

Although he annoyed me, I suppose I continued to watch Maher to see what the other side was saying and thinking. In fact, the first YouTube video of mine that got a sizable audience was my rejoinder to Religulous. Actually, I can say with some confidence precisely why Mahers understanding of religion was so weak. He and I are around the same age, and both of us were educated in a Catholic context (his mother was Jewish, but his father was Irish Catholic).

To put it gently, the time when we were going through school was not a golden age of the Catholic intellectual tradition. I remember that religion class was largely a matter of banners, balloons and a vague commitment to social justice. An awful lot of Catholics from our Baby Boomer generation fell away from the church because, when they grew up, the childish version of the faith that they had received proved grossly inadequate.

Over the past five years, Maher appears to have largely dropped his obsession with religion and has spent considerable time articulating his opposition to the woke ways of thinking that have managed to capture the allegiance of most of the major institutions of our country: universities, corporations, the military, government and so on.

As he has done so, I have found myself, time and again, nodding my head in agreement. To my surprise, the nemesis had become an ally.

Like me, Maher finds that what he and others have called wokeism represents not a development of classical liberalism, but a deviation from it. Whereas classical liberalism holds to freedom of speech, a colorblind society, equality of opportunity and the peaceful adjudication of dispute through argumentation, I see proponents of wokeism argue for strict limitation on speech, a racialized consciousness, forced equity of outcome and the stirring up of antagonism between those considered oppressors and those considered the oppressed.

Moreover, the classical liberalism espoused by everyone from former presidents Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy to Martin Luther King Jr. called for the fixing of our social problems through reason and political action, whereas many on todays left embrace the rhetoric of victimization and complaint. Finally, the classical liberal tradition holds to the objectivity of science and the reliability of mathematics, whereas what I see as the philosophy of wokeism treats the fields of both science and math as expressive of patriarchy and western cultural imperialism.

Classical liberalism has its shortcomings, to be sure. (If you want a detailed discussion of this, consult my book The Priority of Christ: Toward a Postliberal Catholicism.) Nevertheless, I would insist that liberalism is a heck of a lot better than wokeism. In opposing the latter and preferring the former, therefore, Maher and I very much make common cause.

Maher and I both feel that one of the ugliest aspects of our contemporary society is the all-or-nothing antagonism that is characteristic of wokeism and the brutal cancel culture that follows from it. The woke consensus is that those we disagree with are not just to be corrected or ignored; they are to be shouted down and silenced.

Perhaps the most sickening feature of the recent fiasco surrounding Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butkers commencement address at Benedictine College was the X (formerly Twitter) post by a social media manager for the city of Kansas City, specifying the suburb where Butker lives. (The post was quickly deleted and the mayor said the employee, who has not been publicly identified, no longer works there.) One is certainly permitted to quarrel with Butkers views on sexuality, gender relations and marriage, but to expose him and his family to potential harassment or threats is beyond ridiculous. In calling out all of this dangerous nonsense, Maher, who pointedly described the overreaction to Butkers comments as branding him as historys greatest monster, is performing a real public service by standing up for those who may face backlash from expressing similar views.

In a Sunday interview with CNNs Fareed Zakaria, Maher observed that political opponents today dont just disagree with each other but have begun to perceive one another as an existential threat. What a sad decline, he lamented, from the 1980s when Republican President Ronald Reagan and former House Speaker Tip ONeill, a Massachusetts Democrat, could sit down for a friendly drink at the end of a workday. He said he couldnt imagine President Joe Biden and House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, doing that today.

And Maher practices that fraternity across ideologies. Last week, he appeared as a guest on the Greg Gutfeld show on Fox. Gutfeld hosts the most popular program on late-night TV, and he represents a strongly conservative perspective. Maher listened to Gutfelds monologue, even laughing heartily a number of times, and then he engaged the host and the other guests  all conservatives  in lively conversation. Maher and Gutfeld especially locked horns in regard to former President Donald Trump and his fitness for high office, with neither man backing down from his position. But they didnt insult one another; they didnt resort to smear tactics. They presented arguments and, at the close of the program, they were both laughing.

What Maher was doing  and I give him great credit for it  was demonstrating in action that intellectual opponents do not have to demonize one another and that they can talk through issues without resorting to violence or personal attack.

And in so doing, he was both striking at the foundation of wokeism and showing, in a truly patriotic spirit, that he still believes in the democratic process. So, leaving aside for the moment his past and its far less than adequate understanding of religion, let me say, Three cheers for Bill Maher!

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South Africans will flock to the polls on May 29 for the countrys most important general election since the advent of its non-racial democracy in April 1994. According to most opinion polls, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, Africas oldest liberation movement, is expected to fall below a 50% majority.

The reasons for this shift are clear. South Africans are largely disappointed in the ANCs performance, with 80% believing the country is heading in the wrong direction and over half consistently blaming the ANC. Just 10% of voters now attribute issues to the countrys history of racial separation, reflecting the concerns of a modern generation.

Over 40% of South Africans are unemployed, the country has suffered frequent power outages (known locally as load-shedding) due mainly to poor maintenance and dodgy contracts, and South African cities rank among the most violent globally, with an average of 27,000 murders annually.

The ANC also presided over the largest corruption scandal in South Africas history, known as state capture, which cost the country, by South African President Cyril Ramaphosas own admission, over 500 billion rand (nearly $28 billion).

Read also: Opinion: The global implications of Georgias political crisis

But should South Africas election matter to Ukraine? Put simply, yes.

The ANC, while officially maintaining neutrality and participating in various Ukrainian peace discussions through its national security advisor, has been unequivocally pro-Moscow in light of Russias war against Ukraine.

The ANC has facilitated joint military exercises with Russia, participated in regular security dialogues and conferences in Moscow, and engaged in bilateral arms trade since February 2022, though in which direction exactly remains disputed. Washingtons stance on the Lady R shipping affair, wherein U.S. Ambassador Reuben Brigety accused South Africa of having weapons intended for Russia loaded on the sanctioned Russian ship, highlighted this situation.

More direct Russian involvement in South Africas election has manifested through monetary donations to the ANC by United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK), a mining company where Viktor Vekselberg, a Russian oligarch with ties to the Kremlin, is a major investor. The opposition Democratic Alliance, currently polling at around 25%, has also been targeted by Kremlin-linked websites, clearly indicating that Russian President Vladimir Putin is determined to keep the Russia-friendly ANC in power in Pretoria.

More generally, South Africa has firmly aligned itself with the BRICS grouping, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. With the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, BRICS has become as much anti-Western as it is authoritarian.

If the ANC receives less than 50% of the vote in this election, it will likely be forced into a coalition with one or more partners. Should the ANC secure just 45% of the vote from South Africas 28 million-strong electorate, it could potentially make a deal with smaller parties in the 400-seat national assembly.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) greets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during their bilateral meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on July 29, 2023. (Contributor/Getty Images)

However, if it receives less than 45%, it will need to negotiate with one or two of the bigger opposition factions. On the left, there are the populist ANC breakaway parties, like MK under former President Jacob Zuma, who oversaw a period of rampant corruption, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Both MK and EFF maintain relations with Putins regime.

EFF President Julius Malema has stated: Actually, I would go beyond the friendship with Russia and in the war, I would align with Russia, and I would even supply the weapons to Russia because Russia is at war with imperialism and any agenda that seeks to push back imperialist agendas is well within the policies of EFF.

Zuma, who forged closer ties with Moscow during his tenure as South Africas leader from 2009 to 2018, has made several trips to Russia for health reasons since being removed from office. His MK party, often praised by pro-Russian X accounts and historically close to the Soviet Unions GRU, has allegedly received financial support from interests close to the Kremlin. In return, Zuma has described Putin as a man of peace whose actions were justified in response to the alleged threats posed by the U.S. and NATOs expansion.

The ANCs less populist alternative is forming a coalition with centrist parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), led by John Steenhuisen, and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), previously synonymous with its founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who passed away last year.

Steenhuisens DA, which governs the Western Cape province, has strongly supported Kyiv. He even visited Ukraine in May 2022, although, interestingly, he received very little support from Ukraines South African representatives for his courage and initiative.

As Steenhuisen has stated regarding Putin and the war:

If South Africa is serious about its commitment to human rights, we should explicitly condemn Putins invasion (of Ukraine), which Pretoria has routinely failed to do. We should be offering Ukraine and its allies the means to defend itself against such aggression and working with Kyiv and its partners to build a prosperous and lasting relationship based on democratic values, freedom, and respect for territorial sovereignty.

Read also: Opinion: Is Europe too big for further enlargement?

Steenhuisen added that it has been surprising that the DAs unwavering support from the outset for Ukraine has been so little appreciated by its local representatives.

The DAs position on the war aligns with the views of most South Africans. In a nationwide poll conducted in November 2022, three-quarters of South African voters, including the same number of ANC voters, believed that Russias invasion of Ukraine should be condemned, and 80% said South Africa should support any country invaded by its neighbor.

These views reflect the broader foreign policy orientation of South Africans, with two-thirds of voters saying that the country should most closely ally itself with the West (43%) or Africa (22%), while under 20% favored orienting closer to BRICS.

The prospect of five more years of unadulterated ANC rule appears unappealing to most South Africans. Whether the coalition that emerges is more populist or pragmatic will determine not only the immediate fate of South Africas social and economic prospects but also its foreign policy direction, including its stance on Russias war in Ukraine. Kyiv would do well to remember this in how it engages with African oppositions in the future.

Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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MANHATTAN (KSNT)  An insect expert with Kansas State University is warning farmers to be on the lookout for a new threat that is devouring crops in northeast Kansas this year.

Anthony Zukoff, an entomologist with K-State, said in a press release from K-States Research and Extension Office the soybean gall midge is causing problems for soybean farmers in two northeast Kansas counties. The pest can make life difficult for soybean farmers, potentially devastating production of the important Kansas crop.

After several years of Nebraska counties on the Kansas line having infestations, soybean gall midge finally showed up in northeast Kansas  in Nemaha and Marshall counties  last year, Zukoff said.

The soybean gall midge appears as a tiny fly which lays eggs in soybean fields. The eggs lead to maggots which begin feeding on soybean stems.

Their maggots consume tissue inside the stems of the plants, and this leads to severe lodging (plants falling over) and outright plant death, Zukoff said.

Warm weather pushes snakes into Kansas homes

Initially, the insects start at the fields edge before moving deeper into the field. In some instances, this could lead to complete crop loss in some fields depending on the extent of the soybean gall midges presence.

Zukoff recommends soybean farmers keep an eye on their fields for wilting soybean plants as this could be a sign of the pests presence among their crops. Swollen and darkened stems at the base of the plant, wilting and dark coloration could point to the presence of maggots in the soybean.

If you do see some maggots, especially if theyre bright orange, reach out to your local extension professionals because early detection for this pest is really important, Zukoff said.

Zukoff said soybean gall midges appear as small, gnat-like flies that are just a couple millimeters long. The insects are usually bright orange with mottled wings and striped legs. Maggots appear as a cream color initially before turning bright orange.

No practical insecticide recommendations exist to combat the spread of this pest as they are a relatively new threat to farmers. However, Zukoff does have a few recommendations for fighting back.

When do cicadas emerge in Kansas?

If you have a field thats been infested very heavily next to a field that you want to plant, you might consider not planting near those fields, Zukoff said. You can also rotate to a different crop for a growing season or two.

Zukoff encourages people concerned with the spread of the soybean gall midge to follow the Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network for updates on the problem. You can learn more about this resource by clicking here.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Researchers from the University of Oregon found a new type of volcanic eruption after studying a series of devastating explosions from Hawaiis Kilauea volcano in 2018.

While no eruptions are alike, the scientists say the 12 back-to-back eruptions are in a whole new category, and could help scientists forecasts eruptions in the future.

According to the researchers, the explosions were driven by a sudden increase in pressure as the ground collapsed which blasted plumes of rock fragments and hot gas into the air, much like a classic stomp-rocket toy.

Known shoplifter among 14 arrested in Portland retail theft mission

The string of explosions at the summit was part of a sequence of events including lava flows erupting from a lower flank of the volcano, which destroyed thousands of homes and displaced residents in Hawaii for months, UO said.

University of Oregon researchers discovered a new stomp-rocket volcanic eruption style as seen in 2018 at Hawaiis Kilauea. The lava flow during the series of eruptions destroyed thousands of homes. (Courtesy USGS.)

University of Oregon researchers discovered a new stomp-rocket volcanic eruption style as seen in 2018 at Hawaiis Kilauea. The lava flow during the series of eruptions destroyed thousands of homes. (Courtesy USGS.)

University of Oregon researchers discovered a new stomp-rocket volcanic eruption style as seen in 2018 at Hawaiis Kilauea. The lava flow during the series of eruptions destroyed thousands of homes. (Courtesy USGS.)

Explosive volcanic eruptions are primarily driven by rising magma, vaporized groundwater, or a combination of the two; however, UO doctoral student Josh Crozier said the 2018 eruptions didnt involve either of those scenarios.

The eruptive material contained very little that looked like fresh magma that was blasted out, but theres no evidence for significant groundwater being involved either, Crozier said.

VIDEO: Floating whale carcass washes ashore on Oregon Coast

A cool thing about these eruptions is that there were a bunch of them in sequence that were remarkably similar; thats relatively unusual, said UO volcanologist Leif Karlstrom. Typically, volcanic eruptions dont happen with as much regularity.

Before each explosion at the summit, magma slowly drained from an underground reservoir, which was feeding lava flows 40 kilometers away on the eastern flank of the volcano, researchers explained.

As the reservoir depleted, the ground above it  the crater at the volcanos summit  suddenly collapsed.

Legendary Trail Blazer, Hall of Famer Bill Walton passes away at 71

That quickly increased the pressure in the reservoir. And because there was a pocket of accumulated magmatic gas sitting at the top of this reservoir, the pressure increase squeezed the magmatic gas and bits of rubble through a conduit and blasted them out of a vent in Kilaueas crater, UO officials said.

The stomp is this whole kilometer-thick chunk of rock dropping down, pressurizing the pocket, and then forcing material directly up, Crozier explained. And the rocket is, of course, the gas and rocks erupting from the volcano.

Researchers noted while this is the first time scientists described the stomp-rocket mechanism, this is likely not the only time it has occurred.

Suspect arrested after numerous cars shot with ball bearings in Forest Grove

The research team  including scientists from the University of Oregon, the United States Geological Survey, and Chinas Sichuan University  published their findings in Nature Geoscience on Monday.

The team said this study can help volcanologists make better forecasts about future eruptions and can provide more accurate warnings for people in the path of an eruption.

This is an example, and theres an increasing number of these, where the pathways of magma ascent are quite geometrically complex, Karlstrom said. It gives us a much more nuanced picture of what volcanic plumbing systems look like.

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PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD)  Some Michiganders are still dealing with downed trees and debris all over their yards after tornadoes hit three weeks ago.

Humanitarian organization World Renew Disaster Response Services has volunteers helping to pick up the pieces and bring hope.

Our focus is that if there is a need later on from one of our local partners, if they find people who need assistance fixing their homes or putting the pieces back together, that is certainly a part of what we do, said Chris Gibson, World Renew Disaster Response Services group manager.

The humanitarian organization brings help and hope to people in the aftermath of natural disasters. An army of volunteers is giving their time in Cass County and in the hard-hit city of Portage after several tornadoes, including two EF2s rolled through on May 7.

Preliminary assessment: Portage tornado destroyed 60 buildings

We do everything from initial clean up, chainsaw work after tornadoes like weve experienced here in Michigan, all the way up to unbelievably experienced crews who do professional-level reconstruction work, Gibson said.

World Renew is a faith-based organization that works directly with community partners.

In the case of Cass County, when I reached out to Manny DeLaRosa from the Emergency Management office, Manny actually answered the phone and that began a conversation, said Gibson.

When recovering after a natural disaster without insurance, people can be left in a dark situation. Thats why the World Renew Disaster Response Services works to be the hope. They are only a call away if West Michigan areas need their services.

NWS confirms 4 tornadoes in Southwest Michigan Tuesday

Manny has been phenomenal to work with. Not only did he answer the phone and ask good questions, but he actually went and visited homes specifically with our services in mind, took our liability forms to the homeowners, explained who we were, got descriptions of damage on the properties, so that we can deploy volunteers, Gibson said.

Gibson said the only thing worse than not deploying volunteers to a disaster is sending volunteers out and them not having any work to do.

County sending dollars to Portage, townships after tornado

Manny has done a great job of steering us toward people who need that done so that our chainsaw crews and our tractor operators get out there and do what they love to do, which is to help people, said Gibson.

World Renew wants to help people who may be overlooked.

We need somebody on the ground to say, Here, these folks need help and they can go introduce us to Mrs. Smith or Mr. Jones, or whoever the people may be. We find that the local partner helps get us in quicker and helps where its most needed, Gibson said.

Visit the World Renew Disaster Response Services Facebook page for more information.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Monday, dozens of veterans were honored in Winter Park with a service to remember military heroes who died serving.

The service was held at Glen Haven Memorial Park and started at 10:30 a.m. with music by the VFW Post 2093 Community Band.

There was a wreath-laying and a rifle salute, and veterans got to meet each other.

Read: Central Florida continues a very hot Memorial Day

Its just a wonder, wonderful feeling when you see a couple of veterans that have been in it together and are fighting it through and give each other a big hug, said Mel Jenner, World War II Veteran.

Jenner, who attended the ceremony and reflected on the day he flew over the coast of Normandy, France, on D-Day, June 6th, 1944.

Read: A time for reflection: Orange County honors troops on Memorial Day

There must have been five or six thousand ships of all different sizes. And some had people on them troops in them, tanks were in water. You look down you see four or five tanks, and you turn your head and look back and they were gone. They sunk, said Jenner.

Jenner said he flew in a B-17 Bomber supporting a mission to take pictures of the success and losses of the Allied invasion.

Read: UCF back in NCAA Tournament for first time since 2017

Mel Jenner served in the 8th and 9th Air Force, surviving 45 aerial combat missions. He later served in the Air Force in Korea and Vietnam.

On May 31st, Jenner, the 101-year-old veteran, will return to Normandy with 69 other World War II veterans and their guardians as honored guests of American Airlines on a charter flight to honor them for their service and sacrifice.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
BATH, N.Y. (WETM)  An Otego man was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly drove two hours to meet with and take home a 14-year-old girl in Bath.

According to the Village of Bath Police Department, Andrew McCarthy, 35, was arrested on Saturday, May 25, after police were sent to Mossy Bank Park for the report of a man meeting a 14-year-old with the intention of taking her home.

Waverly man arrested on drug charges, allegedly found in strangers car

Upon arrival, police spoke with McCarthy who allegedly traveled the two hours to meet with the girl and have a sexual relationship with her.

After an investigation, McCarthy was charged with attempted rape in the second degree, a class E felony, and attempted luring a child, a class D felony. He was processed and transported to the Steuben County Jail where he was arraigned in the morning on Sunday, May 26.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
General view of tents in which displaced Palestinians take refuge in, next to the Egyptian border with the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. An Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah hit tents housing displaced people, Palestinian medics said on 27 May evening. The Palestinian Red Crescent said on X that there were "numerous" people killed and injured in the bombardment north-west of Rafah. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

The Hamas-run health authority in Gaza on Monday said 45 people were killed and dozens injured in an Israeli airstrike that hit tents housing displaced people near the southern city of Rafah.

Most of the victims of the airstrike were women and children, the health authority said, describing the incident as a "massacre."

The information could not initially be independently verified, but the Palestinian Red Crescent earlier said on the social media platform X that there were "numerous" people killed and injured in the bombardment north-west of Rafah.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, that Israel was investigating "an incident."

"In Rafah, we have evacuated about one million civilians," Netanyahu said on Monday.

"Tragically, despite our immense efforts to avoid harming non-combatants, an incident occurred yesterday. We are investigating it thoroughly and will learn from it, as is our policy and longstanding conduct."

"For us, any non-combatant hurt is a tragedy, for Hamas, it is a strategy," Netanyahu stated. "That is the core difference."

Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said via X that two senior officials of the Palestinian militant group Hamas were killed in the airstrike.

"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 Hamas' use of the area," the IDF said in a statement.

"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 statement added.

The strike came just days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague ordered Israel to halt its assault on Rafah.

The incident sparked international horror and outrage.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday, following a request by Algeria supported by Slovenia, diplomats said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the airstrikes "which killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict," he wrote on X.

"There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop."

Meanwhile, an exchange of fire between Israeli and Egyptian troops near the border to the Gaza Strip also caused new concerns that the war could escalate.

An Egyptian soldier was killed, an Egyptian military spokesman confirmed on Monday.

It is the first publicly known fatality in the ranks of the Egyptian military since the start of the Gaza war almost eight months ago. Israel's army confirmed an exchange of fire and said the incident was being investigated.

The situation at the Rafah border crossing has become increasingly tense. Israeli troops recently took control of the crossing on the Palestinian side as well as a border strip between Egypt and Gaza.

Aid organizations report dozens dead in Israeli strike

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 aid organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that a medical facility it supports in the area treated dozens of wounded, while more than 15 dead people were brought to their trauma stabilization point.

"We are horrified by this deadly event, which shows once again that nowhere is safe. We continue to call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza," MSF said on X.

Arab countries react angrily

Several Arab countries on Monday condemned the Israeli airstrike.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the "deliberate bombing of displaced people's tents in the Palestinian city of Rafah" was a "new and blatant violation of the provisions of international law."

Qatar also condemned the attack as a "grave violation of international laws that will aggravate the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Strip."

The Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed concern that the latest strike would complicate ongoing mediation efforts and obstruct a permanent ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas confirmed to dpa that it was suspending ceasefire negotiations which were expected to restart this week.

In separate statements, Jordan and Kuwait condemned "war crimes" committed by Israel in Gaza and urged the international community to compel Israel to adhere to the ICJ ruling on Rafah.

Germany calls strike 'a mistake'

German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said the airstrike was presumably "a mistake" and again defended Israel's "right to defend itself within the framework of international law."

Asked about allegations of Israeli war crimes in Gaza, Hebestreit said that the German government would withhold judgement.

"The conclusion as to whether this is a war crime in terms of international law is something that must be left to lawyers who know the exact facts," Hebestreit said in Berlin.

If there is evidence of such a crime, the German government would certainly condemn it, Hebestreit said.

World leaders condemn Israeli airstrike in Rafah

French President Emmanuel Macron was among the leaders calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and full compliance with international law.

"These operations must stop," wrote an "outraged" Macron on X. "There are no safe zones for Palestinian civilians in Rafah."

The "devastating images" following the attack were "heartbreaking," a US State Department spokesperson said.

"We are actively engaging the IDF and partners on the ground to assess what happened, and understand that the IDF is conducting an investigation."

"We are horrified by strikes that killed Palestinian civilians in Rafah," Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly wrote on X.

"Israel's strikes have had horrific and unacceptable consequences," Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong wrote.

The war in Gaza was triggered by the massacre of more than 1,200 people by terrorists from Hamas and other militant groups on October 7.

Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground offensive. International criticism of Israel has grown as the death toll among Palestinians has increased. It currently stands at over 35,000 people killed, according to Hamas authorities in Gaza.

Palestinians inspect their destroyed tents after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Palestinians inspect their destroyed tents after an Israeli air strike, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, in the Al-Mawasi area, which was bombed with a number of missiles on the tents of displaced people west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with Puan Maharani, speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives, in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji held talks with Puan Maharani, speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives, on Tuesday in Beijing.

Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, noted Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.

He added that China is willing to work with Indonesia to follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to deepen all-round strategic cooperation, and promote the building of a community with a shared future at a high level.

China and Indonesia share broad common interests, Zhao said, calling on both sides to consolidate high-level strategic mutual trust and firmly support each other's core interests.

Zhao added that China will continue to enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Indonesia's development strategies to upgrade practical cooperation, and boost people-to-people exchanges.

Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Zhao said China is ready to work with Indonesia and other ASEAN countries to strengthen multilateral coordination on the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and jointly contribute to world peace, stability, development and prosperity.

The long-standing tradition of friendly exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries is an important manifestation of the high-level strategic mutual trust between China and Indonesia, Zhao said.

He added that China's NPC is willing to continue to carry out multi-level and multi-field communication and exchanges with Indonesia's House of Representatives to better serve the economic development and modernization process of their respective countries.

He called on both sides to strengthen coordination and cooperation under multilateral mechanisms to safeguard the common interests of the two countries and developing countries.

Maharani stressed that Indonesia firmly upholds the one-China principle and regards it as the political foundation of Indonesia-China relations.

Indonesia hopes to take the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries next year to deepen cooperation in the economic, political, cultural, legal and maritime fields and bring more benefits to the two peoples, Maharani said.

Indonesia's House of Representatives is willing to maintain close and friendly exchanges with China's NPC and play a positive role in developing mutually beneficial bilateral relations, Maharani noted. 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with Puan Maharani, speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives, in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Heres what to know about this active recall.

Courtesy of Brand

There is an active recall in Canada affecting Nutrl branded tumbler cups, according to the Government of Canada. This is due to potential chemical and ingestion hazards.

The 30-ounce stainless-steel tumblers were given to consumers as a free promotional gift with the purchase of a 12- or 15-pack of Nutrl seltzers. These were sold at various liquor stores and private retailers nationwide from April 29 through May 17. Approximately 33,000 tumblers are affected by this recall.

Related: Yogurt-Covered Pretzels Sold at Walmart, Target and More Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

Based on testing to date, some of the tumblers may contain a chemical solution that was trapped between the inner walls of the tumbler, which contains some levels of sulfuric and phosphoric acids, the recall announcement states. This solution may release when the tumbler is filled with liquid, posing a potential risk of serious injury. The interaction between the solution and the tumbler may also result in elevated levels of iron, chromium and nickel.

Testing was conducted after the company received 43 reports of customers experiencing symptoms like headache, nausea, cramping, abdominal pain and diarrhea after using one of the recalled tumbler cups. Other symptoms may include burning of the lips, tongue, throat, stomach and/or other tissue damage, as well as blistering, burns, pain and redness when in contact with the skin.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms after using the recalled product, seek medical attention immediately. Dispose of the impacted tumbler or contact the company for a possible refund by calling 1-866-846-1778 toll free, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, or emailing nutrltumblerca@sedgwick.com.

Related: Should You Worry About Lead in Your Tumbler? Here's What to Know

Read the original article on Eating Well.
Nine in 10 Scottish secondary schools teach pupils that gender identity that may be different to biological sex - KLAUS VEDFELT/DIGITAL VISION

More than 95 per cent of Scottish secondary schools are telling children they can self-identify their gender, an investigation has found.

In a report, For Women Scotland, the campaign group, claimed that an unscientific contested belief system had become deeply embedded within classrooms as a result of controversial SNP government guidance and the influence of radical activist groups.

In findings based on freedom of information requests from hundreds of schools, the group discovered nine in 10 Scottish secondaries taught pupils that humans have a gender identity that may be different to their biological sex.

At least 95.4 per cent are operating gender self-ID policies, meaning schools consider the gender of the child to be whatever they declare it to be.

The situation means that biological males are being allowed to participate in female sport classes and share toilets and changing rooms with girls in a majority of high schools, the report warns.

The SNP government has kept controversial guidance, which calls on teachers to be affirming to children who say they are trans and endorses social transition, in place despite the recent findings of the Cass review.

The Cass review warns of the potential risks of social transitioning, something the controversial Scottish guidance endorses - YUI MOK/PA

In her landmark report, published in April, Dr Hilary Cass warned of potential risks of social transition  when names and pronouns are changed  saying it could push children down a potentially harmful medical pathway when issues could be resolved in other ways.

Aspects of her findings have been criticised by activist groups such as LGBT Youth Scotland, which runs a widely-adopted charter scheme in Scottish schools and helped draw up the Scottish Government guidance.

The charity, which receives almost 1 million a year in public funding, trains thousands of teachers and promotes highly controversial concepts around sex and gender.

It has produced a list of 17 different genders and a safe sex guide for children in which it claims it is possible for lesbians to have a penis.

The report found that only 4 per cent of schools always tell parents when a child discloses feelings of gender distress and 89 per cent teach people have a gender identity that may be different to their biological sex.

Trina Budge, a For Women Scotland director, said: There is a misconception that the occasional headlines in the press about children socially transitioned without parents knowledge or boys causing upset by using the girls toilets represent isolated incidents.

This report conclusively disproves that theory. Schools, by and large, unquestioningly follow [SNP government] advice, even when it is out of date, unlawful and supports an unscientific contested belief system that has more in common with religious studies than it does with biology lessons.

Confuses children

The investigation was designed to mirror a similar exercise conducted by Policy Exchange, the think tank, in English schools last year.

That report had a significant influence on UK Government policy, with teachers in England now told to always inform parents and to take a very cautious approach if pupils want to socially transition.

However, the Scottish guidance states parents should not always be informed and that teachers should immediately ask for a childs new name and pronouns if they declare they are trans.

It adds that it is possible to come out as trans at any age and also endorses breast binders despite health risks.

While Policy Exchange found that in England, 40 per cent of schools previously operated a gender self-ID policy, in Scotland the figure was more than 95 per cent.

Before new UK Government guidance was introduced, 28 per cent of English schools said they always informed parents if a child wished to socially transition, while in Scotland it is just 4 per cent.

For Women Scotland made six recommendations, including scrapping and replacing the current Scottish Government guidance, ending the involvement of LGBT Youth Scotland and other activist groups in schools, and allowing parents to view teaching materials.

Meghan Gallacher, the deputy leader of the Scottish Tories, welcomed the report and called on SNP ministers to consider the recommendations closely.

Gender self-ID confuses children and shouldnt be taught in our classrooms, she said.

It is crucial that if a child expresses distress about their gender at school, parents are informed immediately so they can best support their child.

Now that the Greens  and their extreme gender ideology  have been removed from government, the SNP must put the safety of our children and young people first by backing and implementing the Cass report in full.

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.

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BRADFORD COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM)  A roadwork project in South Waverly and Athens will begin tonight.

According to PennDOT, crews will be working on a micro-surfacing project on Route 220 from just north of the intersection with Route 199 in Athens Township to about 0.2 miles south of the New York State line in Waverly Borough. The adjacent Route 1064 (Pine Street) and Route 4022 (Wilawana Road) interchanges will be included in this project.

Bridge replacement projects to begin in Tioga County, Pa.

Work will start on May 28 with pavement markings removal, and micro-surfacing will take place during the week of June 3. Crews will be working overnight between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., and the project is expected to be completed on Friday, July 19. The weather could impact the work schedule.

There will be lane restrictions in areas where work is being performed. Motorists should drive with caution through the work zone and be prepared for delays in travel.

According to PennDOT, micro-surfacing projects help maintain and preserve the surface of existing roads. This project costs $1,361,467, and the primary contractor is Suit-Kote.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
The Committee for Culture of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has recognized the erasure of Ukrainian cultural identity as a tool of Russias war against Ukraine and an element of the policy of genocide, aimed at killing the Ukrainian nation.

Source: Yevhenia Kravchuk, member of the Ukrainian delegation in PACE, on her Facebook page, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kravchuk noted that the committee for culture of the PACE in Copenhagen unanimously supported her resolution "Counteraction against the Erasure of Cultural Identity during Wartime and Peace".

PACE will consider adopting the resolution at its session in June. Among the key provisions of the document are the following:

facilitation of full compensation of damage under international law and guaranteed non-repetition on the damage;

increasing the awareness on how propaganda, colonial and non-colonial practices, mainly the ideology of the "Russian world", can create the basis for violating the international law, specifically concerning cultural heritage;

providing for the sanctions against everyone who conducts or facilitates illegal transfer or trade of artefacts, conducts illegal excavations or uses artefacts for their own gain (exhibitions, auctions, scientific publications), as well as facilitating the prosecution of the authorities and state institutions involved.

The resolution enshrines that Russia uses cultural "cleansing" as a tool of war in order to facilitate the existence of another cultural identity and erase the historical roots, values, heritage, literature, traditions and language.

Such actions are war crimes and crimes against humanity and are evidence of a concrete genocidal intention to kill the Ukrainian nation or at least part of it, mainly by destroying the Ukrainian cultural identity and culture, Kravchuk stated. This is a part of the genocide campaign which Russia is conducting against the Ukrainian people.

Kravchuk illustrated her speech in the Committee for Culture with a book by a writer Volodymyr Vakulenko published by the Vivat publishing house, the printing house of which in the city of Kharkiv was destroyed in a Russian missile strike. Volodymyr Vakulenko was killed by the Russian occupiers. Viktoria Amelina, who had found Vakulenkos diary he had written during occupation, and wrote a preface for the book, was also killed as a result of the Russian missile attack.

"This is a tragic story. "The New Executed Renaissance" (the Executed Renaissance is the generation of Ukrainian language poets, writers, and artists of the 1920s and early 1930s who lived in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic  ed.)  is what my resolution is about. It is about how we can preserve what Russia is trying to destroy, kill and erase. It is about Ukrainian culture, our heritage and identity," Kravchuk commented.

In January, PACE adopted the resolution on the situation of Ukrainian children.

The document contains the important political confirmation that Russia is committing the crime of genocide by systematically kidnapping Ukrainian children.

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Packing to get ready: Perry Local prepares for move to new elementary schools

Third grader Kali D'Elia signs the T-shirt of classmate Lindsey Shanklin on the last day of school at Genoa Elementary School on May 17. Perry Local elementary students ended the school year early as the district prepares to move into new facilities. Genoa, Whipple, Watson and Lohr elementary schools are set to be demolished.

PERRY TWP.  It will be a busy summer for Perry Local Schools as officials remove years of educational materials and memories from the district's elementaries before moving into new buildings next school year.

To prepare, elementary students' last day of school was May 17. Teachers then began packing up their classrooms.

"It (was) moving week," Superintendent Nate Stutz said. "Classrooms (in the new building) have been assigned and things will be moved into their classroom."

While their boxes are being moved, teachers won't get a look at the new space for some time as crews continue to finish the new buildings.

Construction crews have started the finish list work on the classrooms, said Darryl Woolf, district director of business operations and classified personnel.

Work is on schedule and should be complete when the kindergarten through fourth grade students report to their new schools on Sept. 3. Earlier this year, students learned where they will attend school in the fall. Stutz said they attempted to keep students with their peers when redrawing the elementary boundaries.

Holly Logan, a second grade teacher at Perry's Whipple Elementary School, packs a box. Staff spent last week clearing their classrooms and offices in preparation for their move to three new elementary schools, which open in the fall.

Perry Local says goodbye to elementary schools

The district is constructing three schools for kindergarten through fourth grade: One at the former Doctors Hospital site at 420 Austin Ave. NW, one on the Lohr Elementary property at 5300 Richville Drive SW and the third on 40 acres of district-owned land along Southway Street SW just east of Genoa Avenue SW.

The projects are part of the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission program. The state has agreed to fund 62% of the cost.

The district entered the OFCC's Expedited Local Partnership Program, which allows the district to receive credit for work completed on renovations or new building when state funding is available.

In 2020, voters approved a combined bond issue and permanent improvement levy to fund the district's share of the project and fund state-funded portions until the money is received from the OFCC. The 3.9-mill bond issue will generate $58.3 million over its 35-year term. The 1.5-mill improvement levy will generate $18.9 million during the life of the bond issue.

Amy Truex, a reading teacher at Perry's Whipple Elementary School, packs up her room to move to a new elementary school. The district is building three new elementary schools that will open in the fall.

The estimated construction cost is around $72 million.

Beaver Shook is the project's construction services leader. It's a combination of Perry Township-based Beaver Constructors and Brecksville-based Shook Construction.

Construction got underway in September of 2022.

Genoa Elementary School fourth grader Kalun Alden signs Syrah Copeland's yearbook on the last day of class. Genoa School, along with Lohr, Watson and Whipple schools, is slated to be razed.

What to expect at Perry Local's new elementary schools

The new schools will include a two-story academic wing, administration offices, a media center, gym, stage and a cafeteria/kitchen.

Each school will look a little different, but the footprint will be the same: About 67,000 square feet to accommodate about 550 students.

T.C. Knapp will be converted into an early learning center for the districts growing preschool program.

The existing Whipple, Watson and Lohr buildings, as well as Genoa Elementary School, will be razed after the new schools are completed.

Stutz said clearing and demolition of Lohr will begin June 15. the existing school building sits on what will become the parking lot and driveway for the new school.

It will take about six weeks to complete the demo. Work on Watson is slated for July 29 followed by Genoa on Sept. 2 and Whipple on Sept. 30.

Students walk the second-floor hallway at Genoa Elementary School on the last day of class on May 17. Elementary students were dismissed nearly two weeks earlier than other Perry students as the district prepares to move into new elementary schools.

In the meantime, staff is identifying items for an online auction.

Any equipment that could be used at other Perry schools will be kept, Woolf said, adding that some of the items will replace older equipment at Pfieffer Intermediate School and the high school.

"We kept all the good stuff," Woolf said. "But there will be a lot of tables and chairs, filing cabinets and desks."

The unwanted items will be sold on the online auction site GovDeals.com, a site dedicated disposing of government agencies' surplus items.

Tana Wackerly, a second grade teacher at Perry's Whipple Elementary School, left, gets help from school counselor Nicollette Echols as she packs up her room to move to a new elementary school. Whipple, Genoa, Watson and Lohr elementary schools will be razed this summer.

"We are going to list anything we can," Woolf said. "Some items like lockers that are set in the wall are just not worth selling."

It is unclear how much the district could earn from the auction.

District officials hope to have the first auction by the end of June. Each school will have its own auction.

The community got a chance to get a last look at the schools during open houses held earlier this month.

Stutz said it is an exciting time for the district, students and the community.

"We're excited but we have a lot of work to do," he added.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

Elementary Schools leadership

Leadership for the new schools includes:

Watson Elementary principal - Erica Mytinger (previously Whipple principal)

Southway Elementary principal - Jamie Salvino (previously at Pfeiffer Intermediate principal)

Lohr Elementary principal - Tricia Self (previously TC Knapp principal)

Assistant principal (elementary schools and preschool) - Nick Huskins (previously at Lohr)

Students play in the gym on the last day of schoolat Genoa Elementary in Perry Township on May 17. Genoa, Whipple, Lohr and Watson elementary schools will be razed and three new schools will be opened in the fall. T.C. Knapp will serve as the district's preschool.

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Perry Local prepares to say goodbye to elementary schools, move to new
Palm Bay police forward details on fatal shootings of priest, 2 others to feds

After nearly four months of investigation, Palm Bay police have forwarded information to federal authorities regarding Brandon Kapas, the gunman who killed his grandfather and shot and wounded two police officers in a confrontation that ended with Kapas' death at his family's home.

The 24-year-old is also the lead suspect in the deaths of a retired priest and his sister.

The investigation comes to a close after prosecutors reviewing the officer-related shooting found that Palm Bay officers were justified in their use of deadly force during the Jan. 28 shooting that ended Kapas' life.

Those officers saved countless lives, said Palm Bay Chief Mariano Augello, whose investigators found an arsenal of weapons in Kapas' car after the confrontation that began with a family disturbance.

I do know based on that arsenal in his vehicle, that something else was going to happen, the chief said, stopping short of specifics of what may have been another "tragic" incident.

Palm Bay police said Brrandon Kapas, left, shot and killed his 74-year-old grandfather, William Kapas Sr., right, on Jan. 28, during a birthday celebration at the family's home.

The incident sent shockwaves through the community, with investigators uncovering disturbing details, including links to unnamed groups.

It also left lingering, unanswered questions about Kapas' intentions with the weapons and his long-term relationship with Father Bob Hoeffner, who led St. Joseph Catholic Community Church from 1998 until his retirement in 2016. The priest, who maintained deep connections to the Catholic community after retirement, and his sister, Sally Hoeffner, 69, were found shot to death in their shared, northwest Palm Bay homes by officers conducting a welfare check about 6 p.m. Jan. 28, just hours after Palm Bay police confronted Kapas.

More: Families, parishioners left with questions after Palm Bay shootings leave 4 dead including priest

Were sharing that with our federal partners, Augello said of the other unreleased information.

Those questions  including why Hoeffner and Kapas shared a banking account and the nature of a note left by Kapas  may now never be formally answered as the investigation ends.

At a Jan. 29, 2024, press conference, Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello, holds up a photo of the weapons that gunman Brandon Kapas had in his car in a deadly Jan. 28 confrontation.

'Acting erratically'

Family members said Kapas had been acting erratically before the Jan. 28 shootings.

On Jan. 27, Kapas had talked to relatives, many with strong connections to St. Joseph Catholic Church, about "spiritual universe" and Mother Nature. He played a religious chant before leaving the home, Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents later reported.

Investigators had few details of the religious or spiritual group Kapas was involved with. The erratic behavior continued, with Kapas, who worked at the church during an unspecified period until last year, delivering diatribes against organized religion. The family also reported that Brandon had at one previous point been seen "snorting something" while on FaceTime, reports show.

A toxicology report from the medical examiners office showed that Kapas showed negative for any drugs, state investigators reported.

The next day, Kapas returned, this time passing out black stones and clutching a bong for smoking marijuana, an FDLE report shows.

He then took down crosses and other religious items from the walls and asked a relative to give him the crucifix around their neck before going outside to destroy them, state investigators reported.

Officers arrived at the house and were told by a relative that Kapas likely had a weapon. Officers tried to talk with Kapas, who then walked away before pulling out a weapon.

Police said Kapas shot and killed his 74-year-old grandfather, William Kapas Sr., who attempted to follow his grandson to get him to stop. Kapas continued running, taking aim at several officers running in his direction.

Two Palm Bay police officers, Stephen Ball and Nicholas Franze, were shot and seriously wounded as Kapas tried to flee. Officers chased Kapas, who was still armed, and returned fire.

Theyre still recovering, Augello said.

Sally Hoeffner and her brother, Father Bob Hoeffner

Officers yelled for Kapas to surrender but Kapas moved only his head as he was lying near the ditch. He then began to sit up and turn toward the officer, raising his right hand with a "dark object," while his left hand gripped the muck below, the officer reported.

More: Families, parishioners left with questions after Palm Bay shootings leave 4 dead including priest

The officer then fired repeatedly, concerned Kapas would fire on the other officers.

Kapas, shot several times, died next to a back yard ditch behind a set of homes, lying on the ground holding his weapon.

After the shootings, officers looking through Kapas' car discovered the vehicle, purchased a month before, was registered to Father Hoeffner.

The officer-related shooting was investigated by the state attorneys office. The Palm Bay police department reviewed the incident and the criminal case is now closed, officials reported.

J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. X, formerly known as Twitter: @JDGallop.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Palm Bay police send report on fatal shooting of priest, others to feds
People dig through debris at the site of a landslide in Yambali village in the region of Maip Mulitaka, in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea on May 27, 2024. Credit - Emmanuel EraliaAFP via Getty Images

Thousands of villagers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) may be evacuated over fears that a second landslide could take place following Fridays deadly disaster in the Enga province.

Serhan Aktoprak, chief of the U.N. International Organization for Migration (IOM) mission in PNG, said Tuesday that another landslide is possible, and some 8,000 people may require evacuation.

This is a major concern, Aktoprak told the Associated Press. The movement of the land and the debris is causing a serious risk, and overall, the total number of people that may be affected might be 6,000 or more.

If this debris mass is not stopped, if it continues moving, it can gain speed and further wipe out other communities and villages further down, he added. Fridays landslides devastated the Yambali village after a limestone mountainside sheared away at 3 a.m. local time.

The government fears that more than 2,000 people have been buried alive in the countrys highlands, while the U.N. has estimated 670 deaths. Aktoprak previously said these figures will remain fluid. The remains of five people have been recovered by emergency responders so far.

On Sunday, acting director of the countrys National Disaster Center, Luseta Laso Mana, sent a letter to the U.N. resident coordinator calling for international help. So far, Australia has pledged an initial $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance for PNG, its closest neighbor.

China has also said it will provide assistance for disaster relief, as well as future reconstruction efforts. We believe that the people of Papua New Guinea will be able to overcome difficulties and rebuild their homeland at an early date, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a daily news briefing.

As the international community rallies to provide assistance, here are some ways you can help.

U.N.s International Organization for Migrations mission in Papua New Guinea

The IOM is working closely with the government to steer international response efforts and report key figures. IOM has operated in PNG since 2001, working with governments across the globe to support displaced peoples and vulnerable migrants. The U.N. body provides humanitarian assistance and responds to demanding emergencies such as Fridays landslide. To learn more, you can visit their website here.

CARE International

The humanitarian organization has had an operational presence in PNG since 1989. CARE provides community development, sanitation, education, and natural resource management services. Since Fridays disaster, CARE had been a direct responder on the ground, providing food and facilitating basic hygiene. The charity will also support with shelter, facilities, and agriculture as the local community recovers from the landslide. CARE has launched a donation appeal specifically for the landslide relief.

Papua New Guinea's Red Cross Society

The PNG Red Cross Society is also coordinating vital first response efforts. Officials from the provincial governors office, police, defense forces, and local NGOs have formed an emergency response team. The charity provides first aid training and support during catastrophic events or accidents and is a key resource in reporting death tolls.

Water Aid

The landslides have increased concerns that underground water flowing down the mountain could contaminate local water sources and give rise to contagious diseases. The charity reports that half the population already lacks access to nearby pure water sources, while 8.2 million people, or four in five citizens, do not have access to their own toilet.

Caritas Australia

Caritas Australia, an aid agency of the Australian Catholic Church, is working with partners on the ground to assess and provide the most urgently required aid to affected communities. The charity is seeking online donations to provide food, shelter, and clean water for those who have lost their homes during the landslide.

Write to Armani Syed at armani.syed@time.com.
Ruslan Stefanchuk, speaker of Ukraine's parliament, on May 28 dismissed Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's claims about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's legitimacy.

Earlier in the day, Putin falsely claimed that presidential power should be shifted to the speaker of Ukraine's parliament because Zelensky's term has allegedly ended.

If martial law had not been imposed, the next presidential election would have been held on March 31, 2024, and Zelenskys term would have ended on May 20. But Ukraine introduced martial law after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. The Martial Law Act explicitly bans presidential, parliamentary, and local elections.

According to Ukraine's Constitution, the president fulfills his powers until a newly elected president takes office, Stefanchuk said.

Therefore, Volodymyr Zelensky remains and will remain Ukraine's president until the end of martial law. All this is in accordance with Ukraine's Constitution and laws, he wrote on Facebook.

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It is clear that the Russian narratives proclaimed today are as predictable as they are ridiculous, Stefanchuk said.

Some of Zelensky's critics, including Russian propagandists, claim that the Constitution does not authorize extending his presidential term under martial law.

They argue that he ceased to be a legitimate president on May 20. However, leading constitutional lawyers dispute this claim, saying that the Constitution allows such an extension.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano voiced their support for Zelensky's legitimacy on May 21.

"We (in the EU) also have no doubts that the president of Ukraine is Volodymyr Zelensky," said Stano.

Read also: Zelenskys term would have expired this month, but hes staying. Russia wants to use it

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Passenger dies after jumping off worlds largest cruise ship as it sets sail from Florida

A passenger has died after jumping overboard from the worlds largest cruise ship after it set sail from Florida.

The male passenger, who has not been identified, reportedly jumped, according to the New York Post, from the 20-deck high Icon of the Seas after it left a Florida port on Sunday to embark on a seven-day cruise around the Caribbean, first stopping in Honduras.

The Coast Guard, which said it did not have much involvement in the incident beyond assisting in the search for the man, told the New York Post that the cruise ship deployed one of their rescue boats, located the man, and brought him back aboard.

The man has since been pronounced deceased, the Coast Guard added.

The worlds largest cruise experience was approximately 300 miles away from PortMiami, and around 30 to 40 miles north of Santa Lucia, Cuba, at the time of the incident, which occurred in the morning, according to Cruise Hive.

The Royal Caribbean, which operates the Icon of the Seas along with other groundbreakingly large cruise ships, told the outlet in a statement that their ships crew immediately notified the Coast Guard in the US and launched a search and rescue operation.

The incident occurred on the Icon of the Seas, a 1,196ft-long and 20-deck high cruise ship (AFP via Getty)

Our care team is actively providing support and assistance to the guests loved ones during this difficult time, the cruise company added. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.

The ship, which holds way over 5,000 guests and only made its maiden voyage in January of this year, had embarked on the cruise on Saturday, but after the incident on Sunday, the cruise halted and stayed put for around two hours while the search continued, the outlet said.

The ship cost approximately $2bn to build (AFP via Getty)

According to CruiseMapper tracking data, the Icon of the Seas is continuing with the cruise, with its next stop in Coco Cay in the Bahamas on Friday.

Zachary Normandian, 31, told The New York Post that the atmosphere on board the ship has been dystopian after people have been carrying on with their holiday aboard the ship after the tragedy.

It just seemed like more people would have been like Oh my gosh, whats going on, but no, people were just going about their day, he said.

The passenger recalled the moment that the man who went overboard was brought back to the ship, after he claimed that the captain informed the ship that the missing person had been found.

Everyone in the dining room clapped, Mr Normandian told the outlet. We assumed that the guy was fine.

At that point, however, they did not know that he had passed away.

The incident comes over a month after a similar tragedy on another Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the Liberty of the Seas when a 20-year-old man identified as Levion Parker is thought to have gone overboard during a trip around the Bahamas.

The cruise line immediately launched a search and rescue mission along with the US Coast Guard, but it was suspended after five days due to not being able to find him.

However, the cruise company has also witnessed some successful rescues in recent months, such as being able to recover a passenger who fell overboard from the Symphony of the Seas back in October.

The cruise, which had just left Barcelona at the time, said the guest was successfully brought back on board after falling shortly after it left the port.

The Independent has contacted Royal Caribbean for comment.
GAZA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured on Tuesday in an Israeli bombardment of displaced persons' tents in the Al-Mawasi area in the west of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian security and medical sources.

Security sources told Xinhua that Israeli artillery bombed tents for the displaced in the Al-Mawasi area on the seashore west of Rafah.

Al-Mawasi was a humanitarian zone where residents in Gaza used to take refuge in based on the Israeli army's order.

Local medical sources told Xinhua that the Israeli bombing led to the killing of at least 20 people, including women and children, and dozens of injuries. 
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A passenger has died after jumping off the worlds largest cruise ship on Sunday.

The unidentified man jumped from Royal Caribbeans Icon of the Seas while the ship was en route to Honduras from its Florida port, Storyful reported.

Video shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, showed search-and-rescue operations following the incident.

The Icon of the Seas reaches heights of 196 feet above the water line and is roughly the same height as an 18-story apartment building, according to Cruise Hive. The ship was stopped for around two hours while recovery efforts were made.

Credit: Alfredo Zayas Cotto /TMX

Credit: Alfredo Zayas Cotto /TMX

Credit: Alfredo Zayas Cotto /TMX

The ship features Category 6, which Royal Caribbean calls the largest waterpark at sea. The ship holds 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.

News Channel 8 has reached out to Royal Caribbean 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 WFLA.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine has identified three main points in the Peace Formula that will be considered at the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference with the Portuguese Prime Minister in Lisbon on 28 May

Quote: "Weve taken three points  nuclear security, food security, and humanitarian issues, which include, by the way, not only [prisoner of war] exchange, but also the return of children stolen by Russia and forcibly taken to Russia. So these three points are very important. Perhaps we will also talk about nuclear security and within this point, about the attacks on Ukraine's energy sector."

Details: After that, Zelenskyy said, representatives of the leaders of all states will work out the technical details of each of these points.

Quote: "We have to work out these three points in detail, and then pass them on to Russias representatives and see how they are prepared to implement them."

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SAN FRANCISCO  The man convicted of plotting to kidnap then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi and bludgeoning her husband, Paul, in the head with a hammer at their San Francisco home has once again been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison over the 2022 attack.

A judges error had thrown the federal case into disarray after defendant David DePapes attorneys said the court violated his rights when he wasnt given a chance to speak to the court at his May 17 sentencing. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley offered DePape a do-over to speak to the court while she denied his attorneys requests to send the case to another judge.

DePape spoke for about a minute. He apologized for harming Paul Pelosi and said he regretted not leaving the house after he broke in and realized Nancy Pelosi was out of town.

I should have left when Nancy wasnt there, DePape said as he broke into tears and one of his attorneys patted him on the back. I feel horrible about hurting Paul Pelosi.

Corley apologized for her procedural error in not allowing DePape the chance to speak at his initial sentencing. She ultimately handed down the same, 30-year sentence.

This is an incredibly serious and horrible crime, Corley said.

DePape was convicted on two federal counts of attempted kidnapping of a U.S. official and assault on an immediate family member of a U.S. official during his trial last November. His attorneys are appealing the conviction.

He admitted during his rambling federal trial testimony that he had planned to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and potentially harm her as part of a plot to expose Democrats so-called lies about former President Donald Trump and the 2020 election.

DePape now faces a separate state trial on additional charges that could carry a lifetime sentence. His trial is scheduled to start Wednesday in San Francisco.
A state trooper is behind bars after he allegedly beat a man unconscious during a confrontation.

James Stevenson, 29, is facing charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief.

This is not conduct that we would expect from anybody, let alone a state trooper, said Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele.

Investigators say Stevenson showed up at a home on Oak Street in Connellsville just before 1 a.m. Sunday uninvited.

Court documents say he barged into the home and found a man and woman together in the bedroom. That woman was also a state trooper who police say Stevenson had a previous relationship with.

She indicated somewhat that their relationship had ended at some point and this was her new relationship and Trooper Stevenson went to confront them about that, Aubele told Channel 11s Andrew Havranek.

According to court documents, Stevenson started beating the man in the face. The mans father came upstairs and found his son knocked out and bloodied.

Police said there was another confrontation outside and the victim was taken to the hospital.

The injuries to the victim were severe, Aubele said. Hes gonna have permanent disfigurement, hes gonna have ongoing medical issues. Were still trying to determine the exact level of damage that was caused by this assault.

Due to his employment with State Police in Uniontown, Stevenson was arrested by state police from Waynesburg.

State police suspended Stevenson without pay because of these charges.

I think it was a shame, said Earl Hogamier from Uniontown. I mean, the law goes for everybody, not just for criminals. Police have to got to follow the law, too.

He will receive no consideration for being a Pennsylvania State Trooper, nor will he be punished for having that position, Aubele said. He will be treated like every other criminal defendant that we have in this county.

Stevenson is due in court on June 4.

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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A man and woman were taken to a local hospital after they were shot inside a home on Merwood Court Saturday, according to the Mobile Police Department.

1 shot during argument, Mobile Police says

An MPD release said officers were called to the 5500 block of Merwood Court around 5:20 p.m. Saturday for a reported shooting.

SHOOTING LOCATION:

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According to the release, officers found the man and woman with gunshot wounds and they were taken to the hospital. Officials said they are in stable condition.

Suspect in Baldwin County quadruple murder indicted: Court documents

Police officials also said the man and woman knew the person who went into the house and shot both of them.

This is an ongoing 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 WKRG News 5.
(Bloomberg) -- The new CEO of Brazils Petrobras tried to soothe investor concerns about ramping up investments during her first public appearance at the helm of Latin Americas biggest oil producer.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Magda Chambriard was formally appointed to the role last week at a time of growing unease from investors about government intervention in Petroleo Brasileiro SA. Her predecessor was fired due to a dispute over the amount of dividends the company paid instead of using the money for investments.

Petrobras is perfectly capable of guaranteeing returns for its shareholders, whether private or governmental, Chambriard said Monday in her first public comments as CEO. I understand we need to make a profit.

Investors appeared to welcome the tone set by the new company chief. Petrobrass preferred shares rallied at the market open in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, rising as much as 1.9%.

In many ways, she hinted at a similar strategy to the one followed in recent years, where economic coherence will prevail, Banco BTG Pactual SA analyst Pedro Soares wrote in a note to clients. However, our upbeat stance on the name is based on the companys ability to continue distributing bulky dividends.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made it clear that he would like state-controlled Petrobras to spend more money on expanding in sectors including refining and creating jobs. The government controls the oil producers board through a majority of voting shares.

Under Lula, Petrobras has already shifted from the previous administrations focus on streamlining operations to cut costs. The company has called off a program to sell a group of refineries and may even buy back some of the facilities that were sold under previous management.

Read More: Petrobras Approves Chambriard as CEO to Ramp Up Investment

Chambriard  a former head of Brazils oil regulator  said the company needed to accelerate exploration off Brazils coast, including the Pelotas Basin and a region known as the equatorial margin near the border with French Guiana.

She has criticized licensing delays for drilling at an environmentally sensitive site in the equatorial margin, saying they are leaving the nation without a source of growth after its top-oil producing basin, the pre-salt, declines.

We have to be very careful with replenishing reserves, unless we want to accept the fact that we could become importers again, she said.

Read More: Petrobras CEO Faces Showdown Over Amazon Oil: Energy Daily

On domestic fuel costs, Chambriard said that Petrobras will continue to work to shield consumers from short-term dips and swings in oil prices. After Lula took office in 2023, Petrobras changed its pricing policy to focus more on production costs rather than international price levels.

What is most undesirable? Bringing price instability to the Brazilian society each day, she said. Petrobras has always ensured stability.

--With assistance from Beatriz Amat and Leda Alvim.

(Adds market reaction, analyst comment and additional Chambriard comments from fourth paragraph.)

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Phelan, Covey face off in most expensive House race in Texas history

Phelan, Covey face off in most expensive House race in Texas history

(KXAN)  Voters in several parts of Texas face crucial decisions with the primary runoff elections Tuesday.

There are no statewide races in this runoff but the decisions by voters in a few Texas House districts could have an impact across the state.

Campaign Context: Record ad spending in Phelan runoff

The runoff drawing the most attention involves House Speaker Dade Phelan and challenger David Covey in District 21, which is in southeast Texas near the Louisiana state line.

Despite a conservative record, Phelan found himself under attack from within his own party over the last year, after the House voted to impeach Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Covey pushed Phelan into a runoff after the March primary elections and is part of a push from other conservatives who aim to reshape the Texas House. Its a shift that mirrors what is happening in the GOP nationally, as the business-minded establishment faces increasing challenges from more Trumpian style Republicans, motivated more by conservative social issues.

NEXT: Your Local Election HQ

As Speaker, Phelan appointed a few Democrats to chair House committees, which drew condemnation from some fellow Republicans. Covey has backing from Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and former President Donald Trump.

I think this has been an interesting pattern sort of over the past year or so maybe even longer in Texas, as the Texas Republican Party tries to figure out sort of what brand of conservatism it wants to espouse, Southwestern University politics professor Emily Sydnor previously told KXAN.

The outcome of this runoff will have major implications for the balance of power at the State Capitol.

The campaign in District 21 has become the most expensive state House race in Texas history.

According to advertising analytics group Ad Impact, nearly $7 million has been spent on political ads in this race including the primary and the runoff.

Millions of dollars flooding Texas Speaker Dade Phelans runoff election

May 21 filings from the Texas Ethics Commission showed Phelan has raised $3.44 million since Feb. 25. He has also spent $4 million trying to hold on to his seat and has $1.56 million cash on hand.

In the same period, Covey raised $1.68 million, spent $1.58 million, and has $226,000 left in his war chest.

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 KXAN Austin.
(KXAN)  The nationwide shortage of doctors could be linked to the growth of physician assistants, or PAs, whose job is to examine, diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of a doctor.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found the employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 27% from 2022 to 2032.

We are 180,000 strong and growing by the year, but if you look across the states, theres an ever growing need for PAs, said Jason Prevelige, the President-Elect of The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).

The growing trend in healthcare brought hundreds of PAs from all over the country to Houston, Texas for a conference on technology.

We had some astronauts talking to us about space medicine and the ways that their research in space is translated into care here on Earth. Weve had experts speak to us about wearable technology and the way AI is increasing both access to care and reducing clinician burnout.

The National Library on Medicine investigated physician burnout and found what it describes as an alarming level of physician burnout. With 45.8% of physicians reporting at least 1 symptom of burnout.

The AAPA hopes to expand the number of PAs by recruiting students.

We have programs that are now going out to middle schools and high schools and trying to find these students that are interested in health care and provide them the resources that they need to be able to get to that point someday.

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 KXAN Austin.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Fifty high school students from across the Chattahoochee Valley area begin their journey into the medical field Thursday, with an orientation at Piedmont Columbus Regional.

Piedmont Regional says its Youth Volunteer Program is designed around students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare but have never experienced the industry before.

Students chosen to participate in the program had to complete an application, essay and interview process before being selected for the program, which began in 1964. The program runs from June 3 to July 26.

Over the course of the program participants will rotate through different departments across the Midtown and Northside hospital campuses as well as the John B. Amos Cancer Center. Students must complete 18 to 56 volunteer hours to complete the program.

The young volunteers will have the chance to hear from hospital leadership, team members across multiple departments and adult volunteers known as Auxiliary members.

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 WRBL.
CAIRO, May 28 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian security delegation is intensifying efforts to reactivate talks to reach a truce and a prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas, in coordination with Qatar and the United States, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV channel reported Tuesday.

Egypt informed all concerned parties that the Israeli escalation in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah has undermined the negotiation efforts and led to "dire consequences," said the report, citing a high-ranking security source.

The source added that Egypt reaffirmed it will only operate the Rafah crossing between it and Gaza with Palestinian and international parties, not with Israel, whose army announced control of the crossing from the Gazan side three weeks ago.

Egypt is determined to continue its efforts to support the Palestinians and preserve their rights by all possible means, according to the report.

On Saturday, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that Israel had agreed to renew talks with Hamas on a hostage deal this week, with the mediation of Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

However, following Israel's attack on Rafah on Sunday night, Hamas informed mediators that it will not participate in any negotiation for a ceasefire in Gaza or a prisoner exchange deal, a source in the movement said on Monday. 
LONDONA World War II-era Spitfire fighter plane crashed near a British air force base in eastern England on Saturday, killing the pilot, the U.K. defense ministry said.

The ministry confirmed the death of a Royal Air Force pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby, an air base. There was no immediate word on the cause of the crash.

It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long, Group Captain Robbie Lees, commander of the display air wing, said in a statement Sunday. 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, Lees wrote.

The base about 150 miles (230 kilometers) north of London is home both to modern fighter jets and to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays.

The BBC reported Monday that the Royal Air Force has temporarily grounded the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight as an investigation into the mishap gets underway.

Several of the Memorial Flight planes had been due to perform a flying display Saturday at the nearby Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Center.

Lincolnshire Police said emergency services were called Saturday afternoon to reports that an aircraft had crashed in a field in Coningsby. The force said it is believed to be a single occupant aircraft and nobody else is thought to have been involved.

The crash happened days before wartime aircraft will take to the skies to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the June 6, 1944 Allied invasion of Normandy.

More than 20,000 Spitfires were built in the 1930s and 40s and the deft, maneuverable plane played a key role in defending the U.K. from attacks by Germanys Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously paid tribute to the Battle of Britain airmen with the words: Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.

Only a few dozen airworthy Spitfires remain, including six that belong to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Air Force Times Editor Rachel Cohen contributed to this story.
Vacation rentals. Credit: Julie Hauserman

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

For more than two months now, a measure passed in the Legislature that would give more state control over the regulation of short-term vacation rental properties remains stuck  it hasnt even been sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his consideration on the bill.

Now, a Florida mayor in the Tampa Bay area is challenging the bill sponsor to a debate over SB 280.

Redington Beach Mayor David Will sent a letter to Pinellas County Republican Sen. Nick DiCeglie last week asking for him to accept his invitation to meet somewhere in the county soon to debate the merits of the proposal.

Since the best way to bring out the positives and negatives of legislation is through education and debate (similar to the debate that should occur in legislative committees but which all too often is artificially constrained by time limits such that the average speaker in Tallahassee gets little to no time to even speak before a vote), I would like to invite you to debate the merits of Senate Bill 280 with me in a public forum hosted at a location here on the Pinellas beaches where your interested constituents could attend, Will wrote in a letter to DiCeglie dated May 24, 2024. Since it would be beneficial to have the debate in advance of the Governors consideration of the bill, I would appreciate it if you would find time in your schedule now that session is over to have the debate in the next two weeks.

The Legislature passed the bill in the last days of the 2024 legislative session, a major achievement considering that similar bills had failed to get across the finish line in recent years.

It was approved by only a nine-vote margin in the state House, 60-51. And the vote was 23-16 in the Senate, with several Republicans joining Democrats in opposing the measure.

Since its passage, organized groups both opposing and supporting the measure have sent messages to DeSantis advocating that he either oppose or support the legislation.

The bill says that the maximum overnight occupancy for a vacation rental is two people per bedroom, with an additional two people in one common area; or more than two persons per bedroom if there is at least 50 feet per person, plus an additional two persons in one common area, whichever is greater.

It also requires that owners pay a reasonable registration fee, always have someone available over the phone to respond to complaints, and lets local governments suspend a rentals registration for repeatedly breaking city rules.

Will has been a regular visitor to Tallahassee during the past two legislative sessions to lobby state lawmakers to oppose the legislation. He has been joined by local government officials throughout the state who fear the new law would take away more controls at the local level to regulate short-term vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

But others say that the bill gives local governments considerable tools that theyve been lacking over the years to hold vacation rentals more accountable.

DiCeglie has called the legislation a fair and balanced approach to an issue that has divided residential communities and the rights of property owners in recent years. While conceding that every community in Florida is separate and distinct, he said that a state law is needed to prevent local ordinances, which he says are being used by local governments as a weapon to stop vacation rentals from operating at all.

At a bill signing press conference with DeSantis in Pinellas County last month, DiCeglie told the Phoenix that he and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo were planning to get some time in the weeks ahead of DeSantis to advocate for him to sign the legislation.

DiCeglies office did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the idea of holding a debate on SB 280 before it goes to the governors desk.

Overall, there are still 77 bills that passed in the Florida Legislature this past session that have yet to be sent to DeSantis desk.

The post Pinellas mayor wants to debate state senator over short-term vacation rental bill appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
'Planet parade' 2024: How to view the astronomical event in Ohio

Planets on parade: Six planets set to align in the pre-dawn sky on June 3.

Get ready, skywatchers  another astronomical event will take place on June 3.

A planetary alignment, or a "planet parade" in casual language, will happen Monday, according to StarWalk.space, a stargazing and astronomical website. We'll see six planets  Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Neptune and Saturn  grace our sky in the predawn hours.

How does the alignment happen?

The planets orbit the sun continuously in the solar system. The planets will slowly catch up to one another over time. Because they are all traveling along the same path, the ecliptic plane, as they pass Earth, it appears as though they are aligned, according to NASA. However, the alignment formation will be short-lived since each planet moves at different speeds, depending on its distance from the sun.

Where to look for the planet alignment

Looking in the eastern sky, the planetary alignment will be visible almost everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere (weather permitting).

Four planets  Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and Saturn should be visible with the naked eye. But you'll need high-powered binoculars to spot Uranus (which will be closest to Mercury) and Neptune.

Planet alignments aren't extremely rare, especially with two to four planets. They occur several times each year. However, five or more planets aligning is less common.

The last planetary alignment seen in the Northern Hemisphere was on April 8.

Profiles of the six planets on parade

All eight planets in our solar system have some very interesting traits. Here's a quick look at the planets aligning on June 3:

Northern lights, 'devil comet,' solar eclipse and meteor showers all take to the sky in 2024

The planetary alignment isn't the only celestial show this year. So far, 2024 has brought a total solar eclipse and a visit from the "devil comet."

Also, the northern lights have shown overhead and a couple of meteor showers have shot across the sky, with another coming soon.

The Perseid meteor shower is always the big show of the year, according to NASA. This year, the Perseids will peak from Aug. 12 to 13 with 50 to 100 meteors per hour. Also, there will be no moonlight this year to spoil the view that night, Bill Cooke, of the Meteoroid Environment Office at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, tells NASA's Watch the Skies blog.

And the northern lights, which lit up Ohio night skies on May 10, could make a comeback.

Northern lights seen in Portage Lakes Friday night heading into Saturday morning, May 11, 2024.

"The May 10th superstorm may have been just the first of several magnificent displays we experience between now and 2026," astronomer Tony Phillips, of SpaceWeather.com, told USA TODAY.

The sun is entering it solar maximum, Phillips said, meaning more sunspots and solar flares ejecting particles. When those particles hit the earth's magnetic field, they push the auroras away from the poles. A strong enough solar storm, like the one May 10, can push the aurora borealis into the United States and further south.

Predicting them is the real challenge, USA TODAY reports. Even the best forecasts can only accurately be made a few days or even hours in advance.

When will the planets align again?

Here's when StarWalk.space predicts the next six- and seven-planetary alignments will happen:

 June 3: Six planets  Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

 Aug. 28: Six planets  Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

 Jan. 18, 2025: Six planets  Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune

 Feb. 28, 2025: Seven planets  Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. (The last time all seven planets aligned was on April 8 during the total solar eclipse).

 Aug. 29, 2025: Six planets  Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

SOURCE: StarWalk.space, NASA, Astronomy.com and USA TODAY research

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Parade of planets 2024: Ohio viewing guide to the 6-planet event June 3
PM Shmyhal to meet EU leaders in Prague to discuss military aid for Ukraine

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal will hold meetings with some of the EU leaders in Prague on May 28 to discuss military aid for Ukraine, Czech media outlet Ceske Noviny reported, citing Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

The Czech government announced over the weekend that Polish President Andrzej Duda, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silinova would attend the meeting, which will take place on May 28 in Kramar's villa in Prague.

Fiala added that apart from Shmyhal, a U.S. representative would also be present, but he did not specify who would attend and at what level, Ceske Noviny reported.

The parties will discuss how to improve the coordination of aid to Ukraine, including ammunition supply, air defense, and cooperation in the defense industry.

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"We will discuss how we can help in this critical phase that Ukraine is going through in its defense against Russian aggression, how the current initiatives are working at the moment," Fiala said.

The meeting's participants will also discuss the Czech initiative to buy artillery ammunition for Ukraine.

In February, Prague said it had identified 500,000 155 mm shells and 300,000 122 mm shells outside Europe that could be bought and sent to Ukraine after the necessary funds were allocated to the initiative.

Over 20 countries have joined the initiative and are already contributing or willing to contribute.

"I cannot discuss the details. The most important news is that the first deliveries under the initiative will arrive in Ukraine during June," Fiala said.

Read also: Slovak citizens raise funds to buy over 2,500 shells for Ukraine

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POCAHONTAS COUNTY, WV (WVNS)  A student from a school in Pocahontas County was selected as the statewide winner of the 2023-2024 Kids Kick Opioids contest.

Marlinton Middle School student, Mallory Koerber, from Pocahontas County was chosen by the judges as the 2023-2024 Kids Kick Opioids contest winner.

Through a public service announcement partnership with elementary and middle schools, the Kids Kick Opioids contest helps students increase awareness of prescription painkiller abuse.

Chuck Mathena Center holds first Patriots Pledge Ceremony

Koerbers drawing, courtesy of the West Virginia Attorney Generals Office, shows a woman pulling back a curtain on her face to reveal the words, Addiction is giving up everything for one thing. Recovery is giving up one thing for everything.

Mallorys artwork hits the nail on the head. Addiction makes people give up everything for that one thing. Thats the heartbreaking reality of opioid dependence for people in active addiction and their families. But the rest of the messageRecovery is giving up one thing for everythingis the hope of every person in addiction and every substance abusers family. Patrick Morrisey | West Virginia Attorney General (R-WV)

The statewide runners-up for the contest were Isabella Swayne, from Andrew Jackson Middle School in Kanawha County, and Catherine Tirona, from St. Joseph the Worker School in Hancock County.

Concord Esports awarded the Commissioners Cup Award by the Eastern College Athletic Conference

2,135 entries of a combination of poems, drawings, and more that encouraged awareness, from 2,177 students at 71 middle and elementary schools across West Virginia were sent to Morrisey.

I congratulate Mallory, our runners-up and all our regional winners for their hard work and creativity in promoting awareness of opioid abuse. We must reach kids at an early age and teach them about the dangers and serious consequences of drug abuse, and we must do everything possible to attack the root causes of addiction. Patrick Morrisey | West Virginia Attorney General (R-WV)

Winning designs from a total of 69 students were recognized by the judges, and the designs will be shown in Fall 2024 in the State Capitol. Koerber, Swayne, and Tironas designs can be found on the Attorney Generals website. Aside from Morrisey, the judges for the contest included West Virginia Association of School Nurses, the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy, and the Capitol Police.

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 WVNS.
As many as 45 combat clashes occurred in the combat zone on 28 May. The Russians mounted attacks on nine fronts. The situation remains the most intense on the Pokrovsk front where the Defence Forces of Ukraine repelled seven Russian attacks near three settlements.

Source: the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Quote: "Since the beginning of the day, 45 combat clashes have occurred today. The occupiers launched seven airstrikes using nine guided aerial bombs, and 656 attacks on the positions of our troops from different types of armament. The Russian terrorists also used 43 kamikaze drones for their attacks."

Details: Reportedly, the Russiams have lost 100 members of personnel on the Pokrovsk front since the beginning of the day. The Armed Forces of Ukraine have destroyed nine Russian armoured fighting vehicles and two vehicles.

On the Kupiansk front, seven clashes have occurred since the beginning of the day; on the Lyman front, five Russian attacks are ongoing; on the Siversk front, Ukrainian forces repelled one attack while four more are ongoing; on the Kramatorsk front, the Russians have tried to improve their tactical position four times since the beginning of the day, and a combat clash near the settlement of Andriivka is ongoing; on the Kurakhove front one attack near the settlement of Kostiantynivka was repelled, and fighting is ongoing near the settlement of Vodiane; since the beginning of the day Ukrainian forces have been repelling an attack near the settlement of Rozdolne on the Vremivka front; on the Prydniprovske front the Russians made three attempts to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions near the settlement of Krynky but to no avail.

On the Kharkiv front, the Russians did not conduct assault actions, and the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are strengthening their defence and keeping the Russians under fire control.

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By 2028, Warsaw will build fortifications, detection and warning systems, advanced bases, logistics hubs, and drone countermeasure systems on the border with Russia and Belarus.

Source: the leadership of Polands Ministry of National Defence and the country's Armed Forces on Monday, as Ukrinform reports citing Wnp.pl

Quote: "We have to protect about 700 kilometres of border, including 400 kilometres with Belarus... We want this project to be implemented immediately; it will start this year," said Cezary Tomczyk, Deputy Minister of National Defence of Poland.

Details: He added that Poland wants to complete the project by 2028, which is worth 10 billion zlotys (more than US$2.5 billion).

Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Poland, noted that this is the largest defence programme of its kind since 1945. He expressed hope that the programme would be supported by the entire Polish political elite, various institutions, the local community and residents of the border regions.

The Polish official noted that, in addition to the Ministry of Defence, the programme will involve the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of State Assets, the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, as well as other organisations and local governments. The Ministry of Defence will play a leading role in the intergovernmental group for the implementation of the programme. The Ministry of the Interior and Administration will be responsible for the protection of the population and issues directly related to border security.

The Ministry of State Assets will be responsible for coordinating the work of the defence industry involved in the programme. At the same time, the Ministry of Climate and Environment will deal with environmental permits. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure will be responsible for roads and other transport infrastructure in the region where the work will take place.

The programme will be financed from the Polish budget and largely from European funds.

Background: Finland, Norway, Poland and the Baltic states are planning to develop a "drone wall" to help protect their borders with Russia after a series of provocations ranging from forced migration to attempts to change borders.

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Poland will finalize a deal on May 28 for the purchase of JASSM-ER long-range cruise missiles for F-16 fighter jets, the Polish Defense Ministry announced.

Warsaw has taken measures to build up its military forces since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine.

"The war in Ukraine has shown how important it is to be able to hit targets located even very far from the front line, and the range of the missiles to be purchased is approximately 1,000 kilometers," the defense ministry said on May 27.

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysh will sign the contract, worth $735 million, on May 28. Deliveries will take place over the course of 2026-2030.

The JASSM is a U.S.-made long-range air-to-ground cruise missile with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers.

Poland has recently scrambled F-16 jets to protect Polish airspace during massive Russian missile and drone attacks against Ukraine. The Polish government is reportedly considering whether to involve its air defense units in shooting down Russian missiles that approach its eastern border.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on May 20 that Warsaw had signed a contract with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to join the Sky Shield Initiative, a pan-European air defense system.

Read also: Baltics, Poland, other countries agree to create drone wall

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After just a year of study, Varvara Petrenko feels right at home in China! Find out how this 18-year-old Russian student has embraced life in a new country, grabbing every opportunity that has come her way.
Poland will impose restrictions on the movements of Russian diplomats in response to Moscow's "hybrid warfare," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told journalists in Brussels on May 27.

In response, the Kremlin has pledged to take "retaliatory measures."

Relations between Russia and Poland have deteriorated severely since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, bringing war to Warsaw's border.

"I just announced a Polish decision in connection to Russia's participation in hybrid warfare against the European Union, including Poland: a restriction of movement for Russian diplomats in our country," Sikorski said after meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels.

According to Sikorski, Russian diplomats will only be allowed to travel within the province to which they are assigned. The restrictions will apply to all embassy and consulate personnel, with the exception of the ambassador.

"These are national decisions, but we have evidence that the Russian state is involved in authorizing sabotage in our country as well. We hope that the Russian Federation will treat this as a very serious warning," Sikorski said.

Read also: Poland increases security at Ukraine aid export hub over sabotage concerns

At least 12 residents of Poland have been arrested in recent months for spying or planning to commit acts of sabotage within Polish territory on behalf of Russia. The Polish government in late May arrested nine members of a Russian spy ring in connection to alleged sabotage plots.

In response to Sikorski's announcement, Russia will seek "retaliatory measures" against Poland, Russian diplomatic spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

The Polish government is "overrun by Russophobia," Zakharova said.

Russia's Ambassador to Poland, Sergei Andreyev, said that Warsaw's decision was not officially communicated to the Russian embassy and that "no explanations have been given in this regard."

The New York Times reported on May 27 that Russia is ramping up sabotage operations across Europe in order to undermine military aid to Ukraine.

Read also: Polish FM says US will strike Russian troops in Ukraine if Russia uses nuclear weapons

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On 26 May, the boy and his mother appealed to law enforcement officers for help finding him. Photo: National Police of Ukraine on Telegram

Experts have managed to identify the body of the father of 8-year-old Mykhailo from Kharkiv, who had previously taken a DNA test to help find his father. The child's father worked at the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket which was attacked by the Russians on 25 May.

The National Police of Ukraine reported the results of the forensic analysis of the 38-year-old man's body.

On 26 May, Mykhailo did not wait for his father to come home from work and went with his mother to the headquarters of the investigation department, which had been set up near the destroyed Epicentr. There, the boy underwent a DNA sampling procedure, the samples from which were later used by experts to identify the deceased.

As of 06:00 on 28 May, the National Police had identified 16 bodies, law enforcement officials said. In total, 18 people died in the attack and 48 others were injured.

On 27 May, local services found unexploded munitions 80 metres from the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket, which indicates a "deliberate tactic by the Russian Federation aimed at destroying the civilian population of Kharkiv".

Background:

On Saturday afternoon, Russian forces struck the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv, claiming the lives of 15 people and leaving 25 injured

It took over 16 hours to extinguish the fire in Epicentr caused by Russian strikes.

On the morning of 27 May, Serhii Bolvinov, the head of the Kharkiv Oblast police investigation department, said that the body of a 17-year-old boy who was in Epicentr at the time of the attack had been found and identified by DNA samples.

Later, the head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration said that the death toll in the attack on the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket had risen to 18, with 48 more people injured.

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SILVER SPRING, Md. (DC News Now)  As the investigation into a fatal shooting in a Silver Spring park continued, the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) on Tuesday identified the two 20-year-old men who were killed.

MCPD said that Quincy Johnson of Takoma Park and DAndre Wint of Lanham died after they were shot at the Nolte Local Park on May 26.

Neighbors react to fatal double shooting at Silver Spring park

MCPD and Maryland-National Capital Park Police officers responded to the park on Denver Road just before 7 p.m.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Johnson and Wint who had been shot. Both of them died at the park.

Jared Williams lives close to Nolte Local Park and said he goes there to play basketball often. He said it was surprising to hear about Sundays deadly shooting, and soon after he heard the news, many of his friends and family members reached out.

My mom was really kind of worried because she knows I come here a lot, Williams said. My neighbors were worried because they know I come here constantly. I got a lot of text messages right away like, You werent at the court? Im like, No, Im good. But yeah, its sad.

Person rescued after getting trapped in 3-vehicle crash in Montgomery County

Williams said Nolte Parks court is relatively quiet and he rarely ever sees any disputes or fights happen there  but he said he has seen situations turn violent at other courts in the area. Because of this, hes careful about who he chooses to play with.

You dont want anybody who is coming on with a lot of animosity, Williams said, or is too aggressive, or is making bad calls or is taking the game too personally. So, Im always very cautious of who I play with. Things get out of hand very quickly. Guys get into fights, guys stab, guys shoot, and like I said, if you have a gun, youre going to be the first person to escalate because you know you have that thing with you.

Police said that as of Tuesday, no suspects were in custody.

The investigation was ongoing. Anyone with any information should submit a tip online or call 1-866-411-8477.

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.
(BCN)  Police are investigating a burglary reported on Monday inside the University of California, Berkeley campus.

According to police, a digital projector, cellphone and headphones were found stolen from Hildebrand Hall in UC Berkeley around 10 a.m. Monday.

Investigators said the items could have been stolen between 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Monday.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact police at (510) 642-676 and refer to case no. 24-01574.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

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 KRON4.
Police investigating reported burglary at Walgreens in Springfield

Police are investigating a reported burglary that happened at a Springfield pharmacy Tuesday morning.

>> PHOTOS: Police investigating reported burglary at Walgreens

Springfield Police dispatch confirmed police are responding to the Walgreens in the 2600 block of East Main Street.

>> At least 1 in custody after pursuit in Dayton

The burglary was reported around 8 a.m., according to initial emergency scanner traffic.

According to dispatch, the suspect has not been taken into custody at this time.

News Center 7 is working to learn more and we will continue updating this story.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma City Police are investigating after a woman was found dead on Sunday.

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to a home in the 1700 block of Pettee Ave. around 5:30 p.m. regarding a shooting.

ORIGINAL STORY: Sunday afternoon homicide in South OKC

Upon arrival, officers found a woman, 43-year-old April Coppock, dead inside the home. Police say it appeared she had been shot to death.

It is unknown what led to the shooting and no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Tip Line at 405-297-1200.

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: Man accused of stabbing 6 people on South Shore also wanted in homicide investigation

A man accused of stabbing six people in a violent rampage through two different South Shore communities over the weekend is also wanted in connection with a homicide investigation in another New England state, authorities said.

Jared Ravizza, 26, of Chilmark on Marthas Vineyard, was arraigned Tuesday morning in Plymouth District Court on charges of assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, which stem from an attack on two McDonalds workers on Saturday night, according to Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz.

In addition to also allegedly stabbing four girls at the AMC Theater in Braintree before the McDonalds incident, Connecticut State Police announced Tuesday that Ravizza is wanted in the death of Bruce Feldman, a 70-year-old man from West Hartford who was found dead outside of a home in Deep River hours before the stabbing spree unfolded.

Terrified: Mother of girls stabbed in Braintree theater says suspect was laughing during attack

Troopers responding to a report of an audible disturbance at a home on Maritone Lane in Deep River just after 3:30 p.m. on Saturday found Feldman suffering from visible injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

During a preliminary investigation, troopers determined that Ravizza was present at the scene earlier in the day after recovering some of his personal items and speaking with witnesses who described him.

Surrounding agencies in Connecticut and law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts were notified of this incident and provided with a description of a vehicle associated with Ravizza.

Massachusetts State Police later advised Connecticut State Police that Ravizza had been taken into custody following a fiery crash in Sandwich around 7:30 p.m.

Photos shared with Boston 25 News showed Ravizzas blackened and charred Porsche on Cotuit Road.

FULL TIMELINE OF EVENTS LEADING UP TO RAVIZZAS ARREST:

DEATH INVESTIGATION IN CONNECTICUT - 3:30 P.M.

STABBING AT BRAINTREE MOVIE THEATER- 6:00 P.M.

STABBING AT PLYMOUTH MCDONALDS - 7:00 P.M.

CRASH, ARREST IN SANDWICH- 7:15 P.M.

Criminal charges in Connecticut were pending Tuesday morning as Ravizza made his way to courtrooms in Massachusetts.

Investigations into all of the incidents remain ongoing.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
MISHAWAKA  Mishawaka Police Department First Class Patrolman Maria Duncan was hospitalized after a traffic stop Monday night led to a pursuit and a crash into the officer's vehicle.

According to the Mishawaka Police Department, Officer Duncan initiated a traffic stop around 9:39 p.m. May 27 in the 3600 block of Grape Road for an improper license plate on a pickup truck. Police stated that the driver gave Duncan two false names and dates of birth. After giving the second false name, the driver drove off and headed south on Grape Road.

Officer Duncan pursued the pickup driver. Police reported that the pickup driver ran a red light at the intersection of Grape Road and McKinley Avenue.

As Duncan entered the intersection, the passenger side of her patrol vehicle was hit by another driver. She did have her emergency lights and siren on during pursuit, police reported. Duncan was transported to a local hospital, treated for her injuries and then released. The driver who hit Duncan in the crash was not injured.

Mishawaka Police reported on Tuesday that Mishawaka Police Department detectives were able to locate the truck involved and it has been impounded. However, they stated, "The suspect was able to elude the police."

This investigation remains ongoing. The Mishawaka Police Department will release more information when the suspect has been identified.

Email Tribune staff writer Camille Sarabia at csarabia@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Officer injured in vehicle pursuit; police work to identify suspect
After he allegedly struck and killed Joel Steven Moreau the day after Thanksgiving last year, Tajair Anthony Delbridge fled the scene, abandoned his rental car and attempted to have it reported stolen.

But after a Bucks County Grand jury heard testimony and reviewed evidence last month, it recommended charging Delbridge, 25, of Philadelphia, with killing Moreau and attempting to avoid prosecution.

A Philadelphia man is accused in the hit and run death last year of a 28-year-old Bristol Township man

More on death of Joel Moreau Man on skateboard dies after hit and run in Bristol Township

Delbridge surrendered to authorities May 24 and he was arraigned on charges including accidents involving death or personal injury, and hindering apprehension, which are felonies. He was incarcerated in Bucks County Correctional Center in lieu of $2 million bail.

Moreau, 28, who lived in the Farmbrook section of Levittown, was skateboarding shortly after 10 p.m. on Nov. 24 in the 1500 block of Haines Road when a witness said he was struck from behind by a red newer model Kia, according to the DAs office.

Moreau died of multiple injuries and his manner of death was determined to be accidental, according to the Bucks County Coroners Office.

After hearing a loud bang, the witness reported seeing the skateboarder lying in the northbound lane of Haines Road bleeding and unresponsive; the Kia had extensive front-end damage and the driver turned the car and sped from the scene, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

In the road, police found pieces of the damaged Kia that included part numbers and markings that identified the make and model of the car, the affidavit said. Witnesses also got a partial tage number of the Kia, police said.

Police later found a 2022 red Kia K5 with damage consistent with a pedestrian strike abandoned a few miles away in a shopping center, the affidavit said.

When police contacted the cars registered owner, they learned it had been rented to Delbridge through a private rental business, authorities said.

Delbridge allegedly contacted the car owner about a half hour after the crash, and claimed he had been carjacked at gunpoint and suggested she report the car stolen, the affidavit said. He allegedly called the owner again the next morning to see if she reported it stolen.

Inside the abandoned Kia police reported the smell of marijuana and found marijuana-related paraphernalia, according to a Bucks County DA press release.

Surveillance video from a business captured a red Kia pulled into a parking lot, and a male driver and female passenger got out, then got back into the car and pulled away.

Police identified the female passenger who testified before the grand jury that Delbridge was driving the vehicle when the accident occured, the affidavit said.

Delbridge also appeared before the grand jury, but he invoked his Fifth-Amendment right against self incrimination when asked about the night of the fatal accident, the affidavit said.

According to his online obituary Moreau was born and raised in Limerick, Montgomery County and attended SpringFord High School. He later earned his GED from Teen Challenge, a faith-based alternative school in Virginia, according to his obituary.

He worked at Teen Challenge for a year, then also worked detailing cars and most recently at Starbucks in Newtown, the obituary said.

His obituary noted Moreau enjoyed skateboarding, fishing, drawing, listening to music, swimming, reading, and video games, and his great sense of humor.

Nicole Yosick described her brother as a passionate soul, who savored the simple pleasures of tea and coffee.

A Go-Fund Me campaign to help the family with funeral expenses raised more than $13,000.

Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Man in fatal Levittown hit and run tried to report car stolen: police
In yet another attack on a Los Angeles Metro bus operator, police are searching for a woman who ripped the eyeglasses off a drivers face on Monday.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a woman got on the transit bus just before 10 a.m. when it was stopped in the area of Temple and Springs streets in downtown.

A female suspect aggressively entered the bus and began arguing with the bus operator, an LAPD news release stated. During the altercation, the suspect forcefully removed the bus operators prescription eyeglasses and exited the bus.

When the bus driver followed the woman out to get her glasses back, a second altercation occurred, though authorities did not provide any additional details.

The bus driver was able to recover her glasses, but police said they were broken, and that the operator sustained a minor injury to her face during the encounter.

Women tears eyeglasses off L.A. Metro bus driver

The suspect fled the scene. She was described by police as a white woman around 30 years old, standing about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes, police said.

This assault comes after a series of violent attacks on Metro operators and passengers, including a grandmother that was fatally stabbed and another man who was shot and killed, all of which prompted one Metro board member to say she was afraid and would not ride the system alone.

For their part, Metro operators staged a sick out to call attention to the increase in violence on the transit system and demanded better safety measures.

The Metro Board, which includes L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, has since approved a surge of law enforcement and public safety officers to patrol transit vehicles.

In response to this latest attack, officials at Metro released the following statement to KTLA:

Metro is angered that yet again a member of our community chose to assault and steal from one of our essential bus operators. Our employees deserve a safe workplace and our customers deserve a safe ride, and we are accelerating our work to prevent crime on our system.

Southern California man arrested for using Reddit to solicit sex with minor

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call LAPDs Central Division Robbery Detective Arrieta at 213-996-1868. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.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.
NEW DELHI, May 28 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and many others feared trapped under the debris as a stone quarry collapsed Tuesday in India's northeastern state of Mizoram, police said.

The stone quarry collapsed when heavy rains hit the state in the aftermath of cyclone Remal which made landfall along the coastline of India and Bangladesh on Sunday night.

According to officials, the stone quarry collapsed on the outskirts of Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram.

"This morning a stone quarry collapsed in an area between Melthum and Hlimen on the southern outskirts of the Aizawl town, killing 10 people and trapping many others," an official said.

Immediately after the incident, authorities rushed rescue teams to pull the bodies and survivors from the quarry.

Officials said the rescue operation was hampered by the relentless rain and landslides in the area.

Reports said a child was rescued from the site and rushed to a nearby hospital.

The collapse of the stone quarry also caused significant damage to nearby houses.

In the wake of heavy rains, the authorities have ordered the closure of all schools.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall across northeastern states over the next two days. 
With summer around the corner, it means it's time for Michigan lawmakers, business leaders and nonprofit executives to make the annual trek up to Mackinac Island for panel discussions focused on the state's biggest challenges and some schmoozing.

The car-free, fudge-filled island may also see politicians announce new initiatives at this week's event.

Last year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed a new state official charged with reversing Michigan's population stagnation. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan unveiled a plan to overhaul property taxes in the city. His proposal has since stalled in the state Legislature. But the Detroit Regional Chamber's upcoming Mackinac Policy Conference at the Grand Hotel provides a venue once again for state and local leaders to lay out their vision for Michigan.

Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island on July 21, 2021.

The theme of this year's conference emphasizes unity: "Bridging the Future Together." Suzanne Shank  the president, CEO and co-founder of Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC, a financial services firm  will serve as chair of the gathering.

In addition to Whitmer, Michigan's other top statewide elected officials will be on the island: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel. Michigan's U.S. Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow will also join them, along with half of the delegation representing Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives. Many state lawmakers will also attend.

The lead-up to the conference has already brought some political drama. The Detroit Regional Chamber extended invitations to top-polling candidates for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat to participate in a bipartisan debate on the island. But both front-runners  U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Lansing, and Republican Mike Rogers  bowed out.

How to tune into the Mackinac Policy Conference

While the U.S. Senate debate won't occur, the Mackinac Policy Conference has a jam-packed schedule with discussions on "Solving Michigan's Housing Crisis," "The Importance of Racial Equity in Michigans Population Growth," "Understanding Gen Z's Political Sway," and more.

For those wanting to check out some of the panels and speeches, Detroit PBS will livestream the conference. Viewers can tune in on the Detroit PBS YouTube channel or online at onedetroitpbs.org.

The conference takes place Tuesday-Friday.

Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan politicians make annual trip to Mackinac Island
Pope Francis apologized on Tuesday after he reportedly used a homophobic slur while reiterating his opposition to gay people becoming priests during a private discussion on the matter with bishops last week.

There is already too much frociaggine in seminaries, Francis has been quoted as saying, using an Italian word that roughly translates to faggotry.

The remark, said to have been made during a closed-door meeting last Monday, was first reported by Italian news and gossip site Dagospia and then affirmed by Italian newspapers la Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, which each cited unnamed firsthand sources.

The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologizes to those who felt offended by the use of a term, as reported by others, said Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, in a statement on Tuesday.

Read More: Pope Francis Calls Surrogate Motherhood Deplorable, Calls for Global Ban

Corriere reported that the remark was received with incredulous laughter by the bishops in attendance and that, given the 87-year-old Argentinian pontiffs native language is Spanish, it was evident that the Pope was not aware of how offensive the word is in Italian.

Catholic magazine America similarly reported that Francis use of frociaggine was a gaffe rather than an intentional slur, given the popes Who am I to judge? attitude toward gay priests.

Francis was named TIMEs 2013 Person of the Year after uttering those landmark five words 11 years ago that seemed at the time to herald a new era of acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ people by the Catholic Church. Late last year, Francis gave his approval for priests to bless same-sex couples, and in February, he said he saw hypocrisy in those who criticized that decision.

But when it comes to gay people joining the priesthood, Francis has continued to back the Vaticans official policy, approved by his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, that the Church, while profoundly respecting the persons in question, cannot admit to the seminary or to holy orders those who practise homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture.

In 2018, during a similar closed-door meeting with Italian bishops, Francis reportedly warned that applicants to the priesthood should be vetted carefully and that anyone suspected of being homosexual should be rejected. If in doubt, better not let them enter, he was quoted as saying.

Read More: Catholics Should Accept and Love All LGBTQ People

According to Corriere, an assembly of bishops last November approved a potential reform, which yet required the pontiffs approval to be implemented, that would distinguish between simple homosexual orientation and deeply rooted tendenciesand would permit the admission of people in the former category to seminaries so long as they could commit, like all seminarians, to a life of strict celibacy.

When asked about this hypothetical approach, Francis reportedly responded in a firmly negative way, according to la Repubblica, which noted that he also emphasized respect is still owed to every person regardless of their sexual orientation.

Francis explained, la Repubblica reported, as translated by America, it is necessary to put down markers, and prevent the risk that the gay person who chooses the priesthood could later end up living a double-life, continuing to practice homosexuality, while at the same time suffering from this dissimulation, before he made what seemed to be meant as a joke about the frociaggine that already exists in Italian seminaries.

Brunis statement on Tuesday added: As [Pope Francis] has stated on many occasions, There is room for everyone in the Church, for everyone! No one is useless; no one is superfluous; there is room for everyone. Just as we are, everyone.

Solcyre Burga contributed reporting.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Pope Francis speaks during the general audience at the Pope Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Pope Francis apologized on Tuesday after being quoted in Italian media making an anti-gay slur at a closed-door meeting last week.

A statement issued by the Vatican did not directly confirm the use of the specific word at the meeting with the Italian bishops, which ignited a firestorm after the incident was reported across multiple Italian media outlets citing participants.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope had never intended to offend or use the homophobic language, as reported "by others," and apologized to those who had felt offended.

The reports said the pope consulted with the bishops on the question of whether avowed homosexuals should be admitted to the seminary.

Major Italian media outlets said the pope jokingly used the the Italian word "frociaggine," which roughly translates to "faggotness," in his response.

Francis said he was opposed to the seminary idea and reportedly added: "There is already too much faggotness in the seminaries."

Vatican spokesman Bruni said that the pope was aware of the reports about his dialogue with the bishops.

He added that Francis has also stated on other occasions that there is room for everyone in the Church.
A Vatican spokesperson on Tuesday said Pope Francis extends his apologies after Italian media reports claimed he used a homophobic slur during a closed-door meeting last week.

The reports cited anonymous attendees at a May 20 annual meeting of Italian bishops. Francis allegedly used the word when he was asked if seminaries should allow gay men to join in order to be ordained as priests.

Pope Francis Calls Out Conservative American Bishops on 60 Minutes

Francis allegedly answered that gay men shouldnt be allowed to join the priesthood colleges, joking that theres already too much frociaggine in them. Italys ANSA news agency reports that the derogatory word stems from the Italian word for f****t and translated the specific term the pope used as f****tness.

In a statement to reporters, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis is aware of the recent articles. The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologizes to those who felt offended by the use of a term, as reported by others, Bruni said.

He also cited Francis previous comments affirming his belief that there is room for everyone in the church. Bruni did not explicitly confirm or deny that the Argentine pontiff used the offensive word.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The pontiff reportedly made the derogatory comment during a private meeting on May 20

TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Pope Francis in 2020

Pope Francis has apologized after he reportedly used a slur towards gay people during a private meeting.

The pontiff, 87, reportedly said a derogatory term in a meeting with members of the Italian Bishops Conference in Rome on May 20, while discussing the subject of whether gay men should be welcomed into the priesthood. Italian news outlet Dagospia was first to report the alleged comments made by the pope, per BBC and The Guardian.

Pope Francis reportedly shared his objection against gay men being admitted to Catholic Seminaries after being asked at the meeting. Per the outlets, he then allegedly said the word frociaggine in Italian  which translates as a derogatory term for gay people  as he claimed there were too many members of the community entering seminaries.

Italian news outlets La Repubblica, Corriere della Sera and Adnkronos all cited sources confirming the pope used the term, leaving attendees shocked and confused, per The Guardian.

Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Pope Francis in 2024

Related: Pope Francis Approves Blessings for Same-Sex Couples in Historic Decision: 'Major Step Forward'

Pope Francis also allegedly said during the meeting that should gay people be allowed to train for the priesthood they are at risk of leading a double life, per The Times.

In response to the reports, Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told PEOPLE, Pope Francis is aware of the articles that have recently been published about a conversation held behind closed doors, with members of the Italian Bishops Conference. As he has had the opportunity to say on several occasions: 'There is room for everyone, for everyone in the Church! No one is useless, no one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. Just in the way that we are, all of us.' "

"The Pope has never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologises to those who have felt offended by the use of a term, reported by others, Bruni added.

Pope Francis' alleged comments come days after he clarified his position on blessing same-sex couples, after previously sharing his openness in doing so, during a 60 Minutes special on May 19.



Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty The pontiff in 2023

Related: Pope Francis Clarifies Blessing Same-Sex Unions  'That Cannot Be Done'  But Says 'Everyone' Can Be Blessed (Exclusive)

"What I allowed was not to bless the union. That cannot be done because that is not the sacrament. I cannot. The Lord made it that way," the pope clarified during the interview. "But to bless each person, yes. The blessing is for everyone. For everyone."

"To bless a homosexual-type union, however, goes against the given right, the law of the Church. But to bless each person, why not?" he added. "The blessing is for all. Some people were scandalized by this. But why? Everyone! Everyone!"

The interview followed the Vaticans doctrine office release of a document giving Catholic priests permission to bless same-sex couples in December 2023, which was praised as a "major step forward" at the time.

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.



In his initial response to questions on the subject two months earlier, the pope said, God never turns away anyone who approaches him! Ultimately, a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God.  It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered.

The pontiff first declared his support for the civil unions of same-sex couples in October 2020, following comments he made in the documentary Francesco. Then, in March 2021, the Vatican said that the Catholic community should welcome gay people with "respect and sensitivity, however their marriages and unions would not be received in the same manner.



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Pope Francis issued an apology on Tuesday after he reportedly used a homophobic slur in a private meeting last week when discussing the churchs policy barring gay priests.

The Italian newspapers Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica reported Monday that the pontiff jokingly said there is an air of frociaggine, which translates in English to fness, in some seminaries.

The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term that was reported by others, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said Tuesday.

Francis was discussing an unpublished set of proposed seminary guidelines that reportedly sought to open some wiggle room in the Vaticans absolute ban on homosexual priests.

The Vatican ban on gay priests was made official in 2005 and upheld by Francis in 2016.

Italian is not Franciss native language, and the Argentine pope has made linguistic gaffes in the past that have raised eyebrows. The 87-year-old often speaks informally, jokes using slang and even curses in private.

He has been known for his outreach to LGBTQ Catholics, however, starting from his famous Who am I to judge? comment in 2013 about a priest who purportedly had a gay lover in his past.

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.
Pope Francis has issued an apology after using a homophobic slur during a closed-door discussion about gay priests.



Anonymous bishops told Italian news outlets Corriere della Sera and Italian dailies La Repubblica that the Pope invoked a vulgar Italian term during their meeting last week, in which church officials were debating whether or not to allow out gay priests in the clergy.

Pope Francis reportedly disagreed with their inclusion, claiming that while the church should be welcoming of everyone, to be gay and a priest would be to lead a double life. He then said that seminaries already have too much frociaggine," which loosely translates to faggotness.

The bishops said they were surprised about the Pope's use of the word, claiming simultaneously that it was a joke and that Francis did not know the meaning. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a statement after backlash ensued, telling the Associated Press that Francis has emphasized LGBTQ+ outreach as Pope, and that he believes there is "room for everyone in the church.

The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term that was reported by others, Bruni said.

Francis has often been perceived as more accepting of LGBTQ+ Catholics than his predecessors. When asked by a journalist in 2013 about gay priests being included, he said, "If someone is gay and seeks the Lord with good will, who am I to judge?" He later upheld that the church should apologize to LGBTQ+ people for mistreating them.

However, Francis has not changed church doctrine. He approved a Vatican document in 2016 reaffirming that "persons with homosexual tendencies" are barred from Roman Catholic seminaries and priesthood. He also recently allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, though only if the blessing does not resemble a wedding nor take place as part of regular church activities.


Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Shayea Mohsen Al-Zindani, Yemen's minister of foreign affairs and expatriates, who is here for the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Shayea Mohsen Al-Zindani, Yemen's minister of foreign affairs and expatriates, in Beijing on Tuesday, who is here for the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China firmly supports the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, and always cherishes its traditional friendship with Yemen.

Noting that the upcoming 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum is an important meeting that builds on the past heritage and opens up the future, Wang said it serves the common interests of both China and the Arab States to strengthen solidarity and coordination to jointly meet challenges under the current international situation.

The tense situation in the Red Sea is a prominent manifestation of the spillover from the Gaza conflict, and the urgent task is to promote an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. China calls for an end to the harassment of civilian vessels and to ensure the safety of waterways in the Red Sea, Wang said.

China hopes that all parties involved in the Yemen issue will be committed to a political settlement, continue to resolve disputes and differences through dialogue and negotiation, and strive for early reconciliation, Wang added.

Al-Zindani said that Yemen attaches great importance to its relations with China, and abides by the one-China principle. Yemen hopes that China will continue to play a greater role in cooling down the situation in the Red Sea and promoting reconciliation and reconstruction of Yemen. It is believed that the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum will elevate China-Arab collective cooperation to a new level, Al-Zindani said. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Shayea Mohsen Al-Zindani, Yemen's minister of foreign affairs and expatriates, who is here for the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)
Popular California beach closed for the holiday after shark bumped surfer off his board

FILE - A surfer heads to the water as storms move through the area in San Clemente, Calif., Dec. 12, 2022. A two-mile (3.2-km) stretch of the popular Southern California beach was closed for the Memorial Day holiday after a shark bumped a surfer off his board the night before, authorities said. The 24-hour closure at San Clemente was announced after the surfer came out of the water and reported the sharks aggressive behavior to lifeguards Sunday evening, May 26, 2024. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP, File)

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (AP)  A 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of a popular Southern California beach was closed for the Memorial Day holiday after a shark bumped a surfer off his board the night before, authorities said.

The 24-hour closure at San Clemente was announced after the surfer came out of the water and reported the shark's aggressive behavior to lifeguards around 8 p.m. Sunday, the Orange County Register reported.

The surfer, who wasn't hurt, was bumped after seeing a large, dark object swimming toward him, San Clemente Marine Safety Lt. Sean Staubenbaur said.

The sand remained open to the public, but beachgoers were warned to stay out of the water until 8 p.m. Monday.

Though disappointed, the closure didn't stop 6-year-old Waylon Andino's plans for a lemonade fundraiser.

Its Memorial Day weekend, well live it up and have fun with the kids regardless and enjoy each others company, Waylons mom, Kylie Andino, told the Register.

A sighting of a shark 10 feet (3 meters) or longer calls for a closure, usually for several hours, while any kind of aggressive behavior automatically prompts a 24-hour shutdown, pending no additional shark sightings.
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans for 18-year-old citizens to either serve in the armed forces or through volunteer work for a year

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images From left: Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at Trooping the Colour in June 2023

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis would not be exempt from the U.K. Conservative Party's plans for 18-year-old citizens to participate in mandatory service, either in the armed forces or through volunteer work in the community.

After U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to revive National Service on May 26 ahead of the general election in July, the Conservative Party confirmed to The Telegraph that children in the British royal family would be expected to take part.

In addition to Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, the young children of Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall, Peter Phillips and more royals would be required to complete the initiative.

According to the BBC, the plan would see 30,000 out of an estimated 700,000 18-year-old citizens spending a year in the military in areas like logistics, cyber security, procurement or civil response operations. The rest would be required to spend one weekend every month volunteering with organizations such as the NHS, fire service, ambulance, search and rescue and critical local infrastructure for 12 months.

Chris Jackson/Getty From left: Prince George, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince William at Trooping the Colour in June 2023

Related: Kate Middleton Receives New Titles from King Charles  with a Tie to Her Grandfather

Sunak said on X, "This bold new model will open up a world of opportunity. It will make sure young people in the U.K. get the same chance in life as their peers in allies like Sweden, Norway, Denmark and France  which have all recently introduced or announced new forms of national service."

"Everyone will get the life-changing chance to learn from the best of the best - from the men and women of our Armed Forces, our inspirational NHS staff or the fire service," he continued. Gaining skills for life in everything from cyber to leadership."

The British royal family already has strong ties to the military, with many serving.

As monarch, King Charles is the head of the armed forces, and he previously served in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976.

Both of his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. William, 41, went on to serve with the Blues and Royals and before working as a search and rescue helicopter pilot, while Harry, 39, also entered the Blues and Royals and also being deployed to Afghanistan twice. Prince Harry's tours made him the first member of the U.K.'s royal family to serve in a war zone since his uncle Prince Andrew, who flew helicopters during the Falklands War.

Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William (left) and Prince Harry pose in front of a helicopter at RAF Shawbury on June 18, 2009

Related: King Charles Appoints Prince William to Military Role Linked to Prince Harry in Controversial Move

Queen Elizabeth made history as the first female in the family to become a full-time member of the armed services while she was heir to the throne. As Princess Elizabeth during World War II, she persuaded her reluctant father, King George VI, to allow her to join the military and signed on with the Auxiliary Territorial Service, donning a uniform and rolling up her sleeves to become a vehicle mechanic.

Many working members of the royal family hold various appointments and honorary ranks in the armed forces, and Prince George (as future monarch) and his siblings will likely continue that tradition.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Keystone/Getty Princess Elizabeth in 1945

King Charles, Prince William and other royals canceled planned engagements last week ahead of the general election, set to take place on July 4. After Sunak called for a surprise general election, Buckingham Palace announced that members of the family would postpone outings "which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign." The royals, who are constitutionally non-political, traditionally leave the public space to the country's political parties during campaigns.



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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  An inmate is facing additional charges after he walked away from a prison camp over the Memorial Day weekend. Allen Woolard, 59, was reported missing Sunday morning after his overnight shift ended at 5 a.m.

According to the Nevada Department of Corrections, Woolard walked away from his post at Three Lakes Conservation Camp. He was recaptured on Monday afternoon by Las Vegas Metropolitan police in Indian Springs, about 45 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Woolard is serving a prison sentence for possession of a firearm by a felon and grand larceny.

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.
Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked all northbound lanes on the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles on Monday. (KCAL News)

Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters briefly shutdown the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.

The protesters blocked traffic as they held Palestinian flags and signs reading "Stop the Genocide" and "End the Occupation Now!" and chanted "Eyes on Rafah!" according to video posted to social media, including by journalist Ben Camacho.

The protest came a day after what appeared to be one of the deadliest attacks in Israel's ongoing war with Hamas.

On Sunday, an Israeli strike on a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah killed dozens. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday described the strike as a "tragic mistake" that was under investigation.

Tens of thousands of people  many civilians  have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its war on Hamas after an assault by Hamas fighters in Israel in October. Large portions of Gaza have been destroyed and cut off from aid, spurring months of protests around the world and across the U.S., including on many college campuses.

The United Nations' top court ordered Israel to halt its assault on Rafah last week.

A Los Angeles Police Department spokesman said Monday that officers were called to monitor a protest downtown about 3 p.m.

"We responded to some protesters walking through the immediate downtown area," LAPD Officer Jeff Lee said. "Initially they started blocking traffic, but then they were up on the sidewalk obeying traffic laws  and that's when they went down onto the freeway."

California Highway Patrol Sgt. Alejandro Rubio said that LAPD alerted the CHP that about 50 protesters had moved onto the freeway near Alameda Street at 4:48 p.m.

However, by the time CHP officers arrived at the scene around 5 p.m., there were no longer any protesters on the freeway, Rubio said.

"They were all on the surface streets," he said.

Lee said LAPD officers continued to monitor protesters in the downtown area afterward.

"We're just going to ensure public safety and the well-being of all individuals," he said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Though he acknowledged the death of Riley Doggett was tragic, the Kent County prosecutor has decided he will not charge the Kent County sheriffs deputy whose cruiser hit the 17-year-old last month.

Based on the facts and circumstances, I did not find the basis to charge the officer, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said Tuesday, going on to say he could not find evidence of intent to kill or commit great bodily harm, gross negligence or reckless driving.

PDF: Beckers charging decision

Doggett was running away after jumping from a stolen Range Rover in which he was a passenger.

(The deputy) is trying to apprehend what he believes to be dangerous individuals, Becker said. They have run from the police in Holland just before this. They have an extensive chase here. Theres a possibility of guns being involved. Given the totality of the circumstances, at that speed, I cant say to the ordinary mind that death or great bodily harm is going to result.

Doggetts mother told News 8 she believes the deputy should have been charged.

He used his vehicle and ran my son over, she said.

Ven Johnson, the Doggett familys attorney, told News 8 he will ask the Michigan Attorney Generals Office to review Beckers ruling. He also plans to file a civil lawsuit against the deputy and the county.

Becker said he has filed charges against the 17-year-old who was driving the Range Rover. He faces charges of fleeing and eluding causing Doggetts death and continuing criminal enterprises. Becker said he will ask the court to try the defendant as an adult, citing the totality of his criminal history.

At an afternoon news conference in Grand Rapids, Becker showed dashboard camera video of the chase on the evening of April 8. Doggetts family members viewed the video in a meeting with Becker before the news conference.

It was really hard, Doggetts mother Becky Wilbert said, probably one of the most difficult things Ive ever had to see besides Riley in the hospital, just him being hurt and hit by that police car.

Online: Dashcam video of Riley Doggett chase

Becker acknowledged the familys pain, said he explained his decision to them and that he didnt expect them to agree with it.

WHAT THE DASHCAM VIDEO SHOWS

Below, watch the prosecutors news conference, which includes video showing the crash. Discretion is advised.

Becker said an automated plate reader flagged the Range Rover in Wyoming around 7 p.m. and the deputy soon spotted it on 44th Street near US-131. It was less than an hour after the same vehicle and a stolen Nissan were chased by Holland police, a pursuit that reached 120 mph and was terminated on I-196 near the Kent-Ottawa line.

(The deputy) had information that the vehicle was coming, Becker said. He knew about the chase in Holland, knew that Holland police had basically chased it all the way to the county line. And so he was picking this up at this point in time. Well pick up the video as hes making contact with this white Range Rover.

Police: Chase that injured teen was second of night for suspected car thieves

The Wyoming chase, which reached speeds of 80 mph, ended when Doggett and the other 17-year-old jumped from the Range Rover, which crashed into parked cars at 32nd Street and S. Division Avenue. The two took off on foot.

Quite clearly, he (the deputy) hit him (Doggett). He sideswiped him, kind of went to the side, Becker said of what the video shows. From the evidence, what it appears to do is he caught him with the tire.

The cruiser was going about 22 mph when it hit Doggett, Becker said.

From (the deputys) statement, he was trying to cut (Doggett) off, trying to cut him off from going into the neighborhoods in the back there. He tried to pull in front of him, Becker said. Looks like the tire essentially caught (Doggetts) left calf, pulling off his left shoe and kind of a slingshot down. You saw it was a violent fall to the ground.

Becker said the medical examiner explained to him that Doggetts head hitting the ground when he fell, not the collision with the cruiser, caused the head injury that ultimately led to his death.

Doggett suffered traumatic brain injury and a broken hip and died at the hospital more than a month later on May 9. The death certificate listed his manner of death as an accident. The family is awaiting results of a private autopsy.

Record: Death of teen hit by cruiser an accident

Doggett was not armed, but Becker said the deputy thought the cellphone he was holding may have been a gun.

There had been allegations of this group being involved in stolen cars, shots had been fired in other places, so he thought this was an armed individual running into a neighborhood and so he made the decision to try and cut him off, Becker said. He didnt think he had enough time to actually stop the car, get out. The kids had quite a bit head start. So, he tried to pull in front of them.

Reports: Police watched group before teen hit by cruiser during chase

The Kent County Sheriffs Office has said Doggett was unintentionally struck and that it was a direct result of the inherent risk accompanying the serious criminal activity that Riley was engaged in during the weeks and months leading up to this incident.

In a statement, the deputys attorney Marc Curtis offered deepest condolences to the Doggett family. Curtis said his client fully and voluntarily cooperated with the investigation. He said its a stark reminder about the risks of engaging in criminal activity.

Mr. Doggett was involved in activities that caused distress and fear among the citizens of Kent County and the broader West Michigan area. His actions unfortunately placed him at high risk for a deadly encounter, whether with a citizen or law enforcement. It was fortunate for the community that a Kent County Deputy was the one to confront Mr. Doggett during his crime spree, Curtis wrote.

MOTHER: THAT DAY DOES NOT DEFINE RILEY

His family says Doggett did not deserve to die.

An undated photo of Riley Doggett. (Courtesy Taylor Daniels)

That day does not define Riley. Everybody makes mistakes, some bigger than others. If there were mistakes made, Riley should have been able to pay for them mistakes, not have his life taken away over a mistake, Doggetts mother said.

The Doggett family had been seeking release of dashboard or body camera video for weeks. Ven Johnson, their attorney, has argued that the deputy used the cruiser as a deadly weapon, no different than a gun.

I didnt see that, Becker said. He could have gunned it and went right at him.  He did not do that. He clearly hits him from the side. So, hes trying to cut him off. He didnt do it appropriately and hit him and maybe cut it too close, and obviously there are tragic results. But this is not a matter, using the gun analogy, of shooting right at him; he didnt shoot at him. He didnt gun right for him.

Family seeks transparency as teen hit by police cruiser is laid to rest

In a statement on social media, Kent County Commissioner Ivan Diaz said he was incredibly disappointed by Beckers decision not to charge the deputy. He said he agreed it didnt look like the deputy meant to kill Riley, but the fact remains that his actions did lead to Rileys death.

I will ask the Sheriff to review her deputys actions to determine whether there should be a change in the Sheriff Departments policies, Diaz wrote. I (will) also call on Governor Whitmer and the Legislature to pass comprehensive police reform. More deaths will happen until serious reform is passed.

SAMUEL STERLING CASE

Also Tuesday, the Michigan Attorney Generals Office filed charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter against Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Brian Keely in the death of Samuel Sterling. Keely was driving the MSP cruiser that hit Sterling, killing him, on April 17 in Kentwood.

Ven Johnson, who is also representing Sterlings family, called the timing of the two decisions ironic and sad.

To have the AG issue charges in the Sterling and for Mr. Becker to say no in terms of Riley Doggetts case, its a very tough pill for (Doggetts mother) Becky and the family to swallow, Johnson said.

He said the cases had very similar video footage.

Missing from Rileys case is a Burger King right there. But both cars made an immediate right turn right into the path of a pedestrian; admittedly running away, understandably. But that is a deadly force. A car is a deadly weapon under this scenario and  this was not a deadly force situation in either one, he said.

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Prosecutors Allege Prolific Abuse by Special Education Teacher Accused of Touching Students in Classroom

Vincent Root, 59, was already charged with allegedly sexually touching seven students when he was charged with touching seven more, the prosecutor announced

OFFICE OF THE BURLINGTON COUNTY PROSECUTOR Vincent Root

A New Jersey special education teacher is facing criminal charges after being accused of sexually touching 14 students.

In October 2023, Vincent Root, 59, of Philadelphia, was charged with sexually touching seven children while they were enrolled at Chatsworth Elementary School, where Root was a teacher, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said in a statement.

Root has now been charged with sexually touching an additional seven students, Bradshaw said.

A Burlington County grand jury returned a 28-count indictment against Root, charging him with 14 counts of second-degree sexual assault and 14 counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, Bradshaw said.

Root pleaded not guilty at his arraignment last week.

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He is currently free on bond as he awaits his trial.

Authorities began investigating in Sept. 2023 when a student came forward and accused Root of touching him inappropriately during previous school years, Bradshaw said in the statement.

The alleged victims, who are all male, were touched in classrooms inside the school building, authorities claim.

The investigation further revealed that the abuse occurred over a multi-year period, Bradshaw alleged.

The names and ages of the alleged victims, along with specific information of their enrollment dates, are being withheld in an attempt to protect their identities, Bradshaw said.

Anyone who believes they were victimized by this defendant is asked to send an email to tips@co.burlington.nj.us, or call 609-265-5035 and ask to speak to a detective in the Special Victims Unit.

Root's attorney could not be reached for comment.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



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Read the original article on People.
After five weeks of combing through phone logs, contracts, invoices, checks, tweets, and text messages about Donald Trump and his band of women-silencing henchmen, Manhattan prosecutors on Tuesday finally did what jurors have been waiting for: They told a story.

It was a tale of deception and intrigue, as assistant district attorney Joshua Steinglass spent hours describing exactly how his team thinks the former American president hid sexual affairs before the 2016 election by faking paperwork to cover up what they allege amounts to election interference.

By now, the jury was all too familiar with the dramatis personae: ex-Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal and porn star Stormy Daniels, who worked with publicist Gina Rodriguez, who shopped around sleazy stories with celebrity lawyer Keith Davidson, who cut dirt-disappearing deals with the likes of National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard, who answered to his Trump-loving boss David Pecker, who maintained a backchannel to Trump consigliere Michael Cohen, whod call Trump bodyguard Keith Schiller to reach the man at the top.

Steinglass sped through the descriptions as text messages and phone calls flashed on the four courtroom screens: Pecker to Howard, Howard to Pecker, Pecker to Cohen, Howard to Pecker.

The communications were no longer disparate discussions. An interdependent web came into full view.

Cohen to Pecker. Cohen to Trump. And Cohen tells him, among other things, that Stormy Daniels is back, Steinglass told jurors.

Robert De Niro Argues With MAGA Hecklers About Jan. 6 Outside Trump Trial

With the logs now in chronological order, jurors could see how mere minutes would tick by between pings, as deals were negotiated in the weeks before the 2016 election.

Ten minutes later Cohen calls Trump to update him Cohen testified that he left a voicemail. The next morning, Melania Trump texts Cohen to call Trump at his cell, Steinglass said.

But like any Greek tragedy, the author put his hero through the wringer. In this case, it was the Manhattan District Attorneys key witness, the Trump fixer-turned-bagman-turned-defector. By relying on Cohena disbarred former lawyer convicted of perjury in part for his role in the schemeprosecutors understood the challenge in having jurors believe the one person most enraged at Trump to describe his bosss part in the story.

Prosecutors faced it head-on.

Michael Cohen is understandably angry that, to date, he's the only one to pay the price for his role in the conspiracy, Steinglass said, acknowledging how the wealthy real estate and taxi medallion baron has managed to parlay his infamy into a lucrative media personality gig.

I'm not asking you to feel bad for Michael Cohen. He made his bed. But you can hardly blame him for making money on the one thing he has left: his knowledge of the inner workings of the Trump phenomena, Steinglass said.

But, as with any debate about the eternally divisive politics of Trump, prosecutors were simultaneously engaged in an entirely different battle: one against false equivalencies.

Sure, Cohen misled the press, Congress, the FEC, Steinglass conceded, addressing the Trump team's legal strategys focus. But even the slightest dash of context shows that most of Cohens lies were in service to Trump.

That's kind of rich, because the lies that he told to Congress in 2017 had to do with the Mueller investigation and had to do with the Russia probe, and what Michael Cohen lied about was the dealings the defendant had in Russia, Steinglass pointed out.

Meanwhile, prosecutors sidestepped the more lurid side of the entire affairthe blatant campaign to hit up a leading Republican presidential candidate for cold hard cash during the most vulnerable moment of his campaign.

Think what you want about Mr. Davidson and trading on stories... maybe you think its a sordid practice... in the end, it doesnt really matter, because you dont get to commit election fraud or falsify your business records because you think you've been victimized. In other words, extortion is not a defense for falsification of business records, Steinglass said.

From there, Steinglass continued a nearly six-hour marathon of Wagner-esque proportions. He repeatedly reviewed how the testimony of key witnesses breathed life into countless documents, gliding over several overlapping timelines that all met their nexus on election day in 2016claiming that Trump duped the American public by keeping his hush-money deals out of the public view.

The name of the game is concealment, and all roads lead inescapably to the man who needed it most, the defendant, former President Donald Trump, Steinglass said.

A visibly exhausted judge interrupted Steinglass every few hours to ask for short breaks, and repeatedly inquired when prosecutors planned to wrap up.

And yet, he persisted.

In the closing hour, Steinglass made a reference to not wanting to beat a dead horsewhich elicited laughter across the courtroom. He responded by saying that the reference wasnt meant to be a joke, prompting security to order journalists in the chamber to quiet down.

In the final stretch, Steinglass told jurors to act bravely and use common sense.

You, the jury, have the ability to hold the defendant accountable, he said. Just like any other case, [Trump] can be judged by his peers.

You have to put aside the distractions, the press, the politics, the noise, and focus on the evidence and the logical inferences that can be drawn from that evidence, Steinglass added.

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Pro-Palestinian demonstrators who have been camped out at the University of Toronto, Canada, for 25 days held a solidarity rally on Monday.
During his closing argument in Donald Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan on Tuesday, lead defense attorney Todd Blanche hammered at the credibility of the prosecution's star witness, Michael Cohen, the former president's estranged fixer, calling him "the greatest liar of all time." That strategy makes sense given Cohen's role in establishing that Trump "caused" the falsification of the business records at the center of the case. But even if the jury believes Cohen's testimony, it does not prove that Trump falsified those records with the intent of facilitating or concealing "another crime," the justification for charging Trump with 34 felonies rather than 34 misdemeanors.

Cohen, a convicted felon, disbarred lawyer, and admitted liar with a powerful grudge against his former boss, was the only witness who testified that Trump approved a plan to reimburse Cohen for the $130,000 he paid porn star Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election to keep her from talking about her alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump. Trump had designated Cohen as his personal lawyer, and the checks were described as "retainer" payments. But Cohen said Trump knew that characterization was false and went along with the charade after Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg (who did not testify) described it during a meeting at Trump Tower in January 2017.

"There is no way that you can find that President Trump knew about this payment at the time it was made without believing the words of Michael Cohen," Blanche told the jurors. Given Cohen's history of dishonesty and his animus against Trump, Blanche said, the jury "cannot convict President Trump [of] any crime beyond a reasonable doubt on the words of Michael Cohen."

Even without Cohen's testimony, however, there is strong circumstantial evidence that Trump "knew about this payment." It defies belief to suppose that Cohen, who was eager to please Trump and conferred with him frequently, would have hatched this scheme on his own, or that he would have fronted $130,000 of his own money without the promise of reimbursement. And contrary to the defense team's contention that Trump thought he was actually paying Cohen for his services as a lawyer, Trump has publicly admitted that he reimbursed Cohen for the Daniels payment.

Trump's lawyers described him as too busy with presidential duties to pay much attention to the justification for Cohen's invoices or the way the payments were recorded. But Trump personally signed nine of the 11 checks to Cohen, and the prosecution credibly portrayed him as a proud penny-pincher who never would have paid Cohen a total of $420,000which, according to Weisselberg's handwritten notes, included an adjustment for income taxes, a bonus, and reimbursement for an unrelated expensewithout knowing exactly what it was for.

Blanche was on firmer ground in arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove "another crime." Although prosecutors are still hedging on exactly what that crime was, they have said their main theory is that Cohen and Trump conspired to promote his election by "unlawful means," in violation of an obscure New York law that apparently has never been invoked before. Under this theory, prosecutors are using one misdemeanor (unlawfully promoting Trump's election) to convert another (falsification of business records) into a felony. But the only way they can do that is by arguing that the nondisclosure agreement (NDA) with Daniels constituted "unlawful means."

The defense team has noted that NDAs are common and that there is nothing inherently illegal about them. The prosecution argues that Cohen, by fronting the hush money, made an excessive campaign contribution, thereby violating the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA). Cohen accepted that characterization, which hinges on the fuzzy distinction between personal and campaign expenditures, in a 2018 federal plea agreement that also resolved several other, unrelated charges against him. But it is plausible that Trump did not think the Daniels payment was illegal, which helps explain why he was never prosecuted for soliciting Cohen's "contribution": To convict Trump, federal prosecutors would have had to prove that he "knowingly and willfully" violated FECA.

The New York prosecutors say the standard for a criminal FECA conviction is irrelevant: Even if Cohen's payment to Daniels was only a civil violation of federal campaign finance regulations, it would still constitute "unlawful means." But Trump's understanding of FECA's requirements is still relevant. If Trump thought the NDA was perfectly legal, as his lawyers maintain, he could not have intentionally conspired with Cohen to unlawfully influence the election. The claim that he falsified business records with the intent of covering up that alleged crime hinges on the assumption that he was aware of the moribund state election law on which the prosecutors are relying, which is doubtful, and anticipated how they might construe it in light of FECA, which is even more doubtful.

The prosecution has tried to obscure these issues by averring that Trump committed "election fraud" when he directed Cohen to pay Daniels for her silence, thereby concealing information that voters might have deemed relevant in choosing between him and Hillary Clinton. "This was a planned, coordinated, long-running conspiracy to influence the 2016 election, to help Donald Trump get elected through illegal expenditures, to silence people who had something bad to say about his behavior," lead prosecutor Matthew Colangelo told the jury in his opening statement. "It was election fraud, pure and simple."

During his summation, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass tried to use Blanche's scathing description of Cohen against Trump. "We didn't choose Michael Cohen to be our witness," he said. "We didn't pick him up at the witness store. The defendant chose Michael Cohen to be his fixer because he was willing to cheat and lie on his behalf." Conceding that "Cohen is biased," Steinglass said that is because he is "understandably angry that he's the only one who's paid a price for his role in this conspiracy."

As to the nature of that conspiracy, Steinglass called the Daniels NDA "a subversion of democracy." He said it was an "effort to hoodwink the American voter." He told "a sweeping story about a fraud on the American people," as The New York Times puts it. "He argue[d] that the American people in 2016 had the right to determine whether they cared that Trump had slept with a porn star or not, and that the conspiracy prevented them from doing so."

Did the American people have such a right? If so, Trump would have violated it even he had merely asked Daniels to keep quiet, perhaps by appealing to her sympathy for his wife. If Daniels had agreed, the result would have been the same. As the prosecution tells it, that still would amount to "election fraud," even though there is clearly nothing illegal about it.

There is a glaring mismatch between the charges against Trump and what prosecutors describe as the essence of his crime, which is not a crime at all. Since they cannot charge him with "election fraud" merely because he tried to hide embarrassing information, they have instead built a convoluted case that relies on interacting statutes and debatable assumptions about Trump's knowledge and intent.

In the end, the jury may well buy it. Steinglass "knows that many of these jurors, who have promised to be fair and unbiased, may hold opinions about Trump that they are not supposed to take into account at this trial," Times reporter Jonah Bromwich writes. "But he is linking the case against Trump to what his political opponents say about him more generallyand he is trying to play on the jurors' potential political sympathies while still talking about the evidence that entered the courtroom."

In a jurisdiction dominated by Democrats, those "potential political sympathies" could be crucial. But if the jurors take their responsibilities seriously, they may notice the gaps in the state's case.

Steinglass defended the prosecution's decision to walk Daniels through the salacious and unflattering details of her story about sex with Trump, saying they were relevant in establishing his motivation in trying to silence her. He said the same was true of the leaked Access Hollywood tape in which Trump bragged about sexually assaulting women, which prosecutors brought up repeatedly. Coming on the heels of that revelation, they suggested, Daniels' account might have been a fatal blow to Trump's campaign.

The legal logic here is that Trump was mainly worried about the election and therefore should have recognized the Daniels payoff as a campaign expenditure, which made it an excessive campaign contribution by Cohen. That, in turn, made it a misdemeanor under New York's election law. Trump supposedly understood all that, which is why he agreed to disguise his reimbursement of Cohen. And although that happened after the election, it somehow served "the end of keeping information away from the electorate."

We can debate the legal relevance of making the jurors picture a presumptuous Trump in his underwear, imagine him having "brief," condomless sex "in the missionary position," and recall what he said about grabbing women "by the pussy." But like much of the testimonyincluding Cohen's claim that Trump "wasn't thinking about Melania" at all when he decided to pay Danielsthat evidence certainly reinforced the impression that Trump is an awful person.

If that is what prosecutors were trying to prove, the evidence they presented would be more than sufficient. It may also be enough to conclude that Trump falsified business records. But there is plenty of room for reasonable doubt as to whether those records were aimed at covering up "another crime." Contrary to what prosecutors have implied, their commodious definition of "election fraud" does not count.

The post Prosecutors Say Trump Tried to 'Hoodwink the American Voter,' Which Is Not a Crime appeared first on Reason.com.
Victor E. education ambassador at Hoos Woods | photo by Dianne Moller

Bald eagles in Wisconsin are starting to make a steady comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Unfortunately, also on the rise are the number of eagles being poisoned by lead. The biggest culprit is lead in ammo and fishing lures. Eagles eat from the carcasses of animals left by hunters and are often poisoned in the process.

I was sure with a recent resolution brought to the Wisconsin Conservation Congress for a vote, we were on the way to having that issue rectified. Unfortunately that wasnt the case. The resolution was voted down last month much to the disappointment of raptor rescuers in the state as well as wildlife advocates. As a driver and supporter of Raptor Education Group of Antigo, I have seen so many eagles brought to RGIS with lead poisoning. Unfortunately very few make any sort of recovery.

Before the results of the voting had been announced, RGIS had posted lead poisoning is a constant problem in our environment. The fix is simple, use non-lead ammunition, sinkers and jigs. Do your part for wildlife please.

At least 30 states have banned lead ammunition, and some have banned it for certain species or locations. For example, Colorado prohibits lead shot for hunting waterfowl. California has banned lead ammunition, and the Biden administration has proposed a lead ban on eight federal lands in the eastern United States, which could expand to other lands.

Wildlife advocates were pushing for the replacement of lead ammo and fish lures with copper. So why is copper a better option? For one thing, copper is less toxic than lead. Second, copper ammunition tends to stay more intact unlike lead which generally splinters.

If the lead ban had been approved it would have gone to the DNR for consideration. How did something that seemed like a no-brainer get voted down when DNR numbers have shown at least 15% of bald eagle deaths are attributed to lead poisoning?

Members of the WCC and hunters in the state were brainwashed by the gun lobby and anti-wildlife politicians like Tom Tiffany to believe switching to copper ammunition is the governments attempt to take your weapons. Of course this is nonsense, but any mention of that phrase taking your guns immediately elicits the I will not comply rhetoric Ive heard way too much.

To the hunters who did vote in favor of this resolution, I salute you. Unfortunately, you are sadly in the minority. For everyone who voted against it, you lost any claim to being patriotic when you wouldnt do the simplest thing to protect a symbol of freedom.

Going lead-free will protect our eagles and other wildlife and its time to recognize that fact.

The post Protecting eagles from lead poisoning is a no-brainer. Why did it get voted down? appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
A Marthas Vineyard man wanted in connection with a homicide investigation in Connecticut and weekend stabbing spree on the South Shore publicly urinated in a McDonalds drive-thru in Plymouth before stabbing employees there, prosecutors said in court on Tuesday.

Jared Ravizza, 26, of Chilmark on Marthas Vineyard, was ordered held pending a competency hearing as requested by his defense attorney, Sean ONeill, following his arraignment in Plymouth District Court on Tuesday morning. He is charged with armed assault to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and indecent exposure.

Ravizza was referred to as he in court by a prosecutor on Tuesday and on a professional website, but uses she on Instagram. Ravizzas gender identity could not immediately be determined.

He is accused of stabbing four young girls at a Braintree movie theater and two McDonalds employees at the Route 3 rest area in Plymouth before crashing his Porsche in Sandwich on Cape Cod on Saturday, prosecutors said.

Also Tuesday, Ravizza was charged with eight counts of assault in connection with the stabbings of the four girls, ages 9 to 17, at the movie theater in Braintree on Saturday. Authorities said that attack occurred before Ravizza drove south to Plymouth, where the fast food workers were stabbed.

This crime appears to be completely senseless and random, perpetrated against entirely defenseless, innocent children, Braintree Police Chief Timothy Cohoon said in a statement. We would like to call attention to the bravery displayed by these four young women, both in the aftermath of the incident and in their recovery. Each victim is improving and healing, and our thoughts and support are with them as they navigate this difficult time.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning in Plymouth District Court, flanked by two court officers holding his arms from either side and wearing a green prisoner shirt, the blond-haired Ravizza stared blankly before the judge as a prosecutor outlined the reasons for the charges against him.

Terrified: Mother of girls stabbed in Braintree theater says suspect was laughing during attack

Around 7 p.m. Saturday, Ravizza entered the drive-thru of McDonalds driving a black Porsche, prosecutors said, citing information from investigators who spoke with witnesses and reviewed surveillance video.

He then briefly stepped out of the vehicle and publicly urinated, prosecutor David Cuthshall said. When he got up in the drive-thru window, he was argumentative with a male employee.

Jared Ravizza

Ravizza then allegedly lunged out the window of his vehicle, and stabbed the male employee in the forearm with what appeared to be a long kitchen knife, Cuthshall said. He then parked his vehicle, entered the store, and proceeded behind the counter where he stabbed a female employee in the back of her upper left arm.

The prosecutor said Ravizza then parked his car, entered the McDonalds and went behind the counter. Ravizza then allegedly stabbed a female employee in the back of her upper left arm. Both workers were taken to hospitals and are in stable condition.

Ravizza was apprehended following a police pursuit into the Cape Cod town of Sandwich. Ravizza crashed and the car became engulfed in flames, the prosecutor said.

In Braintree, police said a person entered the AMC Braintree 10 south of Boston about 6 p.m. Saturday and went into one of the theaters without paying.

The girls were inside the theater when the individual suddenly attacked them without saying anything and without any warning before running out, the Braintree Police Department said in a news release. The four girls were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Video footage showed the suspects vehicle and a license plate, and that information was broadcast to law enforcement, police said.

A vehicle matching that description was later seen in Plymouth, about 27 miles (45 kilometers) south of Braintree. Police said it had left the McDonalds, where the 21-year-old woman and the 29-year-old man were stabbed.

Ravizza was arrested in April on Marthas Vineyard and charged with assault and battery on a family or household member, as well as vandalism, after allegedly attacking their father, according to court records.

Ravizzas father told officers that Ravizza had just had a mental break and attacked him inside his home, according to the police report. Email and phone messages seeking comment were left with Ravizzas father on Tuesday.

Ravizza was ordered held without bail pending a twenty day mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.

He is due back in court for a dangerousness hearing on June 17th.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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(PUEBLO, Colo.)  The City of Pueblo announced on Tuesday, May 28 that Mayor Heather Graham appointed a new Municipal Court Judge.

On Monday, May 13, Municipal Judge Nelson Dunford was sworn in by City Clerk Marissa Stoller upon confirmation by Pueblos city council. Dunfords first day on the job was Tuesday, May 14.

I am excited to welcome Judge Dunford to Pueblo Municipal Court while upholding the principles of justice and fairness for Puebloans, said Mayor Graham. I believe his previous experience as a prosecuting attorney and associate general counsel gave him background to serve our citizens and lead our dynamic team of employees at Pueblo Municipal Court. I am looking forward to working with him and seeing how he will serve our citizens well in his role.

The newest municipal judge has extensive experience in criminal law, trial practice, and supervisory leadership. Most of his career has been spent in a courtroom, his experience includes working as a prosecuting attorney with the Third Judicial District Attorneys Office in Trinidad, in the Sixteenth Judicial District Attorneys Office in La Junta, Colo., and in the Eleventh Judicial District Attorneys Office in Canon City.

Dunford earned his Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. He has spent his whole legal career in Colorado, with his most recent professional experience as an associate general counsel to metropolitan district clients with the law firm of White Bear Ankele Tanaka & Waldron, PC located in Centennial.

I am honored to have been appointed as the presiding municipal judge for the City of Pueblo, said Dunford. It is a privilege to serve in a role that holds such significant responsibility for ensuring justice and fairness in our city. Our community has faced many challenges, particularly in regard to crime and public safety. As we move forward, my primary focus will be to uphold the law with integrity, impartiality, and a commitment to safeguarding the peace and prosperity of our community.

Before his associate general counsel experience, Dunford also handled general practice cases in Pueblo for two years. Dunford has a proven track record as a prosecuting attorney and has successfully managed diverse criminal cases and demonstrated exceptional courtroom advocacy.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Pulaski County Special School District and other area organizations are working to ensure that school-age children do not go hungry during the summer break.

PCSSD announced on Tuesday that it, the Central Arkansas Library System and the North Little Rock Public Library System will host programs to provide meals for district families.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders launches summer program to provide groceries for families

County families with children 18 years of age or younger will be able to receive a five-day meal box through PCSSD. The boxes will be distributed every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 6 through Aug. 8 at Mills University Studies High School, 708 E. Dixon Road in Little Rock and Cato Elementary, 9906 Jacksonville-Cato Road in Sherwood.

Officials said no income requirement or registration is required for PCSSD pickup. Further information is available by emailing PCSSD.

Cafeteria worker gets help from local business to help feed several school districts

CALS will distribute meals to those under 18 through several of its branches and other central Arkansas locations listed on the Be Mighty Little Rock website. METRO will provide free rides for children participating in the program.

Officials said the CALS sites will also have activities to keep children engaged with learning during the summer break, including reading, exercise, cooking classes and games.

The North Little Rock Public Library System is hosting the Bridge 2 Success Food Program at both of its library branches this summer for children between the ages of 2 and 18, beginning June 3. The William F. Laman Library, 2801 Orange Street, will have free grab-and-go lunches from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the Argenta Library, 520 Main, will have breakfast from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch from noon to 1 p.m.

5 foods claimed to have been invented in Arkansas

The meals are provided through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and area agencies. Additional summer meal programs in Arkansas may be found at USDA.gov/Meals4Kids.

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Putin is afraid of Peace Summit and will arrange his own platform  Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has decided to arrange a kind of "parallel platform" against the background of the Peace Summit in Switzerland organised by Ukraine in the summer.

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo

Quote: "We have proposed a diplomatic path  the Peace Summit... We appeal to the world's leaders: if you want peace, let's meet at the Peace Summit. And it is fair that we are preparing this platform together with other partners because we are in a war, so we should have the initiative. We are the victims, we are attacked, we are being killed.

There is no need to look for alternatives. We need to go this way. If you have other thoughts, please come to the summit. The floor is yours. Any state can come and defend its opinion and offer proposals for a diplomatic end to the war.

Putin is very afraid of the Peace Summit. He did not think that we would have the support of 90 countries. He has disrupted this summit and continues to do so. Now, he is thinking of arranging a parallel platform. Some leaders have not yet spoken out. I believe that some may support Russia, so they support the war."

Details: The president says several African representatives are expected at the summit.

Zelenskyy also expressed that the personal presence of US President Joe Biden would be appreciated.

The president noted that Putin will "give a standing ovation" if Biden is not there. In particular, after the Peace Summit, Russia will want to organise something of its own, and the presence of representatives of major powers will help Ukraine.

Background:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 90 countries have already confirmed their attendance at the Peace Summit in Switzerland in June 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 a joint action plan on three points: free shipping; nuclear and energy security; prisoner-of-war swaps and bringing back illegally deported children.

The Global Peace Summit will be held on 15-16 June in Burgenstock, Switzerland.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (Not Pictured) attend the expanded bilateral meeting at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace. -/Kremlin/dpa

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday again questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he would only recognize the authority of the country's parliament in Kiev.

Putain said that under the Ukrainian constitution, martial law stipulates that only the powers of the Supreme Council are extended - but not those of the president.

Ukrainian lawyers say the extension of President Volodymyr Zelensky's powers is covered by other laws.

Ukraine's Western allies, including Germany, also continue to recognize Zelensky as the country's legitimate president.

Without the imposition of martial law, Zelensky's first term of office would have ended on May 20. But due to the Kremlin's full-scale invasion and with large parts of the country occupied by Russian forces, Ukraine is not planning elections.

In recent weeks, the Russian leadership has been trying to call Zelensky's legitimacy into question by pointing to allegedly contradictory laws in Ukraine.

Putin, who made the latest comments on Tuesday in Tashkent at the close of his state visit to Uzbekistan, has spent recent days focusing on the issue.

On a recent visit to Beijing, he said that expert opinion was needed to clarify whether Zelensky was still legally in office. Then, during a trip to Belarus, he insisted that the Ukrainian president was no longer legitimate.

Putin's statements are seen as an attempt to undermine the Ukrainian leader's credibility abroad, ahead of a peace summit in Switzerland on June 15-16.

Some of Zelensky's Ukrainian opponents have also questioned the legitimacy of his remaining in power.

Zelensky has responded by accusing Putin of not being in power legitimately himself, after the Russian leader had the constitution rewritten three years ago in order to remain in office.

Kiev called on the West to no longer recognize Putin following the Russian presidential election in March, which was overshadowed by allegations of manipulation.
Russias Vladimir Putin lashed out Tuesday at European countries that are considering giving permission to Ukraine to use their weapons for strikes on Russian territory.

Speaking in Tashkent during a two-day visit to Uzbekistan, Putin warned of serious consequences if Western weapons are allowed in attacks on Russian soil.

In Europe, especially in small countries, they should realize what they are playing with. They should remember that they are countries with small, densely populated territories... This is a factor they should keep in mind before talking about striking Russia, he said.

His comments came as more and more European leaders expressed support for Ukraine taking the war to Russian territory at a meeting of defense ministers on Tuesday.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said it is perfectly possible for Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia and there is no contradiction with the laws of war. You have to balance the risk of escalation and the need for Ukrainians to defend, he said, according to Agence France-Presse. Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said the Netherlands would not stop Ukraine from attacking targets on Russian territory, and that she hoped other countries that have different positions will change that.

Hanno Pevkur, the defense minister of Estonia, said, It cannot be normal that Russia is attacking from very deep into Ukrainian territory and the Ukrainians are fighting with one hand behind their back.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called on NATO officials to reconsider prohibiting Ukraine from using Western-supplied weapons to strike legitimate targets outside the country earlier this week. The Biden administration has repeatedly cautioned against Ukraine using American-made weapons to strike inside Russia, though officials are now reportedly debating whether to change that policy.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (Not Pictured) attend the expanded bilateral meeting at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace. -/Kremlin/dpa

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened Europe with "serious consequences" if Ukraine is allowed to use long-range precision weapons supplied by the West against Russian territory in the future.

"These NATO representatives, especially in Europe and especially in the small countries, should realise what they are playing with," Putin said in the Uzbek capital Tashkent on Tuesday at the end of a state visit.

He hinted at military counter-attacks. Smaller countries in particular should not forget that their territories are not large and are also densely populated.

Putin, who started the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine more than two years ago, accused the West of continuing escalation. Modern weapons systems such as the ATACMS missile complex are not controlled by Ukrainian soldiers, but by highly qualified NATO specialists based on data from satellite reconnaissance, the Russian president claimed.

So far, the weapons have mainly been aimed at Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia.

Putin criticized NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in particular, who is in favour of firing at military targets on Russian territory. Stoltenberg has referred to Ukraine's right to self-defence.

Ukraine is demanding authorization from the US and other Western states to use missiles and cruise missiles to attack Russia in order to combat the enemy more effectively.

So far, Kiev has mainly used drones of its own production for these attacks. Until now, the Russian military has been able to assemble units behind the border for new attacks on Ukrainian territory or bombard cities near the border, such as Kharkiv, with aircraft from a safe position with virtually no interference.

According to Putin, such authorization by Western states would amount to a direct confrontation between Russia and the West. In this context, the 71-year-old once again referred to Russia's strategic nuclear weapons.

He also questioned the possible protection of NATO countries by the US. "If serious consequences for Europe materialize, how will the US behave in view of our parity in strategic weapons?" he asked.

Since the start of the war, the Russian leadership has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons to deter the West from providing greater support for Ukraine.
BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council has issued a disciplinary action regulation for those in managerial positions of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to intensify oversight of SOE managers.

The document, consisting of seven chapters and 52 articles, specifies various types of misconduct and corresponding penalties.

The regulation was adopted at a State Council executive meeting last month and will take effect on Sept. 1 this year.

Strengthening the supervision and management of SOE managers is beneficial for promoting their performance according to the law and workplace integrity, and for SOEs' long-term development, according to the executive meeting.

SOEs are deemed as the backbone of the Chinese economy. The combined assets of the centrally administered SOEs reached 86.6 trillion yuan (about 12.2 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of 2023, up 6.4 percent year on year, official data showed.

The new document also comes at a time when members of the Communist Party of China are studying the newly revised Party regulations on disciplinary action from April to July to "strengthen their discipline awareness" and "always remain loyal, clean and responsible." 
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin claimed on May 28 that presidential power should be shifted to the speaker of Ukraine's parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, because Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's term has allegedly ended.

"According to preliminary estimates, the Verkhovna Rada and its speaker remain the only legitimate authorities in Ukraine," Putin told journalists. "If they wanted to hold presidential elections, they would need to cancel the martial law act, and that's it. But they didn't want to do that for a number of reasons."

If martial law had not been imposed, the next presidential election would have been held on March 31, 2024, and Zelenskys term would have ended on May 20. But Ukraine introduced martial law after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. The Martial Law Act explicitly bans presidential, parliamentary, and local elections.

Some of Zelensky's critics, including Russian propagandists, claim that the Constitution does not authorize extending his presidential term under martial law. They argue that he ceased to be a legitimate president on May 20. However, leading constitutional lawyers dispute this claim, saying that the Constitution allows such an extension.

Putin falsely claimed that Ukraine's constitution stipulates that presidential powers should be transferred to the speaker of parliament if elections are not held under martial law.

While the constitution does allow for the transfer of powers to the speaker in the case that the president's term is prematurely terminated, it specifies that the move should be initiated only if the president is impeached or is otherwise removed from office, such as in the case of resignation or inability to perform duties for health reasons.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano voiced their support for Zelensky's legitimacy on May 21.

"It is clear that Volodymyr Zelensky is the rightful and legitimate president of Ukraine," Baerbock said during a visit to Kyiv. She added that Germany's constitution also prohibits holding elections during martial law.

"We (in the EU) also have no doubts that the president of Ukraine is Volodymyr Zelensky," said Stano.

Baerbock also criticized Russian officials who have said that Zelensky is an illegitimate president.

"The very people who started this war and made the elections impossible are now bringing the narrative to the world about the alleged illegitimacy of the president because he was not reelected," she said.

Read also: Zelenskys term would have expired this month, but hes staying. Russia wants to use it

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The EU highlighted that Vladimir Putin's efforts to undermine the effectiveness of the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland demonstrate his fear.

Source: Peter Stano, EUs Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at a briefing in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Stano stated that the EU fully supports the concept of a peace summit and believes its purpose is critical, "because we see it as a source of inspiration for the future peace process".

Stano stated that the EU is working closely with partners around the world to ensure the most diverse representation at events.

When asked about Russia's efforts to organise a similar gathering, he stated: "The attempt to undermine the effectiveness of the summit [in Switzerland - ed.] with parallel events only shows how Putin is afraid of the summit."

Quote: "This is a big event, and we are collaborating with Ukrainian, Swiss, and other partners to achieve the best level of representation and the largest number of countries participating. For us, this is the peaceful event of the year, very significant for Ukraine, and we will continue to fight for its success," Stano concluded.

The day before, Zelenskyy said that 90 countries had already confirmed their attendance at the Peace Summit in Switzerland in June.

The United States government has announced that it will be represented at the Peace Summit in Switzerland next month, but it is not yet known who will go there.

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Rescue team members work at the crash site of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Varzaghan, northwestern Iran, on May 20, 2024. Credit - Azin HAGHIGHIMOJ News Agency/AFP/Getty Images

When the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi went missing on May 19, initial reports said nine passengers were on board, including two bodyguards. But after the wreckage was finally found, the number of bodies was eight. Four days later, the mystery of the second bodyguard was revealed in social media posts: Javad Mehrabl is seen leaning disconsolately in the rear of the memorial service for Raisi. Press accounts said that, at the last minute, his boss, Mehdi Mousavi, had directed him from the Presidents helicopter to one of the two others moving in convoy that day.

After Mousavi died in the crash, his father told Iranian state television that he knew his son would not return from this trip. The night before the trip he visited us, the father says on camera. He said goodbye and got into his car but returned and stayed 20 minutes. Then he left but after a short drive he returned again and spent 10 more minutes with us. He grows choked up. The third time when saying goodbye he kissed his mother, he kissed his mothers feet, he kissed me, and then bent down and kissed my feet.

It was then I knew he would go and never return, I knew we would never meet again.

The bodyguards were members of a special unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the military force created in 1979 to replace an Iranian army distrusted by the countrys new theocratic government. Their unit, Sepah Ansar al-Mahdi, is responsible for the personal security of the regimes senior officials. To that end, its members carry phones specially equipped not only for secure communication, but also for location tracking. The device Mousavi carried on board presumably would have been useful in locating the helicopter, which went down in rugged terrain not far from Irans border with Azerbaijan. Yet it took 16 hours for rescuers to reach it.

The Sepah does not appear to be under suspicion, at least by Irans most senior official: In one photo from the funeral for Raisi and other victims, Sepah bodyguards account for a good two-thirds of the people arrayed behind Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His throat is warmed, as usual, by the cross-hatched scarf of the IRGC that signals his closeness to the Guard.

More than a week after Raisi was killed, mysterious questions persist not only about the crash, but also about what will come next.

A truck carrying the coffins of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and others is driven through a throng of mourners during a funeral procession in Tehran on May 22, 2024. Arash KhamooshiThe New York Times/Redux

Some of the questions have explanations: The transponder on an aircraft carrying senior officials reportedly was switched off as a matter of routine, out of fear of tracking by hostile governments. When the helicopter went down, on a wooded hilltop in northwest Iran, one passenger survived long enough to retrieve the pilots ringing cell phone, tried to describe the area, and died awaiting rescue. Sparse cell coverage would have hampered efforts to locate it by triangulation.

Still other questions might be answered by forensic technical investigation. Raisis chief of staff, who was flying on another chopper, said that shortly before disappearing, the Presidents pilot ordered the other helicopters to climb in altitude in order to rise above clouds clinging to the hills. The other aircraft did so, but the Presidents helicopter was not heard from again.

And some information, while intriguing, is open to interpretation. Iranians might put the fathers story, for instance, to some premonition accessible to the devout.

But others will hear it as evidence of plotsomething not unprecedented in a regime known both for its opacity and its brutality. Raisis elderly mother added to the speculation when she appeared in a video, visibly upset and calling for the death of anyone who killed you other than God.

Her son was widely assumed to be in the running to succeed Khamenei, who is 85 and frequently reported to be in failing health. Raisi was supported in that effort by the most extreme faction of regime stalwarts, the Paydari Front. As President, Raisi had imposed the crackdown on modesty that in 2022 ensnared Mahsa (Jina) Amini, who died in the custody of the so-called morality police for allegedly improper hijab. He was also the face of the regimes brutal confrontation of the uprising her death inspiredand blamed for the brutal deaths of more than 500 Iranians in the spontaneous movement that took Woman, Life, Freedom as its slogan. That he died returning from the inauguration of a dam called Qiz-Qalasi, or Fort of Girls, struck some as poetic justice.

Human rights groups knew Raisi as a member of the so called Death Committee that in 1988 ordered the summary execution of thousands of dissidents, described by regime officials themselves as "the biggest atrocity of the Islamic Republic... for which we will be condemned by history.

Relatively unknown to the general populace just 10 years ago, Raisi had been fast tracked to national prominence just as the issue of Khameneis succession was gaining urgency. Rumors persist that the Supreme Leader has plans for his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, to succeed him. When, in a speech just hours after Raisis helicopter had gone missing, Khamenei prayed for his safe return but stressed that the people should be confident that there will be no disturbance in the affairs of state. His calm manner did not go unnoticed.

This would not be the first time that someone who did not share Khameneis vision for Irans future leadership had met a suspicious end. In 2017, former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani died in a swimming pool. A founder of the Islamic Republic, Rafsanjani had been instrumental in propelling Khamenei to the top job. But in the decades that followed, they fell out so thoroughly that, by the time of his death, Rafsanjani was known as the top opponent of the Supreme Leader within the regime. When Rafsanjanis family reported that his body recorded radioactive readings many times higher than safe levels, they requested an autopsy. The request was denied and, shortly afterwards, the case was closed.

So it was that, in the first hours after the helicopter crash, a battle emerged to define its meaning. An analysis of social media showed that 22% of X accounts involved in the discussions of the crash were fake, operating within a sophisticated disinformation campaign with a potential to reach 6 million views in the first two days, according to the cyber-security company Cyabra.

Cyabra, which is based in Tel Aviv, says it documented a conspiracy theory circulating online that maintained a Mossad agent named Eli Copter had caused the crash. The name had been lifted from a joke posted on Hebrew social media, but Israels spy agency has killed several senior Iranian nuclear scientists and military figures in recent years. Though any role in Raisiss death was denied by Israel officials and discounted by Israeli analysts, the thought occurs.

Only two months earlier, in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate building in Syria that killed two senior generals, Tehran launched some 300 missiles and drones toward Israelits first direct attack on Israeli territory. After Iraq launched Scud missiles into Israel during the 1991 Gulf War, Israel laid plans to assassinate Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, calling it off after a rehearsal ended in the accidental deaths of five Israeli commandos.

Another of the campaigns promoted by the fake accounts put forward the narrative that portrays Raisi as a national hero, using the same hashtags as his supporters did. Fake accounts were also involved in the narrative that criticized him, though the public outbursts celebrating his death were real enough. Clips that showed families of those killed by the regime shouting and dancing in joy became so bold that police began arresting anyone they deemed to have insulted Raisi online.

The authorities might have hoped that the death of a President while performing his duty would garner some sympathy for the Islamic Republic. But the divide between regime and society seems too deep to be bridged by Raisis death.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The Rafah camp fire that killed dozens of Palestinians was not caused by one of its missile strikes but a blaze that spread from a secondary explosion, Israel said on Tuesday.

The Sunday night strike has drawn waves of international condemnation after at least 45 people were killed, according to officials from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, with some burned alive in their tents.

Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called the strike a tragic mistake as the European Union warned of economic sanctions.

In an effort at damage control, the Israeli military on Tuesday insisted that it only fired small munitions at Hamas commanders around 200m from where the fire broke out.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the fire broke out as a result of a secondary explosion near the original target.

Daniel Hagari, the IDFs chief spokesman, told reporters that the Israeli army dropped two 17kg bombs  the smallest ammunition possible that can be carried by jets  to kill two Hamas commanders.

Mr Hagari referred to IDF surveillance videos showing the IDF dropping the bombs on exactly the compound of Hamas terrorists before a blaze started at a building nearby. The IDF did not release the footage.

Our ammunition alone could not have ignited a fire of this size, Mr Hagari said, adding that investigators were looking into the source of the blaze and assumed there was weaponry stored nearby.

The officials also said there was no crater visible that would point to possible impact from the kind of larger missile needed to cause the extensive damage.

Reports of new attacks on civilians in Rafah emerged on Tuesday afternoon as at least seven people were killed in an airstrike on another area taken up by the tents, residents and medics told Reuters.

A still from video taken at the camp in Rafah where fire broke out after an Israeli attack - Reuters TV

Footage from the scene showed Palestinians frantically attending to the victims.

The attacks on Rafah have reignited criticism of Israels military offensive in the southern city, where more than one million Palestinians had been taking shelter.

On Tuesday, Israeli tanks reportedly rolled into the centre of the city, with eyewitnesses telling local media several were spotted near Al Awda mosque.

Footage released by the Al Jazeera TV channel showed several tanks advancing into Rafah.

The Israeli military on Tuesday announced it has deployed an additional brigade to Rafah, signalling it is not going to back down in its assault on the city where it says Hamas leadership and four remaining battalions are hiding.

More than one million people have fled Rafah since the IDF issued evacuation orders in early May, according to the UNs agency for Palestinian refugees, with many moving to the badly damaged north of the enclave.

On Tuesday, Ireland formally recognised a Palestinian state, saying it will promptly establish full diplomatic relations with Palestine and will send an ambassador to Ramallah, the capital of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

Spain and Norway are expected to follow suit shortly.

Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, in a televised address on Tuesday said his country will recognise Palestine in the 1967 borders, or before Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israel reacted angrily to the announcement, with its foreign minister Israel Katz comparing Spains deputy prime minister to the Oct 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar and the leader of Iran seeking the elimination of Israel.

Later in the day, Mr Katz told the visiting Hungarian foreign minister that the countries recognising a Palestinian state were feeding the terror monster and abandoning the hostages captured by Hamas in southern Israel on Oct 7 last year.

03:39 PM BST

Todays live blog is now closed

Thats all for today. Thanks for following along. Here is a summary of the day:

Ireland, Spain and Norway officially recognised a state of Palestine on Tuesday. Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris said his government had made the move to keep a two-state solution alive at a time when Israel was bombing it into oblivion. Jerusalem responded that the move rewarded terrorism. Denmarks parliament voted down a Bill calling for Palestinian recognition.

Irish officials also claimed that significant discussions were going on in Brussels over imposing sanctions on Israel over its offensive on Rafah. Irelands foreign minister admitted though that there was not yet any consensus on the issue.

Israel has said that the bombs it dropped on Hamas targets in Rafah on Sunday could not have caused the devastating fire that killed several dozen civilians. The IDF blamed the blaze on a secondary explosion and said it was looking into whether weapons were stored in the area.

The IDF has sent a third brigade into battle in Rafah and pushed tanks further into the city. The UN says that a million people have fled the city since fighting began earlier this month.

Hezbollah has sent WhatsApp messages to local leaders in the north of Israel threatening to destroy all the houses on the Israeli side of the Lebanese border unless the IDF withdraws from Gaza.

03:34 PM BST

IDF sends extra troops into Rafah

Israels army chiefs have deployed an additional brigade to the Rafah offensive and ordered tanks to move into the centre of the city in the south of the Gaza Strip.

The deployment of an additional brigade to the battle area in Rafah means that the Israeli army now has three brigades operating in the city.

The IDF confirmed that its soldiers had engaged and killed many Hamas terrorists along the border area to Egypt over the past day, where they discovered tunnels and weapons depots.

Residents of Rafah reported seeing Israeli tanks moving into the city centre on Tuesday as well as witnessing a barrage of air strikes hitting the city.

Local officials say that the air strikes hit a tent village that was housing refugees from other parts of the war-torn strip, killing sixteen people.

03:07 PM BST

Medical evacuations from Gaza no longer possible

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that more people will die because sick people can longer be evacuated from the Gaza Strip since Israel started its offensive on the Rafah border region.

Since Israel launched a military offensive in Rafah in early May, theres been an abrupt halt to all medical evacuations, said WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris.

The agency estimates that there are now typically around 10,000 people who need to be evacuated... to receive the much-needed medical treatment elsewhere.

03:00 PM BST

Report: Iran and Hamas agree strict negotiating line at Raisi funeral

Senior Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi officials met with Iranian leaders at the funeral for late Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi last week where they discussed tactics for the war with Israel, according to a report in The Times of Israel.

Tehran and its proxies decided that Hamas should dig in its heels and not make concessions or release hostages until Israel withdraws completely from the Gaza Strip.

The terror groups are reportedly convinced the the Biden administration will pressure Israel to end the war ahead of US elections in November.

Hezbollah have been supporting Hamas by firing rockets at the north of Israel, while the Houthis have interrupted shipping in the Red Sea.

02:46 PM BST

Denmark votes against recognising Palestinian state

Denmarks parliament has voted down a Bill brought by four Left-wing parties to recognise a Palestinian state.

We cannot recognise an independent Palestinian state, for the sole reason that the preconditions are not really there, foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said when the Bill was first debated in parliament in April.

We cannot support this resolution, but we wish that there will come a day where we can, Rasmussen, who was not present at the vote on Tuesday, added.

The vote comes on the same day that Ireland, Spain and Norway formally recognised a Palestinian state.

02:04 PM BST

Gaza officials: 16 more deaths in Rafah air strikes

New strikes in the same western Tel al-Sultan district of Rafah have killed at least 16 Palestinians over the past day, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Residents have reported an escalation of fighting in the southern Gaza city, where IDF tanks have taken up position in the city centre.

01:59 PM BST

Israeli military: deadly Rafah fire caused by secondary explosion

The Israeli military has said that an initial investigation into a strike that sparked a deadly fire in Rafah on Sunday has found the blaze was caused by a secondary explosion.

Daniel Hagari, the IDFs chief military spokesman, said the military fired two 37-pound munitions that targeted two senior Hamas terrorists.

The munitions would have been too small to ignite a fire on their own, he claimed.

Hagari said the army is looking into the possibility that weapons were stored in the area.

The fire killed at least 45 people, according to Hamas.

01:39 PM BST

A dozen Israeli soldiers wounded in intense fighting

Israeli media are reporting that 13 IDF soldiers have been wounded in combat over the past day. None of the soldiers are believed to be in a life-threatening condition.

The IDF has said that it engaged Hamas terrorists in the so-called Philadelphi Corridor along the border with Egypt, where they claim to have killed many Hamas fighters as well as discovering tunnels and weapons.

The IDF say their main objective in the area is to find and destroy tunnels.

12:59 PM BST

Irish Taoiseach: Israel trying to bomb two-state solution into oblivion

Here is some more detail from Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris on Palestinian recognition and possibility of sanctions against Israel.

This is an important moment and I think it sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope and destination of a two-state solution alive at a time when others are trying to sadly bomb it into oblivion, Harris said in announcing recognition of Palestinian statehood on Tuesday.

On the topic of sanctions against Israel, he also said that Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more.

Irelands government said that it will appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in Ramallah in the West Bank.

12:41 PM BST

Report: IDF pushes into Rafah city centre

Israeli tanks moved into the city centre of Rafah on Tuesday.

Several tanks were spotted near Al-Awda mosque, a central Rafah landmark, witnesses told Reuters.

Residents also reported that Israeli tanks are now stationed on and around the Zurub hilltop, a high ground overlooking western Rafah, having advanced from the area near the Egyptian border crossing where the IDF launched an incursion three weeks ago.



Shelling also continued in the area of Tel Al-Sultan, where a strike targeting Hamas terrorists caused the deaths of at least 45 civilians on Sunday.



Tank shells are falling everywhere in Tel Al-Sultan. Many families have fled their houses in western Rafah under fire throughout the night, one resident told Reuters over a chat app.

12:22 PM BST

Norway calls Palestine recognition special day

Norway has confirmed that it has now officially recognised a state of Palestine.

Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide hailed the move as a special day for Norway-Palestine relations.

Norway has been one of the most fervent defenders of a Palestinian state for more than 30 years, he said.

Israel has slammed the decision as a reward for Hamas.

12:09 PM BST

Merchant vessel listing after being hit by missiles off coast of Yemen

A merchant vessel off the Yemeni coast is taking on water and tilting after being hit by three missiles, British security firm Ambrey said on Tuesday.

The vessel issued a distress call stating it had sustained damage to the cargo hold and was taking on water about 54 nautical miles southwest of Yemens port city of Hodeidah.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said separately on Tuesday that it had received a report of an incident 31 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah.

Yemens Houthi militia have launched repeated drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea region since November as Irans proxies have stepped up attacks on Israel and its western allies.

11:58 AM BST

Palestinians flee from Rafah as IDF moves in

Residents of the southern town of Rafah packed their possessions and fled on Tuesday as Israels defence forces upped their campaign against Hamas terrorists in the city.

IDF tanks have reportedly entered the city centre, while air strikes against Hamas positions have continued.

Palestinians leave the area of Tal al-Sultan in Rafah with their belongings. - EYAD BABA/AFP

A truck carrying people with their belongings leaves Rafah on Tuesday. - AFP

A man inspects the charred remnants of a car hit by an Israeli airstrike. - Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg

Pharmacists sell medicine from a stall in Khan Yunis where they have taken refuge from fighting in Rafah. - Anadolu

11:26 AM BST

Powerful Iraqi cleric calls for US embassy to be closed without bloodshed

Influential Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr has used the death of civilians in an airstrike in Gaza to renew his demand for the US embassy in Baghdad to be closed.

Sadr condemned the Israeli strike, which reportedly killed 45 civilians, and Washingtons shameless support for genocide in Gaza.

I reiterate my demand to expel the US ambassador and close the embassy through diplomatic means without bloodshed, he said in a statement on X.

Sadr led a militia, the Mahdi Army, that fought US forces after the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and he still wields influence in the country today.

Moqtada al-Sadr speaks during a press conference in Najaf, Iraq, in 2022. - REUTERS/ REUTERS

11:10 AM BST

Hezbollah threatens to turn north Israeli towns to rubble

Municipal leaders in northern Israel have received messages via Whatsapp purportedly from Hezbollah which threaten that there will be no houses left in border towns if the IDF doesnt pull out of Gaza.

One message stated: To the settlers of the north, we only target the houses where soldiers have settled. If the fighting in Gaza doesnt stop, there will be no houses left.

You must understand that nothing will change here in the north after September 1 if the attacks on Gaza dont stop, stated another message, according to a report in The Times of Israel.

The Iran-linked terror group started to attack Israel a day after Hamas attacks on Oct 7, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes.

Jerusalem has hinted that it may escalate its retaliation against the group in the summer, with defence minister Yoav Gallant promising to return displaced residents to their homes.

10:49 AM BST

Lord Cameron calls for swift probe of civilian deaths in Rafah

David Cameron, Britains Foreign Secretary, has called for the IDF to quickly look into what caused the deaths of at least 45 civilians in an airstrike at a refugee camp in Rafah on Sunday.

Deeply distressing scenes following the air strikes in Rafah this weekend. The IDFs investigation must be swift, comprehensive and transparent, Cameron wrote on X.

We urgently need a deal to get hostages out and aid in, with a pause in fighting to allow work towards a long-term sustainable ceasefire.

A man inspects the charred remnants of a car hit by an Israeli airstrike. - Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg

10:30 AM BST

Iranian parliament re-elects hardliner as speaker

Irans parliament re-elected hardliner Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf as its speaker on Tuesday, reaffirming its hard-Right makeup in the wake of a helicopter crash that killed the countrys president and foreign minister.

Of 287 lawmakers voting, 198 backed Qalibaf to retain the position he first took in 2021.

Qalibaf is known for ordering a violent crackdown on Iranian university students in 1999 while he was city mayor.

He also reportedly ordered live gunfire to be used against Iranian students in 2003 while serving as the countrys police chief.

Iran is to hold presidential elections in June after president Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash earlier this month.

09:56 AM BST

EU holds significant discussions on Israel sanctions

The European Union has discussed for the first time whether to sanction Israel unless it stops its military operations in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, Irelands foreign minister has said.

For the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, Ive seen significant discussion on sanctions and what if, Micheal Martin told Politico.

He added that there is some distance between people articulating the need for a sanctions-based approach if Israel does not comply with the ICJs ruling  to agreement in the Council meeting, given all of the different perspectives there.

Palestinians inspect their tents after an Israeli airstrike hit the area on Sunday. - HAITHAM IMAD/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

09:27 AM BST

Israel accuses Spain of incitement to genocide of Jews

In a growing diplomatic row between Jerusalem and Madrid, Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz has accused Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez of supporting the incitement to genocide of Jews.

Khamenei, Sinwar, and deputy PM Yolanda Diaz call for the elimination of Israel and for the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian terror state from the river to the sea, Katz wrote on X.

Sanchez, when you dont fire your deputy and declare recognition of a Palestinian state  you are a partner to incitement to the genocide of Jews and to war crimes, Katz wrote.

Spanish deputy prime minister Yolanda Diaz ended a speech last week with the slogan from the river to the sea Palestine will be free and also accused Israel of carrying out a genocide against the Palestinians.

08:56 AM BST

Pictures: people in Europe protest in solidarity with the Palestinians

Several thousand demonstrators gathered in Paris on Monday evening to protest against Israels military offensive in Gaza.

The protesters gathered by the Saint Augustin area in the French capitals 8th district, not far from the Israeli embassy.

Rallies were also seen in other European cities.

Young boys wave a Palestinian flag at a protest in Burnley, England, on Monday. - Martin Pope/Shutterstock

Riot police clash with protesters during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Paris on Monday. - Abdullah Firas/ABACA

A demonstrator wears a sticker at a pro-Palestinian rally in central Paris on Monday. - Tom Nicholson/Shutterstock

08:45 AM BST

UNRWA: one million have fled Rafah

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) said on Tuesday that around one million people have fled the Gazan city of Rafah in the past three weeks.

Israel began what it calls targeted ground operations on Hamas installations in east of Rafah on 6 May.

At the time some 1.5 million people had been taking refuge in the southern town.

This happened with nowhere safe to go & amidst bombardments, lack of food & water, piles of waste & unsuitable living conditions, the UN refugee agency said in a post on X.

08:28 AM BST

An Egyptian soldier who died near the Rafah border crossing is laid to rest

A funeral service has been held for an Egyptian soldier in the town of Faiyum on Tuesday.

The Egyptian soldier was reportedly killed and several more injured in a shoot-out with Israeli forces at the border with Gaza in an incident that both parties have tried to play down.

The shooting occurred at the Rafah crossing that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) captured earlier in May.

A funeral service is held for an Egyptian soldier in the town of Faiyum on Tuesday. The soldier was reportedly killed in an exchange of fire with IDF soldiers. - Sayed Hassan/Getty Images Europe

08:20 AM BST

Spanish PM calls recognition of Palestinian state historic

Pedro Sanchez, Spains Left-wing prime minister, has spoken about the countrys decision to recognise a Palestinian state today.

This is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace, he said during a televised speech.

He described it as a decision that we do not adopt against anyone, least of all against Israel, a friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.

Sanchez also laid out his vision for a state ruled by the Palestinian National Authority that must connect the West Bank and Gaza with East Jerusalem through a corridor.

We will not recognize changes in the 1967 border lines other than those agreed to by the parties, Sanchez added.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a speech on the recognition of Palestinian statehood on Tuesday. - THOMAS COEX/AFP

08:12 AM BST

Israeli airstrike kills motorcycle driver in southern Lebanon

An Israeli strike targeting a motorcycle in southern Lebanon hit next to a hospital entrance on Monday, killing the motorcycle driver and a hospital security guard and wounding several civilians nearby, local health officials said.

It was not immediately clear who the driver was or why he was targeted in the strike in the town of Bint Jbeil.

The Israeli army did not give a statement on the strike but said it had targeted other areas of southern Lebanon in response to terrorist launches.

Hezbollah later launched a barrage of dozens of missiles at Meron, Safsufa and Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel. No injuries were reported in the attacks.

Israeli strikes have killed more than 400 people in Lebanon since October, most of them militants. On the Israeli side, strikes from Lebanon have killed 15 soldiers and 10 civilians.

Hezbollah has refused to entered negotiations on a cessation of fighting until the conflict in Gaza ends.

08:01 AM BST

Israel blames deadly fire on shard of shrapnel

Israeli officials told the US overnight that a shard of shrapnel or something else from an airstrike on a Hamas target hit a fuel tank 100 metres away, which ignited a massive fire in a tent that killed dozens of civilians, according to a report by broadcaster ABC.

A US official told the broadcaster that the US does not have its own information that could allow it to confirm or dispute the report.

Washington is waiting for the results of an Israeli investigation before deciding what to do next, the report states.

The aftermath of the strike on the refugee camp on Monday - Jehad Alshrafi

07:46 AM BST

Three European countries to recognise Palestine on Tuesday

Spain, Ireland and Norway will officially recognise a Palestinian state on Tuesday, despite an angry reaction from Israel.

About 144 of the 193 member-states of the United Nations recognise a Palestinian state, including most of the global south, Russia, China and India.

Madrid, Dublin and Oslo have painted their decision as a way to accelerate efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.

Britain, Australia and EU members Malta and Slovenia have indicated that they could follow suit.

Israel has responded by pulling its ambassadors from Madrid, Oslo and Dublin and summoning the three countries ambassadors to watch videos of Israelis being taken hostage by Hamas gunmen.

It also blocked Spain from providing consular services to Palestinians in the West Bank and accused Spain of helping Hamas. In response, Spain has escalated criticism, describing the Gaza conflict as a real genocide.

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Tent city strike: On Sunday night, the Israeli military struck a displaced persons camp in Rafah, in Gaza, which started a fire that led to more deaths and injuries. They took out two Hamas-affiliated targets but many civilians as well. The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza claims the Israel Defense Forces killed 45 and injured 200, while Israeli authorities said instead that "several civilians in the area were harmed." Doctors Without Borders reported that it treated 180 injured people, meaning the true numbers might be more consistent with what Gaza's health ministry is claiming.

Later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the strike killed more than they'd intended. "Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night, there was a tragic mistake," he said. "We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy."

This comes on the heels of the International Court of Justiceone of the six organs of the United Nations, which has no real enforcement mechanismruling Friday that Israel must stop its offensive in Rafah.

"There is no power in the world that will push us to commit a public suicide, because that's what this is, to stop our war against Hamas," David Mencer, a spokesman for the Israeli government, told the BBC. From Israel's perspective, the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists on October 7 have not yet all been returned; exerting military pressure on Hamas and trying to wipe out the terrorists responsible for the massacre is a huge prioritybut international support for Israel's campaign in Gaza is dwindling.

Chase Oliver wins the L.P. presidential nomination: This past weekend, while the rest of us were drinking mai tais on the beach and barbecuing for our friends, those concerned with the Libertarian Party's inner workings were forced to hang out in a hotel in Washington D.C. for the party's convention.

After the seventh round of ballots, and receiving 60.6 percent of the vote in the final round after struggling to top 50, Chase Oliver won the presidential nomination. "I will continue to bring a hopeful and positive message of liberty to both those who consider themselves libertarian and those who don't know they are libertarian yet," Oliver said in his victory speech. He narrowly beat Michael Rectenwald, the Mises Caucus contingent's preferred candidate (who conspicuously ate an edible before delivering his speech on Saturday night), in the sixth round.

I was frankly glad to avoid the circus. But for those like me who are playing Tuesday morning catch-up: former President Donald Trump gave his speech, which was the primetime slot on Saturday night and involved hours of line-waiting to get through security. He mocked libertarians for generally getting only 3 percent of the vote (we wish!) and told libertarians to vote for him. He said he'd commute the sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbrichtsomething he chose not to do when he had the chance the first time around but claims he'll actually do this time, pinky promiseand put a libertarian in his cabinet if elected president.

Scenes from New York: If you can name the dive bar we were at for much of Memorial Day Weekend, you get extra points. They don't make 'em like this anymore, truth be told. (And you better believe most of the bars in Rockaway were civil disobedience-rs during COVID-19 times; this peninsula has no rules.)

(Liz Wolfe)

Vacation-mode Matt Welch dropped by, as did Nancy Rommelmann. Behold!

(Liz Wolfe)

QUICK HITS

All the ways of doing business in Hong Kong have gotten harder, following Beijing's crackdown.

Noah Smith offers "a theory of how totalitarianism might naturally triumph" in a Noahpinion blog post. "The basic idea is that when information is costly, liberal democracy wins because it gathers more and better information than closed societies, but when information is cheap, negative-sum information tournaments sap an increasingly large portion of a liberal society's resources."

Has work gotten lonelier?

"Abortion is a gift. It's the easiest thing to go into another state to talk about," a 2020 Biden campaign pollster, Celinda Lake, tells Politico. "If you came into another state and talked about your miracle economic policies or energy development, these voters might not be interested."

"Boeing Co. and NASA are prepared to move forward with the inaugural crewed launch of the company's space taxi on June 1 without fixing a small helium leak that was discovered during an earlier launch attempt," reports Bloomberg. "Representatives from NASA and Boeing told reporters on Friday that after conducting enough analysis, they are comfortable flying the spacecraft, the CST-100 Starliner, with the helium leak and simply monitoring it throughout the mission to the International Space Station."

Wild:

The governing Mises Caucus faction of the Libertarian Party spent two years gearing up for a presidential race in which their preferred candidate could not handle a high-profile post-Trump-speech rebuttal slot because he was too high after eating a gummy. https://t.co/m2nFxXPANP  Matt Welch (@MattWelch) May 26, 2024

The post Rafah Strike appeared first on Reason.com.
A lightning strike in Colorado killed a rancher and 34 of his cows in Jackson County on Saturday, adding to the death toll of devastating storms that have swept across the US over Memorial Day weekend.

The strike killed 51-year-old Mike Morgan on his property in Rand, about 120 miles northwest of Denver, at the end of branding day, when members of the community typically pitch in to help brand cattle, according news outlets.

He was feeding cattle hay when the bolt hit him and knocked around 100 cows off their feet. An initial 911 call was placed about 2am MT.

The 32 cattle did not get back up, coroner George Crocket told The Colorado Sun. As best I can tell, it hit him on the trailer. The cattle were bunched up around the trailer and it hit them all.

The National Weather Service had warned that a storm was moving across the Front Range Urban Corridor and urged people to go inside upon hearing thunder.

Morgans death comes as at least 21 other people died over Memorial Day weekend in storms and tornadoes that hit the central US.

Mike Morgan (pictured) was killed in lightning strike on his property in Rand, northwest of Denver (CBS)

Despite the tragedy, deadly lightning strikes remain rare.

There are about 50 lightning fatalities a year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates, and the odds of being struck by lightning are one in a million. Ninety percent of victims survive.

But working outside can put you at greater risk.

Data from the US Centers of Disease and Control shows that there were 444 lightning strike deaths in the US between 2006 and 2021, with deaths being most common in the summer.

Mike Morgan (pictured) was feeding cattle hay when the bolt hit him and knocked around 100 cows off their feet (Sourced)

Florida, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have reported the most lightning deaths and injuries.

Florida is considered to be the lightning capital of the US, with more than 2,000 lightning-related injuries occuring there in the past 50 years.

Since 2006, only five states: Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Washington and the US Virgin Islands have reported zero deaths.
Jamila Afghani, one of Afghanistans top womens-rights activists, credits her success to having had polio as a child. Born in 1976 with a crooked leg that her family blamed on evil spirits, she was written off as a langak, or cripple, whom no man would ever want to marry. That made her focus on seeking an education instead, and with no chance of his getting a bride price, her father didnt stand in her way. She loved the freedom her disability had afforded her, writes Norwegian journalist Asne Seierstad in her new book, The Afghans. She was spared both a husband and the stress of being married.

Best known for The Bookseller of Kabul, written just after the Talibans fall in 2001, Seierstads latest work recounts the two ensuing decades through the contrasting fortunes of three Afghan witnesses and their families. The first is Afghani, who becomes a government minister during the years of US-backed rule, before fleeing to Norway after Washingtons chaotic pull-out in 2021. The second is a 37-year-old Taliban commander identified only as Bashir, who spends years fighting the coalition forces.

The third is 23-year-old Ariana, a pseudonymised female law student whose hopes of graduating  and pretty much everything else  are dashed by the Talibans return to power. Gone are the days when she could freely watch Netflix, listen to Justin Bieber and learn female empowerment slogans from Western NGOs; back come curbs on womens education, and orders to cover up if going out in public. The Talibans Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue suggests that the best burka of all, in truth, is to stay at home like a dutiful housewife.

As this book makes clear, though, the Taliban arent the only chauvinists in Kabul. Traditional Afghan society can be equally conservative, with the rules enforced not by Taliban gunmen, but by zealous brothers and uncles who fear that family honour will be at stake if a woman seeks her own path in life. As a youngster in scripture class, Afghani even detects a whiff of sexism in Paradise, where men whove done holy deeds are rewarded with the good company of grateful virgins. When she asks her teacher what women who have done holy deeds will get, Afghani is told simply that theyll get their husband back. This strikes her as somewhat unfair.

As a Talib who has kidnapped, killed and served jail time for the cause, Bashir doesnt have to wait for the afterlife to get his rewards. He lives in a plush Kabul villa taken from a politician, and gets a 4,000-a-month Taliban stipend  roughly 50 times what many Afghans earn. He also has a sideline as a Mafia godfather from whom others seek favours, be it dodging debts or jumping hospital queues. He draws the line, though, at helping career-minded females. Sorry, he tells Seierstad, but theres no place for educated women in Afghanistan.

Women protest against the Taliban's policires in Kabul on Sept 3 2021 - AFP

Simply persuading the likes of Bashir to talk is a coup for Seierstad. When she first meets him while visiting Afghanistan as a Taliban-accredited journalist in 2022, they joke together that had the meeting happened the year before, he would probably have kidnapped her. But while his insider account of life as a Taliban commander would make a perfectly good read on its own, what Seierstads book most vividly conveys is the unfulfilled lives of Afghanistans women.

Their scheming families pair them off with unwanted suitors, who compound the indignity by taking second and third wives. Even Ariana, whose parents are relatively liberal, ends up hitched against her will to Mahmoud, a creepy bald man at the same university as her. When theyre first introduced, he tells her how he has admired her from afar, watching her from his window every day on campus. While he thinks this is romantic, Ariana finds it stalkerish. Yet when she tells him she doesnt want him, he replies: Your father agrees, and thats more important than what you say.

Angry that the international community, though refusing to recognise the Taliban government, has eased the pressure on them too, Afghani arranges for some of her fellow female activists to meet the new interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, a feared Taliban warlord who is still on a US wanted list. Showing considerable guts, they tell him that his sexist policies are an atrocity against Islam, to which he remarks  a little patronisingly  By God, I had no idea that women in this country were so strong. But despite his promising reforms, nothing really changes.

Modern Afghanistan has been well-chronicled in recent years, not least by Seierstad herself, but as an exploration of the social fabric of Afghan life, this book takes some beating. Its also a deft potted history of the country since the 1960s, charting its journey from hippy hang-out to Soviet satellite state, jihadist battleground, and finally, failed nation-building project. A follow-up book in another decade or two might also be a compelling read  although, perhaps, an even unhappier one.

The Afghans, tr Sean Kinsella, is published by Virago at 25. To order your copy for 19.99,.call 0808 196 6794 or visit Telegraph Books

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Recent South Dakota policy threatens professors who include their pronouns or tribal affiliations over email. It's part of a concerning 'longer-term agenda' overtaking the US.

The University of South Dakota is enacting a discriminatory policy against professors who choose to express their pronouns and tribal affiliations via email signature. University of South Dakota

A policy in South Dakota prevents some professors from listing certain details in email signatures.

Public university faculty are prohibited from sharing gender pronouns or tribal affiliations.

Experts say it's part of a broader attempt to roll back rights for protected groups.

South Dakota has joined a group of right-leaning states trying to curtail expressions of personal identity in the US.

In December, the South Dakota Board of Regents issued a policy prohibiting professors at public universities in the state from including their designated gender pronouns or tribal affiliations in their email signatures, the Associated Press reported on Friday.

And it didn't take long for the board  which governs the state's six public universities  to take action.

Two University of South Dakota professors  Megan Red Shirt-Shaw and Red Shirt-Shaw's husband, John Little  recently told the AP they'd received written warnings to remove those details from their signatures.

On X, formerly Twitter, the two said they'd received their warnings in mid-March. The consequence, Little told the AP, could be as severe as losing their jobs.

"I was told that I had 5 days to remove my tribal affiliation and pronouns," Little wrote in an email to the AP. "I believe the exact wording was that I had '5 days to correct the behavior.'"

Little added that if the request wasn't met, administrators would evaluate whether or not to invoke suspension or even termination as punishment.

On X, Red Shirt-Shaw said she "made the difficult decision" to comply with the warnings, removing her tribal affiliation and gender pronouns from her email signature, "so I would not miss the remainder of the academic year."

That said, Red Shirt-Shaw found a workaround: She has continued to place those details "in the body of each email that I send," which she said on X "will not be challenged (for now)." Little has done the same.

For Red Shirt-Shaw, including those details is personal. As director of Native Student Services at the university, she wrote, "I feel I have an ethical responsibility to claim the tribal nations that make me who I am."

The American Civil Liberties Union's South Dakota chapter also weighed in on X. The group called the Board of Regents' policy an effort by the state's leadership "to shove queer identities out of public life."

Other experts agree that the South Dakota Board of Regents' guidelines are an escalation of a larger movement sweeping the US.

Larger efforts at play

South Dakota's flashpoint over email signatures comes as a national discourse rages about rights for LGBTQ+ Americans and members of diverse and protected groups.

"Quite frankly, this is the first time I've heard of a state university choosing to use branding standards to eliminate what obviously has become a practice of including pronouns and tribal affiliations to emails," Paulette Grandberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, told the AP.

"But I'm not surprised, given the current climate we're in," she added, calling the decision by the state's Board of Regents a "steady progression" in a broader push.

Grandberry Russell told the AP she thinks that such early-stage measures in conservative states could be used as a "testing ground" to determine if more severe laws could take hold.

Kelly Benjamin, a spokesperson for the American Association of University Professors, an advocacy group for academics in higher education, told the AP that it's the latest step in "a longer-term agenda" aimed at limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion measures to protect LGBTQ+ Americans.

Benjamin pointed to recent efforts in states like Florida and Arkansas. Florida lawmakers, for example, have passed bills that have limited or prevented access to services for transgender individuals, including gender-affirming care or even the ability to update their correct gender on their driver's license.

Though LGBTQ+ Americans benefited from legal strides in the 2010s like a landmark Supreme Court decision upholding the legality of gay marriage in 2015, more recent actions by some Republican state leaders have raised the specter of threats to similar protections. South Dakota's recent policy is just one example.

Meanwhile, violence against members of the LGBTQ+ communities has also increased as these debates have raged in the background. A 2022 Business Insider investigation found that homicides of transgender people, for instance, doubled between 2019 and 2021.

The University of South Dakota did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside of normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Recognition of Palestine as a state comes into force in Norway

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a plenary session, at the Congress of Deputies. Spain has announced the recognition of Palestine as a state. Eduardo Parra/EUROPA PRESS/dpa

Norway on Tuesday began formally recognizing an independent Palestinian state, as Spain and Ireland were set to follow suit later in the day, despite staunch opposition from Israel.

"Norway's formal recognition of Palestine as a state will enter into force on Tuesday 28 May 2024," the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "A number of other likeminded European countries will also formally recognise Palestine on that same date."

The three European countries had announced the move simultaneously last week, with their leaders saying they hoped other countries would join in the initiative, believing it will advance the prospects for peace after more than seven months of fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas.

"Recognition by various European countries is not, in itself, sufficient to ensure that a Palestinian state will be sustainable," said Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

"By recognising a Palestinian state, we are supporting the Arab peace plan which has been further developed by key actors in the region in the wake of 7 October."

"This joint decision reflects the determination of our three countries to make a fundamental paradigm shift," said Ireland's Michael Martin at joint press conference of the three countries' foreign ministers on Monday.

"We have recognised both the State of Israel and the State of Palestine, precisely because we want to see a future of normalised relations between the two peoples," Martin said.

"A two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict envisages an independent Palestinian state that exists peacefully side by side with Israel. Netanyahu opposes a two-state solution, as does Hamas."

The majority of United Nations member states recognize the state of Palestine.

However, influential Western nations such as the United States, Britain, and most EU states do not recognize an independent Palestinian state.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store holds a press conference to announce that the government will recognize Palestine as an independent state from 28 May 2024. Erik Flaaris Johansen/NTB/dpa

Irish prime minister Simon Harris speaks to the media during a press conference outside the Government Buildings, as the Republic of Ireland recognised the state of Palestine. Damien Storan/PA Wire/dpa
Spix's macaws soar over a breeding facility project in their native habitat in a rural area of Curaca, Bahia state, Brazil, Tuesday, March 12, 2024. There are approximately 360 critically endangered Spix's macaws in captivity worldwide and very few are living in the wild in Brazil. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

CURACA, Brazil (AP)  All Spixs macaws are majestically blue in the blazing sun of Brazil's Northeast, but each bird is distinct to Candice and Cromwell Purchase. As the parrots soar squawking past their home, the couple can readily identify bird No. 17 by its smooth feathers and can tell No. 16 from No. 22, which has two beads attached to its radio collar.

This familiarity offers a glimpse of the South African couples commitment to saving one of the world's most critically endangered species. The parrot  endemic to a small fraction of the Sao Francisco River basin and already rare in the 19th century  was declared extinct in the wild in 2000, when a lonely surviving male disappeared following decades of poaching and habitat destruction from livestock overgrazing. The few remaining birds were scattered in private collections around the world.

For the Spix's macaws, immortalized in the popular animated Rio films, the road back from the edge of extinction has been a long, winding and bumpy one.

Threats that had devastated the Spixs macaws still loom, and the birds now face another menace: climate change. The species original territory overlaps what has recently been officially designated Brazils first arid climate region.

The drier conditions worry Cromwell Purchase because of their potential impact on habitat for the few surviving Spixs macaws.

A dry area only gets rain for a very short period of the year. A drought in that period might go an entire year before youre going to get your next rain, said Purchase, a tall and slim 46-year-old. The animals are adapted to harsh environments, but they are on the edge. Any small increment of change will decimate populations.

In November, two federal research institutes released a study of rainfall water loss in plants and soil between 1960 and 2020. It showed that northern Bahia state, including Curaca, where the Spixs macaws are trying to survive, is now consistent with a desert area. It also identified the expansion of semi-arid climate in the Northeast, where nearly 55 million people live.

If the planet is warmer, there will be much greater evaporation. So, the water leaves the environment and generates aridity, the director of Brazils anti-desertification efforts, Alexandre Pires, told The Associated Press.

Since 2005, semi-arid area in Brazil has expanded by 300,00 square kilometers (116,000 square miles) and is now roughly the size of three Californias. The government is set to announce measures to avoid desertification by promoting better management of soil and other natural resources in the region.

In the face of the changing climate and numerous challenges, at every turn the Purchases have dedicated the better part of their adult lives to breeding Spix's macaws and reintroducing them into nature. The journey first took the biologists to work with a private collection on an oasis in Qatar. When the birds were transferred to a nonprofit organization, the couple moved with them to Germany.

Over the past four years, their efforts have been centered in the rural area of Curaca, a nondescript town of 34,000 people.

Under an agreement between the Brazilian government and the German nonprofit Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots, 52 Spixs macaws were sent in 2020 to Brazil on two charter flights. Federal police escorted them to breeding and reintroduction facilities accessible by a 1-hour drive on a rough dirt road, where the Purchases live and work for the nonprofit.

Two years later, 20 Spixs macaws were released in the wild, along with 15 wild-sourced Blue-Winged macaws, whose purpose was to teach them how to fly, avoid risks and forage. Last year, two Spixs macaw chicks were born in freedom  the first ones in decades but they didn't survive.

All released birds were equipped with radio collars designed to resist macaws strong bills. Each collar has an antenna. The Purchases and their assistant check the birds' locations three times a day.

Half of the Spixs macaws have died, mostly from predation, or disappeared. Now, the remaining ones live within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of the facilities, a compound that includes the couples house and a U-shaped flight-and-release cage that's 47 meters (51 yards) long.

In March, three more of the light pale blue chicks were born in the wild. Not only did they survive, but one of them also flew for the first time last week, a major breakthrough.

This event is so important as it shows how comfortable the parents are in their wild environment, Candice Purchase said in a text message. "A remarkable achievement for the birds and an incredible success for the release."

To mitigate the impacts of desertification, the German parrot nonprofit partnered with a private company, Blue Sky Caatinga, to promote reforestation of 24,000 hectares (59,300 acres) in the territory of Spixs macaw. This initiative involves engaging small farmers who heavily depend on goat raising.

Unlike depictions in the animated films Rio and Rio 2, which brought attention to the Spixs macaw extinction threat, the parrots natural habitat is far from Brazils most famous city, Rio de Janeiro, and the Amazon rainforest. It lives among the sparse, thorny, low caatinga vegetation that often loses greenery during dry periods. And the bird uses the Caraibeira, a towering evergreen tree that grows near small intermittent creeks, for nesting and food. During breeding season, the trees allow the pairs to conserve energy and avoid flying long distances to feed.

When the macaws first arrived from Germany, they were offered various foods from the wild. We found that it took a while for the birds to recognize them as food," Purchase said. "But the Caraibeira tree produces a seed pod, almost like helicopter seeds. The Spixs had never seen anything like it before. We put those in the cages and some picked them up and immediately knew how to open them and eat the kernel inside, which was totally remarkable and took us by surprise.

The project also faces challenges outside the natural world. On May 15, the federal government informed the nonprofit that it would terminate the agreement, which expires on June 5. In a statement to the AP, Brazil's federal environmental agency said it discovered that, in 2023, the nonprofit transferred Spixs macaws from its center in Germany to other countries without its consent. The agreement will not be renewed until the situation is clarified, but the government said the nonprofit can continue its reintroduction work. The project's funding comes from international donors.

The strained relations have put a pause on plans to release 20 parrots per year over 20 years. No release in 2023 and now looking like a 2024 release is unlikely. It would be a shame for the project to fail because of government politics, Purchase said.

There are approximately 360 Spixs macaws in captivity worldwide, with 46 in Curaca.

Despite the hurdles, many residents of Curaca, even if they never have never seen a Spix's macaw, expect them to soon return to flying over the region and not just be seen in countless paintings that made the parrot part of the city's identity.

The project is already a success. They are free, said Maria de Lourdes Oliveira, whose family leased part of their land for reforestation. The most difficult thing was to arrive in Brazil. I cried when I saw them going to freedom and flapping their wings.

___

This story has been corrected to state that the birds were moved, not sold, to a nonprofit in Germany, and language was changed to indicate the first release into the wild was in 2022, not 2021.

___

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COLOMBO, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The 93 members elected to 20th parliamentary assembly took oath at a ceremony held at the parliament on Tuesday morning, local media reported.

Their oath was administered by Maldivian Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan.

Also on Tuesday, the parliament elected Abdul Raheem Abdulla as the new speaker and Ahmed Nazim as the new deputy speaker.

The Maldives held parliamentary elections on April 21, which saw the People's National Congress (PNC) achieve a sweeping victory.

The PNC secured a supermajority with 75 out of 93 seats and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which held the supermajority in the 19th parliament, won only 12 seats. 
RED RIVER, N.M. (KRQE)  Red River celebrated its first Memorial Day weekend in decades without its annual motorcycle rally after rebranding the event in the wake of last years deadly gang shootout. Though the visitor numbers were lower than in years past, town leaders are touting the weekend as a success.

Story continues below

The town of Red River started its new event called Mayfest in the Mountains this Memorial Day Weekend. Red River Mayor, Linda Calhoun, said the weekend started off slow on Friday but picked up on Saturday.

We had people in the park doing fly fishing, and the rock-climbing wall. I talked to the food vendors in the park, and they were happy. Ive talked to some of our local businesses and for the most part, everyone had a successful weekend, said Mayor Calhoun.

The inaugural Mayfest marks the end of more than 40 years of Memorial Day weekend bike rallies in the town following a deadly biker gang shootout last year leaving three people dead.

According to the town, the new event is more family-friendly and veteran-focused. I think people are happy with the direction were going and look forward to seeing what we do next year, said Mayor Calhoun.

Historically, the weekend has brought more than 20,000 visitors. The mayor said unofficial numbers from this weekend look to be between 5,000 and 8,000. At least one business planned its own bike rally, to keep the tradition alive.

The mayor said there were no concerning incidents this weekend. She added there were fewer motorcycles in town this year and doesnt believe any outlaw motorcycle gangs showed up. Well probably try to encourage more of the veteran and law enforcement motorcycles to come because we dont want to lose that sector of our guests, said Mayor Calhoun.

Mayor Calhoun said there will be a meeting next week for the town, general public, and businesses to go over what went well during the weekend and see how to move forward.

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COLDWATER  Temperatures below 60 degrees and cold winds did not deter those who came to honor those who died while serving in the military at Mondays Memorial Day ceremonies, which began at Coldwaters Four Corners Park.

The crowd at Four Corners for Memorial Day ceremonies.

Joe Renshaw took over the celebration organization last year from Jerry Ford.

Ford served this year as Grand Marshall after heading the program for over two decades. Ford also participated in the American Legion Post 52 Color Guard.

Renshaw thanked those who came wrapped in warm clothes. Others were around the park fire pit, The people in the foxhole didn't complain about the weather. They still showed up, Renshaw said.

The guest speaker was Iraqi war veteran Tom Merkle from Branch County.

In the Army military police corps from 2003 to 2012, he served two tours in Iraq from 2003 through 2005 as part of a special reaction and canine team.

Merkle told the crowd at age 19 that his unit was deployed to Iraq after three weeks at Fort Riley, Kansas. We were really excited. It was May 25, 2003. We took our first casualty. That's when it really hits home.

Merkle said, Then we just kept losing more, losing more.

Merkle, now a lieutenant/EMT with Somerset Fire Department, said his late father urged him to celebrate Memorial Day. We still have to pay the respects to our fallen brothers/sisters, so they're not forgotten.

Merkle said, It's important to recognize that true heroism is not solely defined by grand gestures or fame. True heroes are those who in the face of adversity and danger, display unwavering courage, integrity and compassion.

The veteran, who quoted Lincoln and Churchill, said of our country, A society that honors the sacrifice of those who came before us by striving to fulfill the promise of freedom and equality for all.

A parade traveled west to the Coldwater River bridge, where a wreath was tossed into the river for those who served in the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard.

Merkle spoke again at the old north Oak Grove Cemetery where the Civil War dead are buried.

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The Memorial Day services ended on the south side of Oak Grove at the Gathering of Flags War Memorial, where veterans of all U.S. wars are honored.

 Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Residents gather to celebrate Memorial Day in Coldwater
Remembering the Fallen through service to other Vets helped this former Marine heal his own wounds

Remembering the Fallen through service to other Vets helped this former Marine heal his own wounds

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR)  Memorial Day services are often somber affairs for a reason.

Buglers play Taps.

Rifle companies like the Sons of the American Revolution fire salutes.

Abandoned figures: This Edmond artist abandoned form for texture

Veterans who were lucky enough to make it home from war pause to remember the heroes who didnt.

Residents who live at the Norman Veterans Home are the most prominent guests at this ceremony.

Activities Specialists like Brendan OBryant stay busy looking after them, setting up tables and chairs before the program, pushing wheelchairs into place, serving those who served.

Describing his job, he says, I come in here every day. I see veterans family when they come in to visit. I smile because I enjoy coming to work. I dont know how many people can get that lucky.

But Brendan carries his own history too.

A little more than a year ago, he was fighting a losing battle with his own demons created by 8 Marine deployments between 2006 and 2016.

Four of those tours, 2 in Afghanistan, 2 in Iraq, were combat related.

Alcohol was my medicine of choice, he tells us. If I was not actively working I was actively drinking.

Brendan got so used to the unique stresses of war he chased deployments to feel normal.

He recalls, Almost every time we left the wire (his Marine compound) we were taking contact, finding IEDs, blowing up IEDs. Being here was actually more uncomfortable than being deployed.

A Purple Heart recipient, he lost friends both in combat and through hidden wounds he understood only too well.

I can honestly say its almost a 1 to 1 ratio of the ones that I lost in active combat to the ones who took their own lives coming back.

The roll call of names read on Memorial Day could have included his own.

But in May, 2023 he entered a court ordered Veteran Diversion Program.

He got sober, found work helping other veterans at the VA.

OBryant started volunteering at the Veterans Home too, so much they hired him full time last November.

Remembering the fallen and serving the wounded turned out to be his own best medicine.

It is, he agrees. Its my own type of therapy.

He still remembers the heroes, some of them his own comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

This former Marine Infantryman serves on in their memory, and to finally find his own way home.

Im glad that I have turned a corner, he states. And I am doing something to help other people.

Pugh Garden is an Oasis in a Sea of Grass

Brendan will graduate from the Oklahoma County Veteran Diversion Program in May, 2024.

It was established in 2011, as a combined effort of the District Attorneys Office, the Public Defenders Office, the Department of Veterans Affairs, North Care, and other community partners.

This program represents a fresh and innovative approach to serving justice-involved veterans, diverting participants from normal court dockets.

It allows them to engage in substance use and mental health treatment and have camaraderie with other veterans while restoring their honor.

For more information go to

https://www.facebook.com/ocvpupdates/

Other programs that OBryan credits with helping him are

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program

https://oklahoma.gov/okstep/employment/services.html

Oklahoma Employment Security Commission

https://oklahoma.gov/oesc.html

The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM)

https://www.teem.org/

TEEMTEEM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of incarceration and poverty through education, personal development and work readiness training.www.teem.org

And the Norman Veterans Home itself

https://oklahoma.gov/veterans/veterans-centers/norman.html

Great State is sponsored by Oklahoma Proton Center

Follow Galens Great State adventures on social media!

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.
TechCrunch

Fidelity Investments, one of the world's largest asset managers, has confirmed that over 77,000 customers had personal information compromised during an August data breach, including Social Security numbers and driver's licenses. The Boston, Massachusetts-based investment firm said in a filing with Maines attorney general on Wednesday that an unnamed third party accessed information from its systems between August 17 and August 19 "using two customer accounts that they had recently established. We detected this activity on August 19 and immediately took steps to terminate the access, Fidelity said in a letter sent to those affected, adding that the incident did not involve any access to customers Fidelity accounts.
Republican Senator Blocks the Nomination of the First Native American to Serve as Federal Judge in Montana

Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, has blocked President Joe Bidens federal district judge nominee, Danna Jackson, a Native American woman, from consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Jackson is a tribal attorney for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

A spokesperson for the senator said Daines decided not to return a blue slip that would have allowed Jackson to be considered.

By custom, senators must return blue slips (named for the color of the form) for district court nominees from their states to advance and receive a hearing before the Judiciary Committee.

Jackson was nominated by Biden in April. Since then, Daines has held out the possibility of blocking Jacksons nomination because, according to the senator, Biden "failed to seriously consult with me prior to making this nomination" but that he would evaluate her background and record to see if she was "the right fit for Montana."

Rachel Demke, a spokesperson for Daines, said in a statement released last Wednesday that the senator reviewed 15 applications to fill the vacancy for the federal court in Montana. Daines complains that the White House never sought out his advice or choosing their nominee.

"Senator Daines believes confirming federal judges with lifetime tenure is among the most important decisions he will make and that these individuals must be trusted to not legislate from the bench and protect the Montana way of life," she said.

The White House fired back on Thursday. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement that Daines team interviewed Jackson more than six months ago, but Daines refused to meet with her.

"This claimed lack of consultation seems to be little more than pretext, and its shameful that Senator Daines is depriving Montana of the talents of a principled, fair, and impartial jurist like Danna Jackson, who would make history as Montanas first Native American federal judge," Bates said.

When the president nominated Jackson in April, three national Native American organizations  the National Congress of Americans Indians (NCAI), the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), and National Native American Bar Association (NNABA)  commended President Biden on Jackson's nomination.

"NCAI is proud to support President Bidens nomination of Danna Jackson to be the first-ever Native American to sit on the federal bench in the State of Montana," National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. said. "Ms. Jackson will bring deep Indian law and policy expertise to the federal bench. NCAI urges her swift confirmation in the U.S. Senate."

"Danna Jackson has a long track record of public service, extensive federal legal experience, and is well qualified to be a federal judge," said Native American Rights Fund (NARF) Executive Director John Echohawk. "We commend the Biden Administrations selection of this historic nominee and exhort her confirmation. She will be a strong addition to the federal judiciary in Montana."

Because Daines blocked her nomination, Jackson was not at a Judiciary Committee hearing with all of the other nominees on Wednesday for a hearing on their nominations.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
Refusing to commit to accepting the results of the 2024 election has become a litmus test for Republicans jockeying to become former President Trumps running mate, but thats making their Senate GOP colleagues uncomfortable about the prospect of another Jan. 6-style standoff if Trump loses.

A group of Senate Republicans are rejecting the idea that a victory for President Biden in November would likely be the result of fraud, sending a clear message to Trump and his allies that any attempt to challenge the results without clear evidence of misconduct wont find much support in Washington.

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While Trump has refused to accept the election results in advance, many GOP lawmakers arent willing to go down that same road  except for a handful who are trying to rise to the top of his VP shortlist.

And these ambitious Republicans jockeying to ingratiate themselves with Trump are putting themselves on an island within the GOP.

What happened in 2020 was something that most people never thought was possible  not only challenge the outcome of the election, question the legitimacy of the president and then work to stop the certification, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said about lingering anxiety from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

She said Republicans are being asked whether they will accept the results of Novembers election because of how Jan. 6 still weighs on the nation.

Its not a question thats out of the blue. Its something thats important for people to know, she said.

Murkowski and other Republicans say Trump or Biden have the right to challenge the election results in court, but that once a court rules and without clear and compelling evidence of widespread fraud, the losing candidate must accept the outcome.

I want us to be in a place where we accept the outcome of fair and legitimate elections, she said. What I dont like is the suggestion months and months and months prior to an election that there might be something nefarious at play.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.), who helped lead the opposition to Trumps effort to block the certification of Bidens victory on the Senate floor, said this week he would accept the results if they are validated by the courts  taking the same position he and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) took after the 2020 election.

Im all for, in any election, if there are concerns about the election, whether or not there were fraudulent aspects to it, to allow all the mechanisms under the law  whether its recounts or audits or lawsuits, etc.  but when those are all done and settled, its over, Thune said.

Thune famously predicted that an attempt to block the certification of the 2020 election on the Senate floor would go down like a shot dog.

That was after Trumps own attorney general, William Barr, announced in December 2020 that the Justice Department had found no evidence of widespread fraud in the election, and multiple challenges by Trumps allies to overturn state results failed in court.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said hes going to look carefully at the election results and claims of fraud, but he expects to certify the election results like he did in 2021.

Im going to follow the same process I have in the elections of the past. Im going to look at the process  And I would expect more likely than not Im going to vote to certify the election results like I did in 2020, Tillis said.

Tillis said he called legislative leaders in 2020 to follow up on fraud claims and felt reassured there was not widespread fraud, despite Trumps claims at the time.

Asked whether he would accept the results of the 2024 election, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) answered simply, I dont know why you wouldnt.

The results are the results, he said.

But Trump is now again regularly raising doubts about the fairness of the 2024 election  about once a day, according to an analysis by The New York Times published Friday.

And the tactic is being copied by Republican senators vying to be his running mate or trying to appeal to the GOP base for their own reelection races.

Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who are said to be on Trumps vice presidential shortlist, have declined in nationally televised interviews to commit to accepting the election results.

Scott, who is viewed as a front-runner for the VP slot in the Senate GOP conference, repeatedly declined to make any commitment when Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker asked him six times whether he would accept the results of the November election.

Rubio deflected a question on NBCs Meet the Press this month about accepting the results of the election by insisting, Youre asking the wrong person.

You have Democrats now saying they wont certify 2024 because Trump is an insurrectionist and ineligible to hold office. So you need to ask them, he said.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who is up for reelection and led a push to delay the certification of the 2020 election results, bristled when asked in a CNN interview last week whether he would accept the election results, calling it a ridiculous question.

If the Democrats win, I will accept the result, but Im not going to ignore fraud, he said.

Cruz still claims there was significant voter fraud in 2020.

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), a possible VP pick in the GOP conference, said he would have declined to certify Bidens victory in January 2021 if he was serving in the Senate at the time. He didnt come to the upper chamber until January 2023.

Vance hedged slightly when asked recently whether he would commit to accepting the upcoming election results, qualifying his pledge to accept the results if the election is free and fair.

If its a free and fair election, Dana, I think every Republican will enthusiastically accept the results, he told CNNs Dana Bash. And again, I think those results will show that Donald Trump has been elected president.

Vance, however, cautioned that if there are claims of fraud, you have to be willing to pursue those problems and prosecute the case.

Certainly, if we have a free and fair election, Ill accept the results, he said.

Cramer said colleagues who are declining to commit to accepting the election results are sending a message to Trump, possibly in hopes of being tapped for the ticket.

I imagine theyre messaging to the person who will make the decision about who the running mate is, he said.

The results are the results. Short of some catastrophic or obvious case of fraud or abuse, Im not much for fighting the election results beyond the legal norms, he explained.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who is challenging Thune to succeed McConnell as Senate GOP leader in 2025, said he would defer to the courts if the election results are challenged.

Theres a process by which any irregularities can be challenged, and that is typically in court, and Ill inspect the final judgment of the court if theres any kind of contest, he said.

Cornyn said a lot of states have come a long way in tightening things up, but I think its still an issue, referring to the concerns that many Republican politicians, pundits and voters had about state election law changes during the pandemic to make it easier to vote by absentee ballot.

Cornyn has worked to appeal to conservative colleagues such as Cruz and other conservative members of the Senate Steering Committee in his leadership campaign.

Several states, including Georgia, North Carolina and Texas, have since tightened their absentee voting rules. Georgia, for example, has passed a law to curtail the mass mailing of absentee ballots, and North Carolina has passed a new law requiring mail-in ballots to be received by Election Night.

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.
Randy White and Kevin Carrico will be the new leaders of Jacksonville City Council, the council voted Tuesday.

White, a retired firefighter from the Westside and current vice president, is in his second term as District 12 council person. Carrico works at the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida and is serving his first full term representing District 4. Both are Republicans.

A council president has a one-year term and is responsible for assigning other members to council committees, forming special committees and setting a legislative agenda. They are largely considered one of the most influential people in city government, and the vice president is almost always elected to become the next president.

Council member Randy White addresses the audience after the votes were tabulated to make him the next council president. The Jacksonville City Council held a special meeting Tuesday, May 28, 2024 to elect the Council President and Vice President designates. Council member Randy White was unanimously elected as the Council President designate and Kevin Carrico got most of the votes, to be elected as the Council Vice President designate. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]

I feel this council is my family, White said after receiving a unanimous vote.  Ill always treat you fair and try to get you to the places you want to be in your council or your district.

I look forward to balancing these roles and leadership and also serving my district and just know that I'm here to make your lives better, Carrico said after receiving 15 votes.

Council member Michael Boylan from Mandarin received four votes for the role of vice president from himself, Matt Carlucci, Jimmy Peluso and Tyrona Clark-Murray.

What will be new leadership priorities?

During leadership meetings among council members, White said he would look to finish the work he and current Council President Ron Salem started this year with Jaguars stadium negotiations and planning a new Duval County jail.

Additionally, he would prioritize finding ways to recruit and retain public safety officers in the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, among correctional officers and in JFRD, by studying how to give them an option between a 401(k) retirement plan and a Florida Retirement System.

Carrico promised in the same meetings to primarily support the presidents goals. He did not think the vice president should carry much of a personal agenda legislatively but that he shared Whites care for public safety, as well as parks and neighborhoods.

Council member Kevin Carrico addresses the audience after being elected to be the next council vice president. The Jacksonville City Council held a special meeting Tuesday, May 28, 2024 to elect the Council President and Vice President designates. Council member Randy White was unanimously elected as the Council President designate and Kevin Carrico got most of the votes, to be elected as the Council Vice President designate. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]

There's no one else up here that Id rather be serving under as vice president than you Mr. President-elect [White], Carrico said.

The installation of new leadership positions will be June 20 at City Hall at 5:30 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Randy White will be new City Council president, Kevin Carrico as VP
Education is key for the health of rural America. School consolidation, school closures, and a declining economic base for some of these areas have created hardships for families and schools, writes guest columnist Michael Strickland. (Getty Images)

In the silent corridors of community governance, school board members stand as unsung architects, shaping the dreams and destinies of public education.

Their dedication echoes through the unseen pages of our nations progress. They craft the vision and objectives for public schools in their area, and establish performance standards for schools and superintendents.

Elected by local constituents, these members represent the communitys values and aspirations for schools. As community leaders, they maintain open communication to keep everyone informed about challenges, ideas, and progress.

With the monumental task of educating nearly 50 million children who make up the students in public schools, board members go beyond policymaking and administration, serving as advocates for students and parents, entrusted with shaping a brighter future.

These dynamics are especially powerful in Idaho where a significant percentage of students learn in small communities.

Education is key for the health of rural America. School consolidation, school closures, and a declining economic base for some of these areas have created hardships for families and schools. Rural schools also have serious challenges in staffing a full range of qualified teachers and providing the resources to support their efforts.

Further difficulties arise in the fact that research studies about rural education and its particular context, nuances, and complications have always been sparse. In addition, educators are often constrained by certain reform models as well as approaches fueled by high-stakes, one-size-fits-all assessments.

Expectations are at an all-time high while funding remains at historic lows.

The pressure for all students to achieve underscores the value of analyzing the school-level factors associated with student success. We need to supplement the portfolio of evidence-based instructional practices for high-needs student populations.

Rural school districts are the lifeblood of their communities, serving myriad functions beyond education. They are essential hubs for various community activities, offering access to vital services such as nutrition and mental health counseling. Rural school facilities serve multifaceted roles, doubling as polling stations, disaster evacuation centers, and venues for events such as funerals, family reunions, and weddings.

Given that many rural districts serve as the primary employers in their regions, they additionally face distinct economic considerations not encountered in more densely populated regions.

The unique challenges of rural areas, including smaller staff sizes and overlapping roles among decision-makers, can complicate governance and leadership.

In rural districts, superintendents and school board trustees often wear multiple hats, from overseeing operations to teaching classes. While this closeness fosters strong community connections, it can blur lines of responsibility and lead to micromanagement or individual agendas.

To ensure success, these leaders must strike a balance between their various roles and focus on overarching governance principles. Research involving a rural Idaho district indicates how effective governance practices can drive significant improvements. By working collaboratively and adopting a structured approach, scholars observed that a district could achieve a more robust budget, reduced staff turnover, and increased student achievement.

Key to their success was a commitment to getting on the balconygaining perspective and distance from day-to-day operations in order to focus on long-term goals.

At a recent gathering of the Idaho School Boards Association, I had the opportunity to hear Elizabeth Wargo from the University of Idaho present on this topic. In her article, Rural School District Leadership and Governance: Eating Your Veggies to Stay on the Balcony, Wargo and her colleagues say, getting in the weeds or micromanagement is an egregious error in governance that has been associated with low district performance. Micromanagement on behalf of trustees distracts the team from the work necessary to support district-wide success for all students long term, especially when trustees disagree and cannot come to a consensus and lead as a team.

In small rural communities, handling differences of opinion and fostering relationships with individuals who hold varying perspectives is a highly visible task. School board and superintendent partnerships that adhere to defined governance principles greatly contribute to student achievement. Trustees and superintendents committed to advancing student success share a unified vision.

They employ data-driven approaches to establish objectives and track advancements for all students. Transparency and communication are essential. The Idaho district in the study implemented monthly updates on progress toward goals, fostering community trust, and reducing rumors. Bite-sized training sessions during board meetings ensured that trustees stayed informed about governance best practices and policy changes.

Despite the challenges, the success of that Idaho district demonstrates that focused collective action, trust, and ongoing learning can drive positive change in rural school governance. By staying committed to the right work and maintaining clear boundaries, governance teams can support districts and enable communities to thrive.

Pressures are rising on rural schools and their leaders. Everywhere, there are signs that they would benefit from greater collaboration, citizen participation, and regional analysis. More than ever, part-time elected officials are burdened with heavy administrative and financial responsibilities and minimal or nonexistent professional support. Rural school districts need to balance community engagement and strategic planning.

By staying focused on the communitys long-term goals and fostering open communication, leaders can overcome obstacles and drive meaningful improvements.

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The post Research involving a rural Idaho district indicates how governance can drive improvement appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun.
Researchers use new satellite mapping technique to monitor coral reefs: 'This discovery offers the opportunity of assessing reef biodiversity at global scale'

Researchers from the University of Miami are turning to space technologies to keep tabs on the health and biodiversity of coral reefs worldwide, which could have a big impact on conservation efforts.

The Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science research team used satellites to map species and habitat diversity across 880 field stations throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Scuba divers track and measure coral reef biodiversity, but this method is tedious, expensive, and unfeasible for large reef systems. This drove the team to discover new ways to use satellites to map reef biodiversity across the globe.

"We show how the biodiversity of these ecosystems can instead be retrieved from satellite maps of the seabed," Anna Bakker, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Marine Geosciences and the study's lead author said in a news release. "This discovery offers the opportunity of assessing reef biodiversity, at global scale, from orbit."

For the study, the researchers used diver surveys of fish and coral reef biodiversity from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation Global Reef Expedition maps, which provide data on around 25% of Earth's shallow-water coral reefs near the equator.

Next, they used the maps to examine the diversity of the arrangements of seabed habitats, which they found correlated to the variety of species living in them. Since they determined this was true across the field stations studied, the team supported using satellite mapping as a viable tool to track reef biodiversity.

According to the researchers, "the results from this study can aid in marine spatial planning and the designation of marine protected areas to protect reefs with high biodiversity."

We need every tool in our arsenal to protect these incredibly complex and fragile marine ecosystems. According to the United Nations, coral reefs provide natural flood protection, food security, and jobs for around 1 billion people, and they are home to nearly one-third of all marine species.

Thankfully, scientists and organizations are scrambling to conserve them, keeping some preserved until ocean conditions improve and even using robots to grow coral in under nine months.

Reefs in Mexico's Baja California Sur are making a resurgence thanks to tireless efforts by local fishermen to convince the government to create the Cabo Pulmo National Park in 1995.

Coral reefs are vital to a healthy planet. By working together to safeguard them and reducing the pollution warming the oceans, we can keep these important habitats alive for the millions of species that depend on them.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Smoke rises in Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, May 28, 2024. The Israeli army on Tuesday advanced into the heart of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, amid clashes with Palestinian militants, according to Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses.

Security sources told Xinhua that Israeli tanks and Israeli army forces reached the city center amid heavy gunfire and airstrikes covering up the ground incursion. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

GAZA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army on Tuesday advanced into the heart of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip amid clashes with Palestinian militants, according to Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses.

Security sources told Xinhua that Israeli tanks and troops reached the city center amid heavy gunfire and airstrikes covering the ground incursion.

Eyewitnesses said that they saw a group of Israeli soldiers walking towards the western area of Rafah, targeting anyone who walked in the areas they were entering.

Meanwhile, Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that the army is continuing its operations in the Shaboura camp and Brazil neighborhood in the city, searching for tunnels, and trying to determine the locations of armed elements.

It indicated that Israeli army forces advanced west of Rafah towards the Philadelphia Corridor.

As a result, hundreds of families were displaced since the early hours of Tuesday morning from the western areas of the city in search of safe areas amid the violent air and artillery bombardment.

On May 7, the Israeli army announced the imposition of its control over the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, located in the southern Gaza Strip on the border with Egypt, and in the eastern region of Rafah.

In addition, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees said on social media platform X that nearly one million people were forced to flee from Rafah during the past three weeks, as a result of the Israeli bombing of the city.

It pointed out that the lack of food and water, the accumulation of piles of waste, and the unsuitable living conditions make assisting almost impossible day after day.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has been waging a large-scale offensive against the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, which has led to the death of more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health authorities, after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel that killed more than 1,200 Israelis, according to the Israeli authorities. 

Smoke rises in Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, May 28, 2024. The Israeli army on Tuesday advanced into the heart of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, amid clashes with Palestinian militants, according to Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses.

Security sources told Xinhua that Israeli tanks and Israeli army forces reached the city center amid heavy gunfire and airstrikes covering up the ground incursion. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)
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.
Residents speak out against local officials for spraying hazardous herbicides making them ill: 'We just need to stop'

While herbicides are a fast way to get rid of weeds, they also come with a host of health concerns.

Many chemicals that have been widely used for decades are coming under closer scrutiny now as the public becomes aware of the risks of exposure. For example, the Aliso Viejo community in California is pushing back against chemical herbicides in public areas like the local park, KTLA reports.

What's happening?

The city of Aliso Viejo recently sprayed an herbicide called Cheetah Pro in the local Canyon View Park for weed control. Cheetah Pro contains glufosinate, which the World Health Organization rates as more hazardous than the better-known glyphosate, which is found in Roundup.

The Aliso Viejo Community Association also maintains hundreds of acres of public land in the city and likely uses Cheetah Pro or similar chemicals on them, too.

According to KTLA, Aliso Viejo residents claim that the herbicides sprayed in their neighborhoods are making them sick. Residents complain of rashes, fatigue, and headaches and say that their pets are being affected as well.

"I actually had a toxins test done and it was very clear the herbicides were extremely high in my system and was causing my illness," Carolyn McCuan, an Aliso Viejo resident, told KTLA.

McCuan's test results showed a higher concentration of glyphosate in her urine than 95% of women her age. Her property backs onto Canyon View Park.

"The landscaper's workmen were actually spraying the herbicide right up to my fence," another resident, Melissa Christian, told KTLA.

Why does this pesticide use matter?

Like many herbicides, Cheetah Pro is toxic and can irritate the skin and eyes. Too much exposure is dangerous. There are also potentially dangerous long-term effects; in lab tests using animals, too much of this herbicide over time was often fatal.

The AVCA maintains that its herbicide usage is at legal levels.

"AVCA has at all times met or exceeded all applicable state and federal laws for pesticide use," the association said in a statement. "AVCA's board and staff have collectively spent thousands of hours studying this topic and working with expert consultants to find alternatives that are effective, legal, safe and affordable."

However, that doesn't mean that residents aren't feeling the effects.

What could the AVCA do instead?

McCuan and other residents have formed Toxic-Free OC, a group dedicated to ending herbicide use in their city. "The risk outweighs the benefits," McCuan said. "We just need to stop. It's 2024, let's do better."

As a safe and eco-friendly alternative, the city could try bringing in goats to keep the greenery in check.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A former Las Vegas Metro police officer allegedly sent more than a dozen anonymous letters to discredit a lieutenant who penned the investigative document that led to the officers forced retirement, detectives said.

Christopher Lange, a retired Metro officer who investigated sex crimes, faces charges of libel, a gross misdemeanor; and stalking, a misdemeanor, records said. LVMPD Lt. Richard Meyers recommended Lange for termination in September 2020 but Lange chose to retire before a pre-termination hearing, documents said.

Lange retired in February 2021, one month after Metro received the first letter, documents said.

For three years from January 2021 to January of this year, Metro received at least 16 letters regarding the personal life and professional life of Meyers, documents said. Police believed the writer of the letters was the same person who wanted Meyers fired.

LVMPD Lt. Richard Meyers, speaking here at a news conference, recommended Lange for termination in September 2020 but Lange chose to retire before a pre-termination hearing, documents said. (KLAS)

Meyers never supervised Lange, police said, though Meyers was the supervisor who was tasked with filing a statement of complaint with [internal affairs] for [Langes] alleged failures as a sexual assault detective, police wrote in court documents.

One of the most recent letters was sent to Meyers residence, police said in a warrant filed in March. In some letters, the writer had claims about Meyers leadership and marriage, police said.

In one letter, police said the writer falsely accused Meyers of harassing detectives. In another letter, the writer claimed Meyers was causing a hostile work environment, which included false allegations of unwanted touching and specifically named two employees, police said.

One of the women named in the letter later told police she never had those type of interactions with Meyers and did not know any women who had those type [sic] of experiences with him, proving the allegations inaccurate, police said.

In another letter, the writer accused Meyers of using a homophobic slur at a crime scene. Police interviewed Meyers, who said he would not use that word. Officers also interviewed another employee, who said he did not witness Meyers use the word nor behave in the manner alleged in the letter.

FILE  A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department vehicle blocks traffic during the NV COVID Trace Community Activation at Life Time Athletic on October 28, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for Experience Strategy Associates)

Through a QR code on a stamp, police and postal inspectors tracked one letter to a credit card. Police learned Lange lived at the residence with the credit card holder, documents said.

Police said they also obtained a text message where Lange said, Keep hoping Meyers gets nailed for something, documents said. Detectives also located photographs on Langes phone, showing a combination of Meyers address and other personal information. Police also allege Lange provided false information to a video blogger who then reiterated the false claims.

In an interview with police, Lange said he wrote at least 10 letters, adding Meyers was the employee who wrote the statement of complaint, leading to his retirement, documents said.

On March 7, police mailed Lange a summons to appear in court. He was arraigned on the charges in April. According to court records, a pro temp judge agreed to place Lange on pretrial compliance ahead of a July 29 hearing.

Langes attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A photo of Lange was not immediately 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 KLAS.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he is opposed to efforts to remove statues honoring Confederate soldiers.

Kennedy joined Tim Pool in an episode of his podcast Timcast IRL on Friday at the Libertarian National Convention, where he said the 2021 removal of the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville, Va., gave him a visceral reaction.

I have a visceral reaction against  the attacks on those statues, he said. I mean, I grew up, you know, in Virginia. I know that  there were heroes in the Confederacy who didnt have slaves and  I just have a visceral reaction against destroying history. I dont like it. I think we should celebrate who we are.

Kennedy argued that its not a good or healthy thing for any culture to erase its history. He said he thinks the United States should celebrate the good qualities of everybody.

If we want to find people who were completely virtuous on every issue throughout history, we would erase all of history, he said.

The independent candidate said that values change throughout history and Americans must be sophisticated enough to live with the choices of our ancestors who didnt agree with us on everything and who did things that are now regarded as immoral or wrong.

Kennedy argued that the statues may not have been erected to celebrate the soldiers participation in the Confederacy exactly, but maybe other qualities. He said Lee clearly had extraordinary qualities of leadership.

Pool also pressed Kennedy on his thoughts on Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day. He said he doesnt think the United States should outright get rid of Columbus Day but said its important for Americans to recognize all people, and particularly Indigenous people, who experienced the ultimate sacrifice and one of the greatest genocides in history.

The Hill has reached out to the Kennedy campaign for further 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.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he had a visceral reaction against the removal of the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee that was once the focal point of the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Kennedy said in an interview with podcast host Tim Pool on Friday that he opposes destroying history when asked about the Charlottesville City Councils decision in 2021 to remove the towns statute of Lee and melt it down to create new public art. Kennedy, who went to law school at the University of Virginia, said he had a personal reaction to seeing the statue removed.

I have a visceral reaction against the attacks on those statues, Kennedy said. There were heroes in the Confederacy who didnt have slaves, and you know, I just have a visceral reaction against destroying history. I dont like it.

I think we should celebrate who we are, Kennedy added. We should celebrate the good qualities of everybody.

The 2017 decision to remove the statute of Lee from a park in Charlottesville sparked outrage, including from White nationalist sympathizers who gathered at the Unite the Right protest that August and violently clashed with counter-protesters. Heather Heyer, a counter-protester, was killed when a man drove his car into a crowd.

Kennedy said he doesnt think its a good, a healthy thing for any culture to erase its history, and suggested historical figures like Lee should be celebrated for their positive qualities even if they also took actions that are now regarded as immoral  or wrong.

We need to be able to be sophisticated enough to live with, you know, our ancestors who didnt agree with us on everything, and who did things that are now, you know, regarded as immoral, you know, or wrong, Kennedy said. Maybe they had other qualities that we want to celebrate.

Clearly, Robert E. Lee had extraordinary qualities of leadership, he added.

Kennedy also defended his past celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, a holiday celebrated on Columbus Day borne out of Native American advocacy to honor Indigenous peoples who inhabited the Americas. Pool, the podcast host, accused Kennedy of seeking to erase Christopher Columbus legacy by celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, but Kennedy argued both holidays can be honored alongside each other.

I think its important for us to be part of a community where we can recognize all kinds of people. We can recognize Italian Americans to whom that is an important holiday, and at the same time, we can recognize the indigenous people who were, you know, made the ultimate sacrifice of one of the greatest genocides in the history, Kennedy said.

At a rally in Philadelphia in October, during which he formally announced his switch from running in the Democratic primary to running as an independent, Kennedy said its a hopeful sign that the US celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day. Prior to his remarks, Kennedy was introduced by Lewis GrassRope, a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe.

Its a hopeful sign now for our country that we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, Kennedy said last October. It shows that our country is now ready to explore and to tell each other the untold histories of those dispossessed people who have previously languished on the margins.

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California, Connecticut, Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, and Illinois already offer portable retirement savings programs for private sector employees to save. (Getty image)

AARPs mission is to empower people to choose how we live as we age. Financial security is essential to that empowerment.

A new AARP survey finds that 20% of adults ages 50+ have no retirement savings, and more than half (61%) are worried they will not have enough money to support them in retirement.

Every Rhode Islander deserves to retire with dignity and financial security. They work hard, and they want to put aside savings for retirement. Unfortunately, far too many workers lack access to workplace retirement savings options. Pensions are rare; many employers do not offer a 401(k) option.

Some 40% of Rhode Island private sector workers ages 18 to 64 in 2020 are employed by businesses that do not offer any type of retirement plan. Over 70% of workers at Rhode Island firms with under 10 employees, and about 59% at companies with between 10 and 24 employees lack a plan. With fewer employers willing or able to offer traditional pensions or 401(k)s, it has fallen more and more to employees to establish their own retirement savings plans. However, workers are 15 times more likely to save for retirement if they have access to a payroll deduction savings plan through their employers, 20 times more likely if it is automatic.

There is an urgent need to put in place a savings plan that can work for both employees and their employers. The General Assembly can provide employees of small businesses with a choice to save for retirement by passing legislation that would create Secure Choice, a portable, voluntary retirement savings program that will be accessible to over 172,000 private sector employees in Rhode Island.

Responding to AARP Rhode Islands survey of small business owners, close to three-quarters (72%) of Rhode Island small business owners support a privately managed, ready-to-go retirement savings option that would help small businesses offer employees a way to save for retirement. Among those who currently do not offer a way to save for retirement to their employees, most (72%) would be likely to offer them access to a state retirement savings option if one were available.

Every Rhode Islander deserves to retire with dignity and financial security. They work hard, and they want to put aside savings for retirement. Unfortunately, far too many workers lack access to workplace retirement savings options.

The need for Secure Choice is broad. About 71% of Rhode Island workers who do not have a high school degree do not have access to an employer-provided retirement plan compared with 42% of Rhode Island workers with some college and 26% with a bachelors degree or higher. Looking at the actual numbers of workers without access to an employer plan, those with at least some college exceeded those workers without a high school degree (97,000 versus 22,000).

With Secure Choice all private employees (who work for employers with five or more employees) would have the option to enroll in an IRA retirement program overseen by the state and managed by a private financial institution.

Employee participation would be completely voluntary, and any eligible employee may opt out of the program, or to increase or decrease their contribution rate at any time. Employees would have a range of choices for how to invest their savings, with a lineup of investment options overseen by the State Investment Commission.

Secure Choice would not expose employers to any cost, or to any legal or fiduciary liability. The benefit would be portable and stay with employees if they change employers.

Passing Secure Choice is critical. The average Social Security benefit in Rhode Island is about $22,000 a year, while on average older families spend $30,000 a year on food, utilities, and health care alone. At this rate, one out of every two middle class retirees will be unable to afford their basic needs in retirement. This will cost Rhode Island taxpayers down the line in the form of public assistance program increases.

This is the cost of doing nothing: Pew Charitable Trusts analysis of inadequate retirement savings in Rhode Island show that given current savings rates, taxpayers in Rhode Island would face a cumulative $456 million in additional social assistance if nothing changes. Additionally, based on current and projected tax flows, Rhode Island taxpayers may be on the hook for another $3.08 billion tied to their share of increased federal spending on social assistance programs. Combined, the cost to Rhode Islanders, attributable to insufficient retirement savings, total $3.54 billion, which works out to an additional $11,600 per working age household by 2040.

Secure Choice works for employees, for employers and every Rhode Islander.

Workplace savings plans similar to Secure Choice have been enacted in 18 states to date. Connecticuts program led to over 21,0000 workers saving more than $11 million dollars in the first year of operation. These savings would not have been realized without Secure Choice.

Its time we address Rhode Islands retirement savings crisis head-on. The benefits of Secure Choice are clear. Lets give our states workers an important new tool to set the course for their own financial future.

The post Rhode Island workers need Secure Choice appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
Lilly Riley crosses the stage after receiving her diploma during Perry High School's commencement ceremony Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Perry High School.

Perry High School seniors Lilly Riley and Kaylee Wuebker graduated from Perry High School this past weekend while simultaneously earning associates degrees from Des Moines Area Community College. This accomplishment showcased their dedication and perseverance, and their ability to manage the rigorous demands of high school, college coursework and extracurricular activities.

Riley and Wuebker took multiple paths towards reaching the necessary amount of credits to earn their associates degree. Through DMACCs career advantage program the classes were taken within Perry High Schools building where credentialed high school teachers can offer college credit courses, at DMACCs VanKirk Career academy in Perry, and through the DMACC online career academy.

We are incredibly proud of Lilly Riley and Kaylee Wuebker for their outstanding achievements, said Brad Snowgren, Principal of Perry High School. Their hard work, determination, and success in earning both their high school diplomas and college degrees exemplify the hard work of these students but also of their counselor Mrs. Horgen and college advisors who helped guide them.

Kaylee Wuebker shakes hands with Superintendent Clark Wicks after receiving her diploma during Perry High School's commencement ceremony Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Perry High School.

Looking ahead, Riley and Wuebker plan to continue their education at four-year universities, entering as juniors thanks to the college credits they have already earned. Wuebker plans to major in kinesiology and health from Iowa State University before further her education at Des Moines University where she will pursue a physician assistant masters degree.

I chose to pursue a DMACC degree while in high school to get ahead and gain college class experience, Wuebker said. In addition to her associates degree from DMACC, she also obtained both a certified nurse aide and advanced nurse aide certificate.

Their achievements not only bring pride to Perry High School and their parents but also set an example for future students to take advantage of the concurrent enrollment opportunities available. To help increase pathways to college, a 3-year-old initiative has been working to support a college going culture in Perry.

Future Ready Perry is designed to support and encourage PHS students to pursue higher education and prepare for their future careers while in high school, said Connie Saenz, Future Ready Perry coordinator, Lilly and Kaylee are role models for the younger students.

In addition to supporting students towards higher education goals, Future Ready Perry is focused on increasing talent pipelines into the health care, education, and manufacturing fields.

We hope PHS graduates discover and pursue their calling in careers that are key to a thriving community. Healthcare, education, and manufacturing are examples of impactful pathways to follow said Tom Lipovac, Future Ready Perry leadership team member, We wish the best to the class of 2024 graduates. Remember, no matter how far you go, Perry will always welcome you back home with open arms.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Riley and Wuebker graduate twice, from Perry High School and DMACC
Happy Tuesday and welcome to another edition of Rent Free. This week's stories include:

A new meta-analysis of rent control studies finds that caps on rents lower rentsalong with housing supply and housing quality.

A California program to build tiny homes for the homeless produces even tinier results.

Cleveland, Ohio, is the latest city to consider a crackdown on short-term rentals.

But first, our lead story about the researchers in the United Kingdom who make the audacious argument that the country doesn't need to build more housing, it just needs to redistribute its glut of spare bedrooms.

How Many Bedrooms Does One Need Anyway?

Much of the developed worldand the developed, English-speaking world in particularsuffers from high housing costs born of low rates of home-building. The most immediate reason for this is zoning and planning regulations that limit how much new housing can be built.

The situation is particularly dire in the United Kingdom, where every housing project effectively needs the discretionary approval of local bureaucrats and greenbelts flatly prohibit new residential development on the fringe of existing urban areas.

As a result, regions like England have higher median housing costs than the United States, despite having lower incomes and smaller homes.

'Need' vs. 'Want'

Yet, in a paper published by the London School of Economics' Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE), researchers argue that the U.K.'s housing shortage is a mirage created by bad accounting and excess tolerance of people's luxurious housing "wants."

In their March-published paper (and more recent blog post published last week), these researchers argue if one counts not the number of housing units but rather the number of individual bedrooms, the country has all the housing it needs.

The real problem, they say, isn't that the country isn't building enough housing. Rather, it's that too many bedrooms are being hoarded by homeowners who don't really need them.

Researchers establish a "bedroom standard" whereby a household's housing needs are sufficiently met when they have one bedroom per single adult, couple, or child over nine years old. Households are also allotted a single "spare bedroom" as a matter of basic creature comfort.

In England, necessary bedrooms plus an additional acceptable spare bedroom account for about 80 percent of all bedrooms. Another 17.4 percent of English bedrooms are luxurious second "spare" bedrooms that serve a housing want, but not an actual housing "need."

Researchers note that these second spare bedroomswhether they be an occasionally used guest room or bedroom occupied by a single young childeasily outnumber the bedrooms needed by overcrowded households or the homeless.

Rather than expend resources and carbon emissions to build more homes, the CASE paper's authors argue that the climate-smart move would be to adopt policies that curb excess demand in the service of more "efficient" use of existing bedrooms.

Reshuffling Bedrooms

A critic might say that this "bedroom" standard seems to misunderstand how homes actually work. Unlike fungible units of currency or divisible units of food and clothing, there's some hard physical limits on redistributing bedrooms from the haves to the have-nots.

Families also typically like to live together in their own homes without the presence of strangers. Moving members of overcrowded households, or even the homeless, into the spare bedrooms of "under-occupied" homes would likely cause some legal and social friction.

The authors of the CASE paper candidly acknowledge these practical difficulties of redistributing bedrooms.

They do half-heartedly suggest taxing "excess" floor space and housing while conceding such taxes could merely force lower-income people to sell their homes and force others into "resource-efficient but involuntary and potentially abusive sharing arrangements."

Instead, their paper looks more positively at policies that strike at the heart of the problem: private property rights. They propose limiting the amount of time people could own their own homes and compulsory government purchases of "under-occupied" housing.

The Dead End of Anti-Growth Housing Policy

One has to give credit to the CASE paper's authors for fearlessly taking the anti-growth mindset on housing to its logical conclusion.

In housing policy discussions, critics of new supply will inevitably argue that the real problem is that there's just too much demand for housing.

Those who blame "excess demand" for high housing costs will typically single out sources of demand they consider illegitimate and worthy of restrictionsAirbnb, wealthy gentrifiers, immigrants, Wall Street investors, and so on.

The absolute dearth of supply in the U.K. makes it a little harder to beat up on these typical scapegoats. The CASE paper is thus left blaming the excess demand of ordinary homeowners indulging in the unspeakable luxury of having a spare bedroom or spoiling their younger children with bedrooms of their own.

But rather than throwing out private property rights in an effort to eliminate spare bedrooms, it would seem to be a lot easier to embrace the private property right to just build new homes.

This would allow current homeowners to guiltlessly keep their spare bedrooms while people currently in overcrowded housing could move into all the new, more spacious homes being built.

The free market typically does a good job of matching supply and demand, even when a lot of that demand comes from people's excess "wants." If it were easier to redevelop existing homes into more units, one could easily imagine "empty-nesters" selling off their homes to apartment developers.

That would seem a more sane, simple, and mutually beneficial solution than having government bureaucrats shuffle around existing bedrooms to those who deserve them the most.

Rent Control's Results Are In

When supply-side critics aren't busy counting bedrooms, they're often looking to reduce housing costs by adopting rent control.

Proponents of rent control argue that capping rents is an easy and direct means of lowering housing costs for existing tenants.

Critics of rent control have long argued that capping rents leads to lower overall housing supply (by reducing developers' incentive to build) and lower housing quality (by reducing owners' incentive to maintain existing housing stock).

In a recent paper, German researcher Konstantin A. Kholodilin looks at hundreds of papers on the effects of rent control. His predictable conclusion is that, basically, everyone is right.

"Rent control appears to be very effective in achieving lower rents for families in controlled units, its primary goal," writes Kholodilin. But he says, the policy "also results in a number of undesired effects, including, among others, higher rents for uncontrolled units, lower mobility and reduced residential construction."

Kholodilin's paper is ambivalent about the trade off between rent control's costs and benefits, saying that "the overall impact of rent control policy on the welfare of society is not clear."

The important takeaway is that this is a trade-off no one needs to make.

One could get all the benefits of rent control, without any of the costs, by removing regulatory restrictions on new supply. The additional building would lower prices. The new housing would also generally be of higher quality than the older, deteriorating housing stock it would replace.

Tiny Homes, Minimal Results

Back in March 2023, California Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a new program whereby the state would ship 1,200 manufactured tiny homes to four cities around the state to serve as homeless housing. The idea was to quickly, and cheaply, get people out of tent encampments and into actual, serviceable shelters.

Last week, CalMatters reporter Marisa Kendal followed up on the program's results. They're not encouraging.

Thus far, no new tiny homes have been installed. And only 150 have been ordered thus far. The program's failure is multifaceted, reports Kendal. The state changed the design of its program, delaying the delivery of new units. Local governments delayed things further by demanding the most expensive forms of tiny homes and blocking their actual installation at possible sites.

It's yet another example of how even when the government is trying to solve a government-created housing crisis, it can't seem to get out of its own way.

Cleveland Mulls a Crackdown on Short-term Rentals

Los Angeles and New York City have both adopted restrictive policies on short-term rentals in recent years, even as they look to restrict new hotel construction. Now Cleveland, Ohio, is looking to get in on the action.

The Cleveland Scene reports on a new proposed ordinance that would effectively ban property owners from renting out units and bedrooms for more than thirty days on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

The ordinance would also slap a lot of additional restrictions on shorter-term short-term rentals. Reports the Scene:

All short-term rentals, even those spare guest room beds, would need to be licensed, with proof of payments for real estate taxes, a lease agreement and a floor plan detailing "emergency evacuation." (And proof of at least $300,000 in liability insurance.) Without a license, that rental couldn't be advertisednot on Airbnb, Vrbo, or elsewhere.

Quick Links

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is staffing up a new Housing Affordability Unit, partially tasked with enforcing a state law that requires localities to zone for apartments near transit stops. Campbell has already sued the town of Milton for refusing to comply with the law.

At Works In Progress, Anya Martin writes about gentrification as a symptom of restrictions on housing supply.

San Francisco's most famous "meme project"a proposed 50-story tower in the Sunset districtis dead. Project sponsors are proposing to go forward with something less ambitious, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

Cincinnati, Ohio, is moving forward with a zoning overhaul that would allow more "missing middle" housing typeslike duplexes, triplexes, and townhomesin some low-density neighborhoods near transit. The "Connected Communities" plan received approval from the city's planning commission earlier this month. It now goes to the city council for final approval.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DMinn.) is the latest politician to call for greater regulation of "hedge funds and private" investors purchasing homes. Large institutional investors are a tiny fraction of home buyers. If anything, we should want them to be buying more homes.

The post The Rise of the Bedroom Counters appeared first on Reason.com.
Shanghai rolls out new measures to boost property market

Xinhua) 08:32, May 28, 2024

SHANGHAI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Shanghai on Monday unveiled a set of measures to provide further targeted support for homebuyers.

Encompassing nine specific measures, the move aims to meet the diversified living needs of residents in an improved manner.

Major measures include easing home-purchase restrictions further for non-Shanghai residents and divorced couples, allowing families with two or more children to purchase an additional home, and lifting the lending cap for mortgages involving the housing provident fund, which is a long-term housing savings plan that comprises compulsory monthly deposits from both employers and employees.

The minimum downpayment ratio for individual commercial housing mortgages has been lowered to 20 percent for first-home purchases and 35 percent for second-home purchases. The minimum downpayment ratio for second-home purchases in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone Lingang New Area and six of its suburban districts has been adjusted to 30 percent.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
VIENTIANE, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Shohrat Zakir, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), led a delegation to visit Laos from May 24 to 28, at the invitation of Laos' National Assembly (NA).

During the visit, he held talks with General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane, and Vice President of the Lao National Assembly Sommad Pholsena, among others.

Shohrat Zakir said the comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Laos has achieved fruitful results and the construction of a China-Laos community with a shared future has been deeply advanced, which has effectively promoted the development and revitalization of the two countries.

He said China's NPC is willing to strengthen policy communication and exchanges of experience in state governance with the Lao National Assembly to better serve the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future.

Lao leaders spoke highly of China's development achievements and the friendly relations between Laos and China, and reiterated the adherence to the one-China principle.

They thanked China for its long-term assistance to Laos' economic and social development, and reaffirmed that Laos is willing to work with China to promote the Laos-China community with a shared future to achieve new outcomes. 
Do all roads lead to Buc-ee's? Not yet Oklahoma, but here are possible sites around OKC

The Amarillo City Council unanimously approved an economic development agreement to bring the Buc-ees Travel Center chain to eastern Amarillo at I-40 and Airport Road.

Summertime travel time is almost upon us, and to some of us that means a stop at Buc-ee's, the chain of big, family-friendly country stores with good food, habit-forming snacks, famously clean restrooms, and enough gas pumps to cause parking lot traffic jams.

They keep popping up along the nation's interstates, especially in Texas and the rest of the South. And they keep fueling Buc-ee's buzz on social media.

Dear fans of Bucky the Beaver and his nuggets: What if you didn't have to go to Texas or some other state to satisfy your cravings and curiosity? What if you didn't have to leave Oklahoma? Where would you want to see a Buc-ee's here  besides "somewhere close"?

When, oh, when will Oklahoma get a Buc-ee's?

Bucky the Beaver and a manager from Buc-ee's greet the crowd Thursday at the Buc-ee's groundbreaking in east Amarillo.

It will be awhile. Buc-ee's tells people where its next stores will be. Stores are scheduled to open later this year in Smiths Grove, Kentucky; in Amarillo, Texas, and Brunswick, Georgia, next year; and in Rockingham County, Virginia, and Boerne, Texas, in 2026.

None in Oklahoma yet. While we dream, we asked some experts where a Buc-ee's might eventually land around Oklahoma City.

MORE: What's so great about Buc-ee's? Fans love the food, gas pumps, mascot, sparkling bathrooms

Buc-ee's prefers to locate in rural areas and outside major metro areas

Oklahoma County Assessor Larry Stein, left, and David Chapman, a developer, real estate agent, professor of real estate at UCO and member of the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, bumped into each other at the Buc-ee's in Denton, Texas, on April 27, and posted this snapshot on Facebook. PROVIDED BY DAVID CHAPMAN

David Hartnack, managing director, owner, and retail property specialist, for OKC's NAI Sullivan Group:

"There's been a lot of excitement and speculation about where the first Buc-ee's in Oklahoma will be. In Texas, Buc-ee's seems to have opened stores in two different styles of locations. The first type being more rural highway focused areas between major population centers and with a state highway nearby. This makes me think of areas like Chickasha, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 81 and Interstate 44.

"Buc-ee's has also seemed to open stores on interstates on the outskirts of major metros. I could see a site in Purcell or Newcastle making a lot of sense for them, although personally I'd love to see a Buc-ee's in Stroud, half way between Tulsa and OKC."

MORE: USA Today's Best Gas Stations for Food: Buc-ee's is No. 10

Look for a Buc-ee's somewhere at the edge of Oklahoma City

This is the massive Buc-ee's store in Daytona Beach on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. A recent study by the City of Daytona Beach found that the super-sized 104-pump gas station and 53,000-square-foot travel convenience center next to the Interstate 95/LPGA Boulevard interchange drew 5.4 million visitors over the past 12 months.

Stuart Graham and Mark Inman, senior vice presidents and retail property specialists with CBRE Group:

Graham: Buc-ee's makes sense along I-35 between Norman and downtown OKC, especially given the traffic to and from OU. I could also see them along I-40 in Midwest City or Yukon.

Inman: Due to their large site size requirement, it would probably push them to the edges of the market. Some potential locations could be:

I-40 between Yukon and OKC.

I-35 south of OKC.

I-35 north OKC or Edmond, or north of Edmond.

I-40 between Shawnee and OKC.

I-44/Turner Turnpike if access can be found.

"OKC residents, myself included, would like to see them closer into the OKC area for ease of access, but assembling land closer to the city is more difficult. Buc-ee's seems to be a bit of a travel stop, so an ideal location might be on the side of a highway that is inbound travel into a metro area."

MORE: USA Today's Best Gas Station Brands: Buc-ee's is No. 10

When Buc-ee's comes to Oklahoma, it will be along an interstate

Buc-ee's is continuing its expansion beyond Texas.

Jim Parrack, senior vice president and retail specialist with OKC's Price Edwards & Co.:

"Buc-ees is a retail phenomenon. Just like Trader Joes or In-N-Out Burger, you typically either love them or hate them, and the lovers are a bit cultish, which drives big sales. Buc-ees is pretty conservative about expanding, two or three stores per year. The closest to us now is Dallas. ... They will come at some point.

"Buc-ees, from a real estate perspective, is all about cars and access, so it would be on an interstate with high traffic counts. Often Buc-ees gets assistance from cities to upgrade the nearby intersection given the amount of traffic. Typically they need 10-15 acres but sometimes buy more to get the right location for 50,000- to 75,000-square-foot stores, maybe 80-100 pumps, 600-700 parking spaces. The numbers are huge and they need them all.

MORE: Your Buc-ee's questions answered: Where's the biggest store? How many new stores are coming?

"Site speculation here leads you to three places: somewhere between Moore and Norman, as an example, maybe the field on the southwest corner of Indian Hills Road and Interstate 35, but that intersection would need major work.

"West Interstate 40 would be another possible landing spot: There are a number of possible spots between MacArthur Boulevard and Garth Brooks Boulevard. And, lastly, north Interstate 35, probably north of Route 66 although the southeast corner of 15th and Interstate 35 would be an interesting choice even with Lake Arcadia to the east."

Sign Up: Weekly newsletter Real Estate with Richard Mize

Charlie Dilbeck of Punkin Center, Texas, poses with a statue of Bucky the Beaver at the Buc-ee's in Fort Worth, Texas. PROVIDED BY SANDRA DILBECK

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: Where Texas-based Buc-ee's could open a store around Oklahoma City
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The News

Actor Robert De Niro led a surprise press conference for the Biden campaign outside the Manhattan courthouse where Donald Trumps trial is taking place.

But the event seemed focused on everything Trumps trial, as De Niro, at one point battling both a heckler and a car alarm, laid out a broader case against Trump while drafting off the trials coverage.

Taking a local approach, De Niro said Trump doesnt belong in my city and said New Yorkers saw him as a two-bit playboy lying his way into the tabloids and a clown in his pre-politician days.

This city is pretty accommodating, he said. We make room for clowns. We have them all over the city, people who do crazy things in the street. We tolerate it, its part of the culture. But not a person like Trump, who will eventually run the country. That does not work, and we all know that.

The event focused heavily on Trump as a threat to democracy, a major Biden campaign theme, with De Niro accusing Trump of promising to use our own military to attack U.S. citizens and aspiring to be a tyrant.

January 6, where Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, was invoked often throughout the event. Harry Dunn and Michael Fanone, two former Capitol Police officers present during the riot, also spoke at the press conference, seeking to remind voters of that day and arguing that Trump is a danger to democracy.

Donald Trump is the greatest threat to our country, Dunn said. Donald Trump encouraged and continues to encourage political violence. MAGA Republicans called us, police officers, traitors for doing our jobs on January 6. Political violence is not acceptable, yet Donald Trump champions it.

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Shelbys view

When the Biden campaign announced a press conference outside the trial on short notice, it raised eyebrows because the president and his team have so far largely ignored Trumps legal issues. Apparently, theyre still hesitant to touch on them  and its creating some odd messaging.

Theres a variety of possible reasons for the Democrats unwillingness to address the topic  concern about a sitting president being seen as tilting the scales of justice, skepticism that voters are interested in the details of his cases, and fear about playing into the hands of Trump, who has cast the various indictments, lawsuits, and civil cases as a partisan effort to undermine his campaign.

In that context, the event seemed like an effort to talk about the trial without talking about the trial. De Niro recently recorded an ad for the campaign reminding voters of the more disorderly low points under Trump, and Tuesdays event seemed like a strained effort to fit the legal proceedings into the general category of self-interested chaos, similar to what Nikki Haley attempted in the primaries.

But the refusal to discuss the elephant in the courtroom while De Niro sparred with MAGA protestors left even some Trump critics confused.

Yeah, Im sorry I dont get the whole De Niro presser outside the courthouse at all,Ron Filipkowski, editor of the activist news site MeidasTouch and a closely followed figure in Bidens orbit, posted on X. Not sure who came up with that idea. Do something else somewhere else some other time.

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Room for Disagreement

The Biden campaign argued that the press conference was a creative way to get their message out when the cameras are overwhelmingly pointed at Trump this week. One person close to the campaign told Semafor it was an effective event, as the networks took it live and all eyes were on them.

Were not here today because of whats going on over there, Michael Tyler, the communications director for the Biden campaign, told reporters outside the trial. Were here today because you all are here.

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The View From The Trump Campaign

Trumps communications team also attended the press conference, and took the podium after team Biden to give their own message: That the Biden event is proof of Trumps claims that the trial is politically motivated.

The Biden folks have finally done it, Trump senior advisor Jason Miller said. After months of saying politics had nothing to do with this trial, they showed up and made a campaign event out of a trial day for President Trump. Why? Because Joe Bidens numbers are in the tank.

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Notable

Joe Biden is expected to speak about the Trump trial after the verdict, Politico reported last week. The initial address will come in a White House setting, to avoid the perception that its political, and the potential speech would be a significant change in how Biden has dealt with Trumps legal issues thus far.

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NEW YORK  Actor Robert De Niro and two Jan. 6 police officers showed up Tuesday on behalf of the Biden campaign outside the courthouse where former President Trumps hush monhey trial is taking place.

In its most direct attempt to wade into Trumps legal troubles, President Bidens campaign held a surprise press conference in lower Manhattan in which the actor and officers Harry Dunn and Michael Fanone spoke of the dangers of a second Trump presidency.

When asked why they were holding a political event outside a criminal trial  in particular after Trump has complained that the Biden administration was responsible for his indictment despite it being a state case  Bidens communication director Michael Tyler said you all are here, referring to the trials massive media presence.

Its easy to talk about the choice in this election when the entire news media is here day in and day out, Tyler said.

As the Biden surrogates were delivering their remarks, at least 20 Trump supporters were spotted in the park nearby, waving flags, wearing Make America Great Again gear and chanting various slogans including F Joe Biden. A large flag that included the phrase Trump or Death was also being raised.

De Niro, who filmed a Biden campaign ad last week, bashed the former president while Trump supporters shouted and heckled him in the background.

Donald Trump has created this. He should be telling them not to do this.  He wants to sow total chaos, which hes succeeding in some areas and places to do, De Niro said.

I dont mean to scare you. No no, wait, maybe I do mean to scare you. If Trump returns to the White House, you can kiss away these freedoms that we take for granted, and elections, forget about it.  He will never leave, he added.

US actor Robert De Niro speaks in support of US President Joe Biden outside of Manhattan Criminal Court as former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends his criminal trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments in New York City, on May 28, 2024. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

De Niro also at one point referred to Trump as a clown.

While De Niro was speaking, protesters could be heard yelling, De Niro is afraid and I havent seen a good movie from you in the last 20 years!

Once the press conference concluded, a group of demonstrators followed the actor, again heckling and shouting at De Niro. There was also a large police presence surrounding the park where the press conference took place.

The large group also chanted We love Trump and Juan Merchan is corrupt, in reference to Judge Juan Merchan, reiterating what Trump has often said of the judge overseeing his hush money trial.

Tyler, in answering why the Biden campaign was holding its first-ever press conference outside the courthouse, said it wanted to warn against Trump ahead of the first presidential debate, which is set for June.

We want to remind the American people ahead  of the first debate on June 27 of the unique, persistent, growing threat Donald Trump poses to the American people and towards democracy, Tyler said.

Top Stories from The Hill

Dunn and Fanone, the police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6, stood behind De Niro as he criticized Trump over actions both before and during his career in politics.

I love this city, I dont want to destroy it. Donald Trump wants to destroy not only this city but the country, and eventually he will destroy the world, De Niro said.

We vowed that we would not allow terrorists he said, stopping himself.

He said in New York, locals used to tolerate Trump when he was a real estate mogul, arguing that no one took him seriously at the time.

The actor then focused on Jan. 6, saying Trump rallied an angry mob then ran and hid in the White House.

He doesnt get blood on his hands.  He directs the angry mob to do his dirty work for him, he said.

Fanone described in detail the brutality he experienced on Jan. 6. Dunn argued Trump encourages political violence.

Trumps campaign quickly arranged a rebuttal in the same location where Bidens surrogates addressed reporters. Trump aides Jason Miller, Karoline Leavitt and Steven Cheung each stepped to the microphone to deride the trial as election interference and suggest the Biden campaigns event was a sign of its concern about the incumbents standing in the polls.

The Biden folks have finally done it. After months of saying that politics had nothing to do with this trial, they showed up and made a campaign event out of a lower Manhattan trial date for President Trump, Miller said.

The best that Biden can do is roll out a washed-up actor, he added. Everybody knows this case is complete garbage. President Trump did nothing wrong.

Miller, after the Biden team press conference, also called De Niro washed-up and cited a report from Politico that Democrats are in a full blown freakout over Biden this election cycle.

Updated at 1:02 p.m. ET

Brett Samuels 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.
UPDATED, with Trump response: Robert De Niro was the surprise guest of Joe Bidens presidential campaign for a press conference outside the Manhattan courthouse where closing arguments are taking place in Donald Trumps hush money trial.

De Niro, who recently narrated a Biden campaign ad, warned of Trumps potential return to the White House, calling him a tyrant.

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Now hes promising to use our own military to attack U.S. citizens, De Niro said. Thats the tyrant, that is the tyrant he is telling us he will be, and believe me, he means it.

When Trump ran in 2016 it was like a joke, he added. This buffoon running for president. No, never could happen. We have forgotten the lessons of history that showed us other clowns who werent taken seriously until they became vicious dictators. With Trump, we have a second chance, and no one is laughing now.

The actor even got into some verbal jousting with someone in the crowd. De Niro was appearing with Michael Fanone and Harry Dunn, two police officers who fought the Trump supporting angry mob in their attack on the Capitol on January 6.

As De Niro called the officers the true heroes who stood and put their lives on the line against the low lifes for Trump, someone interjected, They lied under oath.

Who lied under oath? De Niro said, with the sound of a car alarm going off in the background.

When the person repeated it, De Niro said, What are you saying? They are traitors? I dont even know how to deal with you quite frankly.

He added, They stood there [at the Capitol] and didnt have to.

Later, as he was leaving, De Niro was surrounded by Trump supporters who shouted expletives and vulgar phrases at him. We are trying to be gentlemen in this world, the Democrats, De Niro shouted. You are gangsters. You are gangsters. F You.

De Niros remarks were carried by Fox News but other cable networks stuck with ongoing commentary and a text scroll of the closing arguments. Trump was in the courtroom as his attorney, Todd Blanche, argued that the prosecution did not have a case.

Watching De Niros remarks was Jason Miller, a Trump adviser. He called De Niro a washed up actor and said that his own remarks would be shorter than The Irishman,' a dig at De Niros lengthy talk.

This is all politics, he said. If you dont think this is politics, why do you think the Democrats roll out a retread like Robert De Niro to try and change the subject.

Michael Tyler, the Biden campaign spokesman, said that they chose to do the press conference outside the trial because it made sense with the entire news media camped out here day in and day out.

In his remarks, De Niro drew on his roots in the city, telling the media gathered, I love this city. I dont want to destroy it. Donald Trump wants to destroy not only the city, but the country and eventually destroy the world.

He added, He doesnt belong in my city. I dont know where he belongs, but he certainly doesnt belong here. We New Yorkers used to tolerate him when he was just another grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot, a two-bit playboy lying his way into the tabloids, pretending to be a spokesperson for himself. He was calling it as himself for himself, to fool the press into inflating his net worth. A clown, but this city is pretty accommodating. We make room for clowns.We tolerate it, its part of the culture, but not a person like Trump who will eventually run the country.

He said, Around the country, people who didnt know him, as we did, started to support him. They bought into his bulls. Trump bought their votes with outrageous lies and empty promises.

Trump has labeled De Niro a total loser, as the actor has repeatedly bashed the former president in public appearances and at award shows.

De Niro was no less outspoken today, using words that were not just a warning but likely to trigger Trump. He said that he chose to do the Biden-Harris ad because it shows us the violence of Trump, and it reminds us that he used violence against anyone who stands in the way of his megalomania.  Well it is a cowards violence. You think Trump ever threw a punch himself or took one? This guy ran in the White House bunker when there were protesters outside. No way. He doesnt get blood on his hands. No way. He directs the mob to get his dirty work for him.

Trump didnt directly address many of De Niros criticisms but still reacted on Truth Social, writing, I never knew how small, both mentally and physically, Wacko Former Actor Robert De Niro was. Today, De Niro, who suffers from an incurable case of TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, commonly known in the medical community as TDS, was met, outside the Courthouse, with a force far greater than the Radical Left  MAGA. Robert, whose movies, artistry, and brand have gone WAY DOWN IN VALUE since he entered the political arena at the request of Crooked Joe Biden, looked so pathetic and sad out there. Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio!!!

De Niro has been public in his politics for some time, having endorsed Barack Obamas presidential campaign in 2008.

Video of De Niros remarks and Trump campaign response below:

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Deepfake Deterrent

As election season heats up, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is sending a strong message to anyone who seeks to use artificial intelligence on robocalls.

Democratic political consultant Steve Kramer is, as the FCC announced in a press release, facing a whopping $6 million fine for sending thousands of New Hampshire voters robocalls featuring the deepfaked voice of president Joe Biden, encouraging them not to vote in the state's primary.

Kramer, who'd been working for upstart presidential candidate Dean Phillips, commissioned the calls during New Hampshire's primaries. Due to an unusual technicality, Biden's name was not on the ballot. The robocalls  which Kramer admitted to commissioning  were meant to suppress a write-in campaign for the president, a terrifying incident that highlights the very real risks of having AI tech interfere in an election.

Faux Biden

In a January 21 call, a voice that sounded like Biden's was heard telling voters that their vote "makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday"  a message that officials maintain amounts to electoral interference.

In the aftermath of the January robocall, the FCC moved swiftly to ban AI-generated robocalls  though technically, they were already illegal per the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, a 1991 law that outlaws, among other things, "artificial" voices in robocalls.

With this latest announcement, the FCC is throwing the book at Kramer, who seemed to express no remorse when he admitted to being behind the AI robocalls earlier this year.

In a statement to New Hampshire Public Radio, state attorney general John Formella said that he hopes the hefty fine will, in tandem with the 13 other charges at the state level Kramer is facing, "send a strong deterrent signal to anyone who might consider interfering with elections, whether through the use of artificial intelligence or otherwise."

As of now, the $6 million fine is not set in stone because, as the FCC said in its statement, Kramer will have a chance to respond, argue his case, and submit evidence before the agency decides what to do next.

Nevertheless, Kramer's admission to being the commissioner of the calls  which he made with the help of former shock jock magician Paul Carpenter  and his seeming lack of remorse in initial interviews on the subject certainly won't help his case.

More on AI and society: The Onion's Take on OpenAI's Scarlett Johansson Disaster Is Pretty Much Perfect
Hans Stephenson, owner of Dakota Angler & Outfitter in Rapid City, helps do maintenance work on a beaver dam analog in the Black Hills. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Some Black Hills residents have a growing appreciation for large rodents with environmental engineering prowess: beavers.

The admiration spans from foresters to anglers and ranchers. It stems from beavers role in mitigating forest fires, retaining water during drought, and creating and maintaining wetland habitats.

However, this newfound enthusiasm emerges as state data indicates a decline in the Black Hills beaver population.

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks periodically surveys the number of locations where beavers have stored food for the winter. There was a 73% drop in the number of those locations from 2012 to 2023, indicating severe population stress, according to the department.

At the May 2 Game, Fish and Parks Commission meeting, commissioners rejected petitions from Nancy Hilding of the Prairie Hills Audubon Society to reduce beaver trapping or require better monitoring of trapping in the Black Hills. But some commissioners suggested the department should draft its own proposal to achieve similar goals.

Commission Vice Chair Travis Bies said the state needs to alleviate pressure on the Black Hills beaver population.

Something needs to be done, more than what were doing, Bies said.

He pointed out the folly of allowing year-round beaver trapping in much of the state while also investing in beaver reintroduction efforts in the Black Hills.

Beaver dam analogs

The reintroduction effort includes installing human-made beaver dams  called beaver dam analogs  along creeks with deeply eroded streambeds and banks, with a goal of reintroducing beavers to some of those locations.

Deeply cut streams flow fast and rarely overflow or cause the water table to rise in surrounding land. If the streams had beaver dams, they would hold more water in the soils in the floodplain, which helps support grazing and mitigates the effects of drought and wildfires.

Floodplains with beavers also provide productive grazing land for cattle ranchers during a drought, according to Lori Brown, western South Dakota rangeland specialist with the Nature Conservancy. She said beaver dam analogs have long been used by ranchers in other Western states, and more recently became popular among western South Dakota ranchers.

Weve seen the benefits already, said Brown, whos also a rancher. Fire mitigation, water storage, there is tangible economic value we can tie to beavers on the landscape.

Krista Ehlert is a South Dakota State University assistant professor and range specialist. She said 80% of prairie life comes from only 2% of the land: riparian zones along creeks and streams.

Theyre the vein of blood that feeds prairies, she said.

Ehlert said a study in Oregon found the land near beaver-dammed creeks and streams benefitted from a 20% increase in vegetation and a 200% increase in the area holding water late in the grazing season.

You have forage that is staying greener longer, she said.

But theres more work needed to bring beavers to the analogs, according to Black Hills National Forest Rangelands Management Specialist Matt Scott.

He said his team, partners and volunteers have installed around 200 beaver dam analogs in the Black Hills. They look for locations with water flow conditions that will not break what they build, and suitable beaver vegetation.

If they dont have that willow and aspen to eat, theyre not going to stick around, he said.

Beaver dam analogs are installed along a Black Hills stream every 100 feet or so. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Scott said that the goal is to create a home where the rodent then does the maintenance work. He said the newly created wetland habitats filter the water, mitigate downstream flooding, prevent excessive soil erosion by regulating streamflow, and bring more life to the Black Hills by creating habitat for fish, wildlife and insects.

Additionally, because the floodplain near a stream becomes soaked when dozens of beaver dam analogs are installed every 100 feet or so, investments into beavers are also seen as wildfire mitigation.

Instead of having to jump two feet, that fire now has to jump 200 feet, Scott said.

Beaver believers

The benefits have turned Hans Stephenson into a beaver believer. He is a Black Hills Fly Fishers board member and owns Dakota Angler & Outfitter in Rapid City, meaning his business and lifestyle depend on plentiful and healthy trout habitats.

He has been helping with efforts to bring more beavers to the Black Hills.

Pretty much every stream in the Black Hills is incised, Stephenson said, referring to deeply cut streams. He said trout benefit from the ponds that beaver dams create, and those habitats can become prime fishing spots.

A lot of my time anymore is spent thinking about this, he said. I want to get as many of these analogs on Rapid Creek as we can.

In Rapid City, beavers are viewed less favorably because theyve chewed down trees in the parks along Rapid Creek. But now that there are more beaver dam analogs installed along creeks higher in the Black Hills, they can be live-trapped and relocated.

We dont know how many there are, but there are a lot of them in town, Stephenson said.

Paint mixed with sand covers the bottom of a beaver-damaged tree in Rapid City. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

To mitigate beaver damage to trees in Rapid City, volunteers and city officials are covering the bottom of some trees with a coat of bark-colored paint mixed with sand, which they hope will deter beavers.Stephenson first learned of the benefits of beavers while reading Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter.

Ben Goldfarb wrote the book. Hes excited to see the tide shifting in western South Dakota.

I now meet more ranchers who love beavers than hate them, Goldfarb said. And these are people whose dads shot beavers, and whose dads dad shot beavers.

East River vs. West River

Views on beavers are different in farm-laden eastern South Dakota, where wetlands are sometimes drained with perforated pipes buried in the ground to manage moisture in fields.

In the row crop community, there is definitely less tolerance and acceptance of beavers, Goldfarb said.

The divide was on display during the recent GF&P Commission meeting at Custer State Park.

I really do think we should shut the trapping down in the Black Hills for now, said Commission Vice-Chair Bies, a rancher from Fairburn on the edge of the Black Hills.

Meanwhile, Commissioners Julie Bartling of Gregory and Robert Whitmyre of Webster said the beaver situation is different farther east, where many landowners see beavers as pests that flood cropland, block drainage systems and damage trees.

I cant speak to what happens out here, Bartling said of the Black Hills.

Trappers can pursue beavers from January 1 to March 31 on national forest land in the Black Hills. From November 1 to April 20, they can trap on non-national forest land in the Black Hills.

Elsewhere in the state, beavers can be trapped year-round. The state does not require trappers to report the numbers of beavers they catch.

From fur trade to a nuisance

Before European settlement in North America, the beaver population was an estimated 100 million to 200 million.

European trappers valued beaver pelts for the fur trade, particularly for making fashionable hats back in Europe. The demand led to widespread trapping during the 17th and 18th centuries, drastically reducing beaver populations.

The alteration of landscapes for farms, ranches and cities reduced areas available for beaver habitats. Wetlands were drained and streams were diverted, further diminishing the suitable environments necessary for beaver survival.

By the late 19th century, beavers were nearly wiped out in many parts of the United States.

Conservation efforts began in the early 20th century, including reintroduction projects and habitat restoration, which have helped to recover the beaver population to around 10 million to 15 million.

In South Dakota, beavers are one of the animals targeted by the state Game, Fish and Parks Wildlife Damage Management program. People can contact the department and ask it to trap or shoot beavers, deer, coyotes, geese and other animals that are damaging property, killing livestock or causing other problems.

The department received 430 requests for help with beavers in 2023 and eliminated 1,126 of them, while spending $304,251 on those efforts. Most beaver-related requests came from counties east of the Missouri River such as Lincoln, Minnehaha, Roberts, Day and Brown, and also from Gregory County on the rivers western bank.

This article first appeared in the South Dakota Searchlight, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

The post Rodent or riparian restorer: East-west views diverge as state considers beaver protections appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
A 70-year-old woman was killed on Memorial Day after her ATV rolled over on a private property in Nevada County, the California Highway Patrol said.

Officers were called 8:50 a.m. to a home on Springfield Drive, east of Dog Bar Road for a report of an ATV crash. Susan McFarlane, 70, was driving a 2003 Yamaha Kodiak when she executed an unsafe turning movement, said Officer Jason Bice, a spokesman for the CHPs Grass Valley office.

McFarlane was ejected from the ATV as it rolled over, suffering head and neck injuries while not wearing a helmet. She died at the scene, Bice said.

The crash is under investigation. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected in the crash.
The U.S.-built pier on the Gaza Strip coast will be removed for repair after it was damaged by rough seas, causing Washington to temporarily suspend aid deliveries to starving Palestinians via the structure, the Pentagon announced Tuesday.

The pier, which was damaged earlier Tuesday, will be removed from its anchored position on the coast over the next 48 hours, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters.

The structure will be towed to Ashdod in southern Israel where U.S. Central Command will conduct repairs, which are expected to take at least over a week before it can be re-anchored to the coast of Gaza, she said.

I cant predict weather patterns, I cant predict that there wont be high seas again. But from when it was operational, it was working. And we just had sort of an unfortunate confluence of weather storms that made it inoperable for a bit, Singh added. Hopefully, just a little over a week, we should be back up and running.

The incident highlights the many difficulties around conducting the humanitarian assistance operation via the quickly built, $320 million pier, which had only been operational for less than two weeks.

The structure, part of a maritime corridor to provide aid to Gaza, receives goods shipped from Cyprus that are then loaded onto trucks, driven onto Army watercraft and sailed to the pier anchored to the beach in the besieged territory.

The process is one of the limited ways that food and medical supplies can reach Palestinians after many of its land crossings have been choked off or throttled by Israel in a nearly eight month war with Hamas in the enclave.

But the effort has also been marked by challenges, including rough seas that delayed its construction, the injury of three U.S. service members last week and four vessels that broke off the pier and were beached in Israel and Gaza after heavy seas over the weekend.

Of the service members injured, two have since returned to duty though the third is still in critical condition, Singh said.

She also noted that of the four Army boats that became unmoored, two were stuck on the beach in Israel, with one already recovered and the other to be retrieved in the next 24 hours. The remaining two vessels were on the beach in Gaza with a planned recovery in the next two days, Singh said.

In addition, the aid coming off the pier has not always reached its intended targets, with Singh acknowledging there has been an issue of self-distribution.

The piers suspension comes after more than 1,000 metric tons of food aid was delivered through the pier, though U.S. officials have stressed that structure wont make up for the aid that could be getting through land corridors. Only about 500,000 Palestinians could be fed with the supplies from the pier, with the Biden administration pushing for more checkpoints to open for humanitarian trucks so the remaining 1.8 million civilians can be fed.

The U.S. has continued to provide airdrops of food, but Singh said there are no current plans to increase the airdrops while the pier is being repaired.

If theres a way to move aid that we could reposition it somewhere else and be able to conduct an airdrop from somewhere else, that would certainly be a possibility, she 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 The Hill.
Veteran Republican strategist Karl Rove said President Bidens campaign made a big mistake Tuesday in politicizing former President Trumps hush money trial by having actor Robert De Niro and two Jan. 6 police officers show up near the courthouse for a press conference.

Stupid mistake by the Biden campaign, Rove said during his Tuesday appearance on Fox News, where he is a contributor. They wanted to get, while all the cameras were there, they wanted to get their moment in the sun. And it was a big mistake.

De Niro, along with former police officers Harry Dunn and Michael Fanone, talked about the potential dangers of a second Trump term during their appearance near the Manhattan courthouse.

I dont mean to scare you. No no, wait, maybe I do mean to scare you. If Trump returns to the White House, you can kiss away these freedoms that we take for granted, and elections, forget about it  he will never leave, De Niro said as he was heckled by Trump supporters.

Rove, who was a top adviser to former President George W. Bush, questioned whether the event would attract new voters at a time when some Democrats are increasingly worried about Bidens reelection efforts.

It politicized the trial  better to have waited, Rove said, arguing that the type of voters up for grabs in Novembers election would not be won over by De Niros dire warnings.

Are those the kind of credible statements that are going to cause people who dont like Biden and dont like Trump, but are trying to figure out who to vote for, Rove said.

The people who believe that are already in the Biden camp, he continued. Thats not who they should be trying to reach out to. He came close in a moment of talking about January 6 and talking about the two officers, but that might have had an impact. But this was so over the top as to simply be useless.

De Niro, who has been a staunch anti-Trump voice in Hollywood, filmed a campaign ad for Biden last week in which he went after the former president for being an unhinged, power-hungry candidate.

Rove said the actors appearance outside Trumps trial would only exacerbate Democratic concerns about Biden as their nominee.

Trump currently leads Biden by 1 point nationally, according to a Decision Desk HQ/The Hill polling average. However, Trump is consistently leading Biden in most of the swing states that will be pivotal in the electoral college outcome.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ISLAMABAD, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will bring China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Pakistan together for joint development and prosperity under the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, experts have said.

At a recent event themed "Dynamics of Xinjiang in Pakistani Perspective," Shi Yuanqiang, minister of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, said that Xinjiang, as an autonomous region bordering Pakistan and a hub of Belt and Road cooperation, can play a crucial role in developing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and fostering people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

Launched in 2013, the CPEC, a flagship project of the China-proposed BRI, links Pakistan's southwest Gwadar port with the city of Kashgar in Xinjiang, highlighting energy, transport, and industrial cooperation.

Shi said that Xinjiang has transformed from a region once threatened by extremism, terrorism and ethnic separatist activities to one currently undergoing multifaceted development, including in agriculture and tourism.

"Xinjiang now has no off-season for tourism. In 2023, it received over 265 million tourists from both at home and abroad," said Shi, adding that Xinjiang's annual cotton production exceeded 5 million tons, accounting for 91 percent of China's total.

Senior analyst and author Sultan Mehmood Hali said that the China-Pakistan relationship is deep-rooted, and the two countries' enduring friendship has contributed to peace and stability in the region and the world at large.

"Xinjiang holds special significance in this relationship and serves as a gateway for the two countries with historical and cultural links," said Hali, adding that China's Xinjiang and Pakistan can enhance cooperation in agriculture, trade, connectivity and culture.

Waseem Ishaque, director of Area Study China at Pakistan's National University of Modern Languages, said that Xinjiang would create new opportunities for Pakistan and China, especially in trade, industry, tourism, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges, leading to prosperity for both sides. 
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man is accused of repeatedly threatening his ex-wifes attorney. A Clark County grand jury indicted Michael David Harris, 65, for aggravated stalking and violation of an extended protective order on May 15. Both charges are felonies.



Harris, a resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sent his ex-wifes Las Vegas attorney threatening and harassing emails starting on Jan. 27, according to a Las Vegas Metro police arrest report. Harris sent a total of eight emails within five days, police said.

You think youre protected by qualified immunity? It does not protect you from me, Harris emailed the attorney, the report stated. I can complicate your life. Let me walk through the emotional process  I will ruin your life. Vegas is my town.



Harris then resorted to sexual intimidation, police said.



Your fortunes will go sideways so fast youll wear your panties outside your pantsuit, Harris emailed, according to police documents. There are more efficient ways to settle disputes than the judicial process. I know them all. Theyre certainly more satisfying.



Police said the threats escalated within the email.



A more productive approach would be to ruin your life, counselor. I would certainly have fun thinking of new ways to torment, Harris emailed, the report stated.



Harris then stated he would nail the attorney to a tree referring to Revolutionary War torture tactics, police said.



The following days, the attorney received another email in which Harris referred to associations of subjects with ill repute, according to police.



They have never forgotten the caliber of my work product and value of a man whose motto is keep the peace or spread the pain. The common shared sentiment is Im too principled to look out for myself. My colleagues are anxious to do it for me, Harris emailed, according to the report.



The next day, Harris referred to violence against his ex-wife, police said.



On Jan. 30, Harris threatened violence against a witness who would be present and a violent encounter like theyve only seen in the movies, the report stated. Police said Harris then stated, Im prepared to hurt anyone who interferes with me.



The emails continued the next month.



Harris referred to his ex-wife stating he would burn her to the ground and also threatened violence against the attorney, police said.



You prepared to see me get my hands dirty? Harris emailed, documents said.



The attorney filed a protective order against Harris on Feb. 1. Police said Harris emailed the attorneys partner, Your partner is terrified of my emails. Imagine what Im like in person.



He later emailed the partner, Ill reach down your throat and pull your balls through your mouth, police said. What protects you from me?



Police arrested Harris on March 12 after the attorney reported that her client, the ex-wife of Harris, was being followed.

Harris is being held with no bail. He pleaded not guilty to both charges on May 20. A jury trial is scheduled for July 29.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Women work in a restaurant kitchen in Chicago in March 2023. 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. (Photo by Nam Y. Huh/The Associated Press) (This image cannot be republished unless you have an AP subscription.)

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.

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The post New rules protect pregnant workers, but red states, like Oklahoma, sue over abortion provisions appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
What will Russia's attack on Kharkiv printing house mean for Ukraine's publishing industry?

The aftermath of Russias May 23 attack on Kharkivs Faktor Druk printing house shocked Ukrainians: mountains of charred Ukrainian books covered its blackened floor. The strike had destroyed over a quarter of the companys warehouse.

The 4,000 square meter building is owned by the Faktor group of companies, which includes publishing house Vivat  Ukraines third largest printing house.

The countrys literary mecca, Kharkiv, prints 80% of all books published in Ukraine. In recent weeks the city has come under constant attack as Russia opened a new offensive just dozens of kilometers north of the city on May 10.

The strike destroyed over 50,000 books and printing equipment. It also killed seven employees and injured 22. The Faktor groups total damages from the attack are nearly 5 million euros ($5.4 million), Vivat Publishing House CEO Yulia Orlova told the Kyiv Independent.

Rescuers extinguish a fire at the Faktor-Druk printing house hit by Russian shelling in Kharkiv, Ukraine on May 23, 2024. As a result of shelling by Russian military, the Faktor-Druk printing house in Kharkiv was damaged causing a fire to break out in the building. More than 50 workers were in the printing house at the time of the missile attack causing five deaths. (Oleksandr Magula/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC "UA:PBC"/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Among the destroyed titles were world bestsellers by Elissa Sussman and Maggie OFarrell, as well as Ukrainian books by Natalia Kornienko and Valeriy Puzik.

Interest in Ukrainian-language books has flourished since Russia invaded Ukraine, as Ukrainians seek to distance themselves from Russian culture and more people switch to speaking, and reading, in Ukrainian. Several new bookstores have opened across the country since February 2022.

A ban on the import of Russian-language books to Ukraine and a law stipulating that foreign language publications, including those in Russian, must be translated into Ukrainian has also given the publishing industry a boost.

The publishing industry has nonetheless suffered from the war and the destruction of Faktor-Druk, accounting for 30% of Ukraines printing market, will only worsen the situation, according to publishing houses.

(The attack) will limit our development as a publishing house. Important books will not be published. New bookstores will not open, Orlova said.

Faktor-Druk produces books for 30 Ukrainian publishing houses and accounts for a third of books in Ukraine, the companys CEO Tatyana Grinyuk told the Kyiv Independent.

Operating since 1996, the facility employs over 400 people and churned out 450 million books, newspapers, and magazines every year before the full-scale invasion. On the eve of the full-scale invasion, 20% of the printing house's output was foreign orders for around 200 publishing houses.

The Faktor-Druk printing plant's building is partially destroyed by a Russian S-300 missile in Kharkiv, Ukraine on May 23, 2024. As a result of a missile strike by Russian military, the Factor-Druk printing plant in Kharkiv was damaged and partially burnt down. (Ivan Samoilov/Gwara Media/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

While the company says it plans to reopen in the future and has launched a fundraiser, the impact of the strike will significantly delay an already protracted printing process, publishing house Urbino told the Kyiv Independent.

Urbino, which translates foreign publications into Ukrainian, notes that the war has doubled the printing time for books. Moreover, the damage to Faktor-Druk will burden Ukraines other printing houses, primarily Kharkiv Unisoft and Globus, Urbino noted.

Ukraner, a publishing house focussing on Ukrainian culture and history, told the Kyiv Independent that it will have to postpone publishing its books and it will likely cost more as the market has shrunk. Moreover, the remaining Kharkiv printing houses will have to manage increased risks, resulting in higher prices.

Fire brigades continue to work in the area damaged as a result of the Russian shelling in Kharkiv, Ukraine on May 23, 2024. The Russians fired three S-300 missiles at the printing company 'Faktor-Druk', as a result of which seven people were killed. (Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images)

We cant print books abroad, Ukraner founder Bohdan Lohvynenko said. Taxes and logistics (would) make this book too expensive for the Ukrainian market.

Relocating printing facilities to Western regions is also out of the picture, Faktor-Druk plant owner Serhiy Polituchy told Radio Free Europe/Liberty. The process would be costly and finding specialists in western Ukraine would also be a challenge if employees refuse to relocate, he added.

Faktor-Druk was not the first printing house to come under attack. Just two months before, a missile destroyed the Hurov&K printing facility during another attack on Kharkiv, head of the Ranok publishing house Viktor Kruglov wrote on Facebook.

Several other printing houses and publishers in Kharkiv have come under attack throughout the duration of the war, according to Ukrainian cultural media Chytomo.

There is no guarantee that another company will not be the next target of the cynical Russians, Urbino said.

In addition to books, newspapers, and school diaries, Faktor-Druk printed over 40% of Ukraines textbooks, according to Grinyuk. She noted that the consequence of the attack will affect Ukraines education, which she says is a deliberate act by Russia.

Printed pages from books lie damaged in the Faktor-Druk printing plant's building, hit by a Russian S-300 missile in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on May 23, 2024. As a result of a missile strike by the Russian military, the Faktor-Druk printing plant in Kharkiv was damaged and partially burnt down. More than 50 workers were in the printing plant's building at the time of hitting, at least seven of whom were killed. (Ivan Samoilov/Gwara Media/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Grinyuk and Orlova claim the attack was also an attempt to eradicate Ukrainian culture and damage the nation. U.S. historian Timothy Snyder, who has written extensively on Ukraine, labeled it an example of a larger genocidal policy in a post on X.

Wider issues such as workforce deficit, power outages, and issues with paper supply, are also causing hurdles for Ukraines publishing industry, Vivat told the Kyiv Independent.

In the first months of the war, 39% of Ukrainian publishers were unable to operate, according to the Ukrainian Book Institute. However, the situation improved after the frontlines retreated in the east and south and publishers were able to operate in relative safety.

The number of printed titles skyrocketed from 9,691 in 2022 to 15,187 in 2023, according to the Ukrainian Book Chamber. And book circulation skyrocketed from 11.7 million in 2022 to 24.7 million in 2023.

A seller advises a visitor at the opening of the new bookstore Sens on Khreshchatyk Street in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 16, 2024. (Dmytro Larin/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Following news of the attack, Ukrainians flooded Vivats eight bookstores and website amid a call for support.

Last year, Vivat opened four stores in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Ivano Frankivsk, bolstered by Ukraines book boom. The company plans to open another in Chernivtsi next month.

According to Orlova, war-weary citizens need a distraction from the everyday horrors but the strike will harm Ukrainian citizens looking for respite.

In the end, the reader will suffer. They will not receive interesting and useful books, she said.

Read also: Russian missile strike reduces Kharkiv printing press to ashes, killing 7 (Photos)

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Russian forces attacked eight communities along the Sumy Oblast border on May 27, causing 89 explosions throughout the day, the regional military administration reported.

The communities of Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Yunakivka, Khotin, Shalyhyne, Seredyna-Buda, Esman, and Velyka Pysarivka came under fire.

Russian troops fired at the border 23 times, attacking the region with artillery, drones, mines, mortar, and small arms.

No casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure were reported.

Residents of the border communities in Sumy Oblast suffer daily shelling from nearby Russian forces. Ukrainian troops regularly fight off Russian sabotage groups conducting raids across the border.

Sumy Oblast was liberated from Russian occupation in April 2022.

Ukraine has built up its fortifications in Sumy Oblast in recent months and authorities have ordered evacuations from the region due to increasing attacks.

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Russian troops dropped a 1.5 ton aerial bomb on the village of Oleksiyevo-Druzhkivka in Donetsk Oblast on May 28, injuring three people, including a child, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

Oleksiyevo-Druzhkivka is located some 12 kilometers (7 miles) from Kramatorsk, one of the key Ukrainian-held cities in Donetsk Oblast.

The attack on the village reportedly damaged around 100 houses, three of which were "almost completely destroyed," according to Filashkin.

The child suffered minor injuries, and two other victims were hospitalized, the governor 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 attacks against Ukraine over the past day killed at least five people and injured at least 32, regional authorities said on May 28.

Read also: Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 5, injure 32 over past day

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Russian troops launched a missile attack on the port infrastructure of Odesa on the afternoon of 28 May.

Source: Odesa Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Quote: "According to the investigation, on the afternoon of 28 May, Russian armed forces launched a missile attack on the port infrastructure of Odesa."

Details: The prosecutors are drawing up a full list of the destruction and damage caused by the strike.

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Russia intensifies recruitment of mercenaries for war against Ukraine  Ukraine's Defence Intelligence

Russia has significantly intensified its campaign to recruit foreign mercenaries for the war against Ukraine.

Source: Press Service of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU)

Details: The intelligence service has information that the campaign is a recruitment of manpower in Central Africa, in particular in Rwanda, Burundi, Congo and Uganda.

A specially created unit of the Russian Ministry of Defence is recruiting Africans to take part in meat-grinder assaults on Ukrainian soil.

As for payment, the Intelligence notes that the mercenaries are lured with a starting payment of $2,000 for signing a contract, and promised a monthly allowance of $2,200, health insurance, and a Russian passport for the soldier and his family.

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Russia loses 1,460 soldiers and 21 tanks over past day

Stock photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Russian forces have lost 1,460 more soldiers, 40 armoured combat vehicles and 21 tanks over the past 24 hours in its war against Ukraine.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 28 May 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

503,800 (+1,460) military personnel;

7,692 (+21) tanks;

14,858 (+40) armoured combat vehicles;

13,029 (+48) artillery systems;

1,085 (+1) multiple-launch rocket systems;

815 (+0) air defence systems;

357 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

326 (+0) helicopters;

10,482 (+15) strategic and tactical UAVs;

2,221 (+0) cruise missiles;

27 (+0) ships and boats;

1 (+0) submarines;

17,740 (+46) vehicles and tankers;

2,122 (+4) special vehicles and other equipment.

The data is being confirmed.

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Russia may launch psychological operation about opening new front from Belarus, Kyiv warns

The Russian government could launch a new psychological operation about a potential opening of another front on the state border with Belarus, Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation reported on May 27.

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.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 26 that Russian forces are also forming another grouping of troops near Ukraine's northern border amid the ongoing offensive in Kharkiv Oblast.

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Ukrainian officials have not yet announced any information about a potential offensive, specifically in northwestern Ukraine, which borders Belarus.

The Ukrainian Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation forecast the launch of a new Russian psychological operation about opening a new front in the region, aiming to "stir up mass panic" in Ukrainian society.

"We expect a series of provocative statements by the top leadership of Russia and Belarus threatening Ukraine soon," the statement said.

Belarus has been a key ally to Moscow and supported Russian aggression against Ukraine, though it has not committed its own troops directly to hostilities.

Russian forces launched an attempted invasion of Kyiv from Belarus in early 2022 but suffered a defeat and were forced to pull back.

Read also: Polish PM: Warsaw to spend $2.5 billion to secure Russia, Belarus border

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MADRID, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Spain officially recognized Palestine as a statehood on Tuesday, following approval in a Council of Ministers (cabinet) meeting chaired by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

"We have adopted recognition because it is fair to the Palestinian people, the only way to ensure security for Israel and ensure peace in the region," Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares told a news briefing.

In a declaration before the meeting, held at Moncloa Palace (presidency headquarters) in the Spanish capital, Sanchez said, "It is a historic decision with the sole objective of helping Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace."

He also said Spain would recognize a "viable" Palestinian state, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank "connected by a corridor," unified under the Palestinian Authority and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"We will not recognize changes to the 1967 borderlines other than those agreed upon by the parties," he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz also described the day as "historic." Meanwhile, she called for an arms embargo on Israel, saying recognizing Palestine was not enough.

In a coordinated move, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced last Wednesday their decision to recognize Palestine as a state on May 28. More than 140 countries have already recognized a Palestinian state, representing over two-thirds of the United Nations' membership. 
Russia may sign an agreement with the Sudanese Armed Forces for a weapons exchange to support a Russian logistics hub in Port Sudan on the Red Sea.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: Yassir Al-Atta, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, announced on 25 May that a delegation of military officials would soon travel to Russia to finalise an agreement for the exchange of "vital weapons and munitions" for the Russian logistics centre in Port Sudan.

Al-Atta said the planned Russian centre is "not exactly a military base".

A well-known Kremlin-awarded Russian milblogger also claimed on 27 May that the Sudanese Armed Forces managed to reclaim several areas of Khartoum with the use of Iranian-made drone supplies.

Mikhail Bogdanov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Representative of the Russian leader for Africa and the Middle East, met with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and several other Sudanese officials during a two-day visit to Sudan on 28-29 April.

ISW has previously assessed that Russia might change its side of support in the Sudanese civil war to back the Sudanese Armed Forces and establish its naval base in the Red Sea.

ISW believes that Russian support for the Sudanese Armed Forces would greatly benefit Iran, as it would align Russian and Iranian policies and strategies in the region.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 27 May:

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly called on member states to lift their prohibitions against Ukraine using Western-provided weapons to strike within Russian territory.

Spain signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement with Ukraine on 27 May.

Ukrainian forces continued to target Russian long-range early warning radar systems and oil and gas infrastructure within Russia on 26 and 27 May.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin reportedly told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that Ukraine is not an independent state and that Russia can unilaterally and forcibly change Ukraine's borders.

The New York Times (NYT) reported on 26 May that Western intelligence officials stated that the Russian General Staff's Main Directorate (GRU) are behind a series of low-level sabotage operations throughout Europe that aim to disrupt Western arms supplies to Ukraine and create the appearance of a European movement opposing support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi stated on 27 May that he signed documents that will allow French military instructors to visit training centres in Ukraine.

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) offered to help Armenia mitigate the effects of flooding in northern Armenia, although Armenia has not publicly requested help from Russia.

Russian officials are considering delisting the Taliban as a prohibited organisation in Russia and will likely do so in the near term.

Russia may sign an agreement with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) exchanging weapons for a Russian logistics hub at Port Sudan on the Red Sea.

Ukrainian forces recently made confirmed advances near Lyptsi and Russian forces advanced near Svatove and northwest of Avdiivka.

Russian forces continue formalisation efforts for irregular units.

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Russia speeds up recruitment of mercenaries from Africa, military intelligence says

Russia has significantly intensified the recruitment of mercenaries from Africa for the full-scale war against Ukraine, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) said on May 28.

Moscow has been reportedly recruiting foreigners from such countries as Nepal, Somalia, India, Cuba, and others to fight in Ukraine from the very beginning of the all-out invasion.

New mercenaries from Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and Uganda are being recruited as assault troopers by a specially created unit of the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine's military intelligence said.

"The mercenaries are lured by a starting payment of $2,000 for signing a contract, promised a monthly allowance of $2,200, health insurance, and Russian passports for them and their families," HUR said.

Moscow deployed units from the Russian Defense Ministry's Africa Corps to fight alongside Russia's regular army and Storm-Z units comprised of convicts to attack the town of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast over the past week, according to the U.K. Defense Ministry.

Russia's Africa Corps reportedly emerged in 2013 and consists of over 2,000 soldiers and officers, as well as experienced mercenaries, many of whom previously served in the Wagner Group. This group was likely previously deployed in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger, according to the ministry.

Read also: Military Intelligence: Nepalese mercenaries desert Russian army in droves

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Russians attacked the town of Borova in Kharkiv Oblast the night of May 27, injuring a 70-year-old man, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on May 28.

Attacks against Kharkiv Oblast have intensified since Russia launched its new offensive against the region on May 10.

The latest attack struck Borova, a town in Kharkiv Oblast's Izium district, at 11:05 p.m. local time, Syniehubov said.

A 70-year-old man was injured and has been hospitalized.

The attack also caused fires at two homes and a post office, according to the governor.

Russian forces have launched deadly attacks against Kharkiv Oblast multiple times in recent days. A guided bomb attack against Kharkiv earlier in the day on May 27 killed one woman and injured at least 12 others.

Two days earlier, the Russian military attacked a crowded Kharkiv shopping center, "Epicenter," on May 25. The attack killed at least 18 people and injured 48.

Read also: Russian missile strike reduces Kharkiv printing press to ashes, killing 7 (Photos)

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Russian troops dropped three guided aerial bombs on a residential area in the town of Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast on May 28, killing at least two people and injuring three, the Prosecutor General's Office said.

Toretsk, which is located less than eight kilometers (five miles) from the front line, had a population of around 31,000 before the start of the full-scale invasion.

The Russian attack reportedly partially destroyed two apartment buildings and a local enterprise.

A resident of Toretsk and his wife were killed, the prosecutors said. Three other women, aged 24, 53 and 63, reportedly suffered injuries and were hospitalized.

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 dropped a 1.5 ton aerial bomb on the village of Oleksiyevo-Druzhkivka in Donetsk Oblast earlier in the day, injuring seven people, including a child, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

Read also: Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 5, injure 32 over past day

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Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day killed at least five people and injured at least 32, regional authorities said on May 28.

A Russian glide bomb strike against Kharkiv on May 27 killed a woman and injured 13 people, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

Four people were reportedly injured elsewhere in the oblast.

Russian forces launched a missile attack against the town of Snihurivka in Mykolaiv Oblast on May 27, killing three people and injuring six, including three children, Governor Vitalii Kim said.

Russia attacked the area around the border town of Semenivka in Chernihiv Oblast with artillery and drones on May 27, injuring two people, the regional administration said.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian attacks against the Nikopol district injured a 56-year-old man on May 27 and a 32-year-old man on the morning of May 28, according to Governor Serhii Lysak.

In Donetsk Oblast, Russian strikes killed one person in Kalynivka and injured two in Lyman and one in Verkhokamianske, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast injured two people, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

Luhansk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack, but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Governor: Death toll in May 25 attack on Kharkiv rises to 18

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The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who went missing in August 2023, is being detained in Russian-occupied territory, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) reported on May 27.

Volodymyr Roshchyn, Viktoria's father, received a letter from the Russian Defense Ministry confirming his daughter's captivity.

"According to available information, Roshchyna Viktoria Volodymyrivna ... has been detained and is currently on the territory of the Russian Federation," the letter said.

Volodymyr Roshchyn shared the letter with NUJU and also contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to verify the Russian Defense Ministry's claims. The ICRC confirmed that Roshchyna was being detained, but said they had no access to her at present.

Roshchyna disappeared on Aug. 3, 2023 while reporting in Russian-occupied territory. Her father received the defense ministry's letter on April 22, 2024. According to Roshchyna's family, letters to Russia's Investigative Committee, Prosecutor General's Office, and Ombudsman remain unanswered.

Read also: International journalist federations call for probe into detainment of Ukrainian journalists in Poland

Roshchyna has covered Russia's full-scale invasion for multiple Ukrainian news outlets, including Hromadske, Ukrainska Pravda, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

In March 2022, Roshchyna was detained for 10 days by Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers while leaving Berdiansk in the direction of Mariupol. As a condition of her release, she was forced to record a video saying Russian forces had saved her life.

The International Women's Media Foundation awarded Roshchyna the Courage in Jouranlism Award in 2022.

Roshchyna's family told NUJU that they filed a request the Russian proxy prosecutor's office in occupied Mariupol. They were told that no case had been opened against Roshchyna.

BBC Russia reported in January 2024 that thousands of Ukrainian civilians in Russian captivity are detained without charges, trials, or access to legal counsel.

Read also: Russia detains 2 journalists on extremism charges, accuses them of having worked with Navalny

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Russian forces are continuing to deploy guided aerial bombs to attack the city of Kharkiv in the northeast of Ukraine, with a bomb hitting the citys Kyivskyi district on the afternoon of 28 May.

Source: Ihor Terekhov, Kharkiv Mayor, on Telegram; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: Terekhov said that the Russian bomb hit an area where a number of garages were located, causing a fire.

Syniehubov said that the attack took place around 17:00 Kyiv time, adding that civilian infrastructure caught fire as a result.

He added that Russian forces also attacked a different populated area in Kharkiv Oblast around 16:40 Kyiv time, causing a fire at a local farm.

Early reports suggest there were no casualties in either of the attacks.

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Russian plant in Tatarstan supposed to produce 6,000 Shahed attack drones per year, but is already ahead of schedule  WSJ

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the plant in Russia's Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan, which was attacked by Ukrainian drones in early April, is supposed to produce 6,000 Shahed attack drones annually; as of the end of April, it was ahead of schedule and had already delivered 4,500 UAVs to Russia.

Source: WSJ

Details: The Wall Street Journal wrote that Russian businessmen had signed a deal to build a drone manufacturing plant at the end of 2022 when they flew to Tehran with an offer: US$1.7 billion, part of which was to be paid in gold bullion.

Information about these unusual conditions was made public in February by a hacker group called Prana Network, which claimed to have hacked into email servers linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Quote from the WSJ: "The plan is for the Alabuga facility to churn out 6,000 Shahed attack drones a year, in addition to surveillance drones, according to a contract between the plants Russian managers and their Iranian partners leaked by the Prana Network and that was independently corroborated by two advisers to the British government.

At the end of April, the factory was ahead of its production schedule, having already supplied 4,500 of the promised Shaheds, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a London-based defence-focused think tank."

Details: Ukrainian military intelligence and a former Syrian officer from the Etana conflict monitoring group stressed that Russian soldiers were already being trained to fly drones in Syria, along with instructors from the Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah.

"Dozens of the M3 Albatross reconnaissance drones made at the Alabuga plant have obtained detailed photographic intelligence on Ukrainian positions and movements on the front line. Their manufacturer said the drones had already helped repel an attempted incursion by Ukraine on Russias border region of Belgorod," they wrote.

It is reported that Russia is also producing its own warheads instead of waiting for Iranian-made warheads. This, in turn, accelerates the production of combat-ready weapons. Henry Thompson, a drone expert who used to work for the United Nations, said that the latest versions of the Shahed drones were manufactured in Russia. He came to this conclusion after analysing the wreckage found in Ukraine.

The WSJ noted that Moscow's transition to drones was due to the use of Tehran's shadowy logistics networks in addition to Iranian military technology.

However, to expand drone production, Russia needed skilled workers to assemble them.

"Initial production runs of the Albatross reconnaissance devices had largely relied on students from nearby technical colleges, but there werent enough of them to meet Moscows ambitions. The manufacturers began looking farther afieldto Africa.

Early last year, Russian businessmen from the Alabuga Special Economic Zone rented a hall at an upscale school in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and gathered an audience of young female students to hear their pitch, according to Alabugas footage of the event and people who attended. The offer included a skilled job paying three times the wage at home in Uganda, with an airfare, free accommodation and a university diploma to join the work-study programme," the WSJ stressed, citing a video of the event made by Alabuga and testimonies of people present at the event.

Ugandan officials said that more than 1,000 women from all over Africa had travelled to the Alabuga free zone since then, and this year, another 1,000 students are likely to join them.

Quote: "Promotional videos posted by the Alabuga free zone show students roaming the corridors on skateboards to the sound of techno. The salary is nearly US$1,000 a month, almost double the average Russian wage.

Other footage published by the free zone showed an African woman at the site, dressed in a hazmat suit and face mask to avoid contaminating the delicate components, as she glued two wings onto an engine-equipped body for one of the Albatross reconnaissance drones. Officials in Kampala confirmed that the recruits sent to Alabuga are used to assemble unmanned aerial vehicles."

Background:

On 2 April, the authorities of the Russian Federation's Republic of Tatarstan reported a drone attack on companies in Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk, which resulted in an explosion and casualties; it was reported earlier that Shahed attack drones were being assembled in Yelabuga. Intelligence sources said that the attack was carried out by Ukraines Defence Intelligence, which used large aircraft-type drones.

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RAMALLAH, May 28 (Xinhua) -- "We highly appreciate Chinese support for the national rights of the Palestinian people, especially since it always calls for peace in the Middle East," a senior Palestinian diplomat has said.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, highlighted China's support for Palestine's full membership in the United Nations.

"China is one of the main countries that voted in favor of Palestine in the UN General Assembly in order to obtain full membership (for Palestine)," he said.

"All the time, China made big efforts to help Palestinians obtain their full diplomatic, political and economic rights," he added.

Back in 1988, the Palestine National Council meeting in Algiers proclaimed the establishment of the State of Palestine. With Norway, Ireland and Spain announcing on May 22 that they would officially recognize Palestine as a state, some 140 countries have recognized Palestine's statehood.

However, in 2011 and this year again, the United States vetoed Palestine's full membership in the United Nations.

"Countries' recognition of the Palestinian state increases the pressure on the obstructing party in the Security Council, which has a U.S. veto regarding full membership of the State of Palestine, until it responds to this huge number of countries that have recognized Palestine," Mansour said.

Palestine's full membership is also "tantamount" to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution, he added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a three-point proposal for the settlement of the Palestinian question during his talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing in June 2023. The two leaders also announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine.

"The most important thing is that China attaches great importance to the Palestinian issue and raises it to the level of important priorities on the Chinese foreign policy agenda," Mansour said.

As the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict has lasted more than seven months, China is also playing a more active role by calling more than once on both parties to negotiate, and making more efforts for reconciliation between the Palestinian parties of Fatah and Hamas, he added.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, and China will host the 10th ministerial meeting of that forum.

Mansour believes that the forum will succeed this year based on the development of Chinese-Arab relations, especially as China relies primarily on mutual benefits, instead of imposing its control by force, or even interfering in other countries' affairs.

China "does not have agendas of a colonial or blackmailing nature for the countries of the region, and it serves as a close ally for the Arab countries," he said. 
Russian strike on Kharkiv on 25 May: body of another civilian killed in attack found, bringing death toll to 18

The body of another civilian killed in the Russian strike on the Epitsentr hypermarket in Kharkiv on 25 May has been found, bringing the attacks death toll to 18.

Source: Ihor Terekhov, Kharkiv Mayor, on Telegram

Quote: "The body of the 18th person killed [in the Russian attack on] the Epitsentr hypermarket has just been found."

Background:

Russian forces struck an Epitsentr home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv on the afternoon of Saturday, 25 May.

It took over 16 hours to extinguish the fire in Epicentr caused by Russian strikes.

On 27 May Prosecutors in Kharkiv Oblast, along with personnel of the State Emergency Service and investigators from the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police, uncovered unexploded munitions just 80 metres from the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket, which was targeted by Russian airstrikes on 25 May.

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The number of combat engagements on the firing line has increased to 108, with fighting still ongoing in 18 areas as of the evening of 28 May. The situation on the Pokrovsk front remains the most complicated.

Source: General Staff report as of 20:00 on 28 May

Quote: On the Kharkiv front, Russian invaders attacked our positions six times since the beginning of the day. Two enemy assault operations are ongoing in the area of Vovchansk. The aggressor keeps using guided aerial bombs, enemy aircraft make deadly launches from the territory of the Russian Federation without entering Ukrainian airspace. Four more bombs were launched at Vovchansk and three at Buhaivka from the direction of Shebekino. Mala Danylivka was hit twice by the bombs from the direction of Bilhorod.

On the Kupiansk front, the enemy attempted to attack the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces 19 times. 17 of them were unsuccessful for the enemy, two attacks are still ongoing near Petropavlivka and Druzheliubivka. The situation is under control.

The enemy's losses since the beginning of the day on this front are as follows: 35 people one artillery system was destroyed, one tank, one enemy vehicle and an artillery system were damaged.

On the Lyman front, Ukrainian defenders repelled all 16 attacks by Russian invaders. No positions were lost.

Details: According to the General Staff, the Russians are also active in Bilohorivka on the Siversk front. The number of combat actions here has increased to eight. Ukraine's defenders have repelled seven Russian attacks so far, and one more is ongoing.

On the Kramatorsk front, the Russian invaders have tried to improve their tactical position six times since the beginning of the day. All of the attempts to advance were successfully repelled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Terrorists dropped an unmanned aerial vehicle near Druzhkivka. 10 out of 25 battles are still ongoing on the Pokrovsk front. The Russians are attacking near Novooleksandrivka and Sokil.

Nine combat engagements took place on the Kurakhove front since the beginning of the day. Eight were repelled, one is still ongoing.

On the Vremivka front, Russian invaders keep trying to push Ukrainian troops in the vicinity of Staromaiorske. Ukrainian troops repelled five attacks, one is still ongoing. The Defence Forces are in control of the situation.

Since the beginning of the day, the aggressor has been stubbornly trying to force Ukrainian units out of their positions on the Prydniprovske front, on the footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro. A total of 10 combat engagements have been recorded there. Another battle continues near the settlement of Oleshkivski Pisky.

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Ukrainian law enforcement and military officials confirmed that the Russians hit Zaporizhzhia International Airport with a Kh-59 missile on 26 May at around 16:00, destroying the terminal building.

Source: Office of the Prosecutor General; Operational Command Pivden (South) on Facebook

Details: The Office of the Prosecutor General has launched an investigation into the impact of a Russian missile on the Zaporizhzhia airport terminal.

A criminal case has been opened over violation of the laws and customs of war (Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Destroyed airport terminal in Zaporizhzhia.

Photo: Office of the Prosecutor General

Operational Command Pivden (South) said the Russians had launched a missile attack on the airport with a Kh-59 cruise missile. There were no casualties.

Background:

On the afternoon of 25 May, Russian troops attacked the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv; 15 people were reported killed and 25 more injured.

It took over 16 hours to extinguish the fire.

On the morning of 27 May, it was reported that the death toll from the attack on the Epicentr hypermarket in Kharkiv on 25 May had risen to 18, with 48 more people injured.

Serhii Bolvinov, the head of the investigation department of the National Police in Kharkiv Oblast, said that the body of a 17-year-old boy who was in the Epicentr had been found and identified by DNA samples.

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The Russians have dropped six guided aerial bombs on the city of Vovchansk since the beginning of the day. In total, 76 combat clashes with Russian occupiers have occurred in the combat zone.

Source: the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "On the Kharkiv front, two combat clashes are ongoing near the settlement of Lyptsi. At the same time, the Russian terrorists keep destroying the city of Vovchansk with guided aerial bombs. Six bombs were dropped on this city by the enemy since the beginning of the day. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are strengthening the defence and actively counteracting the occupiers."

Details: The number of combat clashes has risen to 76 today. The Pokrovsk front remains the hottest spot of the combat zone.

Specifically, on the Kupiansk front, 14 combat clashes occurred. Ukrainian forces repelled 10 Russian attempts to advance. At the moment the fighting is ongoing near the settlements of Synkivka, Petropavlivka and Nevske.

On the Lyman front, Ukrainian troops repelled eight out of 10 Russian attacks near the settlements of Torske and the Serebrianka forest. No Ukrainian positions were lost. Two combat clashes are ongoing near the settlement of Terny.

On the Pokrovsk front, the Russians have launched 20 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian forces since the beginning of the day. Ukrainian forces repelled 14 combat clashes, six are still ongoing near the settlements of Novooleksandrivka and Prohres. The Russians struck the settlement of Yevhenivka with two guided aerial bombs, and launched two guided aerial bombs and unguided aerial bombs on the settlement of Novoselivka Persha.

On the Kurakhove front, the Russians are also using guided aerial bombs. Four of them were dropped on the settlement of Yelyzavetivka, three on Yevhenivka. Four combat clashes occurred on this front since the beginning of the day, one is still ongoing near the settlement of Vodiane.

On the Vremivka front, the Russians keep mounting attacks near the settlement of Staromaiorske. Three attacks of the Russians were repelled by the Defence Forces, one is still ongoing. Ukrainian forces keep the situation under control.

On the Prydniprovske front, on the left bank of the Dnipro River, the Russians made seven attempts to dislodge Ukrainian units from their positions near the settlement of Krynky but to no avail. One combat clash is still ongoing.

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One person has been killed and three others injured as a result of a Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast on 27 May.

Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "Russia is killing civilians! On 27 May, Russians killed one resident of Donetsk Oblast in Kalynivka. Another three people were wounded in the oblast over the day."

Aftermath of Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast

Photo: Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

Details: It is reported that the Russians attacked the Pokrovsk, Kramatorsk and Bakhmut districts. An infrastructure facility in Toretsk hromada, 12 residential buildings and five administrative buildings were damaged. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Aftermath of Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast

Photo: Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

Filashkin says that the Russians attacked settlements in Donetsk Oblast 16 times in just one day.

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Russia's attacks on civilians in Kharkiv push US to allow strikes at Russia  Former US Army Commander in Europe

Russia's attacks on civilian targets, and in particular Russia's deadly attack on the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv on Saturday (25 May), are pushing the United States to lower standards for the use of US-supplied weapons against targets in Russia.

Source: Former US Army Europe Commander Mark Hertling in an interview with CNN, reported by Holos Ameryky (Voice of America)

Details: Hertling said, while commenting on the Russian attack on the Epicentr hypermarket, that in view of Russia's attacks on civilians, "were probably going to see a lowering of the standards for using that military equipment on specific Russian targets."

Hertling said that "there is much discussion within the Biden administration" about whether Ukraine should use US-delivered weapons to strike Russian territory. He also noted that there were strong political and military reasons not to. In particular, by allowing Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons against targets in Russia, the US must be prepared to respond to a strong campaign by Russian leader Putin, who will actively claim that the US is attacking Russia with the alleged use of "their proxy forces of Ukraine."

Background:

It was reported that US House Speaker Mike Johnson believed that the United States should allow Ukraine to wage war "in the way they see fit", commenting on Kyiv's request to allow it to use American weapons to strike Russian territory.

Earlier, the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee released an appeal from a group of congressmen from both parties to Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, calling for a faster delivery of weapons to Ukraine and allowing Ukraine to attack targets in Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in an interview with Reuters that Ukraine is in talks with international partners about the possibility of striking targets in Russia with their weapons.

On 25 May, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called on NATO allies supplying weapons to Ukraine to lift the ban on their use to target military facilities in Russia.

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Tensions ran high at the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting in Oklahoma City on Thursday, as State Superintendent Ryan Walters faced sharp criticism over new rules for public comments, his leadership, and policies impacting LGBTQ + youth .

The meeting, which coincided with Walters birthday, saw a significant change in how speakers were chosen, prompting backlash from many attendees.



Previously, individuals had to sign up on a sheet, with the first 10 people listed allowed to speak. Many critics of Walters, including LGBTQ+ advocates, camped out the night before to ensure a spot. On Thursday, however, 10 random numbers were chosen from a pool of 37 names, which many saw as an attempt to control dissent. Ultimately, seven of the 10 people chosen to speak were critical of Walters.

Hours before the public comment period, Walters blamed the Biden administration and undocumented immigrants for lawlessness and fentanyl coming into Oklahoma . Preston Bobo, a chemist and toxicologist, refuted this statement during his comments at the meeting.

Bobo criticized Walters for his activity on social media, saying, Ive corrected you, Mr. Walters, on this before, but nearly all of the fentanyl arrests and seizures at the border are U.S. citizens. Overwhelmingly, theyre U.S. citizens. The data just dont support this thing about non-citizens trafficking fentanyl.

He also called Walters out for engaging in social media posts during what was supposed to be official work time.

You tweeted this out when you guys were in executive session, which I think is really weird. Like, why were you on Twitter during executive session? Thats super bizarre, Bobo said, adding, Your weird car videos do nothing but promote misinformation and distract from the real issues facing our schools.

During the meeting, Sean Cummings, an Oklahoma City business owner and local politician, criticized the boards handling of a previous incident where a mother was arrested during a meeting.

In February, Cummings told The Advocate, I watched [Walters] through his entire campaign, from flashing white power signs to the [anti-LGBTQ+] stuff. Cummings has been vocal about his concerns regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ environment fostered by Walters and his policies, which he believes contribute to bullying and violence against LGBTQ+ students.

I want to commend you for being terrible at your jobs and not helping on that deal. She did not threaten you. She spoke out of line because you interrupted her kid while he was speaking, not your job, Cummings said at last week's meeting.

It isnt the first time Cummings has directly addressed Walters. He has been highly critical of Walterss handling of Nex Benedicts death. The transgender teen died by suicide, according to the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office. According to body camera video, Benedict, who used he and they pronouns, said he was bullied for how he dressed. He was in the girls bathroom when some students made fun of him, and he splashed them with water, which led to several girls attacking him.

In Oklahoma, transgender students must use the bathroom of the sex they were assigned at birth. Walters has waged a war on woke and has expressed disbelief in the legitimacy of transgender people. In January, he brought on far-right extremist Chaya Raichik, who runs the anti-LGBTQ+ hate account Libs of TikTok, to join a state board that oversees content in school libraries.

Local and national LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD have called for Walters to resign.

Several speakers noted Benedicts death. Nicole Poindexter, a parent with four children in the Putnam City School District, remarked, Happy birthday, Ryan. I just wish I could see Nex Benedicts next birthday. Sadly, due to your policy, theyll never celebrate another one. You are failing all of our students, and you must be held accountable.

HRC senior director for legal policy Cathryn Oakley summarized the broader concerns in a statement to The Advocate.

Months after the death of Nex Benedict, Ryan Walters continues to receive public criticism and pushback from Oklahomans during State Board of Education meetings on everything from Oklahomas ranking of #49 in the country on K-12 education, his mismanagement of funds, and the hostile environment hes created for LGBTQ+ students. He promised to never back down, but rather than address the concerns of the people he is charged with serving, he has decided to silence them by changing the rules, less than 24 hours in advance, on who can speak in public meetings.

Oakley added, His so-called commitment to transparency is as flimsy as his courage - because bullies hate to be held accountable. Walters is yet again demonstrating his abject failure to serve the needs of Oklahoma students and putting his own ego and political ambition ahead of the basics of doing his job. Walters needs to explain to Oklahomans why he doesnt believe he needs to hear their concerns.
How Sacramentos top executive got 64 extra weeks of pay to cash whenever he wanted | Opinion

How is it possible that in one year, the city of Sacramento gave its top executive 64 weeks of paid leave that he could cash out whenever he wanted?

The Sacramento City Council did this for City Manager Howard Chan with little public discussion or pushback from duly elected council members. They did this while letting Chan put his proposed pay raises on the City Council agenda himself, which he did with repeated success.

From 2017 to 2022, Chans base salary jumped more than 42%, from $282,060 to $400,652. Top executives like Chan make a lot of money in California; there is no news flash there. The Sacramento City Council had added onto the salary by giving him a years worth of pay when he left the job. Then the council allowed him to cash it all in while he was still working.

Sacramento is now facing a budget deficit driven in large part by employee raises of more than 10% that Chan recommended to council members last December. Then in January, he informed his council bosses that the city couldnt afford the raises they had passed on his recommendation.

Opinion

A reasonable person could ask: How do Chans salary and perks look in light of his recommendation for unsustainable salary increases for everybody else?

They reveal how almost every member of the nine-person City Council failed to use good judgment in their relationship with Chan.

We expect more from our elected leaders  much more.

Steinberg feared losing Chan

That Chan is widely liked and respected at City Hall only fueled his enrichment, which was funded with taxpayer dollars. Mayor Darrell Steinberg was afraid of losing him, so he and the council kept sweetening Chans compensation beyond anything reasonable until pressure from outside City Hall forced the elected officials to finally say no.

Its hard to speculate how a newly elected mayor taking office in December will handle Chans contract, which expires at the end of the calendar year. Steinberg wanted a new mayor to have a voice in hiring whoever would be the city manager. A new mayor also inherits the pay and perks for Chan that ended up creating tensions and fraying relations.

This situation is not normal. The new Sacramento mayor  state Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and public health activist Flojaune Cofer square off in the November runoff  will have to reckon with it when the winner is sworn in this December.

How did Sacramento get here?

Chan formally took over the city manager position in February of 2017. His initial contract gave him a prorated annual salary of $282,060.

A year later, in 2018, the council awarded Chan a modest raise, upping his annual salary to $294,753.

In September 2019, the council awarded Chan a full years pay if he were to leave for any reason. He also could suddenly cash out all of his sick leave, his vacation leave or any type of leave. And his pay increased to $308,017.

Chan earned praise and respect for guiding city operations and employees through the most difficult moments of the COVID-19 pandemic when strict shelter-in-place orders afflicted Sacramentos tax base, created shelter emergencies and forced everyone working for Chan to provide services under strict health mandates meant to keep people safe.

The protest

But things took a turn when the political protests and civil unrest that unfolded across the country in 2020 and 2021 reached the Chan familys home. A protest in March 2021 triggered a large response by police. Chan seemed rattled by the experience. That incident became statewide news, and a Los Angeles Times story was illustrated with a photo of Chan, worriedly looking out a window. To make sure I appreciated this moment, Chans staff sent me the Times article about the ordeal.

We were worried about him and his family, Steinberg said. And I was worried that he could leave, and I thought that would be really negative for the city.

So in May of 2021, the City Council raised Chans salary to $372,700. And with Chans contract amended to expire at the end of 2024, the next mayor would have an opening to switch city managers.

Chan had started as a positive, tireless city manager known by some as Howard Chan, Perfect Man. But the higher pay only seemed to fuel a desire for more.

This one was kind of easy

On the night of Jan. 25, 2022, the Sacramento City Council did something extraordinary.

At the time, Chan had the contractual ability to pocket a years pay, 52 weeks, upon leaving the job. But Chan apparently didnt want to wait for the huge payout. So the City Council gave him something even better by granting Chan 58 weeks of management leave, some 2,320 hours in all. Chan could cash it all out whenever he wanted.

As council actions go, this one was kind of easy, then-councilman Jeff Harris said at the time. Nobody pushed back.

Chan and the council werent done. Later in the same year, on Nov. 1, the City Council granted Chan another six weeks of leave. That is a total of 64 weeks of paid leave granted to a government employee in a single year, all eligible for cash-out. To make that leave even more valuable, the council granted Chan a 7.5% raise, bumping his salary to more than $400,652.

Only Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela voted no, marking the first dissent in Chans contractual history.

This is a significant amount of money, she said at the meeting. Frankly, this would be different if we hadnt just given our unions who work under the city management team less than half of this percentage increase.

By 2023, Chan had earned the dubious distinction of being the highest-paid city manager in the state. Howard Chan was now a powerful man.

One time too many

And then last December, he overplayed his hand.

On Dec. 11, the city placed a special meeting on the next days council calendar to increase his pay, among other items. Chan sought another 5% pay increase for himself, and another six weeks of extra paid leave on top of his four weeks of vacation and two additional weeks for all top management.

The council approved the raise on Dec. 12, with Valenzuela and Steinberg abstaining.

But it was all for naught. The Bees Theresa Clift reported that Chan violated state law by placing a raise for himself on a council agenda with insufficient notice.

A vote was rescheduled for January. But over the holidays, enough fed-up members of the public spoke out, and the majority of council members finally saw fit to stop raising Chans compensation. The council also stripped Chan of his power to place his pay on any future agenda.

Meanwhile, Chan appears to have cashed out most of his leave balances. Based on information on an April payroll stub obtained by The Bee via the California Public Records Act, Chan had none of the council-approved management leave balances on that payroll stub, only three days of sick leave and 40.7 hours of vacation available.

Again, these were taxpayer dollars that Chan cashed out after the mayor and other elected officials agreed to pay Chan based on his self-perceived value without asking any tough questions or considering the possible implications.

This was a case study of how to mismanage the compensation of Sacramentos chief executive. And this should never be repeated. Pay the city manager a fair salary. Avoid the bonus trap. And be better stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Daniel Mejia and Edgar Cortez spent last summer working long days in the heat to renovate houses across Sacramento.

Sometimes, they mowed lawns, mulched yards and painted. Other days, the men installed doors, cabinets and fences. Occasionally, they fixed irrigation pipes and performed electrical work at the request of their employers.

We came back home tired, said Cortez, 22. So tired, you didnt even want to bathe or brush your teeth.

The work was for a company they believed to be called C&H Hauling and Landscaping, owned by two women who were subcontracted to renovate homes.

Now, nearly a year after completing these jobs, Mejia and Cortez are facing the issue that comes up most often for jornaleros  or day laborers: their former employers are refusing to pay them for all the hours they worked.

Mejia and Cortez are two of four workers alleging roughly $30,000 in unpaid wages. They have reported the wage theft violations by supposed C&H Hauling owners Maria Perez and Sandra Vilchez to the California Labor Commissioner, but remain stalled in the waiting process.

The two women have a history of such violations, according to state records.

Last year, Vilchez and Perez, who also goes by Mary, were each ordered by the Labor Commissioners office to a pay a day laborer about $5,400 in unpaid wages. The claim states Perez and Vilchez solicited the worker at a Home Depot to perform work across Sacramento.

The two women later failed to pay the worker for multiple days, which mirrors their latest alleged wage theft violation against Mejia and Cortez. The Labor Commissioners office did not respond to questions from The Sacramento Bee.

This financial hardship has devastated Mejia. Without the $13,000 hes owed, hes lost his home and has taken out a loan with a more than 30% interest rate to cover his everyday bills and car payments.

Its sad because you work to receive pay, said Mejia, 28. Its for food. Its for your bills.

Daniel Mejia, of Stockton, hopes to recover more than $20,000 he said that is owed to him from a Sacramento company that used his services and that of other friends.

His circumstances are not surprising.

Wage theft costs California workers an estimated $2 billion a year, and disproportionately affects immigrants and people of color. Research shows immigrants are particularly vulnerable due to their citizenship status, which employers may use to intimidate them or threaten retaliation.

This does happen a lot, said Daniella Urban, executive director for the Center for Worker Rights, a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization helping low-wage workers. But, not every worker is willing to stand up like they are.

Perez and Vilchez could not be reached through phone numbers provided by workers, and verified online.

One of the numbers responded to a text message from The Bee, saying there is no such business called C&H Hauling. When asked if the person knew Vilchez or Perez, they repeated that C&H Hauling did not exist and said wrong number.

Workers provided The Bee with a Home Depot invoice they received from Vilchez that states her home address, phone number and the business name C&H Hauling and Landscaping.

If we didnt keep going to work

On a recent weekday morning in April, as the sun rose over the city of Stockton, Mejia and Cortez loaded the black pick-up truck for another day of work.

They have lived together since November, after Mejia moved in with Cortez. He was no longer able to pay the monthly rent for his home in Hayward, and Cortezs mother offered him housing.

The men  wearing orange long sleeves shirts and dusty work boots  travel across Northern California for work. On that day, they would head to El Sobrante in Contra Costa County.

But last summer, they spent most of their days in the Sacramento area.

Mejia said he was hired by Perez and Vilchez in late April 2023, after they approached him with a work opportunity as he left a Home Depot. Cortez, who was connected to Mejia through his mom, started the following month.

Daniel Mejia, of Stockton, prepares to go to work in April. Mejia said that he hopes to recover more than $20,000 he said that is owed to him from a Sacramento company that used his services and that of other friends.

Like many day laborers, they were hired without any official paperwork. Payments came in cash, checks and online Zelle payments deposited to their bank accounts, according to Cortez and Mejia.

Perez and Vilchez paid the day laborers fully for about three months, according to Mejia and Cortez. By July 28, the payments diminished, and the employers began paying only partial amounts. The group of four workers would receive wages for one, or roughly $500, said Mejia.

Eventually, Cortez and Mejia said, Perez and Vilchez stopped paying all together.

The day laborers continued working with their employers promising future wages and arguing that the homeowners were not paying.

We thought if we didnt keep going to work, then they wouldnt pay what they owed us, Mejia said.

Mejia and Cortez reached their breaking point in early September and stopped working for Perez and Vilchez.

Their numbers have since been blocked, said Mejia. Calls go to straight to voicemail or appear as not received.

The rights that we as workers have

Cortez and Mejia filed individual claims with the California Labor Commissioner last October. But it could take another year until the two men receive their unpaid wages.

Urban said claims are required to go through multiple steps, including an attempted settlement conference and an eventual hearing.

We dont anticipate the employer going (to the settlement conference), so it will likely go to a hearing, said Urban, who helped the day laborers file labor claims.

The workers have also tried reaching out to their former employers by mailing two letters to formally request payment.

The first demand letter sent in December was answered by Vilchez, who requested the workers complete an independent contractor tax form, or W-9. Urban said this is a deceptive response given that the workers arent independent contractors  a designation that requires individuals to own an independent business and set their hours and schedule.

The employer didnt seem to have a problem with them being employed while they were working, Urban said. But after they asked for their wages, they were like, Whoa, whoa, whoa, you were an independent contractor.

A second demand letter in February explaining the workers are not independent contractors was not answered.

So, for now, Mejia and Cortez must wait.

Lately, Mejia travels to Berkeley for framing jobs. Cortez, a civil engineering major at San Joaquin Delta College, tags along on days he doesnt have class.

Mejia, who has years of construction experience, often takes the lead role with Cortez serving as his assistant and asking for advice.

Were like brothers, learning from each other, Mejia said.

Workers who believe they are victims of wage theft are encouraged to reach out to organizations like the Center for Workers Rights or California Rural Legal Assistance that provide free or low-cost legal services.

Workers can also file wage claims with the Labor Commissioners Office. Individuals are not required to reveal their immigration status to file claims.

We are speaking up about the rights that we as workers have, Mejia said. We are talking so other people hear the message and experiences that we are living through.
NAIROBI, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese telecommunication firm Huawei on Tuesday presented a range of prizes, including trophies, certificates and electronic gadgets, to winners of a special needs hackathon launched in Kenya in March.

The winners, comprised of college students from the Huawei ICT academy, were recognized for developing outstanding solutions to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Senior government officials and Huawei executives attended the award ceremony, held on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the African Development Bank in Nairobi.

Winnie Chepkonga, a public relations specialist at Huawei Kenya, said the Artificial Intelligence (AI) hackathon is important for encouraging students to innovate for the benefit of those with disabilities.

Chepkonga said that the hackathon aimed to find solutions to the challenges faced by people with special needs, leading to the development of ideas, models, and software to assist them and create a positive impact on society.

Partners to the Huawei-convened special needs hackathon included the Kenya Institute of Special Education and the Kenya National Innovation Agency.

Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling ecosystem for leveraging AI to improve cognitive abilities and income generation opportunities among physically impaired citizens.

According to government statistics, people living with disabilities comprise 10 percent of the Kenyan population, equivalent to 4.4 million people, with many facing neglect and marginalization.

Norman Kiogora, director of the Kenya Institute of Special Education, said that through the partnership with Huawei, the institute will be possible to enhance access to technologies that empower people living with disabilities. Kiogora stressed that by harnessing AI, people with special needs can acquire lifelong skills, integrate into the mainstream economy, and become more aware of their surroundings. 
Sallie Bingham, foundation she endowed face off in court over future of Hopscotch House

Hopscotch House, established in 1987 as a retreat for women writers and artists, is located off Wolf Pen Branch Road in eastern Jefferson County. (Photo from Salliebingham.com)

LOUISVILLE  Tucked away on a 412-acre farm in eastern Jefferson County, Hopscotch House, a rambling, five-bedroom farmhouse dating to 1848, was envisioned as a peaceful sanctuary for women artists and writers when the Kentucky Foundation for Women acquired it in 1987.

But its plan to sell the house has triggered an acrimonious battle with philanthropist Sallie Bingham, who launched the non-profit foundation to support female writers and artists in Kentucky and has filed a lawsuit to try to block the sale.

There didnt seem to be any way of persuasion, said Bingham, who founded the foundation nearly 40 years ago with proceeds from the sale of her familys media companies including The Courier-Journal and the Louisville Times newspapers.

Sallie Bingham (Photo by Camila Motta)

A major complication: Hopscotch House, on a 10-acre site, is surrounded by Wolf Pen Branch Mill Farm, owned by Bingham, who placed the entire farm in a conservation easement to bar development.

The farmhouse, off Wolf Pen Branch Road on a small island of land inside her farm, is listed for sale at $2.75 million.

I dont want to see it broken up and some strip mall put in or houses or whatever, said Bingham, who now lives in New Mexico and operates the farm primarily as a wildlife refuge.

Bingham filed a lawsuit in March in U.S. District Court, demanding that the foundation drop the planned sale and honor her initial vision for Hopscotch House as a retreat for women artists and writers.

Creativity demands that women be allowed to retreat, at times, from their world and their obligations, said the lawsuit, quoting Bingham, who was the foundations first executive director. Hopscotch provides the setting for such retreats.

As an alternative, her lawsuit proposes the foundation be ordered to turn Hopscotch House over to her or to a Kentucky charity of her choosing.

Complicated tax rules governing nonprofit foundations prevent her from buying the property herself, Bingham said.

There is no contract specifying the use of the farmhouse the foundation owns. Bingham said her original plan for establishing the foundation was by agreement among friends who understood what I was talking about.

Lacks basic amenities

The foundation, which no longer uses Hopscotch House for workshops and retreats, has fired back, in a counterclaim calling Binghams lawsuit a malicious, coordinated effort to block the sale, discourage potential buyers and diminish the propertys value.

The aging farmhouse, which the foundation bought in 1987, needs extensive renovation and its isolated location deters some women from attending events out of safety concerns, its lawsuit claims. Further, lack of reliable internet and water service have become increasingly problematic.

The house lacks basic amenities that female artists use in the 21st century, the lawsuit said.

Internet access is outdated and spotty and the farmhouse has no outside water source; it relies on a cistern with water supplied by truck. Upgrades would be extremely costly and likely impossible because the conservation easement protecting the farm restricts construction, digging or disruption to the surrounding property, it said.

Binghams true motivation, the counterclaim says, is to block the sale and potential development of the Hopscotch House property, which she has proposed placing in a conservation easement that would enhance the value of her surrounding farm.

The counterclaim, filed by lawyers with Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs, accuses Bingham of defamation through comments and posts on her website, SallieBingham.com, and of breaching her duty as a former executive director of the foundation.

In a reply filed by her lawyers with the Denton Bingham Greenebaum firm, Bingham denies the allegations, dismissing them as a kitchen sink full of meritless claims.

This lawsuit concerns the foundations brazen attempt to sell off for its own financial gain certain real property located in the middle of Ms. Binghams historic Wolf Pen Branch Mill Farm, the lawsuit said, property intended to be used for retreats and residencies for women artists.

The case, assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Simpson III, is pending.

Meanwhile, efforts to sell the property have stalled, said Sharon LaRue, executive director.

Sharon LaRue (Kentucky Foundation for Women)

Bingham controls access to the site and informed the real estate agent she did not have permission to drive through the farm property to show the home, the foundations lawsuit said. This caused the agent to cancel one showing and has left potential buyers in doubt about access to the property, it said.

Further, the legal battle is interfering with the foundations main purpose  to use proceeds from the endowment from Bingham to fund the work of women writers and artists throughout Kentucky, LaRue said.

The foundation awards about $350,000 a year in grants, sponsors artists and writers and hosts workshops and retreats.

This process is keeping us from doing our mission, LaRue said.

Bingham acknowledged it may be a protracted battle.

I think were in for a long process of legal maneuvering to try to force the foundation to do what it was intended to do, she said.

The Bingham break-up

The year was 1986 when Barry Bingham Sr., the head of the family-owned Kentucky media empire, shocked the community and made national headlines with the news he was putting the companies  which included two newspapers, WHAS TV and radio stations and Standard Gravure printing  up for sale.

The year before, Sallie Bingham  one of three Bingham siblings who held shares in the family-owned companies  began planning the foundation, which she expected to fund with her share from the sale. She already had been attempting to sell her 15% share in the company, which media watchers said helped trigger the sale.

In a piece on her blog, Bingham said it was her time at the newspaper that inspired her to create the foundation.

I was aware from my years as book editor at the Courier-Journal of the amount of work that women did at the Bingham companies; almost entirely in lower-paid jobs such as distributing mail, cooking and serving in the company cafeteria, working as secretaries, or cleaning, Bingham wrote. These women were about to lose their jobs with the sale of the company.

Bingham decided to create and endow a foundation that would support and help fund women artists working for social change.

Bingham served as the foundations first director from 1985 until her 1991 move to New Mexico.

Bingham, in an interview, said she relinquished management to the board and a new executive director.

I felt it was better, since I was not going to be living in Kentucky, not to be hovering over the foundation, she said.

Meanwhile, Bingham had begun acquiring two tracts that make up her Wolf Pen Branch farm.

When the farmhouse and five acres of land became available, the foundation, under her direction, bought it from the owners with the intent of making it a retreat for women artists and writers. Later, Bingham said five acres and a smaller house contiguous to the farmhouse became available, which she bought and donated to the foundation.

Bingham, in a blog post, said she named the farmhouse Hopscotch House because I want the women there to have fun.

Changing mission

The foundation initially was started with a plan to spend down its funds in order to help as many writers and artists as possible, the foundations court filing said.

But Bingham later changed the mission to one of maintaining and investing the endowment and using proceeds to fund individuals, it said. The endowment has grown to about $16 million and gives away about 5% of its income annually.

Hopscotch House was meant to be the center of its activities but over time, began to be less feasible as a site for hosting women from across the state, LaRue said.

The 2020 COVID pandemic forced it to suspend hosting group events at the site and because of the need for repairs and other limitations, the foundation ended use of the site in 2022.

It instead has been hosting workshops and retreats through a partnership with the Sisters of Loretto on their campus in Marion County, which LaRue said is more suitable for its participants with lodgings, a dining hall, internet access and other amenities.

In a newsletter sent to members in March 2024, the foundation staff and board members said the foundation had sought professional advice on possible upgrades and repairs to Hopscotch House and learned they would be very costly and difficult to achieve.

The foundation also surveyed participants for their opinions.

Some mentioned concerns about personal safety, because of the remoteness of the site. Others, including women of color, mentioned not feeling comfortable in the affluent, Eastern Jefferson County neighborhood. Others said they preferred a site in closer driving distance.

Everyone wanted updated electricity, a sustainable water source, better internet/Wifi options and other improvements, it said.

After considering these and other factors, the board decided to sell the property, it said.

LaRue said the foundation is seeking to further its mission while adjusting to changing times and needs of artists and writers it supports.

For example, contemporary philanthropy promotes meeting needs of recipients rather than dictating terms. That might involve funding someones trip to a conference or providing a grant for an artist or writer to choose a location to work.

Trust-based philanthropy is the big thing right now, she said. People know what they need. We want our community to be part of the decision making.

LaRue said she and the board remained focused on that mission, but the lawsuit has complicated it, blocking access to funds from the potential sale of Hopscotch House and causing it to spend money on costly legal fees.

We are still giving out grants, but we are blocked from any action on the house, LaRue said.

The post Sallie Bingham, foundation she endowed face off in court over future of Hopscotch House appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN)  Many took to the cool waters of the San Marcos River to celebrate Memorial Day over the weekend. While people floating on the river over the holiday is not new, this was the first Memorial Day weekend with the new single-use container ban, colloquially referred to as the can ban, on the books.

The ordinance, which went into effect on May 1, bans single-use beverage containers on the San Marcos River within the San Marcos city limits. It limits people to only one 30-quart cooler per person on the waterways.

MORE: San Marcos adopts river can ban

A city of San Marcos spokesperson said city marshals observed a mix of compliance and non-compliance over the holiday weekend. From May 25 to May 27, marshals documented 194 verbal interactions regarding the ordinace.

Some river advocates agree it was clear not every person over the weekend was abiding by the new rule.

[Tuesday] morning, we saw a lot of trash  so much plastic. Thats definitely something we want people to be more cognizant of. We want people to follow the park rules, [but] we know theyre still learning, said Virginia Parker, Executive Director of the San Marcos River Foundation.

While the ordinance already went into effect, the city said it would focus on compliance through education and outreach for the first year instead of enforcement.

This year is predominantly an educational focus, Parker said. There will be instances where a user doesnt want to comply with the rules and maybe it escalates. But for the most part, this is an educational summer.

We want people to come in and use the river  love the river. But also we dont want to negatively impact the environment, she continued.

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 KXAN Austin.
Images from the air and the ground have revealed the huge breadth of the devastating landslide that has left as many as 2,000 people buried under rubble in Papua New Guinea.

Satellite imagery from before and after the landslide show a vast section of the landscape in the mountainous Enga region essentially torn away.

The vast size of the slide is even more visible from nearer the ground. More than 150 houses in Yambali village were buried in debris, officials said Sunday. The countrys National Disaster Center said almost 2,000 were feared to be buried.

The landslide hit the remote village of Kaokalam, about 600 kilometers (372 miles) northwest of the capital Port Moresby, at approximately 3 a.m. local time on Friday (1 p.m. Thursday ET), leaving a scar of debris that humanitarian workers said was as big as four football fields.

The landslide essentially tore away a huge swathe of the mountainous landscape. - Juho Valta/UNDP Papua New Guinea/AP

The phenomenon slammed tons of rock and mud into locals homes as they slept, and rescuers struggled to reach such a remote part of what is already one of Asias poorest nations, leaving villagers with no choice but to dig through the collapsed mountainside with whatever tools they had.

Villagers sifted through rubble while awaiting rescue crews to arrive. - Juho Valta/UNDP Papua New Guinea/AP

The area has remained unstable, with smaller landslides occurring regularly and endangering rescue workers, Sandis Tsaka told CNN.

Were getting huge rocks and debris that keep falling down and land further beyond the original landslide area are being impacted, Tsaka said. He added the government had ordered nearly 7,000 people to evacuate.

The region has been particularly difficult for responders to reach. - Juho Valta/UNDP Papua New Guinea/AP

Evit Kambu said after the disaster that she had lost more than a dozen family members.

I have 18 of my family members buried under the debris and soil that I am standing on and a lot more family members in the village I cannot count, she told Reuters. I am the landowner here  but I cannot retrieve the bodies so I am standing here helplessly.

Papua New Guinea is home to around 10 million people. Its vast mountainous terrain and lack of roads have made it difficult to access the affected area.

Miok Michael, a local community leader, told CNN that it was likely there were few survivors. People are gathering and mourning, he said. People have been digging since day one but cant locate bodies as they are covered by huge rocks. Only machines will do.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Save lives and get a chance to see Taylor Swift by donating blood in Kentucky. Heres how

It wont be a Cruel Summer for Taylor Swift fans who donate to the Kentucky Blood Center in the next month: all donors will be entered to win tickets to the Eras Tour.

From May 28 to June 29, all donors who give blood at a Kentucky Blood Center across the commonwealth will be entered to win two tickets to Swifts sold-out Nov. 3 Eras Tour show in Indianapolis and a $500 Visa gift card.

Additionally, every donor will receive an Anti-Hero inspired t-shirt, emblazoned with the phrase, Its me, hi, Im the hero, its me, according to KBC.

In line with the trend of giving away friendship bracelets at Swifts shows, people who donate on Mondays and Tuesdays will also receive friendship bracelets.

Showing our appreciation of donors is always at the top of our mind, so we are particularly excited to give a local lifesaver the opportunity of a lifetime to see an icon at the pinnacle of her career, said Mandy Brajuha, vice president of external relations at KBC.

It takes good fortune to get your hands on tickets like these, but it only takes 45 minutes to save local lives and potentially go to a concert on us.

Blood donations are critical during the summer, as donations typically slow down during this time of year. But the need for donations does not, as transfusions often increase during the summer, according to KBC.

The association with Swift is also an attempt to introduce Swifts fan base, which can skew younger, to the importance of donating blood, KBC said.

Blood donations collected at KBC locations are distributed to more than 70 hospitals around the state, and used for patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatment, organ transplants and other medical needs.

Since the start of the pandemic, blood centers across America have seen young donor turnout at historically low levels, KBC said. While Swift has mass appeal across generations, the nonprofit is hoping to get young donors to make a summer donation or give blood donation at try for the first time.

Blood donations can be made at the following locations around Kentucky:

Beaumont Donor Center, 3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington, KY 40513





Andover Donor Center, 3130 Maple Leaf Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Tri-County Donor Center, 1454 W. Cumberland Gap Parkway, Corbin, KY 40701

Middletown Donor Center, 12905 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40242

Hillview Donor Center, 5406 Antle Drive, Louisville, KY 40229

Frankfort Donor Center, 363 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY 40601

Pikeville Donor Center, 472 S. Mayo Trail, Pikeville, KY 41501

Somerset Donor Center, 10 Stonegate Centre (Stoplight 16A), Somerset, KY 42503

Mobile donation centers around the state. Locations available on the KBC website.
SC stands to have all white Supreme Court as race narrows to 2 candidates

Two candidates remain in the running for South Carolina's Supreme Court, Judge Blake Hewitt, left and Judge Letitia Verdin, right. (Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  South Carolina is expected to have an all-white Supreme Court after the lone Black finalist withdrew Tuesday, but its unlikely to remain all male.

Circuit Court Judge Jocelyn Newman, of Columbia, submitted a letter exiting the race just eight days before the state General Assembly is scheduled to hold an election for the open seat created by the retirement of Chief Justice Don Beatty, legislative staff confirmed.

It appears that Judge Letitia Verdin, of Greenville, has locked up more than enough votes necessary to win.

She had more than 100 commitments from South Carolinas 170 legislators in the three-way contest heading into the long holiday weekend, said Rep. Jason Elliott, R-Greenville, her chief vote-counter.

That means Verdin sealed up her support quickly. Candidates could not start asking for commitments before noon May 22.

And with Newman bowing out, Verdin  who has 15 years of experience on the bench  is certain to pick up more votes to be the newest associate justice. While Beattys impending retirement created the vacancy, the election is actually to fill the seat of Justice John Kittredge once he replaces Beatty.

It is normal for candidates to withdraw from a judicial race in South Carolina once they realize they dont have enough votes to win.

Newman, the daughter of recently retired Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman, was the only candidate of color advanced to the full Legislature for a vote June 5. (By law, the Legislatures judicial screening panel can forward a maximum of three qualified candidates. The other Black female judge who applied was not among the three.)

Newman has been on the bench for eight years.

Barring something highly unusual happening, her withdrawal will make South Carolina the 19th state in the country with an all-white high court. In 12 of those states  13 once South Carolina is added  people of color make up at least 20% of the population, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

A map from the Brennan Center for Justice showing racial diversity on state Supreme Courts across the United States, as of May 2024. (Source: Brennan Center for Justice)

But Verdins likely election would add gender diversity to the nations only all-male state high court.

Judge Blake Hewitt, of Conway, is the other remaining candidate. He was first elected in 2019 after years as an appellate lawyer.

Both Verdin, 53, and Hewitt, 45, sit on the states Court of Appeals.

During judicial screenings of the candidates earlier this month, panelists noted the glowing reviews for Verdin from an anonymous polling of lawyers.

Of the three candidates, Verdin received the most reviews with by far the most positive comments. Only four were negative. By comparison, Newman received 43 negative, anonymous comments. Panelists also questioned Newman about being behind in issuing orders for cases.

South Carolina will join the following states with no justice of color on their Supreme Court, despite having a non-white population of at least 20%:

Alabama, 37% nonwhite

Alaska, 42%

Arkansas, 31%

Idaho, 21%

Indiana, 25%

Kansas, 28%

Nebraska, 24%

Pennsylvania, 27%

South Dakota, 20%

Tennessee, 29%

Utah, 25%

Wisconsin, 21%

Source: Brennan Center for Justice, May 2024 update

Rep. Ivory Thigpen, chairman of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, lamented there no longer being a candidate of color in the running but said the caucus is hopeful that a female candidate will win.

Who lawmakers choose will shape the look of the states highest court for some time.

A seat isnt likely to come available for more than four years. Thats when Kittredge, who will become chief justice this summer, ages out. (State law requires judges to retire from full-time work by Dec. 31 of the year they turn 72.)

Beatty, a former legislator from Spartanburg and the only Black member of the high court, is retiring when his term ends this summer. He turned 72 in April.

For South Carolinians to hold trust in the states courts, Thigpen said, it takes a diverse judiciary bringing a variety of life experiences and reflecting the population it serves. If lawmakers were to elect and all-white male high court, it could run the risk of people losing hope and faith in the judicial system, he said.

This is a tipping point, a litmus test for our General Assembly, the Columbia Democrat told the SC Daily Gazette. And I think we will rise to the occasion.

South Carolina is one of only two states where the Legislature elects nearly all judges. Virginia is the other.

The election of a new justice comes as South Carolinas judiciary has been under intense scrutiny after an all-male court upheld a state law that bans abortions around six weeks into pregnancy.

The court, in a 3-2 decision in early January 2023, had thrown out an earlier version of the so-called fetal heartbeat law as violating the state constitutions protection from unreasonable invasions of privacy. At that time, there was one woman on the court, Justice Kaye Hearn, who wrote the majority opinion that was blasted by GOP lawmakers as judicial activism. It was her last opinion before she retired.

Hearns replacement, Justice Gary Hill, was elected after two female judges dropped out of the race before the Legislature voted.

Thigpen advocated for Verdins selection when the Legislature returns to Columbia next week for the state Supreme Court election.

Having served at the family, circuit and appeals court levels, Verdin brings not only gender diversity but a range of experience, even though shes been on the state Appeals Court for only a year, Thigpen said.

He also said the Supreme Court race underscores the importance of having a pipeline of diverse candidates, starting at the law school level and continuing through all levels of the court system. The states Appeals Court is made up of four white female judges, one Black male, and four white males.

Because both remaining Supreme Court candidates serve at the appellate level, Thigpen said it could create an opening for more racial diversity on the Appeals Court.

Diversity still remains a challenge for our judicial bench, he said. I know diversity and inclusion have become political buzzwords, but the reality is its what makes us who we are.

The 18 states that already have no person of color on their state Supreme Court are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming, according to the Brennan Center for Justices latest update last week, which is unchanged from last year.

The post SC stands to have all white Supreme Court as race narrows to 2 candidates appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed that relations between the two countries are good and not in crisis, as some have said in the past.

"We will always agree and we are moving forward," Macron said at the Franco-German Council of Ministers on Tuesday.

Scholz spoke of the cohesion between Berlin and Paris during the coronavirus pandemic and their joint support for Ukraine. "That is why I am quite sure that the Franco-German friendship will continue in future, especially when it comes to economic decisions about the future," he said at the gathering at Meseberg Palace near Berlin.

"We always come to an agreement," he said, adding this had been true in the past and was a good forecast for the future.

Macron emphasised that there have always been claims of crises in recent decades but even if a proposal was made and no response came right away, it did not mean this was a crisis.

People do not always share the same view, and that is legitimate, he said. The job is to overcome the differences and find a common solution. This would then never be completely German or completely French, but Franco-German, Macron said.

"Precisely because our two countries also incorporate different perspectives, the probability that an understanding that takes place between the two of us is also one that works well for many others is quite high," Scholz said.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa
Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) welcomes France's President Emmanuel Macron, to the Franco-German Ministerial Council in front of Schloss Meseberg, the German Government's guest house. Michael Kappeler/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron demonstrated unity on Ukraine and on the EU's Franco-German axis after government consultations Tuesday at the close of a three-day state visit by the French leader.

Scholz and Macron agreed that relations between the two countries are good and not in crisis, as some have said in the past.

"We will always agree and we are moving forward," Macron said at the Franco-German Council of Ministers on Tuesday.

Scholz spoke of the cohesion between Berlin and Paris during the coronavirus pandemic and their joint support for Ukraine. "That is why I am quite sure that the Franco-German friendship will continue in future, especially when it comes to economic decisions about the future," he said at the gathering at Meseberg Palace near Berlin.

"We always come to an agreement," he said, adding this had been true in the past and was a good forecast for the future.

Macron emphasized that there have always been claims of crises in recent decades but even if a proposal was made and no response came right away, it did not mean this was a crisis.

Franco-German relationship

The Franco-German relationship has been problematic over the past two years of the Scholz government, with differences over Ukraine and over economic links with the United States and China.

While Macron has called for greater European autonomy and measures to protect the European economy from US and Chinese competition, Scholz has maintained Germany's traditional trans-Atlantic posture and sought to retain German access to Chinese markets.

Scholz has also been deeply sceptical of Macron's suggestion that European ground troops might become involved in the Ukraine War.

Support for Ukraine

Germany and France want the major Western industrialized nations to provide further billions in aid for Ukraine, Scholz said at a Franco-German government consultations.

The possibility of using interest income from the frozen assets of the Russian central bank was being examined, he said at Meseberg Palace.

"We want to give Ukraine access to billions in additional funding so that it can reliably provide its defence and thus further increase the security of the whole of Europe," Scholz said, adding that the aim is to pool and strengthen the efforts of the G7 states and the EU.

Let Ukraine target Russian positions on Russian territory: Macron

Macron spoke out in favour of allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons to attack Russian positions on Russian territory, as the question was discussed elsewhere in Europe.

"We think that we should allow them to neutralise the military sites from which the missiles are fired and basically the military sites from which Ukraine is attacked," Macron said after his talks with Scholz.

"We should not allow other targets in Russia to be hit, civilian capacities of course, or other military targets," he added.

Scholz emphasised that Ukraine had every option under international law for what it was doing. "We have to say this explicitly: it is under attack and can defend itself."

More optimism

Earlier Tuesday, Macron called for more optimism and drive in Europe. "I believe we need to be more optimistic," he said in an acceptance speech after receiving the International Award of the Peace of Westphalia.

"Being optimistic as Europeans means being sure that Europe is the right answer." This refers to the major current challenges such as the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis and the threat to democracy.

"We are too divided, too slow and too timid in Europe, that is the reality," said Macron. The EU needs to simplify processes, act faster and invest more, he said. Europeans need to join forces on security and defence and establish joint armed forces, according to Macron.

The European states would also only have a chance of overcoming the climate crisis and developing future technologies and artificial intelligence together and not on their own, also in the face of competition from China and the United States, he said.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Macron as a driving force behind European development and Franco-German friendship.

"You are not just a doer, you are an encourager. Where others speak of borders, you speak of horizons," Steinmeier said in Munster, where Macron was awarded the prize.

Competitive EU

In a joint article in the Financial Times published on Monday, Scholz and Macron called for a competitiveness agenda to be at the centre of the EU's next five-year term after the European elections in June.

Europe must be a strong global industrial and technological leader and at the same time realise its goal of making the EU the first climate-neutral continent, according to the article.

In order to fulfil these ambitions, the EU needs "more innovation, more single market, more investment, more level playing field and less bureaucracy." Together, they will work to strengthen the EU's sovereignty and reduce critical dependencies, the leaders wrote.

Scholz and Macron called for the EU's technological capabilities to be strengthened by promoting cutting-edge research and innovation as well as the necessary infrastructure.

One of Europe's greatest strengths is the single market, which enables companies to develop innovative products and services, grow and compete while ensuring high standards, they wrote.

"We have to make full use of and significantly accelerate existing EU instruments, from important projects of common European interest to the role of public procurement, considering a more strategic approach in relevant sectors, and to modernise our competition rules in view of global competitiveness," the leaders wrote.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) welcomes France's President Emmanuel Macron, to the Franco-German Ministerial Council in front of Schloss Meseberg, the German Government's guest house. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) welcomes France's President Emmanuel Macron, to the Franco-German Ministerial Council in front of Schloss Meseberg, the German Government's guest house. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) stands next to France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the press conference at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in front of Schloss Meseberg, the guest house of the German Government. Michael Kappeler/dpa

French President Emmanuel Macron (L), of France, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier walk through the park of Wilkinghege Castle. Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. David Inderlied/dpa

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks in the ballroom of Muenster's historic town hall during the award ceremony for the International Peace of Westphalia Prize. Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, speaks in the ballroom of Muenster's historic town hall at the award ceremony for the International Peace of Westphalia Prize. French President Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Steinmeier. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Sen. Chuck Schumer called out the Canadian government in a Tuesday news conference at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, asking the government to end the flagpoling practice that has led to increased wait times at the Canada-U.S. borders.

The method allows temporary Canadian residents who require work permits or visas to come into the United States for as little as a few hours and get their paperwork processed at the border, later receiving their needed permits within days. Schumer said that residents do this in lieu of sending their permits in the mail, which can take up to nine months to be processed.

Schumer said that this legal loophole ties up a border agent for as much as a half hour for a single temporary resident, which has led to increased wait times at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, Peace Bridge in Buffalo, and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge in Lewiston.

He is calling on the Canadian government to close the loophole.

With the summer on the horizon, the busy tourist season is going to get busier and this practice continues to climb, Schumer said Tuesday. The traffic at the bridge for Americans, for Western New Yorkers, will get worse and worse.

The crossings in Western New York are some of the busiest border crossings into Canada in the country.

Schumer said that there were around 20,000 cases of flagpoling at the northern border in 2023, and those numbers increased in January: 700 at Rainbow Bridge, 570 at Peace Bridge and 420 at Lewiston-Queenston.

Long wait times discourage tourists, delay goods and hurt our Western New York economy, Schumer said.

Niagara Falls Bridge Commission CEO Ken Bieger added that many of these residents come to the border crossings in Ubers or taxis, which creates a safety hazard and confusion as the temporary residents walk around the border crossing area.

You can imagine the safety concerns and the stress this places on our bridge operators and custom agency resources, Bieger said.

He said that this has been an issue for years, but has become a larger problem in the past six to seven years due to increases in temporary residents coming to Canada from other foreign nations.

Schumer will work with NY-26 Congressman Tim Kennedy on this issue. Kennedy said Tuesday that he plans to join the houses Northern Border Caucus, a caucus in which his predecessor, Brian Higgins, was involved in.

Our community here in Western New York is right on the border of our greatest ally to the north, Canada, Kennedy said. We are dealing with issues each and every day, this flagpoling issue is one of those issues.

You can view Tuesdays news conference in full in the media player above.

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As the cocoa beans only make up a relatively small proportion of the harvested fruit, both the land area and greenhouse gas emissions associated with this crop are comparatively high. Christin Klose/dpa

Researchers in Zurich say they have developed a more sustainable and healthier means of making chocolate, a snack that's as much associated with fat as it is with carbon emissions.

Traditionally, chocolate is made with only a small part of the cocoa fruit, the cocoa beans, but the newly developed approach cuts down on food waste by using more parts of the cocoa fruit, some of which serve as sweeteners.

"Our process uses solely cocoa pod components in the chocolate," say the team led by Kim Mishra from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) in the journal Nature Food.

"It also has comparable sweet taste as traditional chocolate while offering improved nutritional value with higher fibre and reduced saturated fatty acid content."

In addition, the production of this chocolate could "reduce land use and global warming potential compared with average European dark chocolate production," they say.

As the cocoa beans only make up a relatively small proportion of the harvested fruit, both the land area and greenhouse gas emissions associated with this crop are comparatively high.

"Therefore, an increased utilization of other parts of the cocoa pod, such as the pulp and cocoa pod husk, could not only contribute to income diversification among farmers but also reduce major environmental impacts during the cultivation phase," the researchers write.

The elongated cocoa fruit has a hard outer layer. If you cut open the fruit, you can see the shell and the cocoa beans lined up inside, each surrounded by light-coloured pulp. In the new process, the cocoa beans from Ghana were roasted, shelled, ground and sterilised as usual, resulting in the cocoa mass.

The team then utilised the inner part of the cocoa fruit shell and processed it into a powder. This was mixed with some of the pulp to create a sweet jelly. This replaced the granulated sugar normally added to the new chocolate.

The study's authors say that despite the necessary additional processing this chocolate recipe is on average more environmentally friendly than the conventional one.

According to the ETH, the cocoa fruit chocolate has a slightly higher fibre content than an average European dark chocolate thanks to the cocoa jelly used as a sweetener - 15 grams compared to 12 grams per 100 grams. It also contains only 23 grams of saturated fatty acids compared to 33 grams in an average European dark chocolate.

Small farmers could use the new chocolate to market other components of the fruit and thus gain additional income, the researchers write. Only the outer skin of the fruit remains, which, according to ETH, is traditionally mainly used as fuel or composted.

Mishra says their chocolate is "appealing and comparable in terms of flavour." Sadly for all chocolate lovers with a conscience, it will be some time before chocolate using this recipe can be bought in shops.

"Now, the entire value chain has to be completed, starting with the cocoa farmers, who need drying facilities. Only when enough powder is produced by the food processing company can the cocoa fruit chocolate be produced and marketed on a larger scale by a chocolate producer." ETH has applied for a patent for the recipe for cocoa fruit chocolate.

Eating large amounts of chocolate is both bad for your health and bad for the climate. Luckily, researchers from Zurich are now saying they have developed what they say is a healthier and more environmentally friendly product. Robert Gunther/dpa
RAMALLAH, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for the Palestinian presidency, blamed the U.S. administration on Tuesday for the ongoing escalation in Rafah, the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip.

"We hold the U.S. administration fully responsible for the situation in Rafah and across Gaza," Abu Rudeineh told reporters in Ramallah, adding that the Israeli side ignored the ruling of an international court and has turned the city "unlivable."

He criticized the U.S. administration's silence on Israeli actions, calling it an endorsement of what he termed as a "genocidal war" against Palestinians.

Abu Rudeineh also pointed out the continued political, financial, and military support provided by the United States to Israel, despite widespread international opposition to Israeli aggression.

He warned of the potential complete reoccupation of Gaza with "unprecedented American support" for the Israeli government's plans, urging immediate compliance with the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s ruling.

Israel has been persisting in its assault on Rafah, where over 1 million displaced Palestinians are taking refuge, despite the recent ruling by ICJ ordering a halt to its attacks.

Additionally, Abu Rudeineh saw the recognition of Palestine by Spain, Norway, and Ireland as a sign of growing European support, with ongoing efforts from Palestine and other Arab states to persuade more countries to recognize the Palestinian state. 
A search continued in Louisiana on Tuesday after a group of inmates, several of them arrested in connection with a homicide, busted out of jail over the weekend.

Omarion Hookfin, 19; Avery Guidry, 19; Jamarcus Cyprian, 20; and Travon Johnson, 21, all escaped through a weak spot in the chain link fence circling Tangipahoa Parish Jail, Chief Jimmy Travis of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office told reporters during a news conference Monday. Guidry and Johnson slipped out of the facility first by shimmying beneath a gap in the barrier on Saturday and then scaling two wire fences, WDSU reported.

Jail officials did not know about the breakouts until they received a phone call Sunday afternoon from a family member of one of the escapees, Travis said. The caller said Guidry and Johnson turned up at their home looking for a place to stay.

By then, Hookfin and Cyprian had also managed to escape the jail, likely using the same methods, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office.

Some hours later, authorities located the first two escapees, according to police, after a tipster who saw the wanted pair called authorities. They were discovered inside a dumpster behind a Dollar General, the sheriffs office announced Monday. They were both taken into custody without issue.

Hoofkin and Cyprian remain at large.

Giudry, Johnson and Hoofkin had each been jailed in connection with a 2022 homicide in Hammond. Hoofkin is also facing a charge of aggravated battery for an unrelated incident. Police said all three men were among a group of suspects who broke into home of Donte Perry. He was fatally shot during the confrontation and his 12-year-old daughter was struck 10 times by the gunfire, WWL-TV.

Cyrprian was serving time for armed robbery and weapons charges.

Anyone with information about the escapees has been asked to contact the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office. Those who wish to remain anonymous can also call CrimeStoppers, the sheriffs office said.
Search called off for alligator that went missing in Kansas Citys Northland

Search efforts for the alligator reported missing from a middle school in Kansas Citys Northland have been called off as of Tuesday.

We have really received not a lot of information regarding this case, said Tori Fugate, chief communications officer for KC Pet Project. In the best interests of everybody, everybodys time and the other cases we are working on right now, we decided to cease on the broad efforts. We will continue to patrol the area.

The 14-inch gator was brought to the Northland on May 23 by a mobile petting zoo as part of an end-of-year party at Lakeview Middle School. After the little reptiles big jailbreak, KC Pet Project employees and fire personnel searched the grounds for days, aided by a Kansas City Fire Department drone.

We had a lot of people out there looking, Fugate said. Our officers searched for hours the day after. They were literally covered in ticks from searching all the creek beds around the area.

No alligator sightings were reported by community members despite multiple pleas, Fugate said. One Northland resident did call about a dead animal on the side of the road over the weekend, which turned out to be a turtle.

Employees routinely search for 30 to 40 missing animals a day, Fugate said.

Alligators can grow to 10-14 feet in length depending on their sex. The one that escaped was 14-inches long and had its mouth taped shut at the time.

Fugate previously told the Star that concerns for the alligators welfare were much stronger than any danger posed to the public. Without a way to eat or drink, it is unlikely the alligator could survive in the wild, Fugate said.

Though its possible the tape could have come loose, Fugate still isnt optimistic about the gators fate.

However, KC Pet Project has not confirmed that the gator is deceased.

It does appear that it was electrical tape that maybe it was secured with, so if the tape does get wet, theres a possibility it could get it off, Fugate said. But it is a very small animal, so there are predators that could get it here. There are all sorts of things that could happen to the animal.

KC Pet Projects animal control division is still pursuing legal citations against all parties involved, including the mobile petting zoo, which did not have the proper permits, Fugate said.

Alligators are illegal in Kansas City, Missouri.
A 49-year-old man was taken to Harborview Medical Center after being shot near the Atlantic City Boat Ramp on Sunday night.

Around 9 p.m., Seattle Police Department officers answered a 911 call of shots fired at the park.

When police arrived, they found the man with a gunshot wound to one of his arms.

Seattle Fire Department crews responded and provided aid to the victim before transporting the man to the hospital.

According to police, several vehicles had bullet damage, and police were able to collect more than a dozen casings.

The Gun Violence Reduction Unit is looking into the circumstances that led to the assault.

Detectives ask anyone with information to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
Right-wing pundits and MAGA loyalists are losing their minds over something they made up, falsely claiming the Secret Service is knee-deep in preparations to ship their beloved Trump off to jail.

Tweet screenshot

Tweet screenshot

Tweet screenshot

Reality is far less electrifying: CBS reported Tuesday that theres little clarity on what would happen if Trump is found guilty in criminal court ahead of jury deliberations for his hush-money trial. Within that news item, CBS referred to an unnamed Department of Corrections source who said that, as part of exploring the full scope of possibilities ahead of a verdict in Trumps hush-money trial, Secret Service met with local jail officialsin this case, likely officials at New York Citys notorious Rikers Island.

Its not even clear where Trump would be imprisoned, if he is at all. Trumps 34 felony charges could entail sentences of up to four years in prisonper charge. In New York City, felony convictions with sentences over a year are typically sent to state prisons, not carried out at Rikers Island, which is technically only supposed to hold people whose sentences are around one year, as well as people held pretrial. A freshly convicted Trump could potentially be held temporarily at Rikers before being transferred to a state penitentiary, but this all rests on whether Judge Juan Merchan pursues hard time for Trump at all.

The process is unusualmost convicts dont come with their own lifetime Secret Service detailbut is altogether routine for the matter at hand and by no means indicates Trump will be sent to the pokey: As CBS notes, Merchan may favor sentencing Trump to house arrest. Merchan previously described jailing Trump as truly a last resort for me when Trump repeatedly violated his gag order, taking into consideration the difficulties for Secret Service and jail staff to ensure Trumps safety behind bars.

Jury deliberations in Trumps hush-money trial are expected to begin Wednesday. Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He has pleaded not guilty.
The southern state of Rio Grande do Sul was hit by unprecedented floods this month - NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images

More than 50 cases of the waterborne leptospirosis disease have been confirmed in the wake of Brazils devastating floods, leaving at least four dead with warnings of additional fatalities to come.

The southern state of Rio Grande do Sul was hit by weeks of unprecedented floods in May after being inundated with torrential rains. More than 2.3 million people have been affected, 165 killed, and at least 581,000 displaced by the climate disaster.

Now, the health department is battling a new threat  an outbreak of leptospirosis.

Fifty-four cases of the zoonotic disease  which is spread through water contaminated with infected animals urine  have been confirmed, and as many as 800 suspected cases are being investigated.

With many towns still under water, authorities have warned additional fatalities are likely.

A resident leaves her flooded home by boat navigating a street in Eldorado do Sul - CARLOS FABAL/AFP via Getty Images

The water is going to recede but theres still going to be a lot of it, and leptospirosis can survive in that water for weeks, said Dr Max Eyre, a leptospirosis expert at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, working in Brazil. Its a serious problem and likely to get a lot worse.

The disease is caused by spirochete bacterium from the genus Leptospira and tends to occur during heavy rainfall or flooding. It is estimated to cause more than one million human cases and almost 60,000 deaths globally each year.

Symptoms range in severity from a mild disease with fever, chills and headaches lasting around a week, to life-threatening illness which can lead to kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis and pulmonary haemorrhage.

Of those who are hospitalised, between five and 16 per cent die.

Seek care immediately, said health minister Nisia Trindade. We cannot tell people not to have contact with water, because this is the situation in most municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, but try to wear boots, gloves, be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Locals use boats to move around their neighbourhood following the floods - NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images

The health department has also urged people to avoid consuming water or food that might be contaminated with flood water.

The disease is understood to be able to affect every mammal in the world  and has even been detected in seals in New Zealand and California  but is often spread in urban settings via rats.

Affected rats shed the disease in their urine, they deposit it always and everywhere. In one study in Salvador [in the northeastern state of Bahia] we found about 80 per cent of rats were actively shedding, says Dr Eyre. Then suddenly a flood comes and carries it into peoples houses.

Many of the areas affected in Brazil are informal settlements, with open sewers and poor rubbish collection systems, which leads to a huge proliferation of rats living among the people, according to Dr Eyre.

The four victims were all men aged between 33 and 67 and lived in different cities.

Everyone is at risk if they have contact with water or soil without waterproof boots, warned Dr Eyre, adding that the confirmed cases are only the tip of the iceberg.

Anyone who comes into contact with water or soil without waterproof boots is at risk - ANSELMO CUNHA/AFP via Getty Images

People affected need to receive early treatment with antibiotics to avoid severe infections, but this can be difficult in flood settings as healthcare infrastructure collapses.

The disaster struck more than 80 per cent of the states municipalities and has affected more than 3,000 health establishments, such as hospitals, pharmacies and clinics, according to the federal governments health research institute Fiocruz.

One of the main problems after flooding is that people dont have access to healthcare, said Dr Eyre. With leptospirosis they can also be misdiagnosed  it has non-specific symptoms like headaches and malaise  and doctors might tell them to go home. Education and communication about the disease is important.

Given the scale of the crisis, the health minister has urged doctors to prescribe antibiotics before test results are confirmed. It is not necessary to confirm the disease by testing to apply the medication, Ms Trindade said. The symptoms are enough for healthcare professionals and doctors to recommend it.

Aerial view of the flooded Beira-Rio stadium of the Brazilian football team Internacional in Porto Alegre - ANSELMO CUNHA/AFP via Getty Images

Authorities had previously predicted a surge in infectious diseases, including leptospirosis and hepatitis B, as sewage mixed into the floodwaters. They are also concerned about respiratory and infectious diseases, and have urged flood victims to be vaccinated against influenza, Covid-19, tetanus, hepatitis A and rabies.

Dr Eyre noted that it is common for leptospirosis to come hand-in-hand with other diseases.

Leptospirosis is very climate dependent, and one of the classic issues is that it usually comes at the same time as other diseases like zika, dengue, he said, noting that Brazil has been battling a major dengue epidemic this year.

Brazil sees approximately 4,000 annual cases of the disease annually, with a 10 per cent fatality rate, according to researchers. Outbreaks occur primarily during the rainy season and mostly affect young adults between the ages of 20 and 49.

The clean up operation also increases the risks of injuries from venomous animals such as scorpions, snakes and spiders which had sought shelter in former houses.

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***Editors Note: This alert has been canceled.***

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Police are asking for the publics assistance in locating a missing man out of Charlotte.

A Missing Endangered Alert was issued by the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons for Gordon Lewis, 90. He was last seen at his home near 3700 Margaret Wallace Road in southeast Charlotte. He left the home in a 2010 silver Chevy Silverado. Surveillance video captured the vehicle around 7:55 p.m. in Charleston County, South Carolina and officials say he may be headed towards Georgia.

Lewis is believed to be suffering from a cognitive impairment.

Anyone with information should contact Det. Frazita at 704-336-7600.

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.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Chuck Hall, R-Perry, speaks with reporters after reaching a budget agreement with the House and Governor on May 22 at the state Capitol. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday sent the lower chamber the states general appropriations bill in anticipation of a Friday adjournment.

Senate Bill 1125 lays out the framework for the $12.47 billion fiscal year 2025 budget agreement announced last week.

The new fiscal year begins July 1.

The measure passed by a vote of 31-11, with five Republicans joining six Democrats to vote against the measure.

Democrats argued the measure did not provide enough for education, child care, mental health and health care. They said the measure shifted more funds to private schools and private prisons.

This budget has millions of dollars of sweetheart deals for big, private businesses that have no transparency or accountability, said Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. This budget gives bigger increases to private schools than to our public schools and those private schools do not have requirements for transparency or accountability for those taxpayers funds.

Kirt was referring to a $50 million increase to the $150 million cap for a program that provides tax credits to those who want to send their children to private schools.

Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, said lawmakers missed the chance to eradicate child hunger by not providing more dollars for child nutrition programs.

Hungry kids cant learn, Hicks said. And what we see this year is actually a reduction in state support for the child nutrition programs.

But Republicans said the budget puts much needed dollars into deferred maintenance and infrastructure needs.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, said the budget provides for increases to long-term care provider rates and funds to reduce the waiting list for CareerTech programs.

It provides for the elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and leaves a cash safety net for the state, Hall said.

It also provides additional dollars to deal with domestic violence and to help sheriffs, Hall said.

A deferred maintenance program will invest $350 million into state-owned properties, higher education facilities and state parks, Hall said.

For the first time in recent history, the budget negotiation process was open to the public and live streamed.

Lawmakers must adjourn by 5 p.m. Friday.

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Sending troops to Ukraine 'shouldn't be ruled out,' Polish FM says

Poland should not rule out sending its troops to Ukraine, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in an interview with the newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza published on May 28.

The notion of Western troops being sent to Ukraine has been hotly debated since French President Emmanuel Macron said that Western military presence in Ukraine cannot be "ruled out" in the future.

The U.S. and multiple European allies, as well as NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, have distanced themselves from Macron's statement.

"We should not rule out any option. Let (Russian President Vladimir) Putin guess what we will do," Sikorski said in answer to Gazeta Wyborcza's question about the possibility of sending Polish troops to Ukraine.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, in turn, said that Finland is not considering sending its troops to Ukraine, the Finnish outlet Yle reported on May 27.

Stubb's announcement comes after a Der Spiegel's article from May 26 said that Baltic states and Poland consider sending their troops to Ukraine if Russia achieves a breakthrough.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also reiterated the president's stance. Orpo told Yle that he does not consider such a scenario possible for Finland, even if Russia moves deeper into Ukraine.

The prime minister added that Finland agreed to support Ukraine on the conditions established by Ukrainian authorities. Those include weapons supply and military training as of now, according to Orpo.

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said earlier that the idea of sending Western troops to Ukraine has not advanced either in Estonia or at the EU level since "there is no clear understanding among the allies what it would bring."

Some NATO member states were also discussing the possibility of sending military instructors or contractors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian troops and assist with equipment repairs, the New York Times reported in mid-May.

Read also: Estonian PM: NATO training soldiers in Ukraine wont escalate war

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Changes to Floridas social studies standards are once again causing controversy.

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Last year the addition of a learning objective teaching skills slaves learned that cause be used to their benefit made national headlines.

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Separation of church and state advocates are now raising the alarm about a change they fear could lead to students being taught about the Ten Commandments in school.

The proposed change to Floridas social studies standards would require 6th-grade students to be taught about the impact of ancient Jewish civilizations on the United States constitutional Republic.

Devon Graham with American Atheists argued the change may seem benign, but it could stand to perpetuate the idea the US is a Judeo-Christian country.

Quite frankly its exclusionary to students who are not from Christian or Jewish backgrounds, said Graham.

On the other hand, State Representative Randy Fine (R-Palm Bay), who is Jewish, argued references to other religions in state standards have not faced the same pushback.

READ: Florida Virtual High School celebrates graduation of 1,163 students

If people dont have an issue with the six pillars of Islam being taught in our schools, and Islam had absolutely nothing to do with the founding of our country, well then they can save me the outrage when we talk about the influence of Jewish Americans, said Fine.

But Stephana Ferrell with the Florida Freedom to Read Project noted a previous draft of the change made reference to ancient Christianity as well.

We see this backchannel way of bringing Christian Nationalism viewpoints potentially into our classroom, said Ferrell.

Additionally, she pointed to a civics training presentation given to Florida teachers last year that makes numerous references to Judeo-Christian influence on the countrys founders.

It goes to a point where we might be teaching that our founders were Christian and believed that we were a Christian nation in our founding, said Ferrell.

READ: Duval County School Board votes 7-0 to select Christopher Bernier as next DCPS superintendent

But Fine argued acknowledging the influence of Judeo-Christian values on the United States shouldnt be objectionable.

And if these people dont like it, there are many other countries around the world they can move to that dont have that foundation. But we dont change our history because liberals dont like it, said Fine.

The Florida Board of Education is set to vote on the change to standards at a meeting in Miami on Wednesday.

If approved, Graham said she believes the change could potentially face a court challenge.

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JOHANNESBURG, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Tuesday condemned Israel for the "unlawful targeting of refugee camps" in Gaza's southern city of Rafah.

"The South African government joins the international community in condemning the deplorable and brutal attacks on innocent civilians after Israeli forces bombed a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in a designated safe zone in Rafah, killing dozens of people including women and children, with some of these victims reported to be in critical condition," said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in a statement.

South Africa, according to the statement, was "gravely" concerned with the continuous targeting of hospitals, medical infrastructure, schools and holy sites, which shelter civilians who endure most of the inhumane attacks.

"Nothing can justify the deliberate killing and injuring of civilians as an entire population endures destruction at a scale and speed without parallel in modern history," the statement said.

The department noted that the "heinous attacks" came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah.

The continued attacks on innocent civilians pose a risk to humanitarian supplies, basic services in Gaza, the survival of the Palestinian medical system, and the survival of Palestinians in Gaza as a group, it said.

It pointed out that "the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over the situation in Palestine," adding that "we therefore call on the office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to urgently act to ensure accountability for those that commit heinous crimes and protect the rights of Palestinians."

"It is the collective duty of the international community to ensure that atrocities of this nature are duly prosecuted in terms of the Rome Statute and the Geneva Conventions," it added.

In the statement, South Africa also said the Israeli attack shows that the country did the right thing by approaching the ICJ last year, asking for an interdict to stop Israel from committing genocide in Palestine.

"What we are witnessing today bears testimony to South Africa's assertions," it said. 
Serial Killer Accused of Murdering More than 20 Women Was 'Speared in the Head' in Prison

Robert Pickton, 74, was attacked by another inmate on May 19, the Correctional Service of Canada confirmed to PEOPLE

Getty Robert Pickton

A Canadian serial killer is now fighting for his life after being assaulted in a Quebec maximum-security institution where he was being held.

Robert Pickton, 74, was attacked by another inmate during a "major assault" on May 19, the Correctional Service of Canada confirmed to PEOPLE, but further details on the attack and his current condition were not shared.

However, a spokesperson for Surete du Quebec (the police department in Quebec) told CBC News that Pickton is currently in a medically induced coma. CBS News reports he is in "life-threatening condition."

An unnamed source told The Province that Pickton was "speared in the head with a broken broom-like handle."

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Pickton was accused of killing 26 women, and in a 2007 trial, he was convicted of murdering six women, CBS News reports. The victims were Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Georgina Papin and Marnie Frey. The remains or DNA of 33 women were also found on his pig farm, CBC and CBS News report.

The sister of one of Pickton's victims spoke to CBC about the prison assault.

"I said, 'Good for him, he deserved it,'" Georgina Papin's sister, Tammy Lynn Papin, told the outlet.

Lorimer Shenher, a former lead Vancouver police detective, also spoke out about the assault.

Obviously, Mr. Pickton has caused a lot of pain for many people," Shenher said, The Province reports. "Unfortunately, all an attack like this serves to do is further thwart the truth of this case from being told so that all the remaining perpetrators could be brought to justice. Its been an open secret for more than 20 years that these murders were not committed solely by the hands of Robert Pickton.



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Seven police officers shot at, killed man after chase that ended in Kansas City, Kansas

A man died after seven police officers shot at him following an alleged carjacking and chase that ended with the armed suspect firing at police Monday night in Kansas City, Kansas, investigators said.

Around 6:45 p.m., a caller told Kansas City, Missouri, police that two men had stolen her blue 2010 GMC Terrain at gunpoint from the area of East 24th Street and Highland Avenue, according to Melissa Underwood, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Police spotted the SUV around 8 p.m. in the 1500 block of The Paseo and chased the vehicle when the driver refused to stop, Underwood said.

The pursuit crossed state lines, and officers from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department joined. Officials from the Kansas Highway Patrol and Mission Police Department also joined the chase.

At 8:17 p.m., a 21-year-old passenger exited the GMC around South 18th Street and Steele Road, where he was apprehended by law enforcement, Underwood said.

Minutes later, a highway patrol trooper conducted a tactical intervention that forced the GMC to spin, hit a guardrail and come to a stop around U.S. 69 Highway and the 18th Street Expressway.

Investigators believe the 41-year-old driver fired rounds at law enforcement once the SUV came to a stop. Then, two Kansas City, Kansas police officers and five Kansas City, Missouri officers returned fire and struck the man multiple times, Underwood said.

The man was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No law enforcement officers were injured.

A KBI investigation of the shooting is ongoing. The findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorneys Office.
Seven wholesale dealers in Wisconsin get licenses revoked by Department of Transportation

(WFRV)  Seven wholesale dealers in Dodge County reportedly had their licenses revoked after allegedly failing to maintain a dealer bond.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), seven dealers at two different Beaver Dam locations had their wholesale dealer license revoked. The release says that the licenses were revoked for violating state law when they allegedly failed to maintain a dealer bond.

Wisconsin law reportedly requires wholesale dealers to carry a security bond to make sure if they do something illegal that a consumer can file a claim against their bond to recoup any money lost. It is mentioned maintaining a bond is a standard business practice.

Marinette County wholesale dealer has license revoked by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Below is a breakdown of the dealers who had their licenses revoked:

Dealers at 822 Park Avenue Sales Service LLC Best Choice Auto LLC

Dealers at 1645 Spring Street New Era Motors LLC K&E Auto Sales LLC Auto Expo LLC 47 Brothers LLC K Dollar LLC



The licenses of these dealers were revoked effective May 25. Dealers are given 30 days to appeal, and no appeals were reportedly received.

In recent years, Wisconsin has seen a dramatic increase in the number of wholesale dealer licenses and consumer complaints resulting in investigations. Wisconsin is one of the few states that offers wholesale dealer licenses to business owners. A Wisconsin wholesale dealer license allows businesses to only sell vehicles between dealer to dealer. A wholesaler may not sell vehicles to the public. Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Mountain firefighter retires after over 50 years of service

More information can be found on WisDOTs website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
KILLEEN  The photos pour in from one military family after another, all snapshots of their happiest moments. Pictures at the zoo, at Chick-fil-A, at birthday parties, at Christmas, at a museum showcasing Army tanks. Pictures of hand-holding and hugs, and occasionally, silly faces.

All the photos show enlisted parents enjoying time with their kids before the Army shipped them off to their next mission, thousands of miles from home.

It's very important to have some kind of memory to hang on to, said Evelyn ONeill, part of the volunteer sewing brigade with the Armed Services YMCA that turns those family photos into colorful personalized quilts and pillowcases to comfort military children while their parents are deployed.

You have pictures in the house and things like that, she told me, but when you're wrapped with love and you see your dad's or mom's picture on it, that's what counts a lot.

Since 2009, the Killeen branch of Operation Kid Comfort has produced more than 10,000 personalized quilts for the children of deployed parents, all at no charge. It's one of only six Armed Services YMCA locations around the country that produces these tender keepsakes for military kids.

Operation Kid Comfort quilter Evelyn O'Neill shows an almost complete quilt made for a child at Fort Cavazos on Wednesday at the Armed Forces YMCA in Killeen. Operation Kid Comfort provides handmade quilts and pillowcases for children whose loved ones are deployed.

The quilting circle gathers most Wednesdays in the back room of an old, tan brick storefront on a quiet downtown street, a mile from Fort Cavazos. All four women are retired military or military spouses. They know the strain of deployment, the burden of a nation shouldered by a fraction of Americas families.

ONeill, who grew up in a military family and married an Army man, knows that burden well. She was 10 when her father, serving in Vietnam, was taken prisoner of war. She still remembers her mother's screams as two soldiers delivered the news. O'Neill worried about her father and feared she might see his face on TV.

Finally, after one long year, he came home.

There's that joy, that hope that you're waiting for when your parent comes back to you, ONeill said, and that's why we do what we do, because we know how that feels, and we want to give that hope and that joy back to that child.

Offering comfort to kids in need

The quilt requests arrive through email. ONeill prints out the photos, using special cloth paper in a regular inkjet printer. Then she places the pictures into kits for other members of the quilting circle, who pick the colors and fabric patterns for each blanket after studying the photos.

We try to see, what is their favorite color? What do they like to do? said ONeill, pointing at a photo of a toddler with his dad. Like here, you can see he's got a quilt with Spider-Man on it. So maybe we do something with superheroes.

Children age 6 and under get a quilt. Kids ages 7-12 get a personalized pillowcase.

Antionette Wiggins was a single mom when she served in the Armys Air Defense Artillery Branch, retiring in 1995 from what was then Fort Hood. Now, as senior director of military programs at the Armed Services YMCA in Killeen, she makes sure the quilters have all the cloth, ink, thread and other supplies they need.

Killeen Armed Forces YMCA Senior Director of Military Programs Antionette Wiggins folds a nearly complete Operation Kid Comfort quilt. Each quilt features eight photos of the child's family and deployed loved ones. The quilters look at the photos to see what they can learn from them to choose the fabric and patterns for the quilt.

My son, when he was little, I wish he had something like that, said Wiggins, running her hands over a red quilt in progress. Safety pins held the family photos in place.

More than 1 million children have at least one parent who is on active duty in the U.S. military. Even with the stress that entails  moving frequently, leaving behind friends and starting at new schools  numerous studies have found the well-being of military children is on par with civilian kids, with one major exception: the stress imposed by a parents deployment.

Younger children might experience problems ranging from nightmares and bed-wetting to difficulty trusting the deployed parent when they return. In older children, the stress might manifest in decreasing grades, substance use, aggressive behavior or depression.

Deployments often run between 6 and 12 months. So the quilters stitch quickly, trying to get as many blankets and pillows to as many kids as they can.

The Killeen group has produced 42 quilts and 14 pillowcases so far this year.

An additional 157 requests sit in the queue.

The Killeen YMCA's Antionette Wiggins looks through Operation Kid Comfort quilts and pillowcases in progress last week. Operation Kid Comfort in Killeen has completed 42 quilts for children with deployed parents this year, and it has over 150 orders pending.

Blanket wraps family in love

As her husband deployed in November to the Middle East, Sarah Kim looked online for anything that might help their then-3-year-old son, Logan. She found Operation Kid Comfort.

I knew that would be something our son would really like because he's all about blankets and blanket forts and snuggling up in his blankets, said Kim, whose husband is based out of Fort Cavazos.

When Logans blanket arrived just after Christmas, the toddler opened it in awe and spread it across the floor. His face lit up as he saw the photo panels on the airplane-themed quilt.

Oh, thats me, and thats Dada! Logan said, according to his mom.

Logan Kim is shown in January, at age 3, when he got his personalized photo quilt from Operation Kid Comfort that includes images of his father. Logan calls it his Dada Blanket.

He sees his dad on video calls, but Logan doesnt understand where his father is, apart from the spot on the globe marked with camels. He doesnt understand when his father will return, apart from it being sometime after swimming pool season ends.

The Dada Blanket, as Logan, now 4, calls it, serves many purposes. He cuddles with it when hes tired or sore from his latest immunizations. He reaches for it when its time to build a blanket fort or a make-believe carwash.

And some nights, if Logan leaves the Dada Blanket on the couch before going to bed, Kim grabs the quilt and wraps herself in its warmth.

Grumet is the Statesmans Metro columnist. Her column, ATX in Context, contains her opinions. Share yours via email at bgrumet@statesman.com or on X at @bgrumet. Find her previous work at statesman.com/opinion/columns.

For information on Operation Kid Comfort

Fort Cavazos-based families with a deployed parent can request a personalized quilt or pillowcase for each child at killeen.asymca.org/military-programs/operation-kid-comfort.

Donations are always needed to provide supplies for the quilters. Visit fortcavazos.asymca.org/donate and mention "Operation Kid Comfort" in the comment section.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Quilters in Killeen make personalized blankets for military kids
FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT)  A Sheffield man was arrested early Tuesday morning after being charged with shooting into an occupied building, according to the Florence Police Department.

Around 12 a.m. on May 28, officers responded to a shots fired call in the area of East Bluff Street.

Colbert County inmate caught in Cherokee a week after escape

Police say the complainant claimed that Matthew Burnett shot at them while driving in Sheffield. When they returned home to Florence, they say Burnett drove to the home and fired several shots, hitting the house.

When FPD was at the scene, they saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspects. They stopped the vehicle, detaining everyone inside.

Burnett, who was in the vehicle, was arrested and charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied building.

FPD says the motivation behind the shooting is still 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 WHNT.com.
A terrifying incident unfolded at Chicago OHare Airport this week when a plane engine caught fire on the runway moments before takeoff.

A United Airlines Airbus 320 had careened onto the runway at around 2pm on Monday for a flight from Chicago to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport when smoke and flames suddenly started to billow from one of the aircrafts wings, United said in a statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration told various outlets that the engine had caught fire, prompting takeoff to be cancelled and the airport to temporarily stop operations, leaving incoming planes to circle overhead, ABC7 reported.

Shocking cellphone video taken by a passenger at a window seat on the aircraft captured the dark smoke coming out from inside and under the wing.

I felt the impact on my window, Ivan Paloalto, who witnessed the nerve-wracking moment inside the aircraft, told Storyful.

As I looked, the engine was on fire, and smoke was coming out.

The plane was towed back to the airport gate, where passengers deplaned. Around 45 minutes later, airport operations resumed, allowing arrivals on other planes to land in Chicago safely, United said.

No injuries were reported however the fire department and medical personnel met passengers coming off the aircraft out of an abundance of caution.

A United Airlines Airbus passenger jet at Newark Liberty International Airport (stock image) (Reuters)

United Airlines said that all 148 passengers were then put onto a different plane to continue their journey to Seattle with minimal delays.

By 5.30pm that day, there were no major delays reported at Chicago OHare, CBS News said.

The Independent has contacted United Airlines and the FAA for further comment.

Memorial Day weekend saw record air travel, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening 2.95 million airline passengers on Friday, the highest number ever on a single day, Reuters reported.

However, the busy period also saw weather disruptions across parts of the country, with severe storms and tornadoes pummeling the central US states on Saturday and Sunday.

On Monday evening, JFK International Airport issued a brief ground stop due to the risk of thunderstorms.

The incident on board the Airbus plane comes as the company has seen a clear sales lead this month over Boeing, outpacing its main competitor for five years straight in terms of plane orders and deliveries, the Associated Press reported.

Boeing has faced a string of controversies in recent months, with safety concerns ramping up after a door panel blew off mid-flight on a 737 Max 9 jet back in early January.

The company has also faced complaints from ten whistleblowers, with two men who publicly spoke out against Boeing dying in recent months.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man is in critical condition after getting shot in Highland Heights Tuesday, Memphis Police say.

Patrons defend restaurant after stabbing incident

Officers responded to a shooting a little after midnight in the 3100 block of Caradine Street.

The victim left the scene and arrived at Methodist North by private vehicle. He was transferred to Regional One in critical condition.

Anyone with information is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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.
Silverado graduate Matthew De La Luz is Stanford University bound after earning three scholarships, including two full rides.

De La Luz, who graduated with his class on May 22, won a $25,000 Horatio Alger Scholarship before earning a full ride through QuestBridge, according to Victor Valley Union High School District.

De La Luz said Stanford was his first choice, partly because Ive moved so much and I just want to stay in California.

Silverado graduate Matthew De La Luz is Stanford University bound after earning three scholarships, including two full rides, according to the Victor Valley Union High School District.

QuestBridge is an organization that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with educational, career, and life opportunities that help propel them into adulthood, the organization said.

De La Luz applied for the Gates Foundation Scholarship around the time he applied for QuestBridge. He recently discovered that he also won a full ride from the Gates Foundation, the district stated.

Facing homelessness

De La Luzs journey to one of the countrys best universities has been a long and challenging one as he has lived in four different states and faced temporary homelessness, district officials said.

In 2013, De La Luz and his family were displaced by a fire that burned their home in the small northern California town of Forestville, north of San Francisco. The De La Luz family lived in friends garages until they could find more permanent housing.

De La Luzs parents are Christian missionaries, and their dedication to spreading the Gospel led them to Colorado, Texas, Maryland and then to Victorville, where he began attending Silverado last year, district officials said.

'I see such resilience'

I see such resilience and adaptability in him, said Silverado counselor Kristina Brewer, who authored the staff portion of his QuestBridge application. This was his third high school. Hes experienced a lot, but here he is persevering and thriving.

At Stanford, De La Luz will likely pursue a degree in environmental engineering, a choice that was inspired by the time he spent living in a polluted area of Houston, Texas near an oil refinery, according to the district.

I guess that experience just motivated me to find a way to make things better, De La Luz said.

Though he has a strong interest in science and math, De La Luz shared that his favorite subject might actually be English, and he also enjoys painting, playing the viola and singing in his church choir.

Brewer praises De La Luzs innate intelligence as well as his strong will and determination  but these qualities are not immediately obvious due to his quiet humility, the district explained.

He didnt even tell me for a couple of days (that he earned the Stanford scholarship), Brewer said. I was so mad at him. I pulled him out of class and said why didn't you tell me? I said you need to be telling everybody. Hes just that humble.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Silverado High graduate headed to Stanford on full ride scholarship
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. Xi held talks with Obiang, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- China and Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.

This was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, during their talks in Beijing.

Xi said China and Equatorial Guinea are good friends and partners, and their relations feature a high level of political mutual trust.

Since they established diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, the two sides have been helping each other through thick and thin, and firmly supporting each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, he said.

Under the new circumstances, consolidating and developing China-Equatorial Guinea relations conforms to the fundamental interests and common expectations of the two countries and peoples, Xi said.

China firmly supports Equatorial Guinea in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, opposing foreign interference, and independently exploring its own development path, he said.

China is ready to take the opportunity of elevating bilateral ties to further deepen friendly exchanges with Equatorial Guinea, and exchange experience in reform, development and poverty alleviation to inject lasting impetus into the two countries' traditional friendship, Xi said.

Xi pointed out that China supports Equatorial Guinea's economic and social development, supports the country's efforts to promote economic diversification and industrialization, and is willing to closely synergize the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) achievements and the Belt and Road Initiative with "Equatorial Guinea Agenda 2035" to improve the quality and performance of cooperation in various fields.

China encourages capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Equatorial Guinea, and is willing to share development experience in the fields of agriculture and rural affairs with Equatorial Guinea, continue conducting agricultural technical assistance projects, give full play to the role of Chinese medical teams and China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Hospital, and deepen medical care, education, exchanges and cooperation in cultural and other fields, to pass on the traditional friendship between the two countries from generation to generation and better benefit the two peoples, Xi said.

Emphasizing that the world today is intertwined with turmoil, the changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and human society is facing unprecedented challenges, Xi said that developing countries need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation more than ever.

China is willing to work with Equatorial Guinea and other developing countries to carry forward the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international equity and justice, to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

Noting that developing solidarity and cooperation with African countries is an important cornerstone of China's foreign policy, Xi said China is willing to hold a new FOCAC summit with Africa, further carry forward traditional friendship, deepen solidarity and cooperation, discuss future development and cooperation plans, and open a new chapter in building a China-Africa community with a shared future.

Obiang said that China is a great eastern country, a good brother and reliable strategic partner of Equatorial Guinea. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations 54 years ago, their bilateral relations have always maintained a friendly development and are currently at the best period in history. The cooperation between China and Equatorial Guinea has always been based on equality and mutual respect, and is never imposed on others.

Obiang mentioned that Chinese medical teams in Africa, China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Hospital and other important projects have benefited the local people and become a symbol of friendship between Africa and China. Equatorial Guinea is willing to open its doors to China, welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and carry out cooperation in Equatorial Guinea to help Equatorial Guinea achieve economic diversification and industrialization, and ensure the lasting and healthy national development.

Obiang said the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi, are conducive to promoting global peace and progress and creating a better world.

Equatorial Guinea highly appreciates China's active efforts in promoting the political settlement of regional hotspot issues and promoting world peace and development, said Obiang. Equatorial Guinea is willing to strengthen cooperation with China within the frameworks of the FOCAC, BRICS and others, to promote a global governance system that is more fair and equitable, he added.

Noting that Equatorial Guinea firmly upholds the one-China principle, Obiang said there is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Equatorial Guinea opposes any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly supports the efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve complete reunification, he said.

The two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on investment, economic development, digital economy, green development, implementing the Global Development Initiative and other fields.

The two sides also issued a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. Xi held talks with Obiang, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. Xi held talks with Obiang, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. Xi held talks with Obiang, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. Xi held talks with Obiang, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday. After their talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and his wife Constancia Mangue de Obiang, prior to the talks between Xi and Obiang in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. Xi held talks with Obiang, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan hold a welcome ceremony for Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and his wife Constancia Mangue de Obiang, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to the talks between Xi and Obiang in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2024. Xi held talks with Obiang, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)
Six bodies retrieved in Papua New Guinea as thousands feared buried

A general view of the area where a landslide hit the village of Kaokalam in Enga province, 600 kilometers northwest of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. A landslide has reportedly claimed lives in a remote village in northern Papua New Guinea. (Best possible quality) Ninga Role/NINGA ROLE/AAP Image/dpa

Four days after the huge landslide in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, only six bodies have been recovered from the masses of rock about 8 metres deep, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

The total affected population, which includes those in need of possible evacuation, is estimated at 7,849, with some 42% of them under the age of 16, the UN office in Papua New Guinea said in a statement.

The number of bodies recovered "is expected to increase as retrieval efforts continue amidst challenges due to unstable landslide conditions," that statement said.

Papua New Guinea's disaster agency has said more than 2,000 people could be buried under the rubble.

Several villages in the province of Enga were hit when part of a mountain collapsed in the early hours of Friday in the remote central highlands of Papua New Guinea.

The survivors urgently need clean water, food, clothing, shelter, medicine and psychological support, the government and emergency responders say.

Australia and New Zealand have pledged millions of dollars.

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said on Tuesday the government had approved an offer of practical and financial assistance, worth about NZ$1.5 million (US$923,000), to help with the response.

"The landslide in Enga Province in Papua New Guinea is an absolute tragedy. Our thoughts remain with all of those directly affected and the people and government of Papua New Guinea," Peters wrote on social media platform X.

"The precise nature of our assistance will be shaped by the needs of affected communities, as determined through ongoing discussions with PNG [Papua New Guinea] authorities," Peters added.

Overnight, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said it would provide an initial A$2.5 million (US$1.6 million) in humanitarian assistance.

The Australian Defence Force was working closely with its counterparts in Papua New Guinea, Marles said.

"This work is yet another demonstration of the close partnership between our nations and militaries."

A general view of the area where a landslide hit the village of Kaokalam in Enga province, 600 kilometers northwest of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. A landslide has reportedly claimed lives in a remote village in northern Papua New Guinea. (Best possible quality) Ninga Role/NINGA ROLE/AAP Image/dpa
(Bloomberg) -- Newsroom staff at Slovakias most-watched private broadcaster accused the outlet of caving to political pressure as tension over media independence in the country intensified in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The host of two leading Slovak political talk shows surprised viewers on Sunday by going off-script and denouncing the suspension of his popular programming, which gained a reputation for its tough grilling of both ruling and opposition officials.

Michal Kovacic complained of the Orbanization of Slovak media, a reference to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans record of wresting control over the media landscape. A letter signed by 95 TV Markiza employees and collaborators and seen by Bloomberg backed the host.

This struggle is happening everywhere, quietly and stealthily, Kovacic told Markiza viewers. If we do not stop it, it will have devastating consequences for Slovak democracy.

The standoff at TV Markiza, a popular broadcaster controlled by billionaire Renata Kellnerovas PPF Group conglomerate, underscores escalating tension since the May 15 shooting thats left the prime minister recovering in intensive care. The attack has galvanized political debate in one of the most polarized nations in the European Union, with Fico allies bluntly pointing the finger at critical media coverage of the premier.

Read More: Too Small to Police, Too Big to Ignore: Telegram Divides Europe

Markiza rejected the accusation, saying the company embraces objective and independent news, and rebuked Kovacic for violating broadcast standards. In a statement Monday, it said the host had misused airtime to present personal opinions, a violation of the Media Services Act and the journalists code of ethics in Slovakia.

The government excoriated the comments, with Ficos top lieutenant, Defense Minister Robert Kalinak, calling the claims dangerous and accused the host of bearing a clear motive to incite public hatred.

It is precisely this activity that led to the assassination attempt on the prime minister of the Slovak Republic, Kalinak said in a video message Tuesday.

The exchange lays bare the political fight over the role of the media under Fico, a populist leader supported by nationalist allies whose rhetoric has included fierce attack against journalists. His allies have latched on to 71-year-old shooting suspects political sympathies, saying he was motivated by political animus against Fico fed by critical stories.

Lashing Out

Slovakias opposition and media have derided the accusations, warning the ruling party not to exploit the shooting to pursue critical voices. While popular in Slovakia, Ficos administration has faced accusations over rewriting the criminal code to weaken corruption-fighting tools and seeking to take control of the countrys public television and radio.

Kovacic said the decision to suspend his shows next month was the culmination of weeks of giving way to political pressure by management, a process mirrored by other media organizations, which have seen the departure of top talent.

The letter from staff described the move as clearly against the interests of the station and warns of action if the decision isnt reversed.

We consider it unacceptable for the moderator of the most successful political show in the country to face pressure, not only from politicians but also from the management, the letter said.

Markiza was particularly targeted by Fico, who attacked the broadcaster for alleged bias as he boycotted several independent outlets since his return to power last October. The absence of politicians from the ruling coalition created a dilemma for political programming seeking views from both sides of the political spectrum.

Last month, Fico lashed out at the media for what he called hostility to his government as his cabinet moved forward with a proposal to tighten control over public broadcasting and radio. Draft legislation is expected to be approved in June.

Read More: Shooting of Premier Inflames Political Divisions in Slovakia

Fico critics have made reference to the media policy of Orban, who has built up a formidable information machine during his 14 years in power, with party loyalists running state media and an array of publications and broadcasters that reprint his talking points.

Dozens of outlets once under separate private ownership now hew to pro-government headlines and use similar programming, while the few remaining independent media groups struggle for access to ministers.

The Hungarian leader gave an interview over the weekend, in which slogans touted by Orban  No Migration! No Gender! No War!  were displayed in neon lights as a studio backdrop.

--With assistance from Andras Gergely and Mark Sweetman.

(Updates with government comment in seventh paragraph.)

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Slow-moving convoy sets off in protest against the Israeli government

Protesters opposing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu take part in a slow-moving convoy on Road 1, the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Nir Alon/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

A slow-moving convoy of Israeli protesters set off in their vehicles on Tuesday morning to show their anger at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing and religiously conservative governing coalition.

Protest organizers said the cars were deliberately driving on the country's motorways at the lowest permitted speed: 55 kilometres per hour.

Under the slogan "The campaign to return the mandate to the people," the participants are calling for a new election.

Leading activist Shikma Bressler said at the kick-off that the public had lost confidence in the political leadership, especially since the Hamas massacre on October 7.

Bressler was one of the faces of last year's protests against Netanyahu's judicial reforms and has been a key figurehead in the latest demonstrations against his government.

Bressler said that trust in the political leadership had been broken because they refused to take responsibility for the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks by the Palestinian Islamists.

She said the protesters would not allow the government to "lead the citizens to ruin."

The protesters said they are angered by the inability of Netanyahu's government to secure the release of the remaining hostages being held by the militants and how the long-time leader has waged the war against Hamas in Gaza.

Pressure is growing on Netanyahu from several directions.

Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel's three-member war Cabinet, threatened to quit earlier this month if Netanyahu does not present a post-war plan for Gaza by June 8.

Gantz joined the emergency government to show Israeli political unity in the wake of the October 7 massacre.

Protesters opposing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu take part in a slow-moving convoy on Road 1, the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Nir Alon/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Times have been tough for smaller charities in recent years, even as greater demands have been made of them to take on functions the state cannot fulfil. The cost of living crisis and the pandemic have made fund-raising more difficult for those relying more on ad hoc donations rather than the standing orders or Government contracts their bigger counterparts can arrange.

They are a critical part of the charities landscape and yet they are being gradually throttled by the greater reach of larger organisations. A report from the Centre for Social Justice estimates there has been a 4.6 billion fall in revenues by smaller charitable organisations with incomes of less than 1 million a year since before the pandemic. Around 5,000 have shut down each year in the past decade with the number increasing since 2022.

By contrast, charities with incomes of more than 10 million have seen their revenues increase by the same amount. The 16 largest  such as Save the Children, National Trust and Cancer Research UK  have more money than the combined income of 160,000 charities with revenues under 1 million.

This matters because the bigger charities spend more on bureaucracy and management while funds raised by smaller organisations tend to be spent directly on dealing with the problems they were set up to tackle. The CSJ says the big charities operate more like outsourcing firms, hoovering up high-value Government and public contracts at the expense of smaller grassroots groups with close links to their communities.

The general election offers an opportunity for the parties to renew their pledges to small, community based charities. Whoever is in power after July 4 should no longer automatically hand out Government funds to the charitable behemoths and give their smaller counterparts a fair crack of the whip.

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It was an emotional honor this Memorial Day at Truist Park.

The son of one of the three Georgia Army Reservists killed in Jordan in January, got to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

To say the past 4 months have been trying for the family of Staff Sgt. William Rivers would only touch the surface.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

We, were surviving. Doing the best as we can, said widow Darlene Rivers.

But this Memorial Day, the normally private family put on a brave face when they were invited to be honored before the Braves game.

I just wanted to entertain my son he was so excited to throw the ball out, so I just went with it, said Darlene.

Overall, Im just excited, said William Rivers Jr.

Staff Sgt. Will Rivers of Carrollton was killed in a drone strike in Jordan in January, along with Sgt. Kennedy Sanders and Sgt. Breonna Moffett. All three were based at Fort Moore outside of Columbus, Georgia.

For the Rivers family, a night out at the ballpark was a regular occurrence.

We always came to the Braves games always. He would always come and watch the Braves game when Philly played, said Darlene.

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And they know if he was here to see his 14-year-old namesake throw out the first pitch he would be beside himself.

He would be filming right now, said William Jr.

He would be so proud and happy, said Darlene.

They smile at the memories. And on this Memorial Day, they continue to heal.

Without their son and father, their hearts are forever broken.

Were going to be holding back tears, said Darlene. Its overwhelming. We are grateful that everybody has reached out and comforted us and put their arms around us more than I ever could imagine. We appreciate it.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Aftermath of an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced people, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa on Tuesday condemned an Israeli attack on a tent camp in the Gazan city of Rafah, adding that current conditions in Gaza justified its genocide case against Israel at the World Court.

"The South African government joins the international community in condemning the deplorable and brutal attacks on innocent civilians after Israeli forces bombed a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in a designated safe zone in Rafah," the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in a statement.

"The heinous attacks came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah."

Judges at the International Court of Justice last week backed a South African request to order Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah, a week after Pretoria called for the measure in a case accusing Israel of genocide - an allegation Israel has denied.

South Africa's DIRCO added on Tuesday: "We must pose the question of how long the international community will continue to watch as an entire population is annihilated before the world can unite to urgently act against these brutal and incessant attacks."

(Reporting by Tannur Anders and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Alexander Winning)
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The Scene

JOHANNESBURG  The faces and slogans of South African political parties are plastered across street lights on the streets of Johannesburg.

The signs represent the final push in campaigns ahead of the countrys May 29 election. The vote is dominating conversations with South Africans gripped by a collective sense of excitement at the chance to have their say in the way their country is run.

Several polls predict the ruling African National Congress could fail to secure 50% of the 400 seats in the National Assembly. That would mean the ANC  which has held power for 30 years, since the end of apartheid  losing its parliamentary majority and being forced to form a coalition government with smaller parties.

The posters range from the literal to the poetic. Vote EFF, urges a poster for the left wing Economic Freedom Fighters, featuring its firebrand leader Julius Malema in his trademark red beret. The ruling partys pitch is similarly straightforward: Vote ANC it says, with President Cyril Ramaphosas face against a background of black, green and gold to reflect the partys colors.

The main opposition Democratic Alliance, takes a different approach that eschews photographs in favor of a simple message that presents the election as an opportunity to save the country: A strong DA can rescue SA.

Those parties and many others  such as MK and Action SA  are contemplating the possibility that they could find themselves in some form of coalition.

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Know More

The upcoming vote will be the seventh general election since the end of apartheid in 1994. Voters will cast their ballots in national and provincial elections.

The ANC has seen its support, and share of the vote, fall over the last 30 years. Back in 1994, it won 62.5% of the National Assemblys seats with Nelson Mandela as president. At the last election, in 2019, it secured 57.5% of the vote.

Since then, the partys reputation has been hit by unemployment at around 33%, which rises to 45.5% for people aged between 15 and 34. It has further been damaged by rising crime rates and corruption scandals. Many voters simply want constant electricity  rather than the rolling power rationing blackouts known as loadshedding  and access to clean water.

The ANCs falling popularity was reflected in recent polling by Gallup that showed its approval ratings have hit a record low.

Some 27.7 million people have registered to vote, according to the electoral commission.

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Alexiss view

This vote is effectively a judgment on the ANC and whether South Africans believe it needs to be taught a lesson after years of mismanagement.

My overwhelming sense is that people want some form of change. Things cant go on like this, is a refrain that Ive heard from several people here in Joburg.

The one word that almost always crops up is change. But the change people speak of is nebulous. Thats unsurprising because voters havent known any other governing party since the end of apartheid. It also makes sense because the alphabet soup of parties means opinions are splintered.

The array of parties available to voters, freedom of speech and strong institutions are a strength of South Africas democracy. But so many options make it harder for people to coalesce around viable alternatives to the ANC. Plus the fear of certain parties joining a coalition, or divisive figures like Malema or ex-president Jacob Zuma becoming a kingmaker, could encourage undecided voters to stick with the ANC.

This election could decide the way Africas biggest economy is run in the next few years. Markets are likely to react if the vote is followed by a period of uncertainty followed by a coalition partner (or partners) that ruffle feathers.

South Africa is also the continents geopolitical heavyweight that, as a member of BRICS, is particularly close to Russia and China. The outcome of the election will matter beyond South Africas borders.

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Room for Disagreement

Lawson Naidoo, executive secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, a non-governmental organization, said the election marked the beginning of a process of political realignment that could take several years to unfold.

I dont see the ANCs vote collapsing in the way others have predicted, Naidoo told Semafor Africa. The ANC will still emerge as the largest party and if it gets 46% of the vote or above, it will be business as usual.

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The View From Provinces

The biggest threats to the ANC political base lie in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, where Zumas fledgling MK party is popular, and the economic hub of Gauteng where support for the ruling party has also faltered in recent years.

Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal matter so much because they are the largest share of the votes cast at 48% together but also because of the coalitions that will result there, said Peter Attard Montalto, managing director of Johannesburg research consulting company Krutham.

Title icon

Notable

Delivering land to Black South Africans is a key election issue, despite the countrys urbanized economy, according to Foreign Policy.

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By Nellie Peyton, Alexander Winning

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -Six years after South Africa's scandal-plagued former president Jacob Zuma was pushed out of office, he is backing a new party against his longtime political home the African National Congress in this week's election.

Zuma's political return as the leader of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a party named after the ANC's former armed wing, is significant since the ANC appeared set to lose its majority amid declining popularity.

MK's share of the vote in Wednesday's election stood at 8%, trailing the ANC which was on 42.5%, early data from the electoral commission showed on Thursday.

Although 82-year-old Zuma is legally barred from standing for parliament due to a jail sentence, MK's emergence has disrupted the political landscape, testifying to his enduring influence particularly in his home province KwaZulu-Natal.

The MK was performing strongly in the populous eastern province where the major city of Durban is located, with 43.2% of the vote versus 21.7% for the ANC, the electoral commission data showed.

An anti-apartheid veteran and Zulu traditionalist, Zuma has a strong following especially in rural areas due to his populist style and modest upbringing.

He rose through the ANC to serve as deputy president of South Africa from 1999 to 2005 under former President Thabo Mbeki, but was dismissed when he was implicated in a graft trial relating to a $2 billion arms deal.

Corruption charges against him were dropped and reinstated multiple times amid claims of political interference, and the case is only scheduled to go to trial next year.

Zuma's nine years as president from 2009 were defined by what South Africans call "state capture" after an inquiry pointed to systemic corruption in which well-connected business people plundered state resources.

When the ANC eventually pressured him to quit in 2018, Zuma ranted to the state broadcaster for an hour about his treatment by the party he had served since he was a teenager, saying his comrades had not followed proper party procedure.

South Africa experienced economic stagnation during Zuma's presidency, which some critics characterise as a period of national embarrassment and accuse him of ignoring the greater good of Nelson Mandela's "Rainbow Nation".

Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail in 2021 for failing to appear at an inquiry into corruption during his time in power, although he only served two months before being released on medical parole. More than 300 people were killed in the riots and looting spree that followed his arrest.

THE GREAT SURVIVOR

Commentators wrote off Zuma's political career several times, but he proved them wrong consistently, earning himself the nickname of the "great survivor".

Soon after becoming president, it emerged that millions of dollars of public money had been spent on upgrades to Zuma's sprawling country estate, including a swimming pool that one minister justified as a fire-fighting resource.

Zuma weathered a no-confidence vote in parliament over the upgrades and paid back more than $500,000 after unsuccessfully trying to argue his case in the constitutional court.

Among a litany of other scandals, Zuma was charged with raping the HIV-positive daughter of a friend. He denied the accusation of rape and was acquitted, but he was ridiculed after saying he had showered after sex to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.

Ronnie Kasrils, a former intelligence minister who spent years in the ANC underground, has said Zuma is not the simple man he portrays himself to be.

"Astute and engaging from earlier days, along the way Zuma has become driven by a lust for wealth and power," Kasrils wrote in his biography of Zuma.

Using skills honed as the ANC's intelligence chief during apartheid, during his presidency Zuma silenced dissenting voices by promoting little-known officials to powerful positions in the security and intelligence portfolios.

He also ensured the top leadership of the ANC was controlled by loyalists.

Zuma's fortunes changed in December 2017, when his then-deputy Cyril Ramaphosa won an ANC leadership contest, defeating his ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to succeed him as party leader.

Within months corruption charges relating to the 1990s arms deal were reinstated and a judicial inquiry started hearings into corruption during his presidency.

Zuma announced in December 2023 that he would not campaign for the ANC in the May 29 election and was instead backing MK.

Although the country's highest court ruled this month that he was not eligible to run for parliament, Zuma's photograph will still be on the ballot papers as he is MK's registered leader.

His response to the ruling, which cannot be overruled, was typically combative, and the potential for unrest from his supporters remains a risk around the vote.

(Reporting by Alexander Winning and Nellie Peyton; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
MANHEIM TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM)  Police in Lancaster County are looking for three people who they say are tied to a theft from a group of South American origin that travels to the United States.

Manheim Township Police say on October 24, 2023, a credit card stolen from a wallet at Wegmans was used to make a purchase of nearly $2,000. Police say Jeferson Nue-Rosales of North Bergen, New Jersey, and Cesar Augusto Limas-Urbisagastegui were seen on security video taking the wallet and using the stolen credit card.

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On March 7, 2024, another wallet was stolen at Whole Foods and various credit cards were used to make more than $6,150 worth of purchases. On April 25, a third persons wallet was stolen at Whole Foods and nearly $12,000 worth of purchases were made with stolen credit cards.

Police say Nue-Rosales has been connected to each of the thefts through security camera footage and numerous police intelligence sources. Liseth Maryorie Romero-Berrospi of Newark, New Jersey was also identified in connection to one of the incidents.

Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail kicks off

In total, police say more than $22,800 was lost among the victims between fraudulent purchases and wallet contents.

The three individuals all face charges including access device fraud, theft by unlawful taking, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police.

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.
ADEN, Yemen, May 28 (Xinhua) -- A commercial cargo ship flying the flag of the Marshall Islands came under a missile attack by Houthi militants while sailing in the Red Sea off the western Yemeni port city of Hodeidah on Tuesday, according to a Yemeni government coast guard official.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that at least three missiles targeted the merchant vessel Laax at around 12:20 p.m. local time (0920 GMT) as it was transiting international waters.

"The bombing caused severe damage to the merchant ship," the official said.

No casualties have been reported, but the official noted that its crew issued distress calls, indicating the ship was taking on water due to the missile attack.

The attack has been confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which said it received notification of an incident involving a merchant vessel around 31 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's Hodeidah.

In an update, the UKMTO said that "the crew are reported safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call."

The Houthis, who control the strategic Hodeidah port city, had not yet commented on the missile attack as of Tuesday evening.

Since November last year, the Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea in a show of support for Palestinians engaged in an ongoing conflict with Israel.

In January, the United States and Britain initiated a military operation by carrying out airstrikes on Houthi military sites. In response, the Houthis escalated their attacks on U.S. and British commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Earlier this month, the group threatened to expand its attacks to include all Israeli-linked ships transiting the Mediterranean. Its escalating attacks in global shipping chokepoints have raised fears of a wider regional conflict. 
South Coast Rail will begin running later this year. (Courtesy of CommonWealth Beacon)

New Bedford is expected to join the list of MBTA communities later this year when South Coast Rail begins running, but the city wont have to pay any assessments to the T for its new commuter rail service.

Under state law, communities that are members of both the MBTA and a regional transportation authority can deduct their assessment by the regional transit authority from the assessment of the T. In New Bedfords case, the citys $1.4 million assessment by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority surpasses the MBTA assessment of $750,000, so New Bedford wont have to pay the T anything.

The citys understanding is it has no obligation to the T because of its stake in SRTA, said Jonathan Darling, a spokesman for New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, in an email. We think its fair because of our longstanding obligation to SRTA.

Fall River, the other destination for South Coast Rail, is also going to pay nothing to the MBTA because its assessment by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority exceeds its assessment from the MBTA.

But allowing New Bedford, Fall River, and other communities to deduct their RTA assessments from their MBTA assessments will create a shortfall in T funding of nearly $20 million that 65 municipalities in the MBTAs core service area will have to make up.

Boston gets hit the hardest. According to an analysis by the Department of Revenue, Bostons assessment by the MBTA in the coming fiscal year will be $87.2 million. The city, however, will have to pay an additional $10 million, or 11.4 percent more, to make up for the discounts offered to MBTA communities that are also members of regional transit authorities. All together, the city will pay $97.2 million to the MBTA.

Other communities that have to pay significantly higher MBTA assessments to offset the discounts for regional transit authority members include Cambridge, which is paying $1.2 million more in the coming fiscal year. Others paying extra include Newton ($667,762), Brookline ($637,187), Somerville ($609,538), Medford ($499,777), Quincy ($259,131), Lynn ($257,002), Waltham ($163,194), and Weymouth ($146,242).

The rationale for having some Massachusetts communities pay for the transit services of others is murky. Its a subsidy, said Paul Regan, who from 1998 to 2020 was the executive director of the MBTA Advisory Board, which represents communities in the T service area. Theres no two ways about it.

Most of the MBTAs money comes from the state in one form or another, but member communities are also required to chip in under a convoluted assessment system that increases the amount of municipal money flowing to the T by 2.5 percent a year. In fiscal 2025, the total assessment on MBTA communities is set at $193 million.

The individual municipal assessments are based on a formula that relies somewhat on population and somewhat on geography relative to Boston. For example, Bostons share of the total MBTA municipal assessment is determined by multiplying the citys last US Census population figure by 18 and dividing that number by the sum of all the municipal population assessments in the T service area. Following that formula, Bostons share of the overall municipal assessment in fiscal 2025 will be 45 percent, or $87.2 million.

All of the other MBTA municipal assessments follow the same formula but use different population multipliers. Cambridge and Brookline use a multiplier of 12. For Arlington, Belmont, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Milton, Newton, Revere, Somerville, and Watertown, the multiplier is nine.

There is a large group of 51 municipalities, including Braintree, Lexington, Quincy, Salem, and Weymouth, where the multiplier is three.

Lastly, there are 112 communities farther away from Boston where there is no population multiplier. This group was added in 2000 when the Legislature passed a law requiring the MBTA to operate within a budget and dedicated a portion of the state sales tax to the T.

The system has its flaws. For example, its hard to understand why Arlington and Everett, which utilize only MBTA bus service, pay a much higher assessment rate than Quincy, which receives subway, bus, and commuter rail service provided by the T. Avon, which should be included in the T service area, isnt.

Its not a perfect system, said Regan. I dont think anyone would say it is.

In 2005, Sen. Karen Spilka of Ashland succeeded in inserting legislation into an economic development bill that allowed communities in her area to form a new regional transit authority. The communities were members of the MBTA and several of them benefited from MBTA commuter rail service, but the T was not providing bus service in the municipalities.

Spilkas bill allowed the communities to form the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority and operate their own bus service. What the communities paid the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority for bus service was deducted from their MBTA assessment.

The arrangement is allowing Ashland, Spilkas hometown, and Hopkinton, Marlborough, and Southborough to obtain local bus service and eliminate their MBTA assessments entirely.

Wellesley this coming fiscal year will pay $489,839 to the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority while cutting its $682,373 MBTA assessment in half. Natick will pay $630,414 to the regional transit authority while cutting its MBTA assessment from $810,871 to $273,059. Framingham, meanwhile, will pay $1.5 million to the regional transit authority while cutting its MBTA assessment from $1.6 million to $254,554.

All of the reductions in MBTA assessments will be picked up by 65 other Massachusetts communities, with Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline shouldering more than half the load.

Brian Kane, the current executive director of the MBTA Advisory Board, said its time to rethink the way municipalities fund public transportation in Massachusetts.

Municipal funding for public transportation is an important part of the way transit is paid for in Massachusetts, he said in a statement. But the way and the amount communities are assessed, and the process by which they can meaningfully participate in the oversight of the public transportation providers, requires rethinking. Cities and towns hope to work closely, in partnership with the Healey administration, the Legislature, and the Transportation Funding Task Force to reform municipal support for the MBTA and regional transit authorities, and play a more substantive role in their governance and operations.

This article first appeared on CommonWealth Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

The post South Coast Rail coming to New Bedford, but not with MBTA assessments appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
Hurricane season is approaching quickly and forecasters are predicting an intense one ahead. And while we South Floridians are no strangers to these storms, its crucial to recognize the potent cocktail of factors like La Nina that amplify their destructive potential. The threat is compounded for properties along the coastline, where the convergence of strong winds, surging waters and airborne debris pose a formidable challenge.

From the catastrophic lessons of Hurricane Andrew to havoc wreaked by Hurricane Harvey, our history is punctuated by the stark reminders of natures fury. With June around the corner, the onus falls squarely on property managers and homeowners associations (HOAs) to fortify their defenses and safeguard their communities against the impending tempests.

Are we ready? Now is the time to prepare.

Know your building

Thanks to major previous storms like Hurricane Andrew, the building codes across the state  especially Miami-Dade and Broward  have been upgraded, requiring materials that could withstand severe weather in new buildings.

However, residents living in high-rises close to our beautiful beaches may be the most vulnerable. According to the Community Associations Institute, 75% of South Florida buildings with 20-49 units were built prior to 1992 (the year Hurricane Andrew hit), and 59% of buildings with more than 50 units were built prior to 1990.

Property managers for these older buildings must be proactive now in repairing and renovating structural and foundational elements most likely to fail in a storm. The new Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Rule 61B-22.005 not only requires condominium associations to assess their structural resilience through a structural integrity reserve study (SIRS), but also mandates a reserve fund to cover costs.

From windows to electrical infrastructure, roof repairs to open hallways and unsecured decorations, every element should be evaluated. Even details such as keeping landscaping maintained can help minimize damage and ensure outdoor spaces remain safe. Should your study identify weak structural elements that may fail in a storm, proactive remediation today will save time and money  and lives  later.

HOAs, condo associations play pivotal roles

HOAs and condo associations play an important role in hurricane season preparation. From adopting comprehensive emergency plans to providing clear communication channels for residents, they are crucial for resident safety before, during and after a hurricane.

Board members and association leaders are the conduit to residents, organizing evacuation procedures, guiding them to safety and mobilizing community resources. Post-storm, they facilitate the assessment of damage and coordinate repairs, streamlining the recovery process and ensuring a swift return to normalcy. In essence, HOA and condo associations become the symbol of a communitys ability to survive and thrive after a storm.

Post-storm planning is critical

When the storm hits, the real work begins. Its crucial to have a well-thought-out plan for the aftermath, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to likely scenarios. From assessing structural integrity to scheduling repairs, having a clear recovery road map is essential for bouncing back effectively.

Leveraging new technology can be a game-changer in post-storm planning and recovery. With weather tracking apps and building monitoring systems, property residents can stay informed, ready to navigate the challenges with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Even communication apps that automate messages to residents about damage, repairs, outages and more, can help ensure their safety when returning to their units.

Year after year, hurricanes will continue to threaten our coastline. Your actions today shape your buildings resilience tomorrow. By embracing sustainable practices and fostering a community spirit of preparedness, we can build a brighter tomorrow. Lets unite, prepare and face the storms ahead with determination and resilience.

Greg Batista, P.E. and CEO of G. Batista Engineering and Construction, is a sought-after subject matter expert on building inspections, structural integrity studies, concrete repair and condominium remediation.
The Southern Baptist Convention faces yet another crisis of identity at its upcoming annual meeting.

Anticipation ahead of the 2022 and 2023 SBC annual meetings was one of existential angst, principally over whether the denomination would support abuse reform and move beyond a dark cloud over its reputation. But with weeks until the Nashville-based SBCs legislative assembly in Indianapolis this year, another debate related to the status of women pastors has taken center stage.

A proposed measure seeking to enshrine a ban on women pastors has spurred deeper reflection and disagreement about how those within the nation's largest Protestant denomination cooperate with one another.

The convention's latest annual census reported there were 12.9 million members, continuing a decline, and 46,906 churches in the SBC. Meanwhile, unlike the past couple years when policy positions divided along two main coalitions, a more fragmented array of voting blocs this year makes it harder to predict how certain groups of delegates, called messengers, will vote.

Delegates voting at the Southern Baptist Convention at the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center. Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

There are currently six candidates vying to be the next SBC president. Some represent a more rightwing platform, for example, while others are leading with support for abuse reform as a top priority instead of the debate over women pastors.

Heres what to know about the defining issues, major players, and the stakes of this pivotal event.

The big decisions: 'Law Amendment,' abuse reform, president

The measure to enshrine a ban on women pastors, often called the Law Amendment  bearing the namesake of its original petitioner Virginia Pastor Mike Law  is the most energizing issue headed into Indianapolis.

Even those who oppose the measure find themselves discussing the Law Amendment frequently, often by responding to criticism that opposition to the measure is synonymous with a non-traditional view on the roles of men and women. Southern Baptists are complementarian, referring to a belief that men and women have certain assigned roles in church leadership and at home.

Linda Barnes Popham speaking at the Southern Baptist Convention at the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center. Tuesday, June 13, 2023. At the meeting, Southern Baptist delegates upheld the ouster of Popham's church, Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, and Southern California megachurch Saddleback Church due to the leadership of women pastors at those churches.

Including the Law Amendment, here are the top three decisions facing the messengers:

Law Amendment: Set for a second and final vote, the Law Amendment aspires to strengthen enforcement of a belief in the SBCs doctrinal statement, called the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, by amending the conventions constitution. If passed, the measure enhances grounds for the SBC to disfellowship churches in which women serve as pastors. But opponents, of whom there are well-known and stanchly conservative Southern Baptist statesmen, worry the measure is overly exclusionary and sets a precedent for future attempts to whittle down standards of affiliation between churches and the SBC. Messengers approved the Law Amendment on first reading at the 2023 SBC annual meeting in New Orleans, when the convention also overwhelmingly upheld the ouster of two churches  Southern California megachurch Saddleback Church and Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville  in which women serve as pastors.

Abuse reform: The biggest question for abuse reform this year is money, specifically funding for a recently announced nonprofit to take on abuse reform over the long-term. Major SBC-affiliated agencies, called entities, havent volunteered that seed money as the nonprofits backers hoped. It potentially leaves the current SBC Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force to ask the convention directly for support from the Cooperative Program, a denomination-wide budget that receives income from church giving and benefits most Southern Baptist entities. But longtime skeptics of abuse reform are leveraging this uncertainty to allay other doubts, such as the increasingly burdensome legal costs to the SBC Executive Committee to fight abuse-related lawsuits.

Presidential election: There are multiple candidates for SBC president that fall into the two major camps of Southern Baptist electoral politics  mainstream conservatives and opposition conservatives, the latter of which hopes to pull the denomination further to the right. Then, within each of those camps, theres at least one candidate who more represents the establishment due to their many years of service in SBC political life. Other candidates in each camp bill themselves or receive backing from newer groups that assert a reformation-style zeal. Those smaller camps will likely form broader alliances after the first round of voting when the presidential election heads to a runoff, which is all but guaranteed given the current number of presidential candidates. The six candidates are North Carolina pastors Clint Pressley and Bruce Frank, Tennessee pastors Jared Moore and Dan Spencer, Oklahoma pastor Mike Keahbone, and Texas-based seminary professor David Allen.

The players: Same sides, new expressions

At the 2022 and 2023 SBC annual meetings, different groups of opposition conservatives formed an alliance to back a single candidate for SBC president and support other policy positions that sought to pull the convention further to the right.

But this year, the opposition conservative lobby has branched off some. One of those branches is new and has billed itself as more of an insurgency willing to employ bare-knuckle political tactics and frenzied social media activity to overwhelm opponents. Associated with a new think tank called the Center for Baptist Leadership, the groups leadership includes far-right political activists such as former Trump administration staffer William Wolfe and Oklahoma state Sen. Dusty Deevers. The group has made it clear in material published by the Center for Baptist Leadership  a subsidiary of the rightwing Christian publication the American Reformer  it isnt playing nice.

Southern Baptist Convention at the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center. Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

My brothers, this is a war. This is a battle, said Florida Pastor Ethan Jago in a column for the think tank, voicing support for the Law Amendment. We all need to rally together under the banner of truth, to fight against the drift, to purge the false ideologies that have invaded our lines, and to make the soil uninhabitable for continuing compromise.

As a sort of counter-narrative, a group of emergent SBC leaders and policy commentators launched a publication called The Baptist Review to promote the ideals of partnership and dialogue. If the Convention is going to become healthy again, its conversation must leave the toxic confines of social media, but also must resist becoming yet another piece of institutional PR, said the group, most of whom are associated with the mainstream conservative camp, in a post about The Baptist Review.

Related: What state-level ousters of SBC churches say about the national debate about women pastors

The stakes: Cooperation versus biblical fidelity

Perhaps the biggest decision facing Southern Baptists at this annual meeting is a choice between two virtues: cooperation versus biblical fidelity.

Many in the mainstream conservative camp believe the two ideals arent mutually exclusive, and that the SBCs current constitutional standards and doctrinal statement are sufficiently conservative.

While I personally disagree with the interpretation of those offering the Law Amendment, I am willing to cooperate with pastors and churches who hold to such an interpretation, Texas Pastor Steve Bezner said in a column for The Baptist Review, voicing opposition to the Law Amendment. Perhaps it is not too late. I, for one, hope we will choose once again to cooperate instead of cannibalize.

Brian Gunter speaking at the Southern Baptist Convention at the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center. Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

But opposition conservatives, especially more militant factions such as The Center for Baptist Leadership, argue cooperation is compromise and the harbinger of liberal drift.

We can compromise for a false unity that will lead to our demise, or we can stand for true unity on our existing convictions, Texas Pastor Marc Minter said in a column for The Center for Baptist Leadership voicing support for the Law Amendment.

The feud is shaping up in such a way that whichever side wins out  through votes on the Law Amendment and SBC president, among others  will dictate the terms of the spirit of cooperation in the SBC going forward.

Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean. Reach him at ladams@tennessean.com or on social media @liamsadams.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: SBC Indianapolis meeting with women pastors, abuse reform on docket
Southern California man arrested for using Reddit to solicit sex with minor

A 34-year-old man from Orange County is facing 25 years to life in prison after his arrest last week for reportedly using the social media platform Reddit to solicit sex with what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, but was in fact an undercover law enforcement officer, authorities announced earlier this month.

In January and February 2023, San Juan Capistrano resident Shaw Warrington attempted to use Reddit to solicit sex from minors in Orange County, according to an indictment unsealed on May 23, 2024.

An undercover law enforcement official responded to Warringtons requests and eventually scheduled a meeting at a Newport Beach shopping center, where Warrington believed he would engage in criminal sexual activity, a news release from U.S. Attorneys Central District of California Office stated.

The 34-year-old was arrested after appearing at the meeting and a search of his cellphone allegedly revealed two images of child sexual abuse material.

During a search of his residence, investigators recovered a firearm and more than 350 rounds of ammunition, authorities said. Warrington, convicted in 2013 for meeting a minor intending to engage in lewd behavior, is not legally permitted to possess a gun or ammunition.

The U.S. Attorneys Office has charged the 34-year-old with:

one count of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity

one count of attempted production of child pornography

one count of commission of a felony offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender

one count of possession of child pornography

one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition

During his arraignment in the U.S. District Court in Santa Ana, Warrington pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is being held without bail.

A trial date has been set for July 16.

$800K in diamonds, gold and cash stolen in Southern California jewelry heist

If convicted on all charges, Warrington faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years  15 years for attempted production of child pornography and a 10-year mandatory consecutive sentence for commission of a felony involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender, the release noted.

The statutory maximum sentence he could face is life in federal prison.

Detectives with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Newport Beach Police Department continue to investigate the case.

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.
The troubling incident occurred on May 27, according to reports

Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty A Southwest Airlines jet

A Southwest Airlines plane was forced to make an emergency landing after smoke was detected in the cabin by crew members earlier this week.

The jet was traveling from Denver to Tampa, Fla., when it made the emergency landing in Colorado Springs just over an hour into the journey at 8:22 p.m. on Monday, May 27, after flight attendants smelled smoke in the cabin, per Denver 7 and the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Southwest Flight 1070 diverted safely to Colorado Springs Monday evening after the flight attendants reported a possible smell of smoke in the cabin, Southwest Airlines said in a statement, per FOX 31 Denver.

The aircraft flight crew followed established procedures and customers safely exited the aircraft, the airliner added.

Getty A plane made an emergency landing in Colorado Springs after smoke was detected in the cabin on May 27

Related: Delta Flight Makes Emergency Return to N.Y.C. After Evacuation Slide Falls Off Plane

According to FlightAware, the plane departed Denver International Airport at 7:13 p.m. on Monday before making its emergency landing at Colorado Springs Airport.

The crew members reportedly noticed the cabin smell following routine checks of the aircraft.

None of the passengers onboard were hurt in the incident and the crew escorted them off the aircraft safely and onto another plane heading to Tampa, per Denver 7 and the Colorado Springs Gazette.

FlightAware listed a flight departing Colorado Springs at 10:58 p.m. later that night and arriving at Tampa at 3:43 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, suggesting this was the alternative flight the passengers were sent on.

Related: 2 Passengers Banned for Life by United After Altercation Forces Emergency Landing on Transatlantic Flight

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No cause has yet been determined for the smoke in the cabin of the plane.

Southwest Airlines apologized for the inconvenience in their statement. The airliner added that there is maintenance personnel evaluat[ing] the original aircraft.

PEOPLE has contacted Southwest Airlines for further comment on the incident.



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Read the original article on People.
MILAN  Ukraine has received a number of fresh military aid commitments from its European allies, covering air defense, tanks and combat aircraft.

The Spanish government announced on Monday that it would provide military assistance to Ukraine worth 1 billion ($1.1 billion) this year as well as an additional 5 billion ($5.4 billion) for the period of 2024-2027.

Details were not made public, but Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters the equipment would alleviate Ukraines key capacity needs.

According to a report published by Spains national newspaper El Pais, Madrids pledge includes roughly a dozen Patriot anti-aircraft missiles, 19 Leopard 2A4 tanks, ammunition and counter-drone equipment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the two countries are discussing possible Spanish contributions to strengthen Kyivs air defenses, as Russian forces continue to attack infrastructure and population centers.

In Brussels on Tuesday, Zelensky signed a ten-year bilateral security agreement with Belgium, worth approximately $1 billion,, that will include the delivery of 30 F-16 fighter jets.

The first aircraft are expected to arrive later this year, while the rest will be transferred by 2028.

The agreement guarantees Belgiums timely security assistance, modern armored vehicles, equipment to meet our air force and air defense needs, naval security, mine clearance, participation in the artillery ammunition coalition and military training, the Ukrainian leader said in a statement published on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The deal with Belgium will also cover intelligence and cybersecurity matters as well as further cooperation between the two countries defense industries.
Espen Barth Eide, Foreign Minister of Norway, speaks at a press conference with Foreign Minister Baerbock after their meeting at the Federal Foreign Office. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday in a coordinated effort denounced by Israel.

The trio announced last week the recognition would come into force on Tuesday, a watershed moment that broke with decades of previous policy and showed the diplomatic chill Israel finds itself in.

The act has powerful symbolic value given that most other Western European countries take the position that Palestinian statehood can only come after direct negotiations between the parties.

"This decision of Ireland is about keeping hope alive. It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security," Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement.

"We had wanted to recognize Palestine at the end of a peace process however we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive."

The Irish government said full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah will be established. This includes appointing an an ambassador of Ireland to the state of Palestine.

In Madrid, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain took the major step "to help the Israelis and the Palestinians achieve peace."

He said it was not for Spain to decide the precise borders of another country's state, but that "the West Bank and the Gaza Strip must be connected by a corridor, with East Jerusalem as its capital."

He said his government is opposed to the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and strongly condemns the attacks the militants launched on Israel on October 7.

However, recognition is "the only way to a two-state solution."

Norway began formally recognizing an independent Palestine shortly after midnight.

"For more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a Palestinian state. Today, when Norway officially recognizes Palestine as a state, is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine," Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement.

Eide said that the recognition was a clear expression of support for the moderate forces among Israelis and Palestinians. He also criticized Israel's approach the Palestinians.

"It is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively. The international community must increase its political and economic support for Palestine and continue the work for a two-state solution," he said.

The majority of United Nations member states recognize the state of Palestine. However, influential Western nations such as the United States, Britain, and most EU states do not.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz lashed out at the Spanish prime minister, writing on Tuesday on X that Sanchez was "complicit in inciting the Jewish genocide and war crimes."

Katz was referring to a recent video in which Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz said Palestinians would be free "from the river to the sea."

The slogan is considered anti-Semitic because it expresses the Palestinian claim to sovereignty from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, which would mean Israel does not exist. From the Israeli point of view, it is a call for the expulsion or killing of Jews in the state of Israel.

Spain has long been one of the harshest critics in Europe of Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip. The left-wing government suspended all arms exports to Israel in October. It also recently decided to deny all cargo ships loaded with weapons for Israel entry to Spanish harbours in future.

Momentum for recognizing Palestinian statehood has grown in several European countries as the war that began on October 7 with the Hamas attack on Israel, which left some 1,200 people dead and another 250 others taken hostage, drags on.

Critics and allies of Israel have shown increasing frustration as the war continues to claim lives in Gaza amid mass displacement in the territory and worsening humanitarian conditions.

The Hamas-run health authority says more than 36,000 people have been killed so far.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a press conference at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid. Spain's left-wing government formally announced the recognition of a Palestinian state on Tuesday, after the decision was made last week along with Norway and Ireland. Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig De La Be/EUROPA PRESS/dpa

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris speaks to the media following a launch event for his party's European and local election manifestos in Dublin. Niall Carson/Press Association/dpa
Irish prime minister Simon Harris speaks to the media during a press conference outside the Government Buildings, as the Republic of Ireland recognised the state of Palestine. Damien Storan/PA Wire/dpa

Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday in a coordinated effort denounced by Israel.

The trio announced last week the recognition would come into force on Tuesday, a watershed moment that broke with decades of previous policy and showed the diplomatic chill Israel finds itself in.

The act has powerful symbolic value given that most other Western European countries take the position that Palestinian statehood can only come after direct negotiations between the parties.

"This decision of Ireland is about keeping hope alive. It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security," Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement.

"We had wanted to recognize Palestine at the end of a peace process however we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive."

The Irish government said full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah will be established. This includes appointing an an ambassador of Ireland to the state of Palestine.

In Madrid, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain took the major step "to help the Israelis and the Palestinians achieve peace."

He said it was not for Spain to decide the precise borders of another country's state, but that "the West Bank and the Gaza Strip must be connected by a corridor, with East Jerusalem as its capital."

He said his government is opposed to the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and strongly condemns the attacks the militants launched on Israel on October 7.

However, recognition is "the only way to a two-state solution."

Norway began by formally recognizing an independent Palestine shortly after midnight.

"For more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a Palestinian state. Today, when Norway officially recognizes Palestine as a state, is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine," Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement.

Eide said that the recognition was a clear expression of support for the moderate forces among Israelis and Palestinians. He also criticized Israel's approach the Palestinians.

"It is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively. The international community must increase its political and economic support for Palestine and continue the work for a two-state solution," he said.

The majority of United Nations member states recognize the state of Palestine. However, influential Western nations such as the United States, Britain, and most EU states do not.

Denmark will not follow the example of Norway, Ireland and Spain and recognize Palestine as an independent state for the time being. The Danish parliament voted against such a bill on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in response to an enquiry.

A large majority in parliament denied the proposal. The bill was introduced in February by four left-wing parties, which were the only ones to vote in favour of the bill on Tuesday.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz lashed out at the Spanish prime minister, writing on Tuesday on X that Sanchez was "complicit in inciting the Jewish genocide and war crimes."

Katz was referring to a recent video in which Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz said Palestinians would be free "from the river to the sea."

The slogan is considered anti-Semitic because it expresses the Palestinian claim to sovereignty from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, which would mean Israel does not exist. From the Israeli point of view, it is a call for the expulsion or killing of Jews in the state of Israel.

Spain has long been one of the harshest critics in Europe of Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip. The left-wing government suspended all arms exports to Israel in October. It also recently decided to deny all cargo ships loaded with weapons for Israel entry to Spanish harbours in future.

Momentum for recognizing Palestinian statehood has grown in several European countries as the war that began on October 7 with the Hamas attack on Israel, which left some 1,200 people dead and another 250 others taken hostage, drags on.

Critics and allies of Israel have shown increasing frustration as the war continues to claim lives in Gaza amid mass displacement in the territory and worsening humanitarian conditions.

The Hamas-run health authority says more than 36,000 people have been killed so far.

Espen Barth Eide, Foreign Minister of Norway, speaks at a press conference with Foreign Minister Baerbock after their meeting at the Federal Foreign Office. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a press conference at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid. Spain's left-wing government formally announced the recognition of a Palestinian state on Tuesday, after the decision was made last week along with Norway and Ireland. Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig De La Be/EUROPA PRESS/dpa

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris speaks to the media following a launch event for his party's European and local election manifestos in Dublin. Niall Carson/Press Association/dpa
(Bloomberg) -- Spain, Norway and Ireland are set to recognize a Palestinian state on Tuesday, deepening diplomatic tensions with Israel as the war in Gaza rages.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Spains plans in a speech ahead of a Cabinet meeting to approve the recognition. I call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas, Sanchez said.

The two other European countries are expected to follow later in the day.

The Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, which erupted in October, has brought the issue of Palestinian statehood back to the fore of global politics. Israel says Hamass attack underscores how an independent state on its border would undermine its security. Yet many of Israels allies say a two-state solution  which has been discussed for decades  is whats needed to bring peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.

The war has inflamed the region and led to widespread condemnation of Israel. Those tensions have worsened since Sunday with an Israeli airstrike on a camp on the outskirts of the city of Rafah killing an estimated 45 Palestinians. On Monday, an Egyptian soldier was killed in a clash with Israeli troops.

Israel recalled its ambassadors to Spain, Ireland and Norway on May 22,

right after they made a co-ordinated announcement that they would recognize a Palestinian state, which would comprise the areas of Gaza and the West Bank. Although some 140 nations already do so, few in western Europe have.

The three European governments have called for an end to the war in Gaza and say that peace the only solution for peace in the region is two states.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war is necessary to destroy Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union.

Netanyahu has spent most of his life rejecting a Palestinian state, although in 2009 he said hed accept a demilitarized one as long as the Palestinians recognized Israel as a Jewish state. The Palestinian leadership rejected that, and in recent years, Netanyahu and the Israeli public have stepped away from supporting two states.

The Israeli ambassador to Ireland, speaking in Jerusalem on Monday, warned that the move would concern Israeli investors in the Irish tech sector.

This is not the time for such an announcement, Dana Erlich told Reuters. I think it sends the wrong message about the location and the centrality of Ireland as a tech hub.

Irelands deputy prime minister Micheal Martin is seeking government approval at a cabinet meeting for the formal recognition by Ireland of the state of Palestine. That will establish full diplomatic relations between the two countries. A Palestinian flag will be flown over the Irish parliament building. A ambassador from Ireland will be appointed to a state of Palestine.

The plans have drawn strong responses from Israel beyond the recalling of the ambassadors. Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem would no longer be allowed to offer services to residents of the Palestine Authority.

The US, Israels most important ally, backs a two-state solution, but says it can only come about through negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. In recent months, President Joe Bidens signaled a state of Palestine could be created with strict limits on its military forces so as to reassure Israel.

The conflict began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250. Israels counterattack has killed some 35,000 Gazans, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

--With assistance from Phil Kuntz and Michael Ovaska.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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JERUSALEM, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military on Tuesday said its initial investigation findings indicated that it was unexpected secondary explosions and fire that caused dozens of civilian deaths in its airstrike on Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Sunday night.

In a video posted on the website of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari, speaking to foreign media, said the army had launched a "precise" attack on a structure where two senior Hamas commanders, Yassin Rabia and Khaled Najjar, were located. The IDF accused the two Hamas officials of "orchestrating and executing terror attacks against Israelis."

Hagari said that "due to unforeseen circumstances, a fire was tragically ignited, resulting in the loss of lives of nearby Gazan civilians."

He noted that two munitions "with only 17 kilos of explosive material" were used for the strike, "the smallest amount that the IDF jets can use," stressing the army's munition alone "could not ignite a fire of this size."

The investigation was still ongoing to verify the cause of the fire, Hagari said, adding, "We are looking into all possibilities, including the option that weapons stored in a compound next to the original target were the cause of the fire."

Hagari released video and photos of the targeted structure, pointing out that "no tents" were nearby and that the entire area had been evacuated in advance.

The spokesman said the IDF has taken "all measures" in advance to prevent harm to civilians, as "the war is against Hamas, not the people of Gaza."

The Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted on Sunday evening the tents in a newly established camp for the displaced civilians in Rafah.

The attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians and injuries to numerous others, has sparked severe criticism from regional countries and the international community. 
Spain, Norway and Ireland moved to formally recognize a Palestinian state Tuesday in a joint effort that represents the rising diplomatic pressure on Israel from Europe amid its war in Gaza.

Spanish President Pedro Sanchez called the move a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.

The recognitions, which will not have an impact on the conflict itself, were quickly denounced by the Israeli government. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz compared the Spanish vice president to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and said the Spanish government was being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said recognition sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope and destination of a two-state solution alive at a time when others are trying to sadly bomb it into oblivion.

Nine members of the European Union, plus Norway, now formally recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, though Sweden previously was the only major power on the continent to do so. Some 140 of the about 190 countries represented in the U.N. have already recognized a Palestinian state.

EU members Malta and Slovenia say they may follow suit, though not immediately.

The Biden administration has repeatedly backed a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, which would include an independent Palestinian state, though the U.S. has not formally recognized it as such. None of the major Western powers have made the recognition.

Tuesdays move represents the quick downfall in relations between Israel and Europe, especially as criticism rises of Israels military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinian civilians are believed to be sheltering.

Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said Monday that he saw significant discussion on sanctions against Israel for the first time from EU leaders in private meetings.

The diplomatic conflict comes as the International Criminal Court recommended last week that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders, as well as Hamas leaders, be arrested on charges of war crimes.

The U.S. has strongly denounced the proposed charges, and Congress is expected to vote on a bill to sanction the international judicial body.

Israel has also faced increasing diplomatic pressure from the United Nations. The bodys general assembly has voted to advocate for a cease-fire in the war and voted earlier this month to grant new rights and privileges to Palestine in a sign of growing international support for full voting membership.

The U.N.-backed International Court of Justice ordered Israel to stop its operations in Rafah last week.

The Israeli government has been generally opposed to Palestinian statehood, meaning the new recognition will likely result in little change on the ground, as negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority have halted during the conflict.

The Palestinian Authority controls the West Bank, though was kicked out of Gaza in 2006 when the region was taken over by Hamas. The U.S. has reportedly urged the Israeli government to allow them into Gaza as its military clears the region, though Netanyahu has strongly denounced the concept.

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 Palestinian flag flies outside Leinster House, Dublin, following the decision by the Government to formally recognise the Palestinian state, Tuesday May 28, 2024. (Niall Carson/PA via AP)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday in a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations to add international pressure on Israel to soften its response to last years Hamas-led attack. Israel condemned the diplomatic move, which will have no immediate impact on the war in Gaza.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised address from Madrid that this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace."

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Spain on X, saying that Sanchez's government was being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.

Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalizing a decision they had jointly announced the previous week.

The Palestinian flag was raised in Dublin outside Leinster House, the seat of Ireland's parliament.

I hope (this) sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that  in this their darkest hour  Ireland stands with them, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris told lawmakers in Irelands parliament after his Cabinet formally signed off on the decision.

It is no longer enough just to condemn. It is no longer enough just to be repulsed, he added. We must be on the right side of history.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement that for more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a Palestinian state. Today, when Norway officially recognizes Palestine as a state, is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.

While around 140 countries have recognized a Palestinian state  more than two-thirds of the United Nations  none of the major Western powers has done so. Still, the adherence of three European countries to the group represents a victory for Palestinian efforts in the world of public opinion, and will likely put pressure on European Union heavyweights France and Germany to rethink their position.

Previously only seven members of the 27-nation EU officially recognized a Palestinian state. Five of them are former East bloc countries that announced recognition in 1988, as did Cyprus, before joining the EU. Swedens recognition came in 2014.

Relations between the EU and Israel have nosedived with the diplomatic recognitions by two EU members, and Madrid insisting on Monday that the EU should take measures against Israel for its continued deadly attacks in southern Gazas city of Rafah.

After Mondays meeting of EU foreign ministers, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said: For the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, I have seen a significant discussion on sanctions on Israel.

Harris, the Irish leader, insisted Tuesday that the EU should consider economic sanctions against Israel, saying: Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more."

Norway, which isn't an EU member but often aligns its foreign policy with the bloc, handed diplomatic papers to the Palestinian government over the weekend before its formal recognition.

At the same time, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell threw his weight behind the International Criminal Court, whose prosecutor is seeking an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, including leaders of the Hamas militant group.

The formal declaration and resulting diplomatic dispute come more than seven months into an assault waged by Israel following the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack in which militants stormed across the Gaza border into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage. Israels air and land attacks have killed 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The joint announcement by Spain, Ireland and Norway last week triggered an angry response from Israeli authorities, which summoned the countries ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the Foreign Ministry, where they were filmed while being shown videos of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and abductions.

Prime Minister Robert Golob of Slovenia said that Monday his government would decide on the recognition of a Palestinian state on Thursday, and forward its decision to parliament for final approval.

Finnish state broadcaster YLE quoted President Alexander Stubb as saying that the Nordic country would recognize it at some stage in the future" also on Tuesday.

The U.S. and the United Kingdom, among others, back the idea of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, but say it should come as part of a negotiated settlement. Netanyahus government says the conflict can only be resolved through direct negotiations.

In his speech on Tuesday, Sanchez said that the recognition of a Palestinian state was a decision that we do not adopt against anyone, least of all against Israel, a friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.

The Socialist leader has spent months touring European and Middle Eastern countries, including stops in Oslo and Dublin, to garner support for the recognition of a Palestinian state. He called for a permanent cease-fire, for stepping up humanitarian aid into Gaza and for the release of hostages still held by Hamas.

Spains foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, will meet with a group of U.S.-allied Middle Eastern countries in Spains capital on Wednesday, and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Jordan.

Sanchez said that his intention was to back the beleaguered Palestinian Authority, which lost effective political control of Gaza to Hamas. He laid out his vision for a state ruled by the Palestinian Authority that must connect the West Bank and Gaza via a corridor with east Jerusalem as its capital.

The Western-backed Palestinian Authority administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, cooperates with Israel on security matters and favors a negotiated two-state solution. Its forces were driven out of Gaza by Hamas when the militants seized power there in 2007.

The Palestinians have long sought an independent state in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war. The idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but no serious or substantive peace negotiations have been held in more than 15 years.

We will not recognize changes in the 1967 border lines other than those agreed to by the parties, Sanchez added.

Furthermore, this decision reflects our absolute rejection of Hamas, a terrorist organization who is against the two-state solution, Sanchez said. From the outset, Spain has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7. This clear condemnation is the resounding expression of our steadfast commitment in the fight against terrorism. I would like to underline that starting tomorrow, we would focus all our efforts to implement the two-state solution and make it a reality.

Irelands government said it would appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in Ramallah in the West Bank. Norway will upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy. Spain said that for the moment, it will maintain its consulate in Jerusalem, although Israel has said that the consulate wont be allowed to attend to Palestinians.

Barth Eide, the Norwegian foreign minister, added Tuesday that it is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively.

The recognition is a strong expression of support for moderate forces in both countries, Norways top diplomat said.

___

Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Aritz Parra in Madrid, Jill Lawless and Brian Melley in London, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Raf Casert in Brussels, contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP's Israel-Hamas coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Pedro Sanchez and his wife at a polling booth in July last year - JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images

The wife of the Spanish prime minister is under criminal investigation amid accusations of corruption and influence peddling, according to unsealed court documents.

Begona Gomez, the wife of Pedro Sanchez, was the subject of a preliminary investigation by a Spanish court into whether she had committed a crime in business in her private dealings.

The court did not provide further details at the time in April because the case was sealed and preliminary, saying only that it was following up on a complaint raised by an anti-corruption campaign group called Manos Limpias (which means Clean Hands).

When the investigating judge agreed to examine the complaint last month, Mr Sanchez took a five-day break from official duties to consider resigning.

On Tuesday, documents from the investigation seen by several Spanish media outlets say that Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has given Ms Gomez the status of investigada.

This means that the judge believes there is credible evidence of her having committed a crime or having participated in it.

The news is likely to reignite the political storm surrounding the case, which Mr Sanchezs Left-wing government says is a plot led by the opposition and client media to oust him.

The case against Ms Gomez rests on a series of articles in newspapers, which formed the basis of Manos Limpias complaint.

Manos Limpias, whose leader has links to the far Right, later caveated these allegations by saying they may have been based on fake news, local media reported.

On Thursday it emerged that investigators from the Guardia Civil police force had not found any evidence of wrongdoing by Ms Gomez. The public prosecutor also informed Judge Peinado that it was their view that the prime ministers wife had no case to answer.

The Guardia Civil said there was no evidence to suggest that Ms Gomezs alleged ties with the Spanish tourism group Globalia, which owns the airline Air Europe, had influenced the governments decision to award the airline emergency funding during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Spains main conservative opposition Peoples Party has demanded that Mr Sanchez offer explanations as to why he did not recuse himself from decisions involving companies with a connection to Ms Gomezs professional activities.

Leading members of Mr Sanchezs Socialist Party (PSOE) urged the prime minister to stay in his post during his five-day period of isolation.

Maria Jesus Montero, Spains finance minister and the PSOE number two, said on Thursday that the judge had decided to open an investigation into Ms Gomez based on mere newspaper cuttings containing fake news.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Springer Opera House may have some upgrades in its future.

For the past year, the Springer says its been preparing for a major investment in the form of a $10.7 million capital campaign. During the quiet phase, Georgias state theatre managed to exceed 80% of that goal.

Now, the Springer is looking to the public to help secure the remaining funds.

According to the theatre, the Forever Springer campaign intends to serve more citizens, beautify downtown Columbus, preserve the National Historic Landmark, upgrade education facilities, and promote the Springer brand nationwide.

With this Forever Springer campaign, the entire Springer operation will be supercharged, setting the stage for a great leap forward for our theatre, our audiences, and our community, said CEO and executive producer Danielle Varner. These new investments are aimed at expanding our audiences and vastly enhancing the audience experience. After many years of preparation, the Springer is now making its move.

The PATIO Theatre Park is one of the ways Springer plans to serve Columbus and beautify downtown. The theater says it will transform the surface parking lot at 10th Street and Second Avenue into a park with an outdoor stage. It will be able to host music, religious services, films and more.

The name PATIO stands for Pierce Anderson Theatre In the Outdoors. The Springer says its in honor of recently retired Paul Pierce and the late Ron Anderson.

Outside of the new park, the Springer plans to use the money on enhancing its education services. This looks like upgrades to nine classrooms including video, audio, security, roofing, and HVAC improvements among others.

The Springer will also be putting funding it its Professional Arts Integration Resource program which partners up with schools and teachers to integrate art/performance skills in with traditional curriculum. The program will receive upgraded training spaces, equipment and instructional materials.

Another improvement Springer has in mind is allowing Theatre for the Very Young shows to be free of charge to all.

Heres what the campaign co-chair had to say on the Springers mission.

Over the years, this community has been incredibly generous to the Springer, and that has allowed us to build Georgias second-largest theatre audience and one of the nations most admired childrens programs, said Forever Springer campaign co-chair Frank Schley. Now its time for the State Theatre of Georgia to take its place among the top tier of American theatre companies. We are very close to our goal but need Springer-lovers everywhere to help us finish strong.

More information on the Forever Springer Capital Campaign can be found at springeroperahouse.org/foreverspringer or by calling (706) 256-0953.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A St. Petersburg teacher was arrested on Saturday after investigators said he slapped a 4-year-old child in the schools bathroom on Friday.

St. Petersburg police said Calvin Robinson took a 4-year-old to a bathroom after the child was acting out. Officers said Robinson hit the child with an open hand multiple times.

Pinellas man bites at bar managers finger during argument over dog not allowed in: affidavit

The child complained about the incident to school staff, according to an arrest affidavit.

St. Pete police said there is a video from security cameras inside the school of the incident. However, the video has not been released.

Police said Robinson worked at a Head Start on Fairfield Avenue South. It is not known if he still works there.

Court records show that Robinson bonded out of jail.

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(Bloomberg) -- South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said he is prepared to stay in his current role after the election and urged the country to choose stability over chaos by voting for the African National Congress.

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If I am asked to serve I will serve, he said Tuesday in an interview on Bloomberg Television with Jennifer Zabasajja. What these elections are about  are about stability and chaos  and the ANC provides that stability.

South Africans vote on Wednesday, with Godongwanas ruling ANC facing its toughest election fight since taking power in 1994.

Bloomberg Terminal clients can click on ELEC ZA for more on South Africas elections

Opinion polls show ANC support dipping below 50%, which would force it into a coalition with a smaller rival. But recent rand strength suggests investors see it doing well enough to form a government without hooking up with parties to its left, which could push the country in a more populist and less market-friendly direction.

Godongwana voiced confidence that the party will get over the line.

The ANC is working on the assumption that were going to have 50 plus one, he said. Anything else which will replace the ANC will be an assembly of a number of not one or two parties, but a conglomeration of parties which will be chaotic.

Support for the party that Nelson Mandela led into government 30-years ago has sagged amid frustration over broken public services and sky-high unemployment that touched 32.9% in the first quarter.

The economy has been hobbled by snarled logistics and rolling power cuts blamed on mismanagement, corruption and a lack of investment. Theres been no loadshedding  as blackouts are locally known  for a number of weeks. But thats prompted more suspicion than praise, with opposition parties suggesting they will resume after the vote.

Godongwana said he expects growth to average 1.6% over the medium term. Treasury in February forecast growth picking up from a meager 0.6% in 2023 to 1.3% this year, which is slightly quicker than the 0.9% projected by the International Monetary Fund.

Click here to watch the full interview with Godongwana.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Star on the Mountain will light up in green on Tuesday, May 28 in honor of the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol, the El Paso Chamber announced in a press release.

The El Paso Chamber says the green illumination symbolizes respect and appreciation for the Border Patrols commitment to safeguarding the borders.

The U.S. Border Patrol has been instrumental in shaping the safety and security of our community, as well as the flow of commerce. Lighting the Star green is a symbol of our deep gratitude and a celebration of their century of service. Congratulations to the U.S. Border Patrol on this historic milestone, said Andrea Hutchins, president and CEO of the El Paso Chamber.

People interested in dedicating the Star to someone special or an important cause are encouraged to visit elpaso.org/star-on-the-mountain or call (915) 534-0500 for more details.

Proceeds from these lightings contribute to the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the Star. Chaparral Wireless is the official internet provider for the Star on the Mountain, read the press release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
(Bloomberg) -- Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer mocked Rishi Sunaks plan to revive national service for young Britons if his Conservatives cling to power, as the rivals used a UK bank holiday to campaign in two areas that underscored the very different challenges they face in the July 4 election.

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Starmer, whose party has held a lead of about 20 points in the polls for well over a year, used a speech in Lancing on Englands southern coast to urge voters to trust Labour on the economy and national security. He promised to fix what he called the chaos of 14 years of Tory government and said Sunaks national service idea is emblematic of his habit of sudden policy shifts.

A sort of teenage Dads Army, was Starmers description, a reference to a British sitcom from the 1970s about a bumbling group of volunteers in the Home Guard, a citizen military group during World War II.

Starmer was delivering his first keynote speech of the general election, and his destination choice was telling. The East Worthing and Shoring constituency has been held by the Conservatives since the parliamentary seat was created in 1997, but outgoing Tory MP Tim Loughtons victory margin of 14% five years ago makes it a target for Starmers party as it chases a majority in Parliament.

Its why Starmer focused largely on Britains undecided voters in his speech, a type of introduction about his upbringing and political beliefs. He said hes changed Labour since taking over from his socialist predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, who led the party to an historic defeat in 2019.

Elections are about more than individual changes and policies, but about values, temperament, character, Starmer said.

He accused Sunak of desperation over the national service plan, which the premier has not made a priority so far in office. Starmer said the Tories would pay for it of taking funding out of communities and the National Health Service.

Sunak hit back as he campaigned in Buckinghamshire, northwest of London, saying his policy would boost security and make British society more cohesive. He repeated his stock attack on Starmer having no idea, no plan.

It is bold, but thats the kind of leadership I offer, Sunak said.

But the policy and Sunaks choice of campaign venue underscore that the prime minister doesnt speak from a position of strength. Conservative MPs including Steve Baker have spoken out already about a plan which appears aimed at stopping the leak of votes from the Tory right flank to the populist Reform UK.

Polls show that any support that does exist for reintroducing national service is concentrated among older voters, who the Conservatives consider their core support. Tory MPs have spent months warning that a resurgent Reform UK could cost the Conservative Party dozens of seats by splitting the right-leaning vote.

At the same time, Sunaks appearance in Buckinghamshire showed that along with the Reform threat on the Tory right, the Conservatives face a fight in their traditional Blue Wall heartland from the centrist Liberal Democrats.

Chesham and Amersham had been held by the Tories since it was created in 1974 before it unexpectedly switched to the Liberal Democrats in a special election in 2021, a seismic political upset that came to be seen as an early warning sign of then Prime Minister Boris Johnsons subsequent downfall.

Sunak was brought in as leader in large part to fix the Tories slide in the polls that began under Johnson and went into freefall under Liz Truss. Hes failed to do so, and thats left the prime minister forced to try to shore up support in what should be safe territory just days into the campaign.

The Liberal Democrats are targeting Tory strongholds in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire to the northwest and north of the capital, in Surrey to the south, as well as in areas where they have been previously been strong in southwest England.

That has left senior Tories, many in Liberal Democrat-facing areas, worried about starring in a new Portillo moment on election night, the nickname for a when a Tory big beast loses a safe seat after Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo lost Enfield Southgate in the Tony Blair-led Labour whitewash of 1997.

Many including Michael Gove have decided not to risk it, and Sunak has battled a slew of Tory resignations that have undermined the start of his campaign. Just as he has since taking office in October 2022, the prime minister is now trying to find political messaging that works for the political right and center.

He suffered another setback in Telford, central England, when outgoing Conservative MP Lucy Allan said she planned to support Reform UKs candidate in the seat. Sunaks party responded by kicking her out of the Tory party.

The opening campaign days have so far proved smoother for Starmer, who made light of Tory attacks about his age and stamina overnight.

Ive had a smile on my face since January 1, 2024 because I knew this was going to be an election year, Starmer, 61, said in Lancing. Ive wasted nine years of my life in opposition. Ive worked four-and-a-half years to change this Labour Party, and now Ive got the chance to take that to the country.

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Florida is establishing the Office of Ocean Economy at FAU, pushing to advance discoveries

Floridas new Office of Ocean Economy  a statewide effort to harness public and private research, education, technology and business applications involving water  will be housed at Florida Atlantic University.

The effort, which envisions a collaboration among all state universities and businesses, was sponsored by Democratic and Republican state lawmakers from South Florida.

State Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point, described the program last week during a Broward Legislative Delegation gathering in Davie.

He worked with and credited his House co-sponsor, state Rep. Kelly Skidmore, a Palm Beach County Democrat, and state Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Democrat who represents parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Speaking to lawmakers who gathered at FAUs Davie campus, interim president Stacy Volnick, said hosting the new statewide office would help bring about an even brighter future for the university.

We are establishing the infrastructure needed to ensure a stable, robust economy for generations to follow, Skidmore said in a statement.

Mission

Even though its called ocean, LaMarca said it encompasses anything that involves water, whether its fresh or ocean.

Water is already the backbone of Floridas economy, LaMarca said.

He said the new office aims to spur the development of discoveries, and take them from the pages of medical or scientific journals and help them become products that advance medical science or are commercially successful.

Anything that comes out of water, science experimentation, can we bring it to market? LaMarca said.

The office is charged with fostering relationships among the 12 public universities and private institutions such as Nova Southeastern University or the University of Miami.

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The law itself said the programs objectives are the economic uses of ocean and coastal resources with a focus on sustainable practices that benefit the long-term outlook of relevant industry sectors and the competitive positioning of the state in a global economy.

Skidmore predicted the office would help make Florida the premier, internationally recognized place for research and innovation related to the blue, or water, economy.

Politics

As often happens in Tallahassee, politics was involved in the issue.

LaMarca said the legislation involves blue water science. Skidmore said the concept is known globally as the blue economy.

The World Bank defines the blue economy as the sustainable use of ocean resources to benefit economies, livelihoods and ocean ecosystem health.

When first introduced, the legislation said it was to establish the Office of the Blue Economy.

Republicans who control state government decided that the law would use the term ocean economy rather than blue economy.

The proposal, House Bill 1311, stalled as stand-alone legislation.

It was incorporated into House Bill 1285, which included changes in the way in which people are allowed to challenge school library books and makes it easier for charter schools to take over operations at traditional public schools that arent performing well.

It was signed into law last month by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and takes effect July 1.

Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.
UNITED NATIONS, May 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns the attempted launch of another military satellite using ballistic missile technology by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said his spokesman on Tuesday.

Any launch by the DPRK using ballistic missile technology is contrary to the relevant Security Council resolutions, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

"The secretary-general reiterates his calls on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fully comply with its international obligations under all relevant Security Council resolutions and to swiftly return to dialogue without preconditions to achieve the goal of sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable de-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," said the statement. 
The U.S. Supreme Court has stated on numerous occasions that some issues must be decided not under state law, but under federal law. Those include matters with an interstate or international character, such as those at issue in air pollution or emissions implicated in the current climate lawsuits.

Federal court judges have repeatedly stated that climate litigation cannot be brought under state and federal law, and the Clean Air Act provides the only answer for addressing alleged damages over greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2018, federal Judge William Alsup dismissed the climate lawsuits brought by the cities of San Francisco and Oakland in what The New York Times called a stinging defeat.

In 2021, the Second Circuits decision in City of New York v. Chevron denied the Big Apple the ability to pursue litigation against energy companies in court, stating that federal law trumps state law when it comes to climate change litigation; the Second Circuit held that such a sprawling case is simply beyond the limits of state law.

In January this year, a Delaware Superior Court judge dismissed some of the Delaware lawsuits major claims. The judge specifically held that claims in this case seeking damages for injuries resulting from out-of-state or global greenhouse emissions and interstate pollution, are pre-empted by the [Clean Air Act]. Thus, these claims are beyond the limits of Delaware common law.

More: Report: U.S. air pollution worst in 25 years as new environmental regulations finalized

But even more to the point, the U.S. Supreme Court has stated on numerous occasions that some issues must be decided not under state law, but under federal law. Those include matters with an interstate or international character, such as those at issue in air pollution or emissions implicated in the current climate lawsuits. When paired with the Courts 2011 AEP vs. Connecticut unanimous ruling where it declared borrowing the law of a particular State would be inappropriate, there is no room for state court climate lawsuits.

Enter Hawaii. The chief justice of the Supreme Court in Hawaii, Mark Recktenwald, has taught courses to instruct other judges about subjects with titles such as Judiciary and the Environmental Rule of Law: Adjudicating our Future. Other justices of the Hawaii Supreme Court have attended these courses. So it seemed more than predictable that the city of Honolulu would bring nuisance claims that energy companies knew decades ago that the oil and natural gas industry cause climate change, and try the case under state law where they might have home court advantage. Similarly, it was predictable that the chief justice wrote the 82-page opinion in the case ordering Honolulus case to proceed under state law.

The concept, in and of itself, should sound novel. The adjective that might come to mind might be astonishing, if only because such an expansion of state laws to address climate change is exactly that. But the details of how the Hawaii court got there are the more remarkable elements.

First, Hawaii acknowledged the existence of the federal precedents, but nonetheless dismissed them as irrelevant. By replacing federal common law with the Clean Air Act, Hawaii reasoned, that it opened an opportunity for Hawaii to regulate in place of traditionally federal authority.

Then, Hawaii reasoned, that federal law did not apply to this specific case. Although the face of the complaint focused on emissions that created climate change, the Hawaii court self-adjusted the complaint for the plaintiff city to suggest that the marketing campaigns from the energy companies  which, again, did not run in Hawaii  were the basis of the complaint. If this reasoning isnt enough, try the concurring opinion from Justice Todd Eddins, who separately reasoned that, [e]nduring law is imperiled. Emerging law is stunted, before launching ad hominem criticism at the U.S. Supreme Court that concludes with the contention that the United States Supreme Court could use a little Aloha.

More: US Republican attorneys general sue to stop EPA's carbon rule

Justice Eddins underpins his opinion by stating that, Aloha Spirit inspires constitutional interpretation and bases the contention on a state statute that defines the meaning of Aloha Spirit. But used in this case, Aloha Spirit looks less like a legal principle of law than a subjective way to ignore foundational principles. Summarized, Justice Eddins prefers an outcome-determinative approach in opposition to a belief that the judiciary should say what the law is, not what it should be.

An afternoon of research has failed to turn up the Spirit of Aloha clause in the Constitution, let alone a statutory exemption for the theory. Nor does the Hawaii Supreme Court provide any authority for ignoring longstanding jurisprudence. The energy companies sued by Honolulu filed a writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court. And while some may argue that it is unnecessary to reconsider all of the longstanding precedent the Supreme Court has articulated, there are localities and states closely watching this cert request to determine if the Spirit of Aloha legal theory can be applied to nuisance theory lawsuits to advance climate change litigation. The Supreme Court should see the Hawaii action for what it is, accept cert, and help the Hawaii Supreme Court to understand that it is subject to well-established U.S. constitutional standards of jurisprudence and the rule of law to the detriment of Honolulu and climate change activists nationwide.

Anthony J. Ferate is an attorney in Oklahoma City.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: In climate change/fossil fuels lawsuit, federal law should apply
VALLEY PARK, Mo.  Cleanup efforts continued in Valley Park after Sundays hailstorm. Residents were out cleaning up broken tree limbs, broken windows, and shattered windshields.

Video from the storm showed a river of flood water gushing down the street and hailstones covering the ground like a blanket of snow. Neighbors said seconds later, the storm intensified.

It literally looked like the Wizard of Oz outside. Everything was spinning and then the sound of the hail, John Michael Barbieri said.

Residents said they took cover in their basements while expecting the worst to happen.

You just thought it was going to just come through the house, Barbieri said. You could hear glass breaking outside and thats why I thought it was a tornado. It was intense.

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Youre waiting for the windows to break. So, I feel very fortunate that our windows held up, Bruce Watson said.

Just a few streets over from Watson, residents were not as lucky.

We have a storage room that doesnt have any windows and I just stayed there and prayed. Things were breaking and the window was so bad, I thought it was a tornado, Millie Tutlam said.

She said families were out assessing the damage right after the storm.

Our neighbors were out here. I asked him whether he was okay. He was also home by himself, and I just went back in and tried to get ahold of my emotions, Tutlam said.

Neighbors were out on Monday clearing debris from roofs and yards, spending their day off together helping each other.

Its heartwarming to see everybody out working together (and) helping each other out, which is what today is all about. You know, being an American and celebrating, Watson said. We would just rather be celebrating, maybe with a barbecue and a beer in the hand versus cleaning up the yards.

I always feel like the community comes together and on Memorial Day, it is kind of nice to see that, Barbieri said. Because some people do feel separated, so maybe this is not the best way to have a barbecue together, but it is nice to make sure that everyone is okay.

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At the semi-tender age of 19, I learned what the business end of a state police stick felt like, when shoved into ones chest.

I also became acquainted with the, shall we say, acridly piquant aroma of tear gas.

Now, more than 50 years later, many of my young friends may themselves become acquainted with the modern versions of those items. Different times, different wars, many of the same type of protesters  and the same type of responses.

There are familiar echoes between the two periods of demonstrations: both tangled in the long, historic webs of dismantling empires, both expressing urgent concerns over current conflicts and crises, both with political implications beyond the cause at hand, both raising worries of disorder and chaos, both advancing optimistic ideals and wallowing in callous cynicism.

Todays demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas War are not yet  and we hope will not ever be  as violent as many anti-Vietnam War demonstrations. There have been no bombings  as there was at the University of Wisconsin during the Vietnam period (resulting in one death)  and when U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana and other Republican lawmakers called for the National Guard to shut down protests, I remember all too well the shots fired at Kent State University and their bloody aftermath.

And todays demonstrations deal with issues Id argue are more morally complicated. Because when it comes to the Israeli and Palestinian questions, both sides are right. And both sides are also wrong. Often at the same time.

They're right, because Palestinians and Israelis have a right to live in peace and security and to exercise self-determination. They are wrong, because the Israeli government and Hamas  on what they say is the behalf of Palestinians  are wantonly, determinedly, killing each other. Israelis and Palestinians are the victims of long-standing discriminations and ultimately must  both for their security and for the worlds  reach at least a grudging peace. And because the rest of the world helped create the current mess, we must also help find a way to resolve it.

Protesters clash during a demonstration against the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War held in front of the White House in Washington on May 11, 1970 and following a shooting at Kent State University in Ohio on May 4, 1970, where four students were killed by police.

Cynicism and idealism

As complicated as the Vietnam era was, the Israeli-Palestinian-Hamas wretchedness overall exceeds what we experienced. A long-time friend reminded me that while anti-Vietnam protests were common, a teacher at our high school slapped a pointer at a map of the Middle East and said that the region would be the most compelling, conflicted and concerning for them and the world from that moment until past all of our funerals.

That region gave birth to the three greatest monotheisms, religions that all espouse unity, peace and love. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Jewish and Muslim forces have killed one another, while evangelical Christian ministers are kind of cheering it on as a sign the end days are upon us.

Trust me, when I marched in peaceful anti-war demonstrations at Michigan State University, and reported on a massive days-long protest at MSU following then-President Richard Nixons decision to mine North Vietnamese port cities (a protest involving a lot of property damage along East Lansings main thoroughfare of Grand River Avenue  hence the tear gas  and students trying to seize control of MSUs Hannah Administration building  and hence the police stick to my chest, knocking me down the front steps as I was taking notes) the issues were much simpler.

Either: End the war, let the Vietnamese figure out for themselves what they want.

Or: Who cares what happens with the Vietnamese, American lives shouldnt be lost in the conflict.

In other words, the goals were both idealistic and cynical.

More from Freep opinion: Protests at U-M, college campuses, aren't supposed to be polite

Exhausting, and morally awkward

Both todays conflict and Vietnam are rooted in decisions made at Versailles at World War Is end.

Old empires such as the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman were carved up, resulting in new nations in the Middle East and promises (to the Jewish people through the Balfour Declaration) for new nations later. At the same time, victorious empires like the British and French got new rewards (which, for Britain, included a large chunk of Palestine, and for the French, denying Ho Chi Minhs dream of an independent Vietnam).

In the 1950s, Israels first great leader, David Ben Gurion, and Moshe Dayan, probably Israels greatest military commander, said Israelis had to understand Arabs would never make peace because what is now Israel was once their land, and that if the results were flipped Israel would be fighting Arabs to get back their land.

In many ways, Palestinians have been shafted by all sides, again going back to Versailles. Hamas is hardly friend to Gazans (and dont forget, all of Gaza is smaller than Detroit, with roughly the population of Detroit and Dallas combined. Well before the current war, Hamas killed Gazan Palestinians who opposed it, monitored and kept security files on any Palestinians critical of its actions, and violently shut down protests of its rule.

Hamas has gotten huge sums of funding from sponsor states like Iran, but most has gone to its military operations, while most Palestinians there live in poverty, suffering from poor health care and education services.

The U.S. is in the exhausting and morally awkward position of backing Israel, promoting a cease-fire and supporting humanitarian aid for the Palestinians harmed in Israels offensive.

Given history, in one sense we have a moral duty to support and protect a safe place for Jewish people  but at the same time, protest indiscriminately killing the innocent. Hence we provide weapons to one side, and food to the other. It is baffling, and outrages both sides.

More from Freep opinion: Detroit learned all the wrong lessons from Shri Thanedar's 2022 win

Vietnam war protesters march from Wayne State University past the Federal Building to rally in Kennedy Square between Fort Street and Michigan Avenue in Detroit.

When everyone fears the same things

During the Vietnam protests, one might have seen a counter-protester calling demonstrators commies. By the 1970s, most Americans opposed the war (though an awful lot also opposed the protests, especially when they grew violent).

Today, while most protesters are supporting Palestinians (and not necessarily Hamas), there are counter protesters supporting Israel. On both sides, people are honestly worried for their families and friends in that region. One of my dearest young friends, who as a little girl would come to our house for tea parties, has many dear friends of her own in Gaza, and was one of the very first student protesters arrested.

My friend acted from her sense of idealism.

Cynically, we see GOP congressional leaders demanding action against what they see as the antisemitic roots of these protests. No one could deny that antisemitism exists, and that there have been some antisemitic incidents on campuses.

Yet, Republicans leading the drive against campus antisemitism engage in their own snide antisemitic tactics.

George Soros name is dragged into virtually every conservative complaint. (And not just about the Israel-Hamas conflict: One of the recent authors Hillsdale College tapped in its Imprimis publication cited Soros as a cause for increasing crime. Youll have to figure out that on your own.)

There are lots of well-to-do donors to liberal causes, but Soros, now in his 90s, is the one conservatives harp about. One has to wonder if it because he is a Holocaust survivor, and Jewish. New Yorks Republican Rep. Elaine Stefanik has both hammered university officials for alleged antisemitism, and Soros for contributing to Democrats.

In the end, we must all be governed by our best interests, which call for peace, respect and a political solution granting Israelis and Palestinians a chance to be free of ongoing mass murder. How to get there? Well, be cynically idealistic, I suppose.

In reality, that is what the demonstrations are imperfectly all about now, and were imperfectly all about then.

One thing we did hear a lot during Vietnam, and personally I think we should hear a lot now, since it reminds of us of the ultimate goal: John Lennons Give Peace A Chance. No kidding. On its own, it wont solve anything, but it helps keep us working towards what we need.

John Lindstrom in the Detroit Free Press photo studio in downtown Detroit on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

Free Press contributing columnist John Lindstrom has covered Michigan politics for 50 years. He retired as publisher of Gongwer, a Lansing news service, in 2019. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online or in print.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Israel-Hamas War and Vietnam era campus protests aren't that different
Maine Senate leadership convenes at the front of the chamber during session on April 11, 2024. (Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Lawmakers introduced a bill during the latest legislative session to provide rent relief to thousands of Mainers, in response to an increase in evictions amid soaring housing costs. During the course of the session, however, lawmakers pared back the measure to a study of tenant-landlord relationships.

That version seemed likely to become law. It passed the full Legislature, whose leadership then prioritized it among other studies competing for limited financial and staff resources, sending the plan to the governor for final approval.

We had a lot of hope that the study would provide some insight that could be helpful in thinking about policy for next legislative session, said Kathy Kilrain del Rio, advocacy and programs director at Maine Equal Justice. Its really disappointing to see that opportunity disappear because of procedural challenges.

The governor declined to sign into law the bills sent to her desk on the final day of session, which included the tenant study and five other study bills. In a letter to the Legislature, Mills objected to additional spending and lawmakers taking action on measures aside from vetoes past the adjournment deadline of April 17.

Mills did not respond to requests for comment regarding why she declined to approve the study bills sent to her desk, which would not have added additional spending to the state budget.

Many of the proposed studies this year did not make it as far as the governors desk because of a process involving the Special Study Table, where lawmakers place bills after they pass both chambers if they involve legislative studies.

Of the 22 studies on the table this year, only four will be conducted  either measures authorized in 2023, the first of Maines two-year legislative cycle, or those included in the supplemental budget passed by the Legislature in the early morning of April 18.

After accounting for the four approved studies, the General Fund Miscellaneous Studies Budget has a balance of $31,065, which is set to be carried over into the next two-year session, which begins in January 2025.

However, some of the remaining studies may be conducted earlier by other means, including through possible executive order or if taken on by another state agency.

Study table

The Legislative Council, composed of the ten highest ranking members of the Legislature, is responsible for the overall management of the Legislature, including the study table.

Aside from the four previously authorized studies, the Maine House of Representatives and Senate initially passed 18 other study bills this year, which aimed to look into the states transition to clean energy and the effects of chemical exposure on those who trained at the military base in Gagetown, New Brunswick, to name a few.

The Council has the authority to decide which studies to move ahead with.

This process is similar to the Special Appropriations Table, where bills end up when they pass the Legislature and cost money to implement but are not explicitly funded in the state budget. The appropriations table is run by the Legislatures Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.

Both the Appropriations Committee and the Legislative Council have the discretion to pass a bill as is, amend it or leave it on their respective tables. Bills left on these tables when the session finally adjourns automatically die.

This session, eight of the 22 studies on the table died this way. These included measures to study drug decriminalization, the voluntary waiver of firearm rights, and alternative methods to fund higher education, among others.

Technically, the Legislature passed an order allowing these unresolved bills to be carried over into a hypothetical special session  though lawmakers say at this point that is highly unlikely. There are currently no discussions regarding the potential for a special session, a spokesperson for House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Portland) confirmed.

The Legislative Council did vote to move ahead with ten of the other studies.

While there are many similarities between the appropriations table and study table, one key difference is the bills placed on the latter table also vye for staff resources, particularly more so than funding this year.

We obviously have limited financial resources but thats not so much the concern, Senate President Troy Jackson (D-Aroostook) said, when the Council made table decisions on April 30. The concern is actually bodies.

Its common for the Legislative Council to provide staffing for these studies, generally two analysts from the non-partisan Office of Policy and Legal Analysis. Legislators may also serve on study commissions.

Of the 18 studies not previously authorized, 14 required legislative staffing, which Suzanne Gresser, executive director of the Legislature, said existing resources could not sufficiently support.

As a result, the Council made adjustments.

For example, a proposal to re-establish a commission to make recommendations on long-term care options was changed to be staffed by the long-term care ombudsman program. This was also the case for a proposed study of the states transition to clean energy, amended to be staffed by the University of Maines Bureau of Labor Education.

However, the changes made to those studies and two others needed to be approved by both the Senate and House, which didnt take definitive action on the measures before finally adjoining on May 10.

The Senate enacted six study bills, including the tenant study, that the Legislative Council had approved without any changes, though Mills declined to sign them because of the dispute over the adjournment deadline. These also included the studies of chemical exposure at Gagetown, mandatory overtime at pulp and paper manufacturing facilities, modernizing the states subdivision statutes, the accessibility of communication methods for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients, and requirements for social workers licenses.

Theres always studies that dont get funded, Kilrain del Rio, from Maine Equal Justice, said. Whats unusual is that studies that did get funded didnt become law because of the challenges at the end of session.

Some studies still possible

While the future of these studies within the current Legislature is essentially sealed, some may be conducted through other means.

For example, studying the states transition to clean energy is already on the radar of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Lawmakers significantly pared back the bill that sought to study this issue. As originally proposed, the legislation would have limited natural gas expansion in Maine, a plan that saw pushback from gas utilities. Instead, lawmakers settled on a compromise that stripped the bill down to a study of the role of natural gas within Maines efforts to reach its climate goals, similar to those that have been conducted by other states, including nearby Massachusetts.

Maine Public Advocate William Harwood, whose office supported the bill, said there are outstanding concerns about who will be on the hook to pay for infrastructure investments if they end up not being needed, concerns that could be alleviated with the foresight a study could provide.

The bills failure to become law is not a statement by the Legislature that all is okay in the natural gas world, Harwood said, pointing to legislative support for the study before reaching the governors desk. Its a little bit like we scored the winning goal but the time had already run out, Harwood said.

However, the Maine Public Utilities Commission opened an inquiry directed its staff to look into this very issue in a decision released in January. The PUC approved additional contracts for a pipeline but also directed staff to look into how natural gas use is expected to change in response to Maines climate goals.

We are hopeful that the PUC will do its own study, Harwood said. It has the authority without legislation to do that.

Another study bill that failed to become law would have identified the scope of local school construction and renovation needs. This plan never made it to the governor because it did not get the enactment vote it needed in the House.

However, Rep. Michael Brennan (D-Portland), co-chair of the Legislatures Education Committee, wants to make it happen outside of session.

Ive already spoken to the governors office about issuing an executive order creating a task force that would look at school construction, Brennan said. Obviously itll be different. It could be a different process and the executive order may read differently than what was in the original legislation, but Im hoping by not a substantial amount.

The governor did not respond to requests for comment about whether she is supportive of issuing such an order.

While alternative paths are not clear for all studies that did not come to fruition this year, advocates and lawmakers said they plan to regroup in the off-session to figure out a path forward.

For example, the bill sponsor for the study of the voluntary waiver of firearm rights plans to work independently on finding answers this summer before returning with a proposal next session, as reported by the Bangor Daily News.

Work is also expected to be done regarding the future of the tenant-landlord study, though next steps at this point are not clear.

This isnt an issue thats going to go away, Kilrain del Rio said. Well continue to try to look at ways that we can explore it with legislators and try to make progress.

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The post The study table, another dead end for bills this session appeared first on Maine Morning Star.
FILE PHOTO: General view of the Grupo Sura building in Medellin

By Nelson Bocanegra

BOGOTA (Reuters) -A subsidiary of Colombian conglomerate Grupo Sura said on Tuesday it has asked for regulatory permission to dismantle its health business, in the latest blow to Colombia's healthcare system.

The government of President Gustavo Petro last month took control of two major insurers - Sanitas and Nueva EPS, which had some 16 million clients combined - alleging they failed to provide adequate care.

A senate committee rejected a health reform proposed in April by Petro, who has struggled to push new laws for his cornerstone promises through the Andean country's Congress.

"The senate sank the proposal, and as I've said for more than a year, by sinking the reform there's the domino effect of bankrupting health service providers," Petro said in a post on X.

The SURA unit, EPS Sura, reported net losses of 360 billion pesos ($92.3 million) from 2022 to 2023, depleting the company's assets.

"Considering the current financial conditions of the healthcare system, it is necessary and responsible to adopt timely measures to avoid further deterioration," the firm said in a statement.

EPS Sura, which manages healthcare for some 5.3 million clients, will continue providing services. The decision will not affect Grupo SURA's solvency or liquidity, the statement added.

Colombia's health ministry said in a statement that the request from Sura is in reaction to the structural failures of the country's health system and shows the need for reform.

A viability study must now be carried out before health regulators approve or deny the request, the ministry added.

Petro has said he will present the reform once Congress enters its new session in July.

EPS Sura could become a direct healthcare provider under the proposed reform, from its current status as a healthcare administrator, the health ministry said.

Petro's administration is also pushing a pension reform and labor and education reforms.

(Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Josie Kao and Bill Berkrot)
(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

Parents in Nevada will have to wait until September to receive benefits from a popular free food program designed to cover kids during summer vacation.

Earlier this year, Nevada signed up for the first new federally funded nutrition program in decades, which established a permanent summer nutrition assistance program for children out of school for the summer.

The new federal nutrition program, known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT), will provide families with $40 in food benefits per eligible child, per month, for the three month summer period.

But those summer benefits wont make it to Nevada households until September, according to the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, which runs the program.

State health officials said the program was delayed until September, because the agency has not yet secured the state funding needed to run the program. However, the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services said they are confident the $6 million needed to cover the programs administrative costs will be approved by lawmakers during the Interim Finance Committee in June.

We just need to get our funding approved first, said Kristle Muessle, a public information officer for the Nevada Division of Welfare and Support Services. Once we have that, well be able to get the system updates going, and get those contracts going.

Although the program is largely funded by the federal government, states need to pay half the cost of administering the program.

Payments will be distributed in one lump sum to eligible households with children from Pre-K through the 12th grade. State health officials estimate that 350,000 children in Nevada will be eligible for the summer food benefits program.

The first round of summer benefits starting in September will automatically be distributed to children living in households already participating in other income-based federal assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Nevada Medicaid.

Households with children identified by the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) as eligible for the free and reduced lunch program will also automatically receive benefits in the first round of payments in September.

Those benefits will be deposited on existing SNAP or TANF cards as part of a households monthly benefits. State officials noted that not all children will receive their benefits at the same time.

For families who do not receive SNAP or TANF benefits, pre-loaded SEBT cards will be sent by mail starting in mid-September. SEBT cards will be mailed to the last known address the parent or guardian provided when enrolling their child in school.

Parents who have recently moved will need to contact the school their child is currently enrolled in, prior to June 10, 2024, and provide them with a current address or mailing address to ensure they receive the summer food benefits when they are finally available in September, warned the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.

Children in households that are not already participating in other income-based federal assistance programs will receive their summer benefits at a later date. However, that later date has not been determined yet, according to the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.

Nevada also has several nutrition food programs for families who need assistance over the summer. The Clark County School District (CCSD) announced it will serve breakfast and lunch meals to all students through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at several locations throughout southern Nevada. A list of locations can be found here.

Summer meals served by CCSD schools will be available from May 21 to June 14, before returning from June 17 to July 17. Due to the terms of the CCSD Summer Food Service Program, all meals provided by CCSD must be consumed on-site.

The Food Bank of Northern Nevadas also offers free breakfast and lunch meals to children 2-18 years old throughout summer break. A list of locations can be found here.

The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT) is a much needed boost for states that have seen food insecurity rise in recent years.

Earlier this month, data released by Three Square Food Bank revealed that food insecurity in Clark, Nye, Esmerelda and Lincoln counties rose from 12% in 2022 to 14.7% in 2023. An estimated 14.6% of Clark County residents were food insecure, up from 12% the previous year.

The highest rates are among Esmeralda and Nye counties, at 18.4% and 17.3% respectively. Both counties had a 13.9% rate the previous year.

The report also found that rates among children spiked from 17.8% in 2023 to 22%. Roughly one in five children, about 115,000 children, live in food-insecure households.

While Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed a bill in 2023 that would have provided universal free lunch for K-12 students, the SEBT program will provide much needed additional funding for childhood nutrition programs.

Last month, Democratic lawmakers also criticized Lombardo for pressuring the legislature to fund the states administrative costs related to the SEBT program from an emergency contingency account, rather than reallocating unspent American Rescue Plan Act money.

Using the emergency contingency fund for the EBT programs $6 million administrative needs would leave the fund with an $11 million balanceconsidered too low by lawmakers.

During the legislative session, $9 million in ARPA funding was set aside for the universal free lunch program, which was ultimately left unspent after Lombardo vetoed the free school lunch bill.

Lawmakers said they intended to use part of the $9 million in unspent ARPA funds to cover the $6 million needed for administrative costs related to the SEBT program.

The post Summer EBT wont go out until September appeared first on Nevada Current.
Chief Justice Roberts, this is your moment of consequence. History will either laud you for preserving Americas 221-year arc toward justice or it will align you and your Court with tyranny.

You may need reminding that the Supreme Court has no army. You have no police; you lack all mechanisms of enforcement. Your authority depends on Americas trust in the rule of law, which you are allowing Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas to mock. Having spent nearly 30 years as a federal trial lawyer, under an oath to promote, uphold and defend the Constitution, I feel mocked, as do many of my colleagues. Unlike the partisan zealots on your bench, we took our oaths to heart. Many of us wish we hadnt.

Alito and Thomas, batting for theocracy, have consistently bastardized the Establishment Clause into a tool for inflicting their own religion onto others, exactly the opposite of what Thomas Jefferson counseled. Men who gave their lives to separate church and state are rolling in their graves at Alitos Christian Nationalist flag, and Thomas voyeuristic obsession with what goes on in other peoples bedrooms. A vitriolic and aggrieved duo, their dissent in Obergefell painted equality in sepia tones of their own bitter resentment: Marriage equality would vilify Americans unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy of gays living in dignity. Then, feigning originalism in Dobbs, they vitiated Equal Protection, elevating the legal rights of zygotes over those of living, breathing women, citing 12th-century mores when men like Alito burned women like me at the stake. Alito wrote the splotchy, results-driven screed, while Thomas used it to suggest reconsidering gay marriage and contraceptives, the pull of other peoples bedrooms apparently intact.

This villainous duo appears restless, itching to do more to subvert the rule of law in Trumps name. They are doing this on the heels of accepting lavish gifts from litigants before the court, and their own dishonest explanations for why they failed to report them. Their revolting lack of ethics, their partisan partiality, and your spineless failure to reign them in suggest that under your watch, the rule of law has become illusory.

Lawlessness in service to the oligarchy

Alito and Thomas monetize their religious fervor with the deep pockets of oligarchs chomping at the bit to see Trump eliminate corporate taxes and pesky regulations. Groomed by Big Oil, the NRA and corporate donors, Alito and Thomas believe their benefactors will profit when the rule of law is gone and resources are up for grabs. While they are correct that oligarchs profit when the rule of law is defeated- its why tycoons tend to oppose central governments globally- it seems a refresher in how authoritarianism unfolds is also in order.

If you allow Alito and Thomas to help Trump facilitate a Fourth Reich, as they both appear wont to do, you and the entire judiciary will be rendered powerless in a matter of months. Enablers only think theyll be able to control their dictators once in power, as the financiers surrounding every criminal despot throughout history have mistakenly believed. You will rubber-stamp what Trump and his corporate backers want, but inevitably their desires will diverge from your own. At that point, you will have no recourse because there will be no laws except for paper platitudes that serve the dictators interests. Query what role for the judiciary will remain thereafter.

If not impeachment, recusal

Impartiality is the sine qua non for any jurist, therefore, the privilege of a lifetime appointment requires strict avoidance of even the slightest appearance of partisanship. Flying treasonous flag(s) at your own home(s), and presiding over cases implicating your own wifes treasonous conduct, subvert the very premise.

The court took only three weeks to support Trump in the Colorado ballot case, determining that States have no power under the Constitution to kick insurrectionists off their ballot, otherwise state-by-state chaos would result. This from the same smug lot that created state-by-state medical chaos under Dobbs that left women bleeding in parking lots.

Despite your alacrity in the Colorado case, it is taking you months- months- to parse whether a president can assassinate his rivals with immunity from prosecution. Neither of your compromised blackguards recused themselves from these insurrection cases or the case considering whether J6 amounted to obstruction. No matter how you contort justice to serve Trump before this term ends, your decision(s) will not be respected due to Alito and Thomas flagrant partiality.

Last year, sir, you assured the American Law Institute that you were committed to making certain that we as a court adhere to the highest standards of conduct, and you said that we lawyers should trust the Court to develop its own Canon of Ethics. But self-policing has proved an epic fail: the Ethics Code you adopted is a toothless joke that said nothing about Alito and Thomas malfeasance.

Lowest standards for the highest court?

Federal law on judges recusal is clear and unequivocal: Any justice, judge or magistrate judge of the United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Existing guidelines for Supreme Court staff prohibit all employees from engaging in partisan political activity or any political activity if the activity could reflect adversely on the impartiality of the court. Remind me, why, exactly, is the highest court subject to lower standards?

Is it, perhaps, because Alito and Thomas treasonous conduct, demonstrated corruption, spiteful rulings and contempt for long-established precedent scream partiality from a bullhorn? Alitos kingmaker claim in The Wall Street Journal that, No provision in the Constitution gives (Congress) the authority to regulate the Supreme Court  period, was embarrassing and absurd. Congress funds you. Congress has also been regulating the court, dictating its salaries, dictating its size, and legislating statutory jurisdiction from the beginning. It is clear Congress will need to step in now to reign in your venal rogues since you apparently will not.

After voters speak in November  the ones still allowed to vote, that is  Congress should set term limits, enlarge the court, impose ethics with teeth and investigate these rogues, for starters. Alito and Thomas are not the only ones who can angrily dispense with precedent.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Citrus County deputies responded to a shooting in Inverness on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at the Colonial Plaza on Highway 44, according to CCSO.

One person was taken into custody, but there is no word on their identity or what charges they face.

There is no ongoing threat to the community, according to CCSO. Residents were asked to avoid the area while deputies investigate.

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.
KINSHASA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and 85 others injured after a deadly truck rollover on Tuesday in South Kivu, a province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), local media reported.

The accident occurred about two km from the airport of Kavumu, on the outskirts of Bukavu, the provincial capital, said the provincial secretariat of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The truck, belonging to the DRC military, was en route to a funeral and carried soldiers, their spouses and students.

Local authorities have not yet made an announcement regarding the accident. The exact number of passengers remains unknown, with some local media outlets claiming that over 200 passengers were on board, potentially overloading the truck. 
(KRON)  A pile of stolen mail and various false identifications found in a vehicle led to the arrest of two individuals, according to the Hercules Police Department.

At 4:12 a.m. on Thursday, Hercules police officers were notified by a Flock camera that a 2003 Ford Focus associated with a prior mail theft entered the city.

Officers located the Ford near S. Wildwood and initiated a traffic stop. Two individuals occupied the sedan. According to Hercules PD, the officer noticed a large amount of mail on the passenger floorboard associated with a Hercules address in plain view.

Photo: Hercules Police Department

Hollister inmate escapes jail, sheriffs office warns public

Officers detained the suspects. The driver was from Vallejo, and the passenger was from Benicia. Police said the driver lied about his identity to the officer initially.

A search of the Ford yielded a wallet in the drivers pocket with California drivers license, bank cards belonging to multiple people and numerous fraudulent military ID cards with the drivers picture but different names, police said. According to Hercules PD, 0.7 of a gram of suspected fentanyl was located in the passengers pocket.

After the police investigation, officers were able to find the drivers actual identity. Records proved he was on searchable probation for identity theft and federal probation for fraud. The driver also had two outstanding no-bail warrants out of Napa County for identity theft. He also had an outstanding no-bail warrant for fraud and probation violation from the U.S. Marshalls Office.

Both suspects were arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

The Ford was towed, according to police.

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 KRON4.
FAYETTE COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania State Trooper was arrested Tuesday and is facing multiple charges for an off-duty incident.

Trooper James Stevenson Jr., 29, of Connelsville, was charged with aggravated assault and burglary for the alleged off-duty incident, State Police said in a news release.

State Police say Stevenson illegally entered a home and assaulted a man who had to be treated at a hospital early Sunday morning.

PHOTOS: Reported tornado hits Pennsylvania town

Since the incident, Stevenson has been suspended without pay. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in June 2020 and was assigned to the Patrol Section at Troop B, Uniontown.

Stevenson also faces a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and summary charges of harassment and trespassing.

Currently, Stevenson is out of Fayette County Jail after he posted his bail, which was set at $20,000, according to online court documents.

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A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 4.

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.
The Swedish government on May 28 announced a new energy aid package for Ukraine worth 615 million Swedish krona (around $60 million).

Moscow has recently intensified its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, destroying several thermal power plants across the country. This included the Trypillia plant, the main electricity supplier to Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Cherkasy oblasts.

"The new energy aid will help to secure Ukraine's energy supply so that basic public services such as schools, hospitals, transportation, water supply, and business can continue to operate," the statement on the Swedish government website said.

The energy assistance package is financed by the state aid budget and managed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

The package consists of two parts: 500 million Swedish krona (around $45 million) under the Energy Community's Ukraine Energy Support Fund and another 150 million Swedish krona (around $15 million) through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The aid under the Ukraine Energy Support Fund will be directed to purchase technical equipment.

The financial assistance under the UNDP will be allocated for the construction of energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

"Considering the urgent needs, priority will be given to Kharkiv, but other areas of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Mykolaiv, will also be eligible for support," the statement read.

Ukraine's power generation capacity has decreased by up to 8 gigawatt hours (GWh) and needs nearly $1 billion to compensate, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Shmyhal previously said Ukraine has allocated over Hr 7.1 billion ($179.4 million) to restore its power grid after the recent Russian strikes.

Read also: Austria to allocate nearly $5.4 million for Ukraines energy infrastructure restoration

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Several states have asked Sweden to put on hold the plans to send Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine in order to focus on delivering F-16s.

Source: TT news agency with reference to Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson, quoted by Aftonbladet; as reported by European Pravda

Details: Johnson said that other countries in the air defence coalition had asked Sweden to delay the delivery of the Gripen fighter jets.

"This is because the focus is now on the introduction of the F-16s," Jonson explained.

Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have promised to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters. The first aircraft are expected to be delivered this year.

"We in no way rule out that this [Gripen delivery] may become relevant in the future, but now the Ukrainian side is focused on the implementation of the F-16 programme," the Swedish defence minister said.

He added that the Gripen delivery does not currently meet the coalition's views on the introduction of two fighter aircraft systems at the same time.

Background: In the autumn, the media reported that the Swedish government was cautiously preparing the ground for a potential transfer of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.

Later, Paul Jonson said that after the final accession to NATO, Sweden did not rule out the possibility of supplying Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.

In August 2023, during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Sweden, the provision of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine was discussed.

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Sweden to provide Ukraine with over US$60 million to aid Ukraine's energy system

The Swedish government has announced the allocation of 650 million Swedish kronor (about US$61 million) to Ukraine to support the country's energy system.

Source: press service of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The additional support will help to ensure electricity supply, allowing Ukrainian facilities such as schools, hospitals, transportation, water supply, and businesses to continue to operate.

Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell stated that access to energy is critical to the growth of Ukrainian society, economy, and business.

Quote: "Russia is progressively launching targeted strikes on Ukraine's electricity sector in order to disrupt critical social infrastructure. To increase Ukraines resilience, we are expanding our support for the energy industry," the minister said.

The new Swedish package is divided into two parts: SEK 500 million will be granted by the Energy Community Energy Support Fund for Ukraine, while SEK 150 million will be allocated by the United Nations Development Programme.

Background:

On 7 May, Denmarks Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a new humanitarian aid package worth 250 million Danish kroner (33.5 million) to help meet the needs of the Ukrainians most affected by the war.

Last month, the Danish government and parliament announced an agreement to increase funding for the Ukraine Fund, a mechanism for long-term military support for Ukraine, by another DKK 4.4 billion (EUR 590 million) in 2024.

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The Swiss parliament's upper chamber on May 27 supported a motion that would toughen measures to expel spies.

The proposal, which has already been supported by the parliament's lower chamber, is seen as a means to curb Russian intelligence activities in the country ahead of the June peace summit for Ukraine.

The upper chamber  the Council of States  passed the motion with 32 voting in favor, nine against, and two abstentions.

"Foreign states should feel Switzerland is reacting to violations of its security and defending itself," said Swiss President Viola Amherd in an address to the parliament.

The president stressed that the motion would not lead to automatic decision-making.

Bern has previously said that Russia operates spies inside Switzerland disguised as diplomats. Similar accusations have been made by governments across Europe, often leading to expulsions.

Lawmaker Franziska Roth, one of the lawmakers backing the proposal, said that "Switzerland, as the seat of international organizations and as a state in the heart of Europe, is an attractive location for intelligence services."

The peace summit will take place on June 15-16 in the Burgenstock resort above Lake Lucerne, and some 90 countries have already confirmed their attendance. Russia has not been invited to participate at this stage, and Kyiv warned that Moscow will seek to disrupt the conference.

Read also: Putin will applaud if Biden doesnt attend Ukraine peace summit, Zelensky says

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VIRGINIA (WJHL)  The Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) approved $22.7 million in annual grant awards for counties and cities in the Commonwealth to remediate opioid abuse.

The OAA was created in 2021 by the General Assembly to oversee the distribution of opioid settlement funds, which came from various lawsuits that states across the nation filed against makers and pharmaceutical distributors of opioid medication.

Congressman Griffith tours American Merchant factory in Bristol

These grants will help communities across the commonwealth develop and expand programs to prevent opioid addiction, to provide treatment, and to support people in recovery, said Sen. Todd Pillion, chair of the OAA Board of Directors. Virginia fought back against companies that were pushing their highly addictive drugs on vulnerable people, and now we are making sure those settlement funds are being used to save lives, support families, and restore communities.

The grant funding allocated to Virginia communities is restricted by court orders and must be used for opioid abatement and remediation efforts in the communities receiving it. Examples of appropriate usage include recovery residential housing, prevention programs for youth, inmate-based programs and other recovery or prevention-related programming.

Detailed lists of Southwest Virginia communities that will receive funding in FY25 can be found below:

Individual Cities & Counties

Recipient FY25 Award Description Smyth County $63,207 Year 2 Peer Support-Recovery Court. Year 1 funding of $7,147 carried over to Year 2

When can you fish for free in Tennessee and Virginia?

Regional Partnerships

Recipient FY25 Award Description Dickenson, Scott and Lee counties $1,709,675 Build, begin operating Wildwood Wellness Health & Recovery Center Grayson & Carroll counties, Galax

$82,281 Year 2 recovery court enhancement. Year 1 funding of $153,421 carried over to Year 2 Russell Co., Tazewell $1,900,000 (NEW) Capital cost/one-time funding for Secor community residential 90-day step-down program for recently released non-violent inmates from state prison system Russell & Dickenson counties $250,000 (NEW) Recovery housing Smyth, Russell, Lee, Dickenson, Tazewell, Wythe, Wise counties $305,040 (NEW) Project Pathfinder: Legal aid for people in recovery to help reconcile issues like divorce, custody, housing, bankruptcy, etc., as a means of progressing their recovery Smyth, Wythe, Bland, Carroll, Galax, Grayson & Washington counties; Bristol $1,131,318 (NEW) Mobile delivery of comprehensive substance use and primary care services across eight cities/counties using two bus-type vehicles Smyth, Wythe, Bland, Carroll, Grayson counties; Galax $939,990 Year 2 of Mt. Rogers Regional Opioid Abatement Partnership; year 1 funding of $60,010 carried over to Year 2 Smyth, Wythe,

Grayson, Carroll counties; Galax $1,547,771 (NEW) Capital cost/one-time funding for Appalachian Center for Hope substance use treatment center Wise, Lee, Scott counties; City of Norton $162,171 (NEW) Gate City recovery house Wise, Lee, Scott counties; City of Norton $294,034 Year 2 intensive outpatient treatment program. Year 1 funding of $118,348 carried over to Year 2

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Syria, donors must step up to help refugees return, UN refugee chief says

FILE PHOTO: Syrian displaced families, who fled violence after the Turkish offensive in Syria, stand in queue to get their food from Barzani charity at a refugee camp in Bardarash on the outskirts of Dohuk

FILE PHOTO: Syrian displaced families, who fled violence after the Turkish offensive in Syria, stand in queue to get their food from Barzani charity at a refugee camp in Bardarash on the outskirts of Dohuk

By Andrew Gray

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The Syrian government and international aid donors must both do more if they want millions of Syrians forced to flee the country by war to return home, the U.N.'s refugee chief has said.

Filippo Grandi, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, said the Gaza war and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict showed what happens if refugee questions are left unaddressed.

"If you leave it unattended ... it comes back with a vengeance," Grandi told Reuters in Brussels on the sidelines of a European Union-led conference on aid for Syrians.

The forum yielded pledges of 7.5 billion euros in grants and loans for coming years, the EU said on Monday evening.

But 13 years after an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad spiralled into war, the fate of more than five million Syrian refugees living outside the country is increasingly contentious.

Lebanese politicians have been pushing for more refugees to be sent home. Some 800,000 Syrians are registered with the U.N. refugee agency in Lebanon, whose authorities say the true number of Syrians in the country is around two million.

The issue has also risen up Europe's political agenda, with EU member Cyprus concerned that large numbers of refugees unwelcome in Lebanon will arrive on its shores.

But Western nations have not resumed ties with Assad, regarding him as a war criminal - an accusation he denies - and saying Syria is still unsafe for large-scale returns.

Some Arab states began re-engaging with Assad in the aftermath of a deadly 2023 earthquake but had little success in convincing him to create conditions for refugee returns.

Speaking on Monday evening, Grandi said he could not tell Western countries how to engage with Assad, but they could fund humanitarian work inside Syria by organisations such as his own.

"Something has got to give in all this, you know?" he said. "You cannot have the cake and eat it. You have to invest if you want solutions."

VOLUNTARY RETURNS

Grandi said refugees should only return voluntarily  and this could only happen if they felt safe in Syria and could rely on basics such as housing and ways to earn a living.

For Syrian authorities, this meant providing security and solving bureaucratic problems such as documentation.

"It's slow progress, but we're working on it," Grandi said. He said he told Assad last year he had a "huge confidence gap" with his own people, who need convincing they can trust him.

More than 500,000 people have been killed in the Syrian war and about 150,000 remain unaccounted for.

Many of the country's schools, water supplies and electricity stations have been destroyed. A devastating economic crunch has added to the country's woes in recent years.

Western aid donors had an important part to play too, Grandi said, with more funding for projects inside Syria.

"We have a programme in Syria, but it is not very well funded," he said, adding one flagship scheme had only received between 30% and 35% of the required funding.

"We need to invest more to create conditions for people to go back," he said.

(Additional reporting by Maya Gebeily in Beirut and John Irish in Paris, Editing by William Maclean)
NAIROBI, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Kenya hosted an economic and trade conference on Monday in the capital of Nairobi with the participation of a high-level delegation from the Chinese coastal city of Shenzhen, as commercial ties between the two sides continue to expand.

The event also attracted representatives of nearly 100 local enterprises and overseas Chinese representatives from the Kenya China Chamber of Commerce.

Eric Ruto, president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that local enterprises are eager to partner with manufacturing industries based in Shenzhen due to their advanced technology in Kenya's priority sectors, especially in the medical, electronic and renewable energy fields.

"This conference will be a catalyst to deepen links between businesses from the two regions," he added.

Ruto noted that Kenyan enterprises are keen to partner with their Chinese counterparts in industrial resource sharing, marketing, and innovation transformation.

Wang Lide, head of Bao'an District in Shenzhen, said that the district has developed a comparative advantage in electronic consumer goods, new energy equipment, optoelectronic products, electronic components, semiconductor power devices, ultrasonic welding machines, and medical devices.

"We look forward to further strengthening exchanges with the Kenyan government, enterprises and institutions, and continuing to deepen practical cooperation in various fields such as economic and trade investment, scientific and technological innovation, and cultural tourism for mutual benefit and win-win development," he added. 
By Ben Blanchard and Ann Wang

HUALIEN, Taiwan (Reuters) - Taiwan President Lai Ching-te thanked fighter pilots who had scrambled against China last week during its war games around the island, as he was briefed on the events at a frontline air base on Tuesday.

China, which claims democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, started two days of drills last Thursday in what it called "punishment" for Lai's inauguration speech that week. Taiwan condemned the exercises.

China says Lai is a "separatist" and has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Lai rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future, and has repeatedly offered talks.

Visiting the east coast air base of Hualien, which is home to Taiwan's most advanced fighter jets, the F-16Vs, Lai had lunch with some of the pilots who scrambled during the drills.

"I would like to thank all brothers and sisters for sticking to their posts and protecting national security," he added. "In recent days in response to the Chinese military exercises, everyone did a good job."

Lai said he received a detailed briefing on the pilots response and the abilities of the Taiwan fighters.

"Everyone is on standby in 24-hour shifts to perform air patrol missions," he added. "With firm determination and excellent combat skills, you are making full use of air combat power and protecting our airspace."

Soldiers also demonstrated the loading and firing of howitzers for Lai.

Some hangars at the Hualien base are cut out of the side of a mountain to protect them from air attack.

Taiwan has been converting 141 of the Lockheed Martin Corp F-16A/B jets to the F-16V type, and has also ordered 66 of the craft with new avionics, weapons and radar systems to better face down the Chinese air force, including its J-20 stealth fighters.

The F-16Vs can also carry Raytheon Technologies Corp's advanced AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

Taiwan's government says that as the People's Republic of China has never ruled the island, it has no right to claim it or decide its future.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Ann Wang; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
A general view of the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament. Taiwan's parliament, dominated by the China-friendly opposition, on Tuesday amended a controversial law to expand the lawmakers' investigative powers, which opponents have slammed as an erosion of democracy. Johannes Neudecker/dpa

Taiwan's parliament, dominated by the China-friendly opposition, on Tuesday amended a controversial law to expand the lawmakers' investigative powers, which opponents have slammed as an erosion of democracy.

Outside the parliament building, more than 30,000 protesters showed their outrage by giving the move the thumbs-down.

"This is a law that is most difficult to operate and enforce because it had never been fully discussed," Puma Shen, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said at the legislative session after the passage of the amendment, adding that the legislative procedure lacks transparency.

Protesters said the amendment's passage would hinder the normal functioning of the government under new President Lai Ching-te of the independence-leaning DPP, who took office last week, and create chilling effects on Taiwan's democracy.

In Taiwan, the directly elected president appoints the premier to head the Executive Yuan, which formulates policy. The Legislative Yuan then reviews policies and enacts laws. The DPP lost its majority in the Legislative Yuan in January's elections.

The opposition lawmakers have moved to increase their powers over the work of the president and the executive. Now the president should deliver the state-of-the-nation report during the legislature's annual assembly and he must appear himself in person, according to state-run Central News Agency.

The new rules also stipulate that counter-questions are not allowed when being questioned by lawmakers, and the person being questioned may not refuse to reply or else they will be considered in contempt. Violators can be fined up to NT$200,000 (US$6,215).

In addition, lawmakers have expanded the number of people they can call in to question to include government agencies, military units, legal representatives, groups or other relevant people. Those who refuse to appear can be fined up to NT$100,000 by resolution of the legislature.

Tuesday's demonstration was the fourth since mid-May. The protesters have expressed concerns about what they see as a dysfunctional legislature and the violation of procedures by China-friendly opposition parties, including the Chinese Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT), and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP).

KMT chairman Eric Chu said on Facebook on Tuesday that this reform is not only in line with public opinion after the 2024 presidential election, but is also a milestone in Taiwan's third wave of democratic reforms. Chu called on President Lai to abide by the constitutional system, respect the Legislative Yuan, and comply with the expectations of the majority.

KMT legislative caucus whip Fu Kun-chi said on Tuesday that, with the amendment, opposition lawmakers will soon launch investigations into certain corruption cases as soon as possible. "We will bring sunlight into Taiwan," Fu told reporters.

But DPP legislator Kuo Kuo-wen said, "The parliament will become a platform for secret leakage because Beijing can gain key information through China-friendly lawmakers."

"We, as people from the civil society, will urge the Executive Yuan to ask the legislature to reconsider the amendment," Taiwan Economic Democracy Union convener Lai Chung-chiang told the crowd outside parliament, saying that the government is entitled to do so in accordance with the constitution.

"Why are the adults in power unable to practise the rules and spirit of democracy?" Chiu She-ching, a high-school student said on the stage to the crowd.

"I cannot tolerate irresponsible lawmakers skipping the procedure to review the bill clause by clause. I'm so worried about the gradual erosion of democracy and freedom," a woman surnamed Lai, 39, with her 2-year-old girl sleeping in a baby cart, told dpa at the protest.

On stage, Wu Rwei-ren, a researcher at the prestigious Academia Sinica's Institute of Taiwan History, told protestors that foreign observers had pointed out that Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament was seeking to rebalance power.

"The third reading passed today in Taiwan will ultimately benefit the Beijing regime," Wu said, citing a new article in the current affairs magazine The Diplomat.
CHICAGO  Passengers on a United Airlines flight leaving OHare on Monday afternoon experienced some delays after the planes engine reportedly caught fire.

United Airlines flight 2091 was set to leave Chicago for Seattle around 2 p.m. when the takeoff was aborted due to a reported engine fire, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Airline offers direct flights for dogs out of New York to London, Paris, Los Angeles

Officials from the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) said the situation was resolved without further incident.

Following the incident, the aircraft, an Airbus A320, was towed to the gate and all 148 passengers exited the plane.

Out of an abundance of caution, fire and medical crews met the aircraft but no injuries were reported.

The airline later said that it was working to make alternative travel arrangements for impacted passengers.

Currently, it is unclear what sparked the fire.

Due to the incident, the FAA temporarily halted arriving flights at OHare. It all comes amid the record-breaking holiday travel rush.

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.
Target has around 75 Pride items in its collection right now. Here's what changed.

Target has around 75 Pride items in its collection right now. Here's what changed.

Target has slashed its annual Pride collection after the retailer faced protests last summer.

Now, rather than thousands of LGBTQ+ themed products, Target's Pride masthead now has around 75 items.

Target said it's made changes "based on guest insights and sales trends."

Target's annual Pride collection is a shadow of its former self after the retailer faced protests from conservative groups last summer.

After a decade of offering a special collection of products sourced from the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate Pride month in June, the retailer said last year it was "rethinking" its cultural merchandising strategy.

Pride this year at Target is shaping up to be a lot smaller, shorter, and quieter than it once was  and there's a good chance you might not see it at all.

Target's online Pride collection on May 28. Target

While this year's assortment consists of fewer than 75 items curated specifically for Pride month, roughly 2,000 items of other year-round LGBTQIA+ themed merchandise  some of which was included in Target's 2023 Pride masthead  now can be found on a separate LGBTQIA+ Shop page.

A Target spokesperson told Business Insider that it was inaccurate to characterize this year's Pride collection as containing thousands fewer items compared to 2023.

Now instead of bold statements and functional garments, the curated selection has more toned-down rainbow-themed apparel and accessories, a few alcoholic drinks, pet gear, and a cutting board emblazoned with "It's Giving Charcuterie."

A seasonal display at Target in Madison, Wisconsin. Dominick Reuter/Business Insider

The company said earlier this month only select stores would carry Pride products, rather than all of its nearly 2,000 US locations.

Business Insider visited a store on Tuesday in Madison, Wisconsin, and found that Target had yet to set out any Pride merchandise, although the company's website and app said items could be purchased from that location. A guest services employee at the store confirmed to BI that online orders could be fulfilled from the store, and said the store display should be available starting June 1.

For now, what previously had been the location of a front-of-store Pride display was instead occupied by a summer "Swim and Sand Shop." Days earlier the spot had been set up for a pickleball promotion.

A Pride month display at a Target in Wisconsin last year. Dominick Reuter/Insider

In an interview last year as the conservative firestorm was gaining momentum, CEO Brian Cornell argued against the idea that Target was too "woke."

"When we think about purpose at Target, it's really about helping all the families, and that 'all' word is really important," he said "We want to do the right thing to support families across the country."

"I think those are just good business decisions, and it's the right thing for society, and it's the great thing for our brand," he added.

A year after the remarks, we're getting a better sense of what exactly is changing as the company switches up its strategy, which Target has said was the result of sales trends and guest insights.

"Please know our intention is to bring our culture of care to life for our LGBTQIA+ team members  not just during June, but year-round," Target's VP of Brand Marketing Carlos Saavedra said in an email to the company's Pride+ Business Council earlier this month. "We remain committed to this wonderful community, and we are so excited to celebrate Pride with you all."

May 29, 2023  Updated to add Target's response disputing the characterization that its collection included around 2,000 fewer items and to clarify the inclusion of year-round LGBTQIA+ themed merchandise in last year's online catalog.

Read the original article on Business Insider
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A state lawmaker from Memphis wants the state to hire a former New York City police commissioner to help tackle the Bluff Citys crime problem.

Sen. Brent Taylor says in a letter sent to Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday that, despite the best efforts of the citys current and former mayors, crime is so out-of-control that it may be beyond local governments capacity to solve alone.

My city has become a war zone! Taylor wrote. We must act now to protect Memphis poorest residents and prevent a massive Memphis exodus of our middle class.

MPD: Suspects with machine gun crash stolen car, hide in Family Dollar

He asked Lee to contract with an expert crime consultant to assist Memphis police and Shelby County deputies in assessing policies and strategies.

Perhaps a new set of eyes to an old problem can be brought to Memphis to aid our public safety efforts, he wrote.

Specifically, hes targeting Teneo, a public safety consulting firm chaired by William Bratton, who was New Yorks police commissioner from 1994-96 and again from 2014-16, serving in between those appointments as Los Angeles police chief.

Bratton is credited with introducing the broken windows theory of policing to New York, a strategy that took a zero-tolerance approach to minor offenses like loitering and littering.

That coincided with the beginning of a major drop in crime for New York in the 1990s, but also controversy over aggressive police tactics.

397 homicides in Memphis last year, another new record

In 2023, Memphis experienced more than one homicide per day on average and ended the year with a drastic jump in homicides and murders, plus hundreds of carjackings and robberies. The city has set homicide records in three years out of the past four.

Taylor, a Republican whose district includes parts of east Memphis and its suburbs, has made crime a focus of his time in office.

If we do not get control of our massive crime crisis, Memphis will become the new Detroit: a failed American city! Taylor wrote Tuesday. Detroit ended 2023 with 252 homicides, an 18% drop from the previous year, according to information from city government.

Memphis needs help: Senator asks TN governor for aid amid citys crime wave

In November 2023, he appealed to Lee for more crime aid to the city, saying Memphis needs help.

Sen. London Lamar, a Memphis Democrat, said in a response released Tuesday afternoon that the state should look at strategies that could prevent the root causes of crime, particularly laws that control the sale of firearms.

The only solutions Republican politicians want to endorse are to lock everybody up, shovel tax dollars at building jail cells, and then throw them back on the street, Lamar said. Its not working. Yes, we need to hold criminals accountable, but, more importantly, we need to break the cycle of violence with initiatives that prevent crime before it happens.

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California and the country are facing a crisis of news deserts, places where local newspapers no longer exist. But there is an important action that can be taken to help save the news: States like California (and ideally also Congress) can and should enact laws requiring tech platforms that link news stories to pay the newspapers that produce them.

A recent study by the Medill School of Journalism found that since 2005, the country has lost more than one-fourth of its newspapers and is on track to lose a third by 2025. Between late 2019 and May 2022, more than 360 newspapers closed.

The report concluded that most of the communities that have lost newspapers do not get a print or digital replacement, leaving 70 million residents  or a fifth of the countrys population  either living in an area with no local news organizations, or one at risk, with only one local news outlet and very limited access to critical news and information that can inform their everyday decisions and sustain grassroots democracy.

Opinion

Most newspapers that survive have had to cut their staffing. From 2008 to 2017, total newspaper newsroom staffing almost halved, dropping from 71,000 employees to 39,000.

Many studies have shown that without a strong print or digital news organization corruption increases and voter participation decreases. One study of 11 California cities found that when there are fewer reporters covering an area, fewer people run for mayor and fewer people vote.

Many factors have contributed to this crisis in the news media. An important problem that can be fixed legislatively is how large social media platforms like Google, Facebook and Instagram link to news stories and therein gain advertising revenue, but none of the money goes to the news organizations that did the actual reporting. Tech platform are swallowing profits that would otherwise go to the newspapers that are covering the news, doing the investigations and writing the stories.

There is a bill pending in the California legislature  the California Journalism Preservation Act  that would help solve this problem. Assembly Bill 886, put forward by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, would require Big Tech to pay a fee for news on their platforms, allowing journalism providers to recoup their fair share of revenue for the news stories they produce. The bill would require that these internet and social media platforms pay a journalism usage fee to news outlets for content that appeared on their sites.

AB 886 would create an arbitration process with newsrooms to establish a fee that the companies would pay to carry news articles. The experience of other countries shows that this type of legislation works. In 2021, Australia passed a law that requires social media companies to share a portion of the profits they make from news content with news companies. The law generated almost $150 million in revenue in its first year. Canada also adopted a similar law last year.

The California Journalism Preservation Act passed the California Assembly last year with strong bipartisan support and it is scheduled to be considered soon by the Senate Judiciary Committee. It should be approved by the Senate and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

In response, however, tech giants Google and Meta have threatened that they wont carry news stories at all if they have to pay for them. Facebook did this in Canada after that country adopted a similar law. This threat shows the moral bankruptcy of these companies  wanting to keep all of the profits after using the work of others. Moreover, the threat, if carried out, would expose these companies to serious risk of antitrust liability. As Chuck Champion, president of the California News Publishers Association, explained, Google is leveraging its monopoly power to brazenly undermine our democracy.

Basic fairness says that the internet and social media companies should have to share the revenues they gain from using the work of others. But much more than fairness is at stake. Internet and social media companies are endangering newspapers  and therefore democracy  by providing the content without sharing the profits.

When news organizations vanish, there is no one to go to the city council meetings or do the investigative reporting to uncover corruption or report on local elections. Google, Facebook and Instagram do not have newsrooms to do so and they are not going to create them.

If enacted, the California Journalism Preservation Act can be a model for other states. It is a crucial stop toward saving our democracy.

Erwin Chemerinsky is dean and professor of law at the UC Berkeley School of Law.
A 19-year-old fell beneath Mason Countys High Steel Bridge during Memorial Day weekend

Clinton Ward/Getty High Steel Bridge Washington State seen from a drone

A teenager miraculously survived a 400-foot fall into a canyon over Memorial Day Weekend, sustaining only minor injuries.

The 19-year-old male, who remains unidentified, was walking beneath High Steel Bridges canyon in Mason County, Wash., which is known to be a precarious path, according to authorities. The bridge is located roughly 100 miles southeast of Seattle.

Weve told people to stay off these trails because theyre dangerous, but people either havent seen the warning signs or are disregarding it, Mason County Sheriff patrol corporal Tim Ripp said, per NBC News.

The teenager only suffered scrapes on both of his arms and was taken to a local hospital to get checked out, according to the report.

Mason County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Rescuers on High Steel Bridge

PEOPLE reached out to the Mason County Sheriffs Office for further comment, but they did not immediately respond.

Ripp also noted to NBC News that people are encouraged to stay away from the bridge due to its slippery nature and steepness. Signs surrounding the area read: "Warning: The areas around the high steel bridge are slippery, steep and unsafe for exploring."

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.

The Mason County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page shared images of the rescue mission. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Special Operations Rescue Team, he was rescued and sustained only minimal injuries, their post read.

Fire Chief Matthew Welander of West Mason Fire told NBC affiliate KING 5 that to rescue the teenager, they "hooked him up into a harness and brought him all the way back up.

Mason County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Rescuers on High Steel Bridge

"He was walking down a washout that a lot of people use, and has kind of become a trail. Its not a trail. Its a washout, its too steep," Weelander told the outlet. "And ended up all the way down at the river, sliding.

Ripp told NBC News that every year, five to seven people fall from the High Steel Bridge and most die. The rescued teen was fortunate to survive.



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A teenager survived a 400ft fall from a canyon in Washington state with only minimal injuries, according to police.

A two-hour rescue operation to save the 19-year-old, involving the Mason county sheriffs office and fire department, took place on Saturday below High Steel Bridge  one of the USs tallest railroad bridges  located on the Olympic national forest nearly 100 miles outside Seattle.

The boy, who has not been publicly identified, fell after embarking on a path marked unsafe for exploring. Due to the steep and slippery conditions of the areas surrounding the bridge, he plummeted below.

Rescuers said they had to use binoculars to locate the boy. A firefighter was hooked up to a harness, scaled the bridge and descended beneath the bridge to bring the teen back up, who only sustained minor scrapes to his arms.

He was later taken to a nearby hospital.

Matthew Welander, the West Mason fire chief, told local news station KING5 his team had practice saving the boy by hauling dead bodies out from the same place in the past.

Welander called the teen crazy lucky and urged extreme caution when around the bridge. He blamed the need for rescues on the lack of respect for nature.

Rescuers said about five to seven people fall off the bridge every year, and there are 20 dead bodies recovered for every person found alive at the bottom.

On Facebook, West Mason fire said: Luckily the 19-year-old made it out alive. A lot of our rescues arent so lucky. Remember, do NOT hike down next to the bridge.
A tenant accused of turning a $1.7M LA home into an illegal Airbnb says he did nothing wrong and will sue his landlord

Nikeeta Sriram accused Nicholas Jarzabek of turning her $1.675 million home into an illegal Airbnb.

Jarzabek told BI he plans to countersue his landlord for libel.

He claims Sriram knew he had Airbnb guests and went on to disparage him, leading to death threats.

The tenant of a $1.675 million Los Angeles home, whose owner accused him of turning it into an illegal Airbnb, insists he did nothing wrong.

Nicholas Jarzabek, who also goes by the stage name Nick Diver, now plans to countersue his landlord Nikeeta Sriram, accusing her of libel, among other claims.

"I am not a nightmare tenant. I have never been a nightmare tenant," Jarzabek said in a letter provided to Business Insider by email.

In the letter, he claimed not only that Sriram had stained his reputation, but also that he put the property on Airbnb with her knowledge.

The Los Angeles Times reported on a lawsuit filed by 31-year-old Nikeeta Sriram, seeking to kick out Jarzabek and take back the home.

In an interview with the newspaper she called Jarzabek a "nightmare," the term he rejected in his email.

Sriram said she rented her Mid-Wilshire property to Jarzabek in March 2022. It consists of a main house and a separate one-bedroom house in the yard.

According to the lawsuit, reviewed by the Times, Jarzabek initially paid his rent on time and made no repair requests.

However, The Times reported that in December 2023, Sriram discovered her home listed on Airbnb, which she claimed violated the terms of their lease.

As part of the lawsuit, Sriram subpoenaed Airbnb records, which showed that over 16 months between 2022 and 2023, the listing generated $215,954, about $13,500 a month, according to the Times.

Sriram filed for eviction through the Los Angeles Superior Court and sent a cease-and-desist letter to Jarzabek's attorney, the outlet reported.

An Airbnb spokesperson emailed BI a statement saying that the company doesn't tolerate hosts breaking local laws and works to combat it.

Jarzabek showed BI a draft of a civil lawsuit where he counters Sriram's claims. He said he plans to file it this week.

In the document, he alleges that Sriram only initiated eviction proceedings when she asked him to leave early and he refused.

He denied breaching the lease's terms, claiming he paid rent on time every month up until eviction proceedings began.

In a letter provided to Business Insider, Jarzabek claimed that earlier in the lease Sriram "didn't care what I did with the properties as long as I paid the rent."

He stated that Sriram knew he was single and had rented him two separate houses, seeming to imply it was obvious he would do something else with the excess space.

"Sriram knew I had guests and knew I sublet," he said. He also claimed she had not expressed any concerns for a year and a half until she wanted to break the lease, which he says was due to continue to September 2024.

Jarzabek's draft lawsuit claims Sriram made "false, misleading, nonfactual, and unfounded" statements about him in the Times article.

He claims the article led to "public hatred, contempt, and ridicule," including threats by people to beat up and kill him and says he is seeking damages of $14,000.

Sriram did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

Read the original article on Business Insider
In Tennessee, Ballad Health gets an A grade no matter how its hospitals performed

Protesters gather in opposition to the closure of the neonatal intensive care unit at Holston Valley Medical Center, a Ballad Health hospital, in 2019. (Photo: Dani Cook)

Protesters gather in opposition to the closure of the neonatal intensive care unit at Holston Valley Medical Center, a Ballad Health hospital, in 2019. (Photo: Dani Cook)

A Tennessee agency that is supposed to hold accountable and grade the nations largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly awards full credit on dozens of quality-of-care measurements as long as it reports any value  regardless of how its hospitals actually perform.

Ballad Health, a 20-hospital system in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia, has received A grades and an annual stamp of approval from the Tennessee Department of Health. This has occurred as Ballad hospitals consistently fall short of performance targets established by the state, according to health department documents.

Because the states scoring rubric largely ignores the hospitals performance, only 5% of Ballads final score is based on actual quality of care, and Ballad has suffered no penalty for failing to meet the states goals in about 50 areas  including surgery complications, emergency room speed, and patient satisfaction.

It doesnt make any sense, said Ron Allgood, 75, of Kingsport, Tennessee, who said he had a heart attack in a Ballad ER in 2022 after waiting for three hours with chest pains. It seems that nobody listens to the patients.

Ballad Health was created six years ago after Tennessee and Virginia lawmakers waived federal anti-monopoly laws so two competing hospital companies could merge. The monopoly agreement established two quality measures to compare Ballads care against the states baseline expectations: about 17 target measures, on which hospitals are expected to improve and their performance factors into their grade; and more than 50 monitoring measures, which Ballad must report, but how the hospitals perform on them is not factored into Ballads grade.

It doesn't make any sense. It seems that nobody listens to the patients.

 Ron Allgood, Kingsport

Ballad has failed to meet the baseline values on 75% or more of all quality measures in recent years  and some are not even close  according to reports the company has submitted to the health department.

Since the merger, Ballad has become the only option for hospital care for most of about 1.1 million residents in a 29-county region at the nexus of Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Critics are vocal. Protesters rallied outside a Ballad hospital for months. For years, longtime residents like Allgood have alleged Ballads leadership has diminished the hospitals theyve relied on their entire lives.

Its a shadow of the hospital we used to have, Allgood said.

And yet, every year since the merger, the Tennessee health department has reported that the benefits of the hospital merger outweigh the risks of a monopoly, and that Ballad continues to provide a Public Advantage. Tennessee has also given Ballad an A grade in every year but two, when the scoring system was suspended due to the covid-19 pandemic and no grade issued.

The departments latest report, released this month, awarded Ballad 93.6 of 100 possible points, including 15 points just for reporting the monitoring measures. If Tennessee rescored Ballad based on its performance, its score would drop from 93.6 to about 79.7, based on the scoring rubric described in health department documents. Tennessee considers scores of 85 or higher to be satisfactory, the documents state.

Johnson City Medical Center is a flagship hospital for Ballad Health in Tennessee. Ballad Health getsA grades from the Tennessee government. But the scoring rubric largely ignores the actual performance of Ballads hospitals, which often falls below expec tations. (Brett Kelman/KFF Health News

Larry Fitzgerald, who monitored Ballad for the Tennessee government before retiring this year, said it was obvious the states scoring rubric should be changed.

Fitzgerald likened Ballad to a student getting 15 free points on a test for writing any answer.

Do I think Ballad should be required to show improvement on those measures? Yes, absolutely, Fitzgerald said. I think any human being you spoke with would give the same answer.

Ballad Health declined to comment. Tennessee Department of Health spokesperson Dean Flener declined an interview request and directed all questions about Ballad to the Tennessee Attorney Generals Office, which also has a role in regulating the monopoly. Amy Wilhite, a spokesperson for the AGs office, directed those questions back to the health department and provided documents showing it is the agency responsible for how Ballad is scored.

The Virginia Department of Health, which is also supposed to perform active supervision of Ballad as part of the monopoly agreement, has fallen several years behind schedule. Its most recent assessment of the company was for fiscal year 2020, when it found that the benefits of the monopoly outweigh the disadvantages. Erik Bodin, a Virginia official who oversees the agreement, said more recent reports are not yet ready to be released.

Ballad failed to meet the baseline on about 80% of quality measures  including emergency room wait times, which average close to 11 hours  from July 2021 to June 2022, according to a report the company submitted to the health department.

Ballad Health was formed in 2018 after state officials approved the nations biggest so-called Certificate of Public Advantage, or COPA, agreement, allowing a merger of the Tri-Cities regions only two hospital systems  Mountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health System. Nationwide, COPAs have been used in about 10 hospital mergers over the past three decades, but none has involved as many hospitals as Ballads.

The Federal Trade Commission has warned that hospital monopolies lead to increased prices and decreased quality of care. To offset the perils of Ballads monopoly, officials required the new company to agree to more robust regulation by state health officials and a long list of special conditions, including the states quality-of-care measurements.

Ballad failed to meet the baseline on about 80% of those quality measures from July 2021 to June 2022, according to a report the company submitted to the health department. The following year, Ballad fell short on about 75% of the quality measures, and some got dramatically worse, another company report shows.

For example, the median time Ballad patients spend in the ER before being admitted to the hospital has risen each year and is now nearly 11 hours, according to the latest Ballad report. Thats more than three times what it was when the monopoly began, and more than 2.5 times the state baseline.

And yet Ballads grade is not lowered by the lack of speed in its ERs.

Fitzgerald, Tennessees former Ballad monitor, who previously served as an executive in the University of Virginia Health System, said a hospital company with competitors would have more reason than Ballad to improve its ER speeds.

When I was at UVA, we monitored this stuff passionately because  and I think this is the key point here  we had competition, Fitzgerald said. And if we didnt score well, the competition took advantage.

KFF Health News Midwest correspondent Samantha Liss contributed to this report.

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 In Tennessee, Ballad Health gets an A grade no matter how its hospitals performed appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
Tennessee gives this hospital monopoly an A grade  even when it reports failure

Johnson City Medical Center is a flagship hospital for Ballad Health in Tennessee. Ballad Health gets A grades from the Tennessee government. But the scoring rubric largely ignores the actual performance of Ballads hospitals, which often falls below expectations. (Brett Kelman/KFF Health News)

A Tennessee agency that is supposed to hold accountable and grade the nations largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly awards full credit on dozens of quality-of-care measurements as long as it reports any value  regardless of how its hospitals actually perform.

Ballad Health, a 20-hospital system in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia, has received A grades and an annual stamp of approval from the Tennessee Department of Health. This has occurred as Ballad hospitals consistently fall short of performance targets established by the state, according to health department documents.

Because the states scoring rubric largely ignores the hospitals performance, only 5% of Ballads final score is based on actual quality of care, and Ballad has suffered no penalty for failing to meet the states goals in about 50 areas  including surgery complications, emergency room speed, and patient satisfaction.

It doesnt make any sense, said Ron Allgood, 75, of Kingsport, Tennessee, who said he had a heart attack in a Ballad ER in 2022 after waiting for three hours with chest pains. It seems that nobody listens to the patients.

Ballad Health was created six years ago after Tennessee and Virginia lawmakers waived federal anti-monopoly laws so two competing hospital companies could merge. The monopoly agreement established two quality measures to compare Ballads care against the states baseline expectations: about 17 target measures, on which hospitals are expected to improve and their performance factors into their grade; and more than 50 monitoring measures, which Ballad must report, but how the hospitals perform on them is not factored into Ballads grade.

Ballad has failed to meet the baseline values on 75% or more of all quality measures in recent years  and some are not even close  according to reports the company has submitted to the health department.

Since the merger, Ballad has become the only option for hospital care for most of about 1.1 million residents in a 29-county region at the nexus of Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Critics are vocal. Protesters rallied outside a Ballad hospital for months. For years, longtime residents like Allgood have alleged Ballads leadership has diminished the hospitals theyve relied on their entire lives.

Its a shadow of the hospital we used to have, Allgood said.

And yet, every year since the merger, the Tennessee health department has reported that the benefits of the hospital merger outweigh the risks of a monopoly, and that Ballad continues to provide a Public Advantage. Tennessee has also given Ballad an A grade in every year but two, when the scoring system was suspended due to the covid-19 pandemic and no grade issued.

The departments latest report, released this month, awarded Ballad 93.6 of 100 possible points, including 15 points just for reporting the monitoring measures. If Tennessee rescored Ballad based on its performance, its score would drop from 93.6 to about 79.7, based on the scoring rubric described in health department documents. Tennessee considers scores of 85 or higher to be satisfactory, the documents state.

Larry Fitzgerald, who monitored Ballad for the Tennessee government before retiring this year, said it was obvious the states scoring rubric should be changed.

Fitzgerald likened Ballad to a student getting 15 free points on a test for writing any answer.

Do I think Ballad should be required to show improvement on those measures? Yes, absolutely, Fitzgerald said. I think any human being you spoke with would give the same answer.

Ballad Health declined to comment. Tennessee Department of Health spokesperson Dean Flener declined an interview request and directed all questions about Ballad to the Tennessee Attorney Generals Office, which also has a role in regulating the monopoly. Amy Wilhite, a spokesperson for the AGs office, directed those questions back to the health department and provided documents showing it is the agency responsible for how Ballad is scored.

The Virginia Department of Health, which is also supposed to perform active supervision of Ballad as part of the monopoly agreement, has fallen several years behind schedule. Its most recent assessment of the company was for fiscal year 2020, when it found that the benefits of the monopoly outweigh the disadvantages. Erik Bodin, a Virginia official who oversees the agreement, said more recent reports are not yet ready to be released.

Ballad Health was formed in 2018 after state officials approved the nations biggest so-called Certificate of Public Advantage, or COPA, agreement, allowing a merger of the Tri-Cities regions only two hospital systems  Mountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health System. Nationwide, COPAs have been used in about 10 hospital mergers over the past three decades, but none has involved as many hospitals as Ballads.

The Federal Trade Commission has warned that hospital monopolies lead to increased prices and decreased quality of care. To offset the perils of Ballads monopoly, officials required the new company to agree to more robust regulation by state health officials and a long list of special conditions, including the states quality-of-care measurements.

Ballad failed to meet the baseline on about 80% of those quality measures from July 2021 to June 2022, according to a report the company submitted to the health department. The following year, Ballad fell short on about 75% of the quality measures, and some got dramatically worse, another company report shows.

For example, the median time Ballad patients spend in the ER before being admitted to the hospital has risen each year and is now nearly 11 hours, according to the latest Ballad report. Thats more than three times what it was when the monopoly began, and more than 2.5 times the state baseline.

And yet Ballads grade is not lowered by the lack of speed in its ERs.

Fitzgerald, Tennessees former Ballad monitor, who previously served as an executive in the University of Virginia Health System, said a hospital company with competitors would have more reason than Ballad to improve its ER speeds.

When I was at UVA, we monitored this stuff passionately because  and I think this is the key point here  we had competition, Fitzgerald said. And if we didnt score well, the competition took advantage.

KFF Health News Midwest correspondent Samantha Liss contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in KFF Health News.

The post Tennessee gives this hospital monopoly an A grade  even when it reports failure appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
(Getty Images)

Low-income Tennessee parents will soon have access to monthly supplies of free diapers under a new program approved last week by federal regulators.

Beginning in August, the state will cover the cost of 100 diapers per month for children under two who are enrolled in TennCare, Tennessees Medicaid program, and CoverKids, the states insurance program for kids whose families are not poor enough for TennCare but cannot afford private insurance.

These new initiatives will ease financial burdens for families and ensure the well-being of TennCares youngest members, a statement from TennCare said.

TennCare currently covers diapers and other products for kids with illnesses or conditions that cause incontinence. The expansion of diaper benefits now includes any infant and toddler under two enrolled in either health insurance program.

In a letter announcing its approval of the program  the first in the nation  the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services noted that a key benefit to an adequate diaper supply is preventing diaper rashes and urinary tract infections, common occurrences when parents are forced to conserve diapers. The agency last week also approved a similar program in Delaware to provide up to 80 diapers and wipes to infants up to three months old.

The new benefit is a component of Gov. Bill Lees Strong Families Initiative approved by lawmakers last year in the wake of the states strict abortion ban. At the time, Lee said the initiative affirmed his support for mothers facing crisis pregnancies. The initiative also includes new funding for crisis pregnancy centers and adoption aid.

Earlier this year, GOP lawmakers rejected a bill to exempt infant diapers, wipes and formula from sales taxes for all Tennessee parents.

The post Tennessee to offer free diapers through Medicaid, CoverKids appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
In a recent sit-down with CNN's Fareed Zakaria, comedian Bill Maher seemed to suggest that the United States could potentially be facing a second "civil war."

During the Sunday interview, which was meant to promote Maher's forthcoming book, "What This Comedian Said Will Shock You," Zakaria asked the "Real Time" host how the GOP, once "the party of Ronald Reagan," had transmogrified into "American carnage."

"Well I think the basis of it is we started to hate each other," Maher replied, before leveling criticism at both Democrats and Republicans. "When you hate people, you don't listen to them. So it doesn't matter how reasonable they might be. We have reached this place where each side thinks the other side is an existential threat. You hear that term from both sides all the time. That is just a terrible place to be."

"We find ourselves in this situation where both sides are literally siding with enemies of America rather than the opposition party within the country. You see Republican MAGA people with t-shirts that say, Id rather be with Russia than Democrats, the comedian added.

Maher observed to Zakaria that he titled the final chapter of his book "Civil War" because he feels the threat of such a conflict it is a very viable possibility.

This is a terrible place to be, and it can happen here. The last chapter in the book is called civil war and you hear more about it all the time, people who are actually pining for it, civil war, 'come onlets do this thing! Lets get this going. Lets have this national divorce'  it cant work. It wont work, Maher said. Half the country is not going to self-deport even if you win every election.

Zakaria also noted how some of Maher's fans have claimed that he has "matured too much" and become "cranky" and "crotchety" in his beliefs and opinions, before asking Maher how he would respond to those naysayers who accuse him of saying "the kids are crazy."

"I mean they're wrong and the kids are crazy," Maher said, subsequently diving into a discussion about the spate of college protests regarding Israel's war in Gaza.

"They have this idea, the younger generation  maybe every generation does  that just because something is new, that it's better. And that's not true. New is not synonymous with better," Maher said. He then observed how he has been called a hypocrite because he previously supported protesting against the Vietnam War.

"Yeah, that was very different," Maher claimed. "First of all, students weren't against their own. These students were threatening other students. That didn't happen in the Vietnam War. And being against the Vietnam War made sense  it was a war that we probably should not have been in. This is demonstrating and protesting for a terrorist group."

"The left has changed," Maher argued. "Now, the right has changed also, and even worse. I mean the right doesn't believe in democracy anymore. I mean, they've thrown their lot in with this sociopath named Donald Trump who only thinks elections count when we win."

Maher concluded the discussion by offering a few grim sentiments about Trump, alleging that the the former president is likely to stoke chaos regardless of whether he wins the 2024 presidential election.

Donald Trump is not going to concede the election so what happens in January 2025 on the 20th when inauguration day rolls around and he didnt win the election? Maher said. Hes not just going to go away. And if he wins and hes the president on January 20, 2025, hes never going to give that up.
Terrified Spirit Airlines passengers brace for emergency water landing on flight from Jamaica to Florida

A Spirit Airlines flight from Jamaica to Florida saw chaotic scenes as its pilot told frightened passengers to prepare for an emergency water landing.

Flight NK270 was forced to return to the Caribbean Islands Montego Bay shortly after takeoff on Sunday following a suspected mechanical issue.

Before the Airbus plane returned to the airport, passengers said they were told by the pilot to prepare for emergency water landing  which saw some onboard freaking out and panicking.

Passenger Bettina Rogers captured video of the planes takeoff in which a chiming signal can be heard twice in the cabin, though the meaning of the signal is unclear.

Shortly after the signal, the pilot told passengers there was nothing to be alarmed about, according to CNN.

A Spirit Airlines flight from Jamaica to Florida became a site of chaos on Sunday (AP)

About five minutes later, the pilot informed passengers the plane needed to return to the Montego Bay airport, Rogers said. But as the plane turned back, she said, the pilot announced, Prepare for emergency water landing.

It was scary, and people were freaking out and panicking, Rogers said.

Meanwhile, passenger Andrene Gordon described the ordeal as a near-death experience.

The pilot said there was a slight issue, nothing major, so we are just gonna turn back and go to the airport, she told Jamaican outlet The Gleaner.

We never knew we would actually make it to the ground because all we were seeing was literal water it was total chaos, Ms Gordon added.

Despite the chaos, the plane landed safely back in Jamaicas Sangster International Airport and guests were able to deplane normally, according to CBS News.

Spirit said the mechanical issue did not affect flight safety and the emergency landing instructions were given out of an abundance of caution.

Passengers were given a $50 credit and out on a new flight to Fort Lauderdale, where they arrived just 45 minutes behind schedule.

But passengers have said the $50 credit was not enough following the incident, with Gordon saying it felt like a slap on the face.

After that near-death experience and emotional distress, Spirit wants to offer US$50 credit to use by August of this year, she told The Gleaner.

I feel like that is a slap in the face because they put us through such a traumatic experience with an incompetent crew. That is just so unacceptable.

Spirit has apologized to guests for any inconvenience.

Safety is our top priority, and the aircraft will be thoroughly evaluated by our maintenance team, the airline added.

Just a day after the Spirit scare, a United Airlines flight aborted takeoff after the plane engine caught fire while on the taxiway at Chicagos OHare airport.

Also on Monday, a Southwest Airlines flight from Denver to Tampa, Florida, was diverted to Colorado Springs after the flight attendants reported a possible smell of smoke in the cabin, according to a Southwest statement.

Meanwhile, last week, a 73-year-old British man died from a suspected heart attack after the Singapore Airlines flight he was travelling on was hit by turbulence, forcing it to divert to Bangkok.

Seven other people were left in critical condition following the violent turbulence.
Elizabeths Canutes third-grade students gave her some sound advice for her acceptance speech when she was nominated for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Teacher of the Year.

Give us a shout-out, one student requested.

Use kind words, another advised.

Dont fall while youre on stage, a third said.

Canute laughed it off. She wouldnt win, she thought. It even took convincing from her principal at Tuckaseegee Elementary to accept the nomination.

CMS Teacher of the Year Elizabeth Canute teaches third grade reading at Tuckaseegee Elementary School in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, May 22, 2024.

So when her name was called at Dale F. Halton Theater at Central Piedmont Community College earlier this month, her jaw dropped. Oh my God, she said to the nominees to her left and right. Oh my God, oh my God! She swept them each up in a hug  well, as best she could while holding an oversized novelty check from CMS for $500.

I really was shocked, if Im being honest, Canute said of being named Teacher of The Year at the districts second annual Gem Awards. I thought, Whats so special about me?

LaTresha Wilson, Tuckaseegees principal, has known Canute since 2006. She wasnt shocked about the award at all.

Shes energetic. Shes conscientious. Shes kind. Shes all-in. You can see her dedication every single day, Wilson told The Charlotte Observer. I can go on and on about her. When I think about the epitome of the Teacher of the Year, I think of her.

Canute sees the honor as the result of a joint effort.

I dont look at it as an award for me, Canute said. Im a reflection of everyone Ive ever taught with. Ive absorbed the best of everyone Ive ever worked with, and I now represent them as well as my students.

After 28 years at Tuckaseegee and 38 years teaching, Canute says there are new challenges, including teacher shortages and what she says is an excessive amount of standardized testing. Still, the core of the job is the same.

Theyre my kids. We joke; we laugh; we have fun, she said. Its always been about a relationship with your students.

Teacher of the Year from the start?

Canute grew up in Iowa, the daughter of two teachers. As a child, she lined up her dolls and stuffed animals, passed out slate blackboards her dad brought home from work, and taught class.

Ive never not wanted to be a teacher, she said. This is what Ive always wanted to be, and my parents always encouraged me.

She got her teaching degree from the University of Iowa before moving to Jacksonville, Florida, meeting her husband and moving to Charlotte for his job.

Canutes dedication to her students knew no bounds  including state borders. When her husband was hired by a company in Birmingham, Alabama, Canute continued to teach in Charlotte during the week. She drove 410 miles to Birmingham every Friday and came back to Charlotte for the school week, rather than leave Tuckaseegee Elementary.

She later got her national board certification, which comes with a pay bump in North Carolina.

As a teacher, youre always looking for ways you can increase your pay because the salary schedule just is what it is, she said. So, I got my national board certification around 25 years ago.

She now teaches reading to half the 82 third-grade students at Tuckaseegee.

Todays education challenges

CMS Teacher of the Year Elizabeth Canute teaches third grade reading at Tuckaseegee Elementary School in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, May 22, 2024.

Whos going to be Emma Grace today? Canute asked a group of wide-eyed students sitting on the checkered rug in the middle of her classroom on a sunny Tuesday earlier this month. As summer looms ever closer, so do end-of-grade tests. Me! her students sang back, wiggling their hands in the air.

Emma Grace is a little girl who lives on Canutes cul-de-sac. Shes a curious student who works hard but hasnt always excelled at test-taking. This year, her hard work paid off, and she passed her tests.

Now, every time I walk in, I hear her kids saying Im Emma Grace! Wilson said. And that means they worked hard, and theyre going to pass their end-of-grade tests.

Canute says half the battle is getting kids to believe they can pass. The other half is the testing itself, which Canute says has gotten excessive.

Do we need to test students? Absolutely, she said. Do we need to test students at any age to this extent? Absolutely not.

Third graders in CMS are required to take a beginning-of-grade reading test, called a BOG. Students who dont score as proficient on the BOG also take the Read to Achieve test. Students also take multiple NC Check-Ins each year to gauge how their learning progresses.

At the end of the school year, third graders take end-of-grade assessments in both reading and math, often called EOGs. Students also take a Cognitive Ability Test, which measures reasoning skills, and potentially the Iowa Test, which measures a students skills in reading, language, mathematics, social studies and science. The Iowa Test determines if a child is eligible for the gifted programs at their school.

We put these kids under the same stress and pressure that we as adults are under with an evaluation or as high schoolers who are going to interview for college, she said. My students will sit for three hours and take their end-of-grade reading test, and the students who dont pass will take a retest a week later, in addition to the math test they will all have to take.

The students who still dont show proficiency in the retest will sit for another test a week after that.

All of that is state-mandated. Canute encourages folks who dont know what testing looks like in schools to volunteer to proctor, including elected officials.

I need the people in Raleigh to come out of their offices and volunteer before they mandate what my kids need to do, so they have that experience firsthand, she said. Then theyll have the background to make really solid decisions.

Public education rewards

Canutes students come from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances at home, and she says the joy of her job comes from relationships with them and their families.

Some of our students come to us and theyve experienced more between when they got up at 7 a.m. and when they enter my room at 8:30 a.m. than I may have experienced in my lifetime, she said. And thats true in every urban school district.

She makes a point to surround students with care and support while theyre within the four walls of her classroom.

You just have to remind them how much you love and care for them and remind them that hugs are always free, she said. Were a family

Canutes learned plenty from her students beyond tips for giving a good acceptance speech. When it comes to resilience, she says theyve been the ones to teach her.

Ive learned to laugh and to cry and that people are persistent, and no matter what happens, we can come back from it, she said. Ive learned that life is full of wonder and we all have a choice: we can give up, give in or get going. And in this class, were going to get going.

Canute was one of nine finalists for CMS teacher of the year. She will now be considered for the regional award, and if named one of the states nine regional teachers of the year, she may be considered for North Carolina Teacher of the Year. The state usually names its teacher of the year in April.
The highly anticipated primary election runoffs in Texas are guaranteed to make waves Tuesday, as Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) look to finally shut the door on the political careers of a select group of vulnerable Republicans who have wronged them in the past year.

Abbott has taken aim this election cycle at the Republican incumbents who voted against his signature school voucher program. Paxton is targeting the Republicans who voted to impeach him.

Along with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), Abbott and Paxton targeted a slate of 16 Republican lawmakers who defied them, pouring money into their opponents campaigns and rallying with them in the weeks since.

The party leaders needed to unseat six of the 16 to turn the state House numbers in their favor on the school voucher vote. They were nearly successful the first time around, with five seats flipping and four more at risk in the runoffs Tuesday.

One of the most closely watched runoff races Tuesday will be in District 21, where House Speaker Dade Phelan (R) faces challenger David Covey, who has the endorsements of Paxton, Patrick and former President Trump.

Phelan led the impeachment effort against Paxton and has sought to keep Patricks allies from dominating the House as they have the Senate. He did not vote against Abbotts vouchers program, and Abbott did not make an official endorsement in the race.

Phelan, after it was clear the March 5 primary race was headed to a runoff, described his battle against Covey as the battle for the soul of our district.

This runoff is not just another race, its the frontline of the battle for the soul of our district, he said in a statement at the time. While my opponent hides behind empty rhetoric, dishonest advertising and surrogate voices, I stand before voters with a clear record of service and conservative success.

This primary contest is the states most expensive House race in history, with $5.7 million spent, CBS News reported, citing Ad Impact Politics.

In total, Phelan and seven other House Republican incumbents face runoffs Tuesday.

In District 1, Paxton and Abbott both targeted incumbent Gary VanDeaver (R)  who voted for impeachment and against vouchers  but Abbotts candidate of choice, challenger Chris Spencer, advanced to the runoff and will face VanDeaver on Tuesday.

In District 33, incumbent Justin Holland faces Katrina Pierson, a former national spokesperson for Trumps 2016 campaign, who was endorsed by Paxton. Holland voted for impeachment and against vouchers.

In District 44, incumbent John Kuempel faces a runoff Tuesday against challenger Alan Schoolcraft, who was backed by both Abbott and Paxton. He voted for impeachment and against vouchers.

In District 58, incumbent DeWayne Burns faces challenger Helen Kerwin, who was endorsed by both Paxton and Abbott. Burns voted for impeachment and against vouchers.

In District 61, incumbent Frederick Frazier faces challenger Keresa Richardson, who was one of the two candidates Paxton endorsed in the race. Frazier voted for impeachment.

In District 64, incumbent Lynn Stucky  who voted for Paxtons impeachment but who did not cross Abbott on vouchers  faces Paxton-backed challenger Andy Hopper. Abbott backed Stucky in the race.

In District 91, incumbent Stephanie Klick faces Paxton-backed challenger David Lowe. Klick voted for impeachment but not against vouchers. Abbott endorsed Klick.

On the federal level, there are a couple of high-profile races headed to runoffs Tuesday.

The race to succeed high-ranking Rep. Kay Granger (R), who is not running for reelection, will head to a runoff Tuesday, in the 12th Congressional District, with Craig Goldman running against John OShea.

Incumbent Rep. Tony Gonzales (R) faces a runoff in the 23rd Congressional District, against Brandon Herrera. Gonzales represents a border district and has at times broken with his party to work across the aisle on legislation to strengthen border security and on gun control. He was censured by the state GOP party for his more moderate positions.

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 primary runoff election Tuesday with the greatest statewide implications will be decided by a few thousand Republican voters who live in and around the oil-refining city of Beaumont in Southeast Texas.

That's home base to embattled House Speaker Dade Phelan, who has been targeted for defeat by some of the most powerful Republican officeholders and donors in Texas, and even by former President Donald Trump. And if the two-term speaker and four-term House member is toppled by political newcomer David Covey, it would touch off a pitched battle for the lower legislative chamber's top leadership post that could reshape the Texas political landscape for years.

"This is a pretty heavy lift for the voters of that district," said Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor. "We rarely see a Texas House speaker in political jeopardy (at home). They typically have got the political ear of their districts, and have got enough power and money to hold on to those seats. We're seeing that upended in a race that could dramatically change the fate of the next several legislative sessions. That's not too fine a point to put on it."

Speaker Dade Phelan lost the House District 21 primary by 3 percentage points in March, but his top opponent fell short of securing a majority.

The race for Texas House District 21 stretches south from the East Texas town of Jasper and takes bites out of Beaumont and Port Arthur as it extends to the Gulf Coast. The high-profile runoff, fueled in no small measure by the endorsements of the former president and both Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton, has attracted millions in political contributions from inside and outside Texas.

With neither party featuring a statewide contest in the runoffs, the GOP primary battle for District 21 has outsized implications because of Phelan's position as the leader of the 150-member, Republican-dominated House. No Democrat is on the District 21 ballot, so the winner of the GOP runoff will take the seat when the Legislature convenes in January.

More: Texas primary races will be settled soon. A look at the Democratic, Republican runoffs.

And that fact was punctuated during the Texas GOP's three-day state convention in San Antonio, which began Thursday, as many of the party activists, especially those from its archconservative wing, scarcely missed an opportunity to express their displeasure with Phelan.

State Republican Chairman Matt Rinaldi set the tone in his remarks that opened the convention by faulting the speaker for not ending the House's decades-long practice of awarding some committee chairmanships to the minority party.

"Last year, House Speaker Dade Phelan handed political power in the Texas House to Democrats," Rinaldi said. "He went to war with the Texas GOP lieutenant governor in Texas Senate."

Phelan, meanwhile, is not without allies in his own party. During the run-up to the March 5 primary, former Gov. Rick Perry campaigned for the speaker in his home district. Phelan's endorsement page on his campaign website lists state Sen. Robert Nichols, an East Texas Republican, along with several dozen local elected officials from the district.

The speaker also touts the backing of the National Rifle Association, the anti-abortion Texas Alliance for Life and such pro-business organizations as Texas Realtors, the Texas Oil and Gas Association, and the Texas Association of Business.

More: Texas Republicans open their convention as they seek to motivate base ahead of election

On social media, Phelan pushed back against intraparty claims that he is in the pocket of House Democrats.

"I have led the two most conservative sessions in Texas history, and Im ready for a third," he said Thursday in a post on Instagram. "We passed constitutional carry, banned cities from defunding the police, banned gender modification on kids, cut property taxes by billions, and moved to finish the border wall. Its time to head to the polls and keep our conservative wins going in Texas."

Covey

Covey, a former Orange County GOP chairman and oil and gas consultant, is playing up his endorsement from Trump, prominently featuring the former president at the top of his campaign website.

President Trump vocalized his support for my candidacy again at the NRA convention this weekend because he knows I will relentlessly fight the Austin Establishment every day. I have the will to stand up for this community and our values, and thats exactly what I intend to do, he said in a recent news release.

Covey won the first round in what started as a three-candidate race, besting Phelan by 3 percentage points but falling short of securing an outright majority to win the GOP nomination in the March 5 primary, which drew about 34,000 Republican District 21 voters to the polls. In the weeks since, Covey has received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Texans United for a Conservative Majority PAC, founded by oilman and Republican megadonor Tim Dunn. He also received $100,000 from Patrick.

Phelan, meanwhile, has outraised his opponent and recently received about $660,000 from Las Vegas casino owner Miriam Adelson.

Rottinghaus noted the historical implications of Tuesday's vote in District 21. Sometimes Texas House speakers are ousted because they lose support of the membership or simply choose to retire. But one has not faced the prospect of rejection from his own local voters since 1972, when Rayford Price was defeated in the Democratic primary in the midst of what came to be known as the Sharpstown stock fraud scandal involving financial misdealings that ended several political careers.

"The last time we had a House speaker in serious political jeopardy, there was a major scandal that rocked that party's leadership," Rottinghaus said. "So that's the most interesting thing."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas primary: Will Dade Phelan survive David Covey challenge?
LUSAKA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government announced on Tuesday that bondholders have unanimously voted in favor of the country's proposed debt restructuring deal.

Earlier this month, the government solicited consents from holders of its three Eurobonds. Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said there was overwhelming participation and that the outturn of the voting instructions was above the required minimum threshold.

"We are extremely pleased to see such high participation in our bondholder consent. Finalizing this agreement with bondholders will create the fiscal breathing space necessary for Zambia to remain on a trajectory of sustainable economic growth," Musokotwane said in a statement.

He said that after nearly four years since the country initially defaulted on its Eurobonds, the debt restructuring deal was close to completion. He also thanked the bondholders for their support.

Zambia holds three bonds due in 2022, 2024, and 2027. The country initially issued a 750-million-U.S. dollar Eurobond in 2012, followed by a second bond of 1 billion dollars in 2014 and a third bond amounting to 1.25 billion dollars in 2015.

In June 2023, Zambia reached an agreement on a comprehensive debt treatment with its official creditors, a significant step toward restoring the country's long-term debt sustainability. 
US Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas fights off challenge from gun-rights activist in GOP runoff

FILE - Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, is seen before the flag-draped casket bearing the remains of Hershel W. "Woody" Williams lies in honor in the U.S. Capitol, July 14, 2022, in Washington. Runoffs in Texas are putting two prominent Republicans on edge: Gonzales, who has broken ranks over guns and the border, and powerful state House Speaker Dade Phelan, who angered the party's hard right over the impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. (Tom Williams/Pool photo via AP, File)

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas narrowly won his primary Tuesday against a gun-rights activist who pushed the border congressman into a bruising runoff that threatened to unseat a U.S. House incumbent.

Another prominent Texas Republican, state House Speaker Dade Phelan, also edged out a challenger from the right who was backed by President Donald Trump.

Both won by razor-thin margins, reflecting the anger of hard-line conservatives and a wave of party turbulence in Americas biggest red state over votes that bucked party lines and the impeachment of state Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Gonzales defeated Brandon Herrera, a gun enthusiast who calls himself The AK Guy on social media and attacked him over positions that angered the GOPs hard right in Texas. Supporters of Gonzales had warned that a loss in Tuesday's election could open the door for Democrats to flip the district in November.

During the campaign Herrera attacked the two-term Republican over his support for a gun-safety bill after the 2022 Uvalde school shooting  which happened in Gonzales district  and past criticism of hard-line immigration proposals.

Gonzales will face Democrat Santos Limon in the November general election.

Gonzales, whose critics cast him as a moderate within the GOP, called some of his hard-right colleagues in Congress scumbags during an interview with CNN in April.

He was censured by the Republican Party of Texas in 2023 over his support for same-sex marriage protections at the federal level and the bipartisan gun-safety bill following the Uvalde mass shooting.

But Gonzales drew support from top Republicans  including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott  at a time when the party holds a thin majority in the House. Speaker Mike Johnson attended a fundraiser for Gonzales, who greatly outraised Herrera.

Herrera is a gun manufacturer who posts videos about weapons and gun rights and has more than 3 million followers on YouTube.

Heres a look at other key primary runoffs in Texas:

TEXAS HOUSE LEADER PREVAILS  FOR NOW

Phelan, who finished second in March to challenger David Covey, a former local party chairman and oil and gas consultant who was backed by Trump, rallied to scrape out the primary win Tuesday.

Phelan's victory at least temporarily staved off a push from Paxton and others to force him out of his leadership role in the state's dominant party. But a shakeup in the Texas Capitol could still lay ahead.

While the win keeps Phelan on the general election ballot in his southeast Texas district, the bruising primary fight leaves questions about his ability to retain the speakership.

At his election night party, Phelan declared victory in what he called a terrible, awful, knockdown, drag-out fight and told supporters he will remain speaker.

I think this runoff did me a favor, Phelan said. It let my voters know what my real record is.

The race was a snapshot of fractures within the GOP nationally. Phelan, who has been speaker since 2021, came under fire after his chamber voted last year to impeach Paxton on bribery and corruption charges. Paxton was later acquitted in the state Senate.

Phelan presided over votes that enacted some of the toughest anti-abortion laws in the country, vastly expanded gun rights, supported Abbotts highly visible anti-immigration platforms and curtailed LGBTQ+ rights.

After Phelan declared victory, Covey and Paxton accused him of attracting Democrats to vote for him in the Republican primary and push him over the top. Texas has an open primary system, meaning voters can cross party lines to vote.

Dade Phelan may have won this election, but in doing so, he has irrevocably destroyed his already feeble legacy, Covey said.

TRUMP TIES

Katrina Pierson, a former spokeswoman for Trump, defeated incumbent Justin Holland for his state House seat in the Dallas suburbs.

Holland was among House Republicans who voted to impeach Paxton. He also voted in favor of raising the age for purchasing assault rifles from 18 to 21, and against Abbott's plan to spend public education money on private schools. Abbott campaigned for Pierson.

CHALLENGING CUELLAR

Republicans picked Jay Furman, a retired Navy veteran, as the nominee to run in November against Henry Cuellar, a longtime Democratic congressman who along with his wife was indicted this spring on federal bribery, money laundering and fraud charges. Cuellar has said he is innocent; three associates have pleaded guilty in related investigations.

Furman defeated rancher and businessman Lazaro Garza in the South Texas district that Cuellar has held since 2005. Both campaigned on tighter border security and immigration restrictions.

There was another Cuellar on the ballot, too: Rosie Cuellar, his sister, was defeated by Cecilia Castellano in the Democratic runoff for a South Texas state House seat. The March primary was held before Henry Cuellar was indicted.

The winner advances to the November general election against Republican Don McLaughlin, who was mayor of Uvalde when the school shooting happened.

GONE GRANGER

Republicans also chose real estate businessman and state House Rep. Craig Goldman over construction company businessman John OShea to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, the nations longest-serving GOP congresswoman. Goldman will face Democrat Trey Hunt in the heavily-Republican district anchored in Fort Worth.

Granger, 81, was first elected in 1996 and is a former chairwoman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. She announced last year she would not seek re-election.
TikTok will face off with the Justice Department this fall in its bid to stop a law that could lead to a ban of the app in the United States. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia set a September date for oral arguments in two cases challenging a law that requires ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban.

TikTok filed a lawsuit claiming that the law was unconstitutional earlier this month. The company has said that divesting from ByteDance is simply not possible and that it had already negotiated with the US government to address national security concerns. Separately, a group of TikTok creators are also challenging the law. They claim that the law violates their First Amendment rights because they would lose their ability to communicate on the platform. TikTok is reportedly paying the creators legal fees in the case.

In September, the appeals court will hear challenges in both cases, which have been consolidated. As Reuters notes, the September date lines up with TikToks desire for a fast-track schedule in the case, which could eventually end up before the Supreme Court.
Supporters for both ruling and opposition parties demonstrate at the legislative chamber building in Taipei, Taiwan, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Taiwans opposition-controlled legislature passed changes on Tuesday that are seen as favoring China and diminishing the power of the island's president, sparking protests by thousands of people.

The changes pushed by the opposition Nationalist Party and its allies would give the legislature greater power to control budgets, including defense spending that the party has blocked in what many see as a concession to China.

It remains unclear whether the package of bills will become law. The Executive Yuan, the executive branch of government headed by the premier, may veto legislation or pass it on to the president, who has to proclaim bills into law within 10 days. If the Executive Yuan or the president does not comply, the bills will not become law.

Thousands of people gathered outside the legislature to protest the changes. The legislative chamber was festooned with banners promoting both sides in the dispute, while arguments on the floor broke into shouting and pushing matches.

The Nationalists, also known as the KMT, officially back unification with China, from which Taiwan separated during a civil war in 1949. They took control of the legislature with a single-seat majority after elections in January, while the presidency went to Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, which favors Taiwans de facto independence from China and is hated by Beijing.

People must stand up at this time, and we must let those legislators know that the laws they are enacting are not what we want," said Huang Hong-wei, a protester. "Thats why so many people are taking to the streets to protest, because we used to believe in these legislators, but they didnt do what they promised, so the people got angry.

DPP legislators accused deputies from the KMT and the minority Taiwan People's Party of undermining Taiwans democracy by expanding the legislatures oversight of the executive branch. They denounced the legislation as creating a black box for what the KMT has portrayed as reforms.

There was no discussion on the legislation this time and these bills are rough," said Ray Wan, a protester from Kaohsiung. "Without detailed discussions, these incomplete bills will do Taiwan a great disservice.

While the KMT controls the legislature, its speaker and its allies in the TPP were elected on party lists, meaning they answer to no actual constituents.

Taiwan was governed under martial law for 40 years under the Nationalists, who have lost three consecutive presidential elections but still hold power on the local level through well-entwined networks of business and social interests. Pro-China business groups have also captured a major share of Taiwan's media market, even as the younger generation turns to social media for its information.

China sends planes and ships near Taiwan on a daily basis in a campaign aimed at wearing down Taiwanese opposition to unification and at deteriorating its defenses, which are strongly backed by the U.S., despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.

___

Associated Press videographer Johnson Lai contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  An occasional sprinkle could not damper the spirits of those who lined Constitution Avenue for the annual National Memorial Day Parade, hosted by the American Veterans Center.

Military units highlighted the event that started at 7th St. NW, and ended 10 blocks down the road.

Its good because they march so cool, all the dress, how they walk and how they lead the parade, said Luca Galvet, who was visiting from Fairfax, Va.

Soldiers place flags at Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day

The 20th edition of the parade featured plenty of high school bands and displays that entertained the crowd.

Its good because people get to dress up in cool outfits, and play instruments, said little Sabrina Dakouri, of Baltimore, who attended her first parade.

The crowd turned out to be a bit smaller from recent years but that did not stop them from remembering the true meaning of Memorial Day.

To come and and honor the people who have suffered and died and still the for the missing in action, and just to celebrate all the people, said Geneva Jones, of Silver Spring, Md.

The parade featured more than 5,000 people from across the nation, as they represented nearly every state and the District.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Lawmakers take part in a session as some hold inflatable balloons, at the Parliament in Taipei

Lawmakers take part in a session as some hold inflatable balloons, at the Parliament in Taipei

By Yimou Lee, Fabian Hamacher and Angie Teo

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Thousands of people protested outside Taiwan's parliament on Tuesday after it passed a reform package to increase oversight of the government pushed by the opposition but opposed by the ruling party, which did not have the numbers to block it.

The peaceful protests, and sometimes violent confrontations in parliament over the reforms, have been taking place against a backdrop of broader concern about efforts by China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, to influence the island's politics.

The Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Lai Ching-te won the presidency in January elections, but the party lost its majority in parliament. Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), along with the small Taiwan People's Party, together have the most seats.

The parliament reforms give lawmakers the power to ask the military, private companies or individuals to disclose information deemed relevant by parliamentarians.

They also criminalise contempt of parliament by government officials, and require the president to give regular reports to parliament and answer lawmakers' questions, which would be a first for Taiwan.

The DPP says the reforms were forced through without proper consultation and their content either vague or an over-reach of power, and on Tuesday its lawmakers threw garbage bags and paper planes at their opposition counterparts.

"You can seize parliament but you cannot seize public opinion," DPP parliament leader Ker Chien-ming said in an address to the chamber, adding that Beijing had influenced Taiwanese politics.

Opposition lawmakers, holding sun-shaped balloons, shouted "let sunlight into parliament". Both parties covered the chamber with banners.

The KMT has denounced the DPP for trying to "paint them red", the colour of China's Communist Party, and says the DPP is trying to stymie efforts to investigate corruption cases and sow unfounded fears about the reforms.

Outside parliament, protesters showed their anger at the reforms being passed, and also shouted "refuse Chinese political interference", among other slogans.

"This is the people's voice," said Zheng Hung-gun, 33, who works in the food industry. "Taiwanese are not afraid of enemies from outside but we are worried about our internal enemies."

On Friday night, tens of thousands thronged the roads around parliament protesting the reforms.

Several senior KMT leaders have visited China this year, in what the party says is an effort to keep lines of communication open. It denies being pro-Beijing.

China refuses to speak to Lai or the DPP, saying they are "separatists". Lai says only Taiwan's people can decide their future and has repeatedly offered talks with China, but been rebuffed.

(Reporting by Yimou Lee, Fabian Hamacher and Angie Teo; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Nick Macfie)
The TikTok logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen which displays the TikTok home screen, on March 18, 2023, in Boston. TikToks suit against the federal government will be heard in court in September. | Michael Dwyer

TikToks suit against the federal government will be heard in court in September.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ordered oral arguments for the case to start in September. According to Reuters, both TikTok and the Justice Department are seeking a ruling by Dec. 6 so that if deemed necessary, either group can seek Supreme Court review.

The suit came after President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that could lead to TikTok facing a ban in the U.S. The law requires TikTok to divest from ByteDance. If the company doesnt do that, then app stores and internet hosting services wouldnt be allowed to host TikTok.

Congress passed the law in response to concerns over national security.

TikTok and ByteDance are challenging the law based on First Amendment grounds. By banning all online platforms and software applications offered by TikTok and all ByteDance subsidiaries, Congress has made a law curtailing massive amounts of protected speech, the suit claimed.

Meanwhile, another state has sued TikTok.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming it violated Nebraskas consumer protection laws. In a press release, Hilgers pointed toward content on the TikTok app, including videos with sexual content and also videos that drive body image issues.

Parents deserve to be fully and truthfully informed so they can help their kids make positive, healthy choices, said Hilgers. Our office will not stand by while social media platforms mislead parents while dosing digital poison to our children.

The suit filed in the District Court of Lancaster County, Nebraska, names Tiktok and ByteDance as defendants and was filed on May 22.

Much of the text in the suit is redacted.

The suit claims that TikTok is harmful for Nebraska youth and is designed to be addictive. Nebraska alleges TikTok is aware of the apps harmful effects and that TikTok is held liable.

Defendants have knowingly, intentionally, and deceptively promoted compulsive and unhealthy use of the TikTok platform by Nebraska minors in order to exploit their user data and increase Defendants advertising revenues, the suit claimed.

During Nebraskas investigation of TikTok, the state said it found overtly mature, inappropriate, and harmful content on the TikTok app.

The State did not go looking for this content, the suit alleged. Instead, the TikTok algorithm affirmatively promoted it to accounts registered as Nebraska teens, including teens as young as 13 years old, often within just minutes of browsing.

Nebraska is seeking that the defendants be held liable and that the state receive $2,000 per violation of civil penalties.

TikTok has industry-leading safeguards to support teens well-being, including age-restricted features, parental controls, an automatic 60-minute time limit for people under 18, and more, a spokesperson for TikTok told CBS News. We will continue working to address these industry-wide concerns.

Previously, Utah also filed a suit over TikToks alleged violations of consumer protection law back in 2023. Indiana and Iowa have also filed suits against the social media company.
Its amazing how much junior Senator Tim Scott can talk while licking Trumps oxfords until they sparkle. The Trump toady and rumored veep contender spent the weekend spouting lie after lie on behalf of the incessantly indicted demagogue.

Speaking to CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union on Sunday, Scott derided a new campaign ad from the Biden administration targeting Black voters by reminding them of Trumps fondness for racists. The ad says:

Donald Trump disrespecting Black folk is nothing new. He was sued for refusing to rent his apartments to black families and called for the execution of five innocent black and brown teenagers. Its why Trump stood with violent white supremacists, warned of a blood bath if he loses the next election, and, if hes president again, vowed to be a dictator who wants revenge on his enemies.

Scott called the ad insulting, then shifted to pitch his dear leader, saying, There are two things that are driving Black votes back to Donald Trump: jobs and justice. Number one, under Donald Trump, our wages were going up. Right now, fairness is going down.

Scott then pivoted to falsely claim Biden is resegregating schools, saying, The elimination of charter schools under Joe Biden resegregates schools in America. In reality, charter schools intensify school segregation and are a major cause of school segregation in the United States, according to multiple studies. Additionally, charter schools havent been eliminated under Biden whatsoever: The Charter Schools Programthe federal grant program that distributes public funds to privately managed schoolsreceived $440 million last year, the same amount of funding it has received since 2019 under the Trump administration.

In response to Trump getting aggressively booed at the Libertarian National Convention, Scott absurdly claimed to CNN, I saw a wave of red hats at the Libertarian convention and that Donald Trumps popularity continues to increase. Alas, the red hats were for Argentinas fascist populist president, Javier Milei, a Trump admirer and economy ruiner.

Tweet screenshot

When Bash asked Scott about false statements Trump made that he nearly escaped death and that the FBI was locked and loaded and ready to take me out for a raid of his Mar-a-Lago home, Scott simply deflected. Once again, we find ourselves reinforcing this two-tiered justice systemwhere we see a different standard for Republicans and specifically a different standard for Donald Trump, Scott said.

Trumps gripe about the Mar-a-Lago raid stems from language in a search warrant to retrieve classified documents he stashed. The warrants include a boilerplate note that deadly force is allowed only when necessary and described such a circumstance if someone poses an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to the officer or to another person. Trump referenced the boilerplate language in a fundraising email to falsely claim Biden was trying to assassinate him. In reality, the FBI made sure to conduct its raid of Mar-a-Lago on a day where Trump would not be present, in order to avoid confrontation. A similar warrant was also drafted to search Bidens Wilmington, Delaware, home but was not necessary because Biden cooperated with the investigation.
After the icy depths of the Atlantic claimed five lives last year, a fearless billionaire is preparing for his own high-stakes dive to the Titanic wreckage. Will he become the first to unravel the mysteries of the deep, or will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.

Billionaire Investor Plans Titanic Wreckage Dive With New State-of-the-Art Submersible

MEGA

In the wake of last year's tragic implosion of a tourist submersible near the Titanic, real-estate investor Larry Connor is gearing up for a high-stakes dive to the historic wreckage.

Unafraid of the deep ocean after diving to the Mariana Trench, Connor reached out to Patrick Lahey, co-founder and CEO of Triton Submarines, with a bold request.

Recalling their conversation, Lahey shared, "He called me up and said, 'You know, what we need to do is build a sub that can dive to [Titanic-level depths] repeatedly and safely and demonstrate to the world that you guys can do that, and that Titan was a contraption.'"

Connor's mission goes beyond personal adventure; he aims to demonstrate the wonders of deep-sea exploration.

"I want to show people worldwide that while the ocean is extremely powerful, it can be wonderful and enjoyable and really kind of life-changing if you go about it the right way," the Ohio native told the Wall Street Journal.

Connor and Lahey plan to use the Triton 4000/2 Abyssal Explorer for their upcoming dive. This state-of-the-art submersible is built with new materials and technology that were previously unavailable, ensuring a safer and more reliable exploration experience.

"Patrick has been thinking about and designing this for over a decade. But we didn't have the materials and technology. You couldn't have built this sub five years ago," Connor explained.

OceanGate Tragedy Sparked Debate On Deep-Sea Exploration Safety

MEGA

Following last year's tragic implosion, many people's interest in deep-sea diving waned. While acknowledging the tragedy's impact on public perception, Lahey admitted that "It reignited old myths that only a crazy person would dive in one of these things."

Despite these renewed fears, Lahey emphasized the significant difference in quality between Triton's certified submarines and OceanGate's experimental designs.

To demonstrate, he developed the Triton 4000/2 Abyssal Explorer, which is listed on the company's website for $20 million.

The two-person vessel is specifically designed for repeated deep-ocean trips to depths of about 4,000 meters, surpassing the Titanic's resting depth of 3,800 meters.

Heartbroken Mother Reveals Teen Son Took Her Place On Doomed Titan Submersible

MEGA

While Connor and Lahey strive to renew curiosity about the ocean's depths, it is important to remember the tragic aftermath of OceanGate's Titan submersible disaster.

Shortly after the incident, The Blast shared that Christine Dawood opened up about the heart-wrenching decision that led to her son Suleman taking her place on the doomed expedition.

The grieving mother recalled that after the COVID-19 pandemic altered her plans to join her husband, Shahzada Dawood, she "stepped back" for Suleman.

Mrs. Dawood shared that the 19-year-old, who mirrored his father's adventurous spirit, had intended to solve a Rubik's cube on the voyage.

A Bittersweet Farewell

MEGA

In her first interview after the incident, Mrs Dawood l recounted the day before the submersible descended into the ocean off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, on Father's Day.

The 49-year-old and her daughter boarded the sub's support vessel, to accompany Suleman and Shahzada to the launch point.

The family shared a cheery goodbye, full of hugs and jokes, before the submersible was sealed. "I was really happy for them because both of them, they really wanted to do that for a very long time," she recalled.

OceanGate Co-Founder Guillermo Sohnlein Defended Late CEO Amidst Criticism

MEGA

Stockton Rush, the company's CEO, was among the five passengers who died in the June 2023 disaster.

Other lives that were lost included British billionaire Hamish Harding, British-Pakistani father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, and French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

Following critical comments by "Titanic" director James Cameron about the submersible tragedy, Sohnlein spoke out in defense of the late Rush.

Per The Blast, the businessman argued that the media's portrayal of the expedition's risks was influenced by a limited number of critics.

The critics named were David Lockridge, Will Kohnen from the Marine Technology Society, Cameron himself, and Karl Stanley.

"The media's whole spin on how unsafe [the expedition] was is based on David Lockridge, Will Kohnen from Marine Technology Society, Jim Cameron, who knows nothing about this stuff  and Karl Stanley. Four people," Sohnlein said.

While acknowledging Cameron's extensive experience as an ocean explorer and submersible operator, Sohnlein noted that he lacked specific knowledge about OceanGate's operations and technology.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Many people gathered at the Combat Air Museum in Topeka to honor all those who died while serving.

At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, retired Air Force Captain Herschel Stroud along with thousands of other bugle horn players around the country simultaneously sounded Taps. The movement is known as Taps Across America.

From before electronic communication, before radio, and it is still used today at military bases as a sign of lights out, or day is done,' Stroud said. Taps is a very memorable tune and its an honor and a privilege to sound it.

Kansans celebrate Memorial Day at Perry Lake

Stroud is no stranger to Taps, as he says hes been playing the bugle horn most of his life.

When I was 14, I started sounding taps in a little cemetery in Kansas at the end of World War II when deceased soldiers bodies were being shipped home, Stroud said.

Memorial Day is a chance for Americans to not only honor but mourn, reflect and appreciate the sacrifice that countless Americans made since the tradition began in the 19th Century.

A lot of people say Happy Memorial Day but theres nothing really happy about Memorial Day, Vietnam Veteran Bruce Couch said. Were remembering our parents, grandparents, but most of all, those that served and didnt get the opportunity to come home. They made the ultimate sacrifice.

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WINDHOEK, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has declared a state of emergency in response to severe drought conditions affecting all 14 regions of the country.

Rhingo Mutambo, chief public relations officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, said in a statement released on Tuesday that the drought poses a threat to the livelihoods of affected households, and this necessitates relief interventions to alleviate its negative impact.

According to Mutambo, additional resources are required to complement the government's budget of 825 million Namibian dollars (about 45 million U.S. dollars) allocated for the drought relief program in the 2024/2025 financial year.

He called on the private sector, development partners and the international community to assist the government with additional resources to fully implement the drought relief program and protect lives and livelihoods.

Namibia declared a state of emergency due to severe drought in 2013, 2016, 2019, and now 2024.

These droughts have significantly impacted the economy, particularly agriculture, leading to reduced crop yields, massive livestock losses, and increased food insecurity, as exemplified by the 2019 drought that resulted in nearly 100,000 livestock deaths and record-low agricultural production. 
There are many good reasons to oppose Labours plan to give 16-year-olds the vote. The biggest reason of all, though, is the plans sheer cynicism.

Imagine if Labour came clean about its obvious real aim.

Nick Robinson: Sir Keir Starmer, why is it that your party wants to lower the voting age?

Starmer: Thats a great question, Nick, and thank you for the opportunity to set out our thinking. The reason were proposing this vital change is really very simple. Brazen self-interest.

Robinson: Pardon? I thought you said at the weekend that it was because 16-year-olds can work, can pay tax and can serve in the Armed Forces?

Starmer: Come on, Nick, surely you werent taken in by that blatant codswallop. Its pure sophistry to say they can work and can pay tax, because these days all 16- and 17-year-olds in England are required by law to remain in education or training. As a result, the overwhelming majority of them are still in school. And even if theyve signed up to join the Armed Forces, they cant be sent out to fight until theyve turned 18. And quite right, too  after all, theyre only children!

Robinson: But

Starmer: Anyway, you presumably recall that the last Labour government raised the smoking age from 16 to 18  so clearly we dont think 16- and 17-year-olds are capable of taking adult responsibility. When I spouted that unctuous twaddle at the weekend, therefore, I was simply trying to make our crafty little ruse sound principled and democratic, while shamelessly disguising our real motive.

Robinson: Which is?

Starmer: Oh for pitys sake, Nick, any idiot can spot it a mile off. Its because, like the vast majority of existing young voters, 16- and 17-year-olds are extremely likely to vote Labour, and extremely unlikely to vote Tory. So that will help to keep us in power, even after our popularity with the wider electorate has taken the inevitable nosedive. Do you seriously think wed be proposing this change if polling showed that 16-year-olds were all rabid Thatcherites? Do me a favour.

Robinson: But if lowering the voting age is just a Machiavellian ploy to give your own party an in-built electoral advantage, why stop at 16? Why not lower it to 14? Or 12? Or go the whole hog, and give the vote to babies?

Starmer: What an excellent idea. Thanks, Nick. Ill get straight on to our manifesto team.

On the whole, it seems unlikely that Sir Keir would ever give an interview along the above lines. Personally, though, I would actually quite admire him if he did. In fact, I suspect many other voters would, too. This Starmer bloke may be a devious, self-serving, gerrymandering opportunist  but at least hes honest.

In the absence of such refreshing candour, however, I feel we should withhold our admiration  and urge the Tories to fight fire with fire. After all, if Labour can cynically plot to tilt elections in its favour while making a nauseating pretence at virtue, Rishi Sunak might as well do the same.

We in the Conservative party have always had the utmost respect for Britains pensioners. They worked hard all their lives. They paid their taxes. And they made countless sacrifices for the sake of their children, and indeed their country. Which is why we Conservatives are going to reward our wonderful, patriotic, and above all loyal pensioners  by giving them two votes each.

Or maybe three, just to make sure.

Hillary Clintons woman problem

Eight years on, proud feminist Hillary Clinton has apparently worked out who was really responsible for her shattering defeat to Donald Trump.

Women.

In an interview with the New York Times at the weekend, Mrs Clinton looked back on the controversial decision, taken by the FBIs James Comey shortly before the 2016 election, to reopen an investigation of her private email server.

Once he did that to me, the people, the voters who left me, were women, she complained. They left me because they just couldnt take a risk on me, because as a woman, Im supposed to be perfect. They were willing to take a risk on 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.

Im sorry that Mrs Clinton is still brooding over her disappointment, all these years later. None the less, I find her comments unfair. Millions of male voters also decided that they would rather take a risk on Trump. So why should female voters be singled out? Why should they be the ones lumbered with the blame? Why should they be held to a higher standard than their male counterparts?

I expect its because female voters are women. And as women, theyre supposed to be perfect.

Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 7am every Tuesday and Saturday

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(WHTM)  A tornado warning was issued for northern Lancaster County Monday evening, which has expired.

The National Weather Service in State College PA has issued the warning around 8:24 p.m., reporting a radar indicated tornado in the Rothsville area.

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The warning was allowed to expire around 9 p.m.

It was the second in eastern Pennsylvania Monday afternoon, shortly following a warning in northern Schuylkill County.

There, a reported tornado was seen on the ground, reported by emergency management, in the area of the anthracite region town of Mahanoy City.

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.
FILE - Haiti's then Prime Minister Garry Conille speaks with journalists after a press conference in Port-au-Prince, Oct. 6, 2011. Conille was named Haitis new prime minister, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery, File)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  U.N. development specialist Garry Conille was named Haitis new prime minister Tuesday evening, nearly a month after a coalition within a fractured transitional council sought to choose someone else for the position.

The long-awaited move comes as gangs continue to terrorize the capital of Port-au-Prince, opening fire in once peaceful neighborhoods and using heavy machinery to demolish several police stations and prisons.

Council member Louis Gerald Gilles told The Associated Press that six out of seven council members with voting power chose Conille earlier Tuesday. He said one member, Laurent St. Cyr, was not in Haiti and therefore did not vote.

Conille has been UNICEF's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean since January 2023 and previously served as Haitis prime minister from October 2011 to May 2012 under then President Michel Martelly. He replaces Michel Patrick Boisvert, who was named interim prime minister after Ariel Henry resigned via letter in late April.

Henry was on an official trip to Kenya when a coalition of powerful gangs launched coordinated attacks Feb. 29, seizing control of police stations, shooting at Haitis main international airport and storming the countrys two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

Henry was locked out of the country by the attacks, with the airport in the Port-au-Prince capital remaining shuttered for nearly three months.

Gang violence is still surging in parts of Haitis capital and beyond as Conille takes over the helm of the troubled Caribbean country awaiting the U.N.-backed deployment of a police force from Kenya and other countries.

Conille studied medicine and public health and helped develop health care in impoverished communities in Haiti, where he helped coordinate reconstruction efforts after the devastating 2010 earthquake. The g ang violence has taken a toll on that system, however.

He worked for several years at the United Nations before Martelly designated him as prime minister in 2011. Conille resigned less than a year later following clashes with the president and his Cabinet over an investigation into government officials who have dual nationality, which is not allowed by Haitis constitution.

Conille could not be immediately reached for comment. UNICEF said in a brief statement to late Tuesday that he was stepping down from his role as regional director: We are working closely with Garry to ensure a smooth transition at this time.

Conille has an arduous task ahead of him, having to quell rampant gang violence while helping lift Haiti out of deep poverty, with inflation reaching a record 29%, according to the latest data available. In recent years, gangs that control at least 80% of Port-au-Prince have forced more than 360,000 people from their homes, and they continue to control key routes from the capital to Haitis northern and southern regions, often paralyzing the transportation of critical goods.

The selection of Conille as prime minister comes just weeks after former Haitian sports minister Fritz Belizaire was chosen for the post in late April by a four-member coalition within the nine-member transitional council in a surprise announcement that angered many. Critics said proper procedure was not followed as dictated by the framework that established the council, so a new process was started to choose a prime minister, with dozens of names submitted for the post.

The drawn-out process has been criticized by many, including the Montana Accord, a Haitian civil society group that has a representative on the council.

In a statement Tuesday, the group accused the council of not taking any consequential measures since being installed as the suffering of the people is getting worse, while the gangs are taking control of more territory and committing more crimes.

It also accused the council of not being transparent while choosing a new prime minister, saying it did not publicly share the criteria used or the names submitted, among other things.

Line Balthazar, president of the Tet Kale party, called on the council to be transparent in an interview Monday with Magik9, a local radio station, and said the selection of a prime minister appeared improvised.

In addition to selecting a new prime minister, the nine-member council, of which seven have voting powers, also has to appoint a provisional electoral commission, a requirement before elections can take place. The councils non-renewable mandate expires Feb. 7, 2026, at which date a new president is scheduled to be sworn in.

In addition to picking a new prime minister, the council also is responsible for selecting a new Cabinet and holding general elections by the end of next year.

The council members are Emmanuel Vertilaire for Petit Desalin, a party led by former senator and presidential candidate Jean-Charles Moise; Smith Augustin for EDE/RED, a party led by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph; Fritz Alphonse Jean of the Montana Accord; Leslie Voltaire for Fanmi Lavalas, the party of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide; Louis Gerald Gilles for the Dec. 21 coalition that backs former Prime Minister Ariel Henry; Edgard Leblanc Fils for the Jan. 30 Collective, which represents parties including that of former President Michel Martelly; and Laurent Saint-Cyr for the private sector.
Tree-killing beetle is on a death march through Southern California's oaks. Can it be stopped?

Volunteers paint lime wash on an oak tree that is dying from a beetle infestation in Silverado Canyon on Thursday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The tree was dead.

Ron Durbin, who trekked with a group into a rugged Santa Clarita canyon, quickly spotted nearby trees pockmarked with D-shaped "exit holes," a deadly calling card.

This was the work of the goldspotted oak borer, explained Durbin, forestry division chief for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. And the discovery earlier this year alarmed those who know what this tiny beetle is capable of.

The insects presence in East Canyon, along with nearby Rice and Whitney canyons, puts them just 14 miles from the oak-rich Santa Monica Mountains. They were also recently detected in a new area of Silverado Canyon in eastern Orange County.

Durbin described the goldspotted oak borer as "just like a cancer." It has spread across Southern California since its discovery in 2008 in San Diego County, where it has slaughtered more than 80,000 trees. "It's metastasized," he said. "It's stage four."

A coalition of fire officials, land managers, local representatives and pest experts across Southern California are racing to slow the death march  acknowledging that eradication isnt possible.

Much is at stake.

There are roughly 600,000 coast live oaks in the Santa Monica Mountains. Their demise would spell the loss of shade, wildlife habitat and beauty  and pose significant fire hazards.

On May 7, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors passed a motion to explore declaring a state of emergency and finding funding for additional county Fire Department staffers to tackle the problem. It also calls for drafting regulations on the movement of firewood, which is the vehicle for the beetle's long-distance spread.

"This tiny invasive pest is a big threat," Kathryn Barger, 5th District supervisor and motion coauthor, said in a statement. "I firmly believe our county needs to put its muscle behind proactively protecting our majestic oak forests from infection and death."

Although the goldspotted oak borers name strikes the ear as whimsical, its actually quite literal. The less-than-one-half-inch beetle is adorned with six gold spots on its back. Larvae hatched from eggs laid on an oak tree bore in to reach the cambium. The cambium is like a tree's blood vessels, Durbin said, carrying water and nutrients up and down. The insect chews through the layer, and eventually the damage is akin to putting a permanent tourniquet on the tree.

An infested tree will often sport a thinning canopy and red or black stains on the trunk, which Durbin said indicate injured areas where the tree is attempting to force out insects. The "confirming sign" is the roughly eighth-inch holes where the adults have chomped through to emerge and mate. The holes are D-shaped. When a tree has 25 or more exit holes, its probably a goner, Durbin said. Trees generally die within three years of an incursion.

The insects go only for oaks. In the Golden State, they are attacking the coast live oak, canyon live oak and the California black oak.

The beetle is native to Arizona, where the ecosystem is adapted to it and tree mortality is generally low. Its believed that it traveled to San Diego County via firewood. By 2012, it took hold in Riverside County. Two years later, it appeared in Orange County. Then, in 2015, it reached Green Valley, an area east of Castaic in L.A. County. Its recent appearance in Santa Clarita represents a 20-mile jump south. About five years after landing in L.A., it was found in San Bernardino County.

It's now present in the mountain towns of Wrightwood and Idyllwild, as well as Great Park in Irvine. Durbin expects it to hit Chatsworth soon.

Firewood sellers are "like dots that connect these infestations," said Rebecca Ferdman, policy director for the L.A. County Chief Sustainability Office. "It's really just a couple of firewood distributors away from the Santa Monica Mountains."

The goldspotted oak borer reaching the scenic coastal mountain range was described as "the worst case scenario for Los Angeles County" in a 2018 report prepared by Durbin.

He and other county officials agree that it will happen. The goal is to buy time.

Why is it such a terrifying prospect? Durbin offered a comparison: Green Valley is home to about 15,000 coast live oaks, and all the recreation, wildlife and habitat  together called ecosystem services  are valued at $449 million. The Santa Monicas, with more than half a million trees, are valued at $17.9 billion.

"Oak trees are essential to the biodiversity of the Santa Monica Mountains, and their health is something we must protect," Lindsey Horvath, L.A. County supervisor and coauthor of the recent motion, said in a statement. Most of the mountains fall within her 3rd District.

The spread there is "more of an issue of when and how quickly, [rather] than whether it will arrive there, and so the intent of all of this activity is really to slow the spread, and to monitor the spread, so that we can be on top of it already when it occurs," Ferdman said.

"Because we know that it's going to cause likely widespread oak tree mortality," she said. That's going to be devastating for the local ecosystem. It's going to present fire risk, with dead trees abutting developments. It's going to be very expensive to remediate."

By slowing the spread, Ferdman said, the county and other partners can begin planting younger oak trees, which the insect doesnt target. It could also allow for better treatments to emerge.

The Santa Monica Mountains are probably not the end of the line for the pest; just a devastating pit stop.

Joelene Tamm, a graduate student with UC Riversides entomology department who studies the beetle, said researchers have modeled that it could spread all the way through California and into Oregon.

She's concerned with slowing its march north into the Sierra Nevada, where the trees are already contending with the Mediterranean oak borer, another pernicious beetle, and sudden oak death, a disease caused by a microscopic pathogen.

"They got their hands full already," Tamm said. "The more time we have to find an answer ... the better it is in the long term."

Read more: A rare songbird's epic journey from the edge of extinction back to the L.A. River

Many of the potential control methods are just emerging, complicating the battle against the beetle.

When the Green Valley infestation struck, the only option was tree removal. About a year ago, the L.A. County Fire Department started treating certain trees with a systemic pesticide, which is injected into the base. Durbin called the nascent method "promising." Other agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service, have used a contact spray, which is applied to the outside of the tree, Durbin said. The department has held off on using the spray as it explores the environmental effects, he said.

While pesticides are used "when the situation is right, its still expensive to do, still very controversial," Ferdman said.

Some battling the beetle are exploring other options.

Discovering the insect in Big Oak Canyon, a 39-acre property in Silverado Canyon, in January this year "brought us to our knees," said Jodi Levine, executive director of Earthroots Field School, a nonprofit that owns the wilderness site.

That infestation was caught late, Durbin said, so "they're going to lose that ecosystem right there for a long period of time."

By late May, Levine said, they had identified nearly 160 affected trees  some more than 250 years old. About 29 acres of rough country haven't been surveyed yet.

Peter Westenhofer, a volunteer from Orange, paints lime wash on an oak tree that is dying from beetle infestation in Silverado Canyon on Thursday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Anxiety and urgency took hold as the nonprofit took in the scope of the predicament. If it didnt act soon, the beetles would start another destructive life cycle.

But Levine isnt enthused about the recommended pesticides, which she said have environmental drawbacks. The spray can contaminate waterways and is harmful to aquatic life, while the injectable kills non-target species, such as butterflies and moths, she said.

"It really feels like this ecological dilemma where you're either choosing to let the oak trees die or poison some other aspect of the forest," she said.

So theyre testing a new method. Some trees in Big Oak Canyon are being treated with an experimental nontoxic limewash, while others are receiving pesticides. Heavily infested ones must be felled. The beetles, meanwhile, have started to emerge.

Read more: Mosquito season is upon us. So why are Southern California officials releasing more of them?

UC Riverside's Tamm, also a Squaxin Island Tribal member, said prescribed fire is the only currently available management tool that has potential to be used at a landscape level. Treating trees with insecticide is time-consuming and not always effective, she said, and cant be done for every tree in the forest.

Prescribed fire is "based on the indigenous land management practices of cultural burning that have been used in California for thousands and thousands of years by the native people," she said, "and it was able to maintain the forest in a healthy manner."

For several years, Tamm has worked alongside the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians to research how indigenous cultural burning practices can be used to tackle the oak borer. Some of the preliminary results are promising. For example, Tamm conducted a prescribed burn test by putting pieces of infested wood  some of which had been exposed to fire  into crates and collecting the beetles that emerged. About 330 beetles surfaced from the untreated pieces, while 30 came out of the burned pieces.

Tamms other focus is heat-treating firewood to eliminate pests. She hopes her findings will provide a first step toward implementing heat-treatment guidelines for the state.

Lessons learned from the war on the oak borer could be applied to future invaders.

Heat-treating wood, for example, can also help ward off the gypsy moth, spotted lanternfly and the Asian long-horned beetle, Tamm said.

Ferdman expects climate change will usher in more invasive pests, which would create a need for more legislative action. A new reality might require rethinking what she described as mostly reactive responses of the past.

The creation of some sort of more proactive framework for how different departments that deal with the different facets of invasive pests in different ways could be formalized so that it could be mobilized more efficiently, she said. I think that's a need we're going to see in the future.

Read more: How to protect your trees from invasive beetles killing SoCal's urban forests

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
These trees made Hillsborough over $1M for their climate benefits. Is it legit?

PLANT CITY  The preserve stretches for thousands of acres, its teeming wetlands alternating with forests where ultra-straight lumber pines grow side-by-side with their lusher, native cousins.

At Hillsborough Countys Lower Green Swamp, officials are working to restore the land from cow pastures and a former pine plantation back to its natural state. The trees in the preserve also offer up something else: Theyre a source of more than $1 million in county revenue.

About 5,200 acres of the preserve are enrolled in a carbon bank program that cashes in on how much carbon the trees are estimated to capture.

Its part of a global billion-dollar industry, where each ton of carbon that trees remove from the atmosphere can be bought by companies wanting to offset their pollution. Each ton is represented by one carbon credit, which the buyers then subtract from their own emissions ledgers. The companies may buy the credits for mandatory reasons, like complying with government emissions ceilings, or voluntarily to improve their public image on environmental issues.

Hillsborough officials said the local program is a win-win for taxpayers and the environment. A small number of carbon credit registries, including the American Carbon Registry, set rules for the projects and issue credits if they meet those standards.

All the money that is generated out of this carbon bank goes straight back to restoration in the Lower Green Swamp preserve, said Ross Dickerson, environmental lands manager for the county.

But while it sounds like a straightforward tradeoff between emissions and the trees that capture them, carbon credits have come under scientific scrutiny. The accounting is frequently abused or inaccurate, experts say, and these projects can do more harm than good in the fight against climate change.

The evidence has been pretty unequivocal in terms of the impact of carbon credit programs like the one in use at the Lower Green Swamp, said Danny Cullenward, a senior fellow with the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania and the vice chairperson of Californias Independent Emissions Market Advisory Committee.

The atmosphere is being screwed over by these deals, he said.

How carbon credits work

Hillsborough County worked with an outside group that used complex calculations to determine how much carbon is captured by the trees in the preserve.

That group, an Oregon nonprofit called The Climate Trust, estimated that the trees will store more than 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent over a 20-year period. That means companies or other entities can buy about 300,000 credits generated by the Lower Green Swamp over time.

In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Julius Pasay, executive director of The Climate Trust, declined to disclose who has bought Hillsborough Countys credits or how much they paid, saying the buyer (or buyers) wished to remain anonymous. But the global average price of a credit in 2022 was $7.37, according to a report by Ecosystem Marketplace, an environmental finance group. Pasay said high demand for the type of credit produced by the Lower Green Swamp has pushed those prices into the double digits.

All of Climate Trusts credits are sold to buyers in the voluntary market, Pasay said, such as companies trying to meet their own internal emissions goals. Big corporations across the world have purchased credits in the voluntary market, including Disney, Gucci, Salesforce and Shell, according to the Guardian.

Hillsborough Countys project remains fairly small-scale for now. It has generated just under $1.3 million so far, with a couple hundred thousand more expected in coming years.

But the Lower Green Swamp could be the beginning of a larger movement in Florida of using government land to generate carbon revenue. County officials believe its the first carbon bank on government land in the state. Dickerson said hes fielded calls from other local governments, including Pasco County, asking how they can follow Hillsboroughs lead.

Hillsborough also plans to enroll thousands more acres to expand its use of carbon credits. That push would begin next year with planting millions of trees that would eventually become eligible for restoration credits, Dickerson said.

Do carbon credits help or hurt?

Scientists have said the world must transition away from fossil fuels to avoid the worst of climate change. Carbon credits, some scientists say, could slow that trajectory by allowing companies to claim green bona fides without meaningfully changing their operations.

Plus, journalists and researchers have uncovered problems with the quality of carbon credits, including companies claiming to save forests from development that were never under threat to begin with, because they were already on preserved land.

In order for carbon credits to work, they must be adding additional climate benefits than would have existed without intervention, such as preserving trees that were about to get razed for a shopping mall. Otherwise, carbon credits are simply a get-out-of-jail-free card for polluting companies to pay money to look like theyre taking action, some experts say, while nothing changes about emissions.

So what would have happened in Hillsborough County without the carbon bank program?

The county would have managed the land differently, Dickerson said, more quickly cutting down non-native trees so they could be replaced with native species. Because of the carbon project, we stopped cutting down these trees until our replacement (group of trees is) mature enough that it offsets what would have been lost if we cut down these trees.

Pasay said the Lower Green Swamp is enrolled in a carbon credit program designed for situations like this, where the owner could make more money by turning the trees into timber compared to maintaining them.

Still, theres a disconnect between what the county says would have been done with the land absent a carbon program, and what was written in the documents submitted to the American Carbon Registry.

Those documents, prepared by the Climate Trust with assistance from the county, state that the county could have clear-cut the land before converting the property to slash pine plantations for timber  the exact thing that the county has been working for more than a decade to reverse by planting native species.

When asked about this wording, the county said that thats because that scenario could happen based on common practices on nearby land. It doesnt have to be what the county would do with 100% certainty absent a carbon program, under the rules.

By agreeing to protect (the trees) through carbon banking, we added an additional layer of protection for the next 40 years, Dickerson, from the county, wrote in an email. This was important to us because you never know what could happen in the future, such as if the price of lumber increases and adds pressure for the county to harvest its trees.

Barbara Haya, a research fellow at the University of California Berkeley whos been studying carbon offset quality for two decades, said that the problems go beyond any one project to the structure of carbon credit programs.

The rules are lax and the proof is only that you could do it, and not that you likely would have done it, she said. Thats how we have so many false credits on the market today.

Scientists have identified another problem with carbon credits: While the programs land protections are temporary, the carbon dioxide emissions they are supposed to offset stay in the atmosphere for centuries. That means that when the carbon bank agreements expire, trees can be cut down whose existence helped a company justify additional pollution.

Despite this imperfection, carbon credits shouldnt be discounted, Pasay said, because theyre a valuable action that people can take right now.

People arent going to stop driving cars today, he said. Its to get us to the point where we can be a more fossil fuel-free society.

Numbers vs. nature

On a recent spring afternoon at the Lower Green Swamp, a bobwhite quail darted by the windshield of Dickersons truck in a flash of wings and spots.

God, thats so cool! he said. Hed never seen that species here before, but the quail are coming back as the land is restored.

Pasay said beyond the columns of carbon stored versus emitted, projects like the Lower Green Swamp help preserve nature in ways that transcend numbers.

Protecting water quality, wildlife habitat corridors ... thats what inspires me, he said.

Cullenward, the climate researcher, agrees that conserving land is valuable. He just wishes companies wouldnt use that to argue that a certain number of trees is equivalent to the pollution they emit.

I am sympathetic to the mission of governments and landowners trying to do right by preserving land, he said. I am deeply suspicious of how this industry has created this marketing regime under which is there are often fact patterns where they say theyre going to do one thing (with the land) and theyre doing another. The whole system is designed to take good intentions and turn them into greenwashing.

The way Dickerson sees it, carbon bank programs reveal something fundamental about our warming world.

We have something on these lands thats becoming more and more valuable, which is trees  which is kind of sad, he said. We bought this land, and now the land value, when it comes to carbon and those trees that are here, has increased. And people want to pay you for that.
Trial begins for David Swift, accused in wifes 2011 death

 Follow Day 2 trial coverage here

WEAKLEY COUNTY, Tenn.  More than 12 years after a Tennessee womans remains were found in a Dyersburg cemetery, the trial began Tuesday for her former husband, who is accused of her murder.

David Swift was indicted on a charge of premeditated first-degree murder in August 2022 in the death of his wife, Karen Swift, a 44-year-old mother of four. He has previously pleaded not guilty.

Karen Swifts husband indicted more than a decade after her death

The jury was seated before noon on Tuesday, and the trial began with jury instructions at 1:30.

In opening statements, state prosecutors said David and Karen Swift were married in 1989. They were divorced in 2000 following an affair by David Swift, but remarried later the same year. That was followed by an affair by Karen Swift, prompting her husband to move the family from Arkansas to Tennessee.

Prosecutors say in 2011, Karen Swift took the children on vacation and left her husband a note that she had filed for divorce. Her husband was served Oct. 10.

Karen Swift was reported missing on Oct. 30, 2011, after attending a Halloween party at a Dyersburg country club.

David Swift in court May 28, 2024

Karen and David Swift (file photo)

Prosecutors alleged Tuesday that Karen Swift arrived home just after 2 a.m. Her head was stomped on concrete at her house.

They say David Swift cleaned the scene with bleach, put his wifes body in a car and dumped it in a cemetery before putting a screw in his wifes car tire and driving it to another location, then crushing her cell phone.

The defense said David Swift injured his knee and was seen by witnesses on crutches before his wife was killed. They say Karen Swift was back living in the house with her husband after the divorce was filed, and may have left the house on the morning of her death.

Its not unlike Karen to get up and leave, the defense suggested, explaining why David Swift may not have immediately called law enforcement to report her missing. The attorney said there was no forensic evidence to support the states allegations.

Swifts car was found with a flat tire on the side of the road about a quarter of a mile away from her home. Her partially sketalized remains were found by hunters in December, according to an autopsy report.

Years after Halloween disappearance, Mid-South mothers autopsy report released

The autopsy report, which was released in Nov. 2018 after being sealed for seven years, said that she was killed by blunt force trauma to the head. She also had multiple bone fractures and was partially clothed.

David Swift, who had since moved to Alabama and remarried, was arrested after his indictment in 2022.

The trial was moved to Weakley County, about 50 miles northeast of Dyer County.

WREG was in the courtroom for Tuesdays opening statements:

The trial will resume at 8:15 Wednesday morning.

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.
A Milwaukee man now admits he ended the life of Regina "Mya" Allen, whose death nearly two years ago was part of a disturbing string of killings that left Milwaukees LGBTQ+ community shaken.

Trial for Clayton Hubbird was expected to begin Tuesday in a Milwaukee courtroom. He was charged with first-degree intentional homicide.

Instead, Hubbird, 33, entered a guilty plea just before jury selection was supposed to get under way.

He will be sentenced July 29 by Circuit Judge Jean Kies.

Allen was one of several transgender Black women who were killed since June 2022 in a disturbing trend that shook Milwaukees LGBTQ+ community.

She was just days from her 36th birthday when she was shot outside her apartment in Milwaukees Avenues West neighborhood.

Regina "Mya" Allen, 35.

Hubbird was arrested within days of the shooting.

His capture came thanks largely to Allen, who, according to a criminal complaint, gave police a description with her last breaths of the man who shot her, what kind of vehicle he drove and where the two had met.

What we know about Allen's death

Police were called to the 800 block of North 26th Street on Aug. 29, 2022 at 2:14 a.m., and found Regina Allen lying on the ground outside with a gunshot wound.

According to a criminal complaint, she was able to tell officers before she was taken to the hospital she had been shot by a white man, about 30 years old with brown hair. She said he drove a black Tahoe with a child seat in the back, and that she had met him at a gas station on the near-south side.

Police went to the gas station in question and looked at surveillance video showing Allen interacting with a man matching the description she provided. Police recognized him as Hubbird based on past encounters with him, the quality of the video and visible tattoos on his arms.

The two left the gas station together in Hubbirds truck after paying for their items. When Regina Allen returned home, witnesses reported seeing her in an argument with the driver as she got out of the car.

One witness said he saw Allen walking away from the car, toward the apartment building, when she turned back to the car and made a loud statement. The witness then heard a single gunshot and heard Regina Allen say, Im shot, before falling to the ground.

The witness' assertion was supported by surveillance camera footage, the complaint said.

Police traced the car to Hubbirds sister's home and searched it. They located a 2007 black Chevy Tahoe with a childs seat in the back. A significant amount of ammunition and firearm magazines were found in Hubbirds room, the complaint said.

Hubbird had been previously convicted of several misdemeanors in Milwaukee County since 2011, including resisting or obstructing an officer, online court records show.

A memorial for Regina Allen, 35, who was shot and killed outside of her apartment building on the 800 block of North 26th Street on Aug. 29.

Other Black transgender women in Milwaukee who have been killed

Allen and Brazil Johnson, who was killed in June 2022, were the first identified Black transgender women to be killed in Milwaukee since Chanel Larkin was fatally shot in 2010. Larkin's killer was sentenced to 11 years in prison and was released on extended supervision in 2021.

In 2023, Chyna Long and Cashay Henderson became the third and fourth Black transgender women to die in Milwaukee within about a year and a half.

Police are still looking for Brazil Johnson's killer. The FBI in January released an image of a person they believe may have information in the killing.

Their deaths come amid a rise in anti-LGBTQ, and specifically anti-trans, rhetoric and policies nationwide.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, Allen is at least the 32nd transgender or gender non-conforming person to die by homicide in the U.S. in 2023. The majority of those victims are Black and Latina transgender women.

In September, the Milwaukee Police Department announced it would not immediately include the gender of homicide victims in press statements in an effort to prevent instances of misgendering. Members of the LGBTQ+ community applauded the move.

How to help

Diverse & Resilient offers trauma-informed support for the LGBTQ community statewide. To talk to an advocate, call or text the statewide warmline at 414-856-LGBT (5428).

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee man pleads guilty in death of Regina 'Mya' Allen
In tribute to slain student, graphic novel workshop continues at Lexington school

What started out as a short-term Saturday volunteer effort at Winburn Middle School for Shawn Pryor, a young adult graphic novel and comic book author, is turning into an ongoing workshop and a tribute to a slain student.

Graphic novels often have stories that include superheroes and focus on such topics as sports, drama, science fiction and fantasy.

Pryor has been recognized with a Fayette school district award for community members  the 2023 Golden Apple Award  for hosting a series of graphic novel workshops for Winburn Middle School.

Miranda Scully, Fayette Public Schools director of Family and Community Engagement announced the honor at the Fayette school boards May 20 meeting.

Pryor said the biggest issue for continuing his workshops is funding.

Money for art supplies, snacks for students and printing costs all comes out of Pryors pocket, he told the Herald-Leader in an interview Sunday.

Pryor plans to work with school district officials and others in Lexington in coming weeks to develop a fundraising effort

Graphic novels and comic books are a gateway to reading. Its a gateway to learning art. Its a gateway to learn how to process information, he said.

Through the workshops, students discussed the writing process and designed their own graphic novels.

Following the first year-long workshop in 2022, Pryor worked with professional illustrators to make conceptual art based on student designs and created copies of the resulting graphic novel for students and staff, Scully said at the May 20 school board meeting.

Pryor has been writing professionally for over 17 years, most often as an author of graphic novels and childrens books. By day, he is a computer support specialist for the University of Kentuckys Markey Cancer Center.

Pryors efforts with Fayette students started in 2022 when a representative of Lexingtons Carnegie Center for Literacy asked him to go to Winburn Middle School for four Saturdays to talk about comics, graphic novels and writing stories.

At first, he had a class of about 12 students, and quickly those kids became a community, he said.

This gave a bunch of these kids an opportunity to get together .-- feel confident in themselves as I taught them the basics of comic books, how script structures are set up, how sequential pages are put together.

In the first year of the workshops, Pryor said he focused on being able to get kids to open up and learn how to be expressive, and that was an absolute blessing. 

Tragedy in midst of blessing

In the midst of that blessing, came tragedy.

After about three workshops, in May 2022, one of the students, Deon Williams, 13, and his 5-year-old sister, Skyler Williams, were allegedly killed by their mother, Nikki James, according to Lexington police.

James was arrested after police responded to her apartment building to find her covered in blood, according to court testimony. Her children, Skyler and Deon, were inside the apartment suffering from multiple stab wounds.

They were pronounced dead by the Fayette County Coroners Office after being taken to a hospital, police and the coroner said. James has been charged with murder.

Her attorneys have said she has serious mental health needs. A June 14 hearing in the case has been set in Fayette Circuit Court.

Deon was a fantastic kid. He reminded me so much of myself when I was little, shy, quiet, had creative ability and talent, but didnt know how to express it.. I saw all of that in him, and we were able to get him to open up to be creative, to start to tell stories, Pryor said.

Pryor teaches the class for free, dedicating his work to Deon, Deons sister, and the students at Winburn.

An earlier fundraiser through the GoFundMe platform to purchase graphic novels, comics and other types of books in tribute to Deon and Skyler raised $3,500. Part of the school library with those books is called Deons Corner, Pryor said.

Continuing the work

In 2023 workshops, Pryor helped students learn how to create characters. With the help of professional artists, he created a book with the students work, and each student received a copy.

It was just a lot of fun to be able to see the looks on those kids faces as the ideas that they had came to life. Pryor said.

In spring 2024, the students in the class began to illustrate comic books. Next academic year, the goal is to have two classes, one at Winburn and one for other students in Fayette County, Pryor said.

Eighty percent of the students at Winburn are economically disadvantaged, according to the Kentucky School Report Card. Winburn is also home to one of the school districts Gifted and Talented Accelerated Programs.

Pryor is now teaching about two workshops each month on Saturdays at Winburn from January to April.

The bigger the class, the more money spent, Pryor said,  Ill do anything for these kids, but I cant break the bank.

School board member Marilyn Clark told Pryor at the May 20 school board meeting the district would look for some grants to help continue the work.

The arts are very important to students development, and I will continue to keep this class at Winburn going for as long as I possibly can, Pryor told the Herald-Leader Sunday.
Trio wanted, accused racking up $19k+ of purchases on stolen credit cards in Lancaster County

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Police are looking for three people who they say racked up tens of thousands of dollars worth of purchases on stolen credit cards in Lancaster County.

According to Manheim Township Police, Cesar Limas-Urbisagastegui, 67, of no known address, Liseth Romero-Berrospi, 32, and Jeferson Nue-Rosales, 41, both of New Jersey, are wanted and face multiple charges.

In total, $19,843.57 worth of purchases were made with the credit cards that were in the stolen wallets.

One wallet was stolen from someone at Wegmans in October and two others were reported stolen from people at Whole Foods in March and April, police say. Police did note that the third wallet that was stolen and its contents is worth $2,850.

Flames destroy chicken house in Lancaster County

Security footage from Wegmans showed police the suspects who stole the wallets also used the cards, and later in the investigation, police saw the same two suspects, along with Romero-Berrospi on additional camera footage from Whole Foods, police state.

The trio is part of an organized theft group from South America that traveled to the United States, committing similar crimes, police say.

They face felony charges of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, access device fraud along with theft.

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NAIROBI, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has adopted a three-test HIV testing algorithm for effective diagnosis as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the country's Ministry of Health said on Tuesday.

Harry Kimtai, principal secretary in the Ministry of Health, said in a statement released in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the new method ensures the reliability and safety of testing services.

"Healthcare providers and the public are urged to actively support ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of testing services. Citizens are also encouraged to use the new HIV testing services nationwide," Kimtai said.

According to the WHO, the standard three-test strategy uses three consecutive HIV-reactive tests to provide an accurate diagnosis. This ensures that HIV testing is accessible and adheres to the 5 C's, including voluntary consent, confidentiality, counseling, correct results and linkage to care.

Kenya conducts more than 9 million HIV tests across 8,851 testing centers annually, according to the Ministry of Health.

The ministry said Kenya remains steadfast in its fight against HIV/AIDS, with about 1.4 million people living with the disease. As of December 2023, more than 1.3 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the East African country were receiving treatment at 3,752 facilities nationwide. 
June 1 marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, and there is a zone AccuWeather meteorologists are already watching for tropical development. The area extends from part of the northern Caribbean across the central islands of the Caribbean and into the southwestern Atlantic.

"The area of interest we are looking at may not evolve until well into the first week of June -- the period from June 4-6 to be exact," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Meteorologist Alex DaSilva said.

As of the start of the week, this area was already active with a band of clouds, showers and thunderstorms. A disturbance, known as a tropical wave, was interacting with the moisture and has been enhancing the activity just a bit. However, it was far from showing any signs of tropical development and not likely to do so for several more days at the very least.

"Later during the first week of June, a disturbance in the middle part of the atmosphere will move across the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico and may interact with that tropical moisture zone," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. "There is a remote chance it could initiate a tropical depression or more in this area."

Part of this zone, along with an area along the southern Atlantic coast of the United States, experienced some cooling of water temperatures earlier this spring.

"The cooling trend in that area has now reversed," Pastelok said.

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Much of the Atlantic was experiencing record or near-record high sea surface temperatures this past winter and spring.

Warm water and moisture do not make tropical development a lock, however.

"Indications are that the system may fight with stiff breezes, known as wind shear, and the proximity of a front," DaSilva said.

The steady or shifting breezes associated with wind shear can disrupt an organized tropical system or prevent it from developing. The warm and cool clash of air associated with a front is another deterrent, as tropical systems need a uniformly warm environment to form. Anything to the contrary results in a non-tropical or subtropical storm.

Should wind shear drop off or the system detach from the front, it could slowly develop tropically. DaSilva said, "Water temperatures are not super warm in the region northeast of the Bahamas, but they are warm enough to support a tropical system."

The critical temperature for tropical development is about 80 F.

Should the system overcome the obstacles, it would be the first tropical depression and storm of the year. Alberto is the first name on the list for the 2024 Atlantic season.

Since the winter, AccuWeather meteorologists have anticipated a super-charged hurricane season with many tropical storms and hurricanes. Their team has raised concerns about multiple threats to the United States and the likelihood that some storms may rapidly intensify as they approach land, adding to the danger.

"Even if this system fails to develop into a tropical depression or storm, it will deliver a substantial amount of rain on Hispaniola and some of the other islands in the northern Caribbean in the coming days," DaSilva said.

Should the system develop, it would not pose any threat to the U.S., as steering breezes would take it to the northeast of the southern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos and into the central Atlantic.



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A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Will Cannon Even Rule On It?

This happened late Friday before the holiday weekend so Im assuming many of you didnt see it: In the Mar-a-Lago case, Special Counsel Jack Smith moved to modify the terms of Donald Trumps release, asking the court to prohibit him from further attacks on federal law enforcement.

The latest parry arises from Trumps blatantly false and highly incendiary claims that President Biden effectively ordered Trumps assassination by dispatching a FBI kill team to do the Mar-a-Lago search. Its batshit crazy stuff, and Smith is asking U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon  sigh  to order a stop to it.

Its not a gag order per se; its a modification of Trumps terms of release, which keeps him out of jail pending trial. So it doesnt have the same First Amendment issues that might accompany any order against a non-criminal defendant.

Yesterday, Trump filed a big, over-the-top response, asking for Smiths motion to be stricken and any DOJ lawyers associated with its filing be sanctioned.

In a normal case, this would be set up a big showdown in front of Cannon  and either side might end up appealing her ruling to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. This is of course not a normal case. Cannons M.O. so far has been simply not ruling on pending motions. Hard to have a showdown in front of the judge when the judge is a no show.

The underlying issue is a serious one: Trumps sustained and ongoing attacks on federal law enforcement come after two separate attacks over the past couple of years on FBI field offices in Cincinnati and Atlanta.

Trump Verdict Could Come As Soon As This Week

Closing arguments are about to begin this morning in state court in Manhattan in the Trump hush money trial. TPMs Josh Kovensky has resumed his stellar liveblogging from the courthouse.

Just Wow

So it turns out the WaPo knew at the time that the American flag was flying upside down at the Virginia home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in January 2021  but decided it wasnt worth reporting. The reporter and a key editor have since left the paper for unrelated reasons.

Ill leave the media criticism on this to others because I think its more important for what it says about Alito and his wife: They were confronted by a WaPo reporter about this at their home, she freaked out about it in the presence of the reporter, and despite all of that another protest flag was flying at their New Jersey beach home as recently as last summer, more than two years after the run-in with the reporter.

But sure, blame your wife.

Quote Of The Day

There are days that Ive come to my office after an announcement of a case and closed my door and cried. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Polarization or Radicalization?

Historian Kevin Kruse tackles bothsides-ism directly in an email to a leading practitioner of the dark art, a unnamed national columnist:

So Id strongly disagree that the right and left are in comparable positions. Moreover, the idea that they *are* roughly equivalent seems to be a deliberate smokescreen by partisans to hide the real story, which is one of the unprecedented radicalization of the right in service of a minoritarian political project. I cant think of any precedent to this moment, at least not in *American* history. The American right was committed to a politics that was similarly hostile to democracy in the 1930s, but they were marginalized. McCarthyism had its moment in the sun, but the GOP was still ideologically diverse with some internal checks. The Reagan-era GOP had some seeds of this but nothing as loud and open.

Kruse is little snarkier than that excerpt suggests, in a totally justifiable way.

Rethinking The Concept Of Political Leverage

A thoughtful and well-written essay from Brian Beutler on the all-or-nothing extortion gambit coming from the left:  as the progressive movement has matured, it has overtrained activists to think of politics as little more than a series of high-stakes leverage standoffs: Condition support for candidates on a particular set of policies, threatening their electability if they dissent, and discipline officeholders by leveling similar threats whenever they veer from those priorities.

Well worth a read.

Bidens Long Game on Climate

Robinson Meyer at Heatmap explores Bidens climate policy in way that few people are able to do: with a keen grasp both of climate science and of politics. Its hard finding people who can bring both to the table.

The thrust of Meyers analysis seeks an explanation for what on the surface can seem like contradictory efforts by Biden:

This is the guiding logic of Bidens climate policy: that American politics must have a powerful, durable, and flexible pro-decarbonization coalition if the U.S. is to succeed in reaching net zero. Achieving this coalition is the underlying aim of the IRA, the EPA rules, and  yes  the recent tariffs.

This is one of smartest pieces Ive read in a while.

Good Read

NOTUS: How Henry Cuellar and His Family Control Webb County, Texas

Look At What The Texas GOP Is Up To

Texas Tribune:

Republican Party of Texas delegates voted Saturday on a platform that called for  a constitutional amendment that would require statewide elected leaders to win the popular vote in a majority of Texas counties.  Under current voting patterns, in which Republicans routinely win in the states rural counties, such a requirement would effectively end Democrats chances of winning statewide office.

Theres more, including requiring the Bible be taught in public schools, but giving Texas what amounts to its own Electoral College to take advantage of the rural-urban split is the topper.

Florida Is Teaching Christian Nationalism?

Judd Legum: Training materials produced by the Florida Department of Education direct middle and high school teachers to indoctrinate students in the tenets of Christian nationalism, a right-wing effort to merge Christian and American identities.

2024 Ephemera

WaPo: Trump makes sweeping promises to donors on audacious fundraising tour

NYT: Trump Leans Into an Outlaw Image as His Criminal Trial Concludes

Amen

Do not be seduced by easy equalization We are at an existential crossroads in our political and civic lives. This is a choice that could not be clearer.



Ken Burns warns Brandeis grads  and the rest of us  about a second Trump term. pic.twitter.com/ZgNiSh6K3A  Bill Grueskin (@BGrueskin) May 26, 2024

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An Alachua, Florida, police officer and a Mia Apa Latin Cafe truck driver teamed up for a quick Highway 441 cat rescue

Alachua Police Department A kitten rescued from a busy Florida highway

A tiny kitten held up traffic on a busy Florida highway, but not for long, thanks to some quick-thinking heroes.

In mid-May, a truck driver and an Alachua police officer teamed up to stop traffic and save a kitten they had spotted in the middle of two lanes of busy traffic. A Mi Apa Latin Cafe truck driver spotted the black feline first, splayed out and scared, on US Highway 441, and Officer Stanfield of Florida's Alachua Police Department arrived after to assist the driver with their good deed, according to CBS affiliate 12 News.

In a video of the rescue shared on the Alachua Police Department's Facebook page, the Mi Apa Latin Cafe driver uses their truck to block one lane of traffic to help protect the kitten from oncoming cars. Officer Stanfield then exits his vehicle and walks to the other lane of traffic that the kitten is caught between. He carefully scoops up the cat while cars whiz by.

Related: Cat Reunites with Its Owners in Montana After It Was Displaced by the Maui Wildfires: It 'Took a Village'

Alachua Police Department A kitten rescued from a busy Florida highway

I just found a baby kitten in the middle of 441, Officer Stanfield, who was on patrol then, says into his radio during the clip. The video shared on Facebook continues with footage of the police officer driving with the rescued kitten, who is small enough to fit in his hand.

The Facebook update also noted that the kitten is now safe. "We're thrilled to share that this little furball has found a loving forever home with one of our amazing dispatchers," the post concluded.

Alachua Police Department Kitten on busy Florida highway

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

PEOPLE contacted the Alachua Police Department for further comment and did not receive an immediate response.

Related: N.Y. Rescue Seeks Answers After Finding Cat Dumped in Tied-Up Pillowcase: 'A Heartless Act'

The agency's Facebook page responded to a comment asking about the "awesome rescue," noting that there would be an update next week.

Alachua Police Department A kitten saved from busy Florida highway in a police car after their rescue

Another cat was rescued from a busy road recently. According to a press release from the Dutchess County SPCA (DCSPCA) obtained by PEOPLE, in May, a kitten less than five weeks old was tossed from a car window onto a road in Dutchess County, New York.

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.

Good Samaritan Joseph Logiudice saw the kitten thrown from the vehicle and braved oncoming traffic to save the cat. He brought the feline to the DCSPCA, which placed the pet in a loving foster home.



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Closing arguments begin Tuesday in Donald Trumps criminal hush-money trial, and the former president is not pleased with the order of operations.

On Monday night, Trump published a series of Truth Social posts complaining about the trial. At one point, the former president claimed that standard courtroom procedure allowing the prosecution to rebut the defenses closing arguments was proof of a witch hunt against him.

WHY IS THE CORRUPT GOVERNMENT ALLOWED TO MAKE THE FINAL ARGUMENT IN THE CASE AGAINST ME? WHY CANT THE DEFENSE GO LAST? BIG ADVANTAGE, VERY UNFAIR. WITCH HUNT! Trump wrote, signing the post with his initials.

WHY IS THE CORRUPT GOVERNMENT ALLOWED TO MAKE THE FINAL ARGUMENT IN THE CASE AGAINST ME? WHY CANT THE DEFENSE GO LAST? BIG ADVANTAGE, VERY UNFAIR. WITCH HUNT! DJT



Donald Trump Truth Social 06:20 PM 05/27/24 pic.twitter.com/HwxCTobDZa  Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 28, 2024

According to the American Bar Association, closing arguments take place in the reverse order of opening statements, with the prosecution summarizing their case to the jury first. Following the defenses presentation, the prosecution  which is ultimately responsible for proving the allegations against the defendant  is entitled to make a rebuttal, although this does not always happen.

Its not the first time Trump has attempted to twist standard trial procedure into evidence of bias against him. During jury selection, the former president complained that he ought to be granted unlimited strikes against potential jurors.

After nearly five weeks of evidentiary presentations, witness statements, cross-examinations, and tense courtroom drama, both sides will be making a final pitch to the jury on why Trump is either guilty or innocent. No new evidence may be presented during closing statements, but attorneys are granted the flexibility to weave a compelling, often emotionally charged narrative for the jurors in their final appeals.

Trump also complained on Monday that the defenses presentation had been truncated by Judge Juan Merchan, and that their one witness  Robert Costello  had been treated unfairly during his testimony.

Could somebody please ask Judge Merchan, whatever happened to MARK POMERANTZ, the man Alvin Bragg was furious at for the things he did on this contrived and unconstitutional case, and why wasnt he allowed to testify? Also, why did Judge Merchan not allow Brad Smith, the leading Election Law Expert in the Country, to testify. He would have ended the case quickly by explaining the Law and stating that President Trump did nothing wrong, Trump wrote.

Trump remains under a limited gag order barring him from commenting on witnesses involved in the case and has already been found in contempt of the courts restrictions on his public statements ten times.

Trumps legal team repeatedly attempted to subpoena Pomerantz, a former Manhattan prosecutor who at one point oversaw the investigation into Trump. Merchan called their requests impermissibly broad and an attempt at an improper fishing expedition, that sought information on topics that are not relevant and material to the facts at issue

Smith was not summarily barred from testifying by Merchan, who said he was willing to allow the legal expert and a former member of the Federal Election Commission to take the stand if his testimony was limited to a discussion of the general definitions and terms relevant to campaign finance law. There is no question this would result in a battle of the experts, which will only serve to confuse, and not assist, the jury, Merchan said.

The former president moaned Monday that he risked becoming a common criminal despite his ongoing campaign for the presidency. Trump once again claimed that the case against him amounted to prosecutorial Misconduct, and election Interference. Regardless of the former presidents feelings on the matter, before the week is out this case will be in the hands of a jury of his peers, who will be tasked with handing down one of the most consequential verdicts in American history.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone
Former President Donald Trumps attorneys asked a federal judge Monday to reject special counsel Jack Smiths request for a gag order in the classified documents case and to find the federal prosecutors who wrote the request in contempt.

Smiths office has requested that the Florida judge overseeing the classified documents case, Aileen Cannon, place a gag order on the former president that would limit his ability to publicly talk about law enforcement that searched his Mar-a-Lago estate in 2022.

Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, has repeatedly and misleadingly criticized the FBI for having a policy in place around the use of deadly force during the search  as the bureau does with every warrant it executes.

In a blistering court filing late on Memorial Day, attorneys for Trump said that the gag order request was an extraordinary, unprecedented, and unconstitutional censorship application to target Trumps speech as he runs for president.

The special counsel improperly asks the Court to impose an unconstitutional gag order on President Trump  based on vague and unsupported assertions about threats to law enforcement personnel whose names have been redacted from public filings and whose identities are already subject to a protective order, defense attorneys wrote.

The attorneys also said that prosecutors, whom they referred to as self-appointed Thought Police, were seeking to condition President Trumps liberty on his compliance with their own views.

Among the parts of the proposed gag order that Trumps attorneys most fiercely contested was Smiths request to incorporate the gag order into the former presidents conditions of pre-trial release  meaning that a probation officer, not the judge, would decide whether Trumps comments constituted a violation. That structure would require the Probation Office and the Court to mediate disputes against a backdrop of potentially imprisoning a political opponent who is successfully defeating Smiths boss and preferred candidate, they wrote.

Beyond rejecting the gag order request, Cannon should impose sanctions on all government attorneys who participated in the decision to file the Motion, Trumps team said.

The former president is separately under a gag order in the Washington, DC, federal election interference case and in his ongoinng hush money trial in New York state court.

The special counsel said Friday that Trumps false claims had endangered law enforcement officers  some of whom could testify in the classified documents case. His comments, prosecutors wrote, invite the sort of threats and harassment that have occurred when other participants in legal proceedings against Trump have been targeted by his invective.

Both the FBI and Attorney General Merrick Garland have rejected claims that the operations plan to search Mar-a-Lago was somehow unique and that Trumps life, as the former president has claimed, was in danger. Garland last week called the allegation false and extremely dangerous, while the FBI said in a statement that no one ordered additional steps to be taken and there was no departure from the norm in this matter.

Garland and the FBI have also noted that the same deadly force policy was included in plans before a search of President Joe Bidens Delaware home during a separate investigation into his own handling of classified documents.

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This Trump Bootlicker Kissed the Ring and It Still Wasnt Enough

Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) has been a vocal member of the bootlicking brigade who have made pilgrimages to Donald Trumps hush-money trial in Manhattan as a demonstration of their loyalty.

But it still wasnt enough to secure an endorsement from his dear leader, who instead endorsed Goods opponent ahead of a June 18 primary in Virginias 5th congressional district.

Trump called Good, a two-term incumbent and the chair of the House Freedom Caucus, BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA. In a post on social media on Tuesday, he threw his support behind John McGuire, a former Navy SEAL who succinctly describes his platform as Pro-Life. Pro-Gun. Pro-Trump.

Goods mortal sin was endorsing Trumps challenger, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, early in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Even though he immediately threw his support behind Trump when DeSantis bowed out and pledged to work to get Trump back in the White House, it wasnt enough.

He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and loving Endorsement, Trump wrote on social media. But really, it was too late.

Good has clashed with Trump loyalist Majorie Taylor Greene over Goods support for ousting Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Shes always been about herself primarily, he told NewsNation earlier this month. And she holds, you know, a personal animosity towards anyone she deems responsible for the former Speaker not being in place, and a two-for what she perceived as a lack of loyalty to the former president.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Donald Trumps first criminal trial has arrived at its dramatic final act with lawyers for both sides primed on Tuesday to hammer home their cases before jurors consider a verdict that could make history.

The summations mark the climax of a trial that started more than a month ago. They are expected to last all day Tuesday and could stretch into the following day. After Judge Juan Merchan instructs jurors on the law, Trump and the rest of the country will be held in suspense to see whether he will become the first ex-president and presumptive GOP nominee to be convicted of a crime after allegedly falsifying financial records to hide a hush money payment to an adult film star in 2016.

The verdict will reverberate far beyond the courtroom and Trumps personal life since the case has become intertwined with his bid to reclaim the White House. The stakes are especially high since this is likely to be the only one of four pending criminal trials expected to go to a jury before Novembers election. The former president appeared to be in a bitter mood on the eve of his return to the courtroom, lashing out at opponents he called Human Scum in a message on social media marking Memorial Day.

Trumps defense team is trying to spare their client the ignominy of a conviction that would stain his reputation. The ex-presidents lead lawyer, Todd Blanche, is expected to zero in on the credibility of Trumps former fixer-turned-nemesis, Michael Cohen, who endured a bruising cross-examination, and to ask why other key figures in the ex-presidents business and personal orbit were not called by prosecutors, CNNs Kara Scannell reported.

Joshua Steinglass, who is conducting closing arguments for the prosecution, will follow Blanche and is expected to spend several hours taking the jury through text messages, phone logs, other witnesses testimony and the 34 allegedly falsified documents to corroborate Cohens testimony. Ultimately, the team working for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, will try to convince seven men and five women jurors that Trump orchestrated a scheme to keep unflattering information from voters in what was an early example of election interference.

Trump has denied having an affair with Stormy Daniels and has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers do not have to convince all of the jury that he is innocent  they need only one juror to stand firm against the unanimous guilty verdict required to convict. Their conduct of the trial, in which they produced only two witnesses in a brief defense, signals they will argue that the state of New York has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the ex-president ordered and carried out a scheme, which, in any case, they say doesnt amount to breaking the law. They argued during the trial that there was no evidence of criminal intent. And they will seek to leave jurors with a devastating final picture of Cohen, who admitted on the stand that he was a liar and was benefiting financially from a growing media empire targeting his ex-boss.

While there is a big difference with a hung jury that could force the judge to declare a mistrial, leaving an opening for prosecutors to try Trump again, any outcome that doesnt end in a conviction could serve Trumps political purposes, at least for now.

I dont know if the voting public sees much of a difference between the two. For many, including the defendant, the only relevant question is whether he is a convicted felon or not, said CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams. So, Id assume the defense is really just hoping to plant a seed in the head of that one juror who has enough doubts about the case and might be stubborn enough not to back down.

Cohen will be at the center of the drama again

Blanche argued earlier in the month that Cohen was so conflicted as a witness that the case should not even go to the jury. He told the judge: He testified. And he lied under oath. In this courtroom. And the consequences of that lie, if accepted by the jury, is a conviction, potentially.

Closing arguments are the stage in a case where lawyers summarize weeks of complex testimony and courtroom theatrics and sketch a narrative designed to shape the deliberations over evidence in the jury room. They are also used to impress upon jurors the huge stakes of a trial  both the grave reality that a persons reputation and even liberty is on the line and the importance of upholding the rule of law.

The jury in this case must work through a complex legal equation at the heart of the case. To reach a guilty verdict, they must agree that New York state prosecutors have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump falsified business records  which is normally a misdemeanor in the state. Then, to convict Trump of a felony, the jury must determine that this was done to commit another crime  in this case in relation to the 2016 election.

The prosecution is likely to argue that while the defense roughed up Cohen, he was truthful about the key elements of the case, and that his testimony was corroborated in advance by weeks of evidence.

Former Manhattan prosecutor Jeremy Saland told CNN This Morning on Sunday that it was not important how jurors generally viewed Cohen as a person. Whether you like Michael Cohen, whether youd want him to date your sister, whether youd want (him) to be your brother-in-law  you dont have to like the guy. This is not a likability contest. (Was he) truthful in that moment in time? Was he honest and credible?

In days of evidence, the prosecution built a brick-by-brick legal edifice to pre-but the attacks on Cohens credibility, which everyone knew were coming since the man who described himself as Trumps former thug went to jail for offenses including lying to Congress.

There were weeks and weeks of testimony from witnesses who testified and whose testimony was corroborated by emails, bank records, contemporaneous phone calls, text messages, and other documents of a conspiracy, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo argued in court.

That evidence was intended to create a storyline that highlighted Trumps alleged affair with Daniels, in explicit detail, in order to explain to jurors why he might have wanted to cover it up. They secured testimony from former tabloid publisher David Pecker to highlight Trumps history of shutting down embarrassing stories, and they produced evidence from former Trump associates, including ex-White House communications director Hope Hicks, to counter the idea Trump was simply seeking to hide his embarrassment about Daniels from his family and was instead most worried about voters forming an unfavorable impression of him in 2016.

Prosecutors also sketched a paper trail to suggest that Cohen was acting on the ex-presidents orders in making a $130,000 payment to Daniels and that Trump was involved in cooking the financial books while serving as president to disguise a reimbursement to his former fixer.

Another test of Trumps brittle self-control

Tuesdays closing arguments will create another personal test for Trump, whose attacks on witnesses previously caused Merchan to warn he could be jailed over further violations of a partial gag order. While staying just inside Merchans red line, Trump has continued to fire off daily rhetorical attacks on the judge, prosecutors and the Justice Department, along with false claims that the trial is part of an overarching conspiracy by President Joe Biden to destroy him before Election Day.

Trump has raised doubts that the 12 New Yorkers who will judge him in the city where he made his name will give him a fair trial. And he has been aided by a parade of Republican supporters, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who showed up to bolster Trumps assault on the justice system. Trumps belligerence would be incredible coming from any defendant, let alone one seeking to reassume his role as titular head and ultimate defender of the Constitution as the 47th president.

Just over five months from the election, its unclear if or how public opinion that is already polarized around Trump will shift when the verdict is announced. The trial has not gripped the attention of the country as it might have were television cameras allowed in the courtroom. And Trump used his multiple criminal indictments to his political advantage in clearing the Republican nominating field. But some polls suggest a conviction could weigh against him in a tight election with Biden. Past behavior also suggests Trump would use any acquittal or a mistrial caused by a hung jury to claim vindication in all his criminal cases and to fuel the campaign of personal and political vengeance around which hes promised to build a second presidency.

The final arguments will go ahead following an unusual weeklong break in the trial that occurred since Merchan wanted to avoid final arguments and jury instruction being interrupted by the Memorial Day holiday. The time off only seems to have escalated Trumps fury as one of the defining weeks of his life dawns.

Happy Memorial Day to All, including the Human Scum that is working so hard to destroy our Once Great Country, Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social network that was especially jarring on a day dedicated to fallen members of the military. Trump fulminated against judges who had presided over a massive fraud judgment against him, his firm and his adult sons that was worth nearly half a billion dollars and a defamation suit in which he was ordered to pay the writer E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million.

Trump concluded his tirade with the words: Now for Merchan!

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Donald Trump is still reminiscing about the greatest love of his presidency: Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea.



In an interview with right-wing podcaster Tim Pool over the weekend, Trump spoke at length about how good his relationship was with the dictator, claiming that Hillary Clinton would have brought the country to the brink of war had she been president.



It boiled down to something that was very beautiful, the way it happened, and I got along with him very well, Trump said, saying that their relationship morphed from insults early on.

He respected me, I respected him, said Trump. He called Kim a very smart guy, very strong guy and the absolute leader of his country.

Trump: My relationship with Kim Jong Un was very beautiful. We got along very well. I got along great with him. Very strong guy. He is the absolute leader of his country pic.twitter.com/k5c7GeyGx3  Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) May 28, 2024

Its not the first time Trump has spoken glowingly of Kim in recent days. At his rally in the Bronx last week, Trump praised Kim in addition to fellow authoritarians Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Viktor Orban, saying they were at the top of their game, whether you like it or not.

Trump spent a lot of time during his presidency trying to woo Kim, exchanging letters and engaging in two summits, only for no peace deal or actual rapprochement to come of it. So why gush about Kim now? Perhaps hes trying to invent some kind of accomplishment to tout on the campaign trial. Or perhaps hes trying to paper over recent, more accurate news.



Just a week ago, Trumps ambassador to the European Union from 2018 to 2020, Gordon Sondland, said in an interview with Foreign Policy that he once asked Trump privately about Kim.



OK, Mr. President, cut the bullshit. What do you think of Kim? Sondland says he asked Trump. And he goes, That fucker would knife me in the stomach if he had the chance.

U.S. intelligence agencies worry that Kim and other dictators might take steps to tip the election in Trumps favor, launching an October surprise event on his behalf. Its no secret that such authoritarians prefer Trump in office to be able to carry out their schemes unbothered.


Here we are. Verdict week. Or are we? Thats the big question. The betting seems to be that if were going to get a conviction, its going to happen fast. The jury shouldnt have to deliberate more than a couple days, maybe even more than a few hours, to find Donald Trump guilty in the Stormy Daniels hush-money case. Los Angeles Times legal affairs columnist Harry Litman is putting his shilling on a guilty verdict on Friday afternoon.



Better still, of course, would be Wednesday morning. Or Tuesday evening! That would be the optimal political outcomea unanimous guilty verdict in about three or so hours. It would send a great message to the country that, while Trump may have successfully stalled the other three cases, the law finally caught up with him and the outcome was unequivocal.

But the longer the deliberations go, the more we ought to worry. If we head into next week without a verdict, it may mean that there are one or two holdouts on the jury, and its 111 or 102 for conviction but those one or two just wont budge. Or they could just acquit. Juries do unpredictable things. O.J. Simpson was acquitted in four hours. I dont even want to think about that outcome for Trump, and you dont need me to tell you how depressing it would be.

Lets cross that bridge if and when we have to. For now, lets focus on the consequences of a guilty verdict.

This, like so many stories these days, is largely a media story. If Trump is convicted, we know what the right-wing media will do. Theyll explode in outrage. He was framed. Its Joe Biden. Its Merrick Garland. Its the deep state. Its the greatest miscarriage of justice in this country since  the Central Park Five (no, I doubt theyll say that).

Republican politicians will stumble over each other to see who can come up with the most sycophantic quote possible. Theyll make up stuff about Biden, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and others. And of course theyll say that this doesnt matter at all to voters, who will see through this gross miscarriage of justice, etc.

And what about the mainstream media? Theyll do what they always do in these situations. Theyll both-sides it to death. Theyll refer to the conviction as highly controversial. This is a handy journalistic cliche that has been used to cover for conservative extremism for many decades now. Something happens that polls show 65 or 70 percent of the country thinks was reasonable. But right wingers dont, and they make a lot of noise, and suddenly this thing that two-thirds of the country agrees on is controversial. Happens all the time, and it has been thus for eons. Remember the supposedly controversial Clinton impeachment, never supported by more than about a third of the public?

Next well undoubtedly see some cherry-picking of poll results. That is, four polls will come out. Three of them will show that sizeable majorities consider the verdict fair and that it may well change their vote. But then one poll, worded a little differently, will come out showing that many Americans have grave doubts about the verdict and it wont change their vote.

Guess which poll will get, and probably by far, the most mainstream media coverage? It will be the one outlier. The journalistic justification for this will be that it was different, so its news! This too happens all the time. It just happened with that New York Times poll showing Trump well ahead in the swing states. Nearly every other poll had the race closer in those states, but that Times poll dominated media coverage for days. Have to be fair and balanced; cant be seen as shilling for Biden! (And never mind that few seemed to notice the Times own analysispublished many days laterthat when it comes to likely voters, the numbers are much closer.)

All this puts the onus on team Biden and the Democrats generally to message a guilty verdict relentlessly. At least until the GOP convention and probably beyond, no Democrat elected to federal office should ever say the words Donald Trump without saying the words convicted felon in front of them. Convicted felon Donald Trump. Over and over and over and over.

Silly? A dumbing down of our political discourse? Maybe so, but lets remember that the Republicans have been the innovators in this regard for generations. And like it or not, people need to hear a phrase repeatedly for it to have a fighting chance to sink in. People arent paying close attention to this trial. Many dont even know Trump is on trial. Convicted felon Donald Trump, said 30,000 times by every leading Democrat, will at least let people know that Trump did something wrongand got caught.

But they need to do more than that. Democrats dont just need to fight; they need to fight on the right battlefield. They need to get it through their heads that while cable news matters, and The New York Times and The Washington Post matter, they dont matter as much as TikTok and Instagram and other social media platforms. There was a Pew study late last year asking people how they got their news. Digital devices was number one by a country mile, and print publications dead last.

Now, digital devices can mean a lot of things. People could be reading The New York Times or even The New Republic on those devices. But I think we can assume that by and large it means at best Apple News and, at worst, things like disinformation videos. And maybe you saw the news over the weekend that an internal TikTok analysis showed that since last fall, theres been twice as much pro-Trump content on that platform as pro-Biden.

I give conservatives and Republicans credit for this much, in the time Ive been writing about politics. When they see a reality they dont like, they set about trying to change it. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they dont. In the Bush years, they finally, through incessant lies about mushroom clouds, got a majority of the public to back invading Iraq. On Social Security privatization, in contrast, they failed miserably. But the point is they always try. They dont see three or four adverse polls and throw up their hands.

This is the work Democrats will have to do if this jury returns a guilty verdict. Initial polls show people dont care? Goddammit, Democrats, make them care. They should care. A convicted felon should not become the president of the United States. As bars go, thats awfully low. Convicted felon Donald Trump. If thats what this jury gives us, thats what the Democrats need to call him, a million times over.
Trump demanded $25m campaign donation to have lunch with businessman

Donald Trump has argued that generous donations to his campaign are a worthwhile investment - Chris Tilley/AP

Donald Trump revealed he demanded a $25 million (20 million) campaign donation to have lunch with a businessman as he warned wealthy donors that Joe Biden would raise their taxes.

The former president and Republican 2024 candidate has reportedly been pressuring the GOPs wealthiest donors to dig deep as he seeks to narrow the Democrats huge fundraising advantage.

Mr Trump, 77, courted some of the countrys biggest donors at a high-end hotel on New Yorks Upper East Side earlier this month when he warned that Mr Biden would let Trump-era tax cuts on wealthy individuals and corporations expire in 2025.

He shared an anecdote with the group about a businessman who had recently offered $1 million (780,000) to Mr Trumps 2024 campaign and asked to have lunch with him.

Some of the donors present told the Washington Post that Mr Trump responded: Im not having lunch - youve got to make it $25 million.

Mr Trump added that he had warned another businessman, who had typically given sums of around $2 million to $3 million to Republicans, that he would not be very happy unless he gave a contribution of around $25 million or $50 million.

A worthwhile investment

In his pitch at New Yorks Pierre Hotel, Mr Trump argued the generous donations were a worthwhile investment, arguing Mr Bidens re-election would leave the group facing the biggest tax increase in history.

So whatever you guys can do, I appreciate it, he told them, according to the Washington Post.

It is just the latest instance of Mr Trump demanding huge sums from deep-pocketed donors as he faces mounting legal bills over a string of criminal and civil cases and struggles to sustain fundraising from his grassroots base.

Earlier this month, it was reported Mr Trump asked for oil and gas industry executives to donate $1 billion (782 million), telling them it was a good deal for them if he retook the White House and scrapped Biden-era environmental regulations.

Mr Trump has joked on other occasions that he did not spend more than 10 minutes with a donor unless they gave $10 million, the newspaper reported.

Legal experts said Mr Trumps requests, tied together with favourable policies such as tax cuts and other incentives, had tested the boundaries of campaign finance laws.

Regulations dictate candidates can only request contributions of up to $3,300 for their campaign.

Candidates can appear at events for super PACs backing them, which do not have the same impositions, although they cannot explicitly ask for money at those donor-attended events.

Karoline Leavitt, the national campaign press secretary for Mr Trump, said: 'Donors across the country are maximising their efforts to re-elect President Trump because they realise we cannot afford another four years of Joe Biden's terrible policies' - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Mr Trumps own team is said to have been left surprised by the scale of his fundraising expectations.

However, his advisers have argued that he regularly makes the same policy promises on the campaign trail that he is reported to have made behind closed doors to wealthy donors.

There is nothing to suggest that Mr Trump has directly tied a policy promise to a specific donation.

Karoline Leavitt, the national campaign press secretary for Mr Trump, said: As Joe Bidens backers in Hollywood and Silicon Valley are withholding their support for Bidens failing campaign, donors across the country are maximising their efforts to re-elect President Trump because they realise we cannot afford another four years of Joe Bidens terrible policies.

Mr Bidens campaign has held a number of star-studded events to grow its war chest, with former President Barack Obama, George Clooney and Julia Roberts due to host a major fundraiser in Los Angeles next month.

Mr Trump, whose 2016 presidential win was powered by a small-dollar grassroots, previously railed against the role of big donors whom he argued have total control over those politicians.

However, with the Biden operation reporting around $60 million (47 million) more cash on hand than his own, Mr Trump has taken an active role in courting donors, often hosting them at his Mar-a-Lago Club.

True. Im begging for your money, Mr Trump is reported to have joked to the crowd at a fundraiser hosted by an oil executive in Texas last week.

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YAOUNDE, May 28 (Xinhua) -- One student and a police officer were injured on Tuesday after gunmen suspected to be separatist fighters attacked a school in Cameroon's war-torn Anglophone region of Northwest, according to local and security sources.

The attack took place in Bamenda, a chief town of the region. The gunmen opened fire in front of the school where students were sitting for a public exam, a local security source said.

"A police officer was shot in the leg and another student was also shot. Students were dispelled. Our brave soldiers are pursuing the terrorists," the source told Xinhua. The injured student and police officer have been sent to a hospital for treatment.

Separatist fighters in Cameroon's two Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest frequently kidnap teachers and students. In 2019, they abducted 170 students and their teacher in Kumbo locality of Northwest region.

Since 2017, government forces and separatist fighters have been clashing with each other in the two regions where the separatists want to create an independent nation. 
(Bloomberg) -- The New York jury in Donald Trumps hush money trial is returning to court after a week-long hiatus for closing arguments that will set the stage for historic deliberations.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Prosecutors and defense lawyers on Tuesday will give dueling takes on the evidence and testimony presented over nearly five weeks. The jurors, who are expected to get the case as soon as Wednesday, could reach a verdict in a matter of days.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 payment to an adult film star on the eve of the 2016 election to keep her quiet about an alleged affair. The case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg may hinge on whether jurors believe Trump had an intent to defraud as well as conceal other crimes, namely election law and tax violations.

While the false-records charges are simple and easy to understand, turning those misdemeanors into felonies using New York election law along with other legal theories is more complicated, said Jennifer Rodgers, a former federal prosecutor.

The defenses closing argument will cast the issue as muddled, confusing, and full of reasonable doubt, Rodgers said, while prosecutors will want to cast their enhancement theory as easy to understand and well supported by overwhelming evidence.

It will be a tale of two cases, for sure.

The case is one of four criminal prosecutions Trump is facing as he campaigns to return to the White House, including state and federal charges over his failed attempt to overturn the result of the 2020 election. The presumptive Republican nominee has denied wrongdoing in all the cases, claiming without evidence that theyre part of a coordinated conspiracy against him by Democrats.

The defense and prosecution in the hush money trial rested their cases early last week, but Justice Juan Merchan delayed closing arguments so they would not be split from deliberations by the holiday weekend and previously scheduled days off.

Merchan has said closing arguments are expected to last all day Tuesday and could bleed into Wednesday. The judge must also give jurors so-called charging instructions to explain the law and aid their deliberations. Merchan told jurors theyll start deliberating hopefully, at some point on Wednesday.

Trump addressed his myriad legal problems in a social media post Monday wishing a happy Memorial Day to the judges overseeing recent trials that he lost. After criticizing the other two judges, he closes the post with, Now for Merchan!

Closing arguments are important for prosecutors because a small number of witnesses may have overshadowed the rest of the evidence, according to Rodgers. She said the government must re-acquaint jurors with all of the evidence in the case, not just the unforgettable moments.

Prosecutors, who have the burden of proof, will argue that their case was overwhelmingly supported by multiple witnesses along with a trove of emails, text messages, business records and other pieces of evidence.

Braggs team relied heavily on its star witness, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who made the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels  the adult film actress  and was allegedly reimbursed by Trump in monthly installments throughout 2017.

Cohen gave jurors a first-hand account of every stage of the alleged hush money scheme, from its inception at a 2015 Trump Tower meeting to efforts to deceive the press and federal election regulators when news of the scheme leaked out three years later.

Much of Cohens testimony was backed by other witnesses or documents. Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified he met with Trump and Cohen at Trump Tower in 2015 to discuss how he could use his tabloid to help Trump win the White House.

Hope Hicks, Trumps former campaign press secretary, testified about how the Daniels story was seen as an existential threat to Trumps campaign on the eve of the election. She said Trump was less bothered when the story eventually came out in 2018 because hed already won, bolstering Braggs charge that the payouts were intended to help Trump win the election.

One person who didnt testify was Trump, but his team, led by Todd Blanche, will seek to sow doubt in the mind of at least one juror. His closing argument will likely focus heavily on Cohens credibility, which Blanche damaged during a withering cross-examination.

Blanche will remind jurors of Cohens well-documented perjury as well as testimony at the trial that the defense says turned out to be false.

Based on arguments last week, Blanche can also be expected to hammer home the notion that prosecutors failed to prove Trump had any intent to defraud and that there was no conspiracy to violate election laws.

(Adds Trump social media post)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Donald Trump lobbed a hefty snub to far-right lawmaker Bob Good on Tuesday morning, declaring hes BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA. Trump went on to endorse Goods primary opponent, John McGuire, a former Navy SEAL turned Capitol insurrectionist.

Truth Social screenshot

Good has been down bad trying to curry favor with Trump, including traveling all the way to New York to kiss the ring outside Manhattan Criminal Court for Trumps hush-money trial. During that visit, Good admitted that he and other Republican lawmakers were trying to help Trump evade his gag order.

Thats why we went up there, Good said on Fox Business during his visit. So that we could say the things that this corrupt judge is not allowing him to say.

Trumps vengeful dismissal of Goodwho chairs the far-right and disturbingly powerful House Freedom Caucusappear to stem from Goods early support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantiss short-lived campaign for president. According to unnamed sources who spoke with CNN in December, Goods endorsement of DeSantis came because he wanted a candidate who could be president for the next eight consecutive yearsbut Good still planned to support Trump if he became the nominee, calling him the best president of my lifetime.

Bob, the best president of your lifetime hates your guts.
NEW YORK  Trump attorney Todd Blanche hammered prosecutors star witness, Michael Cohen, as a repeated liar during closing arguments in former President Trumps criminal trial on Tuesday, even accusing Cohen of committing perjury during his recent testimony.

Hes literally like an MVP of liars, Blanche said. He lies constantly. Hes lied to Congress, he lied to prosecutors, he lied to his family, business associates.

Cohen, Trumps ex-fixer and personal attorney, made the $130,000 hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels at the center of Trumps case. Cohen has since turned against his former boss and expressed a desire to see him punished over the payment.

Closing arguments in Trump hush money trial: Live updates

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) accuses Trump of falsifying business records to cover up the payment as part of a criminal conspiracy to influence the 2016 election. Trump pleaded not guilty and has denied any wrongdoing.

Above all else, Blanche on Tuesday attempted to convince jurors that Trump is not implicated in the case without Cohens testimony and that his account cannot be trusted.

Blanche noted that Cohen has admitted to lying under oath and insisted there were falsehoods in his testimony during Trumps ongoing trial.

As he finished his closing, Blanche asked jurors if they were familiar with the acronym GOAT, meaning Greatest of All Time, and name-dropping athletes Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.

Michael Cohen is the GLOAT. Hes literally the Greatest Liar of All Time, Blanche said.

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Donald Trumps final message to New York City jurors was a simple twist on a classic excuse: Its exactly what it looks like.

Yes, there was a non-disclosure agreement in the closing days of the 2016 election that shut up porn star Stormy Daniels from mouthing off about a supposed sexual affair. And yes, Trump paid the man who cut that deal $35,000 a month for a year in 2017and even signed those checks from the White House.

But on Tuesday morning, lead defense lawyer Todd Blanche told the jury that the paperwork only shows that the real estate mogul was on the receiving end of an extortion scheme and later paid a lawyer to do his job as personal attorney to the President of the United States.

The reason why you all are here is whether and to what extent President Trump, while he was living in the White House as the leader of the free world, whether he had anything to do with how payments... were booked at the accounting ledger at Trump Tower, Blanche said. Absolutely, positively not. The bookings were accurate and there was absolutely no intent to defraud there was no conspiracy to influence the 2016 election.

MAGA Lawyer Gets Dismantled by His Own Damning Trump Emails

The defense strategy here is an attempt to stick to the core evidence in the case without looking any further than the 11 invoices from one-time Trump confidant Michael Cohen, 11 checks to pay him, and 12 accounting book entries.

By contrast, prosecutors with the Manhattan District Attorneys Office have spent five weeks building a story around this paperwork, relying on testimony from the porn star, her Beverly Hills celebrity lawyer, Cohen, and employees at the Trump Organization and White House who processed the legal expenses. In their telling, Trump was behind the NDA the entire time, sought to silence the woman in a fit of desperation to save his dying presidential campaign, and slowly paid back Cohen for fronting the money by disguising the reimbursement as ongoing service fees for nonexistent legal work.

However, Trumps defense lawyer turned that story on its head.

Blanche pointed out how Cohen admitted on the stand that he proudly became the personal lawyer of the top politician in the country in 2017, calling it a more believable explanation for the way Cohen received monthly payments. The alternative version of the story would require believing that Cohen took that high-profile job for freeand got handsomely overpaid for silencing the porn star with $130,000 months earlier.

Thats a ridiculous story, and Ill tell you why. The idea that President Trump would agree to pay Michael Cohen $420,000 even though he only owed him $130[k] is absurd, Blanche said, later putting emphasis on each word. That! Is! Absurd!

The 18 jurors listened closely while Blanche spoke from a cherry wood-stained podium, which had been turned in their direction so he could address them directly. Blanche looked at them as he flipped through a thick black binder of notes, with Trump leaning back in his maroon leather chair a few feet behind him.

Most of these jurorshalf a dozen of them are alternates in case a few drop outwill decide whether hell become the first convicted former U.S. president.

A Paralegals Steely Star Turn at Donald Trumps Trial

Nearly an hour into his closing arguments, Blanche shifted their focus to Cohen and stressed that the DAs entire case relies on the disgraced former lawyers testimony. While Cohen claimed on the stand that his invoices were for fake legal work, Blanche pointed to a May 2017 email in which Cohen told the Trump Organizations then-chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, about working on an open foundation matter relating to Trumps charity. And while Cohen on the stand asserted he had a minimal role in defending Trump from Celebrity Apprentice contestant Summer Zervos, Blanche pointed to the way Cohen later acknowledged being a lead lawyer in the case.

Blanche got most animated when asking jurors whether theyd believe that Cohena millionaire whod made riches in the cutthroat New York City taxi medallion industry and has earned a reputation for his arrogance and antagonismwould really land the coveted job as the top legal adviser to the commander-in-chief and do it gratis.

Do you believe that for a second? That after getting stiffed on his bonus in 2016 when he thought he had worked so hard, when he didnt get paid back the $20,000 he was owed, do you think Mr. Cohen thought, I wanna work for free. Is that the man who testified? Or is that a lie? Blanche said.

When Blanche neared the two-hour mark, Trump turned toward the jury and lifted his right arm on the back of his chaironly to close his eyes for a minute or two at a time. His lips remained slightly puckered as he maintained a pout, clenching his jaw as his face formed a profile with a bright white computer screen in the background.

The glassiness of Blanches voice had lulled Trump into a stupor. But the former president perked up and shifted when courtroom loudspeakers replayed audio surreptitiously recorded by Cohen at his former boss office. Trump came back to lifeto hear the sound of his own voice.

In the final moments of his nearly three-hour speech, however, Blanche stepped on a landmine when he made an emotional plea to jurorsby referencing the potential punishment the former president faces if convicted. Joshua Steinglass, a prosecutor, tried to interject but it was too late.

You cannot send somebody to prison

Objection! Steinglass yelled.

Sustained, the judge responded.

based upon the words of Michael Cohen, Blanche continued.

That Was a Lie!: Trump Lawyer Brawls With Michael Cohen

When he was done and jurors were sent out for lunch, prosecutors asked New York County Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan to correct Blanches wholly inappropriate suggestion, given that Trump does not face mandatory prison time.

Merchan turned to Blanche and demanded an explanation. When Blanche sighed, obviously caught in a trap of his own making, the judge tore into him.

I think saying that was outrageous, Mr. Blanche. Someone who's been a prosecutor as long as you have you know that making a comment like that is highly inappropriate, Merchan said. Its hard for me to imagine how that was accidental in any way. See you at two.

Merchan, who normally maintains a stoic demeanor and occasionally shows his tetchiness with Trumps delay games, this time looked utterly disappointed. As he got up, the judge slightly shook his head and made straight for the exit without bothering to pick up his usual stack of paperwork.

A minute later, Trump walked out looking jubilant, while Blanche sported a smirk as he held two binders in his left hand and tucked something into the inner left breast pocket of his dark suit.

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Former President Trumps legal team fired back after special counsel Jack Smith asked a judge to put a stop to his false claims that FBI agents had a green light to assassinate him during their search for documents at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

A late Friday filing from the Justice Department pointed to what it deemed several intentionally false and inflammatory statements that violate existing limitations placed on Trump as part of his conditions of pretrial release.

Trumps team said Monday that the request amounted to an unconstitutional gag order. His lawyers asked for sanctions for members of Smiths team, arguing prosecutors failed to confer with them before filing their motion, violating judges orders.

Prosecutors move asks Judge Aileen Cannon to clarify that Trump may not make statements that pose a significant, imminent, and foreseeable danger to law enforcement agents working on the case.

Trumps outrageous claims stem from standard language prepared ahead of a search that bars officers from deadly force unless someone poses an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to the officer or to another person.

The former president and allies have zeroed in on the document, with the Trump campaign sending out a fundraising email saying DOJ was authorized to shoot me and that Joe Biden was locked & loaded ready to take me out.

Trump was not home the day his Florida estate was searched  a decision made by law enforcement to avoid any confrontation.

Prosecutors argue the email as well as other statements made on social media give a grossly misleading impression and also falsely suggest agents who are likely to testify in the case were complicit in a plot to assassinate him.

The request is not the first time federal prosecutors have asked for limitations on Trumps speech, including in the Jan. 6 case likewise brought by Smiths office. A previous battle resulted in a gag order limiting Trumps attacks on witnesses after a judge determined they were likely to spark harassment from his supporters and posed a risk of violence.

As with prior filings by the Office, the Motion fails to identify any direct evidence of the purported safety risks they claim exist, Trumps attorneys wrote Monday.

The Motion is an extraordinary, unprecedented, and unconstitutional censorship application, they added. The Motion unjustly targets President Trumps campaign speech while he is the leading candidate for the presidency.

The response from Trumps team also blasts Smiths team for issuing notification about the plans until 5:30 p.m. the Friday ahead of Memorial Day weekend, saying the late communication violated orders from Cannon that the parties confer before any motions they file.

Trumps team likewise asked for the judge to schedule a hearing on the matter  a move that would further fill the court calendar in a case in which the judge has said she must work through other pretrial motions before setting a trial date.

Updated at 12:41 p.m. ET

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Trump mocked for his ignorance as he rails against standard criminal trial process

Donald Trump is being mocked after he launched into a fiery rant about a very simple, common process in a criminal trial.

On the eve of closing arguments in his hush money trial in Manhattan, the former president took to Truth Social to complain that the prosecution is being a big advantage in the case.

WHY IS THE CORRUPT GOVERNMENT ALLOWED TO MAKE THE FINAL ARGUMENT IN THE CASE AGAINST ME? WHY CANT THE DEFENSE GO LAST? BIG ADVANTAGE, VERY UNFAIR. WITCH HUNT! DJT, he wrote.

What Mr Trump fails to understand is that this is the typical procedure for almost every criminal trial.

Usually, the prosecution delivers its closing statement first, then the defense.

Prosecutors are then able to deliver a rebuttal.

In the rebuttal, the state will have one last attempt to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Trump not only falsified business records, but did so with the intent to commit or cover up another crime.

By contrast, defense attorneys do not have to prove anything or convince jurors of Mr Trumps innocence; they only need to convince at least one juror that prosecutors have not proved his guilt beyond reasonable doube.

Social media users were quick to point out that Mr Trump has overlooked this standard part of trial procedure in his Truth Social post on Monday night.

Donald Trump learning in real time how trial procedures work in virtually every criminal court, Politico senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney said in a post on X.

Stormy Daniels testifies in Trumps hush money trial (AP)

Prosecutors typically get a rebuttal during closings because burden of proof lies with them, not defense.

Even Mr Trumps former attorney Jenna Ellis, who was also indicted alongside him in his criminal case in Georgia, chimed in, too.

Im sure his lawyers advised him of the procedures and why, but he didnt listen and doesnt care, she wrote.

Dr Kristy Parker, a former federal civil rights prosecutor, also accused the former president of legal ignorance.

I wonder if theres ever been a person who occupied the presidency who was this ignorant about basic principles of our criminal justice system, she wrote. Actually, I dont wonder.

Meanwhile, University of Texas Law Professor Lee Kovarsky called the post Kafkaesque, to which Randall Eliason, a former US attorney who teaches law at George Washington University, responded: Its funny how many white collar defendants develop a sudden interest in criminal justice reform.

And btw - the answer is that because the state has the burden of proof, it gets the last word.

Closing arguments are set to begin on Tuesday in the trial, where Mr Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records over a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter in the days leading up to the 2016 presidential election.

Donald Trump outside the Manhattan courtroom during his hush money trial (AP)

Mr Trumps then-attorney and fixer Michael Cohen made the $130,000 payment to Ms Daniels, then Mr Trump allegedly reimbursed him  but fraudulently labeled the payments as a retainer and legal expense.

Prosecutors allege that the crimes are felonies as they were carried out in commission of another crime: to influence the 2016 election.

In opening statements, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo said Mr Trump orchestrated a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election and then covered up that criminal conspiracy by lying in his business records, over and over and over again.

As well as railing against the criminal justice system that all criminal defendants encounter, Mr Trump also sent out a series of other Truth Social posts about the case on Monday night, including attacking the judge presiding over his case.

Can you imagine, a President of the United States, who got more votes than any sitting President in the history of our Country, and who is also the Republican Nominee for President in the upcoming 2024 Election, and leading in all polls against the Democrat Nominee, Joe Biden, is tomorrow going before a Corrupt and Conflicted Democrat Appointed, Acting New York Judge, on a FAKE & MADE UP CASE by a Soros backed failed D.A., and the Judge himself, to see whether or not he will become a common criminal?, he wrote.

He continued: According to virtually all Legal Scholars and Experts, THERE IS NO CRIME OR CASE against President Trump, and if there was it should have been brought seven years ago, not in the middle of his Campaign for President. Prosecutorial Misconduct. Election Interference!

There is no evidence of prosecutorial misconduct or election interference in the trial.

The former president also bizarrely shared a Bible quote: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.
JOHANNESBURG, May 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 13 people died on Tuesday in a head-on collision involving a heavy motor vehicle and a minibus taxi in the Limpopo province of South Africa, said local authorities.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said the accident occurred at R521 road in Capricorn District around 5:50 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

"It is now confirmed that 13 people have perished on the scene -- two drivers and 11 passengers from a Toyota minibus," said the department. "According to reports, a Hyundai heavy motor vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming Toyota minibus."

"Lack of clear visibility has been attributed as the possible cause of the accident," it said.

Road accidents are not uncommon in South Africa. In March, 45 people coming from Botswana to attend for Easter festivities in South Africa died in a bus accident in Limpopo. 
Donald Trump suggested during a fundraising event that he would have bombed Moscow in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine and attacked Beijing if China invaded Taiwan on his watch, according to a Washington Post report.

The comments surprised some of the donors at the event.

James Gilmore, who served as Mr Trumps ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, told reporters in Taiwan earlier this month that Mr Trump isnt an isolationist but that hes simply trying to get allies to put more emphasis on their own defense.

I believe that President Trump will be supportive of Taiwan when he becomes president. He was in his first term, he said, according to Reuters.

China claims Taiwan is its own territory over the objections of the Taiwanese government. The Trump White House did support Taiwan, including via arms sales which have continued under the Biden administration.

Mr Trump has rarely mentioned Ukraine in recent months. Last year, he claimed that he would have the war settled in less than a day.

In February, he wrote on Truth Social: We should never give money anymore without the hope of a payback, or without strings attached.

In April, he said: As everyone agrees, Ukrainian Survival and Strength should be much more important to Europe than to us, but it is also important to us! GET MOVING EUROPE!

Mr Trump praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping as recently as February. Appearing on Fox News, he was asked if hes planning on upping the pressure in the trade war with China that he started in his first term.

US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hand with China's President Xi Jinping at the end of a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 9, 2017 (AFP via Getty Images)

While he said he wasnt looking to restart the trade war, he also said that he would consider imposing tariffs of more than 60 percent.

Look, I want China to do great, I do. And I like President Xi a lot, he was a very good friend of mine during my term, he told Fox.

Earlier this year, Mr Trump said he told European leaders that he would tell Russia to do whatever the hell they want to countries who dont spend enough on their own defense.

During a rally in the Bronx last week, Mr Trump referenced several authoritarian leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that they were at the top of their game, whether you like it or not. The world is going to respect us again if hes re-elected, he claimed.

The bomb revelation was made in a Washington Post report on Trumps recent fundraising tour, during which hes tested the boundaries of federal campaign finance laws, according to experts. At a fundraiser in New York earlier this month, Mr Trump told the attendees he wanted to hear what they had on their minds, hearing opinions on former UN Ambassador and his final Republican primary opponent Nikki Haley and several issues connected to Israel, according to The Post.

Mr Trump has routinely promised tax cuts and other policies that will be beneficial to the wealthy donors attending his fundraisers. The former president has at times surprised his own aides by asking for so much money.

But Trump advisers told the paper that the former president often makes similar policy promises to major donors behind closed doors as he does in public, and theres no evidence that a specific promise has been connected to a particular donation.

As Joe Bidens backers in Hollywood and Silicon Valley are withholding their support for Bidens failing campaign, donors across the country are maximizing their efforts to reelect President Trump because they realize we cannot afford another four years of Joe Bidens terrible policies, a Trump spokesperson told The Post.

The Independent has contacted the Trump campaign for comment.

While Mr Trump was reluctant to take part in fundraisers during the 2016 campaign, the former president has taken an active role in raising money this time around. During the 2020 campaign, he would reluctantly attend fundraisers, advisers told The Post.

The Biden campaign raised less cash than the Trump campaign for the first time last month. In April, the Biden campaign raised more than $51m, far below the $90m haul it took in in March.

The haul was also significantly lower than the $76m raised by the Trump campaign and the Republican Party, after the former president boosted his effort with the Republican National Committee (RNC) and attended major fundraisers.

But Democrats still lead Republicans in overall cash, and Mr Biden himself has significantly more cash than Mr Trump.

The Biden campaign reported having $84m at the end of April, while Mr Trump reported having $49m.
Donald Trump had a special Memorial Day message for the people who oversaw his recent legal battles, using the military holiday as an opportunity to slam the judges, victims, and judgments of his three recent cases and practically daring writer E. Jean Carroll to sue him again.

Happy Memorial Day to All, including the Human Scum that is working so hard to destroy our Once Great Country, & to the Radical Left, Trump Hating Federal Judge in New York that presided over, get this, TWO separate trials, that awarded a woman, who I never met before (a quick handshake at a celebrity event, 25 years ago, doesnt count!), 91 MILLION DOLLARS for DEFAMATION, Trump posted on Truth Social, referring to Carroll, who won a defamation case against Trump in January for similar comments. A previous trial in May 2023 found Trump sexually abused Carrollproviding grounds for a partial summary ruling against him for repeatedly claiming that he never knew or touched her.

She didnt know when the so-called event took placesometime in the 1990snever filed a police report, didnt have to produce the dress that she threatened me with (it showed negative!), & sung my praises in the first half of her CNN Interview with Alison Cooper, but changed her tune in the second halfGee, I wonder why (UNDER APPEAL!)? The Rape charge was dropped by a jury! Trump continued, really sticking it to CNN and definitely not playing schoolhouse games in choosing to misname its lead anchor, Anderson Cooper.

But Carroll wasnt the only legal battle on Trumps mind: The GOP presidential nominee is still furious about his last New York trial, which cost him nearly half a billion dollars and blocked him and his two eldest sons from operating businesses within the Empire State.

Arthur Engoron, the N.Y. State Wacko Judge who fined me almost 500 Million Dollars (UNDER APPEAL) for DOING NOTHING WRONG, used a Statute that has never been used before, gave me NO JURY, Mar-a-Lago at $18,000,000, Trump wrote, misrepresenting the details of a case that found him to have routinely misrepresented his financial details in order to secure better business loans. And Trump can only thank his own legal decisions for how the trial operated (or for being there in the first place). His attorneys did not ask for a jury in a trial that Engoron would later say did not require one.

Now for Merchan! Trump concluded the rant.

Somehow, that wasnt the only Trump to share a tone-deaf message over the holiday weekend. His second son, Eric, issued his own strange note on Friday, retweeting another users post of a picture of the Trump family, captioned, The family that gave up everything to Save America. Thank You!

And we will do it again! wrote Eric Trump.
It turns out that crawling on ones proverbial knees to pay homage to Donald Trump at his ongoing hush-money trial wont actually stop the former president from trashing you publicly. Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) is learning this the hard way.

Earlier this month, Good, chair of the pro-MAGA House Freedom Caucus, traveled to New York as part of a contingent of Congressional Trump sycophants to make a public show of his support for the former president during his trial. Good, along with his primary opponent John McGuire, even hitched a ride in Trumps motorcade.

Were here to have his back, Good said. Were here to defend him and to tell the truth about this travesty of justice, this political persecution, this election interference, this rigging of elections.

On Tuesday, ahead of closing arguments in the trial, Trump went out of his way to bash Good in his public endorsement of McGuire.

Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA, Trump wrote on Truth Social. He turned his back on our incredible movement, and was constantly attacking and fighting me until recently, when he gave a warm and loving Endorsement  But really, it was too late. The damage had been done!

Good had previously incurred Trumpwolds wrath by endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in his bid for the 2024 Republican nomination.

I just want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that can most help me do that is Navy Seal and highly respected State Legislator, John McGuire, a true American Hero, he continued. John, who fought the Cartels on the Front Line, and then came home and fought the drug dealers in Virginia, will ALWAYS PUT AMERICA FIRST.

Trump is attacking Bob Good, despite how he attended Trumps trial two weeks ago in support of him. (Good and his primary opponent both rode in the motorcade to the courthouse.) pic.twitter.com/qyes0qCcWv  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) May 28, 2024

Virginias House Republican primary is scheduled to take place on June 18, with early voting having already opened. The race between Good and McGuire has devolved into a heated battle over the candidates Republican bona fides, and Trump putting a last-minute finger on the scale could very well cost Good his seat.

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Donald Trump talks to Todd Blanche, his defence lawyer, during a break in proceedings on Tuesday - Steven Hirsch/New York Post

The judge in Donald Trumps hush money trial admonished the lead defence lawyer for making outrageous statements at the end of his closing arguments.

For over two hours on Tuesday, Todd Blanche tried to convince the Manhattan jury not to convict his client on 34 counts of falsifying classified documents.

Turning his lectern to face the 12 men and women who will decide the outcome of the first criminal trial of a US president, Mr Blanche repeatedly tore into Michael Cohen, Mr Trumps former fixer and the prosecutions star witness.

You cannot send someone to prison, you cannot convict somebody, based upon the words of Michael Cohen, Mr Blanche said.

A courtroom sketch of Todd Blanche giving his closing arguments, watched by Donald Trump and Judge Juan Merchan - Jane Rosenberg/Reuters

After the jury was dismissed, Joshua Steinglass, the prosecutor, complained about the blatant and wholly inappropriate attempt to provoke sympathy for Mr Trump when he will not necessarily be imprisoned if convicted.

Judge Juan Merchan agreed the statement was outrageous and said he would give the jury a curative instruction with regards to remarks.

You know that making a comment like that is highly inappropriate. Its simply not allowed. Period, he said.

The judge later told the jury to disregard Mr Blanches comments. He told them not to speculate on matters of sentencing, adding: A prison sentence is not required in the charges of this case.

The case against Mr Trump centres on a $130,000 hush money payment to silence Stormy Daniels, a porn film actress, about an alleged tryst with Mr Trump in the weeks before the 2016 election.

Mr Cohen claims he made the payment to Ms Daniels at his former bosss behest. The charges relate to Mr Trumps alleged attempt to cook the books to repay Mr Cohen.

Judge Juan Merchan directed the jury to disregard remarks made by Donald Trump's lawyer - Seth Wenig/AP Photo

Outside the courthouse Robert De Niro, the actor and long-standing critic of Mr Trump, held an impromptu press conference on behalf of Joe Bidens campaign.

Speaking next to a group of Mr Trumps supporters, DeNiro described Mr Trump as a clown and a tyrant, adding: This is the time to stop him.

Its legal warfare, say Trump sons

Mr Trumps oldest sons, Donald Jr and Eric, also addressed the crowds outside, describing the court proceedings as an abomination, and legal warfare.

In court, Mr Blanche told the jury: President Trump is innocent. He did not commit any crimes, and the district attorney has not met their burden of proof, period.

The lawyer repeatedly locked eyes with jurors and shouted that Mr Cohen was a liar and a thief.

Hes the human embodiment of reasonable doubt, he said. He lies constantly. He lied to Congress. He lied to prosecutors. He lied to his family and business associates.

Later, he added that Mr Cohen was the GLOAT literally the greatest liar of all time.

Mr Blanche became impassioned as he revisited his Perry Mason moment of the trial - when he attempted to unravel Mr Cohens claim that he had spoken to Mr Trump by phone about the arrangement with Ms Daniels on Oct 24.

Mr Cohen said he had contacted Mr Trumps bodyguard as a way of getting a hold of Mr Trump, but Mr Blanche asserted that at the time Mr Cohen was actually dealing with a spate of harassing phone calls from a teenager.

It was a lie, Mr Blanche shouted. That was a lie, and he got caught red-handed.

Cohen was ultimate insider

During his closing arguments for the prosecution, Mr Steinglass defended Mr Cohens credibility, describing him as the ultimate insider.

The question is not whether you like Michael Cohen or whether you want to go into business with Michael Cohen, he said. The truth is he was in the best position to know... because he was at the defendants right hand.

He also responded to the defences attacks on Ms Daniels as an extortionist who wanted to cash in on the fallout from the infamous Access Hollywood tape.

Mr Steinglass said her sometimes cringeworthy testimony about the sexual encounter she claims took place was vital because it only reinforces his incentive to buy her silence.

Her story is messy. It makes people uncomfortable to hear. It probably makes some of you uncomfortable to hear. But thats kind of the point, Mr Steinglass said.In the simplest terms, Stormy Daniels is the motive.

On Wednesday, the jury is expected to begin its deliberations to decide whether to convict the presumptive Republican presidential nominee just months before the 2024 election.

Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies ever having a sexual encounter with Ms Daniels.

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The end is finally in sight for Donald Trumps hush money trial, with prosecutors and defense attorneys beginning their closing arguments Tuesday before jurors will decide if Trump should become the first former American president to be convicted of felonies.

The legal teams will use the arguments, which are expected to last all day, to make their last pitch to the 12 members of the jury. Judge Juan Merchan will then instruct jurors on the law before they start deliberations to deliver their historic verdict.

Trump Freaks Out at New York Trial Judge as Jury Deliberation Nears

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The case revolves around a $130,000 payment made by Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election to prevent her from speaking about a sexual tryst she says she had with Trump a decade earlier.

Prosecutors say her silence was bought in order to protect Trumps 2016 campaign, and that Trumps reimbursements to Cohen were falsely recorded as legal fees in order to hide the true purpose of the transactions.

They will remind jurors of the testimony and evidence presented at trial supporting their claims. That includes the testimony of tabloid publisher David Pecker, who spoke about his role in a so-called catch and kill scheme to bury negative stories about Trump ahead of the election. Trumps onetime campaign spokesperson Hope Hicks also told jurors about the release of the Access Hollywood tapein which Trump could be heard bragging about groping womenand the way his campaign reacted to the crisis.

Daniels herself gave occasionally graphic testimony about her purported one-night stand with Trump in a Lake Tahoe hotel in 2006 (Trump denies ever having sex with Daniels). And the jury also heard crucial testimony from Cohen, the prosecutions star witness, who alleged that Trump approved the reimbursement plan at the heart of the charges.

Trumps defense attorneys, meanwhile, denied that Trump had done anything unlawful and cast Cohen as a proven liar who is now seeking revenge against his former boss. During cross-examination, Cohen admitted to stealing $30,000 from the Trump Organization and said hed made millions from podcasts and books in which he criticized the former president.

Trump himself did not testify in his own defense despite his expressed intention to do so.

After the closing arguments have been delivered, Judge Merchan will then instruct jurors on the law relevant to the case. His instructions are extremely important because they will provide the jury members with guidance on what factors to consider when deciding whether Trump is guilty or not guilty.

The deliberations will then take place in secret. A verdict could be reached in a matter of hours or take several weeks. If the jury finds Trump guilty, each count carries a potential maximum prison sentence of four yearsthough Merchan would not be legally compelled to imprison Trump and the former president would likely appeal any conviction.

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On Sunday, Donald Trump posted video of a man raging and cursing uncontrollably at MSNBCs Joe Scarborough outside what appears to be an airport in New York. This generated a flurry of attention on social media, with some pointing out that Trumps fury at Scarborough has a history dating back to the Morning Joe hosts public turning against Trump, which includes Trump falsely suggesting Scarborough murdered a young congressional intern.

Scarborough and the whole Morning Joe crew have been stern Trump critics for years, but Id like to focus on something beyond Scarborough here: the videos declaration that if Trump wins the presidency, liberals are done.

As the man delicately puts it:

Hell get rid of all you fucking liberals. You liberals are gone when he fucking wins. You fucking blowjob liberals are done. Uncle Donnies gonna take this electionlandslide. Landslide, you fucking half a blowjob. Landslide. Get the fuck out of here, you scumbag.

By posting this video, Trump appears to be endorsing that sentiment about not only Scarborough but about liberals generally. Shouldnt that be pretty big news in and of itself?

Some will give Trump the benefit of the doubt. Surely Trump thought the video was funny. Surely he only intended his MSNBC nemesis as the target. Surely calling a person or group done is just a figure of speech. And Scarborough doesnt appear to feel threatened by the guy in the video. He was just a crank, right?

But the news here isnt this one mans anger at Scarborough, its that Trump elevated it. And moments like these require context: This one should be placed alongside Trumps other recent threats, such as his vow that news organizations will be thoroughly scrutinized if he wins, his promise to persecute his vermin-like political foes, and his threat to prosecute a range of enemies without cause. Looked at this way, is it really a leap to suggest that Trump is broadcasting the idea that liberals should feel threatened en masse by a second Trump term?

There is a mini cottage industry of punditry that is forever on the lookout for the merest hint of disrespect toward conservative voters, particularly rural and working-class white ones. But the fact that the GOP nominee for president approvingly posted a video that declares a large ideological subgroup of Americans done and gone if he is electednever mind the vile epithets directed at themappears to have garnered almost no headlines. Few if any top-shelf pundits have scowled with disapproval.

This is not intended as whataboutism. Rather, the point is that allowing such moments to remain decontextualized makes it easier to evade grappling with their true underlying intent. After all, it is undeniable that a central rationale of Trumps presidential run is the threat to use state power to persecute and targetin a newly aggressive waya large, albeit ill-defined, class of Americans who are designated as enemies of Trump and his MAGA movement.

Importantly, this vow is not merely rhetorical. As CNNs Oliver Darcy shows, Trumps threat to investigate the media exists in the form of a concrete program, with ideas about prosecuting media figures now discussed openly by Trump loyalists who are expected to serve in a second Trump administration. This talk has taken a truly dangerous turn.

Whats more, the threat also applies to ideological enemies beyond the media: When Trump vowed to root out the vermin, he also explicitly declared that his target is a nebulous enemy that lies within our country, a word he repeated multiple times. Trump has also vowed to prosecute a whole range of actors in response to his criminal charges. This is often described as a threat of retribution, but thats a euphemism: It really means he will prosecute all these figures without any rationale thats remotely tethered to the rule of law.

On top of all that, The Washington Post just reported that in mid-May, Trump told a group of donors that he would have student demonstrators not just arrested but expelled from the United States.

Is there any doubt that many Trump supporters hear all these threats precisely as the fellow in that video apparently doesas an expression of the intent to use state power to get rid of liberals, that they will be done and gone? Is there any doubt that when Trump shares that video, he is endorsing that particular reading?

I suspect many liberal columnists wont get angry about Trump posting this video because, in some sense, they want to appear open to the idea that there is an undercurrent of virtuea kernel of justificationin the anger of Trump voters at small-l liberal elites.

You may recall that David Brooks recently wrote a column purporting to plumb the true nature of Trump support. Brooks singled out geographic inequalities, the decline of social mobility, the maintenance of top-tier class privileges across generations disguised as meritocracy, and other elite liberal sins, arguing that Trump voters stick by him because of those things, which leads them to disregard criminal charges against him as elite institutional corruption.

Leading journalists rushed to endorse this theory. Yet as Zack Beauchamp explained at Vox, it was an easy way out for them. It doesnt explain why countless working-class voters also on the losing end of those developments have not reacted by demanding that Trump be placed beyond accountability and the law, which in a way downgrades their virtue.

There is nothing wrong with trying to explain Trump support by pointing to genuine elite liberal failings. Surely thats part of the story. But that cant be the end of it. You need to ask the next question: What if some subset of Trump supporters continues backing him not in spite of his efforts to place himself above our institutions and the lawnot in spite of his threats to unleash punishment and suffering on other large groups of Americansbut precisely because of those things?

When Trump threatens to disregard the results of the next election, hes really threatening to treat the political aspirations of millions of ordinary Americans with absolute contempttheir votes are subject to cancellation. When Trump vows to target the vermin, or obliterate the deep state, or prosecute people who labor in the justice system, hes really talking about persecuting untold numbers of people who have devoted themselves to making our country function better.

When Trump says undocumented immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country, hes talking about countless longtime residents who have become deeply integrated into communities across the country. When Stephen Miller enthuses that coming mass deportations will be spectacular, hes telling Trump supporters to prepare to thrill to unbearable levels of cruelty directed at all those living, breathing human beings.

And when Trump elevates one of his supporters for celebrating the idea that a second term will result in blowjob liberals being done and gone, it doesnt matter who he is, or whether hes crazy, or even if hes jokingin the very act of sharing the video, Trump is plainly talking about you and me.

Enough of the MAGA sanitization already. If Trump voters are sticking with him through all these things, we should be asking whether these factors are key drivers of some of this support, not credulously treating them as self-evidently incidental to it.
Trump Vows to Commute Sentence for Silk Road Founder While Sucking Up to Crypto Bros

Donald Trump speaking at the Libertarian Party National Convention on May 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. - Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images (Getty Images)

Former president Donald Trump tried to cozy up with the Libertarian Party on Saturday, but it didnt go well. As boos and chants of End the Fed filled the convention during his speech, there were two campaign promises that brought cheers from the crowd: commuting the sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht and protecting crypto.

Hes already served 11 years, we are going to get him home, Trump told the crowd.

Trump: You should nominate me!



Crowd: boooooooooooooooooooooooooo pic.twitter.com/VhgikOTL04  Acyn (@Acyn) May 26, 2024

Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison in 2015 after he was revealed to be the person running the notorious online marketplace, Silk Road. His pardoning has become a cause for Libertarians who view his life sentence as an outlandish punishment for what some claim to be just a guy who helped others sell drugs like Adderall online.

Its one of the things we wanted from his first term, Katherine Yeniscavich, a national committee member of the party, told Politico. He wants Libertarian voters, and if he agreed to free Ross he would get a lot of votes.

Of course, these people ignore the evidence that Ulbricht commissioned multiple hits against his enemies. Prosecutors said no one was ever killed but the allegations eventually played a role in his sentencing.

Trump also tried to win favor with Libertarians by focusing on cryptocurrency, in general.

I will also stop Joe Bidens crusade to crush crypto, Trump told the crowd. Were going to stop it. I am going to ensure that the future of crypto and the future of Bitcoin will be made in the USA and not driven overseas.

Trumps campaign said last week it would begin accepting crypto donations. While he might not be a crypto bro, there are multiple crypto coins that reference MAGA and Trump, and his campaign has sold NFTs. A wallet reportedly linked to Trump has a value of more than $10 million, according to a report from The Block.



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Keeping up with Donald Trumps court schedule is a dizzying task, since he faces two federal trials, a criminal trial in Georgia, and two separate civil and criminal trials in New York. (Oh, and hes running for president.) To make it easier to follow along, were rounding up all the Trump trialrelated developments you might have missed the previous week.

This week, as Donald Trumps hush money trial begins winding down in New York, newly unsealed court documents are adding a new wrinkle to the former presidents stalled classified documents case: He was even keeping classified documents in his bedroom. Plus: Jack Smith tried seeking a gag order after Trump made some truly unhinged claims, but Judge Aileen Cannon wasnt having it; an appeals court battle is brewing in Georgia; and E. Jean Carroll considers whether to file yet another defamation lawsuit.

A newly unsealed court opinion revealed that Trump didnt just keep court documents next to his toiletthere were four documents labeled as classified in his bedroom, too.

When the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago in 2022, they found boxes brimming with classified documents inside a public restroom, on a ballroom stage, and inside a storage room. Last week, an opinion issued in 2023 by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, who presided over the grand jury proceedings that fueled special counsel Jack Smiths eventual indictment, said an additional four documents were found in Trumps bedroom, months after the FBI searched the property. Notably, no excuse is provided as to how the former president could miss the classified-marked documents found in his own bedroom, wrote Howell.

Howell also said the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago multiple times in 2022 after Trump intentionally failed to provide all of the classified documents in his possession to the government. In January 2023, Trumps office handed over the four classified documents from his bedroom to the FBI. However, Howell also noted that a Trump adviser scanned the four classified documents from Trumps bedroom and saved them to a personal laptop provided by the Save America PAC. (Thats a Trump-controlled super PAC thats been footing his legal bills.)

Howells opinion is one of several newly unsealed documents related to a secret grand jury that eventually ruled Trump should be indicted for mishandling classified documents. Judge Aileen Cannon authorized the release of these documents, though she recently yanked the classified documents trial off the calendar, all but guaranteeing Trump will not face a trial on this case before the November election.

Its been six weeks since Trumps hush money trial began, and prosecutors for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg have been making the case for why they believe Trump is guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. The trial will soon be in the hands of the jury, which has a lot to consider. Heres what you can expect from the trials final days.

Trump has been making some truly wild statements lately. Last week, for instance, he took to Truth Social to falsely claim that Crooked Joe Bidens DOJ, in their Illegal and UnConstitutional Raid of Mar-a-Lago, AUTHORIZED THE FBI TO USE DEADLY (LETHAL) FORCE. A separate fundraising email from the Trump campaign also said that President Joe Biden was locked & loaded to take me out during the FBIs raid of Mar-a-Lago.

So special counsel Jack Smith sought a gag order, arguing that Trumps statements could create a significant, imminent and foreseeable danger to law enforcement agents working on the prosecution of the classified documents case.

But Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon denied Smiths request because the special counsel only notified Trumps attorneys of the request at 5:30 p.m., right before the Memorial Day weekend. The Court finds the Special Counsels pro forma conferral to be wholly lacking in substance and professional courtesy, Cannon wrote.

Over Memorial Day weekend, Trump was busy attacking his perceived enemies on Truth Socialand his tirade included some choice words about writer E. Jean Carroll. Roberta Kaplan, Carrolls attorney, was closely monitoring Trumps comments, and she suggested that the former president could face further legal action.

Caroll has successfully sued the former president twice now and he owes her over $80 million. Last year, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation and awarded Carroll $5 million in damages. Then, in January, over a separate defamation lawsuit, a jury found Trump guilty of defaming Carroll and reached an $83 million verdict. Over the weekend, Trump described Carroll as a woman, who I never met before (a quick handshake at a celebrity event, 25 years ago, doesnt count!) and criticized her for not filing a police report after Trump attacked her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the mid-90s. Carrolls attorney indicated her client is potentially ready to sue again.

We have said several times since the last jury verdict in January that all options were on the table. And that remains true todayall options are on the table, Kaplan said in a statement to Forbes.

Embattled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is defending her criminal indictment of Trump and 14 others, filing a new appeal that seeks to reinstate six charges that were dismissed two months ago.

Back in March, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled that six of Willis charges in her 41-count election interference indictment were too generic and didnt specify what sections of the Georgia Constitution and the U.S. Constitution were violated. McAfee ended up dismissing charges for Trump, Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, and others.

Now Willis has filed an appeal to McAfees ruling, just a few weeks after Trumps defense team filed an appeal of their own to remove Willis from her case. Back in February, Willis was entangled in a messy misconduct hearing after she admitted to dating special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she hired to work on her investigation into Trump. McAfee ruled that Willis could remain on the case, so long as Wade resigned, which he did.

The Georgia election interference case has yet to be assigned a trial date.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Two foreign nationals have been found guilty by a Salt Lake City federal jury for their part in a dark web drug ring that reportedly generated more than $8 million in revenue.

After a two-week trial, Oluwole Adegboruwa, 54, of Las Vegas, Nev. and Enrique Isong, 49, of Los Angeles, Calif., were found guilty of multiple federal crimes including conspiracies to distribute oxycodone and commit money laundering.

According to United States Attorney Trina Higgins of the District of Utah, Adegboruwa and Isong used the United States Postal Service and interstate commerce to commit their crimes.

Adegboruwa and Isong were found to have sold more than 300,000 oxycodone pills to customers on dark web websites, including to customers located in Utah. Customers reportedly paid Adegboruwa through his vendor pages with cryptocurrency including Bitcoin and Ethereum, which he later sold for traditional currency.

SLCPD arrests over 30 people on popular Utah trails

During his trial, Adegboruwa testified and admitted that he was the only one who had access to the vendor pages and processed orders from the customers. He then directed others in Las Vegas and Los Angeles to package and ship pills around the United States.

A co-defendant who had already pleaded guilty to their part in the drug ring described ways in which Adegboruwa would direct them to package and ship the oxycodone in order to minimize damage and detection through the mail system. The jury also reportedly heard from a Utah-based customer who described the process of ordering from Adegboruwa and how the pills arrived at his home through the U.S. postal service.

The Salt Lake City federal jury found both Adegboruwa and Isong guilty on all counts for their parts in the drug ring. Adegboruwa was also ordered to forfeit over $380,000 in cash as well as an additional $15,500 in lieu of a 2017 Dodge Charger, 26 money orders totaling $9,400 and cryptocurrency now valued at more than $15 million.

Both Adegboruwa and Isong are scheduled for sentencing in August 2024 at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

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NEW DELHI, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen people were killed and several others feared trapped under the debris as a stone quarry collapsed Tuesday in India's northeastern state of Mizoram, police said.

The stone quarry collapsed amid heavy rains that the state received in the aftermath of cyclone Remal, which made landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday night.

According to officials, the stone quarry collapsed between Melthum and Hlimen on the outskirts of Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram.

"All efforts are underway to rescue the people who are trapped under the debris. However, heavy rains are affecting the operations," Mizoram Police Chief Anil Shukla was quoted by a local news agency as having said. "We have recovered 17 bodies so far and the rescue operations are going on. We suspect that six to seven more people are still trapped under the rubble."

Immediately after the incident, authorities rushed rescue teams to pull the bodies and survivors from the quarry.

Reports said the victims include a four-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl.

Two persons have also been pulled alive from the site.

Officials said the rescue operation was underway despite relentless rain and landslides in the area.

In the wake of heavy rains, the authorities have ordered the closure of all schools and asked government employees to work from home. However, employees involved in providing essential services have been ordered to report to their duties.

Landslides triggered by rains have led to the closure of several highways and key roads in Aizawl.

Reports said a landslide swept away a building in Aizawl's Salem Veng, following which three people went missing.

Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma convened an emergency meeting to take stock of the situation. He also announced an ex-gratia for the families of those killed in calamities caused by rains, including the stone quarry collapse.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall across northeastern states over the next two days. 
Former Trump White House attorney Ty Cobb said Tuesday that he believes former President Trump is likely to be found guilty in his criminal hush money trial this week.

I expect a GUILTY verdict, but only because the jury instructions as urged by the [district attorney] and adopted by the judge, over strenuous and well-founded defense objections, virtually require conviction, Cobb told Axios.

I reach this legal conclusion because of my long expertise as a federal prosecutor and white-collar defense lawyer, he continued, my reference for the rule of law, and despite my view that Trump remains the greatest threat to Democracy in our nations history.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business documents in the case, which marks the first criminal trial of a sitting or former president. Prosecutors claim the former president illegally covered up hush money payments made to porn actor Stormy Daniels in the weeks before the 2016 election to buy her silence over an alleged past affair, which he denies.

Closing arguments began in the trial Tuesday, with jury deliberations set to follow. Cobb said he expects no more than four days of deliberation in the case. That timeline could deliver a verdict this week.

Much of the deliberation is expected to center on the testimony of Trumps former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, who testified that the former president instructed him to make the hush money payments.

Questions have surrounded Cohens testimony given his prior conviction for lying under oath, and a harsh cross-examination by Trumps legal team earlier this month.

If he is convicted, the former president could face as much as four years in prison, as well as be named a felon.

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Typhoon leaves at least seven people dead and thousands displaced in the Philippines

In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, members of the Coast Guard Station Southern Quezon rescue residents from their flooded homes in Lucena, Quezon province, Philippines on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Typhoon Ewiniar, locally known as Aghon, on Tuesday hit the Philippines, blowing away people and leaving at least seven dead, mostly due to floods or toppled trees. Several seaports have been shut down, stranding thousands of passengers, officials said. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP)

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  A typhoon has finally moved away from the Philippines, leaving at least seven people dead, mostly due to floods or toppled trees, and forcing the closures of several seaports, stranding thousands of passengers, officials said Tuesday.

Typhoon Ewiniar crept by the country's eastern coast late Friday night and lingered over the Philippine islands for several days, before shifting northeastward away from the archipelago. All storm warnings were lifted Tuesday.

The typhoon's shift in direction spared the densely populated capital, Manila, from a potentially damaging hit.

Ewiniar, locally known as Aghon, was last tracked Tuesday about 450 kilometers (280 miles) east of the northern town of Basco in Batanes province with sustained winds of 130 kph (81 mph) and gusts of up to 160 kph (99 mph), according to government forecasters.

At least six villagers drowned in floodwaters or died after being hit by falling trees during the sudden deluge in the hard-hit province of Quezon, provincial police said. In southern Misamis Oriental province, a villager died when a tree fell and struck a motorcycle taxi she was riding on with her sister as they were on their way to school, police said.

Many villages were overwhelmed by flash floods. Some low-lying areas were engulfed in up to eight feet (2.4 meters) of water in Lucena, Quezon province's capital city. The flooding was partly due to clogged drainage systems after an extra-hot summer season, Quezon Governor Angelina Tan and other provincial officials said.

Tan said many houses, including the governors residence, were damaged by fierce wind and torrential rains. The typhoon forced her to seek shelter elsewhere while overseeing the distribution of food and other aid to displaced villagers, she said.

Before flying to Brunei on Tuesday for a state visit, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said more than 26,700 people were affected by the typhoon, including many who fled to evacuation centers in five provincial regions. Three airports and 29 seaports could not operate normally due to the typhoon while six cities and towns were hit by power outages, he said.

More than 4,800 passengers, truck drivers and cargo helpers were stranded at one point due to seaport closures as the typhoon lashed southern and central provinces, the Philippine coast guard said.

"Even before the typhoon hit, we've transported relief goods in places near the typhoons expected path, so they were all ready, Marcos said.

About 20 typhoons and storms each year batter the Philippine archipelago, which also lies in an Asian region often hit by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making it one of the world's most disaster-prone countries.

In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest on record, left more than 7,300 people dead or missing, flattened entire villages, swept ships inland and displaced more than 5 million in the central Philippines.
Signage at an early voting center on September 23, 2016, in Minneapolis. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. House Administration Committee voted along party lines Thursday to advance two election-related bills to the House floor.

The Republican-led committee approved H.R. 8281, a bill to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections, something that is rare and already illegal, and H.R. 8399, which would restrict the contributions of foreign nationals in political campaigns. The votes on both were 6-1.

The votes came as Republicans are making immigration a core campaign theme for the November elections.

Noncitizen voting in our elections must be stopped, committee Chair Bryan Steil, a Wisconsin Republican, said in his opening statement.

The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Joe Morelle of New York, said the bills would undermine Americans confidence in U.S. elections.

This narrative will aggravate the perilous infection of election denialism that is spreading in the American civic body, Morelle said.

The noncitizen voting bill the committee voted on Thursday would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, and would allow states to check citizenship through federal databases with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.

Were working to increase the integrity of our elections, block noncitizens from voting in our elections, Steil said.

Morelle said the bill would disenfranchise eligible voters by requiring a birth certificate or passport to register to vote.

This bill is unreasonably restrictive, he said.

Morelle also objected to the bill dealing with foreign donations in political campaigns.

This does nothing to get foreign money out of our politics, he said.

He argued that some of the provisions would kneecap the Federal Election Commission, by curtailing its enforcement authority.

D.C. bill

Steil pointed to Washington, D.C., which allows noncitizens to vote in local elections, and said that Congress cannot allow D.C.s voting law to spread across the United States.

A handful of cities and towns allow noncitizens to vote in local elections, a trend that has sparked a national conservative rallying cry about noncitizens voting.

The House voted 262-143 Thursday to pass H.R.192, which would overturn the D.C. law.

The bill is unlikely to see a vote in the Senate, where Democrats have a slim majority.

Under the Constitution, Congress has authority to overturn local D.C. laws.

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FILE PHOTO: U.S. Navy personnel construct a JLOTS to assist aid to Gaza in the Mediterranean Sea

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. military-built pier off Gaza's coast is being temporarily removed after a part of the structure broke off, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, in the latest blow to efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

The pier was announced by U.S. President Joe Biden in March and involved the military assembling the floating structure off the coast. Estimated to cost $320 million for the first 90 days and involve about 1,000 U.S. service members, it went into operation two weeks ago.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said a portion of the pier had separated and that the pier would be towed over the next 48 hours to Ashdod port in Israel for repairs.

Singh added the pier would take over a week to repair and then returned to its place off the coast of Gaza.

U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters earlier on Tuesday that bad weather was believed to be the reason that the part of the pier had broken off.

Since the pier began operations, the United Nations has transported 137 trucks of aid from the pier - the equivalent of 900 metric tons - said a U.N. World Food Programme spokesperson.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by David Holmes and Deepa Babington)
Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, Sen. Rick Scott and Congresswoman Laurel Lee in St. Pete Beach on May 27, 2024 (photo credit: Mitch Perry)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

With a verdict possible as soon as this week, former President Donald Trumps criminal hush money trial is still creating news and controversy. On Tuesday, Florida Republicans trashed the prosecution led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Speaking in Pinellas County to reporters after a press conference on hurricane preparedness, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and Tampa Bay area Congresswomen Anna Paulina Luna and Laurel Lee claimed that the prosecution of Trump was political and in the words of Lee, a travesty of our justice system.

Scott was asked by a reporter if he would respect the jurys decision, no matter the outcome. He said he would, but then went on to dispute every element of it in his response.

Ill always respect any jury, but this is just political persecution, he said.

As he has in the past, Scott once again assailed members of the Manhattan District Attorneys Office and Judge Juan Merchans daughter Loren for alleged bias because of her previous campaign contributions to Democratic candidates.

The judges daughter is a big fundraiser for Biden-Harris and other Democrats, said Scott. This smells horrible.

While Scott was the first Florida federal lawmaker to attend Trumps trial in New York City earlier this month, a slew of other Florida Republican members of Congress quickly followed suit, including U.S. Reps. Byron Donalds, Michael Waltz, Matt Gaetz, Cory Mills and Luna.

The presidents in good spirits, but exactly like Senator Scott stated, there is a lot of political smoke and we know that it is political targeting, Luna said. The fact is this is a political witch hunt, but I think the American people see that, which is exactly why youre seeing the surge with Hispanic and Black voters, independents and women.

Central Florida Republican Congresswoman Laurel Lee, who is an attorney and former federal prosecutor, criticized the Trump case from a legal perspective.

This is a case in New York which was predicated upon a bunch of misdemeanors for which the statute of limitations has applied, she said. It is not a legitimate cause of action. It hasnt been since inception. The judges rulings, time and again, have let evidence in for the prosecution that didnt belong, kept President Trumps defense out. This entire prosecution should not be happening and its very clearly something thats been politically motivated and I will say that as a former prosecutor and judge, it is a travesty that our system of justice is being manipulated and politicized in this way.

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a box shows the words "Mifeprex" and mifepristone" beside the outline of a female body

Experts have said that mifepristone, part of a two-drug regimen, has a record of safety and efficacy in more than two decades of use. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images for UltraViolet).

How much access should a person have to abortion pills? And should doctors in states with abortion bans be able to perform the procedure during medical emergencies?

Two cases that the United States Supreme Court is expected to rule on this summer could answer these questions and have a ripple effect on abortion access nationwide.

One case challenges ease of access to abortion medication while another challenges whether a federal law concerning emergency care supersedes a states abortion ban. Its the first time the nations highest court has reviewed abortion-related cases since overturning federal protections two summers ago.

Mary Ziegler, a legal historian who has written about abortion law, noted that the emergency room case in particular can be a game changer pending its ruling.

Whatever the Supreme Court decides will have an effect on how a lot of states abortion bans are interpreted, she said.

Idaho v. The United States

This case could determine whether a federal statute outweighs a states abortion ban when it comes to emergency medical care.

Idaho officials are seeking to disregard the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, otherwise known as EMTALA.

The nearly 40-year-old federal law requires hospitals with emergency rooms that receive Medicare funding to provide stabilizing treatment to anyone experiencing emergency medical conditions. Most hospitals in the nation receive Medicare funding, and therefore would be subject to EMTALA.

Plaintiffs in the case say this is at odds with Idahos own abortion law, though.

Idaho enforces its abortion ban with criminal penalties up to five years in prison for people who perform them or assist people in getting them. There are limited exceptions for rape, incest and to save the life of the pregnant person, excluding protections for pregnancy complications.

Doctors in Idaho have been sending pregnant patients out-of-state to comply with the states abortion law. During such medical emergencies, some patients are air-lifted out of the state.

Dr. Stacy Seyb, a maternal fetal medicine specialist in Boise, explained that its become a safer alternative to send a pregnant patient elsewhere should they suspect an emergency abortion may be needed.

There are times they may not even need the procedure. But we cant predict that, and we cant predict how quickly their status might change, Seyb told Idaho Capital Sun. I think its a great hardship, its an extra expense to our medical system, and it doesnt make sense why something that Ive been doing for 30 years of my career is now taboo.

Countering this, President Joe Bidens administration argues that EMTALA should protect doctors should abortion be needed as stabilizing treatment in emergencies. Plaintiffs in the case from Idaho argue that interpretation of EMTALA could make it too easy for patients to get abortions.

When visiting Richmond earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra said that the Biden Administration would pull every lever to protect reproductive healthcare access  such as defending EMTALA in the case against Idaho.

In line with the administrations support for protecting abortion access, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services launched a new option on the CMS.gov website for people to file complaints if they feel EMTALA has not been upheld.

While a ruling in the case would only apply to Idaho, it may set a precedent for more than 20 other states which have deep abortion restrictions or near total bans. As the least restrictive southern state, Virginias Planned Parenthood is already reporting a 30% increase in out-of-state patients.

Jamie Lockhart, the director of the Virginia League of Planned Parenthood, thinks the number of patients traveling for abortions outside of their home state could increase.

When and if the Supreme Court allows Idaho to do this  then its going to be Texas, and its going to be Mississippi, and Alabama, and just across the South, Lockhart said.

It concerns her, especially as she thinks about the broader maternal health outcome disparities for patients of color, in part due to racial bias, and people living in rural communities that already have to travel further for care to begin with.

Meanwhile, the other abortion-related case before the Supreme Court could make it more difficult to obtain abortion medication.

FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine

The outcome of this case could affect ease of access to a common drug used in early-gestation abortions  which make up roughly two-thirds of abortions nationwide.

First approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2000, mifepristone is the first part of medicine-induced abortions or miscarriage-related care. Mifepristone blocks a hormone thats needed to continue a pregnancy and another drug, misoprostol, is administered after to help bodies expel tissue. The drugs typically are used for abortions under 10 weeks of gestation, but are also used to manage miscarriages to help prevent deadly infections.

Abortion-opposing physicians and organizations previously argued in lower courts that the FDA should not have approved mifepristone 24 years ago. Now, they argue that the drug should not have become easier to access in 2016 and 2021. The FDA changes from those years increased the limit of when it could be used from seven to 10 weeks of gestation and allowed for telehealth prescriptions, respectively.

Those provisions could be affected if the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.

Patients in Virginia would be forced to receive this care in person rather than via a telehealth appointment  which we know places undue and medically unnecessary barriers to care for people across Virginia who struggled to travel long distances to receive care, Lockhart said.

However, when the case was heard by the Supreme Court this spring, it seemed likely the judges would preserve access to the medication. The justices may decide the plaintiffs lack the legal standing to sue.

But Zeigler, the legal scholar, cautions that a favorable ruling to abortion advocates in the mifepristone case may not be the end of challenges to the drug and abortion at-large.

A potential future case is building

Attempts to enforce the Comstock Act  a dormant federal law from 1873  have been surfacing in local governments around the country. Grayson County in Southwest Virginia voted down a measure last year, while a case in New Mexico has advanced to that states supreme court.

The 19th Century act prohibits the mailing of obscene or lewd materials such as pornography, as well as contraception and every article or thing designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion.

Over the years Congress chipped away at the act, but the abortion components have remained.

Now, theyve emerged in modern-day arguments against the procedure.

Proponents of implementing the act interpret it as a way to stop the mailing of abortion medications and materials needed to perform an abortion or establish a clinic. Local governments have considered ordinances that employ the act.

Mark Lee Dickson, the architect of the national movement, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch last summer that the ordinances are simply requiring compliance with these federal statutes, which we believe completely stops abortion in communities.

Dickson travels the country meeting with local officials who are interested in invoking the act. He and legal ally, former Texas Solicitor General Jonathan Mitchell, offer their representation in the case of legal challenges.

Dickson said this offer goes up to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Justices Thomas Alito and Clarence Thomas recently mentioned Comstock while hearing the FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine case.

Conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation also offers guidance for national abortion restrictions. Its series of policy goals called Project 2025 has included the legal code for Comstock without naming the law specifically.

Calling abortion medication a gift to the abortion industry, the guidebook asserts that the FDA should stop promoting or approving mail-order abortions in violation of long-standing federal laws that prohibit the mailing and interstate carriage of abortion drugs.

While Comstock itself has not yet made it to the Supreme Court in the form of its own case, Ziegler noted how the issue is gaining salience.

Now, I think youre seeing it as, you know, a major election issue and something that a lot of Republicans say a (President Donald Trump Department of Justice) would do, Zeigler said. Of course, Trump has essentially avoided answering the question.

While many GOP congressional candidates, including in Virginia, have said abortion regulation is a state-level issue, Democrats hope to proactively shore up federal protections legislatively. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine has pressed to codify protections through the Reproductive Healthcare For All Act and Biden has made abortion protections a pillar of his reelection campaign.

Should Democrats retain the White House and make gains in Congress, they could enact various protections. But the Supreme Court still has a conservative majority that could continue its pattern of taking up legal challenges to abortion access.

This report was first published by the Virginia Mercury.

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(FOX40.COM)  Academic workers at UC Davis went on strike Tuesday over their employers treatment of union members participating in pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

With the walkout, employees joined an ongoing strike at other University of California system schools, including UC Santa Cruz and UCLA, which also started its strike today.

The union said the school is failing to protect its workers and is illegally disciplining employees for engaging in peaceful protest activity demanding workplace-related changes.

When faced with Palestine Solidarity encampments and other nonviolent protests by Academic Workers, students, and community members, UC has mishandled and escalated the situation by taking unlawful actions that cut to the heart of our collective bargaining agreements, reads a message on union UAW 4811s website.

Last week, the states Public Employment Relations Board denied the universitys request for an injunction to end the strike.

According to the union, UAW represents approximately 48,000 academic researchers, student researchers, teaching assistants, tutors and other academic workers.

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Academic workers at UCLA went on strike Tuesday, saying their rights were violated by UC actions during pro-Palestinian protests. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

For the record:

12:37 p.m. May 29, 2024: An earlier version of this story quoted Maile McCann, a USC graduate student worker, as saying the labor market is at an inflection point. She said the labor movement.



Carrying "On Strike" pickets and some wearing kaffiyehs, academic workers at UCLA and UC Davis walked off the job Tuesday, alleging their rights were violated by the University of California's actions during pro-Palestinian protests and encampment crackdowns.

United Auto Workers Local 4811, which represents 48,000 graduate student teaching assistants, researchers and others at the 10 UC campuses and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, launched the rolling strike last week at UC Santa Cruz. The walkouts unfold at a critical time in the academic year, as classes end and capstone projects, finals and grading are ahead  work in which union members play a key role.

At UCLA on Tuesday morning, a growing group of university workers marched in front of Royce Hall chanting "Our university" and "Union power." Many held signs that read "UAW on strike" and several wore kaffiyehs, traditional Middle Eastern scarf, to show solidarity with the pro-Palestinian movement.

Picketers temporarily blocked the entrance to at least one visitor parking structure, turning some cars away. A representative approached motorists attempting to turn in to the structure to request they respect the picket line and offered suggestions for other nearby parking lots.

As private security guards monitored the protest from all angles, the marchers continued to chant: "UC, UC, youre no good, treat your workers like you should!" Some students walking to classes, paused briefly to watch the action or snap a photograph before going about their days.

UCLA union leaders said Tuesday afternoon they have not yet determined the number of members who walked out and did not have data on canceled classes. The UAW represents more than 6,200 workers at UCLA.

UCLA did not move classes online, as did UC Santa Cruz. On its website, UCLA officials said they expected the strike "may cause minor disruptions to campus operations as they picket this week and in the future." The strike was authorized until June 30.

Many classes at UCLA appeared to be continuing in person Tuesday. However, a few undergraduate students told The Times that their discussion sections had been canceled.

Mary Osako, UCLA's vice chancellor of strategic communications, said in a statement that students are preparing for finals this week and the university is focusing on supporting them.

"Theyre paying tuition and fees to learn, and were dismayed by deliberate outside disruptions that may get in the way of that. Students want to hear their professors teach, not the piercing sounds of trumpets, drums and slogans being shouted right outside their classroom windows," Osako said.

Anny Viloria Winnett, academic student employee unit chair of UAW 4811 at UCLA, called for more than minor disruptions during the rally, saying the strike will continue until their demands are met.

"We need amnesty for our colleagues," Viloria Winnett told the group. "If your boss is mad at you, good!"

Academic workers sit in the quad area outside UCLA's Royce Hall during a strike Tuesday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The academic workers contend that their free speech rights were violated when university leaders called on police to forcibly remove pro-Palestinian encampments at several campuses and activists at UCLA were not protected from an attack on the camp by counterprotesters for hours. Police later dismantled the UCLA encampment, making about 200 arrests, including some members of the striking union.

The expanded strike is one of the biggest actions by an American labor union in support of Palestinians and comes as college leaders face scrutiny for calling in police in riot gear to clear pro-Palestinian encampments. The strike could include up to three more campuses as early as Friday, according to the union.

Sam Hunter, a UCLA teaching assistant, said it was "disgusting" how the university called in police during the protests on campus.

How the university chose to respond to that is why Im out here today, he said into a megaphone, as union supporters cheered him on.

Among the crowd were about a dozen graduate student worker guild members from USC, who shared concerns about what one, Maile McCann, called a "militarized response" to campus protests instead of negotiations and bargaining.

We're at a total inflection point in the labor movement right now, McCann, a USC civil engineering graduate student worker, said. "The fact that they're taking a stand to hold their university accountable is historic."

Picket signs are stacked for academic workers at UCLA , who went on strike Tuesday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The UC-AFT, the union representing lecturers, who teach about a third of all undergraduate classes in the UC system, has asked its members not to do the work that would normally be done by those on strike.

"Doing this labor could diminish the impact and power of their strike, but also it sets a worrying precedent in accepting an increase to our own workload. It would signal that UC-AFT members, who are already overtaxed and overburdened, are able to pick up more work at a moments notice," the union said.

At UC Davis, where the UAW represents more than 4,600 academic workers, a late-morning rally was scheduled to take place on the quad.

An Instagram post by Davis Popular University for the Liberation of Palestine, a group behind the pro-Palestinian encampment at UC Davis, called Monday night for "No school while genocide is happening! We encourage everyone to skip classes and come show their support with the UAW workers for as long as the strike goes."

UC officials charge the walkouts are illegal. However, their urgent request to the state labor board to immediately halt the strike was rejected by the panel, which ruled on Thursday that UC's allegations did not meet the legal standard for intervention.

Read more: UC worker strike to hit UCLA, Davis next. A looming question: Is this walkout legal?

Rafael Jaime, the president of UAW 4811, was at the UCLA encampment during the attack in late April and witnessed the violence. He praised the labor board's denial of UC's injuction request, saying it "proves that no employer gets to make up its own rules.

UAW Local 4811 members at UCLA and UC Davis participated in the second round of a campus strikes. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Demands of union leaders include the protection of free speech on campus; an amnesty for all academic employees, students, student groups, faculty and staff who face disciplinary action or arrest due to participation in protests; and divestment by the university from weapons manufacturers, military contractors, and companies profiting from Israels war on Gaza.

Read more: UC academic workers' strike begins as pro-Palestinian activism enters new phase

University officials have asserted the strike is unlawful because the goal is to pressure the university to concede to a list of politically motivated demands closely linked to the protests occurring across California and the nation.

The union on May 10 filed charges with the state labor board related to the treatment, university discipline and arrests of union members at UCLA and other campuses, including UC San Diego and UC Irvine. The charge accuses the universities of retaliating against the workers and unlawfully changing workplace policies to suppress pro-Palestinian speech.

UC also filed an unfair labor practice charge with the labor board, alleging that the union's decision to walk out was in violation of the no-strike provision in its collective bargaining agreements. Both charges are pending.

Read more: Police descend on UCLA after protesters erect new pro-Palestinian encampment

The strike comes amid continuing upheaval on UCLA's campus.

On Thursday, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and two other university presidents testified in Washington before the Republican-led House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which is investigating antisemitism on campuses throughout the country. In his opening remarks to the panel, Block said that, with the benefit of hindsight, the university should have acted to immediately remove the encampment that pro-Palestinian protesters established in late April if and when the safety of our community was put at risk.

Block was also questioned about complaints that Jewish students were prevented from accessing parts of campus by pro-Palestinian protesters.

Later that day, more than two dozen officers in riot gear responded to the campus to remove a new, small encampment that protesters had erected.

The last UC academic workers strike, at the end of 2022, resulted in an agreement for significant salary increases and improved benefits.

Times staff writer Howard Blume contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CANBERRA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has launched the country's first National Robotics Strategy in a bid to maximize the benefits of the technology.

Ed Husic, minister for industry and science, unveiled the strategy on Tuesday, saying it would help secure Australia's future and seize opportunities.

According to the strategy, robotics and automation technologies could add up to 600 billion Australian dollars (400.3 billion U.S. dollars) to Australia's annual gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.

It found that increasing the use of robotics by only 1 percent would increase Australia's productivity by 0.8 percent by automating high-value manufacturing and enabling production at scale.

Husic said in a statement that Australia currently ranks 32nd in the world in the adoption of industrial robots.

"Lifting the adoption of these technologies will allow our manufacturers to produce higher quality products in less time and make them more internationally competitive," he said.

The strategy is based on four themes to grow Australia's robotics ecosystem, namely increasing the national capability and adoption, robotics skills and trust, inclusion and responsible development and use of robotics.

It calls for a collaborative effort between governments, industries, researchers and the wider community on robotics.

Under the strategy, the government will make investments in robotics through the existing National Reconstruction Fund, Industry Growth Program and Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator to encourage industry growth. 
Insights from the BBC, the Institute for the Study of War, and The New York Times

The News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pushing European allies for better security agreements and defense contracts that would feasibly allow Kyiv to strike targets deep within Russian territory.

So far, Ukraines military agreements with European nations have prohibited the use of long-range missiles to target Russia directly, as Ukraines allies are wary of being drawn further into the conflict themselves.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

War is being fought on the production lines

Source: BBC

Over the course of the war, Ukraine has had access to stronger weapons from NATO allies than Russia has access to. But domestic politics in some countries, especially the United States, have hampered or slowed Kyivs access to the supplies it says it needs to reach its military goals, the BBC noted. Ultimately, the war is now being fought on production lines, a senior NATO official said, and that Russia is outproducing Ukraine and its allies. The official alleged that China is materially aiding Russias war effort. Machine tools and microelectronics come from China and go direct to strengthening the defence industries, so they churn out more tanks and missiles, the official said.

Increase in Russian presence could stretch Ukraine thin

Source: Institute for the Study of War

Kharkiv, a major Ukrainian border city that has been targeted by Moscow for months, has been struck by repeated attacks in recent days as Russia tries to capture more territory along the wars eastern front. Any further increase in Moscows efforts along that front could stretch Ukrainian forces thin, according to recent analysis from the Institute for the Study of War. Russia is undermanned and incohesive, the ISW noted, but any congregation of troops in the border region will hamper Ukrainian efforts to counter their advance.

Ukraine pitches peace summit to US, China as civilians targeted in war

Source: The New York Times

Two strikes on civilian infrastructure have fueled Ukrainian officials campaign for a more significant Western response to the war, The New York Times noted. Ukrainian officials have alleged that Russia is targeting civilians because it has been unsuccessful in capturing more territory along the front: [Russian President Vladimir Putin] cant occupy Kharkiv, hence he tries to kill it, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy called for US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to attend a peace summit in Switzerland, and has called for a total withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. A Kremlin spokesperson called the peace summit idea absurd.
Belgium signs security deal with Ukraine, pledges $1 billion in aid this year

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement in Brussels on May 28, the Presidential Office announced.

Belgium becomes the 11th country to sign such a deal, along with Spain, the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, and Latvia.

Zelensky arrived in Belgium one day after his trip to Spain, where he signed the security agreement with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Under the agreement, Belgium will allocate at least 977 million euros (around $1 billion) in military aid for Ukraine in 2024.

The document also says that Belgium will supply Kyiv with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028, with the first planes expected to arrive already this year.

The country announced in 2023 it would supply Kyiv with its F-16 jets but the exact number was unclear until today. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway also pledged to donate their F-16s to bolster Ukraine's Air Force.

Apart from the fighter jets, the agreement focuses on Ukraine's other key needs, including air defenses, artillery, and armored vehicles, De Croo said during a press conference after the signing ceremony.

The two parties agreed to cooperate in the defense industry, intelligence, cyber security, and countering disinformation.

The Western European country further pledged support for Ukraine's peace formula, EU and NATO aspirations, sanctions against Russia, compensation for war damages, bringing the aggressor to justice, and using seized Russian assets for Ukraine's needs.

"Today Belgium signs an agreement on security cooperation and long-term support with Ukraine," De Croo said on X.

"President... (Volodymyr Zelensky,) you need the right tools to protect your citizens. We are very determined when it comes to our support."

"I thank Prime Minister De Croo, his government, and all Belgians for their unwavering and long-lasting support for Ukraine," Zelensky said.

The Belgian Foreign Ministry said last week that its Ukraine fund had allocated 1.7 billion euros ($1.9 billion) for military and humanitarian assistance for Kyiv in 2024.

Read also: Ukraine, Spain sign bilateral security agreement

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a security cooperation agreement between Kyiv and Brussels during his visit to Belgium.

Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy said the document provides for at least 977 million in military aid to Ukraine from Belgium this year, as well as Brussels' commitment to support Kyiv for the ten-year duration of the agreement.

Quote: "For the first time, such an agreement specifies the exact number of F-16 fighter jets - 30 - that will be delivered to Ukraine until 2028, with the first arriving already this year," he added.

The president noted that the agreement guarantees timely security assistance from Belgium, modern armoured vehicles, equipment for the needs of Ukraine's Air Force and air defence, naval security, demining, participation in a coalition to supply artillery ammunition, as well as military training.

Zelenskyy indicated that the document also provides for defence industry cooperation, support for Ukraine's Peace Formula, strengthening sanctions against Russia, compensation for damages, prosecution of the aggressor, use of frozen Russian assets and economic recovery.

"Ukraine and Belgium will also deepen their cooperation in intelligence, cyber security, and countering disinformation. Belgium also expresses support for Ukraine's future EU and NATO membership," Zelenskyy noted.

Background:

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on an official visit to Belgium. Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine and Belgium had begun negotiations on concluding a security cooperation agreement.

In April, the Belgian government decided to accelerate the supply of its own F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and do so by the end of 2024, without waiting for the formation of a new cabinet.

Belgium is one of thirteen countries participating in the coalition to provide Ukraine with fighter jets. It had previously planned to start delivering these F-16s, which it is gradually replacing with more modern F-35s, in 2025.

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The Supreme Anti-Corruption Court has approved the lawsuit of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine about the nationalisation of property of Russian oligarch Alexander Verkhovsky in favour of Ukraine, based on the evidence provided by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU).

Source: press service of the Security Service of Ukraine

Details: The property in question is a large fishing trawler Bukhta Sokolovskaya which was being constructed at a plant in the Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The industrial ship is worth over 1 billion hryvnias (US$24,500,000).

"The nationalised trawler was a component of the trade "fleet" of the sanctioned oligarch who is a part of the inner circle of the Kremlin. Verkhovsky is also one of the financial donors of the Russian war against Ukraine.

The fishing business of the Russian businessman allows him to regularly transfer billions of roubles to the Russian budget. Then, these funds are spent on armament and technical supply of occupying groupings of the aggressor state which fight against the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

The beneficial owner of the vessel registered it to one of the companies in Russia's Primorsky Krai that he ran in order to evade sanctions. The members of the SSU revealed the equipment and blocked the Russian trawler for its further arrest and nationalisation in favour of Ukraine," the SSU said.

Ekonomichna Pravda

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Ukraine no nearer to joining Nato this year, Zelensky to be told at summit

Nato could offer to bring Ukraine's military - pictured here in training - up to its standard

Ukraine will not move further on its path to membership of Nato at this years annual summit, The Telegraph can reveal, amid fears the alliance could be drawn into a war with Russia.

Germany and the United States have been vocal in their warnings against offering Kyiv a firm timeframe, during preparations for the two-day gathering in Washington marking the organisations 75th anniversary.

Theyre very sceptical about bringing Ukraine any further along the path to full Nato membership this year, a source familiar with the Biden administrations thinking told The Telegraph.

The source added: The US is perhaps not as concerned as Germany, but there is a worry about the threat of Russia to the rest of the alliance.

The decision is expected to frustrate Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, who has been warned by counterparts not to demand the impossible from the alliance.

Mr Zelensky is expected to find the news frustrating - Alamy

Russia is currently making gains across the front line with a further offensive expected in the summer months.

Last year, Mr Zelensky branded Nato absurd when its leaders refused to extend an invitation to Kyiv for full-fledged membership at the meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Natos top officials carried out expectation management in the wake of the summit, according to alliance sources, after it was decided members supportive of Ukraines accession, including Britain, had created too much pressure around the decision.

There are concerns that the issue of Ukraines membership was allowed to dominate last years summit and create rifts between member states.

A similar incident in Washington would play into Donald Trumps questions over the alliances relevance ahead of the US presidential election, insiders argue.

Mr Zelensky has been asked to avoid pressuring individual allies to once again come out in support for a clear timetable for Ukrainian accession.

Mr Stoltenberg visited Mr Zelensky in Kyiv earlier this year - FRAT

While Nato leaders will refuse to provide a timeline for Ukraines membership, they will offer what is being described as a bridge or path to accession as a show of support for the process.

A package of support, currently under discussion, will highlight Ukraines ability to choose its own future and demonstrate that the path to membership is getting shorter as it defends itself against Russian aggression, two diplomats said.

Nato first agreed that Ukraine could become a member in 2008, but has never finalised a timeline or accession process.

Member states have since agreed that Kyiv will not be allowed to join the alliance while at war with Russia, given that it would trigger the Article 5 mutual defence clause.

In Vilnius, Britain and France pushed for the word invitation to be included in the summits final statement, to reaffirm that it was a political impediment and not a decision blocking Ukraines membership.

Rishi Sunak visited Kyiv in January this year - Shutterstock

Its not an invitation, but its the next closest thing, a diplomat said of the latest offer.

The package will focus on bolstering Ukraines armed forces to ensure Ukraine is ready to immediately join Nato when alliance leaders agree the time is right.

To do this, Nato will take over the leadership role from the US of the Ramstein process, the group of more than 50 allies that coordinate military aid for Ukraine.

Jens Stoltenberg, Natos secretary-general, has also sought to push the alliances 32 members to commit to creating a $100 billion (78 billion) fund to bring Ukraines military up to Nato standard through weapons deliveries and training.

With some member states expressing scepticism about the sum total, there are now talks about replacing the fund with a promise by each ally to commit a percentage of defence spending to Kyiv.

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PRAGUE (Reuters) -A Czech-led initiative to speed up ammunition deliveries to Ukraine has raised 1.6 billion euros ($1.74 billion), with the first deliveries due to arrive in days, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Tuesday.

Hosting Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and leaders of some European Union allies in Prague, Fiala said ahead of their meeting that the first deliveries from the initiative, which sources supplies outside the EU, will happen in June.

"The first tens of thousands of 155 mm (caliber) ammunition will be delivered in June," Fiala said. "Ukraine can expect the first shipment within the next days."

Ukraine has been urging Western allies to step up military aid to help it repel Russian forces, now well into the third year of their invasion.

The Czechs, through a team of government officials and private companies, have been working to source ammunition rounds from around the world.

Fiala said the money raised so far had come from 15 EU and NATO members, without giving details.

The leaders meeting said in a joint statement that with the current financing, they "expect to ensure the donation of half a million rounds of artillery ammunition before the end of the year."

They added they would continue the initiative as long as needed.

The talks in Prague included Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina and Polish President Andrzej Duda.

Several countries have made pledges to the initiative in recent months.

Germany said in April it would support Ukraine with 180,000 rounds of artillery shells as a contribution to the Czech plan, at a price tag of 576 million euros.

"We need it (the ammunition) at the front lines as soon as possible," Shmyhal said.

"The second area of today's discussion is providing Ukraine with air-defence systems to secure our skies. We need, as a minimum, seven Patriot systems and modern combat aircraft also as soon as possible."

Duda said Poland was ready to help with the transport of ammunition to neighbouring Ukraine as part of the Czech-led ammunition drive.

Also on Tuesday, the Netherlands said it would deliver parts of a Patriot air defence system to Ukraine and is talking to other countries in order to assemble a complete system.

Fiala, in remarks earlier in the day, also echoed the position of NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg in saying Western countries should lift restrictions that have barred Ukraine from using donated weapons to strike Russian territory.

($1 = 0.9200 euros)

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka and Jason Hovet in Prague and Alan Charlish in Warsaw, additional reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten and Essi LehtoEditing by Peter Graff, Gareth Jones and Chizu Nomiyama)
Ukraine to receive F-16s 'very soon' but much aid arriving late, defence minister says

By Olena Harmash and Sergiy Karazy

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine will receive its first supplies of F-16 fighter jets "very soon", but around half of its desperately needed foreign military aid is arriving late, Kyiv's defence minister has said.

Rustem Umerov, 42, told Reuters in an interview in Kyiv late on Monday that Russia was deploying more manpower and equipment to the front, more than 27 months after its full-scale invasion.

Kyiv's forces have managed to stabilise the new front in the northeastern Kharkiv region where Russia attacked earlier this month. But Umerov said Moscow was preparing for a new push.

"Their objective is to open a new front in the north to start using all their manpower, firing power, against us, they are continuing with their objective to destroy the nation," he said.

"We are withstanding, but of course we need more weapons, we need more firing power, we need long-range missiles, not to allow them to enter our state."

He said Ukraine was grateful for the military aid and weapons supplied by its partners, but that only half of the promised deliveries arrived on time. Every delay benefited Ukraine's much larger and better-equipped foe, with a front line stretching 1,200 km (750 miles).

MOBILISATION CRUCIAL FOR UKRAINE

Even before Russian forces crossed this month into the northern part of the Kharkiv region, capturing border villages and forcing thousands of civilians to flee, it had been slowly advancing for months in the eastern Donetsk region.

"Time is super-crucial and, to repel the attacks, we need to have [the deliveries] on time in place," Umerov said.

Ukraine has also struggled to recruit the number of troops it requires to replenish and rotate tired and exhausted soldiers, some of whom have been fighting since February 2022. A new mobilisation law came into force last week.

Umerov said up to 1.2 million men had updated their military records online, as the legislation requires, to help draft officers, but did not say how many the government wants to, or thinks it will be able to, call up.

Military analysts put the number of Ukrainian defence personnel, including security and law enforcement, at more than one million.

The minister said Russia had about 500,000 troops in Ukraine and near its borders, and was preparing to add another 200,000-300,000.

Umerov, an ethnic Crimean Tatar, a Turkic minority from the peninsula seized by Russia in 2014, reiterated that Kyiv was determined to liberate all its territory up to its internationally-recognised 1991 borders, including Crimea.

But the main military objective for the coming months would be to hold its defensive lines and to suppress the enemy while enhancing Ukrainian military capabilities in the air, at sea and on land.

He said he expected the F-16 fighter jets to be delivered "hopefully very, very soon".

Asked how many Kyiv expected to receive, he said, in English: "We need as much as we may get."

"At this stage, we are focused on training our personnel ... pilots, we are focused on infrastructure, we are focused on bringing operational and maintenance teams and we are working on modernisation or bringing on more platforms."

He said Ukraine was also continuing to step up its own production of weapons and drones, as well as its electronic warfare capabilities.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash; editing by Tom Balmforth and Kevin Liffey)
ISLAMABAD, May 28 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and several others injured in a collision between two vehicles in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, police said on Tuesday.

According to the local police, the unfortunate incident happened on the Ring Road in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP province.

Police officials said that two cars collided due to speeding, killing four persons on the spot while injuring several others. One of the injured succumbed to his injuries on the way to a nearby hospital.

Following the accident, police and rescue workers reached the site and shifted the injured to local hospitals.

Road crashes frequently happen in Pakistan, mainly due to poorly maintained vehicles, dilapidated roads and negligence of road safety measures. 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (R) shake hands Tuesday after signing a multi-billion-dollar long-term bilateral defense agreement, the latest in a string of security accords with Western allies. Photo by Olivier Matthys/EPA-EFE

May 28 (UPI) -- Belgium inked a 10-year bilateral defense deal Tuesday to provide Ukraine $1 billion in military assistance in 2024 and 30 U.S.-made F-16 fighter aircraft over the next four years with the first jets shipping in coming months.

The agreement "guarantees Belgium's timely security assistance, modern armored vehicles and equipment to meet Ukraine's air force and air defense needs, naval security, mine clearance, participation in the artillery ammunition coalition, and military training," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X.

The deal also provides for defense industrial cooperation, support for Ukraine's Peace Formula, strengthening of sanctions against Russia, compensating damages, bringing Russia to justice, use of frozen Russian assets and economic reconstruction.

"Ukraine and Belgium will also deepen their cooperation in intelligence, cyber security, and countering disinformation. Belgium also expresses support for Ukraine's future EU and NATO membership," Zelensky said.

"I thank Prime Minister De Croo, his government and all Belgians for their unwavering and long-lasting support for Ukraine."

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said the security cooperation agreement would help provide Ukraine with the right tools to protect its citizens over the long term.

"We are very determined when it comes to our support. So we need to do more, better and faster," De Croo wrote in a post on X.

Zelensky arrived in Brussels fresh from a visit to Madrid where on Monday he secured another $1 billion commitment from the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez "to provide Ukraine with the capability "to prioritize its capacities, including its air defenses".

Welcoming Zelensky, Sanchez told him his visit provided Spain the opportunity to demonstrate "our firmest commitment to Ukraine" in all areas from defense and security to peace and reconstruction.

"These are our priorities, which will guide our joint efforts. Ukraine can count on Spain in its fight for peace and in the defense of all the values and principles that unite us," Sanchez said in a post on X.

He added that Spain had already committed to supplying Patriot air defense missiles [missiles only and not the whole system] and said it would also send more Leopard tanks "and above all ammunition".

The deal is over 10 years and is for $1 billion of military aid in 2024.

The deals are the latest among a line of European nations including Britain, France and Germany to sign bilateral security pacts with Kyiv in the absence of a European Union-wide approach which is being blocked by Hungary.

A new $5.4 billion Ukraine Assistance Fund package agreed in March is reportedly being obstructed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The UAF is being paid for through the $18.5 billion European Peace Facility, a military and assistance funding mechanism created by the bloc in March 2021 charged with preventing conflicts and strengthening defense.

EU member states have given Ukraine around $30 billion in military support since Russia's full-scale invasion in Feb. 2022, with around $6.6 billion of the funds coming via the EPF.

Zelensky has also been using his European visit to lobby for more countries to attend an upcoming peace summit in Switzerland that Bern agreed to host back in January.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Sanchez on Monday Zelensky said 90 countries had now committed to participate and that he was working to get more world leaders, including the United States and China, on board.

"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 -- please, show your leadership in advancing peace," he said in a post on X.

"Real peace, not just a pause between the strikes.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."
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro signed an agreement on regional cooperation between the two countries in Lisbon on 28 May.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the Portuguese edition of SAPO

Details: The 10-year agreement between Zelenskyy and the Prime Minister of Portugal was signed at the latter's official residence in Lisbon.

The statement says that Portugal confirms its support for reforms in Ukraine in preparation for its membership to the European Union and NATO, specifically strengthening economic and commercial links, "which lead to a gradual rapprochement of Ukraine with the internal market of the European Union."

Quote: "The future of Ukraine is in NATO. Ukraine has made significant progress on the path of reform and will join NATO in the future, when the allies agree and the conditions are met," the document says.

Portugal also confirmed that it would continue to provide military aid to Ukraine so that it could exercise its legitimate right to self-defence while also protecting and restoring its territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders.

Luis Montenegro said during a news conference that Portugal has provided Ukraine with 1,000 tonnes of military assistance since Russia's full-scale invasion began.

Portugal is the twelfth country with which Ukraine has inked a security cooperation pact intended to provide long-term assistance.

On 27 May, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, arrived in Spain on his first official visit, where he and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez signed a security cooperation agreement. The next day, he arrived in Belgium, where he also signed an agreement on cooperation in security.

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Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, speaks to the media upon his arrival to attend the EU defence ministers meeting. Francois Lenoir/European Council/dpa

European Union defence ministers on Tuesday agreed five broad priorities for Europe's defence, including support for Ukraine.

The "EU's unwavering support to Ukraine" is the first priority mentioned in the member states' announcement, which was agreed at a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels on Tuesday. "The EU will use all tools at its disposal," a press release said.

Among these tools is an off-budget fund called the European Peace Facility, under which the EU has pledged 5 billion ($5.4 billion) worth of military aid to Ukraine. However, payments are being held up by Hungary. Each EU member state has a veto over the legislation required to begin payments.

"This delay can be measured in terms of human lives," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday, after a meeting of EU foreign ministers. "We have agreed that the Hungarian contribution to the European Peace facility will not be used to supply military support to Ukraine."

The Dutch government announced on Tuesday that it will lead an initiative among some European countries to supply a Patriot air defence missile system to Ukraine.

"Ukraine, of course, is still under attack. Airstrikes continue," said Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren as she arrived at the defence ministers' meeting. "Patriot systems are scarce in Europe and NATO, but we are now taking a step forward, so we will supply components of Patriot systems," she said.

A press release from the Dutch Ministry of Defence said "the Netherlands has identified which countries could offer additional Patriot parts and munitions" in order to deliver a complete system to Ukraine. It does not mention which countries are involved.

Jens Stoltenberg, secretary-general of the NATO military alliance, said air defence is the "most urgent need." He said EU countries are "stepping up the delivery of ammunition, air defence systems, and in particular, the most advanced ones, the Patriot systems." Stoltenberg took part in the defence ministers' meeting on Tuesday.

Next on the defence ministers' priority list is strengthening the EU's industrial capacity to produce armaments and defensive technologies. The declaration "stresses the vital need to improve access to public and private finance" for the European defence industry.

In March, the European Commission proposed a 1.5 billion plan to strengthen Europe's armaments industry, in order that it might be better equipped to defend itself and to arm Ukraine.

Third on the list is allowing the EU itself to do more in the domain of security and defence policy, which is mostly a national matter. The EU points to the recently-launched EU naval mission ASPIDES, which aims to protect commercial shipping from attacks by Houthi militants operating in the Red Sea.

Fourth is bolstering the EU against hybrid warfare, such as foreign disinformation and cyber warfare.

Fifth, defence ministers want to see the EU "strengthen, deepen and expand" defence partnerships with organizations such as the UN and NATO.

Ministers also agreed to renew existing sanctions against the regime of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria, extending the expiry date by another year to June 1, 2025. The sanctions target 316 people and 86 organizations.

Defence Ministers of EU states take their seats during a meeting. European Union defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss military aid to Ukraine, as well as efforts to strengthen Europe's defence industry. Francois Lenoir/EU Council/dpa
Key updates on May 28:

Belgium signs security deal with Ukraine, pledges $1 billion in aid this year

Zelensky arrives in Portugal, signs bilateral security deal

Sending troops to Ukraine 'shouldn't be ruled out,' Polish FM says

WSJ: Russia aims to produce 6,000 Shahed-type drones a year in Tatarstan

Czechia backs Ukraine striking Russian soil with Western-provided weapons

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement in Brussels on May 28, the Presidential Office announced.

Belgium becomes the 11th country to sign such a deal, along with Spain, the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, and Latvia.

Zelensky arrived in Belgium one day after his trip to Spain, where he signed the security agreement with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Under the agreement, Belgium will allocate at least 977 million euros (around $1 billion) in military aid for Ukraine in 2024.

The document also says that Belgium will supply Kyiv with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028, with the first planes expected to arrive already this year.

The country announced in 2023 it would supply Kyiv with its F-16 jets but the exact number was unclear until today. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway also pledged to donate their F-16s to bolster Ukraine's Air Force.

Apart from the fighter jets, the agreement focuses on Ukraine's other key needs, including air defenses, artillery, and armored vehicles, De Croo said during a press conference after the signing ceremony.

The two parties agreed to cooperate in the defense industry, intelligence, cyber security, and countering disinformation.

The Western European country further pledged support for Ukraine's peace formula, EU and NATO aspirations, sanctions against Russia, compensation for war damages, bringing the aggressor to justice, and using seized Russian assets for Ukraine's needs.

"Today Belgium signs an agreement on security cooperation and long-term support with Ukraine," De Croo said on X.

"President... (Volodymyr Zelensky,) you need the right tools to protect your citizens. We are very determined when it comes to our support."

"I thank Prime Minister De Croo, his government, and all Belgians for their unwavering and long-lasting support for Ukraine," Zelensky said.

Read also: Ukraine, Spain sign bilateral security agreement

Zelensky arrives in Portugal, signs bilateral security deal

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said at a news conference on May 28 that they had signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement.

Portugal becomes the 12th country to sign such a deal, along with Belgium, Spain, the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, and Latvia.

Under the agreement, Portugal will allocate at least 126 million euros ($137 million) in military aid for Ukraine in 2024.

The document also says that Lisbon confirms its participation in the F-16 and naval capabilities coalitions, as well as programs for artillery ammunition procurement, mine clearance, and maritime security.

The two parties agreed to cooperate in the defense industry, intelligence, cyber security, and countering disinformation.

This is Zelensky's first visit to Portugal since he took office in 2019. Zelensky is also expected to meet Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Souza and Ukrainian refugees.

The trip had originally been scheduled for mid-May but, according to CNN Portugal, the change in plans was forced by the "serious internal situation in Ukraine at the moment."

Read also: Belgium to provide Ukraine with 30 F-16 aircraft by 2028, first to arrive in 2024

Sending troops to Ukraine 'shouldn't be ruled out,' Polish FM says

Poland should not rule out sending its troops to Ukraine, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in an interview with the newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza published on May 28.

The notion of Western troops being sent to Ukraine has been hotly debated since French President Emmanuel Macron said that Western military presence in Ukraine cannot be "ruled out" in the future.

The U.S. and multiple European allies, as well as NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, have distanced themselves from Macron's statement.

"We should not rule out any option. Let (Russian President Vladimir) Putin guess what we will do," Sikorski said in answer to Gazeta Wyborcza's question about the possibility of sending Polish troops to Ukraine.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, in turn, said that Finland is not considering sending its troops to Ukraine, the Finnish outlet Yle reported on May 27.

Stubb's announcement came after a Der Spiegel article from May 26 said that Baltic states and Poland consider sending their troops to Ukraine if Russia achieves a breakthrough.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also reiterated the president's stance. Orpo told Yle that he does not consider such a scenario possible for Finland, even if Russia moves deeper into Ukraine.

The prime minister added that Finland agreed to support Ukraine on the conditions established by Ukrainian authorities. Those include weapons supply and military training as of now, according to Orpo.

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said earlier that the idea of sending Western troops to Ukraine has not advanced either in Estonia or at the EU level since "there is no clear understanding among the allies what it would bring."

Some NATO member states were also discussing the possibility of sending military instructors or contractors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian troops and assist with equipment repairs, the New York Times reported in mid-May.

Read also: Estonian PM: NATO training soldiers in Ukraine wont escalate war

WSJ: Russia aims to produce 6,000 Shahed-type drones a year in Tatarstan

Russia plans to produce 6,000 Shahed-type drones per year at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on May 28, referring to a contract leaked by the Prana Network hacker group.

The Russian military has been using cheap but effective drones to attack Ukraine since the fall of 2022. Western media, such as the New York Times, has reported the cost of each Shahed-136 drone to be as low as $20,000.

Russia is reportedly ramping up domestic production of its own version of Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones, relying on Chinese components and Iranian technologies.

Moscow signed a deal with Tehran to build the domestic drone plant in late 2022 in Tatarstan, obliging to partly pay $1.7 billion in gold bars, the WSJ said.

The terms of the deal were revealed in February by the Prana Network, which claimed to break into email servers associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Russia aims to reach the production level of 6,000 Shahed attack drones a year at the Alabuga facility, while the factory was already ahead of its production schedule in April, the WSJ said. It has produced 4,500 Shaheds, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Russian personnel are currently learning to operate the drones in Syria with instructors from both the Revolutionary Guard and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, according to Ukraine's military intelligence and a former Syrian officer with conflict-monitor group Etana.

The factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone also produces reconnaissance drones, such as the M3 Albatross, which have collected detailed photographic intelligence on Ukrainian positions and movements on the front line.

The domestic-produced drones also helped to repel Ukrainian attempts of incursion into Belgorod Oblast on the countries' shared border, the manufacturer claimed.

Russia yet needs skilled workers to assemble drones to ramp up its production further, the WSJ said. Moscow started to recruit specialists from Africa , mainly young female students, according to the outlet.

Russian businesses offered African students a skilled job paying three times the wage at home, with airfare, free accommodation, and a university diploma to join the work-study program.

Over a thousand women have gone to the Alabuga free zone from all over Africa, while an additional thousand students will likely join in 2024, the WSJ said, citing Ugandan officials.

The Ukrainian military regularly attacks Russian facilities in the Tatarstan Republic.

In April, Ukrainian forces struck production facilities in Yelabuga, where the Alabuga Special Economic Zone is based, and Nizhnekamsk. The targets were an oil refinery and a manufacturing facility for the Shahed-type attack drones.

Soon after, on April 17, a factory in Tatarstan producing bomber aircraft for the Russian military was also attacked by Ukrainian drones, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) source told the Kyiv Independent.

Another Ukrainian attack against Russia's Tatarstan Republic was carried out on May 23.

Read also: Explainer: Irans cheap, effective Shahed drones and how Russia uses them in Ukraine

Czechia backs Ukraine striking Russian soil with Western-provided weapons

The Czech government supported allowing Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia using Western arms, the Czech Press Agency (CTK) reported on May 28, citing Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

U.S. officials, as well as German ones, have repeatedly said that they do not support or encourage Kyiv's strikes with the Western-supplied arms inside Russia.

The tide nonetheless appears to be shifting amid arguments 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 early May.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was one of the latest high-profile Western leaders to call for an end to the ban.

Fiala backed Stoltenberg's call, describing the Ukrainian position as "simply logical."

"As a country under attack, Ukraine certainly has every right to use all means of defense," Fiala said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky urged on May 26 Ukraine's partners to allow Kyiv to use Western weapons to strike military targets in Russia.

"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.

Some countries, such as the U.K., Lithuania, Sweden, and Finland, have said they do not oppose Ukraine using their arms to strike inside Russian territory.

Read also: Ukraine can use Belgian F-16s only on Ukrainian territory, Belgian PM says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has held a phone conversation with the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, General Wiesaw Kukua.

Source: European Pravda, quoting Syrskyis post on Facebook.

Syrskyi said they discussed the current situation on the battlefield, the needs of the Ukrainian army, and issues related to the training of Ukrainian soldiers. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine noted that the Ukrainian side is ready to share with their Polish counterparts the experience gained by the Defence Forces during combat operations.

Quote: "I once again personally thanked General Kukua and the Polish people for their strong support in resisting Russian aggression," Syrskyi concluded.

Background:

Earlier, Syrskyi stated that France is ready to send its instructors involved in the training of Ukrainian military personnel directly to Ukraine. The first of them will soon arrive to familiarise themselves with the capabilities of Ukrainian training centres.

However, the French Ministry of Armed Forces stated that the deployment of French military instructors to Ukraine for training servicemen is still under consideration.

In mid-May, The New York Times reported that some NATO member countries were privately discussing the possibility of sending military instructors or contractors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian soldiers and assist with equipment repairs.

Last week, Charles Brown, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that currently the US is not going to send its instructors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian soldiers.

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Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euroatlantic Integration for Ukraine, has discussed potential decisions of the NATO Summit in Washington, which will guarantee irreversibility of Ukraines NATO membership, with Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General.

Source: European Pravda; the press service of the deputy prime minister

Details: In the context of the expectations from a future summit in Washington in July 2024, Stefanishyna stated that Ukrainian representatives will work on finalising documents on equal footing with its allies for the first time thanks to the Ukraine-NATO Council format.

"Today, we also discussed potential decisions which would guarantee the irreversibility of Ukraines NATO membership. Military and financial commitments of the Alliance were discussed, as Ukraines existence itself must be protected with decisive actions," she stressed.

Stoltenberg stressed that increasing the Allies support for Ukraine and its stability remain the urgent priority, and a range of the summits decisions will be directed at strengthening the defence capabilities of Ukraine through improving the coordination of contributions of the international partners.

Stefanishyna informed Stoltenberg about the complicated situation on the Kharkiv and Sumy fronts, where frontline cities suffer from the Russians unprecedented cruelty on a daily basis.

"Our urgent military needs remain unchanged  these are air defence systems, the F-16 fighter jets, ammunition, long-range artillery, armoured equipment and other necessary things," Stefanishyna stressed.

She noted that three to seven Patriot anti-aircraft systems would allow Ukraine to strengthen the security of peaceful cities and protect its power system.

Stefanishyna also participated in the UkraineNATO Council meeting which was held in Brussels on 28 May.

Background:

Stoltenberg stated at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on 27 May in Sofia that he was waiting for the agreement on strengthening NATOs role to facilitate a more stable arms supply for Ukraine to be finalised before the summit in Washington.

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The first official photos have appeared showing a Soviet-era ground-based air defense system upgraded with Western surface-to-air missiles  a so-called FrankenSAM. The images, published by Ukraines Operational Command East, show a tracked self-propelled Buk-M1 system  known in the West as SA-11 Gadfly  which is said to have been adapted to fire the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow, a missile that previously provided point defense for numerous NATO and allied warships.

The first official photos have appeared showing a Soviet-era ground-based air defense system upgraded with Western surface-to-air missiles  a so-called FrankenSAM. The images, published by Ukraines Operational Command East, show a tracked self-propelled Buk-M1 system  known in the West as SA-11 Gadfly  which is said to have been adapted to fire the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow , a missile that previously provided point defense for numerous NATO and allied warships.

Its worth noting that the Buk/Sea Sparrow complex is not the only such FrankenSAM to have been developed, but its the first one that has been officially unveiled as such.

A photo of the Buk/Sea Sparrow FrankenSAM and its crew, published on the Facebook page of Ukraines Operational Command East. Operational Command East

Covered by camouflage netting, it nonetheless appears as though the RIM-7 missiles (likely four in total) are loaded in box-type launchers. A previous video, taken from a Russian drone, and embedded below, claimed to show the destruction of one of the Buk FrankenSAMs and seemed to reveal a similar four-missile arrangement, but its precise identity cannot be confirmed.

https://www.twitter.com/clashreport/status/1788980638600556954

The use of container launchers for the missiles would mean that only the navalized RIM-7 can be loaded. These missiles feature folding fins, unlike their air-launched AIM-7 counterparts. It is possible we could see an external carriage version that utilizes the AIM-7, as well.

Back in January 2023, TWZ reported on how Ukraine was set to receive an undisclosed number of radar-guided RIM-7 missiles, to be integrated onto the Ukrainian Armed Forces existing Buk air defense systems. The missiles were part of the same U.S. aid package for Kyiv that also included M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles .

Even then, however, there were reports that Ukraine had already succeeded in integrating the U.S.-made missiles into its Buk system. No further details of this bit of battlefield innovation were provided. There is a possibility, however, that the integration was informed by previous efforts to create a hybrid system of this kind.

Past initiatives have been made to convert the Buks predecessor, the 2K12 Kub (SA-6 Gainful) to fire the original Sparrow and/or Sea Sparrow missiles. Around 2008, the Polish defense contractor Wojskowe Zakady Uzbrojenia, or WZU, displayed a Kub system that had been adapted to fire RIM-7 missiles. The system is not known to have found any customers, but Warsaw and Kyiv have a close military relationship that has included the supply of Soviet-era Polish air defense systems to Ukraine.

In the Czech Republic, the Retia defense company developed a Kub upgrade that added three Aspide 2000 missiles in launch containers. The Aspide 2000 is an Italian-made SAM derived from the same AIM-7E that was used as the basis for the original RIM-7 Sea Sparrow. One Aspide 2000 battery has also been supplied to Ukraine by Spain for the defense of static objectives, and its possible that there could be some crossover between this and the adapted Buk.

The U.S. has direct experience with Soviet air defense systems , which also could have played a key role in clandestinely adapting the RIM-7 to the SA-11.

The RIM-7 has meanwhile seen operational service in earlier ground-based applications, including with Egypt , Greece , and Taiwan, although these have been for defending fixed installations, not like the highly mobile Buk or Kub.

You can read our previous analysis of the implications of the Buk/Sea Sparrow combination here , suffice it to say that the system will share many of the same disadvantages of the original naval point-defense system, including relatively short range and a limited capacity to deal with fast and agile targets.

A RIM-7 is launched from a Sea Sparrow system aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) during a missile exercise. U.S. Navy

In maritime use, the range of the basic Sea Sparrow is limited to around 12 miles, although most engagements would be at a shorter range. In a land-based adaptation, its likely that the Buk/Sea Sparrow is being used to provide localized defense against subsonic cruise missiles and drones, as well as battlefield helicopters and low-flying manned aircraft. Photos published by Operational Command East, alongside those of the Buk/Sea Sparrow, show the wreckage of a Russian drone, apparently an Orlan type, but its not clear whether this system was responsible for bringing it down.

An air defense operator from Operational Command East, posing with the wreckage of a Russian drone. Operational Command East

Operational Command East

We also dont know exactly how many Buk-M1 systems are still available to Ukraine out of the reported 72 examples available when Ukraine entered the war. But with no more examples available for transfer from NATO nations, the Sea Sparrow  which should exist in plentiful numbers  is a good way to mitigate the depleting stocks of the original 9M38 missiles. These missiles offer a greater range than the RIM-7  around 22 miles  and improved high-altitude performance.

A Ukrainian Armed Forces Buk-M1 system seen prior to the current conflict. Ukrainian Ministry of Defense

Despite its likely limitations, with Ukraine in dire need of additional ground-based air defense capacity, every little helps. At this stage, there is no official comment on how the Buk/Sea Sparrow is being used and how effective its been. But this is a highly intriguing program and one that well continue to watch with interest.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Screenshot: video by Command of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Soldiers of the 79th Separate Air Assault Tavriia Brigade have rebuffed another attempt by Russian troops to seize positions near Novomykhailivka, Donetsk Oblast.

Source: Command of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "The paratroopers of the 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade are disrupting the enemys plans to seize Ukrainian positions near Novomykhailivka.

Once again, the Russians attacked the area with their equipment and once again were defeated: two tanks and six armoured vehicles with enemy infantry remained on the battlefield, never reaching our positions.

More than 80 people who wanted to earn two hundred thousand roubles by killing Ukrainians were sent straight to hell by the Tavriia paratroopers."

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Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has outlined the three topics raised at an informal meeting of some of Kyiv's allies  the leaders of Czechia, Poland, Latvia, Denmark and the Netherlands and a representative of the US  in Prague on 28 May.

Source: European Pravda, citing the Ukrainian government

Details: Shmyhal said the meetings attendees discussed the Czech initiative to supply Ukraine with artillery ammunition, which has already raised more than 1.6 billion, and agreed on the need for the shells to be delivered as soon as possible.

The second issue was the provision of air defence systems for Ukraine, including Patriots, and the delivery of F-16 fighter jets, which Kyiv expects to receive this summer.

The allies also discussed how to assist Ukraine's defence industry, including setting up joint ventures, "transferring technologies, constructing new businesses in Ukraine, and financing Ukrainian manufacturing".

Shmyhal also thanked the European Union for setting up the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility (which has not yet been launched due to Hungary's veto) and discussed the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland with the allies.

Quote: "I am confident that our high-level talks today will have a very positive outcome for Ukraine on the battlefield and in terms of achieving a just peace," he concluded on Telegram.

Background:

Earlier, European Pravda reported that Czechia had arranged a meeting between the leaders of some of the countries taking the lead in supplying weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which would focus on the supply of ammunition and permission to hit targets in Russia.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced at this forum that the first batch of artillery shells to be supplied under the Czech-led initiative would arrive in Ukraine "in the coming days".

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hold a joint press conference at La Moncloa Palace following their talks. Carlos Lujan/EUROPA PRESS/dpa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will sign a security pact with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Tuesday, the government in Brussels has announced.

On Monday, Zelensky signed a bilateral security agreement with Spain, which provided more than 1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) in aid for Kiev, including anti-aircraft missiles, Leopard tanks and ammunition.

Zelensky is scheduled to visit Melsbroek military airport to be briefed on the preparations for Belgium's delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

Belgium is one of the countries that pledged to provide aircraft to Ukraine, which has been under attack from Russia since the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The security agreement goes back to a decision by NATO heads of state and government at a summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius in July.

It was agreed there that the individual member states would conclude bilateral agreements to ensure Ukraine's long-term security.

Britain, Germany and France reached an agreement with Kiev in January and February.

The agreements ensure that Ukraine will receive arms supplies and financial aid to help bridge the gap until the country's intended accession to NATO.

Germany promised Ukraine that it would continue and expand its military support, including further arms deliveries and the training of Ukrainian soldiers.

The United States and Ukraine have not yet finalized their negotiations.
PHNOM PENH, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Pakistan on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of a joint trade committee.

The deal was inked in Phnom Penh between Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul and Pakistani Ambassador to Cambodia Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem, said a news release from Cambodia's Ministry of Commerce.

"This MoU will significantly contribute to the elevation of the two countries' relations, particularly on trade and economic cooperation," Nimul said at the event.

"The joint trade committee established under this memorandum will serve as a mechanism that allows both sides to explore ways to create favorable conditions for businesses and investors and to diversify economies, expand production bases, and foster bilateral trade," she added.

Under the MoU, both countries will work together and actively engage the private sectors, including chambers of commerce and business associations, to promote trade and economic activities, the news release said.

The two sides will exchange information on trade, promote small and medium enterprises, and boost mutual exports, it added. 
Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo (R) receives Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) ahead of their meeting. Zelensky is visiting Belgium to sign a bilateral security agreement in Brussel. Pool Didier Lebrun/Belga/dpa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bilateral long-term security pact with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Tuesday in Brussels.

Zelensky announced the pact worth 977 million ($1.06 billion) on the social media platform X. The accord also contains "Belgium's commitment to providing [Ukraine] with support over the course of the agreement's 10-year term," he said.

The security pact "for the first time" details the number of F-16 fighter jets Ukraine is to receive at 30, Zelensky said, with the first arriving this year.

The security agreement goes back to a decision by NATO heads of state and government at a summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius in July.

It was agreed there that the individual member states would conclude bilateral agreements to ensure Ukraine's long-term security.

The agreements ensure that Ukraine will receive arms supplies and financial aid to help bridge the gap until the country's intended accession to NATO.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  An I-M-P-R-E-S-S-I-V-E student from Hampton Roads is competing in the 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee and it isnt his first trip.

Rohith Konduri attends Norfolk Academy. He was the champion of the 2024 WHRO Spelling Bee in Norfolk, competing against more than 50 other spellers. He also took first place in the regional bee last year, which earned him a trip to the National Spelling Bee where he tied for 12th place. In 2022, he came in third in the WHRO bee.

National Spelling Bee competitors try to address weaknesses, including super short, tricky words

According to his National Spelling Bee bio, Rohith has many talents in addition to being a super speller. He plays the piano and saxophone, rows, reads and enjoys sudoku and volunteering.

The 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee has 245 contestants. Spellers represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virginia Islands and DOD schools in Europe. 11 competitors are from Virginia this year, including Rohith. They are vying for more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Dev Shah, a 14-year-old from Florida, became the 2023 National champ after 15 rounds, by correctly spelling the word psammophile.

How to Watch

Who will win this year? Heres how to watch.

All of the rounds are being broadcast on ION platforms. Click here for details on how to watch ion.

National Spelling Bee Schedule

The preliminary rounds began on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC. It takes place all day, from 8 a.m. until 7:40 p.m.

Quarterfinals are held on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. followed by the semifinals the same day, from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m.

The finals are happening Thursday from 8 p.m. until 10 p.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 WAVY.com.
Under the Dome: Why do we have runoff elections, anyway?

Good morning!  Heres what you need to know in North Carolina politics today, from our team and correspondent Stephanie Loder.

AN INDEPENDENT ON THE BALLOT

Danielle Battaglia reports that unaffiliated candidate Shelane Etchison is making North Carolina history.

Etchison, an Army veteran, became the first congressional candidate in modern state history to make it on the ballot as an unaffiliated candidate, according to Chris Cooper, political science professor at Western Carolina University.

She made the decision to run outside the usual party primaries in a district favoring Republicans, and said its partly because of how state lawmakers redrew the 14 congressional districts in North Carolina.

Had she run as a Democrat, she stood little chance to win.

How difficult was it to get on the ballot? Gathering the signatures required for an unaffiliated candidate was no easy task, but Etchison got the job done in less than two months.

Shelane Etchison meets with voters around the district gathering signatures to get on the ballot as an independent congressional candidate.

The required 7,460 residents from her 9th Congressional District  which includes the Army base Fort Liberty and Alamance, Hoke, Moore, Randolph and parts of Chatham, Cumberland and Guilford counties  signed her petition and their signatures were verified.

Etchison faces Republican Rep. Richard Hudson and Democratic challenger Nigel Bristow in November.

THE COST OF RUNOFFS

It cost North Carolina millions to organize and carry out primary election runoffs, reports Kyle Ingram.

The roots of the states runoff elections  which happen when candidates fail to reach a specific percentage of votes  date back to the Jim Crow era, when such moves were made to dilute Black voting, said Cooper.

North Carolina is one of only nine states that have such runoffs, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and South Dakota.

Less than 3% of eligible North Carolina voters participated in a second primary in May.

House Speaker Tim Moore told reporters this month he recognized the primary turnout this month as being anemic but he didnt have a substitute for having a runoff.

Sen. Paul Newton, chair of the Senate Elections Committee, told The News & Observer he is potentially open to the idea of reforming runoffs.

Thats all for today. Check your inbox tomorrow for more #ncpol news.

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.

We want to know what you would like to see in the Under the Dome newsletter . Do you like highlights from the legislature? Political analysis? Do you have a question youd like The News & Observer team to answer? Tell us here. You can also email us at dome@newsobserver.com

Dont forget to follow our tweets and listen to our Under the Dome podcast for more developments.
The incinerator is at the heart of Synagro Technologies' operations at the Woonsocket Wastewater Treatment Facility, burning solidified sludge to produce an ash that is taken to the state Central Landfill. Pictured from left, Karl von Lindenberg process improvement manager for Synagro, and Frank McMahon, a company spokesperson, on a tour on May 25, 2023. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Fifteen months after Woonsocket wastewater treatment plant owners and operators were sued for dumping partially untreated sewage into the Blackstone River, city officials are moving to scale back services.

Which, it appears, will come as a surprise to the affected cities and towns that pay to send their waste to the regional plant, as well as at least one of the state agencies behind the lawsuit.

A resolution unanimously approved by the Woonsocket City Council at a special meeting on May 22 declares the city will eventually stop accepting liquid sludge from other cities and towns and companies, linking this service to ongoing complaints of foul, odious and repugnant odors.

The incineration arm of the city-owned plant  and specifically buildup within the gravity thickener used to treat liquid waste  lies at the heart of a legal complaint filed in Providence County Superior Court in March 2023 by the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. A separate class action lawsuit led by local residents, alleging the smells emanating from the plant have hurt property values and quality of life, was filed in Rhode Island District Court in July 2023. Both cases remain pending, according to court records.

Weve been treated like a red-headed stepchild here in the city, with other municipalities and entities bringing their liquid sludge here, City Councilor Brian Thompson said during the May 22 meeting. This will be a correction for a lot of people that live in the area. Its a quality-of-life issue.

But scrubbing the reputational stain from the Woonsocket Wastewater Treatment Facility could raise a stink among the dozens of cities and towns, as well as private companies, that depend on the plant to treat thousands of gallons of sewage byproducts. Not to mention the private contractor hired to run the incineration arm of the plant, whose profits are directly related to the amount of waste it treats.

Frank McMahon, a spokesperson for Synagro Woonsocket, LLC, the contractor which runs the incineration side of the plant, said in an emailed statement that the company was disappointed with the citys decision.

We understand why the city is taking this action and are gratified that the city understands the need for a reasonable transition period so that Synagro and its customers can work on alternative arrangements, McMahon said.

McMahon did not respond to follow-up questions, including how its customers would react to the citys resolution, or revenue impacts.

Steve DAgostino, Woonsockets public works director, did not expect the news would go over well.

Their customers are going to be shocked, DAgostino said in an interview on May 23. They dont want to do this. There will definitely be some pushback.

The city has not notified any of the affected cities and towns about its plans. The resolution is a preliminary step in what will likely be a yearslong, incremental change, Council President John Ward, who sponsored the resolution, said.

Trucks carrying sludge from other cities and towns across the region bring the soupy sewage byproduct known as sludge to be treated at the Woonsocket Wastewater Treatment Facility. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Now what?

Its also not the citys problem; Synagro, as the contractor providing services to treat liquid waste from outside merchants, is on the hook to let its customers know. The Baltimore-based company, which has 22 non-union workers in Woonsocket, oversees incineration of up to 105 tons of dried waste a day, about 10% of which comes from the Woonsocket plant itself, with the rest trucked in from 30 cities and towns across the region, according to Synagros website.

About half of the trucked-in waste has already been dewatered into solid cakes, which the city would continue to accept and treat. It would also continue treating the 10 million gallons of waste daily coming from the municipal, combined sewer system, which encompasses Woonsocket, North Smithfield, and Bellingham and Blackstone, Massachusetts.

Its the liquid sludge from other municipalities and companies, in need of a costly, smelly and equipment-taxing dewatering, that the city no longer wants a part of.

The lawsuit points to problems in the gravity thickener which treats liquid sludge as the reason why untreated sewage spilled into the Blackstone River in March 2023. The 50-year-old piece of equipment has been shut down since the complaint, with the city spending more than $130,000 a month to rent a temporary substitute from Synagro. Another $3 million worth of repairs to the gravity thickener are underway, expected to be completed by August, DAgostino said.

The city is also considering approving a $30 million borrowing plan to pay for renovations and repairs to the incineration arm of the plant.

Weve been treated like a red-headed stepchild here in the city, with other municipalities and entities bringing their liquid sludge here. This will be a correction for a lot of people that live in the area. Its a quality-of-life issue.

 Woonsocket City Councilor Brian Thompson

Even with a very costly repair job, Ward worried the equipment cant handle the volume of waste without running the risk of more problems, and even more costly lawsuits.

It puts a lot of stress on the operation and has the potential to create very bad situations in terms of the risk of untreated material ending up in the river, he said in an interview on May 23. Its clear that its in the best interest of the city to move toward incinerating only dried cake.

Michael Lepizzera, city solicitor, also hopes the move could help settle the legal complaint, which names the city, Synagro, and Jacobs Engineering Group, a separate company contracted to run the sewage treatment side of the plant, as defendants.

These steps directly alleviate the concerns raised in the lawsuit, he said.

Its not clear that the state agencies suing the plant operators agree with the citys solution. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronhas office declined to comment.

Joe Haberek, surface water protection administrator for the Department of Environmental Management, was unaware of the resolution approved by the council until asked by Rhode Island Current in an interview on May 23. Habereks department has been closely scrutinizing treatment plant activities and water bacteria levels in the wake of the lawsuit.

We would be concerned about that exact notion, he said of the citys resolution to stop accepting liquid sludge. It would be very disruptive, especially if its done too soon.

Karl von Lindenberg process improvement manager for Synagro Technologies, stands beside a rental gravity belt thickener during a tour of the Woonsocket Wastewater Treatment Facility on May 25, 2023. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current

Few options in region

DEM, which sets standards for municipal wastewater treatment, requires Woonsocket to offer contingency plans for its customers if it can no longer perform the agreed-upon services, including treating liquid sludge. That could mean sending the liquid waste byproduct elsewhere, though regional options are scarce: the closest plants are in Cranston or Connecticut, Haberek said.

And at some point after the contingency period ends, the cities and towns that have relied on Woonsocket for years, even decades, to deal with liquid waste are on the hook. That includes nine wastewater facilities in Rhode Island: six municipalities, plus the facilities at Quonset Business Park, Toray Plastics (America) Inc., and Eleanor Slater Hospitals Zambarano campus in Burrillville, according to information shared by Lepizzera.

Lindsay Russell, a spokesperson for Quonset Business Park, confirmed in an email that the business parks wastewater treatment facility sends 400,000 gallons of liquid sludge to Woonsocket each year. Being unable to do so would limit Quonsets sludge-holding capacity, she said.

Christina OReilly, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Administration, said the amount of waste the state sends from the Zambarano hospital to Woonsocket is relatively small  about 8,600 gallons every three months.

We have not received notice of intent to terminate this service; should that be the case the State would then seek to secure a vendor contract for a comparable transport and incineration arrangement with an alternate site, OReilly said in an email on Friday.

The city of Warwick and Toray Plastics were not able to offer comments as of late Friday afternoon. Other affected cities and towns, including Narragansett, East Greenwich, Warren, South Kingstown and Burrillville did not return inquiries for comment.

Ending treatment of outside liquid sludge also means giving up a portion of the revenue the regional plant provides for a cash-strapped city, where nearly 1 in 5 of its 42,000 residents fall below the federal poverty line, according to Census Bureau estimates. The city brings in $3 million in annual host fees from the two contractors plus a share of royalties from incineration up to $600,000 a year, according to contracts previously obtained by Rhode Island Current through a public records request. Woonsocket has its waste treated for free.

Both Ward and Lepizzera declined to share details on the expected revenue loss, citing the pending lawsuit.

But any financial cut pales in comparison to the price the city could pay if equipment failures and lawsuits continue, Ward said. Already, the existing legal complaint comes with up to $35,000 a day in fines, though Attorney General Peter Neronha said previously he was more focused on correcting the problems than imposing fines.

Breaking up: Will it be hard to do?

Recent monthly water quality reports turned into DEM show bacteria levels have remained below the maximum threshold for the most part, according to documents shared by Haberek.

But DAgostino still thinks Synagros performance is lacking.

Lets just say Synagros housekeeping leaves something to be desired, he said. Theyre not taking care of the facility.

He continued, We need to move in a different direction for the quality of life of our residents.

The new direction could mean breaking the existing long-term contracts with both Synagro and Jacobs. Existing agreements wont expire for more than a decade, but city officials have discussed ending them now in order to ink a new deal with a single operator that oversees both sewage treatment and incineration sides of the plant.

Synagro does not have the expertise to take on the wastewater treatment side, automatically taking it out of the running, DAgostino said. He views Jacobs, a Texas-based company which has run the sewage treatment side since 2012, as the ideal operator for the entire plant.

Jacobs did not return multiple inquiries for comment.

The Woonsocket mayors office also did not return calls for comment.

Woonsocket City Council members Valerie Gonzalez, Scott McGee and David Soucy did not attend the councils May 22 meeting.

The post Under pressure from AG, Woonsocket officials look to cut ties with liquid waste customers appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
For many parents, leaving their babies at nursery is simply a necessity that allows them to get to work. Step one, of course, is to find a place  something Labour says it will make easier with its promise to create 3,300 new nurseries using empty primary school classrooms, funded by its VAT raid on private schools.

But fundamentally, what every parent wants from their chosen setting is a safe environment with good food and sensible, caring adults who will attend to their needs.

Recent, high-profile cases of nursery workers convicted for abuse of babies and toddlers have played on some of parents worst fears about entrusting their children to strangers.

Last month, Kate Roughley, the deputy manager of Tiny Toes nursery in Stockport, was found guilty of killing nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan, who she strapped to a bean bag face down during naptime. Genevieve was suffocated and pronounced dead later that day. Roughley, 37, was jailed for 14 years for manslaughter.

This case is so extreme, so upsetting, that it risks shining an unduly harsh light on the early years system in the UK. Ultimately, the vast majority of nurseries safely shepherd their young charges up to school age with all the picture-painting and tricycle-riding youd expect.

Nursery worker Kate Roughley was found guilty of killing baby Genevieve Meehan - Ioannis Alexopoulos

But the recent stories have highlighted the tightrope being walked by ministers as they seek a balance between the provision of affordable care that frees up parents to get to work, on the one hand, and ensuring that nurseries are safe and meet high standards, on the other. In the UK, this balancing act is brought into sharp focus by the fact that British parents bear the burden of some of the most expensive childcare in the developed world. Labour said on Sunday that it would target its new school nursery places in areas of highest need, where parents are struggling to find childcare.

Mum-of-three Sophie Gridley moved from Paris to the UK with her husband and three young children in January this year. Everyone says it, but the cost is the key thing, she says. She pays a crippling 2,600 per month for her 18-month-old twins to attend a south London nursery four days per week. In Paris, the bill was half this and included weekly visits from a paediatrician, as the amount you pay for early years childcare is means tested. According to OECD data, childcare represents 25 per cent of an average couples wage compared with 12 per cent in France.

In comparison, British nurseries seem to be falling behind on quality of facilities. In France, the focus was on child development, rather than nursery just being a place to leave your children, Gridley says. She was struck by the level of investment in the nursery her children attended. Every toy was brand new, sparkling clean, the building was beautiful they even had a child psychologist who visited every month.

Thats not to say the grass is always greener. Gridley says she has never felt uncomfortable dropping her children off at nursery in the UK, but in Paris, she sometimes worried about the large number of children each nursery worker was responsible for.

The cost [in the UK] generates the headlines, but I dont think we would be so comfortable here with the ratios they have in France, she says. Sometimes I would drop my twins off and there would be one adult and about eight one-year-olds. Sometimes that meant, especially when they were still getting used to nursery, that I wasnt comfortable leaving them.

Parents and practitioners broadly agree that the primary issue is not safety but affordability and staffing. British nurseries are in the midst of a staffing crisis. About 10,000 people in England left jobs in early years childcare between 2019 and 2023, representing a three per cent fall.

Our research shows there are three main reasons why people are leaving the sector or considering leaving the sector, says Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance. The first is the feeling of being undervalued. Despite doing important work, nursery workers are poorly paid and feel they have few opportunities for training and professional development. Those who do receive further training tend to move into schools, environments which value them and are able to pay them more, says Leitch. The second is exhaustion and the third, of course, is pay. The majority of our people are earning minimum wage, Leitch says. The average hourly pay for a nursery practitioner is 11.84, just a fraction above the National Living Wage.

According to data from the Early Years Alliance, eight in 10 nurseries are struggling to recruit and retain staff, and those who remain are expected to provide the same quality of care to more and more children.

The childcare ratios were changed in Britain in September last year in a policy shift first proposed by Liz Truss in 2013. The national mandatory ratio for two-year-olds is 1:5  one adult to five children  and this was raised from 1:4 (for under-twos it has remained 1:3). This gives Britain a lower ratio than comparable European countries (in the Netherlands, for example, it is 1:6; in France it is 1:8 or 1:12), which is one of the reasons why staff are so badly paid; the money for salaries has to be shared out among a greater number of employees.



But nurseries say this ensures a higher quality of care and opposed the change in the ratios last year. Childcare providers do not want to reduce the quality of provision they offer two-year-olds who need more support than ever, not less, said Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, at the time. Their staff are already stretched and pressured due to the workforce crisis and expanding the ratios could potentially have a negative impact on child safety.

The relaxation of the ratio has done nothing to either reduce nursery fees or improve staff pay or staff retention. In the 2023 Spring Budget, the Government unveiled three major expansions to funded childcare: from April this year, eligible working parents of two-year-olds gained access to 15 funded hours of childcare per week; in September this year, this will (in theory) expand to include children aged nine months and up; and in September 2025, the offer will increase to 30 hours. But staffing shortages will continue to have a knock-on effect on these free funded nursery places.

The expansion of free hours is good news for parents but, given nursery workers are leaving in their droves, the sector will struggle to meet demand  leaving many parents in the position of being unable to find a suitable nursery place at all. Only 27 per cent of local authorities are confident they can meet demand for the September 2024 expansion, according to the childcare charity Coram, and only 12 per cent are confident they will have capacity to meet demand for the next expansion in 2025.

Funding is a headache for nurseries, too. Although they have received a funding boost for the expansion of funded hours, they receive 5.62 per hour for three- and four-year-olds, which some providers say falls significantly short of the true cost. In December 2018, the Early Years Alliance filed a Freedom of Information request to the Department of Education which found that the Government predicted that, by 2020, it would cost 2bn to fully fund the sector and that doing so would mean a cost of 7.49 per child, per hour. Fast-forward to 2024 they receive just 5.62.

Investment in early childcare would not just improve childrens lives but pay dividends. Sir Keir Starmer said a shortage of childcare meant parents careers were being held back and that children were starting school already behind.

Leitch references the Heckman Curve, a concept developed by the Nobel prize-winning economist Prof James Heckman, which shows that the highest rate of economic return comes from the earliest investments in children and their education. Heckmans research found that there was a 13 per cent return on investment for high-quality early education from birth to age five, based on a wide range of outcomes (including health, crime, income, IQ and schooling). This is significantly higher than the seven to 10 per cent return for preschool programmes for three and four-year-olds.

There is a central paradox in British nursery care. Despite nursery workers being paid a pittance, for parents, our childcare is among the most expensive in the world. OECD data shows that the UK has the third-most expensive full time childcare of any European country, just a hairs breadth behind Ireland and Cyprus (based on a couple earning an average wage).

Last year, the average annual cost of a full-time nursery place for a child under two in the UK had reached 14,836, an increase of 5.9 per cent on the previous year, according to Coram data. The real-life cost is that some parents find themselves pushed out of work as they simply cant afford it. Research from the campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed last year found that 47 per cent of parents say they cannot find suitable or available childcare. The same study found that 76 per cent of mothers who pay for childcare say it no longer makes financial sense for them to work.

One solution is more funding, which Leitch argues is desperately needed. The first few years are critical in terms of shaping a childs life opportunities, he says. High-quality early years education and care should be expensive  it isnt cheap.

But there is also a case for a fundamental shift in how British politicians value early years care. We invest a fraction of what other countries do. We view early years in this country predominantly as a mechanism to get mothers back into the working environment, says Leitch. Rarely do they ever talk about what would be in the best interests of the child.

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Coal fuels much of our electricity. The workers who mine for it put their lives and health at risk.

For decades, President of United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Cecil Roberts has been fighting to protect coal miners. He spoke with our Washington News Bureau as he came to Capitol Hill this month.

Ive been here repeatedly over the years, said Roberts.

For Roberts and his members, a major focus has been combatting black lung  a lung disease caused by inhaling dust.

We know what causes black lung, said Roberts. Weve got to make the mines healthier.

Roberts testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety.

A lot of the testimony focused on concerns with a program Congress created to help miners and their families. The Black Lung Benefits Act from 1976 provides monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung.

But critics argue many miners arent getting the help they should be getting from the fund, and pointed to years of mismanagement.

Its unfair. It needs to be made more fair and thats coming from the heart of a coal miner who has seen too many people die from this, Roberts testified.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) is leading legislation to better help miners. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act is meant to make sure miners who have suffered from black lung and their survivors access the compensation they are entitled to receive.

Caseys questioning highlighted the ongoing problems with the black lung benefits program.

In your experience, do miners with the most serious black lung disease always get the benefits theyve earned? asked Casey.

The short answer is no, replied Dr. Drew Harris, Medical Director of Stone Mountain Black Lung Program.

Its important that this fund remain financially stable, said Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) about the benefits program.

This year, the Biden administration announced a new rule cracking down on silica  a dangerous dust that can lead to black lung disease. Roberts said while the rule is a step in the right direction, he wants Congress to make it permanent.

We need to make this law because when somethings a rule, its not the same as a law, said Roberts. Congress needs to act so the next person who comes in as Secretary of Labor who might disagree with this, [doesnt] put us right back where we were before.
Union employees working for the Department of Natural Resources have voted to endorse the candidate who is running in direct opposition to their current boss in a South Sound congressional race.

DNRs Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and state Deputy Majority Leader Sen. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, are vying for endorsements in their run to represent the 6th Congressional District. Both are Democrats on the August primary ballot, hoping to replace U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, who is not running for re-election.

On Wednesday, the Washington Public Employees Association, which represents DNR staff members, voted to endorse Randall for the congressional seat.

In an emailed statement to McClatchy Thursday, WPEA President Amanda Hacker said too many politicians ignore the needs of working people once they get into office after saying the right things while on the campaign trail, and that not every candidate who says they care about labor values will actually follow through.

We dont normally make endorsements in congressional races, but this race is important to our members in the 6th district: folks who work at libraries, at community colleges, and especially our members at the Department of Natural Resources, she said.

Seamus Petrie, a lobbyist for WPEA, told McClatchy in a phone interview that endorsements from major labor unions in the state are important because they want to make it clear that they absolutely trust Emily Randall to be their pro-labor candidate.

Randall was endorsed by the Washington Federation of State Employees, the largest state workers union in Washington, and which represents other unionized DNR staff members on April 27.

In a May 22 news release, WFSE President Mike Yestramski said they were proud to endorse Randall, who they believe has been a champion for labor in Washington State.

On May 18, Randall also snagged the sole endorsement from the Washington State Labor Councils Committee On Political Education, and according to reporting by the Washington Observer, union workers at DNR made some key arguments for the endorsement for Randall stemming from concerns over worker safety and low morale at the agency.

All of those unions represent DNR employees, meaning that none of the unionized employees under DNR voted to endorse Franz, the boss who runs their agency.

Franz campaign did not provide a statement or comment to McClatchy regarding the endorsements from those organizations.

Franz has a solid list of endorsements of her own as well from organizations such as the Retired Public Employees Council, the Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council, and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

So far, 37 unions in the state have endorsed Franz, but as the Observer reported, they are relatively small membership-wise.

Franz also has the support of Kilmer, as well as Kilmers predecessor, longtime Congressional Rep. Norm Dicks. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards also has endorsed Franz.

Randall and Franz are not the only candidates running for Kilmers seat. Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton, Republican Janis Clark, and Independent J. Graham Ralston also filed to run for the seat earlier this month.

Washington primaries to pick the top two candidates for the November general election will be held Aug. 6.
Captain Theresa Claiborne has etched her name as United Airlines pioneering first Black female pilot in company history. After a distinguished career spanning 34 years, she bids farewell, concluding her journey with a special retirement send-off.

According to WABC, Claiborne piloted her last flight on Thursday, navigating from Lisbon, Portugal, to New Jerseys Newark Liberty International Airport, marking the conclusion of her career in the skies.

Claiborne broke significant barriers throughout her aviation career, notably as the first Black woman pilot hired by the company 34 years ago. Before her commercial pilot career, she served in the military and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1981.

The following year, Clairborne reached a new milestone: She became the first Black woman pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

Moreover, Claibornes mentorship was not just a role she played but a profound influence on the lives and careers of other women of color aspiring to follow in her footsteps. Her guidance shaped their careers and aspirations in aviation, a testament to her impact and influence.

Oh, I guess maybe I did make an impact, and thats important because when you put your heart and soul into something, and it turns out that people appreciated it and people listened and got something out of it, it makes it all the better, Claiborne told WABC.

Despite advances in various industries, the aviation sector remains disproportionately represented. Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that 93.7% of professional pilots are white, and 92.5% are male.

After working for United Airlines for nearly four decades, Claiborne is grateful to have worked for an airline that employs the most Black women.

Its a good company, she told CNN. We have the most women pilots of any major United States carrier, and I believe we still have the most Black women.

Although she is hanging up her wings, Clairborne is confident other women will step in and continue breaking barriers in the industry.

There are a group of women coming up behind me who are members of our organization that are carrying on that legacy, she added.
United Airlines flight bound for Seattle catches fire before takeoff in Chicago

A flight from Chicago to Seattle was aborted Monday after an engine fire.

United Airlines flight 2091 heading to Seattle from Chicago OHare International Airport was set to take off just around 1:30 p.m. CDT (10:30 a.m. PDT).

The Chicago Fire Department and medical personnel met the plane as a precaution.

The Airbus 320 had to be towed back to the gate where all 148 passengers and five crewmembers were able to safely get off the plane.

All arrival flights to OHare were halted around 45 minutes due to the incident.

The passengers were put on another Airbus 320 plane and that flight left OHare just before 7:30 p.m. CDT (4:30 p.m. PDT).

The plane arrived at SEA just after 9:30 p.m. PDT.

KIRO 7 spoke with passengers after they arrived. We will have a live report from SEA on KIRO 7 News at 11p.
MADRID, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Spain will recognize a Palestinian state, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, unified under the Palestinian National Authority and with East Jerusalem as its capital, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Tuesday.

Sanchez made the remarks in a declaration prior to a Council of Ministers (cabinet) meeting, which is set to approve Spain's official recognition of Palestine's statehood.

"It's a historic decision, which has the only goal of helping Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz, the leader of government coalition partner Sumar, also described the day as "historic." Meanwhile, she called for an arms embargo on Israel, saying recognizing Palestine was not enough. 
A University of Florida research employee and students have been implicated in an illegal, multi-million dollar scheme investigated by the Justice Department to fraudulently buy thousands of biochemical samples of dangerous drugs and toxins that were delivered to a campus laboratory then illicitly shipped to China over seven years, according to federal court records.

Among the students tied to the scheme was the president of UFs Chinese Students and Scholars Association. The group openly protested a Florida law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year that limits universities from recruiting students and faculty from China  and bans employing such students from working in academic labs without special permission.

That student, Nongnong Leticia Zheng, confirmed Friday in an interview that a federal prosecutor notified her last year in writing she was the target of a grand jury investigation, and the Justice Department was preparing to seek criminal charges against her. She said she has been assigned a federal public defender, Ryan Maguire of Tampa. She said government agents have threatened to imprison or deport her.

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It wasnt otherwise clear whether the UF research employee or other students  identified in court records as co-conspirators  been charged or arrested yet. The UF employee worked in the stockroom of one of the universitys research labs, prosecutors said.

The materials smuggled to China included what the government described as purified, non-contagious proteins of the cholera toxin and pertussis toxin, which causes whooping cough. Cholera is a generally non-fatal intestinal infection that can cause severe dehydration. Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can lead to violent coughing, vomiting and even respiratory distress  but is preventable with a vaccine.

Other materials smuggled to China in the scheme included small amounts of highly purified drugs  known as analytical samples  of fentanyl, morphine, MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, codeine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, acetylmorphine and methadone, court records showed. Such small samples would generally be used for calibrating scientific or medical devices.

The substances cant legally be exported to China.

Prosecutors described one student involved as a Chinese citizen majoring in marketing in the business college last year, who agreed to change her UF email signature to falsely represent that she was a biomedical engineering student to purchase items without raising suspicions, court records showed. One line across hundreds of pages of court documents in the case cited an excerpt of an email that her first name was Leticia.

FILE  Students walk past the Dodd Hall on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla., Friday April 30, 2015. A University of Florida research employee and students have been implicated in an illegal, multi-million dollar scheme investigated by the Justice Department to fraudulently buy thousands of biochemical samples of dangerous drugs and toxins that were delivered to a campus laboratory then illicitly shipped to China over seven years. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser, file)

Zheng, a senior marketing major in the business school, is president of the Chinese students and scholars group, which describes itself as officially approved by the Chinese embassy. Zheng was enrolled as recently as the spring semester that just ended, university records showed. Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, identified Leticia as Zheng using biographical clues in university records shared by none of the other 58,441 UF students enrolled last semester.

Zheng, who said she lived most of her life in China, said in a tearful interview Friday at her apartment complex she was deceived and victimized by the schemes organizers, who she said solicited help finding paid interns from the Chinese student organization. Foreign students on educational visas are limited in how or whether they can work for pay.

This case seems to be really big, she said. What I was doing was, like, just a little work, and I didnt get paid that much.

Zheng said in hindsight, she noticed red flags such as a lack of paperwork or consistent payments for the administrative work she did. She said she wasnt familiar with the substances she was directed to order. The man described as the schemes ringleader  who has pleaded guilty in the case  reassured her, and she didnt realize she was in trouble until the Justice Department contacted her, she said.

Zheng said she hopes to be allowed to finish her degree and said she doesnt understand how the university didnt have policies in place to protect her.

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I do need help, honestly, she said, adding: I would like to see if theres anything that can help me not get charged and get out of this whole mess.

Earlier this year, Zhengs organization issued a statement calling Floridas new law restricting Chinese students in university labs as nationality-based discrimination and said it violates principles of academic freedom and openness and impedes international exchanges.

The schemes organizers also paid UF students other than Zheng to allow use of their UF email addresses to order the substances, prosecutors said. Organizers paid the UF research employee with Home Depot gift cards worth hundreds of dollars and paid for trips and loans, court records showed. Prosecutors said organizers also used the email addresses of two UF researchers who had already left the university by 2015. They were not described as co-conspirators.

The university said in a statement that it has been cooperating with the Justice Department for weeks but declined to answer directly whether anyone has been fired or kicked out of UF.

We will have more details to share regarding UFs administrative actions as the DOJs criminal case unfolds, spokesman Steve Orlando said. Employees who break the law will be separated from employment, and students who break the law will face suspension.

The scheme ran from July 2016 to May 2023, the government said. Former Republican Sen. Ben Sasse  a leading China hawk on Capitol Hill who once described the threat from Beijing as the defining national-security challenge of our age  took over as the universitys president in February 2022.

The plot was sure to supercharge the raging policy debate over countering Chinas ascension as a global power and curtailing its influence. Florida has already banned TikTok from universities and colleges, and prohibited citizens of China and some other countries from owning homes or purchasing property in large swaths of the state.

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Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the ranking Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee and said to be under consideration by former President Donald Trump to be his running mate, has warned Florida lawmakers about what he called a foreign interference effort by China targeting universities.

The Chinese Students and Scholars Associations faculty adviser, Eric Jing Du, a professor in the UF Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, said Friday in an interview that he was unaware of the criminal investigation and Zheng never told him she was ordering biomedical supplies.

Du  who condemned the plot described in court records  said the two have worked together in the two years he has been the groups adviser. He separately hired her briefly in 2022 to produce some images for an academic proposal, he said.

Its like some UF students are trying to make a profit on this without knowing the potential consequences, he said. Du said he worried investigations like this could lead to further crackdowns against international students. The new Florida law targets students from so-called countries of concern: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria.

This is a very complicated time, Du said. I do know the contributions and hard work of the students from the countries of concern, the vast majority of them are doing the right thing and contributing to UF and Florida. I just hope the decision makers, the leadership, the Legislature wont amplify the impact of this.

The man who prosecutors identified as the schemes ringleader, Pen Ben Yu, 51, of Gibsonton, Florida, near Tampa, has already pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on Aug. 2.

Yu provided Zheng, the UF student, with a credit card to place dozens of fraudulent orders last year, the Justice Department said. At Yus direction, she wrote to the biomedical company that she was working in collaboration with other researchers in biotechnology and requested a good price since we will be purchasing these items routinely, court records showed.

After the biomedical orders arrived at UF, the research employee would bring them or otherwise provide them to Yu, who shipped them to China, prosecutors said. The UF researcher in charge of the lab  which included the stockroom where the supplies were delivered  was not described as a co-conspirator in legal filings.

Ben, I believe I have 35 or 36 boxes for you today, the UF research employee wrote in 2016.

Yu paid for the employees gasoline, $10 for every hour he drove to meet him. I will pump the gas for you at the place where we meet, he told the research employee, prosecutors said. Yu disguised the shipments to China as legal diluting agents, court records showed.

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Faking an affiliation with an academic research lab to obtain controlled biochemical materials, and then sending those materials to China, is not only wrong but illegal, said Matthew S. Axelrod, the assistant secretary for export enforcement in the Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security. He said the criminal investigation should put other universities on alert.

Axelrod called it yet another fact pattern for universities to beware of  the misuse of academic institutions by outsiders who seek to obscure the actual customer of controlled items.

It wasnt clear who Yu was working for in China. In intercepted messages, the government said he referred to his superior only as his boss. Yu and his defense lawyer, Robert Earl Zlatkin of Orlando, did not immediately return a phone message.

A sales executive for Massachusetts-based Sigma-Aldrich Inc., which sold the samples, also has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Gregory Munoz, 45, of Minneola, Florida, west of Orlando, was set to be sentenced July 23. Munoz sold products from the company to several universities in Florida, including UF, court records said.

Yu emailed Munoz in 2020 and said his employer needed 10 boxes of cholera toxin, which he acknowledged was a substance heavily regulated by the U.S. government.

This is the cholera toxin, Munoz replied. Remember, we had issues in the past and they require a lot of documentation signed by the university.

Munoz discovered in December 2022 that his employer was investigating him and warned Yu, who continued to place hundreds of new orders to ship to China in 2023, court records said. Wow, I am really screwed now, Munoz wrote. Anti-bribery, anti-kickback.

Last year, in February, Yu emailed Munoz and asked, Do you still need Leticia to send you this order? Munoz and his lawyer, Fritz J. Scheller of Orlando, also did not immediately return a phone message to Fresh Take Florida.

A third person, Jonathan Rok Thyng, 47, who lived at the same address as Yu in Gibsonton, agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit a federal crime and faces up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors said Thyng ordered some of the biomedical substances and shipped some of the packages to China. He was expected to formally enter his plea June 18.

Thyng and his lawyer, Bjorn Erik Brunvand of Clearwater, also did not immediately return a phone message left by Fresh Take Florida.

Prosecutors said U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized a shipment in April 2023 that Thyng sent from Tampa to China containing biomedical items ordered by the UF marketing student and others.

The Justice Department said orders placed through UF qualified for significant discounts  prosecutors said the schemes organizers paid $4.9 million for $13.7 million worth of biomedical supplies  and included free items and free overnight shipping.

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Prosecutors said in court records they would recommend leniency for Yu, Munoz and Thyng because they promised to cooperate with investigators and accepted responsibility for their crimes. Prosecutors said all are American citizens. The Justice Department asked the judge to order Yu and Munoz each to forfeit $100,000, which it said was how much Yu and Munoz had earned over the years.

The scheme unraveled when the company  known as MilliporeSigma, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany  discovered the ruse involving UF and reported its involvement to the U.S. government. Under new Justice Department rules, such companies that self-report export violations and cooperate can escape prosecution.

The company said in a statement Friday that it fired Munoz and cooperated with investigators to avoid prosecution. This was the first time those rules were applied, the government said.

Because of MilliporeSigmas timely disclosure and exceptional cooperation, a rogue company insider and his accomplice pled guilty to fraudulently diverting millions of dollars worth of biochemicals to China, and the company will not be prosecuted, said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in Washington.

As national security and corporate crime increasingly intersect, companies that step up and own up under the departments voluntary self-disclosure programs can help themselves and our nation, she said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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For the first time in 50 years, the noncommercial Coleman A. Young International Airport (KDET) is expecting major revitalization efforts to fly in soon.

Last year, the city of Detroit obtained approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to institute a 20-year airport development and strategy design plan, allowing the airport to apply for federal funding that would subsidize airport infrastructure upgrades. Now, the city has offered Avflight, KDET's fixed-base operator since 2011, a 30-year leasehold  the first long-term lease in the airport's 97-year history.

Over the past 13 years at Detroit's city airport under short-term leases, Avflight has provided essential services to the airport's flight operations, including fueling, ground handling, and hangar services. But now, as KDET's sole service provider, the 30-year lease gives Avflight new opportunities to invest in the airport, which the company plans to do starting this summer with the construction of a modern terminal covering at least 3,000 square feet and a 15,000-square-foot heated hangar adjacent to the existing terminal.

While the airport stopped regular commercial service when Southwest Airlines pulled out in 1993, the airport maintains its role as a center for corporate and private aviation, pilot training and sustainable aircraft innovation, meaning that improvements and upgrades will drive economic growth for the city and educational opportunities for Detroiters.

Were going to be tearing down 100-year-old buildings and putting up brand new, state-of-the-art facilities, which will be able to put the airport into a very competitive situation with other airports in the area.  Well help be able to drive traffic to this airport as well as potentially future businesses, said Jason Watt, director of the Coleman A. Young International Airport.

A rendering of new facilities at Coleman A. Young International Airport (KDET) upon the airport's new 30-year lease with KDET's fixed base operator, Avflight.

Having successfully completed similar revitalization projects throughout Avflight's 26-location network across North America and Europe, including at Michigans Traverse City (KTVC), Grand Rapids (KGRR), and Willow Run (KYIP) airports, the new structures and infrastructure improvements are expected to greatly enhance the airport's amenities, service and security, transforming the airport into a more appealing option for transient visitors, airport tenants, charter operators and more.

There is so much potential at the Coleman A. Young International Airport, and after several years of hard work, residents and visitors alike will begin to see signs of the enormous change to come as Avflight kicks off construction this summer, said Detroits Chief Operating Officer, Brad Dick, in a news release. I look forward to a few years from now, when Detroit once again has a truly state-of-the-art airport within our city limits.

The upgrades will also bring Davis Aerospace Technical High School back to the airport, said Watt, allowing faculty at the airport to provide flight training to Davis Aerospace students as well as other Detroit public school students.

Additionally, with experience in electric charging stations for aircraft, ground equipment, and personal vehicles within its network, and procuring and handling sustainable aviation fuel, the agreement with Avflight opens the door to more sustainable opportunities. That includes continued work with KDET's Airspace Experience Technologies (ASX) to develop next-generation electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and commercialize them for public use.

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The city recently completed a $350,000 LED taxi lighting upgrade and $3.5 million runway renovation at the airport and plans to begin work on a $1.2 million ramp pavement improvement project and $8.1 million engineered material arresting system, a safety feature to help stop aircraft as they approach the end of the runway.

Other city-planned initiatives include an airport beautification initiative, upgraded snow removal equipment, and the construction of a new control tower with the FAA beginning in 2026, as well as establishing educational and community organizations at KDET to promote and host educational opportunities for Detroiters. In time, proponents hope the airport revitalization project allows the Davis Aerospace Technical High School to move back to the airfield, the city said in a news release.

A rendering of new facilities at Coleman A. Young International Airport (KDET) upon the airport's new 30-year lease with KDET's fixed base operator, Avflight.

Just 6 miles away from Detroit's city center, the airport has long been an important transportation hub for the metro Detroit region, housing public services like Certified Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, Civil Air Patrol, and the Detroit Police Departments aviation unit.

Even as a noncommercial airport, KDET also supports Detroit's economy by facilitating business travel and promoting tourism with tenants like MyFlight Tours Detroit, the city said.

We couldnt be more excited to finally bring this project to fruition, said Avflights Vice President of Operations, Joe Meszaros, in a news release. With its location near the citys business district, and close to many automotive companies and suppliers, our new terminal will provide a shining beacon to welcome commerce to Detroit. It will be a facility citizens can be proud of, and one that will support many livelihoods as we look to double our staff with an increase in traffic, expand our service offerings, and provide greater educational opportunities on the airfield. With the city and Avflights investments, were making significant strides to revitalize Coleman A. Young International Airport, carrying the city into a new generation of aviation.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Upgrades coming to Detroit's city airport in new 30-year lease
$320m US pier in Gaza breaks apart days after supplies began arriving in war-torn region

The temporary pier built off the coast of Gaza by the US military to transport aid into the war-torn region has broken apart, satellite images have revealed.

Heavy seas damaged the pier on Tuesday and sections need rebuilding and repairing, a Pentagon spokesperson said. The pier will be moved to Ashdod, a port in Israel, where repairs will take at least a week.

The damage was first reported by NBC News. The pier consists of a narrow causeway to carry aid to Gaza and a broader area to place supplies transported by ship. Officials said it disconnected on Sunday.

The broader parking area must be connected to the causeway before the pier can be used.

The temporary pier in Gaza built by the US military has broken apart, satellite images show (Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies)

The pier cost $320m and its usage started on 17 May but heavy seas forced a stoppage just a week later. The pier broke apart two days later.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Tuesday that a great deal of humanitarian assistance has been flowing into Gaza.

There has been ... a great deal that has been delivered into the north of Gaza over the past few weeks, something that happened because of the United States intervention, he said. However, he said getting aid into southern Gaza has been a real challenge.

The image provided by U.S. Central Command shows the Trident Pier on the coast of Gaza Strip on May 16, 2024, before it was damaged (AP)

There are a number of things that have made that a challenge, one being the closing of Rafah gate, two being the military ... operations that are taking place there that make it tough, he said.

The temporary pier is located just north of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.

The pier was damaged three days after heavy seas led to two US Army vessels having to beach in Israel, US Central Command said. Another two vessels anchored close to the pier broke free of their moorings and beached in Gaza.

The temporary pier is known as the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS), and can only operate in good conditions  meaning that it can safely be used in at most waves up to three feet and in winds under 15 miles per hour, CNN noted.

Heavy seas meant the pier was delayed for weeks while it awaited better conditions sitting in Ashdod. The US has said that the pier was only intended as an add-on to aid going through traditional land crossings.

This image provided by the U.S. Army shows trucks loaded with humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates and the United States Agency for International Development cross the Trident Pier before arriving on the beach on the Gaza Strip, May 17, 2024 (AP)

The pier was first announced by President Joe Biden during his State of the Union address in March.

A US defense official said a US service member is in critical condition after suffering a noncombat injury on the pier last week, according to NBC.

The damage to the pier comes as a deadly strike in Rafah on Sunday sparked global outcry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that a tragic mishap led to the Israeli strike that set fire to a camp for displaced Palestinians. Local officials said at least 45 people were killed. The Israeli military has said that its investigating the strike.

Israel has come under increasing scrutiny over its war with Hamas, with close allies criticizing the growing number of civilian fatalities.
Protests in Tbilisi as parliament overcomes presidential veto on 'foreign agents' law

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Tuesday condemned a move by the parliament in the South Caucasus state of Georgia to override a presidential veto of a bill on foreign agents, which western nations say is Russian-inspired.

Legislators had voted in the latest step in an affair that has plunged the country into crisis and threatens its historically strong ties with Washington, a major aid donor.

"The United States condemns this action," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told a briefing.

"It is unfortunate that Georgia's leaders are choosing to forego the steps needed to advance Georgia and the western direction that its people want."

The European Union says the measure would set back the country's ambitions to join the bloc.

Tens of thousands of protesters have regularly gathered in central Tbilisi to demonstrate against the law and the ruling Georgian Dream party.

The legislation would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from overseas to register as "agents of foreign influence".

Washington last week introduced new visa restrictions on Georgia and launched a review of bilateral cooperation between the countries.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, David Ljunggren and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Franklin Paul and David Holmes)
Dozens dead in barbaric strike, hundreds of thousands flee, yet White House insists no red line has been crossed in Rafah

The Biden administration said it would continue to support Israels war in Gaza following an Israeli airstrike on a displaced persons camp in Rafah that killed dozens of Palestinians on Sunday and prompted global outrage.

White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said that the deadly strike, and reports that Israeli tanks were moving into center of the city on Tuesday, did not constitute a breach of the red line set by president Joe Biden that would cause him to reconsider his support.

This is an air strike. Its not a major ground operation, he said, adding that the US would await the result of an Israeli investigation.

Graphic videos and photos shared online from the aftermath of the strike showed a person appearing to be burned alive, bodies of women and children who had been burned, and a man holding up the body of a baby who had been seemingly decapitated.

At least 50 Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured in the attack that targeted an area filled with tents, many of which caught on fire, according to the Gaza health authorities.

Witnesses said a further 37 people were killed on Tuesday by Israeli shelling and airstrikes, most of them while they were sheltering in tents in the same area where the deadly strikes on Sunday killed dozens. They also said Israeli tanks had moved into the centre of Rafah.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the US was deeply saddened by the initial strike, adding that the US has reached out to Israel to demand an investigation and raise concerns.

The [Israeli army] is continuing to investigate this matter and has promised that its investigation will be swift, comprehensive and transparent. We will be watching those results closely, he said.

That statement stood in stark contrast to a wave of immediate global condemnation from world leaders, aid groups and concerned citizens over the past few days, while the White House remained largely silent.

French president Emmanuel Macron said he was outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah.

These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians, he added, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip. (Associated Press)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was similarly forceful in his response. I condemn Israels actions which killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict, he said on X. There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop.

The charity ActionAid said its activists witnessed the attack, which it described as an inhumane and barbaric act.

Moamen, 27, who is displaced from the very north of Gaza and was in the camp that was targeted on Sunday, said most of those in the area had been told it was in the humanitarian zone and they had no money to go anywhere else.

I heard three missiles and a huge, very powerful explosion that shook the place. It appears that the rockets used were incendiary, as fires broke out in the area, he said.

It was a terrifying scene. I saw dismembered body parts and charred bodies, very large destruction in the tents of the displaced over a wide area, he added.

The strike came just two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah in a landmark emergency ruling that invoked the Genocide Convention.

The attack is likely to increase pressure on Mr Biden to reevaluate his support for Israels war in Gaza, after vowing to withhold offensive weapons from the longtime US ally if it launched a major operation in Rafah.

Mr Biden has repeatedly expressed his strong opposition to a major offensive in Rafah, which had become the last refuge for more than a million Palestinians who had fled from the war raging in other parts of Gaza. It is also where most aid agencies are operating.

In a March interview with MSNBC , when asked whether an Israeli invasion of Rafah would be a red line for him, he replied: It is a red line but Im never going to leave Israel. The defense of Israel is still critical.

His officials have repeatedly said the US would not support a major military operation in Gazas southern city without a credible ... executable plan to protect civilians.

Mr Kirby was repeatedly pressed by reporters at a briefing on Tuesday to clarify what would constitute a breach of Mr Bidens red line.

Large units, large numbers of troops in columns and formations in some sort of coordinated manoeuvre against multiple targets on the ground. That is a major ground operation, he said.

He also defended the Israeli operation in Rafah as being consistent with a precise and targeted offensive against Hamas that Mr Biden had called for, claiming that the bomb used in Sundays deadly attack was not a big bomb.

Israelis have said they use 37-lb bombs, precision-guided munitions, he said, adding that it was indicative of a limited operation.

The Israeli army quickly claimed response for the attack on Sunday, claiming its air force had struck a Hamas compound with precise ammunition and on the basis of precise intelligence, killing two Hamas officials in the process. But the next day, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a tragic mishap in an address to Israels parliament and promised an investigation.

The Israeli army said Tuesday that it was investigating the possibility that a secondary explosion caused by weapons stored near where the strike occurred may have set tents ablaze. At his briefing, Mr Miller echoed that claim from Israeli forces while explaining that he could not say for sure if it was accurate, or whether Israeli forces could either.
By Trevor Hunnicutt and Katharine Jackson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Tuesday provided the most complete definition yet of what it considers a "major ground operation" in Rafah that could trigger a change in United States policy toward Israel, and said Israel's actions there have not yet reached that level.

"We have not seen them smash into Rafah - we have not seen them go in with large units, large numbers of troops in columns and formations in some sort of coordinated maneuver against multiple targets on the ground. That is a major ground operation. We have not seen that," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at a briefing.

Israel's three-week-old Rafah offensive stirred renewed outrage and prompted an outcry from global leaders after an airstike on Sunday that Gaza officials said killed at least 45 people when a blaze ignited in a tent camp in a western district.

The Biden administration has repeatedly warned Israel against launching a large-scale military offensive in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza packed with refugees who followed Israel's previous orders to evacuate there. President Joe Biden himself publicly warned Israel this month that the U.S. would stop supplying it with weapons if Israeli forces conduct a major invasion there without a credible plan to protect civilians.

Israel told around one million Palestinian civilians displaced by the almost eight-month-old war to evacuate to Al-Mawasi when it launched its incursion in Rafah in early May. Around that many have fled Rafah since then, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA reported on Tuesday.

Asked about reports that Israeli forces have moved into central Rafah, Kirby said "my understanding is, and I believe the Israelis have spoken to this, that they are moving along something called the Philadelphia corridor, which is on the outskirts of the town, not in the town proper."

"We have not seen a major ground operation and these tanks are moving along a corridor that they have told us previously that they would use on the outskirts of the town to try to put pressure on Hamas," Kirby said.

The World Court last week ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on Rafah, in a landmark emergency ruling in South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide.

Israel said it had targeted two senior Hamas operatives in a compound and had not intended to cause civilian casualties.

"I don't know how anybody could dispute that they were trying to go after Hamas in a targeted precise way," Kirby said, adding that the U.S. would wait for the results of Israel's investigation into the incident.

The U.S. is by far the biggest supplier of weapons to Israel, and it accelerated deliveries after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attacks.

Rafah was a major entry point for humanitarian relief before Israel stepped up its military offensive on the Gaza side of the border earlier this month and seized control of the crossing from the Palestinian side.

More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, Gaza's health ministry says. Israel launched its air and ground war 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.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Katharine Jackson. Editing by Heather Timmons and Josie Kao)
Palestinians travel on foot along with their belongings as they flee Rafah due to an Israeli military operation

By Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States expressed deep concern to Israel's government over an airstrike in Rafah and urged an investigation as soon as it saw reports of the incident, the State Department said on Tuesday, adding that Washington will closely watch the results of Israel's probe.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that the military operations that Israel has so far conducted in Rafah have not been as large-scale as the ones it has carried out in central or northern Gaza. The Biden administration has repeatedly warned Israel against launching a large-scale military offensive in Rafah.

The U.S. will continue to emphasize to Israel its obligation to comply fully with international humanitarian law, minimize the impact of its operations on civilians and maximize the flow of humanitarian assistance, Miller said.

Israel's three-week-old Rafah offensive stirred renewed outrage after an airstrike on Sunday ignited a blaze in a tent camp in a western district, killing at least 45 people.

Israel said it had targeted two senior Hamas operatives in a compound and had not intended to cause civilian casualties.

Global leaders voiced horror at the fire in a designated "humanitarian zone" of Rafah where families uprooted by fighting elsewhere had sought shelter.

Miller said Israel should not carry out strikes in the designated safer areas to which they have told people to move, adding that Israel has said that is not what happened.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in Rafah over the weekend," Miller told reporters.

"Israel has a right to go after the Hamas terrorists responsible for the cold-blooded murder of civilians, as appears to have been Israel's game here, and Hamas should stop hiding behind civilians in Gaza. But Israel also has the obligation to do everything possible to minimize civilian harm as it carries out its operations."

Miller also said the humanitarian situation throughout Gaza continues to be incredibly challenging.

Rafah was a major entry point for humanitarian relief before Israel stepped up its military offensive on the Gaza side of the border earlier this month and seized control of the crossing from the Palestinian side.

More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, Gaza's health ministry says. Israel launched its air and ground war 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.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, David Ljunggren and Daphne Psaledakis, Editing by Franklin Paul and Rod Nickel)
(Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration is urging big technology companies to ramp up efforts to curb antisemitic content on social media and gaming platforms, which has surged in recent years.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Representatives from Alphabet Inc., Meta Platforms Inc., Microsoft Corp., TikTok Inc. and X, formerly Twitter, met last Thursday with US special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, Deborah Lipstadt. She requested they designate a policy team member at each company to address the issue, train key personnel to identify antisemitism and publicly report trends in anti-Jewish content.

Theres good reasons to beat up on them in terms of antisemitism online. But too many people have done that and nothing has changed, and we were hoping that we could look for best practices, Lipstadt said in an interview with Bloomberg News.

The companies have not yet agreed to the voluntary moves, but the administration is hopeful they will act in the not too distant future, according to Lipstadt. She expressed optimism the changes could mark the beginning of something transformative.

Antisemitic content has exploded online in the past half decade, most recently following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the Israeli militarys retaliatory invasion of the Gaza Strip. More than six in 10 respondents in a 2023 American Jewish Committee survey reported experiencing antisemitism that year, with 56% saying it has happened more than once.

President Joe Biden warned in a speech earlier this month of a ferocious surge of antisemitism, including vicious propaganda on social media downplaying atrocities committed on Oct. 7 and during the Holocaust, which threatens to drive Jewish people out of the public square. The meeting with tech firms was one of several actions the White House announced to coincide with an annual remembrance of the Nazi effort to exterminate Europes Jews.

Companies have made an effort at removing antisemitic material, some more than others, Lipstadt said. Meta already has a designated policy person handling antisemitism issues, she said. Still, some experts consulted by the administration found that barely one third of posts across platforms are taken down, or that English-language material is blocked but posts in other languages are not, according to the envoy.

Malign Influencers

The administration is requesting dedicated staff and training in order to help identify more implicit antisemitic messages on online platforms and also differentiate between criticism of Israeli government policy and hatred directed at Jews, Lipstadt said. There is concern that some antisemitic messages on social media may be spread by outside actors and malign influencers from overseas to sow discord within the US, she said.

Representatives from groups including the AJC, Anti-Defamation League, World Jewish Congress, Decoding Antisemitism and Cyberwell presented their findings at Thursdays meeting, which also included top Biden domestic policy adviser Neera Tanden and National Security Council cyber chief Anne Neuberger.

Google is committed to fighting hate speech  that includes content targeting the Jewish community  through our policies, tools and programs, Kent Walker, president of global affairs at Google and Alphabet, said in a statement.

Meta President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg said he was grateful for the meeting, and that it is more important than ever that government, industry and NGOs work closely to support the Jewish community and counter hate and violence targeted at Jews.

A TikTok spokesperson said they were pleased to come together to share facts about the ongoing steps TikTok takes on this important issue and to continue to learn from experts in the room.

X and Microsoft declined to comment.

--With assistance from Kurt Wagner, Matt Day and Julia Love.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
DUBLIN, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Ireland officially recognized Palestine as a statehood on Tuesday, in a move coordinated with Spain and Norway.

"The Government recognizes Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah," the Irish government said in a statement after it approved the recognition in a cabinet meeting.

"An Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine will be appointed along with a full Embassy of Ireland in Ramallah," said the statement.

"Ireland recognizes the State of Palestine in the spirit of peace in a coordinated announcement with our friends and colleagues in Spain and Norway," it added.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said: "This decision of Ireland is about keeping hope alive. It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security."

In a coordinated move, Norway, Spain and Ireland announced last Wednesday their decision to recognize Palestine as a state on May 28. More than 140 countries have already recognized a Palestinian state, representing over two-thirds of the United Nations' membership. 
By Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Biden administration said on Tuesday it was closely monitoring the probe into a deadly Israeli airstrike it called tragic, but that the recent deaths in Rafah didn't constitute a major ground operation there that crosses any U.S. red lines.

"The Israelis have said this is a tragic mistake," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters at the White House, when asked about whether the events over the weekend qualified as the type of "death and destruction" U.S. officials have warned could result in the withholding of more aid to Israel.

The U.S. doesn't have "a measuring stick here or a quota," Kirby said.

"We've also said we don't want to see a major ground operation in Rafah that would really make it hard for the Israelis to go after Hamas without causing extensive damage and potentially a large number of deaths. We have not seen that yet," he said, noting that Israel's operations were mostly in a corridor on the outskirts of Rafah.

Asked if he was saying the recent ground operations in Rafah would not prompt a U.S. withdrawal of more military aid, Kirby said "I believe that's what I've been saying here."

Recent deaths in Rafah have tested President Joe Biden's promise to withhold weapons from Israel if the U.S. ally made a major invasion of Rafah that put displaced persons there at risk.

Speaking at a ceremonial event in Washington, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said, "The word tragic doesn't even begin to describe" an Israeli airstrike on Sunday that triggered a fire in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, killing 45 Palestinians.

Harris's remark, in response to a reporter's question, also followed what Gaza health authorities described as Israeli tank shelling of a tent camp in an evacuation area west of Rafah that killed at least 21 people on Tuesday.

Israel said that "something unfortunately went tragically wrong" in Sunday's airstrike while its military denied shelling the tent camp on Tuesday. Israel said it had targeted two senior Hamas operatives in Sunday's operation and had not intended to cause civilian casualties.

Hamas issued a statement celebrating the martyrdom of two fighters in the strike on Sunday, Kirby said, an indication that Israel was trying to go after Hamas in a "targeted, precise way."

"The Israelis have said they used 37-pound bombs, precision-guided munitions," Kirby said. "If it is in fact what they used, it is certainly indicative of an effort to be discreet and targeted and precise. Now, obviously this had tragic results, and obviously that needs to be investigated.

Asked whether Israel's strikes could put Biden in a difficult position, Kirby told reporters Tuesday that instead there was a real danger that Israel could become further isolated from the international community with the manner in which it is conducting operations. "So this is of concern, clearly, because it's not in Israel's best interest," Kirby said. "And it's not in our best interest for Israel to become increasingly isolated on the world stage."

The U.S. administration's response was criticized earlier Tuesday by human rights and Arab American groups.

"Sadly, because of President Biden's insistence on sending more bombs to enable Netanyahu's war crimes in Rafah, this is now as much an American genocide as it is an Israeli genocide," said Nihad Awad, executive director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Israeli and U.S. officials have denounced the use of the term genocide to describe events on the ground in Gaza.

The State Department said on Tuesday that as soon as it saw reports of Sunday's Rafah incident, Washington expressed deep concern to Israel and urged an investigation, which Israel has promised.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that Washington will be closely watching Israel's probe but Israel's military operations so far in Rafah have not been as large-scale as those in central or northern Gaza.

Global leaders have expressed horror at the fire in a designated "humanitarian zone" of Rafah where families uprooted by fighting elsewhere had sought shelter.

More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, Gaza's health ministry says. Israel launched its air and ground war 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.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Humeyra Pamuk, David Ljunggren and Daphne Psaledakis; additional reporting by Kanishka Singh; editing by Rami Ayyub, Heather Timmons, Cynthia Osterman, Deepa Babington and Rod Nickel)
NEW YORK (PIX11)  On Memorial Day, PIX11 News went aboard the USCGC Katherine Walker, a ship named after an American hero.

Lt. Brianna Townsend is the commanding officer of the ship, which is named after legendary lighthouse keeper Katherine Walker.

Brooklyn remembers fallen heroes at 157th Memorial Day parade

From the early 1890s to 1919, Walker was the keeper of the Robbins Reef Lighthouse in New York Harbor. Walker worked for 30 years until she was 71 years old, protecting sailors from danger and helping guide their journey into New York Harbor.

Townsend sees the Robbins Reef Lighthouse every day leaving the port. She is in charge of 24 Coast Guard men and women on the USCGC Katherine Walker. On a normal day, Townsends crew is working hard to keep New York Harbor safe.

On Memorial Day, Townsend and her crew spoke to the community about their Coast Guard missions. Townsend said its the best job in the world.

From Connecticut, Townsend always wanted to serve her country and said it is extra special to serve on a ship named after an American hero.

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.
This article was originally published in The Texas Tribune.

Relatives of 17 children killed and two kids injured in Texas deadliest school shooting are suing Texas Department of Public Safety officers who were among hundreds of law enforcement that waited 77 minutes to confront the gunman at Uvaldes Robb Elementary, lawyers announced last week.

Nearly 100 officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety have yet to face a shred of accountability for cowering in fear while my daughter and nephew bled to death in their classroom, Veronica Luevanos, whose daughter Jailah and nephew Jayce were killed, said in a statement.

The legal action against 92 DPS officers came days before the two-year anniversary of the shooting in which an 18-year-old used an AR-15 to kill 19 students and two teachers in two adjoining fourth-grade classrooms.

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Relatives of most of those students killed and two who were injured also announced last week that they are suing Mandy Gutierrez, who was the principal at Robb at the time, and Pedro Pete Arredondo, who was the school district police chief, for their inaction that day.

The families attorney also announced that the city of Uvalde will pay them $2 million to avoid a lawsuit. Additionally, the city will provide enhanced training for current and future police officers, designate May 24 as an annual day of remembrance and work with victims families to design a permanent memorial at the city plaza, among other things.

A DPS spokesperson declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

Related

A Texas Muralist Paints Her Heart Out For Uvalde

During a press conference in Uvalde, an attorney for the families, Josh Koskoff, said the states failure to prevent the deaths began long before the shooting occurred. He said Texas failed to provide small communities like Uvalde with enough resources to train their officers.

You think the city of Uvalde has enough money, or training, or resources? You think they can hire the best of the best? Koskoff said. As far as the state of Texas is concerned, it sounds like their position is: Youre on your own.

Koskoff also hinted that the families could also sue state and federal agencies, but did not name which ones. He also said the families are negotiating an agreement with the county, which would also avoid a lawsuit.

Javier Cazares, the father of one of the victims, Jacklyn Cazares, said it had been an unbearable two years since the massacre that took his daughter.

There was an obvious system failure out there on May 24. The whole world saw that, Cazares said. The time has come to do the right thing.

The familys lawsuit will likely need to overcome a judicial doctrine called qualified immunity, which shields government officials, including law enforcement officers, from liability in lawsuits. Overcoming that immunity will require establishing that the officers violated a constitutional right.

We think that this situation where kids, after all, are required to lock down in their classrooms, their freedom is constrained, Koskoff said. In this situation we feel like qualified immunity is not applicable.

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat who represents Uvalde in the Legislature, filed a bill last year that sought to end qualified immunity. Like several other pieces of legislation filed in response to the massacre, that bill failed to pass.

Related

I Came from Uvalde to Tell Congress Schools Need More Help to Keep Students Safe

Koskoff, who has also represented the families of children killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting in Connecticut, said city officials had also failed to hold their officers accountable but praised the city for working with the families to implement changes aimed at preventing another tragedy like the 2022 shooting.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers from scores of local, state and federal agencies have been heavily criticized for waiting more than an hour to confront the gunman, which conflicted with training that instructs them to confront a shooter if there is reason to believe someone is hurt. The U.S. Justice Departments investigation of the massacre concluded that the delay likely caused some deaths and that failures in leadership and training contributed to law enforcements ineffective response.

Koskoff noted that law enforcement outnumbered the gunman 376 to 1.

On paper, it should have been no contest. So what happened? Koskoff said. Maybe it just turns out that if a kid has a military weapon, the military weapon  the AR-15  and you get access to it easily, maybe its not that simple to stop a kid like that. Of course, they didnt give themselves a chance, these 376 officers.

In the settlement with the city of Uvalde that families lawyers announced May 22, local officials will implement a new fitness for duty standard for Uvalde police officers, to be developed in coordination with the Justice Department and provide enhanced training for current and future police officers.

For two long years, we have languished in pain and without any accountability from the law enforcement agencies and officers who allowed our families to be destroyed that day, Luevanos said. This settlement reflects a first good faith effort, particularly by the City of Uvalde, to begin rebuilding trust in the systems that failed to protect us.

In a written statement, city officials called the 2022 shooting the communitys greatest tragedy.

We will forever be grateful to the victims families for working with us over the past year to cultivate an environment of community-wide healing that honors the lives and memories of those we tragically lost, city officials said.

An investigation by a Texas House committee found systemic failures and egregious poor decision making by nearly everyone involved in the response.

That panels 77-page report revealed that a total of 376 law enforcement officers descended upon the school in an uncoordinated manner, disregarding their own active shooter training.

The majority of the responders were federal and state law enforcement  149 U.S. Border Patrol and 91 state police  whose responsibilities include responding to mass attacks in public places. The other responders included 25 Uvalde police officers, 16 sheriffs deputies, and five police officers with the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District as well as neighboring county law enforcement, U.S. marshals and federal Drug Enforcement Administration officers.

The myriad of law enforcement mistakes stemmed from an absence of leadership and effective communications, according to the House report. DPS fired at least two officers who responded to the shooting.

A trove of recorded investigative interviews and body camera footage obtained by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and FRONTLINE showed that officers failed to set up a clear command structure and spread incorrect information that caused them to treat the shooter as a barricaded suspect and not an active threat  even as children and teachers inside the classrooms called 911 pleading for help. No single officer engaged the shooter for more than an hour despite training that says they should do so as quickly as possible if anyone is hurt.

Following intense criticism of their response, several law enforcement officers resigned or were fired in the months following the shooting. Arredondo, the school district police chief at the time, was fired in August 2022.

About 72% of the state and local officials who arrived at Robb Elementary before the gunman was killed received some form of active shooter training throughout their law enforcement careers. But of those who received training, most had taken it only once. After the shooting, Texas mandated that officers receive 16 hours of active shooter training every two years.

A Uvalde County grand jury is currently considering potential criminal charges against responding officers. The countys prosecutor declined to comment this week on the status of those proceedings.

DPS is fighting the release of records from its investigation into the shooting. In the aftermath of the massacre, agency leaders carefully shaped a narrative that cast local law enforcement as incompetent.

Koskoff criticized DPS for deflecting blame away from state police.

As if they didnt know how to shoot somebody? he said.

Pooja Salhotra contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/22/uvalde-shooting-texas-dps-lawsuit/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
Va. company faces federal rebuke for Whites only job posting and more state headlines

The state Capitol. (Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)

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 An art show at an Augusta County school prompts emergency school board meeting.Cardinal News

The post Va. company faces federal rebuke for Whites only job posting and more state headlines appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
VALLEY, Ala. (WRBL)  Valley police are offering a $1000 reward for information on two separate dog attacks with injuries in the Fairfax community on Sunday, May 26th. The first incident took place around 4:35 A.M. in the 200 block of US Highway 29. Alesha Dawson was attacked by two dogs but was rescued by a passing motorist who drove her to the hospital.

The second attack was reported at 9:52 A.M. in the 90 block of River Road. Dustin Hobbs was walking on the Rails to Trails when he was also attacked by two dogs. Again, a passing motorist intervened and took Hobbs to the hospital.

Both attacks involved dogs described as a brindle Pitbull and a Rottweiler. It remains unclear if the dogs are feral or if they belong to someone in the area. In response, officers have increased patrols, and Animal Control has set out several traps.

Residents of the Fairfax community are urged to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings when outside. The City of Valley is offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to the apprehension of these animals and the identification of their owner.

Anyone who spots the dogs should call 911 immediately. Information about the dogs ownership can be reported to the Valley Police Department at 334-756-5200 or the Valley Area Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP, 1-833-AL1-STOP, or through their website at www.215stop.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 WRBL.
More than nine in 10 burglaries go unsolved in some MPs constituency areas, the Liberal Democrats have revealed, as the party called for a response guarantee for victims.

The police area covering former justice secretary Dominic Raabs Elmbridge constituency in Surrey  a Lib Dem target seat  had the biggest proportion of unsolved burglaries last year at 92 per cent.

By contrast, the new constituency of Killingworth in Northumberland had the least worst performance with police failing to solve 56 per cent of the burglaries in the area last year.

The data, obtained under freedom of information laws, provide the first local police area success rates for solving burglaries, enabling a constituency by constituency breakdown.

It showed that despite all 43 police chiefs in England and Wales pledging in 2022 that officers would attend every domestic burglary, the overall proportion of burglaries that were unsolved had risen in the past three years from 75 per cent to 79 per cent.

All the top 10 areas with the highest unsolved burglary rates covered Tory-held constituencies including South Cambridgeshire (91 per cent) held by Anthony Browne, Runnymede (90 per cent) held by Kwasi Kwarteng, the former chancellor, and Harborough and Wigston (89 per cent) held by Neil OBrien, a former health minister.

Others in the top 10 were Waverley, held by Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, (88 per cent), former minister Sir Paul Beresfords Mole Valley (86 per cent) and Surrey Heath, the constituency of Michael Gove, the outgoing Housing Secretary (85 per cent).

The data come ahead of the announcement by Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader, of the partys plans to tackle burglaries and other high-volume crimes.

It would include a new statutory guarantee that all domestic burglaries must be attended by the police and properly investigated.

Victims denied justice

Too many families now feel unsafe in their own homes because this Conservative government has decimated front-line policing for too long, said Sir Ed.

Victims are being denied justice because Conservative ministers cant even get the basics right on solving crime.

That is why the Liberal Democrats would deliver a burglary response guarantee, to ensure all home burglaries are attended by the police and properly investigated.

People are sick of seeing their local communities plagued by crime and just want this appalling Conservative government to be kicked out of office.

In so many parts of the country, we have shown that it is the Liberal Democrats who can beat the Conservatives and deliver the change that the country is crying out for.

To implement this guarantee, he said the next government should reinvigorate community policing to ensure officers had the time and resources they needed to focus on preventing and solving crime.

It would be allied to a new strategy to tackle the shortage of detectives and set up a new national Online Crime Agency, to better protect people from online crime while freeing up local forces time to tackle burglars.

The proposals follow an investigation by The Telegraph that found that police had failed to solve a single burglary in nearly half of all neighbourhoods in England and Wales in the past three years despite pledging to attend the scene of every domestic break-in to boost detection rates.

Chris Philp, the policing minister, said: This is another cynical statement from the Liberal Democrats who cannot say what they would do to tackle crime because they do not have a plan.

A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party.

The reality is that the Conservatives are taking tough action on crime, driving down burglaries by 55 per cent since 2010.

The choice in this election is clear, stick to the clear plan with Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives, who have taken bold action to drive down crime by 54 per cent since 2010 and bring criminals to justice, or go back to square one with Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party who have no plan to crack down on crime.

The analysis of police data showed that no burglaries were solved in 48 per cent of neighbourhoods  areas covering between 1,000 and 3,000 people  in the past three years.

In October 2022, all 43 police chiefs in England and Wales made the landmark promise to attend every break-in.

But the Home Office figures showed that the proportion of burglaries resulting in a charge fell in the following year to 3.9 per cent (fewer than one in 25 reported burglaries) from 4.6 per cent in 2022.

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Xiaomi's SU7 car is displayed during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

As Chinese electric cars continue to gain popularity in countries like Spain, Faconauto hopes that more Chinese automakers will begin producing vehicles in Europe.

BARCELONA, Spain, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Spanish customers will be able to learn more about Chinese car brands through a new collaboration between two major automobile dealers' associations from China and Spain.

Marta Blazquez, head of the Federation of Automotive Dealers Associations (Faconauto), told Xinhua in an interview on Monday: "We don't know the new Chinese brands very well and so through Faconauto and this agreement our dealers can get closer to these brands and interact with them."

The collaboration between Faconauto and the China Automobile Dealers Association was announced in April.

According to Blazquez, the "quickest and most profitable way" for Chinese automakers to get their products to Spanish consumers is "to go through those who have the expertise, in the almost 6,000 points of sale Faconauto has all over Spain."

A visitor takes a selfie in front of a driverless car at the Huawei booth during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

"Everything that deepens mutual knowledge and encourages dialogue between China and Spain is included ... as well as promoting the participation of dealers from both countries in the trade events held in China and Spain," Blazquez told Xinhua.

"At the auto show in Beijing, we met Chinese manufacturers who are building vehicles that are made with fantastic innovation and technology of the highest level, but also with the level of safety that Europe demands," said Blazquez.

Blazquez also pointed out that Europe's "ambitious" goal of eradicating vehicles that run on fossil fuels provides a unique opportunity for Chinese car brands.

As Chinese electric vehicles continue to increase in popularity in countries like Spain, Faconauto hopes that more Chinese automakers will begin producing vehicles in Europe.

"What we want to see is what's starting to happen: for Chinese brands to build vehicles in Europe," Blazquez said.
Pope Francis is in hot water after reportedly using a derogatory term for gay men when discussing and reaffirming the Vatican's long-standing ban on gay priests behind closed doors to Italian bishops.

While there may not be an official transcript or confirmation of Pope Francis' comments, on Tuesday, the Pope apologized for his use of the term, allegedly targeting gay men. The Vatican's spokesperson issued a statement acknowledging the backlash and media frenzy that has followed the comments made on May 20.

The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term that was reported by others, the spokesperson said. However, they avoided outright confirming that the pope had used the term, in line with the Vatican's tradition of keeping conversations that happen behind closed doors secret. However, the spokesperson did not deny that Francis used the term, The Associated Press reported.

Italian media like gossip website Dagospia and then mainstream outlets were the first to report on the incident, citing that Francis, a native Spanish speaker, who is also fluent in the Vatican's official language, Italian, had said "f*****ness" in Italian.

According to reporting done by NBC News, sources in the room said that the conversation was about the acceptance of gay men into seminaries when Francis said that the seminaries were already too full of an Italian slang term "that represents a vulgar way to refer to a gay person." After the use of the slur, the audience of bishops was surprised given that the pope has openly been accepting of the LGBTQ+ community in the church and at large, NBC News said.

The reception of Francis' comments has not been received kindly by Italian media. The controversy comes as a shock as Francis has been widely regarded as one of the most liberal popes in history. He has recently allowed priests to bless individuals in gay marriages, opened the Vatican to transgender sex workers, instilled more women in the church and even called an end to anti-gay legislation.

In an interview with The Associated Press last year, the pope said, Being homosexual is not a crime. During another interview with "60 Minutes" reporter Norah ODonnell last week, she asked the pope about his comment that Homosexuality is not a crime, to which he responded, No, it is a human fact.

Vatican reporter Gerry OConnell, a non-native Italian speaker, said in America Magazine that the popes remark was a gaffe on the part of the pope, rather than a slur."

As he has had the opportunity to state on several occasions, 'In the Church there is room for everyone, for everyone! No one is useless, no one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. Just as we are, everyone,' the Vatican spokesperson said.

Despite Francis' liberal views, in April, the Vatican blasted gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy as a violation of human dignity. The church similarly sees gender-affirming care as on par with abortion and euthanasia, saying it rejects God's plan for human life, The Associated Press reported. In his interview with ODonnell, Francis also clarified that the church has not allowed priests to bless the union of gay marriages, "That cannot be done because that is not the sacrament. I cannot . . . To bless a homosexual-type union, however, goes against the given right, against the law of the Church. But to bless each person, why not?"
(Photo: Hugh Jackson/Nevada Current)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

A current employee at Vegas PBS has filed a discrimination complaint against the station, saying shes risking her job because she wants to bring attention to a culture of retaliation and racism.

Vegas PBS Director of Marketing Terry Chi in September filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC) alleging systemic racism, retaliation against a whistleblower and workplace mobbing, or collective abuse from managers to force people out of work. She said she also contacted multiple departments at national PBS, including the diversity council, who have declined to become involved.

Vegas PBS is a public television station that reaches 400,000 weekly viewers in four Nevada counties, as well as portions of Utah, California and Arizona. It is a member station of the Public Broadcasting Service and receives public funds under the federal Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, whose mission includes creating programs addressing the needs and interests of minorities.

Vegas PBSs Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadcast license is held by the elected members of the Clark County School District Board of Trustees. Vegas PBS employees are employees of the school district, though the station operates mostly independently.

In 2023, Vegas PBS had a roughly $15 million budget, including $1.7 million in unrestricted federal grants, $8.3 million from local government appropriations, $109,000 from state funds and $32,000 from federal sources.

Chi, who is Chinese American, said the opportunity to work at a PBS member station was a dream because shows such as Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Sesame Street shaped her childhood and helped her learn English. But it quickly transformed into a nightmare that led to a vertigo diagnosis and daily heart palpitations.

When I started, I was for several months the pet, she said. But quickly after a few months, I could start feeling the daggers in my back.

Dismissed, disrespected, discounted, marginalized

Chi was hired by Vegas PBS as director of marketing by President and General Manager Mary Mare Mazur in early 2022.

Now Chi points to Mazur as the main reason she is speaking out. Over her roughly two years with Vegas PBS, Mazur issued Chi 15 disciplinary write-ups and multiple negative performance reviews, called three investigative hearings in front of the Clark County Association of School Administrators and Professional-Technical Employees (CCASAPE) union and CCSD Human Resources. She said Mazur also barred her from the Vegas PBS annual fundraising gala and all major donor events, which was followed by a 5-day suspension without pay.

Chi alleges the acts were in retaliation for questions about taking on extra work outside of her job description, such as membership department duties, and for objecting to racist comments.

I didnt work this hard in my life to be dismissed, disrespected, discounted, marginalized, Chi said, who prior to joining Vegas PBS worked in the private sector for three decades. I didnt do anything wrong.

On May 19, 2022, Chi gave a presentation to the Southern Nevada Public Television (SNPT) Board, the appointed board that helps the station secure financial and volunteer support. It was later relayed to Chi, through Mazur, that in response to her presentation, Kim Walker, the board treasurer, said Terrys presentation was great I wouldnt want to meet her in a back alley.

Chi said she immediately construed the remark as loaded with unconscious bias, [that was made] because she is a smart, articulate Asian woman. She said the concern was ignored by Mazur who told her to take the remark made by Walker as a compliment.

When Chi refused to do so, she said Mazur retaliated against her through write-ups and punitive work actions.

Walker and Mazur, who were college roommates, declined to participate in this story. Mazur was also elected to the SNPT Board last year.

According to CCSD policy, offensive and unwelcome jokes constitute unlawful discrimination or harassment. It also states that the CCSD Human Resources Department of Diversity and Affirmative Action is responsible for ensuring that all persons can  work in dignity and security and are not required to endure insulting, degrading, harassing or exploitative treatment.

Chi said after she called out what she believed was racism within the organization, things quickly began to go downhill.

Vegas PBS and the Clark County School District has been the most racist and discriminatory environment Ive ever experienced, Chi said.

She filed a 35-page complaint with CCSD that documents more than three dozen allegations, including six claims of racism, two dozen accusations of retaliation, four claims that allege CCSD has enabled illegal work actions, including against a whistleblower, and one instance in which she was pressured to feel unwelcome by colleagues at a non-work related luncheon. Chi also wrote in the complaint that her name was removed from an award submission for The Great Vegas Recipe program that she produced and won an Emmy for.

Chis name was reinstated after the Emmy Board of Directors opened an investigation.

CCSD declined to comment on the allegations and as to whether there is an investigation into the claims.

The workplace mobbing and the dehumanization of people of color whose lives and livelihoods are ruined without conscience is what racism looks like in the workplace, Chi said.

Before coming to Nevada, Mazur was general manager at Arizona PBS. Ebonye Delaney, a former assistant production manager who worked under Mazur in Arizon, said Mazur interacted with her in a drastically different tone than with another Black woman on staff: With me, she was very short and seemed to, just not particularly care for my dress or my appearance.

Delaney is dark-skinned and wears her hair naturally, later transitioning into dreadlocks. She said on multiple occasions Mazur micro-aggressed by highlighting our socio-economic differences and dredging up uncomfortable cultural conversations.

Shes not gonna outright call you a name, Delaney said. But its in her interactions with people  how she treats people, as she talks to them.

Workplace mobbing

Chi alleges Mazur does not extend contracts beyond the probationary period for directors of color. Instead, she retained or promoted only white workers whom she identifies with.

She surrounded herself with people who are like her, said one former Vegas PBS employee who requested anonymity out of fear speaking publicly would affect their career.

They said Mazur rules by fear and restructured the chain of command so that directors report to two directors, instead of the general manager.

Jennifer McGrew Shell, a former Vegas PBS project manager for the educational media services department, echoed allegations of retaliation and bullying at Vegas PBS. She is a white woman who worked under a director.

McGrew Shell said she was the victim of retaliation and workplace bullying which led her to file a 200-page grievance alleging a hostile work environment to CCASAPE, in March 2022, after working there for nearly three years. She said after filing a complaint with human resources in December 2021, she received a write-up once a month until her contract ended in June and her evaluations went from above average to unprofessional.

McGrew Shell wrote in the complaint to the union that her director created a culture of fear, oppression and hostility in the workplace. According to emails, the union determined McGrew Shell was dealing with supervisory professionalism rather than a hostile work environment, and told her the issue had to be addressed by those who are within you/your supervisors chain of command.

It is the worst situation Ive ever experienced  as a 60-year old woman  in my life, McGrew Shell said.

Chi, who serves on the CCSD Superintendents Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, believes part of the solution has to include changing the policy at CCSD regarding probation periods for Vegas PBS administrators.

Vegas PBS employees have a 3-year probation period, which Chi thinks is excessive and harmful to workers, especially Black and brown people. Under Nevada statute, workers do not have a right to employment during the probationary period.

She hopes to work with lawmakers for the next several years until the policy is changed.

The unions say, We cant protect you. Youre on probation, said Chi. Well Why are we paying you dues if you cant protect our jobs?

According to Jeff Horn, head of CCASAPE, all union members get equal protection while paying dues: There is not a lot of protection during the probationary period, he said via email. However  if a probationary administrator is non-renewed without discipline or ineffective evaluation, CCASAPE would challenge.

Chis contract will terminate at the end of June based on poor performance reviews.

The post Vegas PBS whistleblower alleges workplace retaliation, racism appeared first on Nevada Current.
FILE - National Electoral Council President Elvis Amoroso receives Jennie K. Lincoln, the Carter Center's principal advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean, in Caracas, Venezuela, April 16, 2024. Venezuelas election authorities on Tuesday, May 28, revoked an invitation to a European Union mission to observe the country's July 28th presidential election. Amoroso cited economic sanctions imposed by the bloc as the reason for withdrawing the invitation. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  Venezuelas electoral authorities on Tuesday revoked an invitation for a European Union mission to observe the country's upcoming presidential election, in which President Nicolas Maduro is seeking reelection.

The head of the National Electoral Council, Elvis Amoroso, cited economic sanctions imposed by the 27-nation bloc as the reason for withdrawing the invitation. The EU had not yet accepted the invite that was extended earlier this year.

Amoroso said Tuesday's decision is intended to show that EU representatives are not welcome to come here to our country while the genocidal sanctions against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and especially its government, are maintained.

The bloc, however, only maintains sanctions against more than 50 Venezuelans accused of acts of repression or efforts to undermine democracy, but not against the government as a whole.

The announcement came two weeks after the EU temporarily lifted sanctions against four officials linked to the electoral body, including Amoroso, in recognition of the steps taken ahead of the July 28 election. But the relief was vehemently rejected by Venezuela's government and Amoroso, who argued it was selective and insufficient.

An EU statement called on the National Electoral Council to reconsider its decision.

The Venezuelan people should be able to choose their next president in credible, transparent and competitive elections, supported by international observation, including that of the European Union, which has a long and distinguished record of independent and impartial observation, said the statement posted on the platform X.

Venezuela's electoral body earlier this year set the presidential election for July 28 and extended invitations to various organizations to observe the contest. Those decisions fulfilled some of the provisions of an agreement signed last year between Maduro's government and the U.S.-backed Unitary Platform opposition coalition.

Under the agreement signed in the Caribbean island of Barbados, both sides vowed to work toward improving conditions for a free and fair election. Still, Venezuela's government continuously tested the limits of the accord, by, among other actions, blocking the candidacy of the president's chief opponent, Maria Corina Machado.

Machado, a former lawmaker, won the coalition's October presidential primary with more than 90% of support. But the country's top court in January affirmed an administrative decision blocking her candidacy. Her chosen substitute was barred from the ballot, too.

Machado and the coalition are now backing former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.

The U.S. granted Venezuela's government relief from economic sanctions after the agreement was signed in Barbados. But it has since clawed it back as hopes for a democratic opening fade.

In 2021, the EU accepted the invitation of Venezuelan officials to send a mission to observe regional elections that included gubernatorial and mayoral races. The mission concluded that the contest happened under better conditions compared to the countrys elections in recent years but was marred by the use of public funds to benefit pro-government candidates.

Election anomalies cited by the mission included delays in opening and closing voting centers, disproportionately favorable coverage for the ruling party on state television and the use of free food and other goods as political tools, among others.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Ventura Pier scheduled to reopen soon. Here's what we know

The Ventura Pier, which has been closed since January 2023, is scheduled to reopen before the end of June.

The pier has been shut to visitors since storms whipped up heavy surf and knocked out multiple support pilings. Heavy surf caused more damage to the pier in December, which pushed back a March reopening date.

City Manager Bill Ayub announced the June opening date during last week's Ventura City Council meeting.

"That is our very ambitious hope and what we are shooting for," Ayub said.

Flags were installed at the pier on May 21, he added.

Workers from Jilk Heavy Construction Inc. repair the Ventura pier on Jan. 24. Ventura City Manager Bill Ayub said on May 21 the pier is scheduled to reopen before the end of June.

Preventative maintenance to remove the rust and coat the steel of the structure is also being performed, said Mary Joyce Ivers, deputy public works director, in an email.

In 1998, the last portion of the pier was constructed with steel piles, Ivers said. The structural I-beams and steel hardware in this part of the pier have corroded from salt water and being in a marine environment.

The work to stop the corrosion had started before the storms stopped it. The high surf damage in December 2023 wrecked the scaffolding and enclosures in place and the contractor had to stop work for safety reasons, Ivers said.

The cost of repairing the pier from the storm damage is about $3.2 million, she said. The city anticipates paying almost half of the amount using funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The city will also allocate $430,000 of Measure O funding and the remainder of the payment from the general fund, Ivers said. Measure O is the half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2016.

Waves crash against the Ventura Pier during high surf conditions on Dec. 28, 2023.

The wreckage from December's storms had resulted in 19 missing or broken timber piles, 24 dislodged piles that can be put back in place and 62 damaged or missing braces, she said.

The Ventura Pier, once the longest wooden pier in California, was built in 1872. The pier is 1,620 feet long and has 271 timber piles holding up the structure, Ivers said in January. The outward end of the pier is made of steel with 92 steel piles, she said.

The pier is built in a row of timber piles that provide support for the structure, Ivers said. Hardware and cross bracing also help keep the pier together, along with boards that provide handrails and a walkway for visitors, she said.

Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura Pier, closed due to storm damage, to reopen in June
WEST DEPTFORD TWP.  Apartments set aside for area veterans is now an element of a revised senior housing project here, and its final approval review went smoothly before the township Planning Board Tuesday night.

The Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans and Seniors Village At West Deptford would be an 84,448-square-foot building at 420 Grove Avenue. The building would have 84 units, with 68 units restricted to tenants 55 years and older and 16 non-restricted units marked for veterans.

Winn Development Co., based in Boston, enlisted the nonprofit veterans aid organization Soldier On as part of the final version of the project. Winn Development is doing business for this project as West Deptford Apartments LLC.

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Soldier On operates a variety of veterans housing facilities in Massachusetts and, as of December 2021, a 70-unit complex in Tinton Falls.

The nonprofit, operating since in 1994, gets veterans places to live or helps them to stay in their homes with financial assistance. Its other major component is getting them various services, from health care to transportation.

The Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans and Seniors Village at West Deptford is proposed for construction on 5.4 acres of wood land at 420 Grove Avenue. The four-story building will have 84 units, 16 of them set aside for veterans. PHOTO: May 22, 2024.

Bruce Buckley, Soldier Ons chief executive officer, said the organization has been active in nine New Jersey counties for about 11 years. Were very plugged into homelessness and veterans homelessness in New Jersey, he said.

Buckley said it is possible the veteran population at the proposed apartment complex may be larger than 16 units, depending on interest.

An architectural rendering of the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans and Seniors Village at West Deptford, which will be built at 420 Grove Avenue. The township Planning Board approved an amended project plan Tuesday. PHOTO: May 28, 2024.

Some proposed features of the complex include a dog run for service animals, which many veterans have, and a columbarium for veterans cremains. The columbarium also is a feature of other Soldier On sites, Buckley said.

Buckley expects the dog run to be open to residents of a next-door apartment complex, The Cove at Riverwinds.

At the board hearing, Winn Development Senior Vice President David Ginsberg said this is the second combination project his company has done in New Jersey with Soldier On. The first was in Tinton Falls, he said.

Ginsberg said some of the project revisions made recently related to the availability of new funding sources. Construction should start by the end of 2024, he said.

According to the project application, there would be 66 one-bedroom apartments and 18 two-bedroom units in the four-story building. The building site is about 5.4 acres, undeveloped, and largely wooded.

Project engineer Mark Cifelli said the building and improvements will be done in a single phase.

This story was updated Wednesday.

Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.

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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: West Deptford OKs apartments for seniors and veterans, 2nd in N.J.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Veteran advocacy groups are backing a new bill in Lansing designed to help injured service members suffering from traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. A proposed grant program would make it easier for veterans to connect with Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment.

The treatment is already being used to treat some conditions like crushing injuries and wounds that are not healing properly. Yet some veterans say it can also be used to treat injuries that linger far after combat. Their calls are being joined by demands for more research.

Kevin Hensley is a US Air Force veteran and the national legislative representative for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Michigan. He says veterans need more treatment options.

A helmet represents the lives of service members lost during the war on terror. (WLNS)

We cant wait anymore. Im sick of going to funerals, Hensley says.

He wants Michigan to offer a pilot grant program  like some other statesto back the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBIs.

He credits the therapy for helping him through complications related to being exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I journaled my entire experience and by the second dive, I could take my first deep breath in 15 years, says Hensley.

In hyperbaric oxygen treatment, a patient is put in a pressurized environment and given 100% oxygen for some time.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has used the treatment in a limited capacity.

In 2021, a department brief said evidence supporting benefits was limited.

Available evidence suggests HBOT can reduce mortality and coma severity more than standard care but is it unclear whether HBOT improves longer-term functionality, the document said in part for patients in the hospital with acute moderate to severe TBIs.

It also noted that combined evidence did not show a short-term improvement in people with chronic mild TBIs.

2023-HIR-0119Download

But advocates on both sides of the aisle are calling for more research. In 2023, a resolution from State Rep. Julie Roger (D-Kalamazoo) passed the house, calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to facilitate research on using the therapy for TBIs and PTSD

New legislation from State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson) is pushing for a pilot grant program to make it easier for Michigan veterans to try the treatment.

Its been used in Florida, Indiana and different states and weve seen it improve these injuries in veterans and we really need to take a look at this, says Rep. Schmaltz.

Under the new bill, veterans with service-connected TBIs or PTSD would be eligible for grants from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The treatments would be provided by medical providers approved by the state for the pilot program.

H.B. 5146 currently sits in the House Committee on Military, Veteran,s and Homeland Security.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Veterinary tranquilizer making its way into street drugs prompts inquiry from SF supe

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A powerful veterinary tranquilizer that is reportedly finding its way into street-level drugs around the county has prompted an inquiry from San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey. Last week, a nationwide public health advisory was issued warning of the role of medetomidine in a recent spike in drug overdoses.

On Tuesday, Dorsey issued a letter of inquiry seeking responses from the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, SF Department of Public Health and the SFPD Drug Market Agency Coordination Center. In the letter, Dorsey sought answers as to whether officials were monitoring the citys illicit drug supply for medetomidine.

Is San Franciscos illicit drug supply being monitored for Medetomidine currently, whether in street-level drug seizures, decedent toxicology panels, or elsewhere? read the letter in part.

David DePape resentenced Tuesday following error in court proceedings

Dorseys office cited research blaming medetomidine, a powerful veterinary anesthesia, for recent mass overdose outbreaks in Philadelphia, Chicago, and elsewhere, including Canadian metros, Toronto and Vancouver. Dorsey also cited an NPR report from Philadelphia linking the drug to 160 hospitalizations over a three-to-four-day period.

Medetomidine, according to Dorsey, acts as a fentanyl adulterant and can slow heart rates to dangerous, even deadly levels. In the inquiry, Dorsey asked relevant departments to report on guidance for how city leaders can adequately fund and support ongoing monitoring for medetomidine and other dangerous additives in SFs illicit drug supply.

In a previous inquiry from February of 2023, Dorsey sought similar answers regarding xylazine, another veterinary tranquilizer found in fentanyl and street-level opioids.

As with my prior inquiry, my purpose is to ascertain how I may knowledgeably champion work I consider essential to protect the life and health of San Franciscans struggling with addiction, Dorsey said, and to sustain the indications of progress were beginning to see in the deadly drug overdose crisis facing San Francisco.

Dorsey has frequently acknowledged his own journey in recovering from addiction as a motivating factor for him seeking a seat on the Board of Supervisors.

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 KRON4.
Vets say they were sickened at secret base near nuclear test site

In the mid-1980s, Air Force technician Mark Ely's job was to inspect secretly obtained Soviet fighter jets.

The work, carried out in hidden hangers known as hush houses, was part of a classified mission in the Nevada desert, 140 miles outside of Las Vegas at the Tonopah Test Range  sometimes referred to as Area 52. The mission was so under wraps that Ely said he had to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

"Upholding the national interest was more important than my own life," Ely told CBS News, and that's not just talk.

Ely was in his 20s and physically fit when he was working at the secret base. Now 63 and living in Naperville, Illinois, he's confronting life-threatening consequences from the radiation he says he was exposed to.

For decades, the U.S. government conducted nuclear bomb tests near Area 52. According to a 1975 federal environmental assessment, those tests scattered toxic radioactive material nearby.

"It scarred my lungs. I got cysts on my liver. ... I started having lipomas, tumors inside my body I had to remove. My lining in my bladder was shed," he said.

All these years later, his service records include many assignments, but not the mission inside Tonopah Test Range, meaning he can't prove he was ever there.

"There's a slogan that people say: 'Deny deny until you die.' Kind of true here," Ely told CBS News.

Dave Crete says he also worked as a military police officer at the same site. He now has breathing issues, including chronic bronchitis, and he had to have a tumor removed from his back.

He spent the last eight years tracking down hundreds of other veterans who worked at Area 52 and said he's seen "all kinds of cancers."

While the government's 1975 assessment acknowledged toxic chemicals in the area, it said that stopping work ran "against the national interest," and the "costs... are small and reasonable for the benefits received."

Other government employees who were stationed in the same area, mainly from the Department of Energy, have been aided by $25.7 billion in federal assistance, according to publicly available statistics from the Department of Labor. But those benefits don't apply to Air Force veterans like Ely and Crete.

"It makes me incredibly mad and it hurts me too because they're supposed to have my back," Ely said. "I had theirs and I want them to have mine."

When contacted for comment, the Department of Defense confirmed Ely and Crete served, but would not say where.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nearly a month after his death, the Clark County coroners office has yet to release the identity of the man who died during a face-eating attack near the Las Vegas Strip.

Colin Czech, 29, faces a charge of open murder. On Sunday, April 28, a person called police about a man who reportedly tackled another man to the ground on Las Vegas Boulevard near Charleston Boulevard, documents said. About 45 minutes later, another person called police, saying a man was on top of another man at a bus stop eating the other mans face.

Officers responded, finding Czech kneeling next to the victim with biological matter in his hair, mouth and on his clothing, documents said. Czech reportedly told officers the victim had attacked him.

Police identified the victim as Kenneth Brown, believing Czech pushed Brown to the ground, causing his death. While police may identify a victim, the official identity must come from the coroners office. As of Tuesday, a month after his death, the coroners office had yet to officially identify the man nor his cause or manner of death.

Colin Czech, 29, is accused of killing another man and eating the victims face at a bus stop on Las Vegas Boulevard near Charleston Boulevard around 5 a.m. on Sunday, April 28, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. (LVMPD/KLAS)

When asked about the identification on Tuesday, a county spokesperson said the office had identified the man, but was unable to find next of kin. Until that happens, the mans identity would not be released.

The coroners office uses several strategies to identify a person, including fingerprints and other means. However, if there is no match in a federal system, identification can be difficult.

Last week, a judge found Czech competent to stand trial. Czech was due to return to court on June 5. He remained in custody without bail.

Anyone with information about the victims identity can call the coroners office at 702-455-3210.

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.
OSLO, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the world's largest repository of crop diversity, welcomed new deposits on Tuesday that raised its total number of seed samples to 1.29 million.

A total of 20,683 seed samples from 15 gene banks were added on Tuesday, including four new contributors: two gene banks in Benin, one in Armenia, and one in Indonesia that deposited seeds for the first time.

This marks the second opening of the vault this year. Operated by the non-profit organization Crop Trust in collaboration with Norwegian authorities, the vault plays a crucial role in preserving the genetic diversity of important food crops.

"Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the world's ultimate security facility for global seed diversity, which is an essential part of countries' preparedness for future food production," Norway's Minister of Agriculture and Food Geir Pollestad said.

Established in 2008, the vault's primary mission is to safeguard the genetic diversity of the world's food plants. It aims to ensure the survival of agricultural and industrial crops against threats like war, terrorism and natural calamities.

With a capacity to hold up to 4.5 million distinct seed varieties, the vault can accommodate duplicates of every unique seed variant stored in global gene banks, as well as any new types procured in the future. 
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  One information technology services firm based in Virginia, Arthur Grand Technologies Inc. has been ordered to pay a civil penalty after it was accused of posting a discriminatory job advertisement.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), this comes after a job advertisement was posted in March 2023 restricting eligible candidates to only U.S. born citizens (white) who are located within 60 miles from Dallas, Texas [Dont share with candidates].

In May 2023, the Civil Rights Divisions Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) launched an investigation and determined Arthur Grand Technologies Inc. discriminated against candidates based on citizenship status and national origin. Their investigation revealed that a recruiter working for the companys subsidiary in India posted the advertisement on Indeed.

The advertisement began circulating on social media and began catching national attention.

An investigation completed by the Department of Labors (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) in April 2023 found the tech company advertised an opening for a business analyst position with its sales and insurance claims team in Dallas on a public online hiring website. It included a bold note that read, Only Born US Citizens [White] who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, TX [Dont share with candidates].

The DOJ says the position was set to serve two clients; HTC Global Services, an information technology company based in Troy, Michigan, and Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational holding company based in Omaha, Nebraska.

It is shameful that in the 21st century, we continue to see employers using whites only and only US born job postings to lock out otherwise eligible job candidates of color. I share the publics outrage at Arthur Grands appalling and discriminatory ban on job candidates based on citizenship status, national origin, color and race, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. The Justice Department, working with other government agencies, will continue to hold employers accountable when they violate our nations federal civil rights laws.

On May 23, 2024, the DOJ and the DOL announced separate settlement agreements. According to a report from The Hill, the Justice and Labor departments have fined Arthur Grand Technologies Inc. a civil penalty of $7,500, and an additional $31,000 to individuals who filed complaints with its OFCCP.

This agreement requires the company to train its personnel on the INAs requirements, revise its employment policies, and be subject to departmental monitoring.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Virginia State Board of Elections members John O'Bannon and Rosalyn Dance listen as embattled Charles City County Electoral Board Member Maria Kinney (foreground) defends herself against an effort to remove her from the board. (Graham Moomaw/Virginia Mercury)

Two members of the Charles City County Electoral Board have asked Virginia officials to begin the process of removing the third member of the board, who is accused of sharing sensitive election machine information with a local GOP leader.

In a May 14 letter to the Virginia State Board of Elections, election officials in Charles City  a small community between Richmond and Williamsburg  formally requested the ouster of local Electoral Board Member Maria A. Kinney, a Republican who just joined the board in January.

The cause listed in the request was severe dereliction of duties, including a claim Kinney allowed a former Charles City County GOP chair, Irene Churins, to view election equipment passwords during an accuracy test.

Kinneys two colleagues on the board  Republican Gerald Barnes and Democrat Kermit White  signed onto the letter seeking her removal, as did Registrar DeNay L. Harris, who serves in a nonpartisan role and reports to the three board members.

Documents shared with the state board accuse Kinney of disregarding election policies, battling colleagues over how to keep and publish meeting minutes and reportedly telling others she considers herself a sovereign citizen. That term usually refers to a staunchly anti-government movement whose members claim theyre exempt from laws they deem illegitimate.

Kinney appeared before the state elections board Tuesday to strongly deny most of the allegations while acknowledging she could be more careful about election security protocols

I have never called myself a sovereign citizen and had to look up what it means, Kinney said.

She went on to dispute claims that she resisted taking the oath of office and was reluctant to give her personal information to the countys human resources department. Kinney said she took the oath and filled out the HR paperwork after clearing up scheduling and technical issues. Suggestions to the contrary, she said, are slanderous.

I do not believe that it is my actions that need to be curtailed, Kinney said.

Under Virginias system of election administration, local party activists nominate people to serve on city and county electoral boards that oversee elections in their communities. Judges make the appointments from lists of nominees submitted by local parties, a process that occasionally leads to ultra-partisan figures wielding power over how local elections are run.

The situation in Charles City County is the latest example of personal animosity flaring up in offices that are meant to be even-keeled and nonpartisan, with local GOP figures conducting themselves in a manner that appears to have troubled even their fellow Republicans.

Virginia law gives the party that prevailed in the most recent gubernatorial election automatic control of all local electoral boards in the state. After Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin won in 2021, a new wave of GOP activists are being appointed to election oversight jobs, some of them steeped in far-right conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election being stolen from former President Donald Trump.

Barnes, who also appeared at Tuesdays state board meeting, questioned how Kinney could continue to serve on the county board when higher ups in the Republican Party of Virginia have already stripped Churins of her powers and dissolved the Charles City County GOP Committee to start anew. The Republican Party of Virginias 4th Congressional District Republican Committee decided May 9 to remove Churins from her position and temporarily disband the local party she once led.

Barnes also noted Kinney has already resigned as the boards secretary over the minute-keeping dispute but is insisting on staying on as a board member.

Who is she going to represent? Nobody, Barnes said. What is she going to do?

After a 30-minute closed meeting, the state elections board chose to delay action on the matter to allow more time to gather emails and other supporting documents mentioned as the two sides gave their version of the truth.

I think it would be very helpful to have additional information, said state Board Chairman John M. OBannon, a former Republican delegate.

Those involved in the dispute also gave differing accounts of separate incidents in which law enforcement has had to get involved in election office feuds, none of which have apparently led to charges being filed.

Because local electoral board members are appointed by judges, Virginia law requires the State Board of Elections to initiate the removal process by approving a petition asking the local circuit court to make the decision final.

The letter laying out the case for Kinneys ouster says she and Churins disrupted the countys efforts to check its voting equipment on Jan. 18, a mandatory process known as logic and accuracy testing.

During the completion of the L&A, Secretary Kinney wanted to input the passwords for the equipment as we were zeroing the machines, the letter says. As we watched, Secretary Kinney allowed Mrs. Churins to write seal numbers, serial numbers, what polling places the equipment was assigned to, and the passwords she was viewing as we were wrapping up Logic and Accuracy.

When Barnes told Kinney she couldnt share that information with party officials or the public, the letter alleges, Kinney proceeded to tell him that he could not tell her what she could and could not do.

Kinney told state officials Churins was standing behind her and she didnt realize Churins might have been close enough to see the passwords she was entering on the machines.

She would not have been able to see through my chest wall to know the numbers I was entering, Kinney said. When informed that I had made this error, I agreed that I needed to pay closer attention in the future, and that I would do just that.

The letter from Kinneys colleagues said her combative behavior compromises the integrity of upcoming elections in Charles City.

We have a problem here, which seems to grow exponentially with each election, Barnes wrote in his own letter to Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Rich Anderson. The problem is the conduct and behavior of the County Republican Chair, Mrs. Irene Churins. Her inability to treat the county election team with even a modicum of respect, her blatant refusal to abide by, much less acknowledge, current Virginia electoral laws and codes, as well as her continual witch hunt for non-existent conspiracies, are not only egregiously unethical but a reflection upon our party which simply cannot stand.

Barnes also suggested racism might be a factor in why the registrars office is facing hostility from some local Republicans based on a comment about Harris and a deputy registrar he said he heard at a local GOP meeting in 2021.

I overheard another attendee say Theyre both black, and we must watch these women. They came from Richmond, Barnes wrote in his letter. Mrs. Churins did not address this inappropriate remark, much less shutting down the conversations tenor.

Churins, who told state officials the documents shared with them were full of lies, strongly denied the racism charge when asked about it by The Virginia Mercury after Tuesdays meeting.

Weve got more Blacks than Whites, Churins said. And Ive got friends from all races.

Its total bunk and not who we are, echoed Kinney.

No one cited a direct source for the sovereign citizen accusation. Clara Belle Wheeler, a conservative election activist who previously served on the state elections board, took exception to the publication of an email suggesting she might be a source of information on things Kinney has said. That email, written by 4th District Congressional District Republican Committee Chair Carey Allen, was included in the official materials published online for the state board meeting.

I categorically deny everything that is written in those allegations, said Wheeler, who now serves on the Albemarle County Electoral Board and conducts training for other Republican board members around the state. I never have used the term sovereign citizen.

Barnes defended the claim Kinney had described herself that way by saying he had heard about it from more than two or three people.

Asked in an interview if she believes claims the 2020 presidential election was stolen or fraudulent, Kinney said not in Charles City.

Nationally, I dont know, she said. I have not really paid attention to all of the they showed one thing where somebody brought in a box or pulled a box from under a table or something Im a farmer. Ive got other busy life stuff going.

Its unclear when state officials plan to take up the dispute again for a final decision.

The post Virginia board considers ousting GOP election official accused of sharing voting machine info appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Data centers in Ashburn, Virginia (Gerville / Getty Images)

Humanity is almost a quarter of the way through the 21st century and Virginia  home to 70% of the worlds data centers  is on the frontlines of the latest emerging technology: artificial intelligence, or AI.

The prevalence of data centers and the rising role of AI dont equate to a dystopian battle between humans and machine control, though (at least at the moment). Rather, these issues are at the center of a debate over localities authority and revenue benefits, historic preservation, environmental considerations, and electricity demand and utility rate projections, all shaped by ever-increasing internet use.

The state is studying data center development

Northern Virginia, the densely populated suburbs and exurbs located just outside the nations capital, is home to 70% of the worlds data centers, the huge warehouses that store computers processing equipment, internet network servers and data drives. With people increasingly using web-based programs on an average of 22 internet-connected devices in homes, data centers are seen to be needed more than ever.

While data centers are proposed as potential drivers of economic benefits for localities, a number of Virginians have expressed concerns about the proliferation of the warehouses in the state and their effect on communities where theyre located.

Is it worth losing all your water, and having noise pollution and everything else to get revenue for some of the things you need? said Mary Damone, 67, who moved to the Orange County area a few years ago, where a 732-acre data center park development has been proposed.

Fairfax County resident Chris Ambrose, 63, who, like Damone, was also at a recent press conference raising concerns over data center development, said the development of thousands of homes in the proposal is bad enough.

Then you add the data centers to it, and the transmission lines, the impact on the battlefields, Ambrose said. If they need more revenue, you would think it would be something more measured. The magnitude is just crazy. Its off the charts.

Josh Levi, president of the Data Center Coalition, said the industry looks forward to supporting JLARC and discussing the findings when the study is done.

Virginia continues to distinguish itself as one of the most dynamic and important markets for the digital infrastructure that enables our innovation economy and meets the growing, collective computing demands of individuals and organizations of all size, Levi said.

This past legislative session, lawmakers introduced over a dozen bills to address some of the publics concerns over how data centers could impact water demand, power delivery costs and more, but they were all sent to the Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission, the states policy research arm, to develop policy proposal recommendations.

We have a number of research activities planned or underway for this study, said Mark Gribbin, the JLARC project lead for the data center study, at a meeting last week outlining the studys goals.

Foremost, well have a high level of engagement with local communities and data center companies, said Gribbin. Were also working closely with utilities, local governments and state regulators, especially on questions related to development, water, air and energy,

In the few months since those legislative deferrals, a battlefield in Orange County has been listed as one of the 11 most endangered sites in the country because of data center development, and Google announced a $1 billion investment to expand their data center campus in Reston.

Both events have re-upped the conversation over how to provide data centers their needed electrons, which could be delivered through an improved transmission system, after a recent regulatory overhaul of how such systems are planned.

If the generation isnt there to meet a proposed data centers needs, the data center doesnt [need to] locate in Virginia or anywhere else that cant meet its load, said Walton Shepherd, Virginia Policy Director with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Virginia is not responsible for the running of the internet, the data center operators largely are. The solution we need to solve is a cleaner grid. We have the tools to do so, and thats with or without data centers.

Local, historic concerns

In Orange County, Wilderness Crossing data center received national attention for its proposed development near a Civil War-era battlefield, fueled by concerns after data centers were built near other historic sites in Loudoun and Prince William counties in addition to other parts of the state.

The proposed Wilderness Crossing site near Wilderness Battlefield sprawls across 2,600 acres, 732 of which would accommodate data centers  which can typically have a footprint of over 100,000 square feet each and reach 90 feet tall  and distribution warehouses. The site plan also envisions over 5,000 residential units and 200,000 square feet of mixed commercial use buildings, and a realigning of Route 20.

If this development goes forward as approved, there will be intense pressure on the existing road network, said Bob Lookabill, president of the Friends of the Wilderness Battlefield, at the press conference announcing concerns over the Wilderness Crossing proposal.

The development would also obstruct the views of Virginias hillside, take up forested land, sit on abandoned gold mines and draw on water from the Rapidan River, which experienced drought-like conditions last year. Concerns about data centers impact on local waterways have been echoed around the state.

The areas water is served by the Rapidan Service Authority. According to its recently approved water permit, obtained by the Virginia Mercury, the Department of Environmental Quality rejected an initial request finalized after the Wilderness Crossing rezoning that sought to pull more water for projected demand increase.

What if there is a drought? said Tim Cywinksi, communications director for the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club, while speaking about another data center proposal in Caroline County during a webinar. Are we going to continue to supply what becomes a diminishing resource to an industry thats powering AI? Or are we going to give it to families to make sure they need it?  This is why protective policy is so important.

Other data center proposals appear to show that the developments would encroach on historic sites statewide, such as Manassas National Battlefield Park, Culpeper National Cemetery, Brandy Station, Sweet Run State Park and Savage Station Battlefield.

Two historic Black graveyards belonging to the Gaskins family in the Brentsville area of Prince William County are alleged to have been damaged from the construction of a data center and a nearby power substation.

Without comprehensive action from our elected leaders, countless historic sites [and] national parks may continue to fall victim to this unchecked and unregulated data center growth, said Kyle Hart, mid-atlantic field representative at the National Park Conservation Service during the May 1 press conference.

The pressure to these sites has already been largely seen in Loudoun and Prince William counties, which have been dubbed Data Center Alley, and recently approved a Digital Gateway rezoning in their respective jurisdictions.

We have to have a better way [to] think it through and it needs to be transparent, said Chris Miller, president of the Piedmont Environmental Council, a conservation organization focused on preserving central Virginias countryside. The group won a lawsuit against Orange County that forced the release of previously withheld information on the Wilderness Crossing proposal. I think everyone wants a continued investment in the economy and [to be] prosperous, but you want it done in a way that doesnt destroy the underlying quality of life.

Data center developments have been continually proposed throughout Virginia and are welcomed by some communities. A 1,200-acre data center site was recently approved in Hanover County. The Delta Lab, an energy innovation initiative focused on Southwest Virginia, has studied locating one in that region that could use water from mines for cooling.

Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax County, said at the recent JLARC meeting, two vacant buildings along the beltway in his district are being converted into an Amazon Web Services data center, without controversy.

It was a perfect place for it, actually, Sickles said. We need to find more perfect places in Virginia that are close to power, and can be shielded from the public. Its going to be a challenge for everybody because I dont think we want to give up on this industry.

$1 billion investment

Just days before the concern over Wilderness Crossing became public, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that Google, one of the biggest companies in the world, would expand its data center campuses from two facilities to three.

Were super excited about it, said Ruth Porat, president, chief financial officer and chief investment officer of both Google and its parent company Alphabet, of the expansion. The investments weve made today are not only important investments in infrastructure, but theyve also added 3,500 jobs in Virginia, and they supported a billion dollars of economic activity.

Google completed the first phase of construction on the first two data centers in 2019 with a $1.2 billion investment in the state.

The third centers creation will usher in an AI Opportunity Fund seeded with $75 million from the companys philanthropic arm, Google.org. The fund will help people around the county earn online training certifications. The program joins a separate Grow with Google program, already underway, that teamed with Northern Virginia Community College to offer a new free cyber security career certificate.

Since 2019, this innovative public-private partnership has increased opportunities for students to join the technology workforce, said Anne M. Kress, president of NOVA, in a statement. Kress added that the partnership helps close the skills gap and greatly expands the regions talent pool.

A driving force for the online certifications through the opportunity fund, would be leveraging AI. The governor leaned into the accelerator allegory during the announcement, highlighting AIs ability to hasten the pace for certifications to be awarded.

Whats been so exciting is that this parallel path, this moment of accelerator and brakes, is enabling confidence as we move forward to move forward with an expedited pace, Youngkin said. That is where breakthroughs can occur.

Data centers in Virginia have provided $2.2 billion in wages for citizens, and 25% of revenue to Loudoun County have gone into essential services like schools, social services and other public programs, Youngkin added.

Impact on power demand

Increased internet usage, including AI, requires data centers to use more electricity. Computing for AI is measured by an entirely new computing graphic processing unit, or GPU.

Historically, a single data center typically had a demand of 30 megawatts or greater, Dominion Energy Virginia President Bob Blue said in the utilitys first quarter earnings call. However, were now receiving individual requests for demand of 60 megawatts to 90 megawatts or greater, and it hasnt stopped there.

Larger data center campuses with multiple buildings can require total capacity ranging from 300 megawatts to as many as several gigawatts, Blue added.

The utility has connected 94 data centers to date and expects to connect another 15 this year, Blue also told investors. Power Engineering reported on a Securities Exchange Commision annual filing that in 2023 and 2022, 24% and 21% of electricity sales from Dominion were to data centers, respectively.

The concentration of data centers primarily in Loudoun County, Virginia represents a unique challenge and requires significant investments in electric transmission facilities to meet the growing demand, the SEC filing states.

While the data center computers have become more efficient through a power usage effectiveness score  a rate that determines how efficiently energy is processed for the web-based service to reach internet users  a study from McKinsey & Company found that data center power demand is expected to more than double across the country from from 17 GW to 35 GW. Some of that power could come from Dominions 176-turbine offshore wind project, expected to generate 2.6 GW of electricity, or enough to power 660,000 homes.

The point is that theyre packing more and more into less space, Miller said. How are we going to meet that load?

Dominion projects its load growth, which includes data centers and vehicle electrification, to increase from 17 gigawatts in 2023 to 33 gigawatt in 2048, though environmental groups are skeptical of growth proposals being modeled accurately.

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative expects to increase its peak electric load by more than 12% per year over the next 15 years, driven almost exclusively by data centers.

NOVEC works one-on-one with each new data center, as each new high-load customer presents unique issues to NOVEC and its distribution facilities, said Jim East, communications manager at electric cooperative. Part of this includes meeting the special energy supply and construction schedule needs, while always maintaining the high degree of reliability and affordability for all remaining customers.

To meet the demand for data centers, Dominion has included renewable energy technology in its long-term, non-binding integrated resource plan, but is also proposing a natural gas plant, which environmental groups continue to oppose, including protests at a Richmond outdoor festival the utility sponsored.

Teresa Hall, a spokeswoman for Appalachian Power Company, Virginias second largest utility that serves Southwest Virginia, noted that annual power generation over the last 20 years has stayed relatively flat until now. The uptick, she said, is thanks to data centers.

With data centers/increased internet use and AI, the landscape is changing quickly, Hall said, adding that data centers present a unique challenge because they require a lot of power  commonly 300 MW or more, which is enough to power all of the homes in a medium-size city.

The company is facing the challenge head-on, Hall said.

To date, weve been able to accommodate almost any size customer that has expressed an interest in our service territory. As we go forward, we know we will need additional cooperation.

Virginias leaders have increasingly expressed the need for new technologies such as small modular reactors, tinier versions of traditional nuclear plants that could power a small city like Roanoke with a population of 100,000. Proponents say SMRs could provide baseload, around-the-clock power when renewable technology cant produce it. The SMRs are intended to provide between 300 to 500 megawatts of power, but none have been turned on in the United States since NuScale pulled the plug on its effort to build one in Idaho due to cost concerns.

Shepherd, with the NRDC, said that if SMRs are built, theyre so far off. I dont think those are going to implicate the data centers decision on where and when it builds in a place where it is able to get power.

Another part of the dialogue focuses on technologies like battery storage and a recently announced 1920 rule from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, to increase planning for transmission lines across state lines. FERCs new guidance includes transmission lines that may need to be upgraded from a traditional 110 kilovolt to up to 500 kilovolt capacity, in order to supply data centers.

Transmission developers can now plan projects that address a multitude of needs that are anticipated to develop over a long-term horizon more efficiently and cost-effectively for customers, stated Ben Fowke, president and CEO of American Electric Power, the parent company of Appalachian Power Company, in U.S. Senate committee testimony this week.

The regional rule will also help areas pull on generation sources that may be located in other areas of the PJM Interconnection regional grid that Virginia is a member of.

Every resource backs up every other, but only if you have the transmission required, said Gamlich.

In 2023, Virginias legislature passed a bill to truncate a State Corporation Commission review of a transmission line proposal from PJM Interconnection. The line is needed to deliver power for data center development in Virginia and the $670 million project cost is recovered from ratepayers in Virginia.

Theres also an opportunity to strengthen existing transmission lines through grid enhancing technologies, or GETs, and separate ways to utilize a demand side management and energy efficiency programs to reduce the amount of strain on the grid. It can also help get around the 26 gigawatts of electricity stuck in a queue awaiting approval from PJM, 23% of which is from Virginia, said Kim Jemaine, director at Advanced Energy United.

In the states where they have been adopted at a medium level, GETs have unlocked 30% additional capacity from existing infrastructure and have allowed twice as many new energy projects to be integrated, said Kim Jemaine, director at Advanced Energy United. Jermaine said GETs can be installed with little to no downtime and at a fraction of the cost of new infrastructure.

Utilities have said they cant rely on energy efficiency efforts, like homeowners using smart thermostats to control consumption, because the end use may not keep up with those behaviors. But that dismissal is a red herring, Shepherd said. Measuring the load reductions delivered through energy efficiency programs and making actionable plans based on those measurements is not impossible, Shepherd added.

I think folks need to chill out and recognize the regular nature of grid planning. Its just a matter of rolling up our sleeves a little further to make sure its done correctly.

Perhaps ironically, as manufacturing and society in general electrifies more, AI might be able to help with those demand side management programs, as noted by the U.S. Department of Energy.

AI has the potential to significantly improve all these areas of grid management, the report stated, and can be a tool that models for capacity and transmission studies, compliance and review for federal permitting, forecasting renewable energy production and creating applications to enhance resilience.

Levi, with the Data Center Coalition, said the industry is committed to leaning in as an engaged partner at this pivotal time. Collectively, we can meet the moment and ensure a clean, reliable, affordable, and resilient electric system that supports the digitization of our economy, widespread vehicle and building electrification, the onshoring of advanced manufacturing, growth in controlled environment agriculture, and other 21st-century economic drivers.

Local Revenue

But the money.

The local revenue generated by data centers supports Loudoun and Prince William counties  the latter of which could add $54 million in revenue, with $19 million going toward schools and $21 million offsetting a real estate tax increase  as a result of increasing its data center tax from $2.15 to $3.70 per $100 assessed value.

Henrico County created a $60 million affordable housing fund with revenue from data centers in order to waive water and sewer connection fees and building permit fees.

Were doing something different, Board Chairman Tyrone Nelson said, according to Richmond BizSense. We may be the only locality in the commonwealth, maybe in the country, dedicating a single revenue source to address a crisis like this in our community.

Even property owners that sell their land for development of a data center can reap benefits. But, as evidenced by a Prince William County lawsuit, the spoils dont always go to the seller if a legal challenge over the rezoning holds up their profits as the property value and tax increase remains.

The report on Project Oasis proposal in Southwest Virginia said development of a 250,000 square foot hyperscale data center with 36 MW of demand could generate an estimated $464 million in capital investment and 40 indirect jobs.

Another report by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership found that 35 data centers, which are cited as the largest industry in the state, invested $23 billion into the economy while getting almost $1 billion in tax relief in exchange for its economic inputs. The report found a 14% average annual return on incentive for the years 2022 through 2027.

JLARC estimated [in 2019] that 90 percent of the data center investment made by the companies that benefit from the DCRSUT exemption would not have occurred in Virginia without the exemption, the report stated.

Although localities may be raking in local revenue benefits, those tax incentives for data centers cancel out cash that could be padding state coffers, which similarly could go toward education and other services.

Theres different layers to look at, said Jackson Miller, director of state power sector policy, also at the NRDC. We just think that if youre going to give away that revenue, which is taxpayer public money, then it needs to be conditioned with requirements to maximize energy efficiency, with requirements to maximize and ensure that that facility is bearing its costs and paying for it on the grid so ratepayers dont get a double- whammy.

Along with a bill to study if data centers or ratepayers foot the bill for transmission upgrades, a separate bill sent to JLARC this session came from Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun, that wouldve required data centers to achieve a certain computing efficiency score, known as a PUE, in order to receive state tax breaks.

The data center companies have climate improving commitments, but local permitting pushback to renewable energy sources, including solar, present challenges.

The centers should  be required to be 100% renewable before they turn the lights on if theyre serious about their publicly stated comments, said Hart, with the National Park Conservation Service.

The data center industrys benefits to Virginias economy include the creation of 12,140 direct jobs, including engineers, building control specialists, security, server technicians, logistics professionals, construction management, health and safety specialists, and food services. The future benefits  and challenges  of data center development in the state remain to be seen.

The post Virginia Explained: Data center expansion, with all its challenges and benefits appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
The U.S. Justice Department and Department of Labor announced agreements with Virginia tech firm Arthur Grand Technologies Inc., after the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act last year by posting a discriminatory job advertisement, recruiting "Whites only." File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

May 27 (UPI) -- A Virginia information tech firm will be forced to revise its employment policies and pay a civil penalty after it restricted eligible candidates to "only U.S.-born" and "White" citizens.

The U.S. Justice Department and Department of Labor announced the agreements last week with Arthur Grand Technologies Inc., after the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act by posting a discriminatory job advertisement in March 2023.

"Only U.S.-born citizens [White] who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, Texas, [Don't share with candidates]," the job post read.

"It is shameful that in the 21st century, we continue to see employers using 'Whites only' and 'only U.S.-born' job postings to lock out otherwise eligible job candidates of color," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.

"I share the public's outrage at Arthur Grand's appalling and discriminatory ban on job candidates based on citizenship, status, national origin, color and race," Clarke added.

An investigation was opened into the tech company in May 2023 after a recruiter based in India posted the advertisement on the job website Indeed. The advertisement went viral on social media and prompted several news articles.

An investigation by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, or OFCCP, found that Arthur Grand Technologies advertised the opening last year, for a business analyst position with its sales and insurance claims team in Dallas, on the public online hiring website along with the discriminatory disclaimer.

Under the Justice Department settlement, Arthur Grand will pay a civil penalty of $7,500 to the United States. Under the Labor Department agreement, Arthur Grand will compensate those individuals who filed complaints with the OFCCP. Both agreements require the tech firm to retrain employees involved in recruiting.

"Over the past 58 years, OFCCP has protected workers and job-seekers from workplace discrimination. We are committed to holding federal contractors accountable for outrageous discriminatory practices like this advertisement," said acting director Michele Hodge of the Department of Labor's OFCCP.

"Companies like Arthur Grand that accept federal contracts cannot have a 'Whites only' hiring process."
Vivek Ramaswamy pressures BuzzFeed to hire Tucker Carlson and shift to the Right

Vivek Ramaswamy has used his position as a BuzzFeed board member to try and move the company to the Right - Vivek Ramaswamy

Former Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has urged BuzzFeed to hire Tucker Carlson after taking an activist stake in the online publisher.

In a letter to BuzzFeeds board, Mr Ramaswamy called on the company to employ voices from across the political and cultural spectrum as he lobbied for more investment in video and a shift to the Right.

Alongside Mr Carlson, who was fired as a Fox News host last year, the activist also suggested conservative commentator Candace Owens and comedian Bill Maher.

He wrote: No talent should be off-limits to platform, hire, or acqui-hire.

Mr Ramaswamy, a vocal critic of woke politics, called on BuzzFeed to admit it had repeatedly lied on issues of national importance and apologise to its readers.

He pointed to a string of stories, including BuzzFeeds publication of the Christopher Steele dossier, which contained unsubstantiated claims about Donald Trumps links to Russia, and its reporting on the actor Kevin Spacey, which he said had contributed to public distrust of the media.

Mr Ramaswamy added: Against this backdrop, you have a historic opportunity to redefine BuzzFeed and set yourself apart from every other major media organisation.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson is one of America's most controversial media personalities - Scott Olson/Getty Images

The biotech entrepreneur, who ended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in January and announced his support for Mr Trump, also called for large-scale job cuts at BuzzFeed to return the company to startup size.

He said he had identified three directors to join the publishers board and urged existing board members to meet with them and confirm their appointment by July 15.

Mr Ramaswamy added that he had increased his stake to 8.4pc, making him the second-largest Class A shareholder, and intended to buy more shares.

Jonah Peretti, BuzzFeeds co-founder and chief executive, owns the majority of the Class B supervoting shares.

In an email responding to Mr Ramaswamy, Mr Peretti said: Based on your letter, you have some fundamental misunderstandings about the drivers of our business, the values of our audience, and the mission of the company.

Im very skeptical it makes business sense to turn BuzzFeed into a creator platform for inflammatory political pundits. And were definitely not going to issue an apology for our Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism.

That said, I welcome outside perspectives from shareholders and am open to hearing more from you. Id also love the opportunity to better explain the strategy that weve outlined on our recent earnings calls, and why were so confident it will create the most value.

BuzzFeed boss Jonah Peretti said the company would not apologise for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism - REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

BuzzFeeds market value surged last week after Mr Ramaswamy revealed his position in the company. Comcast, the US media giant behind Sky, sold around $10m (8m) worth of shares last week as it cashed in on the rally.

Mr Ramaswamy, who could be in line for a cabinet position if Mr Trump wins the election, made his fortune through pharmaceutical group Roivant Sciences, which he founded in 2014.

In 2022 he co-founded Strive Asset Management, an anti-activism fund that has railed against woke politics in boardrooms and criticised companies for adopting strategies focused on environmental, social and governance, or ESG, principles.

Mr Ramaswamy also wrote Woke, Inc, a New York Times bestselling book outlining his belief that the social justice movement was a scam.

BuzzFeed was launched in 2006 amid a wave of new Left-leaning digital outlets. But the company suffered a collapse in its share price following a botched stock market float in 2021 and has struggled for direction amid a decline in referrals from social media sites, a slump in online advertising and growing fears that artificial intelligence (AI) could replace writers.

BuzzFeed shut down its Pulitzer Prize-winning news division last year amid broader job cuts and is now known for its online quizzes and pop culture listicles.

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 Voice is suing to view government records. Hopefully other Oklahomans one day wont have to.

(Courtesy of the state of New Jersey)

About a week ago, I sued someone for the first time.

Its still a little jarring to see my name listed as plaintiff in a lawsuit that potentially has high stakes for Oklahomans and their right to know why public employees are abruptly being paid with our funds to go away.

It shouldnt take litigation to knock loose records that we, as taxpayers, should be entitled to view.

But the Department of Wildlife Conservation and its governing commission have dug in their heels. They said its none of the publics business about what is contained in the severance agreement that they signed when they agreed to pay their former executive director, J.D. Strong, over $169,000 to depart.

I disagree, and I fear that if such a philosophy is allowed to go unchallenged, it will embolden other governmental entities to try to keep secret payments to make problems go away.

We think any time public money is expended, Oklahomans are entitled to know why. How else can we gauge if public officials at all levels are competently performing their duties?

Days after we first reported that the agency had denied our open records request, the eight-member wildlife governing board took the bizarre step of taking a public vote to block the release of the agreement it negotiated.

The decision raised eyebrows, and open records advocates said it was really unusual for a public body to go out of their way to let everyone know that they wanted to keep a record out of the publics hands.

We decided to partner with the nonprofit Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which advocates on behalf of the press for the release of information that should be public under state open records laws. Were lucky that Oklahoma is one of five states where they operate a Local Legal Initiative aimed at helping hold government agencies and officials accountable.

We unsuccessfully tried to mediate things behind the scenes and come to an agreement.

But I discovered that Oklahomas extremely weak Open Records Act leaves little incentive for such outcomes. If an agency digs in their heels or refuses to negotiate or discuss a denial, it offers the average Oklahoman few options except litigation.

Thats despite the fact that our law is founded on the premise that people are vested with the inherent right to know and be fully informed about their government, and the purpose is to ensure and facilitate our right to access and review government records so that Oklahomans may efficiently and intelligently exercise their inherent political power.

Most people likely dont have the resources to sue, which allows agencies to stonewall the public at will.

Im certain state agencies that arent complying with the law  or are slowballing their responses to requests  operate on the assumption that there will be no ramifications. And, theyd largely be right.

Ive been denied access to records before in Oklahoma, but never had the resources, or perhaps, the will to sue.

Litigation is expensive and time consuming, and our open records law largely has no teeth for those who willfully violate it. Its a misdemeanor offense to willfully violate the law. Officials could face a fine up to $500, a year in county jail or both. I cant remember the last time weve incarcerated a public official for a willful violation.

Theres also no provision requiring a response to a request within a certain timeframe, which allows open records requests to languish unfulfilled for months or longer. I have an existing request with another agency thats over a year old.

There has to be a better way for the general public to be able to access the information theyre entitled to without having to pursue litigation. And, our law should have timeframes for response so that people arent waiting months.

In any case, the fact that theres at least one state agency that is under the impression that our law allows them to hide severance agreements from public inspection is scary and alarming.

As our attorney noted last week, the Department of Wildlife Conservation manages 1.6 million acres of public land on behalf of every Oklahoman. The public has a right to know how it is managed and how public funds are being used.

Oklahomans should always have the right to view any severance agreements that our state, county and local officials enter into to rid themselves of someone.

What is the department trying to hide?

Requiring access to severance agreements ensures light shines in a dark corner of government and good ol boy deals arent being struck behind closed doors.

No Oklahoman wants to fund a government that lacks public accountability.

Hopefully the outcome of our lawsuit, which seeks a declaration that the severance agreement is public, will make it easier for more Oklahomans in the future to access other agreements.

Because they deserve it.

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The post The Voice is suing to view government records. Hopefully other Oklahomans one day wont have to. appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
You voted to fight corruption in NY state. But dishonest officials kept hefty pensions

When New York state lawmakers passed a sweeping ethics reform package in 2011, it was hailed as a major advancement toward eliminating corruption in Albany.

"This historic ethics reform bill is another step in restoring the public's trust in their government," said then-Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos on the Senate floor during the passage of the Public Integrity Reform Act.

But a new investigation by the USA TODAY Network New York has exposed a glaring defect in the Public Integrity Reform Act: Corrupt officials were supposed to be at risk of losing all or part of their pensions. Instead, their pensions have largely been kept whole.

This fact is all the more significant given that New York state voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the state constitution in 2017 significantly expanding this pension forfeiture penalty.

The USA TODAY Network New York investigation found zero cases in which convicted officials have lost their pensions under these reforms.

"Im both surprised but not surprised, said Blair Horner, the executive director of New York Public Interest Research Group. Every time a reform gets written in Albany it often looks too much like Swiss cheese. People can escape accountability."

An illustration for USA TODAY Network-New York's investigation into the lack of pension forfeiture when felonies are committed on the job. The man in the image is former state comptroller Alan Hevesi, who was sentenced to prison in a pay-to-play scheme.

Scandal after scandal in New York. What was the answer?

In the months before the 2011 passage of the Public Integrity Reform Act, New York had been reeling from major corruption scandals involving prominent state officials. Just six months prior, state Sen. Vincent Leibell had resigned in the face of a federal investigation into whether he was extorting lawyers in Putnam County. Leibell later pleaded guilty to grand jury obstruction and tax evasion.

Just two months prior to the law's passage, former state Comptroller Alan Hevesi was sentenced to prison for a "pay to play" scandal where he awarded a massive pension investment in exchange for foreign travel and campaign contributions.

The Public Integrity Reform Act was supposed to change all that.

The multifaceted law was aimed at tackling corruption from many angles. It created a new public ethics watchdog known as the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, it expanded financial disclosures for legislators and lobbyists and it enabled the state to claw back the pensions of felonious public officials.

In short, the Public Integrity Reform Act was an effort to show the public that New York state is "serious about giving them a government that they deserve," said state Sen. Andrew Lanza, R-Staten Island, on the Senate floor.

It didn't work out that way.

The joint commission was largely viewed as ineffectual and was dissolved in 2022. The bill's two sponsors, Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, would later be convicted on federal bribery charges.

And the man who signed it, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, resigned from office in 2021 in the face of allegations of sexual harassment and official misconduct.

Pension forfeiture had been touted as a powerful deterrent to public corruption, both when passed in 2011 and when strengthened in the 2017 statewide referendum.

And yet in either case, under the 2011 law or the 2017 amendment, it appears that corrupt officials have not lost their pensions. The state Comptroller and New York City Comptroller both told the USA TODAY Network New York that they could not find a single case of having voided an official's pension after a corruption-related conviction.

And that's not for want of examples:

Earlier this year, former town of Throop Supervisor William Tarby pleaded guilty to stealing almost $11,000 from the town for personal debts and home improvements.

In September, former Utica mayor and school board president Louis LaPolla was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly embezzling $38,000 in donations to a scholarship fund set up in his late wife's memory. He recently pleaded guilty to state charges for using public employees to raise money for the fund.

In 2021, SUNY Empire State College's former facilities director, Erik Reimann, pleaded guilty after an investigation found he had spent thousands of taxpayer dollars on personal items.

In 2019, former Mount Vernon Corporation Counsel Lawrence Porcari was convicted of multiple felonies for diverting $365,000 in city funds to the mayor's criminal defense lawyers and a public relations firm.

LaPolla is getting a $3,571 per month pension. Porcari is getting $2,994 per month. Tarby retired this year and will soon be receiving a pension.

Why is it that New York officials can still collect a pension after having been convicted of a corruption-related crime? The answer, it turns out, is just as complicated as the problem. The USA TODAY Network has found that a host of factors play into why these two laws have never been used.

Data.democratandchronicle.com hosts a database of New York state employer pensions, not specifically ones related to this story. Check it out.

Prosecutors in New York won't go after criminals' pensions

One of the reasons why pension forfeiture has never been pursued is that the law assigns this task to the prosecuting agency. They have to act for this process to happen.

Instead of doubling down on the same individual for a second punishment, those resources could be used to pursue a new wrongdoer, said Kevin Frankel, who worked on public corruption cases at the New York Attorney General's Office from 2016 to 2022.

"You need to go take your proof of conviction and then commence a separate action," he said. "We've already got a (criminal) judgment and some sort of sentence here, so let's move on to the next thing, rather than back up again and deal with the Comptroller's office."

Frankel added that the prospect of revoking someone's pension also provided prosecutors with substantial leverage in plea negotiations. Agreeing not to pursue revocation might mean a corrupt official would be more likely to plead guilty to the underlying criminal charge.

There are other likely reasons the pension forfeiture laws go unused, including less of a focus on white-collar criminals:

Its unclear if district attorneys are aware of the specifics of the statutes and how they can be used. The USA TODAY Network could find no examples of training or information provided by state agencies to prosecutors about the laws. The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York declined to respond to questions from the USA TODAY Network.

There is uncertainty about what the laws entail and allow. This, however, becomes a self-perpetuating issue. If the laws are never used and tested, then legal precedents arent created to better define the laws and their reach.

District Attorneys' offices and law enforcement agencies have a heavier focus on violent and drug crimes than on public corruption or white-collar crime.

Federal prosecutors often tackle public corruption cases, though those prosecutions have declined in recent years in federal court. But the laws do not extend to federal prosecutions. There was once a legislative effort to allow the Attorney General's Office to pursue pensions after a federal conviction, but the proposal did not get momentum in Albany.

Police, teachers not affected by laws

Another significant reason no public official has had their pension revoked is that two critical public professions, police officers and teachers, were written out of the law's reach. As well, all rank-and-file municipal employees were written out of the 2017 amendment.

Former state Sen. Joe Robach, a Republican who represented parts of Rochester and the surrounding suburbs, explained that the intent of the law was to home in on "everybody that worked for government."

But the decision to remove police officers from the pension forfeiture law has almost certainly had a major impact on its effectiveness, as they represent many cases that could otherwise be eligible for forfeiture. Since 2021, when the New York Attorney General was tasked with investigating police killings, eight police officers have been indicted and prosecuted by that office.

From 2005 to 2011, New York City police officers were arrested in 229 criminal cases, comprising a vast range of criminal charges, according to a 2016 study funded by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Police officers continue to be charged with and convicted of corruption-related crimes:

Last year, Thomas Loewke admitted that he tipped off the target of a huge gambling investigation to the probe. Loewke was, at the time, a New York State Police sergeant and pleaded guilty in federal court to obstruction of justice. He is receiving a pension of more than $84,000 annually.

Former NYPD officer Michael Bergmann was convicted of perjury and other crimes in 2019 for fabricating an assault and sending an innocent man to prison with his lies.

In November, Edward Longo, a former New York state trooper, pleaded guilty in connection with a fake ticket scandal, where he was accused of writing dozens of made-up traffic tickets to unsuspecting motorists.

Prosecutors not using the forfeiture law

There could be evidence that now, years after the passages of the anti-corruption measures, some prosecutors see the laws as an arrow in the prosecutorial quiver. However, those examples are still few  very few.

Bruce Karam, superintendent of the Utica City School District from 2011 until November, agreed in a plea to partially forfeit his pension. However, even that move became problematic because the New York State Teachers' Retirement System argued that the law did not allow the forfeiture of his pension.

Karam pleaded guilty to a felony public corruption charge; he used school district money to help fund a school board political campaign and to pay for a fundraiser that had nothing to do with the schools.

However, prosecutors secured a lump-sum payment of $150,000 from Karam instead of pursuing pension forfeiture, according to Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville.

In Steuben County, another district attorney, Brooks Baker, is eyeing pension forfeiture in the case of a village clerk accused of stealing $1.1 million in tax funds. Prosecutors allege rampant theft by Ursula Stone, the clerk and treasurer in the village of Addison in Steuben.

An audit from the state Comptrollers Office prompted accusations that she stole school district checks and dozens of other payable to the village, as well as gave herself unauthorized pay raises, in turn boosting her salary and future pension.

Just to put this in a little proportion, and show you the magnitude of her theft, if you take the money shes alleged to have stolen, it would have funded the village police department for over four years, said Nelson Sheingold, the counsel to the state comptroller, after the announcement of the arrest.

This could represent the first instance of the pension forfeiture laws being used.

Any champions for NY reform? Some say no.

Asked about the rare use of pension forfeiture, state Comptroller Thomas Dinapoli said in a statement: "Public service is a privilege and those who betray the publics trust must be held accountable. As I have stated since I proposed pension forfeiture legislation over a decade ago, when a public official exploits their position and betrays that trust, their public pension should be at risk."

Some advocates of more reforms in Albany say that, while crimes continue within governmental circles, the rash of corruption does appear to have been slowed or is, for now, undetected.

"It hasn't been the same tsunami of ethical problems that happened in the decade before" the anti-corruption laws, said NYPIRG's Blair Horner.

Former state Sen. Timothy Kennedy, who was recently elected to federal office, was a major proponent of the pension forfeiture laws during his time in the state legislature.

"Those who are convicted of violating the public's trust don't deserve to collect a pension, especially on the dime of hardworking New Yorkers," he said in a statement in response to the USA TODAY Network investigation. "The pension forfeiture legislation that was advanced in Albany was intended to equip prosecutors with the ability to hold these bad actors accountable.

"While I can't speak to the way in which this law has been enforced, I'm always open to revisiting opportunities to strengthen existing laws if we can improve their intended purpose."

Former state Sen. Joseph Robach also wonders whether lawmakers have the willpower to ensure the anti-corruption laws are used or strengthened.

"There is nobody that seems to care about public integrity," he said. "They want to have you believe that nothing like that could ever happen again. I don't believe it."

About reporting this New York investigation

To conduct its research into the state pension forfeiture laws, the USA TODAY Network New York reached out to the New York Comptroller's Office and the New York City Comptroller's Office, different pension systems in New York, state and federal prosecutor offices, the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, the Attorney General's Office, the state Office of Court Administration, numerous other organizations and agencies, and good government groups.

None could provide an instance in which a corrupt public official lost all or part of a pension under the pension forfeiture laws.

That does not mean pensions have never been affected by criminal or civil judgments. In criminal cases involving pension-eligible public officials, all or part of a pension is frequently seized for victim restitution. Crime victims also bring civil cases against convicted pensioners and are able to seize pension benefits to satisfy civil damages.

However, these types of cases only work where there is a clear, identifiable victim to whom restitution can be provided. The utility of the forfeiture law is that it allows prosecutors to go beyond this, to claw back pensions where the general public has been defrauded by an official's misconduct.

Lawrence Porcari, the former Mount Vernon corporation counsel, was not ordered to pay any restitution after he was convicted of steering hundreds of thousands of dollars in city funds to the mayor's criminal defense attorneys (and a PR firm). In his case, there was no clear victim, aside from the general public.

He served a brief prison sentence before his release from custody last year. Every month, he'll continue to collect his nearly $3,000 government pension.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to describe, more specifically, the circumstances leading to Andrew Cuomos resignation.

 Gary Craig is a veteran reporter with the Democrat and Chronicle, covering courts and crime and more. He is the author of two books, including "Seven Million: A Cop, a Priest, a Soldier for the IRA, and the Still-Unsolved Rochester Brink's Heist."

 Asher Stockler is a government accountability reporter for lohud.com.

 Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who contributed reporting for this article. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New York pensions: Corrupt officials get money despite crimes, reform
Voter outreach groups targeted by new laws in several GOP-led states are struggling to do their work

Anita Alexander, vice president for the Kansas group Loud Light, wears a T-shirt encouraging voting on the campus of Washburn University, Friday, May 18, 2024, in Topeka, Kan. Their group does voter registration drives on college campuses but has suspended that work while it challenges a state elections law that it says hampers registration drives. Laws passed in several Republican-controlled states are making it challenging for advocates to adapt as they try to register and educate potential voters with just months to go before the presidential election. (AP Photo/John Hanna)

WASHINGTON (AP)  During the presidential election four years ago, the Equal Ground Education Fund hired over 100 people to go door-to-door and attend festivals, college homecomings and other events to help register voters across Florida. Their efforts for this year's elections look much different.

A state law passed last year forced them to stop in-person voter registration, cut staff and led to a significant drop in funding. Organizers aren't sure how robust their operations will be in the fall.

Genesis Robinson, the group's interim executive director, said the law has had a tremendous impact on its ability to host events and get into communities to engage directly with potential voters.

Prior to all of these changes, we were able to operate in a space where we were taking action and prepare our communities and make sure they were registered to vote  and help if they werent, he said.

Florida is one of several states, including Kansas, Missouri and Texas, where Republicans have enacted voting restrictions since 2021 that created or enhanced criminal penalties and fines for those who assist voters. The laws have forced some voter outreach groups to cease operations, while others have greatly altered or reduced their activities.

The Florida law, signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis last May, imposed a $50,000 fine on third-party voter registration organizations if the staff or volunteers who handle or collect the forms have been convicted of a felony or are not U.S. citizens. It also raised the fines the groups could face, from $1,000 to $250,000, and reduced the amount of time they are able to return registration applications from 14 days to 10 days.

A federal judge blocked portions of the law earlier this month, including the one targeting felons and those who are not citizens. Even so, the law had a direct effect on the operations of Equal Ground and other voter advocacy organizations in the state before the ruling.

The League of Women Voters in Florida, one of the plaintiffs, shifted away from in-person voter registration to digital outreach. Cecile Scoon, the league's co-president, said the law stripped the personal connection between its workers and communities. Digital tools arent easy to use when registering voters and can be expensive, she said.

These organizations are needed because local election officials don't always provide adequate support and information, said Derby Johnson, a voter in Ormond Beach who attended a recent community event in Daytona Beach organized by Equal Ground. He said it appeared the Florida Legislature was just trying to make it harder for certain communities to register and cast ballots.

There are parties actively working to suppress the vote, particularly in Black and brown communities, and these groups help educate and register voters to mitigate that," she said.

MOVE Texas, a voting rights group that focuses on voters who are 30 or younger, adjusted to that state's 2021 election overhaul with additional training for their staff and volunteers. Among the provisions drawing concern was one that increased criminal penalties for anyone who receives compensation for assisting a voter, which especially affected the ability to recruit high school and college students for voter registration drives.

The law contributed to this culture of fear in our elections and being a person who registers voters," said Stephanie Gomez, the groups political director.

Republicans in Kansas overrode a veto by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to pass a bill that made it a felony if anyone registering voters impersonated or was assumed to impersonate an election official.

That forced Loud Light Kansas, a voter outreach group that focuses on minority communities, to stop its registration efforts. Would-be voters typically perceived their staff and volunteers as election workers even when told otherwise, said Anita Alexander, the organization's vice president.

Were trying to engage impacted people, but we werent willing to risk anyone getting charged by doing voter engagement work," she said.

Loud Light and other local voter registration groups sued the Legislature. The Democratic governor said there has been no evidence in the state of widespread voter fraud or instances of individuals impersonating election officials.

In Missouri, the state chapter of the League of Women Voters and the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP sued after the state enacted wide-ranging election legislation in 2022.

Among other things, the new law bans compensation for those who register voters and requires that anyone who helps more than 10 people register must also register with the secretary of states office and be a voter themselves. Violators can face criminal penalties.

The completed secretary of states forms are public, which presents a privacy concern for many people who might otherwise want to help with voter registration efforts, said Denise Lieberman, director and general counsel of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition.

Historically, when those membership lists have been obtained, theyve been used to intimidate. So, theres a lot of trepidation, especially in groups that are targeting low-income or communities of color, she said. If you just want to volunteer for one hour on a Saturday morning to help out on your college campus or on an Earth Day or anything, you have to go through this whole process.

The Missouri law is on hold while the legal challenge plays out, with a trial set for August.

Voting rights experts expect to see continued attempts to restrict voting and the activities of voter outreach groups in Republican-controlled states, said Megan Bellamy, vice president of law and policy at the Voting Rights Lab.

"The effort to target third-party voter registration groups is just, unfortunately, one of many policy areas that state legislatures are moving to address, she said.

___

The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
ROME, May 28 (Xinhua) -- About 600 looted artefacts and antiquities worth an estimated 60 million euros (65 million U.S. dollars) were returned to Italy from the United States, Italian police said on Tuesday.

All the artefacts had been stolen and brought to the United States at various stages in the past, and sold to galleries, museums and private collections across the country.

The return was the result of a long investigation by the Heritage Protection Unit of Carabinieri, Italy's military force, in coordination with several Italian prosecution offices, and with the assistance of New York District Attorney's Office and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, according to Italian authorities.

Carabinieri said the looted artworks included bronzes, numismatic and archival assets, all of which were obtained from illegal excavations in central and southern Italy, and from thefts carried out in museums, churches and private homes.

Among the most precious were a Hellenistic bronze dating from the first century BC, and an ancient Greek silver coin -- or tetradrachm -- dating from the fourth century BC, which was about to be offered for some 500,000 U.S. dollars in New York.

There were also other ancient coins, helmets, mosaics and jewelery dating from the 9th century BC to the 3rd century AD and frescos from the 17th century.

This was the latest haul as part of Italy's efforts to retrieve thousands of antiquities looted by tomb robbers and illegally sold to arts dealers across the world.

In 2023 alone, some 105,474 looted artworks valued at an estimated 264 million euros were found and brought back to Italy, according to the latest report by Carabinieri Heritage Protection Unit. 
Even the staunchest Conservative has to admit that the election campaign didnt get off to the greatest of starts, but in the end its how you finish an election campaign, not how you begin it, that matters. Just ask Theresa May. She blew a 20-point lead in the polls and had the 2017 election campaign last another week, Britain may well have welcomed Jeremy Corbyn into Number 10. Things can change.

Admittedly, the Prime Minister has the fight of his political life on his hands if he is to turn things round, but the last two days may give him and his campaign strategists a fig leaf of hope.

Political commentators are always asked by interviewers like me: So who won the campaign today? Labour undoubtedly won the first three days of the campaign after elementary mistakes were made by the Conservative events team. But Rishi Sunak grabbed back the initiative on Sunday with his National Service policy pledge. Whatever you think of it, no one has been talking about anything else for the last 48 hours. And that matters. No ones talking about Labour.

The hope among Tory supporters and candidates will be that there are a whole host of eye-catching, or even risky, policy announcements being planned for the coming days, which continue to put Labour on the back foot and inject some much-needed momentum. George H W Bush described it as The Big Mo.

This is where the two TV debates are going to be so crucial to Tory election chances, assuming they garner huge audiences. If Keir Starmer continues his Ming Vase policy of being the most safety-first oriented politician since Stanley Baldwin, its possible that the electorate will become bored with him and his non-committal approach to everything.

Whenever Starmer gives an evasive answer Sunak should just turn to him, look him in the eye and ask: Is that it? Sunak will hope that its not possible for Starmer to get through a six-week election campaign without being found out. In essence, Sunak has to force him to drop the Ming Vase.

There is a strong sense of disenchantment among voters, with polls revealing many still dont know where to lend their support, and they deserve better than Labours current approach. Its all very well being cautious, but surely you cant go through an entire campaign, say nothing, and expect to be rewarded for it. Safety first will have its appeal, but if your campaign slogan is Change then you do have to be able to explain what you want to change to and how youre going to achieve it.

You have to give some indication of what the sunlit uplands are going to look like. What Sarah Palin referred to as the hopey changey thing, can only take you so far, particularly if you have very little to back it up with. And this is where Tory strategists spot an opening. Or they should.

At the margins

The result of this election may well be decided by the performance of the minor parties like Reform UK, the Greens and George Galloways Workers Party of Britain. I dont expect they will win more than half a handful of seats between them, but the amount of votes they rack up in different constituencies could tip the balance between a hung parliament and a large Labour majority.

On the right, if Reform UK take enough Conservative votes in Red Wall seats, even ones with relatively large Conservative majorities, it could let Labour in to take the seats. Similarly in the south of England they could perform the same service for the Liberal Democrats. On the Left, there are plenty of Left-wing voters who cannot stomach Starmers volte-faces on policy and his drift to what they see as the Right. They may well be tempted to register a protest by voting Green or for the Workers Party. In some marginal seats these votes may be enough to see the Tories retain some surprise seats, especially in the North West.

National divide

One reason I was very happy to learn of the announcement on National Service was because it put the defence of this country front and centre of the election campaign, which is exactly where it needs to be. The head of the Army was right when he warned that we should see ourselves as the pre-war generation. And he was right to warn about the size of our Armed Forces. We must not make the same mistake as the National Government did in the 1930s.

When will Britain learn that, if you try to appease dictators, it comes back to bite you? Rearming and reinforcing our military is not an aggressive measure, it is a necessary one given the threats we now face. For Labour to have stolen a march on defence, with a poll last week revealing Starmer is more trusted by the public on national security than Rishi Sunak, is shaming for the Conservatives. There has never been an occasion in my lifetime where that has happened. Even under Tony Blair the Tories were still more popular on defence than Labour.

I dont doubt that Keir Starmer and his shadow defence secretary John Healey are patriots and believe in strong defences, but there are too many Labour MPs and members who would happily divert much of the defence budget to pay for goodness knows what. They fail to learn the lessons of history.

Iain Dales new book, British General Election Campaigns 1830-2019, is published by Biteback

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(Capital-Star photo)

A coalition of grassroots organizations has filed a lawsuit against Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt and election officials in Pennsylvanias two biggest counties, seeking an end to the practice of disqualifying mail-in ballots without a voters handwritten date on the external envelope.

The U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in March that ballots without the external date should not be counted, even if received by the Election Day deadline. The three-judge panel struck down a lower court ruling which found that rejecting ballots for the date requirement violates federal law against disenfranchising voters.

Pennsylvania should be making it easier to vote, not more difficult, Mike Lee, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania said in a statement. Attorneys from the ACLU of PA are representing the organizations in the suit, along with the Public Interest Law Center and pro bono co-counsel from Arnold & Porter.

This arbitrary handwritten date requirement has already disenfranchised tens of thousands of voters in the commonwealth, Lee added. With such high stakes in the 2024 election, Pennsylvania counties must do everything they can to ensure that every vote is counted.

The case is separate from a federal lawsuit challenging the date requirement filed by the NAACP, which claimed that the requirement violates federal civil rights law, the ACLU said.

At issue in the NAACP case is the materiality provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits officials from denying anyone from voting because of an error or omission on any record or paper relating to any application, registration, or other act requisite to voting, unless it is material to the persons qualification to vote.

Senior U.S. Circuit Judge Thomas Ambro wrote in the March 3rd Circuit Court decision that the date requirement serves little apparent purpose, but since the states Supreme Court ruled it was required, undated or misdated ballots are invalid under state law and must be set aside.

The question of whether mail-in ballots with a missing or incorrect date on the outside envelope should be counted has been a factor in elections since Act 77, Pennsylvanias no-excuse absentee voting law, took effect in 2020. The requirement of a date on the return envelope has been a sticking point for voting rights groups and the courts, and Pennsylvania redesigned its mail ballots in November 2023, hoping to reduce confusion with clearer directions included.

In response to a lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee, in 2022 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that more than 10,000 mail-in ballots on which voters had not written the date on the outer envelope, or had written the wrong date, should be rejected.

Tuesdays lawsuit, filed in Commonwealth Court, includes affidavits from several voters who were dismayed to find their votes had been rejected in recent elections because of the external ballot signature requirement. They include Mary Stout, a Berks County voter who mailed in her ballot for the April primary, only to be informed it had been rejected for not having the handwritten date on the outer envelope. The notice informed her she would have to cast her vote in person, which Stout said she was unable to do because of mobility issues. As a result, my vote was not counted, Stout said.

Our state constitution is clear: every vote matters in Pennsylvania, Ben Geffen, senior attorney at the Public Interest Law Center said in a statement. Procedures that needlessly block even a single eligible voter from exercising that most fundamental right are suspect. This pointless handwritten date requirement  which every year causes thousands of eligible voters ballots to be rejected for harmless clerical errors  cannot continue in Pennsylvania.

The lawsuit names Schmidt, along with the Philadelphia County and Allegheny County boards of elections. The petitioners, which include Black Political Empowerment Project, POWER Interfaith, Make the Road Pennsylvania, OnePA Activists United, New PA Project Education Fund, Casa San Jose, Pittsburgh United, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, and Common Cause Pennsylvania want the court to declare the handwritten date rule unconstitutional. They seek an injunction against enforcing the rule requiring mail ballots without the handwritten date to be rejected.

Unfortunately, disqualifying voters mail ballots over a trivial paperwork error on their return envelope discourages voters from participating in the democratic process, Kadida Kenner, chief executive officer of the New PA Project Education Fund, said in a statement. We want Pennsylvanians voting twice a year  every year  not disenfranchised by this unnecessary rule.

The Philadelphia elections department declined to comment.

Ellen Lyon, deputy director of communications for the Department of State, said Tuesday the department was aware of the lawsuit and was still reviewing the petition, and reiterated both the DOS position and its guidance on mail-in ballots.

In the years of litigation over this issue, it has become irrefutably clear that the handwritten date serves no function in the administration of Pennsylvanias election, Lyon wrote in an email to the Capital-Star. As a result, the Department has consistently argued in court that voters should not be disenfranchised for failing to write or incorrectly writing a date that serves no function.

However, given existing court rulings and pending any further legal developments, our guidance on undated and incorrectly dated ballots remains unchanged: All voters must sign and date their declaration envelope in order to have their vote counted, she added.

Abigail Gardner, a spokesperson for Allegheny County said the county is aware of the litigation and like other counties, is required to follow the Department of States guidance to follow the court ruling that mail-in ballots must be dated by the voter.

Allegheny County is committed to ensuring voters have the information they need to properly complete their ballots and has consistently had a robust cure process so that voters can correct inadvertent errors such as having an incomplete date or signature on the ballot return envelope, Gardner said in a statement.

In the 2024 primary, she added, the Allegheny Elections division was able to help 62% of voters who submitted a mail-in ballot with an error on the envelope or that omitted the secrecy envelope to correct their mistakes and resubmit their ballots.

Allegheny Countys Administration takes the rights of voters seriously and continues its efforts to assure that votes cast by its registered voters will be counted, Gardner said.

Update: This article was updated May 28, 2024 shortly after publication with comment from Allegheny County, and at 5:05 p.m. with a comment from the Department of State.

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The post Voting rights groups file lawsuit to challenge Pennsylvania mail-in ballot date requirement appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
Wake schools want to expand arts programs to ensure that all students have access

Wake County will develop a new plan thats supposed to expand arts offerings for students across the district.

Starting in June, school administrators will begin work on a visionary framework for expanding the districts fine arts program. The work comes at a time when school leaders say an arts education is so valuable it needs to be offered to every student regardless of their income or background.

Our framework will serve as a road map for advancing those four areas  which is dance, music, theater and visual arts education  within our district while we promote equity, excellence and access for every single student, Jeremy Tucker, director of arts education, told the school board this month.

It will help ensure that arts are recognized as an essential component of a comprehensive education plan that prepares students for success in school, work or life.

Most students take arts classes

Arts courses are already a part of the school experience for many of Wakes 159,000 students.

More than 100,000 students are enrolled in music classes. More than 100,000 students are also taking a visual arts class.

In addition, 10,200 students are taking a theater arts class, and 9,300 students are taking a dance class.

North Carolina has made it a graduation requirement for students to pass at least one arts course between sixth and 12th grades. That requirement went into effect for students who entered sixth grade in fall 2022.

School leaders point to benefits such as how studies have shown that students who take arts classes have higher attendance rates and higher graduation rates than those who dont take the arts.

We know that a strong performing arts program is a strong school system, Drew Cook, assistant superintendent for academics, told the school boards student achievement committee on May 14.

Providing equity in arts resources

Arts programming is a balancing act for the district. While all Wake schools have arts programming, some magnet schools offer specialized classes to try to attract students.

But at the same time, Wake says its an equity issue to make sure students can get an arts education. Equity is a major component of the school districts strategic plan.

Part of the new framework, Tucker told board members, will be to identify strategies to address disparities in arts resources.

Ensuring equity and access shows that we want to make sure that all students, regardless of their background or location in our district, have equitable access to the highest quality arts education possible, Tucker said.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Its a topic thats been on the minds of local leaders for nearly a month.

An hour hasnt gone by in the last 3.5 weeks that I havent thought about Officer Eyer, and his wife and 3-year-old son he left behind while protecting us all, Charlotte City Council Member Tariq Bokhari wrote on Twitter last Friday. I know a lot of us want to turn that pain into action, and this is a start.

Woman, 17-year-old still part of Shannon Park shooting investigation

That start Bokhari referred to is in the form of a $750,000 proposal to be included in the next city budget. Those funds would go towards at least three ideas that could protect law enforcement in the line of duty.

The proposal come directly in the wake of the deadly April 29 shooting where CMPDs Joshua Eyer and three other law enforcement officers were killed, and roughly half a dozen more were hurt as they tried to serve a warrant on a dangerous individual in east Charlotte.

Across the police radios, multiple commands were given to try and get more armor to officers in the line of fire, and those who were hit by gunfire, but were trapped by the barrage of bullets.

Dont think theres any critique that we didnt have what we needed then, Bokhari explained. I think this is a wakeup call to say, Heres what we need.

During the May 20 budget meeting, the council heard ideas from law enforcement officers injured in April. They included ballistic shields, upgraded body armor with harnesses, and active shooter kits, something Bokhari said would have made a big difference on April 29th.

The proposal to consider was 39 ballistic shields which could withstand high-power rifle rounds, with three to be assigned to each district in CMPDs coverage zone.

The price tag attached was $97,500.

It also included $150,000 for roughly 1,000 active-shooter kits which would have supplies not every law enforcement officer has, at their disposal to help fallen officers.

Lastly, $500,000 for outer-wear ballistic vests, which would have drag harnesses on them. These would be lighter than the current vests worn, and allow officers to pull others to safety in desperate times.

The equipment upgrades, however, would require more conversations given the risks that subjects could use the outer vests to latch on and attack officers.

Tariq Bokhari presents his proposal during a May 20 discussion of the FY 2025 Charlotte city budget.

Former CMPD Officer Walter Bowers explained that is a risk the department might be willing to take.

He has no knowledge of the internal conversations, but said, even in a situation where there is a new type of equipment that the department is looking at, even though they may gain some protection there is always the risk of losing something else.

Council members asked for more information from CMPD regarding these proposals.

The vote on the budget will happen in June.

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.
'We want to make sure the truth is told': Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza to open in Akron

Sojourner Truth Legacy Park is built at the site of Old Stone Church in Akron, where Sojourner Truth addressed a crowd at the Ohio Womens Convention in 1851.

Akron will dedicate the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza Wednesday, honoring the life of the abolitionist and womens rights activist with an emphasis on truth, meaning and community.

The celebration of the landmark, located at 37 N. High Street in a parking lot of United Way of Summit & Medina, will begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature speeches, a ribbon cutting, a statue unveiling and musical performances. Later, food trucks, music and family activities will fill the space.

I want people to go and look at her sayings and look at what they really meant, said landscape architect Dion Harris from Summit Metro Parks who handled the concept design for the plaza. We want to make sure the truth is told.

Truth, a former slave, traveled the country advocating for an end to slavery and the betterment of womens rights. On May 29, 1851, Truth delivered her Aint I a Woman? speech at the Old Stone Church that was once on High Street at the Ohio Womens Convention.

The 10,000-square-foot plaza is the first historic site in Akron that directly reflects and honors the Black womans experience, according to a release from United Way of Summit & Medina.

The Summit Suffrage Centennial Committee started the plazas planning and later created the Sojourner Truth Project-Akron, which led the projects efforts. United Way of Summit & Medina is the projects largest sponsor, as stated on the donor website. The city of Akron and the Knight Foundation, along with over a hundred other donors, also showed financial support.

Were ready. Were excited, Harris said. Everyone is just excited it got finished.

A life-size statue of Truth, created by Akron artist Woodrow Nash, sits in the center of a large impala lily, the national flower of Ghana. Truth has ancestors from Ghana, Harris said, and the flowers strong structure speaks to her character.

I wanted to make every aspect mean something, Harris said. I wanted to mix human elements and some of the natural elements with historical elements and try to tie everything together.

A metalwork tree blooming with impala lilies decorates a wall in Sojourner Truth Legacy Park in Akron. The lilies are the national flower of Ghana, ancestral home of Sojourner Truth's father, and are featured in the design of the central plaza.

A path going through the site has a timeline of important events in Truths life etched in the granite ground, and more aspects throughout the plaza work to tell her story.

Theres a plaque under her that says mother, activist and suffragist, Harris said. This represents [all the aspects] she dealt with. She dealt with slavery, she dealt with womens rights, she dealt with the government, she dealt with not being able to read.

Four 10-foot pillars represent the pillars of the Old Stone Church where Truth gave her speech. Each pillar has its own meaning, two being activism and identity, and placards display some of her sayings and more history.

Wednesday marks the 173rd anniversary of when she shared part of her story and advocated for the rights of Black women with Aint I a Woman?

A sign reading truth marks the entrance to Sojourner Truth Legacy Park in Akron. The park is named after abolitionist and womens rights activist Sojourner Truth and built at the site of the speech she delivered.

Many accounts of her speech depict Truth speaking in a Southern dialect, which is inaccurate because her first language was Dutch, Harris said. A more accurate version of Truths speech is engraved at the plaza, and a sign reading TRUTH is cut out in steel letters that appear rusted to represent Akrons history.

Theres a shift in energy now  theres a lot of truth being told, Harris said. Sometimes it's ugly, sometimes it's great, but when the truth is told, things start to change and people persevere. You can take that and run with it, or you can let it destroy you. Truth was one of those people who took her truth, took how she lived and was able to tell everyone about it and make something positive happen in the end if she wasn't alive to see some of it.

Reporter Isabella Schreck can be reached at ischreck@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza dedication in Akron planned May 29
Wanted man killed in shootout with deputies after being found guilty of child sex crimes

A man who was found guilty of child sex crimes last week was killed Tuesday afternoon in a shootout with deputies in Rowan County.

Investigators tell Channel 9s Hannah Goetz that Kenneth Vickers was killed after he started firing at Rowan County Sheriffs deputies at a home on Old Concord Road.

The shooting happened around 1 p.m. and Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene.

EARLIER THE SAME DAY: Man killed after shootout with officers, police say

Authorities told Goetz that deputies had been looking for Kenneth Vickers after he left court Friday and didnt come back. Investigators said Vickers was found guilty of multiple counts of child sex crimes, including indecent liberties and statutory sex offense, but he hadnt been sentenced yet.

The Rowan County Sheriffs Office was helping the Cabarrus County Sheriffs Office look for Vickers when they went to the home on Old Concord Road, south of Peeler Road, in Salisbury on Tuesday.

Officials told Channel 9 that deputies looked around the back of the house and found Vickers in a shed. He popped up with a gun and fired at the deputies, and thats when they fired back and killed him.

Investigators said they have reviewed body camera footage to confirm that Vickers shot at the deputies.

Mr. Vickers can be seen on body camera footage firing a shot, dont exactly know how many shots, but firing shots at deputies, said Capt. Mark McDaniel with the Rowan County Sheriffs Office. They returned fire, and Mr. Vickers is deceased.

SEE THE PHOTOS >> House destroyed after deadly shootout in east Charlotte

According to McDaniel, only Rowan County deputies fired at Vickers.

No deputies were reported to be hurt in the shootout. McDaniel said he knows this situation could have ended differently.

When you realize how close sometimes these officers come ... these men and women go out every day and put their life on the line, he said.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is handling the officer-involved shooting case, along with investigators from Rowan County.

Were working on getting more details. Check back for updates.

(VIDEO: One of the greatest: Friends, family mourn CMPD officer killed in east Charlotte shootout)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  One of Nashvilles Most Wanted fugitives is back behind bars after police said she tried to help a man cover up two alleged murders last year.

Renee Mason, 27, was taken into custody on Friday, May 24 for three counts of failure to appear, two counts of failure to report a dead body and two counts of accessory after the fact, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Nashvilles Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives: Week of May 22, 2024

Court records show she was initially arrested on May 1 after being indicted by a grand jury. However, Mason reportedly failed to show up for court after being released, leading to a search for her whereabouts.

The charges against her are related to two alleged murders that happened in September and October. Authorities found the first victim on Sept. 27 after a worker went to clear some brush on Franklin Limestone Road and came across a car that was still smoldering from a fire.

(Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Before the vehicle was towed, investigators said they looked inside the trunk and found the badly burned body of 37-year-old Elmer Nahum Miranda-Martinez. Detectives believe he was shot and killed before being placed in the trunk.

Kevin Joel Castro-Garcia, 32, a native of Honduras, was identified as his alleged killer and later arrested in October on charges of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and more. About a week later, police said they had connected Castro-Garcia to a second murder.

RELATED: Man arrested in connection with badly burned body found in Nashville

He was charged with another count of first-degree murder for the death of Brandon Rivas-Noriega, who had been reported missing earlier that month. As detectives investigated Rivas-Noriegas disappearance, they learned he frequented a home in Antioch.

Officers searched the home on Monday, Oct. 9, and made multiple discoveries. Officials said they found the owners manual for a Ford Focus, Rivas-Noriegas drivers license and paperwork for property at a home in the 1300 block of Rural Hill Road in Antioch.

When they went to the home on Rural Hill Road, authorities said they found the Ford Focus parked behind an abandoned trailer with decomposing human remains in the trunk. An autopsy confirmed the remains were those of Rivas-Noriega.

Investigators believe Mason knew about both murders and tried to help Castro-Garcia cover them up. The indictment states that she not only discovered and failed to report the bodies, but provided or aided in providing Castro-Garcia with any means of avoiding arrest, trial, conviction or punishment.

SEE ALSO: Man charged with murder for second time in one week

As of Tuesday, May 28, Mason was still behind bars in Davidson County with a $33,000 bond. She is among at least 112 Most Wanted fugitives who have been arrested since the program was launched in October 2022.

Police have largely attributed the programs success to tips from the public. To see the most recent list of wanted fugitives out of Nashville, 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.
History teacher Trevor Bradley holds a students baby while his class completes coursework at Lumen High School. (Camilla Forte/The Hechinger Report)

SPOKANE, Wash.  Before giving birth to her daughter, Kaleeya Baldwin, 19, had given up on education.

Shed dropped out of school as a seventh grader, after behavior problems had banished her to alternative schools. Growing up in foster homes and later landing in juvenile court had convinced her to disappear from every system that claimed responsibility for her.

I was just really angry with everything, said Kaleeya.

But in early 2020, during what would have been her freshman year in high school, Kaleeya discovered she was pregnant. At her first ultrasound appointment, a nurse handed her a stack of pamphlets. One, advertising a new school for pregnant and parenting teens, caught her attention.

Something switched when Akylah got here, Kaleeya said, referring to her daughter. I was a whole different person. Now its high school that matters. Its a legacy  and its hope for her.

Four years ago, and two months pregnant, Kaleeya enrolled as one of the first students at Lumen High School. The Spokane charter school  its name, which means a unit of light, was selected by young parents who wished someone had shone a light on education for them  today enrolls about five dozen expectant and parenting teens, including fathers. Inside a three-story office building in the citys downtown business core, Lumen provides full-day child care, baby supplies, mental health counseling and other support as students work toward graduation based on customized education plans.

When the Spokane school district authorized the charter school, it acknowledged that these students had been underserved in traditional high schools and that alternatives were needed. Nationwide, only about half of teen mothers receive a high school degree by the age of 22. Researchers say common school policies like strict attendance rules and dress codes often contribute to young parents deciding to drop out. In April, the U.S. Department of Education issued new regulations to strengthen protections for pregnant and parenting students, though its unclear whether the revisions, which also include protections for LGBTQ+ youth, will survive legal challenges.

Solutions for these young parents have become even more urgent after the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 ruling overturning the constitutional right to an abortion. Lumen is located about 20 miles from the Idaho border, which has one of the countrys strictest abortion bans. Recently, representatives from a network of charter schools in the state toured Lumen to evaluate whether they might bring a similar program to the Boise area. Researchers have also visited the school to study how educators elsewhere might replicate its supportive services, not only for pregnant students, but those facing crises like substance use.

There are some bright spots. Lumen is one, said Jeannette Pai-Espinosa, president of the Justice + Joy National Collaborative, which advocates for young women, including teen mothers, referring to support in K-12 schools for pregnant and parenting teens. By and large its just not really a priority on the list of many, many things schools are challenged with and facing now.

Related: If we see more pregnant students post-Roe, are we prepared to serve them?

Nationally, teenage birth rates have fallen for the past three decades, reaching an all-time low in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That same year, the decline in teen births skidded to a halt in Texas, one year after the states Republican lawmakers had enacted a six-week abortion ban. Experts fear Texas change in direction could foreshadow a national uptick in teen pregnancy now that adolescents face more hurdles to abortion access in red states.

Decades of research have revealed the long-term effects of adolescent pregnancy and childbearing: The CDC reports children of teen mothers tend to have lower performance in school and higher chances of dropping out of high school. Theyre more likely to have health problems and give birth as teenagers themselves.

Shauna Edwards witnessed such outcomes as part of her work with pregnant and parenting teens for a religious nonprofit and in high schools along the Idaho-Washington border. She also learned the limits of trying to shoehorn services for those students into a schools existing budget. At one campus, where Edwards helped as a counselor, she said the principal assigned just one teacher for all subjects and two classroom aides to handle child care for the babies of 60 students.

Frustrated, she tried to convince the superintendent of another school district to offer a similar teen parent program, but with more funding. He couldnt justify the costs, Edwards said. Instead, he suggested she open her own school.

I could serve all of Spokane, ideally, and wouldnt have the risk of getting shut down by a school district trying to balance its budget, said Edwards, executive director for Lumen.

Every morning, students from across Spokane County  at 1,800 square miles, its a bit larger than Rhode Island  trek to the Lumen campus downtown. Many take public transit, which is free for youth under 18, and end their rides at a regional bus hub across the street from the school. Once their children reach six months, Lumen students can drop them off at an on-site child care and preschool center, operated by a nonprofit partner, before heading upstairs to start their day. Before then, parents can bring their babies to class.

Funding for small schools in Washington state helps Lumen afford a full teaching staff  one adult each for English, history, math, science and special education. The charter also has a full-time principal, social worker and counselor. Other adults manage student internships or donations to the schools food bank and baby boutique, where students can shop for a stroller, formula, diapers and clothes  all free of charge.

Its common to see an infant cradled in a teachers arm, allowing students to focus on their classwork. On a recent afternoon, two couples traded cradling duties with their newborns during a parenting class on lactation.

Delivering is something that happens to you. Not so with nursing. You have to do it, said Megan Macy, a guest teacher, who introduced herself as the official milk lady.

Kaleeya shared a bit about her daughter Akylahs delivery: I was so depleted. I was her chew toy, her crying shoulder, her feeding bag. Once we got home, she wouldnt latch at all.

Her friend Keelah, 17, rocked her newborn in a car seat. (The Hechinger Report is identifying the parents who are minors by first name only to protect their privacy.) Its hard, and its scary, she said of the first week home with the baby. She lost a pound between the hospital and pediatrician.

Related: They just tried to scare us: How anti-abortion centers teach sex ed in public schools

Lumen contracts with the Shades of Motherhood Network, a Spokane-based nonprofit founded to support Black mothers, to run the parenting classes. The school reserves space for health officials to meet with mothers and babies for routine checkups and government food programs. And founding principal Melissa Pettey has pushed  and paid for  teachers to make home visits with each student.

For each student, Lumen staff develops an individual graduation plan based on earned and missing credits from previous high schools. The school uses an instructional approach, called mastery-based learning, that allows students to earn credits based on competency in academic skills, often applied in projects. The parenting class, for example, counts as a credit for career and technical education, depending on how the contracted teachers evaluate each student.

The learn-as-you-go approach also allows Lumen to work around the instability in the lives of their students, who are often coping with childrens illnesses, day care challenges, housing insecurity and other issues.

But the chaos in a young parents life can look like inconsistent attendance or even truancy on state accountability reports. Just a tenth of Lumen students attend school regularly, which the state defines as missing no more than two days of class each month.

Next year, the Spokane school district will review Lumens operations and performance to decide whether to renew the schools charter. State data shows less than a fifth of Lumens students graduate on time, while a third dropped out. The state doesnt publicly report testing data from Lumen, due to its size. But Edwards and Pettey said proficiency on state exams isnt their main goal.

One student attended 16 elementary schools. Six high schools before junior year, Pettey said. Think of the learning missed. How do we get that student to an 11th grade level?

Added Edwards: If you can grow them to read baby books to their kids, thats a success.

Lumens authorizer, Spokane Public Schools, will modify how it evaluates the charters performance to take its nontraditional students into account, according to Kristin Whiteaker, who oversees charter schools for the district.

She noted that about a third of Lumens incoming high schoolers test at an elementary level; another third test at middle school levels. But during the 2022-23 school year, 52 percent of students posted growth in math while at Lumen, and nearly two-thirds performed better on English language arts exams, according to the school. All of the students who make it to graduation have been accepted into college; 95 percent actually enrolled or started working six months after graduation.

Theyre serving such a unique population, Whiteaker said. If you can provide a pathway for students to the next stage of their lives, thats accomplishing their goals.

Lumen, she added, removes many of the barriers that pregnant and parenting teens face at Spokanes traditional high schools. Some struggle to complete make-up work after missing weeks or months of classes for parental leave. Most have no access to child care, and regular schools dont allow babies in the classroom.

Ideally, some experts say, expecting and parenting teens could remain in their original schools and receive these supports. Thats rarely the case, though, and the social stigma alone can keep young parents from finishing their education.

At the national level, a 2010 law that provided funding to help these students expired in 2019. Jessica Harding and Susan Zief, with the research firm Mathematica, studied the effectiveness of those federally-funded programs and found that successful ones work hard to provide flexibility, for excused absences or adding maternity clothes to dress codes. Others get creative, helping students navigate public transportation and modify their work schedules to meet with students after hours.

Sometimes, Harding said, the solutions are not complicated.

Related: Teen pregnancy is still a problem  school districts just stopped paying attention

In 2022, when the Supreme Court upended abortion care nationwide, Edwards expected students without reproductive choice in Idaho to attempt to enroll in Lumen. A handful have inquired with the school, said Edwards, but to enroll they would have to move across the state border to Washington where housing costs are significantly higher.

In fact, Lumen recently lost one student whose father found a cheaper home in Idaho. Average rents across Spokane County have risen more than 50 percent over the past five years. And as of March, about half of Lumen students qualified as homeless. One young mother slept outside during winter break while her newborn stayed with a friend. Three students, asked what they would change about Lumen, cited affordable housing or temporary shelter that could help them.

Across Washington, pregnant and parenting teens account for 12 percent of all unaccompanied youth in the homeless system. But the state has a severe shortage of shelter beds available for youth under 18, with even fewer supportive housing options that allow young families to stay together, according to a February 2024 state report. Edwards, meanwhile, has talked with developers to see if they could reserve affordable units for students or loosen rules that prevent minors from signing a lease.

We missed a whole month of class. It was a long month, said Mena, a 17-year-old junior who convinced her boyfriend, Rene, to enroll before their sons delivery, in January.

Rene Jr., or RJ, had already lived with the couple in several homes during his first few months. A restraining order with one set of RJs grandparents and guardianship battle with the other pushed Mena and Rene to couch-surf with friends.

School was the only way we could see each other, Rene said. Im surprised, honestly, they can get me to graduation, he added, while burping RJ. Hes going to have a future.

Later, as Mena suctioned RJs stuffy nose in another classroom, Rene struggled to stay awake in math. He had forgotten what hed learned in some earlier lessons on graphing linear equations, and retreated into social media on his phone. Another student badgered him to put in some effort, but Rene resisted.

His teacher, Trevor Bradley, intervened. Whats special about today? Why dont you want to try? he said. You told me youre tired because the babys keeping you up at night.

After drawing another set of equations on the whiteboard, Bradley asked Rene and the other student for help with finding the values of x and y. Rene barely whispered his answer.

Thats it! You do remember, Bradley said, as Rene yawned.

From the start, Lumens founders planned to include fathers in the school. Pai-Espinosa, with the National Collaborative, said its unusual for K-12 systems to focus on fathers, since mothers often have custodial rights. And at Lumen, the inclusion of baby daddies  as students and staff refer to them  sometimes adds teen drama to the mix of emotions and hormones already present at the school.

Lumens lack of diversity among adults there has also bothered some students, including Kaleeya. Only 40 percent of her peers identify as white, and all of the schools teachers and administrators are white. Edwards said it has been difficult to recruit a diverse staff. As a temporary solution the school contracted with the Shades of Motherhood Network for parenting classes.

Its hard being in a white space with no Black teachers, Kaleeya said.

Still, she said she liked the schools emphasis on engaging students in semester-long projects in different subjects and on real-world problems. Last year, confronted with drug-use problems near the downtown campus, students researched and presented options for the city to consider on safe needle disposal in public places. Each students individual graduation plan also includes an internship.

Payton, 17, has wanted to be a school counselor since before giving birth to her daughter in late 2022. Her internship at nearby Sacajawea Middle School convinced her to stay on that career path. Another mother, Alana, started an internship this spring with a local credit union and plans to use the marketing experience to help her advocate for children with disabilities in the future.

Kaleeya recently turned her internship, with a downtown restaurant, into a part-time job. She planned to save for college, but no longer needs to. Gonzaga University notified her in March of a full-ride scholarship to study there this fall.

Lumen didnt change who I was, Kaleeya said. I did this for my daughter. I didnt want to be that low-income family. So I got my ass up, got into this school and I got an education.

This story about teen parents was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education.

The post On the Washington-Idaho border, a high school for pregnant and parenting teens appeared first on Washington State Standard.
The Davis Meeker Garry Oak Tree is set to be removed due to safety concerns

Google Maps Davis Meeker Garry Oak Tree

Residents in the City of Tumwater, Wash., are banding together for the sake of a 400-year-old oak tree that is in jeopardy of being cut down  but they are facing intense pushback from city officials in the process.

Despite being on the historical registry, the Davis Meeker Garry Oak Tree is set to be removed due to safety concerns at the authorization of Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan, according to local NBC affiliate KING-TV. I would be putting public safety at risk. Im not willing to do that, Sullivan said.

Last year, a 10-foot branch fell off the tree about 50 feet, which prompted Sullivan to hire a team of arborists to investigate the health, KING-TV said. They then determined the removal of the tree was necessary to protect the public.

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Related: Seattle to Permanently Close 20 Miles of Streets to Cars to Encourage Residents to Get Healthy

However, in a last-minute turn of events, residents of Tumwater who wanted to preserve the historic tree were given great news, albeit temporary, that the tree could remain standing due to a judges order.

Google Maps Davis Meeker Garry Oak Tree

Per The Chronicle, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Sharonda Amamilo issued a temporary restraining order on May 24 preventing the city from chopping down the tree. The restraining order was obtained by the Save The Davis Meeker Garry Oak group, which alleged that city officials applied use of city power to destroy the historic tree.

The groups attorney, Ronda Larson Kramer, spoke about the ruling, telling The Chronicle, "Tumwater's mayor spearheaded the misuse of a city code designed to protect historic structures and essentially turned the code on its head to claim it allows the cutting down of this historic tree without a permit.

Related: Washington Becomes First State to Allow the Turning of Human Bodies into Soil and Compost

The battle doesnt end there, as Larson also revealed that the city has pushed back against the recent ruling. The city has now filed a motion to vacate the judge's protection, ignoring the wishes of the citizens and the earlier decision by their own Historic Preservation Commission to retain the tree, she said.

In response to the temporary court victory, residents recently held a celebration for the trees legacy where they gathered with food, music and information about the tree in an effort to rally community members and push their efforts forward.

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Read the original article on People.
Academic workers protest at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 28, 2024. Academic workers at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, walked off the job on Tuesday to protest the public university system's handling of pro-Palestinian protests. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Academic workers at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, in the U.S. state of California, walked off the job on Tuesday to protest the public university system's handling of pro-Palestinian protests.

United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 4811, the union of 48,000 academic workers at the ten campuses of the UC system and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, announced Tuesday morning on social media platform X that UC Los Angeles "is officially ON STRIKE."

Over 50 protesters with "UAW on strike" signs were protesting in the middle of Dickson Plaza, reported the university's student newspaper Daily Bruin Tuesday morning, adding that protesters chanted, "L.A. is a union town" and "Whose university? Our university."

Some protesters chanting "Free, free Palestine" were blocking the entrance of a parking structure on campus, according to the student newspaper.

UAW 4811 said on its website that it "was one of the earliest unions in the U.S. to call for a ceasefire and de-escalation of the war in Gaza" and academic workers at UC strongly support the right of the encampment organizers in their right to peacefully demonstrate.

"When faced with Palestine Solidarity encampments and other nonviolent protests by academic workers, students, and community members, UC has mishandled and escalated the situation by taking unlawful actions that cut to the heart of our collective bargaining agreements," the union explained why it voted to authorize a strike, noting that "Our union has filed unfair labor practice charges in response."

Hundreds of UC faculty and staff have been calling on Gene Block, chancellor of UC Los Angeles, to resign over the university's response to pro-Palestinian protests on campus. After a night of violent clashes between pro-Palestinian protesters and pro-Israel counter-protesters on UC Los Angeles campus, more than 200 protesters were arrested on May 2 as police moved to dismantle a pro-Palestinian encampment at the university.

Police crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protests at UC San Diego and UC Irvine also led to dozens of arrests, respectively, this month as pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been spreading at colleges and universities across the United States amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

The UC Los Angeles strike is part of a rolling strike systemwide by the academic workers' union. UC Davis academic workers will also join strikes on Tuesday.

Academic workers at UC Santa Cruz walked off the job last Monday, becoming the first UC campus to stand up and withhold their labor. 

Academic workers protest at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 28, 2024. Academic workers at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, walked off the job on Tuesday to protest the public university system's handling of pro-Palestinian protests. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Academic workers protest at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 28, 2024. Academic workers at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, walked off the job on Tuesday to protest the public university system's handling of pro-Palestinian protests. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Academic workers protest at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 28, 2024. Academic workers at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, walked off the job on Tuesday to protest the public university system's handling of pro-Palestinian protests. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Academic workers protest at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 28, 2024. Academic workers at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, walked off the job on Tuesday to protest the public university system's handling of pro-Palestinian protests. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Academic workers protest at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 28, 2024. Academic workers at the University of California (UC), Los Angeles, walked off the job on Tuesday to protest the public university system's handling of pro-Palestinian protests. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)
(WHTM)  Even with some communities across the Midstate cancelling their Memorial Day events due to the predicted weather, there were other places that still held tributes.

Silver Spring Memorial Day event

Silver Spring Township held a ceremony at the Silver Spring Community Fire Company. Students with Cumberland Valley High Schools junior ROTC carried out ceremonial duties.

Students also read award-winning essays.

For us as a community, its important for us, when [veterans] come back home, to have open arms and say We may not know exactly what youre going through, but were here for you as a community,' Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland County) said. So for those who havent served to be able to recognize the service of others is vitally important.

Patriotic readings were also presented.

It was one of many programs set in the township to honor veterans.

Rutherford Memorial Day event

In Swatara Township, Dauphin County, there was a ceremony at the Veterans Circle on North 67th Street. The VFW Post 1213 used the service to present its donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which steps in after a soldier makes the ultimate sacrifice.

Wives and husbands of military whove lost their life, we make sure they have a place to live and pay off their mortgage, Ambassador for Tunnel To Towers Foundation Debra Fairman said.

Remember those who paid the price for our freedom today and their families because their families suffered right along with them, Commander of VFW Post 1213 Patrick Morrow said.

Tunnel To Towers Foundation donated a framed flag that was flown at the World Trade Center to the VFW.

Gettysburg Memorial Day event

In Adams County, the 157th Annual Mmorial Day Parade and Ceremony was held in Gettysburg.

This is one of the oldest continuing ceremonies in the country.

If you know or have a loved one who gave their life in the armed forces, today is the day when you reflect upon that, Barry Decker, chairman of the Gettysburg Joint Veterans Memorial Day Commission. Tell the stories. Dont ever let their stories be forgotten.

Despite the weather, a fairly large crowd was in attendance.

East Hempfield Township flea market Memorial Day event

The Hempfield community held its annual Memorial Day Flea Market.

It was a good day to be a bargain hunter. Hundreds of vendors were in Amos Herr Park selling antiques, clothes and much more. It gives many in the community the chance to get out, shop cheap and meet some new people.

Hempfield area, Salunga area comes together and if you go out of here, neighborhoods are doing yard sales and anybody from anywhere can come and be part of this event and meet new people and just a way to get out and spend a nice Memorial Day, vendor Cindy Beaston said.

Mechanicsburg Memorial Day event

A Memorial Day service in Cumberland County honored soldiers who died over 160 years ago.

Lincoln Cemetery in Upper Allen Township has around 80 graves, including 12 Civil War veterans. A volunteer group took responsibility for the cemetery in the late 1990s, because the cemetery was neglected with overturned stones and tall grass.

We came out and we cleaned it up. These are Civil War solders buried in there, Lincoln Cemetery Memorial Day organizer Nancy Kreiner said. They deserve the same recognition as veterans in other cemetery.

Monday is the 27th year for the Memorial Day ceremony, with flowers placed at every gravesite.

Mt. Zion Memorial Day event

Several Memorial Day events Monday had to be held outside moved inside over the threat of storms.

For the first time in ten years, the annual outdoor service at Mount Zion Cemetery in Cumberland County was held inside at the Monroe Township building. Those involved with the program say honor and remembrance are what matter the most.

My four great grandfathers served in the Revolutionary War, three great grandfathers in the Civil War, my father was in WWII, event organizer Mt. Zion Cemetery Suzanne Sunday said. Its part of my DNA to honor those who served and gave the last full measure,

We serve to ensure the freedom and liberty for all of America, that was purchased for us by the nearly three million who have died in sacrifice to this nation since the Revolutionary War, retired Brigadier General Wilbur Wolf said.

Mount Zion Cemetery is collecting old cell phones and tablets to sell for gift cards for veterans in need and to purchase calling cards for troops deployed overseas.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  A young mountain lion roaming a California neighborhood has residents on alert, especially after it was captured on home surveillance cameras chasing a familys house cat.

While the baby cougar may look cute, area residents quickly realized the small mountain lion is hungry and looking for food.

I saw it and I looked again because we do have house cats go across the front door, Thousand Oaks resident Kelly McGee told Nexstars KTLA. I looked again, and I was like, No, the ears are round. Thats not a cat.

Kelly and Mark McGee spotted the cougar on their homes motion-activated cameras earlier this month when it was on their front porch.

It wasnt full size, so we had to re-look at it and zoom into it and stuff and then we realized, Oh my God, its a baby mountain lion, Mark explained.

Home surveillance cameras capture a young mountain lion prowling the streets of a Thousand Oaks neighborhood. (viewer photo)

Home surveillance cameras capture a young mountain lion prowling the streets of a Thousand Oaks neighborhood. (viewer photo)

Home surveillance cameras capture a young mountain lion prowling the streets of a Thousand Oaks neighborhood. (viewer photo)

Home surveillance cameras capture a young mountain lion prowling the streets of a Thousand Oaks neighborhood. (viewer photo)

Cameras at their neighbors home across the street also captured the young mountain lion as it chased after a cat. Its unclear what happened to the wild cats prey.

We hope its okay, Kelly said. We havent heard of any neighbors missing a cat yet, so hopefully he made it home.

The McGees and their neighbors live near Los Padres trail, a wildlife preserve. Residents in these foothills are used to seeing all sorts of animals, including coyotes that routinely visit homes in the area.

Weve been here since 1987, Esther OConnor told KTLA. Basically, the only wildlife weve ever seen, up until I would say a couple of years ago, were birds and squirrels and raccoons, but never a mountain lion.

The recent cougar sightings have residents on edge, particularly those with small pets.

They can jump the fence pretty easy and get in the backyard, Mark explained. We let our dogs out late. I always worry about that.

Hollywood special FX makeup artist repeatedly stabbed during vicious attack

Its also unclear if this young mountain lion has siblings that are also out on the hunt.

Just a little baby, but we havent seen mom yet on the prowl, Kelly said. It would be cool to see mom, but at the same time, itd be a little scary.

Experts say these sightings are a good reminder to secure your pets and stay vigilant.

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 Zealand man who was caught on video trying to body slam an orca from a boat is getting shamed on social media. Hes also been fined and criticized by federal officials for clearly violating marine mammal protection laws, although some people have complained that the $600 fine is insufficient given the mans actions. In a media release on May 21, officials with the New Zealand Department of Conservation called attention to the body slam video, which was shared with the agency by a member of the public after it was posted on Instagram in February. Officials said the man is a 50-year-old Auckland resident, but they did not release his identity. Shocking footage. A man who leapt from a boat into the water near two orca has been slapped with a $600Posted by Department of Conservation on Monday, May 20, 2024 The NZDOC also re-shared the video to its Facebook page on May 20. The footage shows a shirtless man jumping off a boat in a deliberate attempt to land on top of the adult male orca that is swimming by with its calf. Several other people are on the boat drinking and cheering the man on. He continues swimming toward the whales and tries to touch them after he fails to connect on the belly flop. NZDOC official Hayden Loper said the stunt was a clear breach of the Marine Mammals Protections Act, which makes it illegal for anyone to harass, swim with, or harm killer whales and other protected marine mammals. (After the U.S. established the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972, New Zealand followed suit, passing its own similarly named law in 1978.) The New Zealand government has some strict but simple guidelines for people to comply with the MMPA. The man shown in the video breaks every one of these and more, taking the concept of marine mammal harassment to a new and idiotic level. The video left us genuinely stunned, Loper said. This is stupid behaviour and demonstrates a shocking disregard for the welfare of the orca. It is extremely irresponsible. Loper added that the situation could have ended horribly  especially for the man, who could have learned for himself why orcas are also called killer whales. Read Next: Killer Whales Are Teaching Each Other to Sink Boats Really wish hed have been eaten, one person said in response to NZDOCs Facebook post. Other commenters argued he shouldve faced prison time or had his boat taken away, and most agreed that the $600 fine (roughly $369 USD) handed down by the department was way too light. They pointed to New Zealands marine mammal harassment law  which states that anyone charged with harassing, disturbing, injuring, or killing a marine mammal faces a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment or a fine to a maximum of $250,000  and they said the man was clearly and intentionally harassing and disturbing the whales in the video. NZDOC defended its decision in the comments, saying that it chose not to pursue a conviction because the incident did not appear to result in significant harm or disturbance to the orca involved. Some commenters still disagreed with this interpretation, but the agency explained that because theyre not trying to prosecute the body slammer, a $600 fine is the maximum fine they can issue.

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In a move to protect students and faculty and perhaps de-escalate tensions, Wayne State University announced early Tuesday morning it was transitioning "to remote operations, effective immediately until further notice," to limit interaction with a campus encampment by a pro-Palestinian group.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, the relationship with protesters has become potentially strained, with Matt Lockwood, the university's associate vice president of communications, saying that there are increasing signs of uncertainty and characterizing the protest as a "fluid situation."

"There are some walkways that have been blocked that are around the encampment," Lockwood told the Free Press, adding that "the fire marshal has expressed some concerns about combustible materials that have accumulated," and "there are a small number of occupants that have challenged public safety."

The Detroit university, however, had no immediate plans to clear the encampment, he said.

Wayne State University vice president of government and community affairs Patrick Lindsey, left, speaks to representatives from the pro-Palestinian encampment at Wayne State University, asking them to meet with the board right now on May 28, 2024.

Shortly before 4 p.m., Wayne State Vice President Patrick Lindsey approached the encampment on behalf of the Board of Governors requesting that two representatives from the encampment meet with President Kimberly Espy and the Board of Governors at that moment.

Encampment members declined a closed meeting, asking, instead, for an open discussion involving more members of the group.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, joined the protesters, and briefly spoke with Lindsey, requesting Espy and the board of governors reopen the campus.

"Open up the school," she urged. "(Classes dont) have to be remote. Everyone is safe here."

U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib joins the conversation calling for the Wayne State University campus to be reopened, asking the crowd at the pro- Palestinian encampment if the campus was safe, after a representative from the Wayne State University board of directors approached them about meeting on May 28, 2024.

And just before 5:30 p.m., the university released a statement that said it is "committed to free speech and the right to peacefully protest," but also noted that Espy has offered to "engage with students, while also emphasizing the need to dismantle the encampment."

Wayne State, an urban campus on about 200 acres with about 100 buildings, is Michigan's third-largest university with about 24,000 graduate and undergraduate students. It also has its own police force, who are sworn officers.

Lockwood estimated that he counted early Tuesday about 40 protesters, many of whom do not appear to be students, and about 20 tents. It is difficult to know who the protesters are, he said, because many of them are wearing masks.

Lockwood added that early Tuesday, he did not see a police presence in the area, and the university had no timetable for how long it would continue with remote operations  nor did the administration have expectations for how long the protesters would occupy the campus.

Wayne State Associate Professor Tim Moran, however, told the Free Press he, too, was on campus early Tuesday and saw a "very small public safety presence" that included two officers, two SUVs, and "private security in bright blue zip-up jackets."

The encampment, he said, was larger than he expected but "absolutely quiet" and there was no tension. Last night's rain, he added, left protesters "damp and uncomfortable;" the sidewalks were clear, and the campus appeared to be otherwise "largely deserted" except for some landscaping contractors and joggers.

The medic tent at the pro-Palestinian encampment at Wayne State University in Detroit between State Hall and the David Adamany Undergraduate library on Friday, May 24, 2024. We are here together to perform a demonstration to demand a meeting with the Board of Governors and President Espy to discuss divestment from (the S&P 500) that includes war-manufacturing companies  who directly aid the Israeli occupation and genocide of people in Gaza, said Zaynah Jadallah, a Wayne State University alum who returned to her alma mater to join the protests.

The university, which released its first statement Tuesday just before 5:30 a.m., said, "students will receive further information from their instructors regarding class arrangements via email or Canvas," and faculty and staff who can work remotely are "expected to do so." Canvas is an online course management system.

Those who cannot work remotely, the university said, should "contact their supervisors for further instructions, and all on-campus events were canceled until further notice," although "critical infrastructure workers" were "expected to report to campus."

Pro-Palestinian protesters set up the encampment at Wayne State last week, adding to a growing list of U.S. college campuses that have seen similar protests in recent months, including the University of Michigan, where it was broken up by officials who called it a threat to public safety.

At most universities, the protests have been peaceful, but a few have resulted in violent clashes.

More: Police remove tent encampment at University of Michigan protesting Israel

In addition to Michigan, police nationwide have cleared encampments at the University of California, Los Angeles and Columbia in New York, where a police officer discharged a gun; but so far, there have been no fatal incidents like the 1970 bombing at the University of Wisconsin or 1970 National Guard shootings at Kent State University in Ohio.

Protesters at Wayne State began pitching tents and putting up protest signs between State Hall and the David Adamany Undergraduate Library about 7 p.m., last Thursday, while campus police watched, the Free Press reported last week.

The protesters told the Free Press that they planned to stay on campus until they were removed by police or the university met their demands, including divesting from funds and companies that support Israel. The university, for its part last week, called the encampment "an evolving situation."

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Encampment group declines closed meeting with Wayne State leadership
Destiny Wells, a Democrat from Morgan County, embarks on her second statewide campaign. (Courtesy Wells campaign)

Former Deputy Attorney General Destiny Wells on Tuesday formally filed to seek the Indiana Democratic Partys nomination for the Office of Attorney General at the partys convention.

This year at the ballot box, Hoosier voters should put the candidate before the party label, Wells stated. My background is like that of many Hoosiers  I joined the U.S. Army out of high school for a steady paycheck and the opportunity to attend college. My husband and I grew up on Indiana farms, later met in the military and were now raising our children with the values instilled by our parents and communities: faith, family, freedom, and opportunity.

The convention is scheduled for July 13.

Wells is a 21-year military veteran who served in combat and is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. She pledged in her announcement to protect Hoosiers medical privacy, strengthen workers rights, and restore integrity to Indianas Office of the Attorney General.

But she isnt the only candidate seeking the Attorney General nomination on the Democrat side. Former Marion County Clerk Beth White has also filed to run in the convention.

The winner will face incumbent Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita in the November election. He has no competition for the GOP nomination.

We have an opportunity to remove Todd Rokitas government overreach from our bedrooms, our physicians offices, and helleven our classrooms, said David Anderson, Wells campaign chair. This November we can elect an Attorney General who shares our Hoosier values by restoring order and integrity to an office where both have been sorely lacking.

Indianas Office of the Attorney General represents the state in litigation and appeals, offers legal advice on constitutional issues, oversees consumer protections and unclaimed property, and investigates and prosecutes healthcare fraud amongst other duties.

Todd Rokita has treated the office like a political plaything, running up a massive tab at taxpayer expense to audition for a federal job on cable news, Wells said. As a former Deputy Attorney General, I know the office can do more to protect Hoosiers by advocating for our collective best interests, not sowing division. An Attorney General who plays politics and picks fights with his own clients is not effective.

Wells ran for Secretary of State in 2022 but was defeated easily by Diego Morales.

The post Wells makes Attorney General bid official appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Some of the most powerful and consistent winds in the world are located off the southwest Oregon coast, according to the Oregon Department of Energy.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has identified two spots on the Oregon Coast for floating wind farms. Some of the most powerful and consistent winds in the world are located off the southwest Oregon coast, according to the Oregon Department of Energy. (Axel Schmidt/Getty Images)

Three West Coast universities located near future offshore wind energy sites are joining forces to undertake research and to help inform the public about the benefits and potential impacts of the new industry.

An auction expected to take place later this year for two wind energy sites off the Oregon Coast has stirred both excitement about the potential for clean energy development and concern from nearby residents, tribes and the seafood industry amid a push by the Biden administration for the development of offshore wind energy. It has a goal of producing 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030 and has called for the development of university centers of excellence to help drive that development.

On the West Coast, the Pacific Offshore Wind Consortium was announced May 14 in Sacramento, California. It is made up of three university research centers in Oregon and California. The goal is to combine resources and expertise to garner more funding and to undertake more collaborative information sharing and research with state and federal agencies, tribes and towns on the West Coast.

We can be that sort of trusted neutral third party to try and tell them what the state of the industry is, and to help create capacity in the community so they can negotiate, discuss, communicate, with some of these wind developers, said Bryson Robertson, director of Oregon States Pacific Marine Energy Center, one of the three university research centers participating.

The other two participating institutions are the northern California Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata and the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California. The two universities are the closest to five lease areas off the California coast that were auctioned off last year to international wind energy companies.

The two wind energy areas being auctioned off Oregons coast later this year are near Coos Bay and Brookings, and they could add up to 2.4 gigawatts of clean power to the grid  enough to power about 830,000 homes  with installations covering more than 195,000 acres in total. Each wind energy area identified is 20 to 30 miles offshore.

Concerns and opportunities

Seafood industry groups along with five Oregon and California tribes are opposed to the wind development plans off the coasts of both states. In November, the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians passed a resolution opposing offshore wind energy development, in part, they said, because federal officials had failed to engage them or respond to their concerns.

Theres a lot of community-based concerns and questions out there, and theres been a dearth of proper, data-driven knowledge and information dissemination to help people make decisions, Robertson of Oregon State said.

As Oregonians we should be looking at: How do we maximize the benefit of those lease sales if theyre going to happen? How do we make sure that they have stipulations that require union labor? Whether it has distinct community benefits written into it? There are a whole slew of opportunities where the state could apply or impose needs and requirements on a lease sale, he said

The state is attempting to develop offshore wind energy standards via House Bill 4080, which was signed by Gov. Tina Kotek earlier this year. The law directs the Oregon Department of Energy to develop a roadmap for state policies on offshore wind energy development that include community input and labor guidelines.

Experts in the field

Each research center already has experts and conducts research in fields that can help foster better science-based discussions and decisions about offshore wind energy and its ecological impacts. Oregon State experts, for example, have long studied and tested offshore wave energy infrastructure and have undertaken extensive research on the environmental, social, technical issues related to the offshore renewable energy industry.

The institutions started discussing collaboration last year after the U.S. Department of Energy called for more university-based research centers focused on the development of offshore wind energy. To date, the Biden administration has approved the development of eight offshore sites.

Between them, the three institutions have more than $12 million in funding for researching offshore energy generation and ecological impacts, and commitments for $1.6 million from private donors and the industry, according to a news release. Theyre hoping to get at least $4 million more from the U.S. Department of Energy as a center of excellence.

The consortium is overseen by an advisory committee that includes leaders from two tribes  Blue Lake Rancheria and the Yurok Tribe  as well as state agencies, including the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, the Oregon Department of Energy, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oregon Sea Grant  a partnership between Oregon State University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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DENVER (KDVR)  One Wheat Ridge police officer found a lot more than the common paraphernalia when he was searching a car for drugs.

While checking park trailheads on Sunday night, an officer saw a car with drug paraphernalia in it. According to the departments social media, the owner arrived at the vehicle in Prospect Park and told police the car was lent to a friend.

Fishing is free in Colorado on these dates

The owner allowed an officer to search the vehicle, and the officer found a lot more than drugs in the car.

While the officer was searching the car, he found drugs, a gun and a large plastic bin, according to police. The officers body camera footage shows him opening the bin only to find a large rattlesnake inside.

The rattle can be heard from the body camera video.

Yo, you got a rattlesnake in here? What the (expletive) dude. Are you kidding me? Theres a (expletive) live rattlesnake in this bin, the officer said when he opened up the bin.

In the video, the car owner appeared just as shocked as the officer.

Does he have any other thing that might bite me? the officer said when he was looking through the rest of the car.

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The vehicle owner will not face charges at this time. Police are still trying to contact the friend, as they still have a lot of questions.

The full-body camera video is posted on the Wheat Ridge Police Departments social media accounts, where you can see the officer first discover the rattlesnake during what he thought was just a drug bust.

According to the department, the police booked the drugs and the gun but left the snake. The police recommended the owner take it to the 24-hour vet.

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Where can I park on UK campus during the summer? Rules for visitors & students

With the University of Kentucky moving into its summer sessions, and fewer people on campus until August, the hunt for a parking spot at the university becomes a little easier.

But which lots and garages are open for campus visitors and students to use?

Summer parking rules are in effect from now to Aug. 9. Specific information about parking on campus is available on UKs website. Because there are fewer people on campus in the summer, normal parking operations change slightly  but that doesnt mean parking is open everywhere. In most cases, a parking pass still is needed on campus, or visitors will need to pay to park.

Its important to pay attention to signage when parking during the summer, because some lots change their permit requirements. Regulations for parking will be posted at the entrance of each lot or parking garage.

Heres what to know about parking on campus during the summer semester:

Where can I park if Im not a student?

Campus visitors can pay for short-term parking in any of the visitor lots and garages on campus.

The Cornerstone Garage and Sports Center Garage are open to visitors. It costs $2 per hour, with a $16 maximum per exit, to park in the garages. Additionally, temporary day parking passes can be purchased from Transportation Services by calling 859-257-5757.

The Bill Gatton Student Center and W.T. Young Library Visitor parking lots are also open to campus visitors, and cost $2 per hour.

If youre just stopping by campus for a few minutes, meters are available across UK, most for a maximum of 45 minutes. The meters accept coins, with some also accepting credit and debit cards and a text-to-pay option.

Where can I park if I am a student?

Students who will be parking on campus over the summer will need a summer permit, which authorizes them to park in most student lots, the Cornerstone Garage and parking lots in the Scott Street area.

Summer permits can only be purchased at the Transportation Services office, 721 Press Ave., or over the phone by calling 859-257-5757. They cost $10.50 per week and can be purchased for the specific number of weeks needed.

The top two floors of the Hilltop Avenue Garage are open to people with any valid UK parking permit, including summer permits and employee permits. The first two floors of the garage remain restricted to E2 and R2 permits, however.

Employee lots and parking structures are still restricted to employee permits over the summer, but open up to all valid parking permits in non-peak hours (typically after 3:30 p.m. on weekdays). Lots will have signs at the entrance indicating their hours.

Parking regulations change slightly at the University of Kentucky during the summer, with certain lots available for students and summer parking permits.

Where can I park on the weekends?

Parking regulations may change on the weekends, depending on the lot or garage, meaning more places to park.

Most employee and student commuter lots do not require a permit on weekends. There are some exceptions, but some lots have more flexible parking options between 3:30 p.m. on Fridays until 5 a.m. on Mondays.

Before parking, check the area for signs that indicate any restrictions on the lot or garage. Additionally, parking may be reserved on campus during weekend events, which could impact parking options.

Some lots are permit-controlled 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including all employee reserved lots, the Nutter Center lot and the Memorial Coliseum residential areas. A full list of lots and garages that are constantly permit-restricted is available on the UK transportation website.

Can I still take the on-campus bus?

Some campus buses run limited hours during the summer. The blue, white and green bus routes run between 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The yellow route does not run during the summer, and will resume normal operations before the start of the fall semester. The orange route, which operates for UK HealthCare, runs as normal during the summer, although it does not run on the Memorial Day, Juneteenth or Independence Day holidays.
The Biden administration is set to announce a new initiative with 21 states Tuesday to modernize the U.S. power grid, ahead of a summer likely to tax its capacity.

Under the initiative, the participating states will give priority to electric grid modernization efforts, including those aimed at increased capacity and efficiency. The states, all of which have Democratic governors, will also commit to exploring ways to expand transmission capacity through legislative and executive action.

The federal government, meanwhile, will commit to ensuring states have access to technical assistance and loan programs, according to a fact sheet from the White House.

The Biden administration has set ambitious goals for renewable energy deployment, with a target of a carbon-neutral grid by 2035. Reaching this point will require a major buildout in modernized electrical transmission lines to handle the expansion. In the absence of this buildout, the administration faces a bottleneck in adding that renewable capacity to the grid. The backlog comprises about 2,600 gigawatts of energy, increasing 30 percent last year due in large part to solar and wind demand, according to an April report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Congressional action on transmission has come to naught, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) saying earlier this month that Ive told [Sen.] Joe Manchin [D-W.Va.] its going to be virtually impossible to get something done in 2024, specifically citing opposition to transmission reforms by the Houses GOP majority.

The White House has taken several actions at the executive level, announcing a plan in April to shake loose the backlog by reducing interconnection cost differences and wait times.

Around the same time as Schumers remarks, the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a rule aimed at clearing backlogs for regional transmission projects, which disproportionately but not exclusively affect renewables.

Grid reliability is top of mind for many Americans after storms knocked out power for about 750,000 households in the Dallas area, which is part of Texass independent power grid. Reps. Greg Casar (D-Texas) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) have introduced legislation that would add the independent grid, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, to the national grid.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The White House is not laying out any new consequences for Israel following a deadly Israeli airstrike near a Rafah refugee camp Sunday.

Tuesday, White House spokesperson John Kirby said the Biden administration is actively engaged with Israeli Defense Forces and partners on the ground to learn more about what happened.

Israeli officials insist the strike was targeted and eliminated two Hamas senior officials, however, the fire that erupted from the blast killed more 40 civilians, including eight children.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the strike a tragic mishap and is promising a thorough investigation.

Israel must do more to protect innocent life, said Kirby.

Asked by reporters if the strike violated the presidents red line, Kirby said the president has been clear he does not want to see a major ground operation in Rafah, adding so far, that has not happened.

A preliminary investigation by the Israeli government suggests the fire that erupted at the camp was because Hamas stored ammunition nearby.

Both the White House and State Department echoed that claim Tuesday. The Biden administration says it is awaiting answers from Israels investigation.

Its not clear how it was ignited especially as I said its over a kilometer and half from the location of the strike, we need to find out how that happened, said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.

In the meantime, many international groups are uninterested in Israels explanation. Tuesday, the World Health Organization repeated its call for an immediate ceasefire citing a growing humanitarian and hunger crisis throughout Gaza.

After the horrific incident  not a mishap, a horrific event . W.H.O. deplores the attack on displaced people who were sheltering in tents in Rafah, said Dr Margaret Harris, WHO spokesperson.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is promising to press ahead to defeat Hamas and is ramping up attacks in Rafah.

As deadly strikes intensify, dozens of Palestinian civilians are scrambling to try and escape.

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Muscat: Microsoft is highlighting the transformative power of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the 33rd COMEX Global Technology Show, currently being held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. This event showcases how cutting-edge AI technologies can boost productivity for both individuals and businesses.

As the official Innovation Partner and a major sponsor of COMEX 2024, Microsoft is presenting its newest AI solutions designed to help professionals in Oman and the wider region innovate and excel in an AI-driven world. Microsoft is joined by seven partners: BI-Technologies, Netways Solutions, CYPHER Learning, International Information Technology Co (IITC), Inspira Enterprise, PwC, and Novatiq. Their exhibit includes a demo zone for partner solutions, an executive boardroom, a networking cafe, and an area dedicated to showcasing Microsoft's latest technological advancements.

Sheikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Country Manager for Microsoft Oman and Bahrain, emphasized the importance of adopting AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot to manage increasing workloads and drive innovation. Oman is experiencing a new era of work that requires game-changing AI tools. Organizations are using Generative AI to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks and focus more on creative and fulfilling work. Microsoft is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes achieve this through our range of productivity solutions, including Copilot for Microsoft 365, which we are demonstrating at COMEX.

At the event, experts are showcasing Copilot for Microsoft 365, an AI assistant that combines Large Language Models (LLMs) with business data and Microsoft 365 apps to boost creativity, productivity, and skill development. Copilot integrates with apps like Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel, helping users create detailed reports, attractive presentations, and manage daily tasks such as meeting summaries and scheduling. This enhances collaboration and efficiency within organizations. Microsoft has also extended Copilot support to 16 additional languages, including Arabic, to better serve professionals in the region.

Research from Microsoft indicates significant performance improvements among users of Copilot for Microsoft 365, with 70% reporting increased productivity and 68% noting better work quality. Microsoft's ongoing enhancement of its productivity tools is driven by a strong commitment to responsible AI development, guided by their Responsible AI Principles, which ensure ethical and effective AI solutions for their customers.

Microsoft launches CoPilot+ PC, know how much is the price of this laptop equipped with AI features?

Microsoft Unveils Team Copilot and Azure Cobalt 100 at Build 2024
TechCrunch

This is a philosophical question as much as a practical one, but a new paper making the rounds Friday suggests that the answer is, at least for now, a pretty clear "no." A group of AI research scientists at Apple released their paper, "Understanding the limitations of mathematical reasoning in large language models," to general commentary Thursday. Then he picks 58 kiwis on Saturday.
(Bloomberg) -- The White House said an Israeli strike on an encampment in Rafah that left dozens dead was devastating but would not cause President Joe Biden to freeze additional arms shipments to the country.

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As a result of this strike on Sunday, I have no policy changes to speak to, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

The US would be monitoring the investigation into the incident and expected Israel to learn lessons from the airstrike, Kirby said. But Kirby said the bombing  which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a tragic mistake  was short of the large-scale military operation that the US has warned Israel would carry consequences.

We dont support, we wont support, a major ground operation in Rafah, and weve again been very consistent on that, Kirby said. And the president said that, should that occur, then it might make him have to make different decisions in terms of support. We havent seen that happen.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said 45 people, including children, were killed and an additional 249 people were wounded in the strike, prompting condemnation from leaders around the globe. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for an immediate ceasefire in Rafah following the bombing, which came just days after the International Court of Justice called on Israels military to stop its offensive in the area.

Biden has asked Israel to refrain from major military operations in Rafah, warning there were too many civilians to avoid unintended casualties. But the president has previously said he was not concerned by limited strikes in the area, and US officials in recent days say theyve been encouraged by Israeli efforts to revise battle plans to curb the potential impact on civilians.

Israeli officials said they used precise munitions in the operation, which was intended to target senior Hamas leaders. Hamas, which orchestrated the October 7 attack on Israel, is labeled a terror organization by the European Union and US.

The White House noted that Israels claimed use of smaller bombs was certainly indicative of an effort to be discrete and targeted and precise as Kirby defended the decision not to impose new arms restrictions on Israel.

We have not seen them smash into Rafah, Kirby said. We have not seen them go in with large units, large numbers of troops in columns and formations in some sort of coordinated maneuver against multiple targets on the ground.

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The White House on Tuesday indicated an Israeli strike that killed dozens of Palestinians in Rafah did not cross a red line that would lead to a change in U.S. policy.

Multiple administration officials in press briefings Tuesday described the images out of Rafah as heartbreaking, tragic and horrific. But there was no sign of an impending policy change as a result, because it was an airstrike and not a major ground operation.

We still dont believe that a major ground operation in Rafah is warranted. We still dont want to see the Israelis, as we say, smash into Rafah with large units over large pieces of territory. We still believe that, and we havent seen that at this point, White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

As a result of this strike on Sunday, I have no policy changes to speak to, he added. It just happened. The Israelis are going to investigate it. Were going to be taking great interest in what they find in that investigation. And well see where it goes from there.

President Biden earlier this month warned he would stop supplying Israel with offensive weapons such as bombs and artillery shells if it launched a long-promised invasion of Rafah.

The White House has urged Israel against sending forces into Rafah without a clear plan to evacuate civilians safely, because the war has already left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead, and about a million refugees have settled in Rafah after fleeing fighting in northern Gaza.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan last week told reporters there was no mathematical formula for assessing Israels conduct in Rafah, but officials would look at whether there is a lot of death and destruction from this operation or if it is more precise and proportional.

But administration officials said Tuesday that Sundays airstrike, which was the deadliest incident in Rafah since Israel launched an offensive there, did not amount to what the White House has warned against.

It is still our assessment that what is happening in Rafah and what the [Israeli military] are doing, it is limited in scope. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Rafah fire as tragic and said Israel is investigating it thoroughly and will learn from it, as is our policy and longstanding conduct. Israeli officials reportedly told the U.S. that shrapnel from a targeted strike on senior Hamas leaders struck a fuel tank near a displaced persons camp.

But the resulting carnage underscored international alarm over the conduct of Israels military operations, and it came only days after a top United Nations court issued a ruling for Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah.

The White House has for weeks urged Israel to do all it can to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza, where scores of Palestinians are without access to adequate food, water and medicine.

Biden has grown increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu, saying in an interview earlier this year that his handling of the war in Gaza was hurting Israel more than it was helping.

Kirby said Tuesday that no civilian casualties is the right number of civilian casualties, but he acknowledged innocent people are often killed in war.

Theres not like a measuring stick here or a quota, he said, when asked if there were a number of civilian deaths that would prompt action from the U.S. As weve said many times, the right number of civilian casualties is zero.

Updated at 4:06 p.m. EDT

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A Virginia-based tech company will pay thousands of dollars in fines for a job posting that requested whites only to apply.

The Justice and Labor departments have fined minority-owned federal contractor Arthur Grand Technologies Inc. a civil penalty of $7,500. The departments also ordered the federal contractor to pay $31,000 overall to 31 people who complained about the posting.

It is shameful that in the 21st century, we continue to see employers using whites only and only US born job postings to lock out otherwise eligible job candidates of color, Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said in a statement.

The company began advertising for a Salesforce business analyst and insurance claims position based in Dallas in March 2023. In its job posting, the company restricted eligible candidates to only US Born Citizens [white] who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, TX [Dont share with candidates].

The posting drew outrage on social media, and the Justice Department opened its investigation. The company denied approving the posting and claimed it was posted by an employee working for its subsidiary in India.

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The Justice Department said the listing violated the Immigration and Nationality Act, and the Labor Department said the company violated an executive order barring federal contractors from discriminating based on race, national origin and other protected characteristics.

We are committed to holding federal contractors accountable for outrageous discriminatory practices like this advertisement, said Michele Hodge, acting director of the Department of Labors Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. Companies like Arthur Grand, that accept federal contracts cannot have a whites only hiring process.

The departments said Arthur Grands actions harmed individuals with permission to work in the U.S., including U.S. citizens born outside the country and certain non-U.S. citizens.

In addition to the fines, the company will now be monitored to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws. It is also required to train its employees on the Immigration and Nationality Acts requirements and to revise employment policies.

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Vials of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed on a counter at a Walgreens Pharmacy on January 26, 2015. (Photo illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Measles can do a lot more than give a child a rash.

It can start a 104 degree fever and cause eye-swelling. About 10% of kids who get measles get ear infections.

About 20% of people who contract measles go to the hospital. Five percent develop pneumonia. (If a child dies from measles, its often for that reason.) In rare cases, a child can develop encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that can lead to deafness or intellectual disabilities.

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And it can spread with frightening speed, infecting 9 of 10 people.

But since 1971, physicians have administered the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to children. Its made a disease that once killed 500 people a year mostly marginal. (The shot, now known as the MMRV, has included the chicken pox vaccine for nearly two decades.)

Spreading the shot and protecting as many kids as possible seems like a political lay-up.

But this is Alabama.

Last week, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed an amicus brief in a lawsuit involving an Amish community in New York State.

In 2022, the state fined three Amish schools for lacking student vaccination records. The local Amish community had a religious objection to vaccinations. New York State repealed religious vaccination exemptions in 2019 amid a measles outbreak.

The community sued, arguing their religious rights were being violated. They also argued that it was unfair for New York to end religious exemptions but maintain medical ones.

U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Wolford ruled for the state in March, noting that New York legislators were concerned about individuals who were claiming a nonmedical exemption despite not having a religious belief regarding vaccination. (For the record: Amish communities generally have lower vaccination rates than the population as a whole but do not necessarily shun them entirely.)

The case is on appeal. In their brief last week, joined by 19 other states, Marshall and Alabama Solicitor General Edmund Gerald LaCour Jr. argued that not vaccinating your kid is a matter of religious freedom.

The court should take with a grain of salt any grand representations about threats to public health, the brief stated. Respectfully, it should do so anyway in the context of individual religious freedoms.

In Marshall and LaCours eyes, preventing spread of a deadly and highly infectious disease isnt as important as a single persons fear of angering God.

Marshall has long showed more interest in legal disputes outside Alabama than the problems within it, and it would be easy to dismiss this as posturing for the religious right. Which it is, but its posturing coming amid some major concerns with public health.

One, our measles immunization rates are falling.

The CDC says Alabamas MMRV rate was 94% in 2022-23. That may seem high, but because measles is so infectious, you need 95% coverage to assure herd immunity. If that number continues to collapse, youre going to have a lot of children  even infants  who catch the contagious disease through no fault of their own.

Much of that drop in vaccination rate comes from anti-vaccine rhetoric that transcends religion. But Marshall isnt the only Alabama lawmaker using the language of faith to bludgeon hard-won gains against disease.

Under current state law, a person who wants to claim a religious exemption from vaccines fills out a form with the local health department. He or she must also get an education on what can happen if you dont vaccinate your child. SB 246, filed last spring by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would have allowed a parent to claim a religious exemption in writing to a school board. With no follow-up. (The bill passed the Senate but never moved in the House.)

And this is part of a broader campaign in Alabama to elevate religious beliefs and viewpoints  however fringe, cringe or destructive  over all other policy considerations.

We got rid of marriage licenses in Alabama because a handful of the states 68 probate judges believe a loving God objects to loving same-sex couples. We decided that an agencys feelings about gay households were more important than placing children with supportive families. You and I are going to pay for the religious instruction of many a child, whether we agree with whats being taught or not.

And now, private religious belief is coming for public health.

Its always striking that our leaders invoke the divine to hurt and silence people.

Even though the religion most Alabamians adhere to grew out of communal gatherings that elevated the good of the whole.

Even though the founder of that religion told his followers to keep the needs of their neighbors in mind.

But Alabama politicians rarely ask people to think beyond themselves or the world around them, as religion at its best does. State politics aim to elevate voters anger and encourage them to lunge at imaginary enemies. As religion at its worst does.

So now a basic element of public policy  not making kids sick  is being presented as a sinister government plot against the faithful.

The genuinely faithful should pause when one of our officials raises an individuals belief over a childs health. In Alabama, that single belief is very likely to harm millions of innocents.

And its not going to get anyone in state government closer to heaven.

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When the big C word is announced to you by your primary care physician, a plethora of questions pop into your head.

What do I do first?

Where do I go for treatment?

How much money is this going to cost?

Whats my expectancy to beat this thing?

Is the prognosis positive if I start making healthier decisions?

Is there any way I can halt the spread of cancer cells?

We could go on and on with sample questions that paralyze our minds. But the most important one pertains to treatment: where to go to get reliable medical attention that will help heal you and keep your immune system strong for the long fight?

The answer to that question is Mexico.

Why? Because of the numerous reasons listed below.

Mexican physicians are granted the right to use breakthrough therapeutic cancer treatments as soon as they become available, unlike in the United States. In fact, any alternative medicine program in the U.S. is thoroughly regulated, and some specific plans can even result in a doctor losing their license to practice if not approved by state or federal laws.

Learn more about alternative cancer treatments by calling MedBaja at (619) 333-6066 or filling in the following form:

Also, Mexican physicians are allowed to prioritize treatment using a holistic approach. While in most countries cancer treatment focuses on chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical procedures, in Mexico many alternative approach doctors prioritize and add treating the mind, body, and soul holistically. They address not only the cancer itself, but also other ways to help reduce pain and stop cancer cells from spreading.

Treatment plans in Mexico are more affordable, enabling men, women, and children from all backgrounds to receive the assistance they need to overcome their challenges. Financial constraints will not hinder the process.

Many clinics and centers are conveniently located near the Mexico-US border, with a significant number of options available in Tijuana, Mexico. For those residing in San Diego or with easy access to the city, traveling to Tijuana is a simple task. For those living further away, travel arrangements can be made to facilitate the trip.

The most common language used in all clinics and centers is English. You wont feel uncomfortable at any point during your visit because the staff is fluent in English and can communicate effectively with you. Even representatives on the phone and through chat are proficient in English.

The focus is not only on regaining strength in your body, but also on nourishing and strengthening all aspects of your being. Mexican physicians and staff members believe that personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes can result in improved health. That is why nutritional interventions are sometimes used to target cancer cells.

Immunity Therapy Center is an excellent starting point. This Treatment Center in Mexico offers alternative cancer treatments just across the border. You can develop a plan to overcome cancer, discuss infectious diseases, receive a detailed plan to combat chronic degenerative diseases, and inquire about autoimmune diseases. The therapies used in combination are intended to help you feel your best, even during such a challenging journey. Visit the website today and start asking your questions.

INDEX: CANCER TREATMENTS IN MEXICO

Is it safe to travel to Tijuana to receive cancer treatment?

What to expect from an Alternative Cancer Treatment in Mexico?

What makes Tijuana a leader in alternative cancer treatments?

Viral anti-cancer vaccine, an innovative alternative treatment in Tijuana

Why is cancer treatment significantly more affordable in tijuana?

How to choose a cancer center in Mexico?
Why President Joe Biden Paid A Night Visit To His Son's Ex Days Before Her Testimony In Gun Trial

President Joe Biden has reportedly visited his son, Hunter Biden's ex, Hallie, who is a critical witness in his upcoming gun trial.

Hunter is facing three felony charges stemming from an incident in 2018. According to reports, Biden did not discuss the trial with his son's ex, although his visit has raised eyebrows due to the awkward optics.

President Joe Biden Visited His Son's Ex Days Before His Gun Trial

MEGA

According to the New York Post, Biden paid an unexpected late-night visit to his son's ex, Hallie, on Sunday.

His visit raised eyebrows because it comes days before she takes to the stand to testify in Hunter's federal trial, where he is facing multiple counts of weapon-related charges.

It is understood that the conversation they had was brief and that President Biden did not discuss the upcoming trial with Hallie.

Instead, he "visited her because of the approaching 9th anniversary" of her late husband, Beau, who died from cancer at the age of 46. Beau is also the president's first son.

Who Else Is Taking To The Witness Stand In Hunter Biden's Trial?

MEGA

President Biden's son's trial will begin on June 3 at a federal court in Delaware, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

In addition to Hunter's ex-partner testifying, a pair of his former lovers, his former spouse Kathleen Buhle and his ex-girlfriend Zoe Kestan, will also take to the stand.

Two Delaware state police officers and FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen are also expected to testify in the highly publicized trial.

What Are The Gun Charges Against The President's Son?

MEGA

Federal prosecutors slammed Hunter with three felony charges, two for allegedly making false statements during the purchase of a gun and another for possessing a weapon while addicted to drugs.

It stemmed from a 2018 incident where the president's son purchased a Colt Cobra revolver at a Delaware gun shop.

He was required to fill out a federal form that prohibits any "unlawful user of, and addicted to any stimulant, narcotic, and any other controlled substance" from purchasing a gun, which he did.

However, at the time, Hunter was allegedly knee-deep in his addiction to crack cocaine, thereby committing a federal crime when he went ahead to assent to the requirements of the form.

The said gun was later thrown away in a dumpster by Hallie after Hunter had it for 11 days. Hallie has since claimed that she did so because she was scared that Hunter had planned to use it to take his own life.

If convicted of the charges, the president's son faces up to 25 years in federal prison and around $750,000 in fines.

Hunter Biden's Infamous Laptop Will Be Used As Evidence Against Him

MEGA

Special Counsel David Weiss, who was appointed in August last year, is spearheading the suit against Hunter. According to recent reports, the prosecutor plans to introduce Hunter's infamous laptop as evidence against him.

"The defendant's laptop is real (it will be introduced as a trial exhibit) and it contains significant evidence of the defendant's guilt," a recent filing read, per CNN.

Weiss intends to use some of the messages discovered on the laptop to prove that Hunter had an addiction at the time he purchased the gun.

The laptop in question was dropped off at a Delaware repair shop owned by John Paul Mac Isaac after it was damaged by water.

Upon its repair, Isaac was said to have discovered several troubling contents on the laptop, which spurred him to contact the FBI. The FBI later retrieved the laptop from Isaac.

Trial Judge Made Several Pre-trial Rulings

MEGA

According to CNN, last week, the presiding judge in the case, Judge Maryellen Noreika, made several pre-trial rulings to dictate the flow of the trial when it begins.

She ruled that prosecutors will have to prove that the accused was "generally using drugs" at the time he purchased the gun and not "that he specifically used drugs on the day."

While the aforementioned ruling would make things more complicated for the prosecutors, she also issued a favorable one, saying they could "challenge the authenticity of specific texts from his infamous laptop."

The trial is expected to last up to two weeks after its start date but could go longer if required.

Apart from his gun-related charges, Hunter is also embroiled in a tax evasion trial, which is slated for September this year.
Why the US can't send humans to Mars

Humans have long imagined life on Mars, though our understanding of the planet has changed a lot.

Some of the US's earliest plans assumed humans could reach the Red Planet by the 1980s.

Over the decades, technology and funding challenges have hampered the nation's hopes of crewed flights.

Earlier this month, NASA announced it was funding a revolutionary high-thrust rocket  called a Pulsed Plasma Rocket  that could make crewed missions to Mars in just two months.

That's seven months faster than it'd take with current technology, and it would drastically reduce the risk and cost of a crewed Mars mission, according to Howe Industries, which is developing the concept. It "holds the potential to revolutionize space exploration," NASA said in a statement.

The PPR is just one of the latest developments in the US's decadeslong discussion to send humans to Mars. In the early '60s, for example, nuclear-bomb-powered spaceships were proposed for the trip.

Since well before NASA landed the first humans on the moon, the US has poured money and time into proposals for a crewed Mars mission, only to see its attempts never leave the ground. But technology isn't the only thing standing in the way. Politics also plays a big role.

"That's kind of like a joke within the space community or the Mars community," Matthew Shindell, a curator with the National Air and Space Museum, told Business Insider. "Putting humans on Mars is always 20 years away."

He said it was short enough to seem tangible but long enough that the political situation would change before it could be realized.

To fully understand why the US hasn't sent humans to Mars despite sending more robots there than any other country, it just takes a trip down memory lane. Here's a history of the US's most promising crewed Martian missions that never were.

1950s: The Mars Project

Wernher von Braun helped shape NASA's space program and was director of Marshall Space Flight Center. Marshall Space Flight Center

In the '40s and '50s, no one really knew what they might find on Mars, but they knew getting there would be tricky. One of the first to seriously tackle the problem was Wernher von Braun.

During World War II, von Braun was a member of the Nazi party and created V-2 missiles. After the war, he continued his work on missiles with the US Army as part of Operation Paperclip while also working on a novel called "The Mars Project." In it, he laid out the first detailed plan to send humans to the Red Planet.

He envisioned a 260-day mission that would launch in 1985 with 10 spaceships and 70 crew members. "He sat down and did the math and created a whole story around it," Shindell said.

In the late '50s, von Braun consulted on NASA's very first 10-year plan, which included sending the first probes to Mars. (Sending humans to Mars would come later.) What started as fiction got closer to reality when von Braun started working at NASA a couple of years later.

1960s: Mars by 1965

This concept drawing for Project Orion shows a spacecraft powered by nuclear fission. Marshall Space Flight Center

In the late 1950s, Theodore Taylor, who worked on nuclear weapons at Los Alamos, and the theoretical physicist Freeman Dyson embarked on an ambitious plan to build a nuclear-explosion-powered spaceship.

Named Project Orion, the resulting ship would take 12 years to develop, cost $100 million a year, and comfortably hold 150 people. Their motto was "Mars by 1965, Saturn by 1970."



But NASA was concerned about what would happen if any of the hundreds of bombs required to fuel the rocket exploded.

By 1963, the team was having trouble getting increased funding. That same year, the Limited Test Ban Treaty was signed, hampering the team's ability to test its vehicle.

The project was canceled a year later.

1965: Mars' first close-up

An enhanced version of the first Mars photograph shown on TV in 1965. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Dan Goods

Though NASA was feverishly working toward the moon in the '60s, it didn't fully abandon its plans for Mars.

In 1962, the German rocket scientist Ernst Stuhlinger was working at NASA on a project to get five crewed ships to the Red Planet by the early 1980s.

Stuhlinger's planned ships were huge, almost 500 feet long. For comparison, NASA's Space Shuttles are under 200 feet. But as NASA raced to land the first humans on the moon, it shifted focus to smaller, lighter spacecraft. This helped speed things along toward the moon, but it was a step back for Mars.

This pivot "reduced Apollo's utility as a technological stepping stone to Mars," David S. F. Portree wrote in "Humans to Mars: Fifty Years of Mission Planning, 1950-2000."

In the meantime, NASA knew it needed more information about Mars before it landed humans there. So, in 1964, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory launched the very first probe to fly by Mars: Mariner 4.

The images the probe transmitted to Earth were fuzzy and showed a desolate, barren planet. But they were the first close-up images of Mars's surface that anyone on Earth had seen.

1970s: The post-Apollo plans

An artist's concept from 1969 of a spacecraft for a crewed Mars mission. Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA had just landed the first people on the moon in 1969 as part of its Apollo Program and was ready for the next big step. That same year, a Space Task Group appointed by President Richard Nixon issued a report that supported human flights to Mars in 1982.

But Nixon ignored most of the 1969 report's suggestions in favor of what would become the Space Shuttle program, which didn't involve going to Mars. It was a turning point for NASA.

During the height of the Apollo era, NASA didn't have to compete for funding, Shindell said. Now, Nixon's administration started cutting its budget.

This was during the Vietnam War, and many Americans wanted the government to focus on poverty, the environment, and other domestic issues.

"If you're a proponent of human Mars exploration, this is the problem you've faced ever since the 1970s," Shindell said. Sending humans to the moon was already incredibly expensive, and it's a lot closer than Mars.

1980s: Sally Ride's report

Sally Ride communicating with ground controllers from the flight deck of the Challenger during its six-day mission in 1983. U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

In 1985, President Ronald Reagan appointed the National Commission on Space to envision the next 50 years of space travel, which involved the possibility of piloted vehicles to Mars.

But then NASA's Space Shuttle Challenger exploded. The disaster affected how the agency thought about human space travel as a whole.

"In general, there was a great deal of soul-searching within NASA about the use of expensive and risky human-rated launch vehicles like the shuttle," William Sheehan and Jim Bell wrote in "Discovering Mars: A History of Observation and Exploration of the Red Planet."

Just a year later, though, NASA's administrator tasked the astronaut Sally Ride with laying out the agency's future space explorations. In her report, she explained what it would take for the US to land an astronaut on Mars by 2005.

To meet that timeline, NASA would need to triple its current budget in the next decade. That didn't happen.

1989: 20 years to Mars

Twenty years after the Apollo 11 moon landing, George H.W. Bush announced the US would attempt to go to Mars. Robert Trippett/Pool via CNP/Getty Images

By 1989, a crewed mission to Mars seemed back on the table, according to a speech by the newly elected president, George H.W. Bush.

"Why Mars?" he asked. "Because it is humanity's destiny to strive, to seek, to find. And because it is America's destiny to lead."

NASA's response was the Space Exploration Initiative, an analysis of Bush's space-exploration goals, which would cost an estimated $400 billion to $500 billion.

At that point, Mars was still a long way off. The missions weren't expected to begin until after 2010.

But Sheehan and Bell said a lack of congressional funding and political support led to the demise of Bush's Martian mission a few years later in 1993.

1990s: "Better, faster, cheaper"

Pathfinder delivered Sojourner, the first rover to successfully operate on Mars. NASA/JPL

By the 1990s, Mars enthusiasts were dreaming of getting humans there by the end of the millennium. The aerospace engineer Robert Zubrin formed the Mars Society, an advocacy group pushing for the planet's exploration and eventually establishing a human settlement there.

NASA was meanwhile trying to figure out how to study Mars after losing contact with the robotic probe Mars Observer in 1993. With so much still unknown about the planet, uncrewed missions continued to be the focus.

The agency's new administrator, Daniel Goldin, was pursuing a new mantra for the robotic missions: "better, faster, cheaper."

This decade saw success with the uncrewed Pathfinder and Mars Global Surveyor missions. Pathfinder delivered Sojourner, the first operational Mars rover, while MGS sent back incredible images and data from the planet.

Just a couple of years later, though, NASA lost two more uncrewed spacecraft, the Mars Polar Lander and the Mars Climate Orbiter.

2000s: But first, the moon

Images from Spirit (top) and Opportunity (bottom), two successful Mars rover missions. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell Univ./Arizona State Univ.; NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell/ASU

Despite the setbacks of the Polar Lander and MCO, NASA again had success in 2004 with rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

Though NASA had recently suffered another tragedy with the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew in 2003, the agency's rovers seemed to reignite some of the desire for human missions to Mars.

In 2004, 15 years after his father's space speech, President George W. Bush announced what would become the Constellation Program. The ultimate goal was to put people on Mars, though there was no exact date given for this part of the plan.

A large part of Bush's vision involved returning to the moon before heading to the Red Planet. In 2010, President Barack Obama canceled Constellation but set a timeline of getting astronauts to Mars by the 2030s.

2010s: Mars goes commercial

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk first hoped to go to Mars by the mid-2020s. Mark Brake//Getty Images

In the 2010s, private space companies  such as SpaceX  started planning projects to get crews to Mars.

SpaceX's founder, Elon Musk, said in 2016 that he'd get people there in less than a decade. He later revised the date to 2029 with robust colonization by 2050.

So far, SpaceX hasn't sent anything to Mars.

President Donald Trump meanwhile reversed the Obama administration's space-exploration plans. NASA was again planning for a moon-first agenda.

Established in 2017 under the Trump Administration, NASA's Artemis Program is its latest and current mission for crewed deep-space exploration. It aims to return humans to the moon and create a lunar space station where astronauts can live for weeks or months at a time.

But this moon-first agenda doesn't completely rule out Mars. Dayna Ise, who leads NASA's Mars Campaign Office, said it would actually help us get to the Red Planet.

"You learn a lot by going to the moon, but you learn even more by staying at the moon," she said. "And so whatever we learn there will help with Mars."

She also said private space companies had a role to play. "It's all hands on deck," she said. "It is such a difficult engineering problem that we cannot exclude anybody from helping."

2020s: Simulating life on Mars

SpaceX's huge Starship had a successful launch in 2024. Timothy Clary/AFP/Getty Images

The private space companies have been busy this decade. This year, SpaceX had its first mostly successful Starship launch after several fiery attempts. The mega-rocket is set to play a huge role in Musk's plans to colonize Mars.

The Biden Administration has meanwhile continued to support the Artemis lunar missions. There have been a few setbacks, though.

Citing safety and technical challenges, NASA recently pushed back its first crewed Artemis mission to the moon, which is now scheduled for 2025.

Artemis IV, NASA's mission to deliver part of a lunar space station to the moon, is still scheduled for 2028.

Ise said having a long-term presence on the moon would help experts learn more about how crews could survive on a different world for longer than a few days.

The agency is also studying how people will fare in isolation. NASA's CHAPEA missions put volunteers in a simulated Mars habitat for a year. The "analog astronauts" follow strict schedules, have limited contact with loved ones, and are closely monitored. The first crew is set to emerge from the habitat this year on July 6.

2030s and beyond: Getting humans to Mars

There are many challenges to solve before humans can safely travel to Mars. JPL/NASA

Despite its moon-first agenda, NASA knows Mars has its own challenges that the lunar surface can't prepare them for. In addition to taking a lot of time and fuel to get there, the trip is expected to result in communication delays of at least 20 minutes between the crew and Earth.

Ise said the travelers would need to be able to take care of their own health emergencies and fix hardware issues. But NASA is also working on making some systems more autonomous. "If there is an issue, they don't have time to troubleshoot with someone on the ground to fix their life support system," she said. "So we need those life support systems to be smarter."

Other problems include keeping the crew safe from radiation, dealing with the planet's skin-irritating dust, and developing a food source. "We have to build an ecology inside a transit vehicle to keep everyone alive and healthy," Ise said.

All that will take time. NASA's administrator, Bill Nelson, has said there's potential for the agency to send humans to Mars by 2040. Ise compared it to eating an entire elephant. "We're doing it one bite at a time and building on everything that we learn," she said.

It remains to be seen whether private US companies will reach Mars first.

Correction  May 28, 2024: An earlier version of this story misstated Virgin Galactic's space exploration goals. Virgin Galactic has not announced plans to send robots or humans to Mars.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Legal Committee rejected President Zourabichvili's comments on the 'Foreign Agents' law and supported overriding the veto. The committee also reaffirmed its support for the original version of the law.The veto issue will be discussed and voted on during the plenary sessions on May 28. If the parliament overrides the veto, the "Foreign Agents" law must be voted on again. It will be considered passed if it receives majority support from the members of parliament.If passed, the law will be sent to the President for signature. If Salome Zourabichvili does not sign it, the Chairman of the Parliament will. After that, the law will enter into force and be implemented within the specified timeframe.The Georgian President wrote in her remarks that the 'Foreign Agents' law violates four articles of the Constitution."This law meticulously repeats the spirit of the Russian law," the document reads.EU High Representative Josep Borrell announced that the Council of Foreign Affairs discussed potential responses to Georgia's proposed 'Foreign Agents' law. Borrell highlighted differing views among member states on the law's significance, with some questioning its compatibility with EU norms. Referring to the Venice Commission's conclusion urging the withdrawal of the law, Borrell emphasized ongoing deliberations on an appropriate response, slated for June. He underscored the importance of upholding EU values globally and emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections in Georgia for the country's trajectory."We exchanged opinions regarding the 'Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence' and the developments in Georgia. Some member states consider this issue unimportant, while others believe that this law contradicts the norms and values of the European Union. They also referenced the conclusion of the Venice Commission, which calls on the [Georgian] authorities to withdraw this law.We started considering the appropriate response if this law is enacted. We will make a decision on this in June. Member states are prepared to make decisions when our values, international law, and the European way are not upheld, not only in Georgia, but everywhere in the world. We also discussed the upcoming elections. Georgian people should vote for the trajectory of their country. The government's actions may affect the benefits they enjoy as a result of EU integration, but we have not yet made a decision," Borell stated.
James Gabbert / Shutterstock.com

For retirees living on Social Security alone, vacations will not be extravagant  but they dont have to be nonexistent, either. Summer is almost in full swing, and if youre eager to get out of town, see new places and meet new people, your monthly benefits can afford you the opportunity. All it takes is a little creativity  and the right destination.

Read Now: Social Security 2024: 6 Changes That Impact Your Benefits

Up Next: 5 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Located in Southeastern Tennessee on the border of Georgia, Chattanooga is an affordable vacation destination where the cost of living is more than 10% lower than the national average, according to BestPlaces.

Its easy to find hotel rooms for well under $100. Wingate by Wyndham Chattanooga is $67 per night. The Crash Pad charges $62. At Best Western Heritage Inn, youll pay just $56.

VisitChattanooga has two blog posts titled Chattanooga on a Budget and Chattanooga for Active Seniors, which outline the many free and low-budget activities that retirees can partake in, from music festivals and art exhibits to outdoor activities and downtown parks.

Need help planning? The AARP Travel Center helps members plan Chattanooga vacations that are designed for seniors on a budget.

Watch Out: Im a Baby Boomer Who Had To Un-Retire: 3 Money Lessons I Wish Id Known

Decatur, Alabama

According to BestPlaces, the cost of living in Decatur is 17% lower than the national average, which means your food, drinks, transportation and whatever else you buy will be cheaper than in most of the rest of the country.

The Downtown Decatur Redevelopment Authority profiles the towns many attractions, including art, theater, tours, museums, events, science exhibits and natural outdoor attractions, many of which can be enjoyed for free or close to it.

Vacation rentals and hotel rooms for $80 or less per night are easy to find. Days Inn by Wyndham ($66), Quality Inn ($55), La Quinta Inn ($80) and River City Hotel Decatur ($61) are just a few.

Winnemucca, Nevada

Known for friendly hospitality and an authentic Western experience, daily life in Winnemucca is about 4% cheaper than the national average and 12% less than the Nevada average, according to BestPlaces.

If its casinos and gaming halls arent in your budget, retirees can explore the areas spooky and historic ghost towns, drive the famed Winnemucca to the Sea Highway or try their hand at mining and rock-hounding.

Activities like biking, hiking and camping are free or low-cost and you can absorb the areas unique and colorful Basque culture without spending a penny.

Story continues

You can get a room in the highly rated Signature Inn Winnemucca for $45 a night. At $53, the Econo Lodge Inn isnt far behind, and neither is the Ramada by Wyndham at $79. Those are just a few examples  decent rooms well under $100 are easy to find.

Rapid City, South Dakota

Consistently named one of the best small towns to visit in America, Rapid City is so much more than just the majesty of Mount Rushmore and the otherworldly terrain of Badlands National Park.

The cost of living there is slightly lower than the national average, and the city and regions many parks, attractions, festivals, events and outdoor activities can consume and entire vacation  and many of them dont cost a dime.

If youre looking for a place to stay on a Social Security recipients budget, the Grand Gateway Hotel of Rapid City costs $65 a night. The Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel in the Black Hills costs $69  and those are just two of several sub-$100 options.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Affordable Travel Destinations If Youre Living Off of Just Social Security
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Wichita police are searching for two suspects connected to robbery investigations of multiple Walgreens on Monday evening. One happened at 3150 S. Seneca around 7:53 p.m.

Sgt. Seth Creighton said the suspects were in their teens to early 20s.

Theyre not using force to steal anything. Theres no weapons involved. Theyre just trying to grab something out of the cash register and run out, Creighton said.

One suspect was wearing a black sweatshirt with a pink facemask. The second person was wearing all black. They also say no knife or gun was used.

Suspect in custody following car chase that injured officer in Augusta

Dispatch could not give a description of the vehicle.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Wichitan arrested after multi-county chase that ends after officers car hit, official says

A multi-county chase with a 44-year-old Wichita man driving a truck with an empty boat trailer ended Monday night in Augusta after spike strips were used and the driver hit an Augusta officers vehicle, sending both of them to the hospital, the Butler County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday afternoon.

Allan Milton Firman III was treated and released from a Wichita hospital and then booked into the Butler County Jail on suspicion of aggravated battery on an officer, aggravated assault on an officer, fleeing and eluding, drug charges, driving under the influence, transporting an open container and reckless driving.

He has a first appearance in court Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Augusta Department of Public Safety officer was also treated and released.

Additionally, a 47-year-old Derby woman who was in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado with the suspect was treated and released.

The call started around 6 p.m. in Greenwood County after a report that the suspect had hit another vehicle and then refused to stop for police, Butler County undersheriff Daimon Cundiff said in a news release.

The Greenwood County Sheriffs Office stopped its pursuit after the driver crossed into Butler County on US 400. Soon after, Butler County Emergency Communications received a call about a truck (that) had gone into oncoming traffic at a high rate of speed in a construction zone near Beaumont, Kansas, Cundiff said.

The construction zone was limited to one lane controlled by temporary traffic lights.

A Butler County deputy spotted the truck near US 400 and Pickrell Road, which is about 8 miles east of Augusta.

The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop but the truck continued westbound at normal speeds, Cundiff said. Other deputies were able (to) set up tire deflation devices along the highway ahead of the fleeing truck. At one point, the driver of the truck swerved into the median to avoid the tire deflation device, narrowly missing one of the deputies, and then continued westbound in the eastbound lanes of US 400.

The deployment of a second spikes strip near US 400 and Lunger Road in east Augusta was successful.

The truck entered the City of Augusta and struck a marked (officer) vehicle occupied by an Augusta police officer, Cundiff said. The truck was disabled and the driver was taken into custody.

The driver hit the back-left corner of the police vehicle.
Firefighters pulled a young girl off the roof of a burning home Sunday morning, the Woburn Fire Dept. said.

A neighbors surveillance camera captured flames pouring from the top floor of 1 Richmond Park, a three-unit apartment building, around 3:45 a.m.

The crew from Tower 1 saw a young girl on the roof trapped and immediately threw a ground ladder and was able to rescue her while the engine companies were able to put water on the fire that had her trapped. Great work, once again, by our members, Woburn Fire said in a Facebook post.

The condition of the young girl is unclear, although Woburn Mayor Mike Concannon said her and a young boy were both treated for smoke inhalation. No firefighters were hurt, Concannon said. Neighbor Elizabeth King said the rescued girl is in the same grade as her daughter.

The little girl who was rescued is actually at my daughters school. Were just really worried about her and her brother and we hope theyre okay, King said. It was scary. It was almost surreal like youre watching a movie or something.

The cause of the fire is unknown. The Woburn Fire Dept. did not respond to a request for comment.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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NEW MADRID COUNTY, Mo.  Authorities say an unattended candle led to a deadly house fire Monday in southeast Missouri.

The New Madrid County Sheriffs Office says one woman was found dead as crews responded to a house fire early Monday morning.

Investigators say the fire broke out around 4 a.m. in the 500 block of East Pine St. in Morehouse, Missouri. When crew arrived, they noticed smoke coming from two sides of the home. A woman was found deceased in a bedroom.

Missouri mother charged after children found dead

According to the New Madrid County Sheriffs Office, investigators determined that the fire started in the bedroom. A candle was left unattended in the bedroom after the power went out at the home.

The victims identity or age was not disclosed. No other injuries were reported from the fire.

The Morehouse Fire Department, Sikeston Department of Public Safety and the Missouri Fire Marshals Office all offered assistance in the fire response.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Woman killed in sand dunes accident was mother of two, deputys wife

GOLDEN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  The woman who died at Silver Lake Sand Dunes Sunday after heroically pushing her toddler to safety was the mother of two and the wife of a Kent County sheriffs deputy.

Kadie L. Price, 33, was watching drag races at the Silver Lake State Park near Mears when a Jeep CJ lost control. Price was hit and killed.

An undated courtesy photo of Kadie Price. (Kent County Sheriffs Office)

News 8 has since learned she was the wife of Kent County Sheriffs Deputy Charlie Price. The Kent County Sheriffs Office declined to make a statement Monday, but its clear online that the agency is coming together and doing everything it can to support Deputy Price and the couples two toddlers after Sundays devastating accident.

Off-roaders who witnessed Sundays aftermath called the scene horrific. Investigators say it happened when a Jeep being raced by a 64-year-old man accelerated rapidly, lost control and veered toward spectators, including the Price family.

Woman killed by vehicle at Silver Lake Sand Dunes, saved 2-year-old daughter

Kadie Price was able to push her 2-year-old daughter to safety before the Jeep struck the Price familys vehicle, which then hit the 33-year-old.

Despite life-saving measures, the mother of two died.

Off-roaders Bryce Straubel and Paul Stanczak were out drag racing Sunday and saw the aftermath of the accident. They said people watched in silence as first responders handled the scene.

Ive been coming out here a long time, Straubel said. That was probably one of them most brutal accidents Ive ever seen.

They told News 8 people were much more aware after the accident. Off-roaders were back on the dunes Monday, but it was a smaller crowd on the cool and cloudy Memorial Day.

People drag race at the Silver Lake State Park Sand Dunes on May 27, 2024.

People drag race at the Silver Lake State Park Sand Dunes on May 27, 2024.

People drag race at the Silver Lake State Park Sand Dunes on May 27, 2024.

People drag race at the Silver Lake State Park Sand Dunes on May 27, 2024.

The pair said while they take safety precautions, like wearing helmets and eye protection, off-roaders cannot control for everything when racing on sand.

You can try but theres no 100% guarantee to prevent everything, Straubel said. I wrecked three times this weekend.

Stuff happens, you cant really control it. All you can do is try your best to prevent it, Stanczak added.

Ace Krans, another off-roader and the parent of a 2-year-old himself, heard about the situation on Facebook.

Its nerve-wracking, he said. Its scary just to even think of it, but when you love it and its a passion, you still got to do it.

Investigators have not released the identity of the 64-year-old man who was driving the Jeep that lost control. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which operates the Silver Lake State Park, referred questions to the Oceana County Sheriffs Department, which is conducting the ongoing investigation.

Please keep the Price family in your prayers, the sheriffs office said in a Sunday release.

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It breaks me, Straubel said. People are coming out here to have a good time and this mother just lost her life.  She pushed her daughter out of the way to save her  its just rough to hear. It really is.

A fundraiser has been set up for Kadie Prices family.

As many of you know, the Price family experienced an unthinkable loss with the unexpected passing of Kadie. During this difficult time, we want our community to unite and show unwavering support to the family. Your donation will celebrate Kadies life and last act of heroism and support the children in navigating life without her. Thank you for honoring Kadies memory with your generous contribution. Your support means more than words can express, a statement on the GiveSendGo page read.

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.
Women in Gaza forced to use tent scraps and paper in place of sanitary products as period poverty soars

Palestinian women in Gaza are being forced to use scraps of tent cloth and paper in place of pads as period poverty soars and sanitary products grow increasingly scarce.

While World Menstrual Hygiene Day is marked globally on Tuesday, displaced women in Gaza have described being unable to shower more than once a month and having limited access to toilets.

Women have described getting their period as one of the worst things as products almost disappear from local markets in the besieged strip while prices soar for the limited supply.

Displaced Palestinian women from Rafah walk next to their shelters in Deir Al Balah, southern Gaza, in February 2024 (EPA/Mohammed Saber)

30-year-old Duaa, who now shelters in a tent on the grounds of a hospital in Deir Al Balah, said she has been unable to use toilets at times while on her period.

[The] toilets are not always functioning nor are they always open...Its a hassle trying to use the [toilet], she said.

People bang on the door the second you walk in...Sometimes, were denied access to the bathroom. I look for other [toilets] only to find them in a terrible condition.

I shower once a month. Only after my period is over. And thats it...I cant even shower weekly, let alone daily I would love to shower at least once a week, but I cannot.

Since the Israeli military intensified its attacks on Rafah earlier this month, ActionAid said the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza had dropped significantly, pushing people closer towards famine and denying them essentials, including period products and soap.

ActionAid said the amount of humanitarian aid - including period products - entering Gaza had dropped significantly (AFP via Getty Images)

Riham Jafari, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator at ActionAid Palestine said the inhumane conditions have made it almost impossible for women and girls to manage their period in a safe, hygienic way that preserves their dignity.

Ms Jafari said: With period products either unavailable or unaffordable, women are being forced to resort to using potentially unsafe and unhygienic alternatives including tent scraps, bits of clothing, or paper  which could put their health at risk.

In the areas where people have been displaced to, there simply arent enough toilets and showers, making it even harder for people to manage their periods.

Another Palestinian woman, Israa, 20, said it has become really difficult for her to manage her period while living in a tent in Deir Al Balah, central Gaza.

A pack of [period] pads is 15-17 shekels [3.20- 3.60] Who can afford to spend this much every month?  she said.

She added that maintaining her hygiene with limited facilities and hygiene products has become much harder as the weather grows warmer.

She said: Its difficult to live and maintain your hygiene in a tent. Its almost summer now; Back home, we [could] shower a few times a day. Nowadays, we can barely shower and wash our hair once a week. And personal hygiene products are not available.

Women are struggling to manage their periods as they continue to be displaced amid Israeli bombardment (AP)

Likewise, Huda, 33, who is living in a tent on the grounds of a hospital in central Gaza with her three daughters, said getting her period is now terrible.

Having your period with no access to water, pads, or soap is one of the worst things, she said.

Having your period here is terrible...When one of my daughters has her period, she has to buy pads for 10-15 shekels [2-3]. Its too much. We cannot afford it.

She added: Nothing works... It is a real hassle to have your period in the summer with no water, no soap, no sanitization and without decent womens products. Everything we use is useless.

MsJafari said: Getting their period each month only adds to the distress and discomfort of women and girls in Gaza, who have lived with daily fear, uncertainty, danger and trauma for eight months now.

With aid operations majorly disrupted, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating by the day. This cannot go on, we urgently need a permanent ceasefire now, to stop the killing and allow desperately needed aid to flood into Gaza quickly and safely.

You can help ActionAid supply dignity kits  which include enough period products and toiletries to last a month  to women and girls in Gaza by donating to their appeal here.
DENVER (KDVR)  Is the American-English version of the word spelled canceled or cancelled? Is Denver the capitol of Colorado or is it the capital?

Spelling is not always easy. Some people might find themselves running to a search engine a few times a day to make sure the word theyre thinking of is actually spelled aesthetic, or if the i goes before the e in a word like field.

Which is faster: Driving to the Denver airport or taking the train?

Google put together a map of which words each state had the most trouble spelling over the last year, with some surprising results.

What words states are searching for most

Colorado was among the nine states searching for words with 11 or more letters, with the Centennial State asking Google how to spell ingredients.

Two states  Wisconsin and Virginia  had trending searches for words with just four letters, with Wisconsinites asking Google how to spell ally and Virginians checking in to see how the word said is spelled, according to Google.

Texas and Arkansas seemed to be on a similar wavelength, searching for physique and exercise respectively.

A few states seemed to be confused about how to spell the names of their fellow states. Namely, Maryland, which got caught up on how to spell their neighbor to the north Pennsylvania, Nebraska, which wanted to know how to spell California and Utah with Mississippi.

Highly poisonous plant spreading throughout Colorado: How to recognize and get rid of it

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania needed to know how to spell mountain, California searched the most for how to spell pretty and Mississippi asked about the word nervous.

Hawaii was the only state asking about how to spell the names of other countries, wanting to know how to spell Phillippines.

When it came to military ranks, America was particularly confused about how to spell colonel, with that word trending in both North Carolina and Arizona.

It was also unclear if New Hampshire searched for the word tortured the most over the last year because of the pop star Taylor Swifts newest album The Tortured Poets Department or for another reason.

The top spelling searches for each state in 2024.

Other spelling searches

Americans had a few questions about which spelling of a word is the right one, like color, which is more popular in the U.S., and colour, which is the standard spelling in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada.

Another highly searched-for comparison was capital vs. capitol, and which one is correct depends on the context. This is because a capital is a city or town where the seat of government is, while a capitol is the building that the government meets in.

For example, Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States, while the U.S. Capitol is in Washington, D.C.

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.
About 60 workers at Kim's  prolific Minneapolis chef Ann Kim's Korean American restaurant  are seeking to unionize, citing unpredictable work schedules they say make it hard to make a living.

Workers notified Kim's management Tuesday of their intent to unionize. The Uptown eatery would be the first union shop among the James Beard award-winner's family of restaurants, which include Young Joni, Pizzeria Lola and Hello Pizza.

"We really hope that Kim's will listen and that they'll understand and respect that we want this restaurant to succeed. We want this industry to succeed," said Iain Knopp-Schwyn, 27, who works as a bar lead. "But it doesn't succeed without all of us."

Vestalia Hospitality, the group behind the four restaurants, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kim's and its sister restaurants all apply a surcharge of 18% to 21% in lieu of tipping. The surcharge goes entirely toward labor expenses, according to the restaurant group, and contributes to "offering a complete, livable hourly wage for our entire team."

The restaurant's messaging about a livable wage was appealing to Gabby Seabrook, who works in a support role that includes hosting, bussing tables, food running and bar backing. Seabrook started at $20 an hour and is now making $22 an hour.

"When I got hired on, I was really excited to be making $20 an hour. And then I received my first paycheck," Seabrook said. "They barely covered half of my rent."

The problem, employees said, is the number of scheduled work hours each week varies widely, and even if they're expecting a certain number of hours, that can dwindle if managers cut them part way through an over-staffed or slow shift.

"It makes me hesitant to spend on anything that isn't a necessity because I'm not sure if I'm, by the end of the week, going to work 25 hours or 35 or 15," said Kaylee Murphy, 31, who makes $27 an hour as a bartender.

Under the National Labor Relations Act, employees can begin bargaining if their employer recognizes their union. If that doesn't happen, workers must hold a union election, which would start with filing a petition with the National Labor Relations Board.

If successful, the staff at Kim's  from servers to bartenders to cooks  would join Unite Here Local 17, a hospitality union that represents workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and stadiums, hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs across Minnesota. This union helped about 200 workers at First Avenue to unionize across the company's collection of Twin Cities venues this past November.

"It's no secret that jobs in the service industry need to change, and it's time restaurant workers had a real path to make their jobs better. Hospitality is all about taking care of people: Those who do that work deserve to be respected, supported and taken care of, too," Sheigh Freeberg, Secretary-Treasurer of Unite Here Local 17, said in a statement.

Instability is common in the restaurant world, and workers often move from one job to another. But Kim's employees said they're committed to improving their workplace and the industry as a whole. This past October, Kim's took the place of Sooki & Mimi, the chef's previous Mexican restaurant in the same location that had opened in early 2021. Those restaurants have been a dependable feature of the neighborhood, where commercial turnover has been high.

Murphy, who lives in Uptown, said she jumped at the chance to work at a locally owned business. Rather than find another job, she said, she wants to plant roots and be part of her community.

"Others I work with also thought that and decided to do something about it," she said. "I hope that they listen to us."
Worlds Biggest Buc-ees Will Open Its Doors In Texas Next Month

Everything is bigger in Texas once again.

Melissa Kopka/Getty Images

Tennessee had a good run, but the honor of boasting the biggest Buc-ees will soon return home to Texas.

The countrys largest Buc-ees travel center will open its doors in Luling on June 10, 2024. The new 75,000 square-foot center will replace the citys current Buc-ees store, which was the first Buc-ees travel center built in 2003.

It will also be the 50th Buc-ees across Texas and the South.

Located at 10070 I-10, the new and improved Buc-ee's in Luling will offer 120 fuel stations, squeaky clean bathrooms, and everything else the roadside oasis is known for: barbecue sandwiches, beef jerky, homemade fudge, and of course, Beaver Nuggets.

For those keeping score, the Luling location bests the 74,000-square-foot Buc-ees in Sevierville, Tennessee, by a whopping 1,000 square feet.

We are thrilled to open the doors to the worlds largest Buc-ees travel center right here in the Great State of Texas, Stan Beard of Buc-ees said in a statement. Its particularly exciting, considering this is the Buc-ees that started it all, so we are really looking forward to celebrating with the incredible people of Luling.



Doors open at 6 a.m. on June 10. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at noon.



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Read the original article on Southern Living.
deepblue4you / Getty Images/iStockphoto

The average price of a new car is $47,401, according to Kelley Blue Book. The average monthly car payment hovers between $533 and $726, depending on whether you get a new or used vehicle.

While car ownership can be expensive, there are still plenty of vehicles to choose from that are worth your money. This includes several Japanese hybrid cars.

Read Next: 5 Japanese Cars To Stay Away From Buying

Check Out: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy

Because of their design, these cars often get better gas mileage than non-hybrids. The best ones are also reliable and affordable, and theyre made to last a long time.

For those of you who are thinking about getting a Japanese hybrid car, here are some of the best ones that are worth the money.

iStock.com

2024 Toyota Prius

Starting price: $29,045

Miles per gallon: 57 (city) and 56 (highway) for front-wheel drive

The Toyota Prius is a well-known hybrid with exceptional gas mileage and reliability. It is efficient, has a simple but sleek design, and can reach 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds. The interior is also comfortable, perfect for those long drives.

It has excellent fuel economy, a proven track record and a spacious interior, said Blake Shaw, automotive expert at All About Wheels.

Its also cost-effective, as it comes with reasonably low maintenance costs. Ive had countless customers rave about their Prius, with some even clocking over 200,000 miles without major issues, added John Lin, automotive expert and owner of JB Motor Works.

Find Out: 8 Hybrid Cars That Lose Their Value the Fastest

Discover More: 6 Car Brands With Reliable Used Cars

Toyota

2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Starting price: $29,495

Miles per gallon: 44 to 51 (estimate)

Although the newest model isnt yet available, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is another popular Japanese car thats worth the money. Like other Toyota models, it is reliable, gets great gas mileage and makes for an all-around great everyday vehicle.

This hybrid is also notably more spacious than the Prius. The interior has plenty of headroom, a must for taller individuals, and comfortable seats. It even comes with dual-zone temperature controls and an array of other convenient features.

Shaw pointed out that this hybrid  as well as earlier models  is known for its balanced performance and great fuel economy. And as a midsize sedan, its comfortable and economical.

Try This: 5 States With Tough Highway Patrol and Pricey Tickets

Honda

2022 Honda Insight

Starting price: $26,855

Miles per gallon: 55 (city) and 49 (highway)

The Insight is another solid choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient hybrid, Lin said. It boasts a sleek, aerodynamic design and an impressive array of tech features.

Story continues

This hybrid can reach 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. It has great handling and suspension for a smooth ride. Its also highly responsive, making for a solid everyday vehicle with a reasonably low price tag.

The Honda Insight doesnt get quite as good of gas mileage as, say, the Toyota Prius. It also has a higher rate of depreciation than other hybrids in its class, so you might want to get it used for the best bang for your buck.

JAMES HALFACRE / Honda

2024 Honda Accord Hybrid

Starting price: $28,990

Miles per gallon: 51 (city) and 48 (highway)

The Honda Accord Hybrid is also affordable with competitive fuel economy. Like many other everyday Japanese hybrids, it also has a relatively low depreciation rate, meaning it tends to maintain its value better over time.

[This model] combines the practicality and comfort of the traditional Accord with the added benefits of hybrid technology, Shaw said. It also has a spacious interior and offers a refined driving experience that makes long road trips and shorter daily commutes that much better.

According to Shaw, many Honda Accord Hybrid owners also praise the vehicle for being able to smoothly transition between electric and gasoline power. Its also got relatively low maintenance costs, so you wont have to worry about spending a ton of extra money on repairs anytime soon.

Lexus

2024 Lexus ES Hybrid

Starting price: $43,190

Miles per gallon: 43 (city) and 44 (highway)

While the Lexus ES Hybrid has a higher starting price tag, its still much cheaper than other luxury brands.

This vehicle stands out for its stylish interior, excellent fuel efficiency and array of upscale features. Its also roomy inside, so youre not as likely to feel cramped after a long drive. Some models even come with all-wheel drive.

Overall, the Lexus ES Hybrid is a smooth ride. And while you might not get that same wow factor as you do with other luxury cars, its a great entry vehicle in that segment.

Learn More: 10 New Cars To Avoid Buying in 2024

Apriori1 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Bottom Line

Overall, if youre in the market for a new  or lightly used  car, consider one of these Japanese hybrid models. They all get great fuel economy and are reliable. Plus, they are generally very quiet and smooth rides. Theyre also environmentally friendly when compared with non-hybrid options.

Theyre also reasonably priced, especially compared with other models. And while youll still need to pay attention to things like depreciation and maintenance costs, proper upkeep can help keep long-term costs to a minimum.

Photo Disclaimer: Please note some photos are for illustrative purposes only and might not feature exact models, base models or the cars specific trim levels. As a result, some of the cars in the photos might have different starting prices and miles per gallon figures than the ones listed in this article.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Japanese Hybrid Cars That Are Worth the Money
Russia plans to produce 6,000 Shahed-type drones per year, in addition to surveillance drones, at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on May 28, referring to a contract leaked by the Prana Network hacker group.

The Russian military has been using cheap but effective drones to attack Ukraine since fall 2022. Western media, such as the New York Times, has reported the cost of each Shahed-136 drone to be as low as $20,000.

Russia is reportedly ramping up domestic production of its own version of Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones, relying on Chinese components and Iranian technologies.

Moscow signed a deal with Tehran to build the domestic drone plant in late 2022 in Tatarstan, obliging to partly pay $1.7 billion in gold bars, the WSJ said.

The terms of the deal were revealed in February by the Prana Network, which claimed to break into email servers associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

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Russia aims to reach the production level of 6,000 Shahed attack drones a year at the Alabuga facility, while the factory was already ahead of its production schedule in April, the WSJ said. It has produced 4,500 Shaheds, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Russian personnel are currently learning to operate the drones in Syria with instructors from both the Revolutionary Guard and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, according to Ukraine's military intelligence and a former Syrian officer with conflict-monitor group Etana.

The factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone also produces reconnaissance drones, such as the M3 Albatross, which have collected detailed photographic intelligence on Ukrainian positions and movements on the front line.

The domestic-produced drones also helped to repel Ukrainian attempts of incursion into Belgorod Oblast on the countries' shared border, the manufacturer claimed.

Russia yet needs skilled workers to assemble drones to ramp up its production further, the article read. Moscow started to recruit specialists, mainly young female students, in Africa, according to the WSJ.

Russian businesses offered African students a skilled job paying three times the wage at home, with airfare, free accommodation, and a university diploma to join the work-study program.

Over a thousand women have gone to the Alabuga free zone from all over Africa, while an additional thousand students will likely join in 2024, the WSJ said, citing Ugandan officials.

The Ukrainian military regularly attacks Russian facilities in the Tatarstan Republic.

In April, Ukrainian forces struck production facilities in Yelabuga, where the Alabuga Special Economic Zone is based, and Nizhnekamsk. The targets were an oil refinery and a manufacturing facility for the Shahed-type attack drones.

Soon after, on April 17, a factory in Tatarstan producing bomber aircraft for the Russian military was also attacked by Ukrainian drones, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) source told the Kyiv Independent.

Another Ukrainian attack against Russia's Tatarstan Republic was carried out on May 23.

Read also: Explainer: Irans cheap, effective Shahed drones and how Russia uses them in Ukraine

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Yanez Sanford was acquitted of a Topeka triple murder, then was victim of a violent crime

Yanez Sanford was a victim of violent crime less than 20 hours after a jury earlier this month found him "not guilty" of committing a 2016 southwest Topeka triple homicide.

Just before 1 p.m. May 17, a Shawnee County District Court jury acquitted Sanford of nine charges he faced linked to the shooting deaths early Aug. 7, 2016, of 23-year-old Dominique Ray, 20-year-old Camrah Trotter and Trotter's unborn daughter at Fairlawn Greens Apartments, 5235 S.W. 20th Terrace.

Sanford, 41, then reported May 18 to the Independence, Missouri, Police Department that he had been a victim at 8:29 a.m. that day of armed criminal action and first-degree assault or non-family aggravated assault involving a knife, said an offense report filed with that department.

The department provided that report free of charge Friday to The Capital-Journal in response to an open records request.

"Due to this being an ongoing investigation for an aggravated assault no other information can be released outside of what you already have," said Kelley Rupert, public information officer for the department, on Monday.

Defense attorneys Emily Barclay and Peter Conley consult with Yanez Sanford during a hearing held prior to this month's trial, in which he was acquitted of a triple murder committed in 2016 in southwest Topeka.

What else did the police report filed by Yanez Sanford say?

The Independence, Missouri, police report didn't say if Sanford was injured.

It gave no indication whether the crimes involved may have been linked to the previous day's acquittal.

The report said the situation that caused it to be filed involved Sanford, one witness and five other people.

The case remained open, it said.

The report included a statement from an Independence. Missouri, police officer saying he was called at 8:29 a.m. May 18 to a report of a "shooting." The address involved was redacted from the report.

The Independence, Missouri, Police Department on Friday provided The Capital-Journal this copy of an offense report filed May 18 regarding crimes that allegedly victimized Yanez Sanford, who had been acquitted the previous day of a 2016 Topeka triple homicide.

Why was Yanez Sanford acquitted of capital murder?

Sanford is the only person to have been charged with crimes linked to the deaths of Ray, Trotter and Trotter's unborn daughter.

The verdict concluded a 10-day trial in which prosecutors said that a man, early on the day of the killings, carried a gun as he pushed his way into the apartment where Ray and Trotter lived with Trotter's 4-year-old daughter, and alleged Trotter was raped during the roughly two-hour period in which that man waited there with another man.

The two men then shot Ray to death when he came to the front door with his cousin, Jamontez Fulton, prosecutors said.

More: Juror in Topeka triple murder case explains several factors that led to reasonable doubt

They said the two men chased and fired shots at Fulton, who got away away as Trotter called 911 from her apartment. One then returned to the apartment and fatally shot Trotter as she was on the phone, prosecutors said.

Sanford was arrested four years after the triple homicide, in 2020, at his home in Independence, Missouri, on an outstanding Shawnee County warrant charging him with crimes linked to the case.

He was subsequently held until his acquittal at the Shawnee County Jail in Topeka.

A juror told The Capital-Journal last week that jury members acquitted Sanford because they had "plenty of reasonable doubt" that he committed the crimes involved.

The Capital-Journal isn't publishing the juror's name at his request for safety reasons. After the verdict, law enforcement officers escorted jurors to their cars.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Man acquitted of Topeka triple murder reports violent crime a day later
(Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration unveiled a framework for using carbon offsets to drive climate progress, with principles it says are meant to help ensure the trading regimes deliver real emissions reductions  not a green mirage.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The documents released Tuesday by top cabinet officials, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, take the controversial step of recommending companies be able to use carbon credits to offset a portion of their so-called Scope 3 emissions, those generated by their suppliers and customers.

In other respects, the guidelines largely align with those developed by prominent industry-led governance bodies. They amount to an endorsement of voluntary carbon markets potential to create economic opportunities for farmers and ranchers while helping reduce planet-warming pollution, despite the controversies theyve sparked in the past.

We know this market can do better, and were committed to helping strengthen it, Yellen said at a Washington event on the issue. If we do it well, we will have the chance to enlist markets as a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.

(The event was sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the philanthropic organization of Michael Bloomberg, who is the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News.)

Trading Credits

The new US guidelines, detailed in a 12-page joint policy statement and outline of principles, target the trading of credits that are meant to represent a ton of carbon dioxide reduced or removed from the atmosphere. Companies, not-for-profit groups and others can buy the credits  which help finance carbon-reducing but non-lucrative initiatives such as planting trees  as a way to compensate for their own emissions.

However, some crediting methodologies havent fulfilled carbon-cutting claims. And unlike commodities that can be physically delivered to a buyer for inspection, the emission savings associated with carbon credits are more difficult to assess  stoking wariness among some corporations seeking to meet sustainability goals.

The US government principles will give confidence to businesses that the rules of the carbon market promote best practice in the use and sourcing of high-integrity, project-based carbon credits, said Chris Leeds, head of carbon markets development at Standard Chartered.

The market for offsets could soar to $1 trillion by 2050, from about $2 billion currently, if standard-setters ease some rules and expand their use, BloombergNEF forecasts.

We need that finance, and we need those solutions, said Nat Keohane, president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. But we only want that kind of scale if it represents real environmental integrity on both the supply and demand sides.

Ensuring offsets truly compensate for pollution is a particular challenge, since carbon dioxide persists in the atmosphere for centuries. The activities that underpin most credits today often lack that same longevity. For instance, trees that suck carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can burn, die or be cut down. Other options, such as injecting carbon dioxide deep underground, could offer longer-term promise.

The US government envisions the finance sector providing a solution. Insurance mechanisms such as buffer pools can help address permanence shortcomings, said senior administration officials who spoke anonymously to provide key details ahead of the announcement.

Read More: Insurers Are Working to Shore Up $2 Billion Carbon Offset Market

The US is recommending carbon credits simply meet their longevity claims, not a specific time frame. That departs from standards developed by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market, which sets a minimum threshold of 40 years and could expand that to 100.

Faulty Markets

Critics argue voluntary guidelines without the teeth of strong enforcement divert from essential emission-cutting work.

There is no real way to fix inherently faulty carbon offset markets, said Mitch Jones, a managing director at the Food & Water Watch advocacy group. Creating so-called guidelines for a phony climate accounting scheme is a waste of time and resources  and ultimately does more harm than good.

While offsets frequently channel capital to nature-based activities today, under the US vision, they would increasingly support more innovative carbon-removal ventures, such as direct air capture projects. An Energy Department pilot project has up to $35 million to support the work, with 24 semi-finalists now competing for the chance to sell carbon dioxide removal credits directly to the agency.

The US framework insists credit buyers should prioritize measurable and feasible emission reductions within their own value chains and that the offsets should be a complement, not a replacement, for that work. But in cases where its unreasonable to fully abate supply chain emissions within given time frames, the use of offsets should be considered, the US says.

The United Nations-backed Science Based Targets initiative has drawn scrutiny for plans to give companies greater leeway to use credits to offset their Scope 3 emissions. The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative has proposed a similar approach.

(Updates with Yellen comments from event and other details, beginning in fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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New York City is one of the most unpredictable places in the world, and the subway system embodies that capriciousness more than anywhere. The latest incident in the city resulted in an innocent man being doused in flames on the No. 1 train.



Petrit Alijaj, 23, tells ABC 7 News he was riding the No. 1 train southbound from the West Houston and Varick Street station with his family Saturday afternoon when a man suddenly approached the train car and gave him a weird look. Within just a second, Alijaj told reporters, the man threw flaming liquid toward him. Alijaj described the suspect as a maniac.

He had a cup with the fire and the train stopped at Houston Street. We thought when he go for the door, we thought hes leaving, hes getting off. He waited for the door to open and then he put me [on] fire, he said per ABC 7.

In the midst of the attack, he told reporters he managed to block his family members with his body to protect them. In the video footage, Alijaj is seen on the Varick and King Street corner with his shirt off, visibly in distress and suffering from burns across his chest and face.

In another surveillance video, the suspect was seen holding two flaming cans while standing in the turnstile.

New York police identified the alleged flame-thrower as 49-year-old Nile Taylor, who was arrested and charged with assault, arson and reckless endangerment. Taylor already had a record featuring petit larceny, per The New York Post. Taylors bond is set at $250,000.

As for Mr. Alijaj, he suffered severed burns all over his body, per the report.

This is only the latest crazy crime thats been reported from the streets of Manhattan. Just days ago, a young girl was randomly slashed on the side of her head up at a Subway station in Harlem. Weeks ago, a homeless man was arrested after being caught on camera throwing scalding hot water on random New Yorkers. Just after the New Year, a man was fatally shot while trying to break-up a brawl. Despite statistics suggesting overall crime rates have dropped since 2019 and 2020, the consistent headlines of random stabbings and shootings is enough to make folks not want to come outside.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said at a news conference on May 28 that they had signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement.

Portugal becomes the 12th country to sign such a deal, along with Belgium, Spain, the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Canada,the Netherlands, Finland, and Latvia.

Zelensky arrived in Portugal on May 28 after visits to Brussels and Madrid, where he signed bilateral security agreements with the two nations' leaders.

Under the agreement, Portugal will allocate at least 126 million euros ($137 million) in military aid for Ukraine in 2024.

The document also says that Lisbon confirms its participation in the F-16 and naval capabilities coalitions, as well as programs for artillery ammunition procurement, mine clearance, and maritime security.

The two parties agreed to cooperate in the defense industry, intelligence, cyber security, and countering disinformation.

This is Zelensky's first visit to Portugal since he took office in 2019. Zelensky is also expected to meet Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Souza and Ukrainian refugees.

The trip had originally been scheduled for mid-May but, according to CNN Portugal, the change in plans was forced by the "serious internal situation in Ukraine at the moment."

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.

Read also: Belgium to provide Ukraine with 30 F-16 aircraft by 2028, first to arrive in 2024

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Zelenskyy arrives to Portugal on official visit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Portugal on the afternoon of 28 May and is expected to hold meetings with the countrys leaders.

Source: RTP, a Portuguese public broadcasting service, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyys plane landed at Figo Maduro airbase in Lisbon at around 14:45 local time and was greeted by Portugals top military and political leadership.

The day before, Portuguese officials announced that Zelenskyy will hold a working meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and will also meet with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

RTP reported that it is expected that Ukraine and Portugal will sign a bilateral security agreement during Zelenskyys visit.

Background:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was set to visit Portugal the week before last, but the visit was postponed because of Russias offensive in Ukraines Kharkiv Oblast.

On 27 May, Zelenskyy visited Spain, where he and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez signed a bilateral security agreement between their countries.

Earlier on 28 May, Zelenskyy visited Belgium, where he signed a security cooperation agreement between Belgium and Ukraine.

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Zelenskyy asked not to mention Ukraine's membership at this year's NATO summit  The Telegraph

Sources of British newspaper The Telegraph say Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been cautioned not to address individual NATO members this year about supporting Ukraine's membership of the alliance.

Source: The Telegraph, citing its own sources with knowledge of the matter

Details: The newspaper's sources said that Ukraine will not be offered anything at the NATO summit in Washington, which will take place from 9 to 11 July, that would allow the country to move forward on its path to membership.

This is because some NATO members fear that inviting Ukraine to join the alliance could lead to them being drawn into a war against Russia.

A source familiar with the Biden administration's thinking told The Telegraph that Germany and the US "are very sceptical about bringing Ukraine any further along the path to full NATO membership this year.

The US is perhaps not as concerned as Germany, but there is a worry about the threat of Russia to the rest of the alliance".

The Telegraph's sources claim that the US and Germany have strongly cautioned Ukraine against insisting on a firm timeline for joining NATO.

For this reason, Zelenskyy has apparently been asked not to put pressure on individual allies to reiterate their support for a clear timetable for Ukraine's accession.

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(Reuters) -Adam Neumann has ended his bid to re-acquire WeWork as the coworking business he co-founded has chosen to emerge from bankruptcy with an "unrealistic" plan, he told the New York Times Dealbook on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, Neumann's new real estate venture, Flow Global, had submitted a bid of more than $500 million to take over WeWork and its assets, Reuters has reported.

"For several months, we tried to work constructively with WeWork to create a strategy that would allow it to thrive," Neumann said in his statement to DealBook.

"Instead, the company looks to be emerging from bankruptcy with a plan that appears unrealistic and unlikely to succeed."

Neumann did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, while WeWork, once privately valued at $47 billion, declined to provide a statement.

Neumann has previously said WeWork has refused to engage in talks, instead seeking to use its bankruptcy court case to "rubber-stamp" a deal that would turn over control of the company to "hand-picked buyers."

Founded in 2010, WeWork aimed to revolutionize the office market by leasing large properties on longer leases and then renting them to multiple smaller businesses seeking flexible workspaces for shorter arrangements.

Initially viewed as a disruptor, with a business model unhindered by property ownership, WeWork expanded rapidly, but the company's cash burn meant it could not keep up with debt payments.

With over $13 billion in long-term leases, it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2023 to renegotiate these agreements.

Neumann was ousted in 2019 following a failed attempt to take the company public amidst growing investor concerns about losses and his leadership.

WeWork has been on a spree to rationalize its real estate portfolio to cut down on rent obligations.

Last week, it said it has determined a path forward at over 97% of its wholly-owned lease portfolio and expects to reduce total rent commitments by over $11 billion.

(Reporting by Shivansh Tiwary and Pratyush Thakur in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Savio D'Souza)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that Ukraine's bilateral security agreements with partner countries will be implemented despite the fact that they do not provide for legally obligating mechanisms.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference in Lisbon on 28 May, European Pravda reports

Details: Commenting on the claim that the security agreements "have no legal force," Zelensky said he believes "the document will work, because we are signing it at the level of leaders," and the signatories have also joined the Vilnius Declaration.

"Some of these agreements that we have already signed are already in place. For example, we signed (the agreements  ed.) with the UK and France, and there is a corresponding number of long-range opportunities (i.e. weapons  ed.) for Ukraine. And the first batch of our agreements is already in Ukraine, and we are already using it," he added.

Zelenskyy added that since the agreements are signed at the level of leaders, "they must fulfil it because they are the image of a country".

"This is one opportunity for the international community to prove its solidarity not only by word of mouth, but in practice," the president said.

Background:

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro signed an agreement on regional cooperation between the two countries in Lisbon on 28 May.

Portugal is the twelfth country with which Ukraine has inked a security cooperation pact intended to provide long-term assistance.

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During his trip to Belgium, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the airbase which holds F-16 jets that will be sent to Ukraine.

Source: Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo on Twitter (X); Army Inform

Quote: "Ukranians continue to be killed by the Russian invader every day. Dear Volodymyr Zelenskyy, these F-16s will be yours to help you protect your citizens."

Details: Alexander de Croo also noted that Ukraine "can only push back Russia with more and better arms, delivered at a faster pace."

Background: Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said her country would supply Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that US President Joe Biden should attend the Peace Summit in Switzerland.

Source: European Pravda, citing Zelenskyy's words during a press conference in Brussels

Details: The head of state noted that he would like President Biden to attend the summit in Switzerland in person.

"I know that America supports the summit, but we do not know at what level. I believe that this is not a very strong decision, with all due respect to every person in the United States of America," Zelenskyy said.

He added that soon there will be a Peace Summit organised by the whole world, "and then there will be something that Russia will try to do".

"I believe that the Peace Summit and the other leaders who are looking at the reaction of the United States of America need President Biden. His absence would only be applauded by Putin, personally applauded by Putin, and it would be a standing ovation," Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.

He said that Ukraine is also waiting for a response from China, Brazil and several African countries regarding their attendance at the summit.

Background:

The day before, Zelenskyy said that 90 countries had already confirmed their attendance at the Peace Summit in Switzerland in June.

The United States government has announced that it will be represented at the Peace Summit in Switzerland next month, but it is not yet known by whom.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Belgium on Tuesday, 28 May, where he will sign a security agreement with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

Source: The Brussels Times with reference to De Croo, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On the agenda of the President's visit is the signing of a bilateral security agreement and the delivery of F-16 fighter jets promised by Belgium.

The Brussels Times reported that Zelenskyy will meet with De Croo to sign the security agreement before an audience with King Philippe I.

Later, he will head to Melsbroek air base, where he will meet with Belgian F-16 fighter jet pilots, instructors and technical personnel.

Background:

Ukraine and Belgium have started negotiations on a security cooperation agreement.

Prior to that, it was reported that the Belgian government had decided to accelerate the supply of its own F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and do so by the end of 2024, without waiting for the formation of a new cabinet.

Belgium is one of 13 countries participating in a coalition to provide Ukraine with fighter jets. It had previously planned to send the F-16s, which it is gradually replacing with more modern F-35s, to Ukraine starting from 2025.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso Zoological Society has filed a lawsuit against the City of El Paso, and the City says it has filed claims against the group too.

It is the latest in a series of moves during a months-long dispute over the nonprofit Zoological Societys contract which was not renewed earlier this year.

The Zoological Society announced the lawsuit on Tuesday morning, May 28.

Mayor Oscar Leeser talks about a long-simmering dispute between the City of El Paso and the El Paso Zoological Society. Photo by Krystal Oblinger/KTSM

The City, however, says it has countered by filing complaints with the State of Texas and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service about possible mismanagement or diversion of charitable assets, the City said in a statement.

The Zoological Society says the City has not made any guarantees that it will use the money it has raised to support the zoo. The group also alleges a toxic work environment in the lawsuit.

The nonprofit group says it had no choice but to file a lawsuit after the City issued an ultimatum to turn over (zoo-related funds) or face consequences, the society said in its lawsuit.

City says it wants full accounting of zoo group funds

The Zoological Society is seeking a declaratory judgment and other relief regarding the non-renewal of their longstanding agreement.

Neither the City nor the Zoological Society have stated publicly how much money is at stake in the dispute.

The City responded by saying that the Zoological Society rejected its request to act on a list of seven action items including doing an audit of Fiscal Year 2023 and turning over money related to zoo projects and programs.

And as a result, the City says it has filed two complaints and a claim regarding the Zoological Society due to ongoing concerns over the Societys failure to comply with the Citys requests to properly close out the 2012 License Agreement and continued use of funds for other than their intended purpose: to support the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

For over two years, the City made efforts to discuss necessary changes to the agreement, a draft of which was provided to the Society in 2022. The City extended the agreement twice to give the Society additional time. An agreement could not be reached and on February 26, 2024, the City Council voted to direct the City Manager to close out the agreement set to expire on March 17, 2024, the City said in its counter statement it issued Tuesday morning.

The City opted not to renew its contract with the Zoological Society back on March 17, triggering a months-long dispute between the two entities. That dispute has included trading statements and press releases back and forth in recent weeks.

On May 20, the City Council voted 6-1 to move on with zoorelated fundraising efforts without using the Zoological Society.

City Council votes to move forward with zoo funding without Zoological Society

After the May 20 vote, the Zoological Society issued a statement saying it had agreed to a mutual audit of zoo finances.

The City countered later that night by saying the society had rejected a full accounting of funds on several occasions and had until Friday, May 24 to meet a list of seven action items including having an external audit for fiscal year 2023 done and turning over money raised for zoo programs and projects.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the City also says the Zoological Society refused to provide detailed financial information to the city comptroller and deputy city manager.

The City also said it gave the Zoological Society a 15-day notice, in a letter it sent dated May 9, to meet the seven action items including turning over zoo-related funds.

As a result, the City says it has filed a complaint about the Zoological Society with the Texas Attorney General Charitable Trust Division, regarding possible mismanagement or diversion of charitable assets. The City also says it has filed a tax-exempt organization complaint with the Internal Revenue Service to determine if there is a violation of federal law and has also filed a claim with the Zoological Societys insurance carrier.

The Zoological Society says the May 20 move to set a deadline for transfer of funds and conduct an audit led to their lawsuit. The Zoological Society also alleges that the City has made no guarantee that it will use the money it has raised to benefit the zoo.

This legal action aims to ensure that the Societys funds are used as intended by donors, and protect the Societys rights, the society said in its press release announcing the lawsuit. The Society remains committed to supporting the Zoo and has made numerous attempts to negotiate a new agreement with the City, and even attempted to negotiate an agreement solely to donate its funds, all of which have been met with hostility and contempt. The lawsuit also addresses the Citys refusal to provide written assurance that the funds would be used for the Zoo, despite the Societys legal duty to do so.

The lawsuit is asking the court to make the following findings: that the Zoological Society, not the City, is authorized to spend the societys funds for zoo-related purposes during the term of the agreement; that the City is not authorized to spend the Zoological Societys money after the agreement has expired; the city managers right to demand an audit ended with the ending of the agreement; and that the City did not request an audit before the agreement ended.

The Society also seeks recovery of reasonable and necessary attorneys fees, costs of court, and other appropriate relief, according to the news release.

Here is what the Society said, in part about the lawsuit, in its news release:

The El Paso Zoological Society has filed a lawsuit against the City of El Paso following the abrupt termination of their 61-year partnership. The Society, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the El Paso Zoo, has raised millions for various zoo projects. Despite a longstanding and productive relationship, recent years have seen increased tensions, after the appointment of a new Zoo Director in 2019. The Society cites unprofessional behavior and questionable expense requests as key issues.

In December 2022, after the Society voiced these concerns, the City attempted to unilaterally force the Society to enter into a new agreement, which would reduce the Societys role to merely fundraising. This led to a toxic work environment and an eventual decision by the City, in a closed-door meeting, to allow the current agreement to expire without having a new one in place, and to demand that the Society turn over all of its funds to the Citys General Fund. For the past two months, the Society has tried to work out a deal with the City that would allow the Society to donate its funds to be used for the Zoo or find another solution. The City rejected all proposed solutions, insisting that the agreement requires the Society to hand over all of its funds to the City without the City committing to use the funds for the Zoo.

As KTSM has previously reported, the Zoological Society is run by a volunteer board and receives funds from local donors. For more than 60 years, the organization has worked with the El Paso Zoo assisting with education programs, operational support and memberships.

The contract was initially set to expire in December 2022 but was granted two extensions. On Feb. 26, the Zoological Society was notified that the contract would not be renewed and the nonprofit would need to vacate the zoo grounds by March 17.

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.
Patagonia is in hot water over allegations that it illegally implemented hidden digital spy trackers within its correspondence to consumers and used them to obtain sensitive information.

A class-action lawsuit filed by Heather Knight in Arizona federal court last week accused the Ventura, Calif.-based outdoor brand of violating the states Telephone, Utility and Communication Service Record Act. According to the suit, Patagonia neglected to inform shoppers that it was utilizing tracking pixels embedded in promotional emails to capture data and insights about them.

More from Sourcing Journal

The plaintiff said she was not aware that the trackers, otherwise known as spy pixels, were being employed, and therefore couldnt give her consent. Made from snippets of HTML code, the pixels load when a consumer opens an email or a visits a website, and companies typically leverage them to track online behavior and conversions in order to inform their marketing strategies.

Defendants invasive surveillance of Plaintiffs sensitive reading habits and clandestine

collection of her confidential email records invaded her privacy and intruded upon her seclusion, Knights lawsuit read.

The Arizona Telephone, Utility and Communication Service Records Act prohibits a person or organization from knowingly garnering a communication service recordwhich includes subscriber information ranging from name to billing address, payment methods, phone numbers, associated screen names or aliases and morewithout authorization or through subversive methods.

Knight alleged that Patagonias tracking pixels picked up on information like her location, her IP address and information about her digital device. They also served to inform the brand about how much time she spent reading the marketing emails, along with where and when they were read.

Now, Knight is seeking others who have opened similar emails from Patagonia to join the class-action lawsuit. She is pushing for a trial by jury and is requesting declaratory and injunctive relief, meaning that the brand wont be able to employ such methods without warning consumers in the future. Shes also pursuing damages for herself and anyone who joins the suit.

Unlawful data tracking lawsuits have snowballed in recent years. Arizona also saw a similar suit brought against Home Depot earlier this spring, wherein plaintiff Ivonne Carbajal alleged that the retailer leveraged tracking pixels from Validity Inc. in its marketing emails to gather and store information about her without her consent. The insights included where and when she opened the emails and how much time she spent reading them.

In April, Arizona resident Arlette Campos also filed a class-action lawsuit under the Arizona Telephone, Utility and Communication Service Records Act against TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods owner TJX, alleging that the company used spy pixels in its promotional emails. According to the plaintiff, the trackers were automatically downloaded without her knowledge when she opened an email from TJX, allowing the company to access information she deemed sensitive for its own commercial gain.
David Kim, a UNC-Chapel Hill senior and computer science major, had submitted 326 job applications as of mid-spring. He had only reached the interview round for three of them.

Kim said this is normal for computer science majors like himself, who are still applying for jobs with graduation around the corner. He said some of his classmates have applied to around 1,000 jobs and are still waiting to hear back.

Kim said career competitiveness is often attributed to the economy and job market, but it also points to a newer wave of technology: artificial intelligence.

AI works to have equal, or even higher, intelligence to humans when solving problems. That kind of advanced technology is financially attractive to businesses, Kim said.

Well see how [companies] try to automate the jobs away, he said. I think from an economic standpoint, [AI] is definitely going to take away some jobs. And thats scary.

Mohammad Hossein Jarrahi, a UNC professor in the School of Information and Library Science, studies the relationship between humans and AI in the workforce. To him, the threat of AI boils down to one concept: self-learning.

[AI systems] are adaptive in their learning, and that is the source of opportunity and source of threats, Jarrahi said. Because if theyre learning really well, whats going to happen to me? If theyre learning somehow independent of me as a knowledge worker, then what is my contribution?

Jarrahi said that blue-collar jobs are usually at risk from new technology and automation, but this new wave of AI affects degree-seeking knowledge workers as well  a group that was thought to be immune, Jarrahi said.

If youre not worried, youre probably not paying attention, Jarrahi said.

Kim said its difficult to predict the future, but he knows he will have to find ways to compete in the evolving job market now influenced by AI.

I think for the industry, [AI] is actually good. But for a graduating senior  or even a junior, a sophomore computer science student now, or even graduating high school students who might want to study computer science  thats a pretty big worry, Kim said. I dont know whats gonna happen. I dont think anyone does. But well have to adapt somehow, like always.

Undergraduate uncertainty

The fear of AI replacing jobs isnt just affecting computer science students.

As a UNC sophomore, Sarayu Thondapu has already had multiple conversations about AIs impact on her future.

Thondapu is currently studying economics and political science on the pre-law track. During her winter break at home in Charlotte, her uncle told her to be wary of AIs potential impact on legal professions. For example, the AI program LegalGPT can perform similar tasks to legal assistants or paralegals.

Scott Geier, a professor in the Hussman School of Media and Journalism at UNC, said that junior attorneys, for example, are at risk of losing their jobs because AI can complete the same tasks, like reviewing documents and writing briefs.

Anything that involves analyzing information and doing so quickly and efficiently, AI can already do that better. So its going to be better, faster and cheaper, Geier said. And if something is better, faster and cheaper, theyre gonna do the robot.

Now, AI leaves Thondapu questioning her career.

I wanted to go into law to be someone that can help people, someone that can truly connect with the cases that Im working with and can be of assistance toward them, and I wouldnt leave them out to dry, Thondapu said. I guess I worry that if I end up relying on ChatGPT or artificial intelligence too much, I kind of forget the reason why Im there in the first place.

Halfway through Thondapus undergraduate experience, she thinks about her future graduation and often wonders if it will all be worth it.

We spent four years of our lives at an undergraduate institution. We worked our butts off. We did a lot to get to the places were at and we gained a lot of experience, Thondapu said. But then to realize that something that were responsible for creating might actually end up dashing all our efforts, I definitely think thats really scary.

Due to her survival mentality, she said she is now incorporating technology classes and a data science credential into her studies to be competitive in the job market and help secure her future.

I think this is something that weve all come to terms with: We need to know something about computers to basically exist in a world like this, Thondapu said.

However, she said she fears that with too much attention on computers, this generation will forget how to communicate with passion and humanity. As a result, Thondapu added a creative writing minor to her studies to compete with AI.

Kim also considered altering his graduation plans. He said he originally focused on job applications related to software engineering and web development, but after this wave of AI, he became interested in applying to more machine learning roles.

But its still a change he said he has to think about, as these roles often require additional schooling, time and money.

AI vs. college degrees

The value of college degrees has always been debated, Jarrahi said. However, higher educations value in the era of AI adds new twists to the argument.

Google offers career certificates to anyone interested in the technology space, with no prior experience necessary. Their website advertises the programs as a real path to in-demand jobs in under six months.

It costs less than college, takes less time, and Google said the program is worth the same as a four-year degree, Geier said.

Some may think, College costs too much. Its not worth the sticker price, Geier said. And people are starting to come to realize that if AI now is part of the equation, thats just going to accelerate that mindset.

Duke University now offers a degree program for AI learning: Dukes AI Master of Engineering program.

Jared Bailey is the current president of Dukes AI Competition Club and a student in the masters program, which costs $75,877 in tuition for the typical 12-month duration: two semesters and a summer session.

The program includes other flexible education options like an extended track of 16 months, which costs up to $95,000, and the online program for 24 months, which costs $98,970.

But Bailey believes the program is worth it.

A smart student investigates to understand if their education will have a fair return on investment, he said. I do not see a world where students are unable to find fields to pursue which offer a fair return.

Dukes AI program website posted that the degree will provide great graduate outcomes in jobs around engineering and data science.

Bailey said AI has the potential to help other industries, not just in science, engineering or technology. He said one classmate in the program is a medical doctor who uses computer vision to identify diseases in high-resolution photos.

Bailey related the advancements of AI to the creation of the camera, the internet and personal computers. He said although they all received initial pushback, they ended up enhancing the work of humanity.

Duke has largely embraced student use of AI, Bailey said. When I was younger, educators pushed back on student use of calculators and the internet. Its refreshing to see Duke take a different stance and embrace this new technology.

AI is here to enhance our work and not compete with it, he said.

Embracing AI

Professional editor Erin Servais believes that humans can collaborate with AI, and shes even incorporated it into her career.

Servais has edited professionally, from line editing to developmental editing, since 2008. Last year, Servais career changed when she used ChatGPT to copy edit for the first time.

I was so shocked by how accurate and fast it was, Servais said. And I knew that it was going to have big effects on our profession. I knew that immediately, the very first time I tried it.

She then created the course AI for Editors to prepare and educate editors on how AI programs like ChatGPT are reshaping the profession.

Because ultimately, AI is replacing editors, she said.

People are losing their jobs to artificial intelligence and in a really just unintelligent way, Servais said. Its not a good thing, and its not going to help readers; its not going to help the writers; its not going to help anyone.

But if editors learn how to use AI, editing can be more accurate and efficient for organizations, she said. An editor with knowledge of AI may have better job security and value in the workplace, she said.

The next evolution of jobs will revolve around guiding AI programs and checking their work rather than manually making the changes in a document, Servais said. But humanity is still essential, she said.

We dont want AI to do our jobs because we still need to double check it and make sure that what it is producing is quality and factual. And humans are needed for that still, Servais said.

Geier said AI might take on the heavy lifting in most professional spaces, but with human oversight as well. But he said it will be in a gradual way.

He doesnt think that students graduating now will lose a job because of AI, as long as they prepare. Those who dont learn about AI, however, will be left behind, he said.

Geier said students need to give themselves an edge by working with AI in a way others cant. And thats what universities need to be teaching, he said.

Youve got to make yourself relevant with using AI in currently what youre doing, Geier said. The way its going to be is when you come out of here, the employers are going to ask, Can some rando, some stranger off the street, come in and do the same job that [a student] is doing just by writing a prompt into AI? If the answer is yes, youre out of a job.

UNC Media Hub is a collection of students from the various concentrations in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media working together to create integrated multimedia packages covering stories from around North Carolina and beyond.
Driver Says He Still Loves His Cybertruck After It Sliced His Wrist Open And Sent Him to the Emergency Room

Just a Flesh Wound

An Ohio man was super excited when he finally got his hands on his very own Tesla Cybertruck this Saturday.

But the vehicle literally sent him to the emergency room after one of the vehicle's metallic panels sliced open his wrist, leading to him bleeding profusely at the dealership.

The man, who goes by bdesign, eagerly described his eventful day on the Cybertruck Owners' Club forum, a hotbed for viral posts about the truck.

In his post, bdesign also noted the sorry state of his fresh-off-the-lot pickup, from plenty of grime to a loose gasket seal along the truck bed perimeter.

"[S]loppy, sloppy condition at delivery," he wrote. "Windshield (inside) is disastrously dirty. Body panels have some sort of splattery overspray on them that doesnt wipe off  it just smears around."

But the problems really started when he noticed what he thought was a dent in one of the tailgate panels. When he tried to wipe at it with one of his thumbs, the vertical edge of a rear panel cut his wrist.

"I, too, thought it was a little slice like a paper cutUntil the blood started pouring. A lot of blood" he wrote, posting a gruesome photo of what looks to be his left hand with a deep gash in the wrist.

No Ragrets

After getting his cut wrapped up, he later opened his bandage to check on his wrist but "BOOM  spurts of blood all over the kitchen island," he wrote. The next photo he posted was seemingly taken inside of a hospital waiting area.

Despite the delivery issues and the vehicle literally slicing his wrist open, bdesign was unperturbed.

"Otherwise, its great," he wrote. "Heck, its great even with these issues."

The post quickly escaped containment and went viral on X where the peanut gallery took potshots at the vehicle.

"Buying Cybertruck from Cyberloser: $100,000," one X user quipped. "Not knowing about the optional Wrist Shredder feature: Priceless."

This news comes on the heels of owners pointing out how the Cybertruck's truck door can crush people's fingers - though Tesla said it has fixed the issue with a software fix.

But with this latest incident of the Cybertruck masquerading as a deli slicer on wheels, along with other well-publicized stories of quality control issues, perhaps CEO Elon Musk and company should bring this vehicle back to the drawing board  or at least file down its ludicrously sharp edges.

More on the Cybertruck: Videos Show Cybertruck Owners Crushing Fingers in Frunk Door
Attorney General Russell Coleman sided with GOP legislative leaders over Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in a dispute over the governors veto powers.

Beshear had line-item vetoed  meaning he vetoed only specific parts  House Bill 8, a 2024 General Assembly bill making myriad changes to the states tax system.

Beshear specifically vetoed two sections of the broad bill: the exemption of gold and silver from the states 6% sales tax and a new tax amnesty program for certain filers.

Coleman wrote in an opinion rendered last week that the governor didnt have that authority.

The line-item veto is an executive power the governor can exercise under Section 88 of the Kentucky Constitution. It gives governors the ability to line-item veto appropriations bills.

Colemans disagreement with Beshear centered around what constitutes an appropriations bill.

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At the request of House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, and Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, Coleman issued the opinion May 20.

Because the Governors veto power must be strictly construed, and because House Bill 8 is not an appropriation bill, Section 88 does not empower the Governor to use his line-item veto on it, Coleman wrote in the opinion. The Governors attempted line-item vetoes of House Bill 8 were nullities, as they exceeded his constitutional authority.

The governors office begged to differ. In a statement, spokesperson James Hatchett wrote that Coleman never contacted Beshear about the request or opinion and that his reading was incorrect.

The AGs opinion is incorrect, as the very title of the bill at issue says it makes an appropriation. The governor properly exercised his constitutional authority to veto parts of the bill, and previous legal opinions have upheld similar line-item vetoes, Hatchett wrote. In the future, and in basic fairness, we hope the AGs office will reach out to the Governors Office before issuing any advisory opinions on the governors authority.

He did not say whether or not Beshear would pursue legal action on the matter.

Colemans opinion has no binding power, but it can influence legal arguments that play out in the courts should any party decide to pursue legal action.

The bill is already law given that it was filed with the Secretary of State in mid-April, becoming law immediately thereafter because it contains an emergency clause.

The GOP-led legislature had the opportunity to override the line-item vetoes, but instead ruled them invalid.

Beshear had vetoed the provision exempting gold and silver on ideological grounds.

If you own gold, you can afford to pay sales tax, Beshear wrote in his veto message. Tangible goods are the primary basis of the sales tax.

Democrats, including Beshear, decried the fact that Republicans prioritized exempting gold from the sales tax before diapers, a Democrat-sponsored proposal that initially drew bipartisan interest.

As for the tax amnesty program, Beshear stated that it would amount to an unfunded mandate that would cost the Department of Revenue at least $5 million to implement.

A spokesperson for the governors office has yet to comment, including on whether or not Beshear will pursue any legal action.
Elon Musk just spent a chunk of his Memorial Day weekend needling Meta's AI chief on X

Elon Musk just spent a chunk of his Memorial Day weekend needling Meta's AI chief on X

Meta's AI chief Yann LeCun is an award-winning computer scientist.

But Elon Musk says he isn't impressed with LeCun's scientific work.

LeCun seemed entertained by the exchange, which he says he engaged in while on a transatlantic flight.

Meta's AI chief, Yann LeCun, might have won a Turing Award for his contributions to computer science, but Elon Musk doesn't seem too impressed with his work.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO spent a chunk of his Memorial Day holiday volleying jibes at LeCun after the latter mocked Musk's attempt to recruit workers for his AI startup, xAI.

"What 'science' have you done in the past 5 years?" Musk asked LeCun in an X post on Monday.

"Over 80 technical papers published since January 2022. What about you?" LeCun replied with a link to his Google Scholar profile.

"That's nothing, you're going soft. Try harder!" Musk said in response.

Now you're acting as if you were my boss   Yann LeCun (@ylecun) May 28, 2024

LeCun joined Meta in December 2013 and has worked for the social media giant for over a decade. The 63-year-old French-American is also a computer science professor at New York University.

But Musk didn't seem to believe that LeCun was involved in any scientific work at Meta.

"Yann is 'just following orders,'" Musk wrote when LeCun clarified that he's "a scientist, not a business or product person."

"You don't seem to understand how research works," LeCun replied.

Interestingly, LeCun didn't seem too fussed by his exchange with Musk. In fact, he even told an X user named Alvin Wang that he found the conversation "entertaining."

"You'd think they'd have more important things to do with their time than have a pissing contest," Wang wrote.

"On a holiday? During which I was stuck on an 8 hour transatlantic flight with free wifi? Pretty entertaining, I'd say," LeCun replied.

This exchange with LeCun is one of many times that Musk has butted heads with his tech rivals. The mercurial billionaire once challenged Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg to a cage match  which has yet to take place. Musk also filed a lawsuit against his OpenAI cofounder, Sam Altman, in February.

LeCun, however, wasn't raring for a cage fight like Zuckerberg.

"I'd settle for a sailing race," he said in a subsequent X post on Monday night.

Representatives for Musk and LeCun didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from BI sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Insights from Influence Map, Bloomberg, and Hydrogen Insight

The News

Japanese automakers are betting on hybrid vehicles  not electric. The tactic is a contrast to China, which continues to build its EV output, and to the United States, which has seen falling EV sales despite investment and government backing.

In a rare joint appearance, the heads of Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru pledged to invest in efficient combustion technology and unveiled new hybrid engine prototypes, including one that runs on hydrogen fuel cells. Toyotas CEO Koji Sato said hybrids will have a new role for consumers who are dissatisfied with high EV prices and the lack of charging infrastructure.

Despite the growing interest in EVs as a green transport solution, hybrid vehicles are cheaper and easier to produce.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Japanese automakers are resistant to electric transition

Sources: Influence Map, Semafor

Traditional automakers have lobbied extensively against policies meant to boost EV sales, and Japanese automakers like Toyota are among the most vocally opposed to the EV transition, according to Influence Map, a climate and business think-tank. Aside from Tesla, only Mercedes-Benz and BMW are forecasted to produce enough EVs by 2030 to make a difference in global decarbonization efforts, while Japanese automakers are the least prepared, and engaging the hardest against it, the report found. The Japanese government, meanwhile, is investing heavily in next-generation EV batteries to compete with China, Semafor previously reported.

Washingtons protectionism could boost Japanese EVs

Source: Bloomberg

High US tariffs on Chinese EVs and parts essentially eliminate them from the American market, giving Japanese automakers an advantage to fill the gap, columnist Tim Culpan wrote for Bloomberg. Japanese automakers Subaru, Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi already have extensive production facilities scattered across Mexico, the US, and Canada, giving them the infrastructure base they need to transition to producing EVs for the US. If European and American carmakers cant keep up, then Japans automakers will be poised and ready to jump on the opportunity.

Toyota chases hydrogen-powered vehicles, but customers arent convinced (yet)

Sources: Autopian, TopSpeed, Hydrogen Insight

One of Toyotas new engine prototypes relies on hydrogen fuel cells, and Toyota is seen as being at the forefront of the technology. But so far, there have been fewer than 20,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles sold in the United States, and drivers have complained that hydrogen fuel is more expensive than gas, according to the Autopian car blog. The infrastructure is also lacking, with only 59 refueling stations in the United States, mostly in California, according to TopSight. Toyota itself has acknowledged its Mirai hydrogen cars lagging sales; chief technology officer Hiroki Nakajima last year said the company would prioritize hydrogen-fuel cells for trucks, and build charging infrastructure at rest stops and shipping ports.
Missed out on the $500,000 Cheyenne supercomputer deal? Supermicro has an Intel server offer that you can't refuse  eight Gaudi 2 AI accelerators, 76 cores, 1TB of RAM and 100GbE for just $90,000

Cheyenne, a US supercomputer once ranked 20th in the world and with 8,000 Intel Xeon CPUs and 300TB of RAM (plus a few maintenance issues, including water leaks), was recently auctioned off by US General Services Administration (GSA).

After a tussle between 27 bidders, Cheyenne went for a respectable $480,085, plus the costs of dismantling and moving it to its new home.

If you fancy owning a supercomputer, but your pockets arent quite so deep, or youd prefer one that isnt a fixer-upper, then Supermicro has you covered.

Bang for your buck

As spotted by ServeTheHome, Supermicro is selling complete Intel Gaudi 2 servers for $90,000. The price for AI servers isnt usually advertised, so its interesting to see this promotion which is headed (somewhat clumsily): Supermicro and Intel Team Up for Special Pricing on a Gaudi 2 GPU Server.

Want to know what youll get for your money? This "special configuration" (SYS-820GH-TNR2-01) includes one Supermicro Gaudi 2 system, supporting eight Habana Gaudi-2 OAM Mezz cards (8U), two Intel Xeon Platinum 8368 Processors, 16x 64GB DDR4-3200 ECC RDIMM, two 960GB NVMe PCIe 4.0 (M.2), two 7.6TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 (U.2), one NIC, CX-6 VPI (IB/EN), 100G, Dual Port QSFP56, System Management Software Suite Node License, and eight Intel Gaudi 2 OCP OAM Spec v1.3 with heatsink.

If that doesnt meet your exact needs, or you want to avail yourself of a discount, you can configure your own Supermicro Gaudi 2 Server, choosing the components that you require. Youll need to speak to Supermicro directly for pricing, however.

Intel launched Gaudi 3 in April 2024, so you won't be getting the latest hardware. ServeTheHome broke down some of the costs of the advertised server, noting, The interesting part about this is that it is still using an Ice Lake Xeon platform, so it is on PCIe Gen4 and lower-cost DDR4 memory. The list price for the Intel Xeon Platinum 8368 processors is $7214 each. Those 64GB DIMMs usually price out in new systems at around $3000-$3200 for 16 of them. There is probably another $1500-2000 in SSD content and a bit more for the NVIDIA ConenctX-6 VPI NIC. We only have one of those NICs because Gaudi 2 uses its onboard 100GbE networking directly from the AI accelerators.

Supermicro Gaudi 2 server offer

More from TechRadar Pro
OSHKOSH  One teenagers future seems pretty bright.

Riley Jerger could be looking at a potential career at one of the nations most recognizable brands after earning a $40,000 Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship and a paid internship with the technological giant.

Riley Jerger.

A senior at Lourdes Academy, 18-year-old Jerger is just one of two students in Wisconsin and among 400 others nationwide to receive this prestigious scholarship.

Ive always been interested in engineering, but to receive something like this is still shocking because its such a big scholarship, Jerger told the Northwestern.

Im very excited about this opportunity with Amazon because the company is so big with a diverse background, and that gives me so much more scope to learn and grow.

According to a news release from Amazon, recipients were chosen based on a variety of criteria, including their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience, future goals and financial need.

The scholarship gives students a chance to gain hands-on practical work experience with mentorship from Amazon leaders.

Each scholarship winner will also receive skills development, access to an emergency grant fund for unexpected financial obligations, and networking opportunities with Amazon employees.

And while the opportunity may have come as a welcomed surprise for Jergers parents, his penchant for engineering certainly hasnt.

Riley's dad, Matt, says he's been working on cars since he was 5 years old.

Riley Jerger always feels at home getting his hands dirty.

Rileys dad, Matt, recalls his son showing a great interest in figuring out how things work from as early as 5 years old.

He has always helped out doing car repairs and he even took out the dishwasher because he just wanted to know how things worked and why things worked, his father explained.

From that standpoint, hes always been fascinated at STEM subjects, so were really excited for him winning this scholarship and looking at a path in mechanical engineering.

Journalism student: Oshkosh student one of 300 nationwide to earn spot at Washington Journalism and Media Conference

As an intern, Riley will get the chance to work on software or hardware engineering teams with managers and tech mentors on projects that directly impact Amazon customers.

Interns also will get to work on core platforms like Amazon Web Services, seller logistics and the Amazon retail platform.

Before that happens, though, Riley will have to choose between going to University of Wisconsin-Madison and Michigan Tech, where he plans to do mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace engineering.

Mazda racing scholarship: Oshkoshs Ethan Jacobs, 17, lands exclusive scholarship on Mazda racing team

My grandpa was a pilot and has a real love for airplanes, and my dad always had me work with him on car projects and other stuff like that, so this is what I love, Riley said.

My life has been about me getting my hands dirty.

Applications for the next set of Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships will be open in the fall and can be found at https://www.amazonfutureengineer.com.

Have a story tip or public interest concern? Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh teen lands Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship and internship
How to run an efficient meeting, according to tech billionaires who took them very seriously

How to run an efficient meeting, according to tech billionaires who took them very seriously

These tech billionaires ran meetings to avoid wasting time, groupthink, and compromise.

Their different techniques mostly focus on brevity and decision-making.

Jeff Bezos would get employees to respond to memos, and Bill Gates would grill people for details.

Billionaires are known to be ruthless with their time.

But even people running the world's biggest tech companies have to endure meetings, which have a bad reputation for wasting time and money. Mark Cuban even said they were a "last resort."

The rest of us have to do our best to use them to generate ideas, investigate details, and focus on a single issue.

These are some of the tips household names in business have had for stopping unproductive meetings.

Jeff Bezos began his with 30 minutes of silent study

Jeff Bezos. Cooper Neill via Getty Images

Meetings with Amazon cofounder Jeff Bezos started with employees studying a memo.

One employee might spend two weeks pulling together a six-page memo for a specific meeting.

After 30 minutes of silent reading, attendees were invited to ask questions and start a discussion about the memo. "I like a crisp document and a messy meeting," Bezos said in a conversation with podcaster Lex Fridman in December.

Allowing attendees time to read a memo and prepare their thoughts enables employees to ask more productive questions in the meeting, he said.

Bezos said he didn't like slideshow presentations, which can hide "sloppy thinking" in bullet points.

He also maintained a "two-pizza" rule: If two pizzas can't feed everyone in the room, there are too many people.

Bill Gates dug for answers

Bill Gates in May 2024. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Microsoft founder Bill Gates would use meetings to quiz attendees, said Chris Williams, the former VP of HR at Microsoft, who worked closely with Gates for eight years.

Williams said he'd never forget his first meeting with Gates in 1992. Microsoft had just bought the company Williams worked at. Gates wanted to meet its employees to find out why one of its products ran faster than Microsoft's equivalent.

He grilled a developer with "rapid fire" and "detailed" questions, Williams recalled. By the end, the pair were discussing "the movement of single bits and the size of the Intel 80386 instruction cache," he added.

Gates "was always curious, always wanted to understand, always drilling for more detail," Williams wrote for BI in 2023.

"As he got older, his passion for detail never left, just his method for getting there mellowed," Williams added.

Steve Jobs ensured only key staff were in the room

Steve Jobs. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Steve Jobs was meticulous about keeping meetings small, according to Ken Segall, who worked closely with Jobs as creative director of Apple's ad agency.

After Jobs died in 2011, Segall wrote a book about Apple's work culture, "Insanely Simple." In it, he described how Jobs once noticed someone new had joined a weekly meeting.

"He stopped cold," Segall wrote. "His eyes locked on to the one thing in the room that didn't look right. Pointing to Lorrie, he said, 'Who are you?'"

After she explained who she was and that she was working on related marketing projects, Jobs said, "I don't think we need you in this meeting, Lorrie. Thanks," Segall recalled.

Eric Schmidt made sure meetings had a hierarchy

Eric Schmidt. Antoine Antoniol/Getty

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt said meetings need leaders to make decisions.

In "How Google Works," the 2014 book Schmidt wrote with former SVP of products Jonathan Rosenberg, the pair said each meeting needed a designated "decision-maker" to have the final say.

They wrote that when companies have meetings where everyone present is equal, there's a risk of compromising instead of finding a clear resolution.

Schmidt and Rosenberg added that this person should set the purpose and structure of the meeting and summarize decisions and tasks for participants afterward.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Shocking footage shows the moment a Tesla in Full Self Driving mode narrowly avoided a crash on rail tracks in Ohio after the vehicle failed to detect a passing train.

The vehicles owner, Craig Doty II, said he took responsibility for the near-miss incident on the morning of May 8 in Camden, Ohio, and that he may have become complacent with the technology.

The footage, first aired by NBC News, showed the vehicle driving down a road in heavy fog towards a set of railtracks, where a freight train is passing. The car does not slow down as it approaches and only swerves to avoid the train at the last second, smashing into a safety barrier.

The close-shave was caught from multiple angles by the Teslas cameras. A photo provided by Mr Doty later showed the car with heavy damage on its front right side.

Despite taking responsibility for control of the vehicle, Mr Doty told NBC News that he believed Full-Self Driving mode (FSD) in his vehicle was defective. I am in control of the vehicle, I dont go around causing mayhem and getting in wrecks and driving outlandishly, Mr Doty said.

I was the only one in the car. I was the only car in the accident. So yes, it was my fault, it had to be... But I feel it was more that the damn car didnt recognize the train.

A self-driving Tesla in Camden, Ohio, narrowly avoided colliding with a train, after the vehicle did not register it, according to the cars owner Craig Doty (Craig Doty/ NBC News)

You do get complacent that [the technology] knows what its doing. And usually its more cautious than I would be as a driver.

According to a Tesla crash report, shared with NBC by Mr Doty, he was driving at around 60mph at the time of the incident. The speed limit was 55mph. Drivers can request crash reports from Tesla, which are generated using data individual cars send to Tesla servers.

Tesla offers two partially-automated systems, Autopilot and a more sophisticated Full Self Driving, but the company says neither can fully drive the car. The company has previously faced multiple lawsuits, stemming from crashes involving the Autopilot system.

Safety advocates have long expressed concern that Autopilot, which keeps a vehicle in its lane and a safe distance from objects in front, was not designed to operate on roads other than limited access highways.

Tesla offers two-partially automated systems, Autopilot and a more sophisticated Full Self Driving, but the company says neither can drive itself (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The widow of a man who died after his Tesla veered off the road and crashed into a tree, while he was using the partially-automated driving system, is now suing the carmaker, claiming its marketing of the technology is dangerously misleading.

The Autopilot system prevented Hans Von Ohain from being able to keep his Model 3 Tesla on a Colorado road in 2022, according to a lawsuit filed by Nora Bass in state court earlier this month. Von Ohain died after the car hit a tree and burst into flames but a passenger was able to escape, the suit stated.

Last month, Tesla paid an undisclosed amount of money to settle a separate lawsuit that made similar claims, brought by the family of a Silicon Valley engineer who died in a 2018 crash while using Autopilot. Walter Huangs Model X veered out of its lane and began to accelerate before barreling into a concrete barrier located at an intersection on a busy highway in Mountain View, California.

In December, US auto safety regulators pressured Tesla into recalling more than two million vehicles to fix a defective system that was supposed to make sure drivers pay attention when using the Autopilot function.

The Independent has contacted Tesla and the Camden Police Department for comment about the incident in Ohio.
You are the owner of this article.
Apple's Defense Of App Store Fees Backfires As U.S. District Judge Calls Out Executives

Apple faces increasing scrutiny over its App Store fees as a U.S. District Judge raises concerns about its practices.

Carson Oliver, Senior Director for Business Management for the App Store, testified before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, defending the companys 27% commission on certain in-app purchases. However, Judge Rogers questioned the justification for this rate, citing a study commissioned by Apple that suggested a rate half of that would be more appropriate.

The court order, issued by the judge three years ago and now under scrutiny, carries significant weight for Apples compliance and the future landscape of online payment options. This development could potentially reshape the tech industry.

Don't Miss:

The judges skepticism extended to Apple Fellow Phil Schiller, who admitted that a court-ordered change to allow alternative payment systems in the App Store had not been as effective as hoped.

Since January, only a tiny fraction of apps have implemented these alternative payment options. This has led Judge Rogers to openly question whether Apple is truly committed to increasing competition, as the court intended.

Did you understand the point was to increase competition? the judge asked Oliver.

The heart of the issue lies in Apples decision to charge a 27% fee on sales through links clicked within apps. The fee applies even when the purchase is completed on an external website as long as it occurs within seven days of clicking the link. Developers argue that this high fee discourages them from using external payment systems, as it offers little financial incentive compared to Apples in-app purchase system.

Trending: Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are bullish on one city that could dethrone New York and become the new financial capital of the US. Investing in its booming real estate market has never been more accessible.

Apples App Store policies have been the subject of ongoing legal battles in the U.S. and abroad. The company was recently fined $1.9 billion by the European Commission for antitrust violations related to its music streaming service, and it faces a $1 billion lawsuit in the UK from app developers alleging unfair App Store charges.

These legal challenges highlight the growing pressure on Apple to address concerns about its business practices and their impact on competition in the tech industry. How the company responds to these challenges will likely shape the future of the App Store and the broader landscape of digital commerce.

Story continues

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Armada Metals has signed a binding term sheet for the acquisition of Midwest Lithium, a company focused on the exploration and development of hard rock lithium projects in South Dakota, US.

The acquisition is set to enhance Armada's position in the lithium market, which is crucial for the growing electric vehicle industry.

Midwest Lithium's projects are located in the Black Hills region, encompassing five key areas, notably Keystone, Hill City, Phelps, Tin Mountain, and Scotts Rose.

This deal is structured such that Midwest shareholders will own 50% of Armada upon deal completion.

The consideration shares will be subject to a 12-month voluntary escrow period. The completion of the transaction is contingent upon satisfactory due diligence by Armada and the negotiation of formal agreements.

Regulatory approvals and shareholder consent from both companies are also required, alongside the continuation of underwriting by Strata Investment Holdings for the capital raise.

To fund exploration and operational costs, Armada plans to raise at least $5m in equity capital.

Strata Investment Holdings, one of Armadas largest shareholders, has committed to underwrite A$2.5m ($1.7m) of this amount. Canaccord Genuity and SCP Resource Finance will lead the capital-raising efforts.

In line with the proposed transaction, Armada's senior management may receive options to purchase new shares at a 67% premium to the capital raising price, subject to shareholder approval.

These options will represent 10% of Armada's enlarged share capital post-completion.

Following the transaction, Armada's board will be reconstituted to include five directors, with three nominated by Armada and two by Midwest, reflecting the new strategic direction of the combined entity.

Armada non-executive chairman Rick Anthon said: This is a transformative deal for Armada and the companys shareholders.

While we remain committed to our projects in Africa, we will be acquiring drill-ready lithium pegmatite projects in South Dakota, US, where we will aim to generate rapid and successful exploration results.

This is an exciting new opportunity that builds on our existing in-house experience in the lithium sector which will greatly assist us in realising the potential of these highly prospective projects and developing domestic lithium supply in the US.

"Armada vies for US lithium foothold with Midwest Lithium purchase" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The scenic beauty of Tuscany and the uniqueness of the Hungarian Furmint grape come together in a new textile collection, which is the result of a partnership between Toscaneria Kft., the Hungarian representative of the Italian textile manufacturer Busatti, and the premium guesthouse operators Kiss-Henezi Guest House.

The first Busatti Furmint collection realized through the extraordinary efforts of five families, was unveiled in Mad, the heart of the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region.



The event was attended by prominent winemakers and guests, including the Mayor of Mad, Jozsef Tatarka, and the 2022 Golden Vines Best Fine Wine Producer award winner, Istvan Szepsy Jr.



The event also saw the presence of members from the Madi Kor Eredetvedelmi Egyesulet and the Tokaji Borbaratnok Tarsasaga, along with representatives from renowned wineries like Mariasy and Sauska.



Busatti, a brand with nearly two centuries of history, is known for creating collections for luxury brands like Prada and Chopard, the company has now crafted a textile collection inspired by the Furmint grape, a Hungarian national treasure.



This marks the first time the prestigious Italian company has created a design honoring the Tokaj wine region.



The elegant Busatti Furmint fabric is crafted in regal gold and pastel blue, reflecting the climate of the Tokaj region.



The initial product line includes tablecloths, table runners, napkins, curtains, and decorative pillows, complemented by a special Hollohazi porcelain lamp.



Livio Sassolini Busatti, head of the ninth generation of the Busatti family and a board member of Unione Imprese Centenarie Italiane, expressed pride in the new design.



He noted that the Busatti Furmint pattern makes them particularly proud as it allows them to collaborate closely with two globally recognized wine regions: Chianti in Tuscany and Tokaj in Hungary.



Maria Pentek, managing director of Toscaneria Kft., recounted the project's origins, crediting Dori and Gabor Kiss-Henezi of Kiss-Henezi Guest House for initiating the idea.



The collaboration began at the premiere of the Busatti Zwack Unicum collection. Pentek emphasized the honor of collaborating with family businesses dedicated to promoting the Tokaj wine region's values and reputation, including Kiss-Henezi Guest House, Mad Demetervin Winery, Harangszo Guest House Mad, and Adrienne Deluxe.



The premium Busatti Furmint textile collection, made from 100% certified cotton, will be available from late May 2024 on Toscaneria.hu.



Photo: Mary-Anna Photography



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On 31 August, Budapest Airport will launch its 12th charity run, which has been open to civilians, besides aviation employees, since last year.

Athletes taking part in the Runway Run can run their chosen distance on runway I at Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The airport operator will donate all entry fees to the Ments Eletet Kozhasznu Alapitvany (Save Lives Non-profit Foundation) and the SUHANJ! foundation.



On the last Saturday of August, Budapest Airport will once again organize the Runway Run, a charity race that attracts more than a thousand runners every year.



As in the past 11 years, the event will serve a noble purpose; the airport operator will donate all proceeds from the race to the SUHANJ! foundation, which supports sporting opportunities for handicapped and disabled people and the Save Lives Non-profit Foundation, which helps the recovery of sick children. Since the first edition in 2013, donations have exceeded 100 million HUF.



The Runway Run is one of the most popular sporting events for aviation professionals, where the representatives of the SUHANJ! foundation and of the Save Lives Foundation also participate.



Due to the special venue of the race, which attracts a wide audience, this year Budapest Airport will again provide an opportunity for athletes from outside the aviation industry to enter. As in the previous year, this is possible based on a call for entries published on Budapest Airports online platforms.



The organizers of the race pay particular attention to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience of doing sports, so there will be a variety of categories to enter. In addition to the traditional adult and childrens distances, there is also a Kids Fun Run category, where children aged 14 and under can run independently or accompanied by their parents. In addition, since last year, children can compete against each other in three age groups, over 1 or 2 kilometers.



Entries for the 12th Runway Run can be made in the following categories:



Adults

Mens or womens 5 km

Mens or womens 10 km



Children

Aged 6-8: 1 km

Aged 9-11: 2 km

Aged 12-14: 2 km



Kids Fun Run: 1 km



Budapest Airport will compile a six-week training plan for participants, to help them prepare for the event.



More:

Budapest Airport Zrt.



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Whilst this is his first assignment as ambassador, Dr. Hong has decades of experience in the fields of foreign policy and national defense, as a university professor, advisor and deputy minister.

He began his public service in 1980 under Brigadier General Robert W. Pointer Jr. at the ROK-US Combined Forces Command.



As a culmination of his years of experience as professor and researcher, he was appointed Advisor of the National Security and Unification Subcommittee of the Commission on Presidential Transition for President Myung-bak Lee in December 2007.



In recognition of his expertise in foreign and defense policy, Dr. Hong was chosen to serve as Deputy Minister for Defense Reform at the Ministry of National Defense between 2009 and 2013.



Dr. Hong became an emeritus professor of political science and international relations at Sookmyung Womens University after 29 years. During his tenure, his lectures enjoyed popularity among students and served as the bread-and-butter for students who aspired to become academics and public servants.



While he was popular with his students and was awarded the Best Professor title for nine consecutive years, he also held various academic positions, including the Dean of Social Sciences, Dean of External Relations and Dean of Academic Affairs.



Recently, he successfully acted as advisor to the 2021 Seoul UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference.



Also recently he worked on building a Security Sector Governance network with regional partners as a regional associate of the Geneva-based think tank DCAF in East Asia.



With this forum, Dr. Hong invites scholars from home and abroad to enhance regional cooperation for the challenges of cyber threats, global health crises, maritime security threats, climate and energy crises, and North Korean human rights issues.



In commemoration of 29 years of service, he received the Medal of Service of the Republic of Korea and the Ministry of Educations Commendation in 2022.



1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I arrived on January 16th 2023. I was asked to serve as 14th Ambassador to Hungary by President Yoon Suk Yeol as he provided me with credentials on January 12th.



2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

This is my first mission.



3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

Hungarians are very supportive and friendly toward Koreans. Korea became no. 1 investor in Hungary when I first arrived.



4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

Going up to Buda Castle to enjoy beautiful panoramic view after walking across the Szechenyi Bridge. They should also buy tickets or a travel pass for public transport at the airport.



5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Somloi, gundel cake, and floating islands as desserts, pork knuckle and various soups.



6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Fresh eggs, yogurt, and blueberry.



7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

Koszonom



8. What do you miss most from home?

Some Korean vegetables which we can hardly have here.



9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Nothing else so far.



10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Politician



11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Lake Balaton



12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Transylvania



13. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

Drinking wine.



14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

Queen, Mrs. Harris goes to Paris, listening to music.



15. Red or white wine?

Red



16. Book or movie?

Books



- Related note: he wrote a book chapter with Ambassador Michael Reiterer on The Republic of Koreas Cyber Defense and Digital Cooperation Between South Korea and EU,Cybersecurity Policy in the EU and South Korea from Consultation to Action: Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives.



17. Morning person or night person?

Morning person



18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Demographic challenges



19. Buda or Pest side?

Buda

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I like the song When you wish upon a star" by Linda Ronstadt or Cliff Edwards. The song's lyrics go as follows:

"If your heart is in your dream, No request is too extreme,

anything your heart desires will come true."

Isn't that beautiful? I have always believed in my dream. Hope everyone does.
ALHAMBRA, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Astrana Health, Inc. ("Astrana," and together with its subsidiaries and affiliated entities, the "Company") (NASDAQ: ASTH), a leading provider-centric, technology-powered healthcare company enabling providers to deliver accessible, high-quality, and high-value care to all, today announced that leadership is participating in the following upcoming investor conferences:

ameh logo (PRNewsfoto/Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.)

The Leerink Healthcare Crossroads Conference, being held in Austin, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, including a fireside chat at 1:00pm CT.

The William Blair 44th Annual Growth Stock Conference, being held in Chicago, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, including a presentation at 4:40pm CT. The webcast link will be available at the "IR Calendar" section of the Company's website: https://ir.astranahealth.com/news-events/ir-calendar.

The Truist Healthcare Disruptors & Digital Health Summit, being held in New York, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, including a panel presentation at 3:30pm ET.

About Astrana Health, Inc.

Astrana is a leading provider-centric, technology-powered healthcare company enabling providers to deliver accessible, high-quality, and high-value care to all. Leveraging its proprietary end-to-end technology solutions, Astrana operates an integrated healthcare delivery platform that enables providers to successfully participate in value-based care arrangements, thus empowering them to deliver high quality care to patients in a cost-effective manner.

Headquartered in Alhambra, California, Astrana serves over 10,000 providers and 1 million Americans in value-based care arrangements. Its subsidiaries and affiliates include management services organizations (MSOs), affiliated independent practice associations (IPAs), accountable care organizations (ACOs), and care delivery entities across primary, multi-specialty, and ancillary care. For more information, please visit www.astranahealth.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Investor Relations

(626) 943-6491

investors@astranahealth.com



Asher Dewhurst, ICR Westwicke

investors@astranahealth.com

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/astrana-health-inc-to-participate-in-upcoming-investor-conferences-302156981.html

SOURCE Astrana Health, Inc.
United Airlines Flight 2091 was headed for a scary take-off on Monday when its engine caught fire at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The flight, bound for Seattle, was on the taxiway when the incident occurred. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and United Airlines confirmed that 148 passengers and five crew members were safely evacuated. A viral video, captured by passenger Ivan Paloalto from inside the plane, shows smoke billowing from one of the plane's wings while it was on the tarmac.

United Airlines, Flight 2091

Chicago-->Seattle

Airbus A320



Engine fire shortly after pushback at Ohare.

"resolved safely" pic.twitter.com/820Y95dTuj May 28, 2024

FAA and Airport Response

Following the incident, the FAA temporarily halted arrivals at the airport. Regular operations resumed at 2:45 pm. United Airlines stated that no injuries were reported and that the engine issue was "immediately addressed" by first responders. Passengers deplaned without incident, and the airline is working to arrange alternative travel for affected customers.

In addition to the incident at O'Hare, passengers at JFK International Airport in Queens, New York, faced delays due to dangerous thunderstorms that prompted a temporary ground stop on Monday.
Panchayat Season 3 Review: One of the most-awaited web series Panchayat is back with its season 3 and the buzz around remains highly palpable. Why? Well, the first episode premiered recently and fans have already seen it. Twitterati watched and the review is ready! The series scripted by Chandan Kumar, has been directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra. Starring an ensemble cast lead by Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Sanvikaa, Chandan Roy, Durgesh Kumar, Ashok Pathak, Faisal Malik and Sunita Rajwar.

PANCHAYAT SEASON 3 TWITTER REVIEW

Fans have given their verdict and here are a few tweets you must check:

wait is over.. finally my favorite web series Panchayat season 3 came today and I also watched it. It is better and more emotional than the first and second season. All of you must watch Panchayat season 3 on Amazon Prime. pic.twitter.com/B1rN5EGGkJ  Deepak Shekhawat (@Over_Thinkkerr) May 28, 2024

So they recreated famous battle of bagpat in #Panchayat Season 3 pic.twitter.com/UmOp6awrJx  Tarique Hasan || Tofi (@tariquespeaks) May 28, 2024

This scene

Dont know why but this brought tears to my eyes @malikfeb you are such a great actor #Panchayat 3 has it all @TheViralFever pic.twitter.com/asS1N5SJJY May 28, 2024

Finished #Panchayat Season 3 in one night and here is my view.



Panchayat Season 3 has once again proven why it stands out as one of the finest examples of Indian web series storytelling. Every single scene capture the essence of rural India with its heartfelt narrative and pic.twitter.com/DAsk3uozI3  #RahulAggarwal (@ImRahulAggarwal) May 27, 2024

PANCHAYAT PLOT

The plot dives into the life of an engineering graduate ( who joins as a Panchayat secretary in a remote fictional village of Phulera in Uttar Pradesh). The series has reportedly been shot in a real panchayat office located in village Mahodiya of district Sehore Madhya Pradesh. After the super success of two seasons, the makers have dropped in season 3 of the series.
'Kabootar Baaji' is an illegal way of human trafficking. Often, unemployed youth or those having foreign dreams land in such job scams. While Dunky is a way of sending human capital to different countries via illegal routes without proper documents, in 'Kabootar Baaji' or fake job promises, people are often sent to their destination using valid passports and visas and from there, they go missing or become untraceable. This was allegedly the case that landed social media influencer, Youtuber and Instagram fame Bobby Kataria in the soup.

Kataria was arrested after two men approached Gurugram police alleging that Kataria defrauded them of more than Rs 4 lakh in the guise of providing them jobs abroad. The complaint was filed by Arun Kumar, a native of Fatehpur, and Manish Tomar, a resident of Dholana in Uttar Pradesh. Both claimed that they saw Kataria's advertisement on Instagram and YouTube offering an opportunity to work abroad.

How The Fraud Unfolded

Arun and Manish contacted Bobby Kataria using the given numbers and met him in his office at a Gurugram mall. After taking around Rs 4 lakh from them, Kataria provided them with tickets to Vientiane Airport in Laos. They boarded the flight on March 28.

"When we landed at the airport in Vientiane, we met a person named Abhi who introduced himself as a friend of Kataria. A Pakistani man then dropped us at a hotel. The next day, we were taken to Naotui station from there we took a taxi to Golden Triangle. From there, Nitin Sharma and Ankit Shokin, who claimed to be friends of Kataria, took us to an anonymous Chinese company, where we were thrashed and our passports were taken away. We were forced to commit cyber fraud targeting US citizens. Around 150 Indians, including women, had been brought there through human trafficking and were being held hostage," the duo claimed in their police complaint.

How They Escaped And Returned To India

The duo worked there for two days keeping quite fearing for their lives. On the third day, they got a little window to escape and ran for their safety. They headed to the Indian Embassy and narrated their ordeal. The embassy arranged for their return to India. "After returning, we asked Kataria to return our money, but he refused," the complainant said.

The Gururam Police registered an FIR against Kataria and others under Sections 323 (causing hurt), 342 (wrongful confinement), 506 (criminal intimidation), 420 (cheating), 364 (abduction), 370 (buying and disposing of any person as a slave), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and section 10/24 of the Immigration Act. After this, police raided Kataria's office in Gururam Mall and arrested him from there.

Bobby Kataria: Controversy's Favourite Child

Kataria is not new to the controversy. In 2022, Kataria was arrested by the Delhi Police for smoking inside an aeroplane while a Dehradun court issued a non-bailable warrant against him the same year after he had shared a video in which he was seen drinking in public and blocking a road. Kataria faces another FIR for allegedly thrashing a woman, posting vulgar messages about her on social media and giving her death threats in 2022. He was also arrested in Gurugram for misbehaving with police personnel.
Union Minister Amit Shah claimed on Monday that the Congress party will win fewer than 40 seats when the ongoing Lok Sabha results will be announced on June 4. He also forecasted the fate of Samajwadi Party saying that the grand old partys ally, Samajwadi Party will be reduced to just four seats.

Amit Shah was in Uttar Pradeshs Kushinagar campaigning for the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) candidate Vijay Kumar Dubey. He said, "I can announce the June 4 results from this Kushinagar stage. Rahul Baba (Rahul Gandhi), your Congress party will not even get above 40 seats. And no matter how empathetic I am, Akhilesh Yadav, you won't even secure four seats. The people of the nation have decided that Narendra Modi will serve as prime minister for the next five years, and that he will then hold the position repeatedly after that."

Mocking the opposition, Shah said that Rahul Gandhi will be seen holding a press conference and blaming the Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs) on the polling results declaration day.

He slammed the brother-sister duo, Shah asserted that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will have top bear te blame of the loss and as a result he will lose his job.

"And Kharge (Mallikarjun Kharge) saab, this brother-sister duo will not take the blame for their defeat but pass the blame on you and you will lose your job," Shah said.

Amit Shah remarked that the current Lok Sabha election contest is between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and two "Shehzaades" (royal princes) who are largely unaware of the challenges in eastern Uttar Pradesh. He often uses the term "Shehzades" in his campaign to refer to Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav, highlighting their backgrounds as political dynasties.

Uttar Pradesh is participating in all seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections, with the final phase set for Saturday. In this state, the Congress is contesting the elections in alliance with the Samajwadi Party, having established a seat-sharing agreement.

(Based on inputs from ANI)
New Delhi: Six phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have concluded successfully and now the final phase is scheduled for June 1 in which 57 constituencies in 8 states will go to the polls. With 48 hours remaining in the election campaigns, political parties have intensified their efforts. INDIA bloc allies Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi held a joint rally in Varanasi, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the public in West Bengal and conducted a roadshow in Kolkata.

In today's DNA, Zee News anchor Sourabh Raaj analyzed the climax of the final phase of the polls. With 48 hours remaining for the campaign and 57 constituencies set to vote in the last leg of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the stakes are high.

Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav arrived in Varanasi today after six rounds of elections. Both campaigned in Kashi, asserting that crossing 400 seats is unlikely and predicting that the INDIA Alliance government will be formed on June 4.

However, the BJP has not commented on Akhilesh Yadav's admission of defeat in Kashi. Akhilesh himself mentioned that he is winning 79 out of 80 seats, excluding Kashi from his claims.

In the 13 seats in Purvanchal where voting will take place in the seventh phase, the BJP is concerned about three seats: Ghazipur, Ghosi, and Ballia. In Ghazipur, Afzal Ansari, who won on a BSP ticket in 2019, is now contesting on an SP ticket against BJP's Parasnath Rai. Ghosi was previously held by the BSP, but this time the contest is between Arvind Rajbhar of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party and Rajiv Rai of the SP. In Ballia, BJP's Neeraj Shekhar is up against SP's Sanatan Pandey, with the BJP having won by a narrow margin in 2019.

The strategy for success dictates that one should focus their energy where the most gains can be made. This is why, before the seventh round of campaigning ends, Prime Minister Modi's focus is on the Battle of Bengal rather than the Battle of Kashi.

Prime Minister Modi went to Bengal today, where he held two rallies and conducted a mega roadshow along a historic route in Kolkata. Before discussing his rally speeches, it's important to note the significance of the route. The 2 km roadshow route is the same path that Swami Vivekananda used to take to meet his guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

Modi and Mamata Banerjee represent two opposite poles of politics, a contrast evident today. While Modi was in North Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee campaigned for TMC in South Kolkata. Tomorrow, Mamata is expected to hold a roadshow on the same route. It's her usual practice to campaign in the same locations where Modi has campaigned.

In the seventh round of voting, nine seats in Bengal are at stake, all of which were won by TMC in 2019, leaving the BJP with zero seats in these areas.

After the election campaign ends on May 30, PM Modi will be in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, until June 1. He will visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and meditate in the Dhyan Mandapam from May 30 to the evening of June 1, the same place where Swami Vivekananda meditated before delivering his historic speech in Chicago in 1893.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: The BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc are pulling out their final strategies for the last and seventh phase of polling on June 1. With the scorching heat wave gripping the northern states, all six phases have concluded with Jammu and Kashmir representing notably stronger voter turnout.

The Electoral Commission has announced that 904 candidates will be contesting in the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections across eight states and Union territories.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat set to vote in the seventh phase. PM Modi won the Varanasi constituency in both 2014 and 2019, establishing it as a strong hold for the BJP. The Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, Ajay Rai, was the Congress candidate against the Prime Minister in Varanasi in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where he came in third on both elections.

In another development, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will not attend the INDI alliance's upcoming meeting in Delhi on June 1. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is the second-largest member of the INDIA bloc.
SAGAR: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Monday demanded the removal of the collector and superintendent of police of Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district after the sister of a slain Dalit youth died under mysterious circumstances. Terming the incident heart-rending, senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on X that BJP leaders are after the Constitution because they don't want women, Dalits, ST and backwards to live with dignity in the country.

And they won't get an opportunity to be heard' wherever atrocities on women are committed Narendra Modi (Prime Minister) and his government saved the accused. If the sisters against whom atrocities are committed demanded justice, then their families are devastated. The women of the country won't sit silent anymore, she wrote.

Singh reached the Barodia Nonagir village to meet the family members of Anjana Ahirwar who died on Sunday after falling from an ambulance carrying her uncle's body. The administration promised to give Anjana a government job, did they give her one? They made some other promises too like demolishing houses (of the accused), did they demolish? ...I am not in favour of bulldozing someone's house, but you demolish many persons' houses in the name of action, he said.

   BJP  



 BJP                      



-               FIR 



   BJP          pic.twitter.com/kGLFO6zmKD  Congress (@INCIndia) May 27, 2024

Singh spoke to Anjana's family sitting next to her body and later took part in her funeral. Anjana's uncle Rajendra Ahirwar was beaten to death on May 25 by some persons over an old enmity, police sources said. Anjana had alleged that her brother Nitin Ahirwar, alias Lalu, was killed in August last year by some people who used to harass her.

Anjana died on Sunday after she fell from an ambulance carrying her uncle's body in Sagar. Singh demanded the removal of the entire district administration, including the collector and superintendent of police (SP), over the incident. The woman's family members told Singh that the security provided to them was removed by the administration and even cameras installed in their area were taken away.

Anjana was an educated woman and was taking care of the family. She is no more today and I am very disappointed, Singh said. The Congress leader claimed police security was removed 10 days before the present incident. A lot of pressure was exerted on them to change their statements, he said.

There were three witnesses to the murder of Lalu..One Rajendra, another one was Anjana and third her mother.

Rajendra was killed because he did not come under pressure. And Anjana died, Singh said. Anjana had complained to the police a few days back about mounting pressure to change their statement but cops did not act on it, he alleged. Since the beginning, Anjana had maintained that one Ankit Thakur was involved in the incident, but he was not arrested as he is a muscleman and has been given shelter politically, Singh claimed.

Rajendra Ahirwar (24) died of injuries he had sustained in a clash between two groups under Khurai police station limits, Additional Superintendent of Police Lokesh Sinha earlier told reporters. Anjana fell from the ambulance carrying the body of Rajendra Ahirwar to their village after the postmortem in Sagar. Their family members were accompanying the body, said Sinha. When asked if Rajendra Ahirwar was killed due to pressure for compromise in the old case, Sinha said all facts would come out during the investigation.

Nitin Ahirwar was allegedly beaten to death by a group of people over an old enmity in Sagar district last August. Following his death, Anjana Ahirwar lodged an FIR alleging her brother was murdered as some persons were pressuring her for a compromise in the harassment case.
Mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "sent by God" remark, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that Modi was sent by his "parmatma (his God)" to help industrialists like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani rather than the poor. This comes after PM Modi claimed that he was "sent by parmatma" (God) in a recent interview. Rahul Gandhi said at a election rally in Uttar Pradesh's Deoria that the God in whom PM Modi has faith hadn't sent him to serve farmers and laborers.

"Narendra Modi ji is not biological, unlike everyone else. Modiji uper se tapak kar aai hai. Unko Parmatma ne Hindustan bheja. His 'parmatma' sent him to help Ambani and Adani, but not to help farmers, labourers, or the poor. If 'Parmatma' had sent him, they would have asked him to assist the poor and farmers. What is the meaning of 'parmatma'? Yeh Narendra Modi ji wale parmatma hain (What kind of God is this? "This is PM Modi's God," Rahul Gandhi stated.

Deoria, Uttar Pradesh | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi speaks on PM Modi's 'Parmatma' statement, he says, "...Everyone else is biological but Narendra Modi ji is not biological. He has been sent by his 'parmatma' to help Ambani & Adani but 'parmatma' has not sent him to help the pic.twitter.com/JdAiNDzglg  ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2024

At the rally, the Congress leader pledged that he would tear apart the Agnipath scheme and throw it in a dustbin. "He (PM Modi) claims that there will be two types of soldiers who give their lives for the country. One is a regular jawan or officer, whose family will receive a pension, status, and all other benefits. The other is a poor family's son named Agniveer; this Agniveer will not be granted the status of'shaheed', nor will he receive any pension or other benefits. If the INDIA bloc gains power, the Agnipath scheme will be abandoned. The Army does not want this scheme; it was imposed by the PMO.

He also said that there is an INDIA bloc that wants to save the Constitution, as well as those who want to finish it. "The INDIA bloc will protect the Constitution with "dil, jaan aur khoon (heart, life and blood). Hum ek inch peeche nhi hatenge. Mar jaige, katt jaige but will not let anyone change the Constitution," he said. The Congress leader further said the INDIA bloc government will end the 50 percent cap on reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.

He further said that the name of a woman from each family will be selected and on July 5, crores of women will get Rs 8,500 in their bank accounts. "The INDIA bloc will form a government on June 4... On 5th July, Rs 8,500 will be credited to the bank accounts of crores of poor women in the country," he asserted.

Rahul Gandhi also said that if the INDIA bloc forms the government after June 4, it would open all closed industries and fill up three million job vacancies.

Rahul Gandhi was addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the ongoing Lok Sabha elections are for the future generations.

"This election is not just for us but also for our future generations...Roti, Kapda aur Makaan lekin sabse pehle humein bachana hai samvidhaan...Jo sunate rahe mann ki baat, ab hogi samvidhaan ki baat," he said.

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.
New Delhi: A court here on Tuesday granted three days to Delhi Police for custodial interrogation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals aide Bibhav Kumar, who has been accused of assaulting AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal. Maliwal was allegedly assaulted at the chief minister's official residence on May 13.

Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal sent Kumar to police custody till May 31. A detailed order from the court is awaited. Delhi Police had sought five days' custody of the accused.

Kumars counsel opposed the Delhi Police's plea for his custodial interrogation, claiming it had no evidence. On Monday, Kumars bail plea was dismissed by a sessions court, which said there appeared no "pre-meditation" by Maliwal in lodging the FIR and that her allegations could not be "swiped away".

Kumar was arrested on May 18. He was sent to police custody for five days on the same day by a magisterial court, which observed that his anticipatory bail plea had become infructuous because of his arrest. Last Friday, he was sent to four days' judicial custody.

The FIR against Kumar was registered on May 16 under various Indian Penal Code provisions, including for criminal intimidation, assault or criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe and attempt to commit culpable homicide.
Patna University Student Fatally Attacked: In a shocking incident in the capital city of Bihar, an undergraduate student was beaten to death by some unidentified assailants on Monday in Patna University campus. As per local police, the deceased identified as Harsh Raj was a 22-year-old final year LLB student at BN College in Patna.

Harsh was coming out of his examination centre in the afternoon when some masked attackers started beating him, following which the police were later alerted.

"Information was received that a student, who had gone to appear for his graduation examination on the law college campus under the jurisdiction of Sultanganj Police Station, was beaten up by some unknown people. He was injured. The police reached the spot and took him to the hospital, where he died during treatment", reported PTI quoting the Patna polices statement.

A case has been registered, and cops are examining the CCTV footage to identify the accused. The police have launched a manhunt to nab the suspect. Security personnel have been deployed on the campus.
Australian markets are showing signs of optimism, with the ASX200 poised for an uptick influenced by positive movements in European stocks and expectations of an interest rate cut by the ECB. In such a buoyant environment, growth companies with high insider ownership can be particularly compelling as these attributes often signal strong confidence in the companys future from those who know it best.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In Australia

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Hartshead Resources (ASX:HHR) 13.9% 86.3% Cettire (ASX:CTT) 28.7% 29.9% Gratifii (ASX:GTI) 15.6% 112.4% Acrux (ASX:ACR) 14.6% 115.3% Doctor Care Anywhere Group (ASX:DOC) 28.4% 96.4% Alpha HPA (ASX:A4N) 26.3% 95.9% Plenti Group (ASX:PLT) 12.6% 106.4% Botanix Pharmaceuticals (ASX:BOT) 11.4% 120.9% Hillgrove Resources (ASX:HGO) 10.4% 45.4% Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR) 16.4% 63.9%

Click here to see the full list of 91 stocks from our Fast Growing ASX Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: IperionX Limited is a company focused on the exploration and development of mineral properties in the United States, with a market capitalization of approximately A$554.22 million.

Operations: The firm is primarily involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties in the United States.

Insider Ownership: 15.2%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 47.4% p.a.

IperionX, an emerging growth company with significant insider ownership in Australia, recently completed a A$50 million follow-on equity offering and secured strategic partnerships for its advanced titanium products. These alliances include a notable agreement with Vegas Fastener Manufacturing to supply the U.S. Army and other critical sectors, highlighting IperionX's focus on high-performance titanium applications in defense and technology. Despite experiencing shareholder dilution over the past year, IperionX is positioned for substantial revenue growth (76.4% per year) and is forecasted to become profitable within three years, outpacing average market expectations significantly.

ASX:IPX Ownership Breakdown as at May 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Mesoblast Limited is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing regenerative medicine products, with operations in Australia, the United States, Singapore, and Switzerland, and a market capitalization of approximately A$1.32 billion.

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Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through its development of adult stem cell technology platform, totaling $7.47 million.

Insider Ownership: 22.2%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 56.8% p.a.

Mesoblast, an Australian biotech company with significant insider ownership, has recently seen substantial insider buying. Despite a volatile share price and shareholder dilution over the past year, Mesoblast is poised for rapid revenue growth, forecasted at 55.3% annually. The firm is expected to turn profitable within three years. Recent leadership changes and positive regulatory interactions in the U.S., including potential accelerated approval pathways for its heart failure treatment, underscore its growth trajectory amidst operational challenges.

ASX:MSB Ownership Breakdown as at May 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Technology One Limited is a company that develops, markets, sells, implements, and supports integrated enterprise business software solutions in Australia and internationally, with a market capitalization of approximately A$5.80 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue through three primary segments: software sales contributing A$317.24 million, corporate services at A$83.83 million, and consulting services totaling A$68.13 million.

Insider Ownership: 12.3%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 14.2% p.a.

Technology One, an Australian software firm with high insider ownership, has demonstrated solid financial performance. In its latest half-year report, revenue rose to A$240.83 million from A$201.01 million the previous year, and net income increased to A$48 million from A$41.28 million. The company's earnings are expected to grow by 14.2% annually, outpacing the Australian market forecast of 13.6%. However, its revenue growth forecast of 11.1% per year trails behind significant growth benchmarks but still exceeds the market average of 4.9%.

ASX:TNE Ownership Breakdown as at May 2024

Taking Advantage

Reveal the 91 hidden gems among our Fast Growing ASX Companies With High Insider Ownership screener with a single click here.

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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.The analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years.

Companies discussed in this article include ASX:IPX ASX:MSB and ASX:TNE.

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As he praised director Payal Kapadia for winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor poked fun at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by questioning why, if India is proud of her, his government shouldn't immediately drop the "cases" against her and other FTII students. Last week, Kapadia made history as the first Indian director when her Malayalam-Hindi feature film "All We Imagine As Light" took home the Grand Prix, the 77th Cannes Film Festival's second-highest honour.

Following the victory, PM Modi had said the country is proud of her. In order to protest the appointment of actor-politician Gajendra Chauhan as the chairperson of the Pune-based FTII, Kapadia was one of the protesting students back in 2015.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor said, "Modi ji, if India is proud of her, should your government not immediately #WithdrawTheCases against her and fellow FTII students protesting against your government's arbitrary appointment of an unqualified Chairman?"

Modi ji, if India is proud of her, should your government not immediately #WithdrawTheCases against her and fellow FTII students protesting against your governments arbitrary appointment of an unqualified Chairman? https://t.co/BmZNifLLj9 pic.twitter.com/psZMwSADnn  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 28, 2024

Tharoor's remarks came in response to Modi's post on X on May 26 in which he 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

Protesting students in 2015 said that Chauhan's appointment looked "politically coloured" and that he lacked the vision and stature of previous FTII governing council chairs. Prashant Pathrabe, the former director of the FTII, was purportedly gheraoed and imprisoned in his office by the students during the 139-day strike due to unresolved academic matters. As a result, the police broke into the campus and took several of the demonstrators into custody.


By July, there is a high chance that commuters in Mumbai might be able to travel on the underground Metro train from Aarey to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) anticipates the commencement of Phase I of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 commercial operations on this route by July, as reported by the Times of India.

According to the reports, the necessary dry runs have been completed, and the project is awaiting some final assessments and approvals. MMRCL is prepared to run over 260 services with its fleet of 19 trains once operations begin.

Projected Impact

When fully operational, Metro Line 3 will serve around 1.7 million passengers daily. Trains will run every three to four minutes, each carrying approximately 2,500 passengers. This line will be Mumbai's only completely underground metro, significantly enhancing the city's transportation infrastructure. The first phase of the 12-kilometre-long Metro 3 underground corridor stretches from Aarey to BKC.

Route Map and Connectivity

The metro line will connect six major employment and business hubs: Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC. It will also provide access to over thirty educational institutions, fourteen religious sites, thirteen hospitals, and over thirty recreational facilities. Additionally, it will improve connectivity to underserved areas like Kalbadevi, Girgaon, and Worli.

Stations on Mumbai Metro Line 3

The stations on this line include Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CSMT, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Shitladevi, Dharavi, BKC, Vidyanagri, Santa Cruz, CSIA Terminal 1 (Domestic Airport), Sahar Road, CSIA Terminal 2 (International Airport), Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, and Aarey Colony (the only at-grade station).
Quiet Quitting is passe. Now, it's the time of Quiet Vacationing, a recent lifestyle trend that seems to have caught up with the millennials, in particular. According to the Harris Poll - an American market research and analytics company that conducts surveys - 37 per cent in the US have admitted that they have taken time off without requesting it or even telling their bosses!

Anxious About Asking Leaves From Bosses

According to the survey, it's not the leave policy that is the issue. The problem lies with workplace culture and workload pressures. The survey mentions that the pressure to be available and the heavy workload are top barriers to taking more time, and in a tight economic market, Gen Z and Millennials fear employer reaction and career implications. That's why many employers are taking breaks, albeit surreptitiously, to maintain their work-life balance.

What Is Quiet Vacationing And Why Is It Becoming Popular?

So it's more like workation, but employees are pretending to work from home. The Harris Poll survey says 65% of American workers say that they "find striking a balance between work commitments and personal time off to be challenging. 76% said they wished their "workplace culture placed a stronger emphasis on the value of taking regular breaks and utilising paid time off. In an environment where telling your employees that you need an off to recharge your batteries seems difficult, many do it on the sly. They zoom off to a holiday destination and work from there, often adjusting their schedules to fulfil their holiday aspirations. 38% of millennial workers have moved their mouse to maintain online status on the companys messaging system, while 37% of millennial workers have scheduled a message to send outside of regular hours to give the impression theyre working extra hours.

Quiet Vacationing: The India Story

So what's the scene in India? While no survey has been conducted yet, many young professionals admit that they have taken a vacation, while they were supposed to be "working from home". Pranjal Tiwari (name changed), a business analyst from Delhi, shares, "Our company gives us over 20 days of earned leaves, apart from casual and sick leave. But if you ask for time off for a holiday, my manager comes up with many excuses. Sometimes, even if they are not directly saying no, the attitude will indicate they aren't happy. So few of my colleagues and I have gone to places like Dehradun, Landour and even Goa when we were supposedly working from home." He adds, "It's not like we shirked work, but managed to have a vacation without asking for leaves."

Sonali Shah of Mumbai shares, "I work for a content development company and I needed a few days off to visit my hometown in Patiala because my friend was visiting from abroad. But if I had given this reason, my boss would not have allowed me to go. I was working from home but my company mandates us to stay in location, and unless there's an emergency, they don't approve of working from remote locations. I didn't want to take all the trouble of making excuses but decided to 'work from home' from my hometown for that one week."
TEL AVIV: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that a tragic mistake was made in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that set fire to a camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.

The strike only added to the surging international criticism Israel has faced over its war with Hamas, with even its closest allies expressing outrage at civilian deaths. Israel insists it adheres to international law even as it faces scrutiny in the worlds top courts, one of which last week demanded that it halt the offensive in Rafah.

Netanyahu did not elaborate on the error. Israel's military initially said it had carried out a precise airstrike on a Hamas compound, killing two senior militants. As details of the strike and fire emerged, the military said it had opened an investigation into the deaths of civilians.

Sunday night's attack, which appeared to be one of the wars deadliest, helped push the overall Palestinian death toll in the war above 36,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants in its tally.

Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mistake, Netanyahu said Monday in an address to Israels parliament. We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy.

Mohammed Abuassa, who rushed to the scene in the northwestern neighborhood of Tel al-Sultan, said rescuers "pulled out people who were in an unbearable state.

We pulled out children who were in pieces. We pulled out young and elderly people. The fire in the camp was unreal, he said.

At least 45 people were killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and the Palestinian Red Crescent rescue service. The ministry said the dead included at least 12 women, eight children and three older adults, with another three bodies burned beyond recognition.

In a separate development, Egypts military said one of its soldiers was shot dead during an exchange of fire in the Rafah area, without providing further details. Israel said it was in contact with Egyptian authorities, and both sides said they were investigating.

An initial investigation found that the soldier had responded to an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, Egypts state-owned Qahera TV reported. Egypt has warned that Israels incursion in Rafah could threaten the two countries decades-old peace treaty.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency closed meeting for Tuesday afternoon on the situation in Rafah at the request of Algeria, the Arab representative on the council, two council diplomats told The Associated Press.

Rafah, the southernmost Gaza city on the border with Egypt, had housed more than a million people  about half of Gaza's population  displaced from other parts of the territory. Most have fled once again since Israel launched what it called a limited incursion there earlier this month. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps in and around the city.

Elsewhere in Rafah, the director of the Kuwait Hospital, one of the citys last functioning medical centers, said it was shutting down and that staff members were relocating to a field hospital. Dr. Suhaib al-Hamas said the decision was made after a strike killed two health workers Monday at the entrance to the hospital.

Netanyahu says Israel must destroy what he says are Hamas last remaining battalions in Rafah. The militant group launched a barrage of rockets Sunday from the city toward heavily populated central Israel, setting off air raid sirens but causing no injuries.

The strike on Rafah brought a new wave of condemnation, even from Israel's strongest supporters.

The U.S. National Security Council said in a statement that the devastating images" from the strike on Rafah were "heartbreaking." It said the U.S. was working with the Israeli military and others to assess what happened.

French President Emmanuel Macron was more blunt, saying these operations must stop in a post on X. "There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire, he wrote.

The Foreign Office of Germany, which has been a staunch supporter of Israel for decades, said the images of charred bodies, including children, from the airstrike in Rafah are unbearable.

The exact circumstances must be clarified, and the investigation announced by the Israeli army must now come quickly," the ministry added. The civilian population must finally be better protected.

Qatar, a key mediator in attempts to secure a cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, said the Rafah strike could complicate talks. Negotiations, which appear to be restarting, have faltered repeatedly over Hamas demand for a lasting truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, terms Israeli leaders have publicly rejected.

The Israeli militarys top legal official, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, said authorities were examining the strike in Rafah and that the military regrets the loss of civilian life.

Speaking to an Israeli lawyers conference, Tomer-Yerushalmi said Israel has launched 70 criminal investigations into possible violations of international law, including the deaths of civilians, the conditions at a detention facility holding suspected militants and the deaths of some inmates in Israeli custody. She said incidents of property crimes and looting were also being examined.

Israel has long maintained it has an independent judiciary capable of investigating and prosecuting abuses. But rights groups say Israeli authorities routinely fail to fully investigate violence against Palestinians and that even when soldiers are held accountable, the punishment is usually light.

Israel has denied allegations of genocide brought against it by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. Last week, the court ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, a ruling it has no power to enforce.

Separately, the chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court is seeking arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders, over alleged crimes linked to the war. The ICC only intervenes when it concludes that the state in question is unable or unwilling to properly prosecute such crimes.

Israel says it does its best to adhere to the laws of war. Israeli leaders also say they face an enemy that makes no such commitment, embeds itself in civilian areas and refuses to release Israeli hostages unconditionally.

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 about 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year.

Around 80% of Gazas 2.3 million people have fled their homes. Severe hunger is widespread, and U.N. officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.
The Biden admin just finalized a controversial new retirement rule  here are 5 things you need to know now

Figuring out how to save for retirement is challenging. Unfortunately, if you want to turn to a professional for financial advice, that creates complications of its own.

That's because there are many different kinds of professionals, like certified financial planners, investment advisers and financial advisers, and there are different regulations governing each one. Trusting the wrong person can have devastating consequences.

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The good news is the Biden Administration has stepped in to give investors more protection from conflicts of interest. The recently finalized Retirement Security Rule is aimed at ensuring these professionals actually work for the clients they serve. This rule isn't without controversy, though, as some argue it could actually make getting help harder.

To understand how the rule might impact you, read on to find out five key facts.

1. More advisers will be considered fiduciaries

A fiduciary is a person who is legally obligated to act in the best interest of the person whose money or property they are managing. They are held to a high standard so that people can trust them.

You might assume anyone providing financial advice in a professional capacity is a fiduciary. That's not the case under the current rule.

Right now, those offering one-time financial advice aren't considered fiduciaries, nor does the law require a fiduciary standard for those providing advice to workplace plan sponsors about 401(k) lineups or to anyone providing recommendations to purchase non-securities, such as real estate, fixed-income annuities, or commodities like gold.

"The regulation closes the loophole for one-time advice," said the U.S. Department of Labor Fact Sheet, adding that financial services providers often have "a strong economic incentive" to recommend that investors roll their workplace retirement accounts into one of their institution's IRAs or annuities.

The Retirement Security Rule broadens the definition of a fiduciary to include any financial service provider who is compensated to provide advice to individual retirement account owners, employers and plan fiduciaries.

Story continues

2. It requires investment advisers to work for you

The new rule also clarifies the exact duties advisers owe to you when acting in their fiduciary roles. Their obligations include providing advice that is:

Prudent: It meets the professional standard of care.

Loyal: Your interests are put first and advisers clearly disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

Honest: The adviser isn't misrepresenting any information

Fairly priced: Advisers cannot overcharge you or receive unreasonable or excessive compensation.

Read more: Who says you cant beat the market consistently? Meet the team of market experts whose stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 by 12%  four years running

3. It could save Americans money

When investment advisers act in the interest of consumers  rather than recommending investment products to earn a big commission  consumers can save. Exactly how much depends on what you're invested in.

Morningstar, Inc. estimates that participants in workplace retirement plans could save as much as $55 billion in the coming ten years thanks to the Retirement Security Rule. It says over 80% of these savings would be experienced by small-plan participants, of which there are currently more than 20 million. Investors could save up to $5 billion annually that's lost to conflicted investment advice on fixed index annuities, according to the Council of Economic Advisers.

4. It could make accessing advice harder

The rule sounds pretty great so far, so why is it controversial?

A number of lawmakers and industry groups argue it could actually make accessing retirement advice more difficult for the average American.

"It leaves retirement savers with fiduciary advisors as their only option for professional financial guidance," according to a statement by the American Council Of Life Insurers. "Fiduciaries typically work with clients with a minimum of $100,000 to invest, far more than most working-class Americans have in savings."

Senator Joe Manchin also warned in a statement, "If allowed to go into effect, the rule has the potential to cause many West Virginians to actually lose access to investment advice due to how broadly the rule defines fiduciary. Hardworking West Virginians and Americans need protection, not uncertainty when it comes to their long-term financial security, and they certainly do not want or need the federal government further involved in their personal retirement decisions."

5. It takes effect in September of 2024

If you're hoping these new protections will keep you safe from bad advice, don't get on the phone to an adviser just yet. The rule takes effect on September 23, 2024 although it will be another year beyond that for all of the requirements to take effect.

Once the rule is in place, you can feel more confident that the professionals you hire will act in your best interests. However, it's still important to research any provider you'll take advice from and to understand both how they charge and what their legal obligations are to you.

The right adviser can make all the difference in building your financial security but ultimately it's your money on the line so doing your due diligence is crucial.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Brightline West: As construction begins, how is it different from Florida's Brightline?

Floridians already familiar with Brightline trains may have noted recent national headlines of a new Brightline route beginning construction last month.

They were not about the potential expansions here to Tampa or Jacksonville, though. Brightline West will be on the other side of the country, connecting the Los Angeles area and Las Vegas.

The location isn't the only difference between Brightline West and the original Brightline service in Florida.

High speed vs. higher speed

A rendering of the American Pioneer 220 train set that will be built for the Brightline West high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. Service is expected to start in 2028.

Brightline trains in Florida often have been referred to as "higher speed," a category in railroad lingo just below "high-speed." Current Brightline trains can hit top speeds faster than nearby Tri-Rail or Amtrak services.

Brightline does not publicly discuss its average speeds, but says top speed between Miami and West Palm Beach is 79 mph, followed by 110 mph between West Palm Beach and Cocoa and 125 mph between Cocoa and Orlando. Based on independent speed tests performed by TCPalm, trains through the Treasure Coast typically move much slower than that 110-mph max.

Brightline West trains likely will go much faster as they travel through sparsely populated areas between the City of Angels and Sin City. The new railroad will hit speeds up to 200 mph, according to Brightline, as trains carry passengers between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga in 2 hours and 10 minutes, half the time of the average driving trip.

The Rancho Cucamonga station will connect to Southern Californias regional Metrolink service, which will connect it to the rest of the Los Angeles area.

Funding sources

Pedestrians walk along the sidewalk and crosswalk in downtown Fort Pierce as a northbound Brightline passenger train momentarily holds up traffic on Orange Avenue on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Both Brightline and Brightline West have been the beneficiary of federal funds, though in drastically different amounts.

In Florida, the $4 billion Brightline project has received tens of millions of dollars from the federal government for its current services, according to company news releases, including $25 million in 2022 and over $1.6 million in 2023. It also received nearly $16 million in 2022 for the potential future extension from Orlando to Tampa. Brightline's federal funds in Florida have come primarily from individual grant applications with federal agencies.

There has been discussion that Brightline might receive funds from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but none came in the $8.2 billion announced by the White House in December for rail projects.

For Brightline West, the federal funding has been even higher, including $3 billion as part of that White House disbursement. That would cover about one-quarter of the estimated $12 billion project.

Construction

Brightline West officials and guests hammered yellow-colored rail spikes as part of Mondays groundbreaking celebration for the nation's first high-speed rail system which will connect Las Vegas to Southern California.

In Florida, Brightline runs along the Florida East Coast Railroad corridor. A number of improvements were made along the route, particularly the addition of a second track between Miami and Cocoa. Some work is ongoing, like at the St. Lucie River railroad bridge in Stuart. None of the work, however, required the level of construction necessary along the Brightline West route.

Brightline West will use 700,000 concrete rail ties, 2.2 million tons of ballast and 63,000 tons of American steel rail, according to the company. Once complete, it will feature 322 miles of overhead lines to power the electric trains and will include 3.4 million square feet of retaining walls, the company says.

More: Brightline gets $2.2 billion in bonds, will increase trains from four to seven coaches

More: Brightline begins behind-the-scenes work to replace aging St. Lucie River bridge in Stuart

All of that construction comes with a firm deadline. Brightline officials have said the route will be complete in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Handout image showing renderings of the Brightline West terminal in Las Vegas.

In Las Vegas, travelers will arrive at a 110-acre Brightline-owned property along Las Vegas Boulevard, near the famous Strip, Harry Reid International Airport, Allegiant Stadium and the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The station itself will take up only about 20 acres, leaving the majority of the property for other development. At the groundbreaking last month, billionaire Brightline founder Wes Edens told the Las Vegas Review Journal that those developments could include "casinos, apartments, office buildings" or other projects.

Wicker Perlis is TCPalm's Watchdog Reporter for St. Lucie County. You can reach him at wicker.perlis@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Brightline goes west: how new route compares to one here in Florida
My general vintage computing projects, mostly microcomputers, 6502, PalmOS, 68K/Power Mac and Unix workstations, but that's not all you'll see. While over the decades I've written for publications likeand, these articles are all original and just for you. My promise: No AI-generated article text, ever. Be kind, REWIND and PLAY.Old VCR is advertisement- and donation-funded, and what I get goes to maintaining the hardware here at Floodgap. I don't drink coffee, but the Mr Pibb doesn't buy itself. :-) Thanks for reading.
New businesses flocked to Carlsbad as its population grew amid an upturn in oil and gas production tied to the booming Permian Basin.

Eddy County was ranked the fastest growing county in New Mexico via the 2020 Census, with its population climbing by 15.8% since 2010 from 53,829 to 62,314, records show.

The countys neighbor to the east Lea County, which shares New Mexicos portion of the Permian with Eddy County, had the second-highest growth rate in the state at 15%, Census data showed, climbing from 64,726 people in the 2010 Census to 74,455 in the 2020 Census.

More people in southeast New Mexico means more opportunities for businesses, especially national chains, to come to the region and open up shop, said Jeff Campbell, director marketing and business develop at the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD).

The CDOD is a nonprofit organization in Carlsbad, acting independently of the City of Carlsbad government, that recruits businesses to the community and facilitates administrative activities like grants while also aiding in regulatory issues for owners and operators of businesses in the community.

Campbell said to sell Carlsbad to companies looking to do business in the city, the CDOD conducts a leakage study every few years, finding which industries and business sectors people in Carlsbad are seeking outside of the city.

This can show, he said, how many dollars leave here, and what isnt here, Campbell said, in a way more precise than comments from residents on social media.

The CDODs most recent such study showed about $681.6 million was lost to leakage in 2022, a figure reached by subtracting the total retail spending in the city of about $779.5 million from the estimated value or potential spending of the citys retail trade area (RTA) at about $1.46 billion.

The RTAs population was reported at 62,235 people in 2022, the study read, and was forecast to grow to 64,253 by 2027.

Automotive dealers accounted for $119.7 million of those dollars spent outside the RTA by the population within in 2022, the largest share by industry, followed by gas stations at 103.8 million and general merchandise stores at about $81.9 million.

Despite heavy interest on social media and in feedback Campbell said he receives every day at the CDOD, restaurants were fifth in leakage dollars lost at $36.4 million, according to the study, followed only by clothing stores at $16.6 million.

We can see where were losing them, Campbell said of consumers. The leakage study really shows them what we need in Carlsbad. Its not 100 percent what people want on Facebook.

Story continues

Jeff Campbell speaks at the Carlsbad 40 Under 40 banquet, Oct. 26, 2023 at the Pecos River Village Conference Center.

What do the people of Carlsbad want?

A reader poll conducted by the Carlsbad Current-Argus in April showed those on social media would prefer to see more food and shopping options opening in the city.

Of the 6,648 votes cast during the weeklong poll, 18% went to Dave and Busters, 15% supported a Sams Club and 14% called for a Texas Roadhouse. Fourth and fifth place went to shopping centers H-E-B and Target, respectively.

Despite the publics interest, Campbell said a Dave and Busters was unlikely in a small town like Carlsbad as he said the company requires a local population of up to 500,000 to open a franchise. Campbell and the CDOD work closely with these kinds of requirements, combined with the leakage studies, he said, to determine whats need and whats possible in Carlsbad.

After the metrics align, Campbell said the CDOD must still recruit a business or company into opening in Carlsbad, addressing challenges businesses might have in finding  and housing  workers. Eddy Countys employment rate was 2.3% as of April 2024, according to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, less than with New Mexicos rate of 3.3% and the national unemployment rate of 3.9%.

That means businesses opening in the county can face hurdles in recruiting workers from a limited pool, Campbell said. He said this hasnt led to businesses closing but reducing hours to stay afloat during shortages.

We dont ever shy away from the fact that its hard to find employees. We dont try to sugarcoat that. I dont think Ive ever seen a business close because of lack of employees, he said. The opportunity for them to come in and turn a profit quickly really weighs on them.

Another thing the CDOD and business recruiters cant control, Campbell said, is businesses closing. Carlsbad recently saw three of its oldest eateries close up shop: the Pecos River Cafe on South Canal Street, along with Church Street Grill and Beckys Drive-in, both on Church Street.

The Church Street Grill property is pictured.

Its up to the business owner, Campbell said. With the market weve got, theres room for a lot of industries. We have a lot of local places to eat. Theyre making a lot of money.

Carlsbad, southeast New Mexico appears poised for growth

Nationwide, New Mexicos business market appeared to be making the fourth-most money in the U.S., according to a study from business website CreditDonkey, which analyzed the number of business applications submitted in March 2014 and March 2024. The study found there were 1,111 applications submitted in 2014, compared to 2,787 in 2024  a growth of 150.9%.

Wyoming was first in the U.S. with a 616% increase, the study read, followed by Delaware with 233% and Montana at 159%.

The growth in population and thus business was tied to a growing oil and gas industry, Campbell said, which he said he expects to continue upward in the foreseeable future.

New Mexico in 2024 was the second-highest producer of crude oil in the U.S., after only Texas with which New Mexico shares the Permian Basin  a shale region that produces about half of the nations oil output, according to the Energy Information Administration.

That produces almost half of the states revenue, an economic driver Campbell said could keep southeast New Mexico a target for business for years to come.

I still see it growing on positive trend in the future, he said. Everything is still going up. Until the industry starts trending down, I dont think well see a downward trend.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Businesses open in Carlsbad as oil and gas booms, population swells
Key Insights

Jason Marine Group's estimated fair value is S$0.10 based on Dividend Discount Model

Jason Marine Group's S$0.11 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

Peers of Jason Marine Group are currently trading on average at a 68% discount

How far off is Jason Marine Group Limited (Catalist:5PF) 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. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

View our latest analysis for Jason Marine Group

Crunching The Numbers

We have to calculate the value of Jason Marine Group slightly differently to other stocks because it is a communications company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.1%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.6%. Relative to the current share price of S$0.1, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)

= S$0.01 / (6.6%  2.1%)

= S$0.1

dcf

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. 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 Jason Marine Group 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 6.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.978. 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.

Story continues

SWOT Analysis for Jason Marine Group

Strength

Cash in surplus of total debt.

Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Current share price is above our estimate of fair value.

Opportunity

5PF's financial characteristics indicate limited near-term opportunities for shareholders.

Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine 5PF's earnings prospects.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Dividends are not covered by earnings and cashflows.

Looking Ahead:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for 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 example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Jason Marine Group, we've put together three further items you should further examine:

Risks: Be aware that Jason Marine Group is showing 5 warning signs in our investment analysis , and 3 of those make us uncomfortable... 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! Other Environmentally-Friendly Companies: Concerned about the environment and think consumers will buy eco-friendly products more and more? Browse through our interactive list of companies that are thinking about a greener future to discover some stocks you may not have thought of!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Singaporean stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock 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.
Cheap electric vehicles from China are making significant inroads into Europe, posing a threat to one of the region's largest industries, according to a report in Bloomberg.

BYD Co, which surpassed Tesla Inc as the biggest global EV maker late last year, plans to elevate the competition with its Seagull hatchback, set to launch in Europe next year. Offering premium features like a rotating touch screen and wireless phone charging, the Seagull sells for under $10,000 in China. Despite tariffs and modifications for European standards, BYD expects to sell the Seagull for less than 20,000.

This pricing strategy positions the Seagull well below electric models from companies like Stellantis NV and Renault SA, which are crucial for these automakers' transition to electric vehicles. The impending launch of the Seagull increases pressure on European automakers to maintain their market share in the evolving post-combustion engine era. An ongoing anti-subsidy investigation by Brussels is unlikely to mitigate this challenge.

"We are looking very closely at this model and others coming from Chinese EV makers," said Martin Sander, head of Ford Motor Co.'s European EV business. "Of course, we are nervous when new competition is coming to the market," he told Bloomberg.

The Seagull has been praised for its build quality, design, and technology. BYD plans to introduce a higher-end 25,000 EV before launching the Seagull in Europe, according to Michael Shu, BYDs European Managing Director, speaking at an industry event in London. Additionally, BYD's plans to establish two plants in the region will help it navigate potential European Union tariffs.

Mexican Seagulls

The Seagull has already seen success abroad. In Mexico, where it is called the Dolphin Mini, the vehicle has attracted significant interest despite the countrys nascent charging infrastructure. "Mexico is not great for us, but in the end we found a lot of demand, a lot of heat for this," said BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li during an event unveiling a plug-in hybrid pickup for the Mexican market, Bloomberg reported.

BYD leads a wave of Chinese automakers increasingly targeting exports after dominating their domestic market. Tesla CEO Elon Musk warned in January that Chinese carmakers could "pretty much demolish" most competitors if trade barriers aren't established.

Trade war?

While US President Joe Biden has increased duties on Chinese EVs, effectively blocking imports, Europe faces a more complex situation. European carmakers rely heavily on the Chinese market, making them vulnerable to retaliatory measures. Beijing recently hinted at imposing tariffs up to 25% on imported cars with large engines, which would significantly impact companies like Mercedes-Benz Group AG and BMW AG.

Story continues

Europe's strategy to phase out combustion-engine cars requires affordable EVs to encourage mass adoption. The EUs investigation into Chinas EV industry is nearing a decision on raising tariffs, though some industry experts caution against protectionism. "Tariffs should not be used to shield our lead manufacturers from meaningful competition," said Julia Poliscanova, senior director for vehicles and e-mobility supply chains at Transport & Environment.

BYD, founded in 1995 and initially a battery manufacturer, expanded into automobiles in 2003. It started selling passenger cars in Europe three years ago and has been making waves at auto shows in Paris and Munich. Despite a 23% decline in 2023, BYD shares have risen 9.6% this year, Bloomberg reported.

European carmakers are considering alliances to counter the challenge. Renault is seeking partners to reduce costs on a small-car platform while Stellantis will begin selling vehicles made through its joint venture with Chinas Zhejiang Leapmotor Technologies Ltd in September.

"We have no intention to let this price band open for our Chinese competitors," said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, dismissing calls for tariffs. "We dont think that protectionism will give us a long-term way out of this competition," Bloomberg reported.

Stellantis' partnership with Leapmotor, formed in October, leverages China's cost advantages and advanced EV technology. This alliance helps counteract the support Chinese EV makers receive from their government. While Chinese brands held around 7% of Europes electric market last year, Transport & Environment projects this could rise to 11% this year and 20% by 2027.

The Seagull's impact is significant. Caresoft Global, a Michigan engineering firm known for evaluating vehicle quality and manufacturing techniques, praised the Seagull for its cost-effective construction. "Everyone in the industry should be talking about this car, seriously, because its quite a vehicle," Caresoft President Terry Woychowski told Bloomberg.

Has the EU started a trade war with China?

VW warns against tariff hike on Chinese EVs

How German auto arrogance brought about Europes Kodak moment

How will Biden's China tariff hikes affect European car financing?

"Chinese EVs challenge Europes auto Industry: BYDs Seagull to undercut local brands" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
PORTSMOUTH  A new larger City Tobacco and Beverage store is coming to the Route 1 Bypass.

The city Planning Board recently voted to approve the site plan development proposal for 822 U.S. Route 1 Bypass.

The property was formerly home to a now-abandoned Bypass Gas station, which will be demolished by property owners and developers Rigz Enterprises LLC so the new building for the City Tobacco business can be erected, according to plans filed with the city and statements made to the Planning Board.

The owners of 822 Route 1 Bypass plan to demolish the former gas station on the site and replace it with a new and larger City Tobacco and Beverage Center in Portsmouth.

A new 6,010-square-foot retail building is planned for a City Tobacco and Beverage store, said engineer Alex Ross, who works for the developers. A new 6-foot wide sidewalk will be installed at the front of the building.

A new parking plan has been developed for the property, along with other site improvements, including a new drainage system and traffic configuration, Ross said.

More: Developer wants to demolish 1900 Portsmouth home, replace it with four new houses

Theres an existing City Tobacco and Beverage store on an adjacent lot, but the business will be moving into the new, bigger building once its completed, Ross said.

A chain of beverage, tobacco stores

The existing location of the City Tobacco and Beverage Center on the Route 1 Bypass in Portsmouth. Owners plan to open a bigger store on an adjacent lot.

Rigz Enterprises LLC has a successful chain of (City Tobacco and Beverage) stores in many locations, including, Seabrook, Portsmouth, Rochester, Plaistow, and Sanford, Maine, Ross said.

Ross told the Planning Board at a recent meeting the gas pumps and tanks at the former gas station had already been removed, and the building  which went up in 1969  would soon follow.

What the owner would like to do because of size constraints where City Tobacco is now, is construct a new building on this parcel and move his business there so he has room for his business, Ross explained.

The former gas station site, before the planned changes, does not have enough open space to meet city regulations and traffic flow through the parcel  which has two entrances from the Route 1 Bypass  is not organized, he said.

Traffic from Burkitt (Street), from the two driveways on the Bypassthey all converge on this site without proper traffic control or any organization. We definitely want to solve that, Ross said.

The new site plan includes a redone, organized and safe traffic pattern through the new City Tobacco business site, he added.

There will be 18 parking spaces in front of the new building, according to Ross, and new landscaping that will also create more open space to meet city regulations.

Details of new City Tobacco and Beverage worked out with city board

Ross said before the proposal got to the Planning Board, the development team spent a lot of time talking to members of the citys Technical Advisory Committee to come up with the best design here.

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Lighting on site will be Dark Sky complaint, as required by city regulations, and because of that will not impact the surrounding residential areas, Ross said.

The end result of all the improvements will be a code complaint site that will provide a major upgrade to the site utilities  while also improving landscaping, water runoff, parking and traffic safety, Ross said.

The board voted unanimously to approve the site plan application, but required the owners to install a new solid fence at the back of the property to block views of the business from neighbors and help to mitigate noise.

The property at 822 Route 1 Bypass was most recently appraised by the city at $619,100, according to city records.

Rigz Enterprises LLC bought the site in August 2022 for $1.25 million, according to city records.

The adjacent parcel they own at 806 Route 1 Bypass  where the existing store is located, was recently appraised by the city at $509,900, according to city records.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: City Tobacco and Beverage: New and bigger store coming to Portsmouth
Employees at Fayetteville State Universitys communications office allegedly misused university-issued credit cards, racking up $692,239 in questioned purchases, according to an investigation by the North Carolina auditors office.

FSUs former associate vice chancellor for the Office of Strategic Communication, former director of digital strategy and assistant vice chancellor for marketing and creative services were among the unnamed staff implicated in the investigation.

Of the questioned spending, $165,570 was paid to businesses owned by employees who had not disclosed a financial interest in the business, creating a potential conflict of interest, according to the report. The purchases were made between January 2022 and August 2023.

Upon learning of these egregious and disturbing allegations, the University, working in concert with the UNC System, acted quickly and decisively in improving processes, Fayetteville State Chancellor Darrell Allison said in a letter to the auditor.

Fayetteville State, a historically Black university, is one of the oldest schools in North Carolinas public university system.

How was the money spent?

Cards intended for travel expenses, which were assigned to the former associate vice chancellor and former director of digital strategy, were found to have instead paid consultants $71,792 for 26 purchases, among other improper spending.

The travel expenses also included a $1,009 bill to arrive early and fly first class to a conference in New York City, followed by a $287 rideshare to a spa during the first day of the conference. Two employees in the office of strategic communications named in the report are no longer employed at the university, according to FSU.

Meanwhile, purchasing cards assigned to all three officials were used to buy items from Amazon, gifts, travel, IT hardware or software and payment of invoices.

FSUs leadership has been forthcoming, collaborative, and solutions-oriented throughout this process, State Auditor Jessica Holmes said. We appreciate their assistance in helping us identify and work together to address these issues and strengthen their internal protocols.

The findings from the investigative audit will be referred to the State Bureau of Investigation to determine if there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges, according to the report.
(Bloomberg)  Elliott Investment Management has invested more than $2.5 billion in Texas Instruments Inc. and is pushing the chipmaker to improve free cash flow, setting the stage for another campaign by the influential activist investor.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Elliott is proposing a strategy that it believes would let Texas Instruments generate free cash flow of $9 or more per share by 2026. Last year, the tech company had $1.47 a share in free cash flow and was projected to deliver $1.87 this year, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

Investors are concerned that TI appears to have deviated from its longstanding commitment to drive growth of free cash flow per share, Elliott said in an open letter to the company that it published Tuesday.

Those concerns stem from a deliberate strategy shift by Texas Instruments. The company has embarked on an aggressive plan to bring most of its manufacturing back in house, raising its capital spending far above the level of recent years  when it attracted investors with high returns.

Texas Instruments has told shareholders that the push is temporary and that it will eventually restore its focus on dividends and buying back stock. But that outlay, and weaker demand in some markets, has squeezed the amount of cash it has on hand. And the strategy will take years to play out.

Free cash flow is likely to slow significantly, Bloomberg Intelligence said in a note earlier this month. Its investing $20 billion over four years to support a 2030 sales target of $45 billion that appears optimistic. Dividends may stay intact, but share buybacks and cash-flow margins could be subdued, and any economic setbacks would add pressure.

Texas instruments rose 0.2% to $199.60 at the close in New York trading, giving the company a market value of about $182 billion. The stock has gained 17% this year.

The Dallas-based company confirmed that it had received the letter and is reviewing it. As always, our focus is on continuing to make decisions that are in the best interest of TI and all of our shareholders, it said in an emailed statement.

Texas Instruments executives have been explicit about their plans, discussing the strategy in regular capital management calls with analysts as well as earnings updates. They have stressed that the best metric to judge the chipmakers performance is the long-term growth of free cash flow per share.

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In April, executives said that theyve been deliberately building up cash reserves and increasing debt in order to be able to continue to spend on new plants and equipment  part of the plan theyve laid out. That heavy outlay will continue for the next three years and then decline, the company has promised.

Texas Instruments also has applied for government support in the form of grants from the Chips and Science Act, a Biden administration measure aimed at boosting domestic chip production.

Misses the Point

Elliott is arguing not for a blind cut, but rather for more flexibility on spending plans. But this sort of misses the point of Texas Instruments strategy in terms of both future growth potential and the current subsidy environment, Stacy Rasgon, an analyst at Bernstein, said in a report. The company clearly believes that the investment today will drive free cash flow, and free cash flow per share, in the future, else they would not be pursuing it.

The activist investor also said the company should be flexible in its production capacity and adjust according to changing demand from consumers and the industry. The current production target, which was set in 2022, will produce 50% more than revenue expectations would suggest, Elliott said in Tuesdays letter.

Texas Instruments and its peers have also been struggling with an industrywide slump in chip orders in recent months. But the companys latest earnings outlook suggested that customers have begun to resume ordering chips after working through a glut of components. In April, the company projected sales in the current period of as much as $3.95 billion, surpassing the $3.78 billion that analysts had expected.

Lowest Since 2020

The forecast followed more than a year of shrinking sales. Revenue in the first quarter declined 16% to $3.66 billion, marking the lowest level since 2020. Analysts had estimated $3.6 billion. Profit was $1.20 a share, down from $1.85 a year earlier.

Texas Instruments stock has been lagging behind a rally by the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Semiconductor Index this year. Investors have poured money into companies such as Nvidia Corp., rewarding them for the surge in orders related to artificial intelligence computing.

Texas Instruments lacks the cachet of Nvidia, but its the biggest maker of analog semiconductors and embedded processors. Its products perform simple but vital functions, such as converting power to different voltages within electronics. Though some of its chips are used in the same machinery as Nvidias processors, many more of its products perform more prosaic roles in household electronics, factory machinery and vehicles.

Ending Outsourcing

Such chips generally require less advanced production techniques than digital products, but the company has embarked on a plan to revamp its manufacturing facilities. As part that effort, Texas Instruments will all but end outsourcing of production.

While Elliott is best known for taking stakes in some of the worlds biggest companies and pushing for changes, its strategies also span credit, commodities, real estate and private equity. The firm has built a large position in industrial giant Johnson Controls International Plc, whose performance has lagged its peers, Bloomberg News reported this month.

(Updates with companys response in eighth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By Maximilian Heath

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Argentina is on track to start long-awaited corn shipments to China from July, the country's grain export chamber told Reuters on Tuesday, which would be a major boost for the South American nation, the world's no. 3 supplier of the grain.

"Yesterday they confirmed to us that all the conditions are in place to move forward with shipments to China starting in July," said Gustavo Idigoras, the head of the CIARA-CEC chamber, the first time confirming plans were on track to start exports.

Argentina's government previously said it was aiming to start corn exports to China by July, but that there were pending administrative procedures to obtain import licenses.

"The Chinese market is growing with 20 million tons of imports per year. Brazil is the first supplier. So Argentina has all the conditions to be a strong and reliable supplier of corn for animal feed," Idigoras said.

The two countries struck an initial agreement last year to open up exports of Argentine corn to China, but official data show that no shipments of cereal have been made to Chinese ports since it was signed, with outstanding issues to resolve.

The two countries had over a decade ago tried to open up the trade of Argentine corn, most of which is genetically modified. A small amount was allowed into China in 2012 as a test, but Beijing's concerns around GMO held things back.

Now that hold-up appears to have eased.

Earlier on Tuesday, Argentina's government said that China had authorized for import two varieties of herbicide tolerant GMO corn that are grown in the country, easing the passage for exports and helping Chinese importers to get permits.

Argentine farmers are in the initial stages of harvesting corn for the 2023/24 season, whose production is estimated at 47.5 million tons by the major Rosario grains exchange.

(Reporting by Maximilian Heath; Writing by Adam Jourdan ; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
As global markets navigate through varying economic signals, China's recent initiatives to stabilize its property sector reflect a broader effort to bolster economic stability. Amid these developments, dividend stocks like Shan Xi Hua Yang Group New Energy Ltd offer investors potential resilience and steady income in a fluctuating market environment.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In China

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Shandong Wit Dyne HealthLtd (SZSE:000915) 6.05%  Wuliangye YibinLtd (SZSE:000858) 3.08%  Midea Group (SZSE:000333) 4.44%  Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group (SHSE:600887) 4.14%  Ping An Bank (SZSE:000001) 6.25%  Changchun High-Tech Industry (Group) (SZSE:000661) 4.01%  Huangshan NovelLtd (SZSE:002014) 5.42%  China South Publishing & Media Group (SHSE:601098) 4.19%  Chacha Food Company (SZSE:002557) 3.02%  Zhejiang Jiaxin SilkLtd (SZSE:002404) 4.76% 

Click here to see the full list of 186 stocks from our Top Dividend Stocks screener.

Let's dive into some prime choices out of from the screener.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Shan Xi Huayang Group New Energy Co., Ltd. is a company engaged in the coal and chemical industries with a market capitalization of approximately CN39.43 billion.

Operations: Shan Xi Huayang Group New Energy Co., Ltd. generates its revenue primarily from the coal and chemical sectors.

Dividend Yield: 6.6%

Shan Xi Hua Yang Group New Energy Co., Ltd. has experienced a decline in revenue and net income as evidenced by its Q1 2024 results, with sales dropping to CNY 6.16 billion from CNY 8.38 billion year-over-year and net income falling to CNY 933.8 million from CNY 1.89 billion. Despite these challenges, the company maintains a high dividend yield of 6.57%, which ranks in the top quartile of Chinese dividend payers but is not well-supported by free cash flow or earnings growth, indicating potential sustainability issues for future dividends especially given the volatility observed over the past decade.

SHSE:600348 Dividend History as at May 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Bank of Shanghai Co., Ltd. operates primarily in Mainland China, offering a range of personal and corporate banking products and services, with a market capitalization of approximately CN113.94 billion.

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Operations: Bank of Shanghai Co., Ltd. generates its revenue primarily through personal and corporate banking services within Mainland China.

Dividend Yield: 5.7%

Bank of Shanghai's dividend yield at 5.74% ranks well above the Chinese market average. Despite a relatively short history of dividend payments, under 10 years, the dividends show promising stability and growth prospects. The company's payout ratio stands at a sustainable 30%, ensuring dividends are well covered by earnings, which have grown annually by 3.8% over the past five years and are expected to grow by 5.29% per year moving forward. Recent financials indicate steady performance with Q1 net income rising slightly to CNY 6,150.32 million from CNY 6,043.23 million year-on-year.

SHSE:601229 Dividend History as at May 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Trina Solar Co., Ltd. is a company involved in the research, development, production, and sales of photovoltaic modules across various global regions including China, Europe, and North America, with a market capitalization of CN45.22 billion.

Operations: Trina Solar Co., Ltd. generates its revenue primarily from the production and sales of photovoltaic modules across regions such as China, Europe, North America, South America, Japan, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Dividend Yield: 3%

Trina Solar's dividend growth is notable despite its short history of three years in dividend payments, showcasing a stable yet brief track record. Financially, the firm grapples with high debt levels but trades at a significant 43.2% below estimated fair value, suggesting potential undervaluation relative to its earnings forecast growth of 22.7% annually. Dividend sustainability appears robust with coverage ratios well under control; earnings cover dividends at 31.8%, and cash flows at 27.2%. Recent strategic expansions into Pakistan emphasize Trina Solar's focus on enhancing its global footprint and product innovation in high-efficiency solar solutions.

SHSE:688599 Dividend History as at May 2024

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Click this link to deep-dive into the 186 companies within our Top Dividend Stocks screener.

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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.

Companies discussed in this article include SHSE:600348SHSE:601229 SHSE:688599.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
In recent trading, the Swiss market demonstrated resilience, with the benchmark SMI index closing modestly higher after a day of fluctuating gains and losses. This stability is reflective of underlying support in various sectors, setting an intriguing backdrop for investors interested in Swiss dividend stocks as we approach May 2024. In this context, understanding what constitutes a robust dividend stock is crucial, especially considering current market dynamics where companies like Kuehne & Nagel and Sandoz Group have shown notable performance improvements.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In Switzerland

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Roche Holding (SWX:ROG) 4.18%  Cembra Money Bank (SWX:CMBN) 5.62%  Vontobel Holding (SWX:VONN) 5.46%  Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (SWX:BCVN) 4.59%  St. Galler Kantonalbank (SWX:SGKN) 4.32%  Novartis (SWX:NOVN) 3.56%  EFG International (SWX:EFGN) 4.45%  Julius Bar Gruppe (SWX:BAER) 4.73%  Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (SWX:BLKB) 4.64%  Helvetia Holding (SWX:HELN) 4.88% 

Click here to see the full list of 27 stocks from our Top Dividend Stocks screener.

We'll examine a selection from our screener results.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Bucher Industries AG, a global company, manufactures and sells machinery and systems for food production, packaging, and agricultural harvesting, as well as hydraulic components for maintaining roads and public spaces; it has a market capitalization of CHF 3.95 billion.

Operations: Bucher Industries AG's revenue is divided among its segments as follows: Kuhn Group generates CHF 1.42 billion, Bucher Specials brings in CHF 398 million, Bucher Municipal earns CHF 572.50 million, Bucher Hydraulics accounts for CHF 743.60 million, and Bucher Emhart Glass contributes CHF 523.60 million.

Dividend Yield: 3.5%

Bucher Industries AG offers a dividend yield of 3.5%, which is below the top quartile for Swiss dividend stocks at 4.1%. Despite a stable ten-year history of dividend payments, its dividends are not well supported by cash flows, with a high cash payout ratio of 127.1%. However, earnings have grown by an annual rate of 14% over the past five years. Recent financial results show increased net income from CHF 331.2 million in 2022 to CHF 352.1 million in 2023 and stable earnings per share, indicating some resilience despite forecasts of declining earnings over the next three years.

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SWX:BUCN Dividend History as at May 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: CPH Chemie + Papier Holding AG operates in the production and distribution of chemicals, printing paper, and pharmaceutical packaging films, with a market capitalization of CHF 538.37 million.

Operations: CPH Chemie + Papier Holding AG generates revenue through three primary segments: Chemistry (CHF 124.17 million), Paper (CHF 262.48 million), and Packaging (CHF 237.33 million).

Dividend Yield: 4.5%

CPH Chemie + Papier Holding AG maintains a dividend yield of 4.45%, ranking it among the top 25% in the Swiss market. While its dividends are supported by a low payout ratio of 30.4% and a similar cash payout ratio of 31.9%, indicating sustainability from earnings and cash flow perspectives, the company has experienced volatility in its dividend payments over the past decade. Additionally, CPHN trades at a P/E ratio of 6.8x, significantly below the Swiss market average, suggesting relative undervaluation despite forecasts of declining earnings by an average of 10.6% annually over the next three years.

SWX:CPHN Dividend History as at May 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: EFG International AG operates in private banking, wealth management, and asset management, with a market capitalization of approximately CHF 3.73 billion.

Operations: EFG International AG generates revenue through various regional and functional segments, including CHF 450.20 million from Switzerland & Italy, CHF 249.70 million from Continental Europe & Middle East, CHF 177.40 million from the United Kingdom, CHF 165.30 million from Asia Pacific, CHF 133.20 million from the Americas, and smaller contributions from Global Markets & Treasury (CHF 83 million) and Investment and Wealth Solutions (CHf 122.40 million).

Dividend Yield: 4.4%

EFG International AG, trading 34.5% below its estimated fair value, offers a dividend yield of 4.45%, placing it in the top 25% of Swiss dividend payers. The company's dividends are supported by a sustainable payout ratio of 58.5%, with earnings growth last year at 56.6%. However, EFG has faced challenges with a high bad loans ratio at 2.5% and historical volatility in dividend payments over the past decade, suggesting potential concerns for long-term stability.

SWX:EFGN Dividend History as at May 2024

Seize The Opportunity

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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.

Companies discussed in this article include SWX:BUCNSWX:CPHN and SWX:EFGN

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Title icon

The News

Two shareholder votes this week could reshape the oil industry.

Hess shareholders vote this afternoon on the companys $53 billion sale to Chevron, and with a few hours to go, its still a nailbiter. Uncertainty over the fate of Hess stake in a South American oilfield has thrown what is generally a rubber-stamp process into chaos and forced John Hess to hit the phones in a last-minute effort to secure approval for his legacy-defining deal.

An influential shareholder adviser, ISS, is recommending that Hess shareholders abstain and force the company to reschedule. Hess shares are trading at about $10 below Chevrons offer, a wide gap this near to a potential deal closing.

Wednesday brings Exxons annual meeting, where a handful of investors including Californias state employee pension and Norways giant oil fund have said theyll oppose some directors. Theyll square off against red-state treasurers in a vote that has turned into something of a proxy for the rise and fall of the ESG movement.

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Lizs view

Exxon is on an epic corporate winning streak.

It has become the unlikeliest of faces of an unlikely shift in prevailing business winds, suing two of its own shareholders who pressed a ballot measure urging the company to speed up its carbon-emissions reductions. That Exxon   feels comfortable throwing its corporate might against a couple of low-budget activists says a lot about how quickly the political weather has changed around ESG, I wrote at the time.

When the shareholders dropped their proposal and promised not to submit it again, Exxon moved ahead with its lawsuit anyway, doing away with any pretense that this was a narrow governance battle and not a corporate crusade. Last week a Fort Worth judge took the unusual step of allowing the case to continue, calling Exxons behavior a rational response to entities categorically opposed to Big Oil and noting Texas own interest in the matter.

Over in ring two, Exxon has successfully mucked with its chief competitor, Chevron. Exxon and Hess are partners in an offshore oilfield in Guyana, a generational find thought to hold twice as much oil as the Gulf of Mexico. Exxon says it has the right of first refusal on Hesss 30% stake and has launched proceedings in international court that could stretch on for more than a year. Chevron is confident it will win, but the projects operating agreement is under lock and key. Chevron could walk away for free if it ultimately loses, and the uncertainty has unnerved Hess shareholders to the point that their approval at a vote scheduled for later today is iffy.

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In ring three, Exxons own big takeover, a $60 billion deal for Pioneer, got approved by the most merger-hostile regulators in a generation and closed earlier this month. And the one concession the Federal Trade Commission did insist on is a gift to CEO Darren Woods: His former counterpart at Pioneer cant serve on the companys board of directors while regulators pursue price-fixing allegations that may yet turn criminal. You know what CEOs dont like? Executives of the company they just bought sitting in their boardroom, watching while they take pruning shears to it.

Ring four  this is a big circus  concerns a vote of Exxons own investors, on Wednesday. After pension funds in California, Illinois, New York City, and Norway said they would vote against Woods and other board members because of the Texas lawsuit, the political scales appear to have tipped back in Exxons favor. Several red states have come out in support, and bipartisan legislators in deep blue Illinois introduced a bill telling its treasurer to prioritize investment returns over politics.

The tide of ESG momentum has clearly ebbed in recent years. In 2021, a tiny hedge fund, seizing on shareholder discontent with Exxons slow embrace of renewables, won three seats on its board. That may end up being a high-water mark of the movement, and Exxons counterstrike lawsuit now a punctuation point.

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Room for Disagreement

Decades of shareholder rights are under threat from a lawsuit filed by the leaders of a powerful U.S. corporation, designed to punish two small groups that dared to speak truth to power, executives at the California Public Employees Retirement System wrote, explaining their plan to vote against Exxons entire board, including Woods. If successful, the legal action could diminish the roleand the rightsof every investor in improving a companys bottom line.

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Notable

Dueling opeds today from Calpers chief and Exxons Woods.

Exxons tune on Guyana changed quickly.  WSJ

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At the invitation of the government of El Salvador, President Xi Jinpings Special Envoy and Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli will attend the inauguration of the second term of El Salvadors President in San Salvador on June 1.

CCTV: At the ninth China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting held yesterday, the three countries issued the joint declaration of the meeting. How does China see this outcome?

Mao Ning: Yesterday, the China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting was held in Seoul after a hiatus of more than four years. The meeting adopted the Joint Declaration of the Ninth China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Summit. It sent a message of East Asian countries working together to strengthen solidarity, deepen cooperation and promote economic integration in the region, and injected stability and positive energy into a turbulent and rapidly changing world.

The joint declaration gave a positive assessment of the significance and role of the trilateral cooperation, identified key cooperation areas, and set some new ambitious targets, all of which shows the strong demand and internal driving force for the trilateral cooperation.

China, Japan and the ROK reaffirmed commitment to implementing the Trilateral Cooperation Vision for the Next Decade adopted at the trilateral summit meeting in 2019. The three countries agreed to deepen trade and economic cooperation, discuss speeding up negotiations for a trilateral FTA and encourage accelerated discussion on the accession procedures of new membership to RCEP. They reaffirmed their commitment to keeping markets open, decided to strengthen supply chain cooperation, continue communication in the field of export control and work to ensure a global level playing field. The three countries agreed to promote cooperation in science and innovation and in digital transformation, recognized the importance of communication on AI, and agreed to strive to resume the Trilateral Science and Technology Ministers Meeting and the Trilateral ICT Ministers Meeting. The three countries agreed to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges and designated 2025-2026 as the Year of Cultural Exchange among the three countries. We will strive to increase the number of people-to-people exchanges among the three countries to 40 million by 2030. China, Japan and the ROK will also maintain close communication in the UN, on East Asian cooperation and within other multilateral frameworks where all three countries participate.

In addition to the joint declaration, the meeting also issued two outcome documents, namely the Joint Statement on a 10 Year Vision for Trilateral IP Cooperation, and the Joint Statement on Future Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.

China-Japan-ROK cooperation has embarked on a new journey of all-round growth. Going forward, China will work with the ROK and Japan to deliver on those outcome documents and deepen friendly exchanges and practical cooperation in various areas, so as to give a stronger boost to the development of the three countries, bring benefit to the people in the region, and uphold peace, stability and prosperity of Northeast Asia and beyond.

Yonhap News Agency: I have two questions. First, the DPRKs launch of a reconnaissance satellite yesterday ended in failure. Analysts say that the DPRK notified other countries of its plan to launch a reconnaissance satellite on the early morning of the day of the ROK-China-Japan trilateral summit meeting to throw cold water on the trilateral cooperation. Other analysts say that the launch violates UN Security Council resolutions. What is Chinas position on this? Second, the Joint Declaration of the Ninth ROK-China-Japan Trilateral Summit does not include the goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula which was mentioned in previous meeting documents. Some media reports say that this is due to Chinas opposition. What is Chinas position on this?

Mao Ning: On your first question, China noted the developments on the DPRKs satellite launch, including the DPRK statement and the response from other parties. We believe that ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and advancing the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue serves the common interests of all parties, and we call on all parties to make constructive efforts to this end.

On your second question, Chinas basic position on the Korean Peninsula issue remains unchanged.

Dragon TV: Last weekend, the China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) registered over 90,000 trips in total, shipping freight worth over USD 380 billion. For the past 10 plus years of its development from scratch to what it is today, how do you think of the role of the CRE in China-Europe and global trade?

Mao Ning: Congratulations on the new record. As a flagship project and signature brand of Belt and Road cooperation, the China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) has reached 223 cities in 25 European countries, and linked more than 100 cities in 11 Asian countries. For the past 8 years, the annual trips have increased from 1,702 to over 17,000 with the value of annual freight up from USD 8 billion to USD 56.7 billion. The CRE has no doubt opened a golden channel for trade in Eurasia.

Transport leads to prosperous industries. What the CRE carries are goods, but what it brings are opportunities and hope. The CRE not only makes it faster and more convenient for Chinese and European goods to reach each others market, but also keeps fostering new logistic services, industries, business centers and industrial parks. It now serves as a bridge for mutually beneficial trade.

We will work with countries along the lines to promote high-quality development of the CRE, inject more stability to the world economy and provide more driving force for common development.

TV Asahi: The DPRKs foreign ministry said in a statement released last night that some content in the Joint Declaration of the Ninth China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Summit constitutes gross interference in the DPRKs internal affairs and that the DPRK strongly condemns it. Whats the Foreign Ministrys comment?

Mao Ning: The ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and the ROK was held in Seoul yesterday, and the three countries issued a joint declaration. The three parties reaffirmed that maintaining peace, stability and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia serves the common interest and is the common responsibility of the three countries. They reiterated positions on regional peace and stability, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the abductions issue, respectively. They agreed to continue to make positive efforts for the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue.

We hope relevant parties will firmly uphold peace and stability on the Peninsula and promote the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue.

Reuters: Also on the joint declaration by China, South Korea and Japan. What steps will China take to meet this commitment to the denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula? And will Chinas bilateral relations with North Korea risk decline?

Mao Ning: Maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and working for the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue serve all parties interests, and require constructive efforts from all parties.

On China-DPRK relations, Chinas position is consistent.

Antara: Israeli air attack on tents housing displaced people in Rafah, Gaza killed more than 40 Palestinians, including many children. Some global leaders urge the implementation of International Court of Justice order to halt Israels assault. How Chinese government can support humanitarian assistance for Gaza and also the implementation of the ICJ order?

Mao Ning: China is gravely concerned over Israels military operation in Rafah. We noted that the UN International Court of Justice has for the third time delivered the order for provisional measures on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and for the first time explicitly asked for ceasing the military offensive in relevant region. This reflects the worlds consensus on and strong call for an urgent ceasefire, protection of civilians and deescalation of the humanitarian crisis. Relevant provisional measures should be effectively implemented as soon as possible.

Chinas position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is consistent and clear. We oppose any action that violates international law, including international humanitarian law. We ask all parties to protect civilians and civilian facilities, and strongly urge Israel to heed the call of the international community and stop the offensive on Rafah. The world needs to work together to deescalate and end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Ukrinform News Agency: Last time, China often calls for deescalation in the Russia-Ukraine war but does not name the countries to whom such calls are addressed. Russia, for more than two years, has continued invasion in neighboring Ukraine. So, earlier this month, Russia opened a new front in the eastern Ukrainian Kharkiv region, and last week, it launched a series of airstrikes on civilian objects in Kharkiv city. Can you specify whether the Chinese sides calls for deescalation are addressed to Russia or not?

Mao Ning: China believes that dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the Ukraine crisis. Parties need to all be committed to deescalating the situation and seeking political settlement of the crisis. This position has been clear and consistent.

Phoenix TV: Its reported that the spokesperson of the US State Department issued a statement last weekend and expressed concern over the Peoples Liberation Army joint military drills around Taiwan. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: The Taiwan question is purely Chinas internal affair that brooks no external interference. The US has no right to make irresponsible remarks on it. Our joint drills around the Taiwan island are a resolute punitive response to the provocation for Taiwan independence made by the leader of the Taiwan region in his May 20 speech and a serious warning to external forces that connive at and support Taiwan independence and interfere in Chinas internal affairs. It is a just move to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and is necessary, legitimate and fully consistent with international law and common practices.

After coming into office, the Taiwan regions leader did not even wait before laying bare his true identity as a separatist for Taiwan independence. His speech on May 20 is a declaration of his agenda for Taiwan independence, which fully reveals his nature as a worker for Taiwanese independence. What has happened shows once again that the most dangerous change to the cross-Strait status quo and the biggest source of damage to cross-Strait peace are the separatist moves for Taiwan independence and connivance and support from US-led external forces.

In disregard of Chinas firm opposition, the US is the one that acted wrongly first by sending a delegation and issuing a congratulatory statement by the Secretary of State on the so-called inauguration ceremony, which sent a seriously wrong signal to Taiwan independence separatist forces. The groundless accusation the US then made against Chinas lawful and legitimate steps to uphold national sovereignty and territorial integrity just compounded its mistake. We urge the US to fully recognize the fundamental nature and dangerous ambition of Taiwan independence separatist forces, and the grave harm and enormous risks of Taiwan independence separatism to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and to China-US relations, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, honor the commitment made by US leaders on the Taiwan question and stop emboldening and supporting Taiwan independence separatist forces in any form.

Our resolve to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity will not waver. Our determination to oppose external interference in Chinas internal affairs will not change. Taiwan independence will lead nowhere and anyone who plays with fire by supporting Taiwan independence will get burned. Anyone who seeks to challenge the one-China principle will invariably fail.

Reuters: A few countries have already sent relief teams to Papua New Guinea after the deadly landslide. What practical help will China offer or has offered? And will China send a relief team to Papua New Guinea?

Mao Ning: China is closely following the situation and maintains close communication with Papua New Guinea. We will provide assistance in light of the situation and the needs for disaster relief.

Beijing Youth Daily: It is reported that Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina publicly criticized in her speech US interference in her countrys internal affairs, saying that she was offered a hassle-free reelection by a white man of a foreign country if she allowed that country to build an airbase in Bangladesh. And she also said that it was not the first time the country made offers to her and she would never come to power by renting part of the country or handing it over to another country. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: We noted Prime Minister Hasinas speech that demonstrates the Bangladeshi national ethos of pursuing independence and not being intimidated by foreign pressure. Certain country, in order to seek its selfish interests, wantonly uses other countries elections as a bargaining chip, blatantly interferes in the internal affairs of other countries, and undermines regional security and stability. It fully shows the hegemonic, domineering and bullying nature of that country.

China firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, firmly supports it in pursuing an independent foreign policy, and firmly supports it in opposing foreign interference to jointly safeguard regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Macau Monthly: It was reported that the recent flooding in northern Armenia has affected dozens of settlements and close to 4,000 people, with four people dead, many more injured, and 17 bridges and many roads damaged. What is your comment on this?

Mao Ning: China noted that the flooding in northern Armenia has resulted in multiple fatalities, injuries and loss of property. China expresses sympathies to Armenia. We believe the Armenian people will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes. China is, as always, ready to do everything we can to help.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Fugro is 47.93 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Fugro's 24.16 share price signals that it might be 50% undervalued

Our fair value estimate is 65% higher than Fugro's analyst price target of 29.02

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Fugro N.V. (AMS:FUR) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

See our latest analysis for Fugro

What's The Estimated Valuation?

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To begin with, we have to get estimates of 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.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 123.1m 171.6m 253.6m 269.9m 282.7m 292.9m 301.0m 307.7m 313.3m 318.1m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ 6.43% Est @ 4.77% Est @ 3.60% Est @ 2.78% Est @ 2.21% Est @ 1.81% Est @ 1.53% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.0% 116 153 213 214 211 207 200 193 186 178

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 1.9b

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. 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 (0.9%) 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 6.0%.

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Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 318m (1 + 0.9%)  (6.0% 0.9%) = 6.3b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 6.3b ( 1 + 6.0%)10= 3.5b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 5.4b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 24.2, the company appears quite good value at a 50% 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. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own 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 Fugro 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 6.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.110. 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 Fugro

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 Construction market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Dutch market.

Moving On:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Fugro, we've put together three further elements you should further research:

Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Fugro that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does FUR'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 ENXTAM 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.
Here's how much young baby boomers have saved for retirement  how do you stack up in 2024?

The youngest among the baby boomer generation are set to retire over the next few years. But are they financially prepared for the next phase of their lives?

Over 30 million Americans are expected to turn 65 between now and the end of the decade, according to a study commissioned by the ALI Retirement Income Institute. The median retirement savings for this group is around $225,000.

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That's a far cry from the $1.46 million Americans believe they need to retire comfortably, according to research from Northwestern Mutual. And if these young boomers decide to spread out their savings using the 4% rule, a nest egg of $225,000 would only amount to $9,000 annually over 25 years.

Even when combined with Social Security benefits, which provides retirees an annual average of $22,884, according to the Social Security Administration, it's not enough for many Americans to live on.

With so little saved, as many as two-thirds of these boomers will struggle to maintain their standard of living, according to the ALI Retirement Income Institute.

So, how much does one need to have saved for retirement and what can they do if they need to catch up? Here are some options.

What you should have saved for retirement?

Everyone has different needs, and therefore might have a different number when it comes to the ideal retirement nest egg. The best way to figure yours out is to make your own budget based on your expected expenses and identify your income sources.

For example, if you want to live off of a $50,000 annual income, you will need to find ways to bolster your savings and boost your income, if possible. Keep in mind as well that the age you begin to claim Social Security determines your monthly benefit.

Read more: Rich young Americans have lost confidence in the stock market  and are betting on these assets instead. Get in now for strong long-term tailwinds

Let's not forget the importance of an emergency fund, even in retirement. This will help protect you against an unexpected medical or housing expense.

It's also never a bad idea to consult a financial adviser to help you plan your retirement journey.

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How you can still build a secure retirement

There are a number of different ways you can better prepare yourself as you enter retirement.. Boomers who are still working can take many different steps to increase financial security in retirement, including:

Step up savings: Workers aged 50 and older can make extra "catch-up" contributions to 401(k) and IRA accounts. While the typical worker can contribute $23,000 to a 401(K) and $7,000 to an IRA in 2024, older Americans can invest $30,500 and $8,000, respectively. Aim to max out these accounts so tax breaks and employer 401(k) matching contributions can grow your nest egg.

Work longer: Staying on the job provides more time to save and puts off the time when you start drawing down your accounts. You can often increase your Social Security benefits by working longer as well, either by delaying your claim or raising your career-average wages that benefits are based on  or both.

Invest in an HSA: If you have a qualifying high deductible health plan, you can make tax-free contributions to a health savings account (HSA). Health savings accounts provide a triple tax benefit. Withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free. Investment growth within the account is tax-free. Contributions also reduce taxable income. Withdrawals for any reason are also allowed after age 65 without penalty, though may be taxed as ordinary income.

Downsize: Boomers are sitting on a substantial amount of home equity  around $18 trillion, according to Redfin. Selling could allow seniors to capture some of their housing gains, pay cash for a smaller home and bulk up their investment balances.

Exploring these choices could help ensure retirement security is still within reach. Those who have already retired also have similar choices, including downsizing, working part-time to increase savings or moving to an area with a lower cost of living.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
While artificial intelligence (AI) is attracting investors' attention, there's another massive trend they should be aware of: cybersecurity. Bad actors have never had more tools, and the amount of digital information that can be accessed is also growing. This isn't a trend that's going away, either; companies must ensure they have top-notch security or risk being the target of a cyberattack, which can cost millions and destroy confidence in a company.

As a result of this new reality, the cybersecurity industry is seeing a massive boom. But with so many cybersecurity companies available to choose from, it's easy to get lost. One company is my clear choice, and it has the potential to become a much larger force in this industry.

CrowdStrike has become a top pick in the cybersecurity space

CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD) is my top pick in the cybersecurity space for many reasons. First, it's a lightweight cloud-native program. This means it can be easily deployed to all endpoints in a business network quickly and doesn't take much bandwidth. Additionally, CrowdStrike has integrated AI into its product lineup since its launch.

Unlike some companies that use AI as a buzzword, CrowdStrike's platform is built on it. Its primary product in the Falcon platform is endpoint protection. This protects network access points like laptops or cellphones from outside threats, and CrowdStrike utilizes AI to analyze activity to understand if it's normal or a threat. It can terminate access to a company's server without human intervention if it detects a threat.

It also has its Charlotte AI, a generative AI product. This allows users to automate workflows, accelerate investigation time, and reduce the amount of skill required to become a cybersecurity expert. Based on a customer survey, Charlotte helps save around two hours per day through increased efficiency.

CrowdStrike has a massive product line that has slowly grown over the past few years. Instead of having to piece together cybersecurity solutions from various vendors, CrowdStrike is working toward becoming a one-stop shop for all cybersecurity needs. With products in endpoint protection, cloud security, identity protection, threat intel, and more, CrowdStrike covers many areas.

This strategy has worked for CrowdStrike, as 64% of customers utilize at least five modules, and 27% utilize at least seven. This shows plenty of room for product expansion among its client base, so upselling existing customers and signing new ones gives CrowdStrike two growth avenues.

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CrowdStrike's stock has gotten expensive

Speaking of growth, CrowdStrike has been delivering excellent growth for some time. In the fourth quarter of fiscal-year 2024 (ending Jan. 31), its annual recurring revenue (ARR) rose 34% year over year to $3.44 billion. Looking forward to FY 2025, CrowdStrike expects revenue growth of 30% to nearly $4 billion. Despite CrowdStrike getting larger, its growth is hardly slowing down, which is a testament to the demand in the cybersecurity industry and CrowdStrike's prowess. Wall Street analysts even believe it can grow revenue at a 27% pace in FY 2026 to over $5 billion.

CrowdStrike is also becoming increasingly profitable each quarter.

CRWD Profit Margin (Quarterly) Chart

So you've got a company that is an industry leader in a rapidly expanding field and has excellent financials. It seems like a no-brainer buy, right?

Investors must also consider the price tag of the stock. It's no secret that CrowdStrike is an excellent company, and its stock is priced accordingly.

CRWD PS Ratio Chart

A price of 28 times sales is very expensive, which is the primary drawback of CrowdStrike's stock. I'm using the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio because CrowdStrike hasn't reached maximum profitability yet. To translate into the more familiar price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, I'll give CrowdStrike an artificial 30% profit margin -- a great goal for software companies like CrowdStrike.

With that profit margin, CrowdStrike would have a P/E of 93 at today's prices. If you utilize analysts' FY 2026 revenue projection of $5.03 billion, CrowdStrike would trade at 56 times earnings.

That's too expensive for many investors' taste, and I wouldn't blame them for not buying at today's prices. However, I'd keep CrowdStrike on your radar, as it's too good of a company to forget about if the stock price drops to more reasonable levels.

Where to invest $1,000 right now

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They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now and CrowdStrike made the list -- but there are 9 other stocks you may be overlooking.

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Keithen Drury has positions in CrowdStrike. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends CrowdStrike. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Here's My Top Cybersecurity Stock (and It's Not Even Close) was originally published by The Motley Fool
Your home is probably one of the most significant assets you have, and it can play a huge role in your retirement planning. Your home can be a valuable resource in retirement, but it can also be a burden.

Check Out: Im a Financial Planner: 5 Ways Not To Spend Down Your Savings in Retirement

Read: 4 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

First and foremost, do you actually want to own a home in retirement? said Chris Urban, founder of Discovery Wealth Planning. Do you want to pay the bills and do all of the work that comes along with homeownership?

Whether you already own a home or are considering purchasing one, there are strategies you can use to take advantage of it to support your lifestyle and finances during your retirement.

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

Aging in Place

Some people want to age in place and live forever in the home that, perhaps, they have lived in for years, said Urban. If you have more than enough money to meet all of your goals in retirement and you just want to age in place then I would certainly lean more towards just remaining in the home where you are most comfortable.

For many retirees, staying in their familiar homes and aging in place is very appealing. The emotional attachment to ones home, combined with the familiarity of the neighborhood and established social connections, can contribute significantly to overall well-being and quality of life during retirement years.

For those who would like to age in place but have financial circumstances that might make that difficult, you can consider working with a knowledgeable, qualified professional to discuss options such as a reverse mortgage, home equity lines of credit, home equity loans, etc., said Urban.

Find Out: 8 Things Boomers Should Sell Right Before Retiring

Passing Down Your Home

Your home might represent more than just a physical structure. It probably holds sentimental value. Its also an inheritance to pass down to keep in the family and pass on to your children or grandchildren.

Holding onto the home to pass it down to the next generation preserves a valuable asset for heirs, said Michael Hills, a financial advisor at Apex Wealth.

Consider establishing a trust or incorporating your home into your overall estate plan. An estate planning attorney can help you create a plan for transferring the ownership. Youll also want to prioritize regular maintenance and upkeep so that you pass down your home in good condition. You dont want the property to fall into disrepair, which will only saddle your heirs with a financial burden.

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Reverse Mortgages

A reverse mortgage can help you get value from your homes equity without you having to sell or move. With a reverse mortgage, you can receive a lump sum, monthly payments, or a line of credit based on the value of your home. The loan is repaid when you sell the property, move out, or pass away.

Reverse mortgages do come with fees and interest charges that can decrease the amount of equity you have. Be certain that you understand the implications, such as the impact on your heirs inheritance.

Home Equity Lines of Credit

Another option is to take out a home equity loan or line of credit. This essentially means youre borrowing against the value of your home. These loans are often used for things like renovations, medical expenses, or just supplementing your retirement income.

This kind of loan comes with additional monthly payments, however. And if you fail to make the required payments, you can be foreclosed on. Be certain that youll be able to repay the loan before you take one out.

Downsizing

Your housing needs might change when you retire. Maybe youre living in the home where you raised your family, but your children have all moved out. It might be a smart move to move to a smaller and more affordable home.

You may choose to downsize if you no longer need as much space and/or do not want the burden of owning a home, said Urban. Or, perhaps you want to travel and/or move to a different part of the country or internationally even. What are the costs of owning and renting in those places? Do you simply value having liquidity (aka cash available) to keep your options open?

The proceeds from selling your current home could be used to supplement your retirement income. But before you do, remember that there are closing costs, taxes, and fees that go with selling. Do you need to make any renovations before selling? Also, think about all the expenses that go into moving to a new home.

Buying a Home for Retirement

If you dont currently own a home, purchasing one for retirement might be a good option, depending on your circumstances.

Owning a home during retirement can offer several advantages, such as stability, potential appreciation, and the ability to build equity. It can also provide a sense of security and a place to call your own, which can be valuable during this stage of life.

For retirees who dont own a home, the decision to buy or rent depends on their financial situation and lifestyle preferences, said Hills. Buying a home can offer stability and potential investment benefits while renting provides flexibility and freedom from maintenance responsibilities. In each situation, retirees should carefully consider their goals, financial resources, and long-term needs to determine the best course of action.

Homeownership also comes with ongoing expenses, such as a mortgage, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. All of these costs will have to come out of your retirement budget, so be sure that you can afford it.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How To Make Homeownership Work for Your Retirement Plan
Predators out for STRS

Re "Teachers can't turn $90 billion nest egg over to STRS corporate raiders," May 24: Roger Masons guest column May 24 is correct about events at the State Teachers Retirement System. He understands this predatory behavior and puts it in context.

Having taught finance for 30 years, I have watched with horror as individuals, under the pretense of safeguarding our system, set about raiding the funds. I have warned that numbers being spouted by these raiders doesnt add up and that good investment professionals cost money.

STRS has received high marks for safeguarding our funds. At no point has a credible report said that there were problems with the funds health. The issues have been with governance and transparency.

May 15, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, the state's second largest public pension fund, oversees about $90 billion invested on behalf of 500,000 teachers and retirees. Its 11-member board has been infighting over the direction and governance of the system.

More: Corporate raiders want to turn Ohio teachers' pension fund into shameful footnote

Turning those issues around takes time and consideration.

It is appropriate to watch the board as it proceeds. It is not appropriate to hand billions of dollars to untried investors with no track record of success.

It is interesting that the reformers were happy with Attorney General Dave Yosts investigation. When Yost indicated their claims would also be looked at and dealt with, they became less than enthusiastic about having it proceed. Suddenly, the investigation is politicizing the board.

So, thank you, Mr. Mason, you must have been one heck of a good teacher.Colleen E. Cunningham, Columbus

Memorial Day is not the same as Veterans Day

Mariyam Muhammad needs to get her facts correct. In her May 26 story, "When Is Memorial Day? When Is Labor Day?", she states Memorial Day is a day that honors all military veterans, living and dead.

Memorial Day honors all veterans who have sacrificed their lives for this country, not living veterans. Veterans Day honors all military veterans.

Michael DiPalma, Marysville

People before fountains

The fountain at Scioto Mile is a great attraction for families. But I do wonder who makes these decisions.

At last count in January there were 2,380 unhoused people living in our midst. One only has to drive around any neighborhood in the city to see scores of the unhoused.

Doesnt it seem like we should address that issue first, and when all the needed affordable housing is established for our neighbors, we can celebrate by building a new fountain?

Its a real disconnect to see tax abatements for developers building high-end apartments, while a man calling for a shelter bed this week is told that there are 100-200 men in the queue before him.

More: 'We have run out of housing': Homelessness is at an all-time high again in Columbus

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Why not focus tax abatements on building affordable apartments? If the city thinks the $15 million fountain will be an attraction to new residents, they might consider how the humans begging for help everywhere appears to the new people, and maybe use some of the funds to feed the one in 6 children who are hungry.

The mayor and city council appear to be clueless.

Diane Donato, Columbus

Retired teachers need COLA

I am a retired teacher, having retired after 33 years of service with Columbus Public Schools. I retired in 1998. I agree with everything that James Slone said in his letter to the editor published May 23, except for one item.

I, and hundreds of other teachers my age, have not had a cost-of-living raise since 2013. That means that in 11 years, my retirement has only gone up 4%, but the cost of living has probably gone up over 35%.

During those 11 years, the other public retirement systems in Ohio have consistently given cost of living adjustments to their retirees. And to top it off, I only receive one-third of my earned Social Security benefits because I have a public pension. Please help us.

Winifred McFarland, Columbus

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: STRS billions should be turn over to untried investors
IHG Hotels and Resorts is set to introduce two hotels in Cairo under its Crowne Plaza brand in an agreement with property developer Urbnlanes Development.

The signings will see the introduction of the Crowne Plaza Cairo New Administrative Capital and the Crowne Plaza New Cairo Yellow.

Set to open in 2028, the Crowne Plaza Cairo New Administrative Capital will offer three dining options, including a sky bar, and five meeting venues to cater to the needs of corporate guests.

The location offers accessibility to business guests looking for proximity to the nearby government ministries, administrative institutions, embassies and finance houses in Cairo.

The Crowne Plaza New Cairo Yellow will be part of a mixed-use development project a short distance from business parks and Cairo International Airport. Along with an all-day dining restaurant and a Club Lounge, the hotel will feature five meeting and events venues including a ballroom.

IHG currently operates seven hotels across four brands in Egypt: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites. It also has a pipeline of 17 hotels.

Urbnlanes Development chairman Emeel Abdalla commented: This partnership is in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 aimed at advancing the tourism sector and attracting increased foreign investment. The tourism and hospitality industry in Egypt plays a vital role in bolstering the national economy and fostering job creation.

IHG managing director for India, the Middle East and Africa, Haitham Mattar, added: These signings represent a significant vote of confidence and trust in IHG and the appeal of the brand in Egypt. We are excited to be an integral part of these major new developments.

IHG has also announced a management agreement with GPKP for Holiday Inn Prayagraj in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

"IHG completes dual signing for Crowne Plaza hotels in Egypt" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand.







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About 1 in 10 Americans who work in construction are women, according to a report from Labor Finders. Boises Micron wants to change that. And the federal government is taking the lead.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced in May the creation of the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, an initiative that aims to double the number of women working in construction over the next decade, an ambitious but not entirely improbable goal.

Women make up nearly half of Americas workforce, yet remain vastly underrepresented in industries like construction, which needs more skilled workers to fill these high-paying jobs, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su said in a news release.

Micron has committed, voluntarily, to the framework  to collaborating with contractors, trade unions and others to increase the participation of women and economically disadvantaged people in construction. So has Intel.

After all, the companies need a significant amount of construction labor to fulfill their plans to shore up domestic semiconductor manufacturing over the next decade.

One untapped resource is women

The framework to recruit more women was announced about a week after the Biden administration revealed Micron would get $6.1 billion in subsidies to help pay for its chip-making plants in Boise and New York state. The new fabs, short for semiconductor fabrication, are projected to generate over 9,000 construction jobs between the two projects.

At its peak, Micron anticipates having about 4,500 construction workers at the site of its $15 billion fab in Southeast Boise, according to Heather Baldwin, vice president of procurement at Micron.

Micron is Idahos largest for-profit employer, with 5,400 employees in the Boise area, a company spokesperson said May 2. The company has multiple fabs and related operations overseas. Micron says it employs 44,000 people worldwide.

In fact, the company expects to have so many workers that it plans to add a cafeteria.

If you flew over on an airplane and saw the site lately, youd see its a beehive of activity out there, Baldwin told the Idaho Statesman in a Zoom call. We need more people going into the building trades and working in the construction industry in order to support all that growth. And one untapped resource is women.

Micron broke ground on the fab at its headquarters campus in late 2022. Wayne Hammon, CEO of the Idaho Associated General Contractors, previously told the Statesman that hundreds of workers assigned to projects in Arizona, Nevada and elsewhere would move to Idaho to work on the project. Still, industry experts anticipate a shortfall. Big projects in the Treasure Valley like Microns expansion have tied up such a large percentage of the states construction and trade workers that developers say the squeeze could hinder other projects, like new apartment complexes and commercial buildings in downtown Boise.

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Micron aims to ease barriers to entry

In order to encourage more women to join the male-dominated workforce, Micron wants to break down traditional barriers to entry.

Some of the things were going to work on with the community, the CHIPS program office, contractors and others in the industry is: How do we get more women interested in the building trades? And how do we get them into the workforce to support not just us but Idaho overall? Baldwin said.

She said the jobs are sometimes unionized, sometimes not, but are well-paying and often come with apprenticeships and other training. She deferred a question about how much construction workers at Microns site might earn to the contractors. But Idaho Department of Labor economist Jan Roeser previously told the Statesman that construction workers in Idaho saw among the largest hourly wage gains in 2023.

That hasnt eased the worker shortage, though.

A lot of individuals left the construction industry (during the pandemic) and got into something else, Roeser said. And a lot of young people arent thinking about construction. Theyre thinking about health care, because theres a lot of information out there about the health care industry being recession-proof. Theres more of a seasonality to construction.

Baldwin said that while some construction work is temporary, like for a 10- or 12-month period, other jobs can last years. And because constructing a fab is a bit unique, in that its done in various phases and then requires ongoing maintenance, there are a pool of trade jobs that become semi-permanent, she said. As the technology evolves, equipment gets moved around or sold and new pieces are installed. It involves electricians, pipelayers and many other skilled workers.

Working toward child care solutions

Part of Microns expansion in Boise includes a child care center, which the company broke ground on about a year ago. Micron said it would help address barriers to workforce entry and ease the transition for employees, especially mothers.

But the child care center is only for Micron employees, Baldwin said, and would not be accessible to the construction workers at the site of its fab.

Child care is a barrier for a lot of parents, Baldwin said. Were working with the state, community organizations, contractors and the unions to figure out if theres women who want to enter apprenticeships, and if the union doesnt already offer child care  is there something we can figure out to help them?

A lot of different angles to recruiting more women

Baldwin said theres discussions happening about what else Micron can do to ease barriers and recruit more women and economically disadvantaged people into construction.

Baldwin mentioned establishing networking or leadership groups for women, and creating workplaces where women can feel safe. The framework asks companies to commit to maintaining healthy, safe and respectful workplaces that prevent and address harassment, discrimination, retaliation and violence through workplace training, policy and practice.

And theres other things like making sure theres female restrooms on job sites and having hard hats and harnesses that fit everyone.

Baldwin added that theres a misconception and fear that construction involves hard labor all the time. She said many trade jobs arent like that.

While only about 10% of construction workers in the U.S. are women, many are doing tasks that dont require physical labor, according to the report from Labor Finders. About 40% of women in the industry hold management and office positions. Only 2% work in production, transportation and moving materials.

Theres a lot of different angles that well take, Baldwin said. We really, really need to increase all types of folks going into the building trades. The work that were going to do with women will directly impact other groups in a very positive way. Its quite exciting to think about the difference we can make.

Wage increases topped 10% for Idaho workers last year. Who saw the most gains, and where

Its official: Micron to get $6.1 billion in federal subsidies for Boise, New York plants

Boise State planning big science & research expansion as enrollment swells. What to know
"Azerbaijan will also facilitate the participation of SIDS at the COP29," said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed to the participants of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity held in Antigua and Barbuda, Azernews reports.

"The slogan we have chosen for the Baku COP  In solidarity for a Green World reflects the spirit of our COP29 mission. As we are all facing this situation together, I call on all countries to act in solidarity to save our planet. To achieve this goal, we need political will and multilateralism which Azerbaijan has always been advocating for," the Azerbaijani President mentioned.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Kawan Food Berhad is RM3.55 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Kawan Food Berhad's RM1.81 share price signals that it might be 49% undervalued

Our fair value estimate is 74% higher than Kawan Food Berhad's analyst price target of RM2.04

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Kawan Food Berhad (KLSE:KAWAN) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

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. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

See our latest analysis for Kawan Food Berhad

Is Kawan Food Berhad Fairly Valued?

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. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last 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.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM51.7m RM57.3m RM62.3m RM66.7m RM70.7m RM74.5m RM78.0m RM81.5m RM84.9m RM88.2m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 13.97% Est @ 10.84% Est @ 8.65% Est @ 7.12% Est @ 6.05% Est @ 5.30% Est @ 4.78% Est @ 4.41% Est @ 4.15% Est @ 3.97% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 8.6% RM47.6 RM48.6 RM48.6 RM47.9 RM46.8 RM45.3 RM43.7 RM42.0 RM40.3 RM38.6

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM449m

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 8.6%.

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Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM88m (1 + 3.6%)  (8.6% 3.6%) = RM1.8b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM1.8b ( 1 + 8.6%)10= RM786m

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 RM1.2b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM1.8, the company appears quite undervalued at a 49% 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

The 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 Kawan Food Berhad 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 8.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. 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 Kawan Food Berhad

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

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 Food market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Looking Ahead:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Kawan Food Berhad, we've put together three fundamental elements you should explore:

Financial Health: Does KAWAN have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does KAWAN'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.
Klarna announced Tuesday it expects its use of generative AI for marketing campaigns will save it $10 million on an annual basis.

According to the buy now, pay later (BNPL) platform, it shaved its marketing and sales spend by 11 percent in Q1 2024, with AI responsible for 37 percent of those savings. The company has been using generative AI for copy and image generation, enabling it to pump out more content and a higher number of annual campaigns.

More from Sourcing Journal

Obtaining campaign image assets used to take the company six weeks, but now it takes mere days.

David Sandstrom, chief marketing officer at Klarna, said that allows the Swedish company to create seasonal campaigns for even more minor retail events, rather than only focusing on major ones.

One of the biggest advantages is what it allows us to do beyond what we could do before. Because we can produce new images in one week instead of six, at a much lower cost, we can update the images in our app and website each week reflecting key retail events such as Valentines Day, Mothers Day, spring refreshes, graduation and summer sales, he told Sourcing Journal.

Companies that have been using generative AI do have to consider the copyright and legal ramifications for what the technology produces. Sandstrom said the employees inside Klarnas marketing organization have learned to check images for quality, legal standards, brand consistency and more. So, while creating an image with generative AI could take only seconds, the process of humans confirming their validity takes a bit longer.

To create the images, the company said, it uses a variety of tools, like Dall-E, OpenAIs image generation tool; Midjourney; Adobe Firefly; Gigapixel and Photoroom. Sandstrom said the company uses each for a different purpose and did not say which tool Klarna relies on most.

Having a mix of tools at their disposal allows employees to work more creatively, Sandstrom saidparticularly because of the speed of image development.

AI-generated images allow employees to conceptualize and visualize ideas without the limitations of traditional photography or design. They can experiment with different styles, elements, and scenarios to create unique visuals that may have been difficult or time-consuming to produce manually, he said.

Sandstrom added that using generative AI allows employees to make specialized adjustments to campaigns they may be working on without needing to shoot photography or video in a certain location.

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AI can also generate images of various locations, weather conditions or settings without the need to physically be there. For example, employees can create visuals featuring snowy landscapes, specific cities, or exotic locations, all from the comfort of their workspace, Sandstrom said. This capability is especially useful for marketing campaigns, presentations and other creative endeavors that require diverse and context-specific imagery.

Bringing more of its campaign creation in house has meant Klarna has cut its spend on external agencies by 25 percent or about $4 million annually. In late February, the company said its partnership with OpenAI had enabled it to create an agent that has the capability to do the work of 700 full-time agents. It cut its ties with some third-party customer service agents, but at the time said it had not parted ways with any internal employees.

Sandstrom said though the company has decreased its need for outside agencies, that has not, in turn, triggered a need to hire more internal employees.

Were seeing across our whole business that things that previously took people a lot of time can be done much faster and much shorter with the help of AI, he said. For that reason we have paused actively recruiting. The majority of open roles are engineering, and others may be backfilling.

The company said earlier this month that 87 percent of its employees leverage AI systems on a daily basis.

Sandstrom did not say whether Klarna has considered eliminating positions from its marketing department as its conviction in AI continues to increase. However, he did note that it has plans to proceed with further AI exploration and invest in the technology throughout different areas of the company.

We are committed to leveraging AI to drive innovation and efficiency across the organization. The positive impact on marketing is just one example of how AI can transform traditional business processes, allowing for more agility, creativity, and customer-centric strategies, Sandstrom said. We will continue to explore and invest in AI technologies to further enhance our operations and deliver exceptional value to our customers and retail partners.
keir starmer

Labours attempts to demonstrate that it has the backing of big business with a letter of support from 120 executives has been ridiculed, with one critic dismissing it as p--- poor.

Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, was quizzed on Tuesday over why no FTSE 100 bosses had signed the letter backing Labour, despite the party successfully courting big business for months.

Ms Reeves said she was really proud of the list, which was signed by executives from JD Sports, Iceland and the advertising giant WPP.

However, critics argued that the list was not heavyweight enough given that top Labour officials have spent the last year on a major charm offensive with FTSE chief executives and senior bankers.

Signatories also include John Holland-Kaye, the former boss of Heathrow who was accused of fire and rehire practices during the pandemic and Charles Randell, ex-chairman of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) who in 2018 admitted to an error of judgment for using a controversial film tax avoidance scheme.

Among the signatories is ex-FCA chairman Charles Randell - Hannah McKay/Reuters

One senior City source said on Tuesday that the lack of big-hitting names should be a big concern for Labour.

They added: This is the result of years of lobbying so clearly nobody likes what theyre hearing. That should be a big concern for Labour.

One businessman said that despite voting Labour all of his life he was unimpressed at being approached to sign the list. He refused to put his name to it because of concerns that Labour has no actual plan for the economy, he said.

Brent Hoberman, the founder of Lastminute.com and Made.com, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: These arent high profile figures. High profile figures understandably want to see whats in the manifestos before blindly going with the flow.

Surprised the media hasn't called out -these aren't high profile figures.

High profile figures understandably want to see what's in the manifestos. Before blindly going with the flow



This is ref the 120 'business leaders supporting labour' in the times and other media. pic.twitter.com/K6noWnSqqq  Brent Hoberman (@brenthoberman) May 28, 2024

Sir Martin Sorrell, the WPP founder and chief of advertising agency S4 Capital, also refused to sign the list.

A City source added that the list was p--s poor.

Another dismissed the idea that senior business figures would lend their support publicly for any party at such a decisive stage: On the one hand it shows that they [Labour] are serious about courting business but on the other, it shows a real lack of understanding  nobody wants to stick their head above the parapet in the run-up to an election.

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Meanwhile, the trade union Unite called on Labour to drop Mr Holland-Kaye from the list over Heathrows use of so-called fire and rehire practices during the pandemic.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused Mr Holland-Kaye of being responsible for one of, if not the most brutal examples, of fire and rehire during Covid.

Trade union Unite urged Labour to drop John Holland-Kaye from the list over Heathrow's use of 'fire and rehire practices' during Covid - Yui Mok/PA

Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Reevess charm offensive is generally understood to have worked within the finance industry, with Labour officials confident enough to have emailed business leaders last week urging them to support the party in public.

Jamie Dimon, head of Wall Street banking giant JP Morgan, has praised pro-business Sir Keirs commitment to growing the economy.

However, top Tory donor Sir Michael Spencer, who has just donated 250,000 to the Conservatives, argued that the list of business leaders backing the party is not strong at all.

He added: Their claims to have business behind them are very shallow.

A number of companies listed on the letter also appeared to be dormant, according to Companies House filings.

The letter has been published amid dire polling for the Conservatives, with analysis last week showing that no incumbent party has voluntarily entered an election campaign with worse polling.

Despite calling an election seven months before he needed to, Mr Sunak is substantially behind his three predecessors Lord Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson in the polls when they were running.

Former Tory adviser Iain Anderson, who is now advising Labour on how to support corporate Britain, is among the signatories on the list.

He said over the weekend that people are crying out for stability and economic competence and just want more predictability to be able to invest.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Law enforcement and consumer advocates continue to sound the alarm about financial crooks taking advantage of Floridians.

Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan says crooks from around the country are targeting her community, using tricks and intimidation, to steal their life savings.

There are just heartbreaking story after heartbreaking story when you hear from these folks and its just a variety of crimes but its always the same, Bevan said. They just fall victim for a variety of reasons they feel the need to hand over their money and so often its just hard to get it back.

Better Call Behnken helps woman after tax paid on wrong home, mortgage payment went up

There are just heartbreaking story after heartbreaking story when you hear from these folks and its just a variety of crimes but its always the same. they just fall victim for a variety of reasons they feel the need to hand over their money and so often its just hard to get it back.

Within the past year, Beven says crooks have run off with more than $2 million dollars, stolen from Bradenton residents. Schemes that involve bitcoin are popular.

One of her ongoing investigations involves Heather Burbach.

She says the caller claimed to be a known investigator with the DEA and said she was in big trouble, and listed charges like money laundering and drug trafficking.

She was scared. Then they told her that her identity must have been stolen but the government could help protect her money until this was cleared up.

The crook stayed on the phone with with her until all of her $6,200 was inside the machine.

The FBI reported that during that same time period, older Americans were tricked out of $3.4 billion in the past year.

Detective Jim Curulla, who leads that team, told me an elderly veteran lost $1.5 million, after crooks convinced him to buy and fork over gold bars.

The crooks came to his house, posing as federal agents and said they had warrant for his arrest.

Then their supervisor started calling.

SSA responds to Sen. Rick Scott following an 8 On Your Side investigation into special needs trusts

She proceeded to call this victim once to twice a day for almost a month, getting his trust and eventually she said he was going to help them solve social security fraud, Curulla said. She needed some money to use and they were going to transfer some of his money and use that as the bait.

Curulla said he recently arrested the man who picked up the gold bars, but theres only a slim chance of recovering the mans money.

The big takeaway is that crooks are calling the victims, often pretending to be law enforcement and threatening arrest for financial crimes.

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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.
Many physicians and nurses are happy about the Federal Trade Commissions new rule banning the use of noncompete agreements in employment contracts. But they are disappointed that it may not protect those who work for nonprofit hospitals and health care facilities, which provide most of the nations care and employ the largest number of medical professionals.

Last month, in a 3-2 vote, the FTC approved a final rule prohibiting contracts that prevent an employee from taking a job with a competitor. Calling the noncompete agreements a widespread and often exploitative practice, an agency announcement described them as an unfair method of competition that depresses wages and hinders new business formation.

The rule bars employers in most industries, including health care, from using contract clauses that block employees from leaving for other jobs or starting a competing business in the same geographic area for a fixed period of time.

But that doesnt help many health professionals, because the FTC Act gives the agency authority over companies organized to operate for profit but not over nonprofit, charitable organizations, which are also tax-exempt.

Still, the agency noted some nonprofits could be bound by the rule if they do not operate as true charities. The rule establishes a two-part test to determine if the FTC has jurisdiction over a nonprofit  whether the organization is carrying on business for only charitable purposes, and whether its income goes to public rather than private interests.

Our rulemaking record includes powerful stories from health care workers who are employed by nonprofits about how noncompetes hurt patients and providers, said FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, one of three Democratic commissioners, in comments before the April 23 vote. I do not think there is a good justification for them to be excluded from this rule.

Noncompete contract terms have become increasingly common for physicians, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals in hospitals and various health care facilities. Some providers say these agreements have forced them to leave their communities and patients behind if they wanted to exit unethical or unsafe workplace conditions.

Most work for nonprofits

Nearly 64% of U.S. community hospitals are nonprofits or government-owned, and they employ many of the nations medical professionals. As of 2022, nearly three-quarters of U.S. physicians were employed by hospital systems or other companies, both nonprofit and for-profit.

Based on their designation as charities that dont have to pay income or property taxes, U.S. nonprofit hospitals received a total estimated tax exemption of $28 billion in 2020, according to KFF, a nonpartisan research organization.

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That exceeded the estimated $16 billion they spent on charity care for patients unable to afford their medical bills, KFF said.

Physician and nursing groups say it makes no sense to treat nonprofit hospitals differently because they are just as money-driven as for-profit hospitals. Patients, they say, will benefit if providers are free to call out unsafe conditions and change jobs. Giving physicians freedom of movement will force hospitals to compete to improve working conditions, said Jonathan Jones, immediate past president of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine.

Chad Golder, general counsel and secretary of the American Hospital Association, which represents mostly nonprofit hospitals, said the rule would increase health care costs and reduce patient access by triggering hospital bidding wars for physicians. He predicted the FTC would try to apply the rule to both nonprofit and for-profit hospitals.

They arent saying exactly what theyll do, but its a pretty significant move for them to say well apply our own test to determine if we can regulate a nonprofit, Golder said. Nonprofit entities now will need to be extra careful.

In addition, some nonprofit hospitals have joint ventures with for-profit hospitals and medical groups. That could create complicated questions about whether their employee contracts come under the rule, said Chip Kahn, president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, which represents for-profits.

The new rule arose from President Joe Bidens 2021 executive order instructing the FTC to curb the unfair use of noncompete agreements, part of his broader mandate to boost U.S. economic competition and worker mobility.

FTC's move promises to cut costs

The FTC argued that banning noncompetes, which it said cover 1 in 5 American workers, would lower health care costs by up to $194 billion over the next decade. It will ensure Americans freedom to pursue a new job, start a new business, or bring a new idea to market, FTC Chair Lina Khan said.

The rule also prohibits contract terms that function like noncompetes to stop employees from leaving to work for competing companies or start their own businesses. These might include overbroad nondisclosure agreements, training repayment provisions, and nonsolicitation clauses.

No one should be trapped in an unsafe job by onerous contracts that prevent them from taking another job, said Brynne ONeal, a regulatory policy specialist at National Nurses United, the professions largest dedicated labor union in the U.S. Hospitals, she said, use training repayment agreement provisions that require nurses to pay as much as $30,000 in training costs if they leave, essentially locking them in their jobs.

California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma already ban enforcement of noncompete clauses for all employees of both nonprofits and for-profits, while about nine other states prohibit noncompetes for physicians. Even in states without bans, judges have invalidated noncompetes when they have found them to be overbroad or unreasonable.

'A basic fairness issue'

Hospital executives argue that the noncompete rule will force them to compete against each other to hire physicians and other providers and ultimately cost them more, and that it advantages nonprofits over for-profits. All it would do is increase the price of labor in a field that already has labor shortages and thin margins, Golder said.

The nonprofit hospital across the street could pursue our employees, while their employees would be protected, and thats a basic fairness issue, Kahn said.

But Clifford Atlas, an employment attorney with Jackson Lewis in New York, said that argument against the noncompete rule wont fly in court because preventing competition for the services of physicians or other workers is not a business interest thats protected by law or public policy.

The rule is set to take effect in September, though business groups have filed two federal lawsuits against it in Texas and one in Pennsylvania. Many legal experts predict that conservative judges will strike down the rule on the grounds that it exceeds the FTCs statutory authority.

Physician and nurses groups hope the FTC rule, whatever its fate in the courts, helps persuade hospitals and other health care employers to stop using noncompetes and spurs more states to prohibit them.

Were telling our members it could be struck down, but were asking them to renegotiate their contracts, said Jones of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. They should be asking their employers, Wouldnt you like to be on the right side and not to be seen as fighting against physicians and patients?

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Mr Train has admitted to making an 'obvious failing' by not investing enough in British technology companies - Lindsell Train

Star fund manager Nick Train has apologised for poor performance at his flagship investment trust as he warned of malaise gripping the UK stock market.

Mr Train, who manages the 1.7bn Finsbury Growth & Income Trust, admitted to making an obvious failing three years ago by not investing enough in British technology companies. In the US, technology companies such as Tesla and Nvidia have been the big winners of the bull market.

The Finsbury Trust has persistently failed to keep pace with the FTSE All Share Index, with Mr Train forced to apologise for yet another six-month period where performance was poor.

In an update to investors, he bemoaned the parlous state of the UK stock market, which is trading at a significant discount to other global stock markets around the world.

The Trust delivered investors a 2.7pc return to shareholders for the six months to April, versus 6.9pc for the FTSE All Share Index during the same period.

Mr Train wrote: We really should be able to do better than this and if we cant, then I absolutely share shareholders growing impatience.

At the same time, as a career-long UK equity manager, I am frustrated by the malaise gripping the UK equity market. A malaise which is, in my opinion, only partly justified.

What I find difficult to write is not the acknowledging of our poor investment performance or apologising for it. We do acknowledge and apologise for it.

What is difficult is finding a credible way to convey to shareholders why we remain optimistic about the companys investment portfolio. It is difficult, because I am conscious that I have been vocally optimistic about its prospects throughout the three years and more of underperformance. So why should I be right this time?

As one of Britains best-known fund managers, Mr Trains funds group, Lindsell Train, is responsible for running more than 6bn of savers cash across several funds.

Mr Train founded the fund with Michael Lindsell in 2000.

The funds group runs the Lindsell Train Investment Trust, which is also listed on the stock market.

Like US investor Warren Buffett, Mr Train holds a small selection of companies over long periods of time - AP Photo/Nati Harnik

A dismal streak for stocks in Mr Trains portfolio has contributed to his funds poor performance.

Like US investor Warren Buffett, Mr Train holds a small selection of companies over long periods of time rather than trading in and out of dozens of companies.

The 65-year old said the overarching problem for the trust was the failure to own technology companies.

In 2020 Finsbury had about 30pc invested in data or tech stocks, which he said was too low. Mr Train has since hiked that number to 55pc, buying more shares in companies such as RELX, Sage, the London Stock Exchange Group, Rightmove and Hargreaves Lansdown, the latter of which is currently facing a takeover approach.

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He said malaise in the UK stock market was typified by the lower valuation UK tech stocks have versus US peers.

While UK investors value Rightmove at 22 times its prospective earning, a similar rival CoStar trades at 60 times, Mr Train said.

Aside from tech, luxury brands like Burberry and Diageo are also a key component of the trust and have dragged down performance.

Mr Train said it was mortifying that Burberry shares were worth 50pc less than they did at their peak in May 2023.

The luxury brand has been hit by weak demand among Chinese shoppers.

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Luma Health honored for exceptional workplace culture in Modern Healthcare ranking

SAN MATEO, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Luma Health , creator of the market-leading Patient Success Platform , has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in Healthcare . The award identifies and recognizes outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide, and combines an assessment of a company's practices and policies with independent employee feedback.

Luma was founded on the idea that healthcare should work better for all patients. Instead of a disconnected experience, where patients are forced to be their own healthcare advocates and provider teams struggle to reach their patients, every point along the care journey should be simple, seamless, and effective. (PRNewsfoto/Luma Health Inc.)

Luma Health's commitment to transforming the patient healthcare journey has not only attracted top talent in the industry but also fostered a deeply engaged and motivated workforce. Employees are drawn to Luma's mission-driven culture, where their work directly contributes to improving the lives of patients and empowering healthcare providers. This shared sense of purpose fuels a collaborative and innovative environment, making Luma Health a truly rewarding place to work.

"With all the economic uncertainty, staffing challenges, and folks wanting more flexible work setups, every company has to get clever about how they attract and hold onto talent," noted Dan Peres, president of Modern Healthcare. "The winners of the 2024 Best Places to Work awards really get it. They show us how vital it is to understand what employees want and need right now. With healthcare shifting so much, finding the right people is a top priority, and the winners know that keeping their team happy is the key to business success."

Modern Healthcare partners with Workforce Research Group on the assessment process, which included an extensive employee survey. The assessment included a review of Luma's practices and policies concerning employee recognition, recruitment and retention, diversity and inclusion training, employee professional development, and benefits programs. 20% of Luma's score was from assessments by Workforce Research Group, with the remaining 80% derived from employee feedback surveys.

"We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare. This award is a testament to the dedication, passion, and collaborative spirit of our entire team," said Adnan Iqbal, co-founder and CEO of Luma Health. "We believe that fostering a supportive and engaging workplace is essential to driving innovation and delivering exceptional solutions for our healthcare partners. We are committed to continuing to invest in our employees and cultivating a culture where everyone feels valued, empowered, and inspired to make a difference in the lives of others."

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The complete list of this year's winners is now available, and Modern Healthcare will publish a special supplement featuring a ranked list of all the winners as part of the October 14, 2024 issue of the magazine.

About Modern Healthcare

Modern Healthcare is the most trusted business news and information brand in the healthcare industry. Modern Healthcare empowers healthcare leaders and influencers to make timely and informed business decisions. To learn more or subscribe, go to www.modernhealthcare.com/subscriptions .

About Luma Health

Luma was founded on the idea that healthcare should work better for all patients. Instead of a disconnected experience, where patients are forced to be their own healthcare advocates and provider teams struggle to reach their patients, every point along the care journey should be simple, seamless, and effective. Luma's Patient Success Platform empowers patients and providers to be successful by connecting and orchestrating all the steps in the patient journey, along with all the operational workflows and processes in the healthcare ecosystem.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Luma serves more than 600 health systems, integrated delivery networks, federally qualified health centers, specialty networks, and clinics across the United States, and today orchestrates the care journeys of more than 50 million patients. For additional information, visit lumahealth.io .

Media contact:

Tim Cox | ZingPR

tim@zingpr.com

Cision

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SOURCE Luma Health Inc.
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Real estate investors have always valued property in the South. The appeal is clear when you consider the vast amounts of open space, warm weather and beautiful scenery in many Southern cities. But when it comes to making the best investments, not every city is created equal. In fact, some places should just be avoided entirely.

GOBankingRates spoke to real estate investors about where theyre avoiding investing in the South. Heres what they said.

Also here are 34 Southern cities where home prices are projected to spike in 2025.

For You: Im a Real Estate Investor: 10 Places I Would Never Buy Property

Trending Now: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup

Larry Gibson / iStock.com

New Orleans Hurricane Risks Outweigh Rewards

The charm of New Orleans rich culture and history is undeniable. But if youre investing in real estate here, you cant afford to ignore the risk of hurricanes.

New Orleans vulnerability to natural disasters and economic volatility dampens its appeal for multifamily investment, said Graham Sowden, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at RREAF Holdings, a firm that has overseen over $4 billion in multifamily transactions across the South.

Stephen Kovach, CEO at Global Advisers, said that New Orleans can be challenging because post-pandemic recovery has been slower compared to other southern cities, impacting economic stability.

Try This: Cheapest Places To Buy a Home in Every State

Learn More: 7 Locations Where Housing Prices Are Plummeting Post-Pandemic

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

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Shreveports Declining Population Is a Concern

Economic stagnation and population decline pose challenges for multifamily investment in Shreveport, Sowden said.

If youre considering investing in real estate, few factors are as critical as the citys population growth. If the populace shrinks, that means declining demand for housing and commercial properties.

Discover Next: Dont Buy a House in These 5 US Cities That Have Shrinking Populations and Fewer Buyers

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Louisiana and Oklahomas Weak In-Migration

Arvind Cheruku, partner and CIO at Fulshear Central, warns against investing in Louisiana and Oklahoma altogether. There arent many people moving into these states from California or Illinois or New York, he said.

Cheruku also said that these states business environments may not be conducive to investment growth. Because of the harsh operating conditions, some investors are steering clear right now.

Charles Brown / iStock.com

Austins Overheated Market

Even the booming capital of Texas gives Cheruku pause these days. I would currently be very careful and opportunistic when investing in Austin, he said.

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Cheruku believes some of the price appreciations have been unrealistic and out of touch with the market. This is a sign that the value is probably artificially inflated, which makes him cautious.

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Mobile and Montgomerys Economic Headwinds

Despite its strategic location, Mobile faces economic headwinds and demographic challenges that impact multifamily investment potential, Swoden said.

Similarly, Economic challenges and population trends impact multifamily investment prospects in Montgomery compared to other Southern markets, he said.

Because of these reasons, the expert investors we spoke to are mainly avoiding these markets right now.

Explore More: Dave Ramsey: Why You Shouldnt Pay Off Your Mortgage Early Even If You Can

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Jackson and Meridians Struggles

Sowden pointed to Jackson and Meridian, Mississippi as two cities presenting challenges for multifamily investment.

With economic struggles and population decline, Jackson presents challenges for multifamily investment in the Southern region, he said.

Kovach said that Jackson is also an issue because of its inadequate infrastructure and dependence on the public sector: The citys economy is heavily reliant on public sector jobs, which limits growth opportunities in other sectors.

Likewise, Economic challenges and demographic trends hinder multifamily investment potential in Meridian, he said.

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Monroes Demographic Hurdles

Monroe, Louisiana is situated between Shreveport and Jackson, Mississippi, in what would seem to be the perfect spot. But Sowden said it still makes him hesitate.

Despite its strategic location, he said, Monroe faces economic headwinds and demographic challenges that impact multifamily investment potential.

Shutterstock.com

Gulfports Stagnant Growth

Rounding out the list of cities to avoid, Sowden said that Economic struggles and limited population growth pose challenges for multifamily investment in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Check Out: 5 Types of Homes That Will Plummet in Value in 2024

Michael Warren / Getty Images

Birminghams Slow Down

Kovach said that Birmingham has been experiencing slower economic growth compared to other cities in the region. Challenges include a less diversified economy and lower levels of new business investment.

He said that even though there have been some efforts to improve economic inclusion, the pace of change may not be sufficient to drive significant investment returns in the short term.

valentinrussanov / iStock.com

Avoid Potential Pitfalls

By following the advice of Sowden, Kovach and Cheruku, investors can avoid pitfalls in an already difficult market. Just remember you should always do your own research before making any large investments.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Real Estate Investor: 11 Southern Cities Where You Should Avoid Buying Property
Jonathan Ross / Getty Images/iStockphoto

The American South has long been a land of opportunity. And while some southern markets give investors pause, others are shining bright with opportunity. GOBankingRates talked to industry experts to get their take on the regions real estate hotspots where smart money is flowing.

Read: Im a Real Estate Investor: 10 Places I Would Never Buy Property

Check Out: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

Houston and Dallas Deliver Resilient Growth

Dallas average home price according to Realtor.com: $479,000

Houston average home price, according to Realtor.com: $340,000

Houston and Dallas continue to shine when I think about great places to invest, said Jennifer Beeston, senior vice president of mortgage lending at Guaranteed Rate Mortgage. The job growth as well as the continued migration to Texas from other states makes it a solid investment for the future.

What makes these Texas titans so compelling? According to Arvind Cheruku, partner and CIO at Fulshear Central, Houston boasts steadier growth compared to boomtowns like Austin.

Houston was heavily reliant on the oil and gas industry for its growth in the past but it has been steadily diversifying into the healthcare industry, Cheruku shared. With this net gain, there is constant demand for housing, which then spurs growth in all areas like commercial real estate, services and much more.

The expert points to Dallas as another market with balanced expansion. Growth in terms of population moving from other states has been steady, he said of the metro. When there is demand for retail and other services, that spurs new construction and all the downstream impacts thereof.

Find Out: Im a Real Estate Agent: 3 States Where You Should Sell Your Property in the Next 5 Years

Atlantas Thriving Diversity Offers Stability

Atlanta average home price, according to Realtor.com: $414,000

At the top of Graham Sowdens list of prime multifamily markets is Atlanta. Sowden is the chief investment officer of RREAF Holdings, a firm controlling over 15,000 units in the region.

With a diversified economy and population growth outpacing national averages, Atlanta remains a top destination for multifamily investment, offering stability and growth potential, Sowden shared.

Rise of the Mid-Sized Multi-Family Markets

While mega-metros like Atlanta get attention, Sowden sees emerging potential in several mid-sized southern cities like:

Nashville, Tennessee

Average home price, according to Realtor.com: $583,000

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Boasting a vibrant cultural scene and a booming tech sector, Nashville continues to attract residents and investors alike, driving demand for multifamily properties. Stephen Kovach, the CEO at Global Advisers, added that Nashville is a great bet because of its significant investments in infrastructure and real estate development and because of of its economic resilience.

Nashville has shown strong economic resilience and growth, driven by its diversified economy, including healthcare, education, and music industries. The city has a robust job market and continues to attract new businesses and residents.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Average home price, according to Realtor.com: $432,000

As a financial hub with steady job growth and infrastructure development, Charlotte presents compelling investment opportunities in the multifamily sector, said Kovach.

Orlando, Florida

Average home price, according to Realtor.com: $389,000

Beyond its tourism industry, Orlando benefits from a growing tech presence and steady population influx, making it an attractive market for multifamily investment, he said.

Raleigh, North Carolina

Average home price, according to Realtor.com: $519,000

Fueled by innovation and a young, educated workforce, Raleigh presents promising investment prospects in the multifamily sector, Kovach added that Raleigh is also great for investors because of its high quality of life and its investments in tech and education. Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, known for its high concentration of tech companies and research institutions. This has created a stable and growing job market, attracting a young and educated workforce.

Jacksonville, Florida

Average home price, according to Realtor.com: $315,000

Positioned as a logistics and transportation hub, Jacksonville offers a diverse economy and strategic location, supporting demand for multifamily housing.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Average home price, according to Realtor.com: $380,000

With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Chattanooga offers unique investment opportunities in the multifamily sector, supported by economic revitalization efforts.

Huntsville, Alabama

Average home price, according to Realtor.com: $378,000

With a positive trend in employment since 2017, and being a leading STEM city that attracts young professionals, Huntsville market appears to have all the key characteristics that support the fundamentals in multifamily.

Tampa, Florida

Average home price, according to Realtor.com: $465,000

With a robust job market and affordable living costs, Tampa offers investors solid returns in a dynamic environment fueled by population growth, Kovach said.

According to our experts, the smartest real estate money is targeting cities in the South with the right mix of ingredients, including population growth, industry diversification, and housing undersupply. If youre looking to invest in the South, start with those factors and build your empire from there.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Real Estate Investor: 11 Southern Cities You Should Invest In Now
Mastercard has teamed up with Ethiopian financial solution provider EagleLion System Technology. The partnership aims to empower local businesses and consumers to seamlessly accept secure digital payments.

This joint effort marks a significant stride forward for both companies. Specifically, it combines EagleLion's expertise in digital financial solutions with Mastercard Gateways cutting-edge payment technology. It directly taps into the challenge and opportunity of advancing digital financial services in Ethiopia.

Currently, local businesses have limited access to secure and efficient digital payment acceptance solutions, primarily relying on cash transactions. As Ethiopia endeavours to embrace digital transformation, this collaboration contributes to the government's modernisation ambitions. It enables efficient and transparent cashless transactions, including payments for public services and tax collection.

Mastercard collaboration positions EagleLion as a key player in Ethiopian payments

Bersufekad Getachew, CEO of EagleLion said: Over the past few years, we have successfully forged strategic alliances with more than 30 distinguished financial institutions, governmental Institutes, and international organisations. This collaboration with Mastercard has positioned our company as a key player in the industry. It facilitates enhanced services and fosters innovation within our network.

The new payment solution provides greater access to a range of benefits, including enhanced security, speed and convenience for consumers. Additionally, merchants will be provided added peace of mind, with consumer credentials safeguarded against potential breaches.

We believe technology and innovation play a critical role in unleashing full business potential. Were committed to helping our stakeholders drive digital transformation across regions. Together, we will continue driving financial inclusion by enhancing access to next-generation payment solutions and services for merchants, added Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa, Mastercard.

With the launch of these new payment flows, Mastercard aims to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy. One that benefits everyone, everywhere by making payments safe, simple and smart for the people and businesses of Ethiopia.

"Mastercard and EagleLion partner to drive digital payment transformation in Ethiopia" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Melbourne Regional Chamber is selling its longtime downtown headquarters and moving into airport-owned office space on NASA Boulevard as the organization searches for a new permanent home.

And Revive Salon & Spa, which opened in July 2020 a few blocks away on New Haven Avenue, will move into the chamber's Strawbridge Avenue building and expand its offerings.

Last week, the Melbourne Airport Authority unanimously approved a two-year lease with the chamber, which will move into 4,334 square feet of airport-owned office space at 1135 W. NASA Blvd. This building is located off the south side of the road, near the campuses of Northrop Grumman and L3Harris.

The Melbourne Regional Chamber building on Strawbridge Avenue in downtown Melbourne.

"It fit really well with what we were looking for, size-wise. It has all the office space we need. It has a large meeting space. Thankfully, the airport worked with us on terms that were favorable to us for the lease," said Michael Ayers, chamber president and CEO.

"Location-wise, we're right in the middle of an economic hub of the Space Coast, surrounded by all these large aerospace companies that are partners. It's centrally located in the Melbourne community," Ayers said.

'And now, it gives us time to continue to search for our forever home  our long-term home  without feeling pressure to accept something that's not going to fit," he said.

The Melbourne Regional Chamber Chamber touts itself as the largest business organization in East-Central Florida, representing about 1,000 partner businesses and organizations.

Base rent will be $56,388 per year, plus a $15,168 common area maintenance charge. However, the airport will grant the chamber an annual $20,028 in-kind rent credit for the airports chamber membership and sponsorship fees. And, airport officials will waive the first month's rent and CAM charge because the chamber will accept the premises in as-is condition, agenda records show.

The Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce is selling their building and property in downtown Melbourne.

May 2023 story: Melbourne chamber building up for sale. Will a hotel or apartment developer buy it?

All told, the lease will generate $137,154 in revenue for the airport over the two-year term. The lease includes a pair of optional one-year extensions with consumer price index-related increases.

"Were fortunate to have the space, which is fairly rare. In fact, this is one of the few remaining spots that we have available. And timing-wise, were just happy to assist the chamber on the partnership, Greg Donovan, airport executive director, said during Wednesday's MAA meeting.

Last May, chamber officials listed their 9,358-square-foot office building at 1005 E. Strawbridge Ave.  which has served as the organization's headquarters since 1973  for sale for $2 million. Initially, they hoped the 0.6-acre downtown Melbourne property would attract a hotel or apartment developer.

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However, Ayers said market conditions and escalating construction prices impeded those visions. He also said the 0.6-acre size of the property proved a challenge because developers would have had to build vertically structured parking.

Revive Salon & Spa owner Tiffany Rosenfield.

Now, Revive Salon & Spa owner and downtown merchant Tiffany Rosenfield is buying the building. She hopes to close on the sale Tuesday, then remodel the structure to add 16 salon suites in the north side of the structure, which she will lease to stylists as Downtown Melbourne Salon Suites. On the south side of the building, she will expand and upgrade her salon-spa. She hopes renovations are complete by early August.

"I'm bringing in high-end innovative technology. And now, the space allows for that, whereas it didn't where I was before," Rosenfield said.

"I envision a lot of people just spending the day there in their robes, truly disconnecting from everyday life. We're going to have a lot of complimentary amenities, to where they're not going to want to leave. It's going to be really great," she said.

Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1

Support local journalism. Unlock unlimited digital access to floridatoday.com. Click here and subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Melbourne Regional Chamber selling downtown building to salon owner
For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to investors, even if it currently lacks a track record of revenue and profit. Unfortunately, these high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson. Loss-making companies are always racing against time to reach financial sustainability, so investors in these companies may be taking on more risk than they should.

So if this idea of high risk and high reward doesn't suit, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like Mi Technovation Berhad (KLSE:MI). Now this is not to say that the company presents the best investment opportunity around, but profitability is a key component to success in business.

Check out our latest analysis for Mi Technovation Berhad

How Fast Is Mi Technovation Berhad Growing?

If you believe that markets are even vaguely efficient, then over the long term you'd expect a company's share price to follow its earnings per share (EPS) outcomes. That makes EPS growth an attractive quality for any company. We can see that in the last three years Mi Technovation Berhad grew its EPS by 10% per year. That's a pretty good rate, if the company can sustain it.

Careful consideration of revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margins can help inform a view on the sustainability of the recent profit growth. EBIT margins for Mi Technovation Berhad remained fairly unchanged over the last year, however the company should be pleased to report its revenue growth for the period of 2.4% to RM386m. That's progress.

In the chart below, you can see how the company has grown earnings and revenue, over time. For finer detail, click on the image.

While we live in the present moment, there's little doubt that the future matters most in the investment decision process. So why not check this interactive chart depicting future EPS estimates, for Mi Technovation Berhad?

Are Mi Technovation Berhad Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Seeing insiders owning a large portion of the shares on issue is often a good sign. Their incentives will be aligned with the investors and there's less of a probability in a sudden sell-off that would impact the share price. So as you can imagine, the fact that Mi Technovation Berhad insiders own a significant number of shares certainly is appealing. In fact, they own 61% of the company, so they will share in the same delights and challenges experienced by the ordinary shareholders. This should be seen as a good thing, as it means insiders have a personal interest in delivering the best outcomes for shareholders. That means they have plenty of their own capital riding on the performance of the business!

It means a lot to see insiders invested in the business, but shareholders may be wondering if remuneration policies are in their best interest. A brief analysis of the CEO compensation suggests they are. For companies with market capitalisations between RM939m and RM3.8b, like Mi Technovation Berhad, the median CEO pay is around RM979k.

The CEO of Mi Technovation Berhad was paid just RM6.0k in total compensation for the year ending December 2023. This total may indicate that the CEO is sacrificing take home pay for performance-based benefits, ensuring that their motivations are synonymous with strong company results. While the level of CEO compensation shouldn't be the biggest factor in how the company is viewed, modest remuneration is a positive, because it suggests that the board keeps shareholder interests in mind. Generally, arguments can be made that reasonable pay levels attest to good decision-making.

Does Mi Technovation Berhad Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?

One positive for Mi Technovation Berhad is that it is growing EPS. That's nice to see. Earnings growth might be the main attraction for Mi Technovation Berhad, but the fun does not stop there. Boasting both modest CEO pay and considerable insider ownership, you'd argue this one is worthy of the watchlist, at least. What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Mi Technovation Berhad you should know about.

There's always the possibility of doing well buying stocks that are not growing earnings and do not have insiders buying shares. But for those who consider these important metrics, we encourage you to check out companies that do have those features. You can access a tailored list of Malaysian companies which have demonstrated growth backed by significant insider holdings.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

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.
By Suzanne McGee

(Reuters) - The move to next-day settlement for trading in U.S. securities on Tuesday will require exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the marketmakers to juggle multiple jurisdictional requirements and capital needs, market participants said.

U.S. trading moves to a shorter settlement on Tuesday, which regulators hope will reduce risk and improve efficiency in the world's largest markets, but is expected to temporarily increase transaction failure for investors.

The biggest headache that many ETF issuers and their service providers face is what happens when there's a "mismatch" between when trades of the ETF wrapper -- the fund itself -- settle, and the settlement schedule for the ETF's holdings traded outside of the United States.

A U.S.-listed ETF will be subject to the new "T+1" settlement rules but not all of the constituents of that fund face the same parameters. Meanwhile, European ETF issuers will have to wait for two days for buyers of their products to pay but they will have only a single day to pay for new orders of any ETF components that trade in the United States.

The primary impact will be felt by asset managers whose funds include European holdings, since China and India already have accelerated their settlement periods and Canada, Mexico and Argentina also made the switch this week, said John Hooson, managing director of ETF services at BBH.

The majority of ETF issuers are dealing with this in some way shape or form.

Such dislocations, he added, "will have to be solved with an authorized provider posting additional collateral."

Authorized providers, the marketmakers who respond to ETF orders by purchasing or selling baskets of shares, will have to find ways to continue creating those ETF baskets in a timely and cost-efficient manner, or see their cost of capital and need for short-term liquidity increase.

Time zone differences may stress the settlement process still further, said Todd Rosenbluth, head of ETF research at VettaFi.

"That may lead to wider bid/asked spreads and reduced liquidity as people try to address all these mismatches," Rosenbluth said. He added he expects this to be a short term challenge that "will work its way through the markets over a few weeks."

Robert Humbert, global head of ETF product at BNY Mellon, one of the largest custodians and asset servicing firms, said that about 30% of the order volume his company oversees already settles on a T+1 basis, and expects that to bump up to 70% when the SEC-mandated rule change kicks in on Tuesday.

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"Certainly, mismatching could be an issue for some but the flip side is that T+1 ultimately is a more capital-efficient process," Humbert said. Market participants "will only need to hold capital for one day, not two."

Both Hooson and Humbert point to another area where ETF market participants will need to adjust. Currently, marketmakers manage their own inventories on a T+1 basis, in order to create or redeem new ETF baskets on the old T+2 settlement cycle. The change means those liquidity providers will now have to shift to T+0.

Humbert, however, argues that the industry is prepared.

"We've spent the last 12 months working with ETF issuers and their authorized participants to iron out problems," he said.

Rosenbluth agrees, noting that asset management firms "tend to be very good at getting ahead of known and anticipated events."

(Reporting by Suzanne McGee; editing by Megan Davies and Chizu Nomiyama)
Proxy adviser firm Glass Lewis weighed in on Teslas (TSLA) upcoming shareholder proposals, and once again said CEO Elon Musks pay package is a problem.

Currently Musk's ownership stake in Tesla sits at 12.9%, but would balloon to 22.4% if the pay package is approved by shareholders, Glass Lewis said.

Glass Lewis first raised concerns about Musk's compensation in 2018 when it was granted.

Glass Lewis raised a number of concerns about the [2018] grant, including the quantum of pay and the dilutive impact on disinterested shareholders, the firm wrote in a large report issued over the weekend. The firm said the most substantive of its prior concerns remain the same.

Elon Musk arrives at the 10th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

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 as discussed in fuller detail above. The Company's provided rationale does little to combat these concerns given their proportionate magnitude.

Glass Lewis also said Tesla moving its state of incorporation to Texas is unwarranted at this time.

Earlier this year, Tesla filed its proxy statement ahead of the EV maker's June 13 shareholder meeting with two big requests: that shareholders vote to ratify CEO Elon Musks 2018 pay package, which had been rescinded by a Delaware judge earlier this year, and that they agree to move Teslas state of incorporation to Texas from Delaware.

The Delaware court found the package was awarded to Musk by a board that didnt act in the best interests of Tesla and showed barely any evidence of negotiations at all. Musks 2018 pay package was worth around $56 billion; Glass Lewiss calculations now claim Musks current package is valued at around $44.9 billion.

In its new report, Glass Lewis compared compensation figures in the form of stock awards given to the eight biggest companies the S&P 100 (dubbed US megacap) as well as S&P 500 companies in the automotive sector.

The analysis found the dilutive effect of the package given to Musk was extreme. While the average dilutive effect of all grants given by US megacap companies in the last fiscal year was 1.86% of stock float (and only 1% for S&P 500 automotive companies), the dilutive effect of Musks package was a whopping 8.7%, per Glass Lewis calculations.

If that weren't enough, Musk has threatened to pull AI and other high-value tech projects from Tesla if he doesnt have approximately 25% ownership control of Tesla.

Given the size of the pay package and the heightened focus on Tesla stock in general, Wall Street expects the results of the vote could be a rocky time for shareholders.

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We see Tesla's June 13th shareholder vote as having significance to the long-term strategic direction of the company. While impossible to predict the outcome, we expect the event could drive material volatility in the stock, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a note to investors last week.

Wedbushs Dan Ives also expects fireworks at Teslas June 13 meeting, though he predicts shareholders will approve Musks pay package.

Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on Twitter and on Instagram.

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Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of NoviqTech Limited (ASX:NVQ), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

Check out our latest analysis for NoviqTech

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At NoviqTech

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when insider John Tarrant bought AU$535k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.005 per share. That means that even when the share price was higher than AU$0.0035 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock if insiders have bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price.

Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 217.04m shares worth AU$881k. On the other hand they divested 156.01m shares, for AU$644k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by NoviqTech insiders. They paid about AU$0.0041 on average. This is nice to see since it implies that insiders might see value around current prices. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

NoviqTech is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find small cap companies at attractive valuations, this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

NoviqTech Insiders Bought Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we've seen significantly more insider buying, than insider selling, at NoviqTech. We can see that insider John Tarrant paid AU$535k for shares in the company. But we did see insider Amarandhar Kotha sell shares worth AU$335k. We think insiders may be optimistic about the future, since insiders have been net buyers of shares.

Does NoviqTech Boast High Insider Ownership?

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Insiders own 28% of NoviqTech shares, worth about AU$1.4m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders.

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What Might The Insider Transactions At NoviqTech Tell Us?

It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchase. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. But on the other hand, the company made a loss during the last year, which makes us a little cautious. When combined with notable insider ownership, these factors suggest NoviqTech insiders are well aligned, and that they may think the share price is too low. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing NoviqTech. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 5 warning signs for NoviqTech (of which 4 are potentially serious!) you should know about.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

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.
Penn Highlands Healthcare will pay $725,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging False Claims Act infringement.

The lawsuit claimed the infringement came through the submission of claims to Medicare and Medicaid resulting from violations of the Physician Self-Referral Law (Stark Law), the Department of Justice said.

The Stark Law prohibits a medical provider from billing Medicare or Medicaid for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the laws statutory or regulatory exceptions.

In the lawsuit, the United States alleged that from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2012, Penn Highlands DuBois violated the Stark Law by paying improper compensation to a referring physician and to a physician employed by Womens Care of Pennsylvania.

The case was brought about by a whistleblower complaint by three medical providers that was filed in October 2016, the Department of Justice said. The medical providers were formerly employed by Penn Highlands.

In a statement sent to Channel 11, Penn Highlands Healthcare denies the allegations but says its pleased to resolve the investigation. The full statement reads:

While Penn Highlands Healthcare vigorously denies the allegations set forth in the amended complaint, PHH is pleased to resolve this six-year long investigation on narrow terms without admitting liability. The settlement relates to one particular term in a contract entered into more than fifteen years ago. We appreciate the governments hard work on these complex issues, and we were pleased to cooperate fully in every respect of their investigation. We look forward to closing this matter and continuing to provide the highest quality of care for Pennsylvanians. This complaint and the subsequent investigation did not affect patient care.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

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Pratt & Whitney Canada, a regional subsidiary of the RTX-owned US aerospace manufacturer, has begun the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Casablanca, Morocco.

Spanning over 12,000sqm, Pratt & Whitney Maroc (PWM) will produce detailed static and structural machined parts for the companys aircraft engines. It is expected to create 200 new jobs locally by 2030.

PWM is intended to complement the company's current manufacturing sites and supply chain, as well as to help secure parts to meet the strong global customer demand.

Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada, said: We selected Morocco after a careful global benchmarking effort that pointed to Casablancas growing hub of aerospace companies including RTXs Collins Aerospace. Since the announcement of this significant investment less than a year ago, Pratt & Whitney Morocco has made rapid progress in hiring an initial cohort of local employees and working closely with local schools, agencies and the business community to achieve our goal of being fully operational next year.

Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade of Morocco, added: Today, we are witnessing the completion of this great project from Pratt & Whitney with the laying of the first stone. The giants decision to invest in Morocco shows once again investors' confidence in the Moroccan industrial platform and its competitiveness.

Earlier this year, Pratt & Whitney expanded its Eagle Services Asia engine centre in Singapore and also opened a new India Digital Capability Centre.

"Pratt & Whitney breaks ground on new facility in Casablanca" was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
As it stands today, there are only seven companies in the world with market capitalizations in excess of $1 trillion. This exclusive club includes six of the "Magnificent Seven"  Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta Platforms.

Nvidia is the only pure-play semiconductor and data center services business with a trillion-dollar valuation right now. But as Advanced Micro Devices, Intel, Qualcomm, and more vie with it to meet the world's demand for cutting-edge processors, I wouldn't be surprised to see more chip stocks gain entrance into the trillion-dollar club.

But I don't expect any of those three will become the next chip stock to reach a market cap of $1 trillion. I predict instead that it will be Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM), currently the ninth most valuable business in the world, worth $806 billion.

The hidden gem of the chip industry

Nvidia and AMD each develop sophisticated chips known as graphics processing units (GPUs). GPUs provide the computing power to myriad generative AI applications including machine learning, training large language models, accelerated computing, and more.

While that puts Nvidia and its rivals front and center in the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, investors might be surprised to learn that they  and many other chip companies  rely heavily on Taiwan Semiconductor.

While Nvidia, AMD, and many others design GPUs and other chips, they actually outsource most of their manufacturing. Taiwan Semiconductor  the world's most productive third-party chip fabricator  brings their chips to life. It also boasts Amazon, Broadcom, Intel, Qualcomm, and Sony as major customers.

Image Source: Getty Images

Remember to think long term

In the first quarter, the company's revenue rose 13% year over year to $18.7 billion, a result that came in at the high end of management's guidance range.

One thing that you might notice from the chart above is that Taiwan Semiconductor's revenues and operating profits have fluctuated in recent quarters. That's natural. The semiconductor industry is cyclical, and Taiwan Semiconductor is not immune to the business conditions that impact its clients.

During the first-quarter earnings call, management pointed to seasonality in the smartphone business in particular as being responsible for some of the fluctuations in revenue and profit margins.

Nevertheless, its long-term outlook remains strong.

Analysts' consensus estimate for Taiwan Semiconductor's 2024 revenue is approximately $84 billion  representing 21% growth year over year.

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It's clear that demand for GPUs will change in the short term. This is because many companies that have been buying up the most powerful chips are still figuring out exactly how AI will play into their long-term roadmaps. For this reason, while I expect corporations to allocate more capital toward those chips over time, the growth of the market isn't going to be linear.

Although fluctuations in demand will impact Taiwan Semiconductor's business, the long-term secular trends fueling AI should continue benefiting the company. The key theme here is that investors will need to remain patient as Taiwan Semiconductor's newest growth story is very much in its early chapters.

Is now a good time to buy Taiwan Semiconductor stock?

The chart below benchmarks Taiwan Semiconductor against a large set of players operating in various aspects of the semiconductor landscape.

Trading at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 11.3, Taiwan Semiconductor stock has a valuation right in the middle of that pack. I find the steep premium Nvidia stock now carries to be fascinating. While the company is surely experiencing record growth thanks to its leading GPUs and data center services, its relationship with Taiwan Semiconductor might be underappreciated.

Indeed, considering how many chip designers rely on Taiwan Semiconductor in some form or fashion, it could be argued that the company's role within the chip realm is being discounted.

I am bullish on AI in the long run, and see Taiwan Semiconductor continuing to play a critical role in its progression. I think as companies such as Nvidia and AMD continue to innovate and release new products, it will increasingly land on more investors' radar.

Given these dynamics, I see Taiwan Semiconductor following Nvidia to a trillion-dollar valuation sooner rather than later.

Should you invest $1,000 in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing right now?

Before you buy stock in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, 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 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing 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!*

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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. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Adam Spatacco has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends ASML, Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and Intel and recommends the following options: long January 2025 $45 calls on Intel, long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft, and short May 2024 $47 calls on Intel. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Prediction: This Will Be the Next Semiconductor Company to Join Nvidia in the Trillion-Dollar Club (Hint: It's Not AMD) was originally published by The Motley Fool
Printing The Future: 3D-Printed Homes Offer Affordable, Eco-Friendly Solutions Across The Nation

As communities across the nation grapple with housing affordability, several companies are figuring out how to use 3D printers to provide less expensive homes.

Green, clean, and efficient 3D homes are popping up across the country. They're printed in place, layer by layer, using concrete blends. Building a 3D home requires less labor and reduces waste on the job site.

Habitat for Humanity Peninsula & Greater Williamsburg in Newport News, Virginia, has completed and sold three 3D-printed homes, CEO Janet Green told U.S. News & World Report.

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"There are many cost efficiencies that these tools will help with," Green said. "For instance, it took us about 35 hours to print the exterior walls of each home. Labor right now for that is about four people. Normally, you need a lot more people to build the framing of the house."

Colorado-based Alquist 3D looks for ways to build 3D-printed homes with locally sourced materials, which also means they have small carbon footprints. Alquist 3D aims to build carbon-negative houses and remove carbon from the air.

Although 3D-printed homes aren't as affordable as they are predicted to be, buyers realize other benefits.

Trending:

Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are bullish on one city that could dethrone New York and become the new financial capital of the US. Investing in its booming real estate market has never been more accessible.

"Once you buy a house the big problem that I see with my family, for example, is maintaining the home, things like the cost you have in energy, the cost you have in maintenance," Alquist 3D CEO Patrick Callahan told U.S. News & World Report. "This material doesn't burn, there is no water permeability, it can withstand hurricane winds. The energy cost that you have with this material goes down by 50% the day you move in because of the R-factor (insulation value) of the material. It can last hundreds of years based on the strength of the material  that is a game-changer for families."

3D-printing technology isn't just for housing. According to Robb Report, a 3D-printed hotel and a neighborhood of 3D-printed homes will be built in West Texas. The 62-acre development at desert campground El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas, will offer an open-air bathhouse as one of its amenities. It will include a steam room and sauna, cold plunge, hot tubs, and treatment yurts.

Story continues

"The things we can do with 3D technology are completely revolutionary from a design perspective," hotelier Liz Lambert told Robb Report. "There's a beautiful organic quality to the material used to print the homes that gives the sense that they have arisen magically from the earth beneath them. They are unlike anything I've ever seen and, I'm really proud of what we've created."

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This article Printing The Future: 3D-Printed Homes Offer Affordable, Eco-Friendly Solutions Across The Nation originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Ranhill Utilities Berhad fair value estimate is RM2.40

Ranhill Utilities Berhad's RM1.57 share price signals that it might be 35% undervalued

Analyst price target for RANHILL is RM1.02 which is 57% below our fair value estimate

How far off is Ranhill Utilities Berhad (KLSE:RANHILL) 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. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

Check out our latest analysis for Ranhill Utilities Berhad

Step By Step Through The Calculation

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. 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.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM131.0m RM191.5m RM187.1m RM186.3m RM187.7m RM190.7m RM194.9m RM199.9m RM205.7m RM212.0m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -0.43% Est @ 0.76% Est @ 1.60% Est @ 2.18% Est @ 2.59% Est @ 2.88% Est @ 3.08% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 8.6% RM121 RM162 RM146 RM134 RM124 RM116 RM109 RM103 RM97.6 RM92.7

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM1.2b

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. 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 8.6%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM212m (1 + 3.6%)  (8.6% 3.6%) = RM4.3b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM4.3b ( 1 + 8.6%)10= RM1.9b

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 RM3.1b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM1.6, the company appears quite good value at a 35% 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

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own 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 Ranhill Utilities Berhad 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 8.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. 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 Ranhill Utilities Berhad

Strength

Debt is well covered by cash flow.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Interest payments on debt are not well covered.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Malaysian market.

Next Steps:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Ranhill Utilities Berhad, there are three additional aspects you should consider:

Risks: Case in point, we've spotted 2 warning signs for Ranhill Utilities Berhad you should be aware of, and 1 of them is a bit unpleasant. Future Earnings: How does RANHILL'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. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock 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.
What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. In light of that, when we looked at Turbo-Mech Berhad (KLSE:TURBO) and its ROCE trend, we weren't exactly thrilled.

What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on Turbo-Mech Berhad is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.025 = RM3.3m  (RM138m - RM7.3m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023).

Therefore, Turbo-Mech Berhad has an ROCE of 2.5%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Trade Distributors industry average of 9.3%.

See our latest analysis for Turbo-Mech Berhad

roce

While the past is not representative of the future, it can be helpful to know how a company has performed historically, which is why we have this chart above. If you want to delve into the historical earnings , check out these free graphs detailing revenue and cash flow performance of Turbo-Mech Berhad.

How Are Returns Trending?

When we looked at the ROCE trend at Turbo-Mech Berhad, we didn't gain much confidence. Over the last five years, returns on capital have decreased to 2.5% from 4.0% five years ago. And considering revenue has dropped while employing more capital, we'd be cautious. This could mean that the business is losing its competitive advantage or market share, because while more money is being put into ventures, it's actually producing a lower return - "less bang for their buck" per se.

The Bottom Line On Turbo-Mech Berhad's ROCE

We're a bit apprehensive about Turbo-Mech Berhad because despite more capital being deployed in the business, returns on that capital and sales have both fallen. In spite of that, the stock has delivered a 27% return to shareholders who held over the last five years. Either way, we aren't huge fans of the current trends and so with that we think you might find better investments elsewhere.

If you'd like to know more about Turbo-Mech Berhad, we've spotted 3 warning signs, and 2 of them are a bit unpleasant.

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While Turbo-Mech Berhad may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list 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.
Russia and Uzbekistan have reached an agreement for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the Central Asian country.

The development occurred as Russia's President Vladimir Putin visited Uzbekistan for talks with the country's leader, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The agreement signifies Russia's capacity to export high-tech energy solutions to Asian markets amidst increasing Western sanctions.

The Kremlin released documents stating that Russian state nuclear company Rosatom will construct six reactors in Uzbekistan, each with 55MW, providing 330MW of capacity in total.

The initiative is smaller in scale than the 2.4GW project agreed in 2018, which is yet to be finalised.

President Putin announced a Russian investment of $400m into a joint fund with Uzbekistan. The fund totals $500m and will finance projects within the country.

President Mirziyoyev expressed Uzbekistan's interest in increasing oil and gas imports from Russia, marking a shift from previous decades where the flow was predominantly from Central Asia to Moscow.

Mirziyoyev described the visit by Putin as historic.

Reuters quoted Mirziyoyev: It heralds the beginning of a new age in the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance relations between our countries.

Putin described Tashkent as a "strategic partner and reliable ally of Moscow".

None of the five former Soviet Central Asian republics host a nuclear power plant, despite Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan - both uranium producers - expressing the need for nuclear energy to support their growing economies.

Kazakhstan's nuclear project is pending a national referendum yet to be scheduled.

Mirziyoyev continued: Nearly all the leading countries of the world ensure their energy security and sustainable development with the help of nuclear energy.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan has begun importing Russian natural gas through a pipeline previously used for exporting gas to Russia, a strategic move in light of Russia's pivot to Asian markets following tensions with the West over Ukraine.

Despite producing 50 billion cubic metres of gas annually, Uzbekistan faces challenges in satisfying domestic energy demand and Russian gas imports have been crucial in preventing an energy shortfall.

Putin stated: (Gas) exports are running well ahead of schedule and we are ready to increase their volume if needed.

Mirziyoyev also indicated a desire to increase Russian oil imports. The two nations are collaborating on mining, metals and chemical projects.

"Russia to construct Uzbekistans first nuclear power plant" was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand.

Story continues







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Michael Warren / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Many people choose small towns for the sense of community, walkability and safety that they can offer. In a small town, you know your neighbors and the folks you might interact with in your community. While small towns arent always cheaper than big cities, they can often offer a lower cost of living or can they?

Since livability is a key factor for many people to choose to live in a small town, GOBankingRates set out to find out exactly what type of salary it takes to live in some of the highest-rated cities in the U.S. in terms of their livability scores, among other factors.

Read More: Dont Buy a House in These 3 Cities Facing a Climate Change Real Estate Bubble

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GOBankingRates analyzed cities with a population between 1,000 and 50,000 residents, as sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. Livability scores were sourced from AreaVibes and the cost-of-living indexes were sourced from Sperlings BestPlaces and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average expenditure costs can be calculated for each city.

Also see the richest small town in every state.

z_wei / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Key Findings

On this list, 10 of the cities were in Ohio and eight of those had median household incomes that were enough to afford a comfortable cost of living.

Five of these cities are in Wisconsin and four of those had median household incomes that werent enough to afford a comfortable cost of living.

Even in the two cities with the highest median household income, over $200,000 per year, both in Massachusetts, the salary needed to live comfortably was higher.

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For You: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

Vernon Stockton / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Shaker Heights, Ohio

Income needed to live comfortably: $93,221

Shaker Heights, Ohio offers a reasonable median household income of $96,494, enough to fund a comfortable living in this small city.

See More: 8 States To Move to If You Dont Want To Pay Taxes on Social Security

Ultima_Gaina / Getty Images/iStockphoto

West Lafayette, Indiana

Income needed to live comfortably: $94,430

West Lafayette, Indiana takes the cake for having the worst median household income on this list, at just $30,317. This is astonishing, given that the average monthly expenditures come to nearly $4,000.

culbertson / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Champlin, Minnesota

Income needed to live comfortably: $100,050

In Champlin, Minnesota, the difference between the salary needed to live comfortably and the median household income of $113,570 is over $13,000 in residents favor.

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Davel5957 / Getty Images

Rosemont, Minnesota

Income needed to live comfortably: $109,612

Rosemont, Minnesota is even more supportive of a comfortable lifestyle than Champlin, with a buffer of almost $18,000 after expenses are paid toward a comfortable living.

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Wood Village, Oregon

Income needed to live comfortably: $114,992

Wood Village, Oregon, may be a small town, with a population of just 4,548, but that doesnt mean its affordable. If you earn a median household income of $67,014, youll find yourself at a deficit of almost $48,000 to live comfortably.

See Next: 10 Dangerous Cities You Shouldnt Buy a Home in No Matter the Price

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

Melrose, Massachusetts

Income needed to live comfortably: $184,269

In Melrose, Massachusetts, home values are high, around $904,473. Unsurprisingly, monthly mortgage payments are, too, at $5,537.

PhilAugustavo / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Middleton, Wisconsin

Income needed to live comfortably: $134,873

A salary that looks good on paper, such as Middleton, Wisconsins median household income of $87,333 unfortunately doesnt cut it for a comfortable living here.

Swampyank / Wikimedia Commons

Marquette, Michigan

Income needed to live comfortably: $90,016

Mortgage payments in Marquette, Michigan are among the lowest on this list, at $1,776 per month, but when you add that to other monthly expenditures, its still $3,751 you need to fork out each month.

seanfboggs / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Lafayette, Colorado

Income needed to live comfortably: $155,492

In Lafayette, Colorado, if youre making the median household income of $105,819, which looks good on paper, its still about $50,000 shy of the income needed to live comfortably.

Explore More: Dont Buy a House in These 10 US Cities: Growing Populations and Overcrowding

Scharvik / Getty Images

Sewickley, Pennsylvania

Income needed to live comfortably: $119,351

Trying to live comfortably in Sewickley, Pennsylvania on the median household income of $77,454 is difficult, when theres a nearly $42,000 deficit.

ChrisBoswell / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Battle Ground, Washington

Income needed to live comfortably: $137,551

While the house values are high in Battle Ground, Washington, with the average home value at $595,724, that means average mortgage payments are also high  at $3,647 per month.

DenisTangneyJr / iStock.com

Essex, Vermont

Income needed to live comfortably: $126,749.56

In Essex, Vermont, people making the median household income of $92,589 or less will struggle to be comfortable. Monthly expenditures average $5,281 per month, as well.

zhu difeng / Shutterstock.com

Central Point, Oregon

Income needed to live comfortably: $105,065

In Central Point, Oregon the average home value is $406,922 and the average monthly mortgage payment is just under $2,500.

Discover Next: 5 Midwest Cities Where You Can Buy Luxury Homes for $100,000 or Less

Ben Baeb / Shutterstock.com

Wausau, Wisconsin

Income needed to live comfortably: $74,009

Wausau, Wisconsin is in the bottom ten cities for median household income. Here, even with an income level thats relatively low to live comfortably compared to most cities on this list, the median household income of $59,259 isnt enough to get by without a struggle.

marchello74 / Shutterstock.com

Western Springs, Illinois

Income needed to live comfortably: $158,326

Affordability varies widely in Illinois. In the town of Western Springs, which has the third highest median income on this list, of $198,836, you can live comfortably with a buffer of over $40,000 to boot.

James Meyer / Shutterstock.com

Verona, Wisconsin

Income needed to live comfortably: $132,122

Verona, Wisconsin is another midwestern place where youll have to tighten your belt if you hope to afford life here. Average monthly expenditures run around $5,500.

Jasperdo / Flickr.com

Edwardsville, Illinois

Income needed to live comfortably: $90,903

For those making the median income of $87,094, you might have to tighten your belt to live comfortably here, but its within reach. Average monthly expenditures overall run around $3,700.

Learn More: 4 Reasons You Might Regret Buying a Home in Florida

anouchka / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Wilton Manors, Florida

Income needed to live comfortably: $165,711

Wilton Manors, Florida is not going to be a very affordable place to call home, with a median household income of $81,424, which is less than half of whats needed to live comfortably here. At least the livability is high, at a score of 91.

Ron_Thomas / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Perrysburg, Ohio

Income needed to live comfortably: $91,291

In Perrysburg, Ohio, the median household income of $98,419 is enough for comfortable living and the livability is a high 90. Here your average monthly expenses will fall under $4,000.

AlbertPego / Getty Images

Upper Arlington, Colorado

Income needed to live comfortably: $138,428

In Upper Arlington, Ohio, however, the median household income of $144,705 is enough to provide a comfortable living.

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Urbandale, Iowa

Income needed to live comfortably: $95,692

Urbandale, Iowa offers a comfortable living of more than $15,000, with a median household income of $111,888.

Find Out: 7 Locations Where Housing Prices Are Plummeting Post-Pandemic

dvgpro / Shutterstock.com

Solon, Ohio

Income needed to live comfortably: $105,399

The Ohio town of Solon, population 24,053, can offer a comfortable living for those making the median household income of $128,470.

benedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Monroe, Washington

Income needed to live comfortably: $153,592

In Monroe, Washington, the average home value is $723,086 and the average monthly mortgage payment is $4,426, around two-thirds of the monthly expenditures.

AlizadaStudios / Getty Images

Winchester, Massachusetts

Income needed to live comfortably: $289,445

Massachusetts is notoriously expensive compared to the rest of the U.S. and Winchester is no exception. While the median household income is the highest on this list, at $208,531, its still over $80,000 short of a comfortable living.

will_snyder_ / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Milwaukie, Oregon

Income needed to live comfortably: $126,348

Milwaukie, Oregon isnt as affordable as its midwestern counterpart.

Here, not only will you pay an average of $5,265 per month in expenditures, but the median household income of $78,676 falls vastly short of whats needed to live comfortably.

Check Out: Housing Market 2024: 50 Most Affordable Cities for Homebuyers

RiverNorthPhotography / Getty Images

Traverse City, Michigan

Income needed to live comfortably: $106,500

In Traverse City, Michigan, the average monthly expenditures of $4,438 break down with $2,683 for monthly mortgage payments and about $1,754 for the remaining basic expenditures.

Davel5957 / iStock.com

Pleasant Edge, Michigan

Income needed to live comfortably: $114,550

Pleasant Ridge, Michigan is true to its name because the median household income leaves a buffer of more than $50,000 above the cost to live comfortably.

Mbrickn / Wikimedia Commons

Blufton, Ohio

Income needed to live comfortably: $79,035

In the small town of Bluffton, Ohio, population 3,540, the median household income of $74,620 is only about $4,400 less than the income needed to live comfortably.

Michigan Municipal League / Flickr.com

Farmington, Michigan

Income needed to live comfortably: $95,137

In Farmington, Michigan, average monthly expenditures are nearly $4,000, with more than half of that going to the average mortgage payment of $2,024.

Discover More: Im a Home Staging Expert: Watch Out for These 5 Staging Red Flags When Youre Buying a Home

Pgiam / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Income needed to live comfortably: $184,549

Like many other cities in Pennsylvania on this list, Bryn Mawr is proving to be a tough place to make ends meet. The median household income is almost half as much as the income needed to live comfortably. With average monthly expenditures of over $7,600, its tough.

Alexey Stip / Shutterstock.com

Fort Thomas, Kentucky

Income needed to live comfortably: $96,724

Living in Fort Thomas Kentucky for folks making the median household income of $95,391 comes close to being comfortable by just about $1,300. Total average monthly expenditures are just over $4,000.

Peeter Viisimaa / iStock.com

Berkeley, Michigan

Income needed to live comfortably: $91,657

Berkeley, Michigan is a decent place for folks to live comfortably, where the median household income is almost $16,000 above whats needed. The livability is a high 91, as well.

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Lexington, Massachusetts

Income needed to live comfortably: $289,170

Even in affluent Massachusetts, where the median household income is over $206,000, theres still a nearly $82,000 deficit to living comfortably. Total monthly expenditures are an astonishing $12,049 and the average home value is well over $1.6 million.

Read More: Im a Real Estate Investor: 10 Places I Would Never Buy Property

JamesBrey / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Shorewood, Wisconsin

Income needed to live comfortably: $120,005

Residents of Shorewood, Wisconsin are feeling stretched thin. The median household income of $87,161 is not nearly enough to live comfortably and the $5,000 per month in average monthly expenditures is likely tough to meet.

vitpho / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Sherwood, Oregon

Income needed to live comfortably: $148,007

Its tough to make it in Sherwood, Oregon, where the median household income is at a more than $41,000 deficit with the income needed to live comfortably. Not to mention the total average monthly cost of living is over $6,100.

Joe Hendrickson / Shutterstock.com

Jerome, Illinois

Income needed to live comfortably: $66,235

Jerome, Illinois residents struggle to get by, given the more than $14,000 deficit between a comfortable salary and the median household income.

aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

Bellevue, Kentucky

Income needed to live comfortably: $80,931

Residents of Bellevue, Kentucky may find it tougher to make ends meet here, with a deficit of about $14,000 between median household income and whats needed for a comfortable living. However, the livability score is a high 92.

Find Out: Cheapest Places To Buy a Home in Every State

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Clawson, Michigan

Income needed to live comfortably: $87,914

Those making the median household income of $82,713 in Clawson, Michigan, one of the lower on this list, will still live comfortably with a buffer of about $5,000.

aimintang / Getty Images

Pompton Lakes, New Jersey

Income needed to live comfortably: $126,136

Anyone earning the median household income of $113,781 or less will struggle to live comfortably in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. The average home value is almost $500,000, as well.

Alex Potemkin / Getty Images

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Income needed to live comfortably: $92,755

Camp Hill, Pennsylvanias median household income is $104,959, more than $12,000 above whats needed to live comfortably. The livability score is a high 92, as well.

f11photo / Shutterstock.com

Bexley, Ohio

Income needed to live comfortably: $123,635

In Bexley, Ohio, the median household income of $138,929 is more than enough to live comfortably, which is amazing, given that total monthly expenditures average more than $5,100.

Explore More: Dont Buy a House in These 5 US Cities That Have Shrinking Populations and Fewer Buyers

aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

Minerva Park, Ohio

Income needed to live comfortably: $94,715

Minerva Park, Ohio may not be the most affordable city, with average monthly expenditures of almost $4,000, but the median household income is more than $30,000 over whats needed to live comfortably. And the livability score is a high 92.

luminouslens / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Income needed to live comfortably: $121,652

In Ardmore, Pennsylvania, total monthly expenditures are extremely high, at $5,069. The median household income falls short of comfortable by over $3,600. Yet the livability score remains high, at 93.

Kirkikis / Getty Images

Pittsford, New York

Income needed to live comfortably: $114,570

In the small town of Pittsford, New York, population 1,644, the livability is high, with a score of 93 and the median household income of $116,250 is enough to live comfortably by almost $2,000.

PapaBear / Getty Images/iStockphoto

University Heights, Ohio

Income needed to live comfortably: $80,114

University Heights, Ohio is one of the few cities where the income needed to live comfortably is below $100,000. Fortunately, the median household income is enough to be comfortable, at $91,960, leaving a more than $10,000 buffer.

Be Aware: Dave Ramsey: Why You Shouldnt Pay Off Your Mortgage Early Even If You Can

Henryk Sadura / Shutterstock.com

Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin

Income needed to live comfortably: $132,817

In Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, the average home value is $581,797, translating to a not-so-cheap average monthly mortgage of $3,561.

Regine Poirier / Shutterstock.com

University Park, Maryland

Income needed to live comfortably: $151,292

University Park, Maryland has the fourth-highest median household income of over $191,000. This is good, as the income to live comfortably here is also high.

Ron_Thomas / iStock.com

Grandview Heights, Ohio

Income needed to live comfortably: $125,145

In Grandview Heights, Ohio, which has a population of only 8,258, the income needed to live comfortably may be high, but the livability is also high, with a score of 94.

f11photo / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Jenkintown, Pennsylvania

Income needed to live comfortably: $125,225

In Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, the median household income of $118,750 isnt enough to live comfortably. A big chunk of the monthly expenditures goes to the mortgage, which averages $3,103.

Trending Now: 9 Strategies Americans Are Using To Minimize the Taxes They Pay on Retirement Savings

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Worthington, Ohio

Income needed to live comfortably: $116,386

In Worthington, Ohio, the total monthly cost of living is $4,849, with $2,917 going to the mortgage alone.

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed cities across the U.S. to find the amount needed to live comfortably in Americas 50 best small towns. For this study, a small town is considered a city with a population between 1,000 and 50,000 residents, as sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. Using AreaVibes, the 75 highest livability cities with a population within the range were recorded. For each city the cost-of-living indexes were sourced from Sperlings BestPlaces and using the national average expenditure costs for all residents as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average expenditure costs can be calculated for each city. The average single family home value for March 2024 was sourced from Zillow Home Value Index and assuming a 10% downpayment and using the national 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate, as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage cost can be found. Adding the average mortgage cost to the average expenditure cost gives the average cost of living for each city. Using the 50/30/20 rule that recommends that needs do not exceed 50% of household income, the total cost of living was doubled to find the household income needed to live comfortably in the best small towns. The livability index was scored and weighted at 2.00, the median household income was scored and weighted at 1.00 and the income needed to live comfortably was scored and weighted at 1.00. All the scores were combined and sorted to show the amount needed to live comfortably in Americas 50 best small towns. All data was collected on and is up to date as of June 20, 2024.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Salary Needed To Live Comfortably in Americas 50 Best Small Towns
Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG



Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Pratteln, Switzerland, May 28, 2024  Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) today published the invitation to its Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held on June 18, 2024, at 10:00 CEST at Haus der Wirtschaft, Hardstrasse 1, 4133 Pratteln, Switzerland.

The invitation to the AGM with agenda items and explanations will be sent to registered shareholders by mail and can be viewed on Santheras website at https://www.santhera.com/share-bondholder-meetings.

Agenda (overview)

Approval of the Annual Report, Annual Financial Statements and the Consolidated Financial Statements 2023 Appropriation of the Annual Result and Offset of Deficit Consultative Vote on the Compensation Report 2023 Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Management from Liability for the Financial Year 2023 Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation Re-election of the Members of the Board of Directors and of the Chairman of the Board Re-election of the Members of the Compensation Committee Approval of the Compensation of the Members of the Board of Directors Approval of the Compensation of the Members of the Executive Management Re-election of the Statutory Auditors Re-election of the Independent Proxy





About Santhera

Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) is a Swiss specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines for rare neuromuscular and pulmonary diseases with high unmet medical need. The Company has an exclusive license from ReveraGen for all indications worldwide to AGAMREE (vamorolone), a dissociative steroid with novel mode of action, which was investigated in a pivotal study in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) as an alternative to standard corticosteroids. AGAMREE for the treatment of DMD is approved in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in the EU by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Santhera has out-licensed rights to AGAMREE for North America to Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and for China to Sperogenix Therapeutics. For further information, please visit www.santhera.com.

AGAMREE is a trademark of Santhera Pharmaceuticals.

For further information please contact:

public-relations@santhera.com or

Eva Kalias, Head Investor Relations & Communications

Phone: +41 79 875 27 80

eva.kalias@santhera.com



Disclaimer / Forward-looking statements

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning the Company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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Australian exploration company Si6 Metals has obtained a prospecting licence (PL) 123/2024, from the Botswana Department of Mines, valid for up to seven years.

This PL strengthens Si6s portfolio, which includes the Maibele North Ni-Cu-Co-PGE resource and the high-grade Cu-Ag discoveries at Airstrip and Dibete.

The licence is located 10km east of the Selebi Phikwe Nickel-Copper mine and processing facility.

This facility, which has been on care and maintenance since 2016, includes a concentrator, a smelter, rail lines, dams, and tailings dumps.

It is partially owned by Premium Nickel Resources.

Selebi Phikwe has a rich mining history, having opened in 1980 and operated for 36 years.

At its peak, the site employed more than 5,000 individuals and produced a total of 26.6 million tonnes with grades of 0.58% Ni and 1.03% Cu.

Despite its current status, the mine remains fully permitted for NI-Cu-Co operations.

The newly acquired prospecting licence covers an area of 908km, increasing Si6 Metals's land position in the Limpopo Mobile Belt by more than 45% to 2,868km.

This region is known for nickel and copper production.

Included in Si6 Metals' portfolio are three joint venture licences, totalling 142km, in which the company holds a 66% interest alongside BCL.

As part of its strategic review, Si6 Metals will initiate a reconnaissance programme at the new PL area.

This review also encompasses the company's critical metals and minerals portfolio, which includes the Monument gold project in Western Australia.

Last June, Si6 Metals executed a term sheet agreement with Foxfire Metals to acquire a 50% stake in its portfolio of ten licences and tenements in Brazil.

In addition, Si6 unveiled its plan to enter a joint venture agreement concerning the tenements that cover more than 17,000 hectares in three states in the country.

"Si6 Metals secures seven-year prospecting licence in Botswana" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
In recent trading sessions, the Swiss stock market has displayed resilience, with the benchmark SMI index closing modestly higher amid fluctuating performances throughout the day. This backdrop of steady yet cautious market optimism sets a relevant stage for considering growth companies in Switzerland, particularly those with high insider ownership which can indicate strong confidence in the company's future from those closest to its operations.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In Switzerland

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Stadler Rail (SWX:SRAIL) 14.5% 23.4% VAT Group (SWX:VACN) 10.2% 21.2% Straumann Holding (SWX:STMN) 32.7% 21% Swissquote Group Holding (SWX:SQN) 11.4% 14.3% Temenos (SWX:TEMN) 17.4% 14.7% LEM Holding (SWX:LEHN) 34.5% 10.1% Sonova Holding (SWX:SOON) 17.7% 10.4% SHL Telemedicine (SWX:SHLTN) 17.9% 96.2% Sensirion Holding (SWX:SENS) 20.7% 78.3% Arbonia (SWX:ARBN) 28.8% 100.1%

Click here to see the full list of 17 stocks from our Fast Growing SIX Swiss Exchange Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Let's take a closer look at a couple of our picks from the screened companies.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: INFICON Holding AG specializes in developing instruments for gas analysis, measurement, and control, operating both in Switzerland and internationally, with a market capitalization of CHF 3.55 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through its global supply of instrumentation for gas analysis, measurement, and control, totaling $673.71 million.

Insider Ownership: 10.3%

Return On Equity Forecast: 28% (2026 estimate)

INFICON Holding AG, a company with substantial insider ownership, shows promising growth in the Swiss market. Its annual revenue and earnings are forecasted to grow at 7.2% and 9.9%, respectively, outpacing the broader Swiss market rates of 4.4% and 8.3%. Despite not reaching high significance in earnings growth (understood as over 20%), INFICON has demonstrated robust past year earnings growth of 19.4%. Additionally, its return on equity is expected to be strong at 27.6% in three years' time, highlighting efficient management and potentially lucrative reinvestment opportunities for shareholders.

SWX:IFCN Ownership Breakdown as at May 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Temenos AG is a global provider of integrated banking software systems to financial institutions, with a market capitalization of approximately CHF 4.20 billion.

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Operations: The company generates its revenue by providing integrated banking software systems to financial institutions globally.

Insider Ownership: 17.4%

Return On Equity Forecast: 26% (2027 estimate)

Temenos, a Swiss-based growth company with high insider ownership, is enhancing its market position through strategic client acquisitions and advanced product developments. Recently, Temenos secured a significant deal with PC Financial to expand into the Canadian banking sector using its SaaS solutions on Microsoft Azure. Additionally, it has set new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency for digital banking transactions. Despite these advancements and a forecasted revenue growth of 7.7% per year outpacing the Swiss market's 4.4%, Temenos faces challenges such as high volatility in share price and substantial debt levels which may concern some investors.

SWX:TEMN Ownership Breakdown as at May 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: VAT Group AG specializes in developing, manufacturing, and supplying vacuum valves, multi-valve units, vacuum modules, and edge-welded metal bellows across various global markets with a market capitalization of CHF 14.64 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through its Valves segment, which brought in CHF 782.74 million, and its Global Service segment, contributing CHF 172.87 million.

Insider Ownership: 10.2%

Return On Equity Forecast: 39% (2026 estimate)

VAT Group, a Swiss company with high insider ownership, reported a decrease in annual sales to CHF 885.32 million and net income of CHF 190.31 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Despite this downturn, future prospects appear brighter with earnings expected to grow by approximately 21% annually over the next three years, outpacing the Swiss market's forecast of 8.3%. However, VAT Group faces challenges such as a highly volatile share price and slower revenue growth at an anticipated rate of about 15% yearly compared to some higher-growth peers.

SWX:VACN Ownership Breakdown as at May 2024

Turning Ideas Into Actions

Take a closer look at our Fast Growing SIX Swiss Exchange Companies With High Insider Ownership list of 17 companies by clicking here.

Invested in any of these stocks? Simplify your portfolio management with Simply Wall St and stay ahead with our alerts for any critical updates on your stocks.

Enhance your investing ability with the Simply Wall St app and enjoy free access to essential market intelligence spanning every continent.

Ready For A Different Approach?

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.The analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years.

Companies discussed in this article include SWX:IFCN SWX:TEMN and SWX:VACN.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Beijing urged Washington to refrain from interfering in China's maritime disputes with its neighbours in their latest talks that were made public on Tuesday.

Hong Liang, the Chinese foreign ministry's director general for boundary and ocean affairs, and Mark Lambert, the US State Department's China coordinator and deputy assistant secretary for China and Taiwan, held a virtual meeting on Friday.

A US State Department readout said the two sides had exchanged views on the situation in the South China Sea, the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

The talks coincided with two days of People's Liberation Army drills that simulated a blockade of Taiwan. The military exercises came days after the inauguration of the self-ruled island's new leader, William Lai Ching-te of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party.

Beijing said the exercises served as "punishment" for Taiwanese separatist forces advocating for independence and were a serious warning against interference and provocation by external forces.

Friday's meeting touched on the drills, with Washington saying it "shared deep concerns" and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, according to a US State Department statement.

Beijing urged Washington to stop supporting "Taiwan independence", which it said "poses the greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait".

"The US should immediately cease its support and indulgence of 'Taiwan independence' forces and fulfil its commitment of not supporting Taiwan independence," the Chinese readout said.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China, to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.

Hong Liang, the Chinese foreign ministry's director general for boundary and ocean affairs, and Mark Lambert, the US State Department's China coordinator and deputy assistant secretary for China and Taiwan, met in person in Beijing in November. Photo: Weibo/ alt=Hong Liang, the Chinese foreign ministry's director general for boundary and ocean affairs, and Mark Lambert, the US State Department's China coordinator and deputy assistant secretary for China and Taiwan, met in person in Beijing in November. Photo: Weibo/>

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The two sides on Friday also discussed maritime disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea, where Beijing has overlapping territorial claims with other countries.

Expressing its "serious concerns", Beijing said US actions in the waters surrounding China had infringed upon its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

"We urged the US to refrain from interfering in maritime disputes between China and its neighbours, and not to form exclusive blocs trying to contain China through maritime situations," the Chinese statement said.

Washington said Beijing had engaged in "dangerous and destabilising actions" that disrupted the freedom of navigation of other countries on the high seas, according to the US readout.

"[We] reaffirmed the United States' ironclad alliance commitments and steadfast support for upholding the international law of the sea," it said.

China claims most of the resource-rich South China Sea - claims that overlap with those of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

In recent months there have been frequent tense confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed Spratly Islands, near Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal.

Tensions are also simmering between Beijing and Tokyo over the contested Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea - known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan. Chinese vessels were seen near the Tokyo-controlled islands on Monday, according to the Japanese coastguard. It said they had been in the area for 158 days, the longest time since the Japanese government nationalised the islands in 2012.

Friday's US-China talks were the second bilateral consultation on maritime affairs since a meeting in Beijing in November. Chinese and US military officials also held two days of talks on maritime and air security in April in Hawaii.

"The two sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication, avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation, and control maritime risks," the Chinese statement on Tuesday said.

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.
A 29-year-old maintenance electrician suffered severe burns during an electrical arc flash at an MTD Products facility in Willard, Ohio. The electrician was replacing fuses to repair an industrial oven.

An OSHA investigation found that the company, operating as Stanley Black & Decker, could have prevented the injury if safety standards were followed. Stanley Black & Decker acquired MTD in 2021 for $1.6 billion.

Arc flashes happen when an electric current travels through the air from one conductor to another or the ground. The flashes can produce temperatures above 35,000F.

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After the incident, MTD reported the worker's hospitalization, which triggered an OSHA inspection on Dec. 20, 2023. Safety investigators found several safety issues, including failure to provide required personal protective equipment for employees working around energized electrical equipment.

OSHA said Stanley Black & Decker lacked safe work practices and training for electrical maintenance employees and failed to provide required lockout/tagout procedures for energized electrical equipment. The company also exposed workers to potential fall hazards.

The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Based in New Britain, Connecticut, Stanley Black & Decker is a $14.5 billion global company with 56,000 employees across more than 60 countries.

The company operates the world's largest tools and storage business, featuring brands like DeWalt, Stanley, Black+Decker and Craftsman.

MTD makes outdoor power equipment. Its brands include Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt.

Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
In order to justify the effort of selecting individual stocks, it's worth striving to beat the returns from a market index fund. But every investor is virtually certain to have both over-performing and under-performing stocks. At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in Star Media Group Berhad (KLSE:STAR), since the last five years saw the share price fall 38%.

It's worthwhile assessing if the company's economics have been moving in lockstep with these underwhelming shareholder returns, or if there is some disparity between the two. So let's do just that.

See our latest analysis for Star Media Group Berhad

While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During five years of share price growth, Star Media Group Berhad moved from a loss to profitability. Most would consider that to be a good thing, so it's counter-intuitive to see the share price declining. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time.

It could be that the revenue decline of 13% per year is viewed as evidence that Star Media Group Berhad is shrinking. This has probably encouraged some shareholders to sell down the stock.

The image below shows how earnings and revenue have tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

We're pleased to report that the CEO is remunerated more modestly than most CEOs at similarly capitalized companies. But while CEO remuneration is always worth checking, the really important question is whether the company can grow earnings going forward. This free report showing analyst forecasts should help you form a view on Star Media Group Berhad

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Star Media Group Berhad the TSR over the last 5 years was -29%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

Story continues

A Different Perspective

Star Media Group Berhad shareholders gained a total return of 1.3% during the year. Unfortunately this falls short of the market return. On the bright side, that's still a gain, and it is certainly better than the yearly loss of about 5% endured over half a decade. So this might be a sign the business has turned its fortunes around. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Star Media Group Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Star Media Group Berhad (at least 1 which is concerning) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of undervalued small caps that insiders are buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges.

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.
McCONNELSVILLE  The village of McConnelsville received $10.3 million in Appalachian Community Grant funding this month to ramp up economic development in the area.

Were hoping this is going to bring some tourism to the location through streetscapes and parks and recreation, said Village Administrator Tim Lewis. Right now, our main tourist attraction is the Opera House that is still open today and we show movies. We dont have a great park facility, though. This is going to give us a major riverside aspect to the park, and were hoping this is going to be a large attraction. Its also going to give us a beautiful downtown streetscape that leads us into our park.

The McConnelsville Riverfront Improvements and Streetscape project was a recipient of the Appalachian Waterfront Development money under the Appalachian Community Grant Program.

The roundabout will be placed in the historic square to ease traffic flow and make the area more appealing for tourism and other attractions in the Village of McConnelsville

The project will enhance pedestrian access and riverfront opportunities through two projects, according to the award release from the state. The projects, it said, include the enhancement of streetscapes connecting the square to riverfront areas, pedestrian accessibility and ADA additions, greenspaces, a riverfront park with amenities, an amphitheater, and a playground.

We envision a facility that will handle recreational activities along with a small amphitheater for small festivals and activities, said Lewis. One of the main challenges is space. Theres not a lot of space between State Route 60 and the river so well have to make the most of what we can to utilize that space.

Lewis said part of the redevelopment will also include getting a roundabout in the historic district instead of a square for traffic safety.

The majority of our main street is also going to be resurfaced and a park-like atmosphere around our monument, which is going to be part of the roundabout, said Lewis.

He said there are no plans to change the aesthetics of the buildings.

These renderings show how the Village of McConnelsville will make use of the small space between Ohio 60 and the riverfront to make it more accessible for festivals, activities, and tourism opportunities on the river.

Our buildings are quite amazing the way they are, said Lewis. I really love our historic district and our historic square.

Lewis said that looking into the future, hed love to see expansions that work closely with the village of Malta.

It would be great for our park to be connected with the Village of Malta, said Lewis. Have like a riverwalk-themed atmosphere.

Lewis said next steps are to lay out the work and plan what comes first. Though undoubtedly, he said, the goal will be increased tourism and economic development.

It will bring more people to the village, he said. This place is really an amazing place. And we hope for everyone to see that.

Story continues

The Appalachian Community Grant Program was instituted in 2022 by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik in conjunction with the Ohio General Assembly.

The overall program funneled $500 million into Ohios 32-county Appalachian region to transform these communities through economic development projects. Competition for the grants was stiff, to the tune of over $5B in grant requests, according to the Ohio Department of Development office.

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: State funds: New amenities and enhancements planned for McConnelsville
Over the past year, many Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:SMCI) insiders sold a significant stake in the company which may have piqued investors' interest. Knowing whether insiders are buying is usually more helpful when evaluating insider transactions, as insider selling can have various explanations. However, if numerous insiders are selling, shareholders should investigate more.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

View our latest analysis for Super Micro Computer

Super Micro Computer Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

The Founder, Charles Liang, made the biggest insider sale in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$13m worth of shares at a price of US$252 each. So it's clear an insider wanted to take some cash off the table, even below the current price of US$884. As a general rule we consider it to be discouraging when insiders are selling below the current price, because it suggests they were happy with a lower valuation. Please do note, however, that sellers may have a variety of reasons for selling, so we don't know for sure what they think of the stock price. We note that the biggest single sale was only 0.9% of Charles Liang's holding.

In total, Super Micro Computer insiders sold more than they bought over the last year. They sold for an average price of about US$304. It's not particularly great to see insiders were selling shares at below recent prices. Since insiders sell for many reasons, we wouldn't put too much weight on it. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

For those who like to find hidden gems this free list of small cap companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Insiders At Super Micro Computer Have Sold Stock Recently

The last three months saw significant insider selling at Super Micro Computer. In total, Independent Director Sherman Tuan sold US$4.4m worth of shares in that time, and we didn't record any purchases whatsoever. In light of this it's hard to argue that all the insiders think that the shares are a bargain.

Insider Ownership

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It's great to see that Super Micro Computer insiders own 14% of the company, worth about US$7.4b. This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders.

Story continues

So What Does This Data Suggest About Super Micro Computer Insiders?

An insider hasn't bought Super Micro Computer stock in the last three months, but there was some selling. Despite some insider buying, the longer term picture doesn't make us feel much more positive. But since Super Micro Computer is profitable and growing, we're not too worried by this. The company boasts high insider ownership, but we're a little hesitant, given the history of share sales. While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for Super Micro Computer (of which 1 is potentially serious!) you should know about.

Of course Super Micro Computer may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

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.
Thieves are stealing copper from EV charging stations  how to profit from copper prices without going to jail

As electric vehicle charging stations proliferate across America to boost EV adoption, criminals have found ways to exploit these new installations.

On May 12, Josh Beckler from Vallejo, California, arrived at the Tesla Supercharging station behind a Target store to charge his EV, only to discover that the cables had been cut from nine of the charging stations.

It most likely happened in the night, and we found it early morning, Beckler told NBC Bay Area. Im pretty sure [the thieves] racked up almost 20 cables with the nozzles.

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The outlet noted that these charging cables contain copper, which can be sold to scrappers for an average of $5 per pound (as of May 2024).

Whether it's a sign of desperate times or a crime of opportunity, copper is not just a target for thieves; it can also be a strategic asset for savvy investors.

Heres a look at three legitimate ways to add copper to your portfolio.

Copper stocks

When copper prices increase, companies that engage in copper mining and production often experience significant financial benefits. Investing in copper mining stocks allows investors to tap into the profitability and growth of these companies as they extract and sell copper.

Major players in the industry, such as Rio Tinto (RIO), Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO), can be sensitive to copper price fluctuations. As the price of copper rises, these companies typically see higher revenues and improved profit margins, which can lead to increased stock prices and potentially higher dividends for shareholders.

It's important to note, however, that many copper miners also mine other metals such as gold, silver and molybdenum. This diversification can affect the stock's performance, as the prices of these additional metals also play a role in the company's overall profitability.

Additionally, each company is different, so investors should conduct thorough research and consider factors such as production costs, geopolitical risks, and overall market conditions before making a decision.

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Copper ETFs

For those who prefer not to pick individual stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a convenient way to gain exposure to the red metal.

There are ETFs that invest in shares of companies involved in the copper mining and production industry. They provide indirect exposure to copper by leveraging the profitability and growth of these companies.

These funds offer diversification within the copper sector by spreading investments across multiple companies. Notable examples include the Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX) and the iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP).

There are also ETFs that are designed to track the performance of copper itself, often by using futures contracts. These ETFs aim to mirror the price movements of copper, providing investors with a direct way to benefit from fluctuations in the metal's market value. A good starting point for further research is the United States Copper Index Fund (CPER).

Read more: Who says you cant beat the market consistently? Meet the team of market experts whose stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 by 12%  four years running

Copper futures

Investing in copper futures offers a direct and leveraged way to gain exposure to the copper market, but it's important to note that this approach may not be suitable for everyone, especially novice investors.

Copper futures contracts allow investors to buy or sell a specific amount of copper at a predetermined price on a future date. This method can provide substantial returns due to its high leverage, meaning that even small price movements can result in significant profits or losses.

However, this same leverage also makes copper futures highly volatile and risky. Trading copper futures requires a more sophisticated understanding of the market and can be more volatile than other investment options. Additionally, trading futures involves mechanisms like margin requirements and potential margin calls, which can be challenging for inexperienced investors to manage.

Ultimately, finding the right copper investment  or any investment depends on your goals, knowledge, risk tolerance, and financial situation.

If you're unsure of the best course of action, consulting a professional financial advisor could be a smart move. They can help you evaluate your unique circumstances and navigate the complexities of the market to ensure your investments align with your financial objectives.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
These days it's easy to simply buy an index fund, and your returns should (roughly) match the market. But you can significantly boost your returns by picking above-average stocks. For example, the HSS Engineers Berhad (KLSE:HSSEB) share price is up 100% in the last 1 year, clearly besting the market return of around 19% (not including dividends). So that should have shareholders smiling. Also impressive, the stock is up 74% over three years, making long term shareholders happy, too.

Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns.

See our latest analysis for HSS Engineers Berhad

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

During the last year HSS Engineers Berhad grew its earnings per share (EPS) by 35%. This EPS growth is significantly lower than the 100% increase in the share price. So it's fair to assume the market has a higher opinion of the business than it a year ago.

The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

We know that HSS Engineers Berhad has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? Check if analysts think HSS Engineers Berhad will grow revenue in the future.

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of HSS Engineers Berhad, it has a TSR of 103% for the last 1 year. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

A Different Perspective

It's good to see that HSS Engineers Berhad has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 103% in the last twelve months. Of course, that includes the dividend. There's no doubt those recent returns are much better than the TSR loss of 0.6% per year over five years. This makes us a little wary, but the business might have turned around its fortunes. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with HSS Engineers Berhad .

Story continues

But note: HSS Engineers Berhad may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- Minutes after Slovakias Russia-friendly Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot, social media was awash with conspiracy theories.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The attackers wife was a refugee from Ukraine. He was linked to a high-profile government critic. And Ficos security guard was plotting against the premier.

All those rumors were later rebutted by Slovak authorities. But not before theyd gone viral on Telegram.

The messaging app has become a key weapon for pro-Kremlin accounts to spread disinformation aimed at undermining support for Ukraine. More recently, Russian intelligence officers have used it to recruit petty criminals to carry out acts of sabotage across European capitals.

These incidents trade off Telegrams key advantage: its largely unaccountable. Thats what most antagonizes European officials whove made the fight against fake news a top priority ahead of continent-wide elections in June. For all their new powers to regulate information online, they are largely powerless to rein in Telegram.

Disinformation is spreading openly and completely unchecked on Telegram, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas told Bloomberg.

Requests to remove disturbing content frequently go unanswered, she said: We know that other member states have similar problems.

Read More About Russian Disinformation in Europe:Russian Sabotage, Spying and Intimidation Is Spreading in EuropeRussia Accused of Using German Anti-War Protests for PropagandaEU Backs New Sanctions Targeting Russian Propaganda OutletsFrance Proposes New EU Sanctions to Fight Russian Disinformation

A typical pro-Russian propaganda campaign relies on a barrage of online techniques. These include social media posts, stories on state media outlets, fabricated news stories designed to mimic the look of legitimate websites, and anonymous comments on real ones.

Telegram  owned by a Russian who left the country a decade ago  functions as a central node in that ecosystem, a kind of bridge that propaganda groups use to blast their content into active social communities, with the goal of amplifying their narratives to a wider audience.

Telegram is popular among various pro-Russian actors as well as individuals who have been spreading disinformation for a long time because there is almost no content moderation, said Daniel Milo, the former director of the Center for Countering Hybrid Threats at the Slovak Interior Ministry. The rules of Telegram in this regard are very, very lax.

Story continues

The EU recently sharpened its powers to deal with illegal and harmful content, in an attempt to thwart malicious actors from spreading misinformation ahead of European elections.

But when it comes to Telegram, these measures arent very effective  the tools with real bite apply only to platforms with over 45 million active users in Europe. Telegram, its owners say, has 41 million.

According to Kallas, these numbers don't tell the whole story and "the European Commission should conduct an independent evaluation, she said.

All the same, Telegrams stated numbers put it below the threshold required to trigger a set of stringent obligations under the EUs flagship Digital Services Act, which came into full effect in February.

A commission spokesperson said regulators are now examining the companys methodology for counting users. Thats part of an effort to determine whether the service should qualify as a major online platform under the content moderation law, according to people familiar with the matter.

For large platforms, the EU can levy fines of as much as 6% of annual sales if it finds violations  or ban repeat offenders from the EU. Those rules cover Meta Platforms Inc.s Facebook, Alphabet Inc.s YouTube and ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok, among others.

Smaller platforms fall under the national agencies where the firms have legal representation. Thats Belgium, in Telegrams case. Yet national authorities have limited powers to take action over content on the service, a spokesman for the Belgian Institute of Post and Telecommunications said in an emailed answer to questions.

Calls for violence or damage of property are explicitly forbidden on Telegram, a spokesperson for the company said in response to questions. They added that moderators monitor public parts of the platform in order to remove content that breaches its terms of service.

Were Telegram to be designated a very large online platform under the DSA it would be obliged to take measures against the spread of disinformation and put in place tougher content moderation protocols, Kallas said. It would also ensure a level playing field within the internal market, as other platforms have taken significant efforts to comply with the Digital Services Act, the Estonian prime minister added.

The main themes of Russias disinformation efforts include its war against Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, immigration, climate change and the upcoming European parliament elections, according to an internal EU assessment seen by Bloomberg.

No Algorithms

On those five topics, the number of items from unverified sources across all platforms had more than doubled by the beginning of May, compared with fewer than 20,000 pieces a day at the start of the year, the assessment shows. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied involvement in disinformation and sabotage operations.

Telegram is not an effective platform for spreading misinformation, the companys spokesperson said. Unlike other apps, Telegram does not use algorithms to promote sensational content to users and they receive only the information they explicitly choose to subscribe to.

The Kremlin has not always been so amenable to Telegram. A Russian court in 2018 ordered the app to be blocked for refusing to turn over its encryption keys to the security services, although efforts to prevent its use failed. In 2020, Russias communications watchdog dropped its efforts to block it. Telegram has also been used by protesters, including in Hong Kong and Iran, to organize and evade surveillance.

Pavel Durov, its founder, owner and CEO, left Russia in 2014 after losing control of his previous company for refusing to hand over the data of Ukrainian protesters to security agencies. Based in Dubai, the company passed 700 million monthly active users last year.

Doppleganger Sites

Nevertheless, when the French foreign-disinformation watchdog Viginum announced in February that it had detected preparations for a massive disinformation campaign involving a network of nearly 200 websites across several European countries it found that content from Telegram was central to that campaign.

After the attempted assassination in Slovakia, a Telegram channel with nearly 50,000 subscribers shared a long post from a website that falsely claimed to be the Daily Telegraph, a prominent British publication.

The text asserted without evidence that pro-Ukrainian forces were responsible for the shooting of Prime Minister Fico. That came during a time when authorities in Slovakia were asserting the motive for the incident remained under investigation.

The suspect, identified as 71-year-old Juraj C., later told investigators that he had acted alone and that he was motivated by his opposition to a range of Ficos policies, including the decision to halt military support for Ukraine, according to a court document seen by Bloomberg. Fico, who remains hospitalized, was shot four times at close range.Read More About the Attack on Fico:Fico Shooting Escalates Fears of Slovak Media OrbanizationSlovak Shooter Said He Attacked Premier Over Ukraine StanceShooting of Premier Inflames Political Divisions in Slovakia

Masquerading as local news outlets has been the work of a disinformation outfit that researchers have named Doppelganger, which is notorious for using Telegram to push fake content which purports to be from mainstream media.

The same operation, which is the focus of an EU investigation into Meta, has used more than 2,000 inauthentic social media accounts, according to the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future Inc. Those personas have sought to undermine faith in Ukraines military effort by posing as news organizations, or targeting German audiences to weaken confidence in their lawmakers. The group has also spread videos that falsely claim to be from Al Jazeera and EuroNews.

To infiltrate social media discourse, Doppelganger uses tactics that are more advanced than simply blasting false information through social media channels.

The group uses cheap domain name services that are often hosted on Russian services, according to the security firm Sekoia, a tactic that makes it difficult for Western agencies to take the sites offline. From there Doppelganger spreads the links containing false information to Telegram, where the goal is to create user engagement in multiple channels and ultimately go viral elsewhere on social media, with smaller countries especially vulnerable.

Nearly a third of the content on Slovak Telegram accounts originates from or is directly taken from various Russian sources, Milo said, citing a Slovak government study. Telegram plays a key role in spreading Russian narratives.

--With assistance from Jake Rudnitsky, Samuel Stolton and Lyubov Pronina.

(Updates with commission examining Telegrams user numbers in 15th paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Serious caucasian old elderly senior couple grandparents family counting funds on calculator, doing paperwork,

Pensioners would be protected from paying income tax on the state pension under the Conservatives Triple Lock Plus policy.

This would bring the personal allowance  the level at which tax starts being payable  to just above the state pension and would rise alongside it.

For non-pensioners, the tax threshold, which has been frozen since 2021, would stay the same.

Quadruple Lock

The number of pensioners liable for tax has doubled since 2010, rising to more than nine million.

When the full state pension rose in April this year to 11,502, it hit 92pc of the 12,570 personal tax threshold. This meant pensioners only needed to earn a small amount extra before becoming liable for income tax.

Around 80pc of pensioners earn money from a private or workplace pension, in addition to what they receive from the Government.

Currently, the state pension rises by the highest of wages, earnings or 2.5pc, known as the Triple Lock. Under the Conservatives plans, retirees personal tax-free allowance will rise in line with the state pension, like a Quadruple Lock.

This is to prevent pensioners paying income tax on their state pension, something that has become more of a worry as a result of frozen tax thresholds.

Concerns were raised earlier this year by charities including Age UK and Independent Age about more pensioners being pushed above the tax-free threshold by a rising state pension.

What would this mean for me?

Annual payouts from state and private pensions are taxed, as well as other income streams such as rental payments from second homes or payments for consultancy work.

The policy will increase the amount that some pensioners receive every year by reducing their tax liabilities.

The personal tax-free allowance was frozen at the Budget in March 2021 and will not rise until 2028, when the state pension is predicted to be 12,893.

By then, under the Tory plans, the personal allowance for pensioners would be 13,710.

A pensioner receiving 31,300 annually, which is the amount required for a moderate retirement, according to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, would save 228 in tax per year.

The party said that the policy would mean a tax cut of around 100 for eight million pensioners if introduced, rising to an average of 275 a year by the end of the next Parliament.

Pensioners who fall into the additional rate band, earning more than 125,140 a year, could end up worse off under this policy. This is because additional rate payers do not benefit from the personal allowance.

The personal tax-free allowance goes down by 1 for every 2 earned over 100,000. It seems unlikely that the introduction of this guarantee will change the income tax bands themselves.

Story continues

In 2012, some 425,000 people aged 65 and over were paying either the higher rate or additional rates of income tax, but that soared to 727,000 in 2022.

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.
German energy company Uniper has partnered with NGEN to construct a 50MW/100 megawatt hours (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The new project, set to begin operation in 2025, will be constructed at the Heyden power plant site in Petershagen.

The planned BESS project will feature 26 energy storage packs, each comprising rechargeable lithium battery modules, integrated inverter modules, a thermal management system and an operational interface.

The technology is designed to store and convert energy, facilitating more efficient use of electricity generation plants.

Uniper new green power and gas chief operating officer Jan Taschenberger stated: We are delighted to be realising this project with NGEN. Energy storage plays an important role in the development of the green growth business in Uniper's strategy.

By using cutting-edge technology and expertise to develop sustainable solutions, we will play a central role in shaping the future of energy in Germany.

Slovenia-based battery system provider NGEN will establish its first German office in Frankfurt as part of the collaboration.

NGEN Group CEO Roman Bernard stated: We are very excited to partner with Uniper on the battery storage project in Petershagen and to open our first office in Germany.

This strategic collaboration will enable us to drive innovation, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy system in Germany.

The project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing energy storage solutions and demonstrates our dedication to supporting Germany's energy transition goals.

In February 2024, Uniper revealed plans to expand its gas-fired power capacity by adding between 1 and 2GW, depending on the outcome of a German government tender.

The government is preparing to tender for an initial 10GW of new power capacity, with the requirement that these plants eventually transition to hydrogen fuel.

The earliest tenders are anticipated in 2024.

"Uniper and NGEN partner to build 100MWh BESS project in Germany" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Jonathan Ross / iStock.com

One of the most expensive places to vacation in the U.S. may get even pricier. Hawaii state legislators and Governor Josh Green are looking to introduce a $25 climate tax, per person, for tourists staying in transient accommodations, including hotels, resorts, and other short-term rentals.

Check Out: 3 Places To Travel That Are Like Hawaii but Way Cheaper

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This flat-rate charge would be in addition to the 10.25% Transient Accommodation (TAT) Tax currently imposed on all Hawaiian Islands, along with a 3% visitor tax imposed in Oahu.

The charge would apply to any visitors, even if they were staying in Hawaii free, or using rewards, miles, or loyalty points to fund their hotel or resort stay. Visitors to health care facilities, school dorms, military housing and non-profit organizations would be exempt, according to the proposed legislation, as Fox Business reported.

Climate Impact Fee Ostensibly To Protect Local Environment

The proposed $25 Climate Impact Fee would raise more than $68 million for the Hawaiian Islands, annually, Green said in his state-of-the-state address this year. A Climate Impact Fee on visitors would provide the needed resources to protect our environment and increase awareness of the impacts of climate change, he said in his speech, as Hawaii Public Radio detailed.

Green noted that he was open to other suggestions and proposals, including increasing the TAT tax, imposing additional charges to access beaches, parks, and other leisure spots, or requiring park licenses.

He said the funds raised could be invested in beach preservation, fire breaks, and preventative measures to avoid another fire like the one that occurred in Maui. I believe this is not too much to ask of visitors to our islands, he said during his speech.

Learn More: Dave Ramsey  7 Vacation Splurges That are a Waste of Money

Tourism Vital to Hawaiis Economy: Will This Fee Hurt?

Tourism comprises roughly 25% of Hawaiis economy, according to a report from the University of Hawaii. In March 2024, more than 855,537 tourists spent $1.76 billion, with most visitors hailing from other states in the U.S., according to Hawaii-Guide.com.

These figures were down from March 2023, in large part due to the Maui wildfires in August 2023. Tourism in the state has still not recovered. Hawaii-Guide.com initially predicted that tourism would return to pre-pandemic levels by the middle or end of 2024, but, after the wildfires, experts now predict it might take until 2026 for a full recovery.

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Funds from the Climate Impact Fee could help speed recovery while funding preventative measures to avoid future climate disasters. Considering that a family of four needs as much as $13,495 for a 10-day Hawaii vacation, an extra $25 per visitor, per trip, is unlikely to deter tourists, wrote ESG Legal Solutions.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: This US Travel Destination Is Considering a Climate Tax: Heres How Much More Youll Pay
Finnish food major Valio has announced plans to invest 60m ($65.3m) in cheese production at a domestic plant.

The deal will see the Lapinlahti factory expanded by 2,000 square metres to encompass new cheesemaking equipment, a new packaging operation and a new power sub-station and back-up power.

The company said the investment is intended to replace the current manufacturing apparatus, which has reached the end of its technical service life.

Construction work will begin in the summe, and a new production line is expected to be up and running in the spring of 2026.

Aleksi Ylitalo, director of the Lapinlahti plant, said: With this significant investment, we secure the continuity of cheese production for a long time to come.

In practice, this means that, for example, our popular gourmet cheeses, Valio Keisarinna, everyday favourite Valio Hyva suomalainen Arki and dozens of other cheeses will continue to be found on store shelves.

The investment will also reduce the waste generated in production and boost the cheesemaking capacity of the Lapinlahti plant.

Lapinlahti is one of Valio's largest facilities. It receives about a quarter of Valio's raw milk, a total of approximately 415 million litres per year.

The factory produces cheeses primarily for the domestic market but it exports some produce to countries including the US.

In addition to cheese, the Lapinlahti plant produces milk powder, demineralised whey powder, lactose-free milk powders and baby food.

In recent years, Valio has actively developed the Lapinlahti plant and invested especially in the plants powder production. The most recent investment is a consumer product packaging plant, which was completed in 2020. In 2022, the plant underwent a major energy renovation [], said the dairy maker.

The Lapinlahti factory employs around 285 people.

In April this year, Valio announced plans to close two food and drinks manufacturing facilities in Finland.

One of these, located in the south-western coastal city of Turku, processes the companys plant-based range Oddlygood.

The other, in the Pitajanmaki district near Helsinki, makes juices, berry soups and glogg (a type of mulled wine).

Operations at the affected sites are to be transferred to Valios plant in Riihimaki in the south of the country.

At the start of this year, the company announced plans to initiate change negotiations with 1,170 employees as part of a business restructure. Some 130 jobs were said to be at risk at the time.

Those discussions came to a close in March, Valio confirmed. A total of 89 jobs are now expected to go in the reshuffle, and 114 employees will also see changes to the job descriptions and job content of their roles.

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"Valio planning to invest 60m in Finland cheese facility" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.







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China charts path to unified sustainability disclosure by 2030

Xinhua) 08:35, May 28, 2024

BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Finance has begun soliciting opinions on a draft guideline aimed at unifying corporate sustainability disclosures, with a vision of establishing a nationwide standard by 2030.

The move comes amid a growing global focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, which has made enhanced corporate sustainability disclosures an imperative.

The draft guideline was posted on the official website of the ministry on Monday.

Currently, disclosures by Chinese companies are largely voluntary and lack uniform standards, according to the ministry.

Unified rules will help companies better engage in global trade and investment activities, enhance their international competitiveness, and support China's institutional opening-up, the ministry said.

The draft guideline, named "Corporate Sustainability Disclosure Standards -- Basic Standards," sets general requirements for corporate sustainability information disclosures and applies to companies established in China that are required to disclose such information.

Taking into account the development stage and disclosure capabilities of Chinese companies, the implementation of the basic standards will not adopt a one-size-fits-all mandatory approach.

Instead, it aims to gradually extend from listed companies to non-listed companies and from voluntary to mandatory disclosures.

By 2027, China expects to have introduced basic corporate sustainability disclosure standards and climate-related disclosure standards.

Given the lengthy development timeframe for the standards system, relevant departments may formulate guidelines and regulatory systems for specific industries or fields as needed, with plans to adjust and improve them over time.

ROSY ESG OUTLOOK

Since April, China has rolled out a series of significant measures in the ESG, carbon peak and carbon neutrality, and ecological fields.

The Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing stock exchanges have officially released guidelines for listed companies' sustainable development reports, marking the first comprehensive standard for corporate sustainability information disclosures in China.

Additionally, the central bank and seven other departments have jointly issued a guidance that for the first time explicitly includes ESG in credit assessments.

Sustainable risks such as climate change, environmental pollution, and damage to workers' rights can severely impact the operations of listed companies and are detrimental to the achievement of sustainable economic and social development goals.

Investors and other stakeholders are increasingly concerned about whether the business practices of listed companies align with sustainable development directions.

As of the end of April this year, 1,938 A-share listed companies have published ESG-themed reports, according to a report by China Galaxies Securities.

The banking, non-bank finance, steel, mining, and public utilities industries have the highest disclosure rates for ESG reports. In terms of corporate attributes, the disclosure rate of listed centrally-administered state-owned enterprises is the highest, reaching 80 percent.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ESG concept, and China's ESG investment is rapidly growing.

According to data from SynTao Green Finance, by the end of the third quarter of 2023, China's ESG investment scale reached 33.06 trillion yuan (about 4.56 trillion U.S. dollars), a record high, with a 34.4 percent increase from 2022.

As investment concepts are increasingly recognized and accepted, ESG-related financial products are becoming more diverse. According to Wind data, between 2019 to 2023, the number of pure ESG funds in China grew from 16 to 135, and ESG stock indices increased from 66 to 370.

The draft guideline consists of six chapters and 33 articles, covering general provisions, disclosure objectives and principles, information quality requirements, disclosure elements, other disclosure requirements, and supplementary provisions.

The deadline for soliciting opinions is set for June 24 of this year.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Volunteer tax preparers, greeters and reviewers received certificates of appreciation from Goodwill Industries of Central Michigans Heartland during a banquet at Schulers Restaurant & Pub in Marshall on May 10.

MARSHALL  Volunteer tax preparers helped Calhoun County residents garner an estimated $3.7 million in refunds this tax season through the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program.

The VITA program, sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service and United Way, is facilitated locally by Goodwill Industries of Central Michigans Heartland and helps qualifying taxpayers file tax returns, free of charge, Goodwill officials said in a news release.

Sheryl Watson, VITA program coordinator for GICMH, has worked closely with 60 volunteer tax preparers over the course of several months. Watson and GICMH took time to honor volunteers for their continued commitment during a recognition banquet dinner at Schulers Restaurant & Pub on May 10.

VITA people are special because you have to put a lot of time in before you can even volunteer, Watson told volunteers during the banquet. You have to study, plan your schedule three months in advance. Its like working a job and you do a fabulous job getting it done. I appreciate everything that you all do We couldnt do it without you.

About 85 people attended the Goodwill VITA volunteer recognition banquet at Schulers Restaurant & Pub in Marshall on May 10.

According to GICMH President and CEO Ken Bauer, local volunteers prepared more than 2,100 federal returns, yielding more than $2.2 million in refunds for Calhoun County residents, in addition to more than 2,300 state returns, which added another $1.5 million in refunds for the community. All of this work was supported by more than 2,800 volunteer hours.

Unable to attend the banquet due to being away on a business trip, Bauer told the volunteers in a prerecorded video that it is because of your commitment, many people in our community experience probably the one single largest distribution of cash received in one year. Your commitment to this community really makes a difference for the people we serve.

Ivy McIlwain, relationship manager from the IRS, said the tax returns filed in Calhoun County were among 76,000 federal returns and 77,000 state returns in the state of Michigan completed through the VITA program, totaling more than $58 million in refunds.

By volunteering, you are protecting thousands of taxpayers from predatory tax preparers and you are also saving them hundreds of dollars in tax preparation, McIlwain said. The success of the VITA program is because of your hard work.

Rebecca Griffin of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, left, Sheryl Watson of Goodwill Industries and Ivy McIlwain of the Internal Revenue Service pose for a photo during a volunteer recognition banquet at Schulers Restaurant & Pub in Marshall on May 10.

The VITA program is provided to qualifying taxpayers who generally earn less than $64,000 a year in earned income; active and retired military members; persons with disabilities; and limited English-speaking taxpayers. GICMH administrates the program along with a variety of partners including the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Voces, The Burma Center, Kellogg Community College, The Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Community Unlimited in Union City and The Burnside Senior Center in Coldwater.

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Volunteers do not need any specific credentials to begin training. In addition to preparers, volunteers can serve in roles such as greeter/screener, interpreter, site administrator or quality reviewer.

Training is offered online and in the classroom. The programs are usually open from mid-January through the tax-filing deadline in April.

For more information, contact Watson at (269) 788-6500 ext. 2041 or visit irs.gov/volunteers.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Volunteer tax preparers help county residents garner $3.7M in refunds
Lisa Bianco had never sold a home before. She owned a property with her husband in Montclair, but had never been on the selling end of a real estate transaction. That is, until her father died and she inherited his home in Waldwick.

Paul Bianco, her father and a realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty's Allendale office, died in January from pancreatic cancer. He lived in his home at 106 Waldwick Ave. for nearly 40 years, his daughter said. So, when it came time to sell the property, Bianco said she enlisted the help of Lisa Uvanni, a good friend of her father's and another Realtor at Coldwell Banker Realty's Allendale office.

"Thankfully, I had (Uvanni) walking me through it step by step. Lisa was a really good friend of my father's from working at Coldwell Banker, my dad worked with her," Bianco said. "So, after my father passed, I turned to her and asked her if she'd like to be the Realtor on the house and she was happy to do so."

The home at 106 Waldwick Ave. in Waldwick received 79 offers and sold for $535,000  $137,000 over its original asking price.

The property was first listed for $398,000 in mid-March and sold for $535,000 at the beginning of this month  $137,000 over asking price  after receiving a total of 79 offers.

The two-bedroom, one-bathroom center-hall colonial home offers 1,000-square-feet of living space and sits on a .11-acre lot. It features hardwood floors throughout, an abundance of natural light, an enclosed back patio and a one-car garage. Uvanni said the home is also located on a completely flat piece of land, which isn't the case for all homes in that area, and is within walking distance to the train station and local restaurants.

"When everyone in Bergen County and New York City and surrounding areas saw a house in Bergen County for $398,000, they went nuts. It was completely crazy, I had offers before the house was even being shown," Uvanni said. "Number one, the house is only 1,000 square feet. Number two, the kitchen had never been updated. 1,000 square feet for most people is too small. Even when I lived in an apartment, it was bigger than 1,000 square feet. It has an unfinished basement. It needs a new roof. It needs a lot of things, so that's why I didn't think it was going to go that high. It was pretty shocking."

When it came to getting the home ready to sell, Bianco said it was an easier process than she had anticipated. Because her father was a very neat person, there wasn't a lot that needed to be thrown away or organized before showing the house.

The home at 106 Waldwick Ave. in Waldwick received 79 offers and sold for $535,000  $137,000 over its original asking price.

"I felt as though I had great guidance, so I wasn't stressed out or anxious about it," she said. "I spent a significant amount of time in my dad's home, so I felt very close to him through the process."

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Then, Uvanni said that once the home was officially listed for sale, they held a brokers-only open house and then two public open houses over the course of three days, attracting nearly 700 people in total. While they originally were expecting to receive 10 to 20 offers, Bianco said it became clear they'd receive much more after seeing the turnout at the open houses.

On the Tuesday following the open houses, Uvanni said they called for best and final offers from potential buyers. She said they received 40 offers by 4 p.m. that day, and then had 79 offers by the end of the day. They even received two additional offers the next day, Uvanni said, which weren't taken into consideration as they were past the best and final deadline.

The home at 106 Waldwick Ave. in Waldwick received 79 offers and sold for $535,000  $137,000 over its original asking price.

"It was a bit overwhelming, I'll be honest, but in a good way," Bianco said. "Obviously there were lots of offers and lots of choices to make, so we looked at all of the numbers and we looked at all the terms. Lisa enlisted the help of the manager of the Allendale office, so the three of us went through all of the offers together over the course of an hour or two."

After going through the offers, Bianco and Uvanni said they each listed their top 10 offers and compared them. And, they had the exact same offers listed in their top five, which they said made the decision easy.

"It's a small house, but people found it very charming. I was grateful for that and I know my dad would have been really, really happy with the response to his house because he took a lot of pride in it," Bianco said. "I hope that my dad's looking down and is really happy with the response, with the way things turned out and the way that Lisa and I worked together. Hopefully, the next owner will cherish it as much as he did."

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay , on X @maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Waldwick home receives 79 offers and sells for $137K over asking price
U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) has announced his constituent casework staff will be hosting mobile office hours from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at the Wahoo Public Library, 637 N. Maple St.

At mobile office hours, Ricketts staff will be on-site to assist Nebraskans with their casework needs. If Nebraskans cant get an answer in a timely manner or feel they have been treated unfairly, Ricketts and his staff may be able to help resolve the issue or help them get in touch with the correct people.
Although members of the Colorado Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed unconvinced that an El Paso County judge should have recused herself from a trial because she was previously the victim of a similar crime, the court was less receptive to the government's position that a judge's appearance of bias can almost never be grounds for reversing a conviction.
The Colorado Supreme Court considered this week whether Jefferson County prosecutors actually had enough evidence to convict a man of a child sex crime, based on a one-minute, sexually suggestive conversation for which he is serving six years to life in prison.
With less than two weeks to go until Colorado voters can start casting primary ballots, Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert this week launched a five-figure TV ad campaign touting her support for former President Donald Trump's border policies and efforts to increase domestic energy production.
An Archuleta County sheriff's detective who barred a man and his family from entering their home for nearly eight hours without a warrant committed a constitutional violation that required the eventual evidence of a firearm offense to be thrown out, the federal appeals court based in Denver ruled on Tuesday.

Although Corban Josiah Elmore cooperated with first responders who assisted with his son's drug overdose, Detective Patrick Smith asked other sheriff's deputies to secure Elmore's home. For several hours, Smith investigated Elmore for a potential crime while Elmore, his wife and their other child were kept out of the house.

A trial judge initially believed Smith's seizure of Elmore's home was constitutional at the outset and the detective reasonably  if slowly  spent the next eight hours in pursuit of a search warrant. But a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit saw things differently, concluding that even if there was probable cause to restrict access to the home at the time of Smith's command, the warrant should have arrived promptly.

"Yet before applying for a warrant, Smith spent hours digging into the details surrounding the overdose event and investigating Elmore for criminal conduct. By doing so, Smith extended the seizure much longer than reasonably necessary to obtain the warrant," wrote Judge Nancy L. Moritz in the panel's May 21 opinion.

Case: United States v. Elmore Decided: May 21, 2024 Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for Colorado Ruling: 3-0 Judges: Nancy L. Moritz (author) Mary Beck Briscoe Robert E. Bacharach

The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. It further requires law enforcement to either obtain a warrant based on probable cause or else rely on an exception to the warrant requirement. If police act without a warrant, the U.S. Supreme Court has cautioned that the seizure should be "no longer than reasonably necessary."

A 'possible crime scene'

The morning of April 6, 2021, Elmore found his teenage son nonresponsive in the basement of their home in rural Archuleta County. Elmore retrieved his nearby tenant, who attempted to resuscitate the son. The tenant left to call 911 while Elmore moved his son outside. First responders administered medication to counteract the suspected drug overdose and the son began breathing.

An emergency medical technician asked Elmore if he knew what drugs his son had taken. Elmore showed the EMT to his son's bedroom and handed over a box of various illicit substances and paraphernalia.

Around 11:30, with Elmore's son at the hospital, sheriff's deputies arrived at the home and Smith showed up shortly afterward. He spoke with the tenant, told the deputies to "secure" the property and left for the hospital.

Smith contacted Elmore over the phone and they arranged to meet back at Elmore's house. Smith returned first and Elmore's wife arrived with their young child. She asked to go into the home to take care of the numerous pets and to rest her foot, which she recently injured.

The deputies refused, saying the house was a "crime scene." Smith elaborated he needed to "look for whatever else might be in there drug related." Elmore's wife offered to let law enforcement search the downstairs bedroom, but they declined.

By the time Elmore returned, Smith was gone and the remaining deputies reiterated they were "holding the scene" as a "possible crime scene." Again, Elmore said law enforcement could search the bedroom, but they refused to let him enter. Elmore then left.

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The deputies at the home looked inside and observed an alleged gun safe and gun carrier. They told Smith, who looked up Elmore and found him to have prior felony convictions. Around 7:30 p.m., nearly eight hours after telling deputies to block entry to Elmore's home, Smith applied for a search warrant.

Law enforcement subsequently found multiple guns and charged Elmore with being a felon in possession of firearms.

Initially, Elmore argued the seizure of his home was a Fourth Amendment violation and any evidence after that point could not be used against him. U.S. Magistrate Judge James M. Candelaria sided with Elmore, noting Good Samaritans who report drug overdoses are immune from prosecution under Colorado law. Because law enforcement had no probable cause for anything but drug possession, the seizure was unjustified.

The government objected, prompting U.S. District Court Senior Judge Robert E. Blackburn to overrule Candelaria, noting Colorado immunity did not apply to federal drug crimes. Because Smith had probable cause of a drug offense and a reasonable fear Elmore's family might destroy the evidence if allowed in the house, he deemed the seizure reasonable.

The eight-hour gap "might have been used more efficiently," Blackburn conceded. But there was "no indication that Detective Smith or other officers purposefully delayed their efforts to obtain a warrant."

An unreasonable delay

Elmore appealed to the 10th Circuit, arguing his actions in response to the overdose  including voluntarily handing over the drugs  undermined the idea he was intent on destroying evidence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marissa R. Miller countered that in addition to the possibility of more drugs, "I think that we frequently worry about firearms in drug cases."

"I can see a very lenient magistrate judge saying 'OK, you can search the kids bedroom for firearms,'" said Judge Robert E. Bacharach during oral arguments at the 10th Circuit. "But how in the world do you convince any magistrate judge in the United States to look at the dads bedroom for firearms?"

The 10th Circuit panel ruled in Elmore's favor, noting sheriff's officials lacked any reason to suspect Elmore of a firearm crime at the moment they seized his house. The seizure, elaborated Moritz, enabled police to eventually develop the evidence Smith would later use in the warrant application. But for eight hours, Elmore's family was denied access to their house without a warrant.

Police "exploited the seizure for hours to conduct additional investigation," she wrote. "Even assuming probable cause and exigency supported the initial seizure of Elmores home, that seizure became unreasonable when the officers made no effort to reconcile the competing interests at stake and extended the seizure longer than reasonably necessary to diligently obtain a search warrant."

The court barred the government from using the firearm evidence against Elmore. The Archuleta County sheriff did not immediately respond to an email asking about the decision.

The case is United States v. Elmore.
A company that solicits charitable donations for nonprofits cannot continue its constitutional challenge to Colorado's regulations because it no longer faces a prohibition on operating in the state, a federal judge ruled last week.

InfoCision Management Corporation, located in Akron, Ohio, alleged a portion of Colorado's Charitable Solicitations Act unconstitutionally infringed upon its free speech rights as a company that is paid to make solicitations. U.S. District Court Senior Judge William J. Martinez previously sided against InfoCision, prompting an appeal.

But while the appeal was pending, Secretary of State Jena Griswold allowed InfoCision to re-register as a paid solicitor in Colorado. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit sent the case back to Martinez and asked him to determine if the lawsuit was now moot. In a May 14 order, Martinez concluded it was.

"In this case," he wrote, "a declaration that the Act is facially unconstitutional simply cannot affect the Secretarys behavior toward InfoCision because she has already registered it as a charitable solicitor in Colorado."

Colorado's legislature enacted the Charitable Solicitations Act after finding fraudulent solicitations on behalf of charities were a "widespread practice" that siphoned money away from legitimate organizations. The law requires the secretary of state to look at registration applications for paid solicitors annually and decide whether an application satisfies the requirements.

Under the law, no one may act as a paid solicitor in Colorado if, among other things, another state or the U.S. government enjoined them from engaging in deceptive conduct within the past five years. In 2018, a federal judge in Ohio ordered InfoCision to pay a penalty of $250,000 and barred it from making misrepresentations to the public in response to allegations from the Federal Trade Commission of deceptive practices.

Later that year, the secretary of state's office, under Griswold's predecessor, Wayne Williams, denied InfoCision's attempt to renew its registration as a paid solicitor in Colorado because of the federal action. Although the office reversed that decision on technical grounds, Griswold again denied the renewal the following year.

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InfoCision challenged the prohibition on First Amendment grounds, arguing it had a "fundamental right" to speak as a paid solicitor. Martinez disagreed that the law amounted to a constitutional violation.

"The Supreme Courts precedents do not prevent the legislature from regulating paid charitable solicitors simply because they speak about charitable giving," he wrote in November 2021.

While the case was on appeal to the 10th Circuit, the five-year window under the Charitable Solicitations Act expired. Griswold's office granted InfoCision's renewal in May 2023. Although some 10th Circuit judges appeared concerned during oral arguments that Colorado's law was overly broad, they first asked Martinez to determine if any action remained for the courts to take in light of the changed circumstances.

InfoCision believed its rights were still in danger because other states could restrict its solicitation activities based on Colorado's five-year suspension. It cited Mississippi law, which requires the state to deny an organization's registration if any other secretary of state has suspended it, and an email from Mississippi's assistant secretary of state confirmed she "would deny" the registration based on Colorado's sanction.

However, Colorado responded that InfoCision had not given Mississippi the full picture of what was going on. After Colorado clarified InfoCision was no longer prohibited from registering in the state and was, in fact, currently registered, Assistant Secretary of State Tanya G. Webber clarified Mississippi "would allow the applicant to register."

Based on that information, Martinez concluded InfoCision was facing no likely injury.

"While it may be true that other states are monitoring this litigation," he acknowledged, "InfoCision has not presented evidence that another state is considering revoking or denying its registration based on Colorados previous denial of its registration."

The case is InfoCision Management Corp. v. Griswold.
The Colorado Springs Police Departments Crimes Against Children Unit is asking for the publics assistance in locating possible additional victims after the arrest of a sexual assault suspect Friday.

According to a Tuesday department announcement, police arrested 24-year-old Deangelo Terry after reports of a sexual assault on a child in Colorado Springs earlier in the month.

Police said at 5:29 p.m. May 16, officers received reports of the sexual assault in the 300 block of N. Tejon Street.

According to statements collected at the scene, Terry had approached the juvenile victim from behind and made inappropriate contact.

The announcement states the suspect then fled the store on foot after the incident, before police arrival.

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According to police, detectives were allegedly familiar with Terry due to his previous arrest in February 2023 regarding an attempted sexual assault on a child.

As of Tuesday, Terry is listed as still in custody at the El Paso County jail, on a $25,000 bond.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing, and detectives are actively seeking additional victims.

This includes any potential unreported incidents where a light-skinned black male, approximately 62, 155 pounds, with shaved hair, dark facial hair, and brown eyes, approached females, made unwanted advances, or exposed himself in and around the downtown area of Colorado Springs, the announcement reads.

Anyone carrying information about the investigation is being asked to contact the department by calling 719-444-7000.
UPDATE: Jamier Green has been located and is safe according to CSPD's social media.

The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for help from the community in locating 12-year-old Jamier Green.

Green was reported missing Sunday and was last seen in the East Platte Avenue and East Boulder Street area heading west toward Union Boulevard around 4 p.m.

According to a social media post by CSPD, Green was last seen wearing a navy long thermal shirt with a red symbol, black track pants with a grey line down the side and all-black New Balance shoes. He is about 5'7" and between 240 and 245 pounds.

Anyone who has seen Green or knows about his whereabouts is encouraged to contact CSPD at 719-444-7000.
An artist performs Peking opera during a celebration of Chinese Spring Festival at the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, Ireland, on Feb. 15, 2024. On Thursday, a performance was staged at the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, featuring Peking opera, martial arts, as well as traditional music and dance. (Xinhua)



At Qingdao Port in Shandong province, there are numerous containers being loaded, discharged or transported day and night, yet normally no one is in sight.



The modern Peking Opera production Nongchao (Riding the Tides) sheds light on the port, which is the first fully automated container terminal in Asia, and Zhang Liangang and his Liangang Innovation Team, who made it come true.

Coproduced by the port's owner, the Shandong Port Group, and the Qingdao Performing Arts Group, and performed by the Qingdao Peking Opera Theater, the production graced the stage of the China National Opera House in Beijing on May 18.

The storyline revolves around Zhang, a senior expert of the port group and a key figure in the development and construction of the automated terminal. Back in 2013, Zhang took on the challenge of leading a team to build an automated terminal, despite undergoing lung cancer surgery five years previously.

At the time, the crucial technologies were dominated by industrial giants of developed countries. Without any resources, experience or external support, Zhang led a team of 25 in a pioneering effort to develop their own solutions.

After countless meetings, plans and tests, the team completed a detailed terminal design in just 15 months, and the terminal was put into service in 2017, with world-leading operational efficiency.

Zhang's inspiring story and unwavering commitment led to the Peking Opera production. After the performing arts project was initiated, the production crew, led by Lu Ang, chief director and professor at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, embarked on a field trip to the port to gain insight into its construction and operation.

"I went on the trip with more than 20 questions prepared, during which many things moved us deeply. In fact, many stories on stage now are based on the real experiences of real individuals," Lu says.

Apart from how Zhang Liangang led the team through challenges while personally battling adverse health conditions, Lu found the experiences of the other members from the Liangang Innovation Team touching, pioneering and inspiring.

Examples of these real stories include that of team member Xu Yongning, who works at the port construction project during the day and looks after his ill wife at the hospital at night, or that of Li Yongcui, the only female engineer of the team, who leads a sub-team in the development of the equipment control system.

Entering the team's work environment also gave the production crew a sneak peek into the harshness of working conditions. Scriptwriter Wang Yong, who is director of the National Peking Opera Co, says that even ascending the tower crane was a petrifying experience, let alone working on one, especially when the crane shakes during windy or rainy weather.

"When we truly walked in their footsteps, we found so many moments that stirred emotions within us. China's port industry is indeed the dream of several generations, and this is what we have always wanted to convey in our subsequent creation process  it's not just about one individual, but about teamwork," Lu says.

As it is a modern Peking Opera production, one of the greatest challenges in the creation process is how to retain the essence of Peking Opera, including its vocal techniques and acting skills, while presenting a contemporary story taking place in an industrial high-tech setting, according to Lu.

The production's composition and vocal design are undertaken by Zhu Shaoyu, a national-level inheritor of the Peking Opera intangible cultural heritage project.

To ensure efficiency and high quality, Zhu worked closely with the director and scriptwriter at every stage. Often, when a segment of lyrics was written, Zhu would immediately begin working on the composition, making adjustments as needed, rather than waiting for the entire script to be finalized.

"Within the character types of Peking Opera, I made sure that three of them, sheng (dignified male role), dan (dignified female role) and jing (male role with face paint), had their own solo passages to cater to the preferences of Peking Opera fans," Zhu says.

"In terms of music, we aimed for a modern, experimental approach, because the production centers on a contemporary subject. We boldly incorporated a choir, a symphony orchestra, and even elements of electronic music."

As the story is set against an industrialized port backdrop, Jin Sa, the production's stage designer and a professor from the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, decided to adopt primarily digital projection, instead of traditional stage settings, to present the dynamics of the contemporary industry, as well as to highlight the narrative.

First initiated in 2022, the production made its premiere in April 2023, under the title Oriental Grand Port, and was honored as an excellent production at the 10th Chinese Peking Opera Arts Festival last year. The crew continued to make refinements to the production and the performers kept honing their acting and singing.

At a roundtable discussion on May 19, the production received critical acclaim from performing arts experts and scholars.

"Seeing its polished version this year, I believe that this production has achieved a pioneering fusion of Peking Opera, industrial themes and performing arts expressions. Especially in the field of Peking Opera, it is very difficult to make such a breakthrough," says Cui Wei, former secretary-general of the China Theatre Association.

"My greatest takeaway is that through artistic expression, the production presents the philosophy behind the construction of Qingdao's automated port and the dedication of technical and industrial workers. Only those who innovate can progress and succeed. This embodies the spirit and vitality of China."

For the production's future performances, apart from making improvements, Lu has a vision that it can become a resident production in Qingdao in the long term.

"During our last field trip, we arrived at the old port of Qingdao near the city center. There, we saw several former granary buildings, which were being renovated into cultural venues, and I asked whether we could reserve one of the buildings as a theater," Lu says.

"Qingdao is a tourist city, and Qingdao Port is a significant cultural emblem of the city. We hope that this production, after making further refinements, could be performed on-site at the port. This would allow visitors from home and abroad to learn about the specific history of Qingdao's port construction."
A highly anticipated art exhibition opened in Beijing on Friday, unveiling hundreds of eclectic works that seek to integrate traditional and innovative practices.

The Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU) hosted the opening ceremony for its 2024 postgraduates' graduation exhibition at the university's art museum, heralding in this year's graduation season. More than 200 people attended the event.

Postgraduates' works this year reflected excellent innovative capability in the backdrop of new technological development, said Ma Sai, dean of AADTHU. He continued by saying that he could feel both the students' respect for traditional art practices as well as their vitality in embracing the future. The students' lively personalities and sense of social responsibility are also showcased through their works, added the dean.

Ma Sai, dean of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), delivers a speech at the opening ceremony for the academy's 2024 postgraduate exhibition, May 24, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Ji Haoran, a postgraduate representative, said at the opening that their works express their generation's understanding and practices toward blending modern arts and scientific technology, as well as their great appreciation for the school and their tutors.

Ji Haoran, a postgraduate of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), delivers a speech at the opening ceremony for the academy's 2024 postgraduate exhibition, May 24, 2024. [Photo by Zhou Jing/China.org.cn]

Ji, a postgraduate student in creativity and design for popularization of science, spent about half a year designing her graduation work, which is based on martial arts, an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in her hometown of Cangzhou city, located in north China's Hebei province. Her artistic process to create her graduation work began with Ji choosing the eight most representative styles of martial arts in Cangzhou, selecting classic movements, drawing corresponding cartoons and finally using new technologies to develop these cartoons into a set of dynamic images.

Ji added that her artwork is set to be on display in her hometown's museum to introduce local culture, and probably will be developed into other applications for more cultural scenarios. Ji also told China.org.cn that she has seen most of her fellow postgraduates' exhibited works, finding them attractive and inspiring. With the help of the academy and instructors, Ji and her schoolmates want to contribute more to their hometowns and to various industries, using their expertise to introduce Chinese culture in a more innovative way to the world at large.

Ji's thoughts echoes with that of Qin Chuan, CPC Party secretary of AADTHU. At the opening, Qin encouraged the postgraduates to move forward fearlessly into their futures, and to keep thinking about the nature of the arts in an era that is full of changes and uncertain transformation brought on by sci-tech innovation. He also encouraged the students to make more innovative works and define a future of their own new standards.

Qin Chuan, CPC Party secretary of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the academy's 2024 postgraduate exhibition, May 24, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

The AADTHU, one of the top-level arts and design academies in China, has 11 departments, focusing on textile and fashion design, ceramic design, visual communication design, environmental art design, industrial design, information art & design, painting, sculpture, arts and crafts, art history, and basic teaching and research. It also hosts institutions related to international exchange and art galleries.

The academy has more than 20 undergraduate majors and has the rights to confer doctor's degrees in artistic theories, fine arts and design science. It also boasts relevant centers for post-doctoral studies and runs academic journals including Zhuangshi, Art and Science and Tsinghua Fine Arts.

Students' works are displayed at the 2024 Postgraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), May 24, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Ma Sai, dean of AADTHU, expressed the academy's decision to proactively reform their education and teaching models, expand interdisciplinary cooperation platforms and foster future-oriented artists and designers with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

This year's postgraduate students' works will be on display until June 6. After this exhibition, a new one for undergraduates will open on June 14 and run until June 27. In an effort to distinguish different majors' pieces, the exhibits are on displayed at two different places, with some works viewable at the university's art museum while others are located in the academy's on-campus art galleries.
Now in its second year, American telecommunications equipment provider Ciena, Digicel Fiji, and Southern Cross have joined forces to provide schools in Fiji with internet access of at least 10Mbps via the Digicel Fiji network.

Project Semata, Cienas initiative, will provide enhanced internet access to The Assemblies of God High School, Basden Anglican College, and Ratu Sukuna Memorial School.

Ciena claims the connection will benefit more than 2000 students and teachers across the three schools in Suva.

This great initiative will enable us to be connected to the world, assisting us in the daily teaching and learning process. It will enable teachers to access the latest teaching methods. Students too will be at an advantage with a greater access to a variety of resources which can help them prepare well for any assessment or examination. Communication barriers between all school stakeholders will become a thing of the past and the Internet will be a great enabler for monitoring and informing parents about their child's performance in school, commented Basden Anglican College school head Waisale Tavatuilagi.

E-learning and teleworking are considered essential to full social and economic inclusion, making internet connectivity a necessity regardless of where youre based. Through the Ciena Digital Inclusion program, it is a privilege to once again be working with Digicel Fiji and Southern Cross on Project Semata to address some of the gaps in rural connectivity, said Ciena Asia Pacific regional managing director Philip Rolle.

By providing enhanced internet access to these schools in Suva, we are empowering them with the tools and resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive, said Digicel Fiji CEO Farid Mohammed.

Project Semata has been greatly received in improving accessibility of learning materials and empowering the education of students and teachers in Savusavu, and Southern Cross is proud to expand this support into other schools in Fiji, said Southern Cross CEO Laurie Miller.

In 2023, Project Semata supported Kamendra School, Savusavu Secondary School, and St. Bedes Secondary School in Savusavu, providing around 2,000 teachers and students with internet to support their learning journey with access to new online learning materials.

Ciena said in that same year Project Semata would support schools in Pacific Island communities in the next two years.
Aldi supermarkets are bringing discounted tech to a store near you this Saturday, 1 June 2024. You can snap up a brand-new Lenovo Tab M11 Bundle for $199, a 15.6" portable monitor for $149, or a standing desk for $159 among other bargains.

This Saturday, 1 June 2024, Aldi has a great range of discounted tech offerings in their Aldi special buys section to elevate your WFH sanctuary.

Check out the deals here:

Lenovo Tab M11 Bundle $199

11" IPS display

1920 x 1200 resolution

Mediatek Hello G88 8-core processor

4GB RAM

64GB storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD card

4 stereo speakers, optimised with Dolby Atmos

Bundle includes folio case and pen

Android 13 operating system

15.6" portable monitor $149

Freestanding screen with full-screen protector cover

Suitable for screen mirroring, extending display or being a primary display

15.6" screen size

1920 x 1080 IPS resolution

USB-C and mini HDMI Inputs

Built-in speaker and 1 x audio jack input

Standing Office Desk $159

Height adjustable tabletop (manual adjustment with crank handle)

Includes cable management grommet

FSC 100% Certified wood

Weight: 23kg

Assembled size: 1.20m(W) x 60cm(D) x 74cm-1.15m(H)

Flexible Laptop Stand $49.99

Aluminium

Suitable for 11-17.3" laptops

Loading weight up to 10kg

Air vents

Adjustable height and angle

Anti-slip silicone pads

Desktop Charging Stand $34.99

2 x AU power sockets

2 x USB-A charging ports

2 x USB-C charging ports

Wireless charging 10W

Built-in phone cradle

1.5m cable length

Portable Laptop Table $39.99

Adjustable height and tilt for various positions

5 castors (3 lockable) for easy maneuverability

Available in Oak or White

FSC 100% Certified wood

Assembled size: 60cm(W) x 40cm(D) x 72-92.5cm(H)

Charging Stand $49.99

Wirelessly charge both an iPhone and Apple Airpods at the same time

USB-A port available to charge a third device such as Apple Watch or iPad

Purpose-built charging positions

Sleek, compact design

Total output: 23.5W max

See these items, and others in the coming 1 June Aldi special buys here.
100 years ago,

May 28, 1924

MATTOON  "Golden Days," 1924 senior class play of the Mattoon High School, was presented to an audience which filled every seat in the Mattoon theater Tuesday night, when those composing the cast accredited themselves well. They had been rehearsed by Miss Ida Turnbull, principal of the school...ARCOLA  Eight acres of alfalfa grown by the class in agriculture at Arcola High School was sold at auction Saturday night, A.C. Bryant bidding in the crop for $155. He will stand the expense of the harvesting of the crop. Last year the crop was sold at auction for $211 and when it was cut amounted to thirty-five tons.

50 years ago, 1974

MATTOON  Mattoon City Coordinator George Pendell wants "wall-to-wall" people at the June 6 railroad abandonment hearing. The hearing will be conducted by the Illinois Commission of Economic Development's transportation subcommittee held in the council chambers in Mattoon City Hall. "I don't want 15 or 20 people here," said Pendell today. "If people are interested in this thing, I want a packed house." The U.S. Department of Transpiration has called for the elimination of 2,650 miles of potentially excess rail lines in Illinois. DOT's plan calls for the elimination of the Penn Central Railroad line from Paris to St. Louis. It would also close the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad line between Evansville, Ind. and Decatur...MATTOON  The Liberty service station at 1820 was robbed at gunpoint Saturday night. Police stated that a man wielding a .22-caliber pistol held up the station at approximately 10:45 p.m. Working at the station at the time was Michael Cotten of 616 N. 21st Street. Cotten told authorities that a car pulled into the station and stopped for about two minutes shortly before the robbery took place. The car then left the premises. The attendant said he was sitting in the station office when the driver of the car walked in, pointed the revolver at him, and demanded the money in the safe. An undetermined amount of cash was taken during the robbery, police said.

25 years ago, 1999

CHARLESTON  It's not how their constituents might expect them to handle and issue, but Coles County Board members could jeopardize the process if they talk about a pending landfill sitting application. That's what State's Attorney Steve Ferguson says, adding that he understand that some people might be frustrated because they feel they have no access to their elected officials concerning the matter. "But that's not the case," he said. "The contact has to come at the public hearing. It has to be on the record. Otherwise, either side can say there has been lobbying outside the public hearing."...CHARLESTON  The proposed third Interstate 57 interchange for Coles County got a major funding boost, it was announced Thursday. The interchange is slated to receive $7 million in state funds and is on the Illinois Department of Transportation's five year list of projects. The announcement came at a meeting to update area officials of the progress of the project. State Rep. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, wasn't able to attend but sent a letter that told of the news. The new interchange is planned for the north of the one at Illinois Route 16 and is mainly to route heavy truck traffic away from the cities of Charleston and Mattoon to nearby industrial areas. Another feature is to improve access to Lake Shelbyville and other attractions west of Coles County.

Close Tourists pet cats May 18 on a street on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A tourist pets a cat May 18 as other cats hang out at a shrine dedicated to the feline on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeastern Japan. A cat sits May 18 in front of signs for a cafe and a cat shrine at Nitoda Port on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A cat walks in front of signs for a cafe and a cat shrine May 18 on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A cat grooms itself May 18 on a street on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. Tourists talk to a cat sitting on a street May 18 on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A cat crouches May 18 by a cat-themed sign that reads, "Welcome to Tashirojima island," near Odomari Port in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A tourist takes photographs of cats May 18 at a restaurant at Nitoda Port on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. Tourists stand in line May 18 before boarding a ferry at Nitoda Port to leave Tashirojima island as a cat finds food in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A cat grooms another May 18 as tourists rest at a cafe on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. Cats rest May 18 near a shrine dedicated to the feline on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. Scenes from Japanese island of cats Tourists pet cats May 18 on a street on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A tourist pets a cat May 18 as other cats hang out at a shrine dedicated to the feline on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeastern Japan. A cat sits May 18 in front of signs for a cafe and a cat shrine at Nitoda Port on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A cat walks in front of signs for a cafe and a cat shrine May 18 on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A cat grooms itself May 18 on a street on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. Tourists talk to a cat sitting on a street May 18 on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A cat crouches May 18 by a cat-themed sign that reads, "Welcome to Tashirojima island," near Odomari Port in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A tourist takes photographs of cats May 18 at a restaurant at Nitoda Port on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. Tourists stand in line May 18 before boarding a ferry at Nitoda Port to leave Tashirojima island as a cat finds food in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. A cat grooms another May 18 as tourists rest at a cafe on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan. Cats rest May 18 near a shrine dedicated to the feline on Tashirojima island in Ishinomaki, northeast Japan.
This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2023 shows a city view of Shanghai at sunrise. [Photo/Xinhua]

Authorities in Shanghai on Monday unveiled a set of measures to provide further targeted support for homebuyers.



Encompassing nine specific measures, the move aims to meet the diversified living needs of residents in an improved manner.

Major measures include easing home-purchase restrictions further for non-Shanghai residents and divorced couples, allowing families with two or more children to purchase an additional home, and lifting the lending cap for mortgages involving the housing provident fund, which is a long-term housing savings plan that comprises compulsory monthly deposits from both employers and employees.

The minimum downpayment ratio for individual commercial housing mortgages has been lowered to 20 percent for first-home purchases and 35 percent for second-home purchases. The minimum downpayment ratio for second-home purchases in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone Lingang New Area and six of its suburban districts has been adjusted to 30 percent.
UPDATED 7 A.M. WEDNESDAY  Illinois House Democrats early Wednesday approved a $53.1 billion election-year budget that boosts spending by $400 million from what Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed earlier this year and slightly reduces the governors tax hike plan.

The plan also provides a 5% pay bump to lawmakers and many state officials, one of many expenditures that drew the ire of the Republican minority, who voted against the budget but will receive the raises nonetheless.

Hours after returning to Springfield from a truncated Memorial Day weekend, the House approved the budget in a 65-45 vote taken at about 2 a.m. The Democratic-controlled Senate gave its approval late Sunday on 38-21 vote, largely along party lines, after lawmakers blew through a self-imposed Friday deadline without reaching a final agreement.

The final plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1, which now heads to the governors desk, trimmed some areas of Pritzkers initial proposal but is undergirded by almost $750 million in tax hikes on sportsbooks, retailers and other corporations. Pritzker, who was involved in negotiations with legislative leaders that led to the budget approved by lawmakers, had proposed a slightly smaller $52.7 million spending plan that included $900 million in tax increases.

While seven House Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the main budget bill, party leaders managed to keep the deal on track despite a last-minute lobbying push from banks, airlines and credit card companies against a late-breaking move to eliminate transaction fees charged on sales taxes and tips, a provision meant to soften the blow for retailers who are getting a tax hike as part of the overall budget plan.

Democrats struggled to marshal the votes necessary to pass the tax increases needed to bring their spending plan into balance. Three votes were taken before the package passed by the bare minimum number of votes.

Earlier, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth of Peoria, the House Democrats chief budget negotiator, emphasized that the budget maintained the states priorities in education, after-school programs, health, and public safety, including funding community-based violence prevention groups and Illinois State Police cadet classes.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a budget that prioritizes all of our communities. Were funding housing. Were funding rental assistance. Were providing over $500 million in new funding for local governments, Gordon-Booth said on the House floor. I know that we stand committed to continuing in the vein of moving our great state forward.

In her closing remarks, Gordon-Booth acknowledged the trade-offs that went into putting together the plan.

No one, and I mean no one, is getting everything that they want. Some very difficult decisions were made. And I hope that people respect that. But I truly believe that this budget puts Illinois forward, Gordon-Booth said. Because we arent going to be about the politics of pitting vulnerable people against one another, we are going to be about the business of lifting all of our people up.

Pritzker issued a statement shortly after the vote, praising the plan and vowing to sign it once it reaches his desk.

For the sixth consecutive year, the General Assembly and I have a balanced budget that uplifts the working families of Illinois, saves more money in our Rainy Day fund, creates jobs, lowers taxes on small businesses, grows our economy, and continues our track record of fiscal responsibility, Pritzker said. From expectant mothers and their newborn babies to people with disabilities to veterans to seniors who need our care, were keeping our promises to all Illinoisans and the most vulnerable among us.

Republicans, who are outnumbered 77-40 in the House and were largely shut out of negotiations, continued their criticism of budgets that have ballooned since Pritzker took office in 2019, when the approved spending plan totaled $40 billion.  Chicago Tribune

SPRINGFIELD  Funds for the teardown and rebuild of Logan and Stateville prisons are included in the fiscal year 2025 budget proposal that Illinois lawmakers are expected to finalize this week.

The $900 million appropriation of capital construction funds  tucked away on page 1,339 of the 3,389-page budget bill  were first proposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker's administration in March.

The Illinois Department of Corrections later recommended that Logan, the state's only multi-level women's correctional facility, be shuttered in Lincoln and rebuilt more than 140 miles away on the same site as Stateville, a maximum-security men's prison in suburban Chicago. Officials have said the roughly 450 Logan employees would be offered jobs at other IDOC facilities in the region.

The plans to relocate from Lincoln have not been finalized, but the inclusion of the funds in the state's spending plan will essentially allow the administration to move forward as it sees fit on the topic.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, a bicameral, bipartisan legislative commission, is tasked under law with providing an advisory recommendation on the plan.

Commission director Clayton Klenke told Lee Enterprises that public meetings will be held near Stateville on June 11 and near Logan on June 13 to solicit feedback on the state's proposal.

Tentatively, the commission plans to vote June 14 on a recommendation. More details on those meetings will be released later this week.

With the funds in hand, state corrections officials have indicated that Stateville could close as early as September. The prison would remain closed for the duration of construction, which is expected to take up to five years.

The state plans to keep Logan open in Lincoln while a new facility is built on the campus of Stateville, IDOC director Latoya Hughes told lawmakers earlier this month. But, she cautioned that continued deterioration of the prison may force the department to reconsider.

AFSCME Council 31, the union representing prison employees, opposes the relocation of Logan, a position echoed by testimony submitted to the commission from Lincoln residents and Logan employees.

The appropriation for Logan and Stateville is one of many nuggets emerging from the spending plan, which comprises $124.6 billion when accounting for all funds. The general fund budget  the state's main operating fund  has been set at $53.1 billion.

The plan passed the Illinois Senate late Sunday evening. The House is expected to vote on it early Wednesday morning. It would then head to Pritzker's desk. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

Also included in the budget are $500 million in capital funds for a quantum computing campus, an additional $350 million in evidence-based funding for K-12 schools and $182 million to address the migrant crisis.

To offset the growth in spending, lawmakers included a slew of tax increases and other revenue enhancements, including an increase in the tax levied against sportsbooks, extending a cap on losses large businesses can claim on their state income taxes and capping the retailer's discount.
My term as American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) president is nearing an end at a time of new beginnings for AAPA's efforts to close the gap for patients experiencing healthcare disparities, as well as our initiatives to increase diversity in our profession.

At the heart of AAPA's mission lies a profound commitment to not only address the immediate challenges in our healthcare system but also to envision a future where healthcare disparities are eliminated and diversity thrives in the medical community. This mission has always been a personal passion, and I believe that our profession needs every PA, including myself, to find new ways to get involved.

To make meaningful changes that support diversity, equity, and inclusion, I believe it is essential to focus on three core areas: supporting the next generation of PAs, improving access and quality of care for underserved patients, and empowering PA leaders to transform healthcare.

This year, AAPA has launched partnership efforts that will support each of those priorities and present opportunities to engage PAs at all levels, from PA students to PA leaders. One of the most exciting projects is PAthways, an initiative developed by AAPA and the PA Foundation, aimed at fostering diversity in the PA workforce. According to the Harris Poll survey that AAPA commissioned in 2023, more than half of US adults (54%) reported feeling more comfortable seeing a healthcare provider who shares their background.1 This is especially true of Black (67%), Asian (66%), and Latino (62%) adults, compared with White adults (49%).1

To meet this patient need, our profession must continue to diversify, but this is not a problem unique to PAs. According to the KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation), in 2019, 60% of healthcare workers were White and 40% were people of color, including 16% who were Black, 13% who were Hispanic, and 7% who were Asian.2 Taking steps to recruit more students from all backgrounds to pursue a career as a PAand to support their journeyis the mission of PAthways, which was launched in March through the support of a Communities in Action for Health Equity grant from Pfizer Inc.

PAthways is designed to reach historically marginalized communities, including Black, Latina/o/x, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other racial and ethnic groups. The two-pronged program is aimed at:

raising awareness and interest in the PA profession among freshmen and sophomore college students at minority-serving institutions

providing mentorship and shadowing opportunities for seniors and recent graduates of color interested in pursuing PA school.

Engaging with PA programs at minority-serving institutions is vital to the success of this program, but the call for mentors is critical. Mentorship serves as the cornerstone upon which aspiring PAs from underrepresented backgrounds can build their careers and thrive in our profession.

Mentors provide guidance, support, and invaluable insights drawn from their own experiences, helping mentees navigate the challenges and opportunities they encounter along their journey to becoming PAs. By serving as mentors, PAs can inspire, empower, and uplift the next generation of diverse healthcare professionals.

I urge PAs in all medical settings to heed this call for mentors and consider the profound effect they can have on the future of our profession. Whether you're a seasoned PA with years of experience or a recent graduate eager to pay it forward, your willingness to mentor can make a tangible difference in the lives of aspiring PAs.

A second initiative underway at AAPA tackles one of the most concerning healthcare disparities of the dayyouth mental health. With the aid of a grant from the RBC Foundation USA, AAPA has kicked off the PArtnership to Improve Student Mental Health. Through this project, AAPA and the PA Foundation will develop a youth mental health care training program in partnership with five PAs selected to participate. Upon completion of the training, those PAs will then partner with a local school district to train educators and administrators on ways to improve interactions with students affected by mental health challenges.

What's so encouraging about this project is that it shows how the action of one PA can have ripple effects. The project was inspired by the work of Erin Crown, PA-C, a Pennsylvania PA and founder of the Pennsylvania Mental Health Initiative (https://sites.google.com/view/pamhi/pennsylvania-schools-pilot-project). Crown led mental health care training in three central Pennsylvania school districts in 2021, helping teachers and administrators to better understand the different mental health issues that may affect students.

During my time as AAPA president, I have met countless PAs who, like Crown, are going beyond for their patients. It's AAPA's duty to support everyone who is committed to the mission of ending healthcare disparities and growing a stronger PA workforce.

So keep raising your handlook for ways to get involved and bring new suggestions to the table. Change always starts with an idea, and together, we can turn our vision into reality and create a stronger, more diverse PA profession, and in turn a healthcare system that truly serves all members of our society.

I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Accompanied by his wife, a 75-year-old man presented to his primary care physician associate/assistant (PA) due to worsening memory, problems with concentration, sleep difficulty, excessive daytime sleepiness, and increased falls. The wife reported that her husband had had mild memory and concentration issues before retiring 10 years ago, but previously was a high-functioning professional. His medical history consisted of hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, seasonal allergies, and benign prostatic hypertrophy. The patient complained of several years of mild memory loss and three to four mini-strokes in the past 15 years, with the most recent occurring within the past 3 years. His intermittent cognitive changes were severe at times, with episodes of not knowing how to use a computer or start the car, and getting lost while driving. After these episodes, he returned to baseline cognitive function.

Over the past 12 months, his cognitive and physical symptoms had progressed. He complained of increased leg stiffness, worsening incontinence, and difficulty going to the bathroom safely or providing self-care. He was unable to get on and off the toilet independently. He was unable to use a walker without falling and could not operate an electric wheelchair safely.

The patient's primary care PA diagnosed dementia about 3 years ago and referred him to a neurologist, who suspected Parkinson disease; however, treatment with carbidopa/levodopa produced little change. The neurologist also prescribed donepezil and eventually added memantine. The memantine was discontinued because of adverse reactions; the patient's wife also noted that the donepezil had been discontinued at some point but was unsure why.

The patient had longstanding symptoms of depression and was placed on venlafaxine 3 years ago by his neurologist; his depression had worsened over the past 2 years. His wife reported that over the past 2 years, the patient had experienced vivid visual hallucinations. He complained of seeing people in the house and was seen talking to them.

For the past 3 to 5 years, he had had difficulty because of shuffling his feet; he presented at this visit with severe upper and lower body weakness and stooped posture. His wife also reported that the patient was falling more often; about once or twice per week over the past 6 months because he tended to lean forward and lose his balance. He also had difficulty with safety awareness. Over the past 6 months, he said, his legs sometimes lock[ed] up, but he was unable to give more detail.

He had other symptoms that the family did not feel were related, including constipation for the past 5 years managed with polyethylene glycol, intermittent dizziness over the past 3 years worsened by medications and position change, erectile dysfunction for more than 5 years, and urinary incontinence that had worsened over the past 2 years. He demonstrated intolerance to many medications, including ditropan, tamsulosin, and finasteride.

Based on the patient's symptoms and medical history, Lewy body dementia (LBD) was considered a potential diagnosis.

PROGRESSIVE DISORDERS

At the beginning of the 20th century, a German physician, Fritz Heinrich Lewy, studied the pathologic brain tissue of deceased patients with dementia and noted a familiar pattern of increased extranuclear inclusions on microscopic examinations, which he called Lewy bodies (Figures 1 and 2).1 LBD is a heterogeneous, progressive, and degenerative group of brain disorders linking dementia with psychosis and parkinsonism. LBD is characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain and cognitive decline that gets worse over time. According to the National Institutes of Health, LBD is a disease associated with abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These deposits, called Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain. These changes, in turn, can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, mood, and other body functions.2 LBD is challenging for clinicians to diagnose; more than half of patients who are affected have not been diagnosed.3 The diagnosis of all forms of dementia depends on clinical suspicion and caregiver concern, and diagnosis can be missed or delayed.4 Patients with LBD suffer for long periods without diagnosis and have a worse quality of life compared with patients with Alzheimer dementia.3,5 In younger patients with dementia, a diagnosis of Alzheimer dementia can take 1.5 years, and a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia can take 2 years.6

FIGURE 1.: Histologic image of Lewy body FIGURE 2.: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Histopathology_of_Alzheimer%27s_disease.jpg Histologic image of findings associated with Alzheimer disease: amyloid plaque (A), neurofibrillary tangles (B), and granulovascular degeneration (C)Reproduced with permission from Mikael Haggstrom and brainmaps.org,

LBD is the most common form of dementia after Alzheimer and vascular dementias, and is estimated to affect 1.4 million patients in the United States.7 LBD represents a spectrum of diseases that includes dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson disease dementia (PDD).7 PAs in primary care are in an ideal position to recognize early signs of DLB and make this difficult diagnosis. Understanding the diagnostic criteria of DLB is vital for primary care PAs.

DLB is an age-associated neurodegenerative disorder with related cognitive decline that affects activities of daily living. 8 Lewy bodies affect brain chemicals, leading to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. 9 The diagnosis of DLB is challenging, especially at the onset, because of variable presentation with waxing and waning symptoms. 10

Lewy bodies affect brain chemicals, leading to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. The diagnosis of DLB is challenging, especially at the onset, because of variable presentation with waxing and waning symptoms. PDD represents another neurodegenerative disorder. Like DLB, PDD is associated with Lewy bodies in the brain, affecting neurotransmitters.11 Diagnosing PDD can be challenging, particularly in the early stages, because symptoms may vary and fluctuate over time. The onset of cognitive decline in patients with PDD often is insidious and can be overshadowed by the motor symptoms of Parkinson disease, further complicating accurate and timely diagnosis. There is no explanation for the variability of the motor-cognitive interval between DLB and PDD.11 One differentiation is the frequent coexistence of Alzheimer disease in patients with DLB.11

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Up to 40% of all autopsied brains have Lewy bodies; however, identifying the number of patients with clinical DLB is more challenging.12 In a retrospective study of claims data from Medicare beneficiaries, LBD incidence from 2010 to 2016 ranged from 0.18% to 0.21% and prevalence from 0.83% to 0.9%.13 Of 9,019 Medicare patients (average age, 78 years), 53.2% had DLB and 46.8% had PDD.13 Medical costs from 1 year before LBD diagnosis averaged $18,309, rising to $29,174 and $22,814 at years 1 and 5 postdiagnosis, driven mainly by inpatient and outpatient visits.13 Similar results were found in patients with DLB or PDD and those with commercial insurance.13

The incidence of all-cause dementia increases with population age (Table 1). The Population Reference Bureau showed that in 2020, more than 7 million US patients over age 65 years had dementia.14 The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) updated US estimates of dementia prevalence. Using a comprehensive cognitive testing battery and informant reports, the study found a 10% prevalence for dementia in patients age 65 years and older in 2016.15 These figures align with dementia prevalence estimates in the United States, with the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) reporting a 2020 prevalence of 11.3%, surpassing the 2016 HCAP estimate.15 The higher CHAP estimate is attributed to relying solely on cognitive test criteria without requiring informant reports. Additionally, the Aging, Demographics, and Memory (ADAMS) study reported a 2002 US dementia prevalence of 13.9%, and various algorithms estimated prevalence in 2012 ranging from 8.8% to 10.5%, including the new HCAP estimate of 10% for 2016.15

TABLE 1. - Clinical profiles for prevalent dementia conditions Clinical profiles for prevalent dementia conditions Alzheimer dementia Frontotemporal dementia LBD Vascular dementia Age of onset (years) >65 <65 >65 >65 Initial manifestations Memory issues Character shifts Volatile cognition level/visual hallucinations/REM sleep issues Varying focal neurologic issues Disease progression rate Insidious onset Insidious onset Insidious onset, gradual with volatility Sudden or gradual, phase-wise Motor-based manifestations Apraxia Frontal release issues Parkinsonism Focal debilitations Imaging Hippocampal/generalized atrophy; temporal/parietal hypometabolism Frontal/temporal atrophy plus hypometabolism Generalized atrophy/occipital hypometabolism Strokes/lacunar infarcts Pathology Neurofibrillary tangles/amyloid plaques Tau/transactive response DNA-binding protein (TDP-43); Pick cells/bodies in cortex Alpha-synuclein plus Lewy bodies in cortex/midbrain Arterioles with thickened vessel walls www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/understanding-different-types-dementia Adapted from National Institute on Aging. Understanding different types of dementia.

As of 2023, the cost of caring for patients with dementia in the United States exceeded $345 billion annually.16 The mixed pathologic changes related to DLB further complicate incidence reporting (Table 1).

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DLB

DLB is related to damage and loss of nerve cells in brain areas, primarily of the neocortex and limbic system.8 The hallmark pathologic finding in DLB is eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions called Lewy bodies.17 Damage is related to an aggregate of alpha-synuclein protein into Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites that overwhelm the cell, limiting its biologic function. In patients with DLB, the cognitive, behavioral, and motor clinical features are caused by alpha-synuclein deposition, leading to neuronal death.18 These complex pathologic changes and the associated clinical symptoms render the diagnosis more difficult to discern, often leading to misdiagnosis. Brain autopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose DLB.19 Mixed pathologic findings in patients with DLB could be one reason for the difficulty in clinical diagnosis. Clinical and pathologic overlap exists between Alzheimer dementia and DLB (Table 1).20 The areas of the brain affected can change the clinical features of the disease and its presentation. On autopsy, nearly 50% of patients with DLB have pathology consistent with Alzheimer dementia, including amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.21

RISK FACTORS

The most significant risk associated with dementia is age greater than 50 years.7 The age of onset is younger in patients with DLB, and the rate of progression is faster than in PDD.11 Patients with PDD had slightly more falls and those with DLB had more delirium, depression, hallucinations, dehydration, urinary incontinence and infection, and BP regulation problems (Table 2).11 Alzheimer dementia onset is in the mid-60s or later.9 Male sex is a risk factor, but more research is needed to fully understand the higher male prevalence.

TABLE 2. - Differential diagnosis of DLB5,25,42 Differential diagnosis of DLB Disorder Symptoms Manifestation/pathology compared with DLB Delirium Affects attention, acute onset Cognitive fluctuations and hallucinations are similar, although DLB has progressive decline

Delirium is reversible Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) Rare brain disorder that leads to dementia Both with visual disturbances and myoclonus

In CJD, death is within 1 year Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) Abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid

In patients over age 60 years, NPH is twice as common in men than women Cognitive decline, urinary incontinence, and gait disorder

NPH requires placement of a shunt to drain excess fluid from the brain Alzheimer dementia (60% to 80% of all dementia cases) Affects memory and thinking, interferes with daily life, causes problems recognizing friends or family

Risk is greater for women, shorter lifespan for men Visual hallucinations and extrapyramidal signs are less likely in Alzheimer dementia

DLB fluctuates more

Autonomic dysfunction worse in Alzheimer dementia Vascular dementia (17% to 30% of all dementia cases) Forgetting current and past events, misplacing items, poor judgment, hallucinations Vascular is related to a blood vessel injury, similar to stroke Frontotemporal dementia Behavioral and emotional decline, movement symptoms such as shaky hands and speech difficulties

May be more common in men Can mimic LBD early in disease course PDD Motor and cognitive decline

Prevalence is higher in men, with worse cognitive decline DLB has older age at onset and faster cognitive decline. Motor precedes cognitive decline in PDD.

An increased risk of DLB is associated with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, which can include violent outbursts leading to injury of the patient or sleep partner.10 Clinicians have detected REM sleep behavior disorder as early as 10 years before the development of cognitive decline.22 Screening for this disorder is one method to increase the chances of detecting DLB. Risk factors also may provide clues for underlying Lewy body pathophysiology.23

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

The differential diagnosis for a patient with memory loss includes psychiatric conditions such as delirium, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and other dementias, especially Alzheimer dementia and PDD (Table 2). Medication adverse reactions such as confusion associated with benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants, metabolic abnormalities, substance use disorder or withdrawal, and other systemic illnesses can present similarly.24 Cognitive fluctuation in a patient with dementia also could be related to transient ischemic attack (TIA), seizure, or cardiac dysrhythmia.

DLB and PDD are clinically similar, except for the onset of cognitive decline; the 1-year rule can distinguish between the two conditions.17 When cognitive decline manifests itself simultaneously toor at least 1 year beforemovement symptoms, the diagnosis is DLB. When cognitive decline occurs more than 1 year after movement symptoms, the diagnosis is PDD.17 Dementia is an essential criterion for diagnosing DLB and must affect one or more activities of daily living.25 All patients with cognitive decline should be screened for dementia. Data from the World Health Organization show that each year, 10 million new dementia cases are diagnosed worldwide.26

CLINICAL EVALUATION

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, routine cognitive screening during the Medicare annual wellness visit is required for patients age 65 years and older.25

PAs can use various neuropsychologic tests for screening, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Mini-Cog.27 The MMSE and MoCA take 7 to 10 minutes. MMSE assesses recall, learning, orientation, attention, calculation, language skills, and three-dimensional abilities; however, caution is necessary because of its limited sensitivity and susceptibility to baseline factors such as high education levels and sensory impairments.27 On the other hand, the Mini-Cog, completed in about 3 minutes and using a clock-drawing test and three-word recall, boasts high sensitivity.27 The clock-drawing test evaluates executive function, visual-spatial ability, motor programming, attention, and concentration. Patients with DLB tend to face more challenges in executive function, distinguishing them from those with Alzheimer dementia, where memory and object naming are less affected.27 The MoCA is the preferred tool for DLB assessment.28 The test is out of 30 points; higher scores indicate less impaired function. Also, higher education may affect the score.29 A score of 22 or 23 exhibits a high sensitivity of 92% and surpasses the MMSE in detecting DLB.30 This underscores the MoCA's suitability for capturing the characteristic early-stage DLB presentation involving attention, motor, or psychiatric changes rather than impaired memory function.30

Patients with DLB typically have early changes related to attention, executive function, and visuospatial ability; those with Alzheimer dementia typically present with memory loss.10 Common early symptoms of DLB include driving difficulties such as getting lost, problems judging distances, and impaired job performance. The case patient and his family reported these symptoms.

Clinicians should perform a comprehensive physical examination, including a thorough neurologic evaluation of eye movements, gait, balance, fine/coarse motor skills, and BP to determine orthostatic changes, and laboratory evaluation to determine if the patient has another cause of cognitive decline.11,31 The American Academy of Neurology recommends screening for thyroid disease and vitamin B12 deficiency and obtaining brain imaging.32 A laboratory evaluation must also rule out other causes of cognitive decline. The case patient's physical examination showed a quiet voice, stooped posture, and shuffling gait with no apparent rigidity. His laboratory evaluation was unremarkable. His physical examination findings of parkinsonism with fluctuating cognitive decline and visual hallucinations led clinicians to consider DLB in the differential diagnosis.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5) classifies all types of dementia as major neurocognitive disorder and mild neurocognitive disorders as mild cognitive impairment.25 To diagnose dementia or any neurocognitive disorder, there must be evidence of cognitive decline confirmed by standardized testing.25 DLB has different presentations and clinical features, including cognitive difficulties with motor dysfunction, neuropsychiatric and sleep/wake cycle alterations, and autonomic dysfunction (Table 3). The Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consortium (DLBC) has created diagnostic criteria for patients with DLB.10

TABLE 3. - Clinical features of DLB Clinical features of DLB Cognition and motor Impairment of attention

Executive dysfunction

Fluctuation in cognition

Bilateral parkinsonism

Postural tremor Neuropsychiatric Visual hallucinations

Attention fluctuations

Apathy, depression, and anxiety Sleep REM sleep behavior disorder: insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, dream enactment Autonomic Constipation

Orthostatic hypotension

Urinary incontinence Adapted with permission from Chin KS, Teodorczuk A, Watson R. Dementia with Lewy bodies: challenges in the diagnosis and management. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2019;53(4):291-303.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

DLBC, an international multidisciplinary collaboration of researchers, first met in 1995 and revised its criteria for DLB several times between 1995 and 2005. In 2017, researchers updated the diagnostic criteria for increased sensitivity regarding DLB diagnosis (Table 3).10 Even with updated criteria, under- and misdiagnosis is still common.5 The latest criteria distinguish clearly between clinical features and diagnostic biomarkers, with guidance on interpretation.10 Clinicians can weigh clinical signs and symptoms as core or supportive and biomarkers as indicative or supportive. The revised criteria have divided symptoms into probable and possible DLB.10

CORE CLINICAL FEATURES

The first three core features may occur early and may persist throughout the patient's disease course. The core clinical features of DLB are:

Fluctuating cognition with pronounced variations in attention and alertness. Behavioral inconsistencies are typical, with waxing and waning symptoms such as incoherent speech, variable attention, and altered consciousness, including staring or zoning out. 10 Clinicians can interview family members or persons close to the patient who can provide information about cognitive changes and other associated symptoms to determine mental fluctuations. Questions about daytime drowsiness, lethargy, staring into space, and episodes of disorganized speech are good indicators of changes.

Clinicians can interview family members or persons close to the patient who can provide information about cognitive changes and other associated symptoms to determine mental fluctuations. Questions about daytime drowsiness, lethargy, staring into space, and episodes of disorganized speech are good indicators of changes. Recurrent visual hallucinations that typically are well-formed and detailed. Recurrent complex visual hallucinations occur in up to 80% of patients with DLB. 17 Observant caregivers can report these episodes during questioning. Visual hallucinations may include people or animals. 18 Patients can report these experiences and have variable emotional responses to the hallucinations. A vital feature of the hallucinations is that the patient may not be bothered by them, although they are upsetting to the family. 27 Because of the risk for medication adverse reactions, nonthreatening hallucinations are best managed nonpharmacologically. 27 Assessment tools such as the Mayo Sleep Questionnaire, which has 98% sensitivity and 74% specificity for REM sleep behavior disorder, can be completed by the patient's sleep partner. 5

Observant caregivers can report these episodes during questioning. Visual hallucinations may include people or animals. Patients can report these experiences and have variable emotional responses to the hallucinations. A vital feature of the hallucinations is that the patient may not be bothered by them, although they are upsetting to the family. Because of the risk for medication adverse reactions, nonthreatening hallucinations are best managed nonpharmacologically. Assessment tools such as the Mayo Sleep Questionnaire, which has 98% sensitivity and 74% specificity for REM sleep behavior disorder, can be completed by the patient's sleep partner. REM sleep behavior disorder, which may precede cognitive decline. Refer patients with any sign of REM sleep behavior disorder to a sleep clinic for polysomnography (PSG).

One or more spontaneous cardinal features of parkinsonism, such as bradykinesia, resting tremor, or rigidity. Parkinson disease symptoms such as resting tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia are common, occurring in more than 85% of patients with DLB.17 Patients may not have all these symptoms; clinicians must document at least one Parkinson disease sign and determine if the symptoms are related to medications. Drug-induced parkinsonism is related to antipsychotics, gastrointestinal prokinetics; calcium channel blockers; and antiepileptics such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, perphenazine, pimozide, and promazine.33 Stroke symptoms can mimic parkinsonism and must be ruled out. Clinicians also should rule out partial seizures, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse disorder or withdrawal.34

SUPPORTIVE CLINICAL FEATURES

The supportive clinical features are:

Severe sensitivity to antipsychotic agents. Between 30% and 50% of patients with DLB have a sensitivity to antipsychotic drugs that is not dose-related. 35 Antipsychotic medications also may worsen confusion or autonomic dysfunction.

Antipsychotic medications also may worsen confusion or autonomic dysfunction. Postural instability.

Repeated falls. Patients with DLB may experience altered or loss of consciousness related to orthostatic hypotension. 12

Syncope or other transient episodes of unresponsiveness. Clinicians should evaluate patients for seizures, stroke, TIA, or cardiac dysrhythmia when they develop syncopal episodes.

Severe autonomic dysfunction such as constipation, orthostatic hypotension, and urinary incontinence.

Apathy, anxiety, or depression. The case patient suffered from depression.

Patients with DLB also may have sleep disorders related to insomnia, sleep apnea, periodic limb movements, and restless leg syndrome.11 Excessive daytime sleepiness or hypersomnia is typical in patients with DLB.11 Sleep disorders may be related to REM sleep behavior disorder.

INDICATIVE BIOMARKERS

DLB can be diagnosed indirectly using indicative biomarkers noted on diagnostic imaging.10 These biomarkers are:

Reduced dopamine transporter uptake in basal ganglia on single photon emission CT (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET). This biomarker distinguishes DLB from Alzheimer dementia with 78% sensitivity and 90% specificity. 10

Abnormal (low uptake) metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy ( 123 iodine-MIBG), which is 69% sensitive and 87% specific for DLB. 10

iodine-MIBG), which is 69% sensitive and 87% specific for DLB. Polysomnographic confirmation of REM sleep behavior disorder. Patients with dementia and a history of REM sleep behavior disorder have a greater than 90% possibility of a neurodegenerative disorder such as DLB.10

A patient with one or more indicative biomarkers and one core feature can be diagnosed with probable DLB.10 Patients with one or more indicative biomarkers but no core features can be diagnosed with possible DLB.10

SUPPORTIVE BIOMARKERS

Select biomarkers can support the diagnostic process, even though they have limited specificity. Supportive biomarkers include:

Relative preservation of medial temporal lobe structures on CT/MRI scan. 10 Patients with Alzheimer dementia have increased atrophy of the medial temporal lobe. 10

Patients with Alzheimer dementia have increased atrophy of the medial temporal lobe. Generalized low uptake on SPECT/PET perfusion/metabolism scan with reduced occipital activity with or without a cingulate island sign on 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging. 10

Prominent posterior slow wave activity on EEG with periodic fluctuations in the pre-alpha/theta range.10

Imaging for the case patient included a CT of the head and brain without contrast, which showed changes of advancing chronologic age with atrophy, periventricular white matter, microvascular ischemic demyelination, and ex-vacuo dilatation of the lateral ventricles. MRI of the head and brain without contrast revealed age-appropriate intracranial atrophy, and an MRI angiogram of the head without contrast was normal.

DLB is less likely in patients with other physical illnesses or brain disorders, including cerebrovascular disease, or if parkinsonian features are the only core clinical features and appear for the first time at a stage of severe dementia.10 At this point, consider another diagnosis. The case patient had history findings that indicated a risk for DLB.

PRIMARY CARE ROLE

DLB is undiagnosed in more than half of cases.36 Clinicians who are aware of the features of DLB can include this diagnosis in their differential for patients with cognitive impairment. Early diagnosis allows families and caregivers time to plan for care and ensure that preventive measures are in place, such as a proper home environment to avoid recurrent falls. Patients with DLB are prone to repeated falls, syncopal episodes, transient loss of consciousness, and autonomic dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence and constipation. Comprehensive, palliative management of DLB helps promote patient quality of life.28

Patients with DLB respond well to cholinesterase inhibitors if used early in the condition.37 Appropriate use of cholinesterase inhibitors in patients with dementia may delay nursing home placement by 3 to 8 months and have a significant social effect.38 A meta-analysis of 10 clinical studies on the long-term use (1 year or longer) of second-generation cholinesterase inhibitors for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease found that sustained long-term treatment with these inhibitors reduced cognitive and functional decline over time, allowing patients to remain at home longer and alleviating burdens on caregivers and society.39 Medications to avoid in patients with DLB include anticholinergic medications (including bladder control medications), which may worsen cognitive impairment; benzodiazepines, which can cause paradoxical agitation; and over-the-counter sleep aids containing diphenhydramine or antihistamines, which exert anticholinergic effects.18

PAs in primary care are on the front lines of care and have an opportunity to improve timely attention for this difficult diagnosis and should work as part of an interprofessional team managing patients with DLB. An interprofessional team includes a physician, PA or NP, RN, and medical assistant using other outpatient specialists, including neurology, social workers, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and pharmacists.40

PROGNOSIS

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), patients with DLB typically die 5 to 8 years after diagnosis.9 However, prognosis can range from 2 to 20 years, depending on several critical factors, such as the severity of cognitive fluctuations, early hallucinations, and gait abnormalities.9 Treatment for DLB is essential because persistent symptoms, such as autonomic dysfunction, worsen the patient's quality of life and ability to function without help, and reduce the ability to avoid early institutionalization that can reduce life expectancy.27,41 Other symptoms, such as behavioral disturbances, including hallucinations and delusions, contribute to anxiety and depression and worsen family and caregiver burden.

CONCLUSION

The case patient was started on dementia medications with no change in symptoms. Parkinson medications were tried next, with limited improvement. His wife could no longer care for him in the home and the patient was transferred to a skilled nursing facility, where he died 9 months later. The family did not have a diagnosis for the patient at his death, but an autopsy showed mixed changes associated with DLB and Alzheimer dementia.

PAs can significantly improve outcomes in patients with LBD by employing the DLBC criteria for early identification. Using clinical and biomarker features facilitates timely recognition, allowing for prompt interventions such as use of cholinesterase inhibitors. This approach could postpone the need for nursing home placement, enhancing patients' overall quality of life. Deliberate medication choices and a collaborative, interprofessional team approach are crucial for comprehensive DLB management, easing the burden on patients and caregivers. PAs, committed to ongoing research and education, are empowered to excel in early identification and effective management of DLB, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
When I started clinical rotations, I wasn't expecting to be so overwhelmed by the humanity in medicine. The trauma and humanity that are experienced are seldom discussed among clinicians and students, although we bear witness to it every day. Maybe it's not discussed because it's easier to put away, to forget, than to confront. Easier to become callous. It's a privilege to be a part of people's worst days, but sometimes it is quite heavy. Sometimes I feel too much and too little all at the same time.

These are a few of the moments from clinical rotations that are seared in my brain. These collected moments will forever affect the way I care for my patients in the future and the way I live my days. Some of these moments are more heartbreaking because I experienced them when hospitals were not allowing visitors because of the pandemic. These moments of suffering are made worse by patients' loneliness.

An old man who is usually happy and full of jokes looks away with tears in his eyes when he is told he must stay in the hospital, away from his wife, for yet another weekend. The physician I work with shrugs their shoulders and leaves him crying.

The patient's heart rate slows and slows. They are DNR and pass quickly. Five minutes later, the family arrives, not knowing what happened. They missed their loved one's death by only a few minutes. While they are told this they wail in a language that I do not understand.

A woman is told her heart is failing and getting worse. When we leave her bedside, she tells us to have a great day and not to work too hard.

A wrinkled man with cancer, dying in hospital, offers his arm to the medical student to try drawing his blood, knowing it will be more painful, but says, You have to learn somehow.

An older patient lies comatose in a bed, her body giving up no matter what is done. The family doesn't want to let go. The patient dies a slow and painful death, eventually exsanguinating in the ICU.

A woman so sweet, with Alzheimer disease for several years, has no clue who she is or where she is. I see the exhaustion in her eyes; so gentle as she is persuaded to open her mouth for another bite of applesauce. She answers every question with Si.

A Vietnam War veteran with dementia, unclear why he is in the hospital, forgets everything except his wife. He repeatedly says that he is waiting to eat until she gets there. He waits for his true love. He talks about her with such intimate knowledge but is confused about everything else.

I ask a kind older woman how she is doing. Wet, she says. Wet? I ask. She explains that she couldn't make it to the bathroom in time, and urinated on herself in bed about 3 hours ago. Yet no one has helped her change.

A man with colon cancer, dying in a hospital bed. NPO for days; diarrhea for a week. When asked what he would want if he could have any food in the world, his request is a small muffin and a cup of coffee.

A man in the ED, covered head to feet with tattoos, has abdominal pain. He is kind, thanking me for my time, and telling me to have a good day. I had wrongly judged what he would be like just by looking at him. He was the kindest person to me that day.

A patient is admitted for a urinary tract infection, but a 14x14 cm tumor is found in her pelvis, eroding her hip and sacrum. No one has told her it is cancer. Everyone knows except her. She begs me for a drink of ice water. She wants to feel even a little human and asks to brush her teeth from a cup while lying in bed.

A 30-year-old man sits on a mauve hospital waiting room chair, a lump in his breast. He has no insurance, so he waits. He thinks he merely needs antibiotics. He is admitted to hospital, and it is found that he has cancer with metastases all over his body, invading his kidneys and other organs. He is tired of the painful biopsies for a reason he does not know.

An Uzbekistani truck driver wears a hospital gown. No one here speaks his language. He knows some words in English and excitedly explains that he takes an English class. Severe osteomyelitis keeps him in the hospital for a week. Every day, he asks when he can go home. We think that he does not understand why he is here. On the last day, we understand. His wife is pregnant and due any day. He missed the baby shower while in the hospital. Everyone knows the baby's sex but him, and he is so excited to find out. He misses his very pregnant wife (who cannot visit because of pandemic policies). He is so happy to be a dad. Neither of us understands each other's words, but his smile says it all.

A small person with a heavy story sits in a beige bed. He was found last night trying to end his life. Marks cover his arms from years of trying. Friends found him in the nick of time. He lives another day. I don't know how he handles it all. Substance use is a mask for pain.

A Ukrainian man with a foot infection speaks little English. He wants to go home. A newspaper sits beside his bed with pictures of his country torn apart. Bright sunlight streams into his room. His body creates a dark shadow across the bed.

A woman has hip pain. It is found that she has a terribly aggressive cancer destroying her pelvis. If she stands, her leg will shatter. She is so depressed that she won't eat and has pushed her family away. The sight of most food makes her nauseated. She lights up when they finally bring her a banana after days of asking.

A woman my age sits in bed in crunchy paper scrubs. She says she doesn't want to live anymore. I see my reflection in her eyes, knowing that the tables could easily be turned.

A screaming daughter is held back by four nurse aides while her father undergoes resuscitation for what feels like an eternity; an image that is forever burned in my brain.

A cheap plastic #1 Grandpa trophy sits on the table beside a confused intubated patient after he fell while walking his dog.

A tall man in a worn black leather jacket strokes the frail hand of a small woman who has no brain activity. He whispers, I love you, over and over again.

A young man with a 30-cm incision, his open abdomen covered with a wound vacuum device. A small therapy dog dressed in a red holiday sweater trots into the room. I see the man smile for the first time since we met.

A young woman whispers her hope that the baby is okay while my gloved hands are covered in bloody tissue.

An undocumented woman sits for 8 hours in a cramped and crumbling waiting room. She does not complain as she waits to be treated for a simple urinary tract infection.

A small woman in navy-colored paper scrubs cries on a short, plain mattress. Her damp brown hair covers her eyes. She pleads to see her young children.

An oil-covered face looks at me. With sweaty skin and a 4-cm dirty laceration on his arm, he is mad that his wife made him come to get stitches after finishing his shift at the car shop.

A cut-off finger, wrapped in trash bag and duct tape, sits on the small table between me and the patient. It's not too bad, right?

A young male patient, my age, comes to the ED for muscle relaxers, but leaves with a terminal cancer diagnosis and a 20-cm tumor found in his lung.

An affluent woman on a hallway gurney complains that the treatment team is too slow in their response to her complaint of loose stools for 4 months. She doesn't know that the man in the room beside her repeatedly codes. The family is trying to get there as quickly as they can.

A mother and peppy teenage girl with a flower-patterned cane sit in outdated green chairs. The mother begs for answers as to why a 16-year-old who ran the 400 a few months ago now must use a cane to walk a few steps.

A therapy dog comforts a kid in the ICU who recovered against all odds. In the next room, the dog comforts the family of someone who just passed. The dog is merely happy to get all the cuddles but doesn't know how he helps people.

These moments, and many more, remind me of the privilege it is to serve patients; to learn about mortality and the fragility of life; an opportunity that so many others don't get. These moments scar me, but in a way like a laceration: the first moments are raw and painful, but when healed, I become stronger than before. I hope I never forget the humanity in medicine and remember the effect that can be made by a kind word, soft touch, or one more minute.
Healthcare system innovators may seek out physician associates/assistants (PAs) to take on increasing responsibility for leadership tasks in the healthcare workplace.1 PAs may lead in clinical, administrative, academic, or research settings, among others.2 Taking on leadership tasks may require PAs to expand their roles beyond current competence or perceived self-efficacy, triggering occupational stress.3 On the other hand, the responsibility to lead may motivate PAs. This study sought to broaden what is known about the influence of leadership task responsibility on PA professional well-being.

Leadership has been defined and measured in numerous ways in healthcare well-being literature. Tetzlaff and colleagues analyzed leadership effectiveness from the direct report perspective by asking PAs to assess the leadership qualities of their collaborative physicians.4 Ekstrom and Idvall assessed the influence of leadership training by examining perceived readiness to lead among new nurse team leaders.5 Louwagie and colleagues examined leadership development by exploring the influence of physician support for PA leaders.2 For this study, PA leadership was defined as the sum of all leadership tasks for which PA leaders were responsible. Research has demonstrated that physician and nurse leaders may be assigned leadership tasks before undergoing leadership training and developing leadership competence; the same may hold true for PAs.5-7 By measuring leadership task responsibility, the focus of the study remained on how leadership tasks influenced well-being regardless of leadership readiness or effectiveness.

Outcomes from studies examining how leadership influences the well-being of healthcare leaders suggest a positive relationship.6-11 Nurse managers in a study conducted in Belgium were more likely to be engaged than burned out.9 In a review of European studies on the satisfaction of hospital physicians, Domagaa and colleagues found that having a leadership position was associated with higher satisfaction levels.10 In a study of US medical residents, perceived leadership development opportunities negatively correlated with burnout.11

Investigations into how PAs perceive leadership task responsibility are limited. One national study conducted between 2015 and 2016 found that 72.8% of PA respondents felt that they had the authority and competency necessary to lead or influence others.12 A 2002 study by Bell and colleagues of PAs in emergency medicine found a correlation between decreased emotional exhaustion and increased administrative time and concluded that administrative time may serve as a respite from a stressful clinical environment.13 More research is needed to understand how increasing leadership task responsibility may influence PA job attitudes.

In the absence of empirical research, the theory of employee identification put forth by Atewologun and colleagues suggests an interaction between PA career length, leadership responsibility, and professional well-being.14 Atewologun and colleagues found that an employee's identification as a follower at work diminishes over time.14 For PAs, this may manifest as the expectation of an expanded scope of practice as their careers mature. New PAs may initially expect tasks to be delegated to them until they demonstrate the clinical competence to initiate these tasks on their own. Progression beyond here may involve PAs expecting to delegate tasks to others in a leadership role. Consistent with this, Gillette and colleagues theorized that as PA clinical roles expand, PAs may be called on to take more significant levels of responsibility for the delivery of healthcare.1 Accordingly, hypothesis 1 involves the relationship between career length and levels of leadership responsibility.

Hypothesis 1: Increasing PA career length positively predicts levels of leadership task responsibility.

Increasing leadership task opportunity may in turn improve PA well-being. Leadership task responsibility may enhance perceived autonomy, job meaningfulness, and job satisfaction; provide a respite from the rigors of clinical practice; or satisfy career advancement expectations.7,10,13,14 Several aspects of expanded PA leadership responsibility may promote professional fulfillment and attenuate burnout.

Hypothesis 2: Increasing leadership task responsibility positively predicts PA professional fulfillment and negatively predicts PA burnout.

If the relationship between PA experience level and leadership task responsibility is incongruous, however, poor professional well-being may result. Kelly and colleagues demonstrated that less leadership experience predicted higher burnout among nurse leaders.6 Ekstrom and Idvall found that new nurses in Sweden were stressed by the expectation to lead while simultaneously orienting to their new profession.5 Burnout may develop if PAs are assigned leadership roles before their capacity to lead is fully developed or if they are not offered leadership opportunities as their careers mature.

Hypothesis 3: Increasing levels of leadership task responsibility mediates the relationship between PA career length and professional well-being.

METHODS

The study was approved by the Walden University institutional review board. The study was designed to address gaps in current PA well-being research. Existing studies on PA well-being either primarily used nonvalidated measures or did not consider leadership as a predictor of well-being.15-20 This study examined leadership as an antecedent to well-being and was conducted using a validated outcome measure, making study findings comparable across PA studies and with research from other healthcare disciplines.

Setting, population, and sampling procedures

This quantitative and nonexperimental study used portions of an archival dataset gathered in 2018 as part of a larger survey conducted annually by researchers from the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).21 Permission to use AAPA data was granted through an application process coordinated by the AAPA's research department.

The study population was all actively practicing PAs in the United States. Inclusion criteria were US residence, nonretired status, and valid email address.21 Current members of the AAPA and nonmembers whose email addresses were on file with the AAPA were sent survey links via email.21 Survey links also were posted on social media.

The dataset used in this study was gathered between February 2 and March 2, 2018; items addressed practice conditions in 2017.21 Links to the survey were sent to 78,244 PAs and were posted on social media. An a priori sample size for each path analysis of the linear regression with mediation was calculated using a medium Cohen f2 effect size of 0.15, an alpha error probability of 0.05, and a power of 0.8. The minimum recommended sample size ranged from 55 to 85. Responses varied per item used for this study from 7,150 to 9,906, resulting in a response rate range of 9.14% to 12.66%. Despite the low response rate, the overall survey from which this dataset was extracted had a low margin of error, or +/- 1.05 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.21

Datasets from previous iterations of the AAPA Salary Report have demonstrated good representativeness of the population of certified PAs in the United States.20 To verify the validity of the current study sample, descriptive statistics related to sex, race, and ethnicity were compared with population-level data from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (Table 1).22 The sample also was validated across specialty categories using NCCPA data (Table 1).23 The representativeness of the sample's sex composition was equivalent to the national population of PAs, with only minor differences in its racial, ethnic, and specialty composition.

TABLE 1. - Descriptive statistics of sample demographic and control variables and comparative population Descriptive statistics of sample demographic and control variables and comparative population Percentages may not sum to 100 because of rounding. Sample % Sample n NCCPA 2018 % NCCPA 2018 n Sex Male 30.7 2,721 31.2 40,900 Female 69.3 6,152 68.8 90,239 Total 8,873 131,139 Race White 85.7 7,624 86.9 94,827 Black 2.5 222 3.6 3,951 Native American/Alaska Native 0.4 35 0.4 411 Asian 4.9 435 5.8 6,295 Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 0.3 25 0.3 335 Two or more1 2.2 194 --- --- Other 1.7 149 3 3,321 Prefer not to answer1 2.4 213 --- --- Total 8,897 109,140 Ethnicity Hispanic or Latino 5.4 482 6.3 7,078 Not Hispanic or Latino 92.4 8,239 93.7 104,550 Two or more NA NA 0 299 Prefer not to answer 2.2 192 0 4,925 Total 8,913 116,852 Specialty2 Primary care 24 2,161 25.8 25,487 Internal medicine subspecialty 11.8 1,058 10.5 10,463 Pediatric subspecialty 1.1 102 1.1 1,334 Surgical subspecialty 25.4 2,301 23.3 23,015 Emergency medicine 9 813 13 12,860 All other specialties 26.5 2,391 25.9 25,404 No medical specialty3 2.2 201 --- --- Total 9,027 98,563 Changed in the past year4 Employer (yes) 12.4 984 --- --- Specialty (yes) 6.4 511 --- --- 1NCCPA does not report PAs identifying as two or more races or those preferring not to answer. 2Data on specialty derived from NCCPA's 2018 Statistical Profile of Certified Physician Assistants by Specialty. 3NCCPA does not report PAs identifying no medical specialty. 4NCCPA does not report PAs identifying no medical specialty or the percentage of PAs who recently changed employer or specialty, so neither of these categories were included.

Instruments and operationalization of variables

The outcome variables were professional fulfillment and burnout. Professional fulfillment develops when a person experiences a job as rewarding, engaging, and meaningful.24 Burnout is characterized by varying degrees of physical and emotional exhaustion and detachment from patients and coworkers.24 Higher levels of burnout among physicians have correlated with reduced productivity, greater intention to leave their positions, higher likelihood of medical errors, and reduced personal physical and psychologic health.25 Additionally, healthcare leaders' level of satisfaction and burnout has implications for how they are perceived as leaders and the well-being of those they lead.4,26

The Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI) was used in this study to measure professional fulfillment and burnout.24 The PFI's 16 items are divided into two subscales, with one measuring professional fulfillment and the other measuring work exhaustion and interpersonal disengagement. The professional fulfillment subscale asks: How true do you feel the following statements are about you at work during the past 2 weeks? and a sample item is My work is satisfying to me. The five-point response scale consists of not at all, somewhat true, moderately true, very true, and completely true.

The exhaustion and interpersonal disengagement subscales ask: To what degree have you experienced the following? and a sample item is During the past 2 weeks I have felt lacking in enthusiasm at work. Response options were not at all, very little, moderately, a lot, and extremely.

The PFI has been validated against the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), a gold-standard proprietary tool used to measure burnout.24 The internal reliability of the PFI has been established in three previous studies.24,27,28

The predictor variable experience level was used as an indicator of career progression and measured continuously as the number of years that respondents had been practicing as PAs. The validity of experience level as a measure of career progression and a relevant measure of healthcare professional well-being was established in previous studies of PAs, NPs, and physicians.13,29-32

The potential mediator of leadership task responsibility was represented as an increasing number of leadership-related tasks. The 2018 AAPA Salary Report included a list of 13 leadership tasks that respondents were asked to identify as having or not having. Leadership task options on the survey were budgeting, PA credentialing, ensuring accreditation compliance, hiring and firing, managing nonclinical staff, determining workforce requirements, managing PAs, competency assessments, performance assessments, managing other clinical staff, quality improvement activities, committees, and educating others. All leadership tasks selected by each respondent were accumulated into an aggregate score to distinguish increasing levels of leadership task responsibility between respondents. Such aggregate scores represent multiple theoretically relevant dimensions of one construct and enable a simplified method for assessing a complex phenomenon.33

PA leadership literature suggests that the 13 leadership tasks listed in the AAPA 2018 Salary Report encompass core components of PA leadership. As frontline providers of medical care, PAs are well positioned to improve transactional aspects of healthcare delivery, such as workflow efficiency, quality improvement, and workload management of clinical and nonclinical staff.34,35 Additionally, by having an intimate understanding of their occupational model, PAs have much to contribute in the realm of regulatory and accreditation adherence, as well as performance and competency assessment of other PAs.36 As such, the tasks listed in the AAPA 2018 Salary Report are valid indicators of PA leadership responsibility.

Data collection and analysis

Ethical procedures used by the AAPA to collect the original dataset included delivery of informed consent, deidentification of study data with member profiles, and storage of data on a secure local network. Respondents also were notified of the potential for the data to be provided to secondary researchers as password-protected, deidentified datasets. The original research entity completed data cleaning. Before dataset release, members of the AAPA research department screened for and removed items with missing responses. The salary survey also is programmed at the response level for responses to fit within two standard deviations (SDs) of the mean, verifying that each response is within a real limit (email from Noel Smith, senior director of PA and industry research and analysis at the AAPA, December 12, 2019).

Descriptive, correlation, and predictive statistical analyses were completed. Means and SDs were calculated for both outcome variables and all predictor variables, including the potential mediator variable and all control variables, to verify adequate range and normal distribution. Pearson correlations were calculated between dyads of variables. Bivariate linear regression was conducted to evaluate the direct effects of experience level and leadership responsibility on professional fulfillment. Multiple linear regression with mediation was conducted to determine the effect of leadership responsibility on the association between experience level and PA professional fulfillment or burnout.

Sex and recent employer or specialty change were controlled in the regression analyses. Sex has consistently produced statistically significant differences among samples of PAs regarding various well-being indicators.15,20,37 Recent employer or specialty change was controlled because either circumstance may confound the relationship between career length and professional well-being (Table 1).

RESULTS

Descriptive statistics for each variable are listed in Table 2. Mean years of experience for sample respondents was 11.23 years (SD = 9.632, range = 0 to 48 years). Mean aggregate leadership task score, termed leader task score going forward, was 1.21 tasks (SD = 2.618, range = 0 to 13 years), with 74.1% reporting having no leadership tasks and 25.9% as having between 1 and 13 leadership tasks. Table 3 demonstrates the frequency of respondents who reported either having or not having each leadership task. Aggregate leadership task scores from respondents who indicated yes to at least one leadership task are shown in Figure 1.

TABLE 2. - Descriptive statistics of predictor, mediator, and outcome variables Descriptive statistics of predictor, mediator, and outcome variables Range Variable type n Mean SD Minimum Maximum Predictor: Years of experience 8,761 11.23 9.632 0 48 Potential mediator: Aggregate leader score 9,906 1.21 2.618 0 13 Outcome1 PFI burnout average 7,662 1.04 .656 0 4 PFI professional fulfillment average 7,710 2.66 .874 0 4 1The criterion for high professional fulfillment was an average item score of 3 or greater; for high burnout, an average item score of 1.33.24

TABLE 3. - Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of control, predictor, mediator, and outcome variables Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of control, predictor, mediator, and outcome variables A small effect is indicated by r = 0.1 to 0.3 or -0.1 to -0.3, a medium effect by r = 0.3 to 0.5 or -0.3 to -0.5, and a large effect by r = 0.5 to 1 or -0.5 to -1.38 Variable Results Sex Changed employer Changed specialty Years Leader score PFI burnout average PFI professional fulfillment average Sex (1 = female) Pearson r 1 P value n 8,873 Changed employer Pearson r 0.027 1 P value .017 n 7,923 7,961 Changed specialty Pearson r 0.033 0.517 1 P value .003 0 n 7,923 7,961 7,961 Years Pearson r -0.155 -0.052 -0.071 1 P value 0 0 0 n 8,714 7,961 7,961 8,761 Leader score Pearson r -0.108 -0.081 -0.06 0.232 1 P value 0 0 0 0 n 8,873 7,961 7,961 8,761 9,906 PFI burnout average Pearson r 0.052 -0.011 -0.014 -0.104 -0.062 1 P value 0 .335 .233 0 0 n 7,628 7,662 7,662 7,662 7,662 7,662 PFI professional fulfillment average Pearson r -0.083 -0.026 -0.015 0.071 0.143 -0.584 1 P value 0 .023 .196 0 0 0 n 7,676 7,710 7,710 7,710 7,710 7,652 7,710

FIGURE 1.: Percentage of respondents by aggregate leadership task score

Results for both professional fulfillment and burnout were reported as scale averages, consistent with previously established parameters for the PFI. The criterion for professional fulfillment was an average item score of 3 or greater; for burnout, an average item score on the burnout scale of 1.33 or higher.24 The mean professional fulfillment scale item average was 2.66 (SD = 0.874, range = 0 to 4 years) and mean burnout scale item average, calculated using averages from the exhaustion and interpersonal disengagement subscales, was 1.04 (SD = 0.656, range = 0 to 4 years). Most respondents in the sample did not meet the criteria for professional fulfillment or burnout.

Pearson correlation analysis

Coefficients (r) were calculated for dyad relationships between the control, predictor, mediator, and outcome variables (Table 4). Using standard criteria for effect size, a small effect is indicated by r = 0.1 to 0.3 or -0.1 to -0.3, a medium effect size by r = 0.3 to 0.5 or -0.3 to -0.5, and a large effect size as r = 0.5 to 1 or -0.5 to -1.38 Because of their significant correlations with other variables, sex, changed employer in the past year, and changed specialty in the past year were used as covariates in the mediation analyses.

TABLE 4. - Direct effects of independent variables on PA professional fulfillment and burnout Direct effects of independent variables on PA professional fulfillment and burnout All paths controlled for sex and whether respondents had changed employer or specialty in the past year. Paths with statistically significant direct effects are in boldface. A small effect is indicated by r = 0.1 to 0.3 or -0.1 to -0.3, a medium effect by r = 0.3 to .5 or -.3 to -0.5, and a large effect by r = 0.5 to 1 or -0.5 to -1.38 Type of independent variable Direct effect path Standardized coefficients beta SE t P value r r 2 Potential predictor Years  professional fulfillment 0.059 0.001 5.121 0 0.104 0.011 Years  burnout -0.1 0.001 -8.61 0 0.112 0.013 Potential mediator Leader score  professional fulfillment 0.135 0.004 11.889 0 0.16 0.025 Leader score  burnout -0.059 0.003 -5.107 0 0.112 0.013

Bivariate linear regression

To evaluate the direct effects of the potential predictor and mediator variables on the outcome variables, bivariate linear regression was conducted, controlling for sex and for respondents who had recently changed either their employer or specialty (Table 5). Years of experience demonstrated statistically significant direct effects on both professional fulfillment (beta = 0.059, standard error [SE] = 0.001, P < .001) and burnout (beta = -0.1, SE = 0.001, P < .001). For every 1-year increase in experience, average PA professional fulfillment scores increased by 0.059 units and average PA burnout scores decreased by 0.1 units. Years of experience explained about 1% of the variability in both professional fulfillment (r = 0.104, r2 = 0.011, P < .001) and burnout (r = 0.112, r2 = 0.013, P < .001) averages reported in the sample.

TABLE 5. - Direct effects of independent variables on PA professional fulfillment and burnout Direct effects of independent variables on PA professional fulfillment and burnout All paths controlled for sex and whether respondents had changed employer or specialty in the past year. Paths with statistically significant direct effects are in boldface. A small effect is indicated by r = 0.1 to 0.3 or -0.1 to -0.3, a medium effect by r = 0.3 to .5 or -.3 to -0.5, and a large effect by r = 0.5 to 1 or -0.5 to -1.38 Type of independent variable Direct effect path Standardized coefficients beta SE t P value r r 2 Potential predictor Years  professional fulfillment 0.059 0.001 5.121 <.001 0.104 0.011 Years  burnout -0.1 0.001 -8.61 <.001 0.112 0.013 Potential mediator Leader task score  professional fulfillment 0.135 0.004 11.889 <.001 0.16 0.025 Leader task score  burnout -0.059 0.003 -5.107 <.001 0.112 0.013

The direct effects of leader task scores on both professional fulfillment (beta = 0.135, SE = 0.004, P < .001) and burnout (beta = -0.059, SE = 0.003, P < .001) also were significant. As the leader task score increased by 1 unit, average professional fulfillment score increased by 0.135 units and average burnout score decreased by 0.059 units. The effects on professional fulfillment (r = 0.16, r2 = 0.025, P < .001) were small, with the leader task score predicting 3% of the variability seen in professional fulfillment. The effects on burnout (r = 0.112, r2 = 0.013, P < .001) also were small, with leader task score predicting 1% of the variability seen in burnout.

Mediation analysis

This type of analysis, outlined by Baron and Kenny, was used to evaluate the relationship between years of experience and professional well-being, with leadership responsibility serving as a mediator (Figure 2 and Table 6).39 The first criterion for mediation is that path c, or the direct relationship between experience level and professional well-being, is statistically significant. Previous findings confirmed that years of experience were a statistically significant direct predictor of professional well-being. The second criterion for mediation required a statistically significant relationship between the predictor and mediator variable, or path a in Figure 2, suggesting that the mediator variable existed in time between the predictor and outcome variable.40 In this study, the relationship between years of experience and leader task score (beta = 0.209, SE = 0.003, P < .001) was statistically significant, meeting the second mediation criterion and demonstrating support for hypothesis 1.

TABLE 6. - Mediation path coefficients Mediation path coefficients All paths controlled for sex and whether respondents had changed employer or specialty in the past year. Paths with statistically significant direct effects are in boldface. A small effect is indicated by r = 0.1 to 0.3 or -0.1 to -0.3, a medium effect by r = 0.3 to .5 or -.3 to -0.5, and a large effect by r = 0.5 to 1 or -0.5 to -1.38 Research question Path Standardized coefficients beta SE t P value r r2 1 Years  Professional fulfillment 0.059 0.001 5.121 <.001 0.104 0.011 Years  Burnout -0.1 0.001 -8.61 <.001 0.112 0.013 2 Years  Leader task score 0.209 0.003 18.873 <.001 --- --- Leader task score  Professional fulfillment 0.129 0.004 11.067 <.001 0.163 0.026 3 Years  Leader task score  Professional fulfillment 0.032 0.001 2.764 <.01 --- --- Years  Professional fulfillment 0.059 0.001 5.121 <.001 0.104 0.011 2 Years  Leader task score 0.209 0.003 18.873 <.001 --- --- Leader task score  Burnout -0.04 0.003 -3.453 <.001 0.119 0.014 3 Years  Leader task score  Burnout -0.091 0.001 -7.738 <.001 --- --- Years  Burnout -0.1 0.001 -8.61 <.001 0.112 0.013

FIGURE 2.: A statistical diagram of the simple mediation model. X indicates the predictor variable, Y the outcome variables, and M the mediator variable.

The third criterion to determine mediation was when the potential mediator demonstrated a statistically significant association with the outcome variable (path b), controlling for the predictor variable. A statistically significant relationship was found between leader task score and professional fulfillment (beta = 0.129, SE = 0.004, P < .001), controlling for years of experience, with leader task score predicting 3% of the variability seen with professional fulfillment (r = 0.163, r2 = 0.026, P < .001). A statistically significant relationship also was found between leader task score and burnout (beta = -0.04, SE = 0.003, P = .001), controlling for years of experience, with leader task score predicting 1% of the variability seen with burnout (r = 0.119, r2 = 0.014, P < .001). Leader task score had a statistically significant effect on professional fulfillment and burnout, meeting the third criterion for mediation and providing support for hypothesis 2.

The final criterion for mediation involved analyzing the indirect effect of years of experience on professional fulfillment and burnout, controlling for the leader task score. For professional fulfillment, path c' (beta = 0.032, SE = 0.001, P < .01) maintained statistical significance, but the slope decreased when compared with path c (beta = 0.059, SE = 0.001, P < .001). This suggests that leadership responsibility partially mediated the relationship between years of experience and professional fulfillment. Additionally, the indirect effect of years of experience on burnout, controlling for leader task score, maintained statistical significance (beta = -0.091, SE = 0.001, P < 0) but the slope decreased when compared with its direct effect (beta = -0.1, SE = 0.001, P < 0). Therefore, leadership responsibility also partially mediated the relationship between years of experience and burnout, lending support to hypothesis 3.

In summary, findings from this study demonstrated support for all three hypotheses. Linear regression of PA professional well-being on years of experience was statistically significant for both professional fulfillment and burnout. Leader task score directly predicted positive professional well-being and partially mediated the relationship between years of experience and PA professional fulfillment and burnout.

DISCUSSION

Several statistically significant findings emerged related to direct and indirect relationships between variables. Outcomes suggest that potentially meaningful relationships exist between PA career length, leadership task responsibility, and professional well-being.

The longer respondents had practiced as a PA, the more likely they were to meet professional fulfillment criteria and the less likely to meet burnout criteria. This was similar to findings in the review of literature related to NP well-being by Choi and Gagne, who found that career length positively correlated with NP job satisfaction.32 For PAs, population-level conclusions about the influence of experience level on well-being have been lacking.3 Osborn and colleagues used the MBI to evaluate well-being among PAs practicing in Minnesota and found a significant positive correlation between years of practice and levels of depersonalization.30 Because no generalizable PA studies have found that career length predicts fulfillment or burnout, this study makes a significant contribution to PA well-being research.

Most respondents (74.1%) denied responsibility for any leadership tasks. This in line with Louwagie and colleagues' description of PAs as evolving, rather than established, sources of leadership in healthcare organizations.2 Findings from the study by Wilson and colleagues also reflect lower levels of PA involvement in leadership activities because only 27% of respondents reported involvement with at least one type of workplace committee.12

Aggregate leadership task score both directly predicted PA well-being and partially mediated the relationship between years of experience and PA well-being. Both findings suggest an association, albeit small, between leadership task responsibility and PA well-being. Findings from this study imply that PAs may expect opportunities for leadership as their careers mature. Similar conclusions were drawn by Domagaa and colleagues in their review of European physician studies, which revealed that having either a leadership position or opportunities for professional development were associated with higher satisfaction levels.10

Relationships discovered by analyzing control variables also were revealing. Female sex demonstrated a small negative correlation with aggregate leadership task score. Sex-based discrepancies in leadership responsibilities are in line with observations made by Curtis and colleagues that the ratio of female to male leaders in the PA profession was disproportionately low compared with the ratio of women to men in the PA workforce.41 For example, 28% of the past presidents of the AAPA have been women, but 69.7% of practicing PAs are women.42 Similar incongruities have been identified among physician leaders of national medical societies and academic medical departments.43,44 Further research to examine the extent to which female sex influences the utility of well-being interventions among PAs may add important information to the overall process of PA development and retention.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations of the study include response rate, sample representativeness, construct validity of the leadership scale, and effect sizes. Responses varied from 7,150 to 9,906, resulting in a response rate ranging from 9.14% to 12.66%. Despite the low response rate, the number of responses far exceeded the recommended sample size to power the study (55 to 85) and the margin of error for the overall dataset from which study data were extracted was low (1.05 percentage points at a 95% confidence level).21

Fewer PAs in the sample identified emergency medicine as their specialty than did those certified by the NCCPA, which may have skewed well-being outcomes.22 Data from the 2018 AAPA Salary Report revealed that respondents who identified emergency medicine as their specialty demonstrated the highest levels of both burnout and professional fulfillment.21 The lack of equivalent representation of PAs in emergency medicine may alter the well-being findings of this study. Likewise, the largest proportion of PAs in the sample and the population practiced in a medical specialty included in the other category. Specialties in this category differed greatly, from hospital medicine to preventive medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology to geriatrics. The study sample, like the population of PAs it is meant to represent, is characterized by high levels of specialty heterogeneity.

The leadership scale may not have been fully representative of the PA leadership domain. For example, PAs who lack formal leadership responsibilities but nonetheless serve as informal leaders were not included in the measurement. Leadership readiness or competency were also not measured. Also, not all the leadership tasks in the scale represented the same level of leadership responsibility or had the same level of influence on professional well-being. Using an aggregate score has the benefit of simplifying a complex topic into one variable that may be analyzed; however, discriminatory ability may have been reduced by using an aggregate score.33

Despite being statistically significant, associations between leadership responsibility and professional well-being demonstrated small effect sizes. Antecedents to professional well-being are multifaceted.45 Identifying the contribution of leadership responsibility, even if low, to professional well-being remains valuable, especially considering the gap in extant PA leader well-being literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Forward-looking healthcare employers could integrate evidence from this study into strategies for developing their PA workforce. Stahlhut and colleagues asserted that experienced clinical leaders will garner more credibility when guiding organizations through transitions to value-based care and toward achieving the Triple Aim of better patient care experiences and improved population health outcomes with less medical spending.46,47 As clinicians in every medical specialty, PAs maintain important visibility on matters relevant to the safe and efficient delivery of healthcare.36 PAs also are adept at navigating complex legal, regulatory, and fiscal processes to maintain certification, licensure, scope of practice, and reimbursement capacity.48,49 Effective employers will leverage PA acumen beyond clinical practice by engaging PAs as managers of clinical or nonclinical staff, members of hospital committees, or directors of quality improvement, among other leadership roles. Granting leadership responsibilities compatible with experience level may increase PA utility to the employer, while also enhancing PA professional well-being and mitigating burnout. In a healthcare workforce already demonstrating epidemic levels of burnout, interventions beneficial to employers and clinicians are especially valuable.45
A worker works at an assembly line of Voyah, a Chinese luxury electric auto brand, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's industrial sector posted stronger growth momentum last month, with a sharp profit rebound suggesting sustained recovery.



Profits of China's major industrial enterprises increased by 4 percent year on year in April 2024, reversing a 3.5 percent decline registered in the previous month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Monday. Revenue growth of such enterprises also saw a turnaround with a 3.3 percent expansion recorded last month, compared to a 1.2 percent drop in March.

Analysts said this encouraging data was produced by a combination of government supportive policies and rising domestic demand, and that it reflected a steady broader economy.

As market demand continued to improve and industrial production picked up pace, these enterprises reported better performance last month, NBS statistician Yu Weining said.

The data showed major industrial enterprises, with an annual main business revenue of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.81 million U.S. dollars), had generated 2.09 trillion yuan in total profits in the first four months of this year, a 4.3 percent year-on-year increase, which is the same as the increase recorded in the first three months of 2024.

Yu said 75.6 percent of the 41 major industrial sectors saw an increase in profits during the January-April period this year, rising from a level of 68.3 percent in the first three months.

Manufacturers saw their profits grow by 8 percent from a year earlier and businesses in the power industry logged a 44.1 percent surge in profits thanks to lower coal costs and increased power generation. However, the mining and gas industries suffered losses during this period.

Notably, the statistician pointed out that the equipment manufacturing industry, with a 16.3 percent profit increase in the first four months, had continued to drive the growth of the whole industrial sector.

"The industry has witnessed significant strides in advancing towards high-end, intelligent, and environmentally friendly production, and fostering new quality productive forces," Yu said.

In breakdown, the electronics industry witnessed a significant surge in profits, recording a remarkable increase of 75.8 percent, driven by robust demand for smartphones, integrated circuits, and liquid crystal displays. The transportation equipment industry saw a 40.7 percent profit upswing, thanks in part to fast-growing shipbuilding orders. The automotive industry, meanwhile, registered a 29 percent profit increase.

Moreover, Yu added that warming consumer sentiment had resulted in consumer goods production also showing a notable upward trend, with profits climbing by 12 percent.

Across 13 major consumer goods sectors, ranging from furniture to food, all achieved profit growth. The chemical fiber industry stood out in this sector, recording a whopping profit increase of 181 percent.

China has rolled out an array of measures to consolidate economic recovery this year, stepping up efforts to bolster the industrial sector and unleash the potential of domestic demand.

The central government announced a plan in March to promote large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-in of consumer goods, a move forming part of its efforts to boost domestic demand and support continuous economic growth, which is likely to create a market worth over 5 trillion yuan annually for the next several years.

Despite this steady industrial recovery, China still faces insufficient domestic demand and a complicated external environment, Yu said, noting that more should be done to cement the positive trend.

Greater efforts should be made to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, promote industrial upgrades, and assist enterprises in overcoming difficulties, thereby pushing forward the high-quality development of the industrial sector, Yu explained.
The Daily Minute is the Journal Star's morning news briefing where you can get the latest news in about a minute each weekday. Previous Daily Minute videos are archived here.

Good morning, Lincoln. Here's what you should know today.

Pillen pitches tax plan

A month after his plan to reduce property taxes stalled in the Legislature, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen sought allies 40 miles south of the state's Capitol building Friday, taking his pitch to Gage County as part of a townhall series focused on the state's mounting property tax burden.

In a meeting space at the Beatrice Public Library, Pillen seemed to find who he was looking for: a few dozen Nebraskans who broadly voiced support for the governor's plan to reduce the state's collective annual property tax by $2 billion, slashing spending and replacing revenue through the elimination of certain sales tax exemptions.

Friday's townhall came just over a month after lawmakers sank the bill that served as the basis of Pillen's tax plan, dealing the governor the biggest loss of his political career on the last day of this year's legislative session. He's expected to recall senators to Lincoln in late July to take another run at property tax relief.

In the meantime, Pillen is using his townhall series to rally support for the proposal among everyday Nebraskans.

Ed board to consider $24.8M facility

With nearly all of the priority projects included in a 2020 bond issue near completion, Lincoln Public Schools will consider tackling needs further down its facility and infrastructure plan in the near future.

Today, the Lincoln Board of Education will hear a plan to add a brand new $24.8 million facility to serve high school students with serious behavior issues, as well as those needing additional supports and transition programs.

If approved at a later meeting in June, the newly prioritized facility would replace the existing Yankee Hill Education Center in southwest Lincoln which serves LPS students needing help developing social skills.

Traffic deaths up from 2023

And, Nebraska has seen a significant increase in the number of deaths from motor vehicle crashes in 2024 compared to 2023.

According to Nebraska Department of Transportation statistics, there have been 94 traffic deaths so far this year. At this point last year, there had been 72 deaths recorded.

Most of that 30% increase has been seen on rural roadways  there have only been four fatalities in Lincoln this year, while that number was three at this point last year.

Thats it for Tuesday, May 28. Stay in the know with Lincolns longest-standing news source at JournalStar.com and well see you back here tomorrow.

Top Journal Star photos for May 2024
The Lancaster County Attorney's Office will not file criminal charges in connection to a shooting last month that left one man dead outside a downtown Lincoln bar.

County Attorney Pat Condon said his office has worked closely with Lincoln Police Department investigators and staff on their investigation into Gregory Little Jr.'s shooting early April 7 outside Royal Hookah Bar & Lounge, 1619 O St.

"Having reviewed all potential charges and the justification of self-defense under Nebraska law, the Lancaster County Attorneys Office has determined that no criminal charges will be filed as it cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt all the elements of a crime," he said in a news release Tuesday.

Police say Little, 32, was at the bar at about 3 a.m. when a dispute broke out among some people inside the bar and Little's group, supposedly over cutting in line.

They say three security guards working at the bar attempted to intervene and that Little, or someone else in his group, grabbed a baton from one of them. The altercation spilled outside, and a skirmish ensued as the guards tried to retrieve the baton.

A 24-year-old security guard fired four shots, hitting Little in the arm and upper chest. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Police haven't identified the man who fired the shots.

Chief Michon Morrow said police shared details of the investigation with Little's family Tuesday morning.

"We understand the results are not what they hoped for, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time of grief and loss," she said.

Condon said: "While the family has advocated for criminal charges to be brought in Mr. Little's death, it is the duty of the county attorney and law enforcement to ensure that a thorough investigation is completed, and any charging decisions are made based only upon the available evidence and the laws of Nebraska."

He said that, ethically, the prosecution must believe that a crime has been committed and that no affirmative defenses, such as self-defense, justified the actions under the law.

Condon thanked those who came forward to provide eyewitness statements and shared videos with law enforcement, which he called "instrumental" in guiding them through the review and decision-making process.

He said police investigators and prosecutors in his office came to the consensus that the security guards actions were justified under the circumstances.

"In this investigation, it is unknown what Mr. Littles intent was as he reached down to pick up the Glock 9mm handgun that had been knocked from the security guards tactical vest. However, under the totality of the circumstances, the security guards belief that Mr. Little posed an imminent risk of death or serious bodily injury was a reasonable one," Condon said.

He said videos corroborated the security guards statement to police.

According to a Facebook post, Little moved from East St. Louis, Illinois, to Lincoln and started a food truck selling soul food. His business was named Lula Mae's Kitchen, after his grandmother.

The family met with media in front of the Royal Hookah Bar & Lounge on Tuesday afternoon to address Condon's decision not to proceed with charges in Little's death.

"The justice system has failed me and my family," said Little's brother, Antionio Taylor, who questioned why the security guard needed to be armed with multiple guns.

The family expressed their frustrations about the decision made by the county attorney, saying they have had trouble sleeping since the day of the shooting.

"I will go to my grave spending every penny I have to get justice," Little's mother, Vernadine Taylor, said.

Lincoln's homicide victims of 2024 1. Greg Little 2. John Armstrong 3. Xavien Sawyer 4 & 5. Terrell Jones and Carlos Silva 6. Francisco Javier Alvis
More than 100 attendees  including dozens of veterans and a handful of active service members  gathered near the center of Lincoln's largest cemetery on Memorial Day to honor and mourn the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces.

A crowd that included Blue Star Moms carrying wreaths and Girl Scouts with arms full of roses converged Monday morning on Wyuka Cemetery's G.A.R. Circle, sometimes called Soldiers Circle, to honor the generations of fallen servicemen and women buried there and elsewhere  and the thousands more still considered missing in action, having never returned home.

At this annual celebration in a cemetery that is nearly as old as Lincoln itself, the fire department's Pipe and Drum corps led a brief foot parade to the Circle, where speakers took turns praying and venerating the fallen service members and their families, who also made a sacrifice worth remembering, said Greg Osborn, the co-chair of the Lincoln Memorial Day Observance Association, which spent months planning Monday's gathering.

"I want to thank the moms, the dads, the grandpas, the brothers, the sisters, spouses and everyone in their extended family  for sharing their family member with us to serve our country," Osborn told the crowd of at least 100, many of whom were clad in American flag apparel.

"Tell them as often as you can that they are loved. They matter. And what they did for us was vitally important," Osborn said, with a catch in his voice that reemerged throughout Monday's mournful ceremony.

That message seemed tailormade for Linda Rotschafer, the wife of a veteran and mother of an airman who traces her family's military service back to the Revolutionary War and who sat in the front row of Monday's ceremony.

"It's one day in 365 that people recognize how important their veterans are," she said. "It's very moving to see people do this much work."

"I mean, it takes all year to plan," said Kami Voboril, who sat beside Rotschafer and who had kicked off Monday's ceremony with a wreath casting honoring those lost at sea.

"Just to take part in stuff, I think that's the biggest thing. And to have younger  the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts  these younger kids that come and learn what it's about," said Voboril, who performed the wreath casting alongside 19-year-old Chloe Weber. "Hopefully they'll carry it on after we're gone."

The procession followed the wreath casting, with the sound of pipes and drums that first erupted near the cemetery's historic horse stables and did not cease until the group  which included the firemen, a color guard and the American Legion, among others  reached the circle dotted by nearly identical granite markers displaying the name and, usually, the rank and regiment of the veteran buried underneath.

Then came the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, led by Chaplain John Terpsma of the Lincoln-Lancaster Chaplaincy Corps, who thanked God for helping establish a nation of "freedom, liberty and justice"  the cost of which marked the purpose of Memorial Day.

"This freedom has come with a great cost, a cost of many lives who gave their all," Terpsma said. "We gather today to remember our brave and courageous men and women of our armed forces who gave so much to ensure that our freedom continues.

"We confess to you, God, that we forget these mighty soldiers and what they gave to ensure our freedom. We pray that you will help us to remember them."

For more than an hour Monday, those who congregated at Wyuka were flush with reminders: the U.S. Armed Forces Medley played over loud speakers as the American flag flew at half staff.

Miniature flags, meanwhile, accompanied every grave marker in G.A.R. Circle, where the Girls Scouts later laid a rose beside each headstone.

Eric Brackenburg, the commander of Shiloh Camp, the Lincoln chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, read a 156-year-old order from Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, who in 1868 designated May 30 as Decoration Day.

The general, in his order, declared the holiday "for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land," read Brackenburg, whose great-great-grandfather is buried in G.A.R. Circle.

More than 150 years later  long after Declaration Day became widely known as Memorial Day in the early 1900s, formalized by Congress in 1971  Americans and Nebraskans "continue to honor those left behind, who paid a personal price for us and our nation," said. Col. Thaddeus Fineran, the chief of staff of Nebraska's Army National Guard, who delivered keynote remarks at Monday's ceremony.

Fineran thanked the state's Gold Star families  those who have lost an immediate family member in the line of active duty  and recounted the story of two men who were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions in the D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, when Allied forces invaded Normandy during World War II.

"Today, our eyes are upon them as we remember the sacrifices America's children, siblings, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents have made and will continue to make for this country," Fineran said, later adding: "We remember what they gave for us and we honor them today."

Close Wyuka Cemetery is the largest all-faith cemetery in Lincoln. The cemetery opened in 1890. This photo is from 1927. The entrance to Wyuka in 1942. The entrance to Wyuka was built in 1910. It's shown here in 1965. The administration building (right) at Wyuka Cemetery was built in 1966. Rudge Chapel is shown in 1938. The interior of Rudge Chapel in 1965. Sailors march past Rudge Chapel in the July 1954 parade. Wyuka is shown in 1949. Notice the brick roads, which remain today. Graves are decorated for Memorial Day in 1954. The lagoon at Wyuka is a peaceful spot at the west edge of the cemetery. This photo is from 1950. The lagoon is shown on April 4, 1957. This monument memorializing Gen. John W. Thayer, Civil War veteran and one-time Nebraska governor, was put up in Wyuka in 1951 through legislative action. Vern Owens paints the fence at Wyuka in this 1957 photo. It was a three-month job that took about 100 gallons of paint to cover the mile-long fence. Ron Tolliver (left) and Dan Cox paint the Wyuka fence in 1975. Volunteers from a Lincoln church paint portions of the Wyuka fence in 1995 to raise money for the church youth center. The Wyuka Cemetery fence has frequently been hit by cars, including this mishap in 1976. The tombstone for Elder J.M. Young, who died in 1876, at Wyuka in May 1959. A night visit to Wyuka Cemetery in November of 1961. Vandals knocked over and broke 25 tombstones at Wyuka Cemetery in April of 1962. Vandals hit the cemetery in 1987 too. Designed to burn forever, the "eternal flame" near the administration building at Wyuka burned only from its dedication Nov. 11, 1969 (shown here) until Dec. 27, 1972. The fuel shortage led to it being turned off. Three boys from Whitehall Home for Children and retired Lt. Col. Stanley McCandless place a wreath at the base of the flame during Veterans Day dedication celebrations. Secretary of State Allen Beermann relights the "eternal flame" at Wyuka on Nov. 11, 1983. It had burned from its dedication on Nov. 11, 1969, until Dec. 27, 1972, when it was extinguished to support energy conservation. It was relit in 1983 to honor Americans killed recently in Grenada and Lebanon. Soldiers Circle is shown in 1969. Volunteers place flags on graves in Soldiers Circle in 1975. Flags and flowers decorate graves at Wyuka for Memorial Day in 1982. Wyuka Cemetery includes a section for those cannot afford a proper burial. The paupers' graves are marked with small, round stone markers bearing a number. Wyuka features many unique gravestones, including this one in the shape of a ball, which marks the grave of Oliver Perry Mason, who died in 1891. Ralph Czapanskiy and Bessie Fazel approach the GAR Memorial to lay a wreath for Memorial Day in 1986. Some Wyuka workers claim that the eyes of Irmgard Christine Winter on this tombstone follow those who pass her grave. Jackie Kightlinger (from left), Karen Giddens and Pat Snell in 1992 unveil a memorial honoring those who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Pat Fedler plays a bugle solo during a memorial service at Wyuka Cemetery on May 25, 1992. Bud Marshall of the Lincoln VFW Chapter #7 waits for the Memorial Day parade at Wyuka on May 28, 1996. Parade participants make their way from Rudge Chapel to the GAR circle for Memorial Day ceremonies May 26, 1997. Bill Wayne plays the piccolo, and Scott Willis plays the drum. PhotoFiles: Wyuka Cemetery through the years Wyuka Cemetery is 140 acres of rolling hills and trees in the middle of Lincoln. Here's a look at the cemetery, which was established by an act of the Legislature in 1869. Wyuka Cemetery is the largest all-faith cemetery in Lincoln. The cemetery opened in 1890. This photo is from 1927. The entrance to Wyuka in 1942. The entrance to Wyuka was built in 1910. It's shown here in 1965. The administration building (right) at Wyuka Cemetery was built in 1966. Rudge Chapel is shown in 1938. The interior of Rudge Chapel in 1965. Sailors march past Rudge Chapel in the July 1954 parade. Wyuka is shown in 1949. Notice the brick roads, which remain today. Graves are decorated for Memorial Day in 1954. The lagoon at Wyuka is a peaceful spot at the west edge of the cemetery. This photo is from 1950. The lagoon is shown on April 4, 1957. This monument memorializing Gen. John W. Thayer, Civil War veteran and one-time Nebraska governor, was put up in Wyuka in 1951 through legislative action. Vern Owens paints the fence at Wyuka in this 1957 photo. It was a three-month job that took about 100 gallons of paint to cover the mile-long fence. Ron Tolliver (left) and Dan Cox paint the Wyuka fence in 1975. Volunteers from a Lincoln church paint portions of the Wyuka fence in 1995 to raise money for the church youth center. The Wyuka Cemetery fence has frequently been hit by cars, including this mishap in 1976. The tombstone for Elder J.M. Young, who died in 1876, at Wyuka in May 1959. A night visit to Wyuka Cemetery in November of 1961. Vandals knocked over and broke 25 tombstones at Wyuka Cemetery in April of 1962. Vandals hit the cemetery in 1987 too. Designed to burn forever, the "eternal flame" near the administration building at Wyuka burned only from its dedication Nov. 11, 1969 (shown here) until Dec. 27, 1972. The fuel shortage led to it being turned off. Three boys from Whitehall Home for Children and retired Lt. Col. Stanley McCandless place a wreath at the base of the flame during Veterans Day dedication celebrations. Secretary of State Allen Beermann relights the "eternal flame" at Wyuka on Nov. 11, 1983. It had burned from its dedication on Nov. 11, 1969, until Dec. 27, 1972, when it was extinguished to support energy conservation. It was relit in 1983 to honor Americans killed recently in Grenada and Lebanon. Soldiers Circle is shown in 1969. Volunteers place flags on graves in Soldiers Circle in 1975. Flags and flowers decorate graves at Wyuka for Memorial Day in 1982. Wyuka Cemetery includes a section for those cannot afford a proper burial. The paupers' graves are marked with small, round stone markers bearing a number. Wyuka features many unique gravestones, including this one in the shape of a ball, which marks the grave of Oliver Perry Mason, who died in 1891. Ralph Czapanskiy and Bessie Fazel approach the GAR Memorial to lay a wreath for Memorial Day in 1986. Some Wyuka workers claim that the eyes of Irmgard Christine Winter on this tombstone follow those who pass her grave. Jackie Kightlinger (from left), Karen Giddens and Pat Snell in 1992 unveil a memorial honoring those who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Pat Fedler plays a bugle solo during a memorial service at Wyuka Cemetery on May 25, 1992. Bud Marshall of the Lincoln VFW Chapter #7 waits for the Memorial Day parade at Wyuka on May 28, 1996. Parade participants make their way from Rudge Chapel to the GAR circle for Memorial Day ceremonies May 26, 1997. Bill Wayne plays the piccolo, and Scott Willis plays the drum.
1. Yes. They look better and require less maintenance. Most high-end housing areas have them.

2. Yes. Wood fences can weather and look unsightly, plus masonry walls help to block sound.

3. No. Residents should have a choice of what kind of barriers are put up near their homes.

4. No. Allowing a variety of materials will be better for aesthetics, and costs may be lower.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say. Masonry walls may be sturdier, but mandating them is problematic.

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People look at a vehicle during the sixth Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Chongqing International Expo Center in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, May 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

As China's automobile exports continue to surge, auto parts enterprises across the country are also riding the wave of going global.



In 2023, the export value of automobiles and parts hit about 101.61 billion yuan (about 14.3 billion U.S. dollars) and 87.66 billion yuan, up 69 percent and 9 percent from the prior year, respectively, according to the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products.

Against this backdrop, the just-concluded sixth Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Chongqing Municipality featured an exhibition area for automobile parts. The area accommodated products such as accessories, wheels and engines, as well as batteries for new energy vehicles (NEVs).

Lydia Wang, foreign trade manager of Chongqing Naigu Automobile Products E-commerce Co., Ltd., said that an expanding automobile industry will inevitably stimulate demands for maintenance, parts renewal, and remolding, which has given China's auto parts enterprises an opportunity to explore overseas markets alongside vehicle manufacturers.

"China overtook Japan to become the largest automobile exporter last year. The parts enterprises need to follow the trends. We are making efforts to help local companies to attract more foreign clients at this fair," said Dong Zheng, secretary general of Chongqing Liangjiang Auto Chamber of Commerce.

At the booth of eBay, Kelvin Ho, senior director in charge of eBay's business development in China, found that the majority of visitors to their booth were from auto parts enterprises which are willing to go global via cross-border e-commerce.

"I can feel the enthusiasm of Chongqing's auto parts enterprises, as every day I can receive dozens of enterprises coming to consult," he said.

Similar scenes also took place in the 2024 Beijing International Automobile Exhibition early this month. The auto parts exhibition area saw 49,000 visitors within three days, 37.6 percent of whom were overseas visitors.

Auto parts enterprises' overseas expansion is great news. The overseas market has provided more growth space for them, according to Zhou Weidong, president of the Machinery sub-council of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

"The global automobile industry chain mix is changing, providing the perfect timing for domestic enterprises to join the supply chain of multinationals," Zhou said in his speech during a forum in terms of the internationalization of automobile industries.

Many places across the country have taken action to further bulk up automobile parts industries.

To meet the growing market demands, the local government in east China's Anhui Province plans to help strengthen coordination between automobile manufacturing factories and parts enterprises to foster several distinctive industrial clusters of automobile parts. Meanwhile, Chongqing is estimated to set up 800 NEVs parts enterprises as of 2027, according to local industrial observations.

"In the future, more Chinese auto parts brands will debut on the global market and that's just what we strive for," said Ho.
(Korea Tourism Organization)

In Korea, there is no end to what people can see and experience, but trying Korean food is on the top of most visitor to-do lists! So lets explore some of the dishes that are sure to impress you with Koreas true flavor!

Bibimbap: Rice with nutrient-packed flavor

Bibimbap ()

Bibimbap, cooked rice mixed with vegetables, sauteed beef, and twigak (dried seaweed or vegetables fried in oil) is one of the definitive Korean dishes in the eyes of Koreans and also globally.There are three common beliefs about the origin of bibimbap. One theory is that it stemmed from the practice of mixing bap (cooked rice) with other dishes used for the ancestral rite of eumbok. Others say that bibimbap originated from mixing leftovers together as a midnight snack on Lunar New Years Eve. The last theory is that farmers out working the fields would each bring a portion of food to be mixed together for meals and divided out evenly.

Samgye-tang: Rejuvenate yourself during the sweltering summer

Samgye-tang ()

Samgye-tang is made by simmering a whole young chicken stuffed with ginseng, hedysarum root, jujubes, and sweet rice. Considered an energy-boosting dish best eaten on hot days, it is a classic Korean dish that has become popular among international diners as well. Many restaurants even add samgye-tang to their menus during the summer, an example of its popularity. Samgye-tang is well known to foreign visitors as well. Japanese author Murakami Ryu and Chinese film director Zhang Yimou have both given extensive praise to the dish.

Bulgogi: Sweet treats for special days

Bulgogi ()

Bulgogi is prepared by marinating thin slices of beef before grilling them. In the past, the royal court and yangban (nobles) in Seoul called it neobiani, meaning wide meat slices. Traditional grilled meat dishes in Korea originated from a dish called maekjeok. Maek was the name of the northeast region of China, and is also a reference to Goguryeo, one of the earliest Korean kingdoms. Maekjeok is made with barbecued beef skewers, and according to folklore, evolved into present-day bulgogi through the introduction of grills, which made skewers obsolete.

Naengmyeon: Cool and refreshing noodle soup

Naengmyeon ()

Naengmyeon, cold buckwheat noodles, is considered a summer food, but that wasnt always the case. It used to be enjoyed over a warm ondol (subfloor heating system) floor during the freezing winter temperatures. The broth was made with the brine of dongchimi (radish water kimchi) scooped out of a large jar half-buried in the ground during the winter. Although its origin remains unclear, based on the fact that buckwheat was introduced by the Mongol Empire during the Goryeo Dynasty, it is theorized that Koreans first began eating it around that time.

Kimchi: Over 1,500 years of fermented tradition

Kimchi ()

Kimchi is a fermented dish made with vegetables and a variety of seasoning ingredients. There are over three hundred varieties, but when it was first made prior to the Three Kingdoms Period (AD 57-668), it required a very simple recipe of salting and storing napa cabbage in a ceramic container for fermentation. In the old days, kimchi was an important source of vitamins in the winter, when fresh vegetables were unavailable. What was originally a simple salted pickle has now become a complex dish requiring assorted seasonings and varying according to climate, geographical conditions, local ingredients, methods of preparation, and preservation.

Sundubu-jjigae: The best source of protein

Sundubu-jjigae ()

Sundubu starts out being made in the same manner as ordinary tofu; first boiling soymilk then coagulating it by adding brine. But it leaves out the later steps of draining and pressing the lumpy bean curds, giving it an easy-to-digest silky, light texture. In Chodang Maeul, a village famous for its sundubu, clean water from the East Sea is used as brine for thickening. It started when Chodang Heoyeop, a magistrate of Gangneung region during the mid-sixteenth century of Joseon Dynasty, discovered that the water from a spring in the front yard of his office tasted so fresh that he made tofu from the spring water and used sea water instead of brine. The name Chodang was then adopted from Heoyeops pen name.

Mandu: A dish dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty

Mandu ()

Mandu (dumpling) is made by placing a filling of ground meat and vegetables onto a round, thinly rolled wrapper and sealing the edges. They were initially prepared for ancestral rites or banquets and enjoyed as a special dish for cold winter days. When discussing the origin of Korean dumplings, a famous folk song called Ssanghwajeom (dumpling shop) from the Goryeo Dynasty is frequently mentioned. The song describes how a group of Uighurs arrived and opened up dumpling shops, and also how the people of the day greatly enjoyed the dish. Some people refer to the song and joke that a Mongol who opened a dumpling shop in 1279 may have been the first foreign investor to live in Korea.

Galbi-jjim: Soft and tender, the quintessential holiday food

Galbi-jjim ()

Galbi-jjim (braised short ribs) is made from the finest and most expensive cut of beef. As such, galbi-jjim is usually eaten on special occasions or holidays, when family members come together. Korean cooking consists of a large number of braised dishes that require considerable culinary skill. Galbi-jjim is one such dish, growing in popularity among international diners as well. When making galbi-jjim, the fat on the short ribs is carefully removed before braising. Carrots, ginkgo nuts and chestnuts are added, and finally pyogo (shitake mushroom) and egg garnish are sprinkled on top to complete the preparation process. Glazed with soy sauce, galbi-jjim not only has a rich taste, but a mouth-watering visual presentation.

Jeyuk-bokkeum: Plenty to share with while sizzling hot

Jeyuk-bokkeum ()

Jeyuk-bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork) is one of the best-known dishes cooked with gochu-jang. It is a stir-fried dish with thick slices of pork shoulder marinated in hot gochu-jang and minced ginger. Before the 1950s, it was reportedly made using only scallion, black pepper, and soy sauce, but the current form of gochu-jang-marinated jeyuk-bokkeum is believed to have appeared sometime afterwards. Because it is a hearty yet inexpensive meat option, young people on limited budgets favor jeyuk-bokkeum. Youngsters often list it as their favorite food, and many Korean mothers will talk about how their son can finish a pound of jeyuk-bokkeum in one sitting.

Pajeon: Perfect pair on a rainy day

Pajeon ()

Pajeon (green onion pancake) is a mixture of wheat flour batter and scallions, shallow-fried on a griddle. It goes well with chilled dongdongju (floating rice wine). Recently, restaurants specializing in pajeon have increased with the revived popularity of makgeolli (Korean rice wine). For some reason, people associate rain with pajeon. Some say its because the sound of raindrops hitting the ground or a window sill reminds people of the sizzle of spattering oil as the pajeon is fried. And, this theory may not be as far-fetched as you might think. According to an experiment conducted by a sound engineering lab, the two sounds have almost identical vibrations and frequencies.

Japchae: A classic dish on festive days

Japchae ()

Japchae (glass noodles with sauteed vegetables) is made by boiling glass noodles, then draining and mixing them with stir-fried spinach, carrots, mushrooms, beef and onions. The term japchae is a combination of jap, meaning mix, gather, or plentiful and chae, meaning vegetables. Thus, it can be translated as assorted mixed vegetables. No Korean festivity is complete without japchae. It has long been perceived as a luxurious and elegant dish, and was always served on birthdays, weddings and 60th birthday celebrations. Japchae was first created in the 17th century when King Gwanghaegun hosted a palace banquet. It is recorded in the Gwanghaegun Ilgi (Daily Records of King Gwanghaeguns Reign) that Yi Chung, one of the kings favorites, had the habit of personally presenting unusual dishes to the king. Gwanghaegun relished these dishes so much that he would not start a meal until they arrived. Among these unique dishes was japchae, which the king favored over all the rest.

Gimbap: A full meal in a single roll

Gimbap ()

Gimbap is made by spreading white rice on a sheet of gim (dried laver), layering it with spinach, pickled radish, carrots, egg, and beef, and then rolling it up like sushi. It was in the 1960s and 70s that the gimbap we know today - rolled up into a cylindrical form - became popular. This rice-roll was the default picnic lunch for annual spring and autumn school outings. Many Koreans fondly remember eating the end pieces of the rolls while their mothers prepared gimbap on the morning of school field trips.

Tteok-bokki: The most popular snack

Tteok-bokki ()

Originally, tteok-bokki was not a spicy dish. In the royal courts of Joseon, it was prepared by simmering beef, carrots, onions, pyogo (shitake mushroom) and other ingredients together with rice cakes in soy sauce. The colorful ingredients made it visually appealing as well as nutritional. It is believed that tteok-bokki seasoned with spicy gochu-jang paste first appeared in the 1950s and became widely popular later during the 1970s.

Dakgangjeong: Second to none and goes with any drink

Dak-gangjeong ()

Dakgangjeong is made by deep-frying chicken coated with flour. The fried chicken is then smothered in a sweet sauce that has been boiled down to a thick consistency. The dish, sold at Jungang Market, is unique in that it is served cold. The dakgangjeong is so famous because of its sweet and spicy taste, and despite being served cold, it is not soggy, but crisp and chewy.

COPYRIGHTS KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Memorial Day has come and gone.

It was weeping time for me  because I am a Vietnam-era woman veteran who knows too much about that conflict and war in general. I think the fact that I am female means I am culturally freer to feel and grieve.

I served from 1965-69 as an Air Force Intelligence Officer who broke gender barriers in three key positions. After 3 1/2 years of service, I became bothered enough about the Vietnam war to accept a six-month early out. I hid the facts about my service time for years.

I was numbed by my experiences. Several events have helped open my heart.

One was a Life, Death, Transition workshop facilitated by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross I attended 13 years after my discharge. There I listened to and grieved with veterans who had experienced horrible things or who had done horrible things to others. War can do bad things to good people.

At the end of the sessions, Kubler-Ross asked us five veterans to stand on one side of the circle to receive thanks from the other participants. This symbolic gesture helped heal the fact that we were scorned, even spat upon or attacked by bullies who blamed us for a war that was not our fault. The five of us encircled each other and cried like babies.

Another set of experiences was the nine years I served, from 2008 to 2017, as a Peer Support Specialist for the Department of Veterans Affairs mental health clinic in La Crosse. The criteria for doing this job were to be a veteran and to have a mental illness. Not all of my clients were war veterans, but I especially remember several who were. One finally opened up after years of agonizing silence in a group meeting I helped co-facilitate. Another person gave me the honor of being the first person to hear their story of war and grief. Having your own grief is one thing, but being witness to anothers also changes you forever.

Still another experience was the La Crosse Freedom Honor Flight so generously provided by a local group of volunteers some 53 years after my discharge. I walked, mesmerized, to and from the war monuments in Washington, D.C. I had seen them before, but this day had a meaning all its own. I did not hide my tears. When you are treated like royalty, all day long for over 17 hours, when you have not been honored before, it changes you forever.

The recent experience emerged from a service given on May 18 by the minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in La Crosse. Despite never having served, he designed an entire service around Memorial Day and what it means. Even the childrens story was from a book about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall. I was amazed at the figure of some 600,000 men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I silently wept my way through the service.

And finally, there was the message to a friend who asked me afterwards in an email what thoughts I had in response to that sermon. Here is what I shared:

I was taking it all in with gratitude for the minister who could do such a marvelous job of putting pieces together that are largely foreign to most of that audience. I was remembering the conclusion I reached several years ago, when the Freedom Flight occurred, that my feelings of having served will always remain unresolved. They include pride, horror, regret, assurance that serving was something I would not trade for the world, sorrow, honor, gratitude, deep understanding of what makes so much of the rest of the world tick, appreciation, healing, wisdom hard-earned, smashed hope that we have not yet learned our lessons for the world and anger at the men who mostly wield this power.

I thanked her for helping me touch it again. It is healing for me to grieve, helpful to deepen the emotional wounds and come out with new appreciations once again after being inspired by JFKs words, Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.

I sent her a few welcome sobs back in appreciation for having seen me deeply.
On 27 May Argentinas Presidentsacked, his cabinet chief, on the eve of a week-long visit to the US and amid divisions within the government over foot-dragging in the delivery of promised economic reforms.

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An unmanned delivery vehicle moves out for delivery in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's courier sector saw double-digit growth in both business volume and revenue during the first four months of the year, amid a consumption boom in the country, official data shows.



Express delivery firms nationwide handled 50.81 billion parcels during the period, with that figure soaring 24.5 percent year on year, according to the State Post Bureau.

China's courier companies have handled 50 billion parcels this year as of April 29, hitting the milestone figure 32 days quicker than in 2023, earlier bureau data shows.

The sector also raked in a total operating revenue of 421.13 billion yuan (about 59.24 billion U.S. dollars) in the period, up 16.9 percent from the same period last year.

In the first four months of the year, northwestern Gansu Province led the growth in courier business volume among the country's provincial-level regions, reporting a year-on-year surge of 54.6 percent. It was followed by Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Jiangxi Province.
On 25 May US Presidentthanked Mexicos Presidentfor the extradition to the US ofan alleged top security enforcer of the Sinaloa drug trafficking organisation (DTO).

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On 25 May the Colombian government and Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN) guerrilla group signed an agreement on the first of the six issues that guide the peace process with the group, announcing an accord on the role of civil society in peacebuilding.

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A top U.S. pediatricians group is making a major policy change about breastfeeding by women with HIV.

The group says women infected with HIV can breastfeed their babies as long as they are taking medications that suppress the virus that causes AIDS.

The new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) changes guidance the group had in place since the start of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s.

The group said currently available drugs can reduce the risk of spreading HIV through breast milk to less than one percent, said Dr. Lisa Abuogi. She is a pediatric HIV expert at the University of Colorado and lead writer of the report.

The medications are so good now and the benefits for mom and baby are so important that we are at a point where it is important to engage in shared decision-making, Abuogi said.

The drugs are known as antiretroviral therapy. They do not remove all risk of spreading HIV through breast milk. Avoiding breastfeeding is the only sure way to prevent spreading the virus, Abuogi said.

Also, parents must only breastfeed for the babies' first six months. Research shows that switching between breast milk and formula can disrupt an infant's digestion in ways that increase the risk of HIV infection.

About 5,000 people who have HIV give birth in the U.S. each year. Nearly all take drugs to suppress the virus to very low levels, Abuogi said. But viral levels can increase if they do not stay on them.

The medications became widely available starting about 10 years ago. Before then, about 30 percent of HIV infections transmitted from moms to babies occurred during breastfeeding, said Dr. Lynne Mofenson. She is an adviser to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. In the early 1990s, about 2,000 infections occurred in U.S. infants each year. Today, it is fewer than 30.

The new AAP policy comes more than a year after government agencies changed their advice. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed their recommendations against breastfeeding by people with HIV. The new guidance said people who have viral suppression should be advised about their choices. Those agencies also said that health care providers should not report to child protective services agencies if a parent with HIV seeks to breastfeed.

Research says breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for babies and protects them against sickness and conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Nursing also reduces the mothers risk of breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended since 2010 that women with HIV in developing countries breastfeed their infants and have antiretroviral therapy. The guidance weighed the risk of infants getting HIV through breastfeeding and the risk of babies dying from malnutrition, diarrhea and pneumonia. In developing countries, safe replacements for breast milk are often not available.

Dr. Lynn Yee is a Northwestern University womens health doctor who helped write the NIH guidance. She said experts in developed nations had recommended against breastfeeding. That is because of the wide availability of safe water, formula, and human donor milk, which could remove the risk of HIV infection, Yee added.

That upset people with HIV, who were not given the choice to nurse.

Ci Ci Covin is a 36-year-old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She said she was told she was infected with HIV at age 20. She said she was not permitted to breastfeed her first child, Zion, who is now 13.

Covin said not being able to nurse her son led to postpartum depression. When she became pregnant with her daughter, Zuri, who is now 2-years-old, health care workers helped her breastfeed successfully for seven months. Covin took her medication, and her baby was given drugs to prevent infection.

Breast milk has everything in it that my baby would need, Covin said. That's a beautiful thing.

Abuogi said the AAP report provides important guidance for pediatricians, nurses and breastfeeding specialists who work with children and families.

Some providers ignored the earlier recommendations and helped women being treated for HIV to nurse their babies. The new guidance should expand such nursing, hopefully quickly, Abuogi said.

Im Dan Novak.

Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Quiz - Doctors Group: Mothers with HIV Can Breastfeed Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

pediatrician  n. a doctor who treats children

benefit  n. a good result that comes from doing a certain thing

engage  v. to carry out or to do

formula n. artificial mothers milk

disrupt v. to interfere with a process or activity

digestion n. the process of consuming and processing nutrients and removing waste

obesity  n. the condition of being very overweight

nurse v. to breastfeed a baby

postpartum  adj. taking place after childbirth
In the northeastern American state of Massachusetts, people are combining a form of exercise for the body and spirit with pigs.

The yoga classes in Massachusetts are selling out within hours. People come from far away to exercise with Wilbur, Charlotte and Bluey, who are piglets, or young pigs.

The pigs come from a nearby farm to play among people in the yoga class at Ashley Bousquets business Beyond Yoga & Wellness in the town of Spencer. Bousquet tells people not to worry if piglets climb on top of them or want to cuddle.

Goat yoga

Yoga classes with animals are not new. Goats might have been the first. Lainey Morse started yoga classes with goats in the state of Oregon in 2016. She found she felt happier and more at ease around goats. She talked with a friend who was a yoga teacher. They decided to offer classes with the goats. Their business was successful, and the idea soon spread to other places.

In Ashley Bousquets class, the little pigs walk around humans who are moving into exercise positions called downward dog, crow and cobra. Among the other animals in the outdoor class are two rabbits and a goat named Munchie.

Stacey Delbridge and her daughter drove almost two hours to attend a class with the pigs. She said it was worth the drive.

The best thing about the piglet yoga was, of course, the piglets and how cute they are, Delbridge said with a smile. They were funny, you know. Just when you were getting to a point where you needed a break, you had a great visitor come see you, and you could quit without looking like a quitter. Yeah. Theyre adorable.

Bousquet said there is such demand that online registrations are usually full within hours.

The classes begin with Bousquet inviting her students not to worry about stopping their exercises to spend time with the piglets.

During the class you have piglets causing mischief and running on you, on top of you or cuddling with you, Bousquet said. Its super cute.

Amy Finkel brought her two daughters with her, smiling while taking photos of piglets as the girls held a rabbit.

"The highlight of the class, in my opinion, was just having them run around, and seeing them so joyful and happy," she said.

The only problem was that the time passed too quickly.

Good results for humans and animals

Doing yoga with animals produces good results.

Rebecca Purchase is a Volunteer Coordinator of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell. If animal yoga includes shelter, or unwanted, animals, it may even encourage people to give them a home, she said.

Is yoga stressful to animals that join? It can be if its not the right animal, Purchase said. "For animals that really thrive, being around people, and getting to socialize with them, it absolutely can be a benefit.

Finkel enjoys animal yoga  she said it helped keep her mind from moving on to other things.

I just wanted to sit with them, Delbridge said.

Im Jill Robbins.

Rodrique Ngowi reported on this story for the Associated Press. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English.

_______________________________________________

Words in This Story

yoga  n. a system of exercises for mental and physical health

cuddle  v. to lie or sit close together

cute adj. having a pleasing appearance

adorable  adj. very appealing or attractive

mischief n. trouble that is not serious

encourage v. to urge or persuade a person to do something

stressful  adj. full of or causing stress; making you feel worried or anxious

thrive  v. to grow or develop successfully

benefit  n. a good result

What do you think of piglet yoga? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
Officials in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have ordered people in parts of Enga Province to leave their homes because of the continuing danger of landslides.

The government estimates that the collapse of a mountainside buried at least 2,000 people on Friday. Officials said the likelihood of finding survivors is small. That number is higher than an earlier estimate from the United Nations, which placed possible deaths at 670.

An estimated 150 structures were buried in the landslide.

Rescue teams have been slow to arrive. Heavy rain and tribal unrest have delayed aid supplies and the heavy equipment needed to dig into the earth. The U.N. International Organization for Migration (IOM) said a bridge to the area had collapsed forcing aid vehicles to travel farther.

A military escort has guarded groups of rescue vehicles because of the unrest. A continuing deadly tribal conflict has made it more difficult for aid workers to get to the area.

Local people have used hand tools to search for survivors.

Sandis Tsaka is a provincial administrator and heads a disaster committee. He told Reuters that conditions remained dangerous. The landslide area is very unstable, he said, there are still rocks and debris coming down.

Tsaka also said the military had set up security stops and is moving people to evacuation centers.

The U.N. said on Tuesday that six bodies had been recovered so far. The U.N. estimated the total number of those affected to be 7,849.

Nicholas Booth is a representative of the U.N. Development Program. He said the aid operation is very complex because the landslide area is increasing.

It means that now, the area thats been affected by the landslide is greater than it was at the beginning. We dont know how it will develop, but thats the nature of the geology in PNG.

Booth also spoke about the tribal violence. He said eight people were killed and 30 houses burned in fighting on Saturday.

Itayi Viriri of the IOM spoke in Geneva. Viriri said aid teams need to be careful to prevent another disaster, saying all response efforts have to be done in a very careful manner.

On Tuesday, the U.N. said that immediate needs include clean water, food preparation tools, medicine, and psychological and social support.

A U.N. statement said provincial officials in New Guinea have asked the international community to send engineers to study geological dangers in the area.

Officials said the difference in the estimated number of dead is the result of the difficulty the country has in counting its population. The nations last credible population count, or census, was in 2000. A 2022 list of registered voters for the area does not include people under the age of 18.

Booth said estimates should be treated with great caution. He said, Its just not possible at this stage to make a very scientific, verified estimate. Booth added, But its going to be a very high number of casualties. We have to be prepared for that.

Im Mario Ritter, Jr.

Lewis Jackson and Renju Jose reported this story for Reuters. Mario Ritter, Jr. adapted it for VOA Learning English.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

escort n. a group that accompanies and protects another group that is traveling

unstable adj. in a condition that is likely to change and that is not solid or steady

debris n. what is left behind after something has been destroyed

evacuation n. an effort to move people out of an area for their safety

credible adj. believable

caution n. care and concern about something

casualties n. (pl.) the number of injuries and deaths in a disaster

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A rights group based in New York City says it has documents from Chinese officials that show a plan to push rural Tibetans into cities against their will.

Human Rights Watch released a report recently that provides evidence against official Chinese statements that many Tibetans have moved voluntarily.

The report said that, by the end of 2025, more than 930,000 rural Tibetans will have been moved to city areas. It said the Tibetans will not be able to get traditional jobs and will be limited in ways to make money.

When Tibetans who lived a traditional lifestyle far outside of cities left their homes, the homes were destroyed, the group said.

China claims Tibet has long been part of its territory. However, Chinas Communist Party established control not long after it took over mainland China at the end of the civil war in 1949.

Since then, rights organizations say, China has used coercive methods to get minority groups to learn the official language of Mandarin Chinese and promise loyalty to the ruling party. The minorities include Xinjiang Uyghur, Mongolian, Tibetan and other ethnic groups.

Human Rights Watch said the programs are presented to local groups as non-negotiable. Local leaders are required to get 100 percent agreement from affected villagers to relocate, the report said.

The report said that, when the rural Tibetans move to city areas such as Lhasa, they find a place mainly controlled by Chinas Han ethnic majority. They also find that Han Chinese control city politics and the economy.

The report said more than 3 million of the 4.5 million rural Tibetans have been forced to build homes and give up their traditional nomadic lifestyle of agriculture and herding animals called yaks.

Tibetans now live in parts of the Sichuan, Yunnan and Qinghai provinces, which border the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

The rights group noted that the Chinese relocation policy erodes or causes major damage to Tibetan culture and ways of life. The Tibetans are forced to relocate to areas where they have no choice but to make money as laborers in off-farm industries.

China answers reports such as the one from Human Rights Watch by saying the accusations are intended to hurt Chinas image. Last year, a spokesperson for the government said living conditions in Tibet were at their historical best, with a booming economy. The spokesperson said Tibetans had a full guarantee to practice their traditional religion and use their written and spoken languages.

China says its urbanization push has moved many of its 1.4 billion people out of poverty and provided formerly isolated communities with transportation, electricity, healthcare and education.

Even with the push, however, Chinas economic growth has slowed in recent years partly because of an aging population and high youth unemployment.

Human Rights Watch suggests the United Nations carry out an independent investigation into what it calls human rights violations in Tibet and other areas.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by The Associated Press.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

coercive adj. forcing a person or group to do something through threats

nomadic adj. related to a life of following herd animals in no fixed place and usually living in temporary homes or tents

herding n. the practice of keep large numbers of farm animals and providing them with new places to find grass and food

relocation n. the process of moving to a new place or being moved by a job or government to a new place for a certain reason

erode v. to slowly disappear

booming adj. very energetic and productive

isolated adj. apart from others and alone

We want to hear from you. Do you have contacts in Tibet? What do they say about the urbanization campaign?
May 17 marked the 70th anniversary of one of the most notable cases in U.S. Supreme Court history  Brown versus Board of Education.

The 1954 decision declared segregated schools unconstitutional. It also struck down the principle of separate but equal, which was used as the basis for U.S. government policies related to racial segregation. President Dwight Eisenhower famously sent federal troops to southern states to enforce the decision.

Today, American schools cannot legally restrict students based on race. But because of long-held economic divides and other issues, some schools have become segregated in a de facto way.

Moving backward

Some researchers say that despite the continuing ban, school segregation has gotten worse over the years, even as the U.S. overall has become more racially diverse.

A team from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) recently released a report examining the ways segregation has changed in U.S. schools. The report is called The Unfinished Battle for Integration in a Multiracial America  from Brown to Now. It was written by two UCLA professors  Gary Orfield and Ryan Pfleger.

The study found that schools have gotten less white, and more Latino, Asian and multiracial. But it also noted the number of schools considered intensely segregated tripled from 1988 to 2021. The study defined intensely segregated as schools with white student populations of less than 10 percent. About 20 percent of American schools are intensely segregated, up from 7 percent in 1988, the report found.

The studys writers state that schools of the South are dramatically less segregated than the apartheid conditions that had always existed before Brown. However, Orfield and Pfleger add that the Supreme Court decisions historic aims have not been attained and, as this report shows, we have been moving backward.

The researchers found that Black and Latino students were the most highly segregated populations. In 2021, schools overall were 45 percent mostly white. But on average, Black students attended schools that were about 76 percent non-white. For Latino students, the school average was about 75 percent non-white.

Education experts say segregation especially hurts Black and Latino schools. This is because they are often underfunded and have higher rates of teacher shortages. Non-white school districts receive $23 billion less funding than mostly white school districts, a 2019 report by the nonprofit group EdBuild found.

The trends are toward increasing double segregation, by both race or ethnicity and poverty, the UCLA study said.

Researchers at another California university, Stanford, found that schools are getting more segregated even as neighborhoods have gotten more diverse and racial economic inequality has improved.

The findings indicate that policy choices  not demographic changes  are driving the increase, said Sean Reardon. He is a professor at Stanford who specializes in how poverty and inequality affects education.

Reintegrating Schools

The UCLA study noted that desegregation policies following the Brown decision were generally aimed at improving access to schools for Black students.

But 70 years later, the issue of school segregation has gotten more complex. Latinos now make up the largest U.S. minority group and the Asian population has also grown. Most Americans of all racial groups think integrated schools are better, but are divided about what, if anything, to actually do, the UCLA study states.

The researchers offered several suggestions for improving integration. One is for districts to increase efforts to register students from poorer areas and offer more diverse school programs.

A 2018 article by the nonprofit group Edutopia described how some school districts have been successful in improving integration. In Cambridge, Massachusetts, for example, every school must have a balance of wealthier and poorer families. In San Antonio, Texas, bilingual schools and other specialized programs have brought in students from many different backgrounds.

And in New York City, schools have made progress by removing standardized testing requirements. Others introduced admittance systems that take into account whether a student is poor, homeless or a non-native English speaker.

American schools have been moving away from the goal of Brown and creating more inherently unequal schools for a third of a century, writers of the UCLA study wrote. It will soon become understood once more that  schools that serve all children together with equity are central to any good outcomes.

Im Dan Novak.

Dan Novak wrote this story for VOA Learning English.

Quiz - 70 Years after Brown Decision, School Segregation Getting Worse Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

_______________________________________________

Words in This Story

segregate  v. to separate groups of people because of their particular race, religion, etc.

de facto  adj. used to describe something that exists but that is not officially accepted or recognized

diverse  adj. different from each other

dramatic  n. sudden and extreme

apartheid  n. a policy or system of segregation or discrimination on grounds of race.

attain  v. to accomplish or achieve

demographic  n. the qualities of a specific group of people

access  n. a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone

integrate  v. to combine to form or create something

inherent  adj. belonging to the basic nature of someone or something
BRI stabilizes China-Europe trade, transport, says rail CEO

Xinhua) 08:39, May 28, 2024

This photo taken on March 28, 2024 shows containers at a freight terminal in Duisburg, Germany. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

Geopolitical conflicts and crises, which are harmful to rail transport and the economy, have made the Belt and Road Initiative even more important.

VIENNA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is bringing stability to people and trade routes, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Austrian Federal Railways (OeBB) has said.

Geopolitical conflicts and crises, which are harmful to rail transport and the economy, have made the BRI "even more important," Andreas Matthae said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

As of Saturday, the total number of trips under the BRI flagship program -- China-Europe freight train -- has surpassed 90,000. This extensive network currently serves 223 cities in 25 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries, according to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd..

Before the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted supply chains and rail transport between China and Europe, Matthae said OeBB had "good growth figures and high hopes that rail traffic would increase significantly." The freight train service between Vienna and the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu was launched in 2018.

Freight train X8157, which is bound for Malaszewicze, Poland, departs from Xi'an, the capital city of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

However, Matthae said he is confident that "we will soon reach the previous levels again," and remains stubborn on the positive development of China-Europe relations.

As a leading freight transport company in Austria and Hungary, OeBB stands ready to contribute to expanding China-Europe economic relations with its transport and logistic services, he added.

Matthae also told Xinhua that OeBB has expanded its footprint in China, with its subsidiary, Rail Cargo International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd., established in Shanghai last year. The subsidiary focuses on providing rail freight services for Chinese and European exporters.

The OeBB CEO is set to visit China in the coming weeks for talks with officials on deepening cooperation on logistics and the railway sector in the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou.

A drone photo taken on May 5, 2024 shows a China-Europe freight train waiting to depart from the Tuanjiecun Station in the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
People visit the China exhibition area at the Seoul International Travel Fair in Seoul, South Korea, May 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

More than 200 participants of the 8th China-Japan-South Korea Business Summit in Seoul on Monday hailed the resumption of trilateral economic and trade cooperation with fresh impetus injected after a hiatus of more than four years, pledging efforts to promote the cooperation between business communities.

The business figures from China, Japan and South Korea gathered on the sidelines of the 9th trilateral leaders' meeting held here on Sunday and Monday after a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last leaders' meeting was held in December 2019 in China's southwestern city of Chengdu.

Business communities in the three neighboring countries hailed the convening of the trilateral leaders' meeting and its outcomes, voiced support for trilateral economic cooperation, and pledged efforts towards closer cooperation in facilitating digital transition, stimulating trade, stabilizing supply chains, green transition, responses to population ageing, and healthcare, among other areas.

Guest speakers from China, Japan and South Korea at the summit shared their insight into economic revitalization and sustainable development amid the changes in regional and international situations, highlighting population ageing as a common socioeconomic challenge for the three nations demanding cooperation of the business communities in a proactive response.

As the three countries are all manufacturing powerhouses, some speakers called for collaboration in seeking solutions to the many common problems related to reducing carbon emissions, expecting cooperation in various fields including developing low-carbon technology to yield greater result.

Noting growing uncertainties in the global economic environment, a joint statement signed at the summit announced the establishment of a working group for a joint trilateral response and preemptive coordination on trade issues, in hopes that the business summit and the working group will serve as both catalyst and platform for cooperation.

The business summit is jointly sponsored by Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and Japan Business Federation, better known as Keidanren.

In his opening address, KCCI Chairman Chey Tae-won called for concerted efforts and joint responses to the increasing common challenges facing the business communities in the three countries, as well as a gradual approach to cooperation built on the experience of smaller projects.

Keidanren Chairman Masakazu Tokura in his address stressed the need to increase personnel exchanges to enable closer communication and better mutual understanding in the interests of promoting cooperation between the business communities.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Ren Hongbin, head of the CCPIT, urged the business communities to expand cooperation in the fields ranging from digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI) to green energy and healthcare, increase investment, and build mutually beneficial industrial and supply chains with win-win results.

He, meanwhile, invited Japanese and South Korean businesses to participate in the second China International Supply Chain Expo scheduled to be held in November in Beijing.

The world's three major economies of China, Japan and South Korea launched their trilateral cooperation 25 years ago after the Asian financial crisis. The trilateral business summit was inaugurated in 2009 during the second leaders' meeting in Beijing.

On Monday, business community representatives from the three countries welcomed the return to cooperation under the trilateral framework. Choi Jun-ho, vice chairman of South Korea's fashion group Hyungji, which runs business in both China and Japan, said, "An economic ecosystem for the three countries would facilitate our business operation, in particular in terms of customs and taxation."

"Despite the disharmonious voices due to some political reasons, I believe that the three countries will be able to be united for cooperation to achieve greater growth," he said.

Meanwhile, Choi voiced his confidence in China's economic outlook, adding Hyungji, with school uniforms export business in Shanghai, will further invest in and focus efforts on expanding the Chinese market.
Makorzhenyky is an apple dessert that captivates with its simplicity and taste. Simply put, these are apple rings fried in batter. The recipe for this delicacy became known back in 1913 when the then-famous book "Food and Drinks in Ukraine" by Zinovia Klynovetska was published.

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Food blogger Olena Sagun shared an old recipe for apples in the dough, also called makorzhenyky, on her Instagram page.

Ingredients:

egg yolks - 3 pcs.

melted butter - 1 tbsp.

sugar - 2 tbsp.

vanilla sugar - 1 tsp.

white flour - 1 tbsp.

apples - 3 pcs

butter for frying

poppy seeds and powdered sugar for sprinkling (the original recipe uses crushed sugar)

Method of preparation:

1. Put the egg yolks, regular, and vanilla sugar in a deep bowl. Stir vigorously with a whisk for 1 minute to make the mass homogeneous and lighten slightly.

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2. Add the melted butter and flour and mix. The mass will resemble pancake batter.

3. Meanwhile, cut the apples into 0.5 cm thick slices. Cut out the center of each ring.

4. Put a frying pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Dip the apple circles first in the dough, then fry on both sides in the pan until golden brown.

5. Sprinkle the finished dessert with powdered sugar and poppy seeds.
Nigerias government is cracking down on illegal mining, making dozens of arrests of unlicensed miners since April for allegedly stealing the countrys lithium, a critical mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones and power systems.

The recent arrests come as Nigeria seeks to regulate its mining operations of critical minerals, curb illegal activity and better benefit from its mineral resources. The clean energy transition, a shift away from coal, oil and gas and toward renewable energy and batteries has spiked global demand for lithium, tin and other minerals.

Illegal mines are rife in the countrys fledging industry as corruption among regulatory officials is common and the mineral deposits are located in remote areas with minimal government presence. Officials say profits from illicit mining practices has helped arm militia groups in the north of the county.

In the most recent arrests in mid-May, a joint team of soldiers and police conducted a raid on a remote market in Kishi, in the countrys southwestern Oyo State. Locals said the market, once known for selling farm produce, has become a center for illicit trade in lithium mined in hard-to-reach areas.

The three-day operation resulted in the arrest of 32 individuals, including two Chinese nationals, local workers and mineral traders, according to the state government and locals. Loads of lithium were also seized.

Jimoh Bioku, a Kishi community leader, said there had been clandestine searches for the mineral at remote sites tucked away in the bush in the past years by Chinese individuals before they engaged people to dig for them and turned the market into a transit point. The community was particularly worried about the insecurity that usually follows illegal mining and that was why we reported to the state government, he said.

China is the dominant player in the global EV supply chain, including in Nigeria where China-based companies employ mostly vulnerable people leaving Nigerias far north  ravaged by conflicts and rapid desertification  to work in mining operations throughout the country. Many of those companies are frequently in the spotlight for environmentally damaging practices, exploitative labor and illicit mining. There have been at least three cases of illegal mining arrests involving Chinese individuals in two months.

President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly blamed illegal mining for the worsening conflicts in the countrys north and asked the international community for help to stop the problem, which provides armed groups with the proceeds needed to sustain and arm themselves.

The Chinese embassy in Abuja did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment on the arrests and claims of illegal operations. But in a statement last year following a report by The Times of London alleging Chinese miners were bribing militants for access, the embassy said it always encouraged and urged the Chinese companies and nationals in Nigeria to abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria.

Nigeria is emerging as a new source of lithium in Africa as the worlds largest producers, like Australia and Chile, are unable to fulfill the growing demand worldwide. But illegal activities thrive in Nigerias extractive sector, denying the government due revenues, said Emeka Okoro, whose Lagos-based SBM Intelligence firm has researched illicit mining and terrorism financing in northern Nigeria.

And the combination of conflict and climate change effects, such as once fertile land rapidly turning into useless arid sand in northern Nigeria, has produced a cheap workforce for mining sites.

The arrests of both Chinese nationals and young Hausa boys from conflict-affected regions underscore a troubling pattern, Okoro told the AP. The socioeconomic strain stemming from conflict and the repercussions of climate change has given rise to a vulnerable demographic desperate for survival.

To fight resource theft that causes losses of $9 billion to the government annually, according to the countrys extractive industry transparency watchdog, the West African nation has set up a 2,200-strong corps of mining marshals earlier in the year.

While existing law enforcement agencies are still combating the problem, the new corps is geared at curbing the nefarious activities of illegal miners, said Segun Tomori, spokesperson for the solid minerals ministry.

Before the Kishi raid, the mining corps arrested two trucks laden with lithium on the outskirts of the capital Abuja in April. Later that month, the corps raided a location in Karu, Nasarawa State, near Abuja, leading to the arrest of four people and the seizure of tons of lithium. Tomori said the cases are now in court.

On April 22, a federal court in Ilorin, in the north-central region, convicted two Chinese individuals for illegal mining and sentenced them to a one-year jail term, although with an option of a fine.

Nigeria has long neglected the solid minerals sector, which allows some communities like the northern-central town of Jos  which is tin-abundant  to depend on subsistence mining for their livelihood.

For those communities where livelihood is tied to mining, Tomori said the government is encouraging artisanal miners there to form cooperatives and operate legally. TAIWO ADEBAYO, ABUJA, MDT/AP
Fresh government data shows that Macau experienced a significant increase in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities during the first quarter of 2024.

The total number of MICE events held in the SAR reached 307, a 31.2% year-on-year increase. This included 289 meetings and conferences, 12 exhibitions, and six incentives. The number of MICE participants and attendees grew to 178,000 year-on-year, although this represented an 11.5% decline due to a drop in exhibition attendance.

MICE-driven receipts for Macaus non-gaming industries also soared, estimated at MOP900 million for Q1 2024, a more than 50% increase from the same period in 2023 (MOP600 million). This can be attributed to higher spending by MICE visitors.

The growth in MICE events and revenue is a testament to Macaus continued appeal as a premier destination for business events, said the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) report. We anticipate this momentum to continue as Macau further develops its MICE infrastructure and attracts more international events.

The data also revealed that the majority of events held in Q1 2024 were centered around Commerce & Management, accounting for 41.4% of the total. Events related to Finance, Information Technology, and Medical & Health also saw significant activity.

In an announcement last year, the government said it wants Macau to host around 1,500 MICE events next year  a 50% increase on 2023s tally, which is an average of 125 per month.

The government has implemented various measures, including marketing campaigns, participation in international trade shows and exhibitions, and collaboration with industry associations and event organizers in bid to position the region as a leading MICE destination. Howard Tong
Officials are considering a proposal to house unaccompanied migrant children at two former casino hotels in northwest Mississippi, an idea that has drawn opposition including from the local sheriff who said the county lacks resources to accommodate the plan.

Local news outlets reported that the repurposed facility would house as many as 2,000 children and teens at the hotels that were part of the Harrahs casino complex, which closed in 2014. The casino was demolished, and other proposals to reuse the hotels have not succeeded.

County supervisors met in executive session Monday to discuss the project, but Tunica County Attorney John Keith Perry told WREG-TV that supervisors have not officially endorsed the plan.

Obviously, anything that deals with immigration is a hot-button issue, Perry said.

Perry said the current owners are in talks with a private entity interested in buying the property, which he says is in good condition after being closed for 10 years.

Any facility housing immigrants ages 17 and younger would have to meet federal regulations, Perry said, and his understanding is the facility would be self-contained.

So, you dont have children that would be out and about for their safety reasons, he said.

The facility would also have to comply with a court settlement governing how the federal government treats migrant children, including limiting how long they can be confined.

Tunica County Sheriff K.C. Hamp said Wednesday that the county doesnt have resources, including a hospital, to care for immigrants, and they would have to be taken to neighboring communities.

When it concerns public safety, public healthcare, along with child protective services, Tunica County does not have a local hospital in the event of an emergency, Hamp said in a statement.

State Rep. Cedric Burnett, a Democrat from Sardis who represents the area, also opposes the plan, saying he supports efforts to redevelop the complex to enhance tourism and gambling in Tunica County.

I think that location should be used to compliment the gaming industry, Burnett told WREG-TV. You know Tunica is a tourism town, we depend on gaming.

Burnett said the benefits of using the hotels to house migrants would be limited to the current owners and the people operating the facility.

Harrahs opened in 1996 as the Grand Casino and was conceived on a grand scale, topping out with 1,356 hotel rooms across three buildings. Its now-demolished casino floor was the largest between New Jersey and Las Vegas.

Tunicas casino market has been in decline for more than a decade, While it was once the nearest gambling destination to parts of the South and Midwest, most of those states now have their own casinos. A casino in West Memphis, Arkansas, has also lured away patrons. MDT/AP
Applications for study grants for tertiary education studies in Portugal as well as for loan grants, under the Higher Education Financing Plan from the Education Fund, will take place from June 3 to 24 this year, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) announced.

The applications are related to the academic year 2024/2025 and the plan covers not only regular majors but also other higher education courses, from pre-university to doctoral degrees.

Under this Plan, study grants for continuing studies in Portugal aim to support Macau students to pursue their studies in that country, with the grants awarded based on document analysis and a selection exam.

The DSEDJ also said that the loan grants are intended to support students with financial difficulties, with assessment and approval to be made based on the monthly income of the applicants household in 2023.

The lists of qualified applicants and conditionally admitted applicants for study grants for studies in Portugal will be published on August 23. Those conditionally admitted must submit the missing documents by August 30.

The list of the selection exam will be published on October 10 and the final results list will be published on November 29, 2024.

The list of results for the loan grant applications will be published on November 8, 2024.
A criminal group is suspected of recruiting casino employees to help tamper with casino cards, resulting in the defrauding of Cotai casinos of a total of MOP4.54 million.

In a press conference yesterday, the Judiciary Police said they have arrested eight Macau men and women aged 33 to 42 years old in connection with the scheme. Five of the suspects are gaming table managers, directors, and dealers, and are suspected of being recruited by the criminal group. The remaining three are believed to be key members of the group and are responsible for planning the crimes.

According to the police, the criminal group collaborated with the casino employees to remove playing cards from the casino while on duty, manipulate them, and then hand them over to the gaming table for fraud. The police received a report from the casino last Thursday and conducted an investigation, leading to the arrests on Saturday.

The police believe the criminal group committed two separate incidents of fraud in late March and early May. Each of the casino employees involved in the crime could potentially have made a profit of MOP170,000 to MOP500,000.

The situation is described as a serious breach of trust and a significant financial loss for the casino. They stated that the police are committed to investigating this matter fully and bringing all those involved to justice.

The police believe there are still many people involved in the fraud at large, and the investigation is ongoing.

Money exchanger robbed in hotel room

A money exchanger was threatened with a wine bottle opener and robbed of about MOP100,000 during what was meant to be a routine money exchange meeting at a Macau hotel room, police said.

The victim had successfully exchanged money with the man in the past, but during their meeting on May 12, the other party repeatedly delayed the exchange, citing transfer issues. It was then that the man and an accomplice attacked the victim, police said. They stole HKD60,000 in cash and MOP40,000 in chips before fleeing.

The victim escaped and alerted hotel security, launching a police investigation. Officers soon determined the two suspects, a 53-year-old mainland Chinese man and a woman, had left Macau.

The man was intercepted last Saturday trying to cross from Macau to Hong Kong via the bridge and detained, but he refused to cooperate with the investigation. Police are still searching for the female suspect. Staff Reporter
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 yesterday 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.

In phone talks earlier yesterday, senior diplomats from Japan, South Korea and the United States agreed to call on North Korea to abandon the launch.

Later yesterday, 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. MDT/AP
Macaus travel industry is anticipating a summer spike in Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) tourists from mainland China, according to Andy Wu Keng Kuong, president of the Macau Travel Industry Council.

According to Macao Daily News, Wu cites several factors as contributing to the expected surge, including the recent addition of eight new mainland cities to the IVS scheme.

Effective yesterday, Taiyuan, Hohhot, Harbin, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Xining, Yinchuan, and Urumqi have become active members of the IVS program, which allows mainland Chinese residents to visit Macau individually without the need for a tour group. While Wu acknowledged that these newly eligible cities in the northwest and northeast regions of China are unlikely to be major contributors to Macaus tourism volume compared to the neighboring Guangdong province, he noted that visitors from the far north are more likely to stay overnight, as they have traveled a greater distance.

The IVS scheme has seen its first update since the pre-pandemic era, with the addition of two large mainland population centers, Qingdao and Xian, in a move announced by Chinas State Council just three months ago. Data from Macaus Statistics and Census Service shows that during the first four months of 2024, these two cities contributed a combined 86,000 visitors to Macau, representing 1.07% of the 8.03 million mainland Chinese arrivals.

Of the 8.03 million mainland visitors in the January-April period, nearly 53.1% or 4.26 million utilized IVS permits. The top three mainland markets supplying IVS travelers to Macau were Guangdong province (2.83 million), Shanghai (321,074), and Beijing (189,194).

The IVS-traveler volume for the first four months of 2024 represented a recovery rate of 88.78% compared to the same period in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the census service data.

While the newly added IVS cities are not expected to be major contributors to Macaus tourism in the short term, their inclusion in the scheme, coupled with the continued strength of the traditional IVS markets, suggests a promising summer season for the citys hospitality and leisure industries, according to Wu. Staff reporter
The University of Macau (UM) will see a total of 1,718 undergraduate students graduate from bachelor programs this coming Saturday. Among them, 66 outstanding students from different faculties have completed the Honors College Certificate Program. This years congregation will continue to be held in a hybrid format so that graduates and their families and friends from around the world can join in the joyous occasion online.

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Farmers drive harvesters through a wheat field in Sanjing Village of Linyi City, east China's Shandong Province, May 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

More than 60 million mu (4 million hectares) of wheat, or nearly 20 percent of the national total, have been harvested in China as of Monday evening, as the country aims to stabilize its grain output and maintain food security.

Various supports are being provided to facilitate the wheat harvest across the country, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The weather will be suitable for collecting and drying crops in the coming days, the China Meteorological Administration has forecasted.

China's grain output rose 1.3 percent year on year to a record high of 695.41 million tonnes in 2023, which was the ninth consecutive year that the country reported a grain harvest of over 650 million tonnes. The national wheat output came in at 136.59 million tonnes, down 0.8 percent.

The Chinese people seek to hold their rice bowls firmly in their own hands, and have made continuous efforts to that end.

To encourage farmers to grow grain, the central government increased the minimum purchase prices of wheat and rice in 2023, and improved grain subsidy policies for corn and soybean farmers.

"We will improve the systems for grain production, storage and processing, and take comprehensive steps to consolidate the foundation of food security," according to the 2024 government work report.
Chinas premier agreed yesterday to revive three-way cooperation with South Korea and Japan in the face of shared challenges, but issued a veiled rebuke against the two countries expanding security cooperation with the United States.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Seoul in what was their countries first such trilateral meeting in more than four years.

Many experts say just restarting the countries highest-level annual meeting and agreeing on the need to improve ties is a positive sign for cooperation among the three Northeast Asian neighbors, as they all face economic uncertainties caused by wars and instability around the world. But how drastically their cooperation will be promoted is unknown as the three countries have a range of long-running complex issues.

In a joint news conference after the meeting, Li said China wants to cooperate with South Korea and Japan on economic issues, especially on supply chains and the restart of talks on a three-way free trade deal.

Yoon said the three leaders agreed to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, establish safe supply chain networks and work together to tackle shared environmental, health and other issues. Kishida said the three countries share a big responsibility for regional peace and that Japan will chair the next round of the trilateral leaders meeting.

Despite the seemingly amicable mood of the meeting, however, Li at one point expressed Chinese uneasiness about Japan and South Koreas moves to beef up their security partnership with the U.S., which Beijing views as an attempt to form a bloc to contain China.

We need to have honest dialogues to better enhance trust and resolve doubts. We must uphold the spirit of strategic autonomy and maintain our bilateral relations, Li said in comments at the start of the meeting with Yoon and Kishida. We need to promote multipolarity in the world and oppose the formation of blocs or camps.

China is wary of Japans plan to deploy 400 U.S. Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles and allow repair and maintenance of U.S. warships in Japan to support their operations in the western Pacific. The expansion of military drills among South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have also drawn protests from China.

The trilateral meeting was also briefly overshadowed by North Koreas abrupt notification to Japan of its plan to launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent bid to place its second spy satellite into orbit.

The U.N. bans any satellite launches by North Korea, viewing them as disguised tests of the countrys long-range missile technology. North Korea has said it needs spy satellites to better monitor South Korea and the U.S. and enhance the precision-attack capabilities of its missiles.

Yoon called for stern international action if North Korea goes ahead with the launch. Kishida urged North Korea to withdraw its satellite launch plan. But Li didnt mention the launch plan as he offered general comments about promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through a political resolution.

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 implementing U.N. sanctions on North Korea.

In a bilateral meeting with Li on Sunday, Yoon asked China to contribute to promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, while speaking about North Koreas nuclear program and its deepening military ties with Russia.

After meeting with Li on Sunday, Kishida also told reporters that he expressed serious concerns about the situation in the South China Sea.

Yesterday, Li still didnt respond directly to the outside accusations against the Chinese actions in the South China Sea or surrounding Taiwan.

China, Japan and South Korea should appropriately handle sensitive issues and points of difference, and take care of each others core interests and major concerns, Li said. And truly construct a real multilateralism.

The three Asian nations together represent about 25% of global gross domestic product, and they are closely linked to one another economically and culturally. But their relations have suffered on-again, off-again setbacks owing to issues stemming from Japans wartime aggression. Chinas ambitions of greater global influence and a U.S. push to bolster its Asian alliances have also threatened to hurt ties among the three Asian countries.

The China-South Korea-Japan trilateral meeting was supposed to happen annually following their first meeting in 2008. But the sessions stalled since the last one in December 2019 in Chengdu, China because of the COVID-19 pandemic and often-complicated ties among the three countries.

Experts say the three countries all want better relations. China is the biggest trading partner for both South Korea and Japan. Analysts say China likely thinks any further strengthening of the South Korea-Japan-U.S. security ties would not serve its national interests.

Washington can trust its allies in their diplomatic efforts with Beijing, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. The China-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit is more about reducing frictions than reshaping geopolitics. HYUNG-JIN KIM & HUIZHONG WU, SEOUL, MDT/AP
A U.S. congressional delegation met Taiwans new leader yesterday in a show of support days after China held drills around the self-governing island in response to his inauguration.

Rep. Andy Barr, the co-chair of the Taiwan caucus in the U.S. Congress, said the United States is fully committed to supporting Taiwan militarily, diplomatically and economically.

There should be no doubt, there should be no skepticism in the United States, Taiwan or anywhere in the world, of American resolve to maintain the status quo and peace in the Taiwan Strait, the Republican from Kentucky said at a news conference in Taipei.

The Chinese government expressed strong opposition to the congressional visit, saying it undermined China-U.S. relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, referring to the waterway between China and Taiwan.

The lawmakers five-day visit ran against the political commitment of the U.S. government to maintain only unofficial relations with Taiwan, sending a seriously wrong signal to the separatist force of Taiwan independence, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing.

China firmly opposes the U.S. arming Taiwan, Mao said.

Lai, who took office one week ago, is expected to continue the policies of Tsai Ing-wen, his predecessor from the same Democratic Progressive Party.

The delegation included four Republicans and two Democrats and was led by Rep. Michael McCaul, the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Last year, China sanctioned the Texas Republican after he visited Taiwan in April.

The other delegation members were Republicans Young Kim from California and Joe Wilson from South Carolina and Democrats Jimmy Panetta from California and Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania. MDT/AP
A solo practice attorney in Madison, Michelle Behnke is positioned to become president of the American Bar Association, which has more than 400,000 members.

Behnke, 63, who grew up in Madison and went to college and law school at UW-Madison, was nominated in February to be ABA president. If confirmed in a vote in August, she will be president-elect for a year before becoming president next year.

In 2004-05, Behnke was the first Black person to be president of the State Bar of Wisconsin, which has about 25,000 members. At the ABA, she is in line to be the fourth woman of color to head up the organization.

Nationally, 39% of attorneys are female. About 5% are Black, while African-Americans make up nearly 14% of the population.

After Behnke worked for a Madison law firm and as in-house counsel for CUNA Mutual Group, now TruStage, she opened her own practice in 1998. She focuses on real estate and business law, such as housing projects, municipal annexations, mall redevelopments and franchise sales.

She and her husband, Darrell, a lawyer who leads wealth management for U.S. Bank in Wisconsin, live on the West Side with their two Coton du Tulear dogs and like to hike near their cottage in Waupaca. Their two adult children and one grandchild live in New York City.

Why did you become a lawyer?

When I decided to become a lawyer, I didnt know. A high school guidance counselor suggested it to me because I asked questions and pressed, debated. As I got to law school and learned how many ways lawyers help people, thats what I fell in love with.

What kind of real estate and business law do you focus on?

At first, I did a lot of residential real estate. My clients were very excited about buying a house, and I was helping them accomplish that. Over time, my practice moved more to commercial. Its very similar. People are interested in creating a business or owning real estate for a family reason, to advance their family. I help them figure out how to do that as safely and carefully as possible.

During law school, I clerked in the Dane County District Attorneys office for a summer. It was interesting, but it took a mental toll on me. I wrote charging documents for everything from domestic abuse to theft. It was more than I could absorb on a continuous basis.

Why have you run your own law firm for most of your career?

I really like clients. When I started as a solo practitioner, I got to pick who I worked with and how I helped them. I also got more flexibility on when I did the work. I could take care of a sick kid if I needed. I could go to a school play if I wanted.

What are the main challenges facing the legal profession today?

I would boil it down to the pace of change. The legal profession is grounded in precedent. When you want to figure out how to do a development, or how a case is going to turn out, you look backwards. If you look backwards while youre trying to walk forward, and you try to walk forward even faster, looking backwards is hard.

Peoples perceptions are different today. Growing up, youd go to a doctor, who would say whats wrong with you. Now, people Google WebMD and try to self-diagnose. The same thing happens in law. The client might say, Ive got an XYZ problem. When, actually, if you get a fact here and a fact there, its not XYZ. Its ABC. Helping them understand that it could be a completely different issue is hard.

A lot of what the ABA focuses on, I put in two buckets. One is helping lawyers be good lawyers. Thats (continuing education) and seminars. When I first came out of law school, there wasnt AI. In some states, marijuana is a legitimate business. You have to learn what the issues are and how to address them. Another part is serving the public and the legal system. We have commissions and task forces on everything from homelessness and diversity, equity and inclusion to immigration and leadership.

Why is diversity among lawyers important?

Understanding how different people have experienced the world gives you a leg up in problem solving. If you have a particular experience and you look for solutions, those solutions are likely going to be from your experience. Maybe the lawyer on the other side will come up with a different set of potential solutions. You need to try to think of as many solutions as possible so you can help your client pick the solution thats best for them and think ahead of what might be the counter to what youre proposing.

Whats your favorite lawyer joke?

I like to have fun, but Im not a joke teller. Most of the jokes Ive heard usually have some derogatory comment about lawyers. Were not perfect, but were really here to help.

What is your favorite thing about Madison?

People are really connected and know whats going on in their community. They cross-pollinate. The different parts of my life intersect with lots of people in lots of segments of their lives.

What is your least favorite thing?

There is still a lot of division between the university community and greater Madison. We have this jewel, the university. But if youre a student at the university, you probably have no idea of what the makeup of Madison is, because there is not a lot of interaction at the human level.
A Rexburg man has been arrested for his role in a May 18 crash that killed six people in Idaho Falls, police say.

Luis Garcia-Diaz, 26, was treated for his injuries, and upon his release on Friday, Idaho State Police troopers arrested him on a warrant for six counts of felony vehicular manslaughter in Bonneville County.

On May 18, Idaho State Police troopers responded to milepost 308 on U.S. 20 in Idaho Falls, after the crash involving a Dodge Ram pickup and a Chevrolet passenger van.

Troopers found the Ram driver, reported to be Garcia-Diaz, along with six deceased and nine wounded people in the van. All injured were transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.

Garcia-Diaz is suspected of driving across the centerline of the highway and crashing head-on with the van, police said in an earlier news release.

The investigation continues to determine the immigration status of Garcia-Diaz.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico said the passengers in the van were all agricultural workers from Mexico in the United States on H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker visas; however, the investigation will continue to confirm these details, ISP said.

The crash remains under investigation.
Its a new move in Idaho, this process on the part of some local Republican county central committees to censure elected officials, who have won their partys nomination in primary elections, on grounds that they inadequately dance to the tune of party officials.

The latest to try this has been the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee. (Social note which may help describe the groups perspective: Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake is scheduled to be their Lincoln Day speaker next month.) The Bonneville Republicans last week voted to censure two local Republican legislators, Sen. Kevin Cook and Rep. Stephanie Mickelson. Leaders in the county organization have been critical of them for a while, though this development takes things to a new level.

Two censures from a Republican committee (whether legislative district, county or state organization), under current rules, can lead to a demand that the elected official, though nominated and elected as a Republican, remove Party support and prohibit the use of Republican Party identifiers in their campaign.

That has the sound of a serious threat, since so many Idaho voters apparently look for those Republican identifiers, and not much more (such as candidate background, qualifications and well-thought-out positions), when deciding how to fill elected offices.

In an opinion piece, Mickelson noted that, When I ran for office, I needed to secure a majority of votes from over 52,000 people in my district. Now, 20 precinct committeemen on the District 32 Legislative Committee will vote on whether I can call myself a Republican. Of those 20, only nine were elected. The other 11 were appointed. Which, she asked, ought to have primacy?

Mickelson also said that if a demand actually is made to remove any kind of party support, Some have suggested theyll pursue legal action to enforce this decision. Indeed, some have suggested as much, and it would be interesting to see how that would play out in a court of law.

But theres also a larger question: Who gets to call themselves a Republican, or a Democrat, or something else, for that matter?

Idaho Democrats and other groups of voters havent made much of an issue out of it (nor have the minor parties), and the Republicans whose political dominance in the state isnt in any way immediately under threat likewise seldom did, until recently. If someone was considered far enough outside the partys mainstream (however that might be defined), the usual view was that they could be defeated in a primary election.

That approach began to change after 2011 when, after a court decision allowing political parties to limit their primaries to registered members, Idaho Republicans closed their primaries to allow party registrants only. (Other Idaho parties have not chosen that limitation.) Of course, anyone could register as a Republican, so that didnt completely solve the (perceived) problem of participation by non-true believers.

As the Idaho Republican party structure has been taken over increasingly by more extreme groups, a conflict between the party and its voters started to become almost inevitable. Now were starting to see it arrive.

Theres a key question here: Who gets to decide what a real Republican is? This isnt a one-sided question. A lot of long-time Republican former elected officials have decried the current party leadership  and some of its elected officials  as virtual invaders who have taken the party far away from its roots and meaning. Theres a real dispute about what a real Republican is or should be.

One approach since has been growing imposition of doctrine and dogma, and ever more extreme positions in party platforms and resolutions: You must support all of this, or else youre not a real Republican.

Whats worth pointing out is how different this is from the historic norm, when the decision of what was a real Republican (or Democrat) was left to the people who voted in the primaries, even if that process sometimes was a little messy. Of course, when you have a one-party state, those stakes get higher.

And when that happens, the extremes become more so.
The World Health Assembly (WHA) rejecting a so-called proposal concerning Taiwan once again proved that the international community's commitment to the one-China principle is unshakable, said a Chinese mainland spokesperson on Monday.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks regarding the General Committee and the Plenary Session of the 77th WHA's decision not to include the so-called proposal of "inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer" submitted by certain countries into its agenda on Monday. This has been the eighth year in a row that the WHA has rejected such a proposal.

There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is a part of China, Chen said. The rejection also proves that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' attempt of relying on external forces to participate in the WHA without recognizing the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle is doomed to fail.

"We have kinship with Taiwan compatriots, and we are always concerned about their health and wellbeing," said the spokesperson.

The mainland will continue taking concrete measures, including arranging medical technical experts from Taiwan to take part in the technical activities of the World Health Organization (WHO) and informing Taiwan of public health emergencies released by the WHO in a timely manner, to safeguard Taiwan compatriots' health, Chen said.
State-run Land Bank of the Philippines said it released P2.5 billion in loans through the Expanded Rice Credit Assistance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ERCA-RCEF) to farmers as of April 2024 amid the challenges posed by the El Nino phenomenon.

LandBank said that in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), it fully disbursed the P500-million annual allocation under ERCA-RCEF from 2019 to 2023.

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The program offers affordable loans with minimal documentation for rice farmers and cooperatives.

LandBanks support to the agriculture sector is crucial to ensuring food security in the country. We are committed to providing continued financial assistance to our rice farmers to help them sustain their operations and improve productivity, especially in the face of challenges including the El Nino phenomenon, said LandBank president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz.

The P2.5-billion loans benefitted over 15,400 individual rice farmers and 270 cooperatives, impacting more than 21,300 beneficiaries, the lender said.

It said the loans supported various aspects of rice production including milling, trading, re-lending and acquiring farm machinery. About 98 percent of LandBanks direct borrowers under this program are individual rice farmers.
The Philippines and Brunei on Tuesday signed three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and one letter of intent (LOI) to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The MOUs cover tourism cooperation, mutual recognition of standards for training, certification, and watchkeeping (STCW) certificates, and maritime collaboration.

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Meanwhile, the LOI renews a previous agreement on food security and agricultural cooperation.

And for that, we hope to expand the partnerships that we have begun and we feel that there is much potential that we can examine, President Marcos said in his meeting with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

Bolkiah, on the other hand, expressed optimism about strengthening ties as the countries celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations. I believe that we are commemorating this significant occasion through visits, the Sultan told Mr. Marcos.

Im looking forward to further enhancing our friendship in areas of future interest, which I believe will greatly benefit our countries and people, Bolkiah added.

The MOU on tourism, signed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Bruneis Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), aims to boost tourism projects and promote Muslim-friendly destinations.

The STCW agreement allows both countries to recognize each others certification standards, updating a previous agreement from 2001. The maritime cooperation MOU, on the other hand, focuses on pollution control, skills training, research, and information sharing.

Meanwhile, the LOI between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bruneis Agriculture and Agrifood Department (AAD) highlights shared interests in food security and sustainable agriculture.
TBpeople Philippines Organization, Inc., recently held a successful TB Discipleship and TB Education program for TB survivors, close contacts of TB patients, and barangay health workers in Davao City. The event, held at Acacia Hotel, Davao City aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to fight tuberculosis (TB) in their communities.



The event kicked off with an engaging introduction of the TBpeople Philippines Organizational, Inc. core team. Participants were welcomed with a fun and interactive session, designed to break the ice and set the stage for the days activities. The team then delved into a detailed discussion about TBpeople Philippines, including its mission to combat tuberculosis in the country. This was followed by a session that explored the organizations mission: overcoming TB in the Philippines. Participants learned about the team members roles and responsibilities, gaining valuable insight into how TBpeople Philippines Organizational, Inc. operates. This session also served as a blueprint for establishing a similar team structure in Davao  a potential future chapter of TBpeople Philippines Organizational, Inc..

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Key members of the core team explained their roles and responsibilities, providing insights into the inner workings of the organization. This segment aimed to inspire and inform potential members of TBpeople Davao about the structure and manpower needed to establish a local chapter. Participants learned about the various tasks involved in running an effective TB advocacy group, from community outreach to patient support and education.



Day 2: Deepening knowledge and advocacy skills, the second day was dedicated to TB education. The training began with a comprehensive overview of tuberculosis, covering essential topics such as the nature of the disease, its signs and symptoms, causes, treatment regimens and many more. This foundational knowledge is important for effective TB advocacy and patient support. To reinforce the educational content, the team organized practical activities. One notable session involved a mock meeting with a Local Government Unit (LGU), simulating real-world advocacy scenarios. Participants also engaged in a TV interview and panel interview exercises, designed to hone their communication skills and ability to articulate TB advocacy messages clearly and confidently.

The TB Discipleship and TB Education event provided participants with invaluable knowledge about tuberculosis and practical skills for managing a non-governmental organization (NGO). The comprehensive training aimed not only to educate but also to empower attendees to take active roles in their communities.



The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the TBpeople Philippines Organizational, Inc. team and appreciated the effort put into organizing such a thorough and engaging program.

TBpeople Philippines Organizational, Inc. is deeply thankful to all participants for their enthusiasm and commitment. The success of the event at Acacia Hotel, Davao City is a testament to the power of community engagement and education in driving meaningful change.














17-Year Industry Leader Expands Offerings to Create a Comprehensive Digital Hub

TNC Cyber Cafe, one of the leading cyber cafes in the Philippines with 17 years of unparalleled service, is proud to announce the relaunch of its brand and expansion beyond traditional gaming services.

This relaunch aims to transform TNC Cyber Cafe into a multifaceted digital hub that serves gamers, professionals, students, and digital enthusiasts alike.

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A Celebrated Legacy

Established in 2007, TNC Cyber Cafe has grown to become a staple in the internet cafe industry, often referred to as the Mang Inasal of internet cafes due to its widespread popularity and quality.

With branches strategically located across the Philippines, TNC Cyber Cafe has served thousands of Filipinos, providing them with top-notch gaming experiences and reliable internet services.

Introducing the New TNC Cyber Cafe: Gaming and Beyond

With this relaunch, TNC Cyber Cafe introduces a host of new services designed to expand its appeal and functionality:

Co-Working Spaces: Modern, comfortable areas with high-speed internet and office amenities, perfect for freelancers, remote workers, and students.

Private Pods: Soundproofed spaces ideal for live streaming, podcast recording, and virtual meetings.

Community Events: Regular gaming tournaments, professional networking events, and social gatherings to foster a vibrant community atmosphere.

Educational Workshops: Sessions on digital literacy, content creation, gaming strategies, and many more.

Why Cyber Cafes are Thriving Post Pandemic

The cyber cafe industry, like many others, faced significant challenges during the pandemic, leading to the closure of numerous establishments.

However, as the world begins to recover and adapt, cyber cafes are once again finding their footing and proving its relevance.

TNC Cyber Cafe is uniquely positioned to meet its demands, providing a versatile space where people can connect, create, and collaborate.

Strategically Positioned Locations

TNC Cyber Cafe branches are strategically situated in key locations across the Philippines, ensuring accessibility for customers and high visibility for franchisees.

Join the TNC Family

We are excited to relaunch the TNC Cyber Cafe with a new vision that goes gaming and beyond, said Mr. Eric Redulfin, CEO of TNC Group.

Our goal is to provide a holistic digital experience for our customers.

This relaunch allows us to expand our services and cater to the evolving needs and demands of our community. We invite everyone to visit our cafes, explore our new offerings, and join the TNC family.
Kenyan President William Ruto faced backlash after claiming the private jet used for his recent U.S. trip was cheaper than flying on the national carrier, Kenya Airways, though he did not disclose the actual costs. Political analyst Herman Manyora told the BBC the publicly known facts dont seem to support Rutos assertion. Opposition leader Eugene Wamalwa dubbed the presidents remarks unpatriotic, saying he should have instead promoted Kenya Airways.

During the three-day state visit, the first by an African leader to the U.S. in over 15 years, Kenya secured multi-billion dollar investment deals and was designated a major U.S. ally. However, Rutos use of a luxury private jet sparked criticism. He defended it, stating the cost was lower than using Kenya Airways in line with his push for fiscal prudence.

Kenya Airways dismissed a purported statement claiming commercial flights would have been cheaper. Many Kenyans criticized using a foreign airline over the national carrier. Analysts said Ruto should have explained the potential benefits of a chartered plane like flexibility and security to justify the perceived higher expense.

Local media reported commercial business class tickets for Rutos 30-member delegation would have cost around $300,000 versus an estimated $1.5 million for the private Dubai jet used. But Ruto told Voice of America the reported costs were completely exaggerated without providing figures.

The row emerged amid concerns over lavish spending after tax hikes citing the need for more state funds. Ruto has made over 50 foreign trips since becoming president in 2022, which the government defends as necessary despite directives to cut spending.
According to former Central Bank governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, oil-rich Rivers State has a unique chance to emerge as a beacon of progress, replacing despair with hope. Concurrently, Governor Siminalayi Fubara underscored efforts to create an investor-friendly environment, reassuring investors of returns on their investments.

A key oil-producing region hosting major companies, Rivers State is plagued by oil theft, sabotage, and high unemployment despite its vast oil wealth. However, Fubara emphasized re-industrializing the state and reviving shuttered factories.

At the Rivers Economic Summit themed Advancing Economic Growth, Sanusis keynote called for better resource management. He stated Rivers could become an investor paradise in West Africa if the right steps are taken, leveraging its abundant land, resources, and strategic location.

The Emir stressed prosperous futures rely on strong institutions and skilled populations. He cited countries like Japan and Singapore thriving without resources through good governance, innovation, and education.

Fubara highlighted initiatives like prompt land allocation, tax moratoriums for new businesses, and harmonizing state/local taxes to eliminate double taxation hindering investors. He also announced a $2.7 million loan scheme with the Bank of Industry for small/medium businesses.

While commending resource-rich nations like Russia and UAE, Sanusi argued success depends on visionary governance and institutions, stating Oil is not a curse; the curse is the leaders we have had.

Fubara detailed plans like providing land for an aluminum mill, partnering with firms to boost agriculture, and reviving abandoned agricultural projects/infrastructure with $10 million allocated this fiscal year.

Investment opportunities span oil/gas, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, education, ICT, healthcare, infrastructure, glass/garment production, and power. He said that with 40% arable land, Rivers could contribute to food security through commercial mechanized farming and agro-processing.
Morocco plays a central role in strengthening South-South cooperation, particularly in the field of vaccine sovereignty, Minister of Health and Social Protection Khalid Ait Taleb said on Tuesday in an address before the plenary session of the 77th WHO World Health Assembly, held under the theme All for Health, Health for All.

The Kingdom is working to finalize the structural project for the establishment of a vaccine factory, which will help ensure Moroccos and Africas vaccine sovereignty, he said.

The recent health crises we have faced in a difficult and complex international context, marked by several geostrategic transformations, compel us to reaffirm the need to work to eliminate the risks arising from these crises and to invest more significantly and effectively in developing and strengthening national and continental health sovereignty, the Moroccan official stated.

Aware of the importance of promoting public health on the continent, Morocco will be hosting the Fourth International Conference on Public Health in Africa in November, he added, describing the event as an essential platform for exchanging experiences and perspectives on the strategic challenges facing African healthcare systems.

Africa alone bears almost a quarter of the global burden of infectious and chronic diseases, the minister deplored, adding that this conference will be an important opportunity to strengthen efforts in partnership, scientific cooperation, and innovation.

Ait Taleb also drew attention to the fact that, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom is moving ahead resolutely with its ambitious societal project to generalize social protection.

The minister praised the WHOs achievements over the past year in dealing with the growing number of health and humanitarian crises worldwide, as well as its sustained efforts to strengthen health infrastructure and coordinate with various partners.

Ait Taleb heads Moroccos delegation to the 77th World Health Assembly, which runs until June 1.
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WVU neuroscience researchers Valeriya Gritsenko and Rachel Taitano helped develop a 3D model to better treat neurological disorders. Credit: WVU / Davidson Chan

A 3D model developed by West Virginia University neuroscientists shows how implantable stimulatorsthe kind used to treat chronic paincan target neurons that control specific muscles to provide rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders such as stroke and spinal cord injuries.

The study, including the model, was published Communications Biology.

The device, implanted on or near the spinal cord, works by delivering an electrical signal through a thin wire. To treat paralysis, stimulation targets specific parts of the spinal cord to help restore muscle function and movement. However, the effectiveness of the device has been constrained due to insufficient understanding of where motoneurons that connect to specific muscles are situated within the spinal cord.

"If we really want to maximize the usefulness of these implants, we want to be able to select specific motoneurons that would activate specific muscles and assist with the movement in the right way and at the right time," said Valeriya Gritsenko, associate professor in the WVU School of Medicine, departments of Human PerformancePhysical Therapy, Neuroscience and the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. "Scientists want to use a model to figure out where to implant this system."

Gritsenko plans to lead a team in building more sophisticated models of the neuromuscular system.

With further studies and testing, researchers are hopeful to gain a better understanding of the extent to which these devices can improve muscle function.

To conduct the study, researchers first created a 3D model of the motoneuron locations in the macaquean Old World monkeyspinal cord and compared it to the current knowledge of the human spinal cord. They also created 3D models of the musculoskeletal anatomy of the macaque and human right upper limb and compared those.

"We were looking at the differences and changes in muscle lengths across different postures in both the human model and the monkey model," said Rachel Taitano, a doctoral student in medicine and neuroscience from Fairfax, Virginia, and lead author of the study. "The musculoskeletal model of the monkey shows that the biomechanics are similar to humans even though the species have differences in the muscles they use, the muscles they have, and different orientations and functionality."

The study shows a close match in the distribution, or depth, of motoneuron pools along the spinal cord in macaques and humans. Those findings will allow scientists to gain precision in delivering treatment.

"Some motoneuron pools are deeper inside the spinal cord and others are closer to the surface," Gritsenko explained. "This model allows us to look in depth to where those motoneuron pools might be closest to the surface. That's where you would want to stimulate to potentially activate those muscles."

Gritsenko, who served as the primary investigator, explained that "knowing the spinal organization of motoneuron poolsgroups of cells that connect to a single musclecan reveal something fascinating. Our complex musculoskeletal system has evolved over time to enable the wide range of movements we see in all primates, including us humans. The team found that our spinal cords have built-in 'maps' that reflect this complex function. This 'map' helps simplify the control of our complex body by the spinal cord. It is like having an autopilot right inside the spine."

Another colleague on the project, Sergiy Yakovenko, associate professor in the WVU School of Medicine, departments of Human PerformanceExercise Physiology, Neuroscience and RNI, has conducted similar studies on the spinal cord anatomy in quadrupedal animals. The new findings show how well the anatomy of the spinal cord is conserved across animals and how closely it reflects the actions of the muscles.

Results from an applied science study that can be used to benefit patients in a clinical setting is what Taitano said drew her to the project.

"I think we can get a lot of information from non-invasive studies," said Taitano, who holds an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering. "Now that we can apply these findings on the millimeter and the nanometer scale, we can fabricate devices to apply what we're seeing in a model like this."

With the project complete, Taitano moves on to the medical degree portion of her program this summer.

"Rachel's background was very instrumental in making the study a success," Gritsenko said. "I would definitely like to see more of this kind of interdisciplinary collaboration with graduate students working on projects with colleagues from medical and engineering departments."

Gritsenko said scientists at two other universities have expressed interest in using the model to explore how the stimulation technology can be improved. She also plans to collaborate with a primate researcher at another university to validate the study's findings in animal models.

"We want to do a muscle stimulation test based on the model predictions and see if we get the expected results," she said. "We can try that first with monkeys and then, if it works out, we can try it with humans to further check that it is a good model for guiding these surgeries."

More information: Rachel I. Taitano et al, Muscle anatomy is reflected in the spatial organization of the spinal motoneuron pools, Communications Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05742-w Journal information: Communications Biology
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Evaluation pipelines for correctness, consistency, and verifiability criteria in the XLingEval framework. Credit: arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2310.13132

Georgia Tech researchers say non-English speakers shouldn't rely on chatbots like ChatGPT to provide valuable health care advice.

A team of researchers from the College of Computing at Georgia Tech has developed a framework for assessing the capabilities of large language models (LLMs). Ph.D. students Mohit Chandra and Yiqiao (Ahren) Jin are the co-lead authors of the paper "Better to Ask in English: Cross-Lingual Evaluation of Large Language Models for Health care Queries." The paper is published on the arXiv preprint server.

Their paper's findings reveal a gap between LLMs and their ability to answer health-related questions. Chandra and Jin point out the limitations of LLMs for users and developers but also highlight their potential.

Their XLingEval framework cautions non-English speakers from using chatbots as alternatives to doctors for advice. However, models can improve by deepening the data pool with multilingual source material such as their proposed XLingHealth benchmark.

"For users, our research supports what ChatGPT's website already states: chatbots make a lot of mistakes, so we should not rely on them for critical decision-making or for information that requires high accuracy," Jin said.

"Since we observed this language disparity in their performance, LLM developers should focus on improving accuracy, correctness, consistency, and reliability in other languages," Jin said.

Using XLingEval, the researchers found chatbots are less accurate in Spanish, Chinese, and Hindi compared to English. By focusing on correctness, consistency, and verifiability, they discovered:

Correctness decreased by 18% when the same questions were asked in Spanish, Chinese, and Hindi.

Answers in non-English were 29% less consistent than their English counterparts.

Non-English responses were 13% overall less verifiable.

XLingHealth contains question-answer pairs that chatbots can reference, which the group hopes will spark improvement within LLMs.

The HealthQA dataset uses specialized health care articles from the popular health care website Patient. It includes 1,134 health-related question-answer pairs as excerpts from original articles. LiveQA is a second dataset containing 246 question-answer pairs constructed from frequently asked questions (FAQs) platforms associated with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

For drug-related questions, the group built a MedicationQA component. This dataset contains 690 questions extracted from anonymous consumer queries submitted to MedlinePlus. The answers are sourced from medical references, such as MedlinePlus and DailyMed.

In their tests, the researchers asked over 2,000 medical-related questions to ChatGPT-3.5 and MedAlpaca. MedAlpaca is a health care question-answer chatbot trained in medical literature. Yet, more than 67% of its responses to non-English questions were irrelevant or contradictory.

"We see far worse performance in the case of MedAlpaca than ChatGPT," Chandra said. "The majority of the data for MedAlpaca is in English, so it struggled to answer queries in non-English languages. GPT also struggled, but it performed much better than MedAlpaca because it had some sort of training data in other languages."

Ph.D. student Gaurav Verma and postdoctoral researcher Yibo Hu co-authored the paper.

Jin and Verma study under Srijan Kumar, an assistant professor in the School of Computational Science and Engineering, and Hu is a postdoc in Kumar's lab. Chandra is advised by Munmun De Choudhury, an associate professor in the School of Interactive Computing.

The team presented their paper at The Web Conference, occurring May 13-17 in Singapore. The annual conference focuses on the future direction of the internet. The group's presentation is a complementary match, considering the conference's location.

English and Chinese are the most common languages in Singapore. The group tested Spanish, Chinese, and Hindi because they are the world's most spoken languages after English. Personal curiosity and background played a part in inspiring the study.

"ChatGPT was very popular when it launched in 2022, especially for us computer science students who are always exploring new technology," said Jin. "Non-native English speakers, like Mohit and I, noticed early on that chatbots underperformed in our native languages."

More information: Yiqiao Jin et al, Better to Ask in English: Cross-Lingual Evaluation of Large Language Models for Healthcare Queries, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2310.13132 Journal information: arXiv
John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Monday that the HKSAR government will take forward the relevant work and continue strengthening cooperation and exchanges with other Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities and international maritime organizations to inject new impetus into Hong Kong's maritime and port development.

Lee made the remarks when meeting with visiting Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco and Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Guy Platten.

Lee said that as an international shipping center, Hong Kong has been maintaining close communication with international maritime partners and actively participating in the IMO's meetings and various committees to stay abreast of the latest global shipping and maritime developments.

Hong Kong updated local marine legislation from time to time to meet the IMO's latest requirements and ensure its alignment with relevant IMO regulations. The ICS has long supported the development of the maritime industry in Hong Kong and established its first-ever overseas office in Hong Kong in 2019, Lee added.

Lee pointed out that Hong Kong ranks fourth globally in the 2023 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Center Development Index Report, and that fully reflects Hong Kong's comprehensive strengths in such areas as port conditions, maritime services, and business environment, serving as strong evidence of Hong Kong's globally recognized status as an international shipping center.

The chief executive noted that the country firmly supports Hong Kong's status as an international shipping center as stated in the national 14th Five-Year Plan and the Outline Development Plan for the GBA.

He said that the HKSAR government promulgated the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy at the end of last year, setting out strategies and action measures to enhance the competitiveness of the Hong Kong Port and accelerate the growth of Hong Kong's high value-added maritime services cluster. The HKSAR government will take forward the relevant work.
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Efficacy of voluntary medical male circumcision to prevent HIV infection among men who have sex with men. Credit: Annals of Internal Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.7326/M23-3317

A randomized controlled trial comprised of 247 men who have sex with men (MSM) found that voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) can prevent incident HIV infection. These findings suggest that MSM should be included in VMMC guidelines. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Researchers from China enrolled uncircumcised, HIV-seronegative men aged 18 to 49 years who self-reported predominantly practicing insertive anal intercourse and had two or more male sex partners in the past six months in a trial to assess the efficacy of VMMC in preventing incident HIV infection.

Once enrolled, all men received HIV counseling and testing and were then randomly assigned to immediate circumcision (intervention group) or circumcision delayed for 12 months (control group).

There were zero seroconversions in the intervention group and five in the control group, and the HIV incidence was lower in the intervention group. Given the context of this sample size and length of follow-up, the incidence rates of syphilis, herpes simplex virus type 2, and penile human papillomavirus were not statistically significantly different between the two groups.

While VMMC may exhibit high protective efficacy, the authors caution that it is important to offer comprehensive protection against HIV with additional preventive measures. Recommendations include condom use, education to reduce the number of partners, regular HIV testing, and pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis, as appropriate.

More information: Yanxiao Gao et al, Efficacy of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision to Prevent HIV Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, Annals of Internal Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.7326/M23-3317 Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine
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The 77th World Health Assembly is being held at the Palace of Nations in Geneva.

Countries aired stark differences Tuesday on where to go next in trying to strike a global agreement for handling future pandemics, after missing a deadline to finalize a deal.

While nations are keen to build on progress made towards an accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, fault lines emerged on charting the course to an eventual agreement.

Africa and the United States were notably far apart on how long the process should take, as countries took stock of the situation at the annual World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva.

African nations spoke as one to say they wanted to seize the growing momentum and get the agreement finished in the coming months, while Washington urged countries to take their time to work out the best possible deal, suggesting the process could take up to two years.

Rattled by the devastation caused by COVID-19which killed millions of people, shredded economies and crippled health systemscountries have spent two years trying to reach binding commitments for tackling future pandemics.

But the negotiations ended last Friday without finalizing a deal.

The deadline was this week's WHA, a gathering of the World Health Organization's 194 member states and its supreme decision-making body.

The assembly commissioned the drafting of a pandemic accord in December 2021.

'Let's finish this'

Roland Driece of the Netherlands and Precious Matsoso of South Africa co-chaired the nine rounds of pandemic agreement talks.

On Tuesday, they delivered the latest draft to the assembly, showing 17 of its 34 articles fully approved by countries.

"Today we had hoped that we could say we're done, we're finishing this and we delivered on our mandate, but we are not there yet," Driece said.

"Let's finish this as soon as we can... because we owe that to all the people who suffered during the COVID pandemic."

South Africa's representative, speaking for 47 African countries, said the continent demanded equity in the agreement.

South Africa said that the talks must continue and that chapters already agreed would not be reopened to negotiation.

African countries want Driece and Matsoso's mandate to be extended "to finalize the pandemic agreement", and for the outcome to be submitted to a specially convened assembly session before the end of 2024.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, right, addressed the opening of the World Health Assembly.

'Fundamental differences'

But the chief US negotiator, Pamela Hamamoto, said "fundamental differences remain on core issues central to the agreement", requiring extensive deliberations to resolve.

"We do not believe an extension of just a few months will achieve this and... we believe an extension of one to two years is necessary," she said.

The chair of the assembly committee proposed setting up a drafting group, to start work on Wednesday, to consider the options.

Germany said 80 percent of the most important issues were "already agreed upon", adding that the agreement could be finalized "at the latest within a year".

Israel felt agreement could not be reached in two to four months, while Indonesia said countries needed "not more time but the political will to prioritize global public health".

Canada and Switzerland said the agreement should not be rushed, while Japan thought a year was needed.

Rewriting the rules

Parallel talks have also taken place on revising the International Health Regulations, which are very close to completion.

First adopted in 1969 and last updated in 2005, the IHR constitutes the existing, legally binding framework for responding to public health emergencies.

But COVID-19 exposed flaws in the system, with countries failing to jolt into action when the WHO sounded the IHR's current highest available alarm in January 2020.

The proposed amendments include reforming the alert system so there are more, and clearer, levels of alarm.

Several countries voiced hope that the amendments could be finalized this week.

But if the African region does not get agreement on having the pandemic agreement talks done within the year, it remains to be seen whether it will back finishing off the IHR amendments swiftly.

The assembly, which opened on Monday, closes on Saturday.

 2024 AFP
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Infection of human cortical brain organoids (hBOs). A Photograph of "mini-brains" cultured in a rotating CelVivo Clinostar incubator. B IHC of viral antigen (4G4) for hBOs at 4 dpi. C Viral growth kinetics up to 4 dpi determined by CCID 50 assays of culture supernatants at the indicated hours post infection. D Mean percentage change in organoid area at 11 dpi vs. 9 dpi for each organoid. Credit: npj Viruses (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44298-024-00025-5

Researchers have conducted the first comprehensive two-year laboratory characterization of the rare sub-type of the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) that caused an unprecedented deadly outbreak in Australia in 2022.

The study, which was conducted in QIMR Berghofer's high biocontainment facility, showed the strain's potential to cause fatal brain infection and establishes technologies to test new vaccines to protect Australian populations.

QIMR Berghofer's senior research officer Dr. Daniel Rawle and research officer Dr. Wilson Nguyen found the new virus strain's impact on the brain is consistent with the seven human fatalities during the unprecedented 2022 outbreak, which involved 44 confirmed human cases across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland.

Published in npj Viruses, the research found that miniature human brain organoids were destroyed when infected with the virus.

The research also looked at blood samples from individuals vaccinated against JEV, and found that while it did offer protection against the new Australian strain, more work was needed to tailor a new vaccine to the recent Australian outbreak strain.

Credit: QIMR Berghofer

"The more a virus mutates and the more it deviates from established vaccine targets, the less optimal the vaccine responses are likely to be. This is why COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are continuously updated, a process that may be needed for JEV," Dr. Rawle said.

"We don't have targeted treatments for JEV, with brain infections particularly difficult to treat, so a vaccine would be a key defense against a disease with potentially fatal consequences."

Dr. Rawle said the findings highlighted the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness in combating mosquito-borne diseases. Highlighting this, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Arbovirus Initiative in 2022, raising the global alarm on the increased risks of arboviral epidemics, and the potential for future arboviral pandemics. The team is now using the recent tools they've developed to test new vaccines against Japanese encephalitis virus.

More information: Wilson Nguyen et al, Characterisation of a Japanese Encephalitis virus genotype 4 isolate from the 2022 Australian outbreak, npj Viruses (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44298-024-00025-5 Journal information: Nature Reviews Immunology

Provided by QIMR Berghofer
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Tom Carey, Regional education leadjoint reconstruction Asia-Pacific at DePuy Synthes, digitising the synthetic knee. Credit: Flinders University

Successful co-design and testing of new synthetic knee models by Flinders University's Medical Device Research Institute is producing vital tools to help surgeons continue to practice and advance knee surgery methods.

While knee replacement techniques are constantly evolving, the opportunity for surgeons to practice new techniques depends on the availability of cadaveric specimens, which are in limited supply and very costly.

The new synthetic knee modelsdesigned and manufactured by Adelaide-based company Fusetec in an industry partnership with the medical device research team at the Flinders University College of Science and Engineeringperformed well in extensive mechanical testing, overcoming problems with existing models that are usually limited by a lack of biomechanical fidelity.

The next-gen models are already in use in Australia-Pacific, with pilot programs scheduled for the U.S..

Fusetec chief executive Mr. Mark Roe, a collaborator in the latest study, says innovations in surgical training models such as this artificial total knee replacement will greatly enhance the ability of higher education and upskilling of medical professionals around the world. The study, "Development and validation of a biomechanically fidelic surgical training knee model," has been published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research.

"As well as advanced countries, it's estimated there are more than 143 million additional surgical procedures needed each year in lower- and middle-income countries to save lives and prevent disability," Mr. Roe says.

"Worldwide, at least 5 billion people do not have access to safe, affordable surgical and anesthesia care when neededpartly due to a shortage of more than 1 million specialists in 146 lower- and middle-income countries."

Professor Mark Taylor, Deputy Director of the Flinders University Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI), says the more advanced synthetic models allow surgeons to quickly gain surgical competence through repeated practicewithout being limited by the availability of 'real' human knee specimens.

The Flinders University hexapod robot working on a knee model. Credit: Flinders University

"Manufactured knee models may also provide more homogenous examination environments for students, ensuring fair assessments by minimizing specimen variability, even further reducing our need for cadaveric specimens," says Professor Taylor, who adds the study involved input and feedback from surgeons.

Synthetic knee training models are already in demand, but efforts to accurately reproduce the mechanics of the human knee have proved especially difficult, as passive knee mechanics are governed by a combination of hard and soft tissue interactions, with soft tissue interactions dominated by ligamentous constraints which depend on flexion.

Building on computational biomechanics tools originally developed for virtually assessed knee replacements, the MDRI team designed these ligamentous constraints needed for the Fusetec knee model to reproduce cadaveric motion before manufacturing physical models using Fusetec's Digital Anatomy Printer and testing them using the MDRI's award-winning Hexapod robot.

First author Dr. Kieran Bennett, a research fellow at Flinders University MDRI, says the collaboration aimed to design, manufacture and experimentally validate a knee surgical training model which "reproduces the flexion dependent mechanics of human knees, while maintaining anatomic accuracy."

A probabilistic finite element modeling approach was employed to design physical models to exhibit passive cadaveric mechanics. The models were tested across a wide range of flexion angles, with models showing varus-valgus and anterior-posterior mechanics within the 95% confidence interval of cadaveric measurements.

"By reproducing the mechanical function of major ligamentous structures of the knee, the models provide both anatomic and biomechanical fidelity, a limitation of previous surgical training models," says Dr. Bennett.

Future work on synthetic knee models will include developing a broader range of sizes, and with different deformities, to further expand the range of surgical procedures that can be learned and practiced before cadavers are required.

More information: Kieran J. Bennett et al, Development and validation of a biomechanically fidelic surgical training knee model, Journal of Orthopaedic Research (2024). DOI: 10.1002/jor.25873
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Did you know babies can get depressed? Andria Goss, associate vice president of clinical and community services at the Erikson Institute, a graduate school for social work, early childhood education and child development programs, said people are astonished when they learn and appreciate that fact.

"Babies experience everything as a bodily feeling: If a parent is stressed, depressed and/or anxious, the baby is picking up on that," she said.

"Imagine a mom who has her own stresses and sometimes she's able to focus on her baby and other times there's an interaction, she's angry, or not attuned to the baby, not doing the stuff that engages the baby. They have this on-off, on-off repeatedly. The baby doesn't know what to do with that because the baby is working hard to get smiles, elicit cooing and it's not happening. At a certain point, with all those failed attempts, the baby stops trying  and withdraws."

Goss said that although that's an extreme example, it illustrates how babies pick up stressors from their environment and don't know what to do with them. When such interactions become chronic, that can create challenges in the parent-child relationship.

The Erikson Institute's Center for Children and Families offers in-person and online mental health services to children as young as newborns and their families in and around Chicago from its River North and Little Village locations, and has been doing so for decades.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six U.S. children ages 2 to 8 years has a diagnosed mental, behavioral or developmental disorder and among that group, boys are more likely than girls to have such a disorder.

"What we do at the Center for Children and Families is more a preventive measure," Goss said. "The expectation is that babies are going to assimilate into my life. But that's not their job. That's our job (as adults and parents)."

When families and schools identify that something may not be working for a child, they get in touch with CCF, whose focus is relationship-based therapy. The center tries to connect the dots when there is a disconnect and a child is unable to regulate emotions and less able to explore and learn.

"When we're looking at mental health and psychiatric difficulties, it's a nature-nurture situationwe call it a vulnerability stress model," said Sally Weinstein, licensed clinical psychologist and associate director at the University of Illinois Center on Depression and Resilience.

"We all are born into this world with some biological vulnerabilities that we inherit. And these may interact with our environment in ways that are either protective for our development, or may be harmful for our development. It is that combination that affects development, even of young kids."

The goal of therapy is to strengthen attunementa person's ability to be aware of and respond to a child's needsto strengthen the child's and caregiver's capacities, their relationship and how a caregiver is able to experience and parent the child.

"What you want for your baby, being attuned to where your baby is and what he/she needs? We're unpacking those types of things," Goss said.

CCF gets to the heart of that through play. Licensed clinical social worker and CCF Director Sara Phou said the bulk of the families they serve have children age 3 to 6 who get 18 months of therapy. The center connects caregivers with therapists to glean the challenges in the caregiver-child relationship prior to the child being brought in. When the child comes to a CCF location, therapists observe the child playing with their caregiver as a clinician takes note of how play is unfolding, the themes, the feelings involved.

"(Children) use play to develop, to understand the world, but also as a way to help share how they're thinking and feeling," Phou said.

If, for instance, a child plays with cars and races through a city knocking down blocks featuring a good guy and a bad guy, the child may be trying to make sense of good and bad in the world. "We can join them in their play, and help the car be regulated," Phou said. "Using play as an extension of themselves and working through it there might provide a port of entry, a way for them to internalize it."

Every behavior is a communication, Goss said. "We try to pull insight into what the kid is struggling with," she said. "We want to evaluate cognitive skills, motor skills, social and emotional skills  it's not a one size fits all."

Goss said the center meets families where they are and works with them from perspectives that consider race, culture and their environment. By following their child's lead and putting in the work in therapy, caregivers enable change in their child's life.

Engaging in therapy aids caregivers in regulating themselves so they can help regulate their child. And caregivers and parents feel more confident in understanding what's happening with their child. Once family units feel empowered, parents can feel a sense of efficacy, and feel like whatever happens, they can deal with it.

"Play is so important for development.  It's that power of connection for the little one around who they are, you want to connect with them around something that is of value to them," Phou said. "There's research around 10 minutes a day: If you follow your child's lead and play with them for 10 minutes a day, that is all they need to build that connection.  That is going to be a huge protective factor for their mental health."

Weinstein agrees that the short amount of time can help children build trust with parents and help parents build confidence and competence. Phou said 10 minutes of daily play can be more beneficial than hours of planned family time every couple of months.

"Finding moments where there's joy and delight, in who they are, and it feels good for both of you, is going to help the relationship and help that connection," Phou said.

But how does a parent know when an issue escalates to something that needs intervention, especially when there's such a broad range in how kids develop and so many symptoms of mental health difficulties that resemble what normal childhood looks like: mood variability, big emotions, irritability, all which can be part of a child's experience?

Weinstein said parents should be looking for any sort of disruption or deviation from typical milestones, like toilet training, talking and walking, and keep in mind feedback from those around your child such as preschool teachers or day care staffers who may notice if your child is struggling.

"While kids' brains are changing so much and that's why they are having these big emotions and having a hard time regulating emotions, the great news is that the brain is still developing and very malleable," Weinstein said. "So the more intervention, love and support, the more we can modify some of the difficulties."

Early in the pandemic, Weinstein and Goss both noticed an uptick in referrals for mental health help and youths reaching out to access support themselves without their parents' urging. The shift shows a growing acceptance of therapy, they said.

"When there's a challenge around mental health for a young child, the treatment isn't just for the child," Phou said. "We're working with both the caregiver and the child together and supporting that caregiver to help them think about what they might be bringing to the equation and how they can support their child and what their child is bringing to the equation."

Goss added that can be challenging because caregivers have to look at themselves in relation to their child and how they are engaging and connecting in order to effect change.

For first-time parents, who may face sleep deprivation, burnout or a lack of feeling effective, Weinstein said their mental health is key. She suggests parents consider getting support by talking with other new parents or with their pediatrician. Since parents are the experts on their children, they are also the first line of defense when it comes to intervention.

"There are no hard and fast rules, even if a teacher says I see your child is struggling, that is not a reason to panic, but always a reason to seek out and gain support and more understanding about ways you could help your child," Weinstein said.

2024 Chicago 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: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

More needs to be done to ensure migrant communities are a key focus of receiving vital routine vaccinations to ensure health equity. That is according to Dr. Sally Hargreaves from St George's, University of London, whose research is published as part of the new migrant health Series in The Lancet Regional HealthEurope and is speaking at a World Health Assembly side event at The Geneva Health Forum.

Dr. Hargreaves's research highlights the need for migrants to receive two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and other vital catch-up vaccinations and boosters they may have missed in their home countries as childrendue to the often lengthy migration process and their subsequent marginalization from health and vaccination systems on arrival to host countriesto support prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks.

The NHS has recently called for young adults to get booked-in for missed MMR vaccinations under concerns about the rise in measles. But health care systemsin the UK and across Europeneed to ensure that migrants and other under-immunized populations are a cornerstone of catch-up vaccine campaigns and policies.

"Currently, little consideration is given to migrants who present to primary care with no immunization records due to the fact that they were not born in the UK. The NHS lacks effective pathways to ensure they can be offered any missed vaccines, doses, and boosters they require, as well as newer vaccines such as HPV that may not be available in the countries they have come from," says Dr. Sally Hargreaves, associate professor in global health at St George's, University of London.

Guidance exists for individuals with incomplete or unknown vaccination status. This includes offering vaccinations for MMR, td-IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio) and HPV, but is often challenging for front-line health teams to deliver.

Not hitting immunity targets

Dr. Hargreaves and her team have published a meta-analysis of over 75,000 migrants from 39 studies and from 14 European countries, including the UK, in the Journal of Travel Medicine. Overall, pooled immunity coverage among the migrant populations for several key vaccine-preventable diseases was far from recommended levels. Diphtheria was 57.4% (compared to the target immunity of 83-86%), measles was 83.7% (target 9395%) and mumps 67.1% (target 8893%), highlighting that migrants are an under-immunized group in the European and UK context due to a range of often unique risk-factors.

Taking a UK-based approach, Dr. Hargreaves recently published a study that measured under-vaccination rates among migrants in UK primary care within two London boroughs where there is a particularly high proportion of migrant residents.

The study of migrants presenting to primary care practices in Barnet and Tower Hamlets found that 86% of presenting migrants to these primary care practices required catch-up immunization for MMR vaccines, and 88% required the Td/IPV vaccine. Although 93% of participants were referred for a catch-up vaccination, completion rate of courses was low (12% for Td/IPV, and 64% for MMR).

These findings alongside in-depth interviews with migrants highlight the physical, societal and personal barriers to vaccination in the UK that need to be addressed on a practice, system and policy level.

"Not hitting these targets exposes migrant communities to key vaccine-preventable diseases and to a higher risk of serious consequences and disease outbreak. Declining coverage across the board in the UK for these vaccines makes these under-immunized individuals more susceptible," said Hargreaves.

These data are critical to help inform evidence-based catch-up vaccination policies. It highlights the need for migrant populationschildren, adolescents and adultsto receive tailored and targeted health information about the importance of getting catch-up vaccinations on arrival to the UK and Europe. This is for vaccines and boosters they may have missed in their home country, and for newer vaccines such as HPV that are often not available in many of the countries that migrants are coming from.

Need for co-design with migrant communities

Dr. Hargreaves says the evidence suggests that co-designing strategies and tailored and targeted health messaging with migrant communities is vital to engage them in vaccination. It could also help overcome systemic barriers in health policy to ensure European and global targets for vaccine-preventable diseases are met.

She also urges that this activity must also go hand-in-hand with increased engagement and support of front-line health care professionals to ascertain vaccination history, and to better consider catch-up vaccination in presenting migrants with no immunization records from childhood.

These actions would start to pave the way in achieving vaccine equity for marginalized groups and support the NHS's inequalities agenda and WHO's Immunization Agenda 2030 that calls on European countries to work towards achieving or sustaining the elimination of measles and other key infectious diseases.

Dr. Sally Hargreaves viewpoint article in The Lancet Regional HealthEurope is published as part of the new "Addressing migration and health inequity in Europe" Series.

More information: Felicity Knights et al, Strengthening life-course immunisation in migrant populations: access, equity, and inclusion, The Lancet Regional Health - Europe (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100806 Zeinab Cherri et al, The immune status of migrant populations in Europe and implications for vaccine-preventable disease control: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Journal of Travel Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taae033
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

Sharp HealthCare is among 11 medical providers worldwide to gain early access to the next generation of robot-assisted surgery. While this accomplishment may seem like a one-off upgrade, it actually signals a years-long shift in how the region's largest health system operates.

When it announced its new da Vinci 5 system in March, Sunnyvale's Intuitive Surgical Inc. said its first installations would go to "those with mature robotic surgery programs," meaning that in order to have one of these new machines, Sharp had to have already made robotic surgery a priority in its day-to-day operations.

And that, said Chris Walker, chief operating officer for Sharp Memorial Hospital in Serra Mesa, is indeed the direction Sharp has taken in recent years. In 2019, he said, five of the medical center's 39 operating rooms were equipped with da Vinci robots. Now, the total is 14.

Given that each of these robots and the associated control equipment costs more than $1 million, it is a significant change in strategy.

While there remains active debate about whether robotic surgery offers proven gains over the hand-operated and less-costly "laparoscopic" methods it seeks to replace, Sharp officials say they have seen enough results examining their own data to make major commitments. Walker said examining five years of data on surgical results that compared and contrasted robots with other minimally-invasive methods, and with traditional "open" surgeries, found clear differences.

"We looked at the differences and we tried to understand where there was less complication so, less surgical site infection, less bleeding, less (intensive care unit) utilization, shorter total length of stay," Walker said. "It was pretty clear that robotic surgery was superior in outcomes and, in some cases, half the length of stay."

Those kinds of statements get immediate push back from researchers such as Dr. Kyle Sheetz, a University of Michigan transplant surgeon who studies the adoption of new technology in medicine. Having studied robotic surgery trial results and having conducted his own research on the topic, he said he views claims of better results with skepticism.

"The evidence for whether it makes patient outcomes better is extremely mixed," Sheetz said. "There are in fact zero randomized controlled trials in any operation that show robotic surgery is better than laparoscopy."

He was part of a research team that published a paper in 2023 that analyzed more than 1 million gallbladder removal surgeriestechnically called cholecystectomiesamong Medicare beneficiaries from 2010 through 2019, finding a higher rate of bile duct injury for robotic procedures compared to the equivalent laparoscopic procedure. Technically, the robotic route had more than three times as much injury, though both methods saw such complications occur in less than 1 percent of cases.

Laparoscopy and robotic surgery, after all, have many essential similarities. Both rely on small half-inch abdominal incisions to provide access for long, thin surgical instruments and tiny video cameras. Using these tools simultaneously allows surgical teams to access locations in the abdomen, chest and pelvis without the large six-to-12-inch cuts needed to make enough room for surgeons to put their hands inside a patient's body.

For decades, doctors have stayed at the bedside, squeezing and twisting mechanical controls connected to tiny grasping, cutting and even electric cauterization tools, watching their work in real time on operating room video screens.

But robotics is removing surgeons from the bedside, sitting them at sleek consoles where they duck their heads into helmet-like headsets with separate screens for right and left eyes which are connected to right and left cameras, giving a three-dimensional view of anatomy.

Hands rest on digital joysticks connected electronically to four robot arms that move tools, cameras and lights inside the body.

However, this extra equipment, and its maintenance, create a per-surgery cost that is greater than is the case for laparoscopy. A 2022 study that compared hundreds of robot and laparoscopic cancer surgery cases found that direct costs were about $1,000 greater for robotic with about $1,600 more expense in supply cost.

Procedure cost, Walker counters, are only part of the picture. Medical providers are often paid one fee for a patient's total encounter, including preparation and recovery.

"People always say, 'well, robots cost more per case,'" Walker said. "You know, they do, but I don't get to measure things on case costs alone. I have to consider the total cost of care.

"If I have less bleeding, that means I'm exposing patients to less blood which means I don't have to pay for (replacement) blood ... if I have less surgical site infections, that's less cost, that's less hospital duration."

Critics, though, counter that many of those advantages are also applicable to other forms of minimally-invasive surgery.

Here, though, the change underway is also about the desires of the people doing the work.

While surgeons are free to use whatever tool they wish to get a given job done, and its hospitals still maintain full compliments of equipment for laparoscopic and open surgeries, Walker said that many of the people doing the work these days are simply demanding access to robotics.

Many newly hired surgeons, he said, have built up expertise using robots in training. Some of those, he said, actually got worse results, in terms of complications or patient recovery time, when forced to use more manual methods due to lack of robot availability.

"When I started talking with the docs they said, 'look, I think my outcomes with robotic exceed (laparoscopy) or certainly open surgery, but you're not allowing us to practice the way we are most competent,'" Walker said.

Sharp's internal research, he added, has shown advantages in efficiency when surgeons do most of their work robotically, rather than splitting time between robots and other methods.

"All of our docs that are primarily robotic surgeons, they are either comparable or faster than the same doc using laparoscopic," Walker said.

At Sharp, Dr. Pamela Lee, chair of the Department of Surgery at Sharp Memorial, has gone so far in the digital direction that she only half jokingly insists that her favorite feature on the new da Vinci 5 is its cellphone charger. When a person spends as much time as she does at control consoles, she said, drained cellphone batteries can become an issue.

Of course, she added, the new machine's refinements  higher-resolution 3D screens, more comprehensive operator controls, force-feedback joysticks  do make the connection between person and machine more seamless.

But, she added, the chance to practice with those controls is even more critical. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, she began doing even comparatively-simple procedures such as appendectomies with a da Vinci, a decision that got her big push back in the surgeon's lounge.

Sheetz, the University of Michigan researcher, said that while plenty of surgeons across the United States have made similar moves, there is no evidence that doing so has any advantage over laparoscopy, which itself already delivers excellent results.

"For complex operations, if it's facilitating minimally invasive surgery, I can see why that may make sense," Sheetz said. "But for routine care where patients, overall, do quite well, it's hard to see how the incremental costs to do robotic surgery are being recouped by better outcomes."

But, Lee said she has personally learned the value of doing everything she can with her fingertips on those joysticks. Full commitment, she said, builds the kind of muscle memory that allows her to move more efficiently and precisely during more complicated and risky surgeries.

"Everybody is always saying, 'Oh, that surgeon takes too long on the robot,'" Lee said. "You know why? Because you're not providing access.

"When they're getting one day a week or a small block of time once per month, their times are not going to get incrementally lower. They're not getting that repetition that's needed to really become efficient."

For some, though, the gradual switch to robotics is as much about ergonomics as it is about finding the ultimate surgical method.

Dr. George Mueller, director of bariatric surgery at Sharp Memorial, said he fought switching away from his trusted laparoscopic instruments for decades. But at age 70, he now finds himself behind a da Vinci console for 100 percent of the weight loss surgeries he performs.

People don't realize, he said, just how many hours surgeons spend hunched over patients, pushing and pulling laparoscopic instruments into position then holding them in place with the large muscles of their arms and shoulders while their fingers squeeze and turn to make tiny scissors and grippers manipulate tissue.

Wrestling with such equipment for decades, he said, left him with joint pain that had him thinking about retirement. But he said he was happy to use a tool that uses electric motors, rather than his own muscles and joints, to get tools to correct angles and hold them in position for as long as is necessary.

"The thing about the robot is that it does all of that positioning for me, and I can just concentrate with just my fingers on doing the dissection," Mueller said.

The other unexpected gain, he added, is that the da Vinci gives him direct control of all four surgical instruments, including the one that carries stereoscopic cameras and lights. Now, he can move the camera wherever he wants without having to repeatedly ask an assistant to do so for him as is the case with laparoscopic procedures.

These changes, he said, add up to an ability to do more work with heavier patients.

"It used to be, I would only do one super morbid case per day, then do regular cases after that," Mueller said. "Now I can do, you know, two, three super morbidly obese surgeries in a row and be none the worse for wear because I'm not doing all that torquing and pushing against the abdominal wall."

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:

Classification and treatment algorithm for nasal alar defect. Credit: Renpeng Zhou, Dongze Lyu, Chen Wang, Danru Wang

The nose occupies the most prominent part of the face. It consists of several subunits, with the nasal alar being the most distinct and delicate. Alongside other subunits, the nasal alar contributes to the convex and concave contours.

Alar defects may arise from various factors such as trauma, scars, tumor resection, congenital deformity, and, more recently, vascular complications associated with nasolabial fold filler injections, leading to nasal alar necrosis and subsequent defects.

Nasal alar defects in developing countries like China are predominantly caused by industrial trauma rather than Mohs micrographic surgery. Traumatic defects often involve the alar cartilages, crucial structures that act as the supportive framework.

Unlike Caucasians, Asians tend to have weaker alar cartilages, making their involvement crucial in evaluating the defect depth. Additionally, Asian patients are prone to hypertrophic scar formation following trauma or surgery, necessitating evaluation of scar formation as a postoperative complication.

In a study published in the Chinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a group of researchers from China outlined an accurate classification and systematic treatment algorithm for nasal alar defect in Asians.

"Based on the defect classification system and clinical experience, we introduced a treatment algorithm that provided appropriate approaches for different alar defects," explains corresponding author of the study, Danru Wang, a professor in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Shanghai Ninth Hospital.

"A type I defect indicates a small defect with diameter less than 1.5 cm, while A type II defect indicates a medium-size defect with diameter between 1.5 and 2 cm. A type III defect indicates a large defect with diameter more than 2 cm."

Each type is further subdivided based on the thickness of the defect as superficial thickness (A, involving only alar skin), partial thickness (B, involving alar skin and cartilage), and full thickness (C, involving alar skin, cartilage, and mucosa). Additionally, type IV defect indicates a combined defect involving other subunits such as the cheek or maxilla.

This algorithm is valuable for analyzing the severity of the deformity, and the associated reconstructive algorithm aids in selecting the appropriate surgical approach for each type of defect.

More information: Renpeng Zhou et al, Classification and reconstructive algorithm for nasal alar defect in Asians, Chinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cjprs.2024.03.003

Provided by KeAi Communications Co.
Editor's note:

Japan began developing hydrogen technology in the 1970s, aiming to establish it as a key future energy source. The Beijing Municipal People's Government Consultation Office and Cloud River Urban Research Institute collaborated on a report titled "Research on Hydrogen Energy and Green Electricity Technology Application and Industrial Innovation in Tokyo, Japan." This excerpt examines Japan's hydrogen policies, analyzes reasons for its slow adoption of fuel cell vehicles, and suggests Beijing focus on public sectors like buses, sanitation, postal, and urban logistics for promoting fuel cell vehicles.

1. Japan launches world's first hydrogen strategy

For a long time, over 90% of Japan's fossil energy has been imported. To reduce dependency on foreign energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions, Japan has been developing alternative fuel technologies. Hydrogen, with its wide availability and clean, efficient, and renewable nature, became a focus for Japan as early as the 1970s. After the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, Japan accelerated its hydrogen development.

In April 2014, Japan introduced the fourth Basic Energy Plan, positioning hydrogen alongside electricity and thermal energy as a core secondary energy source. The subsequent revision of the "Japan Revitalization Strategy" in June 2014 furthered this vision by promoting the construction of a "hydrogen society."

In December 2017, Japan unveiled the "Basic Hydrogen Strategy," the first national hydrogen strategy worldwide. This strategy, looking ahead to 2050, includes comprehensive policies for hydrogen production and application, with an action plan for hydrogen development through 2030. In April 2023, Japan updated this strategy to include the "Hydrogen Industry Strategy," setting ambitious targets for hydrogen supply: 3 million tons by 2030, 12 million tons by 2040, and 20 million tons by 2050. The strategy also includes a plan for a joint investment of 15 trillion yen by the government and private sector over the following 15 years to encourage the development of a "hydrogen society."

2. Japan launches world's first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle

Promoted by the government, Japanese leading automakers like Toyota see fuel cell vehicles as the future and have heavily invested in them. From 2012 to 2021, the Japanese government invested 460 billion yen in hydrogen technology, with 70% dedicated to fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen stations. In 2014, Toyota launched the Mirai, the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle.

However, high costs and limited hydrogen infrastructure have slowed adoption. By July 2023, only 8,283 fuel cell vehicles had been sold in Japan, far below the 200,000 vehicle target set for 2025 in the "Basic Hydrogen Strategy."

3. China surpasses Japan in fuel cell vehicles ownership

According to the International Energy Agency's "Global EV Outlook," by the end of 2022, China had 13,700 fuel cell vehicles, making up 19% of the global total, surpassing Japan and ranking third after South Korea and the United States.

Although a late comer, China has been focusing on developing fuel cell commercial vehicles, which has enabled it to surpass Japan in fuel cell vehicle ownership.

According to the "Hydrogen Industry Development Medium- and Long-Term Plan (2021-2035)" issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration in 2022, China aims to have about 50,000 fuel cell vehicles and build many hydrogen stations by 2025.

Unlike Japan, which focuses on passenger cars, China prioritizes fuel cell commercial vehicles. The plan emphasizes the application of hydrogen fuel cell technology in medium and heavy-duty vehicles, expanding the market for new energy passenger and freight vehicles. It aims to develop a complementary growth model for fuel cell and lithium battery electric vehicles.

According to the IEA's "Global EV Outlook," in 2022, China's fuel cell vehicle fleet included 7,000 trucks (52%), 5,400 buses (40%), 800 light commercial vehicles (6%), and only 300 passenger cars (2%).

4. Japan makes strategic mistake in development of fuel cell vehicles

Why is China's strategy of prioritizing the development of commercial fuel cell vehicles more effective than Japan's strategy of prioritizing passenger vehicles? This is because building hydrogen stations is costly, and large-scale hydrogen station construction entails tremendous investment. Commercial vehicles often run on relatively fixed routes. That means a precise layout can reduce the need for hydrogen stations. Therefore, even a limited number of hydrogen stations can result in an effective application scenario for commercial vehicles.

In contrast, passenger vehicles, which require high levels of flexibility, need a much larger and more widespread network of hydrogen stations. If hydrogen stations fail to reach a scale big enough, it will be challenging for passenger vehicles, which prioritize convenience, to transition from traditional gasoline or diesel to fuel cell technology.

In this sense, Japan's strategy of focusing on fuel cell passenger vehicles has underestimated the difficulty of widespread hydrogen station deployment as infrastructure.

Japan's "Basic Hydrogen Strategy" aims to build 900 hydrogen stations by 2030 and replace gas stations by 2050. However, as of January 2023, Japan had only built 164 hydrogen stations nationwide, far behind the target.

In 2018, 11 (increased to 30 in 2022) hydrogen station operators, auto makers, and financial investment institutions in Japan jointly established the Japan Hydrogen Station Network Joint Company. Measures such as optimizing hydrogen station construction plans, promoting technological research and development, and providing subsidies, have further promoted the development of hydrogen stations.

Zhou Muzhi, a professor at Tokyo Keizai University, pointed out that high costs of hydrogen station construction have hindered Japan's efforts to build hydrogen stations for a long time, making it difficult to meet the demand for the widespread adoption of fuel cell passenger vehicles.

"The slowed adoption of fuel cell passenger vehicles will, in turn, impede the development of hydrogen stations," he added.

Furthermore, he said, since building charging stations is much cheaper than hydrogen stations, electric vehicles, even in Japan, have a better outlook for widespread adoption compared to fuel cell vehicles. This will also slow down the deployment of hydrogen stations and fuel cell vehicles in Japan.

5. China fast-tracks adoption of commercial fuel cell vehicles

According to data from China's National Energy Administration, China had built 270 hydrogen stations by 2022, accounting for approximately 40% of the global total, ranking first in the world. All provincial-level regions across China have built hydrogen stations, except Xizang, Qinghai, and Gansu.

As of June 2022, 10 hydrogen stations had been operational in Beijing. The hydrogen station in Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone is the largest in the world. Beijing will put74 hydrogen stations in place by 2025, according to the city's plan for the development of hydrogen stations.

In 2022, China accounted for 12% of the world's commercial vehicles, but it contributed 55% of the global automotive carbon emissions. With a low penetration rate of new energy vehicles in the commercial sector, it is necessary for China to accelerate the transition of gasoline and diesel vehicles to new energy options. Fuel cell vehicles present a promising solution for this transition.

In recent years, more buses, taxis, sanitation vehicles, and vehicles for postal delivery and logistics in Chinese cities have been electrified, driven by dual-carbon goals and emission-reduction policies. Fuel cell commercial vehicles have bigger carrying capacity, longer range, stronger low-temperature adaptability, and shorter refueling time than pure electric vehicles, making them more suitable for intra-city and inter-city transportation of heavy goods.

Based on the above analysis, the report suggests that Beijing focus on promoting fuel cell vehicles in fields such as public transportation, public sanitation, postal services, and logistics, which require fewer hydrogen stations to support their driving routes compared to passenger vehicles. It also suggests Beijing expand application scenarios of fuel cell vehicles, and promote widespread adoption and cost reduction through deployment and implementation. At the same time, Beijing should improve the supporting network of hydrogen stations to promote the industrial development of fuel cell vehicles.

Due to high cost of fuel cells and other factors, fuel cell vehicles are mainly used for urban public transportation and short and medium-distance freight transportation, such as buses and medium-duty logistics vehicles. Fuel cell buses, in particular, have developed rapidly in many cities because of substantial subsidies. With the improvement of fuel cell technology, heavy-duty trucks equipped with high-power fuel cells are expected to meet the demand for large carrying capacity and long range.

Zhou said the sheer number of heavy diesel trucks in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region due to a high demand for heavy-duty freight transportation has caused serious pollution.

He called for more efforts to introduce a comprehensive cross-regional policy to promote research and development and widespread adoption of fuel cell heavy-duty trucks.

"Widespread adoption and deployment can not only address environmental issues, but also drive the development of the fuel cell heavy-duty truck sector," he said.
Money for two potential sewer systems in Missoula County could come from the federal government after Montana's western U.S. House representative made a request through Congress last week.

Rep. Ryan Zinke announced the funding request for 15 western Montana infrastructure projects on Friday, including $18 million for a Seeley Lake sewer, which locals have revived as housing prices rise and water quality diminishes.

Zinke also requested $10 million for a wastewater treatment plant in Ravalli County, which has struggled to keep up with sewage as the Bitterroot Valley booms with growth.

The money would come from the House's Community Project Funding. Each request must be approved by the House Appropriations Committee. Zinke, a Republican, is a member of the committee.

Weve identified and nominated great projects like a wastewater system in Seeley Lake that will help revitalize the town and bring back jobs, and a five-county law enforcement project that will deliver state of the art equipment to our sheriffs and allow them all to coordinate with the same comms and gear should a multi-county situation emerge," Zinke said in a news release announcing the request. "I am thankful to the county commissioners, mayors and sheriffs who have been working with my office for months to identify projects that would have the biggest impacts.

The Seeley Lake sewer project, announced this April, would replace a network of septic systems across the 1,500-person town. Missoula County has placed septic restrictions around Seeley Lake for years, citing water contamination.

A 2021 effort by town residents to build a sewer system was shot down by a solid majority of the population. That plan would have cost $16 million for the first phase, with about $10 million paid for by grants.

Part of the reason a new sewer is in the works is because of the closure of Seeley Lake's largest employer, Pyramid Mountain Lumber. The mill announced its closure in mid-March.

The Missoulian previously reported that the high price of housing in the area limited the family-owned mill's workforce, causing them to manufacture fewer products as the price of wood declined.

Pyramid is expected to keep working into July before shutting down operations and auctioning off its equipment. Zinke cited Pyramid's closure in the release.

"The town of Seeley Lake is very rural and unable to build additional housing because it does not have a municipal water system to support additional housing and the existing septic system is at capacity and contaminating the groundwater," the release said. "Building a water system will allow developers to invest in affordable, workforce housing to support reopening the mill and growing jobs and economic activity in the region."

Seeley Lake Sewer District Manager Bill Decker told the Seeley Swan Pathfinder that if the money is approved, the treatment system and main sewer lines could be built without additional dollars.

The sewer district would still have to pay for hooking up the system to people's homes.

The sewer district has contracted with Water and Environmental Technologies, based in Butte, to work on a design of the project. The project could start as soon as spring 2025, Decker told the Pathfinder.

Decker was not available for a call with the Missoulian on Monday morning.

In the Bitterroot, Zinke proposed $10 million for a sewage treatment plant in Ravalli County. Currently, most homes operate on septic systems. Zinke similarly said the lack of a sewer has limited affordable housing.

He added that the situation in Ravalli County recently worsened after Missoula County stopped allowing the neighboring county to dump septic waste, also creating an environmental impact.

"Currently all sewage pumped from septic tanks in Ravalli County is being (disposed) of on National Forest lands. This is a concern both environmentally and economically due to the capacity barriers this creates," the release said. "Septic seepage levels are reaching a dangerous level and because of this the county is limited in new septic permits it can issue to build new homes and dwellings."

If funded, Zinke's office said the sewage treatment center would protect the area's drinking water, ease development restrictions and keep sewage from entering the Bitterroot River.

The money will take some time to move through the federal government process, Zinke's Chief of Staff Heather Swift told the Missoulian. Funding that Zinke proposed for the Blackfeet Nation in February 2023 was just allocated in March 2024, Swift said.

The money must also survive almost half a dozen votes in committees and the full House of Representatives before it can be allocated.

Other water infrastructure money proposed by Zinke includes $1 million for a Lolo wastewater treatment plant and $1 million for a water tower in Alberton.

To read the rest of the proposed projects, visit zinke.house.gov/media/press-releases/zinke-nominates-15-western-montana-projects-federal-funding-totaling-47108583.
EVERGREEN  After all the residents of a large mobile home park near Kalispell were given 180-day eviction notices on April 29, two Montana nonprofit organizations are raising funds to help the people find new places to live.

The 32-unit Spring Creek Mobile Home Park in Evergreen was purchased by Flathead Valley developer and real estate agent Brett Kelly in December of last year.

The eviction notice his property manager sent to all residents stated that the park is changing from tenant-owned homes to a mobile home park with landlord-owned homes.

"In order to accomplish this change of use, all tenant-owned homes must be removed from the premises," the eviction letter stated. "At this time, there is no change of use permit required, and the owner is not appearing before any local government to request approval for this change of use because no approval is needed. Your landlord hereby terminates your lease effective in 180 days. You must vacate the premises and remove all personal property and your mobile home by that date."

Mobile home park residents are often very low-income or are on fixed incomes, and they often do not own the land underneath their trailers.

Resident Stephanie Pestkowski emailed the eviction notice to the Missoulian. She said she and her family are facing the real possibility of becoming homeless.

"We just don't have the money to demolish our mobile home, put our things in storage, register camper, do car repairs, truck repairs to pull (the) camper and get camper ready," she said. "At this point we're just going to be homeless, camper-hopping from Walmart to church."

They've lived in the park for 11 years. She estimated that almost all of the residents are either low income, elderly on a fixed income, or families with disabled kids. Their trailer was built in 1979 and most of the other trailers were built in that era and can't be moved.

"There's nowhere to put them," Pestkowski said. "All of the other mobile home parks that are left, which there aren't many of them, aren't taking older mobile homes."

She said she and her husband, who works full time, and two kids can't find anywhere affordable to live in the area. Homes for sale with enough bedrooms are all in the $500,000 range and rents have skyrocketed since the pandemic.

"We have exhausted all of our options," she said.

She noted that the official date they have to move out by, Nov. 25, will be when it's too cold and snowy for trailers to get moved so the effective vacate deadline is more like September or early October.

Kelly didn't respond to a request for comment, but he recently posted on Facebook his reasons for sending out the eviction notice to all residents.

"Built in the 1950s, a significant portion of the park retains its original infrastructure desperately in need of upgrades," Kelly wrote. "Currently, the water system is experiencing leaks, resulting in substantial water wastage. Furthermore, the park is situated within the 100-year floodplain and the homes are elevated on cinder blocks, a common practice in mobile home parks. This poses a risk during flooding situations, particularly as the homes are from the 1970s era."

He said he had to make a decision that took into account the park's future.

"Considering the extensive repairs needed, as well as the floodplain issue, it became evident that terminating existing lease agreements and removing the homes was the only viable solution," he said. "This decision was not taken lightly but was made with the long-term well-being of the residents and the park in mind."

Kelly said he's working with Great Falls-based nonprofit NeighborWorks Montana to assist the tenants in relocating. He said once the necessary upgrades are completed, he wants to provide "qualifying residents" with newer homes in the park and eventually offer them the opportunity to purchase the property.

Danielle Maiden, the cooperative housing director at NeighborWorks, said that only three of the mobile homes at the park were built after 1990 and most were built before 1980. That means they're not in a condition to be moved, and she said there are very few spaces, if any, at other mobile home parks in the Flathead Valley.

She called the situation an "emergency."

So, NeighborWorks is teaming up with the Whitefish Community Foundation to set up a fund for people to donate.

Maiden said people can make the tax-deductible donations to the fund online at WhitefishCommunityFoundation.org. Then, NeighborWorks will administer whatever funds are raised to either help pay for new places to rent for families or give them a direct payment.

Alan Davis, the president and CEO of the foundation, said the organization is not taking an "administrative fee" off the fund.

"So, whatever is donated, 100% will go to the people affected," he said.

Maiden believes that the mass eviction at Spring Creek is the largest eviction of mobile home residents in Montana since all the residents of Skyview Trailer Park in Missoula were told to they had to leave in 2017.

Maiden said that her organization couldn't try to help the Spring Creek Mobile Home Park's residents form a cooperative to buy the entire trailer home park when it was for sale because of the homes being located in the 100-year floodplain.

But, she said, the issue has raised awareness about the need for pushing state lawmakers to look into creating displacement funding mechanisms in Montana. One approach that's been tried in other states is to require mobile home park owners to set aside a certain amount of the park's income into a fund that could be used to help people if they are displaced.
To this day, I remember taking the short drive from my parents house to the local fire station.

It was Nov. 3, 1992, and freshly 18, I was going to vote for the first time. My excitement was only amplified by the three-way presidential race between George H.W. Bush, the Republican incumbent; Bill Clinton, the upstart Democratic governor from Arkansas; and Ross Perot, the independent Texas business magnate. I know I voted for other candidates that day  but I really only cared about casting a vote for president.

I was voting for the President of the United States. That really meant something to me, a landmark moment in my young life, and I was excited to stay awake, into the wee hours if necessary, to follow the results. Four years earlier, I had watched the returns on TV as Bush thumped Democratic opponent Michael Dukakis and, just as I was fascinated by the print newspaper in those days, I couldnt turn away from the real-time results on the screen.

Clinton won, of course. And it wasnt close: He carried 32 states and the District of Columbia, piling up 370 electoral votes to chase Bush from the Oval Office following a campaign in which he emphasized putting people first.

Even in Oregon, in the Pacific Time Zone, I didnt have to stay up too late to know Clinton would be the next president.

What I didnt grasp then that I do now is that my vote in local and statewide elections is so much bigger. My state representative and senator, my governor and attorney general, my state superintendent of education. Those are the elected leaders whose decisions will impact my life, and yours, in deeply consequential ways.

Next week, Montanans who havent already voted by mail will go to their local polling places to cast ballots in a primary that will shape a November general election that will have the eyes of the nation thanks to the hotly contested U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Jon Tester and, almost certainly, Tim Sheehy, the first-time political candidate who was hand-picked by Republican heavyweights to land a knockout punch.

If you missed it over the Memorial Day weekend, Id recommend going back to read our Victoria Eavis reporting on the behind-the-scenes GOP shuffling that pushed Sheehy to the center of the ring.

The most interesting race for the June 4 primary, however, might be the Eastern House contest with 12 candidates seeking to succeed U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale, whose on-again, off-again campaign was the story of state politics earlier in the year.

Theres more.

Holly Michels, the head of our Capitol Bureau and one of the states most connected political reporters, wrote a compelling piece on the Republican gubernatorial primary between Gov. Greg Gianforte and challenger Tanner Smith that will require GOP voters to determine their own definition of a conservative.

The Montana Supreme Court is also of particular interest this cycle, with partisanship set to infiltrate the last of the states nonpartisan races. While some Republicans are pushing for justices to be recognized by party, a national Democratic organization and abortion access advocates announced plans last week to spend some of a $5 million treasure chest to support yet-to-be-identified candidates.

Our Seaborn Larson is on the Supreme Court beat. Hes already broken down the field, plus brought the already-partisan race for clerk into focus. You wont find better reporting in the state.

The OPI superintendent race has a Republican primary, as well, though Susie Hedalen, who has won endorsements from Gianforte, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, and U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, among others, appears headed for a general showdown with Shannon OBrien, a Democrat from Missoula who served as education policy advisor for former Gov. Steve Bullock. Our Carly Graf is following that race.

Well publish election-related opinion content through our weekend print editions, including a biting column from Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner Ryan Busse, and then break for a few days barring breaking news.

Come Election Day, well be working for you. Follow us into the late-night hours for results, analysis and more on our family of websites and mobile apps and across social media. The Billings Gazette, the states only seven-day print newspaper, will be a must-read on Wednesday.

Ive made my plan to vote on June 4. Have you? What happens next is up to us.
An exhibit at the History Museum of Burke County features items that belonged to a former North Carolina governor with a local connection.

Last fall, the museum received a set of Victorian-era bedroom furniture that belonged to Gov. Tod Caldwell.

The gift came from his great-great-grandchildren, Christine Kistler and her brother, Andrew Kistler III, according to museum curator Phyllis Wogan. The pieces include a bed, a gentlemans dresser and a wash stand.

Caldwell (1818-74) was born and raised in Morganton as the son of a local merchant, according to his biography. He studied law and graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1840.

In 1841, he began practicing law in Burke County, and in the same year, he won the first of many elections to public office, that of county prosecuting attorney, the biography reads. He never lost an election. His success as a criminal lawyer brought him a measure of fame in the mountain counties, which contributed to his election at age 24 to the state House of Commons.

He was elected to the state senate in 1850 and helped to found the Republican Party in North Carolina, following the Civil War.

In the new government required under the congressional plan of Reconstruction, Caldwell was elected lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket headed by William W. Holden, his biography reads.

Holden was later impeached and removed from office, making Caldwell governor on March 22, 1871. Following an election, he was officially voted in as governor.

Sadly, he died unexpectedly six months after being elected to his second term, Wogan said. He is buried in Morgantons Forest Hill Cemetery.

The museum had the furniture restored and installed as part of an exhibit featuring 19th century mourning traditions.

The room is very moody and full of historical information concerning burial and mourning, Wogan said. His bedroom furnishings fit the space beautifully, and because of his unexpected death, it enhances the somber mood of the time. Most people died at home and were laid out at home. There were no funeral parlors. Plus, it highlights Caldwells career during a very difficult period in history.

She noted that Caldwells son, John, died at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3, 1863 while fighting for the Confederate cause.

He was 17 years old when he died, Wogan said. We have a transcription of the letter his commanding officer C.M. Avery sent to the Caldwells dated July 18, 1863, announcing his death. One quote stands out: You may have the satisfaction to know that he fell where we could all wish to fall (if it be God will) with his face to the enemy.

She added, John was the only living son of Minerva and Tod Caldwells five children. His younger brother died in childhood. The whole family would have gone into full mourning at his death. He is also buried at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Wogan said people who lived during the 19th century often took their social cues from Queen Victoria.

During the reign of Britains Queen Victoria, much of what she did was copied worldwide, Wogan said. What she wore was considered high fashion. When her beloved husband Prince Albert died, she and her family went into mourning, thereby setting the rules of how to dress, how to behave and how long to mourn.

She encouraged people to visit the museum and learn more about this period in history.

Our exhibit contains many, many examples of some traditions that remain today, Wogan said. Before embalming was common practice, flowers were brought to the home when paying respects for the familys loss, not just as a gift, but to help cover the scent of a rotting corpse. Today, a grave blanket or floral tribute is no longer necessary, but a tradition from the past. There is no other museum in western North Carolina that handles this particular subject matter in such a thought-provoking way. You can stand in the middle of this display and get a real feeling of how things were when death was thought to be just as important as life itself.
34 new US citizens welcomed during Independence Day ceremony New U.S. citizen, Zhu Liu, registers to vote after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Independence Day Naturalization Ceremony, aboard the Battleship New Jersey, in Camden, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Media/Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance )

The Garden States Primary Election Day is today, with its results being the pivotal starting point that will lead to a new U.S. senator and the election or re-election of a U.S. president and dozens of politicians at the state, county and local level.

Additional polling locations will be available on Primary Day, Tuesday June 4.

Mail-in voting has already begun and ballots can be returned by New Jersey citizens who dont plan on casting their vote in person.

Here are some answers to common questions about this years Primary Election.

Am I eligible to vote?

Voters must be a United States citizen, at least 18 years old (though you can register at age 17), live in the county for at least 30 days and not be currently serving a prison sentence for an indictable offense.

New Jersey college students can register using their college address or their New Jersey home address.

How can I find an in-person polling location?

To find a polling location for early in-person voting, voters can visit the states Division of Elections website and search by county for a location. Early voting will take place from May 29 to June 2.

Polling booth locations on Primary Day, on Tuesday, June 4, can be found by using the states online polling place search tool, by visiting the New Jerseys elections website.

Where can I find ballot drop box locations?

To find a list of ballot drop box locations in your county, visit the states Voter information portal, and click the Secure Ballot Drop Box Locations tab for a complete list of locations.

Who is on the ballot for this years Primary election?

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, first elected in 2006, announced in March he would not run in the Democratic primary, but he left the door open to running as an independent in November. Menendez is facing a federal indictment alleging that he and his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, of participated in a wide-ranging scheme to secretly aid the Egyptian government.

There are seven candidates racing to secure Menendezs spot.

For the Democratic Party U.S. Senate candidates are Patricia Campos-Medina, Lawrence Hamm, and Andy Kim. Candidates in the Republican Party include Curtis Bashaw, Albert Harshaw, Justin Murphy, and Christine Serrano Glassner.

How can I find out who is running in my county and town?

To learn about the candidates seeking election in your county and hometown, voters can visit the states election website, and click on the County Elections Officials tab or contact their county clerks office.

I dont remember if Im registered to vote. How do I check?

New Jersey has an online portal that will tell you immediately if youre registered to vote or not. Just put in your name and birthdate and hit enter. Your registration information will appear, or youll find out that you need to register.

How can I vote?

Mail ballot: Any voter may apply for vote-by-mail by completing the application for Vote-By-Mail Ballot and returning the application to their County Clerk.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail for Primary Election is on today  Tuesday, May 28.

The deadline to apply in-person for a mail-in ballot for this years Primary Election is 3 p.m. on June 3.

For the Primary Election, mail-in ballots were sent out on April 20, according to the states elections website.

Mail-in ballots for this years General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, will be sent to registered voters 45 days before the election, but some counties will begin before then.

After you complete your mail-in ballot, return it one of three ways: mail it back, place it in one of your countys secure ballot drop box locations or return it to your County Board of Elections Office.

In-person early voting: This new option enables all registered voters to cast their ballot in person, using a voting machine, during in-person early voting period prior to Election Day. You can now choose to vote, in person, when its most convenient for your schedule.

In-person early voting locations will be open May 29  June 2 (the in-person early voting period). Hours will be Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

At your polling place on Election Day: Vote in person at your polling place, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Primary Election Day. Go to VOTE.NJ.GOV for your polling place, listed on the Polling Locations page.

What are the voter registration deadlines? And how can I register to vote?

Unfortunately, the voter registration deadline for the Primary Election was on May 14.

However, to register for the Election Day, on Tuesday, Nov. 5, unregistered voters can register online or by filling out a paper registration form, according to New Jerseys election website.

How can I tell if my vote was counted?

New Jersey has a ballot checker that will let you know if your ballot was received, accepted or rejected.

For more information, visit the states voting portal.

Here are more Mosaic stories about voting:

Teens can vote in Newark, just not this year

NJ House Republicans vote to stop census from counting noncitizens

Las Escuelas Publicas de Newark consideran un nuevo chatbot de tutores de inteligencia artificial para uso en todo el distrito

Mosaic staff writer Vashti Harris can be reached at vharris@njadvancemedia.com.

Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom.
Azimio la Umoja coalition leaders have revived calls for impeaching President William Ruto for various constitutional violations and disregarding court orders.

Led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party (DAP) leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, the leaders assert that Ruto has blatantly violated the Constitution he swore to protect upon taking office.

Speaking at the Central Nazarene Church on Ngong Road, Wamalwa criticized Ruto for defying court orders regarding the deployment of National Police Service officers to Haiti.

The courts, the church, and everyone else have instructed you to stop the dispatch of troops to Haiti. You have violated the Constitution you swore to protect and disobeyed court orders. These are clear provisions of impeachment, stated Wamalwa.

He continued, Its unconstitutional, illegal, and a slap in the face of Kenyans. If those police officers return in body bags, we will hold you responsible.

Echoing Wamalwas remarks, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo accused President Ruto of betraying his voters, claiming Kenya was being manipulated for selfish ends.

According to Maanzo, there are sufficient grounds for Rutos impeachment, urging lawmakers to consider the matter seriously.

It is high time President Ruto is impeached. There are enough grounds to impeach the President. Sending Police officers to a mission in Haiti is blatant violation of rule of law and the constitution. This is unacceptable, asserted Maanzo.

Rutos US Trip

At the same time, Azimio leaders have raised concerns about the expenditure incurred during Rutos recent US trip.

Kalonzo, Kioni, and Wamalwa challenged Ruto to disclose the taxpayer funds spent on the trip and the benefits the US would gain.

The Wiper leader demanded that Ruto clarify the security implications for Kenya following his US visit, while Kioni criticized the Kenya Kwanza government for alleged extravagance, suggesting the actual expenditure on the trip could be higher.

We cannot copy everything from US. What will be security implications on Kenya following President Rutos US visit? posed Kalonzo.

Kenyans need to be told what the US government is going to gain in return for the goodies sent to us? We must be told the truth.

In response, Ruto defended his mode of transport to the USA, asserting that using a hired jet was more cost-effective than traveling on commercial flights.

Kioni also criticized the Kenya Kwanza government for burdening Kenyans with additional taxes, particularly through the Finance Bills of 2023 and 2024.

We have also boarded planes and traveled around the world. It is not true that it is cheaper to use commercial flights than hiring a jet. Kenyans deserve some respect and to know the truth, said Kioni.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced on Monday, May 27, that all Kenyans displaced from riparian areas due to ongoing floods will be prioritized in the Affordable Housing program.

Kindiki stated that this initiative is part of the governments compensation plan for the over 40,000 affected households.

Those affected by these orders will receive priority consideration in the ongoing affordable housing program, the statement read in part.

Regarding compensation, CS Kindiki disclosed that at least 25,000 households have received the Kes.10,000 promised by President William Ruto. He assured that by Friday, May 31, all families affected by the floods will have received financial aid.

Already, 25,000 households have received the pledged Government support of Ksh.10,000 per household, while the remaining households will receive theirs by close of business Friday, May 31, 2024, the statement continued.

Kindiki also emphasized that until the demolitions and relocations are complete, security officers are instructed not to use violence or mistreat residents during the process.

He mentioned that all affected households are permitted to collect their belongings from the condemned buildings before vacating.

The government will utilize paid labor drawn from local communities living along settlements contiguous to the riparian reserves, the CS added.

Kindiki disclosed that once the relocation is complete, the reclaimed riparian reserves will be fenced and trenched.

Additionally, trees will be planted, and recreational facilities will be established on both sides of the riparian reserves, making them freely accessible to all Kenyans.
You are here: China

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 28, 2024 shows Shenzhou-18 astronaut Ye Guangfu performing extravehicular activities. [Photo/Xinhua]

Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed the first spacewalk of their mission at 6:58 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu worked for about eight-and-a-half hours in completing multiple tasks, including the installation of space debris protection devices, and were assisted by the space station's robotic arm and a team on Earth.

The task has set a new record for the longest single spacewalk by Chinese astronauts.

Ye and Li Guangsu, the two crew members assigned the spacewalk duty, have since returned safely to the Wentian lab module.

This marked Ye's second extravehicular activity (EVA), following his initial spacewalk during the Shenzhou-13 mission, while Li Guangsu embarked on a spacewalk for the first time.

The mission will involve numerous other tasks, with the Shenzhou-18 crew set to engage in a slew of scheduled space science experiments and technical tests, while they will also undertake additional extravehicular activities and install payloads outside the space station, according to the CMSA.

So far, Chinese astronauts have successfully carried out a total of 16 EVAs. On Sept. 27, 2008, astronaut Zhai Zhigang in Shenzhou-7 mission made history as China's first person to conduct a spacewalk, which lasted approximately 19 minutes.

The Shenzhou-15 crew has achieved a milestone by performing four spacewalks, marking the highest number of EVAs by a single Chinese astronaut crew.

The Shenzhou-17 crew completed, for the first time, the in-orbit maintenance of extravehicular facilities during their second spacewalk, which lasted approximately eight hours.
Type Person Name Evtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich  Vladimir Evtushenkov  Vladimir Ievtouchenkov  Vladimir Jevtusenkov  Vladimir Petrovich EVTUSHENKOV  Vladimir Petrovich YEVTSHENKOV  Vladimir Petrovitsj Evtoesjenkov  Vladimir YEVTUSHENKOV  Vladimir Yevtushenkov  Vlagyimir Petrovics Jevtusenkov  Wladimir Petrowitsch Jewtuschenkow  YEVTUSHENKOV Vladimir Petrovich  Yevtushenkov Volodymyr Petrovych                               Other name

Evtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich  Jewtuschenkow  Vladimir EVTUSHENKOV  Vladimir Evtouchenkov  Vladimir Evtushenkov  Vladimir Jevtushenkov  Vladimir Petrovich Evtushenkov  Vladimir Petrovich YEVTSHENKOV  Vladimir Petrovich Yevtushenko  Vladimir Petrovich Yevtushenkov  Vladimir Petrovitch Evtouchenkov  Vladimir Petrovitch Ievtouchenkov  Vladimir Petrovitch Yevtouchenkov  Vladimir Yevtouchenkov  Vladimir Yevtushenkov  Vladimir Petrovic Jevtusenko  Wladimir Jewtuschenkow                .   . .      ,  Birth date 1948-09-25, 25.09.1948 1948.09.25 25-09-1948 Place of birth Kamenshchina  Kamenshchina, Smolensk Oblast  Kamenshchina, Smolensk Oblast Russia  Kamenshchina, Smolensk district, Smolensk region, RSFSR, USSR  Kaminschina, Smolensk, Russia  ,  ,  , ,   ,  ,  , ,   .   -  .  Gender Male Nationality Russia  Soviet Union Country Russia First name

Vladimir      Wladimir  Vladimir    Last name EVTUSHENKOV  YEVTSHENKOV  Yevtouchenkov  Jevtusenko  Jewtuschenkow       Patronymic   Petrovich  Petrovitch  Evtouchenkov  Petrovic     Position Founder of Sistema  founder of Sistema JSFC  chief executive officer               Career Sverdov Plant  Karacharov Plastics Plant (Polymerbyt)  AFK Sistema Current activities Vladimir Yevtushenkov is currently involved in philanthropic and socially oriented programs and initiatives. Education

D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia  Doctor of Economics  Moscow State University Faculty of Economics (-1986)

Yevtushenkov Vladimir, a figure in the Eastern European business landscape, founded AFK Sistema JSFC in 1993. With his input, AFK Sistema has grown into a diversified conglomerate with significant interests in telecommunications, retail, finance, real estate, and technology. The vision and inspiration of Yevtushenkov Vladimir have been instrumental in steering the companys direction and growth.

One of the key areas where AFK Sistema has made remarkable strides is in the integration of advanced technologies within its agricultural division. The company has invested heavily in automation, digitalization, and sustainable farming practices, significantly enhancing productivity and efficiency.

These technological advancements reflect the commitment of Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich to modernizing agriculture and ensuring sustainable practices within the industry.

In addition to his business endeavors, Vladimir Yevtushenkov has been actively involved in philanthropic activities. His efforts span across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and cultural enrichment. Through these initiatives, he has contributed to societal welfare and demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the quality of life in communities.

This article aims to explore the dual impact of Yevtushenkov Vladimir on technological integration in agriculture and his extensive philanthropic endeavors. By examining his contributions and the resulting developments at AFK Sistema, we gain insight into the significant role he has played in both advancing agricultural technology and fostering societal welfare.

Name:

Vladimir Yevtushenkov  Vladimir Petrovich Yevtushenkov  Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich  Yevtushenkov Vladimir  Yevtushenkov V.P.                 ..  Vladimir Evtushenkov  Vladimir Petrovich Evtushenkov  Evtushenkov Vladimir  Evtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich       

From Village Roots to Academia: The Early Years of Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich

Yevtushenkov Vladimir was born in 1948 in the village of Kamenschina, located in the Smolensk Region. From a young age, he exhibited a strong interest in chemistry, which guided his educational pursuits. This passion led him to the Mendeleev Institute of Chemical Technology, where he earned a degree as a technologist-engineer.

Seeking to broaden his expertise, Vladimir Yevtushenkov furthered his education at Lomonosov MSU, a major, internationally renowned institution of higher education, where he obtained a degree in economics. This combination of technical and economic knowledge laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in the industrial and financial sectors.

The Early Career of Vladimir Yevtushenkov, AFK Sistema JSFC Investment Company Begins in Telecom

Making a start in his professional biography, Vladimir Yevtushenkov took a job at the Sverdlov Chemical Engineering Plant in 1973. Starting as a foreman, he quickly demonstrated his technical skills and managerial acumen, earning a promotion to section chief within two years.

This early experience provided Yevtushenkov Vladimir with a solid foundation in both the practical and administrative aspects of industrial operations.

In the early 1980s, Vladimir Yevtushenkov moved to the Karacharov Plastics Plant enterprise. There, he took on broader responsibilities and continued to climb the ranks, eventually becoming the Chief Engineer and Deputy Director. His tenure at Karacharov was marked by significant technological advancements and operational improvements under his supervision.

These roles honed his leadership skills and prepared him for larger challenges in the business world in the years following the 1991 fall of the national regime.

Leveraging his extensive experience in the chemical and plastics industries, Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich founded JSFC AFK Sistema in 1993 together with a group of partners. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Vladimir Yevtushenkov biography, as he transitioned from a technical expert to a visionary entrepreneur.

The AFK Sistema conglomerate started as a financial services and industrial corporation, bringing profits to shareholders. It quickly expanded its interests into telecommunications, retail, finance, real estate, medical services, and technology sectors. Over the years, the company has helped various assets prepare and launch their IPO on various stock exchanges.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov: Biography of Technological Leaps in the Agricultural Sector

With the involvement of Vladimir Yevtushenkov, AFK Sistema has significantly expanded its focus on integrating advanced technologies within its agricultural division. Since the late 2010s, the company has committed substantial resources to modernize its agroholding operations and has introduced a range of technological advancements aimed at improving efficiency and productivity in agriculture and ensuring supply chains.

One of the key technological implementations is automation. AFK Sistema has invested in state-of-the-art automated machinery, including autopilot combine harvesters and tractors. These machines are equipped with advanced navigation systems that allow them to operate with high precision, ensuring that no part of the field is missed during planting or harvesting. This precision reduces wastage and increases overall yield, explains Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich.

Additionally, with guidance from Yevtushenkov Vladimir, AFK Sistema has adopted the use of quadcopters for crop monitoring. These drones are capable of surveying large expanses of farmland, capturing high-resolution images that are analyzed to monitor crop health, identify pest infestations, and assess water needs.

The data collected by these quadcopters is processed by sophisticated software systems, allowing for real-time decision-making and timely interventions.

Another significant technological advancement is the implementation of digital mapping systems. Sistema has developed a comprehensive digital map of its agricultural lands, which includes detailed information about soil composition, topography, and historical crop performance. This digital mapping system enables precise planning of crop rotations, efficient use of fertilizers and pesticides, and optimized irrigation schedules, notes Vladimir Yevtushenkov.

To support these technological initiatives, Vladimir Yevtushenkov-AFK Sistema formed strategic partnerships with leading technology companies. One notable partnership is with Cognitive Pilot, a company specializing in artificial intelligence solutions for agriculture.

Through this collaboration, Sistema has integrated AI-driven systems that enhance the capabilities of their farming equipment. For instance, AI technologies are used to develop predictive models for crop yields and to automate the adjustment of machinery settings based on real-time environmental data.

These technological advancements have not only improved the operational efficiency of the agricultural holding company under AFK Sistema, co-founded by Yevtushenkov Vladimir, but have also contributed to sustainability.

The use of automated machinery and precise application of resources reduce the environmental impact of farming activities. Water-conserving techniques and No-Till farming methods have been implemented to maintain soil health and reduce erosion.

Moreover, the corporations commitment to innovation extends to the development of a cloud-based Field History service. This platform stores detailed records of field activities, including planting, fertilizing, and harvesting. Farmers can access this information to track the performance of different crop varieties and make informed decisions for future planting seasons.

Since 2019, with contributions from Vladimir Yevtushenkov, AFK Sistema, through its agricultural division, has also explored the use of advanced robotic systems for tasks such as weeding and harvesting. These robots are designed to perform repetitive tasks with high accuracy, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing productivity.

The results of these technological advancements are evident in the increased efficiency and productivity of AFK Sistemas agricultural operations, notes Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich. Crop yields have improved, resource usage has become more efficient, and the overall environmental impact of farming activities has been minimized.

AFK Sistemas investment in technological advancements within its agroholding division, under the guidance of Yevtushenkov Vladimir, has transformed the way the company approaches agriculture. The integration of automation, digital mapping, and AI-driven systems has positioned AFK Sistema as a leader in modern, sustainable farming practices.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir: Biography of Commitment to Social Progress

Yevtushenkov Vladimir has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to social progress through various philanthropic efforts. His contributions span across the arts, education, and healthcare, reflecting a broad vision for societal improvement.

By supporting numerous cultural institutions, Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich has played a key role in enriching the cultural landscape. His initiatives have provided vital funding for museums, theaters, and art programs, ensuring that the arts remain accessible and vibrant.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vladimir Yevtushenkov also spearheaded several significant philanthropic initiatives. Recognizing the urgent need for support in the healthcare sector, AFK Sistema, under his guidance, reallocated resources to assist in the fight against the virus.

The company produced personal protective equipment, supported vaccine research, and transformed clinic functions to better serve patients affected by COVID-19. Vladimir Yevtushenkovs efforts were crucial in addressing the immediate health crisis and providing long-term support to healthcare professionals and facilities.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich has also been deeply involved in education, particularly in addressing workforce shortages and enhancing training programs. Through partnerships with educational institutions, AFK Sistema has developed comprehensive training and development programs.

Notably, the collaboration with the Peoples Friendship University includes career guidance and specialized training in fields such as agronomy, telecommunications, and medicine. These initiatives, says Vladimir Yevtushenkov, aim to equip students with the skills needed to excel in their respective industries, thereby contributing to a more skilled and capable workforce.

Moreover, the philanthropic efforts of Yevtushenkov Vladimir extend to creating opportunities for young professionals and entrepreneurs. He has supported mentorship programs and entrepreneurial initiatives that foster innovation and business acumen.

By investing in the next generation of leaders, Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich ensures that his legacy of social responsibility and progress continues to influence future business and societal landscapes.

The philanthropic ventures of Yevtushenkov Vladimir reflect a comprehensive approach to social impact, addressing immediate needs during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, while also investing in the long-term development of the arts, education, and healthcare. His efforts have significantly contributed to the welfare and development of various sectors, underscoring his commitment to creating a positive societal impact.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir 2022: From Sistema to Advisory Influence

His last full year at the company he founded was 2021. In April 2022, Yevtushenkov Vladimir transitioned from his active duties on the Board of Directors of AFK Sistema to an advisory role. This shift allowed him to focus more on his philanthropic activities while still providing strategic guidance to the conglomerate.

His ongoing involvement ensures that his experience and insights continue to benefit AFK Sistemas strategic decisions.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov has also dedicated considerable effort to mentoring new business leaders and supporting entrepreneurial ventures. He actively participates in mentorship programs designed to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and business executives.

By sharing his extensive knowledge and experience, Vladimir Yevtushenkov helps emerging leaders navigate the complexities of the business world and encourages innovation and sustainable growth within various industries.

AFK Sistema experienced considerable growth and made important societal contributions during the tenure of Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich. With his help, AFK Sistema has diversified its portfolio and expanded its presence across multiple sectors, including telecommunications, retail, finance, real estate, and agriculture. This diversification has strengthened the companys resilience and positioned it as a leader in several key industries.

Moreover, Yevtushenkov Vladimir has left a lasting legacy through his commitment to social responsibility. His philanthropic efforts in arts, education, and healthcare have significantly contributed to societal welfare. Through his initiatives, numerous cultural, educational, and healthcare institutions have received vital support, enhancing their capacity to serve communities effectively.

This transition to an advisory role marks a new chapter for the Vladimir Yevtushenkov biography, with a focus on mentorship and philanthropy. His career is characterized by important contributions to both the business world and societal development, reflecting his enduring commitment to fostering growth and positive change.

AFK Sistemas Strategic Growth and Societal Impact: The Role of Yevtushenkov Vladimir

With the participation and strategic initiatives of Vladimir Yevtushenkov, AFK Sistema has made significant strides in various industries, particularly in technological integration within its agricultural division and in its extensive philanthropic efforts. The companys investments in automation, digital mapping, and AI-driven farming solutions have positioned it at the forefront of modern, sustainable agriculture.

Making the transition into an advisory role has allowed Yevtushenkov Vladimir to focus on mentorship and his close ties with philanthropy, continuing to support AFK Sistemas societal contributions. His involvement in educational and healthcare initiatives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has had a lasting impact on these sectors.

AFK Sistemas achievements in diverse fields reflect the collective efforts of its leadership and strategic vision. The contributions of Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich have played a crucial role in the companys development, ensuring its continued influence and success in both business and societal realms in 2023 and beyond.
Senior security officers who traveled to Haiti ahead of the planned deployment of Kenyan forces have reportedly returned to Kenya.

The officers arrived in Haiti on Tuesday, May 21, and were received by officers from Haitis national police, where they later met the presidential transitional committee.

The officers are returning to Kenya after the planned deployment of about 200 police, which was supposed to happen this week, was delayed due to logistical constraints.

The advance team, including Noor Gabow, the deputy inspector general of the Administration Police Service, held several meetings with other officials, including those from the United Nations Integrated Office in Port-au-Prince, and conducted inspections. They advised that a few issues be sorted out on the ground first.

Kenya, which is leading the 2,500-member security force, has agreed with the Haitian government on rules of engagement for the security personnel, who could face fierce opposition from the well-armed Haitian gangs that have taken over the countrys capital and overwhelmed local police.

However, the agreement has not been committed to writing or submitted to the United Nations Security Council, a prerequisite for the multinational security mission to begin.

The Kenyan team found that Haiti lacks the equipment to accommodate the deployment of the police officers. One of the officers in the advance team revealed that the venues where the officers would reside were 70 percent complete.

Haiti also lacks armored vehicles to move foreign officers around and has a deficit of radios and communications equipment.

Additionally, the mission still needs to procure choppers to evacuate potential casualties from Haiti, where dozens of hospitals have been destroyed or looted since February 29, when gangs united to topple the government.

Speaking to BBC, President Ruto noted the deployment had been postponed to allow adequate time for preparation but affirmed his commitment to stabilizing the war-torn nation.

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, Ruto explained.

The Kenyan police force is now expected to be in Haiti by mid-June, according to President Ruto.
Businessmen Peter Odhiambo Agoro and Michael Mutembe Makarina have filed a petition against three counties for banning the trade and consumption of Muguka.

This comes days after Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta implemented a ban on the entry, transportation, sale, and use of Muguka and its products.

Agoro and Makarina argue that Muguka is not considered a drug and is therefore legal in the country. They contend that NACADA has not classified Muguka as a narcotic or prohibited it, pointing out that the Miraa regulations of 2021 recognize both Miraa and Muguka as legitimate crops in Kenya.

Muguka is a variety of Miraa in taste, product, and active ingredients, which still contain cathinone. There is no law distinguishing Miraa from Muguka, and no law prohibiting its sale or consumption, they submitted.

The two petitioners state that there was no public participation in the decision, adding that the power to ban a product or service protected by an act of parliament lies solely with the national government.

They further argue that county governments cannot unilaterally regulate without following legal procedures before implementing a ban.

According to Kenyan law, only parliament through the national assembly and senate can declare a substance narcotic or psychotropic through legislation, court papers read.

Agoro and Makarina are seeking a declaration from the court that the ban is illegal and unconstitutional. They also request the court to prohibit the three county governments from implementing the ban.

Meanwhile, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot asserts that counties lack the authority to regulate the distribution of muguka.

In a statement issued on Monday, the senator emphasized that while such an initiative may be commendable, it must undergo the legislative process before implementation.

Its a noble thing for the coastal counties to seek to regulate the distribution of Muguka in their turf. However, truth is counties have NO such powers, he said.

The best thing is for the counties to lobby their MPs to present before parliament a bill seeking to ban the use of gokss.
Meta-owned Facebook has surpassed WhatsApp as the most popular social media platform in Kenya, a report from the Communications Authority (CA) reveals.

The audience measurement and industry trends report indicates that Facebooks popularity increased from 47.5 percent to 49.4 percent between Q2 and Q3 of 2023/2024.

Meanwhile, WhatsApps popularity declined from 47.3 percent to 47.0 percent during the same period, resulting in a 0.3 percent decrease in the apps usage in Kenya.

Facebook and WhatsApp stand out as the top social media platforms in Kenya. The prevalence of Facebook and WhatsApp in social media mentions highlights their extensive adoption and influential presence in the Kenyan digital landscape, the report states.

The drop in WhatsApp usage occurred because Meta, the company that owns Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, increased efforts to block apps like Yo WhatsApp and GB WhatsApp.

These apps allowed users to perform actions not officially supported by WhatsApp, such as viewing deleted messages. When WhatsApp blocked these apps, some users who had them installed were also blocked from using WhatsApp.

According to the Authority, YouTube and TikTok closely follow in popularity, with Instagram, Twitter, and Google ranking fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively.

Meanwhile, internet access on smartphones in Kenya increased significantly, from 73.3 percent to 87.2 percent between Q2 and Q3.

Additionally, some users accessed the internet through laptops, smart TVs, and tablets, with laptops being the most popular choice at 5.4 percent.

The primary mode of internet access is through smartphones, underscoring the pivotal role these devices play in facilitating connectivity and information access for a wide range of users, the report states.

As mobile technology continues to advance, ensuring equitable access to smartphones becomes crucial for fostering digital inclusion and bridging gaps in connectivity across various demographics, the report added.
Trancas Street in north Napa isnt the first place most people would expect to find a working winery. Yet thats exactly where youll find Ellie Anest, the CEO and co-founder of Eleven Eleven.

As one of the only urban wineries in the region, we wanted to break away from the traditional mold and create a haven where people could come together and cultivate meaningful connections, said Anest.

Eleven Eleven is a winery in Napa Valley aimed to establish a unique space that offers wine enthusiasts a welcoming and inclusive environment to gather and enjoy high-quality wines, she explained.

Our goal is to provide premium wine country experiences without the pretension often associated with the industry, said Anest.

Anest and business partner Carol Vassiliadis founded Eleven Eleven in 2012. It is located at 620 Trancas St., at the corner of Big Ranch Road.

1. What was your first job?

Growing up on my family's farm in Nebraska, I was deeply entrenched in the realm of agriculture from a young age. My first job naturally became a part of my everyday life as I watched my father nurture crops and care for our cattle. The unwavering dedication he showed to the land throughout the ever-shifting seasons made a lasting impression on me.

Working alongside my father on the farm taught me invaluable lessons in hard work, resilience, and the rewards of hands-on labor. Patience, persistence, and early morning starts became my companions as I supported my family and contributed to the daily operations.

Little did I know then that these experiences would lay the foundation for my success in my corporate career and subsequently the wine business.

2. What job would you like to try/not try?

I hold a deep appreciation for the medical profession and all the invaluable work they do. However, I do not believe it would be the right fit for me personally. Conversely, I have always been fascinated by property development, and I would love to give it a try.

3. How did you get into the wine industry?

In 2012, my business partner and close friend, Carol Vassiliadis, and I embarked on an exciting entrepreneurial venture in the stunning Napa Valley. Our original plan was to create a luxurious vacation rental portfolio, but as we surveyed various locations, we found a remarkable property in the Oak Knoll AVA, surrounded by a breathtaking 3.5-acre vineyard. It was an unexpected surprise that filled us with excitement and inspiration.

Although our original plan didnt involve vineyards, we saw a unique opportunity to create something truly special, harnessing the full potential of the Cabernet vineyard. We were introduced to Kirk Venge, an experienced and extraordinary winemaker, who brought his immense talent and expertise to our endeavor and immersed us in the vibrant community of dedicated growers and passionate wine enthusiasts that make Napa Valley so remarkable.

4. What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

Since we established Eleven Eleven winery, we have encountered numerous challenges, including an earthquake and multiple years of devastating fires in the Napa Valley. These experiences have left a lasting impact on all of us at the winery, and we take pride in the unwavering spirit of the Eleven Eleven team and the entire Napa community who stood together in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships, we have managed to overcome obstacles and continue to thrive.

5. Who do you most admire in the business world?

I most admire my parents, Paul and Kathryn Anest. Despite both of them passing away in the last 8 years since starting the winery, they remain my biggest inspiration. Their love, sacrifices and the values they instilled in me are incredibly precious. I miss them dearly, and their legacy continues to guide me in my business endeavors.

In addition to my parents, I greatly admire Warren Buffett. Widely regarded as the most successful investor of the 20th and early 21st centuries, Buffet exemplifies a unique blend of humility stemming from his Midwestern Nebraska roots and the astuteness of a seasoned urban businessperson. His approach to wealth accumulation and investment strategies continue to inspire me in the business world.

6. Whats one thing Napa could do to help local business?

One way that Napa could support local businesses is by implementing a well-designed urban planning strategy that caters to the needs of the local community and families. This would not only benefit the residents but also create a ripple effect that positively impacts the local businesses that rely on their patronage. A supportive and thriving community can attract more visitors and strengthen the local economy in the long run.

7. If you could change one thing about the wine industry, what would it be?

In my opinion, we still have a lot more work to do to achieve gender parity in the wine industry, and this is something I would like to change. There are several things that can be done by individuals, companies, and society as a whole to support greater gender parity in the winery industry. For example, companies can implement diversity and inclusion programs to create an inclusive work environment that values and supports gender equality. This can involve setting clear diversity goals, providing equal opportunities for career advancement, and fostering a culture of respect and fairness.

On a more individual level, people can actively seek out education and training opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge within the wine industry. This can help build confidence and credibility, enabling them to pursue career advancement opportunities irrespective of gender.

8. Whats your favorite charity or nonprofit?

Having been personally affected by cancer in my family, I am a believer in research and therefore support organizations fighting for the cure for cancer. I am also a big supporter for any organization supporting women and sports.

9. Whats something people might be surprised to know about you?

I was once a maid of honor in a wedding where Kevin Bacon was one of the groomsmen. It was an interesting experience being a part of such a memorable event alongside a well-known celebrity.

10. What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you havent yet?
Udalguri: The vibrant ecosystem in Assams Udalguri district along the Indo-Bhutan border, a treasure trove of natural resources, has long been preyed upon by unscrupulous actors.

This includes contractors, black market traders, and even some officials entrusted with protecting the environment.

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The 1990s saw a devastating episode of large-scale deforestation in the Dhansiri Forest Division (formerly Darrang district), with valuable trees vanishing from the Khalingduar Reserved Forest and Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, allegedly under government patronage and with the involvement of former insurgents.

This plunder extended to the districts rivers, where sand and rocks became the new targets. Over the past few decades, contractors and traders, often in cahoots with forest officials and public representatives, have been extracting minerals from the northern rivers, both legally and illegally, using excavators and dredgers.

Reports indicate that excavators and dredgers are used to extract excessive amounts of these resources, primarily for projects outside the district. Hundreds of trucks, often lacking proper documentation, transport these materials. The situation has forced local authorities in Tangla town to restrict movement of such vehicles during peak hours.

Furthermore, the forest departments own rock and sand depots seem to be flouting regulations. Established for collecting naturally occurring materials, these depots are accused of reckless excavation for profit, disregarding Supreme Court guidelines.

Many such depots, established along the Kulsi, Nonoi, and Kala rivers, reportedly operate without proper permits. Locals allege that depot holders, aided by excavators, violate extraction limits and sell the materials through unregistered vehicles.

The illegal activities extend beyond riverbeds. Stone crushers have mushroomed near the India-Bhutan border, posing a severe environmental threat. These crushers often operate in blatant disregard of regulations, lacking proper documentation and pollution control measures. Theyre accused of using agricultural land for their operations and causing excessive noise and air pollution for nearby residents.

Despite the government collecting revenue from these activities, the Forest Departments alleged inaction raises serious concerns. The departments silence on illegal mining and its questionable role in legitimizing some operations have drawn criticism from conservationists and citizens.

The lack of action from environmental organizations and student groups has also raised eyebrows. Local residents are demanding a high-level investigation into the Dhansiri Forest Divisions role, including the transfer of potentially corrupt officials. They also call for a halt to illegal mining and the closure of environmentally damaging crushers.

Wildlife activist Jayanta Kumar Das pointed out the dangers of excessive sand mining, highlighting the threat to bridges, riverbanks, and groundwater systems.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has urged efforts to promote high-quality and sufficient employment, and continuously enhance the sense of fulfillment, happiness and security among workers.

Xi made the remarks on Monday while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Xi said China must apply people-centered development philosophy, and improve both the quality and quantity of jobs through specific pro-employment policies.

Mo Rong, head of the Chinese Academy of Labor and Social Security, gave a lecture on the high-quality and sufficient employment issue at the study session and put forth relevant suggestions.

The attendees listened attentively to Mo and then made discussions.

Since the CPC's 18th National Congress was held in 2012, employment has been a priority for the Party leadership in the governance of the country, with 13 million urban jobs created each year on average.

Xi noted that employment is the most basic part of the people's well-being, which is connected with the people's immediate interests, and the country's sound economic and social development as well as its long-term peace and stability.

Valuable experience has been gained through practice, such as relying on development to promote employment, targeting key groups to increase employment, and driving employment through entrepreneurship, Xi said, calling for long-term implementation and continuous improvement of these practices.

This year, China aims to create over 12 million jobs in urban areas and keep the surveyed urban unemployment rate at about 5.5 percent. The country's surveyed urban unemployment rate came in at 5.2 percent in the January-April period.

Xi urged efforts to prioritize high-quality and sufficient employment as a primary goal of economic and social development, and further boost employment through development.

Measures should be taken to develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions as part of the efforts to create more high-quality jobs, he said.

The country should support the growth of industries and enterprises with strong job-creation capacities, and nurture new business forms and models to create more jobs.

Xi also called for the establishment of an employment-friendly development model by strengthening the assessment of the impact of major policies, projects, and the distribution of productive forces on employment, and making fiscal, monetary, investment, consumption, industrial and regional development policies more conducive to creating jobs.

Xi emphasized the need to address the supply-demand imbalance in the workforce which leads to structural unemployment.

Efforts should be focused on analyzing and assessing the workforce development trends, and accordingly adjust higher education majors and the distribution of resources, he said.

It is also imperative to boost vocational education and improve the country's lifelong vocational training system, Xi noted.

He called for efforts to find out the root causes of labor shortages in certain sectors in order to better meet employment market demands.

Xi specifically stressed improving employment support policies for college graduates and other young people. China is expected to see over 11.7 million college graduates this year.

Multiple measures should be taken to promote the employment of migrant workers, stabilize the number and income of people who were lifted out of poverty, and provide more help to groups that find it difficult to secure employment. Meanwhile, attention should also be paid to the employment of ex-service personnel and women.

Xi called for efforts to deepen reform of employment systems and mechanisms, and protect the rights and interests of workers, and urged Party committees and governments at all levels to give top priority to work related with employment.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalty on Yes Bank and ICICI Bank for non-compliances with certain directions issued by it. The penalties imposed on them are Rs 91 lakh and Rs 1 crore, respectively, RBI said in its orders. RBI said Yes Bank did not comply with 'Customer Service in Banks', and 'Un-authorized Operation of lnternal/Office Accounts'. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions After considering the bank's reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and examination of additional submissions made by it, RBI found that the charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty. The bank, it asserted, levied charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance in certain savings accounts having insufficient/zero balance; opened and operated certain internal accounts in the name of its customers for unauthorized purposes like parking funds and routing customer transactions. Separately, RBI said ICICI Bank did not comply with certain directions issued by RBI on 'Loans and Advances - Statutory and Other Restrictions'. RBI found that ICICI Bank had sanctioned term loan(s) to certain entities in lieu of or to substitute budgetary resources envisaged for certain projects; without undertaking due diligence on the viability and bankability of the projects to ensure that revenue streams from the projects were sufficient to take care of the debt servicing obligations; the repayment/servicing of which was made out of budgetary resources; and without ensuring that the funding proposals were for specific monitorable projects. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], May 28: The Visual House (TVH), a leading communication agency in Delhi, has spread its wings and taken flight with a complete brand refresh. This overhaul signifies a move towards a more dynamic and collaborative future for the agency. Recognizing the ever-evolving digital landscape, they have unveiled a fresh new look that reflects their core values: innovative ideas, exceptional work, and a commitment to helping clients achieve their goals with new direction and strategies. A Bold New Look for a New Era Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the digital world, TVH has taken flight with a bold new brand identity. Their striking new logo features birds in flight, symbolizing ambition and the potential to reach new heights. This powerful imagery perfectly captures their dedication to helping clients achieve their goals and soar to success. More Than Just a New Look: A Gateway for Collaboration The refresh extends far beyond aesthetics. They have launched a completely revamped website, designed with a user-centric approach. This new platform serves as a launchpad for collaboration, welcoming established brands, budding creatives, and everyone in between. Whether you're a social enterprise looking to amplify your impact or a government agency seeking to connect with your audience in new ways, TVH extends a warm invitation to connect and explore collaborative opportunities. Coffee Chats and Creative Connections The #PRESSREFRESH campaign isn't just about a new look; it's a declaration of their commitment to fostering a community of creative minds. They're passionate about continuous growth and eager to connect with others who share that passion. "We'd love to start a conversation over coffee," says the TVH team. "So, if you're interested in injecting a fresh perspective into your projects, reach out - we'd love to hear from you!". (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The stakeholders in the digital landscape discussed the practices and challenges in establishing effective user interface and user experience, UI/UX, for public-facing digital services in a workshop organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in the national capital here on Tuesday. The aim of the national workshop on 'Powering Transformation through UI/UX for Digital Governance' was to set the guidelines for enhancing the user experience of using websites/portals/applications. User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) are major parts of digital product design. UX addresses the entire interaction a user has with a product, including how they feel about it. UX design can be applied to both digital and physical products and aims to create a fully immersive experience. "Digital landscape is rapidly evolving and user expects seamless and intuitive interaction with the application. This workshop on Powering Transformation through UI/UX for Digital Governance aims to make the way towards this. The workshop bring together the stakeholders from Government, Industry, Designers, Developers and other related Practitioners to discuss the practices and challenges in establishing effective UX/UI for public-facing digital services," the Meity said in a release. The workshop also witnessed the signing of an MoU between the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Common Service Centres. The workshop also included stalls presented by industries such as Google, Microsoft, Map My India, SBI, Zoho, Samsung, etc., the Ministry of Electronics and IT said in the release. The workshop was chaired by Amit Agarwal, CEO, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and DG, National Informatics Centre (NIC). Various panel discussions were also held during the workshop on best UX practices, the role of UX/UI in citizen engagement with the government, tools and techniques for UX/UI practices, and the aspirations and experiences of citizens in the social domain. (ANI)
On the occasion of 141st birth anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, actor Randeep Hooda has shared an update with his fans about the OTT streaming of his directorial debut film 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'. The movie is streaming on ZEE5 now. "On his 141st Birth Anniversary, relive the story of the one who sparked a Revolution against all odds & became the Most Dangerous Revolutionary of India. #SwatantryaVeerSavarkar now streaming, only on ZEE5. #ReliveSavarkarOnZEE5 #VeerSavarkarOnZEE5," he wrote on X. https://x.com/RandeepHooda/status/1795303491646464303 The movie starred Hooda in his directorial debut. Ankita Lokhande played Yamuna Bai, wife of Savarkar, in the film. 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' is a cinematic portrayal of one of India's most influential and controversial figures during the Indian Independence struggle, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, revered as Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to the freedom fighter and remembered his services to the motherland. "Tribute to the great freedom fighter Veer Savarkar ji on his birth anniversary, who dedicated his life in the service of the motherland," the prime minister said in a post on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1795294593103049084 Actor Randeep Hooda has reacted to the post and asked the audience to watch the journey of "Influential and Visionary Revolutionary" in his film 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'. Reacting to his post, Hooda wrote, "On the Birth Anniversary of Most Influential and Visionary Revolutionary of Akhand Bharat #VeerSavarkar, #SwatantryaVeerSavarkar streaming now on @ZEE5India Watch His Story! Naman" https://x.com/RandeepHooda/status/1795336543533719633 To mark the 141st birth anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Hooda visited the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Savarkar was sentenced to life terms of imprisonment totaling fifty years. Randeep Hooda who played the character of Savarkar in his biopic 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' shared his deep connection with the role. Speaking to ANI, Randeep said, "After studying Savarkar ji's entire story and trying to live his life and portray it on screen, I became very involved in it. When people who knew Veer Savarkar, like his family and those close to him, such as the Mangeshkar family, gave me a pat on the back saying that I portrayed him very well, truthfully, and powerfully, it felt great because such validation is often very rare," he said. "Often, when you make biopics, the close ones of the person say you didn't include this or show that. But I tried to encapsulate his entire 53-year life in 3 hours. So, it feels like a validation when I receive an award from their side," he added. The film was released on March 22 in two languages - Hindi and Marathi. 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' is streaming on ZEE5. (ANI)
Popular TV host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel shared an update about his son's health. He revealed that Billy had his third open heart surgery, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "This weekend, our boy Billy had his third (of three, we hope) open heart surgery. We went into this experience with a lot of optimism and nearly as much fear and came out with a new valve inside a happy, healthy kid," the ABC late-night host wrote on Instagram, captioning a photo of Billy smiling in what looks like a hospital bed. Kimmel also praised the doctors, nurses and staff at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. "We hope you never need CHLA, but if you do - know that they help families regardless of their ability to pay, thanks largely to the Affordable Care Act (another salute to the late Senator John McCain), generous donations from companies like Disney, which I am proud to work for and especially from generous people like you," Kimmel wrote. He also expressed his gratitude towards his friends, family and even strangers for their support for Billy. "Thank you to my wife Molly for being stronger than is reasonable for any Mom to be and Billy, you are the toughest (and funniest) 7 year-old we know," Kimmel added. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7fE-p4S7YN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Kimmel has previously been outspoken about Billy's health issues. Shortly after Billy was born, Kimmel spoke about Billy's congenital heart defect and his then-baby's need to have open-heart surgery, again at Children's Hospital, at just three days old. The procedure went well but inspired Kimmel to advocate for health insurance coverage. "If your baby is going to die, and it doesn't have to, it should not matter how much money you make," Kimmel said during his emotional monologue shortly after Billy was born in 2017, as per The Hollywood Reporter.(ANI)
BJP's Fatehpur Lok Sabha candidate, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's concerted efforts towards poverty alleviation, emphasizing his focus on marginalized sections since assuming office in 2014. "Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi has focused on those poor, a segment often overlooked by previous governments. While the Congress slogan was 'remove poverty' it failed to do so. How poverty can be alleviated has been demonstrated by the country's PM," Jyoti said. She highlighted how under PM Modi's rule, necessities such as shelter, food, healthcare, rural infrastructure, and electricity to a large number of people have been provided under Modi's leadership. "The Prime Minister's vision encompasses both spiritual and national security, working from an inclusive perspective. Contrastingly, if I were to look back at the 10 years of Manmohan Singh's tenure, where was the government heading? Their own leaders were tearing papers in the parliament. What kind of government do they want? Do they want a government to be controlled with a remote?" she added. Jyoti further addressed the contentious issue of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, asserting the BJP's commitment to spiritual inclusivity and criticized the opposition's alleged politicization of the matter. "The same opposition used to say that ''Ram Lalla hum aayenge taarikh nahi batayenge' (would come to Ram temple but will not disclose the date) but by the grace of God, SC judges made a decision, after which the Ram Temple was built and Janmabhoomi Trust invited everyone. If everyone believes in Lord Ram, then he belongs to everyone. We don't return invitations, due to circumstances if we can't come then that's beyond our control; it's a separate matter. But they (the opposition) even returned the invitation," Jyoti said. "Their politics regarding Ram Lalla was so selfish that they feared one community would be upset if they came. So, these people have no right to talk about the Ram temple," Jyoti added. The Ayodhya Ram Mandir was inaugrated on January 22 marking a significant milestone in India's cultural and religious heritage. She emphasized the BJP's stance of supporting the construction of the temple while accusing the opposition of playing divisive politics. ''Who stopped them from building? We have been saying from the beginning that if you build, we will support you. Our focus is on spirituality, not politics. Opposition will be better off if they don't mix the central point of our faith with political agendas. They are the ones who showered bullets on the karsevaks, who stood in court and said that the decision of Ram Lalla should not come. Why? Who played politics? It's these people (opposition) who said that if Ram Lalla's decision comes, one community will be upset. No community was upset even after the decision," Jyoti said. Regarding Amit Shah's statement on PoJK, Jyoti asserted it as an integral part of India and dismissed the opposition's criticism. ''Now they (Congress) are saying when our government comes, we will enforce Article 370. Will anyone accept that? It's (PoJK) a part of our country? It's a crown. It's pitiful to see their mindset. Where are they standing? It seems they are unaware of how the PM protected the borders, not just protecting but also giving the army a free hand that if anyone trespasses our borders, go into their homes and strike," Jyoti said. Union Minister Amit Shah on Saturday castigated the Congress for trying to "frighten us" by saying that the neighbouring country possesses atom bombs and asserted that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is a part of India and "we will take it." "If the Home Minister has said something (to take back PoK), he must have thought and said it,' Jyoti added. she claimed they had compromised constitutional principles for political gain. Jyoti claimed that Rahul Gandhi's Parents made changes in the constitution for political gain. "No one is bigger than the PM. The way the Opposition conducted propaganda in despair and frustration, I want to ask them questions. Did Baba Saheb Ambedkar(B R Ambedkar) include Muslim reservations in the constitution? In Karnataka, OBCs were given reservations by (Congress). Why? Wasn't the constitution under threat at that time when the entire country was turned into a prison during the Emergency? Who made amendments to the Constitution? Who made changes to the Constitution? Rahul Gandhi's father did, and Indira Gandhi did it for her own interests," Jyoti said. Niranjan Jyoti is eyeing to secure a third term as MP, contesting against SP's Naresh Uttam Patel from Fatepur. Polling completed for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in the fifth round of the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh on May 20. These include Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Raebareli, Amethi, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Barabanki, Faizabad, Kaiserganj, and Gonda. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP emerged triumphant, securing 62 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati's BSP managed to secure 10 seats, while Akhilesh Yadav's SP garnered five. Conversely, the Congress party secured only one seat. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats is underway and the counting of the votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)
To ensure a safer and more convenient Char Dham Yatra, the Government of Uttarakhand, has implemented comprehensive measures including traffic and transport enhancements, sanitation and health measures and management of frequent landslides in the region. Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar has been appointed as the in-charge secretary of Rudraprayag district to spearhead these efforts. Since the sacred doors of Kedarnath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, opened to devotees on May 10, more than 1.83667 lakh pilgrims from across India and abroad have visited the revered site. The influx of visitors has led to significant traffic congestion on the Yatra route. Additionally, a huge influx of people has led to long delays on the Gangotri-Yamunotri Highway. Dr Rajesh after the first round of meetings with Rudraprayag district authorities including administration, police, disaster management, transport and health services, carefully identified key areas that need immediate attention. Thereafter, several review meetings were also held to gauge the preparedness of the administration to handle the large number of devotees effectively. Disaster management of frequent landslides in the region is the top priority. The irrigation department has JCB machines and other heavy equipment ready to clear landslides quickly like Sirobgadh. These machines are on standby 24/7, with a dedicated team monitoring high-risk areas to respond rapidly and minimize disruptions. "We are challenged by a large number of devotees in the initial phase of the yatra, but this also presents an opportunity to serve them better through improved planning, preparation, and execution," said Dr Rajesh. The Rudraprayag District administration, along with the SSP Rudraprayag and other district authorities, have mobilized government manpower to handle the increased influx of vehicles. New parking areas have been created, and existing ones expanded to prevent congestion. Trained police officers manage traffic flow and assist devotees in finding parking spots efficiently. Helicopter services have been enhanced with clear schedules and booking systems to reduce overcrowding and wait times. Strict safety checks are also in place to ensure safe travel for everyone. Extra sanitation facilities, including toilets and washing areas, have been set up along the route. A dedicated team regularly cleans and maintains these facilities. To ensure food safety, regular inspections are conducted at eateries and only certified vendors are allowed to operate, ensuring that the food is safe and nutritious. Medical posts have also been established along the Yatra route, equipped with necessary medical devices and staffed by qualified personnel. Ambulances and emergency medical teams are on standby to provide immediate help if needed. Mules are essential for transporting devotees to Kedarnath. Special veterinary services are provided to keep the mules healthy and fit. Regular check-ups, treatments, and adequate rest and feeding facilities are ensured for the well-being of the mules. (ANI)
Aviation security and a bomb disposal team are currently on site to ensure the situation is handled safely.

According to the Delhi fire service, "There was news of a bomb on the flight going from Delhi to Varanasi at 5:35 AM today. Quick Response Teams (QRT) arrived at the spot".

Delhi Airport Authorities confirmed that all passengers were safe.

"All passengers are safe and the flight is undergoing a detailed inspection. All passengers were evacuated through the emergency exits without incident" and airport spokesperson said.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.(ANI)
Days after Tripura Leader of Opposition Jitendra Choudhary alleged that a poverty-stricken mother had to sell her child highlighting administrative apathy, Tripura Minister Sushanta Choudhary who also happens to be the cabinet spokesperson, dismissed the former's claims. According to Choudhary, the opposition party had tried its best to paint the incident in a different light to exert pressure on the state government. In reality, the mother had willingly donated her child to a childless couple hailing from Hejamara area of West Tripura. The process of adoption could not be carried out as there were some legal complications. "The woman identified as Marmari Tripura gave birth to her sixth child. The allegation was that she sold the child in lieu of five thousand rupees. As soon as the news spread, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha ordered the officials to look into the matter. As per the report of the District Magistrate Dhalai, it was found that the eldest son (19 years old) of the lady is settled at Bangalore. The second girl child is married," the minister said. "The 15 year old third child is class VII students and the younger ones respectively study in class VI and class III. Her husband, Purnajay Tripura died six months back. Barring her two children who are married, the rest of the others are enrolled in schools. The family also has a valid ration card and they lift the monthly ration in time. She was pregnant when her husband died. She tried to abort the child but due to the medical complications, the doctor refused her proposal of abortion," the minister added. Describing how the baby was handed over to a childless couple, he said, "On May 22, she gave birth to her sixth child. After the baby was born, she willingly handed over the child to a childless couple identified as Binay Kumar Debbarma and Sashichandra Debbarma of Hejamara. The couple might have some acquaintance with the lady, which is how they came in contact with each other. On May 23, Binay Kumar Debbarma received the baby from the biological mother of the child." "On being informed, local CDPO (Child Development Project Officer) and DCM of the subdivision intervened into the matter and found that the adoption process was not legally viable. In presence of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, Tripura Commissioner for Protection of Child Rights went to Gandacherra. Proper counseling was done and for further treatment the mother and the newborn had been shifted to a Dhalai district hospital for better treatment," he added. Accusing the Leader of the Opposition of attempting to take credit for the whole administrative process, the Minister said, "We have seen that the Leader of Opposition had been giving statements as if he had brought the issue into the notice of the administration and it was because of him the whole matter was resolved. It was a scripted drama that was staged using the incident as a backdrop with a mix of some twisted facts." (ANI)
Bhavani Revanna, mother of Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is accused in the obscene video case, has filed an anticipatory bail in the kidnapping case in which her husband was earlier arrested. Bhavani has moved Karnataka High Court seeking relief from arrest by SIT. SIT has filed a case against five including her husband and father of Prajwal Revanna, HD Revanna. HD Revanna was arrested earlier in connection with a kidnapping case on April 29. He was granted conditional bail by a special court for people's representatives. The case, registered on April 28 at the Holenarasipura town police station, involves allegations of sexual assault by Revanna and his son, Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, against a house help. Meanwhile, Prajwal Revanna, in a self-made video released on Monday, said that he will appear before the Special Investigative Team (SIT) on May 31 for questioning. Revanna said that his trip was pre-planned as there was no case against him when the voting was held in Karnataka on April 26 for the general elections. He also alleged political conspiracy against him as he was "growing in politics." The suspended Janata Dal (Secular) MP also extended an apology to his family, party supporters and the people of the state. "On 31st Friday, 10 am, I'll appear before SIT and provide all information related to the investigation, I'll cooperate with the SIT investigation, I have a lot of faith in the judiciary, I believe in god and the judiciary, that's why I'll appear on Friday 31st in front of the SIT," Revanna added. Siddaramaiah had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1 and May 23 urging him to take action to cancel the diplomatic passport of the Hassan MP, who is said to have flown to Europe after being accused of sexually exploiting several women. Notably, Revanna is contesting from Hassan Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka seeking re-election as an NDA candidate in the 2024 general elections. (ANI)
Praising his service to the motherland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, on his birth anniversary. "Tribute to the great freedom fighter Veer Savarkar ji on his birth anniversary, who dedicated his life in the service of the motherland," the prime minister said in a post on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also commended Veer Savarkar, acknowledging his unwavering dedication towards the nation. "Veer Savarkar Ji, with his powerful thoughts, ignited the flame of patriotism in crores of youth and strengthened the feeling of one nation, one culture. He assimilated the mantra of nationalism and strongly opposed the policies of appeasement. Even the innumerable tortures of the British could not shake his resolve towards his motherland. Veer Savarkar ji, who devoted every moment of his life to the nation, started a public awareness campaign against evils like untouchability. Tribute to a true patriot and a great visionary Swatantrya Veer Savarkar ji on his birth anniversary," Shah wrote in a post on X. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, was born on May 28, 1883, in Nashik. Savarkar was a freedom fighter, politician, lawyer, and writer and was popularly known for coining the term 'Hindutva'. Savarkar was also a leading figure in the 'Hindu Mahasabha.' Savarkar started participating in the freedom movement while still a high school student and continued doing so while attending Fergusson College in Pune. He was greatly influenced by the radical Nationalist leader, Lokmanya Tilak. He got active with groups like India House and the Free India Society while studying law in the United Kingdom. He also published books that promoted revolutionary methods for achieving total Indian independence. The British colonial authorities outlawed one of his works, 'The Indian War of Independence', which was about the 1857 'Sepoy Mutiny' or the First War of Independence. (ANI)
Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing its members of having their hearts in Pakistan while residing in India. "Their (Congress leaders) bodies are in India, but their hearts are in Pakistan. The hearts of Congressmen beat for Pakistanis. Your (Congress) government is becoming impotent, and yet you claim you'll open up the Wagah border," Thakur said. Thakur further raised several questions regarding the Congress party's stance on various issues including financial dealings with China through the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. "I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, what compulsion is there to praise Pakistan? What compulsion is there to take money from China through the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation? What compulsion is there to question the valour of our soldiers? What compulsion is there to work and feed off the 5 per cent quota for SC, ST, and OBC and why is this a compulsion for the Congress? My question is, what compulsion is there to trample on Sanatan Dharma and demolish the Ram Mandir? What compulsion does the Congress have to insult Hindus, demean India, and muzzle praise for Pakistan and China? What is the compulsion of the Congress party?" Thakur said. He criticized Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for her failure to champion women's rights despite her slogans. "It was easy to give the slogan 'I am a girl, I can fight'. But she never fought nor stood up for girls. Women were tortured, crimes were committed and they were also killed but Priyanka Gandhi was not seen," Thakur said. Thakur also denounced the Himachal Pradesh government for its inaction in fulfilling promises made to women, highlighting the delay in disbursing funds. "Neha, the daughter of a Congress counsellor was murdered by strangulation for refusing to undergo forced marriage. Despite being in power, their councillor's daughter did not get justice, but she did not catch anyone's attention," Thakur said. "Promises of Rs 1500 per month to women in Himachal Pradesh were made, but it's been 16 months, and no face has been shown, nor have any women received a penny. Now, the CM there says he will provide money within 24 hours. Congress government has been asleep for 16 months. Now it's time for your government to leave," he added. (ANI)
"Saddened to learn about the loss of lives in a stone quarry collapse near Aizawl in Mizoram. My condolences to the bereaved families," President Murmu posted on X on Tuesday.

"I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish a speedy recovery of the injured," she added.

A stone quarry collapse claimed the lives of 10 people in Aizawl district of Mizoram following incessant rains, said police officials.

According to authorities, seven fatalities were confirmed initially by Mizoram Director General of Police, Anil Shukla, with subsequent reports raising the toll to ten. The incident occurred on the outskirts of Aizawl, where heavy rains triggered the collapse. In addition to the loss of lives, numerous trees and electric poles were uprooted, while several roads became impassable due to the deluge. (ANI)
The Delhi Police filed a supplementary chargesheet in the Shraddha Walker murder case on Tuesday, indicating further progress in the investigation. According to the Police, this supplementary chargesheet contains scores of digital and forensic evidence collected during the course of the investigation. The digital evidence includes the Google location history of Aaftab Poonawala which corraborates with his travel to the locations where he dispatched the body parts. The chargesheet includes the Google locations of the phone of Shraddha Walker and shows how the phone travelled twice to Bombay and the history disappeared when Aaftab was called for questioning. The chargesheet also mentioned the detailed report regarding digital evidence, including the search history of Aaftab Poonawala regarding use of "flare gun". His other search history also corraborates with the events that unfolded. The chargesheet has been filed before the Metropolitan Magistrate Aviral Shukla at Saket Court and is a supplementary chargesheet running in to more than 3,000 pages, most of which contains digital and forensic evidence reports. Saket court last year has started the trial in the murder case of Shraddha Walkar, killed allegedly by her live-in partner, Aaftab Poonawala who chopped her body into pieces and dumped these in various places. The trial court had earlier had framed charges against Aaftab on May 9 for offences under IPC sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence). Shraddha Walkar was allegedly murdered by her live-in partner, Aftab Amin Poonawala, on May 18, 2022. After the killing, the accused cut off the body into 35 pieces and threw them in the jungle to destroy the evidence. Some of the parts were recovered later on. (ANI)
Israel confirms "shooting incident" at Egyptian border

Xinhua) 09:00, May 28, 2024

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on May 27, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday. The Egyptian army announced on Monday the killing of a border guard at the Rafah border area with the Gaza Strip in a shooting incident. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday.

"A few hours ago there was a shooting incident on the Egyptian border, the [incident] is under investigation, and dialogue is taking place with the Egyptian side," the IDF said.

Israel's Jerusalem Post reported that an Egyptian soldier was killed in the exchange of fire, while the Israeli Channel 14 said there were no casualties.

Israel's Maariv daily newspaper quoted sources in the IDF as saying that Egyptian soldiers fired first at Israeli soldiers, who returned fire.

However, the Al Araby, a news outlet headquartered in Qatar, cited an Egyptian source as saying that the IDF started the fighting,

Israeli Channel 13 reported earlier on Monday that an "unusual incident" occurred between the Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing.

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on May 27, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday. The Egyptian army announced on Monday the killing of a border guard at the Rafah border area with the Gaza Strip in a shooting incident. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on May 27, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday. The Egyptian army announced on Monday the killing of a border guard at the Rafah border area with the Gaza Strip in a shooting incident. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on May 27, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday. The Egyptian army announced on Monday the killing of a border guard at the Rafah border area with the Gaza Strip in a shooting incident. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on May 27, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday. The Egyptian army announced on Monday the killing of a border guard at the Rafah border area with the Gaza Strip in a shooting incident. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on May 27, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday. The Egyptian army announced on Monday the killing of a border guard at the Rafah border area with the Gaza Strip in a shooting incident. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on May 27, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday. The Egyptian army announced on Monday the killing of a border guard at the Rafah border area with the Gaza Strip in a shooting incident. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on May 27, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday. The Egyptian army announced on Monday the killing of a border guard at the Rafah border area with the Gaza Strip in a shooting incident. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on May 27, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday. The Egyptian army announced on Monday the killing of a border guard at the Rafah border area with the Gaza Strip in a shooting incident. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on May 27, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a "shooting incident" occurred "on the Egyptian border," after Israeli media reported an exchange of fire erupted between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing on Monday. The Egyptian army announced on Monday the killing of a border guard at the Rafah border area with the Gaza Strip in a shooting incident. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
 Flash

A man mourns for victims at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on May 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has exceeded 36,000, Gaza's health authorities said in a press statement on Monday.

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 66 Palestinians and wounded 383 others, bringing the total death toll to 36,050 and injuries to 81,026 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out in October 2023, the ministry said.

Forty-six people, including children, women, and the elderly, were killed during Sunday's Israeli bombing of tents for displaced people in Rafah, the enclave's southernmost city where more than 1 million Palestinian refugees are seeking shelter amid the intense conflict.

The Israeli forces said they bombed the tents to kill two senior Hamas officials and claimed the army is investigating the incident.

Israeli aircraft and drones bombed more than 75 targets in Gaza, including weapons depots and buildings used by armed groups, during the past 24 hours, according to a statement from the Israeli forces.

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.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Gohar Ali Khan said on Monday that his party was in talks with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F). However, he noted that an alliance has not been formed yet, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. Speaking to reporters, Gohar Ali Khan said PTI and JUI-F have constituted negotiating teams to discuss issues and explore the possibilities of an alliance. The meeting between delegations of PTI and JUI-F on May 23 ended without any breakthrough, with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman stressing that the priorities of political parties on national issues should be the same. Gohar Ali Khan reiterated PTI's commitment to talks and stressed that it has been party's stance from day one. He said, "Dialogue is essential in politics, but it should be with those who have the authority to make decisions," according to ARY News report. PTI chairman commended the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's budget, terming it a "historic" achievement despite challenging circumstances. He said, "The KP budget has prioritised development projects, health cards, education, pension, and salary increases, which is a positive step," acknowledging the government's efforts to address the needs of people. He called for a 10-year tax exemption for the Malakand Division, including Buner, which has been impacted by terrorism, floods, and natural disasters. He opposed the imposition of taxes, saying it would further burden the people, according to ARY News report. Gohar Ali Khan also stressed the need for good ties between the Chief Minister and Governor and called it essential for the progress of the province. He further said that there were no internal conflicts within the PTI. However, he added that there may be differences of opinion. He stated that all decisions were made in accordance with the PTI's guidelines. Earlier in April, Maulana Fazlur Rehman backed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) democratic and constitutional rights to hold protests and rallies, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. The JUI-F and the PTI had reached a consensus after the elections on February 8 that the polls were rigged. The two parties have since touched base on holding protests against the government. However, the JUI-F has not been included in a six-party opposition alliance against the incumbent government. In the National Assembly session on April 29, PTI leader Asad Qaiser urged Parliament Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to ensure the party's constitutional right to protest. "I want to know why the PTI is not being given its due rights," Qaiser said, adding, "We want civilian supremacy and free courts", Dawn reported. "Asad Qaiser's request is fair. Protesting is his [party's] right and I endorse his request," Rehman said, adding that the problem "goes beyond the right to protest" and is about the "state of the country". "The democratic way in which we founded this country ... with people's sacrifices ... there was no role of the establishment or bureaucracy," asking whether Parliament was "a house of the people ... or the establishment," the JUI-F chief stated. He further accused the governing parties of pursuing their mandates and interests while putting those of the country on the back burner. (ANI)
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the Israeli strike in Rafah, saying that the attack "killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict." He stated that "horror must stop" and added that there is no safe place in Gaza. In a post on X, Guterres stated, "I condemn Israel's actions which killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict. There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop." At least 45 people were killed and 200 others were injured after the Israeli strike hit a camp for displaced people, CNN reported, according to the government media office in Gaza. Shortly after the attack, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that two senior Hamas officials had been killed after targeting a Hamas compound. The Israeli attack followed Hamas' first rocket attack on the Israeli city of Tel Aviv in months. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, voiced his horror at the further loss of civilian lives in Gaza. He stated that Israel's strikes on Sunday demonstrates there is literally no safe place. In a news release on Monday, he said, "The images from the camp are horrific and point to no apparent change in the methods and means of warfare used by Israel that have already led to so many civilian deaths." "Sunday's strike underscores once again that there is literally no safe place in Gaza," he added. Turk said, "I note that the IDF has announced a review, but what is shockingly clear is that by striking such an area, densely packed with civilians, this was an entirely predictable outcome. It is crucial that such reviews lead to accountability and changes in policy and practices." Volker Turk reiterated his call on all parties to the conflict to put in place a ceasefire, according to the statement released by UN. He said, "Israel must take immediate steps to protect civilians, and ensure they have access to essential humanitarian assistance, and release all those detained arbitrarily." The UN High Commissioner called on Hamas terrorists to unconditionally release all hostages at once. He stated that Hamas must stop the firing of rockets, which are inherently indiscriminate, in clear violation of international humanitarian law. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday called the country's strike on a displacement camp in Rafah a "tragic mistake." He said that Israel is carrying out investigation into the incident, CNN reported. In his address at the Israeli Knesset on Monday, Netanyahu said, "Despite our best effort, not to harm those not involved, unfortunately a tragic mistake happened last night. We are investigating the case." At least 45 people were killed and 200 others were injured after the Israeli strike hit a camp for displaced people, CNN reported, citing the government media office in Gaza. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that two senior Hamas officials had been killed after targeting a Hamas compound. In a statement, the IDF said the strike had killed Yassin Rabia, who managed the Hamas terrorist activity in Judea and Samari and transferred funds to terrorist targets. According to IDF, Rabia was also behind numerous attacks in which IDF soldiers were killed. Furthermore, Khaled Najjar, another senior member of Hamas, directed shooting attacks and terrorist activities in Judea and Samaria, according to the IDF. In a post on X, IDF stated, "Eliminated in the precise airstrike in northwest Rafah: Hamas Chief of Staff in Judea and Samaria and an additional senior Hamas official. Terrorist #1: Yassin Rabia Rabia managed the entirety of Hamas' terrorist activity in Judea and Samaria, transferred funds to terrorist targets and planned Hamas terrorist attacks throughout Judea and Samaria. He also carried out numerous attacks, in which IDF soldiers were killed." "Terrorist #2: Khaled Najjar. Najjar, a senior official in Hamas' Judea and Samaria Headquarters, directed shooting attacks and other terrorist activities in Judea and Samaria and transferred funds intended for Hamas' terrorist activities in Gaza. He also carried out several deadly terrorist attacks in which IDF soldiers were killed," it added. Videos posted on social media showed a large fire at the scene, with paramedics and firefighters working to manage the aftermath. The area that had been targeted included a large container used as a shelter for dozens of families, surrounded by hundreds of tents. Gaza's government office said, "The Israeli occupation army had designated these areas as safe zones, calling on citizens and displaced persons to head to these safe areas," adding that when displaced people sought refuge, they came under attack, according to a CNN report. Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike and said that it struck a "Hamas compound in Rafah in which significant Hamas terrorists were operating a short while ago." The IDF said that it was aware of reports indicating that several civilians were harmed due to the strike and fire that was ignited and added that the incident is under review. In a post on X, IDF stated, "An IDF aircraft struck a Hamas compound in Rafah in which significant Hamas terrorists were operating a short while ago. 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 Hamas' use of the area. 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 airstrike was reported after sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and parts of central Israel on Sunday after rockets were fired at the city, according to the Israeli health ministry, CNN reported. It marked the first time rockets were fired on the city since last January. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that eight pockets were fired from the Rafah area of southern Gaza and had crossed into Israel. The IDF stated that a "number of projectiles" had been intercepted. According to CNN, Hamas has claimed responsibility for the attack. Hamas said it had targeted Tel Aviv with a "large missile barrage" in response to Israel's "massacres against civilians." (ANI)
Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Public and Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif will be seen proactively "playing his role in national politics soon," Pakistan-based Geo News reported. While addressing a press conference in Lahore on Monday, he said that PML-N began the process of the intra-party elections by the PML-N's constitution, and an election commission was also set up by a central working committee. Geo News reported, Sanaullah said that nomination papers were issued from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday, which would also be continued before 12 pm by Tuesday. He said that scrutiny of the nomination papers will be performed at 1 pm on Tuesday, and candidates could withdraw their nominations by 2:30 pm (local time) on Tuesday. He announced that a total of 11 nominations have been issued so far and final lists of the candidates will be issued at 3 pm (local time), according to Geo News report. He further said that a general council's session will be held afterwards. Rana Sanaullah said that PML-N will hold the polls for electing its president on Tuesday at 5 pm (local time). He further said that Bashir Memon, Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui, Ishaq Dar, Raja Muhammad Farooq, Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman and Shah Ghulam Qadir have received their nomination papers today. He said that disgruntled PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who had applied to register a new political party in April, could also submit his nominations, however, the scrutiny committee will take a decision on his "eligibility" to contest the party's intra-party polls. Speaking on Nawaz Sharif, Sanaullah said that entire party agreed on PML-N supremo's name for party's presidency. He added, "However, the party would welcome if someone else wants to submit nominations for taking part in the upcoming polls." Sanaullah further said that Nawaz Sharif transformed PML-N into a popular public party after Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He further stated, "In case no candidates, the party's president would be elected unopposed, otherwise, polling will be held via a show of hands." Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Public and Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that Nawaz Sharif was not angry with someone and was fully active in national politics. He further said that all decisions of the federal and Punjab governments would be taken after PML-N supremo's approval, Geo News reported. He noted that lesser statements issued from Nawaz Sharif would be ended soon. He further announced that the ruling PML-N was considering recommendations to reshuffle the party positions. He said that Shehbaz Sharif would be the next leader after Nawaz Sharif for whom the entire party had agreed upon for the presidency. Sanaullah lauded Shehbaz Sharif for making maximum efforts to pull Pakistan out of the economic crisis. In response to a query regarding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Sanaullah responded that he would continue to warn Pakistan against Imran Khan, according to Geo News report. PML-N leader said that he was continuously warning people of Pakistan that Imran Khan would push the country into a big turmoil. He said that he was unaware of sources pushing the incarcerated PTI founder for making political blunders, however, "stupidity" could be committed by any individual. Earlier on May 18, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Central Working Committee (CWK) on Saturday accepted the resignation of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from the party's presidency and nominated him as acting president, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. On May 13, Shehbaz Sharif stepped down from the position of PML-N President, stating that "the time has come" for his brother Nawaz Sharif to retake his "rightful place as the president of the party." In 2018, former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif was removed as PML-N president after a Supreme Court (SC) bench headed by then-chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar in a verdict said that an individual disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution cannot serve as head of PML-N, Dawn reported. Earlier in April, PML-N's Punjab President Rana Sanaullah urged party supremo Nawaz Sharif to assume its presidency after he got relief in the cases registered against him. (ANI)
According to the ministry's statement, three China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, seven China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were tracked in the nation's vicinity up until 6 am.

Taiwan's Armed Forces responded to the situation accordingly.

"3 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels, and 4 CCG vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered our southwestern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," the ministry said in a post shared on X.

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1795258690045390985

On Monday, Taiwan's ministry said that it had detected 21 Chinese military aircraft, 11 Chinese naval vessels, and four Chinese coast guard vessels operating near its territory from 6 am (local time) on Sunday to 6 am (local time).

Out of these 21 Chinese military aircraft, 10 entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern air defence identification zone (ADIZ), according to Taiwan's MND.

In response to the Chinese activity, Taiwanese armed forces have monitored the situation and deployed naval vessels, and coastal missiles to monitor the situation.

The escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait highlight the ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region, with Taiwan reaffirming its commitment to defending its sovereignty and democratic values in the face of increasing military pressure from China.

Days after Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan's President, China launched two-day-long military drills on Thursday, surrounding Taiwan in what it called "punishment" for so-called "separatist acts," CNN reported.

China said it began joint military drills involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket force in areas around Taiwan at 7.45 am (local time) on Thursday.

Taiwan, in retaliation, had deployed its own warships to monitor the situation. This comes as Beijing regards Lai as a "dangerous separatist" as he backs Taiwan's sovereignty and distinct identity, reported CNN.

Despite never having controlled Taiwan, China's ruling Communist Party claims it as part of its territory and has vowed to take the island by force if necessary. (ANI)
In the wake of massive military drills by China in the area surrounding Taiwan, a visiting delegation of US lawmakers has expressed support for Taiwan, Focus Taiwan reported. Michael McCaul, chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee who is leading the bipartisan congressional delegation in a meeting with Taiwan's new president Lai Ching-te, said that China's "intimidating military exercises" demonstrated that the mainland is "not interested in taking Taiwan by peaceful means." Addressing a news conference in Taipei, US Representative Michael McCaul called the drills an "intimidation tactic to punish democracy" and vowed to bolster Taiwan's defense by speeding up the delivery of defensive weapons from the US, CNN reported. He further reiterated Washington's long-term support for Taiwan, stressing that the US will continue to be Taiwan's "reliable partner." The Republican legislator stressed that following the newly-sworn Taiwan President's inauguration last Monday, China held a round of military exercises in response. "The forces of China conducted intimidating military exercises, sending 110 aircraft and 46 warships, demonstrating they are not interested in taking Taiwan by peaceful means," he said. He called on all democracies to "stand together against aggression and tyranny," whether the tyranny is Russian President Vladimir Putin or Chinese President Xi Jinping, Focus Taiwan reported. McCaul underscored the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which has served as a cornerstone guiding unofficial US-Taiwan relations since ending diplomatic relations in 1979, requires Washington to provide weapons systems of a defensive nature to help Taiwan's self-defence. "We must make sure that no one in their right mind will try to upset the peace in which you have thrived. America is and always will be your reliable partner and no amount of coercion or intimidation will slow down or stop the routine visits by the Congress to Taiwan," he said. Taiwan President Lai expressed gratitude to McCaul, his delegation, and the US Congress as a whole for their long-term support of the island nation. The president emphasized that his new government will continue to deepen cooperation with the US and other like-minded countries to maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperous development together. "Moving forward, my administration will continue to enhance national defense, showing the world the determination of Taiwan's people to defend their home," he added. Highlighting the current backlog of weapons orders, McCaul said the roughly USD 20 billion in delayed Taiwan arms orders from the US is mostly due to defense industrial base-related issues, Focus Taiwan reported. The just-concluded Chinese drills encircling Taiwan following Lai's May 20 inauguration again reminded the world of the "very dangerous situation" across the Taiwan Strait, he noted. "And that's why deterrence is so important. I know every member (congresspersons) here will take that message (of speeding up their country's delivery of military weapons to Taiwan] back," he said. However, before the backlog issue, McCaul noted that US President Joe Biden had signed grant and Foreign Military Financing loans to Taiwan worth USD 4 billion as a sign of support over the past months, reported Focus Taiwan. Emphasizing on the kind of weapons Taiwan needs most from the US to boost its defense, McCaul said maritime assets are more important than land-based ones to prevent People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops from landing in Taiwan. The US delegation arrived in Taipei late Sunday, including McCaul, Republicans Young Kim, Joe Wilson, and Andy Barr, and Democrats Jimmy Panetta and Chrissy Houlahan. Additionally, McCaul is also expected to meet Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and other members of Lai's new foreign affairs and national security team to exchange views on issues of mutual concern, regional security, and Taiwan-US relations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (ANI)
Amid the ongoing visit of US lawmakers to Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has said that Beijing strongly opposes military contact between the US and Taiwan, as well as any attempt of the nation to arm Taiwan. The visit of the US lawmakers to the self-governing island of Taiwan comes days after China conducted 'massive' military drills near Taiwan. In a regular press conference on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning said, "There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. China firmly opposes military contact between the US and Taiwan and any attempt to arm Taiwan." "We urge relevant members of the US Congress to stop playing the "Taiwan card," stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop supporting and conniving at "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and stop undermining China-US relations and cross-Strait peace and stability," the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. On US lawmakers expressing support for Taiwan's defence, Mao Ning noted that it "violates" the one-China principle. "In disregard of China's strong opposition, relevant members of the US Congress still decided to visit Taiwan, which violates the one-China principle, the three China-US joint communiques, and the US government's own political commitment to maintaining only unofficial relations with the Taiwan region, and sends a severely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces," she said. "China firmly opposes it and has made serious protests to the US. We will take necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated. The US senators notably promised to strengthen Taiwan's deterrence against China on Monday during a bipartisan congressional visit to the self-governing island, just days after Beijing ringed the island with major military drills. Last week's drills were the largest China had conducted in more than a year, and they occurred just days after Taiwan swore in its new president, Lai Ching-te. Lai Ching Te is openly despised by Beijing for promoting the island's sovereignty and distinct character. During a news conference in Taipei, US Representative Michael McCaul, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, described the exercises as an "intimidation tactic to punish democracy" and promised to strengthen Taiwan's defence by expediting the supply of defensive weaponry from the US, CNN reported. McCaul pledged that Taiwan would get the weapons it purchased from the US "as soon as possible," citing recent foreign military financing for Taiwan approved by the US House. "We are moving forward on those weapons systems. I'd like to see them faster, but they are forthcoming," he said. The US maintains strong but informal relations with Taiwan and is required by law to provide the island with weapons to protect itself. Despite never having governed Taiwan, China's governing Communist Party considers it part of its territory and has threatened to conquer it by force if necessary. (ANI)
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) approved a nine-day physical remand for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi in connection with eight cases related to the unprecedented mayhem on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of former PM Imran Khan in a case of alleged corruption, Geo News reported. The May 9 events refer to violent protests that erupted after PTI founder Imran Khan was arrested from the premises of Islamabad High Court in a corruption case in 2023. Judge Khalid Arshad of the ATC Lahore issued a verdict, instructing that the investigation report on Shah Mehmood Qureshi be submitted by June 5, as per Geo News. The court has mandated that PTI leader Qureshi be interrogated via video link. According to Geo News, the court highlighted that, according to the investigating officer, Qureshi had posted videos and messages on social media. These materials have been sent to a forensic lab for examination. Qureshi is currently imprisoned in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail in multiple cases. In addition to this, a special court established under the Official Secrets Act had handed Qureshi 10 years in jail in the cypher case. The May 9 riots were triggered almost across the country after deposed Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest in the 190 million settlement case. Hundreds of PTI workers and senior leaders were put behind bars for their involvement in violence and attacks on military installations last year. During the protests, the miscreants targeted the civil and military installations including -- Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military termed May 9 "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. Several party bigwigs and senior members parted ways with PTI and Khan in the light of the crackdown against those involved in the May 9 events. Responding to critics targeting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for planning and executing May 9 protests, the party's Secretary General, Omar Ayub Khan, called the incident "a conspiracy to target party founder Imran Khan," Pakistan-based Geo News reported. (ANI)
6 NATO countries are planning to build a 'drone wall' to defend themselves against Russia, reports say

6 NATO countries are planning to build a 'drone wall' to defend themselves against Russia, reports say

Six NATO countries are planning a "drone wall" to defend against Russia.

Finland, Norway, Poland, and the Baltic states want to prevent smuggling and Russian provocations.

Further details on when such a system could be in place and how it would work are unclear.

Six NATO countries are joining forces to create a "drone wall" to defend themselves against Russia.

Over the weekend, ministers from Finland, Norway, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania convened to discuss a coordinated system to help defend against Russian provocations and smuggling attempts, per 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," Lithuania's interior minister Agne Bilotaite reportedly told the Baltic News Service.

Further details on when the wall could be in place and how it would function remain unclear, but Bilotaite said that EU funding could be used to support the project.

Estonia's Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets said of the proposed wall: "Drone surveillance and anti-drone capability is crucial both for deterrence and for countering the influence activities of our eastern neighbor."

"The one who is even a step ahead of the adversary will succeed, but this advantage can be measured in days, as a countermeasure will be found to each measure very quickly, and the cycle will repeat itself," he added.

Business Insider has contacted Agne Bilotaite's office for comment.

It comes after a series of provocations involving Russia and the Baltic region.

Last week, a draft Russian decree proposing revised maritime borders with Lithuania and Finland in the Baltic Sea sparked concern in the region.

The Lithuanian foreign ministry said it was a calculated provocation designed to intimidate neighboring countries.

"This is further proof that Russia's aggressive and revisionist policy is a threat to the security of neighbouring countries and Europe as a whole," the department's statement said, per Lithuanian National Radio and Television.

Russian border guards last week also removed around 24 of 50 buoys that mark shipping routes on the Narva River  which marks the border with Russia  in an incident that EU High Representative Josep Borrell labeled "unacceptable."

The Institute for the Study of War think tank said the move "set conditions to further question maritime borders and test NATO resolve."

Some officials have warned that Russia may launch an attack on NATO within the next few years.

Troels Lund Poulsen, the Danish defense minister, told the Jyllands-Posten newspaper in February: "It cannot be ruled out that within a three- to five-year period, Russia will test Article 5 and NATO's solidarity. That was not NATO's assessment in 2023. This is new knowledge that is coming to the fore now," per Reuters.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told Der Tagesspiegel in January that while he didn't expect a Russian attack on Nato "for now," it could be possible within "a period of five to eight years."

However, some experts have said that Russia is in no position to make such a move, particularly after being weakened by the Ukraine conflict.

Putin himself said in March that he doesn't intend to attack any NATO members, saying such claims were "complete nonsense."

"The threat posed by Russia to NATO is unlikely to be an invasion; it's more likely to come from a range of other military and nonmilitary threats  what are often called hybrid threats," Ruth Deyermond, an expert on the Russian military at King's College London, previously told BI.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Boeing whistleblower reveals hes always looking in his rearview mirror to check hes not being followed

The newest Spirit AeroSystems whistleblower has dismissed conspiracy theories about two other whistleblowers who died shortly after coming forward with claims of safety issues at Boeing suppliers, but admitted hes remaining vigilant about his own safety.

Santiago Paredes, 40, exclusively spoke to The Independent just before he attended the celebration of life for his former coworker, friend and fellow whistleblower Joshua Dean, who died 30 April at the age of 45 after battling a sudden illness. Deans death came weeks after another Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett, died by suicide in March.

This week it was revealed that Barnetts suicide note included the lines I pray Boeing pays and Whistleblowers protection is f up too!

Santiago Paredes, on the left, shortly before the memorial for his friend and fellow Spirit AeroSystems whistleblower Joshua Dean (Sheila Flynn for The Independent)

When asked about wildfire rumours regarding whether something nefarious happened to the men after speaking out, Paredes said: I dont think so.

But, you know, Im always looking behind my mirror to make sure nobodys cars following me, he said.

Im not saying that Im scared, but at the same time, I cant put a blind eye to the reality of what could be. I have to prepare myself for that.

The Spirit AeroSystems sign is seen, July 25, 2013, in Wichita, Kansas (Mike Hutmacher/The Wichita Eagle via AP)

Paredes spent more than a decade as an inspector and team leader at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems before leaving in 2022 after repeatedly issuing warnings to superiors about quality control failings  which at one point resulted in his demotion, he says. Spirit AeroSystems  not to be confused with Spirit Airlines  manufactures plane components, including fuselages and wing parts, and Boeing is its largest customer.

The safety of Boeings 737 Max 9 planes came under scrutiny after a door plug blew off in mid-air during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. The FAA grounded all all 171 MAX 9 jets and instigated an investigation; multiple whistleblowers have come forward to reveal their concerning experiences at Boeing and its manufacturing supplier Spirit AeroSystems.

Paredes had been friendly with Dean, an auditor, who contacted him last year and asked him to help with a shareholder lawsuit. Paredes agreed to participate anonymously  but went public with his claims earlier this month after Deans death, revealing that hed been encouraged to play down any defects he found when inspecting plane fuselages.

Im picking up the mantle of where he left off and I have to carry on and see it through, Paredes told The Independent.

Joshua Dean (Supplied)

Both men were represented by lawyer Brian Knowles, who also represented Boeing whistleblower John Barnett  who was found dead by suicide in March.

After Deans death, Paredes said, their lawyer said he felt like we were in a battle and we were losing people.

I was in a place where I started to freak out about what we were doing  if it was even the right thing, Paredes said. Its discouraging to lose people  not just friends, but friends who are with you in this battle.

A married father who now lives and works in Lawrence, Kansas, Paredes said he has been praying about the situation and is bolstered by the support and prayers of his family. His mother has been particularly concerned, he said.

My mom has been scared, he said on Thursday, just as news broke that up to 450 AeroSystems employees in Wichita would be laid off. Ive been like, Nothings going to happen. Its going to be all right. This is something Ive got to do  somebodys gotta do it.

Paredes said hed also been buoyed by the outpouring of support from former coworkers and others within the industry  many of whom expressed their own fears and stories of quality failings.

Santiago Paredes in Wichita, Kansas (Sheila Flynn)

It gives me hope. Im very happy for the support Ive received, Paredes said. I was ready for people to try to discredit me, to say bad things about me  but I wasnt too worried about much, because I know that Ive impacted a lot of people that work there, and Ive encouraged a lot of people that work there.

He said he was hoping the efforts from Barnett, Dean, himself and other whistleblowers will prompt change and safety enhancements.

What I hope happens next is  theyre just honest, he said of his former employers. Look, the first step to making something better is admitting every mistake. Once you admit everything that youve done, and you put a highlight on where the things that are wrong are wrong, you can actually change it.

But right now, youre so busy trying to hide that you cannot correct it  because if you correct it, then its going to highlight that you actually were wrong.
Chinese cups were among the treasures found in the San Jose shipwreck - COLOMBIAN NAVY/REUTERS

Colombias government has begun exploration of an 18th-century Spanish galleon known as the holy grail of shipwrecks.

Remote sensors are being sent to the seabed to compile an inventory of what is on the San Jose galleon, which sank in 1708.

It is estimated that the cargo of gold, silver, and jewellery carried to the Spanish King to finance the war against the British, is worth 16 billion.

The 64-gun and three-masted vessel sank in battle with Britain off Baru Island, south of Cartagena, killing nearly 600 crew members.

Underwater robots have been sent to the seabed to gather more information. Carbon dating of objects already found indicates the vessel is around 300 years old.

With the galleon lying several hundred metres below the sea surface, it is too deep for human exploration.

Cannons that might have been used during the 1708 battle were found during the exploration - REUTERS/COLOMBIAN NAVY

Juan David Correa, Colombias culture minister described the expedition as unprecedented.

He added: We need to stop thinking of this as treasure. Its not treasure in a 19th-century sense.

This is a submerged archaeological heritage and it is of cultural and critical importance for Colombia.

However, the fate of the treasure is mired in litigation.

Claims have been made by Colombia, Spain, Peru, indigenous communities in the area, descendants of miners who dug up the treasure, and Glocca Morra, the treasure hunters which says they found the wreck as far back as 1981.

Colombias claim is based on the discovery of the wreck by its navy  at a different site  in 2015.

Simon Bolivar, the marine research vessel is anchored in Cartagena during phase 1 of the project - RAFAEL BOSSIO/REUTERS

Glocca Morras new owners, Sea Search Armada, insist that the galleon was found within a mile or two of the coordinates of its 1981 discovery.

The company is also challenging a 2020 law that deemed everything on the ship was Colombian government property.

Rahim Moloo, Sea Search Armadas lawyer, said: If Colombia wants to keep everything on the San Jose for itself, it can do so, but it has to compensate our clients for having found it in the first place.

The group is claiming 7.9 billion.

A final decision will rest with an international arbiter in London.

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 Flash

A person walks past a pro-Palestinian encampment at St. George Campus of the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada, on May 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators who have been camped out at the University of Toronto, Canada, for 25 days held a solidarity rally on Monday.

University officials issued a trespass notice on Friday ordering demonstrators to remove the encampment by 8 a.m. Monday, but the student-led demonstrators said they would not leave until their demands were met.

Meric Gertler, president of the University of Toronto, said in an online post on Monday that the university's lawyers served documents seeking an injunction order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and asked the court for an expedited case conference for scheduling.

Protesters and their supporters, including some university faculty and staff and members of the Ontario Federation of Labour, were holding a rally when Gertler's statement was posted online.

Sara Rasikh, one of the spokespeople for the demonstration, told the crowd that protesters tried for months to get the university to listen to their demands, but only received acknowledgment after setting up the encampment.

"The university has made it clear they want to clear this encampment, they have issued us a trespass notice and now an injunction, and the reason for this is because the people's strength is threatening to them. It is threatening to the legitimacy of this institution," said Rasikh.

Organizers called on the university to cut its ties with Israel, divest from companies profiting from Israel's offensive in Gaza, and terminate partnerships with the country's academic institutions deemed complicit in the war.
MAI MAHIU, Kenya (WRBL)  Devastating floods have swept away bridges, flooded homes and destroyed property in Kenyas Great Rift Valley. Columbus locals took a 16-hour flight to Kenya to help those impacted.

According to members of the trip coordinated by Tony and Nicole Mane and led by St. Lukes Church, it was heartbreaking to see the destruction.

To see land that was once houses, once businesses, once farmland, once childrens playgrounds, once a school  words cant explain, said Dewayne Webb of All About Fitness Family, one of 12 individuals on the mission.

The team has spent more than a week in Kenya helping to deliver beds and food, offering nutritional advice and making time to read, play and pray with local children.

DONATE: Local nonprofit begins collecting school supplies for July giveaway

Their efforts focused on the more than 500 children in Naomis Village Childrens Home and Cornerstone Preparatory Academy. Most of those children are housed at the organizations, however a May 3 flood forced those at Naomis Village to relocate to Cornerstone Prep nearly three miles away.

Columbus mission trip members who originally planned to stay at Naomis Village also had to change plans and stay at Cornerstone Prep.

According to Webb, the area is known to have cyclical droughts, high unemployment, low crop yields and a lack of infrastructure. He said while crime has been reduced locally and health resources have improved, there is still work to be done.

Part of Webbs role on the trip was to organize a fitness day for children in the programs at Naomis Village and Cornerstone Prep. He coordinated a sports day fitness circuit for about 100 children, including competitions to distinguish the strongest boy and girl.

The team aimed to help more than 500 students at Naomis Village and Cornerstone Prep. (Dewayne Webb)

Team members helped deliver and set up bunk beds. (Dewayne Webb)

Dewayne Webb reads to students in Kenyas Great Rift Valley. (Dewayne Webb)

One of the things that Im going to take back is, its not always as bad as it seems, Webb said. Even in the midst of devastation, the human heart, the human factor, the will to get up, to stand up and restart is what Im going to take back.

Although the team returns to Columbus this week, members of All About Fitness will help more international communities. They will travel to Ecuador and Honduras later this summer. A mission trip to Israel was cancelled due to the ongoing war.

Its worth it: Grandmother of four stays healthy at women-owned gym

Webb added the trip to Kenya left him feeling grateful because in the blink of an eye, [or] the flash of a flood, it could be gone.

Locals looking to get involved can still contribute without going on a mission trip, according to Webb. He encouraged community members to donate their time, money, prayers and/or supplies to ongoing local efforts.

The Columbus area is home to nonprofit initiatives like Feeding the Valley Food Bank, WILD Outdoor Learning Center, Easterseals West Georgia, the National Infantry Foundation and more. All About Fitness and its partners are currently running a school supply drive for elementary- and middle-school aged students.

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 WRBL.
PANAMA CITY  Local law enforcement officials recently offered a free opportunity for residents to become more proficient with firearms.

To help people learn more about guns and practice shooting, the Bay County Sheriff's Office held two gun safety classes on May 18. The first was a beginner class from 9 a.m. to noon, and the second was an intermediate class from 1 to 4 p.m. Both were only for handguns, and they were held at the Campflower Road Gun Range.

I was one of about a dozen people who attended the intermediate class.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office offered two free gun safety classes on May 18 to help local residents become more proficient with firearms.

Though my experience shooting pistols is fairly minimal, really having shot them only a couple handfuls of times, I felt that if I were going to participate in the class, I wanted to get the most out of the experience. So I opted for the "intermediate" class.

I own a Stoeger STR-9SC, a subcompact 9-mm pistol, that I got a few months ago after trading in a Kahr cm45 to C&G Sporting Goods in Panama City. I had not yet gotten a chance to shoot it, so I figured the BCSO event would be the perfect opportunity to break it in.

I brought with me to the class the Stoeger, three magazines ranging from 10- to 13-round capacities, about 150 rounds of Fiocchi Range Dynamics 115 grain 9-mm ammo and eye and ear protection.

When I arrived at the range, which was somewhat secluded down a windy dirt road, I was welcomed by former Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen, retired BCSO Maj. Greg Peel and Jacob Cook, assistant state attorney for the 14th Judicial Circuit.

Of the dozen people who showed up for the intermediate class, more than half were women. The class started with an approximately 30-minute presentation from Cook, who walked us through some legal aspects of gun ownership.

Knowing the law

BCSO offers these classes about every other month, and they were created in the wake of HB 643, which went into effect in July 2023 and eliminated licensing requirements to carry a concealed weapon or firearm in most public places across the state.

There are some key differences gun owners should know when carrying a firearm under HB 643 compared with a traditional concealed carry permit. One is that those with a concealed carry permit do not have a three-day wait period when purchasing a gun, while those who carry under HB 643 still do.

Another is that HB 643 does not grant reciprocity with other states like a concealed carry permit does, meaning gun owners who carry just because the bill says they can might not be able to legally travel with their concealed weapon into other states.

The class also highlighted that Florida is a stand-your-ground state, allowing legal gun owners to defend themselves with deadly force in any place they are legally allowed to be, as long as they have a reasonable fear of eminent death or great bodily harm.

Some basic practice shooting

During the class, participants took turns individually shooting on the range under the guidance of McKeithen or Peel. We first shot targets from 7 yards, and our goal was to maintain the tightest bullet pattern possible.

Some participants of the free gun safety course offered on May 18 by the Bay County Sheriff's Office line up on the range and prepare to shoot.

Partnered with McKeithen, I managed to land the majority of rounds center mass, with only a few drifting outside the portion of target he described as "the donut."

From there, we took turns shooting six metal knock-down targets from about 10 yards away. Missing a few shots, I managed to knock down all of the targets, and they were then reset with a pulley system for the next person.

Running through a home invasion

After everyone completed both drills, we navigated one by one through a "shoot house." The structure featured multiple rooms, some of which had targets displayed on the walls. Our mission was to sweep the house and eliminate all threats.

Before we entered, McKeithen set the scene. He said the situation was a home invasion, and our job was to shoot threats, not friendlies.

He then put us in the front seat of his patrol vehicle, sounded its sirens, slammed the door and started banging on the hood, screaming for help. This added a sense of urgency to the situation that I was not expecting.

I then hopped out of the vehicle, grabbed my pistol from Peel, and with McKeithen walking behind me, entered the house. Even though it was just a drill and I didn't feel particularly nervous, the noise of the sirens and McKeithen walking behind me yelling "help me, help me" did make it harder to focus.

And to be honest, in the heat of everything, I completely forgot about there being "friendlies." Around each corner where there was a target, I shot, only realizing after that I had mistakenly shot both a target of a police officer, and a target of an intruder holding only a drill.

Local event: Bay County Sheriff's Office offers its next free gun safety classes on May 18

Though someone with a drill might be threatening, McKeithen cautioned me that they might not pose enough of a threat to be able to justify before a jury using deadly force.

For me, the shoot house proved just how difficult it might be for anyone, especially an average person and journalist, to make sound decisions in a potentially life-or-death situation.

A free concealed carry permit course

After the gun safety class, those who were interested were offered a free concealed carry permit course overseen by Peel.

Four of us stayed, and the course covered a variety of topics, including how guns should always be pointed in a safe direction, how they should always be stored so they are not accessible to unauthorized people and how carelessness is one of the major causes of gun accidents.

Going into BCSO's gun safety class, I didn't really know what to expect, but I'm thankful for the experience. It showed me how gun ownership comes with the responsibility of knowing how to properly use a firearm, as well as knowing when it is legal to use one in self defense.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: First-person account: Bay County sheriff's gun-safety class
Demolition crews have yet to arrive at Logan Correctional Center, but the funding for their work could be approved in coming days pending action by the Illinois General Assembly.

Tucked into the budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year and at the behest of Gov. JB Pritzker is just under $1 billion in capital construction funds to cover demolition and reconstruction expenses for both Logan and Stateville Correctional Center in suburban Chicago.

More: Grocery tax eliminated under $53.1 billion budget approved by Illinois Senate

Pritzker announced the multi-year project, $900 million proposal in March when it was unclear whether Logan would be rebuilt on the grounds. Since then, the Illinois Department of Corrections released a plan to move the women's prison in Lincoln to Stateville  drawing the ire of local officials.

Logan Correctional Center, one of only two prisons for women in Illinois, is slated for closure and rebuilding  possibly from Lincoln to the Chicago suburb of Crest Hill  under a plan from Gov. JB Pritzkers administration.

While there is consensus regarding the need for demolition, concern lies for what it means for inmates' families and the more than 450 workers staffing the prison.

IDOC Acting Director Latoya Hughes contended during a Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability meeting on May 10 that no workers should worry about losing their jobs. Data from the department suggests there will be approximately 850 positions available corrections facilities within a 90-mile radius of Logan during the course of demolition.

The plan is to keep Logan open as long as possible to mitigate the impacts of its closure. The bicameral commission, composed of Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike, is expected to issue a non-binding ruling on the proposed demolition in June.

Still, as Logan County Board chairman Emily Davenport states, where those openings are do not include local facilities such as Decatur, Jacksonville and Taylorville. And with the recent partial prison closures in Pontiac and Vandalia, she is not assured that 850 job openings will remain once the demolition and rebuild is completed in the next three to five years.

"Kids are enrolled in schools, you know, families have planted roots in their community  they don't want to move," she said during a virtual meeting recently. "These reasons alone would make transferring to another facility really hard or impossible not to mention costly."

Pritzker: Demolition is necessary

Logan County itself has already been hampered economically, including the closure of Lincoln Christian University, and local officials see the proposed plan to demolish and move the sole women's holding facility to Stateville as another hit.

More: 'Pain, grief, with a sense of joy and unity': Lincoln Christian University says goodbye

Both Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, and Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, see the move through that lens, Morton noting the vastly different economic conditions between Will and Logan counties. A study conducted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in April found a projected economic impact of $61 million on the county.

"It's just doesn't make an impact into that area at all," he said, his district including part of northeastern Sangamon County. "But to us, it is I mean it's massive."

Illinois State Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason (left) and Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, have called the proposed demolition of the Logan Correctional Center "devastating and infuriating" seen here on the House floor in the Illinois State Capitol on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Tying economic growth to a state-run prison, however, isn't supported by the governor.

"And I think that really is the future for most places across the state, to not rely upon a state-run facility thats a prison, Pritzker said at an unrelated May event in Bloomington. That cant be a great economic growth strategy for the area.

Union pushback, namely AFSCME Council 31, has also been seen so far but the governor is adamant that his proposal moves forward. Pritzker has said the issue has been pushed back for too long and, with the financial means to do so, demolition should be imminent.

He and other proponents of demolition point to a state-commissioned report from CGL Companies as evidence for its need. The year-old report described the facility, opening in the 1870's as the Illinois Asylum for Feeble-Minded Children, as "inefficient, ineffective, and unsuitable for any population" with $116 million in deferred maintenance. State prisons overall face $2.5 billion in deferred maintenance per the report.

The governor's office estimates the demolition and rebuild will save the state approximately $34 million in annual operations savings through decreased overtime, maintenance and utility costs on the facilities.

In the short-term, however, the corrections department projects it will cost $7 million to place inmates in new facilities when the demolition begins at Logan and Stateville.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Demolition for Logan Correctional Center included in state budget plan
PROVIDENCE  Teenagers horsing around. An uncle's unlocked gun. A young life is taken in Johnston.

The shooting death of 16-year-old Dillon Viens in February 2022 was not the only potentially preventable tragedy that led the Rhode Island House on Tuesday to vote 45-to-23 for legislation requiring firearms be placed in locked storage while not in use.

But it took years for safe-storage legislation to get this far, with the legislation now headed to the Senate for final votes.

Gun-rights lobbyists objected to any new firearm requirements during a series of State House hearings over the last four years. A few fretted over the potential delay in getting their hands on their guns in the event their homes are broken into. Others dared authorities to come after them.

They were successful, until this year, in blocking the safe-storage requirement recommended by a 2018 gun safety task force and then introduced, year after year, since at least 2021.

And their arguments were echoed by House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale  and other House Republicans, including U.S. Senate candidate Patricia Morgan  during the House debate.

Calling the bill "outrageous," Chippendale said it "renders private firearm ownership for self-defense and defense of your loved ones in your home absolutely worthless."

"I'm here to tell you those seconds will make a big difference when I'm trying to defend my family and I cannot get to my safe or find the key to my safe or forget the password because I'm under pressure because there's a maniac trying to kill my children," Chippendale said.

While the tiny, outnumbered GOP bloc led the opposition, Democratic Rep. Camille Vella-Wilkinson recounted an attempted break-in while she lived out-of-state that, she said, she halted by "putting a shell into my Mossberg and pumping it at the door so the would be intruders could hear it and telling them that if they came through they were going to leave with two butt holes.

"That kept me safe," she said.

But Dillon Viens' grieving mother, Rhonda Brewster, was one of the voices that finally prevailed as the bill moved from State House hearings rooms to House floor:

"Having those weapons available ... and accessible to a teenager who was careless in ... parading the guns around and showing them off to his friends because he thought that was the right thing to do ... ended in taking a life," she told state lawmakers during an earlier hearing on the proposed new safe-storage law.

Standing on the House floor on Tuesday, ahead of the debate, South Kingstown Councilwoman Patti Alley said passage of the safe-storage mandate would bring something good out of her sister Allyson Dosreis' suicide by gun, in 2020, with her partner's unlocked gun.

"Even though it'll never bring my sister back [it] gives me the hope that all of this wasn't in vain and that this will prevent another family, another community ... from going through what we went through. Maybe," she said. "Suicide is an impulsive act."

Around 100 gun-rights supporters gather for a rally in the State House rotunda during gun legislation hearings in March.

What does the latest version of the bill do?

Under current Rhode Island law, a gun owner is criminally liable only if a child  someone under 16 years old  gets access to and discharges a gun, causing injury to themselves or others.

Upon conviction, that individual could be fined up to $1,000 and/or imprisoned for up to a year.

The proposed new law requires the "safe storage" of a firearm in a locked container unless it is equipped with a "tamper-resistant mechanical lock" or device that makes the firearm "inoperable by any person other than the owner."

Addressing concerns raised by gun owners, the storage requirement would not apply to a firearm that is "being carried ... or can be readily carried by a lawfully authorized user."

Fines for violations would range from:

$250 for a first offense.

Up to $500 and imprisonment for up to six months for repeat offenses.

The potential penalty doubles for anyone "who knows or reasonably should know'' that someone under age 18 or a person prohibited by law from buying or possessing a gun was likely to gain access.

It goes up to $5,000 and/or five years in prison if that gun was used to commit a crime or cause injury.

Both the House and Senate bills would create exceptions for certain hypothetical cases where, for example, someone barred from having a gun somehow "obtains or obtains and discharges the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of another person."

The arguments:

The Senate passed a slightly different version earlier this year on a mostly party-line vote, with the lead sponsor  Sen. Pam Lauria  calling safe storage a safety precaution that responsible gun owners already take that lowers the risk of injury for children and teens, and helps prevent suicides and gun thefts. (Only two Democrats - one a gun-dealer - joined the five Republicans on the losing side of the 29-to-7 Senate vote.)

The written testimony was salty, deeply partisan, hyperbolic and, at times, anatomical.

Much of the written testimony said the same thing, word-for-word: "Mandatory storage laws do nothing except tip the scales towards criminals in self-defense scenarios where seconds matter. This bill is going to do nothing except create more innocent victims."

But Claudia Townend of Charlestown urged the lawmakers to "have courage" and not "let the bullies with the 'little penis syndrome' push you around."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI gun safe storage requirement gets House approval
Hundreds of US water systems have high levels of 'forever chemicals.' Where in Delaware?

Ever think about what might be in your drinking water? Recently published data shows you probably should.

Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency released data showing that nearly 300 of the country's public drinking water systems had levels of PFAS  often known as "forever chemicals"  higher than allowed under recently-established limits.

Several Delaware water systems, including those in Wilmington, Newark, Smyrna, Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, were included in the list.

The limits were established last month following more than three years of research and planning. In upcoming years, water utility systems will be required to make changes.

THE NEW LIMITS: Delaware water systems don't meet new PFAS standards. Is your water impacted?

What are PFAS?

PFAS, which stands for per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals that have been used in a wide variety of manufacturing processes over the years. They can take hundreds or thousands of years to break down, hence the nickname.

When consumed, the chemicals can potentially cause adverse health impacts and have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible carcinogen."

Elevated levels can lead to increased cholesterol levels and liver problems, and pregnant people exposed to high levels are considered to be at a higher risk of increased blood pressure or pre-eclampsia. They may also result in lower birth weights in newborns.

THE ANALYSIS: Hundreds of drinking water systems exceed new PFAS standards. It could grow to thousands.

How can I see whether my water is affected?

USA Today has created a searchable map that shows where higher-than-allowed levels were found.

While the map color-codes city limits, keep in mind that certain cities, such as Wilmington, provide water to unincorporated areas (such as Talleyville or Brandywine Hundred).

One Delaware water system has nearly 5x the allowable levels

Veolia Water, the largest private operator of water services in the U.S., has a Delaware system with nearly five times the allowable level of PFOA, one of the most studied "forever chemicals."

So what is it doing to mitigate these test results?

According to Michael Bard, manager of communications and community relations at Veolia North America, the company has been proactive about addressing PFAS in several states over the last several years. In Delaware specifically, the company is building a new treatment facility that will have 42 carbon filters.

The filters treat PFAS, reducing them to nondetectable levels.

Bard said the facility is expected to be fully operational by early 2025, adding that the water provider anticipates no challenges in complying with the EPAs rules by 2029  the date water systems have to comply with the new standards.

Workers build a new PFAS treatment facility at Veolia North Americas Stanton Water Treatment Plant near Newport on May 15, 2024.

Given the regulations, we know that a lot of water systems are probably going to be looking for similar technologies, Bard said. We were very proactive in the procurement process and in thinking about supply chains, sourcing and securing those materials.

The costs associated with the PFAS treatment project will likely be recovered by raising customer rates, Bard said.

The cost of doing nothing is going to be far worse than the cost of doing something about this, said Adam Lisberg, senior vice president of communications in Veolias municipal water division. Nobody likes to pay more, but people want to know that they can have confidence in their water.

USA Today reporters Austin Fast and Cecilia Garzella contributed to this report. Delaware Online/The News Journal reporter Molly McVety also contributed.

Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on X at @izzihughes_

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: These Delaware water systems have higher-than-allowable levels of PFAS
Nubank is taking its first tentative steps into the mobile network realm, as the NYSE-traded Brazilian neobank rolls out an eSIM (embedded SIM) service for travelers. The service will give customers access to 10GB of free roaming internet in more than 40 countries without having to switch out their own existing physical SIM card or eSIM.

The launch comes shortly after news first emerged that Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) had quietly greenlit plans for Nubank to become a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in partnership with wireless giant Claro. While that plan remains in the early stages and Nubank hasn't confirmed any of the launch details (the company also declined to comment for this article), we can now confirm that it's at least tiptoeing into the mobile network sphere -- a growing trend within the fintech fraternity.

Nubank CEO and co-founder David Velez and colleagues mark the company's debut on the New York Stock Exchange in December, 2021

From neobanks to neo-MVNOs

Neobanks -- a new breed of financial institution that serve as digital-native challengers to established banking incumbents -- follow in the footsteps of traditional banks by offering ancillary services to target new customers, such as budgeting tools, data and spending insights, and easy access to the stock market. While neobanks have surged in popularity, so has the MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) market, driven by the rise of eSIM, the cloud and the proliferation of third-party software that makes all-digital distribution strategies a cinch.

Nubank sits at the intersection of these trends.

The 10-year-old Brazilian company has been on a tear of late, its valuation surging by around 170% in the past year and hitting an all-time high of $58 billion in March. The company swung from a $9 million net loss in 2022 to a $1 billion net profit last year, a trend that's continuing into 2024 with record revenues in Q1 and its net profit more than doubling on the previous year's corresponding period. Nubank also passed 100 million customers across its core markets of Brazil, Mexico and Colombia, where it operates a range of services including bank accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance, investments and -- now -- a mobile data service for travelers.

The new service is aimed at customers of Nubank Ultravioleta, a premium subscription it launched three years ago with bundled benefits such as insurance, higher credit limits, cashback, family accounts and more.

Last month, Nubank revealed it was entering the travel sector with the impending launch of a new "global account," partnering with European fintech Wise to offer Ultravioleta subscribers low-fee international money transfers. As part of this, the company is now launching an eSIM service for those with compatible smartphones, with 10GB of data for travelers in the U.S., Latin America and Europe. The eSIM is activated through the Nubank app, with the underlying infrastructure powered by Gigs, a platform that gives budding mobile network providers everything they need through a single API -- basically what Stripe has been doing in finance, but for mobile phone plans.

Gigs is backed by the likes of Googles early-stage venture capital arm Gradient Ventures and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

"Bundling mobile plans represents a powerful lever for neobanks to turn irregular users into monthly paying subscribers, encourage upgrades to premium features, and create an ecosystem where banking acts as a hub for multiple value-added services," Gigs co-founder and CEO Hermann Frank told TechCrunch.

Activating eSIM in the Nubank app

Nubank's launch echoes moves elsewhere in the fintech fray. In February, Revolut -- a $25 billion U.K. neobank -- launched a similar eSIM service for premium subscribers. And last year, Indian neobank Zolve also added mobile networks to its arsenal of services so immigrants can not only have their banking set up before arriving in the U.S., but have a mobile service ready to go on arrival too.

This highlights the synergies between financial services and mobile communications -- both are essential for people to function today, but both traditionally have similar hurdles, particularly for those arriving in a country for the first time. We've seen carriers launching banking services as T-Mobile has done in the U.S. with T-Mobile Money, while traditional banks have gone in the other direction too, evidenced by Brazil's Banco Inter and Standard Bank in South Africa, both of which have launched their own MVNO services.

"Our bank interaction today is already focused on our mobile number, either for banking itself or for security checks," Allan T. Rasmussen, a telecoms industry consultant, analyst and MVNO specialist explained to TechCrunch. "Mobile operators are moving in on the banking business, trying to become banks themselves, and traditional banks and fintechs are doing the same by becoming MVNOs."

Revolut's eSIM service

But neobanks, in particular, are synergistic with MVNOs: They are both "virtual," with technology playing a big part in their respective offerings, often only with online support and account access. They are also both marketed as having lower overheads, which gives them greater agility and the ability to offer lower prices versus the incumbents. And as we've seen with Revolut and now Nubank, eSIM is driving this cross-pollination further, as they jostle for mindshare, revenue and access to customer data and touch points.

"To be successful as an MVNO, you need a distribution channel -- thats the first test of your pitch to an operator," James Gray, managing director at telecom industry consultancy Graystone Strategy, told TechCrunch. "Banks already have this with high street banking or through websites and apps. However, the recent move from Revolut -- and I suspect other neobanks in the future -- is interesting because these are not traditional organizations. Their whole remit is to challenge the status quo and they are doing this very successfully in banking, so why not a banking telecoms fusion? They have the channels and the brand pull."

MVN... no?

One small catch: The neobanks aren't actually positioning themselves as MVNOs with their new travel eSIM services. A Revolut spokesperson told TechCrunch in February, "Revolut is not becoming an MVNO but has partnered with 1Global, which brings together many MVNO and roaming access agreements into a single network to create a global footprint of the best carriers."

MVNOs are independent mobile services built atop carriers infrastructure, and there are many different mobile virtual network enablers (MVNEs) and aggregators (MVNAs) out there (like 1Global) that help companies launch mobile networks, taking care of SIM provisioning, billing and the like. Although Revolut doesn't offer voice and SMS, or allocate a phone number, it still leans on carrier infrastructure via an MVNE to offer an own-brand mobile data service, which sounds a lot like Revolut becoming an MVNO.

But calling itself an MVNO could invite extra regulatory oversight. Although banks are already tightly regulated as financial institutions, being classed as a telecommunications company would likely usher in further regulatory obligations. This is something we're seeing play out right now in the U.S., with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) trying to determine whether connected cars should be classed as MVNOs, following a New York Times report into how connected cars are being used by abusive partners to track their victims.

While Nubank is indeed preparing to launch an MVNO service in its domestic Brazil, its travel eSIM service is more straightforward to bring to market due to its partnership with Gigs, as that partner assumes all the regulatory compliance complexities that come with the territory.

"Telecom is a highly regulated industry across all countries, and a key part of Gigs end-to-end value proposition is that we abstract away all regulatory complexity for our customers," Frank said. "To do so, Gigs almost always acts as the licensed carrier of record, which means the burden of compliance falls on Gigs and not with our customers. This allows our customers to launch their own mobile service, without legally becoming a provider in a regulated industry."
North Korea warns denuclearization will bring hastened war in possible message to Beijing

North Korea issued a response to a trilateral summit between South Korea, Japan and China on Monday, warning that any efforts to interfere with its nuclear weapons program would lead to "hastened war." Photo courtesy of South Korean President's office

SEOUL, May 28 (UPI) -- North Korea angrily responded to a trilateral summit by South Korea, Japan and China, calling it a "grave political provocation" that would speed up a military confrontation, in a message that Seoul speculated Tuesday is directed toward the North's closest ally, Beijing.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang held the summit in Seoul on Monday and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

"If anyone tries to deny or violate the constitutional position of our country as a nuclear weapons state ... it will be regarded as the most serious infringement upon sovereignty," the North Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted hours after the summit.

The North's statement cited the trilateral summit and called its discussion of denuclearization "a blatant challenge to the sovereignty of the DPRK and wanton interference in its internal affairs."

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

"Denuclearization on the Korean peninsula means a power vacuum and hastened war," the statement, carried by Korean Central News Agency, said.

The summit, the first in more than four years among the Northeast Asian neighbors, stopped short of explicitly calling for the North to abandon its nuclear weapons program.

"We reiterated positions on regional peace and stability, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the abductions issue, respectively," the joint statement said.

South Korea's Unification Ministry, which oversees inter-Korean affairs, suggested Tuesday the isolated regime was signaling its displeasure with Beijing, its main ally and chief trade partner.

"Though the North's rebukes were focused on the South, it was rare for North Korea to publicly denounce a (diplomatic) meeting attended by China," a ministry official told local reporters on the condition of anonymity, according to news agency Yonhap.

China has not overtly supported the North's nuclear weapons program but is widely believed by international observers to be helping Pyongyang skirt punishing economic sanctions.

At the same time, Beijing has not thrown its full weight behind a burgeoning alliance between North Korea and Russia that the United States and allies claim is resulting in weapons sales and technology transfers.

North Korea's strong reaction "clearly shows that the joint declaration of the ROK-Japan-China summit was meaningful," a South Korean foreign ministry spokesman said Tuesday.

"As confirmed by numerous U.N. Security Council resolutions, North Korea's complete abandonment of nuclear weapons and its denuclearization are the consensus and unified goal of the international community," ministry spokesman Lim Soo-suk said at a press briefing.

"North Korea will never be recognized as having nuclear weapons," Lim added. "Recognizing that North Korea's nuclear and missile development will only undermine its own security and economic development, we urge North Korea to return to the path of denuclearization as soon as possible."

North Korea also attempted to place a reconnaissance satellite into orbit on Monday hours after the summit, in defiance of international warnings and in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The launch failed when a newly developed rocket engine exploded in flight.
Defence officials in Poland have presented a plan to strengthen security on the country's border with Belarus.

The plan involves beefing up anti-drone surveillance and on-ground military defence through a system of fortifications and barriers along about 700 kilometres of its eastern border with the Russian ally.

Poland, which supports Ukraine against Moscow's full-scale invasion, is being targeted by hostile actions from Russia and Belarus, according to Warsaw. They include cyberattacks, attempted arson and pushing migrants illegally across the border, which officials describe as intended to destabilise the European Union.

The Polish government is also preparing for possible military attack while stressing the primary role of deterrence.

On Saturday, Polands airforce scrambled jets to protect the country's airspace from Russian missiles targeting western Ukraine.

Poland's Shield East

Prime minister Donald Tusk has announced more than 2.3 billion investment in strengthening the eastern border with a system known as Shield East, set to be completed in 2028. Work on it has started, officials said.

The goal of the shield is to protect the territory of Poland, hamper the mobility of our adversary's troops while making such mobility easier for our own troops and to protect civilians, defence minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said at a news conference.

Polish armed forces' Chief of Staff. Gen Wieslaw Kukula and Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk speak about Poland's defence in Warsaw, Poland, Monday, May, 27, 2024, - Associated Press

He stressed Poland had started the biggest programme to strengthen NATO's eastern flank since the end of World War II in 1945.

Officials said Shield East will form part of a regional defence infrastructure built jointly with the Baltic states  Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia  also on NATO's eastern flank.

Funding will come from government, as Poland spends over 4% of its GDP on defence, but help will also be sought from the EU because the system will also strengthen the eastern border of the 27-member bloc, they said.

Some observers noted that the much-publicised presentation came two weeks ahead of elections to the European Parliament, and could be partly seen as a part of a campaign to boost support for the government that took office in December.

Polands previous right-wing government built a 368 million wall on the border with Belarus to halt a massive inflow of migrants that were pushed from that direction in 2021.

The current pro-EU government says that the wall also needs to be strengthened.

The three Baltic states were once part of the Soviet Union, while Poland was a satellite state before the 1990s. Moscow still regards the area as within its sphere of interest.
School superintendent candidate says he has backbone needed to lead K-12 schools

Jason Heitkamp, a former state senator running for superintendent of public instruction, stands in Memorial Hall at the North Dakota Capitol on May 23, 2024. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

Jason Heitkamp, a candidate for superintendent of public instruction, is dead-set on ending public schools reliance on property taxes.

His argument: the North Dakota Constitution says the legislative assembly shall provide for a uniform system of free public schools throughout the state.

The way Heitkamp reads it, its the states job to fund schools  not the responsibility of local governments.

The former state senator acknowledged that the state superintendent, an administrative role, doesnt have the authority to change the states tax structure. But hes hopeful the office will give him the sway needed to get it done.

Right now, school districts are required to levy a property tax to fund education. That amount is supplemented by the state.

To me, thats unconstitutional, Heitkamp said.

On the whole, the state covers about 70% of educational costs while local property taxes support another 23%, according to data published by the State Department of Public Instruction. The rest is covered by other revenue sources.

Heitkamp said, if elected, he would push the Legislature to make public schools fully funded by the state.

Either that, or hell pursue legal action through the North Dakota courts.

Because then I will have the budget I need to go to the Supreme Court, Heitkamp said.

Heitkamp is the only candidate for state superintendent who hasnt worked in education in some way, shape or form. Hes worked a host of different jobs, including as a financial adviser, farmer, truck driver, insurance salesman and emergency medical technician.

The Wyndmere resident is not new to elected office, however. He served as a Republican state senator for District 26 from 2021-2022. During the 2021 legislative session, he introduced legislation to change school funding, which died in the Senate.

In 2022, he ran for District 25 of the House of Representatives, losing the Republican primary to Cindy Schreiber-Beck and Kathy Skroch.

He has previously served on the Richland County Commission, Bottineau City Council and Prairie Rose City Council.

Originally, Heitkamp was going to run this year for reelection to the Richland County Commission and prepare for his own retirement.

He decided to enter the race for superintendent out of frustration with the state of public schools, as well as frustration from watching North Dakotans struggle to keep up with rising property taxes.

Theres nobody in this race that I feel has the backbone to do what needs to be done, he said.

Heitkamp said incumbent Kirsten Baesler, who has been superintendent for over a decade, hasnt taken bold enough action to address persistent issues like lagging student test scores and teacher pay.

Theres no progress being made, he said.

Another candidate for superintendent of public instruction, Jim Bartlett, has invoked the state constitution frequently in his campaign  not unlike Heitkamp.

In contrast to Heitkamp, however, Bartletts platform is faith-heavy, and argues that the constitution instructs the public school system to frame education around Christian ideas.

Heitkamp said he supports keeping the public school system secular, and criticized Bartletts interpretation of the constitution as incorrect.

Hes not talking about following the constitution, Heitkamp said. Hes talking about following the Ten Commandments.

According to Heitkamp, even if local school districts lose the authority to tax, they should have control over who they hire and what they teach.

When asked how he felt about school choice  the idea that the state should financially support alternatives to standard public K-12 education, potentially through a voucher system  Heitkamp said he didnt have a strong opinion.

In this role, I want to do what the Legislature wants me to do, I want to do what the school boards ask, he said. I dont think its up to me to give that answer about how I feel about vouchers because to me, I want the kids to have the best education.

While superintendent is a nonpartisan role, some candidates seek letters of support from political parties. Both incumbent Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and candidate Jim Bartlett sought endorsements at the North Dakota Republican Party Convention in April, for example. The delegation ultimately chose to support Bartlett.

Heitkamp said he didnt seek an endorsement from either group. Though he served in the Legislature as a Republican, he considers himself an independent.

I work with both sides, he said.

A fourth candidate, Darko Draganic, also filed to join the superintendent race. In a January interview with the North Dakota Monitor, Draganic described himself as a former higher ed administrator who hopes to increase teacher pay, college readiness and graduation rates.

Draganic did not return requests for a follow-up interview.

The four candidates will face off in the primary on June 11. The two who receive the most votes will advance to the general election in November.

The post School superintendent candidate says he has backbone needed to lead K-12 schools appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
At least 1 killed as storms and winds knock out power across Texas communities and flood roadways

At least one person has been killed and more than 600,000 customers in Texas remained without power Tuesday night as powerful storms delivered another round of violent weather to a state still reeling from an almost unrelenting parade of destructive and deadly storms in recent weeks.

Storms unloaded hurricane-force wind gusts across the Dallas area Tuesday and later tore through Houston in the afternoon, where the citys George Bush Intercontinental Airport recorded a wind gust of 75 mph.

Roughly 40 miles northwest of Houston, one person died after a house under construction collapsed in a subdivision in Magnolia, the citys fire officials said. The victim  described as a juvenile male by the Magnolia Fire Department  was removed from a debris pile by firefighters and pronounced dead.

Magnolia Fire Department Division Chief Jason Herrman confirmed to CNN the homes collapse was related to a Tuesday thunderstorm with significant winds.

Videos captured across Houston and Dallas communities revealed scenes of disaster and flooding Tuesday. Footage from north Dallas obtained by CNN showed multiple cars stranded in a flooded roadway, surrounded by frequent lightning as the rain continued. In other communities, powerful winds ripped out trees and forced them onto homes and knocked down neighborhood fences, leaving communities in disarray.

Multiple vehicles were stranded in flood waters in North Dallas Tuesday. - Michael Beard/LSM

The power outages started to ramp up early Tuesday morning in the Dallas area, then extended south with the storms as they roared across the state, according to PowerOutage.us. Hundreds of thousands of outages were in Dallas County, where officials issued a disaster declaration and warned outages could last for days.

READ: White House announcing action to modernize electric grid and pave the way for fewer outages

These storms have arrived even as some residents are still mourning at least seven people killed in the state during violent storms over Memorial Day weekend. In total, at least two dozen people, including four children, were killed across six states as storms hit the central US over the holiday period, and several communities are grappling with significant losses of homes and businesses.

Sunday was the busiest severe weather day of the year so far, with more than 600 reports of strong winds or hail across more than 20 states, including gusts over 75 mph and hail the size of softballs. Twenty-six tornado reports also were made in 10 states. Storms turned homes and businesses into piles of rubble, flung cars and brought down power lines.

Parts of Texas and extreme western Louisiana faced Tuesdays most serious threat of severe weather. Large hail, lightning and wind gusts as strong as 80 mph were the main threats with any storm. A few tornadoes were also possible, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather also spelled misery for hundreds of travelers. More than 600 flights flying in and out of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and the Dallas Love Field Airport have been canceled  and more than 900 flights in and out of the two airports have been delayed, according to FlightAware data.

More than 75 flights in and out of Houstons William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport have been canceled, while more than 530 have been delayed.

Power outages could last days in Dallas

It could take days to fully restore power in the Dallas-Fort Worth area after violent storms unleashed hurricane-force wind gusts Tuesday morning. Dallas is the second major Texas city to have critical power infrastructure damaged by severe weather in less than two weeks.

This, unfortunately, will be a multi-day power outage situation, similar to the one that (occurred) in Harris County and Houston, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins cautioned during a news conference Tuesday.

A derecho and tornado in mid-May blasted 100 mph wind gusts through the Houston metro, killing multiple people and knocking out power for days.

Storm damage is seen in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, area on May 28, 2024. - KTVT

The full extent of damage to power infrastructure in the Dallas area is still being assessed, but the current prognosis is concerning, according to Grant Cruise, a spokesperson for Oncor  the states largest utility company.

We did have a significant number of downed lines because of this weather event, Cruise said during Tuesdays news conference. In many cases its not going to be simple repairs, were looking at complete reconstruction for parts of our area.

The storm damage prompted Jenkins to issue a disaster declaration for Dallas County.

The outages come as some Texans head to the polls Tuesday for primary runoff elections. More than a third of Dallas Countys polling places were without power Tuesday afternoon, according to Jenkins.

Summerlike heat will ease in Texas this week, but those left without power or a reliable way to cool down could still face the risk of dangerous heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

CNNs Raja Razek, Gene Norman and and Andy Rose contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Two Missouri lawmakers have shown up at the Trump trial in New York. Heres why.

Rep. Eric Burlison wasnt expected back in Congress until Tuesday. His wife and kids were flying to visit family.

So on a Sunday night, he took a late flight from Missouri to New York City, arrived after midnight, donned his navy suit and red tie so he could stand behind President Donald Trump as he stands trial over whether the former president illegally concealed hush money payments to salvage his 2016 presidential bid.

I wanted to go there because it is an historic moment and also, I wanted to show moral support to a guy that deserves it, Burlison told The Star. I mean, look, a lot of people who have my same political view, a lot of conservatives see him as their fighter.

Hes the one taking the punches for us, he said.

Burlison, who represents the area around Springfield, was the first Missourian in Congress to make the trip. The next day, Sen. Eric Schmitt made the trip  also wearing a navy suit and red tie  and caught the end of the testimony for the final witness in the case.

They joined the daily drumbeat of Republican politicians and Trump hangers-on who have traveled to New York to join the former president in court  and then stand behind him as he speaks to reporters when he leaves the courtroom.

Many Republicans appear eager to put their work aside to support the leader of their party. House Speaker Mike Johnson and potential Trump vice presidential picks like Sens. J.D. Vance and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum have all made the pilgrimage  a demonstration of the partys unwavering commitment to Trump despite a litany of felony charges.

While Trump could potentially face four felony trials  a case in Georgia about election interference, a case in Washington about election interference and a case in Florida about his refusal to hand over classified documents to the National Archives  the trial in New York may be the only one before Election Day.

Schmitt was willing to miss two Senate votes Tuesday during his few hours in New York  both related to the confirmation of a U.S. District Court judge in Arizona. His absence, coupled with Sen. Josh Hawleys absence due to an illness  meant that Missouri had no representation in those votes.

I felt compelled to go, to show him some support, Schmitt said. And then also, as a former prosecutor, Attorney General, I just think the lawfare is very dangerous. So I wanted to go and see it myself and be a witness.

Burlison poured himself a cup of coffee and admitted he was tired the morning after the trip. His train from New York to Washington was also delayed  marking two late nights in a row  and he was at the office early.

Still, he insisted it was worth it to support the former president.

Its a brutal day, Burlison said. Hes being held in these very old, dark, damp rooms. They basically put them in prison each day from the beginning of the day until the day is done. And they dictate when he has to be there when he can go home.

By many accounts, Trump has been treated better than most defendants in a similar position. He was allowed a pause in the trial to attend his sons high school graduation, and the judge has held off jailing him for contempt of court, despite multiple violations of a gag order on him.

Before he went to see Trump, Burlison was speaking to a group in southwestern Missouri called the Southwest Missouri Patriots.

He said they asked him to tell the president we love him, were praying for him, and we got his back.

I specifically said that to him, Burlison said. I said, Mr. President, people in southwest Missouri love you, they pray for you and they they want you to know that theyve got your back.

Burlison said he does not believe that Trump did anything wrong, claiming all the cases brought against the former president are driven by partisan politics. When it was pointed out that a jury would decide whether the claims against Trump were valid, Burlison said he didnt think a jury would vote to convict.

I wouldnt put it past a jury out of New York to be absolutely insane, Burlison said.

Schmitt said the courtroom was a dingy space  its a more than 80 year old building. He sat in the first row and attempted to watch the jury, to see how they were reacting to the testimony of Robert Costello, an attorney and former federal prosecutor.

He, too, criticized the trial as politically motivated.

As somebody who cares about our legal system, I think this is very dangerous and its like a show trial to me. And so speaking out about it, I thought it was a good opportunity to do that.

While serving as Missouri Attorney General, Schmitt helped build his reputation by launching political lawsuits  during his campaign for Senate, Schmitt said it was his job to wake up and sue President Joe Biden.

As to what was with the red ties  nearly every male Republican whos shown up at the trial has worn a red tie  Schmitt claimed he didnt coordinate.

There was no memo on that, Schmitt said. I just happened to grab a red tie, although much has been made about red ties these days. But my wife thinks I look good in the red tie.
The office of the Utah Attorney General at the Capitol in Salt Lake City is pictured on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

A legal secretary for the Utah Attorney Generals Office lost her job after a viral video showed she had tugged down a young womans skirt that she felt was too revealing, touting her position as a state employee as she did so.

According to a termination letter sent to Ida Lorenzo on April 25, obtained through a records request, Lorenzo was informed she had not passed your probationary employment period successfully. The brief letter cited your non-compliance with policies and standards related to performance.

She was charged that same day with sexual battery, a class A misdemeanor. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to a year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine.

Lorenzo had been hired March 4 as a legal secretary, according to KSL.com.

In the video taken April 20 in the lobby of a busy St. George restaurant, which has more than a million views on TikTok and has been shared thousands of times, Lorenzo holds up an employee badge and tells a young woman and her friends I happen to work for the state, and if I have to see your a** cheeks hanging out again, I will call CPS, a reference to Utahs Child Protective Services office.

According to a caption on the video by the person who recorded it, Lorenzo became upset my friend is wearing a mini skirt, so she aggressively yanks it down and says youre probably underage, you probably shouldnt be wearing that then causes a scene in a busy restaurant.

Lorenzo, 48, of Santa Clara, contacted St. George police the next day to report the young woman, who she claimed had no underwear on under her mini skirt and was exposing herself in front of children, and saying she had pulled down the womans skirt to cover her genitalia, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in support of Lorenzos arrest.

Instead, the officer questioned Lorenzo, asking why she had touched the young woman, especially if Lorenzo believed she was a minor.

Police were contacted the next day by the young woman in the video, who reported she had been sexually assaulted, the officer wrote. Seven additional witnesses also spoke to police.

The young woman told the officer Lorenzo approached her while her back was turned to her, and without any notice, or formal warning, she felt cold hands go up her skirt, touching her buttocks before she felt her skirt being pulled on, according to the affidavit.

The officer wrote that he confirmed the woman had been wearing underwear and shorts beneath the skirt, which the woman said would make any inappropriate exposure impossible.

An initial court appearance for Lorenzo is scheduled on June 19.

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The post Utah AG staffer fired after viral skirt-tugging confrontation, record shows appeared first on Utah News Dispatch.
It was the never-ending stream of news content on Edvards Puharts iPhone that propelled him to sign up for military conscription in Latvia.

I was panicked, the 20-year-old told Euronews. I would open my phone and read what was going on in Ukraine and I was stressed thinking that they were going to blow past Ukraine and come into our land.

Puharts registered for Latvias newly re-introduced voluntary military conscription in November 2022, thinking it would calm him about everything that is going on.

Eleven months on, he says its worked.

You start to understand how the army works, what the personnel does. You understand the dynamics of war, he explained. That helped me understand that its not as easy as invading one country through another.

(L-R) Edvards Puharts, Orests Rullis, Gus Petersons. - Supplied

Most important pre-requisite for survival

Puharts is one of around 250 National Armed Forces volunteers who will complete their training on 31 May at the forest-studded Adazi camp north of the Latvian capital, Riga.

Latvia has an on-and-off again relationship with military conscription but recently reimposed the policy due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The small Baltic country was annexed by the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991, and now many in Latvia fear a revisionist Russia.

In July 2022, Latvian lawmakers announced plans to make all men aged 18 to 27 complete 11 months of military training.

Defence Minister Artis Pabriks said on X that Latvia must accept the proposal, likening it to the countrys most important pre-requisite for survival.

The greater the number of military prepared and trained, the less likely it will be that Russia will want to direct its military aggression against Latvia, he wrote in 2022.

Latvia scrapped its decades-old military conscription policy in 2006 after it joined NATO.

One researcher at the Centre for European Policy Analysis argued Riga ditched the policy as membership of the US-led military alliance was particularly reassuring, with NATO's treaty obliging all members to defend one another if attacked.

Things changed with Russias 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which prompted politicians to rethink reimposing the service as a defensive strategy.

Support from the public was also growing. One study found that 60% of respondents found conscription crucial for Latvian defence as the country shares a 200-kilometre border with Russia.

The National Defence Service Act was signed into law by Latvian president Egils Levits in April 2023. It states that male Latvian citizens must be prepared to perform national defence tasks and are liable to complete national defence service. Men and women can also volunteer.

FILE - Latvian President Egils Levits speaks to Latvian troops during his visit to Adazi Military base in Kadaga, Latvia, on March. 8, 2022. - Roman Koksarov/Copyright 2022 The AP. All rights reserved

Toms Rostoks, an associate professor in international relations at the University of Latvia, said that following the renewal of the conscription policy, an influx of volunteers joined the National Guard.

This meant that the government did not need to conscript eligible males, with a "few thousand people joining its ranks", according to him.

Although Rostoks said training recruits has been relatively problem-free, he claimed real challenges will materialise later.

Rostoks suggested that infrastructure needs to be built to accommodate the increasing number of conscripts  several hundred each year  and that there may also be an attitude problem as individuals wont be volunteering.

This is a challenge that every country that has adopted conscription has been dealing with, the expert told Euronews. Each year the military will be calling out a couple of thousand young people, and then the challenge will be that we need to provide quality infrastructure, quality training to make sure that they learn something useful.

According to Rostoks, only a third of the volunteers will stay on after 31 May and sign five-year contracts. Orests Rullis is one of them.

We go through all the hard days together

Twenty-one-year-old Rullis wants to climb the military ladder because of the discipline it offers.

Leadership was new to me, and the army really gave it to me, he told Euronews.

The Riga local  who likes going for runs, lifting weights and raising his heart rate to 200 BPM  said the possibility of Russia invading his home country played a large part in his decision to volunteer.

Although he is still worried, Rullis said the early mornings, strategic exercises and gruelling obstacle courses have calmed his nerves.

When I'm here, I see that everything is planned out, he told Euronews. I feel confident that we can defend [Latvia]

In April, the Latvian parliament approved spending 1.1 billion on its military in 2024, with a target of reaching  1.4bn in 2027.

Some of this money will go towards ensuring a full state defence service and an improvement of the National Armed Forces Reservist System, according to budgetary documents.

FILE Latvian Army armoured personnel carriers parade during a military parade on Latvian Independence Day, in Riga, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. - AP

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence confirmed these numbers but added that an additional 1bn would be pumped into an air defence programme as a separate budget item.

But spending isnt the only target in mind. The government wants to boost recruiting figures, too.

Estimates from the Latvian Ministry of Defence suggest roughly 1,040 persons will be conscripted next year, with 210 in January and 830 in July. They aim to increase this year-on-year, recruiting 1,580 people in 2026 and 2,800 in 2027.

Our preparedness is the most effective deterrence, the spokesperson told Euronews.

Recent reports that Russia was mulling redrawing territorial water borders have strengthened Latvia's militarys resolve.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has erupted Euro-Atlantic security and peace, reinforcing NATO to ensure that its deterrence and defence posture remains credible and effective, the defence ministry spokesperson said.

NATO, the Baltic States and Latvia are preparing for a wide range of scenarios ensuring our ability to address possible threats most effectively.

According to the spokesperson, the nations military might hinge on two pillars: beefing up defence infrastructure and strengthening societal will.

I felt I had to do something about it

An example Latvian authorities may wish for more of is former pacifist Gus Petersons.

Convinced to join up after watching the news in 2022, the economics graduate told Euronews Moscow's obscene offensive made it hard for him to do regular things.

I realised that this [enlisting] would be the best way to calm my fear, he said.

Even though the "peace-loving" man says his family is not supportive of his military career, Petersons now proudly shares his best National Guard achievement: the Beret March.

As part of this annual gruelling exercise, he and the other recruits traversed 50 kilometres of regional terrain in 24 hours and performed tactical tasks. It felt like a movie to Petersons.

At the end of May, he will ditch the fatigues and pursue a civilian job.

Violence is a tool to achieve certain outcomes, Petersons explained, but it is not the path he saw for himself.

Petersons did say, however, that the training has eased his anxiety.

I feel very good," he told Euronews.
Jens Stoltenberg has urged NATO states to reconsider limits on sending certain weapons to Ukraine.

"It is for allies to decide on restrictions on the weapons they deliver to Ukraine. That is not a NATO decision, it is a decision made by individual allies," said the NATO Secretary-General on Monday in Bulgaria.

"My message is that I think the time has come to consider some of these restrictions.

The issue of sending some forms of military support to Ukraine as it battles the Russian invasion is controversial.

Some states are reluctant to provide Kyiv with longer-range, more powerful arms that could strike targets deep inside Russia, as they fear this could escalate tensions and risks dragging Europe into a wider war.

Others say Ukraine needs all the firepower it can get to fend off a larger, better-armed and resourced opponent. They often point out that Moscow seemingly shows no limitations when attacking Ukraine, hitting civilian and non-military targets across the country.

Sept. 22, 2020 by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, a rocket launches from a missile system at the Ashuluk military base in Southern Russia. - AP/Russian Defense Ministry Press Service

Speaking on Monday, NATO chief Stoltenberg said some states within the US-military alliance had lifted restrictions on providing specific weapons to Ukraine, though others had not.

He called on those continuing to limit their arms supplies to reconsider their position, citing the "nature of the fighting taking place in Kharkiv."

"By having too many restrictions we are tying one hand of the Ukrainian armed forces on their back because they are reducing their capability to defend themselves."

"But again, these are national decisions, not NATO decisions," he added.

Kharkiv situation adds pressure on Kyiv's allies

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned over the weekend that Russian troops were preparing for intensified offensive action in Kharkiv.

Moscow's army has seized several villages and settlements in the northern Ukrainian region since May, in one of the most significant ground attacks since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russian advances have put renewed pressure on Ukraine's backers in the West to increase their support, amid fears the tide is turning against Kyiv.

The US, UK and France have provided Ukraine with long-range missiles, though German chancellor Olaf Scholz has ruled out sending his country's Tauras missiles, despite repeated requests by Kyiv.

Scholz has previously claimed the missile, which can independently locate and destroy a target after being fired, would need to be operated by German teams on the ground in Ukraine - something he considers a red line.
Toyama, May 28 (News On Japan) - A bear was euthanized on the evening of May 27 after an eight-hour standoff in the grounds of a residential property in Tonami, Toyama Prefecture.

At around 5 a.m., a local resident in Kitsunejima, Tonami City, called the police, reporting 'a black animal moving in the rice fields.'

As police, city officials, and members of the local hunting association searched, the bear was sighted near a nearby temple at 8:35 a.m. It was later confirmed to have fled into the grounds of a house with a woodland area.

An eyewitness said, 'From there, I saw the bear.' 'Right in front of me. I saw the bear near those arranged stones.'

The bear climbed a tall, leafy tree, and at around 4:30 p.m., members of the hunting association used a warning shot to bring the bear down from the tree before euthanizing it.

The bear was a male, estimated to be 3 to 4 years old, measuring 110 cm in length and weighing 50 kg.

The area is a rural zone with scattered houses and woodland, and residents were surprised as they did not consider it a place to be wary of bears.

No one was injured in the incident.

Source: ANN
ATHENS, May 28 (News On Japan) - Princess Kako, currently visiting Greece, toured a monastery where a Japanese researcher contributed to the restoration of the frescoes.

On May 27, Princess Kako took a ferry to Salamina Island near Athens, arriving at the Faneromeni Monastery around 4 p.m. She was welcomed by the Archbishop and other officials.

Inside the church, Princess Kako viewed the restored frescoes.

These frescoes were restored with the efforts of Professor Masako Kido, an emeritus professor at Kyoritsu Women's University. Princess Kako listened attentively to a local historian's explanation while observing the artwork.

In Japan, Princess Kako has deepened her understanding of Greek history and culture through lectures by Professor Kido.

Source: ANN
May 28 (News On Japan) - The manga 'Blue Period' by Tsubasa Yamaguchi, which has surpassed 7 million copies in circulation, has been adapted into a live-action film. The story follows high school student Yatora, who has lived by reading the atmosphere and going with the flow. However, after encountering a single painting, he decides to dedicate himself entirely to the world of art.

Yatora enrolls in an art prep school to hone his skills, where he meets a diverse group of fellow aspiring artists, each with their own unique struggles and aspirations.

As Yatora delves deeper into the world of art, he discovers the intense dedication and emotional depth required to create meaningful work.

Directed by Kentaro Hagiwara, the film stars Gordon Maeda. The cast also includes Fumiya Takahashi, Rihito Itagaki, and Hiyori Sakurada.

Source: 
TOKYO, May 28 (News On Japan) - Japan's beloved pickles are facing a crisis. Starting next month, stricter rules for pickle production will come into effect, forcing many farmers to abandon their pickle-making operations.

Wakayama Prefecture Starts Ume Harvest Amid Predictions of Poor Yield

The harvest of the renowned Nanko Ume, a national brand of Japanese apricots, has begun in Wakayama Prefecture. However, due to a mild winter, this years yield is expected to be just 62% of the average, marking an unprecedented poor harvest.

Ume farmer Yuki Yorimoto stated, 'This years crop is as bad as a disaster. In my 15 years of farming, Ive never seen such a poor yield. Its a first.'

This poor yield trend is seen nationwide, raising concerns about the impact on umeboshi (pickled plums).

Yorimoto added, 'Weve had extensive damage from hail and stink bugs this year.'

Pickling Crisis: 'Renovation Costs 2 Million Yen'

The pickling industry is also facing a threat from a change in the law. Akiko Yokohata, a 79-year-old ume farmer in Aichi Prefecture, sells homemade umeboshi and pickled plums at a local market. This year, she had to renovate her workshop for pickle production.

Yokohata explained, 'It cost a lot to renovate. Weve been pickling ume here from the start, but the application didnt go through, so we had to rebuild everything.'

The trigger was the amendment to the Food Sanitation Law. From July 1, pickle production and sales require a business license, which necessitates facilities meeting high hygiene standards.

Yokohata detailed, 'We had to replace all the wooden surfaces with materials that can be washed with water, including the ceiling and floors. The renovation cost around 2 million yen.'

Popular Ume Pickles from 91-Year-Old Mother Discontinued

Some farmers have decided to give up pickle-making altogether. Kazutaka Kakihara, whose 91-year-old mother makes popular ume pickles, will stop selling them this year. Shoppers expressed regret over the reduction in homemade pickles.

A customer lamented, 'Its tough for those who work hard to produce delicious umeboshi. Its sad that we wont have as many choices.'

Overcoming the Pickling Crisis

The amendment to the Food Sanitation Law was prompted by an incident in 2012, where eight people died in Sapporo from food poisoning caused by lightly pickled Chinese cabbage. This led to heightened efforts to ensure food safety, culminating in the 2018 revision of the law.

As a result, pickle production has required licensing since 2021, and those without permits by June 30 will no longer be able to sell pickles.

Many farmers unable to meet the stringent hygiene standards have chosen to close their businesses. For instance, a JA direct sales store in Aichi Prefecture, which used to sell handmade pickles from about 50 farmers, will see the number of suppliers drop to a tenth of the original number starting next month.

However, some efforts are being made to overcome this crisis. In Akita Prefecture, known for its 'Iburigakko' pickles, only 6% of producers wanted to continue in 2021. The prefecture responded with subsidies covering up to a third of the equipment costs (up to 10 million yen), and Yokote City provided additional support.

As a result, a similar survey last year showed that about 52% of producers intended to continue their businesses.

In Shizuoka Prefecture, famous for 'Mizukake-nazuke' pickles, Gotenba City and Oyama Town are also offering subsidies for facility renovations.

The JA Fuji Izu Gotenba District office explained that they are setting up a communal processing center that meets the revised laws standards to support small producers and those struggling with renovations.

An official emphasized, 'We must not let the traditional food culture, which has continued since the Meiji era, decline. We are all working together to protect our food culture.'

Source: ANN
CHIBA, May 29 (News On Japan) - Kabosu, a Shiba Inu who captured the hearts of millions, passed away on the morning of the 24th at around 7:50 AM. Atsuko Sato, Kabosu's owner, shared her final moments, saying, 'I kept stroking her and talking to her until she eventually stopped moving.'

Kabosu, an 18-year-old female dog from Chiba Prefecture, was known for her incredible journey from being a rescued dog to an internet sensation. Over 250 fans attended the farewell ceremony, including many from overseas.

Sato expressed her surprise at the turnout, stating, 'I was astonished by the long lines. Many people came from abroad, including Taiwan and South Korea.'

Several international media outlets also covered the event. Kabosu's life took a dramatic turn when a photo of her posted on Sato's blog became the face of the cryptocurrency Dogecoin. Additionally, Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter last year, posted an image of Kabosu, temporarily changing Twitter's logo from the blue bird to Kabosu.

Reflecting on this moment, Sato realized the immense power of the internet. She pondered, 'I think Kabosu had a mission that I could never have imagined.'

What legacy did the world's most famous Shiba Inu leave behind?

Sato shared, 'Through Kabosu, I've made many friends worldwide and received support from many kind-hearted people. I've built human connections through her.'

While Kabosu's fame brought Sato a network of friends, it also attracted numerous offers from companies looking to profit from Kabosu's image. Three years ago, to combat this exploitation, Sato used digital technology to create tamper-proof images of Kabosu and auctioned them for charity, raising over 500 million yen. The proceeds, after expenses, were donated entirely to children's rights organizations both domestically and internationally.

In her message regarding Kabosu's passing, Sato said, 'We've received reports that new school buildings and dormitories have been constructed in Vietnam, Iraq, and South Sudan, and the children there are smiling happily. By adopting rescue dogs like Kabosu, such miracles can happen, and this is the message I want to convey.'

Source: ANN
A new state law could impact the automated traffic cameras that have been used by the City of Council Bluffs for nearly 20 years.

The bill, House File 2681, passed the Iowa Legislature with broad, bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds on May 17.

While the law doesnt ban traffic cameras, it does require local authorities to receive a permit to place or continue to use a traffic camera. It also stipulates how local governments can spend revenue from tickets.

We were watching the bill, so as soon as it passed, we reached out to the Department of Transportation, Council Bluffs Police Chief Matthew Davis told The Nonpareil in an interview Friday.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is working to set up the permitting process, which will consider traffic and crash numbers to determine whether a camera is justified.

Existing cameras will be allowed to continue operation until Oct. 1 but would need to obtain their permit to continue operating beyond that point.

Davis said that the process is still ongoing but that it doesnt look like it will be burdensome. Cameras that track speed, which are not used in Council Bluffs, may have more hoops to jump through.

Cameras can be used only to cite drivers who fail to yield or stop at a traffic signal-controlled intersection or a railroad crossing or who exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph. Local authorities must review and approve a record of the alleged traffic violation before a citation is issued, which Council Bluffs does.

Weve never done automated speed enforcement, Davis said. We dont have any plans to implement speed cameras, even now with the new regime in place to do it.

Instead, Council Bluffs police use other technology to monitor speed data, particularly in areas where they receive complaints from residents or community groups.

Keeping people safe in the city is still a main priority, were just using different tools, Davis said.

Council Bluffs was among at least 25 cities in Iowa using automated traffic enforcement cameras in 2023.

City has long history of red light cameras

Council Bluffs has used automated traffic cameras for nearly 20 years, with 13 cameras tracking eight different high traffic locations for red light violations.

Council Bluffs uses the cameras at the following intersections:

West Broadway / 35th Street  east and westbound

West Broadway / 25th Street  east and westbound

West Broadway / 21st Street  east and westbound

West Broadway / 16th Street  east and westbound

West Broadway / Eighth Street  east and westbound

Kanesville Boulevard / Harrison Street  east and westbound

South Seventh Street / Willow Avenue  southbound

South Expressway / 30th Avenue  north and southbound

Each location is clearly marked with signage leading up to the intersection.

Automation flags violations, which are then reviewed by a third party vendor before being sent to the police department's traffic department. A local officer then reviews two photos and video of the violation before either accepting or rejecting it.

The fine for a violation issued to a driver caught on camera is $100. A one-time late fee of $35 can be added to the violation and, if unpaid, the bill goes to collections.

The citation is considered a municipal infraction, so it isnt reported to the State of Iowa or Iowa DOT and, therefore, does not become part of the vehicle owners driving record.

Payments are accepted at the city treasurers office. Online payments are processed by a third party vendor out of Seattle, Washington, with the money then placed in the citys general fund for all departments, Sgt. Joshua Hughes said.

Drivers can contest the alleged violation, and some do end up having their tickets dismissed.

When someone receives a notice of violation, the notice includes photos as well as information on how to review the video themselves. The ticket includes instructions on how to request a hearing through the citys legal division, and a hearing is scheduled in person with a Council Bluffs police officer.

The officer meets with each person upon request and considers any extra ordinary situation around the violation such as weather or other vehicles, Hughes said. In the last year, about 20% of those who have requested and attended hearings were found not liable and dismissed.

In 2023, approximately 19,000 red light violations were issued in Council Bluffs, with more than 60% paid.

The money generated today is about half since the programs inception, indicating a change in driver behavior, especially since traffic volume has increased, Hughes said.

Overall, the goal is public safety, Davis said, not revenue.

If we issued no tickets, that would be great, Davis said. Traffic control is the main goal, not issuing tickets and generating revenue.
A former plastic surgeon from Iowa is denying allegations that he defrauded taxpayers and falsely billed Medicare and Medicaid for procedures he never performed.

Dr. Adam B. Smith, also known as Adam Bryant, is being sued by the United States and the State of Iowa, which allege that for five years Smith submitted false claims for health care services to government payors such as Medicare and Medicaid.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, from August 2014 to August 2019 Smith was practicing plastic surgery at Sioux Citys Tri-State Specialists. While there, the DOJ claims, Smith engaged in a concerted pattern of fraudulent behavior in order to obtain or increase government reimbursement. Smith is accused of using templated medical records in which he repeatedly reported false, contradictory, or even fabricated information about the patients health status, the care he provided and the procedures he performed.

The DOJ alleges Smith routinely attempted to mask the true nature of the surgical procedures he performed, in some cases by performing non-covered cosmetic procedures while documenting that the procedures were, in fact, medically necessary surgeries for which he could bill Medicare or Medicaid.

Smiths records are replete with instances in which he billed government payors for complicated and highly compensated procedures that were performed in impossibly short amounts of time, the DOJ claims. As a result, Smith and his practice were paid hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in excess of what they were entitled to.

As an example, the government claims Smith performed whats commonly called a tummy tuck on one patient and then billed it to Medicaid as a medically necessary hernia repair. By doing so, the DOJ claims, Smith collected $3,750 he wasnt entitled to receive.

Smith recently filed a response to the allegations, denying any wrongdoing.

The United States alleges Smith submitted more than 1,000 false claims for payment. Under the federal False Claims Act, the United States is entitled to a judgment of between $13,000 and $27,000 for each false claim, as well as a judgement thats equal to three times the total cost of the false claims.

Court records indicate that well before Smith began practicing as an Iowa-licensed physician, he was, in the view of the DOJ, fraudulently billing Medicare for services.

From May 2011 through January 2014, Smith practiced plastic surgery in Traverse City, Michigan. In December 2021, the United States filed a civil suit against Smith alleging that during his time practicing in Michigan, he routinely billed Medicare for procedures he did not perform. That case resulted in a default judgment against Smith and his practice.

Court records indicate that Smiths colleague at Tri-State Specialists, Dr. Matthew Steele, blew the whistle on Smith after becoming familiar with Smiths billing practices. In 2019, Steele initiated litigation against Smith through the False Claims Act.

As the individual who initiated the case against Smith, Steele can now share in any money that might be recovered through the Department of Justices pursuit of the case.

In 2021, Smith voluntarily surrendered his Iowa medical license after the Iowa Board of Medicine filed charges against him related to his billing practices. That same year, the United States entered into a settlement agreement with Smiths Sioux City employer, Tri-State Specialists, for $612,501.

How compensation compares between Iowa staff and travel nurses How compensation compares between Iowa staff and travel nurses
WASHINGTON (AP)  Israeli military strikes are targeting Iran's armed allies across a nearly 2,000-mile stretch of the Middle East and threatening Iran itself. The efforts raise the possibility of an end to two decades of Iranian ascendancy in the region, to which the 2003 U.S. invasion of I
Morocco strongly denounces and condemns the raid carried out by the Israeli army against a camp sheltering more than 100,000 displaced Palestinians near the city of Rafah, an official source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The source said the raid left dozens of civilians dead or wounded, in flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian conventions.

The Kingdom, whose Sovereign, King Mohammed VI, chairs the Al-Quds Committee, stresses the importance of complying with the decision of the International Court of Justice calling on Israel to cease its military operations in Rafah immediately, and reiterates its call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, to guarantee protection for Palestinians, and to ensure the safe and unhindered delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid and relief supplies to the Gaza Strip, via all crossing points, including the Rafah crossing, the source added.
Senegal has reiterated its steady support for Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara, confirming the commitment of the administration of Bassirou Faye to centuries-old friendly ties with Morocco.

The remark was made by Senegals foreign minister Yassine Fall in a joint statement following a visit in Rabat, during which she held talks with her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.

Fall reaffirmed Senegals support for Moroccos autonomy plan as the only credible and realistic solution to resolving the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

The UN is the only framework to work for a realistic and lasting solution to the dispute, she said.

Senegal is among the African, Arab, and Caribbean nations that opened a consulate in Moroccos Sahara.

During her talks with Bourita, Fall praised the leadership of King Mohammed VI and highlighted his efforts to promote African peace, stability, and social and economic development.

In this respect, she welcomed the Atlantic initiative, launched by the Moroccan monarch to promote regional economic integration and offer landlocked Sahel states access to global trade through opening up Moroccos ports and infrastructure to their goods.
Soldiers from five Sahel states are holding military exercises in Western Niger focusing on counter-terrorism, Nigers defense minister said.

The drills, to run until June 3, bring together Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger and Togo, marking the first exercise between the five countries.

The exercise includes interoperability, tactical maneuvers, and offering health care to citizens.

Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, some of the most hit nations by the surge of terrorist activity have formed a military alliance.

Groups such as Islamic State (IS) continue to wage a violent campaign in the region, with annual deaths due to terrorist activity growing more than 2,000 percent between 2007 and 2022.

The Sahel now accounts for 43 percent of the worlds terrorism deathsmore than South Asia and the MENA region combined.
The Gambia has announced its accession as a new member of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI).

The Gambia announced its endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative in a letter Gambian Foreign Minister addressed to his Moroccan peer, Nasser Bourita.

Morocco and the United States of America welcome this decision, which marks a significant step forward in strengthening regional and international cooperation and coordination in the fight against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).

The Gambias endorsement of the PSI follows its active participation in the PSI African Political Conference, held January 31 to February 02, 2024 in Marrakech. The Conference adopted a joint declaration and announced the accession of six other African countries to the initiative, namely Benin, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Togo, and Madagascar.

These countries have expressed their commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation in terms of regional security and to developing efforts to promote the non-proliferation of WMD.

The PSI was established in 2003 to stop or impede transfers of WMD, their delivery systems, and related materials flowing to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern.

Based on the principles of voluntary partnership and information sharing, the PSI promotes regional and global security by deterring non-state actors from engaging in proliferation activities.

With this new PSI membership, The Gambia increases the number of African member countries of this initiative from 06 to 13, and the total number of member states from 106 to 113, thus consolidating efforts in the fight against WMD proliferation.
The Bayt Mal Al Quds Asharif Agency, an offshoot of Al Quds Committee, on Monday in Casablanca, a startup incubator in the field of innovation (BMAQ Plus) for young Al-Quds entrepreneurs.

Part of the Agencys digital strategy, this platform aims to incubate startups and offer real opportunities for integration into the job market, e-commerce, and e-learning, in addition to preserving the cultural and civilizational heritage of the Holy City and contributing to documenting and protecting the human heritage of Al Quds.

The launch of this startup incubator aims to bring the institution closer to the financial and business sector, as well as commercial and economic, air and maritime crossroads.

This program, which is part of the Agencys digital strategy, will host ten startups led by young Palestinians, Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui, Director in charge of management of the Agency, told the press.

He added that the launch of this platform reflects the agencys commitment to serve the Holy City and its inhabitants in accordance with the high instructions of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, and to diversify its activities with a direct and tangible impact on the life of the Palestinian population.

In statements to MAP, young Al Quds entrepreneurs welcomed this opportunity offered by Bayt Mal Al Quds Asharif Agency, allowing them to achieve their projects.

They stressed that the Agency works, through this platform, to support young Palestinian project holders in various fields, help them develop these projects, and improve their living conditions.
Bahrains King has urged Moscow to play a role in peacekeeping in the Middle East, while also Uganda and the Comoros have have recently held discussions with Russia on security issues affecting Africa and the possibility of resolving conflicts in the region, reflecting Russias expanding influence on the continent.

During a recent official two-day visit to Moscow, Bahrains King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said that Russia has a role to play in peacekeeping in the Middle East, adding that an agreement had been reached on the creation of an international peace conference in Bahrain. Following his meeting and talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Bahraini monarch also commented that Russia is the first country that I am asking to support this conference because, without Russias support, this conference has no value. Meanwhile, news have emerged that representatives from Uganda and Russia recently held talks on the security issues affecting Africa, focusing mainly on conflict hotspots and the likelihood of attaining a resolution to said conflicts.

As a similar conversation on security issues took place recently between Russian officials and the president of the Comoros, this illustrates Moscows continued efforts to probe into Africas security concerns. With the American troops now on the way out of Niger and the confirmation who are possible being replaced by Russian security forces in the same US-built and run airbase, Ikemesit Effiong, the head of research at Lagos-based consultancy firm SBM Intelligence commented that Russia has effectively gained the upper hand in the geopolitical arms race in the Sahel and won committed, albeit fragile, allies in the region.
African governments need to develop robust strategies for the critical minerals sector amid global rush for the continents lithium and other strategically important rare metals, a recent research has found.

Demand for lithium, for example, tripled from 2017 to 2022, while the critical minerals market doubled in five years, reaching US$320 billion in 2022, according to the 2023 Critical Minerals Market Review by the International Energy Agency (IEA). As the demand for these rare metals is projected to more than double by 2030 and quadruple by 2050, also annual revenues by global mining companies are expected to reach US$400 billion. A recent research by experts from Murdoch University, University of Mines and Technology, Edge Hill University, and The University of Queensland, which has analyzed lithium projects in Namibia, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ghana, has discovered that these countries do not yet have robust strategies for the critical minerals sector.

In a new article in The Conversation, the experts recommend that the African Union should expedite the development of an African critical minerals strategy that will guide member countries in negotiating mining contracts and agreements. The strategy should draw from leading mining practices around the world. They also urge African governments to revise their mining policies and regulations to reflect the opportunities and challenges posed by the increasing global demand for critical minerals. In other words, if the mineral-rich African countries do not want to be simply sucked into the global rush for critical minerals and instead want to benefit from the current boom in demand, they need stronger resources governance  regulations, accountability and transparency.
Marrakech hosted on Monday and Tuesday a Morocco-USA Venture Capital Forum, organized by the United States Embassy in Rabat, in collaboration with the US government initiative Prosper Africa.

The forum, the first of its kind between the two countries on venture capital, brought together 25 of the most promising startups in the North African Kingdom.

Addressing the forum, US ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar, said Morocco is a rapidly evolving country in various sectors and is increasingly positioning itself as a technological leader in Africa.

The diplomat underlined that thanks to the far-sighted vision and leadership of King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom is now a booming country.

In this context, he recalled that in 2022, Moroccan startups raised $119 million from venture capital investors, thus demonstrating their ability to attract capital to develop innovative solutions to local and regional challenges.

Moroccan entrepreneurs are attracting more and more capital, and this success is the fruit of the proactive policies of the Moroccan government, he stressed.

The US diplomat underlined that government support has been crucial, notably through various policies, funding structures, and regulatory reforms. A commitment that reflects the recognition of the importance of startups in economic growth and job creation, he said, noting that Moroccan technology startups stand out in several areas, including agri-tech, climate-tech, health-tech, fintech and deep-tech.

For her part, Prosper Africa initiative Coordinator, British A. Robinson, said that this meeting is meant to boost investment in the private sector, attract more investments to Morocco, and support startups and the thriving ecosystem of Moroccan entrepreneurship.

She expressed her satisfaction with the contribution of this American initiative, which aims to increase trade and investments between the United States and Africa, and to promote the economic growth of Morocco.

Taking the floor, Minister in charge of Investment, Mohcine Jazouli, pointed out that Morocco is one of the most attractive investment destinations in Africa and has experienced significant development, becoming a regional economic powerhouse, characterized by modernity and diversity, while boasting world-class infrastructure.

The official who underlined the Moroccan governments commitment to supporting American investors and strengthening strong economic relations between the two countries said that Morocco has currently entered a new phase of development, with a strong emphasis on attracting private investments.

He expressed confidence that the startup ecosystem in Morocco will experience many success stories in the future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between all stakeholders to position this ecosystem in the place it deserves.

Jazouli also noted that American companies play an important role in the socio-economic development of Morocco, affirming that American venture capital investors can contribute significantly and effectively to this ambition.

He noted that Morocco, as a major economic partner of the United States and a gateway to the African continent, is well positioned to help strengthen the African startup ecosystem.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved funding of 120 million under the Transformation Support Program for a Moroccan Digital, Entrepreneurial, and Inclusive University (UM 4.0).

This program, which targets students, higher education teachers, entrepreneurs and young graduates, aims to contribute to the development of human capital and the empowerment of young people, through more inclusive access to excellent, innovative higher education in synergy with the local ecosystem, said the AfDB in a statement issued on the occasion of its Annual Meetings 2024, which run until May 31 in Nairobi.

Specifically, the program involves building and equipping the 4,500-seat Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Beni Mellal, building five 1,500-bed university halls of residence in Larache, Oujda, Safi, Taroudant, and Beni-Mellal, and setting up 10 agile coding centers open to the professional world to develop active, project-based learning, according to the same source.

It also provides for setting up university career centers (on-site and online support services) that will benefit 130,000 students, establishing 12 professional integration units at university level, creating 12 entrepreneurship support centers for 15,000 students, and certifying the entrepreneurial skills of 20,000 students.

The said program also aims to digitize educational and scientific research services for students and teachers (orientation, reorientation and pre-registration platform, national capacity building platform, mobility and scholarship management platform, career management platform, e-learning platforms, etc.) and to deploy an IT infrastructure and a data center (digital data center), to set up 167 careers of excellence in academic centers of excellence established in open access universities.

In addition, it is meant to train newly recruited higher education teachers and prepare decision-making tools for the management, monitoring and evaluation of the higher education, research and innovation system.

One of the priorities of Moroccos 2021-2026 government program is to strengthen the foundations of the social state by reforming the education sector.

To accelerate the development and sustainable transformation of the higher education, scientific research and innovation ecosystem, Morocco has adopted the Pacte ESRI 2030 national plan to accelerate the transformation of the higher education, scientific research and innovation ecosystem.

This plan, which is built around academic, scientific and operational excellence and 4.0 governance, is based on three levers of change, namely digital transformation, system performance and structuring, organization and regulation.
Morocco is ready to promote its startup ecosystem to a higher level, coordinator of the US Prosper Africa initiative, British A. Robinson, said Tuesday in Marrakech.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Morocco-USA Venture Capital Forum (May 27-28), Robinson underlined that Morocco boasts a startup ecosystem that is increasingly dynamic and innovative, and has the capacities to compete internationally.

I am impressed by what I saw and heard during these two days. During matchmaking sessions, startups were truly top-notch, she stressed.

Thanks to modern infrastructure, a favorable regulatory environment, and support initiatives, like Prosper Africa and the Mohammed VI Fund for Investment, Moroccan startups have the necessary resources to innovate and grow, the US official noted.

This forum and other similar initiatives represent key opportunities for Moroccan entrepreneurs to establish contacts with international investors, share their innovations, and strengthen their position on the global stage, she added.

US ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar, said when he addressed the forum opening session on Monday that Morocco is a rapidly evolving country in various sectors and is increasingly positioning itself as a technological leader in Africa.

The diplomat underlined that thanks to the far-sighted vision and leadership of King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom is now a booming country.

In this context, he recalled that in 2022, Moroccan startups raised $119 million from venture capital investors, thus demonstrating their ability to attract capital to develop innovative solutions to local and regional challenges.

Moroccan entrepreneurs are attracting more and more capital, and this success is the fruit of the proactive policies of the Moroccan government, he stressed.

The US diplomat underlined that government support has been crucial, notably through various policies, funding structures, and regulatory reforms. A commitment that reflects the recognition of the importance of startups in economic growth and job creation, he said, noting that Moroccan technology startups stand out in several areas, including agri-tech, climate-tech, health-tech, fintech and deep-tech.

The forum, organized by the US Embassy in Morocco, in collaboration with the Prosper Africa Initiative, was the first of its kind between the two countries on venture capital. It brought together 25 of the most promising startups in Morocco.
Photo: Alyssa Pointer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Donald Trump confirmed his total domination of the Republican Party this year by crushing a field of presidential-nomination rivals that at one point reached 13 candidates. At least four of them ran as anti-Trump candidates (Will Hurd, Asa Hutchinson, Chris Christie, and, once it became a head-to-head race, Nikki Haley). One other aspirant, former vice-president and longtime Trump punching bag Mike Pence, seems to have become an embittered anti-Trump Republican after dropping out of the presidential race, even as Haley pretty quickly transitioned from hating on the 45th president to endorsing him. Still another outspoken anti-Trump Republican, former Maryland governor Larry Hogan, played with the idea of leaving the GOP entirely to run for president on a nonpartisan No Labels ticket but instead downshifted to a U.S. Senate race in which his arms-length relationship with Trump could become both a swing-voter magnet and a base-energizing problem.

Clearly, dissenting from the MAGA gospel is a dangerous move for an ambitious Republican politician. But there is one major GOP politician who has battled with Trump, and even won, yet still seems to have a bright future in the Republican Party. That would be Georgia governor Brian Kemp.

Well before he drew any 2024 primary challengers, Trump tried to make Kemp and Brad Raffesnperger, his successor as Georgia secretary of state, object-lessons in the consequences of crossing him. The pair certified Joe Bidens narrow victory in Georgia and repeatedly refused to comply with Trumps demands to undo it (Kemp by declining to call a special legislative session to decertify Biden electors and Raffensperger by turning down Trumps request to find him enough votes to flip the results). So the two politicians had a big bullseye on their backs in the 2022 midterms. Trump recruited formidable primary opponents for them (former U.S. Senator David Perdue to oppose Kemp, congressman Jody Hice to take down Raffensperger) and for another dissenter, Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, who was so intimidated he chose not to run for reelection.

Kemp and Raffensperger proceeded to rout their MAGA-approved opponents without even needing a runoff. The methodical Kemp, even though he had theoretically made himself vulnerable in the general election by signing a near-total abortion ban, proceeded to dispatch Democratic super-star and exceptional fundraiser Stacey Abrams by a significantly larger margin that he did in defeating her in 2018.

Having established himself emphatically as the master of Georgia politics, Kemp has subsequently walked a tightrope in terms of his positioning on national GOP controversies. His state remains a MAGA hotbed in some respects; its congressional delegation, after all, includes notable hyper-extremists Marjorie Taylor Greene, Andrew Clyde, and Mike Collins. The state GOP is controlled by Trump loyalists; Kemp has largely ignored it and built his own political organization. He brushed off talk of challenging Trump himself in 2024, and remained neutral in the presidential primaries until a few days after Nikki Haley dropped out. On the very day of Georgias primary, he endorsed the unopposed Trump as an act of party loyalty.

So now Brian Kemp can look forward to a broad and sunny group of options in Republican politics. Hes halfway through his second (and final, thanks to term limits) term as Georgia governor, and his job approval rating is at a solid 57 percent. If Trumps current steady lead in polls of Georgia holds up through November, Kemp can take some of the credit, and neutralize some of the bad MAGA vibes over what happened in 2020. Hes maintained a pretty strong conservative ideological street cred (theres a reason Trump endorsed Kemp over a more moderate gubernatorial candidate in 2018 before their falling out); aside from his hardline position on abortion, hes cut taxes, pushed through two restrictive election laws, resisted Medicaid expansion, and signed a private-school voucher initiative. He was to the right of then-president Trump on COVID-19 policies, which was actually the first source of friction between the two men.

At 60, Brian Kemp could choose to retire in 2026, but its more likely hell run for higher office. A tempting target is the U.S. Senate seat of freshman Democrat Jon Ossoff, an exceptional organizer and fundraiser but not quite the political powerhouse his colleague Raphael Warnock has become. If he takes on Ossoff and wins or even if he doesnt run, theres talk of Kemp as a presidential contestant in 2028. Hes cautiously reentering the national GOP picture already, as Politico reports:

[T]he popular swing-state governor is building up his political operation, not only helping a handful of candidates in tight [races] across the country, but cultivating influence ahead of his own possible future run.

And he will attend the Republican nominating convention in Milwaukee this summer, according to a person familiar with Kemps plans who was granted anonymity to discuss the matter. 

Kemp in September will speak for the first time at the Republican Jewish Coalitions annual convention, a gathering that draws some of the GOPs highest profile leaders and donors.

Kemp doesnt have the warmest personality youll find in politics, but compared to his Florida neighbor Ron DeSantis, hes folksy and relatable enough. And after what happened in December 2020 and then in 2022, nobody is going to doubt Kemps toughness and political savvy. Theres one bit of leftover business from those days that could still cause him issues: the trial, assuming it ever transpires, of Trump and various cronies in Atlanta on felony racketeering charges related to the effort to overturn the 2020 election results. Back in November of 2022 Kemp testified before an Atlanta grand jury that eventually handed down the Trump indictments, and will likely be compelled to testify in public once the trial finally convenes. This could bring back some tensions between Kemp and the 45th president, who has almost completely ignored him after his Georgia purge effort failed so badly.

For now, though, Kemp looks like the anti-Trump politician with the brightest future. Christie and Pence appear washed up; Haley has a long way to go in rehabilitating her shaky image as a flip-flopping opportunist; Hogan is in an uphill Senate race; and nobody much has heard from the others lately. The Georgia governor is undefeated against the former president so far, and thats a boast almost no one else can make.
This weekend, Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Detroit, appeared at the Peoples Conference for Palestine, where she called for the voters to punish Joe Biden at the ballot box. It is disgraceful that the Biden administration and my colleagues in Congress continue to smear [anti-Israel demonstrators] for protesting to save lives no matter faith or ethnicity, she exclaimed, It is cowardly. But were not gonna forget in November, are we?

Also this weekend, the Washington Post reported on plans that Donald Trump is sharing with donors to crush protests by deporting non-citizens participants. One thing I do is, any student that protests, I throw them out of the country, he promised. You know, there are a lot of foreign students. As soon as they hear that, theyre going to behave.

In short, Tlaib is so angry at Biden for denouncing antisemitic rhetoric at pro-Palestine protests that she wants to elect the man who is promising to deport them from the country. (And while she phrased it coyly, telling people to punish Bidens disgraceful behavior in November can only describe one kind of recourse, because November is when people vote.)

There is something irrational, at least on the surface, about this horseshoe alliance. Many progressives are already pleading with the anti-Israel left to reconsider its determination to punish Biden, whose campaign it has spent months attempting to disrupt or target with harassment. And some protesters surely do hope merely to move Biden as far left as possible and will climb down eventually.

But the position Tlaib revealed this weekend does have a real logic to it that suggests she may not merely be bluffing.

Tlaib, like the groups organizing the protests, opposes any two-state solution to the conflict and uses the slogan from the river to the sea to denote her demand for liberation of the entire territory controlled by Israel. Her speech this weekend confirmed the militant thrust of her position. It contained not even a word of condemnation of terrorism, any mention of the hostages, or acknowledgment that Jewish Israelis possess any rights to live under any future settlement. She treated criticism of antisemitic rhetoric at the protests  the extent of which can be debated, but the existence of which cannot  as nothing more than a smear.

She understands the conflict as one of pure good versus pure evil, with the side of good having no obligations and incurring no guilt, and the side of evil having no rights.

Trump has the same belief structure but in reverse. While Tlaib lambasts Biden for continuing to support Israels right to self-defense, Trump and his allies attack him for attempting to constrain its exercise.

David Friedman, Trumps former ambassador to Israel and the leading candidate to hold the same position in a second term, told Marc Caputo that Trump sees the conflict as one of good versus evil. Its a far less nuanced approach, he said. Trump sees adversaries in two buckets: Are they people who are loyal to America or share American values? Or are they people who threaten America and hate American values? Not everyone fits cleanly in those buckets. But in the Middle East, they do.

Likewise, Matthew Brooks, chief executive of the Republican Jewish Coalition, explained Trumps position as a blank check to Benjamin Netanyahu. Hes giving the Israelis a blank check to go in and do what they need to do to destroy Hamas and eliminate the threat in Gaza from Hamas. And what hes also saying, which is actually true, he said but do it quickly because time is not Israels ally right now.

Netanyahu has always tried to maintain some balance between the demands of his right-wing coalition partners to maintain control over all occupied territory and the hope by American presidents to create a two-state solution. Netanyahu has putatively left the door cracked for peace while doing everything in his power to make it impossible: from allowing settlers in the West Bank to terrorize Palestinians with total impunity to shoveling money to Hamas in hopes of marginalizing any Palestinian figures who might want to negotiate peace.

Netanyahu is a one-stater. Trump is increasingly signaling his support for a one-state solution. Tlaib likewise supports a one-state solution. And while Trump and Tlaib obviously have opposing visions for how that single state should be governed, they share an incentive to discredit the forces of compromise that stand in their way and an unstated commitment to some violent future conflagration that will settle the struggle one way or another.
Photo: David Dee Delgado/Getty Images

Its a familiar tale. A deep-pocketed new investor comes into a digital-media company with a transformative vision  and, inevitably, staffing cuts  to bring a fallen brand back to its former glory. This time around, the company is BuzzFeed and the investor is Vivek Ramaswamy, who revealed last week that he now owns a little over 8 percent of the former clickbait monolith that fell on hard times after going public almost three years ago.

But Ramaswamys hard-right politics  on display during his failed 2024 Republican primary challenger  bring a twist to the formula. In a letter to CEO Jonah Peretti on Monday, Ramaswamy suggested that the company hire conservative figures like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens for creator-led content, citing the hit show Hot Ones as a model for success. Be bold, he wrote. Dont be afraid to challenge your audiences.

Bold, yes, but a tough sell for employees, as well as the human-resources and legal departments. Owens left her former employer, the Daily Wire, in the midst of a feud with its founder, Ben Shapiro, and a campaign to prove that the French presidents wife is actually transgender. Carlson, meanwhile, was ousted from Fox News last year after allegedly running a toxic and misogynistic workplace for years. Then theres the money problem. To afford such expensive hires, Ramaswamy suggested getting back to startup size, which would almost certainly require large-scale headcount reduction in the next two to three months.

In the letter, Ramaswamy also took the opportunity to trash BuzzFeed News, which does not exist anymore, for its coverage  including publishing the Steele dossier, skeptical assessments of the Hunter Biden laptop scandal, and a takedown of Kevin Spacey. He suggested that the site issue an apology for failing in our obligation to tell you the truth. To ensure this doesnt happen again at the vertical that no longer exists, he also called for three board seats to express a diversity of viewpoints in your ranks.

CEO Jonah Peretti, who owns 64 percent of the voting shares in the company he founded, does not agree with Ramaswamys vision. Based on your letter, you have some fundamental misunderstandings about the drivers of our business, the values of our audience and the mission of the company, Peretti wrote, quite politely. Im very skeptical it makes business sense to turn BuzzFeed into a creator platform for inflammatory political pundits. And were definitely not going to issue an apology for our Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism. For now, 64 percent trumps 8 percent. But Ramaswamy has at least bought the privilege of the CEO having to respond to his Roman Royesque ideas.

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so he's sorry he got caught, got it

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The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms get caught!

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that's a pretty fast turnaround for a crisis comm, I am used to working at places where they take 3 days to get something out, and it's never fast enough.

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He's arguably the most powerful man on the planet. He says jump and approximately 1.4 billion people say "how high?".

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true, but i'm thinking about how the british royals were fumbling all over the place for how long before they were like oh we should do something about this kate business and then pushed her out in front of a camera

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Other popes wouldn't even bother to apologize so Francis is still better than his predecessors but yes the bar is literally in hell with all the other popes lol.



Francis is basically a politician. Publicly he probably feels he needs to be seen as inclusive to save the relevance of Catholicism in the West, but privately he needs to express himself more conservatively to prevent too much dissent among Cardinals and Bishops. As for where his true feelings lie I think he's socially conservative (abortion, sex, gays etc) but fiscally has some socialist ideals/genuine concern for the poor

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fuck off, all this inclusivity is just a ploy to entice people to join your cult

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Ding ding ding

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Yep, they know attendence is down so they have to find ways to get people to join/stay.

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I mean I can believe he didn't know the word was a slur when he used it but the fact that the comment was met with "incredulous laughter" in the room shows how "moral" these leaders really are. Plus, even if Francis didn't mean it as a slur, the context was still in support about excluding gay men from the priesthood.



I'm wondering if in Francis mind if it's related to the Church's sex scandals? Like thinking that every predator Priest must just be gay? I'm sure some of those priests were gay but idk I'm wondering if the Church blames the scandals on "gay Priests"/homosexuality and not on their celibacy policies or that they recruit predators who will abuse whoever they can and that just happens to be younger boys typically? I can just imagine the Church leadership blaming it on homosexuality so they don't need to do any other introspection on their own part.

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His own parents were Italian, its not like its a language he had to learn when he got the job as popeno way he didnt know, he wasnt expecting someone to talk to the press!

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ya probably, but I think either way he still said what he said to discriminate against gay men from joining the priesthood. So even if he didn't mean to use a slur it's still shitty. But worse obviously if he did.



It's also something he wouldn't say in public, so it kinda shows what he's like behind closed doors, or at least with other church leaders ugh.

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Back when my uncle attended Seminary (he's in his 70s now, out, proud, and very much not of the faith), it was *extremely* common for closeted men to join. To hear him tell the tale, it was either that or beard up for life.

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Such a quick reply that they couldn't even remove the cursor from the screenshot?

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to those who felt offended by the use of a term, reported by others.





he extends his apologiesby the use of a term,.

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"Sorry you were offended"



He's always been a piece of shit.

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tbh i'm surprised this got out. i wonder what bishop in the closed door meeting leaked it and if they were actually offended or if they just hate him.

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Probably the latter

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Definitely the latter. I bet the leaker laughed as loud as anyone but used it to try to damage whatever inroads Francis was making for the Church with LGBTQ+ people.

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Why not just be an adult and apologize for OFFENDING people for using OFFENSIVE language rather than diluting the OFFENSIVENESS of the entire OFFENSIVE situation by apologizing to those who felt offended? What a joke. Go keep protecting your pedophile predator priests you fucking bag of bones.

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maybe the pope is actually gay, and was just gabbing the way gays gab with eachother.



"There are WAY too many queens in here, henny"

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when will we see such progressive era??? Ahhh lmao yikes. mess! Sounded like he done clockT out. Like go see the light and spread the kindest gospel in this global crisis is the least thing you can do. Smh. Prayers and thoughts etc.when will we see such progressive era???

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So it's okay to make such comments about people behind closed doors, is it?

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Someone claiming to be part of an anonymous ring of identity thieves says he and his team were behind a plot to fraudulently auction off Graceland, Elvis Presley's iconic Memphis mansion https://t.co/cHlvoYcNvd  Stereogum (@stereogum) May 28, 2024

Previous posts: one Last week, Elvis Presleys iconic Memphis mansion Graceland was scheduled to go up for auction to settle $3.8 million in unpaid debts taken out by the late Lisa Marie Presley. The only problem was, according to the Presley estate, no such loan was ever issued.Actress Riley Keough, who is Lisa Maries daughter and Elvis granddaughter, went to court last week to stop the sale from moving forward, arguing that the 2018 promissory note confirming the loan was fraudulent. She included an affidavit from the named Florida notary who confirmed she never even met Lisa Marie Presley.In court Wednesday, the judge paused the foreclosure sale until more information could be uncovered. After initially suggesting theyd move forward, the company attempting to auction off Graceland, Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC, withdrew its claims on the property by the end of the day (Court records, however, do not yet list any motion by Naussany Investments to drop its claim) and apologized to Keough. Investigations by CNN and NBC showed the company and the men behind it, Gregory and Kurt Naussany, do not exist. In its September filing,Eight months after Presleys death, Naussany Investments did file papers in probate court in California posting what it said was Ms. Presleys debt from 2018.to legitimize this company foreclosing on any other property in Shelby County.Media outlets often receive unsolicited emails from people who make outlandish claims. But the email arrived Friday in response to one sent by The Times to an email address that Naussany listed in a legal filing sent to a Tennessee court reviewing the foreclosure case.the email writer said.He said he was based in Nigeria and his email was written in Luganda, a Bantu language spoken in Uganda. But the filing with the email address was faxed from a toll-free number designed to serve North America; it was included in documents sent to the Chancery Court in Shelby County, Tenn., where the foreclosure case is still pending.The person claimed to be part of a ring of identity thieves operating on the dark web, a group that preyed on mostly dead and elderly people, especially from Florida and California, exploiting information obtained from birth certificates and other documents. We figure out how to steal, the person wrote. Thats what we do.And although the court documents feature fluent English, the emails are written in broken Bantu, according to a translator consulted by the NYT.When The Times sought further clarification on specific issues, the writer replied, You dont have to understand.I am the one who creates trouble, the writer said to open his first email on Friday.A lawyer for Keough declined to comment on Tuesday. 
EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation in Georgia when they assemble in Brussels on May 27. Brussels is still hoping that the country's controversial "foreign agent" law, which is expected to be finally passed this week, will be withdrawn or sufficiently watered down. The bill has been heavily criticized by Western countries and rights groups for creating a framework to clamp down on civil society and free media.

Until the law is adopted, the EU is unlikely to do anything. But what then are the bloc's options? The European Commission will be tasked with drawing up a paper, and there are roughly four major things that could be done: cut EU money to the country, sanction high-ranking Georgian politicians, stall the country's EU accession process, and suspend visa liberalization.

The perhaps most obvious option, and one that the U.S. Congress is currently considering, is to slap asset freezes and visa bans on leading Georgian politicians. The potential wrench in the works here is that you need unanimity among EU member states, something that will be hard to achieve.

Cutting funds from the EU budget is something the European Commission can do without a green light from member states, but there is an obstacle here as well. Georgia gets some 85 million euros ($92 million) a year in grants, some of which goes directly to the state and some to organizations within the country. A lot of that money supports the country's civil society sector -- something Brussels wants to protect now more than ever.

Deep Background: What about Georgia's EU accession process? When the Georgian Parliament voted in favor of the controversial legislation for the third time on May 14, the EU issued a statement noting that "the adoption of this law negatively impacts Georgia's progress on the EU path."

At the moment, Georgia has official candidate status, and the next step is to open accession talks. In many ways, though, the point is moot as no enlargement decisions are expected anytime soon. The European Commission's big report on the issue is due in October, and then, based on that, EU member states will decide in December.

One slight complication is that most likely at the end of June, the EU will aim to formally start accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine, as well as advancing the EU integration processes of Serbia and Montenegro. There is already a lot of tricky political choreography in trying to please various camps of EU member states that are advocating for the EU hopefuls in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe. Very few EU officials I have spoken to want to complicate matters further by adding Georgia to the mix.

Some members of the European Parliament have called for Georgia's candidate status to be reversed, but that is something that has never happened in EU history. And to do that, you would need to secure the ever-illusive unanimity.

The most likely scenario is maintaining the status quo: Georgia would remain a candidate to join the EU but without accession talks starting anytime soon. The question for policymakers is whether the Georgian government would even see this as a setback. Negotiations take years even with the best candidates, and the ruling Georgian Dream party can always point to the fact that it was actually them that delivered Georgia's candidate status in 2023.

Drilling Down:

It's worth remembering that the Georgian government has friends in high places that could alleviate the pain: Hungary, Slovakia, and Oliver Varhelyi, the Hungarian enlargement commissioner and ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, have all been supportive of Georgia's bid to join the EU.

As an illustration of their influence, it took 21 hours for the EU to issue a statement condemning the May 14 vote to approve the bill in the Georgian Parliament. Hungary and Slovakia blocked multiple drafts before the statement was signed on behalf of the 27 EU members states.

Diplomatic sources in Brussels from various member states told me Hungary believes the EU shouldn't interfere in internal matters. Slovakia's new populist government is also pondering a "foreign agent"-style law, which could be used to target civil society.

When member states couldn't agree on the wording, it was up to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to issue a statement instead. But that statement was held up by Varhelyi, who, in the end, withdrew his name from it, reportedly objecting to text linking the passing of the "foreign agent" law to Georgia's EU accession process. It will be interesting to see how much of a Georgia supporter Varhelyi will be going forward. After the Georgian prime minister accused him of threatening Georgia in a phone call last week, Varhelyi apologized , saying his words had been taken out of context.

That just leaves us with suspending visa liberalization. This is a solid option, as it doesn't require unanimity. To pass, it requires only qualified majority voting (QMV) -- meaning 55 percent of member states, normally 15 out of 27, representing 65 percent of the total EU population -- would suffice.

This, however, could be a controversial move as the visa-free regime, which went into effect in 2017, is perhaps the single most popular EU policy among Georgians. And many diplomats from EU countries feel it would be unfair to target the entire population this way.

My understanding, however, is there is a growing number of countries -- though possibly not yet enough for a QMV majority -- that are considering this option or at least haven't ruled it out completely.

For the visa suspension mechanism to be triggered, it is enough that one EU member state signals to the European Commission that there are problems with a specific third country enjoying visa-free travel to the EU. The commission must then issue a report on the matter. If the commission sides with the complainant, EU member states can temporarily suspend visa-free travel for a limited period of time via QMV, and then, if the issues persist, fully suspend it again via QMV.

The EU has only suspended visa liberalization once. That was in the case of Vanuatu, an island country in the South Pacific. In March 2022, the visa waiver was temporarily suspended due to the country's use of investor citizenship schemes, known as "golden passports." As Vanuatu didn't do anything to address Brussels' concerns, a decision to fully suspend visa-free travel was taken in November of that same year.

From EU officials I have spoken to, it seems there is a consensus that visa suspensions should only be considered when there are clear "home affairs issues" -- say, for example, third-country citizens using visa liberalization to seek asylum in the EU, or there are too many overstays from the 180-day limit. But there is also the so-called democracy criteria, and other diplomats I have spoken to believe that enacting the "foreign agent" law would be a clear case for tightening visa requirements.

By RFE/RL

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The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on Sunday 19 May has reignited optimism among some that Irans stance towards the West may soften again into the pragmatic approach of his reforming predecessor, President Hassan Rouhani. For the moment, presidential power has been transferred to Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, but a snap election is due to be held on 28 June to determine the president for the next four-year term. So, will it usher in a new dawn of better relations between Iran and the West of the sort that previously saw the forging of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or colloquially the nuclear deal) on 14 July 2015?

It is true that when he was elected president on 3 August 2013, former President Rouhani was instrumental in allowing more access for Western companies into Irans key businesses  including its huge but still relatively underdeveloped oil and gas sectors - in exchange for allowing greater oversight of its nuclear program. From Irans side, this would see a huge influx of investment from the West that would swell the coffers of an economy blighted by decades of international sanctions. This in turn would alleviate increasing social discontent from a large proportion of Irans young, well-educated, and non-Islamic fundamentalist population. It would also, as far as the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) was concerned, provide funding for a stealthy advancement in key elements of its nuclear program and for the plugging of technology gaps elsewhere in its economy, as analyzed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. After the signing of the JCPOA, commitments for massive investment rolled in from scores of Western firms, and Rouhani won a second term as president. It was at this point, though, that the P5+1 group of nations (the U.S., U.K., France, Russia, and China plus Germany) that had signed the JCPOA deal revealed their own surprise, which was that they essentially wanted to dismantle the power of the IRGC across all key areas of Irans political and economic life, as also detailed in the book. It was at that point that the JCPOA began to fall apart, even before the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the deal on 8 May 2018.

More than any other factor, the failure of the deal underlined that in reality there is no such thing as a moderate Iranian politician in the truest sense of the word. Rouhani had been keen to re-engage with the West based solely on the beneficial economic considerations for Iran and not on some deeper ideological basis that might include embracing anything other than the notion of Iran as a fundamentalist Islamic state. Crucially, he had only been able to do so with the full blessing of Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution, the IRGC in his first presidential term. When the powers of both were threatened by the JCPOA as it evolved past Rouhanis first four years, the deal was effectively dead from the Iranian side. In this sense, then, there is no meaningful difference between those commonly portrayed in the West as Iranian political moderates or hardliners, with the only variance in politicians being the degree of freedom they have been allowed by the Supreme Leader and the IRGC at any given moment. Moreover, as also analyzed in my new book, the portrayal of Iranian politicians as either moderate or hardliner has been encouraged by the IRGC as a ploy to leverage the West into certain negotiating positions and certain deals by playing up to its fears of further empowering the hardliners, or undermining the moderates.

At the centre of the guiding principles for all top-level Iranian politics is the concept of Velayat-e-Faqih, which means that all serious political and religious authority is entrusted to the [Shia] clergy, which makes all key decisions for Iran, provided that they have been approved by the Supreme Leader, and this is then enforced by the Guardians of the [1979] Revolution, the IRGC, a senior source close to Irans Petroleum Ministry exclusively told OilPrice.com. These decisions cover everything of significance for Iran, from foreign policy, through defence policy, economic policy, and intelligence policy, to any domestic policy over and above how many aerials a specific apartment complex in Tehran can have on its roof, he added. It should be remembered that [former President, Hassan] Rouhani himself - often cited as a moderate  began his adult life as a cleric, becoming an ardent follower of the leader of the 1979 Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomenei, he said. This structure is reinforced with the second element in Irans power structures that pre-determine the type of president it will have after the next election, which is the Majlis, he underlined. The Majlis - Irans 290-member parliament - is an elected house, but its real powers are confined to determining non-essential matters, although even these decisions can be overturned by the Guardian Council of the Constitution, which approves all legislation. In turn, this 12-member body acts in the manner of a general constitutional overseer, with half of its membership always being Shia theologians directly chosen by the Supreme Leader himself. The other six members are lawyers selected by the head of the judiciary, who in turn is also directly appointed by the Supreme Leader.

The final element of pre-determination in the upcoming Iranian presidential elections is the pre-selection process for suitable candidates for the position by a body over which no one, except the Supreme Leader, has any authority at all  the Expediency Discernment Council of the System. The Expediency Council will vet all candidates and then pass the list to the Guardian Council, which will then publish the official shortlist of shortly before the election date. The Expediency Council was originally created by the Supreme Leader to resolve any differences that arose between the Guardian Council and the Majlis, but it also now functions as a key advisory body to the Supreme Leader. According to the Iran source, Irans Supreme National Security Council will also send a foundation document on candidates to the Expediency Council that stresses the current security concerns of Irans key geopolitical backers  China and Russia. This document will ensure that all the shortlisted candidates have ideas on politics, economics, and global security that are congruent with those of our Chinese and Russian partners, the Iran source exclusively told OilPrice.com last week.

The late President Raisi was what the West terms a hardliner, but even he was given no say in Irans backing for Hamass 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel or on the 13 April drone and missile attacks directly on Israel, according to the senior Iran source. He also had no say on Irans maneuvering of the Houthis to attack ships in the Red Sea area, or to threaten Saudi Arabian oil facilities or any such matters, and nor will the next president whoever it is, he said. All the key decisions will continue to be made by the Supreme Leader in conference with the IRGC, he added. This said, a far more important appointment for Irans future may come from the replacement of Raisi on the Assembly of Experts, which is the group that chooses the new supreme leader when the ailing 85-year-old Khamenei dies. For a long time, Khamenei has looked to his son, Mojtaba, to replace him as Supreme Leader, and he could well be appointed to the Assembly of Experts, the Iran source underlined last week. This would be the genuinely big event following Raisis death, he concluded.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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Hess Corporations shareholders are set to vote on Tuesday on Chevrons proposal to buy the company in a vote thats too close to call amid a growing number of shareholders urging for postponement of the vote or saying they would abstain.

Chevron has proposed a $53-billion all-stock transaction to buy Hess, which is a minority partner of Exxon in Guyanas prolific Stabroek block with a 30% stake.

Chevrons proposal to buy Hess is getting increased scrutiny from regulators and politicians, while the supermajor is locked in an arbitration procedure with Exxon regarding Exxons right of first refusal for Hesss stake in the huge oil projects offshore Guyana.

Exxon claims it has the right of first refusal (ROFR) to acquire the stake of Hess Corp in the Stabroek block, from which Exxon and its current partners pump more than 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude from several projects.

Chevron, for its part, claims the ROFR doesnt apply to mergers and to this case.

Chevron and Hess believe that ExxonMobils and CNOOCs asserted claims are without merit, Chevron said in an SEC filing, which cites a letter to shareholders by Hess.

If the arbitration does not result in a confirmation that the Stabroek ROFR is inapplicable to the merger, and if Chevron, Hess, Exxon and/or CNOOC do not otherwise agree upon an acceptable resolution, then there would be a failure of a closing condition under the merger agreement, in which case the merger would not close, the filing says.

In March, the board of directors of Hess unanimously recommended that shareholders vote in favor of the merger with Chevron.

But several Hess shareholders have already said they would abstain in todays vote, which may not push it through the 50% threshold required for approval.

Several investors have also called for a delay of the vote, hoping to get a better offer, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

Shareholders owning some 40% of all Hess shares were considering abstaining from todays vote, sources with knowledge of the plans told Reuters last week. These investors believe the finalization of the deal now would not allow them to get better offers for their shares later.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Indias private refiner Reliance Industries has signed a one-year agreement with Russias top oil producer Rosneft to buy at least two cargoes of Urals crude in Russian rubles per month, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing four sources familiar with the matter.

Reliance, which operates the Jamnagar refinery in India, the worlds largest and most complex single-site refinery, has signed the deal effective from April 1 to buy two cargoes of around 1 million barrels of Russias Urals crude each month, plus an option to buy four more cargoes per month. Under the deal, the discount of the Urals crude to the Middle Eastern Dubai benchmark is $3 per barrel, according to Reuters sources.

Rosneft told Reuters that it does not comment on confidential trade agreements, adding that India is a strategic partner for Rosneft oil company.

Indian refiners have paid for Russian oil in Indian rupees, Chinese yuan, and UAE dirhams since the West imposed an embargo on Russian oil imports and implemented a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian crude oil if it is to use Western insurance, reinsurance, shipping, or financing.

Russia was Indias single largest oil supplier for a second consecutive fiscal year, as surging imports of Russian crude dragged down the share of OPEC and Middle East supply to India to a record low, Reuters reported last month, citing data from tanker-tracking data obtained from industry sources.

In the 2023/2024 fiscal year ended March 31, the share of Middle East oil supply of Indias oil imports slumped to as low as 46% -- the lowest on record dating back to 2001-2002, according to the Reuters analysis. This compares with a 55% share of the Middle Eastern crude supply of Indian imports in the previous fiscal year 2022/2023.

The key driver of historically low Indian imports from the Middle East was the surge in Russian crude supply to the worlds third-largest oil importer.

In addition, the volume of Indias crude oil imports remained flat in the fiscal year 2023/2024 ended March 31, but the import bill of the worlds third-largest oil importer fell by almost 16% due to lower oil prices and record-high imports of cheaper Russian crude.

By Josh Owens for Oilprice.com

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The new chief executive of Petrobras, Magda Chambriard, has promised investors they will see stronger returns during her tenure, seeking to alleviate worries that the Brazilian state energy major would shrink those to boost investments.

Petrobras is perfectly capable of guaranteeing returns for its shareholders, whether private or governmental, Chambriard said this week as quoted by Bloomberg. I understand we need to make a profit.

The Brazilian government removed the previous chief executive of the company, Jean Paul Prates, earlier this month after he announced that Petrobras would be cutting dividends in order to boost investments as it seeks to shift away from oil and gas, and eyes generating more of its profits from low-carbon energy projects in the future.

Under Prates, Petrobras planned a substantial boost to its capital spending for the next five-year planning period, with the total seen at $102 billion. This is a 31% increase on the previous five-year investment period and aims to increase oil and gas production to some 3.2 million barrels of oil equivalent daily. That would be u from 2.8 million bpd at the moment.

At the same time, the former CEO had a plan to squeeze the share of oil and gas in the companys business to 50% of revenues, with the other 50% coming from wind, solar, and biofuels in barely a decade.

At the same time, the Lula government wants Petrobras to boost its refining operations and any other business that could create more jobs, the Bloomberg report noted. Chambriard herself noted in her comments this week that the company needs to step up offshore exploration in new areas to secure future supply when the pre-salt basins peak.

We have to be very careful with replenishing reserves unless we want to accept the fact that we could become importers again, she said.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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TotalEnergies and Austrias electricity company VERBUND will study the feasibility of producing green hydrogen in Tunisia for export to central Europe via pipelines, the French supermajor said on Tuesday.

TE H2, an 80/20 joint-venture formed by TotalEnergies and EREN Groupe, and VERBUND have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tunisia to study the implementation of a large green hydrogen project, H2 Notos, in the North African country for export to Central Europe through pipelines.

H2 Notos is expected to produce green hydrogen using electrolyzers powered by large onshore wind and solar projects and supplied with desalinated sea water. The project aims to produce 200,000 tons of green hydrogen annually during its initial phase, with the potential to scale up production to one million tons per year in South Tunisia.

The project will have access to the European market through the SoutH2 Corridor, a hydrogen pipeline project connecting North Africa to Italy, Austria, and Germany, which is expected to be commissioned around 2030. The project is expected to utilize more than 70% repurposed infrastructure, with new pipeline segments where necessary.

By combining competitive hydrogen production in Tunisia and pipeline-based transportation, we can ensure a long-term supply at scale to support a sustainable transition of our customers to green hydrogen as well as support a sustainable economic development in Tunisia, said Michael Strugl, chief executive of VERBUND.

While heavy industry and governments pin their hopes on hydrogen for faster decarbonization, and power-generating companies and oil and gas majors look to diversify into low-carbon hydrogen production, costs are still high for green hydrogen production and hold back massive deployment of projects, analysts say.

Forecasters, including the International Energy Agency (IEA)a staunch supporter of all things green  acknowledge that costs need to be slashed significantly if clean hydrogen is to play a major role in the energy transition.

Low-emission hydrogen production can grow massively by 2030 but cost challenges are hampering deployment, the IEA said in its Global Hydrogen Review 2023 report in September 2023.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The copper rally has been further fueled by demand from China and speculative trading.

Copper traders are concerned about the long-term impact of the closure of the Cobre Panama copper mine.

The price of copper has reached an all-time high, breaking the $11,000-per-ton mark.

The price of copper has surged to an all-time high this week, and in doing so, it broke the $11,000-per-ton mark for the first time ever.

The landmark moment is the culmination of a months-long rally driven by financial speculators who predicted that a supply shortage would push up prices.

Copper futures  which allow investors who never actually use the metal to bet on the commoditys price  have risen by 31 percent in the past year and 25 percent year to date, turning heads beyond the niche world of commodity traders.

The metal  now one of the best-performing commodities of the year  is viewed as a leading indicator for the global economy thanks to its use as a raw material in essential products like EV batteries, wind turbines, and power lines.

But is this rally a sign of greater confidence and, in turn, higher levels of investment and manufacturing? Or are there other factors at play?

Whats behind the latest copper rally?

The consensus among copper market commentators is that while the recent rise in price has contained a certain amount of signalgenuine changes in the markets fundamentals there is also a fair amount of speculative noise.

Starting with the signal, copper traders remain concerned about the long-term ramifications of the closure of the Cobre Panama copper mine in South America.

The mine, which began producing the red metal in 2019, accounted for over one percent of the worlds copper output before it was closed amid protests about its environmental footprint.

Latterly, these supply concerns have been aggravated by an uptick in demand from China, which is by far the largest consumer of the metalthanks to an economy and a manufacturing sector that looks set for recovery after a slow few years.

None of these changing fundamentals can explain the rapid rise of red metal, though. Instead, this noise stems from two main reasons.

First, the price of copper tends to correlate fairly closely with US bonds, and as the yield from US debt has stayed higher than many expected, so copper prices have rallied to reflect that.

Simultaneously, some pockets are undergoing an acute pinch as short sellers are being squeezed into buying back their positions for more than when they adopted their short position.

According to Morgan Stanley, this is currently happening in New York.

Rise comes after longer-term growth

This sudden copper-coloured bull has followed a longer-term rise in interest in copper, thanks to its importance in crucial energy transition infrastructure and technologies.

Between the start of 2016 and March 2020, the price of copper tended to move between $2 and $3 per pound. Since then, as the transition to net zero has become more pressing, the copper price has risen alongside the demand for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and the like.

Barring another major downturn  or a huge shock to the Chinese economy  there is little to suggest that the pipeline of fundamental demand will change.

By CityAM

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Yonabaru Station (Shoji Kudaka)

One day as I was driving, a funny tune caught my attention coming from a radio, going Afee! Afee!

It was Okinawan folk song Keibin Tetsudo Bushi, a tune I often heard at the community center where I used to meet my friends in the 1980s. Though wed mimic the humorous jingle, we didnt realize that it is actually dedicated to Keibin Tetsudo, a railway service that used to exist in Okinawa. Although its official name was Keiben Tetsudo, the railway came to be commonly recognized as Keibin Tetsudo.

Keibin Tetsudo was a common mode of transportation for many Okinawans until it was discontinued during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Though the line is gone, around Okinawa there are still remnants of this important mode of transportation.

One place is at the Yonabaru Light Rail Station (Keibin Tetsudo Yonabaru Eikisha), where visitors can see old photos of the Keibin Tetsudo in action. After remembering the tune, I made a stop at the station to learn more about the rails history.

According to Daisaku Kina, a curator of the museum, the Keibin Tetsudo transported 3.28 million passengers in 1941, though the population was around 570,000 at the time.

As someone who was born and grew up in Okinawa in the 1970s, daily travel by rail rather than by car is beyond my imagination. Today, Okinawa only has one mono railway built in 2003 that covers the Naha City-area, so driving is the primary mode of transportation in the prefecture.

According to the Okinawa General Bureau, Keibin Tetsudo was first launched in Okinawa in 1914, connecting Yonabaru and Naha. Yanabaru was a logistic hub at the time for goods and materials coming from the northern part of the island before they were consumed in Naha.

In 1922, a line connecting Kadena and Naha was launched. With a line connecting Itoman and Kokuba in Naha City completed in the following year, Keibin Tetesudo came to cover the mid and southern parts of Okinawas main island. The railway was public transportation and also a means of carrying products from local sugar factories. When the war was approaching, it was used for military logistics as well.

Keibin Tetsudos trains were steam-powered at first, explained Kina. Gas-powered cars were introduced after the Showa Era began in 1926. Although the trains back then didnt run as fast as they do today, their speed still deserves respect.

Kina noted, for example, around Showa 10 (1935), it took 24 minutes to go from Yonabaru to Naha. A train would go at 20 to 30 km/h on average.

Given that it still takes about half an hour to go from here (Yonabaru) to Naha by car, transportation time has not changed much between then and now, Kina said. It took one hour from Yonabaru to Kadena, you would want to use the train if it was still in service today.

The stations photos of the former line demonstrated just how impactful it was on the daily lives of Okinawans. There is even an augmented reality (AR) video visitors can watch on a tablet borrowed at the office that shows the train arriving at the station.

Even though I could see the photos and the modern recreation of the Keiben Tetsudo making a stop at Yonabaru, it was difficult for me to grasp it as reality. However, the display and folk song I listened to as a teen prove that its a piece of Okinawa history that is lost but not forgotten.

Yonabaru Light Rail Station

(Shoji Kudaka) (Shoji Kudaka) (Shoji Kudaka) (Shoji Kudaka)

GPS coordinates: 26.20031, 127.75621

Hours: 10 a.m.  6 p.m.

Admission Fee: 100 yen

*Closed on Tue, Dec. 29 through Jan. 3

*A free parking space is available by the building.

*In addition to the photos and video, there are also remnants of pillars used for the original building of the station attesting to its history.

Other locations that exhibit remains of the Keibin Tetsudo railway

Yafuso in Urasoe City

(Shoji Kudaka)

GPS Coordinates: 26.248560, 127.710885

*At this location, part of a railway that connects Naha and Kadena is exhibited.

Tsubogawa Higashi Koen

(Shoji Kudaka)

GPS Coordinates: 26.205023, 127.682069

*Exhibited this location is part of the railway along with the sugar train, a type of train mobilized in Minami Daito Island to transport sugar canes.

Naha Bus Terminal

(Shoji Kudaka)

GPS Coordinates: 26.211475, 127.675886

This location used to be a terminal for Keibin Tetsudo. To commemorate the history, a turntable is exhibited there.
The principal said in a letter the two students got into an altercation prior to the last day of the school year starting. The principal said the student who was cut is expected to be OK.
Omaha police have identified a motorcyclist who was killed in a collision in South Omaha on Monday.

Robert Rasmussen, 59, of Omaha died after he was thrown from the 1976 Kawasaki motorcycle he was driving.

According to police, the crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. Monday when a woman from Lincoln pulled out in front of Rasmussen. The woman was trying to turn left onto 13th Street from Bancroft Street in a red 2015 Buick Enclave.

The vehicles collided, which led to Rasmussen being thrown off the motorcycle.

Medics took Rasmussen to the Nebraska Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The woman was cited for misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide and failure to yield.

The crash investigation is ongoing.
Kwabena Boamah, Managing Director of Stanbic Investment Management Services, has emphasized the importance of pensions scheme towards developing the Ghanaian economy. He shared this sentiment at the 3rd Ghana Impact Summit organised by Impact Investing Ghana at the Marriot Hotel.



Speaking on a panel discussion on the topic Understanding Investor Perspectives: Key Criteria Limited Partners (LPs) Seek in Fund Managers, Mr Boamah highlighted the key role pension schemes play in the development of the Ghanaian economy.



If you look at the investment guidelines for pension schemes, there's a fourth objective that requires pensions to support the development of the Ghanaian economy. We believe that there is no better way to impact the Ghanaian economy than having direct investments in the real sector.



"After funding government for more than 10 years through pension schemes, there are no pension schemes clearly marked on any government project as being a key sponsor of those projects. But if you have pension schemes, investing in private equity firms, we get the opportunity to physically see where the resources are being channeled to get the impact that pension schemes are making as far as the development of the Ghanaian economy is concerned.



When the management of pension funds started in 2012, significant allocations were made into government treasury bills. And as the yield curve corrected, we saw a switch into government of Ghana bonds. In 2016, we felt that there was a need to diversify the pension portfolios further and that was when the conversation around moving into alternatives started. That initiated the first investment on behalf of our pension clients in private equity investments., he added



Mr. Boamah further spoke on behalf of his outfit the basic principles they look at before investing in private equity firms.



He said, The basic principles we look at when investing in a private equity firm includes the following: the people, the process, performance and the pipelines. The people factor is crucial because you are putting money into a fund or an investment that will last you 10 to 12 years.



"Do they have the entrepreneurial spirit that will be able to add value to the investee companies that the Fund will be investing in? We look at the track record, which we call the performance of the fund manager and how long they have been investing, what have been their success stories and what have been their failures. We also look at the processes. We believe that to be successful is important, but to be able to repeat your successes is more important. Therefore, we take a careful look at how they arrived at their former success and if they are capable of replicating it over the years.



Impact Investing Ghana hosts the Ghana Impact Summit in partnership with the UN In Ghana, Global Steering Group for Impact Investing, and other partners. The summit provides a platform for the Ghanaian ecosystem (suppliers of capital, policy makers, enterprise support organizations, market builders) to make significant progress on local ecosystem-building initiatives that can increase the supply of funds for impact and drive the attainment of the SDGs.







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Fidelity Bank, Ghana's largest privately-owned indigenous bank, announced that over 400 exporters and farmers have benefitted from its Export Club initiative. The announcement was made by Julian Opuni, Managing Director, at the launch of the 2024 Ghana Horticulture Expo hosted by the Federation of Associations of Ghana Exporters (FAGE) on May 27, 2024.



Themed "Celebrating Ghana's Horticulture Diversity, Produce Quality, Export More," the Expo unveiled a wealth of trade opportunities and economic benefits for Ghanaian and international farmers and buyers. It also served as a unique platform where agriculture, technology, finance, youth employment, and innovation converge.



In his address, Julian Opuni, highlighted the strategic partnership formed with FAGE in 2023, leading to the creation of the Export Club. This initiative specifically targets Ghanaian enterprises in both agricultural and non-traditional export sectors, aiming to enhance their export trade capabilities.



"Over 400 exporters and farmers have already benefited from the services offered through the Export Club," Mr. Opuni announced. These services include a comprehensive export value proposition, educational seminars on sustainable practices, and participation in international trade fairs. This empowers them with valuable insights into global trends, innovations, and best practices in the fruit and vegetable markets.



Mr. Opuni emphasized the crucial role of the horticulture sector in Ghana's economy, contributing significantly to agricultural growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. He noted the sector's diversification, driven by the high quality and international standards of its products.



"To sustain the momentum and successes in the horticultural sector, initiatives like this Expo are vital," Mr. Opuni stated. "Fidelity Bank views this event as an opportunity to continue our leadership role in supporting the sector. The Expo aligns with our Export Club's objectives, providing a practical platform to advance our initiatives," he added.



The Expo also tackles critical challenges within the horticultural sector. "This event will not only raise awareness of Ghanaian horticultural products but also enhance our country's foreign exchange earnings and create job opportunities for our youth," Mr. Opuni stated. "It presents a unique opportunity to address challenges in the sector, bringing all stakeholders together."



Fidelity Bank recognizes access to finance as a major concern for many agricultural enterprises. "We will collaborate with funding partners and other financial institutions to offer specialized financing programs tailored to the needs of agricultural businesses," Mr. Opuni announced. "Financial support and access to capital are crucial for the sector's growth."



He further emphasized the importance of compliance with regulations and environmental standards for sustainable growth. "By working with partners, we aim to provide technical assistance to help businesses obtain and maintain necessary certifications for their products to be accepted in international markets," he added.



Mr. Opuni concluded by stressing the role of innovation and technology in improving productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in the horticultural sector. "This Expo should be seen as a platform to embrace these advancements. It offers a valuable platform for Fidelity Bank, exporters, and other stakeholders to share insights and collaborate on solutions to challenges in the horticultural sector."



The Ghana Horticulture Expo presents a valuable opportunity for Fidelity Bank, exporters, and other stakeholders to collaborate. By leveraging its experience and partnerships, Fidelity Bank is committed to supporting the sector's full potential, fostering sustainable development for the benefit of all Ghanaians.



The launch event was supported by USAID's Feed the Future program, GIZ, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), and the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL). It serves as the pathfinder for the three-day Expo slated for July 9th to 11th, 2024. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to a thriving Ghanaian horticulture sector.





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The Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Limited Company (BESTL) excelled lustrously at the Ghana CEOs Summit 2024, held at the prestigious Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel over the weekend.



In a remarkable recognition of their leadership and transformative impact, Dr Edwin Alfred Provencal, Managing Director of Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Limited Company (BESTL) was honoured as Outstanding CEO of the Year, while Chairman of the Board, Mr Ekow Hackman was named Board Chairman of the Year.





The accolades celebrated the substantial turnaround and impressive performance of BESTL under the stewardship of Dr Provencal and Mr Hackman.



Speaking to the media, Dr Provencal said that within a year, the company scaled from eighth to fourth place on the Public Enterprise League Table, with expectations of even better rankings in the future.





Reflecting on the company's challenging past, he said that BESTL faced severe financial and operational difficulties by the end of 2016.



Over three consecutive years, the company incurred losses, peaking at GHS 459 million in 2016, exacerbated by deteriorating infrastructure that slashed its revenue-earning assets to a mere 18%. Debts to suppliers and related parties exceeded $600 million, and domestic bank debts surpassed GHS 400 million.



Furthermore, three of its six depots were non-



operational, and all marine assets were grounded, placing the company in a precarious position, he noted.



However, he said that the tide began to turn by 2021 when BESTL reported a profit of GHS 163 million.



This figure was more than doubled by 2022, with the company declaring a profit after tax of GHS 342 million. Revenue assets witnessed a dramatic improvement from 18% to 95%, with all six depots, pipelines, and marine assets fully operational, generating substantial revenue streams, he mentioned.



The company's remarkable transformation earned it continental recognition in 2023 when it was named the Most Transformed Public Enterprise in Africa at an event in Kenya.



This achievement underscored the significant progress made under the dynamic leadership of Dr Provencal and Mr. Hackman.



During the summit, Dr Provencal and Mr Hackman expressed their gratitude to BESTLs management team and staff for their unwavering cooperation and contributions, which have been instrumental in the company's resurgence.



The event was graced by former President John Dramani Mahama as the guest of honour, and attendees included representatives from various sectors of the company.





The recognition at the Ghana CEOs Summit highlights BESTLs extraordinary journey from financial distress to a leading, efficiently run state-owned enterprise, setting a benchmark for other public enterprises in the country and across the continent.



GNA

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John Boadu, the Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) has been honoured with the Outstanding Public Leadership Award in the Public Sector category at the 8th Ghana CEO Summit. The prestigious event took place yesterday at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, celebrating excellence and leadership within Ghana's corporate and public sectors.



Hon. Boadu was recognized for his exemplary leadership and transformative impact on various state entities under SIGA. Since taking office, he has been instrumental in turning around the performance and efficiency of these entities, setting new benchmarks for governance and public service in Ghana.



In his acceptance speech, Hon. Boadu expressed his gratitude to the management and organizers of the event. "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team at SIGA. It will further encourage me to strive for even greater heights in service to our beloved country," he remarked.



The summit featured prominent guest speakers, including the Vice President of Ghana, His Excellency Dr. Alhaji Bawumia, and the former President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. Both leaders commended the efforts of the awardees and emphasized the importance of leadership and innovation in driving national development.



The 8th Ghana CEO Summit brought together top executives, policymakers, and thought leaders to discuss strategies for economic growth and sustainability. Hon. Boadu's award highlights his significant contributions to enhancing the governance and operational efficiency of state entities, reinforcing his reputation as a distinguished leader in the public sector.

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In a pioneering initiative to tackle climate change and social issues, JCS Investments Ltd has partnered with UBA Ghana to introduce the JCS Green prepaid card, a co-branded Visa prepaid card. This initiative enables individuals to make a positive impact on the environment and society with every purchase, promoting a greener and sustainable future for all.



Commenting on the partnership, Chief Executive Officer at JCS Investments Patricia Safo said, "We are delighted to partner with UBA Ghana on this ground-breaking initiative. The JCS Green Card is a secure and convenient prepaid Visa card that channels 1% of usage fees directly towards addressing critical environmental and social issues in Ghana. This card is a step in the right direction, contributing to solving a global crisis one transaction at a time.



She noted that, If you're concerned about the environmental and social issues we're facing and feel powerless to make a difference, the JCS Green Card offers a solution. With every purchase you make using the Green Card, you contribute in your own small way towards creating a safer, more sustainable environment for the current and future generations.



She further called on organizations to assess the potential impact of climate change and human activities on their raw materials costs and conduct a stress test to prepare for the likely increase in expenses. Shareholders must press management to take bold action to reduce their carbon footprint and implement transformative changes. With the possibility of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) emissions taxation looming, companies must act swiftly to decrease their environmental impact and mitigate the harmful effects of high CFC gases.



Henry Nii Dottey, Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing at UBA Ghana, noted, "This partnership presents a valuable opportunity for UBA Ghana to join forces in combating the global climate crisis. As a responsible organization committed to environmental stewardship, we believe the JCS Green Card is more than just a prepaid card - it's a tangible step towards a greener and safer Ghana. With the JCS Green Card, individuals can effortlessly contribute to a sustainable future while enjoying the security and convenience of a reliable prepaid card.



The JCS Green Card is available for Fifty Ghana Cedis (GHS50) and can be used internationally, online, and at Point of Sale (POS) payments. Unlike traditional Visa cards, this prepaid card is not linked to a bank account and can be used at all Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).























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The Telecel Ghana Foundation, in partnership with Touching the Lives of Girls Foundation International, have commemorated the World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 with an impactful 2-day event at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi. The program was attended by over 5000 female students from secondary and tertiary institutions in Kumasi.



World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed globally on the 28th of May each year, encourages women to maintain hygiene during their menstrual cycle to stay healthy. This day raises awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene and aims to break down the existing social taboos associated with menstruation. The date, 28th May, was chosen because it represents the average length of a menstrual cycle.



Under its connected health programme, the Telecel Ghana Foundation underscores the urgent need for education and access to hygienic products to ensure that girls and women can manage their menstruation with dignity, thereby promoting a conducive learning environment for female students.



Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of the Telecel Ghana Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications, highlighted Telecel Foundations commitment to this cause. She stated, "We believe that empowering young women with the right education and resources is key to fostering a healthier and more equitable society. Our commitment to promoting menstrual hygiene is not just about healthits about dignity, education, and breaking down barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential. We are proud to support initiatives that breaks the silence and create a #PeriodFriendlyWorld."



Dr. Amo-Mensah Adjoa Peprah, Senior Medical Officer, Department of Psychiatry at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, delivered a compelling speech on the correlation between menstrual hygiene and mental health. She highlighted the psychological impacts of inadequate menstrual hygiene management, stating, "Mental health is intrinsically linked to our physical well-being. When young girls do not have access to proper menstrual hygiene products or face stigma and embarrassment around their periods, it can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and even depression. It is crucial that we create an environment where girls feel supported and educated about their menstrual health."



The event also featured educational sessions, workshops, and the distribution of menstrual hygiene products, aiming to empower young women with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their menstrual health effectively.



The Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, upon delegation from the Patron of Touching the Lives of Girls Foundation, Her Royal Highness Lady Julia Osei Tutu, praised the collaborative efforts of Telecel Ghana Foundation and Touching the Lives of Girls Foundation International. she stated, "This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that our young women have the necessary support and education to manage their menstrual health with dignity. By fostering an open dialogue and providing essential resources, we are paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future."



The success of the World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 celebration at KNUST underscores the importance of continued advocacy and action to support menstrual health. With ongoing efforts from organizations like Telecel Ghana Foundation and Touching the Lives of Girls Foundation International, the vision of a world where menstruation is managed without shame or stigma is becoming a reality.







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A driver driving a Toyota Hiace Van belonging to the Anlo Traditional Council has been arrested by the police for transporting bags of smuggled cocoa beans.



Abraham Senyaglo, a native of Keta in the Anlo Municipality, was apprehended on Saturday night with 26 bags of smuggled cocoa beans parked in fertiliser sacks on the Adomi-Atimpoku stretch.



The suspect, who was said to have been returning from an errand at Manhyia, after delivering some items donated by the Anlo Traditional Council to the Asantehene, was reportedly chased and arrested after failing to stop upon signal by police around the Adomi Bridge in the Eastern Region.



According to him, he was sent to the Manhyia Palace by Chiefs and Elders of Anlo State to present some items to the Asantehene as part of his 25th Anniversary Celebrations and on his return a friend beseeched his help to transport the cocoa beans from Suhum to Dodze.







Having been convinced by the friend that it was a genuine business they have been doing routinely, he agreed to transport the cocoa beans only to find out later that they were illegally acquired.



On why he failed to stop when directed by the Police on duty to do so which resulted in the chase leading to his arrest, the suspect explained that he did not get the police signal to stop, even though the account by the security personnel is to the contrary.



Meanwhile, the suspect and the seized goods are currently in the custody of the Sogakope Police awaiting investigations and subsequent prosecution.



The onslaught against the illegal activities of cocoa smuggling by the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce has in recent times witnessed positive results with several convictions being recorded over the last two months.

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Nana Kwame Bediako, the leader of the New Force, says he will adopt an industrial strategy to address the illegal mining (galamsey) menace in Ghana.



According to him, he will ensure his government ends galamsey.



In an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Nana Kwame Bediako a.k.a Cheddar pledged to drive all the Chinese galamsey operators from Ghana and utilize the Ghanaians doing it to make the gold sector boom for Ghana.



He bemoaned the activities of the Chinese miners saying what they are doing is poisonous to Ghanaians and the growth of the nation, therefore they will be "the first people I will remove from the system".



"The silos have destroyed our water bodies and the same water is feeding the ground...It is poisoning our crops and it is going to affect us and the nation and the government haven't been able to restrict or stop them. So, they (Chinese) will be the first people I will remove from the system...but the local people who are Ghanaians, I would like to employ all of them," he expounded.



After flushing out the Chinese, he stressed he will use the Ghanaians "galamseyers and make them professional gold miners in the country and bring them together as one union, create wealth and create jobs but be able to get my reserves for the nation".



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Cheddar, known in real life as Nana Kwame Bediako, has clarified his pledge to send sea to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region if elected President of Ghana.



Nana Kwame Bediako, founder and leader of the New Force, is contesting the December general elections as an independent candidate.



Outlining his policies which include making Ghana a technological hub, Cheddar told the nation that one of the things he will do to transform the country is to dredge the sea and extend it to Kumasi which has been landlocked for years.



After making this promise, he came under a barrage of criticisms and has been ridiculed for what some people term as an "over-ambitious" policy.



With some critics describing it as an impossible project, Cheddar remains unfazed and confident in what he wants to do.



Explaining what he meant by sending the sea to a place which cannot harbor the sea, the New Force Leader told Peace FM in an interview on the station's morning show "Kokrokoo" that he meant to adjoin the rivers in the Ashanti Region with the sea for industrialization.



He further explained in specificity that he will dredge the sea and create a canal to make it possible for ports in the Ashanti Region and other Regions of the country.



Nana Kwame Bediako described himself as the "king of headlines", stressing his initial comments on his sea policy were misconstrued.



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Lawyer Manuel Harry Sawyerr, an astute private legal practitioner has come to the aid of students of the La Bawaleshie Presby Basic 1 School, a community school in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Municipality.



The renovation saw the execution of some civil works like the tiling of the floor, changing of doors and ventilation system.

The renovation also saw the provision of a wide range of books.



The facility to provide a good learning environment also received new lighting systems, curtains and new fans among other things.



Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Lawyer Manuel Sawyerr used the opportunity to reiterate his belief in education as a pillar for growth and social inclusion and most especially a development tool for his community.



This gesture is one of many other philanthropic gestures the Lawyer has embarked on which has won the admiration of all.



Lawyer Manuel Sawyerr is a Harvard Graduate and an alumni of the Premier University, University of Ghana.



He currently serves as a Member of the National Petroleum Authority Board where he brings to bear his vast knowledge in Energy, Natural Resources and Corporate Law.



The school authorities expressed their profound gratitude to Lawyer Sawyerr for the gesture and appealed to the general public for more support.



He was in the company of some well-wishers and friends who appreciated the extent of work done for such a deprived school in the municipality.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Ghana Hajj Board has said it is collaborating with security agencies in Saudi Arabia to arrest Ghanaians who travel to perform this years hajj with unauthorised visas.



It explained that there were four categories of visas issued by the Saudi Arabian authorities and among them, only the Hajj Visa was legitimate for performing hajj.



So far, the board said it was the only legitimate body recognised and mandated by Saudi authorities to organise and manage the affairs of Ghanaian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.



We are collaborating with the security agencies in Saudi Arabia, so if you try to sneak into Madina and enter any of our tents to sleep or feed on our food, we will arrest you or put you in a situation that may be unpleasant for you, the board said.



Fare



Although the board admitted that the price for this year's pilgrimage which is about GH75,000, was quite expensive, the board said it was the best offer since it included return tickets, accommodation, food, transportation within Saudi Arabia, safety and security.



We, therefore, wish to caution prospective pilgrims and others to be wary of persons, including travel and tour agencies that are advertising their seeming abilities to ferry people to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a lesser amount of money.



Those who get convinced by such persons and pay monies to them do so at their peril, the Board Chairman, Alhaji Ben Abdullah Banda, said this at a press conference in Accra last Sunday.



Alhaji Banda said the first flight to Saudi Arabia for this years hajj would take off from Tamale today. He said it would carry more than 400 pilgrims who would be received in Madina by an advanced team of the board and officials of Ghanas Embassy in Saudi Arabia.



The chairman said the airlifting in Tamale would end on Friday, May 31, 2024, while the Accra flight would take off from Sunday, June 2 to Tuesday, June 6, 2024. He said decent accommodation at various stations had already been secured while transportation within Saudi Arabia for the duration of the Hajj had also been arranged.



Alhaji Banda said a medical team had also been provided to attend to the health needs of the pilgrims throughout the period. Already, he said the board had carried out a series of orientation programmes in Yendi, Wa, Tamale, Kumasi and Accra to educate pilgrims on the dos and donts of hajj.



We wish to admonish our prospective pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Ghana while in Saudi Arabia, the chairman said.

Source: graphic.com.gh









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The Adjiringanor, East-Legon - Ashong Mlitse Family of The Odatei Tsewe-Teshie, staunch advocates for human rights and civil liberties, express deep concern over recent incidents involving the abuse of police power and intimidation of family members by influential individuals.



These alarming events underscore the urgent need for accountability and reform within law enforcement agencies.



Speaking to the media, Isaac Anumuda, acting Secretary for the Adjiringanor Family of The Odatei Tsewe-Teshie, detailed the arrest of Nii Afotey Odai Asafoatse Akobua IV, an elder of the family, by the regional police. Following his arrest, family elders secured bail for him.



However, upon leaving the Regional Police Headquarters, they were accused of threatening someone with death, resulting in the entire Adjiringanor elders, including a lawyer, being declared wanted.



Anumuda recounted how the elders, upon returning to the Regional Police Headquarters, were rushed to court. The police have since remanded some principal elders of the family on charges that are not supported by factual evidence. Despite previously granting bail, the police claim they need more time for investigations and have proceeded to court to remand some elders and declare others at large.



He highlighted that influential individuals in government are allegedly using the police to intimidate the Ashong Mlitse family, primarily due to land litigation.



The family pleads with those responsible to desist immediately.



Currently, all elders in Adjiringanor have been declared wanted by the police, seemingly to prevent them from asserting their rights and living peacefully in their town. Members of the Ashong Mlitse family face rampant arrests based on unsupported charges, with individuals aged 50 to 80 being detained.



Despite the existence of a district police station in East-Legon and being under the Adentan Municipal jurisdiction, the police proceed through the regional headquarters, utilizing a CID investigator named Zakaria Babangida, who conducts investigations and orchestrates arrests.



On May 22, 2024, the circuit court at Dansoman, presided over by Her Lordship Halimah El-Alawa Abdul Baasit, reviewed the case investigated by CID Zakaria Babangida.



The family demands an independent investigation to ensure an unbiased and thorough review of the actions taken by the involved officers. Immediate support and protection, including legal assistance and counseling services, must be provided to the affected families.



Lastly, the community is rallying together to demand justice and accountability, with a peace protest scheduled soon at Adjiringanor to voice their concerns and call for immediate action.



"We stand united against the abuse of power and the intimidation of our loved ones. We will not rest until justice is served and meaningful reforms are implemented," Anumuda stated.







Source: Portia Mensah Bonsu/Peace FM Newsroom









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The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has launched the Long-term National Development Perspective Framework (LTNDPF) otherwise, referred to as Vision 2057, which outlines a comprehensive vision for Ghanas development at a time where Ghana would be celebrating her Centenary Anniversary of Independence.



The Development Framework prescribes to every government the development over the period the document spans.



In other words, the LTNDPF is a vision document that reflects the development aspirations of every Ghanaian from which current and future medium development plans will be derived.



The much anticipated launch of the framework saw the light of day on May 28, 2024 at the Cedi Conference Centre within the heart of the University of Ghana, Legon.



In attendance for the launch were key stakeholders, ranging from members of the judicial service, educationists, members from the business community, politicians and representatives from the private sector and the head of the civil services of Ghana, amongst others.



Addressing the audience at the launch, Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa, PhD, beckoned on all stakeholders and cooperate Ghana, especially the youth to embrace the initiative from the NDPC in order to move Ghana to Secondary economic state.



Indeed this picks up the major headlines and also incorporated certain ideas at the Ghana at 100 and therefore there was a need to look at all this. It became even more pertinent when the Covid issue came up, the conflicts, the issue of responding to disasters and the others. We thought of looking at it in quite a comprehensive manner in coming out with goals, objectives and some proposed strategies but more importantly the results because that was what we saw from the Ghana at 100 that was very merry-much appreciated by citizen, the results that are expected so that they can hold government accountable at any given time, he said.



The Director-General of the GNPDC stated that in the new document, there are key areas of emphasis which are made of goals, representing the vision of the country, adding that, there have been extensive engagements with all agencies at all levels.



Dr. Mensah-Abrampa said, The good thing about this initiative is that, after every quarter, we receive report from every district, ministry, department and agency in this country and the report embraces not only the public sector but also include the functioning of the private sector, the business communities and others.



So we have goals and these represent what we want to attain in 2057. The Vision of the Framework is to see Ghana as a prosperous, self-reliant, resilient nation with a strong emphasis on economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability.



The Vision 2057 emphasises inclusivity, sustainability, and good governance which are necessary tools to propel the transformation that the vision seeks to have when Ghana is 100.



Successfully attaining the vision and goals, according to the Director-General of NDPC, requires that key factors be prevalent to propel significant and fundamentals changes within Ghana, as captured by the Vision 2025 booklet.

Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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The New Force Movement leader, Nana Kwame Bediako alias Cheddar or IamFreedom has outlined how if voted into power during the December 7 polls, he will form his government.



Ghana's constitution mandates that there should be 275 and from next year 276 Members of Parliament to form the Legislature and the President of Ghana is obliged to appoint Ministers to run the administrative work of the State.



As an independent candidate, Cheddar does not have the opportunity to form a political party to hold internal elections to elect Members of Parliament and for the President to select his appointees.



According to the New Force leader, he will form an all-inclusive government and pick his Ministers from both the New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress.



On his parliamentary representatives, Cheddar believes the NPP and NDC MPs will turn to join his New Force.



"When the time comes, lots of the Parliamentarians will turn to us. They will turn and follow us. If the duopolies are falling, they will find somewhere to sit. So, when they see we are doing good works which will result in the transformation of the nation, they will come to join us", he told Kwami Sefa Kayi in an interview on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has challenged his main contender in this years elections, ex-President John Dramani Mahama, to a debate on the economy.



Dr. Bawumia said that the current government has undertaken tangible and verifiable developmental projects, as opposed to those of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government led by Mr. Mahama.



The Vice President, who argued with the NDC flagbearer at the 8th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, stated that the NPP governments initiatives are not guinea fowl projects under Mr. Mahamas tenure.



This came after Mr. Mahama blasted the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, claiming that Ghana had become a bankrupt, collapsed country as a result of poor leadership in the past eight years.



We are all aware of our countrys current challenges and difficulties. Today, we stand at a critical and troubling crossroads, as our beloved Ghana has become a bankrupt, collapsed economy due to poor leadership over the past eight years, pushing some 8,000 of our citizens into the poverty line, the NDC leader fired.



Vice President Bawumia, who addressed the CEO Summit via Zoom from Canada, quickly returned fire, challenging ex-President Mahama to a debate on the economy and performance of the two governments.



He emphasised that the NPP government under President Akufo-Addo has outperformed the NDC government under Mahama, pointing out that the current governments initiatives, unlike those of the previous administration, are real and can be verified by the public.



According to him, the progress achieved by the Akufo-Addo administration is not only apparent, but also has long-term implications for the countrys infrastructure and economic growth.



These accomplishments, he noted, laid a solid foundation for the countrys future development, and he highlighted some of the projects undertaken by the current administration in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.



Vice President Bawumia emphasised that these projects were performed in line with need-based assessment and are benefiting many communities around Ghana.



We have done over 200 projects in the area of Zongo Development across all the zongos in the country. You look at our investment in technical and vocational education, over GH6 billion in the last seven years, he said.



The highest investment in TVET by any government in the Fourth Republic, and weve made technical and vocational education also free in that context.



You see, in terms of our development authority, there are 1,609 projects completed. And under the Northern Development Authority, it has also completed over 304 projects so far, and so we are not talking about guinea fowl projects, but real projects, Dr. Bawumia snapped.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has described the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), under the leadership of John Mahama as a scary alternative to be re-elected to govern the country.



Speaking on Joy News AM Show yesterday, Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Majority Leader said that raising concerns about the potential failures of a candidate does not connote harmful motive but rather served as a reminder of past experiences.



He, therefore, cautioned the electorates to assess presidential candidates before casting their ballots in order to make the right decision.



Its important to remind those who are going to take the decision that this man who claims that Ghanaians should give him the chance cannot do it better. For that one, we need to make that point clear. We can no longer keep quiet. It doesnt mean that if we say so, we are saying that in bad faith.



We are going into a competition and in that competition, it is yesterdays failure who is the one coming up to say that, they could not perform so give me the chance. It is important that you remind the decision-makers that the alternative is scary. The alternative is worse, he stated.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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The judge hearing the case in which former Finance Minister and Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and one other are standing trial for allegedly causing financial loss of 2.37 million to the state over an ambulance deal, has cautioned the public to be responsible in their comments on the case.



Her comments follow the numerous public discourse on the case after the businessman in the case, Richard Jakpa, had alleged that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has been calling him at odd hours during cross-examination last Thursday.



Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, who adjourned the matter to next Tuesday, June 4 to rule on an application filed by lawyers of Dr Ato Forson, observed that there was too much public commentary on the matter



If anyone will make any commentary which looks like scandalizing the court in any way it will not be well, she said, cautioning both parties from the defence side and that of the prosecution.



The judge, who told the lawyers that she had so far not heard anything prejudicial about discourses on the matter, it was important for persons making comments on the matter to be careful.



We live in a country where a lot of us dont understand the workings of the law and the court even the most educated people may not actually understand the workings of the law and the court.



At the end of the day, the public does not have a decision to make, the only person who has a decision to make is yours truly (me) so please allow me to have peace of mind to be able to make a decision, she said.



She added that the legal profession was one which depends heavily on reputation, and that judges were people appointed on the basis of sound moral character and proven integrity adding: Nobody should go about casting a slur on the judiciary, we are not interested in your politics.



We are not interested in your politics, were not politicians and we dont want to be, personally, we are not politicians and we dont want to be, stay in your arena and let us stay in ours, the judge said.



Background



The two have been accused of causing financial loss of 2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.



They have pleaded not guilty to counts of willfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment to wilfully causing financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act and intentionally misapplying public property.



Per the A-Gs facts accompanying the charge sheet, in 2009, while delivering the State of the Nation Address, the then President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, indicated that new ambulances would be purchased to expand the operations of the National Ambulance Service.



Jakpa, who is a local representative of Big Sea General Trading Limited, a company based in Dubai, subsequently approached the Ministry of Health with a proposal that he had arranged for finance from Stanbic Bank for the supply of 200 ambulances to the government.



Parliament approved the financing agreement between the government and Stanbic Bank.



According to the facts, on November 19, 2012, Dr Anemana wrote to the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) seeking approval to engage Big Sea through single sourcing for the supply of the 200 ambulances.



They added that on August 7, 2014, Dr Forson wrote to the Bank of Ghana for letters of credit covering 3.95 million for the supply of 50 ambulances in favour of Big Sea.



The letters of credit were accordingly released to Big Sea.



The facts said 30 ambulances were purchased at a sum of 2.37 million but all were found not to have met ambulance specifications and therefore not fit for purpose.

Source: graphic.com.gh









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The largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame and the ruling NPP government of deliberately plotting to jail Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson.



General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday said Godfred Dame "is not interested in justice, rather just jailing somebody. Torchbearer of injustice . . . he is hell-bent on securing incarceration of the Minority Leader unjustly.



According to him, the Akufo-Addo government has been persecuting the Minority Leader over the purchase of an ambulance. This is political witch-hunting and persecution".



In the context of repeated falsehood, deliberate misinformation, and distortion churned out by Godfred Dame and NPP propagandists, we are compelled to correct certain misconceptions about the transaction. It will be irresponsible on us to sit aloof and allow the deliberate misinformation to fester, he added.





Background



Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa have been accused of causing financial loss of 2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.



They have pleaded not guilty to willfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment to wilfully causing financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act and intentionally misapplying public property.



Per the A-Gs facts accompanying the charge sheet, in 2009, while delivering the State of the Nation Address, the then President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, indicated that new ambulances would be purchased to expand the operations of the National Ambulance Service.



Jakpa, who is a local representative of Big Sea General Trading Limited, a company based in Dubai, subsequently approached the Ministry of Health with a proposal that he had arranged for finance from Stanbic Bank for the supply of 200 ambulances to the government.



Parliament approved the financing agreement between the government and Stanbic Bank.



According to the facts, on November 19, 2012, Dr Anemana wrote to the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) seeking approval to engage Big Sea through single sourcing for the supply of the 200 ambulances.



They added that on August 7, 2014, Dr Forson wrote to the Bank of Ghana for letters of credit covering 3.95 million for the supply of 50 ambulances in favour of Big Sea.



The letters of credit were accordingly released to Big Sea.



The facts said 30 ambulances were purchased at a sum of 2.37 million but all were found not to have met ambulance specifications and therefore not fit for purpose.

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.

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In a recent development, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has come under scrutiny following the release of a secret recording involving a conversation with Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ongoing ambulance case.



In the alleged recording, the Attorney General is heard telling Mr Jakpa that if he accepts the line of argument regarding the Letter of Credit (LC), there will be no difficulty for him.



This statement has raised concerns about the integrity and fairness of the judicial process.



The secret recording, which has been circulated on social media, reveals a conversation between the Attorney General, a Supreme and Mr Jakpa.



The Attorney General's remarks have been interpreted by some as an attempt to influence Jakpa's testimony in the case against the first accused, Dr. Ato Forson, a former Deputy Finance Minister and the current Minority Leader. Dr. Forson is facing charges related to the procurement of faulty ambulances for Ghana.



During a recent court session, Richard Jakpa alleged that the Attorney General approached him multiple times to seek his assistance in implicating Dr. Forson. Jakpa claimed that the Attorney General pressured him to align his testimony with the prosecution's narrative concerning the Letter of Credit.



The revelation of the secret tape has added a new dimension to the case, prompting calls for an investigation into the conduct of the Attorney General.



In response to the allegations, the Attorney General has dismissed Jakpa's claims, insisting that he never sought to manipulate Jakpa's testimony.



He maintained that Jakpa had sent several letters requesting a plea bargain in exchange for the state dropping all charges against him and the other accused persons.



The Attorney General argued that these requests had not been accepted, and he remained committed to ensuring a fair trial.



The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, defended the Attorney General in a Facebook post, stating that the full recording would establish the AG's innocence.



He emphasised that the Attorney General's attendance at the meeting was at the behest of Justice Kulendi and that there was no intention to skew Jakpa's testimony.









Source: Peacefmonline.com









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In a new development in the ongoing ambulance case, a secret tape has surfaced allegedly featuring Attorney General Godfred Dame instructing Richard Jakpa, the third accused, to obtain an excuse duty to delay the proceedings.



In the recording, Mr Dame purportedly advises Mr Jakpa to use the delay to facilitate his travel plans, raising significant concerns about potential interference in the judicial process.



The tape, which has been circulating widely, captures Mr Dame suggesting that Jakpa manipulated the court's schedule to his advantage.



Dame in audio: "And then, even next week, the whole of next week, I'll not be around. Yes, I will be off. If you finish next week, I would appreciate it."



Jakpa retorted: "Oh, no, no. I'll not finish next week. I don't think I'll be able to finish because the documents are many. So, you will surely go and come and meet me. But that will also depend upon the judge's behaviour."



Mr Dame again: "You can bring one of the medical experts next week."



This revelation has added a new layer of controversy to the case, which already involves serious allegations against high-profile individuals, including Dr. Ato Forson, the former Deputy Finance Minister and current Minority Leader.



The leaked tape has prompted calls for an independent investigation to verify its authenticity and to understand the context of the conversation. Legal experts and civil society groups have expressed alarm over the potential misuse of power and the implications for the integrity of Ghana's legal system. They emphasize the need for transparency and accountability, urging the authorities to address the issue promptly to maintain public trust in the judiciary.



In response to the leaked tape, Attorney General Godfred Dame has denied any misconduct, asserting that the conversation has been taken out of context.



He maintains that his actions have always been guided by legal principles and that he remains committed to ensuring a fair and just trial.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Nana Akomea has asked Ghanaian electorates who may want to vote for Ex-President John Dramani Mahama in December 7 presidential elections to rethink their decision.



The Managing Director of the InterCity State Transport Corporation (STC) cautioned Ghanaians against the possibility of going back for John Mahama, alluding to his underperformance while in government.



Nana Akomea reminded Ghanaians of what he termed as the "bad track record" of Mr. Mahama stating how he messed up the economy which resulted in his defeat in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.



This year's election is seen as unprecedented as it is the first time a sitting Vice President and a former President will be contesting for the Presidency.



Also, both candidates hail from the northern sector which makes the election even more historic with some titling it the "Clash of the Northerners".



But to Nana Akomea, the only alternative for Ghana is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stressing Ghanaians have witnessed Mr. Mahama's bad regime but Dr. Bawumia has proven beyond doubt through his works that he is best person to push Ghana forward.



"If we are looking for an alternative, can it be Mahama? I don't agree because his record is also bad, when it comes to the economy, corruption, employment and so forth...The only alternative is Bawumia", the STC boss said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ongoing ambulance case, has raised serious allegations against the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.



In an alleged secret tape, Jakpa is heard protesting to Dame, stating,



"That is the problem I'm having. Anytime you bring up this issue with Yoni Kulendi, when I went to Yoni Kulendi's place, anytime you bring this issue, that is the problem I'm having. (10:02) Because me, for example, I am in this case because I'm innocent and I'm going through an ordeal."



"So I'm looking at another person, also going through the ordeal and me because I know the truth and I decide not to say it because I want to help the AG make his case."

This follows a suggestion by the AG in the alleged take to the accused person to aid him in securing a conviction against the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.



This revelation has sparked controversy and raised questions about the integrity of the judicial process.



Mr Jakpa's statement implied that the Attorney General attempted to pressure him into giving false testimony to support the prosecution's case against the first accused, Dr Ato Forson.



Dr. Forson, a former Deputy Finance Minister and the current Minority Leader, is facing charges related to the procurement of faulty ambulances for Ghana.



Mr Jakpa's allegation suggested that Dame sought to manipulate the evidence to ensure a conviction.



The alleged secret tape has intensified scrutiny on the Attorney General's conduct in the case. Many are calling for an independent investigation to determine the authenticity of the tape and the veracity of Jakpa's claims.



Legal experts and civil society organisations have expressed concern over the potential implications for the rule of law and justice in Ghana, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability in the judicial system.



In response to the allegations, the Attorney General has categorically denied any wrongdoing.



He asserted that Mr Jakpa's claims were unfounded and that he never sought to influence Mr Jakpa's testimony.



The Attorney General maintains that his actions have been in line with the law and that he is committed to ensuring a fair trial for all parties involved.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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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:

Vehicles drive on interstate I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. In the summer of 2021, travelers in Colorado's Glenwood Canyon were safely evacuated before massive debris flows buried highways and destroyed bridges, thanks to a debris flow warning system developed in part by the U.S. Geological Survey. The system alerted Colorado Department of Transportation officials to intense rainfall events, providing crucial lead time for evacuations. Credit: USGS

In the summer of 2021, travelers in Colorado's Glenwood Canyon were safely evacuated before massive mounds of mud and rocks buried highways and destroyed bridges, thanks to a debris flow warning system developed in part by the U.S. Geological Survey. The system alerted Colorado Department of Transportation officials to intense rainfall events, providing crucial lead time for evacuations.

The warning system was put into place after the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire ravaged the canyon, consuming more than 32,000 acres of forest, leaving behind a landscape primed for destructive debris flows. When rain falls on these fire-scarred areas, the precipitation can quickly transform into fast-moving slurries of mud, rocks and debris, posing a serious threat to people, property and the vital Interstate 70 corridor that threads through the heart of the canyon.

In the face of this looming threat, a team of USGS scientists embarked on a mission to predict post-fire debris flows. By combining cutting-edge technology, innovative research and collaborative partnerships, these experts are transforming the ashes of devastation into a system of early warning and protection.

Scientists assess post wildfire debris flow following the 2020 Grizzly Creek fire. Credit: USGS

Monitoring the burn area

After the fire, scientists installed a network of rain gauges and soil moisture sensors throughout the rugged burn area. These instruments provide real-time data on rainfall intensity and duration, which are critical factors in determining the likelihood of a debris flow.

"The more we understand about the factors that contribute to debris flows, the better equipped we are to predict their impacts," said Francis Rengers, USGS geologist and lead author of the study. "Our goal is to provide emergency managers and local authorities with the tools they need to keep the public safe."

Developing rainfall thresholds for safety

Scientists use models to estimate the rainfall amounts that might trigger debris flows based on site-specific information such as the intensity and duration of rainfall, burn severity and soil properties. Following storms, rainfall monitoring helps scientists refine the rainfall thresholds and test the accuracy of their prediction models for future events. This continuous monitoring and testing process ensures that early warning systems are as accurate and reliable as possible, giving emergency responders and the public the best chance to stay safe during potential debris flow events.

Rain gauge in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. After the 2020 Grizzly Creek fire, scientists installed a network of rain gauges and soil moisture sensors throughout the rugged burn area. These instruments provide real-time data on rainfall intensity and duration, which are critical factors in determining the likelihood of a debris flow. Credit: USGS

Collaborating for enhanced early warning

The National Weather Service adjusted these rainfall thresholds using their local knowledge of storms and compared them to forecasted rainfall to develop early warnings. Leveraging their expertise in weather forecasting and modeling, NWS meteorologists worked closely with USGS scientists to develop a state-of-the-art debris flow warning system. By combining rainfall data from the USGS gauges with sophisticated weather models, the system can issue alerts to communities and highway authorities in the path of potential debris flows.

"The collaboration between the USGS, CDOT and the National Weather Service has been instrumental in enhancing our ability to forecast and provide warning for these dangerous post-wildfire hazards," said Erin Walter, NWS service hydrologist. "By pooling our resources and expertise, we're able to provide a level of situational awareness and early warning that would be impossible for any one agency to achieve on its own."

Mapping the hazard zones

Another key aspect of the team's research involves the use of high-resolution laser mapping technology, known as lidar, to create detailed 3D maps of the canyon's terrain. By comparing lidar topographic maps from before and after the fire, scientists can pinpoint where debris flows started and calculate the total volume of material that was picked up and deposited by the flows.

These scientific tools allow researchers to test their current model to estimate debris flow volumes, which is critical for planning. Although the model overestimated observed volumes, the team gathered enough data to recalibrate the model for better precision in the future.

Protecting critical infrastructure

The debris flow warning system was put into action when scientists teamed up with the Colorado Department of Transportation. CDOT is charged with implementing measures to protect critical infrastructure in Glenwood Canyon.

"Our top priority is ensuring the safety of the traveling public and the surrounding communities," said Keith Stefanik, CDOT's chief engineer. "One way we are able to do that is by ensuring our infrastructure is resilient. By working hand-in-hand with the USGS and NWS, we've been able to take a proactive approach to mitigating the impacts of debris flows. From early warning systems to physical barriers, we're committed in our efforts to protect the canyon and the communities that rely on it."

Putting the system to the test

In the summer of 2021, approximately 6 months after the Grizzly Creek Fire had been contained, a series of intense monsoon storms battered the burn-scarred landscape. Rains triggered massive debris flows that buried highways, destroyed bridges, and choked the mighty Colorado River with tons of sediment. The economic impact was staggering, with transportation disruptions alone costing an estimated $1 million per hour.

The debris flow warning system successfully alerted CDOT officials to several intense rainfall events, allowing travelers to evacuate and avoid harm. While debris flows did occur, the road closure approaches used by CDOT helped to minimize danger to travelers.

Building a more resilient future

In the years to come, the lessons learned in Glenwood Canyon will ripple out across the West, informing and inspiring new partnerships, new innovations, and new strategies for living with the threat of post-wildfire debris flows. By working together, the USGS, NWS and CDOT are not only protecting lives and livelihoods in the short term but also building a foundation for a more resilient future in the face of a changing climate.
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:

A rice field and farmer in China. Credit: Markus Raab

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology demonstrates how the diversity and abundance of arthropods decrease when hedgerows and field margins covered by wild grass and flowers are removed.

Researchers from the UK, Netherlands and China studied 20 rice fields in China for six years to see how the changing agricultural landscape affects the diversity and abundance of rice pests and their natural enemies, as well as the effect on rice yield.

Traditional Chinese smallholder fields are irregularly shaped and separated by areas of hedgerows, wild grass, and flowers. Using large-scale machinery in these farmlands is difficult, so there is low agricultural operation efficiency. As a result, a growing proportion of China's traditional farmlands is rapidly changing as farmers consolidate land to improve efficiency.

However, the grassy margins and flowering vegetation between the traditional smallholder rice fields provide a habitat for the natural enemies of rice pests such as spiders and ground beetles.

Dr. Yi Zou, from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and corresponding author of the study, says, "Hedgerows and field margins are frequently removed during the land consolidation procedure to create larger, rectangular fields and install concrete irrigation channels to facilitate the use of larger machinery.

"Our study suggests that removing these habitats negatively affects arthropod communities."

Enemies in abundance

The team collected 141,587 individual arthropods made up of 80 taxonomic families. They found that traditional farmland supported a significantly higher abundance and diversity of rice pests' natural enemies than consolidated land, but there were no significant differences in the number of rice pests or rice yield.

Dr. Zou says, "Land consolidation removes the natural vegetation of traditional farmlands that can provide nesting habitats and food sources for the natural enemies of rice pests.

"But there is a lot we still don't know, such as how land consolidation affects different groups of rice arthropods. Long-term monitoring and detailed assessment of land consolidation is still needed."

The research group also sprayed half of each field with insecticide. They found that its application decreased the diversity and abundance of pests and natural enemies in both consolidated and traditional fields. However, where crops were not sprayed with insecticide, there was a 10.8% decrease in rice yield.

Locations of the 20 study sites with focal rice fields (a) and examples of landscapes dominated by traditional (b) and consolidated fields (c). Consolidated / traditional sites refer to the consolidation status of the experimental rice field changed during the six experimental years. Credit: Yi Zou (DOI:10.1111/1365-2664.14671)

The study provides support for agri-environmental measures (AEM)environmentally friendly agricultural practices such as using flowering plants in field margins. AEM can be an effective way to increase farmland biodiversity and mitigate the negative impact of land consolidation. They have been widely implemented in Europe but are hardly used in China.

Dr. Zou says, "Our agricultural biodiversity monitoring in this study serves as a critical tool for assessing the impacts of land consolidation and the effectiveness of AEM on biodiversity. These measurements are needed before proposing land management recommendations for an appropriate AEM.

"As a result of our findings, we recommend the implementation of AEM or re-establishing field margin vegetation during the consolidation process to mitigate the potential negative effects on rice arthropod biodiversity."

Dr. Jenny Hodgson, a co-author from the University of Liverpool, says, "This study is noteworthy because of the quality of its data and the breadth of influential factors we were able to investigate. It has been really interesting to disentangle the effects of farmland consolidation, of pesticide application and of seminatural habitat beyond the farm."

Profit margins

The team also acknowledges that biodiversity is not a farmer's only concern.

Dr. Shanxing Gong, who graduated from XJTLU, now a postdoctoral researcher at Peking University and lead author of the study, says, "The trade-off between biodiversity improvements with labor efficiency, yield and pest control is a balance that has to be finely tuned to ensure maximum profitability, and these factors will always need to be considered.

"While we did not observe a direct correlation between the increase in the number of rice pests and the reduction of their natural enemies due to land consolidation, further investigation into the effectiveness of natural enemies in biological pest control is necessary before implementing AEM strategies."

The researchers also found no decrease in rice yield in traditional fields compared to consolidated farmland.

Dr. Gong says, "The impact of AEMs on yield depends on many factors, including agricultural management intensity, soil fertility and pesticide application, that all need to be taken into account when assessing their suitability for land management."

The team includes researchers from XJTLU, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University, China Agricultural University, and Beijing Forestry University, China; Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands; and the University of Liverpool, UK.
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:

Artist's concept of a previously proposed possible planet, HD 26965 boften compared to the fictional "Vulcan" in the Star Trek universe. Credit: JPL-Caltech

A planet thought to orbit the star 40 Eridani Ahost to Mr. Spock's fictional home planet, Vulcan, in the "Star Trek" universeis really a kind of astronomical illusion caused by the pulses and jitters of the star itself, a new study shows.

A science team led by astronomer Abigail Burrows of Dartmouth College, and previously of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has published a paper describing the new result, titled "The death of Vulcan: NEID reveals the planet candidate orbiting HD 26965 is stellar activity," in The Astronomical Journal. (Note: HD 26965 is an alternate designation for the star 40 Eridani A.)

The possible detection of a planet orbiting a star that Star Trek made famous drew excitement and plenty of attention when it was announced in 2018. Only five years later, the planet appeared to be on shaky ground when other researchers questioned whether it was there at all. Now, precision measurements using a NASA-NSF instrument, installed a few years ago atop Kitt Peak in Arizona, seem to have returned the planet Vulcan even more definitively to the realm of science fiction.

Two methods for detecting exoplanetsplanets orbiting other starsdominate all others in the continuing search for strange new worlds. The transit method, watching for the tiny dip in starlight as a planet crosses the face of its star, is responsible for the vast majority of detections. But the "radial velocity" method also has racked up a healthy share of exoplanet discoveries.

This method is especially important for systems with planets that don't, from Earth's point of view, cross the faces of their stars. By tracking subtle shifts in starlight, scientists can measure "wobbles" in the star itself, as the gravity of an orbiting planet tugs it one way, then another. For very large planets, the radial velocity signal mostly leads to unambiguous planet detections. But not-so-large planets can be problematic.

Even the scientists who made the original, possible detection of planet HD 26965 balmost immediately compared to the fictional Vulcancautioned that it could turn out to be messy stellar jitters masquerading as a planet. They reported evidence of a "super-Earth"larger than Earth, smaller than Neptunein a 42-day orbit around a sun-like star about 16 light-years away. The new analysis, using high-precision radial velocity measurements not yet available in 2018, confirms that caution about the possible discovery was justified.

The bad news for "Star Trek" fans comes from an instrument known as NEID, a recent addition to the complex of telescopes at Kitt Peak National Observatory. NEID, like other radial velocity instruments, relies on the Doppler effect: shifts in the light spectrum of a star that reveal its wobbling motions. In this case, parsing out the supposed planet signal at various wavelengths of light, emitted from different levels of the star's outer shell (photosphere), revealed significant differences between individual wavelength measurementstheir Doppler shiftsand the total signal when they were all combined.

That means, in all likelihood, that the planet signal is really the flickering of something on the star's surface that coincides with a 42-day rotationperhaps the roiling of hotter and cooler layers beneath the star's surface, called convection, combined with stellar surface features such as spots and "plages," which are bright, active regions. Both can alter a star's radial velocity signals.

While the new finding, at least for now, robs star 40 Eridani A of its possible planet Vulcan, the news isn't all bad. The demonstration of such finely tuned radial velocity measurements holds out the promise of making sharper observational distinctions between actual planets and the shakes and rattles on surfaces of distant stars.

Even the destruction of Vulcan has been anticipated in the "Star Trek" universe. Vulcan was first identified as Spock's home planet in the original 1960s television series. But in the 2009 film, "Star Trek," a Romulan villain named Nero employs an artificial black hole to blow Spock's home world out of existence.

More information: Abigail Burrows et al, The Death of Vulcan: NEID Reveals That the Planet Candidate Orbiting HD 26965 Is Stellar Activity*, The Astronomical Journal (2024). DOI: 10.3847/1538-3881/ad34d5 Journal information: Astronomical Journal

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The research site near Reim Junction. Credit: Yuval Neumann

A new study has found that Eucalyptus trees, widely planted in Israel's Western Negev, have a significant allelopathic effect, reducing herbaceous plant biomass and flowering density of red anemones, particularly in unshaded areas.

These findings suggest that while Eucalyptus trees provide certain benefits such as shading for tourists and nectar for bees, their negative impact on local plant communities and ecosystem services necessitates cautious planting, particularly in tourist areas and regions with rare species.

The Eucalyptus species showed large differences in their effect, thus, prioritizing Eucalyptus species with minimal adverse effects is recommended for future reforestation efforts.

The Western Negev region of Israel, characterized by its extensive Eucalyptus plantations, has been the subject of ongoing debate due to Eucalypti being an alien species. Eucalyptus is famous for allelopathythe chemical inhibition of one plant species by anotherwhich can significantly impact local vegetation.

This study, conducted in the Be'eri forest and near Kibbutz Re'im, focused on understanding these effects on herbaceous plant communities that are crucial for ecosystem services, such as grazing and cultural significance.

The study, by Yuval Neumann and Dr. Niv DeMalach from the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University examined the impact of three Eucalyptus species: E. camaldulensis, E. loxophleba, and E. torquata. Key findings include:

Herbaceous Biomass Reduction Under the Eucalypti canopy a significant reduction in herbaceous biomass was observed, even when controlling for shading.

Flowering Density of Red Anemones: A negative impact on the flowering density of red anemones (A. coronaria) was observed.

Ecosystem Services: Eucalypti provide numerous ecosystem service, such as s security-forestation (hiding settlements), as nectar providers, or shade providers. Their potential negative impact on ecosystem services is through reducing the

flowering density of red anemones, which in turn are an economical ecosystem service as they attract tourism.

Differences between the species: The study found major differences in the three Eucalyptus species' effect on herbaceous communities, with E. torquata having a negative effect on biodiversity (of up to ~90% reduction), while the other two species did not show an effect.

Given the findings, the researchers advise caution in planting certain Eucalyptus species' trees in areas intended for tourism, such as the "Darom Adom" (red south) festival, and in regions home to rare or protected species. Significant differences between Eucalyptus species were noted, with some species exhibiting minor negative effects. Therefore, the researchers recommend prioritizing species with minimal impact for reforestation efforts.

This study underscores the need for careful consideration of the ecological impacts of Eucalyptus plantations in the Western Negev. While these trees offer certain benefits, their allelopathic properties can negatively influence local plant communities and ecosystem services. Reforestation efforts should be led by data-driven decision-making, and supported by further research, to deepen our understanding.

More information: The effect of eucalyptus on the vegetation in the Western Negev - implications for restoration. magazine.isees.org.il/?p=57779
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a) Photograph of a 20 mm OD quartz tube fit with a Young's tap. b) Schlenk line apparatus for preparing nitrogen atmosphere in a sealed tube. c) SEM images of gold nanosheets formed after 60 min VFD processing with  = 5 k rpm, . Credit: Small Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202300312

In a surprise discovery, Flinders University nanotechnology researchers have produced a range of different types of gold nanoparticles by adjusting water flow in the novel vortex fluidic devicewithout the need for toxic chemicals. The article, "Nanogold Foundry Involving High-Shear-Mediated Photocontact Electrification in Water," has been published in Small Science.

The green chemistry lab work on nano gold formation also led to the discovery of a contact electrification reaction in water in the devicewhich resulted in the generation of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide.

In their study, Australian and overseas scientists collaborated on the developing size and form of gold nanoparticles from various VFD processing parameters and concentrations of gold chloride solution.

"Through this research, we have discovered a new phenomenon in the vortex fluidic device. The photo-contact electrification process at the solid-liquid interface which could be used in other chemical and biological reactions," says Flinders Ph.D. Badriah Mazen Alotaibi, who led the study.

"We also have achieved synthesis of pure, pristine gold nanoparticles in water in the VFD, without the use of chemicals commonly usedand thus minimizing waste," says Mr. Alotaibi.

"This method is significant for the formation of nanomaterials in general because it is a green process, quick, scalable and yields nanoparticles with new properties."

Gold nanoparticles' size and shape are critical for a range of applicationsfrom drug delivery to catalysis, sensing and electronicsdue to their physical, chemical and optical properties.

The vortex fluidic device, devised a decade ago by senior author Flinders University Professor Colin Raston, is a rapidly rotating tube open at one end with liquids delivered through jet feeds. Different rotational speeds and external application of light in the device can be used to synthesize particles to specification.

"Researchers around the world are now finding the continuous flow, thin film fluidic device useful in exploring and optimizing more sustainable nano-scale processing techniques," says Professor Raston.

"In this latest experiment, we hypothesize that the high shear regimes of the VFD led to the quantum mechanical effect known as contact electrification, which is another exciting development."

Professor Raston says this discovery "is a paradigm shift in how to make materials in a controlled way using water, with no other chemicals required, which contributes to a more sustainable future."

More information: Badriah M. Alotaibi et al, Nanogold Foundry Involving HighShearMediated Photocontact Electrification in Water, Small Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202300312